The Apostles Post26238 North Highway 59

Wauconda, Illinois

FROM THE VICAR’S DESK (M. C. Gillette)

This is the second in a three-part series of articles on the subject of ‘time’ as it impacts, or at least intersects with, our study of scripture, our history, worship, and lives. Last month I wrote about the difference between ‘Chronos’ and Kairos, between ‘human’ time and ‘God’s’ time. This month I want to address the question of dating our scriptural materials.

Almost every time we talk about something related to our scripture we do so with a caveat such as ‘evidence suggests’ or ‘most scholars agree’ or ‘around/about’ or ‘perhaps.’ Folks don’t seem to find this too unusual with our Old Testament texts. Given their antiquity, and the fact that ‘history’ meant something altogether different for their authors than for us, I suppose we assume there is going to be some uncertainty surrounding the dating of the events related in this scripture (even for those of us who do assume they are ‘historical’ events according to our understand of ‘history’).

When we encounter the same caveats in New Testament texts, however, it can be a little more annoying. Perhaps we can concede that no one really knows exactly when Jesus was born, because as the child of a couple of presumed nobodies from nowhere, in an era long before birth certificates and Bureaus of Vital Records, the birth would not have been recorded. But then we read something like ‘In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar – when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene – during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert.’ And we ask – ‘Seriously? How can those weasel-y scholars say they can’t date this precisely, at least to the year?’

Well, funny you should ask. Let’s look at that example (or, let’s look at what commentator R. Alan Culpepper has to say about that example), Luke 3:1-2.

FEBRUARY 2016 2015 We are a welcoming, compassionate community seeking to grow in Christ and

express God’s love for all, through worship, fellowship, service and prayer.

In 525 CE (hang on, we’ll discuss ‘CE’ v. ‘AD’ next month), a Christian monk named Dionysius Exiguus devised a year numbering system to replace the Era of Martyrs system (aka the Diocletian era). Diocletian was the Roman Emperor who instigated the last major persecution against Christians in the Empire, and Exiguus did not want to perpetuate his memory. It’s not as if Exiguus ‘solved’ the ‘problem’ of multiple ways of reckoning dates, of course – there continued to be numerous ways of marking the place of significant events in the course of human history. (And there continue to be numerous ways. For example, the majority of our year 2016 is the Hebrew year 5776; the Jewish calendar begins on Rosh Hashana each year, which falls in September or October in ‘our’ calendar, the Gregorian calendar. In the Korean calendar, it is 4349. Hindu? Depends on what kind of Hindu. Vikram Samvat, 2072-2073. Shaka Samvat, 1938-1938. Kali Yuga,

5117-5118. British Regnal? 64 Elizabeth II – 65 Elizabeth 2. See how this could be a problem before the Internet era?)

Eventually, after several ‘mutations,’ Exiguus’ dating method took hold. But when the New Testament was being written, most events were dated regionally, in relation to the rulers of the place and period or, in the case of Rome, the number of years since the city’s founding. In our example, Luke follows the ‘relation to rulers’ method. Even taking all 6 vectors he gives us together, however, we cannot come up with an exact date for John the Baptizer’s call, because we do not know which calendar Luke was using, or the event from which he counted the years of, say, Tiberius’ reign. We might presume he used the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BCE. But there are reasons why he might have used the Jewish, Syrian-Macedonian, or Egyptian calendars, and each reckoned years differently. And the question of which calendar Luke used is not the only one which makes exact dating impossible. We don’t even know how Luke figured the

beginning of Tiberius’ reign. Tiberius’ co-regency with Augustus began in 11 or 12 CE; Augustus died in 14 CE; and there is no way of knowing whether Luke counted the year of Tiberius’ accession as one of the years of his reign. The other five points of reference Luke gives us are even less helpful. Procurators governed Judea following the removal of Archelaus from office in 6 CE. Pontius Pilate was procurator from 26 to 36 CE. Herod Antipas remained tetrarch over Galilee, serving the Romans from the death of Herod the Great (4 BCE) until 39 CE, while Herod Philip governed his territories east of the Jordan until 34 CE. And no one even knows who ‘Lysanias’ was. Meanwhile, Annas was high priest from 6 to 15 CE, and his son-in-law, Caiaphas, from 18 to 36 CE.

So have a little mercy on those scholars. They’re probably not so much weasel-y as simply weary.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

HERE AND THERE (M. C. Gillette)In this on-going article, we pull things from our various Diocesan calendars and church websites to see what’s going on around us. For more information about what's happening at the Diocesan Headquarters and the Cathedral of Saint James, you can always visit their websites: http://www.episcopalchicago.org or http://www.saintjamescathedral.org/ or for a direct link to Diocesan and Cathedral events calendars, go to:

http://www.episcopalchicago.org/our-diocese/calendars/

The Union of Black Episcopalians Chicago will celebrate the annual Feast Day of Absalom Jones at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Chicago on Sunday, February 7 at 3 pm. This year's speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Professor of Religion at Goucher College. All members of the Diocese of Chicago are invited

to attend.  Absalom Jones was the first African-American priest in the Episcopal Church. Born into slavery, he taught himself to read using the New Testament and went on to be a pioneer of religion, social action and transformation.

Spring 2016 Volunteer Chaplain Training Beginning February 2016 The Bishop Anderson House 13-week course equips students with tools for serving as a volunteer visitor to the home-bound, hospital patients or folks in personal crisis. Students learn how to listen, what to say and what not to say, and how to recognize signs of addiction, cognitive distress or spiritual crisis. Spring 2016 Volunteer Chaplain Training takes place February 17 - May 11, on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Application period is open through January 30, 2016 and the class is open to members of all faith traditions.

Free Living Compass Lenten BookletsThis year, Living Compass is offering all congregations in the Diocese of Chicago free copies of its 2016 Lenten devotional booklets, "Living Well Through Lent 2016:  Letting Go With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength and Mind." The booklet includes writing from Bishop Lee, Martha Johnson Bourlakas, the Rev. Tom Brackett, the Rev. Joshua Hill, Heidi J. Kim, Karen M. Meridith, the Rev. Dr. Sam A. Portaro, Jr., the Very Rev. Robert "Bobby" Nelson Smith, and the Rev. Dr. Scott Stoner.Copies are available in the Narthex and in Lincoln Hall. Please feel free to take a copy for a friend or neighbor, too.

UPCOMING SERVICES FOR CHURCH OF THE HOLY APOSTLES – FEBRUARY 2016Sunday

07 February8:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday10 February

7:00 p.m.Ash Wednesday

Sunday14 February

8:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday21 February

8:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday28 February

8:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Scheduled:Presider: MoonPreacher: Moon

Scheduled:Presider: GillettePreacher: Gillette

Scheduled:Presider: GillettePreacher: Gillette

Scheduled:Presider: GillettePreacher: Gillette

Scheduled:Presider: GillettePreacher: Gillette

Last Sunday after the Epiphany (C)

Ash Wednesday (C) 1st Sundayin Lent (C)

2nd Sundayin Lent (C)

3rd Sundayin Lent (C)

FIRST LESSONExodus 34:29-35

RESPONSEPsalm 99

SECOND LESSON2 Corinthians

3:12-:2

GOSPELLuke 9:28-43a

FIRST LESSONIsaiah 58:1-2

RESPONSEPsalm 103

SECOND LESSON2 Corinthians

5:20b-6:10

GOSPELMatt. 6:1-6, 16-21

FIRST LESSONDeut. 26:1-11

RESPONSEPsalm 91:1-2, 9-16

SECOND LESSONRomans10:8b-13

GOSPELLuke 4:1-13

FIRST LESSONGen. 15:1-2, 17-18

RESPONSEPsalm 27

SECOND LESSONPhilippians

3:17-4:1

GOSPELLuke 13:31-35

FIRST LESSONExodus 3:1-15

RESPONSEPsalm 63:1-8

SECOND LESSON1 Corinthians

10:1-13

GOSPELLuke 13:1-9

SOME CHURCHY STUFF (M. C. Gillette)In this monthly article, we look at terms and definitions of things you might see or hear around church. Nothing fancy here – these entries are out of the Armentrout/Slocum An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, sometimes supplemented by me, and sometimes simply copied directly.

COMMINATION. A ‘threatening of punishment.’ A service for Ash Wednesday drawn up for the first English Prayer Book of 1549 to replace the blessing of ashes. It includes an exhortation on God’s judgment, the solemn cursing of those who have committed various sins, Psalm 51, suffrages (prayers on behalf of others), and a collect (short ‘collecting’ prayer). It has remained in the English Prayer Book, but is not in the English Alternative Service Book. The American Prayer Book never included it. Psalm 51 is the only feature of the commination service that is used in our Prayer Book service for Ash Wednesday.

COMMISSARY. Representatives of the Bishop of London appointed to oversee the work of the Church of England in the American colonies during the late 17th

century and early 18th centuries. By the time of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 (the overthrow of King James II of England, VII of Scotland, and II of Ireland by a

union of English Parliamentarians with the Dutch stadtholder (a type of hereditary head-of-state arising in the Netherlands in medieval times) William III of Orange-Nassau (William of Orange)), the Bishop of London held responsibility for control over Anglican affairs in America. Since commissaries already performed functions for bishops in distant areas of dioceses in England, the Right Reverend Henry Compton, Bishop of London, decided in 1689 to appoint James Blair as the first American commissary. Blair served in Virginia for 57 years. He established order over the church, enforced morality laws, and in 1693 founded the College of William and Mary, the first Anglican college in America. Blair’s success demonstrated the usefulness of Compton’s plan. Commissaries were soon designated for other colonies, including, most notably, Thomas Bray in Maryland. The system reached its peak of influence in the 1740s, when commissaries were active in 9 of

BRETHREN, in the primative church there was a Godly discyplyne, that at the begynnyng of Lent suche persons as were notorious synners, wer put to open penaunce and punished in thys world, that their soules might be saved in the day of the lorde, and that others admonished by theyr example, myght be more afrayed to offende. In the stede [stead] wherof, untyl the sayd discipline may be restored againe, (which thing is much to be wyshed,) it is thought good, that at thys tyme (in your presence) should be read the general sentences of God's curssyng against impenitent sinners, gathered out of the xxvii. Chapiter of Deuteronomye, and other places of scripture: and that ye shoulde aunswere to every sentence, Amen. To thintent that you, beyng admonished of the great indignacion of God agaynst synners, may the rather be called to earneste and true repentaunce, and may walke more warely in these daungerous daies, fleeing from such vices, for the which ye affirme with your owne mouthes the curse of God to be due.

CURSED is the man that maketh any carved or molten Image, an abhominacion to the Lorde, the worke of the handes of the craftes manne, and putteth it in a secrete place to worshyp it.And the people shall aunswere and saye, Amen.    Minister. Cursed is he that curseth his father, and mother.    Aunswere. Amen.    Minister. Cursed is he that removeth awaye the marke of hys neighbour's lande.    Aunswere. Amen.    Minister. Cursed is he that maketh the blynd to goe out of his waye.    Aunswere. Amcn.    Minister. Cursed is he that letteth [=prevents] in Judgemente the ryght of the straunger, of them that be fatherles, and of wydowes.    Aunswere. Amen.    Minister. Cursed is he that smiteth his neighboure secretly.    Aunswere. Amen.    Minister. Cursed is he that lyeth with his neighbour's wife.    Aunswere. Amen.    Minister. Cursed is he that taketh reward to slea the soule of innocent bloud.    Aunswere. Amen.    Minister. Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, and taketh man for hys defence, and in hys hearte goeth from the Lorde.    Aunswere. Amen.    Minister. Cursed are the unmercifull, the fornicatours and adulterers, & the covetous persons, the worshyppers of ymages, slaunderers, drunkards, and extorcioners.    Aunswere. Amen.

the 13 colonies. However, the canonical powers of the commissary were limited, and the need for Anglican bishops resident in American gradually became apparent. As a result, the commissary system fell into disuse everywhere except in Virginia in the decade prior to the American Revolution. Over the course of the program, at least 16 commissaries were sent to the American colonies.COMMISSION ON MINISTRY. In 1970, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church passed a new canon (‘church law’), Canon III.1, which required each diocese to establish a Commission

on Ministry. The number of members, their selection, and their terms of office are to be determined by diocesan canons. The functions of Commissions on Ministry specified in the canon are to assist the bishop ‘in determining present and future needs for ministry in the diocese’ and to assist ‘in enlisting and selecting persons for Holy Orders (potential deacons and priests).’ Commissions are to develop, train, and affirm lay ministries. They interview candidates prior to their ordination as deacons and may interview candidates prior to their ordination as priests, if requested by the

bishop, reporting to the bishop in each case. They assist the bishop in guiding and counseling deacons and other ministers, and they assist in matters pertaining to the continuing education of the clergy. The creation of Commissions on Ministry reflects the growing sense of the church that broad participation in the decisions about all types of ministry is desirable and necessary.Images: Commissary (James Blair of Virginia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Blair_(Virginia)Commission On Ministry http://episcopaldiocesefortworth.org/group/commission-on-ministry/

IN OUR PARISH LIFE

ANNUAL MEETING: Please plan to attend our Annual Meeting on Sunday 14 February. There will be a single service at 9:30 am, followed by a Pot Luck Brunch and Meeting. Please bring a dish to pass- a sign-up sheet is on the desk in Lincoln Hall.

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER: Please join us on Tuesday, February 09 for our annual joyful feast in anticipation of the traditional period of Lenten fasting.  There will be open seating from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Lincoln Hall. Pancakes, applesauce, sausage and bacon, and beverages will be provided. You are welcome to bring something to share- dessert, ham, cheese, or your favorite specialty! Free will offerings will be accepted, with a suggested donation from those who are able of $5 per adult and $2 for

children six and under. Please sign the sheet in Lincoln Hall if you plan to attend. If you are able to help with set-up or clean-up, please contact Marsha Taylor.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE: The Ash Wednesday service begins at 7:00 pm on February 10.

SHAWL MINISTRY : The Shawl Ministry will meet on Monday, February 8 at 7:00pm, and Tuesday, February 23 at 1:00pm in Lincoln Hall. All are welcome to join us- no experience is required! 

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP: The book discussion group generally meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm (exceptions will be noted). New members or one-time visitors are always welcome! Please contact Lisa Earley for more information or questions.January 26 The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins at the Pyne/Peterson home February 23 Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales March 22 Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susanna Cahalan April 26 The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde May 24 Preparation for the Next Life by Atticus Lish June 28 Half the Sky by Nicholas D Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn July 26 The Dive from Clausen’s Pier by Ann Packer  Aug 23 A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler  Sept 27 Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel Oct 25 Friday Night Lights by HG Bissinger Nov 22 $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America by Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke ShaeferDec 27 The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr  

WARM BLANKETS NEEDED: Deacon Laurie Michaels of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Barrington, is involved on Monday nights with CUMALI-Homeless Chicago Urban Ministry and Life Intervention. “CUMALI” is a small (in size) but hugely successful ministry that provides complete meals, socks, clothing and the “ministry of presence” to those homeless individuals “living” under Lower Wacker Drive in Chicago. In existence for over 8 years they

are a dependable resource to those “living on the streets”. Laurie is collecting warm blankets to take out next Monday night and in the Mondays ahead. (Also we always need sleeping bags and any men's L, XL and XXL coats and sweatshirts or L and XL women's coats, warm hats and gloves) The need for WARM blankets/quilts is acute as the temps have dropped these past weeks. If you have something you can donate please email Laurie at travelaurie@hotmail.com

WAUCONDA/ISLAND LAKE FOOD PANTRY: The milk jug count for December was $96.05. In December the food pantry served 227 families which totaled 626 individuals.  Eight families were new to the pantry. Please keep them in your prayers. There is a sign-up sheet in Lincoln Hall if you are interested in volunteering on Saturdays between 10 AM and 12 noon.

FEBRUARY 2016 (See PAGE 3 above for Service Schedule.)SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 2 3 4 5 6 Food Pantry10am-noon

7 8:00 AM service 10:30 AM service

8Shawl Ministry7:00 PM

9Shrove TuesdayPancake Supper5:30 – 7:30 PM

10Ash WednesdayService 7:00 PM

11 12 13Food Pantry10am-noon

149:30 AMSINGLE SERVICEand ANNUAL MEETING/POT LUCK

15 16 17 18 19 20

Food Pantry10am-noon

21 8:00 AM service 10:30 AM service

22 23Shawl Ministry1:00 PM________ Book DiscussionGroup 7:30 PM

24Prayer BeadClass 7:00 PM

25 26 27Food Pantry10am-noon

28 8:00 AM service 10:30 AM service 3:45 PM WCC

29

February Birthdays

Feb 06 Lynn McAlister Feb 20 Jackie KrauseFeb 08 Don Moon Feb 22 Allison DuraFeb 13 Charlie Miller

February AnniversariesFeb 20 Annette and Robert Jacobs

FROM: Church of the Holy Apostles 26238 North Highway 59 Wauconda, Illinois 60084