Pentecost-Ordinary Time 2019 A Message from the Rector The Rev. Marisa Thompson On May 19, 2018, Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, made an international splash at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with his sermon, The Power of Love. His message to the betrothed couple, those present at Windsor Castle, and all who would come to hear or read the sermon, was just as his title indicates: there is great power in love and relying on it as a foundation is who we are called to be as beloved people of God. This message is meant to be more than just a platitude but rather a way of life. Yet while it may seem simple, to truly embrace the way of love means to engage deeply and intentionally in creating transformative relationships and real change. It is not just about inviting different people or strangers to sit at the same table; rather, it is about being an active revolutionary against an unjust and unchristian culture. It is about knowing love as a commitment in addition to a sentiment. There are many good, faithful people who recognize a call to service and know that the world can be a better place, yet we, myself included, hesitate to take on deep change. I believe that people who want to grow in their faith want to do more than just blindly go to church each Sunday. They want to understand their power and help those who have less. Yet to do so means taking a big risk. It means possibly alienating loved ones. It means giving up blind privilege. It means changing thought paradigms to recognize that we can be guided by Christianity, which offers enough for all rather than a system which offers a total of 100% and people grab their parts. It means that we embrace a soteriology that is less about winning and losing and more about unlimited grace. And it means getting over issues with inertia, the kind that comes when we get so stuck in lament that we forget about hope. Whether it is fear, inertia, or simply blissful ignorance that prevents this work from happening naturally, the invitation to participate in God’s kingdom on earth is one that calls on people to reject the excuses and love one another as themselves (Matthew 22:39), something that will not happen at the expense of the individual engaged in the work but will rather build connections and richness of God’s people. This is hard work, long work, challenging work, growth, and community building. I put all this out there not because I have a solution or clear direction, but because I think this work starts with individual and community discernment. And I believe that we at All Saints are ready to take on this work, to build on a history of outreach and engagement with the community and take the next step in becoming a courageous voice in this world. Continued on Page 3 From the Assistant Rector At left, graduating senior Lizi Watkins delivered a stirring and spirit-filled sermon on Youth Sunday! Thanks to all those who led us as greeters, readers, lay servers, acolytes, ushers, gift- bearers, and chalice-bearers, including: Charlotte and Evan Beiriger, Brayden and Rhys Edwards, Gretchen and Elizabeth Goebel, Cameron Kelly, Alice Larson, Hannah Liakos, Sam Newell, Norbert Ntihebuywayo, Cameron Olson, Kristen Pennewell, Abby Rhea, Addison and Thomas Roth, Zoe and Patrick Thompson, and Lilly and Grayson Twohig 2 Clergy Summertime, Summertime, Sum, Sum Summertime – A Message from Mother Karen it’s here once more and it is again the time to sing along with one of my favorite songs! Of course, the impact of summer lessens as I get older. I used to love to go swimming at Peony Park every day. The pool opened at 11AM and we would take our lunch and swim all afternoon. We could of course do that today. There are lots of pools to choose from – but what’s the use when we can all go home to air- conditioned homes. On some days I would get to walk up the corner of 55th and Leavenworth and spend an afternoon in the bookmobile. I think the bookmobile is still around but nowadays we can watch Netflix movies all day. Days were longer then – I know they were! Evenings were spent sitting outside in the backyard until the street lights went on – there was no air conditioning and outside under the trees were the best of times and the coolest time of the day. Things change – Peony Park is not there anymore (at least not as I knew it), the bookmobile doesn’t hold the same allure it did when I was ten years old, and sitting outside usually involves sitting on the deck and watching the squirrels play in the trees. But one thing that does not change and that is Sunday Church. The Sunday morning services change times so that golfers can get on the golf course early and families can have picnics. (Just like we used to do). Vacation Bible School is still an important highlight of the summer for lots of kids (and adults). We like to sit outside on Saturday evenings and enjoy the fellowship of a pot-luck barbeque. Many times, when I talk with members of our community who are now in their 80’s and 90’s, I hear that those times of community sharing and fellowship were important and even now – some 50 or so years later they still remember those times fondly. We are creating our own memories now and in years to come our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren will tell about the fun summer evenings at church and the Vacation Bible School that was a highlight each summer. Have a wonderful summer! Karen + Continued from Page 1 Rev. Marisa’s Summer This summer, I look forward to reading a lot and talking with people, and I encourage all of us Reading List to do the same. Let’s think and pray about who we A Resurrection Shaped Life, by Jake are called to be as a parish and as Christians in Owensby this world. Disunity in Christ, by Christena Cleveland Living into God’s Dream: Dismantling In Peace, Racism in America, Edited by Catherine Meeks Marisa+ No Innocent Bystanders, by Shannon Craigo-Snell and Christopher Doucot Revive Us Again, by The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II 3 Music Ministry Thank you to our All Saints Ministers of Music! As the program year draws to its conclusion, I would like to extend a special thank you to all of the participants in music ministry at All Saints. These ensembles meet each week for rehearsal and regularly share their musical leadership during worship services throughout the year. It requires considerable commitment to be involved in preparing music, and each of these participants has generously given their time and talent. Thank you for your dedication and serving the All Saints parish through your gift of music ministry! Chancel Choir Handbell Choir Exultation Ringers John Bower, Sam Brown, John Pam Barsness, Amy Cosimano, Doug Jordan Bull, Brayden Edwards, Rhys Finlayson, Sue Fisher, Mary Gittings, Kaiser, Cindy Krogstad, Bill Edwards, Hannah Liakos, Sam Newell, Jerry Gray, Linda Hall, Jenna Liakos, McSharry, Linda McSharry, Tracy Cameron Olson, Zoë Thompson, Lilli Millicent Long, Sheryl Mueller, Peterson, Eloise Tesar, Ruth Twohig, Carsyn Wilkening, Cooper Abigail Rhea, Gardner Rhea, Malia Thompson, Nancy Wulf; and Wilkening Rhea, Jan Rowley, Gayle Smith, substitute ringer, Joe Thompson Choristers Claudianna Todd, Bryan Watkins, Jordan Bull, Brayden Edwards, Rhys Lizi Watkins, Rob Williamson; and Edwards, Hannah Liakos, Sam Newell, assisting director Jerry Gray Jubal’s Choir Kristen Pennewell, Zoë Thompson, Lili Charlotte Beiriger, Grayson Twohig, Twohig, Carsyn Wilkening Patrick Thompson Lizi Watkins, graduating Scholarship Singer Lizi Watkins, daughter of Gayle Smith and Bryan Watkins, is receiving a scholarship for her participation as a Scholarship Singer with the All Saints Chancel Choir. In addition to being very active here at All Saints, Lizi was on honor roll and high honor roll at Westside High School and received an academic letter. She also received the Joseph and Marjorie Moore Performing Arts Award for her involvement in Westside’s Warrior Theatre as the head soundboard operator and designer for three years. Lizi will be attending the University of South Dakota this fall majoring in psychology. Luna y Sol Mariachi Band Sunday, Jun 9, 11:15 AM Luna y Sol Mariachi Band will be providing music and entertainment during the annual Pentecost picnic. Mariachi Luna y Sol is considered one of the best mariachi bands in the Midwest. In 2008, they performed for the former President and First Lady of Mexico. The band is recognized for their rich harmonies and impressive soloists. Members of Luna y Sol have performed for audiences across the country. Omaha Chamber Singers Concert Saturday, June 22, 7:30 PM The Omaha Chamber Singers, directed by David Batter, will present a concert at All Saints Episcopal Church on Saturday, June 22, 2019. The program begins at 7:30pm and will feature a variety of repertoire, including works in collaboration with members of the Omaha Symphony. Ticket prices are $15 for General Admission, $12 for Seniors, and $5 for students. Summer Music During the summer months, the Chancel Choir, Handbells, and youth ensembles will be on hiatus. Volunteer musicians will provide the offertory at our 9:30 AM worship service each week. I hope that you find meaning in the varied talent and worship music presented this summer. If you play a musical instrument or sing, and would be willing to share music in worship, please contact Laura Scow ([email protected]).