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FOURTH OF JULY & APPLE PIE
The 13th Annual Apple Pie with the Applegates to be held Sunday, July 3, in the Parish House. Call the Parish Office if you can bring a Pie (any kind) or Ice Cream. 740-587-0167
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The 5th annual "back to school event" to be held Sunday, August 14th! Details to follow.
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OBSERVING INDEPENDENCE DAY AT ST. LUKE'S
On Sunday, July 3, we will celebrate Independence Day at St. Luke’s. Independence Day is one of two national holidays for which provision is made in the Book of Common Prayer.
Ever since I came to be your rector, St. Luke’s celebration has coincided with the annual Fourth of July party that takes over Granville in one of the most extraordinary festivals held in small-town America. Part street fair, part mile-long parade, part fireworks, part homecoming, the Kiwanis-sponsored event provides the setting for one of the many reasons why Granville is a special place to live, work, learn, and worship. Do I sound like a booster? Well, mark me down as guilty.
This year, the rides and midway will still be set up on East Broadway, on Sunday, July 3. This makes parking difficult, though not impossible. The best suggestion is to share a ride if you can, park in the public lot behind St. Luke’s, or on Broadway west of Main Street. If you are willing and able to walk a little farther, side streets, such as South Mulberry, usually have places to park on Sunday mornings during the festival. The midway won’t open until 1 pm, long after our services and our special coffee hour, “Apple Pie with the Applegate's,” concludes.
The lessons at both services will be taken from those appointed for Independence Day in the prayer book, and the music at the 10 am service will come from that section of Hymnal 1982 called “National Songs.”
Why do we suspend the usually lectionary? The Episcopal Church is not an “established” church after all. We are but one ingredient in the great soup of the uniquely American phenomenon known as denominationalism, and we are an even smaller ingredient in a more recent occurrence in this country – religious pluralism. What gives?
I have two answers. The first is that it’s simply fun to join in the observance of the long holiday weekend. Just as there are Scrooges every Christmas, there are those who turn up their noses at the patriotic revelry of Granville’s Fourth. If you are one of those, I can’t help you. If you need a priest’s permission to skip church because you don’t want to be in church while we turn “red, white, and blue” for one Sunday each year, you have mine. My position, when it comes to Granville’s Fourth is, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”
The second answer is more serious. I believe that the United States of America can use our prayers – every year, to be sure – but maybe this year in particular. Whatever your political affiliation is – whomever you plan to vote for in the November elections – there are plenty of problems/issues/situations to pray about.
Some of them pertain to particular individuals – that is, to those who lead us or who aspire to lead us. Some of them are systemic – that is, about the whole rather than any part. These problems are tremendously complex and seem intractable.
We are often divided as a people. . . and, yes, I know, this reality is not new. In some cases, the solutions to our problems call for fixes that seem nothing short of miraculous. If we’re talking about miracles, I’d say that God has a better track record of delivering them than most politicians.
So I plan to say prayers for our beloved country on July 3, and I hope you will join me. Whether you will be out of town celebrating the Fourth of July, or will decide to stay home, or will be at St. Luke’s, here is one of the “Prayers for National Life” from the prayer book. Its title is simply For our Country. Though the prayer has sometimes been attributed to George Washington, it was actually written in 1882 by the Reverend George Lyman Locke, an alumnus of Harvard College, who served for forty-two years as the rector of St. Michael’s Church, Bristol, Rhode Island. You can find it on page 820:
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our
heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove
ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will.
Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and
pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion;
from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend
our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes
brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue
with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust
the authority of government, that there may be justice and
peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we
may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth.
In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness,
and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail;
all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessings,
Stephen Applegate
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Please join us in the Parish House after the 10:00 am service!
July 3 - Apple Pie with the Applegates
July 10 - Fellowship Committee
July 17 - Barbara Jupin
July 24 - The Miller Family
July 31 - The Hunter Family
Adult Education Update...
Planning for the fall series of “Grounds for Discussion” has begun. The Adult Education Committee met on June 5th to discuss potential topics and to review two new programs that will gradually be integrated into the educational mix. At the final meeting of the Book Club in May, members selected seven titles for the 2016/17 year. In August, a flier will announce both those titles and the dates of each meeting. Wayne Piper met with Father Applegate and Mary Lucas-Miller on June 15th to coordinate program schedules. Watch the August newsletter for complete information on fall programming.
Conversations on Religion & Culture
Sunday, July 31 & August 28, 4:00-6:00 pm – Parish House
The topic for discussion will be announced in future Sunday bulletins. The sessions are facilitated by the Reverend Jack Bowers, and the date of the next month's session is chosen by those present. All are welcome.
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Please join us in the Parish House after the 10:00 am service!
July 3 - Apple Pie with the Applegates
July 10 - Fellowship Committee
July 17 - Barbara Jupin
July 24 - The Miller Family
July 31 - The Hunter Family
Adult Education Update...
Planning for the fall series of “Grounds for Discussion” has begun. The Adult Education Committee met on June 5th to discuss potential topics and to review two new programs that will gradually be integrated into the educational mix. At the final meeting of the Book Club in May, members selected seven titles for the 2016/17 year. In August, a flier will announce both those titles and the dates of each meeting. Wayne Piper met with Father Applegate and Mary Lucas-Miller on June 15th to coordinate program schedules. Watch the August newsletter for complete information on fall programming.
Conversations on Religion & Culture
Sunday, July 31 & August 28, 4:00-6:00 pm – Parish House
The topic for discussion will be announced in future Sunday bulletins. The sessions are facilitated by the Reverend Jack Bowers, and the date of the next month's session is chosen by those present. All are welcome.
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PARISH FAMILY NEWS...
Babies abound...St. Luke's welcomes two new family members!
Congratulations to Joe and Demaris Rosato on the birth of their daughter, Norah Ann, born on May 23, 2016, and...
Congratulations to Jim and Melanie Steadman on the birth of their daughter, Nora Jaymes, born on May 26, 2016. Nora joins her sister, Natalie Davis.
St. Luke's also welcomes our newest member, Emojean Kyle. Emojean is a retired Supervisory Computer Specialist from Newark, Ohio. She enjoys reading, needlework and playing the piano. Look for her at the 10:00 am service!
Emma Wheeler and Issac Steinbrecher were married on June 25, 2016 in Westerville. Emma is the daughter of Liza Wheeler and granddaughter of Bill and Cherie Holland.
Congratulations to Todd Zaborniak, and Ashley Fullen on their wedding on June 18. Todd is the son of Henry Zaborniak, and his wife, Kim.
We give thanks for the life of Rodger W. Asmus, father of David and Sarah, and pray for God's comfort for his family and friends.
We give thanks for the life of Denise Van Atta, mother of Nick Van Atta, one of St. Luke's Choral Scholars, and we pray for God's comfort for her family and friends.
Congratulations to Sophia Gustafson on winning "First Place" in the Art Garden Studios Art Show!
Appropriately titled "Happy to be Me"
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Don Jones was recently sworn in as President of the Granville Rotary. His husband, Andrew Kohn, serves on the Board of Education for Granville exempted village schools. Both were featured recently in USA Today, as one of the first couples married in Ohio after last year's Supreme Court ruling regarding same-sex marriages.
Congratulations Don!
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ATTENTION: St. Luke's Staff Now Has New Email Addresses
Please use these new emails below:
rector@stlukesgranville.org
Rector- The Reverend Dr. Stephen H. Applegate
office@stlukesgranville.org
Parish Administrator- Dagny Gelormo
Communication Specialist- Lara Benschoter
finance@stlukesgranville.org
Financial Administrator- Patty Hussey
music@stlukesgranville.org
Director of Music- Steve Trumbull
education@stlukesgranville.org
Director of Christian Education- Mary Lucas-Miller
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE...
Work Continues on Extensive Building Renovation;
Tours Scheduled for Sunday, July 3, following the 8 & 10 am Services
The pace of work on the Undercroft and related renovations has increased dramatically in the last two weeks. As the photographs illustrating this article indicate, some of the work that’s been done is visible to people walking by the church. Other work is still hidden from view without access to the Undercroft, but it has been substantial.
On Sunday July 3, parishioners will have their first chance to see what has been going on below the main floor of the church. Arrangements have been made with Midstate Contractors to hold tours for interested parishioners following both the 8 & 10 am services to see how much has been accomplished since construction began before Thanksgiving last year.
What is the new layout like? How big will the bathrooms be? (And how many will there be?) Where will the child-care area be located? What provisions are being made for choir vestments? These, and other, questions will be answered. Hard hats will be provided!
Here is a brief summary of activities (as of June 22, 2016):
- Half of the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning work has been completed and is now on line. This part of the system will heat and cool the rear part of the church using the existing furnaces and new, more efficient air-conditioning units. The altar end of the church will be heated and cooled with a new Mitsubishi unit on the back of the church with the interior part of the system mounted on the ceiling of the acolyte vesting room. Vents will be cut over the doors of both the vesting room and the Altar Guild sacristy for air supply and return.
- Wiring has been installed for the sound system upstairs and the audio-visual system downstairs. The upstairs sound system will include two speakers mounted on the faux columns that frame the altar area of the church. Care has been taken to balance the acoustical effectiveness of the system with the visual impact in our historic building. The upstairs system will have microphones for the pulpit and lectern, for the person reading the Gospel at the 8 & 11 am services and for the person reading the lesson at the 9:15 service from the center of the step. In addition, the priest celebrating the Holy Eucharist will have a wireless microphone to allow him or her to be heard while moving as the service requires. A “hearing loop” technology will make it possible for most people with hearing aids to have the audio feed directly to their ears. The main gathering room downstairs will be equipped with a “smart” television that can act as a white board for presentations or used as a monitor to display photographs, PowerPoint, or other types of presentations.
- The back wall of the church has been completed re-sided and painted. A new window has been ordered for the sacristy and will be installed. The fire escape, removed temporarily during the work, will be re-set and operational soon.
Can't remember when the back of the church looked this good? Neither can we. The re-siding of the south wall of the church has been completed and two coats of paint applied. The building seems to stand a little taller as a result of the "face lift."
- A new garden design is underway. The garden will be enclosed by the stone wall. With the Village of Granville’s Planning Commission approval, the entrance to the wall will move from the rear (parking lot) side of the garden to the Pedestrian Walkway.
- The Pedestrian Walkway has been restored to its status quo ante. Damage caused during the construction has been repaired. Broken or damaged sections were removed by the Village of Granville’s contractor, Layton, new pads were poured, and the entire walkway was sealed to preserve the exposed aggregate concrete and to minimize the difference in look between the old and new concrete sections.
The new side entrance is nearly complete. Shown on the recently restored Pedestrian Walkway between the church and the Granville Historical Society Building, all the structure needs is its copper roof.
Copper gutters
- The fire alarm system has been enhanced on the upper floor of the church and updated on the lower floor using current recommendations and materials. The church’s system will be monitored by a central station, as will be that of the Parish House.
 Although they don't look like much, the two silver boxes connected by the red wiring are very important. They will soon have the controls for the fire alarm system mounted over them.
The Village of Granville has informed St. Luke’s that work on Opera House Park will not begin until after Labor Day now. Specifications for the renewal of the park were released for bid. Only one bid was received which was far beyond the engineer’s estimated cost. So, at this point, the job will be done in pieces. As mentioned in the “Pulse of the Parish,” St. Luke’s has satisfied the financial obligation it assumed through a previous Memorandum of Understanding with the Village and its Tree & Landscape Commission for damage done to the park during construction.
In spite of the increased job-site activity, Midstate is still projecting that they are 30 days behind their original projected schedule. The committee meeting with Midstate every two weeks: Bill Dargusch, Bill Wilken, the Wardens – John Gustafson and Michelann Scheetz, and Father Applegate, has expressed their desire to have the project substantially completed by the “Blessing of the Backpacks” currently planned for August 14, 2016. A myriad of details will be addressed along the way – all with the goal of providing St. Luke’s with a first-class facility in which to worship and gather, and from which to go and do God’s work in the world.
It's just studs now, but very soon it will house the makings of the Eighth Sacrament of the Episcopal Church. You are looking at the future "Coffee Closet." A new system, where brewed coffee can go directly into serving canisters, will be installed here. Space for cups, coffee, filters, and supplies will all fit inside this well-designed case located near the new kitchen.
To meet code and safety requirements, a fire alarm "pull" will be located right next to the entry doors of the church. Historic? Not such much, but a nod to prudence and protection.
JULY BIRTHDAYS
2 Jimi James
Alan Minton
4 Adam Koehler
5 Glen Brich
Trey Poling
6 Rebecca Clark
7 Lyn McKenna
Marcia Downes
Tamra Poling
8 Vanessa Reeves
Liza Wheeler
10 Sophie Gelormo
Chad Poling
11 Kevin Kerr
12 Maggie Miller
Hart Miller
Scott Donaldson
13 Dylan Sharkey
14 Randy Fannin
15 Burke Abbott
16 Allen Aston
Kerrie Matesich
17 Dagny Gelormo
19 John Kessler
20 Shayne Miller
21 William Clark
22 Maura Sharkey
Grant Priestnal
23 Bart Weiler
Tammy Evans
25 Keith Myers
Ryan Olivia Kauchak
Scott Evans
26 Matthew Tidwell
Alexis Zaborniak
Laura Frame
27 Ray McKenna
28 Ethan Priestnal
29 Bill Holland
30 Mary Evans
JULY ANNIVERSARIES
1 Henry & Kim Zaborniak
6 Bob & Yvette Harklau
10 Mark & Dagny Gelormo
12 Ralph & Sheila McGrath
15 Robert & Hester Boltner
18 Mike Fisher & Sally McClaskey
23 Jessen & Beth Havill
24 Glen & Sarah Brich
25 John Kauffman & Tom Wortham
26 Eric & Kerrie Matesich
28 Gregg & Alice Parini
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Key things every St. Luke’s member should know!
At its June 14, 2016 meeting, the Vestry . . .
- Began with a service called “In the Early Evening.” The service concluded with a collect which began “Almighty God, look with compassion upon all who have been injured or killed in Orlando, and upon those who love them, and upon our nation. . . ” taken from the website of the National Cathedral.
- Approved Deacon Mary Raysa’s request for funding to attend the Women's Contemplative Retreat which will be held in Racine, Wisconsin on July 17 – 23, 2016. The grant will come from the parish’s Sabbatical Escrow Fund.
- Received a report from Josh Whittington about the review currently underway about the Mission Share of the Diocese of Southern Ohio. The Mission Share is the amount of money St. Luke’s and other congregations provide to the diocese to carry out the ministry of the Episcopal Church in the southern part of the State of Ohio. Josh and Mark Smith, Chair of the Finance Committee, attended one of several “hearing sessions” on June 7, 2016 in Chillicothe. The current system is scheduled to end as of this year’s Diocesan Convention. The current formula, in which all of the churches in the Diocese are stack-ranked based on a specific elements such as income, expenses, and average Sunday attendance (ASA) was discussed. Josh noted that using factors such as average Sunday attendance may adversely impact churches who are experiencing growth with new, younger members. He also noted that the current system makes it difficult for churches to accurately project their budgets. Following his report, Josh agreed to chair an ad hoc committee comprised of himself, Mark Smith and John Gustafson, Senior Warden, to discuss this further and to decide a best way to ensure that our perspective is clearly articulated. Our goals are to ensure that all churches are treated fairly and to facilitate constructive conversations around what is a reasonable approach to the Mission Share. The committee will report back to the Vestry.
- Heard from Father Applegate what had previously been announced to the parish – that Steve Trumbull has been appointed Director of Music and Denita Strietelmeier has been appointed Choirmaster – Choristers Choir. The only remaining position open is that of organist. Luke Tegtmeier, who will serve as interim organist through the end of August, has declined the permanent organist position. Father Applegate noted how well all three individuals have worked together in their interim roles. He also thanked the search committee members who, working with an excellent consultant, did an outstanding job.
- Was pleased to learn that the Steinway Grand Piano, given to St. Luke’s several years ago by Sarah Schaff, will be coming back to the worship space by the end of June. After being cared for in several locations outside the church while construction has been going on, it will now be positioned on the east side of the church. The upright piano, which is now next to the organ, will be moved to the newly remodeled Undercroft once that space is completed. It will be necessary to remove one pew to accommodate the Steinway; the removed pew will go into storage.
- Received several updates on the renovation of the Undercroft (see the article and pictures elsewhere in this issue of The Good News.)
- The pedestrian walkway was fixed on the day of the Vestry meeting. Lighting, heating and air conditioning were installed during the same week.
- On Monday evening, June 13, 2016, St. Luke’s received authorization from the Planning Commission of the Village of Granville to re-install the stone wall around the garden and to relocate the position of the gate to the pedestrian walkway side of the garden.
- Father Applegate met recently with the Village Manager, Steve Stilwell, and the Chair of the Tree & Landscape Commission, Don Hostettler, regarding the charges to St. Luke's for damage done to Opera House Park as a result of our renovation of the Undercroft. The installation of the new sewer lines required the removal of walkways, a tree and some landscaping. Working together, a total cost of $5,100 was agreed upon for St. Luke's portion of the park repairs. Payment has been sent in that amount to the Village of Granville.
- The concrete damage to the pedestrian walkway on the east side of the Church was repaired on the day of the Vestry meeting, and it was noted that the workers were still working on that area as members were coming to the Vestry meeting. The final step will be to put a coating over the entire area. Part of the cost of this repair will be paid by insurance, and St. Luke's Church will be responsible for approximately $2,600 of the repair costs.
- The new sound system is being installed and plans are moving forward with the new audio-visual system in the Undercroft.
- The change to the new internet and phone system provider is proving to be a challenge. Time Warner Cable, our new provider, and Windstream are responsible for facilitating this change.
- Accepted the Rector’s report. Father Applegate began by reporting on the last Sunday of the 2015-2016 program year – May 22, when acolytes, church school teachers, choir members and interim musicians were recognized. He highlighted the work of Mary Lucas-Miller, Christian Education Director who has quietly and effectively strengthened the children’s education program. He also recognized Mary for her work coordinating the recent Ecumenical Vacation Bible School. Father Applegate gave thanks to Charla and Ralph for hosting the annual parish picnic on June 12. Thanks were also given for the people who made the morning so successful. Father Applegate discussed the shootings at a gay bar in Orlando. He noted that St. Luke’s has long been a place where LGBTIQ persons have felt safe and comfortable and where these persons have served with distinction in our lay and ordained leadership. He gave the Vestry background on his role in helping organize the Community Vigil for Orlando and the reasons for holding such an event in the public square. Father Applegate took a moment to look ahead to summer at St. Luke’s and previewed the many upcoming events and special observances that have been planned. (See articles in this newsletter). He reviewed his pastoral activities: filling in for the Rev. Dr. Ronny Dower, the Priest in Charge at Trinity Church, while he has been recovering from knee surgery, hosting the funeral service of a long-time Trinity parishioner, and returning from vacation for the service of long-time parishioner Rodger Asmus, who died while Father Applegate was in Florida. The rector thanked the St. Luke’s staff who coordinated many of the details of the service and reception in his absence.
- Other reports followed, including:
- The report of the Junior Warden, Michelann Scheetz, Michelann Scheetz reported that she has been working on the time capsule which will go in the newly remodeled Undercroft, and she hopes to have it finished tomorrow. The wall plaque, which will indicate the presence of the time capsule and the opening date, 50 years in the future, is being finalized.
- Adult Education – in Don Eyer's absence, Father Applegate reported that the Adult Education committee met on June 5, 2016, to continue to plan for the upcoming year. The books for the Book Club have been selected for the 2016-2017 program year.
- Christian Education – Athena Koehler reported that 230 children, representing five (5) area churches participated in the Vacation Bible School. She gave special thanks for the eighty (80) adults and forty (40) teens who volunteered. She noted that Mary Lucas-Miller did a wonderful job! It was a great week for the children. In 2017 the Vacation Bible School will be hosted by the Presbyterian Church.
- Fellowship – Harriet Donaldson started by acknowledging the wonderful job the Dagny Gelormo and Janet Marcum did for our annual picnic. Everyone had a great time.
- Finance – Josh Whittington reported that there were no anomalies found in the audit report. He distributed copies of the Executive Summary of May, 2016 and review the report and answered questions about specific line items. Josh noted that pledges are, to date, coming in well. He noted that some expenses, appear high in the Year-to-Date as a percentage of the budget column and discussed why that is the case. Father Applegate reported that our application of a bridge loan had been approved and, so far, we have taken one draw from that loan. It is likely that we will need to take another draw near the end of June.
- Historic Preservation – Dave Proctor reported that the Historic Preservation committee met in May and was continuing to work on several projects.
- Outreach – Vicki Reed reported on the Market Street Pantry. The demand for assistance remains high, and we are fortunate that we have funds available to help supplement those things which are always in short supply. The Pantry does need a new person to serve as the scheduler for the volunteers, and all were asked to consider possible candidates.
- Pastoral Care – Shelly Morehead has recently met with Michelle Layman and was pleased to report that some of the new members plan to become involved with the Friendly Visitors program. Also, Shelly and Michelle are exploring developing a health care ministry. Shelly gave two examples of what a health-care ministry might involved. The first was to have a time to review and possibly assist members in completing important forms, such as a form for advanced care. The second was to do a workshop on a medical folder that contains critical medical information.
- Property, Buildings and Grounds - Alan Larimer reported that the primary focus right now is the completion of the newly remodeled Undercroft. Work is progressing well and there is still much to be done. He also noted that we continue to need to do repairs to our Parish House. At present, the deteriorating soffits are allowing too many unwanted creatures to have access to our interior space.
- Worship – Tom Wortham reported on the July 3 celebration for Independence Day. This will be “a red, white, and blue” Sunday with a very patriotic service.
(Complete Vestry minutes are available by request to the clerk, David Proctor.)
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"People Who Need People"
This famous lyric from Barbra Streisand’s classic song accurately describes the heart and soul of our Market Street Pantry and probably all pantries. Our pantry clients are people who need other people (us) to get the food and staff the pantry and work with them so that they may eat and thus sustain themselves and hopefully one day thrive. As we’ve learned, Summer is the hardest time to staff the pantry due to vacations and other warm weather activities. Yet somehow we have been able to get by in previous Summers and hope to again this year thanks to the good will of our current volunteers coupled with new volunteers who sign up after reading this plea! You can work as few hours or as many hours as you want. We are quite flexible.
In addition, Market Street is in need of some volunteers to run the lap top and check eligibility for pantry clients. You will be trained on using the program and how to review documentation for eligibility. If you are comfortable and effective communicating with people and can do this for a few hours on a Wednesday or Saturday here and there, contact Dagny Gelormo at the Parish office if you are interested in either of the positions. (office@stlukesgranville.org 740-587-0167 )
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REMINDER...
The Market Street Pantry will begin each week with a new food donation theme:
1st Sunday: Peanut Butter
2nd Sunday: Pasta & Sauce
3rd Sunday: Tuna
4th Sunday: Canned Fruit
5th Sunday: Mac & Cheese
PASTORAL CARE
Who you gonna call? And when?
Many years ago, an article made the rounds in the newsletters and publications of the Episcopal Church that was titled, “When to call your priest”. It was borrowed or “tattled” hundreds of times. I have searched and searched for a copy of the article. Like most clergy, I am an inveterate clipper and saver: a prayer, an inspirational story, a bit of wisdom. I either clip them out of whatever I’m reading or, more recently, photocopy them and save them for a time when they can be used in a sermon or a newsletter piece like this one. No luck finding, “When to call your priest”. So I went on line. If what you’re looking for has been posted somewhere, Google is sure to find it. But again, no luck. Since I can’t find “When to call your priest,” I’m going to write my own article – this article. I hope you’ll read it, and then clip it out for future reference.
Here’s what I want to say: what I remember about the article “When to call your priest,” is that it was about pastoral care and, further, that it assumed that most pastoral care is done by a priest to or for someone in need. Further, if I my memory serves me correctly, it gave the reader the not-so-faint whiff of the idea that “Father knows best” so call him! (In those days, it was “Father,” and “Father” was a he.”
All these many years later, I have a different opinion about pastoral care in a parish church like St. Luke’s. First and foremost, “Father” isn’t the one – certainly not the only one – who is responsible for pastoral care. Every single one of us is. That our baptisms “ordained” us for ministry is absolutely clear, and there is not much that a priest can do that a lay person can’t. So, if we are all responsible, how might that work?
We are responsible, first and foremost, for ourselves. We are responsible to be good pastors to ourselves, living our lives in harmony and balance, recognizing, to quote St. Paul, that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes what we need is a good night’s sleep, or to turn off our cell phones with their constant ringings and dingings. Sometimes what we need is a walk, or a book, or a poem. I remember one very fine pastor once telling me that during the hard time I was experiencing I needed to sleep more than usual, walk more than usual, and eat better than usual. We can pastor ourselves by paying attention to the basics, because throwing the unique balance of body, mind, and spirit out of whack can result in major problems.
We are responsible for the people we live with or are close with – for the members of our families or, sometimes more often these days, the members of our “chosen families.” One of my favorite prayers in the marriage service asks that the couple’s home may be “a haven of blessing and peace.” Every so often it’s good to ask ourselves, “Am I contributing to the creation of blessing and peace where I live, or am I contributing to the opposite?” The environments of our domiciles make a huge difference in our well-being, so pastoring in this sense means fashioning a setting in which those closest to us can grow, thrive and, most importantly, be the people God is calling them to be. This isn’t always easy. Remember, though, it is a really important pastoral ministry.
Once we get beyond ourselves and those closest to us, our pastoral responsibilities become less clear. There are the people we work with, the people we interact with every day (and sometimes take for granted), our neighbors, if I may borrow a word Jesus frequently used. But this category of people is too broad for me to address in a brief article like this, so let me narrow it down to “fellow parishioners.” St. Luke’s is too big a parish now to know everybody. Sociologists tell us the number of people we can know reasonably well is 50 – and that the number of people we can keep track of is about 150. At over 400 members, it’s not possible to know everyone at St. Luke's. So, if you’re feeling guilty about that, stop! What each of us can do, however, is to get to know the people who sit around us in church – to notice when someone is missing – to let them know, in some small way, that their presence Sunday by Sunday is important to us. We can also pray for the other members of the parish. We do this formally every week at the Wednesday 12:05 pm service, where we pray for five or six names in our Parish Cycle of Prayer. It’s easy to do. You can ask for a copy of the parish directory, divide the list into 28 or 30 days, and go for it! If you find you are called to a ministry of prayer, join the Parish Prayer Group or the Prayer Chain. (Call the office for details for details – 740-587-0167).
Most important, you can call the office if you know of someone or some situation where the attention of one of the clergy could be helpful. To borrow a phrase, “If you see something, say something.” Don’t assume that the clergy know. Don’t assume, either, that someone else has already called. We may have a good network of “informants” who share the news of joys and sorrows with us, but it’s informal and is as subject as any informal system to breakdown. We are NOT too busy, and you are NOT bothering us if you call!
As rector, I have primary responsibility for responding to such calls. Deacon Mary Raysa also takes a share of this pastoral care, particularly among our elderly parishioners where her considerable skills make a difference. When neither of us is available, another priest is on call – typically one of our former assistants Father John Johanssen or Father John Kauffman. The clergy are assisted by Michele Layman and Wayne Piper, who oversee the trained Friendly Visitors, and by the Eucharistic Visitors who bring the sacrament to shut ins. This latter group is supported by Deacon Mary.
All this to say that we take pastoral care seriously and continue to find new ways to make the love of God presence and real when and where it’s needed.
Back to the title of the original article, “When to call your priest. . . “ Here’s a list – borrowed or “tattled” from Saint Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Marietta, GA:
- When someone in your family dies. Call immediately. We want to be involved as your loved one approaches death. We don’t mind you waking us up, and we want to be on hand and available to you in the midst of your grief, not just after the fact.
- When someone in your family is critically ill. Call immediately. We will do our best to see them in the hospital as soon as possible.
- When someone in your family is going to have surgery. Call in advance. Let us know time and place. In this age of outpatient surgery centers, the more detail you can give us the better. We are happy to bring communion to the hospital or to have healing prayers with those awaiting surgery.
- When you or someone in your family is having a crisis of faith. Call to make an appointment to come and sit down for a conversation. You really are our top priority and we will see you just as soon as possible.
- When someone in your family is planning a wedding. Call to make an appointment to come in and meet the priest who will perform the service.
- When someone in your family loses a job, or loses a friend to death, or is suffering from chemical dependency or depression.
- When a child is born. It’s great to get a call even before the birth. We’d like the opportunity to make a visit to bless both parents and child.
- When something wonderful is happening in your life. We know it is important to share your saddest times, but we want to be with you in the best times of your life, too.
A pretty complete list. Now, here’s one more piece of information:
How to call us…
Telephone is the best method, please do NOT rely on emails or social media postings, particularly when the matter is urgent. We watch our email and sometimes find ourselves on social media sites like Facebook or Caring Bridge – but not always, so when you want us please call.
During or after hours, simply call the church office (740-587-0167) – my cell phone number (740-403-4889) is on the voice message. If I am going to be on vacation or out of town, the cell phone number of the clergy on call is given. None of us signed on to work a 9-5 job, so don’t hesitate to call in a pastoral emergency (see above list).
Your pastor (on behalf of the shepherd and bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ),
Stephen Applegate+
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A Statement of Religious Leaders,
read by the Reverend Dr. Stephen H. Applegate
at A Community Vigil for Orlando, Opera House Park, June 16, 2016
Thus says the Lord: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children, because they are no more.” Jeremiah 31:15
In Orlando and throughout our land during these last several days, we have heard the prophet’s voices of lamentation and bitter weeping in light of the shocking news of lives lost and of those seriously wounded. Our hearts break for all the dead, wounded, and traumatized by this carnage, and pray for God’s strength and consoling mercies.
We remember that faithful Muslims and Muslim organizations are incredibly horrified and distressed by actions like this, as any of us would be if the person perpetrating such crimes claimed to be acting in the name of our group. We join together in opposing the hatred that leads to violence of the kind that occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning. We especially condemn violence committed in the name of God or of any religion against the innocent. It is an act of sacrilege and a form of blasphemy, since all human beings were created in God’s image.
To quote the extraordinary words Lin Manuel Miranda offered in the sonnet he delivered on Sunday night:
“We rise and fall and light from dying embers, remembrances that hope and love last longer
And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside.”
  . Click here to view the Newark Advocate article.
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> July 2016 What's Happening! & Lay Ministry Schedule
> July 2016 Calendar
**Remember: Some events only show up on the Google Calendar in small bits. Open the event to read more. Space is limited on the Calendar, so in some instances you will only see partial times and events. The Google Calendar is updated weekly and can be found also on the Website.
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Join us July 3rd!
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During the special 10:00 am Service on August 14.
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