St. PeterÕs
EPISTLE
June 2006
The Monthly Newsletter of St. Peter Episcopal Church in Ashtabula, Ohio
Prayer for Ashtabula County
Lord, you have set us down in a place of great beauty and possibility, and we thank you. We thank you for the hills of Ashtabula County, the beginning of great mountains, for the farm land and the open spaces, trees and plants of all kinds, for grapes and apples and blueberries and for wild life and creatures of all sorts and those who care for them — dairy cows and farm animals, (home-wrecking) alpaca, bison, and even rare bats.
We thank you for water and its power to carry things and people to and from places far away, to hold us up and let us swim, to refresh us and quench our thirst.
We thank you for the boats and trains that connect us to the wide world, and we thank you for the bridges that delight us and cover us and make a way for us from here to there and from now to long ago.
And we thank you also for the bridges of ideas and learning, of cooperation, of work and play, as we thank you for the fruit of our hearts and minds -- the arts -- which seem to be loved and nurtured in all the corners of this county.
Praise you for all that is good here. Praise you for the beauty that will draw us to you if we let it, for all the variety that would show us your extravagant love if we would notice, for all that renews and refreshes us and for all that makes life possible.
Praise you that you are higher than all mountains yet you see the smallest of us and every sacrifice for love. Praise for all the ways you lead us home to your own Heart, for the One Bridge that will get us there, the Bridge of your Word, Christ Jesus, and for the covering of your love.
Open our eyes and our hearts to your hope for us and this place where you have set us. It is a good land you have given us. Ashtabula County flows with your grace, and we praise you.
Given at the National Day of Prayer, May 2006
The Rev.Barbara C. Johnson
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WhatÕs HappenÕn in June?É
6th – Executive Committee, 7:00 pm
8th – Mary Margaret Guild, 11:00 am
10th – Graduation Open House for
Chris Shippy, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
11th – 2-cents – a – meal collection
Loose offering to RD Fund
12th – Renovation Committee,
6:00 p.m.
Vestry, 7:00 p.m.
14th – St. Elizabeth Guild, 12 noon
Try and catch the windÉ
~ Ann Siddall ~
This was the title of a song sung decades ago by Donovan: ÒAh, but I may as well try and catch the wind.Ó
Written as a love song it reflects the longing for the beloved and the joy of being together, but also the elusive element that refuses to be captured or contained. I find it appropriate to describe life in the Spirit. The wind, as Jesus told Nicodemus, blows where it will. (John 3:8) It chooses where it will go. We cannot control it or pre-empt it.
The Holy Spirit is like quicksilver – here one moment, somewhere else the next. Unpredictable, exciting, surprising, creative. ItÕs like a dance, or a child playing or the wind sighing through the trees.
It brings life, power, energy, and gifts. Dancing with it bears fruit, we become more patient, gentle and self-controlled.
There is a certain inner disposition that is needed from us if we wish to live by the Spirit and it is reflected in DonovanÕs song. We cannot expect to direct or control it. And it cannot move or flow through people or communities who are tough, rigid, inflexible, or closed.
Life in the Spirit is a wild adventure. We set our course, choose our programs, but unless the wind catches our sails we are going nowhere. We establish our lives, set up our relationships, homes, work, interests - but unless the Spirit animates them we are moribund.
I like to think of life in the Spirit as a kind of dance – yes, even for old, stiff limbs! When the music starts, when a hand is held out to us, we join in. We know the basic steps, but the rhythm invites new ones. We risk doing things differently.
So in this season of Pentecost, let us discern and celebrate and move with the Spirit, and experience, like the singer, the joy of Òtrying to catch the wind.Ó
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Quotes for the GolferÉ
ÒGolf is not a game, itÕs bondage. It was obviously devised by a man torn with guilt, eager to atone for his sins.Ó
~ Unknown ~
And that baseball guy, Hank Aaron, said, ÒIt took me seventeen years to
get 3,000 hits in baseball. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course.Ó
Changes in your Parish Directory:
Neil & Michelle Plats
5529 Madison Avenue
Ashtabula, OH 44004
(440) 344 – 2489 (cell phone)
John & Lisa Schaefer
2123 Footville-Richmond Road
Jefferson, OH 44047
(440) 858- 2465
Don & Mary Kay Loose
P.O. Box 733
Ashtabula, OH 4405-0733
(TheyÕre back in town & looking for a place to live.)
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A Letter from the BishopÉ
Dear Friends:
Thank you for your gift of $129.05 to the Diocese of OhioÕs BishopÕs Discretionary Fund received on 4/26/2006.
I am tremendously thankful for this tangible offering of collegial participation in the life and ministry of the diocese.
Thank you for you generosity, and the wonderful visitation.
Gratefully,
The Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr.
Bishop of Ohio
Other appreciationsÉ
Mary Ellen Coneglio, Executive Director, writes for the American Red Cross in Ashtabula County, thanking us for our donation from our March collection of two –cents- a – meal.
ÒI promise your gift will be used to provide vital relief to victims of disasters and to help families throughout our community prevent, prepare for and respond effectively to emergencies.Ó
They need our helpÉ
Spring 2006
The Regional Cancer Center in Ashtabula is seeking individuals to volunteer at its facility. Volunteers are asked to contribute time, either weekly or bi-monthly. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 – 4:30. Training is required.
If you are interested in more information, please call (800) 477-6647, extension 431, and leave your name and telephone number.
Thank you.
The SneezeÉ
They walked in tandem, each of the
ninety-two, into a crowded auditorium.
With rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked
almost as grown up as they felt. Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and moms freely brushed away tears.
This class would not pray during the commencementsÉ. not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.
The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guide-
lines. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches already allowed
by the ruling, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. The speeches were nice, but they were routineÉ..until the final speech received a standing ovation. A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, SNEEZED!!! The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said, ÒGOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!Ó
The class had found a way to pray, with or without the courtÕs approval.
~ Author unknown ~
And our High School Graduates areÉ
Congratulations to Tim Podgorny and Chris Shippy who graduate from Lakeside, and Nick Meloro who graduates from Jefferson High School.
And our College GradsÉ
We also have a number of college graduates this Spring:
Jolie Nazor (BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota Fl. with a major in Computer Animation)
Katie Phillips (BS, Cum Laude from Kent State University with a major in Magazine Journalism; will begin work with McGraw Hill Publishing Company, New York City.)
Kim Phillips (BS from Kent State University, with a major in Fashion
Merchandising & minor in Marketing; will begin work with Pamela Roland
Designers, Madison Ave., New York City on June 6th.)
Jason Shippy (BS from American University in Washington D.C., Cum Laude, with a major in Political Science & minor in Economics. He is currently working for Department of Labor – Statistics.)
Laura Snitcher (Marketing & Management Information Systems College of Business at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. She will be inducted into Beta-Gamma Sigma, the highest honor in the College of Business.)
Charlie Webb (Ohio Northern, Ada, OH)
And a new friend in the congregation, Lisa Schaefer (Thiel College, Greenville, PA.)
How proud we are of them all! Congratulations.
WeÕre all invitedÉ
The Meloro family would like to extend a cordial invitation to the St. Peter family in celebration of
Nicholas MeloroÕs graduation from
Jefferson High School.
An Open House will be held on Saturday, June 10th, from 12:00 Ôtil 4:00 p.m.
Please join us at our home:
355 Kathleen Drive, Jefferson, Ohio.
Call 576-9362 for directions.
The Rummage Sale
~ submitted by Jan Green ~
Old sheets washed and loved to sweetness, ancient pots and pans worn thin; straw fans with artificial daisies glued to them; kitchen contrivances of some forgotten use; scratched pictures frames with empty eyes.
Before you condemn these things as worthless junk, remember each was used and used and used again; important, familiar, depended upon.
So the owner could not bear to throw it away.
And so, they lie here on a table for a dime; and someone else, for a dime, will love them too.
Such things donÕt ever cease in being. They just move to a different home.
Be aware that our very own Rummage Sale is coming before you know it. So gather those well-used & gently worn items in your home for someone else to adopt for a small fee.
When? you ask. The announced dates are September 8th & 9th.
You may start bringing in your items to Carol Wardell to stockpile leading up to the big day.
For more info, check with Carol.
IÕll bet sheÕs accepting applications for workers, too.
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Johnsons to host 20th Anniversary ÒOpen PavilionÓÉ
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Celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary on June 21st, Mother Barbara and Eric invite yÕall to join them for an anniversary ÒOpen PavilionÓ at Saybrook Township Park on Sunday, June 25th beginning at 4:00 p.m.
The park is located in Saybrook Township on Ohio Rte. 531, a mile or two west of Ohio 45, between Ashtabula and Geneva – on- the-Lake. Scenic Saybrook Township Park, located on the shore of Lake Erie, includes a covered picnic pavilion, restroom facilities, swings offering lake views, and a large playground area for kids.
The Johnsons will be providing grilled bratwurst and hot dogs, buns, place settings, beverages and a variety of condiments (including the IndiansÕ fame ÒStadium MustardÓ and the Milwaukee BrewersÕ popular ÒSecret Stadium Sauce.Ó) Please bring a dish to share if you are able.
In order to properly target how many bratwursts and hot dogs to order for the party, please contact the Johnsons if you are planning on coming to the anniversary open house. Contact the Johnsons at
992-4341 or e-mail to eaj898@alltel.net.
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Those new tablesÉ
The new ultra-light tables, given at the discretion of and in memory of Mike Pelyhes are really terrific; very easy to move and set up; and they make the renovated Fellowship Hall in the basement look even brighter. Mike was right about lots of things. He was sure right about the tables!
We would like to keep them and keep them nice. So, the Vestry has directed that they stay here. We have kept a number of the old tables, if you would like to borrow THEM for graduation parties, family reunions, or whatever.
Please see Don if you have a particular occasion in mind.
UshersÉ
Todd Van Allen has graciously volunteered to schedule ushers, now that Eleanor Andrews has stepped down. He has a tough act to follow, since Eleanor partnered with Gwen Taylor for a number of years on this.
Eleanor will continue to serve as an usher. That will not change. One thing that will change is that ushers will be scheduled for summer Sundays, just like other ministries that are necessary for worship. Please find a substitute on your own if you canÕt serve when you are scheduled. Call Todd only as a last resort. His telephone number is: 998-7932.
On the lighter sideÉ
Say what?É
A bishop turned to his congregation to say, ÒPeace be with youÓ only to find that the sound system was not working. ÒThereÕs something wrong with the microphoneÓ he announced and the congregation seeing his lips move but not hearing him dutifully replied, Òand also with you.Ó
Back to the RectorÕs stuffÉ
RectorÕs Discretionary Fund-
Special AppealÉ
The Foundation has generously agreed to match money raised for the RectorÕs Discretionary Fund during a special appeal. This is a one-time offer and comes out of their concern for several families in the parish in need at this time. They would be happy to contribute up to $1000 with the provision that the money is forwarded to those who need it, within the congregation. The special collection for the RectorÕs Discretionary Fund will be taken the second Sunday in September, September 10th.
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Sunday School Wrap UpÉ
Thank you to all the children and adults who participated in Christian Education this year.
A special thank you to those who gave their time and their hearts to teaching:
Eric Johnson (Godly Play), Diane Podgorny (Grades 4-6), Pat Van Allen& Pat Hazeltine (Grades 7-12) and Brian Lago (Adults).
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Sprucing Up DowntownÉ
Karen Flack, Eric Johnson and
5-year- old Andrew Johnson were among interested community members donating their time Monday, May 22 as the Ashtabula Downtown Development Association (ADDA) filled 42 decorative planters for distribution along Main Avenue as part of efforts to enhance the downtown streetscape. Eric serves as the parish liaison to the newly-formed ADDA, which meets monthly for breakfast meetings at Casa Capelli.
We Love Breakfast – And Coffee
HourÉ
Breakfast and Coffee Hour will return on September 10th.
Thank you to all our chefs and servers for their hard work and early mornings. (They just make it look easy.) Thanks to:Bill Murphy and the
Grotto Group, Diane Podgorny and Family, Roger Smith and Crew, The Youth Group (and their parents and grandparents),and the Clayman Clan.
We would like to see a new crew come in for the Fall. Is that a group you could lead?
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Thank you to Pat Hazeltine, Karen Flack and Jo Lehtonen for making sure coffee hour happens each Sunday – and for the little gnomes behind the scenes who assured the appearance of sweet little somethings to carry us through our lessons. Love does have a flavor.
Episcopal Church WomenÉ
The Triennial Meeting of Episcopal Church Women is being held in conjunction with General Convention in Columbus. There will be six workshop periods – two on each of these dates:
June 18, 19 & 20. For details of topics and leaders, check website www.episcopalchurch.org/ecw, then click on Triennial Meeting and look for the Workshop booklet.
To participate just register as a Visitor to General Convention/Triennial Meeting. You will be given a Visitor badge which allows you access to both Convention and Meeting.
Visitoy registration fee (which allows you access to both functions) is only $15.00 for one day, $30.00 for two days (on site registration only). Pre-registration guest fee is $50.00 and that form is available at
www.episcopalchurch.org. then click on the General Convention link.
You are encouraged to make your workshop selections in advance, as space in workshops is limited.
For more info, call Betty Paterson at 920-231-0665.
St. PeterÕs Fine Arts SeriesÉ
~ Eric Johnson ~
The St. PeterÕs Fine Arts series Committee has been busy in 2006, hosting three concerts to date and planning another three for later in the year.
á Cincinnati conservatory graduate,
Barbara Barrett, will perform a free gospel, jazz and blues concert at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 27.
Playing venues from Cleveland to New York, Ms. Barrett is no stranger to Ashtabula County – having played several times at Laurello Winery in Harpersfield.
á WeÕre taking the Series on the road Monday, September 25th with an evening concert (time TBA) inside the auditorium at AshtabulaÕs new Lakeside High School on Sanborn Road. Featured performers will be ÒThe Cleveland Orchestra Duo and James Umble.Ó The Cleveland Orchestra Duo features pianist Carolyn Warner and violinist Steven Warner. Saxophonist James Umble is a faculty member at the DanaSchool of Music at Youngstown State University.
* The Fine Arts Series will stage a
free holiday concert of Christmas
and Hanukkah music by the
Cleveland – based Heritage Brass
Quintet on Sunday, December 17
at 7:30 p.m. Accompanying the
Quintet on St. PeterÕs famed 1441-
pipe Holtkamp organ will be Ash –
tabula resident and Notre Dame
University student, Joie Petros.
Ashtabula soprano Missy Sorohan,
a student at the Cleveland Institute
of Music, will be the concert
vocalist.
Established last fall as a unique fine arts ministry to the Ashtabula area community, the St. PeterÕs Fine Arts Series is overseen by an ecumenical 12-member committee comprising
arts-loving area residents drawn from the parish and the larger Ashtabula County community. Parish committee include Albert Carlisle, Neil Meloro, Danielle Weiser and co-chairs Roger Smith and Eric A. Johnson. Community committee members include Zelda Altman, Mary Hedberg, Dr. Timothy Kalil, Irving & Harriet Goodman and Janie & Terry Hall.
Concerts comprising the St. PeterÕs Fine Arts Series are offered free to the public, underwritten by donations from area individuals, businesses, foundations, and SeriesÕ fund-raiser
concerts. Free-will offerings are taken at the concerts in support of parish & community-based outreach programs and ministries, with over $1000 raised to date.
Previous concerts include the Manhattan Piano Trio in November2005, the Cleveland Orchestra Piano Trio in April 2006, award- winning pianist Dr. Spencer Myer on May 5 and a Series fund-raiser concert with Ashtabula CountyÕs own Connor OÕBrien on MothersÕ Day, May 14.
Update on St. PeterÕs WebsiteÉ
~ Eric Johnson ~
Since its April debut, Eric Johnson and Rick Balog have been busy adding material to the parishÕs new website, www.stpetersashtabula.org.
Recent additions to the web site include:
the annual May ÒMother-Daughter- Friend Banquet;Ó MarchÕs annual Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner; the 2005-06 parish wardens, officers and vestry members; Holy Week and Easter 2006; breakfast group and candid shots; confirmation, receptions and baptisms at our episcopal visitation; and photos from recent St.PeterÕs Fine Arts Series concerts.
Also posted is the latest information on upcoming Series concerts from
August – December.
Additions coming over the summer include text to accompany the hundreds of images on the web site, explaining the background of our traditions, programs and ministries. We also plan to add a parish history page to showcase some 100-plus historical images from St. PetersÕ archive room and our parishÕs rich and interesting history dating from our early roots in 1812-13. Eric and Rick are looking into the feasibility of adding live webcasts of Sunday services.
Additions to the page links on the web site include a guest register, the weekly Sunday bulletin, the 17889 Prayer Book annual Log Cabin Days liturgy at Blakeslee Log cabin, and much more.
Remember to contact Eric for a quick photo shoot, if youÕd like to include your parish group on the website.
(992-4341, or email at eaj1898@alltel.net. Or if you have any great photos youÕve snapped that youÕd like to pass along for scanning to the web site, please get them to Eric also.
As we continually update our website, be sure to make
www.stpetersashtabula.org one of your regular ÒFavoritesÓ stops on the World Wide Web.
So Long till FallÉ
The ChoirÕs last Sunday up front will be May 21st, except that they might graciously reappear on Pentecost, June 4. Negotiations are currently underway with their agent. Otherwise, their contract requires that they rest their voices and their robes until Fall. Mother Barbara will really miss them. I know you will, too. It seems so empty up front without them!
You can catch a glimpse of them on the website or spot them incognito among the congregation in the meanwhile. Dark glasses indicate they are hiding from the paparazzi. No autographs, please!
And a couple of reminders:
Come to church at 9:00 a.m. for the rest of the Summer. The regular schedule will resume on September 10th. WeÕre looking forward to seeing our St. Peter family members from the other service.
Also, remember, the next Epistle news deadline will be Sunday, June 18th. Put material in the box in the office, or email