THE

SCROLL

October 2013

From the rectors desk:

Interdependence
One of the recent discoveries in the philosophy of science has been that what counts as an acceptable proof depends on the nature of the scientific community in which the proof operates. We tend to think of science as offering hard truths, things that would be true no matter what. But the discovery has been that what counts as logic depends on the group using the logic. Different groups of people have different criteria for proof. In physics, a theory is a good theory if it accounts for all the known facts with a minimum of terms (called parsimony), predicts things we wouldnt have thought to look for without the theory (this makes the theory testable we can look for those things, and see if they are there), and is elegant. Physicists have long pondered what makes a theory (or its statement) elegant. Elegance includes an element of surprise. We might not have thought to express the theory this way, but once someone does express it, everyone says, Of course! Elegance is clearly a cultural value; what counts as elegant is what physicists agree is elegant. I was having a conversation with my Ethics students at Eden Seminary, about what we would accept as values in our class, as we discussed difficult ethical issues. We had already agree that an appeal to absolutes (God says X), wouldnt count, because we could each interpret the absolute in a different way (you think God says something different from what I think God says; how do we arbitrate this difference). We listed our values: Our ethical discourse would have to make room for the Other we have to be willing to listen to other points of view. We would value trust, and agree to speak honestly. One student said that interdependence was important, that we had to recognize that we are all in this together. Whatever our differences were on difficult ethical issues, we were all trying to frame a livable existence for all. If what counts as convincing depends on the group which is having the discussion, we agreed that arguments that point toward interdependence would be more convincing than arguments that did not. This, I believe, is a decision we as a society could make if we chose to. In our current politics, interdependence doesnt play much of a role. We tend to be very short-sighted, not noticing our connection to other places, to other people and to other times. We can use fossil fuel, and disregard the cost to the

In this issue:
Interdependence by the Rev. Dan Handschy................1 Kitchen progress,Thank you..............................................2 Advent Church Women ......................................................3 Life of the Parish calendar..................................................4 Chili cookoff............................................................................5 Liturgical Ministries Calendar............................................6 Thanksgiving together.........................................................7 Disturb Us, O Lord! by Deb Goldfeder..........................8

Editor: Marla Dell

9373 Garber Road, Crestwood, MO 63126

314-843-0123 www.advent-episcopal.org advent-episcopal@sbcglobal.net

Interdependence continued
environment and to the future, because we dont see ourselves as dependent on the future (the future may be dependent on us, but its hard to think the other way around). We can cut food stamps, because we dont see that we are dependent on the sorts of people who receive food stamps (they might be dependent on us, we think, but not us on them). Our current political discourse accepts arguments based on competition as logical. We believe in a sort of social survival of the fittest. We think we believe in that same kind of competition when it comes to businesses as well, but the reality is clearly different. Banks that make really stupid, and even criminal, mistakes are deemed too big to fail, and bailed out. Clearly, there is a blind spot in our reasoning, here. But little, local banks are swallowed by larger ones, because they are too little to succeed. We could frame our political discourse differently. The student who suggested interdependence as a value for our class discussions pointed out that we are all limited, after all. None of us is God, and we are all dependent on God (or the bounty of the earth, or anything else you might care to name): none of us can go it alone. It might seem like a backward way of coming at the problem, but if we agreed to accept as logical arguments that were based on our interdependence on one another, we would, in time, come to be the kind of society which upheld all, rather than one that upholds a few at the expense of the rest. There is good biblical precedent for thinking this way.
The Rev. Dr. Daniel Handschy is Rector of Advent Church

Kitchen progress
All the various switches have been installed, the connections made, and the inspections scheduled for the new kitchen off Caf SAJE. We should be ready actually to turn on oven and stove sometime in October!

Thank you
I wish to thank you all for your cards, prayers, visits and wonderful meals you sent me. The many cards put a smile on my face and helped me emotionally to look forward to better days. I am so grateful for everything. I never expected to have such a long stay in the medical facilities. Obviously getting back on my feet, recovery and driving again is taking longer than I would like. Thank you, and looking forward to the comfort of worship services at Advent and seeing you all soon. Bob Zimmer

Rectors teaching schedule

Fr. Dan will again be teaching the Ethics course at Eden Seminary this fall. He will be in class Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8:30 to 9:50, and Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00. He will also be teaching a Ministry Seminar in conjunction with the Deaconess Anne House ministry in Old North Saint Louis every other Thursday evening.

The Scroll - October 2013

Advent Church Women

ACW would like to thank everyone who patronized the Womens Group Breakfast. We raised $200 for the ECM Christmas drive! Speaking of Christmas, please watch for the Feed My People Adopt a Family donation box to appear in the narthex in October. We know it is pushing the season somewhat, but our delivery deadline is so early that it is a must to begin collecting early. Again this year the ACW has adopted five families from FMP. We ask the parish to donate items these families cannot purchase with food stamps like household cleaners, toothpaste, feminine care products, laundry detergent, deodorant, etc. and the womens group donates $100 for each family to purchase a weeks worth of groceries. NEW RAFFLE For Myra Sherrods handmade Santa doll, worth hundreds. Back story: Several years ago the womens group raffled off this doll made by our very own, world renowned Myra Sherrod. Clare Kujaths neighbor, who only purchased one ticket, won the doll. Last year Clares neighbor returned the doll because it was just not something she was into. The doll was offered back to Myra who told us to raffle it again. This time we hope that some deserving Adventer wins. Tickets are $3 each or 4 for $10. Please see any member of ACW on Sundays to purchase a ticket. The drawing will be November18. There is a life- size picture of the doll in the parish hall. As many of you know the ACW sells gift certificates to Shop N Save and Dierbergs on Sundays after church. While our new treasurer gets used to this system, we may have a lull in availability. We will have more soon. However, you may continue to use your eScript card when you shop at Schnucks. ACW receives a percentage of your total bill each month when you do so. This program has helped us continue our charitable work. If anyone needs an eScript card, please see Phyllis Powers. The next ACW meeting will be Monday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Eleanor Ellis and Gwen Brown are our hostesses. Topic of discussion or guest speaker to be announced later. All ladies of Advent are welcome to join us for all of our meetings, whether you are 10 years old, 100 years old or somewhere in between, we would love to see you.

The Episcopal Church of the Advent welcomes you

OCTOBER
4

5th 5th 9th

Advent Mens Club

Saturday October 5th, Mens Club meets for their monthly liturgy @ 8:00 at Advent followed by breakfast. All men from Advent are welcome to attend. A great chance to just hang out with the guys.

Peace Meal

Advent cooks and serves the Peace Meal at St. Johns Church, Tower Grove on Saturday 5 October 2013. We begin cooking at 2:00 pm, serve at 4:00 and usually walk out of the building with a sense of a good job done well by 6:15 pm. If you can help out, wed love to have you join us.

Shawl Ministry

The Prayer Shawl group will meet Oct 9th, at 1:00 pm at Advent Church. WE encourage new members. Prayers shawl ministry has been blessed recently by money donations to purchase yarn for the shawls. We give thanks to all who contributed. We have several shawls ready to be sent out to deserving recipients. To request a shawl, contact Mary Peck at 314 894-5260 or any prayer shawl member.

17th 21st

Advent Men Dine Out

Mens Club will meet for their monthly dinner on Thursday, October 17th @ 6:00 p.m. at Affton Caf Bar & Grill, 8713 Gravois Rd. 457-800... for any additional information contact Bill Witte @ 843-3443. All men from Advent are welcome.

Advent Church Women

The next ACW meeting will be Monday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Eleanor Ellis and Gwen Brown are our hostesses. Topic of discussion or guest speaker to be announced later. All ladies of Advent are welcome to join us for all of our meetings, whether you are 10 years old, 100 years old or somewhere in between, we would love to see you.

Cookoff AND the Mens Club will be sponsoring the 3rd Annual Chili NOV 2 Chili Cook-off on Saturday, November 2nd. Please see the announcement in another
section of this months Scroll.

Work Day NOV 9 Fall A work day has been scheduled for Saturday, November 9 from 8:00 until noon,
to clean up leaves and in general get the building and grounds ready for fall and winter.

Tuesday Lunch Bunch

The ladies lunch group meeting will be announced the weekly pew sheet. If you have questions, please contact Carol Kardell, 314-638-0247.

Pumpkins courtesy of pamsclipart.com

The Scroll - October 2013

3nd Annual Advent Pot Luck Chili Dinner

Saturday November 2nd, 2013 6:00pm Bring a pot of your favorite chili, casserole or dessert to share
Hot dogs, garnishes, and soft drinks provided

Come and enjoy the new patio!

Sponsored by the Advent Mens Club DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

The Episcopal Church of the Advent welcomes you

Liturgical Ministries: September 2013

October 6 Phyllis Powers Deb Goldfeder Ralph Peck Rene Sanders Austin Henry Adam Witte Ben Difani Jocelyn Sanders Kevin Williams Jasmine Wisdom Ralph Peck Deb Goldfeder Bill Sanders John Kroes Gina Wisdom Kevin Williams Jasmine Wisdom Alexander Kroes Gina Wisdom Deb Goldfeder Jasmine Wisdom Debra Sue Bailey Don Hopkins Richard Wiskus Chris Vogel October 13 October 20 October 27 November 3

6
Greg Dell Jim Rode Bailey Family Sanders Family Witte/Levandoski Peck and Kardell Koch Kroes Family Witte/Levandoski Hovious Family Janice Evans Harry Dengler Bill Bottoms Mark Naes Gwen Brown Sharon Knox Bill Witte Dale Iffrig Ella Lancaster Phyllis Powers Gyngard Family Paul & Gina Wisdom Martin/Dippel

Worship Leader 8:00 am

Worship Leader 10:15 am am

Lector

Intercessor

Crucifer

Torch Bearers Greg Dell Jim Rode Mary Ann Tombridge Gwen Brown

Ushers

Liturgical Ministries: October 2013

Oblationers 8:00 am Oblationers 10:15 am

Coffee Hour Host(s)

Counters

Vestry Prayer Cycle

Proper 22C Proper 23C

Greg Dell Jim Rode Carolyn Bailey Vic Kremar Jim Rode

Bill Sanders Bill Bottoms Jessica Gerth Don Hopkins Billie Hall

Greg Dell Mark Naes Larry Brown Phyllis Powers Bruce Stotler
Proper 24C

Nancy Kroes Bill Witte Loy Hovious Claudia Svoboda Bill Witte
Proper 25C

Greg Dell Jim Rode Carolyn Bailey Vic Kremar Jim Rode
All Saints'

Propers.

Lamentations 1:1-6 Psalm 137 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Luke 17:5-10 Ella Lancaster Marty Taber

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Psalm 66:1-11 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Luke 17:11-19 Ella Lancaster Marty Taber

Jeremiah 31:27-34 Psalm 119:97-104 2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:5 Luke 18:1-8 Ella Lancaster Marty Taber

Joel 2:23-32 Psalm 65 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Luke 18:9-14 Ella Lancaster Marty Taber

Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 Psalm 149 Ephesians 1:11-23 Luke 6:20-31 Mary Brown Iffrig Lian

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

The Scroll - October 2013

Altar Guild

Thanksgiving
Please join us for our 10 th Annual Thanksgiving celebration of family and friends at Church of the Advent, in Crestwood Missouri. Dinner blessing will be at 12:30 PM. Please RSVP, as turkey, dressing, gravy and mashed potatoes will be provided.. You can bring a covered dish to share, and good company. Please feel free to bring as many guests, family, friends, neighbors all members of the community are welcome to join in our Thanksgiving celebration, as it is a blending of all faiths and families. RSVP Via: Sign Up sheet or Contact Jessica Gerth or Email: jesalyn73@gmail.com or Telephone: 314-346-6620

This holiday celebration was started by the late Ann Wagner and her dear friend Phylli s Powers for the 6 years after Anns passing together with members of the church, Lindy and I, kept Anns tradition going . Now that Lindy has been with his mother since 2010, our family feels very strongly about keeping Ann and Lindy s devotion to the chu rch as well as an outreached hand to all of our neighbors through this annual meal and fellowship.

Thursday November 28, 2013 12:30 PM Episcopal Church of the Advent 9373 Garber Road, Crestwood MO 63126
The Episcopal Church of the Advent welcomes you

Please visit our website or contact us for directions. www.advent-episcopal.org

Stories from the Good Road

Disturb Us, O Lord!

by Deborah Goldfeder
Ruth, the woman who worked at the desk of the Anglican Guest House in Nairobi, Kenya said, Oh, Deborah, the devil does not want you in Sudan. I reflected on that many times as I went about my work in Lui and faced the challenges involved in working there. Sometimes it seemed like the devil was winning when it was so roastingly hot or when tempers flared among the workers at the hospital. When we were threatened by attacks by Dinkas at Midnight Mass, we worshipped hurriedly and in the dark. As I listened to the rats running over the plastic over my head, I was pretty certain that the devil was there, too! This morning, I am in Alaska on a train. I probably couldnt get much further from Lui if I tried but I am thinking of the devil here, too. The people of Lui think hell is a cold place and they would surely think this is hell. There is frost on the rails, the trees are flames of golden paper birch trees and the ground is permafrost. Moru hell! But it is heaven to the rugged individualist who wants to live so far away from other human beings that their shouts for help would only be heard by moose, beavers or caribou. They cannot imagine living apart from one another. Bishop Stephen said that people in America live in apartments because we want to be apart from each other. Our idea of hell may be living so close together that we can hear each other snore in the night! Lui, at six degrees north of the equator has exactly twelve hours of daylight and twelve hours of night year-round with very little twilight. Long summer daylight here is followed by long winter nights yet each causes the other to be appreciated more. The sled dogs at Susan Butchers home strained for the snow which is their joy. The dark enlightens day so we appreciate it morewithout darkness, would we even notice the day? Without conflict, would we notice peace? Without hell in our lives, would we notice the work of God in them? Lui became the lens through which I began to see my own life, my own gripes, my own complaints and troubles. This is not to say that I see Lui as heaven and Western life as hell but to say that each enlightens the other. Those lenses are not rose-colored: Lui has its good and its bad as do we. The devil, I think, does not want us to have clear vision. There was an incident on the most recent trip to Lui which involved theft of a large amount of money from the missioners. They didnt know who the thieves were but they were assumed to be from the community of Lui. In a decade of trips, there had been no problems with thieves but, this time was different. Many were shocked by the theft but others wondered why nothing like this had ever happened before. We are rich be-

The Scroll - October 2013

yond their imagining and the money they stole was a fortune for someone there. I dare say that people on the trips were inconvenienced and had less to eat than they might have but nobody starved; nobody died. Perhaps what was lost was innocencethe death of the image of the noble savageso what was gained by that loss? What good can come from evil? Who among us knows our spouse to be perfect (okay, besides me) and who can say that they have never hurt or been hurt by them? Who has a friendship with another person based on the fact that neither party has ever hurt the other? A parent hurts a child with a sharp word that should never have escaped their lips or the child says something hurtful to the parent but both forgive and the relationship is not broken irreparably. We go on, we bear our scars but the pain eases over time and, if we are blessed, we learn and grow through the experiences. The scars become lenses through which we can develop a vision for the scars of others. God brings good out of evil, growth out of pain and gives sight where we once did not see. Darkness and light, noise and silence, heat and cold, evil and good, conflict and peaceone disturbs us and the other comforts us but would we recognize light without experiencing the dark? Would we see the good in people if we

had not seen the evil? Would we truly appreciate peace without war? The things that disturb us are opportunities for growth and the healed broken bone becomes stronger at that place. The thief in Lui disturbed us. The Moru would say that the thief was filled with the devil and the devil hurt us all but, most of all, the Moru people who lost face with their friends. This thief did something else, too. The devil does not want us in Lui, Ruth would say. The devil does not want us in community and working together towards peace. The devil wants to destroy love between peoples, tribes, nations and friends. God knows that we can be hurt but that hurt will only serve to bond us even more tightly. The thief in Lui only makes me see the hundreds of Moru who would lay down their lives to save mine and who would give me their best, no matter what! The disturbance only helps us and the devil loses.

The Episcopal Church of the Advent welcomes you

Episcopal Church of the Advent Episcopal Church of the Advent 9373 Garber Road 9373 Garber Road Crestwood, 63126-2849 Crestwood, MOMO 63126-0123 Episcopal Church of the Phone: 314-843-0123 Phone: 314-843-0123 Email: advent-episcopal@sbcglobal.net Advent E-mail: advent-episcopal@sbcglobal.net Website: www.advent-episcopal.org 9373 Garber Road Website: www.advent-episcopal.org Oct. 2013 edition of the Scroll Crestwood, MO 63126-2849
Phone: 314-843-0123 E-mail: advent-episcopal@sbcglobal.net Website: www.advent-episcopal.org

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