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September 2007
Vol. 9 No. 8
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 September 2007 [Vol. 9 No. 8]
This was the title of a musical that was popular on both sides of the Atlantic. It opened in 1961 and starred Anthony Newley. It had some great songs including, What Kind of Fool Am I? The problem for me has been that the world is moving too fast to get off. For these past few years I have been harried. I have rushed from task to task without evaluating whether the task needed doing or whether it should be a priority.
It has been a privilege for me to "Stop the world" and to "Get off," during my sabbatical this summer. It was not a holiday. It was an opportunity to visit my family in England and to travel with Angela. It was great to have time to write. I spent Sundays seeing what was going on in other churches. But best of all it was an opportunity to stop and to take a breather.
I am a compulsive note taker. When I awoke in the early hours of the morning in London, I had a couple of hours to write down my thoughts and experiences and to reflect upon our ministry. How grateful I am to be the Rector of St Patrick's. "My boundaries enclose a pleasant land: indeed I have a goodly heritage" (Psalm 16:6).
It was a creative time. I thought up ideas for sermons. Some "may preach" and others I will not burden you with! I enjoyed delving back into the history of the church and my own history. As I wrote about monasteries I remembered the monasteries where I have stayed. I discovered many new insights. I was glad to finish "Saints Alive." There was much more to write, but it can wait. A friend is now editing the manuscript; and who knows where it will lead?
After my return, I met with the Bishop. He warned me that the time of re-entry is not easy and he advised me to be gentle with myself and to go slow. I do not want to step back into a world that is out of control. I want to be more thoughtful and to have more time with people.
It would not have been possible without George Hunt's availability. He brought his own gifts to St Patrick's. I have heard how much you appreciated his ministry here. He had good helpers: Marcia Ronchetti in the parish office, Wendy Wood the Senior Warden and the vestry and many others. The church did not fall apart while I was gone! Thanks for your flexibility.
George tried a number of new things. For example: the bulletin. Like George, I don't like inserts. It needs to be all on one sheet of paper. People have told me, they like saying the collect and having the readings. Please let me know what you like. Thanks.
Hugh Stevenson
JAZZ MASS
On September 2, Robert Young will be leading his traditional Jazz band, the Eldorado Syncopators at the 10:00 a.m. service. They will lead us in the singing of When the Saints and other Gospel songs.
ACOLYTES
Old and new acolytes will be commissioned in September. New ribbons will be distributed There will be a training session designed particularly for newish acolytes. If you would like to be an acolyte, call the Rector (833-4228). Acolytes have to be 5th Grade or above. They serve once a month, usually at the 10:00 a.m. service (10:30 during the fall).
DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
The first meeting of the fall will be on Sept 2 after the 10:00 a.m. service in the Common Room. If you have a name that you would like added to the list, call Jane Hall at 217-3970.
WOMEN'S BREAKFAST
Saturday, September 8 is the next Women's Breakfast. All women in the parish are invited to meet at Su Casa at the St Francis Shopping Center at 8:30 a.m. For more information, please call the church office.
SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES
Raymond Skipp continues as the Sunday School teacher. Class begins on Sept 9 in the Sunday school room next to the church. Sunday school will be each Sunday, except Sept 30, when the children come in to the 10:00 a.m. service.
ECW LUNCHEON
The first lunch of the new season will be on Sept. 11. The speaker will be the Rev. David Steadman, deacon at St. Stephens in Sebastopol. David's topic is "St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of Brother Sun." 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.
PARISH CRUISE
Bishop Hunt is leading the parish cruise to Alaska. Embarkation from San Francisco is on Sept 18 and return is on Sept 29.
On Sunday, Sept 23, the Rev. Harry Allagree will take the services. Harry has recently retired as Regional Missioner of the Redwood Episcopal Cluster (the missions at Ukiah, Lakeport and Willits). He is now living in Cotati.
There will be no midweek Eucharist on Wednesday, Sept 26.
MEN'S CURSILLO
The Men's cursillo will take place on the weekend of Sept 20-23, Wes Cazel and Bob Morell are on the team. Please pray for candidates and team.
GUEST PREACHER
On Sunday, Sept 30 the preacher will be Dr Jim Rawls. Jim's sermon will be titled, "On the Watching of Birds." Jim had a program on local radio called "Dr History." He and Steve Brannon have taken pilgrimages to Europe. He is a member of Trinity Sonoma. He is gifted story-teller.
ADULT EDUCATION
We will begin a new course on Sunday Oct 6, at 9:45 (between the services) in the Common Room. We will be reading Marcus Borg's new book, Jesus: Uncovering the Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Revolutionary. The cost will be $11. Of course it would help if you read the book! But even if you don't, you will still enjoy the conversation. To order a copy, call the parish office a.s.a.p. (833-4228)
FALL SCHEDULE IN OCTOBER
We revert to three services. [8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.] on October 6. During Sept, the services will be at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. with
Sunday school during the 10:00 a.m. service
TURNING POINTS
All find a welcome:
The Rev. Dr. L.A King from Sonoma.
Claus Schroeder of Oakmont
Roy and Wendy Adams have been here and will be in Egypt.
Gene and Marilyn Malm moved to Oakmont from Sebastopol.
For this, much thanks:
Bishop George Hunt cared for the parish while the Rector was on sabbatical. Marcia Ronchetti kept the administration up to date.
Jane Hall organized the new members supper on August 4.
Judy Buff organized the cursillo supper on August 18.
Sylvia O'Neill and Alan Rae gave a piano recital on August 19.
LA King preached and celebrated on Aug 26.
Relocation:
Hertha Brown is at Renee's House, 2028 Dennis Lane, Santa Rosa 95403. Phone: 546-4438. She would welcome cards.
Vashti Papworth is at 6660 Evergreen Ave Sebastopol 95472. (Phone: 829-3017)
Carol Papworth can be reached at 540-3268
Nancy Percival is at 800 Oregon St, apt 281, Sonoma 95472. (Phone: 996-6442)
Kathryn Gary is at 151 Oakmont Gardens, 301 White Oak Drive, 95409 (Phone 539-7932)
We ask God's protection of
those serving in the military overseas
Chris Whittaker, Dallas Casey,
Dan Whitwright, George Sutherland,
Mike Bennett
Blessings:
Harper Leigh Simons, daughter of Spence and Hollie, and great granddaughter of Wyn Warfield was baptized on July 29.
Sarah Chapman, daughter of Anne and Charlie, married Kumar Das on August 11.
Virginia Poust moved to Rockford, IL where she is marrying Ron Wirsing on September 1.
Andy Long married Emily on July 20.
Deepest sympathy:
Alicia Wray's stepmother, Audrey Ackerly died 8/7 in Arizona.
Becky Jenkins' father, Norman Wood, died 7/2 in W. Virginia.
Janice Curry, daughter of Ruth and Wayne Wright died during the summer.
May they know God's healing power:
Various members and friend of St Patrick's have been involved in car accidents;
Martin & Pam Miller Hessel, en route to Texas.
Martin is still receiving care in a nursing home.
Wendy Wood, Charlotte Horne,
John Heidel.
George Hunt went home after surgery 8/13
These are undergoing surgery:
Vashti Papworth,John Burt
Ray Estabrook, George Arack Jr (8/22)
Jeff Spragens had surgery in early August
Larry Gent, Jack Rockwell
Are receiving care at home
Linda Belding, Al Cook
Nancy Percival, Rylee Morris
Matt Harris, son of Ninon Cabrales
Annette, friend of John & Maureen Thompson.
Margaret Bayley friend of Dicksie Tamanaha.
We will exalt you, O God, our King:
The joint St Patrick's/Church of the Incarnation Mission to Mexico was very successful.
LAY MINISTERS
ST PATRICK'S NEEDS YOU!
We are looking for volunteers for ministries at St Patrick's:
- Lay Eucharistic Visitors. These take communion to the home bound and those in hospital. At present Ray Estabrook, Charlie Buff and Jim Duffy are licensed to do this. The congregation sends visitors out once a month. We have about 35 homes to take communion. It would be good to send out two people each week.
- Acolytes. We need adults as well as young people.
- Readers, at both the 8:00 a.m. service and the last service of the morning. Readers read the readings and/or the prayer one Sunday a month. At the 10:30 (10 am in the summer) service, we are looking for alternates.
- Eucharistic Ministers are Chalice bearers. We need these at all services.
- Choir members (especially tenors!) The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday mornings between the services. The choir sings at the last service of the morning, September to June. In 2006, we co-opted ringers to sing at the 10:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Would you like to do this?
- Worship Leaders. Karen Steelman is licensed to do this. There are occasional opportunities to do this ministry.
- Property Manager. We envisage more of a "quarter back," who will pass the ball to one of his/her running backs. And we need volunteers with skills in various property areas.
We will provide training, in house at St Patrick's and/or through the Diocese. After you are trained, we will ask the Bishop to license you to some of these ministries.
LAY MINISTRIES WORKSHOP
Each year, there is a workshop in each Deanery. The next worship in our Deanery will be held on September 15 at St Paul's Benicia. The morning begins with check-in and continental breakfast at 9:00 a.m. After opening prayers, the first sessions begin at 10:00 a.m.; the second sessions at 11:30 and the third at 1:30 p.m.
There are workshops in a number of areas that are important for St. Patrick's:
Eucharistic Ministry
Spirituality and Aging
Legacy stewardship (bequests etc)
Eucharistic Visitors
The new (Revised Common) Lectionary
Altar guilds
Ushers
Lectors (Readers)
And many others.
Some members of the congregation will be going. If you are interested, call the parish office (833-4228), so that we can arrange car-pooling. The full list of workshops is posted on the board in the Parish Hall.
DAVID STEADMAN ON FRANCIS
The Rev. David Steadman is both art historian and deacon. He was trained at Harvard, Berkeley and gained his PhD at Princeton. He has worked in the following museums: The Frick Collection, Princeton University Art Museum, The Norton Simon Museum, The Chrysler Museum and The Toledo Museum of Art.
Later in life, he went to the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, as well as the School for Deacons in Berkeley. He serves as deacon at St Stephen's Episcopal Church in Sebastopol. He is on the board of Numina, the center for art and spirituality in Santa Rosa and is on the Deacons' Council of our Diocese. He is a trustee of The Norton Simon Museum and The Phillips Collection in Washington DC.
David's topic is St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of Brother Sun.
PARISH DIRECTORY
The new and improved directory will be printed on August 31. Please email Marcia at parishsec@cdsl.net or call the office at 833-4228 with any changes. We are especially interested in correct/current email addresses.
MEALS ON WHEELS. Nancy Young needs drivers for Sonoma Meals on Wheels for one hour on Mondays & 2 hours on Thursdays. Call Nancy (home~933-1650, or office~996-1414)
SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR. Many thanks to our parishioners, who served coffee and refreshments after the 10:00 services during the summer. For those of you who have not recently taken advantage of the opportunity to serve coffee, there are a number of Sundays available in Sept. 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.
ST. PATRICK'S AS A SHELTER
When the parish hall was built, St. Patrick's entered into agreement with the Kenwood Fire Department to be an emergency shelter in case of disaster. The Fire Department installed a hookup for a generator outside the kitchen door and agreed to hook it up. They also furnished 24 cots and some emergency blankets that are stored above the parish kitchen along with trunks of first aid supplies. The Emergency Preparedness Task Force inspected these boxes and met with the Fire Department. During August Judy and Charlie Buff talked with Mr. J.J. Love from the Red Cross Community Sheltering Program. He would like St. Patrick's to be prepared for use as an emergency shelter if people need to evacuate their homes because of situations such as fire or earthquake.
We need 12 people to take a Red Cross training class to set up and run the shelter. The class will last about 5 hours and can be done at St. Patrick's. Would you be willing to take the class and then volunteer in an emergency? Please contact Judy Buff, chairman of the Emergency Preparedness Task Force at 539-2667.
CHILDREN'S PLAYERS
When my daughters were young, I taught them to say the Lord's Prayer before going to bed. As I listened outside their door, I could hear them say, "Give us this steak and daily bread, and forgive us our mattresses."
Groton, Mass. - My mother spent her early childhood saying, "Hail Mary, full of grapes."
Missoula, Mont. - My son, who is in nursery school, said, "Our Father, who art in Heaven, how didja know my name?"
Uniontown, Ohio - I remember thinking the prayer was "Give us this day our jelly bread."
Covina, Calif. - I recall reading something years ago about the Pledge of Allegiance. Some child thought it began, "I led the pigeons to the flag."
Cleveland, Ohio - When I was little, I often wondered who Richard Stands was. You know: "I pledge allegiance to the flag . . . And to the republic for Richard Stands."
Tampa, Fla. - When my husband was 6 years old, he thought the Creed said, "He suffered under a bunch of violets." The real words were of course "under Pontius Pilate."
Oak Harbor, Wash. - When my older brother was very young, he always walked up to the church altar with my mother when she took communion. On one occasion, he tugged at her arm and asked, "What does the priest say when he gives you the bread?" Mom whispered something in his ear. Imagine his surprise years later when he learned that the priest doesn't say, "Be quiet until you get to your seat."
Grand Junction, Colo. - When I was younger, I believed the line was "Lead a snot into temptation." I thought I was praying for my little sister to get into trouble.
Jean Derum Reports:
We (Bazaar Bees) continue to work on various projects for the bazaar. Jean would like to hear from any folks who have items that they are working on or have completed so that she can get an approximate inventory. There are still project packets to work on at home if you would like to help. Give Jean a call at 523-4553 to arrange for pick up or go to the workshop on Friday mornings from 9:00 to noon.
Vicki Ward is heading the Bag Lunch detail this year and creating a delicious variety of goodies to sell.
Jean Meyer (833-5575) again will keep watch over the
jams, jellies, baked goods and various gourmet items that come into the Pantry. If you can help with this, Jean would be happy to hear from you.
Jane Hall (217-3970) and Gloria Salander (537-0302) are the ladies with the green thumbs for the Garden Shop. They would like donations of plants, decorative pots, or crafty things such a birdhouses.
Sandra Hammond (833-2450) has once again agreed to oversee all the beautiful items people have donated to the Silent Auction. However, she still needs more items such as silver, antiques or collectables. Please call Sandra, Dorothy Mills (539-0509) or Shirley Ward (545-3606) if you have any of these items to donate.
Also, as you know Tea Towels are the most popular items sold. Call Barbara Fry (538-2164) if you can help in finishing them for the Big Day.
Jean Derum is looking for items for the RidJle. She also needs someone to be in charge of the Raffie. Donations of a bottle of wine or2, gift certificates to a spa, salon or restaurant or hand made quilt/wall hanging etc. would be appreciated. Give Jean a call if you can be of help.
Jean will be putting sign up sheets in the Parish Hall in early September asking for volunteers to help man the various jobs, particularly set up and clean up. These are the most time consuming and manpower always seems to be in short supply. Please help if you can on this, the biggest money raiser at St. Patrick's, which is put on by The Episcopal Church Women.
THE JOHN BOGART LIBRARY
This month we have four new items in the library. The first is a DVD, The Mormons. Originally shown on Public Television, it was enjoyed by many parishioners. The program was produced with the cooperation of the Mormon Church leadership and it digs deep into church beginnings and past to help in an understanding of the church today. There is one DVD.
Next, there is an introduction to the New Testament and the early church, From Jesus to Christianity by L. Michael White. This book is considered 'the most thoroughly historical introduction to the New Testament now available.' As an example, if you would like to fully understand Paul's letters in context, the information is here. It is very well written and readable.
Adding to our collection of Jan Karon's works we have Light for Heaven. This has Father Kavanagh and many other familiar characters. It is in large print for the convenience of many parishioners. (Gift of Marcia Ronchetti)
Lastly, is Shir-Ella by Ella Grimmer and Shirley Coombs. This true story of two girls evacuated from wartime London during WW II was given to St Patrick's by Shirley Coombs. The picture she paints of daily life in wartime England helps one understand the difficulties the British faced so bravely.
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