What is a cell group? A cell group is a small group of people, St. Paul's parishioners and others, who assemble for the purpose of sharing, reaching out, and supporting one another. These house churches foster closer relationships, both with God and with other members, and promote a sense of acceptance and caring within the Christian community.

Why have cell groups? We are forming cell groups at St. Paul's to develop a stronger lay ministry in an effort to reach as many people as possible on a caring basis.

Are these "therapy" groups? No. Cell groups exist for sharing, support and concern, not for solving emotional problems.

Why are they called "cell" groups? The metaphor is taken from biology, in reference to the emphasis on healthy personal and spiritual growth.

What kinds of groups are there? All groups focus on developing an atmosphere of trust acceptance, and support. Many will emphasize Bible study, some will explore particular topics or themes, and others may have a specific service mission.

How large are these groups? From five to ten people. When a group grows beyond this number, it multiplies into two groups.

How often do they meet? Most will meet once a week for an hour, some meet every other week.

Are non-members of St. Paul's welcome? Absolutely! Non-members are warmly encouraged to be a part of this fellowship.

How do I join a group? Please contact one of the cell group leaders listed below or call the church office at 377.0106.

Can I become a cell group leader? Yes, indeed. Seven-week leader-training sessions (one hour per week) will be conducted on a regular basis.

We would meet weekly at first, to get acquainted, and to get warmed up, then likely every other week. I am open as to days and hours, but would rather do daytimes than evenings. Whatever works for the majority!

Barbara Moerler (barmoe@msn.com): Meeting Your Spirit: A women's group that will focus on those issues that affect women's spirituality. After an opening prayer and check-in, we will spend the rest of the session focusing on one issue (i.e. trust, anger, fear, shame, being in transition, being a stay-at-home mom, etc). Spiritual practices may include readings, journaling, meditation, creating our own prayers,

At the first meeting, we will decide on dates and times. For right now I would suggest either the first and third Tuesday mornings from 10 to 11:15a.m. or the second and fourth Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Henry Morris (hmm1941@attbi.com): The group will be composed of people who consider themselves to be middle-of-the-road Episcopalians or are compatible with that thinking. In addition to mutual support and bible study, the group will look at the possible roles of the church in the community using the book Reweaving the Fabric: How Congregations and Communities Can Come Together to Build their Neighborhoods by Ron Nored. The initial meeting time(s) will be announced after consultation with interested participants.

More information on these groups and how to join them will be in forthcoming issues of the Good Word and Sunday service announcements.

Peace, Randy

Senior Warden's Corner

Your vestry is a deliberate, thoughtful body, filled enthusiasm as they serve the community of St. Paul's. They address the administrative issues of daily life within our parish family with compassion and dedication. There are new committee's forming, for example: Congregational Growth and Development, is currently exploring the creation of a new long range Strategic Plan for our future development and discussing options for marketing our unique worship family. There are many healthy, established groups, like the Communication Committee and the Formation team for instance, committed to strengthening the Body as they strive to meet the varied needs of our parish and greater community.

A group of parishioners have just completed Cell Group leadership training. You'll read, in this issue of the Good Word, about the small groups they will be facilitating. You may choose one you might like to participate in when they start up or you could choose to begin leadership training yourself for a group you might like to facilitate when the second wave of training begins in this fall. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is thriving. They've maintained a higher, more consistent level of student participation throughout this past program year than I've witnessed in more than 15 years as a Sunday School teacher at St. Paul's. The Catechist's will be offering training for atrium assistants again this fall. Parish participation is always an asset to the team and is welcomed whole-heartedly!

Hospitality and welcome for newcomers and visitors remains a high priority. The music program is adventurous, gifted and welcoming. Our fellow parishioners continue to step up to be trained as Worship leaders; Chalice Bearers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers (L.E.M.'s), Lay Readers and acolytes. Evening adult formation classes are happening on a regular basis. Although the "Senior" youth group has gone on hiatus for the summer, there is a whole new crop of Junior High age young people ready to begin the next generation of team building and fun when regular weekly meetings resume again in September.

What I've described is only a small portion of vitality I witness each week within our midst. There is much, much more. If you think it's time to get more involved, if you think you would like to make a difference, I encourage you to look around; the back of the weekly bulletin lists names of team leaders, their phone numbers and email addresses. Dates and times of all meetings are shown on each month's calendar in the Good Word and are again listed each week in the "Week at a Glance" section on the back of the bulletin. You might just recognize a niche that could use your ideas and energy. Reach out; contact the person whose team you'd like to know more about. Lend your support, your wisdom and talents by helping our family of faith continue to make a difference in a searching world.

God Bless,
Myra B.

From the Junior Warden

First, and most visible, is that we had a leak in the bathroom in the nursery, as well as the pipe in the floor, resulting in flooding in the Olympic College Head Start Daycare area. Church Mutual Insurance will cover most of the cost of repairs, which are underway and should be completed by the time you read this. The deductible (our cost) will be about $500.00.

There has also been a leak in the drain of the dishwasher in the kitchen, now repaired, which resulted in the walls and floor in the youth room being damaged and resulted in a serious mold problem. The first estimate of repair is $2,999.18. A couple of more estimates will be obtained since we have to bear this cost ourselves. The insurance company tells me that the leak had been going on for at least a year.

There are some electrical problems, which I hope to have repaired this week, but which raise the question of the general condition of the electrical system. Specifically, the lights in the Narthex are not in compliance with building codes and in the event of a fire, could result in denial of insurance coverage.

This is not intended to be a "gloom and doom" message. What I would like to do is enlist the help of the entire membership of the parish.

If you see something that needs repair or maintenance, please call it to my attention, either by leaving a note in my mailbox at the church, or, preferably by telephoning me. My home number is (360) 373-0649 and my cell phone is 981-9601. If I am out of town, I can always be reached by the cell phone (and it is a local call, even if I'm in Hawaii).

As has been demonstrated by the Youth Room damage, if everyone would help in bringing these things to my attention when they are first noticed, we could avoid bigger problems and maintain the facilities in better shape with less expense.

Thank you for your help.

Peace and Love,
Don Vanlue

Inspiring Hymns

In the summer of 1893, Katharine Lee Bates stood atop Pike's Peak in Colorado. She had been traveling throughout the summer from her home in Massachusetts across the United States, enjoying the sights, both man-made and natural. Earlier, in Chicago, she had visited the Columbia Exposition and had seen a beautiful model city, crafted of white stone to depict the architect's vision of the cities of tomorrow. It was the year of the 400the anniversary of the discovery of America and now, as Katharine Bates stood on the windy mountain summit, the experiences of the past few weeks seemed to come together in a vision of her beloved country.

She could see the purple haze clinging to the majestic Rocky Mountains. The fruitful Colorado plains stretched in the distance, and beyond them the grain fields of Kansas and Nebraska. In her memoirs she wrote: "It was there, as I was looking out over the sea-like expanse of fertile country spreading away so far under the ample skies, that the opening lines of this text formed themselves in my mind."

Returning to her hotel room, she sat down to compose the lines of the patriotic hymn we now know as "America the Beautiful." As she considered the natural beauty and wonders of this country, her thoughts were drawn also to the kinds of people whose determination and sacrifices carved a nation from the land. The pilgrims of her hymn were not just those men and women who landed at Plymouth Rock, but the countless others whose feet had tramped the paths and trails across the plains, rivers, deserts, and mountains to expand the nation's boundaries.

And in the final verse, her thoughts seem drawn back to the vision of the future she witnessed in Chicago. In fact, she wrote later: "The White City made such a strong appeal to the patriotic feeling that it was in no small degree responsible for at least the last stanza of 'America the Beautiful.' It was with this quickened and deepened sense of America that I went on, my New England eyes delighting in the wind-waved gold of the vast wheat fields."

Far from being a sentimental bit of patriotic poetry that ignores the flaws of her native land, Bates' verses include the recognition that America needs the hand of God to guide her to greatness. She makes a plea for brotherhood, self-control, mercy, and nobleness - qualities of the spirit that will match the majesty of the natural beauty this country offers.

Miss Bates was no stranger to the literary world, having taught English at Wellesley College before becoming the head of the English department there. She did not consider he poem, "America the Beautiful," for publication, however, until about ten years later when she simplified the phrasing and submitted it to the editor of the Boston Evening Transcript. He recognized the value of the poem and published it on November 19, 1904.

Although greeted with enthusiasm as a poem, Miss Bates' stirring verses were not set to music for many more years. Several editors of hymnbooks searched for a melody that would blend well with the patriotic stanzas and dozens were tried without success. Finally, a melody composed ten years before the text was discovered in the writings of Samuel Ward, a New Jersey businessman. Ward had died, however, and permission to use the melody needed to be granted by his widow. By 1912, such permission was given, and "America the Beautiful" was published in its present form.

Even with the stirring melody and words finally together, the hymn did not become instantly popular. It took the darkest days of World War I to bring that about. With the war raging, "America the Beautiful" became a song that bonded a weary nation together with a vision of hope and peaceful prosperity. It gave a musical testimony to the national motto, "One nation under God."

Recently, it has been suggested by some that "America the Beautiful' be adopted as our country's national anthem. Although it is doubtful that it will ever replace "The Star Spangled Banner," one cannot deny that it has become our country's national hymn.

Cindy Holland
Music Director

Church Quiz

The Season After Pentecost continues during July.

1. What is the color for this Season?

a. White
b. Green
c. Red

2. What is the part of the church building at the "east" end where the altar is?

a. Apse
b. Chancel
c. Dais

3. What are the chairs around the altar used by the clergy and acolytes?

a. Sedilia
b. Stalls
c. Credence

4. Where is the Lambeth Conference held about every ten years?

a. New York City
b. Canterbury
c. London

5. What is the Lambeth Conference?

a. A meeting of all Episcopal bishops
b. A meeting of all Anglican bishops
c. A meeting of interdenominational Protestant church leaders

6. How many psalms are there?

a. 50
b. 100
c. 150

A Word from the Congregational Development Committee

The Congregational Development Committee has continued to meet about every two weeks for food, fellowship, and great discussions on how to grow and strengthen our parish family. Among the topics discussed is a plan to revisit and reaffirm the current vision statement of St. Paul's with the entire congregation. By inviting discussions of who we are and what values we hold as a parish, we are gearing up to launch/develop a long-term strategic plan for the congregation.

We are also discussing and developing a greater understanding and structure for the current systems in place (such as education/formation, pastoral care, etc.) that will help us to develop those areas more fully. An extensive list of all of the stakeholders at St. Paul's has also been developed and is being reviewed for holes and opportunities. As you can see, we have quite a lot on our plates!

Input from all is invited and welcomed, so feel free to join us if you are interested in discussing ways to develop our congregation. Interested parishioners may contact Ann Horn, Dave Cochran or Ingrid McGinley for meeting times and locations.

Ingrid McGinley & Dave Cochran
Congregational Development Committee

A Touch of History

Through the years many have given time, talent and money to enhance the beauty and meaning of worship at St. Paul's. The following is a description of how the church's altar rail kneelers came into being:

The year is 1976. The black plastic-covered cushions at the altar rail are showing wear. Peg Taylor suggests they be re-covered in needlepoint. She consults Mary Pesco, an accomplished needlepoint artist. Mary agrees with Peg and a committee is formed to perform the intricate task. The committee has seen the work of Marvyl Allen of St. David's, Gig Harbor. Marvyl has designed and supervised the kneelers for other churches in the diocese. She has also designed stoles for a number of clergy, including then rector Father Norman Stockwell.

After study and consultation and with the help of Marvyl's catalogs and files of needlepoint designs, the committee decides to use the symbols of 10 of the disciples and that of St. Paul for the center cushion.

Each symbol will be mounted on a blue shield and a scroll of red surrounding this. The red is chosen to match the carpet. The scrolls end in a Celtic cross. The background will be antique gold. The cushions themselves must be ordered in extra firm foam and cut to individual size as the rail is not straight and the panels are not uniform in size. After many hours of planning, stitching, blocking, lacing and sewing backing, finally the mounting will be done. The labor of love will be completed and the cushions blessed three years after the beginning of inspiration, which took root in 1976.

Each cushion is numbered on the left and the initials of the maker and date of completion on the right. Some of the initials on the cushion are:

AK (Ann Koonce)
DL (Dorothy Lynch)
VA (Vera Alexander)
MHJ (Marian Johnson)
PT (Peg Taylor)
NLB (Norma Barnett)
DF (Dorothy Fisher)
KJH (Kathryn Hess)
MMP (Mary Pesco)
MMM (Martha Monroe)
SH (Suzanne Hall) and her daughter.

Others also had a part in the making. Father Norman Stockwell and his wife Jane blocked each finished canvas and the mounting was done by Kathryn Hess and Marian Johnson. Harold Richardson constructed a cart especially for moving the cushions. Later, Peg Taylor and Mary Pesco made a cushion for the Bishop's chair with the Bishop's cross in purple and alpha-omega designs in the four corners.

The cushions represent not only the Saints whose symbols appear on them, but also the modern-day saints who worked on the project.

Submitted by Penny Pinckney.

Original author unknown: Previously published in a St. Paul's newsletter: Fall of 1986.

Around the Diocese

We welcome the Rev. Mike Morrissey as the new spiritual leader for St. Bede's Episcopal Church in Port Orchard. His first service was on the Day of Pentecost. This is the first time in 15 years that St. Bede's has called a full time priest.

St. Paul's hosted the Peninsula Clericus meeting in June, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future on the second Thursday of the month from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Oliver Room. Clergy from around the region gather to welcome new colleagues and to pray and share about their ministries.

Diocesan-wide Picnic:

As part of the Diocese of Olympia's 150th Anniversary celebration there will be a family picnic on July 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Owens Beach at Pt. Defiance Park in Tacoma. There will be a Native American drumming and smoke ceremony. If the weather is bad, Christ Church, Tacoma, will host the picnic.

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/for….

….Cece Morris, who celebrated her first anniversary as a Deacon on June 30th. Cece has been busy as a bee as she continues her vital work with Hospice, Kairos prison ministries, pastoral care and Cursillo. In addition, Cece reads the Gospel, prepares the Altar on Sundays and preaches. She did a great job of singing the Exsultet during the Great Vigil of Easter. You go, Girl!!!

….the American Guild of Organist Member Recital that was hosted by Music Director Cindy Holland and St. Paul's. The air was filled with beautiful music to stir the souls of over 65 folks in attendance on a warm Sunday June afternoon. This was the last event of the St. Paul's 2002-2003 Music Concert Series that the music team provides for the enjoyment of the parish and community throughout the year. Watch the newsletter for more exciting events this fall.

….the 18 youth who attended the Lock-In and participated in Youth Sunday. There was very little sleep noted but lots of giggles and 'belly-laughing' as the youth spent time together. They collected non-perishable food items to be added to the Loaves and Fishes Food Drive, spent the evening gliding on the ice at the new Bremerton Ice Arena and the wee hours creating music CDs before rising and assisting in leading the 10:15 Sunday service. Many thanks to Randy, Myra Battin, Richard Horn, and Rob and Daphne Williams who worked together to make this a fun, safe and relaxing event for our young people.

….completion of the seven week Cell Group Training course by Henry Morris, Barbara Moerler and Arvelle Carey. The three 'graduates' will be facilitating cell groups on a variety of topics this fall. A second wave of leader's training will be held later in the program year. Contact them or Randy for more information.

….Vestry approval to extend and open up the Saturday morning Yoga class to the community. The class began as a Lenten discipline, developed a devoted following on early Saturday mornings, and the decision was made to extend the class for a few weeks after Easter. The demand has increased and beginning June 7th the class was opened to the community for folks of all ages and fitness levels.

….the 12 to 14 folks (including people from the community at large) who gather on Wednesday nights for the 5-week " Bible Study 101" class that Randy offered beginning in June. The class tackled tough questions such as "what is Truth", Scriptural authority through the ages, diverse methods for interpreting Scripture and how to encounter the "Living Word." Many thanks also go to Katie DeLapp, who provided childcare each night so parent could attend the class.

….Joy Brydon who "covered the office" while Ann was on vacation. She is always a 'welcoming presence' in the office.

…. Barbara Moerler, Gladys Berteaux, Faith McIntrye, Charly Foster, Mark Schandler, Joy Brydon, Richard Horn, Phyllis Lewis and Arvelle Carey who have provided office support throughout the year. Whether it is organizing and addressing birthday cards for the children, dealing with crazy copy equipment or assembling weekly bulletins, monthly newsletters, and yearly phone directories, these folks' servant ministry is invaluable to helping maintain the smooth function of the church office (and the sanity of the Office Coordinator…)

….the million plus hours that Don Vanlue, Junior Warden, has spent 'bird-dogging' the numerous facility challenges over the last 5 1/2 months.

….the endless hours that Sharon Rios, Treasurer, and Dave Stomberg, Parish Stewardship Officer, have spent organizing the complex church finances and learning the new Church Windows software system.

….Jennifer Dueñas for hosting the Acolyte Pizza Party at the end of the program year. The acolytes will be taking a break for the summer. There will be a training session for all current and perspective acolytes sometime before the program year begins next fall. Watch for a date in later newsletters and bulletins. Remember, the only requirement to serve as an acolyte is that you are at least nine years old, so you adults can join in the fun, too!

Phone Directory Updates

We are in the process of updating the church phone directory. If you are new to St. Paul's, have a new addition in the family, change of address (snail- and/or e-mail) or phone number (since June '02) let us know.

Please do not assume that we have all the information. We don't want to miss anyone. Please contact Ann in the church office (377-0106 or stpaul@telebyte.net) or leave her a note with all the information.

Olan Mills Parish Pictorial Directory Update

It's time to complete our Church pictorial directory. With many new faces at St. Paul's, this is your chance to be included. Please add your name and telephone number to the sign up sheet located on the table in the nave, or contact Ann at the Church Office. The more names we have, the better our chances will be of having a photographer come to St. Paul's. Remember, you will receive a free 8x10 picture and no purchase is required. For more information contact please call Marilyn Pantano.

Wednesday Evening Formation: "Bible Study Sampler"

As a sequel to "Bible Study 101," the Rector will offer a "Bible study sampler." Each week the group will explore passages from different parts of the Bible that they can select from week to week. The class will begin on Wednesday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Library. All are welcome.

Opportunities for Community Service at St. Paul's Church

The Lord's Neighborhood Diner is always looking for people to serve hot meals with a generous portion of respect every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in our Parish Hall. Contact Delsie Peebles if you are interested at delsiep@aol.com.

The last Friday of the month OUTKitsap, our county advocacy agency for the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered) community, sponsors Friday Feast and "Queer Bingo," also in our Parish Hall. Here is an invitation that comes via Stanley Hess, OUTKitsap Board member and Jubilee Council member:

I need the help of the masses out there... I found out that the organization I was going to ask to cook is not available that night so is there anyone out there, a group of friends, an organization or a business that would like to cook for next Friday's Feast, the 27th?? I know this is short notice and I do apologize for that. You can have a extravagant meal with all the trimmings or just something very simple. It's up to you. Contact me at kelw503@yahoo.com and I will send you all the info you need. Unless, of course you would like me to cook and that is not recommended!;) Thank you!! Friday Feast/Bingo Manager, Kel