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ST.THOMAS’N
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ometimes hearing encouragement from other than your rector is helpful and
uplifting. The beautiful letters that follow arrived shortly after Charlie Stoehrmann’s funeral. They demonstrate the love and caring that have been such a strong hallmark of the St. Thomas family.
Peace in Christ, Father Bruce
Thank you again for your care to our family during the difficult time of the passing of our father. We appreciate the visits you made to Dad over the past several months and especially the last visit to him in the hospital. Thank you for the memorial service honoring Dad; it was as he wished.
Please convey the message below to your loving congregation. You have our permission to publish it in the Cross Ties, if you wish. We feel very strongly that we need to thank all the special friends at St. Thomas’ for their years of care and friendship to our parents. Their loving arms embraced our parents throughout their years in Sanford.
With our thanks, Bonnie and Ken and families
To the congregation of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church:
On behalf of the family of Charlie and Pat Stoehrmann, we would like to thank you for the many years of love, friendship and care for our parents.
After our Mom passed away over 10 years ago, Dad remained living independently until the last 6 months when his health began failing. Several times we asked our Dad if he would move to be closer to us, but he wanted to remain in Sanford. Because of the faithful community of believers at St. Thomas’ we felt confident and comfortable with his decision. This congregation showed him great support and compassion through his remaining earthly journey. We are grateful for your friendship to our parents throughout the 30 years that they have attended St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church. You exemplify the love of Jesus as you care for those in your church and community.
God bless you, Richard and Bonnie Berry
Ken and Joanne Stoehrmann
Charlie’s Love
United & Empowered
by the Love of
Our Lord Jesus Christ
Volume 2, Issue 4
Page 2 V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 4
"Whistle Stop" for NC Bishop Candidates
T HE CR OSS TI ES
Those attending the event at Penick Village in Southern Pines on 2/14 were: Fr. Bruce, John Kirkman, James Jessup, and Ray Hyer (delegates) and Katie Hyer. The Special Electing Convention is March 4, 2017 at which time our delegates will vote for the new bishop. Please let your representative know how you feel.
March 6, 2017
ESTHER: A CELEBRATION
OF COURAGE
Betty Sherrod presenting
WOC Meeting starts at 11:00 a.m.
Lunch will be served.
T HE CR OSS TI ES Page 3 V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 4
Birthdays and Anniversaries in March
1 Stefanie Ubungen
2 Edith Boys
Mary Lee Dutton
Alice Anne Ford
3 Anne Monti
8 Victoria Naegele
10 Kay Heflin
20 Elizabeth Schrull
24 Ellie White
28 Neal Heflin
Louise Spofford
Special Electing Convention
March 4, 2017
Phillips Chapel, The Canterbury School
Greensboro, NC
The Special Convention to Elect the XII Bishop Diocesan of North Carolina will take place on March 4 in Phillips Chapel at The Canterbury School. You can find all available information on the special Convention at any time on the diocesan website: http://episdionc.org/Diocese/governance-convention.html
Here is the link to the Nominees:
http://bishopsearch.dionc.org/
These sites have a lot of information concerning
the process and how this will unfold. Remember this is important to our church in what the focus is for our community.
Another link of interest:
Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple has a video and letter concerning Lent and its focus on the Diocese website:
http://www.dionc.org/
I’ve included these links in the Cross Ties so folks can take time to look and think how what we say, think and do is not only impacting the here and now, but also our children's and grand-children's future.
Take a look!
Blessings and prayers,
Victoria
Page 4 T HE CR OSS TI ES V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 4
Men’s Group Meeting—February 13, 2017
The meeting was opened with prayer. Eight people were present. Minutes from the January meeting were read and approved.
Old Business:
A report was given on the nursery refurbishment.
The group discussed the Pancake Supper on February 28. Helpers are to show up at 3:00 p.m. There will be charge of $5 per person and $7 max per family.
New Business:
A report was given about the Men’s Group representation at the Ministry Fair on Sunday.
Future projects were discussed. A request for more input from each member was made.
The list of future projects includes:
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – February 28
Clean up prior to Palm Sunday – March 25 (rain date is April 1)
Durham Bulls ballgame
Clean sanctuary
Gates around A/C units need to be repaired
Garbage can enclosure
Gutter helmet outside kitchen window
Planting of some shrubs
Dates for most of these projects are TBA.
Knives have been sharpened complements of
David Patterson’s son, Ben. Stewart Monti read
a poem he had written. The meeting was
adjourned.
Page 5 T HE CR OSS TI ES V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 4
There are many in the parish that are caring for not only children but elderly and those that are ill. Here is a reading that I found that may help to put some of the emotions we deal with on a daily basis in better perspective.
Rain scatter plum petals; Weeping stains the earth, One can only take shelter
And wait for clearing.
The greatest sorrow of life is witnessing. Experiencing our own suffering is not as difficult as watching others held in fate’s mighty grip. Bearing our own problems is easier because we are always aware that we can exercise other options— up to the final one. However, it hurts the most when we can
do nothing for others. The greatest sorrow is to see those we love suffer helplessly.
And in praying, we let go:
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Sorrow— 365 Tao Meditations
For those we Love— The Book of Common Prayer pg. 831
They washed the walls And floors and toys
Fixed furniture and things Put chalkboards, Proverbs on the walls
That good child rearing brings
And shared God’s Love With smiles and laughs
Through friendship passed around As they redid the nursery
For Church the Churchmen found
Stewart T. Monti
Caretaker’s Corner
To come from cross the country,
At Vestry’s needed call,
And serve the congregation
With love brought for them all
Then formally made Rector
At Bishop’s charge he knew
That much he had to offer
That much he had to do
Oh, come Father Heyvaert, join us
St. Thomas’ needs help to grow
With love from Christ and members
So much you can bestow.
Stewart T. Monti
Celebration of a New Ministry
Page 6 T HE CR OSS TI ES V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 4
Fr. Bruce reported on numbers in the Annual Parochial Report due March 1 to the diocese. We currently have 87 confirmed adults in good standing and 5 youth. Our average Sunday attendance is 64. He noted that we have had 10 new folks begin attending since December.
Fr. Bruce welcomed the new vestry members: Cornelia Olive, Bill Bradford and Jeremy Linney. The Vestry approved Cindy Julich as the rector’s choice for Senior Warden and James Jessup was elected Junior Warden. Katie Hyer will stay on as Clerk to the Vestry.
Twenty-six folks have signed up for the Lenten Study.
James reported that our bylaws have been returned, officially approved and signed by Bishop Hodges-Copple! Thanks to James for all the hours he put into getting this done.
The Ministry Fair was a great success! Many folks signed up to begin new ministries.
The ceiling in the Gilman Room has been safely secured for now; the Junior Warden is waiting on an estimate for final repairs.
A Vestry Retreat has been planned for Saturday, April 29 at the home of Fr. Bruce and Deb Heyvaert.
Security issues were raised and the Junior Warden will begin to look at solutions to protect our staff and property. Parishioners are asked to alert the office by phone or email if they plan to visit.
Respectfully,
Katie Hyer, Vestry Clerk
Vestry Highlights for February
The service bulletin can be downloaded from our website: http://stthomassanford.dionc.org/Communications/weekly-bulletin.html
Page 7 T HE CR OSS TI ES V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 4
WOC Meeting– February 6, 2017
Women of the Church met on Monday, February 6, with 18 present, including the rector, Father Bruce Heyvaert. President Cornelia Olive welcomed all in attendance.
The devotion was introduced by Frances Floyd and read by Deb Heyvaert. The Bible passage, Leviticus 12:6-7, outlined Mosaic law that required a visit to the Temple for the ritual purification of a new mother.
The program of the day commemorated the Feast of Candlemas. This holiday (February 2) occurs 40 days after Christmas and remembers three occasions according to Christian belief: the presentation of the child Jesus; Jesus’ first entry into the temple; and the celebration of the Virgin Mary’s purification.
Mary's visit to the Temple, including encounters with Anna and Simeon, was reenacted by Alice Anne Ford with a descriptive narration read by the rector.
The name Candlemas describes the traditional blessing and distribution of candles on that day. Beeswax candles donated by Jo Ann Bowman were blessed by the rector and handed out to attendees.
January minutes were read and approved. The treasurer reported the WOC account. Areas of discussion included:
1. Father Bruce Heyvaert shared information about a scholarship offered by the Episcopal Churchwomen (ECW).
2. President Olive reminded members of the upcoming Ministry Fair, scheduled for Sunday, February 12, during coffee Hour.
3. A motion was made by Jane Escher and seconded by Mary Lee Dutton to establish a committee that would examine and recommend expenditures when requests are received for WOC monies. This was approved by unanimous voice vote. President Olive appointed Kelly Burke, Darlynda Patterson, and Barbara Yuskevich to serve on the committee.
4. Mary Lee Dutton reported locating a knife sharpener that can be used in honing church kitchen knives.
5. Choice of a WOC fundraiser was addressed.
6. Need for notifying the nursery when children should be brought for communion was discussed. Barbara Yuskevich will contact a person to facilitate a solution to this problem.
7. WOC officers, Cornelia Olive - President, Jo Ann Bowman - Secretary and Program Chair; and Pat Caviness - Treasurer, agreed to serve during the 2017-2018 year. Their election was approved by unanimous vote.
After prayer by the rector, a lunch of chicken crepes (traditional Candlemas fare), toasted bread sticks, cranberry salad and coffee was served by Frances Floyd.
Page 8 T HE CR OSS TI ES V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 4
Ministry Fair on Sunday, February 12
We had a very good turn out for the Ministry Fair. Represented were:
Altar Guild
Library
Christian Formation Augustine Literacy
Coffee hour/Hospitality Prayer Guild
Buildings & Grounds Pastoral Care
Acolytes
Communications Women of the Church
Men's Club Foyer Groups
A big thanks to all that attended and the leaders of the committees. Remember that you still can sign-up. We are always looking for help.
Page 9 T HE CR OSS TI ES V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 4
V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 4 Page 10
T HE CR OSS TI ES
Ministry Fair continues
T HE CR OSS TI ES
For those who are ill:
Barbara; Joan; Tim Baldwin; Jeep Barrett; Jack Beyer; Jim and Nina Bonti; Chad Brewer; Emily Briell; Joseph Bumgarner; Pat Clark; Jane Escher; Alice Anne Ford; Neal Gruenfeld; Karen Huey; Pat Kirkman; Mary Klancher; Anne Layne; Don Lewis; Cherie Martin; Mary Louise Matthews; Kathie McBride; Norma Naegele; Gracie Olive; Sarah Palmer; Rebecca Pascoe; Mary and Richard Quinn; John and Roberta Rogerson; Betty Sherrod; Mary Solis and family; Julia Starn; David Strait; Joann Thaxton; Riley Voss; Judy Watson.
For Strength and Guidance:
Ryan; Thomas; Kelly Baldwin; the Bunch family; Claudia Cox; Cindy Julich; Dick Klancher; Anne L.; the families of Don Lewis and Regina Lewis Branch; Tyler Martin; Vicki Russell; Ceri Saunders; Jean Anne Snyder-Barrett; Bud Starn; Eugenia Thompson; Travis Tyner; the Vestry; Bob Watson and family; Colin Watson; Craig Watson; Deborah Watson.
For those serving and our armed forces deployed and at home.
Praises: For the continuing growth of St. Thomas’
Page 11 V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 4
Our Prayer List
We wish to acknowledge the
memorial gifts that were given this
month for the following people
who have passed.
Charles John Stoehrmann
Seth Cox
Betty Rosser
Edward White
Wayne Boys
Give rest, O Christ, to your servant
Betty Rosser
Where sorrow and pain are no more,
Neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon her.
V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 4
“Cross Ties”
is published monthly by
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church
312 N. Steele St., Sanford, NC
Office: (919) 774-8644
Fax: (919) 776-5883
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://stthomassanford.dionc.org
Office Hours
Beth Wood, Admin. Asst.
M & F, 9AM- 12PM
Tu, W, & Th, 9AM – 1PM
Rector
The Rev. Bruce Heyvaert
We extend a warm welcome from our church
community. We at St. Thomas’ believe that:
Whatever your religious background
Whatever your history
However you have come to be drawn to the Lord
You are welcome to walk your journey of life with us
at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church.
The Parish Staff
Director of Music Dr. Jo Ann Bowman
Organist
June Burbage
Nursery Care Katie Yuskevich
Lay Leaders
Andy White, Treasurer
Women of the Church
Cornelia Olive
Outreach Committee Chair
Pat Kirkman
Altar Guild Director
Anne Monti
Cross Ties Editor V. Naegele
The Parish Vestry
Serving through 2017
James Jessup, Jr. Warden
Cindy Julich, Sr. Warden
Katie Hyer, Clerk
Serving through 2018
Wendy Seymore
Elizabeth Zeph
Bob Carlson
Serving through 2019
Bill Bradford
Jeremy Linney
Cornelia Olive
@ St. Thomas
Prayer for Quiet Confidence:
O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From The Book of Common Prayer, pg. 828