All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island, SC
In this month's issue (click on any title):
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THE ASSOCIATE’S CORNER
Dear Friends,
I’ve been following the baseball playoffs with great interest and am delighted to see a team like the Colorado Rockies advancing to the World Series. You see, not only do the Rockies have no heroes, they are largely unknown. In fact, most of us could probably name the five highest peaks in the world more easily than we could name five Rockies players!
Similarly, at this time of year, the Church does not offer us heroes or celebrities, but rather a celebration of All Saints. This is the feast of women and men, young and old, people of history and people of our own times, anonymous saints who sit beside us Sunday after Sunday and perhaps, most of all, as one writer put it, there is “the saint between our two ears.”
You and I are called to be saints, rather than heroes. We don’t have to be famous. We only have to be faithful.
Autumn blessings,
Mark
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
Calling all “saints” to the All Saints annual meeting to be held on Sunday, January 27, 2008, following the 10:15 service. The meeting, which will follow a light lunch, will feature Vestry elections and other important items of interest to all parishioners. Please plan to attend, and watch for further information to come.
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SENIOR WARDEN’S REPORT
At its October meeting, your Vestry agreed that, consistent with the Long Range Plan, a fifth Commission will be added to the Vestry organization. It will be identified as the “Stewardship Commission,” and it will focus on the year-round, broad understanding of stewardship. This will include all that we have: Time, Talent, and Treasure. Education programs will be developed and implemented for both existing and new members. If you would like to be a part of this Commission, please call the office or the Senior Warden, Bob Moore, at 681-5391.
The Vestry also approved the plan for this year’s Every Member Canvass. Most everyone on the mailing list will receive a letter or a phone call in the next few days. One goal this year is to increase the number of pledging households. Particular effort will be made among those who are contributing to All Saints but not pledging and those who have recently become a part of the parish family. We hope to have the Canvass completed by the end of November in order to prepare the 2008 budget.
The Vestry continues to be committee to maintaining a balanced budget. If we are to move forward with our Mission, we will need everyone’s help. With health care, insurance, and maintenance costs continuing to increase, we ask all households to consider increasing their pledges or start making pledges now for 2008.
The Vestry heard with pleasure that Father Mark Brinkman and his family will be moved into their new home by November 1.
Prior to the October meeting, the Vestry had developed and approved the Vestry Statement to be used with this Every Member Canvass. That statement is included below.
--Bob Moore
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VESTRY STATEMENT ON STEWARDSHIP
All that we are and have (time, talent, and treasure) are gifts from God, and we should all recognize a responsibility to return to God a portion of what has been so generously given to us. We acknowledge that the biblical and Episcopal Church standard for proportionate giving is the tithe.
The clergy and Vestry of All Saints believes that stewardship, the giving back of those gifts from God, should be a way of life among our church family, a family that is every bit as important as any of the other organizations worthy of our support.
Therefore, the entire clergy and Vestry of All Saints Episcopal Church pledges to individually increase their commitment of time, talent, and treasure and asks everyone to make a similar commitment resulting in 100% stewardship participation from our entire church family, as God has given each of us 100% of his love every day.
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TREASURER’S REPORT
Operating income was low for the month of September at $32,616. Expenses for the month were $51,788 for a September operating deficit of $19,172. Year to date the operating deficit is now $28,415.
Year to date pledge income is slightly ahead of last year but about $20,000 under budget. Total income excluding The Cornerstone Campaign transfers and designated gifts at $408,493 is just slightly behind last year but about $40,000 under budget to date. Most of these numbers should pick up during the final three months of 2007.
Total year to date expenses are considerably higher than last year but under budget. The higher expenses are due primarily to Cornerstone objectives: mission spending and increased staffing.
Cornerstone receipts for September were $45,000, which included the receipt of money from a life insurance policy. Year to date receipts are nearing $400,000 and in terms of the campaign to date, the number is more than $450,000. So far Cornerstone has made almost $300,000 in mortgage principal p0aymenhts. The mortgage balance is currently $364,000.
All Saints Preschool reported a surplus of $7,735 for the fiscal year that ended July 31, 2007. The accumulated surplus is now approximately $11,000. During the year the Pre School phased in health insurance and pension for their employees. Fund-raising exceeded expectations and contributed to the surplus.
You will be receiving your 2008 pledge letters and pledge cards soon. Please prayerfully consider your pledge to All Saints. We are targeting full participation from all who attend and consider All Saints their Hilton Head Island church. Promptly returning your pledge will lessen the follow-up effort. Rest assured…if you do not turn in your pledge information, you will be contacted.
--Mark Szen
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LOCAL MISSION AND OUTREACH
The Local Mission and Outreach Committee met and approved criteria for distribution of All Saints Episcopal Church funds for grants to local 501 (c) (3) organizations providing assistance to local people. Groups receiving funds will be those with applications describing programs which make a significant difference in the lives of recipients or volunteers, have clearly-defined project planning and timeline, effective leadership, sufficient staff and project accomplishment, and adequate organizational funding. Funds will be allocated for one year only, and applications will be reviewed semiannually.
Grant request forms are available both electronically and in hard copy from members of the Local Mission and Outreach Committee and from Marilyn Adams in the church office. Everyone is urged to encourage those organizations with whom they work to let the Committee know if the time, talent, and treasure of All Saints would be helpful to their mission. These are the funds now allocated by The Cornerstone Campaign in our budget for local mission and outreach, and the Local Outreach Committee is committed to providing good stewardship of your pledge offerings.
Thank you letters were received from Deep Well and from Bluffton Self Help after distribution of Holiday Basket funds from the 2006-2007 holiday season. These are the monies designated by All Saints members to be used for food distributed at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
Jenny Haney of Bluffton Self Help wrote, “This amount…will be used for purchases of special foods needed by our clients. In the past we purchased Ensure for clients who are having chemo treatments, and diapers for clients who are in need…”
Betsy Doughtie of Deep Well wrote, “Normally, summer is a quieter time at Deep Well, and our food deliveries are nowhere near as great as they are in the dark winter months. Not this year! We have been inundated with food requests, and we are depleting our food pantry at a very fast pace. The statistics speak for themselves. In the year 2006, for the months of May, June, and July, we provided food to 402 Islanders, with 187 of them being children. This year the same three months found us delivering food to 591 people, with 288 being children. This is nearly a 50% increase…(All Saints’) donation will go far in filling the holes in our food pantry. On behalf of the Board of Directors I send you my deepest thanks.”
You can read both these letters and one from the Latin American Council of South Carolina on the bulletin board in the parish office. They are a great reminder of the good we do in the community.
Matthew 25:40…”The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’.”
--Ginny Trolley
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VESTRY NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
You hear and read so much about the Vestry, so why not consider becoming a Vestry member yourself? Nominations are now being received, so please contact the church office or any member of the nominating committee: Bob Moore, Sue Senden, Margaret Collins, or Peg Hamilton. Feel free to self-nominate or nominate another member of the All Saints family. Note: nominees must be members of the Episcopal Church.
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GARDEN TOUR NEWS
It seems like just last month that we were enjoying our 20th Anniversary Garden Tour! But wait! Even though it’s “only” November, we have already held two Board meetings to plan our 2008 Tour. And we need your help in identifying worthy local charitable non-profit organization that would benefit from Tour proceeds. If you know of such an organization, please have them write a letter to the Garden Tour Board, c/o All Saints (at the church address). The letter should state the organization’s mission, how it is funded, and for what purpose the requested funds would be used.
The deadline for such requests is November 15 so that the Board can vote at its regularly scheduled meeting on November 16. If you have any questions, please contact Rosalie VanDam at 342-9722 or at rosalieandgary@roadrunner.com.
At our first Board meeting we decided that we needed to find that special person who enjoys history and scrapbooking to help us continue to collect all the references relating to the Garden Tour. The history from 1987-1997 already exists in booklet form; now we need to move forward. Do I hear a volunteer?
We are pleased to be able to announce the following dates for Garden Tour-related events, so mark your calendars!
Artists Reception, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008
Premier Party, Sunday, May 4, 2008
Garden Tour, Saturday, May 17, 2008
In next month’s “Pelican’s Bill” I’ll publish a list of the chairs for each of the committees so you will all be able to volunteer your assistance in that area which speaks to your interest. And please keep in mind that the Garden Tour serves as a two-fold gift to the community…a gift of beauty and a gift of caring.
--Rosalie VanDam
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ADULT EDUCATION UPDATE
Sunday Adult Education will continue much as it has for the past few years: between services at 9:00 a.m. Bishop Salmon makes his official visit to All Saints on Sunday, November 4. Bob Hansel begins a four-week series, “Wellspring of the Waters of Salvation,” beginning on November 11 and continuing through December 2.
First Wednesday (formerly Half-Past) programs will now be held monthly rather than weekly, but the format will be familiar: a service, a meal, and then the education program. Reverend Doctor William Beers joins us on Wednesday, November 7, to lead us in a discussion of “medical Ethics in a Real World.” A sign-up sheet for dinner is located in Gordon Mann Hall. The Liturgy begins at 5:15 with dinner at 5:45 and the program at 6:30.
The emphasis on Small Groups began this fall in response to the June Adult Christian Education Survey. A Small Group is defined as a gathering of about ten people who agree to share part of their faith journey together. They meet regularly for study, sharing, and prayer. The members of each small group will decide for themselves the topic, the format, and when, where, and how often to meet. These groups can meet any day of the week, any time of the day, at the church or in someone’s home. Some groups may end after six-eight meetings, while others may continue longer.
We will announce soon several small groups expected to start in mid-January. Sign-up sheets for these small groups will be posted on the bulletin board in Gordon Mann Hall in late November…and there are still opportunities for even more small groups.
Anyone can start a new small group. Someone typically suggests a topic or book, and someone usually agrees to be the group leader. The Adult Education Committee is available to help suggest study materials, arrange initial meetings with prospective members, and publicize the new small group. Please contact any member of the Adult Education Committee if you have questions about forming a new small group.
--Fred Hill
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AID NEEDED FOR GHANA AND UGANDA
ER-D is asking for donations to aid Ghana and Uganda. After a long period of drought, the countries have had torrential rains and catastrophic flooding. Many communities have been totally destroyed, and families are homeless and suffering. If you can help out, please send donations to P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA, 22116-7058. Make your check payable to ER-D c/o EM07-8. Credit card donations can be made by calling 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129.
--Mary Anne Gebler
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THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY BASKETS
We are once again putting together Thanksgiving Dinner baskets for 12 Island familiar who have been referred to us by Deep Well. This year, we will also be doing the same for six families off-Island referred to us by Bluffton Self-Help.
As in the past, we are asking for your support by volunteering in any one (or all) of three ways:
We need eighteen volunteers to ‘adopt/sponsor’ the 18 families. A sign-up sheet can be found in Gordon Mann Hall so you may select either on- or off-Island. Groups, such as your supper club, as well as individuals may sign up. Volunteers will do the food shopping (a sample menu is also posted on the bulletin board with suggested food items), basket assembly, and basket delivery to the families the week before thanksgiving. In the past, our volunteers have shared their warm, spiritual experiences of calling on families and providing them with wonderful Thanksgiving dinners!
If you are unable to volunteer as a sponsor for one of these families, you may wish to help out by donating non-perishable food items; collection baskets have been set out and a list of needed items is posted in Gordon Mann Hall.
Finally, cash donations are needed so that the volunteers can purchase fresh items for the dinner baskets. Your check should be made out to All Saints Episcopal Church with the notation “Holiday Baskets.”
If you have any questions, please email me at RAFFSMOM@yahoo.com or phone me at 671-2295.
--Lois W. Southwick
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HELP NEEDED FOR DEEP WELL CHRISTMAS PARTY
We are all familiar with Deep Well, Hilton Head Island’s private social service agency, and all the good work they do. Their services include their Livable Housing Program (home repairs and upgrades), Basic Needs (providing food, rent, and utilities when needed), and Medication (as needed). All Saints has supported their annual Christmas Basket Project.
This year, local artist Sherron Nesbitt, in partnership with Deep Well, is organizing a special Christmas celebration to be held on December 8. This celebration will consist of a meal, entertainment, and gifts for 25 of the neediest families on Hilton Head. Members of All Saints are invited to join in and support this worthy effort in a number of ways: decorating, assembling and wrapping gifts, cooking, serving, cleaning up, and contributing financially. Please contact Lee Woodruff or Lucy Marshall, our All Saints representatives, to become involved. Your contribution check should be made out to Deep Well Christmas party and sent to Sherron Nesbitt, 13 Angel Wing Drive, HHI, SC 29926.
--Bonnie Gruetzmacher
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CATCH THE SPIRIT – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSION TRIPS 2008
All Saints 2008 survey Trip: February 17-25, 2008
“I had to see it with my own eyes, and I wake up thinking about what we are called to do. It is an ‘accident of our birth’ that we were born here and have so much in this country. Bishop Holguin has given us the opportunity to be effective. It is my job to convince as many people as possible to jump in immediately – with financial support and/or people.” – Linda Lanier
Experience the work of the Dominican church first-hand. Tour the schools and churches of the diocese, meet the clergy, the school teachers and children, and those who make our mission work possible. The range of travel will be from Barahona on the west to San Pedro de Macoris on the east – all locations are along the Caribbean side of the Island. We will also have time for a bit of sightseeing while we are staying in Colonial Santo Domingo. We need to have a commitment by December 2, 2007, to enable the purchase of affordable tickets. The expenses for the trip should be between $1500-2000 per person, including airfare, lodging, meals, and ground transportation. Meetings will be held prior to the trip to ensure that everyone is well-informed and prepared.
If you would like to be part of this group, please contact Fr. Rick or John and Bonnie Gruetzmacher at 987-5267 or email them at bonniegee@embarqmail.com. The deadline for this trip is Sunday, December 2, 2007.
2008 Diocesan Medical Mission Trip: June 4-14, 2008
“Before this trip I was at a loss to explain the difference between being a part of a Medical Trip and a Medical MISSIONARY Trip. I now know the difference. I could not have done the jobs assigned to me on this trip without being part of a Christian team. Daily we gained strength through prayer and through the support of each other. It was a truly amazing experience and I am ready to go again next year!” – Dale Finn
Applications are being accepted for the 2008 medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. The team consists of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, translators, and non-medical support persons. Applications are available by contacting Team Leader Cheryl Allen in Charleston by email at Dacama1@myfam.com or by phone at 1-843-556-0324 or by contacting All Saints parishioner Dale Finn at 705-2317 or by email at dale355@yahoo.com. Dale would be happy to talk to anyone who may be interested in this trip. The approximate cost of the trip is $1700. Deadline for submitting applications for this trip is December 31, 2007.
All Saints Construction Trip: Late February 2008
“So the church/school will not only enable spreading of the gospel to new parishioners, but will enable children to become educated who would not have that chance otherwise. All in all, the trip was very successful and I would go there again if needed.” – Fred Finn
Anyone with an interest in hands-on service, regardless of the level of manual/construction skills, is welcome to become a member of this construction team. The 2008 trip to work at La Redencion school and church in the city of Barahona is planned for late February (dates TBA). The type of work will depend on the building progress. It may be assisting with masonry work, clean-up and prep of construction areas, carpentry, or painting. Approximate cost of the trip is $1500, including airfare, lodging, meals, and ground transportation. Meetings will be held prior to the trip to ensure that everyone is well-informed and prepared.
For more information about the work, contact Mark Szen at 342-5800 or email him at mszen@hargray.com, or call Fred Finn at 705-2317. The deadline for this trip is Sunday, January 13, 2008.
All Saints 2008 Vacation Bible School: late June/early July
“I know there are those of you who say, ‘I could never go down there.’ Trust me, never say never! Yes, it’s hot. No, there’s not always hot water. I believe I can speak for the group when I say that those of us who have been will never be the same. It could change your life. It could change your career. I promise it will at least change your perspective.” – Mary Elaine Jenkins
A VBS trip is planned for La Redencion in Barahona for late June/early July 2008; the potential dates are June 21-20 or June 28-July 5, 2008. Being a part of this very special ministry is open to parishioners of all ages. Young people who have experienced at least one state-side mission trip are encouraged to participate. The teaching curriculum of bible stories in Spanish is provided along with guidance for making crafts under the tutelage of very creative parishioner Soozi Williams! You don’t have to speak Spanish to have an incredible experience with the children of Barahona. Informational meetings and training sessions will be held prior to the trip to ensure that everyone is well-prepared. Approximate cost for the trip is $1500 including airfare, lodging, meals, and ground transportation.
To learn more about the VBS experience, contact Mark Szen at 342-5800 or email him at mszen@hargray.com. The deadline for this trip is Sunday, May 11, 2008.
--Bonnie and John Gruetzmacher
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A QUIET MORNING OF ADVENT MEDITATION
A “quiet morning” of Advent meditations, time for reflection, a quiet Eucharist, and a light lunch will be offered by the order of the Daughters of the King at All Saints on Monday, December 3.
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., and the program will begin at 9:30 a.m. Fr. Lindsey will conduct the program, which will focus on cultivating alertness for signs of God’s presence in our lives. The public is invited, so please make your reservations early by calling 342-3441.
--John Berry and Fran McLean
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DIOCESAN BISHOP-ELECT CONSENT PROCESS COMPLETE
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori announced October 29 that The Very Rev. Mark Lawrence had received the consents needed for him to become the next bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. His consecration will be held January 26, 2008 at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul in Charleston. In addition, as announced in early October on the diocesan website, The Presiding Bishop has accepted the Diocesan Standing Committee's invitation to meet with the leadership of the diocese on February 2526, 2008. The Rt. Rev. Edward L. Salmon, Jr., Bishop of South Carolina, The Rev. Haden McCormick, President of the Standing Committee and The Very Rev. Mark Lawrence, Bishop Elect report that "This will give us an opportunity to state with clarity and charity the theological position of this Diocese in a manner similar to when we met with The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold shortly after his installation as Presiding Bishop."
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CONCERTS ANNOUNCED – ALL WELCOME
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church, members of All Saints are invited to two concerts at First Presbyterian Church.
The Jim Cole concert will be held on Saturday, November 10, at 7:30 p.m. “Jim Cole is a Christian guitarist in the style of James Taylor,” we are told.
And on Sunday, November 11, beginning at 5:00 p.m., the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and the Hilton Head Choral Society will present a late afternoon concert as a 50th birthday gift to the church.
Both concerts are complimentary, but seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Questions? Please call First Presbyterian Church at 681-3696.
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CHURCH MEMBER NAMED VISITING FELLOW
Congratulations to All Saints member Sue Groesbeck who has recently been selected by The Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership as a 2008 Visiting Fellow at Teachers College, Columbia, University. Sue is Head of School at Hilton Head Preparatory School as well as being an active Rotarian and a member of women in Philanthropy, the Junior League, Starry-eyed Readers, and numerous fund-raising initiatives on the Island.
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ALL SAINTS PRESCHOOL NEWS
Thank you to everyone who ordered wreaths, greenery and pecans from the PreSchool for the greenery fundraiser. The pecans will be delivered on November 16 and will be ready for pick up after 12:00 noon. Please come by and pick it up OR it will be available on Sunday morning in Gordon Mann Hall. All greenery will be delivered and ready for pick up on December 7 after 12:00 noon.
The jewelry fundraiser went very well and we will be putting our hostess gift into our silent auction in January. Also remember that the Discovery Toy lady will be here on November 5 & 6 for your holiday shopping needs. She always has a great variety of samples and catalogs for you to enjoy. Please come by in the mornings if you have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews that you purchase Christmas or birthday presents for.
Our Pasta Dinner Committee is off to a great start and we are already receiving gift certificates in the mail for the silent auction. The date again is January 25, 2008, and again we will be at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church. Save the date on your new 2008 calendar as it promises to be a really fun evening with great food, great drinks, great auction items and great friends.
The Thanksgiving Feast will be held on November 20 at 10:30 a.m. for all preschoolers and their families. A delicious lunch of soup and cornbread muffins will be served after a short program commemorating the original Pilgrims and Native Americans. It is a wonderful time of year to reflect and to give thanks for all we have and for God's many blessings on each of our families. And this is just a reminder that school will be dismissed at 11:30a.m. that day and closed for the holiday. We will begin classes again on November 26.
Have a Thankful Holiday! Nan Thompson, director
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DINNER AND A MOVIE
Father Lindsey continues this popular small group format of adult education at his home on Monday the 12th with `Elizabeth' and on the 26th with 'Mass Appeal' (held over from October). The evening starts at 5:30 with dinner followed by the movie and lively discussions. Reservations are limited to 12 persons and the sign-up sheet is located on the parish hall bulletin board. Sign up early!
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DECEMBER'S 'FIRST WEDNESDAY' PROGRAM will feature the Right Reverend William J. Skilton, retired Bishop Sufragan of the Diocese of South Carolina. Bishop Skilton, who was born and raised in Cuba and who sees himself as culturally Latino, will engage the congregation about our role as Christians with those seeking a new life in America. The Christian journey in our "temporary homes" is similar to the journey of the immigrant searching for meaning and life. What is our responsibility as fellow sojourners? This program was originally set for September 12, but due to the death of the bishop's mother the previous weekend, it was postponed to a later date.
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SUPPER CLUBS 2008
Don't miss out on enjoying 2008 sprinkled with a monthly dinner in fellowship with 8 to 10 other All Saints parishioners, casually adorned and festively spirited!
Our 10 groups of 10 to 12 singles and couples have had a great 2007 Supper Club experience. If you aren't participating now, or never joined before, don't miss this opportunity for informal dinners with each group's members rotating as hosts in their homes. For those who head for a cooler climate in the summer, don't let this stop you from joining the fun – some groups take a hiatus for two or three months during that period.
Our annual "Kick-Off" pot luck supper will be held Tuesday, January 15, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. in Gordon Mann Hall at which time the groups and group coordinators will be posted. You don't need to attend to participate in the Supper Clubs but you'll be missing a fun event!
Please fill out the simple on-line Supper Clubs form or fill out the paper form and deliver or mail it to the church or place it in the manila envelope on the big GMH bulletin board. If you have any questions, please call Barbara Good at 363-5388. Camaraderie of the best kind awaits you when you sign-up!
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