Bishop Justin Welby Becomes Archbishop of Canterbury-Elect

On Thursday, January 10, 2013 the Rt. Rev'd Justin Welby became the Archbishop of  Canterbury-Elect. The full story from the Episcopal News Service is here.

Bishop Welby will not be seated at Canterbury Cathedral until March 21, 2013. Until that time, we will include him in our prayers as the Archbishop-Elect.

Thoughts from Bishop Jake

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

How can I help? We have had more occasion to ask that question recently than we would wish. 
As last year was winding down, Hurricane Sandy ravaged the northeast, especially parts of New Jersey and New York. The shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School happened as we were preparing to celebrate Christmas.

There are many worthy ways to provide aid and comfort. Among them is Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). Nearly 90% of each donation goes directly to the intended recipients. Costs for administration and for fund raising take up the rest. This is a remarkable ratio in the world of charitable giving.

You may certainly give to ERD as individuals, but let me suggest that you help lead your congregation to become a contributor to ERD. Whether you do this as need arises or you sustain the ongoing work of ERD in our nation and around the world, giving to ERD is a highly effective way to put the Gospel into action.

Go See This Movie!

Les Miserables, a book by Victor Hugo, has long been a successful stage musical. The musical has now been made into a motion picture starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and and Anne Hathaway. It is now playing.

Hugo says of his work, "The book which the reader has before him at this moment is, from one end to the other, in its entirety and details ... a progress from evil to good, from injustice to justice, from falsehood to truth, from night to day, from appetite to conscience, from corruption to life; from bestiality to duty, from hell to heaven, from nothingness to God. The starting point: matter, destination: the soul.  The hydra at the beginning, the angel at the end."

It a movie that has much to say about our faith as Christians and how we should live that faith. After you've seen it, let me know what you think.

Note: The film is rated PG-13 and does have adult themes.

Thoughts from Bishop Jake

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Happy New Year!

Some of us have made resolutions for the coming year, many of which aim at self-improvement. We intend to eat less and to exercise more. Replace watching TV with reading. Learn a foreign language or be more patient.

We all need to make life-adjustments from time to time, and resolutions can play a worthy role in that process. But I find that resolutions often focus merely on the periphery of our lives. They rarely dig into the deep core of our values.

Before we get too far along in this year, let's take a little time to reflect on what we make the center of our universe. Think about these questions, or something like them:

What am I really about in this life? On what do I depend for my sense of significance? Where do I seek security?

Now, let's remember what Jesus taught us:

St. Alban's Women's Study Group

Looking for some fellowship and study in the new year? A new Women's Study Group will begin on Wednesday, January 16, 2013. 

The group will gather in the Conference Room and meet from 3:30-4:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Grace H. will lead the women as they study Joanna Weaver's book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and the course will last 12 weeks. 

For more information contact Grace H. or the church office.

Archbishop Rowan Williams' Final New Year Message

The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams pays tribute to the silent and often invisible church volunteers who make a difference to other peoples' lives. In his final final New Year message before stepping down he says religion should not be seen as an "old-fashioned embarrassment" but instead a "wellspring of energy."

The 62-year-old Williams has now officially departed as the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury or leader of the Church of England and spiritual head of the 77-million-strong Anglican Communion world-wide. Williams left on December 31, 2012 following a 10-year tenure.

He will go on to take up the posts of master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, and chairman of the board of trustees of Christian Aid, the international development agency.

Williams will be replaced by 56-year-old former oil executive the Rt Rev Justin Welby, the Bishop of Durham, who will be consecrated in March at Canterbury Cathedral as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

St. Alban's Annual Meeting

St. Alban’s Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 20, 2013

following the 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist.

Join us as we elect new Vestry Members,

Convention Delegates and approve our Budget.

There is a Parish Potluck luncheon after meeting.

John will provide the BBQ and

we will bring the rest.

Make plans to attend!