THE

SCROLL

August 2011

A Familys Reflections on a Journey to Joplin

Advents new youth group initiative centers on the idea of taking our young people out of the classroom and becoming more focused on hands-on interaction with our community. To begin this new direction, Sally and I took our children, along with Adam Witte, to Joplin. Everyone is familiar with the horrific events surrounding the tornado that destroyed eight square miles of central Joplin last May and the tragic deaths of at least 150 people. The images are still fresh: The bodies laid out along the football field because there were no other facilities to handle the influx The hospital, with extensive damage to every wing ... The local high school, with the letters blown off the entry sign, leaving only the O-P from Joplin High the duct-taped H-, -E sandwiching them, spelling H-O-P-E. We knew that seeing these things from the comfort of our family room would not prepare us for actually being there. We arrived in Joplin late on a Friday afternoon. We were to meet a larger group sent from the diocese, led by our newly appointed diocesan youth leader, Jon Stratton. St. Philips Church had agreed to provide shelter for the group during our stay. The local YMCA offered showering facilities to us. A couple from Jefferson City arrived to prepare meals for the group, and they were joined by the St. Philips Mens Club and other volunteers from the congregation. It was a very wellplanned and well-executed trip, and thank-yous are certainly due to Jon and all the men and women who took such good care of us. A special thanks goes to Beth Felice, who was instrumental in taking us from an unfocused idea to finding a way to actually making it happen. This was my first trip of this kind. I didnt go to New Orleans. Ive never built homes in Nicaragua or shoveled debris in Haiti. I wont dwell too long on the impressions or reflections gathered during this trip, but I will say that the experience was unlike any other Ive ever had. We arrived two months after the tornado. Many of the halfstanding structures had already been bulldozed, and much of the debris had been carted away. We were taken to a neighborhood where the
continued on page 4

In September

Coming to a Church Yard Near Us!

The After-hours Community Band, of which Bill and Rene Sanders are members, will be performing for us in September. Please watch for further details on the date and time in the e-mail blasts and the Sunday service leaflet. This has become a yearly event that the neighborhood residents enjoy as much as we do. Bring your lawn chairs, sit a spell and enjoy some snappy tunes.

Fr. Dan will be on vacation from July 25 through August 15. Fr. Nathaniel will lead services for the three Sundays that Dan will be on vacation.

In this issue:
Reflections on Joplin Journey.................1 Christian Formation as...........................2 Divinization - Dan Handschy New Look for Christian Formation.....3 ECM BIrthday party...............................3 Newsbites and Calendar...................6-7 An Eagle Project-Adam Witte...............8 Who at Advent is from the Delta.......9 Liturgical Ministies................................10 Making Disciples Conference.............11 Immersed!-Deb Goldfeder..................12 Daughters of the King.........................14

Editor: Marla Dell

9373 Garber Road, Crestwood, MO 63126

314-843-0123 www.advent-episcopal.org

advent-episcopal@sbcglobal.net

From the Rectors Desk

Christian Formation as Divinization

Daniel J. Handschy
Last month, in my column, I talked about the Eucharist as divinization. In the Eucharist we offer of all our lifes work to God and ask God to transform it into sustenance for ourselves and the Church, the Body of Christ in the world. Through our worship, our offering of the gifts of Gods earth back to God, God accomplishes the apokatastasis panton, the restoration of everything. God takes our offerings into the divine self, takes us into the divine self ever more and more, until all is restored. Our worship is a part of what God is doing in the world. For the coming year, we are looking at a new format of Christian Formation. This format involves some event, some active engagement, either in a service project or a learning opportunity, and then reflection afterward. I am very excited by this new model. Most people are not sit still learners, able to sit in a classroom and absorb content in any meaningful kind of way. Even learning math, people have to do problem sets if they want to achieve any level of comprehension. These events will be problem sets or homework in being Christian. Imagine we take a trip to the Zoo. Everyone would read the story of Noahs Ark before we go. Then, turn the kids loose; maybe have a docent go with us and talk about the different species, or habitat, the food chain, whatever. Then gather afterward, and ask the kids what was their favorite part, the weirdest animal. Then ponder how the Zoo might be like Noahs Ark. Ask ourselves how we might be threatening the habitat God intended for these animals, and the Zoo is trying to preserve the species. What could we, as Christians, do to change our habits to help God like Noah did? I can guarantee the next time we all sing God of the sparrow, God of the whale, it will hit us with a different force. Someone also suggested that we might make a trip to a shoe factory as an event, and at first I wondered how that could teach us what it means to be Christian. Then I remembered a passage in Ecclesiasticus which talks about the potter who makes the water jars that make civilization possible, and the blacksmith who makes the plow that makes agriculture possible. All of them are needed for the city. We could learn about their work conditions, and we would be reminded of how much we take our shoes for granted. Reflection like this would help us see the role we play in the restoration of the all. As we came to Eucharist, we would have a clearer sense of the kinds of things we might pray for, the things we might work for, the offering we make. I think this new program represents the best in missional thinking, not just because we might do things like rake leaves in elders yards as one of the events, but because it will help us see what God is doing in the world, restoring everything to the divine glory, and help us know how we can participate in that divinization.
The Scroll - August 2011

A New Look for Christian Formation

Look for something new this fall for Christian Formation. Rather than the usual classroom/ content model, were trying something completely different. During the program year, there will be seven or eight events, probably on a Saturday, followed by an opportunity for reflection. These events and the reflection will be intergenerational: kids of all ages, parents, adults, all are invited. Events might be something like cooking a meal at Ronald McDonald House, raking leaves for elders in the neighborhood, or a trip to the Zoo. After each event, we will gather and ponder what we might learn about God and our Christian life through what weve done. For example, we might read the story of Noahs ark before a trip to the Zoo, and then talk about all the different species that God has created, and how the Zoo helps to preserve species, just like Noah. Lucy Levandoski and Becky Vogel will have oversight of the whole program, but each event will be planned by its own person or team. A group of people gathered on July 18 and brainstormed a bunch of great ideas for events and reflection, and several people volunteered to lead an event. If you have an idea for an event that you just cant wait to get church people involved in, or would like to try your hand at leading an event, contact Lucy (314-843-3443 or blwitte@ charter.net) and Becky (636-343-0373 or vogel@ il.net). They will be able to get resources to help any event-planner.

Birthday Party with Episcopal City Mission, August 12

Church of the Advent has a tradition of helping children held in pre-trial detention celebrate their birthdays in August. This year the birthday party is on August 12th. The Difanis will meet those of you who want to carpool at 6:00 PM in the parking lot of the church. You may also decide to meet us at the Detention Center on Enright near Vandeventer around 6:30 PM. We will play Bingo with about thirty children in the center, interact with them and serve them ice cream and cake. We are finished around 8:00 PM. Every time I go there I find myself wondering what these kids think of when they are told a bunch of middle aged and older people are coming to give them a party. Then some kid will tell you that they have never, ever had a birthday party before. Another child may ask you to pray for them as they face the judge. I could tell you it is life-changing but for whom? We all come away changed. I invite all of you to come to this annual event. It is a small time commitment for us but it may mean everything to one child. Come and see. Deb Goldfeder

Teens Help Out in Joplin

On the weekend of July 15-17, a group of teens from the Diocese of Missouri travelled to Joplin to help with debris clean-up after the terrible tornado there earlier this summer. Three of Advents kids joined the effort: Ben and Clare Difani and Adam Witte. Dave and Sally Difani drove the kids down to Joplin and helped with the clean-up effort. The youth from our Diocese stayed at St. Philips Episcopal Church in Joplin. Watch for an opportunity to hear the kids talk about their experience in Joplin.
The Episcopal Church of the Advent welcomes you

A Familys Reflections on a Journey to Joplin

bulldozers hadnt yet completely cleared the debris. There were maybe twenty volunteers in our group and our task was to clear away the rubble from the yard and concrete pad, a safe distance from the ruins of the partially standing house. It was plain the neighborhood had been a poor one. There were no basements. From the toys scattered about the yard, it was clear that this home belonged to a young family. There is a special, horrible feeling associated with finding a stuffed animal in the remains of a home where you can see little hope that the family survived. We were worked hard in that 100 degree heat. Twenty of us accomplished in eight hours what one man with a bulldozer could have done in two, but the day was only partially about the clean-up. We made a difference, the way any collective group of tiny efforts can make a difference, but it wasnt really about cleaning up Joplin. For the eight hours we worked, and for many hours afterward, it was about reflecting on how thin is the thread of our lives, how soon it can all change, and how very much we all have to be grateful for. Joplin is, simply put, a prayer. Advent can be proud of its children. Adam, Ben, and Claire represented us well. They worked hard, never complained, even in the heat, and most impressively, absorbed the lessons Joplin taught. If this is to be the direction of our new youth ministry, then I think we are starting a program we will all be proud of. Dave Difani

...continued from page one

At the end of May, the band instructor at Rockwood South Middle School sent out an email asking for donations of summer clothes and toiletries for the students of Joplin High School. We learned at that time that the high school was severely damaged by the massive tornado that struck on May 22. Band directors around the state were being asked to help with the relief effort. I remember sending in a couple bags of items with Ben and Claire the next day. Little did I know that two months later, I would be standing in the parking lot of Joplin High School viewing the incredible devastation. It was apparent that little had been done to repair the buildings, and I learned that district officials had not yet announced their plans for the school year. It was fitting that all of us, but particularly the youth in our group, were able to actually see how their peers in Joplin have been affected by the tornado. Sending in donations is a fine thing, but nothing compares to the experience of being there. To be there was to understand why our donations were necessary. I believe that all of us were changed by what we saw in Joplin, and I am grateful to the diocese for organizing such a meaningful experience. Sally Difani It was a hot and humid summer day down in Joplin, Missouri. There were piles of rubble as far as the eye could see. Hundreds to thousands of lots were destroyed because of the tornado, a full eight square miles of destruction. There were at least fifty people on the two adjoining lots and in
The Scroll - August 2011

one day we couldnt finish the job. If we cant simply take the rubble off one small property, how much time will it take AmeriCorps and its volunteers to clean up the destruction? Some residents of Joplin came to speak with us after our workday to tell us stories about the tornado and its aftermath. They told us that the people who live in the southern half of Joplin couldnt get their mail because the post office was destroyed and they cant get mail from the post office on the north side of the city because many of them have no proof of their identity. So, obviously, there is still a lot of work to be done, and the only thing that keeps me from volunteering there all summer is my pre-existing plans. If you are debating whether to go or not, just remember that your help is needed and one person can make a difference. Ben Difani When we went through the place where the tornado hit, I was devastated. There was not one whole structure that was fully standing. You could just imagine what the people who lived there were going through. Maybe through the grief of losing people that you love, through losing your home and most of your belongings, or just knowing that the place that used to be your home city will never be the same.

Everyone that was helping out went to the church where everyone slept, ate, and did the Morning Prayer. We ate dinner and made sure to get a good nights slept because everybody knew that tomorrow was going to be very hot and the work was not going to be easy. We woke up in the morning, did our morning prayer, and headed out. We had to wear a mask because of all the dust that was going to be flying through the air, as well as gloves, hard-soled shoes, and safety glasses. After we got to the house that we were picking up, I got disappointed that picking up debris for only this house was all that I would be able to do for the tornado victims of Joplin, Missouri. Jon Stratton, the guy who made it happen, made sure that we were all properly hydrated and fed at the site. About halfway through the five hours that we worked, we went back to the church for lunch. After lunch, anybody who thought the heat was too much went to design care packages for those who really needed them. Jon told us that each of the jobs was equally important, so I went with him because it was about 100 degrees outside. After we ran out of just about everything for the care packages, we had to stop and go back to the church because it was the end of our working time anyway. The next day we had to go back home. I am really glad that I got to help out even if it was just a small fraction of what needed to be done. It was also a learning experience. I saw how much people actually do to help other people in need. I saw all those pictures on TV of the debris come to life and I also felt really sad when I had to go home. Especially because even though we did a whole lot of work on that house, it didnt look like we did a thing. Clare Difani

The Episcopal Church of the Advent welcomes you

The Prayer Shawl Ministry received several donations recently. Cash in our designated basket, non-church member donations and checks from Advent members were generously given. We thank you for this blessing and now we will be able to make many more shawls. On Sunday, July 17th, we had a blessing of the shawls on the church altar, and four shawls were distributed that day. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, August 17th at 1:00 pm at the church. Please contact Mary Peck (314-894-5260) if you have questions or would like to give a shawl.

Prayer Shawl Group

30 Hour Famine

Unfortunately we had to cancel the 30 Hour Famine this year. We have very busy youth and it was impossible to find an open weekend to arrange for the famine. Please tune in for future youth projects to help our world community.

2011 Fair St. Louis Booth

Advents Garden

It was hot, and it rained.... a lot! Thanks to all those who came out to help with Fair St. Louis on July 2 and 3. The concert and fireworks were canceled on July 3rd but we still managed to raise over $4000 for Advent. WooHoo! Beth Mazdra

Check out the garden and lend a hand, shovel, or whatever on Wednesdays. Questions: let Elaine Naes know. She can be reached at 314-843-1773, or elaine_naes@yahoo.com

Thursday Exercise Classes

Every Thursday morning at 9:30, a staff person from Crestview Retirement Center leads an exercise class at Advent. These classes are part of the Crestwood Parish Nurse program. Attendance has been growing steadily. Enjoy light refreshments after exercise, and check in with each other. Join us!

In August:

11th

Lunch and Learn welcomes Esley Hamilton

Acclaimed as the regions most prominent and energetic preservation historian, Esley Hamilton returns to talk about the architecture of St. Louis churches, and Advent, at the monthly Crestwood Parish Nurse Lunch and Learn program. Regular 9:30 exercise is followed by the program at 10:30 a.m. Free and open to all, lunch is provided. Please RSVP to Deb Goldfeder, deborahgoldfeder@gmail.com.

12th 14th
6

ECM Birthday Party

On August 12, for those who want to carpool with the Difanis meeting at 6:00 PM in the parking lot of the church or meet us at the Detention Center on Enright near Vandeventer around 6:30 p.m. See details on page 2.

An Afternoon Concert to benefit SAJE Ministries

The third and final concert of the season will take place at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 1414 S. Sappington (Crestwood) at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 14th. Performing will be the Peipert Family musicians, with chamber music for violin, flute, and cello. Concert followed by reception, free, goodwill offering for SAJE.
The Scroll - August 2011

In August:

15th 17th 18th 18th

Advent Church Women

The next ACW meeting is August 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall. We will be planning our Annual September breakfast. Please bring ideas for guest speakers. All ladies of Advent are welcome. If you have questions, contact Clare Kujath, 314846-2737 or ckujath@att.net.

Prayer Shawl Group

August 17th 1:00 p.m., at the church, see page 7.

Advent Men Dine Out

The Advent men will eat out on Thursday, August 18, 6:00 PM at Mile 227 Tap and Grill, Viking Lodge Building, Watson Rd. and Lindbergh Blvd., 10709 Watson Road. Wear your biker gear and ride your bike. This will be a new experience for us. Call Don Dippel, 314,487-0299 for information.

Third Thursday Ladies

We will meet at Sesame Chinese Restaurant 10500 Watson Road, close to Lindbergh and Watson Road intersection on Thursday, August 18 at 6:00 PM. Please join us for a fun night out and get to know some of the other women of the church. Call Carol Kardell by August 15th so that she can make an accurate reservation.

24th

Missional Congregations Meeting

The Missional Congregations Group will meet at Advent on Wednesday, August 24, at 6:00 pm. Bishop Smith will meet with the group that evening. There have been exciting things happening in the seven congregations in this group (including Advent) over the last year. Anyone from Advent is invited to attend. We will have a light supper at 6:00, and then the meeting begins at 6:30 pm. (Wednesday evening Eucharist will be cancelled that evening).

27th

Contextual Bible Study

Look on page 11 for more information about the Making Disciples workshop, Love Heals on Saturday, August 27, from 8:30 am 3:00 pm at Christ Church Cathedral. The afternoon session will be on contextual Bible study, which fits very nicely with the Christian Formation program we have planned for 2011 2012. Registration is $20 per person or $100 for a congregation sending 10 people. Wouldnt it be great if we could send 10 people! If you can go, please speak to the rector.

September Vestry Meeting

The Rev. Bob Towner and one or two people from the Vestry of Christ Church, Cape Girardeau will join us for an open Vestry meeting on Monday, September 12. Over the last several years, the Red Door Church has made a significant commitment and contribution to downtown Cape Girardeau, and they have an inspiring story to tell. The meeting will begin with supper at 6:00 pm, and presentation and questions at 6:30 pm. Please make plans to attend.
The Episcopal Church of the Advent welcomes you

An Eagle Project
Have you noticed anything new in the vegetable garden lately? As part of my quest for Eagle Scout a new handicap accessible raised garden bed was installed in late June in the vegetable garden. When I joined Boy Scouts 5 years ago one of my goals was to be an Eagle Scout. Only 1% of boys who join the Boy Scouts ever make it to Eagle. I watched the older boys who were working towards that rank and I made up my mind thats what I wanted to be. Over the past few years I have worked my way up the ladder, have gone to 4 Summer Camps and have earned the 21 required merit badges. One of the last things I needed to do was to perform an Eagle project. An Eagle Project is an activity that benefits an organization other than Boy Scouts. Some of the projects my friends have done are landscape around Long School, put signs up at Fenton Park, and build animal shelters at a local animal rescue. The boy working on the project needs to organize and supervise the project, not do the work directly. I was thinking about a number of things but I couldnt decide what to do. One day Beth Felice came up to me and suggested building a handicap accessible raised garden bed in the back so some older folks at Advent or SAJE who are in a wheelchair or who have trouble bending over could work in the garden growing vegetables or flowers. I talked to Father Dan about the idea and he thought it was great. I took them up on that idea and drew up a plan. The plans were approved by Boy Scout council and I was on my way. I realized I needed a lot of lumber so I talked to a manager at Home Depot in Sunset Hills and he arranged for Home Depot to donate all the wood. I contacted managers at Garden Supply Co. and St. Louis Composting and got a discount on all the rest of the supplies I needed. On June 8th and June 10th boys from Troop 580 from Long School gathered at Advent and we assembled the bed and filled it with dirt and compost. We later planted the flowers. The project was completed. So whats next for the garden? Next spring anyone who feels the urge to get their hands dirty or show off their green thumb can plant some flowers or veggies. Whats next for me? I need to get a few letters of recommendation, write a paper about my life ambitions (not easy for a 14 year old) and then sit for an Eagle Board of Review. Wish me luck. Ill keep you posted. Adam Witte
More pictures online: www.flickr.com/diocesemo The Scroll - August 2011

Who at Advent Came from the Mississippi Delta Area?

Billie Hall was born in the little town of Drew, Mississippi located in the Mississippi Delta area. She says she comes from a loving and close-knit family which includes her brother, Jim Meadows from Louisiana and her two sisters-in-law, one living in Mississippi and the other in Louisiana. When Billie and her younger brother were small, they used to fight a lot. As adults, Billies younger brother has become more like an older brother providing greatly appreciated support. Growing up in the Forties and Fifties, Billie says she had a wonderful childhood. In the early Sixties, Billie was busy attending Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi where she met her husbandto-be, Jack Hall Jr. Jack was an Episcopalian and Billie was a Baptist Billie and Jack both graduated and became elementary school teachers. Later on, they both earned Masters Degrees specializing in Reading Skills from Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. Billie also has a specialist degree from Webster University. The arrival of the Chrysler Plant in Fenton created a demand for teachers as the surrounding areas grew in population. The opportunity for better paying jobs brought Jack to the St. Louis region. After their marriage, Billie joined him in St. Louis. When they married in 1963, they had a trinity of clergy presiding at their wedding ceremony. They worked in northern Jefferson County until they retired. Billie misses the teaching of the children, but not the paper work and the stress. The Halls reared two daughters. Melissa Hyatt (Jeff is her husband) of St. Charles who has two children, ages 6 and 8; and Crew Schuster, of Belton, Missouri near Kansas City, whose husband, Don, had a son when they married. Matthew is twenty and attends Mizzou. The Advent legacy continued as both girls were confirmed at Advent and Father Dan performed their wedding services. Shortly after arriving in Jefferson County, Jack brought Billie to Advent. Billie was confirmed into the Episcopal Church right here at Advent and her Baptist parents were present to add their support. Billie speaks fondly of the late Jean Rush and also the wonderful Eileen and Don Dell who all offered help and friendship to her in the early years at Advent. During her nearly 48 years at Advent, Billie has been very involved in the church and managed to have fun at the same time. At one time or another, she has served on the vestry, taught Sunday school, and been President of the Womens Club. She also was on the search committee that helped bring Father Dan to Advent. Billie wants the best for Advent. She would like the walk with us construction to continue as much as the budget will allow. Also she is really glad to see so many younger adults (under 50) slowly taking on more of the church responsibilities. One of Billies unknown jobs is mailing out prayer cards which are notes filled with care and concern for anyone who needs a message of hope. If you want someone to receive a card, just notify Father Dan or Cookie and they will let Billie know. Last but not least, Billie hopes every visitor to Advent is greeted warmly and encouraged to sign the guest book. Billies love of learning is still front and center. She is an enthusiastic member of the Adult forum on Sunday mornings. She also keeps busy with her hobbies of reading, gardening, cross stitching, painting and making cards. She spends a lot of time attending sporting events that her grandchildren are participating in. She mentioned soccer, baseball and lacrosse. Billie describes herself as having a zest for life. I certainly agree, but she also has an abundance of integrity, compassion and humor. Shes no shrinking violet and speaks her mind on any number of topics. Advent is fortunate to have such a genuine human being as part of our church family. Billie says she could not survive without us.

The Episcopal Church of the Advent welcomes you

Liturgical Ministries: August 2011

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August 7 Bill Bottoms Ralph Peck Deb Goldfeder Adam Witte Jocelyn Sanders Austin Henry Austin Schick Rene Sanders Adam Witte Deb Goldfeder Nancy Kroes Bill Sanders Nancy Birtley Debra Bailey Alexander Kroes Deb Goldfeder Phyllis Powers August 14 August 21 August 28 September 4 Ella Gyngard Family Kroes Family Witte/Levandoski Carol Kardell Janice Evans Harry Dengler Hutchinson Family Bill Witte Don Mazdra Greg Dell Rode Jim Laurel Goen Family Mark Naes Bill Bottom Phyllis Powers Bob Wagner Sanders Family

SERVICES AT 8:00 AND 10:15 A.M

Worship Ldr 9:00 AM

Lector

Intercessor

Crucifer

Torch Bearers

Ushers

Oblationers 9:00 AM

Greg Dell Jim Rode Sharon Knox Lancaster

Coffee Hour Host(s)

Liturgical Ministries: August 2011

Counters

Vestry Prayer Cycle

Proper 14 Proper 15 Proper 16

Larry Willis Jim Rode Bill Bottoms Rob Gyngard Vic Kremar

Bill Sanders Bill Bottoms Elaine Naes Phyllis Powers Bill Sanders

Beth Mazdra Mark Naes Myra Sherrod Bruce Stotler Claudia Svoboda

Nancy Kroes Larry Willis Jim Bill Witte Rode Chris Vogel Bill Bottoms Rob Gyngard Bill Witte Lian Iffrig Vic Kremar
Proper 17 Proper 18

Propers.

Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Psalm 133 Romans 11:1-2a, 2932 Matthew 15:10-28 Phyllis Powers

Genesis 45:1-15

Exodus 1:8 -- 2:10 Psalm 124 Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:13-20 Phyllis Powers

Exodus 3:1-15 Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26 Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28 Phyllis Powers

Exodus 12:1-14 Psalm 149 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20 Carolyn, Debra Bailey

Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22 Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33 Phyllis Powers

The Scroll - August 2011

Altar Guild

Can't make it - plans changed? - Please call the church office 314-843-0123

Invites you to the Making Disciples Conference 2011

Love Heals: Rediscovering Gods Promises

8:30 am3:00 pm Saturday, August 27, 2011
Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust Street, St. Louis, Missouri

Does a community help love heal? Does reading scripture in community change how we hear it? Can it change how we live in the world?
The morning session will be led by Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest, author, and founder of Magdalene/Thistle Farms, communities for women who have survived lives of violence, prostitution, and addiction. Two graduates of Magdalene will join her to explore ways we can develop a context of community that allows loves healing power to take root and grow. The afternoon session will be led by Jeff Moore, D. Min., Ph.D., and Sr. Minister of Webster Groves Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), who has worked with Contextual Bible Study groups in the United States, Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean. Contextual Bible Study is a group process that takes seriously the history and complexity of Scripture while honoring the importance of who we are, when and where we live as readers and interpreters. Our afternoon time will include an introduction to Contextual Bible Study, and an opportunity to reflect upon the important issues raised by Becca Stevens and her colleagues during the morning session. Cost: $20 per person. Congregations may send a group of 10 persons for $100 To register, send the following registration form and a check for $20 made payable to the Episcopal School for Ministry, to Debbie Wheeler, c/of the Cathedral Bookstore, 1210 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. Questions? Contact Pamela Dolan (pdolan@emmanuelepiscopal.org) or Beverly Van Horne (beverly.vanhorne@gmail.com) for more information.
Name_______________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________ Telephone________________________ Name of your parish__________________________________________ Vegetarian Lunch? _______Yes ______No

11

Stories from the Good Road

Immersed! by Deb Goldfeder

Do you remember your baptism? I do because I was about nine years old when it happened. I can see the baptismal font and the late afternoon sun through the stained glass illuminating the dust motes dancing around the empty pews of a private baptism. What I dont remember is the water. Was my hair damp? Shouldnt I remember that? Clearly I wasnt immersed in the water. I would have remembered that. I remember seeing the baptismal pool at the Sandy Mush Baptist Church (Im not making that up!) and would imagine how it would feel to go down into that pool and be dunked backwards by Preacher Johnson and just cringe at the thought! No, I wasnt immersedat least then. Oh, to be clear, Episcopalians dont re-baptize anyoneone and donebut think about baptism and what that means for a moment. We die to one life and are raised to another, we are named and we may have new clothes for the occasion. But it isnt necessary to be immersed in a pool of water to get the job done. Ive been thinking about immersion since being told that I would have to complete a transcultural immersion in order to complete the requirements for a doctorate in ministry. I was given the choice of going to Liberia or to Congo so I chose the Congo. Since I returned from there, many people have asked me about it: was it dangerous? was it hot? was it hard? and I had to come up with some answer that made sense. It was nice, didnt seem adequate. Many have said, Didnt all that time in Lui count? Not really. We had to be immersed together. Most of the time in the Congo was spent in the Bishops meeting room on the second floor of the United

Methodist Church offices in Kamina in Katanga Province. We were there to take two courses in one week so, needless to say, we spent a lot of time in that upper room. On breaks, I would lean over the balcony railing and stare down at life on the road in Kamina but we only got out on field trips to very specific places. We went to a market once but it was a field trip so we had to stay together then, too. I am someone who is always looking at a fence and wondering what is on the other side of it and not wondering if the fence is strong enough to keep others out. How was I supposed to be immersed in a culture if I was sitting in a classroom looking at Powerpoints? But I didnt say that to my instructors. I was in class with four Congolese classmates, one Ugandan and another American woman so there was immersion there but still. Our visit was very important to our classmates and to the people of Kamina. We were met by the local television news team and interviewed on the tarmac but never got to see ourselves on TV because the electricity was off for two days afterward. The bishop there kept saying that we brought honor to the community by coming so far to take a class in Kamina. In Africa, I am coming to know that you always honor visitors before they depart, too. Nobody just drops you off at the airport! They pulled out all the stops in Kamina, though. The Scroll - August 2011

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Plans for the going-away party started practically when we arrived. I was unpacking in my room when someone called me into the living room of the Methodist Guest House. I asked what it was all about but was told, Never mind. Just let this guy measure you. Oh. So a man I had never met before took my measurements by the light of a flashlight. Not what I would consider normal but, when you are in Congo. I had pretty much forgotten about that night by the time the party started five days later. And what a party it was! There were choirs, bands (with electric guitars and keyboards), traditional musicians with homemade marimbas, there were dancers who sang and interpreted Bible stories, soloists, a choir that sang, My Bonnie lies over the ocean, and, finally, the hunters. The hunters were a little scary and a lot funny. They had painted their faces and wore grass skirts. Their dancing acted out a hunt and, from time to time, they came out and grabbed some muzungu (white person) and made them dance. They even did it to me! My dancing must have been okay because the Bishop came up and gave me money. It was the first time I was ever given a tip for dancing! Suddenly all the white people were grabbed and taken away from the party. Women surrounded me and started to change my clothes! They took my muzungu clothing and dressed me as a proper Congolese woman. Of course we had to return to the party and dance for the amusement of all the Congolese people. The week was over all too soon but on the way home I thought about immersion and baptism, about being given new clothes and, in some way, a new identity but that time in Congo cant compare with my time in Lui where I was immersed all the way and sputtered to new life thanks to the Moru people. I was not only dressed in new clothes when I returned but I had been given a new name besides. I might have been sprinkled in the Congo but I was IMMERSED in Sudan and born again to new life there. Thanks be to God!

The Episcopal Church of the Advent welcomes you

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Episcopal Church of the Advent Episcopal Church of the Advent

9373 Garber Episcopal Road 9373 Garber Road Church of the Crestwood, MO 63126-2849 Advent Crestwood, MO 63126-0123 9373 Garber Road Phone: 314-843-0123314-843-0123 Crestwood, MO 63126-2849 Phone: Email: advent-episcopal@sbcglobal.net E-mail: advent-episcopal@sbcglobal.net Website: www.advent-episcopal.org Website: www.advent-episcopal.org Phone: 314-843-0123 E-mail: advent-episcopal@sbcglobal.net Website: www.advent-episcopal.org

A new group is forming this fall to prayerfully consider beginning a chapter of Daughers of the King at Advent. Daughters are a group of (mostly) Episcopal women who pray the Daily Office, pray with one another and for the parish. They seek to walk with God as guide, and spread Christs Kingdom here on earth. Prayer is the foundation from which their service grows.Prayer without work is empty words, service without prayer is labor lost. Look for an info table during coffee hours, read more about DOK online at www.doknational.com, or talk Friends to Deb Goldfeder or Beth Felice. of Advent

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