CROSS KEYS€¦ · Inside: Behind the Scenes ..... p. 4 Stewardship & Outreach ..... p. 6 Liturgy & You ..... p. 7 Commentary

Inside:

Behind the Scenes ...................... p. 4

Stewardship & Outreach ............ p. 6

Liturgy & You ........................... p. 7

Commentary ............................... p. 9

Adult Forums ............................. p. 10

Why Sing? ................................. p. 11

Annual Meeting Notice ............. p. 13

Announcements & Readings ..... p. 14

Calendar ..................................... p. 15

Dear Friends,

Many years ago I wrote a newsletter article about clutter, a topic that is as relevant today as it was then. My desk was piled high and deep, I had what felt to be a million things to do, and I needed to center myself. How was I to accomplish all the things that I believed I ought to do? Clutter is the topic that kept surfacing. My desk was and is symbolic. And now I can add my email and computer hard drive. As a seminarian, I wondered how my field education supervisor's office could be piled so high and deep. Well, now I know. It has been twenty-five years since I was ordained. I was astonished to find, just today, a virtual pile -- 65 unopened emails (though that is but a small percentage of those I did open and read)!

My bookshelves are overflowing. Dust has gathered on what I treasure as significant literary works. Once a year I clean out titles to which I rarely refer. Projects that I once deemed important are still awaiting completion. I've come to dread the daily email. By the end of the week, having tried to sort through it daily; it just keeps piling up. If I don't get to it . . . well, the next thing I know, not only is there more, but weeks, months, perhaps even years have passed!

I used to try to do some major cleaning out in my office and my closets as the New Year arrived. It felt good to see things more tidy. I found things I had forgotten about. Sorting through things, periodically I would stop and reminisce. Many of the items reminded me of people who’ve passed through my life. What happened to so-and-so I wonder? Strange, how important people and things drift away with time. And then, in clearing the clutter, we're reminded.

I wonder how it must have been for Mary and Joseph. They were simple people, yet how cluttered were their lives? And Jesus, what, if anything, cluttered his life? Perhaps a few gifts from the Wise Men?

Information about this product and that product bombard us. It's in the mail, email, newspaper, it's on television, it's overwhelming! No wonder so many people find themselves stressed during the holiday season. Christmas has become cluttered. I wonder if there's even any room for Jesus? Maybe there is more to that message of "no room in the inn?" Perhaps it is more relevant than we'd like to believe.

CROSS KEYS ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, OSTERVILLE MA 02655

January 2014

Important Dates to Remember

January 12 ............ Adult Forums ResumeJanuary 26 ........... Parish Annual Meeting

Rector ........... The Rev. Denzil J. LuckritzAssociate ..... The Rev. Paul M. ThompsonAssociate .......... The Rev. Russell H. AllenDirector of Music ................ Karen CrosbySecretary ............................ Deborah WolfeSexton .....................................Brian BoleySt. Peter’s Nursery School...Charlene Krig

VestrySr. Warden ........................... Carole DwyerJr. Warden ........................... Gerry StanneyTreasurer ............................ Jenn McDevittClerk .................................... Mark Clifford

Don Sherlock ..................... Gretchen PerryNed Richardson ................... Mark ThomasDon Megathalin ...................... Jeff CallardSusan Soares ................Maureen TempestaGregory Winkler

Parish Ministry Contacts

Acolyte Warden .......... Elizabeth SpilsburyAltar Guild ....................... Cynthia Seidner

Meg Perkins, EmeritusFinance ................................ Noel SpillaneFriendship Ministry ........ Barbara SpillaneHospitality Guild ................. Barbara ReedLay Eucharist Visitors........ Kathie DuncanNewsletter ....................... Nancy MumfordOutreach ............................ Helen ProtheroPrayer Group .......................... Mary BeebeProperty ................................... Will BeebeStewardship ......................... Mark ThomasWomen’s Association ................ Jane Price

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church421 Wianno AvenuePO Box 437Osterville MA 02655

508-428-3561 (office)

http://[email protected]

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If you are feeling overwhelmed, perhaps it's time to do some spiritual housekeeping. Are your prayers dusty? What constitutes your prayer life? Is there more clutter than peace? This is a good time of year for examining what is REALLY important to each of us. Let’s try something counter-cultural. Let’s try to avoid the exhaustion and let-down following the rush of the holidays, of shopping and entertaining, and make some room to enjoy the true Gift of Christmas. The Child was born to free us; to free us from everything that distracts us and breaks our relationship with God. How can we nurture silence and peace in our noisy hearts? Maybe it's time to clean out the clutter. You might be surprised at what you discover.

Newsletter Deadline

January15thfor the February edition of the Cross Keys

The deadline for the Cross Keys is the 15th of the month. Submissions may be emailed (MOST preferred by the editor!) to [email protected] Please note: I can only accept MS WORD documents (Not Word Perfect) by email

http://www.stpeters-capecod.org


mailto:[email protected]




January Birthdays

1-George Rowland, Barbara Rowland 3-Roy Lucas 4-Nicholas Perrone, Ashley Facey 5-Charlotte Besse, Wayne Schmidt 6-Zachary Heussler, Lois Davis 7-Helen Prothero, Terry Stocker 8-Amelia Mumford 9-James Hatfield, Jr. 10-Paul Merlesena, Maj Brown, Allyn Lucas 11-Sam Mazzeo 12-Molly Rowland 13-Kathryn Perrone 15-Jenny Curtis 16-Helga Arthur 17-Trace Schrafft, Melva Higgins 18-Pat Armstrong, Dianna Ellis 19-Neil Sweeny 20-Louisa Allen 22-Olivia Fone 24-Caitlyn Marczely 27-Michael Merlesena 28-Sarah & Abigail Williams

for those who are ill or in any need, especially:

Greg, Russell, Linda, Phyllis, Lila, Clare, Marilyn, Joan, George, Patty, Donald, Stacia, Sallie, Robert, Kristin, Tom, John, Yoli, Don, Jackie, Wayne, Alyene, Mike,

Gary, Katherine, Jacquie, Don, Gerri, Dorothy, Erik, Wilhelmina, Jim, Ivan, Carol, Walter, Eddie, Suzanne, Paul, Janet, Emma, John, Stephen, Michelle, Mary Ann, Ben, Nancy, Holt, Susan, Kate, Luke, Mary Anne, Simon, Betty, Eliza Jess, Ross, Gayle, Steve, Shana, Christian and Margaret; for the homeless of Cape Cod, those who struggle with illness, addiction, our troops abroad & people impacted by natural disaster, civil strife or war; and for Alexander Crosby who is serving in the armed forces. We pray for the sick, shut-ins, those in need, their families, and those caring for them.

There is a blue notebook in the narthex for any prayers of intercession or thanksgiving. You may also call the office with any prayers to be added to the Parish Prayer List in Sundays' bulletins. Please also let us know when names can be removed from the list. Thank you.

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In Memoriam:

Margaret RichardsonJune Stevens

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Behind The Scenes With Will Beebe: Property Management Annual Report as a Read-Ahead for the Annual Parish Meeting

The Mayans were wrong. The world did not end in Dec 2012. Thus, I have a 2013 Report.

I have been active in these areas:

1. Property Management2. Capital Improvements

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

There were two tasks in this area this past year. The first was to assure that existing things were maintained and that when broken, were fixed as soon as possible. Many times, the fixes were easy, the material costs were low, and the labor was free. Here are a few examples:

Backflow preventers were installed on all outside hose connectorsPole light in parking lot fell down, due to rot, and was fixedFire Suppression System Condensate was drained with home-made jigNursery School sink was fixedKitchen coffee maker was fixedNursery School urinal was fixed

The second task was to update all the building information (now that Phase 1 of renovation work is completed) and ways established to assure that the building stays in good repair. Here are some of the areas involved.

a. Alarm monitoring, maintenance, and test.b. Emergency light test.c. Range hood testd. Range hood certificatione. Grease trap pumpingf. Septic pumping

g. Sprinkler maintenance and test.h. Extinguisher inspectioni. Kitchen certificationj. Fire Dept corrective actionsk. Routine minor repairsl. HVAC and plumbing

The information needed to execute all this work is contained in a binder in the office. It is also contained electronically in both PPT and PDF formats. To tie it all together, I made a 230 slide presentation covering every room in the Church, the attic, and items in the grounds.

There are several items normally associated with “Property Management” that I have been told is the responsibility of others. I have nothing to do with landscaping, snow removal, Memorial Garden maintenance, or custodial tasks.

There was one item this year that was not the responsibility of St. Peter’s, but I did it anyway. That was fixing the storm drain at the corner of Wianno Avenue and Crystal Lake Road. For years and years the storm drains in the road could not handle the volume of water in a good rainstorm.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

The main objective in 2013 was to install a compliant elevator to the lower level. The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB) had given us until 30 June 2013 to complete the project. We did pretty well until we reached final sign-off, when the Town Of Barnstable levied some new requirements on us. These requirements were eventually waived, as they violated State Requirements, and our elevator was formally approved on 14 August 2013.

The next major task of 2013 was to re-do the septic system. We were living on borrowed time, waiting for septic failure. After Vestry authorization, we went out for competitive bids and chose Robert B. Our to do the work. Work started in August.

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It made no sense to simply re-pave the parking lot without trying to make needed repairs and improvements. In August, we met with the Town of Barnstable Building Commissioner to discuss what the Town would let us do and what the Town would not let us do. We factored his comments into our Site Plan and expected quick, administrative approval. Our plan increased the number of on-site parking spaces by quite a lot, and improved our storm drainage capability significantly. Here again, at the last minute, the Town levied some new requirements on us. After several weeks of discussion, the Town agreed that these requirements were not in our gift to resolve, and our Site Plan was approved. Work was re-started on the lot in November, just before the annual shutdown of asphalt plants in December.

One new item caught us by surprise this year: The bell in our bell tower. In 2012, we realized that the framework holding our bell had rusted to near failure. Absolutely no one knew when the bell had been repaired last, and we were now paying the consequences for that oversight. Not knowing much about bell repair, I sought the advice of other churches on the Cape. By Spring 2013, we thought we had enough data to start raising funds for the repair and restoration work. By Fall, we realized we did not have enough information, and went out for a competitive bid. By then, the metal framework had rusted further, and the danger of structural failure with the bell falling out onto the ground was very high. The Vestry authorized lowering the bell and storing it in the Undercroft until they sorted out all the options and costs.

SUMMARY

As I close out this report of 2013, I need to take some time to look toward the future. Our work is not done, even though magnificent progress has been made. There are two major tasks on the horizon. When the AAB granted us waivers to re-enter the Nave after construction, they did so with three conditions. We have met two of those already.

The last condition is that we install restrooms for the handicapped in the Lower Level. This work must be done by 30 June 2015. The second major task is to execute Phase 3 of our Restoration Project. This will entail refurbishing and re-organizing the church building, with emphasis on Nursery School spaces and the Undercroft. The basis for the classroom work stems from a chronic need for good HVAC in the spaces. There is also a need to refresh all the flooring, painting, lighting, plumbing, and appliances in the Parish Hall, kitchen, hallways, and stairwells.

Taking a snapshot in time of the areas I work in, here is where I think we are:

1. Property Management: I have set up 8 teams to work various areas on preventative and simple corrective maintenance. With people on the teams who have just basic skills and can donate 5-10 hours a year, we will be in VERY good shape and poised to keep out building and grounds in VERY good condition. My job here is done.

2. Capital Improvements: Phases 1 and 2 of our Restoration Project have been completed. For Phase 3, Fr. Denzil is working with the Nursery School’s architect for classroom and Parish Hall modifications.

Regarding the bell in our bell tower: The Vestry has authorized the repair and re-installation of the bell. As I write this, the bell is on its way to the factory, and will be ready for re-installation next Spring. My job here is almost done.

The discussion in the above paragraphs provides clear evidence that I am no longer needed as your Property Manager. This is actually good news for me. When I moved to the Cape in 2002, I had a long list of things I wanted to do in my golden years. I still have LOTS of stuff on that list. So, I hereby announce my intent to retire as Property Manager, effective as soon as there can be a smooth transition, but no later than 01 Jan 2015.

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Stewardship Thoughts

The following prayer recently came to my attention; so rather than the normal stewardship report, I thought all of you might enjoy the prayer as much as Susan and I did.

Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older, and will someday be old. Keep me from getting talkative, and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from craving to try to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details – give me wings to get to the point. I ask for grace enough to listen to the tales of other’s pains. Help me to endure them with patience.

But seal my lips on my own aches and pains – they are increasing and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a saint – some of them are so hard to live with – but a sour old women or man is one of the crowning works of the devil.

Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all – but Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.

Mark Thomas, Chairman

St. Peter’s Stewardship Committee

From Your Outreach Committee:

From Sandwich to Harwich, Outreach and other parishioner volunteers delivered 20 baskets to families who would otherwise have skipped right over Thanksgiving. Thanks to those who brought in food for the baskets and checks for the turkeys. Thanks to Charlene Krig who made pumpkin bread happily wrapped, to Cape Abilities who donated 40 Heirloom tomatoes, to Fancy's Market who supplied us with packaged cut up squash, carrots, and onions ... to Mrs. Dudley Thomas for bags and bags of potatoes.

Outreach members made sure it all actually happened.... enough food, turkey pick-up and toting to Church, the list goes on. It took a village, but 20 families did not go to bed hungry on Thanksgiving, and perhaps slept with a measure of hope as well.

Thank you, St. Peter's!

Attention: Committee ChairpeoplePlease have your annual reports

to the office by January 15th

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Liturgy and U

Epiphany

From the “Book of Days” we learn that Epiphany is called Twelfth Day because it comes 12 days after Christmas. Epiphany comes from the Greek word for “appearance”. The Feast of the Epiphany is a festival of the Church which commemorates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles in the story of the coming of the thee Magi, or Wise Men from the east, led by a star, to pay homage to the Christ Child soon after his birth. According to the Book of Days, the Epiphany appears to have been first observed as a separate feast in the year 813. The early Church celebrated the Feast of the Nativity for 12 days, observing the first and last with great solemnity, both days called Epiphany. The first and greater Epiphany observing our Lord’s Incarnation, making his appearance in human flesh, and the lesser Epiphany designating the threefold manifestation of His Godhead – the first by the appearance of a blazing star which drew the three Wise Men, Magi or Kings to worship him as the Messiah and offer him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (gold testifying to his royalty as promised King of the Jews, frankincense as token of his divinity and myrrh alluding to the sorrow which he took upon himself in his crucifixion and death).

The second Epiphany or manifestation of his Godhead was the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove at his Baptism, and third was his first miracle at a wedding in Cana, when he changed water into wine. We are told in the Book of Days that all three of these manifestations of his Divine Nature happened on the same day though not in the same year.

To honor the memory of the ancient Magi, who were supposed to have been Kings, various monarchs throughout Christendom offered gold, frankincense and myrrh at the altar on the Feast of the Epiphany, which was also called the “Feast of Kings.”

One ancient custom celebrating Epiphany was called “the election of Kings by beans.” In England a large cake was baked with a bean inserted called “Twelfth Cake”. Family and friends being assembled, the cake was cut into slices and handed out. Whoever got the piece containing the bean became King for a day and was called “King of the Bean.” Later, in England we are told that there was always a Queen as well as a King on Twelfth Night. It wasa wonderful custom often with very lavish costumes, games and merriment all around. Unfortunately such celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany and Twelfth night has declined.

Yet in many churches it is still a wonderful celebration to observe. I have included a recipe for an Epiphany cake for anyone interested in keeping the tradition going. (see next page)

Fr. Paul

The St. Peter’s Prayer Group thanks you for the many hats, mittens and gloves you knitted and bought for

Independence House during the month of November. They were

beautiful and very much appreciated. Thank you all!

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SANDY HOOK: One Year After

Most who are old enough can tell you when they heard President Roosevelt announce the attack on Pearl Harbor. Those younger may recall where they heard of the assassination in Dallas, even younger where they watched a TV as the planes fly into the World Trade Center. I will never forget the phone call I received on the afternoon of December 14, 2012.

I was alone in my home in Harwich when I heard it ring, and upon answering recognized the distraught voice of my daughter from Connecticut. Through her tears she told me “Dad. It’s much worse.” Unfortunately I knew immediately what she was talking about. Reports had already been on the news about a shooting at a school in western CT, and I knew that my son-in-law, a Master Sargent with the CT State Police, was most likely involved in the response. Apparently he had called her to prepare her for what had not yet been made public, and, alone, all she could do was to call me, also alone, to help make what he said real, if not comprehensible. As she explained further, my tears welled up and we spent several minutes alternating between disbelief, weeping, and giving each other support. I knew that I would never forget that call, or the feelings it evoked. I knew that I had to do something, something, to make certain no similar call would ever be necessary. I knew that the tragic massacre of 20 young students and 6 teachers at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, meant a new direction and focus for my personal advocacy.

One year later, as I write this article with no assurance that it will ever be published or read, I wear on my right wrist a green and white circle with the name of the school and the date of the shooting engraved. I fear that for all too many people, even that small daily reminder has no place in their lives. Following the shooting, which we must remember

was but the latest of many such events that had occurred before, or have happened since that day, there was a lot of talk and promises of action, calls for stronger gun control laws, better mental health provisions, and tighter security in schools, even, God help us, armed teachers and staff. There were many mistaken assumptions regarding the wording and the meaning of the Second Amendment, and significant increases in the purchases of guns which, most likely, were not needed and have never been used, the result of a belief that someone was going to take those guns away.

But what, in fact, has happened since Sandy Hook? For the most part, nothing.

Most attempts to tighten gun control laws have failed, as has, fortunately, efforts to arm school personnel. There is no evidence of improvement in the diagnosis or treatment of mental disease. Some schools have improved security or emergency procedures, which many experts in this field question as being ineffective.

Recently a program called ALICE held a workshop on the Cape, and according to published reports, it offered training on ways to survive an attack such as that in Newtown. Reading the article I came away with three thoughts. One was that ALICE seemed to recognize the flaws of other approaches, and where possible avoid them. The second was that it downplayed one of its own tenets, that any possible killer should be confronted, perhaps realizing that such an approach contained significant risk. Third was that it seemed oblivious to the reality that any potential mass murderer could easily learn what ALICE teaches and develop effective counter measures. As effective as ALICE may or not be, it runs the risk of offering a false sense of security in an increasingly dangerous world.

So where are we one year after Sandy Hook? Fewer guns? More mental health care? Safer schools?

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There will be another Newtown-type massacre; will our response to it be any better than that which we have made to what happened one year ago?

And lest anyone believe this is an irrelevant question for those of us living on Cape Cod: whether or not we have children or grandchildren, we must remember that on the morning of December 14, 2012, the parents who sent their children off for another day at Sandy Neck School did not expect that they would never see them alive again.

What is the solution? I have no more wisdom than you, no magic plan, no simple solution. But I do know this: Someday this must stop. Someday there must be no more mass shootings. Someday our children must be safe again. One year after Newtown those statements are not yet true. When will we make them so?

The Rev. Russell H. Allen

Associate Clergy

Adult Forums

The Adult Forum, held every Sunday following the 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist, resumed in September.

The Adult Forum is the Adult Education program held every Sunday from September through May, holidays excepted. Following the weekly 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist, it begins about 11:30 in the Library and concludes sometime after 12 noon, depending on the topic.

More to the point the Adult Forum is a weekly gathering of people in a space and at a time designated for open and unstructured consideration, discussion, and sharing on a variety of topics relevant to the lives of those present. It is not a formal Adult Christian Education course or Bible

Study; it is not intended to prepare candidates for the Church’s sacraments. There is no curriculum, no content intended for dissemination, and no instrument of evaluation. There are no pre-established truths or expectations of doctrinal conformity. Its leader’s purpose is to facilitate the discussion in which all present are invited to participate. It is what its name implies: An Adult Forum.

The range of topics considered at the Adult Forums is expanding this year and more gatherings will have outside speakers, especially from organizations and programs supported through the Outreach Committee. Plans have now been completed for every Sunday through June 2014.

The schedule for the Adult Forums for the month of January is:

January 5: No Adult Forum.

January 12: Outreach: Independence House

January 19: The Mission of the Diocese and the Deanery

January 26: Annual Meeting – No Adult Forum

Detailed schedules and information on the Adult Forums are available throughout the year in Cross Keys, the eBulletin and Sunday Bulletin, and on the Church’s website. Suggestions for topics are invited and always welcome.

The Rev. Russell H. Allen,Associate Clergy

The Prayers of the People Project Update

The Prayers of the People Project entered a new phase this fall with the introduction of members of the worshipping congregation leading the weekly petitions, intercessions, thanksgivings, and memorials from their place in the pew rather than from the lectern. The purpose is to enhance this part of our weekly Sunday Holy Eucharist by making it

more clearly the Prayers of the People. In addition, the Forms we are using, whether from the Book of Common Prayer or ones specially written for an occasion, include opportunities for all the members of the congregation to add their own concerns or celebrations to those of the whole community.

Several parishioners have responded to my invitation to become one of the Intercessors who will fulfill this role, enough that I have been able to assign one to each of the Sundays in the first half of 2014. More are welcome as we continue to expand this element of our liturgical life. In time we hope to have more than one or two worshippers leading the Prayers of the People on any given Sunday.

No special training is needed for this leadership role. A flexible schedule will distribute the responsibility throughout the year, and the Prayers of the People for any given Sunday will be sent out to the Intercessor well in advance of that date.

Everyone wishing to become an Intercessor is invited to speak to me.

Comments and suggestions made by members of the congregation regarding this project are very valuable and I encourage anyone wishing to share their thoughts to contact me by email at [email protected], or by phone at 508-432-3483 or 860-391-3100.

The Rev. Russell H. Allen, Associate Clergy

Holy Baptism

The Book of Common Prayer establishes five occasions when Holy Baptism is most appropriately administered at the main Celebration of the Holy Eucharist in a given Parish. Our next Baptismal Occasion will be The First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of Jesus, Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 10 a.m.

Those wishing to have someone baptized on that day should contact the Parish Office or Fr. Russ Allen at 508-432-3483, 860-391-3100, or [email protected] soon.

Why Sing?

Because you are made for it. Singing is our first language. Anthropologists and neurologists alike now concur that singing (i.e. using pitch to communicate) is the manner in which our human ancestors relayed basic information and feelings. At the turn of the century, there were still three identified groups of peoples who still used pitch and pulse as their primary form of communication. French author Victor Hugo once wrote, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent.” We are now beginning to understand just why this form of communication is so potent, and so vital in becoming fully human.

Because it makes you healthier.One could write a book about this (and many have!). From brain health to heart health to mental health, and more. Singing in a group appears to be even healthier than solo singing, since heart and breathing rates become coordinated and regulated when one sings in a chorus, not to mention the healthy mental workout one gets in a chorus! Music therapy is a fast-growing field, proving especially effective in a variety of neurological conditions (stroke, dementia, brain trauma/injury, etc.).

Because it makes you happier.Of all forms of music, singing - once again, especially in a group - has the ability to lift spirits and create community bonds on a sustained level. The release of feel-good endorphins, increased levels of oxygen in the blood, and the production of

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Where have you been? We have missed you!

Not nourishing our spiritual lives can become a habit.

Don’t let this happen to you!

The table below represents attendance during the month of November.

The average Sunday weekly attendance in2013 for November was 992012 attendance was 104.25

2013 2012

November 3 110 101

November 10 90 102

November 17 94 98

November 24 102 116

Total 396 417

Open Mic Night

is in the Parish Hall of St. Peter's church in Osterville every second Tuesday of the month. The next one is January 13th at 7:00 p.m.

This is a free performance opportunity for musicians, singer/songwriters, poets, and others and a wonderful chance for the audience to hear exciting music as well as some expert performers.

Depending on the number of people, each performer may play two or three songs -- ten to fifteen minutes total.

Audience participation is greatly appreciated!

T. Jeff Callard, facilitator cell: 323-206-2249

oxytocin, the all-important bonding chemical, all happen when we sing. Do we become more loving and bonded when we sing together? Absolutely!

Because you can.My father grew up thinking he couldn’t sing because he seemed to have trouble matching pitch. He loved music, and was a great dancer, but he was convinced that he was tone deaf. He developed Alzheimer’s in his mid 80’s and suddenly began singing along with Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole beautifully, and bang-on pitch. I’ll never forget the day he said, “I am a good singer!” Many people confuse the concept of being able to sing with being musically educated or trained. Yet babies sing before they can even walk! Reading musical notation is a great and extremely useful skill. But it isn’t how we hear or produce pitch; rather, it is how we see the pitches arranged in relation to each other.

Because it helps connect you to God.There is a reason why we are enjoined repeatedly in both the Old and New Testament to “Sing unto the Lord.” As in prayer, when we allow ourselves to let go of our specific points of view and simply breathe, hum, and pulse our being, we open ourselves to hearing God’s song to us.

Let go of your worries about how your voice sounds, about what you know or don’t know. Reach for the note the speaks to you. Sing, and savor the song sung deeply in your soul.

He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zeph. 3:14-17)

by Susan Dedell

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St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 26th

Following the 10:00 a.m Service

All are welcome and encouraged to attend

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Lessons for January

DATE 1ST LESSON PSALM 2ND LESSON GOSPEL

January 3 Jeremiah 31:7-14 Psalm 84:1-8Ephesians 1:3-6,

15-19aLuke 2:41-52

January 10 Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17Luke 3:15-17,

21-22

January 17 Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm 36:5-101 Corinthians

12:1-11John 2:1-11

January 24Nehemiah 8:1-3,

5-6, 8-10Psalm 19

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

Luke 4:14-21

January 31 Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 71:1-61 Corinthians

13:1-13Luke 4:21-30

Extra copies of the Prayers of the People for the week are available

on the table in the hallway of the church.

Announcements

Sacristy Candle: If you would like to give a thanksgiving or memorial donation to keep the Sacristy Candle lit for a week, please see the sign-up sheet in the hallway. The cost is $5.00.

Altar Flowers- If you would like to give a thanksgiving or memorial donation of flowers for the altar on a given Sunday, please sign up on the bulletin board in the hallway. The cost is $40.00.

If you would like to receive your Cross Keys by email, please let the office know. 508-428-3561 or [email protected]

NOAH Shelter dinners are always made the second Monday of the month. If you would like to help prepare or deliver the meal, please contact the Outreach committee, or the church office.

Choir Rehearsal has been changed to 6:00 - 7:30 pm, and Sundays 9:15-9:45. New members always welcome!! Please contact Karen if interested.

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St. Peter's Episcopal Church

January 2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

298 am - 8:45 amHoly Eucharist Rite I

9:15 am - 9:45 amChoir Rehearsal

9:45 am - 10:15 amChildren's Christian Formation

10 am - 11 amTraditional Lessons & Carols Service

11 am - 12 pmFellowship Hour

308:30 am - 9:30 amAA Meeting

7 pm - 8 pmAlanon Meeting


January 1New Year's Day


10 am - 10:30 amWednesday Morning Eucharist



4 pm - 5 pmPrayer group

8 pm - 9 pmAlcoholics Anonymous



10 am - 1 pmArmenian Church

5Epiphany




10 am - 11 amHoly Eucharist Rite II







10:30 am - 11:45 amBible Study Group

1 pm - 1:30 pmPastoral Care

2 pm - 3 pmStaff Meeting

6 pm - 7:30 pmChoir Rehearsal












11:30 am - 12:10 pmAdult Forum


10 am - 11:30 amNOAH



6:30 pm - 9 pmOpen Mic Night







1 pm - 2 pmKnitting Group










11:30 am - 12:10 pmAdult Forum

20Martin Luther King, Jr. Day


6:15 pm - 8:15 pmVestry Meeting






1 pm - 1:30 pmPastoral Care

2 pm - 3 pmStaff Meeting












11 am - 12 pmAnnual Meeting















10 am - 1 pmArmenian Church

Wianno Avenue, Osterville, MA 02655 508-428-3561

The doors are always openwelcoming you!

Sunday Services

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Rite II)

Wednesday Service

10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Child care is available during the 10 a.m. Sunday Service downstairs in the Nursery.

Cross Keys

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church421 Wianno Ave

PO Box 437Osterville MA 02655

http://www.stpeters-capecod.org/



Documents

CROSS KEYS€¦ · Inside: Behind the Scenes ..... p. 4 Stewardship & Outreach ..... p. 6 Liturgy & You ..... p. 7 Commentary