To see previous issues click on the Newsletter Archives

St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church

A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
Volume 20; Issue 04
April 2004

 

     When I was growing up in the School System of Boston, there was a five level grading system: A = excellent, B = good, C = satisfactory, D = unsatisfactory, E/F = failing. To get on the "honor roll", one needed to get A's and B's. However, B's and C's easily moved a person onto the next grade without any problems or consternation. What ever happened to the idea that B = good? And what have we done to our children and to ourselves put putting forth the expectation that everyone must achieve A's (in everything) in order to be worthy?

     It breaks my heart to see our children pushed to achieve excellence in all areas, even when those areas may not be within the realm of their natural gifts, abilities, and interests. Instead of enjoying the process of learning and joyfully participating in school projects, children are stressing out and forcing parents to become a major part of their homework in order to win a space at the top of the class. Adults also, are stressing out by trying to excel in all areas of life. Unfortunately, they often end up attacking their own self-worth when they do not achieve the perfect grade of A. They become discouraged, exhausted, or want to "bow out" of participating altogether so that won't have to face the fact that there is a limit to their personal talents.

     One of the blessings in discerning one's gifts is the realization that we cannot do all things perfectly. However, God has blessed us with certain gifts, abilities, and skills. We can hone these gifts, skills, and abilities through education and discipline in order to use them more effectively. If we celebrate and use these gifts in the service of God, we will begin to feel good about the gifts we do have instead of mourn that which we do not have. In other words, in some areas of our lives, A's and B's naturally flow. In other areas of our life, we have to settle for less (C's or even D's). That is why we live in community; to share what we have so that the whole is achieved.

     During the season of Lent, we have been focusing on a spiritual program of transformation called Renovare which means to renew. Renovare is not a program based on ego-strength and abilities. It is a program, where by we position ourselves, so that God's grace can enlighten our minds, stir our hearts, strengthen our wills, and break the ingrained patterns of behavior that distort our relationships with things, ourselves, each other, and God. How do we position ourselves to receive this grace? We position ourselves by desiring God to be at the center of our life, practicing the 12 spiritual disciplines, and embracing a balanced spirituality. Renovare is NOT a program of works righteousness where by we use our ego-strength "to get an A" in spiritual growth. It is simply re-ordering our lives to enjoy God's grace so that we can experience its fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. When God's grace fills us, our hearts are transformed so that following the path of Christ naturally flows. How different this is than simply pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps and trying harder and harder to achieve a holy life.

     The people of St. Jude's and of the Silicon Valley have been very successful in certain areas of their lives and have tremendous ego-strength to achieve enormous output. However, we have relied too much on our ego-strength alone and have not realized that God's grace working in us can do far more than our ego-strength alone. No wonder we are very tired and often view spiritual development as just another task that will require a large expenditure of our time and ego strength! Many believe that they have to get an A in spirituality or else they have failed. Others believe that if they can't achieve a certain level of perfection within a short period of time, then they should just give up or not try at all.

     I want to encourage you to embrace a life of holiness by taking baby steps. It is O.K. if you only get B's and C's in the beginning. The important thing is to begin. Place yourself in a position where you will more likely receive God's sanctifying grace. Start off with trying out one or two of the suggestions from the spiritual discipline list. Maybe you can donate a pint of blood, or bring some cookies for coffee hour, or write to a politician about an injustice. Maybe you could begin the day with asking God to bless your speech, or end the day with gratitude by thanking God for five blessings that you received. Maybe you could reflect on your angry thoughts, or send a card to someone who has hurt you (even if you don't feel the feeling of forgiveness). Make a commitment to participate in Holy Week liturgies and experience the Passion of Christ. Don't get discouraged if you miss the mark. Only those who never begin the journey or give up altogether, fail. Brick by brick, a house is built. Step by step, the process of sanctification (i.e. transformation of our character into the likeness of Christ) becomes possible.

     With our ego-strength some things are possible. But through God's grace, all things are possible. The Easter promise of resurrection is held out for each one of us. Grace will transform us into an alleluia from head to foot. Have a holy Lent. You will continue in my prayers as we prepare for Holy Week and the feast of the Resurrection.

 

 

Peace,

Did You Know?

The Passion of the Christ
The Rev. Mary B. Blessing

All the Hollywood hype, all the media attention in the world, cannot take away the power of the dramatic story of Jesus' last 12 hours of life. Regardless of what you may think of Mel Gibson's phenomenal movie on the Passion of the Christ, the story of Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, his trial before the Sanhedrin and trial before Pilate, his brutal beating and his walk to Calvary, culminating in his death upon the cross, are 12 hours that changed humanity forever. You may not agree with the perspective I now have on the Passion of Jesus and his death upon the cross. You may have your own faith journey, which may or may not "like" the image of our Lord dead on a cross. I invite you to consider your understanding, your feelings, and your belief about the cross and to share your story with others. Please come to St. Jude's Adult Forum on Palm Sunday (April 4, 9:15) to discuss this further. Here is my story.

At various times during my journey of faith I have had the image of Jesus on the cross- presented to me by people for whom this image of Jesus was very important. As a young child my best friend was a Roman Catholic who was very attached to all the rituals and symbols of her faith. She had a crucifix hanging over her bed, which frightened me when we had sleepovers. But she said it brought her comfort, knowing that her Lord was watching over her as she slept. I attended a Disciples of Christ summer camp in 6th grade, and was subjected to scripture readings about Jesus' blood being shed for my sins. I didn't understand how beating and killing Jesus this horrific way made my life better, but I could tell that the counselors were deeply moved. When they asked if I would offer my life to Jesus in return, my heart stirred and I wanted to give what I had to his service.

Later, as an adult, my local Episcopal parish hosted a special Good Friday service in which a male dancer performed his rendition of the power of Christ's passion as the priest read the scriptural story. The movements and facial expressions of the dancer moved me once again as never before—Jesus clearly suffered, as no innocent person should have to suffer. I cried as my heart opened to God's pain.

These encounters with the cross moved me along my spiritual journey as I found myself wanting more and more to make a commitment to share Jesus' sacrifice, but I still did not understand "why Jesus had to suffer and die on a cross for humanity." Then, something extraordinary happened while I was in Seminary.

I served at the Episcopal Sanctuary, a homeless shelter in San Francisco, as a Chaplain intern. I discovered that most people who are homeless have major problems related to physical, sexual, emotional or mental abuse. It was very challenging trying to find ways to offer hope to these people in such deep pain. Then I was invited to a special workshop for clergy and caregivers of people of abuse. At the workshop, led by a Methodist Pastor with a very powerful healing ministry, my heart was opened to understand the significance of Jesus on the cross. In attendance at the workshop were adults who were in a process of healing, spiritual healing, regarding childhood abuse they suffered. They were far enough along in their healing to be able to share the horror of their abuse with the rest of us. They told powerful stories of healing and gaining a sense of hope as they came to understand the story of the Passion of Jesus Christ. Through the suffering of Jesus they finally found a spiritual companion who had suffered abuse unjustly. Jesus was innocent, yet he was abused. He did not deserve the beatings he received; yet he endured them. Not only did he endure them, he allowed the abuses to occur, and then he forgave his abusers. He forgave them, and he asked God to forgive them. At some points I wonder if he asked God to forgive them because in his weakness, he was unable to forgive, but he knew God had the power to forgive even this heinous crime.

These terribly abused persons were able to lay the pain of their abuse at the feet of Jesus on the cross, and their pain was relieved. For once, they felt, someone understood the trauma they experienced. And, by the grace of God, they were free to offer forgiveness to those persons who had abused them. When they were too weak to offer that forgiveness, they were at least able to ask God to forgive on their behalf, and they received peace. From their place of peace they were no longer angry. They no longer lived their lives in fear of harming someone from their own place of anger. Christ crucified brought them new life. For the first time, they felt the resurrection of Christ had meaning because they embraced the cross of Good Friday.

Finally, I understood why Jesus had to die upon the cross: to receive our pain and to show us God's mercy.

Please take note that we cannot take the Cross of Good Friday out of context. Holy week, which begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Easter, is that very special time of the church year when we walk through the story of Jesus' triumphal spiritual union with God. Plan to attend Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (with a remembrance of Jesus' last supper and foot washing), Good Friday, the Easter Vigil Saturday night, and the resurrection of Easter Morning. Then, you will know the rest of the story.

 

United Religions Initiative Mobilizes Faith Communities To Reduce Youth Violence
Mary Souza

United Religions Initiative (URI) working as the Religious Sector Sponsor for the National Youth Violence Prevention Campaign, invites faith communities and interfaith groups across the U.S. to participate in National Youth Violence Prevention Week March 29 through April 2. This educational and awareness-raising event focuses on effective ways to prevent and reduce youth violence. People from all sectors of society are encouraged to join in activities that demonstrate positive roles in making schools and communities safer.

Each day of the week focuses on a specific violence prevention strategy. These strategies include promoting respect and tolerance, anger management, resolving conflicts peacefully, supporting safety, and uniting in action. Some ways for faith communities to get involved include promotion of the campaign, roundtable discussions, mentoring, interfaith gatherings for meals, worship, peace walks, etc, prayer and meditation . . . and much more. See http://www.uri.org/youth/vpc/20ideas/

URI, whose founding spirit is Bishop Swing, of the Episcopal Diocese of California, works to end religiously motivated violence and build cultures of peace, justice and healing. Active in 50 countries, URI's work is accomplished by an active network of more than 230 Cooperation Circles (CC's), grassroots groups of at least 7 people from 3 or more faith traditions. Each year URI activities involve hundreds of thousands of peace builders worldwide.

Cooperation Circles in North America focus on interfaith cooperation. From peace training to building interfaith houses, people are active at all levels working to build enduring daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously motivated violence, and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the earth and all living beings.

To learn more visit

http://www.uri.org/youth/vpc

http://www.ViolencePreventionWeek.org

For youth, ages 8-12 see http://www.uri.org/kids/

 

Unity Parade and Festival
The Rev. Mary B. Blessing

Saint Jude's participated in Cupertino Unity Parade—sort of—Saturday, February 28. Pastor Mary, Irene and Nathaniel Kwok, Ellen Kolstee and Jonathan Majewski, Dale Pollek, Pastor Karen, Dave Knapp and Jean Chandler gathered to watch the Unity Parade, holding our new "Saint Jude's Banner." Our hope was to be a "conspicuous presence in the community". In the end, we decided standing to watch the parade while holding our banner gave more exposure to our presence than if we had actually been in the parade!

Tom and Joan Dyer, Jean Chandler and Ned Snow worked hard to support the work of the booth in Memorial Park, representing the "5C's": Cupertino Citizens Cross-Cultural Consortium. At the booth, children and adults were invited to place a pin in a map of the world showing the location of their family of origin, and then placed a flag pin of their family of origin on a map of Cupertino--showing "where we came from, where we live now." Kids were also challenged to spin a wheel of flags and name the countries they represented. Most kids middle school and up knew all the flags, the country and the capital of the country! Pastor Mary was very impressed with the multi-cultural knowledge and appreciation of diversity the children showed.

Please take a look at the photos on the Parish Hall bulletin board to see more of this fun day of sharing the diversity of Cupertino with our neighbors. Or you can find the photos on St. Jude's website: www.saintjudes.org, click on "Photo Album", then "Cupertino Unity Parade." Watch for more opportunities for St. Jude's to participate in Cupertino activities—and be there with us!

 

Adult Education
Bruce La Fetra

April 4 -The Passion of The Christ
Did Jesus have to suffer horribly in dying for our sins? Come discuss this and other important questions surrounding Mel Gibson's movie `The Passion of The Christ. ` Join us for a discussion about the wide-ranging implications of this box office blockbuster, from how it affects our personal faith to the potential impact on Anti-Semitism. Having seen the film is not required for attending the Forum.

April 11 - No Forum - Easter

April 18 - Transitions
Many years ago, Fr. John Buenz was given Bill Bridges book 'Transitions.' It sat on his bookshelf, until he retired, and realized that retirement required new thinking. Since then he has come to see many of life`s challenging experiences (graduation from high school, marriage, birth of first child, divorce, major career change or moves, death of parents and personal aging) as transitions, the passage of which is aided by understanding the dynamics evolved in any transition. Reading scripture reveals many of the familiar stories to have been transitions in which God uses that habit shattering experience to move the individual or group forward toward goals closer to the Kingdom. In addition to our usual life transitions, we are in the midst of a rare, and much larger, transition in our Western culture, Fr. Buenz uses Bridge's book to help us understand this 'larger scene.' Using his own retirement, Bridge's book, and scripture as sources, Fr. Buenz shares insights about the transitions that affect us all.

May 2 - 13 Tips for Keeping Your Marriage Healthy
      The Rev. Dr. Charles Rassieur outlines 13 important dimensions of marriage that serve as 'talking points' for enriching and deepening relationships. If possible, come as a couple.

     Dr. Rassieur is a retired Presbyterian minister with 10 years in parish ministry and 22 years as a licensed psychologist. The author of five books on Marriage Counseling and Clergy Stress, Dr. Rassieur`s credentials also include being a former Approved Supervisor in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and a Certified Instructor for Couple Communication. Dr. Rassieur has been married for 43 years.

 

County Restorative Justice Program in Danger
Susan Stanley

Due to state and county budget cuts, the Santa Clara County Probation Department has announced plans to terminate the Neighborhood Accountability Boards (NABs) on June 30, 2004. The NABs are the part of the county's Restorative Justice Program, which diverts many first time youthful offenders from Juvenile Court. It is not specifically a Christ-based program; however, its philosophy and practice are highly consistent with Christian ideals of repentance and restoration. This program has been most successful.

St Jude's participates in the NAB program in a variety of ways. We make the West conference room available for NAB conferences. In addition, a room is made available for Life Skills classes for the youths on a weekly basis. A parishioner routinely serves as a member of a NAB board; and others parishioners, most particularly Jean Chandler and Tom Dyer help supervise youths doing NAB contracted community service on our campus.

We believe that ending this program would be shortsighted in light of both human and economic costs. If you would like to express an opinion about the program to the county's decision makers, look to St. Jude's website for suggestions regarding appropriate persons to contact.

For further information regarding the NAB and Restorative Justice Programs, contact Susan Stanley or Mary Souza

What IS Restorative Justice? Justice That Heals Mary Souza *

You've heard the term restorative justice at church – here at St. Jude's and in our diocese -- and in government -- cities and counties. Where did it come from? What does it mean? The roots of restorative justice stem from a variety of worldwide cultural and religious traditions throughout history. They include practices of Native peoples of New Zealand and North America and programs of the Mennonites in Canada and the U.S.

There is not one specific meaning to the term, or one rigid program model. Restorative justice programs may vary in their goals and practices, but they share certain values and characteristics as they seek to answer the question, "How should we as a society respond to wrongdoing?"

As an alternative or supplement to the strictly legalistic view of this question, restorative justice uses a different lens with which to focus on problems and possible solutions. This lens views crime as a wound in the community that needs to be healed. In order for people to be restored to right relationship, this process, which respects all parties, ideally seeks to:

focus on not only the offender, but the victim and the community as well

address not only harms, but also needs and obligations of all parties

use an inclusive, collaborative process

For more information, look in the narthex for a leaflet of fundamental principles and resources. See also

http://www.restorativejustice.org/.

*with debt to Howard Zehr, Changing Lenses and The Little Book of Restorative Justice -- both in the St. Jude's Library

 

 

 

CelebratioN !

April 13 • Noon – 4 p.m.

at

Cupertino Community Services

10104 Vista Drive

1st Anniversary of VISTA VILLAGES

24 units of affordable rental housing

owned and managed by CCS

and

OPENING OF NEW TECH CENTER

Drop by and see what St. Jude's support means!

 

 

Parishioner Profile: Pat Coles
Allan Chapman

During this Lenten Season, we are asked to focus on transformation. Pastor Karen tells us this means we should strive to change from a self-centered life style to a life of compassion. "How does this happen with you?" The View asked St. Jude's Parish Life Chairperson, Pat Coles.

"With baby steps," Pat replied. "All my life I have been a people person, and my transformation is ongoing through helping the people of our parish. I still have a lot to learn, but being with people helps me to get outside of myself."

Born in San Mateo, Pat Coles has lived in California all her life. Her parents were married at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Burlingame, and she was later baptized there as well. Her family lived several places within California during her pre-teen years, and then returned to Burlingame when she was 13. She tells of an Episcopal Priest making house calls, who approached her and a group of friends at the end of a cul-de-sac, asking, "Anybody here Episcopalian?" She responded, "I was baptized Episcopalian, so I guess I am." The Priest smiled and said, "See you on Sunday." And she did go that Sunday, and her transformation began. In the ensuing years she studied with the Sisters of Transfiguration, attended retreats and started to see God's work both intellectually and spiritually.

She was married and had 3 children when she moved to Cupertino in 1966. On Mother's Day of that year, her husband, Harry, gave her the wonderful gift of staying home with the kids so she could come to St. Jude's for the first time. That day was also Pastor Hugh Wright's inaugural Sunday at St. Jude's. Pat felt Pastor Hugh touched her spirit. "He spoke to me," she says. "We were both new, and somehow that was a connection." She also remembers that Ralph Covey greeted her and made her feel welcome.

Pat and Harry were invited to several small dinner gatherings for Pastor Hugh where they met "other new folks." Pat had volunteered for service at Church of the Ascension in Burlingame, so it was natural that she would soon involve herself in Stewardship at St. Jude's, dropping off mailings at the post office, something she could do with 3 children in tow. She also volunteered her services for Parish Life events. She served on the Diocesan Council in the Diocese of California as well.

The View asked her if she ever left St. Jude's. "I went back to school in the winter of '76. It took me 8 years to get my degree, so I was less involved with St. Jude's during that time. But I always managed to do the Women's Getaway Weekends." When she resumed her active service, she was elected to the Standing Committee and served through 1991, during this time Richard Shimpfky was called to be the second bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real.

Pat concluded our interview by returning to the transformation process. She sees Covenant Groups as a means by which we can all grow spiritually. Retreats also offer an opportunity in an area that she feels she needs to work on personally: meditation. Maybe this is something we all need to devote more time to.

 

Vestry Report – March 16, 2004
Jim Blessing

The Vestry meeting began with a healing service at 7:00PM. All are welcome at this service.

We reviewed the new form of financial and parochial report, which differs from than used previously, and which vestry members are now required to sign. One item of concern was the drop in church membership last year, which was partially attributed to loss of several large families and purging of inactive members from the roles.

Tom Dyer gave a summary of the status of property projects and led a tour of key points of interest for emergency response, such as gas and electric service points. We will be replacing the old heater in the farmhouse and, thanks to a special gift, adding air conditioning. He also reviewed our new, water-saving irrigation project with the Santa Clara water district, due to begin in April.

Bruce LaFetra gave a report about the new projection screen we will be installing in the parish hall (with due consideration for the aesthetics of the approach).

The Vestry committed to a special covenant of conduct written at the February meeting. Among the tenets is maintaining 2-way communications with parish members. We discussed how we might facilitate this, including potential sessions of the Adult Forum, which generally has not worked well in the past. After consideration, we intend to hold a meeting during Adult Forum for parish input BEFORE the goal-setting vestry retreat this fall. The vestry is concerned that it has the input of parish members – please share your on-going concerns with any vestry member.

 

Women's Spring Getaway Weekend
Libby Varty

Save the dates of May 14-16 for a fun, relaxing, "hang loose" weekend in God's country...aka Arnold, CA (less than 3 hours east in the beautiful Sierras).

We have 3 cabins (Disney's, Solaris and Varity's) ready to accommodate you. You can participate in as much (beach, swimming, golfing, hiking, tennis, kayaking, fishing, snowshoeing?, browsing in local shops and the gold country, wine tasting) OR as little (chatting, reading, sleeping) as you want!

Details will follow. The entire weekend will run $50/person. Sign-ups will go on the Kiosk on April 18 and will be on a first come, first served basis with payment due at time of sign-up.

A suggestion has been made that we consider making a voluntary donation of $20-25 to the Women's Getaway Fund which will help reduce the costs of future Pajaro Getaways. These monies would go directly into the Getaway Fund. Again, this is strictly voluntary. If you have questions, feel free to contact either Kathy, Joellen or Libby.

 

Men's Fall Get-Away
Ned Snow

Men's get-away planned for October 15-17, 2004. Mark your calendars for the third annual Men's Mountain Get-away, to be held at the Disney, Stolarik, and Varty cabins in Arnold. The cost is expected to be about $50 per person. Sign-up sheet and more details to come in August.

 

Meditation Group Expands Program
LeLe Blackman

Presently, the St. Jude's Meditation Group gathers the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm to experience a 30-minute silent meditation. Beginning Tuesday, April 6, Holy Week, "Looking within and discovering the Inner Light" will be the focus of the group meeting on the 1st Tuesday. In harmony with the 1st Tuesday format, Pastor Karen will continue to guide the silent meditation held on the 3rd Tuesday. In her Renovare Lenten Series, Pastor Karen spoke of meditating as a spiritual discipline, listening to God's voice, having God at the center of your circle. This is an opportunity to explore different forms of meditations that benefit you. For both women and men, it is an occasion to orient to the center of one's circle so the guidance from within can be heard and used wisely for the greater good.

LeLe Blackman will be leading the first Tuesday group using centering, music and guided imagery. She brings 14 years of meditating as well as her experience in facilitating clinical experiential groups using art, drama and music modalities. Come partake of this soul food and experience God at your center. Beginners are most welcome, wear loose comfortable clothing and bring a willing spirit. We meet in the Youth Room located at the southeast corner of the parish hall (there is a sign on the door) from 6:30-7:30 pm. Note that the time of this session is being increased to one hour; however you may quietly leave at any point during the hour. For questions, contact LeLe or Liz Jones.

 

The editors would like to thank Grace Schwartzfager, Jean Chandler, Janice McShurley, Ann Shephard, Sharon Lee and Kilcee Wood for their assistance with copying, folding and mailing The View.

Easter Sunday Flower Dedication:

If you would like to dedicate an Easter lily, which will be used to decorate the church for Easter, please sign up on the flower sheet in the Narthex. The suggested donation is $10. Your dedication will be noted in the bulletin.

 

St. Jude's Library
Susan Witherspoon

Your library committee is very busy updating our database to prepare for the reorganization of library materials by Dewey Decimal number. We expect by this edition of The View to have a binder containing printout of all materials and their location. You can look up a book or other materials on the computer now, but we are waiting until all books are entered in the computer before printing out the entire library titles. The binder will be placed next to the "Right" computer near Pastor Mary's office. The searchable database is on the same computer.

When screening donated books we often find duplicates of something already in our collection. These are good books and we give first pick to YOU. If these books have not been chosen after a month or so, the materials will be exchanged with the Church & Synagogue Library Association or donated to another library. Look for the shelf lined with purple paper, directly ahead as you enter the Farmhouse Library for Give Away materials.

 

Sunday Attendance
Ned Snow

After an encouraging increase in January, attendance fell off 9% in February. If you haven't been coming to church regularly, now's a good time to return. Let's finish off March with a healthy increase!

Easter is close at hand. Plan ahead, and invite friends, neighbors, co-workers, and extended family members to Easter services. We'll have great music provided by the choir, plus trumpet fanfares to celebrate the joy of the resurrection!

 

St. Jude's Singles Group
Juneann McDonald

The St. Jude's Singles group held its exploratory meeting on Sunday, March 14, 2004. Twelve people gathered for a lively discussion on the group's purpose, how it will operate, and shared coffee and dessert. We decided to have monthly meetings to foster friendship and fellowship, and to organize activities based on members' interests between meetings. The group is open, but not limited to single adults in the St. Jude's community, and a Yahoo group, email: StJ-Singles@yahoogroups.com has been set up for communicating plans for events or activities.

Our next meeting will be on Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 7pm in the Fireside Room. If you're single or have single friends who are interested in socializing, sharing activities or attending events with other singles, please join us or pass the word on. Refreshments will be provided.

 

First Thursday Hymn Sing on April 1st

The next First Thursday Hymn Sing, hosted by Michael Morris, St. Jude's Music Director, will be on April 1st. The singing will begin at 7 pm and last for about 30 minutes in the church. All parishioners are invited. This month's Hymn sing will highlight the hymns of Holy Week and Easter. Andrew Nelson will accompany the group. Come and join us! If you have any questions, please contact Michael Morris music@saintjudes.org.

 

St. Jude's Reaches Out to La Roca Children's Home

WE ARE FOCUSING ON TWO URGENT NEEDS:

1. Road Repair
2. Solar Hot Water

Road Repair
The property sits on a hill in the Parke Industrial Pacifico area. There is a steep road down to the property. The road in the front of the property is not paved. A large, deep hole eroded away with the winter rains over the past several years. As seen in picture on the right, the erosion is threatening the pipe supplying water to La Roca. Further, if the erosion continues foundation of the mission next to the road is also threatened. After years of pleading with the city government, they agreed to pave the road and to cover 60% of the cost -- praise the Lord! But, La Roca must pay the other 40%.

Solar Hot Water
The second challenge is that the mothers and children are currently taking ice-cold showers in the winter as there is not enough money to pay for the propane for hot water heating. I asked what they do if a child gets sick (as they were saying they were grateful that the children had been mostly well this winter). They said that they heat water on the stove to bathe sick children. This lack of hot water also discourages participation in mission trips from the US. La Roca had been donated some very old solar hot water panels but members of the Solar Project Team decided that we should just buy a new system as parts for the old system would cost half as much as a new system. As a result of the meetings of the La Roca Solar project team, we have obtained an offer from Jim Scherm, the local San Jose Solahart distributor (www.solarhart.com), for a solar hot water system at Jim's cost!

How can you help?

Scholarship Fund To Be Established
Linda Morris

In thanksgiving for the ministry of Bishop Shimpfky a diocesan scholarship fund is being created; the details about the fund and how to make contributions will be forthcoming. Bishop Shimpfky's resignation will become effective March, 31, 2004, so if anyone would like to send a card or note of thanksgiving to him, please address it to: The Rt. Rev. Richard Shimpfky, Diocese of El Camino Real, P.O. Box 1903, Monterey, CA 93942.

Deanery Meeting at St. Jude's
Linda Morris

St. Jude's will host the next Deanery Meeting on Thursday, April 15th in the Parish Hall. Refreshments and Gathering will begin at 6:30 pm and the meeting will be from 7-9 pm. The Agenda will include reporting about what is happening in the diocese during the Waiting Period, the next step in the bishop search process after Bishop Shimpfky's resignation, which will become effective March 31, 2004. All Delegates, Alternates, and Clergy are urged to attend, but everyone is welcome! For more information, contact Linda Morris, newly elected Convener.

 

Church Ladies with Typewriters

Thank god for CHURCH LADIES WITH TYPEWRITERS. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

  1. Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.
  2. The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a conflict.

 

 

Updated 4/2/2004
St. Jude's Home
Top of Page