Newsletter July 16, 2010

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from the Mount

Mt. Zion Episcopal Church                   Hedgesville, West Virginia

Volume III, Issue 8                                                                                      July 16, 2010

How Words Make a Difference

  Recently, someone sent me an internet cartoon strip that gave me great pause.  Most of you know I'm something of a "word smith" and language usage fascinates me.  The cartoon reiterated the importance of carefully choosing your words.

 

   The cartoon (and accompanying text) shows a young man sitting on a stoop, an up-turned hat by his side with a sign, "I'm Blind."  There are very few coins in the hat.  Many people pass by without stopping. Then a man stops, picks up the sign, turns it over and writes something.  Placing the sign back next to the hat, the man drops some coins, and wishes the young man well.

 

   Later in the day, the man returns to see how the younger man is doing.  The hat is nearly full of coins and dollars.  The blind man recognizes him by sound and smell and asks the older man a question.  "What did you write on my sign?  Whatever you said made a total difference in people's attitude."

 

   "I said exactly what you said only with different words.  I wrote: 'It's a beautiful day but I cannot see it.'"

 

   There is appreciation rather than "woe is me" in the translation.  People respond to positive attitudes far more quickly than to anger or self pity.   How quickly we can change situations by the words we choose in communication.  My guess is that works in prayer as well.

 

                     micki smith

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In Great Anticipation!

 

  Sometimes, having to wait for a real treat just makes it all the better to savor.  This Sunday (July 18th), the unveiling of Victoria Barrett's new documentary will enchant us.  There are quite a few surprises in store, not the least of which is the name of the production. 

 

   Victoria's generosity in producing this documentary took her much deeper into history than she ever imagined.  What she found will astound you.  Also, you'll find quite a few hams among your fellow parishioners.  One quiz will be for you to identify some of the people you hear in the voice over segments.

 

   Mt. Zion cannot thank Victoria (and Tom and Megan) enough for the time and effort put into this production.  The Vestry voted to spend $500 which covers only a tiny portion of the cost.  Victoria hopes to expand the production into a Hedgesville (and environs) historical perspective and perhaps have it accepted more widely than just Mt. Zion.

 

   On Sunday, the Fellowship crew will set up a finger food lunch while the Building/Maintenance group will darken the windows and set up the electronic equipment.  This means we need volunteers to bring drinks, desserts, and finger food.  No need to sign up--surprise us!

 

   Please feel free to bring friends.  The more the merrier.  Victoria has done a fantastic job and we want to share the event with as many as possible.

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Surprise Visit

 

  Bishop Mike stopped in for an unannounced visit last Friday.  He was on his way to perform a wedding and just happened by Mt. Zion.  Fr. Michael and he had a fine chat while Donald Dirting and your editor had a few minutes of casual conversation.

 

   We enjoy such impromptu meetings.  It's rather fun to open the office door and see the Bishop's smile.

 

Time with Fr. Michael

 

   Fr. Michael's official day in the Mt. Zion office is Friday.  He comes to Grow to Share distribution over in the Methodist parking lot and then over to the church office about10-10:30.  Drop ins are welcome until around 2 o'clock.  However, if you need to speak with him at any other time (or want to make a special appointment), please give him a call on the church phone:  304-702-7111

   Fr. Michael wants to be accessible to you for any of your pastoral needs.  While he and Kathe are waiting for their house to be sold and to find a local home, he will need to schedule hospital and other visits carefully.  Emergency?  He's always available.

         

An Inside Job

 

   With all this hot weather, we want to stay inside where the AC keeps us cool.  While enjoying this perk, it's the perfect time to go through your cabinets, storage bins, jewelry drawers, etc. for the bazaar Boutique items.  This feature does a great business on Heritage Day.

Have You Seen. . .

 

. . .the new pictures on Mt. Zion's website.  There are shots from Fr. Coe's luncheon and photos of Victoria's documentary filming.  Soon we'll have a few to put up about the welcome party for Fr. Michael and Kathe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

from the Mount is twice monthly publication of Mt. Zion Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 2246, Hedgesville, WV  25427  Telephone: 304-702-7111 Services are held each Sunday, beginning at 11 a.m.  Fr. Michael Simon serves as rector.  Editor, Micki Smith-Darnauer, encourages contributions by e-mailing mickiknits@aol.com.  Visit our website:  www.mtzionhedgesville.com

Mt. Zion Episcopal Church - Old Town Hedgesville