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Grail
The
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Continued from p. 1
When we finally reached the cemetery, I was appalled and to my way of thinking they are better for it. The
to see a carpet of fake green grass, carefully covering entire family was present as the coffin was lowered
the good earth which had been dug to make Dorothy’s into the ground and following the service it was the
grave. This isn’t a Jewish custom; the phony green is men of the family who filled in the grave, to the point
seen in Christian cemeteries too, trying to conceal the of replacing the sod.
reality of dust to dust. It is a travesty of truth. And only While some in our sanitized and gnostic age might see
makes death more brutal. What it is covering is earth, this as morbid, it was a cathartic experience for me,
clean earth, real earth, which is going to cover the and it will be a memory I cherish. L’Engle has put her
coffin. Grass will grow out of it again, and it will be finger on one of the troubling ways our society tries to
real grass, not plastic. sanitize and wall off the reality of death. Unfortunately
If the Word coming to dwell in human flesh means for her, at her own mother’s funeral she was denied
anything, it means that Dorothy’s flesh is real flesh, the right to participate in the actual burial of her
that it will now decay; it must be buried, as the seed is mother by a funeral home employee who, in what I’m
buried, before the flower, the plant, the tree, the true sure he thought of as a compassionate move, whisked
flesh, can be born.” (p. 25, The irrational season) her away before the casket could be lowered into the
ground. Because she could see her dignified southern
While we as Episcopalians are perhaps more con-
mother being horrified if she were to make a scene,
scious of liturgical acts, it is not as though we are
she did not protest, but in her journals she writes of
strange in wishing to see traditional practices sur-
her regrets.
rounding the burial of the dead continued. Indeed, it is
not as though these basic acts are specific to the liturgy I have to wonder if one of the reasons we spend so
of the Episcopal church. much effort, and some spill so much ink in examining
the ways of grief, is simply because we wall ourselves
When my maternal grandpa, a Baptist from Western
off from something as natural as honoring a loved one
North Carolina, passed away in 2003 he was bur-
in such a basic act as seeing to their burial.
ied from the small country church where he and my
mother’s family have worshipped for generations. I also wonder if the trend away from churches having
cemeteries accounts for some of the decline of the role
After the service, his casket was loaded in the hearse
of faith in people’s lives. For all the maintenance is-
and driven across the road and up to the top of the
sues and financial concerns raised by having them, the
adjacent hill where the church’s cemetery is. In that
retreat of the Church from this area of life, as well as
cemetery, there was no fake grass, and there was no
from others (hospitals, prisons) may mean we deserve
machinery used to lower the coffin into the grave aside
being relegated to the fringes.
from a hand-crank; they couldn’t afford anything else
4
used to be the priest at Jesús el Señor until 3 ½ years Every year, we have new experiences during our visit.
ago, and for whom we pray every Sunday. That evening This year, it was the rain. We always travel in June or
she served us a delicious dinner of rice, pork and em- July, which is the dry season. But on Sunday, after our
panandas (little cheese turnovers) and presented us with meeting with the Vestry at Jesús el Señor, we were met
a lovely banner. with a downpour on our way to the market where Bill,
Mary and I went shopping for our “Mercado” (market).
Wednesday and Thursday were grueling days under the
However, each year we also share in the familiar experi-
direction of George Fossey at San José Obrero, the com-
ences of hospitality and generosity, friendship and build-
panion church of Church of the Good Shepherd in Brent-
ing relationships. And each year, our brothers and sisters
of Ecuador express their wish for continued compañer-
ismo (companion relationship) with the question, “When
will you return?”
May God continue to bless us through our companion
relationship,
Sarena Pettit
5
Submissions: Birthdays & Anniversaries
Next deadline: Friday, August 20
August 1 Sean Torr
Did something in The Grail pique your interest? August 3 Nancy Lawson
Feel free to send your comments, prayers, Julie Leggett
reflections, essays, articles, jokes or other August 11 Briana Leggett
material you would like to share to grail@ August 14 Amy Simmons
stjosephofarimathea.org with “the Grail” in the August 15 JoAnne Kemp
subject line. August 16 Warren Pettit
August 23 Kathryn Dunigan
If you would like to change delivery preferences Cora Janson
(change your address, recieve the Grail Lisa Longmire
electronically in addition to or in place of a Jean Millhouser
physical copy) visit our web site at: http://www. August 24 Mike Morris
stjosephofarimathea.org/congregational-resources/ August 26 Boo Tidwell
newsletter-survey/ August 30 Jack Hayes
August 7 Glenn & Nancy Lawson
August 13 Bruce & Cora Janson
August 18 John & Stella Broome
Adult Dinner Group Rick & Jerry Hastings
The Adult Dinner Night Out will meet at Jim and Bob & Jackie Lindsey
Nick’s Restaurant, 7004 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, Sean & Denine Torr
on Sunday, August 8, 6:00 pm. All are invited for an August 19 Don & Donna Holt
evening of fun. For reservations call Donna Holt by August 25 Dave & Janet Mason
Saturday, August 7. For those wanting to carpool: We
will meet at the church and leave by 5:15, Donna will
need to know if you are planning on being part of the Help Wanted
carpool group. (452-7242). Web savvy volunteers to help maintain St. Joseph's
web site (http://stjosephofarimathea.org) and Face-
book page. A knowledge of the WordPress content
management system is beneficial but not necessary.
If you can write an email, you can help!
Hospital admission, sickness,
or facing some other difficulty? If you're interested, please talk to Fr. Jody or email
him at frjody@mysja.org
If you or a loved one are admited to the hospital,
please let us know. While admissions clerks may ask
specific questions regarding religious affiliation, due
to government regulations they cannot and will not Upcoming Events
notify St. Joseph of Arimathea to let us know that
you are there. Please get in touch with the church of- August 8 Adult Dinner night out, 6:00 pm
fice (615-824-2910) or with Fr. Jody (615-440-6492) August 15 Christian Formation Promotion
as soon as possible. Sunday, 9:15–10:15 am
If you’re sick and in need of assistance please let us PB&J dedication
know that as well. You can call or fill out our new August 18 Vestry Meeting, 6:30 pm
care calendar information sheet located at: August 20 Deadline for September’s Grail
http://www.stjosephofarimathea.org/ August 22 Sunday book discussion begins, 9:15
how-can-we-help-you/ Sept. 1 Daughters of the King, 6:30 pm
6
Upcoming Sunday Book Discussion Selection:
One of the things that I hope becomes a regular part of our life together
at St. Joseph of Arimathea, are regular book discussions, whether on Sun-
day or during the week. The first of our Sunday Book Discussions will
be facilitated by Anna Howard and will begin on Sunday August 22nd
between the 8 and 10:30 services.
This discussion group will begin meeting prior to the start of our full fall
Christian Formation program, which will not begin until after Labor Day.
We will be discussing a book I referenced a few months ago in a sermon
dealing with the subject of forgiveness, Free of Charge: Giving and For-
giving in a Culture stripped of Grace.
Free of Charge is six chapters long, and the goal is to discuss a chapter
each week for six weeks. While the book deals with the difficult subjects
of giving and forgiveness, the writing accessible and I hope that people
of all ages who are interested in this topic (including older teens) will
consider taking part.
“I cannot remember having read a better account of what it means to say that Jesus suffered for us, ‘in our
place’. And his analysis of the challenges Christian forgiveness faces in a society that is both sentimental and
profoundly unforgiving is something that ought to be required reading for anyone seeking to understand the
Western world in this sour and anxious age.” —Archbishop Rowan Williams, from the foreword.
As far as understanding the nature and power of forgiveness, this was a paradigm shifter for me. More
importantly, it moved me to action, literally becoming a catalyst for mending, what was at the time, a seriously
damaged relationship. I have not read a better book on the subject. Volf’s a deep thinker, but he doesn’t have
his head in the sand. He writes from a place of humility and grace. And his understanding of the Gospel and
what it makes us capable of becoming is so illuminating and life-giving. I hope I don’t sound too enamored with
the man, but his insights have proven to be very wise. I feel that I am in his debt.
—Amazon Reviewer
Address Service Requested
The Grail Non-Profit Organization
St. Joseph of Arimathea Episcopal Church
103 Country Club Drive U.S. POSTAGE
Hendersonville, TN 37075 PAID
Church Phone: (615) 824-2910 Hendersonville, TN
http://stjosephofarimathea.org Permit No. 12
Service Schedule
Sunday
8:00 am Holy Communion, traditional language
(Rite I), no music
10:30 am Holy Communion, contemporary language
(Rite II), with music
9:15 am Christian formation for all ages
Schedule of MiniStry: August 2010
Chalicists (chalice bearers) 8:00am 10:30am
August 1 Paul Love George Fossey/PoP
August 8 Julia Burton Bill McMinn/PoP, Adam Waltenbaugh
August 15 Bill House Jeanne Rose/PoP, Shelley Sircy
August 22 Bill House, Milligene Shepherd George Fossey/PoP
August 29 Cornelia Pullins Adam Waltenbaugh/PoP, Bill McMinn
September 5 Paul Love Shelley Sircy/PoP, Jeanne Rose
September 12 Julie Burton George Fossey/PoP
Lectors (readers) 8:00am 10:30am
August 1 Pat Edson, Julie Burton Deborah Jordan, Jessie Kemp
August 8 Mike Shepherd, Paul Love Nell Nestor, Sally McCanner
August 15 Opal Poe, Carl MacLeod Dave Mason, Jessie Kemp
August 22 Mary Heeks, Jeff Jordan Deborah Jordan, Claudia Douglass
August 29 Jack Hayes, Paul Love Anna Howard, Thom Chittom
September 5 Pat Edson, Julie Burton Nell Nestor, Sally McCanner
September 12 Mike Shepherd, Paul Love Dave Mason, Jessie Kemp
Acolytes 10:30am
August 1 Jack Mason (S/C), Emma Waltenbaugh (T), Michael Barber (T/P)
August 8 Christen Aldridge (S/C), Aaron Wildgoose (T), Jack Mason (T/P)
August 15 Patricia Collins (S/C), Joseph Broome (T), Andrew Mason (T/P)
August 22 Jack Mason (S/C), Aaron Wildgoose (T), Christen Aldridge (T/P)
August 29 Andrew Mason (S/C), Emma Waltenbaugh (T), Patricia Collins (T/P)
September 5 Christen Aldridge (S/C), Patricia Collins (T), Joseph Broome (T/P)
September 12 Patricia Collins (S/C), Aaron Wildgoose (T), Andrew Mason (T/P)
Ushers 8:00am 10:30am
August 1 Don & Donna Holt Bob Lindsey, Andrew Mason
August 8 Bill Reidy Dave Mason, Bobby Jones
August 15 Jeff Jordan Bill McMinn, Chris Trenholme
August 22 Bill & Mary Heeks Jim Stahr, Andrew Mason
August 29 Omer Fontaine Bob Lindsey, Jack Mason
September 5 Bill Reidy Dave Mason, Bobby Jones
September 12 Jack Hayes Bill McMinn, Chris Trenholme
Altar Guild Schedule
August 1 Stephanie Lowe, Donna Holt, Milligene Shepherd, Janet Mason, Jean Millhauser,
Lynn-nore Chittom
August 8 Cornelia Pullins, JoAnne Kemp, Lucy Pulley, Sharon Petty, Linda Palmer, Sue
Donoho
August 15 Cornelia Pullins, JoAnne Kemp, Lucy Pulley, Sharon Petty, Linda Palmer, Sue
Donoho
August 22 Mary Heeks, Boo Tidwell, Opal Poe, Jackie Lindsey, Jo Ann Forrest
August 29 Mary Heeks, Boo Tidwell, Opal Poe, Jackie Lindsey, Jo Ann Forrest
September 5 Stephanie Lowe, Donna Holt, Milligene Shepherd, Janet Mason, Jean Millhauser,
Lynn-nore Chittom
September 12 Stephanie Lowe, Donna Holt, Milligene Shepherd, Janet Mason, Jean Millhauser,
Lynn-nore Chittom
Note to lectors/readers: Weekly lectionary readings are available in printed form in the plastic filing pocket
on the wall in the office workroom, or online at: http://www.stjosephofarimathea.org
Church Calendar, C o m m u n i t y u s e, K a l e n d a r, US Holidays Aug 2010 (Central Time)
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 a m - Holy Eucharist @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. First Full Day of Instruction in
Joseph of Arimathea, 103 Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Sumner Co. Schools @ Sumner
9 a m - First Sunday Breakfast @ 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St.
Country Club Dr. St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall County Schools
St. Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea:
H
1 0e:n3d0ear m
s o-nHoly
v i l l e Eucharist
T N 3 7 0 7 5 @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St.
St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall
Joseph of Arimathea, Joseph of Arimathea:
103 Country Club Dr. St. Francis Hall
Hendersonville, TN
37075
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
8 a m - Holy Eucharist @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St.
Joseph of Arimathea, 103 Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea:
1 0 : 3 0 a m - Holy Eucharist @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St.
Country Club Dr. St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall
Joseph of Arimathea, Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea:
Hendersonville TN 37075
103 Country Club Dr. St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall
Hendersonville, TN
37075
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
PB & J Dedication 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. Grail Deadline
Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea:
8 a m - Holy Eucharist @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St.
St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall
Joseph of Arimathea, 103 Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea:
9 : 1 5 a m - Christian formation 6 : 3 0 p m - Vestry Meeting @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St.
Country Club Dr. St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall
promotion Sunday @ Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea:
H
1 0e:n3d0ear m
s o-nHoly
v i l l e Eucharist
T N 3 7 0 7 5 @ St.
St. Joseph of Arimathea St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall
Joseph of Arimathea,
103 Country Club Dr.
Hendersonville, TN
37075
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
8 a m - Holy Eucharist @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St.
Joseph of Arimathea, 103 Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea:
1 0 : 3 0 a m - Holy Eucharist @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St.
Country Club Dr. St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall
Joseph of Arimathea, Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea:
Hendersonville TN 37075
103 Country Club Dr. St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall
Hendersonville, TN
37075
29 30 31 1 2 3 4
8 a m - Holy Eucharist @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 7 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St.
Joseph of Arimathea, 103 Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea:
1 0 : 3 0 a m - Holy Eucharist @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St. 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Community Use @ St.
Country Club Dr. St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall
Joseph of Arimathea, Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph of Arimathea:
Hendersonville TN 37075 6 : 3 0 p m - Daughters of the King
103 Country Club Dr. St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall St. Francis Hall
@ St. Joseph of
Hendersonville, TN
Arimathea: St. Francis
37075
Hall