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St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church

A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
Volume 22; Issue 01
February 2005

     "You have heard it said to those of ancient times, You shall not murder; and whoever murders shall be liable to judgment. But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or a sister, you will be liable to judgment..." ( Jesus, Mt. 5:21-22) Jesus' teaching in The Sermon on the Mount is perhaps the highest reach of New Testament thought. Jesus is basically saying that our thoughts matter. Thoughts that have gone awry (i.e. afflictions) can have a profound effect on our actions. Thoughts that are dwelt upon, lead to desires, which can lead to passions, which can lead to actions. Bad thoughts lead to bad actions. Good thoughts lead to good actions. How can we change the way we
think so that we become agents of transformation rather than perpetuators of dysfunction?

     In this year's Lenten Program, Making All Things New: The Spiritual Practice of Thinking Differently, we will delve deeper into the spiritual journey of love and wholeness. This program of spiritual transformation will be presented on five Wednesday evenings during the season of Lent. [See insert for more details.]

     Our thoughts do matter. However, we are not our thoughts. Thoughts come and go. The challenge for us is to dwell on those thoughts that lead to wholeness and let go of those thoughts that lead to harm. This is called "putting on the mind of Christ." As we
become more conscious of our thoughts regarding food, sex, things, anger, depression, acedia, vainglory, and pride, we can then call forth certain spiritual tools that can help us out of the cycle of dark thinking into the light of new possibilities."Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth...And the one who was seated on the throne said, See, I am making all things new." (Rev. 21) Do you want to be part of a new nucleus of humanity who sees the world
through a lens of love and acts in this world through a posture of grace? If so, please join me in this program of spiritual transformation.

 

Peace,

Did You Know?

St. Jude’s Assists Victims of Tsunami with Prayer and Donations
Mary Souza

St. Jude the Apostle once again demonstrated its strength as in icon of hope and a help for desperate causes by offering relief to victims of the South Asia disaster with prayers and practical assistance .

The day after the tsunami wreaked havoc, St. Jude’s posted a sign on the corner welcoming the Cupertino community to gather in prayer at the noon worship on Wednesday. Among those in attendance were people with family in South Asia and relatives of someone who was killed. With gracious inclusivity, the Rev. Bob Mayer invited all participants (young, old, reporter, photographer) to join the circle in a common concern for those who are homeless, lost, dead or in mourning. You can read more about the event in the January 5 edition of the Cupertino Courier.

The Social Justice/Outreach Committee responded immediately with allocations from the 2005 budget for two relief funds. Upon first word of the disaster, the committee approved $2500. for Episcopal Relief and Development, South Asia Relief. Subsequently, the committee learned of the plight of St. Matthias Church in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. This 125 year old church, home parish of St. Jude’s parishioners Rasika Weerasooriya and her father, Don Colombage, has been housing victims and rallying support/supplies. The Social Justice/Outreach Committee donated $500. seed money and prepared a flyer for the Sunday bulletin to assist parishioners in directing their personal donations. Find out more and download the flyer from St. Jude’s Social Justice web page.

In addition, the St. Jude’s Youth Group has responded with the decision to donate funds from two of its monthly Saturday parking lot fundraisers in 2005. Be sure to commend this highly dedicated and compassionate group of young people when you see them!

To date, including generous donations from parishioners and the community, St. Jude’s has sent a total of $11,000. in South Asia relief ($7000 to St. Matthias and $4000 to ERD). We continue to pray for all who have been affected by this enormous disaster and hope to establish an ongoing link to St. Matthias in Sri Lanka. Look for updates from them in the near future.

Do the Gospel!
Social Justice/Outreach Committee
Tues, Jan 25, 7:30 p.m.
St. Jude's Parish Hall

Diocesan Communications
Linda Morris

The diocese has new Communication Coordinator , who will coordinate, assemble and distribute a monthly newsletter, e-mailings, and various other communications, and her name is Edy Unthank. She welcomes ideas and suggestions and would also love to have some volunteers for regular articles of interest and assistance with production. She prefers contact by email at edyunthank@yahoo.com.

Property Highlights
Tom Dyer

Altar Lighting. Check out the newly installed low voltage lighting over the altar. We also repaired several of the hanging lamps and replaced the Sacristy fire alarm.

Cobwebs No More. The portable scaffold also allowed us to remove the cobwebs that had accumulated on the Parish Hall ceiling. More fun than a ride at Great America!

McClellan Entry Lighting. The next time you see Steve Stolarik, thank him for adding two more light fixtures to help navigate the driveway entry on dark and rainy nights .

Vestry – January
Ned Snow

The emphasis this month was on finance. Two major topics were discussed:

1. Approving the 2004 actual financial results, and deciding the disposition of the $22K surplus. The Vestry decided to earmark most of the surplus for major maintenance and improvement of the property.

2. Setting the budget for 2005, which is BALANCED. Setting a balanced budget is due in large part to the tremendous level of generous giving by parishioners. If you have submitted a pledge for 2005, THANK YOU.

If you have not as yet, please consider submitting a pledge. No pledge is too small for St. Jude's to continue its good work. For more info on the 2004 actuals and the 2005 budget, come to the Annual Meeting on Sunday 1-30-05. If you cannot attend, the details are included in the Annual Report.

Shrove Tuesday Meets Chinese New Year “Eve”!!
Rev. Mary Blessing

This year our Christian Calendar for Ash Wednesday is shifted early, landing on the beginning of Chinese New Year! Just as we begin our time of quiet introspection on February 9, Chinese cultural tradition begins New Year celebration and festivities. Welcome to America!

Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras—our final evening to enjoy partying, pancakes, chocolate, and goodies, falls on what we are calling “Chinese New Year Eve”. In order to recognize the cross-cultural nature of our community,

In addition to our traditional “Pancake Supper”, we will have a small representation of a traditional Chinese celebration. The Kwok family will provide a Chinese flower display and explanation of this wonderful blessing of the New Year. They will also offer chocolate coins in a special red envelope for all to enjoy.

Come celebrate. Invite your friends and neighbors!!

2005 Coffee Hour - Special Events Signup
Pat Coles

There are two ways you can participate in Sunday Morning Coffee Hours. The first, if you would are willing to prepare and serve coffee, tea, juice and hot chocolate once a quarter (or so) and clean-up afterwards: Contact Dwight Goodwin to offer your time.

Second: If you have a special event to share with the congregation; a birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc., there is a signup poster between the two kitchen “windows” in the parish hall entitled “Special Events”. The refreshments after both services are greatly enjoyed and they encourage people to hang around for a while after church to greet newcomers and visit. The kids love it too!

Note: If you are scheduled to make coffee and would also like to serve food, please signup on this poster too to avoid conflict and disappointment.

If you have questions contact Pat Coles.

Live Oak Senior Day Care Center
Steve Andrews

Live Oak Senior Day Care Center is in need of some help. Every day they pick up lunches for their members, and they need some of us to help them. It only takes about 30 min. to do this, but it really helps them out. If we could offer 3 or 4 volunteers that would take one day each or one day every other week, that would be great. If you can help at all, please call Steve Andrews. I will set up the schedule and show you how to do the pick up.

Check It Out
Valerie Walley

The St. Jude’s Library Committee would like to thank everyone for attending our Open House on January 16. If you were not able to attend, please do visit the library located inside the main front room of the Farm House. We have improved section signage. Many new acquisitions can be found on the library cart which is usually located inside the Parish Hall. Please see the simple instructions posted inside the library and on the cart for checkout instructions. Also we have posted book look up instructions beside the computer located next to the handicapped entrance in the library. Look for more new books in February!

Eucharistic Visitors
Diane Snow

A "Eucharistic Visitor" on Sunday morning carries communion from the altar at St. Jude's to the home or hospital bound parishioner.

When illness, injury or a chronic condition means someone must miss coming to church on Sundays, we can take holy communion to them with the prayers of the congregation. Nine parishioners share this quiet ministry, serving once a month in a team of two or singly. The service is brief but the contact with each person is critical.

Because the need has increased we are actively looking for additional “Eucharistic Visitors”. Training is included. Please talk with Pastor Karen or Pastor Mary, or call Diane Snow if you would like to learn more and/or accompany one of the current ministers one Sunday morning. We welcome you!

Think Stephen Ministry
Diane Snow

Even if you are not a Stephen Minister, you play an important role in our Stephen Ministry. Our Stephen Ministers need your prayerful support as they confidentially meet with their care receivers every week. Our Stephen Leaders also need your help in identifying people who might benefit from a Stephen Ministry relationship. If you see a friend, coworker, neighbor, relative, or someone else who could use some extra Christian care, tell that person about our Stephen Ministry (there are brochures in the parish hall) and give them these numbers to call if they want more information: Diane Snow, Betsy Fox Fisher or Jerry Witherspoon. Betsy is the referral coordinator. (Or talk with Pastor Karen or Pastor Mary.)

Youth Activities Winter/Spring 2005
Rev. Mary Blessing

Contact Pastor Mary Blessing: mary@saintjudes.org

Adult Education in February
Bruce La Fetra

The Spring program of Sunday morning Adult Forums is getting underway and we are still finalizing the schedule.

Feb 6 - Update from the Diocese Convention. These are important and eventful times for the Diocese. The recent Convention dealt with a number of important issues regarding the future of the Diocese and the search process for our new Bishop.

Feb 13 - What Is Your Language of Love? In Dr. Gary Chapman`s book The Five Love Languages, he talks about how different people express love in different ways: quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Some people are verbal, expressing their love in words. Others may never speak their affection, yet they show it by the things they do. Sadly, many couples look to receive love the same way they give it, misunderstanding their partners. This can lead to quarrels, hurt feelings, and even separation. However, if you understand each other`s love languages, you can learn to give and receive love more effectively.  

Feb 20 & 27 - Programs to be announced. Check the weekly bulletin or the Web site for details.

Fred Luskin: If you missed Fred Luskin's Forum on January 23, you can listen to it online by clicking on Adult Education on the Web site. If you haven't listened online before, check it out. Can't listen online? No problem, contact Bruce La Fetra for a CD.

Care for the Caregiver
Susan Stanley

John Timbs, Family Care Specialist for the Alzheimers Association will speak in the Parish Hall at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 8.  His topic will be "Care for the Caregiver" with an emphasis on the spiritual journey of the Alzheimers patient.  All interested persons are invited to this presentation which is arranged by the Stephen Ministry at St. Jude's.  Light refreshments at 6:45 P.M. will precede John's talk.

 Please call the office at St. Jude's or email office@saintjudes.org if you plan to attend in order that John may prepare sufficient handouts for all attendees.  For further information about the talk or about Stephen Ministry, please call Diane Snow or Betsy Fox Fisher.

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 1/27/2005
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