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July/August 2001
Vol. 3 No. 7
July or August Calendars (PDF file)
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Table of Contents for July/August 2001 [Vol. 3 No. 7]
COMMODITIES
The Constitution calls for the separation of church and state. I have always wondered what this really means. Does it mean that the church cannot comment on affairs of state? In our
Sunday course on King David, we will find that the prophet, Nathan, calls David to account for stealing the wife of Uriah the Hittite and of causing his death in battle. David does not say
to Nathan, "Don't meddle in affairs of state, which are none of your business." Instead, David repents of his actions, turns back to the Lord, seeking forgiveness.
When Jesus teaches "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," he is not separating things into two distinct compartments. Caesar was
claiming to be God and insisting upon authority over religion. Jesus responds that so far from all things being under Caesar's control, God is sovereign and Lord of all.
Political and economic issues are also moral issues. The prophets, from Old Testament times up to our own day, have commented upon such things. I want to do the same. Just as we are
all ministers (according to the catechism in the Prayer Book, p. 855), all of us are also theologians who are trying to make sense of current affairs from a divine perspective. What
do we believe that God's view is of personal and national events? Different people will come to different conclusions.
Let me give an example concerning commodities. We begin with Joseph (Genesis 47). Joseph rose to become the comptroller of all Egypt under Pharaoh. It was revealed to him
that there would be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. He stored up vast quantities of corn and sold it during the severe famine in exchange for all the silver in
Egypt and Canaan. After the silver was spent, people handed over their flocks, and then their land, and finally themselves as slaves in exchange for corn to keep themselves alive. Joseph
started a system of taxation: the people were allowed to keep four fifths of their harvest, but one fifth belonged to Pharaoh. So food became a commodity to be bought and sold, and a
government instituted the first example of taxation.
The economic law of supply and demand came into effect. Those with resources could
charge as much as the market would bear. This principle was capable of manipulation and exploitation. But God's law, as revealed to Moses, required that mercy be shown to the poor
and those without resources for God's sake, because they had all been slaves in Egypt and the Lord redeemed them. So Amos and other prophets complained that when the rich had
cornered the market, they were abusing their position, "grinding the heads of the poor into the earth and thrusting the humble out of their way."
In the past 20 years we have seen examples of exploitation. Michael Milken, "the junk bond king," was sent to prison for insider trading and racketeering. Margaret Thatcher, who was
one of the foremost advocates for a market economy, called corporate raiding, "the unacceptable face of capitalism." Market forces were intended to regulate the prices of things,
but prices were manipulated.
Margaret Thatcher was also very much in favor of privatization-resources which hitherto had
been run by the government were sold to private industry and their prices became subject to market forces. It was argued that industry would be more efficient than government. My
question is: are there any essential services, which should not become commodities to be bought and sold to the highest bidder?
Food became a commodity in ancient Egypt. But what about health care or our water supply or energy (whether it be gas for the car or electricity for the home)? Sooner or later we may
know whether the current energy crisis has been brought about by industries that saw an opportunity to make a fast buck. We should remember that it is always the poorest who suffer.
--Hugh Stevenson
NOTES TO THE CONGREGATION
Welcome Layten Heckman!
On July 1, we commission Layten Heckman as our new music director and organist. Layten
is no stranger at St. Patrick's. Robert Young invited him to play at the dedication of our new organ. He has also "supplied" at weddings and funerals and occasionally on Sundays when
Robert was away.
Most recently he has been the organist and director of music at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Healdsburg. He has also directed music at Episcopal churches in the Bay area.
As well as a great organist and choral director, Layten has composed a number of original works. He has directed the performance of larger works with orchestras, including Faure's
Requiem and Vivaldi's Gloria, as well as training a children's choir. At St. Paul's, he introduced Taizé chant.
Layten gained his music degree from Saint Olaf College in Minnesota and studied with Marie-Claire Alain in Paris. He was the winner of a national competition in organ
performance at Fort Wayne. He has been the Dean of the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
We are very fortunate to have Layten as our new Director of Music. Welcome, Layten!
Welcome to Julie Wizorek
Julie was ordained deacon on June 23 in San Jose. She and her husband, Martin, have been
house hunting in this neighborhood. Julie will begin at St. Patrick's at the beginning of August and will be commissioned on August 5. Come that Sunday and meet her and Martin!
Lay Reader training
On July 12, at 2:00 p.m. Under the direction of the clergy, a lay reader leads public worship.
In order to become a Lay Reader, one needs to be familiar with the contents of the Prayer Book, the rubrics, the lectionary and the calendar of the church. A Lay Reader is different
from a Lay Eucharistic Visitor who takes Communion to the house bound and a Lay Eucharistic Minister who administers the chalice at the Sunday Eucharist. A number of people
have expressed an interest in having "the daily offices" (Morning or Evening Prayer) read daily in church by lay people. Would you also be interested in taking part? Please contact the
Rector and do come and join us on July 12.
Summer Dress
During these hot summer Sundays, please feel free to "dress comfortably." There is no rule
that says that when you attend an Episcopal church you have to wear jackets and ties etc.
David's Story
During summer Sundays, we shall hear the stories about King David. Before his time, what we now call Judah and Israel were made up of many small tribal or family units, presided over
by a local chieftain. David successfully united these tribes and gave them a capital in Jerusalem. The unified kingdoms survived until the death of his son, Solomon. Although he
was an absolute ruler, similar to the Kings of the neighboring nations, he still accepted that he was answerable to the Lord, and that he would justly pay the penalty for his misdeeds. From
him would all future kings of Israel and Judah be descended. So one of the titles of Jesus was "Son of David." Because the stories are quite lengthy, we shall omit the Epistle during these
Sundays.
Shamrock Supper
On July 15, there will be a potluck supper at 5:00 p.m., to which all are invited. The speaker
will be Bill Perry, and his topic: David Livingstone. He was the English explorer who opened up Central Africa for Christianity, commerce and civilization in the mid-19th century. Please
sign up in the Parish Hall, and bring a dinner course and your own place setting.
Pete Wolffe
Camp Noel Porter
The first camp began on June 24, we sent ten children (between grades 4 and 9), and also two teenagers as camp counselors. There will be a steady stream of children going up to
camp from St. Patrick's. We have a scholarship fund for those who would like assistance (thanks to the generosity of Dorothy Mowry and the ECW). The money that is given on
Sundays in celebration of wedding anniversaries and birthdays, also goes to Camp Noel Porter. At this time, there is room at all camps, but the camps later on in the summer tend to
be more booked up. In the fall, we hope to have a "Camp Noel Porter Sunday" when campers can tell their stories and we can sing some camp songs.
Youth Group Room
The education room at the back of the parish hall, formerly used by the Kindergarten Sunday School class has been designated: "The Youth Group Room." Members of the youth group
will be painting it on Sunday August 26. After they finish, there will be a barbecue and swim at the Philbins. During July, we hope to have another swim party; the date depends upon
when children are not at camp.
TURNING POINTS
Congratulations to Connie van Loben sels who will celebrate her birthday on July 14.
Blessings on Steven Merla and Michelle Renee, who will be married on July 28.
on Laura Codding and Drew McGowan who will be married on August 25.
Thanks to the choir for their music during the past year
Connie van Loben selsCharlotte Horne
Jackie SenterBernadette Gibb
Elayne RolandHank McLean
John LeechSpence Flournoy
Also to:
Diane SextonBob Morrison
Michelle Jasso
who sang in the choir this year and have moved away.
Thanks to Shirley Rush for heading up the Vacation bible school and for Sharon Traeger, her assistant.
Thanks
to Sandra Hammond, the outgoing President of the Episcopal Church Women and Elayne Roland, the incoming President. The rest of the committee is Nancy Dill, President
elect, Carolyn Perry (secretary) and Marcia Ronchetti (treasurer).
Farewell. Neil McKay. Neil has sold his house and moved to Houston, but it's hard to
believe that he and Corkie will not be back here soon for an extended visit! Neil has held almost every office in the parish (senior and Junior Warden, Treasurer, Property Chairman and others).
Farewell. Bill and Shirley Rush are moving to Medford, Oregon in August. They came to St. Patrick's at the beginning of 1996 from Christ Church Windsor, and have been involved in so
many things since then: scheduling Lectors, chairing the Worship Commission, organizing the coffee roster, chairing the fellowship committee in addition to the Vacation Bible School.
St. Patrick's is grateful for the ministry of these people and we'll miss them.
In Memorium. Tom Clark died on June 17. He served on the vestry and was on the search
committee when I first came. He used his talents to take care of the structure of the church. He built the altar gate and gave the sound system, so that the service will be audible to all. He
was the church's foreman for the building of the Education Center. He was in charge of the ushers. He cooked chicken when we had fall barbecues and corned beef for the St. Patrick's
Day dinners in the spring. Above all we will miss his cheerfulness and his friendship. Our deepest sympathy to Louise and Chloe and Leslie.
Thanks.
Angela and I want to thank you all for the wonderful fiesta marking the 10th anniversary of our arrival at St. Patrick's. It was a wonderful occasion. So many people
came. The food was abundant. The entertainment was excellent. Very many people helped with the organization. What mystifies me is how you can have held meetings to organize
without my knowing it! We don't know which individuals to thank-so let us thank you all. Thanks too for the gifts and the very generous check and gift token for Yosemite. Last year
we went in October and it snowed; we hope maybe to return there next spring.
Hugh and Angela.
OUTREACH OF THE ECW OF ST. PATRICK'S - 2000-01
The proceeds of the Unique Boutique and other fund raising event have been disbursed as follows:
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Vineyard Workers Services
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$1,000
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Camp Noel Porter
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$500
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FISH
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$1,000
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YWCA Women’s Shelter
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$300
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Manna Home for Women/Redwood Gospel Mission
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$300
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Valley of he Moon Children’s Home Fndn
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$1,000
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Starcross Monastic Community (care for HIV positive children, etc.)
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$150
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Kenwood School Lunch Program and Lunch fund
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$500
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Wildlife Center for Disease & Toxic Investigation
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$100
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Redwood Empire Food Bank
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$500
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Interfaith Shelter Network
(Emergency Shelter Program & transitional housing)
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$500
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The Living Room (homeless women and Children)
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$400
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American Bible Society
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$250
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Food for the Poor
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$400
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Lillian Vallely School (for Indian Children)
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$1,000
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Sisters of the Transfiguration (for Ministry in the Dominican Republic)
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$750
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TOTAL
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$8,650
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St. Patrick’s Parish special needs:
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Risograph for church office
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$2,416
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Matching funds for youth outreach
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Fundraiser
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$75
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Storage shed
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$750
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Tablecloths for Parish Hall
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$380
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Ironing board covers for Common Room
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$43
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TOTAL
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$3,664
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QUILTING GROUP
The St. Patrick's Quilting Group will meet this summer on the second Monday of each month - July 9th and August 13th. We will meet in the Common room at 1:30 p.m. All levels of
exper-ience are invited. Bring what you are working on to share with us. At the last meeting we helped some new quilters make a Nine Patch. In July we will help them put together the
patches to make a pillow. Maybe you will see some of them for sale at the Boutique in the fall. Bring what you need to work on your project, especially your machine if you need it. An
iron and ironing board are there. If you have any questions please call Judy Buff at 539-2667.
I hope to see all you quilters there!
WHOLENESS AND HEALTH MINISTRY COMMITTEE
The Wholeness and health Ministry Committee needs YOU! Since we have begun arranging for transportation to medical visits, respite care, casseroles, and friendly visits to some of our
homebound or hospitalized parishioners, the volume of requests has outgrown our original pool of people willing to volunteer. We especially need people to do the driving to medical
appointments. If you can give us a hand we would really appreciate it. Call Rae Jayne, June coordinator (833-6177) or Fran and Larry Gent, July coordinators (538-2120) to volunteer.
--Rae Jayne
DOK - What's in a name?
Our Diocese of Northern California has 15 Chapters of The Daughters of the King. Each Chapter selects a name which is meaningful to their Order. St. Hilda was chosen as the
patron saint of our Order on January 21, 1982, because she was one of the early saints of the Church in Britain and Father Bogart, the rector of St. Patrick's at the time, said that St. Hilda
was one of the twelve saints chosen to be recognized with stained glass windows in the new church building.
Borrowing from an original report done by Doris Campbell on St. Hilda, I will give you the headlines of her life. St. Hilda, Abbess of Whitby, born in 614 was descended from the
Northumbrian royal family. She lived chaste and respected at the King's court for twenty years. The bishop was so impressed by her holiness of life that he called her to her home
country in East Anglia to live in a small monastic settlement. In 659 she founded a monastery for both men and women at Whitby where nuns and monks lived in strict obedience to Hilda's
rules of justice, devotion, chastity, peace, and charity. Those living under her rule devoted so much time to the study of Scripture and to the works of righteousness that many were found
qualified for ordination. She was sought out by kings and other public men for her wise counsel. She died November 17, 680.
"Prayer is so simple. It is like quietly opening a door and slipping into the very presence of God." (DOK Handbook). Call the church office if you or someone you know needs prayer
and the Daughters of the King will pray for them.
In the fall watch for an announcements of a gathering where the women of St. Patrick's can
learn more about The Daughters of The King, St. Hilda's Chapter.
--Sharon Traeger
537-8661
UNIQUE BOUTIQUE
Beginning in August the workshop will meet every Friday. We are still looking for people to embroider or appliqué the many tea towels we have. Johanna Knight has washed and
hemmed and they are ready for decorations. The Unique Boutique is looking for the following items: Jars for jellies and jams (Jean Meyer or Marge Ward), plants for the outdoor
Garden shop(Connie van Loben Sels or Shirley Flournoy), and items for the silent auction (Marilyn Schlanger). Please give these wonderful ladies a call if you can help.
Barbara Fry would like to hear from all independent crafters. She is looking for an update on works in progress. So if you are working on something special give Barbara a call.(538-2164)
Newcomers to St. Patrick's can give a hand this year at The Unique Boutique. Eva Atkin, Hostess Chair is looking for hostesses this year. I did it last year and had much fun. Give Eva
a call at 833-1825 if you are interested.
--Robin Goerl
OUTREACH COMMITTEE
This committee meets four times a year and would welcome you at their next meeting on Thursday, August 2nd at 10:00 a.m. Please call Barbara Fry for further information. (538-2164)
JOHN BOGART LIBRARY
There are three new books in the library this month. All were donated.
Barbara Rosenberry gave us "Silent Night" by Mary Higgins Clark. Although Clark is noted
for her mystery stories, this is a very special story about the power of love, and a child's courage and faith.
Marcia Ronchetti gave us a copy of "Conversations with God, an uncommon dialogue", by Neale Donald Walsh. This is a biography in which the author describes the answers he felt he
received to questions he asked of God.
For feminists among us, Jeanne Anderson donated "Beyond God the Father. Toward
Philosophy of Women's Liberation", by Mary Daly. This book was published in 1973 and is a pioneering work in the field.
--Ronnie Leonard
3rd ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY LEMON-ADE PROJECT - KENWOOD
As unbelievable as it may sound Kenwood's 4th of July party is a pillow-mud fight. The object is for two people to sit facing each other on a slick large pole/pipe and swing at each
other with wet pillows! The loser (and often the winner as well) fall into a giant mud pit and the audience roars with approval! These highly organized contests go on all day. Other
attract-ions are a parade, magic shows, games, face painting, and, of course, lots of food of all kinds. This unusual gathering on the Fourth has been going on for years and has a huge turnout.
Several years ago the St. Patrick's men's club thought this was an excellent opportunity, though distinctly an un-Episcopal venue, to do some evangelizing. This will be our third year.
We pass out unlimited free ice-cold lemonade and cookies to one and all. We pass out some 2,000 cups of lemonade, cookies and church brochures. It has been a huge success. With
each cup of lemonade we try to make strong eye contact and a friendly comment. This year we are passing out Chinese fortune cookies with the lemonade. The enclosed "fortune"
promotes our Vacation Bible School.
Normally 15-20 parish members support and help out with the booth. Join us this year for
some real down to earth evangelistic efforts. Sign up in the parish hall or call Charlie Buff at 539-2667, or George MacLeod at 833-2089.
FROM THE BISHOP - June 6, 2001
Dear Hugh:
I want to thank you and all the members of St. Patrick's for a delightful visitation this past weekend. I particularly enjoyed a chance to have a conversation with members of your parish
between the services and then the time with the vestry after we completed the session. I know a lot of people gave up their Sunday afternoon and put a lot of effort into these two events
and I do hope that you will pass on my gratitude to all of them.
I thought the confirmation class, both the young folks and the adults, were a delightful group
of people. It seemed to me as if the Holy Spirit was truly present and active in the congregation on Sunday. I do look forward to having a visit with the candidates to be your
associate in the near future. I look forward to my next visit to St. Patrick's.
Sincerely,
The Rt. Rev. Jerry A. Lamb
DON'T UNDERESTIMATE YOU!
Norman Cousins, distinguished editor of the Saturday Review of Literature and author of the best selling book, The Anatomy of an Illness, recently delivered the commencement address
at Pepperdine University where his grandson is completing his undergraduate training. Mr. Cousins is a man of remarkable insight and personal warmth whose valiant battle against a
dread disease has given hope to countless ill people. He refused to accept the verdict this his disease was terminal. He actively "fought" to live. He is very much alive.
In the university's outdoor amphitheater overlooking the blue Pacific, Norman Cousins shared with us five lessons he had learned from life.
First, "The great tragedy of life is not death, but what dies inside us while we live."
Second, "Life is an adventure in forgiveness."
Third, "Civilization gets its basic energy not from its dynamos but from its dreams."
Fourth, "No one knows enough to be a pessimist."
Fifth, "We should never underestimate our problems but neither should we underestimate our ability to deal with them."
IT'S SO TRUE
Today at the drugstore, the clerk was a gent. From my purchase this chap took off 10%. I asked for the cause of a lesser amount; and he answered, "Because of the Seniors Discount."
I went to McDonald's for a burger and fries; and there once again got quite a surprise. The clerk poured some coffee which he handed to me. He said, "For you Seniors the coffee is free."
Understand, I'm not old - I'm merely mature; But some things are changing, temporarily I'm sure. The newspaper print gets smaller each day, people speak softer, can't hear what they say.
My teeth are my own (I have the receipt.). and my glasses identify the people I meet. Oh, I've slowed down a bit, but not a lot, I'm sure. You see I'm not old - I'm only mature.
The gold in my hair has been bleached by the sun. You should see all the damage that chlorine has done. Time has caused all my hair to fall out, and I've given up hoping that more soon will sprout.
My car is all paid for - not a nickel is owed. Yet a kid yells "Old duffer - get off of the road!"
My car has no scratches, not even a dent. Still I get all that guff from a punk who's "Hell bent."
My friends all get older - much faster than me. They seem much more wrinkled, from what I can see. I've got "character lines" - not wrinkles for sure, But don't call me old - just call me
mature.
The steps in the house they are building today are so high that they take your breath all away. And the streets are much steeper than ten years ago. That should explain why my walking is
slow.
But I'm keeping up on what's hip and what's new, and I think I can still dance a mean bugaloo. I'm still in the running - in this I'm secure,
I'm not really old - I'm only mature.
Anon
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