
All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island, SC
In this month's issue (click on any title):
|
|
|
|
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS from the Rector
Religion and Politics
In an election year, in a democracy, what do responsible Christians do? They vote, as all Americans have the privilege to do. They cast a vote that is born out of their own integrity as citizens of the United States and as people belonging to the Kingdom of God. I am very wary of combining religion and politics, and I am thankful I do not live in a theocracy; but, rather in a democracy that has very carefully and wisely drawn a line between the practice of religion and public policy, the crucial difference between any religion dominating and pronouncing what is the norm and practice, and a nation of diverse people pledging to work together for the common good for all society.
I am very wary of anyone or any group of citizens who claim to have “the answer” from on high, that their understanding of God and what God wants for this nation speaks louder and carries more weight than simply one particularly informed vote. I don’t think we can help but take our faith (and for that matter, a host of other realities) into the polling booth, for faith is a significant part of our lives.
But I must remind myself that faith, my particular understanding of something as personal as faith, is a gift to be treated carefully and with regard for the common good. For me to presume to know without doubt, beyond and above all other faithful people – the will of God – is to be delusional and more than a bit self-righteous. Faith informs my life and the decisions I make, including those as an American citizen. It does not begin to overrule and dictate to others in a democracy. It is when I feel absolutely “right” and “absolutely right” that there is danger lurking around the corner.
But there is a place for religion and faith in the public sector and at the polls. Jesus did not flinch when asked about the role of Caesar for a faithful Jew. He took a coin and saw that the inscription of Caesar was on one side. He calmly handed back the coin to the person and simply said, “give unto Caesar what is due Caesar, and unto God that which belongs to God.” It is precisely the life of Jesus in his day, and in the context of the society he was active in, that shapes our voice and action as Christians in our democratic society.
Can we imagine entering into the public debate or the polling booth without a sense of what justice means from the Christian perspective? What does it mean for each of us to know that Christ asks us to love thy neighbor as thyself as we engage our society or contemplate other nations and their place in the life of America? Are we not always asking the rhetorical question, “Who is my neighbor?” Shouldn’t there be a line in the sand about what we mean about fairness and openness and honesty in the public sector and for those who legislate and speak for us in government? For a Christian, nothing should be placed ‘out of bounds’ relating to faithful responses. Again, it must be our personal response, borne out of a regard for the best interests of our neighbors, however it is we finally understand and define “neighbor.”
I am well aware that good people with good and noble intentions and positions often differ and at times painfully disagree with one another. Nothing new there. But how do we engage others? How do we disagree, even with those diametrically opposed to us and our own sense of right and wrong, good and bad, in a pluralistic society?
The answer might be to combine our best citizenship with thoughtful and honest Christianity as the least common denominator: the individual Christian demonstrating sensitivity, honor, and compassion for another seeking that which is good and honorable as well.
Christianity has been able to flourish in this country; and, as a result, we ought to give back the very ideals and values that have shaped and informed us as Christians. Not to lord it over anyone, but I am a person who has the privilege of voting and who is aware that my one vote means something.
Rick Lindsey to top of page ...
THE ASSOCIATE’S CORNER
It’s something of an irony that All Saints Day and Election Day always find themselves placed side by side. In a way, Election Day is about our desire for heroes – for candidates who will lead us to comfort and success, but without risk and raising taxes. If you have been following the various campaigns over the past many months, I’m sure you know what Election Day is all about.
All Saints Day, by contrast, is about saints. Saints are not necessarily successful as the world measures success. Many were killed for their faith while others died in relative obscurity after lives of doubtful accomplishment. Saints take risks and embrace sacrifice. They invite transformation and encourage reaching out to others.
The Church does not offer us heroes, but rather a wide array of saints: men, women, young, old, people of history, and people of today. Some saints are immortalized on holy days and others remain anonymous, such as the saints beside us in the pew. We, too, are called to be saints.
May God be with you in the voting booth on Tuesday and in your sainthood each and every day.
Blessings,
Mark
to top of page ...
FAMILY PROMISE UPDATE
Family Promise is off to a good start! It is good to partner with our friends at Beth Yam and cement those neighborly bonds as well.
There are probably still some folks who might not have volunteered yet and want to get on board. Others might have signed up but have been away and still need to be trained. It is important that everyone be trained, including – whenever possible – those who only bring food or donate items. (And it’s also very beneficial to attend a training session as a “refresher;” every hour spent on site or in training will count when we look for grants and contributions.)
Our next dates to host our guests will be December 14 through December 21.We will need one male and one female volunteer to spend the night from Sunday through Saturday. We do need to fill these dates ASAP because those dates will be here before we know it and the dates are also so close to the holidays. Perhaps not everyone knows their travel plans yet, but the Saunders and the Trolleys will be away over Thanksgiving.
Training sessions are set for:
Tuesday, November 4, 1:30-3:00
Thursday, November 6, 6-7:30
Please call or email Loni Saunders at 686-3990 or DSAUND6560@aol.com to volunteer, to get more information, or to ask questions. And we also appreciate your prayers for our “guests to be.”
--Loni Saunders
to top of page ...
CHORAL EVENSONG NOVEMBER 9, 5 PM, WITH RECEPTION TO FOLLOW
Supplemental forms (Matins/Vespers) of worship can trace their origins to the observance by the Jews during various hours of the day. The psalmist declares (ll9:164), "Seven times a day do I praise thee.” Daily services were developed and continued by monastic communities before any system of offices was perfected. The canonical offices later prescribed by St. Benedict about 530AD added Prime and Compline. By 786AD this tradition was firmly established in France, Germany and England.
The central feature in each office was the recitation of a portion of the psalter. To this were added scripture, homilies, hymns, canticles, and prayers. Additional elements such as antiphons, versicles, responsories later enriched the services. Each hour was distinctive in character. Matins was originally midnight. Lauds(dawn) made reference to nature with birds beginning their song, and is marked by the thought of praise to God the Creator. Prime (beginning of the workday) made reference to supplication. Terce, Sext, & Nones (9/12/3) hallow the forenoon/noon/& afternoon through the offering of petitions. Vespers (at the close of day) reviews God's mercies lifting the hearts of men from the toil of earlier hours in praise and thanksgiving. Compline (before rest at night) is a means for the Christian to commend himself to God's safe keeping.
The early simplicity of using just the psalter, lessons, hymns, and prayers eventually became overloaded with intricate details requiring different observances according to the rank and degree of festivals and days in the calendar. These additions complicated and robbed the services of their spiritual values. The reformers could see the valuable features in the daily offices and cited that they were an important factor in the religious development of a generation from which came many great writers and defenders of the faith.
For us, Matins & Lauds were combined to create our Morning Prayer Service and Vespers and Compline were combined in a service of Evening Prayer or Evensong. The Anglican effort introduced considerable new material in the vernacular while omitting complicated antiphons and responsories. It changed the place of the canticles & prescribed the regular recitation of the entire psalter once a month. It promptly enlisted the aid of English composers in providing original musical settings. The result was the conferring of a new dignity and a definitely congregational character upon these ancient orders. The Anglican Church has ever since succeeded in maintaining the daily Morning Prayer and daily Evensong in Cathedrals and Parishes throughout.
We recognize that Matins & Vespers are not grounded upon any institution of our Lord or of the earliest church; they are later developments. They make provision only for the word and not the sacraments and we acknowledge the primacy of the Eucharistic service. Matins & Vespers are minor offices of prayer and praise which stress the subjective over the objective side of worship. The principal service in the Eucharist may be thought of as a cathedral; Matins & Vespers can then be thought of as chapels which cluster around the apse of the greater building. These orders should not be dismissed. They have real value and a character all their own. Their simple outlines are capable of rich liturgical and musical elaboration. There is a flexibility about them which makes them adaptable to unusual circumstances and occasions. They provide an edifying devotional order even in the absence of a homily. When used in corporate worship of such institutions, these services in their simpler forms take on something of the intimate character of worship in the Christian family. When used as a framework for important festival services of the congregation, they are capable of great enrichment.
The church even in the present time has not yet realized the possibilities and challenges afforded them through these services. I now ask each of you to consider the possibilities of continuing this Anglican tradition at All Saints as the choir and staff prepares to offer the first Choral Evensong of the season on Sunday, November 9 at 5pm. I would also ask that you consider extending an invitation to a friend to attend this service. This type of service is believed to be conducive to visitors who may be unchurched or either indifferent to the church, and we are all reminded that 'word of mouth' is still better than any publicity that can be purchased. In doing so, the musicians will ultimately realize that you will be offering them the highest compliment.
--Steven Branyon
to top of page ...
EVERY MEMBER CANVASS FOR 2009
This is clearly going to be a challenging year for our Every Member Canvass! We all have stories to tell about how the problems in the financial world and our own world have impacted our financial health this year.
In the midst of all this, All Saints Parish continues to provide top notch worship services, Pastoral Care, Christian Education, Mission and Outreach. Fortunately, the successful Cornerstone Campaign in 2007 will continue to provide funding for expanded local and overseas mission work, paying off the mortgage, and supporting staff expenses in 2009, as planned.
The Vestry is preparing a tentative balanced parish budget for 2009 so that the pledge income needed to balance the budget will be close to the 2008 pledge total. If we are to continue to carryout (or expand) our Mission and Vision, we will need Every Household’s help.
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY WILL BE NOVEMBER 16.
EVERYONE WHO PLEDGED FOR 2008 WILL RECEIVE A LETTER ON NOVEMBER 17 0R 18. The letter will contain a Pledge Card for 2009 and budget information.
EVERY HOUSEHOLD THAT IS A PART OF THE ALL SAINTS FAMILY BUT DID NOT PLEDGE FOR 2008 WILL BE VISITED BY A CANVASSER BEGINNING STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY AFTERNOON. The Canvasser will have a pledge card for 2009 and supporting information about Stewardship and All Saints.
We are asking EVERYONE to pledge for 2009; and hope that the increases and new pledges will offset pledges which are lost every year due to members moving and other unforeseen circumstances.
All Saints will have a successful Every Member Canvass for 2009 if EVERYONE will prayerfully consider and respond to the many blessings which God has provided and All Saints attempts to enrich.
If you have any questions, please contact any one of us.
Richard C. Lindsey, Rector
Fred Hill, Senior Warden
Sherman Barker and Bob
Moore
EMC Co-Chairs
to top of page ...
A STEWARDSHIP MINUTE
“The only ultimate value in our lives is the love God has for us.” This sentence is packed with a salient truth! Notice the words: “Ultimate” means last or final or utmost. “Value” means worth or importance. “The love God has for us” focuses upon the deep personal affection God has for each of us. Think of God’s everlasting love surrounding us, supporting us, and blessing us every second of our lives. Even in difficult times, that truth should make our lives hum with confidence, assurance, faith, hope, and love. Think of it! The love of our Creator for each of us…and we cannot be separated from it…ever. What amazing grace! Yes, we have the freedom to ignore it, shun it and even doubt it. Yet the New Testament tells us God’s eternal love for us is an unwavering fact. The November issue of Stewardship points out that this is the ultimate value in our lives. Surely that reality leaves us with our hearts bursting with gratitude. It makes us want to offer our gratitude to God day in and day out. In fact, every day should be a day of thanksgiving, don’t you think? Furthermore, because God showers us with love, our response should be to love God and others in return. Our sense of thanksgiving should compel us to give, to share, and to be good stewards of time, talent, and substance.
Loving Creator, you but open your hands and all of our needs are met. Such love humbles us and stirs us to want to love and serve you all the days of our lives. Amen.
CODA (Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse)
They are still in need of full size containers of deodorant, mouthwash and toothpaste; old cell phones that can be converted for 911 emergency use; and seasonal outer clothing for both adult women and children/teens of all ages and sizes. Donated clothing can be new or gently used. The CODA drop off site for all items is located next to the hanging quilt in the parish hall.
to top of page ...
ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
ECW will have their November meeting on Tuesday, November 11, at 5:45 p.m. in Gordon Mann Hall. Our speaker for the evening will be Jan Geraghty who will talk to us about senior health, safety, and identity theft concerns for those who live independently.
This is such a timely topic since some of us or our relatives and friends are going down that road faster than we thought! All women of the church are automatically members of ECW and are cordially invited to attend this gathering.
Social Time, 5:45-6:15 p.m.
Meditation/Prayer, 6:15 p.m.
Dinner, 6:30 p.m.
Speaker and/or Business Meeting, 7-8:00 p.m.
The cost for dinner will be $5.00 (with wine, it’s an additional $2.00.) A sign-up sheet will be posted in Gordon Mann Hall or you can also sign up by emailing me at marsha911@hargray.com no later than the Sunday prior to the meeting. Please put Tuesday, November 11 on your calendar! Come share a meal and fellowship with the women of All Saints. We look forward to seeing you there!
--Marsha Rabun
to top of page ...
PRESCHOOL UPDATE
The Preschool has been very busy this fall. The Halloween Carnival was a week earlier than usual because of the Fall Break the last week of October. But it couldn’t come soon enough for the children. Gordon Mann Hall was once again transformed into a fantastic Halloween Paradise with spiders and Jack-o-lanterns and ghosts all to help our “little goblins” have a fabulous time.
This month we will be having our Thanksgiving Program on Tuesday, November 25 at 10:30 a.m. followed by light snacks in the tradition of the Pilgrims and the Indians. Parents, friends and parishioners are invited to attend. We love to sing and perform for you. We will also be learning about how God protected the Pilgrims when they came to America and what religious freedom meant to them, all at the Preschool level.
We will also begin practicing our Christmas songs, as this year our program will be held in the church on Wednesday, December 17 at 5:30 p.m. Again all parishioners are invited to attend.
The Preschool continues to provide quality care for 48 students. The teachers have all been involved in training sessions this fall to keep us fresh and up to date on all areas of development. It is our goal to provide the best possible preschool experience for the children.
The 12th Annual Pasta Dinner and Silent Auction plans are underway and we are excited. Please save the date now so you can support the Preschool on the evening of January 23, 2009. More information will be in next month’s news, but we will have dinner and many fabulous auction items for you to bid on. Please call the Preschool with any questions you may have at 681-8671.
Happy Thanksgiving!
--Nan Thompson, Director
to top of page ...
THANKSGIVING DINNER BASKETS
The sign-up sheets for parishioners of All Saints to sponsor Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets are now posted in Gordon Mann Hall. This annual program gives us the opportunity to help those less fortunate in our community enjoy a turkey or ham dinner on Thanksgiving. With the current state of the economy, and growing unemployment, the need for our help this year is greater than ever.
The families we will be helping have been recommended to us by Deep Well and Bluffton Self Help. Our families range from small (3 or 4 people) to larger, extended families (6 to 8 people).
Sponsors of the dinner baskets do the shopping, assemble the baskets, and then deliver them to the family a few days before Thanksgiving. Groups such as Supper Clubs, Saintly Singles, and the Choir as well as individuals can sign up to sponsor a family.
If you don’t feel quite 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 Church, notation “Holiday Baskets.”
Also, please remember to continue to fill the Feed My Sheep wicker basket located in the Narthex. The food is given to Deep Well and Bluffton Self Help each month to help keep their food pantry stocked. November and December requests are ‘canned, boxed or bagged holiday dinner items.”
If you have any questions, please email me at RAFFSMOM@yahoo.com or phone me at 671-2295.
--Lois Southwick
to top of page ...
HAVE YOU NOTICED THE ‘S’ WORD?
[Creeping into more and more Pelican’s Bill articles…Lurking beneath the surface of more and more sermons…Resting at the heart of the Vestry’s goals…the dreaded “S” word.]
Elsewhere in this issue of the “PB” is a full-page layout of the plans and activities for All Saints’ newest commission. Check us out to see what’s being done to show that it’s more than merely money – that it’s all we do with all we have. And if you attended the Time and Talent Fair, or if you plan to attend December’s Madrigal Feast, you’ll know that it can actually be fun!
But don’t dare say it; don’t utter the “S” word…
--Bob Taylor
to top of page ...
THE JULIETS
When several of us first had the idea for women of the church getting together, we had two goals in mind: to keep it inexpensive and to make it convenient for those both on and off the island. The Juliets (Joy, Understanding, Love In Eating Together) was created for women of All Saints to meet once a month to eat and to get to know each other. There is no other agenda! The summer is now over, and we are hoping that you will want to join us on the third Monday of each month at the Original Pancake House across from Moss Creek; we meet at 9:30 a.m. We laugh a lot and share what is happening in our lives. For more information, please contact Lillian Hill at 338-6490 or Janet Haysom at 705-2514. Our next gathering is Monday, November 17; please join us!
--Lillian Hill
to top of page ...
ADULT EDUCATION
Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Parish Hall
| November 2: | The Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence |
| November 9: |
Dominican Republic Missions -
John &
Bonnie Gruetzmacher Faith & Policy - Various guest facilitators |
| November 16: | Local Missions - Ginny Trolley |
| November 23: | The Art of Welcoming - Mark Brinkmann |
| November 30: | Season’s Greetings - Mark Brinkmann |
Sundays November 9,16,23 at 9 a.m. in the Library
Welcome: A Guide to Life at All Saints
Rick Lindsey, Mark Brinkmann, and Sara Dodenhoff will offer this series, primarily for those who are new to the parish or visiting the island for an extended period of time.
to top of page ...
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT ALL SAINTS
This month’s program will be held November 5 with special guest presenter The Reverend Morey Lent who has titled his program, Adding the Energies of Soul and Spirit…using scripture, poetry, music, story, and conversation, you will explore how balancing earth and heaven can further awaken us to the flow, mystery, and meaning of life. The evening begins with Holy Eucharist at 5:15 followed by dinner in the parish hall. The program begins at 6:30. The sign up sheet is located on the parish hall bulletin board.
SMALL GROUP EVENTS
The ever popular ‘Dinner and A Movie’ held at the home of the rector will be on Monday November 10, at 5:30 p.m. Plan to sign up for this event as seating is limited!
Art and Faith a three week series led by Rick Lindsey will conclude November 4 at the home of Shea Szachara in Sun City and November 6 in the church library.
to top of page ...
ADVENT QUIET DAY
[Hosted by All Saints DOK Chapter]
A Quiet Day at the beginning of the Advent Season gives us the opportunity to focus on the reason for and the value of the Advent Season as we prepare for the wondrous Christmas season. Father Mark Brinkmann will present three brief meditations, each followed by 40 minutes of quiet time for reflection.
Our Quiet Day will take place on Monday, December 1, beginning at 9:00 a.m. with registration. The program will begin at 9:30 and will conclude with a Eucharist at 11:45 a.m.
Daughters of the King will serve a simple luncheon in Gordon Mann Hall following the Eucharist. All are invited to attend. Please phone the church office at 681-8333 or call Lois Southwick at 671-2295 if you plan to attend the luncheon.
Preparing for Christmas is not just about shopping and sending greeting cards. We need to prepare spiritually for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
--Jenifer Gajdalo
to top of page ...
AN UPDATE ON THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE…
Have you read ‘Three Cups of Tea?’ It’s a remarkable story of one man’s unquenchable passion to build schools in poor rural villages of Pakistan and Afghanistan. As I read the book, I thought of how All Saints’ commitment to the people of La Redención in the city of Barahona relates in some small way to Greg Mortenson’s dedication to the people of Central Asia. Our willingness to help build a church and school helps us too as we grow in Christ. Our annual student scholarship support offers the hope of a future for a small percentage of the children in need. Mortenson says of global literacy, “There are over 145 million children in the world today deprived of an education.”
Adult Education 9:00 am on Sunday, November 9. A session dedicated to learning about the Diocese of the Dominican Republic, All Saints’ commitment, and ways in which you may become involved will be presented by John and Bonnie Gruetzmacher.
2009 All Saints mission trips
Plans are under way, led by a small core of parishioners who are deeply committed to the people of the Dominican Republic and our work there. These folks are always ready to talk about how it has touched their hearts with anyone who will listen! Names and contact information for those who are leading the teams are listed below.
Join the Diocesan Medical Mission team. Dates for the trip are Friday, May 8 through Saturday, May 16, 2009 but the application deadline is December 2, 2008. Interested people can contact parishioner Dale Finn, phone: 705-2317 or email: dale355@yahoo.com; or contact Diocesan team leader Cheryl Allen via e-mail: dacamal@knology.net.
Make a trip of ‘Discovery.’ Spend a week personally experiencing life in the fastest growing Diocese in the Episcopal Church and meet with the bishops, clergy and parishioners as you visit clinics, schools and churches. Tour led by John and Bonnie Gruetzmacher. Contact them by phone: 987-5267 or bonniegee@embarqmail.com The trip will depart on Tuesday, February 17 and return home on Monday, February 23.
Be a part of the Construction Team. Fred Finn is planning to lead another work team to Barahona in April – specific dates TBD. Contact Fred for details - email: dale355@yahoo.com or phone: 705-2317.
Meet the children of La Redención at Vacation Bible School. After a very successful 2008 trip, Sandy Grant and Soozi Williams are excited about planning for the next one in June. Sandy can be reached at Sandygrant@roadrunner.com or call her at 715-0202 or contact Soozi Williams at LSoozi@yahoo.com.
A concrete solution
While Fred Finn was working on the construction of the church in Barahona last spring, he saw the living conditions of the people – very small dwellings with dirt floors that become mud and tin roofs that leak when it rains. He wondered what it would cost for a concrete slab floor or sheets of tin to repair the roofs. What if we get a list of individual needs and bring it to parish? Maybe we could help. Well, the list is printed below, and you can help in full or in part -- one sack of cement is $7.50. God bless you.
Home Repair List
Jesús Peregrino, Barahona
Bertha: 30 sheets roofing tin, 8 rafters, 10 cross pieces = $335 Filomena: 30 sheets roofing tin, 7 rafters, 10 cross pieces = $330 Suita: 15 sheets roofing tin, ½ meter sand = $125 Daysy: 35 sheets roofing tin, 8 rafters, 5 cross pieces = $340 Yesinia: 10 sacks of cement = $ 75 Isabel: 10 sacks of cement = $ 75 André: 12 sheets roofing tin, 5 rafters, 5 cross pieces = $155 Deruna: 7 sacks of cement, 100 lbs rebar, 100 concrete block, 1 meter sand = $240 Olga: 10 sheets roofing tin, 6 rafters, 5 cross pieces = $145 Antonio: 10 sacks of cement = $ 75
Make your check payable to All Saints Episcopal Church and write: DR and the name of the person on the memo line.
--Fr. Nephtaly 3 September 2008
to top of page ...
IN LOVING MEMORY
Our All Saints Family extends our deepest sympathy to the families of John Semmes and Pat Michaelson. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR needs volunteers to be assistant hosts and hostesses. Please give some thought to helping with this important fellowship. Volunteers are asked to bring 3 dozen goodies, boxed or homemade; come a little early before the 10:15 service to help set up and stay a little late after coffee hour to help clean up. It’s that easy and a perfect way to get to know your fellow Saints! The sign up poster is located on the kitchen entrance bulletin board. For more information call Joyce Brady at 689-5988.
THANKSGIVING DAY HOLY EUCHARIST will be held on November 27 at 9 am. If you are in town for the holiday weekend, you are encouraged to attend. The offering collected at this service will go to support York Place—Episcopal Church Home For Children. As we gather to thank God for all of our many blessings, please keep the children in your prayers. With God’s guidance and direction, your prayers and financial support, York Place will continue to be a ministry of hope and healing. For years parishioners of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina and the Upper Diocese of South Carolina have been generous to York Place through the official Diocesan Thanksgiving offering. York Place is an integral part of the ministry of the Episcopal Dioceses. Their mission: God through Christ, calls York Place, a ministry of the Episcopal Church to guide children and families toward spiritual and emotional wholeness.
to top of page ...
FROM THE PARISH OFFICE
Nancy Stephens, our parish receptionist for over the past 5 years, retired at the end of October for health reasons. We will all miss her.
--Marilyn Adams
to top of page ...
A LITTLE HUMOR NEVER HURTS
[Ed’s note: this came to us via email from Sara Eliasoph and we laughed out loud!]
One Sunday morning, the Rector noticed little Spencer standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque.
It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it.
The six-year-old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the Rector walked up and stood beside the little boy.
He then said quietly, “Good morning, Spence.”
“Good morning Rector,” he replied, still focused on the plague. “What is this?”
The Rector said, “Well, son, it’s a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.”
Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque.
Finally, little Spencer’s voice, barely audible and trembling with fear, asked, “Which service, the 8:00 or the 10:15?”
to top of page ...