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St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church

A Spiritual Oasis Where Lives are Transformed
Volume 22; Issue 8
September 2005

     This fall, I begin my eighth year as rector of St. Jude’s. It is hard to believe that time has passed by so quickly. It is exciting to watch the congregation coalesce around the mission of the church: “T o restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ". It is also inspiring to work toward our congregational vision: “St. Jude’s is a spiritual oasis where lives are transformed.” We are now in a “stepped-up” mode of planning, studying, and implementing, our long-range goals that will support our mission and vision. After seven years of hard work with clergy, staff, vestry, other lay leaders and congregants, it is a delight to behold new possibilities that will strengthen the fabric of our parish church. As you can see, there is still a lot to do in realizing our long-range strategic goals. I look forward to the next few years in working hard to make those goals, a reality.

     Each rector brings particular gifts and emphasis to her tenure. The Rev.’s Crump, Wright, Clancey, Buenz, and Kennedy, each left a particular mark in influencing the direction of St. Jude’s. For those of you who have been around for a long time, you will notice that the vicars/rectors of St. Jude’s have had such different personalities, leadership styles, and focus (i.e. charismatic renewal, 60’s social justice, psychology, outreach, spirituality). These are all different ways to reach the people of God. What we do have in common however, is that each of us had a passion for the building up of the kingdom of God.

     I have a particular passion for deepening the faith commitment of a welcoming community through my preaching, teaching, and cheerleading skills. To this end, I have focused on spiritual development and equipping the laity with necessary tools for transformation (i.e. spiritual disciplines). I believe that the church is the only organization whose specific mission is to raise up disciples of Christ. While other organizations, such as the Rotary Club, do outstanding work to raise money for worthy works, only the church focuses on raising up disciples. The more disciples we have, the more we can reach out to others (both on the margins and in the mainstream) to offer compassion and good news. I also am aligned with the belief that Sunday morning is the most important time in the life of a parish church. To that end, I have worked hard to make Sunday mornings a fabulous experience. We still have a way to go, but we are getting there.

     So what are the specific areas going on at St. Jude’s that excite me and are life-giving?

     So what about the challenges facing St. Jude’s? Whenever there is change, there will be anxiety. Our job as Christians is to remain non-anxious in the face of change and to keep our eyes focused on Christ. In my sermon on 8/7/05, I talked about fear vs. love in the face of anxiety. As long as Peter kept his eyes focused on Christ, he stayed afloat. But once he became distracted by the heavy winds and focused on his fears, he began to sink. We must not fall into the same error as we struggle with change in the face of new possibilities.

     We are truly blessed to be in community with each other. Thank you for calling me as your rector. “In all that you do, you are to nourish Christ’s people from the riches of his grace, and strengthen them to glorify God in this life and in the life to come.” [BCP 531 Ordination of a Priest]

 

Peace,

Did You Know?

ETC: Episcopal Teen Community Comes to Santa Clara County!!
The Rev. Mary B. Blessing

This Fall Santa Clara County Episcopal Churches will be “rockin’” with the joy of building a strong youth community—ETC. ETC (Episcopal Teen Community) will network youth from our various churches, giving us a chance to celebrate God’s blessings with teens throughout the county. We will learn more about God, ourselves, and others as we share our lives beyond our local parish.

Here’s how it works: once a month, Senior High youth will gather on a Friday night at 7pm, pile into cars and go to the host church for the evening. Kids are asked to bring a $5.00 donation to cover costs. Each Friday will have it’s own “theme” with special activities planned and organized by the host church and Holly Hem, Diocesan Youth Coordinator. Parents will pick their kids up at the church event. St. Jude’s will host the October event on Friday, October 21 on the theme “SIN, DEATH & HALLOWEEN.” People from our parish are invited to help us host. You can help with set-up, decorating, bringing snacks, with our microphone/sound system, or with clean up. You can also help as a chaperone, driver, or small group leader.

Middle School kids will gather once a month on Saturdays, 2-4pm. They will have the same theme as the Senior High, but approach each topic with a lot more games and activities. St. Jude’s will host the October Middle School event on Saturday, October 22. (Since it’s the same theme, we use the same decorations and all… One set-up, one take-down). Contact Pastor Mary if you want to help with one of these events.

In addition to ETC events once a month, youth mentors and Pastor Mary will be meeting with our Youth Group on a regular basis. Pastor Mary will lead a video based Bible study for youth—time to be determined after kids get their school schedules organized.

Below are dates, locations and themes for ETC. Check out ETC at www.etcsc.orgwww.ecrweb.org. Contact Holly Hem, Diocesan Youth Coordinator at youthministry@edecr.org if you have specific questions for her.

We are looking forward to an exciting, spiritually fulfilling Youth Program this year!!

SENIOR HIGH-9th-12th grade

September 9, 2005-Friday 7:30-9:30-St Edwards, San Jose-CREATION.

October 21, Friday 7:30-9:30-St. Jude's, Cupertino-SIN, DEATH & HALLOWEEN November 18, Friday 7:30-9:30-Trinity Cathedral, San Jose-HUNGER December 16, Friday 7:30-9:30-TBA-CONSUMERISM.

MIDDLE SCHOOL-6th-8th grade

September 17, 2005- Saturday 2-4pm--Saratoga Creek Park, San Jose- CREATION October 22, 2005-Saturday 2-4pm-St. Jude's, Cupertino SIN, DEATH & HALLOWEEN November 19, Saturday 2-4pm- Trinity Cathedral, San Jose- HUNGER December 17, Saturday 2-4pm- Location TBA- CONSUMERISM.

Thoughts On Stewardship
Pat Coles

The concept of “property ownership” is strongly held in the Western culture. I was well schooled in the practice of pledging and my responsibility to support the work of the church – local, diocesan, national and international, but when I studied Native American history and talked with my Native American friends I realized there was another, useful way to look at “ownership”. The concept of land ownership is foreign to their traditional culture they used the land and bless the animals they hunt to survive. This was a revelation to me and I began to understand the concept of stewardship. I have the use of and responsibility for “my” property, “my” oak tree, and “my” possessions while I am on earth, but they don’t go with me when I finish my time on earth. I have been blessed to live where I do, in Cupertino, California, USA, and I am a steward of this abundance, therefore responsible for its care and appropriate use. I tithe because it is the least I can do in thanksgiving for all of God’s blessings

D iocesan Communications
Linda Morris

The 6 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 2004 Diocesan Audit Report has been posted to the diocesan website (www.ecrweb.org) and is available for your review. 

Property Highlights
Tom Dyer

Choir Risers- Mike Morris is moving and shaking with help from Jack Anspach, expert builder, for a new look.

Classroom Patio Restrooms- Damon is well underway after startup detour to “fix” plumbing drains. Wall refurbishment is being done by Dean, our resident remodel specialist. Once complete, will wrap up major projects planned for 2005.

Property management- the Vestry is examining various approaches to provide ongoing maintenance for our campus in the coming years.

Attendance for June
Ned Snow

Attendance dropped 2% in July compared with 2004, driven by double-digit declines in attendance at the 10:30 service at a couple of the Sundays.  Offsetting the reduced numbers at 10:30 were increases at the 8:00 service, which saw attendance climb 13%.  It was a hot July, so maybe people were coming to the 8:00 service when the church was a bit cooler (?).

Sunday School Open House
Pastor Mary Blessing, Becky Smith, Debbie Arietta, Linda Morris, and Bruce Hom

A Sunday School Open House will be held Sunday, August 28, 12-2 pm, in Classrooms and Church School Courtyard.

All families, parents and kids, and all interested persons are invited for a potluck lunch, play, and orientation.  We encourage all families with kids 2-11 to attend.  Program description, orientation to our classrooms, and parent-teacher discussion time will be included.  We want your feedback so that we can continue to improve our Godly Play Chapel and Sunday School program.  Sign-ups for Storytellers, Doorpersons, Music Team, and Art/Dance/Drama support will be taken. Children's activities will be supervised while parents and teachers meet.
The first day of Godly Play Chapel is scheduled for Sunday, September 11th. (Since many families will be camping in Big Basin over Labor Day Weekend, there will be no Church School on September 4th.)

If you will able to come, please reply to Linda Morris so we can get a head count.  Let the Holy Spirit lead you in what to bring for the potluck, but place settings and drinks will be provided

St. Jude’s Choir
Michael Morris

Saint Jude's Adult Choir will resume rehearsals on Thursday, September 1 in the church. Rehearsals start at 7:15 and end at 9:00 p.m. Babysitting is available. The Adult Choir sings for the 10:30 a.m. service each Sunday. New members in all voice categories are welcome! For more information, please call the Saint Jude's Music Director, Michael Morris at 408-376-0593 or email him at music@saintjudes.org

Support Your Neighbor in Need CCS BBQ on Sept 10
Mary Souza

Mark your calendars now for the 21st Annual Cupertino Community Services Auction and Barbeque, at Blackberry Farm on September 10, 2005 from 4-9pm. Plan to join 500 other members of the community in supporting CCS. Our own local firefighters will be preparing a scrumptious BBQ dinner. You might even want to join with several others in bidding on a dinner at one of the local firehouses!

CCS is a private non-profit, community based agency that has been providing direct assistance and referral services to the community for more than 30 years. Founded in 1973 by three public health nurses, the Cupertino Roundup became incorporated as Cupertino Community Services in 1976.

Throughout the years, St. Jude’s has continued to support CCS in several ways – with a donation from the parish Outreach budget, donation of food and clothing, participation in the Rotating Shelter Program, and by individual volunteer service in the Food Pantry and on the Board of Directors.

Invite a new friend and join us at the St. Jude’s Table where we will offer conspicuous support for this excellent organization. Buy tickets after church on Sundays or at the event. ( $35 per adult and $10 per child 12 & under) Find out more at CCS -- 408-255-8033 or visit http://www.cupertinocommunityservices.org/news.html

Faith-Full Families Planning Meeting on September 11th!
Don and Kathy Disney

Faith-Full Families is a monthly activity for families with young children. The activities are designed to help families explore their own values and to instill a sense of community with the other participants. Each meeting a potluck dinner, music, and crafts. This program has been running for seven years at St. Jude’s, and we had 14 families participating last year. We will have our annual planning meeting on Sunday, September 11th, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. We'll start with a pizza dinner for the whole family, then the kids will have supervised fun time while the parents discuss the program and set the calendar for the year. It is very important that you attend the planning meeting, so please mark your calendar now, and give the Disneys a call to RSVP. Also, feel free to call if you have any questions about the program .

St. Jude’s Pre-school Proposal - Introduction and Discussion - Sunday, September 25 th Jennifer Stern, Pastor Mary Blessing

Mark your calendars! Everyone encouraged to attend: Sunday, September 25th, we will begin sharing the details of the feasibility study underway for starting a Christian pre-school as a mission of St. Jude’s. We will have a brief lunch after the 10:30 service, followed by a summary presentation and discussion session to solicit your ideas and answer your questions (childcare will be provided). In addition, we will have a table set up after both services with handouts to take home for those who want more detail or are unable to attend the discussion forum.

One of the strategic goals that we put in place at St Jude’s in 2003 was to evaluate starting a school on campus. This goal was selected as an opportunity to further our mission - to spread the Good Word and make disciples of Christ - and to reach out to the demographics of our Cupertino community. Cupertino is well known as a community that values education highly and many of the families moving into our area are seeking outstanding educational opportunities.

We have spent much of this year in putting together an analysis of Christian pre-school offerings in the area, developing a proposed structure for a pre-school program, understanding what the implications would be for St. Jude’s if we feel called to this mission, and putting together a preliminary budget and timeline. On September 25th, we will share the status of where we are in this study, hear your thoughts and ideas, and answer any questions that you have.

Please hold the date, come and listen, and share your thoughts.

If you have any questions before this meeting, or would like to participate in the pre-school study, please contact Pr. Mary Blessing (mary@saintjudes.org) or Vestry Member, Jennifer Stern.

Stephen Ministry
Diane Snow

Stephen Ministry is a system of caring ministry we have here at St. Jude’s. In it, Stephen Ministers, specially trained congregation members, provide one-to-one Christian care to people who are experiencing a life challenge or crisis.

Job Description for a Stephen Minister:

If you are interested, please talk with Jerry Witherspoon , Diane Snow , Betsy Fox Fisher or any of our Stephen Ministers for more information. In addition, an informal meeting will be held for inquirers in the Fall. Please leave your name and number (and e-mail address) to be notified of date and time of the meeting with one of the above or by calling/or e-mailing the office at St. Jude’s.

25th Anniversary Celebration of the success of Adult Day Care at St. Jude’s
Jan Hill

Thanks to a forward-looking group of St. Jude’s members, the Adult Day Center was established on our campus 25 years ago. This was an innovative program reflecting the vision of community service for families who are committed to caring for their parents and grandparents at home.

The Adult Day Center is still the only one of its kind in Cupertino, and is a superb example of Christian service to the community. Since coming under the umbrella of Live Oak Adult Day Services, a non-profit organization combining a total of only 5 Adult Day Centers from Gilroy to Cupertino, the St. Jude’s Center is a thriving and busy place.

Attendance is at capacity, with an average of 20 elders each day, and many more family members benefiting from the program. It continues to meet an urgent need, as long term care costs continue to rise.

The families who are welcomed to the safe and caring community at St. Jude’s are profoundly thankful for the help they receive in caring for their elders. Some of these families have young people at home who witness the caring for their grandparents, and who may carry this message of humane commitment and understanding for all ages.

Now we plan to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of this successful model of compassionate caring and innovation. Please look for announcements of celebration dates in September. Call Kay Knapp or Jan Hill for more information.

Adult Education in September
Bruce La Fetra

We kick off the Fall schedule on September 11 with Dr. Dale Larsen followed by a three part series on the Evolution of Ideas in science, sexuality & gender, and theology that runs into October. Visit the web site for full details.

Spirituality in Action
Mary Souza

 

Christ has no body on earth but yours
no hands but yours
no feet but yours
Yours are the eyes through which is to look out
Christ's compassion to the world
Yours are the feet with which Christ is to
go about doing good
Yours are the hands with which Christ is to bless people now.

St. Teresa

 

 

 

 

Opportunities abound for putting your hands, feet, eyes and hearts to work healing, serving and blessing in Christ’s name. In addition to “Ward’s Board,” St. Jude’s Outreach ADVOCACY center, look for the new Outreach ACTION board in the Parish Hall or on the patio to find out how YOU might serve.

Some examples of what you will find posted on the new board:

One-time volunteer opportunities such as August Backpack Project at Santa Maria Urban Mission, St. Jude’s Outreach Fair, Holiday Food Drive, African Team Ministries December Craft Sale support or

Ongoing volunteer opportunities such as shelter dinner team schedules and contacts, senior day care volunteer opportunities right on St. Jude’s campus, needs at Santa Maria, training schedules for chaplaincies in hospitals or correctional institutions

Why not invite a new friend to join you and grow in the Spirit together?

Thank you St. Jude’s
Bob & Sally Hansen 

  We want to say thank you to all of you who were able to attend our celebration of our fifty years together. You provided us with the opportunity to show off our family of which we are quite proud. Thank you for all the expressions of love and congratulation you gave us, and for the beautiful cards; there were some gifts (in spite of our admonition) we need to thank people for also. However, in all the chaos and the helpfulness of grandchildren when we arrived at home, the cards and gifts became separated. We are taking this means of thanking those people who gave them and to apologize for not being able to be specific. We do have some specific thanks, however, to the people who made the celebration doable: Jean Chandler, who helped us get organized and saw to it that everything was where it needed to be when it needed to be. Jean, you are awesome. Susan Lanser, who did those beautiful flower arrangements. They were perfect Susan. Nancy Mangin, who took care of the Altar Guild duties (if you had help, Nancy, and we didn’t see them, our thanks to them also.) Dean Ewy, who set up and then cleaned up.  What an undertaking! We heard that all those little confetti type things were nearly impossible to vacuum up. Sorry about that. Laura Green, who made that beautiful music. Carolyn Bowker and Betty Harrah for being “on” for the communion service. Jim Harrah and Brock Carpenter (I think) for seeing a need and taking care of it. Then, lastly, (and firstly), Pastor Karen. Karen, you know how much we love you. Thank you for—well, everything. Love and Peace.


Updated 9/26/2005
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