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The Weekly Messenger
News of the Church of the Heavenly Rest
in the City and Diocese of New York
March 30 , 2008 |
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Meditation |
God in Christ is willing to meet us
wherever we are in our journey of faith.
Doubt is not a barrier but a doorway. |
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The Second Sunday of Easter |
8:00 am |
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Holy Eucharist — Rite I
Service with homily in the Chapel |
9:00 am |
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Holy Eucharist — Rite II
30-minute Service with homily in the Chapel |
9:30 am |
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Rector's Forum – "Easter Life" |
9:30 am |
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Church School and Confirmation Classes |
10:30 am |
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Holy Eucharist — Rite II
Service with sermon, hymns and choir in the Church
Sermon: Thomas Joyner, Seminarian |
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Coffee Hour will take place in the Narthex immediately following the 10:30 am service. The Good Shepherd Nursery for Infants and Toddlers from newborn to age three is available every Sunday in the Good Shepherd Room from 9:15 am to 12 noon. |
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The first lessons for the season of Easter come not from the Hebrew scriptures, but from the Book of Acts, which is the "second volume" of the writings of the evangelist Luke and his account of the growth of the Church following the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Today's reading is a portion of a sermon given by Peter immediately following the Pentecost event. Addressing the assembled crowd - devout Jews as well as many from outlying regions and foreign lands - he proclaims that this Jesus, who manifested the power of God in word and deed, was indeed killed by the will of the crowd and at the hands of Rome. But, says Peter, God raised him from the dead and he, Peter and all the disciples present with him were eye witnesses of that fact. This death and resurrection, says Peter, was all in accordance with God's plan for the Messiah, which was foretold by both King David and the prophets. (Acts 2:14a, 22-32)
The second lesson for today is from the First Letter of St. Peter. In it he sets forth the very heart of the Good News in Christ. "We have been born again, born anew, to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Peter is writing to a community that did not know Christ in the flesh but only by faith. It is this faith, he says, that brings them salvation. It is also this faith that can and will sustain them through persecution and trial. Peter, who was an eye witness of the resurrection, writes to all who follow to assure - them and us - of its Truth. (I Peter 1:3-9)
The Gospel reading for the Sunday following Easter is always taken from the twentieth chapter of John, which tells of Jesus' appearance to his disciples in the upper room on the evening of the day of his resurrection. They are assembled, fearful and hiding behind shuttered doors and windows, and suddenly Jesus stands among them. His greeting is "Shalom, peace and wholeness be with you." He comes into the midst of their fear and dismay bringing not only renewed life but a mission. "As the Father has sent me, even so I now send you" he says, and then he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them to empower and commission them. Thomas, however, was not present. We do not know why. Perhaps he was not afraid like the rest. Perhaps he had gone to grieve alone. Perhaps he had gone to Mary and the other women to offer support and comfort. When he does arrive, after Jesus had left, he is told the good news of Jesus' resurrection. Thomas responds by saying that he needs to see Jesus himself in order to believe, and so, eight days later, in the same upper room, Jesus returns. He offers the same greeting of Shalom and then speaks directly to Thomas, offering whatever proof is needed to make the resurrection a reality. Thomas responds by making the statement of faith that would become the keystone of the Church's faith: "Jesus, my Lord and my God." This event, recorded by John, is not so much about Thomas' difficulty in believing, but rather it is about Jesus' willingness to respond to his followers' doubts, as well as their fears, by coming to them with words of healing, hope and mission. (John 20:19-31) |
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Announcements & Opportunities |
 Rector's Forum for the Easter Season: "Easter Life: Reflections on the Resurrection of Jesus and its meaning from Biblical, historical, theological, and ethical sources." This Easter season series will run Sundays at 9:30 am in Darlington Hall from March 30 through June 4. In this series we will explore how the Resurrection has been understood, and what its implications are for living as Christians in the 21st century.
Choirs Resume this Tuesday, April 1. New members are welcome to join St. Cecilia Choir at 3:30 for children age 4 though K, Junior boys at 3:30 pm, Junior boys and girls at 4:15 for Grades I through III, and Choristers at 5 pm, for Grade IV and up. Please call Mollie Nichols for more information at the Church Office – 212-289-3400.
Come help lead worship at the De Witt Nursing Home, Sunday, April 6. All are invited to join the Confirmands as they help lead worship at the DeWitt Nursing Home in what has become a regular Heavenly Rest ministry. Meet at the 2 East 90th Street entrance of the church at 1:45 pm to walk to DeWitt on 79th off 3rd Avenue to help lead the 2:30 Eucharist and bring cheer to so many. Questions or to sign up, please call Caren Miles at 212- 289-3400, ext. 207 or email her at cmiles@heavenlyrest.org.
Youth Group: Calling all Youth in 6th - 12th grades to our Monthly Youth Group Evening, Monday, April 7, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. We meet for chips, soda and pizza and share what's going on in our lives. Come along and bring a friend too. Questions? Call Caren Miles, 212 289-3400, ext. 207 or email her at cmiles@heavenlyrest.org.
Early Music Concert presented by "Alba," Sunday, April 20 at 3:00 pm. This is a four-person ensemble including lute and voice, which will be presenting a one-hour concert of early music, free to the public.
London Pilgrimage: The Church Club of New York has a few places available for non-members on its "London: The Crossroads of Anglicanism: Pilgrimage from Ascension to Pentecost, from May 1 - May 11, planned in cooperation with the London church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields and guided by Professor Canon J. Robert Wright of General Theological Seminary. The Pilgrimage includes services at many churches and cathedrals, including visits to Canterbury, Southwark and Rochester, and dinners, cocktails and other events at various places not usually open to visitors. For information, please call Preston Merchant at 212-828-7418.
Carpenter's Kids Reminder: The second year of our five- year parish- wide pledge to Carpenter's Kids has begun. As of January 2008 we were linked to three African villages which support 50 children in each village. As of February we added an additional link and hope to add a fifth after the second- year donations come in. Please send in your pledge of $50 per child to the Business Office. If you have any questions, please contact Elinor Loveridge at 212- 289-3400. Thank you for your generosity. You are changing the lives of children who otherwise would be unable to attend school.
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The Heavenly Rest Players
present a staged reading of
THE FOREIGNER
a very funny comedy
by Larry Shue
Friday, April 18; Saturday, April 19
Friday, April 25; Saturday, April 26
All performances at 8:00 pm in Darlington Hall
Directed by Nancy Fisher Produced by Bill Strohmeier
The cast features the four actors who made "Moonlight and Magnolias" so
funny—Terry Fiore, Tom Flagg, Bill Strohmeier, and Ann Stanchfield—as well
as Ryan Scott, who appeared in "Copenhagen"— plus two
new faces, Anne Watters and Michael Gilbert.
ALL SEATS $20, STUDENTS $15
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Contact SmartTix at www.smarttix.com or 212-868-4444
Advance purchase tickets are subject to $2 per ticket processing fee.
Tickets will also be available at the door before each performance. |
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Visit our Welcome Table in the Narthex where members of our Welcome Committee can provide you with information about our Parish Programs and answer any questions you may have. Just look for the blue Church of the Heavenly Rest Banner on Sunday Mornings; the Welcome Table will be there.
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Fun at Lunchtime! Dedicated volunteers are needed for our Friday Senior Lunch Program. Help turn Darlington Hall into a café by setting decorative tables, serving a catered buffet lunch, clearing disposable plates, and mingling with diners. Lead post-meal rounds of Bingo as guests play to win back their $1.00 lunch tab! This outreach brings needed opportunity for socialization and enjoyment, as well as tasty and nutritious meals, to our neighborhood elderly. If you can commit one Friday per month from 12:30 pm -2:30 pm, please join this important fellowship. Contact the Rev. Tom Synan at 212-289-3400, ext. 214 or by email at tsynan@heavenlyrest.org.
CHR Shelter: The church provides shelter to pre-selected elderly guests Monday through Thursday. Volunteers are needed to welcome and supervise guests for the night. Volunteer Coordinator: Marilyn Budzanoski, 212-663-7923. |
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This Week at Heavenly Rest |
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MONDAY, March 31
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7:00 pm |
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Alanon meets in the Music Room |
7:00 pm |
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A.A. meets in Darlington Hall and Thomas Hall |
7:30 pm |
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Canterbury Choral Society Rehearsal in the Church |
8:00 pm |
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Shelter in the Narthex |
Tuesday, April 1
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7:30 am |
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Men's Breakfast Group meets at 3 Guys' Restaurant |
12:00 pm |
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A.A. meets in the Cloister |
3:30 pm |
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St. Cecilia Choir in the Choir Room |
4:15 pm |
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Choristers in the Choir Room |
6:30 pm |
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Lay Pastoral Care Group meets in the Choir Room |
8:00 pm |
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Shelter in the Narthex |
Wednesday, April 2
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9:00 am |
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Mary Anne Hall's Music for Children Classes |
12:00 pm |
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Holy Eucharist in the Chapel |
6:30 pm |
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Holy Eucharist and Service of Healing in the Chapel |
8:00 pm |
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Shelter in the Narthex |
Thursday, April 3
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9:00 am |
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Mary Anne Hall's Music for Children Classes |
12:00 pm |
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A.A. meets in the Cloister |
7:00 pm |
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Alanon meets in the Music Room |
7:00 pm |
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A.A. meets in Thomas Hall |
7:00 pm |
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Education for Ministry meets in the Choir Room |
8:00 pm |
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Shelter in the Narthex |
Friday, April 4
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9:00 am |
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Bible Study in the Choir Room |
10:00 am |
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Parents and Babies Group meets in the Good Shepherd Room |
1:30 pm |
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Friday Lunch for Senior Citizens in Darlington Hall |
Saturday, April 5
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10:00 am |
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The Foreigner rehearsal in Darlington Hall |
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Next Sunday — April 6
The Third Sunday of Easter |
8:00 am |
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Holy Eucharist — Rite I
Service with homily in the Chapel |
9:00 am |
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Holy Eucharist — Rite II
30-minute Service with homily in the Chapel |
9:30 am |
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Church School and Confirmation Classes |
9:30 am |
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Rector's Forum in Darlington Hall – "Easter Life" |
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Holy Eucharist — Rite II
Service with sermon, hymns and choir in the Church
Sermon: The Rev. James L. Burns – "Holy Heartburn" |
1:00 pm |
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The Foreigner rehearsal in Darlington Hall |
1:45 pm |
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Parishioners depart to lead Worship at DeWitt Nursing Home |
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The Church has been asked to pray for these people and concerns.
Please remember them in your own prayers.
Michael Warner; Nell Callen; Matthew Mortimer; Murray Schron; Arlene Rubinson; Frank Hilke; Jesse Vasquez; Christopher Challancin; Emily; Phil VanderNaald; Catherine Pearson; Mike & Martha; Jamie Fargo Balliet; Irene Gordon; Tommy Mitchell; Sarah; Aaron; Anna; Tina Zimmerman; Reggie; Tony Denin; Jeff Cook; Debby Berniker; Douglas Williams; Jennifer Sandoval; Ann Hall; Ann Haigney Roome; Roberta Connolly; Billie VanderNaald; Becca; Bill Vericker; Lela; Wendy; Susan; Sgt.Tim Donoho; Ward; Isabelle Hallam; Dan Umansky; Edward Toohey; Jack & Holly; Sarah Cameron; Marie Miller; Lt Pat Vardaro; Lt Scott Quilty; Lt Ferris Butler; Tony Langella; William Meredith; Mary Lou Huckaby; Diego Vaca and Family; Christopher McCulloh; Paulino Morales; Forrest Church; Stavros; Carolyn Berger; Michael Bayko; Bob Callender; Cruger Fowler, Jr.; Mike Keady; Lucy; Laurie Manton; Sam and Mary Parkman; James and Maxine McConnell; Kathy Cushman; Cavin Kessler; the Westmoreland family; Christina and David.; Berenice M. McGuire; Marilou Goeb. We also give thanks for the birth and good health of Edward Louis Napoli and William Lamb Napoli, sons of Corinna Lamb and Edward Napoli.
For the repose of the souls of: Edward Thompson; Betty Doyle; Staff Sergeant Juantrea T. Bradley; Staff Sergeant Ernesto G. Cimarrusti; Specialist Dustin C. Jackson; Staff Sergeant David D. Julian; Corporal Robert T. McDavid; Corporal Scott A. McIntosh; Private First Class Tenzin L. Samten; Sergeant First Class Shawn M. Suzch; Staff Sergeant Laurent J. West; and Specialist William D. O'Brien.
Please note that prayers are offered for a period of four weeks for those placed on our Intercessions list. After four weeks, names are automatically removed from the list unless the church office is notified that prayers are requested for an extended period of time.
Please send your prayer requests to kvalentin@heavenlyrest.org. |
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Order of St. Luke – "A Ministry of Healing"
Each Sunday, while the Eucharist is being served, CHR's members of OSL pray in the Chapel. They are present to individually pray, with the laying on of hands, for and with all who come with special requests for healing. God is able to do much more then we can imagine, so why not avail yourself of this wonderful grace and come to be prayed for. OSL will be present in the Chapel, ready to welcome and pray for you; do come.
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