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St. Philip's Episcopal Church
Easthampton, MA
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Be careful: If you come here, you will grow!
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A Note from the Rev. Michael A. Bullock
Dear Folks:
Many among us, including myself, rely on the daily offerings of Richard Rohr to help anchor our lives in the reality of the God-life. The following is a clear description of why keeping the life we see in Jesus is so hard and the reason the daily practice of spiritual transformation [growing up] requires resources beyond our own. In line with the fact that “all of us are religious; the problem is what we worship, what we hold at the center”, I share the following, at least so that we have a common frame of reference.
Michael+
A Willingness to Change
What the ego hates more than anything else is to change—even when the present situation is not working or is horrible. Instead, we do more and more of what does not work, as many others have rightly said about addicts. The reason we do anything one more time is because the last time did not really satisfy us deeply. As the English poet W. H. Auden (1907–1973) put it:
“We would rather be ruined than changed,
We would rather die in our dread
Than climb the cross of the moment
And let our illusions die.”
Addicts—which I’m convinced are all of us, in one way or another—have an intense resistance to change. We like predictability and control. That’s one of the reasons addicts find it easier to have a relationship with a process or a substance rather than with people. Unlike objects, people are unpredictable. Having a drink, making a purchase, or turning to our devices can change our superficial mood very quickly. Even though the mood shift doesn’t last, it makes us feel like we are in control for a while. We don’t have to change our thinking or way of relating to people. We don’t have to sit with our boredom, discomfort, or anger, which short-circuits our ability to grow up and to move beyond whatever is in our way.
In the process of healing and gaining sobriety, salvation becomes not just something we believe, but something we begin to experience through the process of transformation through grace. Both Jesus and Paul were change agents. They were hated by their own groups precisely because they were constantly talking about change. The first thing Jesus said when he started preaching was, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). The word usually translated as “repent” is the Greek word metanoia, which is surely best translated as “turn around your mind” or “change your thinking.” Most of us won’t move toward any new way of thinking or actual change until we’re forced to do so, which usually means some form of suffering or disturbance that upsets our habitual path.
Until we bottom out and come to the limits of our own fuel supply, there is no reason for us to switch to a higher octane of fuel. Why would we want to change? We will not learn to actively draw upon a Larger Source until our usual resources are depleted and revealed as wanting. In fact, we will not even know there is a Larger Source until our own source and resources fail us. Until and unless there is a person, situation, event, idea, conflict, or relationship that we cannot “manage,” we will never find the True Manager.
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Musings on the Diaconate
I have been asked what deacons do more times than I could possibly keep track of and the standard answer is that deacons interpret the needs of the world to the church and the church to the world. Which is a canned response and virtually impossible to explain. What I have come to realize is that the issue is not my response, the issue is the question. No person should be defined by what they do because what we do implies that we are in control, instead we should be defined by who we are because how we interact with others has everything to do with whether we choose to follow the pull of the Holy Spirit. To put it more simply, we are not defined by the titles we hold, we are defined by what we do with the gifts we have been given.
The Order of Deacons is one of the four orders outlined in the Book of Common Prayer. As lay members of the church we are all called, through our baptisms, to seek Christ in all people, but as a member of the Order of Deacons I have pledged to structure my life in a specific and more public fashion. Deacons are called to serve all people; to model our lives on Holy Scripture; to interpret the needs of the world to church; to bring the church to the world; and to assist other clergy with the administration of public worship. In addition, we have vowed to obey our bishop; that we believe the Holy Scriptures to be the word of God; and that we will conform to the doctrines of the Episcopal Church. I take these pledges very seriously and endeavor to do my best to fulfill my calling as best I can. I do recognize that this list sounds like a list of things that deacons do, but I do not see it that way, I see it as a guide that helps me define who I am.
Since my ordination, which was just before the pandemic began, my ministry has unfolded in many ways that I believe help to both shed light on my own ministry and demonstrate the role of a deacon. Deacons are not a member of the parish we serve, we do not get a vote at annual meeting, nor do we get a vote on Vestry, this is because our role is not meant to be parish based, instead we are placed with a congregation so that we can fulfill our liturgical role and because it is important for every Christian to have the support of our siblings in Christ as we minister in the world. Liturgy means the work of the people, so it is literally a part of the work we are called to do and the service on Sunday is only a portion of that work, there is a reason it is the deacon that dismisses us at the end of the service, it is my job to lead you into the world to continue our work.
One of the primary roles of a deacon is to interpret the needs of the world to the church and I believe that speaking with a prophetic voice is my primary way of doing this. The prophets were in many ways the deacons of their time. They looked at the state of the world and gave voice to the issues facing ancient Israel through God’s eyes. In my time at St. Philip’s I have tried to do this with mental health issues and racism. One of my goals has been to raise awareness of systemic racism, as it continues to be one of the many issues plaguing our society and because of your willingness to engage with this issue I feel that we have collectively taken several steps in the right direction. One of the key elements of speaking with a prophetic voice is telling the truth, no matter how hard it may be to do that. I know that sometimes my sermons may sound a little aggressive, and I do worry that I may cause you to tune me out, but I am very passionate about many things, and understanding our relationship to God and how that relationship affects our interaction with the world gets me fired up every time. I have often thought that we, meaning the church as a whole, are too passive in our faith.
In terms of bringing the church to the world, I strive to do this in less visible ways. I post all of my sermons on my blog, which has over 600 followers, I know who some of them are, but I have no clue who most of them are. For all I know they just hit delete every time the email comes. I bring the church to my work as a teacher, I just don’t talk about God. I like to think that I bring compassion and empathy to what I do. When we began the adventure of going digital it was out of necessity, but I quickly realized that it is vitally important and that it is something that needs to continue across the church because we are a digital world and as much as it drives me nuts, I have accepted that it may be the only way we are able to bring God to some people.
I realize that this is getting pretty long so I will wrap it up. I mentioned earlier that deacons are not members of the parish they serve. Officially we work for our bishop and a part of the vow to obey includes going where we are needed. Every diocese has different policies on deacon placement, but the standard practice is that deacons remain in one location for a few years and then they move to a new assignment. Every bishop has their own reasons for this, but a primary reason is because deacons are somewhat rare and as it is our role to bring the church to the world it is important that we move throughout the world spreading the gospel to as many people as possible.
I have greatly enjoyed my time at St. Philip’s. I began here on February 5, 2019 and was welcomed with open arms and hearts. I have learned a great deal during my time with you and will carry many wonderful memories with me as I continue my ministry in a new location. I indicated recently that my time with you would be coming to an end soon and after speaking with the Archdeacon and the Bishops office we have officially set my last day at St. Philip’s as January 30, 2022. I will then take the month of February off from active ministry and begin my new placement at the beginning of March, though I do not yet know where that placement will be and likely will not know for some time. Though my service with you has ended, your service to God and the community will continue, so go in peace to love and serve.
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Bulletin for November 21
This Sunday we celebrate
The Last Sunday after Pentecost
Christ the King
Our Holy Eucharist service is in-person AND streamed online at 10:00 am.
The Prelude starts at 9:55 am.
Due to the fast-changing Covid situation, we now wear masks for worship.
We stream live on our website:
https://www.stphilipseasthampton.org/live-stream-channel
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Sunday Lectionary Study is at 8:45 a.m.
USE THIS ZOOM LINK
Meeting ID: 832 0782 9066 | Passcode: 270862
To Join by Telephone
Audio conferencing participant (joining by telephone) will need to call: +1 929 436 2866 US AND follow the verbal instructions. Enter the meeting ID you wish to join followed by the # key. If you are asked for a password, enter the password followed by the # key. You will be asked to enter your participant ID. If you do not know your participant ID, simply press the # key.
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Fall Cleanup 2021
On Saturday November 13, several hard core parishioners completed our annual fall yard cleanup. While the yards were cleared of leaves, the gardens were not. Betty Snow will be reaching out to her voulunteers to schedule work on the gardens.
Thanks to all, Joe Bianca
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THANKSGIVING DAY we would love to have you join us on Thanksgiving morning at 10 a.m. outside the church as we join our voices together in hymns of Thanksgiving to our God. This will be a brief time of sharing music together and it will be a wonderful beginning of this day of Thanksgiving. The event will not be held if it is raining. We do ask that people wear masks for the Gathering. Hope to see you there. Please do bring friends and family.
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SEEKING DECORATORS!
Please stay after church this Sunday, November 21st to help change over the Fall decorations to the Advent Season.
Contact Ann Truehart or Susan Sachs to sign up or ask questions.
anntruehart@gmail.com
ssachs611@gmail.com
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The 3rd Quarter 2021 Treasurer's report is linked below. While our financial operations are better than plan, we took a step backward in October as far as Pledge Donations are concerned. They were short of our budget goal by $2,150. As you know, our operating budget is based on the pledges you make to the church. Please make every effort to meet your pledge donation as we close out 2021.
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Friday night film series continues: Nov 19 at 7pm
“My Name is Pauli Murray” is an award-winning film that explores the life of this non-binary Episcopal priest and lawyer, activist and poet who influenced the work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Thurgood Marshall. This event is free and open to the public, so please spread the word and bring a friend!
Doors open at 6:45 pm.
Masks required.
A time for discussion will follow.
Thus film series is being hosted by the parishioners who completed the Sacred Ground program earlier this year. It continues the conversation and learning about racial injustice and our Christian faith and witness.
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ST PHILIPS ANNIVERSARY
Since we cannot safely gather to celebrate in our usual styles of food, fellowship, presentations, etc... let us gather virtually. Please write a very brief paragraph containing the theme - "What St. Philips means to me." These writings can take any form which is comfortable to you - a few sentences, a poem, a lyric, a phrase, or a scripture. What connects YOU to St Philips? Family, friends, geography, past moments, future hopes?
I would like to collect these and then publish them on our webpage, facebook, NOW, Sunday bulletin, etc.. Please take some time to consider participating in this exercise. My prayer is that it will be very uplifting to all.
If you may have pictures or brief videos capturing moments of St Philips' Parish life, these will be welcome also. These can involve special events in the sanctuary, parish hall, church grounds, or at other venues connected with the many missions and ministries of the people of St Philips.
You may send your selections to sbailey@hcc.edu or sdbailey316@charter.net. Thank you for your participation!
Steve Bailey
See submissions on our website.
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St. Philip’s Christmas Giving Tree 2021
The Easthampton Community Center provides children in need with pajamas and socks each Christmas. St. Philip’s has played a significant role through our annual Christmas Giving Tree and we would like to continue that partnership this year. Last year we donated 63 sets of pajamas and 154 prs of socks.
The Giving Tree will be set up for Sunday, November 21st. Ornaments will be placed on the tree with the sizes needed. Please take an ornament or two, or any number you wish. A box will be set up next to the tree for your donation of unwrapped pajamas and socks. Please return your donation by Sunday, December 12th. The Community Center will be packing bags for Christmas that week.
For those who cannot make it to church to pick up an ornament, please contact Mary Bianca at jmbianca@charter.net or phone me at 413-527-6731 and I can assign you the sizes that are needed. Also, if you cannot bring the donation to the church, please contact me and I will arrange a pick up. As with last year, a container to drop off donations, will be placed outside the garage of Jan and Paul Davis, 170 Park St. in Easthampton, where your donations can be dropped off at any time.
St. Philip’s is such an important member of our community, and your generosity is unmatched. Thank you so much for your commitment to helping those in need.
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The Pioneer Valley Power Pack program (PVPP), under the direction of Shelley March, provides local school children with meals on the weekends. This program has been housed at St. Philips for the last 2 years. Shelley is unable to run the program this year and a group of St. Philip’s parishioners have decided to take over the program. We are looking for volunteers to help with food pick up, packing the food on Wednesday early evenings and volunteers to deliver to the schools on Friday mornings. We are also in need of 1 or 2 people to serve as Volunteer Coordinators. The program will begin in January 2022. If you are able to help out in any way, please contact Joe Bianca at jmbianca@charter.net.
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Support Safe Passage
As a survivor of domestic violence, I am fundraising, with your help, to support Safe Passage in Northampton. This is a safe place, with no charge, and great support for families. I joined a support group, and they provided me with legal services, court support, and I realized, "It was not my fault". If you wish to donate, write a check to St. Philip's Episcopal Church and in the memo write, Safe Passage. Collections end November 28, 2021. The donations will be for the Hot Chocolate Walk or Run on Dec. 5 this year. Thank You All, Maureen.
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Hi Folks!
Our next service is Saturday, November 27th. We'll be making mac & cheese, great for a cold, November Day!
If you are interested in joining us, you can sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4CAEAA2EAAFB6-take
For those attending:
Kitchen staff, our coordinators will be improving our social distancing protocol this session, so make sure to check in when you arrive for details. As always, we ask that you wash hands on entry, wear gloves and an apron, and clean surfaces after every use . Please come with a clean hat and clothes, and bring your own mask.
Drivers, please sanitize the bags and coolers you use to transport food. Pickup will take place at the picnic tables outside the kitchen. During delivery, handle the food with gloves or use hand sanitizer, and when you drop off the food, please leave it outside and call the recipient to let them know.
Remember, if you feel ill, please stay home. Contact Jon if you cannot attend. Only come to a service if you have signed up, as we need to operate with a smaller crew to reduce exposure. We also ask that children stay home.
All the Best,
Jon & the Take & Eat Team
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Easthampton Community Center
2021 Thanksgiving Day Food Drive
Each year, The Easthampton Community Center distributes special items to those in need for Thanksgiving dinner. This year the need has become greater and we at St. Philips would like to continue with our tradition of contributing to the effort.
Any of the following items will help the Community Center and be greatly appreciated.
Stuffing - Stove Top or store brand
Instant Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce
Pie fillings – pumpkin, cherry, blueberry
Cake mixes
Bread or Brownie mixes
Gravy
Canned vegetables
The Community Center will also be providing Thanksgiving turkeys to those in need. Donations in support of these can be made directly to the Center via mail or their website. You can also donate any unused Stop & Shop or Big Y gift cards or store coupons. Over the last few years the Center has provided 700 – 800 turkeys for Thanksgiving.
Please remember that Easthampton does not allow the Community Center to distribute food beyond the “Use by Date”.
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Office Hours
Tuesday - Thursday, 1 pm - 4:30 pm
Since not all afternoons are in person,
please call or email for an appointment.
Phone: 413-527-0862
Email: office@stphilipseasthampton.org
Submissions for the NOW
This newsletter is published every Thursday at 10:00 am.
The deadline for submissions is 1:00 pm on Wednesdays.
Please email them to the office by that time.
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