St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church
A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
Aug 2005
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St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal ChurchA Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed |
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| Volume 22; Issue 7 |
Aug 2005
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Although summer tends to be quieter around St. Jude’s, there is still a lot happening. Through your generous stewardship of time, talent, and treasure, buildings are being repaired, ministries are flourishing, and God is filling us with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Let me give you a brief overview of what is currently happening.
In the building and grounds department, the farmhouse roof has been completed, the parish hall roof is currently under repair, and two of the bathrooms in the classroom building are being totally redone. Termite repair work is still in process in some of the classroom and storage areas. We have a few new patrons volunteering to take over a planting section (i.e. weed, water, & plant) and there is some consideration for putting in two new planter boxes in the classroom courtyard.
On the vestry level, your vestry continues to work on property management concerns, a property reserve fund, and plans to buy a larger share of the rectory. Pew cushions are being bought and the feasibility study for a St. Jude’s preschool, moves ahead. Syd Jacobsen is our new Jr. Warden and our outgoing vestry is discerning candidates to run for next year’s vestry. The stewardship committee is gearing up for the fall pledge drive.
The Sunday School remains in session during the summer. Last week, the children washed all of the toys in the nursery and cleaned out the clutter.
The choir is “on break” but our music program is as vibrant as ever. Talented, individual musicians, share their gifts at the offertory each Sunday. Last week, Michael Morris and his new group, Canticle Vocal Ensemble, gave a recital at the Adult Forum and sang during the Sunday Services. Talk about “angels and archangels and all the company of heaven”.... Imagine, four professional opera singers blessing our community!
Our Eucharistic Visitors are extremely busy, bringing communion to the homebound and frail, while our Stephen Ministers continue their ministry of compassionate listening. Our prayer chain grows, along with those who are interested in healing ministries.
Bob Hansen celebrates his 50 th Wedding anniversary, John Buenz is on the preaching rota, and Mary Blessing has taken a few weeks of vacation. I am preparing to offer a course on contemplative prayer and spirituality based on Thomas Keating’s work, as well as a “Foundations of the Faith” class scheduled for October 8 th.
Our outreach ministries continue. Our campus is buzzing with partners in ministry as we provide a home for a full time Sr. Day Care Center, Families with Special Needs, 12 step programs, Boy Scouts, and Full Gospel Korean Church.
So how is this all possible with such a modest-sized church as St. Jude’s? It is possible through your faithful dedication as members of this parish. I want to take this opportunity, to thank you for your generous pledge of money, for your ongoing offering of time and talent, and for the willingness to continue on the path of love that Jesus showed us. Have a blessed summer.
Peace,
Syd Jacobsen is the new Jr. Warden.
Gail and Dave Sena are the proud grandparents of Jackson Graham, (Stace and Karen Russo’s first son).
Bob and Sally Hansen celebrated their 50 th Wedding Anniversary with a renewal of marriage vows and a gala reception at St. Jude’s.
Both Ann McElroy and Ann Shepherd are out of the hospital and recovering nicely.
If you see a cobweb, or a window that needs to be washed it's okay to take care of it yourself.
Peggy McNutt washed the little windows in the fireside room...they look a lot better!
There are lots of serving and storage dishes in the Parish Hall kitchen left from potlucks, finger food offerings and the Fourth of July supper. Please check to see if any of them belong in your kitchen.
Trevor Snow is starting a baby sitting service. If you would like more information, call him at 737-8877.
The Habitat for Humanity workday has been changed to Saturday, September 24 th. (See Diocesan Communications article.)
Youth Group will gather on Tuesday, August 9, late afternoon for a trip to Santa Cruz Boardwalk (details to follow).
There will be a double baptism at our Big Basin Family Camp service, Sept. 3, 2005.
Input for the View is due the Wednesday after the Vestry meeting, which is held the 3 rd Tuesday of the month. Input sent electronically to theview@saintjudes.org is preferred. Input left in the View box in the office is sometimes missed. (Sorry.)
“God rested on the 7 th Day”
The Rev. Mary B. Blessing
So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation . Genesis 2:3.
The seventh month, July, is here, and rest is a welcome relief. The “lazy, hazy days of summer” give an opportunity to participate in the sheer act of “doing nothing”--long lazy days reading novels (just for the fun of it!), taking a stroll on the beach, meeting a friend for lunch, a splash in the lake, an evening walk with the dog, family board games into the wee hours of the night, a little yard work, and a lot of time to reflect; time to reflect upon the good work God has done through us.
Just as God sat back on his haunches on the seventh day to admire his handiwork, to declare, “it is very good,” let us stop and take inventory of our work, to see what God has made of our lives, and declare, ”it is very good.” I pray you take time this summer to pause to note what has been accomplished through the work of the Holy Spirit here at St. Jude’s. Let us give glory to God for new friendships formed in Dinner groups, babies born into our community, lush gardens we enjoy throughout our campus, squiggly/wiggly children swarming Godly Play Chapel, excellent music raised to the glory of God, warm greetings exchanged in the name of Christ, friendly chatter before and after our shared worship, newcomers in our covenant groups, youth raising money for the less fortunate, prayers of loving support to those who suffer, a simple mid-week meal shared over pleasant conversation, stimulating discussions and educational challenges to our spiritual growth. All of this and more is the work of God, here in our “spiritual oasis”, our limb of the Body of Christ.
As we collectively stop and reflect upon how God is working in our midst as a church community, so, too, must we take time to stop and reflect upon how God is working in our individual lives. Summer is good time to pause and take personal inventory of our spiritual development. How have we discovered God’s presence in our lives? Where do we hunger for more spiritual strength? Before the “busyness” of fall comes upon us, let us listen to hear if we might be led to try something new to help us grow deeper in faith. Now is a good time to prepare ourselves for possible participation in a covenant group, or Pastor Karen’s Foundations Course, or her group on Thomas Keating, or a regular commitment to Sunday morning worship, or attendance at Sunday Adult Forums, or joining the choir, or signing up to help with Julian Street meals or to serve at the Family Shelter. There are many ways we might be called to offer our lives to Christ in new ways that will grow our faith while building up creation for the glory of God.
We are in the planning stage for how to best discern the opinions and passions of our community regarding St Jude’s campus and its future use. The Site Plan has several areas of consideration that will require input from a broad representation of parishioners. We need to define “a spiritual oasis” for the future. Ideas regarding the future of the site include the possibility of an on-site pre-school, the hope that the parking in front of the Farmhouse and Parish Hall be converted to an park-like inner quad thus eliminating the ~20 parking spots currently in this space. The park-like quad would require rethinking overall parking for the site, the total number of parking spaces, handicap parking, access for those working in the Farmhouse, and safety for those attending night time meetings in the winter months. Other questions to be addressed are: shall we plan to have a labyrinth on site, and, if so, where?; and, what is our long-term commitment to the orchard on the corner of Stelling and McClellan Roads? Tom Dyer and Hugh Jacobs have created an “oasis walkway” around the site, some of it across parking lots but much through our “wilderness areas” (behind the parish hall, through the orchard, and memorial garden). Should this be further enhanced to complete a long envisioned “Stations of the Resurrection”? Finally, the cost of all changes needs to be determined and weighed against other priorities.
Giving these ideas the consideration they deserve could be a complicated and lengthy process. We therefore hope to group complementary ideas into a few proposed plans to facilitate the gathering of input from the broad congregation. We are working on a process for developing and sharing these proposed plans for your review, and for gathering and incorporating your comments and suggestions.
The members of the Site Planning Process Committee include Pat Coles, Jean Chandler, Margot Jacobsen, Peggy McNutt, Linda Morris, and Juneann McDonald as a process consultant. If you are passionate about any topic mentioned above or if I have missed a topic that we should consider now is the time to let me know so your concern can be added to the list of concerns. The best ways to reach Pat is via email or by leaving a written message in my mailbox in the Farmhouse. (If you bring up a complex topic when you see me in church on Sunday I can promise to talk with you, but cannot guarantee I will remember all your points.)
Diocesan Communications
Linda Morris
The 5 th edition of the 2005 Diocesan Newsletter (Along the King’s Highway) is now available. You can read Along the King’s Highway on-line at http://www.ecrweb.org/newsletter.html, receive it via email by contacting our Communications Coordinator - Edy Unthank at communications@edecr.org, or pick up a copy in the Parish Hall or Narthex.
The 2005 Diocesan Convention Minutes are now available on our website at http://www.ecrweb.org/DC2005.html. This year’s Journal will have the proceedings of both last January’s convention in Seaside and the upcoming Watsonville Convention.
The Diocese of El Camino Real will be represented by Bishop Romero at the Convocation/ Synod of Province VIII July 17 – 21st in Portland, Oregon. He looks forward to sharing his stories with the Province, telling the story of El Camino Real, hearing the stories of other dioceses, and to come back with something to share with ECR.
Assisting Bishop Romero will be meeting with the laity on 3 Saturdays from 10 am-1 pm with a light lunch ($5.00 donation). All are invited, especially Delegates/Alternates and Vestry. Please plan on attending one of them: July 30 th at St. Mary’s, Pacific Grove, August 6 th at St. Mark’s, Santa Clara, or August 13 th at St. James’, Paso Robles. He is looking forward to the opportunity to share with each other our concerns for the Diocese. RSVP to Susan@edecr.org or 831-394-4465. at least 3 days before the meeting. 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?
People, GET READY!! T he last in a series of three diocesan-wide meetings, facilitated by Rob Voyle, in preparation for electing our new bishop, will take place on Saturday, September 17 th at All Saints’, Carmel (9 th and Dolores St.) from 10 am-3 pm. Using all that we have discovered about ourselves, we will affirm our identity and establish our vision and mission. Lunch will be provided ($5.00 donation). RSVP to Susan@edecr.org or 831-394-4465.
The Deanery workday to help build Habitat for Humanity house has been changed to Saturday, September 24 th. San Jose work permits for weekends will not be ready until September. If you are 14 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! If have already signed up, please reconfirm your availability for the new date. Those who would like to provide lunch are also needed. Contact Linda Morris at 408-376-0593 or lindamorris24@yahoo.com. Thank you.
Upcoming Conventions: Fall convention will be Saturday, October 29 th at All Saints’, Watsonville. The January Convention will be on Saturday the 28 th 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.
Property Highlights
Tom Dyer
Farm House Repaint- exterior painting is nearly complete to complement the new roof in June.
Parish Hall Roof -we no longer need to stand by with buckets and mops when the winter rains arrive. The heater roof has been rebuilt with directional water flow and multiple drains.
Space Sponsor Corner--- compliments to the many who are undeterred during the hot weather and bring that special ingredient that makes St Jude's a welcoming campus.
Patio Restrooms- refurbishment is now underway. Thanks for your patience .
Attendance for June
Ned Snow
Attendance for June was up 5% over June 2004, continuing the trend that has been in place for most of 2005. Most of the increase in June was in the 8 o'clock service, in percentage and also in real numbers. The increases were as follows:
Attendance to the 8 o'clock service increased in each of the four weeks. The 10:30 service increased in two of the weeks and decreased in two of the weeks (earlier summer vacations this year?). Maybe this will translate into increases in every week in July for the 10:30 service. Stay tuned...
Vestry – July
Syd Jacobsen
The Vestry received a property update from Tom Dyer. The replacement of the Farm House roof has been completed and within budget. The Parish Hall roof is currently under repair and should be completed within the budgeted amount. The Church School bathrooms are also currently under repair and should be close to budget. The work should be completed within 10 to 12 days. Tom is currently working on the termite infestation and damage to the Church School. Tom also gave a report to the Vestry on major property repairs for the year 2006 budget. These projects include work of the small bathrooms in the Church School, replacement of the heater in the nursery, repair and re-striping of the parking lot, replacement of lawn and moving the garbage shed. There was a tentative approval of garden planters to be constructed and maintained by Live Oak in the Church School patio area. Vestry member Sheira Fruse resigned from the Vestry. Syd Jacobsen was elected Junior Warden to fill out the balance of her term .
St. Jude’s Support of Two Homeless Shelters
Libby Varty
St. Jude’s has been supporting two homeless shelters in San Jose, the San Jose Family Shelter and the Julian Street Shelter, for the past 15 years. Our participation has included both monetary support and actual volunteers shopping for, cooking and serving a dinner to the residents.
It has been a very rewarding ministry and one in which a number of us have been actively involved with since 1990. We usually have one or two individuals who purchase the food and a couple who arrive to cook the meal at the shelter about 2 hours prior to serving. Then a team of 4-6 people arrive 30 minutes prior to eating and are there to help with the serving of the meal. There have been times when Dan and I have been running around on Sunday after church picking up the last minute items (like ice cream) and thinking “why are we doing this?!?!” But we both have agreed, when we are finished serving, that the rewards far outweighed the input from us!!!!
Those who have been faithful workers at the shelters are many, but some of the long time servers are Bob Mayer (who got us all “going”), Will and Connie Lawrence, Wally Iimura, Dan and Libby Varty, Jean Chandler, Tom and Joan Dyer, Connie Erickson, Evelyn McCabe (who for years did the purchasing for the San Jose Shelter), Liz Jones and Jim Holm, Becky Smith and Andy Debaets, and Jim and Betsy Fisher. It is a quiet ministry which does not have a lot of publicity, but one which touches many lives (including our own!). If you would like to join us in serving our less fortunate brothers and sisters (2-3 hours on a Saturday or Sunday 3-4 times a year) please call Will, Wally or Dan and Libby.
Come join our team…we have a lot of fun working and serving together!!
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 service at Big Basin, on Saturday, September 3rd (minus the electric instrumentation). Questions? Contact Michael Morris at music@saintjudes.org.
Have you noticed the Narthex Bulletin Board lately? During the “green” season of Pentecost the emphasis is on some of St. Jude’s programs. The boards will change every three weeks and are of a more informal nature, so there will be a variety of pictures and themes. You may even spot yourself or members of your family.
During much of the year the main narthex bulletin board reflects the church seasons, but summer is a time to show activities unique to our parish.
The bulletin board committee is still looking for somebody who enjoys taking pictures and who would be willing to work with the various “creators” of the boards to supply photographs to be used periodically. If this is your “talent” and you would be willing to offer it, call Betty Harrah to let the committee know. The phone number is 253-6984.
Parish Campout
Make plans for the St. Jude’s Parish Campout! Beautiful Big Basin State Park is the place where St. Jude’s campers are expected to gather on Friday, September 2 nd through Monday, September 5 th. We were able to reserve the site for Labor Day weekend again this year. You may sign up for one, two, or three nights. St. Jude’s Parish Campout is a relaxing, unstructured weekend.
Big Basin is only a one-hour drive from Cupertino. Our private group campsite is accessible by a gated road, so it is very quiet and uncrowded. The sun peeks through the tall redwoods and the air is fresh and clear. There are picnic tables, parking at the group camp areas, fire pits, hot showers and flush toilets. What luxury!
The highlight of the weekend is our Saturday afternoon communion service, immediately followed by our pot-luck dinner. In addition, the Big Basin park rangers offer scheduled hikes and nature programs for children and adults. Of course, you can always do your own hikes or ride your bikes through the park. There is usually an evening program in the rustic amphitheatre downhill from our campsite, near the park office. Pets are most welcome. Many parishioners have invited friends to camp with us in past years. This a wonderful tradition and an opportunity for us to meet new people as well as for them to get to know folks from St. Jude’s in a relaxed environment.
Complete information is posted on the Kiosk. If you have questions, contact Kristen Kleiboer.
Men’s Mountain Get-Away
Don Disney
Please join us for a fun, relaxing weekend in the mountains. Arnold is about a three-hour drive from Cupertino. Three members of our parish own cabins in the area and are offering their use for this event. We will arrange for carpools to head up in the morning and/or after work on Friday, returning Sunday evening. The cabins will be stocked with breakfast and lunch foods for individuals to dine in or take along on adventures. We will plan group meals for Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch. All activities will be entirely optional, so you can have your weekend as structured or unstructured as you like. Sign up in the narthex if you plan to attend, or call the above number if you have questions.
Adult Education in August
Bruce La Fetra
August 7 - No Forum
August 14 - Telling Our Stories
St. Jude`s has the motto, "Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here." We declare our awareness that we are all on a spiritual journey. However, we often balk at the idea of actually telling the story of our spiritual journey. We benefit when we tell our stories, and we learn from hearing the stories of others. We will have a casual conversation in the Fireside Room on "How to tell our faith stories," using the teachings of the Rev. James W. Nutter of Palmer Episcopal Church, Houston as recently presented to a nationwide audience from Trinity Wall Street. Even if you are not ready to tell your own story, please come to listen and learn about the power of our personal stories.
August 21 - No Forum
August 28 - Sacred Drumming: Drums as a Temple
Through many years of learning, teaching, and performing dance, rhythm, and drumming, Heidrun Hoffman found two important allies for her life; her body and her drums. They are full with endless gifts, tools for healing herself. Of these, she discovered that the qualities of listening are the most precious.
By breaking down rhythm into basic elements, rhythm has come to be both a vessel and a mirror for her inner knowledge. Connecting with rhythm by first speaking, then stepping or dancing a pulsation, and then trying to clap or sing something else, lets her play with her borders of doing many things simultaneously. Staying with one rhythm over a long time slows her down, creating a quiet and enjoyable possibility to dive into another place inside, where she just listens and sees what she is doing. This depth of listening flows into other areas of her life, places where she has to listen, or where she should listen better, or where she can see more, when she really listens.
The editors, Nancy and Allan Chapman, would like to thank the faithful production crew that copies, folds, labels, and mails The View each month. |
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| Updated 8/17/2005 |
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