CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER, MAY 2008

Christ Episcopal Church

803 Church Street

Mena, AR 71953

May 2008

CELEBRATING GOD IN ALL THINGS, PEOPLE OF ALL KINDS

9:30 AM Sunday School

9:30 AM Bible Study

10:30 AM Fellowship

11:00 AM Worship

A HEAD’S UP …

 Tuesday, June 17 we will welcome The Rt. Rev. Larry Benfield, 13^th Bishop of the Diocese of Arkansas. Bishop Benfield will celebrate Holy Eucharist at 5:30 PM. Dinner will follow. Please mark your calendars and plan to come to this special occasion.

There will be no potluck in May (Mother’s Day) or in June.

Saturday, May 31 will be a clean up, fix up day. We’ll start at 9 AM and work until everything is spic and span. Wear your grubbies and bring a sack lunch. Many hands make light work.

INQUIRER’S CLASS

Tommy Johnson has started a new class for those who wish to come into full membership. Please call Tommy for a schedule of classes.

CHURCH WOMEN OF POLK COUNTY

We will host the May meeting of the CWPC on Monday, May 19 with a pot luck lunch at 12 PM followed by a presentation by Rudi Zimmerman. Come and enjoy the fellowship.

A Message from Bishop Benfield

(Edited for length)

For years many congregations had something called hospitality committees or welcoming committees. A more authentic attitude toward hospitality is for all of us in the church to realize that hospitality is at the heart of who we are as Christians who gather each week.

We must constantly be aware that the next person through our door is not someone who is to be taught “how we do things,” but is instead the embodiment of the risen Christ. The next person who comes in our doors has as much to offer us as we have to offer him or her. Our newcomers come in to our churches from a world that is often harsh and distant and frightening. Our call is to make anyone who walks in our doors feel safe and at home. When new people walk in the door, they need to know that we are their brothers and sisters. That is something a committee can never do, and something that every last one of us as a Christian is called to as a way of life.

FROM THE GUILD

ECW will hold a Bazaar workshop on Thursday, May 15th at 9AM. Sue Wigger has a couple of cute projects for willing hands. If anyone has any pretty handkerchiefs to donate for one of the craft projects, please bring them to the church ASAP. You many leave them in the parish hall.

ECW will meet at 6 PM on Wednesday, May 21st, at The Chopping Block for food and fellowship. Call Beckie at 394-2187 if you plan to attend, but last minute attendees are always welcome!

Our church Yard Sale has been scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 27-28th, from 8 AM until 1PM both days. We will need volunteers (starting at 9AM) on the Wednesday before the sale to set up and price everything. If you are willing to help us set-up, or to work during the sale, please call Beckie or Marj Kassien.

Bears spotted at Camp Mitchell!

Eighteen heart bears made their trek to Camp Mitchell for distribution to Time for J.O.Y. attendees. The retreat pampers and spiritually uplifts young women from around the diocese. Thanks to Sharon, Judy, Marj, Marian, Beckie and Bill (chauffeurs) for helping out in this project.

REMEMBER IN PRAYER

† Mildred Pate’s granddaughter, Marcie

† The Wigger’s grandson, Blake

† The Welch’s, whose home is being bulldozed due to an inaccurate inspection report.

To Rick Reed for auditing our books; to Lou Alderman for the donation of a book case for our library; and to Emily Johnson, The Troups, and Sharon for reorganizing the library.

Christ Episcopal Church Calendar, January 2008

Christ Church Newsletter, January 2008

Christ Episcopal Church

803 Church Street

Mena, AR 71953

January 2008

CELEBRATING GOD IN ALL THINGS, PEOPLE OF ALL KINDS

9:30 AM Sunday School

9:30 AM Bible Study

10:30 AM Fellowship

11:00 AM Worship

A SPECIAL SERIES

In lieu of regular Bible Study, Father Jim will begin a study on the Episcopal Church, USA at 9:30 AM, Sunday, January 6 The study will continue on January 20 and during Father Jim’s visits in February. This series promises to be interesting and informative, especially for those of us who are not “cradle Episcopalians”. Don’t miss this!

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of our congregation will be held on Sunday, January 20 following our potluck luncheon. We will review the 2008 budget and nominate and elect two new vestry members and a delegate and alternate to the Diocesan Convention in February. Sharon is still seeking someone to attend. If you are interested, please let her know. We encourage you to attend this important meeting.

SWADDLING CLOTHES

If you have not yet made your contribution to this project which benefits the Rosebud Mission in South Dakota, it is not too late. The shipment to the Mission will be made later this month. PLEASE be generous and help the children of Rosebud and Spotted Tail on the Rosebud Reservation with warm clothing for children up to the age of 12 years, blankets, toys and stuffed toys. Thank you.

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

Made yours yet? Consider adding these:

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make everyone around you feel that there is something unique in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work for only the best and expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To be what God has called you to be.

FROM THE GUILD

ECW will meet on Wednesday, January 16th in the parish hall to plan our 2008 budget. New ideas are greatly appreciated. Bring a sandwich and join us at 5:30. Next month is our “Ladies night out” get together. Throughout the year, a business meeting will be held at the church one month, and a social the following month. Won’t you join us?

Teddy Bear Workshop will resume on Thursday, January 24 at 1 PM. Can’t sew? Cutters, ironers, stuffers are very much needed. Or just come and enjoy the fun.

ERD

The Brown Plate on Sunday, January 13 will benefit Episcopal Relief and Development. ERD stands ready to provide emergency assistance to communities in Kenya affected by election-related civil unrest. The outcome of the presidential election is hotly contested and violent protests have erupted across the country.

The extent of the violence is severe. At least 300 people have been killed so far, including 35 who were burned to death after seeking shelter in a church. Tens of thousands fled their homes amid the unrest, forced to seek protection from uncontained armed mobs and looters. One thousand refugees have already crossed the border into Uganda and are sheltered in two reception centers there. Please help ERD continue its healing work in the world.

MANY THANKS!

To everyone who helped decorate the church for Christmas Eve service.

To Bob Sobcyzak for repairs to the loo.

CONGRATS TO

The Sobcyzak’s on the birth of granddaughter, Quinn Valentine, on October 28.

EPIPHANY

APRIL 2008

CELEBRATING GOD IN ALL THINGS, PEOPLE OF ALL KINDS

9:30 AM Sunday School

9:30 AM Bible Study

10:30 AM Fellowship

11:00 AM Worship

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, May 3, 2-4 PM, we are all invited to a baby shower for Angie Tharakan at All Saints Episcopal Church, 501 Phoenix Street, Russellville. It’s a boy!

Sometime in June

There will be a YARD SALE at the church. Date and details will be forthcoming. As you do your spring cleaning, be sure to set aside anything you wish to put in the sale. Don’t be left out – donate all see your outdated or unused items. Granny and Great Aunt Maude will never know that her gift to you ended up here, ’cause we’re not tellin’! Proceeds will benefit the Guild’s various outreach programs.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Pete Johnson and two Easter Angels

Donna Yuronka is home after suffering a possible mild heart attack. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

DIRECTORY UPDATE

Marj Kassien has won First Prize in the Update Your Directory Sweepstakes. Congratulations, Marj.

Response has been slow, so we have moved the deadline to April 16. There will be a Bobby Prize for the last form received. To avoid humiliation, if you have not yet done so, please complete the enclosed form and mail it to Marian Troup, 352 Polk 81, Mena, AR 71953 by the deadline.

COMIN’ UP ON 110 IN 2009!

Volunteers are still needed to chair and staff the planning of the 110^th anniversary of the founding of our church. Please let Sharon know if you are willing to serve.

MANY THANKS TO:

Marlene Reed for her careful planning of the Lenten Devotionals and to all those who participated by presenting programs and providing the delicious soup suppers.

Chef Rick and his assistants for the wonderful breakfasts on Easter Sunday and Shrove Tuesday

Beckie Duer and the choir for the wonderful music on Palm and Easter Sundays.

AND ONE MORE THANK YOU

To the Wiggers for their contribution to the soft ware which will enable us to keep our website updated.

FROM THE GUILD

ECW meeting will be held in the parish hall on Wednesday, April 16. Please note the NEW time – 5:00PM. Since we are meeting earlier, it is not necessary to bring a sandwich. (Some may want to eat out afterward.) We will discuss the YARD SALE to be held toward the end of June.

Teddy Bear Workshop will meet at 1 PM Thursday, April 10. Please come and help us replenish our Heart Bear supply.

 

You don’t stop laughing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop laughing.

APRIL 2008

Christ Episcopal Church

803 Church Street

Mena, AR 71953

March 2008

CELEBRATING GOD IN ALL THINGS, PEOPLE OF ALL KINDS

9:30 AM Sunday School

9:30 AM Bible Study

10:30 AM Fellowship

11:00 AM Worship

He is not here; he has risen! (Luke 24:6)

EASTER SERVICES

Sunday, March 16: Palm Sunday

Palms will be distributed to the congregation for a commemorative processional into the sanctuary. Our faithful friend, Father Bill Wright, will celebrate Holy Eucharist.

Friday, March 21: Good Friday

Service at 12 Noon

Sunday, March 23: Easter Sunday

9:30 AM: Easter breakfast will be prepared and served by the men of the church.

Our traditional Easter cross will be ready to receive your flowers and greenery in celebration of our Risen Lord.

11 AM: Father Doug Simmons will celebrate Holy Eucharist.

FORWARD MINUTE BY MINUTE

The response to our 60-second radio ministry broadcast on KENA each morning Monday-Friday at 7:07 AM, has been remarkably positive. It gives daily hope and comfort to the weary as they awaken to face a new day. It is Bible based, prayerful and non-judgmental and it is what we are called to do – spread the Good News.

The cost of the broadcast has risen as of March 1 from $10 to $15 per spot. To address this increase and other budget issues, a special Vestry meeting was held on February 24. The Vestry voted to continue to support the ministry from the budget

LENTEN SUPPERS

Wednesday suppers continue at 6 PM through Lent. Special devotionals have been arranged as follows:

Wednesday, March 5: Poetry of the Bible, Susie Mosley

Wednesday, March 12: The Music of Easter

Wednesday, March 19: Stations of the Cross, Marlene Reed

The devotionals so far have been outstanding and informative. You are encouraged to come for the enlightenment, the fellowship and, of course, the great food!

COMIN’ UP ON 110!

We will celebrate our 110^th birthday in 2009. Volunteers are needed to chair and staff the planning of the event. Please let Sharon know if you are willing to serve.

BOOK CLUB SELECTIONS, 2008

Join us the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM or read along with us.

Tuesday, March 11: The Alexandria Link by Steve Berry.

Tuesday, April 15: Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace …One School At A Time, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.

Selections for the remainder of the year have been made, but the month in which they will be read is pending Susie Mosley’s arrangements for loans from the AR State Library. If we are able to obtain any or all of these books, Susie will assign a month for each. We will be responsible for postage each time we receive books and we have a 45 day return period. The list is as follows:

My Antonia, by Willa Cather

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, by Dai Sijie

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, by Mark Haddon

The Samuarai’s Garden, by Gail Tsuklyama

The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd

Walking Across Egypt, by Clyde Edgerton

Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen

Looks like some great reading ahead!

DIRECTORY UPDATE

Attached is a form to update your current directory information. Please complete the form and mail it to Marian Troup, 352 Polk 81, Mena, AR 71953 by March 31. If there are no changes, please note the form accordingly. Thanks.

EMERGENCY PHONE #’S

When in sorrow, call John 14

When others fail you, call Psalm 27

When you worry, call Matthew 6: 19-34