In the bleak midwinter

1. In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Source:  The Hymnal 1982, song 112 (via Hymnary.org)

It should be no surprise that so much of the symbolism this season is focused, naturally, on the coming light of the Lord.  We see it in candles, lights on the trees and our houses, in scripture, and in our songs.  The first carol I would like to share with you this season sounds a lot older than it really is.  “In the bleak midwinter” has a sound reminiscent of some of the earliest carols but was first published in the early 20^th century (thank you, Wikipedia).  The tune is slower than most modern Christmas carols and harkens back to such carols as “Lo, how A Rose e’er blooming” from the late 16^th century and really sounds like it is stressing the bleakness, and the coldness of winter. 

With all of the colors, lights, and the anticipation of children ready to open gifts on Christmas morning it is easy to forget that this time of year is not always pleasant for everyone.  There are many people struggling this time of year and from a variety of causes.  If you are hurt and need support, please reach out for help. 

4. What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him--give my heart.

Source:  The Hymnal 1982, song 112 (via Hymnary.org)

This carol reminds us that God sent his only son to earth to be a light in the darkness that surrounds us.  He is a beacon of hope in the bleak midwinter, when the frosty wind howls, the earth is cold and hard like iron, and even the water becomes like stone.  Sometimes the weather can get us down.  For some the frosty winds may represent financial misfortunes, the loss of a loved one, ill health, or depression.  Let the light of Christ and his living church in to dispel the gloom.  All that Jesus asks is that we love God and love each other.  What can we give him, as poor as we are?  We can give what we can – we can give our hearts. 

Enjoy this rendition of “In the bleak midwinter” by the Gloucester Cathedral Choir.

 

- Jeff Schaefer

Member, St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church

p.s. – If this speaks to you, please consider attending the Adult Forum on December 15 at 9:15 a.m., or the Blue Christmas service on December 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Simplify

“’Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free,

‘tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

and when we find ourselves in the place just right,

‘twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gained

to bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,

to turn, turn, will be our delight

till by turning, turning we come round right.” 

Shaker song, 18^th century

            Simplify.  This may be the key ingredient for a holy Advent and a joyful Christmas.  Every observance has the ability to expand to fill the time, space, and money provided.

            Simplify.  Begin by identifying the Advent and Christmas traditions that are life giving and then put aside the others.  When our first child was a toddler, I pressed myself to make the labor intensive cookies that were the trademark of my family of origin—only to watch her reach for her usual graham cracker.  So I put that tradition aside until later when we all could gather as a team of bakers in the kitchen.

            Simplify.  A Christmas tree continues to be life giving—but more so when taken in stages.  Now we purchase and install a tree, intentionally enjoying it in its unadorned green state.  On a later day the lights arrive.  Yet later the ornaments appear.  It is a tried and true method for reducing stress and exhaustion.  Do it this way once, and it becomes a cherished tradition.

            Simplify.  Reduce the gift giving.  Give to a charitable endeavor in honor of a loved one.  Be the one who proposes drawing names or foregoing a gift exchange.  The time spent together is the greatest gift.

            Simplify.  Leave space on the calendar in these days.  Be selective with time commitments.  Allow time for peace and quiet.  Allow space for serendipity.

            Simplify.  In this season, we prepare for the coming of Jesus in a manger in the quiet of a winter night.  We await a humble coming of the Holy One.  May our simplicity make room for the one who is always seeking to come among us.

The Rev. Linda Wofford Hawkins

Rector

On Thanksgiving

            When our children were young, they begged to invite “Indians” for Thanksgiving dinner.  After all the paper costumes of “Pilgrims” and “Indians” they had made at school in those days, it was clear who intrigued them most.  So we often sought to invite someone new to our house, someone who was an outsider for us.  It was a time to reach out and be blessed by one who was Other.

           

            One year our “Indians” were the family of a physician who had been shut out of the medical referral system by other doctors.  In the early days of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, his office became virtually a free clinic for those who needed his care.  Such generosity can make one a pariah at times.  Who would have imagined a physician as an outcast?

            Early in our days in Northern Virginia, we welcomed the Pakistani family who had just found their way to St. Barnabas’.  They shivered in the cold of our climate and the rejoiced when we honored the birthday of the youngest child with candles on the pumpkin pie.  At the same dinner, we also included the retired dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and his wife, living in temporary quarters at the theological seminary without family to share the day.  It was he who remarked about St. Barnabas’, “You don’t have to cross the globe to do missions.  The world has come to you.”  He also sent checks to my discretionary fund and continued to inquire about his new friends in Christ.

            I used to ask new immigrants to this country what foods they were preparing for this holiday—expecting a touch of Mexico, India, or Ethiopia.  Over and over again I watched a new American beam with pride, listing turkey and all the trimmings.  I have always loved Thanksgiving because it is all about food.  Now my neighbors have given new reasons for gratitude.  These pilgrims from distant lands have broken down our categories of “Pilgrim” and “Indian,” our notions of who came first, our notions of Otherness.  They have given yet more reasons to give thanks.

            It is my hope that this time of Thanksgiving may also become a time to cease to be Other.  As people of many faiths and many origins, may we sit down to a meal where our grateful hearts can make us one.

The Rev. Linda Wofford Hawkins

Rector.

All Things Bright and Beautiful...

On an October day that felt more like summer than autumn, St. Barnabas held its annual Blessing of the Animals service in honor of The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

This was the first performance of the year for the Children's Choir. They sang "The Butterfly Song," with lyrics including an elephant, an octopus, a fuzzy wuzzy bear, and a wiggly worm (to name a few).

 The dogs received their blessings from Reverend Linda....

                 The cats received their blessing from Reverend Linda...








       ... and two rabbits and a chinchilla received their blessing as well!

                                     

Even animals of the stuffed variety received blessings!   

    

                          

 The service was followed by snacks for all (human, furry, and feathered). 

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful

The Lord God made them all.

           

St. Barnabas' Shrine Mont Weekend

St. Barnabas' Retreat Weekend at Shrine Mont was a great success: there were more parishioners at church in Shrine Mont than there were left in Annandale!

 Our church's growing children's community was well-represented. In addition to organized crafts (gorgeous Jesus Loves Me flower pots), stories, songs, and dances, the children also had a fair amount of play time to strengthen their relationships with each other.





The older children's level of enthusiasm was particularly notable. They helped take responsibility for the younger ones, acting as great guides and buddies.

Shuffleboard!

Excavation lesson.

Somebody give these guys something to do. Seriously. ;)

Our time together was well-organized and well-spent, focusing on the ways that we feed our souls and feed our communities. The presentations were 100% put on by our own parishioners. We frequently broke out into groups, which provided fantastic opportunities to get to know people we might not otherwise have known. Although we're a small church, we're growing. I would venture to guess that everyone there met someone new over the weekend.

The music was great fun! This picture doesn't do it justice. Songs ranged from traditional and spiritual to campy and fun. Whatever the mood of our lesson and work, Beth had a song to enhance it. Awesome.

At one point several families with kids decided to take advantage of Shrine Mont's labyrinth. For the little ones it was a puzzle and an exercise in patience.

 Labyrinths are amazing, aren't they? Even without anyone saying so, the young ones quickly get to a place where they recognize it's a space for reflection. The Spirit at work.

 Getting out in nature is an important part of the Shrine Mont experience, and luckily the weather cooperated. Three parents and a random assortment of St. Barnabas' kids decided to hike the Cross Trail, which takes about 90 minutes and is suitable for kids.There were plenty of walking sticks to go around, tiny toads to be discovered, and a great view from the top of the trail.

Some of the other adults decided to do the longer and more challenging hike up North Mountain.

One of the most interactive tasks for us at the retreat was to identify the many ministries of the church and help the Portfolio Management Team help prioritize. Our work falls into four categories: Worship, In-reach, Outreach, and the Wider Church. Everyone was asked to place a pink dot next to the ministries they felt strongly enough to volunteer for, a green dot next next to the ones they felt were important but weren't directly involved in, and a yellow dot for the ones that were not as important. It was fascinating to see what our community agreed and disagreed on, and it was valuable to identify work that is seen as important but lacks a point-person. And it was most impressive indeed to put all our work into one chart. Considering our size, our good works sure are mighty! Those unable to join us at Shrine Mont are encouraged to participate in this activity. The poster is now in the hallway at St. Barnabas'.

These are just a few of the many memories made that weekend, and the important spiritual work done there on the individual, family, and church community levels. Please add Shrine Mont to your list of wonderful parts of the St. Barnabas' experience!

Sunday, October 13, 2013: The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, October 13, 2013

The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

 

 

8:00 a.m.  Holy Eucharist

9:15 a.m.  Adult Choir Rehearsal – Choir Loft

9:15 a.m.  Christian Formation for All Ages

10:15 a.m.  Holy Eucharist & Children's Chapel

following the service  Children's Choir – Education Wing

 

We welcome as celebrant and preacher the Rev. Randall Prior.

Whenever you come to church, please bring a can of food for the food pantry. 

The need is great!

 

 

Please join us for

Children's Chapel

Godly Play

Children's Choir

Journey to Adulthood (Rite 13 & YAC)

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Trunk 'N Treat

 

October 27 @ 4:00 p.m.

 

 

St. Barnabas' Parking Lot

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Program Descriptions

Childcare -- for infants and toddlers, available from 9:00 through the end of the 10:15 service, in the Nursery in the Education Wing.

Godly Play -- for children ages 3 to 10, from 9:15 to 10:00 in the Education Wing. Godly Play is a Montessori-based Christian Education program, in which the children encounter and retell the stories of the Bible by acting them out with figures.
 
Children's Chapel -- for children ages 3 to 10, from 10:15 until the Peace, in the Education Wing. Children are invited to sit in the front pew at the beginning of the service, and to follow the crucifer out to Children's Chapel. Each Sunday there is a story and a craft. The children return to join their parents in time for Holy Eucharist.

Journey to Adulthood (J2A & YAC) -- for young adults from age 12 to 18, from 9:15 to 10:00 in the Library. Each week the young adults meet for games, conversation, and planning for service and mission projects.

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