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July/August 2006
Vol. 8 No. 7
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 July/August 2006 [Vol. 8 No. 7]
What is going on at St Patrick’s? This spring the average Sunday attendance at all services has been about 160, plus about 10 in Sunday school. This is a decline from past years. At the same time, we have more households and more pledging units than past years.
I went to a workshop at Davis with Alice Mann to find out. Alice is a senior consultant at the Alban Institute and an expert on congregational transitions. You can read the first chapter of her book, Raising the Roof: The Pastoral-to-Program Size Transition at the Alban website: http://alban.org/pdf/chapters/Chap_AL243.pdf.
She quotes the research of Gary McIntosh (in One Size Fits All) who shows that 150 members is the maximum number for a cell in which you can recognize outsiders and everyone can interact with everyone else. She calls that size “the tipping point.” When the cell expands beyond 150 members, people get uncomfortable. Alice says:
- “While the pastor and evangelism committee work hard on growth and welcome, members frequently say that it would be best to remain small so that we can all know each other.
- Growth plans are presented primarily as medicine to cure a budget squeeze; leaders hesitate to say that the congregation might have a vocation to reach more people.
- Though members describe the church as welcoming to newcomers, leaders hear many complaints about plans to add capacity; for example, by adding a worship service, expanding the staff, or buying land for parking.”
Of course organization can grow additional cells (for example, they attend different services or are of different age groups), but when that happens there is an enormous sense of loss.
From the time that I came to St Patrick’s 15 years ago, we have been preoccupied by numbers of attendance at worship on Sundays. At the beginning of the year, the vestry made the courageous decision to focus on involving all of our members in the life and leadership of the congregation. There is a niche for everyone. During the summer we will be planning for the fall. Where is your niche? Where would you like to be involved?
We have openings for worship leaders, in outreach, in welcoming newcomers, in year-round stewardship, in fellowship events, with landscaping and with Sunday school and youth group—to name some! What would you like to do? Hugh Stevenson
SUMMER EVENTS
Worship times
During the summer, the times of Sunday services are Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Psalms. We continue to say the psalm appointed for the day at the 10:00 a.m. service as well as at the early service.
Modern Creeds. At the 10:00 a.m. service we are using various contemporary versions of the Creed. These come from the Worship Book of Iona Abbey, in Scotland. The Prayers of the People come from Intercessions for the Christian People and are intended to tie in with the readings for the day. Let the Rector know what you think of them.
Air-conditioning. We should be cool enough in church thanks to the air conditioning, which you paid for through the Capital Funds drive.
Coffee Makers. Could you please keep an eye on the sign up sheets for coffee makers in the Parish Hall? Lets have coffee, tea or cold punch during the summer.
Summer hymns. During the summer, we sing “favorite hymns” that are (hopefully!) well known. Please make a list of your 10 (or 20) favorite hymns and send it to the Rector for use in future years.
July 2 Independence Sunday. We will celebrate the birth of our nation and sing some national hymns.
July 4. The Rector will be away for the inside of this week. On Wednesday, July 5, Morning Prayer & Healing at 9:00 a.m.
July 30. The Baptism of Lauren, daughter of Michael and Jennifer Carlson and granddaughter of Dick Beynon at the 10:00 a.m. service.
August 6. Choir party at Sandra & Armand Hammond’s. This is the Feast of the Transfiguration.
August 12. Ordination of John Leech in Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento at 10:00 a.m.
August 12. Barbecue at 6:30 p.m. at St Patrick’s for those who have joined St Patrick’s during the past five years.
August 13. On a hot summer’s evening, 24 years ago our church building was dedicated. Commemoration of benefactors at both services.
August 17. Please submit your articles by this date for the next Grapevine, which will be published at the end of the month. It will include details of the start up of parish activities after the summer recess.
September 3. At the 10:00 a.m. service, Robert Young and his jazz band, the Eldorado Syncopators, will kick-off the fall season with the second annual “Spence Flournoy Memorial Jazz Mass.”
September 10. We return to the three-service schedule: Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. (the contemporary service) and 10:30 a.m. with the choir.
CONSECRATION OF BARRY BEISNER
The Presiding Bishop, Frank T. Griswold, will be the chief consecrator at the ordination of Bishop-elect Barry Beisner, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on September 30, 2006. It will take place at Memorial Auditorium at the corner of 15th and J in downtown Sacramento. The Auditorium is opposite St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, which will be the staging area for clergy and others who will be part of the celebration. Following the Ordination there will be a reception at Trinity Cathedral. Who will be going from St Patrick’s?
PRESIDING BISHOP
KATHERINE,
Our Presiding Bishop
Katharine Jefferts Schori, bishop of the Diocese of Nevada, was elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church on June 18 at General Convention. She will be “enthroned” at Washington National Cathedral on November 4. She is the first woman in the Anglican Communion to be elected head of a national church.
Katharine Jefferts Schori, 51, was consecrated the ninth Bishop of Nevada in 2001.
She went to Nevada from Corvallis, Oregon where she was on the staff of the Church of the Good Samaritan. She was also dean of the Good Samaritan School of Theology, and priest-in-charge, El Buen Samaritano, Corvallis. She speaks Spanish.
Prior to ordination in 1994, she was a visiting assistant professor at Oregon State University's Department of Religious Studies, a visiting scientist at Oregon State University's Department of Oceanography, and an oceanographer with the National Marine Fisheries Service in Seattle.
She received her B.S. in biology from Stanford, her Masters in oceanography and her PhD from Oregon State University. She graduated at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in 1994; and they awarded her a Doctor of Divinity in 2001.
She is an active, instrument-rated pilot with more than 500 hours logged. Her husband is a retired theoretical mathematician (topologist). She was the guest preacher at our Diocesan Convention two years ago.
ENDOWMENT FUND
Applications for grants from the St. Patrick’s Endowment Fund are due July 28, 2006. If you have a project you would like to recommend to the Endowment Fund Committee for consideration, please call Will Haymaker at 537-1169 for additional information on the Endowment Fund. Grant application forms are available in the church office.
JOHN BOGART LIBRARY
There are no new books in the library just now. However, we have many fine biographies as well as fiction for your summer reading.
You will find biographies of Saints Peter, Paul, Patrick and Francis of Assisi. Also Martin Luther, Mother Teresa, Pontius Pilate. There is a very interesting account of the crusades with Richard the Lionheart and Saladin called Warriors of God. Muhammad by Karen Armstrong is timely. You’ll also find books on the Virgin Mary, King David, Moses and C.L. Lewis.
In the fiction section there are four mysteries by David Manuel featuring a priest as sleuth. Our own parishioner, Bill Babula, has written three mystery stories. If you haven’t read it already, we have the Da Vinci Code. There are Mary Called Magdalene by Margaret George and Sarum by Rutherford, which tells the tale of Salisbury Cathedral. Try the Gospel According to Pontius Pilate and for a short, delightful story Jesus and the Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church. A lot of interesting summer reading for your pleasure!
EMAIL
Our email problems are now fixed! You can reach the church at info@stpatskenwood.org;
Hugh Stevenson, at hugh@stpatskenwood.org;
Marcia Ronchetti at parishsec@cds1.net.
TURNING POINTS
All find a welcome:
Janice Moore has moved into Oakmont;
Carol, Robert, Val and Debbie from Transition House in Glen Ellen.
For this, much thanks:
To Robert Young and the choir for music-making at the 10:30 service, and the choir members:
| Phyllis Cressy | Charlotte Horne | Else Redmond |
| Elayne Roland | Bernadette Gibb | Jackie Senter |
| John Redmond | Hugh Stevenson | Armand Russell |
| Connie van Loben Sels | Henry Hayes |
To those who took part in the World Religions class (surely one of the best Adult Ed classes we have offered lately): Dennis Studebaker (Hinduism), Joann Haymaker (Islam & Sufism), Fran Danoff (Judaism), Ray Estabrook (Zen Buddhism), and Hugh Stevenson (Chinese Religions).
For the musicians at the guitar service on June 25: Judy Buff, Peter Rosser, Marshall Ward, Terry McNally, Raymond Skipp, Dennis Studebaker, Steve Yurosko and Kathy Littman.
Blessings on:
Nathan Ostrander received his first communion on June 4.
Cornelius Anthony Johnson & Madeline Ellen McFeely were married by Betsey Monnot on May 27.
Talia Angelina Merla was baptized on June 18.
Cliff Kent and Ginny Canfield, married on June 24.
Matthew Glynn and Marian Wampler to be married on July 8.
The Rev. Deacon John Leech has been approved for Ordination to the Priesthood. He will be ordained on August 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento. Who will be going from St Patrick’s?
Vashti Papworth thanks everyone for the prayers, cards and messages of support after her accident. She has never experienced anything like it and is deeply grateful.
Farewell:
Sharon Traeger is continuing her spiritual quest in other pastures. We are very grateful for the influence that she has had upon the spiritual life of St Patrick’s while being a member here.
Relocation:
Alice Maydoney who attended the 8 o’clock service since September 2001 is moving to Littleton, New Hampshire.
Tom & Fran Nute are moving to Palo Alto, closer to family.
We ask God’s protection of:
Those serving in the military overseas, especially Aaron Poust and Sam Jackson.
We will exalt you, O God, our King:
Congratulations to Marge Ward on the birth of her three latest great grandchildren, twins Cassidy & Dakota (June 8), and Alexandro (June 15).
Claire Sidener, daughter of Carol Menke on the birth of her son, Scott David Frydenlund, on June 13.
May they know God’s healing power:
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Hertha Brown | Pierre el Rief |
| Dave Jarrell | Hanan el Rief |
| Jane Dressler | Lolita Seguin |
| Janice Currie | Mark Kirkland |
| Linda Belding | Rose Rasicot |
| Helen Clasper | Dusty Lobette |
| Cynthia Pennington’s mother, Jeanne |
| Eleanor & Andy, brother of Carol Gwatkin |
May they rest in peace:
Don Jones died on June 18. Deepest sympathy to his wife Pat. They came to St Patrick’s for a number of years when they had a house in Oakmont, before moving back to Massachusetts.
Deepest sympathy:
To Elenore Streich on the death of her brother, Herman Kramer.
To Betsey & Michael Monnot on the death of their friend Paul Kerrigan.
To Charlie & Judy Buff on the death of Charlie’s brother-in-law, George Walls.
BAZAAR
THE HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Now that summer is here, there are a number of things we can do to contribute to the Holiday Bazaar:
We can attend the workshops on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. They are held from nine until noon and the ladies who attend are producing a number of exciting holiday ornaments and decorations for Halloween and Thanksgiving as well as Christmas. No expertise is required and the company and food are good.
We can contribute items needed for making these decorations: duck and goose eggs, whole spices, glass ornaments and jewelry, e.g., an earring with a missing match, broken brooches, necklaces, etc. Either bring them to the workshop or call Vicki Ward (539-3731) or Rosie Speight (538-3885).
After each Sunday service, we can go to the Parish Hall and pick up tea towels, transfers and thread to decorate them or kits to make decorations and other items to sell.
The Garden Shop is looking for old mason jars, small hand-held garden tools, and small monetary donations to purchase cut flows to put in the mason jars to carry out their nostalgic old fashioned garden theme. Marcia Ronchetti (537-7703) and Cynthia Pennington (481-8046) will be happy to pick them up.
With summer berries and fruits are coming on, we can make jams and jellies for the Gourmet Pantry. And if any of us have a surplus of fresh fruit or berries, Jean Meyer (833 5575) will put them to good use.
We need to keep searching our cupboards, closets and shelves for fine linens, china, silver or object d'art to be sold at the Silent Auction. Call Sandra Hammond (833-2450) or Dorothy Mills (539-0509) who will be happy to pick them up and polish or iron them as needed.
DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
We are looking for someone with a church background and teaching experience (not necessarily Episcopal) to be our new DRE. This is a quarter-time paid position. Please tell the Rector if you know of a candidate.
ACOLYTES
There will be a training session after the 10:30 service on September 24. If you will be away, please call Hugh (833-4228)
LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
We need LEMs (to bear the chalice) and readers at all services. Please tell the Rector if you are interested. We will be providing more training during the summer. The LEMs at the later service will be learning to set the table for communion during the offertory anthem. We will be getting new licenses from the Bishop for all LEMs.
CHOIR RECOGNITION
The choir is looking for new members. Please see Robert Young. Choir recognition Sunday will be September 10.
CAMP NOEL PORTER
Our diocesan summer camp is located in Tahoe City.. It is a Christian summer camp, but all faiths are welcome. Campers enjoy the beautiful setting, spending time at the beach and hiking. The counselors and staff lead games and arts and crafts activities. There is daily worship and discussion led by the clergy and the staff. Campfires end a full and happy day. The food is fantastic. For more information call 530-583-3014 (web site: campnoelporter.com).
SUMMER STUDY
JUNE VESTRY MEETING
We covered a lot of ground at this vestry meeting
- The rector opened with a presentation about “the tipping point” in the size of a church congregation. (See page 1)
- Charlie Chapman, our treasurer reported that he had refigured the budget for the second half of the year. We hope that we wont have to draw on our reserves.
- At the present moment 75% of our endowment principal is invested in fixed income funds and 25% in equity investments. After discussion we voted to change the ratio to 50/50.
- We have received $100,000 from the Denny Martin bequest. We voted to allocate $70,000 to the Rectory Fund and $30,000 to the Capital Fund. The purpose of the Rectory Fund is to provide a loan for future rectors of St Patrick’s to buy a house in Sonoma County, because real estate is very expensive. The current balance in this fund is $150,000.
- If you are thinking of including St Patrick’s in your will and want to give to a specific fund, you might consider the Rectory Fund.
- A couple of years ago the vestry agreed to fully fund the cost of accommodation for our delegates to Diocesan Convention in November. We also agree that we do not gain much from sending our full complement of six lay delegates. So send three of whom one will be a vestry member. Being a convention delegate has not been a popular task.
- Year-round stewardship: Vic Howard, our Senior Warden, has arranged for the vestry to meet Rick Harrison Smith, the Executive Director of the Episcopal Foundation, on August 17 in preparation for a parish meeting to discuss planned giving.
- Becky Jenkins is sending a work crew to tidy up the area around the church sign on Highway 12.
- We are attending to the dry rot in the soffit boards above the entrance to the kitchen.
- We discussed bathroom cleanliness. Jane Hall is going to check that we have adequate cleaning materials and is going to work with our sexton.
Hugh Stevenson
SUMMER SUNDAY STUDY
The Gospel and the gospels. On Sundays in July, at 9:00 a.m. between the services in the Common Room, beginning July 9, four sessions on the gospels. We begin with the canonical Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We shall discuss how they came to be written, their contents and how they differ from each other. Then we shall move on to the non-canonical gospels: Thomas, Mary and the recently published Gospel of Judas. These sessions will be more discussion than lecture.
The Makers of Western Spirituality. On Sundays in August, beginning August 6, we shall discuss the lives and writings of four spiritual writers. I invite members of the group to take one person and make a presentation about that person. I have a number of pamphlets with selections of their writings. I can also offer participants a list of writers to vote for. Would you be interested in being a presenter?
INDONESIAN EARTHQUAKE
On May 27, a devastating earthquake, of 6.3 magnitude, struck a area of Central Java in Indonesia. Episcopal Relief and Developments says that about 5,600 people were killed and more than 200,000 were made homeless. ERD is working with ACT (Action by Churches Together) to provide shelter, drinking water, medicine, mattresses and other assistance. If you can help, send checks to ERD at PO Box 12043, Newark NJ 07101. Further information at http://www.er-d.org/
NEWCOMERS’ BARBECUE
All those who have joined St Patrick’s over the past five years are invited at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 12. This will be a get-to-know-you party and we are interested to know what attracted you to St Patrick’s. For further information call Jane Hall (217-3970). The committee will be contacting you.
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