and Notes of Interest -...

CHURCH

NOTES

News, Events, and

Notes of Interest

for the week ending

April 22, 2016

CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES

170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island 02816

We are

Christians who Worship

in the Anglican Tradition.

Our Mission is to

Obey, Follow

and Bear Witness

to

Jesus Christ.


Evangelical Anglican

Church of The Apostles is a member of the

Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.

Special Meeting

of the

Corporation

Sunday, May 8, 2016

at

9:30 a.m.

to ratify the election of

The Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Gammon

as the next Superintendent

of

Church of The Apostles

On April 21, 2016 the Church Council voted unanimously to

elect The Reverend Dr. Stephen A. Gammon as the next

Superintendent of Church of The Apostles. The Constitution

and Bylaws require that the affirmative vote of the Church

Council be ratified by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of

the eligible voting members present at a special meeting of

Church of The Apostles (Article VIII.2).

“I waited patiently for the LORD;

he inclined to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1)

“This is the LORD’s doing

and it is marvelous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:23)

2

Day of Pentecost May 15, 2016

“As they were looking on, he was lifted up, and

a cloud took him out of their sight.”

(Acts 1:9)

Ascension Sunday May 8, 2016

“You send forth your Spirit, and they are created;

and so you renew the face of the earth.”

(Psalm 104:31)

“Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;

we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.”

(Song of the Three Young Men, 34)

Trinity Sunday May 22, 2016

3

They looked into that empty cave, but could they trust their eyes?

The linen cloths were tossed aside; imagine their surprise.

An angel spoke those glorious words, “You must not be afraid. He is not here; He has been raised!” The debt of sin is paid.

But Jesus wasn’t finished yet; He had more joy to spread. He walked along Emmaus road and proved He wasn’t dead.

Two times He came to frightened friends, “Peace be with you,“ He said. Thomas had to touch his scars and share some fish and bread.

He fixed them breakfast by the sea and taught them how to feed the “sheep” that He would send to them. God’s wisdom they would need.

But Jesus had to leave this earth to be with God above. And then the Holy Spirit came to fill our hearts with love.

And so our Easter joy lives on. The hallelujahs ring. We live to join our risen Lord—

Our Prophet • Priest • and • King!

4

The Deacons’ Corner ...

Reflections on Pastor Gammon’s visit

As I take pause, this Sunday evening, to think about the events of

this past weekend, of Pastor Gammon and Helen coming to visit

our Congregation as the candidate for Superintendent, I feel the

need to get on my knees and give thanks. I couldn’t help but

notice the Scripture readings for this Sunday focused on the Good

Shepherd and his flock. These readings were not hand chosen to

coordinate with Pastor Gammon coming to meet the

Congregation; they were just part of the sequence in the rotation

of readings for the current lectionary cycle. Coincidence? Or

God’s plan?

The Shepherd takes care of his flock, making sure the flock has

enough to eat and drink. He protects the sheep, calls each of them

by name and the sheep listen to his voice.

The Lord always provides for his people what they need. We, as

a church family, have been fervent in prayer with thanksgiving

these past months. We have prayed privately and corporately to

the Lord to call someone to be the new Superintendent at Church

of The Apostles. Our Archdeacon has reminded us on several

occasions that we are called to wait upon the Lord, to be patient,

and to not be anxious.

The Lord has been faithful. He has provided for us every step of

the way. He brought to us Pastor Gammon on the very Sunday

that the appointed readings are of the Good Shepherd and his

flock.

Pastor Gammon speaks of his life being filled with divine

appointments, and this weekend would be no exception. There

are no coincidences with God’s plan. It is just God’s plan! I

hope you had a chance to introduce yourself to Pastor Gammon

and spend some time getting to know him and his wife, Helen.

We give heartfelt thanks to our retired Superintendent Galloway

whom the Lord has used as his instrument to help provide for us

5

during these past months when needs arose. And now, our

earthly shepherd is preparing to hand over the flock to a new

shepherd, a shepherd whom he feels is worthy to pastor us. “This

is the LORD’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm

118:23).

I look to the future with excitement to see how the Lord will

further his Kingdom through his faithful servant, Church of The

Apostles.

Deacon Deb Adams

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them, and they follow me.

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish,

and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

My Father, who has given them to me,

is greater than all, and no one is able

to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

I and the Father are one.”

(John 10:27-30)

6

Thank you !!!

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is

when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Thank you to all who joined us on Saturday evening, April 9th, to

support the Haiti ministry. Your kind and generous donations

will be used to help fund the Helping Haiti Orphan’s Ministry

(HHO).

It was a delightful night as over seventy people came together to

enjoy a chicken dinner and later listen to testimonies from the

people involved in the HHO’s ministry. Several members of our

praise band led us in a wonderful time of praise.

Thank you to all who helped to make this night a success: the

kitchen ministry, praise band, and members of the Congregation

who helped where needed. The generosity of this Congregation

never ceases to amaze us!

Several people have expressed interest in supporting HHO or

sponsoring a child and we have provided a link below to HHO’s

information. If you need more information, please contact Kathy

Kettle or Cindy Hall.

All Praise to the King as we acknowledge “that every good and

perfect gift comes from above!” (James 1:17)

Cindy Hall & Kathy Kettle

Helping Haiti’s Orphans

Following the Biblical mandate stated in James 1:27, “Religion

that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look

after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself

from being polluted by the world,” the purpose of Helping Haiti’s

Orphans is to provide for the spiritual, educational, emotional,

and physical needs of orphans in Haiti, enabling them to become

productive, caring and accountable Christian adults.

Helping Haiti’s Orphans is recognized as a 501(c)3 charity by the IRS. helpinghaitiorphans.com

7

Health & Wellness

As a Congregation we made an honest attempt through Advent

and Lent to walk/exercise our way to Bethlehem and then to

Jerusalem. Even though we fell short of our overall goal in terms

of miles, it is important we recognize that our journey to

wholeness (body, mind, and spirit) is a lifestyle and this takes

commitment and continued support from our family and friends.

We all strive for an improved quality and enjoyment of life,

however the journey truly is Step by Step. A few takeaways from

this journey: Ask the Lord for guidance, strength and

perseverance in achieving your health-related goals; we can

succeed through small, manageable changes over time; and be a

good steward of your body. In his letter to the Philippians, Saint

Paul writes: “I can do everything

through Him who gives me

strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Sharon Galloway

Health & Wellness Ministry

Tennis Anyone?

On Saturday, May 21st at 10:00 a.m., there will be a free tennis

clinic for adults at Paine Field in Coventry. The clinic is part of

the Tennis Across America program and will be led by Patrick

LaSalle, an Elite Teaching Professional and regional president of

the United States Professional Tennis Association of New

England. The instruction will introduce the different tennis

strokes all with the goal of hitting the tennis ball! A cardio

fitness component will also be included.

Rackets are available for those who need to

borrow one. For further information,

contact Patrick at [email protected] or

401-385-9521.

mailto:[email protected]

8

As I approach my sixty-eighth birthday, I sometimes wonder how

much longer I can be a crucifer? As I look around the church

many of us are in our fifties, sixties, seventies and older. But I’m

not worrying about the day when I can no longer light the candles

on the holy Table or carry the cross without falling or not placing

it in its stand correctly, because Matthew 6:34 tells us “do not be

anxious about tomorrow.” Since last June some pre-teens, who

have been encouraged by others, have stepped forward to join this

ministry. Beth Sexton now has Gbassah Doman and Blessing

Jacobs, Jr. as crucifers. She also has two former crucifers/

acolytes, Melissa Felice and Erin Mead, who are now serving in

this ministry again. Justin Stomberg, one of our young adults, has

been added to the lector’s list.

So what could be taking place here as we have a very small

number of youth in the Christian Education classes (20), yet we

are seeing many “youngsters” participating in these church

ministries? The Holy Spirit is at work!!

Thanks to Ed Farrell, we can watch our young Ushers-In-Training

handing out leaflets as they greet us, collect the offerings, lead us

to the Communion-rail, take the count and straighten up the pews

at the end of the service. Harrison McMahon, Aiden Felice, Nick

Kanaczet, Emma St. Martin and Blessing Jacobs, Jr. are doing a

remarkable job thanks to Ed’s instruction and encouragement.

Several others have attended his training session and I’m sure

we’ll see them soon. At the stairs Adam Stomberg and Donald

Galloway (until he left for the Air Force) aided us up to and down

from the Communion-rail.

Look to the back and you will notice John Adams doesn’t have to

stay in the corner “manning’ the sound system because he has

taken the time to instruct Gbassah Doman and Kyleigh Felice

how to record the sermons and make sure the readers’ voices are

heard (not too soft – not too loud). Kyleigh tells me, “Gram,

when you read, I turn the speaker down, because you’re TOO

LOUD!” These young “sound engineers” are also responsible for

keeping the lyrics up on the video screen so we can sing along

Christian Education

9

with our praise band, Spirit and Truth. Ella Oliveira and Emma

St. Martin have been encouraged by members of the praise band

to share their vocal gifts with us.

I am just so thankful that God has blessed us with so many adults

who have the energy, patience and desire to teach and mentor our

youth!

To God be the Glory!

Linda Jones

Director of Christian Education

Dear God,

Thank you for our parents, for bringing us up in

Christian homes, for our food and drinks we can’t live

without. Thank you for a shelter for us to be living in.

Thank you for friends and for your love. Thank you for

watching over us.

God, please bring us closer to you. Also help us to

remember your Words in the Scriptures. Please help us in

spare time to read the Bible. Help us learn your Word so

we may spread your teachings to others so they’ll know

your love. Give us strength and courage to serve and

defend you. We will walk in your ways to the glory of

your Name.

We ask you that you look over our friends and family.

Please keep them safe and well. We also ask that you look

over those who work to keep and spread your Word.

Finally God, we ask that you forgive us for sinning and

that we haven’t followed your Word. We calmly repent.

We ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

(This prayer, The Ambassadors’ Prayer, was written

two years ago by the 4th, 5th and 6th graders in the

Ambassadors’ Sunday School classroom.)

10

What Family & Friends are saying about...

Is there a Scripture passage, hymn or prayer that speaks to you? In

this new monthly feature we will present short reflections submitted

by Apostles’ family and friends. If you would like add your thoughts

on a favorite, please forward your choice and a short explanation to

Ed Farrell ([email protected]) and we’ll add it to the list. If your

favorite is already featured, add what it means to you personally.

The Song of Mary Magnificat

“… for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.” (Luke 1:48)

In this prayer Mary shows her love, trust and awe for the Lord.

This line reminds me of all the blessings and trust He has

bestowed on me.

~Ed Farrell

The Lord’s Prayer

“give us this day our daily bread”

This line is especially empowering. I interpret it to mean “Give

me the strength to deal with whatever happens today.” Taking life

one day at a time, with God beside me, makes it much more

doable.

~Linda Quinn

The Hymn: “Jesus Thy Blood and Righteousness” by Nicholas

Ludwig Graf von Zinzendorf

“Lord I believe Thy precious blood, which, at the mercy seat of God,

doth for sinners plead, for me, even for my soul, was shed.”

Translated by John Wesley. A great old Moravian hymn.

~Marcia Camp

Proverbs 3:5-6

“…Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own

understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will

make your paths straight.”

I go to this verse often as it reminds me that God is in control.

~Kathy Kettle

11

Dinner and a Musical

Saturday, May 7th

Ham Dinner

5:30 p.m.

“The Miracle of Easter”

A mini-musical presented by

the combined musical groups of

Church of The Apostles.

6:30 p.m.

Come, hear, and participate in

the Life, Death, Resurrection

and Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Miracle of Easter

is the Greatest Miracle of All!

There is a sign-up sheet for the dinner in the Narthex.

12

The National Day of Prayer, held each year on the first

Thursday in May (May 5, 2016), is an annual event for

Americans of all faiths to take time to pray for our nation and

its leaders. The specific focus of the day is to promote the need

to pray for our nation and those in positions of public trust and

cultural influence. In the course of your daily routine on May

5th, take a few moments to draw near to God and join with

other believers across America to pray for our nation and those

in authority. A public prayer service will be

offered at the flag pole next to the West Warwick

Town Hall at 12:15 p.m. on that day. In the

event of rain, the service will take place at

Riverpoint Advent Christian Church.

Let Us Pray for the Church, the world, the nation...

“When the day of Pentecost came,

they were all together in one place.” (Acts 2:1)

The Day of Pentecost, Sunday, May 15, 2016, is designated

as the Global Day of Prayer. Christians from all over the

world, from different cultures and denominations, are asked

to unite in prayer on that day.

Members of our community will have an opportunity

to come together for prayer and worship at:

Riverpoint Advent Christian Church

1107 Main Street, West Warwick

at 6:00 p.m.

Our focus will be the for the awakening of the Church and

the extension of God’s Kingdom here in Rhode Island.

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves,

and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,

then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin

and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

13

A Prayer for

Rhode Island

Praise be to Thee, O God, for the little prism where men and women have seen

the splendor of Thy glory:

In the conscience of a single man who ventured to settle his life under Thy Providence alone;

In the coastal towns where faith was planted in

open companionship and none was barred;

By sparkling bays where spirit grew because there is no limit to Thy love.

Bless, O Lord, the smallest state of our fellow-

ship, that her people may ever nourish the widest of our hopes;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Very Rev. Francis B. Sayre, Jr. (1915-2008)

14

Mark your Calendar …

April

Monday, Apr 25 7:30 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal

Tuesday, Apr 26 6:30 p.m. MTN Course

Wednesday, Apr 27 12 noon Holy Eucharist

Wednesday, Apr 27 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer

Friday, Apr 29 12:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study

Friday, Apr 29 7:00 p.m. Dance Lessons

May

Monday, May 2 7:30 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal

Tuesday, May 3 6:30 p.m. MTN Course

Wednesday, May 4 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer

Thursday, May 5 National Day of Prayer

Saturday, May 7 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study

Saturday, May7 5:30 p.m. Dinner & Musical

Sunday, May 8 9:30 a.m. Special Meeting



Friday, May 13 12:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study

Sunday, May 15 6:00 p.m. Prayer Service at Riverpoint

Monday, May 16 Church Notes Deadline



Thursday, May 19 7:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting

Saturday, May 21 7:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast

Saturday, May 21 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study

Saturday, May 21 10:00 a.m. Tennis at Paine Field



June

Sunday, June 5 10:30 a.m. Last Day of Sunday School

Sunday, June 12 8 & 10 a.m. Summer Service Schedule

15

Notices ...

Dear Friends,

Sincere thanks to my Church family. On Sunday

morning, the sixth of March, you presented to me a

gift of Love for which I find it very difficult to adequately express

my feelings of appreciation. The best I can do is “Thank You”

and a special thank you to the hands which made the shawl, it will

be treasured for the remainder of my earthly life. I must add that

the real treasure is not the physical item itself but for the

thoughtfulness and prayers for my wellbeing that it represents.

Thanks and God Bless to all of you,

Frank Sherman

In the mail bag...

The Friday Women’s Bible Study meets at 12:30 p.m.

Please note there have been some changes to their schedule.

Their schedule and studies are as follows:

April 29: 1 Kings

May 13: 2 Kings

May 27: Ezra and Nehemiah

June 3: Esther

Shall We Dance? Dances classes will continue to be offered on

Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall as long as

there is interest. All are welcome, partners are not necessary. For

further information, please speak with Patrick LaSalle (385-

9421).

A Men’s Fellowship Breakfast will be offered on Saturday,

May 21st, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Note the change of date.

Please join with your brothers in Christ to share food, fellowship

and the Word of God. Bring a friend!

The next Church Notes deadline is Monday, May 16th.

Please forward your articles and information to Barbara

Bickerstaff at [email protected] or to the church office.

16

Thank you Lord for dirty hands

That touch my stove and fridge;

For sticky little fingers that

Try to build a bridge.

For careless hands that go astray

In search of something new;

For hands to hold and show the way

As mothers often do.

For precious little hands in which

Great faith so abounds;

For silly little hands that reach

To touch a mother’s frown.

And thank you for your guiding hand

That leads me to the light;

That lifts me when I stumble

And points me to the right.

As little hands reach out to me

To show them what to do,

I’m steadied, reassured and loved

As I reach up to you.

—Judith Peitsch

Hands

CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES Evangelical Anglican


Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Church Office: (401) 821-7609

website: apostlesri.org • email: [email protected]

The Holy Eucharist Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Wednesday 12:00 noon Sunday Brunch Sunday 12 noon Evening Prayer Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Morning Prayer Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.

Church Staff

Church Administrator Erin Mead Communications Officer Barbara Bickerstaff Director of Christian Education Linda Jones Health and Wellness Minister Sharon Galloway, RN Organist and Music Director Marianne Salisbury Assistant Organist Shyanne Slinko Sacristy Minister Barbara Battey Sexton Mike Edwards Treasurer Bob Bickerstaff Clerk Joan Clarke

Board of Elders

The Rev. Rob Geoffrey 943-4661 The Rev. Blessing Jacobs 588-0006 The Rev. Chad Tvenstrup (Licensed Presbyter)

The Rev. Conrad Ruppert (Elder Emeritus) The Rev. Mark Galloway (Bishop-retired)

Ecclesiastical Dignitaries

Lady Linda Greco 228-3060 Lady Sue Pillsbury 884-2947

Board of Servants

Archdeacon Bill Sexton Congregational Care Minister 726-4549 Deacon Tom Bourn Servant Evangelism Minister 294-4186 Deacon Kathy Kettle Outreach Minister 573-0773 Deacon Deb Adams Stewardship Minister 828-7998 Deacon Doug Stomberg Buildings and Grounds Minister 397-5508

Deacon Emerita Cathy Morgan



Church Notes A publication of Church of The Apostles. Edited by Barbara A. Bickerstaff, Communications Officer.

April 22, 2016 Volume 11, Number 4

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