I write “was” because I’ve decided to postpone my sabbatical leave until after program year 2002-2003. I definitely want to be around for our centennial, which is in April 2004, although we’ll probably be planning a number of special events all that year. Anyway, there are a number of reasons why I’m waiting. One of them is that I was “pushing” too hard to make firm plans around where we’d be staying (Maine? Puget Sound?). Cyndie, Alexandra and I are also feeling quite settled and don’t feel a strong desire to live somewhere else for three or four months, which is really the best way to do a sabbatical.

An even more compelling for me as rector is my sense of timing around taking some study leave. For the last several months I (and many others) are feeling a strong convergence of “energies” in the life and ministry of St. Paul’s. I might almost describe it as our reaching a “critical mass.” It’s quite exciting to feel the cohesion among the various leaders here these days. I feel that if I left for a sabbatical now it would slow down our building momentum. Too many things are coming together, and I want to support what God is bringing to pass with my presence. “There is a time for everything,” and there are times when a rector’s sabbatical is very beneficial and energizing for the ministry of a church. But not yet!

So here I am, for now. A good example of the kind of thing I’m talking about is the Lenten adult class. It is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had in ministry. John Robinson’s book Honest to God is not an easy read, and the concepts discussed in it are very challenging of our traditional ways of talking about God and Christ and the religious life. While Lenten adult education is a strong tradition in this parish, attendance at classes in the past (even with distinguished guest teachers) starts high and tapers off until the last session. We’ve had four classes on Wednesday nights so far, and the attendance has held up in the high 20s each week, with new participants in every class.

I actually wanted to do a class on prayer, but I was getting requests for something like what we’re doing (especially from that daredevil Canterbury Manor crowd). I never thought I’d ever be teaching a class on issues in contemporary Christian thought in a parish church. You are an amazing bunch of people. Thank you.

If you want to know more about what else the Spirit is stirring up in our parish community, check out the magnificent web site that Valerie Williams has composed for us at www.stpaulsbremerton.org, or just read on…

Peace,
Randy

The business meeting took place on Friday evening in the middle of the Eucharist. Cece Morris, a candidate for the diaconate, was invited to the meeting to discuss her plans and duties upon being ordained as a deacon and to formally ask the vestry for sponsorship for ordination. There was a motion to endorse Cece’s ordination, it was seconded, and it passed unanimously.

John Winesdorfer explained how the treasurer’s report worked and what the various funds were and how they could be used. The Endowment Fund was discussed and it was brought up that we still need to decide what its use is going to be. Fr. Randy turned in his Housing Allowance Statement for 2002 and it was approved.

John Winesdorfer passed out a handout about a Russian vocalist group called Archiglas and asked if we would like to sponsor a concert at the church in October. The only cost to us would be for transportation and lodging. There would be a free-will offering for the group at the performance. It was approved to let the group know of our interest and to sponsor them if they decided to come to our church.

We discussed the grand piano and whether or not we wanted to purchase it. John Winesdorfer reported that the piano tuner recommended another tuning in a couple of weeks and that might solve some of the initial problems with the action and unstable tuning. There was still three weeks left to work with it until a decision about its purchase had to be made, so it was decided to let it “age” and then have a special vote at the end of the time period.

Tom Remick brought to our attention that there are new leaks in the south wall of the lantern and they are destroying his previous repairs. He proposed replacing the cedar shingle siding with T-111 siding and putting new cedar shingles over that so as not to ruin the look of the building. He did not have an estimate for the job, but would get one to the vestry as soon as he could.

Saturday was spent doing a workshop on Small Groups after Morning Devotions and breakfast. The Rev. Robert B. Brandt developed the workshop. We watched a video and had a discussion afterward. We then did a sample Small Group meeting. We also discussed whether we wanted to try having Small Groups at St. Paul’s and if so what format should they take. It was decided that we needed to talk about this more in greater depth at another time. After dinner, there was an open discussion about what is working in the church and what’s not. The evening ended with Holden Evening Prayer.

On Sunday we had the Eucharist after breakfast and had more open discussion until lunch. All in all I think everyone felt it was a great weekend and we became closer as a group as a result of it.

Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Dueñas
Clerk of the Vestry

The conference is open to students in grades 9-12. Space is limited and registration is $25. Come and discover what shapes us and explore what things affected Christ. Call the church office for more information or to get a registration form.

Spring JYC

The Spring JYC is scheduled for May 3 through 5 at St. Stephen’s, Longview. Contact the church office for more information or to get a registration form.

150th Anniversary Workshop

For 150 years the people of the diocese have lived their faith and served their communities. In 2003 will be the 150 anniversary of the mission and ministry of the church in the diocese. Join Diana Wells, Archivist for the Diocese of Olympia, Jane Hershman and Barbara Benson of the History, Archives and Records committee as they lead a workshop on April 13th on the historical context for the Anniversary celebration. The seminar will be held from 9:30 to noon at St. Charles in Poulsbo. The workshop is free and morning refreshments will be provided.

Couples Workshop

A couple workshop will be held April 26 and 27 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Auburn Washington. It will provide couples with an evening and day to focus on marriage and provide some communication tools to enhance relationship. The workshop will also discuss conflict resolution skills and listening techniques. The cost is $30 and includes materials and a light lunch on Saturday. Scholarships are available. Couples of any faith are welcome. Contact Alan and Carol Lusby for more information.

Hole in One anyone?

The Bishop’s Open Golf Tournament is scheduled for noon Monday, June 17, at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course. Form a team and come and enjoy a day of golf, prizes, good food and fellowship. Registration form will be available in the church office later this spring.

Prayers for local churches

Remember in your prayers the folks at St. Charles in Poulsbo and St. Bede’s in Port Orchard as their parishes are in a period of transition with staff.

Big Sale Happening

Joy Brydon is selling her home and all furnishings! She is eagerly waiting to move into Canterbury Manor. Joy has arranged to leave flyers with a full description, location and listing of items to sell in the church office. Her 1,640 sq-ft spacious home contains three bedrooms and two baths and has a host of amenities.

Please call the church office (377-0106) to make contact with Joy and set up an appointment for viewing. She is always at St. Paul’s on Fridays by 9:30 to help

Attention all acolytes and those aspiring to be acolytes!

There will be a meeting on April 14 after the 10:15 a.m. service. All current acolytes must attend this brief informational meeting and all trainees will stay afterward for a training session. Please contact Jennifer Dueñas will any questions or if you are unable to attend at bjagduenas@att.net.

Mark your calendar
Friday May 10th

“Captain Smartypants” at St. Paul's!

Seattle Performances cost $17.00, but you will pay only $15.00 per ticket and skip the ferry ride!  Beverages and light horsd'oeuvres will be available at a nominal cost for your enjoyment.

Captain Smartypants was formed in 2000 by Seattle Men's Chorus Assistant Artistic Director Eric Lane Barnes. They have but one goal: to make you laugh while creating exquisite harmony. This vocal octet has shared the stage with such luminaries as Nell Carter, Megan Mullally, Lea Delaria, Rosemary Clooney, Kristin Chenoweth and, of course, Seattle Men's Chorus. Their stylistic range includes swing, doo-wop, psychedelic rock, Motown, techno pop, barbershop, and just about everything else in between. Their songs take aim at such comedy targets as unfaithful lovers, cell phones, bad grammar and finding that ever-elusive parking spot. Captain Smartypants is featured on Fruit of the Month Club, Seattle Men's Chorus newest CD.

Captain Smartypants has gained a reputation in Seattle for telling it like it is, telling it like it isn't, and telling it like it probably never will be. Part improv-comedy troupe, part a capella showcase, part musical theater extravaganza, these eight boys sing and dance like the illegitimate lovechild of 'N Sync and Monty Python's Flying Circus. Captain Smartypants will take you through the landscape of popular music, turning songs and styles end over end. They are touring their show 'Song and Pants' through King County in this 2001-2002 season as guests of the King County Performance Network. When you see Captain Smartypants, expect to be moved to laughter, tears and sometimes both at the same time.

Newcomers Welcome

A huge "thank you" to the vestry and other ministry leaders who helped make the "official" Welcome to Newcomers on March 3rd such a success!  Folks new (and relatively new) to this worship family were the honored guests at a luncheon in the Oliver Room and, judging by the abundance of laughter and conversation, a good time was had by guests and hosts alike! Our best estimate of attendance is that there were nearly 60 people getting to know one another a little better that morning. We look forward to offering this kind opportunity for fun and fellowship on a regular basis, with the next event tentatively scheduled for June 2nd.  Look for more information as the date draws near and please don't hesitate to join the fun!

“Christian Scriptures (see specially Matt. 25, Luke 14 and John 12) make many references to hospitality. The essence of hospitality is a readiness to accept people as members of the household, temporarily, for short or long term as circumstances indicate. Hospitable people welcome guests without drawing attention to all the preparations that have been made, and guests are grateful without showing surprise at the host’s thoughtful consideration. Before there can be hospitality there must be both hosts and guests; to be a good guest requires as much generosity, liveliness and imagination as it does to be a good host. Hospitality graciously offered and graciously received enriches the household that provides it as well as the guest who enjoys it.”

“Hospitality is more than kindness and friendship. The church depends on it because it makes for the informal conversations which stimulate creative thinking and action. Such conversations nourish the genius, the prophet, the saint or the artist. Hospitality has enabled countless people (as guests and hosts) to recognize their own ability as well as the abilities of others.”

“The church is strong where those who worship together are at ease in enjoying each others hospitality. Christians believe that it is not merely the entertaining of fellow members but that non-Christians are also to be welcomed, not patronizingly, but mindful that the poorest people are not only the materially poor but also the spiritually destitute. In short, hospitality can be a means of grace where it is freely given and freely received.”

Through the evolution of our congregation, faces have changed over the years. Do you know each individual? Their likes and dislikes? Get to know everyone you possibly can at St. Paul’s, for as we grow, our hospitality will become second nature for those who join us in the future.

Tom Remick

An April Prayer

A little boy wanted $100 badly and prayed for two weeks but nothing happened. Then he decided to write GOD a letter requesting the money. When the postal authorities received the letter addressed GOD USA, they decided to send it to the President. The President was so impressed, touched and amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy a $5 bill. The President thought this would appear to be a lot of money to the little boy. The little boy was delighted at receiving the $5 and sat down to write a thank you note to GOD, which read:

“Dear GOD, Thank you very much for sending the money, however, I noticed that for some reason you had to send it through Washington D.C. and, as usual, they took most of it.”

Tom Remick

On Maundy Thursday evening after the Stripping of the Altar, a Garden of Repose will be in the back of the Nave for you, to wait and pray with our Lord. Come, meditate, and pray. It is a powerful experience.

There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Sign up to wait and pray for an hour between the hours of 8:30 pm to 6:30 am

You are invited to come and help set up the garden Thursday morning at 10:00 am. Or, if you like, you may bring plants and/or flowers (real or silk) for us to use. You may also donate a real or silk plant to use in the Garden and it would beautify St. Paul’s all year long.

Quiet Day

On Saturday, March 2, a Lenten Quiet Day was held at St. Paul's, sponsored by Daughters of the King. It was a restorative day of reflection, prayer and fellowship, capably led by Maggie Scott of St. Antony's Episcopal Church in Silverdale.

Twenty-five people attended, including members of several other area churches in addition to St. Paul's. A delicious lunch was prepared for the group by Delsie Peebles and her helpers from the Lord's Neighborhood Diner. The afternoon concluded with Eucharist served by Father Randy.

Spiritual Formation Update

St. Paul’s had a special visitor on Friday afternoon, March 15th. Judy Meany, director of Children’s Ministries at Good Shepherd, Vancouver, catechist and trainer in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, visited our church and our atriums. CGS has been in place as a children’s faith formation tool at Good Shepherd for more than 10 years. Because of the growing interest in this program throughout the diocese and the phenomenal growth of Good Shepherd’s children’s programs after committing to this process, Mrs. Meany was offering workshops on this topic, the following day, as part of the Ministry Resource Day. She came up early to have the opportunity of meeting with St. Paul’s catechists and of seeing our facility. She offered high praise for the atriums and acknowledged the immense effort and support St. Paul’s parish family has given to CGS. That same evening, many members of the spiritual formation team, including formation director, Rusty Holland and Fr. Randy, and John Winesdorfer, our senior warden, met with Mrs. Meany and spent several hours excitedly talking about the future of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Paul’s.

Your catechist’s will begin their second level of training this summer at Good Shepherd, Vancouver. By September St. Paul’s will have a second atrium up and running, with a wealth of new materials for the children to begin exploring. The spiritual Formation team is discussing many ideas for offering adult education pieces throughout the program year, to share the method and materials used in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with the rest of our parish. It’s a worthwhile exploration at any age!

Thank-You Daughters of The King!

Lent gives, to those who wait and attend services, a special gift. Quiet sadness permeates each Sunday service to soften our hearts so we can experience the thirst and hunger for communion with God. Little by little we begin to see that the sadness is indeed "bright." We feel that a mysterious transformation is about to take place, and as we continue our worship through the weeks our souls touch another world and are filled with deep happiness and inexpressible trust. We understand then, why the services seemed long and sad. Why the messages predominately negative, were there to "quiet down" our minds, so used to the rush. We understand that it is impossible to pass from our normal state of obligations to a restored state of inner stability without these reminders.

It is not about "How often must we go to church?" or "How often must we pray?" but about going to another world, of being in God's Presence in the community of his Saints. It's about "Sad Brightness": the sadness of my exile, of the waste I have made of my life; the brightness of God's presence and forgiveness, the joy of the recovered desire for God, and the peace of the recovered home that Jesus experienced. We need services to take us there slowly because our fallen nature has lost the ability to accede there naturally. Even Jesus needed time in the desert, not one day or two but forty.

On March 2nd we had enriching "Quiet Day." A Quiet Day filled with blessings: quiet to calm our souls, guided focus by the leader to guide our hearts, books and tools to aid our journey, a prepared lunch so we could continue to meditate, and community to encourage us. More than 20 people attended this Lenten ritual from 4 different churches and enjoyed a feast of "Bright Sadness" at St. Paul's!

With Easter, "the Feast of Feasts" around the corner we will once again celebrate, "the death of Death, the annihilation of Hell," and reclaim the gift of new and everlasting life that shown forth from the grave more than 2000 years ago! That gift of "new life" was given to us on the day of our Baptism, in which, as St. Paul says, we "were buried with Christ…unto death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead we also may walk in newness of life."

This gift, of new life, forever alters our attitude and actions toward everything in this world. Through the year we sometimes lose the gift of new life. When we live as if Christ did not rise from the dead, as if that unique event had no meaning for us, as if Christ never came, we sin the sin of all sins. All this because of our weakness and the impossibility for us to live constantly by "faith, hope, and love" on that level to which Christ raised us when he said: "Seek ye, first of all, the Kingdom of God and His righteousness." We understand that the liturgical traditions of the Church exist to help us recover the vision and the taste of that new life which we so easily lose and betray. We repent during Lent and return to the new life of our baptism so that on Easter we can celebrate, with restored joy, Christ's Resurrection as something that happened and still happens to us!