Saint Benedict Episcopal Church

 

Vicars Voice

Membership is Easy...Discipleship is the real challenge

 

The Practicing Church: The Episcopal Church’s approach to membership is straightforward and somewhat unique: come and worship with us twice in a year’s time, and you are considered a member. Pretty easy, right?

Most churches, before you belong you must claim to believe certain teachings about the faith, others require a profession of faith or an altar call, but here we are—inviting people to simply come and worship, come and see, share this meal we call Eucharist and you will belong. Full Article

 

Click here for just the discipleship portion of this article for easy reference.

 

September Calendar 

 

  

September Servant Ministry Schedule

 

2008-2009 Coffee Hour Schedule

 

September Lectionary Selections

 

Lectionary Page

*We are currently using RCL, so please click on RCL on the day you are looking for on the calendar.

 

What to do in case of a Pastoral Emergency:

If you are in the hospital, facing surgery, needing prayer or if there is an emergency you can contact the Vicar by phoning her at St. Benedict: (Sunday-Thursday during the day 360-456-2240 or at home 360-357-2877 or on her cell 206-303-8474.  Please note that the Vicar does not check voice messages Friday or Saturday at the church.  You can also contact Deacon Tony Irving at home: 360-491-3111.  

 

German Ministry

The German Ministry meets every 3rd Saturday of the month from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Benedict. There will be a German Service followed by fellowship in the Parish Hall. Come and check it out and spread the word!  

 

Prayer Chain

We are organizing our prayer chain. If you would like to be in our email group or phone tree for this ministry, please call Lacey in the office. If you have a prayer concern, please call the office and we will put it on the chain and keep you in our prayers. If you have questions call Nancy Zabel 352-1676 or Lacey O’delle Smith 456-2240.

Connections by Nancy Zabel, People's Warden

At our recent staff retreat we were talking about our roles at St. Benedict.  Part of my job description in The Vestry Resource guide says “Provides leadership in the congregation by demonstrating a consistent positive attitude that seeks to solve problems and learn from mistakes, recognizes accomplishments and gives thanks for those things that build community and further the mission of the Church”. More 

 

 

 

Christian Formation Hour

Starting at 9:15 am on Sunday, September 7th, there will be a Christian Formation Hour. Christian Formation is something that we do for all ages, not just our children. It is something not just for our heads but also our hearts and souls—more than just education, the church hopes for nothing short of transformation of our minds hearts and souls. Christian Formation is bigger than just our minds—it is about everything we do. More

 

Say Cheese!

Rosemary Walrod and Nancy Zabel will be taking pictures for a new directory after the 8 am and 10 am services. We hope that this will help us to get to know each other better and to connect a face with a name. If you would like to help with this effort please contact Nancy or Rosemary today and don’t forget to stop by and get your picture taken by September 14th! If you are unable to come to the church, please call the office so that we can arrange to have someone come take your picture.

 

What on Earth is the Bishop's Committee? By Nancy Zabel

The Bishop’s Committee is the Church’s Governance Board that helps to steer the vision and mission of the church. We have two “chair persons” whom we call wardens. One is selected by the Vicar and is called the Vicar’s Warden and the other is selected by the BC and is called the People’s Warden.

Your Bishop’s Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 in the parish hall. Everyone is welcome and we love seeing visitors.

We always begin with formation to enrich our faith and ministry. Right now we are reading and discussing Beyond Business as Usual by Neal Michell. We then start with information about the things going on at St. Benedict. Next, we discuss the items on our agenda.

Decisions are made at our next meeting after prayer and seeking more information from the congregation. After mission comes our support through our finances. Collie gives us an update and we look over our budget to keep us on track. We always end by going around the table to celebrate accomplishments and journeys. It’s a great group of dedicated members and we always have lively discussions.

There are a lot of things happening at our church and it’s great to be part of that experience. You are welcome to come and observe our meetings. We’d love to have you. If you would like to add something to our agenda contact Peggy Carmichael our Vicar’s Warden. 

 

Kids Corner: Second Sunday Gospel

 

Fall 2008 Sunday School and Youth Ministry Calendar

 

Start Up Sunday 

September 7th is when it all starts! Sunday Morning Formation from 9:15—10:15, Sunday School for Children and all other fall programs begin. Come join us for a new beginning and the Feast of Oakerhater, a Native American saint, with a Salmon lunch to follow the 10:30 service.

Last Month's Hidden Message: "Truly, You are the Son of God." 

 

Come have fun with your church family!

Family dinners will be known as Family Fun Night from here on out. They will still be generally held at David and Lisa Metzler's home on the second Sunday of each month and will start at 6 pm. This is an opportunity to have quality time with your family and our church family. We share food, play games and visit. Everything is flexible. It is a great opportunity to get the opportunity to play that 6 person game that your family isn't quite big enough to do regularly or pogo stick, or re-experience the joy of rope games. Nothing is too goofy! For more details contact Lisa or David Metzler: (360) 412-0868. Or, you can just show up on the second Sunday. Usually we do not gather if the second Sunday is a holiday (like Mother's Day in May.)  

 

On Wednesday, September 17th, our Book Discussion Group (Wednesday Adult Formation) begins again. We will be voting on the books we will read this year and then launch ahead with lots of good conversation, fellowship and fun. Don't forget to vote today!

 

To Pledge or Not to Pledge by Linda Jekel

Thank all of you for your generous giving to St. Benedict. Our budget not only covers the basic operations (church services, staffing and church maintenance) but many  wonderful outreach programs, such as Feed the Hungry and Adopt a Family. We decide on important work that is needed for our community and we determine how to fund it (pledges, plate offerings, or special fundraising). Full Article

 

Smile! You're on Candid Camera!

Don’t worry...this isn’t like the tv show where someone will try to play a joke on you and capture it on camera. As you all are well aware, we have had some “tagging” or graffiti on our outside walls and door and sometimes the lights to the building have been left on and the front door open. (Please remember to make sure that if you are the last person out of this house that you treat it like you’re leaving your own personal home...lights off and doors locked.) There is now a security camera for the front door which feeds into the office computer. It is a bit unsightly right now as we strive to make it completely wireless, but for now it is doing it’s job. Please remember it is not a toy, so please keep little ones from playing with the wires that I tried to tuck away. Thank you! If you have any questions, please contact the office.

 

Financial Update

During the first six months, we as a congregation are doing fairly well in maintaining our pledges. Some have given more than they pledged while others have fallen a little below what they hoped to give. For these six months we are down overall about $8,000 which is only 0.072%. Percentage wise we are doing fine in maintaining however, if we want to grow and increase our programs every dollar is needed.

For expenses we are staying within the amount budgeted for the first six months. We budgeted $121,385.4 and we have only spent $115,260.74. The above amounts do not include the dollars needed for the addition of our wonderful Music Enlivener. 

 

 

 

 

Music Enlivener?

From here on out our Choir Director, Mr. Jack Barben, is now called the Music Enlivener. Why? Because that is what he does. An enlivener is someone who invigorates and brightens a room. And for any of you who have been blessed to attend the second service, you understand what I mean. Jack doesn’t just direct the choir and the congregation, but he also provides a medium with which we can all worship and cry out to and praise God. So find your voice and join in the singing, perhaps for the first time, and see how bright the rest of your week will be. 

 

 

 

The Deacons Voice by: The Rev. Zula Johnston

An Opportunity to Bless Every Sunday at the worship services, we offer prayer for healing during the Communion time. You may have wondered what this is about and what happens during this time.

 

There are many stories in the Bible of miracles and healing, from the healing of Moses sister, Miriam in the Book of Numbers ( Num 12:12-13), to the many reports of  Jesus’ miracles and healings and on into the Acts of the Apostles when, it is reported, the  Apostles carried the healing power of God. Full Article

 

Saint Suppers

What are they and who are the Saints?    We are the Saints, that’s right, you and me. The suppers are just pot lucks held in parishoner’s homes for all adults 18 to 108. Attending one is a great way to get to know people.

How do you sign up?  The sign up sheet is in the hallway about a month before the date of the supper. If you want to host you can, but no one is obligated and it should not keep you from attending if you are unable to be a host.

When do they take place? Three times a year on a Sunday evening, usually in October, February and May or June. It will be announced in the bulletin.

What will I bring?  Your name will be given to one of the hosts and he/she will call you a few days in advance and ask you to bring something. The host usually provides the main dish and others bring the side dishes.If I do host, how many people do I have to accommodate?  That is your call. Usually eight or ten but some hosts only have six.

I don’t like to dress up. Can I come in jeans?  Of course. Casual is the name of the game.I would like to come but I don’t drive. That is OK. One of the other attendees will probably be happy to bring you.  Ask your host when she/he calls.

The next one will be on Sunday, Oct. 19th. Hope you will sign up. Fun and fellowship for all. Any questions?  Contact Lucy Reuter. 

 

Meet the B.C.:

Pat Basta, Linda Conroy, Mary Eberling, Gary Grewell, Lisa Metzler, Mary Moore & Bob Wilson

Senior Warden: Peggy Carmichael 

People’s Warden: Nancy Zabel 

Clerks: Judy DeBuse & Lyn Mitchell

Assisting Clergy:

The Rev. Nancy Allaire, Deacon;  The Rev. James Blundell, Retired; The Rev. Ray Dexter, Retired;   The Rev. Gen Grewell, Deacon The Rev. Tony Irving, Deacon; The Rev. Zula Johnston, Deacon, Retired; The Rev. Norris Pearson, Retired; The Rev. Dr. John Van Eenwyk 

 

STAFF

 

Vicar: The Rev. George Anne Boyle

Church Administrator: Lacey O'delle Smith

Treasurer: Collie Liska

Director of Children and Teen Ministries: Sabrina Bingham  

Choir Director: Jack Barben

Head Nursery Assistant: Susan Upton

Sunday School: Carla Whiting, Michelle & Matt Fisher

 

Office Hours

Monday — Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday— Sunday: Office Closed