Back from Camp!

Well, I am back from Camp Hardtner. I served as the Dean of Primary Camp this year. Assisting me on Camp Staff, were Ford Jacka, Zonnie (Patterson) Back and Jon Back.

We hosted 93 Fourth and Fifth Graders along with the 23 Permanent Staff Counselors (College Students) who work the Camp all summer.

Our theme was Charlotte's Web. We talked about the transforming power of Love. It was a wonderful week.

Special thanks to Canon Bill Bryant who filled in for me while I was at Camp. I know that you gave him a warm welcome!

Oklahoma Relief

The mission trip to Oklahoma is scheduled July 8 - 17. The Diocese of Oklahoma asks that we bring no more than 15, and they would like to know in advance what skills/abilities we bring so they can make plans to use us to best advantage. These skills/abilities can range from manual labor to building trade skills to counseling/listening skills.

In addition, Mother Mitzi George and Archdeacon Bette would like to take a couple of extra people who will shop and cook for the team, and help us stay organized and tidy. (The team be camping in a parish hall in the affected area.)

A number of people are already signed up to go, but please let Bette know ASAP if you're interested.

In addition, we are collecting good clothing, household items, toiletries, etc. Remember that many have lost everything. Please only give good things you would use yourself.

All donated items will be collected at Grace Church near the end of June. 

The Diocese is collecting cash contributions and will issue one big check to the Bishop of Oklahoma. Another option if you want to give cash is to buy a gift card for the team to deliver.

What if Starbucks Marketed Like a Church? A Parable.

Bishop Jake on Heaven and What Happens When We Die

Canon Bill Bryant to Visit

Join us on us on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2013, the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost. Canon Bill Bryant will be at St. Alban’s to preach and celebrate Holy Eucharist.

Most of you know Bill from the days when he served as the interim priest at St. Alban’s. He now serves as the Bishop’s Canon for Congregational Vitality. He is known by some as the “Vicar of Vitality.” Canon Bryant will fill in for Father Whit who will be away serving as Dean of Primary Camp at Hardtner from June 15 to 22.

Please give Canon Bryant a warm, St. Alban’s welcome!

Womenade of Monroe

In August 2002, REAL SIMPLE Magazine published a story about a group of women friends in Washington, D.C., who organized a potluck meal to raise money for their neighbors in need. The idea was simple: Bring a dish to share and a check for $35. When Marti Boyd heard of the program, she and a group of her friends began their version of Womenade in Annapolis, Maryland.

Enter Bitsy Beene! Bisty meet Marti while on vacation and the two began to talk. And now, Womenade of Monroe is up and running. It includes women from many churches in our area. At their first meeting, the group collected $ 2,500 and checks continue to roll in.

For more information about Womenade, contact Bitsy!

Photo: Marti and Bitsy

Stewart/Sorrentino Wedding

Stephanie Stewart and Andrew Sorrentino became husband and wife today at St. Alban's!

O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants, that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Photo Credit: Shannon Luther

www.shannonlutherphotography.com