THE HARBINGER Region One Newsletter Summer, 2007

The mission of Region I Council of Episcopal Churches is to enable the local parish and the Diocese in carrying out their mission to the world as witnesses to God’s love and to be a visible and stable presence of the Body of Christ:

"In touch with the past, in step with the present, in anticipation of the future"

Mark Your Calendar: 2007-2008 Region 1 Meeting Schedule

Wednesday 26 September 2007 at 7:00 PM Trinity Church , Fredericksburg

Sunday 11 November 2007 at 3:00 PM St. George’s Church , Fredericksburg

Sunday 24 February 2008 at 3:00 PM Aquia Church , Stafford

Wednesday 30 April 2008 at 7:00 PM Christ Church , Spotsylvania

President’s Column

Greetings to all of our Region I family.

Here we are, approaching the end of the summer season already. It seems like it just started, and yet as I write this column, it is less than a month to Labor Day. Schools will be starting up, as well as Sunday Schools that take a break in the summer. With those, Region I will start its business year. I hope that you have all had time this summer for recreation, and re-creation, with your families and friends. Now it is time to get back to business.

The first meeting of our new year will be on Wednesday, September 26. Kent Rahm will present a program on “Delegate 101” to explain to us, many of whom are relatively new to the Region I structure, the privileges, duties, and obligations of being our churches’ delegates to the Regional Council. For those of us who have been on the Council longer, this should be a good refresher.

Over the summer, I have had the privilege of attending, together with our Dean and Executive Board member, two meetings of the Wardens of the Continuing Episcopal Churches of the Diocese with members of the Diocesan leadership and other supporters. For those of you not familiar with these Continuing Churches, they are four congregations that have reconstituted themselves after the majority of their former fellow parishioners voted to leave the Diocese and the Episcopal Church for other affiliations, such as CANA (the Convocation of Anglicans in North America ). In doing so, they took the church property and turned out those who wished to remain faithful Episcopalians. The four churches are St. Stephen’s Episcopal, Heathsville; St. Margaret’s Episcopal, Woodbridge ; The Falls Church Episcopal, Falls Church ; and The Church of the Epiphany Episcopal, Herndon. These meetings provide support for the churches and have helped them plan a joint gathering at Shrine Mont on the Sunday and Monday of Columbus Day weekend. The group meets at the Shoney’s on Plank Road in Fredericksburg , in the heart of our Region. It is truly a joy to meet with these faithful few, hear their stories, and provide them aid and support.

That is all I have for now. I hope you are all ready for the new year in Region I. See you in September!

The Peace of the Lord be with you,

Jack Gaines, President

The Red Cross Bag

I recently received a solicitation from the Red Cross in the form of a brown #8 bag with words printed on it saying “What if everything you had left in the world could fit into this bag?” Well my first reaction was: what a blessing that would be! That comes from my experience of recently moving and being overwhelmed at the volume of possessions we seem to accumulate and that seem to own us. But upon further reflection, I realized that it really came from a recent experience.

I was fortunate to have been part of a mission to El Hogar in Honduras . El Hogar is a school for orphans and the extremely poor children of Honduras . The children stay there and live in dorms. The children there really have very little that they can call their own. Their possessions consist of their shoes and maybe a few gifts equivalent to the toys in a McDonald’s happy meal. Even those gifts are often shared with others. Their clothes go into the laundry, and when they need some clothes, they pick out their size from what’s available. They don’t have their own clothes. A pair of roller skates becomes something that two kids can use. Rather than one child using both, they share so that two kids can each wear one and use it like a skate board.

These children “get it.” They know that they have the blessing of all that they require: love, care, adequate food and shelter. Many of their peers in that country are not so lucky. Even in their adversity and their memories of previous abuse and neglect, they are now the most loving, caring, hope-filled and happiest children I have ever met.

Their possessions could fit in that #8 bag. And that is a blessing.

[El Hogar is a ministry and mission of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada. To learn more, you can visit their web site at http://www.elhogar.org/ or just give me a call.]

Don Metheny
Executive Board Member, Region I
(540) 373-6680
donmetheny@cox.net

2007 is not just the 400 th anniversary of Jamestown ; it is also the 400 th anniversary of the first service from the Book of Common Prayer on this continent. This event was marked with great celebration a few weeks ago on Jamestown Island .

The current issue of the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography (published by the Virginia Historical Society) is entirely devoted to the history of the Episcopal Church in Virginia . It is a collection of articles that begin with 1607 and comes up to the present day issues of race and gender. We have been told that these articles will later be published as a hard-cover book.

There is also a special exhibit at the Virginia Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard , Richmond , which explores four centuries of the Church’s accomplishments, failures, and conflicts. The exhibit has been produced in collaboration with the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia .. The exhibit will be on display through January 13, 2008 .

The Episcopal Church in Virginia , 1607 - 2007, includes 100 objects and graphics, including photographs, portraits, manuscripts, postcards, rare books, colonial silver, religious jewelry and furniture. The oldest piece in the collection is a first edition of the “Authorized Version” or “King James Bible,” published in 1611.

The Historical Society’s phone number is 804-358-4901; admission to the galleries is free on Sundays.

MaryJo Browning, Vice-President

Region I Council Minutes,

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 , 7:00 p.m.

Christ Church , Spotsylvania

The mission of Region I Council of Episcopal Churches is to enable the local parish and the Diocese in carrying out their mission to the world as witnesses to God’s love and
to be a visible and stable presence of the Body of Christ:

In touch with the past, in step with the present, in anticipation of the future

Attendance at the Meeting : Aquia, Stafford; Christ Church, Brandy Station:; Christ Church, Spotsylvania: Jeff Packard, Sue Ann Thomas; Emmanuel, Rapidan:; Hanover with Brunswick Parish, (St. John’s/Emmanuel, King George): Diane Carroll; Incarnation, Mineral: Marian Windel; Little Fork, Rixeyville:; Messiah, Chancellor:; Piedmont Church, Madison: Brad Jackson, Norris E. John, Deborah Poage; St. Asaph’s, Bowling Green: ; St. Augustine’s in the Field:; St. Georges, Fredericksburg:; St. James, Louisa: ; St. St. Mary’s, Colonial Beach: Jack Gaines; St. Paul’s, Owens:; St. Peter’s, Port Royal: Cookie Davis, Fred Pannell, Bill Wick; St. Stephen’s, Culpeper: Mary Jo Browning; Trinity Church, Fredericksburg: Anna Brownfield, Walt Davis, Don Metheny, Sarah Midzalkowski, Kent Rahm; Vauter’s, Loretto: ; Guest Bob Azzarito.

The meeting was called to order by the President of Region I, Mr. Gaines at 7:05 pm . The Rev. Jeff Packard provided the invocation.

Mr. Gaines asked that all present introduce themselves and provide the name of their church.

Program : Update on ministries at the University of Mary Washington (UMW).

Ms. Browning welcomed and introduced the members the Christian Campus Ministry (CCC) and Canterbury Center who would be presenting the program.

The Rev. Sarah Midzalkowski provided information regarding Canterbury Center and the resources offered at UMW by Canterbury . Ms. Midzalkowski noted that the Canterbury Center welcomes all members of the UMW community while offering Episcopal liturgy on Sunday evenings. The Diocese of Virginia provides support for the mission of Canterbury , treating it as a mission of the Diocese. The Diocese has been a partner in this important ministry. Recognizing the status of mission, the Diocese has purchased a building that will become Canterbury ’s new Center. This new house will be used as a place that is apart from dorms and classes. There will be a library/study and kitchen space available to the students. This will be a place that the students can call their own, apart from Trinity, a space that will allow students to develop relationships on their own schedules as they develop their community.

Ms. Brownfield is a student at UMW as well as a member of Canterbury Center . She spoke of the opportunity afforded by Canterbury Center for a mission trip to Mississippi . The group worked through the Mission-on-the-Bay which coordinates recovery, rebuilding efforts in the light of Hurricane Katrina. Ms. Brownfield noted that the students who participated in this mission trip were expected to do the hard work they were given to do; however, many were surprised at the fulfillment and fun they experienced by providing help to others. It was a good learning experience about what Church is supposed to be for the students.

The Rev. Dr. Azzarito provided information about the Campus Christian Community (CCC). There are four denominations involved in the CCC: Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and United Methodists. Mr. Azzarito believes that Campus Ministry is the most important work we do as Church. The students are the future of the Church. All denominations work together to provide programs as well as each having its own unique program. Service projects, such as the mission trip to Mississippi , help students to understand the needs of the greater world. CCC has sponsored service trips to Romania and Haiti . CCC plans to take students to many venues. Volunteerism is up, and there is never a problem filling the spots for the service trips. Campus ministry is not a hard sell to most people recognize the need for campus ministry. Mr. Azzarito provided pamphlets for those present. It was noted that more students participate in CCC than any other club on campus which speaks volumes regarding the necessity of CCC.

Ms. Midzalkowski, Ms. Brownfield, and Mr. Azzarito were thanked for a most informative and interesting program about Campus Ministry. It helps this group’s understanding of how students are helped and how we are able to help students.

Business Meeting

DEAN’S REMARKS: Mr. Rahm noted that there will be tickets distributed to the different churches. We should each be receiving 6 tickets per delegate besides those which have been reserved for clergy and lay delegates who have responded to previous correspondence from the Diocese. Mr. Rahm also reminded all present that the Clergy-Lay Leadership Conference will take place May 7-9 at Shrine Mont.

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS: Mr. Gaines spoke about the picnic at Pitts Pond on Thursday, June 14. It will cost $11 or $12 per adult and $5 per child under 12 for the food. Directions and facility rules will be distributed via e-mail. Reservation sheets were distributed to those present. This is quality time for families and members of region I. Reservations will need to be submitted by June 1.

MINUTES: The minutes were approved as distributed.

TREASURER’S REPORT: The Treasurer’s Report was approved as distributed.

ECW REPORT: Ms. Davis provided the ECW Report. There will be a tea on May 5 from 3-5 at Camden . All members of ECW are invited. ECW adopted a church in the Dominican Republic .

DIOCESAN EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT: Mr. Methany explained the Diocesan Executive Board has decided that there is a need to sell some property. Insofar as the legal situation within the Diocese is concerned, all 11 suits have been combined to one location in Northern Virginia . This suit is going to take time and financial support. Shrine Mont is in need of summer staff. Applicants must be 18 or older. The Stewardship and Development Commission is in need of new members. Mr. Gaines reported that the House of Bishops are putting out a study guide which is intended to develop input from congregations. This input will then be used to help the House of Bishops form the mind of the church. The study guides will very likely be distributed through clericus.

HARBINGER REPORT: Ms. Poage asked if anyone needs a copy of the Harbinger. Also if you are not getting the Harbinger, please contact Ms. Poage. Bill Wick will up-date the Regional Directory as quickly as possible. Please get your up-dated information to Mr. Wick at wawncw@aol.com so that he can have a new directory as quickly as possible.

MISSION COMMITTEE REPORT: Mr. Wick presented a Grant application from Aquia. The Mission Committee believes that this application falls into the guidelines of the Mission Committee and recommends that it move forward with funding from two sources: 25% from the Mission Committee and 75% from the Youth. Mr. Rahm stated he believed the application should move forward, this was seconded by Mr. Packard. Vote taken and passed. The funding will be granted as recommended. Mr. Wick will contact Ms. Flynn regarding these funds. Mr. Wick passed out Mission Grant Applications to be used by the various churches.

Ms. Browning noted there are mission trips available wherein small churches can partner with larger churches. She distributed a copy of the April 11 Communique which has some examples listed.

The calendar was established for next year. Region I will be meeting:

Wednesday, September 26 7:00 pm Trinity, Fredericksburg

Sunday, November 11 3:00 pm St. Georges, Fredericksburg

Sunday, February 24 3:00 pm Aquia, Stafford

Wednesday, April 30 7:00 pm Christ Church , Spotsylvania

Ms. Windel announced that the Committee on Aging will sponsor a conference at Our Savior on May 23 called Nurturing Our Spirit. The focus is about Alzeheimer’s Disease. The conference begins at 8:30 am , lunch is included. In June the Committee will sponsor the Annual 50 th Wedding Anniversary celebration at Westminister-Canterbury, Irvington .

Mr. Wick noted that Region I East will be celebrating Ascension Thursday, May 17 at St. Mary’s Colonial Beach . This was very successful last year. Everyone from Region I is invited to attend. Dinner is at 6 pm and the service is at 7:30 pm . All are invited, please call St. Mary’s and let them know if you plan to attend so that they can plan to food.

Mr. Packard provided the Benediction and the meeting ended at 8:30 pm .

NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 at TRINITY, FREDERICKSBURG at 7:00 PM .

Respectfully submitted,

The Rev. Diane P. Carroll

Back to Top
Back to Newsletters