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The Weekly Messenger
News of the Church of the Heavenly Rest
in the City and Diocese of New York
April 20, 2008 |
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Meditation |
Jesus is the way to the fullness of life and love in God. That's the truth. |
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The Fifth 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 and Baptism — Rite II
Service with sermon, hymns and choir in the Church
Sermon: The Rev. James L. Burns – "And That's the Truth!" |
3:00 pm |
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Early Music Concert featuring the Alba Consort in the Church |
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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 tells of the martyrdom of St. Stephen. As the new Christian movement began to grow, the needs of the community also expanded. The apostles needed helpers and so they set apart a special group of believers to care for the day-to-day needs of the community, freeing themselves for the proclamation of the Gospel. These were the first Deacons of the Church. Stephen was first among them and, in the course of his ministry, he comes into conflict with some of the authorities of the local synagogue. A debate ensues and Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, reminds them of the sad history of religious authorities stoning the prophets because they could not bear the truth of God's Word. The authorities respond by doing exactly that. They take up stones and kill Stephen, who, in his final words, echoes Jesus by praying that God not hold this sin against them. One other detail is noted in this account: Pharisee named Saul stands by, giving consent to this execution. This is the same Saul who would soon meet the Risen Lord on the road to Damascus and be transformed into the Apostle Paul. (Acts 7:55-60)
The second lesson for today is from the First Epistle of Peter, who uses the metaphor of nourishment to describe the need for the Gospel message. One can fill one's life with the poisons of malice, guile, insincerity, envy, and slander—or one can chose the pure spiritual nourishment of mercy and God's love. These are to be both our sustenance and the foundation of our lives. We are to build upon them as a skilled builder constructs a house. In Christ, says Peter, we are called to be a new kind of person - one who belongs to God and lives in the light of God's presence. All this is possible because Jesus has brought God's truth and love in their fullness into the world. (I Peter 2:2-10)
In the Gospel reading, Jesus, anticipating his passion and death, tells his followers not to worry about what may happen because ultimately God is in control of their destiny and their salvation. Jesus explains that he is one with God and that in God there is a place for everyone for all eternity - a place that Jesus himself will prepare. Confused, Thomas asks Jesus, "How will we know how to get there?" to which Jesus replies, "You can get there by following my way, by embracing my truth, and by living the kind of life I live." Of course Jesus' way is the way of God's unconditional and sacrificial love. His truth is that this love and this love alone is what God desires for all creation. His life is that love incarnate, made real in word and deed. Philip then asks, "But what is God really like?" Jesus responds, "Philip, where have you been these past few years? Haven't you been watching what I have been doing, haven't you been listening to what I have been teaching? I have been doing all I can to show you God." (John 14:1-14)
The Offertory and Communion anthems are both by Johannes Brahms, German composer and pianist. Although hailed a brilliant musician by Schumann and other notable musicians of the day, his first major public success was not until the performance of Ein Deutches Requiem at the Cathedral in Bremen on Good Friday, 1868 with Brahms himself conducting. "How lovely is thy dwelling place" is taken from this Requiem. It was chosen to reflect today's Gospel lesson: "In my Father's house are many mansions." The beautiful communion anthem is part of Brahms' "Three Motets" composed about 1859. The piece is a double canon, with the sopranos and tenors in counterpoint with the altos and basses. Brahms wrote in classical form but in a romantic style in every form except opera.
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Announcements & Opportunities |
 Early Music Concert Today at 3:00 pm presented by "The Alba Consort". This four-person ensemble including lute and voice, will present a one-hour concert of early music. $15 adults, $10 students and seniors.
John Walthausen Recital Today: John Walthausen will be playing a brief recital before evensong at St. Mary the Virgin, 145 West 46th Street today, at 4:40 pm. Works will include Franck's Piece Heroique and two movements from Messiaen's Les Corps Glorieux.
You Have More Than Spring Flowers to Look Forward to this April: Sarah Savage is hosting the Friday Fling on April 25. Bring a dish to share (perhaps your famous asparagus clafoutis or shad roe soufflé - deli take-out is fine too) and a beverage and spend a relaxing evening at the end of this month with fellow parishioners. RSVP to Sarah at sjsavage721@gmail.com, or cell 917-734-4625.
Help Furnish A Family's New Home: East Harlem Neighborhood Based Alliance Corporation has asked Heavenly Rest to help a formerly homeless family of six furnish their new home. In terms of possessions, the family has only one twin bed and two double beds. Items we have been asked to provide include: dishes, housewares, furniture, pot and pans, cutlery, and kitchen utensils and appliances. Many thanks for the towels and bedding. 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.
What Do You Think? On Sunday, May 4 after the 10:30 am service, the members of the Stewardship Committee will hold an open forum to hear parishioner's thoughts on stewardship at Heavenly Rest. They want to listen to and hear from as many as possible about how giving for the support of our mission and ministry is perceived and accomplished. This will not be a stewardship lecture but rather a time of listening. The forum will take place in the Chapel of the Beloved Disciple. Please plan to attend!
For those who are unable to attend the May 4th meeting, we are providing an anonymous comment option. You can submit your comments on stewardship at the Church of the Heavenly Rest by going to our website, www.heavenlyrest.org, and clicking on the "Stewardship Comment" button found at the lower left part of the screen. We welcome your thoughts, comments, criticisms and suggestions on what you think we are doing well, what could be improved, what you may have seen that works well at other parishes or organizations. The comments will be collected by a third-party data organization, and forwarded on to the church. We will not be able to see who sent the comments or the email address of the sender. Please participate in this important part of our parish operations.
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. Join and support our youth who will be walking! Get walker envelopes by calling Caren Miles at 212-289-3400, ext. 207.
Help The Fight Against AIDS: Episcopal Response to AIDS has asked Heavenly Rest to participate in the AIDS Walk New York on Sunday, May 18. We are looking for someone to volunteer to be our Parish representative and to help organize a group from CHR to join in this event. If you are interested please contact one of the clergy at 212-289-3400 or at jburns@heavenlyrest.org or tsynan@heavenlyrest.org.
Help Send First Aid Kits to Iraq: We recently received a request from Chaplain Dale Marta who is stationed in Anbar Province in Northwest Iraq. Chaplain Marta is involved in a humanitarian effort entitled "Human Unity Begins – American/Iraqi Friendship." The name is derived from the word "Hubb" which is Arabic for love. This project is seeking to provide basic necessities to the Iraqi people. In his email message Chaplain Marta writes:
Unlike us in America, the Iraqis do not have a Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, or local drugstore where they can stop on the way home from work to pick up simple items. Even if they did, their supply lines have been sharply disrupted and, while we are trying to assist with this rebuilding effort, it is often slow. The bottom line is they are in need of some items that can make their quality of life so much better.
As part of this project we have been asked to provide first aid kits, which will be given to The Iraqi Women's Engagement Team. This team is a joint effort of the coalition forces to bring care to the women of Iraq. Many of their husbands are either missing or detained. This program assures these women and their children get proper medical care and educational supplies. A specific first aid kit was requested. Each kit costs $15 and we are hoping to send 1000 first aid kits. If you would like to make a contribution to this worthwhile project, you can write a check to the church and earmark it for "Iraqi First Aid Kits." If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact the Rev. Tom Synan at 212-289-3400 or tsynan@heavenlyrest.org.
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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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April Events at House of the Redeemer
7 East 95th Street
Call 212-289-0399 for reservations and information.
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"A Perfect Storm?" Understanding the Controversy Between the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion: Tuesday, April 22, 6:00 pm. Bruce Mullins, of General Theological Seminary, will discuss the combination of factors that have contributed to the present crisis between the Episcopal Church and parts of the Anglican Communion. This talk will suggest that a unique combination of questions have turned a long simmering issue into an international crisis. Suggested donation: $15.
Restoring Bible Literacy in America: Tuesday, April 29, 6:00 pm. Chuck Stetson, Chairman of the Bible Literacy Project and coauthor of the acclaimed public school textbook, The Bible and Its Influence, will explore how today's culture has lost the Biblical narrative. Mr. Stetson's program, the Bible Literacy Project (BLP), has developed a three-part course to accelerate the turnaround which is just beginning to occur as a result of the BLP's efforts in the last five years in documenting and implementing the case for Biblical literacy in the public schools. Suggested donation: $15.
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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 21
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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 22
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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 23
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7:30 am |
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Vestry Meeting in the Choir Room |
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 24
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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 25
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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 |
5:00 pm |
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Wood/Bray Wedding Rehearsal in the Church |
8:00 pm |
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Performance of The Foreigner in Darlington Hall |
Saturday, April 26
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6:00 pm |
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Wood/Bray Wedding in the Church |
8:00 am |
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Performance of The Foreigner in Darlington Hall |
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Next Sunday — April 27
The Sixth 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 |
3:00 pm |
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Squadron A Memorial Service in the Church |
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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; 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; Cruger Fowler, Jr.; Mike Keady; Lucy; Laurie Manton; Sam and Mary Parkman; James and Maxine McConnell; Kathy Cushman; Christina and David.; Berenice M. McGuire; Marilou Goeb; Ruth DuBois; Ira; Donald; Katherine Banks Taylor; the Taylor family; Debi.; Robert Wright; Mary Dwyer; Ann Brewster Jones; Charles Downes.
For the repose of the souls of: Staff Sergeant Jeffery L. Hartley; Specialist Jeremiah C. Hughes; Specialist Jason C. Kazarick; Sergeant Michael T. Lilly; Staff Sergeant Jeremiah E. McNeal; Major Mark E. Rosenberg; Colonel Stephen K. Scott; Sergeant Timothy M. Smith; Sergeant Richard A. Vaughn; and Major Stuart A. Wolfer.
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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