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The Weekly Messenger
News of the Church of the Heavenly Rest
in the City and Diocese of New York
May 4, 2008 |
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Meditation |
"What are you waiting for?" are God's first words to the Church. (Acts 1:11) |
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The Seventh 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 – "Look Around You" |
12:00 pm |
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Stewardship Forum in the Chapel |
1:45 pm |
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Youth Lead Worship at DeWitt Nursing Home |
2:00 pm |
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CROP Walk Begins 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 from the Acts of the Apostles tells of Jesus' final encounter with his disciples before his ascension and return to the fullness of God in eternity. The disciples, still pondering the resurrection and its meaning, ask the risen Jesus if he will now restore the kingdom to Israel. In spite of everything that has happened, and all that Jesus has taught, they still persist in the hope that his Messiahship will be what they wanted, the restoration of an earthly Davidic kingdom in Israel. Jesus responds that it is really not up to them to try to figure out how God will accomplish things, rather they are to be about the work of continuing his ministry and proclaiming the Good News of God's loving salvation for all. He promises them that God will send the Holy Spirit to empower and guide them in this task. With that, he ascends from their presence. The disciples stand, awestruck, gazing into heaven when two angelic figures appear asking them what they are waiting for. Jesus has told them (and us) what to do, and they (and we) are to go forth in faith to do the work that God in Christ has given. (Acts 1:6-14)
In the second reading from the First Letter of Peter, the apostle writes words of encouragement for Christians facing persecution. They are not to be surprised if they suffer for their faith, but rather they are to accept what befalls them remembering that their Lord suffered for them and now suffers with them. They ought actually to rejoice in their trials because they bring them closer to God in Christ. Above all they are to trust in God and God's power to save. They are to remember that in Christ, and therefore in their suffering on behalf of Christ and the Gospel, they are never abandoned by God. (I Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11)
The Gospel reading for this Sunday between the Day of Ascension and the Day of Pentecost - between the risen Christ's departure and the arrival of the Holy Spirit - comes from Jesus' final prayer for his disciples found in the Gospel according to John. It is sometimes referred to as "Jesus' High Priestly Prayer for the Church." In it Jesus acknowledges that he cannot remain with his followers forever in his incarnate form. He must and will return to God the Father. What he can give to them, however, is eternal life and in it an eternal unity with him and God. And so he prays for them, and us, that while we are in the world we will never be abandoned by God. Even though we cannot see Jesus, we can know his presence. It is this presence that leads us into the work of the Gospel, that sustains us in this work, and that unites us one to another. We are to be united in the living of God's Love as Jesus lived it. When this is forgotten we are divided and the Spirit of Christ cannot work in us. (John 17:1-11)
"God is gone up" is an anthem for Ascension Day by English composer, Gerald Finzi. Finzi's music is rooted in the tradition of Elgar, Parry, and Vaughan Williams. An individual characteristic of Finzi's art is his response to words which results in music that seems to be at one with the poet's thought. Gerald Finzi likened the creative artist to a 'coral reef', building his reef out of the transitory world around him and making a solid structure to last long after his own life.
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Announcements & Opportunities |
 What Do You Think? Today, after the 10:30 am service, the members of the Stewardship Committee will hold an open forum to hear parishioners' 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 – Today: 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 Lead Worship at DeWitt Nursing Home Today: 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 this year. Meet at the 2 East 90th Street entrance of the church at 1:45 pm to walk to DeWitt on 79th Street off 3rd Avenue, to help lead the 2:30 pm Eucharist and bring cheer to many. To sign up, please call Caren Miles at 212-289-3400, ext. 207 or email her at cmiles@heavenlyrest.org.
Today is Our Last Sunday with our Seminarian, Mr. Thomas Joyner. Thomas has accepted a call to be the Curate at Holy Comforter, Montgomery AL. Additionally, Thomas will be ordained to the diaconate on Tuesday, May 20 at St. Stephen's Church in Huntsville, AL. We are grateful to Thomas for his two years of service here at Heavenly Rest, and we wish him all the best. As he prepares for ordination and his new ministry, please keep Thomas in your prayers.
Trip to 6 Flags for all Youth in grades 6 through 12: On Saturday, May 31 join your friends from other neighborhood churches for a trip to 6 Flags in New Jersey! Cost: On or before today: $85, After May 4: $130. Reserve Your Spot on the Bus TODAY!
Calling All 20's & 30's: Please join other members of YEN, CHR's Young Episcopalians' Network for 20's & 30's, this Friday, May 9 for "Drinks at the Met, part two!" Join us from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm on the rooftop for cocktails. In case of rain, we'll meet in the Great Hall on the first floor and figure out where to go in the neighborhood. If you have any questions or would like to join our e-mail list, please feel free to contact Liana Shipley at 917-407-1849 or liana.shipley@gmail.com.
New Rector's Forum Series Begin's Next Week: "For Heaven's Sake!" Sundays at 9:30 am in Darlington Hall. The Rector's Forum for May 11 – June 8 will be on the subject of Heaven. What does the Bible say about heaven? How has the understanding of heaven changed over the years. What do people in other faiths think about heaven? What do contemporary theologians and writers think of heaven?
Attention all 7th Graders! It is time to start preparing for Confirmation class next year. Please join us for an informational meeting on Monday, May 12 at the home of one of your fellow Confirmands. Please RSVP to Caren Miles at 212-289-3400, ext. 207 or cmiles@heavenlyrest.org.
AIDS Walk New York, Sunday, May 18: CHR is joining with other local parishes in participating in the Annual AIDS Walk. Help raise money for Episcopal HIV/AIDS programs in the Greater New York area and have a blast! This event begins in the morning with a pre-walk outdoor Eucharist in Central Park. If you are interested in participating or if you have any questions regarding the walk, please contact our parish team coordinator Tim Lively at 212-831-5349 or tml19474@aol.com.
Canterbury Choral Society Concert: Sunday, May 18 at 4:00 pm. The Canterbury Choral Society, conducted by Charles Dodsley Walker, will present Mozart's Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, K. 339 and Beethoven's Mass in C, Opus 86. Admission is by suggested contribution $20; $10 for seniors. Children under 12 are admitted at no charge.
Bishop's Visitation: Sunday, May 25 at the 10:30 am service. We are delighted that The Rt. Rev. E. Don Taylor, Vicar Bishop of New York City, will be with us on Sunday, May 25 at the 10:30 am service to Celebrate, Preach, Confirm, and Baptize. Please plan to be present to welcome Bishop Taylor and to support our young people and adults who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. It will truly be a joyful day.
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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Events at House of the Redeemer
7 East 95th Street
Call 212-289-0399 for reservations and information. |
Fabbri Chamber Concert: Tuesday, May 13 at 8:00 pm. This concert, featuring Marcella Calabi, soprano, Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, trumpet, and Kazuko Hayami, piano, will include works by Scarlatti, Purcell, Schubert and Friedman. Tickets are $30, $15 for students.
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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, May 5
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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, May 6
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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 |
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, May 7
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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, May 8
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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, May 9
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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 |
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Next Sunday — May 11
The Day of Pentecost |
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 – "For Heaven's Sake!" |
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Holy Eucharist — Rite II
Service with sermon, hymns and choir in the Church
Sermon: The Rev. Thomas N. J. Synan |
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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; Christina and David.; Berenice M. Maguire; Marilou Goeb; Ruth DuBois; Ira; Donald; the Taylor family; Debi.; Robert Wright; Mary Dwyer; Ann Brewster Jones; Charles Downes; Henrietta von Moy; Debbie Kramer; Christopher Cronson; Rochelle; Susan K. Johnson; Miles; Ed HuckabY.Thanksgiving for the birth and good health of Eliza O'Neill.
For the repose of the souls of: Specialist Benjamin K. Brosh; First Sergeant Luke J. Mercardante; Corporal Kyle W. Wilks; Airman Apprentice Adrian M. Campos; Petty Officer First Class Cherie L. Morton; Sergeant Jevon K. Jordan; Staff Sergeant Travis L. Griffin; Specialist Charles A. Jankowski; Private First Class John T. Bishop, and First Lieutenant Timothy W. Cunningham.
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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