saint paul’s in-the-pines greetings to all,

8
www.stpaulsinthepines.net [email protected] JANUARY 2012 Greetings to All, Paul says to the people of Corinth, ―All things are lawful for me, but not all things are beneficial. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything .‖ (1Cor. 6:12) Paul is informing the people of Corinth that as a Roman citizen he is not closely bracketed by the narrow restrictions of Jewish law. Paul however maintains his Jewish heritage and the righteousness of a life lived through the Cross of Christ. This idea of living within the law of one‘s community, while also recognizing the kind of life Christ asks us to live, needs to be examined a little bit. Perhaps the best way to do this is by using an example or two. As I write this newsletter our Supreme Court is trying to decide when and if it is okay for profane language to be broadcast through our televi- sions and under what circumstances. I recall Bill Cosby once saying that ―people tend to use profanity when they are, for what- ever reasons, unable to otherwise to express themselves.‖ I agree with Mr. Cosby and I will go a step further; I believe most people think they are impressing their listeners with curse words they think are socially acceptable. So sad. Whenever I am in a store and hear people using such language I feel offended I don‘t want to be within the sound of their voice. Having said all of that I do have a tolerance for the occasional explicative emanating from my television. I don‘t think it is necessary but it happens. The federal courts allowing, or not allowing, such language has nothing to do with the self control I have in place for myself. ―Many things are lawful for me, but not many things are beneficial.‖ This kind of righteous self -control is not limited to curse words on televi- sion. How we dress (as revealing as the law allows): how we respond (or not required to re- spond) to the needs of the less fortunate is not legislated. Short of paying taxes we are not lawfully required to be charitable or for the matter, to attend church, or believe in God. Again, ―All things are lawful but not all things are beneficial.‖ Should we decide to live out our lives solely based on what we can get away with legally, we exercise no discipline and self control and so are slaves to public limitations. Disci- pline and self control are important tools for living into the righteous life we are called to in Christ. Our personal rules of life must be established and maintained. Yes, such per- sonal rules like not cursing, dressing properly and being courteous to others takes prac- tice. Beneficial behavior requires our self imposed limitations as well as times of action. We are called by Jesus to live lives of loving kindness. This reminds me of a related personal rule: ―If you can‘t say something nice about someone, don‘t say anything at all.‖ I‘m sure St. Paul and Mr. Cosby would agree that while this rule is not a required law, it is beneficial. A Very Blessed and Happy New Year to all, John+ Saint Paul’s in-the-Pines ―As a diverse family we seek and serve God through joyful worship, love and respect for creation, promotion of social justice, and growth into the image of Christ.‖ Diocese of East Carolina The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel, 3rd Bishop www.diocese-eastcarolina.org Clergy The Very Rev. John T. Frazier [email protected] Vestry Senior Warden Gail Brown Junior Warden Roy Lowder Christian Formation Saran McLean- Hasinger Hospitality Patricia Jackson Missions Doreen DeJaynes Pastoral Care Ray St. Onge Stewardship Jane Crabill Youth Ministries Liaison Cindi Pettigrew Worship Jan Peters Committees and Staff Altar Guild Chair Charity Swick Treasurer Donna Roraback Clerk of the Vestry Kevin Hasinger Stained Glass Preservation Penny Fleming Parish Administrator & Epistle Editor Robin Minnick We are the Church… .. Let us hold in our prayers our government leaders and our Armed Forces on deployment; the millions of refugees worldwide in need of help; and our young people growing up in a challenging world. For our families and friends who need our prayers ~ Rev’d Lucy Talbott Gloria McEvilley Faith Swick Brooke Larsen Mary Lee Shanahan Dianna Hamer Agnes Bally Lori (Frawley) Buffinton Dianne Helfrich Saran McLean-Hasinger CJ Wheeler, Gail’s nephew Sydney Finau Kim Jansen (Suzanne Tuttle) Mikey Brown, (Michaela Brown) Jan Peters Sara Smith (Suzanne Tuttle) Dana and Jennifer Frawley Iris Burgess (Robin Burrs’ cousin) Sharon (Frawley) Gruber Danny Caron, (Doreen DeJaynes) Jimmy Bildrens, (Doreen DeJaynes) Andrew DeJaynes From Our Rector’s Study continued on page 3

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www.stpaulsinthepines.net [email protected] JANUARY 2012

Greetings to All, Paul says to the people of Corinth, ―All things are lawful for me, but not all things are

beneficial. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.‖ (1Cor.

6:12)

Paul is informing the people of Corinth that as a Roman citizen he is not closely bracketed

by the narrow restrictions of Jewish law. Paul however maintains his Jewish heritage

and the righteousness of a life lived through the Cross of Christ.

This idea of living within the law of one‘s community, while also recognizing the kind of

life Christ asks us to live, needs to be examined a little bit. Perhaps the best way to do

this is by using an example or two. As I write this newsletter our Supreme Court is trying

to decide when and if it is okay for profane language to be broadcast through our televi-

sions and under what circumstances.

I recall Bill Cosby once saying that ―people tend to use profanity when they are, for what-

ever reasons, unable to otherwise to express themselves.‖ I agree with Mr. Cosby and I

will go a step further; I believe most people think they are impressing their listeners with

curse words they think are socially acceptable. So sad. Whenever I am in a store and

hear people using such language I feel offended – I don‘t want to be within the sound of

their voice.

Having said all of that I do have a tolerance for the occasional explicative emanating from

my television. I don‘t think it is necessary but it happens.

The federal courts allowing, or not allowing, such language has nothing to do with the self

control I have in place for myself. ―Many things are lawful for me, but not many things

are beneficial.‖ This kind of righteous self-control is not limited to curse words on televi-

sion.

How we dress (as revealing as the law allows): how we respond (or not required to re-

spond) to the needs of the less fortunate is not legislated. Short of paying taxes we are not

lawfully required to be charitable or for the matter, to attend church, or believe in God.

Again, ―All things are lawful but not all things are beneficial.‖

Should we decide to live out our lives solely based on what we can get away with legally,

we exercise no discipline and self control and so are slaves to public limitations. Disci-

pline and self control are important tools for living into the righteous life we are called to

in Christ. Our personal rules of life must be established and maintained. Yes, such per-

sonal rules like not cursing, dressing properly and being courteous to others takes prac-

tice. Beneficial behavior requires our self imposed limitations as well as times of action.

We are called by Jesus to live lives of loving kindness. This reminds

me of a related personal rule: ―If you can‘t say something nice about

someone, don‘t say anything at all.‖ I‘m sure St. Paul and Mr. Cosby

would agree that while this rule is not a required law, it is beneficial.

A Very Blessed and Happy New Year to all,

John+

Saint Paul’s in-the-Pines

―As a diverse family we seek and serve God through

j oy ful worship, l ove and respect for creation, promotion

of soc ial justi ce , and growth into the image of Christ . ‖

Diocese of East Carolina The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel, 3rd Bishop www.diocese-eastcarolina.org

Clergy The Very Rev. John T. Frazier [email protected]

Vestry Senior Warden Gail Brown Junior Warden Roy Lowder Christian Formation Saran McLean-

Hasinger Hospitality Patricia Jackson Missions Doreen DeJaynes Pastoral Care Ray St. Onge Stewardship Jane Crabill Youth Ministries Liaison Cindi Pettigrew Worship Jan Peters

Committees and Staff Altar Guild Chair Charity Swick Treasurer Donna Roraback Clerk of the Vestry Kevin Hasinger Stained Glass Preservation Penny Fleming Parish Administrator & Epistle Editor Robin Minnick

We are the Church… .. Let us hold in our prayers our government leaders and our Armed Forces on deployment; the millions of refugees worldwide in need of help; and our young people growing up in a challenging world. For our families and friends who need our prayers ~

Rev’d Lucy Talbott Gloria McEvilley Faith Swick Brooke Larsen Mary Lee Shanahan Dianna Hamer Agnes Bally Lori (Frawley) Buffinton Dianne Helfrich Saran McLean-Hasinger CJ Wheeler, Gail’s nephew Sydney Finau Kim Jansen (Suzanne Tuttle) Mikey Brown, (Michaela Brown) Jan Peters Sara Smith (Suzanne Tuttle) Dana and Jennifer Frawley Iris Burgess (Robin Burrs’ cousin) Sharon (Frawley) Gruber Danny Caron, (Doreen DeJaynes) Jimmy Bildrens, (Doreen DeJaynes)

Andrew DeJaynes

From Our Rector’s Study

continued on page 3

We are the Church… .. (cont’d) from the Vestry

PAGE 2 JANUARY SAINT PAUL’S IN -THE-P INES

Worship –wise….. Jan Peters ―Anticipation”

A WORSHIP NEW

YEAR

By the time you re-

ceive this newsletter

we will have begun a

new church year with

the Advent season, celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus

Christ, had an Epiphany service and party with Lenten plan-

ning already lurking in the back of our minds. A belated, but

no less heartfelt, THANK YOU to all of the Worship sup-

port folks who made the Christmas services go smoothly.

More kudos to all who worked so diligently gathering and

making the greens to bedeck the church so beautifully!

These things don't just happen. It takes much planning and

dedication from the making of soup and sloppy joes to feed

those hungry from the energy expended gathering and mak-

ing the greens, making sure all the supplies were on hand,

climbing ladders to get the greens hung to sweeping/

cleaning the parish hall and church. Gail Brown was one of

the shepherds, along with lots of help. Please take time to

seek out those who participated and share your compliments

for a task well done. Plan now to join us next year to prune

Food Lion shrubbery, make wreaths, hang bows and greens

and enjoy a truly wonderful adventure, There are opportuni-

ties for every available hand----no expertise required.

If you would be interested in a training session for how to be

Worship support for Morning Prayer please email Jan Peters

or sign up in the parish hall. Also if you are currently on the

Worship Support list please let me know ASAP your Febru-

ary availability schedule. Please check the February newslet-

ter for more details about Lent.

Jan Peters

A Message from the Stewardship Chair,

Jane Crabill

Have you made a New Year’s resolution to

become more active in St. Paul’s In-the-

Pines? Time, talent and treasure forms are avail-

able in the parish hall to be filled out and returned

if you haven‘t already submitted them. Thank you

notes for those who turned in a financial pledge

prior to January have been mailed out. If you did-

n‘t receive a thank you card but believe you have

submitted a pledge, please speak to Jane Crabill.

As the new year began, we were only about halfway

to meeting an annual budget with written pledges.

We need more parish members to sign up to help

with worship services, fundraisers, setting up be-

fore and cleaning up after social events, reaching

out to visitors, working with Cindi and our youth

group, etc. Father John can‘t do it alone and nei-

ther can the Vestry. Please fill out the time and

talent sheets or speak to a vestry member about

where you are called to contribute.

Faithfully ,

Jane Crabill, Stewardship Chair “… ready to give, to serve, and to be present in Your World.”

Our Red Box Could Ulse a Boost! Feed Me So that I Might Feed Others

Fayetteville Urban Ministry is still in need of dona-

tions. Now that the holidays are

done, it is even more important to

remember those who are living

homeless and in distressed circum-

stances.

Of particular need are moderate

servings of canned meats (canned

fish. SPAM, canned chicken/ham salad, Vienna sau-

sages) peanut butter, packaged snacks, canned fruits

or pudding cups. It needs to be something easy to

open and simple to eat. Also, new men‘s and ladies

socks for this cold weather.

Bring in your donations, and the Jacksons will see

that they get to the Fayetteville Urban Ministry.

Tom and Mary Guilfoyle Tucker Marlow Rev’d. Liz (Simmons) church Michael Ashford George Winder Bea and George Roraback Richard Johnson (M. Winder’s brother) Barbra Bogart, cancer (Larry Frawley) Bob Bailey, blood disorder (Jan) Gracie, MS (Jan) Ruth Shorter (Robin Burrs) John T. Clardy (Judith Johnson) Jimmy Teachey Cody Smith, heart condition (A. DeJaynes) Judy Krantz Ann Hagelberger Gloria Brehm Shirley Fields, cancer (Ed’s sister-in-law) John Clardy (Judith Johnson) Sherril Langdale (J. Frantz) Violet & Stephen Johnson (Judith’s mother and

brother) Nancy McKay (Doreen DeJaynes’s mom) Mark Hurley, cancer (Jo Anne Lowder) Jane Stewart Pam Frawley, surgery Jo Anne Lowder, recuperating

We are the Church… ..

Words

PAGE 3 JANUARY SAINT PAUL’S IN -THE-P INES

and Our Service Members serving

overseas:

David Hipwell

John Buffinton —- Afghanistan

Chris Fritz —- Afghanistan

Happy 2012, everyone!

It’s amazing how long ago it seems that it was 2011! A week

and two major holidays make such a difference.

We‘re gearing up for the new year here at the church, and that means

some changing of files, making of plans, and hopes for prosperity for

our little church to move forward.

Our new Vestry has been gracious about keeping me informed so that I

can pass along information to all of you. And if I don‘t know something,

I will try to find out, so please don‘t hesitate to ask a question.

We‘ll be celebrating St. Paul‘s-in-the-Pines‘s birthday later this month,

complete with Parish meeting, food, and gifts. Elsewhere in this issue

you will find our Birthday Wish List. And remember, this is the 48th

birthday. 50 is just around the corner, with all the brouhaha we can

pull together to celebrate 50 years as a church.

We‘re also seeking information on computer software at a discounted

rate. (It must be legal!) Some of you know I‘ve taken over the church‘s

web site as one of my duties. It is still in a state of transition as I imple-

ment changes we‘ve discussed. Allan Aycock did such a good job, we

are not altering much, more like adding to and updating it.

However, that means we need certain software. Currently I am doing

much of this with my own software at my house, because I have what I

need there. Eventually we will need to get software for St. Paul‘s-in-the

-Pines. It will be newer than mine, and it will belong to the church, so

that whoever is the webmaster will have the necessary access. (Don‘t

worry, I like doing this, so I‘m not looking to turn it over to anyone else

until I leave – which is some vague someday, not now.)

We will ultimately need a program that allows us to scan and modify

images and one to help create the web pages. We already have a pro-

gram that will deliver the pages to the web hosting service. There are

other programs that add bells and whistles, but these two are the ba-

sics, and they cost enough. So, we‘re looking for discounts, or even le-

gitimate, license-transferred software that is no older than 2009. If any-

one has knowledge of any, please contact me at the office, 485-7098.

That‘s pretty much all the business news from the office, but I may

have some surprises for you next time.

Blessings Robin the PA

Through

the Window

More Hymn Titles by Occupaton ● The Tailo r ’s Hym n…..

“Ho ly, Ho ly, Ho ly”

● The Po lit ician ’s Hym n….. “St and ing on t he Prom ises”

● The IRS Agen t ’s Hym n….. “I Sur render All”

● The Shopper ’s Hym n….. “Sw eet Bye and Bye”

TEAM LEADERS-- PLEASE REMEMBER TO CALL YOUR TEAM PRIOR TO THE SUNDAY YOU ARE ASSIGNED. IF IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO SERVE, PLEASE FIND

YOUR OWN REPLACEMENT BEFORE THE ASSIGNED SUNDAY AND INFORM THE PARISH ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CHANGE BY WEDNESDAY OF YOUR ASSIGNED WEEK.

PLEASE SUBMIT IN WRITING TO THE WORSHIP LIASON THE DATES YOU ARE NOT AVAILABLE.

LECTORS— PLEASE UPDATE THE HYMN BOARDS PRIOR TO YOUR ASSIGNED SUNDAY. PLEASE UTILIZE THE ILLUMINATIONS FOR THE LESSONS (FOUND IN THE

FOLDER BY THE MAILBOXES) ON YOUR ASSIGNED SUNDAY.

2012

Year A

8:00 am EM

10:30 am EM

Chalice

Lector

Crucifer

Acolytes

Ushers

Greeters &

Front Doors

Altar Guild

Tellers

Flowers $35

Bread & Wine

$15

Nursery

1 January 6 January 8 January 15 January 22 January 29 January 5 February

New Year's Day Epiphany 1 Epiphany 2 Epiphany 3 Epiphany 4 Epiphany 5 Epiphany

Lesson's & Carols special service

with Morning Prayer 6:30 PM

Nancy Tetterton/Patsy Bass Deb George Judith Johnson Doreen DeJaynes Christina Barnett Nancy TettertonP.

Pam Frawley Jan St. Onge Bill Perham Leslie Flom Bill West Gail Brown Jane Crabill

J K. Hasinger

Jane Crabill LarryFrawley Kevin Hasinger Ron Huskey Bill Perham Kevin HasingerSt. Hasinger

Readers Bill West Pam Frawley Jane Crabill Penny Fleming Ron Huskey Jan St. OngeA Gibbs

Symone Gibbs Sterling Hasinger Jacob Leibers Ian Martin

Jo Anne Lowder Ray St. Onge Bill West Larry Frawley Robert Belton John Ashford Larry Frawley

Gail Brown Bill Perham Ian Fleming Ray St. Onge Jo Anne Lowder

Gail Brown Deb George Pam Perham Suzanne Tuttle Charity Swick

Jo Anne Lowder Roy Lowder Bill Perham Kevin Hasinger Roy Lowder

John Ashford Ray St. Onge Sue Carlin Doreen DeJaynes John Ashford

Charity/Gail Jessica/Heather Pam/Charity Charity/Gail Saran/Suzanne Jessica/Heather

J A n U A R Y 2 0 1 2

January 2012 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1

Morning Prayer: 6:00 am Holy Eucharist 8:00 am

Christian Formation 9:15 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 am

2

6:00 am

Morning Prayer

3

6:00 am Morning Prayer

NO Women’s Bible Study

EfM in Parish Hall 5:30-8:00 pm

4

6:00 am Morning Prayer

Holy Eucharist & Healing

6:00 pm

5

6:00 am Morning Prayer

Cursillo Reunion Group

6:00 pm

6

6:00 am Morning Prayer

7

6:00 am Morning Prayer

8:00 am Brotherhood of

St. Andrew

8

Morning Prayer: 6:00 am Holy Eucharist 8:00 am

Christian Formation 9:15 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 am

VESTRY MEETING Following the 10:30 service

9

6:00 am

Morning Prayer

10

6:00 am Morning Prayer

Women’s Bible Study 1:00 pm

11

6:00 am

Morning Prayer

Holy Eucharist & Healing 6:00 pm

12

6:00 am

Morning Prayer

Cursillo Reunion Group 6:00 pm

13

6:00 am Morning Prayer

6:00 am 14

Morning Prayer: 8:00 am

Brotherhood of St. Andrew

10:00 am-12Noon Community Watch

Morning Prayer: 6:00 am 15

Holy Eucharist 8:00 am Christian Formation 9:15 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 am

Combined Dinner 4:00 pm (St. Joseph’s and St. Paul’s at

St. Paul’s-in-the-Pines)

16

6:00 am Morning Prayer

CHURCH OFFICE WILL

BE CLOSED

17

6:00 am Morning Prayer

Women’s Bible Study 1:00 pm

EfM in Parish Hall 5:30-8:00 pm

18

6:00 am

Morning Prayer

Holy Eucharist & Healing 6:00 pm

19

6:00 am Morning Prayer

Cursillo Reunion Group

6:00 pm

20 6:00 am

Morning Prayer

21

6:00 am Morning Prayer

8:00 am Brotherhood of

St. Andrew

22

Morning Prayer: 6:00 am Holy Eucharist 8:00 am

Christian Formation 9:15 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 am

23

6:00 am

Morning Prayer

NEWSLETTER ARICLES DUE

24

6:00 am Morning Prayer

Women’s Bible Study 1:00 pm

EfM in Parish Hall 5:30-8:00 pm

25

6:00 am Morning Prayer

Holy Eucharist & Healing

Service 6:00 pm

6:00 am Morning Prayer26

Baked Ziti Lunch Sale 11:00 am-3:00 pm (take out/delivery)

Baked Ziti Dinner Sale (dine in/out)

5:00 pm-8:00 pm Cursillo Reunion Group

6:00 pm

27

6:00 am Morning Prayer

28

6:00 am Morning Prayer

8:00 am Brotherhood of

St. Andrew

Happy Birthday, 29 St. Paul’s!

Morning Prayer: 6:00 am Holy Eucharist 8:00 am

Christian Formation 9:15 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 am

All Parish Meeting & Birthday Potluck:

following 10:30 service

30

6:00 am

Morning Prayer

31

6:00 am Morning Prayer

Women’s Bible Study 1:00 pm

EfM in Parish Hall 5:30-8:00 pm

Birthdays & Anniversaries 13th---Alison Partney; 14th—Ronnie Frazier, 14th---Mary & Matthew Houser; 19th—Ronald Peters; 20th—Jay DeJaynes; 21st—Robin Burrs; 23rd—Margaret Estephanes; 29th—Jacob Hasinger

News

PAGE 6 JANUARY SAINT PAUL’S IN -THE-P INES

Extra! Extra! Extra! 2 for the Price of 1 — plus NO dollar!

(You get to hear from me twice this month!)

Over the holidays, we had a few days when all the kids were home. Our married daughter and

her husband came in from Nashville, our second daughter came down from New York City,

and the twins were off from college. Add in the two sons who are currently with us and visits

from the two boyfriends, and we had a pretty steady houseful!

Naturally we had a lot of conversations about people’s plans, philosophies, and futures. I was

struck by the mix we had. Of course, with that many people present, finding variety wasn’t too surprising. However, the interesting part to

me was that things sort of fell into three categories with intersections, but within those parameters, there were wide differences.

One of the categories was religious. By this I mean that several of the people are closely affiliated with their chosen faith. They study it,

participate in it, and run their lives based on it. Another category was service, as several of our family members are either professionally or

personally involved in service to others. These two categories intersect. As does the third, which is communication, the other area that was

oft-discussed.

Being from one family, there were many similar viewpoints, but often they were supported and fueled by differing sources. That led to some

Yes, We Are!

● Fundraisers — besides the two advertised in

this newsletter, we‘re looking at planning

more fun activities to raise funds for the

church this year. Got ideas? Bring ‗em in —

and build on your excitement to help make it

happen! Consider crafts sales, different din-

ners/cookouts, yard sales — anything to ap-

peal to people and engage the community.

● Convention is just around the corner, Febru-

ary 3 - 4. Our delegates, Fr. John, Bill West,

Saran Maclean-Hasinger, and Morgan Petti-

grew are ready to go. Robert Belton is also

ready to step in as alternate if he‘s needed. If

you have any questions about the experience,

Fr. John, Morgan, Leslie Flom, and Jonathan

Frantz have been before.

● The church birthday, as mentioned elsewhere,

is the last Sunday of this month. There will be

an all-parish meeting then, too. In tune with

that, since preparations will need to be made

for our 50th birthday celebration, we‘re look-

ing at projects necessary to spruce up the

buildings and grounds, such as the new gravel

in the parking lot. Ideas, solutions, and volun-

teers are always needed.

Through

the Window

I‘m so thank-

ful—We‘re going

to be busy, busy,

News

PAGE 7 JANUARY SAINT PAUL’S IN -THE-P INES

This month’s Baked Ziti fundraiser will have more

organization and a few changes.

It is scheduled for January 26th.

Lunch take -out/delivery will be from 11am ‗til 3pm . Dinner,

which is dine-in/take-out, will run from 5pm ‗til 8pm.

We will have better iced tea and an improved take-out set- up.

New and better TICKETS ARE READY NOW

We will still need help with set-up on the afternoon of the 25th,

then cooking am and pm shifts on the 26th delivery/take-out.

preparation on the 26th, evening cashier , dining room servers

and clean-up of the 26th. We hope

to have "LIVE MUSIC" and some craft items for sale during

dinner. With luck – and volunteers — window tours might be

set up also.

WE WANT PEOPLE to come to a fundraiser dinner and have a

good time and food and enjoy the fellowship of St. Paul‘s-in-the

-Pines.

Please call Penny (864-2002) or Larry (864-6914) to sign up to

join the crew and/or get tickets.

Please hurry, we need you now.

We‘re always being asked ―What do you want

for your birthday?‖

Whether a church or an individual, people

want to know what would make a good gift. So,

we‘ve come up with a list of things we know the

church could use. Of course, we‘ll appreciate

and put to use anything we get.

Here‘s a few ideas:

Coffee

Kleenex

Kool Aid

Pastel printer paper for those special occa-

sions (8 1/2x11 or 8 1/2x14 in size)

Scotch tape for dispensers

Pentel EnerGel Pens — black/blue/red

….and anything else you think the church could

use.

Thank you, church family,

and Happy Birthday!

hearty discussions. That is what gave me pause. (I know I’m being very general here, but that’s for brevity.)

I realized from all these discussions that there is diversity of a much different kind than we normally talk about. It’s a diversity I see at St.

Paul’s-in-the-Pines: diversity of belief. It’s something you don’t often see sitting comfortably with people who are very conservative or fun-

damental in their faith. Instead it seems to be more prevalent in the older, mainstream religions. People within a given denomination tend to

believe the same general things, but there are details and nuances that differ, philosophies and backgrounds that inform their thoughts in

different ways, leading them to ponder different possibilities.

This is why we have Bible study, for the exploration and discussion of the possibilities. Rather than approaching it individually, with only

one perspective, group study allows for conversations, combining of ideas, sorting out of interpretations. It’s what I hear the ladies refer to

happily on Tuesdays when they come in for Women’s Bible Study. It’s what I hear sometimes from members of the Brotherhood of St. An-

drew, too.

Now, I can imagine many of you nodding your heads, thinking, ’well, of course!’ But I just wanted to share that I’ve seen this kind of diver-

sity at St. Paul’s, as well as all the other diversities we enjoy.

When I was interviewed for Parish Administrator, the very first thing Fr. John asked me was how I felt about working with a church that

was intentionally celebratory about their diversity. I have to admit it was an entirely unexpected question. As he further explained it, how-

ever, I was happy to answer that I was comfortable with it. What I should have said was that I wouldn’t have it any other way.

.Blessings, Robin the PA

Saint Paul’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church

1800 Saint Paul Avenue

Fayetteville NC 28304

Phone: (910) 485-7098

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.stpaulsinthepines.net

A Diocese in Prayer January 2012

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Please pray for the following during the month of January

1st— St. Thomas, Ahoskie The Rev’d Jeffrey Douglas, Rector Church of the Holy Cross, Aurora San Pedro, Los Conucos, DR The Rev’d Félix Encarnación, Vicar La Ascensión, El Seibo, DR The Very Rev’d Sandino Sánchez, Vicar

8th— St. Thomas, Bath The Rev’d Eric Zubler, Rector

De La Gracia, Boca Chica, DR The Rev’d Ramon Canela, Vicar

Epifanía/Union Church, Santo Doming, DR The Very Rev’d Napoleón Brito, Vicar The Rev’d Michael Floyd, Vicar The Rev’d Deacon Canon Robert Snow, Assistant to the Vicars

Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Fayetteville, North Carolina 28302 Permit No. 164

15th—St. Paul’s, Beaufort The Rev’d John Carlisto, Rector The Rev’d Paul Head, Associate Rector Trinity, Chocowinity

The Ven. Joseph Malcom Browne, III, Rector San Pablo y San Lucas, San Isidro, DR The Rev’d Ramon Canela, Vicar San Lucas, Santiago, DR The Rev’d Salvador Almonte, Vicar 22th—St. James, Belhaven St. Mary’s, Belhaven

St. Mary’s Church, An Episcopal-Lutheran Community, Burgaw

The Rev’d John Robert Spainhour Priest in Charge Los Santo Innocents, San Luis, DR The Rev’d Cruz Mendez, Vicar La Redención, Barahona, DR The Rev’d Nephtaly Desir, Vicar San Pedro & San Pablo, Santo Domingo, DR The Rev’d Jean Monique Bruno, Vicar Adolfo Moronta, Lay Minister 29th—St. Thomas, Windsor The Rev’d Joseph Cooper, Priest in Charge