Summer
Extravaganza
As summer draws to a
close, action at St. Timothy’s Church is kicking into high gear. There are
several exciting activities going on now and in the coming weeks and I ask
everyone to pray and get involved. Here are some
of the more extraordinary events.
St.
Timothy’s is searching for an Assistant Rector
Attention: Families with Young Children!
Earlier this year the vestry
approved a plan to seek an assistant priest for our parish. An
assistant priest would focus his ministry on families with young children
and would direct
children’s and youth ministries. These foci, together with assisting Fr.
Brad in the many responsibilities of our young parish, would help us to grow
in spirit and number in the months
to come. It is even hoped that in the not too distant future an assistant
priest might help
St. Timothy’s develop a school devoted to classic principles of education
and catechism.
Three weeks ago, a priest
applied for the position and the wardens agreed to bring him and his family
to Jonesboro for an interview. This very able young priest, his wife and
their son will visit this Sunday. He will be interviewed by the vestry on
Saturday and he will preach at the Holy Eucharist on Sunday morning, August
23. This is part of the process for us all to discern God’s will for the
future of our parish.
Please don’t miss this
important Sunday morning,
especially if you are a family with young children!
ART! For
Beauty and for Glory in the House of God
Among the many gifted and
talented people in our parish, we are blessed to have a group of needlepoint
artists who use their talents for the glory of the Lord in the St. Claire’s
Guild. Last week the St. Claire’s Guild dedicated another completed project.
Thanks to the design work of Margaret Petrey and the needlepointing of Marie
Johnson, St. Timothy’s now possesses a magnificent Gospel Book. This
beautiful work of art is on display now and will continue to “preach the
Gospel” in art for generations to come.
What’s more, we unveiled a
number of ongoing projects which include a beautiful stole for use at
baptisms, a wedding kneeler for Services of Matrimony (which caused several
to announce their intent to renew their vows) and eight altar kneelers
featuring symbols of Christ which will surround our altar rail. All these
projects are under way and they are – well – simply magnificent. Thanks to
the many ladies and gentlemen who work so hard every Tuesday with St.
Claire’s Guild.
More Art:
“The Christ of St. Timothy’s Church”
Several Sundays ago I first
shared with you an opportunity to adorn our Reredos with a painting by world
renowned artist Christina Kushcha-Katrikis . Last Sunday we unveiled her
painting of Christ seated upon the throne, which is proposed for our Reredos.
I have started calling the painting “The Christ of St. Timothy’s.” It is
splendid in the extreme! In addition to the audible gasp of delight let out
by members of the congregation when the piece was unveiled, the vestry
reports that the overwhelming majority (nearly 100%) of those who were
present have expressed their amazement and delight in this inspiring work.
Some are even moved to tears by this awesome depiction of our Lord. Look for
more developments in the days to come regarding this glorious piece of art
from one of the bright stars of today’s art world.
Mega Yard
Sale, September 8
On September 8, St. Timothy’s
Church will host what is shaping up to be the mother of all Yard Sales! With
a mountain of goods donated by parish members and friends, we have
everything to offer from chain-saws to silk purses, refrigerators to retro
bling (aka vintage jewelry). There is some of everything. Tell your friends
and neighbor. Let’s make this an outstanding yard sale and raise lots of
money to support our ministries.
Rally Day,
September 9
Rally Day is an Anglican
tradition – a day of fun and food to kick off our fall programs of
education, catechism, and ministry. Last year’s Rally Day festivities were a
huge hit, especially for the kids. Don’t forget to bring your children and
grandchildren for a fun day of games and excitement. If you’re not a child –
that’s OK. There will be exciting things for you as well, not to mention
opportunities to learn about the ministries, classes and Bible studies that
await us in the year to come. Rally Day – Be There!
St. Francis
Day & the Blessing of the Animals,
October 6, 10:00 am
St. Timothy’s ministry to
families and their beloved creatures has become nothing short of famous.
Why? It is our opportunity to apply in a powerful and meaningful way
Christ’s words from St. Mark 16:16, “preach the gospel to every creature.”
The blessings of Christ fall on the whole of his creation as he loves every
creature in the whole world. In past years, people have visited our parish
for the first time because of this ministry. Please plan to be present with
pets for this amazing service. And if you are able (and have a special love
for our furrier friends) please plan to help in the preparations for this
event.
Wow! Sometimes it seems that
we are running a marathon! In deed, we are running a race. Over the next few
weeks and months, as our parish offers so many opportunities for worship,
service, ministry, and celebration, let us all renew our commitment and join
in these wonderful offerings. And let us keep our eyes set on the prize
which is before us. We exist to glorify God
by enjoying
him forever, and, for
the sheer joy, to bring our world to Christ.
Join me in praying for all
those who do not yet know the joy of the Lord.
Your delighted servant in
Christ,
Fr. Brad+
St. Timothy's is a mission
of the Reformed Episcopal Church
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