Visitor
July - August 2011
Dear Friends in Christ –
The image that has been in my mind this past week is one that I first saw as a child. It hung in the front of our church, on the wall behind the pulpit: a picture of Jesus standing at the wooden door of a stone house, knocking. It was an illustration of a vision that the apostle John had: “Behold I stand at the door and knock.” (Revelation 3:20)
I recently discovered that the idyllic painting I grew up with was painted by American painter Warner Sallman, and was a 20thcentury reproduction of an original painting by William Holman Hunt, an English painter from the 19thcentury. Hunt painted three versions of “The Light of the World” painting; he wrote the date 1851-1900 on the third one as a reminder of how long he’d been working on the paintings.
Hunt’s version of the painting is much rougher and harsher than the one I grew up with. In Hunt’s version, Jesus is wearing a heavy traveling cloak and looks very weary. The scene is dark, and it looks like Jesus has wandered off the beaten path to a house where the trees are unkempt and the door hasn’t been opened in so long that there are weeds growing up in front of it. The viewer is left to wonder if anyone is home. Or whether the door can be opened any longer.
Hmmmm . . .
If Jesus was knocking at the door of your heart, would you open it? Could you open it? Or are there weeds in the way?
I have long thought that one of the most amazing things about God is that he never forces himself on us. He’s powerful enough that he could, but he never does. God creates us. God calls to us. God comes to us in various ways – even including becoming one of us. But he doesn’t force himself into our lives. We have to invite him in.
Have you invited Jesus in? To your life? To your days?
Summer is a time for something new. We use many metaphors for what we try to do during this time: changing the pace, downshifting, clearing the decks, escaping, getting away from it all. In the midst of this “restful” activity, if we’re still, we can hear him . . . knock, knock, knock . . .
Wherever you’re going, whatever you’re doing this summer, Jesus wants to be invited to go with you. So pack your Bible or your prayer book (or just bookmark on your phone/computer the place where you can get the daily Scripture verses www.satucket.com/lectionary!), and spend some time with Jesus every day.
Inviting Jesus in – every day – WILL change your life.
Faithfully in Jesus,
Rev. Janet+
PS – The PRAYER CARE SHARE DARE was designed to help you invite Jesus in . . . and to let you hear from others here at St. Paul’s who are inviting Him in, too. Join the PRAYER SHARE DARE CONVERSATION on Facebook at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church . . . and look for my summer blog posts, too . . . www.25church.blogspot.com.
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Where Did Kate Go?
Short answer: San Salvador, Central America. Saludos de El Salvador!
Well, that´s also a short-term answer. After a whirlwind month that included graduating form Yale Divinity, getting ordained to the transitional diaconate and finding a new apartment, I took two weeks "off" to work on my Spanish in El Salvador. I have spent the past week and a half having language class all morning and cultural excursions in the afternoon (these include dinner with the host mother I am staying with, who does not speak any English).
In the long-term, I am happy to tell you all that I have accepted a job at Christ Church, Philadelphia. (christchurchphila.org) I will be serving as the Assistant Minister to the Rev. Tim Safford, overseeing a "portfolio" that includes young adult and children´s ministries, as well as some preaching and other sundry tasks.
This past weekend, I got a chance to visit the Episcopal Church of El Salvador. Before becoming an independent diocese, the church here was a part of the Episcopal Church of the United States. As a result, we used the exact same service (en español, por supesto) - Rite II, with Prayers of the People Form III and Eucharistic Prayer A. There was even a "coffee hour" after service where I was warmly welcomed and spoken to in both English and Spanish.
Being a world away from home and yet feeling so welcomed and at ease made me think back to another leap of faith I made when I accepted a job at a parish in Shelton, CT. At the beginning I often felt like I was speaking "a different language", but still got a warm welcome and a good meal. The Church (that big international "Anglican Communion" we belong to) has been a true family for me, and a real home.
In the same spirit of Bienvenidos, I hope anyone who finds themselves in Philadelphia over the next few years will look me up! In another six months or so I hope to be ordained a priest, either in Philadelphia or Chicago... stay tuned for more details.
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Help Wanted: Nursery Specialist
Sunday Mornings- 9:00am-12:00 noon (position will be shared w/another)
St. Paul's is seeking someone who loves children to guide the care of our
youngest members.
Skills are needed in:
-providing basic childcare (changing, feeding, etc.)
-providing meaningful activities for children 2-6
-working with volunteers (who will assist the nursery specialist)
Must have CPR and First Aid Training
Must be willing to become Safe Church certified (training provided)
Pay based on experience. (min $12.00/hr).
Send resume to St. Paul's Church, 25 Church St, Shelton, Ct 06484.
For additional information please contact Dawn Barber at 924-2719 or k.barber@snet.net.
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Collector’s Report as of June 26, 2011
The total annual pledge is $216,617 from 103 parishioners. 2011 Pledge receipts equal $101,534 or 47% after twenty-six Sundays. This is one-half of the year and thus we should be at 50% of our total pledge or $108,308. This results in a shortfall of $6,774.
Reviewing the current pledge status, I show 53 pledges at 50% or greater and 50 pledges below the 50% mark.
Unpledged receipts total $10,183 for 2011 to date.
Tom Clark
Collector
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PRAYER CARE SHARE DARE
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
– Jesus (Matthew 5:16)
Dear Friends in Christ –
To encourage you to include God in your summer plans, I challenge you to the weekly PRAYER SHARE CARE DARE. Here’s how it works . . . each week I dare you (“triple dog dare you” ☺) to . . .
PRAY – come to church OR if you can’t get to church, write a three-or-four-sentence prayer about something that’s on your heart.
SHARE – give something to God in thanksgiving for all God is giving to you. Small boxes will be available for you to put your thanksgiving gifts (dimes, quarters, dollars) in, and at the end of every month, we’ll collect these gifts at the Sunday services.
CARE – do something for someone else. Anything for someone else . . . whatever God puts on your heart . . . send a card to a family member for no reason, give veggies from your garden to Spooner House, cut the weeds by the neighbor’s back fence when you cut your own
. . . and then, report on your experience of PRAYER, SHARE, and CARE on our new parish Facebook page – St. Paul’s – Shelton, CT. Everyone who Facebooks their successful PRAYER SHARE CARE (yes, all three in the same week!) for at least ONE week this summer (June – August) will receive a free Rita’s Ice from me at the end of the summer.
Some of you over-achievers ☺ will manage this within the next week or two – if so, I beg you to help build enthusiasm for this challenge over the course of the summer by continuing the PRAYER SHARE CARE challenge and reporting on your experience. PRIZES will be awarded at the end of the summer in the following categories: (1) most consistent participation, (2) most inspiring participation, and (3) most engaging/humorous participation.
If you don’t “Facebook,” you can still participate by reporting your PRAYER SHARE CARE to the parish office in writing. Your submissions will be eligible for prizes and may be posted on the Facebook page as time allows.
Like sparrows in flight always keep their eyes open for good things to eat and places to rest, so in summer flight we need to keep our hearts open . . . to God. Yes, we need to get away in the summer, but we don’t need to get away from it all. Our God still longs for us to be in connection with him, and great rewards lie in store for us as we heed his call to “come to me all you who are weary . . . and you will find rest.” I dare you to join me in answering His call!
Faithfully with you, Rev. Janet+
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St. Paul’s Episcopal Society
Vestry Minutes
June 21, 2011
Attending: Rev. Janet Waggoner, Tom Clark, Laura Dwinells, Pat Sullivan, Marion Sega, Dave Rennie, Steve Parkosewich, Laurie Marcho, Paula Floberg, Jim Goodman, Karen Pepin, Frank Burdo, Laurie Wilczynski, Betsy Miller
Absent: Steve Johnson, Karen Nash, Bob Dorland, Pat Carey, Rich Brown
The meeting began at 7:30 p.m. with prayer and a presentation from the Youth of St. Paul’s.
A Summary of Youth Ministry Development Process was presented by Ken Blass, Jeremy Blass, Carolyn Rennie, and Will Dwinells. Some of the highlights were that everyone wants the same thing, they would like to continue mission trips and Lake Champion with an experienced leader that will commit for the long term. The youth group would like to be a part of the hiring process and be updated about our progress in recruiting for this position. Additional adult volunteers are welcome to support the program during the interim. St. Paul’s needs to continue the mentorship program with our youth and raise up leadership.
A motion was made by Dave Rennie to hire someone for 10 – 15 hours a week with an eye toward the budget we currently have. The opening will be referred to the personnel committee to be posted immediately to get a pool of applicants. The motion was seconded by Betsy Miller. APPROVED
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Jim Goodman made a motion to accept the Minutes of the May 17, 2011 meeting. The motion was seconded by Frank Burdo. APPROVED
TREASURER’S REPORT
Revenue for the month of May 2011 was unfavorable to the budget by $12,950. The final numbers for the Golf Classic will be available next month.
Expenses for May are unfavorable to budget by $746. Steve will look into the posting of $3,026 under Parish Property – Other that significantly changed this number from last month. YTD Net Income/(loss) after transfer for May was unfavorable to budget by $13,715.
The Investment statement for May reflects a 5.0% gain since the beginning of the year.
Locking in an oil price – Pat Sullivan made a motion to permit the Executive Committee to make a decision for our Treasurer to lock in a price for oil. The motion was seconded by Laurie Marcho. APPROVED
Pat Sullivan made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit. Second by Marion Sega. APPROVED
COLLECTOR’S REPORT
The total annual pledge for 2011 is $216,617 from 103 parishioners.
Pledge receipts equal $95,688 after twenty-five Sundays. This is 44% of the total for the year. Next Sunday is the halfway point so we are still behind.
Currently, 6 pledges of the 103 have not yet contributed any monies toward their 2011 pledge
Unpledged collection totals for 2011 are $9,843
SR. WARDEN’S REPORT
Nothing to report from the Sr. Warden; he’s away on business this week.
JR. WARDEN’S REPORT
Fire Extinguisher Inspection – The fire extinguisher company did conduct the annual inspection. They will come back to complete it.
Gutters – Frank Burdo presented 2 quotes to the Vestry on behalf of the Facilities Committee to replace the gutters on the entire complex that houses the chapel, offices, and parish hall. It has been determined that the existing gutters are too small and are the reason for the overflow of water into the existing windows. It is a priority to replace the gutters first. The Facilities Committee along with the Executive Committee will decide if we should add leaf guards as well. A motion was made by Jim Goodwin to replace the gutters on the entire complex (chapel, office, and parish hall) this summer and deferring the exact details to the Executive Committee with an expenditure not to exceed $9,000. The motion was seconded by Betsy Miller. APPROVED
OLD BUSINESS
· Response from our Bishops to May 13th letter – The Diocese does not have additional funds. They are asking for churches to reduce their allotment by 10 to 20%. Rev. Janet asked them for other suggestions, which they will continue to try to provide.
· Staffing update – The Rev. Knute Hansen will be retiring and may be able to fulfill some of Deacon Dee’s responsibilities. A six month contract will be negotiated with Knute beginning sometime this Fall, after his current assignment ends. We still need to fill the confirmation/teaching piece with the possibility of a retired clergy candidate.
• Annual Stewardship Campaign 2011 – The dinner for leadership will be scheduled for Saturday,
October 29th and the In-gathering will be on Sunday, November 6th. Donna Downs and her husband will serve as guest speakers at St. Paul’s, and Rev. Janet and Ed will serve as guest speakers at St. Paul’s, Woodbury.
NEW BUSINESS
· Community Connections – Vestry and Ministry Team Leaders did not have great enthusiasm for this idea, and the Vestry decided not to participate.
· Chili Cook-off and Bake-off Contest – Laurie Marcho made a motion for St. Paul’s to host this fundraiser led by Lisa Cook and Doris Burdo. Frank Burdo will be the Vestry liaison. Marion Sega seconded the motion. APPROVED The first step is to get this event on the Parish calendar for the Fall and to establish a planning committee.
200th Anniversary Committee – A motion was made by Dave Rennie to start a discrete discussion over the summer regarding the timing of a Capital Campaign with former Wardens and the Finance committee. Betsy Miller seconded this motion. APPROVED It has been 18 years since our last Capital Campaign and the timing may be right with former parishioners attending the anniversary.
RECTOR’S REPORT
· Communications Workshop – Jim Goodwin made a motion to host a communication workshop sponsored by the Christian Counseling Center for Counselors and Clergy on Friday, September 30th and Friday night and Saturday, October 1st for members of St. Paul’s and the community. The motion was seconded by Frank Burdo. APPROVED
Raising the Roofand articles were distributed to the Vestry for summer reading.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
Closing Prayer – Rev. Janet Waggoner
NEXT VESTRY MEETING – TUES. July 12, 2011 – 7:30 PM
HERE I AM, LORD. IS IT I, LORD?
One Sunday a month, Saint Paul’s has long sent a team to lead a worship service at Gardner Heights. Officially the team consisted of a rotating Worship Leader plus Martha Padgett. Tina Rose and David Nash often offered their talents, (and continue to do so, when their schedules permit). And when Tina and David couldn’t come, there were still two on the team, as in “Then he designated the pairs of the apostles as he desired them to go forth” (Luke 10:1). But recently there’ve been times when, unlike those apostles, we’ve had to solo.
I didn’t think I’d have a problem. I was an English teacher, comfortable being alone in front of a classroom. But there’s a difference between teaching more or less alert students how to use words and preaching His Word to considerably less alert patients. In a classroom, much of the responsibility for learning rests with the student. The teacher can only lead the way. But the Gardner Heights people, in a spiritual sense, need to be almost carried. And that’s difficult to do unless the leader has someone to lean on.
I’m not asking for another Martha, who filled this role superbly. Every month is too major a commitment for most. But if there were at least four people who could find this part of their personal ministry, they would only have to do it three times a year.
Do what, exactly? There’s no training necessary. They might be asked to read one of the
Lessons or Collects. Maybe lead the Prayers of the People. Maybe hold the communion wine. They’d work that out with the Worship Leader. But for sure, they’d smile as they passed the Peace. And watch those troubled faces light up when their hands are touched. Their gratitude is our reward, and it is “the pearl of great value” (Matthew 13:45).
If you feel you might be able to help, either on a regularly scheduled or on a trial basis, please contact Ron Kelly, Noelle D’Agostino, Ginnie Glassman or Lori Allen.
Blessing of Graduates
Before you were even formed, God knew you. While in your Mother’s womb, God named you. At your birth, God’s breath filled you with life. Today we celebrate what you have become at this moment in time. And so we pray,
God of our beginnings, we thank you for the gifts of these graduates; their excitement, their awesome wonder and curiosity, their open speech and encouraging words. Their contributions have blessed and challenged us, and we have become a richer and more diverse community because of them.
As they step forward into the world that awaits, comfort their fears with the full knowledge of your divine presence. Strengthen their resolve to walk in the footsteps of Jesus as modern-day disciples in a world that needs their spirit. Guide their feet as they move through life, protecting them from the pitfalls of darkness while they help to lead future generations into the warmth and promise of your light.
We ask this blessing upon each of them, In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. AMEN!
High School Graduates College Graduate EfM Graduate
Heather Bartlett Rachel Downs Lilly Beall
Sophie Bolton
Will Dwinells
Kristin Floberg
Shannon Gracie
Jake Kaesmann
Bryan LaRose
Amy Nash
Evan Rogowski
Joey Wilbur
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SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
June 12- August 28nd Children in Church this Summer!
Children are welcome and encouraged to attend church with their families as there will be No Sunday School during the summer months.
Children’s Books and Busy Boxes with coloring sheets and other quiet activities are located on the lower shelves in the narthex.
Nursery Care is available 9:30-11:30am for younger children.
July 31st5-7pm VBS Volunteer Orientation & Pizza Party
Teen and Adult volunteers on staff for this years vbs will be meeting in the parish hall for a brief instructions meeting. Pizza will be served.
August 1-5th9-noon Vacation Bible School
AtPandamania kids will hear stories about God & Jesus, make cool crafts, learn catchy rhythms, play zany games, eat yummy snacks and make lots of new friends!!!!
Registration required. Adults, Tweens and Teens welcome.
August 5th 11:30am: VBS Finale
Parents, friends and parishioners are welcome to witness and join in the fun as we close the week with songs presented by each group. Come sing along.
September 4th10am Back to School Blessings
Bring your backpacks and school supplies to church! Reverend Janet will lead us in a blessing to start you off right this school year.
August 28th Sunday School Teachers Meeting
following the 10am service in classrooms. Parents and teachers please let Dawn know availability for teaching classes so schedule can be made.
September 4th Sunday School Registration Party
In double classroom during the 10am service. Children renew friendships with a High Seas Expedition theme.
September 11th Sunday School Classes Start
Sunday School Teachers Commisioned
September 11th Children’s Ministry Fair
in chapel following 10am service
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YOUTH MINISTRIES
As we end the year and get ready to go on or are already back from our mission trip, I would like to thank all the parents and kids for all their help and being very supportive this year. You have awesome kids, each and every one of you.
I hope you give them all the credit they deserve. They handle life with grace and with God, and they are proud to tell you so. I love that! I am proud to say that they are my kids too. I am sure we will grow even closer on the Mission Trip. God called me to step in and help out and I am proud to say, I did that. If I didn't love the kids I would never have stepped out in faith the way I did,
I knew it wasn't an easy task. I hope I have inspired some other people out there to step out in faith. If enough of us do, our work will be less like work and all that much more fun.
I will continue to pray for all of us. To the young adults of the Campaigners and Junior High; we all at St. Paul's love you all very much and are committed to working together to create a loving, fun and spiritually rich atmosphere to grow in. You are very important to us and we love being with you. Believe me when I
say we learn as much from you as I hope you do from us. It's a give and take and that's what life is, “It’s a give and take”. Have a blessed summer and I'll see you all in church. Right?
Thanks and Peace,
Al
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St. Paul’s Golf Classic
June 13, 2011
Despite rain before and rain after, the St. Paul’s 8thannual Golf Classic held at the Harry B. Brownson Country Club was played under a nearly cloudless and sunny day with moderate temperatures. In other words, a true “golfers” dream day.
Highlights of the day included hole-in-one contests that featured a grand prize of $10,000 and other prizes that include a set of irons, a shopping spree and a weeklong stay at a resort. Other contests included closest of the pin on several Par 3 holes, longest drive for men and women and a special chipping bonus contest with a $1,000 prize. However, all of the money prizes were safe since no one was successful for the hole-in-one or chipping contests. But, fun was had by all who participated.
At the conclusion of play, winning by three strokes was the team of Dave Baudouin, Steve Morgan, Frank Quaranta and Rich Carrano. In second place was the Prestige Industrial Finishing team of Mike Osso, Chris Kalakay, Ed Hernandez and Luke Richmond. After a review of the score cards, the third place was taken by the team of Robert Manger Jr., Joseph Underkohler, Mike Cirillo and Ed Leibrock. The team of Bob Dzurnda, Richard Ahern and Rick Marino finished fourth.
The men’s longest drive winner was Steve Morgan and the ladies longest drive winner was Lex Kroll. Closest to the pin winners were Phil Montanaro with 16’7” on the 5thhole and Justin Santo with 18’0” on the 15thhole.
The net proceeds of approximately $7,200 will be shared with several of St. Paul’s inreach and outreach programs. This year’s Outreach recipient is The Boys & Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley. The Boys & Girls Club provides, in a safe environment, programs that inspire, educate, guide and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. For 2011 the Boys & Girls Club is St. Paul’s “community partner”. Despite the difficult local economy, this year we had the most golfers and the highest net income we have had in any of the previous Golf Classics that have been held!
Thanks for the tournament’s success goes to many people including the Golf Classic committee members that included Pat Carey, Tom Clark, Bob Cordes, Bob Hilliard, Byron Peterson, Lauren and Mark Thunem. Also, thanks to the volunteers who assisted during the day of the Classic. Those volunteers included Bernadette Allen, Pam Fabian, Chris Hoinacki, Frank Dunroe, Judith Kreuter, and Nancy Wilson. Finally, thanks to all of the members of the St. Paul’s parish family who supported the Classic by providing financial sponsorships, items for the golf prizes and gift raffle, as well as attending the dinner.
VIBE
* Vacation * Inter-church * Bible * Experience *
A 5 week summer program
Open to all students
Entering grades 6-12 in the fall.
July 5 – July 26, 2011
6:00-8:00 pm
Non-Denominational
*No Bible Knowledge is required
2011 Schedule..
Tuesday July 5
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Shelton, CT Boys and Girls Club
Tuesday July 12
First United Methodist Church
Shelton, CT Imagine No Malaria
Tuesday July 19
Nichols United Methodist Church
Trumbull, CT Haiti Relief
Tuesday July 26
Lordship Community Church
Stratford, CT Beach Clean-up