February 1, 2012

Dear friends in Christ,

St. Philip's Parish is a very busy place these days. As you will see and hear this Sunday at the Annual Meeting, much has gone on in 2011, and much is planned for 2012. Last year, at our 2011 Mutual Ministry Review (which we just had again--because we are committed to doing that on an annual basis), our consultant noted that St. Philippians seem to be very good about DOING Christian works, but not as good about THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION on those works. From time to time, I think about this, and so you may hear me reflect in sermons and articles about reflecting on what we do in this place for God.

In the Old Testament reading this Sunday, Isaiah reminds his people that their lives are not really about them, and that they are not in control. I'm sure this was a hard thing to hear in the 6th century BCE as it is today. We like to be in control. We like to let ourselves believe that what we accomplish in life--whether at work, sports or church--is what WE have done. Isaiah reminds all of us that it is God--who created the heavens and earth and all of its creatures--who should be our focus of power and worship.

The psalmist echoes this theme with a hymn of praise to our God for God's graciousness, healing, naming the stars, gifts of food and water for all of us.

As we gather this Sunday, to worship, to share fellowship at brunch and to do some business, I pray that we will remember Who is in charge and to Whom we owe praise, thanksgiving and worship. "Praise the Lord!", to echo the psalmist.

Sunday Scripture Readings
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39

Announcements

ST. PHILIP'S ANNUAL PARISH MEETING IS THIS SUNDAY, FEB. 5 following the 10:15 service and brunch.

Suggestions for brunch items to bring to the table of fellowship:
Egg casserole dishes (i.e. egg/sausage, egg/cheese, egg/ham, egg/bacon)
Salads
Bagels or Rolls
Orange or Apple Juice
Sandwiches
Potato chips
Fruit trays
Veggie trays
Jam, butter, cream cheese, etc.

Please bring enough to feed your family plus one! That way, those of us who cannot bring anything will feel welcome.

St. Philippians who are standing for election are as follows:
Senior Warden: Frank Lamancusa
Vestry: Angie Galt
Stacy Harper-Avilla
Scott Lilianthal
Jim Rogers
EDOW Delegate (will be Alternate first year): Justin Mann

NOTE: This Sunday is Theological Education Sunday. The Episcopal Church requires that one Sunday a month, funds "not otherwise specifically designated" go to the Rector's Discretionary Fund (with this fund, I am able to help individuals--often in our own parish--with monies when they need help). However, this coming Sunday, I would like to suggest that folks express your gratitude to our seminarians, the Rev. Ginny Wilder and Dr. Darcy Williams, by writing a check to St. Philip's and putting in the memo line "Virginia Theological Seminary donation." I will then ask our treasurer to write a check to the Virginia Theological Seminary Chapel for the Ages fund in honor of Ginny and Darcy. ~Sheila+

Annual Meeting Exclusive Mini-Auction THIS SUNDAY

WinterFest will be putting these select items up for silent auction bidding this Sunday. Bidding will open after the 8:00 service and will close right BEFORE the Annual Parish Meeting begins. Look for the table with the snowflake lights in Wyatt Hall. Winning bidders will pay for and take home their items after the meeting (we will be able to accept checks or cash).

3 pairs of tickets to the 2012 Motor Trend International Auto Show in Baltimore
Thursday, February 9 through Sunday, February 12, 2012
At the Baltimore Convention Center
Donated by: Paul Fitzer
Starting bid: $10/pair

10 Collectible Ruby Taylor Handmade Mouse Ornaments

These highly collectible mice are handmade by long-time St. Philip's parishioner Ruby Taylor, who designed and hand-crafted a different mouse each year for many years for sale at the St. Philip's Holly Days Bazaar. Ruby's 2011 mice sold out before the Bazaar even opened.
St. Philip's Ministry Center Construction Mouse
Knitting Mouse
Painter Mouse
Mama with Baby Mouse
Easter Basket Mouse
Quilter Mouse
Winter Sweater and Hat Mouse
Fourth of July Patriotic Mouse
Music Director Mouse
Auction Bidder Mouse
Donated by: Mike Tolle
Starting bid: $20 per mouse

Set of Two Learn to Ski and Snowboard packages:
Two Beginner Learn to Ski or Snowboard Packages at Liberty Mountain Resort. Each package includes a restricted lift ticket to the beginner ski area, complete rentals and a 90-minute class lesson. Liberty Mountain Resort introduces more people to skiing and snowboarding than most resorts in the nation. For Ages 8 and older. Valid Sunday through Friday, non-holiday, or any evening from 5-10pm during the 2011-2012 season (not valid on President's Day weekend). Expires 3/1/2012.
Donated by: Liberty Resort
Starting bid: $50 for set of two packages

ST. PHILIP'S WINTERFEST SILENT AUCTION & DINNER
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. in Wyatt Hall

All proceeds from this fun event will go toward finishing out classroom space in the basement of Wyatt Hall so that we can expand our mission and ministry.
What can YOU do?
1. Buy a ticket: $40 each in advance, $45 at the door (very limited availability). Someone is available after both services this Sunday to sell tickets.
2. Help with decorations: We need loans of white lights, icicle lights, shooting star lights, extension cords and floor lamps. Please let Linda Stapf know if you can loan lights, and let Libby Lamancusa know f you can loan extension cords or floor lamps.
3. Preview items to bid on: Check out the St. P's website (www.stphilipslaurel.org) for a Winterfest page that includes a preview of auction items. Check out the Fixed-Price Event Items and check the specific dates on your calendar before the event.
4. Donate dessert foods: a sign-up sheet is in Wyatt Hall by the Winterfest board for donations of finger-food desserts. thanks! ~Libby Lamancusa, Chair

EIGHT WEEK ADULT BOOK STUDY BEGINS THIS SUNDAY!

This Sunday, Feb. 5, we'll begin an eight-week book study on THE LAST WEEK: WHAT THE GOSPELS REALLY TEACH ABOUT JESUS'S FINAL DAYS IN JERUSALEM by Marcus Borg & John Crossan. This book focuses on each day of the last week of Jesus's life--was this a spiritual event or a political event? Or both? What does the Bible say about Jesus's passion?

If you are new to St. Philip's, this is a great way to get to know some folks and engage in some thoughtful discussion about the week of the Passion. We will meet every Sunday at 9:00 in the Wyatt Hall Conference Room. ~Sheila+

2012 ST. PHILIP'S ANNUALCHILI COOK-OFF
When: Sunday, February 26, 2012
Where: Wyatt Hall
Time: Social Hour at 4:00 p.m. with contest starting at 5:00 p.m.
Music: The Mike & Bobby Band

Action: Get those Chili, Cornbread and Dessert recipes dusted off! Sign up on the Chili Cook-Off board in Wyatt Hall & join the fun (prizes for the winners of each category!)

Tickets: 1 Contestant free per dish.
Adults: $15.00 Children (5-12) $5.00 Children under 5 eat free.
Tickets will be on sale after both Sunday services--please buy in advance to make it easier and quicker to get in on the day.

Why: To support a great cause! All proceeds go towards the St. Philip's Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Feb. 26! Any questions, please contact Deb Fitzer

Prayers

As you say your prayers this week, please remember these parishioners and friends: Andy Anderson and Cindi Spicer, Gail Bernhard, Terry Betzer, Justin Bundens, Jane Burke, Buddy Chesgreen, Joseph Chew, Bonnie and Ed Connor, Judy Cramer, Laurie Dusterwald, Amy Elmquist, Pat Bentley-Fisher, Albert Fons, Paul and Caryne Forster, Brandon Fuhrman, John Greenhorn, Linda Hawkins, Phyllis Iglehart, Georgette Inman, Kathleen Inman, Ann Jess-Johnson, Brenda Johnson, Charles McLaughlin, Susan Miranda, Casey Ohringer, Tom Penn, T.J. Ricchiuto, Janice Robinson, Steve Russell, Queenie Seay, Becky Teague, Jim Teague, Becky Thomas, Laurence Wheeler, Dennis Williams, Dylan Williams and the Williams Family, and Thomas Woody.

Today, as you go about your business or play sports, do something kind for someone and pray for that person--even if you don't know them. Bless the person in your heart and smile. It might make a difference in their lives without your ever knowing it.

Pray for those who live, work or play in areas of high conflict around the world. Pray for peace and work for justice in our time.

Pray for the person who will sit next to you this Sunday. Pray for someone who doesn't. Pray that we will extend St. Philip's hospitality to all who come in our doors--even if they don't look like we do.

Give thanks to God this day for those faithful, committed lay ministers who rotate off Vestry on Sunday: Scott Aker (Sr. Warden), Amy Brennan, Pam Brown, Linda Stapf and Joanne Woytek. They have helped lead this parish in often un-sung ways, and the rector sings aloud a song of thanksgiving and praise for them.

Give thanks for whatever you have in your life that makes it better--whether that is people, pets, lovely surroundings in your home, good business colleagues, or buddies on sports teams.

I thank God for you this day. Faithfully, Sheila+

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