From Father Kresowaty

Dear Parishioners:

Remember the old saying: “April showers bring May flowers.” At St. Alban’s the April showers, or more accurately the March storms, did a whole lot more than make St. Alban’s bloom. In fact much damage was done to our buildings. We have what is called “Hardie Slate” as roofing material for the church, the entrance and narthex. This “slate” tile did not perform as the company claimed.

As a result the company is no longer in business and there is no warranty. No product is available for repair to our roof. Damage done to the north side of the church was significant enough but with no product available, we will have to replace the entire roof. In addition, the baptismal window received damage in three places. We are investigating two other possible windows in the Sanctuary that also may be damaged. It was reported that all air conditioners on the roof received varying degrees of damage. Seven or eight air conditioning units have such severe damage they will have to be replaced. The roofs on Cawthron Hall and Canterbury House were also damaged.

In a previous storm we had wind blown water damage. In the choir room it leaked through the ceiling and soaked all along the south side of the room. We had some leakage in the hallways also. In the narthex it leaked through the ceiling and the drywall came down leaving a hole. The water from this leak went onto the floor causing the floor to lift up. Since this is an older floor it will probably have to be replaced rather than trying to repair it. As I stated in church one Sunday, I guess God is saying we are not going to just A monthly publication of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church May 2008 St. Alban’s do what we had planned with our Capital Campaign, but will have to go further with the help of insurance.

Yes, we have insurance and the policies are being interpreted as I write this article. We also have been contributing to a catastrophic insurance policy that will hopefully help with the deductible. I want to thank all those who will be helping make these repairs move forward and see them through their completion. We have a great number of very talented and gifted people. Thank you. Please be patient, and as they say, “Pardon our dust and inconvenience during this time of repair and replacement,” our buildings will indeed be renewed and improved.

You will find an update on the Capital Campaign elsewhere in this newsletter. By the time you read this, I am hoping that we will have started the replacement of our heating and air conditioning. This will be a relief since it has been getting a bit warm during Sunday’s Eucharists.

Another ministry is going to be calling St. Alban’s home. A diocesan center for healing appropriately named Christ the Physician will slowly begin its ministry during the summer months. St. Alban’s will be the hub for this ministry for the diocese which will start small but has a large vision to expand. We will be asking many May 2008 St. Alban’s of our healing and prayer ministries to become involved in helping this ministry grow. Christ the Physician will be located in Canterbury House as soon as they receive their own non-profit certification and insurance. Please keep this ministry and its development in your prayers.

Another ministry will begin this summer also. A you know, Deacon Jonathan Duncan and his wife Elizabeth will be joining us beginning July 1, 2008. I ask you to join us for a reception to welcome them on Sunday, July 6th at 9:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall. But please also mark your calendars to be present on Saturday, August 9th at 10:00 a.m. We will have the privilege of hosting Deacon Duncan’s Ordination to the Priesthood. I hope everyone will attend, as this is a very special time for not only Jonathan and Elizabeth, but for St. Alban’s.

In June we will be offering a bible study based upon a program the Turo Church in Virginia developed. It is called “Forty days of Discernment.” There will be handouts and Scripture to be studied during the week. On Sunday’s this Bible Study will be at our usual Christian Education time of 9:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall. I hope you will avail yourself to this study of Scripture and issues during this summer. Please watch the bulletin for further details.

Our Vacation Bible School also begins in June. I know Susie Wheaton could use all the help she can receive. This is always a very special ministry that is fun and rewarding. We will be putting flyers in the neighborhood to invite those who have children to come and join us. So don’t just pray for our VBS, bring your children, grandchildren and come join us for this special week with our children and enjoy lots of fun.

We have been blessed by a generous gift to the parish through the estate of Richard Field, may he rest in peace. Richard and his wife Audrey made sure that a very special place to them was remembered in the survivor’s will. St. Alban’s received 1/5 of Richard’s estate with no strings attached. We thank God for the lives of Richard and Audrey and for their remembering St. Alban’s in such a meaningful and generous way.

I offer my thanks and appreciation for all of our Christian Education and Children’s Liturgy volunteer teachers. You have provided a necessary and wonderful ministry to our children, youth and adults. To grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord is a major part of who we are at St. Alban’s and as children of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I hope you have received God’s blessings as you taught and shared the Good News. Thank you for all you
have given and done.

Congratulations to our graduating Seniors. You have finished one phase of your life and now begin another as you go to college or enter the workplace. I pray that you will continue in your faith and life in Christ. If you are going to be living locally or away, remember that many places like St. Alban’s offer a Canterbury Ministry. Please do not neglect your spiritual life or your life in Christ. Through all the changes and influences of the world, hold fast to the One who is true, who is faithful and who will always love you as his sons and daughters. Go in faith to challenge and change the world for Christ.

I have given you a glimpse of what will happen during the coming months. Staff will soon be taking vacations as you will be also. Please attend church no matter where you go. Keep St. Alban’s in your prayers and come home safely. Please remember that even while you may be on vacation, God and St. Alban’s will not be. Our doors are open, our facilities will be repaired and updated and our financial obligations will continue. May God bless and keep you during this time of growth and warmer weather.

Faithfully,
Fr. K+

Rector's Message