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St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church

A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
Volume 21; Issue 5
May 2004

"Joy is not the absence of sorrow. Joy is the Presence of God."

Joy is the presence of God: Experiencing Lent, Holy Week, (my 50th birthday), and Easter, with the people of St. Jude's, gave me great joy in my life. I am grateful to be your rector and to experience with you, the presence of God during the "high holy days." I give thanks for the gracious offering of time and talent of so many people, who made Holy Week possible. This includes those who offered their gift of hospitality, food, music, liturgy, fire, sound, teaching, prayer, attending to the altar, flower arrangement, artistic design, ushering, greeting, computer assistance, meditation offerings, children's activities, etc. Because so many people were willing to help out, the liturgies flowed smoothly and our community was nurtured. Many of our visitors and newcomers were deeply moved by their experience at our church.

Joy is not the absence of sorrow: In the midst of my joy, I did experience some sorrow during Holy Week. My dog experienced a crisis which turned out to be insulin-dependent diabetes. It took awhile to stabilize her crisis but I think she is now out of the woods. I give thanks to all of you who kept us in your prayers and who offered to help out with her care.

Joy is the presence of God: Next week, I have the privilege of attending Part II of Women Touched by Grace. As you may remember, I was selected to participate in a three year program with 30 Protestant Women Pastors and 100 Catholic sisters at the Lady of Grace Monastery in Indianapolis, IN. (See www.benedictinn.org) We will be learning about spiritual tools for the journey and will receive lectures by Sr. Mary Margaret Funk, author of Tools Matter, and Thoughts Matter. I will be passing this wisdom on to the people of St. Jude's during two consecutive adult forums on May 30th and June 6th.

Joy is not the absence of sorrow. Joy is the Presence of God: Whether you are experiencing pain or upheaval in your life, or whether you are in a place of peace and acceptance, please know that God loves you and is present with you, no matter how you may feel. "May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all evermore."

 

Peace,

Did You Know?

Homework and Good Grades: Asset or Liability?
Pastor Mary Blessing, Associate Rector

The April 14, 2004 issue of the Cupertino Courier included a letter to the editor from a parent of a Monte Vista High School student (p. 16). "Children must be ready to compete worldwide," reads the by- line. The parent begins with a concern about students getting low grades in a class, asking, "I keep thinking about whether society needs to put so much pressure on our children?"

This is a question I continually ask, when week after week I hear from parents and children as young as 6 years old up to 18 feeling inundated with pressures of school performance. However, the parent in the Courier letter concludes that our children have to compete for places on a world-wide scale, so, he says, we must "spend 100 percent of our time teaching our kids in the hope that they will grow stronger than our generation." He goes on to say that a teacher who gives low grades will not make our kids more competitive, and that teachers hold "the future of our children" in their hands—therefore, he implies, the teachers should give high grades to improve our children's chances of getting into good colleges.

Who, may I ask, is placing all this pressure on the kids to perform? Aren't we all guilty: parents, teachers, college admissions offices, other students, employers? Don't all of us have this expectation that if a student applies him or herself to the homework, then, of course they should be able to get an A or B? When will we wise up and realize that in order to be a healthy, balanced person in life we need "down time"? Time to just let the mind wander, to go out and "smell the roses", rest, play with our friends, or just sit under a tree. (Wasn't Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree, perhaps daydreaming, when the apple fell on his head and he came up with the "ah ha" experience that led to his Universal Law of gravity?)

Recently I was shocked to discover that the number one "asset" of youth in Santa Clara County is—you guessed it: Homework!! In the SEARCH Institute* survey of teens in Santa Clara they discovered that 72% of Santa Clara youth identified doing homework as their number one personal asset for development. Homework is a more common asset among our kids than Family Support, Safety, having a Sense of Purpose, Reading for Pleasure or involvement in a Religious Community. I ask: is the stress of school performance more of an asset or a liability, when our youth have Homework emphasized as more important than living in a Caring Neighborhood or having Positive Family Communication?

Please, stop for a moment and ask a youth you know, "Which is more important, time to do your homework, or time to talk with your mom or dad?" Then, consider carefully how you spend your time with the kids you know. What are you going to remember on your death bed—homework sheets, or that hug at the end of a family talk that may have been painful, but honest.

*SEARCH Institute, Minneapolis, MN; 40 Developmental Assets. Santa Clara County results by Project Cornerstone.

 

Homework Club Returns
Pastor Mary Blessing, Associate Rector

Want a little "pick me up" to help you through the final weeks of the school year? Since Homework is a necessary component of our school life, why not drop in to "Homework Club" to share your load with friends and caring adult mentors. Homework Club starts up Weds. Nights, April 28, 6:30- 8:30 pm. Youth 6th-12th grade (older welcome, too!). In St. Jude's Farmhouse Library. Computers/internet access/adult mentors on hand. If you're done with homework, bring a good book, or a topic to research, and join us for homework support fellowship. Help a friend get their work done! Simple meal provided.

Call Pastor Mary Blessing for details, 252-4166.

 

La Roca Or Bust Pastor
Mary Blessing, Associate Rector

Pastor Mary Blessing in cooperation with St. Timothy's Church, Mountain View, is taking a van-load of young adults to La Roca, Tijuana, Mexico, a Mission for needy children and their mothers. La Roca is a home/educational opportunity for single mother-led families to get off the streets of Tijuana, to a place of safety and shelter, in a loving Christian environment. The Mission is in need of various repairs, including the installation of a solar water heating system. St. Jude's and St. Timothy's Young Adults will help in whatever way we are asked for 3 days of "handyman" work, creativity, teaching the kids, or whatever. We will drive down to Tijuana on Monday, June 28 and return Friday, July 2. As of this printing, 3 of our college students and possibly one high school student are planning to go on the trip.

What can you do to help us on this trip? If you are an adult with an interest in teens/young adults and want to join us for this trip, please contact Pastor Mary Blessing soon. If you are an older teen interested in participating, contact Pastor Mary now. If you are able to offer us your prayers, begin praying now and continue until our return.

God bless you for your support of this community effort to care for our less fortunate young ones in Mexico.

(Note: you may read more about LaRoca in the April 2004 of The View, or online at St. Jude's website.)

 

Property Highlights
Tom Dyer

Spring Cleanup was a success and over 40 parishioners took part. Windows were washed and pews dusted. Most campus gardens were tended to make ready for Easter. Planting patrons need to remember that this is also the season to fertilize and prep for snails.

Don't forget to keep the Farmhouse front door closed. A new heater and air conditioner has been installed and is operational.

Irrigation Update- We are well on our way toward installation of the new ET irrigation controllers that will make daily adjustments to watering times. You can ask vestry or staff what ET means and why it is particularly important to us at St. Judes.

 

Vestry Highlights
Allan Chapman

The major theme for the Vestry meeting Tuesday night, April 20 was financial. Treasurer Liz Jones presented the first quarter's revenues and expenses, which depicted a surplus. She also reviewed the balance sheet, which demonstrated St. Jude's has a healthy asset base. Pastor Karen continued the financial focus with a presentation on current and potential ways of raising money at St. Jude's. The single largest source of our income comes from our annual pledge drive, and the Vestry will become more involved in this critical program. Other options presented were planned giving, a capital campaign, and special funding projects.

 

Attendance and Pledge
Ned Snow

Attendance was down in March by 7% compared with March 2003. Year to date, attendance was down 4%. Please remember that there's so much St. Jude's has to offer. We really do have a consistently fabulous Sunday experience: adult forums, thought-provoking sermons, great music. Remind your family and friends that St. Jude's is the perfect church for those seeking a respite from the fast pace of Silicon Valley.

Pledges are running roughly on target through the first quarter of the year. Some people have paid ahead, which really helps our cash flow! Others are slightly behind, but not by much. Thank you for keeping up with your pledges!

 

St. Jude's Supports Special Needs Families
Mary Souza

What is the source of sounds of joy, laughter, and active learning on St. Jude's campus each weekday and Saturday afternoon? The energy comes from autistic and other special needs children, high- school volunteers, and adults from The Organization of Special Needs Families (OSF).

Founded by parishioners Lihuei and Chihua Wei, the mission of OSF is to believe and support community integration for individuals with special needs toward an independent, productive, and normal life; to advocate for stable and healthy environments for families and individuals with special needs. "Together, we can build a loving, harmonious, and beautiful community."

At St. Jude's, OSF operates a needs-integrated learning center. The goal of this after-school and weekend program is to provide balanced, year-round educational and therapeutic programs, community services, and support to individuals with Special Needs (children, adults, seniors) and their families, with no race, culture, or age boundary. About 70 local high school students volunteer as one-on-one mentors for Special Needs children. More are needed!

To find out more or how you can be of assistance, visit http://www.osfamilies.org/

 
Hear from OSF Founder, Lihuei Wei
Social Justice/Outreach Meeting
Tuesday, April 27
7:30 in The Fireside Room

 

St. Jude's Responds to Haiti Crisis - Episcopal Church Offers Stability and Growth
Mary Souza

The Social Justice/Outreach Committee, on behalf of the parish, has authorized an immediate allocation of $1000 to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) for relief in Haiti.

Our contribution will provide life- saving food and medical supplies for at least 50 people (or food, medical supplies, and shelter for twelve families of four).

The current political situation in Haiti threatens children, the elderly and families who already live in extreme poverty. According to reports from The Episcopal News Service, the Episcopal Church has a large and respected presence in Haiti with local parishes all over the country and programs in place to offer life-sustaining support as well as future development. Read Nan Cobbey's compelling interview with The Rev. MacDonald Jean, which will appear in the May issue of Episcopal Life. Jean is an Episcopal priest, professor, author, and activist. He is one of seven appointees to the new Conseil des Sages (Council of Wise Ones), which has selected the new prime minister and cabinet and will advise the new government.

Your Social Justice/Outreach committee traditionally reserves a certain portion of the budgeted outreach funds for timely response to both local, national, and global needs. In 2003 St. Jude's contributed $2000 to ERD for food and supplies for families in war-torn Iraq and an additional $1000 for victims of Southern California fires.

To find out more about how to help, visit The Episcopal Relief and Development website.

Diocese of El Camino Real Lay Conference
Linda Morris

On Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. all lay (non-clergy) members of the diocese are invited to a conference to give the laity an opportunity to learn more about and discuss the situation in our diocese and to help plan for its future and the call of a new bishop. The Standing Committee plans include a review of the history of the diocese, including financial issues, and small group discussions of goals; they hope that this Lay Conference will be marked by transparency and openness.

The Rev. Ron Reed and Mr. Dale Simison will facilitate the conference. Fr. Reed is the former Director of the Office of Stewardship Education of the Episcopal Church, and Mr. Simison assisted our diocese in the formation of the El Camino Real Foundation. (He also presented our Adult Forum on Planned Giving.) Other than Ron Reed, no clergy will be present. This is an event for the laity. The outcome and suggestions of the conference will be reported to the clergy when they gather for their facilitated Clergy Conference the following week.

All Vestry, Convention Delegates and Alternates, and all interested congregational leaders are urged to attend, but it is hoped that members of all congregations in our diocese will attend, so that all voices may be heard. The conference will be held at St. Stephen's in the Field, 7269 Santa Teresa Blvd., San Jose, CA 95139. Visit St. Stephen's for directions. Lunch will be provided, so please call the diocesan office at (831) 394-4465 by May 10th to RSVP.

 

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, Stolarik's and Varty'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 be between services on May 1st and 9th and will be on a first come, first served basis with payment due at time of sign-up. If you have questions feel free to contact either Joellen Stolarik or Kathy Disney.

 

Westmont College Concert
Michael Morris

The Westmont College Choir and Chamber Singers will present a concert at Saint Jude's on Saturday, May 15 at 8:00 p.m. Westmont is a Christian College located in Santa Barbara. The choirs are under the direction of Dr. Grey Brothers who also serves as the Music Director at Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Santa Barbara. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Admission is free, but an offering will be taken during the event. For more information, please contact Michael Morris.

 

DIEM Representative Needed
Linda Morris

DIEM is the Diocesan Department of Intercultural Evangelism & Mission. DIEM representatives attend monthly DIEM meetings; locations and meeting days vary. Representatives also act as the liaison to a Diocesan mission congregation; meetings are arranged with that congregation. West Valley Deanery needs another representative to fill the balance of a two- year term, ending January 2006. There are 15 missions to support and it is difficult for each representative to support more than one mission.

DIEM, along with the New Church Planting Committee, discusses how best to support the new and developing congregations of our diocese as they grow into bishop's congregations, missions, and finally parishes. DIEM is now working with over a dozen active and growing congregations and their clergy, many of whom come from a variety of cultures and traditions. These missions and bishop's congregations often celebrate God in languages other than English.

DIEM provides administrative and financial oversight, planning, and goal- setting for mission congregations. This means that DIEM meetings balance a sense of celebration with the hard work of addressing the challenges all new organizations face. So that DIEM has a better understanding of the environment and needs of each congregation, meetings are often held at the missions themselves.

If you are interested in finding out more about being a DIEM representative, please talk to Irene Kwok (one of the appointed DIEM representatives) or contact her at 408- 257-8308 or kwoksmusic@yahoo.com. If you would like to be a representative or have other questions, please contact DIEM chairperson Katy Dickinson at katy.dickinson@sun.com

 

Scholarship Fund Being Established

Linda Morris

In thanksgiving for the ministry of Bishop Shimpfky, a new diocesan scholarship fund is being established that will benefit seminarians. Jerry Witherspoon is working with others in the Diocese to establish the parameters of the scholarship fund, which will be administered by the Commission on Ministry. To enter seminary, costs can reach $1,200 to $1,800 because of medical and psychological evaluations required in the application process. To contribute to the fund, checks should be made payable to the Diocese of El Camino Real; write "Bishop's Fund for Theological Education" on the memo line, and send to Diocese of El Camino Real, P.O. Box 1903, Monterey, CA 93942.

 

Adult Education for May
Bruce La Fetra

There will be only two Adult Forums in May due to Mother's Day, the Women's Getaway Weekend and Rogation Sunday, but there will be plenty of Adult Ed to go around. During the middle of the month, check out a past Forum from the greatly expanded library of online offerings (it should be up and running sometime in early May) or request a CD of a past Forum. Watch the Bulletin or check out www.saintjudes.org for more details.

Wills & Living Trusts Workshop
Linda Morris

Steve Rudd, Estate Planning Attorney, and Nancy Symons, Retired Estate Planning Attorney will lead a workshop on Wills and Living Trusts on Saturday, May 1st from 10:00-11:30 am in the Parish Hall. Come to this free workshop to learn about how to: provide guardians to care for your minor children; appoint your own executors, trustees & agents; save capital gains taxes for your surviving spouse; save estate settlement costs for your children; avoid time, expense & aggravation of probate proceeding; save time & money managing disabled parents' assets; save time & money providing disabled parents' health care; avoid time, expense & aggravation of conservatorship; insure your pets are cared for when you are gone; provide for religious & charitable organizations; answer your general questions about will & trusts. Refreshments, living trust brochures, and childcare will be provided. Call 408-252- 4166 to reserve a seat and to request childcare.

 

The editors would like to thank Allan Chapman for his assistance. We would also like to thank the faithful production crew that copies, folds, labels, and mails The View each month.

Upcoming Events:

Date Event Time Where
5/1 Wills & Trust Workshop 10:00-11:30 AM Fireside Room
5/8 Stephen Ministry Training 8:30-3:30 PM Parish Hall
5/10 Library Meeting 10:00 AM Farmhouse
5/14 Women's Getaway Weekend Arnold
5/15 Westmont College Choir 6:00 PM Church
5/18 Vestry Meeting 7:00 PM Fireside Room
5/19 View articles due 10:00 PM theview@saintjudes.org
5/22 Ultrea (Cursillo) TBA Parish Hall
5/23 Faith Full Families 5-8:00 PM Parish Hall
5/23 St Judes Singles Potluck 5:30 PM Fireside Room
5/23 St Jude's Singles Meeting 7:00 PM Fireside Room
5/24 View mailed 9:00 AM Farmhouse

 

 

 

Updated 4/25/2004
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