St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church
A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
March 2004
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St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal ChurchA Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed |
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| Volume 21; Issue 03 |
March 2004
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"St. Jude's is a spiritual oasis where lives are transformed."
This is the vision which the parish of St. Jude the Apostle is working toward. A vision is like a spiritual umbrella which guides the setting of goals and the direction of energy and resources. A vision should be flexible enough to incorporate the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and broad enough to survive the changing membership of a parish church. A vision is easier to articulate than to achieve.
So how is this transformation to happen within our parish family? Parish churches become transformed when the people in them are transformed. But transformation does not happen by itself. One of the difficulties for people who have committed themselves to the baptismal covenant, is that they are not trained for the task that lies ahead. To be transformed into the likeness of Christ in a secular culture is almost an impossible task without knowledge of the full spiritual disciplines of the Church. Untrained people usually fail at the goals they set.
For instance, if you were to decide to run a marathon, simply looking at a map which details the 26 miles, would not be enough. In order to reach your goal, you would have to be equipped with the right running equipment. This might include expensive running shoes, lightweight shorts and shirt, gatorade, water, and sunscreen. Next, you would have to undertake a strenuous training program. This would include weight training, stretching, and running. Once in adequate shape, you would slowly extend your running distance. Then, you would work up to your goal. Healthy nutrition would be important throughout the training as well as on the day of the marathon.
The same goes for training for the spiritual life. Most Christians have not been equipped with the resources necessary to experience God and personal transformation. It is no wonder that Christian nations fight each other, that Christian people turn against one another, and that the Christian Church has not been as effective as it could be in promoting peace, justice, and the dignity of every human being. We have just not been equipped to do so!
During this season of Lent, I will be introducing a spiritual development program at the Wednesday Evening Education Program (see Lenten insert). This program is called, Renovare, which in Latin means to renew. Please join me in this well-tested, life-transforming program, so that you can become the person God wills for you to be. Remember, transformed people create a transformed world.
Peace,
Did You Know?
Helene Panell (mother of Paul Panell) and Helen Thompson (mother of Joan Dyer) died last week. May they rest in peace.
Over 400 people attended Pastor Ward McCabe's Memorial Service held at St. Jude's on February 7th. We will miss him dearly.
Ash Wednesday services will be held on 2/25 at 12 noon and 7:00 pm.
Worship God, Worship Together
The Rev. Mary B. Blessing
"I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come?"… So begins Psalm 121… "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." The psalmist knows that we are to place our hope and our salvation in the Lord, thus we are to worship our God with all our heart, all our mind, all our soul, and all our strength. We lift our eyes to the hills, for we worship our God who, at times, seems just a little beyond our grasp, yet we sense He is there. We lift our eyes to the hills to pay homage to the Lord who has created those very hills, for we know God will comfort, God will bring us strength. For God has created all that is, and God sustains all He has created, ever seeking to bring all of creation back into unity with God and each other. God stirs within our souls, calling us into worship, that we may experience more of God's presence in our lives, and be filled.
Sometimes we worship alone, walking along a wooded path, sitting at ocean's edge, watching a sunset. Our cup runs over with joy in our silent reverie.
Other times, hopefully on a regular basis, we gather together in worship so that we can for a moment or two experience the joy of sharing God's presence with others who also seek to experience more of God's presence. Somehow in community with one another, hearing God's word, praying God's prayers, singing God's praises, the presence of the Holy Spirit becomes a tangible reality, calming our souls, filling our hearts with hope, and our bodies with new energy.
We seek an orderly way to share our common worship experience in order to maximize our time together—knowing when to listen, when to speak, when to sing, when to remain in silence, near one another in a centered moment of calm. We bring our uniqueness, our individual experience of God's presence into the group gathered in worship, and we bring more of God's presence. If we are not present, the unique relationship we have with God is not present, and something is missing.
The group worship experience shared here at St. Jude's on the occasion of Canon Ward McCabe's memorial was a transcendent worship experience for me— and I believe for many—even though the unique person that was William Ward McCabe was not physically present. The presence of upwards of 420 faithful worshippers gathered to pay homage to a man who lived his life centered on the God whom we all love, gave us an opportunity to experience the wholeness of God. In that hour of worship of God and remembrance of our friend, we put aside that which separates us, and opened our hearts to that which unifies us, one to the other in God.
The components that add up to create a sublime group worship experience: prayers, music, flowers, altar settings, movements of acolytes, hearing the word of God through scripture, profound truths of the homily, the peace, the holy Eucharist, and even the fellowship of hospitality following— all worked together to create a time of holiness felt by all. All were blessed, not just the McCabe family (who were surely comforted by the peacefulness of this worship) but all who came--Christian, Jewish, Muslim, unchurched, clergy, lay, young and old—all were blessed because we all worked together to worship One God, the God of peace and justice, the God of love and forgiveness, the God of hope and mercy, emulated in the life of our friend. The God who lives on in our lives and all who attended, even as our loved one moves closer to union with God beyond our shadowy, worldly existence.
Our worship, week after week, is the dress rehearsal for the ultimate transcendent worship we will all experience when we achieve our union with God. May praise and thanks be given to all who opened their hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit to be fully present on the occasion of Ward McCabe's memorial.
Bless you all.
To Everyone at Saint Judes
Evelyn, Lynn, Stephen and Bill McCabe want to thank the parish for their kindness and help over the past weeks. Evelyn expressed that the children felt so welcomed, and they all felt comfortable and comforted. She appreciates each person who attended the memorial service and reception.
The guest book from the reception may have been overlooked by some. If you haven't had a chance to sign it, it is available in the farmhouse.
In case you wanted your own copy of the benediction that Ward often used , we have printed it here:
Ward's Benediction
Pastor Ward McCabe
Carole Kennedy
Pastor Ward McCabe was always sitting in the front row at the Adult Forum on Sunday, books in his lap, photocopies of key articles in this hands. He always had an insight to share during the presentation. Whatever the subject, he was sure to know something about it.
Ward was a voracious reader and he cared passionately for the pressing social, economic and political issues of our time. His caring prompted him to study and then share what he learned with all of us and with the community at large. He wrote numerous letters to the President and Congressmen and to magazines and newspapers.
I let Ward do my studying and writing and caring for me. After all, with everything else I had to do, I just didn't have the time. Really, I didn't want to put the emotional energy required into it. So many issues tugged at my heart strings. Like the changes in Cupertino: the growing diversity, the high rise buildings, the proliferation of store fronts with Chinese or misspelled English words on them. Yet I avoided the community meetings; not feeling prepared to discuss these issues in the Light of the Love of God. I preferred my ignorance and my indignation.
I believe the greatest tribute we can pay Ward is to become informed of the current issues and let our voices be heard. Like we can study the ballot issues on the upcoming election. Have we even read the voter pamphlets we got in the mail? Have we considered and prayed over out decisions? Have we made a commitment to go to the polls on March 2nd and cast our vote?
Some of us at St. Jude's avoid talking about the really controversial or heart- wrenching stuff. The war in Iraq. The Bush administration. Gay bishops. The poisoning of our food and water. Mistreatment of animals. Yet St. Jude's offers the opportunity to discuss and make changes through its Social Justice Committee. How many of us have availed ourselves of this opportunity?
Pastor Ward McCabe is gone and no one will ever take his place. But we can carry on his legacy by emulating his wonderful life example: by helping to bring the Light of God to bear on all the pressing issues of our time. We can start at St. Jude's.
Property Highlights
Tom Dyer
Did you know that Expo San Jose provided priority support for our new kitchen countertop that was installed within two weeks from order date?
Special thanks to Art and Jean Reed who conducted their own "weed patrol" over several days to beautify our campus for Ward's funeral service.
Eagles at work- look for the new patio picnic tables and benches that were sponsored by OSF and built under the leadership of Pei Kuo of Troop 476.
Growing pains- our outdoor irrigation system has now grown to 56 irrigation control valves that cover 1.1 acres. Study is now underway to improve efficiency and reduce our water bill.
Vestry Highlights
Don Disney
The vestry met on February 10. We discussed quotations that have been received for replacing the farmhouse furnace, and the possibility of adding central air conditioning at the same time, which depends on the suitability of the electrical service. The vestry adopted a covenant for the coming year, stating mutual expecations for our service together. The 2004 goals and potential long-term goals were discussed and ownership was identified. The church organizational chart was also reviewed. Formalizing the responsibilities of staff and lay leaders has greatly improved the ability of our clergy to reduce the time they devote to administrative chores and focus on areas in which they can most benefit the community, such as teaching and preaching. An updated org chart will be available on the website.
Attendance and Pledge
Ned Snow
Attendance was UP by 7% (!) in January when compared to January 2003. Keep up the good work! Each week of the month saw an increase over the prior year, with the exception of the Annual Meeting (not sure what THAT'S all about!). Anyway, keep inviting your friends, neighbors, and coworkers to church. Share the joy!
Feeding the Homeless
Connie and Will Lawrence
We would like to express our appreciation for the recognition and the unique gift that we received at the annual meeting for our work at Julian Street Inn and the San Jose Family Shelter. We would like the congregation to know that several other St. Judeans have provided the heavy lifting in this ministry, many of whom have been involved since the beginning. These folks are the cooks, shoppers and food preparers and in some cases serve in all three capacities. This group includes Wally Iimura, Libby and Dan Varty, Evelyn and Ward McCabe, Connie Erickson, Becky Smith and Andy Debaets, and Nilofer Merchant and Curt Beckmann.
There is also a long list of St. Judeans who assist in serving the dinners on an as available basis. We take this opportunity to thank you one and all.
Diocese Affirms Need for Restorative Justice Education and
Ministry
Mary Souza
By offering the resolution which was passed by Convention, the Restorative Justice Commission of The Diocese of El Camino Real hopes to bring some of the commitments of the national church to the attention of local congregations and to offer assistance in fulfilling the intent of the resolve. The resolution (see summary below or full text on diocesan website) is in fact a reiteration of several resolutions passed by General Convention last summer with three additions in this local version:
inclusion of victims and their families to the scope of concerns which already addresses the needs of prisoners and their families, youth, and advocacy
inclusion of the concept of restorative justice to the request that congregations learn about the criminal justice system
offering the resources of the Restorative Justice Commission and Canon Educator of El Camino Real as well as those of national church offices and ministries
In future issues of the diocesan newspaper, The Mission Bell, you will find information from the RJC on how these issues affect the whole community and ways congregations might inexpensively begin to address these needs.
To find out how St. Jude's has already begun this task, see the article elsewhere in this issue of The VIEW. For more information contact parishioners Mary Souza and Betty Harrah, members of the diocesan Restorative Justice Commission.
Summary of Restorative Justice Resolution: In response to General Convention Resolutions A125, A126, and A128, the Diocese of El Camino Real urges congregations to become familiar with the criminal justice system and the concept of restorative justice and to form ministries which address the needs of victims, offenders and their families, and advocate for the needs of youth To do this congregations will study the impact of crime, seek ways that the Church might reach out as a resource for healing and restoration to victims and offenders, and make plans for ministering to families and juveniles, drawing on the resources of the Offices of Youth Ministries, Peace and Justice, and Government Relations of the Episcopal Church and the Diocesan Restorative Justice Commission together with the Canon Educator.
St. Jude's Addresses Restorative Justice Needs
Mary Souza
If you have read the newspapers recently, you are well aware of the dire need for new solutions, and new energy – for healing -- of our criminal justice system and our communities. What is our role as agents of transforming love?
Did you know that both the national church and our own diocese have passed resolutions urging congregations to address the needs for criminal justice/restorative justice education and ministry and offering support in this mission? (see previous article in this issue of The VIEW)
Did you know that St. Jude's has already begun work in this area in a variety of ways?
In terms of education, the Social Justice/Outreach Committee teams with the Adult Education Committee, and the Music and Youth ministries and others to increase awareness:
Last February, the congregation had the opportunity at a Forum to learn about the concept of restorative justice and hear what is going on in our county and parish. (Listen to this forum on the Social Justice webpage)
On Feb 29, Shannon Frediani of The Voices of Angels Foundation will share the power of sung inspired prayer at both worship services. During the Forum, she will tell about her calling to use her gifts for healing for the incarcerated and others who are isolated.
At the Forum on March 7, we will learn from Jennifer Tait, the Executive Director of Friends Outside of the crucial need for support for children/families of the incarcerated. Ms. Tait has graciously agreed to meet with the youth group following the 10:30 service
Look for a future Forum presentation by those who work proactively with youth in the schools to build a sense of community and teach the concept of restorative justice. As to ministry, the Holy Spirit is working through St. Jude's in the following ways:
Last year, the youth group, inspired by Matthew 25, gave books to parents to read onto tape for their children. They are eager to learn more about how they might support those in need.
St. Jude's makes rooms available to The Restorative Justice Program of the Santa Clara County Juvenile Probation Department for weekly meetings of the Neighborhood Accountability Board and the Life Skills Class for youth in the program
A parishioner serves on a Neighborhood Accountability Board in Saratoga.
Parishioners volunteer on Saturdays to work beside youth who have elected to participate in The Restorative Justice Program.
What more might we do? Share your vision at the next Social Justice/Outreach meeting on Tues, Feb. 24 at 7:30 in The Fireside Room or contact Mary Souza.
St. Jude's Library
Susan Witherspoon
We have a new librarian! Valerie Walley and a committee of 8 volunteers are busy organizing and making improvements to your library in the farmhouse.
You may now search for a book or other materials by author or partial title on the computer, just like you do at the public library. The database is on the "right" computer near Pastor Mary's office. Ask Valerie, Kay Knapp or Susan Witherspoon to show you how it works. Instructions are also available next to the computer. For those who prefer paper, there will be a binder marked "Library Materials" where you may look for a book by title.
When you are locating a book, we are now using the Dewey Decimal System, the same as your public library.
Sometimes we have books or materials which because of duplication or other reasons are no longer needed. You will find these materials on the "Give Away" shelf, labeled and marked by colored (currently purple) paper. If you see something here and like it, you may keep it. After a month or so any remaining books will be offered to other libraries.
In the same area, which is straight ahead as you enter the farmhouse, you will see shelves for donated books and book returns.
We still have the book cart in the Parish Hall. The selection of materials will be changed more frequently.
Expect to receive reminders if your checked-out materials have gathered dust in your home.
Multiple eyes will screen donated books to evaluate their inclusion in St. Jude's library.
New video materials will be purchased in DVD format.
First Thursday Hymn Sing on March 4th
The First Thursday Hymn Sings, hosted by Michael Morris, St. Jude?s Music Director, continue on March 4th. The singing will begin at 7 pm and last for about 40 minutes in the church. All parishioners are invited. At the first Hymn Sing, 6 parishioners of all ages and genders joined the choir in singing some new hymns and learning some new things about familiar hymns. This month we will also learn how and why the service music and hymns change during Lent. Come and join us! If you have any questions, please call or email Michael Morris.
Pastoral Care/Spiritual Growth
Betsy Fox Fisher
The Reverend Maryellen Garnier, Chaplain at El Camino Hospital, will discuss "Listening to the voice of suffering" with our Stephen Ministry team and all others who would like to attend. Listening is an opportunity we have as friends, family or ministers when others we care about are sick, hospitalized or facing losses. Included in the discussion will be the ethics of visiting the sick, supporting their religious and spiritual needs and some hope-enhancing strategies for those who need care. Please join us in the Parish Hall on Tuesday March 9 at 6:45 pm for refreshments with the program to follow promptly at 7:00 pm. If you are interested, please phone Betsy Fox Fisher or Diane Snow to reserve a seat.
Ministry Recruitment Workshop
Linda Morris
Do you oversee or belong to a ministry that you would like to invite others to join? Do you ever need to ask others to help you acheive a goal or accomplish a task? Attend the Grizzly Creek Solution Workshop and learn how to be successful with your invitation. The presenter will be Jon Hall, a Freelance Association Manager with over 25 years experience working with volunteer based organizations. The free diocesan workshop, sponsored by the Santa Clara Clericus, will be held at St. Edward's Episcopal Church, Union Ave. at Highway 85 in San Jose, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on Saturday, March 13th. It is limited to 150 participants, so registration should be made soon; the deadline is March 1st. Contact Linda Morris ASAP if you are interested in attending. You can bring your own lunch or pre-order one for $10.
Adult Education in March
Bruce La Fetra
March 7 - Why the Children of Those Imprisoned Concern Us All Friends Outside seeks to assist families, prisoners, and ex-prisoners with the immediate and long-term effects of incarceration. The organization acts as a bridge between those they serve, the community at large, and the criminal justice system. To be most effective, the program needs to be involved with the whole family. Ms. Tait`s special concern is for the children of parents who are incarcerated, and the focus of the local chapter reflects this.
March 14 - What is Truth: How to Become an Educated Consumer of the Media Are you ever confused by what you read or hear in the media? Do you want to become a better-educated consumer of the media? Dennis Wilcox, Ph.D., is director of the School of Journalism & Mass Communications at San Jose State University. Professor Wilcox has taught public relations for almost 30 years, is the author of Public Relations textbooks used by over 300 colleges and universities and is on the editorial review board of three scholarly journals.
March 21 - Applying Ethics to Animal Research How does one address the ethics of animal research? How does one balance the scientific and commercial benefits against our responsibilities to the animals? Learn how to apply an ethical framework to the question of animal research in this follow on to the ethical framework presented previously by Dr. Margaret McLean. Dr. Ernle Young has M.Div and 23 years in the bioethics field. His course on this subject is required for NASA personnel conducting animal experiments.
March 28 - Reclaiming the Great Commission Pastor Mary describes a biblically based model that can restore the missionary power of first-century Christianity to twenty-first century congregations. Developed and implemented by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, this model of shared vision and mission can guide members of any congregation into deeper and broader evangelism, an enhanced experience of community, and a renewed hope of personal and spiritual transformation. In five years, the Diocese of Texas saw significant increases in attendance, baptisms, and stewardship, and it has led to greater lay participation, stronger support for outreach programs, and an increased awareness of the miraculous. It has made the Church more relevant to the unchurched and more meaningful to its members. It has changed the lives of the faithful, fortifying their commitment to discipleship, deepening their faith, and strengthening their experience of the Gospel even as it has brought in new disciples and touched the spiritually hungry.
Celebrate with Friends!
Pat Coles
We all enjoy a bite to eat after we worship together on Sunday. If you would like to celebrate a special occasion in your life, or if you would simply be willing to provide refreshments on a Sunday, please sign up on the "Special Events Schedule" on the Parish Hall bulletin board (on left side as you enter through the double doors). This offering needs be only as elaborate as you wish. Some suggestions include a half sheet cake OR cookies and fruit OR 2-4 dozen bagels (quartered) with cream cheese OR crackers, cheese and fruit AND juice for the non-coffee drinkers. We will all enjoy having food every week as opposed to feast or famine. Thanks to those who have already signed up and provided refreshments in the past!
Lenten Series Soup Suppers
Pat Coles
The Lenten soup suppers will begin this year on March 3, 2004 at 6:30 p.m.. This is a call for Soup makers for Wednesday, March 10, 17, 24, and 31. (We have volunteers for March 3). Approximately 50 people attend each week requiring at least 5 gallons (20 quarts) of soup each evening. If you would like to prepare soup for one of the evenings please call me (otherwise you may hear from me).
Those not preparing soup are asked to bring salad, bread or beverages according to the following, but if your alphabet assignment doesn't work for you bring whatever does:
| Week | Date | Salad | Bread | Beverage |
| 1 | March 3 | M-Z | A-F | G-L |
| 2 | March 10 | A-L | S-Z | M-R |
| 3 | March 17 | M-Z | G-L | A-F |
| 4 | March 24 | A-L | M-R | S-Z |
| 5 | March 31 | M-Z | G-L | A-F |
Also needed are volunteers to set tables and chairs each week? It takes about 30 minutes prior to dinner.
Set-up: Tables with table clothes – 2 long tables for serving near kitchen and 5 round tables for eating. Plates, bowls, flatware and napkins on serving tables (found in pantry).
Clean-up: Everyone cleans up what they bring including drinks, bread and butter. It's okay to put drinks in the pantry refrigerator and bread in the freezer for the next week, but it shouldn't be left for someone else to do. Make sure you label the items. Use large plastic garbage can for trash and take out the garbage after dinner. Volunteers take table clothes to wash, but this is pretty loose. Recruits could be found for this task. Contact Pat Coles.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Pat Coles
Come to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Tuesday, February 24 at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall. There will be a charge of $2.00 per person / $1.00 per child under age 8 / $7.00 per family whatever works best for your situation. Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is an informal gathering to celebrate "Mardi Gras". Bring the family for dinner and some social time with our St. Jude's family.
Help is needed with shopping, setup, food prep, entertainment, or cleanup. Contact Pat Coles if you would like to (or are willing) to help.
Exploratory Singles' Group Meeting
Juneann McDonald
Interested in sharing fun, social activities or just gathering to talk with other singles? Bring your ideas on creating an inviting, inclusive, supportive singles' group at St. Jude's to an exploratory meeting. We will meet for coffee and dessert on Sunday, March 14 at 7pm in the Fireside Room. If you'd like to join the group but cannot be at this meeting, please call Shirley Burg to contribute your ideas or show your interest in future meetings.
The editors would like to thank Allan Chapman for his assistance.
| Updated 03/01/2004 |
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