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The driver was urged to pull over to the side of the road. Perhaps there was an unseen mechanical problem, about to get much worse. But as the man approached the driver’s window, what she heard was, You kind of people! We all winced at the words, as the tale was retold.
After a moment of private reflection I thought, “Perhaps the man had congestion in his throat and was intending to say, You kind (ahumm) people. You kind people! That would have been nice, but did not correlate with the tale of his flailing arms or his loud, angry voice! No, he said what he meant. But what does “you kind of people” mean? In private or in similar company, he likely thinks “those kinds of people.”
“Those kinds of people” have been with us a very long time. They are rarely referred to by their first names, or any name for that matter, but simply as “those kinds of people.”
Eight hundred years ago, “those kinds of people” were repulsive, if not terrifying, to most of society –the wealthy and the poor, the well-healed and the laborer, the young and the old. At the time, it was thought that what “those kinds of people” had was deserved through abhorrent behavior or through the hand of their God who was apparently enslaved by a need to establish justice by brandishing misery and isolation. Curiously, it was also believed that after a
virtuous life, if one were particularly “blessed,” one might enjoy eternity with that same misery-flinging God!
One day, one man dramatically protested the accepted thinking of his day, which fear held in place and allowed for the shunning by both the “virtuous” people and “those kinds of people.” It is amazing how thinking and behavior are closely connected, especially when they’re sanctioned by society at large.
The man’s action on the day cited changed the course of history, and was supposed to change the behaviors and attitudes of Christians everywhere, for all time. And, it was of him who was asked, “(would you) repair my house (church), which is falling into ruin.”
Of course the man tried, and many listened. Some were moved to change, many were not. Their choice, our choice.
Like most of his contemporaries, St. Francis felt a disdain for lepers and avoided “those kinds of people” at all costs. One day, before his conversion, Francis was riding his horse alone in the countryside. As he moved along the road, he caught sight of a leper walking toward him. Francis’ instinct was to turn back or move off to the side to
“Those Kinds of People”
United & Empowered
by the Love of
Our Lord Jesus Christ
Volume 2, Issue 11
Page 2 V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 11 T HE CR OSS TI ES
“Those Kinds of People”
avoid contact with the poor wretch, a perfect example of “those kinds of people.” But Francis instead rode directly toward the man with parts of his face and hands eaten away by the dreaded disease.
Francis dismounted his horse, and warmly embraced and kissed the leper tenderly on his lips. In his Testament, Francis wrote, “When I was in sin, the sight of lepers nauseated me beyond measure; but then God himself led me into their company, and I had pity on them. When I had once become acquainted with them, what had previously nauseated me became a source of physical consolation for me. After that I did not wait long before leaving the world.” Francis eventually came to realize that he had actually embraced none other than his Lord, Jesus Christ.
Eight hundred years later, St. Francis’ life reminds us that in order to follow more perfectly the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, we might be asked to stand against our culture by standing with others with little or no voice. Notice that St. Francis showed dramatic empathy for a representative of “those kinds of people,” and did so before his conversion. What does that challenge in us, who are considered already “converted?”
The life of St. Francis asks questions of us that we may find uncomfortable. Who are “those
kinds of people” in our little worlds? Why is “those kinds of people” even in our lexicon? Maybe it’s time to pull off to the side of the road and do some thinking. Alas, there are some events I’d rather not encounter in my life. I’d rather not imagine meeting our Lord face-to-face, as did St. Francis and being asked, “I love all people; I died for who you call, “those kinds of people.” Would you justify to me how it is that you make them less than those I love and for whom I died, as I died for you?
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is offense, let me bring pardon. Where there is discord, let me bring union. Where there is error, let me bring truth. Where there is doubt, let me bring faith. Where there is despair, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, let me bring your light. Where there is sadness, let me bring joy. O Master, let me not seek as much To be consoled as to console, To be understood as to understand, To be loved as to love, For it is in giving that one receives, It is in self-forgetting that one finds, It is in pardoning that one is pardoned, It is in dying that one is raised to eternal life.
Fr. Bruce
Birthdays
2 Steve Yuskevich
10 John Neal
11 John Bolger, III
21 Elizabeth Zeph
27 Daniel Reeves
28 Sam Gaskins & Lee Ubungen
Anniversaries
28 Sam Gaskins and Lynda Turbeville
November Birthdays & Anniversaries
T HE CR OSS TI ES Page 3 V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 11
Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.
When the storms of life come upon us ... and all of us will experience them... we can rise above them by setting our minds and hearts on God.
The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment into our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them. The Bible says, "Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles." Isaiah 40:31. Posted October 23, 2017 by thedailyencourager on Inspiration
Eagles in the Storm
Thanks to the generosity of Annie and John Bolger the names of current St. Thomas' parishioners who are veterans are now permanently posted on the rear wall of the Lower Parish Hall.
The wall hanging was originally constructed as part of the Sunday, May 28, 2017, Memorial Day celebration hosted by the Bolgers. The sign was so popular it was decided to display it permanently.
Please join us on:
Sunday November 12, 2017
for Veterans’ Day Coffee Hour hosted by the Bolgers.
You may have noticed?
V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 11 Page 4 T HE CR OSS TI ES
The 2017 Thanksgiving Community Dinner is underway!
On Saturday, November 18th, 2017, from 11:00AM to 2:00PM, we will be feeding the homeless and the hungry with a hot, complete Thanksgiving meal, all for FREE! Your company can help us make a difference in the lives of so many! We’re looking to serve 100-200 homeless persons a complete dinner. We would be happy to have you partner with us and ask that you would consider donating 2 turkeys and 2 hams, OR a gift card so that our event can be successful. We are also in need of volunteers to help in the following areas/functions:
Greeters
Youth Servers/Servers
Set Up Crew
Decorators
Clean Up Crew
Van Drivers
If you or members of your congregation are willing to donate turkeys/hams/gift cards OR will volunteer to help us serve on November 18th, please email me or give me a call at 919.400.0307. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Karolyn Johnson Founder, Executive Director, P.O. Box 2356
Sanford, North Carolina 27331
Adult Book Study Fr. Bruce is offering a book study on L. William Countryman's work titled, Forgiven and Forgiving, during four Wednesdays at 10:30 am and
7:00 pm beginning November 29. Please sign up downstairs in the LPH or call the office.
A $10 donation is requested to help partially defray the cost of the
books. This is payable on receipt.
T HE CR OSS TI ES Page 5 V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 11
Sunlight through stained glass and pews for our kneeling,
Prayers that we offer for strength and for healing,
Small happy children like angels with wings,
These are a few favorite St. Thomas’ things.
June at the organ with Jo Ann directing,
All of our bad notes, they’re always correcting,
Praising the Lord with one voice as we sing,
These a few favorite St. Thomas’ things.
Bruce in the pulpit and Bruce at the altar,
Preaching God’s Word so we don’t sin and falter,
Christ’s love for all is the message he brings,
These are a few favorite St. Thomas’ things.
When the stock drops,
When the cash stops,
When Andy’s nerves are on edge,
I simply remember these St. Thomas’ things and then I can joyfully pledge!!
Sung to the tune of “Sound of Music” by Katie Hyer during the Ministry Minute,
Sunday Eucharist, October 22, 2017
“My Favorite Things”
Women of the Church
November Meeting
11/6/17 at 11 a.m.
"Giving thanks all year round”
Speaker: Gael Hogan Lunch will be served.
V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 11 Page 6 T HE CR OSS TI ES
Twenty-six dogs and four cats, accompanied by proud owners, received blessings from Father Bruce Heyvaert at the Blessing of the Animals, held at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church on Sunday afternoon, August 8. Partnering with Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption was a special feature of the event.
All participating animals received a St. Francis of Assisi medal. Owners were invited to choose reversible collar
neckerchiefs designed and made for pets by Deb Heyvaert.
Donations in excess of $400 were made to CARA. Names of donors were included in a drawing won by Pat Caviness and family pet Annabelle, an English cre me white Golden Retriever.
The prize was a bucket of soaps and creams handmade and
donated by Deb Heyvaert. Over fifty people enjoyed the special event.
The Blessing of the Animals
T HE CR OSS TI ES Page 7 V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 11
During the service on October 22,
Dr. Ray Hyer was presented a
Certificate of Excellence by
Barbara Yuskevich, Volunteer
Director of the Augustine Literacy
Project, for completing 60 free
tutoring sessions. Father Bruce
was on hand to thank Ray for his
dedication and ministry to this
young man.
Awards
The Altar Guild is making plans for the upcoming Advent Season and the New Year 2018. We would love to share this meaningful form of service at St. Thomas with others in our parish. The Altar Guild’s general meeting will be on:
Sunday, November 19 at 11:45 a.m.
Fr. Bruce will be joining us and among the items for discussion will be plans for the Advent Season. Please contact Pam Jessup at 919-774-4296 if you would like to join us or are interested in learning more.
Altar Guild Announcements
Congratulations to parishioner Sam Gaskins
who recently was named "Layperson of the
Year" by the Kiwanis Club of Sanford.
He and wife, Lynda Turbeville, are pictured at
the Awards Meeting.
Andy presented a budget amendment which was passed by the members. He is expecting our revenues will be about $5000 above what was originally budgeted. Our investments are doing well and expenditures should remain consistent for the remainder of the year.
Be aware that gas has been shut off to the stove in the LPH in order to conserve fuel since it is so rarely used. If you need to use the stove, please contact James Jessup, our Junior Warden. There is also an electrical issue with the warming oven that has not been resolved at this time.
With the old candle oil disposed of, new oil purchased, and lowering of the candle wicks, James believes our black AC filter problems have been resolved.
Cornelia reported on a newly-formed Library Committee that is meeting weekly to review materials and make recommendations to the rector.
A decision has been made to avoid having two large parish events back to back. In lieu of the 5th Sunday lunch for October, we encourage parishioners to come for the Veterans’ Day Coffee Hour on Sunday, November 12.
Fr. Bruce will be meeting to renew the 5-year lease with Central Carolina Group of AA. The vestry agreed to renew the lease in support of this group and their good work.
Katie Hyer, Clerk
Page 8 T HE CR OSS TI ES
Our Prayer List
For those who are ill:
Barbara; Joan; Jack Beyer; Chuck Boyd; Scott Caviness; Pat Clark; Diane Hancock; Charlotte Hohenstein; Karen Huey; Bill Hyde; Cindy Julich; Pat Kirkman; Mary Klancher; Mary Louise Matthews; Rebecca Pascoe; Steve Smith; Todd Spofford; Lynn Weber; Layne Wright.
For strength and guidance:
Ryan; Claudia Cox; Anne L.; the Naegele family; John Rogerson; Vicki Russell; the Vestry; Steve and Barbara Yuskevich; Chris and Justin Weber.
For those serving and our armed forces deployed and at home.
Praises: For the continuing growth of St. Thomas’
Vestry Meeting Highlights— October, 2017
V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 11
Page 9 T HE CR OSS TI ES V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 11
WOC October Meeting
The importance of literacy and the support of the Augustine Project in extending reading tutoring were subjects of the October 2, 2017, Women of the Church meeting. The devotion was presented by Kelly Burke and centered on God's wonders as revealed in autumn.
Nineteen people assembled to hear Barbara Yuskevich and Katie Hyer discuss the importance of reading skills and explain why literacy is essential to student academic success. A brief history of the Augustine Program was shared by the presenters, and the establishment of the local program by Barbara Yuskevich was chronicled. The WOC program began with identification of elements of dyslexia and the underlying
challenges endemic to the learning disorder.
Following a brief overview of local program development, student statistical information was presented, demonstrating success achieved by students enrolled in the program. Also described were supplementary tutoring elements such as the use of electronic tablets. During the business session the following items were discussed:
The many services and organizations begun and sponsored by St. Thomas'. These include:
School for special needs students (This developed into The Children's Center
and finally became based at Floyd Knight School as part of Sanford/ Lee County Schools.)
Hospice
The Bread Basket Helping Hands Clinic
Montessori School Alcoholics Anonymous (Building)
The Augustine Literacy Program
Financing the purchase of a bus for parish use was discussed. Deb Heyvaert suggested investigating rental versus purchase costs. A recommendation that the Outreach Committee include in their funding the purchase of tablets to supplement the reading program. A motion was made by Jane Escher that Women of the Church fund the purchase of five tablets for use in the Augustine Program. Seconded by Jo Ann Bowman, women voted unanimously to finance the purchase. A brief discussion ensued regarding underwriting expenses to paint and carpet the sacristy.
The treasurer reported a total of $8,638.55 including monies from the day's raffle and notecard sales. The raffle gift of the day was donated by Joan Griswold. Recipient Kelly Burke described the generous gift as "a box of Celestial Seasonings tea, a bag of mini Scottish shortbreads, a copy of Our State magazine and a pair of socks - everything needed to curl up and read!" Following a blessing by the rector, the meeting was adjourned, and the bountiful and delectable meal prepared by Micki Van Orden was enjoyed by all.
The November meeting of Women of the Church will feature Gael Hogan, an inspirational speaker, who will share thoughts on being thankful all year round.
“Cross Ties”
is published monthly by
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church
312 N. Steele St., Sanford, NC
Office: (919) 774-8644
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://stthomassanford.dionc.org
Office Hours
Beth Wood, Admin. Asst.
M & F, 9AM- 12PM
Tu, W, & Th, 9AM – 1PM
Rector
The Rev. Bruce Heyvaert
We extend a warm welcome from our church
community. We at St. Thomas’ believe that:
Whatever your religious background
Whatever your history
However you have come to be drawn to the Lord
You are welcome to walk your journey of life with us
at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church.
The Parish Staff
Director of Music Dr. Jo Ann Bowman
Organist
June Burbage
Nursery Care Katie Yuskevich
Lay Leaders
Andy White, Treasurer
Women of the Church
Cornelia Olive
Outreach Committee Chair
Pat Kirkman
Cross Ties Editor V. Naegele
The Parish Vestry
Serving through 2017
James Jessup, Jr. Warden
Cindy Julich, Sr. Warden
Katie Hyer, Clerk
Serving through 2018
Wendy Seymore
Elizabeth Zeph
Bob Carlson
Serving through 2019
Bill Bradford
Jeremy Linney
Cornelia Olive
@ St. Thomas
For Joy in God’s Creation
O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty; Open our eyes
to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole
creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him
through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. From The Book of Common Prayer, pg. 814
