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St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church

A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
Volume 21; Issue 11
December 2004

“ Behold, I am making all things new.” [Rev. 21] “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new.” [2 Cor. 5] The season of Advent is all about renewal and transformation. God longs for us to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. And not only us, but God longs for a new creation; a creation that reflects the wonder and the glory of God.

We are about to enter into the season of Advent which includes the four weeks in December that precede Christmas. Advent comes from the Latin word, the coming. During Advent, Christians have traditionally prepared themselves (in body, mind, and spirit) for the coming or renewal of Christ in their hearts. By being reflective and practicing the spiritual disciplines, this preparation can be quite fruitful in providing a meaningful and transformational Christmas. The spiritual disciplines include: Prayer, meditation, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, and celebration.

Having just returned from a monastic retreat featuring the topic of “Transformational Leadership”, I am even more convinced than ever of the benefits that are graced upon us by spending time with God in prayer and solitude.  To that end, I am encouraging all of us to set aside some quiet time to listen to God. This is an absolute necessity for discerning God’s will for ourselves, our families, our parish, and our diocese.

Many of you might ask: When will I find the time for prayer and solitude? Here are five suggestions: 1) Most of us already have too much stuff and we don’t need more. So give up some of that shopping time to take a little extra “soul” time for yourself. 2) If you have a hectic household, go to work each day or to each appointment, five minutes early. Spend those five minutes, sitting quietly in your car. 3) Instead of turning on the news when driving, put on some quiet, inspirational music to lift up your soul to God and to remind you of who you are. 4) If you are the type that puts up the Christmas tree early, spend some time in the darkness of the evening, looking at the lights but having no agenda except to hear the small still voice in your soul. 5) Before falling asleep at night or getting out of bed in the morning, spend a few moments of gratitude, thanking God for all of your blessings. Then, listen to the response of your heart.

The power of God’s grace to renew and transform creation has already arrived. What is missing however, is our receptivity to that grace. Advent is a great opportunity to learn how to become more receptive. “For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating.” [Is. 65:17]

 

Peace,

Did You Know?

Advent: Anticipating the Birth of Christ
The Rev. Mary Blessing

What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:3-5)

Another year has zoomed past. It is time again to quiet ourselves in anticipation of the birth of Christ. Before we write our Santa’s wish list, and fill our shopping bags with toys, gifts, trinkets and jewelry, why don’t we stop a moment and empty ourselves of selfish greed, unwarranted yearnings, and foolish desires? Let us empty ourselves of cultural consumerism, and make room for generosity, frugality, and spiritual satisfaction.

The world is burdened with the darkness of war, an economy that teeters between strength and weakness, unemployment that looms in the Silicon Valley, political uncertainties throughout the world—where is the light of Christ in this darkness?

The light of Christ shines through the darkness when you stop the frenzy of the holiday season to visit an elderly friend who has no family, or take some time to go down to the shelter to feed the homeless, or write a letter to a prisoner, or help sell goods from the African Team Ministries, or shop for an adopt-a-family. The possibilities are limitless…

Remembering the joy of Jesus’ birth into a world yearning for hope helps keep us mindful that God can present us with new possibilities at any time, in any place—often at the most unlikely time, in the most unlikely place. The question is, will we be ready to receive God? Will we notice the light shining over the “manger” where God awaits in anticipation of US, born anew with Christ?

Letting our light of Christ shine before others so that our works glorify God, that is the way we will affirm the notion that the darkness cannot overcome Christ’s light. Giving our hearts to the work of Christ in this world IS the birth of Christ for us, now and always.

Diocesan Communications
Linda Morris

Communications are very important in the diocese. For financial reasons, and precipitated by the resignation of Director of Communications for the Diocese who is relocating to the South Seas, the Mission Bell is suspending publication as of October 2004.  The October 2004 issue can be seen at http://www.ecrweb.org/missionbell.html and it has complete information about the communication changes and our new Assisting Bishop. (See related article.) (For those who still wish to read Episcopal Life, call 1-800-374-9510 to order it.) There are now several ways that news is being communicated. The following are being sent by email and, if you would like to be added to the email list, the address is in parentheses: Standing Committee and Diocesan Administrator’s Updates—weekly diocesan news and Monday Morning Meditations (standingcom@redshift.com), News ‘n Notes—news about the clergy of the diocese sent weekly (saltig@redshift.com), ECR Program Notes—diocesan educational and program event information sent often by Jan Wood, sometimes several times a week (janswood@ix.netcom.com). I, as St. Jude’s DCL (Diocesan Communications Liaison), receive all of these emails and have been passing some of the information on to the appropriate people and to the parish, but now that the Mission Bell will not be coming, I will increase the communication to you. For those that don’t want all of the above communication sent to you, I will report a summary of the month’s communication in each View. In addition, I will post copies of the Standing Committee’s weekly Updates and the bi-monthly Mission House mailings on the kiosk in the narthex (church entry) and occasionally send an email to you. There is also a wealth of information on the diocesan website, which you can get to from our website link or at www.ecrweb.org. If you have any diocesan questions and/or want to update or give me your email address for parish & diocesan news, please feel free to contact Linda. Thank you.

The entire diocese is invited to the 12:30 pm Eucharist with Bishop Romero, the 5:30 pm social hour, and following dinner on Friday, January 14 th, during the Diocesan Convention at the Embassy Suites in Seaside. Reservations will need to be made and paid for the dinner, but the details will be forth-coming. Let me know if you are interested in going.

New Assisting Bishop needs assistance in moving to our diocese
Linda Morris

The Rt. Rev. Sylvestre Romero, who is retiring as Bishop of Belize, will begin serving our diocese on December 1 st as Assisting Bishop until a new Bishop is called. (This process may take 2 years.) The diocese is being asked to help in his transition.

We have procured a house for Bishop Romero to rent in the Harden Ranch area of North Salinas.  After looking at and reviewing several options, the Bishop likes this for its location to Highway 101, shopping, and general neighborhood.

Bishop Romero presently lives in a
house in Belize furnished by the Diocese.  Therefore, he will need furniture and furnishings donated to set up his family’s new home.  Items needed in good condition include:

Fr. Juan Erazo at San Pablo in Salinas is coordinating donations for the Bishop’s house.  If you have access to any of the above items and wish to donate them, please call Lucy Murguia at St. Paul’s 831-424-7331.   

St. Jude’s Outreach Serves Local, National and Global Needs
Mary Souza

As you pray about your pledge to St. Jude’s for 2005, you may wonder what causes St. Jude’s already supports through time, money, or use of our campus. If it’s something of special interest to you, you’ll know that your pledge is helping make it possible, and you may want to get involved directly yourself. Here’s just a partial list:

Support for Local, National, and Global Concerns through St. Judes’ Discretionary Outreach Budget (5-7% of Total 2004 Parish Budget):

Support by use of our campus:

Support through TIME AND TALENT of St. Judes parishioners:

. . . and much more . . .

For more information about these programs, visit St. Jude’s Social Justice/Outreach website at http://www.saintjudes.org/

Outreach
Shirley Burg

Now Thank We All Our God.........The 2004 Holiday Food Drive is now underway to collect nonperishable food to benefit the clients of Cupertino Community Services and Santa Maria Urban Ministry. If you have not already done so please return your grocery bag to the Narthex during the holiday season. If you did not receive a bag at the Harvest Dinner a suggested grocery list can be found in the Narthex . Items requested are:

Thank you for your generous contributions. And remember, food donations can be made throughout the year.

Youth Group Angel Tree Project
Rev. Mary Blessing

On Sunday, November 28 look for the "Angel Tree" as you enter the church doors. St. Jude's Youthwill put up a Christmas tree with "angel ornaments" that have gift wishes for children and adultsfrom Santa Maria Urban Ministry. Please take an angel, buy the gift or food named on the angel fora needy family, and bring the gift/food back and place under the tree (with angel tag on it). Please do NOT wrap the gifts this year.... for safety reasons Santa Maria is not allowed to give away wrapped gifts.

Wanted: NEW toys/books/clothing for boys/girls age 0-18; clothing gift certificates for age 13-18. Please no unpackaged stuffed toys or hazardous toys with small parts. Non-perishable foods and food gift certificates are welcome also.

Please return your gift item no later than Sunday, December 19, 2004. Thank you very much for your generosity!

Advent African Team Ministries Craft Sale
Mary Souza

Once again, we St. Jude’s parishioners have the opportunity to open our hearts and assist our African sisters and brothers, women and students as we purchase beautiful, inexpensive jewelry and craft items or sponsor an orphan.

Come to the Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall after worship services on Dec. 5th and Dec. 12 th to make unique holiday gift selections and learn about supporting an orphaned student .

The African crafts sale and student sponsorship has been specially scheduled at this holy time of the year not only for parishioners' gift giving convenience, but as a means of Advent preparation of the heart.

Proceeds from the African Arts and Crafts Sale benefit women in the East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda by providing a sales outlet to their arts and crafts cooperative.

The African Student Sponsorship Program is also timely at this special time of year; $20 a month is sufficient to keep an orphan child in school and off the streets; the sponsorship commitment is for one-year period. Sponsored students may write and/or send photos of themselves to sponsors at the sponsor's request.

The Children’s Pageant Is Coming!
The Rev. Mary Blessing

On Christmas Eve, December 24, at 4:00pm we will have our family service with a Children’s Christmas Pageant. All families are invited to participate and invite their extended family and friends.

This year we will have minimum rehearsal time, freeing ourselves up for time to prepare spiritually for Christmas. Members of our children’s music team will help us prepare. We do need some help with sewing angel costumes. (It is time we had our own instead of borrowing again.) If you are interested in helping with the pageant, will you please contact Linda Morris.

 

All Parish Christmas Caroling and Inviting Our Neighbors
The Rev. Mary Blessing

Come one, come all to join in on the singing and old-fashioned neighborly fun! Wednesday, December 22, 7-9pm we will gather in the Parish Hall to warm up our voices, then go out to sing carols and invite our neighbors to our Christmas Eve services. College kids home for the holidays especially encouraged to come early (6pm) for pizza and fellowship. All will return after caroling for cider, hot chocolate and donuts. Contact Pastor Mary Blessing if you have questions: mary@saintjudes.org, or 408-252-4166.

New Members Welcoming Day: January 9, 2005
The Rev. Mary Blessing

As we welcome in a new year, we welcome our new members. During our worship services and following during coffee hour we will honor those who have made the decision to be a part of our church family. Please be sure to mark your calendars now and be here for this special day!

“Music of the Spirit” Jam Sessions
The Rev. Mary Blessing

Calling all musicians, singers, percussionists—let’s gather for a jam session. Michael Morris and Pastor Mary Blessing are seeking people interested in creating a contemporary music group. We hope to create a musical foundation for an eventual contemporary music service, “Music of the Spirit”.

Our first gathering is on Sunday, January 23, 4-5:30pm in the Parish Hall. We will come prepared with various samplings of contemporary Christian songs and jazzed up traditional hymns. If you have music selections you would like to offer, please contact Michael at music@saintjudes.org. Adults, young adults, and experienced youth musicians welcome and encouraged to give it a try! No commitment necessary.

Property Highlights
Tom Dyer

Irrigation Update- we are beginning to see success with reduced water use resulting from ongoing maintenance and our new ET controllers. We are being joined in our effort by another Eagle Scout project being mentored by Howard Hill and targeted toward refurbishing the Classroom Patio enclosure.

Fall Cleanup preparation resulted in clean windows, a cob-web free sanctuary, a repainted Parish Hall and weed-free planting areas (for awhile) for all to enjoy through the upcoming holiday season. Thanks to the many hands.

Classroom Re-key: room keys now enable access to the upgraded restroom door locks. Check with Jean for further info.

Attendance
Ned Snow

Attendance was up 3% in October.  Most weeks were up when compared with 2003, except for the Feast of the Animals when it was quite chilly this year.  So, I view the data as very positive.  When comparing just the last three weeks of October and not considering the Feast of the Animals, attendance was up EIGHT PERCENT!  Way to go, St. Jude's!

Thank You to ALL Who Made Harvest Dinner Happen
Libby Varty


What a wonderful evening it was and I want to say how much I appreciate all the help and support that was given by so MANY of you (too many to mention).  We started at 9:30 on Thursday morning and were basically done by 11:30!!!  We shared a lunch and then reconvened at 5:45.  Your efforts were incredible and I thank each of you for your gifts that day.  

I have been asked to share the recipes with you.


Holiday Brunch Beverage Serves 12 (3/4 c servings)

1 c sugar
1 c water
4 rosemary springs
4 c cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
2 c orange juice, chilled
3 c club soda, chilled

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, and simmer 4 minutes or until sugar dissolves.  Add rosemary and simmer 5 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Pour sugar syrup into a bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove rosemary.  Combine sugar syrup with juices and soda.  Serve immediately over ice.  White wine can be substituted for all or part of the club soda.


Chicken with Stuffing Serves 10

4 half chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 6 oz package Stove Top stuffing mix (or equivalent)
1 15 oz can Cream of Chicken soup
1 c sour cream
1 c French fried onions, crushed

Prepare stuffing according to directions.  Lightly grease baking dish and layer with stuffing.  Add chicken as next layer.  Combine soup and sour cream and spread over chicken.  Top with crushed onions.
Bake 350 30-40 minutes or until bubbly. 

Can be made ahead.  Allow more time to heat if chilled.

Harvest Dinner Pumpkin Pie with Warm Caramel Sauce Serves 16

1 29 oz can of pumpkin pie mix
1 5 oz can evaporated milk
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 c sugar
½ tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 package yellow cake mix with pudding
½ pound (2 sticks) butter, melted and cooled slightly
½ c chopped pecans

Preheat over to 350.  Line 2  9" pie pans with WAXED PAPER (so that paper hangs over the pie rim for easier removal).  Mix together the pumpkin, milk, sugar, eggs, salt and cinnamon.  Pour into lined pans.  Sprinkle cake mix over the top (do not mix in).  Distribute chopped pecans over the cake mix and drizzle melted butter over all.  Bake 1 hour.  Chill.  Invert onto a platter, remove waxed paper and cut into wedges.  Serve with warm caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream.

Caramel Sauce (2 cups)

2 sticks sweet butter
2 c light brown sugar
1 c heavy cream

Cut butter into pieces and melt in a small heavy bottomed pan.  Stir in the brown sugar and cream.  Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly until all is melted and blended.  Refrigerate what is not used…reheat on low heat or in microwave.  (Also great on ice cream.)

Whipped Cream

2 c heavy whipping cream
3 T powdered sugar
1½  tsp vanilla

Whip into soft peaks.  Refrigerate until ready to use (best if not made too far ahead of time).

The biggest thanks of all to Libby for planning, organizing and preparing this wonderful dinner!

St. Jude’s Day Celebration and Outreach Fair - The Work of The People and A Manifestation of Hope
Mary Souza

On Sunday October 24 the community of St. Jude in Cupertino pointed to what it means to be an Icon of Hope in a world of desperate causes as we celebrated our Patronal Feast Day with a unique and moving liturgy followed by a highly interactive Outreach Fair.

Focusedon our calling to be bearers of hope and advocates for those in need, the day was liturgy (the work of the people) at its best –– flowing from worship to service/service to worship. Coordinated by The Social Justice/Outreach Committee, the event was a result of the network of St. Jude’s ministries working in concert to give Visibility and Voice to those who serve Christ in serving our marginalized neighbors -- local, national, and global.

To learn more about how your pledge of time, talent and treasure supports hope through Outreach, see the article elsewhere in this issue of the VIEW.

Narthex Bulletin Boards
Betty Harrah

Have you noticed the Narthex bulletin boards lately?

The "Light of the World" board lighthouse with its mosaic of members of St. Jude's as the beams of light was produced by Lisa Carpenter to be part of the Stewardship emphasis during November.  Before that "St. Jude's--an Icon of Hope" was created by Mary Souza to feature some of the outreach programs at St. Jude's as part of the Outreach Fair and the Sunday following.  Barbara Pollek used wonderful pictures of St. Jude's kids on boards giving us a glimpse of the education programs for children and young people.

Coming up:  Audrey Matthew's  "Advent Calendar"  will be on display during Advent and Christmas seasons and ending with Epiphany.  This calendar has many pictures representing symbols of these seasons.  The pictures are prints of original artwork which Audrey has created over the years.  A few she has adapted from the work of other artists.  Unlike many Advent Calendars, this will be displayed in its entirety throughout the seasons to give people an opportunity to see them all.   Audrey also created the Easter and Pentecost boards.

The "Bulletin Board Committee" started meeting about a year ago.  This talented group makes decisions about who will be responsible for each board.  It is intended that each display will be eye-catching and attractive as people enter the Church and will also carry a message and information about seasons and activities which take place at St. Jude's.  Although the committee discusses content and possible designs for the various boards, the final creation is usually the work of one person.

If this is a ministry in which you think you might enjoy participating, contact Betty Harrah at (408) 253-6984.  We are especially interested in someone who would become the photographer for the group.  However, bear in mind that this ministry requires a gift of time, talent and treasure.  We have no budget, and are not likely to get one which covers what we want to spend.

Ready? Set? Minister!
Diane Snow

Riding a bike. Using a new computer program. Pruning a rose bush. Training is important whenever anyone learns a new skill. Training is important in Stephen Ministry too. Before Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers begin their work, they go through a lot of training. When they start their official ministry they're ready. In order to continue and expand this ministry of care, the 2005 training class will begin on Tuesday evening January 11th. Take advantage of this opportunity to share the love that God has given you. You will find that being a Stephen Minister will not only be helpful to others, but will be one of the most fulfilling and joyful experiences that you have ever had.

Please talk with Betsy Fox Fisher 650-233-9611, Diane Snow 253-8758 or Jerry Witherspoon 446-5740 for more information. Applications are available in the Farm House and are due by December 15th for this class.

Adult Education in December
Bruce La Fetra

Dec 5 - How to Become an Episcopal Saint: David Oakerhater`s Journey to Episcopal Sainthood

Did you know that there are Episcopal `saints?` The people commemorated by the Lesser Feasts and Fasts of the Church must be approved by the General Convention following a lengthy process prescribed by the Canons of the Church. The Rev. Vern Jones worked to secure a Feast day for David Oakerhater for his missionary work among the Cheyenne. Fr. Jones will treat us to the story of David Oakerhater and his path to ‘sainthood’.

St. David Pendelton Oakerhater was a Cheyenne deacon in Oklahoma from 1881 to 1931. He was a Cheyenne warrior who began his prolific art career while held prisoner at Fort Marion in Florida. He converted to Christianity and ministered to the Cheyenne during some of the hardest times in their history. His art illustrates the compatibility of traditional Native spirituality and Episcopalian Christianity.

Fr. Jones is retired Rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Redwood City, but spent many years living in Oklahoma and working amongst the Cheyenne prior to coming to California

Dec 12 - Musings from the Monastery - Part II

Pastor Karen reports on her most recent experience at the Monastery in Indiana. She presents the forms, practices, and higher teachings of the Christian faith that can give the Holy Spirit `a more active voice` in our daily lives. Part I was presented after her last visit in May.

Dec 19 - The Music of Christmas

Get Ready for Christmas with a Christmas hymn sing and a little musical history with cider and hot chocolate led by our music director Michael Morris.

Dec 26 - No Forum (Christmas)

Christmas Concert & Sing- Along
Michael Morris

Come join the Saint Jude's Adult Choir, the St. Luke Lutheran Church Choir & Bell Choir,  the vocal quintet "Lyricats",  and various other musical ensembles in a wonderful concert celebrating Christmas.  The concert is on December 12 at 4:00 at Saint Luke's, 1025 The Dalles, Sunnyvale, 94087.  A potluck dinner will follow the concert.  A free will offering will be taken during the concert to benefit Sunnyvale Community Services.

Tax Law Changes for Vehicle Donations
Susan Witherspoon

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE TO SAINT JUDE'S BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2004

Tax law is about to change. The new law states that taxpayers will no longer be able to write-off the vehicle's fair market value but rather the vehicle's actual sale price, if less than the fair market value. The reason for the change is that the government believes that too many tax payers have taken advantage of the system, overvaluing donated property, specifically vehicles. According to a government report, more than $34 million was donated in automobile revenue in 2000; however, only 32% of the gross revenue was returned to the charity.

St. Jude's uses the services of a liaison who frequently makes low-cost improvements to the donated vehicles before sale. St. Jude's receives not 32% but 50% of the proceeds from the sale after expenses are deducted. St. Jude's pays no administration costs. Since these vehicles are frequently sold above the Fair Market Value, it is my understanding that in 2005 you will still be able to deduct the Fair Market Value, provided that it does not exceed the sale price. Beginning in 2005, St. Jude's will inform you of the actual sale price. Contact your tax advisor for full details of the new law.

The editors, Nancy and Allan Chapman, would like to thank the faithful production crew that copies, folds, labels, and mails The View each month.

Updated 12/6/2004
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