The Parish Paper

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Contents

Clergy's Corner

Services

Sundays

Holy Eucharist:

7:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m.,

11:15 a.m.

Tuesdays

Holy Eucharist/Healing:

5:30 p.m.

(Olney Chapel)

Thursdays

Holy Eucharist/Healing:

12:15 p.m.

(Olney Chapel)

Events

Sunday
4 September

Lemonade in the Shade begins at 8:30 a.m.

in front of the church.

Blood Assurance Program begins at

8:30 a.m. on

Advent Street

Lectionary Bible Study

begins at 10:15 a.m.

in Olney Chapel

Sunday

11 September

Mission Sunday

Christian Formation

begins at 10:00 a.m.

in the PCLC

Youth Choir begins at 5:00 p.m. in Choir Room

Youth Scavenger Hunt begins at 6:00 p.m.

Sunday

18 September

Visitors' and Newcomers' Class

Hospitality Room Pendleton

Christian Formation for all ages begin at 10:15 a.m.

Sunday

25 September

Christian Formation for all ages begin at 10:15 a.m.

Links

Parish's website

How Do You ...

at the Advent?

Do you know how

to reserve a room, submit an article, make a copy, receive

a reimbursement,

or reserve

a vehicle?

Ann Harken has updated the guide

to accomplishing such tasks, and it is available here

for you to read, print and memorize.

Who are these Biblical
figures?

Statue 1

Statue 2

Statue 3

That Christ's light be seen in us September 2011

Calendars

Public (updated continually)

Parish (set before publication)

Clergy's Corner

Raise the Tent-Raise the Faith

From the Rector

If you haven't heard, we are holding a Revival here at the Advent. We have heard of this kind of thing with other Christian traditions, and it is not completely unheard of in our own, but it certainly is not what one first thinks about when they think of the Episcopal Church.

You might ask what this is about and why we are having a revival at the Advent? The World English Dictionary defines revival in several ways. The definition that fits most closely with what I meant when I said that we need a revival back in my sermon on May 8 (1) was this: Revival - an instance of returning to life or consciousness; restoration of vigor or vitality (2).

It is time for us, individually and corporately, to renew our faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps it is a time to give in and begin to have faith in God. My prayer is that we will all feel reinvigorated and inspired to increase our trust and belief in the life-giving and liberating love of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

In my sermon on May 29, I said that I was not certain what a revival would look like at the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Spartanburg, SC. Now, I can say that I have a much better picture.

First, it will take a tent that will be set up on Montgomery Commons between the fountain and the Piedmont Club. It will hold 450 chairs and room for a stage (for the altar and lectern/pulpit).

Second, it will feature some very special music including Fayssoux McLean and Randy Foster, the Sparkle City Brass Quintet, and our own Brennan Szafron and the Advent Choirs (all of them).

Third, it will include a special guest preacher. I am honored and pleased to announce that The Rev. Dr. Kirk Neely will be our preacher for this historic occasion. Most of you know Dr. Neely as a great pastor, preacher, teacher and writer and he is certainly well respected in Spartanburg and beyond.

Fourth, it will include as many of our parishioners as possible. I imagine that this event will attract many outside of our church as well. You just might want to get there a bit early.

Fifth, it will finish up with a classic revival meal of fried chicken, green beans, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls and dessert along with iced tea and lemonade.

See you there! God bless you.

Ned+

(1) You may listen to this sermon on our website

http://www.churchofadvent.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=76&Itemid=173.

(2) http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/revival.

Pastoral Care Extending Christ's healing care

Prayers of the People (as of 30 August 2011)

For those in our parish who are in need of God's healing and our spiritual support: Carlos Moseley, Rosie Cunningham, Angel White, Ginger Watson, Bob McCullough,Virginia Moses, Bob Hayes, Gay Peden, Helen France,Sue Fisher, Ginny Miller, Mary Hipp McCutchen, Pamela Cook, Linda McGee, Betty Taylor, Phebe Crosland, Margaret Hindman, Tess Hearn, Meredith Boyce, Mac Dunbar, Ann Kiesau, Julie Gnerlich, Helen Lambert, Cynthia Moseley, Barbara Hammett, Roy and Linda Ellis, Allen Lipscomb, George Mitchell, Jervey Dupre, Richard Lowry, David Fort and Elizabeth Simons

And for these persons: Fredric Wetzel, Chase Comer,

Edward Helfer, Sophie Trakas, Kathy Willard, Katie Norton, Robin, Frances Carpenter, Nancy, James Wiley, Tom Wyatt III, Linda Johnson, Sharon Lowry, Dupie Cates Cochran, Anne Berline, Rudy Nettles, Chase Mann, Stephanie, John Lamiman, Joyce Cauble, Colleen Keith, George Speed, Gail Speed, Terrie Ball, Janet Barrett, Evin Evans, Roy Swoape, Hugh Martin Efird, Manson Tucker, Maude Carr, Fletcher and Ruth Thompson, Rhondy Huff, Bonnie Hina, Laurie Egeland, Clarke Smart, Ed Miller, Peggy Green, Robert Worthy, Carrie Kitzmiller, Jerry Burke, Barbara Humphries, Andrew Prater, Marjie Whitney, Jane Adkins, Todd Marshall, Steve, Juliet Eaves, Philip Foster and Bill Straughan

For these persons serving in the armed forces of our country:

Michael McCraw, Tripp Lynn, John Watters, Ed Y. Hall, Sam Brown, Robert W. Gautier, Grant R. Blackwell, Daniella Roberson, Stafford Smith, Michael Hall, Jennifer and Christopher Guyne, Chad Sims, Thomas E. Grubb, Ashley McGaha, Derrick Gossett, Wade Hampton McIntyre IV, Patrick Myers, Thomas Adam Nolen, Wayne Pennington, Robert E. Flandry III and John Wranek.

And for the people on the confidential Prayer List of the Daughters of the King.

In Thanksgiving

For these expectant mothers: Katie Culler Jordan, Martha Bomar, Betsy Stokes Conrad

And for these newborns: Sarah Cate Reynolds, daughter of Jennifer and Daniel Reynolds and granddaughter of David and Debbie Bowdish, born 16 August

Birthdays in September (Ages 1 - 11)

Patricia Ryan (9/3)

Clayton Jones (9/3)

Andrew Hunt (9/4)

Ansley Nease (9/5)

Vance Lever (9/11)

Dorothy Fort (9/12)

Rob King (9/13)

Will Stone (9/14)

Jane Montgomery (9/21)

James Seegars (9/21)

Julia Graham (9/22)

Garrison McMillan (9/25)

Melia Foster (9/28)

James Boyd (9/29)

Sarah Johnson (9/30)

Pastoral Care Report

A world in need now summons us to labor, love, and give;

To make our life an offering to God that all may live;

The Church of Christ is calling us to make the dream come true;

A world redeemed by Christ-like love; all life in Christ made new.

Hymn 705

Pastoral Care is a foundational ministry at the Advent, for it allows us to put CHRISTIAN LOVE IN ACTION. All of us will face illness, surgery, and the death of a loved one, and when we face these challenges, our clergy, the Guild of St. Francis and St. Clare, and the Daughters of the King are eager and ready to offer support.

Father Waller Caldwell, Assistant Rector for Pastoral Care, has revived this ministry. Through his commitment to communication, Father Waller has enabled all the components of Pastoral Care to function more effectively. We now can respond immediately to the needs of our parishioners. For example, since June 4, our clergy have made over 357 visits and contacts. Their dedication is amazing and is a gift for which we should be grateful.

The Guild of St. Francis and St. Clare has offered the following support in July:

Short Term Care: 6 contacts

Long Term Care: 23 contacts

Card Ministry: 29 sent

We desire to be the hands and feet of Christ. Please call Donna Matthews or Father Waller at the church office at 585-2268 if you or or another member of the parish is in need of support and love.

If you are inspired by this ministry, we welcome your involvement. Please contact vestry members Mary Hope Rhodes or Patsy Simril if you are interested.

I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:40

Liturgy/Music Proclaiming the Gospel

2011 September Flowers

First Sunday- September 4, 2011

Altar Memorial
The flowers that adorn the altar are given to the glory of God and

in loving memory of Rose and Walter Montgomery and Dr. and Mrs. Bill James by Betty and Walter Montgomery.

Second Sunday- September 11, 2011

Altar Memorial

The flowers that adorn the altar are given to the glory of God and

in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Wallace Johnson and Marshall M. Jordan, Sr.by Wallace Johnson and Frannie Jordan

in loving memory of Louis P. Howell by his family

in loving memory of Michael John Normanly by his family, Patricia, Benjamin, Trish and Jay Walpole

Third Sunday - September 18, 2011

Altar Memorials

The flowers that adorn the altar are given to the glory of God and

in memory of William Harry Stewart with grateful hearts for his many gifts by Nancy and John Holmes and family in loving memory of Betty McDougal Richardson and Ellen Richardson Cole by her family in loving memory of Charlotte Sharpe McDonald and James Lewis McDonald by the Pye family

Baptismal Font
The flowers around the Baptismal Font are to the glory of God and
in thanksgiving and love for Patsy and Henry Simril by Geoff Simril

Fourth Sunday - September 25, 2011

Alter Memorial
The flowers that adorn the altar are to the Glory of God and
in loving memory of Elizabeth Strickland Evins and Thomas Alexander Evins by Mallie and Sonny King, Elizabeth and David Martin, and Alex and Jennifer Evins

Music Ministry

Summer Choir

Thank you to those of you who have sung in the summer choir! There's one more opportunity for all parishioners to sing in the summer choir Sunday 4 September at 10:15 a.m. The group will reconvene on Memorial Day Sunday.

Announcing Church of the Advent Music Groups

The Episcopal Church of the Advent is proud to offer choral and instrumental groups for parishioners of all ages, all of which will start the week of Tuesday 6 September. All groups meet in the choir room (Pendleton Hall) unless otherwise noted.

Choral Groups (i.e. singing)

Cherub Choir - for 4 year olds; meets six weeks before Christmas and six weeks before Easter in Room 106 (PCLC) Tuesdays between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Angel Choir - for children in grades K-1; meets each Wednesday between 5:15 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. in Room 106 (PCLC).

Junior Choir - for children in grades 2-5; meets every Wednesday between 5:15 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Youth Choir - for children in grades 6-12; meets every

Sunday between 5:00 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

St. Cecilia Choir - adult choir which sings approximately every other week for the 9 a.m. service; meets on Tuesdays between 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Advent Schola - adult choir which sings weekly for the 11:15 a.m. service; meets on Wednesdays between 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

Occasional Choir- adult choir which sings once a month, on the fourth Sunday for the 9:00 a.m. service; meets at 8:15 a.m.

Instrumental Groups

Advent Toners - the Church of the Advent hand chime ensemble! No musical experience is necessary to join the Advent Toners, just the ability to count to four! They meet on Thursdays between 6:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

Gabriel's Instruments - an instrumental ensemble for anyone at the Advent who plays an instrument, which currently meets on Tuesdays between 5:00 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.; at least one year of playing your instrument is considered as necessary experience.

Carilloneurs Guild - The Carilloneurs Guild is a group of dedicated souls who peal the bells in the Cleveland Memorial Bell Tower following Sunday services. Training is provided once a year, usually in November, by Carolyn Roberts. The ability to read music is required.

All musical groups are directed by Brennan Szafron, except for the Carilloneurs Guild (directed by Carolyn Roberts) and the Angel Choir, which for the first time ever will be directed by Dr. Kelly Vaneman, professor of oboe and music history at Converse College.

Again, PLEASE consider joining the Advent's music program. Those who have been a part of it can tell you that it's a lot of fun!

2011 - 2012 Concert Series

The third annual concert series will be different in that not every event will be in the sanctuary. Hence, the title of the series, Music Here and There, conveys the power of music everywhere. Below is a list of the events.

Sunday 11 September at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services: "Music in Memory of 9/11" will focus on peace and comfort. The vocal and instrumental selections will be the "Pie Jesus" from John Rutter's Requiem, Ennio Morricone's "Gabriel's Oboe," and Denis Bedard's "Melodia." Instrumentalists Kelly Vaneman (oboe), Ken Frick (trumpet), and Chris Vaneman (Flute) will perform at either service.

Friday 7 October at 7:00 p.m.: "Wine, Women, Man and Song" will comprise dinner and musical entertainment. Join the Advent's paid choral leaders for drinks, dinner, Broadway and opera in the Parish and Community Life Center.

Wednesday 2 November at 7:00 p.m.: a choral Holy Eucharist for the feast of All Souls will be at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church. Experience a commemorative service in which 40 voices liturgically render John Rutter's Requiem to honor the faithful. If you have never heard Rutter's work, let me warn you: it evokes tears.

Sunday 29 January at 4:00 p.m.: hear Market Street Brass from Greensboro, North Carolina perform everything from Bach to Dixieland.

Sunday 18 March at 4:00 p.m.: The Portland Guitar Duo will perform. The duo uses multiple forms of classical guitars to create beautiful melodies.

Friday 4 May at 7:00 p.m.: the children's choir of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, will sing again at the Advent. St. Peter's hosts a choral school that trains children from ages 8 to 18.

2012 Lenten Recital Series

The title of the 2012 series is Bach, Bread and Blessings. The recitals will be Wednesdays at noon throughout Lent. Brennan will reveal details about the series in another edition of the paper.

Christian Formation Growing in understanding

Book and Brown Bag

Join us on Wednesdays from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a discussion of C. S. Lewis', The Great Divorce, which is now available for $12.00 in the Advent Shoppe.

August 31 Preface through Chapter 2

September 7 Chapters 3-8

September 14 NO CLASS - EpiscoPals

September 21 Chapters 9-11

September 28 Chapters 12 - the end

Please bring something to eat; Gail and Jessica will provide something to drink. Childcare will be available; however, you must call Chris Lynn at 585-9090, extension 222 to arrange it.

Nursery

Did you know that the nursery is often the first place a visiting family sees? Their impression of us is made when they enter the facility and meet the adults who are there to care for the little ones. For this reason, we ALWAYS have two professional staff members in our nursery on Sunday mornings. There are also two sets of parents scheduled each week. These nursery greeters provide additional hands and hearts to welcome new children - and their families - and to assure that our ratio of adults to children is acceptable. The greeter schedule for September - August 2012 has been mailed out to everyone who used our nursery last year. However, many of our children have "aged out" of nursery care and are enjoying worshiping with their families now. So some weeks there are no volunteers available. If you would like to volunteer your time to be a nursery greeter one (just 1!) time this year, please email Chris Lynn. There's an empty rocking chair just waiting for you.

Adult Formation

The brochure listing all of our exciting options for adult faith formation is available. There are classes and/or discussions on Wednesdays and Thursdays this fall - at varying times and places. Please look carefully to discern how you would like to continue deepening your faith. Our Sunday morning seminars begin on September 18.

Women's Bible Study

Have you ever doubted yourself, fought temptations, battled personal inconsistencies, fallen into sin, suffered losses, or anguished over familial problems? Join the club, or more specifically, David's club. The Women's Bible Study will learn about a Biblical figure of unequaled failure and redemption: King David, the man after God's heart.

The course will last for eleven weeks, from September 1 through November 10, and the class will meet each Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the dining rooms (PCLC). To register for the course and to order a workbook ($20.00), please contact Chris Lynn at 585-9090, extension 222.

Wednesday Night Bible Study

The books are in for the Wednesday evening Bible study, Finding Balance, which begins on September 14.

Finding Balance: Loving God with Heart and Soul, Mind and Strength was designed to help women explore the issues of balance-balance between devotion and duty, prayer and service, being and doing. The video is by Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest currently serving as the chaplain at Vanderbilt University. She has thrived on the challenges of balancing her work and family, her duty to God and others, and prayer and study.

Helen Mitchell and Janet Davis will facilitate the discussion, which will begin at 5:45 p.m. in conference room 2 (Satterlee Hall). The group will meet for six weeks. If you want to join, please call Helen at 579-9828 or Janet at 585-3471.

Adventure Kingdom

Sunday mornings will look a bit different for our preschool children through fifth graders. They will still all be Kingdom Kids and our playground will remain the Word of God, but we will be exploring it differently.

Weaving God's Promises is an Episcopal curriculum designed for preschool through fifth grades. Children will learn how God's promise is woven into our lives as they study the Bible, learn about our Prayer Book and hymns, and grow spirits of forgiveness and reconciliation. Preschoolers will be learning together with Katie Soto, Mary Stewart Loring, and Frances Krydynski in Room 109 of the PCLC. Children in 5Kindergarten and first grade will be with Jeff Boucher, Suzanne Dantin, and Evan Hammett in room 103. Second and third graders, along with teachers Reed Chewning, Joy Oates and Teah Pye, will be upstairs. Fourth and fifth graders will comprise our new "tween" class. Along with many of the same lessons their younger siblings are doing, this group will also tackle issues of bullying, internet safety, getting along with parents, and death. They will also be taking a leadership role in planning and carrying out service opportunities and special worship services. The "tweens" will have Patsy Simril, Sharyn Pittman, Jimmy Shoulders, Jason Pye and Chris

sharing their learning.

Changes to Adventure Kingdom did not come suddenly or without much deliberation. Many parents felt that their children needed more consistency on Sunday mornings. We hope that the "new" way of being will address this concern. As always, however, the children's presence is needed to make consistency a possibility. We'll be there if your child(ren) will!

Youth Empowering students

Poke These Dates into Your Phone

Wednesday 17 September: Youth Confirmation Class from

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Parish and Community Life Center

Sunday 11 September: Youth Group Downtown Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday 14 September: 1st 11th and 12th graders Discipleship Group (D-Group) will meet at Venus Pie

Saturday 17 September: Confirmation Retreat ALL-DAY at the Youth Center

Sunday 18 September: Junior High 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Senior High 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Sunday 25 September: Discipleship Groups (D-Groups)

Wednesday 28 September: 1st 11th and 12th graders Discipleship Group (D-Group) will meet at Venus Pie

Youth Confirmation

The first class for confirmands will be Wednesday 7 September from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Parish and Community Life Center. The class will begin with a meal and end with a prayer. Some classes will be off the campus.

Sunday Nights

Every Sunday evening, beginning Sunday 11 September, the youth will meet. The location will change-the church, a parishioner's home, a bowling or climbing center-but youths always will come together. The first Sundays of each month are Jr. and Sr. High gatherings; the second Sundays are discipleship groups (d-groups); the third Sundays are outings; the fourth Sundays are d-groups

Outreach Giving ourselves away

Mission Trip to Sewanee Provides Assistance for

Housing Sewanee Project

The Church of the Advent sent a mission team to work with Housing Sewanee to assist in the repair of a partly burned house that left a family homeless. The mission team was on the mountain from Sunday 24 July to Saturday 30 July.

The house required extensive clean up of burned materials such as removing the metal window frames and chipping mortar off the rocks that had fallen off the house during the fire. Interior framing was added on the exterior walls for the installation of wiring and insulation. Rafters were added to strengthen existing ones damaged by the fire. It took the strength of the entire team to throw the tub out of the window.

The mission team, which consisted of Father Ned Morris, Father Hal Carter, Charles Minch, Jim Elliott, Bob Page, Sierra Davis, Craig Williams, Bert Knight and Larry Moore, found it to be a rewarding week as they enjoyed camaraderie while working, socializing, and holding devotions.

The Advent has provided service to the Sewanee community for over 13 years.

Sewanee 2011

Sewanee 2011a

Sewanee 2011b

Sewanee 2011c

Convocation Relief Trip

On Sunday, July 24th, Bobbie Daniel and Bennett Setzer set out with the convocation relief trip to Ft. Payne, Alabama. They were joined mid-week by Craig Williams and Father Hal Carter, Assistant Rector for Mission and Outreach.

The clean up from the April 28th storms is still a much-needed ministry throughout Alabama. This experience proved, not only to be a great chance to get to know others from the Advent better, but also provided the chance to meet, worship and work with members of our neighboring parishes.

In the beginning of October, from October 9-15, there will be another opportunity to come and be a part of this work o clean and rebuild a community that has gone through so much in the past months. "I am certain that, like the past two experiences, it will be full of stories of joy and hardship that will help to transform our lives and draw us into deeper relationships with each other and God," said Father Hal Carter.

If you think you might be interested in participating in this ministry, please e-mail Father Hal Carter at email.

Food Basket Ministry

Food Ministry

Please participate in the Food Basket Ministry by donating non-perishable foodstuff to Total Ministries. There are bins in Satterlee Hall and in the Parish and Community Life Center.

Outreach Sunday

The Outreach Commission, in partnership with Stop Hunger Now, is planning a hunger-relief event in the gymnasium on Sunday 11 September from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The commission needs a minimum of 100 parishioners to package 10,000 meals in an hour. Families, friends and neighbors are all invited!

Parish Life Fostering Christian fellowship

First Wednesday Dinner

Is it too hot to cook? Let Gail and Jessica cook for you. The First Wednesday Dinner will be at 5:45 p.m. on September 7 in the dining rooms in the PCLC. The cost is $5.00 per adult and $3.00 per child (12 and younger) or $20.00 per family. Please let us know you are coming for a head count. RSVP to egilliam@churchofadvent.org or call 504-3680.

All Women

are invited

to join together for the

Annual Episcopal Church Women Gathering

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Holy Eucharist 5:30 pm

Dinner 6:00 pm

Please call 504-3684 to make

Reservations by September 20, 2011

Serendipity Circle

The Serendipity Circle will meet Monday 12 September at 10:00 a.m. in dining room A (PCLC) with Carolyn Roberts and Dotty Frick. No need to call. Come join us!

Cancer Support Group

The Cancer Support Group will meet Wednesday 14 September at 4:00 p.m. in conference room 1, which is the room diagonally opposite the library in Satterlee Hall. Please join the group if your life has been touched by cancer. Call Jackie Hollis at 573-5177 for more information.

Ministries Fair

Thank you to all of the people that made the ministries fair and brunch a huge success! There are many ways to be involved at the Advent and most were represented that Sunday.

Fellowship Groups

Fellowship Group I needs a host home for the next gathering on Saturday 18 September. If you would like to host the next get together, email Elizabeth Gilliam at egilliam@churchofadvent.org or call 504-3692. Hosts ask guests to bring covered dishes and their favorite beverages. Singles and couples, young and old: the group does not discriminate.

Raise the Tent - Raise the Faith

Sunday 2 October at 10:30 a.m.

Mark your calendar, save the date and plan to attend

this very special Revival Sunday Service and delicious lunch

of fried chicken with all the fixins afterward.

Oyster Roast

Advent Oyster Roast is scheduled for Friday 28 October at 6:30pm. Add this to your calendar! There are many ways to help at this fun event. Please contact Elizabeth Gilliam at egilliam@churchofadvent.org. The 2012 Youth Pilgrimage group will be available for child care as a fundraiser again this year.

Parish Weekend 2012

The Church has reserved March 16 to March 18 at Kanuga for the Advent's annual parish weekend. Keenan and Mark Mullen and Nicole

and John Brown will be co-chairing this fun-filled weekend.

In Stitches

There will be some unique items for sale this year at the Advent's annual bazaar. Barbara Gutierrez bought a bale of secondhand kimonos years ago to use in quilting. Because she still had over a hundred left over, she decided to share them with In Stitches. Some of the kimonos are suitable for robes or cover-ups and will be sold as such. The group is disassembling the other kimonos and transforming them into evening bags, pillow shams, and card cases.

In Stitches (1) In Stitches (2)