| CHIMES Our Newsletter July 2010 |
| 667 Mount Road, Aston, PA 19014 610-459-2013 |
| Our Mission: To worship the Lord To serve the community To grow the church |
I’m shocked at how much I sound like my Dad. I’ll open my mouth and somehow
Dave Messer comes out. Last night this was especially so. While I was putting
these knucklehead children of mine to bed, I open my mouth and out comes in
this irritated southern drawl, “I don’t mean maybe, go to bed! Don’t make me
come up there and take my belt off!” Instead of fear and unconditional
compliance it instilled in me when I was 9, I get a chorus of giggles and whispers
of, “Do it again!.”
I find myself carrying on a one sided conversation with the television like my
father does also. Diane can’t be in the same room with me when a ball game is
on. She refuses to be anywhere near when I watch the news. I get so easily
irritated listening to these talking heads discussing other talking heads about all
the bad news that seems to come out of every corner of the globe. In frustration
I’ll bark at the screen like Dave would, “You have got to be kidding me!” or using
other colorful language that is prohibited in this venue but to the effect of, “Y’all
are a bunch of (explicative). I can’t stand to watch this (explicative).” And
somewhere I’ll hear, “Chuck, who are you talking to? Keep it down!”
My dad is a pessimist. He’s one of those ‘the glass is half empty’ kinds of guys. It’
s easy for me to become like that. But every once in a while, I’ll get reminded that
I’m not Dave Messer incarnate and catch a glimpse of just how much good there
is in the world and how much promise there is. I especially see this in our
children here at Calvary.
Sunday after Sunday I am overjoyed to see so many children here for worship. I
get such a kick watching them enter the sanctuary from Sunday school as we
begin communion. Happy faces and marker stained fingers are held up for me to
give them communion. A wise priest once told me that the noise of children is
the music of heaven. It’s through their promise of tomorrow that we hope God
will work through them to make a better world.
Like many of you, my heart breaks watching the reports of the catastrophic
ecological disaster that has hit the Gulf of Mexico. I wonder if you shout at the
television with colorful language like me watching this awful thing happen. Oil
soaked birds unable to spread their wings due to the heavy black sludge that
oozes over the green waters of the Gulf have pushed me into serious
pessimism. How will the Gulf ever fixed? How will the economies of Florida,
Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana ever recover? Will multi-national
corporations and their pursuit of the bottom line trump our desire to conserve
our environment and share the resources of the world freely? Will we ever
develop alternative renewable energy sources so that we can wean ourselves
off finite fossil fuels?
Like you, I don’t have the answers to these questions. But what gives me hope
for the future are the faces of our snotty-nosed and Kool-Aid stained lips of the
children of this parish. Who’s to say that one day Rocky Albano won’t discover
a way to develop new ways to fuel our cars without the use of oil? What if Lilla
McNerney helped develop the first manned colony on Mars? What if Lindsay
Reisinger inspired millions to care as President of the United States to care for
our planet in ways we never thought possible? Is it too much to hope that
Alyson Dreyer could be the one who finds a cure for cancer? Is it possible that
we have in our very midst the ones whom God will use when they become
adults to bring a new era of peace and justice as scientists, presidents, doctors,
lawyers, teachers, police and firemen, electricians and computer programmers,
and moms and dads? The answer is yes.
We need you to help them bring about these untold riches that the future holds
within our children. We need you to inspire them in Sunday school. We need
you to care for our infants and toddlers. We need you as positive influences to
our youth and develop a safe community for them to know what Christian
friendships are about. If we want a better future then we must invest in the
children of this church. Will our children have faith? Will our faith have children
to pass it to? These children need you. Will you answer God’s call?
The signs of the kingdom breaking into our world are everywhere. Hope for a
brighter future, not just in our world, but for our church home is found in these
children. Beginning July 11th our Vacation Bible School begins. For two and
half hours a small but dedicated group of parishioners will shepherd these little
ones to create an environment where God can do only what God alone can do:
instill hope and radical optimism in God’s grace and the love we’re to have for
one another.
There’s a great quote from Jon Landau, former rock critic for Rolling Stone. One
night Jon Landau went to see this unknown singer songwriter who’s been
wowing audiences on the Jersey Shore. After the concert, Landau wrote, “I’ve
seen the future of rock-n-roll and his name is Bruce Springsteen.” Well, I’ve seen
the future of Christendom; I’ve seen the future of Calvary Church; I’ve seen the
world’s future and it’s found in the lives of our children.
I think I will make a wonderful grumpy old man. I look forward to barking like
Dave Messer to get off the (explicative) grass or complaining at how expensive
things are. But unlike Dave, I expect to be continually surprised at God’s
faithfulness to provide hope of better things to come and signs of God’s
Kingdom are breaking into our world.
Your brother, Chuck+
| Small Parish - Big Heart - Inclusive The little church you've been looking for! All are welcome! |
MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 452 Glen Riddle, PA 19037 |
| Come and worship with us - all are welcome! |
| The CHIMES - July 2010 Calvary Episcopal Church, Rockdale For a PDF version of the Chimes, please click here. |
To contact us: Calvary Episcopal Church 667 Mount Road Aston, PA 19014 610-459-2013 OFFICE The Rev. Charles Messer, Rector Fr. Chuck: frmesser@calvaryepiscopalrockdale.org Website: mail@calvaryepiscopalrockdale.org Office: calvaryoffice1@verizon.net |
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There is still time for you to join us for this special event.
We're arranging a trip to tube down the Brandywine
River on July 10. Hop on an inner tube for 2hrs of fun
and fellowship. The cost is $20 for rental of the tube
and transportation to and from the river. Food and
drinks are not provided. Pack a towel, sunscreen,
water shoes, and a PB&J or two and float with us on
July 10th. There is a sign up sheet in the undercroft to
RSVP - or contact Fr. Chuck.
We're arranging a trip to tube down the Brandywine
River on July 10. Hop on an inner tube for 2hrs of fun
and fellowship. The cost is $20 for rental of the tube
and transportation to and from the river. Food and
drinks are not provided. Pack a towel, sunscreen,
water shoes, and a PB&J or two and float with us on
July 10th. There is a sign up sheet in the undercroft to
RSVP - or contact Fr. Chuck.
For what it's worth, here's my two cents...
| May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 |
Vacation Bible School will be July 11th through the
15th. Our theme will center on the many seasons of
the church year. Each day will correspond with a
particular church season or high holiday. We'll begin
in Advent on the 11th and end in Easter on the 15th.
VBS will be from 6PM to 8:30PM so that parents or
other adults who work could still participate.
There is still time to sign up !
You can still help!
Questions or if you'd like to help us, see Fr. Chuck or
Karen Warren.
15th. Our theme will center on the many seasons of
the church year. Each day will correspond with a
particular church season or high holiday. We'll begin
in Advent on the 11th and end in Easter on the 15th.
VBS will be from 6PM to 8:30PM so that parents or
other adults who work could still participate.
There is still time to sign up !
You can still help!
Questions or if you'd like to help us, see Fr. Chuck or
Karen Warren.
Vacation Bible School - July 11-15
Christmas in July - July 25
Yes, Calvary will be celebrating Christmas on July 25.
will be observing Christmas in worship and song. We
sill sing carols and hear the Christmas story in the
scriptures.
We will also be having a special Christmas dinner at
11:30.
Join us - all are welcome!
will be observing Christmas in worship and song. We
sill sing carols and hear the Christmas story in the
scriptures.
We will also be having a special Christmas dinner at
11:30.
Join us - all are welcome!
Your HELP is NEEDED!
Calvary does not go on summer vacation!
Calvary is open 365 days - and your help is needed to make it
happen. We especially need help with the nursery
and the coffee hour at the 10 AM service.
Please sign up to help with these two important ministries.
Calvary is open 365 days - and your help is needed to make it
happen. We especially need help with the nursery
and the coffee hour at the 10 AM service.
Please sign up to help with these two important ministries.
Tubing on the Brandywine - CANCELLED
Fall Fun Fair
The Saint Elizabeth Guild is sponsoring a Fall Fun Fair on
Saturday, November 5.
Mr. Tom is looking for donations.
Please contact Dale or Bridget if you have something you
would like to donate.
Saturday, November 5.
Mr. Tom is looking for donations.
Please contact Dale or Bridget if you have something you
would like to donate.
Oil Spill in the Gulf - What you can do!
The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a terrible tragedy. There are some things
that you can do to help:
One of the best things you can do is to donate to Episcopal Relief and
Development. EDR is supporting Gulf coast communities. Your contribution
will greatly help. To donate: If you wish to make a donation of any amount by
check, please mail a check to Episcopal Relief & Development, P.O. Box 7058
Merrifield, VA 22116-7058. To donate by phone, please call 1.800.334.7626, ext.
5129. Web donations, please click here.
You can donate to the Audubon Society. The Audubon Society is helping with
rescue and cleanup of affected wildlife and habitats. To donate: National
Audubon Society, 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 Attn: Gulf Coast Oil
Spill Disaster Web donations, please click here.
You can also donate to the National Wildlife Federation. Please donate today to
help protect the over 400 species of treasured wildlife that stand to lose so
much from this devastating tragedy. To donate: National Wildlife Federation,
11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190-5362 1-800-822-9919 Web
donations, please click here.
that you can do to help:
One of the best things you can do is to donate to Episcopal Relief and
Development. EDR is supporting Gulf coast communities. Your contribution
will greatly help. To donate: If you wish to make a donation of any amount by
check, please mail a check to Episcopal Relief & Development, P.O. Box 7058
Merrifield, VA 22116-7058. To donate by phone, please call 1.800.334.7626, ext.
5129. Web donations, please click here.
You can donate to the Audubon Society. The Audubon Society is helping with
rescue and cleanup of affected wildlife and habitats. To donate: National
Audubon Society, 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 Attn: Gulf Coast Oil
Spill Disaster Web donations, please click here.
You can also donate to the National Wildlife Federation. Please donate today to
help protect the over 400 species of treasured wildlife that stand to lose so
much from this devastating tragedy. To donate: National Wildlife Federation,
11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190-5362 1-800-822-9919 Web
donations, please click here.
Calvary Facts and Figures
| Finances: Current Pledges budgeted for May - $ 9797.67 Actual Pledges received for May- $ 12,206.00 Pledge variance for May - $ 2,408.33 |
Attendance:
May 23 - June 13 ( difference
from 2009)
May 23 8 AM - 17 (+7)
10 AM - 66 (+16)
May 30 8 AM - 16 (+6)
10 AM - 54 (+11)
June 7 8 AM - 15 (+2)
10 AM - 60 (+15)
June 13 8 AM - 15 (+1)
10 AM - 59 (+26)
May 23 - June 13 ( difference
from 2009)
May 23 8 AM - 17 (+7)
10 AM - 66 (+16)
May 30 8 AM - 16 (+6)
10 AM - 54 (+11)
June 7 8 AM - 15 (+2)
10 AM - 60 (+15)
June 13 8 AM - 15 (+1)
10 AM - 59 (+26)
News from the Episcopal Church and Diocese
The presiding bishop, who was a research
oceanographer before entering the ordained ministry,
writes of the devastating effect of the flood of oil on the
ecology and economy of the entire region, the nation
and the world.
"The Abrahamic traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and
Islam) charge human beings with care for the whole of
creation, because it is God's good gift to humanity,"
Jefferts Schori writes. "Another way of saying this is that
we are all connected and there is no escape; our
common future depends on how we care for the rest of
the natural world, not just the square feet of soil we may
call 'our own.'
To read more, please click here.
oceanographer before entering the ordained ministry,
writes of the devastating effect of the flood of oil on the
ecology and economy of the entire region, the nation
and the world.
"The Abrahamic traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and
Islam) charge human beings with care for the whole of
creation, because it is God's good gift to humanity,"
Jefferts Schori writes. "Another way of saying this is that
we are all connected and there is no escape; our
common future depends on how we care for the rest of
the natural world, not just the square feet of soil we may
call 'our own.'
To read more, please click here.
A lesson from the Gulf oil spill: We are all connected by
Katharine Jefferts Schori
Katharine Jefferts Schori
Lambeth Palace tells presiding bishop not to wear symbol of
office
office
When Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
preached and presided at a Eucharist June 13 at
Southwark Cathedral in London, she carried her mitre,
or bishop's hat, rather than wear it.
She did so in order to comply with a "statement" from
Lambeth Palace, the London home of Archbishop of
Canterbury Rowan Williams, that said "that I was not to
wear a mitre at Southwark Cathedral," Jefferts Schori
told the Executive Council June 16 on the first day of
its three-day meeting here.
To read more, please click here.
preached and presided at a Eucharist June 13 at
Southwark Cathedral in London, she carried her mitre,
or bishop's hat, rather than wear it.
She did so in order to comply with a "statement" from
Lambeth Palace, the London home of Archbishop of
Canterbury Rowan Williams, that said "that I was not to
wear a mitre at Southwark Cathedral," Jefferts Schori
told the Executive Council June 16 on the first day of
its three-day meeting here.
To read more, please click here.
at Longshore Ave., Philadelphia
July 19 - 7-9 PM - St. Luke’s (Germantown) 5421
Germantown Ave., Philadelphia
Comprised of five young women from Mt. Vernon
Senior High School (Mt. Vernon, IN), Angelus has
dedicated itself to the performance of the sacred music
of varied religious traditions and historical periods.
Featuring music ranging from medieval chant and
polyphony to contemporary Irish choral music and the
American Sacred Harp tradition, the ensemble’s
influences include the Irish choral ensemble Anuna and
the American quartet, Anonymous 4. The ensemble
performs almost exclusively a cappella.
To read more. please click here.
July 19 - 7-9 PM - St. Luke’s (Germantown) 5421
Germantown Ave., Philadelphia
Comprised of five young women from Mt. Vernon
Senior High School (Mt. Vernon, IN), Angelus has
dedicated itself to the performance of the sacred music
of varied religious traditions and historical periods.
Featuring music ranging from medieval chant and
polyphony to contemporary Irish choral music and the
American Sacred Harp tradition, the ensemble’s
influences include the Irish choral ensemble Anuna and
the American quartet, Anonymous 4. The ensemble
performs almost exclusively a cappella.
To read more. please click here.
Angelus: Sacred Music for Women's Voices