April 2005 Vol. 7 No. 4 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: Herc Roland, 538-3134

Table of Contents for April 2005 [Vol. 7 No. 4]

Easter Is Our Story Turning Points March Vestry Youth Group News Bishop's Conference Bizarre Bazaar

---

EASTER IS OUR STORY

Easter is a lot of things to us. It is the end of the sparseness of Lent, and perhaps of self-denial, if we happened to give anything up. It always falls close enough to the beginning of Spring so that we associate it with the new season and the hope of more warmth and sunny weather. The colors begin to be brighter, and everything begins to seem more cheerful.

Our story - the Christian story - takes a turn at this point too. The Lenten drama leads to its culmination in the arrest and death of Jesus; but then suddenly comes the great turning point, to Easter and the resurrection. And in the church the season changes, the colors become brighter, the readings more cheerful, and 'alleluias' are heard again.

But it is not just about the story turning out all right after all. The new season and the new year represent more that just the fact that winter didn't last forever, or that things will be just as they were last summer. Jesus doesn't simply rise, return to his former life, and live happily ever after. The coming year, the coming Spring and Summer, will be different: they will include for us what we have learned or experienced (both good and bad). We will be changed, hopefully wiser. Easter is a continuation of the transformation begun in Lent, not a contradiction of it. Resurrection is like that. What we experience in our lives is not a continual return to the way things were. Our sorrows and misfortunes, the sparse times in our lives, are never made as if they never happened. But they can be redeemed. The Story goes on; our stories, linked to it, go on. And with God's grace, we can and will become more than we might have been.
Michael Monnot

BISHOP'S VISITATION
Bishop Jerry Lamb will be at St Patrick's on May 15, the Feast of Pentecost. He comes every other year. He will celebrate and preach at all services. He will sit down for conversation with members of the congregation between the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. He will baptize and confirm at the 10:30 a.m. service and he will meet the vestry.

TURNING POINTS

For this, much thanks:

• Kate Aldrich and Margaret Merchat for heading up the St. Patrick's dinner.
• All who made Easter such a joyful celebration: those who contributed to the cost of flowers and to the altar guild who decorated the church. Also Robert Young and the choir, Lectors, ushers and acolytes.
• Pam our administrative assistant & Bette Leedom who prepared countless bulletins.
• Shirley and Barbara Flournoy who supervised the flowering cross.
• Angela Stevenson who ran the Easter Egg hunt.
• Judy Buff coordinated the making of Palm Crosses
• Rick Lind has made us new altar vessels

Transfers to: Joe and Jane Linker to the Church of the Incarnation, Santa Rosa.
Robert and Shirley Lowe to Grace Church, Georgetown, Texas.
Amy Hagenbaugh Wright to the Cathedral of St Philip, Atlanta GA.

Relocation:
Alice Cross has moved into Vineyards Commons, Round Barn Bld, Fountaingrove.
Don and Irene Odone sold their house in Oakmont and have moved close to family in Phoenix, AZ.
Jack & Melissa Hartley moved to the East coast (married and their children baptized at St Patrick's).
Lizzie Quinn neighbour of Carolyn Ardalan moved.
Jon and Emilee Reynolds sold their house in Sonoma and returned to Delaware; they attended St. Patrick's when they were here.
Don Bennett and his wife Sylvia have moved to Vancouver. Sylvia Smith-Bennett has been on our prayer list for a long time.
Andy & Elly Frauenhofer have moved to 14 Oak Island Dr. Santa Rosa 95409.
Allen & Buffy Treat have moved to Oakmont Gardens, Apt 127.
Wyn Warfield is back in town: Summertree Manor, 924 Ginkgo Place Windsor 95492 (838-6284).
Nancy Perez to 701 Kettner #16, San Diego 92101.
Jane Hall to 4774 Rinconada Drive, 95409.

We ask God's protection of:
All those serving in the military overseas including Chuck Chapman's grandson, Tom Slago.

We will exalt you, O God, our King:

• Thanks be to God for the safe return from service in Iraq of Ryan Gnecco, Frank Papworth's company, Becky and Clarence Jenkins' grandson, John Metzger and Evie Borger's grandson, Ben.
• Birth of a great grandchild for Sue Hogan.
• 90th birthday of Doris Campbell.
• Birth on February 21, of Dylan Carter Lewis, daughter of Ashley, granddaughter of Cissy and Bob Lipscomb.

May they know God's healing power:
For Natalie, daughter of Cathy Landon, Linda Belding, Lolita Seguin, Hertha Brown, Natalie Matrazzo. Joan Ingold, Sam Howell, The Halls, Margaret Kelley, Nedda Touma, Pierre el Reef, Ruben Beseda, Willis Rives, The Abercrombie's daughter, Janet and son, Steve.

Blessings on:
Those baptized at Easter (Gabriella Juarez Overshiner & Dan Hankins) and those to be confirmed/received by the Bishop on May 15.
Bill Schlangen and Marilyn Hartwell to be married on April 9.
Vic Howard who will be making cursillo in April and for Charlie Buff (Rector), Bob Morell, John Scherer (Mentor), Hugh Stevenson (Spirit) and Bob Bledsoe.

Deepest sympathy:
To Claire Morelli and her family. John died on Sunday, March 13.
Laura Lott died on March 21.

MARCH VESTRY

• Judy Buff led us in singing: Surely the Presence of the Lord at the beginning of the meeting.
  
• Chuck Chapman explained the accounts to us. One concern: income from pledges is below what we would hope for in the first three months of the year.
  
• Our check signers are: Chuck Chapman, Judy Buff, Ann Peters, Margaret Bock and Bette Leedom. Each check requires two signatures and the signers look to see who each check is payable to.
  
• We received with great sadness, the death of our fellow vestry member: John Morelli.
  
• After an opportunity to question Michael about his vocation, we approved him for ordination. The service will be in Grace Cathedral, San Francisco on June 4. A group will be going from St Patrick's; would you like to be part of it?
  
• On June 5, we will start the summer schedule of 2 services on Sundays. We will survey the congregation by show of hands to determine the best time for the second service.
  
• Michael Monnot is leading a confirmation class of teenagers in preparation for the Bishop's visit on May 15.
  
• The Rector circulated a chart of attendance over the past two years. Total average Sunday attendance for 12 months up to February 2004 was 186; a year later it was 178. During that time, the average at the 8:00 a.m. service decreased and at the 9:00 a.m. service increased. (If you would like a copy of the figures, ask the Rector).
  
• The Energy Committee is doing an audit of our energy usage. Their next meeting is early April.
  
• In the next few weeks, you will receive a survey form by which the vestry wants to know what are your concerns. Please complete it and return it as soon as possible.
  
• We applauded the leaders of the St. Patrick's corned beef dinner.
  
• Judy Buff and Jane Hall were authorized to tidy up the bulletin boards in the parish hall.
  Hugh Stevenson

  ENERGY COMMITTEE
  The newly formed Energy Committee is now functioning after Vestry approval of its charter in February. Its major goals are to reduce ongoing energy costs, and to evaluate the potential of alternate sources of energy, such as solar panels. Members of the Committee are: Fred Fisher, Junior Warden, as the Chair; Hank McLain, Property Manager, as Co-Chair; Louisa Carter, Bill McDonald and Tom Nute. An audit of energy consumption in the past year and identification of savings opportunities is underway and solar energy users and vendors are being contacted.
  Bill McDonald

  EPISCOPAL ELECTION
  Focus Groups will be meeting on April 12 from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. in the Southwestern Deanery at the following locations: Holy Family Church, Rohnert Park, Holy Trinity, Ukiah and Grace Church Fairfield. They will consider such questions as: What is the role of the Bishop in the Church today? Where are we, as a Diocese, in our spiritual journey? What kind of person do we need to fulfill the role of Bishop in this Diocese at this particular time in our spiritual journey? Can you attend? The Diocese seeks your input.

  WHO'S IN CHARGE?
  At the annual Vestry/Treasurers/Rectors' conference, the Bishop reminds us of the canons of our Church. The administration of a parish has checks and balances. At first sight, the Rector has lots of power. The Rector has ultimate responsibility for worship. He or she controls all parish organizations and decides how the church and parish buildings are used. All staff report to the Rector.

  The elected Vestry is responsible for the maintenance of the buildings. They elect the treasurer and have control over the finances of the parish. The Vestry are the Trustees who manage the affairs and business of the parish. It is our duty and our joy to serve the people of our parish. Therefore we want to know what is on your mind.
  Hugh Stevenson

   

  YOUTH GROUP NEWS

  Trip To Mexico
  Fundraising and planning are going well for the Youth Group's trip to Mexico. We will leave on Saturday, June 18 and return on Friday June 24. Everyone at St. Patrick's has been extremely supportive of this effort and we are all very grateful. We have 2 more fundraisers coming up.

  Pancake Breakfast
  Get ready for another delicious pancake breakfast and fellowship from 8:15 a.m. on Sunday, April 10. Look for the kids to be selling tickets in the weeks prior. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under. Proceeds go to the mission trip to Mexico.

  Rummage Sale
  The Youth Group will be holding a rummage sale on Saturday, May 7, in the Parish Hall. Do you have anything you'd like to donate? Bring your rummage items to church and just put them in the Youth Group room. Please, NO mattresses, clothing, or shoes. We will also be storing things in the storage locker. The kids will be setting up and pricing items on Friday, May 6, and the sale will run from 8 to 1 on Saturday, May 7. If you'd like to help, please call Ann Peters at 833-5524. All proceeds go to the mission trip.

  Youth Group Meeting
  The next Youth Group meeting will be Sunday, April 17 after the 9 a.m. service: at 9:45 in the Youth Group Room.

  CAMP NOEL PORTER
  It's time to sign up for summer camp. See fliers in the Parish Hall, or on line at . Counselor training for young people 15 ½ and older begins on June 12. The cost is $240 for the week. Regular camps start June 29 (till August 13) and cost $275. There are "Early bird specials" with $20 off, if you register before May 30. You have to get the approval of your clergy or Senior Warden, so please get your application to me to sign off as soon as possible.

  Camp Noel Porter has been in operation since 1953. The summer program is for young people going into grades 4-12. The camp occupies 11 acres south of Tahoe City. The campers lead the daily worship in the outdoor chapel; there are campfires, swimming (for some) in the icy lake, barbecues, arts and crafts, and a program presented by the chaplain of the week. It is a time to unwind, to make friends and to come closer to God and new friends.
  Hugh Stevenson

  Ropes Course
  The youth group will be "team building" doing the ropes course at Westminster Woods on Sunday, May 22. They will be holding a car wash to help defray the costs of this exercise.

  CAMP IS COMING
  Each evening at the end of campfire At Camp Noel Porter, all the campers sing the first verse of Day is done. Here are the other verses.

  Day is done
  Gone the sun
  From the lakes,
  From the hills,
  From the sky.
  All is well,
  Safely rest.
  God is nigh.

  Fading light
  Dims the sight,
  And a star
  Gems the sky,
  Gleaming bright
  From afar
  Drawing nigh,
  Falls the night.

  Thanks and praise
  For our days,
  'Neath the sun,
  'Neath the stars,
  'Neath the sky
  As we go,
  This we know:
  God is nigh

   

  Bishop's Conference

  The Fifth Bishop's Conference to be held April 26-28 2005. It will focus on Discovering Spirituality. Norvene Vest will be the keynote speaker. It will be held at Konocti Harbor. For further information, call the Rector. Registration and information can be found on the Diocesan webpage www.dncweb.org/. These are the workshops:
  Spirituality of the Daily Office
  Developing Spirituality of Parish Life
  Spirituality of Aging
  Spirituality and Music
  Dealing with stress
  Tai Chi
  Starting and Developing Intercessory Prayer Groups
  Prayer and Youth
  Making and Praying the Rosary
  Intro to Lectio Divina
  Spirituality of the Psalms
  Gen-X, Gen-Y Spirituality
  Spirituality of the Eucharist
  Monastic Spirituality
  Creative Writing
  Art and Religion
  Spirituality at Work
  Centering Prayer
  The Journey to Self

  ENDOWMENT FUND REQUESTS
  Applications for grants from St. Patrick's Endowment Fund are due, May 1, 2005. The Endowment is used for capital needs of the parish and for other outreach activities sponsored by St. Patrick's. Call Will Haymaker at 537-1169 for additional information on the Endowment Fund. Grant application forms are available in the church office.

   

  Bizarre Bazaar

  BIZARRE BAZAAR NEEDS
  Knitters, Seamstresses, Woodworkers and a whole lot of "stuff"

  Check out the Bizarre Bazaar table at coffee hour most Sundays from now through October. We¹ll have examples of our latest workshop and individual projects, sign-up sheets, the latest Hutzpah List (which is a request for materials that we need) and boxes underneath the table in which to deposit your treasures for us.

  We have big goals this year, and we need helping hands, ideas and materials to make St. Patrick¹s ECW charity fundraiser a success. The immediate needs are for:
  JARS: jam and jelly jars, also pint jars
  FABRIC: Silk, satin and velvet remnants: Small pieces that can be used for various products such as eye pillows, jewelry bags, etc.; larger pieces for tree skirts, table runners, etc.
  RIBBON: French wire ribbon, narrow ribbon, any color
  DRIED GOODS: Flax seeds, dried lavender
  TERRA COTTA POTS: All sizes (we can clean, but no chips or cracks, please)
  MISC: White angel hair; Hot Pink dishwashing gloves, size medium.
  PEOPLE: knitters, seamstresses and woodworkers for specific projects (or, bring us your ideas). Knitters, contact Judy Kimsey, 538-6050; seamstresses, contact Marcia Ronchetti, 537-7703; woodworkers, contact Cynthia Pennington, 996-4094.