TIDINGS The Newsletter of Christ Church – St. Michael’s Parish (Episcopal) December 2014

Seasonal Services for Advent & Christmas

Sunday, December 7th The Second Sunday of Advent Advent Lessons & Carols at 5 PM

Sunday, December 21st The Fourth Sunday of Advent “The Light Before CHRISTMAS” with children & youth at 10:15 AM

Wednesday, December 24th The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord Family Christmas Service with Youth Choir at 4 PM Christmas Eucharist at 6 PM Choral Prelude at 9:30 PM Festive Christmas Eucharist with Chancel Choir at 10 PM Thursday, December 25th The Nativity of Our Lord Christmas Eucharist at 11 AM

Advent Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 7th at 5 PM

Often, it seems that the meaning of Christmas gets lost in the frenzy of shopping, parties, and galas leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Advent, which means “coming”, is meant to be a time for the church and its members to prepare for Christmas through a time of anticipation, waiting, and of slowing down in order to be mindful of what God is about to do. Join the clergy and Chancel Choir on the evening of Sunday, December 7th for Advent Lessons & Carols—a time to reflect upon the readings and to hear the anthems and choral music that remind us of the theme of this Advent season. Afterwards, we will gather in Etherton Hall for a special reception welcoming the Reverend Clelia Garrity and her husband Devin.

Sunday, December 21 st at 10:15 AM

The Light Before CHRISTMAS CELEBRATING CANDLES AND CAROLS

The Bible Challenge

Make this one of your New Year’s resolutions—take the Bible

Challenge and read the entire Bible in one year!

We will begin this endeavor on Tuesday, January 6th

The Feast of Epiphany

This year we offer a very special choral service with our Youth Choir that highlights Advent’s message of hope and expectation through a program of songs, carols and narrative. Please join us for this event as we explore this season of light and prepare for Christmas.

103 Willow Street, P.O. Box S St. Michaels, MD 21663 Tel: 410-745-9076 Fax: 410-745-5760 e-mail: info@christstmichaels.org Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday-Thursday Weekly Service Schedule: Morning Prayer – 9:00 AM Mondays through Fridays Holy Eucharist (Londonderry) – 1:30 PM 1st & 3rd Thursdays Sunday Services: 8:00 AM & 9:30 AM

New Resolutions and Intentional Efforts “Atrophy…muscular atrophy and de-conditioning...” That was the explanation I heard again and again last year from my cardiothoracic surgeon, cardiologist, and cardiac rehab supervisor. Quite simply put: in the aftermath of my open heart surgery and the recovery period, the body that I had worked hard to build up and maintain had changed significantly. Clothes that had fit for years, now hung loose around my body; climbing stairs and simple walks now felt as daunting as treks across the Himalayas. In just three months’ time, my ability to lift heavy weights, run fast, and play sports had morphed into someone who found even the normal activities of daily living, draining. Muscular atrophy and de-conditioning… And then, when I could begin

exercising again, my heart had trouble keeping up with my efforts to push myself physically. The heart monitor would peak at 168 and the rehab staff would become apoplectic if I didn’t slow down. “It takes time and effort to get into shape,” I was told, “Just make sure you work at each day, and it will become easier.” Most of us, when we find a sport, hobby, or activity we enjoy generally endeavor to become the best we can at the sport or activity. We study, take lessons, hone our skills, and practice. In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell quoted what has become the “10,000-hour rule for greatness,” which implies that it takes 10,000 hours of deliberate, intense practice to become expert at something, whether it’s playing the cello or hitting a tennis ball (this rule has been challenged recently by studies that note the importance of genes and natural talent in any endeavor. For example, if you’re only 5’2”, you will never make it to a Broadway stage or play quarterback in the NFL). The point, nevertheless, is that to excel at something takes practice and time. From late-September through mid-October, many of you completed the spiritual life survey as part of our parish’s RenewalWorks initiative. By early November, the aggregate raw data had been coded and tabulated and returned to the parish and is now in the hands of Chris Whyman, Glenn Porter, and their 22-person team. The team’s role is to digest the data, look for trends, and make recommendations for what Christ Church can do to, quite frankly, develop more faithful and fruitful followers of Jesus Christ. When the vestry first began to explore RenewalWorks for Christ Church, we were told that there were two key factors that create vibrant, healthy, and spiritually grounded parishes or churches. The first factor is engagement with scripture—basically reading the Bible regularly and reflecting on what you read. The second factor is a regular, intentional pattern of personal prayer. These two personal practices are thought to reinforce what one experiences in his or her faith community. Regular reading of the Bible seems like a straightforward undertaking, yet it takes discipline. Much like one joins a gym or the YMCA to get fit, or joins Weight Watchers to lose weight, or takes tennis lessons to perfect one’s backhand or serve; as Christians each of us needs to be more proactive in strengthening the knowledge and depth of our faith—intellectually and, even more so, emotionally. Has any of us spent 10,000 hours developing our faith?

Submissions to the TIDINGS monthly parish newsletter are due on the

10th of the previous month Please email items for publication to

peterhouck@aol.com or leave in newsletter editor’s mailbox

located at the parish house

Newsletter editor: Peter Houck

As we move through this season of Advent and into Christmas, I ask that you consider taking on a challenge in the New Year. And here’s the challenge. Beginning in January -- January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany, to be exact—I challenge each of you to take the “Bible Challenge.” Simply stated, the Bible Challenge is a program that guides an individual through reading the entire Bible in 365 days (more information on the Bible Challenge can be found in this issue of the Tidings). I myself will be taking the Bible Challenge as one of my New Year’s resolutions, and throughout the year, Christ Church will offer support and structure for any parishioners who wish to join me in taking this challenge.

Think about it; pray about it; and let me know if you, too, are up for the challenge as each of us endeavors to become more faithful followers of Jesus Christ. —Mark Nestlehutt

Epiphany Lessons & Carols - Save the Date ! On Sunday, January 4th at 5:00 pm, please join our Chancel Choir and Youth Choir in marking the end of the “Twelve Days of Christmas” and the beginning of the season of Epiphany at our special service of “Epiphany Lessons & Carols.” A dinner reception in Etherton Hall follows the service. Ham, beverages and King Cake will be provided; please bring a side dish or salad to share. This service is designed for the entire parish community, so join us for the Feast of the Epiphany on Sunday evening, January 4th, at 5:00 pm.

Help Decorate the Church with Poinsettias! Each year at Christmas time, parishioners are invited to contribute poinsettias to lend their festive air to our sanctuary for the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. The flowers may be given in memory of a loved one, to celebrate some event, or in Thanksgiving for gifts received. To donate a poinsettia, send or take a check for $40 to the church office accompanied by a note explaining for whom or what the flowers are given – not later than December 15. Your donations are fully tax-deductible. Flowers on the Altar for 2015: On Sundays throughout the year—excluding the four Sundays of Advent and the Sundays in Lent—parishioners are encouraged to give flowers on the altar to mark various occasions and memorials. Flowers may be given to mark a wedding anniversary, a birthday, new birth, or in memory of a family member or loved one who has died. Actually, flowers can be given for almost any occasion. Having flowers on Sundays brings additional beauty to the sanctuary and brightens up the altar. To sign up for a Sunday for 2015, please contact Carol Osborne in the parish office, carol@christstmichaels.org or 410-745-9076. The fee for flower donations is $50.00, and is fully tax deductible.

PARISH LIFE

Editor’s Note: We received the following note from Lynn Hade too late to include in our November Tidings issue, so we have included it below.

Lenten Devotional Icon Workshop: Extreme Humility – Julie Hart

In this new Church Year of The Gospel of Mark, there is no Christmas Story--no heavenly hosts singing Glory to God, no Shepherds, no manger in a stable, no baby Jesus…. NO! We immediately begin with John the Baptist and Jesus’ ministry! The Good News is urgent news as we quickly travel toward Jerusalem and our Lord’s Passion. So join the journey in walking the steps of our Lord’s Passion—The Way of the Cross.

You are invited to a very special opportunity for a Pre-Lent—Lenten Spiritual Journey writing the icon called Extreme Humility. This will begin on Thursday evenings, Jan. 22, 6:00-9:00 pm (in the Nursery) and continue for 6-8 weeks. Snow days are built in. No drawing or painting experience is necessary, as Julie Hart leads the group step by step in the process of Icon writing. Beginners (and others) also have the option of writing The Face of Christ, which was the Summer Workshop. The class is limited to ten people. The cost, which includes all supplies, is $170. You may sign up by emailing Julie at allhart5656@atlanticbb.net. Call Julie if you have questions: 717-433-0801. If there is interest, there may also be a Thursday morning class.

And yes! We DO by kindness of The Lectionary hear all those beloved Advent and Christmas scriptures. So Prepare the Way of the Lord…and Merry Christmas!

1672 Society Inaugural Dinner – Jim McCloud

On November 2nd, 22 guests attended the inaugural dinner of the 1672 Society, the group of parishioners who have made a planned gift to Christ Church. A wine and cheese reception was followed by an enjoyable meal in Etherton Hall. Planned giving co-chairs Jim McCloud and Judy Sandground welcomed and thanked everyone for helping to ensure the continuation of our church’s mission and programs into the future and presented guests with a photograph of our Queen Anne communion service, a symbol of our church’s rich history and tradition. Mark Nestlehutt rounded out the evening, observing that to date, 19 families have remembered the church in their estate plans, and that during the coming year, efforts will continue to expand this number and further grow the endowment.

Dear Ones of Christ Church,

I have to tell you how overwhelmed I was by the outpouring of support and affection I received in the last weeks of our ministry together! From the many boxes given to pack up my apartment, to gifts and notes of support, to the beautiful Evensong we celebrated together on September 29th, I carry forth many lovely memories of you and the affection we have for one another.

I think of you often and await eagerly to hear news of a successful Renewal Works program as you continue to journey in faith together. This is an exciting chapter upon which you embark.

Thank you, and thanks be to God, for the time we spent in ministry together. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the support you have given me as I embark on ministry with the people of Church of the Advent in Hatboro, PA. Faithfully, Lynn+

Coffee Hour - Sundays 9:00-9:15 in Etherton Hal l The wardens continue to work on ways to make the task of hosting Coffee Hour easier. Three new individuals have offered to help, and their offers are greatly appreciated. As the first half of the session comes to a close, we

wish to thank those teams that have shared their time and efforts to provide a delightful social experience. Most of our hosts have been teams: Lyn & Robert Barrett, Lisa Felts, Katie & John Hunnicutt, Bev & Burgess Kegan, Pat Martin, Linda & Jim Montague, Jim & Pamela McCloud, Linda & Tom Norris, Kay & Bob Perkins, Mary & Fritz Riedlin, Lisa Rey & Judy Sandground, Margie & George Steffens, and Hanna & Peter Woicke. We also thank those who faithfully help with clean up.

If you have never attended Coffee Hour, please give it a try. It is easy to stop in after the 8 o'clock service or to come early for the

10:15 service. It is also a great opportunity to visit with church friends and to participate in an informative Adult Forum, if you feel so inclined.

In addition, don't be shy about volunteering for a Sunday. Please contact Pat Martin: pamartin@atlanti8cbb.net or 410-745-6049 with comments and suggestions. Your participation is needed. Year-End Tax Tip for Donors – Bob Ziegler There is often a flurry of contributions made in the last few days of the year, and questions arise as to the rules surrounding the year in which the contribution can be taken on the donor’s tax return. IRS Publication 526 “Charitable Contributions” states: Timing of contribution. Usually, you make a contribution at the time of its unconditional delivery. A check you mail to a charity is considered delivered on the date you mail it. Christ Church intends to comply with all related laws and therefore will handle year-end donations as follows: -- For checks dated in 2014, mailed to Christ Church and postmarked on December 31 or before, the donation will be considered to be a 2014 donation. -- For checks dated in 2014 and delivered to Christ Church by December 31 will be considered to be a 2014 donation. -- For checks dated in 2014 but postmarked after December 31 or delivered to Christ Church after December 31 will be recorded as 2015 contributions.

December Birthdays and Anniversaries

Birthdays

Anniversaries

12/17 Robert Moore 12/18 Sue Brannegan, Debbie Gregg, Lillian Watts 12/19 Gretchen Brandon, Lee Thomas 12/20 Betty Hurford, Fritz Riedlin 12/21 Neil Armstrong, Jim Vail 12/22 Frank Hopkinson, Irene Valliant 12/23 Helen Fegan, Janet Raitt 12/24 Carol Kilbourn 12/25 Barbara Jablin, Leslie Stevenson, Carol

Stewart 12/26 Judy Parker 12/29 Jack Hughes, Tom Orem, Debra Rich 12/30 Elizabeth Guthrie 12/31 George Dixon, Laurie Driggs, Barbara

MacInnes

12/1 Wally Jansen, Georgia Robertson 12/2 David Brandon, Annie Sanford 12/3 Sal Simoncini 12/4 Harvey Stewart 12/6 Tom Farrell 12/7 Luci Esposito 12/9 Ab Kingman, Elizabeth Morgan,

Linn Ong, Logan Rogers 12/10 Bob Rich 12/13 Norma Harris, Darlene Leach 12/14 Tom Hamilton 12/15 Jane Hopkinson 12/16 John Robertson

12/8 Harry & Linda Seemans; 12/29 Robert & Alice Petizon and Roger & Aly Valentine

It’s Time to Go Caroling!

Every year at Christ Church we gather as family and friends for an afternoon of old fashioned Christmas Caroling throughout the community. This year we will gather in Etherton Hall at 3:00 pm on Sunday afternoon, December 21st and carol through the neighborhood and businesses of St. Michaels. Afterward, we will gather back in Etherton Hall for festive libations, warm drinks and treats. This is a truly intergenerational event and all are welcome, including friends. A sign-up sheet will be available in the weekly email update or in the Parish House to help us plan. Hope to see you there!

Fall Quiet Day at Hillsboro – Mary Jane Wyant

Inspiration, insights, awareness, new friends, time alone, a bit of quiet in a busy world.... many of the 19 participants on October 15th at the new Retreat Center at Hillsboro experienced spiritual and/or personal refreshment as we were led by the Rev. Torrence Harmon to understand more of the breadth of spiritual practices.

Have you thought of journaling, singing, contemplative art, t’ai chi, work, walking meditation, and storytelling as being some of the many spiritual practices? We became more aware of the spiritual at each moment of the day and

of our connections with creation. Even the lunch became part of a spiritual practice, as we began in silence to be better attuned to the flavors and textures of the delicious homemade meal. We enjoyed the beautiful surroundings to walk the labyrinth, sit quietly in the 19th century chapel, reflect on artwork, read scripture, and. . .well, to just relax and enjoy taking the time for our relationship with God that we often put off in our busy daily lives.

Each participant contributed to the whole of the day. We are looking forward to continuing our connection with the new Hillsboro center and will occasionally post events being held there. Stay tuned!

PARISH & COMMUNITY LIFE

From the Parish Register: Baptisms: Pryor MacKenna Claudias, September 28, 2014 Lucas Antonia Meneses-Vaughn, October 12, 2014 Burials: Walter W. Parker III, November 27, 1933 – October 13, 2014 Helen Esther Collet, July 11, 1948 – October 30, 2014

Christ Church Angel Tree Coming Nov. 30th!

Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to help children of St. Michaels have a happy Christmas. Christ Church is again committed to being a strong partner in our community's Angel Tree Project, which supplies Christmas gifts for children who might not otherwise receive them.

Our Angel Tree will be set up in church on Nov. 30th. On each "angel ornament" (decorated by our Church School children), you will find the name of a St. Michaels child, along with the information you need to purchase the perfect gift or gifts.

Your wrapped gifts can be brought to church on Dec. 7th or, at the latest, on Dec. 14th, or you can take them to the church office. We will collect the gifts and deliver them to the community Christmas party where Santa will distribute them to the children. We understand that many of the children so cherish these gifts that they save opening them

until Christmas morning. If you have any questions, please contact Susan or Neil Armstrong (410-745-8579).

St. Michaels Food Pantry – Beth Eckel (Photo by Neil Armstrong)

Thanks to the many contributions/donations, the Pantry was able to provide 150 Thanksgiving Baskets to neighbors-in-need. The baskets included all the traditional food items for a holiday dinner, including a hefty turkey, courtesy of Graul’s Market, as well as fresh fruits and a choice of apple or pumpkin pie. Pantry volunteers did a terrific job registering clients for baskets, filling the baskets, and distributing them. Our neighbors-in-need are always so grateful. And, we are grateful to you who help us with your generous contributions.

Next up: Christmas Baskets. As you can imagine, this giving comes at a cost. Please keep us in mind. Your thoughtful assistance with our Christmas caring will be appreciated! Thank you! Also, we were thinking that we might like to put a little holiday trimming on the baskets…so, if you have any extra ribbons, bows, etc., please drop them off at the Pantry.

Rounds of applause to Mary Ellen Olcese, who continues to coordinate both the Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets projects. And, our thanks to the Church Youth Group, which assists with the filling of baskets, Boy Scout Troop 741, (all the fabulous Scouts and Cub Scouts and Scoutmaster Bill Roth and other leaders and wonderful mothers who assist us regularly with the delivery of food from Graul’s Market to the Pantry and the stacking of all the food in the Pantry and who collect food for the Holiday Baskets). We also thank our Food Pantry volunteers, who DO EVERYTHING!

Now, after reading all this -- AND if you would like to volunteer in any of the Pantry areas of service, please contact Alice Petizon at apetizon@atlanticbb.net. This is a challenging, fun, and rewarding mission! Thank you for helping us care for your neighbors. Food Pantry Activity from June 2014 - November 10, 2014: Client visits to the Food Pantry: 1,019, representing 2,267 family members. Above: Neil and Susan Armstrong’s granddaughter MacKenzie Collins (right) and her friend Ruby Grant.

REACHING OUT

Stephen Ministry – Mary Jane Wyant

THINK STEPHEN! How can someone learn if a Stephen Minister is the help s/he needs? *Talk to Rev. Mark Nestlehutt or Lesley Moyer about your own need or your concern about someone else. *Suggest to someone you know that a Stephen Minister might be the right help; encourage them to contact Rev. Mark Nestlehutt / Lesley Moyer, or offer to make the referral. PLEASE DO NOT TALK to others about your referral for another person. Connections are confidential. While the care receiver may or may not talk about having a Stephen Minister,

the Stephen Minister maintains confidentiality. Lesley Moyer (443-786-4624) Mark Nestlehutt (410-745-9076 ext. 302 or mark@christstmichaels.c

Christian Formation for Children -- William and Diane Thomas, Church School leaders for the

Month of December

On Sunday, December 21st, Church School children and youths in grades 2 through 12 will be presenting “The Light Before Christmas,” a program of Music and Narratives that explains the significance of the Advent Wreath and the lighting of the candles. All Church School Children and youths in grades 2 through 12 are invited to sing in the chorus. Rehearsals are Sundays, 11:45 am to 12:15 pm in the music room.

Below and on the next page: Church School members display the ornaments they decorated to be hung on the Angel Tree on Nov. 30th. Each ornament will be assigned to one needy child in the St. Michaels area and will bear the name and age of the individual child, along with its specific, wished-for gift(s). Shown below are Sophia and Luci Esposito. Photos were made by Lee Thomas.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION

A Few More Angel Tree Angels ..... displayed below by Jacob (Jake) Doolin, holding a handful of ornaments; then (L-R) Logan Rogers, Jake, Luci and Sophia Esposito.

___________________________________________________________

Youth Group Programs in December:

Assembly and Packing of Community Christmas Dinners Sunday, December 21st a t 2:00 pm ( fo l lowed by caro l ing) All young people in grades six and up are invited to join us on Sunday afternoon in Etherton Hall as we prepared and assemble this year’s Christmas dinners for those members of the wider community who cannot afford such luxuries. Then stick around and join the choir and others for an early afternoon of caroling in St. Michaels.

Make the Bible Challenge Your New Year’s Resolution!

The Bible Challenge is the creation of the Reverend Marek Zabriskie, Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania (Marek visited us at Christ Church in October 2003). Under the auspices of The Center for Biblical Studies, the Bible Challenge is a one-year reading schedule to help those who commit as individuals or as members of a church to read successfully through the entire Bible in a year’s time. At Christ Church, we plan to begin the program on Tuesday, January 6th, and will provide a schedule of readings to our parishioners. In addition, we plan to gather together as a group, from time to time, those who have committed to the challenge for general thoughts and discussion. The program takes a devotional approach to reading the Bible, as opposed to an intellectual or academic approach. How do the passages speak to you?

re:form Youth Group Our Sunday morning youth group for young people in grades six through nine is still going strong. We meet from 9:15 to 10:00 am every Sunday morning. Friends are welcome! For more information speak with one of the youth mentors: Mark Nestlehutt, Gena Newberg, Alison Sanford or Larry Sanford.

Adult Christian Formation: Popcorn Theology Mini-Series

Why does the Rector always get to choose the films? Well, beginning last month we inaugurated a Popcorn Theology mini-series -- a version of our very successful Lenten series. Twenty-two people joined us on Monday, November 3rd, to watch The Lunchbox, one of three films in this mini-series that were recommended and chosen by our audience. On Monday, December 8th we will watch Kevin Smith’s film Dogma (1999) a dark-comedy starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and comedian George Carlin. Roger Ebert and the New York Times gave the film very positive reviews. On Monday, January 5th, we will watch the film, The Immigrant (2013), which follows the lives of two sisters, Ewa and Magda Cybilski, who must immigrate from Poland to New York City in 1921. (We had originally planned this as our December film, but it is not set to release on DVD/Blu-Ray until

December 16th.) Both films are rated R and will begin promptly at 7:00 pm in Etherton Hall. As always, popcorn, sodas and water are provided. You may bring your own alternative beverage if you prefer. A discussion on the theological, ethical and social aspects of the film follows.

Sunday Morning Adult Forums during December 9:15 to 10:00 am in Etherton Hall December 7th “Speaking of Advent” Advent comes from the Latin adventus, which means “coming” and originally referred to the feast of Christmas—or first coming. How has it changed? Presenter - Mark Nestlehutt

December 14th “Reflections on the use of Fossil Fuels” Join parishioner and friend Peter Woicke in a conversation on our use of remaining fossil fuels. Peter serves on the board of ARAMCO. Presenter - Peter Woicke

December 21st “Christmas Traditions” Plan to share your special treats of the season at Coffee Hour. These may be special family or ethnic traditions you’ve continued.

December 28th No forum - Christmas Recess

Docents’ Guild – Linda Makosky

“When we welcome visitors to our doors, we may be welcoming angels.” Reverend Mark’s inspiring prayer opened the Docents’ Guild annual Fall Meeting, bringing a heightened sense of joy in our mission. Twenty-four docents gathered on Saturday, November 8, to conclude our 2014 season of greeting the many visitors to our historic church. Carol McCanna made coffee, Chairman Irmy Webster brought cookies; we all enjoyed being

together, as our shifts are served singly or with one partner. We shared ideas and experiences and addressed new issues that have come up. Scheduler Lillian Watts reported that we have a new docent, Victoria Chandler. She thanked retiring docents Bert Boon, Betty Hurford, and Helen Dettbarn, all of whom have been Guild members for many years. Everyone is deeply grateful to Lillian for her patience

in adjusting to our changing needs. Irmy urged us to find substitutes, if necessary, so that Lillian does not take on extra shifts herself. Carolyn Wasdyke thanked the Docents Guild for allowing the guild’s materials to be included in the blue “Welcome” bags. She has added a small sticker to the back of the “Cross in my Pocket” folder, which reads: “This Cross has been blessed by the Clergy and given to you as a gift from the Docents’ Guild.” Carolyn suggests that if we have especially interested visitors, we offer them one of the “Welcome” bags. The winter season is an excellent time to become a docent. There are no duty shifts until next May, which allows plenty of time to read through the Handbook. Begin by contacting Lillian Watts (410-745-9999 or <lilliw@atlanticbb.net)> and she will introduce you to this rewarding mission.

Above: Scheduler Lillian Watts, Chairman Irmy Webster, Treasurer Carol Kilbourn, and Secretary Linda Makosky. Photo by David Jeffery. Right: Carolyn Wasdyke and Connie Lindeman. Photo by Lin Clineburg.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Men’s Club Breakfast, Saturday, Dec. 6th – George Dixon

Frank Hopkinson, Treasurer, St. Michaels Fire Department Every one of us is dependent on the emergency fire and medical services provided by Talbot County and the volunteer firemen and emergency medical personnel. They are the safety net protecting our lives and property. How are they funded? How do they operate? How can they afford the over three quarters of a million dollars needed to buy new equipment or the cost of outfitting each volunteer?

These are some of the questions Frank Hokinson is going to address. Frank has been Treasurer for four years and was a member of the Gladwyne, PA, fire company for 27 years. Volunteer fire departments are largely a unique American institution, which now relies on a combination of private and government funding and operations. Frank, a Christ Church parishioner, is well-versed in the workings of our fire company and will give us many insights into how it protect us. Come and hear this fascinating story. Make your reservation now! Call George Dixon at 410-745-6307 or e-mail at: georgedixon@mindspring.com. Join your fellow parishioners. Bring a friend to join you. Have a hearty breakfast for only $12 and listen to another great speaker. Saturday, December 6th at 8:00 am in Etherton Hall. Above: A look inside the St. Michaels firehouse. Photo courtesy of the Easton Star-Democrat.

Episcopal Church Women (ECW)

The ECW’s December meeting is a Greens-Making workshop. It will be held in the parish house on Thursday, December 11, at 9:00 am. A light lunch will be served. Greens arrangements will be created to be sold at the Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 13. Baked goods, unusual containers for greens, attic treasures and greens are needed. A team will be happy to come to your home and cut the greens. Please contact Pat Martin pamartin@atlanticbb.net or 410-745-6049, if you can help. More details to follow in the Sunday Bulletins. Reminder: The Community Ladies Luncheon will not be held in December. It will be held Tuesday, February 10 at noon. Below: Scenes from the 2013 Christmas Bazaar. Photos by Jim Proctor.

Book Review by Robert K. Barrett (Images courtesy of Google)

Christopher H. Martin, The Restoration Project: A Benedictine Path to Wisdom, Strength, and Love, Forward Movement, Cincinnati Ohio, 2014, 189pp

One of the ways to rejuvenate the Episcopal Church in the United States and to arrest the fall in membership is the adoption of the Restoration Project, promoted by Christopher H. Martin, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in San Rafael, California in 2004. The Restoration Project has become a nationwide movement of churches creating vibrant experiences for people to explore and claim their faith. It works.

The author (shown below) sees that our features become distorted as we age. He likens this to the distortions and imperfections that have overtaken the faces of the disciples in Leonard da Vinci’s The Last Supper in the ensuing 600 years since it was painted. Restoration of the painting was

necessary to recover the expressions of the disciples as originally painted by da Vinci. Our faces, created in the image and likeness of God, are like the faces painted in The Last Supper. Owing to the fact that God made us in his own image, we have within us the capacity to be good, beautiful, and true.

Now, the author tells us how we may go about restoring our image to reflect the divine image in us. He offers us a device by which we can be restored: it is the twelve steps of humility of Saint Benedict. Modified slightly for our use, this becomes (if we are serious about learning the way) an internal spiritual structure to help orient us through the long climb to closer relationship with God.

The first step is to keep watch for signs that God may be approached. The second step is to desire a relationship with God above all things. The third step is to practice sacred obedience by joining a local community, learning from daily reading of scripture, or by praying the daily office from the Book of Common Prayer. Cultivating patience is step four. There follow eight additional steps which include learning discipline, shedding feelings of superiority, learning to be humble, gentle and kind, learning to appreciate silence and to be vigilant, so as not to miss opportunities to experience God.

I believe these steps, especially obedience, discipline, humility and kindness, can be effective tools in training the mind and soul to develop a relationship with God. We must remember to befriend the poor, lest we forget that any one of them may be Christ himself.

This book is erudite, but always accessible, never dry and often deeply personal. The author’s ecumenical approach makes it highly appropriate for any Christian denomination.

~ December 2014 ~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

6 PM St. Michaels Art League Arty-Party

2 8 AM Bible Study 8 AM Worship & Music Meeting 10 AM Talbot Garden Club Wreath Making 10:30 AM Wardens’Mg 2:30 PM Staff Meeting 5:30 PM Bell Choir Practice 6:30 Renewal Works Workshop 7:30 PM St. Andrew’s Society Board Meeting

3 9:30 AM Welcoming Committee Meeting 11 AM Book Discussion 7 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal

4 1:30 PM Holy Eucharist at Londonderry 8 PM AA Meeting

5

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

6 8 AM Men’s Club Breakfast 2 PM Martha Hudson’s Funeral

7 2 Advent 8 AM Holy Eucharist 9 AM Coffee Hour 9:15 AM Adult Forum; Church School; Youth Group 10:15 AM Parish Family Eucharist 11:30 AM Cider in Hall 11:45 AM Youth Choir Rehearsal 12 PM Prayer Chain Meeting 5 PM Advent Lessons & Carols 5:30 pm Reception for Clelia & Devin Garrity

8 5 PM Stephen Ministry Supervision 5 PM Christmas in St. Michaels Meeting 7 PM Popcorn Theology

9 8 AM Tuesday Morning Bible Study 10 AM ECW Board Meeting 12 PM ECW Meeting 2:30 PM Staff Meeting 5:30 PM Bell Choir Practice 7 PM Vestry Meeting 7 PM Middle Convocation Meeting (Wye Parish)

10

Christmas Bazaar Set-up

11 AM Book Discussion 7 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal

TIDINGS DEADLINE

11 Christmas Bazaar

Set-up 10 AM Christmas Greens Making 1 PM Investment Meeting 8 PM AA Meeting

12

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

Christmas Bazaar

Set-up

13 Christmas in St.

Michaels 9 AM – 1 PM

Christmas Bazaar Musical Program in the Church

14 3 Advent 8 AM Holy Eucharist 9 AM Coffee Hour 9:15 AM Adult Forum; Church School; Youth Group 10:15 AM Holy Eucharist w/Bell Choir 11:30 AM Cider in tHall 11:45 AM Youth Choir Rehearsal 5 PM Talbot Bird Club 6 PM Celebration of Choirs

15 7 PM Tidewater Singers Rehearsal

16 8 AM Tuesday Morning Bible Study 2:30 PM Staff Meeting 6:30 PM Renewal Works Workshop

17 11 AM Book Discussion 7 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal

18 1:30 PM Holy Eucharist at Londonderry 8 PM AA Meeting

19

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

5:30 PM Riedlin Birthday Party 7 PM Tidewater Singers Rehearsal

20 7:30 PM Tidewater Singers Concert

21 4 Advent 8 AM Holy Eucharist 9 AM Coffee Hour 9:15 AM Adult Forum; Church School; Youth Group 10:15 AM Holy Eucharist & Children’s Christmas Program 11:30 AM Cider in Hall 11:45 AM Youth Choir Rehearsal 2 PM Assembly of Christmas Baskets

22 9 AM Christmas Basket Distribution

23 8 AM Tuesday Morning Bible Study 2:30 PM Staff Meeting

24 Office Closed at Noon

4 PM Family Christmas Eucharist with Children’s Sermon 6 PM Christmas Eucharist 9:30 PM Choral Prelude 10 PM Festal Christmas Eucharist with Choir

25 Christmas Day

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

11 AM Christmas Eucharist 8 PM AA Meeting

26

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

27

28 1 Christmas 8 AM Holy Eucharist 10:15 AM Holy Eucharist & Daniel Gonzalez baptism

29

30 8 AM Tuesday Morning Bible Study 2:30 PM Staff Meeting

31 11 AM Book Discussion

Morning Prayer 9 AM – Monday – Friday

Reminder: All meetings/room usages are to be scheduled through the Parish

Office by calling 410-745-9076.

Finances for Ten Months Ended Oct. 31, 2014 Revenues Variances Actual – Current Month $ 50,003 Budget – Current Month 53,143 Over / (Under) – Current Month (3,140) Unfavorable Actual YTD *** 461,503 Budget YTD 479,952 Over/(Under) YTD (18,449) Unfavorable Pledges Actual – Current Month 46,617 Budget – Current Month 43,732 Over /(Under) – Current Month 2,885 Favorable Actual YTD 406,204 Budget YTD 428,165 Over/(Under) YTD (21,961) Unfavorable Expenses Actual – Current Month 52,378 Budget – Current Month 62,365 Over/(Under) – Current Month (9,987) Favorable Actual YTD 513,574 Budget YTD 530,417 Over/(Under) (16,843) Favorable Excess of Revenues over Expenses or (Expenses over Revenues) Actual – Current Month (2,375) Budget – Current Month 9,222 Over/(Under) – Current Month 6,847 Favorable Actual YTD (52,071) Budget YTD (50,465) Over/(Under) YTD (1,606) Unfavorable

Ministry Areas of Christ Church CHRISTIAN FORMATION Adult Forum Ray Wasdyke Adult Inquirers Mark Nestlehutt Church School: TBD Youth Groups Mark Nestlehutt Youth Confirmation Mark Nestlehutt OUTREACH & WIDER MISSION Back to School Project Gillian Whyman, Judy Sandground Children’s Home Found. Nance DuPont, Martha Austin El Hogar Project Bill Corba Environmental Issues Margie Steffens Episcopal Relief & Dev. Pamela McCloud Grants Committee TBD Habitat for Humanity John Hunnicutt Honduran Dental Mission Jim Campi St. Michaels Food Pantry Beth and Howard Eckel Talbot Interfaith Shelter Pamela McCloud United Thank Offering Esther Ziegler PARISH & COMMUNITY LIFE Coffee Hour TBD Communications Jim McCloud Covenant Churches Mark Nestlehutt Disaster Preparedness Linda Norris Docents’ Guild Irmy Webster Episcopal Church Women Pat Martin Lay Weeders Lin Clineburg Lea Library Robert & Marilyn Barrett Lemonade/Cider in Hall Carolyn Houck Men’s Club George Dixon Parish Paparazzi Jim Proctor Tidings Newsletter Peter Houck Weekly Update Kimberly Weller Welcoming Committee Lisa Rey, Carolyn Wasdyke PASTORAL CARE Eucharistic Visitors Jessie Weddle Pastoral Care Team Mark Nestlehutt Prayer Chain Chris Whyman Stephen Ministry Lesley Moyer STEWARDSHIP Finance Committee Tom Orem Property Elizabeth Foulds, Ray Wasdyke Stewardship Lisa Felts, Tom Mendenhall Tellers Bob Ziegler WORSHIP & MUSIC Acolyte Guild Ann Roe Altar Guild Judy Hause Choirs: Chancel & Youth William Thomas Handbell Lynne Phillips Euch. Ministers & Readers Alison Sanford Flower Guild Susan Armstrong Greeters/Oblation Bearers Carolyn Houck Ushers Bob Burger

Staff

Vestry George Dixon, Senior Warden

Pat Martin, Junior Warden Bob Ziegler, Treasurer Nancy Besso, Registrar

Don Buxton 2017 Jim Fulton 2017 Pamela McCloud 2017 Judy Parker 2017

Elizabeth Foulds 2015 Tom Orem 2015 Sparrow Rogers 2015 Hanna Woicke 2015

Katie Hunnicutt 2016 Alison Sanford 2016 James Vail 2016 Ray Wasdyke 2016

The Reverend Mark S. Nestlehutt, Rector Mr. William R. Thomas, Director of Music

Ms. Carol A. Osborne, Parish Administrator Mr. George E. Short, Sexton