Volume #25, Issue #4 April – 2020

Look What’s Inside

Live Streaming Page 1

Rector’s Page

Page 2

Calendar for April Page 3

Birthdays, Anniversaries,

Floral Dedications, Prayer Chain, Homebound

Page 4

Schedules for April Page 5

Financials

Altar Flower Pandemic

Page 6

Adult Education Youth Page 7

Meet our New Vestry Members

Page 8

Capital Campaign Page 9

Eyes and Ears

What’s in the Box Page 10

Vestry Minutes

Page 11

Need to know information Page 12

Live Streaming

Thank you, Father Frank, for holding services on Sunday even if it was different than the norm. Different than the norm is what all of us are experiencing during this time of crisis. It is an unsettling and disturbing time – certainly a time of unknowns. We find ourselves told to practice social distancing at a time when many of us are already socially distanced. What is meant by social distancing though, is really physical distancing. We may not be able to shake hands with each other, hug one another, or even be physically near one another, but we can still find ways to be close to one another. We can still ‘be there’ for one another. So, as you follow the guidelines put out by our leaders, also take time to find joy during this difficult time. • We can still practice our faith – in our homes and, on-line as

Father demonstrated on Sunday. • We can live our faith by being kind and generous and patient

with one another. • We can still care for one another by reaching out and

checking in. • We can find joy in ordinariness – there are so many blessings

that still exist – the flowers are beginning to bloom, the spring rains are prompting greenness all over, it is a beautiful time of the year. The birds are singing gloriously. Children are playing outside.

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Fear Not!

What do we do when the whole world is in chaos? First, keep the faith. Do not let fear lead your daily life, direct your decisions, or dismiss your peace. Believing in God, believing God is much more important when things are crazy around us or within us. We need to hold on to basic truths such as God’s unconditional love for each and every one of us. Because of this love, we believe God is working in the world today, even in the midst of a pandemic. We can trust that God is working in and through the doctors, medicines, scientists, health experts, and overall health system we have around us. This system is not perfect (no system is) but God will and is using it for our good. Stay informed. Go on to the diocesan website (diowestmo.org) and you will find resources for information that is trustworthy. Another on the internet is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) which will provide various information regarding coronavirus. This does not mean we are glued to the internet or the television or talk shows listening to what various people have to say. Some people in the media do not know what they are talking about or are just passing on inaccurate information (ie. The ability to determine if you are infected or not is by being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds. This is NOT true but was passed on by a “seasoned” reporter).

Stay connected to your support system: God, family, friends, church members. Share your thoughts, fears, questions, etc. Trust God to speak to you in one way or another. This also means being there for others. If you know someone who is vulnerable and might be in need, call them or contact them somehow. Ask if they need anything. Say a prayer with them. If that person needs something such as food or medicine and you cannot or do not want to get out to help them give Fr. Frank a call on his cell phone or contact someone else in your support group who might be able to help. The only way we will get through this is by supporting one another, trusting God, and being the people God created us to be: loving, strong, kind, gracious, peaceful, and faithful. St. Philip’s will try to keep you informed via our website or facebook page or emails. If you know someone who does not use the internet, call them and pass on the information. We will also let you know how and when we have our Sunday service up on the internet and what you need to do to access it. God is working in our world today. God still loves all of us, God’s children, and wants what is best for us. This pandemic is not a punishment or a test devised by God. It is simply one of the many dangers we have to face as human beings living on this beautiful planet at this time. Knowing God, trusting God, believing God is our best solution in the face of fear. Your servant in Christ Jesus, Fr. Frank+

A Note from the Rector.......

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A p r i l 2 0 2 0 - St . Phi l ip’s Calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4

5:30 p.m.

Evening Prayer

6:30 p.m. Choir

6:30 p.m.

Boy Scouts

12:15 p.m. Midday Service 5:30 p.m. Way of the Cross 6:00 p.m. Simple Meal & Lenten Program

Fr. Frank’s

Day Off

12:15 p.m. The Way of the Cross

St. Ann’s Workday

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Palm Sunday

8:00 a.m. HE Rite 1

9:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:30 a.m.

Christian Education 10:30 a.m. HE Rite 2

12:15 p.m.

HE Monday in Holy Week

7:00 a.m.

Men’s Bible Study

8:30 a.m. HE Tuesday in Holy

Week

5:45-6:45 p.m. CODA 7:00 p.m.

Ladies Bible Study

12:15 p.m. HE

w/Unction Wednesday in Holy

Week

6:30 p.m. Choir

6:30 p.m.

Boy Scouts

No Midday Service

Maundy Thursday

6:00 p.m. Dinner Eucharist

Watch follows

Good Friday

12:15 p.m.

The Way of the Cross

Good Friday Liturgy w/Holy Communion

6:00 p.m. Way of

the Cross

St. Ann’s Workday

Holy Saturday

7:00 p.m. HE The Great Easter

Vigil

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Easter

8:00 a.m. HE Rite 1 9:00 a.m. Breakfast

9:30 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. HE Rite 2 Easter Egg Hunt Lunch follows

Parish Office Closed

7:00 a.m.

Men’s Bible Study

5:45-6:45 p.m. CODA 7:00 p.m.

Ladies Bible Study

5:30 p.m.

HE w/Unction

6:30 p.m. Choir

6:30 p.m.

Boy Scouts

12:15 p.m. Midday Service

Fr. Frank’s

Day Off

8:00 a.m.

St. Joseph’s

9:30 a.m. St. Ann’s

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Easter 2

8:00 a.m. HE Rite 1

9:00 a.m. Breakfast

9:30 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. HE Rite 2

6:30 p.m.

Vestry Meeting

7:00 a.m.

Men’s Bible Study

10 am -2 pm Crosslines

5:45-6:45 p.m. CODA 7:00 p.m.

Ladies Bible Study

5:30 p.m. HE w/Unction

6:30 p.m. Boy Scouts

6:30 p.m.

Choir

Newsletter

Deadline

12:15 p.m. Midday Service

Fr. Frank’s Day Off

10:00 a.m. HE St. Mark the Evangelist

26 27 28 29 30 May 1 May 2 Easter 3

8:00 a.m. HE Rite 1 9:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:30 a.m.

Christian Education 10:30 a.m. HE Rite

Ordination of Melissa George

POSTPONED

7:00 a.m.

Men’s Bible Study

10:00 a.m. Fr. Sierra (clericus)

5:45-6:45 p.m.

CODA

7:00 p.m. Ladies Bible Study

5:30 p.m.

HE w/Unction

6:30 p.m. Boy Scouts

6:30 p.m.

Choir

12:15 p.m. Midday Service

Fr. Frank’s

Day Off

As of this printing, all services and activities have been discontinued. We may still not have any services in April; when we resume our services, this calendar will be as presented here. As soon as we know we are cleared to hold services and resume activities, we will let you know.

Watch your emails.

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April Birthdays April Anniversaries Dedications 3 Kennady Elizabeth Schwab 4 Ann Carlisle 6 Kristi Schwab 7 Robert Wiggans 8 Brandie Christensen 8 David Johns 10 Brad Gold 10 Rebecca Fick 14 Charlie Kissel 15 Hugh Shields 17 Emily Stanley 21 Beverly Barry 22 Leslie Connor 23 Lois Shriver 24 Cassie Evans 25 Allyson Larson 26 Alexandria DeGuerre 27 Linda Salzer 29 Barbara Majzoub 30 Tammie Hunt 30 Ramona Shields

3 William & Penny Scearce 20 Gary & Karen Ames

The High Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God by:

No flowers on the altar during Lent The Children’s Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God by: No flowers on the altar during Lent

To put a name on the Prayer Chain…Please call Maridan Kassab. We will pray for each of the names on our list. Names will be kept confidential.

• Pray for our Members at Home or Sick Sandra Craig, Joy Cragin, John Emmert, Matthew Fick, Sue James, Ron Robson, Richard Reece, Emily Slevin, Amy Spidle

• Pray for Members of our Military Hunter Behrens, Kenny Braun, Chad DeVoe, Nick Grady, Logan Inscore, Travis Hutchinson, Mark Jones, Adam Lewis, Josh Linn, John Moback, Joel Nowlin, Brooke Porter, John Shorter, Zach Sutton, Travis Wirth; 75th Military Police Co. U.S. Army Reserve and Joplin National Guard Armory, and their family members

• Pray for our President, Governor, and Mayor

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Schedules for Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Acolytes, Ushers, Hosts, Counters

Please mark your calendar for the days you are to serve; if you have a conflict please arrange to change withs someone and then let the parish secretary know

April 5 Palm Sunday

April 12 Easter

April 19 Easter 2

April 26 Easter 3

Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Prayers of the People – Fr. Frank Sierra, Coordinator 8:00 a.m.

? ?

10:30 a.m. ? ? ?

8:00 a.m. ? ?

10:30 a.m. ? ? ?

8:00 a.m. ? ?

10:30 a.m. ? ? ?

8:00 a.m. ? ?

10:30 a.m. ? ? ?

Wednesday – 5:30 p.m. and Thursday – 12:15 p.m. Wed. April 1

Thurs. April 2 ?

Wed. April 8 ?

Thurs. April 9 ?

Wed. April 15 ?

Thurs. April 16 ?

Wed.April 22 ?

Thurs. April 23 ?

Wed.April 29 ?

Thurs. April 30 ?

Other Services none

Ushers and Greeters – Mary Sparks, Coordinator

8:00 a.m. Linda Englert

10:30 a.m.

Bob Wiggans Calvin Cassady

8:00 a.m. Tom Kearney

10:30 a.m.

Ron McConnell Jacquie McConnell

8:00 a.m. Harvey Hutchinson

10:30 a.m. Phil O’Hare

Jim Paul

8:00 a.m. Rex Hunt

10:30 a.m.

Blake Webster Wayne Stephenson

Acolytes – 10:30 a.m. – Rebecca Fick, Coordinator

Breakfast Crews – 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Courtney McFarland, Coordinator

Coffee Hosts – Wally & Leecia Bloss, Cordinator Need volunteers Need volunteers Need volunteers Fifth Sunday

Counters – Mary Sparks, Coordinator Turney - Dikeman Shields – Jennings Paul – O’Hare Tuck - Campbell Eucharistic Visitors – Mary Sparks, Coordinator

April Altar Crew

Ann Turney, Chief, Meredith McManis (Training), Barb Majzoub, Carol Wiggans, Jacquie Mcconnell, Leslie Daniels, Maria Dermott, Rose Paul

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STEWARDSHIP- ST. PHILIP’S FINANCIAL INFORMATION

February 2020

Line # February YTD ORDINARY INCOME 1 From Regular Support for Operations………………………….. 14,864 33,108 2 Interest from Operating account………………………………… 6 10 3 From Investments Used for Operations……………………….. 4 Transfer from Endowment……………………………………….. 7,500 5 Total Ordinary Income (add lines 1,2,3,4)………………….. 14,870 40,618 ORDINARY EXPENSES 6 From Regular Monthly activities………………………………… 16,579 36,449 7 NET ORDINARY INCOME (LOSS) [subtract lines 5 & 6]………… -1,709 4,169* *Even though this looks on the positive side, keep in mind that 7500 was transferred from the Endowment fund. That would actually make our year to date to be -3,431

Flower Dedications

The 2020 Flower Chart has been

posted in the parish hall. Let’s fill in the dates for the new year. There are no flowers during Lent. Please read the note on the calendar for information on the ordering system. If

you have questions, contact Maria

Dermott.

Pandemic What if you thought of it as the Jews consider the Sabbath— the most sacred of times? Cease from travel. Cease from buying and selling. Give up, just for now, on trying to make the world different than it is. Sing. Pray. Touch only those to whom you commit your life. Center down.

And when your body has become still, reach out with your heart. Know that we are connected in ways that are terrifying and beautiful. (You could hardly deny it now.) Know that our lives are in one another’s hands. (Surely, that has come clear.) Do not reach out your hands. Reach out your heart. Reach out your words. Reach out all the tendrils of compassion that move, invisibly, where we cannot touch. Promise this world your love– for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, so long as we all shall live. — Lynn Ungar 3/11/20

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Adult Education Class Gary Ames is currently organizing and leading the Adult Education Classes held between services on Sunday mornings in St. Margaret's Lounge. Please contact Gary if you have suggestions or comments regarding these classes. Thank you, Hugh Shields, for stepping in when Gary is away on March 15th and the 22nd. Gary returns on March 29th and the topic will be Hell. What on earth is it good for anyway? One of the many things that made an impression on Karen and me when we first began attending St. Philip's Episcopal Church is the teaching AND discussion that comprise this event that occurs on Sunday mornings called “Adult Christian Education”. A title which is actually rather presumptive in that it presumes that adults, some of whom have attended an Episcopal Church from birth, and others who come to us from other faith traditions or grew up “unchurched”, need and/or would be interested in some sort of education that is in some way “Christian”. I believe that a big part of what keeps any church from being just another organization or social club is it’s active promotion of a practical and livable theology expressed in and through its community. (And despite being a bit of a mouthful, that’s the short version...) And this, fellow believers, is what our Adult Education classes are all about. It’s the DISCUSSION, the dialog, the intentional room made for the Spirit to speak through those in attendance on any given Sunday morning and to explain to the rest of us how the subject being presented applies to them out in the real world that makes our classes useful and relevant. At the present time we are making our way through the “39 articles of faith” found in the Book of Common prayer. These sessions/discussions last about 45 minutes and provide thought provoking material for two categories of attendees, those whose have been with the church for most of their lives and newcomers alike. One could easily spend multiple sessions working through each article so we teach/discuss one article over the course of about 3 separate classes. This almost always leads to a recap of articles listed and discussed during previous sessions. If you are able please come join us in furthering our goal of growing and expanding our faith.

KEEPING UP WITH OUR YOUTH Over the last several months we have seen a pleasant increase in the number of youthful faces attending church and getting involved with St. Philip's. With our 'old' youth and our 'new' youth we have about 10 regular attendees which is a huge increase from last year. Our membership committee, now led by Gary Ames, is working with the families of our youth to launch more activities for all of our young people. If you attended the Capital Campaign Dinner in November, you were served dinner by many of them - and they did an amazing job! We see many new faces serving as acolytes. Sunday morning's children Sunday school attendance has increased. A huge thank you to all who are helping to provide activities for this very important group within our church. Sunday School teachers - Gail Campbell, Gayle O'Hare, Julie Farmer, and Rebecca DePriest are a testament that many hands make lighter work. On March 26th, the Thursday night Lenten supper hosts were to be our youth. A monthly youth afternoon is being organized to meet on Wednesday afternoons from 4PM - 6PM. Gayle O'Hare has agreed to be the primary youth leader for these afternoons, but we have many who have volunteered to serve as backups when Gayle and Phil are away traveling! Watch for more information to be shared with additional details as these afternoons will debut in April. All youth are invited to attend and participate and invite others to join in as well. If you have suggestions and ideas, please contact Gary. Also underway are plans to have a Saturday evening youth night in the near future for our older youth.

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MEET OUR NEWEST VESTRY MEMBERS

PHYLLIS SAPP -- Memoires of St. Philips’ reach back to 1955 when my father came to be organist. Canon du Domaine was retiring and his wife wanted to be sure the liturgical music remained proper. As her successor, dad sat with her several weeks at the pipe organ. I was baptized, confirmed, and married during Father Patrick’s decades. I vividly recall our summer choir schools with acolyte training for the boys and Altar Guild for the girls. Youth Group was held on Sunday evenings, and we had annual exchanges with other Episcopal groups. While small in number we were close in spirit.

John and I met in high school, married at STP after Drury graduation, and moved to Memphis just weeks after King’s death. John attended dental school, I taught Home EC in a segregated school with integrated faculty, and Laura was born shortly before two years of service at Ft. Jackson, SC began. Next, returning home to begin his practice, Kim and Brock completed the Sapp sibling trio and all are now in their 40s. How happy we were that our children would grow up around both sets of grandparents. We lost John thirteen years ago to cancer; faith and cherished memories bring comfort. I’ve always considered it God’s gift that we welcome our first of five grandchildren together. Later, our Fayetteville grands were baptized by Father Sierra; they are 5th generation as John’s grandparents were members when the church was built.

I’m thankful for career experiences I’ve had: office manager/dental assistant; franchise of a transmission shop; and middle school English and at-risk teacher. In retirement, I volunteer at Mercy and serve on Joplin Schools Foundation and Leawood’s Planning and Zoning Commission, and work with North’s community business partners.

It’s now a privilege to serve on the Vestry. Thinking back through the six decades and remembering each rector, I wanted to be a part of our future. While history is relevant to me and our St. Philip’s legacy goes forth; it’s important to look at today’s membership and plan for tomorrow’s. I thank you and encourage all to bring your thoughts to us that we may be fully aware of the congregation’s opinions.

KAIE STEPHENSON

Hello, my name is Kaie Stephenson and I am very honored to serve on the vestry. I am a long-time member of the church who was absent (moved away) for several years. I was baptized at St. Philip’s, served as an acolyte for many years and was even married at the church. I love this church and I am so happy to be back. I have been married to my wonderful husband Wayne for twelve years and we have two amazing children, Gaddie who is seven years old and Branch who is two. I am a stay at home mom who loves to run and garden. I look forward to serving with you all and I am very excited for the future of St. Philip’s!

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Capital Campaign Corner

By Jacquie McConnell

Funds currently available in the checking account - $150,884 The first 3 priority projects are the tuck-pointing, the reroofing of the flat roof, and the bathroom remodels. Jim Paul is managing the bid process on each of these projects which can be a very lengthy process. He is ensuring that the bids from various contractors are for like work so intelligent comparisons can be done when making a selection. The tuck-pointing contract has been signed (~$52,000) and, at this time, the project is expected to begin in June. The re-roofing is still in negotiation between two contractors with a decision and installation date very soon. We have received one bid for the bathroom remodel and a second one is expected shortly. As additional details become available, they will be shared in various ways so you will be as informed as possible. Many thanks to all for your very generous donations that are making these projects possible. IMPORTANT NOTE: when you make your donations, PLEASE be sure to mark them for the ‘capital campaign’. Separate checks must be written for your capital campaign contributions because the funds for the campaign are kept entirely separate from the general operating funds of the church. Please help our counters by very clearly showing Capital Campaign on any contributions to the campaign. If you are having funds sent to the church, please make sure the sender is designating themforthecampaign. Campaign on any contributions to the campaign. If you are having funds sent to the church, please make sure the sender is designating them for the campaign.

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EYES AND EARS By Ron McConnell

Several of the ushers and Eucharistic Ministers met on Saturday, March 7th to review the emergency procedures for the church. A revised Emergency Procedures manual was distributed to everyone and reviewed. The procedures include instructions for Fire, Tornado, Gas Leak, Disturbances, Coping with an Active Shooter, and Heart Attacks/Strokes. Copies of the procedures are also located at the back of the church, by the rector, and in Apostle’s Way on top of the AED. The only change to the previous document is the addition of a section outlining the personal liability of those who use a weapon on church grounds. In accordance with MO Statutes as well as directives of the Bishop and Rector – carrying a firearm in church is prohibited. The only redeeming factor is that under MO Statute 571.107, if the person carrying a firearm in a place of worship possesses a conceal and carry permit, they can only be charged with a misdemeanor and cited. However, civil liability would remain. Ushers and Eucharistic Ministers have been designated as the security team for St. Philip’s. The only responsibility however of the Eucharistic Minister is to assure that the acolytes on duty are taken to safety. Any usher or Eucharistic Minister who is not comfortable with undertaking safety and security responsibilities should inform Father Frank, Craig Campbell, or Ron McConnell. In the unlikely event of an emergency, the congregation should follow the instructions of Father Frank, the ushers and the EMs. In the event we need to vacate the church, we will meet on the grassy area by the south parking lot so we can take a count and ensure everyone is out safely. Also discussed was parking lot surveillance. All congregants are reminded to lock their vehicles and hide anything of value so it is not visible. Purses in the church should always be close to the owner. Those who were CPR certified at the church will need to have their certification renewed this fall. We will be looking into scheduling classes later this year. WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

2 notes were read in the vestry meeting on 3-16-2020:

1. “make a ‘book house’ – put out by parking lot to give away books donated by parish members” – plans are underway to make this suggestion a reality – Great Idea!

2. “returning member Ms. Michelle Ann Danotrertt” – Happy you joined us.

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The meeting convened with 6 Vestry members present, the Rector, and Treasurer. Ron McConnell opened with prayer.

A security presentation which was arranged by Harvey Hutchinson was voiced by one deputy sheriff and two policemen.

The Agenda and Last month’s minutes were approved as read with one small notation for last month’s meeting minutes. Treasurer Steve LeMaster presented information on the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss statement. Total income for January was $18,144. Three Outreach Funds were presented for payment at $500 each.

The Proposed calendar was detailed by Fr. Frank and accepted by the Vestry. Junior Warden and Senior Warden had no report.

Fr. Frank talked about repair to the phone lines outside the building. The estimate of $418 was presented and accepted by the Vestry. Bandwidth needs to be reassessed to make the wireless system more effective.

Capital Campaign. Bids are being sought for the bathroom renovation. Flooring and an acoustical engineer were discussed as needs for the Sanctuary. Jim Paul stated the contract has been sent through and signed with the contractor in Ft. Scott regarding tuckpointing.

Membership Committee. Various youth events and games were discussed; at the present time, no games have been purchased; however, funds are available. The Youth will volunteer to host one of the Lenten Suppers.

Suggestion Box. One suggestion was read. That suggestion will be implemented. We will be adding prayers of the people to include fire and police departments and all first responders, and veterans.

Old business. None

New business. The Shepherding List was given and details as to what involvement each Vestry member should take was discussed.

A final suggestion by Sharrock Dermott: Bring back the idea of “simple supper six”. It entails a group of 6, with a host, rotating three months. After three months a new group would be involved. It is simply a time of eating and fellowship together…binding people together in unity.

The meeting closed at 8:25 p.m.

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HAVE A COMMENT? IDEA? SUGGESTION?

FEEL FREE REACH OUT TO ONE OF YOUR VESTRY MEMBERS

WE WILL REVIEW ANYTHING SUBMITTED IN THE NEXT VESTRY MEETING (3RD MONDAY OF EACH MONTH)

Because we wish to protect the security and privacy of our members, we are not publishing phone numbers or email addresses of our Vestry members in this Newsletter.

Note above the highlighted area listing all our Vestry members.

If you need a phone number or email and do not have a current telephone directory, call the office and we will happily supply you with the desired information.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church 706 Byers – Joplin, MO 64801 Telephone: 417-623-6893 FAX: 417-623-7870

Email: saintphilips706@gmail.com Web Site: http://www.stphilipsjoplin.diowestmo.org/digital faith

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/stphilipsjoplin Fr. Frank Sierra, Rector

Mary Sparks, Parish Secretary Jacquie McConnell, Newsletter Editor

Sharrock Dermott, Ron McConnell, Jim Paul, Gary Ames, Bob Larson, Phyllis Sapp, Kaie Stephenson – Vestry Members

OUR MISSION…

is to worship God, follow Christ, and love our neighbor. OUR VISION…

is to continue to build our community of faith, according to Christ’s teachings, where all truly belong and are encouraged and enabled to participate in our mission.

Sunday: 8:00 a.m. HE Rite I 9:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Christian Education 10:30 a.m. HE Rite II

Wednesday: 5:30 p.m. HE w/Unction Thursday: 12:15 p.m. Midday Service Secretary’s Office Hours: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.--Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30 a.m.-Noon--Friday