DEO+ on STX #22

DEO+ on STX #22
12 January 2010

Christmas has come and GONE!
Decorations are slow to come down; one would think Christmas was still here on Saint Croix. St. Peter’s reflects the culture in that none seemed to be concerned about removal of the Christmas decorations, tree, special electric lights and colored balls that hung round the Church until just before the service on January 10th! I was furious. Then I relaxed and identified it was not my problem just my anticipated traditions from “the mainland.” Congregants stepped forward as the altar guild and volunteers scrambled to remove all the Christmas adornments before the Mass on 1st Sunday after the Epiphany (The Baptism of Jesus).

Family time was special.
Robin, Wally and Phoebe arrived on December 22nd and were here with us for eight days over Christmas departing on December 29th. We barrowed a two bed-room Condo and used it as our headquarters. We are grateful to Mask and Vickie Baker for the use of their home while away visiting their family in Ohio.

We moved on December 30th
We spent the first night in #113 on December 31st.
We have an awning on the Ocean side patio!

Christmas Eve Mass attendance disappointing.
My expectations were dashed; attendance was very low on the night before Christmas; I am used to a packet house with chairs in the aisles! Our “high mid-night Mass” was few in numbers but surprising double what I expected on Christmas Day!

New Year’s watch night
Folks came to Church near 10:30pm on New Year’s Eve and watched the old year depart and the new birth of another era. The Eucharist was well attended with half the church full! The Church bell was rung with vigor at the stroke of mid-night! Folks streamed forward to receive the Holy Eucharist first thing in 2010 then again kneel for a New Year’s blessing! Most folks requested prayers for “a new beginning and for health and success.” A few requested prayers for healing and a new start.

First Sunday after Christmas Day
Normally a “low Sunday” after Christmas by attendance in “The States,” on Saint Croix folks came dressed in their holiday finery and the Church was packed! We used the service of Nine Lessons and Carols and sung our hearts with joy! This balanced the low attendance of Christmas Eve!

The Feast of the Epiphany
We had a special High Mass on Wednesday, January 6th at 6pm; lots of incense and Three Magi entered at the offertory bearing gifts; the teen acolytes were most convincing as “The Three Wise Men.” We sang our hearts out. Attendance was surprisingly strong. This was a “first” for St. Peter’s.

Three King’s Day is a big cultural day for the Hispanic community.
On Saint Croix there are two days of parades in Frericksted; first day is for teens, youth and children; second day dedicated for “adults.” Various organizations in costumed feathers and “brief” costumes with sequins march and prance down the street; all swaying in carnival style beat and social custom. Lots of party atmosphere; food and drinks abound; music is the “Island beat.” High strutting and shaking of the bottom and tops! The older men and women still strut or try to perform as they did in younger years.

New sanctuary shelf-table lights
Recently arrived are brass six candles holders with liquid wax light that flank The Cross on the reed table behind the altar. These new candles dress up the church sanctuary and brighten the sacred space around the altar. The new candle lights are very attractive. Here is another new look and positive change for worship and liturgy.

Six children Baptized
On Sunday, January 10th, The First Sunday after the Epiphany, (or The Baptism
of Jesus), we had three families with six children presented for the sacrament of
Holy Baptism. One couple from Saint Lucia; the Mom arrived a few months
ago very pregnant and came immediately making plans with the Church
requested and registered for Baptism to the soon to arrive baby girl! She
delivered on New Years’ Day and was back in Church ten days later! Another
couple engaged for marriage on Saturday (Eve of Palm Sunday), March 21st.
They have a newborn and two children from other relationships. Instant family!
A great day for all three families! Happy rejoicing for the whole congregation;
growth happens when we are Baptizing more then we are burying!

Sunday Brunch at Duggan’s at The Reef
Bob and Charlotte Dendtler introduced Babs and I to the Sunday Brunch at Duggan’s ocean-side restaurant the first week we arrived. It’s been a Sunday after Church “tradition” ever since. Some times other couples join us at the large round tables. College pennants have been tacked on the walls. I recently nailed a Sewanee (The University of the South) pennant.

Babs brought her sewing machine“Word is Out” that Babs has a sewing machine. She has made three quilts and is working on three more of local designs.

Snow Birds are returning in droves
Flocking back to Saint Croix from the North East and Mid West are the “snow birds.” Many have been coming to The Reef for years, some forty to fifty years; most at least twenty years. We are about 90% occupied, Parking has become scarce and at a premium. The roads are full, the stores more crowded; the cash influx is a positive economic factor for the Islands in “winter season.”
“The Social Scene” has picked up. Loads of cocktail parties, dinner with friends and receptions crowd our schedule. Life is tough in the retirement scene. Sometimes it’s all too demanding for folks like us who still “work!”

Golf “scrambler” and Social reception on Friday evening
Each Friday afternoon a simple four ball scramble golf tournament is both a social mixer and fun way for all to play golf no matter the “handicap.” In previous residents I have known this tournament as “Shot-gun four ball golf.”
We tee off at 3pm, then gather around the pool-club-house for shared heavy appetizers and BYOB reception: It’s all about meet & greet. Prize money is awarded for low gross team score, longest drive and closest to the pin for men and women. Fun time for golfers and non-players alike! It’s a great social time.

Ham Radio Antennas not up yet
We will be in this Condo just until March 1st; not sure weather I will get up my ham radio antennas! The stringing of wires is lots of trouble for a short length of stay before we “move” again. It’s all about time and effort. I still check-in on the two meter repeater on the daily weather net with the other Islands each morning at 0640am, talk with St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Johns, Tortola and Virgin Gorda “ham radio” operators and exchange local weather reports and micro-environmental observations.

Beach walks and morning quiet time
Babs and I continue or daily exercise and joint nature-quiet-time by walking either around the neighborhood community or along some favorite beach. Sometimes I will venture out mid-day on the way home for some alone time on the Beach and take a quick dip in the ocean. My favorite beach is Half-Penny; or locally known by the English pronouncement: “Hay-Penny.” I especially enjoy a non-populated stretch; many times I am completely alone along the shore. I find this most relaxing and renewing!

We miss our family
Enjoying Robin, Phoebe and Wally over Christmas wet our appetite for the family we miss dearly. We will be here six more months; but will return to Georgia in April for a few days. Unless we need return to “move,” keep reading.


Sunday February 17th the annual meetings for Saint Peter’s
We will elect new Vestry and Diocesan representatives, approve the budget and make by-law changes. More later!

Our home in Cumming, Georgia is “on the market”We have placed our home “for sale.” We are listed and Registered with Prudential Reality. When we sell our house in Cumming we will search for a residence in Clarkesville, Georgia to be near as possible to Robin, Wally and precious Phoebe.

Make your plans to come for a visit. In March we will occupy a “two bedroom” unit. We have lots of space and adequate bedroom/bath facilities for guests.
Book/calendar the trip and let us know your dates. We are serious about welcoming friends and family. Come on down to the West Indies. Weather is great; sun is bright; ocean is cool; breezes are constant. Sun and Fun!

Our early Christmas/Advent letter was mailed day after Thanksgiving.
Many THANKS for all your greetings we have received. These connections with “home folks,” have lifted our spirits during the absence away during Christmas!
We received lots of Christmas cards and “letters.”

Come see us Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DWIGHT OGIER+