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June 2017 Page
Microsoft
Taste of Music City Festival Benefits Saint Luke’s Community House… Again!
June 17, 5:00-9:00 pm at Public Square Park
For the second year, Taste of Music City - Nashville's premier food and beverage tasting event - is benefitting Saint Luke's Community House!
The Nissan Taste of Music City is an all-inclusive food tasting event with a one price admission. Attendees have the opportunity to enjoy tastings from some of the area's best restaurants along with some of Nashville's local beverage flavors including Hap & Harry’s, Heroes Vodka, Stonehaus Vineyards, Old Hickory and more.
Saint David’s Unfurls Long Awaited Strategic Plan!
Tuesday, June 13 at 7pm and Sunday, July 9 at 9:15am
At the June Vestry Meeting—Tuesday, June 13—your Senior Warden, John Kitch, will present the Saint David’s Strategic Plan. Thanks to the good work of Allen Hovious who led the Strategic Planning Committee (John Kitch, Price Lechleiter, Marc Pearson, Paula Wade, Daryl Wilkinson) we have a plan for moving ahead into the next three years based on strategy, priorities and action items. The general gist of the plan? GROW, GROW, GROW! Grow down in spiritual depth and commitment. Grow out in service to West Nashville. Grow up in numbers of members.
As always, the congregation is invited to attend and observe Vestry meetings, which begin at 7pm. You may want to make special intention to attend this Vestry meeting because of this presentation. If you are unable to come, however, you’ll have another chance to hear about the plan and see how you can get involved. On Sunday, July 9 at 9:15am we will present the plan again and have some discussion.
David Livingston learns firsthand some of the techniques of the Grille Meister (Raymond Leathers) at the first Saint David’s Men’s Gathering on May 25. Be listening for announcements about the next get together. Rumor has it that many will attend the Episcopal Churchmen’s Conference in August!
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Worship
“In returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength…”
First Wednesday Healing Services, 6pm in Chapel
Saint David’s offers a monthly healing service on the first Wednesday of each month. Healing services are opportunities to be present to the hurts in our lives and the lives of those we love. Scripture readings offer comfort. Prayers offer strength. The laying on of hands invites the works of the Holy Spirit in the healing of oneself or another. You may participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable. The healing you seek may be for yourself, for a friend or family member or for issues in our world or strangers who share our human family. If you have questions about this kind of service, please talk with Rev. Carolyn.
Compline + Fire = A Close Peace The service of Compline is, in a word, beautiful. Derived from the Latin word completorium, Compline is the last prayer of the traditional medieval monastic offices that ended or “completed” the working day. There is some debate over who originated this service, Saint Basil (mid 4th century) or Saint Benedict (early 5th century) since writings from both cite this service as part of their monastic rota of services. Compline is beautiful because its gentle words peek into the intimacy of an individual’s relationship with the Divine. These are close words in this prayer, but they are also incredibly calming and peaceful. Our First Friday Fire Nights will end with this treasure of a service. Please join us for a peaceful end to a busy week the first Friday in July, July 7 at 6pm for conversation before, a close peace after.
By Betty Lentz
At the beginning of the Psalm, during the 10:30 am service, all children ages 5 years – 8 years are invited to gather at the doors from the Nave to Sanders Hall for a story from some very special Saint David’s family members. Children and their leaders will return to the Nave during the peace.
We are particularly blessed to have two sets of father/daughter teams, Caroline and Greg McNair, and Martha Ross and her dad, Snake Grace. Another family “team” will be the Dukes of Saint David’s! How lucky are we to have a professional storyteller in our church family in the person of Shelley Gotterer who has “The Ubuntu Story” from Africa to delight you. Diane Ruth and Anne Swift, two veteran school teachers are bringing the likes of “Where the Wild Things Are” to The Ann Walling Children’s Chapel, and I will start us off on June 11th
with a rousing look at “I Am a Child of God.” My dearest thanks to these wonderful
volunteers, who will enhance your child’s experience of worship in a unique way. Please contact the parish office if you can volunteer with this program.
Saint David’s Summer Stories Returns A “not to miss” offering for the Sunday mornings of June 11th through July 30th!
June 2017 Page 3
Formation
Youth Ministry News Traffic Rules/Christian Rules
By Sommer Pearson, Ava Bandy, Matthew Duke, Molly Duke, Hannah Rayhab, and Gillian Spivak
Several weeks ago, our curriculum featured a lesson on compassion. While I felt strongly about the message, and knew that our young people would receive that message well, I sensed that the lesson as written wouldn’t translate with them, and I decided to go a different route. I presented them with Colossians 3:12, and we spent several weeks discussing why these specific instructions, including the directive to be compassionate, were given to us as Christians. This is what followed. - Sommer
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Over the past five weeks the Senior High Sunday School class has developed definitions for these five words from our own perspective. The purpose of this exercise was for us to deepen our understanding of how to be good Episcopalians in this crazy, hectic world. Not only did we discuss what it takes to be a good Christian, but also what it takes to be a good driver in Nashville! COMPASSION: choosing to understand in spite of your own emotional response
KINDNESS: the act of being helpful regardless of outcome or expectation HUMILITY: realizing you are equal GENTLENESS: softness of action PATIENCE: waiting without complaint Throughout the year we strengthened our understanding of various aspects of the Bible. We believe that if we all worked these words into our everyday lives, the world would be a better place.
-Ava, Matthew, Molly, Hannah and Gillian
Nursery Volunteers Needed By Allison Grimenstein and Sarah Riebau, Childcare Committee Chairpersons
Help Wanted! The Nursery Committee is looking for individuals who are willing to greet families as they drop their children off in the nursery and, if numbers are high, support our paid staff by staying during the 10:30 service to read and play with the children. Volunteers need only commit to 4 Sundays per year. Please e-mail Sarah Riebau ([email protected]) or Allison Grimenstein ([email protected])if you are able to serve in this capacity. Thank you for helping parents of young children enjoy worship upstairs while their little ones enjoy fellowship downstairs!
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Formation
Summer Reading List
Thank you to those who have sent in summer reading suggestions. Below are some favorite reads from your fellow parishioners:
From Julie Erwin:
Sanctuary of the Spirit by retired Bishop Steven Charleston (published and sold by Red Moon Publications) is a new compilation of meditations drawn from his Episcopal ministry and Native American heritage. I have found it to be an uplifting resource. With words such as " Rise up in hope again today, no matter what may seek to hold you down. If the world around you seems dark, then have faith that your own light will only shine the brighter" you may find inspiration and hope.
From Norman Gillis:
Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron, each chapter starts with an incredible religious or philosophical quote and there is a study guide at the end of the book. Pastor Chase Falson has lost his faith in God, the Bible, evangelical Christianity, and his super-sized megachurch. When he falls apart, the church elders tell him to go away: as far away as possible. Join Chase on his life-changing journey to Italy where, with a curious group of Franciscan friars, he struggles to resolve his crisis of faith by retracing the footsteps of Francis of Assisi, a saint whose simple way of loving Jesus changed the history of the world.
From Allison Grimenstein:
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. "A grumpy yet lovable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door", this story is about community, and about family being more than just who you are related to biologically.
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. Historical fiction novel based on the Grimke sisters during the abolitionist movement. Beautifully written, and a topic that spurs thoughtful discussions.
A Drop in the Ocean by Jenni Ogden. On her 49th birthday, Anna Fergusson, Boston neuroscientist and dedicated introvert, arrives at an unwanted crossroads when the funding for her research lab is cut; on impulse, she rents a cabin for a year on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Outlaw Christian: Finding Authentic Faith by Breaking the "Rules" by Jacqueline Bussie proposes a rebellious, life-giving, authentic alternative. Through captivating stories and with disarming honesty, Bussie gives concrete, practical strategies to help readers cultivate hope, seek joy, practice accompaniment, compost their pain, and rediscover the spiritual practice of lament.
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker, a poignant and inspirational love story set in Burma which is ultimately about love and resilience, and a very absorbing read perfect for the summer and the beach.
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande tackles the hardest challenge of his profession: how medicine can not only improve life but also the process of its ending. This book is SO important to read because it can lead to necessary conversations between partners, family members.
From Patti Morse:
We are Afghan Women. Voices of Hope by the George W. Bush Institute. Discover a compelling portrait of women in Afghanistan and their struggles and. Successes.
From Mary Jo Murphy:
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson and Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult.
From Eleanor Russell:
The spy stories by Daniel Silva, The Mark of the Assassin, through current novel. The central character is an Israeli art painter and restorer who is also a spy in Israeli intelligence, with many European contacts. A connection with the country we pray for.
(Continued on page 5)
June 2017 Page 5
Community
Norman Gillis (2018)
1. What is your favorite thing about Saint David’s? Saint David's!
2. What do you do for fun? Feed wild geese on the river, listen to my old vinyl collection, hang out with Laura.
3. What is your greatest strength and your greatest weakness? My spirit, and my spirit.
4. Name a time in your life when you felt God’s presence in a profound way. Holding a young child in tattered best clothing in Honduras so I could weigh her to administer worm medicine, thinking not only could I not converse with her mother, but that we would never see each other again, and plainly hearing out loud the words from Matthew 25:40.
5. What do you want to hear God say to you when you enter heaven? "I’m glad you believed that you would see and be with Me!”
Jonathan Raj (2018)
1. What is your favorite thing about Saint David’s? I love the people and the level of caring that everyone has for each other.
2. What do you do for fun? Meg and I love to travel as well as hike around the area. I also enjoy playing most racquet sports and keeping up with Kentucky Basketball.
3. What is your greatest strength and your greatest weakness? My greatest strength is probably my patience. I'm usually pretty good about keeping a cool head...but hey, I don't have kids yet! My greatest weakness is probably the fact that I don't like to admit when I'm wrong.
4. Name a time in your life when you felt God’s presence in a profound way. I had a motorcycle wreck 7 years or so ago on a scenic route and went tumbling on the road. God's protection allowed me to drive all the way back with only scrapes and bruises.
5. What do you want to hear God say to you when you enter heaven? “Welcome home, my son. I’ve been waiting for 100 years!”
THE VESTRY VOICE The Vestry Voice offers a means by which parishioners can get to know Vestry members in a new way.
From Suzie Shaw:
I would recommend Anne Lamott beginning with Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith. Father Rick often quoted her in his sermons.
From The Rev. Carolyn Coleman:
The Songs of Trees: Stories from Nature’s Great Connectors, by David G. Haskell, is an intriguing nonfiction book about how trees are the gathering places of myriad life forms. Balanced between a viewpoint toward sustainability and a scientific fascination with the variety of sounds of life that
various trees engender, Sewanee professor Haskell writes a book that is all kinds of rich.
The Golden Spruce: A True Story of Myth, Madness and Greed, by John Valliant, continues my theme of trees, but takes you on an engrossing journey to the Pacific Northwest forest. There, Valliant teaches about deforestation, genocide and capitalism.
Words Under The Words: Selected Poems, by Naomi Shihab Nye is a shot in the arm of something thick yet uplifting for the lover of poetry or provocative writings. Her famous “Kindness” is part of this collection.
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Community
Summer Swim and Potluck Picnic Supper!
Tuesday, June 27, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
805 Timber Lane
Join us for a swim and supper party at the home of the Rev. Molly Dale and Dr. Richard Smith, anytime between 5 and 8 p.m. (potluck dinner at 6). Bring the kids, go for a dip, or just lounge by the pool.
Please bring a favorite picnic item to share. Drinks and paper goods will be provided.
Onion Rings… These little reflections offer us insights into the lives of our brothers and sisters in the pews. If you would like to contribute, please submit your “ring” to the Parish Office by the third Sunday of the month.
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! Christopher Charles, David and Sue Strayhorn’s grandson, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point on May 27, 2017.
Logan Lechleiter, son of Price and Kit Lechleiter, received his degree in biochemistry, graduating from MTSU on May 6, 2017.
Matthew Duke, Laura Duke’s son, graduated from Linden Corner Waldorf School of Nashville on May 25 and will begin high school at Montgomery Bell Academy this fall.
June Anniversaries & Birthdays
So that we can offer a prayer of blessing to yet another spin around the sun, we will take a moment after the announcements on the first Sunday of each month to recognize anniversaries and birthdays. We’ll invite folks to come to the front so that we can pray over them and ask God’s continued blessing for another year. We will also print names and dates here so that you may remember them in your daily and weekly prayers. June Anniversaries June 1 Jennifer & Evan Sanders June 7 Chandler & Sam
Cartozzo June 8 Sherry & Dick Winecoff, Deborah & Jim Irwin June 9 Kaye & Nat Howry
Pam & Chad Schmidt June 11 Julie & John Erwin, Marlin & William
Sanders June 12 Carolyn & Chester
Schmidt, Stephanie & Jason
Spector June 15 Susan & Bud Wood June 17 Judy & Snake Grace, Martha & Tim Ross June 18 Margie & Roger Proctor June 22 Shelley & Jerry Gotterer June 24 Diana & Scott Gray June 25 Vicki & Peter Donets, Sarah & Derek Riebau June 27 Darlene Marsh & David Axford June Birthdays June 1 Nita Hill June 2 Suzie Shaw, Jack Farrar June 3 Heather Davidson June 4 Ann McNair June 5 Mary Jo Murphy, Robert
Green June 6 Xiangmeng Ge
June 7 Wally Leathers June 12 Miriam Downey, Max
Tidwell June 15 Kathie Dougan, Mimi
McMaster, Jim Irwin June 16 Judy Grace June 18 Andrew Spector June 20 Bill Sonricker June 21 Heather Cass June 23 James Weeks June 25 Kristen Frevert June 27 Nikki Hunt June 28 Roger Proctor June 29 Charlotte Huggins
June 2017 Page 7
Community
It's coming…
September 9-10, 2017 is our Homecoming Weekend &
Rally Day
By Julie Erwin
There are so many ways for you and your family to get in on our fun weekend coming in September. On Saturday, September 9, we will host a day of sharing our zillions of talented folks, and their talents! We need everyone to show up! What is your talent: baking, singing, tooting your horn, reading your poem, displaying your arts and crafts… what else? Call or message me for ways you can get involved. I'm going to be asking around so you can't hide! Let your light shine!!! The 2017-18 Christian Formation program for all ages will kick off at 9:15 am Sunday, September 10. There are also many opportunities for worship, growth, and exploration of our faith during the week, both daytime and evenings. Our showcasing of our talented community is but one way for us to celebrate Saint David’s and get involved. This kind of easy involvement will lead to other participation that can only lead to deeper spiritual growth. To volunteer or ask questions please contact Julie Erwin at 615-386-0464 or [email protected].
Get ready to shine!
Securing Our Future Loan Update!
Since Mary Leigh Rayhab issued the challenge at the annual meeting to pay down the Securing Our Future loan this year, $37,089 has been given
toward the principal of the loan.
Current SOF balance: $66,105.14. Snake Grace, Andrew Marannis, author of Strong Inside, the story of Perry Wallace, and Greg McNair at the May 7 Sunday Night Live!
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SERVICE
Dear Saint David’s Family,
As you know, I will be joining you as your Deacon on July 9. I am looking forward to meeting you and really getting to know you. I see this move as an opportunity for my church family to expand. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that I will arrive to serve among you with mixed emotions. By departing Saint Paul’s Franklin, I am leaving the church where my wife and I were married, where our daughter was baptized (and will soon be confirmed) and where I responded to my call to ordained ministry. You will see my wife and daughter occasionally, but as Carolyn’s letter to you earlier mentioned, my wife, Donna, is the Minister of Music at Saint Paul’s and will continue her work there. That said, I am truly excited about my new appointment and the vast array of possibilities that lie ahead for Saint David’s. My wife noted recently how energized and excited I sound when I speak of the hopes and dreams that Carolyn and I have already shared with each other. It is with great anticipation that I am watching and waiting to see what God has in mind for me, each of you, and for us collectively at Saint David’s. If you will indulge me, I will try to give you an idea of who I am and where I see my gifts as applied to ministry. Carolyn’s letter covered the broader view of my work within the Diocese and my paying job, so let me tell you what I have been doing most recently at Saint Paul’s and where my passions lie. A typical Sunday for me has consisted of serving in at least one Eucharist at Saint Paul’s, conducting either Morning or Noon Prayer with residents of NHC Cool Springs, and visiting others to deliver communion. Additionally, for the past few years, I have worked with our youth confirmation class. As our time together begins to settle, you may encounter me sharing the responsibilities in some of these areas. Outside of Sundays, I have been involved with Christian Formation, specifically as a Faith Leaders and EfM mentor. This is where one of my strongest passions lies. To quote the bishop as Carolyn did, I would like to affirm that I do have a “heart for the poor.” This can be seen in some of my diocesan-level involvement, but also in a project I have been working with in Franklin at the Franklin Community House. I will gladly share more about this ministry
as time permits. In keeping with my passion for Christian Formation, I participate regularly in “Courage Work” or “Circles of Trust” based in the work of Parker Palmer. Keep me around long enough, and I will certainly work Parker Palmer into a conversation at some point. My wife and I have also been studying the Enneagram and are certified instructors through the Institute for Conscious Being. This group takes an unapologetically Christian approach to the spirituality of the Enneagram, and we are both excited to share this work with anyone who is interested as well. For me personally, focusing my continuing education on these two outlets is moving me toward a personal goal of offering one-on-one spiritual direction. I love to cook and sing (having spent all four of my years at the University of the South in the choir), enjoy tromping through the woods, movies, travel, and have recently discovered that I have a gift for flower arranging. You may often find me taking part in one of these activities with my wife and daughter. I am excited about joining the Saint David’s family to serve with you as we carry out Christ work in the world. I welcome your phone calls and emails if you have more questions or ideas about our time to come.
Peace, Burns [email protected] mobile (615) 424-1453
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Service
A call for prayer, fasting for hunger awareness Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have issued a joint statement calling for prayer, fasting and advocacy. The statement, For Such a Time as This: A Call to Prayer, Fasting, and Advocacy, calls for fasting on the 21st of each month through December 2018, at which time the 115th Congress will conclude. The 21st of each month is targeted because by that time each month, 90% of SNAP (formerly food stamp) benefits have been used, thereby causing the last week of the month as the hungry week in America. The fast will launch with a group of national and local leaders doing a three-day fast together May 21-23. These leaders include Presiding Bishop Curry, Presiding Bishop Eaton, and leadership throughout the Episcopal Church. The following is transcript of the video.
“For Such a Time As This”: Joint Call to Prayer, Fasting, and Advocacy We are coming together as leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Episcopal Church to oppose deep cuts to programs that are vital to hungry people struggling with poverty. We make this call in anticipation of the May 21 Global Day of Prayer to End Famine. We highlight the importance of foreign assistance and humanitarian relief as members of the World Council of Churches. We also make a call to pray, fast, and advocate not just on May 21, but throughout the 115th Congress. At the invitation of Bread for the World, we join with ecumenical partners and pledge to lead our congregations and ministries in fasting, prayer and advocacy, recognizing the need to engage our hearts, bodies, and communities together to combat poverty. As the call to prayer articulates,
“We fast to fortify our advocacy in solidarity with families who are struggling with hunger. We fast to be in solidarity with neighbors who suffer famine, who have been displaced, and who are vulnerable to
conflict and climate change. We fast with immigrants who are trying to make a better future for their families and face the risk of deportation. We fast in solidarity with families on SNAP, who often run out of food by the last week of the month.”
Domestically, Americans throughout the country are struggling with poverty, and many government-funded programs allow them to care for and feed their families. As we look overseas, we must acknowledge that foreign assistance and humanitarian relief can help to address regions confronting famine and food insecurity, including South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and Lake Chad Basin. We will challenge proposals to eliminate or defund proven anti-poverty programs, at home and abroad. The story of Esther provides encouragement for our fasting, prayer and advocacy. Esther, a Jew, was the wife of the Persian king. When plans were made to slaughter all the Jews in the empire, Esther’s cousin Mordechai pleaded with her to go to the king and use her voice to advocate for them, even though this might place her life in danger. He urged her not to remain silent, as she may have been sent “for such a time as this.” Esther asked people to fast and pray with her for three days to fortify her advocacy before the king, resulting in saving the lives of her people. God’s intention is the flourishing of all people and we are called to participate in God’s loving purpose by standing with our neighbor who struggle with poverty and hunger. Following the Circle of Protection ecumenical fast in 2011 to fortify the faith community in opposing cuts to vital anti-poverty programs, we may have also have been prepared “for such a time as this”. We commit ourselves to and invite our members to one day of fasting every month to undergird our efforts to convince our members of Congress to protect poverty-focused programs.
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate, the Episcopal Church
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(Continued on page 10)
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Service
When does the fast begin? An opening three-day fast begins on Sunday, May 21. We will continue by fasting on the 21st day of each month through the close of the 115th Congress at the end of 2018. We fast on the 21st of the month because that is the day when 90% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits run out for families.
How do we fast? We are calling for prayer, fasting, and advocacy. Fasting is an effort to clear our bodies, our hearts, and our minds from the distractions around us so that we may be more present to God. Fasting from food is one option that many will choose. But we invite people to take on other disciplines of self-denial, such as fasting from technology, or particular habits, which will help them rely more fully on God. These days of fasting should also be days of advocacy to oppose cuts to public programs that help hungry people living in poverty. Individuals or congregations who participate in the fast will receive updates, prayer and advocacy action opportunities by signing up for either the Episcopal Public Policy Network or ELCA Advocacy. Prayer accompanies and undergirds the disciplines of fasting and advocacy. It roots our actions in our total reliance on God’s loving grace and mercy. Turning to God in prayer shapes our advocacy and informs our fasting, grounding our actions in God’s call to love and serve our neighbor.
Ways You Can and Have Helped Restore the World Through
Saint David’s
Saint David’s Endowment Committee Allocates Interest
The Endowment Fund Committee met on Sunday, May 21 and voted to split the 2016 fund interest to the following three non-profits, in equal gifts: Saint Luke’s Community House, Room In The Inn, and The Episcopal Day School of Nashville. There were no applicants for the Flo Jenkins Music Scholarship, so the amount of available interest will go to the Saint David’s Music Fund.
Saint David’s Enrolls in Kroger Community Rewards Program
Funds that come to Saint David’s through Kroger’s Community Rewards Program will be earmarked for our Service ministries, such as Room in the Inn, Saint Luke’s Community House, etc. Want to sign up? It is a fairly straight-forward program. Parish members (or friends) simply use their Kroger Plus card to register at krogercommunityrewards.com, using Saint David’s NPO number 72897. Click on “Sign In/Register.” If you are a new online customer, just click on “Sign up today” in the “New Customer?” box, and follow directions. When you get a message to check your email inbox, click on the link within the body of the email. If you currently use your phone number at the store register, call 800-576-4377, and select option 3 to get your Kroger Plus card number. You must swipe your registered Kroger Plus card, or use the phone number that is related to your registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.
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Service
Holiday Bazaar News! by Joan Green
Isn’t this the off season for the Bazaar? ?? Is there ever really an off season or are we in gear year round? What can we say: It is what we do!! We are always looking for things to repurpose and for inspiration. We find unique items that will become some of the foundations of our future craft projects. Part of our fun is in the off-season hunt!! Last December we heard that Dollar General had marked all Christmas items down to 25 cents. Lezette Thomason, Annette White, Derrill McRae, Betsey Dougan, and I all came home with bags full! We found Everything from holiday tags and tissue paper to small whatnots to help trim gift baskets. Annette and Lezette recently visited Montana and collected driftwood, dried cactus, and tiny pine cones. They always have a keen eye for supplies and inspiration to share. Eleanor Gibbons has crocheted hats, lap blankets and monsters! We can't wait to see what she has dropped off.
Cathy Hinton and David were cleaning out a closet and donated a large box of baskets. Could we use them...you bet! They even put them in the attic for us! Think of gift baskets and holiday hostess gifts. Betsey uses her skills at estate sales and to collect everything from pillow fluff and art supplies to tired wreaths and mini-trees for us to breath new
life into. Joan has been spray painting our wreath stands and working on the nuts and bolts of ideas and supplies which will come together to "magically" create our Holiday Bazaar. Heather Cass has agreed to help purchase new signage and to handle publicity again. Be on the lookout next fall for new signs leading the way to Saint David’s. Oh, I almost forgot! Have you heard about our new utility cart? I found it online and Betsey graciously donated it to the bazaar. She and Derrill
assembled it. It will make light of many heavy loads. Please feel free to use it. We ask that you please return it to the attic once you are done. Please Let us know if you are making something during the "off season" or maybe if you clean out your attic and find treasures we can repurpose.
KIVA.ORG—400 LOANS!
by Judy Grace
In October, 2007, the Saint David’s Vestry designated $300.00 to be invested in Kiva.org, an international micro-lending organization. Individuals or groups donate in increments of $25 to groups and individuals all over the world. As loans are repaid, that money is reinvested. The Vestry recently earmarked an additional $1,000 to Kiva from Souper Sunday proceeds. With that money, we were able to fund 40 more groups and individuals. Saint David’s is in the top 1% of micro-lenders through Kiva, and we have just made our 400th loan!
Loans help individuals and groups with food production, agriculture, construction, education, and housing. Loans have been made to war-torn countries, such as Iraq and Afghanistan while others have been made in the United States. One of our loans is to an artist who makes jewelry that has been featured at our bazaar. Loan repayment is over 97%; Saint David’s has invested in 83 countries to date. To review Saint David’s portfolio, go to www.kiva.org; E-mail address is [email protected]. The password is mission. Stories of the groups and individuals we are supporting can be found on the website.
Saint David’s has made loans in the following countries: Palestine, Cambodia, Paraguay, El Salvador, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, China, Nicaragua, Albania, Mexico, Tajikistan, Kosovo, Solomon Islands, Liberia, Kyrgyzstan Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Mali, Moldova, Timor Leste, Indonesia, Rwanda, Samoa, Bolivia, Guatemala, Peru, Haiti, Lebanon, Ecuador, and the United States. To donate (any amount), write a check payable to Saint David’s and marked “kiva.org”; your money will be invested immediately. Please specify if you desire a specific country and we will try to honor that request, depending upon availability.
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Service This is where I get my blessings….
by Betsey Duggan
On Monday mornings, dozens of cars fill the This 'n That Thrift Shop parking lot at the corner of Georgia Avenue and 51st, while inside seven members of Saint David's join about twenty other volunteers to inspect, sort, price, and display donated clothing, books, toys, jewelry, furnishings and assorted household items. At 10:00 AM on Tuesday thru Saturday mornings, excited customers enter and are assisted by some of these same individuals and seven additional Saint David's volunteers who work rotating schedules. The proceeds support Saint Luke's Child Development Center in an exciting circular giving process - a “win-win” for everyone. In the early years, volunteers surveyed individuals in the neighborhood and learned that child care services for working parents were greatly needed. To meet this request, volunteers began raising money through garage sales and received a sizable United Thank Offering grant. On April 1, 1971, a small shop opened on Charlotte Avenue, and in September, 1972, Saint Luke's Child Development Center welcomed the first children. This 'n That Thrift Shop moved to its current location in 1979. Saint David's members Eleanor Van Cleave, Martha Elliston and Dotty Schneider were among the early volunteers. Today, our church continues to have a many volunteers who work with others from varied backgrounds, neighborhoods and denominations. We are a cohesive, fun group, working together like a well-oiled machine. Saint David's members Kathy Carlson, Ann Caver, Vicki and James Donets, Lynne Gustave, Peggy Halperin, Jennifer Leathers, Marilyn Leathers, Gabi McDonald (Volunteer Chair), Mimi McMaster, Ann Means, Susan Moore, Sally Pierce, Margie Proctor, Dotty Rogers and Bonnie
Strickland work with me at various times. Eleanor Van Cleave, Suzy Shaw, Carson Fraser and Mary Hinton are now retired. Individuals, estates, jewelers, small business owners, and customers are among those who make donations and are offered a receipt for tax purposes. Things we cannot sell are often passed to other charitable organizations. Volunteers, drawn together by a common bond to reach out to others, give their time and talents. Our customers come from across Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. We know our regulars and they know us. We recently had some English tourists who enjoy “thrift shopping” on their travels. Others come while in Nashville for medical appointments or respite from their care-taking role. Ms. Cheap has featured us in the Tennessean
and Channel 4's Terry Bulger has popped in unannounced several times to film segments for “Bulger's Beat”. In addition, customers may see our website where they can learn basic shop information and our weekly specials. I began working at the thrift shop six years ago. In my role as Volunteer Chair, I had the opportunity to interact with about 80 individuals. My current role as President is a new
learning experience working in retail management. Both roles have given me a great deal of satisfaction. I am inspired by the creativity of our customers who can see our items and create something new, often for a family member or friend, or the customers who find the common, yet necessary item they need, such as a fan for an elderly friend. Recently, I had an unusual experience which made me realize we may offer or provide our customers more than “things”. A lady whom I did not recognize visited the shop and, after I greeted her, she sat for awhile, alone. Upon leaving, she told me she had received some bad news that day and had come to the shop to work through some issues. She felt this was a sanctuary for her,
June 2017 Page 13
Service
knowing she would be around cheerful people who would welcome her. This helped with her situation, and she felt encouraged and welcomed in a safe and happy environment – intangibles we all need. This helped with her situation, and she felt encouraged and welcomed in a safe and happy environment – intangibles we all need.
Why do we work here? Ask any volunteer and you will most likely get a variety of reasons. What we do is valuable as is the work of many charities. We provide a ministry to the community and they minister to us. It is a “win-win” for all.
Working here allows me to give back when I have been given so much. As a child in church, I was taught “It is more blessed to give than to receive” but, I thought the receiving was for others.
Yet, life has taught me to receive and it has been a humbling, painful, often guilt- ridden process. However, in a small way, I believe I am doing what I am supposed to do in thanksgiving for all I have received. This happens to be my calling.
This 'n That Thrift Shop continues to provide funds for Saint Luke's day care, offers reasonably-priced shopping for the neighborhood, and promotes opportunities for service, goals established nearly 50 years ago.
Additional volunteers are needed and we would love to have you join us. We have flexible hours - as few as three hours per month - and positions to suit each one's skills, lifestyle, and personal obligations.
Come and shop or just visit us at 5007 Georgia Avenue; Nashville 37209. We are open Tuesdays thru Fridays from 10:00 to 4:00 and Saturdays from 10:00 to 1:00. We are closed to customers on Mondays. (615) 292-4032, www.thisnthatnashville.com.
Dotty Rogers, Mimi McMaster, Margie Proctor
Carson Fraser, Betsey Duggan
Gabi McDonald, Jennifer Leathers, Susan Moore Lynne Gustave, Vicki Donets
Page 14 June 2017
Rector’s Note
D ear Good People of Saint David’s,
There is much going on in the world at present. Our country just withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord. Healthcare decisions
remain up in the air. Extremist attacks are following their annual seasonal increase around the world. North Korea… North Korea. Hillary Clinton is writing a book about her presidential campaign experience while our President continues to cope with allegations of campaign fraud. Hate crimes are on the rise. Meanwhile the grass and the trees grow. The birds eat my chicken feed (along with all the mice and squirrels in Sylvain Heights). Our dogs sleep on the rugs and the clouds cross the sky. Are these signs that the cosmos suffers from dis-ease as humanity does? Saint Paul seems to think that all of creation awaits with nervous anticipation—”groanings” as he would say—the final culmination of God’s restoring efforts. Given the oblivious pecking of the chickens and the relentless growth of the grass in my yard, I question that notion. Does the walnut in my backyard feel the same itchiness about flooding that our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka do? Do the fireflies who soften any anxious heart in the early evening twitch with restless wonder about the future of the magic they provide? I am so mired in my human world with its human pace and human concerns that I am unable to see fully the web of connection that would allow me to answer yes to these questions. Science tells me that the answer is yes. But religion gives me the answer to why. My theology follows. There is much fear in the world. Concern, fretfulness, angst. Our muscles tense and we purse our lips. We blame and name evils. We separate and distance ourselves. We come to church and eat the bread, but sometimes we let the fear win. Can we let it win for an inning? a set? a quarter? If we must let it win at all? Can we let it not take the entire game? Aren’t we made of sterner stuff, aren’t we made of light? I think we let fear win at times because it is easier than acknowledging our duplicity with failure. Our Jewish ancestors were well in touch with this acknowledgement. We say we don’t like the Old Testament because it’s full of wrathful language and violent acts of a vengeful god. But we forget that we humans wrote these stories about our experience of being in relationship with a god at all. This god, for our
ancestors, was one who gave and gave and gave. When the people realized their failure to be stewards of such care and provision, usually it was too late. Their paltry actions to take care of their gifts led to famine and disease and war and worse. The tough words express the culpability and contrition of originally grateful people who overlooked or forgot their gifts from the Divine. Sometimes this was done innocently and out of finitude, sometimes willfully (still, out of finitude). What have we taken for granted? The strawberry in winter, a thing that shouldn't be? Our daily warm shower? Our relatively peaceable country? (Relative to other countries, that is.) We humans are capable of such remarkable imagination and ingenuity, and yet sometimes that extraordinariness is what keeps us from appreciating the remarkable imagination and ingenuity of the Divine at work in Its creation. We get distracted. We miss the mark. We deny our role. We make a mess. We fear. And sometimes we let fear win. Let’s not, okay? Let’s not forget from where we come—God’s own imagination and God’s own breath.
It’s too vast to comprehend, but boy is it beautiful to try to grasp! Instead of fearing, let’s occupy ourselves with seeking to understand what seems incomprehensible, and connecting what seems disconnected. Let’s scratch around in the dirt and make stuff grow. Let’s hope. Let’s name where we went wrong and move on into better ways. Let’s be stewards, and wear the evidence of
God’s imagination on how we relate with other humans, animals, insects, green things, the air, whether it is hot and damp or cold and dry.
God is much bigger than we are. So is fear. But fear is not bigger than God. Psalm 90 announces the words of somebody who understands this profoundly. Like the psalmist we would do well to inoculate our fear with the embrace of our smallness, holding ourselves precious and beloved, along with the multiplicity of small creatures and small creations under heaven. Perhaps this embrace will hasten the coming of a restored creation and the end of such fearsome groaning.
In peace and with courageous hope,
June 2017 Page 15
Sharing the Good News
One Snappy Way To Be a Steward of Saint David’s Story By John Kitch, Senior Warden I have a lot of lapel pins from various organizations and events. These are outward, visible signs of membership and participation, and I used to rotate them, depending on where I was going and what I was going to be doing. Lately, however, I have been wearing just one. It’s the Senior Warden pin Reverend Carolyn gave me when she commissioned the Vestry and officers in January. I wear it to my office, to court, and whenever else I wear a suit. I wear it not only because I’m honored to be Senior Warden of Saint David’s, which I certainly am, but because of the responsibility I have to be a steward of the church’s mission, to “restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ” (BCP, p. 855). So, my pin is an outward, visible sign that I am a steward of God’s gifts. It also is an invitation to others to talk with me about my church and to give me an opportunity to invite them to visit us. Finally, it constantly reminds me that I am blessed to be a member of a vibrant, loving, and welcoming church perched on a hillside in West Meade. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Psalm 90
1. Lord, you have been our dwelling-place in all generations.
2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3. You turn us back to dust, and say, ‘Turn back, you mortals.’
4. For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.
5. You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning;
6. in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.
7. For we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are overwhelmed.
8. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
9. For all our days pass away under your wrath; our years come to an end like a sigh.
10. The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.
11. Who considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due to you.
12. So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.
13. Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants!
14. Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil.
16. Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.
17. Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands— O prosper the work of our hands!
Set the pledge card aside for a
second. Stewardship is more than
the annual commitment we put on
paper. It is being a steward in all
sectors of our life. How are you
empowered to be a steward of the
life God provides?
Page 16 June 2017
News From the Task Force on Anti-Racism
The Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee, in collaboration with Lipscomb University’s Christian Scholars Conference, will conduct a sacred service memorializing the victims of lynching and racial terror in Davidson County, 1870-1944. The service begins at 9:00 a.m. in Fisk Chapel, North Nashville. At the conclusion of the service, a permanent historical marker will be dedicated on the campus of Saint Anselm’s Episcopal Church nearby. Register at https://secure.lipscomb.edu/csc/registration.
Task Force on Pastoral Response to the LGBTQ Members of the Diocese of Tennessee
by Susan Huggins Over the last few months, the Same-sex Liturgy Task Force has been gathering to develop a process
for conducting parish-wide and diocesan-wide meetings to have conversations concerning the Same-sex Trial Liturgy passed at General Convention 2015.
We held a retreat at Saint Mary’s Sewanee to begin to discern the best path to take. Through the course of that discernment and our experience with being asked to facilitate a parish-wide discussion on this topic back in March, we recognized the need for our group to undergo facilitator training by a trained professional. We feel it is important for these conversations to be conducted using a uniform method and, now that we have had that training, we are prepared to do just that.
Over the next few weeks, we will be planning and advertising diocesan-wide meetings to be held starting in late June and continuing through the summer and early fall. We have also reached out to the Clergy of the Diocese to offer parish-wide conversations if they so desire for their home parishes.
Based on the diocesan resolution that guides our work (see text below), our goal is to create a safe space where these conversations can be held and facilitate them in such a manner as to allow individuals to listen to one another’s thoughts and concerns.
(Text from Resolution) Specifically, this Convention directs that the Task Force organize Diocesan-wide gatherings to inquire
after the effect of the requirement for a Bishop’s permission in the application of the Trial Use liturgical texts for marriage on local congregations and local clergy.
We know for many in the Diocese, this process is taking longer than what you might have hoped.
However, our Task Force feels like this additional planning and preparation will help us to truly live out the intention of the resolution.
Sharing the Good News
June 2017 Page 17
Lay Ministry Schedule
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Page 18 June 2017
June Calendar
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2 6:00 pm First Friday Fire Night
3 9:30 am DOK
4 PENTECOST 8:00 am Holy Eucharist 9:00 am Potluck Brunch 9:40 am Adult Choir 10:30 am Choral Eucharist & Holy Baptism
5 8:00 am A New Leaf 10:30 am Bible Study
6 8:00 am A New Leaf 5:30 pm Executive Committee Meeting
7 8:00 am A New Leaf 8:15 am Morning Prayer 12:00 pm Visitation for Dolores Rayhab 2:00 pm Funeral with Holy Eucharist 6:00 pm Healing Service
8 8:00 am A New Leaf
9 8:00 am A New Leaf
10
11 Pentecost I 8:00 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 am Choral Eucharist & Summer Stories 11:45 am Lemonade & Cookies
12 8:00 am A New Leaf 10:30 am Bible Study
13 8:00 am - A New Leaf 6:30 pm Vestry Dinner 7:00 pm Vestry Meeting
14 8:00 am A New Leaf 8:15 am Morning Prayer
15 8:00 am A New Leaf
16 8:00 am A New Leaf
17
18 Pentecost II Father’s Day 8:00 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 am Choral Eucharist & Summer Stories 11:45 am Lemonade & Cookies
19 8:00 am A New Leaf 10:30 am Bible Study
20 8:00 am A New Leaf JULY WILD ONION DEADLINE 6:00 pm Homecoming Committee Meeting
21 8:00 am A New Leaf 8:15 am Morning Prayer
22 8:00 am A New Leaf
23 8:00 am A New Leaf
24
25 Pentecost III 8:00 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 am Choral Eucharist & Summer Stories 11:45 am Lemonade & Cookies
26 8:00 am A New Leaf 10:30 am Bible Study
27 8:00 am A New Leaf 5:00 pm Swim and Supper Party
28 8:00 am A New Leaf 8:15 am Morning Prayer
29 8:00 am A New Leaf
30 8:00 am A New Leaf
June 2017 Page 19
Diocese
Page 20 June 2017
Saint David’s Episcopal Church 6501 Pennywell Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37205
Lemonade and Cookies!
Please join us on the narthex porch and consider signing the
sheet on the bulletin board across from the kitchen if you can host
this ministry on a Sunday. Supplies are provided.
The Flower Guild has been out-doing themselves this spring! Who knew banana leaves could be such an addition to the integ-rity of our liturgy. Thank you to all Saint David’s floral artists for sharing your gifts with us and inspiring our gratitude on Sun-days.