February

S T P AUL ’ S E PISCOPAL C HURCH † F EBRUARY 2009

T HE E PISTLE J ESUS

SAID ,

The story of the feeding of the 5,000 is not just a beautiful and miraculous story, but it is also a call to mission for the church. The miracle happens when Jesus goes away with his disciples for a time of private instruction. The people of the Galilee follow him to a deserted place and there is no food to feed the masses that have gathered to hear him teach and to seek his healing. One of the apostles asks Jesus to send them away because they do not have enough food or money to buy food to feed them. Jesus tells the apostle “there is no need to send them away, you feed them.” The story, which is retold in all of the Gospels, says that Jesus took the bread, blessed the bread, broke the bread, and gave it to them. You may recog-

“T HEY

M ISSION NEED NOT GO AWAY ; YOU GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT .” M ATTHEW 14:16

nize this as a Eucharistic formula that describes what Jesus did at the Last Supper and matches perfectly with St. Paul’s description of the Holy

Eucharist. We are told that after all had eaten that there were twelve baskets full of the fragments of bread and fish. Most Episcopal Churches that I know about have regular Holy Eucharists, but also a regular time of sharing of more substantial physical food. The Holy Eucharist is open to all baptized Christians in our understanding, but the other food is open to all who are hungry. Our job is to feed those who are hungry spiritually and physically. How do we

do that? We welcome the stranger into our midst and provide ways to provide both kinds of food in a safe, caring, and concerned environment. Jesus told us to feed them. The story has both dimensions and should be read that way. There are a couple of ways to provide food for the needy. One is to be welcoming to the stranger that comes among us at breakfast or at other times. A second way is to give food to be used to feed the poor. There is a basket by the pulpit that needs to be filled. On Super Bowl Sunday, we will observe “Souper Bowl Sunday.” You are encouraged to bring cans of soup to be given to the poor.

Jim+

S T P AUL ’ S O UTREACH O PPURTUNITIES •

Christian Outreach Alliance

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SABRA Sanctuary

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Meals On Wheels

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Mission to Namibia

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El Hogar

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Soles4Souls

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Episcopal Relief and Development

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United Thank Offering

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Salvation Army

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Angel Tree

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Christmas Food Boxes

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Flowers to Shut-Ins I NSIDE THIS ISSUE : I NVITATION T O P OLK ’ S I NSTALLATION

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D AUGHTERS OF THE K ING

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K ID ’ S P AGE

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M EMORIAL W IN-

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DOW

P ARENTING IN THE 5 P EW

S ENIOR W ARDEN ’ S M ISSIVE

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C ALENDAR

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T HE E PISTLE

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I NSTALLATION OF P OLK V AN Z ANDT The Parishioners of St Paul’s Episcopal Church Selma, Alabama are invited to the installation of their former rector, The Reverend Polk van Zandt, in his new parish, Saint Paul's Episcopal church, Murfreesboro, Tennessee Saturday, February 21, 2009 ten o’clock in the morning O H , THOSE B IBLE NAMES ... T HE SONS OF K ENAZ : O TH ’ NI - EL AND S ERAI ’ AH ; AND THE SONS OF O TH ’ NI - EL : H ATHATH AND M EO ’ NOTHAI . 1C HRONICLES : 4:13

Okay, you’ve volunteered to be a lector, and your very first assignment is one of those Old Testament passages with all the unpronounceable names. Never fear, help is here! To bolster your confidence, go online to http:// netministries.org/bbasics/ bbwords.htm (all with no spaces) and up will pop this

wonderful web site. Select the initial letter of the word, select the word, and the word will be spoken so you can practice your pronunciation.

If you are interested in pronouncing lots of Biblical names, please contact the church office or Don King and sign up to be a lector. Lectors are needed for both services, The Lord works in mysterious 7:30am and 10:30am. ways and the internet is a blessing...sometimes. (The preceding article came from St Michael’s Trumpet of St Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church in Anniston, AL.)

E MAIL If you have given your current email address to the Church office and are not receiving email weekly please let Joyce know. Some persons (mainly bell-

south.net and yahoo.com customers) are reporting they are not receiving email from the Church. Always check to make sure that email messages have not

been blocked by your server and placed in your junk mail folder. If email has gone to your junk mail folder simply click on the message and “not junk” to correct the problem.

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D AUGHTERS OF THE K ING We start off this year of 2009 humbled by the many blessings that have been bestowed on our parish. It has been a year of change but I know our parish family will continue to thrive as we search for a new rector. The DOK chapter of St Paul’s is implementing a new ministry. At some point during the 2009 calendar year, you will receive a card from us. During that whole month, your name will be lifted up daily in

prayer by each member and each potential member.

Hammonds Leah Weaver.

Our members include: Fred Atkins Shirley Baird Jane Bjelke Peggy Brown Patti Currey Caroline Majors Sonja Martin Bebe Reeves Manera Searcy Eddie Joyce Sexton Liz Taylor The Rev Deacon Jaonie

We are also fortunate to include and welcome Jane Eliott who is a daughter. The Daughters meet Sunday mornings in the Bishop’s Room and celebrate Holy Eucharist the first Monday of each month at 6:15pm. In Christ,

Leah Weaver

F AT T UESDAY after 7am Eucharist that morning. However, you can come to the church the night before as the youth will host a PanIn modern times, that tradition cake Supper in celebration of has become a time to “give up” Fat Tuesday at 6pm. Little some vice like alcohol, fast Friend’s School will also host food, etc or a time to “take on” their annual Art Show at The reason for pancakes is that some virtue such as the Daily 5:30pm. Lent brings about a season of Office or Stations of the Cross. Come to St Paul’s on Fat Tuesfasting. Liturgically speaking, St Paul’s will recognize a day that fast meant eating plainer day and celebrate art and panof fasting on Ash Wednesday cakes with friends. foods. And thus, all rich foods and will not serve breakfast The day before Lent is known as Fat or Shrove Tuesday. It marks the end of Epiphany and the day before Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. Pancakes are the traditional fare of the day.

like eggs and dairy, would need to be used before the forty days began.

T HANK Y OU January 26, 2009

Love,

Dear parishioners of St Paul’s,

Jim and Jane Elliott

Thank you for the very gracious welcome to St Paul’s Church. The reception was wonderful! We are very happy to be with you at St Paul’s. All of you have been wonderful to us.

(The Rev Jim Elliott became St Paul’s Interim Rector on January 4. We are delighted he and his wife are here with us to help us through this time of transition as we work toward calling a new rector. They come to Selma each Saturday and stay through Wednesday mornings.)

5:30 PM L ITTLE F RIEND ’ S A RT S HOW 6 PM P ANCAKE S UPPER U PPER H ALL

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T HE E PISTLE

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Jeremiah

r o F Find-A-Word

P M F R H I R M J W Y J Y Q W Y O L T J E R E M I A H V I H X A T D N A H J W N D E N D E O N L T H G E Z C V S Z E U E X L C C E S K I M E Q W Q U L B M I M Y R I Q L E I A L M O G C S P A F F P T B Q Q Y W P

Clay

Jeremiah Vessel

Hand

Potter

Wheel

Jeremiah was a prophet. His story is told in the Old Testament in the book of Jeremiah. When Jeremiah was a young boy. God told him to tell God’s words to the people. But the people did not want to hear God’s words. Jeremiah watched a potter make clay pots. He watched as the potter turned a flat wheel and shaped a lump of clay into a pot. He saw the potter mush the clay back into a lump and start over if the pot did not turn out right. God told Jeremiah to tell the people, “We are like clay in God’s hands. When we get damaged or bent, God has to reshape us like the potter reshaped the clay. God wants us to be the best people we can be, so we need to follow God’s commandments and live in God’s way.”

Find out more about Jeremiah at the Rotation Rodeo each Sunday morning at 9:10am

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S T P AUL ’ S M EMORIAL H ISTORY W INDOW

Got a Historic St Paul’s Ancestor? ~ St Paul’s Memorial History Window Contact James Hammonds 412-3131 for details

T HOSE ALREADY MEMORIALIZED INCLUDE :

T HE R T R EV R OBERT W B ARNWELL

Or just tell Joyce you are interested OR

Want to honor a famous Rector or Parishioner?

W ILLIAM J OSEPH H ARDEE

Like Captain Jones The Reverend Edward Gamble Governor John Forney Johnson

T HE R T R EV J OHN G M URRAY

Clara Weaver Parrish General John Forney The Reverend Ellison Capers

T HE R T R EV L EONIDAS P OLK J OSEPH E J OHNSTON

The cost is $500. To view the window, look in the Lower Hall Kitchen.

P ARENTING IN THE P EW A new book by Robbie Castleman, Parenting in the Pew, is a great assist in helping parents of teenagers and little ones alike to understand that going to church is going to worship. She offers practical ideas and funny stories that anyone can relate too. The book will not only enrich the quality of worship for the family, but for anyone attending St Paul’s since we are called to “do all in (y)our power to support these persons in their life in Christ” (BCP p. 303) through our Baptismal Covenant.

Have you ever noticed how the children and their families seem to sit under the window depicting “Jesus and the Little Children?” Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14 ) Robbie Castleman writes, “Worship is the most important thing you can ever train your child to do.” Don’t expect to read this book and find tips on how to keep your little ones quiet. Castleman advocates squirmy children

who are redirected during the service and encouraged to participate and engage in worship so that the family’s worship experience is transformed and enhanced. Parenting in the Pew can be purchased from Amazon.com for $10.40 plus shipping. Or contact Candice Frazer and she can purchase the book for you without the shipping, so you pay only $10.40. You can also check out other reader’s reviews and see excerpts from the book at Amazon.com.

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Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen BCP p. 818

S ENIOR W ARDEN ’ S M ISSIVE In part of the scripture for this issue of the Epistle, Jesus says “give them something to eat”. I expect the folks at St Paul’s are hungry for some information on the process of the selection of a new rector. The vestry voted, at the recommendation of the Diocese, to employ a consultant to assist us in the search. At the time of this writing Donna Gerald has been suggested to us as our consultant and she and the Rev. Pat Wingo are scheduled to meet with the Vestry on January 20th. I am told our consultant has excellent skills in helping

parishes in their efforts to find a new rector and I will report to you the outcome of her meeting with the Vestry. Ms Gerald will also be working with the search committee in aiding them in their tasks. I don’t yet know of a time frame, but the committees should be organized in the very near future. In the meantime we are very fortunate to have the Rev. Jim Elliott as our interim rector. He has hit the ground running. His leadership and genuine concern for us as a parish is a

true blessing. We can give thanks to God for sending him our way. Of course, I would be remiss in not mentioning the added blessing of having his wife, Jane, be with us. She has jumped right into so many aspects of the church: the choir, Daughters of the King, reunion groups and other events. I know we will come to love and appreciate both of them more and more as they walk with us in our spiritual journeys here at St. Paul’s.

Bill

D EACON ’ S B ENCH Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Episcopal Church recognizes World Mission Sunday on the last Sunday of Epiphany, February 22. To learn more about Episcopal involvement visit www.episcopalchurch.org

drive many people to flee from there own countries. There is a constant threat regarding the On the occasion of World man-environment relation due Mission Sunday, I would like to the indiscriminate use of to invite you to reflect on the resources. We ask ourselves: continuing urgency to proIs there hope for the future, or claim the Gospel also in our rather, is there a future for times. The missionary manhumanity? And what will this date continues to be an absofuture be like? The answer to lute priority for all baptized these questions comes to those persons who are called to be of us who believe from the servants and apostles of Christ Gospel. Christ is our future, Jesus. “Go, I shall send you far and his Gospel is a “lifeaway to the Gentiles.” (Acts changing” communication that 22:21) gives hope, throws open the We as Christians are to feed dark door of time and illumiand nourish the world. nates the future of humanity. Creation is suffering. Violence, in many cases, marks the relations between persons and peoples. Poverty oppresses millions of inhabitants. Discrimination and sometimes even persecution for racial, cultural and religious reasons

St Paul said, “Woe to me if I do not preach (the Gospel)!” 1Cor 9:16. Love of Christ led him to travel over the roads of the Roman Empire as a herald, an apostle, a preacher and a teacher of the Gospel. By looking at St Paul’s experi-

ence, we understand that missionary activity is a response to the love of which God loves us. That love is the spiritual energy that can make the harmony, justice and communion grow among persons, races and peoples to which everyone aspires. There are countless people who are waiting for the proclamation of the Gospel, those who are thirsting for hope and love. Let us set sail in the vast sea of the world and, following Jesus’ invitation, let us cast our nets without fear, confident in his constant aid.

Joanie The preceding was taken from a message written by Pope Benedict XVI regarding World Mission Sunday in 2008. to see the full text, visit www.vatican.va.

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E VENTS

F EBRUARY 2009 Sun

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Tue

Wed

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Fri

Sat

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1st, 8th, 22nd EYC 5-7pm

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7

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2nd Pre-lenten Retreat with First Presbyterian 10:30am

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2nd Daughters of the King 6:15pm

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3rd Staff Meeting 3:30pm

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3rd-5th Pictorial Directory Pictures

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4th, 11th, 18th, 25th Choir 6pm

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9th Peanut Butter & Jelly Club 3:30pm

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10th Cottage Suppers 6:30pm

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11th Cedar Hill Holy Eucharist

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15th EYC to lunch with Clergy

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15th Epistle Deadline

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16th Office Closed President’s day

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16th Matthew Foyer Group 6:30pm

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17th Vestry 5:30pm

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19th-21st Diocesan Convention

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21st Polk’s Installation at St Paul’s Murfreesboro, TN 10am

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22nd Enquirer’s Class begins 4pm

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24th Little Friend’s Art Show 5:30pm

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24th Pancake Supper 6pm

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25th Ash Wednesday Services 7am, Noon, and 6pm

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26th Morning Prayer (Time TBA)

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27th Stations of the Cross 5:30pm

S T P AUL ’ S E PISCOPAL C HURCH † F EBRUARY 2009 210 Lauderdale Street P O Box 1306 Selma, AL 36702-1306 Phone: (334) 874-8421 Fax: (334) 875-7457 www.stpaulsselma.dioala.org The Rev Jim Elliot - [email protected] The Rev Joe Knight - [email protected] Joyce Dawson - [email protected] Joanie Hammonds - [email protected] Candice Frazer - [email protected] Miriam or Patti - [email protected]

Sunday, February 1 Bring cans of Soup to Church for donation to Christian Outreach Alliance (Food Pantry) And help our team win The Souper Bowl!

GO

TEA M

!