St Timothy's Episcopal Church, Winston-Salem, NC

May 16, 2012 E-News

libbycraven — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:18:32 +0000

Tomorrow’s Ascension Service
Please join your parish family for the Feast of Ascension service celebrated tomorrow, Thursday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the church. “Ascension is the feast day commemorating Christ’s ascension at the end of his post-resurrection appearances to his disciples. It occurs 40 days after Easter and always on a Thursday.” (A Dictionary for Episcopalians, page 11.) We look forward to seeing you!

Tonight’s Schedule and Parish Dinner
Tonight’s Wednesday evening schedule begins at 5:15 p.m. with infants and preschoolers plus a parent or caregiver meeting in C-5 for God’s Children Sing! At 5:15 p.m., all children in kindergarten through fifth grade will meet in room C-4 for “The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss: Part One.” Parish Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m in Drake Hall with Salisbury steak on the menu. Cost for dinner is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-11 and free for children age 2 or younger. At 6:30 p.m., the adults will meet in C-5 for Father Steve’s Big Small Group while the youth in sixth through twelfth grades meet in D-1 for Re:form and children in kindergarten through fifth grade will meet again in C-4 to continue “The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss: Part Two.” Click here for more information about the classes offered on the church calendar.

Help Support Missions This Saturday
You have two chances to help with two important mission projects this Saturday, May 19. First, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. you have the chance to help raise funds for the Youth Summer Mission Trip to Johns Island, S.C. by having your car washed at First Community Bank on the southeast corner of Stratford Road and Knollwood Street. For a donation, the youth will hand-wash and dry your car.

Second, you are invited to meet with the St. Timothy’s Sacred Threads from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Drake Hall to help sew blankets for the leukemia patients at Baptist Hospital. Projects are available for all skill levels–from non-sewers to advance seamstresses! Contact Dale Link (602-2587).

Episcopal Church Women Have Busy Sunday!
This Sunday, May 20, the United Thank Offering, sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women, will be accepted at all services. Through the UTO, all men, women and children nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God. As individuals name their blessings daily, they use a blue & white UTO box or envelope to collect monetary gifts. By bringing your gifts to the altar this Sunday, your funds will be combined with other UTO donations throughout the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion to make a real difference in the lives of the underprivileged. UTO boxes and envelopes are available in the Information Center and at the Wednesday Night parish dinner this evening.Also on Sunday, the ECW is hosting its annual Afternoon Tea and Auction at 12:15 p.m. in ECW Hall. All proceeds benefit the Lex Mathews Fund. The Tea Cup Auction will feature many fun items including gift certificates, plants and many more surprises! Auction tickets cost $5 for 15 and a free-will offering is taken to cover the cost of the luncheon. Friends and family from outside the parish family are warmly welcomed to attend. Pearls and gloves are optional.

Evensong on June 10
Evensong will be offered on Sunday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the church. Using the service of Evening Prayer, much of the liturgy during Evensong is sung rather than spoken. You won’t want to miss this special service!

July 13-15 Set for Not-Your-Mama’s VBS: Let’s GROW!
Save the dates for a weekend of faith formation for the whole family of St. Timothy’s! The event begins on Friday, July 13 before dinner and concludes on Sunday, July 15. Over the course of the weekend we will have awesome activities surrounding the biblical themes of Water, Soil, Seeds, Animals and Harvest that include planting a community garden, eating delicious, healthy meals, enjoying campfire singing with s’mores and an optional overnight camp-out. Our mission is to provide fresh food and donated non-perishable food to help Halt Hunger Here in our local communities all year long. In the Gospel of John, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ”Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” This is the task before us, and we plan to have a lot of FUN. Would you like to join us? Register here or contact Director of Family Ministries Kristina Gilbert (765-0294 ext. 301).

With Sincere Sympathy …
The parish family of St. Timothy’s wishes to extend sincere sympathy to St. Timothy’s member Kay House on the death of her mother, Margaret House on May 5 in Marion, N.C. Services were held in Marion last week.

Also sincere sympathy is extended to St. Timothy’s members Dan, Stacy and Charlie Bachmann on the May 14 death of Stacy’s grandmother in eastern North Carolina.

And sincere sympathy is extended to St. Timothy’s member Larry Conrad on the May 14 death of Larry’s grandmother, Edna Conrad of Lexington, N.C. Service are being held today at noon in Lexington.

May 9, 2012 E-News

libbycraven — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:50:27 +0000

Tonight’s Schedule with Children’s Choir Awards
Tonight’s Wednesday evening schedule begins at 5:15 p.m. with infants and preschoolers plus a parent or caregiver meeting in C-5 for God’s Children Sing! At 5:30 p.m., all children in kindergarten through fifth grade and their parents will meet in the choir room for Choir Awards. Parish Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m in Drake Hall with spaghetti on the menu. Cost for dinner is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-11 and free for children age 2 or younger. At 6:30 p.m., all adults are invited to attend Father Steve’s Big Small Group in C-5. The youth in sixth through twelfth grades meet in D-1 for Re:form and children in kindergarten through fifth grade will meet again in the choir room. At 7:30 p.m. the Adult Choir rehearses in the choir room. Click here for more information about the classes offered on the church calendar. Also everyone who ordered frozen Butter Braid Pastry Dough is reminded to pick-up their purchase tonight in Drake Hall.

May 17 Ascension Service
Please mark your calendar to attend the Feast of Ascension service celebrated on Thursday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the church. “Ascension is the feast day commemorating Christ’s ascension at the end of his post-resurrection appearances to his disciples. It occurs 40 days after Easter and always on a Thursday.” (A Dictionary for Episcopalians, page 11.)

Special Offerings Being Accepted
This Sunday, May 13, a special Mother’s Day Offering will be accepted for Penick Village, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, to support the more than $1,000,000 needed this year to help the elder residents who have outlived their means. A special Penick Village envelope will be available in the pew rack or you can make your donation to St. Timothy’s and designate “Penick Village.”

On Sunday, May 20, the United Thank Offering, sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women, will be accepted at all services. Through the UTO, all men, women and children nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God. As individuals name their blessings daily, they use a blue & white UTO box or envelope to collect monetary gifts. By bringing your gifts to the altar on May 20, your funds will be combined with other UTO donations throughout the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion to make a real difference in the lives of the underprivileged. UTO boxes and envelopes are available in the Information Center and at the Wednesday Night parish dinner this evening.

St. Timothy’s member Tanja Ragonesi will be traveling to an Ukrainian orphanage at the end of May and she would like to provide the facility with 150 children’s Bibles. The orphan children, ranging in age from 9 to 16, receive Sunday School teaching once a month but have no age-appropriate Bibles. Tanja is hoping that St. Timothy’s parishioners would be willing to donate money to purchase the Bibles which cost $7 each. If you would like to participate, please make all donations to St. Timothy’s and designate “Children’s Bibles” by May 23.

As always, all monetary gifts may be place in the offering plate or made online here. Please remember to use the offering name or designation in the memo or description line. If you have questions about your giving, please contact Parish Administrator Cathy Culver (765-0294 ext. 304).

Auction Items Needed for Youth Fundraiser
If you have an item or a service you can donate for the Summer Youth Mission Trip Fundraiser Auction, please contact Director of Family Ministries Kristina Gilbert (765-0294 ext. 301) as soon as possible. Auction tickets will go on sale soon with the auction drawing to be held on Sunday, June 3. You do not need to be present to win.

Save the Date for June 3
Everyone is invited to come celebrate the marriage of St. Timothy’s Director of Music Ministries Christin Barnhardt to Gary Hornsby at their drop-in, post wedding reception on Sunday, June 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Drake Hall. Refreshments will be available as they share stories and pictures from their wedding and honeymoon travels.

Senior Luncheon Celebrates 2012 High School Graduates
The St. Timothy’s Class of 2012 High Graduates will be celebrated at a luncheon on May 20 at 12:30 p.m. in Drake Hall. All St. Timothy’s youth and their families are invited to attend this special event honoring this important milestone. To respond with your attendance count by May 12, contact Director of Communications Libby Craven (765-0294 ext. 302).

Men’s Breakfast Meets This Saturday
All men–members, visitors and friends–are invited to the next Men’s Breakfast Group meeting this Saturday, May 12 at 8 a.m. in ECW Hall. Enjoy hot food, fellowship and fun. Contact Skip Larson (766-7994) so he can count you in!

With Sincere Sympathy …
The parish family of St. Timothy’s wishes to extend sincere sympathy to the family of The Rev. Phillip Squire on his May 7 death. His funeral service will be held in the church at St. Timothy’s on Friday, May 11 at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends in Drake Hall following the service.

Father Steve’s Big Small Group

libbycraven — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:32:38 +0000

Father Steve’s [Rice] Big Small Group on Wednesday, May 2
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Winston-Salem, NC

Feast of St. Athanasius:

Uphold your Church, O God of truth, as you upheld your servant Athanasius, to maintain and proclaim boldly the catholic faith against all opposition, trusting solely in the grace of your eternal Word, who took upon himself our humanity that we might share his divinity; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Here’s why I’m not looking forward to this conversation. Yesterday [Tuesday, May 1] I posted my thoughts on what I think is the root issue for a variety of topics. I think that we have little, if any, real substantive theology of sex. So, on my post I argued that with the advent of birth control, the nature of sex has changed. I didn’t make a judgment, just argued that separating procreation from sex changes the purpose, the teleos of sex. Because we never fully dealt with what this new teleos or purpose is, we are now divided on issues that find their root in human sexuality.

I put it on Facebook as a conversation piece. This morning [Wednesday, May 2], the founder of IntegrityUSA, the premier advocacy group for LGBT issues, wrote a response. The opening line was:

38 years into a gay marriage that you show very little signs of understanding, I find your article destructive, and in the context of Amendment One, violent.

He goes on and, needless to say, he wasn’t happy. I was surprised because I wasn’t talking about Amendment One and I really wasn’t talking about LGBT issues. But there was an immediate assumption and swift condemnation. The lines had been drawn. In the end he quoted Desmond Tutu to me saying that one could not be neutral. In the diocese of Georgia I was an alternate deputy to General Convention and this commenter used to compile data for every deputy – their birth date, wedding anniversary and ordination anniversary. He would send nice emails on each event. I don’t think I’ll be getting those anymore.

This is one of the reasons why I have consistently said we are not ready to have a serious conversation about these issues – because before we even begin, sides are drawn, conclusions are drawn and, even more dangerous, assumptions about each other are made.

So, I’ve been asked by some to talk about Amendment One and I’ve been asked by others not to talk about Amendment One. Some have expressed a wish that St Timothy’s enter the political area and others have expressed a desire that we stay out. So here we are.

Tonight I want to talk about deeper, global issues that surround all of these. I’m not going to tell you how to vote because I don’t think you’ll do what I say anyway. I think I prove that every time I write the offering amount on the board! I might go too far for some of you and I may not go far enough for others. I hope you appreciate the impossible position I’m in.

So let’s begin.

Amendment One is a constitutional amendment that defines the only legal union to be recognized in the state as between one man and one woman. Bishop Curry and the North Carolina Convention are opposed, strongly so, to this amendment. Two weeks ago he wrote a letter along with the Bishops of the diocese on either side of us, which is available [online here] tonight, to the diocese. In an email to the clergy he stated that this is not a canonical pastoral letter that must be read in churches, but a resource for all of us.

The final paragraph of the letter says “Whether we agree or disagree with same-sex marriage, civil unions or unmarried couples cohabitating, we can agree as people of faith that, as the book of Genesis says, all human beings are created in the “image of God.” That means that all persons are to be treated with the love, respect and dignity that befit a child of God. Therefore, we do not believe that the Bible or Constitutions of our state and nation should be used to oppress, harm or restrict the human rights and dignity of any human being. On the contrary, Jesus has taught us that the greatest and most important of all the commandments of God are to love God and to love our neighbor. (They quote Matthew 22:37-40) Amendment One falls dangerously short of that standard.”

I am not a lawyer, I don’t play one on TV and I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. I was given a copy of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte’s newspaper which has the exact opposite legal opinion of our diocese on the implications of Amendment One. So I am not going to talk about legal stuff and I’m really not comfortable if any of us do in this context, because I am not qualified to facilitate such a discussion. There are people here who have been studying this issue from a legal perspective and do have insights, and I’m sure they would be happy to share, as long as necessary, their thoughts. Personally, I like the way Verizon does it. You can have ten numbers to put in your circle to call for free from any carrier. If I were king I would say you get one, maybe two, people to put in your legal whatevers, from any carrier!

But this is a church and so we are called to look at this through the lens of God and humanity. I think that with any issue there are things that must be done. Questions need to be asked: what is the real issue? Are there other issues that are connected? What are the implications? What is being said? What is not being said? Again, we’re asking theological questions primarily – legal questions are outside of our purview.

Looking at Amendment One, there appears to be several issues, and that is a problem. That’s the reason why the Diocese of North Carolina and the Diocese of Charlotte are advocating two different things – one yes and one no. That creates confusion and I think it creates confusion not because the Diocese of North Carolina is guided by the Holy Spirit and the Diocese of Charlotte is not (or vice versa) but because each diocese seems to focus on different aspects of the issue.

The Episcopal Bishops of N.C. are focused on the unintended implications of this legislation to families and children and the Roman Bishops of N.C. are focused on the theology of the family unit.

As with any legislation – what is the real issue? What are the secondary issues? What are the implications of each issue? The Episcopal Dioceses are saying the implications include loss of health care, civil rights, etc. and the Roman Dioceses are saying, if voted down, the implications are fundamental redefinition of the family.

What if both are right? What if, for the sake of argument, this legislation will have unintended consequences for all families if voted for and what if there will be a redefinition of family if voted no? We now have to make decisions of importance.

This is the area that I am most interested in. I don’t have many answers but I’m interested. What makes an issue (this one or any other) more important than others? In taking a stand, the Bishop and Convention have placed a degree of importance on this issue – and there may be some, I would include myself in this, that might argue more important issues, more pressing issues, are debated in the public arena while the church, comparatively, is silent. For instance, immigration, abortion, and war. Consistency is a part of our discernment.

This came to a point for me when, last week in New Orleans, I was sitting in a meeting with other Episcopal Service Corps program directors. We were discussing health care for our interns and the provider we currently use, Catholic Volunteer Network, does not cover oral contraceptives for the purposes of birth control. It is covered for interns who have hormonal needs or even acne. The overwhelming majority wanted to move to a different carrier so our interns would not have to lie and their oral contraception could be covered.

I found myself in the minority when I wondered, “should they [the interns made up of mostly unmarried adults] be having sex?” There were two important issues bound in one decision – access and coverage to health care and sexual ethics.

From the church’s perspective – which issue carries the heaviest moral burden?

But more to the point, and the Episcopal Bishops speak to this in their letter, that even though there are other issues in Amendment One (same-sex marriage, civil unions and unmarried couples cohabitating) there is one element that carries the bulk of the moral burden – this being respecting the dignity of every human person as stated in our baptismal covenant.

My own personal dissatisfaction with this whole issue is that I’m not in favor one bit of children not having access to health care or other rights, etc. At the same time, I don’t think couples should be living together and having children outside a sacramental blessing and foundation. The problem is further compounded, in my opinion, when the Church as a whole does not operate under a cohesive or coherent theology of sex. I’m saying yes and no at the same time for different things. And that is frustrating.

What I’m interested in is how Christians can come to some kind of conclusion.

Quoting scripture by itself is not entirely satisfying because we have all seen one text pitted against another. Saying what Jesus would do is presumptive at times. We see unfortunately divisions when we do both of these.

I still think at the end of the day it comes back to questions of authority. From what authority do we derive our conclusions? If we say God, which is the Christian answer, the difficult question is now to ask through what carrier do we receive this message. Is it found in each person (which could lead to chaos)? Is it found in the Church – depending on how we define it? Is it found in official leaders?

This is especially pertinent when we start talking about the church’s entrance into the political sphere.

On the plane ride back from New Orleans, I opened a book that was given to us at the meeting on mentoring young adults. I looked in the table of contents and saw a chapter entitled, “It Matters How We Think.” I was all over it. I read about the development of ethical thinking from social scientist W.G. Perry. Perry studied college students in the 50s and 60s and came up with a predictable development of how students made the kind of decisions we’re talking about.

He has nine positions, and they run from pure authority (the authorities have the answer) to extreme relativism (everyone has a right to think what they want) to finally end, at what he considers the mature place, committed relativism (I know what I believe, you may think otherwise, and I’m ready to hear you and reconsider).

I don’t know how Christians can operate from a position of relativism. For instance, what is the difference between Martin Luther King, Jr. and Adolf Hitler? Each had their own cultural groundings. Each was sincere. Each thought they were doing something from the greater good of society. Are they equal? If we say no, then we are drawing from some authority that makes a determination between what is good and what is evil.

So now we’re back to authority but under what form? Typically we appeal to the church’s authority when it’s convenient. If we argue that each person is a revelation of God and is the sole authority, that can quickly lead to billions of unique and personal revelations of God. The challenge is to consistently apply our authority. Which, I think, is where we stumble.

We need to explore and discern the role of authority in our decision making. And we need to be consistent. I think it’s important as a safeguard against relativism.

I would argue our authority in God is enshrined in the Church at her best – bishops, councils, priests, deacons and the laity. And by her best I mean when we are striving to be one, holy, catholic, and apostolic – the so-called four notes of the church. The more divided we are, the harder it is to hear God’s will. When we move from holiness, the more distorted God’s voice becomes. When we seek to become individualistic and relative, we are disconnected from the fullness of the Body of Christ. And when we move away from the apostolic foundations of our faith, we will be lost.

This, I would argue, is something we believe. It is in the Creeds, right along with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – we believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. It’s an article of faith. It is hard to make faithful decisions when the faith itself is ignored.

There is a story about the future Pope Paul VI being interviewed by the newly appointed Secretary of State. This was before World War II and tensions were rising politically everywhere. The Secretary of State asked several priest candidates what he would do, as a staff member of the Secretary, if the Russians or Germans invaded Rome. Each priest gave answers ranging from taking up arms to defend the Pope to calling the Americans. The future Paul VI looked at the Secretary and said, “I would say mass as usual.” The Secretary smiled and gave him the job.

There is great wisdom in grounded our responses in our Eucharistic life. We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. In this we grow closer to the Authority of God enshrined in the Church. In this we grow closer to each other which keeps us from seeing others as objects and opponents. How else can we explore the implications of our baptism unless we constantly renew our own covenant? How can we meditate on the creative power of relationships unless we strengthen our own? I think it is only in this act that we come to a moral conclusion about which carries the heaviest weight when there are two important issues and our vote will elevate one over the other. That’s not a cop out. I think it’s the only answer.

The Eucharist, as the source and summit of the Church’s life, gives us strength to view each other in light of our baptism. It gives us a vision of the Kingdom of God. It takes the pride from our bellies. And the answer may be that the Church has not lived up to those four notes that we believe in. And because of that, we aren’t sure what to do. So we pray even more.

So how should we vote on May 8? I’m not the authority. I would say, “Go to mass.”

May 2, 2012 E-News

libbycraven — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:37:43 +0000

Tonight’s Schedule and Father Steve’s Big Small Group
Tonight’s Wednesday evening schedule at St. Timothy’s includes Father Steve‘s Big Small Group discussing “Christian Conscience, Voting, and the Church: A Conversation About Current Issues and Faithful Discernment.” The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in room C-5 (across from the choir room). Other classes this eveing begin at 5:15 p.m. with infants and preschoolers plus a parent or caregiver meeting in C-5 for God’s Children Sing! Also at 5:15 p.m., all children in kindergarten through fifth grade will meet in the choir room for combined Cherub and St. Francis Choir practice. Parish Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m in Drake Hall with a taco/fajita bar on the menu. Cost for dinner is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-11 and free for children age 2 or younger. At 6:30 p.m., the youth in sixth through twelfth grades meet in D-1 for Re:form and children in kindergarten through fifth grade resume choir practice in the choir room. At 7:30 p.m. the Adult Choir rehearses in the choir room. Click here for more information about the classes offered on the church calendar.

ECW Tea and Auction
The Episcopal Church Women are hosting its annual Afternoon Tea and Auction, May 20 at 12:15 p.m. in ECW Hall. All proceeds benefit the Lex Matthews Fund. The Tea Cup Auction will feature many fun items including gift certificates, plants and many surprises! Auction tickets cost $5 for 15 and a free will offering is taken to cover the cost of the luncheon.

The Lex Mathews Fund provides scholarships to women in the diocese who are in need of financial assistance. Many are single mothers in dire need of further education to better support their children. Your help is greatly appreciated.

If you would like to hostess a table or have items to donate to the auction, please contact Lynda Sanecki (293-4808). Friends and family from outside the St. Timothy’s parish family are warmly welcomed to attend. Pearls and gloves are optional.

Monetary Donations Needed for Bibles
St. Timothy’s member Tanja Ragonesi will be traveling to an Ukrainian orphanage at the end of May and she would like to provide the facility with 150 children’s Bibles. The orphan children, ranging in age from 9 to 16, are visited once a month by a woman who provides Sunday School teaching but have no age-appropriate Bibles. Tanja is hoping that St. Timothy’s parishioners would be willing to donate money to purchase the Bibles which cost $7 each. If you would like to participate, please make all donations to St. Timothy’s, designated “Children’s Bibles”, and place in the offering plate or online here before May 23.

Family Movie Night on June 6
Everyone is invited to come and watch The Lorax by Dr. Seuss on Wednesday, June 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Drake Hall. Not-Your-Mama’s VBS: Let’s GROW is sponsoring this movie night as a preview for the intergenerational VBS weekend event set for July 13-15 and based on the Abundant Life Garden Project. Both events will be fun and formational for the entire parish family. On June 6, hot dogs will be served at 5:30 p.m. and popcorn will be provided during the film. Come and see! And bring a friend … or two … or seven! Please note, if the new movie is released by June 6, it will be shown. However, the older film is very good also, and it will be shown no matter what for those who would rather have an option for their preschoolers. In other words, we’ll either show just the older version, or we’ll show both. Childcare is available for small children. Contact Director of Family Ministries Kristina Gilbert(765-0294 ext. 301).

Help Choose Summer 2012 Hymns!
What hymn(s) would you like to sing at St. Timothy’s this summer? Director of Music Ministries Christin Barnhardt will compile a list and incorporate as many of them as she can into worship in July and August. Consider sharing why this hymn is meaningful to you with your parish family. “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” (Psalm 98:4, KJV) Contact Christin (765-0294 ext. 306) or fill out request online here.

Two Fellowship Opportunities
Come share breakfast with your Christian brothers and sisters this Sunday, May 6, 10-10:45 a.m. in Drake Hall. For a suggested donation of $4, you can enjoy a hot meal before or after your worship experience. The children and youth will be available to share their new mission/outreach campaign to raise awareness of and donations for hunger in the community. Visit their “Halt Hunger Here!” display to learn how you can be involved.

The OWLs (Older Wiser Laity) will meet on Tuesday, May 8 at 11:30 a.m. in ECW Hall for their monthly luncheon. Please bring a bag lunch and enjoy the fellowship. Beverages and dessert will be provided. Contact Sandra Hamby (767-4040).

April 25, 2012 E-News

libbycraven — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:49:46 +0000

Special Music This Sunday at St. Timothy’s
You won’t want to miss the special music this Sunday at St. Timothy’s! At the 9 a.m. worship service, Chi Rho, Wake Forest University’s All Male Christian A Cappella Ensemble, will sing. Chi Rho members seek to love each other, share the hope they have found in Christ and worship God with their lives and voices. If you want to find out more about the guys and their ministry, check out www.chirho.com.Then at 9 p.m. this Sunday, you will have the opportunity to say goodnight to God with Choral Compline in the church. A men’s choir of singers from St. Timothy’s and the Winston-Salem community will lead this beautiful evening office.

Father Steve’s Big Small Group for May 2
Next Wednesday (May 2) evening at St. Timothy’s, Father Steve‘s Big Small Group will discuss “Christian Conscience, Voting, and the Church: a conversation about current issues and faithful discernment.” The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in room C-5 (across from the choir room). Come early to participate in the Wednesday Night Parish Dinner served at 5:30 p.m. in Drake Hall. For a suggested donation of $7 per adult, the menu will feature a taco/fajita bar.

Tonight’s Wednesday Night Schedule
Tonight’s Wednesday Night classes begin at 5:15 p.m. with infants and preschoolers plus a parent/caregiver meeting in C-5 for God’s Children Sing! Also at 5:15 p.m., all children in kindergarten through second grade will meet in C-4 for Godly Play while children in third through fifth grade meet in the choir room for St. Francis Choir practice. Parish Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m in Drake Hall with hamburgers and hot dogs on the menu. Cost for dinner is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-11 and free for children age 2 or younger. At 6:30 p.m., all adults meet in C-5 for Father Steve’s Big Small group. The youth in sixth through twelfth grades meet in D-1 for Re:form. Also at 6:30 p.m., children in third through fifth grade meet in C-4 for Godly Play while the children in kindergarten through second grade meet in the choir room for Cherub Choir rehearsal. At 7:30 p.m. the Adult Choir rehearses in the choir room. Click here for more information about the classes offered on the church calendar.

Costa Rica Mission Dates Announced
The next Costa Rica mission trip has been scheduled for January 12-19, 2013. Information regarding regarding this trip will be available at the Parish Breakfast on Sunday, June 3, 10-10:45 a.m. in Drake Hall. Parishioners who have been on previous trips will be available to answer questions from any adults interested in participating in this project. If you cannot attend the June 3 information session, you may contact either Chris or Linda Skarzynski (945-2522).

Youth Mission Trip Fundraisers Update
The Youth Mission Trip to Rural Mission, Inc. on John’s Island, SC is scheduled for July 28-August 4. There is still space for more youth to go. Please consider the dates and if you know of a young person age 14-18 that would be especially enriched by this experience, contact Director of Family Ministries Kristina Gilbert (765-0294 ext. 301).

With your help the following fundraisers will hopefully bring in enough money to cover the $2,000 needed to purchase the necessary building supplies for this mission. (Funds raised over that amount will help defray transportation and food costs.)

Episcopal Shield Merchandise Sale (in Drake Hall on Wednesday Evenings during Parish Dinners and the Sunday Parish Breakfasts on May 6 and June 3.) Order from the Youth and 50 percent of each purchase goes to the mission trip.
Lowe’s Foods Grocery Cards will soon be available. If you already shop at Lowe’s, purchasing grocery cards from the youth will add a six percent donation to St. Timothy’s. Lowe’s makes this fundraiser available to all nonprofit organizations. If you don’t normally shop at Lowe’s, consider shopping there with these cards to help raise funds for the mission trip.
Car Wash (Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at First Community Bank on the southeast corner of Stratford Road and Knollwood Street). Come and let the youth wash and dry your car while you make a donation for the mission trip.
Auction Items Needed – If you have an item or a service you can donate, contact Kristina to be added to the list. Tickets will go on sale as soon as the list is complete. Drawing will be Sunday, June 3. You do not need to be present to win!
Facepainting during the Pentecost Picnic (Sunday evening, May 27 on church grounds) – Three youth from EYC are artists and will do facepainting, and they have asked Father Bob McGee to make balloon animals. Donations for the services will be graciously accepted.

Don’t carry cash or checkbook? You can always donate online here. After submitting the amount, write in the Description box specifically what it’s for (Facepainting/Balloons; Lowe’s Food cards; Episcopal Shield Merchandise Sale; Car Wash; or a nonspecific donation to Youth Mission Trip). Thank you for supporting the ministry with Youth at St. Timothy’s!

Looking for a Way to Serve at St. Timothy’s?
Two important ministries at St. Timothy’s are looking for volunteers to help. First, the Altar Guild Ministry is in need of people to help prepare the altar areas for worship. Flexible schedules and a variety of areas of service are offered. No prior experience is necessary as training is provided. Read about this “Ministry of Hospitality and Welcome” here. If you are willing to help, contact Jean Larson (766-7994) or Katherine Hodges (682-1650).

Secondly, does the thought of arranging lilies or poinsettias make your heart go pitter pat? Or how about scrounging the grounds for beautiful, unusual foliage to snip and arrange in the narthex or nave? Then you are cordially invited to an informal gathering of like-minded folks interested in lovely, liturgically faithful church decor. New to St. Timothy’s? All are welcome to gather on Monday, April 30 in the Gribbin Library at 10 a.m. to plan the church decor calendar from June 2012 through May 2013. Please come armed with your enthusiasm and inspirations. Can’t attend the April 30 meeting? No problem! Contact Lea Thullbery (918-7981).

April 18, 2012 E-News

libbycraven — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:59:00 +0000

This Sunday Welcomes Bishop Curry and More!
The Right Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, will lead the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services this Sunday, April 22 at St. Timothy’s. He will baptize, confirm, reaffirm and receive children, youth and adults into membership at the 11 a.m. service. A parish breakfast will be served in Drake Hall from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Also in Drake Hall on Sunday from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the Episcopal Church Women will hold a Bake and Soup Sale. All women are asked to bring wrapped baked items or quarts of frozen soup to Drake Hall on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. All proceeds will go to outreach projects.

Organ ‘Crawl’ Following 11 am Service
St. Timothy’s Pipe Organ will begin to disappear next week. First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro bought the organ and, now that their chapel has been renovated, they are ready for the organ to be delivered. If you are interested in just what makes those organ pipes toot, join St. Timothy’s parishioner and organ builder John Farmer on an informal “organ crawl” in the church balcony following the 11 a.m. service this Sunday. Be amazed that the instrument is built with plans stolen during the Renaissance! Be astounded by seeing extinct woolly mammoths! Be shocked to learn about the horrors of mouth nicking! Everyone is welcome to attend. Contact Director of Music Ministries Christin Barnhardt (765-0294 ext. 306).

Tonight’s Wednesday Night Schedule
Wednesday Night classes and dinner resumes tonight, Wednesday, April 18. Beginning at 5:15 p.m. infants and preschoolers with parent/caregiver meet in C-5 for God’s Children Sing! Also at 5:15 p.m., all children in kindergarten through second grade will meet in C-4 for Godly Play while children in third through fifth grade meet in the choir room for St. Francis Choir practice. Parish Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m in Drake Hall with beef tips and noodles on the menu. Cost for dinner is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-11 and free for children age 2 or younger. At 6:30 p.m., all adults meet in C-5 for Father Steve’s Big Small group. The youth in sixth through twelfth grades meet in D-1 for Re:form. Also at 6:30 p.m., children in third through fifth grade meet in C-4 for Godly Play while the children in kindergarten through second grade meet in the choir room for Cherub Choir rehearsal. At 7:30 p.m. the Adult Choir rehearses in the choir room. Click here for more information about the classes offered on the church calendar.

‘Halt Hunger Here’ Kickoff This Sunday
St. Timothy’s Older Children (SOWhAT?–Story, Outreach, Wonder, Arts & Theology for grades 3-5) and Youth (EYC–Episcopal Youth Community for grades 6-12) are beginning a new mission/outreach campaign to raise awareness and donations of and for hunger in our local communities. All children/youth in third grade and older are invited to participate during the Parish Breakfasts in Drake Hall. Several of these young people have been learning the facts about hunger and poverty especially in our communities and would like to share this information with the whole family of St. Timothy’s. Stop by their table this Sunday. They will share some of the things they’ve learned and show you how you can make a difference by continuing to fill grocery bags for Second Harvest (the same way Amanda Schroeder’s campaign was done during Lent) and they can also show you how your monetary donations can make a huge difference to so many in need. So bring your grocery items, your checkbooks or cash to the children/youth table in Drake during the breakfasts. Alternatively, you could bring your groceries anytime to the lower church hallway near the Information Center (same as during Lent) or make a contribution online here and designate “Hunger” in the description when submitting your donation). Thank you so much for your ministry with children and youth at St. Timothy’s and helping to feed the poor in our communities. Contact Director of Family Ministries Kristina Gilbert (765-0294 ext. 301).

Thank You …
Susan Jones and Family wishes to express grateful appreciation to the St. Timothy’s Care Group, staff and parish family for support during Chris’ last days and funeral service. Thank you, St. Timothy’s!

April 4, 2012 E-News

libbycraven — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:02:51 +0000

Holy Week Schedule Continues at St. Timothy’s
Holy Week at St. Timothy’s continues with tomorrow’s (April 5) Maundy Thursday Service at 6:30 p.m. Remember there will be no Wednesday evening formation or Parish Dinner tonight or next Wednesday.Good Friday will be observed on April 6, also at 6:30 p.m. Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 7 will begin at 8 p.m. with Easter Sunday–April 8–services at 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m.It is the tradition in the Church to translate the Blessed Sacrament to an altar of repose on Maundy Thursday. As the altar is the symbol of Christ, it is stripped and laid bare for Good Friday. Christ’s Presence in the Sacrament is Adored all night as we keep watch as Peter, James and John were asked to do in the Garden of Gethsemane. Beginning at 8 p.m. on Maundy Thursday and ending at noon on Good Friday, one-hour slots are available to sit and pray before Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. To reserve a time go online here. If the time you want already has been selected, please come at that time anyway. There were three disciples all night!Confessions will be heard on Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the church narthex (other times by appointment with Father Steve). Also on Friday, Stations of the Cross will be observed in the church at 5 p.m.All youth in sixth through twelfth grades won’t want to miss the chance to help hide the stuffed Easter eggs beginning at 9 a.m. on Easter Sunday. On-the-job training will be provided and you (or youth parents) can sign-up here! All the children from walking-age through fifth graders are invited to attend the Egg Hunt at 10:15 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 8 in the Outdoor Chapel and Gribbin field area. Each child is encouraged to bring a basket or a bag in which to place eggs. Contact Director of Family Ministries Kristina Gilbert (765-0294 ext. 301).

Volunteer Your Time and Treasures for Yard Sale
Please start saving your cast-off books, toys, jewelry, CDs & DVDs, tools, housewares, sporting goods and working electronics as well as baby and children’s clothing to contribute to the upcoming Parish Yard Sale on April 14. All items (large furniture, appliances and adult clothing cannot be accepted) may be delivered to Drake Hall on Thursday, April 12, 5-7 p.m. and Friday, April 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Many volunteers are needed to help with the event, so please sign up online here or contact Dale Link or Mark Vasudevan to help. Proceeds from this sale will support St. Timothy’s parish Outreach projects.

Next Episcopal Church Women Meeting
All women are invited to the next meeting of the Episcopal Church Women on Sunday, April 15 at 12:15 p.m. in ECW Hall. Vice President of the Diocesan ECW Board and chairperson for the Lex Mathews Fund Velma Bradshaw will speak about the scholarship program for women who are over the age of 23 and are seeking educational services in their field of employment. Velma will provide the history of how this program was developed in the Diocese and how it continues to serve the wider community. St. Timothy’s ECW May Tea Cup Auction on May 20 will benefit the Lex Mathews Fund.

Butter Braid Frozen Pastry Dough Is Back
The Costa Rica Mission Team is once again selling Butter Braid Frozen Pastry Dough to raise funds for mission supplies. At $12 each, the pastries come in eight delicious flavors. Orders will be taken through April 25 with delivery date set for Wednesday, May 9–just in time for Mother’s Day! Contact Rhea Wilkins (778-0988) or another Costa Rica team member to order. Orders will also be taken on Wednesday night, April 18 during Parish Dinner.

March 28, 2012 E-News

libbycraven — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:58:25 +0000

Palm Cross Workshop on Saturday!
Fun for the whole family, Palm Cross Workshop will be held this Saturday, March 31, 10-11 a.m. in Drake Hall. St. Timothy’s member Tony Hamby and his crew will teach everyone how to make crosses to be used the following morning, Palm Sunday! For more information, contact Director of Family Ministries Kristina Gilbert (765-0294 ext.301).

Holy Week and Easter Schedule at St. Timothy’s
Holy Week starts this Sunday, April 1 with Palm Sunday services at 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m. In addition to Morning Prayer at 8:15 a.m. and Evening Prayer at 4:45 p.m. each day, a noon Holy Mass will be held on Monday, April 2, Tuesday, April 3 and Wednesday, April 4. The Maundy Thursday Service will be held on April 5 and Good Friday will be observed on April 6. Both of these services will be at 6:30 p.m. Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 7 will begin at 8 p.m. with Easter Sunday–April 8–services at 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m. Make sure you mark your calender for this important week!

Wednesday Evening Formation Tonight
Tonight’s Wednesday evening schedule begins at 5:15 p.m. as infants and preschoolers with parent/caregiver meet in C-5 for God’s Children Sing! Also at 5:15 p.m., all children in kindergarten through second grade will meet in C-4 for Godly Play while children in third through fifth grade meet in the choir room for St. Francis Choir practice. Parish Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. in Drake Hall with lasagna on the menu. Cost for dinner is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-11 and free for children age 2 or younger. At 6:30 p.m., all adults meet in C-5 for Father Steve’s Big Small group. The youth in sixth through twelfth grades meet in D-1 for Re:form. Also at 6:30 p.m. children in third through fifth grade meet in C-4 for Godly Play while the children in kindergarten through second grade meet in the choir room for Cherub Choir rehearsal. At 7:30 p.m. the Adult Choir rehearses in the choir room. Click here for more information about the classes offered on the church calendar.

Easter Day Egg Hunt
Donations of plastic eggs and small, wrapped candy (no chocolate or hard candy, please) are still needed for the Easter Day Egg Hunt. Please bring to the church office by April 1 or make a monetary donation designated for “Easter Egg Hunt” in the offering plate. Also all youth in sixth through twelfth grades won’t want to miss the chance to help hide the stuffed Easter eggs beginning at 9 a.m. on Easter Sunday. On-the-job training will be provided and you can sign-up here! All the children from walking-age through fifth graders are invited to attend the Egg Hunt at 10:15 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 8 in the Outdoor Chapel and Gribbin field area. Each child is encouraged to bring a basket or a bag in which to place eggs. Contact Director of Family Ministries Kristina Gilbert (765-0294 ext. 301).

Outreach Challenge Ends Saturday
St. Timothy’s Outreach Commission has taken the opportunity this year to engage in more creative ways of collectively funding above and beyond the budget important missions of the parish. The commission has secured a pledge from a member to match donations made to Outreach up to $5,000 by Saturday, March 31. The commission would like to challenge the parish members to make full use of this opportunity to raise funds for Outreach. As this campaign is separate from your pledge, please designate your gifts “Outreach Ministry.” Make your donation online here or mail to the church. Contact Mark Vasudevan (403-4363).

March 21, 2012 E-News

libbycraven — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:56:58 +0000

BREAKING NEWS: New Chapel Windows Are Installed!
The new stained-glass chapel windows–funded by gifts above and beyond pledges–are being installed today at St. Timothy’s! Promoting energy conservation as well as beauty, the windows are a lovely and fiscally-responsible addition to the parish. Please thank long-time member Tony Hamby for spearheading this important project.

Evensong this Sunday Evening!
Evensong will be offered for the Feast of Annunciation Service on Sunday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the church. This feast, celebrated exactly nine months before Christmas, “commemorates the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she was to give birth to the Messiah.” (A Dictionary for Episcopalians, pg. 9.) Using the service of Evening Prayer, much of the liturgy during Evensong is sung rather than spoken. This year, the full Adult Choir will sing Evensong including sung prayers–Preces and Responses –and the Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis. Hear Philip Moore’s setting of the Magnificat that will be sung. Child care will be provided in the nursery on the lower level of the church building.

Wednesday Evening Formation Resumes Tonight
Tonight’s Wednesday evening schedule resumes at 5:15 p.m. as infants and preschoolers with parent/caregiver meet in C-5 for God’s Children Sing! Also at 5:15 p.m., all children in kindergarten through second grade will meet in C-4 for Godly Play while children in third through fifth grade meet in the choir room for St. Francis Choir practice. Parish Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. in Drake Hall with chicken pie on the menu. Cost for dinner is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-11 and free for children age 2 or younger. At 6:30 p.m., all adults meet in C-5 for Father Steve’s Big Small group. The youth in sixth through twelfth grades meet in D-1 for Re:form. Also at 6:30 p.m. children in third through fifth grade meet in C-4 for Godly Play while the children in kindergarten through second grade meet in the choir room for Cherub Choir rehearsal. At 7:30 p.m. the Adult Choir rehearses in the choir room. Click here for more information about the classes offered on the church calendar.

New Women’s Small Group Starts March 23
Women of all ages are invited to attend the new Small Group Bible study beginning on Friday, March 23 at 9 a.m. at the home of Meg Asby, 742 S. Westview Drive in Winston-Salem. Children are welcomed also. The group format is easy to follow, discussing the weekly scripture readings for the next Sunday’s worship services and how the scriptures intersect in our daily lives. Contact Meg Asby (331-3005) or Small Group Bible Study Coordinator Beth Morphis (765-5262). See other small groups available here.

Your Input Is Needed
The Bishop Suffragan Nomination Committee for the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina invites everyone of all ages to respond to a brief survey (either online or on paper). The survey’s purpose is to allow parishioners to express their ideas about the gifts and qualities sought in selection of a new bishop. (Read more about the Bishop Suffragan here.) The deadline is April 2–so please respond today here.

Your Trash Is Another Person’s Treasure!
Please start saving your cast-off books, toys, jewelry, CDs & DVDs, tools, housewares, sporting goods and working electronics as well as baby and children’s clothing to contribute to the upcoming Parish Yard Sale on April 14. All items (large furniture, appliances and adult clothing cannot be accepted) may be delivered to Drake Hall on Thursday, April 12, 5-7 p.m. and Friday, April 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Many volunteers are needed to help with the event, so please contact Dale Link or Mark Vasudevan to help. Proceeds from this sale will support St. Timothy’s parish Outreach projects.

March 14, 2012 E-News

libbycraven — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Special Schedule Tonight at St. Timothy’s!
Tonight’s schedule at St. Timothy’s will not include the regular Wednesday Night formation or choir classes. At 5:30 p.m. Parish Dinner (with meatloaf on the menu) will begin the evening in Drake Hall. Then at 6:30 p.m. in the church, a service of Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will be offered to open the Winston-Salem Convocation listening meeting discussing the new bishop suffragan for the Diocese of North Carolina. (More information about the bishop suffragan can be found in the February issue of The Parish Paper.) A brief intermission will follow the service and at 7 p.m. the Cheyney University Chamber Choir from Cheyney, Pennsylvania will present a choral concert in the church. Marques Garrett, St. Timothy’s first choral scholar, now teaches music at Cheyney University and is bringing his choir members to the parish on their first choir tour. The concert is free although a suggested donation of $10 will help defray the choir costs. Child care will be available. You won’t want to miss this special evening at St. Timothy’s.

Evensong Offered for Annunciation Service
Evensong will be offered for the Feast of Annunciation Service on Sunday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the church. This feast, celebrated exactly nine months before Christmas, “commemorates the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she was to give birth to the Messiah.” (A Dictionary for Episcopalians, pg. 9) Mark your calendars!

Saturday Is Important Day for Organ!
This Saturday, March 17 at 10 a.m, you are invited to hear a quick demonstration of the current Farmer pipe organ in the church at St. Timothy’s and then make a brief trip to Knollwood Baptist Church to hear the difference of a large pipe organ similar to the Hook & Hastings organ that St. Timothy’s is restoring. Also on Saturday there is a Hook & Hastings Organ restoration workday at John Farmer’s shop from 1-4 p.m. Please let Director of Music Ministries Christin Barnhardt (765-0294 ext. 306) know if you would like to come to the organ demonstration and/or help with the workday.

Landscape Workday & Sacred Threads
Everyone in the parish and any friends who would like to help are asked to meet at St. Timothy’s on Saturday, March 17 at 9 a.m. for a Landscape Workday. Bring rakes, shovels, pruners, gloves and any other gardening tool to join forces in preparing the campus for spring. Contact Anne Hester (748-9219). Also on Saturday, Sacred Threads of St. Timothy’s will meet in Drake Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to sew and work on outreach projects. There is a task for everyone! Contact Dale Link (602-2587).

Outreach Ministry Fundraiser Challenge
Outreach is one of the most important missions of a church. This year, in the interests of maintaining a fiscally responsible policy, the budget allocations for some of St. Timothy’s ministries including the Outreach Ministry have been greatly reduced. St. Timothy’s Outreach Commission has not taken this policy as a setback but rather as an opportunity to engage in more creative ways of collectively funding and continuing important missions. The commission has managed to secure a pledge from a St. Timothy’s member to match donations made to Outreach up to $5,000. The recent Operation Sharehouse was funded in a similar method.

The Outreach Commission would like to challenge the members of St. Timothy’s to make full use of this opportunity to raise funds for Outreach. Future projects will similarly involve and inspire all ages of parish participants to do God’s work. As this fundraising campaign is separate from your pledge, please designate your donations “For Outreach Ministry”. Make your donation online here, in the offering plate on Sunday or by mail to St. Timothy’s, 2575 Parkway Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. This Outreach challenge ends March 31 so please prayerfully consider supporting Outreach and respond soon. For more information, contact Mark Vasudevan (608-0141).

Softball Anyone?
St. Timothy’s Pastoral Intern Andrew Hege is surveying the parish for any interest among the men to play softball for the spring season. Contact Andrew if you wish to play.