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Lenten Garden
for Easter Bounty
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22 this year. During Lent there are no flowers on the altar, to remind us of the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. For the next Sundays following, the Altar Guild will be "growing" our annual Lenten Garden, to fill the sanctuary on Easter. For the modest amount of $5 per name, you can inscribe a friend or family member's name on a springtime blossom to adorn our "garden" in the Parish Hall, either as a memorial or in thanksgiving.
This is the way St. George's Altar Guild makes sure that there are plenty of colorful Easter blooms on the high altar and around the Lord's Table, to welcome parish and visitors alike for the great feast of the Resurrection.
An Altar Guild representative will be present at coffee hour each of the Lenten Sundays following Ash Wednesday, to get your names and inscribe them on blossoms. We will have receipts!
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Submissions
Our article submission deadline is the 20th of the month prior. Submission is easy using our online form. Longer articles can be submitted using this email. All submissions may be edited for brevity or clarity.
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Greetings!
 This second mailing of Dragon Tales contains an important and necessary revision. Our earlier version offered incomplete biographical information of nominees for Vestry. To avoid confusion, please delete the earlier email. Don't forget: To e-mail a contact in this newsletter, simply click on the person's name; to return to the index, click the Return to Index link. |
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Rector's Message
Shortly after Lent begins this year, I'll be joining thirty of my colleagues on a pilgrimage sponsored by Bishop Mark Beckwith. A pilgrimage is not a vacation, nor is it a tour. To be sure there are elements of each, but the pilgrimage has an intentional spiritual overlay. The days will be framed in prayer and reflection as we visit the various sites. The sites are chosen because of their significance to the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. We were asked not to bring computers or communication devices to maintain the aspect of a prayerful time away. Not being the most computer savvy person, it's a request I'm happy to comply with. After I return, I'll make a presentation at a pot luck dinner at 5 PM on Sunday, March 25 for those who want to attend.
Part of the anticipation of this trip is wondering what it will feel like to be in the actual places where the Bible stories happened. Where Jesus called his disciples, where he preached the Sermon on the Mount, where tradition says he was crucified and resurrected. But there are also the places where David and Solomon ruled, Jerusalem - the place of kings and prophets; the countryside with shepherds who still watch over their flocks by night. The Jordan River crossed over by Joshua and the children of Israel after the desert wanderings out of Egypt - the same Jordan River where John would baptize and call people to repent.
The trip will be rich in history and spiritual wonder. I've read the Bible my whole life and as deeply fulfilling as it is in reading and praying with, new dimensions will open up. One of my professors in seminary joked with us, often telling us to read the Bible and it will shed a lot of light on the commentaries. The Bible is so rich on so many levels: as a tool for prayer, a spiritual insight into the nature of people and a glimpse of God through the curtain of human journey. I encourage you to read portions of it this Lent. I suggest short portions of the Gospel of Luke, for example that you can sit with and ponder, before starting your busy day. We don't often take the time to read whole sections since the size of the Bible is daunting. But taken in smaller portions or one book at a time, it's very manageable and opens up new insights and understanding of ourselves, our faith and our relationship with God.
Bernie Return to index
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Karen Comi
Karen Comi was the Parish Administrator for St. George's from 2003 to early 2011. She left for what we hoped would be relatively short leave of absence while she received treatment for cancer.
The periods of treatment extended time and again, until Karen realized she needed to step down so she could fully concentrate on her treatment. As the months went on, Karen began to accept that her treatment was unsuccessful.
She began planning arrangements and sorting out her affairs with an efficiency that characterized her and a humor that provided comfort to those around her. She entered home hospice in January and died on Wednesday, February 15. Her Memorial Service was February 25 at St. George's. A portion of Karen's ashes were interred in the Cloister Garden, where she played with her puppy when she brought him to the office. The remainder will be spread in Arizona where her mother lives. Karen is survived by her husband Jerry, sons Tommy and Corey, stepson Anthony, her mother Pat and a brother.
Since Karen was here during the weekdays on a part time basis, many parishioners didn't know her personally though her work impacted the whole parish. Those who did get to know her loved her very much. We will all miss her. Before she died, Karen asked me to express her deep thanks to the people who sent her cards, emails, texts and prayers. It was a painful and difficult illness and these kindnesses were very important to her, even when she was unable to respond. She hopes that knowing how important it was to her will encourage similar reaching out to others in times of illness and difficulty.
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Annual Meeting
Our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 18 this year following 10:30 AM service. Usually the meeting is scheduled for the first Sunday in March, but because of Bernie's trip to Israel, the Vestry postponed it to the 18th of March. On that day, there will be one service at 10:30 AM. This will allow the whole community to worship together and come together for the meeting.
The main purpose of the Annual Meeting is the election of Vestry members. More information will follow in the newsletter on the elections. The meeting is also a time to review the finances of the previous year and a look at the budget and expectations of this year. The meeting is also a time to show appreciation for the groups and individuals who share their ministry here at St. George's.
We hope everyone will come, especially newcomers and those thinking about membership since it's the most comprehensive review of who we are and what we're about. The Vestry will provide a light lunch so we can share some fellowship before the meeting begins and we'll conclude by 1:30 PM. Even if you have to leave before the meeting ends, we hope you'll come to part of it.
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Vestry Nominations
The parish membership will be electing four members to the Vestry at the Annual Meeting on March 18th: three for 3-year terms; and one for a 2-year term. The Nominating Committee has developed a slate of 5 members to present to the parish for consideration. Many thanks to the Nominating Committee members for their work and follow through: Bill Jaglowski, Lisa Basile, Jane Cates, and Cheryl Thompson Sard. We also thank those who've stepped forward to run for Vestry:
Standing for Re-election
George Hebert Born and raised Roman Catholic, it became clear very early on that I could not support their social policies. After 20 years of searching for a welcoming religious community, I found Reverend Barry Stopfel and St. George's and joined the congregation in 1998.
A regular communicant of the Sunday 8:00 a.m. and Wednesday evening Healing services, I have had the privilege of serving as chair of the Lay Reader Ministry, creating reading schedules for about 10 years. I have had the pleasure of participating in the very animated and dynamic Sunday morning Adult Bible Study group for the past six years. For the past two years I have participated in the Healing Ministry and have had the opportunity to share that ministry with those attending the Sunday 8:00 a.m. service.
In 2011, I was elected to a one-year term as vestry member at St. George's. This role has afforded me the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the issues and concerns confronting St. George's Church community through participation in vestry discussions and decision making.
Ruben, my partner of nearly 40 years, and I have benefited from the human/civil rights activities of St. George's clergy and St. Georgians as a community. In 2003, we participated in the domestic partner licensing celebration. In 2008, Reverend Poppe officiated over our Civil Union ceremony. Over the years we have shared a very rich and rewarding life together.
I am educated as a nurse. A seemingly perpetual student, I am a PhD candidate in nursing at Seton Hall University. In my full time job, I am the executive director of a public service that has a client base of more than 170,000 individuals and an 8 million dollar budget, my staff of 30 and I provide a wide range of services. In order to administer the programs effectively, it requires an understanding of public safety, statutes, regulations, and a vision of how to pull it all together. In order to implement this vision in a meaningful way, I have committed myself to remaining in contact with the many community stakeholders that participate in the numerous aspects and processes effecting public protection.
If re-elected to the vestry, I will continue to share the skills that I have developed through all of my personal and professional experiences. I ask you to support my nomination for re-election.
Kirk Petersen I've had the privilege of serving as the head of the Property Committee since I joined the Vestry in 2008, and it's been an eventful time. The $40,000 mold remediation project of 2009 gave way to the recurring heating crises of 2010 and 2011, which in turn led to a new $200,000 heating system project and capital campaign in 2011. Even in a "normal" year, if such a thing exists, the property budget is around $30,000, or nearly 10% of the parish's annual budget. Along the way I think I've learned a few things that I can use to the continued benefit of St. George's.
I love this parish - old buildings and all. Nina and I knew we belonged at St. George's from our first visit on Easter 1999, when an usher named Tom Savoth asked us to bring up the elements at Communion. We felt welcomed in a moving and powerful way, and St. George's has been an important part of our lives ever since. Through service on the Vestry I've been able to give something back to the community that has given so much to me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to stand for re-election.
Standing for Election
Anthony Bousanti I have been a member of St. George's for approximately 4 years, and have found this parish and its members - many whom have become close friends - to be a warm and welcoming community. For this reason, I am seeking a position on the vestry of our church.
Although I am relatively new to St. George's, I have been involved as a member of the Newcomers Committee and the recently formed Property Rental Committee, and have assisted the Committee for the new heating/air conditioning system at the Fire and Ice fundraiser. I also volunteer for KP duty at our annual Thanksgiving dinner.
My partner, Michael, and I have lived in Maplewood for almost 30 years. I am an attorney/partner in a law firm on Staten Island. This legal background would be, I believe, an asset to the vestry as it addresses issues related to our renter relationships, personnel matters, contractual agreements, and other law-related issues that may appear before the vestry.
Kathy Carliner I have been a member of St. George's for 12 years. My sons, David - 17 and Sammy - 15 and I are "8-o'clockers." I serve as a lay reader, David as an altar server and Sammy likes the donuts and discussion at coffee hour. I was a lapsed Catholic searching for a diverse spiritual community when a friend suggested I visit St. George's and I was subsequently received into the Church. Over the years I have enjoyed Dinners for 8, been a substitute Sunday school teacher and assisted with other ministries. I am currently planning a St. George's art/gift bazaar to take place Thanksgiving weekend - stay tuned!
I am a "newlywed" of three years and my husband, Patrick Love, and sons Garrett - 14 and Conor - 16, go to Prospect Presbyterian Church. I work in public relations and recently quit the NYC commute after 20 years and now work at a PR firm in Paramus. I love St. George's and am grateful for everything it has given me and my family. I would be honored to serve on the Vestry and welcome the chance to share my communications experience and perspective as a parent of teens.
Martha Gardner Shortly after moving to Maplewood, I joined St. George's in 1993, along with my husband, Bill, and children Sarah and Matthew. Almost 20 years later, I am proud to continue to call it my spiritual home. I have been involved with St. George's in several ways - outreach committee (serving as chair for a few years and IHN coordinator for more than 10 years, and CROP walk coordinator for the past five years), member of the newcomers committee, women's initiative committee, and I also serve as a sub-deacon and acolyte, reader and lay Eucharistic minister. I previously served on the vestry for two terms.
I am involved with the Episcopal Church on the diocesan and national levels. On the diocesan level, I serve on the Standing Committee (which serves as the Council of Advice to the Bishop, and plays a role in ministry and property decisions), Justice Board (which works with the bishop and diocese around a variety of social justice issues), Women's Commission, diocesan Episcopal and Relief Development coordinator and was elected by the diocese as a deputy for the fourth time to The Episcopal Church's every three years' General Convention. On the national level, I serve on the Executive Council, which serves as the governing body for The Episcopal Church between General Conventions. My "paying" job is at the Church Pension Group, where I am coordinator for the implementation of the lay employee pension system.
When asked why I want to serve on the vestry again, it is very clear to me. As grateful as I am to have been elected to my positions with The Episcopal Church, when it comes down to it, my own congregation is most important to me. I want to bring my skills, talents and experiences to the leadership of St. George's to help continue to make it the best it can be, not only as a spiritual home for many, but as a key community institution in the town of Maplewood.
Margo Hill I have been a member of St. George's for 10 years. Raised Roman Catholic with many years of Sacred Heart schooling, I was certain that I wanted religion and spirituality to be part of my daughters' upbringing. But I also wanted an open, inclusive religious environment where they would feel at home.
When my husband, Sebastian, and I moved to Maplewood from Brooklyn in 2002 with our then 18-month-old daughter Alessandra we were told by a wise friend at St. Luke of the Fields - our then church -- that we "had to check out St. George's." And the rest is history ... Our second daughter, Phoebe, arrived in 2003 and was baptized by Bernie in early 2004. Both girls have participated in Sunday School, starting with Godly Play and moving up through the ranks. They have also enjoyed the Children's Choral programs and Summer Camp. It's hard to believe that Confirmation is around the corner.
During my time at St. George's I have served on the Finance Committee as well as the Newcomers' Committee. Sebastian and I have enjoyed the Dinners for Eight as well. Finally, as some of you may know, my mother Lisa Heher moved from Princeton to Maplewood six years ago and is currently serving on the Vestry.
In my full-time job, I work as a Financial Planner at Merrill Lynch in Florham Park. I advise individuals, families and business owners on retirement planning and investments, with a focus on women and same-sex couples. I look forward to sharing this financial knowledge where needed with the Vestry.
Most importantly, I look forward to sharing my time and skills with the St. George's community in greater depth. My family and I are very grateful to have such an incredible church home just a five-minute walk from our Maplewood home. I would love to have the opportunity to give back to our church and by extension the greater community of Maplewood.
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Music Ministry
 My dear friends, As many of you know, the concert series committee has taken a little hiatus until someone assumes responsibility for leadership of the series. If you know of anybody in our parish who has expressed an interest in doing so, please do have them contact me. Thank you. In the meantime, a plan is now underway to present a one-day event in late spring, which will involve as many St. Georgians as possible. The musical offering, entitled Music at St. George's, will take place on Sunday, May 20 at 4 PM. A nominal fee will be collected, and proceeds will go to a special choir fund. Hence, both adult and youth choirs will perform in this concert. But we would also like to encourage ANYONE in our parish who has a musical talent to perform. I am very excited and eager to showcase you in this special program, so please let me know if you'd like to play or sing a piece, and I'll sign you up. In the time I have been your organist and choirmaster (four years in April!), I have observed the musical talents of a number of our parishioners and have been terribly impressed; on occasion, I have had the pleasure and pride of working with our local professional and amateur musicians alike. (Our church is a rare gem for attracting such talent!) But, I realize there are probably many more of you in the pews out there whose talents have yet to be tapped... Tell us who you are so that we can contact you!!! One of our church wardens, Cheryl Notari, has designed a wonderful congregational survey which has recently been distributed throughout the parish. The purpose of the survey is to provide the program staff with information regarding the various activities in which you would like to participate at St. George's. Please fill out the survey at your earliest convenience, and let us know what your interests are. We want you to be involved in the life of St. George's Church in an active way.
Deo Gratias! John Ayer
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Movie Night: Midnight in Paris
 Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates and Carla Bruni star in Woody Allen's romantic comedy about a family on a business trip in the City of Light. As a young couple engaged to be married experiences a profound transformation during their visit to Paris, an idealistic man with a romanticized view of the city finds that there's plenty of truth to that old adage about the grass being greener on the other side. Wonderful appearances by a wide cast of characters as historical figures.
Our movie begins at 7:30 p.m. in St. George's Resource Center; if you'd like to bring dinner, please arrive at 7 PM. Popcorn and a beverage are provided. |
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Thank you for taking time to enjoy Dragon Tales!
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Sincerely,
Dragon Tales Team
St. George's Episcopal Church |
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