St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
Volume 22; Issue 02	March 2005

“ The National Canons of the Episcopal Church are direct but brief in outlining the duties and responsibilities of a rector (see Canons I/14; III/9). These duties include presiding over the vestry, overseeing assisting clergy, control of buildings, communicating any pastoral letters or upcoming visits from the Bishop, and recording certain events into the parish register. However, the most important function of a rector is the “cure of souls.” This responsibility covers but is not limited to worship, administering the sacraments, and instruction in faith and ministry (including teachings about stewardship, wills, & the biblical tithe). Cure of souls is derived from the Latin word, cura, which means care or concern for the spiritual well being of parishioners. Since the word cure has been dominated by medical usage, the newer versions of the canons say: “The Rector shall have full authority and responsibility for the conduct of worship and the spiritual jurisdiction of the Parish.” It is this responsibility that I would like to spend my primary time and energy on, using my gifts of preaching, teaching, discernment, and spiritual cheerleading. The yearly Lenten Series is one opportunity I utilize for “the cure of souls.”

This year, I have chosen to do a Lenten Series on “Making All Things New: The Spiritual Discipline of Thinking Differently.” This series focuses on transformation of the mind, by going deeper into the life of the Spirit. At baptism, we renounce those actions that are not of God. This is Stage I, an ethical path of resisting evil and embracing the good by following Jesus as Lord and Savior. However, unless we go deeper into the life of the Spirit, it will remain very difficult to resist evil and do the good we are called to do, especially in times of stress.

Stage II in the spiritual journey of transformation, involves the renunciation of thoughts that are not of God. It is a life lived in the Spirit, not in the law. Some people would say that this practice is too difficult for regular people of faith. I do not agree. It only requires a commitment to want to live “life more abundantly” (i.e. a life in Christ). Christian education has little to do with reading stories about Jesus for the purpose of saying “ooo and ahh” about how great he was. Christian education is about tapping into the same spirit of God that was in Christ so that we can be transformed into the likeness of Christ. Why, after 2000 years of Christianity, is the world still in such bad shape? I believe it is because we are captivated by our fearful thoughts that try to protect the self. We have not relied on the power of the Holy Spirit to move us out of this place of fear into a place of love. We try to say no but we do the very things that go against God’s will for us. It is about time for us “to put on the mind of Christ.”

We are not our thoughts (or feelings). Thoughts come and go. Thoughts that are thought about pick up energy and form into a cluster. This cluster leads to desire, then to passion, then to decision, then to action. At anytime in this sequence, we can say no! Unfortunately, by the time a thought gets to the stage of desire and passion, it is very difficult to overcome the temptation. By becoming aware of our thoughts in the early stages, by practicing a life lived in the Spirit, by adding spiritual tools to our spiritual tool box, we can move beyond the tyranny of thoughts. If you would like to engage in this program of transformation, please join me on Wednesday evenings during this season of Lent. “Our souls are restless until they rest in thee O Lord.” (St. Augustine)

Peace,

Did You Know?

• Mark Vanoli, the son of Darlene Nash, died last week at the age of 49.

• Margaret Connor, step mother of Jan
  Pannell, has died after a long illness.

• Carol Phillips, (a long time parishioner), died after a short battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at St. Jude’s on March 12 th (around 3 or 4PM). Exact time is still to be determined.

• Our Ash Wednesday Children’s Liturgy had 27 people in attendance. Reports are that the children and adults enjoyed the “interactive worship” with child readers, washing our worries on our forgiveness stones, burning palms for ashes, and marking one another with a cross of Christ using the ashes.

• David Sidle married a fellow Air Force Student, Danielle. They will be stationed together in Hawaii!

• We will have an Easter Morning (March 27) finger food brunch at 9:15 in the Parish Hall.

• The Youth Group will host a fabulous Easter Egg hunt and goodies following the 10:30 service on Easter Sunday.

“A Colorblind Society” Do We Want This?
The Rev. Mary Blessing

Do you think it is important to notice the ethnic or racial background of a person? Or do you think our world would be better off if everyone were “colorblind”—that is, not conscious of ethnic or racial differences in our extremely diverse community? That was the question addressed at a January meeting of the Cupertino Citizens Cross-Cultural Consortium (5 C’s). About a dozen St. Jude’s parishioners and I attended the talk, “A Colorblind Society? The Politics of Race”, presented by DeAnza College professor of Intercultural/International Studies, Dr. Mae Lee.

Using the occasion of the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, Dr. Lee gave us food for thought: did the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s call out for the creation of a “colorblind” society, or was it a plea for equality that recognized, valued, and honored differences between races? She proposed that Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference that changed the face of racial politics in America promoted the idea that race does matter, and we are to use our racial and ethnic heritage to our best advantage, and for the advantage of others. For instance, she said, when Caucasian, college educated, wealthy northern protestors risked their lives to travel to the south to march alongside black civil rights leaders, the whites used their racial heritage to benefit oppressed, black citizens. Race mattered. If blacks had been “colorblind” and not noticed that it mattered what color a person is, they would have failed to take advantage of the strength offered to their movement by the presence of white marchers. If we strive for a society that ignores differences, Dr. Lee said, we will miss opportunities to help racially oppressed persons gain equal status in education, vocations, housing, and over all wealth.

Dr. Lee, is a second generation Chinese American, born in Wisconsin, raised New Jersey and New York, educated at Stanford and UC Santa Cruz. She has lived an American life passionate about civil rights and diversity training. Her academic studies and her life experience have led her to believe that race DOES matter, but we are to celebrate our racial and ethnic differences. She knows that Cupertino is experiencing growing pains as it moves from a predominantly white community to a community with no clear majority. She says we are to keep our community together we must create an “unconditionally inclusive” community--a community that accepts and celebrates differences, for the benefit of all.

St. Paul was a Jewish, Greek Citizen whose family had been slaves, but purchased their freedom. His spiritual journey led him from life as a Pharisee condemning Christians, to a follower of Jesus Christ, at a time when Christianity was seen as a Jewish sect. One of the primary messages of Paul’s writings was his unabashed proclamation that in Christ “there is no longer Jew or Gentile…no longer slave or free…no longer male or female…” (Galatians 3:28) In so doing Paul became the first follower of Jesus Christ to proclaim and celebrate ethnic diversity while proclaiming equal status of all persons—equal in the eyes of God, whether or not the world perceived such equality.

What does this have to do with us, today, here in Cupertino? I believe it has to do with a call you and I have to pay attention to that which is different between the many ethnic and racial groupings of our area—and to CELEBRATE those differences. While at the same time we are called to look at the world through the eyes of Christ, and notice that what makes people equal is their spiritual nature, embodied in the souls of persons who live a Christ-like life, regardless of the outer manifestation of that person’s race, ethnicity, language, family heritage, or national origin. Perhaps if we can succeed at this, we will become known not just as a “spiritual oasis where lives are transformed”, but as a safe haven for all who seek truth, beauty and goodness, in joyful celebration of our community’s diversity.

Raising Children? It Still Takes a Village
The Rev. Mary Blessing

Raising children in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing atmosphere is a challenge for any parent. Here at St. Jude’s we have attracted families who are making a conscious effort to raise their children with Christian values, following Jesus’ basic commandment to “Love God and Love Neighbor”. How to accomplish this is still a challenge to all of us.

One of the most important things we can do to support people raising children is to create a loving community that models Christ’s love. That means offering to help a child in need, or correcting the behavior of a child who needs correction. Just as we have followed Jesus’ instruction as laid out in Matthew 18 to go directly to a member of the church to point out his/her fault (rather than talk behind their back), we are to love the children and youth at St. Jude’s enough to do the same. Please go directly, and swiftly if possible, to a child who has done something you perceive as a problem, and speak with them directly. If they act out in class or during worship, go to them and say, “When you behave that way, I cannot worship.” Give them something positive to do instead of the disruptive behavior. Offer to help if they have a problem. Of course, if you do not know the child, first introduce yourself and ask them their name. Calling them by name shows you care enough to get to know them. This begins a new relationship of Christ’s love.

Going to a parent, or to another adult, is ok if you have at first spoken directly to the child, but it is much more effective to speak directly to the child and give him/her the same benefit we give adults when we go directly to a person who has harmed us. When we go to make this kind of correction, it is done with an open mind to hear their point of view, and with an open heart that seeks to find resolution, so that we can all move forward in love.

Remember, it “takes a village to raise a child”. St. Jude’s is like a village, a village created in the name of Christ.

Santa Maria Urban Ministry Appeals for Assistance
Mary Souza

Convener of Santa Maria Urban Ministry (SMUM), The Rev. David Breuer has issued an urgent appeal for assistance from all parts of the Diocese of El Camino Real. SMUM, the official Diocesan Charity. experienced a ~40% budget deficit in 2004 due to a short fall in expected grant income. Breuer cites a general fall in support to non-profit agencies in Silicon Valley and specifically the lack of funds tied to the (delayed by bureaucracy) opening of the SMUM Medical Clinic.

SMUM receives only 18% of its budget from The Diocese of El Camino Real. At this time, Breuer asks congregations and individuals to consider renewed prayerful and financial support for this downtown mission which serves an average of about 1800 of the most destitute and working poor of San Jose, one half of whom are children. To keep the program going, Breuer suggests a formula of 10 people from each parish contributing $10/month.

SMUM was founded by St. Jude’s member, The Rev. Mitzi Ackerman and through its 20+ years, has received a high level of volunteer support from our congregation. It receives one of the largest allocations from the Parish Discretionary Outreach Budget.

To learn more . . .

• contact Santa Maria Urban Ministry at 778 South Almaden, San Jose CA 95110, 408-292-3314 or http://www.ecrweb.org/smum.html
• go to the Social Justice Page at http://www.saintjudes.org/ to read the letter from The Rev. David Breuer and read more about Santa Maria Urban Ministry
• come to the next Social Justice/Outreach Committee meeting 7:30pm, Tues, Feb 22 in the Parish Hall when we discuss this year’s budget allocations

Tsunami Relief Efforts by St. Matthias, Sri Lanka - Church Provides Food & Shelter, Plans Low Cost Housing
Mary Souza

Rev. John Marshall, Rector of St. Matthias, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka and parishioners distribute dry food rations, purchased with US funds. Handing a bag of rations is Mr. Chitral DeSilva, treasurer and a warden of St. Matthias.

The 125 year St. Matthias Church in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, home parish of St. Jude’s parishioners Rasika Weerasooriya and her father, Don Colombage, was spared destruction after the recent tsunami and has rallied support in their relief efforts. Donated funds are being put to immediate use in serving their neighbors through a temporary shelter camp and distribution of dry food rations. The camps currently shelters 414 people, 38% of whom are children.

St. Jude’s and the extended Cupertino/South Valley community responded generously to the call for assistance issued by Rasika Weerasooriya immediately after the disaster occurred. The ~$7000 donated from St. Jude’s is earmarked for the construction of low-cost houses.

For more details, photos and updates see the special bulletin board in the Parish Hall and visit the Social Justice Page at http://www.saintjudes.org

Temporary camp in Moratuwa vicinity, close to St. Matthias, shelters 414 displaced people.

Diocesan Communications
Linda Morris

• The Conference Planning Team, along with the Standing Committee, the Diocesan Council, and the Diocesan Corporation, invites the Clergy and Laity to The Next Step: Thinking Outside the Box - Understanding our Connections, the next in a series of conferences and an integral part of the work leading to the search for our third Bishop. The featured speaker will be the Rt. Rev. Ed Leidel, Bishop of Eastern Michigan and author of Awakening Grassroots Spirituality; he will share ideas about grassroots spirituality, what it means to do ministry, and the roadblocks, the process, and the surprises as we identify our purpose, mission and values. The conference will be Saturday, February 26 th from 10 am to 2 pm at St. Paul's, Salinas. Registration will begin at 9:30 am with coffee and goodies. Lunch will be provided ($5 donation accepted), but you need to RSVP Susan Altig at 831-394-4465 or email susan@edecr.org.
• If you have been involved in diocesan activities any time during the history of our diocese, you are requested to attend a Tri-Deanery meeting to share our history at St. Edward's on Saturday, April 2nd.  Registration and gathering will begin at 9 am and the meeting will be from 9:15-11:45 am.  Please prepare for this meeting by bringing with you any memories/dates of diocesan events that you would like to share. If you would like a copy of the "Brown Book" (Background to the Formation of the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real 1978-1980) to read, please let Linda know. The Rev. John Buenz, who was instrumental in preparing the "Brown Book", will be at the meeting.  
• For more diocesan and deanery news, see the kiosk in the church entry (Narthex), or contact Linda Morris. Contact Linda about carpooling to any event.

Property Highlights
Tom Dyer

Thanks to the many….

Winter rains keep us indoors while our garden weeds thrive! Our Property Patrons are doing our best to keep from falling too far behind with backup by Dean.

Hedge Trim- Peggy McNutt led the way and shaped the privacy hedge behind the Altar and Memorial Garden. Thanks again, Dean, for the trimming pickup that overflowed six bins.

Orchard Care- The annual pruning party to prep the trees for the spring growing season was organized by Bruce LaFetra who scheduled a warm and sunny Saturday morning for Peter Troop, Kathy Yates, and Nick Miljevich.

Projects 2005- We have a go-ahead for renovation of classroom restrooms facing the inner patio. The Vestry also approved replacement of the Farmhouse roof. Thanks for their support and your many suggestions of maintaining a welcoming campus.

Attendance – February
Ned Snow

I'm starting to lose track of how many months in a row that attendance has been up! Attendance increased 6% over January 2004. Good job once again, St. Jude's!

I took a look at the numbers in a variety of ways and found that two events on January 30th drove the increase for the month: excellent attendance at the Annual Meeting, and a specially-scheduled baptism on that day. We had 14% more attendees at the 9:15 service that preceded the Annual Meeting compared with last year, which fueled the 6% overall increase.

With stimulating sermons and music during Lent, I'm looking forward to seeing a full church each week, and reporting further increases in attendance in the coming months.

Vestry – February
Sheira Furse

The Vestry is pleased to announce the results of their recent elections: Junior Warden, Sheira Furse; Finance, Liz Jones; Clerk, Pat Coles; Finance Committee, Jim Blessing, Shirley Burg, Syd Jacobsen; Planned Giving Committee (through end of 2007), Jeffrey Pugh and Ned Snow.

The Vestry approved allocation of the $14K property reserve budget for the parish hall roof leak repair, for termite control in classroom 3, and to supplement the classroom upgrade budget for refurbishment of the two patio-facing classroom bathrooms. Any funds remaining in the property reserve after these repairs are completed will be used to replace the nursery wall heater. With regard to the classroom bathroom refurbishment, Jennifer Stern will represent the Sunday School to ensure their storage needs are met.

The Vestry also approved allocation of $16K in gift funds for replacement of the deteriorating Farm House roof.

What is an Endowment Fund?
Nancy Symons, Chairperson of the Planned Giving Committee and Endowment Board

An endowment fund holds the principal of the fund and only distributes a portion of the income on a yearly or less frequent basis. Many non-profit organizations operate endowment funds. The aim of an endowment fund is to grow the principal so that the income increases over time.

The Vestry of St. Jude’s established the St. Jude’s Endowment Fund in 2003 to create a source of income to enhance existing programs and to establish new programs and undertake projects that we are not able to pay for out of the yearly budget. St. Jude’s Endowment Fund received a $5,000.00 gift from a parishioner in 2004. This money is conservatively invested in equities and fixed income assets, consistent with fiduciary principles.

How do I designate my gift if I want it to go to the Endowment Fund?

If a lifetime gift or a bequest in a Will or Trust merely states that the gift goes to “St. Jude’s” (or similar wording), the gift will go to the general fund and will be managed by the Vestry. Unless designated for a particular purpose, the Vestry may use it for basic expenses or any purpose it sees fit (consistent, of course, with the church’s mission). The Vestry may also direct that some or all of such a gift be transferred to the Endowment Fund, although the Vestry is under no obligation to do so.

In order for a lifetime or testate gift to go to the Endowment Fund, the gift must be specially designated to the “Endowment Fund of St. Jude’s.”

If you wish to receive information about the Endowment Fund or other topics related to planned giving, please call Nancy Symons.

Maundy Thursday Soup Supper
Pat Coles

A "chef" is needed to lead the preparation of the Maundy Thursday soup! There are many hands to do the chopping and prep work, but we need a leader to pull it together. Please contact Pat Coles .

Watch for signup sheets for host/hostess, setup, cleanup, food prep, and attendance, children are welcome but we will have childcare for those too young to participate.

Adult Choir to sing in Benefit Concert
Linda Morris

The Congregational Church of Sunnyvale is celebrating its 100th Anniversary with a Centennial Concert on Sunday, February 27th at 7 pm. St. Jude’s Choir will be singing in the program that will also include the Congregational Church’s Adult and Children’s Choirs. Tickets will benefit Tsunami relief and can be ordered in advance by calling 408-739-3285. Ticket prices are: Adults--$10 in advance or $15 at the door and Children--$5 in advance and $10 at the door. The address is 1112 S. Bernardo on the corner of Remington in Sunnyvale.

"Music of the Spirit"
Linda Morris

Holy Land Dinner
Judy Foot

St. Andrew's is hosting the seventh annual Holy Land Dinner on March 5th at 5:30. This dinner benefits hospitals in the Holy Land. The music and dancing in addition to authentic Holy Land cuisine makes for a wonderful evening. Child care is provided. Please call Judy Foot at 996-8640 for tickets (donation $30).

Easter Day Celebration
Rev. Mary Blessing

In addition to the wonder of the new life in Christ through the resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning, we at St. Jude's enjoy celebrating with food, fellowship and festivities. To that end we will have a Sunday morning "pot luck" finger-food brunch, from 9:15-10:15 in the Parish Hall.

Everyone is invited to come, bring friends and family, and enjoy fellowship with one another, especially overlapping our 8:00 and 10:30 worshippers. This is something of a "self-serve" event, so if you have the gift of hospitality and want to help set-up and serve, please contact Pat Coles for details.

Also, our Youth Group enjoys hosting an Easter Egg Hunt and festive coffee hour following the 10:30 service. To assist our "Easter Bunnies", will you please donate one dozen COOKED hard boiled eggs, and bring them to the Parish Hall kitchen on Palm Sunday, March 20? The youth will dye the eggs and refrigerate them to be hidden on Easter.

Youth Group will dye eggs on Palm Sunday following church, and will gather in the kitchen again on Saturday, March 26, 10am-1pm to bake and decorate for Easter.

Social Outreach
Mary Souza

. . . just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.

Matthew 25:40

The Gospel in Action Through Social Justice/Outreach Ministries

St. Jude’s Outreach Ministry has always been characterized by a strong sense of compassion, presence, and action. In fact, at one time it was even called Matthew 25 (. . .I was hungry and you gave me food. . . ). One of the early stipulations of funding for an agency or program, was that a St. Jude’s parishioner be somehow connected to the recipients, either as a volunteer, participant, or in some other manner. In this way, we do not merely offer charitable gifts, but participate in justice ministry by walking in companionship with our brothers and sisters. We experience the power of Christ’s transforming love by knowing each other face to face.

Join us in the Parish Hall at 7:30 pm on Tuesday evening, February 22 as we consider the ways we live out our Baptismal Covenant to seek and serve all persons in Christ, to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.

Learn more about St. Jude’s Social Justice/Outreach mission and ministry on the Social Justice Page at http://www.saintjudes.org/ or contact Mary Souza.

Adult Education in March
Bruce La Fetra

• March 6 - Will You Be Ready When the Lord Calls Your Number? What are the first steps you take when someone dies? Whom do you call? What options are available for the `final resting place`?
• What are the costs involved? What kind of liturgical services are appropriate? What about timing? What can you expect from your relatives during this time of crisis? How can you make plans ahead of time so that your love ones do not have an additional burden placed on them? Pastor Karen Siegfriedt leads us in a forum that deals with the practical details of funeral arrangements and end of life response.
• March 13 - Immigrant Experience (and We Are All Immigrants) All of us are or are descended from immigrants, but our stories are not all the same. This is especially true in Cupertino. Two presenters share their experience emigrating to the US, and the impact that joining a new community has had on their values and spirituality.  We also explore the role that values and spirituality played in shaping life in their new community.
• March 20 - Jesus Faces a Bad Week
  The Rev. John Buenz, former rector of St. Jude`s, returns to lead a forum on Palm Sunday. He will focus on the various experiences of Jesus during Holy Week: how Jesus dealt with those experiences and how we can do so under similar circumstances .

March 27 - No Forum (Easter)

Reminder: Care for the Caregiver
Diane Snow

John Timbs, Family Care Specialist for the Alzheimer’s 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 Alzheimer 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.

Quote from a Stephen Minister at the conclusion of caring relationship that spanned a year and a half: "What a wonderful opportunity to be with someone consistently over time, an honor that has positively impacted all my relationships". If there is someone you think might benefit from a Stephen Minister, please give them the phone numbers above and/or the brochure available at St. Judes .

Donors Escape Low Rates with Gift Annuity

At a time of record-low interest rates, a charitable gift annuity benefiting St. Jude’s is an attractive choice for some donors.

What is a charitable gift annuity?

It is a contract between a donor and a charity. The donor transfers a gift to the charity and the charity makes guaranteed fixed payments to the donor for life. Interest rates can range from 6 – 11.3% for people ages 65 through 90, respectively. (Rates are even higher in effect because of tax deductions.)

For confidential information on gift annuities, please call Nancy Symons, Chair of the Planned Giving Committee.

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 3/9/2005

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