The Courier

July 2002

Volume 55, Issue 7

2002 AND THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

At the last General Convention (the legislative gathering of our church at the national level) a resolution passed which directed the leadership to engage a strategic process to increase our membership by 100% before the year 2020. This is a bold move on a part of the national church, and will require that we do some of our work and thinking in a different manner. We are obviously not going to double our membership in twenty years by doing exactly what we are doing now, and have done in the past. Here at Christ Church we are beginning to think and act a little differently, being a bit more mindful of welcoming and incorporating new arrivals into our community. Let’s continue this good work. In fact, let’s agree to improve our skills of welcoming and greeting, showing the hospitality called for in the gospels.

After the last General Convention the Presiding Bishop, Frank Griswold, named a task force to lead our church’s efforts toward the “2020 Vision”. Our old friend, the Rev. Charles Fulton, was named Chair. A committee was formed and began working. However, early on the composition of the committee came under criticism. Its membership seemed to be too white, too middle class, and too suburban. The committee reflected the elements of what is commonly known as the “church growth” model, a loose definition that more or less refers to a set of structures and programs designed to streamline and facilitate new member incorporation. This model had proven most effective in suburban or residential urban contexts.

Then last May I had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles with twelve other people from our diocese to attend the National Episcopal Hispanic Convention. The Convention demonstrated the maturing of this particular ministry within our church. It was the first such gathering in fifteen years, and during that time much had happened. Locally, as we all know, there are now three thriving Latino congregations in the Hudson Valley where there were non fifteen years ago. The Congregation of the Virgin of Guadalupe will celebrate its eleventh year of operation this September, while El Buen Pastor, Newburgh, just celebrated its fifth year, and Santa Cruz, Kingston, will celebrate three years this month.

Nationally our ministry of hospitality has now reached to almost every state in the I Union. I met people engaged in Latino ministry from places such as Spokane, Washington, Alabama, and Maine! We are living in the midst of a true Latino diaspora. Over 200 people attended the conference, and that was only a fraction of the total number of lay and ordained church people involved in this work. Topics included: a theology of Latino ministry, Latino music and liturgy, panel discussion by Latino bishops, and strategic planning for the future.

In addition to the geographic spread of the ministry, growth in numbers, and sophistication of the developing theology, another indication of the maturing of this ministry is that the entire conference was conducted in Spanish. This meant that occasionally I didn’t know what was going on, but more importantly, it meant that Latino ministry is being conducted primarily by Latinos, not gringos like myself. In the early years Anglos (affectionately referred to as “gringos”) conducted the initial efforts of ministry to the immigrant Latino population. Believe it or not, there are some old, old Episcopal Church Spanish speaking families, but they are not great in number. Latino ministry in the Episcopal Church was started by Anglos, called to serve. Their work has born fruit, as evidenced at the conference in May, and the leadership is now fully Latino.

On the flight back to New York, these two streams — doubling the membership of the Episcopal Church, and the maturing of our Latino ministry — flowed together for me in a single vision. When I returned to the office, one of the first things I did was to write a letter to Bishop Griswold urging him and the General Convention to continue their support of language and culture specific ministries in our church. In the letter I expressed my hope that our church would double in size by the year 2020, but I hoped that most of the growth would come from the African-American, Latino, Asian, Arabic, and Native American communities. Imagine an Episcopal Church less thafl twenty years away with more or less equal representation from the principal races and cultures of our society! No longer a predominantly white church with a tip of the hat to other races and cultures, but a truly inclusive and representative household of Christian faith, living out God’s vision of unity, understanding, and peace.

I am so grateful to serve at Christ Church where we are participating in this great work.

Michael

A NOTE FROM GOD

July 7 Psalm 145 Matthew 11:25-30 Zechariah 9:9-12 Romans 7:21-8:6

July14 Psalm 65 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Isaiah 55:1-5, 10-13 Romans 8:9-17

July 21 Psalm 86 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 Romans 8:18-25

July28 Psalm 119:121-136 Matthew 13:3 1-33; 44-49a 1 Kings 3:5-12 Romans 8: 26-34

FROM THE WARDENS

At its regular meeting on June 18, 2002, the Vestry:

• Opened the meeting with bible study;
• Reviewed a proposed sexual harassment policy;
• Accepted an application to the Columbarium;
• Voted to allocate $200 from the Kirk Rumble Memorial Fund to the Summer Camp for anticipated expenses for meals during two weeks of the session;
• Heard and accepted a report from the Capital Campaign Priorities Task Force.

It has been a busy month at Christ Church; a lot of people have been very busy. The Community Ministry Episkopos coordinated the Poughkeepsie High School Jazz Band concert as a benefit for the Summer Camp; the Summer Camp Committee is gearing up for the 2002 Session, to begin on July 1. Both of these projects have required much effort from many people. The Vestry has heard a report from Holliman Associates regarding the Feasibility Study, conducted during the early spring, and decided to go ahead with a Capital Campaign during the fall of 2002, with a goal of $350,000 and to have Holliman Associates help with this effort. A Task Force of representatives from the Episkopoi, the Design Team, and our Deacon have considered the list of projects that need to be done and advised the Vestry on those most urgent for the money to be raised by the Capital Campaign. You will be hearing more about these as the work to prepare for the Capital Campaign progresses.

Phyllis George, Senior Warden

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Deborah and Marion Williams have moved into their new home in Durban, Sough Africa. They will pay 300 rand per month on the mortgage; they have been paying 1,000 rand per month to rent less space than they now have.

Both of them spent the week of June 3-7 working on their house, along with a crew of Habitat volunteers from the U.S.A. and South Africa. Marion had also spent many Saturdays prior to June doing preparatory work at the site.

The Williams’ home was one of 100 that were completed in Durban the first week in June. These 100 homes are part of a larger project to build 1,000 houses all across Africa this week. These houses will provide decent affordable housing for 1,000 families in a part of the world where such housing is sorely lacking. Families moving into there homes must abide by the same guidelines that apply to Habitat homeowners in this country. They must put in “sweat equity” and they must be employed - able to repay the mortgage. Habitat homes are not a “hand out”, they’re a “hand up.”

Working with these people in Christian mission is an experience like no other. It is faith in action at its best.

Louise Im

2002 DIRECTORY

The following are additions/corrections to the 2002 Directory:

Additions Corrections

Michael & Linda Wood Barbara Harrington - email should be:

31 Flower Hill Rd. barbara@harringtoned.com

Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

Claudia Battaglia & David Sherwood - email: dpksher@attglobal.net

Bontiseau Crag

New Paltz, NY 12561

Ruth Anderson & Kadeisha Weise Laura Russell - email: lrussell@netstep.net

10 Rinaldi Blvd.

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 473-1792

Victor & Allison Herrero phone # is: 473-9346

If there are any other additions or corrections, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will put them in the August “Courier.”

Thank you. Michele

TRANSITIONS

Transferred to St. Paul’s, Mansion Square: Elisabeth Gillon

Married at Christ Church, June 15: Allan Brown & Antoinette Case

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

The DEADLINE for the August “Courier” is Sunday, July 21. Please bring items to the parish office, or you may e-mail articles to me at christchurch@mindspring.com

Thank you!

Michele Haynes

DUTCHESS COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING/CASA

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Due to an increase in demand for home delivered meals, the Dutchess County Office for the Aging has an urgent need for volunteer drivers to deliver meals to the homebound elderly in the City of Poughkeepsie. The meals are packed and delivered from the closest Dutchess County Office for the Aging Friendship Center on Cannon Street. Most Home Delivered Meal drivers volunteer to work one or two days a week at noontime for a route that takes about one hour or less. In addition to providing clients with a hot, nutritious midday meal, the volunteers also provide socialization to isolated seniors. Volunteers use their own vehicle, but are reimbursed for mileage.

For more information about volunteering, contact Joe Ryan, Office for the Aging Volunteer Coordinator, at 486-2555.

HOSPICE, INC.

Hospice seeks volunteers who can give 3 hours a week of their time to provide companionship, emotional support, and practical assistance to terminally ill patients and their families. A comprehensive 24-hour training course to prepare volunteers for this rewarding work is required. Volunteers are also needed in our Hyde Park Office to help with mailings, filing, and special projects. No training required. To apply, call Michael Messner, Director of Volunteer Services, 473-2273, ext. 124.

Thank you.

CAMPER FOR SALE

1984 Coleman pop-up camper for sale. Needs some work. Has new tires. Best offer. Please call David Sherwood at 471-3746.

SHRINKING THE EARTH’S POPULATION

If we could shrink the earth population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look something like the following and there would be:

57 Asians

21 Europeans

14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north and south

8 Africans

52 would be female

48 would be male

70 would be non-white

30 would be white

70 would be non-Christian

30 would be Christian

89 would be heterosexual

11 would be homosexual

6 people would possess 59% of the entire world’s wealth (and all 6 would be from the United States)

80 would live in substandard housing

70 would be unable to read

50 would suffer from malnutrition

1 would be near death

1 would be near birth

1 (yes, only 1) would have a college education

1 would own a computer

When one considers our world from such a compressed perspective, the need for acceptance, understanding, and education becomes glaringly apparent.

The following is also something to ponder:

• If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
• If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
• If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
• If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world
• If you have money in the bank or in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
• If your parents are still alive and still married, you are very rare, even in the United States & Canada.
• If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around.

Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching.

Sing like nobody’s listening. Live like it’s Heaven on Earth.

Borrowed & submitted by Alice Bunnell

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN?

We see “Proud to be an American” bumper stickers almost everywhere these days. Does it bother you that the bible tells us to be proud? In Proverbs, we read “Pride comes before disaster and arrogance before a fall”. St. Paul admonishes us as well. He warns the Philippians, “There must be no room for rivalry and personal vanity among you”. He further advises the Galatians, “If you imagine yourself to be somebody, when you are nothing, you are deluding yourself’. So, let us give thanks that we have the good fortune to live in a country with as many opportunities as ours, but remember the pitfalls that go with pride.

Bob Sherer

SELL EVERYTHING YOU HAVE!

No, this isn’t advice to disappointed holders of poorly performing stocks. It’s what Jesus tells us to do in the Gospel for July 27 If you knew that there was a treasure buried on a certain piece of property or there was a priceless pearl for sale, wouldn’t you want to sell existing assets to make this astute investment? Well, Jesus is telling us that the Kingdom of Heaven is just such a sure-fire good deal. Now, before we go away sadly in view of our great riches, let’s think about what a 21 century Christian might do in response to this advice. Perhaps we could sell a percentage of our wealth to invest in the Kingdom of Heaven. (God is aware that we have bills to pay). Returning a portion of the blessings we receive from God with humble thanks for our good fortune is a good first step on the way to selling all that we have.

Bob Sherer

DIOCESE MEETS FOR THE 226TH TIME

Delegates Jim Oppenheimer and Bob Sherer accompanied our clergy to the 2002 diocesan convention at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown June 7-8. The main business of the convention was to elect 54 people (clergy and laity) to positions of responsibility and to approve a budget of $9.9 million for the coming year. In addition, there were workshops on various social and program topics. The highlight of Friday afternoon was a Powerpoint Eucharist. In lieu of service bulletins for the liturgy, the text was displayed on two large screens using the Microsoft computerized slide presentation software, Powerpoint. Everything from the hymn and psalm words to the canon of the mass was on the screens. The music was in energetic gospel style. The point of the service format was to show delegates the type of presentation that young people are accustomed to and to point out the importance of relating to those we want to attract to the faith.

An item popular with small and medium sized parishes was the approval of a proposal to shift more of the diocesan assessment burden to the richer large parishes. Only two of the several hundred delegates voted against the measure. This will save Christ Church several thousand dollars per year. The organizers of the convention deserve credit for a well run, educational, and enlightening event.

On Saturday delegates heard addresses by Bishop Sisk, newly installed Dean James Kowalski of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and Bishop Stephen Bouman of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America before passing seven resolutions on social concerns.

At the Friday evening dinner, the honors included two awards of the Bishop’s Cross for Episcopalians who performed heroically on September 11. Battalion Chief Jay Jonas, Ladder Company 6, a member of St. James, Goshen, was cited for being one of a crew who carried a disabled woman down 20 flights to safety. Liam Carroll of St. Mark’s, Mt. Kisco single-handedly carried a disabled woman down 60 flights and then rescued her again when the collapse of the tower covered the ambulance carrying her in ash. In other awards, a long-time friend of Christ Church, the Rev. James Elliot Lindsley, former diocesan historiographer, was made a Perpetual Canon of the diocese.

Internet enthusiasts may visit www.diocesny.org for more information.

Bob Sherer

SUMMER HAPPENINGS!!

TANGLEWOOD CONCERT

On Sunday, July 28, members of Christ Church (& non members too) will be car pooling it to the Mozart Concert at Tanglewood. We will leave right after church ca. 11:30 AM & the concert will start at 2:30 pm at the Shed. Lawn seat prices are $14.50. We will buy tickets upon arrival.

The selections will be: Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K.466 & the Requiem. A sign up sheet will be kicking around after the Sunday service but as long as we have enough people to car pool, you are welcome to come at the last minute. Bring your own food & beverages & wine, etc. - to be shared by the rest if you wish. Also remember: blankets to sit on, umbrellas and rain gear, cups, plates and cutlery, sun screen & bug spray. Consider it a picnic, which is what it is, but come prepared.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES GAME

The annual Christ Church Renegades outing will be on Wednesday, August 14, 2002. They are playing the Staten Island Yankees.

Tickets are $13.00. The price includes a meal of: hamburgers, hotdogs, cheeseburgers, beans, chips, fruit and soft drinks.

We will meet up at Christ Church at 5:15pm and car pooi it to the Game. The picnic starts at Dutchess Stadium at 6pm. The game itself starts at 7:11pm James Monteith will have tickets on Sundays and Michelle will have them during the week. Make your check payable to Christ Church. Cash will also be accepted. James Monteith is organizing the event. Call him at 339-0881 if you have any questions. It is a fun event - rain or shine!!!

MUSIC AT CHRIST CHURCH: WINTER AND SPRING 2002

Now that summer is here, I would like to take a quick look back at what was for me an exciting winter and spring of music at Christ Church:

January: The choir and congregation sang spirituals and gospel hymns as a way of honoring the contributions of African Americans to religious music. The Christ Church Concert Series was inaugurated with a concert that focused on music written and inspired by African-Americans.

February-March: The Lenten music closely paralleled Michael’s Lenten readings. Spreading out the events of Holy Week for the six weeks of Lent gave the choir an opportunity to explore more fully the beautiful music written to express the deep meaning of these events. The music culminated on Easter Sunday with three beautiful anthems for Choir and organ. On a sadder note, the Choir began the Lenten season with a special visit to Kirk Rumble’s home to sing to her. We sang at her Funeral service later in March.

April-May: The Choir presented a beautiful concert of the Fauré Requiem, an organ piece by Franck and several other works for choir on April 27 An ensemble of strings, harp, and organ accompanied the choir and a professional quality CD was made, copies of which are available for purchase. In May we joined with St. Paul’s choir to share in an Ascension Day service. The choral ensemble Kairos performed in May as the third concert in our series.

June-August: The fourth concert in the series featured a new piano and vocal ensemble, “88 Plus Four” who performed a benefit concert in the church on June 1 St This concert was followed on June 7 by a Jazz Concert performed as a benefit by the Poughkeepsie High School Jazz Ensemble. During the summer the Bach Fest Choir, will be rehearsing at the church in preparation for the third annual Bach Fest. The festival will take place at Christ Church on Saturday, August 10 with concerts of instrumental and choral music at 3:30pm and 7:30pm. 16 members of our choir are joining a group of over seventy singers to perform selections from the St. Matthew Passion. There is also a children’s choir being formed especially for the festival.

Have a great summer. Laura

VACATION NEWS

Michael Phillips, Rector - 7/13-20 and August 30-Sept. 3

Mary Gregorius, Deacon - On vacation month of July

Michele Haynes, Secretary - Friday, July 5/Friday July 12 & Monday, July 15

Laura Russell, Choir Director - 6/28-7/13

John Sullivan, Organist - Sunday, 7/14, 7/21, 8/11, & 8/18

**********************

Shared Eucharist Sunday: July 14th

8am - Holy Eucharist at Christ Church

l0am Holy Eucharist at St. Paul’s

THE WELCOMING CHURCH

WELCOMING NON-EPISCOPALIANS

As a non-cradle Episcopalian, I know what it’s like to walk into a church, unfamiliar not only with that particular church, but with the worship service in general. There are the two books in the pews, and the seasonal booklet, and the service sheet - what do you look at when? How do people figure out what notes to sing for the psalm? Why are some people kneeling, some standing, and some sitting? What do I do at communion? Should my child go with the others or stay with me? Will I make a fool of myself?

Since we are trying to attract a diverse group to worship with us, we need to keep these things in mind, so that, in addition to being as warmly welcoming as possible, we anticipate the confusion and provide some guidance for those who might hesitate to reveal their ignorance of our customs. Far better that we take the “risk” of asking if they need help in following the service, or just opening the appropriate item to the right page. Let them feel that they can follow your lead to the communion rail and to the coffee hour, and that we are REALLY GLAD to have them here.

Newcomers Committee

CHURCH PICNIC

On June 23 the Christ Church parish family celebrated the coming of summer with a wonderful picnic on the South lawn. More than 75 people attended including members of the Latino congregation. The food, as usual for a Christ Church pot-luck, was spectacular—and was made even more stupendous with the addition of several Mexican dishes. In the Community Room, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the Sunday School, and the Youth Catechumenate set up displays of the work that the children had done during the year.

Our thanks to Loyd Lee for setting up and cleaning up for the meal, and to Laura Russell for the short program of entertainment and recognitions. If you missed the event, there are program booklets available outside the church office. Take the time especially to read the lyrics by Steven and Nick Currie in the front of the booklet. It says “MANY, MANY THANKS” on its cover.

CHRIST CHURCH SUMMER CAMP - 2002

We are still accepting contributions for Christ Church Summer Camp 2002, in session from July 1 through August 9. We have planned an exciting summer, but we need your help to make it happen. This year we face a special challenge; the free lunch program is not available locally during either the first or last week of camp. Can you help? We need donations to buy food for these two weeks, as well as contributions to cover materials, scholarships, and special activities. Contributions of any size are appreciated! We also need drivers for special activities and volunteers to assemble simple lunches. If you are available, please contact Michele at the Church Office.

Thank you!

The Summer Camp Committee

COMMUNITY ROOM GETS NEW FLOOR

We are pleased and proud to announce that the new floor in the Community Room is completed and open for use. For those of you who have not been able to get a look, it is a light-colored, wood-grained tile floor that makes the room appear bigger and is much easier to maintain than our previous carpet.

It is important to note that this improvement was not part of the upcoming capital campaign and that the funds to pay for the floor have already been raised. Back in the winter it became clear that there was a pressing need for something different in the Community Room. Most fortunately for the parish, a number of individuals and groups were willing to step forward and address that need. Several of the community groups that use the space, including the Latino congregation, AA groups, and Dignity and Integrity joined a small, but very generous group of parishioners to put up the money. Additionally, we were able to receive assistance from the Regional Council Board of Managers since the room is used for community programs.

Many, many thanks to everyone who joined in this worthwhile endeavor.

GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS

JOHANNA KRAFT

Johanna Kraft graduated from Poughkeepsie High School on Sunday, June 30th. She was baptized here at Christ Church and attended Sunday School until she became part of the Youth Catechumenate in 1998. During that two-year course of study and discernment her sponsor was Emogene Gates. She was confirmed on Easter Day, 2000. Johanna has been an acolyte since she was nine and is one of our most regal attendants. Currently, she serves on the Vestry and the Altar Guild and helps out with the nursery and Coffee Hour. In the fall, she will be attending Syracuse University where she will be majoring in art and fashion design.

BRIAN MORGAN

Brian Morgan graduated from Spackenkill High School on Sunday, June 23’ in ceremonies held at the Vassar Chapel. He was enrolled in Sunday School here at Christ Church and completed his formal Christian formation when he was confirmed by the bishop on Easter Sunday, 2000. Mary Lou Crown was his sponsor for his two years in the Youth Catechumenate. Brian served as an acolyte and helped out with Sunday School until he became the person in charge of the Nursery which he ran until last fall. Next year, he will be attending Duchess Community College and perhaps going on to SUNY, Purchase sometime in the future. Though he is interested in psychology, Brian is still undecided as to his area of study.

CHARLES WINNE

Charles Winne graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School early in the month of June. While in high school, he played football and went on an extensive trip with other area high school students to Australia. Here at Christ Church he was involved in Sunday School and initially was a member of the Youth Catechumenate. For the past two years he has been in charge of the Coffee Hour after the 10:00am service. Charles will be attending Barry University in Florida next fall.

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