THE TOWER

A newsletter by and for the people of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, East Hampton, NY

Lent 2012 After celebrating such wonderful services as Christ-mas, Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord and going through several weeks of getting to know the Gospel of Mark, in the middle of February we are confronted with the liturgical season of Lent. Ash Wednesday starts us on the journey of what is re-ferred to as the “Lenten Discipline.” That discipline is summarized in the “Invitation to the Observance of a Holy Lent” BCP 264. (Lent) is a season of penitence and fasting….I invite you therefore, in the name of the Church, to the obser-vance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repen-tance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by read-ing and meditating on God’s holy Word.” In that instruction are some words that might make us uncomfortable. Lent is a season of penitence and fast-ing. To do penance means to truly make an inner evaluation of what we have done and are doing with our lives in relationship to self, others and God. When we find ourselves needing to adjust we do something to do that. Much as we would with our health of body, so we need to do that for the health of our souls. It’s like the doctor telling us that we need to stop using sugar or salt because of diabetes or high blood pressure. The penance is the actively doing something that is better for us, making a choice that will be of benefit to us in the long run. We accomplish all of this by prayer. Prayer is our en-tering into dialogue with God. Prayer is our response to the words we hear God speaking to us first. The first word God spoke was that we were very good and that we were very loved. How do we respond to those words? How have we allowed those words to make a difference in our lives? When I read the scriptures do I take the time to listen to their words inwardly not just

FEBRUARY 2012 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 01

with my ears? How am I challenged by those words so that they make a difference in my life as I interact with others? Prayer is not just about words it is also about actions. When we enter a sincere and deep dialogue with someone else and that interaction has been pro-found we find it has an impact on what we do. So too with prayer. When we hear that in Christ there is no “Jew or Gentile, no male or female, no freeman or slave” do we treat each person we encounter with that same magnificent graciousness as how God treats us? To fast is not just about giving something up—like candy, chocolate, or alcohol. Fasting is about taking control of something in my life that not only has an impact on my life but others. Some alternative forms of fasting are to step away from gossip; to eat more sensibly and exercise more; to make the extra effort of coming to church on Sunday morning rather than sit-ting on the couch and reading the paper with morning coffee/tea in hand. In some way fasting is self-denial only to the point that we focus not on ourselves but on others. Lent is a time to focus less on “me” and to focus on the needs of oth-ers. Part of the self-denial is the giving of alms. Let’s say this Lent that maybe at one meal of the week you eat something simpler than what you normally would have had—take what would have been the cost for din-ner of the meal you did not eat and put that towards the poor (use the poor box as you enter Church) or give to the Outreach Committee to use towards Maureen’s Ha-ven. Lent is a good time to take stock of our lives and the direction we’re headed. Join us on February 22, Ash Wednesday at 7:00 AM for Morning Prayer/Ashes, or 10:00 AM and again at 7:00 PM for Holy Eucharist and Ashes. Fr. Denis X

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St. Luke’s Staff Rector Denis C. Brunelle Work: 631-329-0990, x11 Rectory: 631-324-6699 Emergency: 516-702-4295 Email: rector@stlukeseasthampton.org Parish Administrator Tara Mansir Work: 631-329-0990, x10 Email: tower18@stlukeseasthampton.org Parish Bookkeeper Tara Brinka Work: 631-329-0990, x12 Email: bookkeeper@stlukeseasthampton.org Music Director Robert Peterson Cell: 631-495-7646 Email: bobbypeterson1@gmail.com Verger Oscar Giles Home: 631-324-6607

St. Luke’s Vestry Senior Warden Robert Biondo Cell: 631-387-5850 Junior Warden Martha Murray Cell: 631-987-7707 Treasurer Brian Craig Cell: 917-848-1915 Clerk of Vestry Merle Aaron Home: 631-668-2511 Vestry Members Mary Busch Home: 631-324-6236 Rebecca Chapman Cell: 631-871-8816 Lys Marigold Home: 631-324-1126 Gilbert Meister Cell: 917-612-0549 Brian Niggles Cell: 516-885-4783 Gail Parker Home: 631-324-0955 Philip Tutino Cell: 516-241-7718

KEEP THEM IN PRAYER

“O Christ the Healer of all who come to you, enfold in your loving embrace those who have asked us to pray

for them, bring them the fullness of health in body, mind and spirit that they may ever walk in your love.

We also entrust to your care those who look after them, aid them, and love them. Give them courage to walk this

journey and the knowledge that you are by their side. Amen.”

Abby Fleming Bill Bain Louise Freytag Elda Valverde Nanci Valadares Herman Emmet Lynn Wolge Steve Thomas Mildred Conklin Betty Cobb Deacon Lorraine Cusick Tara Mansir Betty Dement Sandra Cantey Jackson Peddy, Jr. Leslie Dickerson Sloan Chapman Barbara D’Arcy White Ingrid Remkus Julian Abbott Edwin Geus Nettie Stevens Sandra Averzano We also remember those who are ill but have asked that their names not be published. The Lord knows who they are and through our prayers reaches out and heals them.

Congratulations Nick and Lisa (Miller) Moser married at St. Luke’s September 25, 2011:

A note from Charlie Miller, one of our youngsters, on his experience of being an usher during the Family Ser-vice on January 8, 2012. Charlie is also one of our steady acolytes and we thank him for that service as well. My first time as an usher or greeter was fun. This is a service that I like doing for my church. I liked to see who came in for the church service because some are relatives and friends. Learning how to carry the water and wine up to the altar, also passing the collection plates was easy with Oscar and Mr. Van Scoyoc helping me.

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Advent Day of Quiet In December we had an Advent Quiet Day with the op-portunity to walk a Labyrinth. The people who partici-pated found that walking the Labyrinth took them deeper and deeper in their journey with the Lord. “I found the journey to be very moving and the experi-ence brought me closer to the Lord each time we walked.” (Jean Clancy) “In my normal life I rush to everything in the city. The Labyrinth walk forced me to slow down and take con-sideration of those who were walking along the path with me.” (Linda Melville) “At first I didn’t see how this canvas thing with a design was going to be effective or moving. But I found each time we walked the labyrinth I was moved deeper and deeper into my heart to walk and contemplate how much the Lord loved me and made me aware of those walking along with me on this journey of life.” (Dianne Benson)

“I found myself losing track of where I was but for the first time I stayed with the walk instead of giving up and found myself completing the journey.” (Kathleen Dreelan) “The last time we did the Labyrinth walk I found it dif-ficult to leave the journey. I didn’t want it to end. The this last time standing in the center was a time for me of understanding how much I’m loved and how I’m called to love others.” (Lysbeth Marigold.) “The journey of the Labyrinth helped me to put aside for today all the things that crowd my mind and keep me distracted from the Lord.” (Charlie Riggi) “This day was important for me as someone who be-lieves in Jesus. Getting to the center of the Labyrinth, or getting to the heart of Jesus, was hard at first but each time it became easier. Thank you.” (Christian Vil-leneuve.)

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Women’s Group News!

Join us the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00 PM in the second floor Guild Room of the Parish House for our meetings.

St. Luke’s Centennial Cookbook is on the way! We need 200+ tried and true recipes of all sorts and categories. Submissions may be handed in to the church office or emailed to Bonnie Pawlowski at pawspaws1@verizon.net. Please proof

read your recipes carefully and do not forget to sign your name. You may add comments regarding the recipe, such as family traditions, etc.

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REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EXCITING TOUR!

In August 2012, I am leading a tour of England and Scotland, with a special stop in York for the York Medieval Mystery Plays 2012, in celebration of the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Ju-bilee. The plays return to the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey (covered seating is provided) for the first

time in 40 years.

The York Mystery (Corpus Christi) Plays are a magnificent example of medieval drama. Using the colorful language of medieval Yorkshire, they present the 'history of the world' from the mys-

tery of God's creation, through the birth, passion, death and resurrection of Christ, to the Last Judgment.

This 11 day tour will include arrival in London, travel to Salisbury, Stonehenge and on to Bristol.

Visit Bath, and Stratford-upon-Avon, to the Lake District, then on to Edinburg, for two nights. Going on to York for an overnight and the plays. We conclude with a trip to Oxford and then on

to London for three nights and two days of fun. Price will be $2,999 (plus taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees—currently estimated at about $550) and include tickets to the York Plays.

If interested in joining the tour please contact me, as soon as possible, at 631-329-0990, ext. 11

E-mail: rector@stlukeseasthampton.org to receive your brochure.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND

FEATURING

THE MARVELOUS MEDIEVAL YORK MYSTERY PLAYS

11 DAYS TOUR

AUGUST 15—26, 2012

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YOUNG AT HEART CONCERT WAS AN EVENING OF TALENT & FUN!

Brian Niggles, event coordinator, writes: “Hoie Hall came alive on Friday December 30th with a spectacular array of local talent. The night was very successful due to the amazing musicians who sang and played their in-struments. It was a joy to see members of our parish, as well as people not affiliated with St. Luke's, there sing-ing, dancing, and having a great time. Audience mem-bers of all ages enjoyed the wide variety of acts includ-

ing soloists Dylan Greene, Thomas Van Scoyoc, Lisa Lakeman, Kathryn Ryan, Allison Charde, and Katie Joe Fioriello. There were also several breath-taking instrumentalists including Stephen Marinski, Jonathon Howe, and Brad Beyer. The East Hamp-ton High School Camerata captivated the audience

as well with selections from their winter concert. Kathy Byrnes and Bonnie Engelhardt had the entire hall in stitches with their rendition of "Crocodile Rock" performed by Oscar Giles, and their comical "Chain of Fools."

The venue was also host to a talented group of tap dancers comprised of Anita Boyer, Meagan Schmid, Kate Havlicek, and our very own Bobby Peterson! In all, the night was a sensational way to welcome the New Year. It is remarkable how gifted our performers are. The audience that was present, as well as myself, were in awe throughout the evening. My gratitude goes out to the friends, parents, and community members who joined us for the event and the stunning performers who brought such excitement to our new parish hall."

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THANK YOU! On December 30th St Luke’s presented its first “Young at Heart” Concert initiated by Brian Niggles, St Luke’s youngest Vestry member. Brian organized the event to showcase the musical talents of young adults in our community. In addition to the songs, dances and instrumentals of the young, there were songs and skits by well-known, “less young” members of St Luke’s congregation. The free concert was deemed a roaring success by the more than 100 who attended. Consensus is to make this an annual event. Thanks to Gilbert Meister, Brian Craig, Merle Aaron, Carolyn Snyder, and Philip Tutino who contributed to the purchase of the stage—now a permanent addition to St Luke’s inventory. And also, thanks to Lisa Nig-gles and Round Swamp Farm who provided punch and cookies at intermission. A special thanks to Brian Craig who also helped us purchase a portable sound system as well.

CHRISTMAS THANKS On December 25, Christmas morning, during the 9 AM service, I spoke the following words to those in attendance that morning: "Father Brunelle, Your tenure here as our Rector has been both elevat-ing and educational. Your service has been self-less......and our appreciation has been understated!!! I am thanking you now for all you do-- from all of us. Merry Christmas. " Robert Biondo, Senior Warden. Fr. Brunelle extended his gratitude to the Altar Guild, the Choir, our Music Director—Bobby Peterson, the Readers, Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers/Greeters, Sunday School teachers for the Christmas Pageant, Office staff, and everyone who helped in some way to decorate the church, to make the Christ-mas services so beautiful, and for the whole congrega-tion coming together this year in love and joy.

HOLY COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION In the Episcopal Church all people who are baptized are welcome to receive the Holy Eucharist. This in-cludes children of all ages. This practice comes from the old Orthodox practice of Full Initiation (Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Eucharist). It is clear that par-ents need to make a conscientious decision as to when their child may receive. The Sunday School offers an Holy Communion In-struction unit that seeks to give all of our children the necessary understanding of what it is that we do when we receive communion. We do not celebrate “First Communion” Sunday because we have such a wide variety of children receiving communion at differing ages. On May 6, our children who are participating in the Holy Communion Instruction Unit will be recognized with a certificate and for some of our children they will receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time. Join us for that Family Service at 10 AM. - Teresa Schurr

A Confirmation Class being set up. Confirmation in the Episcopal Church is a sacrament where a person pub-licly reaffirms the promises made at Baptism on their behalf by their parents and Godparents. It is supposed to be a “mature assent to the faith” received. Registration is open for all those interested in being confirmed by the Bishop near the end of summer or in early fall. If interested please call the church office. Those participating must attend all 10 sessions of the class to be confirmed. We would like to begin this class at the end of February during the season of Lent and then into Easter Season. A meeting of parents will be scheduled to discuss the class. The minimum age for the Diocese of Long Island is 13 years old. If there are adults who wish to be confirmed or re-ceived into the Episcopal Church please contact Fr. Brunelle in the church office. -Colleen Stonemetz

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APPROVED VESTRY MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 19, 2011 MEETING

Following morning service in the chapel, meeting started at 9.35am. Father Brunelle introduced our guest, the Archdeacon of Suffolk County, Archdeacon Hickman Alexandre. He currently serves at St Mark’s Parish in Medford and St. James’, Brookhaven. He invited all the members to share their thoughts on the direction of the Parish. He was very grateful for the sharing and invited us to be leaders in the East End on ministry. Treasurer: Brian Craig reported that the October ex-penses were higher than usual – $41,255.00, some of this was expected and included the insurance. He said he went through the operating budget and said contrary to the general thought; most of our income was at the end and the beginning of the year. He said it is clear that we needed the House Tour and the Summer Fair to meet our mid-year operation costs. The budget for 2012 was presented and passed after some good discus-sion. Financial Committee Recommendation: The finan-cial Committee met and made the following recom-mendation: Set up two accounts with Vanguard. They recommend a fixed income of 10%, but should main-tain flexibility in case opportunity opens. The recom-mendation is to have 3 months of operating cost very liquid. The question of Socially Responsible Investing was raised. Mr. Craig said it should be included on the agenda for the next meeting, since he believed that the Vestry should have guidelines as to which companies we should invest in. Parish House: Mr. Tutino said we had $17,000.00 in the bank. A check for $25,000.00 was received and was used to pay our last bill. There are no changes in the amount outstanding to the Endowment Fund and the amount in the outstanding loan. Fellowship: Ms. Parker said the new directory is al-most complete. She said there was still some out-standing work to be completed before it is sent to Fr. Brunelle for review. The committee’s goal is to have it ready by Christmas. Christian Education: Ms. Chapman reported that Ed Krug had recruited a few members for the men group so they are getting the group going. Ms. Murray said

that when a date and time are available it should be included in the bulletin and the Tower. Youth Committee: Mr. Niggles said he is excited about the Winter Youth Concert. He reported that he had some good talent lined up and thanked Ms. Murray and Ms. Parker for agreeing to be hostesses. He is looking to purchase a portable stage, and has received underwriting for that purchase. The date for the Concert is 12.30.11. Outreach Committee: Ms. Busch said the Spaghetti dinner was rescheduled to January 14th, 2012. She said the Christmas cards were almost sold out and a reor-der has been made. Choral. She also reported that there are ongoing meetings to determine the work nec-essary for the Design Show house, and to bring the rectory to code compliance. Stewardship: Mr. Meister reported that to date 35 pledges had been received totaling $92,000.00. Senior Warden: Mr. Biondo reported that the furnace in the Rectory was up and running, and a decision on where the $9,000.00 paid for the work was made. Junior Warden: Ms. Murray inquired about the vari-ous legal fees and asked the status of the impending case. There is concern among some parishioners about the “nickel and diming” of things. As noted “free things cost” and where do funds for these free things come from in the budget? If people were helping to support the full program of the parish by their pledges we wouldn’t be in the position of having to have things that require fees. Rector’s Report: Fr. Brunelle thanked members for the new furnace in the rectory and for their support during the recent loss of his father. He announced that the Ecumenical Thanksgiving service will be at Springs Presbyterian Church at 4.30pm on Sunday November 20th. He also shared the upcoming Christ-mas schedule with the Vestry. There will be no Vestry meeting in December; the next meeting will be on January 21st, 2012. There be-ing no further business, meeting ended at 12.10pm.

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Saturday, March 10, 2012

Hoie Hall—4:00 PM Lucas Hunt, Poet

will read from his poetry and sign his latest volume.

Lucas Hunt was born in rural Iowa. His debut collection of poetry, Lives, was published to critical acclaim in 2006. His poems have ap-peared in many literary reviews, including Slice, The Southampton Review, Anderbo, and Confrontation. Hunt studied at the University of Iowa Writers Workshop, and in the MFA program at Southampton College. He is the recipient of a John Steinbeck Award for poetry. He lives in East Hampton, NY, where he works at a literary agency.

About Light on the Concrete: In his second volume of poetry, American poet Lucas Hunt captures our hunger for hap-piness at its most intense. These are poems that anticipate love and unveil the primal world of our senses. Light on the Concrete is reminiscent of Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, and Ezra Pound, while echoing such contemporary greats as Richard Wilbur, Timothy Steele, and Thom Gunn. Lucas Hunt’s voice is lyrical, abstract, and fearless. Light on the Concrete presents those moments of beauty and unrest that define our lives. Join us and invite a friend for this exciting event.

East Hampton Poet to Give Reading in Hoie Hall

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PICTURES FROM PARISH EVENTS

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Christmas at St. Luke’s

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Upcoming Events

The East Hampton Clericus has initiated their annual Community Soup Dinners. Each congregation in East Hampton takes part by providing a part of the meal for those who are going without warm meals during the cold season. Each first Wednesday of the month until March are the dates we provide a healthy and warm meal and fellowship to those in need. The next Soup Supper is scheduled for Wednesday, February 1 from 5 PM until 7 PM. All members of the community are welcome to participate in this FREE event. Come to Most Holy Trinity Parish Hall . Enjoy some fellowship with your fellow travelers along life’s journey.

The Outreach Committee invites you to the Sunday Morning Pancake Breakfast on February 5. The breakfast time is from 8:00 AM until noon on Sunday. The price is $7 for pancakes, sausages, juice, applesauce, coffee or tea. The proceeds from these breakfasts go to fund the College Scholarship Fund, and various outreach ministries that the congregation supports in the local community. Bring a friend to church and to our wonderful breakfast. Volunteers are needed to help set up, serve, clean-up and wash dishes. Please see Holly Whitmore for further details on how you can help.

The St. Luke’s Annual Clam Chowder Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, Feb-ruary 11, 2012 from 4:30 PM until 7:30 PM. Spread the word, spread the news, let’s make this a sell out again this year. The mastery of chefs Oscar Giles, Bob Budd and Steve Thorson make this a most popular event for the Outreach Com-mittee. A great time for the family to be together around a table, or for those who are alone to be with others to break bread and share a warm bowl of chowder.

Music at St. Luke’s announces the third of our four Saturday afternoon con-certs for the fall and winter season: Saturday, February 25 at 4:00 PM—Composer-Pianists, Jonathan Katz, William McNally and Christopher Schmitt will perform pieces by Katz, Kodaly, Barber, and McNally. Finally on Saturday, March 24 at 4:00 PM—Pianist, Darla Rabotkina (and guest William McNally), will perform works by Schubert, Schumann and Brahms. Please put these dates on your calendar and join us for Music at St. Luke’s.

Knitters are always needed for the “Christmas at Sea Program” at the Seaman’s Institute. If you are interested in knitting simple caps, scarves, mittens or vests for this program (the yarn is provided to you) please contact Bonnie Pawlowski at 631-324-1151.

Maureen’s Haven is up and running and St. Luke’s was scheduled for three nights. Jane Wood is our coordinator for this important outreach ministry to the homeless in EH. We are hosting our third supper and the overnight on Friday: February 17. We do need volunteers to join us those evenings. Contact the Parish Office for more information.

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THE TOWER St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

18 James Lane East Hampton, NY 11937

631-329-0990 FAX 631-329-1674 Email: tower18@stlukeseasthampton.org

www.stlukeseasthampton.org

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Permit No. 11

Wainscott, NY 11975

Schedule of services Sunday: 8:00 AM Sunday: Holy Eucharist 10:00 AM Sunday: Choral Eucharist Service Nursery care is provided during the 10 AM service. Sunday School begins at 10:00. Wednesday: 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist followed by Bible Study.