The Courier

September 2002

Volume 55, Issue 9

 

A Year Later

 

Last fall, on September 11, my kids had just returned to school, the programming at church was gearing up, and on that Tuesday morning I had arisen early to work the harvest at the Poughkeepsie Farm Project.  It was a beautiful and calm morning.  As I drove back to the house, my mind full of details around the events on my calendar, I heard a radio report of a plane crashing into one of the World Trade Center towers.  I, like many others, assumed a small Cessna-style plane had wandered off-course and accidentally flown into the tower.  How innocent and naive my assumption appears today.

 

When I arrived at the house, the television was on, showing the smoke billowing skyward from the first tower to be hit.  Once over my initial shock, I made the mental adjustment to the possibility of a terrorist attack, an intentional action of death and destruction.  As I sat and watched the second plan make contact and explode, I knew that none of my scheduled events for that day would occur.  September 11 had changed the world.  It changed all of us, individually and collectively.

 

I suspect that everyone is able to recount, as I just have, the details of the morning of September 11, 2001.  We don’t easily forget the events that change us and shape or reshape us.  Other dates in the same category include December 7, 1941 and November 22, 1963.  The telling and retelling of our personal history has a therapeutic effect as we try to make sense of these great, world-class events in the context of our smaller, personal activities and routines.

 

This month, we will see many tellings and retellings of the attack.  There will be memorials and speeches and prayers.  Here in Poughkeepsie we will participate in the “Rolling Mozart ‘Requiem’ ” at the Family Partnership Center.  The national Episcopal Church is producing liturgical aids to help in marking the event at public worship.  We must remember, and honor those who died, both the innocent and the heroes.  To ignore the anniversary is to claim that our faith has nothing to do with the lives we live.

 

However, in the midst of the memorials, I feel we must also do the work implied in my previous statement, “The world changed”.  It is essential that we look at “how” the world changed, and if that change is for the better or for worse.  We also have to consider the influence we have as Christians and as citizens to effect the changes that are taking place.

 

In the year since the attack:

  • Do we understand each other and our respective differences any better?
  • Are we motivated by “justice” or by “revenge”?
  • Is the Arab world respected for anything else besides its ability to provide oil?
  • Is there any validity to the terrorist’s anger, and if so, can we hear it?
  • Will this event move the world closer to peace, or will it increase our conflicts?

 

What can we do?  We are not important people.  We are not a large congregation, nor do we live in a large city.  Who would care about our voice?  Who are we?

 

On September 11, 2001, a relatively small group of people from a small country planned and completed a catastrophic event which carried global implications.  It was an act of destruction and death.  Who were they?

 

The gospel of Jesus Christ is about courage, the courage to speak and the courage to act.  If the voices of “good news” are not spoken publicly, other voices will fill the void.  At the Adult Forum in September and October, I plan to open for our consideration what we might do and say as the future of the world changes and evolves.  Our credentials are our faith and the good news we bear in the name of Christ.  We need not worry about the numbers of people we represent, or the political or economic position we maintain.  The resurrection of Jesus was made known first to a small group of Jewish women from a rural province.  From their witness and testimony the gospel has spread throughout the world.  Having that legacy, we are encouraged to speak and bring the saving truth of Christ to a broken and ailing world.

 

Michael

 

A NOTE FROM GOD

September 1

Psalm 26

Jeremiah 15:15-21

Romans 12:1-8

Matthew 16:21-27

September 8

Psalm 119:33-48

Ezekiel 33:(1-6)7-11

Romans 12:9-21

Matthew 18:15-20

September 15

Psalm 103

Ecclesasticus 27:30-28:7

Romans 14:5-12

Matthew 18:21-35

September 22

Psalm 145

Jonah 3:10-4:11

Philippians 1:21-27

Matthew 20:1-16

September 29

Psalm 25:1-14

Ezekiel 18:1-4,25-32

Philippians 2:1-13

Matthew 21:28-32

 

YARD SALE OCTOBER 5TH

 

St. Paul’s Church is having a yard sale on Saturday, October 5 and has offered Christ Church the opportunity to have one or two tables.  There is no charge, but we will donate 10% of our profit to St. Paul’s.  Please save items to donate, and notify Alice Bunnell (452-7031) if you are able to give an hour or so for manning our tables.  Thank you.

 

Alice

 

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

 

The DEADLINE for the October “Courier” is Sunday, September 22. Please bring items to the parish office, or you may e-mail articles to me at christchurch@mindspring.com

 

Thank you!

 

Michele Haynes

 

CALENDAR UPDATES

 

Thursday, September 5 – Mozart Requiem Rehearsal – 7:30 PM, CR

 

Sunday, September 8 – Adult Forum Mixer to reconnect after the summer recess to be held following the 10AM service.

 

Sunday, September 15 – Adult Forum series begins following the 10AM service.

 

SUMMER CAMP A BIG SUCCESS!

 

On Friday, August 9, fifty-six campers and their counselors gathered in the Christ Church Community Room, waiting for parents to arrive so that the awards ceremony could begin.  By all accounts, Christ Church Summer Camp 2002 was a big hit.  Moments earlier, the children watched a magic show.  Now they eagerly shared some of their favorite memories of the previous six weeks.  Daniel praised the kickball and the swimming, while Kaylin favored “human checkers”.  Iman loved the talent show best of all.  Joseph remembered the trip to Lake Taconic, and Russell recalled hiking on the Appalachian Trail.  In a summer that also included trips to the Children’s Museum and the Millbrook Zoo, a sail down the Hudson River on the Clearwater Sloop, and a barbecue for campers and their parents, it was hard to decide on a favorite memory.  But if the campers couldn’t agree on what they liked best, one thing was clear: all of them had a great time.  Earlier in the day, Camp Director Tory Walley confirmed the success of this year’s program, crediting the hard work of his staff, the good behavior of the campers, and the support of Christ Church.  Tory expressed particular gratitude for the abundance of supplies and the efforts of the volunteers who put together lunches and helped out with special events.  The camp staff and the children really appreciate the support of the church.  “And the neighborhood regards this program very highly, as well”, Tory stated.  During the awards ceremony, every counselor and camper received recognition.  Campers were honored for a variety of qualities and contributions, including great smiles and attitudes, as well as achievements in sports, acting, dancing, crafts, storytelling, and writing.  At the close of the ceremony, Tory presented director awards to several stand-out campers who had made exceptional contributions to camp life.  Then the campers spilled out of the Community Room onto the church lawn to say one last goodbye to friends and counselors, play a final game of catch or kickball, and find their parents.  Christ Church Summer Camp 2002 was officially over.  Thanks to careful planning, an excellent staff, many generous contributions, and the help of numerous volunteers, it had been a wonderful summer!  Thank you!  Thank you!

 

The Summer Camp Committee

 

THANK YOU

 

The Summer Camp Committee is grateful to everyone who participated in this year’s program, starting with our talented and dedicated camp staff:  Tory Walley, Jennifer Geer, Cathy Connelly, Catherine Davis, Egypt Earth-Deyo, Kenneth Jackson, Nicholas Huggins, Leatrice Parker, Stephanie Pearl, Mark Pegg, and Catherine Schessel.  We also would like to thank all of the volunteers who made lunches, opened their homes to counselors, helped out with special events, etc.  Many, many thanks as well to the individuals, organizations, churches and businesses whose donations provided camperships and purchased food and materials.  Your generosity helped make everything happen!  We gratefully acknowledge the following local businesses for contributing to our camp:  Plass the Plumber, Inc., William G. Miller & Son Funeral Home, and Acadia Hudson of the Eagle-Riverview Group.

 

The Summer Camp Committee

 

FROM THE BATON OF OUR CHOIR DIRECTOR

 

CHRIST CHURCH CHOIR RESUMES

After a well-deserved break, the Christ Church Choir rehearsals start up again on Thursday, September 12.  Rehearsals begin at 7:30PM in the Community Room.  New voices are welcome!!!  Any questions, please contact Laura at 485-1648.

 

MOZART REQUIEM REHEARSAL

Rehearsals for the Mozart Requiem, to be performed as a memorial to those who lost their lives last September 11, will be held as follows:  Thursday, September 5 at 7:30PM at Christ Church, and Tuesday, September 10 at 7:30PM at the Family Partnership Center, 39 North Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie.  The free performance will take place on Wednesday, September 11 at the Family Partnership Center at 7:30PM, following a city ceremony at the waterfront at 6:30PM.  The public is encouraged to attend both events.

 

REMEMBER:  Attending the rehearsals is a requirement for participation by singers.  Musical scores will be provided at no charge.

 

THE SACRED BRIDGE INTERFAITH CHOIR

The Sacred Bridge Interfaith Choir has been rehearsing this summer.  The group is made up of members from The Christ Church Choir and the Shalom Singers based at Temple Beth-El.  We are preparing to perform music based on the Psalms and other writings from our common heritage at the Dutchess Interfaith Choir Concert to be held on Sunday, October 20 at 3:00PM in Skinner Hall at Vassar College.

 

KUDOS

 

Kudos and congratulations to all who participated in the stunning concert Saturday evening, August 10 at Christ Church, as part of the Hudson Valley BachFest 2002.  Laura Russell’s talents not only for conducting musicians, but for producing an event that filled our church to standing room only, are truly wondrous!!!  Thank you.

 

FINAL EUCHARIST OF THE SUMMER SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 1

 

We conclude our summer worship schedule with a shared Eucharist.  The 8AM and 10AM services will be at Christ Church.  Fr. Stratton will preach and celebrate.

 

We will go back to our regular worship schedule starting Sunday, September 8.  Service times are 8AM Holy Eucharist Rite I and 10AM Holy Eucharist Rite II.

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS

 

Sunday School begins on September 15.  We look forward to working with your children this coming year.  If you have any questions about the Sunday School programs or about the on-line registration form, you can call the church office at 452-8220.

 

Carol Lundergan

 

ADULT FORUM

 

The Adult Forum will resume in full force on September 8 with a get-together and mixer so we can reconnect after the summer.  We have a diverse and ambitious, full program for the coming year, thanks to the efforts of Sandra Braungard, Anne Conrad, Mary Lou Crown, Paul Frazer and Joan McGilvray who joined Michael Phillips and me in the late Spring to plan.

 

For two Sundays starting on September 15, and two Sundays in October, Fr. Phillips will lead a discussion based on the book Saying Yes, Saying No, about the Church’s response or lack of response to National Socialism in Germany during the 1930s.  The subtopic will, however, be current as it deals with “Discerning a Faithful Path in a Troubled World”, looking specifically at a faithful response to the Mid-East conflict.

 

On September 29, we will observe the founding of St. Paul’s, Mansion Square, by “...the Vestrymen of Christ Church”.  Plans for the event have not been finalized as we go to press; however, there will be no Adult Forum on that day.

 

The first and last Sunday in October will be devoted to the capital campaign and stewardship, a topic that will touch on everyone in the parish as we move from planning to campaigning to deciding what projects we most want to fund.

 

Details about the remainder of the year will come later, but they will include such topics as an instructed Eucharist; Advent Psalms; substance abuse, The Covenanted Self, a short book by Walter Bruegemann; and Robert Fortna on the Nicene Creed for post-Constantinian Christians.  Jim Oppenheimer will repeat his study of comparative passion stories in the Gospels, practicing Christian discipline on a daily basis as another option.  Finally, during Pentecost the year will end with a consideration of the Church and ethnicity, multiculturalism, racism(s) and biracial families.

 

Loyd Lee

 

CROSS OF THE SOLOMONS

 

On July 8, their national independence day, the parliament of the Solomon Islands awarded Ernie Lee the “Cross of the Solomons”, the highest honor given to civilians and rarely to foreigners, for his contribution in developing a national literacy program and Bible translation.  Ernie has a doctorate in linguistics from Indiana University, is an Associate of Wycliffe Bible Translators, and taught until his retirement in 2000 at an Anglican Seminary on Guadalcanal.  Ernie is the brother of Loyd Lee.

 

FOR THE SAKE OF CLARITY

 

Because we have a number of special events in September, and because we start up our Fall programming the same month, I am publishing a Sunday-by-Sunday guide.  To avoid frustration and/or disappointment (not to mention confusion and chaos) please observe the schedule printed below:

 

Update:  Due to smoke and soot damage following a small fire at St. Paul’s, all services for both congregations will be at Christ Church until further notice.

 

September 1                           Shared Eucharist – Fr. Stratton

                                                8AM at Christ Church

                                                10AM at Christ Church

 

September 8                           Shared Eucharist – Fr. Phillips

                                                8AM at Christ Church

                                                10AM at Christ Church

 

September 15                         Shared Eucharist – Fr. Phillips

                                                8AM at Christ Church

                                                10AM at Christ Church

                                                11:30AM Sunday School and Adult Forum following service

 

September 22                         Shared Eucharist – Fr. Phillips

                                                8AM at Christ Church

                                                10AM at Christ Church

                                                11:30AM Sunday School and Adult Forum following service

 

September 29                         8AM Eucharist at Christ Church – Fr. Phillips/Fr. Stratton

                                                10AM – Founder’s Day at St. Paul’s (details to be arranged)

 

 

NEW ADDRESSES

 

The following are new addresses for parishioners and friends of Christ Church:

 

Parishioners

 

Dr. Austin Ehleider has moved to Vermont to be closer to his family.  He writes:

 

“Regretfully I say that I am leaving Poughkeepsie and will have to worship Almighty God in Vermont.  My children and grandchildren have insisted that I move near them.  All but two of them live near Rutland.

 

I have watched the church from 1916 until now grow more and more spiritually and less materialistically.  I shall miss all of you and the church, and I send my love to you and may God bless you all.”

 

New Address and Phone No.:              Dr. Austin J. Ehleider

                                                            The Gables at East Mountain

                                                            RR#3, Box 8350

                                                            Rutland, VT 05701

                                                            802-705-3300

 

James Monteith’s new address:             James Monteith

                                                            Mail Drop #123

                                                            Vassar College

                                                            Poughkeepsie, NY 12604

                                                            845-471-1952

 

Kay Rogers is now living at                   Katherine Rogers

the Lutheran Care Center                      Room 214

                                                            Lutheran Care Center

                                                            411 Dutchess Turnpike

                                                            Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

 

Friends

 

                                                            The Rev. Elena Thompson, OPA

                                                            3319 Wheeler Road

                                                            Augusta, GA 30909

 

 

 

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