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…ST. FRANCIS’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH

COMMUNIQUÉ

November 2008 Edition

Ubuntu

At my 25^th (!) Reunion at the General Theological Seminary in New York in October, I was privileged to hear a series of lectures given by the Rev. Dr. Michael Battle on the African concept of Ubuntu. I thought it important for me attend these lectures for two reasons. First, Ubuntu is going to be the theme of the 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church which I will be attending next summer as a Deputy representing our Diocese. Second, I myself will be traveling to Liberia in West Africa this very month (see more about this elsewhere in this Communiqué.)

I came away from Michael Battle’s talks immensely enriched. I’m aware that I can’t distill his 3 hours into a few paragraphs. But I want to share some of what he said about Ubuntu, as it has relevance for us at St. Francis.

Ubuntu is about how people come to know their identify as human beings. In Western culture, we typically seek our self-identity through competition with and differentiation from others. For instance, I know that I am white because I am not black; I know that I am male because I am not female; I know that am well off because others are poor, I know that I am an Episcopalian because I could not be fully at home in any other Christian denomination -- and so on.

By contrast, Dr. Battle said, in African cultures the concept of Ubuntu says that people gain their identity through being part of a community. Ubuntu means “humanity” or “personhood.” To say someone has Ubuntu is to say that he or she has humanity. Moreover, Ubuntu means that a person comes to know him- or her-self as human, and is recognized by others as being human, only through interaction with and interdependence on others.

Someone who has Ubuntu is human because s/he abides faithfully in her or his web of social relationships. Archbishop Desmond Tutu has written: “A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole”

Typically in African culture, that greater whole, that web of relationships, matters more than an individual’s needs or desires (a very different focus than our American concern with individuality and self-fulfillment!). Ubuntu is part of why extended family (including ancestors) is so important in many African cultures. It is through one’s relationships with father, mother, grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunties (some of whom may have no blood ties to you) that one’s identity becomes known. In Ubuntu, an individual’s sense of identity and humanity is known only in, through and with others. As Archbishop Tutu has said, “I am, because we are.”

Dr. Battle pointed out that this traditional African concept has strong connections with Christianity. The Christian understanding of God as the Holy Trinity in which the three Divine Persons know their being in relationship with each other is reflective of (or perhaps the source of!) Ubuntu. We come to know who we are as Christians (“little Christs”) in relationship to God through our Baptism into Christ. And in the Christian community, the church, we come to know ourselves and one another as extended family, sisters and brothers, only in relationship with one another. It is when I share the Eucharist with you on Sunday morning, or pray with others at a Vestry meeting, or work together on some project or ministry of the congregation that I come to know that I am your brother in Christ and that you are my sisters and brothers. I cannot know this wonderful truth about myself without you.

St. Paul wrote of this reality when he described the Church as the Body of Christ, made of many parts. He writes, “There are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’, nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ God has so arranged the body that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” (I Corinthians 12: 20-26, shortened).

We all need each other. We need each in order to come to know who we each really are. We need each other to have Ubuntu – that rich humanity that we can only discover in and with one another in Christ.

Peace,

Jack+

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Birthdays & Anniversaries in November

Happy Birthday to:

Althea Heirholzer – 11/01

Richard Burns – 11/02

Dawn DeCandia – 11/02

Debra Jaeger – 11/06

Marc Manganaro – 11/06

Steven Toke – 11/06

Emma Heiney – 11/08

Melinda Hammond – 11/11

Gregory Scott – 11/13

Audrey Johansen – 11/18

Sheila Connolly – 11/19

Melissa Burgess – 11/20

Michael Connolly – 11/22

Sarah Schmidt – 11/22

Robert Frey – 11/27

Raheem Trotman – 11/29

Anniversary of Baptism

Susan Peck – 11/01

Barbara Chernichowski – 11/01

Joshua Doesburgh – 11/01

Brad York – 11/01

Alexander Murray – 11/02

Matthew Murray – 11/02

Amanda Telesco – 11/04

Thomas D’Alessandro – 11/08

Patricia McElvery – 11/11

Audrey Johansen – 11/12

Virginia Meeker – 11/17

Wedding Anniversary

Marc & Julie Manganaro – 11/01

Brian & Christine Morris – 11/04

Steve & Tracie Toke – 11/05

Doug & Karen Meyer – 11/24

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Serving the Church in November

Nov. 2nd 
 8 AM Lector - Amy Myzie
 Usher - Ed Myzie
10 AM Acolytes - Kelsey Pelliccia, Vito Pelliccia, Kelli Horton, Ashley Thomas
 Chalice - Elaine Patania, Paul Sinckler
 Lectors - Nancy Dunham, Princess Thomas
 Ushers - Clay Horton, Pam Maiolo
 Greeter - Barbara O’Neill
 Counters - Mary Pfeiffer, Leslie Oliver
 Altar Guild - Geri Peters, Karen Williams, Barbara Dalto
 
Nov. 9th 
 8 AM Lector - M/M Benjamin
 Usher - Carroll Wilson
10 AM Acolytes - Amanda Telesco, Alex Meyer, Daniel John
 Chalice - Norma Tucker, Tom Jackson
 Lectors - Elaine Patania, Lisa Webb
 Ushers - Barbara O’Neill, Waring Webb
 Greeter - Norma Tucker
 Counters - Nancy Dunham, Cynthia Pelliciia
 Altar Guild - Audrey Johansen, Norma O’Sullivan, Sharon Benjamin
 
Nov. 16th 
 8 AM Lector - Carroll Wilson
 Usher - Carroll Wilson
10 AM Acolytes - Ashley Thomas, Nancy Crowther, Ariel Baker
 Chalice - Clay Horton, Lisa Webb
 
 Lectors - Tom Jackson, Leslie Oliver
 Ushers - Arthur McConney, Leslie Oliver
 Greeter - Norma Tucker
 Counters - Pam Maiolo, Audrey McConney
 Altar Guild - Barbara O’Neill, Norma Trimmer, Muriel Wilson
Nov. 23rd   
 8 AM Lector - Amy Myzie
 Usher - Ed Myzie
10 AM Acolytes - Samantha Meyer, Cecil Baker, Alex Meyer
 Chalice - Paul Sinckler, Tiffany O’Sullivan
 Lectors - Princess Thomas, Pam Maiolo
 Ushers - Elaine Patania, Pam Maiolo
 Greeter - Clay Horton
 Counters - Amy Myzie, Elaine Patania
 Altar Guild - Pam Maiolo, Leslie Oliver, Cordell Trotman
 
Nov. 30th 
 8 AM Lector - M/M Benjamin
 Usher - Carroll Wilson
10 AM Acolytes - Kelli Horton, Daniel John. Amanda Telesco
 Chalice - Norma Tucker, Elaine Patania
 Lectors - Nancy Dunham, Elaine Patania
 Ushers - Clay Horton, Barbara O’Neill
 Greeter - Audrey Johansen
 Counters - Tiffany O’Sullivan, Paul Sinckler
 Altar Guild - Geri Peters, Karen Williams, Barbara Dalto

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The Vicar Travels

When I served as Rector of Grace-St. Paul’s in Mercerville, there were a number of Liberians who were members of the congregation. Most were people who had fled Liberia in the 1980’s and early 90’s to escape the coups and civil wars which continued into this century and have devastated the country. In the extended family world of Ubuntu, it turns out that some of my Liberian friends in Mercerville are related to our own Rillette Hammond.

Through the Liberian members of Grace-St. Paul’s, a companion relationship was established with a Liberian parish, St, Barnabas on the Field in Harbel, Liberia. Before I left Mercerville, the Rev. Terry Quoi, Priest in Charge of St. Barnabas, invited me to visit the parish and top preach and preside at the Eucharist there. Because of all the recent transitions in my life, it was not until this fall that we were able to arrange a time to visit. I’m very much looking forward to learning more about the ministry of the Anglican Church in an another part of the world and the particular challenges the Church faces in war-torn Liberia. I’m sure I’ll have much to share with you when I get home. I would be grateful for your prayers as I travel.

I will be leaving on Sunday, November 16^th after morning services at St. Francis and will return on Tuesday, November 25^th so as to be home for Thanksgiving. My good friend, Mother Susan Norris will be our supply priest on Sunday, November 23^rd, and I will be arranging for pastoral coverage during my absence.

Jack+

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FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN

As we look forward to shorter days and colder nights, I continue to thank God for all of the members of St. Francis, my brothers and sisters on the Vestry and Father Jack for answering our call.  This past month has continued to be one of reorganization and a measure of feeling out how the future months and years will develop.  I have received many words of encouragement from members of our congregation and for that I am truly grateful.  The number of parishioners attending services is slowly increasing and a few simple changes have, I think, improved those services, thanks to Father Jack. 

I wish to remind all of our members of the upcoming stewardship campaign and pray that we all are able to continue to support our church as we have in the past. 

Yours in Christ,

Amy Myzie

Senior Warden

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To St. Francis people all –

Just knowing we’ve given our best to a ministry should be it’s own reward, but we are, after all, human.

It’s lovely to have our efforts acknowledged with expressions of appreciation.

How easy it is to take for granted a monthly newsletter, a yearly budget (now that’s a doozy), a warm welcome and comfortable, clean church on Sunday with a bulletin at the ready, and on and on. How nice it is for those who make it all possible to hear, “Thanks for all you do.”

On Sunday, October 19, I received a big thanks – the ECW award. I was chosen by people, many of whom have worked far more and far longer than I, doing tasks far less enjoyable. How cool are they?

You really shouldn’t have done it, but I’m honored that you did.

Thank you and God bless you.

Barbara Dalto

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STEWARDSHIP

“I’m here to Soar”

Soaring is the joy that springs from hope, and our hope is in the Lord. We soar when we attend worship service because we know it’s time well spent. We soar when we pray and study God’s Word because it strengthens our spirit. We soar because we give of our time, talent, and resources to enable the work of our ministry to go forward. We soar because we serve, help others, and give back.

Our Stewardship Campaign begins on October 26^th with Inspiration Sunday. Father Zamboni will lead us in prayer to inspire us. Offering packets will be ready for pick-up after the service.

November 2, 2008 – Gratitude Sunday – We will be asking parishioners to return pledge cards into the offering plate.

November 9, 2008 – Consecration Sunday – Father Zamboni will bless the pledges that have been received.

You are all invited to attend the….

Celebration Stewardship Pancake Breakfast

….on November 16^th. Pancakes will be served after the 8:00 service and the 10:00 service.

Let’s SOAR together to continue make St. Francis Church the place where we can all serve the Lord. “I am called according to His purpose”

Elaine Patania

Stewardship Chairperson

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November 2008
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
2 Gratitude Sunday All Saints Sunday 8 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM – Choral Eucharist and Sunday School	3	4 7:30 PM - Vestry	5 12 Noon – Book Group, followed by Crafters 7:30 PM – Choir 7:30 A.A.	6	7 Country Dancing - 7 PM	1 8
9 Consecration Sunday 8 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM – Choral Eucharist and Sunday School 12 Noon – J2A followed by Young People’s Blanket Bee – Pizza & soda served.	10	11	12 12 Noon – Book Group, followed by Crafters 7:30 PM – Choir 7:30 A.A.	13	14 Country Dancing - 7 PM	15
16 8 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM – Choral Eucharist and Sunday School Pancakes served after both services. Fr. Jack departs for Liberia	17	18	19 12 Noon – Book Group, followed by Crafters 7:30 PM – Choir 7:30 A.A.	20	21 Country Dancing - 7 PM	22
23 – Mother Susan Norris celebrating 8 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM – Choral Eucharist and Sunday School 12 noon - ECW Meeting	24	25 Fr. Jack Returns	26 12 Noon – Book Group, followed by Crafters 7:30 PM – Choir 7:30 A.A.	27 THANKSGIVING DAY	28	29
30 1^st Sunday of Advent 8 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM – Choral Eucharist and Sunday School