The Beckford Parish
Beacon
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Mt. Jackson, VA • 540-477-3335
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Woodstock, VA • 540-459-2720
August/September 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
Rector’s Corner............................................. 1
Parish News...............................................2-7
Mark Your Calendars .................................. 6
Diocesan & Shrine Mont News.................. 7
Church Leadership ...................................... 8
Emmanuel Server Schedule .................. End
August/September Calendars .............. End
NEWSLETTER DEADLINES are the 15 of
each month. The next issue is combination
October/November 2015 issue, so deadline is
September 15. Please plan ahead!
[email protected]
Christ, Our Shepherd, Will
Never Leave Us
EDITOR’S NOTE: This was extracted with
permission from Alexander’s sermon of 7/19/15.
It is an important message for each of us as we
head into a period of transition and search for a
new rector. It’s not the time to worry or despair.
It’s time for faith and hope and optimism. It’s
time to keep our eyes on our Shepherd and
follow Him wherever he leads.
Mark 6:30-34
th
Please share your news, your wisdom, and
your stories. Call Elizabeth Cottrell or send
content to [email protected]
August JOINT Vestry meeting
Tuesday, 8/11/15 at St. Andrew’s 6:30pm
Sept. Vestry Meetings
Emmanuel, 9/14/15, 6:30pm
St. Andrew’s, 9/15/15 6:30pm
Beckford Parish
www.BeckfordParish.org
[email protected]
122 East Court Street
Woodstock, VA 22664-1727
August/September 2015
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
The apostles gathered around Jesus and
reported to him all they had done and taught.
Then, because so many people were coming and
going that they did not even have a chance to
eat, he said to them, “Come with me by
yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
So they went away by themselves in a boat to a
solitary place. But many who saw them leaving
recognized them and ran on foot from all the
towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus
landed and saw a large crowd, he had
compassion on them, because they were like
sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching
them many things.
In many ways, this is an important Word for
Beckford Parish, because the time following my
departure is one that can create anxiety and
cause the church to act more from its own
power, and less from a grounded faith in our
Lord Jesus Christ. I don’t know if you can hear
that from me at this time, but if you can, you
will hear me attempting to shepherd you just a
bit further down the road than I can lead you.
The challenge for us all is to remember these
things. To remember that the church—which
deserves our best efforts—is still owned and
operated by our Lord. And also that we are not
as those who are without someone to care for us.
You see, this church is an act of God. It is a
vehicle through which the Holy Spirit is
attempting to bring the Gospel of the first
century into the here and now. This is not like
any other organization. It is tempting at times to
treat the church as a business. I’m not saying we
shouldn’t look after the church in a business-like
way, but it’s not just about numbers.
And in the tenderness of that metaphor,
remember that He will lead you through the
valley of the shadow of death, and He will lead
you to the springs of the water of life.
Sometimes we feel safe and sometimes we feel
threatened, but we have a shepherd who is
watching over us.
Christ is your shepherd. Christ has always been
the shepherd. And Christ will always be your
shepherd.
Set your trust, set your hope on Him.
Look at this missionary journey of the first
apostles. They were sent out without any money
in their pockets, and they returned with stories of
what they had done and taught. No, success is
not about numbers. It’s about faithfulness. It’s
about trust.
Devotedly,
…he had compassion on them, because they
were like sheep without a shepherd.
Now here’s the temptation…to think of us as
being without people who are like sheep without
a shepherd. You are not. I am not.
The people who are like sheep without a
shepherd are people who have not heard the
Gospel, people who have not learned to pray and
meditate when distressed, people who have not
yet set their faith, their trust and their hope on
the living God.
St. Andrew’s Community
Luncheons Aug 13 & Sept. 10
And this also is—I think—a Word for Beckford
Parish at this time. I am not your shepherd,
despite all the metaphors and symbols of
ordained ministry. There is one flock and one
shepherd who is Jesus Christ—and he isn’t
going anywhere.
Our next community luncheons here in Mount
Jackson will be held on Thursdays, Aug. 13 and
Sept 10. Luncheons are 11:30 to 1pm the second
Thursday of each month. Thank you to everyone
who has been contributing. Everyone is
welcome to come!
2 Shrine Mont – not having to stop at the Hotel to
pay for your meal and then continue on to the
shrine. We will need to provide a count for the
number of people attending the meal by August
24th.
Important Messages from your
Senior Wardens
Transition planning
Alexander’s last services are being held on July
26 at the regularly scheduled times. Beginning
with the first Sunday in August we will have the
Rev. Ted Johnson celebrating Eucharist for all
three services for the first three Sunday’s of
August. At this time, we will have Morning
Prayer on the fourth Sunday. The fifth Sunday
will be a joint service at Shrine Mont (see
related article).
Should you have any questions, please feel free
to contact Neil Fadely (477-2232 or
[email protected]).
Neil Fadely
Senior Warden, St. Andrew’s
*****
Dear Emmanuel Friends,
Senior Wardens from both churches (Neil
Fadely & Joan Sarna) are meeting with the Rev.
Mary Thorpe, transition officer of the Diocese,
on the 15th of July. The Senior Wardens will
then meet with their respective Vestries to
review the process for securing an interim as
well as beginning the search process. At a date
to be determined a joint Vestry meeting will be
held with Rev. Thorpe for the Vestries to
address any questions they may have on the
search process.
The weeks and months ahead will be a time of
transition for us. Neil Fadely, the Senior Warden
from St. Andrews and I met with The Rev. Mary
Thorpe, Director of Transition Ministry, at
Shrine Mont for dinner on July 15th. On
Sunday July 19th I met with Vestry members
from Emmanuel to bring them up to date as to
what was discussed at Shrine Mont. Both of our
vestries will have a joint meeting with Rev.
Thorpe at St. Andrews on August 11th.
Alexander has arranged for supply through the
end of September. Hopefully after that time we
will have an Interim Rector.
A search
committee will be formed in equal parts from
both Emmanuel and St. Andrews to find a new
Rector for Beckford Parish.
Fifth Sunday Joint Service
August 30 2015 at Shrine Mont
On August 30 St. Andrew’s and Emmanuel will
have our next fifth Sunday joint service. This
time we will be worshiping together at the
Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration at Shrine
Mont in Orkney Springs. The Rev. Mary
Thorpe, transition officer of the Diocese, will
join us as preacher and celebrant for this
wonderful Eucharist service to be held at 11:00
am at the shrine.
During this time of transition, we need to
continue as the caring congregation we are. It is
a time for reflection and planning for our future
as a church.
As your Senior Warden I will be here to help
this process in any way that I can.
Please join us for this event and enjoy Shrine
Mont’s fried chicken dinner with all the “fixins”
following the service at 12:30 pm. The cost of
the dinner including tax and gratuity is $17 per
person and will be held in Tucker Hall (the
dining hall at Shrine Mont).
Joan C. Sarna
Senior Warden, Emmanuel
Miss the sermons?
If you can’t make it
to church and want to hear the sermon, Kemp
Miller is recording them each week at the St.
Andrew’s service and posting them to the parish
website.
http://beckfordparish.magix.net/all-albums/
As we did last year, there will be a signup
sheet at both churches and payment for the
meal is to be made to your respective church.
Each treasurer will then provide a check to
Shrine Mont. This will simplify your arrival at
3 Supply Clergy for Beckford
Parish Aug. & Sept. 2015
August 2
Choir Practices at Emmanuel
The Emmanuel choir, with members from the St.
Andrews singers, will help lead the music for the
Parish Picnic. There will be a rehearsal on
Wednesday before the event, August 26 at 6:30
at Emmanuel. The choir will have their first
rehearsal for the fall on Wednesday, September
16 and will vest, prepare Offertory Anthems and
lead worship beginning Sunday, Sept 20.
Pending clergy leadership, there are several
special events that could be planned including:
a Choral Evensong, a special Advent service,
maybe a Pageant, or other service possibilities.
New members are MOST welcome. Contact
Linda Beville through the church office or
[email protected].
The Rev. Dr. Theodore (Ted)
Johnson Cell 703.768.8530
Fr. Ted
Fr. Ted
The Rev. Fritz Trumbore
August 9
August 16
August 23
August 30
Shrine Mont
September 6
September 13
September 20
September 27
540.665.5842
The Rev. Dr. Mary Thorpe,
Transition Minister of the
Diocese
Cell 804.226.2503 or
804.221.3421
The Rev. Fritz Trumbore
Fr. Ted
Fr. Ted
Fr. Ted
Update your directory:
Early October Birthdays
PLEASE ADD – St. Andrew’s
John Crane
9 W. Monroe Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22301
Home: 703-549-6843
Cell: 703-888-9821
[email protected]
August and September birthdays are noted on
the enclosed calendar. Those who send out cards
have asked that we include early “next month”
dates in case the Beacon is late getting out. All
October and Novembers birthdays will be on the
calendars in the next Beacon:
Oct. 1 – Carol Williamson
Oct. 2 – Bob Ferguson
Oct. 4 – Melissa Nelson
Oct. 7 – Sophia Rose Hoffman
PLEASE ADD - Emmanuel:
George and Gail Smith
207 S. Church St.
Woodstock, VA 22664
George’s cell: 843-422-5959
Gail’s cell: 843-301-1356
[email protected]
Outreach Backpack Success
Thank you to everyone who contributed
backpacks and child-friendly contents to donate
to Shenandoah County Social Services for
children going into emergency foster care. Two
large piles of backpacks were blessed at the
Sunday service on July 19. These children often
leave home in traumatic circumstances with
their clothes and meager belongings in a trash
bag. We packed the backpacks with essential
personal
items
(toothbrush,
toothpaste,
washcloth, etc.), and at least one toy or
plaything.
Katherine Morrison
PLEASE UPDATE - Emmanuel:
Wilson and Ruth Anne Troxell’s address is now
1074 Magnolia Court
Woodstock, VA 22664
“The task ahead of us is never as great
as the Power behind us.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
4 Virginia Federation of Music Clubs. She has
adjudicated both choral and piano events locally and
regionally. She is currently a member of the
American Guild of Organists and Phi Beta Kappa.
Linda holds degrees from Mary Baldwin College and
The Catholic University of America. She has two
daughters, Lee Carlton and Kristin Beville, and two
grandchildren
Spotlight on Linda Beville
Most importantly, Linda feels a strong call to sacred
music and, in particular, Emmanuel Church and
Beckford Parish. It was a very fortunate reconnection
with The Very Rev. Alexander MacPhail that
brought her to the parish. In a few short months,
Linda has found a unique and holy space in
Shenandoah Valley through Beckford Parish. She
hopes to continue to direct the adult choir and
develop opportunities for all forms of musicenriched worship. Her wish is to guide the already
strong sense of Christian spirit through music.
"I invite anyone coming to Shenandoah County to
join our worship services. And, everyone, whether
singer or listener can be elevated though our musical
heritage to find something sacred. I am excited about
finding and guiding new friends in Christ." Linda can
be contacted through the Beckford Parish office or
through the parish directory.
Linda Beville, Emmanuel’s Organist/Choir Director
----------------------
Linda Beville accepted the position of Organist and
Choir Director of Emmanuel Episcopal Church,
Woodstock in March, 2015. Linda has attended the
Episcopal Church for over 40 years and maintains a
membership in Trinity Episcopal Church, Manassas.
Her most recent position was Organist and Choir
Director at Aquia Episcopal Church, Stafford where
she served almost 14 years. During that time she
established the Aquia Choristers, directed the Praise
and Sanctuary Choirs and organized service music
for the many services and feast days including
several Choral Evensongs.
She moved to
Winchester in 2014 to be with her wonderful, new
husband, Jim Charest.
Condolences
To the family of George Beatty on his death
earlier this year. The family desired a great deal
of privacy, so we have no further information at
this time. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!
St. Andrew’s Rummage Sale
September 26, 9am-1pm
If you would like to make a donation for the sale, we
are accepting gently worn clothing and items that are
clean and in working order. You may drop off items
at your convenience or someone will be
available Monday through Friday September 2125 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the St. Andrew’s
parish hall.
Linda's career as a professional musician has lasted
over 40 years. She recently retired from Prince
William County Schools as Choral Director and
Music Department Chair at Brentsville District High
School. She maintained a top quality piano studio,
graduating many accomplished young musicians.
She hopes the studio will be reestablished in
Winchester by the fall 2015. She has held local,
regional, and state-wide positions in various
professional organizations such as the Virginia
Choral Directors Association, The National Guild of
Piano Teachers, The Piedmont Music Club and the
Items to be offered: clothing, sporting goods,
household items, TV, furniture, Christmas décor,
jewelry, and much more. All proceeds will benefit
non-profit groups in our area.
5 Mark your calendars August
Fellowship ministry at
Emmanuel seeks new
leadership
• Silent Prayer at Emmanuel every Wednesday
from 11:30 to 1pm
• Dinner with Friends at Emmanuel: Thursday,
Aug. 6, 6pm. Pot luck.
• JOINT Parish Vestry meeting, Tuesday, Aug.
11, 6:30pm at St. Andrew’s
• Community Luncheon at St. Andrew’s,
Thursday, Aug. 13, 11:30am-1pm
• Bingo at Life Care Center (St. Andrew’s),
August 18, 10:30am
• Special Joint Choir practice Wednesday,
August 26, 6:30pm at Emmanuel
• Men’s Breakfast, Wednesday Aug. 26,
9:30am, Hockman Manor House. Please let
Pat Sylvester know if you plan to attend. 9848889.
Please consider stepping up to help with the
important fellowship ministry at Emmanuel – or
better yet, grab a friend and have joint-chairmen.
You don’t have to do it all yourself, but just see
that someone is assigned for various activities.
There are actually two positions needing
leadership, and they work closely together:
Fellowship Chairman and Special Events
Chairman.
Fellowship Chairman (or Co-chairmen):
1. Prepare schedule for 11:15 Coffee Hour and
give to church secretary for putting into
server schedule
2. Recruit, train, and offer support for new
coffee hour hosts/hostesses
3. Insure kitchen supplies are purchased and
kitchen is cleaned and organized (in other
words, recruit volunteers for this)
4. Keep Vestry advised of activities and needs
(budget requests)
5. Work closely with Special Events Chairman
6. Serve as liaison for Rector when he/she is
aware of fellowship needs
Mark your calendars
September
• Dinner with Friends at Emmanuel: Thursday,
Sept. 3, 6pm. Pot luck.
• St. Andrew’s Guild, Sun. Sept. 13 after the
service.
• Emmanuel Vestry, Mon. Sept. 14, 6:30pm
• St. Andrew’s Vestry, Tues. Sept. 15, 6:30pm
• Bingo at Life Care Center (St. Andrew’s),
Sept. 19, 10:30am
• Choir practices at Emmanuel on Wednesdays starting Sept. 616 at 6:30pm -7:45
• Men’s Breakfast, Wed. Sept. 23, 9:30am,
Hockman Manor House. Please let Pat Sylvester
know if you plan to attend. 984-8889.
Special Events Chairman (or Co-chairmen):
•
•
Bishop’s Visit October 18
If you are willing to lead or help with any of
these activities, please speak to Ellen Fairchild
Flugel, Estelle Cole, or Joan Sarna.
We look forward to our Episcopal Visitation
from The Rt. Rev. David C. Jones (former
Bishop Suffragan), who will be in Beckford
Parish on Sunday, October 18. Bishop Shannon
is on sabbatical.
Coordinate “High Coffee Hours” such as the
Bishop’s annual visit and fifth Sundays
when hosted at Emmanuel
Coordinate special member events to include
special celebrations and post funeral
gatherings
6 bishop, the approval of marriage equality, new
guidance on alcohol and drug abuse and a
revamping of church governance.
The
Episcopal News Service has published a great
summary of these changes and actions.
Transition period offers
challenges & opportunities
We’re counting on everyone to be alert to
pastoral needs of anyone in the congregation
during our transition period without a full-time
rector. Please let your senior wardens know
about special needs, emergencies, etc., and let’s
not forget our shut-ins!
To read more, go to: http://bit.ly/1GCN7NK.
For Bishop Johnston’s response to the General
Convention actions, go to: http://bit.ly/1egAsJM
Speaking of shut-ins, Betty Page is indeed back
in Woodstock at Greenfields. Alexander took
her communion after she returned from the flood
evacuation. And Ruth Anne Troxell is home
again. Thanks be to God!
Diocesan and Shrine Mont
News
Stewardship begins early fall
•
Hiking and Biking the Shenandoah Valley
– Sept. 11-13, 2015
http://www.shrinemont.com/v.php?pg=154
•
Tee with the Bishop Golf Classic - Sept.
13-14, 2015.
http://shrinemont.com/v.php?pg=24
•
Be on the lookout for pledge cards in September
or October. The earlier we get these back, the
earlier we can prepare a realistic 2016 budget to
present to the vestries.
Arranging for the Joy of It – Sept. 18-20,
2015. http://shrinemont.com/v.php?pg=109
•
Labyrinth & Pilgrimage – Oct. 16-18,
2015
http://www.shrinemont.com/v.php?pg=129
General Convention Update
•
Fall Digital Photography Weekend – Oct.
30 – Nov. 1, 2015
http://www.shrinemont.com/v.php?pg=67
It will be more important this year than ever for
each of us to consider how God is calling us to
share our gifts: our time, our talents, and our
money. Please prayerfully consider how you
might contribute to the greater good during this
period of transition, and never lose sight of our
overarching mission: to know Christ and make
him known.
The 78th General Convention, which took place
from June 23-July 3, resulted in many historic
actions and structural changes. These actions
included the election of the first black presiding
7 June 16, 2015
Dear Members and Friends of Beckford Parish,
I write to inform you that after seven and a half wonderful years serving as your rector, I have accepted the call
from Christ Episcopal Church in Roanoke, Virginia, to become their fourteenth rector, effective September 1st.
My last Sunday will be July 26th. During August, I and my family will be using my unused vacation and
continuing education time to make the physical transition to Roanoke.
In April of this year—completely out of the blue--I was asked by The Rev. Jonathan Harris, the transition
minister of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, to peruse Christ Church’s profile, and consider applying.
Though I was not actively “in search,” I read their profile, consulted with Karin, and allowed my name to be
considered. The interview process was filled with grace, and both the committee and I felt a very strong pull
toward one another, along with a spiritual feeling of call.
I cannot overstate how grateful I have been to be your rector. You have helped me to grow in necessary ways,
and have accepted me, despite my foibles and imperfections. Both churches of Beckford Parish have enjoyed
increased financial and spiritual stability over these years, along with some new parishioners, for which we can
all be grateful. I hope that those trends will continue during the transition and beyond.
After August, I will no longer be your priest, and therefore unable to return to solemnize weddings or funerals,
or indeed any other acts of pastoral ministry; however, I desire greatly to remain your friend.
The Rev. Mary Thorpe is the transition minister of the Diocese of Virginia. She will be meeting with the vestries
to plan the search process. I hope and pray that both churches and vestries will have your earnest support in
every way possible.
As I said in my sermon when I was officially instituted as your rector, “You (Beckford Parish) are not a
consolation prize. You are the treasure.” I have always felt that way, and indeed always will.
Very truly yours,
We wish Alexander all the best. Our love and gratitude for his ministry among us—
along with our prayers for his family and his new ministry—go with him as he
continues his journey in service to Our Lord.
8 Beckford Parish Leadership
During the transition period, please contact your Senior Warden
Parish Secretary: Kimberly Siever
[email protected]
Tuesdays 8-4 at St. Andrew’s
Wednesdays at Emmanuel alternating 8-2 and 8-5 (See calendar)
Thursdays 8-12 at Emmanuel on alternating weeks only (See calendar)
ST. ANDREW’S VESTRY & OFFICERS
Class of 2015: Neil Fadely (Sr. Warden), Richard Torovsky, Rich Thompson
Class of 2016: Kevin Cannon, Yvette Munnikhuysen, Jackie Yarnell
Class of 2017: Marcia Brownfield, Jay Zuspan, Wanda Sandridge
Region XIV Delegate: Jay Munnikhuysen. Treasurer: Richard Torovsky
Outreach Coordinator: Chip Belyea. Register: Kimberly Siever
ST. ANDREW’S GUILD
Co-Presidents: Marcia Brownfield and Carolyn Wilson; Vice President: Doris Miller; Secretary: Nancy Rea;
Treasurer: Nancy Fadely. Committee Chairwomen: Altar Guild, Neil Fadely and Marcia Brownfield; Christian
Social Relations: Virginia Bremmerman; Saint Andrew’s Thank Offering: Wanda Sandridge.
ST. ANDREW’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School Teachers: Dee Crane, Judy Cannon, Kitty Dawson, and Wanda Sandridge
LEADING WORSHIP at ST. ANDREW’S
Director of Music and Organist: Mildred Painter. Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Marcia Brownfield, Neil Fadely,
Kemp Miller, and Richard Torovsky. Lectors: Chip Belyea, Marcia Brownfield, Kemp Miller, Yvette
Munnikhuysen, Richard Torovsky and Nick Yarnold.
EMMANUEL’S VESTRY & OFFICERS
Class of 2015: Don Halstead, Jill Gochenour, Darren Shelhamer (Jr. Warden)
Class of 2016: Jeff Guenther , SarahGrace Mills (Register), Joan Sarna (Sr. Warden)
Class of 2017: Debbie Boyd, MaryEllen Ruddy, Pat Sylvester
Region XIV Delegate: Jeff Guenther Register: SarahGrace Mills
Disbursement Treasurer: Barbara Kirkland Ass’t Treas. Elizabeth Cottrell Receiving Treasurer: Mal Sarna
EMMANUEL’S COMMISSIONS & LEADERSHIP
Worship: Trudy Pence. Outreach: Katherine Morrison. Fellowship: TBA. Finance Committee: Don Halstead.
Stewardship: Ray Smith & Elizabeth Cottrell. Pastoral Care: Pat Sylvester & Jo Stickley. Children’s
Education: Lexi Lincoln and Sallie Raynor. Adult Education Alice Findler. Altar Guild: Sallie Raynor. Senior
Usher: John Cottrell. Sacristan: Trudy Pence
LEADING WORSHIP AT EMMANUEL
Organist and Choir Director: Linda Beville
Acolytes: Brandon Bennett, Alexis Lincoln, Minh Nguyen, Richard Pence, Mal Sarna, and Zachary Stewart
Chalicists: Wayne Clark, Elizabeth Cottrell, Don Halstead, Richard Pence, Joan Sarna, Ray Smith
Lectors: Cameron Barr, Linda Clark, Elizabeth Cottrell, Don Halstead, Alexis Lincoln, Richard Pence, Sallie
Raynor, Brigetta Stewart
Choir: Ginny Barr, Cameron Barr, Jim Charest, Elizabeth Cottrell, Ellen Fairchild-Flugel, Ray Flugel, Don
Halstead, Sarah Regan, Sean Regan, Emily Scott
9