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St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church

A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
Volume 21; Issue 01
January 2004

Rector

Rev. Karen Siegfriedt

This season of light, hope, and new possibilities is an especially powerful time in my spiritual journey towards wholeness. As I reflect on the passing of Advent 2003, I recall the outpouring of love and generosity that the people of St. Jude's have shown. It fills me with gratitude and hope for a new creation.

I give thanks for the Advent Quiet Day, the leadership of Lele Blackman and the hospitality of Pat Coles who made this day possible.

I give thanks for our teenagers, who worked the parking lot sales all year to collect money to buy Christmas gifts for needy families and for the time they spent in sending special Christmas packages to those young adults away at college.

I give thanks to the people of St. Jude's who filled up grocery bags or bought presents for the families of Santa Maria Urban Ministry.

I give thanks for the leadership of Kathy Yates and family who gathered the parish together to provide meals for the homeless clients who will come to our campus at the end of December and for those of you who generously signed up to bring a meal or buy a gift from the angel tree.

I give thanks to Steve Rudd who coordinated the selling of crafts to benefit the African team ministries and to those of you who supported this effort.

I give thanks to Irene Kwok, who volunteered to oversee the children's Christmas pageant and to sing Christmas songs to the rotating shelter guests when they come.

I give thanks to many of you who have reached out on a personal level to those in need.

I give thanks to our volunteers who month after month prepare a meal at the shelter for the needy.

I give thanks to Kathy Disney and Irene Kwok who share their gift of music to the senior clients at our Day Care Center.

I give thanks to all of our members who volunteer many hours for music, liturgy, administration, education, outreach, maintenance, and the many other programs of the church.

I give thanks for the generous outpouring of money to support the ministry of St. Jude's during 2004.

I give thanks for the random acts of kindness (that are not mentioned here) but are offered by your generous hearts. The gift of peace, the gift of happiness, the gift of Christ's love: May these be yours at Christmas and always!

 

Peace,

 

Honoring Our Vestry Leadership

Rev. Karen Siegfriedt

St. Jude's is blessed with a fabulous vestry who has worked very hard over the past year. The vestry's primary responsibility is overseeing the finances and stewardship of the parish. Additional responsibilities include the maintenance of the buildings and grounds, strategic planning, and goal setting & accomplishment. Leadership (both spiritual and programmatic) is one of the hallmarks of being a vestry member. Each year, four vestry members are elected from the congregation to represent the parish. I give thanks for the outgoing vestry whose comments about St. Jude the Apostle are printed below.

- Linda Morris has been a fabulous Sr. Warden this year! She came to St. Jude's in 1968 (by herself) while still in high school and has been a dedicated member ever since. Her husband and two children also attend our church. She has served on the vestry, co- coordinated the Sunday School, assisted as choir director (both for adult and children), co-leads a covenant group, lay reader, deanery representative, and 8 years as deanery secretary. She is currently one of the founding members of the Planned Giving Committee.

"Strong lay leadership, a gifted cadre of clergy, a welcoming & inclusive community where freedom and expression of thoughts and ideas are encouraged," are our strengths. She sees our challenges as trying to navigate a "transitional size church" where we have too many programs with too few people to lead/help. She longs for the day when parishioners will prioritize their time to attend Sunday services each week so that we can all join together and lift our voices in praise of God from whom all blessings flow.

As for the future of the Church of the 21st Century: "We need to invite more people to join us and share in this wonderful and loving community of faith, so that they can experience what we have experienced."

- Margot Jacobsen came to St. Jude's with her husband, Syd, in 1974. She sees this community as her home, where most of her friends hang out. She has served on the vestry twice, including being a Sr. and Jr. Warden. She was the Parish Life Director, site manager, work day supervisor, and participated in the needlework project of the kneelers. She is currently our pledge secretary and has a gift for administration.

Margot has a special love for the St. Jude's campus and delights in its new facelift. Another strength she celebrates is "the caring, committed people of St. Jude's who are thoughtful about their concern for others in the world." She enjoys the Sunday services and sermons. Our greatest challenge is "the busyness of people at St. Jude's and their inability to more fully participate in a way that grounds them in the community." She is saddened that people no longer want to prioritize their time to attend longer and more frequent meetings where "communication and exchange of ideas" can be more fully heard and incorporated.

As for the future of the Church for the 21st century: The Episcopal Church has an important, prophetic voice, that can offer people a more critical framework for thinking and struggling with difficult issues. "This is different from other churches who give easy answers to complex questions."

- Barbara Pollek and her family (Dale, Wesley, Hannah) came to St. Jude's in 1999. Immediately, she volunteered to lead the sewing of costumes for the Passion Play. She continues to offer her gift of sewing for the making of seasonal banners. She participates in a covenant group, volunteers with the Sunday School, and has finished her first term on the vestry. Barbara is an active volunteer in the Cupertino school system. She also led Faithful Families for two years.

The greatest strength at St. Jude's is its people. "I feel our people are friendly, welcoming, and a good support network. Also, many are very dedicated and willing to volunteer." As for the challenges: "Our church is missing young people- both older teenagers and young adults. I am afraid that the kids who are getting bigger, might not want to stay. The Sunday School is in a state of flux. There are too few parents with too much responsibility."

As for the future of the Church for the 21st Century: "We need to inspire, welcome, and incorporate all age groups, especially younger folks."

- Susan Witherspoon and her family arrived 21 years ago. She and her husband, Jerry, are very active members. In an act of extreme generosity, she and Jerry recently agreed to become legal guardians of their niece, Sarah. Susan's "rise to leadership" came in 1997 as chair of the search committee for a new rector. Since that time, she has served on other hiring committees for the youth and family minister, choir director, organist, and secretary. She is a dedicated choir member and participated in choosing the new organ for St. Jude's. She is currently a co-leader of a covenant group. While on the vestry, she served as Jr. and Sr. Warden and is the lay staff member who oversees communications. She is one of our webmasters.

St. Jude's strengths include: "Loving, caring people and great clergy. In addition, we have a nurturing environment in which to grow spiritually, through preaching, classes, adult forums, covenant groups, music, and worship." Our challenges are: "Running the multiple programs of the parish with too few parishioners. While the campus is a blessing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain with our current level of membership."

As for the future of the Church for the 21st Century: "We need to share what we have found at St. Jude's with others. We have something that is so precious and good that needs to be offered to those in the surrounding communities. We need to invite them in."

Did You Know?

Youth Outreach in Review
Pastor Mary Blessing

St. Jude's Youth, grades 6th-12th are amazing in their dedication to reaching out to the poor, the homeless, needy children and even college students! These young people stop to reflect on the ways God has blessed them in their lives, and they work together to raise funds to do special projects for those in need. Our Youth are reminded that not everyone has a home, clothing, food, excellent schooling, parents who care for them, and Christmas gifts galore! Perhaps it is because some of our own youth have struggled with a parent's job loss, family health issues, loss of homes, and loss of loved ones that these grateful youth give their time and talent to reach out to less fortunate folks. Nothing is taken for granted---all is appreciated.

This year, our 6th-12th graders earned more than $1,500 by getting up at 6:00am on the first Saturday of the month to monitor the DeAnza Flea Market Parking Lot sale. Under the faithful leadership of Dave Sena with assistance from Kristen Kleiboer and many parents, these kids were able to turn Saturday morning fundraising into Christmas presents and food for an "Adopt-a-Family", funds to help put an African student through schooling, baked goods for the Rotating Shelter, and college care packages for 14 St. Jude's college students!

Some of the money has also been used for community building and fellowship amongst ourselves. In the past the money was put forth to help with the "books for prisoners" project, "Food for the Poor", gifts for Senior Citizens, and gifts for Santa Maria Urban Ministries. There is lots of money left over for future projects, too! Those who receive Youth Group gifts are extremely grateful. They are grateful that the Youth have gone out of their way to care for them, they are grateful that St. Jude's is a beacon of light that keeps these people in prayer and gives them hope. This connection with a faith community helps keep these people grounded in God, even if they are not able to attend our church. An example of the power of "reaching out" can be seen in the following excerpt from a thank you letter from one of the recipients of a "college care package". Tim Harrah is in his second year of college. He is the grandson of Jim and Betty Harrah:

St. Jude's Youth Group, I greatfully [sic] received my package this year again....In my studies I have determined 2 things: 1) The study and understanding of as many religious and belief structures is crucial to fully understanding the mixed society we live in today. 2) Through my studies, I have discovered just how important it is to have a strong belief, but to allow and accept others for who they are, and to help them when they need help. I feel this to be the Christian Ideal, and I see this in you. Although some of you may have never seen me, I know that you care. And I want you to know I care, and I thank you.

God Bless, Tim Harrah

Another Ornament on the Tree—Thanks, Dean
Tom Dyer

Take another look at the Farmhouse remodel that has been underway these last six months. The list of accomplishments is extensive and includes: replacement of squirrel- damaged wiring, repair of the sagging library ceiling, expansion of the upstairs Caretaker's suite along with remodel of the bathroom and adjacent kitchenette. Dean performed a key project lead role and contributed tireless energy and talent to restore the St Jude's farmhouse to original grandeur and welcoming home for daily use by St. Jude's.

Our 40 Year Flood – Re-roofing the Church
Jim Harrah, resident St Jude's Historian

". . . on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened. And rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights." This description of the Great Flood found in Genesis could aptly apply to St. Jude's experience with our church roof -- except that our flooding has continued for most of 40 years. And while we did not experience water to the depth of 15 cubits, we have easily had 150 days of leaking roofs.

When we moved into the parish hall/church in August of 1964, we were surprised that with the first rains of each season, there was a "leak in the pulpit" and on several rows of seating. It was further discovered that the wooden cross on the roof shrank away from the flashing during the summer months and allowed water to penetrate the roof. St. Jude's remodeled its parish hall/church in 1984 to address a number of problems including water leakage. The long narrow building with its heavy cross beams restricted both the view and the ability to hear for those in the rear; vesting and sacristy areas were inadequate; there was no storage area; the kitchen was too large and the Fireside room too small. And we were tired of hearing the splash of water into tubs, musical though it may have been.

We were assured by the architect and contractor that the leaking problem would be solved with the remodeling -- but with the first rain of the season we once again had a leak right over the pulpit. The contractor sealed it immediately. But leaks still came back occasionally, and began to get worse, such as last winter with water running down the walls.

By 2003 it was decided that the only solution was to completely re-roof the church building and redesign the downspout system to protect the building from further storm and water damage. As the old roof came off the source of much of our 40 year leakage was confirmed to be the cross support structure. While designed for mounting strength, the roof attachment assembly also held water almost year-round and rotted the cross support columns. The first rains have come. . . no leaking. . . yet.

General Convention Urges Congregations to Advocacy and Action
Mary Souza

Many of the 324 resolutions proposed this summer at The 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church ask congregations to advocate for social justice, address social concerns, and act to serve those in need locally and globally. Below you will find just a few of the ways St. Judes might Engage God's Mission** through "promotion of peace, justice, and love" (BCP, p.855).

Come to the next Social Justice/Outreach Meeting on January 27 and be a part of the advocacy and action in 2004!

7:00 pm – Gather for soup and conversation

7:30 pm – Meeting begins

The Episcopal Church urges congregations to:

Learn about . . .

Advocate for . . .

Adopt . . .

. . . AND MUCH MORE . . .

*You can download The Summary of Actions booklet

For a complete listing of all committees, resolutions, and actions

**the theme of the Convention

Vestry Update
Jan Panell

Concluding its 2003 year, the Vestry met at 7:30 p.m. on December 16.

Nancy Symons, chair of the Planned Giving Committee, described the work of the Committee to date and presented resolutions to the Vestry to establish an Endowment Fund, create an Endowment Board, and establish an Gift Acceptance Policy. After careful consideration, the resolutions were approved by the Vestry. Dale Simison, of the Episcopal Church Foundation, will be joining us at the February 22, 2004 Adult Forum, to kick off our gift awareness program. He will be addressing the joys of giving as well as the nuts and bolts of how to give.

Pledge Secretary Margot Jacobsen presented the pledge report, noting that some pledges are still outstanding, and that we will be establishing the budget for the coming year based on the pledge status in January.

Liz Jones, Treasurer, presented the year-to-date financial report. The general financial health of the parish was discussed, as well as projects accomplished this year and goals for the upcoming year. Liz will be presenting this information to the parish at the annual meeting in January.

Candidates for Vestry and Alternate/Delegate

The following people will be candidates for Vestry/Alternate/Delegate for 2004. The election will be held during the Annual Meeting on January 25th:

for Vestry --

for Alternate/Delegate --

Candidates for Vestry

Jim Blessing: Jim has been a member of St. Jude's since June 2001. At present, Jim is the Greeter trainer and coordinator at St. Jude's as well as fulfilling a broader role in other new- comer-related activities. Jim filled the balance of a vestry term for one year at St. Jude's in 2002. In his time here at St. Jude's, Jim has found an active, committed congregation with much to offer those in the community and he is glad to be part of it. He is currently a member in, and co-host of, a St. Jude's covenant group.

Jim was raised Roman Catholic and was involved in various Christian groups during college. He met his wife, Mary, at a volunteer Sunday-service at a home for retired-women. When Mary "returned" to the Episcopal Church after college, Jim found that he liked the liturgical familiarity of the Episcopalian service combined with a doctrine of faith based reason, scripture and tradition. Jim served a 3-year term on the Vestry at St. Paul's in Walnut Creek, before moving back to this area. During that time, he functioned as the Evangelism liaison, overseeing the Greeters, introducing the Alpha Dinners program, developing a Newcomer Class, and even doing door-to-door evangelism.

Jim and Mary have two daughters: Christy, age 21 and Becky, age 18, who are both in college.

Allan Chapman: My earliest church memories are of worshiping by the side of a creek in Los Altos during the year the parishioners were building the sanctuary. I even remember hammering a few nails myself. After high school my church involvement was minimal, drifting in the secular world. Then finally, 20 years ago, I rediscovered my spirituality, and found my way back to organized religious practice in the Congregational Church in Connecticut. I served on the Missions Board for 3 years.

Seven years ago I found my way back to California and was blessed to marry my college sweetheart, Nancy. She had joined St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and I attended with her. We visited St. Jude's a few times, but returned to St. Joseph's.

In September of 2002, we took the short walk from home to St. Jude's, and we've been coming ever since. I recognized St. Jude's then as a spiritual oasis and would like to do what I can to enrich this experience for St. Jude's parishioners, present and future.

Syd Jacobsen: I have been a member of St. Jude's since 1974 and attend the 8:00am service with my wife, Margot . I have served several terms on the Vestry and have been Jr. Warden twice. I have served on numerous committees, was the Chairman of the Parish Hall Building Committee, and Property Minister for several years.

Candidates for Alternate/Delegate

Evelyn Sherry: In offering my name as a candidate for Alternate-Delegate to the Diocesan Convention. I recognize that we have a very busy year ahead and promise to do my best to be fully informed and active.

I have served in other capacities at St. Jude's including Altar Guild, Telephone Tree chairwoman, and as a member of the Outreach Committee. I served as a Convention Delegate a few years ago and it was a time of study and prayer which proved to be very satisfying.I look forward to serving St. Jude's in that capacity once again.

Ann McElroy: These are very important days for the Diocese and I feel that people with experience should serve as Delegates and Alternates. I have that experience and will attend all the Deanery and Diocesan meetings, if elected. Parish experience: Serves as Lay eucharistic Minister one Sunday a month. Has been a delegate or alternate for many years. Graduated from Education For Ministry and was also United Thank Offering custodian in the past. Diocesan experience: Am Chair Emeritus for the Peace and Justice/Jubilee Ministry. Am very knowledgeable about Conventions, Canons, and the Diocese.

Margot Jacobsen: I have attended St. Jude's for the past 30 years. I have been on the Vestry several times and have served as Sr. Warden and Jr. Warden. I have been an Alternate/Delegate on two or three occasions and was co-chair of the Deanery. I attend the 8:00 service and I am currently completing a three year term on the Vestry.

Attendance and Pledge
Ned Snow

Attendance for November 2003 was down 10% from last year. In November 2002, an average of 177 people per Sunday attended services at St. Jude's, and this year that number dropped to 160. If every one of those 160 people had invited someone to church, and if only one in ten was successful, we would have had the same level of attendance as last year. AND...if MORE than one in ten was successful, we would have MORE people than last year! When you invite someone to St. Jude's, think of all we have to offer: a friendly and enthusiastic congregation, thought-provoking adult forums, great music, and much more! Pledges collected are running behind the budget by 4%, or $17K. The Parish has received $390K against a YTD budget of $407K. If you are current on your pledge, THANK YOU! If not, please do all you can to get your pledge completed by the end of year (consider the tax advantages as well).

Adult Education
Bruce La Fetra

Did you know that during 2003, there were 32 Sunday morning Adult Forums featuring 25 different speakers, and that 16 of those speakers were subject matter experts from outside of St. Jude's? Several recent newcomers to St. Jude's have commented on the quantity and quality of Forums as a reason to deciding to attend St. Jude's, so the Forums are a great way to introduce others to St. Jude's. Inviting someone to a Forum just got easier with the new mini-flyers in the Narthex.

During January, the featured Forum from the audio archives is Rev. Dr. Rebecca Lyman's excellent discussion of Christology from September 2000 titled, "Is Jesus Really the Only Son of God?" Christology is the study of the Church`s beliefs about the person of Jesus and the meaning of Christ, both historically and in our lives today. To listen, visit the St. Jude's Web site at www.saintjudes.org, and click on Adult Education. It is easy, and it doesn't require a broadband connection .

 

DEADLINE for February Issue 1/15/2004

 

 

Updated 1/19/2004
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