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July/August 2007
Vol. 9 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 2007 [Vol. 9 No. 7]
When we lived where the ocean waters were warmer, I spent a good bit of time under water – more than just my normal state – snorkeling and observing the habits of tropical sea life. The time has been instructive.
The Green Back Turtle survives (barely) because of his hard shell and his ability to cover a wide expanse of ocean. He’s listed as “endangered” for a variety of reasons – all of them of human origin – and because his behavior is so predictable. Learning: Developing a hard shell, but behaving erratically may be lifesaving, but probably won’t make you popular.
The Nassau Grouper is wonderfully camouflaged and has the ability to change his colors to conform with his immediate surroundings. He’ll lie perfectly still under a sea-fan or behind a rock and is very difficult to see. He’s also very fast. Learning: Don’t let anyone know your true colors and move quickly. Again, you may “survive,” but you won’t develop lasting friendships.
The whole variety of Angel Fish are beautiful beyond compare. They get along quite well by eating other fish and by being very speedy. Learning: Keep your hair combed and shoes shined, and disarm your adversaries with your charm.
The fascinating Spiny Urchin makes his way in the sea much as a porcupine does on land: by inflicting intense pain on any who would do him harm. Learning: Bite anyone who seems to be getting too close. This will give you lots of room to grow, but you won’t get much support.
The Blue Tang and all the members of the Tuna family seem to travel in large groups of apparently like-minded fish. The “group” offers some protection, but a whole family can be wiped out if the group makes a bad decision and swims into the fisherman’s net. Learning: The “group” is good for support, even on the way to the cannery.
And so it goes, with virtually all the creatures of the sea. Each of them has their predators and each has evolved some techniques for survival.
What shall we say of humans? More specifically, of bishops, and this bishop in particular? These “learnings” are useless if you think life is more than “survival,” and if you wish to live somewhere other than under water.
Dear God, I thank you for the splendid variety with which you have graced the human community. Grant that I may not be so fearful of human predators that I encase myself in a hard shell and become impervious to the needs and feelings of those about me; grant that I may not “change my colors” to conform always to my immediate surrounds; grant that my own needs might not lead me to consume others; and grant that I not be so prickly that others are fearful of coming near. Finally, by your Grace, give me the courage to risk loving as your Son loved – never counting the cost, but welcoming the intimacy, which that may bring. Amen
See 1 Corinthians 13. – George Hunt
INDEPENDENCE SUNDAY
On July 1, the Sunday closest to Independence Day, we will celebrate the birth of our nation and sing some national hymns.
SUNDAY FORUM
You are invited to the Hurricane Katrina Forum on Sunday, July 8, at 9:00 in the Common Room. Karen Steelman has recently returned from New Orleans and Mississippi and will share first-hand accounts of the recovery efforts there.
RETURN FROM SABBATICAL
Hugh will return from his sabbatical on July 29. He will be rested and refreshed, he hopes!
OUTREACH COMMITTEE
The Outreach Committee will meet on Wednesday, August 1, at 10:00 am in the Common Room. The committee welcomes visitors and new members with ideas for outreach.
GUITAR CHOIR
On August 5 we have invited a number of guitarists (and a bass player, Kathy Littman) to lead the worship at the 10:00 am service. We shall sing songs made popular at cursillo weekends and at Camp Noel Porter.
O’NEILL/REA PIANO RECITAL
On August 19 at 3:00pm, Sylvia O’Neill and Alan Rea will be performing Piano Four Hands/Two Pianos in a program that will include two Clementi sonatas and selections from Brahms’ Hungarian Dances. Donations for the church music program gratefully accepted.
Feast of Dedication
August 19 is the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the building of St Patrick’s. St Patrick’s was still a mission of the Diocese and John Bogart was the “then” vicar (later, Rector). Bishop John Thompson came on a hot evening to dedicate the building. A lot of people had been involved in the building. Connie’s parents, Sherwood and Constance Coffin made it possible when they gave the land. One of the movers and shakers was Roseltha Porter. The certificate of occupancy was delayed. So many of the “guys and gals” in the congregation constructed the pews and altar furniture to a design by Glenn Hendrix. Some of those people are still around. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of them. We are blessed with a glorious worship space. We will remember the dedication in August.
ALL DIOCESE WOMEN’S GATHERING
August 25 at Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento 9am-3pm. The Rev. Loz Habecker will be keynote speaker. Bishop Barry Beisner will celebrate the Eucharist. Registration forms are available in the parish office or go to www.dncweb.org for details.
WHEN THE SAINTS COME MARCHIN’ IN
On Sunday, September 2, we have invited Robert Young to bring his Trad Jazz Band, the Eldorado Syncopators, to lead the music for the 10:00 am service. The costs of the service are underwritten by a bequest from the family of Spence and Shirley Flournoy who took a delight in the annual Jazz service and wanted to ensure that it continued.
PARISH CRUISE
On September 19, a number of parishioners will accompany George and Barbara Hunt on the parish cruise on the Dawn Princess to Alaska. They will return on September 29. On Sunday, September 23, the services will be conducted by the Rev. Harry Allagree.
FALL SCHEDULE
Because of the cruise, we will continue with two services during the month of September. We will resume the fall schedule of three services on October 7.
TURNING POINTS
All find a welcome:
Joyce Woods and Kay McHugh.
For this, much thanks:
Parish Grounds Clean-Up ~ Our heartfelt thanks to Clarence & Becky Jenkins for providing us with their merry band of Magic Men;
to Jean Meyer, Charlie Buff, Jane Hall, Wendy Wood and Marcia Ronchetti for additional clean-up support; to Vicki Ward, Jean Meyer and Charlie Buff for the gorgeous rose garden and to Jean Meyer, Charlie Chapman and Charlie Buff for the wonderful garden at the entrance sign; to Mike Clark for the DVD slide presentation commemorating St. Patrick’s return to splendor.
Choir ~ Thanks to Robert Young, Director, and to choir members Armand Russell, Hugh Stevenson, Mike Clark, Adele Daw, Elayne Roland, Jackie Senter, Charlotte Horne, Virginia Poust, Phyllis Cressy, Bernadette Gibb, Dicksie Tamanaha and Connie van Loben Sels for their dedication, devotion and beautiful and inspirational music throughout the year. They will be off for the summer for a well-deserved vacation.
Relocation:
Hertha Brown to Rene House; 2028 Dennis Lane; Santa Rosa, CA 95403.
We ask God’s protection of:
those serving in the military overseas
| Chris Whittaker | Dallas Casey |
| Dan Whitwright | George Sutherland |
| Mike Bennett | Bert Ninteman |
We will exalt you, O God, our King:
Congratulations to Elizabeth Peters, Evan and Marjorie MacLeod, John Heidel, Jared Hunt, Luka Ivancovich, Christian Rencken and Carrie Kingman who were confirmed by Bishop Beisner on June 10.
May they know God’s healing power:
Hertha Brown | Wyn Warfield |
| Jane Ren | Lolita Seguin |
| Jack Rockwell | Linda Belding |
| Norman Wood | George Arack Sr. |
| Ed, John, Teddy | Nancy Percival |
| Jean Merchat |
May they rest in peace:
Janice Currie, daughter of Wayne & Ruth Wright died after a valiant battle with cancer.
Blessing On:
Brycie Philbin and Colby Self who were married on May 26.
Courtney Ledbetter and Billie Lyons who were married on June 1.
AROUND ST PATRICK'S
JOHN BOGART LIBRARY
We have three new books in the library. The first is The Trouble With Islam Today by Irshad Manji. If you admire Islam this book will raise doubts; if you have doubts about Islam, this book will raise your blood pressure. The author, a Canadian journalist and TV personality, asks questions about her faith that many non-Muslims are also asking. Why are women treated so brutally in Muslim society? Why is there such hatred between various sects of Islam? Why do Muslims pride themselves on never questioning clerical interpretation of the Koran? And finally, where is the voice of mainstream Islam in the face of fanatical suicide bombers? This book is easy to read with a breezy style that sometimes trivializes the subject. Thanks to Greta MacLeod for giving this book.
And thanks to Karen Steelman for a copy of The Short History of the Triennial Meetings of the Women of the Episcopal Church. Here is a history of American women’s philanthropy both in America and abroad. From 1829, our women have worked to improve the lives of the less fortunate. Of special interest is the disheartening history of women’s efforts to attain recognition and equal status with men in the church. This book runs from the first general meeting of women in 1874 until 1994.
Many of you are interested in Ann Lamott’s new book, Grace (Eventually). Thoughts on Faith. Although Ms. Lamott displays her wonderful sense of humor there is an underlying element of seriousness. She has had a very rich life; her many experiences have left her with a keen knowledge of life’s problems as well as joys. This is a book to enjoy when you need something both lighthearted and serious.
SEPTEMBER GRAPEVINE, which will be published at the end of August, will include details of the start up of parish activities after the summer recess. Please submit your articles by August 17.
AT THE SUMMER 10:00 am SERVICE
We are using a contemporary version of the Creed, found in the front of the Prayer Books. It comes from the Worship Book of Iona Abbey.
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.
During the summer, we sing hymns that parishioners have said that they liked.
HURRICANE KATRINA FORUM
by Karen Steelman
Hurricane Katrina is the topic for the forum at 9am on Sunday July 8. Come and hear what the Episcopal Church is doing in New Orleans and Mississippi. Come and hear what is planned for the next several years. And there will be time for your questions.
Recently I was in New Orleans and Mississippi to see first hand the recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina. The generous response of individuals and congregations to Episcopal Relief and Development following this disaster continues to offer hope to many who have lost so much and are trying to put their lives back together.
Flash Flood, The Times-Picayune interactive graphic, at will refresh your memory of the events beginning August 29, 2005 in New Orleans. The Episcopal Relief and Development Hurricane Katrina image gallery is another site. And you might like to check the Christ Episcopal Church, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, site for additional images and story.
Wondering what to do with those hotel soaps and shampoos you’ve accumulated?
The Daughters of the King will be making personal grooming packets for donation to women’s shelters. Look for the drop boxes in the church and parish hall.
If you have time come join the work parties and enjoy the company while you work. Remember many hands make light work.
THE BAZAAR NEWS
The biggest seller at the Bazaar is the Tea Towels. If you can do stitchery or would like to learn how call Barbara Fry at 538-216. Mary Coon has graciously offered to conduct a class on stitchery. If you can help out by doing some Tea Towels, remember to pick them up during the coffee hour on Sunday.
Remember to check around your home to see if you have any items such as fine linens, china, silver or object d'art for our Silent Auction. Call Sandra Hammond 833-2450 or Dorothy Mills, 539-0509.
Barbara Hunt is collecting coffee mugs for the Coffee/Espresso Bar. If you have any, please put them the basket in the Parish Hall.
The Garden Shop needs your help by dividing bulbs and plants, trying out new plants and caring for them until the Bazaar in October. They would also appreciate birdhouses, knick-knacks, or donations of potting soil and clean pots and containers. You can drop them off at Dorothy Pearce's home at 409 Hillsdale Dr. anytime. Pots can be picked up if needed. For more information call Jane Hall, 217-3970 or Gloria Salander, 537-0302.
Chairperson, Jean Derum is looking for someone to supervise the kitchen on the day of the Bazaar. Please call her if you can help. Also, if you have any question about the Bazaar she can be reached at 523-4553 or by e-mail at jderum@sbcglobal.net.
Be sure to mark your calendar with the bazaar date: Saturday Oct 20, 2007
Beginning July 6, workers will be meeting every Friday
until Bazaar time.
COFFEE HOUR
Many thanks to our parishioners who served coffee and refreshments after the 10:00/10:30 services in May and June. For those of you who have not recently taken advantage of the opportunity to serve coffee after the 10 o’clock service, there are a number of Sundays available in July and August. The sign up sheet is in the Parish Hall. If you are new to this task let Norma Creaghe (539-0152) know and she will team you up with someone with experience. Please sign up and save Norma from the need to call you.
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