Newsletter August & September 2018 - Amazon S3 · 2018-07-30 · Newsletter August & September 2018...
Transcript of Newsletter August & September 2018 - Amazon S3 · 2018-07-30 · Newsletter August & September 2018...
Newsletter
August & September
2018
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some
people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2)
Living His promise in service to others.
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In this edition: ●Announcements
●News from our Vicar
●News from our Deacon
●Senior Warden’s Corner
●Food Pantry News
●A word from our Treasurer
●ECW Happenings
●Twice Blessed Thrift Store News
●MOST/LOST Update
●Emergency Preparedness Update
●A Note from the Parish Administrator
●August & September Celebrations, Readings,
Service Schedules and Important Dates
●Prayer List
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Announcements
ECW beginning again on Saturday,
September 1st at 10am in the Parish Hall.
All women of the church all welcome to
attend!
St. Thomas Food Pantry
Open on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each
month, from 2pm to 4pm. We can always
use more volunteers to help out. If you’d
like to volunteer, please contact Jennifer
Schauffler-Virscik – 928-634-7610 or
928-301-7524 or [email protected]
Good Food for Good Causes
Thursday, September 13 in the Parish
Hall from 4pm to 6pm. For more details,
contact Alexa Hokanson at 928-592-2588
Oktober Fest
Friday, October 12 in the Parish Hall
from 5pm to 9pm. For more details,
contact Alexa Hokanson at 928-592-2588
Chair Yoga is cancelled until sometime in
September. We will announce the start
date when we have it.
There is an Emergency Preparedness
Committee meeting on Friday, August 3
at 1:00pm in the Church office.
Emergency
Preparedness
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Episcopal Night at Chase Field Friday, August 24, 2018 The Arizona Diamondbacks invite all members of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona,
along with their family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy a time of fellowship and cheer
on the D-backs as they host the Seattle Mariners! Seating Option: $24 - Lower Level Bleachers (section 141) (these seats do have backs) ●It worked so well last year, we're sitting together in the same section again, so everyone will have more of an opportunity to chat with fellow Episcopalians and Bishop and Laura Smith! ●A portion of every ticket purchased by using this special offer will be designated for Cruzando Fronteras (Migration and Border Ministry). There will be a pre-game party again! ●Join Episcopalians from all over the Diocese at Trinity Cathedral (100 W. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix) for a pre-game celebration beginning at 5:00 p.m. Free parking at Trinity is available at select spots in the garage (read the signs!), in front of Diocesan House, and street parking in the neighborhood. ●Gather for refreshments and fellowship, then take the light rail with other fans to the ballpark. Tickets are $4/person for an all-day pass and can be purchased at the light rail stop. The Central/Roosevelt Stop is adjacent to Trinity. ●After the game, stay for the festivities that are part of the D-backs Faith & Family Night. There will be fireworks, followed by a player Q & A. Special guest MercyMe (http://mercyme.org/ ) will be performing a concert to end the event! The ticket order deadline is August 17, 2018. Seating is Limited! Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.azdiocese.org/baseball.html, by phone (the number is on the form), or by mailing the attached order form. If you have any questions about this event, please contact me. We hope to see all of our churches at the game! Nicole A. Krug Canon for Media & Communications 602-254-0976
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“Responding to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s call to ‘Follow the
Way of Jesus,’ deputies and bishops at the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal
Church, meeting July 5-13 in Austin, Texas, acted on a record number of resolutions on
key issues such as immigration, prayer book revision, Israel-Palestine, and readmitting
the Episcopal Church of Cuba as a diocese.”
The bishops, deputies and visitors joined together in a witness against gun
violence and they held a prayer vigil outside the T. Don Hutto Residential Center, an
immigrant detention facility.
“Convention adopted a $133.8 million 2019-2021 budget that reflects the
presiding bishop’s priorities of evangelism, racial reconciliation and justice, and
creation care. The priorities have been referred to as the ‘three pillars’ of the Episcopal
branch of the Jesus Movement.”
Convention passed Resolution B012 that provides for the ability of rectors or
clergy in charge of congregations to provide access to the trial use of the marriage rites
for same-gender and opposite-gender couples without the need of requesting diocesan
permission.
“Convention adopted a plan for liturgical and prayer book revision that sets the
stage for the creation of new liturgical texts to respond to the needs of Episcopalians
across the church while continuing to use the 1979 Book of Common Prayer.” A
resolution that called for the creation of a process that would result in a revised Book of
Common Prayer in 2030 was replaced by a resolution that calls for bishops to engage
worshipping communities in their dioceses in a process of experimentation and creation
of alternative liturgical texts. These texts will be submitted to a Task Force on Liturgical
and Prayer Book Revision. “Liturgical revision will utilize inclusive and expansive
language and imagery for humanity and divinity, and will incorporate understanding,
appreciation and care of God’s creation.” While this process of experimentation and
creation takes place, alternative language for Eucharistic Prayers A, B and D will be
available for trial use until the next revision of the Book of Common Prayer.
News from our Vicar,
The Rev. Grayce O’Neill Rowe
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In response to the #MeToo Movement, there was a liturgy of listening where
bishops offered laments and confession “for the church’s role in sexual harassment,
exploitation and abuse.” Individuals had been asked to submit their stories of
harassment, exploitation and abuse. Several of these stories were selected and read,
anonymously, by bishops.
Convention passed three resolutions on immigration issues. “Resolution C033
puts the church on record as respecting the dignity of immigrants and outlines how
public policy should reflect that belief. Resolution A178 takes a forceful stand against
family separations and treatment of immigrant parents and children. Resolution C009
encourages Episcopalians and congregations to reach out to and support immigrants
facing deportation, including by providing physical sanctuary if they choose.”
Convention passed six resolutions focusing on “the plight of Palestinian
children, the status of Jerusalem, the disproportionate use of lethal force on both sides
and ways the Episcopal Church can press for peace through its investments decisions.”
The President of the House of Deputies has previously been a volunteer
position. This position requires an enormous amount of work and so “Resolution B014
passed with no dollar figure attached but agreed to pay the House of Deputies president
director’s and officer’s fees ‘for specific services rendered in order to fulfill duties
required by the church’s Constitution and Canons.’”
The most important part of General Convention is that every three years our
larger church gathers into one community. All Bishops, active and retired, attend.
Deputies consist of Priests, Deacons and lay people who are elected by their individual
Diocesan Conventions. Significant work is accomplished, magnificent worship and
engaging preaching is offered, and people get to see old friends while also meeting new
friends.
The next General Convention will be in July 2021 and will be held in Baltimore,
Maryland.
Quoted sections are all from the Episcopal News Service, “General Convention
wrap-up: Following the Way of Jesus.” For more detailed information about this General
Convention please visit the General Convention 2018 website.
www.generalconvention.org.
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Keep Drinking Water! At the end of July, the Northern Arizona Deacons participated in a yearly event
called Arizona Deacons Service Day. Three of us from the Northern Arizona area visited
a local senior living center called Generations. We sat with 5 women and 1 man and
“reminisced”. Many times, people with memory issues are unable to remember what
happened an hour ago but can remember their childhoods and younger years fairly well
if asked. Since most of these people were from either Clarkdale or Jerome, we also
learned quite a bit of local history. It was really a lot of fun and the residents of this
facility clearly enjoyed themselves. Something that I noticed while we were there was
that each resident had an 8 oz. glass of water next to them and were encouraged to
drink it each hour. So, I was reminded again of how important staying hydrated is.
Before visiting Generations that day, the other deacons and I went over to Main
Street Café and had lunch. While eating, one of the deacons, Chris Christy, who is also a
nurse, could see that a couple and their children had come in to get out of the heat. The
young mother was clearly in distress. She was very pale and appeared to be unable to
keep her eyes open. Chris walked over and talked to the couple to determine whether
the woman was experiencing heat stroke. The husband explained that they were
visiting Clarkdale and had been out on the river. The woman was urged to drink water
but was not able to take more than a few sips. After taking the woman’s vital signs,
Chris suggested that a waitress from the restaurant call 911. The EMTs arrived very
quickly and took the young woman, her family in tow, to the Emergency Room.
These sweltering, sometimes humid and furnace-like dog days of summer are
tough for everyone. With the drought and ensuing monsoons, we are experiencing
extreme weather even by Arizona standards. My sister who lives back east tells me that
they too are experiencing extreme weather and just absolutely unbearable humidity. It
goes without saying that extreme weather conditions are not good for anybody but
particularly for those who are aging. Dehydration can occur quickly and without much
notice.
Some of the signs of dehydration are: thirst, dry sticky mouth, dark urine,
lightheadedness. More severe dehydration takes place when one feels unable to drink
water, becomes pale and extremely sleepy and unable to keep one’s balance.
News from our Deacon,
The Rev. Deirdre Moulinier
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I encourage all of you to drink water throughout the day and to carry water
with you at all times. If you are out and about when the monsoon comes thundering in,
please seek shelter. If you are in Clarkdale while the Church Administrator is here or if
you have a key, please do not hesitate to take shelter at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
Take care of yourselves!
To learn more about heat stroke or dehydration, go to one of the websites below:
https://www.medicinenet.com/heat_exhaustion/article.htm
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/non-
traumatic_emergencies/dehydration_and_heat_stroke_85,P00828
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-
20353581
Once again, the people of St. Thomas came through when we needed
them. The receptions following both the John Shreve and the Howard Webb Memorial
services were lovely and as usual, we had plenty of food. The Chamber Mixer turned out
very well too and we are hopeful that the event will get some businesses to rent our
Parish Hall for their meetings and/or events. Thank you to everyone who helped with
both of these!
As you all know, the Food Pantry is still going strong. The people who come to
our Food Pantry are so appreciative and the food remains plentiful for our guests. Keep
those donations coming! Again, let me encourage you to come and help with the Food
Pantry. Workers are always needed and it is truly a joy to see the happy faces of the
people we provide food for. I guarantee you will be blessed.
St. Thomas could really use another Coffee Hour team on Sundays. We are
short people right now and those who have volunteered are having to do it more often.
Please think about volunteering to host a Coffee Hour so that those who are currently
providing us with Coffee Hour can have a much needed break. Volunteering to host is
easy. You only need to provide some snacks and drinks. Setting up Parish Hall is easy
Senior Warden’s Corner with
Barbara Evans
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and there is always someone to help you. If you are interested or have any questions,
please contact me in person at church or:
At home: 928-634-6755
On my cell: 928-300-8442
Or by email: [email protected]
Food Pantry News from Jennifer Schauffler-Virscik Intro by Shirley, Parish Administrator: This is the spot where we
usually feature some interesting updates about our Food Pantry from our Junior
Warden, Jim Gemmill. However, as most of you know, Jim and his wife, Dinah, spend
their summers in Colorado, enjoying the cooler weather. So, for the August/September
Newsletter, we are fortunate to have Jennifer Schauffler-Virscik who has taken over as
Food Pantry Coordinator during the summer. Thank You Jennifer! As coordinator,
Jennifer has been keeping track of the Food Pantry details and has graciously agreed to
share her notes with all of you.
Tuesday, July 10th – It was another great Pantry Day! Thank you one and all for
your awesome help! It was an especially large morning load (Thank you Lee and Paul,
Mike and Crew!!!!!) as Mike and his crew delivered 66 blue/produce bags, 60 TEFAP
boxes and 21 Senior Boxes, along with a large quantity of canned and other dry goods
and personal hygiene items. Senior Box distribution will now be taking place regularly
on the second Tuesday of the month. Donna and Sheri from Manzanita are handling
sign-up and distribution of the Senior boxes and Senior Box recipients are also welcome
to shop the Pantry if they choose to. However, if they do shop the Pantry, they need
to sign-in at the Pantry sign-in desk. All of today's volunteers did a wonderful job of
helping somewhat confused shoppers navigate two sign-in desks.
Needless to say, it was a very busy day with thunder, lightning and rain off and
on throughout the afternoon. We served 54 families and a total of 149 people. There
were quite a large number of single shoppers this week which accounts for why the total
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number of people served was lower than our June 26th pantry day when we served 56
families and a total of 172 people.
Please keep bringing plastic bags and pass the word that we are, once
again, welcoming regular donations of canned and dry goods.
Especially Popular Items: Canned meat, fish, beans and soups, Mac & Cheese,
peanut butter, canned and dry potatoes, cereal, pasta sauce, Rice-a-Roni, Pasta-Roni,
or any other pre-spiced pasta or rice boxes for quick made salad or hot dishes, and
lastly, toilet paper, an always needed product.
Once again THANK YOU ONE AND ALL !!!!!! As Ruth would say, "Go
Team!!!!!!!" Blessings & Gratitude, Jenny
On Tuesday, July 24th –
Hello Everyone,
Thank you one and all for all your hard work! We had some new volunteers
helping to bring in the morning load and setting up which was VERY helpful.
Everyone's hard work helped to make it another successful Pantry day.
We served 49 families this week and a total of 154 people. Of 50 delivered,
we had no left over blue produce bags. We had about 8 loaves of bread leftover. These
were taken to "Angie's House" in Cottonwood.
Thank you Barbara, Shirley and the Bishop's Committee! The new vacuum is
AWESOME! It is a tremendous help to have a light, efficient machine to clean with
especially since the Pantry traffic makes a significant impact on the carpet.
Our Pantry has grown since this past spring and we need more volunteers. We
need people to help bring in the morning load, set things up, helping our guests in the
afternoon, break things down, and cleaning at closing time. Increased volunteer support
is especially necessary on the second Tuesday of the month as we receive a larger food
delivery which includes the TEFAP boxes (Emergency Food Assistance Program - a
government program) and the Senior Boxes. We also have more guests to serve on the
2nd Tuesdays of each month. It is now extremely helpful to have 6 - 8 people for both the
morning and afternoon shifts.
We are serving 60 or more families on the 2nd Tuesdays and an average of 50
families on the 4th Tuesdays. That adds up to somewhere between 140 and 170 people
receiving food from the St. Thomas Food Pantry. Mike Newcomb, Director, and his team
from Manzanita Outreach, have a vision of ending hunger in the Verde Valley. Through
teaming with St. Mary's Food Bank and other organizations, Mike hopes that the
program he and his team are building can provide a template for ending hunger in our
local communities, our state, our Nation and around the world. It is wonderful that
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the St. Thomas Food Pantry can be part of such an important and inspiring service that
helps so many people.
Please continue to bring plastic bags if you have an extra stash and keep
passing the word that we can really use donations of canned and dry goods.
Especially Popular Items: Canned meat, fish, beans and soups, Mac &
Cheese, peanut butter, canned and dry potatoes, cereal, Pasta Sause, Rice a Roni, Pasta a
Roni or any other pre-spiced pasta or rice boxes for quick made salad or hot dishes, and
the always popular item, toilet paper. With summer temps now soaring we always run
out of bottled water so please consider donating some.
It is a pleasure working with all of you who help at the Food Pantry! I’m certain
I can speak for us all when I say that being part of the St. Thomas Food Pantry is an
inspiring and uplifting experience! You are an AWESOME Team!!
Blessings & Gratitude, Jenny
The St. Thomas Food Pantry was featured in the Friday, June 15, 2018 edition of
the Verde Independent.
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To all, a grateful “Thank You!” for your faithfulness in helping St.
Thomas Episcopal Church get through summer thus far and only a few more weeks
until our winter residents return and then your church treasurer can relax some too, as
the church family enters a lively fall and holiday season once again.
2018 Mid-Year Statements (January 1 – June 30, 2018) were mailed to church
members for whom our bookkeeper has recorded their gifts and offerings. Please check
the statement to help ensure our accuracy in properly recording your financial
support. If there are errors or corrections that need to be made, please contact me at
928-649-9801 or email [email protected] as soon as possible and I will see that your
statement is amended accordingly.
A Word from our Treasurer,
Lee Worthen
An especially true
thought for church treasurers:
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ECW Happenings from Barbara Evans, ECW Chair
ECW is dormant during July and August. However, the ECW ladies still
provided lovely receptions following the Celebration of Life services for both John
Shreve on July 18th and for Howard Webb on July 28th. Even though ECW is not meeting
during the summer, nothing stops us from being a part of celebrating the life of one of
our parishioners.
ECW was also involved with the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce Mixer on
July 19th. This event took place in our Parish Hall. Our goal was to make the local
business community aware that our Parish Hall is a great venue and is available to rent
for meetings, seminars and events.
Ladies of St Thomas, you are all considered members of our ECW. Our next
meeting is Saturday, September 1st at 10am. So mark your calendars and come get
involved. We would love to have you there!
The Parish Hall decorated for the Chamber Mixer on July 19, 2018.
Thank you Barbara Evans and Alexa Hokanson!
On 7/23/18 Barbara Evans reported that the Mixer was a great success!
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Twice Blessed Thrift Store News from
Barbara Evans, Manager
Our Thrift Store continues to receive donations and we continue to have a few
buyers. The more intriguing the items for sale, the easier it is to sell them so, please
keep donating your items to our store.
The Thrift Store needs some more workers. The hours, listed below, are easy
and can be split with one of our current workers. Our current workers are a dedicated
group and I know they would love some help and perhaps a few hours off so please
consider volunteering. There are many benefits. You get to meet new people who come
to shop and you usually get first dibs on new donated items you might want to purchase
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for yourself or as a gift for someone. If you are interested or have any questions, please
contact me, Barbara Evans, at:
Home: 928-634-6755
On my cell: 928-300-8442
Or by email: [email protected]
Thrift Store Hours:
Wednesday and Thursday: 10am to 1pm
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 2pm
The MOST LOST Outreach continues to look ahead to special events for our
mutual enjoyment and to offer hospitality to our community. Of this writing, we
anticipate our Parish Hall filled with local business people attending their Cottonwood
Chamber of Commerce Mixer on July 19th. St. Thomas is providing a summer bingo
party for prizes and has planned appetizers and music. This is our opportunity to
market our Parish Hall for future rentals through these businesses that might have
employee events needing meeting space such as training classes, etc.
We look forward to the next Good Food for Good Causes Potluck which will be a
happy hour with BYOB, (Bring Your Own Beverage) this time. The date is Thursday
Sept 13th from 4-6 pm. Appetizers will be provided and the potluck food requested is
non-perishable items for donations to the St. Thomas Food Pantry. Checks are
requested for $25 and will also benefit the Food Pantry’s additional expenses. I would
like to expresses my deepest appreciation to those at St. Thomas who have supported
this ministry. In the past, the potluck funds have benefited local schools. It seems
appropriate that our last potluck of 2018 should give back to St. Thomas.
Helpers are needed and invited to join in making plans for Oktoberfest on
Friday, October 12th. We’re also looking for thoughts, ideas and suggestions on events
for 2019. Is anyone up for a little baseball? Please contact me, Alexa Hokanson, with
your suggestions or questions at: 928-592-2588 or [email protected]
MOST/LOST News from Alexa Hokanson
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The MOST/LOST Outreach is a committee lovingly named for the men, (Men of
St. Thomas = MOST) and ladies, (Ladies of St. Thomas = LOST) of St. Thomas.
Normally, we meet the last Sunday of each month during coffee hour. Anyone is
welcome to join us.
The Emergency Preparedness Committee has been working for several months
on a booklet with information and plans on how St. Thomas will respond to an
emergency and its aftermath. The booklet covers emergencies such as extreme weather,
wildfires, structure fires and escape routes, medical emergencies, suspicious packages,
threats and armed intruders. Of course, it is our hope that none of these types of
emergencies will occur at or around Saint Thomas, but just in case, we want to be ready
to handle it. Our main focus is the safety of the parishioners at St. Thomas and for our
friends and neighbors in the community.
The Emergency Preparedness booklet will contain lists of names and phone
numbers of emergency agencies and rescue personnel. It will also have important
information about advanced preparation to keep your home safe in the event of a
wildfire, preparing in advance for an evacuation, what to do if you are caught in a severe
thunderstorm and are without shelter, and how to help someone with heat stroke, as
well as, a lot of other helpful information.
The booklet will contain lists of St. Thomas volunteers who are willing to help
with such things as providing meals and/or temporary housing or transportation for
displaced persons. Displaced pets will need a place to stay, food to eat and perhaps
medical care so, we will have contact information for that too. We have some
informational brochures that, in the future, we will drop in each bag of food that is
given away at our Food Pantry. More brochures will soon be available in the Narthex
and we will let you know when they are. At that time, please feel free to grab one for
yourself and a few to give to friends and neighbors.
Perhaps you would like to help but you are not able to provide any temporary
transportation, housing or meals for people and/or pets. That’s ok, not to worry. There
will be a volunteer place for you to help too. For example, we will need volunteers to
EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
Emergency Preparedness Update From Shirley R. Pogany, Co-chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee
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provide items which can help ease the pain for people who have been negatively affected
by a natural disaster or other type of emergency situation. These items might include
soap, toothpaste, toys for children and pets, blankets, linens, clothing, etc. When a
person’s home has been ravaged by fire or flooding, all their personal belongings are
suddenly gone. Look around your home and imagine it completely empty, then imagine
having no home at all. The list of things you would need seems overwhelming to say the
least. So, we who are fortunate and blessed to have everything we need can easily share
some of our blessings with others who desperately need them. A toy to comfort a scared
pet or a crying child can do wonders and in the process, can ease a bit of anxiety for the
parents of children and pets.
The committee is working on arranging a class for those who wish to learn
basic first aid and how to do CPR. Luckily, we have in our midst a parishioner who is an
Emergency Room nurse at the Verde Valley Medical Center and he’s willing to teach this
class. Thank you Dana Copland! So, even if you took one of these classes years ago like I
did, a refresher course is always good. Medical techniques do tend to change over time
because of continued medical and scientific research and so I would encourage you to
take this class again. We will make an announcement once the class has been scheduled.
The committee will continue our work to finalize the booklet and to update you
periodically. When our booklet is complete, committee member Alexa Hokanson has
graciously volunteered to make a formal presentation to the congregation to share the
booklet with all of you. In the meantime, do some praying and thinking about how you
can help in emergency situations. Ask yourself what kind of help you would want from
others if you were negatively impacted by a natural disaster or an emergency. Look
around your home. Do you see items you don’t use anymore? Have your children all
grown up and moved away and yet, somewhere in your attic or garage there remains a
bag of children’s toys or clothing just taking up space? Giving these things away to those
who desperately need them is a blessing for all involved and the bonus to you is twofold.
First, you will be actively living the mission statement of St. Thomas, “Living His
promise in service to others”. Secondly, your garage or attic suddenly has more space.
That’s always a good thing!!
Please feel free to call the church office (928-634-8593 – between 9am and
3pm, Mon. thru Fri.) if you have any questions, suggestions or if you would like to join
our committee. We always welcome and have room for more people.
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I recently attended a two day retreat for Lay Staff Employees of Episcopal
Churches. The retreat was led by the Arizona Diocese and was held at the Redemptorist
Renewal Center, just north of Tucson. This was a rather interesting place. Our rooms
were small but clean. There were sheets that didn’t exactly fit the beds, several mouse
traps in my room, no TV and a shower with only a trickle of water. But the pool was
awesome, the views of the city were awesome, the dining area was very nice and the
food wasn’t too bad. They had ice cream and that always makes me happy! There were
hiking trails, beautiful bird watching areas, chapels and ancient petroglyphs on the
nearby mountain. Besides having ample time to swim or just sit by the pool, enjoy a
massage, or visit with others, we all attended some very informative seminars.
The first evening was a meet and greet. I enjoyed seeing some old friends who
are fellow parish administrators from other churches around Arizona. I also enjoyed
meeting a lot of new people who I now consider friends. People from various churches
were represented at the retreat. People from a church as far south as Tombstone and as
far north as Flagstaff attended the retreat. I met one lady from a Tucson church who,
during the course of our conversation, mentioned that she graduated from Flagstaff
High School in the 1970s. I told her that I too graduated from Flag High but in 1981. I
told her we probably knew some of the same people. Well, the following evening she
brought her yearbook and the two of us looked through it. There were quite a number of
people I knew: older siblings of people I went to school with, my next door neighbor in
Flagstaff, and other people who lived on my street. Most all of the same teachers were in
her yearbook, including Mr. Jack Wallace, my favorite history teacher and although he
died several years ago, it made my heart smile to see his picture. It was nice to reflect on
those years since, because I was at the retreat, I was missing the big Flagstaff High
School reunion that they have every summer.
But we didn’t spend all of our time visiting. One item on our agenda was a
discussion about Change and how it affects our churches, the parishioners, our jobs, our
feelings, etc. We met with Rev. Cn. Dan Tantimonaco, the head of the Standing
Committee, and Bishop Smith. Rev. Cn. Tantimonaco talked about changes in regard to
looking for a new Bishop. The Bishop, as you know, is retiring soon and many of us
asked him questions about how he is dealing with the change in his own life and how
A note from
Shirley R. Pogany, Parish Administrator
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others around him are affected by his retirement. He was very forthcoming with his
answers as he talked about his family, his plans for the future, the joy he’s experienced
as our Bishop, his proudest moments and his most challenging moments. He told us
some funny stories and some very heartwarming stories. The Bishop’s staff also
answered many of our questions related to the Bishop’s retirement. Some were visibly
emotional about it, voice quivering and tears as they struggled to get out their answers
or simply to express their gratitude to the Bishop. Clearly, they will all miss him a great
deal.
We also discussed changes at our individual churches. For example, one person
in our group said that during the course of her employment there had been three
different rectors at her church. She talked about how those changes affected her and the
parishioners. She also offered some helpful things to do and consider if we ever found
ourselves in a similar position of change. The Bishop explained how he can help
churches deal with change but he also explained the limitations of his office in relation
to individual churches who are experiencing a change in rector/vicar. He stated that,
while there are those who can adjust quite easily and are optimistic about change, there
are also those who have a difficult time with it. Bottom line, you just cannot make
everyone happy all of the time. The Bishop encouraged us to be good listeners all of the
time but at the same time, don’t get caught up in any negativity. He gave us some
scenarios and how best to respond. My overall interpretation was that it is better to
offer positive and encouraging words rather than agree with someone’s negative
statements because negativity is dangerously contagious.
Our next seminar was with Deputy Hernandez from the Pima County Sheriff’s
Department. She gave a very informative presentation about Armed Intruders. The
deputy discussed some statistics about perpetrators and about survivors. Deputy
Hernandez also instructed all of us about the best procedures to follow if we ever
encounter an Armed Intruder. As the co-chairperson of the St. Thomas Emergency
Preparedness Committee, this was incredibly helpful information for me. I plan to
incorporate much of the material I learned into our own Emergency Preparedness plan
at St. Thomas.
Every evening we had a Compline. I had never heard that word before but it
simply means Evening Prayer. After Compline we had Hospitality. This involved
enjoying a beer or a glass of wine and socializing. I’m not much of a drinker and so
instead of imbibing I chose to go for a night swim. It was marvelous!
For me, one of the best moments at the retreat was when I had a brief
opportunity to speak to the Bishop. I was able to express my heartfelt gratitude to him
for his stance and subsequent letter about the current situation in our country
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regarding immigrants. I explained to the Bishop that my father was an immigrant to
this country and as his daughter, the immigration issue means a lot to me and I
appreciated so much that he spoke out against the inhumane treatment being inflicted
on immigrants by the current United States government administration. No matter your
race, color, language, religion or country of origin, we are all human and all deserve to
be treated with decency and dignity.
Overall, this was a great experience for me and I am grateful that Rev. Grayce
and the Bishop’s Committee at St. Thomas encouraged and provided the means for me
to attend. Thank You!!
Below are some pictures from the retreat.
Bishop Smith discussing Change Cathy Black, from the
with us. Diocese office. She is the Bishop’s right hand.
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Bill Potts leading Nicole Krug (far left), Jenifer The Hospitality table
Compline. Nguyen, (by Nicole) both from
the Diocese office and
two attendees (far right).
The building where we One of the views Petroglyphs
attended seminars
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY
AND
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
to ALL those celebrating in August and September!
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August Readings & Serving Schedules
Date Readings Serving August 5th 11th Sunday
after Pentecost
2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a
Psalm 51:1-13
Ephesians 4:1-16
John 6:24-35
Lector: C. Hudson
Prayers of the People: G. Nichol
Acolytes: B. Lucas and J. Vickers
Coffee Hour: T. and C. Flannery
Counters: B. Evans and J. Moeny
August 12th 12th Sunday
after Pentecost
II Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Psalm 130
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
John 6:35, 41-51
Lector: L. Gerlach
Prayers of the People: J. Gerlach
Acolytes: E. Flannery and I. Flannery
Coffee Hour: C. and A. Hadermann
Counters: B. Evans and T. Flannery
August 19th 13th Sunday
after Pentecost
I Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Psalm 111
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58
Lector: C. Chambers
Prayers of the People: M. Childers
Acolytes: B. Lucas and P. Burner
Coffee Hour: J. Vickers and B. Lucas
Counters: B. Evans and C. Hadermann
August 26th 14th Sunday
after Pentecost
I Kings 8:1, 6, 10-11, 22-30, 41-43
Psalm 84
Ephesians 6:10-20
John 6:56-69
Lector: G. Nichol
Prayers of the People: TBA
Acolytes: E. Flannery and J. Vickers
Coffee Hour: B. Evans and A. Hokanson
Counters: T. Flannery and J. Moeny
August Altar Guild: Jeff and Lorraine Gerlach
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September Readings & Serving Schedules
Date Readings Serving Sept 2nd 15th Sunday
after
Pentecost
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Psalm 45:1-2, 7-10
James 1:17-27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Lector: J. Gerlach
Prayers of the People: L. Gerlach
●
Sept 9th 16th Sunday
after
Pentecost
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Psalm 125
James 2:1-17
Mark 7:24-37
Lector: D. Gemmill
Prayers of the People: J. Gemmill
●
Sept 16th 17th Sunday
after
Pentecost
Proverbs 1:20-33
Psalm 19
James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-38
Lector:
Prayers of the People:
●
Sept 23rd 18th Sunday
after
Pentecost
Proverbs 31:10-31
Psalm 1
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Mark 9:30-37
Lector:
Prayers of the People: M. Childers
●
Sept 30th 19th Sunday
after
Pentecost
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22
Psalm 124
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50
Lector: J. Gemmill
Prayers of the People: D. Gemmill
●
●September Altar Guild:
●September Acolytes, Altar Guild, Coffee Hour hosts and Counters to be announced at a
later date.
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August 2018
Bible Study 10:30am every Thursday
Choir Practice 1:00pm every Thursday
Emergency Preparedness Cmt. Mtg. 2:00pm, Friday, Aug. 3
Grief Group Noon, Thursday, Aug 9 and 23
Food Pantry 2:00pm – 4:00pm, Tuesday, Aug 14 and 28
MOST 8:30am, Thursday, Aug 16
Bishop’s Cmt. Mtg. 2:00pm, Thursday, Aug 16
MOST/LOST 11:15am, Sunday, Aug 26
Preaching Schedule Aug 5: Deacon Deirdre
Aug 12: Deacon Deirdre
Aug 19: Rev. Grayce
Aug 26: Deacon Deirdre
September 2018 Bible Study 10:30am every Thursday
Choir Practice 1:00pm every Thursday
ECW 10:00am, Saturday, Sept 1
Food Pantry 2:00 to 4:00pm Tuesday, Sept 11 and 25
Grief Group Noon Thursday, Sept 13 and 27
Good Food for Good Causes 4:00pm Thursday, Sept 13
MOST 8:30am Thursday, Sept 20
Bishop’s Cmt. Mtg. 2:00pm Thursday, Sept 20
MOST/LOST 11:15am Sunday, Sept 30
Preaching Schedule Sept 2: Deacon Deirdre
Sept 9: Rev. Grayce
Sept 16: Rev. Grayce
Sept 23: Deacon Deirdre
Sept 30: The Rev. Gabe Sinisi
●Before scheduling any meetings or events, please check with Shirley in the office to
make sure the date and time you want/need is available. Thank you!
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Saint Thomas Prayer List for August and September
To add a name, or if you have an immediate prayer request call
Devon Lewis – 928-210-8929 or the Church office – 928-634-8593
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit; give them courage and
hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Continued Prayer for: Shelli Mooney
Emma Camp
Cindi Ruetter Leo Gonzales
Earl O’Shaughnessey
Tina O’Shaughnessey
Chris Lorneloon Iaya
Naomi Cornelson
Linda Walker
Monty Bondurant
Dick Scalf Michael Thurman
Bailey Aston
The Gardners
Bev Crumley The Stanfields
Ken Steidl
Susan Grace
Dave Gilbert Bill Gibbons
For Comfort The Levan Family The Brodt Family
The Shreve Family
Newly added names:
For the Soul of: Jim Levan
Paul V. Brodt John Shreve
Those serving our country: Andrew Gillis Jesse Reeves Mike Kellenbenz
Chris McKeag Joshua Lawton Buster Kellenbenz
Jason Allred Melissa Jones Nathan Smith
Robert Jones Jeremiah Juhlin
Ben Jujawa Ann Henry
Zachary Geier Taylor Zale
Jacob Geier Michael Shaklee Caleb Edgerton Josh Edgerton
Rande Robinson Brandon Gemmill
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Have a blessed
August and September!
Saint Thomas Staff:
The Rev. Grayce O’Neill Rowe, Vicar
The Rev. Deirdre Moulinier, Deacon
Devin Angelet, Choir Director
Judy Torigoe, Pianist
Barbara Evans, Senior Warden
Jim Gemmill, Junior Warden
Lee Worthen, Treasurer
Shirley R. Pogany, Parish Administrator
Jeremy Thurman, Bookkeeper
Saint Thomas Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1175 – 889 1st South St
Clarkdale, AZ 86324
stthomas.azdioces.org
Church Office - 928-634-8593
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 3:00pm
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