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February 2008
Vol. 10 No. 2
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 February 2008 [Vol. 10 No. 2]
In December 2007, the Diocese of San Joaquin (DSJ) voted to leave the Episcopal Church and affiliate with the Anglican Church in Argentina. Although a number of parishes have pulled out of the Episcopal Church, this is the first diocese to secede; two others (Pittsburgh and Fort Worth) are expected to follow DSJ.
Though it does not accept the authority of the Episcopal Church, DSJ has not left the Anglican Communion. It still owes allegiance to Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury (as we do), but is no longer in communion with us. My interpretation is that though we may receive communion in parishes in the DSJ if we wish, they do not wish to receive communion in most other dioceses of the Episcopal Church.
There is a certain amount of finger pointing. Whose fault is it? John David Schofield, Bishop of DSJ, is quoted as saying (in the Living Church): "I don't have any personal antagonism…Day by day [leaders of the Episcopal Church] seem to depart more and more from what is asked of us in scripture. It is not my wish to leave TEC. If I saw signs that they were returning [to the historic faith] it is possible I would approach my convention about revisiting this decision." It is important to note that DSJ, with the support of Bishop Schofield, chose to leave: they were not forced out. For some years they have been disillusioned with the direction the Episcopal Church has been taking. They opposed the ordination of women and, more recently, objected to the election and consecration of Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire.
Churches in schism believe the same things, but have differences of church order. Schism is not heresy and is not new to the church. Novatian, a priest in Rome, led the first schism after the Decian persecution (250 AD). He said the church was too lenient in welcoming back those who had denied being Christian during the persecution. He argued that the church should have higher standards. No doubt he quoted scripture as proof. He claimed that his church was pure, and everyone else was corrupt. His schism died out by the 5th century. Another schism on the same issue, Donatism, emerged in North Africa in the 4th century. Augustine (of Hippo) led the attack on the Donatists who survived until the Saracen invasion.
I suggest that we focus on what we have in common, not what separates us. Our first task is to reach out to those congregations in DSJ who are not leaving the Episcopal Church. In the longer term we need to build bridges with those with whom we disagree, so that we will be ready when the time for reconciliation comes. This does not entail conceding beliefs that we hold dear, just as we cannot expect (or even ask) Bishop Schofield and those who follow him to abandon their positions. A first step is to acknowledge the pain that exists among all Anglicans (including us) in North America and beyond. I am glad I am not in Rowan Williams' shoes. We live in a State where at least half the population is pagan, and where some even express antagonism towards the Christian church. In this context we, like the DSJ, seek to make Christ known and to reach out in love and concern to others.
Hugh Stevenson
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February 3 is the last Sunday in Epiphany. The theme of this Sunday is the Transfiguration of Jesus upon the mountaintop. Hymn 135 reminds us to look forward through the cross to Easter. The disciples were filled with awe. "When from there thou leddest them/ steadfast to Jerusalem/ cross and Easter Day attest/ God in man made manifest."
On this day, we burn palm crosses in preparation for Ash Wednesday.
The Daughters of the King meet after the 10:30 service. If you have names of people for whom you would like prayers, please pass them on to Jane Hall (or the office). The Daughters pray daily for those on their list. Would you like to be part of this intercessory ministry?
February 6, Ash Wednesday. There will only be one service: 9:00 a.m. with the Imposition of Ashes (from last year's palm crosses) for those who wish, followed by the Eucharist. "I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a Holy Lent." (Prayer Book p. 265)
Catechumenate. Lent originated as a time when "converts to the faith were prepared for holy baptism" at Easter (BCP p. 265). At the present time, we hope to baptize two grandchildren of Jean & Dick Derum, and a grandchild of Anne & Charlie Chapman. We will pray for them during Lent. Are there any others (child or adult) to be baptized at Easter? If so, please contact the parish office at 833-4228.
February 10, 1st Sunday in Lent. The liturgical color changes to penitential purple and we use Eucharistic prayers that focus on the cross.
Lord's Prayer. During Lent, at Rite II Eucharists, we will say the contemporary version of the Lord's Prayer, which begins Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…We will use a Eucharistic Prayer from the NZ BCP.
Easter is early this year (March 23)!
The Gospel readings in Lent tell the mighty works and words of Jesus, according to John:
| Feb 17 | Nicodemus: Being born anew |
| Feb 24 | The Samaritan woman at the well |
| March 2 | Healing of the man born blind |
| March 9 | Raising Lazarus from the dead |
| Good Friday | The Passion story of St John |
February 9. The Women's breakfast group meets at Su Casa, corner of Calistoga Road in the St Francis shopping center at 8:30 am. All women are welcome.
Vestry workshop. The new vestry meets to get to know one another and to set goals for 2008. Our facilitator will be our own clerk, Mary Banks. On Friday night, Feb 8, there will be the vestry supper at the home of Anne and Charlie Chapman.
February 10, 9:30 Meeting of the ECW Board in the Education Center.
February 12, E.C.W. luncheon will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. The speaker will be from Grandparents parenting again whom we supported in last's year's Holiday Bazaar. All women are welcome! Please sign up.
February 13, while the Rector is at the clergy conference in Sacramento (2/11-2/13), Karen Steelman will take the 9:00 a.m. midweek service, the feast of Absalom Jones, the first black priest in our church.
February 24. February is Black History Month. This Sunday we will sing spirituals at the 9:00 and 10:30 services.
February 27. The men's lunch will be at Playa Azul on Oakmont Drive at 11:30 a.m. All men are invited.
March 2. The Sunday of mid-Lent, also called Refreshment Sunday and Laetare Sunday (and in UK, Mothering Sunday) is Healing Sunday at St Patrick's; we will offer the Laying on of hands and anointing to any who wish at all our services.
TURNING POINTS
All find a welcome:
Fran Lazzarini has moved back to our area from Sedona, AZ.
Paul Cleveland and his family visited from Hillsboro, CA.
Alma Gunn & her husband, and Kris Spellman, all from Windsor, were visitors.
Jill Jackson was "sent" to St Patrick's by her daughter Kate who attended the Belding/Johnson wedding; she is the niece of John Boskovich.
Joanna Morat has recently moved into our area from Tennessee.
Ava Guerrera, was brought by her neighbor, Grace Barner.
Betty Fromberg was brought by Dolores De Vito. She has moved from Riebli Road to Oakmont.
For this, much thanks:
Wendy Wood our outgoing Senior Warden and Bill Ward who will be the new Senior Warden.
Judy and Charlie Buff hosted an Epiphany Ultreya for cursillistas on 12th night.
Fran Crane & Gloria Salander took down the decorations.
Correction:
Thanks to the Allisons and the Salanders who decorated the tree in the Church entrance.
We ask God's protection of:
those serving in the military overseas
| Dan Whitwright | Sam Jackson |
| Mike Bennett | George Sutherland |
We will exalt you, O God, our King:
Susan Allison Hatch will be installed as Rector of Trinity, Sonoma on Jan 27 at 4:00 p.m.
Richard & Katharine Derum have had a son, Evan Joseph Derum, grandson of Jean & Dick.
Blessings on:
Adeline Grace Voegels, daughter of Karen and Eric who was baptized on January 13th.
Deepest sympathy:
To Roberta Rives on the death of her husband Willis on January 14th. They had been members since the '70s. Willis was on the vestry
1980-1982.
To Brenda Steele, on the death of her husband, Michael.
To Dennis Studebaker on the death of his stepmother, Helen Ruth, and of a close family friend, Deborah Bates.
To Hugh Stevenson on the death of
his cousin, Clive Dixon.
May they know God's healing power:
| Lolita Sequin | Linda Belding |
| Hertha Brown | James Landon |
| Eleanor Anderson | Dolores De Vito |
| Gordon Gary | Shirley Pippin |
| Alec Peters |
Dr. Marshall Marchbanks |
| Hollie Miller, daughter of Bill & Nancy Reynolds |
| Jacqueline, mother of Alicia Wray |
| Janet Robbins, cousin of Jill Hunting |
| Nancy Lathrop mother of Kathy Littman |
| Maureen Thompson, wife of John |
| John Phillips, son-in-law of Barbara Jones |
| Carolyn "Missy" Harper, wife of Dave |
| Matt Harris, son of Ninon Cabrales |
BITS AND PIECES
The Spring cursillos are coming up:
- The co-ed weekend will be held Feb 21-24. Taking part will be Marshall Ward who plays for our 9:00 a.m. service and his wife Carole; and Tom Babb (who plays his guitar at St Patrick's occasionally) and his wife Pat.
- Taking part in the Men's weekend, April 17-20 will be Charlie Buff and John Scherer.
- In the women's weekend, to be held May 1-4 will be Judy Buff, Tommie Cazel, Fran Morell and Brenda Steele.
- Please remember them, their team members and the candidates in your prayers.
Forward Day by Day. The latest Bible study notes (February-April) have been placed in the tract rack in the Church entrance. Please help yourself. There should be enough for all those who want one.
Jubilee Ministry Celebration. In our Diocese, there are a number of Jubilee Centers. Jubilee is the year of freedom in the Bible, when the jobel or trumpet was sounded (Leviticus 25). These ministries seek to set people free from poverty, hunger and alienation. Jubilee centers include human rights advocacy, social service and lay leadership/empowerment. We will be discussing whether we should become a jubilee center at outreach meeting on January 30th.
The Rev. Eric Duff is Jubilee Officer for our Diocese. He writes: "On Saturday, April 5, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Grace Church, St Helena there will be a "Jubilee Ministry Celebration" for our Deanery! Good food, music, silent auction and raffle(s). The Living Room will get a share of the proceeds as one of the four Jubilee Ministries in this Deanery, along with Episcopal Community Services, which supports a variety of ministries in our area. If you have raffle/silent auction items or ideas, please let the office know. We need to have all raffle items committed no later than February 4th, so we can produce tickets for sale before the event. Let's celebrate the wonderful ministries in our area, and the good people who make them happen!" Eric's email: ecs@dncweb.org.
Mark your calendar
The next in our concert series
will be a performance of the
sonata, Colleen, by Sir Granville Bantock,
March 30 at 3:00 p.m.
Robert Young will accompany Linda Ghidossi-de Luca (viola).
LENT STUDY GROUPS
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. Joel 2:28
The Bishop asks us to consider our vision during Lent. There will be visioning courses on Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m. and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. after the Lenten potluck suppers at 6:00. Who are we? And where are we going?
Eden Revisited Our daughter, Anita Laughlin, is a second grade teacher at a Palo Alto school. Recently, as part of her effort to bring culture to her classroom, she took her class to hear a concert given by a famous men's choral group at the Stanford Memorial Chapel. Anita was enjoying the music, the autumn light coming through those beautiful stained glass windows and the brilliant mosaics of biblical scenes on the walls when a little boy next to her leaned over really close and whispered, "You know there's naked people in here." She replied, "There are? Who?" He said cautiously, "I'm not sure, but I think they're Tarzan and Jane."
- Carolyn and Bill Perry
CHORAL CONCERT
Ben McLain (and others) will be singing
at a Fund Raiser for the
Fine Arts Committee at
Maria Carillo High School
on Saturday March 8 at 6:30 pm.
Call 539-2766 for tickets
($35.00, which includes dessert).
Thanks to all who attended our Annual Meeting on January 20. Next year we will meet on a non-football day. I made an error of judgment for which I apologize. I thought most people would be neutral on the bulletin issue. If I had reflected more I would have realized that other issues are involved and I would have handled it differently.
In my report, I said that we would begin using the Revised Common Lectionary in June reading through Genesis, Sunday by Sunday. Yahr Zeit: I have lists of the names that we will read in church on the anniversaries of their deaths. Please check them in the Parish Hall. Visioning: this will be the theme of our Lent groups. But you need to sign up and participate to make them fly. Outreach: We will discuss being a Jubilee Center at the end of January.
Fran Crane, Keith Olsen, Cynthia Pennington and Sarah Phillips were elected to the vestry (see bios below). Bill Ward accepted my invitation to be senior warden. We collected the names of seven people to be our convention delegates (Nov 14-16 in Redding). The vestry will vote on them nearer the time. Do you wish to be included?
Many people missed the meeting either through travel or sickness. If you would like to read the minutes, please email or telephone me.
Hugh Stevenson
Cynthia Pennington
Cynthia was born in Charlotte NC; she studied Secondary Ed at U. of S. Mississippi and taught for six years. She was confirmed and married at St Andrew's, Jackson MS. Her husband, Kelly, brought her to the west coast and they moved to Sonoma 13 years ago. She joined Kelly in a sales and marketing career in the furniture industry. She travels a lot for her work. She first attended St Patrick's in 2001. She is past president of the ECW and co-chaired the 2005 Bazaar. She made her cursillo in 2006. She is currently a member of the Daughters of the King. She switch-hits between the 9:00 and 10:30 service. She values the diversity of worship at St Patrick's. Her vision for St Patrick's is that we come together for worship, fun and responsibility.
Fran Crane
Fran moved to Santa Rosa with her husband Don in 1978 from Riverside in Southern California, where she had been active at St George's Mission for 15 years. After a brief stint at the Church of the Incarnation, she helped to start Christ Church in North Santa Rosa/ Windsor. She transferred to St Patrick's from Christ Church in 1996. She has been the directress of the Altar Guild since 2005. She also serves on the Worship Committee and the Bazaar Workshop. She and Don attend the 8:00 service.
Keith Olsen
Keith was raised in the Episcopal Church; he was confirmed in Panama. He was a vestry member at St Paul's Healdsburg where he sang in the choir. He transferred to St Patrick's in 2004. He is unable to participate in the choir now because of his work schedule. During the daytime, he teaches in the Home & Hospital program, and in the evenings does drug counseling with people who have DUIs. He loves gardening and has created a deer-compatible garden at his home in Montecito Heights. He is interested in the landscaping at St Patrick's. In four years he will move permanently to Hawaii. In the meantime he hopes to nurture the spirit of aloha here at St Patrick's. He attends the 10:30 service.
Sarah Phillips
Sarah usually sits in the front row at the 10:30 service. She is joined by her sons Ben (24) a professional singer living in Southern California, Lincoln (23) a senior at Beloit College, and Julian (18) a freshman at Lake Forest College, when they are in town. She has been a member of St Patrick's since 1990. She was a vestry member 2001-3. Sarah practices law out of her home office in Rincon Valley. She is in charge of ushers. In the past she served on the ECW board, Outreach Committee, Vestry, helped with VBS, and taught Sunday school. She was on the Kenwood School Board for 10 years. For many years she was chair of the Fine Arts boosters at Maria Carrillo High School where her sons attended. Currently she is on the Kenwood Community Club board.
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