The Parish of
St. Mary and St. Jude
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A MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR, DAVID J. LUCEY CHRISTIAN HOUSEHOLDING By the time you read this, we will be well into the great 50 days of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Morning. That great 50 days, which coincide with the coming of spring, are a glorious time to celebrate our Christianity and our Lord. It might be considered one long extended wedding feast. In fact, there are references in the New Testament to the image of the Church being the bride of Christ, and that our life in the church is somehow like a marriage. Marriage is one of the most visible signs of Church life today. In fact, even if some folks do not attend church at all, or maybe only once or twice a year, they still come to the church when it is time to get married. Weddings have a strong pull both culturally and religiously to people taking vows. But the question that this begs is what separates Christian marriage from any other kind of marriage? What can the Church both teach and learn in this sacrament? And, why would the writers of the New Testament use this image about the Church's relationship with Christ. There is a Professor of ethics at Princeton Theological Seminary, Tom Breidenthal, who wrote a book a few years ago on this very topic. He called his book, Christian Households. Although this may not be the definitive book on the subject, Tom provides a useful framework for looking at marriage. And this same framework can be applied to the Church's life in Christ. As Tom looked into the subject of marriage in the Church he came to an interesting observation. In the New Testament one of the most prominent themes is that marriage is placed in a general subject of householding codes, primarily of Roman Patriarchal householding codes. But in doing this, the Christians began to temper the language and add something that Jesus taught them-self-sacrificing love. So, in Christian households, we are not to be about dominance or authority, but we are to be about service. Husbands should serve wives, wives should serve husbands, parents should serve children, and children should serve parents. But all of this is to be informed by the choice that Christ made-service to God by serving humanity, even unto death. Let me add a caution here. This is not about subsuming whom we are in some abusive way. No, this is about using our gifts and talents to their fullest by loving each other as Christ loved us. This is risky love. And we humans are not naturally very good at it. That is why our marriage ceremonies frame marriage in a lifelong and mutually supportive way so that the chances of abuse are tempered. That is why our Church vows of baptism and confirmation frame things in much the same way, lifelong and mutually supportive - because we need God's help and each other's. What happens in the Church is much like what happens in a marriage after the wedding feast and the honeymoon. Real love is worked at by showing up daily. When we make marriage vows we rarely, if ever, know what that means. We learn it in changing diapers, in making meals, washing dishes, cleaning house, going to work, nursing loved ones who are ill, and much more. In fact, according to Tom Breidenthal, Christian households are where Christians in families really practice the skills necessary for the full understanding of God's love. The Church is here to nurture its members in these skills, to comfort and forgive us when we get it wrong, and to celebrate it when we get it right. The Church teaches those skills in being together regularly, in prayer, in worship, in outreach, in caring for each other routinely. The Church is about inviting anyone into our body wherever and whenever they wish to be with us - no judgments, no questions. And that is householding the Christian way. Yours in Christ, David+ A Message from the Senior Warden SPRING CLEANING During the Parish Annual Meeting last January the members adopted a modification of our bylaws which addressed a problem with our treasurer position. Previously, the treasurer was required to be a vestry member and therefore limited to a term of three years. We had lost some exceptional officers in this capacity, notably Jennifer Mitchell and Lauri Fernald, because of the expiration of their tenure. The change was simple: the treasurer now may or may not be a member of the vestry, currently allowing Alan Gregory, who has conducted his duties with dedication and precision, to continue in that role. In the course of the conversation leading to this rearrangement, I mentioned that we had consulted with the Chancellor of the Diocese (read: legal counsel) and that he had volunteered some suggestions based upon his review of our bylaws. I offered to share these comments with the parish at a time in the near future. Before plunging ahead into this presentation I hasten to emphasize that we are not out of compliance with any legal concept. In fact, our bylaws have served us well for many years, and we are under no compulsion to make any changes. However, to ignore the Chancellor's efforts would be irresponsible. Let us begin. Since it is highly unlikely that you have the bylaws before you, with your permission I will comment in italics where appropriate to provide a preliminary - and hopefully helpful - reference to what we might choose to accomplish and to what we might choose to avoid. #1- In both Item Seventh and Item Ninth there is a reference to "this agreement." It is rare to refer to bylaws as agreements, and he recommends this phrase be changed to "these bylaws." #2- At present only the Finance Committee has its role defined. The bylaws would read more clearly if there were a separate section outlining the responsibilities for each standing committee, e.g. Buildings and Grounds and Nominating. This would provide a clarification for future vestries and avoid possible misinterpretations and confusion over spheres of influence. #3- The Chancellor feels that a three year vestry term seems "awfully short". He would have expected six or nine years. On the other hand, given the crushing burden on our year round population with parish AND community service and the transient nature of our seasonal residents, three years is probably all one can expect. #4- In Item Third relating to the makeup of the vestry, it states "insofar as possible certain constituencies will or won't be represented." This is indeed ambiguous to say the least. It might be better to define the need for an identified number of representatives from the summer communities of Saint Mary's-by-the-Sea and Saint Jude's to join a majority of year round residents on the governing body. #5- Item Third limits the vestry to eleven. It also provides that the wardens "are to be considered vestry members" raising the question of whether they are counted against the eleven limitation. The Chancellor suggests redefining the vestry to consist of eleven elected members, plus the two wardens, to a total of thirteen. This suggestion, while attractive, begs the question of how the wardens are then selected (elected? appointed?shanghaied?) and whether they would have a vote. It would also "separate" the Wardens from the vestry body. Frankly, my personal opinion is that the way we have done it for years works quite well with the wardens being elected to and chosen from the parish leaders. In order to provide an opportunity for these potential changes to be discussed in complete candor by those interested, I am proposing that we hold a brief forum at some point during the summer when the maximum number of parishioners are present. The summary of that meeting would be sent to the Bylaws Committee which would then prepare proposals for consideration at the next Annual Meeting. As mentioned previously, we are neither in a rush nor in need of a major modification of the bylaws - only a clarification of certain "fuzzy" elements. Please do not hesitate to send your comments to the parish office to our attention. The vestry always welcomes your input. With great appreciation for the opportunity to serve, Michael T.B. Dennis, M.D. Senior Warden COMMUNITY NEWS KATHY SUMINSBY LAUDED At the annual Town Meeting on March 7th, Albert Hamor presented Kathryn Knowles Suminsby with an appreciation award for her 28 years of dedication to providing emergency medical care to the town. In 1977, Kathy attended a National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) course in Ellsworth with Albert and Ernest Coombs. She was invited to be an EMT for Mount Desert in November of that year, the first woman accepted on the force. Kathy comments: "I can't say I broke the glass ceiling; I broke down the door." Following her graduation from Vassar, Kathy had planned to pursue a career in pediatric nursing, but she abandoned the idea to return home to Mount Desert to work in her family's real estate business. "I cringed every time the phone would ring," said Kathy of her 25 years in real estate. With the support of her husband, Bob, Kathy left real estate to pursue her interest in emergency medicine. She began a 1200-hour paramedic course. For twelve months, she commuted to New Hampshire Technical Institute, completing the course in 1981. During this time she became a charter member of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. In addition to being on-call for the Northeast Harbor Ambulance Service for the last 28 years, Kathy worked with ambulance services throughout northeastern Maine. She became a Critical Care Paramedic in 1997 after participating in a 70-hour course. But the life of an emergency worker can be slow, to no chagrin of the residents. "It's kind of frustrating; I still would love to be doing it," she said, her radio calling out in the background. "But we don't have the volume of calls to keep up my skills. The field is growing rapidly; I don't feel I am on the cutting edge any more." Her skills are broad enough though. Along with practicing emergency medicine, Kathy taught a number of courses on the subject. She taught basic and intermediate EMT courses, CPR, Advanced Cardiac Support, and a Safe Baby-sitter course for 11-13-year olds. Kathy was also an innovator in latex allergy awareness as she developed symptoms herself from working in medicine. Kathy helped Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor ambulance squads become latex-free - among the first in Maine. Under her leadership, a committee was formed at MDI Hospital to create a latex-free environment. Kathy is credited with instituting the nationally recognized LifeLine program at MDI Hospital. It is a remote system, activated by a small transmitter worn around the neck, and used to signal the hospital if the wearer has an emergency. When not selling real estate or saving people's lives, Kathy raised three children with her late husband, Bob. The Suminsbys were Girl and Boy Scout leaders and went on many adventures with their troops and children. Over the years, Kathy has made wedding cakes, sewn clothing, and pursued her interests in photography and gardening. She is a member of the Comprehensive Planning Committee of Mount Desert and the Thuya Garden Committee. A current endeavor is enrollment in the Maine Master Gardeners course. "You stay healthy the more you stay involved," said Kathy. When asked what's next, she responded: "I've thought a lot about hospice care. I've gained a lot of knowledge and experience in my 28 years of EMS." Editor's Note: This article has been edited and printed with permission from Sarah Hinckley of the Mount Desert Islander. It is fair to say that if all the monumental work that Kathy has done for our church had been included in this piece, it would have been five times as long! A "Recognition Day" in Kathy's honor is planned in June. WANTED: A GOOD SET OF IVORIES. We are looking for a piano to use at the Stone Church - a grand or baby grand would be ideal! The organ at Saint Mary's is first class, but a piano would really help us to expand and enhance our musical offerings- both during worship services and for future concerts. Saint Mary's provides a wonderful venue for instrumental and vocal music. The acoustics are very good, especially when musicians perform under the tower. With the right lighting and "stage" set-up, the building can also provide an intimate location for concerts - as we witnessed last summer during Brooks Williams' memorable concert of acoustic guitar music. There are a number of highly talented musicians in the Mount Desert Island area - we need to encourage them to perform at Saint Mary's. A good piano will help us do this. So, if you know of an instrument here on the Island or nearby, with ivories that are in need of some tickling, please let us know. Perhaps that instrument could be given on loan to Saint Mary's - and, in doing so, help us make the most of a very fine building. Please contact either David Lucey (276-5588) or Peter Vaux (276-4078) to discuss any ideas or suggestions. Thank you! Peter Vaux, Organist and Choir Director INVITATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION For those interested in Baptism and Confirmation, some important dates are coming up. Baptism is particularly appropriate at the Feast of Pentecost, Sunday, May 15 and at the visit of the Bishop, May 22. If you are interested in being baptized, or presenting a child for baptism, please contact Father Lucey, as soon as possible so your preparation may begin. Confirmation is done with presentation to, and with, the laying on of hands by the Bishop. Bishop Knudsen will be making an island-wide visitation to the four parishes of Mount Desert on Sunday, May 22. The service will be hosted by this parish at Saint Mary's-by-the-Sea. If you are interested, or if you have a family member interested in being confirmed, please contact Father Lucey so we can begin preparation for this sacrament. REFLECTIONS AND MEDITATIONS WITH THE BISHOP The Right Reverend Chilton R. Knudsen will be making a number of visits to the island and its environs this year. In addition to her island-wide visitation on Sunday, May 22nd which is being hosted by Saint Mary's-by-the-Sea, the Bishop will be having dinner with the vestry Wednesday, May 18th, in our fellowship hall. Earlier that day she will be holding one of her mini-retreats from 4:00-5:30PM at Saint Dunstan's Church in Ellsworth, to which you are all welcome. Finally, the Bishop will be with us at Saint Mary's-by-the-Sea on Sunday,August 14th. Keep the Bishop in your prayers, mark your calendars, and look for updates about her time with us. LATE "BREAKING" NEWS At the Palm Sunday service we were surprised to be greeted by the Reverend Ann Kidder, former minister at Saint John's/Saint Andrew's Church in Southwest Harbor, who brought us news that The Reverend David J. Lucey had broken his leg while skiing at Sugarloaf the previous Friday. What bad luck, David! We are praying that you have a speedy recovery. Ann will be taking David's place during several Holy Week services. She has offered to help out in any way possible. Mac Bigelow will perform the Good Friday Service at the Union Church without David's participation. The Stroud Fund meets during the first week in April. If you have any local community projects in need of support, please get your proposal to the church office and talk to Karol Hagburg, Stroud Fund Chair, beforehand. The beautiful baby, Katherine Dunham Crowley, whose picture you saw in last month's newsletter, has been renamed Thea Dunham Crowley by her parents, Tim and Edie. She was admired by all at her first church service at 3 1/2 weeks of age on Palm Sunday and was blessed by The Reverend Ann Kidder as she left the chapel. Welcome, Thea! |
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The Parish of St. Mary and St. Jude
P.O. Box 105, Northeast Harbor, Maine 04662 Tel: 207/276-5588 Fax: 207/276-3220