St. Anna's - The People's Church

A Community within Communities: Got enough time and baking bread.

2011-09-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

The following was published in Ambush Magazine in Mid August 2011.

“Sometime in your life, hope that you might see one starved man, the look on his face when the bread finally arrives. Hope that you might have baked it or bought or even kneaded it yourself. For that look on his face, for your meeting his eyes across a piece of bread, you might be willing to lose a lot, or suffer a lot, or die a little, even.” ~Daniel Berrigan, priest and social activist.

Before I was a priest my world was seen through the lenses of a person who was vested in self-interest. My family was important, a good house, a decent car, perhaps I even “owed” myself some luxuries because I worked hard. I believe that I wanted to act morally in business but if it came to it I would guild, rationalize, or ‘adapt’ as my suburban life demanded. I sent a check for a poor child in Sierra Leon, her name was Maria Dirasuba. It was all good, my ego was massaged, my conscience was quiet, and my family and I were well cared for and safe. I was what I was born to be a successful business man and community pillar. Before I was a priest I had all the time in the world.

Then my lovely engaging most beautiful raven-haired daughter committed suicide.

Did you know that some studies indicate that the suicide rate (successful or otherwise) is possibly four times higher for LGBT youth than it is in the general population? Did you know that the suicide rate among African Americans, some studies say, have doubled in the past decade? At this point you might ask what suicide has to do with the look on the face of a hungry man being fed or even my being a priest? Suicide is, in my opinion, a by-product of rejection, often exacerbated by mental health issues. Consider, that the data only counts acknowledged suicide. Suicide may also take the form of passive suicide, “I don’t care if he/she has aids you won’t live forever. I’ll stay unprotected.” Or perhaps, “They say I have clinical depression but I don’t need these meds I can make it on my own; I’m strong.” Suicide is a taboo subject never spoken of in open forums. Suicide is painful and sad. Perhaps on occasion it is understandable perhaps, some say, it is even warranted due to terminal illness or quality of life issues-perhaps. But, none the less it is sad and it is painful.

When my daughter committed suicide I took a major movement to becoming a priest. I don’t recommend becoming a priest as a curative or palliative for anyone – the pay is lousy and hours long. But, that major interior, spiritual voice, said, “You have so little time, life is valuable, you have been given it, what will you do with it?” Jesus the Galilean said it this way:

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father... Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” The Gospel of Mark

Time is important and what we do with it is even more important. We have a gift and that gift is our life. To fully live in LIFE spelled large we must ENGAGE in life spelled large. If we witness and participate in life seen through the lenses of giftedness, of embracing real life and love, then we cannot but help to be engaged in the doing of life. The doing of life then becomes a little less about self satisfaction and much more about the place and worth of others because life is so valuable. Experiencing the look on a starving man’s face when he gets his bread is life lived large. It is personal it pulls the marginalized people in. Human engagement, read life, requires conversation, requires touching, requires body language, requires movement and momentum. There are places where one can go to bake or kneed the bread. Dodwell House, a community center for the whole community will be such a place if we make it so. Its potential is, after all, the fodder for this series; a place for all communities to join a greater community in LIVING. There are other spiritual bakeries that seek to enfranchise, include, enculturate, and envelope us with dignity. Seek them out while time is still with us. Time, it does not stop, time will not weep when we are gone, time has no love nor hate nor passion, time is what we have so little of. Before I was a priest my world was seen through the lenses of a person who was vested in self-interest; now my world is seen through the lenses of a person who is vested in human-interest. Who knows, together maybe, just maybe we might be willing to lose a lot, or suffer a lot, or die a little, even.

A Community within Communities

2011-09-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

"Community within Communities" is a series of articles currently being published in Ambush Magazine by invitation of the owners and publishers. It was first conceived when Rip and Marsha, the Ambush publishers, attended a fund raiser for Dodwell House a future community center for outreach of St. Anna's Episcopal Church. This magazine is important to us because it is currently THE voice for the LBGT community in New Orleans, although its emphasis is on entertainment and the LBGT social scene, it is nonetheless a vehicle for communication. The fact is that the LBGT community is important to St. Anna's because of the profound need in that community to be included especially in the arena of faith and prayer.

As such future postings in St. Anna's Blogspot will include already published articles as they appear in Ambush. We hope to make this a vehicle for reflections and editorial comments from a faith perspective and so we will also begin the work of offering our views of faith, families, and community as it relates to missions and purposes of our Lord through His church, St. Anna's in the Treme. Pace Fr. Bill Terry+

RALLY SUPPORTS CLEAN AIR LAWS FOR THE SERVICE INDUSTRY

2010-11-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

WHAT: "Musicians' Jammin' for Smoke-free Air"; grassroots advocacy, health screenings and information, live music, food and refreshments.

WHO: Presented by the St. Anna's Medical Mission and the New Orleans Musicians Union.

WHY: To educate about and promote policies that protect service industry workers against working in smoke-filled environments.

WHERE: New Orleans Musicians Union, 2401 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans. (Esplanade @ Rocheblave)

WHEN: Thursday, November 18, 2010, 1:00PM - 5:00PM

In conjunction with the Great American Smokeout, the St. Anna’s Medical Mission (SAMM) together with the New Orleans Musicians Union will hold a major advocacy event to promote tobacco prevention and control policies in the local service industry.

Musicians Jammin’ for Smoke-free Air, sponsored by The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living, is free and is open to all musicians, restaurant workers, bartenders, DJs, casino workers, friends and supporters. Participants will be encouraged to sign petitions and rally in support of stronger clean air laws and protections. The event will also include appearances by political representatives and well-known local personalities.

There will be live music by the Tremé Brass Band, a special appearance by Deacon John, as well as an open back-line for all those who want to join in the jam.

Local fare will be served by Lil’ Dizzy’s, with beverages provided by Whole Foods Market.

In addition, SAMM will conduct free health screenings for hypertension and diabetes; and the NO/AIDS Task Force will provide free HIV testing.

Additional sponsors and supporters of the event include the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation, Whole Foods Market, and WWOZ.

For additional information, please phone St. Anna's at 504/947-2121.

HELP ST. ANNA'S OUTREACH MISSIONS SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES!

2010-11-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

Calling all New Orleans Saints and Blue Dog Fans!

Purchase tickets for $10 each to win a 32" x 19'' Silkscreen Print.

Signed by George Rodrigue!

Drawing will be announced at St. Anna's on Sunday, December 12th at 12pm.

Join us for coffee and treats and music by Anna's All Stars!

To order tickets or for more information, visit us at http://www.stannanola.org/

Proceeds benefit: St. Anna's Medical Mission (SAMM), Casa Oportunidades NOLA, Anna's Arts for Kids, and St. Anna's Food Pantry.

NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME, August 3

2010-07-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME 8/3/10 -- Entertainment by the New Orleans Color Guard and JohnPaul's. Games for kids. Food and drinks available for purchase. 50% of proceeds benefit St. Anna's and its community programs. Special thanks to the organizers and participating sponsors including JohnPaul's, New Orleans Police Department, Phoenix, and Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association. For more information please call St. Anna's at 504/947-212...1

SUMMER PERFORMANCE SERIES BENEFITS AT-RISK KIDS

2010-06-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

Summer Artscape 2010, a summer camp program developed to introduce local youth to the unique cultural diversities of New Orleans, presents live music and dance on five Thursdays in July.

Each concert begins at 7pm. This exciting series features critically acclaimed performers offering innovative interpretations of music and dance from the the Crescent City.

Summer Artscape 2010 is a collaboration between Christ Church Cathedral and Anna's Arts for Kids, a youth arts and academic enrichment program of St. Anna's Episcopal Church. Major funding for the performance series is made possible through a grant from the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation.

All performances of Summer Artscape 2010 are held at Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans. The public is invited to attend these free events.

SUMMER ARTSCAPE PERFORMANCE SERIES SCHEDULE

July 1, 7:00 pm
BABY BOYZ BRASS BRAND
& GUARDIANS OF THE FLAME, MARDI GRAS INDIAN TRIBE
The Baby Boyz, the next generation of players from the Treme neighborhood and beyond, play music that is completely uplifting and toe-tappingly good. The music of the Guardians of the Flame, Mardi Gras Indian Tribe is innovative in that they incorporate the use of contemporary Jazz and African drums.

July 8, 7:00 pm
GINA FORSYTH
Gina Forsyth is an award-winning singer/songwriter, violinist and guitarist. Steeped in a wide array of musical influences, she has successfully linked the traditional to the contemporary, the erudite to the instinctual and the accomplished to the unrefined.

July 15, 7:00 pm
BALLET FOLKLORICO NICARAGUENSE COSMAPA
Founded in 1999, COSMAPA was created to present Nicaraguan folk dance in the United States. The ballet demonstrates the beautiful traditions of local peoples and their way of living.

July 22, 7:00 pm
OPERA NIGHT
Members of the New Orleans Opera Chorus will perform Creole Classical Music as well as traditional Opera.

July 29, 7:00 pm
UNITED STATES NAVY BAND and THE CRESCENT CITY KREWE
The United States Navy Band inspires patriotism, elevates esprit de corps, preserves our musical heritage, and projects a positive image for our nation.

General Information

To learn more about SUMMER ARTSCAPE 2010, the public may call 504-895-6602.

Press Contact:
James Geraghty
Phone: 504-947-2121
development@stannanola.org

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"Mission to Musicians" Returns to St. Anna's

2010-05-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

St. Anna’s Episcopal Church presents the Mission to Musicians concert series on Wednesday nights in June and July. The concerts, featuring some of the city’s best musicians, are offered in conjunction with tasty, affordable New Orleans-style cuisine.

Started in the spring of 2006, following Hurricane Katrina, this mission has had as its central theme the heart beat of the Crescent City – her music, culture, and traditions. Since its inception, Mission to Musicians has been featured on PBS’ Great Museums, NBC Nightly News, The Times Picayune and numerous other media.

A Gospel healing mass starts each evening at 6:30 p.m. Free medical services – including health screenings, acupuncture and other stress relief ministries – are delivered at the same time by the St. Anna’s Medical Mission (SAMM) and collaborating providers. The dinner-concert follows the Gospel healing mass.

The Mission to Musicians concert series is made possible through a generous grant by the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation.

Performances are held from 7:30pm to 8:30pm in St. Anna’s Parish Hall, 1313 Esplanade Avenue between N. Rampart and N. Claiborne Ave. (just off of I-10 East near Downtown). We are suggesting a $10/person donation for the event. Dinner and resources are available without donation (free) for musicians and artists. All proceeds go to the Mission to Musicians fund. Free, on-street parking is available.

“Mission to Musicians” Concert Series Schedule

Wednesday, June 2
SPIKE PERKINS - Jazz standards, Bossa Nova, and original material with vocals by Alexandra Bosworth and Spike Perkins.

Wednesday, June 9
PAMORAMA JAZZ BAND - Acoustic, 7-pc group performs repertoire of sounds from all over the world.

Wednesday, June 16
LOUIS LEDFORD AND GINA PHILLIPS - 9th Ward singer songwriter duo.

Wednesday, June 23
WAZOZO FEATURING HELEN GILLET - French folk quartet band. Cello, harp, violin & clarinet

Wednesday, June 30
DOC OTIS AND THE JUNKER JAZZ ALLSTARS - Funky piano songs, upright bass, trumpet.

Wednesday, July 7
ZION TRINITY - Songwriters who sing in the genre of Reggae, Jazz, Funk, World Beat, and African ritual chants.

Wednesday, July 14
WILSON AND MOORE - Perform originals and iconic songs from the 50’s to the present like "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes", "Bye Bye Love" and "Bring It On Home".

Wednesday, July 21
THE WILLOW FAMILY BAND - Acoustic eclectic. Combines elements of Jazz, Folk, Punk, Country, Rock, Blues, Flamenco, Classical, Native American, and Alternative.

Wednesday, July 28
MISS SOPHIE LEE - Miss Sophie Lee and her band offer a mix of Jazz and Vocal Standards from the 1930's and 40's.

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Press Contact: James Geraghty
development@stannanola.org
504-947-2121

2010 Familia, Salud y Vida Latino Health Fair

2010-05-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Latino health fair promotes healthy living, educates public

Fair offers free screenings, live music, entertainment, food and drinks

New Orleans, LA - On Sunday, June 13, Casa Oportunidades NOLA will host the "2010 Familia, Salud y Vida Latino Health Fair" as part of its ongoing effort to inform, educate and empower the Latino community to adapt healthier lifestyle behaviors.

The bi-lingual fair will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, located at 1313 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans.

Free health screenings will include blood pressure, dental, cholesterol, HIV, hearing, and vision screenings. The health fair will also provide information and resources about health issues, plus opportunities for acupuncture and massage.

St. Anna’s has become a focal point for community activities, and this event will bring people together for health and information and resources in a fun atmosphere. Special guests Fredy Omar con su Banda and Ballet Folklorico Nicaragüense COSMAPA will perform; admission is free. Food and drinks, plus fabulous raffle chances, will also be available for purchase.

“Latinos are disproportionately affected among preventable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS,” said Jamie McDaniel, director of social services for Casa Oportunidades NOLA. "This health fair is an opportunity for us to work toward reducing the health disparity among Latino residents.”

Medical providers and participants include the American Red Cross, Tulane Community Health Center, Common Ground Health Clinic, Reach NOLA, NO/AIDS Task Force, St. Anna’s Medical Mission (SAMM), and many other community organizations.

The New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation and Ms. Thelma Ceballos Meyers of the State Farm Insurance Agency are the Gold Sponsors and Exhibitors at this event. The Silver Sponsor, Peoples Health, will also exhibit. Additional sponsors and supporters include Toyota of New Orleans, Whole Foods Market, New Orleans Zephyrs, Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman, and Churro's Cafe.

Casa Oportunidades NOLA, a program of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, provides English language instruction, health services, computer literacy classes, and more. In 2008, the program was honored with a Nonprofit Innovator Award by New Orleans CityBusiness. (For more information, please visit http://www.casanola.org/.)

Press Contact:

James Geraghty

development@stannanola.org

504.947.2121 (phone)

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Blessing and Fundraiser Celebrates New Mobile Medical Unit

2010-04-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Anna's Episcopal Church

1313 Esplanade Ave.

New Orleans, LA

504.947.2121

development@stannanola.org

New Orleans, LA - St. Anna's Medical Mission's new mobile medical unit, designed to improve the health of at-risk local communities, will formally roll out on Sunday, May 2, 2010.

Beginning at 10:30am, a special mass and blessing of the unit will take place at St. Anna's Episcopal Church in the Treme. The public is also invited to participate in a pancake breakfast fundraiser immediately following the service. Sponsors include the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation, Bisquick Corporation, and Winn Dixie.

By taking mobile health services to people in their own communities, St. Anna's Medical Mission (SAMM) reaches a population otherwise without access to healthcare because of financial or transportation constraints. Since 2006, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, SAMM has provided free clinical services to thousands of people in need.

"This new mobile facility fills an important gap in our ability to provide expanded health care to the uninsured and other vulnerable populations," said Diana Meyers RN, SAMM's Community Wellness Director. "We believe the new unit, which replaces an outdated RV, will be an invaluable tool for responding to the health care needs of many numbers of people."

"The quality care we deliver will continue to reduce the number of emergency room visits for non-emergency care," added the Rev. William Terry, Rector of St. Anna's Episcopal Church. "This is a critically important part of our mission to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and community members."

The new mobile unit is housed in a 37 foot RV that allows for the provision of both physical and mental health services. Staffing is provided by a qualified team of medical professionals including a registered nurse, licensed mental health staff, and other qualified personnel.

Research demonstrates that the Return on Investment (ROI) generated by SAMM's mobile health program can be substantial. According to the "Mobile Health Map," a pilot test program by Harvard University, SAMM's Return on Investment has totaled $11,370,949 to the public due to diagnosis and preventative health measures.

Mobile Medical Ministries assumed the lead in funding and resources for SAMM's new mobile unit. Other key funders in the project included the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as well as private individuals and churches.

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Press Contact:
James Geraghty
504.947.2121
development@stannanola.org

"WHO DAT" MASS AT ST. ANNA'S CHURCH IN THE TREME

2010-02-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

St. Anna's Episcopal Church
1313 Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, LA

504.947.2121 (p)
admin@stanna.nocoxmail.com

PRESS RELEASE: February 2, 2010

New Orleans, LA - St. Anna's Episcopal Church located at 1313 Esplanade Ave., a long-time resident of the Treme, and noted home of the "Murder Board," Medical Mission, and Awesome Girls will host a "Who dat" Mass on the 5th Sunday after Epiphany (February 7) at 10:30 a.m.

Fr. Terry, the Rector, said "In our readings for that Sunday, St. Paul reminds us of our city when he says, '...so you have come to believe.' We will not only be celebrating and praying for 'the boys,' but also celebrating a city united in peace and joy."

At the end of the mass, New Orleans' own Storyville Stompers Brass Band will second line the congregation out to the front of the church with "When The Saints Go Marching In." At that time the band and choir will provide suitable music to rejoice in the moment. A head nod to tailgating will follow with grilled hot dogs.

Vestments for the solemn high mass will reflect the theme of the day, and prayers will be offered following the worship service so all can participate. "This church is very much a part of the neighborhood and so we cry when the neighborhood cries and we rejoice when the neighborhood rejoices," said Luigi Mandile, Parish Administrator.

The Episcopal Church welcomes all persons to join in the prayers, worship, and fellowship on "Who dat Sunday"; church attire, BLACK AND GOLD.

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SERIES

2010-01-25T18:08:00.000-08:00

Saint Anna's Episcopal Church
"The Little Stone Church"
1313 Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, LA
504.947.2121 (p)
admin@stanna.nocoxmail.com

Press Release: January 25, 2010

Adult Christian Education at St. Anna's Episcopal Church

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Saint Anna's Episcopal Church is pleased to announce Wednesday evening adult Christian Education, a series of programs designed to communicate excitement in Christian education and to encourage people to grow together in faith.

The adult Christian education classes, led by St. Anna's parishioners as well as distinguished guests, explore topics related to the Bible, Christian theology, Christian living, church history and the arts, combining analysis with application of the lesson to our lives and faith. St. Anna's classes are also designed to foster fellowship through discussion.

Those interested in participating in adult Christian education courses may simply join us at one or more of the meetings, or contact the Church Office for additional information. There are no class fees, and the after the worship program provides homestyle meals for a $5 donation.

The congregration at Saint Anna's Episcopal Church, which believes that every individual is on a journey towards the discovery of faith, invites you to join us in making Christian Education a vital part of your life's path. All are welcomed; none are shunned.

Join St. Anna's beforehand for Eucharist Mass at 6pm featuring gospel music and anointing for healing.

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SERIES SCHEDULE

Wed. February 3, 7:00pm
KEEPING THE SABBATH
Presented by Eileen Mitchell

Keeping the Sabbath holy is probably the most overlooked of the ten commandments in modern times. Spiritual Director Eileen Mitchell will discuss how this can be applied and the benefits from it.

Wed. February 10, 7:00pm
ICONOGRAPHY
Presented by Elizabeth Schoenberg

We've all seen icons, but how are they created? Why do people look strange? What do the colors represent? Join us to explore this prayerful process and the power in icons.

Wed. February 17 through Wed. March 31
LIVES OF THE SAINTS Series
Presented by Joseph Kizziah

Who are the major saints in our tradition? Why do we honor them? Do we actually pray to saints? How can they inform and inspire our spiritual lives in the 21st century?

For more information, please call 504/947-2121

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