a letter from our rector - saint margaret's · and will finish out the series the first two...
TRANSCRIPT
Growing Forward in Faith a letter from our Rector
Maggie’s Monthly
-Fr. Todd
well as managing our nursery, and all programs geared towards our children and their families. This job description is complete and will be published in the spring of 2018.
Finally, the third addition to the staff will be a full-time priest, who will fill a curate position for two years. Ideally, this priest will be a recent graduate from seminary who will come and minister with us as they continue to be formed for their ministry as a future rector in the wider church. After two years they will find a permanent call at another parish
while we look to call another curate to minister among us. It is my hope that this person will join us in July 2018. At the clergy conference, I will have an opportunity to begin discus-sions with the Canon of Tran-sition Ministry to help identify potential candidates who might be a good fit at St. Margaret’s. After these new positions take root and a new period of sus-tained growth emerges, we will then re-engage in further discussions in the expansion of our physical campus.
I have heard much feedback from the meeting. Most of it was excitement, along with a small bit of trepidation. This
is a bold move forward, and bold moves are often risky. But as I have shared with you on numerous occasions, the work of the Gospel is risky business. It will take a commitment from each one of us. Pledges will need to be increased, new members will need to be invited, and our parish will need to engage in deep and lasting prayer as we seek to connect deeper with one another. But I know this parish, and I know that we are ready. We just need to step for-ward in faith as we have done in the past.
The Lord is with us. What do we really have to fear?
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Today, I along with Father Lito+ and Deacon Susie, am
headed to clergy conference. This is an annual meeting
of the clergy of the diocese in Winston-Salem where we
hear from our bishops and participate in the councils of
the church to which we each took vows to do at our ordi-
nations. As I pack my bags for this short trip, I find
myself preoccupied with the exciting news that I shared
with you this past Sunday during the forum as we pre-
pare St. Margaret’s for new growth. So, while I will be
away at this gathering of the diocesan clergy, I know that
my heart and mind will be longing to be back at Saint
Margaret’s for our work together
in this venture.
For those who were unable to
attend the Sunday forum, I shared
the vision of the vestry to boldly
step forward in faith to continue
the growth pattern of our parish;
growth in numbers, growth in
ministry, and growth in the impact
we are having in the world. Cen-
tral to this continued growth is the
decision to call three new staff
positions to join us in ministry
at our parish. These new staff
positions will help us build the
infrastructure that will equip us to
minister more effectively to the
new members that will become a
part of our community and to connect more fully with
those who are already vital parts of our parish family.
The first of these positions will be the Assistant to the
Rector for Newcomers and Parish Life. This position
will be a part-time staff position that will focus on inte-
grating new members into the parish while also acting as
a liaison to current members who desire deeper connec-
tion within our parish. The job description is being final-
ized and I anticipate this position to be filled by January
2018.
The second position will be a part-time Assistant to the
Rector for Children’s Ministry. This per son will be
called by May 2018 and will oversee the Sunday School
program for our children through the 5th grade, as
“This is a bold move forward, and bold moves are often
risky. But as I have shared with you on
numerous occasions, the work of the Gospel is risky
business.”
Love Jesus. Love your neighbor. Bless the world.
REMINDER:
STEWARDSHIP 2018
Saint Margaret’s Annual Stewardship Campaign will kick off Sunday, Octo-ber 15 and run through Saint Mar-
garet’s Day on Sunday, November 19.
For the second year in a row, pledges can easily be made online and physical pledge cards can be made available upon request.
Please be on the lookout throughout the campaign for various communications that will discuss the most current needs and opportunities of the parish and how these translate into our financial objec-tives for 2018.
Fellowship Friday is a new idea and event planned for 10/27 in conjunction with our campaign. This will be a fami-ly friendly evening for all. Join us in the Chimney’s of Marvin at 6:30 pm at the clubhouse for food, drink, and fun as we all connect as a parish family!
Maggie’s Market is 10/21
Our ECW is busy getting ready for Maggie’s Market Holiday Craft Fair set for Saturday, 10/21. Hours will run 9am –2pm. Free Ad-
mission and Parking. 35+ Vendors and Bake Shoppe; Knitting, Cards, Jewelry, Wreaths, Holiday Décor, Totebags, Pottery, Bath Soaps, Chil-dren’s Clothes and Décor, American Girl doll clothes, suncatchers, plus much more! Only handmade goods from local crafters and artists.
Fr. Lito’s Letter by The Reverend Father Lito Santos+
Assistant to the Rector for Pastoral Care & Christian Formation
From the Deacon’s Desk [email protected]
by The Reverend Suzanne Lee Bruno
Assistant to the Rector for Outreach & Missions
“Mary has chosen the better part.” (John 10:42)
Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to what he was saying while Martha was distracted by many things…
Thirty-eight of us “Martha’s” gathered in beautiful Blowing Rock for the annual ECW Retreat Sept. 22-24.
The title of the Retreat program was The Christian Woman’s Spiritual Toolbox: Simple Practices for Creating a Life Illuminated with God’s Light.
We became familiar with various styles of prayer and scripture reading that open the Mary in us to calm and bless the Martha in us.
In the words of Teresa of Avila, “Jesus calls us to not only sit at his feet but also to wash them.”
I often find ways to waste my time. I let my mind wander here and there and soon my day is gone. I get discouraged by an event and
many times I forget the most important things in life. Unlike possessions, time once lost or missed is gone and we never recover even a
portion of it no matter how we try.
The lasting gift of time can only be reflected in the ways we give and receive love. All other activities prove pointless and meaningless in
the whole scheme of God’s plan for us. Seeking and doing the will of God should fill our days
and propel our actions in life.
The wonderful gift of time is that we are totally free to do what we will and it is in this freedom
that we can decide to use it according to God’s purposes. We should stop wasting our appointed
time pursuing temporal goals, pleasures and achievements but rather focus and invest on things
eternal.
Let us pray for the wisdom to center our lives on meeting and communing with God. Pray for guidance so that our mind and heart would be open to the indwelling of the Spirit. Choose to live according to His will. Invest your effort, energy and time wisely so as to dwell in His pres-ence always.
“Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12)
A holy time
In Christ’s love,
Deacon Susie
“monkey mind” to peace-filled mind
Imaginative meditation
Breath Prayers
Centering Prayer = Prayer of surrender
Hydro & Maverick= 2 welcomed “guests”
Anglican Rosary
The gift of new friends
Sincere gratitude to the Retreat Planning Committee
Special thanks to Retreat Leader, Nicole Greer
Lectio Divina = Divine Reading
-Fr. Lito+
VESTRY This column has been requested by parishioners to inform the
parish on votes taken at recent Vestry Business meetings.
Vestry Business meetings are held in the Choir Room on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. *Business meeting minutes are kept in the church office and are accessible to anyone inter-ested in reading more about the motions and votes discussed at recent meetings.
Five year budget analysis presented by Brad Lucas. Road map created to assist in Stew-ardship 2018 campaign.
Marketing discussed. Sign needed for back entrance off Crane Road and major intersec-tions.
Stewardship Campaign to start on 10/15. Unanimous commitment of Vestry to hiring two new part time positions: Christian Education Director (in Spring 2018) and Integration Coordinator (in Winter 2018)
Third clergy position discussed. Idea to hire seminarian and make it an ongoing two year curate position.
Must embrace the invitation to INVITE people to church. StM to be intentional in this expectation. We want to grow the church.
Reminder to Vestry to be vocal, interact, lead, and be conceptual and positive.
Father Todd to address the parish at Rec-tor’s Forum on 10/1.
All in favor of a request for a paid singer to support the choir for the remainder of 2017.
Vestry Retreat Recap. Paul Bruno to share recap and accountability reports at next Vestry meeting on 10/17.
HR Committee formed to assist in adoption of Lay Employee manual.
Nominations for 2018 Vestry Election are open. Future leadership to be identified and asked/invited to run.
EYC had a fantastic few weeks of meetings in September. We jumped right into our fall pro-
gramming of 5 Parables of Jesus We Should All Know. We covered three parables during Sep-
tember: Parable of the Lost Sheep, Parable of the Wise & Foolish Builders and the Parable of the Sower
and will finish out the series the first two weeks in October. Our group continues to welcome new EYC
members with ice-breakers and silly games.
October brings a lot of youth events and this means there is a slight shift to our meetings. Please
mark your calendars:
EYC will meet as usual, 5-6:30pm with dinner 6:30-7pm on October 1st and 8th.
Oct 15th is the parish-wide Chili Cook Off after the 11:15 service. EYC sponsors this event as a thank
you for all the parish does for us during the school year. NO EYC THAT EVENING.
Oct 20th-22nd is our HIGH SCHOOL only retreat to conquer the Virginia Creeper Trail- a mountain
bike trail that is mostly downhill along an old rail-bed. For more information on the retreat, click here.
Oct 22nd will be middle school only EYC due to the high school retreat. Same time, 5:00-6:30 with dinner 6:30-7:00.
Oct 28th-29th is our middle school overnight at Camp Canaan in Rock Hill, SC. We are going zip-lining at the camp then coming back to the
church for games and a sleepover. For more information on the overnight, click here.
Oct 29th will be high school only EYC due to the middle school retreat. Same time, 5:00-6:30 with dinner 6:30-7:00.
October is going to be a busy month in the youth world! We are excited about all of our events offering fellowship and ways to serve our
parish. If you have any questions please contact Elizabeth Pfeifer at [email protected] or 704-243-3523 (ext 444).
YOUTH Spotlight
ECW RETREAT RECAP
The leaves were just beginning to turn, as 38 Women of St. Margaret’s gathered together at the Blowing Rock Conference Center, Sept. 22-24.
Led by guest speaker and Life Coach, Nicole Greer, meditative prayers, spiritual toolboxes, personal mission statements, and ways to slow-down-to-the-speed-of-our-
souls were explored. New friendships were made, existing bonds grew stronger, and the women grew closer with the Lord. It was a beautiful weekend of rest and restoration.
A newcomer’s reflection on the women’s retreat
In the early hours of Sunday morning on the last day of the women’s retreat in Blowing Rock, I stepped outside my room to photo-graph a particularly magnificent sunrise. In the quietness and beauty of my sur-roundings, I reflected on how fortunate I have been to move to Charlotte and find St. Margaret’s Church. To be amongst the women of the church was such a bless-ing and to experience Nicole’s leadership and teaching of Centering Prayer made this weekend a profound experience. Peacefulness and calmness enveloped me and I knew I was in the right place in my life and truly listening to God. Changes
in life can be stressful and we all need times of reflection and contemplation. A wise woman at the retreat said to me “slow down to the speed of our souls.” The experience and the company of many wise women in the quiet-ness and beauty of the mountains will be a treasured memory. Blessings to you all. -Barbara Kricka
by Elizabeth Pfeifer, Assistant to the Rector for Youth Ministries
www.saintmargarets.net
Wednesday service goers pose with Flat Maggie
Love Jesus. Love your neighbor.
Bless the world.
RECTOR
THE REVEREND FR. TODD R. DILL [email protected]
ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR
FOR PASTORAL CARE & CHRISTIAN FORMATION
THE REVEREND FR. LITO SANTOS [email protected]
ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR
FOR OUTREACH & MISSIONS
THE REVEREND SUZANNE LEE BRUNO [email protected]
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
MARA DELUCA
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR
JOANIE CAMERON [email protected]
ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR
FOR YOUTH MINISTRIES
ELIZABETH PFEIFER [email protected]
ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR
FOR PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES
DANA PLATE’ [email protected]
ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR FOR
FINANCE & ACCOUNTING
DENISE KILINISKI [email protected]
2017 VESTRY
KATHARINE CORNELL, SENIOR WARDEN
KIM OWENS, JUNIOR WARDEN
MASON ALEXANDER
PHIL HEJL
LINDA JENSEN
DEBBIE MARCHAND
JANET MILLS
MATTHEW SAUNDERS
TRICIA SMITH
WARREN MCDONALD, TREASURER
O ctober Calendar 10/1 Rector’s Forum, 10:15 in the Parish Hall
10/1 St. Margaret’s 101 begins
10/1 Club 4-5, 12:30-2:00pm in Parish Hall
10/2-4 Diocesan Clergy Conference
10/6-8 Troop 101 Pumpkin Patch
10/7 Chapel Mass/Blessing of the Animals, 5:30 pm
10/14 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
10/14 DOK monthly meeting
10/15 Annual Stewardship Campaign begins
10/15 Annual Chili Cook-Off
10/19-22 EYC High School Retreat
10/21 Maggie’s Market Craft Fair
10/22 Holy Communion Class 1 of 3
10/27 Fellowship Friday (Chimney’s in Marvin)
10/28-29 EYC Middle School Overnight
10/29 Holy Communion Class 2 of 3
Rector’s Forum, 10/1
As we become older, our ability to sleep naturally becomes more elusive, but our bodies still need the same amount of sleep as we needed in our 20’s and 30’s. Here is a list of helpful natural remedies that help our sleep pattern:
Healthy diet: stay away from MSG, aspar tame, and casein. Try to eat a diet high in fiber which
aids in digestion and helps keep blood sugar on an even keel.
Exercise: a 20 minute walk around the block will do wonders to help your muscles get tired.
Do this sometime earlier in the day, so your body has a chance to relax prior to turning in for the
night.
Meditation: the practice of meditation teaches the body to wind down and can be used when
you are waiting for sleep.
Melatonin Management: it is a hormone our body produces to help us sleep. Be sure to take the
supplement several hours before you turn in as it takes a while for it to get into your bloodstream.
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who prepare and serve meal at the Union County Community Shelter in Monroe! In September they served about 60 people and had enough leftovers for later in the week. We welcome volun-teers at our next meal on November 28th. Please contact Karen Schaphorst with any questions at [email protected]
Thank you to all of our cookie bakers who made 64 dozen cookies for the men participating in the Kairos Prison Ministry weekend in September! Our parishioner, David Rourke, was part of the leadership team for the weekend where many lives were changed at Kershaw Correctional Institution. This is an amazing ministry that we’d love to have more men of the parish participate in. Please speak with David Rourke or Brian Scott for more details.
CHILI COOK OFF is 10/15
St. Margaret's annual Chili Cook Off is set for Sunday, October 15th, immediately following the 11:15 service.
If you would like to enter your
chili, please sign up at https://
stm.breezechms.com/form/
cco2017 or on the sign up sheet
outside of the church office.
Chili to be entered in the cook
off must be brought to the
Parish Hall no later than the
start of the Sunday School hour
(10:15am). All parishioners are
invited to this event! Please
plan to join us.
Last names A-M are asked to
bring a side, N-Z please bring a
dessert.
HEALTH TIP of the month: by Jane Knight, RN - Faith Community (Parish) Nurse
by Jane Knight, RN - Faith Community (Parish) Nurse