Secret

ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The Message

Volume 23

Issue 8

August

2017

The Reverend. C. Gregory Hein

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Your expressions of appreciation for my presence with you this summer continue to bless me. I find it a great joy to share in the life of the St. Jude’s parish family and serve as your supply pastor/priest while Father Greg is on Sabbatical. You are providing me the special opportunity to experience what I miss most about ministry, presiding at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. I also am thankful for your tolerance as I preside. I am still finding Rite 1 to be a bit of a challenge, but it has become a little easier since I started using different missals for each service. The missal for the church is bookmarked for Rite 1 while the missal from the chapel is set up for Rite 2. You also have tolerated graciously a few of my Lutheranisms, particularly the verbum (the words of institution). Not only does that help me to be more comfortable while presiding, it allows me to look at the congregation during the institution rather than at the missal. I would make one small request that has a deep and profound basis in Eucharistic theology. It is something that is very dear to me. In the Eucharist there is a divine mystery that occurs, which Lutherans call sacramental union. Because of the Word and Promise of Christ, he becomes truly present in, with and under all that is happening in the sacrament. That means that in the sacrament the pastor/priest, despite his/her human flaws, is the incarnation (the embodiment) of Christ for the gathered community. Because of this sacramental union, Christ becomes truly present with the community in the pastor/ priest, just as his body and blood become truly present in the bread and wine. Thus, it is no longer the pastor/priest who communes you, it is Christ himself. With that in mind, I encourage you took into my eyes as I commune you. Because of this sacramental union, as I look into your eyes it is the eyes of Christ himself looking into your heart. That mystical reality is truly humbling for me and when that connection is made it is a part of the celebration of the Eucharist I deeply cherish. That Eucharistic theology—along with Christ’s command to “do this in remembrance of me”, which means to relive the experience—has had a profound impact on my experience of this holy sacrament. Whenever we receive the Eucharist, we are being transported back over time and space to be joined with Jesus in his act of redemption accomplished for us in his death and resurrection. When we embrace this divine mystery of sacramental union and yoke it together with the meaning of our Lord’s command to ‘do this in remembrance of me’, the words of the old hymn are given a profound new meaning and life. Were you there when they crucified my Lord…? Yes, we are there every time we partake of his body and blood truly present in, with and under the forms of bread and wine in the Eucharist. May you experience the joy of Christ’s true presence the next time you come to the altar to receive this Blessed Sacrament. Peace and Joy in Christ, Pastor V

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Church Leadership

Rev. Handlee Vige is available in the office on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. If you have a need for prayer or spiritual guidance, please call him at 678-7013. In case of emergency you can reach him at home (850) 678-7631 or his cell at (813) 833-0957.

Head of the Church: Jesus Christ Rector…………....The. Rev. C. Gregory Hein Administrator…….…...………….Anna Wells ‘The Message’ Editor……….…….Cathy Self Staff Treasurer………………...……..Heidi Morgan Music Director …………………....Pam Smith Nursery………………....……….....Jerrie Yost Bookkeeper…………………….…..Toni High Youth Director …………………..Maria Spotts Sexton…………………...Christopher Morgan Class year / Vestry 2017 2017 2017 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019

Michelle Crawford…..Senior Warden Jerry Fowler Bert Moore Scott Clines Dorothy Briley Annabelle James Susan Hart Amanda Miller Cathy Self

Ministry Leaders Acolytes……………………….Dorothy Briley Adult Ed/Technology….…….....Debra Kosche Altar Guild……………...………Gloria Witkos Columbarium…....….....................Jerry Fowler Daughters of the King…….. ….. Gloria Witkos Disaster Preparedness….............. John Stuckey Facebook Administrator…..Michelle Crawford Finance Committee……………....Jerry Fowler Helping Hands/Parish Nurse..... Jenny Stuckey Jr. EYC …...Alicia Moore and Jennifer Denega Outreach Committee……...…...Frank McCarty Prayer Chain……………..… Mary Lee Morris Publicity………………………...Nancy Turner Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)….....Carol Evans Sewing Guild………………… Dottie Doherty Singles Ministry…… D. Doherty & M. Morris St Joseph’s Guild………………....Jim Howard Wed. Men’s Group.…..…….….. ..Jim Howard Wed. Night Parish Meals…….... Eric Kosche Welcoming Committee………....Jane McCarty Worship Assistants………………...Cathy Self

Notary Services Notary Services are available in the Administration Office for St. Jude’s parishioners. This service is available Monday through Friday 9:00am-4:00pm, by appointment. For further information, please call Anna at the church office, 678-7013.

Birthdays & Anniversaries ~ August 2017 Birthdays Patrick Flynt Heidi Morgan Kim Moore Bess Tyler Kevin Diggs Keva Doman

08/01 08/06 08/13 08/15 08/22 08/24

Roy Baltz Cathy White William Morgan Janet Doman Ardy Newkirk Jennifer Denega

08/03 08/11 08/14 08/20 08/22 08/27

Anniversaries Anthony & Dorothy Briley 08/06 Frank & Jane McCarty Paul & Anne Petrey 08/09 Doug & Karen Smith Steve & Anna Wells 08/21 Don & Donna Ramsden

08/07 08/19 08/29

Dates to Remember August 2nd August 6th August 10th August 15th August 18th August 26th

Opportunity House Meal delivery 4:00pm Fellowship Breakfast between services Blessing of the Backpacks at 10:30am service Back to School Bash after the 10:30am service Fellowship Luncheon at “Denny’s” in Ft. Walton Beach Okaloosa Schools resume Finance Meeting 5:30pm / Vestry Meeting 6:30pm Back to School Success Seminar 6:00pm Supper on Saturday meet at Methodist Church 10:45am Family Canoe Trip meet at the church 8am

Sunday School Adult Sunday School……...…....Debra Kosche 10:30 Children’s Group……..Mike Baugh, Suzanne Bocchino, Melissa Clines, Lauren Save the Date Franklin, Angela Logan, Frank McCarty, Jane McCarty, Mary Mckinley, Amanda Miller, Heather Morain, Heidi Morgan, Elizabeth Ray, September 6th Dinner and Programs resume 5:30pm Jennifer & Aaron Rusling, Maria Spotts, John September 10th Fellowship Breakfast between services September 11th Choir Practice resumes-details on Page 10 Stuckey.

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Wednesdays at St. Jude’s Eucharist in the Chapel

Holy Eucharist is celebrated in the chapel every Wednesday at 11:00 am. It is a wonderful opportunity for mid-week prayer and worship. All are welcome.

Men’s Breakfast Study Group The men’s study group meets 6:30 to 8:00am on Wednesday mornings. They study a variety of Christian literature as well as the bible. Their current study selection is Being Christian by Rowan Williams. The men also sponsor prepare the First Sunday Fellowship Breakfast, serving sausage, eggs, grits, and pancakes for hungry parishioners. Proceeds from the breakfasts have been used to help fund such causes as Beckwith Camp Scholarships, St. Jude’s parking lot bumpers, chapel window caulking, the Youth canoe trip and Houses for Haiti. Any men interested in joining this study group are invited to stop in or contact Jim Howard at 897-4172 or [email protected].

Kudos The next time you see Terry Griffin please give him a great BIG thank you. Terry so graciously gave of his time and talent to repair the processional cross and all I can say is ‘wow’! His expertise in metal restoration is truly a gift and his can-do spirit is an example that won’t be forgotten. St. Jude’s will always treasure his handiwork and thoughtfulness volunteering to mend the brass cross used during Sunday services. Terry is a blessing to our church family and I am grateful for his act of kindness. Under His Direction Gloria Witkos, Altar Guild Chairman

Shred-It Event—Hosted by The Niceville Public Library The Niceville Public Library invites you to a paper shredding event. Bring all your unwanted personal documents. The Shred-It mobile document shredding truck will shred your documents Free of Charge. The truck will be in the Softball Complex Parking Lot on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, 9:00am—11:00am

Back-to-School Success ~A Seminar at St. Jude’s led by Elizabeth Ray~ Learn how to set your children up for the best school year yet. We’ll cover values, goals, time management, organization and learning styles. Childcare will be available. Friday, August 18, 6:00 p.m., Conference Room Weekly Sunday attendance

104 July 2

July 9

10:30 worship service

31 58

39 52

35 42

28 55

22 44

10:30 children’s Sunday School & Nursery

29

18

22

20

26

Total attendance

118

109

99

103

92

8:00 worship service

July 16

July 23

July 30

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Sermons for August Theme: Life as Disciples of Jesus August 6: Living the Sacramental Life: The sacramental life is a life of communion with Jesus. It sees life as a gift from God that is an ebb and flow—between being drawn to Jesus to be fed by him and being sent into the world by Jesus to feed those who hunger and thirst both spiritually and physically. It is the life we are called to live as disciples of Jesus—to be fed by his love so that we can go forth and feed the world. August 13: How Beautiful the Feet: As we go into our jungles of life, we carry with us the treasure of the risen Christ—we carry the hope of Easter, even as we bear the theology of the cross. As we go into our jungles, we go with a peculiar message of grace—we carry with us the assurance that even when life crucifies us, God raises us up. God raises us up to new life, transforming us into new creations as his presence and love sees us through our struggles. As we go forth in this love and bear witness to Christ, our feet are made beautiful to those to whom we bear the good news. August 20: Faith that Refuses to Take No for an Answer: Jesus shows the contrast between the inclusiveness of God’s grace and the narrow-mindedness of the disciples—and even more the religious leaders of the Jews. God’s inclusive love has always been broader than the narrow-mindedness of God’s people. August 27: Turning Point: Do our lives evidence a faith that shapes and molds us into a new creation? Do our lives evidence a faith that is an expression of passion and love for Jesus? Passion and love for Jesus are the distinguishing marks of a life of faith. Who do you say I am? Jesus finds the answer not on our lips, but in our hearts and hands.

Senior Warden

Michelle Crawford

I’m writing this report in England, having just attended an Evensong service at historic Westminster Abbey. If you ever get the chance to attend a choral service at a cathedral, do it! Talk about a worship service that touches your soul and makes you proud to be a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion! At the same time, the Church of England is struggling with the same issues The Episcopal Church USA already worked out a few years ago. The U.K. is a secular society and most people don’t go to church or consider themselves religious, so being a practicing Christian is almost an oddity. These things make me thankful to be an American, where churchgoing is still the norm (at least in our area) and our branch of the Anglican Communion truly welcomes everybody. I’m glad my children are growing up with church as a regular part of their lives and the lives of their friends and family. Speaking of children, school is about to start back and because there are parents and teachers on the vestry, we’re not holding this month’s meeting until August 15. Let me or any other vestry member know if you have something for us to discuss at the meeting. Thanks to Pastor V. for continuing our Blessing of the Backpacks tradition this year and be sure to attend the seminar we’re holding for parents on back-to-school success led by Elizabeth Ray. I know I need all the help I can get! Also, remember that the Clergy Renewal and Continuing Education Fund will be perpetually open for donations. This may be the last month of Father Greg’s sabbatical, but going forward we want to make it easier for him and future clergy to take the time to rest, learn and grow in their faith to continue bettering themselves and St. Jude’s. Please consider donating or leaving a legacy to this important fund. Have a great August!

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Parish Nurse

Jenny Stuckey

Sun Safety I love summer! Our days are longer, the weather is warmer and we are now getting to enjoy more time outside. For some of us this will mean more yard work, for others more time by a swimming pool or time at the beach. It doesn’t matter what it is that has us outside more. It is important to remember that we have to take extra care of our bodies with the additional exposure to the sun. We are at higher risk for sunburn and dehydration. I am providing some recommendations to help you be safe so that you can continue to enjoy your summer.

Prevent Sunburn  Generously and frequently apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 when outside.  Wear protective clothing, hats and glasses.  Use extra caution near water and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun Aloe Vera or lotions with Aloe Vera can be soothing and ease the pain if you do get sunburned Dehydration Dehydration happens when our bodies don’t have as much fluid as they need. This can happen quickly when working or doing other outside activities. You can have mild, moderate or severe dehydration depending on how much fluid your body is missing. Symptoms of mild or moderate dehydration include: thirst, dry or sticky mouth, not urinating very much, dark yellow urine, dry cool skin, headache and muscle cramps. Increasing fluid intake and rest are the ways to treat mild and moderate dehydration. Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas) as they act like a diuretic. Water and other decaffeinated drinks are good for rehydrating. Sports drinks (Gatorade) will help replace electrolytes and are helpful if experiencing muscle cramps. Signs of severe dehydration are: not urinating or having very dark urine, very dry skin, feeling dizzy, rapid heartbeat, sleepiness, lack of energy, irritability and fainting. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately. With severe dehydration there will be a fluid and electrolyte imbalance and this person will most likely need intravenous (IV) fluids for treatment. Keep your body safe and healthy. Drink liberal amounts of decaffeinated fluids. Avoid being outside during the hottest time of day if possible. Take frequent breaks from work or play and cool down.

Please call me if you have questions or want to discuss any health issues. My cell phone is (850) 543-0530 or you can contact me through the church office (850) 678-7013. Blessings, Jenny

Fellowship Luncheon What~ Seniors and any other interested members What~ Dutch treat luncheon ! When~ 12:30am Thursday, August, 2017 Where~ “Denny’s” in Ft. Walton Beach Why~ Fun, Fellowship & Camaraderie Sign up sheet on the bulletin board next to the Sewing Guild Room.

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St. Jude's Youth

Maria Spotts

Hello Families! Our VBS is wrapping up along with our summer. The chariot races were spectacular! A huge thank you to Frank and Jane McCarty and the numerous volunteers who helped made this a successful event. The youth have been learning about the life of the early Christians, especially Paul and his experience in Rome. We discussed the challenges of being a Christian during those times and how faith and belief brought them together. The kids have been learning that God is always there in times of need with His great love for them, his children. Other key points of emphasis during our lessons were: • Gods’ love is a gift • Gods’ love changes us • Gods’ love saves us Back to School Bash Sunday August 6- 12:00pm to 2:00 Following the Blessing of The Backpacks, we invite you all to join us! There will be lots of fun, fun, fun with a water slide, snow cones, cotton candy, hot dogs and a St. Jude’s first! A Seed Spitting Competition!!! Please bring finger foods to share. Annual Canoe Trip Our canoe trip is the highlight of the end of summer. It is truly a memorable experience for kids and adults alike. If you want to join us this year, mark your calendar for Saturday, August 26. Our Joe Morgan puts his time and energy into pulling this together for us each year and we appreciate him so much. Sign-up sheet and waivers will be available soon. Nothing but love! Maria

St. Jude’S Great Chariot raCe

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Save the Date Wednesday Dinner and Programs for all Ages Resumes September 6 Adult Christian Education/Exploring the Bible Many of us are intimidated by the Bible. It seems too distant, too difficult to understand and too long. Exploring the Bible is an all-ages curriculum that uncovers the vast, sweeping story of God's extraordinary love for ordinary people, in a clear and easy-to-follow format. If you would like your own optional copy of The Path, A Journey Through the Bible, the book we will be using this year, please let Debra Kosche know by signing up in the Narthex by August 20. The book costs $22.

Sewing Guild

Dottie Doherty

The ladies of the sewing guild have been busy this month. In July we sent 15 quilts to Ronald McDonald House. We also reviewed the need for additional Hymnals, prayer books and bibles for the chairs at the back of the church. After determining there was a need, we purchased additional books to provide at least 3 of each of these in the rows of chairs. The Men’s Breakfast Group has ordered additional Renew books which will also be placed when they arrive. Hopefully, these additional resources will make it easier for those of you who chose to sit on the chairs and will provide adequate coverage for any newcomers who also tend to sit toward the back of the church. Remember, you don’t have to sew to be one of our members! We always have a project of one kind or another going on. Come for a visit or to check out what we are doing that might interest you. Your sister in Christ.

27

The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost

The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

20

The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

Back to School Bash 12:30pm –2:00pm The Transfiguration

10:30 AM

Fellowship Breakfast

13

6

Sun

SS11122

6:00pm Boy Scout Mtg

28

6:00pm Boy Scout Mtg

21

14

7

Mon

Mon

29

22

5:30pm Finance Mtg 6:30pm Vestry Mtg.

15

8

1

Tue

Tue

August 2017

Opportunity Place Meal Delivery 4:00pm

30

23

16

9

2

Wed

Wed

31

24

17

10

3

Okaloosa County Schools Resume

12:30pm SAM Luncheon at “Denny’s” in Ft.. Walton Beach

Thur

Thu

Office Closed

Office Closed

25

Office Closed

Back to Scholl Success Seminar 6:00pm

18

11

4

Fri

Fri

Supper on Saturday

6:45am Men’s Breakfast 9:00am Sewing Guild 11:00am Chapel Service

Wednesday Schedule

26

19

12

5

Sat Sat

St. Jude’s Episcopal Church

Lane Huntley Gabriel Briley Butch & Carole Byrd

Peggy Griffin Elizabeth Ray Nick & Nathan Miller Anthony & Mykael Briley

Dorothy Briley Scott Clines Daniel & Max Franklin Elaine White Nancy Turner

Chalice Bearers

Acolytes

Ushers / Greeters

Jerry & Cathy White

Debra Kosche

Marina Bocchino

Annabelle James

Lector

10:30 am

10:30 am

10:30 am

Service Time

Mattie Williams Marge Ballon

Dorothy Briley Kayleigh Logan

Mary Lee Morris Cathy Self

Kevin Diggs

10:30 am

Bran & Carolyn McAllister

Bert Moore Steve Stuth

Ushers / Greeters

Doug Smith Carol Evans

Frank McCarty

Gloria Witkos

Heidi Morgan

Jane McCarty

Acolytes Gary & Gloria Witkos

Frank & Jane McCarty Gary & Gloria Witkos

Carolyn McAllister

Heidi Morgan John Stuckey

Doug Smith

Kristin Corderman

Bert Moore Cathy Self Jane McCarty

8:00 am

8:00 am

8:00 am

12th Sunday After Pentecost

11th Sunday After Pentecost

10thSunday After Pentecost

Those Who Serve

Psalm 138 Isaiah 51:1-6 Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:13-20

August 27, 2017

Psalm 67 Isaiah 56:6-8 Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

August 20, 2017

Psalm 85:8-13 1 Kings 19:9-18 Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33

August 13, 2017

8:00 am

The Transfiguration

Psalm 145:8-9, 15-22 Isaiah 55:1-5 Romans 9:1-5 Matthew 14:13-21

August 6, 2017

Chalice Bearers

Lector

Service Time

Gradual 1st lesson Epistle Gospel

Worship Assistant

Volume 20

Issue 10

Page 10

Outreach

Frank McCarty

St. Jude’s funded a Shelterbox that provides emergency shelter to disaster victims. The box includes a high quality tent, blankets, cooking utensils, a stove, water purification equipment, tools, mosquito netting, children’s school supplies and other survival equipment needed for the region. Our box number 25145 arrived in Syria on June 26, 2017. http://www.shelterboxusa.org/

Sharing & Caring Tools for School program Thank you for supporting the Tools for School program. The staff at Sharing & Caring was very appreciative of your donations of supplies and cash. Your gifts will help support less fortunate students in our area.

Choir Notes

Pam Smith

Happy August! It does not seem possible that school is starting and all I did this summer was rehabilitate a knee! Not only do I have a new knee, but I also will teach at a new school- Ruckel! Fifty years ago I started Ruckel Junior High School as a seventh-grader. As Principal Paul Whiddon and I reminisced earlier this week, he began Ruckel the following year. I am excited about the new school year working across the street from our church so I can come across the street for a boost of sanity, if I need it. This summer has offered many quiet times for me. I am thankful for each of you who sent cards and food to me following my surgery. I have the cards displayed in my dining area and I must say that the Copelands gave me a card that is worth stopping at my house to view it. Also, the hospital visitors were fabulous and although I was unable to remain awake during every visit, I know that our visiting church members were entertaining. St. Jude’s choir service opportunities will begin in September. Our children will begin practicing September 6 at 5:00 pm. The first adult choir rehearsal will be September 11 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm (please arrive at 5:15 if you wish to sing through the service music prior to our work on special selections). I look forward to beginning a new year with our returning choir members and hope we will have the pleasure of welcoming some new voices too. If any of our youth are interested in singing with the Sunday choir, please join us for rehearsals. Also, I hope to determine a time to work with our young people on instrumental and vocal music selections to develop a youth ensemble. Thank you, Pastor V for guiding us this summer. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with you and to learn about God through your words. Last, I hope that each of you has a great August. Thank you for all that you do for St. Jude’s and me.

Volume

20

Issue 10

10:30 CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL

Page 11

Jane McCarty

What a great time we had at this summer’s “Sunday” vacation Bible school! Each week our teachers and youth volunteers shared skits, crafts, games and snacks with our students as they learned about Rome, Paul and the Underground Church. Several highlights of the VBS included crafting togas, torches and leather bracelets, building chariots for a race on the church lawn and our very own St. Jude’s Olympics! The program was a big success and the weekly attendance far exceeded our expectations. Thank you to Maria Spotts, Lauren Franklin and Amanda Miller for leading this fun VBS program for the children in our church. Special thanks to Michelle Funderburk for posting her VBS photos on St. Jude’s website in the Reach Up album.

FALL SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES We will kick off our new 10:30 a.m. Sunday School year on August 6. This year classes will be offered for 3-6 year olds, 7-11 year olds (through 5th grade) and 6-8th graders (middle school). Classes are approximately 45 minutes long. The children will join their families for worship and the communion service at The Peace. MARK YOUR CALENDAR August 6 Fall Sunday School classes begin! Blessing of the Backpacks at the 10:30 worship service Back to School Bash with waterslide and lunch after church August 26 St. Jude’s Family Canoe Trip

God’s love is a gift, God’s love changes us, God’s love is always with us, God’s love saves us, God’s love is worth sharing

Weekly Schedule: Sunday 8:00 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 10:30 am

Holy Eucharist Rite I Adult Education Holy Eucharist Rite II Children’s Sunday School

Wednesday 6:45 am Men’s Breakfast & Prayer Group 9:00 am Sewing Guild 11:00 am Holy Eucharist in the chapel 11:45am Adult Education Repeat Class 5:00 pm Evening Prayer 5:30 pm Dinner 6:15 pm Adult and Youth Classes Nursery available at all services and events

St. Jude's Episcopal Church ~ 200 North Partin Drive ~ Niceville, Fl. 32578 Phone: 850-678-7013 ~ Fax: 850-678-0922 ~ Email: [email protected] www.stjudes.us Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast A great way to be reminded about what is happening at St. Jude’s is to “like and follow” our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/stjudesniceville. Don’t want to have a Facebook account? You can still go to our Facebook page and see what’s going on or visit our website and see the Facebook postings there.

$$$--Financial Update through May 2017-$$$ 2017 Stewardship Pledges Total Pledged $ 245,352 Budgeted pledges YTD $ 102,232 Actual paid pledges YTD $ 103,927 Unpaid pledges YTD $ -0Total Income Current Month Year-to-Date

Budget Actual $ 26,836 $ 21,097 $ 134,851 $ 127,368

Total Expenses Current Month Year-to-Date

$ 23,776 $ 23,136 $ 130,827 $ 124,292

We are a community of Christians who: Reach Up in joyful and celebratory Eucharistic Worship Reach Out to invite others to know Christ, sharing his love Reach In to become fully devoted followers of Christ