September 2004
Vol. 6 No. 8

Archive of Previous Issues

The Grapevine is published monthly
(except for a combined July/August issue)
by St. Patrick's Episcopal Church

Table of Contents for September 2004 [Vol. 6 No. 8]

     

Mini-Sabbatical

I will be taking a mini-sabbatical of 6 weeks during the second half of September and most of October. My last Sunday here will be September 12, and my first Sunday back will be the celebration of All Saints on October 31. During my absence, the Rev. Ed Howell will be at St Patrick's, 4 days each week including Sundays. Many will remember Ed from when he was here 4 years ago. He will be available in the office and for emergencies.

My last sabbatical was 7 years ago. I walked the last 200 miles of the camino de Compostella. I am allowed three months every five years. This year I am taking half a sabbatical with hopes of taking the second half at a later date.

Angela and I will be returning to Turkey. We were there two years ago and resolved to see more. This year we will explore the southern coast. Looking at your Bible atlas, you will see that Paul landed at Attalia (modern day Antalya) on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:24). We will arrive by air from Istanbul. He traveled north through the mountains to (Pisidian) Antioch. He was back there on his second journey (Acts 15:36). On his third journey he landed at Patara (Acts 21:1) and so shall we; it is near Myra, where Santa Claus was the Bishop! We are traveling with an archaeologist friend of Julie's, Judy Tordoff. A number of people attended her travelogue in July.

The rest of the time, I will be writing material for two Sunday morning adult education classes: How Rome came out top, and How Constantine changed the church. These will be 4 session classes to be held on my return.

The conventional wisdom says that sabbatical time can be a blessing not only for the person who is away, but also for the parish. I pray that it may be so.

Hugh Stevenson

Remember, October 3 Worship Time
Remember! On October 3, there will only be one service: at 9:30 a.m. This will be followed by the Town Hall Meeting. Various reports will be presented including the 2005 budget. There will be time for questions and discussion.

 

COMING SHORTLY

JAZZ MASS: SEPTEMBER 5
Robert Young will be leading his traditional Jazz band, the Eldorado Syncopators at the 9:30 a.m. service. They will lead us in the singing of When the Saints and some Gospel songs.

CENTERING PRAYER
We are borrowing video tapes about Centering Prayer. These will be shown on 4 Sundays, September 19-October 10 in the Common Room after the 9:00 a.m. service. There will be a little time for sitting in silence. For further info, call Sharon Traeger (537-8661)

CAMP NOEL PORTER
The 12th Annual fund-raising Dinner and Dance will take place on Saturday October 2, 6:00-9:30 p.m. at St Mary's, Napa. Tickets are $50. Call 530-583-3014 for tickets.

ALL-PARISH WORSHIP
and Town Hall Meeting
On October 3, there will only be one service, followed by the Town Hall Meeting. When we went to three services, people were concerned that they would never see their friends who attended other services. Four times a year we have a single service on Sunday morning with a meeting (January 16 will be the Annual Meeting) or a special event. Will you please wear a nametag on that Sunday.

At the town hall meeting, the first draft of the 2005 budget will be presented; we invite your comments and questions. There will be time for other reports, including one from the Outreach Commission about renewable energy.

PROGRAM FAIRE
During one of the Sundays in September or October, we will hold a Program Faire, at which members of different committees and organizations within the parish will advertise what they do and invite you to participate. Watch this space for further details!

 

PARISH BUSINESS

JUNE VESTRY MEETING
  • The Capital Funds Campaign began in July. By mid-August, we received 107 pledges for a total of $74,000. The first capital expenditure was air-conditioning for the church, which should be completed by the end of August.
  • Fred Fisher, Marjorie Friedrich and Cliff Kent were appointed to the Endowment Committee.
  • We have interviewed a couple of people for the position of assistant at St Patrick's.
  • Attendance at Choral Evensong was very good. Most people were invited via the telephone tree.
  • There will be a parish dance with disk jockey (Ben MacLean) on August 28.
  • We have an ad. In the Oakmont News. There was no meeting in July.

A lot is going on in our parish!

ECW LUNCHEON
On September 14, Mary Carouba, co-author of Women at Ground Zero, will show a video and talk about women who were firefighters, EMTs and police women in New York on 9/11. Copies of the book will be available. There will be a brief business meeting beginning at 11:00 a.m. Please sign up in the Parish Hall. All women of our congregation and guests are welcome.

COMPASSIONATE LISTENING
Hospital Chaplaincy is recruiting new volunteers. They train people in the skill of compassionate listening. They offer 40 hours of training. This skill is useful in many contexts and being a hospital chaplain is very rewarding. Call: 537-6809.

SCOTTISH PILGRIMAGE
Steve Brannon, the Rector of Trinity, Sonoma, and Dr Jim Rawls are offering a pilgrimage to Scotland in June 2005. The trip includes Edinburgh and Iona and points in between. Both the leaders are excellent teachers. For further info, call 938-4846.

 

ANGELS AT THE ALTAR

ANGELS AT THE ALTAR
Angels are usually invisible, yet sometimes we do catch a glimpse of them. At the Altar Guild Luncheon, I moved among them. I arrange flowers once a month in church and was amazed at all the preparations that go into preparing the altar for each service. I gathered comments from the Altar Guild, asking what they would like the congregation to know about their ministry.

Following are some of their comments:

  • "We are preparing the table for the Eucharist, in communion with Jesus, for the congregation. We begin with prayer and I know we are in God's service. I feel privileged to minister to God behind the scenes."
  • "Seeing the altar beautifully dressed sets the tone for worship. The work is peaceful and calming."
  • "Actually being on the Altar Guild is practical. We clean the church and prepare the elements. We take home the linens and pray over them as we wash and iron them."
  • "You don't have to be perfect to be on the Altar Guild. You need to have the desire and the availability. It's not scary - and we are not all angels."

As I left the luncheon, I believed I was in the company of angels who minister at the altar. We seldom recognize what angels do.

You are invited to join this dedicated group called the Altar Guild. Contact Bette Leedom on 537-7587 for further information.

Sharon Traeger

 

AROUND ST. PATRICKS

WINDOW CLEANING
Mel is available to wash windows. She had her own window cleaning business and has done a great job for a number of people at St Patrick's. Mel is also available to do some yard work. Again she comes recommended having done a great job at church.

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING

"A faithful person will be richly blessed" Proverbs 28:20.

Join us in praying God's richest blessings on Jackie Senter, Linda Lewis, Olive Settle, Buffy Treat, Marge Ruehrdanz, and Vashti Papworth. They have completed the preparatory bible study for admission to the Order of the Daughter of the King; their installation will take place on November 7, at the 10:30 am service.

Sunday, September 12 will be the first meeting of the DOK with members and candidates at 11:30 am. We will welcome the following officers for 2004 - 2005:

  • Sharon Traeger - President
  • Jane Hall - Vice President
  • Charlotte Horne - Secretary
  • Alice Fielder - Treasurer.

To God be the glory.

BOB RUEHRDANZ PUBLISHED
Bob Ruehrdanz has written a new book, Why Phoenix. A pioneering consultant promotes one solution for the traffic mess our cities are facing; one without ugly scars on the landscape; that is environmentally safer, quieter and profitable: Monorails and Maglev [Magnetic Levitation] vehicles.

From the beginning of the story Bill Watson's small consulting company embarks on a pioneering joint venture that draws a group of people together into a close relationship. They know of ways that might relieve some of the traffic problems that face some of the nation's largest cities.

WOMEN'S BREAKFAST
Saturday, September 11 is the next Women's Breakfast. We gather in the parish hall at 8:30 for a potluck breakfast. For more information, please call the church office.

JOHN BOGART LIBRARY
We have six new books in the library this month; two fiction, one history, one Bible, one liturgy, one biography and a history.

In fiction, there are two mysteries by David Manuel: A Matter of Roses and A Matter of Diamonds. The books center around Faith Abbey in Cape Cod and their monastic sleuth, Brother Bartholomew. The characters in these books are more fully drawn than in most mysteries. They are a very interesting read. (Gift of John Leech)

Our biography is a monumental one of Thomas Cranmer by Diarmaid MacCulloch. The author says he "tells a man's life-story…as far as possible in sequence." Cranmer was controversial. Was he hero or villain? In any event his years were those of the English Reformation, which led to the Anglican Communion. In the reign of Edward VI he was the architect of our Book of Common Prayer (1549). Queen Mary later returned the English church to Rome and Cranmer was burned at the stake in 1556. His life and work are inextricable from ours. An important addition to the library.

A companion book is The Collects of Thomas Cranmer, compiled by C. Frederick Barbee and Paul F.M. Zahl. Each collect is followed by a short history and a meditation. This book is from an anonymous donor.

Another anonymous donor gave us Elaine Pagels' The Gnostic Gospels. Considered a landmark study, winner of many awards, this book illuminates the world of the first Christians. Pagels has been praised for her ability to make her books "eminently readable" and to "sort out significances that many writers lack."

Lastly, we have a wonderful history book, The Complete World of the Dead Sea Scrolls by Philip R. Davies, George J. Brooke and Phillip R. Callaway. This book contains 216 illustrations, 84 of them in color, as well as chapters on the making of scrolls, contemporary history, the meaning of the scrolls. Everything the reader needs to become well versed on the subject. Again, the gift of an anonymous donor.

NEEDLEPOINT KNEELERS

On September 12th at the 10:30 service St. Patrick's will dedicate the needlepoint kneelers. These kneelers represent ten years of careful planning, designing and stitching by a group of thirty-seven dedicated people. Also important were the contributions from the men who did the graphic design, installation and upholstering. Finally, the ECW and Altar Guild's very generous financial support made it possible. Our thanks to all of them.

Kneeler Stitchers
Pat Amick, Connie Apostle, Marian Barry *, Ellie Bearden *, Penny Brewster, Norma Creaghe, Norman Dake, Janine Dunkak, Martella Fry*, Alice Fielder, Kathryn Gary, Naomi Holm, Barbara Jones, Betty Kent, Bette Leedom, Rosalyn Leonard, Ashley Lipscomb, Sandra Lipscomb, Nell McDonald, Jean Meyer, Molly Morgan, Anne Morshead, Ida Muller, Roberta Paselk, Cynthia Pennington, Connie Phillippe, Kay Plaut, Nina Pohl, Rosalie Purcell, Josephine Ross, Camille Richardson*, Marcia Ronchetti, Kristine Saslow, Mardi Shepard, Marilyn Schlangen*, Julie Wizorek, Hjordis Wolfe.

Support
Donn Bearden-Graphic Design, Walt Boden-Installation*, Will Brown-Installation, Tom Clark-Installation*, John Creaghe-Installation, Jay Hunt-Installation, Henry McClain-Installation, John Taylor-Upholsterer

*deceased

 

Turning Points

All find a welcome:
These were welcomed into membership on July 11: Jim Hammett, Jack Rockwell, Peter Banks, Mary Banks, John Thompson, Maureen Thompson, John Young, Nancy Young, Darleen Craigie.

Relocation:
Chuck and Ann Chapman are moving to Skyhawk: 5993 Vista Ridge, Santa Rosa 95409.

For this, much thanks:
Vacation Bible School was August 2-6. Carolee Fagent picked up the ball and ran with it. A total of 49 students were registered. The theme was the life of St Paul and the Olympic Games. About 35 people helped, including:
Director of Olympics-Carolee Fagent; Cheerleader-Greta MacLeod; Music/DramaOpening & Closing Ceremonies-Simpson Family; Getting in the Zone(Bible story tellers)-Kathy Weaver, Patti Finch.

Director: Judy Buff, Olympic Village Craft Shop Assistants: Kerry Mertle, Amy Krzywicki, Pierre Krzywicki, Julian McLain, Carol Papworth.

Athletes' Meals: Schedule & Purchasing-Barbara Krzywicki; Training Table assistants-Cynthia Pennington, Bette Leedom, Kay Martinelli, Jane Hall, Angela Stevenson, Nina Pohl, Charlie Buff, Phyllis Cressey.

Athlete's Training: (Sports and recreation)-Connor Fagent, Darren Nelson, Jordan Rose, Max Goerl.

1st Grade Team-Vashti Papworth, Assistant: Renee Bergeron; 2nd Grade Team-Phyllis Fagent; 3rd & 4th Grades Team-Marjorie MacLeod; 5th & 6th Grades Team-Aimee Fagent; Olympic Village Check in (Registration)-Eva Atkin, Lori Hunt, Patti Geib; Torch lighter & Rector-Hugh Stevenson.
We thank E.C.W. for underwriting the cost, and those who made donations.

Jim Hammett is taking over the Website from Matt Atkin; thanks to both.

Karen Steelman is giving up the position of Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief and Development Fund. Bishop Lamb writes: "Karen has done an outstanding job in keeping the needs and the work of Episcopal Relief and Development in front of us. As you may recall, ERD is the successor to the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief." She is now going to be the Provincial Coordinator for Episcopal Relief and Development.

Relocation:
Doris Campbell has moved to The Lodge at Paulin Creek, 2375 Range Avenue, Santa Rosa 95403. (Telephone: 546-0136). This is just behind Snoopy’s ice rink on Steele Lane.
Doris welcomes visitors.
Dicksie Tamanaha has moved to 2124 Humboldt St, Santa Rosa, 95404

We ask God’s protection of:
those serving in the military overseas Frank Papworth, Mike Bennett, Rick Bolen, Ryan Gnecco, Benjamin Borger, Jeff Stout.

May they know God’s healing power:
Linda Belding, Lolita Seguin, Hertha Brown, Phyllis Arack, Joan Ingold, Henry Williams, Arch Turner, Natalie Matrazzo, Jack Rockwell, Rosalie Beynon, Paul Egly, Karen Sipich.

Blessings on:
Wes Powell and Jennifer Urrea who were married on July 17.

May they rest in peace:
Lewis Lindsey Sr., grandfather of Wendy Wood (late June); Sam Smith of Oakmont (mid-August); Mary Frances Wilkie, grandmother of Sandra Bowman (July 1); Bill Leech, John's brother (mid-July); Stuart Mercereau, (early July); Jane Cullen (mid-July); Deepest sympathy to their families.

Farewell to:
Carolyn Watson has moved to Texas to be near her daughter. Gordon and Ruth Phillips have moved to B206, Las Ventanas, 10401 West Charleston, Las Vegas NV 89135 (702-254-6738).

 

BIO-BUS CROSSES THE USA

At the recent Outreach Committee meeting, we talked about "sustainable energy." Someone said, you can run a bus on vegetable oil. May Boeve, daughter of Jill Hunting, an 8 o'clocker is driving across the USA in a "biobus."

Any diesel engine can run on biodiesel, with little or no modification. The United States is the world leader in the production of soybean and corn, which can be used to manufacture biodiesel. You can also use used vegetable oil.

Biodiesel is available in the Bay Area. Running a diesel car on biodiesel is more economical than purchasing a new hybrid vehicle. Though current California law prohibits the sale of new diesel cars, one can purchase a used vehicle. Efforts are underway to change this law.

Project Biobus is a group of thirteen students from Middlebury College, in Vermont. We tour the United States for three months this fall, riding on a school bus fueled by biodiesel. We will stop at high schools, universities, and conferences, and meet with community representatives, in order to promote biodiesel as the most feasible alternative fuel for the USA today. We hope to expand and enhance the discussion about environmental issues in this country, especially focusing on the power of individuals to make positive changes in their communities.

We leave from Vermont on September 13. We have spent the summer setting up meetings and lectures and doing lots of research, as well as fund raising. We need funds to outfit the bus as a living space, as well as generate promotional materials, and help with many other hidden costs of traveling.

We would appreciate any help from the Outreach committee or St. Patrick's parishioners. The bus will most likely be in Sonoma in late October. For more information, contact me at (707) 815-0054, or write to gboeve@middlebury.edu

May Boeve

THE UNIQUE BOUTIQUE'S FAREWELL
This year's Unique Boutique will be the last for St. Patrick's. Please help us make it the best one ever! We need volunteers to help with the following:

  • Set up and take down
  • Help in selling
  • Car parking directors and cashiers
  • Helping hands in the Gourmet and Garden Shops Help in the kitchen with coffee tea and cookies. Please join us to make sure that the Unique Boutique goes out in high style! Contact Judith Kimsey 538-6050.

     

     


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