All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island, SC

PelicaNews
PelicaNews items are excerpted from the All Saints monthly magazine, The Pelican's Bill.

In this month's issue (click on any title):

THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS from the Rector

Thinking and Acting Beyond Ourselves

Quick, name the eight Millennium Development Goals embraced by the Episcopal Church.  Well, maybe not all eight, but maybe two goals?

Still having trouble? You’re not alone! Many Episcopalians have heard of the “goals” but they have the sound of bureaucratic wishful thinking…the kind of program that sounds great from the “top” but has difficulty gaining traction at the local level.  It is also a mouthful to say: MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

Before you dismiss the MDGs outright, you may want to pay attention to the weight and significance they have for our planet and for those two-thirds of the people barely surviving in the world.  Whether or not the “goals” are tough to say, or remember, they are worthy of a second look and as a plan for the parish and for individuals to act on faith…Christian stewardship.  This is definitely not “pie in the sky” wishful thinking.  It addresses reality and points the way with an action plan from the imperatives of Jesus himself.

Tired of feeling helpless, world problems too great to respond to, want to help but wonder…well, read on.  The MDGs are not the brainchild of the Episcopal Church hierarchy, but rather eight interrelated targets for the eradication of global poverty. More than 180 countries, including the United States, have endorsed the MDGs and promised direct resources toward their fulfillment.  If the faith community didn’t think of it, we should have!  The Goals have Christian faith and responsibility written all over them.  MDGs are at the heart of the Christian Gospel message of good news in Christ.  This is all about Christian Stewardship…not a one-hit wonder of a program…the very stewardship of our lives here and now, where we are planted.

Millennium Development Goals:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development

It would be well worth the effort to explore and take stock of our own current local, national, and international outreach, and to explore ways this parish may be uniquely situated to address or continue to address the Millennium Development Goals.  There are people in the parish actively pursuing parts of the MDGs, many through All Saints as well as on their own; they have connected their faith to the wider world.

The MDGs is not a slick slogan to be forgotten or dismissed out of hand.  The MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS happen to be a way for a faith community to embrace our vision and our mission.

Rick Lindsey

Index of all 'Thoughts and Reflections'

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THE ASSOCIATE’S CORNER                  

Dear Friends,

Lent comes from an old word meaning “spring.”  With Easter coming so early this year, I suspect Lent may not coincide with warm weather and blossoms (even here in the low country!), but rather may be a bit cooler – a time for planting and getting ready to grow.

But regardless of the fluctuations in temperature from year to year, Lent is always a season of increasing light.  In nature, its span recalls the retreat of winter and signals the coming of spring.  In our Christian tradition, it recalls Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness and points to his passion and resurrection.

On the First Sunday of Lent, this year’s Gospel states: “{Jesus} was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”  Regarding that experience, Frederick Buechner suggests that he spent that time “asking himself what it meant to be Jesus.”  He goes on to add that, “during Lent, Christians are supposed to ask in one way or another what it means to be themselves.”

So don’t just give things up during Lent.  Use the lengthening of the light to take a good look at yourself and renew your relationship with our loving God.  Then you will have a happy Easter.

Blessings,

Mark

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THE DEACON’S REFLECTIONS

A Cold, Dark Place

The good news is: it’s February, and you and I don’t have to endure a cold, dark winter, as many of us did for years.  In fact, I’m so happy about this that I often enjoy turning on the weather channel during these months just to see how abysmal the weather is where I used to live!

The bad news is:  some of our most deserving and defenseless neighbors are living in a cold, dark place – psychologically.  They are elderly and have physical or mental debilities that make it impossible for them to live independently. For good reasons (or bad), they are not living with relatives but in nursing homes.

I have heard many people say, “I pray that I don’t end up in a nursing home.”  Why?  Because we think of nursing homes as lonely places where the old sit in wheelchairs either watching television or watching the staff go by…and waiting to die.

My mother suffered from Alzheimer’s for twelve years.  For the last four years, she lived in a nursing home.  Every Sunday a layman from the local Catholic Church came and prayed with the patients (many of whom looked like they probably didn’t understand what he was saying).  He read them the Gospel, summarized its meaning, and brought them Holy Communion.  These services meant a lot to my mom, and I was deeply touched by his ministry.

A small group from All Saints has been practicing this same ministry – visiting patients at the Life Care Center of Hilton Head (the nursing home behind our hospital) once a month for more than fifteen years.  Larry and Kay Ashton, Mike and Lucy Debaets, Charlie Richman, and Helen Mckeon are among the stalwarts.  Helen plays the piano while the rest sing a few simple hymns; all pray and bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Holy Communion to a sizeable group of patients.  These volunteers come to know the patients and give them hugs and blessings.  The patients light up when they are spoken to individually.  It has been my privilege to be included in this group of volunteers for the last few years.  One of the patients has said to me more than once, “This is so wonderful. It’s just like real church!”

The group that has been performing this beautiful ministry could now use some reinforcements.  Would you be willing to help?  It will only take one hour of your time each month.  If you would like more information about this ministry, please call me at 681-2116.

I hope that neither you nor I will end our lives in a nursing home.  But Jesus made one thing very clear when he said, “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Thank you,

Sandy

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SENIOR WARDEN’S REPORT

After a congregational meeting was held on December 17 at 5:00 p.m., four delegates (plus one alternate) were elected to the annual Diocesan Convention which took place on January 25:  John Armbruster, Peg Hamilton, Michael Jordan, and Charlie Richman (and Jim Moore, alternate).  Especially noteworthy is the inclusion of Charlie Richman who attended the Diocesan Convention some 20 years ago when All Saints was accepted as a mission church in our Diocese.  Since then, Charlie has attended many such conventions.  We thank these members for agreeing to serve and for attending the convention, at which they heard from and received the Eucharist from both Bishop Salmon and newly-elected Bishop Lawrence.

It now appears that our Every Member Canvass pledge total for 2008 will reach the level needed to have a “balanced” “minimum” budget for 2008.  This budget contains no extras or “frills” but will allow us to carry out our mission/vision programs.  A special thanks to all those who made this possible!

My time as your Senior Warden has come to a close. It has been a rewarding time, and I thank all who have helped make All Saints a “House of God” for its members, for the community, and beyond: our wonderful Rector and assisting Clergy, paid and volunteer, our small but truly dedicated staff, a great Vestry, and a Parish full of hard-working, committed, and skilled members. It takes all of you to make the All Saints family successful.

Thank you! Thank you!

--Bob Moore

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ADULT EDUCATION UPDATE

First Wednesday – Morey Lent returns for our First Wednesday programs on February 6 (Ash Wednesday).  The evening will begin with the Ash Wednesday service at 5:00 p.m. (NOTE EVENING TIME CHANGE) followed by a meal at 5:45 and the program at 6:30.  The dinner sign-up sheet can be found in the parish hall.

Stations of the Cross will be held the five Fridays in Lent at 12:15 p.m. in the church. Parishioners were mailed the Stations booklet late last month with a letter from the rector encouraging them to attend the service here at the church at that time or to do a private service at a time of their own choosing.

Adult Sunday Education Hour Parishioner Bob Taylor will have a six week series beginning February 10 on "The Last Week". The program is held in the library at 9 a.m.

Lenten Midweek Bible Studies Two series of identical Lenten Bible studies will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning February 12 during the season of Lent. Rick Lindsey+ will lead the Tuesday series at the home of Mary Anne and Fred Gebler in Sun City/Riverbend and Mark Brinkmann+ will lead the Thursday series at the church.

• February 12, 19, 26, March 4, 11. 5:30 Fellowship/6-6:45 Bible Study/7-till, dinner at nearby restaurant for those interested.

• February 14, 21, 28, March 6, 13. 5:00 Fellowship/5:30-6:15 Bible Study/6:30-till, dinner at nearby restaurant for those interested.

Each week's session will be a "stand-alone" study so you can participate is as many of them as you wish.

Series title: "On the Way to Golgotha"

• Week One: John 13:1-11 "An act of humility and servant-hood"

• Week Two: John 18:1-14 "Betrayal and arrest, life at its worst"

• Week Three: John 18:15-18, 25-27 "Denial and innocence"

• Week Four: John 18:18-19:16 "Pilate' s curiosity and arrogance"

• Week Five: John 19:17-25 "The Cross: physical, spiritual burden"

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CHILDREN AND FAITH...Lenten Journeys for Children and Youth

Fifty years ago, when I was ac child in the Episcopal Church, Lent was viewed as somewhat somber and dreary like a good Michigan winter with sky the constant color of medium gray. There wasn't much good found in the season of Lent! In fact, it was so formidable and austere that us children found ways to lighten it as only a child can do. To make Lent bearable, I had the great idea that I would give up spinach for Lent...I hated spinach, so when all the adults were giving up this and that for Lent, I took a positive approach. ..I positively didn't like spinach, so I gave it up. Not really in the spirit of Lent, but it worked for a child who didn't quite understand the meaning that underscored this season in the church year. But it is possible to learn something from the twisted mind of a child trying to live out this ridiculous season.

What are we teaching our children about Lent? Is there any joy in Lent, any sense of something positive, creative, life affirming? Lent is about six weeks from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day. Six weeks afford the opportunity to create a weekly pattern in a child's life.

For instance, every Friday or Saturday a child could set aside some time to act on behalf of other children, a discipline or devotion that allows them to see and know about the needs of other children.

• Collecting old pencils for children in Madagascar.

• Taking a portion of their allowance to buy bubble gum for children in the Low Country.

• Walk a mile or half-a-mile, with parents, for hungry children.

• Buy a present, a wonder gift they would like, and give it to a child through the Latino Council of the Low Country (Latin American Council of South Carolina).

• At breakfast or dinner on Friday or Saturday, pray for children with no food or homes or parents.

These are just a few suggestions; your children will have many more creative ideas. The point is not the dollar amount, rather a certain theme that guides our children through Lent that is positive, thought provoking, life and faith affirming, and throw in joyful and interesting.

We sell our children short when we believe children are not affected by what they see and hear from their parents. Nothing gets by our children! Count on them, within reason, wanting to do something positive during this season. The results may surprise you and me, and Lent won't be so formidable.

--Father Rick

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TREASURER’S REPORT

Last year at this time, we were gearing up for our dual campaigns: our Annual Fund and The Cornerstone Campaign.  I expected 2007 to be a “breakthrough year” for All Saints, and indeed, in 2007, we took a great step forward financially.  We are now in a stronger financial position.  However, there are serious concerns as we step into 2008.

The operating fund for 2007 showed slower receipts and a deficit of $30,568.  Pledge receipts were $41,000 under the pledges.  Our total operating collection receipts of $528,427 were about 10% lower than in 2006 and the lowest total in the past seven years.  Without transfers from Cornerstone, our total operating income ($15,000) decreased by about $35,000 from 2006.

Operating expenses for 2007 were under budget at $720,569.  Compared to 2006, total expenses increased about 17% from $618,876.  Cornerstone initiatives, including a new full-time clergy person and local and Dominican Republic mission funding, account for the bulk of the increase.

The message that our annual giving must increase about 25% over the three years of The Cornerstone Campaign is not being met.  In fact, pledging for 2008 is behind last year’s pledging. I repeat a message I heard and stated last year:  your annual giving is more important to the life of All Saints than your Cornerstone giving.

On the other hand, first-year Cornerstone Campaign receipts exceeded everyone’s expectations.  Calendar year 207 saw Cornerstone giving of $611,738, and to date giving is more than $672,000.  That is about 57% of the Cornerstone pledges.  The mortgage was the primary Cornerstone goal, and in 2007 the balance was reduced by $483,558 to $175,920.  This is the lowest mortgage balance All Saints has carried since before 2000.

When all of our 2007 giving is combined, more than $1,267,000 was raised by All Saints to further our mission and vision statements and to do God’s work.

Another highlight of 2007 was the amount of funding for all types of mission and outreach.  A record-setting Garden Tour led to $27,000 in distributions to local organizations.  Another $13,425 was distributed locally from The Cornerstone Campaign.  More than $18,000 went to the MacGregor mission work in building a new church in Madagascar.  Cornerstone funds of $20,000 continued construction in the Dominican Republic.  Almost another $20,000 represents contributions by All Saints members on the DR survey team, the diocesan medical team, and the All Saints bible school and construction teams.  In all, more than $105,000 was contributed by members of All Saints to do God’s work locally and internationally.

In 2008, The Cornerstone Campaign hopes to eliminate our mortgage in addition to continuing to fund our mission work and current staffing.

As we move forward, we all must make the commitment to support All Saints as we reach out to serve our members and those around us.  If there is one thing that I learned this year, it is that this church and its members can and will step up when challenged.  The Cornerstone has been laid, the foundation is set.  As we are God’s body here on earth, His eyes and ears and heart, we have so much more for this church still left to do and offer.

Respectfully,

--Mark Szen

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A STEWARDSHIP MINUTE

While we are spiritual beings, we live in a physical human body and in a physical world; all made by God. We are meant to be fully responsible for the totality of our existence. The old story of Adam and Eve makes the point that they meant to live in fellowship with God and were placed in a lovely environment, which they were meant to till and keep in good shape.

Like them, we too are spiritual creatures living in physical bodies and dwelling in what is meant to be a lovely physical world, which we are to maintain and enjoy. Taking care of our total existence: our spirits, our bodies, and our world is what the Bible calls stewardship and St. Paul once said: "It is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy." (1 Cor. 4:2)

The story of the prodigal son in Luke is about a young man who was not worthy in this regard. He decided that he would spend his life as he wished, not as his father wanted him to do. So the Bible says he "traveled to a distant country and there he squandered his property in dissolute living." (Luke 15:13) He ended up broke, hungry, and miserable, not to mention alienated from his family.

You probably know the rest of the story, but the February issue of the publication, "Stewardship," uses an interesting analogy to point out that God expects us to live in the spiritual world, but also to be careful managers of our physical world. We have an enormous responsibility!

Prayer:  Dear Lord, help us always to be trustworthy stewards of every gift you have given to us. May we please you always. Amen.

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UNIDENTIFIED STOCK TRANSFERS

On December 24, 2007, All Saints received, by wire transfer to our Scottrade brokerage account, a generous stock gift of Kraft Foods common stock.  Again on January 15, the church received another stock transfer of Pfizer common stock.  Unfortunately, in the case of wire transfers, we get no information regarding the donor.  If you made either of these gifts, would you please contact Wil Hamp at 843-681-9754.

As a reminder, if you are planning to make a stock gift to All Saints, please be sure to notify the church office (Marilyn Adams, Mark Szen, or Wil Hamp) of the number of shares, the name of the stock, and how you wish All Saints to apply the proceeds (for instance, to your 2007 pledge, your 2008 pledge, The Cornerstone Campaign, etc.).  This information can also be shared by sending All Saints a copy of the document you used to instruct your broker about the transfer.

Thank you.

--Wil Hamp

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