May 2004 Vol. 6 No. 5 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 May 2004 [Vol. 6 No. 5]

Motivations Turning Points Worship in June Around St. Patrick's John Bogart Library Unique Boutique Youth Group News Camp Noel Porter Mexico Send-Off Biblical Jokes Vestry Notes

---

Motivations

Since university days, I have been an avid note taker. When I attend courses nowadays when the speaker says, "Good morning," I write it down! At recent courses, I have made lists of resolutions. At one Alban Institute course, I wrote more than 100 of them. When I re-read the list 6 months later, I found that I had carried out 70 of them.

I gained plenty of good ideas at the CREDO course I attended recently in Richmond VA. The purpose of the course was "Clergy Wellness." On the practical front I resolved to eat more "rainbow" fruits and vegetables, to take multi-vitamins and to wear dark glasses because sunlight can give me macular degeneration. I decided that I do not have to pretend that I am 35 anymore.

The purpose of the course was to put together a CREDO plan, for which we had to answer several questions. I had answered the question "What are you going to do?" But the crucial question was, "Why?" We needed to come up with a BHAG (which stands for Big Hairy Audacious Goal). My goal was to take care of my wellbeing, because my "body is the temple of the Holy Spirit." (1Cor. 6:19) It's a stewardship thing. Other questions that I had to answer included, "When are you going to start," "Who will support you in carrying out your goal," and "Who will be affected?"

I learnt a number of things from this process: that I tend to start with the various steps that I plan to take and only afterwards, after a time of reflection, identify the over-arching goal. But once I have a goal there is a reason for following through and I become motivated. With this comes a sense of self-worth. I realized also that there are people out there whom I can ask to be my support.

We have many plans in progress at St Patrick's at the present moment. Each member of your vestry is actively carrying out their portfolio. At first sight the plans are diverse and unrelated. I believe that if we reflected upon them, we would find that there is a BHAG behind them all, which both empowers us and motivates us in following through.

Sooner or later we will conclude that it's a stewardship thing. We believe that God has entrusted us with certain responsibilities and as faithful stewards we will carry them out for his sake. And who will help us? The congregation of St Patrick's is marvelously supportive. But ultimately it is God's Spirit who will direct us; "faithful is he who calls."

Hugh Stevenson

Turning Points

For this, much thanks:
Ann Peters has given outstanding leadership to the Mission to Mexico.
Thanks to Robert Young and the choir:
Connie van Loben Sels
Bernadette Gibb
Phyllis Cressy
Charlotte Horne
Else Redmond
Jackie Senter
Elayne Roland
Linda Lewis
Hank McLain
Hugh Stevenson
Armand Russell
John redmond

Relocation:
Helen and Rob McPeak, Kinnon and Doug, are moving to 4040 Clove Hitch Street, North Las Vegas.
Molly Morgan is at 6124, Village 6, Camarillo CA, 93012-6916

We ask God's protection of:
those serving in the military overseas
Frank Papworth
Adam Derum
Rick Bolen
Ryan Gnecco
Benjamin Borger
Michael Anderson
Mike Bennett

We will exalt you, O God, our King:
We give thanks for the birth of Cole Stephens, son of Mary Alyce and Mark at the beginning of May. Cole weighed in at nearly 8 lb!
For the birth of twins for Liz and Lang O'Brien on April 10: Walter Middleton II and Lee Stuart, both 5 lbs.
Patty Gerber had 2 great grandsons in one week!
For Eddie Gibb, valedictorian at St Eugene's.
For Amanda, Granddaughter of Laurie Raess.

Congratulations to our graduating seniors:
Matt Atkin, who will attend UCLA, and Amber Papworth who will attend Santa Rosa Junior College, with a view to doing nursing.
Who else is graduating?

May they know God's healing power:
Linda Belding
Lolita Seguin
Hertha Brown
Phyllis Arack
Joan Ingold
Henry Williams
Lincoln McLain
Win Warfield had a stroke
For Vernon, father of Charlotte Horne
For Natalie, daughter of Cathy Landon
For Karen, friend of Marge Ruehrdanz

Blessings on:
John Leech who will be assisting the Rev. Steve Brannon at Trinity, Sonoma, for the 2nd half of 2004. If everything is in order John should be ordained to the provisional diaconate towards the end of the year.

May they rest in peace:
Katherine Monnier Lucas died May 9

Deepest sympathy:
To Polly Lengquist in Florida, on the death of her daughter.
To Micke and Don Allison on the death of Micke's step-mother, Phyliss Mealman.

NEXT MONTH'S GRAPEVINE
The summer Grapevine will cover the 2 months of July and August. Please submit your material by Thursday, June 17.

Worship In June

At the 9:00 a.m. service, we will send out the Missioners to Mexico with our blessing. We will celebrate the baccalaureate for our graduates.

At the 10:30 a.m. service, the choir will sing for the last time before thje summer recess. We will thank God for their gifts.

June 13: The summer worship schedule begins. Services will be at 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

After the second service there will be a Formation Meeting for Candidates for the Daughters of the King.

At 5:30 p.m. Cantiamo, directed by Carol Menke will sing Evensong. There will be a retiring collection to defray expenses. There will be a light supper to follow.

June 20: Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

June 27: Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

After the second service, there will be an "Introduction to St Patrick's" for all those who are new in our congregation. Please register at the parish office (833-4228) if you are interested or if you would like more information.

July 4: Independence Day falls on a Sunday this year. Kenwood gets very crowded because of the Kenwood Festival and World Pillow Fighting Championship. There will be only one service on that day, at 9:00 a.m. We will thank God for the birth of our nation and sing, "God of our Fathers."

Around St. Patrick's

Thanks to our outgoing officers:
President: Barbara Fry
Vice-President: Jini Bauer
Secretary: Fran Nute
Treasurer: Alice Fielder

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING

• The Annual lunch will take place at Café Europa, at noon on Saturday, June 12
• The formation meeting for candidates to the Daughters of the King, will take place at 10:45, (after the 9:30 service) on June 13.

OUTREACH
At the meeting on May 5, the Outreach Committee made one grant for our 2nd Quarter giving: a gift of $1000 to Doctors Without Borders.

ABRAHAM
A summer course of sermons on the life of Abraham will begin on July 11. When God made the covenant with Abraham, he and his successors became God's people.

HOUSE SITTING
Thank you for your response to my availability for house sitting. If you have plans to be gone in June, I must tell you that month is full. However, I am available during July, August and September. So if you have need of someone to take very good care of your house during that period, give me a call at (530)265-3977 or e-mail npohledit@infostations.com.
Blessings, Nina Pohl.

John Bogart Library

First is The Reformation by Diarmaid MacCulloch. This is considered to be "one of the most magisterial stylishly written historical works published in a decade." Don't let this fulsome praise deter you from reading it. The author is Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford University. Here is not only religious history but social history at its very best, focusing on the ways the turmoil of the 16th and 17th century affected the lives of ordinary people. It is a hefty volume, but very easy to read and thoroughly engrossing.

A second excellent book is Angels. An Endangered Species by Malcolm Godwin. Four religions believe the cosmos is divided into heaven, earth and hell: Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Islam. All have angels which are discussed in this book, ranging from the Archangel Gabriel to extra-terrestrials The book is lavishly illustrated. (The gift of Irene and Donald Odone)

The pre-Reformation church in England is the subject of The Stripping of the Altars. Traditional Religion in England 1400-1580 by Eamon Duffy. Duffy's purpose is to "map the range and vigour of late medieval and early Modern English Catholicism", particularly as it was practiced in the traditional English parish church. Considering that no secular calendar existed in those times, the liturgical one was inextricable from daily life. Church life was much livelier and vibrant than it is today. This book gives a full picture of that life. (The gift of Marge Ruehrdanz)

Lastly, there is a new novel, Ghost Writer by Rene Gutteridge. You be the judge of the blurb: "Don't start reading Ghost Writer after dinner unless you can afford to lose a night's sleep."

Unique Boutique

We need your help as well. Do you have a project that you can work on at home? Perhaps you could sew, knit or crochet tale linens, aprons, scarves, hats, sweaters (for babies or adults), make a stuffed animal doll or jewelry, create unusual holiday ornaments of decorations. Perhaps you would prefer to take some of our tea towels to embroider. If you have a unique idea for an unusual item it would be welcome.

If you prefer a more social setting, please come to the Unique Boutique workshops, the second and fourth Friday of every month. We are working on a variety of new merchandise this year, including new Christmas ornaments and a line of pet products. Refreshments are served and it is a great opportunity to meet and work with other church members.

If crafts aren't your forte, perhaps you can contribute by helping out on Boutique Day in October? We need volunteers to help set up and take down, serve coffee and tea, cashier and direct parking, among other tasks. You may contribute items for the Silent Auction such as silver, glassware, china, linens, antiques, and jewelry which all command a good price.

Please contact Elayne Roland, 538-3134, and let us know how you can contribute to our charitable fund raising effort.

Youth Group News

Thanks to the following people: Elizabeth, Gus, Ross & Alec Peters, Anne & Chuck Chapman, Bette Leedom, Pris and Jack Abercrombie, Elayne Roland, Claire Morelli, Max Church, Lori and Allyson Hunt, Sarah Phillips, Mike, Eva and Jack Atkin, Helen Doughty, Meredith & Sarah Johnson, Margaret Merchat, Kate and Adrienne Fountaine, Kate Aldrich, Mel Pohl, Carol Papworth, Scott Alderson, Jane Hall, Lincoln & Hank McLain and Bobette Watson. If I forgot anyone, I apologize. You were all wonderful!

The Youth Group Pancake Breakfast on April 25 was also a great success. We raised over $400. Thanks especially to Adrienne Fountaine who was in charge of the whole thing. The food was delicious, the Parish Hall looked so pretty, and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.

All this year in the entire congregation has been so supportive of our fundraising efforts and we really appreciate it, especially all the support of Father Hugh. We hope we've given you some good fellowship in return. As Hank McLain said after the rummage sale, "I guess now we really have to go to Mexico!"
We leave on June 12 and will return June 19, with tales to tell!
Ann Peters

Camp Noel Porter

Mexico Send-Off

Peter Rosser, who has played for us before, will lead the music for that service.

We will celebrate our graduating seniors. Matt Atkin and Amber Papworth are graduating this year.

Biblical Jokes

• What kind of man was Boaz before he married? A. Ruthless
• What do they call pastors in Germany?
  A. German Shepherds.
• Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
  A. Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.
• What was the greatest female financier in the Bible? A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.
• What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
  A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.
• Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
  A. Samson. He brought the house down.
• What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?
  A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.
• What's the phone number of the Garden of Eden?
  A. ADAM-8-1-2
• Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
  A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.
• Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
  A. The area around Jordan. The banks were always overflowing.
• Which Bible character had no parents?
  A. Joshua, son of Nun

Vestry Notes

• We began to plan a capital funds drive to pay for such capital expenses as air conditioning the Church (for which we are currently receiving estimates) and the Education Center, repairing the roofs over the sacristy and offices (both leak when it rains), fixing up the driveways. Our goal will probably be about $50,000.
• We picked up the issue that was raised at the Annual Meeting, of subsiding delegates to the Diocesan Convention. Alas, we are already working with a bare bones budget. We decided to pay the full cost of accommodation for three delegates; preference will be given to newer delegates. One of the three should be an official delegate from the vestry who will report back. The Rector checked up on other churches in our Deanery. Out of 10 parishes and missions, 3 pay for lodging and meals.
• The Endowment Committee will pay for the air conditioning of the Education Center (about $3,500); but this will be repaid from the Capital Funds Drive. [The installation has now been completed]
• Assistant. The Bishop has given us the name of a candidate whom we are following up. There are others in our Diocese who are looking for an assistant's position.
• The Rev. Ed Howell is now officially an associate (i.e. unpaid) of St Patrick's. He and Terry are transferring their membership back to us. Ed spoke to the ECW about church work in the Diocese of Honduras. Both he and Terry were involved in a freak motorcycle accident. But are doing well.
• St Patrick's Day dinner. We thanked Kate Aldrich for her leadership. She in turn thanked Bette Leedom, Rosie Speight and Chuck Chapman.
• Fred Fisher has provided a revised sign for outside the church. He and John Morelli are discussing improving the highway sign. John is also working on a "Warning: Church!" or "Slow! Traffic turning into Church!" sign, or similar.
• John has arranged for us to have 6 months advertising in the Oakmont News [3 days after the advertisement first appeared, an Oakmonter called for details of the 8:00 a.m. service!]
• Ann Peters reported on moneys raised for the Mission to Mexico and the schedule. Margaret Merchat is handling arrangements for the van and insurance; Hank McLain is organizing the tools we will need; Jackie Senter is preparing First Aid equipment.
• Jane Hall is talking to a donor about the gift of two Gingko trees to go behind the Memorial Garden
• We are continuing to discuss Year Round Stewardship. The vestry will eventually present a resolution to the congregation.

At the April Meeting:

• We heard that the single service on April 25 had gone well. The goal was for the whole congregation to worship together. Breakfast was provided by the youth group
• We are discussing having a grand piano, which we may "park" in the church entrance when it is not in use.
• We talked about having a summer supper and dance (sometime in July)
• Vic Howard is arranging with Carol Menke and Cantiamo for Choral Evensong on June 13 with supper to follow.
• Margaret Bock convened a taskforce on the 9:00 a.m. service with some actions to be taken.
• A number of people helped Ann and the Youth Group set up for the Rummage Sale on May 1.

As with all our vestry meetings we opened and closed with prayer.