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Bruton Parish Episcopal Church www.brutonparish.org January 2015
CHRONICLEThe
A Thank You to the People of Bruton ParishBy The Rev’d Mignon L. “Sarah” Brockenbrough
The first time The Rev’d. Chris Epperson and I spoke, Iwas sitting under the shade of a large tree on the campusof Virginia Theological Seminary. Our conversation wasunexpected but very exciting. Until then, I assumed Iwould return to Georgia or, perhaps, move to centralVirginia. But the more I learned about life at BrutonParish Church, the more I was drawn to work and live inthis place.
Eight months later, Bruton is very much home. Myhusband Will and I have loved every minute of our timehere. We continue to be grateful for the congregation’swarm welcome and generosity of spirit. And we bothadmire the tenacity, strength, and good humor thatcharacterize this community.
I see these traits exhibited by thosearound me, every day, as I watch andwork and serve as a leader in the Church.My recent ordination to the Sacred Orderof Priests gave me the opportunity toreflect on what it is like to be thebeneficiary of this gifted parish. OnSaturday, December 13, 2014, I took thevows of ordination in the most lovingcelebration I can imagine. I was humbledand amazed by the efforts of thecongregation members, staff, and clergywho worked on the service. And I remaindeeply grateful for this community’sembrace of my family, as well as yourthoughtfulness and attention to detail, whichis balanced by your understanding of anddedication to our larger purpose as membersof the Body of Christ.
My ordination was the culmination offive years of deliberate discernment andstudy, as well as a much longer journey ofpreparation that forms the narrative of mylife. What a thrill it was to anticipate thatevent in the season of Advent, in such goodcompany. It was a privilege to be ordained,here, at Bruton. And it is an absolute joy tospend these days with you. Thank you.
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Inside ...300th Education Series
Continues
300th Anniversary EventsWinter 2015
Parish-WideSunday Gathering
2015 Vestry Installation
Our Second Mission Trip toKamp Kairos in Crisfield, MD
Women’s Roundtable& Potluck
Women’s TheologicalBook Group
First FridayRecovery Eucharist
Lector & Chalicer Training
Bruton Singles
Newcomers’ Corner
Bishop Hollerith’sChristmas Message
Thank You from the Mission& Outreach Committee
COFM Shelter: EpiphanyBrings Good News
A Winter Fundraiserfor COFM
An Ecumenical Service
New Procedure forRequesting Grants
Grants Given in 2014
Children’s & Youth Formation
Looking Ahead inFamily Ministry
The Hennage Library
Bruton ParishShop Reflections
Food for FISH
Living the Gospel Bible Study
Wednesdays Brown-BagBible Study
DOK Intercessory Prayers
New Beginnings
Epiphany @ BrutonU
Bruton Parish &The Garden Club of Virginia
Donated Auction ItemsNeeded for 2015 Canterbury
Gala & Silent Auction
We Who Are Many, Are One
Lenten Lunch
2015 Calendars & CardsRecycling Project
Candlelight Concerts
Calling all Children
123rd Annual Council of theDiocese of Southern Virginia
Remember Chanco-on-the-James
** Childcare is available for babies throughelementary-aged children by reservation only.Please contact Meghan Brewer (757-345-6489 oremail [email protected]).
Fellowship & FormationBrown-bag Bible Study
Wednesdays @ noon
Bruton Singles (page 6)
First Friday Recovery EucharistFriday, January 2 @ 5:30 p.m.
The Magi Arrive (Epiphany Pageant)Sunday, January 4 @ 9:15 a.m.
Newcomers’ CornerSunday, January 4 @ 10:30 a.m.
300th Educational Series:The Relationship between William & Mary
and Bruton Parish ChurchThursday, January 8 @ 7:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. reception
Joyful Noise & Chorister Choirs ResumeSunday, January 11 @ 11:00 a.m.
Living the Gospel Bible StudySundays, January 11 & 25 @ 11:00 a.m.
Middle & High School Youth Group& Compline
Sunday, January 11 @ 5:30 p.m.
2015 Vestry InstallationSunday, January 18 @ 9:15 a.m.
Sunday School ResumesSunday, January 18 @ 10:30 a.m.
Women’s Theological Book Group **Monday, January 19 @ Noon
Women’s Round Table & PotluckTuesday, January 20 @ Noon **
Tuesday, January 20 @ 6:30 p.m. (potluck)
Choral Evensong:Canticles by Charles StanfordSunday, January 18 @ 5:30 p.m.
Ecumenical ServiceWednesday, January 21 @ 6:00 p.m.
300th Educational Series:Examining Change in
Religious Belief and PracticeThursday, January 22 @ 7:30 p.m.
Winter Fundraiser for COFMSaturday, January 24 @ 6-8:00 p.m.
Parish-Wide Sunday Gathering300th Forum on Upcoming PlansSunday, January 25 @ 12:30 p.m.
COFM Winter Shelter TrainingWednesday, January 28 @ 1-2:00 p.m.
or Thursday, January 29 @ 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Convocation V Pre-Council MeetingWednesday, January 28 @ 7:00 p.m.
Coffee ConnectionsCoffee & refreshments at the Custis Housebetween the 9:15 & 11:15 a.m. services.
Worship ScheduleChristmas Eve - Wednesday, Dec. 24Pageant & Holy Eucharist @ 3:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist @ 4:30, 6:30,8:30 & 10:30 p.m.
We will have two lines to bring worshippersinto the church. Parishioners are asked toform a line from the Palace Gate down thewalk toward the Governor's Palace (and, asalways, wearing your parish nametag ishelpful). Ushers will help form this line. Theushers will be sensitive to health and fitnessof those members of the parish in line, anddo their best to offer comfort and expedience.V is i tors wil l form a l ine down Duke ofGloucester and will be admitted once we haveadmitted parishioners.
Christmas Day - Thursday, Dec. 25Holy Eucharist @ 11:00 a.m.
The First Sunday after Christmas DaySunday, Dec. 28
Holy Eucharist @ 7:30 a.m.Lessons & Carols @ 9:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
Children’s Church @ 9:15 a.m.Evening Prayer @ 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 4Holy Eucharist @ 7:30, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
(Those who attend Children’s Church are invitedto join us at the “big” church when the Magi arriveduring the Epiphany Pageant @ 9:15 a.m. )
Evening Prayer @ 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 11Holy Eucharist @ 7:30, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
Evening Prayer @ 5:30 p.m.Compline @ 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 18Holy Eucharist @ 7:30, 9:15, 11:15 a.m.
Children’s Church @ 9:15 a.m. *Choral Evensong @ 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 25Holy Eucharist @ 7:30, 9:15,
11:15 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.Children’s Church @ 9:15 a.m. *
_____________
Noonday Prayer @ ChurchMonday - Saturday
Holy Eucharist - St. Mary’s ChapelTuesdays @ 7:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist with Healing PrayersWednesdays @ 11:00 a.m. (Church)
Canterbury Holy EucharistTuesdays @ 5:30 p.m. in Wren Chapel
when college is in session
* Held in St. Mary’s Chapel in the Parish House.
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300th Anniversary EventsWinter 2015
JanuaryOngoing Exhibit
Faith, Community, and Change:The Early History of Bruton ParishArt Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
Thursday, January 87 pm reception, 7:30 programThe Relationship between
William and Mary & Bruton ParishW. Taylor Reveley III, president,
College of William and MaryLewis Hall, Bruton Parish House
Sunday, January 18, 5:30 pmChoral Evensong:
Canticles by Charles StanfordBruton Choirs, Bruton Parish Church
Thursday, January 227 pm reception, 7:30 program
Examining Change in Religious Beliefand Practice
Edward L. Bond, historian,editor, and author
Lewis Hall, Bruton Parish House
Sunday, January 25, 12:30 pmParish-wide Gathering to continue
the celebration of the 300thBruton Parish House
FebruarySaturday, February 7, 8 pm
Combined Concert: Choirs ofBruton Parish and First Baptist
Church, Scotland StreetBruton Parish Church
Sunday, February 15, 5:30 pmChoral Evensong sung byChatham Hall Youth Choir
Bruton Parish Church
Thursday, February 267 pm reception, 7:30 pm program
Changes in the Structure ofSociety and the Practice of Religion
Prof. Daniel L. Dreisbach,American University
Lewis Hall, Bruton Parish House
MarchSunday, March 15, 5:30 pm
Choral Evensong: Stabat Materby Emanuel d'AstorgaBruton Parish ChoirsBruton Parish Church
300th EducationalPrograms in JanuaryFocus on College-churchRelations and ColonialBeliefs and PracticesThe 300th Anniversary educational seriescontinues in January with two outstandingspeakers. Both programs will be presented at7:30 pm in Lewis Hall, with a receptionpreceding at 7 pm.
W. Taylor Reveley III, president, College ofWilliam and Mary, will discuss the relationshipof the college with Bruton Parish from thecollege’s beginnings in 1693 to the present day.Reveley, formerly dean of the college’s lawschool, has been president since 2008. Theprogram will be presented Thursday, Jan. 8.
Edward L. Bond, historian, editor, andauthor of books about religion in the 17th and18th centuries, will present a program aboutreligious beliefs and practices at Bruton duringthe colonial period. The program will be heldThursday, Jan. 22.
The 300th Anniversary Steering CommitteeInvites You
to Kick Off 2015 with a
January 25, 2015 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
The Parish House
Light Lunch & Program
Featuring
The New Painting of Bruton Parish by Betty Babb
Viewing of the 300th Anniversary Video
An Overview of the New Exhibit:
Faith, Community and Change
A Preview of Anniversary Activities for 2015
* Music * Prizes * Cake * 300th Items for Sale
RSVP after January 1757-229-2891 or [email protected]
Childcare by Reservation757-229-2891 or [email protected]
PARISH - WIDE
SUNDAY GATHERING
VestryInstallationInstallation of the2015 Vestry will takeplace on Sunday,January 18, duringthe 9:15 a.m. service.Members beinginstalled areLynn BlankmanBill BrauerJudy CollardJanet EstesJohn FogartyLaura GeddyJeremy GottshallAl LouerBob MagnussonErin SloanFay WeirichGeorge Wilson
By Isabel Burch
Eight Bruton parishioners traveled to Crisfield, Maryland, the weekof November 10th to continue our work on Hurricane Sandy reliefat Kamp Kairos. The group included Alice & Wayne Erickson, MJ
Freeman, Bob Gay, Steve Hibbitts, BillPorter, Terry Robinson and me.
We joined a group of Lutherans andPresbyterians with whom we had workedin Crisfield last April. On this trip wewere blessed to spend some time withtwo of the families whose houses wewere helping to build. They were soappreciative of our efforts and each ofthem brought delicious food to us atKamp Kairos. One of the families toldus of a Williamsburg connection. Thehomeowner's grand-father had been apastor at James River Baptist Church inWilliamsburg many years ago.
The other family, after serving usfried oysters and a delicious cake, shared
the story of their experienceduring Hurricane Sandy. Weare including it here so thatyou can have an idea of whatthe people of Cris f ie ldendured during the time ofthat storm. As is usually thecase, all of us feel that wereceived much more frombeing a part of Kamp Kairosand the relief effort than thelittle bit of help which wegave these wonderful people.Here is the Pruitts' story:
We have lived in Crisfield allour lives and have ridden outall the hurricanes and stormsthat have come our way. Weplanned to do the same withSandy. My mother was staying with me and my husband Royce, andwe were prepared for the storm. Water, candles, flashlights, batteries,food, blankets, magazines, etc.
One hour into the storm my husband looked out the door andthen at me. "You need to get your mom out of here." He's a watermanand knows currentsand tides and wind.He didn't want toleave our home,and I didn't want toleave him, and myMom wouldn't leavewithout me.
So my mom andI made the decision toleave and Roycewould stay behind aslong as he could toprotect our home.The water rose sofast, it was too late todrive out. We called 911 for a rescue and were told they would dotheir best to get us out.
Our Second Mission Trip to KampKairos in Crisfield, Maryland
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Work progresseson the Pruitts’house.
Another house that wehelped build in Crisfield.
Alvin gives us ourinstructions for the day.
Boots resting at theend of the day!
We packed a bag of clothes and medicinefor my mom, who was undergoing treatmentfor cancer. For the first time (and probably thelast time!) I was thankful for the many boatsin our yard. Afraid to wait any longer for therescue, Royce pulled a skiff to the front doorand loaded us up to take us somewhere safer.
The water was rising fast and furious. Hepulled us down Cove Street where we saw aNational Guard truck headed our way. Theyquickly loaded us up in truck. Ten minutes laterRoyce called on the cell phone and said a largetree had just crashed through the roof on ourback deck and missed him by inches. Sadly,our 19-year-old cat was not so fortunate andperished under the tree and roof.
Suddenly the truck we werein stalled. It was stuck on whatmight have been a U.S. mailbox.Another truck was called in to helpus out. There were several of uson the truck. We were cold, wetfrom the rain, and impatient toget to higher ground.
While we waited, calls forhelp came in, and the guardsmenleft the truck and came back witha little baby, maybe two monthsold and his mother. Another callfor help and the guardsmen cameback with a man with only one leg.Our complaining stopped. Werealized how serious this wholesituation was.
Finally another truck arrived.We needed to transfer to thattruck and the only way to do that was to swim.My mother was too weak to do this, so thesewonderful guardsmen carried her to the othertruck while I waded chest deep with our bagsheld above my head. Within an hour our rescuewas complete and we were safe at my brotherPreston's house in Kingston.
This memory is bittersweet for me. Fourmonths later my mother passed away — fromthe cancer that caused her to be staying withme, that caused me to seek rescue, on a truckthat came to Cove Street for that rescue, thatgot stalled and while stalled heard the cries for
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Episcopalians and Lutherans relaxing!
Alice Erickson finallyate grits!
A homeowner came to thankus for our help.
The wholegroup ofworkersincluding theMennoniteswho take careof KampKairos.
help, that rescued a little baby and a man withonly one leg.
Life puts us on a strange pathsometimes. And as my motheralways said, "There is a silverlining in every cloud."
As they say, the world is reallysmall. Our Bruton Parish Shopvolunteer, Linda Livecchi, wasworking in the shop the afternoonof Sunday, December 14, whena woman and her family came inand said that they were fromCrisfield, Maryland. They hadread the bulletin board by thefront door of the shop andrealized that the Bruton Builderswere some of the people whohelped restore homes in theirhometown after hurricane Sandy.
They own a seafood restaurantand a shop
and though their homewas not a ffected, theywere so appreciative of thehelp the church had givento Crisf ield. They hadnot realized that BrutonParish in Wil l iamsburgwas the home of the BrutonBuilders who had helpedthem until they read thebulletin board. They wantedto express their thanksto the parish.
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Women’s Round Table& PotluckAll women of the parish are invited to comeand be part of the conversation and get to know
other women in our parish. Theafternoon group will meet Tuesday,January 20. Bring your lunch andbeverage at noon to the Parish Hall tomeet with Marcia Hibbitts (childcare isavailable for babies through elementaryaged children by reservation only;contact Meghan Brewer direct ly([email protected] or 757-345-6489).
The evening group will gatherTuesday, January 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.for potluck at Joan Lovegren-O’Brien’s home.Please bring a dish to share and rsvp directlyto Joan at 757-784-2599.
Women’s TheologicalBook GroupBy The Rev’d Sarah Brockenbrough
Are you interested in joining other women todiscuss works of fiction and non-fiction througha theological lens? If so, please join us Monday,January 19, to discuss Let Your Life Speak byParker Palmer. Bring your lunch from noon to1:30 p.m. in the Coffee, Tea & Thee room inthe Parish House. Childcare is available forbabies through elementary aged children byreservation only for this function. Please contactMeghan Brewer directly for childcare reservation([email protected] or 757-345-6489).
First Friday RecoveryEucharistSpir itWorks Foundation, a non-prof it inWilliamsburg that works with people in recoveryfrom addiction, hosts a monthly RecoveryEucharist at Bruton on the first Friday of eachmonth. The next service will be held in thechurch at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, January 2.This service offers readings and prayers thatfocus on recovery from addiction, mental illness,and trauma.
Lector & Chalicer TrainingBy Susan Allen
Are you interested in reading scripture andleading the Prayers of the People, or in assistingour clergy with the chalice at communion?Training for new lectors and chalicers will beheld on Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. inJanuary and February in the church. Lectorsshould be regular worshippers at Bruton —including youth 6th grade and older — whilechalicers need to be at least 16 years of ageand confirmed members of Bruton. We areespecially in need of lectors and chalicers toserve at the 7:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sundayservices. To sign up, or if you have questions,contact Susan A l len (757-784-2945 [email protected]).
WCWOMEN’SCHAPTERS
Bruton SinglesBy Heide Elam, Kathy Harper, Ruth Mullaneyand Eda Martin
Bruton Singles is a fellowshipministry ta i lored towardsparishioners and members ofthe wider community who aresingle. We typically get togetheronce each week to attend various events in theparish and the larger community. Each event isaccompanied by a meal and/or dessert (paidseparately) at which we enjoy fellowship anddiscussion. To participate in any event, pleaseprocure tickets to the function and call the listedcoordinator.
Saturday, January 10, 4:00 p.m.William & Mary Men's Basketballvs James MadisonJoin us at Kaplan Arena for the basketball game,then have dinner at the College Deli ($6 to $10event free + meal). Call Heidi (757-897-5012).
Saturday, January 17, 2:00 p.m.Williamsburg Players"Run for Your Wife"A taxi driver gets away with having two wivesin different areas of London because of hisirregular working schedule. Complication is piledupon complication as the cabby tries to keephis double life from exploding! This superbexample of the British farce had audiencesrolling in the aisles in London and New York.Afterwards, dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the SecondStreet Grill ($20 + meal). Call Ruth (757-229-6961) to rsvp.
Saturday, January 24, 8:00 p.m.Pirates of Penzance @ SinfonicronJoin us for diner at Seasons at 5:30 p.m., thensupport the 50th anniversary of the William &Mary Sinfonicron Light Opera Company byattending the Pirates of Penzance. Off the coastof Cornwall, young pirate Frederic is celebratinghis twenty-first birthday, and the end of hisaccidental apprenticeship to the Pirate King($20 + meal). Call Eda Martin (757-253-1477).
Saturday, January 31, 5:30 p.m.Dinner & a MovieWe will have dinner and enjoy a movie eitherin New Town or downtown, depending on whatis playing at the Kimball (movie ticket + meal).Call Ruth (757-229-6961). Watch for details!
Newcomers’ CornerOn the first Sunday of each month, newmembers of Bruton Parish are invitedto join c lergy, vestryand Newcomers Committeemembers for coffee in theCustis House at 10:30 a.m.This is a great opportunity tobecome more acquaintedwith the parish and learn ofthe many ministries here atBruton. Join us January 4.
ContributionsDue by
Year-EndIn order for your
contribution to becounted as a 2014
contribution for taxpurposes, it must be
either physically in theParish House by close ofbusiness on Wednesday,
December 31, orpostmarked no later
than midnight on the31st. Payments made
outside of theseparameters will be
posted to your 2014pledge payment but will
appear on the firstquarter 2015
contributions statementand will count for tax
purposes as a 2015contribution. If you have
any questions, pleasecontact Dudley Hoyle
(757-229-2891).
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The crèche is surely one of the most enduringtraditions of the Christmas season. During theholidays many churches manage to display onesomewhere on their property. Crèches reallyvary in size — from a small display set on atable in the back of the church or parish hall,to a life-size, elaborately lighted one in thechurch yard. And there are a few industriouscongregations that even perform an outdoorliving crèche, replete with live animals andcostumed congregants.
Likewise, crèches are popular in homes. Igrew up watching my mother set one up eachyear with delicate precision on the dining roomsideboard. The figurines were made of china.I can still remember the “negative feedback”my baby brother and I received one Christmaswhen we “borrowed” Joseph to lead our armyof plastic toy soldiers into battle.
Lizzie and I have a crèche that was givento us years ago as a wedding present. Ratherthan made of china, ours is made from olivewood from the Holy Land. It appears to beindestructible — which is a good thing afterraising three children. Each Christmas Lizziestill sets it up on our dining room sideboard —just as my mother did — just as her motherdid.
Regardless of size or location, all crècheshave a couple of common attributes. The firstand most obvious are the characters — Mary,Joseph, barn animals, wise men, sometimesshepherds, maybe an angel or two, and, ofcourse always, the baby Jesus.
A second and less obvious attribute is thatcrèches are opened depictions. The barn sceneis always displayed outwardly toward theobserver — not unlike a stage play is displayedoutwardly toward an audience. Each crèchemeans to tell a story — the story of Jesus birth.Yet, this telling is about more than the mereconveyance of historical fact. The crèche is anattempt to dramatize something holy, to elicitin an observer a first-hand experience of theabiding peace, tranquility and joy that socharacterize the essence of the miracle of theIncarnation. Also, the crèche dramatizes thestartling news that God has opened his hometo the whole world. In the birth event Godliterally invites the whole world into his innersanctuary to meet his newborn son.
Despite how commonplace it has become,I believe the crèche tradition continues to haveprofound implications for how we — as theChurch — are to understand our role in themodern world. The real challenge for theChurch today is not displaying the crèche, asmuch as it is actually being the crèche — beingcommunities of faith that are living sanctuaries,places defined by peace, invitation, opennessand holiness.
Last month I received several emails frompeople expressing their concern over the factthat the Washington National Cathedral hadrecently dec ided to invite the Musl imcommunity into their sanctuary for weeklyprayer services. At first I too raised aneyebrow. But then, upon further reflection, Iwas struck by the thought that such an actionis exactly the kind in which the Church shouldbe engaged. If we as Christians cannot offersanctuary — places of safety that are open toothers in the name of Peace — then who inthis world can? Is such openness notreminiscent of the openness that drew the Magito Bethlehem? Likewise, isn’t it our call to bean open manger that allows for conversationaround the realdi f f icult , “st ickywicket” issueswhich now dividethe people of theearth? And are wenot to demonstrateby example how wemight live togetherin our differences?After a l l , atChris tmas, Godprovides a safeplace for his child tobe born and theninvites the wholeworld — without discrimination — to visit himthere. Is this not our calling too?
The crèche is a wonderful, simple, andenduring Christmas tradition — whether it’s thecoffee table version or a church pageant castedby excited, bright-eyed children. It is also apowerful reminder that, for Christians, ourtruest exercise of that tradition will always bewhen we bear gifts of peace and reconciliationand create sanctuary for meeting the stranger.For the crèche tells the joyful story of God’shumanity as seen in the birth of a child — andin so doing, invites us to embrace at thedeepest level what it truly means to be human.
He will bring new light to a world in darkness,Like a bright star shining in the skies above.
He will bring new hope to the waiting nations.When he comes to reign in purity and love.Let the earth rejoice at the Savior’s coming.
Let the heavens answer with the joyful morn:Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Hear the angels singing, “Christ is born”.
— John RutterNoel,
+ Holly Hollerith
Bishop Hollerith’s Christmas Message
Dear Episcopal Church Family in Southern Virginia,
Bruton was able toprovide 100 needychildren withChristmas gifts thisyear through theSalvation Army AngelTree Program.“Looking at the bagsbrimming full,parishioners wereindeed generous,”said EleanorBurchianti, who ledthis year’s donationefforts. “Stockings areadded to all, anddressed teddy bearsadded to the youngerchildren’s bags. Manythanks to all whoparticipated inhelping.”
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COFM Shelter: EpiphanyBrings Good NewsBy Michael Thompson
Signups for the emergency winter shelter havebeen great! So far, 145 slots out of 175 arefilled, for a participation rate of 83%. THANKYOU, THANK YOU! There are a few importantpositions left, especially overnight and checkout. Your help is needed! To volunteer, go tothe parish homepage and click on the COFMshelter link. Remember to keep this ministry inyour prayers as the weather turns colder andthe snowflakes fall.
Training dates are set. Two sessionswill be held in Lewis Hall on January 28from 1-2:00 p.m. and January 29 from6:30-7:30 p.m. All volunteers must attendone of the sessions. We will go over theschedule, specifics for helping the guestsand answer all your questions.
If you are away during the shelter week orare unable to volunteer for any reason, you canstill help by sending a monetary contributionwhich we will use to purchase laundry cards orbus passes. Please put donations in an envelopemarked COFM and bring them to ChristineBritton in the parish office or place in theoffering plate.
Questions about anything? Call Michael orJohanna Thompson at 757-564-5490.
A Community Fundraiserfor COFM January 24Join us for a special soup tasting evening atWarm Up Williamsburg. Local chefs are donatingtheir tastiest soups for this event which will beheld Saturday, January 24, from 6-8:00 p.m.at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. Aswell as soup, there'll be bread, dessert, andlive music. Tickets are $20. Reservations maybe made online at cofm.info or by sending acheck to COFM, P.O. 6357, Williamsburg, VA23188. Help support the Community of FaithMission winter shelter! Contact Lynn Blankmanwith questions (757-345-5820).
New Procedure forRequesting GrantsBeginning January 1, 2015, a new procedurewill be in place for requesting grants from theBruton Parish Mission and Outreach Committee.A downloadable form is available online at thewebsite below and can also be requested bymail. The form explains the procedures anddocumentation necessary for requesting agrant. Grant requests will be collected throughmid-August and reviewed in the fall, with grantsawarded in October. This will a llow thecommittee to consider the grant requests as awhole when making decisions on distributingour limited funds. The committee maintains theflexibility to respond to grant requests that aretime sensitive, and will also continue tomaintain an emergency response fund fornatural disasters or other pressing needs.
Thank you from theMission & OutreachCommitteeBy Garry Sloan
The Mission and Outreach Committee wishesto thank everyone who helped make theThanksgiving Bags food drive for FISH atremendous success. Our goal this year was todeliver 350 grocery bags of non-perishable fooditems to the pantry. Thanks to the generosity
of Bruton’s parishioners andmembers of the community, wefar exceed our goal and deliveredover 400 bags.
On the Wednesday beforeThanksgiving, about a dozenvolunteers showed up to helpmove bags from Lewis Hall to thechurch, and that evening the bagswere added to by pari-shionersattending the Thanksgiving Eveservice of Holy Eucharist. On theFriday following Thanksgiving,approxi-mately 45 volunteers of
all ages (10 to almost 80!) arrived at the churchto help deliver the bags to FISH. The staff ofFISH expressed its appreciation for Bruton’ssupport and generosity in a letter sent to theMission Committee following the delivery.
The Thanksgiving Food drive isa wonderful example of how ourcommunity of fa ith can worktogether and fulfill our obligationas represen-tatives of God’s love.The Mission and OutreachCommittee is here to support andempower members of BrutonParish in address ing needsthroughout our community and theworld. If you have a project thatis important to you, we encourageyou to bring it to the Mission andOutreach Committee for
consideration.
Grants Given in 2014The Mission and Outreach Committee receivedmore than 50 requests for grants in 2014.Limited funds prevent us from fulfilling everygrant request; however, the Committee hasawarded grants totaling more than $45,000 thisyear. Some of the organizations who havebenefitted from these grants are: Avalon,Bacon St, Community of Faith Mission, ColonialCourt Appointed Special Advocates, El HogarMinistries, FISH, Hospice House, Jackson-FeildHomes, Lackey Free Clinic, Menchville House,Olde Towne Medical and Dental, PeninsulaAgency on Aging, VA Peninsula Foodbank,Williamsburg Area Faith in Action, and W JC CCommunity Action Agency
Please remember that purchases made atthe Bruton Shop help fund grants made by theMission and Outreach Committee. Contributionssupporting the work of the Mission and OutreachCommittee are also welcomed.
Grant Request Form is available at www.brutonparish.org/mission_and_outreach
AnEcumenical
Serviceof prayerwill be
held Wednesday,January 21, at 6:00p.m. at Bruton ParishChurch. This servicewill be supported by
other area churches ofmany denominations
and is in recognition ofthe Week of Prayer
and Christian Unity.Please watch for
more details!
Children’s & Youth FormationBy Meghan Brewer
Nursery is available each Sunday for newborns through4-year-olds on the first floor of the Parish House from8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Children’s Church is age-appropriate worship held at9:15 a.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel, tailored for childrenK-5th grade. We continue to hold an age-appropriateservice for 3-4 year olds in the room next to the nurseryin the Parish House during this timeframe.
Sunday School formation for children and youththrough 12th grade is held in the Custis House for6th-12th grade youths and in the Parish House forchildren through 5th grade.
Children & Youth Formation each Sunday:
Sunday, January 4
The Magi arrive at the church at 9:15a.m. service. Children’s Church willnot be held so that all may come to the“big” church for what is the conclusion of theChristmas Pageant.
Sunday, January 11
Children’s Church will be held in St. Mary’sChapel in the Parish House at 9:15 a.m. forchildren through 5th grade.
Joyful Noise & Choristers youth choirs willresume rehearsals at 10:30 a.m. in the ParishHouse choir room.
Middle & High School Youth Groupwill gather at 5:00 p.m. in the ParishHall for dinner followed by Complineat 7:00 p.m. All are welcome,especially parents, to this service ofreadings, music and prayer.
Sunday, January 18
Children’s Church will be held in St.Mary’s Chapel in the Parish House at9:15 a.m. for children through 5thgrade.
Sunday School will resume in the ParishHouse at 10:30 a.m. for children through5th and in the Custis House for middle andhigh school youth.
Joyful Noise & Choristers youth choirs willresume rehearsals at 11:00 a.m. in the ParishHouse choir room.
Sunday, January 25
Children’s Church will be held in St. Mary’sChapel in the Parish House at 9:15 a.m. forchildren through 5th grade.
Sunday School continues at 10:30 a.m.
Joyful Noise & Choristers youth choirs willresume rehearsals at 11:00 a.m. in the ParishHouse choir room.
Looking Ahead in FamilyMinistryBy The Rev’d Sarah Brockenbrough& Meghan Brewer
There will be many opportunities for the youthof our parish to participate in the life of BrutonParish through our family ministries. If you’dlike to join us for any of these efforts, pleasecontact Meghan Brewer at either 757-345-6489or send an email to [email protected]
COFM Winter ShelterWe’ll need a few strong teenagers on Sunday,February 8, at 2:00 p.m. to help unload forShelter Week. Then on Friday, February 13, isthe night we’ll need both teens and families tohelp cook, serve and clean up dinner thatevening.
Sunday SchoolSunday School resumes on Sunday, January 18.After our five-week Sunday School session whichwill run through February 18, we will begin Lentactivities. We are always in need of volunteersto help teach or assist with Sunday School — asmall commitment for a great reward!
Our children andtheir familiesmaking anddecoratinggingerbread housesduring one of ourthree Adventactivities!
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Bruton Parish ShopReflectionsBy Les Hoffman
The Bruton Parish Shop has been a veryimportant part of my life for the past severalyears. The last three years, I have served onthe Shop Committee that oversees theoperations and direction of this vital instrumentof giving to the mission and outreach programsof this church. For the past two years, I havebeen honored to serve as the chairperson of thisdedicated and generous group of parishioners.
A prime example of their generosityoccurred just a couple of months ago. As thoseof you who have visited the shop know, weuse tables in the “parlor” room for displayingour merchandise.While these tableswork fairly well, thecommittee felt thattrue display cabinetswould present a muchmore profess ionalappearance for ourvarious seasonalmerchandise.
We found thata local merchant wasclosing shop aftermany years inMerchants Squareand had several verynice display cabinetsfor sale. After much bargaining, we were ableto buy these cabinets at a very good price. Therewas only one problem — we were in the middleof buying merchandise for Christmas and didn’treally have the needed funds to pay for thesecabinets. Without hesitatation, committeemember after committee member came forwardoffering financia l assistance towards thepurchase of the cabinets. In the end, the cabinetswere paid for and there were funds left over tocover the cost of some new paint for the mainpart of the shop, which hasn’t been repaintedsince it opened almost twenty years ago.
I am tremendously proud of the peoplewhom I’ve had the great pleasure to serve withon this committee. I would like to thank BryantCureton, Diane Robertson, Jean Winters, LianneBoller, Nancy Kane, Patti Magnusson, Ted Pierceand Steve Hibbitts along with those who servedin prior years for their help and, of course, CarolWeaver who is the heart and soul of the BrutonParish Shop. These folks are the epitome of livingthe Christian life, giving of themselves and whatthey have. If you have any interest in servingon the committee you can contact Carol Weaverat the shop.
Please visit the shop with all of its wonderfuland inspirational merchandise and help uscontinue to support the mission and outreach atBruton Parish Church.
To volunteer in the Shop, please contactJean Winters (e ither 757-564-1662 [email protected]).
The Hennage LibraryBy Russ Sheldon
Beginning with the September issue of TheChronicle, members of the Library Committeehave been writing articles to invite the BrutonParish family to explore the collection of over1,400 books and other media housed on thelower level of the Parish House.
Prior articles have focused on worksrelevant to the celebration of Bruton Parish’shistoric church building, works located in theLibrary Special Collection, and works of fictionby such authors as diverse as C.S. Lewis andTruman Capote.
This month I will introduce nine of thefifteen books located in the “New Acquisitions”section. You will notice the variety of subjectmatter in this list and find some familiar authorsand some less so. To begin: A History of theEpiscopal Church by Robert Prichard, The Bookof Common Prayer: A Biography by Alan Jacobs,Safe Passage: Words To Help the Grieving byMolly Fumis, Bless ings of the Burden:Reflections and Lessons in Helping the Homelessby Alan R. Burt, Belief without Borders: Insidethe Minds of the Spiritual but not Religious byLinda A. Mercandante, The Sisters of Sinai: HowTwo Lady Adventurers Discovered the HiddenGospels by Janet Soskice, Following Jesus:Biblical Reflections on Discipleship by N. T.Wright, My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a ModernBeliever by Christian Wiman, and ThomasAquinas: A Portrait by Denys Turner.
If you still enjoy the tactile sensationafforded by turning the pages of a book nestledin your lap you may well decide to visit theLibrary and explore its treasure trove of variedworks to meet our varied needs.
The Library is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. on Friday and daily whenever the space isnot being used as a meeting site. Check thecalendar in this month’s Chronicle to determinewhen the Library is not in use or call the ParishHouse.
Finally, or almost finally, there are twoadditional means at your disposal to augmentyour Library experience. Upon accessingBrutonparish.org/library one will find TheLibrary Catalog, which contains a listing of theMain Collection, AudioVisual Collection, andSpecia l Col lect ion.One will also find TheLink Library which isa gateway to internetresources that supple-ment the bookcollection.
Finally, yes, really,your Library Committee recently instituted anAdopt-A-Book program which gives you theopportunity to give a book to the Library for aset price of $25. You simply go to the Adopt-A-Book site found at brutonparish.org/library,select a book or books from the listed “candidatebooks” and the committee will do the rest,including adding a nameplate in the bookindicating that you are the adoptive “parent(s).”
Wooden Santaand FatherChristmas hand-carved in thePhilippines afterWWII as moldsto reproducethe forms inPaper Maché.
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Epiphany @ BrutonUThrough video, commentary, Q&A, and facilitatedconversation, these programs are an ongoingcomponent of our year-round faith and formationefforts. Once you're signed up, you can view andparticipate at any time that f its your schedule. [email protected] or contact the Rev'd Charles Robinsonfor instructions.
Courses available are: How To Take a ChurchNext Class;Introducing Episcopal Worship with Rev'd James Hamilton;The Episcopal Tradition with Bishop Frank Wade; How to Be
a Crazy Christian with Bishop Michael Curry; andIntroduction to Epiphany with Sharon Pearson.
Epiphany is more than just a season to returnChristmas presents. It's a time to discover the ways Godis revealing truth in our lives. This course tells us notonly what Epiphany is, but how it can better our lives. Itis the season of the Star. Epiphany brings us the ThreeWise Men and the revelation that this baby born in amanger is much more than your average infant. Epiphanyis a time for us to find the various ways God reveals God’sself in our lives. In this course we’ll learn: What isEpiphany? What are the themes of Epiphany? How shouldwe observe Epiphany? How does Epiphany better our lives?This course is perfect for those who are new to the
Christian year, as well as long-time Christians who are lookingfor a refresher course on the subject.
January DesignatedFood for FISHBy Mary Kafes
Over 400 bags of food were given by BrutonParish people at Thanksgiving, which reallyhelped stock the shelves in the Food Pantry!Thank you, one and all! The need is great andevery can, jar or packet of food goes to helpthose in our community in need. As coldweather descends upon us, canned soups,stews or chili are the designated foods forJanuary.
Living the GospelBible StudyThis Lectionary-based Bible study is held at11:00 a.m. every 2nd & 4th Sundays in theCustis House, facilitated by The Rev’d Bob Gay.The study looks at what the impact of theGospel message is on our everyday lives. Joinus this month on Sunday, January 11 & 25.
Wednesdays Brown-BagBible StudyBring your lunch and gathereach Wednesday in theCoffee, Tea & Thee roomupstairs in the Parish Houseat noon for this Lectionary-based Bible study centered upon the Gospel forthe coming Sunday. The preacher for the weekwill facilitate these sessions where those inattendance will be able to reflect upon thescriptures that will be the focus of the Sundaysermon. The studies may provide increasedinsight into the sermon or explore aspects ofthe passages beyond the scope of the sermon,or both. Take time out of your day and try thisexploration! Parking is permitted on the Dukeof Gloucester Street in front of the Bruton ParishShop for this Bible study.
DOK IntercessoryPrayersPart of our rule of life as The Order of theDaughters of the King® is consistentintercessory prayer. Prayersare said for four weeks andmay be repeated. Anyonewho wishes to have prayerssaid for them or for others,please fill out a blue requestcard at the church tower anddrop it in the DOK prayerbox. An Epiphany prayer isoffered this month by FaithCroker: O Lord, who hast setbefore us the great hopethat thy Kingdom sha llcome, and hast taught us topray for its coming: Give us grace to discernthe signs of its dawning, and to work for theperfect day when thy will shall be done on earthas it is in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.
The Bruton Chapterof The Order of
Daughters of the Kinginvites all women
interested in learningabout DOK to a
Reception on EpiphanyTuesday, January 6,
2015 from 5-6:30 p.m.in Lewis Hall.
New BeginningsBy Laurie Krebs
January is the perfect time for new beginnings. AsDr. Bill Gaultiere, pastor and psychologist, says, "Thestart of a new year gives all of us the wonderful newpossibility of making a positive change in our lives."
In early December, three of our parishionersaddressed this possibility by attending an introductorysession for Stephen Ministers. Meeting with theleaders and current members, they learned aboutthe ministry and the training sessions that will beginon January 6th. Bruton members and folks from eightchurches in the Williamsburg network will gather for50 hours of training in Lewis Hall. The topics for thesesessions include effective listening, dealing withfeel ings, conf identia l ity, Chr ist ian caring,assertiveness and issues surrounding specific lifecrises. Each area is taught with a Christ-centeredfocus.
Stephen Ministers have a lot of good things tosay about the training.
You develop relational and caring skills youcan apply to all aspects of your life.
You deepen your faith as the Holy Spiritfashions you into a Christ-centered caregiver.
You gain insight into the thoughts, feelingsand actions of people who are hurting.
You feel a special bond with those in yourclass — experiencing real Christiancommunity.
Stephen Ministry training is a lot of fun!
Perhaps you, too, are eager to make a positivechange in your life. If so, please contact one of ourcurrent leaders, Charlie Clapper at 757-564-6191 orMary Jean Hurst at 757-810-5112. Upon receipt ofyour application, they will schedule an interview.
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Donated Auction ItemsNeeded for GalaPlanning for the 9th Annual Gala and SilentAuction has begun! This year the gala will takeplace on Saturday, February 21, and will beheld in the William & Mary Alumni House.
We would appreciate donations fromparishioners of high-quality auction items, aswell as gift certificates from local businesses(restaurants, home décor stores, etc.). Itemscan be dropped off at the front office in theParish House. If possible, please leave yourname and number with the donation, along witha brief description. We want to advertiseeverything correctly and give credit where due.
If you’d like to attend the gala, please eitherprint this page and/or complete the form belowand mail it to the Parish House with your checkmade payable to Bruton Parish Church (pleaseinclude Canterbury Gala in the memo).
If you have any questions, feel free tocontact Carson, William, and Bethany by emailat [email protected], or send an email tothe Rev’d Charles Robinson (757-229-2891 [email protected]. Thank you somuch for your continuous support!
2015 Gala & Silent AuctionThe favor of your reply along with payment is requested by:
January 21, 2015
Name(s) ______________________________________________________
Number attending: _______
$40 per individual; $70 per couple Amount of Payment: $_________________
Unable to attend, but would like to make a contribution of $__________________Please make check payable to Bruton Parish Church with “Canterbury Gala” as a memo.
Credit Card: Mastercard _____ VISA _____ American Express _______
Credit Card #: ________________________________ Exp. Date: ________
Name on Card: _________________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________
Please direct questions to the Rev’d Charles Robinson (757-229-2891).
Bruton Parish & TheGarden Club of VirginiaBy Marty Easton
Two events sponsored by The Garden Clubof Virginia will bring guests to Williamsburgand Bruton Parish Church!
The first is Symposium 2015, goingon February 2-4 at the WilliamsburgLodge. Open to the public for a set fee(pre-registration required) Symposium2015 is a celebration of Virginia flowers,food and gardens. Short courses, lectures
and excursions will be offered, including avisit to the church and churchyard. About400 participants are expected for this eventorganized by Terry Emory Buntrock.
April 18-25 is Historic Garden Week inVirginia, the annual statewide tour ofhouses, gardens and historic landmarks.Tuesday, April 21, is Williamsburg’sGarden Tour Day, presented by TheWilliamsburg Garden Club and chaired byMeredith Vermillion Lunceford. Named“Love Is in the Air,” the tour has a modern-day wedding theme. The premise is that acouple become engaged in The AdamsGarden and hold their rehearsal dinner atThe President’s House. On the big day, thebride gets ready at the Custis House andcrosses the street to be married at Bruton.The story (and tour) go on from there for atotal of nine properties, including Mattey’sGarden.
The Parish Hall and Lewis Hall will beheadquarters that Tuesday for tourinformation, tickets and floral designdemonstrations. A silver chalice and patencrafted for our rector by his father will beon display in St. Mary’s Chapel. (The usualcommunion silver, Book of Common Prayerand Aitken Bible will remain on exhibit atthe Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.)A concert at 8:00 p.m. in the church willcap off the day, with the string trio of SusanVia, Susannah Livingston and SarahGlosson, and Tom Marshall playing theharpsichord.
It is exciting that these events give usextra opportunity to welcome visitors toBruton Parish Church during the 300thanniversary year.
Jacob Keohaneand The Rev’dJohn MaxwellKerr encouragingvisitors to comein to theCanterbury’sGrandIlluminationFundraiser duringon December6th. They madea profit of $4,500towardsCanterburymissions!
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What makes Bruton Parish Church so special?Its rich history dating back to 1674 and therole it played in the founding of our nation, ofcourse. But something more must be a part ofthe life blood of this church that has survivedgood times and bad for over 340 years – 300of them in the same building. That somethingis people; the people who were, are and will beour congregation.
I recently asked a number of members toshare what they find special about Bruton. Manyof them are “come heres” who have beencongregants of other churches. The consistenttheme that came through was that Bruton ischaracterized by its combination of historictradition, spirituality, glorious music and a warmand welcoming congregation.
The heart of our church, as it surely mustbe in most Christian Churches, is a welcomingspirit. We pride ourselves in being a friendlycongregation. We are a parish church, albeitone of, if not, the largest in our diocese. Inanother very significant respect we are unique.Because of our history and our location in theheart of Colonial Williamsburg, we bear a specialresponsibility. Every day we are host to visitorsfrom around the country and many parts of theworld. Our clergy, our guides, our ushers, ourgreeters — virtual ly all members of ourcongregation — strive to welcome tourists,college students and newcomers whether theyare here for a few hours, a few months or areestablishing permanent residence.
Our members are motivated to participatein all phases of the rich and varied life of ourchurch. One of our newer ministries, only a fewyears old, is Friends of Bruton. A little over threeyears ago, recognizing that we have touchedand continue to touch so many lives – someonly briefly – the vestry authorized theestablishment of a new ministry of outreach -Our Worldwide Congregation. The purpose isto link our resident congregation with thosewho, although they may be distant, want toremain connected in a bond of friendship.
This is a very special year in the history ofour church as each Sunday we worship in abuilding that has been in continuous service for300 years. The Friends of Bruton Committee ispleased to share in this very special year ofcelebration. The activities planned for our ThirdAnnual Friends Day at Bruton are focused onour tercentennial observance.
By virtue of being a member of BrutonParish Church, YOU are a member of Friendsof Bruton. Please mark your calendars nowto take part in the Friends Day activities onSaturday, April 25. Author and architecturalhistorian, Dr. Carl Lounsbury, will conduct aspecial architectural tour of the church. Brutonguide, Bobbi Smith will be on hand to shareadditional stories from Bruton’s rich history. TheThird Annual Friends of Bruton Meeting andLuncheon will feature a talk by eminenthistorian and religious scholar, David L Holmes,author of A Brief History of the Episcopal Church
and The Faiths of Our Founding Fathers. Theafternoon will feature a private guided tour ofthe Bruton Collection at the Museums of ColonialWilliamsburg. Each of these events requirereservations which may be made by goingonline to www.brutonparish.org/fobowcbeginning January 15.
The day’s events will conclude at the churchwith the annual John D. Rockefeller, Jr. MemorialConcert. Fr iends of Bruton, with priorreservations, will have preferred seating. Welook forward to Friends in our local parish,Friends in our community and Friends in ourextended congregation, joining together onSaturday, April 25 to celebrate our Third AnnualFriends Day as we continue a year of celebratingour revered house of worship.
2015 Calendars & CardsRecycling ProjectBy Stephanie King
This is the sixth year of what has now become a joint projectbetween Bruton Parish, St. Martin's and Williamsburg Landingresidents. With three groups of people "recycling" together theresponse has been overwhelming!
The totals are as of December 10, 2014: 1754 calendars (over400 more than last year); and 6070 cards (2656 more than lastyear), of which 4374 were Christmas cards (2253 more). 825 ofthe Christmas cards that came in after Christmas were deliveredto the Liz Moore & Associates Military Team in May and were sentto the troops overseas in October, so that they can send them tofamily and friends back home.
In addition, hundreds of pads of paper and pens, small booksof prayers, Dream Catchers, hot & cold travel cups, ornaments,wrapping paper, ribbon and world maps have been collected anddistributed to thirteen different organizations. (Four more thanlast year) Any Christmas cards received from now until May willgo to Liz Moore's Team for October 2015.
The organizations are: Avalon, Chambrel, Child DevelopmentResources (CDR). Envoy Williamsburg, Erase the Need, FamilyPreservation Services, Inc. in Hampton, Grove Christian Outreach,Lackey Free Clinic in Yorktown, Olde Towne Medical Center, RawlsByrd Elementary School, Sanders Retirement Village and Clinic inGloucester and Woodhaven at Williamsburg Landing.
We Who Are Many, Are OneBy Jim Morford, Friends of Bruton Chair
Candlelight Concerts Offered by Our Music Ministryto the Parish & Community
Candlelight Concerts are held in the church at 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted (doors open at 7:30 p.m.).Parking is permitted on the Duke of Gloucester Street in front of the church during the recitals.
Thursday, January 1Harpsichord RecitalJennifer Bell, Harpsichordistfrom Dublin, Ohio
Saturday, January 3Choral ConcertDavidson College Choralefrom Davidson, North CarolinaChristopher Gilliam, Director
Saturday, January 10Harp ConcertAmerican Harp Youth Ensemblefrom Richmond, VirginiaLynelle Edinger, Director
Saturday, January 17Chamber Music ConcertLucy Manning, ViolinSuzanne Daniel, FluteErin Hines, CelloDr. JanEl Will, Harpsichord
Sunday, January 18 @ 5:30 pmChoral EvensongCelebrating Bruton’s 300th Anniversary:Canticles of Charles Villiers StanfordThe Choirs of Bruton ParishRebecca Davy, DirectorDr. JanEl Will, Organist
Saturday, January 24Chamber Music ConcertShenandoah Conservatory Bass EnsembleDr. Donovan Stokes, Director
Saturday, January 31Organ & Harpsichord RecitalMichael Lianos, OrganistSt. Bede’s Catholic ChurchWilliamsburg, Virginia
Historic Organ RecitalsThe College of William & Mary’sWren Chapel, Saturdays @ 10:00 am
January 3, 10 & 31 - Rebecca Davy, OrganistJanuary 17 - Sarah Bland, OrganistJanuary 24 - Thomas Marshall, Organist
Calling All ChildrenBy Genrose Lashinger
All children ages four through fifth grade are invited to join the Joyful Noise or Choristers Choir in the New Year.We are always looking for enthusiastic singers! Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, January 11, after the 9:15service (about 10:30 and conclude around 11 a.m.). On Sundays when there is Sunday School, rehearsal beginsafterward at 11 a.m., concluding at 11:30). The choirs usually sing once a month for the 9:15 service. For moreinformation, please call or email Genrose Lashinger, Joyful Noise Director (ages four through second grade;[email protected]; 757-221-0370) or Ann Porter, Choristers Director (third grade through fifth grade;[email protected]; 757-564-7875).
300thCelebrating Black HistoryMonth with
A special concert featuring
choirs from
Bruton Parish Church&
First Baptist Churchon Scotland Street
February 7, 20158:00 p.m.
Bruton Parish Church
First Baptist Church in Williamsburg wasbegun in the 1700s by slaves and freeblacks who yearned to worship God intheir own way rather than in the then-segregated and restrained services atBruton Parish. They first met in secretbut were eventually granted the use ofthe carriage house on Nassau Street
owned by Robert F. Coles. In 1856 theybuilt a church across from the carriagehouse which served their congregationuntil 1956, when they moved to theircurrent building on Scotland Street.
This concert will celebrate our deep tiesof faith through music primarily
composed by Black Americans andsung by both the Bruton Choirs andthe Choir of First Baptist, which is
directed by Reginald Fox.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.Parking is permitted on
the Duke of Gloucester Streetduring the concert.
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The Most Revd
Dr. Katharine Jefferts SchoriPresiding Bishop & [email protected]
The Rt. Revd Herman Hollerith IVBishop, Diocese of Southern Virginia
The Revd Christopher L. Epperson,Rector, [email protected]
The Revd Charles A. Robinson, [email protected]
The Revd John Maxwell KerrCollege Chaplain, [email protected]
The Revd Mignon L. “Sarah”Brockenbrough
Transitional Deacon, Associate Rector,Family Ministries
The Revd Robert G. Gay, [email protected]
Meghan BrewerCoordinator of Children’s & Youth
Formation, [email protected]
Rebecca Davy, Music Director & [email protected]
Dr. JanEl B. WillOrganist, [email protected]
Carina Sturdy, Organ Scholar
James DarlingChoirmaster-Organist Emeritus
Hilary Cooley, Communications DirectorChronicle Editor/[email protected]
Christine Britton, Parish Life [email protected]
Dudley Hoyle, [email protected]
Alan MacDonald, Financial [email protected]
Mike Wanless, Facilities [email protected]
Ronald Cotman, Sexton
Roy St. Amour, Church Sexton
Ike Turner, Weekend Sexton
Carol Weaver, Shop [email protected]
Laura Paolicelli, Shop Assistant
Nancy Nelson, Shop Financial [email protected]
Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDWilliamsburg, VA
Permit No. 13
Article submissions are due the 10th of each month and may be edited for length and content.
Bruton Parish Church, P.O. Box 3520, Williamsburg, VA 23187-3520 757-229-2891 Fax: 757-221-0290
123rd Annual Council of theDiocese of Southern VirginiaFebruary 6 & 7, 2015Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, VA
Visit our diocesan website at www.diosova.org for complete information andonline registration. The registration fee through January 6, 2015 is $125 perattendee. Registrations received or paid after Tuesday, January 6, will increaseby $25 per person to $150. Please don’t be late, registertoday! All registration fees are non-refundable. Cancellationthrough January 23, 2015 will receive a full refund.Cancellations received after January 23, 2015 will not berefunded. Non-refundable registration fees are transferrableto another participant.
This year's keynote speaker will be Diana Butler Bass,author and independent scholar of American religion andculture. She will address Awakening and the Work ofTransformation, and will help us explore a pattern ofchange in our lives and congregations that enable us tomove to a new place.
For more details about Council as they become available, visit the diocesanpage online at http://www.diosova.org/article393228.htm. Be sure to stop bythe Bruton Parish Shop exhibit while you’re there!
Convocational meetings prior to Annual Council are an important wayfor clergy and delegates to prepare for their time at Council, and all parishionersare invited to attend. They are also where Executive Board elections occur.Please plan to attend our pre-Council meeting on Wednesday, January 28,at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish House.
Remember Chanco-on-the-JamesIt's the time of year of giving — to our friends, families and to those charitableorganizations that matter most to us. As you prayerfully consider your year-end giving, please consider Chanco on the James. Chanco's ministry offersscholarships to those in need and helps keep costs low while improving propertyand programs. Your gift makes a difference. We greatly appreciate the supportof our friends who help Chanco live into our bishop's vision of being the "spiritualheart of Southern Virginia." Checks should be made out to Chanco on theJames with Annual Fund in the memo line and mailed to Chanco at 394 FloodsDrive, Spring Grove, Virginia 23881 or visit www.chanco.org for easy, onlinegiving.
PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY
Pastoral Care CoordinatorsMonday through Friday, [email protected]
Stephen MinistryCharlie Clapper & Mary Jean Hurst757-220-2087 confidential
Parish NurseSylvia [email protected]
Pastoral Emergencies
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pmCall 757-345-2250 directlyor call the church office at757-229-2891
After 5pm, call the church officeand choose Option 6. If necessary,please leave your name, telephonenumber and brief message, and theclergy-on-call will return your callas soon as possible.