All Saints’ Mission:
We live into the love of God for all through our prayer, praise, and service.
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Pentecost Sunday - May 28, 2023 | |
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Dear All Saints’ Community,
This is my last letter to you based on the ways churches grow according to Loren Mead’s book, More Than Numbers. To refresh your memory, we have already explored numerical, maturational, and organic growth. This letter will highlight some of what the author has written about Incarnational Growth.
Loren Mead introduces incarnational growth by asking about the “outputs'' or “exports” that a congregation seeks to send out into the world through its members and ministries. He describes four orientations of congregations based on their outputs. The first one is the civic orientation. “The civic orientation describes a group of congregations in which there is great sensitivity to the life of the community and a sense of the congregation’s responsibility for public life. . . civic congregations seek to produce members who as responsible participants in society are active in shaping a community that cares for human needs.” (p. 92) The second orientation he identifies is the activist orientation. “The activist orientation describes congregations that sometimes operate as a counter culture, seeking redress of wrongs, protesting public policies that its members consider unjust. . . their outputs would be movements for social justice, a community with a higher consciousness of justice issues, and people committed to prophetic life in the community.” (p.92, 93). The civic and activist orientations are both under a larger orientation that the author calls the “This-worldly Orientation.”
The third orientation mentioned in the book is the sanctuary orientation. “The focus in this kind of congregation is on developing a relationship with God in this world that will carry over into a triumphant life after death, where the trials and tribulations of this present time will be overcome. . . the congregation with a sanctuary orientation is not interested in outputs that influence society; it is interested in producing people of faith who can stand against the powers of the world and finally attain everlasting glory.” (p. 93) This orientation comes under the larger “Other-worldly Orientation.” The last orientation Fr. Mead identifies is the evangelistic orientation. The evangelistic orientation is very similar to the sanctuary orientation in that its main concern is the world beyond this one. The difference between these two orientations is that the evangelistic orientation feels compelled to reach out to those outside the congregation as witnesses to the Christian faith in order to bring people into their congregation. The “evangelistic orientation is also characterized by an aggressive output of energy into the environment to recruit members. Its secondary output, therefore, is a highly visible community effort to increase the size of the community of the faithful and to enhance its character as sustainer and up-builder of the faithful for warfare in this world.” (p. 93)
I would say that for the most part, The Episcopal Church in general has a greater inclination toward the This-worldly orientation. I can easily think of several congregations that would identify with the civic and activist orientations. However, in true Anglican fashion to always seek a middle way, we do give some attention to the world beyond this one and to the certain endurance of life’s trials with God’s help. Many of the hymns approved for our use in worship by the General Convention deal with that very subject. Two of my favorites that come to mind are, How Firm A Foundation and God of Grace and God of Glory, (1982 Hymnal).
Finally, Mead posits” two basic directions for congregations who seek incarnational growth: Building and Sending.” Building refers to the building up of the congregation as a community of faith. We have to know that our main business is “to help people find God and be found by God,” to give them what they need to mature in their faith, to ensure that the Holy Scriptures are studied and reflected upon, and that the people are “nurtured, healed, and fed.” In my own words, I say that the building piece is to learn the things Jesus taught and to allow ourselves, individually and as a community, to be shaped by those teachings.
The sending piece necessarily comes after the building because we have to internalize Jesus’ teachings to point that they live inside us. That’s how the Gospel of the Word Made Flesh (Jesus) is incarnated in the body of Christ that we call the Church. Then we are sent out from our congregations into the world as members of the body of Christ to be the presence of Christ in the world. One of the most important things that happens in Sunday worship is the Apostolic sending at the end. “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord,” is literally what we are sent out to do with God’s help. When we accomplish that and people outside All Saints’ Church encounter the Gospel of Christ living in the members of this church we will most certainly experience incarnational growth.
In Christ’s love,
Mother Pam+
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From the Sr. Warden - Julia K. Bailey | |
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Thanks to all who completed the survey - we had approximately 50 submitted. Special appreciation goes to the survey team (Deb Shoemaker, John Jones, and Toni Letempt) for helping roll out this important step in our search for a new Vicar. The delay in receiving the survey results means we now look forward to Jason Alexander’s visit on Thursday, June 15 at 5:30 pm. We hope you can join us in the parish hall to discern and discuss the survey results. We will also have a Zoom option for those who cannot attend in person. Please reach out to Deb Shoemaker or me to receive the Zoom link.
Despite this delay, the Parish Profile team will begin meeting with Jason this week to begin the process of pulling together information about All Saints’ that will be made available to clergy interested in a call to serve at our church. Parish profile team members are Eldon Mead, Alex Ruiz, Tom Throne, and Deb Shoemaker.
Recent vestry and staff meetings have focused on strengthening collaboration and cohesion. We also acknowledge the importance of sharing our gratitude with all who are generous with their time as well as generous in heart and spirit. In the words of Booker T. Washington, “There are two ways of exerting one’s strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.” Let us share in the Holy Spirit by lifting each other up as we venture forward.
Faithfully,
Julia K Bailey
Senior Warden
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto hearers. – Ephesians 4:29
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Join Us for a Multilingual Pentecost Service! 12:00 noon This Sunday | |
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We hope this message finds you in good spirits and filled with anticipation for a meaningful Pentecost celebration. We are excited to extend a warm invitation to our upcoming Pentecost service, which promises to be a truly special occasion, taking place on Sunday at 12:00 noon.
In the spirit of unity and diversity, we have planned a multilingual Pentecost service that will bring together the vibrant tapestry of our community. As we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, we aim to embrace our diverse backgrounds and languages, fostering a sense of togetherness that transcends cultural barriers.
Weather permitting, we have chosen to hold the service outdoors, allowing us to soak in the beautiful surroundings while basking in the presence of the Holy Spirit. There is something magical about worshiping under the open sky, and we believe it will enhance the sacredness of this occasion.
To ensure everyone can fully participate and experience the joy of this Pentecost service, we kindly request your assistance. If you have any extra chairs available, we would greatly appreciate your contribution. Let's come together as a community to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for all who attend.
Whether you are a member of our community or a friend from afar, we wholeheartedly welcome you to join us on this special day. Together, let us celebrate the diversity that enriches our lives and be inspired by the powerful message of Pentecost.
We look forward to sharing this beautiful celebration with you and experiencing the moving presence of the Holy Spirit as we join our voices in praise and worship. Let us come together, united in faith and love, to create a truly unforgettable Pentecost service.
Thank you for your support and participation. Please spread the word among your friends and family, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information.
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Our church property is lovely because of the dedication of Catherine Lyon, Scott Comiskey, Mary Beth Miller, and Paul Finken. They take care of the mowing, weed whipping, flowers, garden, bushes, and decorative trees. Regardless of the season, our church property always looks great. Thank you!! | |
Let's Celebrate Fr. Kathy! | |
At Coffee Hour after the 11:00 am service on June 11th, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fr. Kathy’s ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests in the Episcopal Church. She has served the Church faithfully for an entire generation! Come and celebrate this milestone anniversary with her! There will be cake and refreshments along with lively conversation to let Fr. Kathy know how much we appreciate her ministry. Thank you for saying “yes” to God’s call for each of the past 25 years, Fr. Kathy. Well done, faithful servant. Well done! | |
Special Convention to Elect the Next Bishop | |
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A Special Convention to elect the 14th Bishop of the Diocese of Arkansas will take place Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock, beginning at 10 a.m. with a service of Holy Eucharist. Those clergy who are eligible and certified lay delegates from each congregation will be seated and allowed to vote. Visitors are invited to attend and observe.
More information and the full timeline can be found at episcopalarkansas.org/bishop-search.
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Dick Johnston Camp for Children | |
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Dick Johnston Camp for Children (DJCC) is a week-long summer camp experience for children ages 8–12 who have/had an incarcerated parent. Campers attend free of charge. DJCC also provides scholarships for children ages 13–18 to attend other Camp Mitchell sessions. If you know of any children who might benefit, please tell their parent or guardian to contact Kristi Palmer at 501-940-1591 or kristipalmer2016@gmail.com.
To learn other ways you can help, download a DJCC brochure.
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2024 Reverse Mission to Guatemala
with Bishop Romero
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St Michael’s, Little Rock is seeking pilgrims and servants to join a partnership with Bishop Silveste Romero and the people of Iglesia San Bartolomeo in the heart of indigenous Guatemala, Jan. 27–Feb. 4, 2024. All are welcome, but to guarantee your spot, please register by June 18. More information. | |
Spiritual Direction Program in Arkansas | |
The Deepwardly School of Spiritual Direction is an Arkansas-based program that trains and certifies spiritual directors of all faiths and denominations. Applications for the class beginning August 2023 are now being accepted and enrollment will end June 30. To learn more, visit the school’s website. | |
Save the Date: June 24 Pride Parade | |
The Fayetteville Pride Parade will be held on June 24th. Mark your calendar now and watch this space for more information! | |
Update From The Transitions Committee
Bishop Candidates Meet-and-Greet
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As a part of the bishop search process, the Transitions Committee has scheduled meet-and-greet sessions with the slate of candidates that will be announced in the coming months. Mark your calendars for the dates below. All Q&A Sessions will be live-streamed and childcare will be provided.
Thursday, August 3, at 5:30 p.m.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
224 N East Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701
Reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres to follow.
To submit questions for the Q&A sessions, fill out this form by Friday, July 14. Questions will not be taken from the floor.
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Altar Flowers - Debbie Seifritz | |
You can sign up on the sheet in the hallway. Suggested donation is $40-50 and is tax-deductible. You can also provide your own flowers if you want! Contact Debbie Seifritz if you have any questions. | |
Summer Camp at Camp Mitchell | |
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Youth: Godly Play is on Sunday afternoons at 1:45pm for ages 4-11 in the Godly Play Room.
Adults: Meet at 9:30am via Zoom/in-person in the back classroom. All are welcome as we continue the lecture series on the historical Jesus followed by lively discussion.
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Vestry Contact Information | |
Reserving the Parish Hall or Classroom | |
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If you or someone you know needs to reserve the Parish Hall or Classroom for an event, please contact Julia Bailey, srwarden@allsaintsbentonville.org/ 479-276- 2077.
Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita reservar el Salón Parroquial o el Salón de Clases para un evento, comuníquese con Julia Bailey, srwarden@allsaintsbentonville.org/ 479-276-2077.
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Discretionary Funds Needed | |
Did you know that we get calls every week (nearly every day) requesting assistance for rent/utilities/gas/household goods? Gas cards and gift certificates (Walmart, Dollar General) are always welcome, as we try to help however we can. When we provide aid, we pay the companies, landlords, etc., directly. Assistance will continue through the time of transition. | |
Little Free Pantry & Library - Pam & Tom Throne | |
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First, we’d want to thank all those who have taken the time to make donations to our food pantry box. Judging by the pantry’s use, we’d say it is a worthwhile opportunity to serve the area.
As we look at the items being donated, one thing that could be used is canned fruit. If you can, please put a couple of cans in your donation, it would be appreciated.
With the weather warming up, now is a good time to remind everyone not to put perishable items in the pantry as they will spoil quickly and we don’t want people getting sick.
Also, please no clothes, shoes, purses, etc. However, personal items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant are always popular.
Pam Throne, food pantry coordinator
Tom Throne, Vestry food pantry liaison
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Liturgical Readings for Sunday | |
Weekly Schedule of Services and Meetings | |
May 28 - Pentecost Sunday | |
Ministry Leaders Information | |
Church Phone Number, Email, and Office Hours | |
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Church phone: 479.715.5182
Email: info@allsaintsbentonville.org
Office hours: Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and other times by appointment.
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