November 16, 2008 

 

Dear People of God,

             What is in a name?  What is in a title Two weeks ago our gospel was

from Matt 23:9  "Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father,

Who is in heaven." This past week in conversation with one of the wardens

from Christ Church in Short Hills, again the subject was raised. I had sent an

article for their newsletter and signed it Fr. Scott+. It apparently raised some controversy. Some feel that it is “Romish” others believe it implying “high church.” There are those clergy who insist on being called “Father,” others prefer “Pastor” or simply “Mister.” There are certainly denominational factors that determine this choice. In some cases the titles are imposed and in other situations the titles are acquired. My discussion with the warden in NJ  ultimately yielded the decision to simply sign the article , “Scott+.”

This issue  became a hot item for  dialog after the 1976 ordination of women to the priesthood. Suddenly congregations were caught in a dilemma- what word, what title, what consistency? So why do we use the term “Father” in the Episcopal and liturgical churches.  The answer might surprise you- it is BIBLICAL! There are many times in Scripture where the title is used to show respect and spiritual submission (biological fathers, Joseph refers to himself as a father to Pharaoh , Gen 45:8; Job refers to himself as a father to the poor, Job 29:16; Eliakim is called the father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Is 22:20-21; Elisha refers to Elijah as “Father,” 2 Kings 6:21; Stephen refers to Abraham as father in Acts 7:2; Paul refers to himself as father to Onesimus in Philemon 10;  Peter, Paul and John often imply the term by calling persons “my child, children, sons of use the reference to themselves when they are preaching, Gal. 4:19; 1 Tim. 1:18; 2 Tim. 2:1; Philem. 10; 1 Pet. 5:13; 1 John 2:1; 3 John 4; and of course the definitive example in 1 Corinthians 4:14-15: I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel"

The use of titles in the Church can be very confusing. One clergy prefers one way, another clergy thinks it is foolish. There may be one clergy insistent on some aspect of protocol or practice, and another  clergyperson who feels equally passionate from a 180 degree opposite perspective. When in doubt- ASK! So for me- use Scott- La Nora uses it, God uses it, my kids use it when they are trying to aggravate me. The only other name that I answer to is “Little papa,” reserved specifically for our grandchildren. It was a name they chose to distinguish me from “Big Papa” who was La Nora’s dad, Harold Hazelwood. So when you decide on your next clergyperson- simply ask the question- what do we call you?  Faithfully, Fr. Scott+

 

        

 

Coming Events...

 

11/23
Fr. Scott and La Nora's last Sunday - one service only at 11 am in Parish Hall- Bring a covered dish to share:

A-C    Dessert

D-M   Main Dish

N-Z    Vegetable or Salad 

 

 

 

DURING THE TRANSITION…

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

 

Many folks have asked what is going to happen when Fr. Scott leaves?  Worship will continue, pastoral care will continue, programs and ministries will continue, our homebound folks will still be visited and have communion taken to them, and most needs will still be met by the church office staff and volunteers.

 

What will we do about Talbot House and our signature garlic bread? Fr. Scott is donating his mixer to the church and providing his recipes. He will be teaching Vic Herm and others the ins and outs of its use and making bread and cookie dough.

 

Do we know who is coming to be our interim priest? No, the vestry (or a subgroup of the vestry) will interview potential interims and then make that determination.

 

What help will Canon Bennett and Bishop Howe be in this process? Both men are committed to the continued health and growth of St. Stephen’s. Canon Bennett has met with the vestry and layed out our options. He is thoroughly familiar with the CDO (Clergy Deployment Office) process and will be available or will provide a search consultant for our search. No decisions have yet been made

 

Will Fr. Scott ever be back for a visit? (I hope so! sth+) Yes, Scott and La Nora still own a home here and  there is a March wedding that the couple have requested that he be allowed to perform. Protocol in the church is that the ties be cut and alliances and allegiances begin to be formed with the interim and ultimately the next rector.

 At this time, how can I best help the church? By your continued involvement, regular attendance, faithful support, and diligent prayers. Assist those in leadership in any way possible. Take initiative when you see something that needs to be done– do it!

 So what will be happening on Wednesday evenings?  $5 Catered Dinner and Fellowship will continue at 6:15p- There will be Evening Prayer led by LayReaders at 7:00p- This will be a time for us to immerse the search process and the parish in prayer.

 

Why are we having only one service next week at 11:00am? There is a service called the ending of a pastoral relationship which will be held at the end of the communion portion of the service. This will be an opportunity for Fr. Scott to formally and liturgically hand over the keys and to share his hopes for St. Stephen’s. It will also be an opportunity for us to pray for him and La Nora. This is being held in the parish hall because there will be more room for what is expected to be a large crowd.

 

How will we handle the meal portion of the gathering? After the service, we will ask the able bodied folks to help setting up tables and chairs for lunchtime. The buffet lines will be set up and we will continue with our second favorite past-time- eating!

 

What should I bring? Food to share- for 8-

A-C   Desserts

D-M   Main Dishes/Entres

N-Z    Vegetables/ Salads

 

What Happens next?  Canon Bennett will be here on Sun Nov 30th (Advent 1) to preach, celebrate and to speak at the adult class about this time of transition.

 

What Can I do to help out? If you have time and energy to give, please call one of the wardens or vestry (see FYI p.1) or speak with Judy Horne or Priscilla in the Church office.