Hello friends,
I think every one of the twenty-four of us who attended the Timothy meeting at Diane and Terry's comfortable home in Quechee on Saturday, left with a feeling of deep delight. Bishop Andy Fairfield, who came with his lovely wife Sally, and accompanied by The Rev. Marnie Keator, is a humble and serene presence, a gracious and godly man, who couldn't help but lift one's spirit and instill a desire to be a worthy Christian in community. The ACN is blessed to have Andy Fairfield.
The Epiphany service was a perfect start to the new year. Bishop Fairfield began with the story of the magi who see and follow the light of the star in the night sky, and concluded with the refrain " the star in our lives is Jesus". He illustrated his message with colorful descriptions of his early ministry in the northernmost tip of Alaska. Following the light of the star of Jesus is not by any means a straight path. It has turns and bends like a river. The important thing is to stay in the mainstream, especially in the dark, to avoid the rocks and shoals. Likening our lives to a small craft, he contrasted a boat without a tlller and rudder to an individual's life without Jesus to steer him and keep him on course.
At the same time, Bishop Fairfield was completely aware of his audience and the forces that had brought us together. He acknowledged and addressed the existing divide in the church and understood without being told that there is a sadness among us over what has become of the church we love. As well he sensed people's joy in carrying on the mission and traditions we care about and strive to keep alive.
Marnie and Dwight assisted with the service. At Bishop Fairfield's request we used Rite Two Eucharistic Prayer B. Dwight prepared the new service bulletin. Kathy and Diane selected the music. An Epiphany surprise for us was having a choir for the first time. In order to call us to start the service, a group with fine voices began to sing, gathered around Kathy at the piano. A spontaneous event, it momentarily fulfilled the dream of having a choir.
Betty and Henry Clark, friends of Glenn and Ellie's, joined us for the day as most welcome visitors. After communion we filled our plates and resettled ourselves to hear the present Dwight had brought on audio tape: A Father's Letter. In a word, God cares for you his child. Before the Bishop had to leave he graciously took part in a question and answer session. In answer to one question he explained that he is Suffragan Bishop for Pastoral Care for the Network's New England Convocation. He enjoys pastoral care to individuals and is responsible for overseeing postulants in the convocation desiring to become deacons or priests.
In the meeting portion, Bill read a letter which was approved and circulated for signature, a letter of greeting and appreciation to Bishops Bena and Herzog of the Diocese of Albany on the occasion of their retirement. Bill also answered the question How is our baby? Deng is growing fast and is alert and perfect. Ann gave a treasurer's report as of the end of December 2006: Revenues from free will offerings $2,380.00, Expenses $1,235.10, and Net of $1,144.90. The group approved an expenditure of $50.00 as a contribution to RBC Ministries which publishes and sends quarterly Our Daily Bread. We also confirmed that we wish to continue to receive Our Daily Bread. A new issue will be distributed at the February meeting. Today's offering, counted by John and Barbara, was $400.00.
It was a nice surprise to see Elizabeth Price again. She will be moving from Chapel Hill NC to Peabody MA in mid-February. She kindly invited Timothy to use Thendara again in June, August and September. In her remarks she told of the wonderful energy and success of the Episcopal church in Chapel Hill under the leadership of The Rev. Timothy Kimbrough, and her concern for the pressures that he has to be feeling, dividing his attention from the work they are doing in " providing a safe place for parents to bring up their children in love and fear of the Lord". The gathering immediately offered a prayer for Fr. Timothy and the other clergy with responsibilities at Holy Family Church in Chapel Hill.
Ann next posed a What If question to the group: What If a Timothy meeting is too big to comfortably be contained and seated in a home? There were a number of ideas, including the creative BYOCC (Bring Your Own Collapsible Chair)! The feeling of the group is to put off as long as possible spending money on rental fees and Tom spoke eloquently about the feeling of family he has about meeting in the personal home of a family. Although the issue is not at the fore, everyone agreed to research places for future reference. We thanked Jill for borrowing chairs for today's meeting.
The final topic of the meeting was brought up by members of the New England Convocation's Work Group on 2007 Calendar and Program, namely Arabella, Diane, Aare and Bill. Their first work group meeting is Jan. 20 in Keene, NH. The question concerns hosting a special event in Vermont: What time of year and who would be good speakers. It was thought that a lot of lead time is needed. Also summer may not be the best time to pull people together. A number of names were mentioned, such as John Guest, John Rogers, Michael Green, Martyn Minns, Les Fairfield, Nigel Mumford, Christopher Leighton, James Emery White and, it goes without saying, Bill Murdoch.
The next Timothy meeting will be on Saturday, February 3 in Shelburne at the home of Wash Winn. The time is 10:30 am. The celebrant will be The Rev. Alex Cameron. Out of consideration for the home host, please let me know if you plan to attend. I will send directions at a later date--and tell you whether it is BYOCC!
Faithfully, Ann
P.S. On Saturday a brilliant white star-shaped object appeared in our home while we were at the meeting. See below. ( Think it's a sign?)
