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St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church

A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
Volume 21; Issue 12
January 2005

A baby in a manger, shepherds in the field, angels in the heavens, a star shining brightly, magi from the East... What an incredible story! What does it all mean for the people of the 21 st century? Beneath the vivid images of the Christmas Story, the sacred sphere impinges upon human history, offering us a Word of hope: Hope for a new creation, hope for peace on earth, hope for the transformation of humanity.

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us and we have seen his glory...To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.” [Jn. 1] The Spirit of God, which became fully alive in the person of Jesus, is the same Spirit of God that has the power to transform humanity into the likeness of Christ. All that is required is a posture of hope, an open heart, and a willingness to place God at the center of our lives.

And so each year, we gather together to hear the Christmas Story, as a reminder of what is possible. Once again, as on a silent night long ago, we are challenged to live and love with Outrageous Hope. May this season of Light, give birth to shouts of hope, songs of peace, and signs of transformation. Have a blessed Christmas.

 

Peace,

Honoring Our Vestry Leadership
Rev. Karen Siegfriedt

St. Jude’s is blessed with a fabulous vestry! The vestry’s primary responsibility is overseeing the finances and stewardship of the parish. Additional responsibilities include the maintenance of the buildings and grounds, strategic planning, goal setting & accomplishment. Leadership (both spiritual and programmatic) is one of the hallmarks of being a vestry member. Each year, four vestry members are elected from the congregation to represent the parish. I give thanks for the outgoing vestry whose comments about St. Jude the Apostle are printed below.

Brock Carpenter came to St. Jude’s with Lisa in 1983, seeking a priest to marry them. After becoming active members, they became the founders of Faithful Families. Brock has been a blessing to me as my Sr. Warden. He is insightful, can cut to the chase, and is able to see the bigger picture. For his teasing spirit and practical counsel, I give thanks. In more recent times, Brock has become a leader in organizing men’s activities in the parish.

Brock lists the strengths of St. Jude’s as follows: “Great choir, great organ, a great adult education program, beautiful grounds that are comfortable and comforting without being overwhelming, a congregation that is actively (albeit not whole-heartedly) pursuing transformation, a strong Episcopal Sunday Service, and a strong, caring and insightful rector committed to having excellent liturgy.” Challenges facing our parish include: “commitment to transformation, a willingness to place the needs of newcomers above our own, funding and hiring a professional office manager, exposing the public to our Adult Ed Program, and strengthening/altering our youth programs to better meet the needs of our kids, youth, & young adults.”

Don Disney and his family came to St. Jude’s in 1996, after moving to Cupertino from Indiana. He is wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove. Don also serves as chair of the Stewardship committee and is active with men’s activities. He was also on the search committee for a new rector in ‘98. He sees St. Jude’s as a “very welcoming, inclusive, and friendly parish. The atmosphere is relaxed and the people are open minded.” He “enjoys excellent preaching that appeals to the intellect and opens the heart.” “Our biggest challenge is to discern how to use our unique perspective and strengths to reach out to the unchurched in Silicon Valley. We need to grow our core member base if we are to continue to serve as a viable Spiritual Oasis for many years to come.”

Ken Foot and his wife Judy came to St. Jude’s in 1975, having participated in the Episcopal Church in earlier years. Their first experience at St. Jude’s was attending the Adult get away. Ken has freely shared his spiritual journey with members of the vestry and has graciously offered his technical talents by overseeing the audio/visual systems in the church and parish hall.

For Ken, “the greatest strength of St. Jude’s is the people. St. Jude’s is a very nurturing and caring place to be. I have friends at St. Jude’s who are at very different places in their spiritual journey, yet all are both welcomed and welcoming and are quick to rally around those who are in need.” “The biggest challenge for St. Jude’s right now is the future. How do we maintain all that is good with our parish as we move forward?” Trying to anticipate the changes in society and how they will affect St. Jude’s, the diocese, the national Church, and Cupertino, remains a challenge for strategic planning in the present.

Juneanne McDonald filled in a one year vacancy on the vestry this past year. She readily shares her gifts which include: discernment, faith, and outreach to the new demographics of Cupertino. Since she is eligible, she has graciously agreed to run for the Vestry in 2005.

Please remember that the annual meeting will be on Sunday, January 30th. We will have one service at 9:15 am followed by the annual meeting in the parish hall. Please bring “brunch-like” finger food to share. All parishioners are strongly urged to attend. Children’s chapel begins at 9:15am and childcare will be provided during the meeting.

Candidates for Vestry and Alternate Delegate are listed in this month’s View. Voting will be held at the annual meeting.

Please join us for Advent and Christmas Services

Wednesday. December 22: 7:00 pm Christmas Caroling in the neighborhood.

Christmas Eve
Friday, December 24: 4:00 pm Family Christmas Service (Pageant & Holy Communion)
9:30 pm Christmas Carols Begin
10:00 pm Festive Christmas Eve Service & Holy Communion.

Sunday December 26: 8:00 & 10:30am Celebration & Holy Communion.

Did You Know?

 

Music of the Spirit: January 23rd
The Rev. Mary Blessing

“I am about to do a new thing…” (Isaiah 43:19 ) Our Advent promise, that God is about to do a new thing, has come to fruition in the birth, life and ministry of God’s son, Jesus. You and I are the beneficiaries of this “new thing”. Our lives can be transformed into the likeness of Christ because of the amazing work, which was done in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

A new year is just around the corner for us at St. Jude’s. We continue to grow in spirit and in faithfulness. Our Sunday morning music program is outstanding. It continues to develop more and more joyful worship in traditional Anglican fashion. For this, I rejoice!

In the midst of this joyful music glorifying God at St. Jude’s, is a kernel of interest in adding something new: a monthly contemporary spiritual music “jam session.” Music Director, Michael Morris, and Pastor Mary Blessing are committed to gathering people once a month who have an interest in creating contemporary music. We will need a minimum of 8 committed people to get anything going.

We have been praying and planning. This is what we have come up with: we will gather once a month on Sunday evenings, 4pm-5:30pm, in the Parish Hall. Michael will bring music he knows, I will bring some music I know. I will bring my flute, and see what we can do with voice, piano and flute. Anyone and everyone who loves to sing, who has an instrument to play (rhythm, drums, guitar, electric or acoustic, whatever) is welcome. We will gather with prayer, and begin with a few songs and see where it takes us. We will end with prayer. It is that simple.

Also, vestry leaders, Don Disney and Jim Blessing have spent time considering a possible “seeker service” for St. Jude’s. This would be a time of worship designed by highly committed lay leaders with clergy support. It is a time to reach people who have little or no church experience, who might like to gather for prayer and an accessible, intelligent spiritual message. It would be casual, but focused. Perhaps the music we discover in our “Music of the Spirit” jam sessions would be suitable worship music for this simplified “seeker service.” We are waiting to experience it, to allow the Holy Spirit to work through the committed persons who gather, and see what “new thing” God is doing here.

The first Sunday session will be January 23, 4pm-5:30 pm. Won’t you come join us?

A Christmas Card from a St. Jude’s Neighbor

We received the following Christmas card from a neighbor who does not attend our Sunday services, but who finds the joy of worship in our “spiritual oasis.” Praise God that the people of St. Jude’s have made choices that not only meet our own needs for spiritual transformation, but also reach the needs of God’s people beyond our walls!

“It’s really a blessing for me to live near your church. Your garden is so beautiful and neat that it makes me joyful. I pray for your church to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that anyone who comes to your church feels and sees Him.

I have prayed every early morning in your church since more than 10 years ago. I have felt [like] expressing my heartfelt thanks for this beautiful and cozy place where we can pray and praise.

The most thankful thing is your generosity to keep your church open always so that we can go to pray and praise whenever we want.

As far as I know, your church is the only one that opens anytime and to any one.”

With sincere thanks, Hanna Kim

Candidates for Vestry and Alternate/Delegate

The following people will be candidates for Vestry/Alternate/Delegate for 2005.  for Vestry – Sheira Furse, Juneann McDonald, Jennifer Stern and Nancy Symons; for Alternate/Delegate – Connie Erickson, Linda Morris, Jerry Witherspoon, and Gail Sena The election will be held during the Annual Meeting on January 30 th.

Vestry

Sheira Furse: I am 41 years old and have attended St, Jude’s since Ash Wednesday last year. I feel a deep connection with the clergy and parish, experiencing comfort, inspiration, companionship, and a deeper connection with God. Outside of church, I work in worldwide consumer marketing at HP, and have twenty years marketing and business management experience. I also am a volunteer at The House Rabbit Society, one of my passions. It is my honor to be submitted for your consideration as a member of the Vestry.

Jennifer Stern: I have been a parishioner at Saint Jude's for 2.5 years, since moving with my family from New York to California.  My husband Jeffrey and I have 2 daughters, Catherine (7) and Michelle (2).   I sing in the adult choir, am a lay reader, have recently joined the music ministry program for Children's Chapel, and am part of the leadership team for Faithfull Families.   Outside of church, I have a senior management position at Hitachi's hard disk drive business, and try to find time to play bridge, attend a concert or theater occasionally and travel

Nancy Symons: I have been a member of St. Jude's since l967.  I want to serve on the Vestry, because I want to help grow its resources to do God's work in the world.  In order to do God's work in the world, we have to tend to our own spiritual growth as individuals and at the same time grow a strong community among the parishioners.  The Vestry and the Parish have made substantial progress toward these goals.  I would like to help continue that work.  I have recently served as Pledge Secretary and am currently serving as Chairperson of the Planned Giving Committee and Endowment Board.

Alternate / Delegate

Connie Erickson: I am currently a delegate to convention, representing St.Judes. It would please me to be re-elected to this position, so there is continuity in our delegation while we are going through bishop selection. I am and have been a choir member for 40+ yrs, serve on the altar guild and lay eucharistic ministry team.

Linda Morris: I have been a member of St. Jude’s for almost 37 years and have always been involved in parish activities. Currently, I am a Covenant Group co-leader, an administrator for the Children’s Chapel and Godly Play Program, the Strategic Planning & Evangelism Core Leader, a Choir member, an Assistant Choir Director, and a Lay Reader. I have been an Alternate/Delegate since the Diocese was formed and I am currently Convener of the West Valley Deanery and the Diocesan Communications Liaison to St. Jude’s. I enjoy representing this great parish in the deanery and the diocese and ask for your continued support. Thank you.

Jerry Witherspoon : I have served as a Delegate or Alternate to Convention since 1984 and would like to continue serving. Effectiveness at the Diocesan level seems to depend on being around for a long time so that one can learn where things happen. I have served on several Diocesan Committees and Commissions, including the Standing Committee, the Personnel Commission, the Committee on Constitution and Canons, and the Strategic Planning Committee. I am currently Chairman of the Commission on Ministry and a member of the Search Committee for the next Bishop.

At St. Jude’s, I have served on the Vestry three times including four years as Senior Warden. I have also been a member of the committees for Finance and Stewardship and am currently a member of the Planned Giving Committee. I look forward to representing St. Jude’s as the Diocese moves into the year 2005 and beyond.

Diocesan Communications
Linda Morris

African Team Ministries Excels This Year!
The Rev. Mary Blessing

Thanks to the remarkable efforts of Outreach Youth liaison, Scott Wagner and his mom, Mary Jo Doherty, his brother Mark, and many other youth and Outreach member participants, the African Team Ministries fundraiser was outstanding. The display was visually appealing with animal print cloth and photo posters of African scenes (thanks to Connie Erickson and Mary Jo for these). Gail Sena had a wonderful idea, which helped display the abundant jewelry: hanging items on the room divider!

This fantastic effort brought wonderful Christmas gifts to our parish (this year there was more variety than some years). But, of course, it’s real purpose, was to raise funds for needy people in Africa. St. Jude’s raised $2575.00, which will go toward the care and education of African orphans and to other projects such as refugee relief and health education. The program also provides jobs for unemployed women who make the crafts, enabling them to care for their children and parents.

Again, thank you, Wagners and Youth Group for all your good work!

Thanks to All Pageant Participants
Rev. Mary Blessing

It takes many people to create a meaningful celebration of Christ’s birth on Christmas Eve. Thanks to all who gave their time and talent to the Children’s program: directors, assistant directors, teens, adults, children, narrators, actors, singers, music directors, the altar guild, sound technicians, props people and babysitters. There are too many to list here by name—you know who you are! You also know that you are deeply appreciated for your dedication and your grace in giving so much of yourself for this production. Special thanks to the 4 newcomers who sewed new angel costumes for us this year, so that we didn’t have to borrow from another church again! (Susan Bass, Lana Foladare, Claudia Mullin and Joan Stevens were our sewing “angels” this year!)

Newcomer Welcoming Sunday: January 9, 2005
The Rev. Mary Blessing

On Sunday, January 9 we will celebrate many new members to St. Jude’s. We are delighted that God has opened our doors and the hearts of new people to our worship. The loving spirit, warm hospitality, and spiritual transformation of this place has made it possible for numerous people to find a new spiritual home here. Many say they feel Christ’s holy presence in our worship and in our fellowship. Praise God for this!

In our liturgy and during coffee hour at both services we will welcome and bless these people. Please be here to offer your blessing, and introduce yourself to someone you have not met. The Newcomer Team will provide coffee hour food, but if you wish to bring a dish to enhance our coffee hour fellowship, please feel free to do so.

Property Highlights
Tom Dyer

Fall Workday. We enjoyed a high turnout for the fall cleanup and completed many projects that included upgrade of the perimeter trail from the Memorial Garden and Fireside patio. Once again sacristy and parish hall windows are washed and light bulbs have been replaced while the Pew Patrol made the Sacristy sparkle for the holiday season. The favorable weather also encouraged families to provide pruning and weeding assistance always welcomed by many our Planter Patrons.

Eagle Project. December also saw the contribution of yet another project led by Cameron Ketcham to overhaul the Classroom Patio irrigation valves. Thanks to Howard Hill for his mentorship and guidance.

God rest ye merry gentlemen and gentlewomen for your continuing effort to make our campus attractive and welcoming for all. You make the difference.

Attendance
 Ned Snow

For the second consecutive month, attendance increased significantly when compared with the same month in 2003. November attendance saw an increase of NINE PERCENT over last year. Now, we're on a roll, St. Jude's!

Let's end the year with increases in all three of the final months with another increase in December! The Advent services are a great way to be calm and to prepare your heart for the coming birth of Jesus, as well as a welcomed respite from the hubbub of the Holidays. On Christmas Eve, we'll have the Christmas Pageant, carol singing, and great music provided by the choir and other musicians to celebrate the holy birth. Tell your friends and neighbors about what St. Jude's has to offer!

Help Needed!
Pat Coles


Do you have a couple of hours to spend one Monday each month? (Less frequently is okay too.) The monthly View from the Orchard is published and mailed monthly (usually) on the Monday following the third Tuesday... There is a dedicated group of workers who meet at 9:00am to fold and label for mailing, but the group has decreased in size. The fellowship is good and the work easy but a few more volunteers are needed to make this a truly efficient operation. If you can help, please contact the parish office at 252-4166 or office@saintjudes.org or Jean Chandler at jchandler43@comcast.net.

Check It Out

St. Jude’s Library Committee

2004 was a great year for acquisitions to the library thanks to the generosity of donations. Thanks!

The Library Committee is hosting refreshments in the library, located in the Farmhouse after 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM services on Sunday, January 16. Please join us for a tour of the library and to view new acquisitions.

Here’s just a sampling of some new titles:

Health/Social Issues:

After Breast Cancer by Hester Hill Schnipper – how to deal with the aftermath of the disease psychologically and physically

Anatomy of Hope by Jerome Groopman – how people prevail in the face of illness

Fiction:

Sarah by Marek Halter – first in the Book of Canaan Trilogy which will profile in fiction women of the Old Testament

Fair is the Rose by Liz Curtis Higgs – from the beloved Christian historical fiction writer

Non Fiction:

God’s Funeral by A.N. Wilson – the tragedy of the 19th century – the death of God through science and philosophy juxtaposed with the ongoing need and desire to worship as torment to those who thought they had buried Him.

The Life You Save May Be Your Own by Paul Elie – 4 American Catholics explore their faith though writing – Flannery O’Connor, Walker Percy, Dorothy Day, and Thomas Merton.

Unveiling Mary Magdalene by Liz Curtis Higgs - who was the real Mary?

On Audio:

New Testament – New International Version

Encouragement to Become a Stephen Minister: Reasons Stephen Ministers value their Ministry
Diane Snow

2005 training class begins January 11, 2005. Call Betsy Fox Fisher, Diane Snow or Jerry Witherspoon for more information. Applications are in the farmhouse.

Adult Education in January
Bruce La Fetra

Child care is always available in Room 5 during Adult Forums.

January 2 - Ask the Rector III : Start the New Year off with an informal session as our Rector answers your questions about theology, church history, or St. Jude`s. This is a great opportunity to ask questions. We are Episcopalians, so questions are OK.

January 9 - TBD

January 16 - Library Open House: Come visit the St. Jude`s Library located in the Farm House and see some of the great resources. If you are not familiar with the library, come check it out. If you do use the library, come see what you did not know you were missing.

January 23 - Stress Free for Good: The always popular and engaging Dr. Fred Luskin, whose Forums on Forgiveness have been among our most popular, has a new book out on Stress. Dr. Luskin offers us simple, commonsense, scientifically tested ways to reduce stress in the midst of our busy lives. Invite your friends. Some otherchurches charge money to hear Dr. Luskin.

January 30 - No Forum: St. Jude`s Annual Meeting

A "colorblind" society? The politics of race in America today - A talk by De Anza College Professor Mae Lee
Linda Morris

On Wednesday, January 19, 2005, 7-9 pm, Dr. Mae Lee, a professor in the Intercultural/ International Studies Division at De Anza College, will give a talk at the new

Cupertino Community Hall (Torre off Rodriguez, between City Hall and the new Cupertino Library).

Dr. Lee's work centers on the politics of race in the U.S. Through her teaching, research, and public talks, Dr. Lee invites audiences to explore how their personal ideas, actions, and lives shape our collective capacity to engage with the subject of race in America.

A second-generation Chinese American, Dr. Lee was born in Wisconsin and grew up in small towns in New Jersey and New York before coming to California for college. At Stanford University, she studied international relations and political economy of development in China. However her intellectual training extended easily beyond the classroom. Hearty campus debate on Western culture, multiculturalism, and political correctness marked her years at Stanford and profoundly shaped her growing intellectual interests.

Dr. Lee has worked in the areas of youth leadership, national and community service, diversity training, and civil rights advocacy with non-profit organizations including City Year, the Presidio Leadership Center, the San Francisco Stop AIDS Project, the San Francisco Urban Service Project, and Rainbow/PUSH. Trained as a cultural anthropologist by UC Santa Cruz, Dr. Lee recently completed her doctoral research, which examined the politics of diversity in corporate Silicon Valley.

Dr. Lee teaches both comparative studies of race and ethnicity in the U.S. and Asian American studies at De Anza College. Her talk will explore the limitations of aspiring to a "colorblind" society.

Join StJ-Singles
Pat Coles

StJ-Singles, a group of single adults, meets regularly on the third Sunday of each month for a potluck supper and discussion in the Fireside Room between 6:00pm and 8:30pm. (In January we will meet in the Parish Hall.) We also attend community, theatrical and musical events in smaller groups as interest and schedules permit. This group is open to all singles, if you interested in learning more or being on the mailing list, please contact either: Shirley Burg, Pat Coles, or Juneann McDonald or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/StJ-Singles/join to join.

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 1/6/2005
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