Dear Friends,
On Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006, on a beautiful sunny day just before Thanksgiving, Timothy met in Williston at the home of the Hubbards. Arabella had arranged the house cleverly in advance so that we had a worship-meeting space, an eating-fellowship space, and a baby shower gift unwrapping space. We were 28 happy souls gathered in.
Starting off the service with "We Gather Together To Ask the Lord's Blessing" with Kathy Carpenter on the piano, The Rev. Dr. Stephen Thrall led us in worship, study of the Word and an ecumenical communion. Steve "unpacked" Psalm 47 (in the tradition Timothy has come to embrace) in a holistic approach, a yoking together of the OT psalmist Of the Sons of Korah, and the NT (see echoes in Revelations), noting the strong imagery of praise --clap your hands, shouts of joy, how awesome...and encouraging our praise in prayer.
Afterwards we shared a wonderful potluck including sliced turkey and stuffing from the Peffers, hot corn chowder all the way from Guild, NH made by Flora Kangas, Barbara Richart's delicious deviled eggs, salad and sandwiches and pumpkin loaf and Ellie's chicken and rice dish, and more! This was given a final flourish by Norma Rigby with a perfect celebratory apple cake topped with homemade whipped cream.
We had a brief business meeting at which Bill Hogan reported on the ACN-New England Convocation meetings in Coventry, RI on Oct. 20 and 26 and the finance committee made a recommendation to be voted on. Bill's report highlighted the strong representation of Timothy, and Timothy's presence on the ongoing Convocation work groups (Kathy is on Purpose and Mission statement, Ann is convener of Budget and Resources for 2007, Arabella, Aare and Bill are on Program and Calendar Planning) and reflected the importance Dean Murdoch places on this voluntary cooperative work to build up the Anglican Communion Network in New England. Fr. Bill is, in case you didn't know it, a vibrant, energizing leader with a big heart.
The finance committee recommended that Timothy tithe 10% of income retroactively and in this manner: 5% to ACN-NEC, and 5% to ACN split 50/50 between ACN unrestricted and ARDF (Anglican Relief and Development Fund). Any other missions-related expenditures will be additional: made on an as-needed, recommended and approved by members basis. The recommendation was unanimously approved.
Here's the treasurer's report through November: starting in July 2006, Timothy took in $1,825 in revenues and expended $452.81 (honoraria, mileage, CCLI copyright license for one year), leaving a balance of $1,372.19. Timothy has a restricted account with the ACN which is a 501 (c)(3) religious organization.
Finally, we surprised Thiei with gifts for the baby she and Akol are expecting in late December. The variety of gifts and the generosity of spirit of Thiei and Akol's "Timothy family" were everywhere to be seen. Baby Boy Aguek is going to be the Best Dressed Baby of 2006. Thiei expressed her deep thanks to everyone. Akol, who could not be present, joins her in grateful appreciation to each one of you.
Now let's look ahead to December: on Saturday, December 16 at 10:30 Timothy is invited to meet at Judy Hellman's house in Hinesburg, VT with The Rev. Ellen Neufeld of the Diocese of Albany the celebrant. (To keep this report short, I'll send the directions to Judy's at a later date. If you have GPS, her address is 302 Cattail Lane, Hinesburg 05461.) Ellen says we will open with an Advent hymn and follow with as many Christmas carols as we want. Aare met Ellen when he attended the Albany Diocesan Convention.
In response to my request, The Rev. Neufeld sent the biographical information below:
The Reverend Ellen C. Neufeld was ordained to the priesthood in July, 1994 along with her husband, Michael. She has ministered in a variety of parishes in New Jersey, South Carolina and Georgia and is now canonically resident in the Diocese of Albany. In addition to bachelor and master degrees in education, The Rev. Ellen has completed a master degree and all requirements toward a PhD in theology ("all but dissertation") at Fordham University, NY. She also received a Certificate in Anglican Studies from The General Theological Seminary in 1992. She has taught theology at St. Peter's College in Jersey City, NJ and in the Disciple Program and Deacon Training Program for her diocese. She is currently priest associate at St. Andrew's Church, Scotia, NY where she resides with Father Mike and Pickles, a lively Jack Russell Terrier. She particularly enjoys music and kayaking. Her prayer for the Church at this time is that we may not only remain faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ but also be messengers of that Gospel to a world which is starving for it.
Meanwhile, save Saturday, January 6 for an Epiphany gathering of Timothy in Quechee at the home of Diane Ames and Terry Russell. I will write in greater detail later. I think this is enough for now. And don't forget the Gospel Concert in Montpelier on Dec. 2 and 3 in Montpelier which George and Emily Seiffert are singing in!
Your faithful scribe,
Ann