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St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church

A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
Volume 22; Issue 06
July 2005

“Silence has two functions. The first effect of exterior silence is to develop a sense of interior peace. The second value of silence is that it provides the stillness that enables the ear of the heart to hear the God who is “not in the whirlwind.” The constantly blaring record player, the slammed door, the ceaseless, empty chatter in the hall, the constantly harsh voice all break the peace of the heart and agitate the soul. Day after day, month after month, noise thickens the walls of the mind until it becomes impossible to hear the talk within us that shows us our pain and opens our mind to the truths of life and the presence of God.

We live with noise pollution now and find silence a great burden, a frightening possibility. Muzak fills our elevators, radios are set into wrist watches, and TVs blare from every room in the house from morning till night. We say we do not have the time to think, but what we actually lack is the quiet to think. Yet until we are able to have at least a little silence every day, both outside and in, both inside and out, we have no hope of coming to know either God or ourselves very well.” {Sr. Joan Chittister}

There are three spiritual disciplines that give us opportunities to hear God’s voice in the silence:

  1. Meditation: Listening to God's voice (i.e. "all ears") in order to inform oneself of the ethical dimensions of transformation (i.e. obedience to God).

  2. Prayer: A lifelong, interactive conversation with God about what you and God are doing together.

  3. Solitude: Creation of an open, empty space, where by we can be found by God. It is a nourishing posture where insight, renewal, and strength become possible.

For the past three years, under the leadership of Liz Jones, St. Jude’s has sponsored a meditation group for the purpose of healing and wholeness. We have been using the centering prayer method taught by Thomas Keating, a Cistercian priest and monk. When centering prayer is done on a daily basis, it has the potential of healing the mind of the emotional damage of the past and thus allows us to become our “true selves”, transformed into the likeness of Christ.

When we began this meditation group, we had about 10 folks participating. In more recent times however, the meditation group has dwindled to only three people. We are now looking at different options to provide the people of St. Jude’s with more opportunities to learn and to heal through silence, meditation, and prayer. I would like to offer a six session course on centering prayer, using Thomas Keating’s book, Invitation to Love. I propose that we meet the first Tuesday of each month beginning in September and ending in February. Each session would be approximately 90 minutes long, ending in meditation. This course would require a commitment (each month) to read 25 pages of the book, to answer a few questions from a personal perspective, and to authentically share your own spiritual journey at each session. If this is something that you would be willing to commit to, please call or email me at rector@saintjudes.org.

“Silence is God’s first language; everything else is a poor translation. In order to hear that language, we must learn to be still and to rest in God” {Keating} To that end, I would like to remind the people of St. Jude’s to honor the silence in the church sanctuary 10 minutes before each service as a respect to those in prayer. If you have a need to speak to someone in regards to music, liturgy, or other pressing needs, please move outside the sanctuary to talk or wait until coffee hour. Taking the time to rest in God in silence, will do much for your soul and will heal your mind. “For God alone, my soul in silence waits.” {Psalm 62}

 

Peace,

Foundations Course
Pastor Karen Siegfriedt

Every few years, I conduct a three part course on “Foundations of the Faith.” This course presents the foundations of the faith from an Anglican (i.e. Episcopal) perspective. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the faith and discuss your questions, doubts, and beliefs. In the fall of this year, I would like to offer this informative course to our newcomers, those desiring confirmation, and anyone else who is interested. [The bishop will be coming to St. Jude’s on October 30th to confirm and receive candidates from our parish community.]
In this busy valley of ours, it can be very difficult to schedule a series that all people can attend. However, since it is only June 15th, I thought that if I carved out a time now, then perhaps you could put it on your calendar and make it a priority to attend. Below are two possibilities:
Plan 1: Meet on three Wednesday evenings, September 7, 14, 21 from 7:30-9pm. or
Plan 2: Meet on Saturday, October 8th from 9am-2pm for a “marathon course.”
The three areas that we will address are: Scripture, Tradition, and Reason. We will take a specific look at our baptismal covenant and the vows that will be made by those who want to be presented to the bishop for confirmation. If you are interested in this course, please call or email me with the preferred time (i.e. plan) as mentioned above. email: rector@saintjudes.org

A Celebration!
Bob and Sally Hansen

The people of St. Jude’s are invited to join us, Sally and Bob Hansen, as we renew our marriage vows in honor of our Fifty Years together. We would love to have you share in our celebration. This will happen at St. Jude’s at 2:00 PM on July 23, 2005, with Pastor Karen officiating. Following the service, there will be an informal reception in the Parish Hall. (Please, no gifts.) If you are able to come, please do us the favor of letting us know via e-mail at hansputt@aol.com or at 378-0672 by July 10 (We want to give the caterer as accurate a number as we can). Child care will be provided in the Church Nursery. Please come. We would love to have you meet our children and their children (It will be a multitude!).

Youth Program Enhanced
The Rev. Mary B. Blessing

Youth at St. Jude’s are blessed to have multiple dedicated youth mentors as well as a priest overseeing youth ministry. Our program is a theologically based, “outreach” oriented program—with a lot of really fun fellowship along the way!! The people of St. Jude’s have been generous with their financial support to youth ministry. Youth have been generous in their willingness to give up Saturday mornings once a month to raise funds for outreach and fellowship. With all this abundance, we are nurtured in our spiritual development as well as our social interaction. THANKS BE TO GOD!!

Not every parish is blessed with this abundance. Episcopal Churches in this area find themselves challenged to have both leadership and enough teens actually participating to run a viable Youth Program. Recognizing this challenge, Santa Clara County Episcopal Churches have made a decision to hire a 1/2 time Youth Coordinator, Holly Hem, to network our various churches and gather kids and mentors for a monthly “all together” program, September –June. On a rotational basis we will gather once a month at the various churches in Santa Clara County for a special program. Each month we explore a theme using mixers, movies, games, discussion, food, and fellowship. Our first event in September will be on CREATION at Trinity Cathedral, downtown San Jose. St. Jude’s will host October, on GOOD and EVIL.

We are at an interesting turning point. The hard work and dedicated leadership to our youth has set a model for others. We have already been an inviting church networking beyond our walls to include youth from other parishes for special events (rock climbing, hiking, the Boardwalk, ski trip, a special dance, etc.) As a parish we know we enjoy the “cross-pollenization” process as we share leadership and ministry with other churches (we do this very successfully with Stephen Ministry, too).

Our healthy, dedicated youth program is now being called to be a leader and a support to this new venture for our area Episcopal Churches. It will enhance our program while bringing new life to our neighboring churches’ youth programs. This model of local area shared leadership is a possible new model of ministry for the growth of our Diocese in the 21st Century. We may see such shared resources for many ministries, and St. Jude’s will be known as a leader in Santa Clara County as we lend our support to these efforts.

Parish youth mentors and parent support will continue to be key to make this new venture successful. As we schedule out our calendar in conjunction with the shared monthly activity, we will call upon adults to drive kids to events, to help as discussion group leaders, to chaperone, administrate, host or do or whatever your gifts can offer to make the youth of Santa Clara County continue to grow spiritually. Stay tuned for more details as they unfold this summer and fall!!

Lecture at Stone Church

On August 5-6, Dr. Philip Clayton, winner of the 1997 Templeton Prize for best book on science and religion, will speak on "Evolution and the Emergence of Consciousness: Challenges to Religious Belief and Practice." You may choose to attend one or both lectures, 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, and/or 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday with lunch provided at 12:30 p.m. Cost is $10 each for individual lectures, or $15 for combined Friday and Saturday lectures. Stone Presbyterian Church, 1937 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA. (408) 269-1593, www.stonechurch.org.

Alternative to the Religious Right
Evelyn McCabe


Jim Wallis, editor of Sojourners magazine and author of God’s Politics will be one of several speakers at the conference on Spiritual Activism to be held at UC Berkeley
July 20-23, 2005. It is part of a strategy to develop an alternative to the Religious Right.

The plan is to create an interfaith, grassroots network of spiritual progressives to
1. Challenge the misuse of God and religion by the Religious Right- and champion
Progressive spiritual politics.

2. Challenge the anti-spiritual and religio-phobic tendencies in some sections of liberal and progressive culture.

3. Challenge the American ethos of selfishness and materialism by championing a new Bottom Line for American Society- so that institutions get judged efficient, rational or productive not only to the extent that they maximize money and power, but also to the extent that they maximize love, caring, kindness,generosity,
Ethical/ecological, sensitivity, and awe and wonder at the grandeur of the universe.
There is much more to the plan and infomation is on the kiosk in the Narthex with further statements of principle and the speakers and the agenda for the conference.

Diocesan Communications
Linda Morris

The 4th edition of the 2005 Diocesan Newsletter (Along the King’s Highway) is now available. You can read Along the King’s Highway on-line, or receive it via email by contacting our Communications Coordinator - Edy Unthank at communications@edecr.org, or pick up a copy in the Parish Hall.

Assisting Bishop Romero will be meeting with the laity on 3 Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm with a light lunch ($5.00 donation). Please plan on attending one of them: July 30th at St. Mary’s, Pacific Grove, August 6th at St. Mark’s, Santa Clara, or August 13th at St. James’, Paso Robles. He is looking forward to the opportunity to share with each other our concerns for the Diocese. Please RSVP to Susan@edecr.org. Please come prepared to answer the following questions: 1. What is your hope of your relationship with your bishop? 2. What is your opinion of Shared Authority? 3. What is your expectation of the next bishop? 4. How is your relationship with your rector/vicar?

Deanery workday to help build Habitat for Humanity house will be Saturday, August 20th. (See separate article in this View.)

Holly Hem is the Interim Diocesan Youth Minister. She will coordinate all diocesan youth activities, providing administrative, program, and pastoral support. This is a shared full-time position with the diocese paying one half of her salary and the Santa Clara County Episcopal churches paying the other half. Many of these parishes and missions cannot afford a youth minister and struggle to maintain a viable youth program. By joining together, under her leadership, the youth will have opportunities to meet their peers in other churches, build meaningful relationships and have fun together. This is a six-month trial program. Holly brings a background of youth ministry and leadership experience to this position having worked as a church Youth Minister, provided support for a college retreat, and as a camp counselor. She also worked as a Program Coordinator for the Santa Clara County Community Action Program. Holly can be reached at youthministry@edecr.org, 831- 241-2029 or 831-394-4465.

The Rev. Britt Olsen, Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Sparks, Nevada has been hired as our Canon for Evangelism and Church Growth will begin her new duties on August 15. She is passionate about evangelism, extremely engaging, intelligent, curious and imaginative. She brings great experience, enthusiasm, and energy to this position. Her background includes congregational and mission development, supervision of missions and mission vicars, and has worked closely with the diocesan youth missioner in the development of effective youth programs. While working at the diocesan level she partnered with those interested in congregational development; this interest became the focus of a recent three-month sabbatical in which she traveled through dioceses on the west coast. This experience, combined with research she has done, has given her new insights and helped her in forming a vision of the larger church. She believes that God is leading, not just the diocese, but also the Episcopal Church into an experience of new life.

Convention Update: Fall convention will be Saturday, October 29th at All Saints’, Watsonville. The January Convention will be on Saturday the 28th at Sherwood Hall in Salinas.
For more diocesan and deanery news, see the kiosk in the church entry (Narthex). To carpool to any events or for more information, please contact Linda Morris at lindamorris24@yahoo.com or 408-376-0593.

Help build Habitat for Humanity houses
Linda Morris

The Deanery will be helping build Habitat for Humanity houses in San Jose on Saturday, August 20th. If you are 16 or over you can help. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to work along with the homeowners who have to put in 500 hours of sweat equity into building their house. It's a very rewarding experience. Space is limited to 25 for the entire Deanery and there are already sign-ups, so please reserve your place soon! Those who would like to provide lunch are also needed. Contact Linda Morris at 408-376-0593 or lindamorris24@yahoo.com. Thank you.

Did You Know?

Vestry Update – June
Jennifer Stern

The Vestry met on Tuesday, June 21. The following items were reviewed and discussed:

The financial report showed that we are in good financial shape. Pledges are running at target – thanks to all for keeping up with pledges! Plate offerings are above budgeted levels, and expenses are at anticipated levels for this time of year.
Pastor Karen introduced the pre-school feasibility analysis by reminding the Vestry of the strategic planning goals defined in 2003, which included evaluating the feasibility of a school on the St. Jude’s campus. She also provided a brief history of the use of our church school buildings.

Jennifer presented the work done to date to define what kind of pre-school might best fit with our parish and the needs in our local community. This has included comparative research with other similar schools in the area, understanding licensing requirements, reviewing any recommended facility updates, and putting together a preliminary budget and timeline. The Vestry gave its support to continue the feasibility study, with a goal of presenting a proposal to be voted on by the parish at the January 2006 Annual Meeting.

Michael reviewed the plans to expand the choir area through the re-positioning of the piano and organ, extension of several pews, and building of new risers to support the new design. This re-design is necessary to accommodate the growing numbers of regular voices in our choir and the success of our overall music program! Alleluia!
Jim Blessing provided a brief update on the work underway to identify potential solutions for property management in 2006 and beyond. The group working on these options is expected to present their analysis and recommendations for a decision in the September timeframe.

Demographics at St. Jude’s
Juneann McDonald

The purpose of the Demographics group at St. Jude is two-fold. First, to open our hearts and minds to be inclusive of persons of differing faiths and cultures by creating an inviting, accepting environment through open dialogue and shared experiences. Second, to reach out to the local community we serve as Christians and Episcopalians by extending hospitality and encouragement to our new friends as we share the American experience.

Our program enables the sharing of cultural experiences and understanding. Occasionally, we have participated in activities with 5C’s which plays a secular role in Cupertino bringing multicultural understanding through workshops, community parades, festivals, and special events such as the memorable evening of music, dance, and culinary delights hosted by Mahesh Nilani and his gracious Indian community. A more recent event enabled Mayor Kwok to share his personal story, from his early Catholic years in Hong Kong to a directed journey, that eventually resulted in extensive community service in his adopted American community that is now his home.

Last summer, St. Jude’s was privileged to host an inspirational Fellowship Concert with the Chung Yuan Christian University from Taiwan. They sang a shared performance with the St. Jude’s choir and the Luminaires from Monta Vista High School. The CYCU Choir performs sacred music in addition to Chinese folk songs, and popular traditional songs from many cultures in support of their mission to spread the gospel to schools, churches, prisons, hospitals in public events.

Recent Sunday morning Adult Forums have included the ever-popular Jerry Drino, who brought us valuable insights and experiences from ministering to a demographically changing congregation. The Demographics group also hosted the highly personalized Immigrant Experience stories, first as individuals separated from the support of their extended families, which were thoughtfully shared by Chihua Wei and Sherly Guest. Our most recent forum brought us another multicultural discussion from the immigrant parent, American born-child perspective. An Indian experience was shared by Harsha Lakshmannan and his daughter, Naeha. A Chinese insight was shared by Irene Kwok and her son, Nathaniel. The repeated message is that regardless of cultural background, we are all seeking a deeper spiritual relationship and acceptance in the human community, and while sometimes lonely in an unfamiliar culture, we are brothers and sisters in our spiritual journey together. We look forward to your continuing enthusiasm and support in the months ahead.

Putting Stock in Your Future
Nancy Symons, Chair, Planned Giving Committee

You may be interested in special tax savings and other benefits available to you when you fund a gift annuity using low-yielding stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments.

For example, Mrs. Loving (a fictional parishioner) has stock worth $20,000 that currently yields only 1%, or $200 per year, in dividends. She invested just $5,000 in the stock a number of years ago. If the stock were sold today, she could owe capital gains tax on the $15,000 increase in value. Instead, she uses the stock to fund a gift annuity with the Episcopal Church Foundation with St. Jude’s Church as the beneficiary. At her age (80), she will receive quarterly payments totaling $1,600, or 8.0% of the amount of her gift. Mrs. Loving is entitled to an income tax charitable deduction of almost $9,000 in the year of her gift. She also avoids capital gains tax at the time the annuity is created, and is pleased to learn that a large portion of her payments will be taxed at lower capital gains rates as they are received over the next 10 years. In addition, the stock is removed from her taxable estate, possibly saving her heirs a significant sum in estate taxes.

Gift annuities may be funded with cash, stocks and bonds, and other readily marketable assets. Contact Nancy Symons (408-996-2131) for more information regarding increased income and other benefits you could enjoy through a charitable gift annuity.

Attendance Report
Ned Snow

Attendance was up 4% in May compared with May 2004. Almost every service throughout the month saw an increase over the same service in the prior year. We’re on a roll, St. Jude’s! The excitement of the Holy Spirit is very apparent!

Adult Education for July
Bruce LaFetra

During the summer, we normally present Adult Forums that are of more local interest or a bit more informal. We also tend to present fewer Forums, so be sure to check the calendar or the Web site for the latest details.

During July, we are pleased to present two Forums:

July 17 - The Canticle Vocal Ensemble.
A little more than a year ago St. Jude`s Music Director Michael Morris formed a quartet with 3 friends; soprano Deborah Mayhan, tenor Gabriel Reoyo-Pazos, and mezzo-soprano Karen Carle-Irwin. The emphasis is on the great music and anthems of the church. The ensemble soon added organist/pianist Paul Rosas, creating the "Canticle Vocal Ensemble." The ensemble will sing at both services and the Adult Forum.

July 24 - Julian of Norwich
Julian of Norwich is recognized today as one of 14th century England’s most compelling Christian seekers. A contemporary of Chaucer and survivor of the Black Plague, Julian received sixteen startling images of the crucified Christ that forever changed her life. Her descriptions of her visions in `Revelations of Divine Love` have given birth to enduring images of God’s nurturing and familial love that continue to inspire seekers today.

Following the format of the successful Teresa of Avila forum this spring, the 24 minute video allows time for questions and discussion about what Julian means to our lives today.

Remember that audio of past forums is available on the Web or you can ask for a CD.

We are still working out final dates, but August promises a couple of very interesting Forums, so stay tuned.

Canticle Vocal Ensemble
Michael Morris

Did you know that our very own St. Jude's Music Director, Michael Morris, is the founder and a member of Canticle Vocal Ensemble, a quartet of opera singers whose mission is to spread the Word of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit by presenting the scriptures and teachings through music and readings. Canticle Vocal Ensemble will share their music and readings during the Adult Forum on Sunday, July 17th at 9:15 am, as well as sing at the 8 am and 10:30 am services. Their just-released CD "With the Voice of Singing" will be available. St. Jude's Episcopal Church Parish Hall, Stelling & McClellan Rds, Cupertino. Childcare provided. For more information call 408-252-4166 or see www.saintjudes.org.

“Jam Session” Music of the Spirit

Our experimental “band”, Music of the Spirit, played at the 10:30 Sunday worship service on June 12, as we honored our graduating seniors. It was a joyful experience; one that many want to have again. People gave positive feedback, sharing that they “felt the movement of the Holy Spirit”. Comments such as “that was wonderful”, “can we do it again” and “did you record it?” were heard following the service.

If you missed it, don’t worry, there will be more chances to participate. On August 21, 4-5:30 pm we will have another “jam session”—all are welcome to join in (no experience necessary). We meet in the Parish Hall. Bring your instruments and/or voice! Many of us will lead the music for our Parish Campout at Big Basin, on Saturday, September 3 (minus the electric instrumentation…). Questions? Contact Michael Morris at music@saintjudes.org.

Big Plans for July 4th Celebration
Matt and Audrey Matthews

Monday, 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.
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 at (408) 365-9964.

Updated 6/29/2005
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