Advent and World AIDS Day

Today, December 1, marks the first Sunday in Advent.  It also is World AIDS day.  Sadly I had forgotten this important day of remembrance and it wasn't until Starbucks offered me a 1/2 price espresso drink that I was reminded.  I'll be headed to our Calendar to add this recurring event so taht next year we can include it in our service.

As most of you know, HIV/AIDS was originally called GRID (Gay Related Immune Deficiency) and later changed to Acquired Immune Deficiency when it was realized, rather early on, that the infection was not limited to gay men.  As horrifying as it was in our first understanding it is even more devastating as it exists today, ravaging communities in the third world and in "developed" countries where repression is still the norm.

"Silence = Death" was the slogan used by early activists to urge those infected to overcome the stigma and speak out to seek diagnosis and treatment.  Today HIV/AIDS is more under control in the gay community because of wider acceptance of gay and lesbian Americans. But Silence still equals death in areas where oppression is still alive.  In many parts of Africa the church is at least a complicit, if not an active, part of in this oppression.  The shunning of the use of condoms has caused the death of countless thousands of men and women. It might be worth remembering, as we listen to the controversy around Russia's anti-gay laws surround the upcoming Winter Olympics, that this state sanctioned gag order on homosexuals and their allies is not without victims.

As we wait for the birth of our Lord this advent, let us also wait for the day that His church will speak up and speak out against homophobia around the world. As Mother Dahn said today, let us crack open those shields and let our light shine.   Silence still equals death.

- Neil Houghton, Advent 1, 2013

Suggested link:  Life Magazine's Photo That Changed the Face of AIDS, behind the scenes

      

December 2013 - Newsletter

St. John’s Episcopal Church

11 Episcopal Ave.

Honeoye Falls, NY 14472

585-624-4074

The Rev’d Dahn Dean Gandell, Rector; The Rev’d John A Andrews, Priest Associate

Web:  www.stjohnshf.org e-mail:  stjohns@rochester.rr.com

  December, 2013 Newsletter

Rector’s Reflections

My Beloved St. John’s Family-

Thank you for the gift of being your rector/priest/friend for the past twelve years.  This will be my thirteenth and final Advent and Christmas Eve celebration with you.  You’ve heard me say before:  “Change is inevitable; Growth is optional.”  Being with you has changed me and I have grown in ways I never could have imagined.  I have gotten brave about world travel!  When David wanted me to go to Micronesia with him for the first time in 2007, I was terrified.  I remember preaching what I thought might be my final sermon before my trip half way around the world.  And the main thing I wanted you to know was that I loved you and God loved you and whatever happened, it would be alright.  God is good, all the time, all the time, God is good.  Since then, we’ve gone back to Palau, Micronesia four times, and I’ve done four pilgrimages to Tanzania, one to France, and one to India.  I have seen the face of God in ways that have expanded my understanding of God and my faith in people.  And I am compelled to do as much as I can to make the world a better place by seeking and serving Christ in all people and respecting the dignity of every human being.

Thank you for loving my children.  It’s difficult to believe that Lily and Hannah were one and two when we came here!  David was amazing in his willingness to provide nursery service when no one else was available so that I could officiate at the Sunday morning services.  The girls have made life-long friends with the youth here and they look forward to continuing that friendship.  David has enjoyed singing with the choir and serving as lector and chalice bearer.  When we brought Madie into our family, you adopted her into the St. John’s family as well.  God bless you all for that.  We ARE all brothers and sisters in Christ and I hope that going forward you will treat all visitors with the same warmth and welcome.

For the ways I have disappointed you, I ask your forgiveness.  For the things I have done well, I give thanks to God.  I hope that everyone will attend the services in December—the auction this Sunday (I’m auctioning off office memorabilia and furniture and rugs!) will be lots of fun, + Prince’s visitation is Decem-ber 15, and Christmas Eve services at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. will be beautiful as always.  Christmas Pageant at 7 and midnight mass at 10, WITH INCENSE.  December 29 is my final Sunday with a celebration luncheon to follow.  All are welcome!  I love you, God loves you, and whatever happens, it will be alright.

When I end my pastoral relationship with you, I don’t end my friendship with you!  I just won’t get involved in leadership issues at St. John’s or pastoral issues.  You will need to establish relationships with your new priest and the best way to do that is to be yourselves and let yourselves be open to the new opportunities that lie ahead.  We’ve had an amazing run together.  I have been incredibly blessed.  I wish God’s blessings on each and every one of you.  Stick together.  Love each other.  Be great and commit to making everyone around you great.  Don’t settle.  Have a fabulous Advent Season!  The best is yet to come!

Peace and Namaste,

Dahn†

VESTRY HIGHLIGHTS

FACILITIES:

Repairs – Rand House windows have been replaced.  This was necessary for lead abatement, and lower heating bills may be a bonus.

Fencing – Deckman Oil is expanding their redwood fence along the St. John’s property line and will plant arborvitaes along it on the church side.

FINANCIAL:                                 Income            $  5,398.06

November summary:            Less Expenses                6,599.97

                                       Net Income/(Loss)              (1,201.91)

The detailed monthly Income/Expense Report is posted on the entrance bulletin board of the church.  Please try to drop off or mail your pledge amounts whether or not you are attending Sundays, and submit your 2014 pledge cards so that the budget can be completed.  Remember to save your HF & Mendon Meadows Marketplace receipts and drop off in the jar at the back of the church.  When purchasing items for the church, please first get a tax-exempt form from the office.  Every little bit saved adds up and helps our budget.

NEXT VESTRY MEETING is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10^th in Rand House.

                       

YOUTH GROUP NEWS

The St. John’s Youth attended a Mennonite church service on November 17, with a luncheon following.

They will be doing bell-ringing at Eastview Mall on Friday, December 6.

The early Christmas Eve service (7 pm) will include their Christmas pageant.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24  will be the Christmas Eve services:

   7 pm, Youth Group pageant;

  10 pm, traditional candlelight service with incense, Mother Dahn presiding.

Christmas Day service (Wednesday) will be 10:00 a.m.

ALTAR GUILD WOMEN will be decorating the church following the December 22^nd service.  Please bring any new ideas!  See Bev Smith for details.

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS from parishioner ANDY SMITH:  “Christmas is two things, really.  First, it’s the recognition of a birth a couple of thousand years ago of a baby who grew into someone who would bring many millions of people together in peace and good will.  The tragic, human side of that is that his name has also been misused to divide and breed hatred toward those with different beliefs.  Christmas is also one’s own experience and sharing of the celebration through traditions of trees and wreaths and lights and song and food and service, the better side of humankind.  Merry Christmas and a good day to all.  Andy.”

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS – The church office will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays:  Tuesday, December 24 through Wednesday, January 1.  The office will reopen Thursday, January 2^nd.

SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER         

ADVENT 1 - December 1

Crucifer/Torches: Hannah Gandell/ David Lamphier, Lily Gandell

Greeters:  Robb Young/Mark Donahoe

Chalice Bearer  Lectors 1 & 2: Deb Shafer/Hannah Gandell

Prayers of the People: Mary Jo Smith

Coffee Hour: TBD

ADVENT 2 - December 8

Crucifer/Torches: David Lamphier/ Mary Lamphier, Brandon Shafer

Greeters:  Judy Haravitch/Yeates Conwell

Chalice Bearer  Lectors 1 & 2: Catherine Faurot/Allan Shafer

Prayers of the People: Neil Houghton

Coffee Hour: Silent Auction

ADVENT 3 - December 15

Crucifer/Torches: Madie Gandell/ Cyndy Lamphier, Lily Gandell

Greeters:  Judy Reinhard/Mark Gooding

Chalice Bearer  Lectors 1 & 2: Robb Young/Deb Shafer

Prayers of the People: Cyndy Lamphier

Coffee Hour: Bishop Singh Luncheon

ADVENT 4 - December 22

Crucifer/Torches: Hannah Gandell/Madie Gandell/ Mary Jo Smith

Greeters:  Anna Young/Gina Hurley

Chalice Bearer  Lectors 1 & 2: David Lamphier/Hannah Gandell

Prayers of the People: Allene Baillargeon

Coffee Hour: TBD

                      

CHRISTMAS EVE - December 24

Crucifer/Torches: Brandon Shafer & Lucas Smith/

                                Hannah, Lily and Madie Gandell, Mary Lamphier

Greeters:  Robb Young/Mark Donahoe    Andy Smith (late)

Chalice Bearer  Lectors 1 & 2: Robb Young/Mary Jo Smith

Prayers of the People: Allan Shafer

CHRISTMAS DAY - December 25

Crucifer/Torches:  TBD

Greeters:  Judy Haravitch/Yeates Conwell

Chalice Bearer  Lectors 1 & 2: Bev Smith

Prayers of the People: Bev Smith

CHRISTMAS 1 - December 29

Crucifer/Torches:  Bev Smith/Mary Jo Smith, Cyndy Lamphier

Greeters:  Judy Reinhard/Mark Gooding

Chalice Bearer  Lectors 1 & 2: Mary Jo Smith/Bev Smith

Prayers of the People: Catherine Faurot