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From the Vicar
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Sussex County Interfaith Hospitality Network
Heartsaver AED Certification
Summer Programs at St. Thomas

From the Vicar:

Dear Friends,

Last Sunday was Pentecost Day, the celebration of the birth of the Church in the giving of the Holy Spirit to the first followers of Jesus. When the Spirit came their differences were overcome, fear turned to courage, and they launched out to spread the Gospel to the farthest corners of the earth. For those of us who live by this good news, this is something to celebrate. By the gift of the Holy Spirit a new community was born, and wherever people receive this gift by faith, the church is born anew.

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians—a difficult, contentious congregation—reminds them that their life together depends upon the variety of gifts that God has given. Paul says that the Church needs the diverse abilities of each member of the congregation, and that this variety of gifts is to be used for the common good. In the Apostle’s way of seeing it, difference is good, and the Body of Christ depends upon diversity. “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one.” (I. Cor. 12: 4-6)

So, we have received this great gift—the Church born out of the gift of the Holy Spirit—and these gifts that come to each one of us out of our genes and our unique history. We live by grace, by what has been given to us, and we are called to use our particular talents, sympathies, and resources of personality, energy, and enthusiasm for the good of the whole.

When we have a keen sense of grace—that it all comes as a gift from God—then we find a new motive and new possibilities for living together. Territorialism, defensiveness, and a competitive spirit fall away: It all comes from God, and it is all for the good of God’s people.

We have seen this recently, as people have come together to make a home for our new vicar. Filled with a new enthusiasm, members of the congregation have exercised their gifts freely, have given of themselves with imaginative generosity—and we have all been uplifted and encouraged.

A hymn by The Rev. Al Carmines, “Many Gifts, One Spirit,” goes like this: “God of many colors, God of many signs, you have made us different, blessing many kinds. As the old ways disappear, let your love cast out our fear. Many gifts, one Spirit, one love known in many ways. In our difference is blessing, from diversity we praise one Giver, one Lord, one Spirit, one Word known in many ways, hallowing our days. For the Giver, for the gifts, praise, praise, praise!”

This is the Church at its best. People receiving their lives as gifts of God, being themselves, and using their many gifts for the good of all and to the glory of God. Where that happens, the Church has a happy birthday indeed!

Charles Rice, Interim Vicar

We have finished our Self-study Phase and have moved into our Search Phase of this process. We have received names of prospects from the national computer and from members of our church. If you know of a priest who you think (or your friends think) would be a good match for us, please submit the names quickly to any member of the committee. We will send each prospect our Profile and other pertinent information. Candidates will send their applications for consideration to us up until June 15th. We expect to receive about a 30 % return from the approximately 90 inquiries that we are sending.

After receiving these applications, we will start the interview process. In the end we hope to submit 3 to 5 names to the Executive Committee for them to process. Throughout this time we cannot discuss any of the candidates individually outside of the committee so please do not ask any specific questions.

We want to thank everyone working on the vicarage as this is an important piece of our compensation package.

Please keep St. Thomas’ in your prayers.

Your Search Committee: Kathy Moore (co-chair), Pam Schulien (co-chair), Terry Taylor, Carol Poplaski, Paulette Beer, Lois Mayer, Michael Clouse, Michael Wiedbrauk, Randy Hammons, Bill Shapiro

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This parish enjoys a rich history, a story of faithful people worshipping and serving God in this place for nearly 200 years. Our old church, now being lovingly restored by volunteers from the congregation, embodies that history. Once more on summer Sunday mornings we will gather for the early Eucharist, to remember and be thankful. From May 27th through September 2nd, come to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 8 AM. (Those who have trouble with the steps should enter by the sacristy door.)

Beginning on Trinity Sunday at the Prayers of the People we will name those who are in immediate need or distress – in the hospital, ill at home, suffering some recent grief or loss. Alongside our Sunday prayers for these persons, we will provide a list in the bulletin of the names of others for whom our continuing prayers have been asked. Members of the congregation are asked to take that list home and pray daily for those in need.

These ten men and women elected by the congregation oversee the week-to-week life of the parish, making important decisions of policy and administration. The committee has an especially crucial role of governance and planning in this interim period. The Executive Committee invites your comments and proposals and even your attendance at their monthly meeting if you wish to bring a particular concern.

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In 1847 Carlos Allen, prominent Vernon physician and one of the first vestrymen of St. Thomas’ Church, donated the land on which St. Thomas’s chapel was erected. From 1846 through 1903, Dr. Allen and his family made their home in the lovely building adjacent to the chapel. Later, the Allen House became St. Thomas’ Vicarage. Today it is recognized as one of Vernon’s most well-preserved historic residences.

One hundred sixty years after the Allen House’s construction we are respectfully and energetically readying this beautiful home to welcome our new Vicar. Creative Vicarage Committee members have procured critical goods and services at no or very little cost. The Executive Committee has provided us with a Vicarage refurbishment budget. Generous parishioners have contributed cash donations or have purchased needed items. Beginning last weekend and continuing forward on designated Saturdays congregants are coming together at the Vicarage for work and clean up days.

The repair and refurbishment “to–do” list includes a completely new bathroom on the second floor, new kitchen cabinets, carpeting in the bedrooms and upstairs hall, sanding and refinishing the wood floors in the living and dining areas, painting throughout, and many more items both large and small. Please drop in to the Vicarage to see this work in progress and to lend your support to this real team effort. As we move forward, the Vicarage Committee may be seeking “sponsors” for various purchases. We also welcome your participation on our work crews. If you have any questions or suggestions or if you would like to be helpful in any way, please seek out a committee member to discuss your interest. Join us as we continue to make history at St. Thomas’!

All donations for the vicarage – or for other needs of the parish – should be reported to the church office in writing. This will insure credit to your record of giving and make for accountability and good order in the congregation’s financial affairs.

1. Flooring - Upstairs carpet and pad and master bath linoleum supplied at below cost through Country Flooring, Rte. 94, Vernon by Rita-Ann Schmick. Purchase price from cash donor arranged by Rita-Ann. Installation of carpet also arranged by Rita-Ann.
2. Master Bath – Fixtures donated by Master Plumbing through Rita-Ann Schmick. Installation of fixtures arranged by Rita-Ann.
3. Kitchen Cabinets – New cabinets donated through the efforts of Joe Sommese. Installation will be by work party from the congregation.
4. Paint – All paint supplied below cost by Ron DuPont through Highland General Store. Paint sweat equity through congregation work party.
5. Outdoor table – Wood outdoor table, benches and umbrella set donated by Bill and Ellen Shapiro for back yard dining.
6. Dining room deck - Construction materials purchased by congregation; design and sweat equity supplied by Bill and Neal Shapiro, Rich Poplaski, and Randy Hammons. Hardware and redwood stain donated by the Shapiros.
7. Downstairs window blinds – New blinds to be donated. Arranged through the efforts of Rita-Ann. Installation by congregation.
8. Steam furnace and radiator assessment and repair – Materials and labor arranged through the efforts of Rita-Ann Schmick. Refinishing to be completed by congregation work party.
9. New smoke and CO detectors and fire extinguishers donated through the efforts of Nancy Hansen. Installation by congregation work party.
10. 5/17 & 18 Work Party Prep – Sweat equity electrical, spackle, trim repair, drop cloths and surface prep donated by Bill and Noel Shapiro, Rich Poplaski, and Randy Hammons.
11. 5/19 Painting Work Party – Sweat equity to prepare and paint all ceilings and trim throughout the vicarage supplied by 22 person congregation work party.
12. Dennis & Kathy Golden have offered to donate two working window A/C units for the vicarage. Installation by congregation work party.
13. A new external dining room entry door has been purchased with funds donated from a generous parishioner. Installation carpentry has been arranged through the congregation.

The Vicarage committee sponsored a day of work and fellowship focused on cleaning and painting ceilings and trim throughout the vicarage on Saturday, May 19, from 9 Am to about 3:30 PM. Thanks to prep work accomplished Thursday and Friday by Bill and Noelle Shapiro, Rich Poplaski and Randy Hammons and an excellent turnout of 22 able bodied parishioners on Saturday, we were able to accomplish the majority of our planned painting – about 95% of the ceilings and 65% of the trim painting were completed. A tremendous amount of sweat equity was invested in preparing the trim for painting. The age of the house and the number of previous paintings made a tough job of preparing some of the surfaces, but the team was up to the job and worked diligently all day in completing the two major rooms downstairs, and most of the more modern kitchen, bath and laundry room. Upstairs, the bedrooms and hallway ceilings were completed as well as some of the trim preparation.

In addition, other chores accomplished include removal of some of the kitchen cabinets, removal of downstairs shoe molding in preparation for refinishing the wood floors, repair of the stair rail support bracket, necessary caulking of doors and trim, and repair of one of the historical plank doors upstairs. Also, a small subcommittee led by Noelle Shapiro worked out quantities and colors for wall paint to be purchased for the next work session scheduled for Saturday, June 9 at 9AM.

The Vicarage Committee wishes to extend a hearty “thanks” to those who donated time and talent. They are: Jill Dickerson, Pete Dickerson, Emilie DuPont, Ron DuPont Jr., Bob Duthaler, Bill Fisher, Maryellen Garvey, Dennis Golden, Ray Gunder, Randy Hammons, Nancy Hansen, George Marr, Bill Shapiro, Ellen Shapiro, Neal Shapiro, Noelle Shapiro, Butch Smiraldo, Joe Sommese, and Terry Taylor. Lunch was donated by the ECW and grilled and served by Gaye Murphy, Lois Mayer, and Bill Mayer. And a good time was had by all!

Ellen Shapiro has started a scrapbook of photos for Vicarage Committee activities. Take a look and see what was going on in the other rooms while you were focused on your workday chore or to see some of the fellowship that you missed if you couldn’t make this one. We want everyone’s smiling face in the book before long!

1. A range exhaust hood or over-range microwave unit and exhaust is needed for the kitchen.
2. A new, smaller refrigerator is needed for the kitchen to fit a maximum 32” width space. Unit to be 30 or 31” wide max.
3. Decking materials to build a back porch over the crumbling back steps is needed (Materials $300-400 range)
4. Permanent drainpipe for the basement sump pump is needed to replace the temporary installation. (Materials approx. $50-75)
5. New electrical cover plates for switches and plugs. (Materials approx. $50 – 100)
6. Mason or contact to repair front steps and install handrail.
7. New kitchen countertop sponsor for new cabinets. Approx. 12’ long with sink cutout.
8. Dressing room closet organizer sponsor.
9. New fireplace set – screen and tools complementing historical period of house.

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The Executive Committee has voted to provide half scholarships for three of our young people in grades 3 through 12 to go to our Episcopal camp this summer. This means that the cost to each family would be $180 for five days at Camp Crossroads in Port Murray, NJ. This is a great opportunity for youngsters and teenagers to learn more about the Church, to make new friends, and to broaden their horizons.

Our Bishop, Mark Beckwith, wrote recently about his family’s experience at our camp. He said, “ When I was in the Diocese of Newark as a priest, my wife and I – and our two very small children – spent two summers as the leadership team for a week at the old Eagle’s Nest Camp. The facilities were meager at best, but the spirit of the staff and campers was great. There was a community of safety and welcome, a desire to present the Christian faith and story – through song, drama, play, and more creative programs than I could count. The first summer after we moved to Massachusetts, we sent our two children to the diocesan camp as campers. Our son went for three years – and in our daughter’s case, she returned for eleven seasons, the last as the Assistant Camp Director. Her faith was grounded by her camp experience. Some of her best friends are from camp. Both of our kids were presented dimensions of the faith that would never have been available to them had they not gone to camp. And it became clear to me that a week spent at Church Camp is more time than children spend in a whole year of Sunday School.”

As always, babysitting will be provided for infants and children up to age 8 during the summer 10 AM service. An adult will be asked to sign-up for childcare for approximately one Sunday per month, and a teen or preteen will be asked to volunteer with an adult. It will be the responsibility of the teen (or adult) on duty to select a Bible story to read aloud, and perhaps lead a game or art activity afterward.

Please volunteer for this ministry this summer. It is the only opportunity all year for most of the Sunday School teachers to attend the entire service. Please sign-up in the narthex if you are willing to provide childcare during the 10 o’clock service from June 10th through September 2nd.

Emilie Dupont

Emilie Dupont and other parents are planning a Vacation Bible School program for any local children ages 4 – 11 (pre-school to starting grade 6). We will meet in the undercroft (downstairs) of St. Thomas’ to listen to Bible stories, cook, do arts and crafts, and play games. We will need a total of 4 adult volunteers and 2 “twelve and up” volunteers every day to carry out a pre-planned lesson. To cover the cost of supplies and mid-morning snacks we will ask each child to pay $12 or $25 for a family of 3 or more. (There will be funds for children unable to pay.)

The theme of this year’s VBS will depend on the number and ages of children planning to participate, so Emilie needs to have this information as soon as possible. Please indicate your interest, however tentative, by returning the form to the box in the St. Thomas’ narthex, or by calling Emilie at 973-764-8434 and leaving a message. (Indicating your interest does not hold you to attending, but the program cannot run without enough adult and teen volunteers)

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