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October 2003
Vol. 5 No. 9
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 October 2003 [Vol. 5 No. 9]
THE TIMES THEY ARE A'CHANGIN'
The church has tended to be a conservative force resisting change. During our age of anxiety, people find comfort in the fact that they can find the familiar and the traditional in the church. I heard of a rector who after General Convention’s vote on Gene Robinson moved a chair into the sanctuary of his church and spoke ex cathedra insisting that we must hold onto the beliefs and practices of our forebears.
We have seen what conservativism during the current papacy has done to the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican II Council of Pope John XXIII made changes that brought the church into the 20th century. But in the last 25 years nearly all the decisions of Vatican II have been rolled back except that the Mass is still celebrated in the language of ordinary people.
But the times they are a changing; we have to look forward as well as backwards. To those who would follow him, Jesus says, No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62) You have to keep looking forward, rather than looking over your shoulder, in order to plough in straight lines. In running the race you must keep your eye on the finish to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1)
I have been reading a great book, The stranger in the wings, by Richard Holloway, Bishop of Edinburgh. He warns against seeing Christianity as a protectionist sect, chosen to guard and watch over a fixed and static deposit of truth, rather than as a dynamic movement in history. (p. 150) Such a position is, he says, sectarian rather than Catholic, static rather than dynamic, defensive rather than bold.
If we had always held onto the status quo, Cornelius and the Gentiles would never have been welcomed into the Christian church. Christianity would have remained an insignificant sect on the fringes of Judaism. There would never have been any challenge to abuses in the church that led to reformation. No one would have spoken out about the injustice of slavery or the segregation of blacks. There would have been no recognition of the ordained ministry of women in the church.
It is a characteristic of human nature that we resist change. We would rather have things stay the way they are. We prefer the familiar to the unknown. But, with Abraham, we have to set out on our journey, not knowing where we are going, if we are to look forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:8-10)
--Hugh Stevenson
Last Spring participants in the Adult Forum expressed an interest in studying other religions. In response to this request, during September and October we will be using a study program developed by the California Council of Churches on comparative religions. This program includes a video and study guide on six of the major religious groups found in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are doing five of the six skipping Christianity so that we can complete the program before I leave. The program actually began September 21st with Hinduism and was followed by Judaism. The program continues with Buddhism (Oct. 12), Islam (Oct. 19) and Sikhism (Oct. 26). Each session has a short study guide on the religion to be read prior to the adult forum. You can pick these fact sheets up in the Parish Hall the Sunday before. During the forum time (9:35 to 10:15) we will watch a 10 minute video where local adults and youth talk about their faith and answering the question, "How did your faith tradition help you after 9/11?" The video will be followed by a group discussion. Please sign up in the Parish Hall or come to the adult forum.
Womens' Breakfast: Celtic Spirituality of the Morning
The October women's breakfast will be October 11 at 8:30 in the Parish Hall. As this is my last breakfast I thought I would share with you my love of the Celtic sense of time and space. Morning is a magical time when we transition into the day. To help us along this day, we will do Morning Prayer from Pat Robson's A Celtic Liturgy. Please bring breakfast food to share.
Julie Wizorek
St. Patrick's Endowment
Now is the time to complete an application to request a grant from the Endowment Fund of St. Patrick's. Applications received by November 1, 2003 will be considered at the next quarterly review. Distributions from the Endowment Fund are limited to (1) capital needs of the parish, (2) outreach ministries and grants and, (3) seed money for new ministries or special one-time projects. Call Phil Holm at 833-4430 for additional information or an application form.
Bishop's Blend
Have you noticed the new coffee being used at Coffee Hours? Not only does it taste good, but it is helping Episcopal Relief and Development. It is priced at $8.95 for 12-oz bags for regular and $9.95 for decaf and special flavors. Further information available in the Parish Hall or call Barbara Fry, 538-2164.
Episcopalians Believe
- Coffee hour is the eighth sacrament, but only if the coffee is caffeinated!
- Anthems are most efficacious if sung in Latin or German, especially during Lent.
Voice Mail
Our new voice mail system is now working, however there are some changes to our original directions.
- to leave a message for Pam in the office, do so after the beep following Hugh's opening
- to leave a message for Hugh, press 1
- to leave a message for Julie, press 2
- to leave a message for Mel, press 3
Unique Boutique
The Unique Boutique needs worker bees, art and auction items. The 26th Annual Unique Boutique is upon us. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 18th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
We still need folks to help out-setting up, cleaning up, helping with parking and many other tasks that are vital to the success if the Boutique. Please check with any of the committee chairs (posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall) if you can volunteer time.
Please search your attic, garage, store room and closets for items for the Silent Auction and the Artists' Corner. For the Silent Auction we need quality china, linens, silver, antiques, collectibles. Contact Marilyn Schlangen, 833-5011 or Dorothy Mills, 833-2426 if you have items to donate.
All artists-woodworkers, glass workers, stitchers, painters and others-are urged to contribute their work to the Artists' Corner. In addition to original works of art, we will sell framed or matted prints and paintings. Each contributor is asked to put his/here own price on the item and anything that does not sell will be returned to the artist or donor. Please bring items to the Parish Hall on Thursday or Friday, October 16th or 17th or call Norma Creaghe 539-0152 or Nell McDonald 538-5571 for pick up or further information.
John Bogart Library
Now that summer is nearly over it is time to look for a good book. St. Patrick's has two libraries, the John Bogart Library next to the common Room and the Sunday School Library in the Education Building. The latter contains many lovely books perfect for reading to grandchildren as well as those useful for augmenting Sunday School lessons.
This month we are adding five books to the adult collection. The first is The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. This book was number one on the New York Times best seller list for weeks. It poses some intriguing questions: who is sitting on the right hand of Jesus in Da Vinci's Last Supper and what is the Holy Grail? You may be unable to put it down.
Secondly, at Julie Wizorek's suggestion, there are three books on Celtic Christianity. They are Gods Lovers in an Age of Anxiety by Nuth, The Celtic Soul by Sellnere and Sacred Tracks by Harpur.
Lastly, a Marcus Borg book, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time. Borg discusses chapters from both the Old and New Testaments in the context of the time in which they were written. This addresses the present conflict about the Bible within the churches, between fundamentalists who take the Bible literally and those who consider it in an historical and metaphorical way. Thus it concerns issues of homosexuality, creationism, and contemporary Jesus scholarship. Karen Armstrong calls the book "profound, challenging and engrossing".
Canvass Time
There is the story of a rector who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our annual programs. The bad news is its still out there in your pockets."
October Events
October 5
- All parish worship at 9:30 followed by parish meeting and lunch. When we went to three services a number of people were concerned that they would never see their friends who attended other services. Four times a year we will have a single service on Sunday morning with a meeting (January 18 will be the Annual Meeting) or a special event). Will you please wear a nametag on that Sunday?
- Welcome New Members. We will be welcoming new members to the congregation. If you would like to be welcome "officially" or if you would be willing to be a welcomer, please tell the Rector.
- We will baptize Amelie Vain, daughter of Lacy and Christof, and granddaughter of Cissy and Bob Lipscomb.
- 2:00 p.m, Blessing of the beasts in honor of St Francis at Landmark winery.
October 12
- Men's Cursillo. Bob Morell, Charlie Buff, Bob Priestly and Wes Cazel are serving on the team.
- The United Thank Offering will be "ingathered." See Norma Creaghe's article
- Hugh Stevenson will be away this Sunday.
October 19
- Healing Sunday. On the Sunday closest to St. Luke's Day, at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services, we will offer the laying on of hands and anointing with oil for those who come forward to the altar rail. We do not ask for what you are seeking healing. For many, it is a great comfort to receive the laying on of hands with the prayers of the gathered congregation.
- Charles Ives. Robert Young is saving up a special piece of music for this Sunday, by Charles Ives.
October 26
- Pledge Ingathering. In the middle of October, you will receive through the mail a pledge card for 2003. Will you please complete your card and send it back by mail, or bring it on this day. The cards and the givers will be blest at the services on November 3.
- Women's Cursillo. Carolyn Watson, Alice Fielder, Cathy Priestly and Hugh Stevenson are serving on the team and Bette Leedom, Cathy Landom and Marcia Ronchetti are candidates.
November 2
- Commemoration of the Departed. On the Sunday after All Saints, we will remember by name those who have died during this past year and other loved ones. Will you add their names to the list in the Parish Hall? After the 10:30 a.m. service, we will process to the Memorial Garden, to pray for those who are interred there.
- All Saints Baptisms. There are five "big" days for baptisms during the church year: Easter, Pentecost, The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus (in January), All Saints and the Bishop's Visit. Do you know of children or adults to be baptized on this day?
November 16
- Diocesan Convention will be held in Redding on November 15-16. Cliff Kent will take the Sunday services: at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Morning Prayer & Eucharist.
Unique Boutique
The Boutique takes place on Saturday, October 18, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Julie's Farewell
On Tuesday, October 28, there will be a farewell party for Julie Wizorek in the parish hall. Tickets will go on sale in early October.
Welsh Choir
Some years ago, we welcomed a men's choir from South Wales. The church was packed to the ceiling. There is a possibility that they may visit us again in late October. Please watch the Sunday bulletin.
UTO Ingathering
Sunday October 12th has been designated for the United Thank Offering Ingathering at both services. This gives each of us an opportunity to express, in our daily prayers and in our offerings, our thanks for God's many blessings.
Our UTO contributions combined with those of parishes throughout the United States total nearly $3 million dollars each year. This money is used to support and strengthen the mission and ministry of the Church throughout the world. For example: In 2002 $32,902 was given in South Africa to fund a health clinic for residents of the dump community and provide a shelter for homeless boys. And, in New York City, $30,000 was given to help renovate a parish kitchen to serve a homeless program during the week and a Saturday school tutoring service.
Please place your thank offering in the enclosed blue UTO envelope and bring it to any one of the services on Sunday, October 12th. If you are not able to be in church that Sunday, bring it on the Sunday before or after the 25th. Thank Offering boxes and extra envelopes are available on the table in the church entrance.
This will be the last UTO ingathering, as, in the future, the Outreach Committee will cover all special collections. Beginning this fall, St. Patrick's parishioners will be asked to include their UTO contributions in their annual pledge.
Remember these words: "It is right to give Him thanks and praise." Norma Creaghe
New Ceramic Vessels
The new vessels, which were commissioned by the Altar Guild and "thrown" by
Rick Lind, Master Potter, husband of Kate Aldrich, have been received and will shortly be dedicated. They are for use at the 9:00 a.m. service.
Every Member Canvass
Your Rector and Vestry have agreed that we should concentrate on our worship on Sunday mornings, rather than respond to requests for money for the many worthy causes, we support here at Saint Patrick's.
Of course the needs have not gone away; so this year, we are appealing to you to include in your pledge the amounts you would have contributed throughout the year for:
- Episcopal Relief and Development,
- United Thank Offering
- "Souper Sunday" for the Food Bank
- Vacation Bible School
- Heifer Project International
- Bishop's Discretionary fund
- Good Friday offering for The Diocese of Jerusalem
We have asked the Outreach Committee to include these causes in their distributions. We will be highlighting a different ingathering in the bulletin and the Grapevine from time to time. For those who still wish to make their own personal donation, there will be envelopes in the Tract Rack.
New Email Address
- At the end of September, the church will have a new email address: stpat@sonic.net. Please add this to your address book. The aol address will no longer be in service.
- Matthew Atkin is our Webmaster. He has loaded the Grapevine on to our website. You can access it there at http://www.stpatskenwood.org. We now have the capability to take digital photos for our website. So keep looking and perhaps you will find your photo there! Thanks to Matt for the offering of his talents!
Congratulations to
Allyson Hunt who is playing on the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team for Maria Carillo HS.
Thanks
Doug Long is stepping down as chief usher. We are looking for a replacement.
Jack and Pris Abercrombie have duplicated, stapled and folded the Grapevine each month for many years at the Minuteman Press. Jack is giving up Minuteman to move on to the next thing (not retirement!).
Deepest Sympathy to
The family of Fran Wherry, who died on September 7
Jim Johnson and Margaret Merchat and Elizabeth, Sarah and Meredith on the death of Jim’s mother, Lola who died on August 31
Kathryn and John Scherer and Greg on the death of Kathy’s sister, Mary Lou Yates.
The family of Alice Joost who died on August 20.
Harry and Barbara Fry on the death of Harry’s sister-in-law, Olga
Prayers for:
| Hertha Brown | Linda Lewis
| | Marcia Ronchetti | Joan Ingold
| | Marilyn Schlangen | Wendy Goff
| | Lolita Seguin | Fred Shidler
| | Joan Ingold | Shirley Rush
| | Linda Groberg |
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For the men and women of the armed forces serving in Iraq, especially Frank Papworth.
Relocation
Paul and Elinor Offill’s address is Apt 202, 728 Elm Street, San Carlos 94070.
Welcome to
Bonnie Lyon, Beryl Brown, Jim Hammett, Norma Cooper and Ben & Charlotte Franklin who have attended recently.
Sunday School
Sunday school got off to a great start on September 14 with an intergenerational activity in which participants got to know one another and enjoyed an ice cream social. Teachers were commissioned on the same day. There was a workshop for teachers the preceding Saturday. Thanks to Judy Buff for her leadership.
Further intergenerational Sunday school classes are planned for November 2, “Getting to know the Saints,” and November 30, “Getting to know Advent.”
Child Care for the youngest children during the 10:30 service is being organized by Margaret Merchat with the aid of her daughters, Sarah and Meredith. Please bring your children to the Education Center.
Youth Group organized a pancake breakfast on September 7 which was a great success-both financially and in bringing together members of the earlier and later services for fellowship. Further breakfasts are planned. Please wear your name tag!
Building Bridges of Understanding
The High school students will attend this course, which is being organized by Julie Wizorek in the Parish Hall at 9:35 a.m. each Sunday on different religions.
Vestry Notes
At the August meeting, we received with deep regret Julie’s resignation. We debated the candidacy of John Leech in the ordination process. We saluted Judy Buff for her outstanding leadership of Vacation Bible School.
The annual audit of our books has been completed. A new washer & dryer have been installed in the women’s bathroom in the Parish Hall. Chuck Chapman is working to instal a bathroom in the Education Center. We have switched off the large ‘fridge in the kitchen to conserve electricity.
H.S.
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