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The Philippian A publication of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church * East Moore & Dry Streets * P.O. Box 10476 * Southport, NC 28461
http://www.stphilipschurch.org * E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: (910) 457-5643 * Fax: (910) 457-6991 *
Vol. 12, No. 3 April 2015
From the Rector
Dear Ones,
So, I’ve been with you over a year now, and as you’ve listened to my sermons, or read
my monthly articles, you’ve probably already guessed that in the whole optimist/pessimist –
glass half-full/glass half-empty guidelines, I am WAY over on the optimist/glass ¾ full side.
I will admit to an almost knee-jerk response to negativity of most kinds…one of my core
beliefs is that we can find joy just about everywhere we have the intention to see it! Of
course, the key to that belief is in the word in bold … that’d be: intention. I firmly believe
that too often we see exactly what we expect to see – and that can be, either, the clouds in the
sky…or the sun shining above, through or behind them.
None of this is to say that we don’t all experience disappointments, or some level of
disasters that befall us --- none of this is to say that even in the midst of joy we don’t suffer
loss, or experience grief. But with a solid, mature, grounding in our faith…we have a way to
put into context the individual events of our lives, I think.
We will soon have come through the Season of Lent, Holy Week that included
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday – and finally will be amazed and grateful for the light of
an empty tomb…and the Resurrection! With the Resurrection, comes a beginning that is not
only ‘new’ but also sustained…and sustaining. A beginning that rests well in a firm
foundation of joy!
So what will you do with this newly renewed joy? It’s a gift that we’re reminded of
each Easter, isn’t it? A reminder that Jesus comes to us even through the darkest times…just
as reliably as in the times that are relatively easy. But, as faithful Christians…our
responsibility lies in our intention to live according to the tenets of our faith. Our
responsibility is to look carefully at the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and ensure
that as much as we are able, we seek not the easy way…put the prayerful solution. And, in
truth, I suppose that sometimes the easy way IS the right way…at other times we are called
upon to struggle with the tough questions that come from living in a world led more by whim
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church April 2015
Page 2
than thoughtful discourse – led more by instinct than by intention to honor the One who
breathed us into being.
As we live into the Season of Easter, my prayer is that we not let it just ‘slide on by.’
My prayer is that we find a way to find joy in the things of our lives...both big and small.
My prayer is that You will gather with us at St. Philip’s in worship, and in fellowship. We
need YOU – to show us another way, in this new day!
Grace & Peace,
Mother Betty+
Episcopal Word of the Month
Canticle: From Holy Scripture - a passage used in daily offices that often
separates the Old Testament and New Testament readings. Sometimes they
are sung, while at other times they are prayed in unison.
Rockin’ with the Rector
Mother Betty continues to invite parishioners to stop by
on Tuesdays at 10:00 to ‘Rock and Talk’. This practice was
begun in the fall, and offers an informal opportunity to have a
conversation about, well…almost anything! There is no agenda
– and sometimes we just get to know each other a bit better.
The visits are on a drop-in basis, and the rocking chairs are
stilled at 11:00. Please think about stopping by one Tuesday
soon! We’ve had between 1 and 8 parishioners at a time….
please know you are very welcome.
JUDAISM TODAY - TOPIC OF ST. PHILIP'S INTERFAITH FORUM
St. Philip's Men's Club invites you to join them for their next interfaith forum Tuesday, April
28th at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. This month they welcome, Rabbi Robert Waxman, from the
B'nai Israel Congregation in Wilmington. Rabbi Waxman will present a discussion on
Judaism Today; It's realities, myths and misconceptions. The event is open to the public.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church April 2015
Page 3
From the Choir Director
Since mid- January the weather in southeastern North Carolina has been on the gray and
dreary side. Easter comes early this year; in fact the Sunday of Resurrection may have
already passed by the time you read this edition of the Philippian. Nonetheless the weather
we are experiencing this early part of March made me think of how happy we will be to sing
the text of Welcome Happy Easter Morning. The text poetically describes the earth robed
in spring as a proof of its joy of our Lord’s resurrection.
Earth her joy confesses, clothing her for spring,
All fresh gifts returned with her returning king:
Bloom in every meadow, leaves on every bough,
Speak his sorrow ended, hail his triumph now.
Welcome Happy Morning Age to Age will say.
Months in due succession, days of lengthening light,
Hours and passing moments praise thee in their flight.
Brightness of the morning, sky and fields and sea,
Vanquisher of darkness, bring their praise to thee.
Welcome Happy Morning! Age to age shall say
This text married to Arthur Sullivan’s tune is a pure expression of ebullience, just what is
needed as we bring our observance of Lent to a close and enter the jubilant season of Easter.
Debbie Skillman
Mother Betty Wants to Know
If you or a loved one enters the hospital, or has another need for a visit, please let Mother
Betty know. She wants to visit members who are ill, but must rely on you to notify her of the
need. HIPAA laws no longer allow for medical facilities to contact a patient's place of
worship, without explicit request. Please let us know, also, if you would like to have your
name added to our prayer list. The office number is 910-457-5643
On a related note, Mother Betty would ask that if someone in your family dies, that you call
the church. We can send a note out to the parish to let folks know, and we can add your loved
one's name to our prayer list for Sunday.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church April 2015
Page 4
Evangelism and Outreach
Our first Sunday Food Pantry collection, we call Our Daily Bread went pretty well on March
1. This campaign will take place on the first Sunday of each month. Of course we would
like to receive groceries every Sunday! But, by coordinating the Our Daily Bread collections
with the Men’s Breakfast, it can emphasize how much we have and therefore how much we
should give – we are sharing our privilege with those who are hungry and in need. Thank
you to everyone who contributed on March 1st. We collected two baskets and ten Wal-Mart
plastic bags full of food. The next Daily Bread collection will be on Easter Sunday, April 5.
The blood drive reached its goal of 26 donors. Because of the low number of donors last
time, Red Cross took an active role in soliciting donors from the community. Eight St.
Philip’s parishioners, 31% of the total, registered to donate on March 15. Thanks to James
Briggs, Jane Edwards, Jane Mitchell, Roy Mitchell, Pat Pittenger, Tina Powers, Bill Thorpe,
and Priscilla Wheeler. And thanks to all who would donate if they could.
We would like to thank Nancy Cordes for coordinating the sale of Irish Soda Bread on March
15th and Rose Dahill for coordinating the Comfort Socks drive on March 22nd , and March
29th.
April will be a busy and focused month. In addition to Our Daily Bread on Easter Sunday,
we will be collecting every Sunday for our Book Bag Project with Virginia Williamson
Elementary School; this means that collections of books, book bags, and money will take
place on 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, and 4/26. Please support St. Philip’s effort to help students who are
reading below grade level.
Looking ahead, we will be collecting diapers in May, and school supplies in July and
August. We will sponsor a Red Cross Blood Drive in September, and offer the Stop Hunger
Now program in October.
We have received a grant of $500.00 from Southport Rotary to help with Stop Hunger Now,
which will take place on October 18th
. We also will be receiving some much-needed help
from the Boy Scouts. It will be a welcome addition of some younger and energetic help.
Mo Beers
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church April 2015
Page 5
Pastoral Care Committee Plans for Year
The St Philip’s Pastoral Care Committee met in March and reported on activities and plans
from Daughters of the King, Odd Jobbers, a representative of the Prayer Shawl Ministry,
Stephen Ministers and the St Philips’ Care Teams. Mother Betty and Barbara Edwards, the
member of the Vestry overseeing the Pastoral Care Commission were both present.
Jane Mitchell explained that the DOK prayer list is confidential, and those on the list are
prayed for daily. Daughters will begin planning and taking lunches to the New Hope
Hospice Home in Bolivia on the second Friday of each month. Lunches are for the relatives
and friends visiting patients as there are no cooking facilities there, and restaurants close by
are scarce.
Maryann Darzano gave an informative report on the Diaper Ministry, which is part of the
Outreach and Evangelism Commission.
Ken Rebeck reported that Odd Jobbers meet at New Hope Clinic about four times a year and
complete maintenance jobs there. They also do small home projects for St Philips’
Parishioners who need a little extra help because of illness or inability to do the task.
Requests for Odd Jobbers should be given to Mother Betty or Ken Rebeck, coordinator.
Prayer Shawl Ministry was reported by Evelyn King. This ministry is a group of women
who meet on the 1st and 3
rd Tuesdays of the month to knit and share fellowship. All women
are welcome; some women knit at home and bring prayer shawls in to church. Completed
prayer shawls are tasseled and tagged and then blessed at the altar for distribution. Anyone
can request a prayer shawl from Mother Betty.
Martha and Gene Myers and Bill Wheeler, Stephen Minister leaders, represented Stephen
Ministers. This program began in 2011 at St Philips and has presented two classes and now
has 14 trained men and women who provide one-on-one confidential care for those in our
parish who are experiencing an “interruption” short or long, in their lives. Care has been
provided for 29 individuals to date and the Ministry is always open to referrals through
Mother Betty or the Stephen Leaders. The group meets twice a month for continuing
education, supervision and support of each other. All care receiver names are kept
confidential even to the Stephen Ministers.
Tommy and Marty Younts reported on the St Philips’ Care Teams that were formed last year.
A goal of the Pastoral Care Commission is to continue to reach out with a personal contact to
persons in our congregation through the Care Teams. The Stephen Ministers will be the
initial contact team (although this ministry will not be part of Stephen Ministry); they will
seek other volunteers for their teams. We will work from a geographic list drawn up by
Natasha, and will hopefully start contacting parishioners by May. We have established four
groups for help with Food, Transportation, Communication and Respite Care. Our goal is to
offer support and get to know each other better…both as neighbors and church members.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church April 2015
Page 6
We want to know what you would like to see happen in the Pastoral Care area . Please
contact me ([email protected]) or 910-253-6933 if you would be willing to serve on
any of the care teams or on the calling team.
Barbara Edwards
Books for Kids
Reading is fundamental in getting an education, and this year
we would like to help some of those children who are not
reading at grade level. We have met with Virginia Williamson
Elementary School and they identified 147 students in grades
K – 5 who are in this category. Our hope is to fill tote bags
with two new books and exercises to improve reading. We will
give these to those students at the end of the school year for
summer reading. Each filled tote will cost $12.00. Please
consider helping one of these children. Share this with your book clubs and any other groups
that you are in who encourage education. In order to get the book order in we need donations
by the end of April. Checks to St. Philips with “Books” noted.
Pat Prather
Master Planning Committee
Our committee has redoubled its efforts to find someone who is willing to purchase
and move the Parkhill House. Earlier efforts were unsuccessful and we decided to make
another effort at sale instead of tearing the house down at our expense. There have been
expressions of interest, but nothing in terms of a contract. You will notice for sale signs
furnished by Frank Darzano. The April issue of Southport Magazine will contain a story
about the house with pictures.
We feel that we have reached a point where it is time to engage an architect to work
with us on a preliminary design. We have sent out a Request for Qualifications and asked for
responses by March 7, 2015.
Our Finance sub-committee is reviewing alternative fund raising options. Obviously a
successful capital campaign will be necessary before we are in a position to proceed.
If you hae any questions, please give any committee members, or me, a call. Contact
information can be found on our website. If you don’t have computer access, call the office
and they will let us know the best way to provide you with information.
Bill Bittenbender, 253-9846, [email protected]
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church April 2015
Page 7
STEPHEN MINISTRY MINUTE
Journeying Through Grief
Journeying through Grief is a set of four short books to send to people at four
crucial times during the first year after the loss of a loved one. The books help
grieving people understand their thoughts and feelings and provide them with a
clear message of Christian hope. The author—pastor and clinical psychologist, and
Stephen Ministry founder, Dr. Kenneth Haugk—combines sound psychological
principles and biblical truths to provide the care that grieving people need at the
time when they need it most. Each book focuses on what the person is likely
experiencing at that point in grief—offering care, understanding, empathy,
compassion, encouragement, and hope.
The books are written in a warm, personal style, with short chapters and frequent
stories to illustrate key points. Encouraging Scripture passages, poems, and quotes
appear throughout, connecting with what the reader is likely to be feeling at that
point in grief. Issues of faith are presented in a caring, nonthreatening way,
allowing room for the spiritual struggles and questions that grieving people may
encounter.
Many different types of people use Journeying through Grief to care for a wide
range of grieving persons. The books can be a powerful way to offer sustained
comfort and compassion to a relative, friend, neighbor, or coworker who is
grieving. Although designed to help those in the first year of grief, people whose
loss was more than a year ago have also found them extremely helpful. Those who
received the books have appreciated the thoughtfulness of the sender and have
commented how these books helped them with aspects of their grief that they had
dealt with only superficially or not at all.
Whatever your situation or setting, Journeying through Grief provides a simple,
effective way to reach out to a grieving person again and again during that difficult
first year. Please let Mother Betty, a Stephen Minister, or one of the Stephen
Leaders know if you have a need for the Journeying Through Grief books.
*Adapted from www.stephenministries.org
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church April 2015
Page 8
The Parish Office will be closed April 6th-9th for Easter
vacation. We will return on Monday, April 13th.
Join us Sunday, APRIL 12TH for another great breakfast
from 8:30 - 10:00 AM in the Parish Hall. The delicious hot
country-style breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, bacon,
scrambled eggs, grits, biscuits, gravy, coffee and orange juice:
$4.00 per adult, $2.00 per child.
Bring your whole family!
ANNUAL BRUNSWICK TOWN CELEBRATION
MAY 3RD AT 10:30 AM
Mark your calendars! Sunday, May 3rd is our annual worship and picnic
celebration on the grounds of St. Philip’s in Brunswick Town.
We will have our regular 8AM worship in the Chapel of the Cross and then gather
for a 10:30 service on the grounds of Old St. Philip’s.
Remember. . .Wear casual clothes, bring a covered dish to share and a
comfortable chair!
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church April 2015
Page 9
1st Mike Young
2nd Jan Trivett
3rd Leanne Bell
4th Richard Sim
Debbie Skillman
6th Nan Bush
Karen Griffin
Katherine Mabe
7th Larry Oyler
10th Jenny Lee
11th Barbara Edwards
Heather Adams
12th Jane Mitchell
Dick Stone
Tom Izod
Bill Carney
13th Harriet Wheeler
14th Mark Levesque
Bud Birmelin
Jim MacCallum
15th Erinn Hughes
16th John Kelliher
Betty Rupp
18th Shay Watkins
Jan Fairley
19th Ennis Hardin
Lorraine Richardson
20th Teresa Conrad
Christy Bell
Heather Titrington
Chloe Esakov
23rd Cissy Kitchin
Maryann Darzano
Lori Thompson
25th Bill Crusey
Joyce Robinson
26th Carol Fraize
John Luey
28th Ed Thompson
Karen Sage
Cynthia Coriello
29th Lois Sprinthall
Barbara Carrico
30th Tina Powers
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church April 2015
Page 10
April Lectionaries
April 5th - Easter Sunday
Isaiah 25:6-9
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Acts 10:34-43
John 20:1-18
April 12th - 2 Easter
Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 133
1 John 1:1-2:2
John 20:19-31
April 19th - 3 Easter
Acts 3:12-19
Psalm 4
1 John 3:1-7
Luke 24:36b-48
April 26th - 4 Easter
Acts 4:5-12
Psalm 23
1 John 3:16-24
John 10:11-18
YOGA FOR SENIORS
Pat Pittenger will offer a gentle yoga-based class to St. Philip’s
parishioners beginning sometime in May, dependent upon
completion of the window renovation in the church. Classes will
consist of strength and stretch exercises and meditation.
Class sessions will take place in the narthex on Thursdays from
9:15 to 10:30 a.m. “Fee” for each class is an offering in the amount
that is individually determined. All money collected will help support St. Philip’s initiatives.
Class size is limited. Depending upon the response from the parish, the classes will consist
of repeating series of classes suited to the instructor’s availability. Number of participants in
each class is limited, but class sessions throughout the year will create opportunity for several
to join in. Those interested in participating, please contact Jane Edwards by phone (910-612-
1848) or by email ([email protected]), preferably by May 5.
After teaching classical ballet for 50 years, Pat retired and turned her interest toward yoga.
She has been a yoga student and teacher for 12 years, and she now offers her time and talent
to St. Philip’s. Thank you, Pat!
St. Philip's Episcopal Church
Finance Update - February 2015
*A Note from the Senior Warden. . .Overages in the budget for Property will be offset by
funds in the Maintenance Reserve account.
Holy Week & Easter Worship Schedule
MONDAY, MARCH 30TH - Compline, 7PM (Chapel)
TUESDAY, MARCH 31ST - Compline, 7PM (Chapel)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1ST - Tenebrae Service, 7PM (Sanctuary)
THURSDAY, APRIL 2ND - Maundy Thursday Service, 7PM (Sanctuary)
FRIDAY, APRIL 3RD - Good Friday Service, 7PM (Chapel)
SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH - Easter Vigil, 7:30 PM (Sanctuary)
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 5TH - Holy Eucharist Rite I, 8AM
Sunday School for Children (Chapel)
Holy Eucharist Rite II, 10:30 AM
Easter Egg Hunt, 11:45 AM (St. Philip's Lawn)
MTD Actual
MTD Budget
MTD Budget /Actual YTD Actual
YTD Budget
YTD Budget /Actual
Annual Budget
Revenues Total Revenues $38,494.96 $35,991.77 $2,503.19 $85,932.51 $79,916.47 $6,016.04 $457,052.00
Expenses Parish Staff $15,337.59 $16,947.60 $1,610.01 $34,095.63 $36,455.72 $2,360.09 $212,560.34
Christian Education and Youth $590.70 $723.00 $132.30 $1,623.13 $1,196.00 -$427.13 $13,139.00
Music $601.83 $1,240.00 $638.17 $1,639.67 $1,240.00 -$399.67 $4,855.00
Outreach $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,325.00
Property $18,503.30 $7,250.95 -
$11,252.35 $27,990.93 $13,786.90 -$14,204.03 $102,078.06
Administration $5,880.21 $10,938.57 $5,058.36 $15,319.91 $22,342.11 $7,022.20 $111,622.60
Worship $177.40 $1,303.50 $1,126.10 $177.40 $2,307.00 $2,129.60 $11,472.00
Total Expenses $41,091.03 $38,403.62 -$2,687.41 $80,846.67 $77,327.73 -$3,518.94 $457,052.00
Net Total -$2,596.07 -$2,411.85 -$184.22 $5,085.84 $2,588.74 $2,497.10 $0.00
The outstanding mortgage is $300,186.
Respectfully submitted, Bob Fuchs, Treasurer
Church Organization
Bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina: The Rt. Rev. Robert Skirving
Interim Rector: The Rev. Betty Glover Episcopal Relief & Development
Parish Administrator: Natasha Tatum Representative - Jacob Pfohl
Organist/Choirmaster: Debbie Skillman
Stephen Leaders: Martha & Gene Myers, Bill Wheeler
Vestry
Senior Warden: Rick Pearce Clerk: Don Hill
Junior Warden: Bill Tomz Treasurer: Bob Fuchs
2013-2015: Jane Edwards, Blakley Huntley, Rick Pearce, Bill Tomz
2014-2016: Ricky Evans, Lorraine Beamer, Mo Beers, Sharon Sands
2015-2017: Lorraine Armstrong, Barbara Edwards, Ed Thompson, Bill Thorpe
Philippian
Mary Christine Kostainschek
Email: [email protected]
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
East Moore & Dry Streets
PO Box 10476
Southport, NC 28461
Return Service Requested
Southport NC 28461
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NON-PROFIT