The Newsletter of Saint John’s Episcopal Parish, Hagerstown, Maryland

SOUNDINGSOctober 2014

–– From the Rector ––

In adult forum one of the “New Church’s Teaching Series” books by Louis Weil, A Theology of Worship, is providing food for thought and interesting discussion. How do each of us answer the question, “Why are you here?” Often we are here when we are scheduled to do something, such as read, usher, or teach. “It is in the public worship of the church that Christians have their primary experience of their identity as a faith community, as the people of God” says Weil. How does our weekly worship shape your faith and identity? No doubt the answer differs among individuals within the parish and for each one in different seasons of our spiritual pilgrimage.

As Anglicans we share common prayer, and a particular format of liturgy, while accepting differences in language and wording to fit cultural and social contexts. The Book of Common Prayer serves as an expression of unity without requiring conformity to a single version. The liturgy was not intended to be the property of the clergy but the “work of the people.” Three shifts occurred in the creation of the 1979 BCP: 1) celebration of the liturgical rites is not the whole of the church’s public life, rather, sends forth the baptized for ministry in the world; 2) ordained and laity have gifts of the Holy Spirit, thus discernment is to be shared so that ministry in the community is a reflection of the whole body of Christ – the church; 3) Baptism gives us unity in Christ (unity not uniformity). Unity can find its richest expression in the bringing together of diversity.

In This Issue:In the Garden pg. 3Music Ministry pg. 4Grace Notes pg. 8Commissions pg. 9Hats Off. pg. 13Birthdays/Anniv pg. 14

Baptismal ecclesiology embraces diversity as a value in community. Thus the 1979 BCP holds forth a vision of church rooted in the community of the baptized. The local church represents the universal church. Corporate worship reflects our union with God and one another in Christ. Through baptism we are formed into one body: “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Furthermore where the body gathers, Christ is present: “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matt. 18:20).

We speak of the consecrated bread and wine of communion as “the body and blood of Christ”. This phrase has an important history. “The Body of Christ” emerged in Christian usage as a reference to the church: all baptized members who assembled to hear the word of God and to share in the sacred meal. Saint Augustine taught: “If you are the body of Christ and his members, your mystery has been placed on the Lord’s Table, you receive your mystery. You reply ‘Amen’ to that which you are and by replying you consent. For you hear, ‘The Body of Christ’ and you say ‘Amen’. Be a member of the body of Christ so that your ‘Amen’ may be true….Be what you see and receive what you are.”

As new members join Saint John’s our community becomes new in that each person has unique gifts to offer, and we remain constant in that we are all part of the body of Christ. As a community and as individuals we bring what we have, who we are, and allow the living Spirit of the living God to mold us in ways that reflect his love for all people. Being flawed human beings, it is often difficult to acknowledge that what seems so small can make a difference when placed in God’s creative hands.

Ann+

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In the GardenHelpful Hints from the Graff Garden Club

• Ash Trees and the Emerald Ash Borer• As you may have noticed by now, the four trees along the parking lot have

been removed. They are being decimated by the Emerald Ash Borer. The adult beetles nibble on ash tree foliae but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s abil-ity to transport water and nutrients.

• If you have an Ash Tree, keep an eye on it to be sure it is still healthy. Once a tree is decimated, the tree will become very brittle.

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Fellowship FrolicWe had our first get together in August to see the play Godspell at Totem Pole Playhouse then enjoyed a delicious dinner at Parlor House. During that time together, we met parishioners that we didn’t know, talked, and laughed as we renewed acquaintances. We enjoyed ourselves so much that it was decided to keep getting together and entice others from St. John’s to join us.

A survey was taken to determine what we wanted to do during the year. Quite a few of you made your selections and returned the Fellowship Frolic Survey. Thank you for making further suggestions of other venues for us to pursue.

Our next event will be Nov. 7 at 6 pm to attend the Washington County Playhouse for dinner and the play “I Love You Because” by Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman. According to the program description, “This musical modern day telling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is wonderfully entertaining. It is witty and funny. It’s about a greeting card writer whose life is changed by an off-beat photographer. It contains some beautiful music.” Tickets are $40, non-refundable. This includes dinner, coffee, tea, and gratuity and of course the play. Reservations should be sent by October 31 to Sara Ann Godwin, 1834 Meridian Dr., Hagerstown, MD 21742. Make checks out to Sara Ann Godwin. We will meet at the Playhouse, 44 N. Potomac St., rear. Park in the Franklin St. end of Central Parking Lot in downtown Hagerstown.

On Dec. 21, we will attend the English version of a one act opera at The Maryland Theater to witness “Amahl and the Night Visitors”. This is a story about Amahl, his mother, and the three wise men on their way to visit the newborn King. It will be performed by the Hub Opera En-semble. This opera can be enjoyed by children and adults, so think of this as a family event for Christmas time. We don’t know the ticket price yet. Details will come later.

Come and join us for a great time of fellowship.

. - Sara Ann Godwin

Music MinistryFlute, Oboe, Bassoon, Piano Music

Shepherd Three, the faculty wind ensemble of Shepherd University will open the 2014-2015 Music at Saint John’s Series on Friday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m. Members of the en-semble are Anne Munro – flute, Greg Shook – oboe, Richard Polochak – bassoon, and will be accompanied by Laura Renninger – piano. Collectively these musicians have a vast range of past and current musical experience including playing in the United States Marine Band, White House Orchestra, Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, Washington Bach Consort, Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Harrisburg Symphony, York Sympho-ny, Washington Opera Camerata Orchestra, Toledo Symphony Orchestra; Hagerstown Choral Arts; public school instructors and orchestral directors; and church musicians. The recital repertoire Shepherd Three will perform at Saint John’s will include a vari-ety of styles including ragtime. A reception in Trimble Hall will follow the recital. The program is free and open to the public. Be sure to invite a relative, neighbor, or friend to attend with you.

Halloween ConcertThe local Cumberland Valley and Chambersburg Chapters of the American Guild of Organists is sponsoring a Spooktacular Halloween Concert on Friday, October 24, 7:00 p.m. at Mercersburg Academy Chapel. Area musicians including Jim Brinson and Mark King will perform in the concert. The program is geared toward family with children, as well as adults. People are invited to dress in costume. Trick or treat candy will be given to children at the end of concert. Our children and youth choirs will be attending this fun event. The concert is free and the public is invited to attend.

October Carillon Recitals at Mercersburg Academy October 5 – Margaret Pan (Berkeley, CA); October 12 – John Widmann (Frederick, MD); October 19 – Jim Brinson; October 26 – Julia Littleton (Washington DC). The recitals begin at 3:00 p.m., and are free and open to the public.

Choral Evensong in November Choral Evensong for the Sunday after All Saints’ Day will take place on November 2 at 5:00 p.m. More information will appear in the November issue of Soundings.

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Grace NotesCelebration of All Saints Day

On All Saints’ Sunday we remember the Communion of saints, past, present, and future. We invite parents, children, and teens to gather for breakfast in Trimble Hall at 9 am on Sunday, No-vember 2 (during Sunday school classes). Please bring a photo of a loved one to be displayed in Trimble Hall. After breakfast, we will light candles and place flowers on the columbarium.

Youth in Service

Beginning October 5th, the Youth Group will meet on the first Sunday of the month. We are as-sembling personal hygiene kits for the local homeless population and need your help. Donations of soap, toothbrushes, tooth paste, small wash cloths, gallon-size zip-lock bags, combs, deodorant, and band-aids are needed. Any hotel size items of shampoo, conditioner and lotion are also wel-comed. The collection box is next to the Micah’s Backpack box in Trimble Hall. Please contact Grace for additional information.

JDOK’S

All women or girls that are interested in becoming Daughters of the King please contact Karla Davis at 301-797-7781.

Volunteers Needed:

Meet our youngest members in the nursery; we need volunteers. Please sign up in the nursery. Children’s chapel also needs leaders in the fall; please sign up in the back of the sanctuary. Please contact Grace if you have any questions. grace.stjohns@myactv.net

- Grace

Commissions CornerWelcoming Report

Why do YOU come to church? Have you thought about it and could you answer the ques-tion if asked by someone on the street? I recently watched some short videos on the internet where people on the street were asked, “Why they don’t go to church?” The answers varied as you would expect. Some of the answers included; I don’t have time or I’m too busy. All they want is your money. It’s all a myth. I need to get my life together first. Churches are full of hypocrites. I wouldn’t know what to wear. The reasons go on and on.

Did you know that almost eighty percent of the people who go to church for the first time, do so as a result of a personal invitation from someone?

Have you invited a friend, neighbor, or family member who currently doesn’t go to church to “join you” at YOUR church in the past thirty days? If the answer is YES I want to commend you for your efforts. If the answer is NO will you make the effort? We have the “Come and See” postcards available to make it so easy to reach out to others. Please consider taking a couple and either mailing them to those you care about and/or hand them out personally.

For those of you who are on Facebook consider posting an invite to all of your Facebook friends. Tell them you are blessed in so many ways by attending St. John’s Episcopal Church and you want them to enjoy the experience, too.

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “We don’t talk about religion or politics.” I guess it’s be-cause conversations become “uncomfortable” in these subject areas. Sometimes though, we have to get out of our comfort zone and do what Jesus would want and have us to do. Some-times we have to reach out and try to make a difference. And sometimes we do.

In closing, I want to thank those who volunteer as greeters for St. John’s. I have had several people tell me how much they appreciate the greeter’s welcome when they are about to enter our sanctuary. Your work is greatly appreciated. And to the Welcoming Commission mem-bers I want to thank you for your contributions.

Peace be with you!

- Howard WhittingtonWelcoming Commission Chairperson

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Christian FormationBible Study:

Bible study continues this year each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in the Lane Room. Under the leadership of Frank Carden the group will be studying the Gospel of Mark. Mark is the earliest of the four canonical gospels, and it will form the basis for the gospel lectionary in the new year beginning the first Sunday of Advent. Anyone interested in delving more deeply into the meaning of the Bible is welcome.

Confirmation Class: Bishop Sutton, the Bishop of Maryland, will be with us December 7th at 4:00 pm to ad-minister confirmation for this fall’s class of confirmands. There is be a very short meeting October 12th following the 10:15 service for anyone interested in confirmation or just interested in exploring the Episcopal Church’s beliefs and practices. The purpose of the meeting will be to establish a day and time for the confirmation classes. If you are inter-ested, but are unable to make the October meeting, please contact Frank Carden (301) 797-4627 so that your schedules can be integrated into our plans.

Monday Night Series: Beginning October 6th this group will meet from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Chapel.

Preschool Chapel: Please contact Rebecca Connor if you are interested in volunteering with the Preschool Chapel or can offer guidance with the Godly Play program. We are seeking new volun-teers to serve on rotation with the preschoolers. rebeccaconnor@gmail.com.

Fabric And GroundsThere is practically nothing to report this month as a number of potential projects are await-ing bids and/or Vestry action. The Breakfast Bunch is busy as always and even though there is not much to report, the committee continues to be busy. There will be much more to report next month...till then, enjoy these beginnings of fall.

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Service & Outreach

St. John’s Parish continues to be a strong supporter of the Micah’s Backpack program. The school system recently published this end-of-the-year report about the program’s impact in the community.-------The Micah's Backpack program follows a model established in Blacksburg, VA. The program is designed to feed hungry students through a partnership between each elementary school and one or more churches/organizations in its community. Brought to Washington County by Trinity Lutheran Church in 2009, the program now serves over 533 students in 28 ele-mentary schools and involves partnerships with 30 churches and community organizations. Over 10,000 students in Washington County Public Schools receive free or reduced lunch and for many this lunch will be the last hot meal of the day. Children are especially hun-gry over the weekend when school is not in session. Micah's Backpack program addresses children's hunger issues by partnering with local schools to provide direct assistance to students and families who qualify for the free or reduced lunch program. Each week during the school year, the identified students receive a backpack filled with enough food for the weekend. The Backpacks include two dinners, two lunches, and two breakfasts. Volunteers pack the backpack and the partner schools distribute the backpacks to students. During the 2013 school year, the Micah's Backpack program experienced a 40% increase in the number of weekly backpacks provided. At the beginning of April 2012, 318 backpacks were provid-ed compared to 533 backpacks provided at the beginning of April2013-an increase of215 backpacks. End of Year Program Survey Report A total of two hundred seventy-five (275) surveys were received and compiled for the end-of-year report (62 parents; 69 coordinators/teachers; 144 students). According to the survey's the program was tremendously successful and exceeded the mission and goals established for the school year 2013.

Student survey responses included the following:· • 69% reported being less hungry• 90% reported sharing the backpack with the family• 34% reported times when the family has no food• 78% reported paying better attention in school• 42% reported that their family needs more food .• 89% reported doing better in school because they are not hungry

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When asked to indicate what students liked most about the program; responses included: free food, everything, Rice Krispy treats, snacks, cereal, tuna, ramen noodles, it helps my mom pay other bills, and it has a variety of items to choose from.

When asked to indicate if there was anything students didn't like; responses included: vegeta-bles, soup, milk, orange juice, raisins, not enough brownies, peach fruit cups are sour, juice cups don't travel well and it's wonderful.

Parent survey responses included the following: • 75% reported that their child does better in school since receiving the food• 82% reported the backpack portion size was ''just right"• 52% reported that they have other children who could benefit from having more food• 4 7% reported their child being sick less since getting the extra food• 73% reported being more engaged with the child's school since receiving the backpack• 76% reported the backpack food allows them to be able to pay other billsWhen asked to indicate additional services children could benefit from: 43% reported free books;22% reported reading tutors; 18% reported tutors. School Coordinators/teacher responses included the following: • 56% reported noticeable changes in the behavior of students in the classroom• 66% reported students where more engaged in learning• 87% reported that the program facilitated a positive relationship between the student andcoordinator/teacher• 53% reported student grade improvement• 53% reported student complained of fewer health problems since receiving the food• 83% reported backpack portion size "just right"

When asked to indicate additional services that students could benefit from: 23% of teachers reported mentors; 13% reported free books; 7% reported after school programs.

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StewardshipST JOHN’S BY THE NUMBERS

1) St. John’s pledging units information

1996 246 2014 140-150

Average pledging unit turnover per year = @ 10 5% growth goal per years means 10 unit turnover + 8 gain goal Need 18 new pledging units per year

Conclusion: This is a tough goal. It requires help from all parishioners to achieve!

2) 2014 financial status thru 08/31/14

As of 08/31/14 As of 8/31/13

Total Income 251k 227k

Pledge Income 187k 190k Envelopes Loose 28k 16k Endowment 29k 19k

Total Expenses 305k 255k F&G Expense 73k 48k

Deficit -54k -28k

DEFICITS DIRECTLY IMPACT THE UNRESTRICTED ENDOWMENT OF ST. JOHNS

3) Endowment Status 08/31/14

Total Endowment (restricted and unrestricted) $1,921,000

THANK YOU 1806 LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS

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Did you know increasing your pledge by just $5 a week could make a huge differ-ence for Saint John’s future? As a Parish, we have made it our top priority to fund youth programs. We knew it would be a commitment that would impact the bud-get, but we also agreed that strengthening our youth program was an important investment.

That’s why each member of the Vestry has committed to increase their weekly pledg-

es for the rest of the year by $5. If every member of Saint John’s did the same, we would be well on our way of achieving our goal.

We hope you will join us by giving an extra $5 for the future!

HATS OFF TO:

• The Youth group who participated in a mission trip to Avery county, North Carolina and Ten-nessee this past summer. Chantell Laguerre, Priscilla Laguerre, Micah Datu, and Whitney Chapman were part of a team of about 8 people assigned construction jobs. They fixed a roof, added a wheel chair ramp and replaced a roof. The group lodged in a local middle school with five other churches. This experience brought them closer to God, their families and to one another. And I am sure you are wondering who lead this dynamic team of teens…..our very own Grace Bennett!

• David Davis for lending his musical talents this summer and playing the organ while Mark King was out of town. Many a Sunday, Rob and I said: “Hey, that’s David up there playing!” We are so fortunate to have such a multi-talented St John’s member in our midst. One wonders if under his outer clothing there is a shirt with a large “S” on it…….

As always, keep me in the loop by sending information to my email address: uofapsu@ver-izon.net. Feel free also to pull me aside to share your good news so I may share it with St. Johns.

(If I have missed someone from being mentioned in the above sections, please let me know and I will make a correction for next month)

Kelly Slocum

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What should you do if you get the flu?

A recent Johns Hopkins Health After 50 reported that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year with flu-related complications, and up to 49,000 die. Last month we suggested ways to prevent getting the flu, but what if you get it?

The best treatment is a prescription for an antiviral drug, Relenza or Tamiflu, within 48 hours of developing symptoms. Antiviral drugs reduce the virus’s ability to reproduce, thus lessening the symptoms which may be body aches, fatigue, chills, fever, sore throat, cough, diarrhea and vomiting, and a runny or stuffy nose. Timely treatment is important for those with high risk of developing flu complications. They include those 65 years of age and older, people who have chronic illnesses like cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, diabetes and extreme obesity.

The best way to fight the flu is to never get it in the first place. Practice healthy habits by getting adequate sleep, managing stress, eating healthy foods and drinking lots of fluids. Get a flu shot and wash your hands.

Mark your calendars

Sunday, November 23 @ Noon, St. Mary’s ChapelSpeaker: Sarah Lewis, Vice President of Mission, EMA

Topic: Planning Ahead for Growing Older Episcopal Programs and Facilities

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

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Earlene Ayrer 10/02Teddy Cozia 10/02Marcia Mcknight 10/04Meghan Roberts 10/05Haley Burkholder 10/06Henry Raab 10/06Mickey Wellman 10/06Laura Wright 10/06Ronald Heiston 10/07Elizabeth Durham 10/08Brian Miller 10/08Anne Morin 10/08Karen Oller 10/08Connor Abeles 10/09Jacques Hager 10/09Pat Abeles 10/10Huddsen Reisinger 10/10Ronald Williams 10/11Frank Bushey 10/12Lisa Heiston 10/12Howard Whittington 10/12

Lyn Norris 10/13Sue Sowers 10/14William Beard 10/15Michael Harbaugh 10/16Emily Slocum 10/16Helen Cook 10/17Sarah Stanton 10/18Corie Cozia 10/20Gaye Mcgovern 10/21Susan Rauth 10/21Randall, Jon 10/22Grace Miller 10/24Catherine Garvin 10/26Kevin Magno 10/26Juanita Burger 10/27Mark Cook 10/27William G. Resh 10/27Jose Velazquez 10/29Jordon Knicley 10/31Jami Mullendore 10/31

Daniel & Ann Marie Simonetti 10/02Charles & Lee A. Brining 10/05Allan & Tamara Martinez 10/05Ronald & Evvie Williams 10/09Bob & Earlene Ayrer 10/10Mark & Julie Creedon 10/12David & Nicole Martin 10/14Donald & Dolores Carpenter 10/15Bill & Janice Seekford 10/15Kevin & Sareen Hebb 10/17Ronald & Carol Bachtell 10/18Christian & Julie Wright 10/18

Ethel & Zach Myers 10/20Will & Sara Ann Godwin 10/23Jason & Tracey Happel 10/23Frank & Anne Carden 10/24Ronald & Nancy Heiston 10/29Ronald & Carol Bachtell 10/18Christian & Julie Wright 10/18Ethel & Zach Myers 10/20Will & Sara Ann Godwin 10/23Jason & Tracey Happel 10/23Frank & Anne Carden 10/24Ronald & Nancy Heiston 10/29

HappyAnniversary!