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November 2001
Vol. 3 No. 10
Archive of Previous Issues
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The Grapevine is published monthly
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Table of Contents for November 2001 [Vol. 3 No. 10]
TO BE A GATHERED PEOPLE
When I reflect upon the month of November I immediately go to feelings and images around gathering. Gathering is a big part of this month! We begin the very first day in gathering with the
saints, re-membering, bringing back to our consciousness all those who have gone before us.
On All Saints Day, November 1, we draw together the saints, martyrs of the Church, and especially loved ones no longer physically with us and remember them. This year on November
2 there will be a special Evening Prayer service for the Saints, recalling too all those affected by the acts of terrorism.
And the month ends in gathering, gathering around the Thanksgiving table! We come together with family and friends to renew friendships and relationships. We spend time recalling God’s
abundance and giving thanks for our many blessings.
We are a gathering people and we delight in coming together. That is what we do here at St. Patrick’s. We gather. We gather for worship, for food, for prayer, and for fellowship. We
gather to play golf, needlepoint, to organize and to support community social projects. We gather so that we can go forth to bring justice and peace to others.
Our sense of gathering is really centered in our coming together to do Eucharist. Did you ever think that our worship gathering begins not in the entrance or narthex of the church but in the
dawn? We really begin our corporate worship at home with the ritual of getting ready to gather as community. Our awakening prayers, our breakfast, finding the kid’s shoes, hunting down the
car keys are all part of the ritual of gathering. Our worship begins in the quietness of the new light and in the hustle and bustle of preparation. So by the time we pull into the parking lot our
worship has begun! Then when we open our hearts and lips in the singing of the entrance hymn or saying the opening acclamation, we are present to the mystery of Jesus Christ.
All through our worship we do acts of gathering. The words we use in our prayers were drawn together from those spoken by generations as well as our present voice. We gather the fruits of
creation and present them at the altar. And we gather as the body to be transformed into the new creation as we break bread together. Finally in taking leave, we re-gather with family,
friends, and colleagues to be Christ’s presence in the world.
As you enter into this month and move through the days take time to reflect on the many and diverse ways of gathering. How you connect and reconnect with others, with creation, and with
God. What new ways might we be a gathering community too? God be with you in the many ways you find to gather.
--Julie Wizorek
VESTRY INFORMATION
October meeting
Sarah Phillips opened the meeting with the Serenity Prayer, which led to a discussion of the changing times we live in.
Josie Ross presented the financial report for the third quarter and a first draft of the budget for 2001, which had been circulated at the Town Hall meeting.
We gave our approval to Julie to go forward for ordination to the priesthood, testifying that she
is “honest, sober and diligent.” Her service will be at St. Patrick’s at 1:00 p.m., on February 9, 2002.
Julie reported that at the last Women’s Breakfast, the participants decided to meet for breakfast for their December meeting (December 8) in San Francisco and to walk the labyrinth
at Grace Cathedral. Some will stay on for the Christmas concert at the Cathedral.
We approved the charter for the Endowment Committee and voted to spend funds on musicians for Christmas Eve, to bring in a well-known speaker and $3500 to rebuild an
earthquake damaged house in Honduras through Episcopal Relief and Development.
Concerning the church’s property, Greta MacLeod is repairing the St. Hilda window. Walt Boden has installed a tempering valve that ensures that we have very hot water for the
dishwasher and cooler water for the sinks. We gave the go-ahead to have the front parking lot re-sealed. We are going to have the kitchen deep cleaned. Additional bulletin boards will be
attached to the cupboard doors in the parish hall.
There is a map of our area in the parish hall. Each family is invited to attach a pushpin marking where they live. By acclamation, we expressed our thanks and appreciation to Nancy Dill and
Bette Leedom for chairing a most successful Unique Boutique.
Stewardship Supper
There will be a thanksgiving supper for our parish and our stewardship program on Saturday, November 3, gather at 6:00 p.m. and eat at 6:30 p.m. All members of families are invited.
Nominations
We are looking for four candidates for election to the vestry at the Annual Meeting on January 20 2002. Would you like to run? Do you have a candidate that you would like considered?
The nominating Committee is made up of the out-going vestry members: Nina Pohl and Sarah Phillips
Convention in Redding
On the weekend of November 10-11, 2001, delegates from all parishes in our diocese will gather in Vacaville. Our delegates are Nina Pohl, Angela and Hugh Stevenson, Julie Wizorek,
Karen Steelman, Bette Leedom, Sharon Traeger and John Leech. Among the resolutions that will be discussed (and approved, hopefully) is a proposal for a simpler method of calculating
assessment for the diocese. A form of this resolution was turned down last year. Meanwhile, at St. Patrick’s, Cliff Kent will take the services and preach.
Wills Awareness Program
The Wills Awareness Workshop, sponsored by the Endowment Committee, was held on October 11 in the Parish Hall. Will Haymaker introduced the speaker, Jeanne Levin, a Santa
Rosa attorney, who spoke for 30 minutes on the pitfalls of having no will, the tax advantages of a living trust and the importance of keeping your will up to date.
Phil Holm covered the many ways to include St. Patrick's in your estate planning. Karen Steelman spoke on her personal reasons for leaving a bequest to the Church. A lively question
and answer period followed. Eighteen of us are now much better informed on this serious and timely subject.
The committee will sponsor an evening program on wills awareness in the spring. Those who missed this workshop should watch for an announcement of the date and sign up.
NOVEMBER IN CHURCH
Evening Prayers
We will pray together on the evening of All Souls Day, Friday, November 2 at 6:00 p.m. Jan Cercone will lead us in singing Taizé chants and other songs. We will especially remember
those who died in the attacks on September 11.
All Saints
we have transferred the celebration of All Saints Day to Sunday, November 4. We remember that we, the living and the departed, are all members of a “blest communion, fellowship divine.”
At both services we read the names of loved ones who have died, part of the “great cloud of witnesses” who surround us.
After the second service we will process across to the Memorial Garden to commend to God those whose remains are interred there.
This is one of 5 days during the year when baptisms should take place. We will baptize Patrick Eldridge, son of Beth and Chris, and grandson of Jean and Dick Derum at the 10:00 a.m. service.
Also on this Sunday, those who have not already handed in their completed pledge cards are invited to do so. And the pledge cards will be blessed.
Harvest Thanksgiving
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 18, we will have our parish in gathering of food for FISH. Will you please bring non-perishable groceries to either service? During the
10:00 a.m. service, at the offertory, the children will bring the food to the altar to be blessed. After the service it will be transported to FISH in Santa Rosa. We will sing Thanksgiving hymns.
Newcomers Class
There will be a class at 9 a.m. on Sunday, November 4 for those who are new to St. Patrick’s. We will briefly introduce the Episcopal Church and talk about the programs of St. Patrick’s.
All are welcome to attend this class. Then…
New Member Welcoming
We will be welcoming new members on Sunday, November 18 at either service. A sponsor will introduce new members during the announcements. Do you already have someone you
would like to sponsor you, or would you be willing to be a sponsor?
Advent comes
The season of Advent begins on December 2, 2001. For four Sundays we look forward to the coming of the Son of Man. This is a season both of expectation and penitence when we are
exhorted to prepare our hearts to receive our Lord. The liturgical color is purple. We use Prayer B for the Rite II Eucharist
On Sunday, December 2, the Advent wreath will be blessed and the first candle will be lit. The 10 a.m. service will be a celebration of lessons, carols and Eucharist for Advent. Leftover items
from the Unique Boutique will be on sale in the Parish Hall.
Joint Thanksgiving Service
On Wednesday evening, November 21, 2001, at 5:30 p.m., we will hold a joint Thanksgiving service with Kenwood Community Church at the Community Church, off Warm Springs Road.
The Rev. Carolyn Woodson and the Rev. Hugh Stevenson will conduct the service.
Amahl and the Night Visitors
Sonoma City Opera will present Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti, one of
the most popular of American operas, at St. Patrick’s, at 8:00 p.m. on the nights of Friday & Saturday, November 30 & December 1, and Friday & Saturday, December 7 & 8.
Rehearsals will take place during the week of November 25.
The story is about a crippled shepherd and his encounter with the three kings who are following the star to find the Christ child. Amahl was first performed at Christmas, 1951.
OUTREACH AT ST. PATRICK’S
Outreach Committee
The next meeting of the Outreach Committee will be on Thursday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m. The committee will be recommendation disbursements for our outreach giving for the 4th
quarter. If you have ideas of whom we should support, will you submit a grant request to Barbara Fry.
Letter writing for the hungry
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
--Edmund Burke
In addition to unceasing prayer, do you wish to do more to help? Bread for the World asks us to write to Congress to pass the resolution, “Poverty to Promise,” especially for Africa, where
hunger is most prevalent. Perhaps your letter can tip the balance for justice. We will write letters on Sunday, November 18, in the Parish Hall. The Outreach Committee will provide
assistance and letter writing materials.
--Jean Henderson
Heifer Project
A reminder that your outreach committee will again be offering the opportunity to give friends and family a great gift from the Heifer Project. We will have a table ion the parish hall on
December 9, 16 and 23.
--Bob Fry
Dining Alone this year?
With the recent, tragic events of September 11, many of us have had to rethink our plans for travel to parts near and far to be with loved ones for Thanksgiving. In light of that, we are going
to prepare a gourmet Thanksgiving feast on Wednesday, November 2l at 4:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Sign up sheets will be in the Parish Hall after each service or call the office 833-4228
PROGRAMS FOR WOMEN
ECW December meeting
ECW Luncheon/Meeting is Tuesday, December 4, at 11:00 a.m. Mike Milward, attorney and
hospice chaplain, will speak on "Living fully at the end of Life". He earned his law degree at the University of Santa Clara and returned to the San Francisco theological Seminary in San
Anselmo where he enrolled in the Masters in Theological Studies program and participated in a three-year intensive study in the "Art of Spiritual Direction.”
Thanks for the Boutique
From the Unique Boutique chairpersons, Nancy Dill and Bette Leedom, to everyone who participated in any way -workers, shoppers, loyal supporters. You helped put on the
marvelous Holiday Fantasy event on Saturday, October 20 and you have our heartfelt "Thank you, thank you; thank you!" We couldn't have had a better team. More details later.
That we all may be one
At the last meeting of the Daughters of the King, Shirley Flournoy floated the idea of how corporate prayer works. She quoted a minister, Eric Butterworth, who observed the power of
the swarm. “A swarm of bees, a flock of birds, a school of fish somehow become as one, changing direction instantaneously, with no apparent signal, avoiding collisions and navigating
unerringly. “ His text was Msatthew 18:20, “For where two or three have gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst.” Like a flock of birds, the Daughters of the King, St. Hilda’s
Chapter, pray daily for the parish, as one, at the direction of our Lord Jesus Christ.
--Sharon Traeger
SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001
After the accounting of the dead,
when the insurance claims are settled,
and the markets are back to their normal jittery selves,
we have all seen what Hell looks like. In future
we will avoid tall buildings, slowly move away
from cities, fly less often,view
our fellow passengers with circumspection,
seek refuge in more virtual reality and trade
within the safer evils of the Internet.
We listen doubtfully to our leaders' words
as they struggle to fill their own shoes.
Four planes just flew out of Pandora's box,
and when men armed just with razor blades can bring
the whole wide world up to a guttering halt,
we know too much and care too little
to believe that this will be the last time.
The big game of Monopoly is over.
The losers' tantrums have become too dangerous.
Even before our anger cools we see
the moral high ground is just
a pile of smoking rubble. Jesus kneels
and writes with his index finger in
the white dust of Manhattan:
Let him who is without sin
launch the first missile.
Who is our enemy
and what can we fight him with?
Where are our allies? Where was God
on September the Eleventh? He was begging
in old clothes in the subway
beneath the World Trade Centre.
He was homeless in Gaza,
imprisoned in Afghanistan,
starving in Somalia,
dying of Aids in an Angolan slum,
suffering everywhere in this fast-shrinking world;
and boarding a plane unwittingly in Boston,
heading for a meeting on the 110th floor.
When the time came he stretched his arms out once again
to take the dreadful impact that would pierce his side.
His last message on his fading cell phone
once more to ask forgiveness for them all, before
his body fell under the weight of so much evil.
We bring our cameras to his massive tomb
for any chance of resurrection; now we know
the kind of story that it really is,
united by this common enemy –
sin's terrorism - that we never dreamed
could bring such devastation. This is war.
We line our weapons up: faith, hope, obedience,
prayer, forgiveness, justice;
the explosive power of love.
--Godfrey Rust May
(this comes to us fourth hand from UK)
TURNING POINTS
Congratulations:
To Vashti Papworth, on the birth of her granddaughter, Emily Elizabeth, on August 21, to Beth and Ned Lewis.
To Dana and Todd Overshiner, on the birth of Brett Elliott, on June 20. Brett will be baptized on the feast of the Baptism of Jesus, January 13
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Col. “Bill” Amos who was married to Hope Amos. They were active at St. Patrick’s during the ‘80s. The Bill’s service will be on November 3.
And to Bonnie Dale on the death of her father in early October
Blessings on Lisa Taylor and David Brown, who were married on October 21.
Prayers for Anne Campbell who is in Montgomery Nursing Home
Dolores Hellmuth is moving to 2939 Burnside Road, Sebastopol 95472, when she sells her house in Sonoma.
Entertainment Books
You can buy Entertainment Books on Sundays during the coffee hours or from the parish office. They cost $25 each (of which $10 comes to St. Patrick’s). Many restaurants are listed
which offer two meals for the price of one. If you do this three times, you have more than paid the cost of the book. They also make great Christmas presents.
Recycling Pamphlets
The Church Periodical Club recycles old Forward Day by Days and living Words. Please drop them of on the table in the parish hall. We no longer have a place to recycle Campbells’ soup labels.
Correction: The Festival of Lights will be on December 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
November Coordinator
The health & wellness coordinator for November is Bette Leedom. If you would like a ride or a friendly visit or a meal, please call her (537-7587)
The health and wellness committee will be meeting at 3:00 p.m. on November 16 in the Common Room.
End of Life Decisions
On Tuesday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m. and repeated on Wednesday, November 14 at 9:45 a.m. we will discuss end of life decisions, funeral arrangements and planning your service. The
Rector will be presenting up-to-date prices from Santa Rosa funeral directors.
Missing
Have you seen, do you have the Vacation Bible School bell? Last seen in August, missing since then. Please call the parish office (833-4228)
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