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December 2008
Vol. 10 No. 11
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 December 2008 [Vol. 10 No. 11]
At Christmas, we believe, Jesus was incarnate and became human like us. This means that God in Christ is concerned about every aspect of our human lives including the ways we organize our societies, including our economies. I have never taken academic courses in economics but I have made these observations:
- I've heard that FDR was a great President who picked up the pieces after the Great Depression with the New Deal and put people back to work with relief programs like the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps. He also bailed out Britain during World War II. I've also heard that FDR's actions were "bad" because he raised taxes and his government intervened in the economy.
- The economist who provided the theory for FDR in the USA and the British government was John Maynard Keynes. He advocated that, to soften the effets of recessions and depressions, the government should intervene in the economy rather than leaving the economy to market forces (laissez-faire).
- By the 1970s, Keynes was out of fashion and Milton Friedman and the Chicago School were in the ascendancy. Friedman was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1976. He advocated 3 things:
a. Privatization - the take-over by private companies of industries that hitherto had been nationalized, including health care, education, mining, energy, etc.
b. Deregulation - the elimination of government control of the way that industries were run, and
c. Cutting funding for social programs (including Social Security and Medicare) while taxing rich and poor at the same flat rate.
- At the same time that Friedman's views were gaining popularity in the U.S., Margaret Thatcher (as Secretary for Education) was being lambasted in England for abolishing the free milk program for every child aged seven to eleven.
- One person's tragedy can become another's "economic opportunity." FEMA delegated Hurricane Katrina disaster response to private companies, resulting in delays and misuse of taxpayer money. The Iraq war gave companies like Halliburton the opportunity to do reconstruction and Blackwater to provide security, without contracts being put out to bid.
- In the present financial crisis, many argue against rescue packets. There is concern that government bailouts of banking and the automotive industry is one step closer to socialism and the nationalization of industry.
All of this matters to Christians because economics raises profound ethical questions. If Jesus were an economist what would he say and do? How do we reconcile "rendering to Caesar" with "rendering to God?" Can the latter also include the former? Margaret Thatcher tried to make the case that Friedman economics was Christian. Someone replied that, "If Friedman was on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho and came across a man who had fallen among thieves, should he not walk by on the other side and leave it to private industry (or market forces) to rescue the victim?" Surely at the end of the day, governments as well as individuals will be judged by whether we fed the hungry, visited the sick and those in prison, clothed the naked, etc. For "inasmuch as we did (or did not do) it for the least of God's people, we did (or did not do) it for Christ."
May the presence of the Incarnate Lord bless every aspect of your life!
Hugh Stevenson
The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on January 25. There will be one Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. on that Sunday. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. after refreshments. 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. Last year we changed the date of the Annual Meeting so that it does not clash with Football or the Santa Rosa Symphony concert.
ANNUAL REPORTS
Could those responsible for parish programs please submit their reports as soon as possible for the packet? Will all parishioners pick up a packet after Christmas, in preparation for the meeting?
BYLAW REVISION
Article III of our current bylaws reads, "SECTION 1. Beginning 1998, and thereafter, the Vestry shall consist of twelve (12) members." Our Parliamentarian, Diana Estabrook, says that we may revise the bylaws before the election of new vestry members. We will have a resolution to amend the bylaws to read, "Beginning in 2008, and thereafter, the vestry shall consist of nine (9) members."
The rest of the section reads, "The Rector shall be ex officio a member of the Vestry and President of the Vestry. The Rector shall preside at all Vestry meetings, with the right to vote, except that the Rector may appoint the Senior Warden as the presiding officer of the Vestry. In the absence of the Rector and the Senior Warden, the Junior Warden may preside. Members shall be communicants whose names shall be duly enrolled in the register of this Parish and who are regular in their attendance at services and make stated contributions of record to its support, and they shall not be under suspension as communicants."
2009 VESTRY
At the Annual Meeting, we will elect two new vestry members to make up the total of nine. Do you have a candidate that you will nominate? The outgoing vestry members are Margaret Merchat, Jill Hunting, Vicki Ward, Cathy Landon and Becky Jenkins. The continuing members are Hutch Gibb, Bill Ward, Keith Olsen, Sarah Phillips, Fran Crane, and Cynthia Pennington. Wes Cazel filled a casual vacancy during the year and is eligible for election at the Annual Meeting. A brief vestry meeting for the new vestry is held after the Annual Meeting.
DIOCESAN CONVENTION
In 2009, convention will be held on Friday-Saturday, November 12-13 (a day earlier than usual), at the Convention Center in Redding. We anticipate that a number of people would like to represent St. Patrick's since the keynote speaker will be Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and chief pastor of the Episcopal Church. We will have an election at the Annual Meeting. If you would like to be nominated please call the parish office by January 1.
UPDATE ON THE CANVASS
Thanks to all for the generous pledges that you have made for next year. As of November 19, we have received 146 pledges for a total of nearly $230,000. There are about 30 pledges outstanding for a total of $30,000 (based on last year). Forty-nine people raised their pledges for a total of $11,000. Nineteen people decreased their pledges for a total of $12,500. Thirteen pledges (for a total of $14,000) are not collectible because people have moved away or are unable to pledge this year. We have picked up 18 new pledges for a total of $16,400. I suspect that we will end up about $5,000 below last year. The vestry will have some tough decisions when they approve the 2009 budget in January. Some of those who were unable to pledge, still plan to give as they are able.
ALTAR GUILD VAC MISSING
The Altar Guild has a mini-vacuum cleaner which is kept in the sacristy. It's an "Orca minivac." It's missing. Did you take it home?
PALLS WANTED
The pall is the mantle that goes on top of the chalice when setting up for the Eucharist. Its purpose is to keep flies out of the chalice when the wine attracts them. Many church have dispensed with palls (they are considered old fashioned); but we still have flies (they are not so old fashioned!). The word "Pall" comes from the Latin, pallium and means a cover. It is a square of linen 7X7 inches, stiffened with starch, cardboard or plastic. It is decorated with sacred images or fine embroidery
We are replacing our palls. We need three of them. They cost $35 each or $100 for three. Would you be interested in donating one or all three in memory of a loved one?
OVERCOATS WANTED
St. Andrew's Episcopal Mission in Monte Rio needs donations of clothing, shoes, coats and hats to give to the needy families who come there weekly to pick up bags of food. They also serve a hot meal once per month. Please leave your donations in the lobby. If there are any questions please call Barbara Fry at 538-2164.
COMING SHORTLY IN 2009
We will conduct a Mutual Ministry Review in March 2009. Old and new vestry members should attend. Canon Britt Olsen, the Bishop's assistant, will help us provide structure to the ministry of our parish.
Christmas Flowers
Would you like to donate towards the cost of the Christmas decorations, in memory of or in thanksgiving for a loved one? Please sign the Flower Book in the church entrance.
CLERGY CONFERENCE
Each February, the Bishop summons all the clergy in our diocese to a clergy conference. This year it will be held at Bishop's Ranch, February 9-11. The presenter will be Russell Crabtree of Holy Cow Consulting. Russ is the author of two books: The Fly in the Ointment: Why Denominations Aren't Helping Their Congregations...And They Can, and The Elephant in the Boardroom: Speaking the Unspoken about Pastoral Transitions (with Carolyn Weese). The "Elephant" book has been doing the rounds of the Diocese. Russ says that no one in parishes dares to think that their priest might be run over by a bus, get sick or (heaven forbid) die. Parishes need to be prepared for transitions before they happen rather than lurching from crisis to crisis.
JOHN BOGART LIBRARY
This month we have three quite different additions to our collection. Thanks to Betty Leedom for God's Universe, by Owen Gingerich. In this little volume, the author, a professor of astronomy and devout Christian, attempts to reconcile evolution with creation.
From the Hunts' downsizing we get Jerusalem, by F. E. Peters, a history of the holy city from the days of Abraham to modern times.
And finally, in The Culture of Disbelief, law professor Stephen Carter discusses how American politics trivializes religious devotion.
Karen Babula
DECEMBER EVENTS
ADVENT CELEBRATION. After their Quiet Day on November 29 (10:00 am-1:00 pm), the Daughters of the King will host the coffee hours on Advent Sunday (November 30) and will sponsor a display of Christmas crèches.
ADVENT SUNDAY. November 30 is the beginning of a new year in the church's calendar and the 1st Sunday of Advent. The Advent wreath will be explained.
DANA CONCERT. On Friday, December 5 St. Patrick's will welcome Dana Couey and Doug Harmon in concert at 7:00 pm. Dana plays the guitar and has a beautiful alto voice. Doug accompanies her on cello and plays some solos. They will present an Advent concert of contemporary and traditional music including,
O Holy Night, Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, and Feliz Navidad. It will be a wonderful meditative way to celebrate Advent as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. For more information check their website www.danacouey.unimwebcenter.com.
ABENDMUSIK. In the context of evensong on Sunday, December 7 at 5:00 p.m., the choir (augmented) will sing Benjamin Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb (extraordinary words by Christopher Smart, 1722-1771) and a plainsong version of the Magnificat with organ interludes. A potluck feast will follow.
ANNUAL GUEST. Each December, we are blessed by the visit of Bishop Nicholas of Myra. He will be here at all services on December 7. He knows who has been "naughty or nice" and will bring largesse to distribute. This is the Collect for St Nicholas (Feast: December 6):
Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
ECW LUNCHEON is Tuesday, December 9, at 11:00 am. The program may be about the place of women in the Episcopal Church. Please sign up in the parish hall.
SINGALONG MESSIAH. The 28th Sing-along Messiah will be performed at the SR High School Auditorium on Saturday, December 20, at 7:30 pm. The SR Symphonic Chorus will lead the singing, directed by Dan Earl. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Proceeds benefit the SR Symphony's music education program. Jackie Senter and Hugh Stevenson will be singing in the chorus.
GUEST PREACHER. Philip Newell is the retired Bishop of Tasmania in Australia (1982-2000) and father of Michael, who recently moved to Santa Rosa with his wife Shari. Bishop Newell will preach at the 10:30 service on December 21, Advent 4.
CHURCH DECORATING for Christmas will be on Sunday, December 21 after the 10:30 am service. All are welcome to help.
FOOD GIVE-AWAY. Star of the Valley Roman Catholic Church, White Oak Drive in Oakmont, would like help preparing (December 22) and distributing (afternoon of December 23) Christmas food baskets.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
December 24, Christmas Eve:
Christmas pageant and Eucharis at 5:00 p.m.
Festal Eucharist, with choruses from Messiah and carols, at 10:30 p.m.
December 25, Christmas Day:
Celebration of the Eucharist without music for those who seek a quieter, more reflective service 10:00 a.m.
SHEPHERDS & ANGELS WANTED
Our traditional Christmas pageant is on Christmas Eve. We need lots of actors and sheep, etc. If you can participate, call the parish office (833-4228) or (better) speak to Raymond Skipp.
LESSONS AND CAROLS
On December 28, there will be lessons and carols at all services 8:00 am, 9:00 am and 10:30 am.
All find a welcome:
Bud & Sue Crystal are friends of Shirley & Bill Ward.
Stu has recently moved to Adobe Canyon Road.
Ann Teige Glatt (daughter of Barbara Teige) and Jay Putnam were all here on November 9.
For this, much thanks: To all who have made pledges to St. Patrick's for 2009. As of Nov 11, we had received 123 pledges for $199,000. We hope for about 60 more pledges for a total of $270,000.
We ask God's protection of:
those serving in the military overseas
Sam Jackson and Kevin Danaher.
We will exalt you, O God, our King:
Merilyn Adams has a new granddaughter, Stella Eve, born 10/30.
Gabriel (son of Sande) and Samantha Schlumberger are the proud parents of Margaux Sandrine born Sept 28.
Blessings on:
Doris Campbell. Some will remember Doris. She is a "Renaissance woman" who in her old age took up painting, violin and published a semi-biographical novel, The Sand Dollar (in the John Bogart Library). Her husband, Alex, died in 1991. Kathy, her daughter, writes, " Mom is 93 now, and has lived with us almost 4 years until this March, when she moved into a small assisted-care residence nearby. She has had a full, happy life. St. Patrick's was so special to both her and my dad, and they helped build it."
Deepest sympathy:
to Kathy & John Scherer and Greg on the death of Kathy's mother, Mary Beers (Nov 7).
May they know God's healing power:
| Lolita Seguin | John Phillips |
| Linda Belding | Milo Stevenson |
| The Hall family | Peg Poole |
| Mark Kirkland | Terry Spragens |
| Roger White | Ryan Banks |
| Dolores De Vito | |
| Pierre, Walter, John, Josephine | |
| Rick Belding's mother | |
May they rest in peace:
Barbara Teige died on November 6 in Menlo Park where she had moved, around 2000, to be closer to her daughter Nancy. She would have been 90 in February. She will be buried at St. Bede's next to her husband Peter. Barbara was a wonderful gardener and arranged flowers at church. She sent out parish birthday cards for a number of years. With Fred Shidler, she was responsible for our coming to St. Patrick's after we had been interviewed at her old parish, St. Bede's Menlo Park. Nancy's address is 1835 Camino de los Robles, Menlo Park 94025. (HS)
This sermon was preached by the Rev Cliff Kent on November 16 after he had read to us the Parable of the Talents in which the steward with the most is commended for gambling with his master's money and the one with the least is condemned for playing safe.
Jesus was good at telling difficult stories. They must have been as hard to hear, standing on the streets of Palestine as they are to us in the pews today! If we identify with anyone in today's gospel, it is likely to be the poor person who was deprived of his talent just because he was shy or reserved or cautious. Surely Jesus is not telling us that our friend who put his cash under the mattress is inferior to those of us watching our pension funds decrease in the stock market.
In Jesus' day, a talent was either a unit of weight or a valued silver coin. For us, Jesus was not talking about wealth in terms of cash or natural ability. He was speaking about vocation and grace--the grace, given when we accept and enter into a covenant with God.
To a Christian in Rome around 85AD, the meaning of the story would be about baptism and the ministry of the baptized. Baptism was no casual matter. These Christians were giving their lives for God. In easier times they probably lost their jobs, their reputation, or even pagans in their families when they became Christians. In more turbulent times they faced arrest and execution.
Nowadays in America baptism causes little excitement. The cost of being a Christian (or an Episcopalian) seems minimal, unless you choose to serve in a parish, which is going down hill.
We may bemoan the feuding, fussing and fighting we see in our church and wish people would desist. But apart from that, our pew is safe and we are safe. Perhaps we hope that our toleration of those dreary hymns and all those prayers, which God seems to like, may get us a seat in heaven.
Jesus has a way of making us feel uncomfortable. When we were baptized, we promised to be witnesses of the Kingdom, which is now and is to come. The word "witness" in Greek is the same word as "martyr". But there's small chance that we will land up on the Church calendar or in a stained glass window! Witnessing does not always mean dying. We witness when we make promises when we marry. And we take seriously Jesus' words that there is no greater love than taking up our crosses and following him.
The fault of the servant with one talent was that he did not apply himself; he was passive, inert; paralyzed by fright that he would lose what he had been given.
Those of us who are passive Christians may assert that at least we pray. But true prayer propels us into the heart of God and makes us share the pains and tragedies of others. When we risk stepping into the love of God and the misery of our neighbor, we step into danger, if only the danger of doing something for others and thereby exposing us to rejection or loss.
Episcopalians seem paralyzed by the biblical word "Evangelism." We are prepared to inflict our politics and our recipes on others, but not our faith. We come up with all sorts of excuses to justify our apathy or take cover under the cloak of claiming not to be "fundamentalists." We are slow to recognize that our faith rests on generations of people who have heeded the command to proclaim the Good News. Of course we would never force our faith upon others!
We have been given the grace to witness to the faith that is within us. Will we teach others about Jesus or minister in his name? Each one of us was given a wealth of love when we were baptized. We renew that gift at each Holy Eucharist when we receive Jesus into our lives and join the hosts of heaven in worship and thanksgiving.
As we come to the Table this morning, suppose we thank God for the talent he has given us and offer this simple prayer: "Lord, give me the will to be faithful and active." Jesus will tell you what to do next. AMEN.
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