Saint Benedict Episcopal Church
The Hands of Christ in the heart of Lacey
PO Box 3881 — Lacey, WA 98509 — 360-456-2240
lacey-vicar@qwestoffice.net
Benedictions for August
For August's Benedictions, we are trying something new. Instead of viewing the entire document at once, we have made it article accessible. This way, you can search for a particular article.
Vicars Voice August 2007
When you hear the term Pastoral Care what comes to your mind? Is Pastoral Care something that only a clergy person can do? Do you have to be on your death bed to be anointed with healing oil? I recently watched an old black and white movie which had the most interesting vignette: a bed stricken mother struggled with an illness but there seemed to be hope. Suddenly, the music changed from hopeful to foreboding and the children watched as the priest, an older man dressed in black, entered the house. Moments later, the ill character was dead as the priest left the scene. Once upon a time, pastoral care was the purview of Priests alone and a pastoral visit meant that this life was coming to a close.
(For the full article click here )
For the past two Benedictions, this space has featured an article about the great technological steps that our website and the church is undertaking. This time around I thought that I would spotlight a new feature that we have posted on our website. If you go to our website (stbenedictslacey.org), you will find a tab on the left that says “Ark Almighty”. If you click on it a page opens up that gives a brief synapses of what it really is and has a link (click on the picture) that takes you to the Ark Almighty website. Once there you can click on “GO” and then enter in our church name and click “find”. Our church’s page will come up where you can view the two needs that I have posted. More
August Servant Ministry Schedule
Lectionary Schedule
August Calendar
Calling All Gardners
Do you have a garden or a gren thumb? Can youplant a little extra? More
Family Fellowship Meals
Do you have younger family memebres and would like to attend a potluck that isn't just for adults? Never fear! Family Fellowship Meals are here! More
Patronal Feast
Last month the following true/false test was published in our Benedictions. Since then I have received emails with concerns that the information was incorrect. I apologize for any confusion that my wording and statements might have caused. All of the statements were garnered from a historical narrative given by Gordie Minoza that is on file in the office.
AgapeFest 2007
On Saturday, August 18th, please come join the fun at Agapefest 2007. This will be our opportunity to give thanks for Bishop Warner’s 18 years of ministry with the people of the Diocese of Olympia and to celebrate our own diverse community in Christ. We will gather on the grassy field at Anne Wright School in Tacoma between 11 am and 4 pm, with the opening worship at noon, followed by food, fun, Eucharist and sharing of gifts.
Community Dinner
Another month has gone by and with it another great community dinner! More and more people are coming in for good food and great fellowship! Volunteer sign up sheets are posted in the hallway if you would like to volunteer your time and/or talents. You can help cook, greet, clean up, set up, shop, drive, serve, decorate, help with security or just come to sit and chat.
2007 Blueberry Bash
St. Christopher’s Community Church will be holding their Blueberry Bash on August 19th from Noon to 4:00 p.m. (Click here for full story and map.)
Why Should the Shadows Come? by Lacey O'delle
I can hear the rain pounding on the skylight in my office as a melancholy Irish tune, Ride On, plays through my speakers. The songs lyrics, “ Ride on. See ya’. I could never go with you. No matter how I wanted to,” tell a story of loss and death, love and hope.After a loss, or even during a period of uncertainty, it can be hard to find that spark of hope. To get out from under the fog of sadness, frustration and despair. But, this congregation is so lucky to have people who are willing to help you do just that. Full Story
Companions in Christ by Deacon Tony Irving
As I think about pastoral care, it occurs to me that what we are doing is being companions to people who are sick or shut-in. The idea is that no one should be alone in suffering, unless he or she wants to keep the situation private. (Companions in Christ|Full Article]]
Nisqually Summer Lecture Series
The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is celebrating its 20th year! Their 2007 Summer Lecture Series is aptly titled, “Celebrating 20 years with Great Hits.” The free lectures are held every Wednesday evening during July and August starting July 11th. More
Upcoming Summer Camps
Camp Michael and Camp Houston Information.
Kids Corner
Every 2nd Sunday of the month, we invite the children of our congregation to come and be apart of our 10:00 a.m. service. This month we have a fun word search about the Gospel of Luke (12:33-34), which is our Gospel for that Sunday.
What Do I Do if I Have a Pastoral Emergency?
No one likes to dwell on the hard places of life; the disasters or emergencies. However, we know that having a plan or knowing what to do for those hard places is absolutely essential. I am inspired by the hard work of the Disaster Planning Team in our church. Their leadership helped me know it is important that I share with the parish what to do in case of an emergency where perhaps the presence of a clergy person would be helpful or wanted. Full Article
BC Corner - Monthly "Construction" Update
Things are rolling right along with your Bishop’s Committee as we work to meet our 2007 projects and goals. One major goal is better communication; both internal and external. One step toward better internal communication was to institute liaisons between the Bishop’s Committee and various ministries. Earlier in the year some of the liaisons were established, such as: (click here for more)
Tri Parish Picnic
On Sunday, September 2nd, we will have our annual Tri-Parish picnic. On this Sunday, there will be only 1 service (the 8 o’clock). Afterwards, there will be a car pool that will leave from our parking lot for St.Christopher’s on Steamboat Island at 9:30. (Full Article)
A Note form Ann Ball in Louisiana
Today, nine months since I began work as a case manager with theOffice of Disaster Response, I gave out my last Wal-Mart gift card to a client in need. These gift cards are SO important to our work, I thought I would send out a plea to the generosity of Episcopal Communicators. MORE
Let There Be Peace
Perhaps you are familiar with a song that starts with, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” It can you know – begin with you. You don’t even have to be Miss America. You can join a growing number of peaceful people who participate in Interfaith Works’ 24 Hour Community Meditation for Global Peace. Full Article
Reach Out Before You Reach In
The most memorable event that can happen to someone coming into an unknown place for the first time is the welcome they receive. Whether it be a touch, a smile or the sound of a voice saying “welcome”, the feeling of being included immediately is indelibly etched in their memory. The most important part of the following scenario is YOU!!! More
Formation Opportunities in September!
Wednesday Morning Discussion Group resumes: Wednesday Mornings at 11:00, St Benedict’s offers a lively discussion group. We read a variety of books and also reflect on scripture together. Starting on September 12, we will resume with reading Joan Chittister’s book, In Search of Belief. Joan Chittister is a Benedictine nun, much sought after speaker and writer of several best-selling books. Full Article
August Scriptures
In our Benedictions there are scripture passages, song lyrics, prayers and other miscellaneous items that are not necessarily contained in any of the articles, but help to illustrate them. This month's misc. items are grouped here for your perusal, study, reflection and meditation.