a l l s a i n t s b h m . o r g S e p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 2 0 PThAe RISHIONER A publication from All Saints Episcopal Church
Reclaim Church at Home by The Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan Jesus’ earliest followers gathered in homes to proclaim the good news of his salvation, share stories of his life, break bread, and bolster one another in the faith. We find examples of house church gatherings in Acts 12 and 16, Romans 16, Colossians 4, and the book of Philemon. These first followers of The Way met in homes because it could be dangerous for them to openly proclaim their faith, and they were not recognized as a state-sanctioned religion therefore unable to own property.[1] We might conjure notions of meals in middle class homes such as we know, but that was not the case. There was no middle class. Most people lived in small, cramped, multi-story apartments.[2] In one instance, we learn of Eutychus falling asleep and out the window, while Paul preached well into the night (Acts 19:9). This probably happened in one of those tiny apartments. What was it like in those early house churches? There must have been some element of fear and excitement. Disagreements were plenty. We know the Word of God spread from house to house—fueled by the flames of Pentecost and the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We owe a great debt to those early worshippers, because they paved the way for us today. Our current Eucharist services model some of those early liturgies. As painful as it is to be unable to gather and worship in the ways we are accustomed, we are being invited, well actually forced, to RE-claim our homes as sacred space; and given eyes to see and ears to hear the Word of God in the sanctuary of the woods and the eyes of a beloved. Each service concludes with the deacon proclaiming, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!” This is a reminder to take what we have received at the Eucharist and be that for the world. When we were dismissed from our services on March 8th, we had no way of knowing it would precede a prolonged re-entry into traditional worship. And yet, we are still compelled to be the Body of Christ by that dismissal. How can we balance staying connected, growing in the faith together, and keeping everyone safe? One possibility is to RE- claim church at home. What are we already doing, what new might we try in our homes to regularly return to God, study scripture, pray, worship, bless one another, go out into the world carrying Jesus’ love and grace, and rest in God? In this edition of The Parishioner, you will find a number of opportunities to follow in the way of Jesus at home and in community. You may also visit our website at allsaintsbhm.org/adults to see the Christian Formation offerings and Spiritual Enrichment resources for the fall. I have one request of each of us—try at least one of these offerings with your heart open to what God might be renewing in you. In this time of exile, we will learn much about God and ourselves. If we use our time wisely, when we return to the nave in the fullness of worship as we knew it, we will bring our hard-fought wisdom with us. We will sing to the Lord a robust new song. [1] John McRay, “House Churches and the Lord’s Supper,” God’s peace, https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1978&context=leaven Mary Bea+ [2] Ibid.
PRAYER TABLES: DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 30
We have a group of talented and creative parishioners who are making prayer tables for All Saints families to allow us to remain connected to God and one another as we worship, pray, reflect, and rest in God. The process is prayed over by the woodworker, and a prayer is handwritten on the bottom of each table. This is a gift from the people of God to the people of God. Two sizes are available. For more information on how to contribute your creative gifts to this project or if you are interested in having a prayer table made for your home, visit www.allsaintsbhm.org.
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p a g e 1 At these small services, we will gather in a parishioner's yard or driveway to worship together with Communion in one kind (the consecrated bread), music, and fellowship. To follow distancing guidelines, space is limited and masks are required. If you plan to bring atrium-aged children, please let us know so that we may prepare a special activity for them. You will receive a confirmation email with details including address and safety guidelines prior to the date. With questions, call 205-879-8651.
An Update from the Profile Committee Chair, Susan Anderson Way back in the ancient times, pre-pandemic, Henry and I would most often walk the 1.2 miles from our house to church on Sunday mornings. Even on the sticky, sweltering days, we did it. I left first, to get there in time for choir warm-up, and no matter which route I chose, some All Saints member would pass, pause, and ask if I wanted a ride. Way back in the ancient times, pre-pandemic, walking in the neighborhood was a perplexing choice. Now almost everyone understands the small joys that come with it. Today, mid-pandemic, I’m chairing the profile committee for the search for a permanent rector to replace Glenda. We’ve met three times now via Zoom, laid out plans, collected documents, and brainstormed questions to ask you in an eventual survey. Much like the walk to and from church on Sundays, though, we’re moving at a more measured pace. The end result of our work will be a document to present to candidates that declares, in essence, who All Saints is now and who the parish wants to be. Above all, we want God to lead the person to us who best meets those needs. We all understand the seismic changes that have occurred since March and the effect the pandemic has had on All Saints. Our church has pivoted in creative and exciting ways that continue to evolve. In this profile process, we want to ask the right questions and we want you to be able to give us thoughtful answers, so that we present the All Saints that emerges from the crisis. So the profile committee is taking its time, to reflect the world in which we are living. We are working, but we’re not hurried. Mary Bea is supportive of a slower pace. She wants to stay as long as it takes to get through the process, but no longer than we need. I hope you all will join us in experiencing the small joys of the walk together.
a l l s a i n t s b h m . o r g S e p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 2 0 | p a g e 2 Parish-wide Baptismal Covenant Men's Bible Study ADULT Study Wednesdays, 7:00am Six weeks - Beginning October 7 Contact Charles Youngson: Contact Tara Portney: [email protected] CHRISTIAN [email protected] Gathering each week to learn more All Saints has a rich tradition about the Bible and how it relates to FORMATION of many baptisms throughout the our lives, the Mens' Bible Study invites liturgical year. Although we haven't all men in the parish to come for a OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDY been able to gather this year as we lively discussion of Scripture, faith, AND SUPPORT usually do, it is an important time to and current events. We meet and understand what it means to live out maintain a safe physical distance or our baptismal covenant. The entire you may join us via Zoom. Breakfast and the Bible congregation is invited to study the Sundays, 10:00am, Zoom basics of our faith and how they apply Beginning September 27 to the world in which we live. Pre- One Flock Contact Charles Youngson: existing Christian Formation classes Contact Joie Hoke: [email protected] will use this course during October and [email protected] Grab your breakfast or a cup of early November. Those without a Would you like to spend an hour a coffee and join the Rev. Charles current formation class may join a week with other women learning how Youngson for a deeper look at small group by emailing to connect with God during these Sunday’s Bible readings. All are [email protected]. This course challenging times? We spend time welcome! will include weekly teaching videos discussing our questions, our lives, and created by our clergy/community and our faith. Meeting time varies. discussion questions. Celtic Spirituality Thursdays, 12:10pm, Zoom The Seekers Six weeks - Beginning October 15 Faith and the Modern Family Contact Mike Cleckler: Using the writings, poetry, and Sundays, 8:15pm, Zoom [email protected] artwork of Celtic monks and nuns, Dr. Contact Seth Olson: This warm and welcoming Gisela Kreglinger Smith will explore [email protected] community strives to make a deeper this important part of our Christian This community seeks to support connection with God through tradition with a particular focus on the one another in prayer and fellowship, discussing current religious, social, and Holy Island of Iona, Scotland. For as we grow closer to God by growing theological issues. Meeting times vary. more information and to sign up, visit closer as families. No matter where you allsaintsbhm.org. and your family are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here! Women on the Journey Contact Pam Phillips: Centering Prayer [email protected] or Patsy Wednesdays, 6:00pm, Zoom Interim Rector's Bible Study Andrews: [email protected] Contact Joe Slane: [email protected] or Wednesdays, 10:00am, Zoom This intentional community of Beverly Brasell: Contact Mary Bea Sullivan: learning and prayer is still discerning [email protected] [email protected] how to meet during this time of The first 20 minutes in this practice Join the Interim Rector, the Rev. pandemics. Contact Pam or Patsy if of Christian Contemplative Prayer are Mary Bea Sullivan, as we explore how you are interested in joining in our dedicated to silent prayer with the Holy Scripture impacts our lives. conversation of mutual prayer and remainder spent discussing writings Currently, we are studying the Psalms support. from contemplative authors. and how this beautiful prayer book a l l s a i n t s b h m . o r g within the Bible can inform how we S e p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 2 0 | p a g e 3 live our lives of faith. WARDENS REPORT: An Update from Sr. Warden Janet Givhan and Jr. Warden Bryson Waldo
This month, the vestry met twice - first for a Saturday mini-retreat and then for the scheduled monthly vestry meeting. At the Saturday retreat, Mary Bea helped guide a wide-ranging and productive discussion of how we can best be God’s Church in the midst of pandemic. Gratitude was expressed for online worship opportunities, but we also realize the hunger for personal connection and the Eucharist. We discussed plans for Lawn Chair Church, Church on the Commons, and the return of a limited number of people to the nave. The vestry committed to calling all parish families. We were asked to share what our vision was for All Saints in August of 2021, and the answers were filled with optimism and hope for a community that is healthy, connected, and prepared to reenter shared worship, fellowship, and ministry. We reviewed our vestry structure and the roles of the Rector, wardens, commissioners, finance committee, and advisory committee. With the rapidly changing nature of the pandemic, we agreed that the Rector, with consultation of the advisory and finance committee, needed the ability to act between vestry meetings. We also agreed on a formal nominating committee for vestry elections, which will consist of the outgoing vestry members and three members of the congregation. A slate of candidates will be presented to the parish meeting in November. At our regular vestry meeting, we heard amazing reports from all commissioners of the continued life and ministry of All Saints in these difficult times. Our financial position remains sound with continued generous giving. The pre-school has reopened, and we anticipate about 75- 80% of our prior enrollment. The Payroll Protection Loan should qualify for total forgiveness based on current regulations. The existing church loan refinancing was approved with a reduction in interest rate from 4 to 3.38%, reducing our required monthly payments and providing us more flexibility. Andrew Edwards will chair a new committee on personnel management, which will review and update our policy manual. We approved a bidding process to select a firm for our yearly audit. Hank Poellnitz shared ongoing plans for the stewardship drive this fall. We are energized by these conversations of being God's Church in pandemic, and we ask that you join us in considering how we can best serve as God's hands and feet at this time. Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns you have. Let us all continue our prayers for God’s hand to guide and bless us in this journey as brothers and sisters in Christ at All Saints Episcopal Church.
To sign up for worship in the nave, visit our website, allsaintsbhm.org/worship
As we follow guidelines from health officials and the Bishops of Alabama, we are offering the opportunity for physically distanced attendance for On behalf of the vestry, clergy, and staff, I would like to thank the congregation worship in the nave. Worship for your tremendous support of the ministries and mission here at All Saints. It services will take place weekly as we is because of your generosity that we are able to continue to shine Christ's light record our Sunday Services of the out into this community during these challenging times. It is an honor for me to Word. Masks and reservations are serve alongside you. required. To sign up for in-person Yours in Christ, worship opportunities, visit Mary Bea+ allsaintsbhm.org/worship.
To contribute to Hurricane Laura relief efforts by Episcopal HURRICANE LAURA Relief & Development, visit allsaintsbhm.org/give or mail a check to All Saints and designate "Hurricane Laura" in the RELIEF FUND payment description line.
a l l s a i n t s b h m . o r g S e p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 2 0 | p a g e 4 Dear Friends and Volunteers, Although things are greatly changed and we cannot host our Family Promise guests in our church home, we still are providing care and shelter for one homeless family. The network is hosting a mom and two teen children in a local extended stay hotel, and our rotation runs Join us in God's Backyard for a day of September 22-27. It is expensive to host this way, and All Saints donations will help defray the hotel fun with our parish family! costs. Also, we will continue to meet the family's needs for meals, groceries, gas, etc. - and this We're going to Camp McDowell on September 13 for a one means we need your help! day Parish Retreat! We'll begin gathering for worship at 9:30am, then enjoy a lunchtime pasture party and an You can choose to prepare a dinner meal or make afternoon of camp activities! Please bring face coverings a donation by writing a check to All Saints or and remember to practice physical distancing. The price is giving online at allsaintsbhm.org/give. Please $10.00 per person. Kids 5 and under are free. designate Family Promise in the notation line. As our beloved camp has experienced financial loss You can also Venmo Jennifer-Schmidt-38. Thank during this pandemic, we are asking for donations to you in advance for your donation! support the staff, facilities, and activities we know and love. Please designate your donation with your parish retreat With questions, contact Pam Moore (205-223- payment online or by mail. For more information and to 2757), Amy Milner (502-548-7680), or Jennifer sign up, visit allsaintsbhm.org! Schmidt (205-821-2544 - contact for meals).
9/5: EYC Youth and Parent Kayak Trip YOUTH 9/9: Online Game, 4:00pm 9/13: Parish Retreat at Camp McDowell, Youth District Day SEPTEMBER 9/16: Youth Confirmation Gathering, 6-7th Grade Transition Service 9/20: Confirmation, Youth Leadership Team Meeting SCHEDULE 9/23: Online game 9/26: Rite 13 Day Retreat WITH QUESTIONS, CONTACT KRISTIN BLACKERBY, 9/27: EYC begins [email protected] 9/30: Welcome Wednesday
CHILDREN'S In addition to Children's Liturgy videos on Facebook, Children's Formation will incorporate Zoom calls for all atrium-aged children and their parents FORMATION each Sunday. Links will be mailed out weekly. Level I: 9:30am SEPTEMBER Level II: 10:00am SCHEDULE Level III: 10:30am There will also be a weekly outreach focus with WITH QUESTIONS, CONTACT KATHLEEN BUSBEE, details mailed to you or available for pick up at [email protected] church. Focuses included prayer table items, FACEBOOK.COM/ALLSAINTSCHILDRENSFORMATION prayer cards, prayer rocks, and more.
a l l s a i n t s b h m . o r g S e p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 2 0 | p a g e 5 We're Here for You SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS If you are feeling lost, afraid, lonely, or simply would like for someone from All Saints to be in 1 Charlie Sexton, Haley Weaver, Emma Grace Pike regular touch with you; or if you would 2 Amy Poole, Patrick Corwith, Lane Morton, Brady Wallace, James Schmidt appreciate support as you live into Church at 3 Anne Burnette, Scott Glenn, Haden Ridlehoover, Home, please let Mary Bea, Charles, or Seth Cecily Anderson, Tressa Vander Kamp, Laura Colbert know. We are here for you and we are grateful 4 Pat King, Linda Kizziah, Bob Carter, Ashley for you. [email protected] Handley, Amanda Ennis [email protected] 5 Harriett McQueen, Tonya Chandler, Ingram Easter [email protected] 6 Philip Gable, Mike Phillips 7 Dan Frymire, Lisa Higginbotham, Suzane Churchman, Jay Hornbuckle, Ellie Jo Malki, Noelle Sheedy, Milla Morton, Guy Bradley, Ann Clayton Alley 8 Larry Korey, Mike Mashburn, Jonathan Cross, Jennifer Campbell, Max Hopkins, Riley Abney, Lydia McNair, Cooper Mitchell 9 Alan Thornsberry, Victoria Smythies, Grayson Chapman 10 Sherri Mitchell, Jennifer Foster, Jennifer Dunn, Lukas Schedler 12 Mary Ann Smith-Janas, David Smythies, Jacob Churchman, Anna Bayless Ydel 13 Alexandra Guest 15 Jessica Sanchez, Austin Wilson 16 Susan LeBourg, Jamie Colbert, Juniper Hobbs 17 Cherry Wagstaff, Amy Richmond, Kathryn Atkins, Thomas Payne, Anna Katherine Pitts, Will Ennis, Ellie Holm 18 Bob Yoder, Carolyn Niedermeier, Kelly Wilson, Suzanna Busbee 19 Gene Yates, Donna Gooch, Juan Carlos Moreno, Alana Dominick, Alli Phelps, Emily Simpson, Alex Weaver, Mary Hazel Madden 20 Julie Jurotich, Ronda Garvin, Ben Ridlehoover, Tyson Pound, Millie Gannon, Robert Drumm 21 Anne Dorrough, , Sandi Simmons, Leann Kinnunen, Peter Phelps, Lauren Hughey, Pete Donohoo, Christy Parsons, Lori Patton, Ellie Stayner, Sam Cross, Kate Barber Campbell 22 Major Hollis, Trey Melancon 23 Lisa Townes, Adam Edwards, Jack Chandler, FIDDLESTICKS FALL SESSION: Daphne Godsey 24 Richard Smith, Malcolm Hardin, C.D. Denson, This fall, we invite children aged birth to five-years and their “grown-ups" to join us for virtual sing-a-long Matthew Qualls, Davis Middlemas, Gavin Young, classes, live-streams, parent education videos, play- Brock Madden, Mason Madden along recommendations, a personally tailored song 26 Owen Stayner, Stephen Allen, Nolen Ridlehoover, recorded by a teacher for you and your child, as well as Patrick Richardson in-person sing-a-longs in your front yard! These are 27 Jill Garrett, Katie Ross, Gabe Quijano, Charlie some of the experiences specifically crafted by us to Youngson help you make music with your family during this unprecedented time. Sign up today! The fall 28 Jeff Stone, Susie Whitsett Fiddlesticks Music Together session will run from 29 Helen Logue, Joan Long, Catherine Diethelm, September 15 - November 30. Noah Goodwin, Miller Pulvere, Owen Schmidt, Charlie Yeager To find out more, visit www.fiddlesticks-music.com or 30 Dotty Gauthier, Sid Warren email us at [email protected].
a l l s a i n t s b h m . o r g S e p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 2 0 | p a g e 6 THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SONG: An Update on Music at All Saints from Youth Choir Director, Susie Youngson
Music at All Saints is a huge part of our identity and community. It lifts us in worship, and gives voice to us in joy and pain. Emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically, music spurs us to growth and health. Whether a choir singing during communion on Christmas Eve, a children’s ensemble singing a prelude, or a bell choir playing on Easter, music builds us up and binds us together. It is especially difficult then, that during this time of pandemic, we have been so separated in our music making, in our worship, in our griefs and celebrations. Our community has been distanced physically, but our needs and connection as a church family are more evident than ever. We have been especially aware of this as we have looked towards the fall. Our choirs and musical ensembles are more important than ever, but singing indoors can now be a dangerous activity, due to Covid-19. So we at All Saints have been working hard to find safe, healthy ways to bring together our community, and make music. This year, music groups for children and youth will look different, but we realize that our choirs and ensembles form a bond that is like family. We want them to have the support they need from each other, especially now. So much has changed in the lives of our young people, and we want them to have a safe space to be creative and express their emotions. This means music outdoors, online options, social distancing, and smaller groups. And as we move forward, the music staff at All Saints will be constantly reading and acting on the latest studies and resources that provide guidance and information on music making in the time of Covid. We will be resuming youth music programs at All Saints on September 9. And we want to hear from you and your family. We want you to look at the plans we have, and tell us your thoughts. We are listening, and we are shaping a program that will provide options for your family. Go to allsaintsbhm.org/music and click on the ensemble(s) that fit your child’s age. You will find a survey there where you can give feedback. Fill that out, and stay tuned. We will be making music at All Saints soon!
CHURCH ON THE COMMONS: SEPTEMBER 27 SIGN UP AT ALLSAINTSBHM.ORG/WORSHIP
a l l s a i n t s b h m . o r g S e p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 2 0 | p a g e 7 110 West Hawthorne Road Homewood, AL 35209
HOW TO CONTACT US WEEKLY SCHEDULE SUNDAY SERVICES: All Saints Episcopal Church Service of the Word: 11:00am 879-8651 | Fax: 870-5749 | Preschool: 879-1092 Youth-led Compline: 8:00pm After-hours pastoral care emergency phone: 617-8954 WEEKDAY SERVICES: CLERGY: Morning Prayer: Interim Rector: The Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan, [email protected] Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30am Assoc. Rector: The. Rev. Seth Olson, [email protected] Time with the Saints: Assoc. Rector: The Rev. Charles Youngson, [email protected], Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:30am Priest Assoc.: The Rev. Mike Cleckler, [email protected] Compline: Monday-Thursday 8:00pm
STAFF: CHILDREN'S FORMATION: Children’s Formation Director: Kathleen Busbee, [email protected] Children's Liturgy: Videos available Sunday mornings Children’s Formation: Jeannie Feldman, [email protected]; Joie Hoke, on facebook.com/AllSaintsChildrensFormation [email protected] Zoom Calls: 9:30am, Level I - 10:00am, Level II - Youth Music Director: Susie Youngson, [email protected] 10:30am, Level III Assoc. for Music and Children’s Choirs: Maggie Gill, [email protected] Email Kathleen Busbee for Zoom Links Organist/Choir Director: Melanie Martin Couch, [email protected] 5:30 Music: Randolph Horn, [email protected] Communications Director: Sarah Sexton, [email protected] YOUTH FORMATION: Financial Administrator: Alison James, [email protected] Youth Sunday School: 9:45 - 10:45am Nursery Director: Gretchen Lerner, [email protected] Email Kristin Blackerby for more information on youth Parish Coordinator: Tara Portney, [email protected] formation and EYC Director of Youth Ministries: Kristin Blackerby, [email protected] Assoc. Director of Youth Ministries: Thomas Gordon, ADULT FORMATION via ZOOM: [email protected] Faith and the Modern Family: Sunday, 8:15pm Preschool Director: Bebe Hardin, [email protected] Men’s Bible Study: Wednesday, 7:00am Rector’s Bible Study: Wednesday, 10:00am Centering Prayer: Wednesday, 6:00pm Email Seth Olson for Adult Formation login information