From the Rector

Not long ago I reread what the provocative St. Augustine (354-430 A.D.) had to say on the subject of the love of God, self and neighbor. "It may be thought," he wrote, "that there is nothing (in the commandment to love God) about man himself, the lover. To think this shows a want of clear perception. For it is impossible for one to love and not love himself. For he alone has a proper love for himself who aims diligently at the attainment of the chief and true good; and if this is nothing else but God, as has been shown, what is to prevent one who loves God from loving himself?" Unfortunately, in my opinion, much of popular Christian devotion has equated being "good" with smiling a lot and being a human doormat. I would like to suggest some alternative ideas on this weighty matter. Assuming there is some truth in what the old saint said, peruse the following list (written by an anonymous author), which, I believe, applies to one who is at peace with both God and herself:

1. The right to be treated with respect.
2. The right to have and express your own feelings and opinions.
3. The right to be listened to and taken seriously.
4. The right to set your own priorities.
5. The right to say no without feeling guilty.
6. The right to ask for what you want.
7. The right to get what you pay for.
8. The right to ask for information from professionals.
9. The right to make mistakes.
10. The right to choose not to stand up for yourself.
11. The right to change your mind.
12. The right to say "I don't know the answer."
13. The right to say "I need some time to think that over."
14. The right to feel and express anger.
15. The right to do something others may disapprove of.
16. The right to do less than you are humanly capable of.
17. The right to ask why.
18. The right to ask for help.

Only if I am capable of loving myself and admitting that the "divine spark" who is Christ lives in me can I possibly love and see Christ in a neighbor. - Peace, Randy

From the Senior Warden

The season of Lent and my personal Lenten journey had barely begun when I fell, right in front of our house, and broke my leg. A trip to the emergency room, surgery, a few days in the hospital, a sore leg, a big cast and suddenly all my usual inclinations toward Lenten commitments and disciplines were pushed aside. For the next few weeks, there is not much possibility I will be able to attend the Holden Evensong service or the Lenten class being offered on Thursday evenings, and I won't be able to comfortably participate in the Friday evening prayer vigil or the cell group leader training that same evening. All my plans for starting an exercise regime… out the door!

Because of some pretty strong pain medication, even reading has, for now, become an exercise in futility. All of my "easy" usual choices for Lenten growth and discipline are out of my reach right now and I ask myself; now what will I do? How can this Lent be meaningful, full of challenge and growth, if I can't DO any of the things I'd planned?

Ever so gradually, over these last few days, an answer, a possibility, has begun to form in my mind. I read an article from a magazine called "Weavings" a while ago, about prayer. One way of looking at prayer, the author offered, was to consider being prayer rather than doing prayer. Now, with seemingly endless hours of contemplation at my disposal, I'm thinking about how being might be my growth discipline, rather than the doing that has been my measure thus far.

What if, by being forced to give up those things I had so casually considered important/necessary to my spiritual formation this Lent, I've discovered a new way of enhancing my formation? A new way to be? Each of you must have a remembrance of a time when you had to let go, you had to let friends or family members do things for you you'd been formerly capable of doing yourself? Do you remember the gratitude you felt, the humility? Maybe even the frustration? Talk about letting go! If I take my fledgling understanding to the next level, I begin realize just how completely dependant I am on God. You, my family and friends, are the body of Christ and you support me completely, now, in this time of need, and even more importantly, we support one another each day of our lives.

I'd truly never put together the realization that our interdependence on one another is a parable for our dependence on God. Maybe I never would have if it were not for this enforced "time out" in my life right now. Recognizing we are Christ for one another, in good times and bad, accepting ourselves as needy creatures and humbly accepting the help, love, comfort and guidance offered by the very body of Christ, are this Lent's true growth opportunities for me. I am learning to be present, be grateful… be.

With a most grateful heart,
Myra Battin

Junior Warden's Notes

The Vestry had a pleasant and productive retreat at Seabeck Christian Conference Center during the weekend of February 28. It was intended to be a team-building and goal-setting session and we did a bit of that.

The topic of Tom and Terrie Remick was in most minds for a good bit of the time. In light of this and the fact many members of the congregation seem to be concerned about this and other issues, I suggest that any of you with concerns take the time to talk directly to Vestry members, Randy or me (until Myra is well) so that your concerns can be brought to the attention of the elected leadership.

Also, please note that Vestry meetings are open to all and (at the risk of utter boredom) it is the very best way to make your voice heard. Meetings are normally held on the third Thursday at the month at 7:00 p.m. but double check the monthly calendar or speak to a vestry member for potential changes (especially during the seasons of Lent, summer and Advent).

Bear in mind that, as one wise man said, "reasonable men [and women] can differ" so there is no guarantee that my views or yours will prevail in an open forum. Please take advantage of this invitation.

Peace,
Don Vanlue

Inspiring Hymns

Charles Wesley, the author of this well-loved hymn, was perhaps the most prolific hymn write of all time. In all he wrote over 6,500 hymns, may of which have become an integral part of church tradition.

Born in 1707 in Lincolnshire, England, Charles Wesley was the youngest of eighteen children. His father, Samuel, was a poor country parson who made up in perseverance what he lacked in prosperity. His mother, Susannah, was a model of Christian piety and organization as she daily instructed her sizeable brood from the Bible and taught the children to sing psalms and spiritual songs as they did their chores around the house.

As a child, Charles demonstrated an unusual interest in poetry and composed verses on any subject at hand. This interest was life long; he is aid to have often written his letters in verse. From his deathbed he even dictated on final hymn verse beginning, "In age and feebleness extreme…"

Despite his family's poverty, at the age of nine Charles was sent to Westminster School in London to join his older brother, John. After completing his schooling there, he continued on to Christ Church College, Oxford, where he earned his Master of Arts degree in 1730. During his years at Oxford, Charles joined with other like-minded young men to form a Christian group that became know as the "Holy Club." The club's members adhered to strict rules and methods of living, studying, and practicing their faith. Because of this, the name Methodist was later given to followers of Wesley.

In 1735, Charles Wesley was ordained a priest in the Anglican Church. In this capacity, he was assigned as secretary to General Oglethorpe, the governor of the colony of Georgia in British North America. That same year, Charles traveled with the governor to North America, but he seemed unable to adjust to his situation of his occupation. In the fall of 1736, sick both in body and in soul, he set sail for England.

On this journey the ship encountered a tremendous storm, and Charles underwent a spiritual transformation. Huge waves washed over the vessel, drowning or sweeping overboard almost all of the livestock. The ship began to take on water at an alarming rate and all on board felt certain they would not survive. At this point, the captain ordered the mizzenmast be cut down in hopes of saving the ship. In Wesley'' journal he records the following concerning this event: "In this dreadful moment, I bless God, I found the comfort of hope; and such joy in finding I could hope, as the world could neither give nor take away."

With his newly found faith, Wesley sought to comfort the other passengers and "urged them to resolve, if God saved them from this distress, that they would instantly and entirely give themselves up to Him." When at last the storm ceased, the crippled vessel continued across the Atlantic, finally arriving back in England on December third. Wesley writes in his journal: "I knelt down and blessed the Hand that had conducted me through such inextricable mazes." While Wesley has not specifically indicated that it was this experience that prompted the writing of "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," one may readily see the parallels in the first two verses of the hymn.

A second life-changing experience occurred eighteen months later in May of 1738. Bedridden with fever, dysentery, and pleurisy, Wesley despaired of ever returning to health. As he lay alone in his room in Aldersgate, he had a vision of a woman named Mrs. Musgrove entering his room and telling him: "In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, arise, and believe, and thou shalt be healed of all thy infirmities." Immediately after this encounter, Charles searched the Scriptures and found verses he felt confirmed this experience and gave him new hope. From that hour his health rapidly improved and he embarked on the intensely evangelical lifestyle for which he is remembered. His faith took on a new fervor that lost him the support of his local Anglican Church, but won converts all across England, Scotland, and Wales.

It was just one year after this dramatic conversion that Charles Wesley wrote "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," and many church historians see the experience reflected in the last two verses of the hymn. Although Charles' brother John disliked the hymn for being "too sentimental," it has become one of the best known and loved hymns of Christendom and has been translated into all the languages of the missionary world.

Cindy Holland

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her priest and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the priest was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. "There's one more thing," she said excitedly. "What that?" came the priest's reply. "This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The priest stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. "That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the priest.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement."

In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' 'It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie.' 'Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork the best is yet to come."

The priest's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge.

She KNEW that something better was coming. At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the priest heard the question "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the priest told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. Hey lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us. Show your friends how much you care. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to "Keep your fork."

Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share ... being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.

- Sent to Cindy Holland from her friend Marge Higson


Community Prayer Vigil for World Peace

The Community Prayer Vigil for Peace in the World kicked off Friday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. here at St. Paul's. People gathered in the gentle quiet amidst candlelight and soft spiritual music to share a sanctuary of peace. It was a time of contemplative prayer and meditation. It was a moving experience.

The Vigil will continue Friday evenings through April 18 (Good Friday) from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Childcare will be available. Contact the church office for more information.

Everyone is encouraged to come and pray for our country, our world and our service men and women. Pray for peace and safety.

- Sherri Cochran


Holy Week at St. Paul's

During this month of April, Lent ends with the beginning of Holy Week on Passion/Palm Sunday, April 13. We commemorate the last days of the life of Christ on earth with a number of activities at the late and evening services during Holy Week: Palm Sunday to celebrate Jesus' coming into Jerusalem; Maundy Thursday to remember Jesus' Last Supper and foot washing with his Disciples (followed by an all night vigil in the Garden of Repose); Good Friday and the crucifixion; the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday; and the glorious Resurrection of our Lord on Easter Day.

April 13, Passion/Palm Sunday: 8:00 and 10:15 a.m.

At the late service, we will all gather in the close to begin the service (the congregation gathers in the narthex at 8 o'clock). With palm fronds and singing, we will all process up the small hill led by the Thurifer with incense into the church. Please see the "Smoke Alert" in this newsletter and Sunday bulletins.

April 17, Maundy Thursday: 7:00 p.m.

This evening service commemorates the Last Supper and foot washing with Jesus and his Disciples. Foot washing was not a ceremony in the Jewish religion. It was a more practical matter when people wore sandals and walked the dusty roads. It was considered a demeaning task and usually done by household servants. The Gospel of John tells us that the Disciples were aghast when Jesus said that he would wash their feet. On the one hand, it was a sign of his humbleness and humility. On the other, it was a symbol of his cleansing them from sin.

For those that want to participate in our foot washing, we cleanse each other's feet as a sign of our humility and a washing away of our sins. We use warm water and no soap. Only one foot needs to be washed. Women are reminded not to wear long stockings or panty hose for this ceremony.

The Maundy Thursday service ends with the stripping of the altar and the removal of the sacraments from the nave. At the back of the nave will be the Garden of Repose which is symbolic for the place that Jesus asked his Disciples to come sit with him in his last hours. It is a restful place for contemplation and prayer after the service. A vigil will be maintained in the garden throughout the night until daybreak on Friday morning. We ask that people sign up to sit for at least one hour during the night. Alas, for security reasons, we would like to have at least two people keeping the vigil at all times throughout the night. Please consider helping us keep this vigil as Jesus asked of those who loved and served him.

April 18, Good Friday: Noon and 7:00 p.m.

The noon service on Good Friday will be the Stations of the Cross. The evening service will be held at 7:00 p.m. We hope to precede this service with a Labyrinth walk as we have done in past years. The Sunday bulletins in April will announce if we will have this activity.

April 19, The Great Vigil of Easter: 7:00 p.m.

This evening service at 7:00 p.m. is the first Eucharist of Easter, which begins with the Service of Light and Blessing of the Paschal Candle, continues with a special series of readings and canticles, Holy Baptism and the Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and the Eucharist itself. Ben and Jennifer Dueñas will be renewing their wedding vows at this service! Please see the "Smoke Alert" in this newsletter and Sunday bulletins (there will be incense used at this liturgy). Please contact Randy if you are interested in scheduling a baptism.

April 20, Easter Day: 8:00 and 10:15 a.m.

Both services this Sunday will celebrate the glorious Resurrection of our Lord. There will be no incense used at these liturgies. Christian Formation classes will not be held but will be resumed on April 27.
- Larry Dugan


Maundy Thursday Vigil: the Garden of Repose

Just hours before Christ was betrayed, he wanted his friends to wait and pray with him in the garden of Gethsemane. "I am deeply grieved even to death; remain here, and keep awake. " . . . Our Master asked, "Could you not keep awake one hour?"

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 as you go for coffee. Sign up to wait and pray for an hour between the hours of 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

You are invited to come and help set up the garden Saturday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m. 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.

Any questions? Call Larry or Caro Dugan.


Quiet Day

The Community of the Holy Spirit is sponsoring a Quiet Day on Wednesday, May 7th at St. Paul's. We will start at 10:00 a.m. and conclude with the Eucharist at 1:30 p.m. Sister Leslie from the Community of the Holy Spirit in New York will lead the meditations. Lunch will be "brown bag," with coffee/tea being provided.

Sister Leslie will also lead a weekend silent retreat at St. Andrew's House on May 2-4. The cost will be $110, which includes all meals, sleeping arrangements and so on.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Debbi Garrett.


Bagpipe Celebration!

Easter is almost here and on April 27th, the Sunday after Easter, we will don our tartans for the 10:15 a.m. service and celebrate the Saints and events that have inspired us during the first six months of the year. The pipers will be decked out and we hope you'll bring a few friends and wear your tartan too!

Some Saints or events may include: The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle (January 25th), Timothy and Titus (January 26th) companions of Saint Paul, Saint Matthias the Apostle (February 24th), George Herbert, Priest 1633 and St. George's Day (February 27th) responsible for many poems and the Scottish Prayer Book published in 1637, David, Bishop of Menevia, Wales c. 544 (March 1st) patron of Wales, Chad, Bishop of Lichfield, 672 or Humble Chad (March 2nd), Patrick, Bishop 461 (March 17th) missionary to Ireland who foretold Columba's birth, St. Joseph (March 19th) protector of Mary and Father to Jesus, The Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary (March 25th) Richard, Bishop of Chichester 1253 (April 3) remembered for 1982 Hymn 654 (Day by Day), St. Mark the Evangelist (April 25th), St. Philip and St. James, Apostles (May 1st), Dame Julian of Norwich 1342 b. (May 8th) known for her Revelations of Divine Love, Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth (May 31st) and the Magnificat, The First Book of Common Prayer 1549 (weekday after Pentecost) in English for laity and clergy, Columba, Abbot of Iona 597 (June 9th) missioner of Scotland and the Picts, St. Barnabas the Apostle (June 11th), Evelyn Underhill 1941 (June 15th) was convinced that the mystical life is open to everyone, Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham 1752 (June 16th) greatest of all English Church thinkers, Alban, first Martyr of Britain, c. 304 (June 22) converted by a priest fleeing from persecution, The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (June 24th) prophet and baptizer of Jesus, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles 64 (June 29th) martyrs and examples of endurance.


Church Quiz - April 2003

The Season of Easter begins this month. Easter is a movable feast that is on the Sunday on or after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. It may occur on any date from March 21 to April 25. So much of the rest of the Church year depends on its date. The length of the Epiphany and Trinity seasons and the dates of Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Ascension Day, Whitsunday and Trinity Sunday are all determined by the date of Easter. It should be noted that Easter is not only a day, but also a season.

1. What is the week before Easter Day called?

a. Pentecost
b. Holy Week
c. Rogation Week

a. Red
b. White
c. Gold

a. Red
b. White
c. Gold

a. The Sunday after Easter day
b. The last Sunday of the Easter Season
c. The sixth Sunday of the Easter Season

a. Whitsunday
b. The Sunday after Pentecost
c. Trinity Sunday

a. Fast days
b. Visitation days
c. Ordination days

John Winesdorfer reported that Church Windows is now being used for our finances and the reports should be more understandable. The Liabilities and Fund Balance side is $84.33 out of balance and Terrie is working to fix the problem. We have 46 signed pledge cards for the amount of $82,706. John reported that monthly giving is lower than we had hoped.

The retiring vestry members were given time to share a few words about their time spent on the vestry. John thanked everyone for this last year and had a few loose ends he wanted to discuss. He noted that the wardens had renegotiated the sexton's contract. This is something that the Parish Administrator had been doing as their designee, but now had fallen back to the wardens' responsibility. John suggested that the new wardens should get together with Larry and discuss what he would still like to have responsibility for.

Marilyn said that she had enjoyed her term. Sandy apologized for her absences lately. It was not a lack of commitment on her part, but other priorities had taken precedence. Fr. Randy stated that he had learned a lot from the retirees and enjoyed their companionship.

The Nominating Committee reported that we now have seven nominees for vestry. They are Myra Battin, Ingrid McGinley, David Kidd, David Cochran, Arvelle Carey, Sue Ahrens, and Barbara Moerler. At this point Marilyn is the only candidate for Convention delegate.

Fr. Randy posed the idea of increasing the vestry size back to twelve. After some discussion, Sandy moved to put increasing the vestry size on the Annual Meeting agenda and Geof seconded. It was noted that before we could enlarge the vestry we would have to amend our by-laws to reflect the change. The amendment would be put on the agenda before the election in order to increase the size this year. This was added to Sandy and Geof's previous motion. The motion to put the by-law amendment to increase the size of the vestry on the agenda passed. Sandy and Geof will come up with the proper wording for the amendment.

Fr. Randy reminded everyone to get the "Strength at the Center" questionnaire turned in so that they can be tabulated. This tool will help develop the Mutual Ministry Review.

Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Dueñas, Clerk of the Vestry



Annual Vestry Retreat

This year's vestry retreat was held at the Seabeck Christian Conference Center the weekend of February 28 through March 2. Sam Magill was our guest for the weekend. He was hired to help us explore and synchronize our talents and energy in the service of the people of St. Paul's.

After dinner on Friday our time was spent connecting with one another. Sam had us go around the room and share what brought us to Christianity, the Episcopal Church, and specifically St. Paul's. In doing this we all learned a lot about each other and formed many connections because of our shared experiences. The evening ended with Compline.

Saturday began with breakfast followed by Morning Prayer. John Battin came as a special guest to discuss the vision of St. Paul's Church. He had been involved in the process of creating our vision statement and wanted to share with us how it came about. He read what everyone involved in developing it had thought that the vision should include. There were several meetings until the statement became what we have today. He also gave a brief history of St. Paul's from the time he had begun attending. This was very helpful to many of our new vestry members since most of them are relatively new to St. Paul's.

Before lunch Sam asked us to share the concerns we had had coming into the weekend. Things such as our finances and how to build a strong leadership team were mentioned. Also, how to bond as a group and how to resolve conflict were priorities. However, the loss of two very active members, Tom and Terrie, from the church and the events leading up to their resignations seemed to take immediate precedence over the other things mentioned.

After lunch and a break, we first developed some ground rules and guidelines to use in order to have a civil and productive conversation in regards to Tom and Terrie. Fr. Randy started and then everyone was invited to add his or her piece of the puzzle. Many expressed their sorrow and wanted to know what could be done to prevent such events in the future and how to heal not only individually but also as a group after such a wounding week. We discussed how to prevent conflict and also set boundaries for acceptable behavior.

After dinner, Sam taught us about personality types and roles. They are divided up into the seasons, spring, summer, late summer, autumn, and winter, and each season has specific traits and roles associated with it. Everyone identified himself or herself with a certain season and by doing this we were able to see what we were good at. This helped to define our roles within the group. The evening ended with an Evening Prayer service taken from the New Zealand Prayer Book.

After breakfast, Sunday morning was spent discussing how we want our business meetings to run. We defined roles and decided who would chair the meetings and how the agenda was set. Fr. Randy then gave us a break down of the church finances. He gave a brief description of the different funds there are and how they can be used. We then had lunch and the weekend ended with the Eucharist.

All in all, it was a very positive weekend. The new vestry bonded and we have a better idea of our roles in the leadership team. We also came away many useful tools and an understanding of how we want things to run. We have several things that came up during the weekend, such as how to grow the church, that still need to be covered that there wasn't enough time for so the agenda for March has pretty much set itself.

Respectfully submitted.
Jennifer Dueñas, Clerk of the Vestry



Changes

The Wardens accepted with regret the letter of resignation of "Mr. Maintenance" (Tom and Terrie Remick) as sextons of St. Paul's Church, on February 28.

We are grateful that Sharon Rios has stepped up to serve as St. Paul's new Treasurer. The Vestry voted to approve her position at their March business meeting. Sharon worked with the former Treasurer in the office to try and tame the complex finances of the church in the accounts receivable role. She is a part of the Finance Committee and will continue to work closely with its members, which include John Winesdorfer, Larry Dugan, David Stomberg, David Kidd and David Cochran.

We are also thankful that Katie DeLapp is the new nursery supervisor. Katie will be providing coverage on Sunday mornings and during special events including Lenten classes, prayer vigils, etc. The nursery has been having an average of 8-12 children on Sundays that are full of energy, giggles and big smiles. If you would like to volunteer to help out in the nursery- let Katie know!!!

Finally, Deborah Grise, to whom Mr. Maintenance subcontracted security and cleaning services for the past couple of years or so, will come on board as an employee of St. Paul's to continue these duties.


Odds and Ends

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
We have a lot to be grateful for at St. Paul's, so lets give thanks to:

….Canterbury Manor for the gift of the beautiful altar greens that have been given to St. Paul's for Lent. Living green plants allow us to enjoy the simplicity of the season.

….Rusty & Cindy Holland and the gang who cooked a delicious meal on Shrove (Fat) Tuesday. Over 50 folks came out to enjoy a great night of pancakes, sausage, bacon and eggs (even the healthy ones) and wonderful jazz music. It was a neat way to kick off Lent. Nearly 60 folks participated in the Ash Wednesday liturgies the following day.

….all the folks who baked cookies for Kairos. Henry and Cece Morris were able to take over 240 dozen cookies baked with the hands and prayers of folks from St. Paul's with them to give the inmates as they shared about God's love at the Washington Correctional Center for Women at Purdy.

….everyone who came and munched on fried chicken and goodies during the Welcome Brunch in March. Several new families joined us for lunch and had a chance to get know members of the parish better. Many thanks to all the 'helping hands' who helped with the set-up and clean-up. Special appreciation to Barbara Moerler and Myra Battin for making the arrangements and sending out the invitations.

It is "Meal Time…."
St. Paul's will be assisting the Catholic Community Services H.O.S.T. program by joining Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and the Congregation Beth Hatkivah by providing meals Sunday, April 6, through Saturday, April 12, at KUUF on Perry Ave. in E. Bremerton.

We will need one or two individuals to prepare and deliver a meal for 15 men (delivery can be arranged). Two people are also needed to join KUUF folks in serving and cleaning up each night. In addition, we need several folks to make sandwiches for Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday lunches.

Sign-up sheets and lists of suggested meals are posted in the Narthex. If you are unable to participate, please consider a financial donation to help defray the expense or consider donation some of the snack items. For any questions please contact Barbara Moerler or Ann Horn in the church office.

Easter Flower Offering
If you wish to give a floral gift this Easter in memory of or thanksgiving for a loved one, please complete a yellow Easter Flower form and mail it to the church office or drop the form and your check (marked Altar Flowers in the memo section) in the collection plate. The deadline is Tuesday, April 8.

Smoke Alert
We will be using incense at the 10:15 service on Palm Sunday, April 13 and at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April19 during the Great Vigil of Easter. We use a very fine grade of incense that doesn't seem to offend many people. The incense will only be used for the processions and at the beginning of the Eucharist. The rest of the time during the service the incense will be removed from the nave so as not to be offensive to some. We only use incense a few times each year at special services in keeping with the rich traditions of our Church.

Christian Formation
There will no Christian Formation classes on April 20, Easter Day. Classes will resume on Sunday April 27, 2003.

Let's Make it a Habit!
As you get ready to go to church on Sunday, you probably place your pledge envelope in your pocket, grab your keys, pet the dog, and get in the car and go. As part of a newly adopted outreach program, we would like you to do one more thing. Grab a non-perishable food item to donate to the food bank. Please check the expiration date on the food item. St. Paul's will be collecting non-perishable food items each week. There is a collection bin just inside the nave where the food items can be placed. Each month they will be delivered to Northwest Harvest in Seattle. Contact Lisa Kidd or Alexandria Nichandros for more information.

Around the Diocese….

Spring JYC
The Spring JYC will be held May 2-4 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Everett. The theme is 'Peripheral Vision' and the conference is open to students in 6th through 9th grade. There are several folks from St. Paul's who have expressed an interest in attending. Please contact the church office for more information or to pick up an application. There is a deadline to turn in applications.

Prayers for Local Churches
We welcome the Rev. Duncan Clark as the new rector of St. Charles Episcopal Church in Poulsbo. Also, remember in your prayers the folks at St. Bede's in Port Orchard as their parish is in a period of transition with staff.

TV Eucharist
April 20 - Easter Day - will be an exciting day as the Northwest Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church joins the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia to co-sponsor the weekly TV Eucharist program. The 30-minute service is produced by KING-TV 5 and aired every Sunday at 5:00 a.m. on KONG-TV 6/16 and on cable channel 6. The program reaches nearly 4,000 households throughout western Washington, the British Columbia lower mainland and Victoria and parts of central Washington.

Cursillos
The next men's weekend is slated for April 24-27 at St, Paul's in Bellingham while the women's weekend will be held May 15-18 at St. Mary's in Lakewood. The Cursillo weekend consists of worship, small group sharing, 15 talks by laypersons and clergy on the Christian life and great meals and music. Please contact the church office for more information about Cursillo.

Hole in One anyone?
The Bishop's Open Golf Tournament is scheduled for noon Monday, June 16, 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.

Sources: (The Episcopal Voice, March 2003; Youth Talk, February- March 2003; The Vine: St. Charles Episcopal Church, March 2003; FYI, March, 2003.)


Community Health Screening

In early June, St. Paul's will host the community-wide health checks using ultrasound screenings by technicians from Life Line Screening. The early detection tests are used to check for carotid artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aneurysm and osteoporosis. Participants will be provided with health information about the signs and symptoms of a stroke and are encouraged to share the test results with their family physician.

Last year during the community screening at St. Paul's, 120 ultrasounds were preformed with nearly 50 abnormal results noted including six responses that revealed possible high risk or severe disease present. Contact the church office for more information about how to set up an appointment.