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The Weekly Messenger
News of the Church of the Heavenly Rest
in the City and Diocese of New York
April 6 , 2008 |
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Meditation |
Pay attention! Not to your fears and concerns and all the cares of life, but to God. Jesus just might be walking right beside you and you're missing it! |
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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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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: 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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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 reading for today is from the Book of Acts and presents a portion of St. Peter's sermon delivered on the Day of Pentecost following the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Disciples. The same Peter who denied Jesus three times in order to save his own skin, who cowered with fear behind closed doors and shuttered windows following the crucifixion, now stands boldly in the public square and proclaims to all that, "…God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified." So powerful is his message and so great is his conviction that nearly three thousand persons are persuaded to be baptized that very day. Imagine the scene! It must have been near chaos! The account of this new birth of the Church continues by telling us that these new Christians were so utterly committed to their faith that they devoted themselves to learning all they could about the life and teaching of Jesus, and they formed a community in which they held all things in common, caring for one another and worshiping God together. This model for the Church is presented in the first promise made in the Baptismal liturgy: "Will you continue in the Apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?"
(Acts 2:14a,36-41)
The second reading is from the first letter of Peter, most likely written around 64 AD during the persecutions of Nero. Peter writes to encourage Christians who are suffering from these trials. In this passage, he urges them to see the present time as a time of exile not unlike the Babylonian exile or perhaps the years of wilderness journey following the Exodus. In such times the people of God were tempted to abandon their faith and Peter warns his readers not to fall into the same trap. He reminds them that their salvation in Christ Jesus was foreordained and that they now live new lives by God's gracious mercy. Because God raised Christ from the dead, they can trust in God, even in these hard times. As God has loved them, even to the depths of the cross and grave, they are to love one another in newness of life. (I Peter 1:17-23)
The Gospel passage for today tells of an appearance of the Risen Jesus to two of his followers who were traveling to the village of Emmaus on Easter Day. The two were probably leaving Jerusalem with broken and perhaps fearful hearts. Their hopes that Jesus would be God's long-awaited Messiah had died with him on the cross and there seemed to be nothing left to do but to go home and pick up the pieces of their former lives. As they walk along they are joined by another traveler, who is Jesus. They fail to recognize him, perhaps because they didn't expect to see him, or perhaps because they were so wrapped up in their own grief and disappointment that they were paying little attention to anything else. Jesus asks them what is on their minds and they tell him about all the events of the past few days, wondering how he could have been in Jerusalem and missed the whole thing. They conclude by saying that some of the women had come from the tomb with an unbelievable report that it was empty and that angels had told them that Jesus was alive. They probably suspected that these women were beside themselves with grief and imagining things. Jesus responds by telling them about all the prophesies from scripture that foretold this very scenario for God's Messiah. As he is saying all this, they arrive at their destination for the night and the disciples invite Jesus to join them for dinner. At the meal, Jesus takes the bread and blesses it and breaks it, just as he had at the Last Supper. Suddenly the disciples come to their senses, come back from their grief-stricken worlds to the real world around them and recognize that this is indeed Jesus who is indeed alive! At that moment Jesus vanishes. Jesus, it would seem, comes alive when we are able to see beyond ourselves and our fears and cares. Jesus is alive and at large in the world he came to save. He seeks to enlarge our worlds to the scope of God's vision for all creation; to enlarge our hearts to the dimensions of God's love. (Luke 24:13-35)
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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.
Help Furnish A Family's New Home: East Harlem Neighborhood Based Alliance Corporation has asked Heavenly Rest to help a formerly homeless family of 6 furnish their new home. In terms of possessions, the family has only 1 twin bed and 2 full beds. Items we have been asked to provide include: bedding, towels, dishes, housewares, furniture, pots and pans, cutlery. If you can help this family with any items to furnish their home, you can drop them off at the church office this week. If you have any questions, please contact The Rev. Tom Synan at 212-289-3400 ext. 214 or tsynan@heavenlyrest.org.
Choirs Have Resumed: 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 212-289-3400.
Help lead worship at De Witt Nursing Home Today: All are invited to join the Confirmands as they help lead worship at 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.
Youth Group Meets Tomorrow: 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 at 212 289-3400, ext. 207 or email her at cmiles@heavenlyrest.org.
Jesus the Riddler, A New Way of Understanding Some of Jesus' Sayings: This Tuesday, April 8, 6:00 pm at House of the Redeemer, 7 East 95th Street. Join Priest in Residence for April, the Rev. Robert Fortna, in taking a fresh look at Jesus' sayings. There are only a few quite obvious riddles but the body of these sayings can be looked at in a new and useful way as, in many cases, hidden riddles with interesting results. Suggested donation: $15. Call 212-289-0399 for reservations and information.
Grab a Hammer and a Nail! Build a Home with Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, April 12. Each month, ten to twelve parishioners join Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for communities in need. Parishioners have painted and installed Sheetrock, doors, molding, and tiles—and had an amazing experience. This is an all-day event; we depart from CHR between 7:30 am and 8:00 am and usually leave the site by 4:00 pm. Participants must be at least 16 years of age. No special skills are required—only enthusiasm! So join the clergy for fun, sweat and a little dirt under your fingernails. For information, please contact the Rev. Tom Synan, at 212-289-3400, ext. 214 or email tsynan@heavenlyrest.org.
Yorkville Common Pantry Workday: Saturday, April 19, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. All 6th through 12th graders are invited to a workday at the Yorkville Common Pantry. Come and brighten the lives of those in need. Meet at the 90th Street entrance at 9 am. We will walk to the Yorkville Common Pantry (at 109th Street) together and return to CHR by 12:30 pm. Registration is necessary to participate. To register, please contact Caren Miles at 212-289-3400, ext. 207 or 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.
Crop Walk to End Hunger: Last year, this ecumenical and interfaith event—sponsored by some 20 congregations and organizations—raised money to combat hunger locally and globally. Help us keep up the good work: JOIN THE NYC CROP HUNGER WALK on Sunday, May 4, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and our 8th Grade Confirmation Class who will be participating in this year's walk to raise money. Of the proceeds, 75% will go to support organizations combating hunger around the globe, and 25% will go to food programs in NYC. You can support them by either sponsoring them and/or walking with them! Crop Walkers: Start asking your families, neighbors and friends to be your sponsor today! The two-mile walk begins here at CHR. Click here to join and support our youth who will be walking! Get walker envelopes by calling Caren Miles at 212-289-3400, ext. 207.
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, April 7
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5:00 pm |
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Youth Group meets in the Good Shepherd Room |
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 8
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7:30 am |
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Women'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 |
8:00 pm |
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Shelter in the Narthex |
Wednesday, April 9
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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 10
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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 11
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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 12
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CHR Helps Build a Home with Habitat for Humanity |
10:00 am |
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The Foreigner rehearsal in Darlington Hall |
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Next Sunday — April 13
The Fourth 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. Thomas N. J. Synan |
1:45 pm |
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Teachers' Meeting in Darlington Hall |
1:00 pm |
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The Foreigner rehearsal in Darlington Hall |
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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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