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January 2002
Vol. 4 No. 1
Archive of Previous Issues
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The Grapevine is published monthly
(except for a combined July/August issue)
by St. Patrick's Episcopal Church
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Table of Contents for January 2002 [Vol. 4 No. 1]
LOOKING BACK OR FORWARD
I am soft—not on crime, but—on criminals. I confess it. But then I am running as a follower of Jesus, not for political office. To be elected you have to demonstrate that you want criminals to
be locked up and the key to be thrown away. To be a follower of Jesus, you are invited to forgive your sister or your brother seventy times seven.
When I was growing up—and attending a course in criminology—I was taught that the purpose of sentencing was to rehabilitate the criminal, so that she or he could be returned to
society as a reformed individual. Prisoners were trained in skills and they were helped to amend their ways. When they were discharged, some of them went straight. In those days, the
prison population was much lower than it is today.
About 25 years ago, things changed. The Department of Corrections no longer corrected criminals but punished them for their wrong-doing. They became the scapegoats for all that was
wrong in society. We would all be safer in our beds if they were locked up. After “Three Strikes,” no matter how minor the strikes might be (like stealing a bicycle), a prisoner would be
locked up for twenty years. Prison populations escalated, and society had to spend more on building new prisons than on building new schools.
At the end of their sentences (with or without parole) prisoners would inevitably be released. Any hopes that they might have had evaporated. In no way had their prison sentence prepared
them for the outside world. So they committed more crimes and were locked up again.
The fault is in the direction in which we look. We can look backwards and demand that these prisoners be punished for what they have done in the past, or we can look forward and ask,
“What can we do to prepare these prisoners for their discharge.” We have a choice between retributive justice and restorative justice.
At the beginning of a new year, we can look backward at the year, 2001, and all the things that went wrong. For many it was a year of sorrow and pain—even horror. Or we can look
forward to 2002. A New Year brings fresh opportunities and new hopes. We have a choice. Let us march forward and say, “Yes” to all that God has prepared for us.
--Hugh Stevenson
Youth Group Fund Raising
The youth group decorated pumpkins and sold them to the congregation on October 21st and 28th. They raised $240. The Outreach Committee added $75 and I added an additional $75
from my discretionary fund. We have sent a check for $400 to Episcopal Relief and Development for use in New York City in the aftermath of September 11. Much appreciation
to the teenage members of our congregation for their fund raising.
Deacon’s Doings
Why is it that Julie always does the dismissal these days? In some families, each member has tasks for which they are responsible. So it is in the family of the Church. Bishops ordain and
confirm, priests celebrate and absolve, and deacons read the Gospel, prepare the altar and dismiss the congregation. While she is a deacon, Julie performs these functions. But, on
February 9th, Julie will be ordained a priest by a Bishop (who is doing what bishops do!). Her stole, which has hitherto been worn over one shoulder, will be placed over both; it is the yoke
of priesthood.
We will no longer have “a deacon” in the congregation to do what deacons do. But when you become a priest, you do not stop being a deacon. So one of the clergy will now read the
Gospel, prepare the altar and dismiss the congregation.
Please include February 9 in your calendar. The service is at 1:00 p.m. with a reception in the parish hall to follow.
Worship Survey
From time to time, we invite your comments about the worship that we share. We will be doing this during the second half of January. We are asking specifically whether you have a
preference for Rite I or Rite II. But at the same time, we want your suggestions. The word “Liturgy” means “the People’s Work”—not the clergy’s work! Our service book is called the Book of Common Prayer, because our worship is a corporate enterprise. Please let us know
what you are thinking.
Vestry Report
The main business at our November meeting was a review of the projected financial situation next year. At that time, we expected a shortfall of $46,000 between our income and our
expenditures for 2002. We discussed how to present this fact to the congregation. It seemed good to us, to thank the congregation for all who have made a pledge. We recognized that
these are difficult times for many people. We decided
To cut about $10,000 from the budget. Cuts have been made in nearly every line item except 0utreach and salaries. Staff are budgeted to receive 2.7% raises which is the amount specified
by the diocese.
To organize a fund-raiser, perhaps in May, with the hope of raising $5000.
To apply the surplus from this year to next year to balance the budget.
Walt Boden has been ill; and in his absence we engaged a cleaning service. We agreed to meet with a representative to find out more about Faith Alive, a renewal weekend for the whole
parish.
The Annual Meeting will be on January 20th with Eucharist at 9:00 a.m., and the Meeting at 10:30 a.m. We have three candidates, so far, to fill four places. The vestry workshop will be
on January 26th and will be led by Bishop George who will meet with all vestry members in advance.
The Rector gave the vestry a “heads up” that he becomes eligible for a sabbatical in September 2002, though he will probably not take it till 2003, possibly in two installments. Vestry
members were asked to review the performance of the Rector, Assistant and Music Director. We approved the purchase of a bench from Memorial Fund in memory of Tom Clark. It will
be placed in the front courtyard. We approved funds to pay for an ISP (internet service provider) for the church office.
--Hugh Stevenson
Fund Raiser
Do you have a car in good working order, that you would like to give away, and take a tax write off? Then give it to St. Patrick’s to be raffled off in our parish fundraiser in 2002. You get
a tax write-off and do not have to go through the hassle of selling your car, and at the same time support your parish. Please let us know by calling the office (833-4228).
TURNING POINTS
Deepest Sympathy
- To Pris and Jack Abercrombie on the death of Pris’ brother-in-law, Lawrence Waitt, in New Hampshire. The service was December 15th.
- To Linda and Rick Belding on the death of Linda’s mother, Marion Sorebo who died November 22nd.
- To Irene and Don Odone, on the death of Irene’s mother Eve Simmons.
- To Norm Dake and the other family and friends of Keith Mallin. Keith was English, lived in Oakmont and had been a professional soccer player in his youth.
- To Joyce Banzet, on the death of Christian Banzet.
- To the family and friends of Eleanor Mackenzie who died on December 16th.
Congratulations
- To Pat Bearden on the birth of a granddaughter, Melena.
- To Bonnie and Bob Dale on the birth of a grandchild, Katherine.
- To Katie Cercone on getting early admission to Scripps College.
Thanks
- To all the children who took part in the pageant, to Janet Fisher for being the producer and for her many helpers.
- To Holly Locke for playing the piano during the pageant.
- To Layten Heckman, our music director, for writing and rehearsing much wonderful music and for the choir’s loyal support.
- To Julie Wizorek for organizing the wassail before the 10:30 p.m. service and for Harry Morse, who accompanied the carols.
- To all those who gave generously to purchase the poinsettias, wreaths and other decorations.
- To the Fishers, who once again constructed large wreaths for us.
- For the Jay Hunt family for setting up the Christmas tree and for the children of Sunday school for decorating it.
- For Bette Leedom and the altar guild for decorating the church.
- To all who participated in our worship: as readers, ushers, or acolytes.
- To Robin, in the office, for folding bulletins and putting together the packet of annual reports.
- From the Stevenson family and the Wizorek family, for all your cards and greetings and gifts of love and good wishes.
Attn: St. Patrick’s Youth:
Since the Altar Guild is partly responsible for how smoothly the worship services occur, would you like to know what the members of the Guild do to make this happen? Perhaps you could
become a part of this ministry. We would like to start a Junior Altar Guild at St. Patrick’s. We have four teams so each team meets once a month on Saturday morning to complete the tasks
required to get the Church, especially the Sanctuary, ready for services scheduled for the following week. If you are interested in learning more or joining us, please contact Father Hugh
at 833-4228, or Bette Leedom at 537-7587.
ECW Luncheon
Tuesday, February 12, 2002.
Speaker: Millie Gilson, Executive Director and Founder of the Sonoma CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Program.
CASA is an advocacy program for abused, neglected children. Each year in the United States, millions of children are abused, neglected or abandoned by their families. More than 430,000
of them are removed from their homes and placed in foster care or institutions. Eventually, they end up in court where a judge decides their future.
In Sonoma County the CASA program helps prevent abused and neglected children from becoming lost in the juvenile dependency system.
--Nancy Dill
Outreach Committee
We are happy to announce that the parish generously gave over $1700.00 to the Heifer Project. Many thanks to Bob Fry, Jean Henderson, Claire and John Morelli, Buffy and Allen
Treat, and to all of you who participated.
The Outreach Committee will meet February 7, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. in the Common Room.
Please join us.
Unique Boutique
Co-Chairs, Barbara Fry and Laurie Raess, are already making exciting plans for the 25th Annual Unique Boutique. The Boutique will be held on October 19, 2002, in the Parish Hall,
the Common Room and the Patio.
There is a lot of work to be done in the coming months. The workshops take place semi-monthly and will begin on January 25, 2002, at 9:00 a.m. in the Common Room, under
the direction of Rosie Speight and Phyllis Cressy. Everyone is invited to come and help stuff, stitch and assemble items that will be sold to support the ECW’s many charitable projects. This
is a friendly group that meets on the second and fourth Fridays of the month and the refresh-ments served around 10:00 a.m. are outstanding! For information call Rosie at 538-3885.
The Needlework Guild which makes needle-point ornaments will also begin its year with a planning/stitching meeting at 1:30 p.m. on January 16th in the Common Room. This group
meets on the third Wednesday of each month and welcomes new members. For those who do not know how to needlepoint, experienced stitchers will be happy to teach them. To find out
more about this group, please call Naomi Holm at 833-4430.
January Movie Review
The January meeting of the Movie Review group will be held on Sunday, January 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Education Building. A film is viewed, discussion held, and
popcorn served. All movie buffs are invited!
Daughters of the King
“Call to Me, and I will answer you and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
The Daughters of the King Prayer Request Box has been moved from the narthex to the table in the Parish Hall where the sign-up sheets for church functions are placed. This will give
individuals more time to think about who they wish the Daughters to pray for. Remember, no request is too small to bring before the throne of grace into the unfailing love of Jesus Christ our
Lord. We thank Him for all the answered prayers last year and we praise Him for all the answered prayers to come in the year 2002. May God be Magnified.
--Sharon Traeger
Endowment Fund of St. Patrick’s
About the Endowment Fund of St. Patrick’s Grant Requests:
Do you have a dream about ministry at St. Patrick’s, in our larger community, or elsewhere in the world? Does your dream require financial support beyond what is available through the
annual operating funds of the parish? Would you like to see that dream become reality? Perhaps you would like to consider applying for a grant from The Endowment Fund of St. Patrick’s.
Income from this Fund is available for distribution quarterly although it can be reserved for future awards. Possible uses include capital needs of the parish, outreach ministries and grants,
and seed money for new ministries or special one-time projects. The Endowment Fund of St. Patrick’s will not fund proposals that duplicate existing services or proposals that can find
adequate funding elsewhere. Previous funding will not automatically disqualify a request from consideration and there are no emergency grants.
Members of the Endowment Committee recommend grants to the Vestry for approval. Current members of the committee are Spence Flournoy, Will Haymaker, Phil Holm, Cliff Kent, Karen
Steelman, Hutch Gibb (Senior Warden) and Josephine Ross (Treasurer).
Grant Request Forms are now available and must be returned before February 1, 2002, for consideration at the next quarterly review. The completed application provides information
necessary for the decision-making process and includes purpose, description of the need, and details of the requested amount. Accounting for funds received is required. Would you like
more information or are you ready to request a form?
Please contact Karen Steelman at 538-3970 or steelman@sonic.net.
Karen Steelman, Endowment Committee
Party Time
Members of St. Patrick’s have a wonderful opportunity next month. The Living Room, a drop-in center for homeless women and children, is having a fund-raising dinner-dance on
Saturday, February 9, 2002, and it promises to be a gala evening! The organizers have put together a superb combination of great food, great music, and as Master of Ceremonies, the
Mayor of Santa Rosa – Mike Martini. The theme is “Swing With Your Sweetheart” and in addition to the swing music for dancers, the dance troupe “Circle and Dance” will perform a
demonstration and invite the audience to participate in line or circle dancing. It should be a great evening for either couples or singles and the price is unbeatable. Where else could you
get a scrumptious dinner, music and lively entertainment for just $25.00??
In addition, you will be benefitting an organization whose needs are increasing exponentially as moneys for social programs decrease. This is the first major fund-raising event the Living Room
has undertaken, and since St. Patrick’s has long been one of their staunchest supporters, it is important that we lend our presence to their special evening.
Why not get friends to join you and help us fill out St. Patrick’s tables? The festivities will be held at St. Eugene’s and begin at 5:30 p.m. with wine and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner
at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be available after the 8:00 a.m. service from Jean Meyer, and from Elaine Roland after the 10:00 a.m. service. Do come and enjoy a great evening while benefitting a great cause.
In the News . . .
December 1, 2001 – Congress prepares to receive a flood of mail. All outside mail deliveries to Capitol Hill were halted and carefully de-sanitized before irradiation and delivery.
December 5, 2001 – Congress overwhelmingly passes the Hunger to Harvest resolution with 155 bipartisan co-sponsors (Our three members were early to do so). More than 150,000
letters (including ours) from more than 800 churches included “debt relief” and other anti-hunger issues, i.e. WIC increase and food stamps in the farm bill.
Bread for the World is the “voice of the people,” your voice and mine, democracy at work, with thanks to our Founding Fathers.
Have a look at these “details” pinned up in the Parish Hall on the Bread for the World December Newsletter.
John Bogart Library
There are three new books in the library this month.
Jean Henderson donated a copy of In the Beginning. The Story of the King James Bible and How It Changed a Nation, a Language, and a Culture by Alister McGrath. This is a
very interesting, readable and informative account.
From the Getty Museum we have a copy of The Stammheim Missal. This is one of the glories of medieval art. The book contains all the major illuminations reproduced in full color.
The text is written by the associate curator of manuscripts at the Museum.
And third is the best account of the Crusades I have read. Warriors of God. Richard the Lionheart and Saladin in the Third Crusade by James Reston, Jr. Reston gives the
background of the Crusades and tells the story without dwelling on the gruesome aspects which many readers find off-putting. It is a fine portrayal of Saladin and goes far to explain why
many of the Arabs of today have such hatred of the West.
In addition here is a review of a book that is in the library also– The book is The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare. (Review by Matt Atkin).
The Bronze Bow is a religious novel set in ancient Israel during the time of the Roman occupation. The story highlights the life of Daniel as he discovers Jesus and begins to turn his
life from hate to love.
In the story many Israelis take offense to the fact that a distant power occupies the sacred land on which they live. A small band of revolutionary outlaws led by the infamous Rosh refuse to
accept the Roman occupation and vow to overthrow them in the future. Daniel, an orphan from a small village, swears to avenge his parent’s deaths by driving the Romans from Israel and he
joins Rosh’s group of outlaws. This historically accurate story was very moving and enjoyable. The plot was designed to be entertaining to young readers and also is complex enough for
adults to enjoy. I highly recommend this novel to readers of all ages.
Signs and Symbols: Part I
Drip, drip, splash, ripple … the sounds of water. Water is one of the major Christian symbols (and for that matter in a number of other religions as well!). It may be hard to think of water
this time of year, especially with all the winter rain that has fallen. Yet, water has played a significant role in defining both the Hebrew people, the followers of John the Baptist, the early
Christians, all flowing towards us today. Ask one of the St. Patrick’s Sunday School’ers, they know. This past fall they entered into the stories of Creation, Noah, and Moses, all of which
touch the mystery of water. Water is life-giving, water cleanses, renews. And water was a vehicle for judgment (floods). Water is also used in naming.
Signs and symbols convey who we are as a people, as a worshipping community, and as people of hospitality. The symbols we choose to use reflect who we are as a corporate body.
Actions, words, gestures and physical objects express this identity. We are people who use water, bread and wine. Louis Weil in his new book, A Theology of Worship (The New
Church’s Teaching Series), states that Holy Baptism creates the unity of the body of Christ, while the Eucharist (“one bread, one body”) is the sign of our unity in Christ.
Water and the actions of Baptism are physical expressions of God’s unity with us; God’s loving grace that is continually bestowed upon us. The outward sign that expresses and represents
what is happening internally. Baptism creates the unity of the Church, this community of St. Patrick’s with all Christians. There is one Body and one Spirit; there is one hope in God’s call
to us; One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; One God and Father of all. WE are formed through the water of Baptism and the presence of the Holy spirit as individuals bound together as one.
This month we will celebrate the baptism of Jesus on January 13th. And on the same day Brett Elliot Overshiner and Lorelei Rose Voegel will be baptized. The same signs and symbols of
baptism will be used as countless generations of Christians have known, to welcome Brett and Lorelei into the body of Christ. These include baptismal water for renewal and cleansing,
sealing by the Holy Spirit and marked with oil as Christ’s own, and bread and wine for nourishment. Brett and Lorelei will join in the ministry of the Church and we will support them
in their journey of growth into the full stature of Christ.
“Now is the moment I am beginning to be a disciple. May nothing seen or unseen begrudge me making my way to Jesus Christ.”
Letter of Ignatius (First century)
--Julie Wizorek
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