All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island, SC
In this month's issue (click on any title):
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THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS from the Rector
Taking care of our home: earth, our island home
This month, as summer weaves its hot and humid hand over us all, here are some questions for you to ponder. This is not what one might call “light reading” for summer, but I found the questions interesting and provocative.
Questions (and answers) for this month’s “Thoughts and Reflections” were obtained from
“dwell, an environmentally conscious magazine,” the June/July 2008 issue.
Click on any question above to see its answer, or click here for a list of answers.
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THE ASSOCIATE’S CORNER
Dear Friends,
Are you aware of the fact that television is mentioned in the bible? The specific reference is found in Psalm 119:37 – “Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless, give me life in your ways.”
With so many channels on cable and satellite, there is much that is worthless to be watched, with the temptation rising sometimes with the long, hot days and slower pace of summer. I must admit I look forward to watching Wimbledon, a few Reds games, and some movies over the next couple of months. But like anything, too much can be, well, too much.
So, let’s take some time to think about how we will spend the summer. Will new adventures be planned and experienced? Will relationships be nurtured? Or will we get stuck in ruts that do nothing to give us life?
Life is a wonderful gift – so let’s make the most of each day by expanding our awareness of God’s presence in ourselves, in others, and in creation. May each of us know the richness the psalmist talks about.
Summertime blessings,
Mark
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A STEWARDSHIP MINUTE
You and I don’t really own anything. We are guests here on God’s earth. As the writer of Psalm 24 put it: “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1) We are here on God’s property and using God’s minerals, plants, animals and land as though they belonged exclusively to us. Have you ever considered that fact? When we do consider the gifts God has given to us, most of us surely will be prompted to be grateful for such immeasurable generosity. Every day should be Thanksgiving Day, don’t you agree?
Beyond being appreciative of this marvelous and beautiful earth where we live “rent free,” people should consider what they can do to respond to God’s love. They surely will conclude that they should strive to become good stewards of all that they have been given: the earth, their bodies, minds, and spirits. Also their families, their churches, their work, their possessions…whatever God has given to them. An intriguing article in the July issue of Stewardship focuses on this truth that we are prone to forget.
In 1873, the English composer Frances R. Havergal wrote a hymn that summarizes the intent of a truly dedicated steward:
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days and let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.
Prayer: Thank you, blessed Lord, for every benefit given to us each day of our lives. Amen.
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A SUMMER MUSICAL EVENT
On Sunday, July 6, at 4:00 p.m., All Saints will be hosting a summer concert. Ensemble Con Spirito, a group which our music director Steven Branyon has known since its inception in 2001.
While Steven was Associate Parish Musician at Christ Church in Savannah, Cuffy Sullivan, a member of the choir there, was envisioning a place in the cultural life of Savannah for a women’s choir. While not necessarily trained soloists, members of the group wished to highlight more of the repertoire of women composers. The group grew from a tiny handful to 12-15 voices with a wonderfully exciting sound!
The July 6th concert will present a program of music appropriate to the Independence Day holiday celebration. You will not want to miss hearing this unique, local group of women and their musical offering to our community.
This would also be a great time to invite a friend, neighbor, or colleague to come to an All Saints event. If you know someone who may be a little apprehensive about church in general, this would be a wonderful opportunity to take the time to invite that person to come to this concert of music, offered outside the context of a worship service.
There will be a reception immediately following the concert so that those whom you have invited will be properly welcomed by our church family. If you need flyers to take to your places of work or patronage, they are available in the church office.
Thank you for your continued support of the music program here at All Saints!
--Steven Branyon
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GARDEN TOUR FINAL NOTES
It’s over, and oh how you all delivered!
This year, 901 tickets for the Garden Tour were sold, 130 more than last year. Who could have known? And yes, we ran out of food. However, the Gardens were exquisite, and the weather was perfect, truly a blessing.
Now for the numbers. The total dollar amount to be distributed comes to $27,900, which means $4,650 will go to each of the following six charities: All Saints Pre School Scholarship Fund, Bluffton Self Help, Inc., Children’s Relief Fund, Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse (CODA), Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, and Programs for Exceptional People (PEP). We applaud the work each of these organizations do in our community, and we wish them much continued success.
All of this was made possible by so many generous people. First of all, thanks to the owners of the gardens: Nick and Sharon Bass, Arthur Blank, Jo and Stuart Buchanan, Linda and Mike Fountain, Mary Ann and Tom Peeples, Barbara and Gerry Prud’homme, Mr. and Mrs. Fred G. Steingraber, Joan and Marc Stuckart, Manfred Szeczepek and Judy Mangold, and the Heritage Farm in Sea Pines.
Then, of course, we thank Margaret and Ken Collins for providing the perfect setting for the Premier Party. We also thank our local artists who were so generous in their contributions of original art for both our poster contest and the silent auction. Then we gratefully acknowledge our corporate sponsors: Two Eleven Park Wine Bar & Bistro (the Cubbages), Outsource Moving, Wine & Spirits Shop of Shelter Cove, and Friendly’s of Port Royal.
And if you are a “numbers person,” here’s even more information! The three dinner parties hosted by Fred and Lillian Hill in their own home added another $1,250 to the final tally. Thanks to the Hills for a delicious and fun time! After expenses, other events added to the final tally as well: the Premier Party, $3,876; Heavenly Confections sales, $1,034; Shabby Chi Boutique, $1,244; Silent Auction, $2,550; Poster Contest fees and artwork sales, $1,220. (In case I missed anything, please contact me and I’ll be happy to answer any additional questions you may have concerning the Tour.)
Special kudos to the Garden Tour Board whose members have been so generous with their time…as well as All You Saints here who again this year so graciously supported the Garden Tour.
Yes, history repeats itself…21 years of dedication to the Garden Tour…”A Gift to the Community through the Beauty of a Garden.” Thank you!
--Rosalie VanDam, Chair
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LOCAL MISSION AND OUTREACH
There are two significant things to report this month about All Saints Local Mission and Outreach.
First, we are now accepting applications for grants for 2008 from organizations in Hilton Head/Bluffton/Beaufort County. We especially want to hear from the organizations which our parishioners support with their time, talent, and treasure so that All Saints can assist in supporting their work in our community. The short application form is available as either hard copy or electronically from Marilyn Adams in the church office or from Ginny Trolley.
Second, Family Promise Interfaith Hospitality Network of Beaufort County is now up and running. The Day Center has been established in Bluffton on Route 46, and the Network Director, Emily Bugay, has been hired and is working hard to coordinate an immense volunteer effort. Families in need of temporary assistance will be accepted into the program beginning in July. They will receive assistance in employment counseling and with affordable housing and transportation during their participation in the Network. In Beaufort County, twelve congregations have agreed to become “host” congregations, providing overnight accommodations for one week every three months. All Saints is one of four (First Presbyterian, St. Francis, Hilton Head Presbyterian, and All Saints) on Hilton Head Island who have agreed to participate as “hosts.” Members of Congregation Beth Yam are partnering with us in this local mission and will be involved in all phases of this outreach, as will fifteen other “support” congregations in Beaufort County.
Our first week to host two needy families is September 14 to September 21. The guests will arrive at the church about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday the 14th. We’ll provide dinner, compassionate companionship, and rooms which they’ll call “home” for the week, upstairs in the office wing of the parish hall. A network van will transport the family members to work, to school, or to the Day Center at 7:00 a.m., and they’ll return to All Saints at 6:00 p.m. each evening. On Sunday the 21st, the families will move their beds and belongings to the next participating church.
There are many opportunities to truly be Christ’s hands, feet, and heart in ministering to these families. We will have more information in subsequent issues of the “Pelican’s Bill,” but for now we need to be able to have on hand twin bed sheet sets and washable blankets for fourteen people, a crib and a pack ‘n play and the sheets and blankets to fit, and a car seat to be used in a middle-of-the-night emergency. We’ll need diapers and first-aid kits and toys for toddlers and teens and G-rated videos/DVDs. Loni Saunders is organizing the supply effort and will welcome all donations/loans.
Bobbie Cubbage has volunteered to organize food for the week. We’ll need simple dinners for the two families and the All Saints hosts and food supplies for breakfast and bagged lunches. Sherm Barker will be organizing the volunteers to host the families in the evenings and to sleep at the church overnight each night during the week they are with us. Training for all volunteers will be provided in August.
Please keep this local mission project in your prayers and try to discern your part in this endeavor. Contact Ginny Trolley at 681-9671 or at GinTrolley@hargray.com with questions or suggestions or to volunteer to assist, Loni Saunders with donations of supplies, or Bobbie Cubbage to assist with meals.
Together, this can truly be an ALL Saints effort.
--Ginny Trolley
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MEET OUR RECENT NEWCOMERS!
Geri & Lew Allison The Allisons live in Hilton Head Plantation. Their hometown is New York City, New York. They have two daughters: Kristin (37), and Caroline (34). Prior to joining All Saints they attended numerous churches. Lew is a retired systems engineer and Geri is a retired teacher. He enjoys golf and photography; she likes playing golf and bridge.
Pam & Peter Cooper The Coopers live in Sea Pines Plantation, having moved there from Alexandria, Virginia. Previously they attended Christ Church in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Pam sang in the choir and occasionally played the flute. They have two daughters: Elizabeth (19) and Caroline (17). Pam is a teacher, as well as a homemaker and volunteer. Peter was an administrator in American schools overseas. Pam enjoys reading, hiking, watching movies, attending concerts and plays, as well as traveling and community volunteering. Peter likes to play golf and tennis, as well as watching movies and traveling.
Sandy & Ralph Drayer The Drayers live in Sea Pines Plantation. Their hometown is Cincinnati, Ohio, where they attended Friendship Methodist Church. Sandy was a Stephen Minister, and also assisted with personnel-pastoral relations. Ralph was a trustee and assisted in the finance area. Ralph retired as chief logistics officer for Proctor and Gamble. Their hobbies include golf, biking, reading, boating, walking, and travel.
Susan & Edward Ferry The Ferrys live on Callawassie Island. They hail from Macungie, Pennsylvania, where they attended Trinity Episcopal Church in Bethlehem. Susan served as a vestry member, chalice bearer, collection counter, and also was on the finance committee and assisted with the capital campaign. In the past, Edward worked in the purchasing area for Mack Trucks, Inc. Susan worked in the area of trust and development for Lehigh Hospital. Susan’s hobbies are golf, tennis, reading, and knitting. Edward likes golf, reading, and woodworking.
Barbara & Roger Lytle The Lytles live in Rose Hill Plantation in Bluffton. Their hometown is Hudson, Ohio. Barbara & Roger have a son, Jeff, (36) and another son, Doug, (35). While attending Christ Episcopal Church, Barbara was a member of the altar guild and served as a Sunday school substitute. Barbara is a retired elementary teacher and Roger is retired from retailing. They enjoy tennis, reading, gardening, and golf.
Cindy Robbins Cindy Robbins, who lives in Hilton Head Plantation, has two children: Kimberly, (30) and Eric, (23). She hails from nearby Walterboro. While attending church of another denomination she was involved with women’s ministry, Sunday school, and Bible studies. Cindy is a school nurse at Hilton Head Middle School and part-time nursing faculty member at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah. Her hobbies and interests are hand bells and international outreach (medical team support), as well as piano, knitting, sailing, and crafts.
Cinda Seamon Cinda, originally from Saginaw, Michigan, now lives on Hilton Head where she serves as public education officer for the Town of Hilton Head Island, Fire & Rescue Department. She enjoys music, reading, baking, and theater.
Shea Szachara Shea lives in Sun City Hilton Head. She has two adult children, Bernard A. Szachara (42) and The Rev. Joell Beth Szachara (40). Her hometown is Binghamton, New York, where she attended Christ Church for more than 60 years. She has served as a Sunday school teacher as well as on numerous committees including stewardship & financial and St. Anne’s Guild. She was the founder of the needlepoint group and was also involved with the prayer shawl ministry, bulletin biographies, and the “Mitford” Annual Tea. Prior to retiring, Shea was director of creative & educational services for Delta Corp. She enjoys reading, writing, music, needlework, and painting, as well as crafts of all kinds.
Estelle & Donald Williamson The Williamsons live in Port Royal Plantation. They are originally from Wilmington, Delaware, where they attended Skyline Methodist Church. There they served in the nursery and usher ministries. They have four children: Mura (50); Donald (48); Greg (44); and Melissa (40). Estelle is a homemaker and Donald was previously employed by the DuPont Company where he served in management. Donald likes clocks and antiques. Estelle enjoys antiques, bridge, and cooking.
--Fred Gebler
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IN LOVING MEMORY
Our All Saints Family extends our deepest sympathy to the families of Stephen
Amer, Anthony Barone, Al Dunn, Joshua George, Bud Jones, Violet Lampe, Robert
Trenholm and Audrey Wright. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
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HERE ARE THE ANSWERS…
to the 20 questions posed by
Fr. Rick in this month’s “Thoughts and Reflections.”
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