All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island, SC

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Over the years as a parish priest, I have been reminded by people that it is the Spirit within us that really keeps us alive. Actually, I am speaking of the human spirit being influence and nurtured by the power and mystery of God’s Holy Spirit. We live not by bread alone, but by the indwelling Holy Spirit which does infinitely more than we could ever imagine.

It is not so much the body that keeps us alive and well but the human and divine interaction…the mystical movement of God in concert with our lives at a deep level. Imagine God tapping our shoulder all day long; imagine “burning bushes” blazing away as signs that God has incredible things in store for us. Imagine stopping long enough not simply to smell the roses but also to sense there is more to life underneath a deep place in our interior lives.

I bring this up to you because the All Saints community is anticipating the Episcopal visit of Bishop Lawrence. He will be here the first Sunday in November to make an official visit to the parish and to confirm and receive people into the Episcopal Church. But he will also be here to perform a duty often overlooked: to be an Apostolic witness to those in the parish who wish to make a visible and profound affirmation of faith: A time in a person’s life when faith has taken on greater meaning or an event has occurred that a person desires to affirm his or her faith as an outward and visible sign of where he or she is spiritually.

Affirmation of faith on this particular Sunday goes beyond collectively reciting the Nicene Creed, although that will certainly happen. Before our Bishop, are you willing and excited to acknowledge that your faith in Jesus Christ, and Christ in your life, is extraordinarily important? If your answer to that is an unqualified “yes,” then please speak to any of our clergy and be present before the Bishop to acknowledge your life and faith before God…for your sake and for your journey in faith.

I can only imagine some responses to this invitation. “Come on, Rick, I’ve been an Episcopalian all my life; you’ve got to be kidding!” Or, “Episcopalians don’t do that!” I can also envision hearing, “My faith is a private matter.” And, “I’ve never done it before, and I’m not about to start now!” I can also imagine someone saying, “My standing before the Bishop will only prolong a long service.”

My responses, in order, might be: “Is this new place in your life important to you, regardless of how long you have been an Episcopalian? You’re right, most Episcopalians don’t ‘affirm’ their faith so dramatically, but then again, you are not like other Episcopalians. I hope faith is never a private matter; for years past, faith was a private matter handed over to their clergy to articulate and demonstrate. I hope faith is never that private!”

At the risk of being tarred and feathered, I would hope the congregation would welcome one more person who would want to say “yes” to their lives in Christ and do so in this profound and open way.

This is an invitation to all who seek to be Confirmed in the Episcopal Church, to all who seek to be Received into the Episcopal Church, and for those who, at this time in their lives, feel particularly moved to acknowledge their faith in God through Jesus Christ before Bishop Lawrence. The Bishop’s invitation, and our lives coming together to affirm our faith, is not business as usual, but an opportunity to gauge our spiritual lives and to recommit ourselves to what it means to be Christians at this time.

For many modern Christians worship has become a spectator sport. Those in attendance are passive consumers rather than active members of the Body of Christ. As Episcopalians and consistent with the early church, our standard for worship is the full, active participation of the entire congregation. All are ministers of the liturgy; none are spectators, by virtue of our baptism.

While the gathered congregation takes part in an active way, the Eucharist provides the opportunity for us to exercise a variety of specific ministries, both lay and ordained. My purpose here is simply to highlight a few of the liturgical ministries we are hoping to bolster (see Brad Tufts’ article, “Lay Readers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Home Communion” elsewhere in this issue).

The ministry of Lector (that is, reading lessons prior to the Gospel and leading the Prayers of the People) is among the oldest of liturgical ministries. In early centuries, lectors were selected on their ability to read well and expected to demonstrate by their manner of life the truths they proclaimed in the readings. During medieval times, as illiteracy grew, the role became increasingly confined to the clergy. Today, lectors are appointed by the clergy in charge of a congregation as this ancient ministry has been restored to the laity.

While not representing the restoration of a ministry from the earliest days of the church, Eucharistic Ministers play an important role, a role which is lost when we use diminishing expressions such as “chalice bearers.” More than mere bearers of a cup, those assisting in this ministry are authentic ministers of communion. To participate, one must be licensed by the Bishop.

Eucharistic Visitors, also licensed by the Bishop, are authorized to take the consecrated bread and wine following the Eucharist to those who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the celebration. This ministry, both liturgical and pastoral in nature, extends the altar and thus the life of the parish community to those who are absent.

The roots of these ministries, like all ministries, can be found in different gifts, skills, and interests. But the collective intent is to enhance our worship of God and build up our worshipping community.

We know what the Old Testament says about our God-given obligations to our neighbors in need::

Jesus’ message in his parable of Lazarus and the rich man is also clear: Why does the rich man go to hell when he dies? Because he did not help the poor man at his gate when he might have.

We have the resources to do a great deal: average incomes on Hilton Head and Bluffton are high, and many of our retired citizens have the time to volunteer at such helpful organizations as Volunteers in Medicine, the Boys and Girls Club, and Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry. Still, a number of our Afro-American, White, and Latino and Asian neighbors live in distressed neighborhoods. Many don’t know about available services or are lacking transportation to reach them.

Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC) is a new program which will focus on low-income families, low-wage workers, and needy women – from all major ethnic groups. Our plan is based on a new organizational model, one that takes assistance directly to neighborhoods that are in distress and creates solutions in partnership with other not-for-profit organizations and local government agencies.

We are organizing volunteers from the Hilton Head/Bluffton community to work with individuals from lower-income neighborhoods to solve problems and strengthen our entire community.

We have identified a number of low-income neighborhoods on Hilton Head Island and in greater Bluffton, three of which will be our focus in the near term. For each neighborhood a “spearhead team” will be formed, consisting of five to seven members. The team will develop neighborhood profiles based on available socioeconomic and census date, conduct a needs assessment based on focus group discussions, and develop subprojects in education, referral services, micro-finance and entrepreneurship, and voter registration. For each neighborhood a number of “neighborhood associates” will be identified to mobile people, develop solutions for the neighborhood, and monitor results. Three part-time coordinators will be hired to assist during implementation under the supervision of the Outreach director. A part-time consultant will be hired to help with monitoring and evaluation of results. A volunteer consultant with extensive development experience will train the Outreach Director, the “spearhead team,” and the three coordinators.

The Neighborhood Outreach Connection program will be a catalyst to encourage local communities and public officials, agencies, and organizations to collaborate in bringing vital services to neighborhoods that need them. The program will inform people in these neighborhoods of the availability of services, determine their needs and priorities, and develop solutions for economic and social progress.

Would you like to know more about Neighborhood Outreach Connection? If so, visit at our website. Would you like to volunteer? If so, please call Loni Saunders at 686-3990.

One objective of the Vestry is to operate within a balanced budget. This means that we will only spend money that has been pledged or contributed. Many people are away during the summer, and giving usually decreases during that time. However, the expenses for operating the church continue, and we go into the red. This summer has been no exception. The Finance Committee has asked the Vestry to freeze discretionary spending until giving returns to budgeted levels so that we avoid deficit spending. Your continued giving is important to the ministries of All Saints.

Another one of the 2008 objectives of the Vestry is to clarify the mission and purpose of the All Saints Preschool, a continuation of a discussion begun during the long-range plan. In recent years, the preschool and our parish have moved forward almost independently, and the preschool has not had Vestry oversight. After several months of discussions, in August the Vestry approved a plan to more closely link the Rector, the Vestry, and the Preschool going forward. In the future, the preschool will operate like other church committees. The preschool “committee” will be chaired by the Rector, and consist of the Director of the School, two Vestry liaisons, and the Finance Committee Chair. The goal is to embrace the school as an important ministry, one that is an extension of our parish mission into the community.

The first Host Week for All Saints in the Interfaith Hospitality Network Family Promise of Beaufort County was a wonderful success in so many ways! We were able to provide overnight accommodations for three adults and six children by converting two classrooms and the community room upstairs into a home away from home for two families. More than 38 people from All Saints and 28 from Congregation Beth Yam participated as cooks, furniture movers, and hosts during the week. The spirit of compassion and camaraderie was palpable, and – as is the case in most mission and outreach projects – the volunteers received more than they contributed when the guests expressed their appreciation and then when we had a chance to reflect on the blessings and riches in our own lives.

Each of the adults has started a new job. The older children are doing well in school while the young boy and the toddler continue to try to cope with the stress of strange surroundings and people each week. In December we will host different families as these two will have begun more stable lives in their own homes.

There were generous donations of sheets and lamps and toys and a coffee pot and blankets and games! We played and talked with the guests, served delicious homemade food, and did dishes, and some of us slept in the choir room overnight to be available if needed. (We weren’t!)

It was a joy, and the opportunity to participate will be open to all the Saints again in three months. Meanwhile, Family Promise of Beaufort County needs volunteers to help at the Day Center, 164 Bluffton Road (Rte 46) in Bluffton. They are looking for Monday through Friday office help and on Saturday-Sunday for fellowship with the families. If you can volunteer a day or even a half day during the week, please call Anna Marie Roy at 843-705-9132.

A new group, one with a mission similar to Family Promise, will begin meeting weekly at All Saints. Because of the active presence of All Saints throughout our community, the Asset Development Institute requested space in Gordon Mann Hall for a weekly training session for participating Beaufort County families with lower incomes. The Asset Development Institute is a collaborative project of over 20 different agencies in Beaufort County. It uses a wide range of strategies including case management, social support, education, a children’s program, and in asset account in order to assist families as they move up the economic ladder. An outgrowth of the Alliance for Human Services, the Institute receives major funding from Clemson University. Parents in the ADI will begin receiving coaching on Monday evenings in the large classroom while children receive assistance with homework or are supervised in the nursery. There will be future opportunities to volunteer to assist with this educational program and mission.

And finally, only one application for funding has been submitted to the Local Mission and Outreach Committee. If you are involved with a Beaufort County organization that has a need for funding to support programs with a mission similar to that of All Saints, please send me an e-mail.

Fellowship, free brunch, and more…if your committee wishes to sign up, call 681-8333 ASAP! And we hope EVERYONE WILL COME AND SEE WHAT ALL SAINTS IS ABOUT!

Operating fund results for the month of August showed a deficit of $24,734, our fifth consecutive month with an operating deficit. The year-to-date operating deficit is now at $50,907. Receipts have been expectedly low over the summer but have fallen behind budget after accounting for the seasonal changes. Some expense areas are over budget.

With that in mind, the finance commission recommended to the vestry that we enact a spending freeze on discretionary expenses (please see the Senior Warden’s report elsewhere in this issue). In addition, the vestry is exploring how we can best cover the overages.

Cornerstone receipts also slowed over the summer, but several larger Cornerstone gifts have recently been received. From inception to date, a little over $750,000 (but only $135,000 this year) has come in for The Cornerstone Campaign. By the time you read this, our mortgage balance will be just over $80,000.

Beginning next year, you will have a new option for fulfilling your pledge. With your permission, we will have the ability to make regular automatic ACH withdrawals from your bank account to transfer to the church’s accounts.

We are having a beautiful fall at the Preschool and have full classes with a total of 46 children. Everyone has settled into a routine now, and the children have loved participating in chapel with Father Rick, both in the sanctuary and in our Big Room. The favorite new chapel song is “Amazing Grace,” followed by our old favorite, “Jesus Loves me.” Do you know them? J

We had a fabulous ice cream social on September 23 with the best ice cream sundaes ever…covered with sprinkles! Most of our families attended, and it was great fun getting to know everyone a little better.

This month we will be having our annual Halloween Carnival on October 23 from 6 to7:30 p.m. The cost is $5.00 per child. All Saints children we welcome to attend, and if any teenagers need community service hours, what a wonderful opportunity! Please call me at 681-8671 to volunteer. Parents will be decorating the parish hall the morning of the 23^rd at 8:45 a.m.

You can help the Preschool by linking your Harris Teeter VIC card to All Saints Preschool. A portion of the sales of store brands will be donated to the Preschool each time you use your card, so next time you shop, please ask to have your card linked to All Saints Preschool!

The Episcopal Church Women will have their October meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14, beginning at 5:45 p.m. in Gordon Mann Hall. Our speaker for the evening will be Dale Finn who will present a slide show on her 2008 medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. All women of All Saints are automatically members of ECW and are cordially invited to attend this gathering.

The cost for the dinner will be $5.00, and for those who would like wine with dinner, there is an additional $2.00 charge. A sign-up sheet will be posted in Gordon Mann Hall, or you may sign up by e-mailing Marsha Rabun by the Sunday prior to the meeting.

Please put this date on your calendar as a special time to share a meal and fellowship with the women of All Saints. We will look forward to seeing you there!

Rehearsals for both the Adult Bell Ringers and the Adult Choir have begun for the fall season. Over 35 letters of invitation were sent out to recruit for these two groups.

The Adult Choir came together during the weekend of September 12 to work on the upcoming music for the fall season. Dr. Alan Raines, Conductor at Stetson University, led the choir members through vocalizes and literatures to broaden their understanding and perspective of the voice and its many peculiarities. There were eight women and ten men who took advantage of this opportunity. The choir spend nine hours and 45 minutes during this workshop, which was interspersed with great food and fellowship.

The choir is happy to welcome several new members: Ramon McGeehee, Betty Amer, George Hitchcock, Gwyneth Saunders, and Bob Moore are enjoying their new fellowship. These persons have come forward and plunged into the choir without hesitation. Current enrollment now stands at 25 active persons, and I hope to report on others by next month. The Bell Ringers welcome new member Shea Szachara to its fellowship. Enrollment is now at 8 ringers, a very good start. It is never too late to join a musical ensemble, and one mustn’t feel that he or she needs to fully understand every piece of music being worked on at the moment. It is a life-long learning and growth process that continues through the Christian journey, and there is always room for you.

In addition, the All Saints music department has published a brochure of musical events for the year. You may get a copy at the reception desk. Our first Evensong will be held on the afternoon of Nov. 9 combined with a service of remembrance. We will also host a Madrigal Dinner presented by the Effingham County High School on Wed., Dec. 3. This will be a ticketed event with limited seating. You will not want to miss this!

We also welcome the Hilton Head Choral Society Youth Chorus which now meets in our choir room every Monday afternoon for rehearsal. We hope they will find our church family a welcoming one to which they will wish to return time and time again.

All Saints Chapter of The Order of the Daughters of the King announces fall training classes for those who are interested in becoming members of this Order. Classes will commence on Wednesday, Oct. 1, and continue every Wednesday through Nov. 5. The six sessions will take place from 1:15 until 2 p.m. in the large classroom just off Gordon Mann Hall. It is desirable, though not necessary, to attend as many sessions as possible in order to complete the course.

The Order of the DOK meets regularly every first and third Wednesday of the month from 1:15 until 3 p.m. Our main purposes and commitments are prayer, service, evangelism, and study. All are welcome and invited to attend training sessions to determine if this is a call which would appeal to you.

Please contact Jan Padolik at (843) 705-3255 or any DOK member for further information or to express your interest.

The All Saints Singles Group presents A Private Wine Tasting on Monday, Oct. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Where? The Hilton Head Winery, 12A Cardinal Road (just off Matthews Drive, close to the Airport).

Cost? $20.00 per person, which includes hors d’oeuvres and sampling of 20-25 wines

Reservations? Yes, you must reserve your spots for this very special event! Please call either Joyce Kauffman (816-6486) or Marge Patchet (681-7927) before Friday, Oct. 17.

The All Saints 2009 Garden Tour Board is already hard at work planning another fabulous floral event. Everyone can help right now in two ways:

We once again anticipate a wonderful Tour…our gift to the community. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, May 16!

Have you ever heard the calling to be a lay participant in the Sunday or Thursday services at All Saints? If so, there is a way for you to take part.

As currently constituted, the lay program involves reading and assisting at Communion as a chalice bearer at 6the Sunday 8 and 10:15 a.m. services and at the Thursday morning service. However, we are now offering the possibility to take part in one or the other of these ministries if doing both is not your calling.

If you would like to read the lessons or lead the Nicene Creed and the Prayers of the People but are not comfortable assisting with the chalice, we can train you and schedule you to do this. Likewise, if you prefer not to read in front of the congregation but would like to assist with communion, this can be coordinated. Of course, there are also openings for people who would like to do both.

Each Sunday one of the Lay Eucharistic Ministers at All Saints takes communion to shut-ins at the Dogwood unit of The Preston Health Center at The Cypress. It would be nice to have several more people involved in this ministry, and we welcome any questions about it.

Perhaps you have thought about one or more of these ministries and would like to learn more about what is involved. If this is the case, please call Brad Tufts or talk to any one of the Lay Eucharistic Ministers who participate in the Sunday services.

In any case, there are openings in the ranks, and we would very much enjoy having you join us in this special ministry to All Saints. Please e-mail Brad Tufts or call him at 342-9549, or inquire with Farther Mark at the church.

Autumn is here, and the holidays – Thanksgiving and Christmas – are not far off. Soon we will be putting sign-up sheets in Gordon Mann Hall for parishioners of all Saints who wish to sponsor holiday food baskets. This program gives us the opportunity to help those less fortunate in our community enjoy a holiday turkey or ham dinner. Sponsors do the shopping, assemble the baskets, and then deliver them to the family a few days before the holiday.

Groups such as Supper Clubs, Saintly Singles, and the Choir – as well as individuals – may sign up to sponsor a family. More details about the number and sizes of the families we will be helping this year at both holidays will appear in the November issue of the “Pelican’s Bill.”

If you do not feel able to act as a sponsor, you can help this outreach program by donating food items or cash to assist sponsors in filling their baskets. Your check should be made out to All Saints, notation: “Holiday Baskets.”

In the meantime, please remember to help fill the Deep Well food baskets located in the Narthex. This food is given to Deep Well each month to help keep their food closet stocked.

The Associate's Corner DoK News The Deacon's Desk Garden Tour News ECW Update Events Around the Island Lay Eucharistic Ministries Local Mission and Outreach	October, 2008	A Musical Moment Preschool News The Rector's Reflections Saintly Singles Wine Tasting Senior Warden's Report Thanksgiving Holiday Baskets Treasurer's Report WBTTF
Sep	Index	Nov

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

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

If there is no navigation bar present at the left of the screen, click here.

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