The Twenty-third Sunday after Trinity 2009

Dear Parish Family,

“It was not what one had expected.”  So writes T. S. Eliot in his poem East Coker, “It” referring to nothing less than life itself.  The truth of this has come home to me in any number of ways these past twelve months.  Witness the following:

THE NATIONAL CHURCH SCENE

While this summer’s General Convention moved a step closer to opening the door to the ordination of and blessing the unions of people living in same sex relationships, they did not go nearly as far as the Lesbian / Gay / Bi-sexual / Transgendered lobby had hoped.  What to me was more surprising was the reaction of supporters as well as non-supporters of the Presiding Bishop to her opening address to that Body where she stated rather ungracefully that the great western heresy was the idea of individual salvation coming as a result of reciting a formula.  So-called “conservatives” who should have understood what she was talking about reacted as if she were advocating the dismantling of the Kingdom of God stone by stone.  In fact what she was doing, again not very felicitously, was restating “for the troops” the Anglican understanding of Predestination and and the primacy of God in our salvation – with which hardly a one of her supporters came to her defense.  Did her intended audience even realize what she was talking about?  It was not what one had expected.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

In a portion of the wake produced by the Presiding Bishop’s speech, the Roman Catholic Church announced a program which will make it “easy” for Anglican and / or former Episcopal congregations to become Roman Catholic while retaining the Book of Common Prayer.  And yet, there’s some serious content in the Book of Common Prayer 1549-1979, i.e., portions of the Eucharistic Rite and Articles of Religion, not to mention the actual presence of an Ordinal for the consecration of Bishops, Priest, and Deacons – wherein resides more than a little theology which would make a lot of Roman Catholic teeth fall out.   

One imagines that this offer will appeal most to those individuals and congregations rigidly opposed to the ordination of women, and one would not expect the invitation to excite the groups which have left the Diocese of Georgia.  The offer nonetheless was not what one had expected.

THE DIOCESE

Fourteen years ago, the Diocese of Georgia took two days and thirteen ballots to elect Henry Louttit as her ninth bishop.  Many of us were terribly concerned that his election marked the end of All Saints using the traditional Book of Common Prayer.  We were wrong.  And on September 12, that same diocese took fifty-five minutes and two ballots to elect Scott Benhase as her tenth bishop.  Our three lay delegates, self-described as liberal, moderate and conservative, all voted for him.  It was not what one had expected.

The diocesan Search / Nominating Committee of which I was a part, became the most exciting and rewarding experience in my life as a priest outside the congregation.  Twelve of some of the most diverse folks in the diocese came together and nominated a slate of candidates that every single one of us could live comfortably with.  While none of us relinquished our most cherished beliefs, we came together as a body and not only listened to but actually learned from each other.  Never in my wildest dreams would I ever believe I’d look forward to driving across the state to attend a diocesan meeting, something which happened time after time.  As we came to think of ourselves as a micro-cosm of the diocese as well as the church, we came away with a truly renewed sense of love for and hope in the Diocese of Georgia to a point which surprised each of us. 

When Jesus told us “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be”, what He meant was that our affections follow our actions.  We discovered this time and again, as Roy Lilly has experienced with his time and work with the Diocesan Council and Standing Committee.  We both can report that All Saints is a viable and welcome portion of the Diocese of Georgia.  Again, none of this is what one had expected.

We learned this week that Judge Karpf in Savannah had awarded the Christ Church, Savannah property to the Diocese of Georgia, and that the congregation which had affiliated with the Church in Uganda which had held the property would have to vacate the premises immediately.  As they have decided to appeal, they will remain on the premises until the Georgia Supreme Court rules on the matter, probably in several months time according to the diocesan chancellor.  The saddest thing about this, apart from the fact that families have been divided (the former rector is part of the group that stayed, while one of his children’s family is part of the group which has left), is that a strong, fairly traditional parish – and the oldest in the state of Georgia – has been torn asunder at a time in which this was not necessary.  Their breakup weakens the rest of us with traditional leanings.  That this would happen with this particular parish is never in a million years what one might have expected.

ST. GEORGE’S, VENICE

When Raymond Hughes brought Liesl Odenweller to sing at All Saints during Lent of 2008, she asked me (as she was a vestryman at St. Geroge’s) if I would ever be interested in coming to Venice for a month and handling church matters while their priest was on vacation.  It was not what one had expected.  Further, after being there a while and having learned what it was like actually to live there (wonderful, even with the heat), how good it felt to come back to Thomasville.  Not that I didn’t want to come home, it’s just that it felt better than expected.
And I’ll never be able to thank the Vestry and Congregation enough for giving me that time away, which became the experience of a lifetime.

SATURDAY LUNCH THOMASVILLE

Who would have ever thought when the groups from All Saints, St. Thomas, First Presbyterian, First Methodist, First Missionary Baptist and Glad Tidings Assembly of God began in May to feed 40 – 50 people on Saturday afternoons, that in only a few months that number would grow to over 300!  Debbie Beeson is our representative to this organization which I’m proud to state that All Saints has five different teams involved in this ministry, and each group contains at least a few young children.

STEWARDSHIP

Much of last year’s annual report spoke to the subject of money.  Apart from the economic problems which since September a year ago have crippled our economy, much of our financial difficulties have stemmed from the fact that very few of our families had regularly increased 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 had been giving 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 upon all, the Vestry carefully but boldly decided that for 2010, we would conduct a serious and far more legitimate Every Member Canvass than we’ve done in the past, an effort we concluded on October 4.  We needed to get away from the mindset that continues to believe that we pledge in order to maintain a parish budget.  Rather, we attempted to teach principles such as “the need of the giver to give”; or that 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? 
We’re grateful to report that the initial results of this program have proved more than simply successful – significantly better than expected -- enough of an increase from last year to warrant the vestry’s decision to do something similar next year.  With results as we’ve received – plus an incredibly generous matching grant of $50,000 for new and / or increased pledges (which was met), in addition to some other very significant gifts, we feel blessed to be making some very positive strides in the area of stewardship.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

We continue to have an extremely dedicated group of teachers present week after week, but their peak effectiveness can only be reached if parents are diligent about bringing their children here each week.
At the risk of sounding like “Poor Me”, the same disappointment applies to Adult Sunday School, where attendance has been essentially dismal, to the point that one wonders if preparation time would be better spent for mid-week courses at various times of the day, while spending Sunday mornings rotating among the children’s’ classes. 

We have a small but faithful Tuesday group which meets from 10:45-11:45.  Other topics suggested to me recently which I’m happy to try include an early morning men’s Bible study, a course on the spiritual life (ascetic theology), a course addressing the significant differences between the ’28 and ’79 Books of Common Prayer; as well as several evening meetings for parents who would like to discuss some of the more difficult questions their children are asking.  We did begin an announced course on the spiritual life on November 8 with five adults present, two of whom included my mother and Deacon Louise.
An observation:  In the course of interviewing one gentleman who eventually became one of the candidates for bishop, someone who I know is a very fine teacher, we asked him the following:  “What is the most disappointing or frustrating aspect of your time in the ministry?”  His response:  “How few adults are interested in furthering their theological education.”  This man is the rector of a very healthy parish in one of largest cities, so I know our problem isn’t unique.  I’m also aware of the time constraints on all.  Again, I welcome any suggestions.

FR. MCQUEEN

I’m so proud of this congregation for stepping out in faith to call a young seminary graduate as an assistant priest for All Saints, and Will McQueen was a great match for us.  Our only problem was that we really didn’t get to impart much of “our way” to Will, simply because he was already a part of “our way”.  It was not what one had expected. 

I’m happy for him that at this stage of his priesthood he’ll have the opportunity to be rector of a parish, not only a very fine one with great people, but one which largely shares much of our theological outlook.  Bishop Louttit will install Will at St. John’s, Moultrie this Wednesday November 11 at 6:00 PM.
Will has done a great job with our EYC, and while the Vestry asked him to continue with our group through 2009, we’ve yet to come up with a suitable replacement for him in that role.  I urge the congregation to offer any suggestions regarding that program, as well as someone who’d be a responsible leader.  Whether we want a priest or layman in this program remains to be decided.  Again, the Vestry and I welcome your input.

IT WAS NOT WHAT ONE HAD EXPECTED (NO WHERE NEAR)

Such was my reaction on the Second Sunday of Advent a year ago when I came to church to lead Evening Prayer for the usual handful, only to find a packed church offering a beautifully prepared Evensong and festive Dinner in recognition of twenty years as your priest.  While my ministry has been full of surprises, none could be any more wonderful for me or my family than the surprise of being called to All Saints.  And while many are generous with compliments and gratitude, no one will ever convince me that I haven’t been the greater beneficiary of this Call.

WHERE TO FROM HERE?

In East Coker, Eliot’s response to “It (Real Life) was not what one had expected” was that he would not place his faith in people with experience, because so much of our experience never quite prepares us for the surprises which Life throws in our face.  He states that the only wisdom we can hope to garner is the wisdom of humility, because “humility is endless”.  Anglican scholar John Booty commenting on these verses offers the following:  that Reality is something to be received from another and not imposed, because when we attempt to impose “my truth” upon Reality, most often we sin. He also writes how Gabriel Marcel speaks of humility as availability. 

“Availability is that which makes ready and makes room for otherness.  It is openness to what is outside and beyond, and it is receptivity to the existence and power of another, of others, and of the Other.  The spirit of prayer is, above all, a welcoming disposition toward everything which can tear me away from myself, from my propensity to become hypnotized [enamored] by my own (horrible) faults.” 

Please re-read that carefully.  Twenty years ago, or even five years ago I would never think of quoting the above in an annual report for All Saints, but I believe we’ve grown enough to where we can appreciate the wisdom present therein, because it’s about nothing less than the humility to be available to receive God’s gift in Jesus, and make Him part of our minds, hearts and wills.  Such availability has nothing to do with abandoning anything we hold dear and sacred, but to be available to what might be out there which would help us become not only stronger, but more important, to become as holy a people we can; because as Eliot concludes:  “For us there is only the trying.  The rest is not our business.”

Faithfully submitted,
(The Rev) Frederick A. Buechner                                                                                                                        
Rector
 
FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN

I would like to begin by thanking God for this past year.  Though we have faced uncertainty and change He has blessed us in many ways.  Through Him, and so many of His saints working in our congregation, All Saints has prospered and strengthened. 
While the National church continues to move in what I believe is the wrong direction and ECUSA suffers further decline, All Saints Episcopal Church is moving forward in  a positive direction and continues to build influence in the Diocese thanks in no small part to the leadership of Father Buechner and Roy Lilly Jr. who have served respectively on the Diocesan Council  and the Standing Committee of the Diocese.

Our Diocese appears to be on the path of smooth transition with the election of our new bishop, Scott Benhase, in only two ballots. He has committed to allowing us to continue to worship in the manner that best meets the needs of our Parish, including continued use of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.  Father Buechner served as a member of the Bishop selection committee, and our Parish is much closer to our fellow Diocese members as a result of his participation.

Here at home, we began the year in a difficult economic time, and our budget was suffering the residual impact of the national crisis.  Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Stewardship Committee and Vestry, we find ourselves on solid ground financially.  Through a focus on the overall spiritual well-being of our Parish, we instituted a new stewardship campaign which allowed our members to examine their relationship with God not from a budgetary standpoint, but from the direction of personal commitment.  I believe the stewardship campaign was a positive process and have heard nothing but good things regarding how it was conducted.

Our Parish also finds fulfillment in the achievement of one of our goals to promote conservative principles within our Diocese through our association these past several years with the Rev. Will McQueen, who has recently departed for St. John’s Episcopal Church in Moultrie.  Father McQueen has been a true asset to our Parish and has enhanced both our youth and adult programs during his tenure.  His appreciation for and advocacy of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer will expand the influence of traditional principles beyond the reach of All Saints.  We wish Will, Robin, William, and Sarah Kathryn all the best as God takes them into a new realm of service.

Our “Fifth Sunday” work day, suggested by Father McQueen and implemented with leadership from Ram Singletary and Clayton Penhallagon, has allowed opportunity for the building of closer bonds within members of our Parish, and we plan to further solidify that foundation of service and fellowship in the coming years.

Our Parish is blessed with a wonderful dedicated staff and many faithful members and volunteers who give tirelessly of their time and talents in service of All Saints, from the EYC,  ECW, Acolytes, St. Cecilia and St. David’s Choirs, Altar Guild, Knitters Guild, Adult Choir, Sunday School Teachers, Children’s Church Parents, the Auction Committee, Ushers, Lay Readers and Vestry.  Each of us is called to different types and levels of service to God, and All Saints is indeed fortunate for the gifts of every person.  Thank you for all you do and have done.  All Saints would not be the place it is without your service.

Respectfully Submitted,

Brad Jackson
 
ALL SAINTS ADULT CHOIR

The All Saints Episcopal Church Adult Choir has grown significantly over the last couple of years, and we believe enlarging the choir has improved attendance. Simply put, it is more fun to sing with more people.  We now have fifteen members when everyone is present.  We recently hired four students from FSU to assist with 3 and 4 part singing.  Their names are Miriam Barfield, Megan Lafitte, Matthew Bell, Craig Duke.

Although we finally have enough voices in each section our wish list would include two more sopranos.  Over the last two years we've moved from singing two part anthems, and can now on a regular basis do three-part and four-part pieces. 

A highlight for us this year was when Raymond Hughes, former chorus master at the Metropolitan Opera and current Director of the Norwegian Opera in Oslo Norway, came to play for a couple of services.  We truly appreciate his talent and willingness to help us when he is in town.  He is a true friend of All Saints and Thomasville GA.

We are looking forward to having some new choir members join us from St. David's choir.  Typically, when the choristers graduate from eighth grade they move to the Adult Choir.  To make the transition smooth, they are encouraged to join our Sunday rehearsals at 9 A.M. mid November.  This will allow ample time to prepare for Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve Midnight Service.  We realize this takes extra effort for the parents and their efforts are certainly appreciated!  If you are an eighth grader, please join us November 22 at 9 A.M.  You are not required to sing during the service until Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve. 

Our members this year are:

Audrey Simmons, Laurie Simmons, Tom Simmons, Asun Ellis, Lois Hand, Sandra Hall, Claudia Grooms,  Denny Lewin, Will Buechner, Kathy Buechner, Eddie Davis, Clay Sewell, Russell Fryar, and Emily Funk, Clarisse Waddill.

           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 CHOIRS

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 thirteen, 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.  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 these young singers who encourage and bring them to the weekly rehearsals. As a result the choir program thrives with twenty choristers – and many of them are siblings singing together. For a parish the size of All Saints’ this is a remarkable number.  Their devotion is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathy K. Buechner