The February, 2009

Prescription

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church “Seeking to bind your wounds and heal your soul” Powhatan, Virginia

Ash Wednesday Service February 25th noon and 7:00 PM Page 2 The Prescription February, 2009

The Prescription Volume 9, Issue 2 is the independently edited, local monthly newsletter of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 2245 Huguenot Trail, Powhatan, Virginia 23139 and published by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church upon authority of its Rector. Office: 804/794-6953 Fax: 804/794-6532 What is in this issue……………… E-Mail: [email protected] Father Larry’s message Rector Rev. Larry Crowell Music Notes Parish News Parish Administrator, Bridgette Sweptston Organist/Choir Director, Betsy Brandt ECW News Health Ministry Hardman Jones, Treasurer Youth Jeannette Pugh, Intake Treasurer Sally Silvey, Endowment Treasurer February Birthdays Our Military Folks Vestry Mark Your Calendar Now Peter Boone Senior Warden Matthew Rodgers, Junior Warden

Jason Davis Message from Father Larry Alison Dunaway Betty Estes Dear St. Luke’s Family, Steve Moore Gladys Suggs When I was a little guy growing up in the 50’s, we owned a April Timmons “black and white” television set. It was before cable and David Young satellite dishes. Reception depended on a big metal antenna strapped to the chimney on our rooftop. On clear days reception was quite good, but we dreaded thunderstorms Linda Ricker, Vestry Recorder that would disrupt our watching Captain Kangaroo, Mighty Mouse, or our favorite western (which, of course, was Phyllis Ashford, Health Ministry “Have Gun – Will Travel,” right Peter?). Anyway, TV was Joyce Evans, Altar Guild big time stuff back then, and before coming of age to attend Ken Sutton, Recovery Advocate kindergarten, I recall my mom taking a break to watch some Anne Larrick, Youth of the “soaps.” I can still faintly remember the picture of Betty Handy, Architectural Review that slowly spinning globe, the organ music and that deep Pat Bohdan, baritone voice announcing the start of “As the World ECW President Turns.” As funny as that may sound, I also have etched in Newsletter Editor my memory one of the big shows of that era, “Queen for a Sharon Cole, E-Mail: [email protected] Day.” With a timpani roll, the host, Jack Bailey, would ask, “Do you want to be “QUEEN… FOR… A… DAY?” And then Bailey would interview four women and whomever was in the worst shape (not the best, but the worst) as judged by the audience on an “applause meter” (how cruel), she was crowned Queen for a Day! Oh what drama – and tears. The “winner” (yes, the one in the worst predicament) was then draped in a sable-trimmed red velvet robe, crowned with a jeweled crown, given a dozen long- February, 2009 The Prescription Page 3

stemmed roses and a free washing machine (nice touch) – reflecting on his year of living like Jesus said, “Being Jesus and all the while, “Pomp and Circumstance” played away in is tough,” “The hard part is trying to live up to His the background. Now that’s TV at its very best. teachings. I’ve realized how far I fall short.” Yet, Peter reminds us that if we truly strive to embrace these godly About this time you might be asking yourself, “Larry, where virtues we will “never fall.” But how do we not fall, not fail are you going with all this?” Well, I must confess that in our desire to go from here to there, from living the “Queen for a Day,” came to mind when I recently read an “virtues” that are the ways of this fallen world,” to living the article about a retired minister who decided to take a year, true virtues of God? I suggest we must be willing to build a not a day, but a whole year living like Jesus. He spent a bridge from here to there. Scripture gives us seven year trying to pray and live by His teachings, even down to principles, seven steps we can take to open ourselves to visiting the poor and the prisoners – just like Jesus. This God, allowing Him to take control, transform us into His minister “turned Jesus,” if you will, witnessed in bars, likeness and image, seven things that pre-dispose our hearts picked up total strangers needing rides and even celebrated to the in-working of the Holy Spirit that includes: Jewish holidays. He tried to follow the Old Testament laws 1. Focusing our thinking on heavenly rather than about eating, clothing and behavior – since Jesus lived as a earthly things, Jew. He also read the four Gospels every week and yes, in 2. Thinking humble things not proud things, obeying the biblical command not to trim beards, he grew a 3. Setting our minds on things that unite us as fellow long and straggly one. What this minister did was more Christians rather than on things that divide us, than a bit intriguing to me. Skip the whole year part for the 4. Letting our thinking resemble that of the Father moment, it did raise a question for me, and hopefully for all and not of man, of us, “would we like to be “JESUS… FOR… A … DAY?” 5. Letting our thinking be like the Son and not As odd as that might sound, as irreverent the question might grounded in self-interest, first appear, it does serve as a reminder of our own calling 6. Letting our thinking be of the Spirit and not of the as Christians: to “imitate” Christ. Paul’s letter to the flesh, and by Ephesians affirms this calling, “Be imitators of God, as 7. Letting us think like mature Christians and not as beloved children, and live in love as Christ loved us and children. gave himself up for us.” And how do we do that? Well, I think the answer comes a little later in the passage I just May I suggest that to pursue these seven steps that will referenced where it says, “Try to find out what is pleasing to bridge the gap and lead to a transformative and flourishing the Lord.” Find it out – and then live it! Of course, the life in God will require discipline. Discipline, not as we question then becomes, “what is pleasing to God?” I think often think of it in the negative, but discipline in the positive that answer rests in part, if not in large measure, in living that will help open us to God. the godly virtues that the Apostles witnessed firsthand in the life and teachings of Christ himself – godly virtues the So what are these disciplines – the keys to opening Apostles then strove to adhere to and are now passed on to ourselves to the indwelling Spirit? Standby, because this is us. the important and vital study we will undertake during Lent which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 25. On each of So what are these godly virtues? I think the Apostle Peter the subsequent Wednesday evenings in Lent, after our helps us in his second Epistle when he writes, “…make potluck dinner, we will focus on some of these key spiritual every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, disciplines based on a wonderful book by Richard Foster, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self- Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and And so between now and then, be thinking about whether or to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness not you want to be “Jesus for a Day… and for a Lifetime,” love,” (2Pe 1:5-7). think about imitating Christ by wearing His virtues, think about those seven steps that will help prepare the soil of our And then Peter says that if we embrace these virtues, “they souls to receive the seeds of the godly virtues and then will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in prepare for a Holy Lent by clearing your calendars to attend your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Stated more to our Wednesday evening Lenten series that I believe, by the the positive, if we do keep and cultivate these godly virtues, leading of the Holy Spirit, will be a blessing to St. Luke’s. Peter assures us that we will “never fall, and you will And as always, I’ll see you in church. receive a rich welcome into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Blessings, Fr. Larry Peter offers us some encouraging words, but you may be thinking, “Can I really do it, can I be Jesus-like in all virtue for a day… a year… for a lifetime?” Our minister friend in MUSIC NOTES Page 4 The Prescription February, 2009

We welcome new members to any of our choirs as we "He who sings once, prays twice." rehearse music for Epiphany and Lent. See you at choir practice! Each Wednesday (except Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25): 6:00 -- Singers rehearse in choir room 6:00 – Disciples rehearse downstairs in Parish Hall 6:45 -- Saints rehearse in choir room 7:30 -- Adults rehearse in Every Fourth Sunday – Powhatan “Food Pantry choir room Sunday.” In these difficult economic times more local families are turning to the Powhatan Food Pantry for Pizza Pizazz coming on assistance. As a result, the pantry is in need of additional Wednesday, Feb. 11! Pizza Party for Singers, Disciples, & food items. The Vestry has determined that St. Luke’s, as Saints! Mark your calendars for Feb. 11. Come to rehearsal part of our outreach ministry, should help fill the pantry and then be ready to enjoy some pizza fun, fellowship, etc. shelves to meet the needs of our neighbors. Therefore, we at 6:20 downstairs in the Parish Hall. Thank you to Mrs. have designated the fourth Sunday of each month as “Food Harrellson and the Youth Group for your sponsorship!  Pantry Sunday.” We ask that you bring a pantry item to be placed in a basket when you come forward for Communion. Calendar check for Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25: Needed items include: jellies, condiments such as mustard, No regular choir rehearsals on Ash Wednesday. ketchup and mayonnaise; tuna fish; and canned dinner items Saints and Adults: On Ash Wednesday, please be vested such as ravioli, spaghetti and stew. These and other items and ready to warm up at 6:30 in the choir room. you bring should be in sealed/un-opened containers. Please contact Steve Moore if you have any questions or Taizé Service Set for Sunday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m. suggestions on how we can further support the Powhatan Food Pantry. Plans are underway for St. Luke's to conduct a Taizé service in the candlelit sanctuary on Sunday evening, March 22, at Mid-Week Holy Communion and Healing Service. Each 6:30 p.m. Meditative singing by the congregation, the Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary, a service of Holy reading of scripture, and the offering of prayers are the Communion will be celebrated along with healing prayer elements of the Taizé service, which will be extended to the and anointing with oil. Please come to this Service for that greater community. mid-week Spiritual “pick-me-up” and to seek God’s healing comfort and encouragement as we all contend with those A core group of intergenerational singers will help lead the challenging realities of life. music, which will be accompanied by guitar and, possibly, other instruments. Because the meditative and repetitive Care Packages for our troops. St. Luke’s will be nature of the songs is rooted in traditions of Christian collecting items for our troops deployed to Iraq. Our own prayer, the Taizé singers will experience the beauty, dignity, Clara Hunt (whose husband, David, is presently in Iraq) is and simplicity of the texts, melodies, and harmonies. We involved coordinating and shipping items to the 266th MP are asking for a group of interested singers to help lead the Co. She will also have contact with the Powhatan Unit. music at the Taizé service. Some singers in this group may Collection boxes are located in the up and downstairs foyers also be members of any of our choirs or some of the many of the Parish House with a complete list of suggested items persons at St. Luke's who enjoy singing together but cannot posted on the boxes. Some needed items include: personal- assume the time commitments that are necessary throughout sized toiletries, snacks, baby wipes, powdered drink mix for the year to be a member of one of our choirs. Cursillistas water bottles, fly traps, bug repellent and sunscreen. If you are encouraged to be a part of the singing group. All, any may have any questions please contact Carla at 389-0174. age, are welcome. Thank you.

The Taizé singers would need to rehearse together several Recruitment of Teachers for Catechesis of the Good times, possibly on Sunday afternoons or evenings. Our Shepherd. Last Sunday there was a good turnout at the guitarist is eager to accompany us as we make our plans for orientation session on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd the service. More information will be available soon. February, 2009 The Prescription Page 5

- a program of Christian formation for the children of the Parish. The information provided generated a great deal of Our traditional Christmas Tree Sale continues to provide interest and even excitement! We would now like to gain a scholarship money for our youth to attend Camp Chanco sense of the level of interest by individuals who might be and support other special projects. We currently have willing to undertake the training to become teachers of master plans for a new Cremation Garden. Catechesis here at St. Luke's. Additionally, we have just learned that there is a training opportunity for teachers in We held a most successful Parish Fair with proceeds Richmond starting on January 29 - which is wonderful in designated to our Outreach Fund and have contributed to terms of being timely, nearby and at a very reasonable cost. With These Hands mission project to feed hungry THEREFORE, if you are interested to ANY degree in schoolchildren in Belize, and also to the tornado victims in becoming a teacher it is requested that you contact Betty Suffolk, VA. Estes, Anne Larrick, April Timmons or Fr. Larry immediately so we can firm-up our list and also see if I thank you all so very much for these good works. It has we can take advantage of this local training opportunity. been an honor to serve with the women of St. Luke’s and I Thank you! look forward to many more years of fun and fellowship for all of us. Adults Wishing to be Confirmed or Received into the Episcopal Church. This year a bishop of the church will In closing, I pray. make a visitation to St. Luke’s. It is the role of the bishop to For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve, confirm and “receive in” persons to the Episcopal Church. we thank you, Lord. Youth confirmation classes are underway and now we would like to be confirmed or received in so that an My best regards, instructional class might be initiated. Please let Father Pat Bohdan Larry know if you are interested in taking this class. (Note that the phrase “received in” – or “reception” – pertains to persons previously confirmed into another Christian denomination and now wish to formally “join” the Episcopal Church.)

If you are interested in hosting an adult dinner in February or March please sign up on the sheet located in HEALTH the Parish House, and let Bridgette know for the bulletin. MINISTRY There are other months available during the year, so please consider hosting an adult dinner. Dear Pilgrims,

ECW NEWS Happy Saint Valentine’s Day from Sunny Naples; it got up to about 72 this afternoon, but yesterday Dear Friends of St. Luke’s, morning it was 33 degrees – very cold for SW Florida. Since this is “Heart Month” my Valentine A new year is upon us and as my three year term as ECW to you is how to have a healthy heart. Remember President comes to an end I reflect on all we have been able to accomplish during this time. the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that’s what we have to keep I am very thankful for the support that so many of you have always in mind. AND, we have an inexpensive, given to our group and our church through your countless foolproof, non-invasive, safe and easy tool to hours of volunteer work and generous donations. We could monitor what is going on in our circulatory system not have had such fine events without the help you so and it is keeping track of your blood pressure (BP). selflessly give.

We continue to provide monthly Senior Luncheon’s, First we need to understand how important this is Sunday Coffee Hours, and numerous elegant receptions and and what it’s telling us. Blood pressure (also called luncheons. We organize the Lenten Suppers, serve on Altar hypertension) is the force of the blood pushing Guild and church cleaning teams, and maintain a functional against the artery walls as it moves through the kitchen. We send meals to the sick and provide goods for body. High BP means that the blood is exerting too adopted families in need. Page 6 The Prescription February, 2009

much force on the artery walls. When BP stays high BP. Also, ask for a BP record (green) card to keep day after day, month after month, it causes severe in your wallet to keep track of your numbers. We damage to the arterial system as well as harm to the also have a considerable number of very qualified heart, eyes, brain, kidneys and other organs. nurses in our congregation who would be pleased to help you know your BP. We are fortunate to have Fortunately there’s a lot you can do to control your very good BP measurement equipment in the parish BP. Remember that high BP has no symptoms so house. Last but not least try not to make too many you must know the healthy BP range and check the changes all at once. If you work on one thing at a numbers frequently. Two levels of pressure are time you are more likely to stick to your lifestyle measured. Systolic pressure, the upper number, is changes. Remember, you can save your own life by the pressure exerted on artery walls as the heart just keeping track of the numbers and taking beats and pushes blood into the arteries. The lower appropriate action. number, the diastolic pressure, is the pressure left in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats. You are in our prayers, with much love, High blood pressure greatly raises the risk of heart Phyllis attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure. Five (maybe more) of our own congregation have had Greens Sale – St. Luke’s had another great heart surgery during the past year. year for our Annual Greens Sale! Thank The new numbers from the American Heart you to everyone who supported this event, Association for normal BP is a systolic pressure of which provides financial support for our youth 120 mm-hg or less and a diastolic pressure of 70 to attend Camp Chanco summer camp. mm-hg or less. The pressures are actually measured as the height, in millimeters, of a column of mercury Youth Choir Appreciation : sufficient to shut off the flow of blood in the arteries Please look for our special Valentines box in the – thus the term “mm” for millimeters and the “hg” Parrish Hall & jot a note of thanks to the (remember your high school chemistry) the symbol members of our youth choirs. for mercury. So, remember the range 120/70; if These "valentines messages" will be presented your BP is above these numbers you need to keep to the children & their directors at a special closer track of what is happening. Some simple Pizza dinner on Wednesday, February 11th. If you would like to contribute things you can do are changing your diet, losing to the dinner with supplies, monetary donation weight, exercising regularly, giving up tobacco, or your set-up/waiter service, please managing stress and taking medication. Try to limit call or see Laurel Harrelson, Youth Special your intake of high fat foods like butter, cheese, Events at 598-1374. whole milk, salad dressing, fatty cuts of meat and poultry skin. Your exercise routine can be as simple as taking a 30 minute walk at least three times per Youth Special Events: save the date! week. Those Type A personalities who “explode” We are working to coordinate a roller-skating easily must learn to manage their stress or their BP will soar and stay sky high.

Besides seeing your health care provider and taking your medicine as prescribed, please get your BP taken frequently. How? You can buy your own BP equipment and take your own as often as you like or outing for Sunday, February 22. The rink has a beginners area (for all ages) as well as a full you can call Bridgette and find one of our certified rink. Confirmation of the date & details on the blood pressure takers who are members of our time to follow. All are welcome. congregation who would be happy to check your February, 2009 The Prescription Page 7

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

Jackie Cabell 2/1 Susan Partridge 2/20 Joyce Evans 2/1 Jack Hatfield 2/21 Larry Crowell 2/1 Howdie Markowitz 2/21 Sally Silvey 2/3 Jennifer Pipjunge 2/21 Jeanne Wolkiewicz 2/8 Katherine I. Lucas 2/12 Pam Cole 2/10 Sally Schmidt 2/22 Shepherd Akins 2/10 Alison Partridge 2/22 Jessica Evans 2/11 Stan McFadden 2/23 Sullivan Young 1/12 Ann Davis 2/23 Ken Sutton 2/13 Rob Sincock 2/25 Randy Watts 2/13 Carroll Barr 2/26 Steve Larrick 2/15 Taylor Germain 2/26 Lauren Richardson 2/15 Isabella Worrell 2/28 Steve Moore 2/16 Abby Johnson 2/28 Betty Jean Moncure 2/16 Becky Shock 2/28 John Carmack 2/16 Rebecca Upson 2/29 Destiny Hunt 2/20

Our Military Folks

If you would like to send Billy Cole a card or package in IRAQ (mail takes approximately four weeks to arrive) his address is: William L Cole, 180th EN CO, 54th EN BN, APO AE 09322.

Coleman Upson is currently stationed in Norfolk. If you would like to send him a card or package his address is: Coleman Upson, 9505 10th Bay Street, Norfolk, VA 23518.

If you would like to send David Hunt a card or package his address is: SFC, Hunt, David F. II, 266th MP Co, #045, Camp Basara, APO, AE 09375.

Sergeant First Class Thomas “Tommy” Felvey (wife Jenny), 36900 Old Martin Street Road, Carthage, NY 13619. Tommy and his parents are former members of St. Luke’s.

Captain Steven Brent Templeton, (Brent is married to the former Brooke Dail, daughter of Linda and Al Dail –friends of Larry and Alice Lyons) Operation Enduring Freedom, Delta Company 4th Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, task Force Wings, APO AE 09355

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW

 No Adult Dinner scheduled for February  Beaufont Towers Eucharist at 1:30 PM on February 1st  Worship Committee Meeting on February 3rd at 7:00 PM  Knitting Guild meets February 5th and February 19th at 7:00 PM  Vestry Retreat Thursday, February 5th at 5:30 PM  Coffee Hour on February 8th after the 11:00 AM Service  The Meadows Eucharist on February 8th at 1:30 PM Page 8 The Prescription February, 2009

 Vestry Meeting on Thursday, February 12th at 7:00 PM  Centering Prayer 9:30 AM on February 14th and 28th  Senior Luncheon on Tuesday, February 17th at 11:45 AM  Youth/Sunday School Meeting on February 18th at 6:00 PM  Deadline for the March newsletter is February 20th  Ash Wednesday Services February 25th noon and 7:00 PM  Choir Practices are back to the normal schedule  Disciple Bible Study – Monday nights from 6:15 – 8:30 AM  Mid-week Holy Communion and Healing Service each Wednesday at 7:00 APM  Men’s Study Group meets each Thursday at 6:30 AM  Prayer and Share meets each Saturday at 8:30 AM