St. Luke's Episcopal Church
JULY/AUGUST 2015 Newsletter
From Fr. Tim
It is done. After thirteen months, five listening sessions, one retreat, seventy-five applicants,
thirteen Skype interviews, five site visits, and countless hours of prayers, we have a new Minister of Music! Even if it were Lent, I would still shout, "Alleluia!"
While there is much I could say about the journey, for the purpose of this article I want to focus
on three things.
First, our new Minister of Music is Rodney Ayers. Rodney will be coming to us from St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Wilton, Connecticut, where he has served as their organist and choir
director for over twenty years. During his time there he has developed a spectacular intergenerational approach to their choirs, with both wonderful youth and adult participation. He also has
presided over an organ search and installation. When asked about Rodney, The Rev. Mary
Grace Williams, the rector of St. Matthew's, said, "You would be crazy not to hire him. He
means so much to the entire life of the church-- not just our music ministry. And he is more
than a colleague, he is a dear friend. I will weep when he leaves."
More than a gifted musician and minister, Rodney is a warm, engaging, and charismatic man.
He clearly cares about people-- youth and adults alike. He will be a delightful addition to our
parish community and I am so excited to have him as a partner in ministry. Rodney, along with
his husband, Vince Edwards, moves to Rhode Island in August, and will be on the bench for
kick-off Sunday, September 13.
The second thing I want to say is that this process has provided me with additional evidence
(not that I needed convincing) of the health and faithfulness of this congregation. I have loved
working with our steering committee. Let me say that again for clarity and emphasis: I HAVE
LOVED WORKING WITH OUR STEERING COMMITTEE! Sarah Curtis and Fran
Gammell-Roach provided crucial leadership for our efforts, organizing our meetings,
corresponding with our candidates, and keeping me attentive to all the little details. I am so
grateful to them for their leadership.
And in addition to these two individuals, the entire committee was stellar. They were so generous with their time, often meeting several nights a week. They were so thoughtful about your
comments from the listening sessions. They were so articulate in crafting a vision for our musical future and then writing a job announcement. (Almost every individual with whom we
Skyped commented on our impressive search materials.) They were so gracious to the candidates with whom we met. And they were so discerning in their reflections upon these meetings.
1
Yet what moved me most deeply was their reaction as we realized that after the first wave of
our search, we had not found a match. As you
might imagine, we all were disappointed. We
had worked so hard. And, truth be told, we
were just a bit tired, too. But given the opportunity to step down from the committee, each
member remained committed to seeing the
process to completion. And more than that,
each member
remained not just hopeful but
certain that we would find the right person.
More than dedication in their response to this
development, there was an abiding faith.
Which leads me to the third thing I want to
share with you. One of the many take-aways
from this process is the reminder that (what we
call) the Holy Spirit really does look after us.
As you can well imagine, there was some disappointment when we arrived at the end of our
initial interviews only to discover we had no
match. But after that initial surprise, the committee rallied quickly based upon the deep belief that the Holy Spirit really was in charge
and we simply had not yet met our person.
Then, within a matter of days, I received a call
from the rector of Grace Church, Providence.
We had been communicating periodically
about our simultaneous searches. He informed
me that they had recently called Vince Edwards, a wonderful musician from Connecticut. And when I shared with him our need to
cast the nets again, he replied, "Well, Vince
has a husband who is also an amazing musician-- and will now be looking for work in
Rhode Island!" Before hanging up the phone, I
asked Jonathan to let Rodney know we were
still searching.
After finishing that conversation, I called The
Rev. Patrick Campbell, a former organist and
now the rector of the Church of the Redeemer,
Providence. When I told him the latest on our
search and inquired about Rodney, he said,
"Oh, as soon as I heard Priscilla was retiring a
year ago I thought Rodney would be your
Regardless of perspective or interest or age, each contributed
significantly and collaborated
beautifully. The whole truly is
greater than the sum of our
parts.
perfect candidate!" That further piqued my
interest.
Finally, just an hour later, Rodney called my
cell. Our conversation was animated,
thoughtful, and delightful. When asked why
he didn't initially apply, Rodney told me that
Vince had been taking the lead on the search
and, although he had been captivated by our
vacancy, he wanted to let the Holy Spirit do
Her thing with Vince first. Once Vince landed the Grace job, he was so disappointed to
have missed out on our process—and then
overjoyed to discover that we were still
searching! The rest, as they say, is history.
From day one, I told the twelve member
steering committee that we really had a thirteenth member-- that being the Holy Spirit.
Of course, I am grateful to Sarah Curtis, Fran
Gammell-Roach, Jesse Facey, Jody Ryan,
Charlotte Palmer, Stacey Nakasian (Jenkins),
Michael Sullivan, Pat Hallenbeck, John
Walsh, Bruce Stevens, Tom Sprague, and
Brenda Mendes for all their hard work.
Regardless of perspective or interest or age,
each contributed significantly and collaborated beautifully. The whole truly is greater
than the sum of our parts.
But that said, I give special thanks for the gift
of the Holy Spirit-- who has led us through
this process and brought us a person beyond
our wildest imaginings. I cannot wait to see
what Rodney, the people of St. Luke's, and
that same Spirit will do next!
Summer blessings!
2
Music Director Search Committee
With grace-filled and grateful hearts, the search committee has completed its task partnering with Father Tim to identify our next Music Minister. As Fr Tim announced on
Sunday, June 21st, St Luke’s has called Rodney Ayers and he has accepted. We would
like to thank all of the committee members for their time, thoughtful conversation and
prayers as we worked to seek God’s call for the next chapter of Music Ministry at St
Luke’s. You will read more about Rodney in Father Tim’s article. The committee was
such a wonderful group that we will miss its gatherings as we look forward to welcoming Rodney in September.
Peace,
Sarah Curtis & Fran Gammell-Roach, Co-chairs
July 30th ——-SAVE THE DATE
On Thursday, July 30th at 5pm, join us for a summer BBQ in our dining
room and garden area. Following the dinner, take your lawn chairs across
the parking lot to listen to East Greenwich’s Summer Concert Series.
More information will follow in our weekly newsletter.
3
Thank You!
To all parishioners of St Luke’s,
As many of you know, Sunday June 28th was the last day of my internship assignment at St.
Luke’s.
I would like to thank the people that make this congregation a focal point in the community
and in the dioceses and who welcomed me into that extraordinary experience with open arms,
smiles, encouragement and friendship. I would especially like to thank Rev. Tim, Rev. Noel
and Deacon Ted for their guidance, advice and direction during my all too brief time at St
Luke’s. I would like to thank Sue MacDonald, the staff and especially the children of Sunday
school for allowing me to share in your growth and formation and for the exceptional work
done in support of St Mary’s Home. This is a truly dedicated group working with outstanding
young people and all of St Luke’s should be proud of what they accomplish. And I will not ever forget the wonderful choir that so enhances the worship experience each week at St Luke’s. I
will recall fondly the vocal warm-ups done by Eden Casteel and the St Cecilia and Angel
Choirs. Even now as I think about the vocal loops and yips you go through, I find myself smiling. And speaking of vocal warm-ups, my heartfelt thanks to John Brooks and Eden for the
guidance, instruction, help and encouragement to a coughing, slightly horse and somewhat intimidated Deacon in Training that allowed him to make it through Easter Vigil, although I am
not sure I have had tea and honey since. Again, thank you. To the outreach groups you are all
truly accomplishing Christ’s ministry to the sick, the poor and the outcast. Christ’s Community
Kitchen, Mobil Loaves and Fishes, Eucharistic Visitor, Harrington Hall and the many community support groups that use the St Luke’s facilities. I thank you for all you accomplish in the
community. You are really doing great stuff. I never had to look too far to see and experience
the face and spirit of Jesus wherever the people of St Luke’s would venture within and outside
the walls of the church. And, last but certainly not least to the acolytes, altar guild, chalice
bearers, greeters, readers and all those whose ministry supports the congregations worship experience weekly. It was an honor and a pleasure working with all of you.
I would also like to thank everyone for the beautiful stole that you gave me and will think
fondly of St. Luke’s when in the future, with God’s grace, I am able to wear it as an ordained
Deacon.
So, it is time to end. Again to everyone at St Luke’s I thank you for an insightful and wonderful experience over the last nine months. I thank you for your welcome, your fellowship and
your friendship during my stay here for myself and also for my family. Best wishes for you all
as you continue to do the work of God in the congregation, community and the world. I will
miss you all. You will be in my prayers.
Grace and Peace,
Ed Dean
4
The East Greenwich Interfaith Food Cupboard (EGIFC)
What are empty, well used and always in need of your support? If you answer ed the
shelves at the East Greenwich Interfaith Food Cupboard that operates out of St. Luke's Church,
then you are right!! How can you be a winner in our eyes? Specifically help us fill the shelves
for the summer months and then provide ongoing support to the Food Cupboard all year
round.
In the summer, the number of food drives that support the EGIFC fall off because schools are
closed and corporate supporters are on vacation and/or thinking of other things. But the need
for food by clients of the Food Cupboard does not diminish. In fact, it may be greater because
the children who may get a subsidized meal at school are home for the summer.
Though we always welcome your support, we need it now in the summer months more than
ever. You can help by dropping off some canned vegetables (corn, carrots, spinach, peas),
some canned fruit (pineapple, pears, peaches, mixed fruit), boxed cereal or oatmeal, Progresso
soups, canned chicken or tuna, jelly or jam, etc.
Don't want to drop food off but still want to help? Write a check to the EGIFC. In the last three
months we have spent a FEMA grant in the amount of $1,450.00 and over $1,800.00 from our
Treasury.
The Food Cupboard now has a cooler so we are giving out eggs, cheese and margarine. We
hope to see more fresh fruit and vegetables donated during the summer months.
As always, we appreciate all your support.
Chris and Steve Bartlett
Co-Directors
5
Consider joining the Eldredge Legacy Society with an estate gift to benefit
the future ministry of our parish.
From the Planned Giving Committee ...
At St. Luke’s, we can see the legacy of those who came before us. Our parish ministries are
possible today, because our forbearers gave of their time, talent and treasure to build up the
church over the years. Many of these were in the form of planned gifts—gifts made from the
estates of parishioners upon their passing. To encourage, promote and recognize planned gifts
to St. Luke’s the Eldredge Legacy Society was established, named for a family who played a
key leadership role in the parish for many years.
The Society serves to enable members and friends to witness to the value of St. Luke’s in their
lives and secure its ministries for generations to come. Planned gifts to the Society are acts of
hope for the future of our parish. Through God’s grace and your generosity, St. Luke’s will be
well equipped to serve our community in generations to come.
You may become a member of the Eldredge Legacy Society simply by notifying the parish office that you have named St. Luke’s as a beneficiary in your will, trust, insurance policy or retirement account with either a specific gift amount or percentage of your estate or of a specific
asset. You may also qualify by making the parish the beneficiary of a planned gift instrument,
such as a charitable remainder trust, charitable gift annuity, pooled income fund or life estate
agreement. Gifts of any size qualify you for membership; there is no minimum amount required.
All Eldredge Legacy Society members will be listed on the Society Honor Roll and recognized
at an annual event. Members will also be invited to seminars and special sessions on planned
giving, financial and estate planning. This year’s annual event will be a light dinner on Sunday,
September 13 at 4:00 PM at the home of Jim and Cathe Rezendes. All parishioners who
are current members or who notify the parish office of their documented planned gift by
August 31, 2015 will be invited to attend.
Enrollment forms and the new St. Luke’s Planned Giving brochure are available at the parish
office or on the parish web site here:
http://stlukeseg.org/site/documents/Eldredge_Society_Enrollment.pdf
6
For more information about the Eldredge Society—or just to learn more about planned giving
options, please contact any of the members of the Planned Giving Committee: John Perry,
Ruth Batchelor, Pam Dresselhouse, Jim Rezendes, Jeremy Stowe or Fr. Tim. The committee
will also have a table at the fall Ministry Fair to answer your questions.
And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always
having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8
PLEASE REMEMBER….
Summer office hours are as follows for July and
August, Monday we are CLOSED. Tuesday through
Friday, 8:30 am—2 pm.
Thank you.
7
8
Save The Date: VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Monday August 17th – Friday August 21st
St. Luke’s is planning VBS (Vacation Bible School) along with our
friends at the First Lutheran Church of East Greenwich.
This year it will be held at the Lutheran Church on Division Street.
Each day the camp is held from 9:00 – 12:00.
Children from Kindergarten through Grade 6 are welcome to register
for this amazing experience. Teens are needed to help out with arts &
crafts, music, and games. Adult volunteers are also needed. Please see
Susan MacDonald if you are interested in helping with Vacation Bible
School. The registration form is on page 8 or you can email Sue MacDonald, [email protected], your information.
9
DESTINY AFRICA DRUMMING WORKSHOP and CONCERT
You’re invited to a very special mid-summer concert at
St. Luke!
DESTINY AFRICA, a children’s choir from Kampala
Center, Uganda, is currently touring the United States. They’ll be making a
special stop at St. Luke on Wednesday, July 22 for a 7pm concert.
Since 2008, the children of Destiny Africa have toured the world to present
Ugandan culture with performances that include drumming, singing, dance,
drama and video. They sing of healing, hope, and joy for their country and for the
whole world.
On Wednesday, July 22nd at 1:30 pm, the children from the DESTINY AFRICA
TOUR will be holding a workshop to teach us how to drum on REAL
AFRICAN DRUMS!
Sign up now in the atrium, contact the church office, 884-4116 or send and email
[email protected], to register for this free workshop.
Free will offering appreciated
We will have a dinner for the choir and the workshop participants, and then enjoy
the concert in the St. Luke sanctuary at 7pm. Admission is a free will offering. A
light reception will follow the concert.
Visit their website www.destinyafrica.org to learn more about the choir, and see
and hear recent performances.
10
Meet Chloe and Bob, Diane Straker’s two cats. Diane has moved into an apartment that won’t allow pets, so she is looking for a loving home for them both.
Preferably together if possible.
At this point, Diane has a July 10 appointment at the Providence Animal Rescue
League to bring them in to be evaluated for adoption by them. While we know
that PARL has a wonderful record of finding homes for animals in need, they
were not as encouraging for Chloe, due to her age, even though she has had
minimal health problems (as has Bob). Of course, this makes it even more heartbreaking for Diane.
In the meantime, before July 10, please consider these two special furry blessings, and by all means share this with other kindhearted souls. Diane's cell phone
number is (401) 644-3714.
11
Save the Date!
Sunday, July 19th
St. Luke’s Parish
Worship and Picnic
The Carousel at Goddard Park
On Sunday, July 19th, at 10:15 a.m. St. Luke's Summer Worship Service will
be held at Goddard Park in the Carousel Building with music by the Three
Amigos.
The service will be followed by a church picnic and BBQ. Children's activities include face painting and games. Hula hoop demonstrations with instructions and a drumming circle are two of our special events.
St. Luke's will provide hot dogs and hamburgers for the grill.
We are asking our guests to bring their own drinks as well as a dish to
share. Please indicate which food item you will be bringing.
PLEASE RSVP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so we know how many hamburgers and hot dogs to purchase. Thank you. You may RSVP and/or sign up for a
side on the sign up Genius link below.
DATE: 07/19/2015 ( Sun. 10:05AM - 3:00PM EDT )
LOCATION: Goddard Park Carousel
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/5080549A5A929A57-stlukes1/6987818
12
13
MOBILE LOAVES AND FISHES NEEDS
We had a great MLF run on Sat. So much so that we are in DESPERATE need of
summer clothing for our next run on July 25. We need the same items we have
listed but if our friends could please dig deep and weed through their closets it
would be greatly appreciated.
Also, EVERY SATURDAY the Salvation Army is dollar day. All items are 1.00 if
anyone is interested in making a visit. Donations are also welcome.
Thank you.
PROPERTY COMMITTEE
Summer Property Breakfasts continue on July 23rd (Note: this is 4th Thurs.) and
on the 3rd Thursdays, August 20th and September 17th. Come for breakfast and
fellowship and then projects for the morning with a coffee break as well. There is
a list of both inside and outside projects and you choose what you would like to
do. There is always garden and other outside work to do under Jack Newton’s
direction plus inside items as well.
We invite you to come whenever you can.
We appreciate everyone’s help in keeping
our large Church facility in good working
order! Thanks.
Sandy and Peggy Rubel
14
The Mission of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
East Greenwich, RI:
To worship and serve God
as we reflect and pass on the Light of Christ
Rector: The Rev. Timothy T. Rich (trich@stluk eseg.org)
Assistant to the Rector: The Rev. Noel Bailey (noel@stluk eseg.org)
Retired Deacon: The Rev. Edwin F. Hallenbeck ([email protected] )
Christian Ed Director: Susan MacDonald (sm [email protected] )
Canterbury Choir Director, Interim: J ohn Br ooks (jbrook s356@gm ail.com )
Parish Admin: Bar bar a DeFusco (barbara.defusco@stluk eseg.org)
Nursery Coordinator: Kar en Simas
Bookkeeper: Lisa Paolino (book k eeper@stluk eseg.org)
Sexton: Wesley For sythe (m usicandtrees7@gm ail.com )
Anchor : Barbara DeFusco ([email protected])
WORSHIP SERVICES
Sundays: 7:45 am and 10:15 am Holy Eucharist
Sunday School: 9 am Gr. 3-12; 10 am preschool-Gr 2
Tuesdays 10 am Centering Prayer
Tuesdays 12 noon Holy Eucharist & Healing
OFFICE HOURS
Monday (closed), Tuesday—Friday 8:30 am—2pm (July & August)
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 2 pm (September—June)
VESTRY
Senior Warden: Neal McNamara
Junior Warden: Pam Dresselhouse
Treasurer: Greg de Groot Clerk: Julie Gemma
Fran Gammell-Roach Tom Sprague, Geo Borgia,
Scott Woodward, Lindsey Yates-Grimley, Paul Brookes
Donna Jordan, Brenda Mendes, Jeremy Stowe
99 Peirce Street, East Greenwich, RI 02818
(401) 884-4116
www.stlukeseg.org
https://www.facebook.com/stlukeseg
15
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
99 Peirce Street
East Greenwich, RI 02818
www.stlukeseg.org
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
July/August 2015 Newsletter
16