S T . P ETER ’ S N EWSLET TER
V OLUME 4, I SSUE 8 A UGUST 2009
V ESTRY L ETTER :
Dear friends,
Saint Peter’s is indeed a vibrant and dynamic congregation. It is a joy to be involved in
supporting our parish family and helping our congregation grow to meet the needs of the
Lewes Community. This year, the Vestry has been concentrating on supporting our
wonderful outreach ministries, strengthening our Christian formation programs,
developing a new Sunday evening service, building intergenerational connections within
our membership, and embellishing our transparency and communication with the larger
congregation. As you can see from our newsletters over the last couple of months, we
have achieved considerable success.
Our congregation is very fortunate to be blessed with a considerable endowment.
Because of the foresight of several generations, we have been able to embellish our
common life and reach out into the community by using a portion of the interest from
these funds. However, while we have fared better than most, we are not immune to the
current challenges of the economy. Consequently, the interest generated has decreased I NSIDE T HIS
in 2009 by over $30,000. While giving from the congregation has continue to be very I SSUE :
strong, we have had to make significant cuts in the budget in order to overcome this
shortfall. Unfortunately, our budget does not contain any “fat”, so we have tried to V ESTRY L ETTER & 1-3
curtail and defer spending as much as possible, without affecting the programs you have A NNOUNCEMENTS
told us are important. V ESTRY M INISTRY 4-5
We know too, that we are not the only ones facing the challenges of the recession. REPORT
Already, a number of our own members have been significantly affected by the economic
CCCS 6
downturn. They have come to our Local Outreach Committee for help and we have
enabled them to hold onto a roof over their heads and keep food on their tables. The P RAYER L IST , 7
committee has helped both friend and stranger and is a true testament to living out our S OLDIERS
commitment to Christ. We are after all, people of faith and we know that God will be P ARISH R EGISTER &
with us as we respond to each other’s need. S TEWARDSHIP
Most of all, we know that our greatest asset is the Body of Christ made manifest to us in H EALTHBEAT & 8-9
the sacrament and in each other. And so we turn and ask you for help. The Vestry S EEKERS
recognizes that your ability to financially contribute to solve our budget problem will
P RESIDING B ISHOP ’ S 10-
depend on your own financial resources and abilities. Whatever contribution you can S ERMON & D INNER 11
afford or are moved to make will be greatly appreciated! To illustrate how we might G ROUPS
solve the problem, if each of us would be willing to give up a “night out” at a movie and
restaurant (worth approximately $50) to help the church we all would be on our way to B IRTHDAYS , 12
resolving our budget problem. We have 450 households on our mailing list at St. Peters. A NNIVERSARIES &
If each of them were to contribute $50, we’d meet our projected deficit. Or, if 200 A RT S HOW
members of the church were able to each contribute $125, we’d meet our projected
P ARISH L IFE 13
deficit. To illustrate the Vestry’s commitment to meet the budget shortfall, the Vestry
has already contributed to this proposal. If you are moved to join with the Vestry and H OLY E UCHARIST 14
help resolve this budget problem, please send your contribution to the church office. V OLUNTEER
S CHEDULES
We are also looking into other ways to increase the church’s income. The Vestry is
planning to hold a church-wide rummage sale in the early fall. All proceeds to go to the C ALENDAR 15
A UGUST 2009 V ESTRY L ETTER CONTINUED : P AGE 2
church. Another suggestion is to have a “service auction” for church members. The auction is being planned for early
winter. Examples of possible auction items might include multiple church members bidding for a unique and entertaining
dinner at another member’s home, bidding for a weekend in a member’s mountain cabin, going deep sea fishing for a day
or an afternoon on a member’s boat, or bidding for an hour of interior decorating advice from another member of the
church. Again, all proceeds to go to the church. More details on both of these events will be forthcoming in future
newsletters.
We are a very blessed congregation and we need everyone’s help to meet the challenges and opportunities of these times.
We thank you for your consideration.
Karen Fisher, Senior Warden, Preston Beall, Junior Warden and the Vestry
Standing Invitation…
Call to Serve
The Vestry of St. Peter’s meets the first Tuesday of each month to discuss, reflect, and take actions on the many important
aspects of Parish life. The Vestry consists of 12 members of the Parish, in addition to a Vestry Secretary, a Treasurer, and
the Rector. The Vestry members (4) are elected at the Annual Parish Meeting held in November, and serve three-year
terms of office. The three-year terms of the following vestry members will end in 2009: Preston Beall, Donna Beecher,
Karen Fischer and Sue Meyer. It is important to the Vestry that all parishioners feel welcome to share their thoughts and
ideas about St. Peter’s as a community of faith and to fulfill our mission as a Church. Much of our initiative and energy of
St. Peter’s comes from its congregational members, so we are seeking and asking you to please contact the church office or
speak to one of the “retiring” vestry members if you are interested in serving on the Vestry for 2010. We look forward to
your response to our call for service. On a personal note, I have found serving on the vestry very fulfilling and a rich experience.
As Always,
Karen M. Fischer
Senior Warden
Enjoy the summer months with family and friends!
We will take a vacation from the St. Peter’s Coffee House until after
Labor Day. Look for sign-up information in the September newsletter for
the next Coffee House in October.
St. Peter's Readers will meet on Sunday, August 23rd at 5 pm in the Conference
Room to discuss "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Shaffer and
Barrows. All are welcome.
Please Joins Us for WAM! (Worship with Alternative Music)
WAM! Sunday, August 2nd at the 10 am Holy Eucharist Family service.
New members, both vocal and instrumental, are always welcome!
Please join us. For more information call Sheila Bravo-Ross at 645-8479.
A UGUST 2009 P AGE 3
S T . P ETER ’ S C OMMUNION OF L IGHT
We will offer another opportunity to preview over new Sunday service on
August 16th at 5 PM in the Parish Hall. This is a wonderful chance to see what
the new worship service will be like. If you are curious or if you plan to make
this your service please join us.
A UGUST E VENTS :
St. Peter’s Youth (SPY) boldly going (again) where no
Youth Group has gone before!
SPY’s mission trip to Tampa, Florida was a great success.
What do those who went remember that was awesome
and deeply cool? And how does that help us express where we will go next?
In August there will be two SPY meetings, on August 9 & 23, following the 10 AM Service. We will
meet in the Conference Room. We will talk about the just finished trip to Florida and then talk about
what next. What next? A new idea, a Missionary Pilgrimage: to visit a place holy and sacred to our
faith and also find a way to provide love and service.
Check your email for newsflashes &/or reminders!
Reprinted from the First State Community Action Agency’s “Front Line News” Volume 2, Issue 1 , Spring 2009
A UGUST 2009 V ESTRY M INISTRY R EPORT FOR J ULY P AGE 4
Ministry Report for August Newsletter
Seekers Sue Potts
Doing well. Store open more hours for the summer and need more volunteers.
Thursday evening Spirituality Series going well. Programs being planned for the fall.
Treasurer’s Report No month end report for June.
2009 budget is short $25,778.74
Administration Karen reported that the Ministry Search Committee will meet this week.
Property
Rain gutter - Preston made a motion to accept the proposal to place guards over the rain gutters along
the office side of the Parish Hall.
Thermostats need to be reprogrammed. Father Jeff and Phil will look at them.
Port-a-potties were a big help at the Art Show.
Some people concerned there is not a light on the flag pole in Church Yard. Phil looking into ways to
illuminate it.
Parish Life
Vestry did a great job with the Coffee House. Suggested each Dinner Group do one month.
New Dinner Group List will be forming.
Publicity 5 signs are now up directing you to the Church.
Special Projects Taste the Fruit of the Vine moving forward with a great location and wonderful support
from the Tunnel’s.
Outreach
Lend-A-Hand – 7 regular cases $4,507.16; 24 emergency cases $10,902.64. Total of $15,409.80.
funds provided by the Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Churches thru the efforts of the New Life thrift
Store.
Casa San Francisco - $948 worth of groceries, cereals, dry milk and toiletries. Food provided by the
donations at the church door and purchases overseen by Margaret Isaminger.
Mission Outreach – assisted a couple trying to make their way home to California by hitching;
purchased money for medication for man on limited income; provided a campership for handicapped
teen to attend summer Drama Camp; paid monthly rent foe a family with out of work parent. Funds
provided by Taste the Fruit of the Vine.
Global Outreach – Committee has asked for LRAC and other churches to assist in providing a water
well in Zambia. More money is needed to achieve goal.
Episcopal Church Women – Fantastic Art Show, luncheon and artist’s reception. More details next
month. Funds will be disbursed in September and anyone having a “pet charity” is invited to request
approval of funds. Send request to Nancy Brown at nancybrown13@hotmail.com. ECW is currently
without leadership and anyone interested should contact Father Jeffrey or Adele.
Pastoral Care
DAY OF THANKSGIVING/RECOGNITION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
ο Date: Saturday 17 October 09 @1000 – St. Peter’s Church
ο Contact has been made with heads of Lewes Police Dept., Lewes Fire Dept., and Sussex Co.
EMS
ο Fr. Jeff will send letters of invite to local clergy and letters of announcement to above heads.
ο Possible reception in parish hall to follow
A UGUST 2009 V ESTRY M INISTRY R EPORT FOR J ULY CONTINUED P AGE 5
ο Thanks to Richard Jundt for this idea
This type of recognition has never been given to first responders in the city of Lewes.
PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE
ο Continues to respond to parishioner needs
ο Carlyle will join committee
CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH MINISTRY
ο Sue will have presence/display representing National Episcopal Health Ministries at diocesan
Parish Life Day on 21 November 09. The theme of Parish Life Day this year is (fittingly) “For
the Body and Soul”.
ο Resolution was made at the National Convention that all congregations will have Parish Nurse
within 3 years.
ο First Aid Kits need to be restocked.
Worship and Music
Bob Shea to do Services at State Park on July 12th.
Henry Cox will fill in for George until visiting organist gets here.
Bishop Wright is excited about the new service that is being added.
Stewardship
Randy, Judy, Jack and Mary have meet to discuss ideas for fund raisers.
All agreed for “supplemental pledge drive” Something will be in August Newsletter. All Vestry
members agreed to contribute to the fund.
Theme and approach for 2010 Stewardship Drive will be discussed in August.
Christian Formation
EFM forming a new class to begin in September.
Need Christian Education Leader for the fall.
Godly Play training in August.
Joscie Steiner will direct the Christmas Pageant.
Tuesday Bible Study Group will study the Gospels instead of weekly lessons starting in September.
Summer Series going well. Around 50 people attending each week.
Rector’s Report
Youth leave Sunday for Mission Trip to Tampa, Florida. Will be working with Habitat, Soup Kitchen
and Animal Rescue Group
Will be on family vacation the following week.
Carlyle and Mark will cover for the next two weeks. Ingrid works Monday, Tuesday and Thursday so
office will be closed Wednesday the 15th and Friday the 17th since Father Jeff and Adele will be away.
Have been unable to take Fridays off because meeting or something else going on. Please do not
schedule meetings on Fridays.
New Business
Nomination Committee, comprised of retiring Vestry members will begin the process for the
nominations of 4 new Vestry members. All information should be into the office by October 15th.
A big thanks to Jen, Randy Burton, Lynda Dunham and Roberta Lindsay for their leadership of the
Art Show.
A UGUST 2009 P AGE 6
July 9, 2009
Contact information:
NANCY STARK
410.357.0614 (phone)
410.357.0613 (fax)
nstark@mind2medias.com
IT PAYS TO BE CREDIT WISE -- EVEN WITH THE NEW LAW
(BALTIMORE) On May 24, President Obama signed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act
(CARD) into law. When this new measure takes effect early next year, it will require credit card issuers to:
• Give 45 days’ notice before credit card contract changes go into effect.
• Stop applying interest rates increases to card holders’ existing credit card balances.
• Tell card holders how long it will take to pay off a balance and what it will cost in interest if they only make mini-
mum monthly payments.
• Mail statements to card holders at least 21 days before payments are due.
• Refrain from raising customers’ interest rates based on their payment records with other unrelated credit issuers.
But the new law also may have some negative impacts for consumers. Many experts believe it may lead to increased
interest rates now and steeper fees and penalties down the road. It also may cause credit issuers to take away the
“grace period” on credit purchases and make it harder for citizens with lower credit scores or less income to obtain
credit. No matter what the new law brings, one thing is clear: Consumers are more likely to fare better if they inform
themselves and use credit responsibly. Here are a few practices it pays to know and employ:
• Do your homework. Before applying for a credit card, shop around and compare. Don’t be tempted by introduc-
tory offers that sound too good to be true or enticing rewards that conceal excessive rates.
• Think before charging. Used properly, credit cards can help you establish good credit. They come in handy on
car rentals, online purchases, or when you buy big items, such as computers or kitchen appliances. Avoid using
them on impulse or when you know you won’t be able to pay off the balance when the bill arrives.
• Pay your balance in full each month. If you can’t pay the complete balance, pay as much as possible. Making
minimum monthly payments leads to trouble -- and lots of interest. For example, if you owe $1,000 on a credit card
with an 18% APR and only make minimum payments of $30 each month, it could take up to eight years to pay off
the balance, and you will pay almost $700 in interest. If you’d like to know more about the cost of credit, please
visit the Financial Tools section CCCS of MD & DE web site at www.cccs-inc.org.
• Avoid making cash advances or using credit card checks. These transactions generally include a much
higher interest rate than normal purchases do. To make matters worse, cash advances usually aren’t paid off until
the rest of your balance is.
• Carefully review your monthly statements. Check for and dispute unexplained charges. Also routinely request
and review your credit report. To obtain a free, annual credit report from each of the three major credit reporting
companies, visit www. AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Don’t wait to get help. If you know that you’re going to be late on a credit card payment, call and alert the credi-
tor. Explain your situation and ask if late fees can be waived. If you need further help, consider seeking advice
from a reputable nonprofit credit counselor.
##### ##### #####
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of MD & DE, Inc. (CCCS) is an accredited nonprofit agency that has served the
local community since 1966. CCCS is dedicated to helping individuals and families resolve their financial problems. We pro-
mote the wise use of credit through education and confidential budget and money management counseling. Please call 1-
800-642-2227 or visit our website at www.cccs-inc.org to find out more. Maryland State License #14-01.
A UGUST 2009 S T . P ETER ’ S P RAYER L IST P AGE 7
The following people request your prayers for healing and support. If you would like to add or remove a
name on the list, please notify the church office at 645-8479.
JULY: The Nettleton Family Emma Depalma Doris
Betty Stanec Curtis Reinhart James Ferencsik Ruth Bedecs
Steve D. Eric David Weiner Fr. Robert MacNamara
Grey Gwneth Sharp Olly and Max Mrs. Como
Judy Bettylee Carmine AUGUST: Evelyn
Bob & Debbie W. Khellel Jane & Bill Dot
Nancy Curley Mary Rigby Sean Robbins Barbara
Tracy Landis Sheri Schuler Arthur Sutton Ricky
Bill & Phyllis V. Caroline Loysen John A. The Badda Family
The Hernan Family Catherine MG Price
Davis Burke Dory Shea Joann Slight
Lucienne Wolfe MG Price Richard Jundt
Helen Batty Felicity Ann Harris
P LEASE P RAY FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR ARMED FORCES , ESPECIALLY :
Phillip Bergeron, Brian Davidson, Shannon Entrekin, Randy Frederick,
Julie, John Landry, Edward Lufker Bob McDonough, Aaron Metric,
Justin Neves, Brian Nichols, Zach Watton Nikkhooy, Andrew Prol,
Andrew Taylor, and Justin Walker.
P ARISH R EGISTER
B APTISMS :
J ADEN R OBERT M ICHAEL L UKENS
S TELLA L OVE S HORT L OVE
D EATHS :
L ILLIAN D REBING
C ONFIRMATIONS :
N ONE
M ARRIAGES & S AME G ENDER B LESSINGS : Stewardship
S USAN P OTTS & K AREN K OHN Total Budget $261,000.00
Total Pledge $248,507.12
T RANSFERRED I N : Received as of 7/24/09 $116,012.00
A NDRE M ONETTI & K AREN P ETERMANN
T RANSFERRED O UT : NONE C APITAL C AMPAIGN U PDATE
August 15th is the deadline for articles to go Pledged $ 788,462.57
Paid as of 7/27/09 $ 651,397.45
in the September 2009 Newsletter! Goal $1,000,000.00
Please E-Mail Ingrid at:
stpeterslewessec@verizon.net
A UGUST 2009 HEALTHBEAT! P AGE 8
It’s difficult to believe that, by the time you read this, summer will be almost a memory! As fall approaches, and we
return to other concerns (besides tourist and traffic!), here are some updates for you!
Swine Flu (H1N1): Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently announced that the
department will commit $884 million to purchase additional supplies of two key ingredients for potential H1N1
vaccine to further prepare the nation for a potential resurgence of the 2009 H1N1 virus. If vaccine is widely available,
the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) would recommend offering vaccine at multiple venues to anyone who wants to be vaccinated. If
the supply is limited, consideration should be given to high-risk groups. Who is at high risk?
• Children younger than 5.
• Adults 65 and older.
• Persons with chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular (except high blood pressure), renal, hepatic, hematological, neurological,
neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes.
• Immunosuppressed persons, including that caused by medications or by HIV
• Pregnant women
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
As of July 10, there were 347 cases reported to the CDC in Delaware, with no deaths. As of that date also, the total cases reported in
the U.S. and its territories were 37,246 and 211 deaths. (Source: CDC)
Again, there is no reason to panic over the swine flu. It is wise to obtain information about this flu from a government source, such as
the Centers for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov)
instead of “talking heads” on television who have to sell air time! It is wise, again, to keep things in perspective and remember that the
“regular” flu causes over 36,000 deaths every year.
The most important thing to remember is that the vaccine itself it not without risk and receiving it should follow a discussion between
you and your health care provider.
Shingles. We’ve had two parishioners recently who suffered through a bout of shingles. Therefore, it’s worth an update. Shingles is a
painful, localized skin rash, often with blisters, that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox
can develop shingles because the virus remains in the nerve cells of the body after the chickenpox infection clears and can reappear years
later causing shingles. Shingles most commonly occurs in people 50 and older, people who have medical conditions that keep the
immune system from working properly due to stress, injury, certain medications or other reasons, or people who receive
immunosuppressive drugs. (Source: CDC) There IS a shingles vaccine available, and again, this is a discussion you should have with your
health provider!
Lyme Disease. I know that you are probably tired of reading my reports about Lyme disease..however, ‘tis the season and I cannot
emphasize enough how important it is to be aware of it and its health implications. I’ve talked about one of our young grandchildren
whose only symptom was a recurrent swollen knee… recently, one of our adult children was diagnosed and her only symptom was a
small red spot on her arm that wouldn’t go away. She saw her health provider, who dismissed it as “nothing to worry about…doesn’t
look like a bull’s eye. But, being the persistent person that she is, she asked that she be tested for Lyme disease. Sure enough…she tested
positive and is on a 3 week course of antibiotics. While a bull’s eye rash at the site of the tick bite is the most reliable early symptom of
Lyme disease, it is present in only 70-80% of cases. Other early symptoms of Lyme disease resemble those of the flu: fatigue, headache,
joint stiffness or painful muscles, fever and swollen joints. Why should you be vigilant about Lyme disease??? If the disease
progresses untreated, symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or neurological abnormalities can develop. In its most
advanced stages, Lyme disease can be debilitating. Bottom line: be aware!
Virtual versus reality!. A recent celebrity death brings to the national forefront, again, the importance of colon cancer screening.
Repeating the admonitions of the American Cancer Society, everyone should have a screening colonoscopy starting at age 50..or sooner
if history warrants. The choices are now between a “virtual” colonoscopy, a newer option, versus the direct vision, traditional
colonoscopy as done in the past. What to do? The choice is yours. However, here is some useful information to help you make an
informed decision:
• Both choices require a bowel cleansing. (It really isn’t as bad as you think it is..trust me)!
• In virtual colonoscopy, you are not sedated. Rather, in the radiology department, a thin tube is inserted into the rectum and the
large intestine will be expanded either by carbon dioxide gas (if CT scanning is used) or by rectal administration of contrast
media (if MRI is used). The table on which one is laying is then moved through an x-ray unit to produce a series of cross-
sectional images of the colon. You will then be turned face down and the procedure repeated.
A UGUST 2009 H EALTHBEAT CONTINUED P AGE 9
• With conventional colonoscopy, you will be sedated and a tube is inserted into the rectum. The colon is then expanded with
air. The doctor, with a camera on the end of the tube, is able to turn the tube 360 degrees to visually inspect the entire colon
and remove any polyps that are seen (which is painless!).
• What’s the difference?? The main difference between virtual and conventional colonoscopy is how the doctor sees inside the
colon. Convention colonoscopy allows the doctor to directly view the inside of the colon. Virtual colonoscopy uses a form of
x-ray.
• What are the disadvantages of virtual colonoscopy? Virtual colonoscopy does not allow the doctor to remove tissue samples
or polyps. It also doesn’t detect pre-cancerous polyps smaller than one-half inch. And, if polyps ARE discovered, you must
then undergo a conventional colonoscopy to remove them.
• Not all insurance companies cover virtual colonoscopy costs. (Medicare does not).
The take-home message here is that both exams are viable options for testing for the disease, and it's better to get screened for
colorectal cancer than not. As always, if you need to be screened and can’t afford it, contact Cathy Ward, RN, the cancer nurse
navigator at Beebe Medical Center. She is a great source of information and can also assist with free screenings for the uninsured or
underinsured when financial guidelines are met. Cathy can be reached at 645.3169.
Enjoy the rest of summer and remember to check your birthday suit!
Sue Meyer
Congregational Health Ministry
“Say to him: ‘long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all this is yours!’”
—1 Samuel 25:6
S EEKERS AND S AINT P ETER ’ S C HURCH S UMMER S PIRITUALITY S ERIES 2009
Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall. Discussion will be followed by King’s ice cream.
Date Presenter Working Topic
8/6 John Sykes & Nick Edge Meditation: The Foundation of Buddhist Practice
8/13 Jim DeCatur Dante and Milton
8/20 The Rev. Ron Lockhart The Pinnacles & Pitfalls of 20th Century Theology
8/27 The Rev. Mark Harris The Meaning of Peace for the Children of Abraham
A COLYTE T RAINING
Please consider serving on the
altar as an acolyte. The training
session will be at 11:15 am on
A CIRCLE OF GIVING
Sunday, September 20th in the
211 E Mulberry St. Lewes, DE 19958 ALL NET PROCEEDS ARE
church. All St. Peter’s
www.seekerslewes.com
302-645-9916
DONATED TO THOSE IN parishioners are invited to
NEED
attend, male, female and all ages!
Offering books and fair trade items for spiritual growth,
knowledge and inspiration for people of all faiths
SUMMER HOURS
Sunday 9 am-3 pm, Fri, Sat: 12-3pm, Sun: pm, Closed Wednesday,
Hours: Mon, Tues,Monday & Tuesday 12-3 9-1pm, closed Wed/Thur.
Thursday 6:30-9 pm, Friday 12-3 pm, Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Located near the labyrinth at St. Peter’s Square, Lewes DE.
A UGUST Presiding Bishop's Sermon at General Convention Opening Eucharist P AGE 10
by The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori 7/8/2009
Four and a half years ago, I had the great privilege to join in the consecration of a new bishop, one who told an amazing
story about the journey that had brought us all to that place on a cold night in Seattle. At the end of the service, Victor
Rivera, the retired bishop of San Joaquin, wrapped the new bishop, his daughter Nedi, in his own cope. Some of you
may not know that while he was bishop in San Joaquin, and for many years afterward, he insisted that women should not
be ordained. He didn’t go to Nedi’s ordination as a priest, and had never taken communion from her, over the more than
25 years she served as priest. I asked Nedi later how he had come to change his mind. She said to me, “he didn’t change
his mind; he changed his heart.”
Ezekiel is talking about a changed heart, but in an even more radical sense he means a heart transplant. Ezekiel is speak-
ing to a disheartened body, yearning for home, aching to be reconciled, impatient to end their depressed and heartsick
state. Any parallels?
Heart transplants are at least possible in this era of human history – brain transplants aren’t yet – but Ezekiel is also talk-
ing about a brain transplant. His people understood the heart not as the seat of emotion, but the seat of decision-making,
the critical faculty of judgment we talked about yesterday.
Look and listen again. Ezekiel says the body will be disinfected (I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be
clean), and then comes the surgery (a new heart I will give you, and a new spirit). This is about a new way of under-
standing and acting, new life that comes from living in a new way.
We didn’t hear it this morning, but Ezekiel goes on to report God’s word about the consequences of this new heart: “I
will summon the grain and make it abundant, and lay no famine upon you. I will make the fruit of the tree and the pro-
duce of the field abundant, so that you may never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations.” He also notes
that this abundance will prompt the people to repentance for their misdeeds, and that the towns will be repopulated, and
the desolate land brought into production again. God’s garden, Eden, will be recreated (Ezek 36:29-35).
A new heart results in renewed creation – that reconciling mission we’re so fond of talking about. We receive this new
heart from an organ donor who has given his life that all might indeed have more abundant life.
Hearts renewed stay that way, living flesh not hardening into stone, when they continue to share that new life; the exer-
cise of pumping keeps a heart healthy. Ezekiel’s hearers need a heart transplant because they have forgotten the source
of their life and blessing, they have turned inward, they have become small and fearful. Their new life, like that of the
dry bones he speaks about in the next chapter, will come as they receive the moist breath of a life-giving God, as they
take in hope and possibility and the creative spirit of God, even in the face of crisis.
The Episcopal Church in the Philippines is offering us a remarkable example of what a healthy and life-sustaining heart
looks like. The heart transplant began in 1898, with services held by chaplains of the occupying U.S. Army. Though we
would probably choose a different avenue, the miracle of new life happens even in war, and even in colonial structures.
In 1901, General Convention established the Missionary District of the Philippines and elected Charles Henry Brent as
missionary bishop. The first Filipino clergy were ordained, and the missionary district became a diocese, in 1937. By
1971, there were three dioceses and indigenous bishops in each. In 1990, the Episcopal Church in the Philippines be-
came an autonomous province of the Anglican Communion. A covenant relationship with this Episcopal Church contin-
ues to this day, and the Episcopal Church in the Philippines achieved financial independence in late 2007. At the offer-
tory this morning, Prime Bishop Edward Malecdan will present a gift to our church in gratitude for our continuing cove-
nant relationship, as a sign of the strong and growing heart in that Church, eager to reach out to others in love. It is a
sacrificial gift, and it will bring more abundant life to both donor and recipient.
The heart of the ECP began in the missionary heart of this church, as the heart of this church has its origins in missionary
hearts farther east, going back over many centuries to the sacred heart in whom we all find our home.
That transplanted or expanded heart has much to do with ubuntu. It is a recognition that the one Body of Christ has
many parts, each essential to the functioning and flourishing of the whole, and no one part can be the whole. It is a deep
and abiding acknowledgement that together we are whole, and cannot be whole otherwise. When the parts of this body
are working together, they discover both their gifts and their limitations. The little toe plays an important role in bal-
ance, but it can’t smell, even if it is occasionally odorous. The elbow can’t run, even though the energy it gives to a
pumping arm can add stability and power to the whole body in a sprint.
The Episcopal Church in the Philippines can’t serve as the primary church in Haiti, even though it has important connec-
tions in other parts of this Church, like Los Angeles. Nor can this Episcopal Church still be the primary gospeller in the
A UGUST 2009 Presiding Bishop's Sermon continued P AGE 11
Philippines, yet the full communion partnership between the ECP, the Philippine Independent Church, and this Church
enriches us all.
The first missionary bishop in the Philippines evidently understood this. He insisted that he wouldn’t “found an altar
against an altar.” He wouldn’t go starting Episcopal churches with the goal of converting Roman Catholics. He saw the
mission of that nascent church as evangelical responsibility for English-speaking expatriates, and for the urban Chinese
population, but more especially for the unevangelized peoples of the Philippine Islands. The strength of the ECP today
largely comes from the indigenous people of the mountains and the lowlands, where Episcopal missionaries first took the
gospel. Brent wouldn’t let them stay in the cities; he believed that those cities already had most of the altars they
needed. He went looking for people who were open to being born again, from above, open to receiving a new heart and
a new spirit.
That is still our mission work – taking good news and rebirth and offering heart transplants to the languishing. The heart
of this church will slowly turn to stone if we think our primary mission work is to those already in the pews inside our
beautiful churches, or to those at other altars. We are in cardiac crisis if we think we can close the doors, swing our in-
cense and sing our hymns, and all will be right with the world. The heart of this body is mission – domestic and foreign
mission, in partnership with anyone who shares that passion.
Jesus has already given this body a new heart. Every time we gather, the Spirit offers a pacemaker jolt to tweak the
rhythm of this heart. The challenge is whether or not we’ll recognize and receive that renewed life, whether the muscle
will respond with a strengthened beat, sending more life out into the world.
If you read Ezekiel a bit more closely, you discover that the delivered promise of full larders and planted fields and re-
populated cities is followed by repentance, by metanoia, getting a new mind – and a new heart. Once abundance is rec-
ognized, people begin to feel their hardened hearts. Abundant life is not only promised, but realized, and when we no-
tice, we begin to accept the transplant. We will find more abundant life only in being poured out in giving life to the
world.
So, how will this heart push more lifeblood out into a languishing world? Can you hear the heartbeat? Mission, Mis-
sion, Mission…
It’s time to think about Dinner Groups for Fall, 2009 and Winter, 2010.
These groups have been very popular with the congregation and what culinary treats we have enjoyed this past season!
They are formed with 8-14 people in each group. The size of the group depends on your accommodations or preference as
they are held in our homes .Please take the time to fill out the form below and leave it in the Parish office Call Judy Eger
or Mary Makowski with questions: 645-8479. A suggestion has been made to put a cookbook together including these tasty
recipes and selling the book. Any thoughts?
Names (First and Last) _________________________________________________________________________
Children at home who you want included ____________________________________________________________________
Ages of children _____________________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Development name _______________________________________________________________________________________
Phone #'s home and cell ________________________________________________________________________________
Best night for you to dine Food or pet allergies ________________________________________________________________________
Size group you can accommodate______________________________________________________________________________
Previous dinner partners
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Questions? Call Judy Eger or Mary Makowski
A UGUST 2009 B IRTHDAYS & A NNIVERSARIES THIS MONTH P AGE 12
August Birthdays
1 Tina Jundt 16 Keith Long
Kyle Orton 17 Matthew Keresman
Diane Wilson Donald Prol
2 Susan Robinson 20 Mel Craig
3 Caitlyn Phillips Jay Walsh
5 Joan Keresman Norman Weimann
7 Jane Wilgis 21 Charlotte Freeman
8 Eric Reale Genevieve McGee
August Anniversaries
12 Rogers Jones Carole Somers
22 Andy Nowakowski 4 Pete & Betsy Hansot
Patty Kase
23 Bob Bradford 9 Virgil & Nancy Brown
13 Donna Beecher
24 Emory Bevill 10 Robert & Peggy Levesque
Mason Fluharty
Barbara Edginton 17 Gordon & Marjorie Lewis
Al Naylor
Hudson Keller 18 James & Ethel Cogswell
14 Lynda Dunham
25 Marc Green 19 Gary & Pat Casadei
Lisa Edmonds
26 Marlys Cowan 20 John & Sue Myers
Buzz Klopp
McKenzy Krout 21 Pete & Carol Greenfield
Taylor Marshall
29 Allie Keresman 22 Bill & Joanne Shirk
Charles Moore
30 Fred & Nicole Best
15 Andrew Thoroughgood 30 Ulla Moore
St. Peter’s 43rd Annual Art Show
Thank you to Art Show and Luncheon Volunteers:
Thank you volunteers: parishioners, visitors, and house guests. From the first call for
donations for cookies to the last fence post carried, each volunteer contributed to the "art
that gives". The proceeds from the show benefits local charities who help those in need in
the Sussex County area Thank you for saying yes each time we asked. Lynda Dunham and Roberta
Lindsay
The winners of the Art Show raffle items were all parishioners. On Guard was won by Mary Alice
Nicholson Martus, the Bracelet and certificate were won by Susan Robinson and Doug Craig and the
Photo Safari was won by Alfred Wilkinson. Congratulations and thank you to all those who helped with
and supported the Art Show.
A UGUST 2009 PARISH Life P AGE 13
S UNDAY C OFFEE H OUR
We want to expand our network of families and friends who provide Coffee Hour after the 10 o'clock
service. Your turn will come up no more than twice a year and we'll give you all the support you
need. So, get together with another family or some friends or just on your own and call Julie Emery or
the church office, 645-8479 to be added to the list.
A NNUAL S T . P ETER ’ S P ARISH P ICNIC
2 PM ON S EPTEMBER 13 TH AT C AMP A RROWHEAD
The event will include: Communion of Light in the Camp Chapel, a Pot Luck with Hamburgers
& hotdogs, Swimming in the Pool, Playing in the Rehoboth Bay and the pleasure of each other’s
company! Please bring a dish to share, drinks and chairs. Be sure to mark your calendar.
Everyone is encouraged to attend!
Our Little Corner of God’s World
At its last meeting, the St. Peter’s Environmental Committee decided that we’d like to welcome
you to “Our Little Corner of God’s World” by providing some “earth friendly” tips/suggestions in
this and future newsletters. Some of them may be things that you already know or are
doing….GREAT….keep it up and encourage others to follow suite! Hopefully, most of the tips
will be new, informative, “painless” and something you might be willing to try in order to help our
St. Peter’s family do in order to be good stewards of “this fragile earth, our island home.” (BCP 370)
Should any of you have a favorite tip/hint that you’d like to share, please feel free to do so. You can either email it to the church
office at: stpeterslewessec@verizon.net , hand deliver or send it by snail mail to the church office marking it Attn: Environ.
Comm. So, here we go….our tip for August.
TRY TO MAKE THE 3 R’S (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) AS NATURAL TO YOU AS BREATHING.
REDUCE: USE FEWER NAPKINS Don’t take a bunch of napkins when you need only one. (Usually those extras end up in the
trash can.) If every American used an average of 1 less napkin a DAY, it would prevent the use of more than a BILLION pounds
of napkins (enough to FILL the Empire State Building) from ending up in landfills.
A UGUST 2009 SCHEDULES
P AGE 14
L AY E UCHARISTIC M INISTER S CHEDULE L ECTOR S CHEDULE
Date 8:00am 10:00am
Date 8:00am 10:00am
August 2 Ann Freeman Betsey Farlow
Don Prol Helen Mittnight August 2 Patty Warden Roo Brown
August 9 Marj Lewis Bob Shea August 9 Eleanor Huber Barbara McKendrew
Clint Phillips Louise White August 16 Anna Maria Kihn Jen Mason
August 16 Marlys Cowan Ian Miller August 23 Don Prol Libby Bayley
Kit Zak Ingrid Miller August 30 Sue Potts George Bayley
August 23 Mary Van House Judy Eger Sept. 6 Charlie Meyer Richard Freeman
Randy Burton Don Matthews Sept. 13 Margaret Isaminger Buzz Klopp
August 30 Vernon Huber William Peterson Sept. 20 Eleanor Huber Jen Mason
Karen Kohn Robert Patlan Sept. 27 Patty Warden Marj Lewis
Sept. 6 Don Prol Bruce Phalen
Marj Lewis Angie Rummel
Sept. 13 Marlys Cowan Betsey Farlow A COLYTE S CHEDULE
Louise White Randy Burton
Date Time Crucifer Epistle Gospel
Sept. 20 Kit Zak Ann Freeman
Mary Van House Clint Phillips Aug. 2, 8:00 T. Welch T. Papp R. Jundt
Sept. 27 Vernon Huber Bob Shea 10:00 A. Mallon M. Lewis K. Carmine
Karen Kohn Ingrid Miller Aug. 9, 8:00 R. Jundt
10:00 S. Hammons M. Ross J. DiMaio
Aug. 16, 8:00 A. Mallon R. Jundt A. Caruso
A COLYTE T RAINING 10:00 L. Miller T. Miller S. Miller
Please consider serving on the Aug. 23, 8:00 R. Jundt
altar as an acolyte. The training 10:00 M. Lewis K. Carmine J. DiMaio
session will be at 11:15 am on Aug. 30, 8:00 R. Jundt S. Hammons M. Ross
10:00 T. Papp D. Myers T. Welch
Sunday, September 20th in the
Sept. 6, 8:00 R. Jundt S. Miller M. Ross
church. All St. Peter’s 10:00 T. Welch A. Mallon W. Willard
parishioners are invited to attend, Sept. 13, 8:00 A. Mallon M. Lewis A. Caruso
male, female and all ages! 10:00 S. Miller L. Miller T. Miller
Sept. 20, 8:00 K. Carmine R. Jundt J. DiMaio
10:00 C. Phillips R. Phillips W. Willard
A LTAR G UILD S CHEDULE 11:15 Acolyte Training in the church
AUGUST: Marjory Lubbes, Don Matthew, Marj Lewis Sept. 27, 8:00 D. Myers T. Welch T. Papp
10:00 R. Jundt S. Hammons M. Ross
SEPTEMBER: Linda Raivel, Margaret Beall, Caroline Loysen
Please contact Richard Jundt to make changes.
Reminder: If you are unable to serve when scheduled it is your responsibility to find a replacement. Please mark the
changes on the schedule hanging outside the sacristy or call the church office, 645-8479. Thank you
S CHEDULE OF C OMMUNITY G ROUPS USING S T . P ETER ’ S SPACE :
Yoga 6:30am Mon., Wed, Fri; Parish Hall Al Anon 8:00pm Wed., Community Room
11:30am Monday; Parish Hall Narcotics Anonymous 8:30pm Monday; Parish Hall
11:00am Thursdays; Parish Hall 8:30pm Saturday; Parish Hall
Insight Meditation 4:00pm Mondays; Parish Hall Women’s 12 Step 12 noon, Wed.; Community Room
6:30am Thursdays; Parish Hall Overfalls 7:30pm 2nd Friday of each month;
7:30pm 1st Friday of each month; Parish Hall
Parish Hall Kee Note Music 9-11:15am Mon. & Tues., Parish Hall
Alcoholics Anonymous 7:00pm Monday; Parish Hall 3:30-7pm Tuesday, Parish Hall
12 noon Tuesday; Parish Hall
8:00pm Wednesday; Parish Hall
THE MONTHLY CALENDAR CAN BE VIEWED FROM P AGE 15
THE S T . P ETER ’ S HOME PAGE .
ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Non-Profit Organization
2nd & Market Streets U.S. Postage Paid
P.O. Box 464
Lewes, DE 19958 Permit No. 212
Third Class
Phone: 302-645-8479
Fax: 302-645-0986 Georgetown, DE 19947
E-mail:
Fr. Jeffrey Ross -
stpeterslewesrector@verizon.net
George Bayley -
stpeterslewesmusic@verizon.net
Adele Fluharty -
stpeterslewes@verizon.net
Ingrid Miller -
stpeterslewessec@verizon.net
WWW.STPETERSLEWES.ORG