January 2009 Vol. 11 No. 1 Archive of Previous Issues The Grapevine is published monthly (except for a combined July/August issue) by St. Patrick's Episcopal Church E-mail St. Patricks The Rev. Hugh Stevenson, Rector Editor: Mary Banks, 539-7378

Table of Contents for January 2009 [Vol. 11 No. 1]

Think Outside The Box Around St. Patricks Turning Points Annual Meeting Who Is New? Episcopal Church Women

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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

The origin of the phrase is claimed by John Adair who invented a simple problem: connecting a square of nine dots by drawing four straight, continuous lines, and never lifting the pencil from the paper. It only works if you draw "outside the lines." This takes imagination and what is called "lateral thinking." That is: thinking (and doing) something unconventional which would otherwise be the last thing that you would do.

An example of "thinking outside the box" is Isaiah in the Temple (chapter 6). In the presence of God, he cries out, "Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips and I have seen the Lord." The Lord has a plan for Isaiah. A Voice says, "Whom shall I send and who will go for me?" And Isaiah replies, "Here am I; send me!" His task is to summon the people back to faith in God, all the while knowing that they will reject the invitation to turn again and be healed. Why would anyone want to do that?

Jesus saw the people, 5000 of them, fainting for hunger. He told his disciples to feed them. They were speechless. They said "We have nothing here but five loaves and two small fishes; what are they among so many?" Jesus blessed and broke the loaves and the disciples distributed the food to the multitude. Everyone had enough and there were twelve basketfuls left over.

I have been reading Paul Moore's (Bishop of New York) autobiography, Presences (en route for the John Bogart Library). When he was a middler at seminary shortly after World War II, "Tubby" Clayton said to him, "old boy, I'd like you to recruit forty or fifty young men and women from across the U.S., raise the money and take them to London next summer" to work in the Inner City. Paul Moore, like Isaiah and the disciples, was speechless. The project went ahead and Winant Volunteers was born.

Whoever would have guessed that we would get so involved with the St Andrew's Mission in Monte Rio? Many members of the congregation (directly and indirectly) have helped.

• During the summer we hosted a Rummage Sale that raised $3000.
• St Andrew's wrote a grant application and got $5000 from the county.
• St Patrick-ites have transported food for St Andrew's meal program.
• We have collected 16 large black plastic bags of warm clothes so far.
• George Hunt is regularly celebrating the Eucharist there.
• We are serving on the steering committee along with representatives from Incarnation Church.
• Eric Duff of Episcopal Community Services has brought Diocesan support.

There will be a strategic planning session in January to decide where we (St Andrew's) go from here. This is what a handful of dedicated people can do leveraging support from a host of other people. If this can happen at St Andrew's, what can happen at St Patrick's when we begin to think outside the box. If we imagine what is the least likely thing we shall do, that's what we will probably end up doing! Let 2009 be the year in which we hear God's call, "Whom shall I send and who will go for me?" And we will respond, "Here am I; send me!"

Hugh Stevenson

AROUND ST. PATRICK'S

December 28: On the Sunday after Christmas there will be three services: at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. All will be services of Lessons and Carols and Eucharist. At 9:00 a.m. the carols will be accompanied by a host of guitars.

January 3: 6:00 p.m., Cursillo Potluck supper in the parish hall. All "cursillistas" are invited to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany.

January 4: Feast of the Epiphany. We remember the arrival of the Wise Men, and the Light of God that has come into the world.

January 11: Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, when, after Jesus was baptized by John in the River Jordan, the voice from heaven affirmed him, "This is my beloved Son!" The Baptism is one of the great Epiphany events. If there are any baptisms, please call the parish office (833-4228).

January 25: Parish Annual Meeting takes place after the 9:30 a.m. Eucharist. There is only one service on this morning-an opportunity for those who attend different services to greet one another. Will you, please wear your nametag!

COMING UP in February

February 1. Jim Rawls begins a second four-week study of some classic texts in the development of English spirituality (John Donne, John Bunyan, William Blake, Gerard Manley Hopkins). The series will be held in the Common Room on the four Sundays of February between 9:45 and 10:30. Feel free to drop in for just one or two sessions, or plan to attend them all.

February 9-11. Bishop's conference for all clergy at Bishop's Ranch, Healdsburg. The guest speaker will be Russell Crabtree on "Parish Transitions."

February 15. Evening "Service of Light" for Epiphany, followed by a potluck supper in the Parish Hall.

February 25 is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Eucharist at 9:00 am. Mark your calendar!

PRESIDING BISHOP'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1:5).

The world settles into winter, at least in the northern hemisphere, and life to many seems increasingly bleak. Foreclosures, layoffs, government bailouts and financial failures, continuing war on two fronts, terrorist attacks, murders of some identified only by their faith -- this world is in abundant need of light. We know light that is not overcome by darkness, for God has come among us in human flesh. Born in poverty to a homeless couple, to a people long under occupation, Jesus is human and divine evidence that God is with us in the midst of the world's darkness. Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, Divine Counselor is come among us to re-mind, re-member, and re-create. A new mind and heart is birthed in us as we turn to follow Jesus on the way. The body of God's creation is re-membered and put back together in ways intended from the beginning. And a new creation becomes reality through Jesus' healing work. Christians tell the story again each Christmastide, and the telling and remembering invites us once again into being made whole. Our task in every year is to hear the story with new ears, and seeing light in the darkness of this season's woes, then to tell it abroad with gladsome hearts to those who wait in darkness. Where will you share the joyous tale of light in the darkness?

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori

The Presiding Bishop will be with us for our Diocesan Convention in Redding in November.

TURNING POINTS

All find a welcome:
On Nov 23, we welcomed into membership (see Page 5 in this Grapevine for biographies):
Jerilynn & Rennie Babington
Karen Krestensen & Bill Kelly
Laurie & David Brown
Betsey & Rich Randolph
Myrle & Chuck MacLaughlin
And in absentia:
Judy Rose
Ron & Gigi Paolini

Bishop Philip and Merle Newell are here from Tasmania staying with their son, Michael, and Shari Newell.
Thanks to Bishop Philip for preaching on Dec 21.
Yasmin Nibbe has recently moved to Glen Ellen.
Betsey & Ron Drake were here over Thanksgiving from CT.
Becky Hulick came to Ronnie Leonard's funeral and worshipped with us, December 14.
Bob and Marge Ruehrdanz have returned to Oakmont from Sebastopol, they live on Riven Rock Way.

Thank you for Christmas:
Thanks to all who supported our Christmas celebrations in so many and various ways:

• All who gave money to buy the poinsettias, Christmas flowers and other decorations.
• Fran Crane and the Altar Guild decorated the Church with some helpers.
• The children and their families took part in the pageant, directed by Raymond Skipp.
• Robert Young and our choir provided music at our services.
• Acolytes, ushers, readers and chalice bearers and all who assisted with our Christmas services.
• Marcia Ronchetti, our administrative assistant, who duplicated innumerable bulletins, the annual reports and the January Grapevine.
• Our team of collators and folders.
• Angela and I thank you for the cards, good wishes, and expressions of love. Hugh

For this, much thanks:
The following are new officers of the ECW.

President	Vicki Ward
VP/ Outreach	Jean Derum
Secretary	Nancy Dill
Treasurer	Josephine Ross
Worship	Sandra Hammond
Hospitality	Rosie Speight
Past President/ Parliamentarian	Audrey Jaynes
Sunshine	Sarah Phillips

Thanks to the outgoing board:

President	Audrey Jaynes
VP/ Outreach	Vicki Ward
Secretary	Minerva Haddad
Treasurer	Josephine Ross

Thanks to those who gave warm clothes and sweet meats for St Andrew's Monte Rio and those gave and wrapped gifts for the Christmas family we adopted from Salvation Army.

We ask God's protection of: those serving in the military overseas, including Kevin Danaher

We will exalt you, O God, our King:
John Boskovich's nephew Sam Jackson is safely home from Iraq.
Missy and Dave Harper celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary

May they know God's healing power:

Lolita Seguin	Dolores De Vito
Karen Stains	Evelyn Belding
Linda Belding	Roberta Rives
Mark Kirkland	Milo Stevenson
Linda Cudlin	John Phillips
The Hall family	The Cronin family
Gabriella, daughter of Maria & Jose Cruz
Pierre, Walter,	John, Josephine

Deepest sympathy:
Gwendolyn Leaf, Ninon Cabrales' sister died on December 7.

ANNUAL MEETING

With your consent, we will change the parish bylaws to reduce the size of the vestry from 12 members to 9 members. Two new vestry members will be elected. The outgoing vestry members are Margaret Merchat, Jill Hunting, Vickie Ward, Becky Jenkins, and Cathy Landon. The continuing members are Bill Ward, Hutch Gibb, Wes Cazel, Sarah Phillips, Fran Crane, Cynthia Pennington, and Keith Olsen.

Chuck Chapman, the treasurer, will present the accounts for 2008 and proposed budget for 2009. There will be reports and discussion about programs for both 2008 and the new year.

Packets of reports will be available from January 4. Please pick one up and read it before the meeting. We may be able to post them on our website. If you have questions or comments bring them to the meeting.

VESTRY START-UP
Immediately following the January 25 Annual Meeting, there is a brief meeting of the vestry (new and continuing members) to plan dates and times.

WINTER READINESS
As cooler, damper weather approaches, your home may need some preparation. Especially if you are not a handy person around the house, you may call the Church Office and request a visit from a couple of parish "Handys" who can help identify and make minor adjustments in anticipation of winter. Call Marcia for details or to schedule a visit.

BREAD MAKERS
Each Sunday we offer fresh-baked bread and wine with our parish label to visitors. During 2008, many of our visitors have become members. We need more volunteers to bake bread. If you would like to help with this ministry call the parish office.

GARAGE SPACE NEEDED
Rich Randolph (537-4117) is looking for a place to garage an antique car. If someone has a regular size car space in a covered, lockable garage, he would be interested in renting it.

CREDO IN MAY
The Rev. Dr. Hugh Stevenson has accepted an invitation to attend a CREDO conference from May 4-11, 2009 at the Solomon Conference Center located in Loranger, Louisiana.

The eight-day conference provides participants with the means to find direction and clarity in four component areas: spiritual, physical, vocational, and financial. CREDO provides a foundation for participants to embrace wellness and to prayerfully discern the direction of their vocation. It was founded in 1997 as a pilot program funded by The Church Pension Group. Episcopal clergy, deacons and bishops from virtually every diocese in the country have taken advantage of the CREDO benefit. Participants are selected at random from all active clergy with more than one year in the Pension Fund. The Church Pension Fund pays all but $500 of the conference costs.

Each participant commits to extensive reflection through pre-conference instruments and surveys that focus on personal and professional wellness. The work of CREDO is organized around four major areas in each person's personal and professional life. Each of these components is explored as an integral part of the whole.

Through this discernment and visioning process, and with the help of a faculty team of professionals, each participant builds a CREDO Plan - a personal covenant based on his or her CREDO work and a formal expression of the CREDO experience. The CREDO Plan provides a personal baseline and strategy for effective implementation.

WHO IS NEW?

Rennie & Jerilynn Babington
Rennie and Jerilynn have been involved in commercial and residential real estate with Coldwell Banker for most of their adult lives. Rennie was an educator for a number of years. They resided in Piedmont for over 22 years before moving to Oakmont in August 2008. Jerilynn is known for her highly effective staging abilities and has appeared on "Good Morning America". She worked as a broker in Beverly Hills, Bel Air and Montecito. They have three grown daughters Alison (Newport Beach), Jennifer (Seattle), and Alexandria (Oakland) and are proud grandparents of two lovely grandchildren. They thank God for discovering St. Patrick's - a wonderful congregation.

Chuck & Sallie Wood
Chuck and Sallie describe themselves as "ordinary folks who decided to move from the suburbs of San Rafael in Marin County to the 'country' of Kenwood." Sallie wanted lots of porches and so they have them! Chuck is an excellent "fix it" man and has lots of projects here. They are both golfers and have joined Oakmont and have made many new friends. They have two children and three grandchildren who all live close by in San Francisco. They like to garden and have two small dogs. In San Rafael, they belonged to a small Episcopal church (Church of the Redeemer) where they wore many "hats." They appreciate the effort and energy members have spent to make them feel welcome.

Bob & Marge Ruehrdanz
Bob and Marge are back in town (Oakmont) as of 12/1/08. They originally came to us from Good Shepherd Cloverdale in 2003 and rented a place in Oakmont. Marge immediately jumped in as a LEM, Eucharistic Visitor and Daughter of the King. Before they left for Sebastopol in December 2004, they gave us a house-communion set. Bob spent most of his adult life in marketing for large corporations. He retired in 1996 from Kaiser Permanente and started a new career as a writer. At the moment he is in the process of completing a novel based on his experiences in a top-secret military organization during the Korean War. Bob and Marge are cursillistas. Some of their grandchildren, Jackie, Savannah and Luke are active in our Sunday school, and Karla, their mother is Raymond Skipp's assistant and a teacher at Kenwood Schools.

Betsy & Rich Randolph
Rich and Betsy met at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sunnyvale in 1978 and were married there in 1980. Betsy taught in Sunnyvale Schools as a Kindergarten Teacher for 37 years, and Richard is a retired Hospital Administrator, and recently credentialed Career Technical Education teacher. Betsy has always enjoyed music, mainly singing in the choir. She plays guitar, and enjoys symphony and theater with Rich. Both Betsy and Rich were members of the St. Thomas Choir, and Rich rang hand bells. In 1984 they helped form a community meal program, "Our Daily Bread," which now serves over 500 people weekly and has grown to be Sunnyvale's largest ecumenical food service. They helped co-ordinate the Faith In Action Rotating Shelter, which hosted 15 homeless men a month at a time. Rich has been a LEM, Jr. Warden, Healing Minister, both taught Sunday school, are cursillistas, and have been active in Marriage Encounter. Rich is a Rotarian. In 1986, they found St Patrick's while on a bike trip up Highway 12. They moved this past July from Cupertino, California.

Myrle & Chuck MacLaughlin
Myrle grew up in Garden City, New York. With a degree in Home Economics, she worked as an editor for American Home and Parents Magazines and food photography at General Foods Corporation. Chuck was an "Army brat," and served three years as an officer in the Army Combat Engineers during the Korean War. As a civil engineer he joined HNTB, a large consulting engineering firm in Manhattan. They were married on July 12, 1958. Chuck's work took them to Greenwich Connecticut, Wyoming and back to Connecticut. Chuck was Vice President and General Manager of the machine tool division of Southwestern Engineering. He served on two Vestries. They have three daughters: Susan (who made sure they joined St Patrick's) Anne and Elizabeth. Skiing became a family tradition with the MacLaughlins. Myrle and Chuck had a kennel with 52 Dalmatians! Their current dog, Dina, is an English springer spaniel. In 1988 they moved to the Monterey Peninsula, where Myrle was a realtor and Chuck took a post-retirement job with the Pebble Beach Company. They attended St. Dunstan's Church in Carmel Valley. In September they settled in Oakmont.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

2009 OUTREACH WORKSHOPS
Workshops will meet every 2nd and 4th Friday beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.

January 23	June 12 & 26
February 13 & 27	July 10, 17, 24, & 31
March 13 & 27	August 7, 14, 21, & 28
April 10 & 24	September 4, 11, 18, & 25
May 8 & 22	October 1, 2, & 3 Oktoberfest

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Knitting, caring and sharing all sewn together to share in a ministry for our community.
Are you a knitter? Have you ever wanted to learn to knit one, pearl two? Do you already click your needles and produce beautiful work but would like to spend time with other knitters? Join us at St. Patrick's as we offer knitting classes beginning January 23 at our first workshop.

We have acquired the expertise of a master knitter, Margaret Beale, who will help those of us who drop more stitches than we care to admit and be available to assist advanced knitters. Instruction will be by skill level. Please bring your own size 8, 9 or 10 needles and worsted weight or 4 ply yarn.

Our goal is to have as many lap robes/prayer shawls completed by November 1, 2009. We will have the fruits of our labor blessed during services just prior to Thanksgiving after which the shawls will be given to patients of Creekside Skilled Nursing Home.

OKTOBERFEST
We will be looking for committee chairs for the various venues of the Oktoberfest. If you have any ideas or suggestions for improving our first year's efforts please pass them along to Jean or Vicki or bring them to our next planning meeting that will be announced soon.

We will be making our very own clown costume. Thanks to Angela Stevenson our very popular face painting booth will return in 2009.