Glad Tidings
Central-St Matthew United Church of Christ Newsletter
November, 2008
Click here for a PDF version of the November newsletter
“What Matters”
One pastor tells of his excitement bringing a university professor into parish membership. The pastor endeavored to prepare and to deliver better sermons from the pulpit as this prospective member continued to attend worship. Later, while reflecting with the professor after he joined the parish, the pastor found that the professor's joining had less to do with the sermons he heard and more to do with an elderly woman who consistently made him feel welcomed and valued. That was what moved him into Christian community. Imagine that- the Christian spirit of hospitality out did excellent preaching! Who we are and what will happen over the next decade in this Central/St. Matthew process will largely be shaped by how much we welcome and value one another’s presence. A significant part of valuing someone is taking the time to get to know them. Acquiring knowledge about another human being through a sharing of stories is at the heart of Christian fellowship. Stories do not make up who we are but they do lead to greater understanding of others. In that time of exchange, we get a glimpse of God’s reflection as seen in someone else’s eyes.
We all reflect God’s light. It is, in fact, one of our fundamental purposes in this life, not only to see, but to acknowledge God’s presence in others. In doing so, we get a little bit closer to the Kingdom of God.
Rev. Fred
A Message from Your Moderators
With the news from Pastor Fred that he has accepted a call to Cape Cod and will be leaving us on Christmas Day, comes a slight feeling of anxiety. What will we do without him and without Wil? Well, while we miss Wil and will miss Fred, we will be fine. Here is why. We are two congregations consisting of highly gifted persons who will rise to new positions of leadership. We have an active Governance Board and Council and committees who take their responsibilities seriously. We have a Transition Team that is working diligently to facilitate the communication between our two churches and research new ministerial leadership; we have ordained clergy in our midst who have already offered their services on a short time basis; we have an enthusiastic Student-In-Care; we have our South Central Conference minister, Reverend Douglas Anders, who has provided and will continue to provide support and guidance through our transitional and interim periods. We have people in this city and around the country praying for us. We will keep moving forward. As always, we want to keep you up-to-date.
The Governance Board, the Council, and the Transition Team all recognize the importance of discussing finances for the expenses of interim ministry and the maintenance of our buildings. To that end a transition finance committee has been appointed by both governing boards. Representing St Matthew are Michele D’Aquin, Carol Etter, and Mike Englebracht. Representing Central are Andrea Gibson, and two others yet to be determined. Each church will continue to have its own financial committee but the transitional finance committee will examine expenses we need to share.
Another goal of the Transition Team has been to improve communication between our two churches and to plan for our immediate future. At the first workshop on August 24th, facilitators, Jean Watts and Erness Wright-Irvin, challenged us to communicate the important elements of our heritage that must be continued and to brainstorm ideas on how we might be in partnership over the next three years. There were almost ninety people at that event. Many ideas and excitement were shared. Jean and Erness compiled all the items and produced a document that was sent to members and friends of both congregations. All were asked to complete a survey that required translating the brainstormed ideas into action statements. At a second workshop held on October 19th, participants prioritized those action statements, examined how realistic they were to implement, and then arranged them in a time line by quarters for 2009. Again, Jean and Erness compiled the timelines which are now ready for distribution. These timelines will be helpful to share with our new interim minister and can be the guiding principles for committee and governing board decisions in 2009. So a plan, created by those who answered the survey and/or participated at the second workshop, is in place. That plan is now available in hard copy at the church, will be sent by email, and will appear on our Central St. Matthew website.
The crucial last step to any planning is to engage people in actually implementing ideas. Once again, the facilitators are going to help us discern those gifts God has given to each of us. There will be one final workshop in 2008 on Saturday, December 6th from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm where participants will focus on their inner life, specifically recognizing our talents and gifts, and exploring how we might use these natural gifts on behalf of service. Please consider attending this retreat. It should be personally fulfilling. (See the details elsewhere in this newsletter.)
We have one final comment from our hearts. It has been our intention to be as transparent as possible during this time of covenant and transition. The articles from your moderators have been intended to keep you informed. The purpose of the transition team biographies was to introduce its members so that you will feel comfortable talking with them. We are somewhat concerned, however, that there were not even one-half the participants at the second workshop as were at the first. Was this circumstantial or something else? We want your ideas, thoughts, and feelings as we ALL plan the future of St. Matthew and of Central. There is no pre-determined plan; we are in the process of planning together by listening to one another. Whether we eventually become two separate congregations or one congregation, we each have to go through the process of examining who we are and where we are headed in the future. We can continue to clarify our vision with the help of an interim. Are you taking part in the process? We pray that you are. You are needed, and all are treated with respect and honor. Central and St. Matthew are your churches.
In the Unity of the Spirit,
Joan and Dale
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LEADERS ON THE TRANSITION TEAM
Finale Article in the Series - Dale Bonds and Joan Fairbank
About Dale Bonds
I was born in Atlanta, GA, raised in Philadelphia, PA, and lived most of my adult life in New Orleans, LA. After attending Philadelphia High School for Girls (a public all girls’ high school), there was Talladega College, in Talladega, AL, for 4 years. I studied Mathematics in preparation for my career outside of teaching. I took a few education courses, as Mom would say “as a backup”.
IBM hired me right out of college and sent me to New Orleans for initial training. During my training, I was informed New Orleans would be my new home. YIKES! Who would have thought my life would be spent in New Orleans all of this time. I stuck it out with IBM for thirty years, as a systems engineer, a program support representative, and as a systems availability manager. Then I happily retired.
Retirement for me has been exhausting, but with a smile. How did I ever have time to work? I have worked part time as secretary at Central, served on the Diaconate, served as treasurer, served as an usher, served as a Sunday School teacher, served as … and the list tends to go on, even to having served in the New Orleans Association and on a UCC Urban Ministry Network Steering Committee. When God calls I don’t always say “Here I am, Lord” right away. In fact I usually resist, but somehow God works the plan, and I wind up doing something I can’t believe I’m doing, like being President of Central.
Serving as Central’s president is an honor and a pleasure, but also a tremendous challenge. I know listening to God’s calls on my life helped prepare me for this current position. In addition to being the President of Central, I volunteer at the South Central Conference Disaster Ministry, where I work in the office scheduling volunteer work groups who wish to come to New Orleans on mission trips, sending out thank-you letters and keeping track of the financial records. I feel God’s spirit has been my true guide both pre and post- Katrina.
On the personal side, Jim is my wonderful husband of 13 lucky years … he’s my second, and for me marriage is better the second time around. Together we have 4 children … 2 apiece … Ronald Bonds, an electrician in New Orleans; Michael Brown who works in the headquarters of PepBoys in Philadelphia; Kimberly Bonds Malcolm, a social worker in Cedar Rapids; and Keila Brown Thomas, an OB/GYN in Atlanta. We have 4 grandchildren with 1 due in November. We don’t know the sex, yet. The oldest is Christian, who is 9. The only girl so far, Sophia was born September 11, 2002. I actually watched the birth of Bryce, who is 2 years old. Alexander is our youngest at 4 months old.
Whew! And that’s only some of the highlights.
Blessings!
About Joan Fairbank
I have been a member of this church since moving to New Orleans in 1986 with my children and husband, Rev. William Fairbank, who was called to serve St. Matthew. Three months after arriving Bill was diagnosed with a terminal illness that shortened his ministry to one year. For the next seven years this congregation ministered to us, and I will forever be thankful for the support and love which helped sustain us during difficult years.
I taught English at Eleanor McMain High School for eighteen years, retiring three and a half years ago. I have three children and eight grandchildren all living elsewhere: Bill and Debbie and the four children are in Michigan but moving to Florida; Becky and Gary and their three children live in Wisconsin; and Amy and Jared and baby Sophie are in Colorado. Ask for pictures anytime! But that explains why I am gone from home (and church) often. My family is a priority. Yet I love New Orleans, my friends, and my spiritual home – St. Matthew/Central. It has been an honor to serve as St. Matthew’s president. I continue to be amazed by the talent and commitment from members of the church council and members of the transition team.
A scripture which speaks strongly to me is the one about all of us being many members yet forming one body. This particular scripture also talks about the Holy Spirit giving us different gifts which all work together for the common good. That is my model for us at Central St. Matthew. We are so blessed by the talented people in our two churches. We need always to honor all our parts, all our members. “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” We are bound in covenant, in partnership. May God be with us as we respect and honor each other.
In March 2008 both Rev. Wilmer Brown and I announced that we would be leaving the church. As you know Wil left within a few weeks; I had just begun the lengthy process of looking to serve another church.
Two weeks ago I received a “call” to serve a Congregational church on Cape Cod in Mass. The name of the church is North Falmouth Congregational Church. At the end of December, 2008, Julie and I will be moving there. God willing, there won’t be snow on the ground, and we will unpack all of our earthly possessions into their parsonage.
The next 2 months will be a time of transition for us and the church community. It is a time of saying “goodbyes” but also “hellos” to a new future. With God’s Guidance, this time is a time of great hope for all of us.
Memorial Service
Many of you will want to know that a Memorial Service for Evelyn Beets will be held at St. Matthew on October 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM. Evelyn and Rev. Ralph were longtime active members of St. Matthew. She served as president of the Church Council and both were active on many committees. Due to health concerns following Katrina, Ralph and Evelyn moved to Houston. Ralph and their daughter, Becky, would be honored to see you.
Discover Your God-Given Gifts
Have you ever wondered “What can I really do well?” Have you ever wondered why you suffer from depression and burnout in the very activities or service projects you are committed to? Are you interested in re-establishing the Central Diaconate or the St. Matthew Board of Deacons? Do you long for a quiet, reflective start to your Advent season? If you answer yes to one of these questions, you are a good candidate to attend the retreat on December 6th which will focus on discovering the gifts and talents which God has given to you. Maybe you have no idea what they are. Maybe you know but need some re-affirmation. Think about coming to this spiritual retreat where we will spend time in quiet and reflection, work in small groups, and engage in in-depth dialogue. Give yourself the Advent gift of discernment. There is no charge to you. You need only give yourself permission to take a day from your busy schedule to gain new respect for who you are.
Dr. Anthony Gregorc created the Style Delineator as a self-analysis tool designed to reveal how our mind works by revealing our most natural or preferred perceptual and ordering abilities. The way the mind works directly influences one’s preferred way to participate when in a group and one’s leadership style. Jean Watts and Erness Wright-Irvin are ready to help us focus on our inner life and discover what energizes us. Jean says, “When we are engaged in using our natural gifts, we gain energy because we are doing what God intends us to do. It feels right; we are doing what we are meant to do.”
This workshop will be held on Saturday, December 6th from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Lunch will be provided. The meeting place is being determined. We will announce more details in Sunday bulletins.
Worship Committee Notes:
Survey on Christmas Day Service
At their last meeting, members of the Worship Committee discussed the Christmas morning service. Traditionally there has been a low attendance at this service. The Christmas Eve service is well attended and will definitely be held this year. The Worship Committee would like to survey members and friends of the congregation to see if anyone really wants a service on Christmas morning. It will be mentioned in the announcements in November, and then you will be asked to vote on November 16th.
Choir Recognition
The worship committee would like to honor members of the choir. Their idea is to ask you to write a note or letter to the choir expressing your appreciation to them. These notes will then be bound into a book and presented to each choir member. Please think about your gratitude for the choir. You may send your notes to Fred Meade electronically or mail them to the church office.
Advance Date from the Pastoral Relations Committee
Please mark your calendars now for a farewell reception for Rev. Meade and Julie after the service on December the 14th. You will be receiving a letter with all the details.
Thanksgiving Baskets
One of the exciting benefits of Central and St. Matthew committees meeting together is the sharing of each other’s traditions. At the last worship committee meeting someone from St. Matthew asked whatever happened to our Thanksgiving basket mission. Someone from Central shared that it had been a tradition there, also. And so, after some discussion on logistics, the committee voted to do this mission again.
Ellen Pecoul has agreed to be the coordinator. We are asking members and friends to furnish a complete basket, or a turkey only, or all the trimmings only. Maybe an extended family could go together and give a basket. A complete basket would consist of a frozen turkey, canned cranberry sauce, canned sweet potatoes, various canned vegetables (peas or green beans or corn), rice, stuffing mix, dinner rolls and possibly dessert.
There will be a sign up sheet in the lobby during November. Our goal is to have 20 complete baskets. You may bring your contributions at any time. Frozen turkeys can be placed in one of the freezers upstairs marked “Recovery” or “St. Matthew.” The other trimmings can be delivered to the church office. All donations must be received by November 23rd when they will be picked up and delivered by Family Services of Greater New Orleans whose mission is to strengthen the emotional health and foster the self-sufficiency of families and individuals. The challenges facing New Orleans' families today cannot be overstated or underestimated. Families in all socioeconomic brackets in the city are struggling with changing roles and confusing value systems. Groups with special needs and concerns include children requiring foster care or independent living skills, financially disadvantaged families, those threatened with homelessness and families trapped in patterns of violence, addiction or abuse.
Once again we have an opportunity to share our resources. Thank you to the worship committee for the challenge and to Ellen for agreeing to organize.
Chicago, United, and Eden Seminaries (CUE)
Thank you to everyone who supported the bake sale after church on October 12th. We raised $200 to send to the following United Church of Christ seminaries: Chicago Theological Seminary located in Chicago, IL; United located in St. Paul, MN; and Eden located in St. Louis, MO. These seminaries prepare new leadership for our churches, nurture and support current leaders and add to the tradition of theological scholarship in the United Church of Christ. Facts you may not know:
Student enrollments are strong and increasing
A growing number of seminarians are 30 years old or younger
A wide range of ages, faith traditions and international students bring
a rich diversity to each seminary
A significant number of these students were raised in and nurtured by UCC congregations
The average yearly student tuition is $10,300
The yearly cost to seminary per student is $32,000
Our UCC seminaries do NOT receive any direct denominational support.
The support of churches is vital in making up the difference. Thank you for your faithful gifts to our seminaries. Please continue to hold them and their faculty, staff, and students in your prayers.
PRAYER LIST
Shirley M. Adams, Katie Boudreaux, Nolan Chaix, Eloise Etter, Nell Gremillion, Mary B. Timpton, Barbara and Landry Young.
RECENT MEMORIALS
For: Eldridge Conzonere From: Shirley Adams
For: Rev. Bill Fairbank From: Shirley Adams
For: The Leesinan Family From: Carole Muth
For: Evelyn Beets From: Christine and Gale Jenkins
ALTAR FLOWERS DURING SEPTEMBER
November 02 Birthday remembrance for Mary Eaves Slade from Marie Slade Weatherspoon and Ashley
November 09 Merlyn Weeks and Mary Weeks from Vicki Weeks and Michelle D’Aquin
November 16 John and Louella Pecoul and Ted and Ruth Rasche from John and Ellen Pecoul
November 23 George and Carolyn Geier from Karen Wulff
November 30 Birthday remembrance for Wilhelmina Hoffler Lodrig from Andrea L. Gibson and Family
Worship Service Commitments
November Ushers: Shirley Carambat, Chris Engelbracht, Linda Ostendorf, Myrtle Winbush
November Acolyte: Stuart Harrison
11/2/08
Reader: Myrtle Winbush
Pew Communion Servers: Donald Reese, Karen Plummer, Harold Ostendorf, Carol and John Etter, Jim Bonds
Greeters: Ellen Bentz and Shirley Adams
11/09/08
Reader: Vivian Smith
Greeters: Shirley Adams and Lucille Gebhardt
11/16/08
Reader: Sloan Letman
Greeters: Shirley Adams, Lucille Gebhardt
11/23/08
Reader: Leslie Wilson
Greeters: Helen Green and Helen Smith
11/30/08
Reader: William Jeffrion
Greeters: Helen Green and Helen Smith
ST. MATTHEW UCC
P. O. Box 850527
New Orleans, LA 70185-0527
Contact Numbers and Office Hours:
Church Mailing Address: P.O. Box 850527
New Orleans, LA 70185-0527
Church Phone Number: (504) 861-8196
(504) 861-8197
Church Secretary: Pat Godfrey
Wed. and Thur. from 8:00am-4:00pm
Pastor Fred Meade: (504) 615-1634
Office hours on T, W, and Th – 10am-1pm
Fredmeade@aol.com
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