Words From The Well
December 2015
CHURCH OF OUR FATHER 91 State Hwy 3, PO Box 186
HULLS COVE, MAINE 04644
207-288-4849 ~ [email protected]
churchofourfather.org
The Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane, Bishop of Maine
The Rev. Suzanne Cole, Priest-in-Charge
The Rev. Mary-Carol Griffin, Deacon
The Wonder of Christmas
A number of years ago my parents gave us their old Christmas albums. I am the proud owner of,
“Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians- Twas the Night before Christmas”, “Guy Lombardo and his
Royal Canadians”, and “The Harry Simeone Chorale- Sing We Now of Christmas” and others.
Jack’s Mom has also given us their albums which included, “Dennis Day with Jack Benny”, “The
Original Gene Autry sings Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, and that classic, “Snoopy’s Christ-
mas”. We have quite a few of our own including a set which highlights the popular tunes from the
40’s to 80’s as well as some timeless classics and ageless hymns. Of course, these are all record
albums, or vinyl, as they are now called and need to be treated with the utmost of care to avoid scratching and breaking.
One of my favorite Christmas songs from these oldies is “I Wonder as I Wander”. As a child I was captivated by the
beauty of the music, especially when sung by an opera soprano voice. I love all of my Christmas music, but that one is
above the rest in beauty and mystery. It is a song that makes me stop what I am doing and listen to it.
Last week I was reading through some Christmas theme stories and came across one about this very song. I learned
that it is an old Appalachian Christmas Carol and was recorded just before WWII. While that fact does not seem too
unusual, the story of how John Jacob Niles heard it and gave it to the world is very unusual. Mr. Niles wandered the
Appalachian Mountains in search of the origins of songs for much of his life while also becoming a recording artist for
RCA in the 30’s and 40’s. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky and loved the folk songs and rural music of his
birthplace.
One cold December day in North Carolina Mr. Niles was observing people from a poor community as they went
about their daily lives. What a contrast to the hustle and bustle of NYC where shoppers were busy getting ready for all
the festivities of the holiday. Yet in this village he could hear the snow crunch and see children in ragged clothes look
longingly into store windows where toys were displayed. While he was taking in this scene a small voice quietly
singing a haunting melody beckoned to him. A small girl sitting alone on a bench was softly singing a song he had
never heard.
When she finished, Niles took out his pencil and pad, introduced himself to the child and asked about the song. All
she knew about it was that her mother had taught it to her, like her grandma had taught it to her mother before her.
When asked to sing it again, the youngster smiled and quietly repeated the short ballad.
The song, which she called, ‘I Wonder as I Wander’ haunted Niles. He continued to study the words long after she had
left for home. He was amazed at how the words were so spiritual and so simple. The lyrics embraced the joy and
wonder of Christmas but also spoke of the sacrifice of a child grown into a man that died on the cross. Both the words
and music were perfect and inspired.
He pursued the mystery of the song’s origin until he died in 1980. Niles could never trace it back any further to the
little girl on the bench who he never saw again. It was as if she was an angel sent to deliver a message that embraced the
wonder of Jesus’ birth and sacrifice. Because of this chance meeting, we have gained an unforgettable Christmas song
that has never ceased to cause me to ‘wonder’ when I hear it.
Merry Christmas!
Mother Sue+
P A G E 2 ~ DECEMBER 2015
“SOUNDINGS II”
This is the month when the Church year begins. The Advent season prepares us for Christmas. It
is a time for reflection and anticipation. Reflecting back on 2015, we remember many activities,
including the Fish Fry sponsored by our Youth & Family Ministry. Two happenings that stand out
were, the renewal of our healing ministry, first with Bishop Herzog, retired Bishop of Albany who led
us in a three day teaching and preaching weekend. Then our first healing service this November.
Those two events were led by Mother Sue and Deb & Chuck Scott Henderson.
The second event was the passing of Robbie Bothen who was a longtime member of our Church
and a champion of those in need, especially our Prison Ministry. His funeral brought together an
amazing cross section of the Maine community showing how wide his influence and friendship
reached. Of course what made his funeral and reception memorable was the full participation of all,
and especially his two beautiful daughters. His funeral cannot be forgotten because as Robbie usually
was, he was “Late to his own funeral”. Robbie, you will be missed!!
During December along with our Advent preparations we will look forward to renewing our “First
Friday” Hearthside dinners starting on December 4th. Our final Church Service on December 27th will
be the traditional Lessons and Carols, led by our Deacon, Mary Carol. December is also a time for the
business of the Church to transition and plan for the coming year. Your Vestry is busy and have
scheduled a special meeting to discuss the congregation’s Discernment comments and the recent
review comments. The Nominating Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Worship Committee
are all meeting and planning ahead for 2016.
Looking forward to 2016, the Bradshaws will be coming home early in the year. They need to
spend some time raising funds for their remaining time in Uganda. As the sending church we will be
welcoming them and helping them in raising the remaining funds. We will work towards having a
special fund raiser which should involve the whole community.
May Our Lord Bless our Church, our families, our friends and neighbors, as we prepare for
Christmas during this penitential season of Advent.
Blessings,
Tony Sousa,
Senior Warden
“SOUNDINGS”
Mother Sue’s vacation time
Mother Sue will be taking the last week of December off, which includes
Sunday, the 27th. Instead of finding a supply priest, the parish will have one
service at 10:00 am of Christmas Lessons and Carols.
This is your opportunity to participate in a unique service and sing Christmas
hymns! Mother Sue will be back for the 8 and 10am services on January 3.
W O R D S F R O M T H E W E L L ~ P A G E 3
Excel Training Seminar
Mother Sue and Lexie will be in Bangor on December 10th for an all day
Excel training through Fred Pryor Seminars. The office will be closed so both
of us can attend.
“Just an Old Fashioned Christmas Sale”
Saturday, December 5 ~ 9 am to 1 pm ~ Church of Our Father, Route 3,
Hulls Cove. Luncheon with Soups, Sandwiches & Pie, Baked
Goods, Christmas White Elephant Table, Jewelry, Wreaths,
and Crafts of all kinds.
Come see us!
Lunch with Mother Sue
The sign-up sheet for Wednesday and Thursday lunches has been extended
to include the next couple of months into the new year.
If you haven’t done so already, please put your name on a date!
We can go anywhere you would like; Governor's is only a suggestion.
Rectory Open House
Saturday, December 19
2-4pm.
Sand Point Rd.
There will be light refreshments
as well as some hot mulled cider on hand.
Please come and enjoy!
Fresh Start Meeting
The Fresh Start group consists of clergy in the Diocese of Maine who are
either new to the diocese or in a new parish within the state.
Mother Sue is in her second year of the program which meets monthly at
St. Mark’s in Waterville. She will be at this meeting on December 17 and
January 7.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Nov 29 1st Sunday of Advent 8 am & 10 am Holy Eucharist .
30 Dec 1 5 pm Gospel Gents
2 8 am Holy Eucharist & Light Breakfast
3
4
5 Just an Old Fashioned Christmas Sale 9am-1pm
6 2nd Sunday of Advent 8 am & 10 am Holy Eucharist
7
8 5 pm Gospel Gents
9 8 am Holy Eucharist - Light Breakfast
10 OFFICE CLOSED .
11 Men’s Christmas Party 5:30 pm
12
13 3rd Sunday of Advent 8 am & 10 am Holy Eucharist
14
15 5 pm Gospel Gents
16 8 am Holy Eucharist & Light Breakfast
17 ECW Christmas party noon Gail’s house
18
19 Open House at the Rectory 2-4 pm
20 4th Sunday of Advent 8 am & 10 am Holy Eucharist YFM cookies and conversations
21
22 5 pm Gospel Gents
23 8 am Holy Eucharist & Light Breakfast
24 Christmas Eve
25 Christmas Day Office Closed
26
27 First Sunday after Christmas 10 am Lessons & Carols
28 29
30 8 am Holy Eucharist & Light Breakfast
31 New Year’s Eve
1 January New Year’s Day Office Closed
2
December 2015
Intercessory Prayer for our Friends, Family, Military,
Prison Ministry, Diocese & Missionaries:
Cindy, Stacey Austin, Sally Bradshaw, Karen Brown,
Barbara, Betty Bullard, Isabel Cordova, Margaret
Delehanty, Donahue Family, Kristi Dunn, Grace Dwyer,
Ginny & Buddy Eaton, Laurie Fineman, Sarah Flynn,
West Frazier, Jennifer Hatch, Kathleen Hawkes, Chris-
tina Heiniger, Helen, Isabelle, Cameron Knable, Yvonne
Lavant, Diane Lefever, Katie Leighton, Joseph
Manghan, Lousie Manza, Mary McEnroe, Peter Mills,
Carly Murphy, Fannie Oldford, Sue Olson, Kay Sawyer,
Don Sciacca, Claire Shaw, Nicholas Shuck, Sara, Shawn
Smoker, Bob Theriault, Tom Tukey, Jon Turner, Father
Bob Raymond, Craig Wells, Darlene Wells, the ministry
of Hospice, the Bar Harbor Food Pantry and in loving
memory of Mary Cheyney Gould.
Our Military: Pray for those who serve in the armed
forces and are away from family.
Prison Ministry: Pray for those who have loved ones in
prisons.
~ Diocesan Cycle of Prayer ~
“Please pray for
6 December ~ 2 Advent
For our Hispanic sisters and brothers on the feast of Our
Lady of Guadalupe.
For all migrants and refugees.
13 December ~ 3 Advent Gun Sabbath Join places of worship across the nation, the Washington
National Cathedral, the Newtown Foundation, Faiths
United to Prevent Gun Violence, and Episcopal Bishops
United Against Gun Violence, including Bishop Lane, to
remember those who have lost their lives to gunfire, pray
for those whose lives have been forever changed because
of the loss of a loved one, and to educate one another on
proven strategies to reduce gun violence.
20 December ~ 4 Advent
The congregation of“209”: St. Barnabas’, St. Mark’s, St.
Matthew’s, and Prince of Peace Augusta For our Jewish
sisters and brothers who will begin their celebration of
Hanukkah December 24.
25 December Christmas Day: Oh God, you make us
glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son
Jesus Christ. Pray for Peace on Earth.
27 December ~ Christmas 1 ~ The Holy Name of Our
Lord Jesus Christ
The congregations of St. Andrew’s, Winthrop, Winthrop
Center Friends Church (Quaker), and for the Deacons of
the Episcopal Diocese of Maine
DECEMBER AND JANUARYDECEMBER AND JANUARYDECEMBER AND JANUARY
ANNIVERSARIESANNIVERSARIESANNIVERSARIES
December 18 Joel and Sharon Linscott
December 31 Tom and Joan Tukey
DECEMBER AND JANUARYDECEMBER AND JANUARYDECEMBER AND JANUARY
BIRTHDAY S BIRTHDAY S BIRTHDAY S December 5 Sandy Beatty
December 5 Elisabeth Bradshaw
December 11 Jen Caeti
December 12 Margaret Delehanty
December 16 Katherine Sawyer
December 16 Deb Scott –Henderson
December 18 James Kitler
December 20 Brad Thompson
December 21 Leigh Beatty
December 22 Anthony Smoker
December 25 Carol Johnston
December 28 Jan Biggers
January 3 Terry Baker
January 8 Sam Hoff
January 8 Amy Hodgson
January 9 Jack Cole
January 11 Marge Sweet
January 13 Bob Sinnett
January 13 Bob Hicks
January 22 Joel Linscott
January 31 Olivia Underwood
Please remember with a Call, Card or Visit:
William Kitler, 276 Knox Rd., Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Beth & Chuck Bradshaw, Bishop Lutaaya Theological
College, P. O. Box 102, Mityana, UGANDA (EXTRA
POSTAGE)
P A G E 6 ~ DECEMBER 2015
Parish Life……………………………………………………Parish Life……………………………………………………
Classes to begin in January 2016
Starting on Sunday January 3, Mother Sue will lead a class between services entitled,
“Reading Beyond the ‘Dirty Pages’, Learning about The Book of Common Prayer.”
Each week the group will focus on a different section of the prayer book. This is not a series,
so you are welcome for one class or all of them.
Our 12 week series, to begin on Thursday, January 7 at 6 pm, will use the program, “First
Place for Health”. It incorporates a healthier lifestyle and a closer walk with God for men
and women.
There is a cost for the program if you wish Mother Sue to order the materials you need, or
you may order them on your own.
Please come to the first meeting on the January 7 to learn more.
Christmas Outreach
Christ’s Birth is the Day the Lord has Made– Hallelujah!”
Thanks to all parishioners who participated in giving presents to the children
at the Emmaus Center.
Also, the gifts to the Fuel Fund were and are greatly needed by those in need
of heat this winter. Our giving will, hopefully, send a message that Christ
loves them and cares for them.
Youth and Family Ministry will host Cookies, Conversations and
Celebrations ~ Sunday December 20. Details to be announced.
Mary McEnroe volunteering at theThanksgiving Dinner
held at the Riverside Café in Ellsworth for the Emmaus Center.
Church of Our Father Annual Meeting: January 17, 2016
The Annual Meeting will take place after the 10:00 am service on January 17th.
Please have all reports and articles to Lexie (email preferred) by Thursday,
the 7th of the month.
We could also use some help around the 14th with assembling the booklets, stapling, etc.
Thank you in advance for your dedication.
Archiving
For some time now archiving of important Church of
Our Father materials has been occurring in the church
basement. These efforts were started a while back and
are now resuming. While a large volume of archival
materials have been located in the church, it is also
possible that appropriate materials for the fire proof file
cabinets may be outside the church walls and in
parishioner’s homes. This may be especially true of past
Treasurers, who had to keep track of large volumes of
records.
The list is long from Episcopal Church USA of what
should go into the archive files. Many materials only
need to be held for 5 or 7 years. However, there are
some records that have to be kept forever. The list is not
being published here. However, if you believe that you
may be in possession of materials for the archives
contact Brad Berry (667-5087) regarding whether they
are needed. Much is missing before 2000. Thank you.
P A G E 8 ~ DECEMBER 2015
Youth and Family Ministries
The youth and family committee members, adults and the youth have been
busy these last few weeks: the youth have begun a new study during our cookies
and conversation time called “Pray Daily : Igniting Our Passion for God.” This
study breaks down the Lord’s Prayer line by line. It gives supporting scriptures
and leads the participants to reflect respond and pray. It is in a format that works
well for young adults and not so young adults alike. Curious? Chris would be
happy to share the information with you.
Thanks to the Vestry, Brad and committee members who offered site
suggestions the beautiful artwork given to us by Kampire our Compassion child is
proudly displayed in our parish hall. We are working on a dedication plaque to
accompany this tangible reminder of our work and commitment to Kampire and
to honor our Lord. The youth of Church of Our Father continue to support
children in at risk areas by sponsoring three girls in Mityana. We have sent funds
from our Fish Fry proceeds, dresses from our congregation and most importantly
our prayers for Gloria, Helen and Olivia. We look forward to many opportunities
to uplift our sisters in Christ.
Our youth are out among our community participating in many programs in
and outside of school including sports, scouts and theater to name a few. It is with
your prayer and support that they are able to live their faith in all of these arenas,
showing Christ’s love in many unique ways. You may have noticed their amazing
heart for service as they rake and clear brush at Church of Our Father, stock
shelves at the Bar Harbor Food pantry, work the local “Everybody Eats” dinners
and provide coffee hour hospitality after our Sunday November 29th worship.
Thanks to our community of support, Liam Higgins was able to attend the
diocesan wide youth event with approximately 50 other middle school youth.
They studied, worshiped and had fun. Praise the Lord! Thanks to all who keep
this important part of our ministry alive with your prayers.
The committee has faithfully worked through our budget process and look
forward to 2016! Blessings and peace to you all this Advent and Christmas
season!!
Chris Krenicki
W O R D S F R O M T H E W E L L ~ P A G E 9
The Fall Middle School Event
at the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine
This past weekend I attended the Episcopal Youth Event which is created to further connect us to
God and His kingdom. There is a different theme for about every event. This time around it was
about the "Heroes of the Bible and Spreading God’s Word." Heroes of the Bible means people
like Moses and Peter. Important people in the Bible, and spreading God’s word is quite self
explanatory, but they break it down so it is easy for us to understand. The people in charge create
group activities so we can learn even further. Thank you, members of Church of Our Father for supporting me in my journey to Portland. I
made many long lasting relationships with people my age. I cannot wait to attend the next event
and I hope you can continue to support the Youth Ministry. I also made a relationship with God,
connecting myself to His kingdom in learning to spread his Holy Word.
Liam Higgins
Friend of Christ!
Worship time at the close of the weekend
Cross of prayers
Packing up!
P A G E 1 0 ~ DECEMBER 2015
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because
of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of
rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:4-5)
Dear Brothers and Sisters of our Sending Church,
We greet you in the mighty Name of Jesus, the Son of God, whose kingdom en-
dures forever! We are enthusiastically looking forward to our March-April visit to
the US and to Maine.
At this time 3 years ago we were just getting started on our deputation. During the
first half of 2013 we visited churches and met with potential supporters, not mainly
to get something, but to witness to what the Lord is doing. We were aware that if
we did not raise the funds we would not get to Uganda. But SAMS had taught us
that financial support by itself is ineffective if you don’t have people praying for
you.
In 2013 we raised enough support (Praise God!) to get the “Go” from
SAMS. No church was more responsive than the Church of Our Father. Sus-
tained by those donations and pledges, and your prayers, we have completed a
little more than 2 years of our 3-year mission in Mityana.
We had not given much thought to fund-raising until November, when SAMS warned us that unless we generate more
support we will have to return to the US soon. Please pray for us to grow in faith and in the Lord’s joy, trusting him for
financial provision. We will be most appreciative of any year-end contributions and new pledges from friends at the
Church of Our Father.
What have we “accomplished” during our time in Mityana? We might point to classes taught, numbers of graduates,
relationships formed and, special projects. We have represented the Church in Maine to the Church in Mityana, and
vice versa. Perhaps we had hoped to save a lot of souls and improve people’s lives. In heaven we might learn how
much of that we accomplished.
The unexpected challenge has been to “have the mind of Christ” and follow the example of his humility; to rise above
misunderstandings, distrust, and stereotyping; to work through the protocols, bureaucracies, and unwritten cultural rules,
and to bring about necessary changes, without thinking or behaving in un-Christian ways.
We are preparing for the December 2 graduation of 7 early childhood teachers, 17 Lay Readers, 7 counselors, and the 13
new deacons who finished their course work in April. On that day the Bishop will also break ground for the construction
of a music building at Bishop Lutaaya. There will be a Christmas Concert and Fundraiser for the building on December
22, with the Bishop as guest of honor. We will share the fruits of the music program and encourage students, parents
and music lovers to give their support to the construction.
May the Lord grant you the grace of a holy Advent and a
blessed Christmas.
Faithfully,
Chuck+ & Beth
Beth and me waiting for our ride to
St. John’s, Lulagala this morning.
Group shot of Beth and me
with graduating Lay Readers
W O R D S F R O M T H E W E L L ~ P A G E 1 1
Fr Chuck and Beth –In the Spring
In the Spring – Yes, that is the time Fr. Chuck and Beth hope to return to the US and be with us for
deputation. It will be a time when they will attend the New Wineskins conference along with the Lacys, as
well as other SAMS missionary meetings. Hopefully, there will be some from Church of Our Father at New
Wineskins. It is an excellent conference to inspire and equip us to fulfill the Lord’s Great Commission.
The other day I was cleaning out old emails from even back in the summer of 2013. It was a time when
we were all preparing for Fr. Chuck and Beth to depart for Uganda. There was great organization, planning,
dialog in the whole process – like the Down East fair days. Many stepped forth in our role as the “Sending
Church” to participate in activities such as logistics, prayer, financial, communication, mail and return
deputation. We held a wonderful fundraiser, there were yard sales at the Rectory and who could forget the
removal process of the pool table from the Rectory basement. Many parishioners opened their homes to
store the Bradshaw’s belongs while they were on mission. Then with a touch of sadness, but also great joy;
the farewell trip to the Bangor bus station as they departed for Mityana. A time for working together and
embracing “Maine 2 Mityana.”
In 2014, Fr. Chuck and Beth returned for a visit. It was a time of joy of them being with us as they
shared their first year of mission in Mityana. We learned what daily life was like for them and the specific
mission activities. They brought us wonderful gifts, especially the unique “drum.” Beth taught us Mityana
music and showed the ECW specific crafts being done at the college. It was a great time of formal and in-
formal interaction with them.
They told us of new “Special Project” areas in which we could expand our relationship with their mis-
sion. Some of these areas were funds to help pay student needs, water purification and for a construction
loan for a pension house. An opportunity opened to support three girls to go to school in Mityana and was
quickly adopted in the beginning by our youth. These activities and sponsorships are a critical part of build-
ing the Lord’s kingdom in Uganda. In our lives, we have had situations where we wanted to achieve some
degree of accomplishment and it may have been directed by time. Certainly, Fr. Chuck and Beth have such
hopes of attaining establishment of their mission efforts during the remaining nine months of the mission.
They are making plans for the continuation of their work and are raising up people who are passionate and
committed to seeing the music program continue.
In the Spring is the best time for them to be here for deputation. It works out well to attend New Wineskins
and SAMS meetings. However, it is possible that the funds for their mission will have reached a depleted
level where they may have to return before springtime – winter for deputation is not the optimum time.
Many of you have been dedicated financial supporters of their mission in Mityana. If you can either in-
crease your donation, advance it at this time, or spread it out over time; it would help insure them coming in
March. If you have not given to their mission, please consider doing so now. Here are the ways that you
can do this;
Through the SAMS website https://secure-q.net/Donations/SAMS/3289 or you can send a check to
SAMS, Box 399, Ambridge, PA 15003. (Be sure to put the Bradshaws’ name on it.)
When Fr. Chuck and Beth are here, fundraisers are being planned. At present, the Vestry is developing and
exploring ideas for these fundraisers. However, many will need to help in planning, promoting and run-
ning the fundraisers. Please be ready to help so that Fr Chuck and Beth can be back in Mityana at the most
appropriate time.
In the Spring - The time for renewal, resurrection and salvation. A time to energize ourselves to be
“Senders” for Fr. Chuck and Beth.
Brad Berry
Church of Our Father Holy Eucharist: Sunday 8 and 10 am
Wednesday 8 am (followed by Light
Breakfast)
Words From The Well
IN THIS ISSUE P. 2: “Soundings”
P. 3: Upcoming Events
P. 4: Calendar
P. 5: Prayers, Birthdays, Anniversaries
P. 6-9: Parish Life
P. 10-11 Maine to Mityana
December
2015
Bill Krenicki promoting the cheese challenge
for the Bar Harbor Food Pantry