The

Grail
St. Joseph of Arimathea

August 2011

103 Countr y Club Dr. Hendersonville, TN 37075 | stjosephofarimathea.org | T: 615-824-2910 | Fax: 615-824-3135 | info@stjosephofarimathea.org

RetuRning

the

things

of

god

to

god

To encourage and equip one another as the baptized people of God, to witness to the transforming and reconciling power of Jesus Christ.

Our Mission:

There is a constant struggle going on at the heart of the Church, and the heart of each Christian, to know how to respond to events in society and in our personal lives. We consider and delve into ways of approaching current events. We read the newspaper and ethical dilemmas present themselves, we drive to work and see people in need, we reflect upon the policies of our governmentlocal, state and nationaland we try to influence them the best we can to reflect the justice we believe our faith demands. A friend may come to us with a problem, or we may find ourselves in a situation where we find its nearly impossible not only to do the right thing but to discern what it is. We need overarching principles to guide our reflections and help us address complexity and confusion. In considering the different ways Christians are called to exercise our faith in our personal lives and in our public/civic involvement, Ive found a diagram to be particularly helpful. You should know that I have a particular fondness for triangular diagrams. There are two that I think simplify any discussion of theology or engagement with culture (i.e. missiology). Theologically, I love this diagram of the Trinity. The Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Father, the spirit is neither etc... it says a lot in a concise form:

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But the diagram I think is helpful in this situation is of more recent origin. I found it in an article entitled Preaching to Postmodern People. The diagram (below) explains the way in which the Gospel interacts with the culture and with the Church, and their relationship to one another. In the diagram, the Gospel is at the top corner of the triangle, and interacts with the culture through the conversion encounter axis. This describes the way the gospel can come to challenge some of the fundamental assumptions of a society, and invite conversion (think Paul on the road to Damascus as an example). This demonstrates that, in terms of the broader society, encountering the gospel is something that directly challenges the makeup of societyor at the very least its abuses. On the other hand, the Church encounters the Gospel along the reciprocal relationship axis. That is, ideally, the church is already aware of the gospelwe should not be surprised by itand acts out of relationship with and love of God. One aspect of this is that it is not primarily the responsibility of the Church to convert the culturethe Holy Spirit through the encounter with the Gospel message does thatbut the Church must be there to declare the message, and perhaps more importantly, to interpret the message for the culture when the culture experiences the Gospel critique out of context. The final side of the triangle depicts the Churchs relationship to the culture. This is called the Missionary dialogue axis. In our lessons from Johns Gospel (John 14:1521) and the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 17:2231), I believe we see the latter two of these sides in action.

As mentioned, the struggles we experience are both personal and public, because our lives are personal and public. We have to deal with issues in our own lives, and with issues in the broader society. It seems natural to say that one of these is of prior importance than the other. We cannot appropriately deal with problems in our society until we have determined how to begin dealing with and healing problems in our personal lives. In the selection from the Gospel of John, part of Jesus farewell discourse, Jesus tells his disciples that if theyif welove him, we will keep his commandments. This would be an overwhelming burden for us if it were not for the fact that he highlights in the remainder of the passage. We are mere human beings. We are flawed and sinful. How can we hope to keep Jesus commandments. More than that, how can we hope to move beyond legalism, beyond keeping the letter of the law, to love and keeping the spirit of it. If it were up to us, of course, we could not hope. But Jesus promises that we will not be left as orphans; he will send us the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, to remain with us when he has ascended to the Father. But there is more. In ascending to the Father, Jesus takes his humanity with him, and humanity ascends to the right hand of the Father, and so Jesus states things in this wonderfully confusing way. On that day, Jesus says, you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you (John 14:20). This is nothing less than Jesus revealing to his disciples that theythat wehave been taken into the very life of the Trinity. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, with Christ alive in us, we can hope to love one another.

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their plethora of deities, to have a temple to cover the rest of your bases. This temple and altar of the unknown God is such an example. However, in Athenian history, there had been a plague, the end of which was credited to the intervention of the unknown God. Paul takes this opening and says to the Athenians, What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you (Acts 17:23). In this example, we see Paul doing a very important thing in connecting to something that is good in the society and complimenting it, connecting it with the truth of the gospel. In addition, as with the keeping of commandments in our gospel reading from John, Paul does not expect his message to connect without there being some personal engagement. Just as we can only hope to fulfill the commands of Christ because we have been reconciled to God, knowing now that we are made in the image and restored by Christ, so too will hearers of the gospel only become receptive once theyve been shown the respect and honor due a creature created in the image of God, no matter how marred the image may have become. These two things then, become the principles upon which all Christian action follows: recognition that all of us are image-bearers of God, and that all of us are beloved of God. Once we understand this, and act from these principles, we may find that we, as Christians, can come to differing conclusions as to the best course of action in our personal relationships or in our society, but we will at least be able to respect one another and trust that we are operating from the core commitment of respecting the dignity of every human being (as the Baptismal Covenant puts it). Augustine once argued (Im summarizing) that Christians can engage the culture (things like sporting events, plays etc...) because they are good, and all a Christian is doing in participating (within reason) is returning the things of God to God. N.T. Wright expresses a similar sentimentthough expandedin his writing on the new creation. In a personal sense, sharing the gospel with others can also be seen in this light. As human beings made in the image of God, each person is fundamentally good in so far as they reflect the goodness of God. In bringing others into relationship with Christ, we bring them to the point where that goodness, marred by sin, can be restored and its promise fulfilled. In doing so, we are doing nothing less than returning the things of God to God.

And we can hope to do this because we have been made aware of the fact that we are not orphaned, but children of the living God, having been made in his image and being restored to relationship with himreconciledthrough Jesus Christ. In being made aware of Gods embrace, we become empowered to declare it to others. By the gift of the cross, resurrection and ascension, we become empowered and inspired to share the truth with others, something we would never be able to do effectively on our own. By extension, if we are able to abide in Christs love, and to keep his commandments because we have been made aware of the depth of Gods love and care for us, then this must have ramifications for the way we share the Good News of Christ with others. The lesson from Acts demonstrates this. In Acts 17:2231 we see Paul engaged in the missionary enterprise, taking the Gospel to the people of Athens. Paul goes to the public intellectual heart of the city, the Areopagus, which the Romans referred to as Mars Hill. The Areopagus had served many functions in Athens over the years, being first the location where the governing body of the city met, later giving the name to the body itself. By the time of Paul, the Areopagus was a body of intellectuals and philosophers who spent their time debating. Once there, Paul addresses the gathering in a manner we would do well to pay attention to. Rather than condemn the Athenians as idolatrous pagans foolishly worshiping gods of wood, stone and metal, Paul compliments the obvious religiosity and intellectual curiosity of Athenian society. Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way, he says, going on to connect the gospel to their experience by referencing their altar to the unknown God. It was common in Greek society, with

the feast

of

st. Joseph

of

aRimathea

On Sunday, July 31st, we celebrated the feast of our patron St. Joseph of Arimathea (transferred from August 1st). In addition to food and fellowship between the services, we celebrated the service of Holy Eucharist and Baptism at the 10:30 service where over ninety people were in attendance to welcome four boys into the household of faith. It was a joyful day and we are thankful for everyone who made a point of attending, and for the choir who took time away from their well deserved summer hiatus to lead us in lifting our voices in song. The goal of this celebration is to become a regular homecoming service for the parish, and a time to celebrate our lives together as a Christian community. What better way to begin than with breaking bread together and witnessing the baptisms of these boys.

My Baptismal Birthday by Samuel Taylor Coleridge Gods Child in Christ adopted,Christ my all, What that earth boasts were not lost cheaply, rather Than forfiet that blest name, by which I call The Holy One, the Almighty God, my Father? Father! in Christ we live, and Christ in Thee Eternal Thou, and everlasting we. The heir of heaven, henceforth I fear not death: In Christ I live! in Christ I draw the breath Of true life!Let then earth, sea, and sky Make war against me! On my front I show Their mighty masters seal. In vain they try To end my life, that can but end its woe. Is that a death-bed where a Christian lies? Yes! but not histis Death itself there dies.

upcoming events
August 3 August 8 August 14 August 17 August 31 Daughters of the King, 6:30 pm Men of the Church, 6:00 pm Adult Dinner Night Out, 6:00 pm Vestry meeting, 6:30 pm First Lectionary Bible Study, 10:00 am 11:10 am Conference Room August 31 Holy Eucharist, 11:15 am 12:00 pm Sept. 7 Daughters of the King, 6:30 pm Sept. 12 Men of the Church, 6:00 pm

BiRthdays & anniveRsaRies

August 1 August 3 August 14 August 15 August 16 August 23 Sean Torr Nancy Lawson Julie Leggett Briana Leggett Amy Simmons JoAnne Kemp Warren Pettit Kathryn Dunigan Cora Janson Lisa Longmire Jean Millhouser Mike Morris Boo Tidwell Jack Hayes Glenn & Nancy Lawson Bruce & Cora Janson John & Stella Broome Rick & Jerry Hastings Bob & Jackie Lindsey Sean & Denine Torr Don & Donna Holt Dave & Janet Mason

neW!! Wednesday moRning BiBle study

On Wednesday mornings, you are invited to come reflect upon the lectionary readings for the upcoming Sunday. This new Bible study will be held each Wednesday (beginning August 31) at 10:00 am in the conference room. Holy Eucharist will follow at 11:15 am.

August 24 August 26 August 30 August 7 August 13 August 18

hooRay

foR

hollyWood!

August 19 August 25

This years fundraiser to benefit the 2nd Base Foundation will celebrate Hollywood with a particular focus on its golden age. On September 24, there will be a gourmet dinner, entertainment, and an auction, all for only $25 per person. Tickets may be purchased from Pat Edson (after the 8:00 service) or from Cora Janson or Jeanne Rose (after the 10:30 service).

thanks, nell!
Many thanks to Nell Nestor for donating the new (much needed) dishwasher in the church kitchen.

help Wanted: nuRseRy WoRkeR

Do you know someone who loves to work with children? We are hiring a nursery worker for Sunday mornings, preferably someone who is not already a member of St. Josephs. This is a paid position. A background check will be done, and the employee will have to attend the 3-hour class Safeguarding Gods People. Contact Fr. Jody for more details.

hospital admission, sickness, oR facing some otheR difficulty?

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 notify St. Joseph of Arimathea to let us know that you are there. Please get in touch with the church office (615-8242910) or with Fr. Jody (615-440-6492). If youre sick and in need of assistance please let us know that as well. You can call or fill out our new care calendar information sheet located at: http://www.stjosephofarimathea.org/how-can-we-help-you/ 5

adult dinneR gRoup

foR

august

The Adult Dinner Group for August will meet Sunday, August 14, at 6:00 p.m. at Mimis Restaurant in Hendersonville. Please call Donna Holt at 452-7242 for reservations. Everyone is invited!

neWs

fRom

ouR companion chuRch (iglesia compaeRa)

in

litoRal

Les envian saludos calurosos la Reverenda Betty Juarez, la Junta Misionera y todos que hacen la Iglesia Jess el Seor al Reverendo Jody Howard, la Junta Parroquial y todos que conforman la Iglesia San Jos de Arimatea. Gracia y paz sean a ustedes, de Dios nuestro Padre y del Seor Jesucristo. The Reverend Betty Juarez, the Vestry and members of the Church Jess el Seor send warm greetings to the Reverend Jody Howard, the Vestry and all the members of St. Joseph of Arimathea. May the grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Each year, our trip brings new adventures and opportunities to serve God through our brothers and sisters in Litoral, Ecuador. Over the years, we have participated in medical missions and a variety of work missions, both at the church and school which was sponsored by our companion church for years. This was a year of transition. Because of ever tightening government controls, resulting in reduced enrollment, this was the last year that we supported the school at Jess el Seor, which closed in January of 2011. Although it saddened us all, the closure forced us to look at new ways to maintain our companion relationship. The Mercy Ministries Commission thought it might be helpful to support cottage industries, based on the talents and skills of the members of Jess el Seor. Our sister church eagerly responded to our offer of support by

proposing the recording of a CD of Christian music, including a number of hymns. Mother Betty, the priest at Jess el Seor, was a singer of national renown who gave it all up to go into the priesthood. She and her sister Mixi have maintained their talent and offered to record the CD. The proceeds from the sale of the CDs will go to support the cottage industries of the congregants. We are all excited that this means of bringing money into the church will also serve as a witness and vehicle for spreading Gods Good News. We enjoyed some of the music that they will record at the party held at the church on Saturday afternoon to celebrate 13 years of companion relationship. The party was extremely festive. A dramatization about sharing Gods love was put on by members of the Vestry. A dance routine was presented by some of the youth. We had an opportunity to meet the members of Jess el Seor, take their pictures and hear their stories. The bulletin board in St. Francis Undercroft will display their pictures and stories. Following a delicious lunch of chicken curry with rice and macaroni and cheese, we all danced. Warren was the most sought after dance partner by young and old alike. He even danced with Mother Betty and her sister Mixi. Sunday was another joyous day of celebration. The service of Holy Eucharist begins at 10:00 AM at Jess el Seor. The children all remembered Warren from the party and vied to sit next to him. We began with a hymn expressing our love for God. Members of the Vestry read the first and second Lessons and lead us in the Psalm. Mother Betty read the Gospel and preached about how the presence or lack of the Holy Spirit in our lives makes a critical difference both in our personal lives and the life of the Church. The Catechism students were seated throughout the congregation and led the prayers of the people. Following the service, our group met with Mother Betty and the Vestry to share a delicious lunch of Kentucky Fried Chicken, and then proceeded to meet for the next two hours to discuss how we can work together in a new way as companion churches. They came up with a variety of ways to utilize the classrooms of the school to bring income into the church community. But perhaps the most exciting proposal was a joint work project for their members and ours who travel next June to Ecuador. It would involve enclosing the area in front of the church with a wall which would allow for a garden in
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Warren with a number of the children at Jess el Seor after the service

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the enclosed space. Their Vestry will work up proposals for all the projects and present them to St. Joseph for approval and support. The rest of the trip was spent working with Vestries from churches in Guayaquil and Manta to help them develop stronger leadership roles in their respective churches. While in Manta, we got to visit with Mariana, the former priest at Jess el Seor. She sends her love. We discovered that through her efforts and dedication, all of her churches are flourishing. On a closing note, Id like to share an inspirational story about one of the people of Ecuador. Friday night, Deacon Juan Chavez came by our hotel to welcome us. Several years ago, he had invited us to his humble home for lunch. At that time, he shared his dream of building a small church next to his house for mem-

bers who gathered in his home to worship. With the financial support of some donors from the Diocese of Tennessee, his dream was realized. Juan Chavez began his seminary studies, has been ordained a Deacon, and this August, will be ordained a priest. He had come by to invite us to his ordination. His is but one example of the steadfast faith demonstrated daily in the lives of our Ecuadorian brothers and sisters. Next June offers the opportunity for members of St. Joseph to travel to Ecuador to work with our companion church and share the blessings so richly poured over all who travel there. Please prayerfully consider your part in our trip. May God continue to bless us through our companion relationship, Sarena Pettit

sunday lunch pRogRam

Four times a year, members from St. Joseph volunteer to prepare, deliver and serve lunch at the Campus for Human Development at the Room in the Inn, 532 8th Ave. South, Nashville, Tennessee. Men and women who stay there have pledged to stay off drugs and alcohol, attend church and be looking for work. Our Men of the Church, headed by Carl MacLeod, Jeff Jordan and Bill House prepare the bar-be-cue chicken, beans, cole slaw, rolls and pecan pies to be served by various volunteers from St. Joseph. The people there tell us it is the meal they most look forward to. We have already provided lunch in February and April and have two more opportunities to deliver and serve the meals this year on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 and Sunday, October 30th. If you would like to participate in this wonderful ministry, please sign up on the sheet on the whats happening board next to the stairs in the St. Francis Undercroft. If you have questions, please contact Sarena Pettit.

collection

foR

Room

in the

inn

This summer the Room in the Inn is asking for gift cards for Target, Krogers or Walmart and for socks and underwear, as well as personal hygene items for its residents. St. Joseph is collecting these items in a box on the table between the Library and Nursery in the St. Francis Undercroft. We hope to fill the box before we go there on Sept. 25th when we provide lunch. Thank you for your generosity. If you have questions, please contact Sarena Pettit.

summeR choiR
The summer is quickly coming to an end. Our choir has been on a well deserved break from choir practice and the commitment of singing for the 10:30 Sunday Service. I know that everyone misses having the choir to lead the hymns and responses. This year we are introducing something new in our church service. We are opening up the opportunity for those of you who will, to come on the Sundays in August and join the choir in leading the congregational hymns. Nothing is required of you accept that you come to the Choir Loft at 10:00 am, and I will go over the hymns with the choir for the service. You will not have to robe, just sing. Everyone is welcome. Please come and help out the choir for the month of August. Sandra Disney Minister of Music

The

Address Service Requested Non-Profit Organization

St. Joseph of Arimathea Episcopal Church 103 Country Club Drive Hendersonville, TN 37075 Church Phone: (615) 824-2910 http://stjosephofarimathea.org 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

Grail

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Hendersonville, TN Permit No. 12