From the Rector

An enormous controversy was generated by Martin Scorcese’s film The Last Temptation of Christ. It was based on one of my all time favorite books by Nikos Kazantzakis with the same title. Most know Kazantzakis as the author of Zorba the Greek, but he wrote other works on religious subjects, including a biography of St. Francis of Assisi. Scorcese’s movie upset people because Jesus has a dream while he is dying on the cross that he chose to live a “normal” life over his vocation as Messiah. He marries, grows old, and even has some children. He has an affair with his wife’s sister.

That was what really upset everyone who hated the movie, naturally. It was no surprise to me that all of the focus was on the affair rather than Jesus’ being vulnerable to any kind of temptation at all. Maybe it was because I read the book - or was it because I was an Episcopalian? - that I was not shocked by Jesus having a moment on the cross where the devil visits him with a vision of what his life might have been like if he had not been faithful to his call.

If most of the movie-going public had gotten the same kind of religious training I did about “temptation,” then we all should have been scandalized by Jesus’ portrayal as a human being to the extent that he was even capable of doubt and despair.

I remember how “blown away” I was when I first heard the proper preface for Lent from the Prayer Book: “… through Jesus Christ our Lord, who was tempted in every was as we are, yet did not sin…” (p. 379). I was and am very impressed with this assertion. I can’t tell you how much my confidence in the Episcopal Church grew when I learned that this radical idea of Jesus as knowing what I know about temptation came right out of the Epistle to the Hebrews (4:15)!

For a Christian, temptation is a gift. What? How is this?

Temptation was good for Jesus because it taught him about who he really was. This is yet another example of how evil ultimately serves God’s designs.

Jesus needed confirmation of the call he received more powerfully than at any other time in his human life at his baptism. I seriously doubt that his growing clarity and certainty about his ministry as Messiah could have been better served by encouragement from those who already believed in him. No, Jesus was worthy of being tempted by no less than the father of lies itself who, from the way it quoted Scripture so nimbly, must have had a seminary education.

If Jesus, human in every way as we are, had any lingering doubt about who he was and would be, that doubt was vanquished in the wilderness because of the subtle and seductive song of Satan.

Jesus learned from temptation his supernatural potential for rebellion against God. We, too, learn how for we have traveled the path of discipleship in part guided by the severity and subtlety of our temptations. There can be no possibility of temptation apart from a promise. Temptation does not bother with those who have made a habit of giving in to it. It assails those who follow Christ faithfully, and strengthens them for service. Temptation reminds us that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves, but that “by his grace we are able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer for ourselves but for him who died for us and rose again” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 379).

Peace,
Randy

From the Senior Warden

The vitality I witnessed during our vestry retreat was, for me, reflective of the vitality emerging across our entire faith family. Ideas and energy were swirling faster than they could be recorded. Our major focus was something called Mutual Ministry Review. You’ll be hearing a lot more about MMR in the near future, but you should know your vestry was energized by the possibilities that we all, as a faith family, will be able to embrace as we begin to journey together through this new approach to recognizing, honoring and supporting one another’s ministries.

This past year has been a major learning curve for me as I found my way into the ministry of warden. Your wisdom, your faith and your patience have been lights to my path. I think perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned is; the position of warden, just like all the other ministries and ministers at St. Paul’s, is but one piece of a large puzzle. Each of us has an integral part to contribute in completing St. Paul’s puzzle and it’s only when we’ve all joined together that someone can see the image we’ve formed.

My Lent this year will be one in which I will focus on recognizing the bounty of hope we live in. There is Hope, because I (we all!) grow from the grace and vision this faith family demonstrates each day. It’s never hard to see the face of Christ shining forth from our ranks. There is Hope because the ministries carried on by us all are continuously challenged to stretch and find new directions, and those same ministries thrive and grow in that spirit. There is wondrous Hope in the ever present Easter truth, always before us, just waiting to be embraced and lived into it.

Namaste’
Myra B.

Bell Choir Update

~ Cindy Holland

Vestry Report: January 15, 2004

Lisa Massey was nominated and elected as clerk of the Vestry.

Finance Committee Chair John Winesdorfer reported the conversion to Quickbooks software is just about complete. This should enable the treasurer and the finance committee to get a clearer picture of the church’s finances. Junior Warden Don Vanlue is compiling a list of building repairs that will be necessary to complete in the near future. Treasurer Sharon Rios pointed out the tripling of the power bill for the month of January and the recent 20% increase in medical insurance premiums.

Margaret Murdach of the Centennial Committee updated the Vestry on the plans for celebrating St. Paul’s 100th anniversary in 2004. Four major events are planned in the coming year:

-A luncheon and musical special in conjunction with Bishops visit on April 18.
-A picnic lunch, museum tour and plaque dedication at the original site of St Paul’s at Chester and 6th St in Bremerton in mid-May.
-A formal tea party and concert on October 6.
-A sit-down dinner and dancing at the Elks Club tentatively scheduled for November 12.
-A complete written history of St. Paul’s is in the works as well. More information on all of the above will be forthcoming.

Marscha Irving from the Diocese led an exercise to illustrate the benefits of Mutual Ministry Review. The Vestry decided to undertake this review in order to further define and refine the mission of St Paul’s in all of its various ministries. Planning for this important work will begin at the Vestry retreat taking place the first weekend of February.

Arlis Stewart of KUUF attended the meeting in order to revise the HOST program’s request of St. Paul’s. Instead of housing the group of homeless men in April, as was originally requested, the new request is for St. Paul’s to partner with KUUF in May at the same level as last year. That is, provide one week’s worth of lunch, snack and dinner for the group of men who will be staying at KUUF. The request was approved. It was also suggested that personal care packages be assembled for distribution to the men.

Madeline Boatwright was approved as co-nursery attendant.

The Vestry will serve as cooks and clean-up crew for Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:20.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Massey
Clerk of the Vestry

St. Paul’s CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Year Update

The Official Centennial Parish Banner design, planning and construction is underway. The design was submitted to the Historian by Steve Rice and will be incorporated in a banner before the Bishop Warner’s visit on April 18th. The Liturgy and Arts Committee is expected to approve and refine the design very soon.

The Bishop’s Official Recognition Day and Rededication Visit will be April 18th. The Centennial Service will begin Sunday at 10:15 and conclude with a reception and a luncheon to follow.

Liturgy and Arts

The congregation will notice several change coming up. We will be using the New Zealand Prayer Book throughout Eastertide at both Sunday liturgies.

The Great Vigil will begin at 10:00 p.m. Easter Eve instead of 7:00 pm, which will mean that it will already be dark at the Kindling of the New Fire and during the service of the Word. We will be offering hospitality after the service for people to greet one another.

The use of the new Prayers of the People format has been generally accepted. People commented on the positive relationship to the Lectionary and how people are getting somewhat comfortable with offering individual prayers .The Episcopal Church will adopt the ecumenical Revised Common Lectionary and we will begin using it during Advent this year.

For the long term, the Committee will review the goals and objectives of its work to better incorporate the “Arts” component of its mission. It will be working on a solution to the replacement of the architectural configuration of the organ pipe area, and examining the role of arts, liturgy, and the physical spaces of the church, in supporting and enhancing our faith journey.

The formation of an artists and crafts guild is happening. If you are interested in joining this group of men and women who sew, paint, do handwork, want to be involved in designing and creating the temporary and permanent pieces we use to “adorn” our worship, please contact Sandy Stutey or Caro Dugan.

Lenten Faith Formation

Seekers’ Class: Randy, Rusty and others will offer a class for people wanting to go more deeply into the Christian walk, Episcopalian style, starting on Sunday, February 29 after the 10:15 liturgy. The course will run throughout Lent and will meet in the Library.  This is the class you’ll want to take if you’re interested in being confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church on April 18th when Bishop Warner comes to St. Paul’s.

Wednesday Nights in Lent: Holden Evening Prayer returns to St. Paul’s every Wednesday in Lent at 6:30 p.m. in the nave. At 7:00 p.m. Randy will facilitate a class using Marcus Borg’s new book The Heart of Christianity. The class will meet in the Nave and start on March 3. You may buy the book at any local or online bookstore for about $16.00 plus tax or shipping. Child care will be available with advance notice given to Randy by the Sunday before each class.

Spring Clean for Lent

As the Lenten season approaches, the Loaves and Fishes program is shifting gears. It has been a huge success and St. Paul’s should be very proud of its dedication to the cause. During Lent we are asking for toiletry items; anything that is used for hygienic purposes, such as soap, shampoo, combs, brushes, deodorant, and so on. These are things that we sometimes take for granted, but are so appreciated by those unable to purchase them for themselves and their families.

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

A son’s note of thanks

I got the package from your church today. Please pass along our heartfelt appreciation. Very kind of them….

The weather is finally cooperation after a few rainstorms have kept us living in the mud and grime. We are still waiting for the water to evaporate so that we aren't wading in mud. Soon enough the hot weather will return, though so I'm not going to complain too much. Not much else going on here. I hope your (vestry) retreat is going well.

Love,
Paul

Editor’s note: With the continued tensions in the Middle East the parish came together during the holiday season to write notes of encouragement and support to our military that were included in two “care packages” from the church. Major Paul Zepernick and his wife and children worshipped at St. Paul’s with his mother, Jeanne Wolf, when he was in town for a visit. He is currently stationed in Iraq along with Capt. Wesley White, son of John and JoAnn Winesdorfer and “little brother” of Valerie Williams. Charly Foster donated 18 paperback books to include in the care packages, and Richard Horn was also an enormous help with the project.


Sunday Supper – March 21

Members of the St. Paul’s parish community are invited to the next Sunday Supper on March 21. Sunday Supper is a potluck held on the third Sunday of each month at the home of Carol Angel in Tracyton (between Bremerton and Silverdale). A

ttendance at Sunday Supper is by reservation, limited to a maximum of 10 adults each month. We begin at 5:30 p.m. and wind up around 7:30 p.m. If you wish to attend, please call Carol on or before March 17 for reservations, directions to her home, and to let her know what dish you will bring.

Carpooling is encouraged; if you need a ride, Carol will help you find one. Guests are also asked to bring one can of food (or jar of baby food) to be contributed to Bremerton Food Line.

Sunday Suppers are intended to provide fellowship and an opportunity to know each other better. Let’s get together!

Church Quiz – March 2004

The Season of Lent continues through March.
1. What is the color for the Season of Lent?

a) Green
b) Purple
c) White

a) Palm Sunday
b) Easter
c) Ash Wednesday

a) Nine
b) Ten
c) Twelve

a) One year
b) Two Years
c) Three Years

a) 11
b) 6
c) 2

Holy Week at St. Paul’s

Passion/Palm Sunday: 8:00 and 10:15 a.m. April 4

At the 10:15 service, we will all gather in the close to begin the service. With palm fronds and singing, we will all process up the small hill led by the thurifer with incense into the church..

Maundy Thursday: 7:00 p.m. April 8

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

To those who participate in the foot washing, our cleansing of one another’s feet is a sign of our humility and a washing away of our sins. We use warm water and no soap. Only one foot needs to be washed. Women are reminded not to wear long stockings or panty hose for this ceremony.

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

Good Friday: Noon and 7 p.m. April 9

The noon service on Good Friday will be the Stations of the Cross. The evening service, from the Prayer Book, will at 7:00 p.m. There will be two periods where a Labyrinth is available to walk as we have done in past years. In addition, the Labyrinth will be in the nave on Holy Saturday as well (see times below).

The Great Vigil of Easter: 10:00 p.m. April 10

This evening service at 10:00 p.m. is the first celebration of the Resurrection. There will be incense used at this service. This is also an ideal time for Holy Baptism, although this year we are also celebrating this sacrament on Easter Day; please contact Randy if you are interested.

Easter Day: One Eucharist at 9:00 a.m. on April 11

This Sunday morning liturgy continues the celebration of the glorious Resurrection of our Lord. There will be no incense used at this service. Christian Formation classes will recess until Sunday, April 18. ~ Larry Dugan


Ministry  Resource Day

The Diocese of Olympia’s 7th Annual Ministry Resource Day will be on Saturday, March 6th at the Bellevue Community College from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be a variety of workshops that will feature ideas and information about leadership, time for questions, and hands-on learning. The brochure and registration will be available online in early February at www.ecww.org. Copies of the brochure will also be in the church office.


Valentine Gala 2004 Wrap-up

Thanks for your amazing support for The Valentine Gala Hand bell Fund Raiser! The hors d'oeuvres and beverages were sumptuous, the entertainment dazzling and the décor was beautiful! St. Paul’s has a history of being a very supportive congregation especially when music is involved. Five hand bells have been purchased within the first two weeks of this important campaign and a significant number of individual gifts were given. If you would like to make a donation please give your check, made out to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, to Cindy Holland, Music Director or Ann Horn, Office Coordinator. If you would like to purchase a hand bell as a memorial, Cindy or Ann can provide you with the memorial hand bell handle form. Thanks again, we’re well on the way to owning the bells!


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