Announcements for May 4, 2008

NEWSLETTER FOR MAY 4, 2008
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The Flowers on the altar this weekend are given to the glory of God byPat Chismar in loving memory of Paul H. Chismar and by
Lydia and Bill Matthews in celebration of their wedding anniversary.

RECTOR’S NOTE
The 50 Days of the Easter Feast is coming to an end during which we celebrated the resurrection of Christ. Easter is also know as the pascha or Christian Passover. Easter has been a lively season filled with “alleluias,” feasting and welcoming spring.

It is now time to prepare for the welcoming and receiving of the gift of the Spirit. On Sunday, May 11th we celebrate this fulfillment of a promise Jesus gave concerning the return of the Holy Spirit. The Day of Pentecost is understood as the sending out of the church into the world. “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. . . . All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability” (Acts 2:1). Come, wear red, and take your place according to your ability in our Lord’s continued work at St. Thaddeus guided by the Holy Spirit.
CURATE’S NOTE
Today we celebrate one of the most over-looked feast days of the Christian year–the Feast of the Ascension. Today we celebrate the fact that Jesus ascended into Heaven forty days after the Resurrection. We celebrate the fact that he left us. It seems an odd thing to celebrate–we rejoice that Jesus left us?! What we celebrate today is the fulfillment of the Incarnation–the completion of the Christmas story. This story began with God coming to dwell among us as a human being. Today we celebrate its end with the resurrected humanity of Jesus ascending into Heaven. We celebrate the fact that the God who was willing to change and become human has brought our human nature into himself, transforming it (and us). We celebrate today that our humanity has been united with God through the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

EYC (Episcopal Youth Community – 7th – 12th grade):
This past Friday the EYC took a trip to the Adath Yeshuran (Children of Israel) synagogue. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to see the similarities between services, as well as to connect with our Jewish heritage. The folks were very inviting, and we were honored to be able to take part in the worship service and discussion afterwards, which helped broaden our perspectives on God’s love. Many thanks go out to MaryAnn Thompson for helping make our visitation possible! Tonight the EYC will travel to Emily Fox’s house for a pool party. If you need directions ask Emily or Joe or meet at the church following the 5:00 service tonight. So come join us for a lot of fun and fellowship.

THANK YOU: Errol, Lilo and Family wish to thank all of our St. Thaddeus family for your prayers of support and encouragement over the past month of Lilo’s illness. Your concern, expressed by food, flowers and many get well cards, brightened Lilo’s long days in the hospital. And now that she is home again, she continues to need your support while she regains so much strength that she lost during her confinement. Fondly, Lilo Orebaugh

VBS IS COMING!! Vacation Bible School is around the corner. On July 7-11 we will journey through POWER LAB, as we discover Jesus’ miraculous power! Registration is now open. You can register in the church office, pick up a registration in the narthex or on the St. Thaddeus website. Please contact Joe (jtmitchell5@gmail.com ) if you would be interested in volunteering to help with snacks, music, sets, or activities.

CHILDREN’S CHAPEL: Designed for young children, ages 3-6, this program is a worship service specifically tailored to introduce your child to weekly bible stories and lessons. All 3-6 year olds are invited to attend a half hour program during the 10:30 A.M. worship service. The program includes songs, games, stories and lots of surprises! Children will process together to the chapel with a rotating weekly teacher and be returned before communion begins. If you would like to find out more about chapel or if you would like to volunteer to teach, please contact Erica Sanders at 649-3093.

MOST: Men of St. Thaddeus will meet on Tuesday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m. (4th Tuesday of May) in the Stevenson-McClelland Kitchen/Patio/Parlor. Bring your main entree to cook on the grill. Salad, potatoes and drinks will be provided.

THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP: We will be picking up the second part of Living the Questions, which is a seven session unit that considers such questions as “Evil, Suffering, and the God of Love” and “Practicing Resurrection.” We meet on Mondays at 6:00pm in the Large Parlor of the Stevenson-McClelland building. We have a meal together and then watch some brief DVD clips and discuss the questions posed. See Joseph Whitehurst (joseph.whitehurst@gmail.com) for more information.

WEDNESDAY MORNING BOOK GROUP: The Wednesday Morning Group is reading and discussing the book: The Faith Club – a Muslim, a Christian and a Jew searching for understanding. It is never to late to join. Please call Barbara Verbrick for more information, 648-1006.

BOOKSTORE: Open weekdays 8:30 – 4:00 in the Church Office. This months feature is Children’s gifts for young children, Baptism or Birth.

ROBIN MARK: “Robin Mark” Your Calendars for August 30 Concert! Want to go? Contact Amy Margaret and Gregory MacDougall or any of the 5:00 Balcony Musicisans.

Seniors: High School and College: Names wanted in the Church Office.

ATTENDANCE Sunday Services, April 27, 2008: 269
Wednesday 11:00 Service, April 30, 2008: 14
Saturday, Soup Kitchen Meals served, April 26, 2008:128

“DO YOU NEED A MINISTRY YOU CAN DO AT HOME? The parish card ministry offers the opportunity to connect with, and bless, members who need a get well message, some congratulations, or a word of sympathy; caring words for life’s many experiences. You and a partner can write these messages at home – for one month, once a year! Call Ellyn at 648-8458”.

SAFE CHURCH, WORSHIP LEADER, AND EUCHARISTIC VISITOR:
Training for these ministries will be held October 4 at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field in Columbia or St. James in Greenville. If you have not had safe church or if your license for one of these ministries is about to expire, please register through the Diocese (on-line) or use one of the registration forms on the bulletin board in the narthex or call the church office or your ministry leader.

FLOWER COMMITTEE: WANTED – SOMEONE TO HEAD UP THIS BRANCH OF PASTORAL CARE THAT CAN OVERSEE/ORGANIZE TAKING FLOWERS TO SHUT-INS, HOSPITALS , NEW BABY, ETC. Also needed are some people to assist in arranging the altar flowers on Sunday evening after the 5pm service or on Monday morning. We also need some people to deliver the flowers. Always needed are in need of 48 ounce juice cans or other large cans to place the flowers for delivery. Call the church office if you have questions about this very rewarding ministry. 648-5497.

ULTREYA! Sunday, May 4, 2008 immediately following the 5 pm service. Bring a dish to share and join the fellowship. Ultreya is open to all, you do not have to be a Cursillista to participate. Hosts are: John and Kathie Fowler, and Ruth and Steve Gordy. Ultreya is a Spanish word meaning to persevere or to encourage to go onward.

OUTREACH COMMITTEE :The Outreach Committee will meet Wednesday May 7 at 5:30 in the small parlor. All parishioners with outreach interest are invited to attend.
The APRIL LUNCH BUNCH enjoyed a delicious meal, good fellowship and a guided tour of the newly expanded Newberry Hall last week. We are grateful to our clergy, Ella and Joseph, for sharing their busy day with us. Special thanks, also, to Mary and Ellie, who gave up their usual lunchtime activities to be with us. Watch this space for next month’s plans. Lunch Bunch will be May 29.

NOT SO YOUNG ADULTS: The Katonaks are hosting a family pool party after church (noon) on Sunday June 1st. Bring your own beverage and a dish to share-hot dogs and hamburgers provided. For RSVP and information please call Brian or Carrie Katonak at 648-4879.

St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church

Financial Position through March 31, 2008

2008 2007 Budget Actual Actual
Revenue $172,494 $175,004 $144,399
Expense $181,245 $173,375 $155,779
Balance $(8,751) $1,629 $(11,380)

ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC – Sunday May 18, following the 10 AM combined service on the church grounds and in the S-M Building. Featuring the M.O.S.T. BBQ, inflatables, fellowship, games and more. Watch the weekly newsletter for details as we get closer to the 18th.
Call Kathie Fowler @ 648-5981 to volunteer or for details.