St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
Volume 23; Issue 05	June 2006

From the Rector

“The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. Other names for this service include: the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, the Divine Liturgy, the Mass, and the Great Offering.” [BCP 859] The practice of Holy Communion has changed significantly over the past 2000 years of Christianity.

In the early Church, small communities of faith would gather together for a meal, sing and pray, and recall Jesus’ words of institution over the bread and wine. In those days, people would actually receive a significant portion of wine and bread as part of the meal. As Christendom expanded, thousands of people would gather together for worship in a large basilica. So, sitting down for an intimate holy meal, no longer worked in this new context. As a result, Holy Communion became a ritualized practice whereby the Christian would receive a small piece of blessed bread and a sip of wine in the context of the Eucharist. By the time of the Middle Ages, the cup was removed from the people and only the priest drank the wine. Rarely did people go up to receive communion each week. However, on occasion (if people were in the state of grace), they would go to the altar rail to receive the blessed host from the priest’s hand. Touching of the host by the laity was forbidden. The Protestant Reformation restored the cup to the people, although communion was usually held only once per month and distributed to those who were confirmed (usually after the age of 12).

Today, in the Episcopal Church, we offer the body and blood of Christ to all baptized Christians, every Sunday. Each church distributes communion differently. Some churches have only hosts while others have bread. Some congregations intinct while others pass the cup for drinking. In some congregations, people kneel while receiving communion while in other churches, people stand. Some churches distribute communion in the aisles while others distribute communion only at the altar railing.

In more recent times, I have become increasingly concerned about the health of our most vulnerable members (e.g. older folks, immuno-deficient folks, sick folks, and very young children) in the distribution of the cup. Of particular concern is the method of intinction (i.e. dipping the bread into the cup). Many churches have addressed this concern by having only the chalice bearers intinct the bread and then place it in the communicant’s mouth so as to prevent people’s hands from touching the lip or inside of the cup. I am working with some of the nurses in our parish as well as our own St. Jude’s pathologist to come up with the best method of distributing the wine that would be most healthful. On June 18th, I will give an adult forum on the history, theology, and practice of Holy Communion throughout the ages. At that time, we will discuss healthful practices of communion distribution. If you have any thoughts before that time, please contact me. Otherwise, I look forward to your presence at the Adult Forum on that Sunday.

Did you know?

• The large cedar tree in front of the church is dead due to old age and fungus infection. The tree must be cut down soon because it presents a safety hazard. Sentiments of sympathy may be given to our Property Manager, Syd Jacobsen. If you know of any removal service that will remove this tree for a good price or if you have any other creative ideas, please contact Syd.


• The National Convention of the Episcopal Church will begin on June 13th. Please pray for the unity of the Church and for the Holy Spirit to guide the decision making process of our bishops and deputies. Frank Snow is a deputy, representing the Diocese of El Camino Real. We give thanks for his presence among us and for his willingness to represent us.


• The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) announced that St. Timothy’s in Mountain View is one of three parishes with ECUSA to win the 2006 Apostles in Stewardship Award for their stewardship program. This award will be presented to them at General Convention on Saturday, June 17. Congratulations to everyone at St. Timothy’s!


• Kevin Satterlee is engaged to be married this fall to Leah Book.


• Bill Faust, Nancy Symon’s brother, passed away recently. May his soul rest in peace.


• Middle School graduates this year: Natalie Carpenter, Christian Lei, and Tyler Barsy. High School graduates this year: Caryn Lee and Sam Young are going to Cal Poly, Liz Sidle is going to West Valley, and Mercedes Bent (former member) is going to Harvard! Darya and Arianna Pilram will be graduating from UC San Diego in June. Arianna’s degree is in Digital Media Arts and Darya’s in International Studies of Anthropology with an emphasis in Latin America. Arianna will stay in San Diego, where she will be working at Resnet as the head media person, and Darya is waiting to hear results of her foreign service test and first foreign assignment. CONGRATULATIONS ALL! WE WILL BE CELEBRATING GRADUATES AT OUR JUNE 11, 10:30 SERVICE.


• The editors of the View prefer all input to be submitted electronically. If you do put an article into the View mailbox in the Farm House, please sign it and then call Nancy Chapman.

Kids/Teens Sunday Morning “Worship”
The Rev. Mary Blessing

A spiritual oasis where lives are transformed.. is our vision of St. Jude’s Church. As we grow into this vision, we find ourselves continually measuring just how much spiritual transformation is happening for all who come to worship with us. Recently I had the immense joy of experiencing the spiritual transformation of our youngest members in the pre-K-1st grade Godly Play Chapel. It was Mother’s Day. It was a holy morning.

I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in a visceral, physically tangible way, goose-bumps up and down my spine while sharing the story of the Holy Family—our blessed mother of the Christ child filled with the wonder of God’s creative work within her—as our children imagined her plodding through the desert on the donkey, and then in her discomfort, walking along side the “beast of burden,” making her way to Bethlehem. Most of you probably wonder why we would tell this “Christmas story” during the Easter Season—because, as we see at the end of the story of the birth, life and death of Jesus, the Christ child, the babe that once held his arms out in love for his mother, grew up to be a man who died on the cross, so that he could live again, and hold his arms out to embrace the whole world. Such is the love of a mother, that she would stand by her son no matter what. Such is the love of God, that he would defeat evil, and raise his beloved Son to rule the hearts of all who choose love.

These 3-7 year old children felt the presence of that love on Sunday morning, as did the two adults who were fortunate enough to wonder and worship with them. Lives are being transformed. We want to share this with you.

Lindsay Jacobson, one of our Godly Play coordinators, storyteller, and parent of two young boys, came with me to the Vestry in May to report on “how things are going in Church School.” She gave an outstanding report on what works and what is needed. For the most part, things are going well for our youngest group, the Pre-K-1st graders. Room 7 is set up as we need it (mostly), and we have a consistent rotation of parent volunteers. Things are going well, we can feel the “worship” here.

The 2nd - 4th grade, in Room 6, is not going as well. Some days are good, others are challenging. The Vestry agreed to support us as we create a better physical environment for this age group—details are in the making. We find that this group is sometimes very interested and engaged in a Biblical story, and sometimes they are less interested. We are planning a curriculum change, with an emphasis on opportunities to share with one another about “what’s going on in their lives.” This will be designed to help this age group learn how we care for one another, to be true “friends in Christ.” We propose calling it the “Friendship Circle.”

The 5th - 8th grade group, the “Chat Room,” meets in the East Conference Room. Youth gather with a mentor, usually Bruce Horn, to check-in about their lives, to pray and nurture one another, as they listen to the gospel of the day and see how it may apply to their lives. It is such a popular group, high school teens have been enjoying staying with this discussion rather than coming to church. We have grown to realize we need a separate discussion group for older teens. Our hope is to have high school students in church, worshiping and serving in our main corporate worship, with an age appropriate Bible-centered discussion at another time.

With the expansion of our Church School program, we need more mentors and helpers. We need to adjust our room use. This Summer we will invite all children and teens to gather in Room 6 for music, a “thought of the day” and special projects, teens helping young ones. We invite your proposals, your input, and your support.

Do you have a special interest or gift you could share with our kids? Would you like to help out with Sunday School in a very limited but important way? Please consider sharing your gifts or interests with St. Jude’s children this Summer or in the Fall. Project leaders are needed for our Summer Sunday School workshops. Projects can be anything you’d like to share with our kids: cooking, art, music, science, drama, service, anything you’re enthusiastic about and would like to share. Ideas, support & supplies available. Please contact Linda Morris.

Diocesan Communications
Linda Morris

• Meet the Standing Committee — Much of the work of the Standing Committee, the Ecclesiastical Authority in the absence of a bishop, in this interim period involves staying in touch with all parts of the diocese, as a part of the shared ministry, which we all share. Through its liaisons, the Standing Committee (Jerry Witherspoon is a member) receives reports from all diocesan committees as well as from the Bishop, Canon and Administrator. To find out about the members and their liaison responsibilities, see the kiosk.


• To view the interesting 2005 Episcopal Overview Survey results — see the link from the National Church Congregational Development Office: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/Episcopal_Overview_FACT_2005.pdf .


• Memorial Day Bell Concert — Monday, May 29, 3:00 p.m. (free) Bring your favorite lawn chair to set up in St. James Park across from Trinity’s bell tower and enjoy this traditional concert by the Trinity Carillonists. The approximately hour-long concert will feature patriotic songs, hymns and popular tunes. This year’s concert is dedicated to the memory of Jim Angell, Stanford Carilloneur emeritus, who died in February 2006.


• Evangelism Workshop — St. Jude’s is hosting the Tri-Deanery workshop to be presented by Rev. Canon Britt Olson on Saturday, June 10, 9-2 pm. For more info, see the kiosk. Please make a reservation by June 2nd in the office.


• Deanery Meeting — Tuesday, June 6th, 6:30 pm gathering, meeting 7-9 pm at St. Andrew’s, Saratoga. The main focus will be discussion and preparation for the next DESC Tri-Deanery meeting (see next bullet). All clergy, delegates, alternates are encouraged to attend, but all are welcome.


• Diocesan Evaluation and Structure Committee — Read the informative May 5th DESC Progress Report at http://www.edecr.org/desc/desc-report-20060504.html. The DESC will be sharing further progress and gathering input on diocesan structure and funding proposals on Tuesday, June 27th, 7-9 pm, St. Mark’s, Santa Clara, the second of three tri-deanery meetings. All are welcome.


• Rock-n-Water — is scheduled for July 9 - 13 at a cost of $350 per person. Direct inquiries to Neita Oates, St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church, Arroyo Grande, at neita@charter.net or call 805-489-5476.


• Habitat for Humanity Workday — There will be another workday to continue building the houses on the Murphy Ave. site in San Jose on Saturday, August 26th from 8-4 pm. If you are 14 or older and interested in working or if you are interested in helping with lunch, please contact Linda Morris.


• See the kiosk in the church entry (Narthex) for the DESC Progress Report, current Standing Committee Update, and Habitat sign-up. For more information, contact Linda Morris.

May Vestry Notes
Syd Jacobsen

The treasurer, Liz Jones, reported on the Church financial statement to 4/30/06. Financially St. Jude’s is in good shape. Pastor Mary Blessing and Lindsay Jacobson reported on the Church Sunday school program. On a given Sunday there are between 30 to 40 children attending Sunday school. This group includes the Nursery through the 8th grade. They also reported on the long term hopes and dreams of the school.

Jean Chandler reported on the third party users of our property and buildings. There is a need for more volunteer help in managing the users.

Syd Jacobsen gave a report on the declining Deodar Cedar at Church. The tree in question is the main tree in the Church courtyard. A report was prepared by a consulting Arborist and Horticulturist. The tree is dying from oak root fungus and must be removed. This will leave a large gap in our landscape and shade area. For further information call Syd.

The Church main parking lot will be closed June 7th and 8th for resurfacing and re-striping. The new parking lot near the Church school will be open.

St. Jude’s in the Community

Lois Reed, East Palo Alto community organizer, and Liz Jones of St. Jude’s, were presented with the Community Incentive Award, given to the Midpeninsula Katrina Coalition by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, San Francisco-Peninsula Alumnae Chapter.

Deanery Katrina Relief Project —
Habitat for Humanity’s Operation Home Delivery
Mary Sousa

After Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region, Roy Hayter of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Mountain View polled West Valley Deanery churches regarding the possibility of participating in Habitat for Humanity’s special relief effort, Operation Home Delivery. Roy told the St. Jude’s Social Justice/Outreach Committee that the Social Services Ministry of St. Tim’s had already decided to contribute to the long term relief of those who lost their homes and hoped to rally others to join in the effort.

Habitat for Humanity is one of the agencies that has been most effective in the aftermath of the disaster. Through their “Home in a Box” pre-building program and local on-site volunteer repair and building programs, more than 200 Habitat homes have been built and a similar number are scheduled. Since the West Valley Deanery is already providing teams of volunteer builders at the Silicon Valley Habitat (SiVHfH) sites in San Jose, our Deanery churches are in a good position to help.

SiVHfH has formed a Katrina Relief Task Force that includes members from the Deanery churches. Plans are in progress to pre-assemble the frames of one or more homes here and to ship them along with other components and tools to Jackson County, Mississippi, for final construction. Meanwhile, Habitat plans to keep its local building program going in parallel with this additional effort.

Volunteers to help assemble the frames of the initial home locally and to join the on-site construction effort in Jackson County will be needed this summer (possibly as early as June.) More details will be published as they become available. Please contact Roy Hayter (650-968-2650 or RGHayter@sbcglobal.net) if you would like to be part of this effort, or are interested in the home design or other aspects of this project.

Library News
Susan Stanley

St Jude’s library has a new look. We have finished alphabetizing all nonfiction books by author. Thus there are many less categories to search to look for a desired book. All are, of course, entered in our computer catalog.

We have recently received donations of a number of new books which we are now processing so they will soon appear on our shelves. We thank the donors. We wish we knew who you are so we could offer more personal recognition. Perhaps you might leave a note with your donation.

When you donate books, we screen them for relevancy to our communities interests and needs. If the donations are duplicates of books we have or we decide not to keep them for other reasons, we offer them to members of our community first by putting them in a box in the Parish Hall. If they are not claimed from the box within a month, we donate the nonfiction to the library at St. Thomas’ in Sunnyvale and give fiction to Santa Clara County libraries for their book sales.

FREE BOOKS: A new box of books for adoption has been placed in the Parish Hall. Look and take those that interest you.

Members of St. Jude’s Choir to sing in Fauré’s Requiem
Linda Morris

Members of St. Jude’s Adult Choir will join forces with choir members from Trinity Cathedral, Calvary, E.C.A, and Almaden Valley United Church of Christ to sing Fauré’s Requiem in a Candlelight Concert, accompanied by the Winchester Orchestra and directed by Henry Mollicone. The orchestra will also perform Dvorak’s Serenade, Opus 44, and Holst’s St. Paul Suite.

There will be two performances: 7:30 pm on Friday, May 26th at West Valley College Theatre, 14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga and 7 pm on Sunday, May 28th at Trinity Cathedral, 2nd and St. John Streets, San Jose. Tickets at the door: Adults--$15, Seniors--$10, Students--$5, Children under 12—free. For more information call 408-269-1905.

Big Plans for July 4th Celebration!
Audrey Matthews

Tuesday, July 4, is a day for us at St. Jude’s to celebrate with some all-American activities, starting with the St. Jude’s Chili Show! Judging kicks off at 4:00, and a few minutes later the curtain rises on the St. Jude’s Talent Cook-off! It is not too late for you to enter either (or both) of these events by simply signing up on the Kiosk. If you are entering a pot of chili, be sure to pick up a copy of the Chili Show Rules from the Kiosk.

You say you aren’t ready to enter your chili or perform in front of a crowd? NOT A PROBLEM! Just show up and share food and fellowship with the rest of us. Salads, cornbread, and desserts are welcomed to fill out our meals.

For those who want to bring their own grillable entrée we will provide the charcoal grills.

Don’t forget to bring the kids! We will have not one, but two piñatas for the kids. Other games and activities are planned as well. Bring your friends and neighbors. This holiday event is a great opportunity to introduce new people to the community of St. Jude’s, our spiritual oasis.

If you have not picked up an information sheet, you might need to know that the parish is providing tablecloths, plates, utensils, and ice cream.

You bring your own beverages and an ample side dish to share: any kind of salad, cornbread, or dessert. If you have questions, contact Audrey Matthews.

Adult Education for June
Bruce La Fetra

June 4, 2006 — God and the Holy Spirit: The Breath of New Life — What do we mean by the Holy Spirit? Can all people experience the Holy Spirit, or just Christians? Do we have to speak in tongues? Pastor Karen talks about these and more.

June 11, 2006 — Engaging our Culture in the 21st century using the gifts of our Anglican Tradition — The Rev. Britt Olson will speak about cutting-edge visions for ministry in the new millennium. She will share with us the deep resources of our Anglican history and spiritual tradition. How do we cope with the fast-pace, multi-cultural society in which St. Jude the Apostle in Cupertino finds itself? Our own Canon of Missions will offer us insights, both spiritual and practical.

June 18, 2006 — Practices at Holy Communion — Pastor Karen discusses the history, theology, piety, and practice of Holy Communion in the Christian Church, concluding with modern day issues concerning the passing of the cup. This is a great time to bring your questions about the “true meaning” of the Holy Eucharist.

June 25, 2006 — Health Care Directives — What exactly is a living will, a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, an Advance Health Care Directive? What is the difference between all of these and why does it matter? Betsy Carpenter, Counselor for Advance Directives at the Health Resource Center, El Camino Hospital, will answer these questions and show how a well-crafted Advance Directive can translate our individual values into instructions for our health care when the time comes that we can no longer speak for ourselves.

The Adult Education Committee is currently planning the schedule for next fall and beyond. If you have ideas, requests or preferences, please contact Bruce La Fetra or any of the committee members. Ideas can include programs or speakers, as well as ways to make the programs more accessible.

The editors, Nancy and Allan Chapman, thank all of this month’s contributors and the always reliable and excellent production staff.

Updated 4/25/2006

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