Posts from October 2015

9 Items

Stewardship

by Church Staff

As we begin the transition to a new phase of ministry at Manakin and prepare for the November 8 Annual Meeting of the congregation, it seems to be an appropriate time to discuss Stewardship.

Most of us are familiar with the three Ts used to describe Stewardship—offering our Time, our Talents and our Treasure in support of the mission of the church. Too often we focus on the “T” in Treasure as it is associated with the annual stewardship drive or as we Episcopalians say—“The Every Member Canvass.” It is good to emphasize the importance of that drive as it is the main factor in preparing our yearly operating budget. For the last few years, we have met or exceeded our current year pledge goals and have operated with balanced budgets.

But of more importance are the contributions given by our members of their Time and Talent. These become even more important during a period of transition. These two vital areas impact all the programs of the church and make us who we are—they are the true image of the Parish to our members, to the Community and to those who visit us. They provide every member the opportunity to be involved and gain a sense of self-fulfillment.

The list of the areas for contribution is too long for this letter, risks overlooking important areas and risks failing to give credit where credit is due. However, a few examples are: Altar Guild, Acolytes, Choir, Church School, Coffee Hour, Eucharistic Ministers, EfM, Lay Readers, Men and Women of the Church, Outreach, Ushers, and Stephen Ministers. Support of all these areas becomes more important when we are in flux and run the risk of becoming disengaged during the search process. Our Parish Leadership will be working during the coming months to strengthen our committees and focus on growth rather than maintenance of a status quo.

One area in which Manakin is fortunate is that it has a good start at building a financially strong and stable Church through the Manakin Foundation – with assets set aside from operating surpluses in the past and assets received from others as exemplified by the Denny Trust. There is the opportunity to grow this endowment through estate gifts that do not have a current cost. This is an area in which we have been notified of several commitments from current parishioners and which we hope to expand with an ongoing program to let our members know how they can include the Foundation in their estate plans.

Our goal is to have programs and human and financial assets in place so we can develop a leadership team to work with a new rector to ensure the long-term future growth of Manakin Episcopal Church. We appreciate everyone’s gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure. Your service and commitment to our Parish is truly appreciated and makes a difference in our ministry to each other and the Community.

Pastoral Care: Thank you

by Church Staff

By Birdie Lighthiser

Many people have asked me to pass along their “thank yous” for the many acts of caring that you have provided during the past month. Thank you for your prayers, meal preparation, transportation help, cards, call, e-mails and visits. You are all a part of the Pastoral Care Committee! If you need help or know someone who needs help, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Don’t forget our Prayer Vine. Prayer requests can be made at any time. If you would like to be part of our Prayer Vine, please contact the Church Office.

Eucharist Ministers Needed

by Church Staff

By Martha Steger

Before going on his sabbatical, Michael+ made Bob Pinkham and me aware of the need to expand lay-ministry services to Manakin members unable to get to church for the Eucharist. At present our lay-ministry group of five (Bob, Harry Broaddus, Brooke Doggett, Sarah Mahoney and me) administers the Eucharist as a vital part of the services we provide on the first Sunday of each month at Brookdale and Southerland Place assisted-living centers.

Anyone interested in becoming part of an expanded group to take the Eucharist to Manakin members unable to get to church can speak to either Harry or me at the 8:00 a.m. service or Bob or Brooke at the 10:00 a.m. service, or to Sarah, who is usually at Manakin during both services. This is a very important ministry, and the training would only take an hour of anyone’s time. I am hoping to set up a convenient training session before the end of September and will be back in touch with those who express interest.

I confess that I did not realize what a spiritual experience administering the Eucharist could be for a server until I became involved in this outreach program. I have come to see it as part of salvation – one day at a time. As the Rev. Robert D. Flanagan, priest in the Diocese of New York, author and educator, has written, “…for Episcopalians it is the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist that bring us into salvation and return us to relationship with God, respectively.”

Sunday School News: We Need Your Help

by Church Staff

We need your help to raise money for 10 Clean Water Systems, a project sponsored by Manakin’s Sunday School and Stop Hunger Now. Our Goal is $100 per system or $1,000 total. Join us in our fight to provide clean water to prevent childhood disease and death. You’ll find the donation basket and more information in Denny Hall.

You can also help by participating in Dollars for Donuts. On October 25 after church, we will be selling hot and fresh Krispy Creme Donuts for you to take home and enjoy or give as gifts. Buy 1, 2, 3 or 4 dozen—you know they are that good, and they freeze well! In the really off chance you do not like donuts (now that would be news worthy) the offering box is always available and hates to be empty!

Thanks for your help as we use our hands to do God’s Work.

Feeding Program

by Church Staff

By Bryn Davis

Our next feeding program will take place on Saturday, October 31, at 9:00 a.m. in Denny Hall. We will be packing and delivering 100 lunches for three homeless shelters. A sign-up sheet will be located in Denny Hall. Mark your calendars for November 28. That will be the last feeding program of the year. Thank you in advance! All ages are welcome.

Hot Lunch Feeding at Greater Mt. Moriah

by Church Staff

By Birdie Lighthiser

 Thank you to everyone who helped with our September 30 hot lunch feeding at Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in partnership with Richmond Friends of the Homeless. Our next feeding program at Greater Mr. Moriah will be on Wednesday, December 30. Thank you to our cooks and our servers as we continue in this ministry. Thank you for your prayers as we perform this outreach.

Visiting Writer at October Book Club

by Church Staff

By Birdie Lighthiser

Plan to be at Manakin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16 to welcome Betty Macy. She is the author of our book selection for October — Factory Man. Beth is a writer for the Roanoke Times. Factory Man emerged from her

Roanoke Times reporting on Virginia’s Bassett family and John Bassett III. She explores the grand history of furniture production in Virginia, drama and fascinating stories. Please join us that evening. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served.

Book Club Schedule for 2016

January 19—The Faith Club by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, Priscilla Warner

March 15—Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

May 17—All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Richmond Friends of the Homeless Charity Golf Tournament

by Church Staff

By Birdie Lighthiser

Richmond Friends of the Homeless, one of the charities that our Outreach Committee partners with, is having a Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, October 12. It will be at Lake Chesdin Golf Club, beginning at 12:30 p.m. We are looking for teams to participate. If you are interested in a fun day of golf for a great cause, please contact the Church Office.

The Gathering Place

by Church Staff

By Bryn Davis

Manakin continues to support the Rev. Becki Dean’s ministry, The Gathering, by providing 30 lunches on alternating second Sundays and all fifth Sundays. All are welcome to attend the service, which begins at 2:00 p.m. at the corner of Decatur and Jeff Davis Highway. The next Gathering date is Sunday, November 8. Please sign-up to help or attend!