and notes of interest -...
TRANSCRIPT
CHURCH
NOTES
News, Events, and
Notes of Interest
for the week ending
April 22, 2016
CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES
170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island 02816
We are
Christians who Worship
in the Anglican Tradition.
Our Mission is to
Obey, Follow
and Bear Witness
to
Jesus Christ.
CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES
Evangelical Anglican
Church of The Apostles is a member of the
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
Special Meeting
of the
Corporation
Sunday, May 8, 2016
at
9:30 a.m.
to ratify the election of
The Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Gammon
as the next Superintendent
of
Church of The Apostles
On April 21, 2016 the Church Council voted unanimously to
elect The Reverend Dr. Stephen A. Gammon as the next
Superintendent of Church of The Apostles. The Constitution
and Bylaws require that the affirmative vote of the Church
Council be ratified by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of
the eligible voting members present at a special meeting of
Church of The Apostles (Article VIII.2).
“I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1)
“This is the LORD’s doing
and it is marvelous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:23)
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Day of Pentecost May 15, 2016
“As they were looking on, he was lifted up, and
a cloud took him out of their sight.”
(Acts 1:9)
Ascension Sunday May 8, 2016
“You send forth your Spirit, and they are created;
and so you renew the face of the earth.”
(Psalm 104:31)
“Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.”
(Song of the Three Young Men, 34)
Trinity Sunday May 22, 2016
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They looked into that empty cave, but could they trust their eyes?
The linen cloths were tossed aside; imagine their surprise.
An angel spoke those glorious words, “You must not be afraid. He is not here; He has been raised!” The debt of sin is paid.
But Jesus wasn’t finished yet; He had more joy to spread. He walked along Emmaus road and proved He wasn’t dead.
Two times He came to frightened friends, “Peace be with you,“ He said. Thomas had to touch his scars and share some fish and bread.
He fixed them breakfast by the sea and taught them how to feed the “sheep” that He would send to them. God’s wisdom they would need.
But Jesus had to leave this earth to be with God above. And then the Holy Spirit came to fill our hearts with love.
And so our Easter joy lives on. The hallelujahs ring. We live to join our risen Lord—
Our Prophet • Priest • and • King!
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The Deacons’ Corner ...
Reflections on Pastor Gammon’s visit
As I take pause, this Sunday evening, to think about the events of
this past weekend, of Pastor Gammon and Helen coming to visit
our Congregation as the candidate for Superintendent, I feel the
need to get on my knees and give thanks. I couldn’t help but
notice the Scripture readings for this Sunday focused on the Good
Shepherd and his flock. These readings were not hand chosen to
coordinate with Pastor Gammon coming to meet the
Congregation; they were just part of the sequence in the rotation
of readings for the current lectionary cycle. Coincidence? Or
God’s plan?
The Shepherd takes care of his flock, making sure the flock has
enough to eat and drink. He protects the sheep, calls each of them
by name and the sheep listen to his voice.
The Lord always provides for his people what they need. We, as
a church family, have been fervent in prayer with thanksgiving
these past months. We have prayed privately and corporately to
the Lord to call someone to be the new Superintendent at Church
of The Apostles. Our Archdeacon has reminded us on several
occasions that we are called to wait upon the Lord, to be patient,
and to not be anxious.
The Lord has been faithful. He has provided for us every step of
the way. He brought to us Pastor Gammon on the very Sunday
that the appointed readings are of the Good Shepherd and his
flock.
Pastor Gammon speaks of his life being filled with divine
appointments, and this weekend would be no exception. There
are no coincidences with God’s plan. It is just God’s plan! I
hope you had a chance to introduce yourself to Pastor Gammon
and spend some time getting to know him and his wife, Helen.
We give heartfelt thanks to our retired Superintendent Galloway
whom the Lord has used as his instrument to help provide for us
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during these past months when needs arose. And now, our
earthly shepherd is preparing to hand over the flock to a new
shepherd, a shepherd whom he feels is worthy to pastor us. “This
is the LORD’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm
118:23).
I look to the future with excitement to see how the Lord will
further his Kingdom through his faithful servant, Church of The
Apostles.
Deacon Deb Adams
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice,
and I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish,
and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me,
is greater than all, and no one is able
to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
I and the Father are one.”
(John 10:27-30)
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Thank you !!!
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
Thank you to all who joined us on Saturday evening, April 9th, to
support the Haiti ministry. Your kind and generous donations
will be used to help fund the Helping Haiti Orphan’s Ministry
(HHO).
It was a delightful night as over seventy people came together to
enjoy a chicken dinner and later listen to testimonies from the
people involved in the HHO’s ministry. Several members of our
praise band led us in a wonderful time of praise.
Thank you to all who helped to make this night a success: the
kitchen ministry, praise band, and members of the Congregation
who helped where needed. The generosity of this Congregation
never ceases to amaze us!
Several people have expressed interest in supporting HHO or
sponsoring a child and we have provided a link below to HHO’s
information. If you need more information, please contact Kathy
Kettle or Cindy Hall.
All Praise to the King as we acknowledge “that every good and
perfect gift comes from above!” (James 1:17)
Cindy Hall & Kathy Kettle
Helping Haiti’s Orphans
Following the Biblical mandate stated in James 1:27, “Religion
that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look
after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself
from being polluted by the world,” the purpose of Helping Haiti’s
Orphans is to provide for the spiritual, educational, emotional,
and physical needs of orphans in Haiti, enabling them to become
productive, caring and accountable Christian adults.
Helping Haiti’s Orphans is recognized as a 501(c)3 charity by the IRS. helpinghaitiorphans.com
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Health & Wellness
As a Congregation we made an honest attempt through Advent
and Lent to walk/exercise our way to Bethlehem and then to
Jerusalem. Even though we fell short of our overall goal in terms
of miles, it is important we recognize that our journey to
wholeness (body, mind, and spirit) is a lifestyle and this takes
commitment and continued support from our family and friends.
We all strive for an improved quality and enjoyment of life,
however the journey truly is Step by Step. A few takeaways from
this journey: Ask the Lord for guidance, strength and
perseverance in achieving your health-related goals; we can
succeed through small, manageable changes over time; and be a
good steward of your body. In his letter to the Philippians, Saint
Paul writes: “I can do everything
through Him who gives me
strength” (Philippians 4:13).
Sharon Galloway
Health & Wellness Ministry
Tennis Anyone?
On Saturday, May 21st at 10:00 a.m., there will be a free tennis
clinic for adults at Paine Field in Coventry. The clinic is part of
the Tennis Across America program and will be led by Patrick
LaSalle, an Elite Teaching Professional and regional president of
the United States Professional Tennis Association of New
England. The instruction will introduce the different tennis
strokes all with the goal of hitting the tennis ball! A cardio
fitness component will also be included.
Rackets are available for those who need to
borrow one. For further information,
contact Patrick at [email protected] or
401-385-9521.
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As I approach my sixty-eighth birthday, I sometimes wonder how
much longer I can be a crucifer? As I look around the church
many of us are in our fifties, sixties, seventies and older. But I’m
not worrying about the day when I can no longer light the candles
on the holy Table or carry the cross without falling or not placing
it in its stand correctly, because Matthew 6:34 tells us “do not be
anxious about tomorrow.” Since last June some pre-teens, who
have been encouraged by others, have stepped forward to join this
ministry. Beth Sexton now has Gbassah Doman and Blessing
Jacobs, Jr. as crucifers. She also has two former crucifers/
acolytes, Melissa Felice and Erin Mead, who are now serving in
this ministry again. Justin Stomberg, one of our young adults, has
been added to the lector’s list.
So what could be taking place here as we have a very small
number of youth in the Christian Education classes (20), yet we
are seeing many “youngsters” participating in these church
ministries? The Holy Spirit is at work!!
Thanks to Ed Farrell, we can watch our young Ushers-In-Training
handing out leaflets as they greet us, collect the offerings, lead us
to the Communion-rail, take the count and straighten up the pews
at the end of the service. Harrison McMahon, Aiden Felice, Nick
Kanaczet, Emma St. Martin and Blessing Jacobs, Jr. are doing a
remarkable job thanks to Ed’s instruction and encouragement.
Several others have attended his training session and I’m sure
we’ll see them soon. At the stairs Adam Stomberg and Donald
Galloway (until he left for the Air Force) aided us up to and down
from the Communion-rail.
Look to the back and you will notice John Adams doesn’t have to
stay in the corner “manning’ the sound system because he has
taken the time to instruct Gbassah Doman and Kyleigh Felice
how to record the sermons and make sure the readers’ voices are
heard (not too soft – not too loud). Kyleigh tells me, “Gram,
when you read, I turn the speaker down, because you’re TOO
LOUD!” These young “sound engineers” are also responsible for
keeping the lyrics up on the video screen so we can sing along
Christian Education
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with our praise band, Spirit and Truth. Ella Oliveira and Emma
St. Martin have been encouraged by members of the praise band
to share their vocal gifts with us.
I am just so thankful that God has blessed us with so many adults
who have the energy, patience and desire to teach and mentor our
youth!
To God be the Glory!
Linda Jones
Director of Christian Education
Dear God,
Thank you for our parents, for bringing us up in
Christian homes, for our food and drinks we can’t live
without. Thank you for a shelter for us to be living in.
Thank you for friends and for your love. Thank you for
watching over us.
God, please bring us closer to you. Also help us to
remember your Words in the Scriptures. Please help us in
spare time to read the Bible. Help us learn your Word so
we may spread your teachings to others so they’ll know
your love. Give us strength and courage to serve and
defend you. We will walk in your ways to the glory of
your Name.
We ask you that you look over our friends and family.
Please keep them safe and well. We also ask that you look
over those who work to keep and spread your Word.
Finally God, we ask that you forgive us for sinning and
that we haven’t followed your Word. We calmly repent.
We ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(This prayer, The Ambassadors’ Prayer, was written
two years ago by the 4th, 5th and 6th graders in the
Ambassadors’ Sunday School classroom.)
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What Family & Friends are saying about...
Is there a Scripture passage, hymn or prayer that speaks to you? In
this new monthly feature we will present short reflections submitted
by Apostles’ family and friends. If you would like add your thoughts
on a favorite, please forward your choice and a short explanation to
Ed Farrell ([email protected]) and we’ll add it to the list. If your
favorite is already featured, add what it means to you personally.
The Song of Mary Magnificat
“… for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.” (Luke 1:48)
In this prayer Mary shows her love, trust and awe for the Lord.
This line reminds me of all the blessings and trust He has
bestowed on me.
~Ed Farrell
The Lord’s Prayer
“give us this day our daily bread”
This line is especially empowering. I interpret it to mean “Give
me the strength to deal with whatever happens today.” Taking life
one day at a time, with God beside me, makes it much more
doable.
~Linda Quinn
The Hymn: “Jesus Thy Blood and Righteousness” by Nicholas
Ludwig Graf von Zinzendorf
“Lord I believe Thy precious blood, which, at the mercy seat of God,
doth for sinners plead, for me, even for my soul, was shed.”
Translated by John Wesley. A great old Moravian hymn.
~Marcia Camp
Proverbs 3:5-6
“…Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will
make your paths straight.”
I go to this verse often as it reminds me that God is in control.
~Kathy Kettle
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Dinner and a Musical
Saturday, May 7th
Ham Dinner
5:30 p.m.
“The Miracle of Easter”
A mini-musical presented by
the combined musical groups of
Church of The Apostles.
6:30 p.m.
Come, hear, and participate in
the Life, Death, Resurrection
and Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Miracle of Easter
is the Greatest Miracle of All!
There is a sign-up sheet for the dinner in the Narthex.
12
The National Day of Prayer, held each year on the first
Thursday in May (May 5, 2016), is an annual event for
Americans of all faiths to take time to pray for our nation and
its leaders. The specific focus of the day is to promote the need
to pray for our nation and those in positions of public trust and
cultural influence. In the course of your daily routine on May
5th, take a few moments to draw near to God and join with
other believers across America to pray for our nation and those
in authority. A public prayer service will be
offered at the flag pole next to the West Warwick
Town Hall at 12:15 p.m. on that day. In the
event of rain, the service will take place at
Riverpoint Advent Christian Church.
Let Us Pray for the Church, the world, the nation...
“When the day of Pentecost came,
they were all together in one place.” (Acts 2:1)
The Day of Pentecost, Sunday, May 15, 2016, is designated
as the Global Day of Prayer. Christians from all over the
world, from different cultures and denominations, are asked
to unite in prayer on that day.
Members of our community will have an opportunity
to come together for prayer and worship at:
Riverpoint Advent Christian Church
1107 Main Street, West Warwick
at 6:00 p.m.
Our focus will be the for the awakening of the Church and
the extension of God’s Kingdom here in Rhode Island.
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves,
and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin
and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
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A Prayer for
Rhode Island
Praise be to Thee, O God, for the little prism where men and women have seen
the splendor of Thy glory:
In the conscience of a single man who ventured to settle his life under Thy Providence alone;
In the coastal towns where faith was planted in
open companionship and none was barred;
By sparkling bays where spirit grew because there is no limit to Thy love.
Bless, O Lord, the smallest state of our fellow-
ship, that her people may ever nourish the widest of our hopes;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Very Rev. Francis B. Sayre, Jr. (1915-2008)
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Mark your Calendar …
April
Monday, Apr 25 7:30 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal
Tuesday, Apr 26 6:30 p.m. MTN Course
Wednesday, Apr 27 12 noon Holy Eucharist
Wednesday, Apr 27 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer
Friday, Apr 29 12:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study
Friday, Apr 29 7:00 p.m. Dance Lessons
May
Monday, May 2 7:30 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal
Tuesday, May 3 6:30 p.m. MTN Course
Wednesday, May 4 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer
Thursday, May 5 National Day of Prayer
Saturday, May 7 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study
Saturday, May7 5:30 p.m. Dinner & Musical
Sunday, May 8 9:30 a.m. Special Meeting
Tuesday, May 10 6:30 p.m. MTN Course
Wednesday, May 11 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer
Friday, May 13 12:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study
Sunday, May 15 6:00 p.m. Prayer Service at Riverpoint
Monday, May 16 Church Notes Deadline
Tuesday, May 17 6:30 p.m. MTN Course
Wednesday, May 18 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer
Thursday, May 19 7:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting
Saturday, May 21 7:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, May 21 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study
Saturday, May 21 10:00 a.m. Tennis at Paine Field
Tuesday, May 24 6:30 p.m. MTN Course
Wednesday, May 25 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer
June
Sunday, June 5 10:30 a.m. Last Day of Sunday School
Sunday, June 12 8 & 10 a.m. Summer Service Schedule
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Notices ...
Dear Friends,
Sincere thanks to my Church family. On Sunday
morning, the sixth of March, you presented to me a
gift of Love for which I find it very difficult to adequately express
my feelings of appreciation. The best I can do is “Thank You”
and a special thank you to the hands which made the shawl, it will
be treasured for the remainder of my earthly life. I must add that
the real treasure is not the physical item itself but for the
thoughtfulness and prayers for my wellbeing that it represents.
Thanks and God Bless to all of you,
Frank Sherman
In the mail bag...
The Friday Women’s Bible Study meets at 12:30 p.m.
Please note there have been some changes to their schedule.
Their schedule and studies are as follows:
April 29: 1 Kings
May 13: 2 Kings
May 27: Ezra and Nehemiah
June 3: Esther
Shall We Dance? Dances classes will continue to be offered on
Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall as long as
there is interest. All are welcome, partners are not necessary. For
further information, please speak with Patrick LaSalle (385-
9421).
A Men’s Fellowship Breakfast will be offered on Saturday,
May 21st, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Note the change of date.
Please join with your brothers in Christ to share food, fellowship
and the Word of God. Bring a friend!
The next Church Notes deadline is Monday, May 16th.
Please forward your articles and information to Barbara
Bickerstaff at [email protected] or to the church office.
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Thank you Lord for dirty hands
That touch my stove and fridge;
For sticky little fingers that
Try to build a bridge.
For careless hands that go astray
In search of something new;
For hands to hold and show the way
As mothers often do.
For precious little hands in which
Great faith so abounds;
For silly little hands that reach
To touch a mother’s frown.
And thank you for your guiding hand
That leads me to the light;
That lifts me when I stumble
And points me to the right.
As little hands reach out to me
To show them what to do,
I’m steadied, reassured and loved
As I reach up to you.
—Judith Peitsch
Hands
CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES Evangelical Anglican
170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island 02816
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Church Office: (401) 821-7609
website: apostlesri.org • email: [email protected]
The Holy Eucharist Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Wednesday 12:00 noon Sunday Brunch Sunday 12 noon Evening Prayer Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Morning Prayer Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.
Church Staff
Church Administrator Erin Mead Communications Officer Barbara Bickerstaff Director of Christian Education Linda Jones Health and Wellness Minister Sharon Galloway, RN Organist and Music Director Marianne Salisbury Assistant Organist Shyanne Slinko Sacristy Minister Barbara Battey Sexton Mike Edwards Treasurer Bob Bickerstaff Clerk Joan Clarke
Board of Elders
The Rev. Rob Geoffrey 943-4661 The Rev. Blessing Jacobs 588-0006 The Rev. Chad Tvenstrup (Licensed Presbyter)
The Rev. Conrad Ruppert (Elder Emeritus) The Rev. Mark Galloway (Bishop-retired)
Ecclesiastical Dignitaries
Lady Linda Greco 228-3060 Lady Sue Pillsbury 884-2947
Board of Servants
Archdeacon Bill Sexton Congregational Care Minister 726-4549 Deacon Tom Bourn Servant Evangelism Minister 294-4186 Deacon Kathy Kettle Outreach Minister 573-0773 Deacon Deb Adams Stewardship Minister 828-7998 Deacon Doug Stomberg Buildings and Grounds Minister 397-5508
Deacon Emerita Cathy Morgan