St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
Volume 21; Issue 06	July 2004

The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. Our vision is: St. Jude’s is a spiritual oasis where lives are transformed.

Last night, your vestry and core staff had a lively presentation of the 7 strategic long-term goals that support
our mission and vision. As part of their commitment, the vestry and staff have completed "Part A" of the planning process and will continue to gather information and insight on how to proceed forward. There was a show of passion for each of these goals. What remains to be seen is how wide-spread this passion is among the people of St. Jude's. I celebrate the time, effort, and gifts of those who were present at the
vestry meeting and encourage all of you to offer input into these feasibility studies. Specific goals and discussions are as follows:

1. Pat Coles presented the goal: Develop St. Jude's Campus into a Spiritual Oasis. Questions asked:
   What exactly would our spiritual oasis look like? Should we develop the inner courtyard near the farmhouse as a means of insuring the safety of children, providing a place for meditation, offering a more comprehensive outside- gathering area? What is your vision for our campus?

2. Ned Snow & Juneann McDonald led the discussion: Invite and integrate the Cupertino demographics into the St. Jude's community. Our church needs to more closely reflect the people who live in Cupertino. Who are they? How can we reach them? What changes do we need to make in order to make them feel welcomed? What is the "good news" in Anglican Spirituality for the "newcomers to Cupertino" and how do we present it in a compelling way?

3. Don Disney presented information on: An on-site school for children. The focus was on developing a pre-school. This goal has the potential of bringing young families into the church, serves the need for
   Christian education in the community, and taps into Cupertino's strong interest in education.

4. David Knapp stood in for Ken Foot in presenting the goal: Be a conspicuous force in the Cupertino community. This goal allows us to take our Christian attitudes and beliefs into the community along with our gifts of service. How can we serve the Cupertino community in a way that makes St. Jude's a conspicuous & positive force?

5. Pastor Karen presented the goal: Create a Fabulous Sunday Morning Experience. In general, most people are happy with the way we do Sunday mornings. There still is a tension however, between those who want the worship services to remain "just the way they are" and those who find them too formal, inaccessible, and not compelling for the 18-40 year olds. Hospitality is one of the main areas that could be improved, especially with taking the time to incorporate our newer members.

6. Jim Blessing led the charge: A place known to be accessible to seekers. In particular, the goal is to add a regular service and program that is geared to the unchurched people seeking spirituality but not a traditional experience. This is one of the ways to make new disciples and focuses on a key demographic of Silicon Valley (i.e. intellectual, unchurched, seeking something, not attracted to mainline/Evangelical churches.) It plays to several strengths of St. Jude's, including: welcoming, open- minded, inclusive people, and the openness of Episcopalians to examine a wide range of spirituality.

7. Next month at the July Vestry meeting, Brock Carpenter will lead the goal: Develop Music Program so that St. Jude's is known for its musical excellence. He is looking for additional insights from the congregation.

Please offer your input and comments to the leaders of these goals so that they can more fully represent your desires/vision. We would especially like input from our younger and newer members of the congregation. Here is your chance to make a difference and to help pave the future of St. Jude's. At the core of all of these goals, is our desire to spread the good news in Christ and to make disciples so that more people will walk the path of love that was shown to us by Jesus. We need you to help with this mission of the Church! If your would like to serve on one of these committees or would like additional information, call or email Linda Morris.

Peace,

• This June, Pastor Karen celebrated her 11th and Pastor Mary her 7th anniversary to the priesthood. Both attended the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley for the Master of Divinity degree. Both are delighted in their vocation to the Episcopal priesthood.

• Pastor Mary will be on vacation from July 5th to July 27 th .

• The wrong person received credit in last month's View for neatly organizing the Narthex bulletin board on the right. Thank you Lisa Carpenter for creating an attractive space as we enter church.

• Elise Lee graduated from Monta Vista High School, and will be attending San Diego State University
  in the Fall.

• Mark Small received his Master's Degree in Education with an Emphasis on Educational Leadership
  from San Jose State University. Mark accomplished this while teaching in Middle School, raising his 3 daughters, and running SMALLBEES honey and candle business (with the help of his wife, Wendy, of course!) Congratulations to the Small family!
  

Young Adults Head South of the Border!
Pastor Mary Blessing

As you read this article, Pastor Mary and 4 college students are in Tijuana, Mexico, at La Roca Mission for children and their mothers. Working alongside a small team from St. Timothy's Church, Mountain View, Pastor Mary, and college students, Sara Morris, Jen Satterlee, David Sidle and Joshua Ligan are offering time and talent to fix up the mission, help install a hot water solar system, lead worship, play with children, comfort the mothers—whatever is needed. This is a Holy Spirit driven mission. A new and exciting experience for the St. Jude's team—an experience that we hope will be shared with you upon our return.

Please, pray for our ability to place God at the center of our trip. Pray for our sense of Christ's presence. Pray that we can offer hope, joy, love and faith, as we receive new experiences of God's presence in the lives of those we serve.

St. Jude's Youth Play and Pray This Summer
Pastor Mary Blessing

Families head for the mountains for fresh air, fun and a new perspective on life. Road trips take others on the "Winnebago Tour" from state to state, even into Canada or Mexico. Others head for beach houses or grandma's house. Some attend special camps, church camp, sports camp, music camp, family camp. Many enjoy the "lazy hazy days" of summer, hanging out at the local pool, riding bikes into the hills, or simply running to the corner store for a popsicle. As we go off our separate ways to enjoy some leisure, let us keep each other in our prayers. Let us remember that our faith community brings us spiritual strength and stability to see us through the pressures of school and work. We draw from that same spiritual strength when we are away, knowing that a "spiritual oasis" awaits us back home in Cupertino. And while we ARE home this summer, let's show up on Sunday morning to worship with our friends, or gather for fellowship for a Wednesday potluck. This will rejuvenate our spirits and bring refreshment to our souls. If you have guests from out of town, or even a friend from town visiting, invite them to come enjoy our summer oasis with you! Throughout the summer there will be special Youth Activity Days—Great America, bowling, Raging Waters, the beach…watch for special announcements coming your way.

Property Highlights
Tom Dyer

Harvest Time!: The apricots are early this year and plentiful as a result of the special care from our "orchard emeritus", Nick, who wants all to enjoy and share. Annual Fire Inspection: We passed and favorably impressed the inspector with the farmhouse living quarters upgrade since his last visit. Once again, thanks to Dean who is now in the business of homeowner repairs and upgrades. Eagle Project: Live Oak Senior Day Center is sponsoring a walkway and security fencing from the parking lot to the classroom. The effort is now underway under the leadership of James Hung of Troop 476. Stop by and get acquainted with his team.

Vestry Highlights
Juneann McDonald

The vestry meeting started at 7pm with the healing service in which Allan Chapman shared his spiritual journey. Liz Jones reviewed highlights of the Quarterly Financial report with the vestry. Pledges, staffing costs and other expenses are on track compared to the budget. Pastor Karen reviewed the short term goals highlighting three areas where limited progress has been made and additional attention is needed. They are growth in membership, developing a telephone plan for the site, and evaluating the current staff and leadership positions to determine parish needs. Pastor Karen presented the history and background of the Strategic Goals, then each leader distributed and presented highlights of a summary of their group's discussion of the goal. The vestry asked clarifying questions and provided their input. The following questions were answered for each goal:

• Specify the goal.
• Why was the goal selected ?
• How does it support our mission?
• What resources are required to fulfill it?
• Where is the passion/support?
• What are the implications of not adopting it?
• What changes are needed to adopt it?
• What are the obstacles/challenges?
• What additional information is needed?
• How can the vestry help?

Tom Dyer presented a proposal from the Senior Day Care center on using a directed donation to install an air conditioning unit in Classroom 6 and 7. The vestry approved the installation on condition that if energy costs were significant, some added cost would be added to the lease when renewed.

Attendance and Pledge
Ned Snow

Attendance was down 8% in May when compared to the same period last year. I noticed severe declines in two of the weeks: Mother's Day, and the weekend of the women's getaway. I may be reading too much into this, but could it be that dads did not feel able to bring their families to church on those Sundays when moms were not available? If you're a "single dad" for a weekend and you're feeling overwhelmed, please know that there are other dads feeling the same thing. Bringing your kids to church and touching base with other dads is a great stress reliever. So, whenever Mom is out of town, consider making the extra effort to bring your kids to church. It'll be worth it!

What's Happening at Santa Maria?
Mary Souza

Find out at next meeting of the Social Justice/Outreach Committee, 7:30 pm, June 22, when our invited guest will be Lawrence Robles, the Executive Director of Santa Maria Urban Ministry. SMUM serves the economically stressed community of downtown San Jose. According to Rev. David Breuer, Convener of the Board of Directors of SMUM:

• SMUM serves 650 emergency food packages per month, supporting about 1750 individuals. 50% of those served are under 18 years of age.
• SMUM meets the emergency clothing needs of about 350 families per month.
• Early in 2004 SMUM assisted about 50 families file Income Tax for 2003
• In March, SMUM met the emergency dental needs of about 25 individuals.
• ABC PLAYTIME at SMUM prepares15 children ages 3-5 for Kindergarten.
• In August SMUM will distribute over 1000 backpacks to needy youngsters in greater San Jose.
  

SMUM was founded by the Rev. Mitzi Ackerman, a St. Jude's parishioner who was the first woman ordained in the Diocese of El Camino Real. Many from St. Jude's helped Mitzi launch SMUM, and over the years many parishioners have volunteered and served on the Board. Today, we contribute parish Outreach funds and donations of food and clothing which Jim Mangin faithfully transports to SMUM each week. We also participate in Santa Maria Christmas, which collects and distributes seasonal gift packages. Now over 20 years old, SMUM receives funding from a variety of sources -- the Diocesan budget (only 18% of SMUM budget), area churches, individual pledges and grants. The vibrancy of this organization depends on the efforts of volunteers. Come to the Fireside Room on Tuesday June 22 at 7:30 to learn how you might help!

Pentecost Progressive Ministry Fair
Mary Souza

Celebrate in worship and at coffee hour the various activities of The Holy Spirit through the people of St. Jude's. Pray for the following people and talk to them at coffee hour. Look for folks with the Pentecost Dove name tag that says "ASK ME ABOUT…" Read their handouts and brochures. Catch the Spirit from their passion for service in Christ!

If you would like to bring treats for coffee hour on any of these Sundays, please sign up on the list in the Parish Hall. Perhaps you are inspired to bring food in thanksgiving for one of these ministries . . . If so, sign up on the list in the Parish Hall.

Have You Seen the Signs?
Kay Knapp

"Live Oak Adult Day Services," formerly Cupertino Senior Day Services or CSDS, is active on St. Jude's campus. Weekdays from 9a.m. to 3p.m., Live Oak Adult Day Services strives to meet the needs of older adults and disabled seniors, while promoting their dignity and independence and providing stimulation. Crafts, modified exercise, music, animal visitors, current events readings, and games are some of the activities offered by the caring staff. Respite and support are available for caregivers of the frail elderly. Live Oak/Cupertino is pleased to introduce new staff members Karen Lorenz, Program Director, and Charlotte Niemeyer, Asst. Program Director, effective June 18, 2004. Live Oak/Cupertino has a balanced budget, overseen by Executive Director, Colleen Hudgen. And so do the other four Live Oak locations: Willow Glen, Downtown San Jose, Gilroy, and Los Gatos. Private donations, foundations, fees and grants from government agencies, and program fees on a sliding scale provided income of over a million dollars in FY 2003/2004. Client services days total 18,511, while total average number of clients served per month from July '03 to May '04 was 82.9. Live Oak/Cupertino invites you to come by and visit, and they always welcome caring volunteers. For more information, call Kay Knapp, Live Oak/Cupertino.

Adult Education During the Summer
Bruce La Fetra

As is the usual custom at St. Jude's, there will be fewer Adult Forums during the summer months of July and August. Check the Sunday Bulletin or the St. Jude's Web site for possible additions. Be sure to catch August.

• July 4 - No Forum
• July 11 - Naming Evil: An Interfaith Dialogue. This year's Trinity Institute Conference asked representatives from each of the Abrahamic faiths (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) to discuss how their tradition explains the origins and persistence of evil in creation. Watch Harvard Divinity School Professor Jon Levenson's taped presentation of the Jewish tradition will be on the Big Screen in the Parish Hall. We will have time to discuss our own views after the presentation. Islam will be presented in August.
• July 18 - No Forum currently scheduled
• July 25 - Advanced Healthcare Directives : From the same great folks that brought us Planned Giving and the Wills & Trusts Workshop. Watch your mailbox for more details.
  

Big Plans for July 4th Celebration!
Matt and Audrey Matthews

Sunday, July 4, is a day for us at St. Jude's to celebrate with some all-American activities, starting with the St. Jude's Chili Show! Judging kicks off at 4:00, and a few minutes later the curtain rises on the St. Jude's Talent Cook-off! It is not too late for you to enter either (or both) of these events by simply signing up on the Kiosk. If you are entering a pot of chili, be sure to pick up a copy of the Chili Show Rules from the Kiosk. You say you aren't ready to enter your chili or perform in front of a crowd? NOT A PROBLEM! Just show up and share food and fellowship with the rest of us. Salads, cornbread, and desserts are welcomed to fill out our meals. For those who want to bring their own grillable entrée we will provide the charcoal grills. In addition, Nick Miljevich has made a gift of a lot of chicken legs and corn on the cob for the event. (Nick is a long-time friend and supporter of St. Jude's.) There is no reason to go home hungry this 4th of July. Thank you, Nick! Don't forget to bring the kids! We have not one, but two piñatas for the kids. Other games and activities are planned as well. Bring your friends and neighbors. This holiday event is a great opportunity to introduce new people to the community of St. Jude's, our spiritual oasis. If you have not picked up an information sheet, you might need to know that the parish is providing tablecloths, plates, utensils, and ice cream. You bring your own beverages and an ample side dish to share – any kind of salad, cornbread, or dessert. If you have questions, contact Audrey Matthews.

Make Plans for St. Jude's Parish Campout
Matt and Audrey Matthews

Beautiful Big Basin State Park is the place where St. Jude's campers are expected to gather on Friday, September 3rd through Monday, September 6th. We were able to reserve the site for Labor Day weekend again this year. You may sign up for one, two, or three nights. (The third night is free!) St. Jude's Parish Campout is a relaxing, unstructured weekend. Big Basin is only a one-hour drive from Cupertino. Our private group campsite is accessible by a gated road, so it is very quiet and uncrowded. The sun peeks through the tall redwoods and the air is fresh and clear. There are picnic tables, parking at the group camp areas, fire pits, hot showers and flush toilets. What luxury! The highlight of the weekend is our Saturday afternoon communion service, immediately followed by our pot-luck dinner. In addition, the Big Basin park rangers offer scheduled hikes and nature programs for children and adults. Of course, you can always do your own hikes or ride your bikes through the park. There is usually an evening program in the rustic amphitheatre downhill from our campsite, near the park office. Pets are most welcome. Many parishioners have invited friends to camp with us in past years. This is a wonderful tradition and an opportunity for us to meet new people as well as for them to get to know folks from St. Jude's in a relaxed environment. Complete information is posted on the Kiosk. If you have questions, contact Audrey Matthews.

Summer Potlucks on the Patio
Pat Coles

The traditional Summer Potluck Suppers on the patio at St. Jude's will begin Wednesday, June 9, at 6:30 pm. and continue each Wednesday through September 1. Newcomers are especially welcome and invited to come as first-time guests. Do come if you can, there is good fellowship and often good food. Since it's a potluck, sometimes there's more dessert/salad than main dish but this is part of the fun. These events are strictly potluck; only tables and chairs are provided! There are no sign-ups, just come when you can and bring a dish to share (enough for 3 times the number in your family/group) in addition to your own dishes, flatware and beverage (some folk bring tablecloths too). If this sounds like fun but you're concerned that you won't know anyone, invite a friend and come check it out together. For more information call the Parish Office between 9:00 am and 2:30 pm. at 408-252-4166 or email the Web Ministers.

St. Jude's Singles' Group Meeting
Juneann McDonald

The Singles Group will meet on Sunday, June 27at 6pm in the Fireside Room for a potluck dinner followed by coffee, dessert and a discussion on "Living Arrangements for Future Years" from 7- 9pm. We encourage you to join us and to invite other singles

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.

Updated 7/13/2004

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