From the Rector

Prayer works. Recent scientific studies actually observe differences in the medical condition of patients in a hospital for whom intercessory prayers were said. These people, by the way, were unaware that prayers were being offered on their behalf, eliminating the possibility of the placebo effect. Plants also grew better when they were prayed for. (We are uncertain to what degree they were aware that they were the subjects of the prayers of the saints.)

We know how Jesus did it because he left instructions to us to do the same as he did. "Whatever you ask in my name, God will give you." Sometimes, to be honest, we think that prayer is really magic. We mistakenly believe that if we adopt the right physical posture, and say biblical sounding words (like ‘grant’ in the imperative voice, or thy and thee, or beseech), and especially if we append the phrase "in Jesus’ name," God will deliver. "Grant, O God, that my Megabucks number is a winner this week, in Jesus’ name." "Dear Lord, may my thesis be accepted, in Jesus’ name." "Almighty God, I beseech thee, make my children behave, in Jesus’ name."

Magic is manipulation. Prayer, “in Jesus’ name,” flows forth from a posture of surrender to the divine purpose. To do anything in the name of another means to do in their stead as they would do. What I do in Jesus’ name means that I act on his behalf, as his representative. It assumes that I am seeking his will, and that his life and purpose animates me, rather than my personal fantasies or desires.

The "magic" of intercessory prayer is not that I become more powerful, but that God’s power is released through me. I become more like Christ the more I practice seeking his will and offering myself as an instrument of his. He healed people by seeing them whole and complete - as his Father saw them - rather than their sins and infirmities. And so when we pray in Jesus’ name we listen for his guidance, seek his mind and will, and see as he sees. We become him, and manifest his life, thereby fulfilling our baptismal covenant.

Perhaps because we humans are so bound up with this realm of appearances, we think that the real healing miracles are ones where actual physical changes are reported. But any thoughtful person, religious or not, will have to admit that repairing an organ or mending a bone is nothing compared with healing a broken heart and spirit. Jesus was once criticized for healing a man who couldn’t walk on a Sabbath day. The twist was that the man was empowered to walk after Jesus said "Your sins are forgiven." Not only did Jesus escalate the growing criticisms levied against him for breaking the Sabbath observance by committing blasphemy, but he demonstrated the now widely accepted principle that physical disease sometimes derives from psychological or spiritual brokeness. Cure the soul and its outward and visible sign will disappear. But how very difficult it is to heal the inner person; so limited is our capacity to trust in God and relinquish control of our will and lives to him and really, really live "in Jesus’ name."

We close a circuit of a flow of spiritual energy when we pray for others by allowing Jesus to pray with and through us. It is a profound mystery of the divine stewardship that God’s power in the world to heal and reconcile is released when we pray.

Some things prayer just will not change! No matter how fervently I pray - even "in Jesus’ name" - my hair will never get thicker! Prayer will not alter my genetic inheritance, the fact that I could not physically remain 20 years old (mentally, perhaps), or, in God’s time, die. I have often thought that aging is a merciful way for God to remind her children gently and gradually that our destiny is an eternal one. We are to relinquish our white knuckled grip on youth and life in this gross plane of strife and decay. We are travelers, not settlers.

Sometimes we feel that life is not fair because children suffer and because some good people do not have the opportunity to prepare for death with a seventy year life. That is the "mystery of evil, " as theologians call it, and it is not unrelated to our purpose for even existing in the first place. Suffering, madness, sickness and death are deep mysteries we are called to confront, but so is this crazy gift of life itself. No matter what comes, let us meet tragedy the way we meet each new day, "in the Name of the Risen Lord". Amen.

Peace! Randy

Sabbatical Summer 2004

I’ll be off 12 Sundays: May 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27; July 4, 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8, 15. The Wardens will engage supply priests as needed in consultation with Liturgy & Arts Committee.

Perhaps coincidentally (but I think auspiciously), in April both the parish’s centennial and my ninth anniversary as rector (April 28) occur, and my 20th anniversary as priest is May 19th. It is a good time for me to reflect on my life and ministry, do some continuing education (of a holistic rather than academic nature), prayer, travel and writing. My plan is to make pilgrimages to retreat centers, houses of worship, mentors (those still alive) and schools/formation centers that have been significant points on my faith journey. The Wardens and I will share more about this as the weeks flow by, and I will regale you with the full story when I return in late summer!

~ RAL

Invitation to New Life

John and I took a ride in the afternoon to step outside the routine and to talk. Our conversation ebbed and flowed around Lila’s sixteen years with us and how hard it was to say good bye. Eventually, we came to the renewed understanding of the cyclical nature of life; life and death, life and death …… each in turn, the beginning of the other; all things becoming its opposite.

Each birth ends an existing family and begins a new one, as does each death. With each step forward in life, we must release that which we’ve left behind in order to embrace that which lies ahead. I wonder if that isn’t the essence and the message of resurrection. If we are consciously letting go of our old life each day, each moment really, letting our old self die as we intentionally strive to be born to a new self in Christ, isn’t that resurrection in the here and now?

It gives me a great deal of joy to believe God’s invitation to new life can be enjoyed, right now, here on earth with all the people I love.

Have a Holy, Blessed Easter today and everyday!

Myra Battin, Senior Warden

Vestry Update

Randy expressed concerns about the level of vestry involvement in the financial workings of the parish. The vestry’s role as stewards of the parish resources was also discussed. In light of the Finance Committee’s current state (resignation of chair and lack of regular attendance), the vestry decided a process of spiritual discernment would be the best vehicle for clarifying the needs and reviving the membership of this important parish ministry. A special meeting was scheduled on March 4, 2004 to initiate this process. Don Vanlue volunteered to step in as interim Finance Committee Chair until the discernment process is complete.

Rusty Holland and the Congregational Growth and Development Committee are spearheading the first steps of the Mutual Ministry Review process being undertaken by the vestry in 2004.

The vestry reflected upon the sabbatical Randy is scheduled to take this summer. A discussion ensued about the growth opportunities for the parish and the rector that could result from sabbatical. In conjunction to Randy being on Sabbatical this summer there was a discussion and support for the church office going on “Summer Hours” (i.e.- the office will be open to the general public on Wednesday through Friday from 9-1) beginning  in May at the end of the program year. Ann will adjust her work hours as needed.

Regular office hours ( Tues- Fri) will  resume at the beginning of the new program year in September.” The vestry is in full support of Randy in this endeavor.

The vestry unanimously approved Alexandra Nichandros’ request that St. Paul’s become a pick up point for donations from the wider community to Bremerton Food Line.

Jennifer Dueñas and Barbara Moerler are heading up a committee to complete the written history of St. Paul’s from 1994 to present, in time for the upcoming centennial celebrations. Margaret Murdach is making the first ninety years’ worth of written history available to the current vestry. Thank you, Margaret.

OUTKitsap is no longer utilizing the office space at St. Paul’s. Myra asked the vestry to consider converting the space into office space for the various formation ministries and for the treasurer. This is to be taken up at the next regular meeting.

On March 4, 2004 a special meeting was convened to initiate the first phase of the discernment process. Interim Finance Committee Chair, Don Vanlue clarified for the vestry the needs of the committee and the role of members on the committee. The group then, prayerfully read aloud all of the names in the parish directory. The group was directed to pray for guidance daily over the names read in order to discern the will of God in this matter. The process will continue at the next regularly scheduled vestry meeting on March 18, 2004 when names are suggested for membership on the committee. This represents a departure from the usual way of doing things, but was taken on enthusiastically by the vestry.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Massey, Clerk of the Vestry

Creative Arts at St. Paul’s

At our first meeting we looked at embroidering new linens for the altar, doing some special decorations for Easter, talked about what to call ourselves, and agreed to get together on a regular basis to create together.

On Sunday, March 28, and again on Palm Sunday, the guild will be hosting a creative event after both of the services to allow interested people to help us make butterfly banners for Easter Sunday. Check in the Oliver Room. All ages are welcome and there will be plenty of help.  

If you are interested in joining us, the next meeting will be Saturday April 24th at 9 AM. Please contact Sandy Stutey (692-4197) before then as it will probably be the day we tackle linen and pearl cotton, as well as brainstorm some short and long term projects.  

PS - Next meeting of the Liturgy and Arts Committee will be Sunday, April 18 at 12 PM in the Library.

Fish & Loaves Spring Cleaning Drive

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and made the first three weeks such a success.

For a new twist, we are creating a challenge! In the nave we are hanging a measuring chart, with a goal of collecting 500 lbs by May 30. That may sound like a lot but it's actually not a big stretch from what we have been collecting so far.

Do you have hotel shampoo freebies lying around? Maybe toothpaste is on sale this week? Remember those bubble baths your children loved? Give that gift to a young mother for whom deodorant and razors are luxuries.

We will continue to take food donations and encourage donations of baby food, formula and juice, as well.   If you have any questions about the Loaves and Fishes program, please call Alexandria Nichandros.

Letter from Bishop Warner

I am pleased to announce that on Sunday, February 8th, Shen Yu and I were married. Our wedding took place with a small gathering of close friends. Several Episcopal priests, a deacon and ecumenical clergy took part in the service.

Because I am a Bishop, I communicated with Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold; Bishop Clay Matthews, who serves the House of Bishops’ Pastoral Development Committee; our diocesan Standing Committee and the Chancellor. Shen and I had pre-marital counseling. Also appropriate to this decision was a conversation with members of my family.

Only after all those conversations and wise counsel was I ready to move ahead. Among the words of wisdom coming from many was the statement that “you can’t wait around to live your life.” Getting clear has been important. We live in Kairos, not Kronos time.

Shen is from mainland China and has been in this country for six years. She is an international economist and taught at a university north of Bejing. She also has a background as a structural engineer. Shen is a Christian, has been attending an independent Chinese Church, and now plans to be part of the Episcopal church with me. Victor is Shen’s 8 ½ year old son by a previous marriage in China. He is a very happy young man and we enjoy one another a great deal. I look forward to opportunities for you to meet Shen and Victor.

I believe God has blessed us with new beginnings.

Faithfully,

Vincent W. Warner

H.O.S.T. Program

A sign-up sheet will be available in April.  Meals can be dropped off earlier in the day or arrangements can be made to pick them up.  Lunches will need to be dropped off each evening. Contact Barbara Moerler if you have any questions.

Church Quiz – April 2004

a. White
b. Red or Violet
c. Green

a. Purple
b. Black
c. Green

a. Rogation Sunday
b. Good Friday
c. Easter Eve

a. The Day of Pentecost
b. Ascension Day
c. Rogation Sunday

Church Quiz Answers: 1.b, 2.b, 3.c, 4.a, 5. The Sunday on or after the full moon following the vernal equinox. By this calculation, Easter may occur on any date from March 21 to April 25.

Thanks Adult Bell Choir!

~ Gayla Elverson and Cindy Holland

A great Program Kick off…

Thanks to all those who supported the Valentine Gala and enjoyed the great food and musical evening. We will be able to purchase a bell and remember the generosity of the Schwindt Family forever. Your attendance made a big difference to the music department and to St. Paul’s.

A chance to grow…

Beginning a hand bell program at St. Paul’s has opened the possibility for more members to participate in music ministries. It will also provide another avenue for outreach within our community.

Enhance our worship…

There will be many uses for hand bells in our worship service and in other activities during St. Paul’s Centennial Year. They may be used alone or with voices or other instruments and will add to the beauty of our praise through music. Hand bells may be played by any member of our congregation. Ringers can be intergenerational and can learn to “read music” while they ring.

The quality of sound is important…

As with any musical instrument, there is no substitute for quality. We have chosen Malmark hand bells for our ringing program because we believe these are the best made bells and provide the quality of sound we want. Crafted in Bucks County, PA, the hand bells will have a lifetime guarantee, this will insure that our ministry will continue for generations.

Let the memory and honor of loved ones ring out…

Each hand bell may be personalized to honor or memorialize an individual or group. An inscription may be permanently enclosed in the hand bell handle. For example:

Share the joy of ringing…

We know of no other activity that adds so much to our music ministry. Besides the beautiful music we can create, the hand bell program is something everyone can join in and benefit from greatly. Won’t you consider giving the gift that will ring on for generations? With your help, we can celebrate our ministry as we never could before. Information on how to become a sponsor is available through the church office and music department.

A special thanks to the seven members so far who have become sponsors, we hope you’ll become a sponsor in our GIVE A BELL CAMPAIGN too.

The Stewardship Corner

This column in the monthly Good Word will be devoted primarily to selected material available from the Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) that seem suitable for our congregation and special challenges. The plan is that the weekly Bulletin will also have A STEWARDSHIP CORNER that will extract from the Lectionary Year A, B, or C the stewardship implication from the particular set of Lessons & Psalm. This will be done for at least the coming year, and then evaluated again for the future.

As Stewardship Officer, my personal passion for stewardship theology developed after joining St Paul’s in 1991, and the following year being elected to the Vestry. I agreed to serve on the Finance Committee in spite of most my professional career serving as a Software Engineer frequently at odds with the Finance-types over budgets and stuff. In order to compensate for my short-comings, I participated in the Diocesan Stewardship programs that were especially rich in the theology of giving. Needless to say, the experiences transformed my life forever to be a joyful contributor of my own talent and treasure. I do solicit any comments and suggestions for this plan or the material subsequently to be produced. My email address is dhstomberg@comcast.net.

Dave Stomberg,
Parish Stewardship Officer

Interfaith Coalition on Homelessness

At our March meeting we met with Sister Pat Millen of Catholic Community Services, Director of the H.O.S.T. Program; Denise Agee of St Vincent DePaul, Coordinator of the single women's shelter; and Corky Senecal, Director of Human Services programs for Kitsap Community Resources which handles the homeless family shelter and transitional housing program as well as a variety of programs for the low-income in Kitsap county. Corky is also a member of the Governor's Council on Homelessness.

Corky informed us that 50% of the homeless are working, mainly in service jobs that do not pay enough to pro-vide for housing and that 26% of the homeless are children under the age of five.  Sister Pat said there were 14 churches involved in the H.O.S.T  program.

Right now, a consortium of service providers throughout the county, called the Kitsap Continuum of Care, meets once a month to discuss and plan for this growing population. All three were in agreement that there is a definite need for a strong faith community involvement in this area.

Our next meeting will be April 14th at 2:00 p.m. in the Oliver Room. Please contact Barbara Moerler for more information.

Centennial News

Margaret Murdach, Centennial Coordinator

OUTKitsap gets new office

Editor’s Note: This announcement was taken from the March 2004 OK newsletter. We have had a great relationship with the staff of OK and are sorry to see them move their office to a new location but excited about the expanding services they will be able to offer to the community group. The vestry is in the process of discussing several options for the office space including using it as a combined office for Treasurer/Finance Team and Christian Formation leadership


Gifts of the Word for a Child
We give thanks for the generosity of the following people who donated money to purchase twenty New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bibles with the Apocrypha for use in the Christian Formation program at St. Paul’s: Ramona Humphries, John & JoAnn Winesdorfer, Vivian Oard, Jeanne Wolf, Harold & Susan Ballou, John & Rosemary Allen, Dottie Belle Cairns, Fred & Luz Accos, Kathryn Houchen, Barbara Moerler, Mike & Sherry Ballou, David & Lisa Kidd, Jeanne Thune, Craig & Victoria Vocelka, Bob Brown and Margaret Murdach.

The Bibles will be used by children in Levels 2 and 3 which involves grades one through six. Each Bible is a hardback Oxford pew edition and contains a number of study tools including maps and timelines.

In many cases, donations were made in memory of or thanksgiving for a loved one while others gave the donation in support of the growing children’s ministries of St. Paul’s Church. Still other gifts were given anonymously. A bookplate will inserted into the Bibles with the appropriate information, and they will start to be used during Lent.

We are so grateful for the continued support the people of St. Paul’s gives to our children’s ministries.

~ Honi Matchell, Myra Battin & Ann Horn

Holy Week Music at St. Paul’s
April 4-11, 2004 is Holy Week for the (western) Christian Church and Spring Break for Central Kitsap School District this year. The “Stations of the Cross” have been refurbished and preserved and will be available for viewing, study and prayer during Lent and Holy Week. We will not have Holden Evening Prayer on Wednesday of Holy Week in preparation for the 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service. The traditional foot-washing service will include the choir and an Early Music (instrumental) Trio.

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. 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.

Good Friday Labyrinth
Discover the power of the Labyrinth. As part of the Holy Week experience at St. Paul’s, there will be three opportunities to “walk the labyrinth.” The labyrinth is a spiritual tool for meditation and prayer. It will be laid out in the center of the Nave following the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday and you can make your walk during one or more of the following times:

Friday, April 9, 3 PM – 5 PM
Friday, April 9, 9 PM – 11 PM
Saturday, April 10, 10 AM – 12 PM