Category Archives: Rev. Rebecca’s Reflections

Saying Yes to God’s Banquet (Sermon) October 12, 2014

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Sermon – October 12, 2014

The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY

Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 23) Track 1

The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. Matthew 22:1

 Please be seated.

I LOVE weddings.  As a little girl, my mother gave me her beautiful half slips for my dress-up clothes and you could often find me wearing them on my head as pretend veils.  At 7, as a Roman Catholic, I “made my first communion.”  The experience was fraught with trying to remember so many details.  The best part was wearing the beautiful white dress and the veil.  The best part of the Sound of Music was Maria’s wedding dress.  I still have my Barbie doll’s wedding dress.  And if you would have seen me Friday, my day off, you’d have seen me watching a marathon of, “Say ‘yes’ to the dress.”  I guess in addition to the love and community witness of weddings, I especially love the clothes.

Recently, my grandchildren attended the wedding of their former day care teacher, Miss Tina.  I loved seeing the photos from that day.  The kids looked like they were having so much fun dancing with the bride and with each other.  Later, I was talking with my son.  He said my 8 year old granddaughter, Sydney, really loved the wedding.  She asked her daddy to hold her so she could better see the bride come down the aisle.  As the bride approached, escorted by her father, Sydney whispered in her father’s ear, “We’ll be doing that some day.”  My son said it was all he could do to not start blubbering.

Yes I’d say I’m a feminist and all for women’s rights.  I am astounded by the costs of a wedding and understand why people elope.  All of that is true and I still love a traditional wedding.

And if you’ve planned a wedding or even a big party, you can relate to the king in our Gospel lesson today.  How wonderful that your child is being married.  The day comes and you prepare a sumptuous banquet and party for the community.  You’ve sent invitations and asked people to let you know if they’re coming so you know how much to prepare.  Once the banquet is ready, you send out the notice and suddenly people who said they’d come, don’t even acknowledge you!

Of course you can’t believe it, so you once again send out, explaining all of the work you’ve gone to to create a wonderful party.  Now, those you’ve invited are annoyed and even kill the messengers!  Finally, you just need the food to be eaten — kind of like we try to get people to take home food after pot luck – and you invite everyone, every single person you can find, both bad and good, we are told.

Jesus is trying to explain the Kingdom of God to us.  God prepares a sumptuous banquet, like any parent would prepare for their child who is getting married.  But the day comes and what happens?  Oh, so many other things appear to be more important.  Just like the Israelites in the desert worshipping the golden calf, we find so many other things pulling at us.  This wonderful, loving banquet seems unimportant.  We don’t want to go to the feast.  Sometimes, we even kill those who bring the invitation to us.

And God wants people at the banquet.  God invites all people.  The banquet is open to everyone!  God’s feast is available to everyone, not just a few.  God’s feast is available to everyone who will come to partake of it.

Yet, you cannot come lightly or thoughtlessly, like the man who showed up disrespectfully without a wedding robe.  You cannot expect to slip in, eat some food and dash out!  Stepping into the banquet hall requires responsibility and accountability.  Stepping into the feast God has prepared for us means we acknowledge our host, we respect our host, and we do the right thing by our host.

We join the banquet community.  We do our best to live as God has asked us to do and as Jesus showed us and as the Holy Spirit continues to speak to us.  We do our best to put aside the golden calves in our lives and remember the giver of the feast.

God is delighted to prepare the banquet of life in Christ for us.  God is delighted for us to know how much we are loved.  God is delighted to show us how to live in ways that serve each other, reject evil, worship God in community, and strive for justice and peace and respect the dignity of every human being.

We must first accept the invitation, then we must show up, and finally, we must come prepared.

Amen

This Sunday (October 12) at St. John’s

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Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

This past week, the clergy of the Diocese were together with Bishop Hahn at the Cathedral Domain.  On Tuesday evening, five members of Al-anon came to talk to us about this important 12-step program.  Al-anon is for anyone whose life is being affected by alcoholism or another addiction.  Those in Al-anon are worriers and their worry pushes them to believe they can control and somehow cure the action and behavior of the addict.  The members told us they were crazier than the person with the addiction!  They had to learn that, “they didn’t cause it, they couldn’t cure it and they couldn’t control it!  Letting go and not worrying is so difficult.

Yet, Paul tells us that when we worry, we need to pray, earnestly and humbly.  We need to pray with thanksgiving.  We need to let God know our requests.  We need to speak to God about our worry.  Now, Paul doesn’t say what we request will be granted, necessarily.  Paul says, however, that we will find peace, a peace that in many ways we cannot understand.  It is that peace, which we need in this worrisome world.

Blessings as you finish your week!

Love, Rebecca+

Bulletin 10-12-2014 (1)

A Stewardship Prayer
My church is composed of people like me. I help make it what it is. It will be friendly, if I am. Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them. It will do great work, if I work. It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver. It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship, if I invite and bring them. It will be a church of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, and a church with a noble spirit, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with these same things. Therefore, with the help of God, I shall dedicate myself to the task of being all the things that I want my church to be.

Amen  (source: Archdiocese of Rochester) 

Stewardship: Please prayerfully consider the gifts God has given you that you will give back to St. John’s for Christ’s ministry and mission during 2015.  Pledge cards should be returned by October 26 to prepare for our November 16 Annual Meeting and adoption of the 2015 budget.

Rebecca’s Schedule: Rebecca will be at St. Agnes’ House, Monday through Thursday.  Her Sabbath Day will be Friday, October 17. You can get a message to her by calling the

Adult Forum: The Adult Forum meets each Sunday at 10:00 am in the Parish Hall. Through November 2, the topic will be Living with Money.  On October 19, the Bishop will be meeting with the group.

Sunday School – Godly Play: The Godly Play program is for children is offered each Sunday morning at 10:00 am.  All children are invited to participate in this special form of spiritual development.

Pot Luck Sunday:  Next Sunday, October 19, is our monthly pot luck.  Bring a dish or drink to share.  And all are welcome!  Plan to fellowship with each other.  Our pot luck schedule has shifted in October and November.  Pot Luck will be October 19, when the Bishop visits; and November 16, when we have our Annual Meeting.

Daughters of the King meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4:30pm.  The next meeting is October 15. If you have special prayer requests or would like to join this prayer ministry, please contact Shelia Phillips.

All Saints Sunday, November 2.  We observe All Saints Day and will read the names of those saints close to us who have died.  To have the name of your loved one read at the service, please place it in the offering plate or leave a message on the church phone or email webmaster@stjohnscorbin.org by October 26

Belk Charity Sales Day:  The annual Belk Charity Sales day will be Saturday, November 8, 6-10am.  Members of St. John’s are selling tickets for $5.00 for this special event.  The church keeps the $5.00 and for each ticket you receive $5.00 off an item.  If you can help, please contact June.

The Diocesan Budget Committee will be at St. John’s on Wednesday, November 5, 7-8:30pm to talk about the 2015 Diocesan Budget.  Come meet the Committee, ask questions and learn where our collective dollars go.

The Vestry has voted to donate $25 each month to Everlasting Arm Homeless Shelter. If you’d like to contribute, put your donations in the collection box by the guest register or mark your donation and put it in the collection plate.

 Kroger Rewards: St. John’s is now registered with the Kroger Community Rewards Program. Please register your Kroger card at http://krogercommunityrewards.com .

(Instructions)

  • Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with your organization after you sign up.
  • If a member does not yet have a Kroger Plus card, please let them know that they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.
  • Click on Sign In/Register
  • Most participants are new online customers, so they must click on SIGN UP TODAY in the ‘New Customer?’ box.
  • Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions
  • You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.
  • Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.
  • Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.
  • Update or confirm your information.
  • Enter NPO number (47782) or name of organization, select organization from list and click on confirm.
  • To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization’s name on the right side of your information page.
  • REMEMBER, purchases will not count for your group until after your member(s) register their card(s).
  • Do you use your phone number at the register?  Call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number.
  • Members must swipe their registered Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.


 

Furnace Needed: The furnace located in the sacristy, which heats part of the parish hall and hallways must be replaced prior to this winter. The new furnace will cost $2,250. The new furnace will be more energy efficient and lower the electric bill. Two more furnaces will need to be replaced over the next two years: one that heats the parish hall and one that heats the rectory. Donations for the furnace can be put in the box on the corner shelves in the parish hall.

Flowers for the altar: Donations for flowers for the altar are accepted for any Sunday of the year. Please place your donation in the envelope, marking whether they are in honor of or in memory of someone.

Hymn Selection Group If you’d like to choose hymns for services, join this group.  You will choose hymns for an upcoming service and then meet with the entire group to confirm the final selections.  See Billy Hibbitts if you are interested.

Would you like to write Prayers of the People?  If you are interested in writing these prayers (there are resources that can help with this task), please let Rebecca know by phone or email priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

United Thank Offering.  Remember to get your box for your thank offerings for this ministry of The Episcopal Church.  The next collection will be in the fall. 

Are you interested in assisting with the Sunday service?  Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Crucifers, Altar Guild Members and choir members are all important for each Sunday service.  If you’re interested in serving, please let Rebecca know by phone 859-429-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

 

Serving Our Neighbors – See baskets in the parlor.

  • Everlasting Arms, Corbin’s shelter for people who are homeless, is in need of men’s and women’s razors, gloves, deodorant and socks.
  • The Food Pantry at Corbin Presbyterian Church is always in need of nonperishable food items. Vegetables are especially appreciated.

 

God’s Productive Tenants (Sermon) October 5, 2014

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Sermon – October 5, 2014

The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY

Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 22) Track 1

When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. Matthew 21:34

Please be seated.

We are doing a number of things today.  It is stewardship Sunday when we focus on what of God’s we return to God.  And we are remembering St. Francis, whose commemoration was yesterday, with having our pets here with us this morning and blessing them after the service.

I’m more of a cat person than anything.  Since the day I was born, cats have lived with me off and on.  Sometimes it’s one cat and sometimes it’s as many as three cats.  Many of my cats have come to me, chosen me.  Seems they are messengers from God, really.

For instance, in late 1980, I was going through a tough time.  I was a single mom, barely able to make ends meet.  At Christmas, though, I held my traditional open house.  At some point in the evening, someone opened the door and in walked a beautiful tiger cat!  Just walked in, mind you!  Later the next summer when we moved to Ithaca so I could go to college fulltime, he came with us and used to sit on my books while I was studying.  My two young children and I needed his love, antics and companionship.

So many stories I could tell of the cats who have just walked in to my life and just shown up as loving companions along the way.  I’m sure you have many of your own.

We’ve talked before about what it means to be a steward:  being a steward is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care….  It is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.

When we have pets, we must be good stewards.  Pets rely upon us to care for them.  We feed them well.  We do what we can to keep them safe from harm.  We do what we can to give them a good home.  When they’re sick, we do what we can to help them get well.  When we can’t do these things, we find them good homes with someone else.  We feel so strongly about this as a society, that we have laws about what it means to be good stewards to the animals in our care.  We are appalled by cruelty to animals.  We “get” what being a good steward of God’s creation means through caring for our pets.

And today, we are being asked to consider what it means to be good stewards to God’s church, the church of God’s son, Jesus Christ.  Most specifically, we are being asked to consider what it means to be a good steward of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

God tells us through Jesus’ parable.  God provided a vineyard…a carefully built vineyard.  It had everything – a fence to keep animals out; a wine press so the harvest could be preserved; and a watchtower, because the workers would live in the vineyard during the harvest and the watchtower provided safety.  The workers provided the labor to ensure, as much as possible, that there would be a good harvest.  Of course, they couldn’t control the weather, but they could otherwise tend to the grape crop.

Similarly, God has given us all of the basic things we need to be The Episcopal Church in this region of Kentucky.  We are charged with providing careful and responsible management of the basics God has given us, so that God’s mission with God’s people can be realized.  And for those of you who just finished confirmation class, you know that this mission of the church is to “restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.” (BCP, pg 855)

And according to our catechism, the church pursues our mission, “as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love.” (BCP, pg 855)  Now, we probably need to have regular conversations about what we truly need to be the church.  What do we add to the fence, the watchtower, and the winepress that God has provided?

But for today, let’s assume that we agree that to pursue our mission, that to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ, that we need a facility, a park, items for worship and for spiritual growth, resources for outreach and a priest.  Those are the elements necessary to being the church…to restoring all people to unity with God and each other in Christ…to pray, worship, proclaim the Gospel, and promote justice, peace, and love.

God has given us everything we need.  God asks only that we do the labor and produce a good harvest.  God asks us to be good stewards…to be careful and responsible managers of what’s been entrusted to us.

We know what this means with our pets, yet become squeamish when it comes to talking about what it means for the church, what it means for St. John’s.  And that’s the question put to us in today’s parable.  When God sends God’s workers to collect the harvest, what will be our response?  Will we kill the workers and even God’s Son, so we can steal what is rightfully the landowner’s…what is rightfully God’s?  Or will we do our part to care for the vineyard…to provide the resources necessary for a good harvest?  Will God need to find new tenants for God’s vineyard known as St. John’s Episcopal Church?

Amen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Sunday (October 5) at St. John’s

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The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament shows his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Every time I read this Psalm, I immediately flash to high school choir at Mechanicsburg High School with choir director Mr. Stewart.  I loved Mr. Stewart, how he taught music, how he taught those of us in choir.  He challenged us.  So much of the way I sing is because Mr. Stewart is in my head, clapping his hands to stop us or to start us up in rehearsal.  As an adult, I felt so blessed that Mr. Stewart joined the church I’d grown up in.  So even then I saw him and benefitted from him.

One of the pieces Mr. Stewart taught our choir was Haydn’s The Heavens Are Telling from Haydn’s Creation.  The piece is rousing glorious and really fun to sing.  So, this Sunday if I break into song during the Psalm, please forgive me.  I’m remembering with joy Mr. Stewart, now singing (or directing) a heavenly choir.
Creation and Stewardship and Blessing of Animals
Yes, it’s the time of year we remember creation as the seasons change and the traditional harvest season comes to an end.  We remember all of creation and this Sunday, we especially remember our pets.  Bring your pet to church (we’ll be having our service in the amphitheater) and both of you will be blessed!  We’ll also start our Stewardship campaign for the 2015 year.  In thanks for all of God’s creation, including our very selves, we prayerfully consider what of God’s we will return for the work of the church.  Pledge cards should be returned by October 26, to prepare for our November 16 Annual Meeting.

News & Notes

Rebecca’s Schedule: Rebecca will be at the Diocesan Clergy Conference October 6-8 and at St. John’s on Thursday, October 9. Her Sabbath Day will be Friday October 10. You can get a message to her by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Adult Forum: The Adult Forum will help set up the amphitheater for church this Sunday.  Beginning October 12, we will discuss various aspects being good stewards.

Sunday School – Godly Play: The Godly Play program is for children is offered each Sunday morning at 10:00 am .  All children are invited to participate in this special form of spiritual development.

Godly Play Teachers needed. Godly Play teachers are needed.  Training is provided.  This is a wonderful program of spiritual development for children and we’d like to keep it going in the parish.  Please let Rebecca know if you are willing to be trained and serve as a teacher for a period of approximately 1 month.

Belk Charity Sales Day:  The annual Belk Charity Sales day will be Saturday, November 8, 6-10am.  Members of St. John’s are selling tickets for $5.00 for this special event.  The church keeps the $5.00 and for each ticket you receive $5.00 off an item.

We will be having an initial gathering of those interested in the Brotherhood of St. Andrew on October 5 after the Sunday service. To learn more, speak to Bruce Cory. You can also learn more from http://www.brotherhoodofstandrew.org/about.php

Furnace Needed: The furnace located in the sacristy, which heats part of the social hall and hallways must be replaced prior to this winter.  Cost is $2,250 for a furnace that will also be more energy efficient.  We’ll also need to replace two more furnaces over the next two years:  one that heats the parish hall and one that heats the rectory.  Donations for the furnace can be put in the boxes back on the shelves in the parish hall.

Bring your pets to church to be blessed on Sunday, October 5.  We will have a service outdoors in our park (or in the amphitheater).  Pets should be leashed and/or in carriers.

The Grow Appalachia Committee will meet after church on Sunday, October 5, to distribute flyers for the October 8 community meeting.  The Community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 7:00pm in the parish hall.  All are invited.

The Vestry has voted to donate $25 each month to Everlasting Arm Homeless Shelter. If you’d like to contribute, put your donations in the collection box by the guest register or mark your donation and put it in the collection plate.

 St. John’s is now registered with the Kroger Community Rewards Program. Please register your Kroger card at http://krogercommunityrewards.com .

  • Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with your organization after you sign up.
  • If a member does not yet have a Kroger Plus card, please let them know that they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.
  • Click on Sign In/Register
  • Most participants are new online customers, so they must click on SIGN UP TODAY in the ‘New Customer?’ box.
  • Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions
  • You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.
  • Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.
  • Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.
  • Update or confirm your information.
  • Enter NPO number (47782) or name of organization, select organization from list and click on confirm.
  • To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization’s name on the right side of your information page.
  • REMEMBER, purchases will not count for your group until after your member(s) register their card(s).
  • Do you use your phone number at the register?  Call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number.
  • Members must swipe their registered Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.

Matching Intentions with Actions (Sermon) September 28, 2014

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Sermon – September 28, 2014

The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY

Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 21) Track 1

“Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.”  Matthew 21:31

Please be seated.

As I was thinking about Latino/Latina Heritage month, I was remembering my friend Maria.  She was a NewYoRican, having lived some of her life in Puerto Rico, but much of her life in New York City.

By the time I met Maria, she had relocated to Harrisburg, and she had been in recovery from drug addiction for many years.  She was a counselor in an outpatient treatment clinic and a mom, raising a daughter the same age as my daughter.  She was very active in the community, advocating for justice.  And she was a patient and loving teacher and a wonderful trainer.

I first got to know Maria through an informal group that organized to address racism in the Harrisburg area.  Throughout her life, we continued that work in many places and in many ways.  And we also became very good friends, having children who grew up together, going camping, taking trips, going to dinner and the movies.

When I was living in North Carolina, Maria and her two grandsons came to visit for a weekend.  When Maria got to my house, she realized she’d forgotten her suitcase!  Well, there was a GoodWill store within walking distance of where I lived.  Maria bought a whole wardrobe for the weekend, jewelry, belt and shoes included, plus a toy for each of her grandsons, for about $20!  She was classy in her style of dress and loved bargains.

Maria taught me so many things, including the fact that good intentions don’t let you off the hook for your actions.  She’d say, if you put your foot on my neck (an action), do you expect me to thank you when you lift it off just a little (good intentions.)?  In other words, even if you intended for good, the results of your actions were the key.

That’s what we hear in our Gospel today, isn’t it?  Jesus tells a parable about intentions and actions.  The first son did not intend to follow his father’s request, but then acted in compliance with the request; whereas, the second son intended to follow his father’s request, but his actions proved otherwise.

How many times are we like the second son? We refuse to take the actions we know are best or right or Christian, yet when the consequences of our inaction occur and people are hurt, we bargain for credit or even total pardon, because our intentions were good or honorable.  Today Jesus says, “The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions.”

Because, there are consequences when our intentions do not lead us to action.  The father experienced consequences in the vineyard.  Not as much work was able to be done that day.  Maybe he was out finding others to labor in the vineyard or figuring out how to live on the reduced harvest.  What would you say to the son who intended to go out and work and then did not?  The father would find it hard to trust this son.  Yes, there were definitely consequences when the intentions did not match action.

The scribes and elders intended to be faithful, to follow God, serve God, worship God… to do God’s Will, but Jesus lets them know their actions do not follow their intentions.  That the actions of the outcasts, prostitutes, tax collectors, people usually not deemed to want to follow God, serve God and worship God, nonetheless acted in ways that were faithful to God’s will.

Christ is calling us to match our intentions with our action…to love our neighbor as ourselves; to not be so attached to our property; to work for justice and fairness; to be good stewards of all God has given us.  We intend to and we fall short.

So today, we also hear Paul exhort, “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12).  We intend to work out our own salvation, knowing that following Jesus saves us and we are imperfect in our actions.  That is why we are humble…why we do so with fear and trembling. Not because we are afraid God will punish us, but because we know we must be vigilant in our efforts to match intention with action, because we know how often we will fail.

Even though Maria eventually moved to Rhode Island, and I moved to DC, we stayed in touch.  She called me one December, about 2007, I think, and left a message on my phone.  Now I can’t remember whether I called her back to not, but I kept that message on my phone, just to hear the sound of her voice.  A couple of months later, I received the news that Maria had advanced cancer.  She died within a couple of weeks.  I kept that message on my phone for years.

You see, Maria taught me about the strength of community.  She taught me how we work our our own salvation, acting with great humility, with the fear and trembling Paul talks about.  She taught me how important it is that intentions match action.  She taught me that my good intentions did not and could not let me off the hook for the consequences of the actions I took or failed to take.  I couldn’t bear to know her voice was no longer in the world.  I felt I had so much more to learn.

So, we come together in the community of St. John’s today.  We are in the same boat and it’s easier to share with others who are also doing their best.  It’s easier when we pray together for and receive forgiveness.  It’s easier when we break bread and drink the cup of wine together.  We can begin again.  Together, we work out our salvation and do the will of the father.

Amen

This Sunday (September 28, 2014) at St. John’s

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Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.  Philippians 2:4

This week I’m in Berea attending the Brushy Fork Institute.  St. Agnes’ House receives $13,500 from the Berea College Appalachian Fund, so we are encouraged to attend this Institute each year.  A major focus is strengthening the leadership in Appalachia.  There are speakers and intensive workshop tracks on helpful subjects.  This year, I’m learning more about ways to communicate that build relationship and partnership.  Look out everyone, because you know I’ll be practicing and sharing what I learn.

Another thing I like about the Institute is the food.  Wednesday evening, we had dinner at Boone Tavern, a wonderful place to eat.  I enjoyed conversations with the people at my table.  Some have lived and worked in the region of Appalachia for many years.  Of course, I had to ask my perennial question — Why has poverty persisted in this region?

Well, we had a fun discussion and veered onto how to build a diverse economy in the region.  One of the issues we talked about is how possible it is to build a business that balances the interests of the business with the interests of the people.  For instance, if the minimum wage kept pace with what it was years ago, it’d be well over $10; not the $7.25 it currently is.  Would paying the minimum wage workers a little more money help both business and people?  Could families be better supported?

In the early church, Paul exhorted believers to reach out beyond themselves and their own personal interests to do what was helpful and caring for others.  What does that look like in your world?  How can we make it happen?

Love, Rebecca+

Bulletin 09-28-2014 insert

Bulletin 09-28-2014

REMINDER:  We celebrate Latino/Latina Heritage Month this Sunday.    Take a look at the bulletin and insert to review the music we’ll be singing.  We’ll also be saying the Lord’s Prayer in Spanish!

Pot Luck This Sunday!  It’s pot luck Sunday, Bring your favorite dish to share.  All are welcome!  Our pot luck schedule is changing for October and November.  October 19 will be pot luck, which is when Bishop Hahn makes his annual visit.  November 16 will be pot luck to coincide with the Annual Meeting.

Rebecca’s Schedule: Rebecca will be at St. John’s Tuesday and Thursday this week. Her Sabbath Day will be Monday, September 29 and Friday October 3. You can get a message to her by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Adult Forum: The Adult Forum is reviewing and discussing the 39 Articles of Faith, pages 867-876 in the Book of Common Prayer through September 28.

Sunday School – Godly Play: The Godly Play program is for children is offered each Sunday morning at 10:00 am .  All children are invited to participate in this special form of spiritual development.

Confirmation Classes: Confirmation classes are being held every Wednesday through October 1 from 6:30-8pm.  All are invited.  This week’s session will be sacramental theology.

Godly Play Teachers needed. Godly Play teachers are needed.  Training is provided.  This is a wonderful program of spiritual development for children and we’d like to keep it going in the parish.  Please let Rebecca know if you are willing to be trained and serve as a teacher for a period of approximately 1 month.

The ECW Annual meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 10:30am through lunch, Trinity, Covington.  There will be a recognition of Honored Women.  To attend, please contact Lisa Edwards, ledwards102@gmail.com, 859-341-7324.

Belk Charity Sales Day:  The annual Belk Charity Sales day will be Saturday, November 8, 6-10am.  Members of St. John’s are selling tickets for $5.00 for this special event.  The church keeps the $5.00 and for each ticket you receive $5.00 off an item.   We will also sell tickets on Thursday, October 2, 10am – 2pm.  If you can help, please contact June.

We will be having an initial gathering of those interested in the Brotherhood of St. Andrew on October 5 after the Sunday service. To learn more, speak to Bruce Cory. You can also learn more from http://www.brotherhoodofstandrew.org/about.php

Furnace Needed: The furnace located in the sacristy, which heats part of the social hall and hallways must be replaced prior to this winter.  Cost is $2,250 for a furnace that will also be more energy efficient.  We’ll also need to replace two more furnaces over the next two years:  one that heats the parish hall and one that heats the rectory.  Donations for the furnace can be put in the boxes back on the shelves in the parish hall.

Bring your pets to church to be blessed on Sunday, October 5.  We will have a service outdoors in our park (or in the amphitheater).  Pets should be leashed and/or in carriers.

The Grow Appalachia Committee will meet Wednesday, October 1, at 4:30pm, and after church on Sunday, October 5, to distribute flyers for the October 8 community meeting.

St. John’s is now registered with the Kroger Community Rewards Program, organization #47782. Please register your Kroger card at http://krogercommunityrewards.com .

  • Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with your organization after you sign up.
  • If a member does not yet have a Kroger Plus card, please let them know that they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.
  • Click on Sign In/Register
  • Most participants are new online customers, so they must click on SIGN UP TODAY in the ‘New Customer?’ box.
  • Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions
  • You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.
  • Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.
  • Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.
  • Update or confirm your information.
  • Enter NPO number (47782) or name of organization, select organization from list and click on confirm.
  • To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization’s name on the right side of your information page.
  • REMEMBER, purchases will not count for your group until after your member(s) register their card(s).
  • Do you use your phone number at the register?  Call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number.
  • Members must swipe their registered Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.

Relying on God’s Mercy (Sermon) September 21, 2014

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Sermon – September 21, 2014

The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY

Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 20) Track 1

“If only we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Exodus 16:3

Please be seated.

When you love someone, you sometimes do things completely out of character.  At least that’s what my parents thought the first time I went camping with Fred, who was to become my husband.  Fred loved tent camping, and cooking on stones in a wood fire.  He especially needed occasional weeks of solo backpacking to maintain his sanity.  While I had camped in Girl Scouts, I wasn’t exactly the outdoors type.  A cabin was about as roughing it as I got.

But I was in love, so camping in a tent and cooking on a wood fire were appealing to me at the time.  My parents thought the image of me camping in a tent was very funny.

Camping was also an inexpensive way to take a vacation, so once Fred and I were married, our family camped frequently.  I had grown to like it a lot by then, especially once we added some amenities like a camp stove, lantern, sleeping bag and pad to sleep on.

One summer, through some interesting circumstances involving a drunk driver totaling one of our cars, we had enough money to take a family vacation in the Rockies of Colorado.  Returning to this area had been something Fred was longing for.  The kids and I had never been that far west, but were lured in by the stories Fred would tell of his time living in Aspen.

Vacation time off was at a premium, so we decided to fly to Denver, taking all of our camping gear on the plane.  We rented a van and traveled all over for two weeks.  My experience camping at that point was mostly in well maintained and busy campgrounds.  Fred prepared me for the reality of more primitive camping, where the only water you’d have to drink would be what you brought with you.  And the same for food.  Where you’d bathe in the nearby stream or at least take some water from it to heat up to take a pan bath.  Where there would be no formal bathrooms.  I have to tell you I was a little nervous about this type of wilderness experience.

And the Israelites were not pleased about their wilderness experience.  As we know, this was only the beginning and they’d be there 40 years!  Some of you were part of the Lenten program this year about making changes.  One of the things we talked about was the “J” curve.  Any time you make a change, you enter a “J” curve where the anxiety you experience from the change is greater than the comfort you feel from making the change.  You just want to go back to the way things were.  However, if you work through the “J” curve, things improve and you end up in an entirely new, usually better place, than before you made the change.

That’s what we hear about today in Exodus:  you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.  A descent into the “J” curve.

And God hears their cry and provides manna and meat, so they will not be hungry.  By the way, manna is still collected today in that region and often used in candy.  And the symbol of manna, bread from heaven, is used throughout our liturgy, especially as we receive the bread at communion, “The body of Christ, the bread of heaven.”  Manna…food provided by God in the form of the son, Jesus Christ.

One of the most important outcomes of our wilderness experience, is how it strengthens our reliance upon God.  All we are used to having is stripped away.  The Israelites did not have food and later we see they needed water.  Their entire way of living, even as oppressive and harsh as it was, even though their baby boys were being killed, seemed so much better than being out in the wilderness.  They wanted to go back; that’s how bare the wilderness felt to them.  That’s how out of control the wilderness felt to them.  That’s how scary the wilderness felt to them.

Yet, in the wilderness, they really had no choice, but to trust in God.    All of the things they could provide that comforted them in the past, were of no use now.  They had to totally rely upon God and God’s mercy.

Oh, that is a tough thing, isn’t it?  Letting go of our total control over our lives.  Needing to depend upon God solely.

 

When my father died in January of 2011, I was going through some of his papers.  I found a letter he had written to good friends.  The friends were going through a very difficult time and my father, who loved to write, sat down to share his own experience.

 

He talked about a very difficult period in his and my mother’s lives.  There was a recession and his law practice business was nearly nonexistent.  My mother lost her parttime job.  My father lost his re-election campaign for a local government post.  There was infighting in their church and one of the pastors left and the suggestion for a new pastor was rejected.

 

My mother and father, pillars of faith in my view, nearly lost their faith.  They nearly gave up on each other.

 

But things did get better.  Business picked up and my mother found a new job.  My parents were aware of how fragile life can be.  They were in a new and different place.  What had the wilderness taught them?  My father concluded the letter with these words:

 

What great lessons have I learned?  That despite all of my efforts, ability and good work, I don’t have final control over my economic security.  That despite all of my good intentions, I can’t control the actions of others.  That despite all of the love that Mary and I have for each other, there is no guarantee that we will be able to solve our problems.  That despite all of my faith in God, I will lose heart, fall into despair and become angry every time life deals me a heavy blow.

Some would say that I should have learned all of these things years ago, and perhaps I should have.  But, for whatever reason, I didn’t.  Am I happy about the lessons?  Not particularly – at least not yet.  Maybe I will be someday, but for now I would just as soon not have taken the course. 

 But I wasn’t given the choice and, I suppose, that is the most important lesson. Where hardship and suffering are concerned, life doesn’t give us a choice.  The size of our bank account, our IQ, how regularly we attend Church, how clean a slate we have – none of it matters a damn.  We are all subject to adversity.  When, finally, we are stripped of all of our ego and all of our possessions, we can for the first time begin to understand that the only thing we can rely on is God’s mercy.  What a helluva hard lesson that is for a proud person to learn!

 

When, finally, we are stripped of all of our ego and all of our possessions, we can for the first time begin to understand that the only thing we can rely on is God’s mercy.  What a helluva hard lesson that is for a proud person to learn!

Well, the camping trip to Colorado was amazing.  We camped in places that most people never see.  The stars each night were so beautiful.  We never ran out of water or food or ice for the cooler and I learned how to bathe in a cold mountain stream – by heating up a little water in a pot.  And even though it’s been nearly 30 years ago, I have fond and lasting memories.

 

You see, God doesn’t lead us into the wilderness for a life of despair, hunger and thirst.  God leads us into the wilderness so we know “that the only thing we can rely on is God’s mercy.”  Relying upon God’s mercy refreshes our souls, gives us life, gives us bread from heaven and leads us to the promised land.

 

Amen

This Sunday (September 21) at St. John’s

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Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  Collect, Proper 20, pg 234, Book of Common Prayer

Every service, we hear many Collects.  A Collect is a prayer usually said by the priest that sums up the prayers of everyone.  It “collects” the prayers of all.  There is a particular format for a Collect and you can find more information here.  Each Sunday, we hear the Collect for Purity, as well as a Collect for the Day.

This Sunday we’ll pray, Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things….  Wow, that’s a big thing to ask, isn’t it?  Do we ever have moments without some anxiety, whether it’s about our loved ones, our health, or our economic situation?  Seems like our lives are riddled with anxiety.  Yet, that anxiety can pull us away from God…make us forget the source of our strength and of our life.  So, this Collect reminds us to focus on things heavenly…to focus on God.  Not that our anxieties are not real, but so our lives are in balance and so we can actually live our lives.

Anxiety paralyzes us.  Anxiety makes us lose hope.  Anxiety isolates us.  Coming together each Sunday allows us to be with each other and to share our anxieties.  It allows us to refocus our anxieties and transform them.  Whenever anxiety gets the best of you, pray this Collect and then come be with the community of Christ at St. John’s!

Blessings as you finish your week!

Love, Rebecca+

Bulletin 09-21-2014

Rebecca’s Schedule: Rebecca will be at St. Agnes’ House Tuesday through Friday this week. Her Sabbath Day will be Monday, September 22. You can get a message to her by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

A computer has been donated! We have received the generous gift of a new office computer. Thank you!

Adult Forum: The Adult Forum is reviewing and discussing the 39 Articles of Faith, pages 867-876 in the Book of Common Prayer through September 28.

Sunday School – Godly Play: The Godly Play program is for children is offered each Sunday morning at 10:00 am .  All children are invited to participate in this special form of spiritual development.

Confirmation Classes: Confirmation classes are being held every Wednesday through October 1 from 6:30-8pm.  All are invited.  This week’s session will be structure of the Episcopal Church.

Godly Play Teachers needed.  Godly Play teachers are needed.  Training is provided.  This is a wonderful program of spiritual development for children and we’d like to keep it going in the parish.  Please let Rebecca know if you are willing to be trained and serve as a teacher for a period of approximately 1 month.

Pot Luck Sunday:  Next Sunday, September 28, is our monthly pot luck.  Bring a dish or drink to share.  And all are welcome!  Plan to fellowship with each other.  Our pot luck schedule shifts in October and November.  Pot Luck will be October 19, when the Bishop visits; and November 16, when we have our Annual Meeting.

The ECW Annual meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 10:30am through lunch, Trinity, Covington.  There will be a recognition of Honored Women.  To attend, please contact Lisa Edwards, ledwards102@gmail.com, 859-341-7324.

Bring your pets to church to be blessed on Sunday, October 5.  We will have a service outdoors in our park (or in the amphitheater).  Pets should be leashed and/or in carriers.

Belk Charity Sales Day:  The annual Belk Charity Sales day will be Saturday, November 8, 6-10am.  Members of St. John’s are selling tickets for $5.00 for this special event.  The church keeps the $5.00 and for each ticket you receive $5.00 off an item.   We will also sell tickets on Thursday, October 2, 10am – 2pm.  If you can help, please contact June.

We will be having an initial gathering of those interested in the Brotherhood of St. Andrew on October 5 after the Sunday service. To learn more, speak to Bruce Cory. You can also learn more from http://www.brotherhoodofstandrew.org/about.php

Furnace Needed: The furnace located in the sacristy, which heats part of the social hall and hallways must be replaced prior to this winter.  Cost is $2,250 for a furnace that will also be more energy efficient.  $1,000 has been pledged towards the replacement so far and Vestry has agreed to go ahead and have the furnace installed now.  We’ll also need to replace two more furnaces over the next two years:  one that heats the parish hall and one that heats the rectory.  Donations for the furnace can be put in the box located on the table in the parlor, or placed in the offering plate marked “furnace.”

We will celebrate Latino/Latina Heritage Month  at our service on September 28.  If you’d like to read one of the lessons, please see Rebecca.  In preparation, you can practice the Lord’s Prayer in Spanish:

 Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo,

santificado sea tu Nombre,

venga tu reino,

hágase tu voluntad,

en la tierra como en el cielo.

Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día.

Perdona nuestras ofensas,

como también nosotros perdonamos

a los que nos ofenden.

No nos dejes caer en tentación

y líbranos del mal.

Porque tuyo es el reino,

tuyo es el poder,

y tuya es la gloria,

ahora y por siempre. Amén.

 

Month

2014

(# Sundays)

 Budget

YTD

 Actual

YTD

 Monthly

Budget

 Actual

Monthly
Total Revenue $31,647.33 $20,909.06 $3,955.92 $2,193.00
Total Expense $31,647.33 $30,289.27 $3,955.92 $3,249.69
Difference   -$9,380.21   -$1,056.69

 

Forgive, seriously (Sermon) September 14, 2014

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Sermon – September 14, 2014

The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY

Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 19) Track 1

Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.”  Matthew 18:21-22

 Please be seated.

Well, when we hear this, don’t we just want to respond incredulously, “Seriously, Jesus?”  Aren’t some things just unforgiveable?

Earlier this week, we remembered the events of September 11, 2001, now 13 years ago!  Can it be so long ago?  The images are seared in our memory, aren’t they?  You mean we must forgive such evil?  The writer for our Forward Day by Day wrote, “The terrorists who flew the planes on 9/11 forced us to confront the power of evil and challenged us to find a way to respond with forgiveness.” (Forward Day by Day, Vol. 80, No. 3, pg 44)

Seriously?

Last evening, I made a new Facebook friend.  The profile photo shows a younger version of this man who turned 57 yesterday.  In his profile photo, he looks about 5 or six and seems to be perched on his father’s lap.  The father is looking straight out at us…with piercing eyes, a 60sslicked hairdo, gorgeous suit with pretty, thin blue tie and an almost smile on his face.  The epitome of the good-looking early 60s man.  Six years later, the father was murdered on the streets of Detroit.  The boy was only 11 years old, left fatherless.

But that 11-year old boy wrote a letter to the judge in his father’s murder trial, pleading that the judge not sentence his father’s killer to death.  Having lost his own father, this 11-year old boy did not want any other child to go through the same experience of losing their father.

Seriously?

Some things seem unforgiveable and our faith and followship of Jesus Christ demand forgiveness.  Every Sunday, we say the prayer Jesus taught us to say, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  Often we remember that Jesus hung on a cross, dying a most horrible death of torture, betrayed by his own community, yet asking God to forgive his killers.

But still, we want to live in the “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” where everyone ends up blind and toothless world.

Why does Jesus demand extreme forgiveness and how in the world can we forgive?

Seriously, forgiveness is good for us, spiritually, emotionally and physically, according to the Mayo Clinic’s “Healthy Adult” website. (http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692?pg=1) When we can’t forgive, the wrong done to us overtakes us.  We spend lots of brain space to remember what happened, living it over and over.  We spend plenty of emotional energy hanging on to our anger and bitterness.  Not forgiving means we miss what’s happening in our lives today.  We also cut off new and helpful relationships.

Forgiveness, according to the Mayo Clinic site can bring us the following benefits:

  • Healthier relationships
  • Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
  • Less anxiety, stress and hostility
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Fewer symptoms of depression
  • Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse

Seriously, forgiveness acknowledges our humanity.  None of us are perfect.  We have all done things to hurt ourselves and to hurt others. We are all in need of forgiveness.  Not forgiving means we live as if we could be perfect and as if we are not human, which is ultimately cruel.  Forgiveness means we live with compassion and humility.  That’s what the 11-year-old boy knew – compassion.

Seriously, forgiveness acknowledges our deep understanding of the heart of God.  Time after time, Jesus told stories about how God searches for us when we are lost; how God rejoices when we are found; how God opens wide God’s arms to embrace us when we return.  In other words, God’s forgiveness of us never ends.  There is nothing we can do to separate us from the love of God, Paul writes.  God’s heart of love is rooted in forgiveness, because forgiveness sets us free, both when we forgive and when we know we are forgiven for what we do.

But how can we forgive?

First of all, forgiveness is not forgetting.  People must still face the consequences of their actions.  And if the one who wronged us has not acknowledged that wrong, nor repented of it, they may not be the best people for us to be around.  Remember, we are clear-eyed and wise.  We can forgive and remember.

Sister Joan Chittister, a Roman Catholic Benedictine nun, has written a book of reflections on forgiveness, God’s Tender Mercy: Reflections on Forgiveness (Twenty-Third Publications).  I found an excerpt online, which I think explains a lot about forgiveness.

“A young woman, the [ancient monastic] story goes, who is heavy with child and terrified of being executed for dishonoring the family name, accuses a revered old monk, who prayed daily at the city gates, of assaulting her and fathering the child. The people confronted the old man with the accusation. But the old man’s only response to the frenzy of the crowd was a laconic, “Is that so?” As he gazed into space and went on fingering his beads, the townspeople became even more infuriated and drove the culprit out of town.

Years later, the woman, exhausted by her guilt and wanting to relieve her burden and make restitution, finally admitted that it was her young lover, not the old monk, who fathered the child. In fear for his life as well as her own, she had lied about the attack. Stricken with compunction, the townspeople rushed to the hermitage in the hills where the old man was still saying his prayers and leading his simple life. “The girl has admitted that you did not assault her,” the people shouted. “What are you going to do about that?” But all the old monk answered was, “Is that so?” and went right on fingering his beads.”  http://oblatesosbbelmont.org/2010/11/19/the-secret-of-forgiveness/

You see, Sister Chittister explains, “The fact is [,] that there is nothing to forgive in life if and when we manage to create an interior life that has more to do with what we are than with what other people do to us. What we are inside ourselves determines how we react to others — no matter what they do.”  When we are grounded in our faith, knowing deeply our humanity, knowing we are loved and forgiven by God, we are not pulled into the whirlwind of reacting to others around us.

Sister Chittister concludes, “Forgiveness is a gift that says two things. First, I am just as weak as everyone else in the human race and I know it. And, second, my inner life is too rich to be destroyed by anything outside of it.”

So forgive 77 times.  Forgive from the heart so that you may have abundant life…so that you may have joy… so that you may have peace…so that you may live in the love of God.

Seriously….

Amen

This Sunday (September 14, 2014) at St. John’s

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Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.  Romans 14:10

Seems like we all have opinions and judgments, don’t we?  We judge each other’s behavior.  We judge the weather.  We judge the weather forecaster.  We judge each other’s lifestyle.  Judging is “either/or” thinking.  Something is either good or bad; helpful or hurtful.  Judging is very cut and dried.

One of the first things we learn in school is antonyms or opposites, which teaches us either/or thinking.  The room is either hot or it’s cold.  It can’t be both.  Yet, science has discovered that the room is both.  The first time I read about this, the thinking was labeled “fuzzy logic.”

So, much of the world is both/and.  The room is both hot and cold.  So Paul admonishes us to be very careful in our either/or judgmental thinking.  Only God will judge in the end and we are not God.

Blessings as you finish your week!

Love, Rebecca+

Rebecca will be at St. John’s next week, Tuesday, September 16 through Thursday, September 18.  Her Sabbath Days will be Monday, September 15 and Friday September 19.  You can get a message to her by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Confirmation classes are being held every Wednesday through October 1 from 6:30-8pm.  All are invited.  Next week’s session will be history of the church.  

39 Articles.  The Adult Forum is reviewing and discussing the 39 Articles of Faith, pages 867-876 in the Book of Common Prayer through September 28.

Godly Play offered for children.  All children are invited to participate in this special program of spiritual development.

Godly Play Teachers needed.  Godly Play teachers are needed.  Training is provided.  This is a wonderful program of spiritual development for children and we’d like to keep it going in the parish.  Please let Rebecca know if you are willing to be trained and serve as a teacher for a period of approximately 1 month.

 Computer and Furnace needed!  The furnace located in the sacristy, which heats part of the social hall and hallways must be replaced prior to this winter.  Cost is $2,250 for a furnace that will also be more energy efficient.  We’ll also need to replace two more furnaces over the next two years:  one that heats the parish hall and one that heats the rectory.

 Our computer also needs replaced and $600 will get us a new one plus the needed software.  Donations for these two items can be put in the boxes back on the shelves in the parish hall.

We will celebrate Latino/Latina Heritage Month  at our service on September 28.  If you’d like to read one of the lessons, please see me.  In preparation, you can practice the Lord’s Prayer in Spanish:

 Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo,
santificado sea tu Nombre,
venga tu reino,
hágase tu voluntad,
en la tierra como en el cielo.
Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día.
Perdona nuestras ofensas,
como también nosotros perdonamos
a los que nos ofenden.
No nos dejes caer en tentación
y líbranos del mal.
Porque tuyo es el reino,
tuyo es el poder,
y tuya es la gloria,
ahora y por siempre. Amén.

Daughters of the King meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4:30pm.  The next meeting is September 17.  If you have special prayer requests or would like to join this prayer ministry, please contact Shelia Phillips. Also, dues are due.  Please see Dura Anne.

Grow Appalachia!  The Vestry has voted to move ahead to become a Grow Appalachia site for 2015.  Please talk to the Vestry about your ideas, questions, and concerns.  The Grow Appalachia website is http://www.berea.edu/grow-appalachia/

The Grow Appalachia Committee will meet after church on Sunday, October 5, to distribute flyers for the October 8 community meeting.

The ECW Annual meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 10:30am through lunch, Trinity, Covington.  There will be a recognition of Honored Women.  To attend, please contact Lisa Edwards, ledwards102@gmail.com, 859-341-7324.

Bring your pets to church to be blessed on Sunday, October 5.  We will have a service outdoors in our park (or in the amphitheater).  Pets should be leashed and/or in carriers.

Belk Charity Sales Day, Saturday, November 8, 6-10am.  We are selling tickets for $5.00 for this special event.  The church keeps the $5.00 and for each ticket, you receive $5.00 off an item.   We will also sell tickets on Thursday, October 2, 10am – 2pm.  If you can help, please contact June.

Serving Our Neighbors – See baskets in the parlor.

  • Everlasting Arms, Corbin’s shelter for people who are homeless, is in need of men’s and women’s razors, gloves, deodorant and socks.
  • The Food Pantry at Corbin Presbyterian Church is always in need of nonperishable food items.  Vegetables are especially appreciated.

Flowers for the altar: Donations for flowers for the altar are accepted for any Sunday of the year. Please place your donation in the envelope, marking whether they are in honor of or in memory of someone.

 Hymn Selection Group If you’d like to choose hymns for services, join this group.  You will choose hymns for an upcoming service and then meet with the entire group to confirm the final selections.  See Billy Hibbitts if you are interested.

Would you like to write Prayers of the People?  If you are interested in writing these prayers (there are resources that can help with this task), please let Rebecca know by phone or email priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

United Thank Offering.  Remember to get your box for your thank offerings for this ministry of The Episcopal Church.  The next collection will be in the fall. 

Are you interested in assisting with the Sunday service?  Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Crucifers, Altar Guild Members and choir members are all important for each Sunday service.  If you’re interested in serving, please let Rebecca know by phone 859-429-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

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