Have a Minute?

By Chuck Wildman

April 15, 2008

Members and Friends,

Your generous retirement send-off has been overwhelming! It is impossible for Anne and me to adequately thank you for the huge cash gift ($10,000), the Cape Cod-themed retirement dinner complete with jazz band and dancing, the many letters, cards, notes and the memory book. The Women’s Fellowship Tea for Anne was full of love. Our final Sunday worship services were so warm and affirming of our ministry together. And you saved the best for last, the Sunday lunch with the children, youth and their families, complete with lots of hugs from children of all ages.

When you read this, we will be unpacking moving boxes at our new home in Massachusetts. While we will be far away, you will be with us in our daily thoughts and prayers. Nearly two decades together have made us family to one another. That feeling will never change. Should your travels take you to Cape Cod, we would love to welcome you to our home.

As I said Sunday, experience has shown that the best way for a healthy transition from one pastor to another is for the out-going one to stay away for a while. Following guidelines from the UCC and Alban Institute, I will refrain from visiting Rock Spring during the interim period and for a while afterward. Nor will I be available for memorial services or weddings during that period. After your new called pastor has established him/herself, Anne and I will return for Sunday worship service. From then on, at the invitation of the senior pastor, it would be appropriate to help with an occasional Rock Spring memorial service or wedding.

Rock Spring is one among a few vibrant churches in the progressive Christian tradition. A key to your success is that you are a strong lay-led congregation with many people sharing leadership and ministry. You have proven over time what I have come to call the Herman’s Barn Principle, which I shared in my first sermon here and again in my last. Farmer Herman wanted to move his multi-ton barn a few hundred feet from its location. He gathered 100 of his friends one day and, on the count of three, they literally moved Herman’s barn. There is virtually nothing of value that Rock Spring can do without a clear sense that it is God’s will and a strong effort by the congregation to do the heavy lifting together.

I look forward to learning about all of your new accomplishments in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Our society and world sorely need Rock Spring’s efforts. Together, with your wonderful pastors, Hank and Janet, your new interim senior pastor, Dr. Doug Griffin, and your future called senior pastor, I know that you will move many heavy barns in our common goal of building God’s realm of justice and peace in the world.

Thank you for the privilege of being pastor in these decades of challenge and change. Anne joins me in prayers for Rock Spring, a congregation through which God is still speaking a word of hope for our time.

Peace and love,
Chuck

318 Tower Hill Road
Osterville, MA 02655
508-428-0793
chuckandanne@verizon.net
chuck.wildman@verizon.net

Bi-Weekly Church Calendar

Please click here to view the current Rock Spring bi-weekly calendar.

News & Notes

Thoughts & Prayers

Prayers are requested for Catherine Carlston, Mabel Montgomery, and Lois Miller, who are all struggling with health challenges, and continued prayers for Lois as she grieves the loss of her husband, Curtis Miller.  Congratulations and Godspeed to Chuck and Anne Wildman, who successfully accomplished their move to Cape Cod after being feted and celebrated for almost 20 years of service to Rock Spring!  They remain in our prayers and our hearts as we wish them well in their new life.

In Memoriam

Condolences to the family of Mary Appling, who died April 17 at The Jefferson.  Mary was a long-time Rock Springer, leader in the church, and widow of Hugh Appling.  Mary and Hugh lived all over the world due to Hugh's career in the Foreign Service, but they called Northern Virginia and Rock Spring their home.  Mary's memorial service was held at Rock Spring on Thursday, April 24.

In Memoriam

Condolences to the family of Chan Swallow, who died February 29 at his home in St. Michael's, Maryland. Before retiring to the Eastern Shore in 1988, Chan served Rock Spring in many capacities, including as president of Church Council and as a member of the Board of Deacons. An obituary appeared in the March 11 edition of The Washington Post. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to his wife, Edie, at 605 Radcliffe Avenue, St. Michael's, MD 21663.

LOST SCARF

If you are the owner of the lovely Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) silk scarf that was found at the Knights of Columbus Club after Chuck's retirement party, please claim it in the church office."

Deacons Announcements

Schedule Change

Rock Spring Members and Friends--We wanted to let you all know as soon as possible that we plan to move to one service a bit earlier than usual this year. We will have one service at 10 am beginning Memorial Day weekend (May 25), 2008. We will combine the church school so that it will continue as previously planned through June 15. We anticipate RALLY DAY (with return to two services) to occur as previously scheduled on Sunday September 7, 2008. This is planned ONLY for this year in order to help our two pastors meet our many and varied expectations because of teh departure of Rev. Wildman, since the interim senior pastor now is expected to arrive mid-July. Any concerns may be directed to the deacons at deacons@rockspringucc.org .

Opening Church on Sundays:

We could use some help opening the church some Sundays (six doors). We have at least one VERY DEDICATED individual who has been (and will continue) to open the church many Sunday mornings, but we could use some additional volunteers. If you are willing to consider helping with this, please e-mail deacons@rockspringucc.org or call Shirley or Jim Meehan.

Ushering:

Ushering is a fun and fulfilling way to get to know more people in Rock Spring. We are looking for a few individuals who could either be part of a regular usher rotation (one Sunday a month for either the 9 or 11 am service, or the 10 am service in the summer) or substitute on occasion. Ushers are asked to come about 15-20 minutes before the service, to make sure that there is water at the pulpit and that the microphones are out, and then to distribute bulletins and make sure people find their way to a spot in the pew and answer newcomer questions (such as location of nursery or Sunday School classrooms). Finally, they collect the offerings and hand off to the Finance Board representative. There are no responsibilities outside the regular church service. If you have questions about the duties, please contact lead usher Doug Gordon, or meet him after the 9 am service most Sundays. If you are willing to consider helping with this, please either let Doug know or e-mail deacons@rockspringucc.org.

Installation Service for Janet Parker:

The Potomac Association of the Central Atlantic Conference and Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ invites you to celebrate the installation of the Reverend Dr. Janet L. Parker as the Pastor for Parish Life at Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ, Sunday, the First of June, 2008.

Installation Council ~ 2:00 p.m.
Service of Installation ~ 3:00 p.m.
with reception following in the Saegmuller Room

Please mark your calendars, and come share in this time of celebration.

Strengthen the Church

This is one of four special mission offerings within the United Church of Christ. It will be received on Sunday, May 11. "Strengthen the Church" promotes the UCC’s future by funding new churches and supporting youth and young adult ministries, among other activities. This offering is typically received on Pentecost, the day we celebrate the founding of the Christian church. This year it also happens to be Mother’s Day.

WF Hillwood Garden Tour & Lunch- Friday, May 16

Women's Fellowship invites you do a tour of the Hillwood Estate Gardens followed by lunch at The Hillwood Cafe. We will be leaving church at 9:30 am, returning by 1:30 pm. The cost is $36 per person. RSVP to Catherine Gahres or wf@rockspringucc.org. For more information go to www.hillwoodmuseum.org

7:00 p.m. May 6: Come Meet Ricardo Esquivia to Learn More about His Exciting Work to Bring Peace and Reconciliation to Colombia.

The Social Action Board at Rock Spring has had a long history of supporting the work of Ricardo Esquivia, Founding Director of Sembrando Paz, which facilitates social and church initiatives for development, peace and reconciliation. Ricardo will be in Washington, DC on Tuesday, May 6 to discuss the work of Colombian churches in development, peace, and reconciliation on the Caribbean Coast with special focus on Montes de Maria. Ricardo will update us on the current complicated political situation on the north coast (including work with victims), and the development of a network of Regional Commissions of Reconciliation based in the 8 departments on the Caribbean. Barbara Gerlach will host this conversation with Ricardo at her home at 1302 Geranium St. NW, Washington, DC from 7:00-8:30 PM on May 6. All Rock Springers are welcomed to join. Please RSVP to:

Barbara Gerlach
click here to email

AIDS/Lifecycle 7

Rock Springer Wade Sharp is participating in a week-long bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to help raise money to provide education., treatment, and other critical services to people living with HIV/AIDS. He needs to raise a minimum of $2500 (and ride 545 miles in a week). If you wish to learn more about the event or to donate, you can access his ride website at http://www.aidslifecycle.org/5583

Authors Abound at Rock Spring

Celebration and Book Signing Event for Gene Schultheis and Cicely Angleton:

Sunday, May 4, after 11:00 service.  Our two exceptional resident poets, Eugenia (Gene) Schultheis and Cicely Angleton, have together just published a treasure of a new book  "SELECTED POEMS", with an especially beautiful foreword by Chuck Wildman.  Poem titles such as  "To Crow (and St. Francis)" and "Sic Transit Gloria" are enticing indeed!  This is a book to own and to give.  Cost is $12.00, and for those who cannot be present May 4, copies will be available for purchase thereafter as well.

Charles Spencer's two-volume history of Edisto Island, South Carolina, was published in March by The History Press of Charleston. 

The titles are Edisto Island, 1663 to 1860: Wild Eden to Cotton Aristocracy and Edisto Island, 1861 to 2006: Ruin, Recovery and Rebirth.  Their publication is the culmination of a multi-year project since Charles retired from full-time employment.  Both volumes are available now from local and national book sellers, by special order, and Charles will be happy to sign them.  He has also donated a copy of both volumes to the Rohrer Memorial Library at Rock Spring, where they join a substantial collection of works by Rock Springers.  Check them out!

Mark Your Calendar Now -- The Capital Pride Parade  

Since 2001, Rock Spring members have been marching in the annual D.C. Pride Parade, as a means of informing the GLBT community of the metropolitan area that Rock Spring Church is open and affirming, and that we support their struggle for full equality. The Committee hopes we can increase our presence this year to at least twenty marchers. All ages are welcome. The date is Saturday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. Please
join us in this public witness for equality. It's important!

Green Action Tip of the Week

by Jim Alverson

When mowing your lawn, remember: "Cut it high, let it lie." Set your lawn mower's blade on a higher setting; cutting grass too short weakens the grass. The short clippings will disappear between the blades in a couple days and naturally fertilize your lawn. The grass clippings also help your lawn stay cooler and retain moisture during droughts. Try it! Brought to you by Rock Spring's Ecojustice Committee.

LOCAL HOST needed for Our Whole Lives Training

The OWL Launch Team is looking for a Local Host for our Leader Training Event to be held September 12-14, 2008. We have one Local Host and are looking for a second person to share in the fun! The Local Hosts will be responsible for:
• keeping in contact with the Registrar regarding the number of participants and their needs
• arranging home hospitality for participants who desire it
• arranging food for the group, organizing supplies for training
• discuss with the trainers any special needs for the resource table, photocopying needs, and space needs for the training
• request resources from the UCC National Office
• on the first day of training: organizing supplies, checking the set-up of the meeting space (the church staff is kind enough to take care of the actual set-up), preparing the registration table
• checking in with the trainers during training
• providing (or arranging for the provision of) meals, snacks and beverages
• after training, return all borrowed resources to their owners
This is a fun and easy way to get involved with the OWL program at Rock Spring. If you are interested in the Local Host position, please contact the OWL Launch Team at owl@rockspringucc.org.

Sunday School News & Notes

As we come into our period of Interim Ministry, the Board of Christian Education will be taking a few steps to help people feel more at home. Every week at the 11 AM service (and at the 10 AM throughout the summer) one member of the CE Board will circulate to each of the classrooms, after the children's moment, to assist any families in finding the appropriate classroom for their child/ren, and ensure that each classroom has at least two teachers/adults in each classroom. The host will be wearing a nametag with CE host written on it.

Please note that for 2008, the Deacons made the decision to move the switch to a single service at 10:00 am from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Our regular classes will continue until June 15. The rest of the summer will be divided into two sessions (June 22-July 20 and July 27-August 24) with 3 Sunday School classes (preK-K, 1st-2nd grade, and 3rd-5th grade.) If you are interested in teaching the Summer session, please contact Taryn Roman or email christianed@rockspringucc.org.

On Sunday, June 8, we will honor all of our teachers with a special moment in worship. If you have shared your gifts with our children, youth, and adults this year, please mark your calendar!

For more information on all of Rock Spring’s educational ministries, please visit: www.rockspringucc.org/html/education.

3rd Grade Bible Presentation

Each year, our congregation celebrates the growth of our younger friends as they journey in their life in faith. At the end of Third Grade, the Board of Deacons presents our children with a personal copy of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. This is the same version that we use in our pews, and is read in Sunday worship. This gift of Holy Scripture is one of the moments when the church marks the journey of our children towards the affirmation of their Baptismal promises-Confirmation.

The presentation of the Bibles will take place on Sunday, May 18 at 11:00, as part of the Confirmation Sunday service. Parents of Third Graders, you should have received an email confirming your child’s grade and name. If you have not received this email, please contact Pastor Hank as soon as possible at hank@rockspringucc.org.

Confirmation Class

This year’s class will conclude with a special dinner on Saturday, May 17, beginning at 5:00. The Confirmands will share their Affirmations of Faith at a special service following the meal in the sanctuary.
The Service of Confirmation will take place on Sunday, May 18, with the Confirmands leading both worship services, with the Order for Confirmation at 11:00. Please come and celebrate with the Confirmation class as they share their faith with us in worship and celebration.

As we come to the end of this year’s program, a note of thanks for the families of our Confirmation Class, and for the Confirmands! This year has been a good and fun time of learning and sharing in God’s love!

Parents of the Youth of Rock Spring

We have had a tremendous year of fun and fellowship in our YoRS programs. As we come to the end of this school year, let us gather for a time of reflection and planning. The 2008-2009 program year will be upon us quickly, and there is a lot already in motion!

Parents, please join for a “Tapas Pot-Luck” on Sunday, June 8, 6:30-8:30 in Carpenter Hall. Please bring an appetizer or sweet to share. We will look towards the fall calendar, and discuss our leadership and chaperone needs for the coming year. Members and Friends of Rock Spring, you too are invited to come and learn more about the YoRS groups! There is room for all who feel called to walk with our youth! Please RSVP to yors@rockspringucc.org.

Middle High YoRS

April showers bring May flowers, and (sadly) the end of another MH-YoRS season. Below is our schedule of meetings until Summer kicks in. Please note the special End-Of-Year Retreat at the Morland’s Cabin! We’ll be leaving Saturday morning, May 31, and returning Sunday morning, June 1—just in time for Rev. Parker’s Service of Installation! Lots of cool things going on in April and May. Don’t miss the fun!

Middle High YoRS Dates:

Senior High Youth of Rock Spring (YoRS)

Though the school year comes to a close, our SH-YoRS year is running at full speed towards the Mission Experience. Thanks to all who have already helped with the Cake-‘N-Bake sale, supporting our travel needs! The last day for orders is May 4. Please read on for the specifics on the fund raiser and Mission Experience.

Please note that our June Lunch Meeting (normally on 6/1) will be rescheduled, so we can share in Rev. Parker’s Installation Service.

Summer Mission Experience 2008 and this Year’s Fund Raiser

We’re all set to go, and our registrations are in! Now, we need your help with some of the expenses for the trip. We are excited to offer to you:
The First-Ever “Bake a Cake for your Mom” Mother’s Day Cake-and-Bake Sale!

Here Are The Details:
May 4 is the last day orders will be taken by our Mission Experience Team for specialty cakes for you to give to your mom, grandma, mother-in-law, and all the many “situational” moms in your life. The cakes will be baked on Friday, May 9; decorated on Saturday, May 10, and will be ready for pick-up after worship on Sunday, May 11.
Each cake costs $24 (that’s one dollar for each person going on the Mission Trip). Order forms are available in the Saegmuller Room, or by clicking here.
These funds will go to support the travel costs of the trip to help out the Pittsburgh Project. If you are a baker, you are welcome to help with providing items for the bake sale, too! Our hope is to raise $2000, to reduce the per-person cost of the trip for everyone. Please, share in the Cake-and-Bake fund raiser, and you too can enthusiastically shout, “And I helped!!”

The Details on the Mission Experience:
Who: High School Youth, who have completed 9th grade
When: June 29-July 5 (as agreed)
How much: $450, with food/lodging/transportation included
**Please note: the cost per person will go down, based on our fund raising.  In the case of financial need, please contact Pastor Hank personally (and confidentially).

Participants and Parents, please remember--the balance of fees ($400) were due on 4/27. If you forgot, please drop your check of as soon as possible!

For more information on our Middle High and Senior High Youth Ministries, please email yors@rockspringucc.org.

Church Staff