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Purpose

 

To be a Community where all persons will encounter the power and 

love of the Living God, through His Son, Jesus Christ.

 

Vision

 

All Saints Episcopal Church is called by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to...

 

·     Worship Jesus Christ

·     Learn and Teach His Word

·     Minister in His Name

·     Proclaim Him and Share the Blessing of His Love

·     Welcome All in His Name

      

The All Saints Messenger
September 13, 2018
In This Issue
  

Gary Greetings in the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

These words from Mark 8 turn my thoughts to Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His phrase "the cost of discipleship" becomes a gift from Jesus, who taught Dietrich how to resist evil with good.

The word "faith" means we are God-wrestlers. Our questions often come from Jesus, who asks, "Who do you say that I am?" We've been asking that since baptism, wrestling with the truth of what God is doing and how Christ infiltrates our living. We seek to believe and be diligent about spiritual insight. Mark 8:27-38 presents a pivot point on Jesus' walk of faith--one with a cost. It affects our faith and how we walk with Jesus.

Bonhoeffer taught during the tumultuous epoch of Nazi Germany. His faith led him to say, "The only way to overcome evil is to let it run itself to a standstill, because it does not find the resistance it is looking for. Resistance merely creates further evil and adds fuel to the flames." Such is a commitment with a cost.

We thank you, God, for this gift of scripture, where we may read and stand as if before a mirror, locating our frailties together with a passion for following the God of peace. Amen.

**Please join us on Sunday when our Bishop will join us. Also, continue to pray for those caught in Florence's path.

See ya Sunday!

Blessings,
Fr. Gary+
Parade of Tables:
Saturday September 22, 2018
From 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Tickets: $30.00 per person
 
Come join us for an elegant evening of Fellowship, Food, Fun and more. This annual event includes dinner, musical entertainment, an auction and lots of fellowship. Hosts will decorate tables in various themes and sell tickets to their tables This is an outreach/fundraiser for the church to help provide services to many organizations we serve. So please mark your calendars for this exciting night!!!
 
Please contact Lee and Casey Allison with any questions or concerns.
(704-909-0544)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

*  Bishop Leading Children's Formation: This Sunday, our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. José McLoughlin, will spend the formation time with our young people. All children, of all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. Class begins at 9:30 on the ground floor classroom in the Christian Education Building.

*  Latino Ministry Support: Beginning today, our diocesan Latino Minister, The Rev. Miquel Alvarez, will begin meeting at All Saints with a new Latino Episcopal Congregation. They will use our worship space on Thursday evenings between 6:30-8:30 PM. The hope is that 2019 brings them to a place where they will be conducting worship services on Sunday afternoon. This is a ministry of the diocese and we welcome them as their presence makes us all stronger.

*  Kairos -  A prison ministry.  We have members involved in this ministry.  It costs about $15,000.00 for this 4 day program to happen.  The next one is October 4-7, 2018 at Foothills Prison.  We would like to have contributions for this ministry.  If you would help this ministry, make a check to "Kairos" for offering plate or deliver to church by Wednesday, October 3rd.  It will be taken to meeting on October 4th by one of our congregation involved in this ministry.  It is tax deductible.  God Bless.

*   Adult Christian Formation: Beginning October 7th, Mr. Brett Brown will be our facilitator as we view a video series presentation called "The Fall of the Pagans and the Origins of Medieval Christianity."  Professor Kenneth W. Harl, a scholar on Classical and Byzantine History at Tulane University will be your guide. This is a multi-week study and it is not required to attend every session so do not let vacations and other plans keep you away.

Ministry Schedule:  The September through December ministry schedule is available on the table in the Family Life Center.

Family Promise:  The remaining 2018 date that we will be host to the Family Promise guests are 11/4. Family Promise is a community program that provides housing and support to families that are less fortunate. All Saints is one of the original churches that helped establish this ministry more than ten years ago. We host families in this ministry four times a year at our parish facilities with assistance from the Redeemer Lutheran Church here in Gastonia. There are many ways to support this ministry. During hosting weeks we need parishioners to greet and engage guests, to provide homework and enrichment activities for the children, to prepare and serve dinner, and to spend the night.The other way that parishioners can assist these families is to donate items that our guests need. Suggested items to donate are clothes, detergent, toothbrushes and toothpaste, small first aid kits, hair products, soap and/or body wash, suitcases (both used or new), 10, 20, and 30 gallon storage tubs w/ lids, towels and washcloths (both used or new), bed linens (both used or new), family friendly movies or videos, board games, & craft supplies.  For more information, or to volunteer please contact Marc Dudley at 704-718-4044 or marcdudleync@gmail.com.

*  Cooking for the Army:  On Saturday, October 6th at 9am, parishioners will gather to cook approximately 700 meals for The Salvation Army & Cornerstone Ministry. We are always in need of more hands to assist in this life-giving project since "more hands make light work." If you are interested in this ministry, please contact the church office and we will put your name on the monthly e-mail reminder.

Building Use Policy:  Our buildings are being used more and more and we are experiencing more scheduling conflicts with our church spaces. Effective immediately, all rooms/buildings will be reserved and scheduled ONLY by the Parish Administrator through a submission form available at the office.  For planning purposes every parishioner is able to access the Church Calendar, which reflects reserved rooms and activities, on our website ( www.allsaintsgastonia.org) by using the News & Events tab. Additionally, if you are in need of advance set-up for the room or event you are scheduling (night before, earlier than the event, etc.) please take that into consideration when reserving. We appreciate your understanding realizing that this will improve our ability to serve our parishioners and ministries.

Bible Study:  Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is the book being studied.  Please join us  on Wednesday's in the Family Life Center at 10:00. 

* Parish Nurse Ministry:  blood pressures will be taken on the second Sunday of the month  after the 8 and 10:30 services.  Nurses interested in the parish nurse ministry please contact Cheryl Saylor, MSN. 

Yoga at All Saints:  Wednesdays  Noon to 1 PM  - $5 (multi-level Beginning )  Integral Style Traditional Hatha Yoga. (This is the ancient style which is gentle, personal, go at your own pace) Our country changed the ancient yoga into all kinds of fun interesting sometimes not so safe competitive practices .  Our classes are based on safety in movement  and include the healing breathing techniques and stress reducing relaxation.   Judy devoted her teaching to bringing the "real" ancient technique to people at a very reasonable cost because it is so healing and personal.  

Saturdays  9AM to11 AM  (multi-level advanced) Integral Style Traditional Hatha Yoga.  Again, this class is go at your own pace, gentle and personal.  It is a 2 hour practice.   ( if you are athletic or exercise a lot this class may feel like a more thorough  practice)  People come to both classes with physical problems if their doctor approves and modify the practice as needed.  ($7 a class - Half of each $7 fee is donated to All Saints). 

Stretch, Strengthen, Balance, Tone, Breathe, Focus, Relax and Heal.  Any questions, contact Judy Blankenship, M.A., CPT, ERYT 500, Reiki Master (704) 867-7176   hmjb10@bellsouth.net

Book Exchange: The book exchange is set-up in the Family Life Center in a bookcase along the wall to your left when entering the big room.  Read and return and perhaps contribute some you have as well.  

Amazon Smile:  All Saints is NOW a registered nonprofit on Amazon Smile!  We need your help and assistance.  Amazon will give .5% to All Saints on every purchase made through Amazon Smile. This can be a significant amount when considering all the people you know who use Amazon.  Simply click the link below and start shopping:

Our unique charity link:  https://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-1372678

2018 Sign Up Sheets:  For Coffee Hour, Altar Guild and Altar Flowers are on the bulletin board in the FLC.  Coffee Hour hosting can be as simple as drinks and cookies.  Coffee hour is provided to have fellowship with our parish family.  Please sign up or call the church office to add your name to the list (704-864-7201).

* Cookbooks:  $5.00  If you don't need a cookbook, but would like to help our Outreach committee reach their budget goal, consider buying a cookbook to donate to our newcomers committee. Any donated cookbooks will be included in the welcome bag we hand out to newcomers. 

Zumba:  Now being offered 2 days a week in the Family Life Center!  
     - Tuesday & Thursday at 7:15PM:  Please join Dana Wolfe for a fun workout made for everyone.  The class that started the dance-fitness revolution and changed the way we look at a "workout" forever. It's fun, effective and best of all? Made for everyone!  ($5/class or $20/month)
  
*  First Sunday of the month Coffee Hour:  We need someone to set up and clean up only
for Coffee Hour on Parish Breakfast Sunday.  You do not have to provide any food, just set out the food left from breakfast.  Please sign up for this on the Coffee Hour sign-up sheet.

*  Food Pantry:  Please help us restock the shelves!  Through your generosity, we have been able to help many families and individuals. 

*  Preaching ROTA (rotation) at All Saints: We are blessed at All Saints to hear three different voices in preaching. Each one of our clergy; Gary, Cris and Martha, have experienced the world and see the world differently and through different lenses.  Because our community is made up of different people from different experiences we need to hear different voices. At All Saints, Deacon Cris preaches on the 3rd  Sunday of each month, Deacon Martha preaches on the 1st  Sunday of alternate months, and Fr. Gary preaches the other Sundays. We hope you find the different voices fulfilling in your spiritual journey.

*  Salvation Army Service Schedule:  Monday, September 17th - Team #6.  (Jerry Wertz & Deloris Stewart)

*  Church Financials: The Vestry wants to make sure that all parishioners are aware that the monthly financial reports are posted on the bulletin boards in The Family Life Center. If you have any concerns or questions please contact Phill Wertz or Fr. Gary.  Thank You!

*  Why Do You Love All Saints?  Who here loves All Saints?  Do you want to tell the world why you love being a part of the All Saints family?  Please help us spread the word about our congregation by telling your All Saints Story.  All Saints Stories will be published on our website:  AllSaintsGastonia.org as well as our facebook and twitter pages.  To submit your story, go to AllSaintsGastonia.org and click "All Saints Stories" under the Parish Life tab.  If you can, please submit a photo with your story.  

* Prayer List:  Our prayer list grows rapidly.  We ask all parishioners to keep the office informed so that our prayer list remains current and manageable.

*  Partnership: All Saints has entered into a relationship with the YMCA's Resource Connection Gateway.  This relationship enables us to help those in need more rapidly and efficiently while also addressing long-term needs versus only addressing immediate concerns.  If you would like more information please see Fr. Gary.

*  Salvation Army Serving:   If anyone is interested in serving at the Salvation Army on Mon. nights from 5:00 to 6:00, please contact Candy Albergine at 704-868-8691 or email calbergine@gmail.com. We have a couple of spots open and you will find this ministry is a true blessing to all involved. The schedule is on bulletin board in Family Life Center.

*  All Saints Sermons online: Thanks to John Woodward, our sermons are available in audio and video on our website at:  www.allsaintsgastonia.org/sermons
  
* Planned Giving: Programs for Outreach Ministries are an important part of our parish. You can ensure the continuation of these programs by setting up an endowment or including a bequest in your will. The Episcopal Foundation of Western Carolina has set up "The Living Stones Society" to provide Education and training to all clergy and parishioners about setting up a program. For more information see Fr. Gary or call the foundation at 828-225-6656.
  
* Ministry Opportunities: There are a variety of Ministries available at All Saints including feeding at The Salvation Army, tending the Garden, Family Promise where we take care of those without a home for a week at a time, Altar Guild, Readers, Lectors, Acolytes, Chalicers, and many more. Everyone at All Saints is encouraged to serve in some way. Please let us know what you are interested in and we will put you in touch with the ministry coordinator. You can call the office (704-864-7201), email (secretaryallsaintsgastonianc@gmail.com) or speak to Fr. Gary.

 Upcoming Schedule  

 

September 16th:  Bishop Jose Visit

September 18th:  Vestry Meeting

September 22nd:  Parade of Tables

October 6th:  Cooking for the Army

October 9th:  Pastoral Care

 This Sunday's Scripture Readings

The Collect

O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson:  Isaiah 50:4-9a

The Lord God has given me
the tongue of a teacher,

that I may know how to sustain
the weary with a word.

Morning by morning he wakens--
wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught.

The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backward.

I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;

I did not hide my face
from insult and spitting.

The Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;

therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
he who vindicates me is near.

Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.

Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.

It is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?

Psalm 116:1-8

1 I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.

2 The cords of death entangled me;
the grip of the grave took hold of me; *
I came to grief and sorrow.

3 Then I called upon the Name of the Lord: *
"O Lord, I pray you, save my life."

4 Gracious is the Lord and righteous; *
our God is full of compassion.

5 The Lord watches over the innocent; *
I was brought very low, and he helped me.

6 Turn again to your rest, O my soul, *
for the Lord has treated you well.

7 For you have rescued my life from death, *
my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.

8 I will walk in the presence of the Lord *
in the land of the living.

The Epistle:  James 3:1-12

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.

How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue-- a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

The Gospel: Mark 8:27-38

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah." And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
Saint Day / Feast of the Week

Philander Chase
Bishop of Ohio, and of Illinois, 1852

Born the youngest of fifteen children on December 14, 1775, in
Cornish, New Hampshire, Philander Chase attended Dartmouth
College, where he prepared to become a Congregationalist minister.
While at Dartmouth, he happened upon a copy of the Book of
Common Prayer. Next to the Bible, he thought it was the most
excellent book he had ever studied, and believed that it was surely
inspired by God. At the age of nineteen he was confirmed in the
Episcopal Church.

Following graduation from Dartmouth, Chase worked as a schoolteacher
in Albany, New York, and read for Holy Orders. Ordained a deacon
in 1798, he began mission work on the northern and western frontiers
among the pioneers and the Mohawk and Oneida peoples. The first of the
many congregations he founded was at Lake George in New York State.

Ordained a priest in 1799, at the age of twenty-three, Chase served
as rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, New York, until 1805.
He then moved to New Orleans, where he organized the first
Protestant congregation in Louisiana. That parish now serves as the
cathedral church for the Diocese of Louisiana. In 1810 he returned
north to Hartford, Connecticut, where he served for six years as
rector of Christ Church, now the cathedral church of the Diocese of
Connecticut. In 1817 he accepted a call to be the first rector of St.
John's Church in Worthington, Ohio. A year later he was elected the
first Bishop of Ohio. He immediately began founding congregations
and organizing the diocese. He also established Kenyon College and
Bexley Hall Seminary.

In 1831 Chase resigned as Bishop of Ohio and began ministering to
Episcopalians and the unchurched in southern Michigan. In 1835 he
was elected the first Bishop of Illinois and served in this office until he
died on September 20, 1852. During his time in Illinois he founded
numerous congregations, together with Jubilee College, which
included a seminary. As the senior bishop in the Episcopal Church, he
served as the Presiding Bishop from 1843 until his death.

At a meeting of the House of Bishops in 1835, Bishop Doane of New
Jersey said of him: "A veteran soldier, a Bishop of the Cross, whom
hardships never have discouraged, whom no difficulties seem to daunt."


September 14th - Aiden Klocker
September 15th - Ryan Klocker
September 17th - Casey Allison
September 19th - Kathleen Sowersby Deviney
September 22nd - Joan Cieslik
September 26th - Rob Forbes
September 28th - Laura Tilly
October 1st - Ken Wright
October 4th - John Woodward
October 8th - McNeal Miller
October 10th - Cathy Wright
October 12th - Lucas Balco
October 14th - Marlene Nivens
October 14th - Jason Witry
October 17th - Phil Hicks
October 17th - Monica Vogt
October 17th - Sharon Tatlock
October 21st - Deloris Stewart
October 23rd - Chris Butterworth
October 23rd - Inga Kish
October 24th - Rob Webster
October 25th - Autumn Jager
October 27th - Robert Weeks
October 31st - Mark Ballenger

Please let the office know if we have missed your birthday!
MINISTRY SCHEDULE  

2018
September 16
September 23
CHALICE/LECTOR
8:00 AM
Lee Wells
Kelly Morris
CHALICE 
10:30 AM
Terry Eckard
Jack Gaskey
Cheryl Richard
David McDowell
LECTOR
Lee Wells
Marsha Ellison
ACOLYTES
Sydney Wertz
Noelle Martin
Sophie Martin
Lee Wells
Lydia Kish
Emory Borner
GREETER/USHER
8:00 AM
Laurie Stewart
Jerry Wertz
GREETERS/USHERS
10:30 AM
Gay Lindsey 
Pete Laine
Sharon & Bob
Tatlock
ALTAR GUILD
Glenda Carpenter
Allison Wells
BREAD
September
Kelly Halley
October
Jay Oden
ALTAR FLOWERS
John Still
Klocker
COFFEE HOUR
Reception
Vestry
MORNINGSIDE
10:30 AM
William Graham
Judy Mullins
Jim McCarthy
Morningside Resident
SOUND TECH
Terry Eckard
William Graham
EUCHARISTIC
VISITORS

William & Priscilla Graham
VPOD 8:00
10:30
Lee Wells
Lee Wells

Lee Wells

Blessings & Peace,
Fr. Gary+

phone: 704-864-7201
e-mail: secretaryallsaintsgastonianc@gmail.com
Fr. Gary's blog: