December 2006 Vol. 8 No. 11 Archive of Previous Issues The Grapevine is published monthly (except for a combined July/August issue) by St. Patrick's Episcopal Church E-mail St. Patricks The Rev. Hugh Stevenson, Rector Editor: Herc Roland, 538-3134

Table of Contents for December 2006 [Vol. 8 No. 11]

First Millennium Goals Advent and Christmas Turning Points Musical Offerings Youth News Outreach Report

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FIRST MILLENNIUM GOALS

Jesus was born and lived in a world, which was clearly divided between the Third World of Galilee and the affluent community of Jerusalem. Luke tells us that his parents were humble folk and that he was born in a stable for want of any shelter. No doubt infant mortality was common and there was much sickness, which Jesus sought to alleviate by his ministry of healing. Most people were illiterate. The frequent droughts caused crop failures, which led to extreme hunger.

The main topic of conversation at November’s Diocesan Convention was the Millennium Goals. In the year 2000, 191 nations of the world, including our own, agreed to a platform of action to eradicate poverty throughout the world by “education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, gender equality and financial development.” (From the pamphlet put out by the National Council of Churches). Nations agreed to the ambitious goal of halving global poverty by the year 2015.

Participants at convention were told that each year 500,000 women die from complications of child birth and a child under 5 dies every three seconds from preventable causes. Of the 100 million children who are not in school, 70% are Girls. One billion people live on less than $1:00 per day.

“Think globally; act locally,” we were told. We discussed what we could do to. Some said we should support the ministries of Episcopal Community Services and our companion diocese, Honduras, while others committed to not using electricity one day each week. We voted to support the resolution of General Convention making the Millennium Goals a priority for our church.

One question, that seemed obvious to me, was not talked about. What difference can we make as a nation? The United Nations recommended that nations contribute 0.7% of Gross Domestic Product to foreign aid. Our nation is last of 21 the most industrialized nations, contributing less than 0.2%. I suggested that we send a petition to those in authority asking them to increase our national giving.

At the birth of Jesus, the angels proclaimed, “Peace on earth and good will to all.” There would have been peace, if the wealthy in Jerusalem had been merciful to the poor in Galilee. I suspect that there will not be peace today until we make the sacrifices that are necessary to improve the lives the poorest of God’s children in our own and other lands.

May God’s peace be in your heart this Christmas.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

December 3 is the first Sunday of Advent. We will bless the Advent wreath. The 10:30 a.m. service includes lessons and carols for Advent, with Eucharist. Advent is the beginning of a new year in our Sunday readings. The dominant Gospel for the New Year will be St Luke.

There will be a half price sale of hand-made items from the Holiday Bazaar. There are still some lovely items left.

December 10. The Youth Group will cook a pancake breakfast for the congregation.

December 12: The ECW Christmas Luncheon at 11:00 am. The program will be “Operation Shoebox.” --a 30-minute workshop decorating shoeboxes for needy children in war torn areas and in areas affected by natural disasters, and filling them with small toys and grooming supplies. Cynthia Pennington will have a list of things that people can bring along with a $4.00 contribution to offset mailing expenses. We will need 12 shoeboxes which can be left in the parish hall. Please sign up to bring either a salad or a dessert.

December 20. After the 9:00 a.m. midweek Eucharist, would you like to help decorate the Church for Christmas?

December 24. In the morning, Holy Eucharist for 4th Sunday of Advent at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.

Christmas Eve, Saturday, at 5:00 p.m., Christmas pageant and Eucharist. At 10:30 p.m. Festal Eucharist, with choruses from Messiah and carols.

Christmas Day, Sunday, at 10:00 a.m., a celebration of the Eucharist without music for those who seek a quieter, more reflective service.

December 31, the Sunday after Christmas, Holy Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. with lessons and carols at 10:00 a.m.

ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on January 21. There will one Eucharist on that Sunday, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will begin after refreshments at 10:30 a.m. We will elect new members of the vestry, receive the treasurer’s report and the Rector’s report. There will be time for questions and comments about the life of our parish.

OTHER REPORTS

• Fr Ed Howell will be at the meeting as an associate of the meeting and to speak about a companion relationship with a parish in Honduras.
• There will be reports about music and adult education in the New Year.
• The Foyer Program will be explained, and you will be invited to take part in a supper club.
• A task force will be working on Emergency Preparedness in 2007. Do you know where the fire extinguishers are and where the shut off valve for gas is located?
• In the weeks after the Annual Meeting there will be neighborhood meetings. You should receive an invitation early in January. Their purpose will be explained.

ANNUAL REPORTS
Could those responsible for parish programs please submit their report by December 4 for the packet? Will you pick up your packet after Christmas, in preparation for the meeting?

2007 VESTRY
At the Annual Meeting, we will elect new vestry members. The outgoing vestry members are Vic Howard, Fred Fisher and Jane Hall. We will be nominating a slate of men. The only man continuing on the vestry is Michael Peterson, along with Jean Meyer, Judy Buff, Wendy Wood, Margaret Merchat, Jill Hunting, Vickie Ward, Becky Jenkins and Cathy Landon. A brief vestry meeting for the new vestry is held after the Annual Meeting.

TURNING POINTS

Welcome:
Dave and Laura Arcado have opened the new Kenwood Market, which is one of the focal points in our community. Stan Perry is the store manager. Blessings on their venture!
Mike Clark has looked after our computers from a distance for some time. He has now moved to Oakmont where he is learning to broker real estate.
Dennis & Judy Sweeney came with their children, Emma & Heather, who are in Sunday school.
Clarice Webb attended with her daughter, Janice.
Dennis & Diane Albers were with us for our All Saints celebration.
Louise Clark’s neighbor, Lenny Kesling.

For this, much thanks:
Thanks to all who filled out pledges of your time and talents as well as for your treasure.
Tommy Apostolides cooked and served breakfast with some helpers. Participants donated $658 for the youth group.
Elyse Jaynes organized a Potluck Social & Game night on November 4. We hope to make it a quarterly event.
Thanks to the teachers of our adult ed course.
Becky Jenkins on blood pressure.
Rick Harrison Smith on Estate planning.

Relocation:
May Miller is at Brighton Gardens, 300 Fountain Grove Parkway 95403.

We ask God’s protection
for those serving in the military overseas

Chris Whittaker	Dallas Casey
Dan Whitwright	George Sutherland
Mike Bennett	Joseph Palamino
Troy

and John Boskovich’s nephew, Sam Jackson, and Virginia Poust’s grandson, Aaron, and Michael Peterson’s son, Jason who have newly returned.

We will exalt you, O God, our King:
Congratulations to Barbara Jones on the birth of her great great grandson, Wyatt John.

May they know God’s healing power:

Shirley Flournoy	Mark Kirkland
Hertha Brown	Lolita Seguin
Janice Currie	Linda Belding
Scott Ronchetti	Joe Rasicot
Wyn Warfield	Dusty Lobette

John & Cathy Landon’s son, James Jean Henderson’s granddaughter, Anna Cynthia Pennington’s mother, Jeanne.

May they rest in peace:
Ruth Philips died (10/21) in Las Vegas.

Deepest sympathy:
To Harold Poehlmann and family on the death of his wife, Winnie. (11/1)

MUSICAL OFFERINGS

December 20. The Sing-along Messiah will be presented at Santa Rosa High School Auditorium, Mendocino Avenue, on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for seniors. This is a fundraiser to benefit the Santa Rosa Symphony’s music education program. The performance will be led by the Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus (including Jackie Senter, Max Church and Hugh Stevenson), and conducted by Dan Earl. Baroque Sinfonia will provide the accompaniment. The audience is invited to join in singing the Christmas choruses, the Hallelujah chorus and the concluding chorus, “Worthy is the Lamb.” The choir will sing “And with his stripes.”

January 7 Evensong for the Feast of the Epiphany by candlelight, sung by cantiamo, directed by Carol Menke at 5:30, with a potluck supper to follow, please sign up: salad or dessert.

December 24. At the 10:30 p.m. service on Christmas Eve, more Messiah sung by a make-up choir. We will sing O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, And the glory of the Lord, and the Hallelujah chorus. Would you like to join us? There will be rehearsals at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 13 and 9:45 am on Sundays December 10 and 17. Call Robert Young at 792-2433.

On December 31 at 10:00 a.m., a service of lessons and carols for Christmas, followed by the Eucharist. This is an opportunity to sing some of the carols that we have not been able to include in our worship because the Christmas season is so short!

ADULT EDUCATION
For four Sundays at 9:45 am, after the Annual Meeting, beginning January 28, we will discuss Marcus Borg’s book, The Heart of Christianity (2003). We meet in the Common Room. Each week there will be a brief summary of the material. Ideally participants will purchase their own copies. If you would like a copy, call the Parish Office a.s.a.p. (833-4228)

YOUTH NEWS

December 3, Advent Sunday. At 9am during the contemporary service, Santa will arrive bearing gifts (December 6 is St Nicholas Day).
At 10 am Youth Group meets in the youth group room for planning.
At 10:30, children will make Advent wreaths to take home.

December 10, 10:30 am The Sunday school children will come into church with their parents.

Pancake breakfast, December 10 after all services.

December 17, at 10:30 and on December 24 at 10 am rehearsals for the pageant.

December 22 at 9 am, food packing at Star of the Valley Catholic church on White Oak Drive off Oakmont Drive and December 23 distribution of them.

Christmas Pageant. At 5:00 p.m on Christmas Eve, we will again have a simple pageant. There are plenty of parts in the pageant. Please tell your friends.

December 31, services at 8 and 10 (note the time again!) No Sunday school. The 10 am service will be lessons and carols, followed by Eucharist.

January 7, back to normal: Sunday school at 10:30. The lesson will be about Solomon’s wisdom.

VESTRY COLUMN
At our October and November meetings,

• We continued discussing the Designated Funds Committee and appointed Guy Scott who has investment expertise as a member.
• We finalized the materials for the Every Member Canvass and organized follow-up calls. We need to know what our income from pledges will be so that we can finalize the budget for 2007.
• We organized the neighborhood meetings, which we agreed to schedule after January’s Annual Meeting. We are looking for hosts.
• Michael Peterson has fixed a number of water leaks in the “Front 40,” and replaced the lighting of our sign on the Highway.
• We prepared for January’s annual meeting and put together a slate of candidates for the vestry.
• We approved a companion relationship with a parish in Honduras, which we will bring to the congregation at the annual meeting.
• We have purchased lighter weight round tables for the parish hall. We are selling the old ones for $10. Are you interested?

End of year payments
We plan to close the books for 2006 during the week following Christmas. If you have donations to make to St Patrick’s, which you would like entered on your 2006 statement, please make them by December 31. If you have appreciated stock to give, you win three ways! You should receive your year-end statement early in 2007.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Many thanks to the many talented and hard working people who helped make the Holiday Bazaar a huge success: co-chairs Vicki Ward and Barbara Fry, committee chairs, their helpers, the Friday workshop workers and those who made items at home and the loyal supporters who came to the bazaar and bought and brought their friends. It is too early to assess how much was earned as money is still coming in, but shortly checks will go out to the beneficiaries: the Vineyard Workers, Social Advocates for Youth and The Living Room.

OUTREACH REPORT

The committee met on November 1

• We expressed thanks to those who brought children’s items for Elsa House. Bill McDonald and Jackie McDonald delivered them. Interfaith Shelter Network is looking for used furniture in good condition for their newest transition houses.
• We joined the residents of the Transition House in Glen Ellen on September 11 and plan a Christmas party on December 14. We invited one of the staff members to our February meeting.
• We made grants for the 4th quarter as follows:

  Brown baggers	$200
  Habitat for Humanity	$300
  Episcopal Relief & development	$300
  Doctors without borders	$400
  Kenwood Cares	$300

  We have dispersed our budget for the year of $6000. The full list of donations will be published in the annual reports
• Fr Ed Howell suggested that we might like to enter a companion relationship with the parish of St Patrick’s, Honduras by paying the salary of the deacon, at $300 per month. We were in favor and referred the matter to the vestry. Ed will be at our annual meeting on January 21 and will tell us more in the hopes that the whole congregation will support this idea.
• The youth group has been invited to help pack food parcels at Star of the Valley Church in Oakmont on December 22 and help with the give away the following day. All are invited to help.
• Meals on wheels in Sonoma needs more volunteers. If you can help one of two days a week delivering meals, call Nancy Young at 933-1650
• We are looking for an opportunity to show Al Gore’s movie, An Inconvenient Truth, about global warming. We will publicize this event and invite community members to join us.
• The Outreach Committee at Spring Lake Village invited us to join the Senior Center Without Walls. This is a scheme in which older people connect up with one another and commit to call each other every day. We are looking for a volunteer to organize this, making phone calls from home.
• Barbara Fry continues to be our parish representative for Episcopal Relief and Development..
• Barbara reported that the Bazaar had so far netted around $10,500 which will be distributed to three local charities: Social Advocates for Youth, The Living Room and the Vineyard Workers Services.

What to give for Christmas?
Forget about Nieman Marcus, LL Bean and Harry & David!
“Gifts for Life,” the Episcopal Relief and Development catalogue will be available in the narthex and the Parish Hall in December. What a wonderful way to help the world and give Christmas gifts or celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, etc!

Living Room Concert
The Mimi Fox Quartet will give a benefit concert Jazzed About Christmas! on December 2 at Sonoma State University Warren Auditorium: an evening of favorite carols in Christmas cool jazz, followed by a Sugarplum Dessert buffet.
All proceeds benefit The Living Room, day center for homeless women and their children. Call for tickets at 579-0138, a Christmas gift to you at $18.

WANTED
Fr Ed Howell is looking for a 2nd-hand laptop computer to take down to Honduras with him. If you are upgrading and have an old machine, please call the parish office (833-4228) or Fr Ed (292-8033).

Do you have any succulents or cactus, which need to be divided such as “Hen and Chicks”. Please call Jean Meyer (833-5575). We will use this type of plant around the sign on Sonoma Highway.