The Philippian A publication of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church St. Philip‟s Episcopal Church * East Moore & Dry Streets * P.O. Box 10476 * Southport, NC 28461 http://www.stphilipschurch.org * E-Mail: [email protected]Phone: (910) 457-5643 * Fax: (910) 457-6991 * Vol. 8, No. 12 December, 2011 From the Rector “The unmotivated are notoriously invulnerable to insight.” The above quotation is from Edwin H. Friedman, rabbi, author, and pioneer in the field of family therapy and a systems approach to counseling. Rabbi Friedman died a number of years ago, yet his influence on those of us who study such things has not waned, but grown exponentially. His comment, above, about the short-sightedness of those who live life in a static mode is part of the preface in a wonderfully challenging and thought provoking book called “Dancing with Dinosaurs” by William Easum. The basic premise of Mr. Easum‟s book, as you might infer from its title, is that before long many of our Christian congregations will be perceived as “cuddly, sentimental creatures who will be studied primarily as skeletons in the halls of a museum.” Easum‟s premise, from the perspective of the statistical information on church growth, attendance and financial giving released by the Episcopal Church for the year 2010, deserves our attention. We, along with other mainline denominations, are in danger of becoming dinosaurs – disappearing from the landscape unless we address what many are calling out-dated programs and messages that no longer make sense in a 21 st century world. In his book, published in 1993, Easum argues that while the substance of the gospel will not be changed as we make this shift, we must change the way that we package and proclaim that gospel. I have read Mr. Easum‟s book several times, and been provoked, in a good way, by his message. There is much I agree with in his book, and even more that I have continuing questions about. For me, Easum‟s insight, coupled with my study of the „emerging church,‟ is like a gauntlet thrown in my path. Which leads me to ask the following of you during this Advent season. As you anticipate and embrace our annual celebration of the Incarnation, give yourself a gift. Perform a “faith check-up.” Ask yourself these critical questions – Is my journey with Christ on track? Has my faith continued to grow over the last year, five years, ten years, or more? If not, why not?
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The Philippian A publication of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
St. Philip‟s Episcopal Church * East Moore & Dry Streets * P.O. Box 10476 * Southport, NC 28461
9:15AM – Sunday School ~ The prophet brings good news
Friday, December 16th
6:00PM – Christmas Play If Angels were Mortal…. (Sanctuary)
7:00 PM – Parish Christmas Party (Southport Community Building)
Sunday, December 18th
9:15 AM – Gingerbread House Construction with the Deacon
9:40 AM – Sunday School ~ The family of Jesus
Sunday, December 25th
– Christmas Day
No Christian Education
Sunday, January 1st – New Year’s Day
No Christian Education
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
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Opportunities for Adult Christian Formation and Renewal,
December 2011
Sunday, December 4th
– Annual Meeting
No Christian Education
One worship service at 10AM
Monday, December 5th
10:00AM – Seekers Adult Study ~ The Myth of Redemptive
Violence (Parish Hall)
Wednesday, December 7th
10:00 AM –Bible Study, Gospel of Mark 4:1-34; Miracles around the Sea of Galilee (Parish
Hall)
Sunday, December 11th
9:15 AM – Adult Christian Education, (Parish Hall)
Wednesday, December 14th
10:00 AM –Bible Study, Gospel of Mark 6:6b-8:26; Jesus continues preaching in Galilee
(Parish Hall)
Friday, December 16th
6:00PM – Christmas Play If Angels were Mortal…. (Sanctuary)
7:00 PM – Parish Christmas Party (Southport Community Building)
Sunday, December 18th
9:15 AM – Adult Christian Education, (Parish Hall)
Monday, December 19th
10:00AM – Seekers Adult Study, ~ The Myth of Redemptive Violence (Parish Hall)
Wednesday, December 21st
10:00 AM –Bible Study, Gospel of Mark 8:27-10:52; Preparing the Disciples for Suffering
(Parish Hall)
7:00 PM – Wednesday with Women, Creating a Legacy Circle (Parish Office)
Sunday, December 25th
– Christmas Day
No Christian Education
Wednesday, December 28th
Parish Office Closed – No Bible Study
Sunday, January 1st – New Year’s Day
No Christian Education
Wednesday, January 4th
10:00 AM –Bible Study, Gospel of Mark 11:1-13:37; Jesus’ Ministry in Jerusalem (Parish
Hall)
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
Page 10
2012 Adult Confirmation/Newcomers Class
Saturday, January 21st at 9AM will be our first class for those seeking to learn
more about the Anglican Communion/Episcopal Church. While the class is open to
all, including those who just want to 'brush up' on their knowledge of things
Episcopal, this class is specifically designed for those who have yet to be received
or confirmed in the Episcopal Church. There are eight classes in all, and each class
will last approximately one and a half hours.
There are three required texts for the course. Total cost $32.00. If you are
interested in attending the classes and the cost of the books is a hardship,
assistance is available. Just let Fr. Barry know. Most classes will be held on
Saturday mornings. A tentative schedule will be handed out at the first meeting.
Please sign up no later than January 9th by calling the parish office at 457-5643.
I look forward to seeing you on January 21st at 9AM.
Fr. Barry+
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
Page 11
Have you ever had any of these prayer problems?
You can’t sit still long enough to pray.
You’re tired of praying the same old prayers you’ve prayed since preschool.
You run out of words but the prayer doesn’t feel finished.
You wonder whether God is even listening.
You want to pray but it feels like a chore.
You start to pray but then your mind wonders to other things.
Then this is for you!
PRAYING IN COLOR
Praying in Color is a way to pray with your eyes, your ears, and your
hands. It invites your mind, your heart, and your body into prayer.
For three weeks during Advent we will look at why we pray, how we
pray and what gets in our way of pray.
November 30th, December 7th, & December 14th
In the parish hall at 5:00PM OR 7:00 PM
Every day we are surrounded by the colors of God’s creation. Over the
three weeks we will learn how these colors evoke emotions and/or
associated with certain characteristics. We will learn how to
incorporate this awareness of colors into our daily prayer life.
This program is being offered twice each evening so those who prefer
to attend BEFORE the healing service may do so at 5:00PM. For those
who would like to attend it at a later time the same session will be held
AFTER the healing service and meal at approximately 7:00PM. Sessions
will last about 45 minutes.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
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STEPHEN MINISTRY MINUTE
Well Done Good and Faithful Servants
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
(Galatians 6:2)
The words “one another” and “each other” are used more than 50 times in the New
Testament. What this tells us is that God did not create us to be independent. He created us to be
interdependent. We are made in his own image – to be loving, forgiving, and caring. He created
us to need one another. “It is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18).
The Bible does not simply say “bear others burdens”, or “love others”. The “one another” and
“each other” phrase has a reciprocal meaning: I will bear your burdens, and you will bear mine. In
this sense, openness to Christian caring is not just being willing to care for and help others. It also
carries the oftentimes more difficult meaning of being willing to be cared for and helped by others.
It has been six months since we commissioned our first group of Stephen Ministers here at St.
Philip’s. Six months of growing, learning, and caring. It has truly been an amazing six months,
and over the next couple of months you will read more from our Stephen Ministers about the
ways in which they have grown, the things they have learned from their experiences, and what
“caring for each other” means to them.
We ask that you continue to pray for “each other”, for our Stephen Ministers and the work they
are doing, for their care receivers, and for those among us who may be hurting in some way and
might benefit from the one-to-one Christian care of a Stephen Minister. And when you see one of
our Stephen Ministers, be sure to thank them for a job well done as a good and faithful servant
fulfilling the laws of Christ.
Gene & Martha Myers (842-5160)
Stephen Leaders
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
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„Tis soon to be the season of Christmas music. In days past one could not escape the loop of seasonal
tunes that played non-stop in retail businesses. That is not the case nowadays. One of America‟s largest
retailers no longer plays music during the Christmas season or anytime. For folks who still listen to radio it
is possible to find a station or two that play seasonal music beginning after Thanksgiving. While I was
thinking about this, curiosity got the best of me, so I Googled the top 25 Christmas carols in the U.S. and to
my surprise only one title on the list did I consider a Christmas carol, Silent Night. The remainders of titles
listed are secular and what I would describe as songs. Is the lack of sacred tunes a reflection of the
predominance of our secular culture?
According to the dictionary a carol is a joyful hymn or religious song, especially one celebrating the
birth of Christ. The first Christmas carols are attributed to Italian friars that lived with St. Francis of Assisi.
Somehow I cannot accept The Christmas Song and Santa Claus Is Coming to Town as carols. It is true they
are infectious tunes that I enjoy hearing and singing because they take me back to times past and special
family memories. How can it be that Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Come All ye Faithful, Angels We
Have Heard on High, The First Noel, or What Child Is This? did not make the list? Do the unchurched
hear these carols anymore? Many of these carols succinctly yet beautifully convey the nativity story and
express the anticipation and joy of the Messiah‟s coming, in recent vernacular, “the reason for the season.”
I hope that during this Christmas season you will celebrate the coming of light and hope into our world
by singing all of your favorite “carols.”
Debbie
December 03, 2011 - 7:30 PM
Handel and Bach for the Advent Season The LBS Chamber Orchestra, a combined chorus of area singers and outstanding vocal soloists present a pair of seasonal favorites: J.S. Bach's popular Advent cantata,
Sleepers, Wake!(Cantata No. 140), and portions of Handel's oratorio, Messiah.
Where: First Presbyterian Church Great Hall, 3810 Robert Grissom Parkway,
Myrtle Beach, SC
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
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St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
Page 15
SENIOR WARDEN’S COLUMN
The photo sessions have been completed for our new Pictorial Directory and the committee
has looked at the proofs. Participation was definitely short of the 100% hoped for. The proofs
are back and been reviewed by the committee. After a few corrections they will again view the
proofs and the new directories should be in our hands by mid January. I am looking forward to
having the new Directory so I can put names with faces.
On October 30th, St. Philip’s held it annual blood drive with a pretty good turn out. It was quite
a day since we also had the Youth Choir from the First Baptist Church to entertain us with
delightful music. This was an effort spearheaded by our Evangelism & Outreach Commission
and was very successful.
We are gearing up for a wonderful and busy holiday season. On December 4th St. Philip’s will
hold its Annual Meeting and covered dish brunch at the Community Center after a combined
10:00 AM service. December 16th we will all enjoy our Christmas Play followed by the Christmas
Party at the Community Center. On Thursday December 22nd
, my birthday by the way, the
Greening of the Church will take place at 10:00 AM. If you are interested in helping with this
event, please sign up to help the Flower Guild plan.
On Christmas Eve we will have a 5:00 PM service. At 9:30 PM there will be Christmas Carols
in the Church followed by the 10:00 PM service. Christmas is a little special since it falls on
Sunday. There will be one service at 9:00 AM.
Since this is my last column, I want to take a minute to reflect on the past two years. Serving
as your Senior Warden has been a truly rewarding experience. We have a very committed and
active Vestry and in addition members of the congregation have been extremely active and willing
to help with anything. I have found St. Philip’s a wonderful place to worship. The relationships I
have found here will remain with me the rest of my life. Thank you for everything you have done
to make my tenure as Senior Warden so pleasant.
I am so hoping I will get to see many of you at some of the many holiday events. I wish you
and yours a very blessed Christmas season.
Yours in Christ,
Mo Beers
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
Page 16
THE WORSHIP CORNER
The opportunities to worship present themselves in a myriad of ways, as diverse as the
members of church. The most obvious examples are the “corporate” worship services that occur every Sunday and other holy days throughout the year, where the priest leads the services with the active support of Eucharistic ministers, readers, ushers, greeters, choristers, acolytes, flower guild members, altar guild members, and others. The leaders of each of these groups give of their time and talents as a contribution toward the worship experience. As the seasons pass, the numbers of participants in these groups change due to various reasons. Currently, the number of participants has decreased by approximately 20% over the past 18 months, resulting in this request for prayerful consideration by every member of the congregation to become active in one of these groups. The time commitment involved in participation is far outweighed by the blessings received.
For those interested in becoming a Eucharistic Minister, Visitor, or Reader, there is a training
session scheduled for Saturday morning, January 14th, at 10:00 AM. Those interested in
participating are invited to contact the church office or me (457-9941 or [email protected]). For those considering serving as ushers and/or greeters, please do not hesitate to contact the
church office, me, or Gene Meyers. Training sessions are in the process of being scheduled. Persons interested in singing with the choir are invited to attend practice on any Wednesday
evening at 7:00 PM in the Carr-Jorgensen House. Persons interested in becoming acolytes are invited to contact Ricky Evans, the church office,
or me. A note regarding this ministry is that there is not an age limit (adults are invited). Those interested in the altar guild or flower guild and invited to contact Harriet Powell and
Meezie Childs, respectively. Thank you, in advance, for your prayers and consideration in participating in any of these
As we come to the end of the year please make sure that your 2011 pledges are up to date. Pledges are our major source of revenue to support our mission and ministry. Looking forward into 2012 there still is a number of members that have not pledged for 2012. The Vestry is working on our budget now for 2012 and as usual there are more requirements than resources available. If we do not meet our revenue projections then some of our programs will suffer. We realize that there are many demands placed on each of our personal budgets but hope we you will consider contributions to our church as a top priority. We will make the 2012 budget available after it is approved by your Vestry. Bill Bittenbender 253-9846 Bill Meiners 253-9642
Contributions to St. Philip's in the form of pledges, outreach,
building fund, memorials, etc. must be received no later than
December 31st to qualify as a 2011 tax credit.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
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SAVE THE DATE AND PITCH IN…
2012 HEART & SOUL AUCTION
The St. Philip’s family will be collectively sponsoring and conducting a live and silent auction to help raise funds for St. Philip’s outreach activities/initiatives and to help reduce the church’s mortgage commitment level – which in turn will help us target other funds for stimulating our community’s spiritual growth. The upcoming Heart & Soul Auction will be held on February 19, 2012 from 4-7 PM at the St. James Community Center. We all need to pitch in for this to be a success. Help is needed with Auction Items (Shay Watkins); Food & Beverage (Ida Parker); and Decorations, Setup & Event Logistics (Wanda Luey). Help with securing Live and Silent Auction items is especially needed starting now. Please pitch in with your Hearts & Souls….And stay tuned for future announcements and reminders…. Contacts – Shay Watkins – [email protected], (910) 470-0107 Ida Parker – [email protected] ,(910) 278-6719 Wanda Luey – [email protected], (910) 253-9354 Jacquie McNutt – [email protected], (910) 253-4112.
Bazaar Buzz
Ladies of St. Philip’s thanks to your hard work the 2011 Bazaar was a success. Jane Mitchell was a great chairman and we all owe her our thanks for her tireless effort. She is a master of organization.
We now need to go forward with plans for the 2012 Bazaar. Please put January 20th at 10am on your calendar for the organizational meeting. We will meet in the Parish Hall. Please come early for tea and coffee and goodies. Bring your thoughts and ideas to make the Bazaar the best it can be. We so appreciate the creativity of our members and encourage as many people as possible to attend. The fellowship generated by our efforts is wonderful.
Please call me at 854-0047 if you would like to discuss any ideas for new products or just anything concerning the Bazaar.
Contributions for the Food Pantry (food or cash) gratefully accepted
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
Page 20
As a member of Sara Smith Chapter, Daughters of the King, we take a pledge of
prayer, service and evangelism. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our vision as
Daughters of the King is to know Jesus Christ, to make HIM known to others and to
become reflections of Gods love throughout the
world.
In the season of Advent, with bright lights, and
pretty colors and wonderful music, how can we
reflect God's love? To me, God's love is bright and
shiny and music of angels that we can pass on in our
actions. Advent is a time of giving to others in HIS
name and to show random acts of kindness, all in
HIS name. What a wonderful gift! Will you care enough to be a follower, and give
the gift?
Priscilla Wheeler, Daughters of the King
Camp Trinity is a summer program sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina to serve the 74 parishes
of the diocese. Camp Trinity is proud to be accredited by the American Camping Association. Developed exclusively for
the camp industry, this nationally recognized association focuses on program quality and health and safety issues, and
requires camp to regularly submit every facet of its operation to an independent appraisal by camp experts.
Camp Trinity offers young people (grades 3-12) an opportunity to experience camping in an enjoyable and beautiful
setting along Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Campers share in a Christian program that helps them grow
spiritually and emotionally and provides them opportunities to develop new interests, skills, and friendships.
Applications are available in the Christian Education office for those who are
interested in attending Camp Trinity. Sessions fill quickly so act now.
THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED December 23 - January 2nd.
We will return to our regular schedule on Tuesday, January 3rd.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
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December Birthdays
1st Rev. Fiona Bergstrom
Karen Holbrook
2nd Larry Dempster
Brenda Birmelin
3rd Edward Sutton
Meg Davis
4th Roy Daniel
Jane Korczynski
Noah Huntley
6th Fred Lesh
Martha Myers
Mark Beem
Olivia Kibler
7th Sarah Benjamin
8th Andrea Veri
9th Bobbie Fuchs
10th Emily Youngblood
11th Jane Edwards
13th Jennifer Gould
15th Jenna Baldiga
16th Lee Wester
Skip Teeters
18th Dana Richardson
20nd Randy Towery
21st Louise Mead
John Ziblut
22nd Mo Beers
Judy Bowers
James Sutherland
Amanda Holland
23rd Pamela Rainey
24th Frank Lai
Magdalena Aude
25th Thad Wester
Jean Myers
26th Brad Carlson
28th Deborah Fosbury
Mike Burke
Marvin Hamer
29th Debbie Raker
30th David Fosbury
31st Riley MacKenzie
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
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TREE OF LIGHTS
Remember someone special this Christmas by donating $5 for St. Philip’s Tree of Lights. Lights will be displayed on the grounds of St. Philip's Church. Each light will represent a special loved one in your life and the lights will shine throughout the Christmas season. Complete the form below and place in the alms basin on Sunday or mail to:
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church P.O Box 10476
Southport, NC 28461
Be sure to print below the name as you would like it to appear in the Christmas Eve bulletin. One dedication per $5 donation, please.
Deadline for bulletin insert is MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH
****************************************************************************** I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE A LIGHT:
□ In Honor Of: □ In Memory Of:
Donated by: Mail Letter to: A letter will be sent to the person you have indicated above
advising them of your gift. All proceeds will be used for
special needs in our community. Your participation will make
this event a “bright” part of our Christmas at
St. Philip’s. Sponsored by the Men’s Group of St. Philip’s
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church December, 2011
Page 23
Remember someone special this Christmas by donating $12 for poinsettias and other holiday greenery for the altar. Complete the form below and place in the alms basin on Sunday or mail to:
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church P.O Box 10476
Southport, NC 28461
Be sure to print below the name as you would like it to appear in the Christmas Eve bulletin. One dedication per $12 donation, please.
Deadline for bulletin insert is MONDAY, DECEMBER 12TH
I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE A POINSETTIA:
□ In honor of
□ In memory of Given by: Please print all information clearly.
Church Organization
Bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina: The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel III
Assisting Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray
Rector: The Rev. Barry P. Kubler Organist/Choirmaster: Debbie Skillman
Parish Secretary: Natasha Tatum Sexton: George Ball
Deacon: Henrietta Williams Communication Lyn Sutton
Director of Christian Education: Millie Hart Episcopal Relief & Development
Stephen Leaders: Martha & Gene Myers Representative: Jacob Pfohl
Vestry
Senior Warden: Mo Beers Clerk: Dana Richardson
Junior Warden: Tom Trivett Finance Officer: Wayne John
2009-2011: Mo Beers, Linda Brinson, Bill Meiners, John Reinsburrow
2010-2012: Bill Bittenbender, Joan Hayes, Tina Powers, Tom Trivett
2011-2013: Debbie Evans, Thomas Harrelson, Jake Pfohl, Lorraine Richardson