John's version of the story of the Day of Pentecost, when the disciples received the Holy Spirit, is a little different from the event related in Acts 2. The setting is more intimate, and there is more emphasis on how the disciples are empowered and sent by the Spirit in John's version of the event. But there is no contradiction in the meaning of what happened here at all. Let's consider what the scriptural teaching about the Christian Pentecost is.

First, looking at the more familiar story from the Acts, we immediately see that people who spoke different languages understood one another. The Holy Spirit equips people to communicate; it heals the alienation we human beings are habitually resigned to accepting as the norm in our relations with one another. In fact Luke, the author of the Acts, wants us to realize that on the Day of Pentecost the ancient tragedy of the aftermath of the building of the Tower of Babel was rescinded. For those miraculous few moments, the pilgrims in Jerusalem, regardless of where in the world they were from, were fully aware that they were citizens of a new Kingdom whose laws superseded those of the world as they had known it.

So the first fruit of the coming of the Spirit is solidarity between the members of the Church. In fact, Christianity teaches that the Church was born on this day, when her members began to hear both the voice of God and each other. And throughout the Acts we are continually shown how the Spirit both leads the church and unifies it.

This is the peace of which Jesus speaks to his disciples; it is his gift to his Church. In Christ, through the Spirit, we receive peace, and power, for God's work in the world.

The unity of the people of God, first manifest at Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, was the outward expression of the peace and power of the Spirit. John gives us insight into the inward transformation of the individual disciple that makes the unity of the Church possible.

In a word, we cannot be at peace with others if we are not at peace within ourselves. We are incredibly complex creatures, made up of many 'selves' and conflicting inner desires.

Thus, be at peace, within and without,
Randy

From the Music Director

Hope you came to the Organ Guild Recital!
As Music Director of St. Paul's it was an honor to be asked to host the American Guild of Organists Member Recital. We enjoyed the Sunday afternoon of beautiful music including organ favorites from the area's most talented musicians. - Cindy Holland

The Piano Lesson and a Big Thanks to Dedicated Choir Members
Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took the small boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE."

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit", "Keep playing." Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.

The audience was mesmerized.

That's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't exactly what we had in mind. But with the hand of the Master, our life's work truly can be beautiful. Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are playing the concerto of your life.

I would like to give a special end-of-the-year thanks to those who've helped with the St. Paul's Concert Series or shared their time and talents contributing to music. Hundreds of hours of dedicated service have enriched St. Paul's and inspired us to grow musically and become one family of God! Together we are stronger because we have a common goal to worship God with joy. I encourage each of you to "Don't quit. Keep playing." It has been a joy for me to work with each of you. God doesn't always call the equipped. He equips the called!

(I hope I haven't forgotten anyone…)

Leonard Accos, Sue Ahrens, Emily Battin, John Battin, Leonard Boniface, Arvelle Carey, Katie Delapp, Caro Dugan, Holly Duncan, Dave Durfee, Gayla Elverson, Carl Glaser, Toni Hammock, Angie Holland, Ellie Holland, Rusty Holland, Richard Horn, Alexandra Houchen, Kathryn Houchen, Richard Houchen, Roni Houser, Marc Lewis, Faith McIntyre, Connie Morgenstern, Margaret Murdach, Alexandria Nichandros, Janice Parker, Terrie Remick, Tom Remick, Blair Schuetz, Reinhold Schuetz, Laurel Stone, Sandy Stutey, JoAnn Winesdorfer, Valerie Williams and the St. Paul's Youth Group.

A Musical Note

We've explored the history of hymn favorites Amazing Grace, More Love to Thee, Jesus Lover of My Soul and All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name. This month the Trinity asks us to reflect upon Holy, Holy Holy!

The Trinity, God in three persons, is a central doctrine of the Christian faith, clearly stated for the first time at the council of Nicaea in 325 AD. Scriptural support for this doctrine is found in several places, but perhaps most clearly in two passages which repeat the phrase "holy, holy, holy" and imply a threefold subject of angelic worship. The first passage is from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter 6, verse 3: "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory." The second passage is found in the New Testament book of Revelation, chapter 4, verse 8: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come." It was to this last passage that Reginald Heber turned when he wanted to write a hymn for Trinity Sunday, to be sung by his congregation of the parish at Hodnet in western England. He served as vicar at the church there from 1807 until 1823, and during his tenure was known as a prolific writer of poetry, essays, and hymns.

Born into a wealthy and well-educated family on April 21, 1783, Reginald Heber was raised in an atmosphere of scholarly pursuits. When he was seventeen, he traveled to Oxford University where he distinguished himself early on for his literary abilities. In his first year at Oxford, he won a prize for the best Latin poem; in his second year, he was awarded the coveted Newgate Prize for his English poem entitled "Palestine." In 1807 at the age of twenty-four, Heber was ordained a priest in the Church of England and began his ministry in the small parish at Hodnet.

Throughout his sixteen years at Hodnet, Heber composed hymns of uncommon lyric beauty, reflecting the Romantic Movement sweeping Europe at that time. Lord Tennyson, one of Heber's contemporaries, was said to have praised "Holy, Holy, Holy" as the greatest poetic hymn in the English language. This was high praise indeed, coming from one of history's greatest poets.

Looking carefully at the hymn, one finds it not only speaks of the Trinity, but also speaks in trinities. Verse three contains another trinity of characteristics - power, love, and purity, and the fourth verse concludes in a trinity defining the scope of God's control - earth, sky, and sea. Heber's attempt to clarify the Trinity for his small nineteenth century parishioners has become a classic hymn of worship for Christians ever since and is sung in churches of almost all denominations.

Despite his fulfilling ministry in his church, Heber longed to serve in the mission field. In 1823, when he was forty years old, his dreams were realized. He was asked to take the post of the Bishop of Calcutta. Moving from England to the tropical climate of India, Heber threw himself into his work, traveling across the country tirelessly to advance the cause of the church. He was especially distressed by the strict caste system in the country and spoke out against it at every opportunity. On an extremely hot and humid Sunday morning, April 3rd, 1826, he stood before a crowd of Indian citizens decrying the evils of the caste system and was exhausted at the close of his sermon. A few hours later he died, an apparent victim of a stroke. Mourned by friends and family, Hefer was buried at the Anglican Church in Trichinopoly. His inspiration, however, lived on in a book of fifty-seven hymns collected and published by his widow the following year. Most of these lovely hymns are still in use today. Although his life was relatively short, it has influenced believers throughout the century following his death and there is no doubt that as long as Christians sing, they will raise their voices in Heber's beautiful hymn of worship, "Holy, Holy, Holy."

"Town Hall Meetings:" the Vestry

A new vestry was elected in January and convened in late February for the annual vestry retreat with an agenda to focus on the coming year. Life sometimes intervenes in doing God's work, and the weekend served instead to address issues of significant concern within the congregation. In early April, the vestry met with several of the concerned parishioners in order to clarify their concerns.

In an attempt to address these concerns on a general basis and to initiate dialogue and understanding within the congregation, a focus group was formed to prepare a format for discussion at a congregational "Town Hall Meeting." Based on input received from parishioners, the focus group decided on three major headings for discussion: Pastoral Care, Leadership/Stewardship, and Communication.

Under the topics of Pastoral Care and Communication, the strengths of St. Paul's Church were identified along with opportunities for growth and improvement. Under the topic of Leadership/Stewardship the rector, vestry, and congregation were identified as three partners in ministry with specific responsibilities and expectations.

These issues were presented at the Town Hall Meetings open to all member of the congregation after both services on May 18, with time for questions and dialogue. Both meetings were well attended and the vestry wishes to extend its appreciation for the time and input of those who participated.

The Town Hall meeting is just one response that the vestry has engaged in to address issues of concern to the congregation, but it is an obvious avenue to open channels of communication. The vestry plans on making these meetings a regular event and would like to address your concerns.

Please let any of the vestry members know of particular topics that would be of general interest for future meetings, as the vestry has enthusiastically embraced the challenges of building a church true to its mission statement.

We are one people of God who
see Christ in all persons;
celebrate the mystery of God's love for all;
break down barriers that separate us from one another;
provide a home for everyone on their spiritual journey;
and equip the saints to do ministry in the world.

Dave Kidd,
Vestry Member

Jubilee Training Event Report

As a newly designated Jubilee center, St. Paul's is entering into a new and exciting phase of its life in community and faith revealed. A few weeks ago Randy approached me with the invitation of attending a Jubilee Training Event in New Jersey held at the Xavier Center of the College of St. Elizabeth, near Newark.

Accepting this invitation with the understanding that my time to devote to it is limited given my several jobs and considerable commitments to OUTKitsap, and Evergreen Children's Theatre and as volunteer Curator of the Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum and several other collections, I attended what turned out to be an intensive and stimulating four day event.

Designed as introduction to the mission of Jubilee and a chance to meet some of the national officers and staff and a small group of Jubilee Ministry representatives, the event focused on history of Jubilee, resources available to parishes and programs, communication and fund raising, and building community among the delegates of the event.

Each part of the day was begun or ended with devotions, which included a visit by the Bishop of the Diocese of Newark. The 42 participants included one other from the Diocese of Olympia, Janer Wilford of St. James Outreach program, Kent, WA. Most of the others were from the east coast and Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Several highlights of workshops and programs:

• A brief preview of a video on Racism and Prejudice which will be presented at the National Convention in June and there after will be available throughout the church.
• Fund raising and grant writing.
• Communications and The Episcopal Church Public Policy Network.
• Field trip to Hoboken, NJ to visit All Saints Church and the newly dedicated Jubilee Family Life Center.

Many resources and examples are represented among the more than 700 Jubilee Centers throughout the US and its overseas districts. St. Paul's can take pride in what it has started and share with others ideas and programs to reach out and to improve.

Suggested websites:

www.episcopalchurch.org
www.episcopalchurch.org/jubilee
www.episcopalchurch.org/eppn (The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations)
www.episcopalchurch.org/peace-justice/Index.asp (The Episcopal Church Center / Peach and Justice Ministries)

Peace and brother/sisterhood,
Stanley Hess, St. Paul's Jubilee Council Member

"Jubilee Council" Meeting Report

Represented: St. Paul's Episcopal Church: Randy Lord-Wilkinson, Ann Horn, Larry Dugan; OUTKitsap: Stanley W. Hess, Rhonda Boothe; and Olympic College Early Head Start: Donna Galano.

Agenda for the meeting:

• Check-in
• Windemere project
• Hopes and goals of the council

As people arrived at the meeting they were invited to "check in" with whatever they personally or their organizations considered "front burner" events and issues.

Donna Galano's son works for Windemere Real Estate. Once a year 150-200 employees volunteer to do projects for organizations dedicated to building a stronger community, e.g. Catholic Community Services.

Donna suggested that those present generate a "wish list" of projects around St. Paul's that might benefit the church and the community service organizations it supports/hosts. About a dozen ideas were suggested by the group at the meeting, and (later) the wardens of St. Paul's and Delsie Peebles.

The "top" items to be submitted to Windemere for consideration on April 29th, should St. Paul's be a recipient of the labors of so many volunteers, were: aesthetically pleasing storage units for the clothing donations received by the Lord's Neighborhood Diner; pressure washing the pavement behind the church and in front of the entrance to the OC day care; a deep cleaning of the church kitchen; an enclosure around the dumpster; a storage extension for the Diner abutting the church building; new paint and or murals for the parish hall; and another coat of paint on the exterior walls of the church facing south and east.

After this discussion Randy distributed leaflets explaining the Episcopal Church's Jubilee Ministry network and an article summarizing how St. Paul's entered into symbiotic partnerships with the Diner, Olympic College Early Head Start, and OUTKitsap in 1999.

The Episcopal Church's General Convention created Jubilee Ministry in 1982. There are over 700 Jubilee Ministry Centers in the Episcopal Church, all of which are involved in ministries of empowerment, evangelism, advocacy and/or direct social service. St. Paul's was designated a Jubilee Center in 2002 for its advocacy of organizations serving, in particular, the economically challenged, poor and homeless, and sexual minorities.

As a lay empowerment social justice ministry within the Episcopal Church, regular training seminars are offered for people directly involved in work that strengthens communities either under the auspices of parishes or other organizations allied in partnership with the Jubilee network.

Stanley W. Hess, member of St. Paul's and the OUTKitsap Board, will attend a Jubilee Training Conference in New Jersey in early May.

Following the discussion of what Jubilee Ministry was about, Randy asked representatives how such a gathering on a regular basis might be maximally supportive of the work each organization was doing. He observed that the partnerships were beneficial to St. Paul's in that its advocacy of their services to specific populations in Kitsap County enabled it to fulfill its vision, broaden the experience of its membership, and often resulted in material and monetary gifts.

The group generated the following list of hopes and goals for the "jubilee council:" to foster communication between all groups whose work and mission was based in the church; to support each other through mutual promotion of activities and programs, and by offering moral, material, monetary, logistical and educational support to one another and to the recipients of the services of each organization.

Randy added that he wanted to invite leaders from the partner organizations to do occasional educational events for members of St. Paul's to "soften" the perceived boundary between the parish and other groups based in the church working to build a stronger, healthier and more just local community. He concluded by observing that members of St. Paul's already, to a certain extent, participated in the programs of the partner organizations, but that he wanted to see even more such involvement by members of St. Paul's as such support and service would result in spiritual growth for them.

The next meeting of the council is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, at 8:30 a.m. The group will meet on the third Wednesday of the month.

Acolyte News

There will be a Pizza Party for the acolytes after the 10:15 a.m. service on June 15th to show my appreciation for all their hard work and dedication. All who served over the last year are invited to attend as well as anyone who will be eligible to begin serving in the fall.

June 15th is also the last Sunday that a full compliment of acolytes will be scheduled. We'll be going on our reduced summer schedule until the program year begins in September.

There will be a training session for all current and perspective acolytes sometime before the program year begins. 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!

If you have any questions please contact me at bjagduenas@att.net.

Jennifer Dueñas
Acolyte Director

Moving-Up Day in the Atrium

May 18th was graduation day for some of the children in the Atrium as they gathered to celebrate the last day of the 2002-2003 program year.

Children moving from Level I to Level II included: Amy Matchell, Naomi Williams and Alexandria Houchen. These girls will be going into the first grade next fall and joining Chad Matchell and Sophia Williams. Ann Horn is the catechist for Level II.

Master Will Holland will be going into the fourth grade in the fall and moving from Level II to Level III to keep middle sister Angie company in Honi Matchell's class. They will be joining Nolan Schuetz, and James and Troy Accos,

All this takes place as big sisters Ellie Holland and Athena Williams make the giant leap into Rite-13 next fall as they begin seventh grade. They will be joining Demetrius Burns, Abby Horn and Emily Schuetz. Katherine Adams is the faithful teacher to these young teenagers.

Don't worry about Myra Battin being lonely in Level I, she has Alia and Gillian Dueñas, Danny McGinley, Alexandra Lord-Wilkinson, Kendall Massey, Faith Pantano, Griffin Aldrich, and a whole bushel of others to keep her on her toes (or knees…).

The True Bliss of Fatherhood: A Perpetual Celebration & Exploration

As Father's Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the birth of our son, Ian. What an absolute miracle of life… holding our little buddy for the first time. Looking into his eyes, with both wonder and awe. This tiny precious baby-the one we had prayed for daily-had finally arrived. So perfect, so healthy, so small. I fell in love from the first moment I saw him and cradled him. Then I remember looking at Sherri and the joy we felt together, the warmth and peace we shared. It was at that moment I realized that our lives had changed forever; God had answered our prayers and delivered the greatest gift. I was a proud father and Ian helped complete our family.

Four years have now passed. I often reflect on the wonders of fatherhood and the evolution as we celebrate life with Ian. Experiencing milestones with him have been both enlightening and joyous. From feeding him bottle after bottle of formula, his first taste of cereal, to eating "big boy" food. From watching him roll over, crawling, taking his first steps towards walking, and today, running (after him) everywhere. Listening to him cooing as a baby, to hearing his first word (dada-what an honor), and telling stories in articulate paragraphs, to singing complex songs. Watching him learn to say the alphabet, recognizing each letter's sounds, to writing his first letter "F" for fire fighter. The joy and excitement of taking Ian to his first day of Montessori school and watching my wife cry the whole way home. And, now as his first school year comes to a close, I am especially thankful to be able to personally drop him off at school and pick him up almost every day; to be able to hear how his day went; and to ask about his "favorite part of the day."

Our house is filled with love, peace, and energy. Fire trucks, Hot Wheels, and Rescue Heroes don the rooms. I smile when I see Ian speeding through the house wearing his fireman's "turnout gear," proudly offering me a fire hat to wear too (which I wear proudly).

Everyday, I thank Abba Father and Lord Jesus for our many blessing. What a gift to be able to share and experience Ian's life. Being a parent, a daddy, is more than I ever dreamed or even expected. I look forward to celebrating more and living the world through Ian's life.

So what is being a daddy, a father, a papa? It's different things for each and every man. But for this dad, it is pure joy and a heart-felt passion of experiencing a child's love and fascination for life, friends, family, and Christ. So cheers to all you dads and all the beautiful children that make us who we are.
God's Peace!
Dave
(a.k.a. Daddy Dave [Cochran])

Church Quiz - June 2003

In June, we begin a new church season with Whitsunday.

1. What is another name for Whitsunday?

a. All Saints Day
b. Day of Pentecost
c. Trinity Sunday

2. What is the color for the Season After Pentecost?

a. White
b. Red
c. Green

3. What is the color for Whitsunday?

a. Red
b. White
c. Green

4. What is the first Sunday after Whitsunday called?

a. All Saints Day
b. Trinity Sunday
c. Rogation Sunday

5. What Church Season follows the Season After Pentecost?

a. Advent
b. Christmas
c. Harvest Festival

6. What is a Suffragan Bishop?

a. Assistant to the Diocesan Bishop with right of succession.
b. Assistant to the Diocesan Bishop with no right of succession.
c. Head of the Anglican/Episcopal Church.

Time:

2 p.m. Saturday May 31st through noon Sunday, June 1st

Things to bring:

A signed permission slip, $10, can of food to donate to food bank, sleeping bag & overnight items. Also bring a maximum of four FRIENDS ( just make sure your friends are registered).

Questions about the Peace Vigil

We are extending the Peace Vigil on Friday evenings from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM through June. In addition to the candle lighting and meditative prayer portion, we would like to add to the format and are exploring ideas that might interest and inspire you to get involved? Some thoughts we are kicking around are: having a book to read and share, having time to share inspirational prayers, poignant thoughts or stories, intercessory prayers, etc... Please let us know what things interest you and how you would like to be involved. Contact: Sherri Cochran at sherric@TSCNet.com or Katherine Adams at adams90mkh@aol.com.

Yoga Continues:

Due to overwhelming demand from the current class, Randy is continuing the gentle yoga class on Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. in the Nave (sanctuary).

Randy will lead the class through a series of breathing techniques; hatha yoga postures and stretches aimed at integrating the body, mind and spirit. Possible benefits are a deep inner focus, muscular strength and development, greater flexibility, increased circulation and lung capacity, and a renewed calmness.

The yoga class is now open to the community. Participants will need to bring a mat or blanket. Donations to St. Paul's Episcopal Church will be accepted.

All are encouraged to come and join a community of yoga enthusiasts from beginners to those looking to enhance their practice. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.


Transitions

Born to Eternal Life: Evelyn Baker
Graduation from High School:
Katie DeLapp
Craig Schoenberg
Ordination to the Diaconate:
Shearon Sykes Williams

Odds and Ends

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

We have a lot to be grateful for at St. Paul's, so let's give thanks to….

….Sherri Cochran who organized the community prayer vigils for peace for over ten weeks. What started as a Lenten discipline in response to the turmoil in the Middle East has turned into a opportunity for folks to take some quiet time during the week to reflect on events going on in the world. Thanks to Randy, Arvelle Carey, Katherine Adams and David Cochran who also assisted in the preparations during the week and to Jeanne Thune who assisted in the care of the altar linens.

….Seamus and Suzanne Neary for bringing beautiful bagpipe music to celebrate Saints of the Church on Easter 2 and to Larry and Caro Dugan for researching and preparing authentic Haggis (cooked in an authentic sheep stomach and all) to share afterward).

….the Community of the Holy Spirit for offering a Quiet Day at St. Paul's in early May. Sister Leslie from the Community of the Holy Spirit in New York led the meditations on prayer and Randy celebrated the Eucharist at the conclusion of the retreat. Twelve ladies from three different parishes participate in the fun; and many thanks to the Altar Guild for preparing for the mid-week service.

….the wardens, Myra Battin and Don Vanlue, who passed out carnations to all the women attending services on Mother's Day and to Canterbury Manor who gave two beautiful flowering plants to St. Paul's for the altar to celebrate the women in our lives. What a delightful way to start the service!

As part of the exploration of the roots and history of the Eucharist, Randy celebrated an instructed Eucharist in the Atriums, with the children and adult guests. The young people were responsible for much of the service, from polishing the vessels, setting the altar, and arranging flowers to reading scriptures, leading prayers and serving as a chalice bearer. Many thanks to Randy and all the folks who are so supportive of children's ministries at St. Paul's.



Olan Mills Update It's time to complete our Church 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. 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 at 692-5461 or mpan1012@aol.com.

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 are available in the church office.

Six-Day and Summer Camps
'Six-Day' is for high school students just completing grades 9-12 and will be held June 20-26. The camp is sponsored by the Diocese of Olympia, through the Office of Faith Formation. Included in the week's activities will be worship, singing, study, small groups, swimming, crafts, games, a healing service, a talent show, and a "prom".

'Six-Day' is held at Huston Camp and Conference Center in Gold Bar, WA. Contact Emily Battin or the church office if you have questions. Also there are brochures on the media table in the Narthex, as well as, the church office, that list the various camping sessions that will be offered this summer at Camp Huston.

As noted in last month's Good Word, your financial support has been "tracking" well for the first quarter of 2003. Giving has begun the predictable "post-Easter fade," however, so please remember your pledges and contributions of time and talent, too, throughout the summer months. - Finance Committee

Smoke Alert! At the 10:15 liturgy on the Day of Pentecost (June 8), incense will be used…

Wednesday Adult Formation May 28 was the last session of the "Orientation to St. Paul's" series that was intended to introduce people to the Episcopal Church and St. Paul's and what we are about. We have had some great presentations on liturgy and music (thank you, Cindy Holland and Arvelle Carey), and plan to round out the class with a presentation on Stewardship (thank you, Dave Stomberg for your help). and a general question and answer session. We'll offer an "intro" class like this again (possibly a few times a year).