Rector’s Journal: 2012 May

Pew Chair Re-upholstery Update  Generous donations from our members and friends have now paid for new upholstery and foam for ALL of the kneelers, and 88% of the chairs in our Worship Hall!  We are almost there! Only $1,000 remains to be raised. This generation and generations to come will celebrate the comfort and much better appearance of these renewed chairs. People have enjoyed “trying out” the sample chair that the vendor (Waggoners) provided for us. Please click here for the contribution form. If you have not yet contributed to this important upgrade to our church, please prayerfully consider sending your completed donation form and your check to the church office.

Nancy McGuinness  We are very, very happy that Nancy safely escaped injury in a  single car accident that resulted in major damage to her car. Although the car is in trouble, she was unhurt and no one else was hurt. Nancy is grateful to all who have called her, sent cards, sent flowers, and offered prayers as she was being checked for injuries, and as she gets back into her busy schedule.

Ken +

Rector’s Journal: 2012 April 27

Pew Chair Re-upholstering  I am very grateful to all of you who have already contributed to this very badly needed upgrade of our pew chairs in the Worship Hall. Our present chair coverings are literally falling apart. The capital campaign for re-upholstering of these chairs is progressing very well. All 44 kneelers have been paid for, and 61% of the chairs have been paid for. We have about $3,500 remaining to be raised. This investment will be appreciated by generations of worshippers at St. Stephen’s. The company we are working with has asked if we can be ready by late May for the work to be done. They can complete the entire project in one week, between Sundays. What a transformation that will be! They are working on calculating a small discount for us, if we can release the work to them for their late May timing, when they are working at another church in the Bay area. Click here for the contribution form. Please send your completed form and your donation to the church office.

Forward Day by Day  The May through July issue of this daily reflection booklet is available now at the church. There is no charge to you for this wonderful aid to daily prayer.

Need a House Sitter?  Dean Richard Lief will be in the San Jose area June 18-25 for the celebration of his and Carolyn’s wedding anniversary. He has asked if anyone may need house sitting that week. His hope is that this would defray his housing costs, and help someone to have a dependable couple watching their home. If you can help, please contact him at rlief@aol.com.

Blessings,

Ken +

Meet the Vestry: Karen Cuffie

Senior Warden

I, like many others, am not a “cradle Episcopalian.” My first encounter with the Episcopal Church was while I was in college. Being a music major and having the organist/choir master at Trinity Church as a professor was the catalyst for this discovery and “love at first sight” encounter. My combined love of God, the liturgy and Book of Common Prayer, and sacred music moved me deeper into my faith as an Episcopalian and I’ve never looked back! Through various relocations and vocations (music teacher, Air Force administrator, and mother) I’ve had the pleasure of worshipping in several Episcopal churches on the East coast, most of which would be considered “high church”. Moving to the West coast was difficult, but this community, exuding love and grace, was instrumental to our adjustment. I felt welcome from the first day I visited and knew that this was where our family belonged. Again, I’ve never looked back! With five kids in tow, one with special needs, I wasn’t involved in any ministries for the first couple of years but, as our children have grown I’ve been able to get more involved. Taking on the role of music director was a huge leap of faith. It was a call that I needed to answer, not knowing the magnitude of the blessings I would receive. Serving on the vestry and having the honor of being Sr. Warden has also been extremely rewarding and I am grateful for the opportunity. The icing on the cake has been answering a call to ordination for which this St. Stephen’s community has been instrumental. I am deeply thankful for your support.

Karen Cuffie

Rector’s Journal 2012 March 23

I encourage you to attend the financial lecture being presented this coming Monday night (March 26) at 7:00 pm, by Ryan Kelly. He is not only a fellow member of St. Stephen’s, but also Vice President of Investments and Senior Advisor at Merrill Lynch. The topic for this lecture is: Social Security. Future lectures Ryan has offered to us are on: Investing in a low interest rate environment, and Long Term Care. A flyer is available on the ssitf.org website. Invite a friend to join you for this lecture. We intend to establish these lectures as an on-going link to our neighborhood.

Jim Glancey, Gina Lin (a friend of Chris Glancey’s from Los Paseos School) and I have been working this week to install beautiful landscaping along the west side of the Worship Hall, along the walkway to the playground. This landscaping has been donated in memory of Chris Glancey. I plan to have a blessing on these plantings on Rogation Sunday. Be sure to take a look when you are next at the church. It is GORGEOUS!!

Easter Sunday is only two weeks away. Email will be going out shortly regarding plans for the annual Easter Sunday Brunch, and for our famous Easter Egg Hunt. Keep watch for the details.

Meet the Vestry – Lisa Thornberg

Christina Education Liaison

I spent the first 13 yrs of my life in the south suburbs of Chicago, where my family (parents and younger brother) attended a Protestant church that my grandparents joined when it was built in 1949.  Once we moved to CA, church kind of fell by the wayside while my parents figured out this new land called the Bay Area!  We lived in Santa Clara for close to ten years.  I’ve worked in both the medical field as a billing specialist for a local Oncology practice, and as a training coordinator for a software company.  These days, I’m lucky enough to be able to stay at home and enjoy my children’s adolescence and see them grow from boys into men.

I am so excited to be the Christian Education liaison for St. Stephen’s.  Fr. Ken and I have already been brainstorming about how we can improve all areas of education within the church.  A real passion of mine will be developing a thriving Youth Group.  I look forward to all of the challenges and rewards that this position will bring and I also welcome and ideas or feedback that any of you have.

Lisa Thornberg

Indaba Visit to Gloucester

I just received the link to a video that was made of the Indaba visit to Gloucester, England. I managed to avoid being interviewed, but was part of all that is contained in this very nice video that was created by Episcopal News Service. It is 6 or 7 minutes long. I hope you enjoy it.

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/03/06/video-three-way-global-partnership-a-model-of-healing-growth/#ooid=8xanRvMzqa_pphKMxLuLDckx-ySfEhg-

Grace and Peace,

Ken +

Capital Campaign for New Signs!!

Assistant Priest’s Journal

The Vestry has authorized a Capital Campaign to purchase new signs to make it easier for visitors to find our campus.  New signs will be made for:

• Avenida España entrance – double sided
• Banner at the chain link fence pointing to the church and preschool
• Remove the sign on the corner of the church and place a new one at the entrance to the driveway
• Bell Tower

Total cost for the project is $1600.00.  We have raised $920 so far.  That’s 57.50%!!  Thank you to everyone who has contributed!  In order to have the signs up by Easter we will need the rest of the funds by March 14^th.  Donations can be mailed in, put in the offering plate, or handed to any Vestry member.  We also have a box by the display in the Worship hall.

As an extra incentive – wouldn’t it be nice to have reached our goal by the time Fr. Ken returns from England?

Thank you & God Bless!!

Rev. Judi

Rector’s Journal 2012 February

The funeral service for Chris Glancey will be held at St. Stephen’s on Feb 11 at 11 am. An open house reception will follow at Glancey home, from 2 pm to 5 pm. Brooke Westfall will provide child care during the service.

Due to the service for Chris Glancey, and other facility needs, we have CANCELLED our traditional Sweetheart Breakfast. We will instead provide a Valentine’s Day focus to the coffee hour following the February 12th service. My thanks to Catherine Blair and Reverend Judi for working together to provide that special coffee hour.

The St. Stephen’s Vestry will be on our annual retreat next Sunday, 2/12 starting at 12:30 pm. At that retreat we make Ministry Liaison selections, and the Junior Warden for 2012 is elected. Please pray for our work and decisions to be God inspired.

Rev Judi and I will be on Clergy Retreat Monday through Wednesday this coming week. Please contact your Senior Warden, Karen Cuffie if you have any needs while we are away. Her contact phone number is in the church directory.

There will be no Bible study or Wednesday Healing Service this coming week, due to the Clergy Conference. The Bible Study on Revelation is going very well; off to a great start. And now we take a long break during Clergy Conference, Valentines Day, and the duration of Lent.

Lent begins Ash Wednesday, February 22nd.

The Lenten study series GodQuest begins with the sermon on 2/26, and small group meetings through the following week. Please check the SSITF website for information on this six week study. Please join a small group and plan to be at our Sunday services while we advance through this study. It will be time very well spent.

Treasury Notes – Jan. 20

Treasury Notes

Bridge to the Future – Together in Faith

2012 Pledge Commitments

Last Sunday, January 15, Stewardship Chair Tony Pecora had the honor of placing the keystone with Episcopal Flag on our beautifully-designed Stewardship 2012 visual aid poster.  The members of St. Stephen’s in-the-Field have exceeded the established pledge goal of $137,000 for 2012 by pledging a total of $138, 498.   Thank you St. Stephen’s!

The Vestry understands that we continue to be in difficult economic times, which presents a challenge for all of us.  In spite of this challenge, families have committed to the mission and future of St. Stephen’s in-the-Field.  We are blessed with the leadership of Father Ken Wratten and Reverend Judi Sato.  We are blessed with individuals and families who give of their time, treasure and talent to support the worship, outreach and Christian education experienced at St. Stephen’s.

Thanks to the generosity of St. Stephen’s members, we ended 2011 with a positive balance of $2,100.   The successful year-end balance and the achievement of our pledge goal for 2012 will enable us to continue to grow our programs and outreach to our community and world.   I look forward to 2012 with excitement and wonder that no matter what challenges us, this congregation rises to the challenge.

Thank you again, St. Stephen’s!  May we be ever mindful that God has a plan for us and it is up to us to have our eyes and ears wide open to that plan.

With gratitude and faith,

Julie Zintsmaster, Treasurer

Children, Youth, and Family Ministry

Assistant Priest's Journal

I hope everyone had a wonderful break from our normal daily lives of work and school. I thoroughly enjoyed this past Advent and Christmas season. Now we are ready to get back to our regularly scheduled services – well almost.

Toward the end of last year we decided to end the monthly Family Sunday Service due to lack of participation and enthusiasm. We have children ranging in ages from 15 months to 18 years old. One service does not fit all anymore. To that end we are trying two new ideas.

The first is the Children’s Chapel Eucharist following Sunday School that we started in December. Following their Sunday School lessons, the children stay in the Parish Hall for a Holy Eucharist just for them. From what I can tell after only two services, the children enjoy helping me out with the service. They get to ring a bell, distribute shells, pour water, and help me with the Eucharist. Parents (or any other curious people) are free to join us if you wish. We will continue with this arrangement until right before Lent in mid-February and then we will re-evaluate.

The second is a Eucharist that involves more creation and participation from the older youth. These we will call ‘Youth Sunday’ and they will be our principal service at 10:00am on those rare fifth Sundays of the month. The first one is coming up pretty soon – January 29th. The Youth will serve the community of St. Stephen’s by leading the Liturgy of the Word, including the sermon, and hopefully get to play some of the hymns. We have very talented youth in our congregation. I hope you will come out in force to support them!

If you have any questions about our new opportunities for children and youth, please let me know!

God Bless,
Rev. Judi

Treasury Notes – Dec. 30, 2011

Treasury Notes

Together We Did It !! Alleluia, Alleluia

As your Treasurer, I think a lot about the “bottom line,” especially when we approach the end of the year. As you may remember, there was some doubt about finishing the year without having to go into 2012 with a deficit. Well, I am very pleased and grateful to report that we did it! Although there will always be stragglers – both reimbursement requests and final pledge payments – I can say with confidence that we will end 2011 with almost $1,000 to spare. I slept so well on Monday night after I posted the count from Christmas Eve and called Father Ken with the news. Thanks to the grace of God, the wonderfully generous members and visitors who came for the Christmas services and some very giving members who gave well beyond their pledged commitment, we made it. Thank you to each and every one of you who gave of your time and treasure this year. I look forward to 2012 with excitement and wonder at what the year will bring and how we will respond as we go out into the world to love and serve the Lord. God bless each and every one of you in the year ahead.

In Faith, Hope, and Peace,

Julie Zintsmaster
Treasurer

Treasury Notes – Year End 2011

Treasury Notes

This time of year is always difficult financially for parish Treasurers, and St. Stephen’s in-the-Field is no exception. As we have been learning from Father Ken’s sermons, Advent is a time for us to reflect on faith, hope, and peace– but how does that help us with our finances?

Here are the facts. We ended November with a year-to-date deficit of ($2,792). With known and estimated income and expenses for December, that year-end deficit is estimated to be ($2,595).
The actual deficit at year-end will need to be subtracted from our 2012 budget.

How did that happen? Pledged income is behind by $5,400. Our anticipated deficit is smaller than that because some families have given more than they pledged, we received more than expected in some non-pledge areas (specifically facility use and mini-fund raisers) and we spent less than budgeted in some areas. If we had received all pledges in full, we could have ended the year with a positive balance of $2,800.

What you can do…..

• IF you can — complete your pledge commitment for 2011.
• IF you are able — give a Christmas offering above and beyond your pledge commitment.
• AS you can — pledge realistically for 2012.

We are truly blessed at St. Stephen’s-in-the-Field with outstanding clergy, generous, committed members, many young families, active founding and long-time members, energetic, contributing new members, a thriving pre-school program, 2 successful fund raising events, and much more. We know the importance of faith, hope, and peace. Even though I am Treasurer and I am responsible for keeping track of the financial bottom line, I refuse to let go of my faith, hope and peace, for I know that we will have what we need. We will accomplish God’s will for us with what we have.

And we will “Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.”

Please pray for the financial welfare of St. Stephen’s in-the-Field and prayerfully consider what you can do.

In Faith, Hope, and Peace,
Julie Zintsmaster
Treasurer

New Opportunities for Children and Youth

Assistant Priest's Journal

One of my passions is to help our busy families keep connected to God. Lately, Fr. Ken and I have noticed that not many families have attended our Family Sunday on the third Sunday of each month. We also recognize that we have a wide age-range of children and youth that attend St. Stephen’s, which probably explains why this one service has not worked for awhile. So we want to try some new ideas. Some will be for the younger children and some will be for the older youth. One of the first things we want to try is to provide an Instructed Eucharist for the younger children on a regular basis.

After Sunday School the younger children will stay in the Parish Hall and we will turn it into a chapel just for them. We will then have our own Eucharist that I will lead during the rest of the 10 am service. Parents will have the choice to join the children in the parish hall at the Peace or remain in the main church for Holy Eucharist. By giving the children some ownership in their own service, I am hoping they will really see something new about God that will remain with them for a long time. The first Children’s Chapel will be on December 4th. We want to try this for a couple of months to see if it works. I hope you will help us out by letting your children come and participate on a regular basis. We are also looking for ways our older youth can also have their own meaningful worship experience. If the youth could meet with me after church this Sunday we can discuss some ideas several of us have been working on.

As baptized members of God’s Holy Church, children have a special place in God’s heart. They are also our brothers and sisters in Christ. They have every right to expect us to help them have a meaningful worship experience.

If you are interested in helping or have any suggestions, please let me know – I’d be happy to discuss this with you.

God Bless,

Rev. Judi+

Assistant Priest’s Journal – Family Ministry on the Move

Assistant Priest's Journal

Greetings!

One of the things I really like to do is create new ways to worship. I also have a passion for helping families stay connected with God in the midst of their busy lives. So to combine both of my passions I am hosting a new event and I’m calling it:

Create Our Own Eucharist!

I have found that the more input we have in our worship experience, the more important it becomes. Here is our opportunity to create something really special. We will combine food, fellowship and creativity for a fun and meaningful evening. I don’t want to wait until after the holidays, so we need to get going soon. Here are the particulars:

When: Saturday, November 12th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm

What: Dinner, fellowship, and creating our own Eucharist

Who: Parents and children of any age.

Where: Let’s meet away from our familiar setting so we can think outside of the box. We will meet in the Community Room in the Mobile Park where Rod & I live- 5680 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose

After we gather, the children and youth will split up into four stations (parents can help):

1. Break Making – help make the bread for communion. We will also be making the bread for the Family Sunday Service in November.
2. Music – we will select the music we would like to sing for our service. Bring your instruments and also play with the “band”
3. Bible – we will select the scripture we would like to focus on. Then we will create some questions that everyone will discuss during dinner (this will be our “sermon”).
4. Worship space – we will decorate our own altar and seating space

Some of what we do this night will also be carried over to our Family Sunday Service later in the month. I’m hoping to do this at least quarterly so that the children and youth will get to rotate through all four stations, but if there is interest we can do it more often.

For dinner – I will provide some chicken (I’m tired of pizza) and we can potluck the salad and desserts. Next week I will send out Evites to the families with children and youth – so be on the lookout for them.

Let me know if you have any ideas or questions! I’m really excited about this new opportunity!!

God Bless,

Rev. Judi +

Assistant Priest’s Journal – FAQ’s About Healing

Assistant Priest's Journal

In last Friday’s Journal entry I discussed Healing, the Bible, and Science. The question that usually follows is “Why wasn’t the person I prayed for healed?” The only right answer is “We don’t know – it is one of God’s mysteries.” For many, especially those in the throes of a serious health crisis, this is not a very helpful answer. And I would agree if we just left it at that.

The question “why weren’t they healed?” is focused on only a very limited period of time in our existence. From our perspective our health crisis consumes our whole life and affects everyone around us. God, however, looks at the whole of our eternal existence. God does not love us only when we are healthy.

This leads us to another frequently asked question: “Is my illness part of God’s plan?” My answer? No. I do not believe it is God’s plan that we get sick. Our value to God is not dependent on our health and well being. We are a child of God and He wants us well. Scripture bears this out. In all of God’s creation, only humans were created in God’s image (Gen 1:26), which tells me how much God loves us. God created our inmost being (Ps 139:13) and God does not create junk. God loves us so much that he allowed His only son, Jesus Christ, to suffer and die for our sins (John 3:16). This sacrifice of God’s own Son effected all of eternity. When we are sick we don’t often feel that God loves us, but he knows everything we think and feel (Ps. 139:1-3). God’s plan for us is an eternal plan, beyond the limits of our struggles at the moment.

Illness, especially cancer, is the chaos of life sneaking in. God wants us to pray for healing. I find that when we pray for healing, we need to be as specific as possible – we call them “arrow prayers.” When we are battling a major illness, the healing we receive from prayer is not limited to or necessarily a relief of our physical symptoms. Our healing can also be a healing of memories, or an emotional healing. Often there is a spiritual healing or a healing of a relationship. Rick Warren says “God does not waste a hurt.” During an illness, we learn new things about ourselves – usually that we are a lot stronger than we thought. What gets us through the dark times of an illness is our faith that God does not desert us. We may not understand what we can gain or learn from our illness at the time, but we do know that we are not separated from the love of God. Our relationship with God is not dependent upon our health. Our work in God’s Kingdom is not dependent on our health. No matter what, we are a beloved child of God.

Treasury Notes

Financial Update as of 8/31/2011:

Treasurer's Journal

• We are behind in pledged income by -$5,232
• We have spent less than expected by -$1,321
• At this point in the year, we anticipated a net of +$6,799
• Our actual net at this point is +$1,222

Please get your pledge up to date if you can. Third quarter statements will be mailed the first week of October.

Thank you.

Julie Zintsmaster
Treasurer

The Bible, Science, and Healing

Assistant Priest's Journal

During his earthly ministry Jesus went about from town to town healing all that were brought to him. Check out the first chapter in the Gospel of Mark. After his temptations, the first day he went about with his disciples he healed Peter’s mother-in-law and everyone that was brought to him for prayer. Over one-third of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark & Luke) deals with some form of miracle. When John the Baptist asked Jesus if he was the Messiah, Jesus responded “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.” Matt 11:4-5 NRSV

God wills the complete healing of all spiritual, psychological and physical sickness. We will receive this total healing at the final resurrection from the dead. As a sign and seal of this future promise, God often sends healing today. God upholds us in our fight against sickness, giving us the grace to endure when healing is delayed. God wants us well.

Our 21st century sensibilities very often keep us from believing in the power of prayer to heal. Many of us believe it is not God who heals today, but medical science. The human body is seen as matter in motion. Since we are doubtful about the reality and relevance of the spiritual world, we have difficulty praying for the sick. When we do pray, we do so with little confidence. Healing through prayer is seldom recognized. However, there are signs of change. More and more doctors and psychiatrists are beginning to take their belief in the Bible as seriously as their medical training. The combination of loving prayer with medical expertise creates the optimum conditions for healing to occur. Medical science is a gift from God to his creatures. I have a very dear friend who was healed of breast cancer through medical science and prayer. Miracles of healing are happening all over the world.

Come join us on Friday, September 23rd at 7:30 pm for a night of healing prayer. Come and be prepared to see God at work in our lives.

God Bless, Judi +

[Portions adapted from Authority to Heal by Ken Blue]

Treasury Notes

Treasurer's Journal

Dear Members and Friends of St. Stephen’s in-the-Field:

Thanks to your generosity, hard work, perseverance, and determination, we accomplished some major projects this spring and summer:

1. With generous donations from individuals in the parish, we:

• removed trees that either had fallen down or were ready to fall down in the median strip of the parking lot
• completed a thorough clean-up of the community garden area, renting a container to haul away debris and filling in holes that were a safety hazard, with all cost covered by donations
• were able to pay our portion of the parking lot repair with brick fund reserves
• collected special offerings to send tuition recovery funds to the Sudan when their money was stolen, and assist individuals with urgent needs
• sent $415 in cash plus an overflowing box of purchased school supplies to Santa Maria Urban Ministry; $252 to Food for the Poor (from the food jar); and $427 to UTO
• supported Father Ken with preparations for his trip to Tanzania with Bishop Mary and others from the Diocese of El Camino Real
• sent $112 to Sudanese Youth Opportunity for our sponsored students to receive a polio vaccine

2. Our golf tournament was a huge success, achieving our budgeted net revenue of $11,000

3. Our Chevy’s nights continue to exceed our budgeted expectation, and our outside group facility-use revenue is greater than expected

4. Our preschool continues to thrive, grow and contribute significantly to our operating budget and special projects

5. We hired an independent auditor to audit our financial records for 2010 and he reported “no exceptions.” We will continue to conduct an annual audit of both the church and preschool financial records as required by the Diocese

6. Please remember the importance of staying on top of your weekly or monthly pledge. The money that comes in from pledges is budgeted and used for the operating expenses of the church.

As treasurer, I count our blessings every day and appreciate the many individuals and families who support St. Stephen’s in-the-Field, and our local, national and world community with outreach and financial support. I thought it would be fun to share with you the good news of what we have accomplished over the past few months.

Blessings to all,
Julie Zintsmaster
Treasurer

A Service of Prayer Against Cancer

Assistant Priest's Journal

Next month St. Stephen’s will be hosting a prayer service against cancer. This is something the Holy Spirit has been encouraging me to do since Maundy Thursday. I think we all know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer in the recent months. This is a wicked disease and it’s time the church does something about it. There are many wonderful opportunities to raise money to work towards a cure: walk-a-thons, bike-a-thons, television marathons and recently I heard of a boat-a-thon to fight leukemia. In fact, many members of our parish have participated in these events and we have supported them.

As a church we have a more valuable asset we can contribute in the fight against cancer: prayer. On Friday, September 23rd at 7:30 pm we will hold a service of prayer at St. Stephen’s. We will pray for those who need healing. We will pray for family members and those who are caregivers. We will pray for medical personnel who treat the patients. And we will pray to stomp out the disease.

I invite everyone to come and offer your prayers on this most holy night. We will also provide the Sacrament of Unction: the anointing with oil and the laying on of hands for healing. And at the end of the service, we will offer our praises to God because even Job spoke well of God during his ordeal.

This service is for anyone who has any relationship with this disease: patient, spouse, family member, friend, caregiver, and medical personnel. Invite your friends and your family and let’s join the battle the best way we as a church can – in prayer.

God Bless,

Judi +

Family Ministry – Back to School

Assistant Priest's Journal

Family Ministry – Back to School

My grandson Nathan started Kindergarten last Monday (very early, I know). He looked so cute in his new shorts and shirt waiting for the bus to arrive. I remembered the time each of my kids started school for the first time. These days bring long-lasting memories and also some fear and trembling (not just for the students – parents too).

Maybe your child is going to a new school, meeting new friends. This can also make them a bit nervous. There may be a new classroom, a new teacher, new sports, or new activities.

Well, God cares about all this and will be with you and your child throughout the school year. I found this lovely prayer litany for families to pray before the first day of school. I hope you can get together as a family and read it either the night before or the day of the first day of school. It will show the children how much Jesus loves them and is with them throughout the day. And don’t forget the pictures…..

God Bless,
Judi +

Litany for going back to school.

Leader: When it’s the night before going to school, and I’m picking out my clothes and making sure I have all my school supplies…

Children: Jesus is with me.

Leader: When I’m waking up and eating a healthy breakfast to start the day…

Children: Jesus is with me.

Leader: When I’m getting on the school bus or being driven to school…

Children: Jesus is with me.

Leader: When I meet my teachers and new friends in my class…

Children: Jesus is with me.

Leader: When I’m playing with my friends at recess…

Children: Jesus is with me.

Leader: When I’m finding the right school bus to ride home…

Children: Jesus is with me.

Leader: When I’m telling my family about my day at school…

Children: Jesus is with me.

Leader: When I’m praying at night and thanking God for my family, my friends and my school…

Children: Jesus is with me.

Leader: Let’s pray together:

All: Thank you, Jesus, for always being by my side. I know that if I get nervous or afraid, you will be there with me. I know that I can talk with you any time – day or night – and for that I am so thankful. I pray this all in your name. Amen.

This one was written by Rev. Karin Fowler and modified by Rev. Larry Farris

http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2011/06/back-to-school.html

God Bless,

Judi +

Rector’s Journal 2011 Aug 9

I just received a message from Canon Brian Nordwick for Episcopal Men. This is an invitation for parishes to consider having men in the parish join to form a chapter of the Brotherhood of St Andrew.  Guys, look this over, and let me know if any of you are interested in pursuing this further. Blessings and Peace, Ken +

Rectors, Vicars and Wardens,

Below is an invitation with information from our Province VIII President, Conrad Plyler, for the Brotherhood of St. Andrew – an Episcopal men’s organization in our Church.  Several congregations have active groups (listed below) in El Camino Real.

If you or member of your congregation are interested in learning more about this organization, please contact one of the congregations with an active group or Conrad Plyler (Prov. VIII President – contact info below) to get more information.

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is a lay Order and Rule-of-Life organization in the Episcopal Church and worldwide Anglican Communion whose sole purpose is to bring men and boys to Christ, through His Church. It reaches out to men and invites them to get up and work for the spread of Christ’s Kingdom, instead of just sitting on the sidelines. A Brotherhood Chapter in a parish or mission provides the clergy with a spiritual, trained and committed cadre of men dedicated to Disciplines of prayer, study and service.

In your diocese there are four chapters, at St Barnabas Arroyo Grande with 7 members, St Luke’s Hollister with 9 members, All Saints Watsonville with 6 members, and St Stephens San Luis Obispo with 8 members, plus several Brothers at Large throughout the diocese.  I heartily invite you to check out the Brotherhood at our national site, www.brothersandrew.org and to begin a dialog with me about expanding the Brotherhood in your diocese. By building up this ministry to men, you will be building Christian Leadership, all the while growing the Church. The Brotherhood has been around since 1883, and given a chance, its disciplines and precepts provide just what men need to be vital members and leaders in your diocese, and of great assistance to you and your clergy.

Please contact me at: grayman@wavecable.com

Phone (360) 769-5910

Or at 1894 Valley Ave E
Port Orchard, WA 98366

Blessings!

Conrad

Conrad Plyler
Diocesan
Coordinator, Olympia

Province VIII
President

Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Inc.

Canon Brian Nordwick

Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real

P.O. Box 1903
Monterey,
CA  93942

(831) 394-4465

Indaba Journey, by The Rev. Ken Wratten

The Good News along the King’s Highway, Sharing News in the Diocese of El Camino Real

Friday, July 29, 2011

Chapter 5: Indaba Journey

By: The Rev. Ken Wratten

When I was invited to be a member of our eight person diocesan team to the Diocese of Western Tanganyika (referred to always as DWT), the ten day trip to Tanzania sounded like a long journey to a far away land. It was a long journey, taking about 22 hours to get there, and about 55 hours to get home. And it was far away from the life I am used to. Even though I have travelled to South America a number of times, and visited the ‘interior’ of Brazil and Venezuela, I had not experienced living without electricity, without running water, travelling on only red clay roads, and carefully tucking in my mosquito net around the edges of my mattress every night. READ MORE

Treasury Notes

Treasurer's Journal

Dear St. Stephen’s families,

Mid-year pledge statements went in the mail this week to all pledging families. Even if you are not a pledging family but care about the financial health of St. Stephen’s, you will want to read this.

On July 14, I reported to the Vestry that as of June 30, almost one-half of our pledging families are behind in their year-to-date pledge payments, for a total deficit of ($6,413). This amount is offset somewhat because some of our families are ahead in their giving. However, as we get closer to year-end, the deficit will grow unless families who are behind catch up.

I walk a fine line as Treasurer as I work on the books each week, trying to balance our income and expenses, maintain a positive balance in the check book, pay PG&E, make sure that our rector’s paycheck clears the bank, pay liability and health insurance, property taxes, a copier lease, our office supplies, restroom supplies, etc., etc. The fine line that I walk is because our income is based on faith – the faith that pledges made last November will happen. Our pledge to St. Stephen’s is a gift, a donation. While it is a commitment that most definitely enables us to plan a budget for the year, we cannot require people to pay on time, or even pay their entire pledge. Any shortfall puts me, and the Vestry, in a difficult position, because we are trying to make certain that we end the year with a positive balance. (We talked about raising the debt ceiling, but somehow that doesn’t work for us.)

We all love St. Stephen’s. We love Father Ken and Mother Judi. We love Sunday morning services, the Wednesday healing service, bible study, and parish life events. We even love work days most of the time. We have so much to be thankful for at St. Stephen’s and we don’t want anyone, not even one person, to feel like they “can’t afford” to be part of St. Stephen’s. That is definitely not my message today.

My message is this – if you are behind in your pledge because life has gotten in the way and you just lost track of what you have already given, please use your pledge statement to catch up. If your financial situation has changed since you pledged last fall and you’re not sure that you will be able to fulfill the commitment that you made for 2011, please let me know privately, so we can know that we need to make adjustments to our planned spending.

We have a balanced budget based upon the pledge commitments that we received last November. Ending the year with a $6,000 deficit is not something we can let happen, so I am asking for your help. If we work together, I know we can continue to do great things at St. Stephen’s and grow in the light and love of God and Jesus Christ. After all, that is what is most important. That is our mission, our desire and our primary goal.

Blessings to each of you,

Julie Zintsmaster, Treasurer

Tanzania Presentation to St. Stephen’s Congregation

Visit Our Photo Gallery

Rector’s Journal

July 8, 2011

An invitation to a slide show on Ken’s travels to Africa!

I am back from Tanzania, filled with stories to tell you. The journey was long, the days were filled to overflowing, and the experiences were amazing. The Diocese of Western Tanganyika (which everyone there calls DWT) shared abounding hospitality with the eight of us from El Camino Real, and the eight who came from the Diocese of Gloucester, England. I have taken lots of photographs, but then remembering how tiring it was to watch my parents’ slide shows, I have sorted out 78 slides that tell a pretty good story of my journey.

Please plan to join me after the 10 am service this Sunday. We will take time to gather up coffee and snacks, and then I will start the slide show. It should take about an hour. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you!

What a surprise!

When I returned from Africa, I was first hit by an outrageous case of jet lag that had me falling asleep by 7 pm, and wide awake at 4:30 am. Then I came down with a very hard cold that started in my head, and aimed for my lungs. So I went onto antibiotics and decongestant, and away from any of you so I wouldn’t share my cold. When I finally got to the church, look what awaited me:

This Big Red Bow decorates the gates to our Community Garden, which was completely cleaned up and made a showplace while I was gone. The hillside is mowed. The lawn is green. The entrance to our church property is welcoming and attractive. I am deeply grateful to everyone who had a hand in the hard work; and especially to the ‘ring leaders’, who I understand are Rev Judi, Julie Zintsmaster, Tom Good, and Karen Cuffie. Our church is an extension of our home. We share a good portion of our lives with each other here. You can be proud of this wonderful work of caring for our church home. Thank you so much!

Grace and Peace, Ken +

Assistant Priest’s Journal

Assistant Priest's Journal

First I want to thank everyone for their help in the Community Garden – it looks wonderful. It is a great deal of fun to work together to finish a big project. We still need to do our Dirt and Beer Party – we just need to wait for the weather to cool down. When will that be – November??

We have two other projects that we are finishing up. The Brick Project will come to an end this weekend. If you have ever wanted to remember a family member, celebrate a big event, or give praise to God – this is a wonderful opportunity. Proceeds from the Brick sale will be used to purchase the bricks and to help with projects around the parish. Be sure to get those forms in (you can find them on the St. Stephen’s website under Fundraising).

The other project I want to finish is updating our phone directory. If you have recently moved, changed your phone or email would you please send the new information to me: j.sato@sbcglobal.net. We want to publish this soon. We will also be doing another photo directory in August, so you will hear more about this real soon.

I hope you all are keeping cool – Rod and I have already had two power outages at home!

God Bless!
Judi +

Assistant Priest’s Journal

Assistant Priest's Journal

Greetings!

Fr. Ken has been gone almost one week and so far so good. I hear he is doing fine, but very tired. He had the privilege of preaching in the Cathedral and I hear it went very well! Continue to pray for him for endurance and a safe trip. We wanted to surprise him with a cleaned up campus when he returned so when you come to church on Sunday you will notice a BIG improvement in the Community Garden.

With the help of donations we had a debris box brought in and filled it with all of the debris that has been building up out there. The garden area is looking really nice now. Sometime next week Dan Hughes will be bringing in a rototiller to even out the mounds and fill in the holes. We are looking for someone who loves working with people and gardens to be our Community Garden Coordinator. This person would interface with our neighbors who use the space and would work with Building and Grounds on how best to organize and keep the space in order. If you are interested please let me know. Thanks to Tom and his workers who have done most of the clearing, and also thanks to Julie, Karen, Andy, Marshall, Ron, and Logan who came out on Thursday evening to handle some of the really yucky stuff!

I also want to thank all of you who have volunteered to take care of a plot of land around the campus. We could not do this without your help!!

This week the Preschoolers return for our Fun in the Sun Summer Camp. It will be nice to have them back because it was really quiet in the office this week.

See you all in church on Sunday!

God Bless! Judi +

Sr. Warden’s Journal

6/17/2011

We had a Vestry meeting last night. I really look forward to these meetings because we not only discuss the business of the church, but because getting together with peers in our faith family who are energetic, creative, and care deeply about our church is very satisfying. I come away with a sense of hope, looking forward to all that is before us, now and in our future.

We have a lot to do, and thankfully, we are doing a lot. Not just the vestry, but all of us. We worship, welcome, feed, gather, pray, clean, garden, play – all of these things together, as a community. In all that we do, we try to stay true to our mission “…we exist to make a place that draws all people to Christ. Go St. Stephen’s and, as Rev Judi might say, “Go God”!

I am bringing this up as a reminder to us all. Fr. Ken is on his way to Tanzania tomorrow. This is big on so many levels and we can be thankful that he was asked to participate in the trip. While he has never left us on any extended period of time, we have also never had an assisting Priest. God’s timing is perfect! At our meeting last night, Fr. Ken expressed a confidence in us that St. Stephen’s is in good hands. That says a lot.

I think we’ll all miss him, but no one more than his family. Because we care so much for each other and we know the power of group prayer, I’d like to invite everyone to say this special prayer for Fr. Ken, Ruth and the family each day that he is gone.

Holy and gracious God, we are grateful that Fr. Ken has been chosen for this important trip. We pray that you will bless him and keep him healthy and safe while he is away. We ask that you bring comfort to Ruth and give her a sense of peace everyday. In your son, our savior, Jesus’ name. Amen

Rector’s Journal

On Saturday June 18, I will begin a ten day long journey to Tanzania. While I am away, Rev Judi will be conducting the normal services, and will be available for any pastoral needs. If you need to reach her, leave a voice message at the church office (629-1836), or call her cell phone number, which is in the church directory. Senior Warden Karen Cuffie will also be available to you.

Please remember that we only have about three weeks left to receive orders for Memorial or Dedication Bricks for our narthex. If you would like to have a brick (or several) added to our aisle in the Worship Hall, be sure to get your orders in to the church office before early July. The suggested donation is $100 minimum for each brick. Extra proceeds we receive will be used for capital improvements to our church. The order form is available on our website, or can be mailed to you by calling Rev Judi in the church office.

Now for the trip to Tanzania… I was asked by  Canon Brian Nordwick and the Bishop several months ago if I would join the team of eight from this diocese (including Bishop Mary and Canon Brian) to travel to Tanzania, Africa. On this trip we will be joined by eight representatives of the Diocese of Gloucester, England. Together, we will be the guests of the Bishop of Western Tanganika in Tanzania. The trip is (mostly) funded by a resolution from the 2008 Lambeth Conference.
(See http://www.lambethconference.org\resolutions\2008\).

This trip is part of a larger project involving a loop of visits to Tanzania, England, and the USA, to learn about each other’s cultures, to establish new diocesan and parish-level contacts for mission, and to engage in discussion and listening over topics that are now causing conflict in the Anglican Communion. Of course the most visible and public issue fueling the conflict was the consecration of Bishop Gene Robinson. But a deeper issue has been identified by the primates who met in Lambeth in 1998 and 2008. They perceived a break in the historic ability within the Anglican Church to honor each other within our diversity. Or more to the point, we are losing our ability (or willingness) to honor the people with whom we disagree; to respect that the ‘mind of Christ’ is at work in each of us. These discussions will be challenging work, and I ask your prayers for good listening skills, discernment, and trust in the Holy Spirit to bring blessing upon the work we do. I plan to take some photos of this adventure, and to have a forum in late summer or early fall to share my experience with you. Blessings and Peace, Ken +

Treasury Notes

Treasurer's Journal

Just a friendly reminder from your Treasurer about the importance of staying on top of committed pledge payments. Sending in weekly or monthly payments helps so much. At the end of May our expected pledge revenues are $3,369 less than expected. We so appreciate all of you who are giving consistently either weekly or monthly. Your regular giving is a true blessing.

Second quarterly statements will be out at the end of June, but if you would like an update of how you are doing before that, please do not hesitate to ask me. I can look it up for you.

St. Stephen’s-in-the-Field is a special parish, with special people and committed mission. Thank you all for your time and treasure!

Julie Zintsmaster
Treasurer

May 26, 2011

Dear St. Stephen’s Families:

Just a quick reminder about the importance of staying up to date with your pledge contributions. As of May 26, 2011, we have recorded $52,355 in pledge revenue, approximately $3400 short of budget. Our budgeted revenue and expenses run very close to each other, so every pledge payment helps us maintain a healthy cash flow. The next pledge statements will be distributed the first week in July. In the meantime, if you have questions about where you are in your giving, do not hesitate to ask me.

On a bright note, we have had two Chevy’s night fund raisers so far this year, and have made $616! Our next Chevy’s night is June 6, so mark it on your calendar and plan to come. It’s a lot of fun, and it definitely helps our treasury. Outside users of our facility have also been good to us, bringing in $1675 in the first five months of the year.

Thank you everyone for your consistent and generous financial support of St. Stephen’s in-the-Field!

Julie Zintsmaster
Treasurer

Sr. Warden’s Journal

May 26, 2011

The next “Day of Discovery” is June 15^th at St Paul’s, Salinas, from 10am-3pm. The “Day of Discovery” is just what it’s title suggests – a day to discover,…to think about what God has called you to do for Him. It is a day that just might steer you down a path of deeper discernment about your gifts and how you might be called to use those gifts, or you might walk away feeling affirmed that you are serving in exactly the way God has called you. Either way, it’s a day well spent. I attended the Day of Discovery two years ago. Although I was already serving in the music ministry at St. Stephen’s, I felt driven to go. I knew there were other areas of lay ministry I was interested in and was also seeking some clarity about discerning a call to ordained ministry.

The Day of Discovery is open to all, not just those considering ordained ministry.

If you’re even thinking about going, you should go!

Visit the Diocesan website to find details about how to register. A very tasty and generous lunch is provided ($10 donation). I am happy to answer any questions you might have!

Assistant Priest’s Journal

This Lenten season we have been discussing that God is closer than we think. One way to experience this firsthand is through Cursillo.

Cursillo is a Diocesan Program that seeks to produce Christian leaders in all of our environments, not just in church. Cursillo provides the tools we need to support our Christian walk at home with our family, in our work situation, and with our friends.

Part of the Cursillo method is a three day weekend experience that is part retreat, part study, part worship and a lot of fun! This year the Cursillo weekend will be May 12-15 at a wonderful retreat center on the beach. Imagine three days at the beach away from the worries of work and home and getting to meet some people who will become friends for life.

If you have not been to Cursillo, I encourage you to pray and see if this is the time for you to consider going. If you have concerns about babysitting or pet sitting – we (the Cursillo community of St. Stephen’s) can help with that to enable you to participate. Regarding cost – the weekend has already been paid for you by past participants, so do not let cost be a concern. As an additional incentive, it is a good time to attend because we have several members of St. Stephen’s who are working on the team so you will see some familiar faces.

Your time spent at Cursillo will draw you closer to God – so it fits perfectly with our Lenten Series. Please contact me if you feel the Lord is calling you to attend this current weekend and I will connect you with a Sponsor who can get you set up.

God Bless,

Judi +

Sr. Warden Journal 4/8/11

Spring is finally in the air (sort of)! It comes just in time for our Parish Work Day tomorrow. There’s plenty to do and many hands make for light work. Please try to make it out, even if only for a little while. Wouldn’t it be nice for the outside of our church to be as beautiful as the people inside?

I would also like to remind everyone of the Brick Project that has been reopened for orders. When you walk into the church, you can’t miss the names that are permanently installed on the aisle and in the Narthex. This is rather unique to St. Stephens, full of names that are near and dear to someone’s heart. You can have any name engraved on a brick (s) that you purchase, and you can even decide how the wording will look when it’s engraved. Because of the kind of work that is required for this project, it is not something that is ongoing. The opportunity to purchase a brick is limited to sixty days. The next time we will reopen the project will likely be in 4-5 years. The bricks are $100.00 each and order forms will be available at church tomorrow. If you have any questions about placing an order, please see Emil Baggs or me.

Lastly, I would encourage everyone to find a few minutes during the week to listen to a sermon, any sermon, that is posted on our website. I recently missed two Sunday services because I was out of town. Thankfully, it was very easy to click on the link to the sermons that I missed and, admittedly, I listened to them while doing e-mail, etc… it was uplifting! You can hear comments, laughter and even babbling babies in the background. It almost felt like being there – what a great feeling!

Deep peace to you all,

Karen

Treasury Notes

Treasurer's Journal

Dear St. Stephen’s Family –

It’s the end of March. We are half way through Lent and a quarter of the way through the pledge year. I thought it was a good time for a friendly reminder about the importance of staying current with your pledge.

We are counting on every pledge to help us pay the bills and cover monthly expenses. Currently, we are just over one week behind in pledge receipts. I encourage you to look at your annual pledge, divide by 4 and see if you are up to date. Or watch for your first quarter pledge statements which will be mailed the first week of April. I know how busy life gets and how fast the weeks fly by. Anything you can do to help yourself remember to send in your pledge on a regular basis will be helpful. You can mail it to the church during the week, drop it by the church office or put it in the collection plate on Sunday. They all work. And they all help us stay current with our payroll and our bills.

May God bless you abundantly – and many thanks to those who are staying current with their commitment. Thank you for the honor of serving as parish treasurer. Do not hesitate to call if you have questions.

Julie Zintsmaster

Family Ministry Lent 2011

Assistant Priest's Journal

I have been pondering how to implement this work of Family Ministry and when I noticed that the only ones who signed up for the Small Group series were singles I realized what needed to be done.  It is very hard to find a sitter for six weeks, so why not have a group adapted for families and have it at church?

Rod and I are leading this group and we are having a great time!  We meet on Sundays at the church at five and we are out around 6:30.  We start with a potluck and fellowship and then the adults go into the church and watch a video and then share how the video touches their lives.  I have been staying with the children – and it is not babysitting.  I want this time to be focused on God.  So far Maike and Colin have joined me.  You may think they are too young – but you’d be surprised.  The first Sunday I told the creation story with beautiful and colorful pictures.  I laid them on the floor so they could walk among them.  As I laid them down I would say God created space, God created the earth, etc. Maike followed me around and at each picture she bent down and touched them with both her hands.  Each child would come back to the pictures (Maike loved the sun!) and sometimes they would pick them up and put them to their face (obviously absorbing them by osmosis)!

This past Sunday I brought my iPod and we listened to children’s praise music.  You know how difficult it can be to keep an 18 month olds attention – well – try music.  Colin, Maike and I sat on the floor w/ the iPod and sang for 20 uninterrupted minutes!!  Colin has this cute head move while he dances around.  I also laid out the pictures again and Maike remembered her sun!

Next Sunday, we will switch it up – Rod’s going to bring his guitar and sit with the kids. We’ll bring a couple of instruments that they can play along with him.

I hear the adults are having a good time as well!

Judi +

Senior Warden’s Journal: 3/17/11

I mentioned before the service last Sunday that the Choir would be singing an anthem that they feel especially connected to because it reminds them so much of St. Stephen’s.  These are the lyrics to that anthem.  Enjoy!

WITHIN THESE WALLS

-Pepper Choplin

Within these walls, we assemble,

Within these walls, we gather in Your name.

As we join our hearts in a holy union,

we come to find communion in Your holiness again.

Within these walls, let there be harmony; a common bond;

a Spirit from above.

And as your children let us love each other as sisters and as brothers united by Your love.

We are the branches, You are the Vine.

We are the vessels and You are the Wine.

We are the body, You are the head.

For every hunger, You are the Bread.

Within these walls, let there be refuge,

a common bond; a Spirit from above.

And let us lift each other as we gather to find Your peace

no matter how terrible the storm.

Within these walls, give us Your vision.

Within these walls, let us understand that beyond these walls

there are hurting people who have never felt Your healing hand.

Beyond these walls, send us forward.

Beyond these walls, let Your will be done.

We are your people; You will leave us never and

we shall work together until Your kingdom come!

Within these walls, let us listen.

Within these walls, let us pray.

Senior Warden’s Journal: Wednesday Morning Healing Service

The Wednesday morning healing service is entered in my Google calendar as a recurring event.  I think I officially added it to my calendar about a year ago, but I’ve been going to the service for longer than that.  I really look forward to it and am very disappointed if something comes up that prevents me from attending. Because the service takes place in the middle of the week, it has become the perfect time for me to re-center – to put things back into focus the way God wants them to be.

It’s a small, intimate service where we listen to scripture, hear about one of the Saints, pray and share communion together.  Fr. Ken focuses on a new Saint every Wednesday and then poses a question for us to reflect on.  We are invited to share our thoughts out loud and we often do just that.

We pray together, boldly, for ourselves and for others – not only for healing, but also for anything that is in our hearts.  It’s humbling and powerful.

I invite you to come give it a try.  You might end up making it a recurring event on your calendar too.

Karen Cuffie
Sr Warden

Rector’s Journal

We hope you will enjoy having access to some short notes, posted often, and included in a Digest that is sent to you once per week. We are testing out this new method of keeping you up to date on activities at St. Stephen’s, and to minimize the number of emails we send out.

This coming Sunday is the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. We will collect the Alleluia posters from the children, and I will “lock them up” in a safe place. This is our fun way of enacting the end of any prayers or songs containing the word “Alleluia” until Easter. This Sunday will also be the last Sunday for chanted Eucharist for a while. We will be using Eucharistic Prayer D, said, not chanted, throughout Lent. Be sure to bring your old palms from last Palm Sunday. They will be burned to make ashes for the Wednesday Ash Wednesday services.

Next is our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. There is information on that event on the SSITF website. Please plan to attend on Tuesday night at 6:30 pm.

Next are the two Ash Wednesday services. The early one is at 6:30 am, and the evening one is at 7:30 pm. This is the official start of Lent. We place ashes on our foreheads in the sign of the cross; we receive pocket coins to keep us mindful of the meaning of Lent; and we join in special prayers to remind us of the huge debt we owe to Christ for what he accomplished for us.

The next Sunday, March 13, is the date of Bishop Mary’s visit to St. Stephen’s. There will be one Confirmation. After the service we will have a pot-lunch brunch in the Worship Hall. Tom Good is leading the volunteers in setting up the Worship Hall like a dining room. I LOVE that configuration, and many people have told me that it is such an intimate setting, they would love to have it that way most of the time. Although not practical to do that, it says how much fun we have when this is the setting. Don’t miss the Bishop’s visit. Another message will go out next week with the breakdown of what food item we are requesting, based on the first letter of your last name.

Mother Judi and I have generated a rota for 2011 which incorporates her preaching and presiding once per month. The particular Sundays vary, but it will average out to once per month. I appreciate her co-presiding with me every Sunday. What a treat for all of us!

Have you noticed the new plantings in one of the planting areas along the parking lot side of the church? One of our pre-school grandparent’s, Ken Truver, is volunteering time to trim, weed, plant, pick up, and otherwise make our property look sparkling clean. He has removed the old, rotted benches from under the oak tree, and is rebuilding them. Thank you, Ken.

Lars Samson and I have now met twice with leaders of New Creation Lutheran to discuss the urgent need to repair badly damaged blacktop in the driveway, their parking lot, and ours. In our section of the driveway there are pot holes, and in our parking lot there are sections that have been raised and torn up by tree roots. Lars and I are getting quotes to see what should be recommended to the vestry, and then to you, so we can get our parking area back in good shape again.

More next week…

Grace and Peace, Ken +

Seeds & Harvest Newsletter – October

Inside this issue:

Seeds & Harvest Newsletter – September 2010

Inside this issue:

• The 2010 Golf Tournament Baskets
• The 2010 Golf Tournament Finances
• LEM / CB / Acolyte Workshop
• Alms for Albs
• Summer Baptisms
• Summer Music: Players for Christ
• Preschool Summer Science Camp
• Prayer Shawls
• CommunityFest
• Family Fun Day
• September 19 Sunday School
• September 19 Ministry Fair
• God is Closer Than You Think
• October Animal Blessing
• September Parish Activities
• September Server Schedule

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Print the Newsletter

Seeds & Harvest Newsletter – May 2010

Inside this issue:

• Building & Grounds Projects
• Preschool Update
• Prayer Shawl Ministry
• Bishop’s Visit
• STATIONS Artwork
• LEM / CB Training

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Seeds & Harvest Newsletter – April 2010

Inside this issue:

• Sox Project
• Preschool Update
• Confirmation News
• Bishop’s Visit
• Special Music
• Autism Awareness Month

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Seeds & Harvest Newsletter – March 2010

Inside this issue:

• Sr Warden Message
• Preschool Update
• Communications
• Worship
• Parish Life
• Lenten Study
• Financials

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Seeds & Harvest Newsletter – February 2010

Inside this issue:

• Cursillo
• Preachool Update
• Diocesan Communications
• Pilgrimage to England
• Women’s Day
• Spiritual Leadership
• Lenten Study
• Financials
• Parish Events

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Seeds & Harvest Newsletter – January 2010

Inside this issue:

• Senior Warden
• History Book
• Preschool
• Treasurer’s Report
• Outreach
• Advent Services
• Cursillo
• Food for the Poor
• ECW Workshop
• ERD

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Seeds & Harvest Newsletters (2005 – 2009)