Everybody has heard the famous story about Galileo (1564-1642), the Italian scientist who got into big trouble with the Church because he looked at the sky with a telescope and began to tell people that the Earth wasn’t the center of the universe. He was not the first to say this. Copernicus (1473-1543), a Polish astronomer, put forth the theory that the earth and other planets moved around the sun. He is generally credited with starting this particular “revolution” that defines our life and times.

We are used to the idea that neither humankind nor this “fragile earth, our island home” are the center of creation; or that creation itself is over 15 billion years old; or that we are as a species evolving still. I say “we” meaning modern Americans in general, but I know lots of Christians who believe that, for example, that evolution is “science fiction.” Religion still has a reputation for resisting the advance of knowledge. This is one reason why so many reject Christianity out of hand. It is an artifact of an ancient, pre-scientific culture that believed that God lived in the sky and that the earth, which was flat, lay beneath the dome of the heavens.

When I was growing up, scientists, not saints, were my heroes. From age 5 to about 15 I wanted more than anything in the world to be an astronomer. My vocational goals began to change with puberty and the sad event of my father’s life threatening illness. I still wanted to be a scientist while I was in high school, but I began to lean toward engineering as it moved me into a more practical, people oriented vocation. My quest still goes on, but you already know a lot of that story.

Science is a great blessing and gift to us, but it doesn’t answer our deepest questions: why is there anything at all? What am I supposed to do with my life? What is right and wrong? Where do I go when I die?

The religions of the world present answers to these questions and have been around for centuries. The great insights of the sages and saints were discovered long before anything like science came onto the human stage. Christianity, like other faiths, has had to deal with the apparent conflict between “what the Scripture says” and what our God-given brains and senses reveal to us about creation.

Some people of faith reject modern science while saying that the Bible is the “Word of God,” and that’s that. But their rejection of science is piecemeal; they deny the veracity of astronomy and biology, for example, but accept modern medicine. Others reject what’s in the Bible, period. Science is the Way, and if the Bible doesn’t get it that the universe was not made in six days (as any first grader can tell you), how can it be trusted with the great issues of being human?

Those are the extreme positions of course. A lot of us live in between the horns of this old dilemma. That means we can borrow from faith and reason both what we need. But, it also means that we don’t face areas of conflict between our competing “world-views” that we haven’t sorted out yet, such as the nature of evil (is it really Out There, or just an excuse for bad people?).

As Episcopalians we are in a unique position just because of our history and way of approaching life and faith. We have always been a “thinking person’s” church, and have faith that God is Truth as well as Love, and that the mind is God’s gift to us. Jesus even says in John 8:32 that the truth will make us free! Ignorance is the real enemy of religion, not knowledge.

I am very excited that so many have embarked upon a Lenten journey where the questions facing post-modern Christians will be embraced. We have done a lot of study in this area at St. Paul’s over the last few years, and it seems that interest keeps spreading. I ordered 25 copies of Bp. John A.T. Robinson’s 1963 book Honest to God, which doesn’t include everybody who may already have a book that’ll come to the Lenten class.

This little book created a fair amount of controversy over the years because the late Bp. Robinson believed that Christianity could be lived and thought in a new key, and that ultimately no conflict exists between the astonishing and life enhancing advances of knowledge in our age, and the timeless truths bequeathed to us by the Master and passed on to us by our spiritual ancestors. Won’t you join me in the quest? Drop by the parish hall some Wednesday night in Lent around 7:00 o’clock (in the evening), and explore the possibilities that await us for learning how to talk about our faith in Christ to people who believe there is no place for them in the fold because they have a brain that is fully awake and functioning!

Peace, and Truth!

Randy

From the Senior Warden

I may indeed be the new Senior Warden at St Paul’s but I am hardly the new kid on the block. Having said that I want to tell all readers that even if by virtue of my service I know something about church affairs, there is still much I will need to learn in the coming months. The source of that information most important to the health of the Parish will indeed be all of you. I will pledge to all of you that I will  listen and be open to your ideas and suggestions.

I at first hesitated in accepting the Senior Warden position because of my many pressing family commitments. After prayer and reflection I accepted. How could I not serve when so many others of you with obligations at least as weighty as my own have in the past chosen to serve!

In the past several years St. Paul’s has attempted to more clearly define its mission. We have talked and written much about the direction we should take. That has perhaps been best evidenced by the founding and growth of our outreach ministries.  Over the next weekend the Vestry and leadership will meet together for a retreat where we will reflect upon the path we have chosen.

It is my belief that at this time we should review our plan asking what has and what has not worked. Are we too ambitious or not far sighted enough? Especially we will be considering the areas where we must now concentrate our energies. If in the next year I can help us better focus our efforts that will constitute for me success.

In the next few months I will be writing about the outcome of our conversations and our refined plan. What I communicate to you will I hope form the basis for a continuing exchange with all of you.

I am grateful for this opportunity to serve. We will succeed with God’s help in moving St. Paul’s in the direction it should take.

Love and Peace,

John Winesdorfer



From the Junior Warden

Having been newly elected Junior Warden at St. Paul's, may I say it will be an honor to serve you. One of my primary functions is being a liaison between the rector, vestry and members of St. Paul's.

Communication has become a major item within our Church. Our goal is to keep everyone informed of the activities of our Church and Community.

Please feel free to contact me if you have anything to discuss, change or institute to help better ourselves. I am open to any suggestions you may have.

I am looking forward to working closely with Fr. Randy and our new Senior Warden, John Winesdorfer. I ask that you keep me in your prayers, and with God's guidance, we will have a good year.

Faithfully,

Marilyn Pantano
Junior Warden


Life Planning 2002

There are three places your estate can be distributed: The government (taxes); heirs; charitable organizations. Does your will state what you what done?

Have you named a Durable Power of Attorney? Have you a written Health Care Directive in place? Who would handle your business affairs and make decisions regarding your health care should you become incapacitated? Have your life plans in order means having more than a will in place.

More than 50% of Americans die without a will in place. If you have a will, when is the last time you updated it? Does it reflect your wishes? Is St. Paul’s included in your will?

Attend the March 17th Life Planning Seminar at St. Paul’s, following the 8:00 am and 10:15 am services. You’ll get the latest information on how to update your life plans and get your affairs in order. A free copy of the Diocesan Life Planning Manual will be given to all attendees by seminar leader, Carl Knirk, Bishop Warner’s Deputy for Planned Giving / Stewardship.

On Sunday, March 3rd, St. Paul's Vestry, formation team leaders and ministry representatives will host a brunch to welcome folks new to our parish family. We will gather in the Oliver Room immediately following the 10:15 am service.   

If you have recently started attending St. Paul's you are invited to come share food, fellowship and the opportunity for us to get to know each other a little better. If you have been hanging around these hallowed halls for a while, please come share in the festivities as part of the welcome team and bring a side dish to share.   

No matter "which side of the table" you'll be seated on, new comer or long time member, please RSVP to Myra Battin at 876.5165 or myra@telebyte.net so we can plan for how many guests to expect.  

1. A Lectern is:

a. A person who reads a lesson during the liturgy.
b. The raised stand from which the Lessons, Psalms are read.
c. A guest speaker who delivers the sermon.

2. The Narthex is:

a. The covered front entrance to the church.
b. The area between the main entrance and the nave
of the church. c. The area where the choir is seated.

3. The Paten is:

a. A vestment worn by the celebrant at the Eucharist on special occasions.
b. The small cap worn by a Bishop celebrating the Eucharist.
c. The plate on which the bread for the Eucharist is placed.

4. The Purificator is:

a. A linen cloth used during the Eucharist to wipe the chalice.
b. The Holy Water poured into the wine to be consecrated for the Eucharist.

c. The prayer for the absolution of sins.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church is filled with people who have unlimited varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and provides many varieties of services, but the same Lord. St. Paul's has a huge variety of activities, but the same God who activates all of them in everyone.

We have many members but all the members of the body are one body. We are all baptized into one body and all drink of one Spirit! The members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body we think are less honorable we clothe with greater respect. God has arranged this so that the members care for one another.

If one member suffers, all suffer together with them; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Let us provoke one another to love and good deeds as we encourage each other each time we meet together. Come regularly, feast often and rejoice with us, for it is an honor to have you as part of the body!

Cindy Holland

Making a Decision about which Sunday Worship Experience is Right for You

Sunday morning Rite I during Lent, 8:00 am service includes 'Traditional' organ and piano preludes. One hymn is sung by the congregation (from the 1982 hymnal) after 'The Peace'. The Communion selection is traditional with a short Postlude after the 'Blessing'. Music is reflective and worshipful at this hour-long Holy Eucharist Service.

The Sunday morning, Holy Eucharist Rite II, 10:15 am service begins with The Great Litany or a Prelude at 10:10 during Lent and flows into the first hymn. Traditional hymns from the 1982 Hymnal are used for about half of the service. Instrumentation, including guitars, drums and new Gather Hymnal selections has helped participants worship in a new way.

The St. Paul's Choir blends Traditional and Contemporary anthems, sings during the 10:15 am service and has enhanced more than 35 services this year. This service also includes Guest Choirs, Vocal and Instrumental Soloists, String Presentations, Youth Group Sundays, and Children's Chapel.

The service ends after the Recessional hymn with short Voluntaries on major holidays. Children's Chapel, activities for your child until the 'Peace', and nursery care are provided during this service.

Cindy Holland

Life is often referred to as a road, or a path. Songs have been sung of roads (Route 66, The Long and Winding Road), and books have been written (Roads of Destiny, A Road Less Traveled). Christ talked about a broad and spacious road that leads to destruction and a narrow, winding road that leads to life. We try to anticipate what kind of things we’ll come across; bumps, curves, or a smooth straight journey, but let’s face it; we’ve never been here before. And, as we analyze our individual road, realize that you and I are on different roads. Even different types of roads. Which one are you on?

The Side Roads and Back Roads
If you’re in a hurry, forget it. This is where we all live. This is where you'll see the dreams and disasters. Where families come together. Where life begins and death happens. This is small towns and suburbia. Baseball games and homemade apple pie. No, you're not going to travel quickly through here, but the view is awesome. Pull off, breathe the fresh air and view the scenery. Unfortunately, it sure is hard to make a living. So, we need to travel faster.

The Highways and Byways
A highly traveled road, this gives you the opportunity to move a little bit faster, a little bit farther without getting too far off the beaten path. You may find a little more time to "see" things but traveling at a higher rate of speed doesn't allow for too much visiting or contemplation.

The Interstate Freeway
Rushing along with one goal in sight. To reach your destination in the shortest period of time. Keep up with the others around you. Sure you can move to the slower lane, but remember the purpose of this road is to move as quickly as possible from one point to the other. But, what view do you have. Often this type of road avoids civilization. Landscapes have been stripped, so that nothing may distract you from your duty. Scenery? Not much. And don't be distracted by anyone traveling with you, keep your eyes straight ahead. At this speed the risks are high if you lose sight of the road in front of you.

Have you noticed that each path has a place in our lives? But, if you only consider one road, your experience will be very limited. Freeways bring speed to our life, with our eyes focused straight ahead, but limit us in our relationships with others. Highways are not as fast; bringing more view to us, yet, still demand considerable concentration. Back roads allow us to see what's going on around us, slowly traveling along, often with a spectacular view. There will be more bumps and curves, hills and valleys.

Events in our life may change the road we're on. Take opportunities to analyze your trip through time. Are we headed where we want to go? Do we appreciate those we're traveling with? And above all, are we taking time to enjoy the view?

Happy Trails,

Tom Remick

St. Monica’s Chapter of Daughters of the King is inviting both women and men to attend a quiet day at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Bremerton on March 2nd. The hours are 9:30 am to 3:00 pm and meditations will be led by Margaret Scott of Silverdale.

There will be time for quiet and reflection. Lunch will be provided by Delsie Peebles. A free will offering for the Lord's Neighborhood Diner will be collected. The day will end with a Eucharist at 2:30 pm.

Contact Phyllis Lewis for more information. Deadline for registration is Tuesday, February 26th.

Thank you – For Christ's Sake,

Maryann Jordan

As a musician my life has always involved singing, playing and worshiping God. One thing I've learned over the years is that worship can take many shapes, and that what one person calls worship may not be worshipful for another. Since we each worship in unique ways, (after all we are each a unique creation) we have the opportunity to be open to how God calls us to worship him. Webster's Dictionary defines worship as honor or reverence to a divine being, or supernatural power (a power more awesome than we can understand). It is also the act of expressing such reverence. The act may be displayed as extravagant respect, admiration or devotion and may include a form of religious practice with its creed and ritual.

Some of my friends at St. Paul's have been called to worship in different ways during Lent. Some take on new projects or responsibilities and have joined a prayer group at St. Paul's. Some read Compline (a five-minute service in the Book of Common Prayer) each evening before bed. Another friend has a wonderful ritual of writing letters to God as a form of prayer. Many have signed up for Lenten study with Father Randy on Wednesdays. Several have decided to attend Holden Evening prayer (for 30 minutes) on Thursday evenings. Some take on more dedication to attend all church services and plan to attend Quiet Day on March 2nd and carpool with friends to Ministry Resource Day on March 16th in Des Moines. Some individuals give up things for Lent. Food items like chocolate or a favorite brand of soda are traditional, but I know a woman who puts her favorite pieces of jewelry away until Easter and prays as she puts her cross around her neck each day.

Several years ago, when my children were toddlers, I felt called to focus on the life of Christ and John the Baptist during Lent. Since Jesus and John had both spent a substantial amount of time in the desert I began to meditate on what life had been like in the desert for them. I decided that prayer and fasting would be the order of the day and realized that the sun and darkness would be a focal point for anyone living in the desert during biblical times. Although I have never been to the Holy Land and seen its' deserts, I had lived in Yakima, WA. (the desert of Washington State), for several years and was very aware of light, heat, darkness and cold. I began to focus on the change of light in the sky and the lengthening days. I allowed my senses to become more aware of dawn, sunrise, day, evening, and darkness and soon noticed that I enjoyed these changes in the day so much that I decided to give up electric light.

I learned during Vacation Bible School that Christ and John probably used a little oil lamp of that time. Most likely made of pottery, (not sophisticated at all) these little lamps have a wick that lays in the oil and can be packed up and carried easily. Common sense told me that they would not have had a large supply of oil in the wilderness, and wouldn't have used this light source very often. Instead of staying up late at night and doing activities with the lights on, the kids and I began to get up with the sun and go to bed when it went down. I began to notice a very favorable change in my own spirit. I was much calmer without the stimuli of light and the activities that electricity provided, and so were my children! If I needed to get up during the night to change a diaper I could usually use the moonlight and not turn on the light. If I needed light I used a candle. I become more aware of light, flame and heat for those 40 days and 40 nights. It helped me worship, feel closer to my Lord and saved resources for others to use.

This year I plan to worship in a different way (surprise, surprise). I have decided to lose 10 pounds before Easter. Since Lent is a time of prayer and fasting, I've decided to research biblical foods (I'm sure the St. Paul's Library or Father Randy have some great books) and eat foods Jesus or John might have eaten. Each time I eat raw honey I will pray and remember Jesus and John the Baptist in the desert. The ways we're called to worship are endless, just as God's love for each of us is endless. It is a blessing that we have so many rich resources to help us worship at St. Paul's. Pray about it, and choose the one that's right for you. Having a closer relationship with the Father and his only Son is what it's all about.

Cindy Holland

Valentine Gala

Thanks to all of YOU, the Valentine Gala Evening Buffet and Show on February 15th was a huge success! It was important to celebrate the success of so many great relationships and thank God for them! The sterling service was beautiful, the feast creative and delicious, we were able to try out a new grand piano, and the music fed our souls. God loves us in so many ways, and the friends we have at St. Paul's help equip us to share God's love and spiritual work in a world where relationships don't always last. The most important part of the evening was your being there; we're so glad you were!

Cindy Holland
Music Director

I am sooooo excited!  The Christian Formation Team has come up with our Mission Statement that helps us define where we are and where we're going: The Mission of the Christian Formation Team is to Equip and Ready People to Share God's Love and Spiritual Works It may sound simple and obvious, but there was a lot of sharing, prayer, reflection, and discernment that went into defining what the Christian Formation Team is all about and where we need to go to help the Community of St Paul’s with our journey of Christian Formation. Our next step is to discern where God is calling each of our groups and to define goals that help us get there.

Part of that discernment process may be found at the Ministry Resource Day that is sponsored by our Diocese of Olympia on March 16, 2002.  At this event there will be classes to cover Catechesis, Stewardship, Child's Play, Church Growth, How to Repair Vestments, Talking with the Bishop, and everything in between.  We will also be having the St Paul's tailgate party during lunch. I recommend for everyone in the Congregation to sign up and come.  Contact me (Rusty Holland) or Ann Horn to sign up. Best of all -- it's all free.

Also, we are going to have an Easter Pageant on Easter Two (the Sunday right after Easter). The practices will start on March 17th.

In God's Love and Patience,

Rusty Holland
Christian Formation Team Coordinator

Around the Diocese

The Minority Youth Conference will be held March 1-3 at Huston Camp and Conference Center in Gold Bar. The conference is designed to bring together high school youth of color to worship, play games, participate in workshops, and hang out. The cost is $25. Contact Shana Price at (206) 325-4200, ext 312 for more information.

Mark your Calendars now for the fifth annual Ministry Resource Day on March 16th. It will run from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at Highline Community College in Des Moines. There will be over 65 workshops and includes 50 new topics. Suzy Miller will give the keynote presentation entitled: “Can Episcopalians REALLY Make Disciples?” Contact the church office for a packet of information on the various classes. Pre-registration deadline is March 8th and there is no fee for registration. A group from St. Paul’s will be attending the workshop. Come join the fun, carpool together and have a tailgate party during lunch. Contact Rusty Holland or Ann Horn for more information.

The Spring HYC will be held April 12-14 at St. John’s Olympia. The theme is “Ripples in the Water” and will examine how we and the people around us affect our actions and attitudes. Come and discover what shapes us and explore what things affected Christ. The conference is open to students in grades 9-12. Space is limited and registration is $25. Call the church office for more information or to get a registration form.

Volunteers are needed to help staff the upcoming Spring HYC Conference on April 12–14 at St. John’s in Olympia. A staff meeting will be held on April 6th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at St. John’s. Lunch will be provided. To volunteer or get more information, contact the Office of Faith Development at (800) 488-4978.

Editor’s Note: We have received a lot of positive response from publishing the biographies of church leaders over the last few months. We will continue to run information about various church leaders each month. Please contact the Editor if you would like to submit an article or would like to suggest a name for a future feature.

Worship Committee Meeting – January 20, 2002

The committee continues the discussion about blending different styles of worship, trying to find what works when people have different preferences. It was agreed to try several different styles, independently, from time to time, but usually try to draw from traditional, contemporary, high, and more informal liturgical styles. The committee reviewed the various translations of the scriptures that are authorized and used. Sometimes we will use the one and other times another. The text in the bulletin is the one to follow. There are still some things to work out around movement of people during the service and the use of incense. There was also a discussion about using Rite One at the 8 o’clock service and a plan to try it out for awhile was made.

The committee will be expanding its responsibilities a bit, not only looking at the liturgies, but also the “arts” of the parish. There are parishioners who have expressed a lot of interest in caring for vestments and hangings that we now have, and doing more with textile and other art forms. We talked about marking the Feast of St. Paul with a bigger celebration. We will be doing some new things with the prayers of the people in the weeks to come. The liturgies for Holy Week were reviewed.

Next meeting:
Sunday, April 7th.

Sandy Stutey
Chair, Worship Committee

Odds and Ends

Pray for one another….
Do you want to include someone on St. Paul’s pray chain? Contact Carol Angel for more details. If you want to add someone to the Parish Cycle of Prayer contact the church office at 377-0106.

Peg Taylor’s 100th Birthday
Peg’s birthday is right around the corner! Please take a moment to sign a “Memory Book” in the Narthex that will be presented to this lovely lady from her St. Paul’s family. Peg has been an active member of this parish for years and many of us will want to share a special note with her. Contact Marilyn Pantano or Myra Battin for more information.

Smoke Alert
We will be burning incenses on Palm Sunday, March 24th at the 10:15 am service and again at The Great Vigil of Easter, Saturday, March 30th at 7:00 pm.

Thanksgivings
Many thanks to Arvelle Carey for her gift to St. Paul’s of Gather Hymnals; one choir edition in memory of Don Bell, one pew edition in memory of Vida Whitney and one pew edition in thanksgiving for sunshine.

Shrove Tuesday Feast Extraordinaire
Many thanks to Jennifer Duenas and Tom Remick for hosting the Shrove Tuesday Pancake supper. They led a team of able cooks including Roni Rouse, Wendy Wright, Rusty Holland, Abby Horn, Demetrius Burns, Luke Remick and Emily Cantu in providing an amazing feast of French Toast, Blueberry and Plain Pancakes, Omelets to order, Breakfast Burritos plus all the trimmings. Over 75 folks joined in the evening of fun and fellowship that was capped off by a selection of jazz music performed by Marc Lewis, Cindy Holland and Reinhold Schuetz.

Altar Guild Leadership Team
Congratulations to Gladys Berteaux and Jeanne Thune who have stepped up to serve as the new directors of the Altar Guild. Many thanks to Dottie and Dennis Kurzrock for all of their hard work and leadership over the last year. The Altar Guild is made up of a group of talented folks who help prepare the Feast each week. This servant ministry is vital to the life of the church. Contact Gladys or Jeanne if you are interested in joining this vibrant team of ministers at St. Paul’s. The next meeting will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 23rd.

Wine Alert
The sips have been taken and the votes have been cast and no hanging chad were found so Taylor’s Tawny Port will be the new communion wine that will be served at St. Paul’s. Many thanks to Caro and Larry Dugan for sponsoring the wine tasting parties after church for several Sundays until a winning choice could be made. The port may be purchased at area liquor stores. Watch your bulletin for Wine Sunday alerts for when the church supply is getting low.

Ann Horn
Editor

Hospitality Team Ministry Training

If you are an usher, greeter, refreshment host, vestry member, or just a person who feels comfortable at St. Paul’s Church, I invite you to join me for a light supper and a special workshop on how we practice the ancient art of hospitality. The date to remember is Friday, March 1st. Come to St. Paul’s at 6:00 pm for some sustenance, and we should finish up by around 8 o’clock. People who want to come but don’t like to drive at night should call or e-mail me for help in making other transportation arrangements.

I want to articulate a unified philosophy of hospitality for St. Paul’s, and form Sunday morning teams that will work seamlessly to welcome visitors and make this magnificent community of souls accessible.

If this date is not good for you, I am offering a make up date on Sunday, March 10th at 11:30 am. This preempts my convening the Adult Forum, so we can get right to business, first, again, with a light brunch. After all, if we are to be hospitable to the stranger, then we must first know how to be hospitable with each other! We ought to be finished by around 1:30 pm.