The Sunday Next before Advent
2008

Dear Parish Family,

On All Saints Sunday, when we always read the names of those of our parish who have died during the previous twelve months, we had not a single name to pray.  As this was the only time in our twenty eight years that we had had no deaths, and given the fact that we really have grown substantially from the forty three who attended the first organizational meeting on All Saints Day, 1980, the primary explanation for this phenomenon seems to be that demographically we are a far younger congregation than we were in 1980.  Our founders’ hopes to preserve the traditional liturgy of our Church in the face of derisive taunts that traditional liturgy and theology would never appeal to the young continue to be fulfilled.

Just last week two young men, religion majors at FSU, came to our Tuesday morning Holy Eucharist and seemed to know the 1928 service intimately, but not because they had been offered it in their home towns, not to mention Tallahassee.  They had however read our website, listened to our sermons on line, studied the Prayerbook, and deeply appreciated the reverence and dignity with which our service was conducted.  They had also worked rather successfully to de-modernize the liturgical offices offered at the FSU Episcopal Center.  What ought to please equally if not more, is that the attitude of scorn and derision which greeted the founding of All Saints has now for the most part morphed into acceptance and appreciation, if not curiosity in most corners of the diocese. 

Bishop Louttit deserves much credit for this, making diocesan unity a hallmark of his episcopate.  Further, the efforts of so many of our own at diplomacy and Christian hospitality while steadfastly adhering to our liturgical and theological priorities have contributed immensely to this sense of acceptance -- witness Roy Lilly being elected to the Standing Committee a year ago.  Ten years ago, the idea of someone from All Saints being elected to the highest lay position in the diocese would have been unthinkable.  As we approach our thirtieth year, All Saints has become a viable and valued presence in the Diocese of Georgia, and I remain confident that whoever succeeds Bishop Louttit will not interfere with our long-established liturgical pattern.

Bishop Louttit reported recently to the Diocesan Council that this summer’s Lambeth Conference was a success in that the Episcopal Church was allowed to remain a part of the Anglican Communion.   While the “National Church” or “General Convention Church” continues to disturb most of us, we maintain our alliance to the greater Communion not through the Episcopal Church, but through the Diocese of Georgia and her bishop.  The recently completed survey of our diocese confirms that some of our highest priorities for the new bishop include maintaining the unity and sense of family within our diocese, as well as adherence to the Windsor Process and the Anglican Communion.  Overall, we remain a “moderately conservative” diocese.

My biggest concern for All Saints over the years has been our attendance, but many of you – and the Vestry – still attempt to reassure me that this is not because of dereliction but of mobility.  I understand the need for families to recreate -- as well as the pace at which our culture moves today, a pace far greater than what Kathy and I had to deal with when our children were younger.  Such mobility causes the greatest problem for those who teach Sunday School, as it becomes rather difficult to build upon lessons learned in previous weeks with the children not regularly present.  And yet for the most part, our teachers deal very gracefully with this, and they deserve our continued gratitude and support.  Mobility aside, I would report that from 2002-2007, the mean Average Sunday Attendance in the Episcopal Church has dropped from 79 to 69, while ours (taking both services into account) has increased from 109 to 128.

The most serious challenge we face at the moment has to do with our finances.   Over the last few years we have had to spend thousands and thousands of dollars simply to maintain our physical plant, and fortunately we have not had to borrow to do this work.   This year in the wake of Tropical Storm Faye, we face an untold amount of damage to the steeple and organ, as well as to the Rectory roof, living room and bathroom ceilings:  damage which insurance refuses to cover.   Apart from the economic problems which since September have crippled our economy, much of our present financial difficulties stem from the fact that very few of our families regularly increase their pledge.  The Vestry has continued to exercise great care in their stewardship of the parish funds entrusted to them.  Certainly those on fixed incomes cannot be expected to increase their giving each year, but many who do not live on fixed incomes have given the same amount to the parish literally for years, which means that with inflation they are giving less. 

Such habits can wreak havoc on one’s spiritual life, as such a pattern of giving shows us tied more and more to this world.  While recognizing the economic burdens we face in the coming months, the Vestry has decided that for 2010, we need to conduct a serious and far more legitimate Every Member Canvass than we’ve done in the past.  We need to get away from the mindset that continues to believe that we pledge in order to maintain the parish budget.  Rather, we pledge in order to see how tied or how not tied we are to this world.  Do we for instance make a conscious effort to give to the Church the same percentage of our income as we spend on our favorite hobby?  Such failures we believe stem not from willful intent but more from carelessness and distractedness --  and yet with the stock market and economy as they seem for the time being, we need all the more to consider just how tied to this world we want to be. 

Apart from those challenges / opportunities, I am so proud of this congregation and so privileged to be your priest.   You have given me the finest staff any clergyman could hope to work with, and thus my failures and shortcomings can be blamed on no one but me.  If I single out our Organist and Choir Director Margit Miller it is not to avoid mentioning the others, but simply to notify the congregation that she has now been with us ten years.  She remains a constant joy to work with, witness the growth the choir has experienced the last few years.  This past Lent after Raymond Hughes (former Chorus Master at the Metropolitan Opera) completed a three-week workshop with our choir, several of our members remarked that his rehearsal style was really no different than Margit’s.  Now that the twins are older she is taking organ lessons again, a fact which demonstrates itself each week.

In closing, many in our world are terribly and understandably concerned about our economy.  Indeed as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, one wonders how many people -- perhaps  in our parish – who might be so riddled with anxiety that they can find little if anything this year for which to be thankful.  In one of the all-time ironies of the spiritual life, the gospel for Thanksgiving Day begins:  “Be not anxious”, and in that brief passage Jesus goes on to mention anxiety five more times.  For someone wondering from where his next meal or mortgage payment will come, to hear Jesus expound on anxiety or to hear Him say “Consider the lilies” might lead that person to respond:  “Well that’s easy for you (Jesus) to say”, or “Why can’t God make any sense of this for me?”, or “Why has God forsaken me?”, or “Gratitude?  Hah!”

We could find scores of “answers” or “explanations” to each of these very legitimate questions.  The theologian might be tempted to quote C.S. Lewis about how one of the Devil’s great strengths is to make us all want to live in the future, that realm of time over which we have no control, thereby preventing our gratitude for things present and past.  An economist might say that “This (our present situation) is simply the way things are.”  Unfortunately, no matter how brilliant the explanation, the explanations don’t make the bad situation – not to mention one’s quite understandable pain and anxiety – go away.

We might wonder at first that when on the Cross our Lord felt forsaken by His Father, Jesus did not get an explanation.  Instead, the Father sent an angel to strengthen Him.  Unfortunately, what we also often overlook is that God Himself is the One on the Cross.  This is the reason that the Divinity of Christ is absolutely central to Christianity.  It is God who shares our experience, and works it together for good:  not an explanation, but a Light in the darkness, Courage in weakness, Hope in the midst of despair -- until in trust in such a God we come through, assisted if not carried by the One who has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Who having conquered, can help us conquer as well.
The other night on a TV show, a younger character asked an older character if he was happy.  The older man paused and then replied, “I’m happy enough.”  There may not be any more wonderful moment for an individual than when he comes to the realization that he is “happy enough”.  It is the realization that our world outlook has changed from “What God is going to do to help me now”, to “What God has done for me already.”  When William Wordsworth sensed his talents and therefore his life slipping away, he thought of his past:  “The thought of our past years in me doth breed perpetual benediction.”  What a wonderful balm, especially for one whose joys and hopes have been crippled by an uncertain future.  “For those first affections, those shadowy recollections which be they what they may, are yet the fountain-light of all our day…Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, or the glory of the flower; We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind.”

Wordsworth learned that anxiety can not only harm the body but cripple the soul.  And as someone far wiser than I once said, “The Lord cannot ever pick up what we remain unwilling to lay down.”    As we approach the Advent and Christmas seasons, might I suggest the following collect for us to pray for each other, as well as for ourselves: 

O most loving Father, who willest us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of thee, and to cast all our care on thee, who carest for us; Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which thou hast manifested unto us in thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
Please know that the doors of your clergy remain ever open, should any of these anxieties overwhelm and become too difficult to lay down.
Faithfully submitted,

(The Rev.) Frederick A. Buechner                                                                                                                        
Rector

 
FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN

Dear All Saints Parish Family,

It has been a great pleasure to serve as your Senior Warden this year.  Thanks to the strong leadership of the prior Senior Warden along with current and past vestrymen, the church began the year in excellent shape both financially and structurally.  As always, Father Buechner has been a constant force guiding our parish through controversial times. 

The addition of Father Will McQueen to our clergy staff has provided us an opportunity to enhance the breadth of both our youth (EYC) and adult programs as well as provide support to other parishes in our diocese when in need.  He has been a tremendous help keeping an eye on the church grounds and assisting with various church business when necessary.  He has also assisted Father Buechner in times of illness or vacation and has become an invaluable asset to our parish.  We are pleased that he and Robin, William and Sarah Kathryn are able to be part of our church family.

All Saints has become quite an influence in the diocese over the past couple of years with Roy Lilly’s involvement as a member of the Standing Committee of the Diocese.  He was very instrumental in getting Fr. Buechner placed on the Search Committee for our new bishop.  Further, Fr. Buechner was recently appointed to the Executive Committee of the Diocesan Council, allowing him  (and All Saints) a greater voice regarding the vital issues affecting the diocese as well as the selection of the next Bishop.

Our Verger, Ram Singletary has continued to strengthen our acolyte program and due to his hard work, at times we have more participants than necessary for the morning services.  We are also blessed to have Kathy Buechner who continues to work hard with the St. David and St. Cecilia choirs, teaching our young people the joy of singing. 

There are a number of individuals that continue to tirelessly serve our church on a consistent basis and it would be hard to imagine our parish without Dale Gurley, Debbie Beeson and Nicki Sanders.  They continue to support our parish life activities and we can always depend on them when called upon.  Also, Nikki Scott, our office manager, is always there to help with a pleasant smile and her commitment and dedication goes far beyond her position and we are extremely grateful.

We are pleased that our choir has grown over the past year and you may have noticed quite a difference in the presentation of our anthems.  Due to a generous donation from one of our members, we were fortunate to have Raymond Hughes conduct a choir workshop during the Lenten season.  I can personally say that it was a very enjoyable and enlightening experience to learn from one of the great chorus masters in our country.  Our choir director, Margit Miller, does an exceptional job in working with very little time and limited resources.  She is commended for her patience and talents and I encourage any of you to join us for what is a very fulfilling way to serve your church.

Various building and grounds projects have been ongoing for the past couple of years and our focus this year was on maintenance rather than new improvements.  Rain water from tropical storm Faye leaked through the steeple damaging the organ pipes and as you can see, we are currently using a temporary organ downstairs.  As a precaution, our goal was to waterproof the steeple before we repaired the organ pipes and during the process, we discovered that the steeple itself was rotten and in need of major renovation -- such renovation is currently underway if not completed.  Unfortunately, due to the nature of the damage, insurance did not cover any of the repairs and this will require substantial operating funds. The ECW made a generous gift to satisfy some of the immediate needs to the warehouse restoring 5 garage doors and installing lighting so it could be used for the Bazaar.  There is still substantial work to be done to stabilize the structure and make it functional.  In addition, other maintenance requirements currently needed and under discussion are a new roof for the Rectory and sacristy renovations.  Again, operating funds for these projects will be required and specific donations would be much appreciated. 

As we end the year, we are facing what could be one of the one of the worst economic downturns of our generation.  Our year to date income is less than normal compared to prior years and most likely a reflection of the economic slowdown.  We are in good hands with Brad Jackson as our treasurer and his capable leadership will serve us well.  The coming year will be challenging for our vestry and church family and I hope you will keep the church foremost in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
M. Clay Sewell
Sr. Warden 2008

CURATE’S REPORT

I begin my report to the parish with a word of thanks for everything you did for my Ordination to the Priesthood.  I appreciate the work of so many people who made the evening of December 12, 2007, truly special.   

One of the goals I set for this year was offering a mid-week Bible study to supplement our Christian Education opportunities on Sunday mornings.  In January, I began a “walk through the Bible” using Dr. Peter Kreeft’s book You Can Understand the Bible.  We began the year meeting twice on Wednesday with a class in the morning and one in the afternoon.  By mid-Spring, we combined groups and only met in the morning.  During the summer, we stopped using Dr. Kreeft’s book, and shifted to an in-depth study of the Epistles of St. John.  In September, several people asked if we might move the class to Tuesday morning following the Holy Eucharist.  With the move to Tuesday mornings, we have a consistent group of 5-7 who meet each week. 

An additional priority for 2008 was the formation of a men’s group.  We originally met at the church, but early in the year we decided to make breakfast a component of our time together, and we moved the gathering to the Plaza restaurant at 7:00 on Tuesday morning.  We gather for food and fellowship, with no set agenda, but rather, wide-ranging discussions dealing with current issues within the church, nation, and world.  Even though our group is small in number, our discussions are lively and many times thought provoking.  Please consider joining us on Tuesday mornings.

It has been a joy to begin working closely with our EYC on Sunday evenings.  I am surrounded by a wonderful group of volunteer parents who help cook, drive, and serve as advisors; our success comes from their willing support.  Our group continues to meet weekly on Sunday evenings for corporate worship, a meal together, and then a program or other activity.  We have a consistent group of 10-15 for which I am very thankful.

I look forward to the opportunities which lie ahead for All Saints’ Church in 2009 and beyond.  We have a tremendous gift this coming year with the election of a new diocesan bishop in September.  As a parish, we must continue to be diligent in prayer that our diocese might receive a faithful pastor and shepherd to lead us following the retirement of Bishop Louttit. 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as a priest in this parish, and I give thanks to God for this opportunity to work in this portion of his vineyard.
 
Faithfully submitted,

(The Rev.) William N. McQueen, III

 
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 

In 2008, All Saints’ offered a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth with numerous Christian Education and Formation classes for all ages.  Our Sunday morning classes for youth and adults have seen consistent attendance throughout the year.  For our youth Sunday school we continued to use the curriculum from David C. Cook Publishing – Anglican Edition, and the feedback has remained positive.  In the spring Fr. McQueen led an adult survey of the Gospel of Matthew, and in the fall led a ten week video class by N.T. Wright – Simply Christian.  Fr. Buechner devoted his time working with the Sr. High class throughout the year.  Fr. Buechner offers a mid-week study of Dante’s Divine Comedy, and Fr. McQueen continues teaching a book-by-book walk through Holy Scripture using Dr. Peter Kreeft’s book You Can Understand the Bible.

Fr. Buechner and I cannot say thank you enough to our committed group of women and men who make instruction of our youth a priority.  Each week our teachers are well-prepared and provide an environment for fun and learning.   
There is always the need for additional teachers, so if you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you to help, ask any of the current teachers what you can do to get involved.  It would also be a tremendous asset to our Christian Education offerings if we might add an additional adult class in 2009.  There are many opportunities for growth in this area of our church.

Fr. McQueen

EYC

This year has been a good one for our Episcopal Young Churchmen.  We have had a full year of fun, programs, service, and fellowship for our seventh through twelfth grade parishioners.  One of the highlights was a weekend trip to Highlands, NC, in February.  Our entire group had a wonderful time snow tubing, games, eating, and enjoying the gracious hospitality of the Hancock cabin. 

A continued area of focus for our group is service to those less fortunate in our midst.  We are beginning to cultivate a relationship with the residents of Vashti, and have done a couple of events at their center thus far.  We will continue our involvement with them as we partner with First Methodist Church in co-hosting the Vashti Christmas party in December. 

Several members of EYC participated in Hands On Thomas County’s Project Impact over the summer.  This was a week-long series of activities with HOTC to allow our youth to see various groups that Hands On helps through their outreach.  Those who participated had a positive week, and all said they were very glad to have been a part of Project Impact.

We also had fun throughout the year with movie nights, the Halloween Carnival, Frisbee golf, scavenger hunts, and more.  My sincerest thanks to all of the parents who cooked meals, drove cars, chaperoned trips, or helped plan our activities.  There is always room for more involvement, so please share your interest in helping. 

Fr. McQueen

 
ALL SAINTS ADULT CHOIR

The All Saints Episcopal Church Adult Choir has grown significantly over the last couple of years, and we believe the extra people enlarging the choir has improved attendance as well as it’s simply more fun to sing with more people. 
We now have fifteen members when everyone is present. 

Although we finally have enough basses, our wish list would include a few more sopranos and another alto.  Over the last two years we’ve moved from singing two part anthems, and can now on a regular basis do three-part pieces -- but I'm sure Father Buechner would love to hear four parts in the future! 

A highlight for us this year came during Lent, when Raymond Hughes, former chorus master at the Metropolitan Opera, conducted a three week workshop for the choir.  Although some of us were a little concerned about singing for a “big name”, those three Wednesday rehearsals and the Sunday morning offerings turned out to be a great deal of fun – and in Raymond, we now have a new “friend of the choir”.

If you are interested in joining us in this terribly important endeavor, please don’t hesitate to call me at 850-997-4478.  My sincere thanks and appreciation to all who have served so faithfully over the years.  We appreciate your true dedication to the choir and to All Saints Episcopal Church. 

Our members this year are:
Audrey Simmons, Laurie Simmons, Tom Simmons, Asun Ellis, Lois Hand, Sandra Hall, Claudia Grooms, DJ Grooms, Denny Lewin, Will Buechner, Kathy Buechner, Eddie Davis, Clay Sewell, Russell Fryar, and Emily Funk.

When in our music God is glorified,
And adoration leaves no room for pride,
It is as though the whole creation cried
Alleluia!”

Respectfully,

Margit Miller
Organist and Choir Director

THE ST. CECILIA AND ST. DAVID CHOIR

The St. Cecilia and St. David Choirs continue their tradition of faithful service to the music ministry of All Saints’. These young choristers, ages five to twelve, rehearse each Wednesday preparing anthems, learning hymns, canticles and the service music.  They lead the congregation singing the music portions of the service once each month.  The choristers presented a short concert with additional performances by individual choristers displaying their instrumental talent.  In addition to the regular Sunday service, the St. David Choir also sings a Festival Evensong on Christmas Eve.

“Graduates” of these two training choirs are active members of the Adult Choir furthering their commitment to the music program.

I am grateful for the support of the parents of their young singers who encourage and bring them to the weekly rehearsals.  As a result, the choir program thrives with 15 choristers in the St. Cecilia Choir and 10 in the St. David Choir.  For a parish the size of All Saints’ this is a remarkable number.  Their devotion is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathy K. Buechner

CHILDREN’S CHURCH

The enriched Children’s Church program continues to be a huge hit among our youngest parishioners.  The children enjoy a short chapel program before going outside to play.  This program is the same every week so that our children can begin to learn the rituals of the Episcopal Church.  The children really enjoy and have embraced the Chapel program.  In order for the Children to begin to understand that they are active participants in the service, we have given the different grades responsibility for different parts of the service.  The 1st graders take turns passing the offertory plate.  The 2nd graders take turns lighting the chapel alter candles (with some help from the parent leaders).  In preparation for becoming acolytes, we assign one 3rd grader a week to act as the crucifer who walks the children out of church. 

We have had incredible participation each week, even to the point of Children having to sit on the floor as there is no space left in the pews.  This year, we have 17 families and 22 children who participate in Children’s Church. 
The program is completely volunteer run by parents of the children participating. 
We invite any parishioner to come out to see what the children are learning in the Chapel on Sundays. 

This will be our last year as Children’s Church Coordinators as our youngest son will ‘graduate’ from Children’s Church this spring.  We have enjoyed being involved in this very important part of our service.

Alston & Philip Watt
Children’s Church Coordinators

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

The All Saints’ ECW is off to a great start with meetings every month on the second Wednesday at 5 pm. Every woman at All Saints is automatically a member of this organization, and we want everyone to know that all are welcome, including any guests you might want to bring. 

Several years ago, Carol Singletary started a “Knitters Guild” for the parish.  Beginning with a handful of ladies, the group has grown to include not just ladies from other congregations, but also a healthy number of younger children.  To see the interaction of the generations on Wednesday afternoon 4:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall library is a joy to behold.

Our annual Christmas outreach project continues to be providing toys, etc. for residents of Safe Haven.

The book club is in its second very successful year, it is fun and very interesting; attracting members and non-members of many ages. We meet on the second Wednesday at 11:50 in the parish hall. We enjoy a light lunch and discussion of that month's book.  Please come join us.

During the past year, the ECW played host to another very successful convocational event.  Last month we welcomed the second annual Convocational Picnic, which brought folks from Bainbridge, Moultrie, Quitman, and Valdosta to All Saints. 

The first of our annual fund raisers was held on November 12.  The auction and bazaar are the ways we raise funds for our many community outreach programs. Margret Brinson and Jenny Ladson chaired a successful auction.  Elizabeth Young, Robyn McQueen and Robyn Enright chaired the silent auction.  Jinanne Parrish chaired an ever flourishing bazaar this past January.  The Bazaar in 2009 will be held on Wednesday, January 28.

Lee Chubb
Lee Mitchell