A season of growth
On Sunday, June 19, All Saints’ will open worship with a new set of green liturgical vestments and altar hangings. Green is used for the season after Epiphany and the season after Pentecost, making it the most used of the liturgical appointments. The color green calls forth the growth of the church and the personal growth of individual members, which are major themes in the scripture readings during this season. The chausable is a memorial to Hagan Hilbish (3/30/32-7/6/20) from gifts given to All Saints’ in her honor (see more below). The balance of the set was covered by gifts and donations to the Memorial and Rector’s Special Projects funds. This set was designed and created by Christina Laberge, of Wellspring Fabricworks, using elements from the kneelers at the altar. These kneelers were needlepointed by members of the congregation and have graced our worship for decades. Learn more about Christina below.
Another gift that is blessing All Saints’ is a new washing machine purchased by Lockhart Child Development Center (LCDC), which they are generously sharing with the church. Those who have occasion to wash items as part of their church duties will especially enjoy the updated features and increased capacity now available. We are so grateful to LCDC. Our partnership continues to be one of mutual growth and support.
Blessings,
Rev. Nancy+
Hagan Hilbish was born in Nashville, TN, though her family soon moved to Gastonia, NC. She graduated from Gastonia High School and the Women’s College of Greensboro (now UNC-G). Hagan lived life to the fullest and was active in her community, both in Gastonia and later Kannapolis, NC (following her marriage to Buddy). She taught Sunday School at First Baptist Church in Gastonia and served faithfully on the Altar Guild at All Saints’, Concord. She was active in the Azalea Garden Club, the Heart Association, and tennis groups and bridge clubs in both Gastonia and Concord/Kannapolis. Hagan never met a stranger and had a gift for making people feel included. Her unforgettable belly laugh, free spirit, Big White Glasses, and the love and kindness she showed to all leave a wonderful legacy.
Christina Laberge is a true renaissance woman. She holds a doctorate in Sacred Music from the University of Southern California, is certified as a Reiki Master Teacher and Massage Therapist, and has been creating liturgical vestments for more than three decades. Springing from a deep sense of the sacredness of place, she seeks to connect the location and identity with fine natural fabrics and vibrant design to celebrate the divine at work in the worshipping community. Beauty and connection to the Sacred are her foundational core values. Her unique gifts allow her to combine these three disciplines: music, energy work, and visual art to create a life that is rich with color, sound, and energetic awareness.