You are Where You're Supposed to Be

When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. - John 6:15

With the horrors of war vivid in my mind, these words about Jesus' habit of withdrawing to deserted places to pray struck me oddly.

But it was also, in an unexpected way, heartening. Sometimes I feel so impotent when I learn of some new and colossal tragedy somewhere far away. What exactly am I supposed to feel and to do when I read about helpless civilians in Iraq, or the bodies of thousands of children who've died as a result of the West's economic sanctions as managed by Saddam Hussein?

This is much of the reason I do not watch the news on television. I have no control over the images that enter my living room and brain, short of turning the receiver off. And if the complexity of the petty conflicts that flare up in my life is any indication, the few minutes of pictures and narration used to portray the state of the world in between commercial breaks must be a vast oversimplification of the human reality.

Sometimes the arguments that I have with a friend or neighbor are impossible to comprehend completely. If I am seeing the fruits of the bitter seed of hatred sown and nurtured for generations, it will take much more than a sound bite and a graphic piece of video footage to inform me about what is really going on. I don't care if a picture does speak a thousand words. I prefer to read the news, and draw my own conclusions over a period of some time. After all, what is the hurry? My understanding of the dynamics that drives a corrupt government to such depths of violence isn't going to change anything that happened last week, is it?

Jesus would minister with the afflicted, and then withdraw to be alone. Not because he was finished; his work would not be finished until he was lifted high upon the cross. Then our work begins.

But what is my work? What difference can I make?

Many

have said that Jesus was one of the most influential people that ever lived, and certainly the most influential figure in Western civilization. But the size of the area in which he lived out his earthly ministry was quite small, smaller than western Washington, in fact. He wrote nothing and spent a lot of time alone. We ought to do what Jesus did. "Pray" the places we live and work; minister to the people we see right in front of our faces. One thing I have found, living in a few different parts of the country (and military people know this, too), is that there are amazing human beings planted in all sorts of unheard of places. People in West Virginia or Maine are no less important than people in Los Angeles, New York, Baghdad or Jerusalem. If more people like you and me decided that we could change the world by "thinking (and praying) globally and acting locally," then some of the things we see and hear about would not have happened.

We are where we are because God needs friends to do the work wherever the lost sheep are found, wherever hatred is growing unnoticed, wherever quiet heroism can prune evil from the world before its roots take hold.

Rather than being paralyzed and numbed when we see horror, we should renew our dedication to bring Christ to right where we are.

Think of all the places that you don't hear anything about in the news. Does that mean nothing horrible enough is happening in most of the world to be "reported?" Or perhaps famine, murder and prejudice is just old news.

Can I make a difference? Yes. Can I change what has already happened somewhere else on the planet? No. Can I change anything at all? Maybe. There is a young branch of science and mathematics known as "chaos theory" that finds patterns and relationships in this awesome and vast universe where none had been suspected. A butterfly flapping its wings in a meadow on Mt. Rainier can contribute to the formation of a tropical storm in the south Pacific. Small initial changes in a situation can resonate to the point of revolution down the road of time.

Jesus walked the earth for a short while and met a few people, taught a few, healed a few. And through you who accept him that life and work continues to influence the world.

Peace be with you, here and everywhere.
Randy

Senior Warden's Corner

St. Paul's is a unique Christian Community. Our uniqueness is expressed in our commitments to social justice issues, being a welcoming and affirming faith community and in our dedication to sharing the gospel by our actions as well as with our words.

We often struggle to find common ground. We spend a lot of energy debating amongst ourselves those issues and actions for which we feel passionately. However, I believe our effort to find common ground is an indicator of a healthy, searching, and growing community of faith. Not a perfectly formed one, but one seeking and working towards God's perfection.

I found some words about Christian Community in the latest edition of my favorite and often quoted publication, Weavings. I'd like to share them with you.

The author of this piece, Stephen V. Doughty, speaks powerfully about our need to not only be engaged in building Christian Community, but that we need to be aware we walk in such community during our every waking moment and to acknowledge the grace present in that knowledge.

"Christian Community, like beauty, often presents itself in the intimate, the common, the close at hand. It comes to bud and flower in the simplest of places. Race by, and we miss it. Wait to see it in some idealized state, and we pass without knowing it is there.

"On the matter of Christian community, Jesus was direct when he said, 'Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them‚' (Matt. 18:20). These words clearly contain a counsel of simplicity. As Jesus‚ followers, if we are to find true community with one another and with him, then we need to look not just to the massive throng or the dramatic moment.

"We need to look, as well, to the simplest instance of one life brushing up against another. We experience community when we open ourselves to the small and intimate moments when people draw together in their joys and in their needs. If love flows among us, even briefly, God is there---in traffic jams, in places of staggering beauty, in the realms of darkest communal pain. If we find ourselves bound together even momentarily, God is present. We taste with our spirits the community God longs to build.

To honor these occasions of community is to acknowledge how widely and all inclusively God works to fashion bonds among us. It is to open ourselves in wonder to the One who beckons towards wholeness at every turn."

God's peace,
Myra

Junior Warden's Notes

The Wardens and Vestry, as your elected representatives, and the Rector are taking steps to consider the content of the presentation as well as how to address the issues. After careful and prayerful consideration, we intend to host "Town Hall Meetings" for the parish to generate positive solutions to the concerns expressed as well as other issues that may come to light. The first of these forums is scheduled after each liturgy on Sunday, May 18, in the Oliver Room.

Don Vanlue, for the Rector, Wardens and Vestry

Vestry News

There was not a Treasurer's Report available this month due to the resignation of Terrie Remick as Treasurer. Sharon Rios has been asked to become the new Treasurer and Rusty moved to nominate Sharon and Arvelle seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed. Larry Dugan and John Winesdorfer are to help Sharon familiarize herself with the new financial software and answer any of her questions. Sharon reported that she is not getting receipts for flowers purchased from Safeway. There is a special credit card that has been set up for such purchases. Rusty will talk to Cindy Holland since she has made several flower purchases from there recently.

There were three pieces of correspondence that the clerk read aloud to the group. The first was a thank you note from Kathy Hamilton, HYC coordinator, thanking us for hosting HYC in January.

The second was a letter from Bishop Warner also thanking St. Paul's for hosting HYC in January. Special thanks are to go to Emily Battin for helping to coordinate the weekend, Rosemary Allen for overseeing housing, and Blair Schuetz, and John and Myra Battin for coordinating food for the event.

The third was a letter from Drew Magee, Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer for Church Insurance Company. He was writing to inform us of the new Terrorism Risk Insurance Act recently passed by Congress and signed by President Bush. This law creates a federal backstop for losses due to acts of terrorism. Prior to renewal of our policy, we should receive an offer to purchase this coverage. Rusty moved and Dave K. seconded to refer this information to the Finance Committee. The motion passed unanimously.

Fr. Randy asked to have Katie DeLapp approved to be the new Nursery Attendant replacing Terrie Remick. She would be available for Sunday services and any other events during the week. Deacon Cece inquired if this would interfere with her acolyte and lector duties. Ann Horn and the Acolyte Director had already addressed this issue and decided that she would be regularly scheduled the first Sunday of the month as acolyte and lector. Parental support would be used to cover the nursery on those Sundays.

A conversation ensued concerning the letter that Carol Angel had written to Dr. Betsy Greenman, Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Olympia, asking for Diocesan assistance. She wrote that there are many unresolved issues at St.Paul's. The letter had been sent to the Vestry as well. Carol and Larry Dugan were invited to attend this Vestry meeting, but both declined. They felt it necessary to wait until Dr. Greenman could set up a meeting between the Vestry and concerned parties. Fr. Randy reported that he had had a meeting last Friday with Dr. Greenman and Sam Magill and it was brought up that Carol needed to go to the leadership of St. Paul's. Various Vestry members suggested ways of how a meeting might take shape. Ultimately a meeting with Dr. Greenman and Sam Magill to ask for suggestions on how to coordinate such a meeting was seen as the next step. Dave K. moved and Dave C. seconded to have Don be the representative for the Vestry and set up the meeting with Dr. Greenman. The motion passed unanimously and Don said he'd get back to everyone about what he has found out.

Also, during this conversation it was brought up that "E-mail Wars" need to stop. Sending heated e-mails to one another does not solve anything. It is too easy and unfair to send e-mail instead of having a one on one conversation.

Larry Dugan has resigned as the Parish Administrator. Don reported that he is to have a meeting with Larry to discuss this issue. He will get back to the Vestry after they have met.

Don is to meet with Deborah Grice, formerly employed by Tom Remick to do security and occasional cleaning at St. Paul's, to discuss hiring her to do the cleaning of our facility. Ann Horn suggested that we make up a list of plumbers, electricians, etc. that could do the various maintenance projects for us when we required it until a permanent maintenance person could be found.

Rusty suggested that the Congregational Growth and development Committee meet before the next Vestry meeting. This committee consists of Rusty Holland, Ingrid McGinley, Dave Cochran, Myra Battin, and Arvelle Carey. Ingrid said she'd schedule the meeting and let all involved know when it is.

A letter from Dave Stomberg was handed out asking the Vestry to consider him for the position of Stewardship Coordinator. Dave S. is already a member of the Finance Committee and wishes to extend his responsibilities in Stewardship for St. Paul's. Rusty reminded everyone that stewardship involves time, talents, and gifts. Rusty asked to whom Dave S. would report in this capacity and it was decided that he would report to the Vestry. Rusty then moved to recommend Dave S. for this position and Dave C. seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Rusty also reported that the Regional Stewardship Conference would be held in May in Portland, OR.

Rusty let everyone know about Ministry Resource Day on April 5th at Highline Community College. This is a Diocesan sponsored event and brochures and registration forms are available.

April's meeting began at 7:05 PM after opening prayer. During check-in most reported that they had felt many emotions since the special Vestry meeting on Sunday with the Diocesan representatives and some members of the congregation.

There was no Treasurer's Report available this month. Rusty Holland noted that this was the second month without a report. Sharon is still familiarizing herself with the new software and Don Vanlue said that we should have an official report available for next month's meeting. Don also reported that he had been to one of the Kitsap Bank branches and they did not have the correct signatories on file for three out of four of our accounts. The only correct account was the Deacon's Discretionary Fund. Don had forms for Myra Battin, Fr. Randy, Sharon Rios, and himself to fill out so they could be on file as the current signatories.

Rusty asked to read aloud the ground rules that had been established on the retreat. He also read a list of things that had been made on the retreat that the Vestry had wanted to address and accomplish. Fr. Randy reported that Sam Magill is available on June 7th to help us with our three-month check to see where we are and if we're on the right track.

Myra passed around thank you notes for everyone to read and sign. The notes are to be sent to those from the congregation that spoke at Sunday's meeting with the Vestry and Diocesan representatives, Dr. Betsy Greenman and Sam Magill. All were then asked to pull out the themes from the reports that those that spoke had written. Some of the major themes mentioned were lack of leadership, poor finances, insufficient pastoral care, lack of sufficient education and training done for those involved in various ministries, and the atmosphere of apathy that some have perceived.

A conversation then ensued about what to do next. Dave Kidd suggested that a focus group be formed to organize the various issues and then figure out how to present them to the parish. The Vestry members in the focus group will be Dave Kidd, Sue Ahrens, Don Vanlue, Barbara Moerler, and Myra Battin. The second step will then be to have "Town Meeting" forums. The purpose of these meetings would be to brainstorm for suggested solutions to the many issues that have been brought up. The first meeting would be a general presentation of the issues at hand and then later meetings would cover a particular topic in more depth. Rusty suggested that we have two meetings per day in order to allow more people to come. One would be between the services and the other would occur after the 10:15 a.m. service. Gladys Berteaux said that the people who brought up a particular issue should be specially invited to the meeting that covers that issue. The first meetings will be on May 18th between the services and after the 10:15. Myra told us all of an idea that Sam Magill had that we might want to pursue. He suggested that all the former Senior Wardens get together with Myra and him to spend the day brainstorming ideas that could help resolve these issues and identify a shared vision for St. Paul's. All thought this was a great idea and Myra said she'd contact the former Senior Wardens.

Cindy Holland and the choir would like to remove the material covering the organ pipes so they can be seen. This would need to be done with a cherry picker so it could be reached. The wooden framework holding the material would be left intact. In Cindy's report she says there would be no cost to the church to do so. The Vestry voted to okay Cindy's request.

The cabin that we wanted for next year's Vestry retreat at Seabeck Christian Conference Center is not available when we had scheduled the retreat. It is available the weekend of February 6-8, which would require moving the Annual Parish Meeting to earlier in January than it usually is, tentatively January 11th. It was suggested that Don also check St. Andrew's House and Harmony Hill to see what they have available. Don will do so and get back to everyone via e-mail

Don reports that our toilets need to be repaired. There are two bids thus far and one is $700 higher than the other. Don said there also seems to be some confusion as to what needs to be done. He has another plumber coming to place a bid on Friday. He is working with the Finance Committee to find where the money will come from for these repairs. Don also reported that the ovens downstairs have failed for a second time. Apparently they keep tripping the circuit breakers and a cause has not yet been determined.

The Parish Picnic is scheduled at Illahee State Park on September 7th. Don made a deposit of $133.50. It was mentioned that state parks now have a parking fee of $5 and that maybe we could check out Evergreen Park as a possibility instead.

Joy Brydon would like to donate a fountain to St. Paul's and a picture of it was passed around for all to look at. The Vestry decided to accept Joy's generous donation and it will probably be installed in the close.

Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Dueñas
Clerk of the Vestry

St. Paul's by the Numbers

So why do I drag us all through the recession ditch again? To say that St. Paul's parish and leaders have done a great job in staying focused through very turbulent economic times. Our nation's highlights of the past five years all came back to my memory as I reviewed St. Paul's numbers from 1999-2003. The wonderful thing is that as I digested and analyzed the numbers, I noticed achievements such as... the Average Total Contributions have not significantly varied over the past five years; the Average and Total Open Plate Contributions significantly increased in '02 (and most likely will do the same in '03); and the Average Parishioner Contributions for '03 are at the highest level for a four year period.

Based on my review of the Parishioner Contributions and Open Plate alone, 2003 is shaping up to exceed the previous three years, and will possibly match the numbers from '99, the peak of our nation's economic strength. We're doing all of this with a smaller, but growing parish. We are adding special events that generate revenue (i.e. Valentine's, Broadway, etc.) and attract people outside of the parish, plus we have the added revenue and outreach from our renters income. The best part is that we're coming together as a united parish to improve our community through deeper understanding, loving, and outreach.

We are on the right track towards new growth and improvement. I look at the numbers for hundreds of businesses -- new, old, and stalled -- each year and, in my best assessment, St. Paul's is doing well, despite the struggling global, US, and state economies. Washington state's technology-dependent economy was hit hard in 2000 and the months/years that followed. We should be extremely fortunate to have a faithful, giving parish. St. Paul's parish has proven that they can give, even through very hard times. The bottom line is that we should all continue to unite to discover ways to improve our situation; if we use our energy and emotion to stay focused, we can accomplish anything together. God's Peace!

David Cochran,
reporting for the Finance Committee

Developing St. Paul's Parish

Four vestry members, our Rector and a parishioner recently had the first official Congregational Development Committee meeting and we are on our way to making this initiative a reality. This first meeting was to get the group focused and on the same page; we'll meet again at the end of the month to organize our thoughts in more detail. We welcome anyone to join this committee that will enjoy discussing proactive ways to increase the church's income, by increasing new members, creating new events and programs, and ultimately giving. Please let me know if you would like to join us in creating solutions for our wonderful community. I look forward to working with you all and hearing your ideas for St. Paul's!

David Cochran
Congregational Development Committee

H.O.S.T. Program a Huge Success!

Kudos to Sandy Stutey, Barbara Moerler, Carl & Mary Jane Glaser, Dave & Sherri Cochran, Randy & Cyndie Lord-Wilkinson, Mike & Katherine Adams and Richard & Ann Horn, who prepared tasty, well-balanced meals each night.

Muchos gracias as well to Joe & Lisa Massey who provided snack items and juice boxes to add to the sack lunches and to Lisa Kidd, Charly Foster and Kathryn Houchen who prepared hearty sandwiches and salads for the men to take with them each morning when they left KUUF.

We are indebted as well to Allen Browning and Alexandria Nichandros who volunteered to serve meals during the evening and assist with clean-up during the week that St. Paul's was responsible for in early April, and to Alma Robertson and Kathryn Hess who made cash donations that were applied to a fund to assist in the purchasing of a pair of new shoes for each man to help keep their feet dry in the rainy spring weather!

Charly Foster and Barbara Moerler merit spccial recognition for working tirelessly to attend numerous planning meetings with members of the KUUF and Catholic Community Services task force to make this a successful program for all.

The H.O.S.T. program will resume in the fall when the weather begins to turn bad and area churches will have the opportunity to serve their community again in this unique outreach program. Catholic Community Services is in the process of building a permanent men's shelter in the Bremerton area that should be available sometime in the fall of 2004.

You're Invited!

Inspiring Hymns

Edward Perronet was born in 1726 in the English town of Sundridge. The son of a well-known and respected vicar in the Church of England, young Edward grew up in and around the parish church. Early on he demonstrated an interest in religious matters, and when his father, Vincent, was visited by traveling evangelists, Edward would sit and listen intently to their conversations.

As the evangelical movement headed by John and Charles Wesley swept across the English countryside, the elder Perronet became a trusted counselor to the younger preachers. Often John Wesley would ride up to the parish on horseback, anxious to discuss with the vicar some matter of doctrine or administration. It was during these visits that Edward developed an admiration for the daring Wesley and his determined efforts to break from the traditional forms of the Anglican church. Just as young Timothy in New Testa-ment times left home to follow his hero, Paul, Edward Perronet broke with his traditionalist background and cast his lot with the Wesleys.

If it was adventure he sought, he was not to be disappointed, for shortly after his association with John Wesley, Edward was involved in incidents of persecution where, according to Wesley's diary: "he was thrown down and rolled in mud and mire. Stones were hurled and windows broken."

Despite this persecution, Edward continued as a faithful disciple of Wesley, being present with the evangelist at virtually all of his preaching meetings. Inspired by his mentor, Edward also began to preach, but determined never to do so in the presence of John Wesley. Wesley, eighteen yours his senior, felt the young man needed to overcome this fear and decided to force the issue. Before a large congregation one Sunday morning, John Wesley smiled down at this young friend then dramatically announced to the waiting parishioners that the following day they would be treated to a wonderful message from young Edward Perronet!

Edward was dumbstruck-and not a little irritated that Wesley would put him in such an uncomfortable position. He did not wish to cause public embarrassment by refusing the evangelist's request, but neither did he feel prepared or inclined to present the next day's sermon, In the end, Edward's will and determination brought to mind the solution to his dilemma. In the morning he mounted the pulpit, smiled confidently at Wesley and the eager congregation, and then announced: "Although I have no sermon of my own to give to you, I promise you I shall deliver the finest one ever heard." He then opened his Bible and proceeded to read the Sermon on the Mount, word for word. Then he completed the reading, he closed the book, smiled and took his seat without comment.

Perhaps it was this indelible streak of independence that finally led Edward to break with the Wesleys several years later over the issue of evangelists administering the sacraments. Whatever the reason, Edward Perronet left the Wesleys and became the pastor of an independent church at Canterbury, England. As he pastored his little flock of country folk, Edward saw the need for new and inspiring hymns. Using his abundant gifts as a writer, he wrote three small volumes of hymns, published in 1756, 1782, and 1785. "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" was included in the second volume, having been previously published alone in a 1779 issue of Gospel Magazine.

The hymn affirms Edward's conviction that God ought always to be worshipped in great glory and honor, with an emphasis upon his holy kingship. Paired with a beautiful melody written by Edward Shrubsole, the hymn became popular with congregations across England. When the text was first introduced in America, however, a self-taught Massachusetts carpenter composed the tune, "Coronation," for the stirring words and it is to this tune that the hymn is best known in the United States.

The majestic words of Edward Perronet's hymn have inspired Christians around the world for the past two centuries with an appeal that touches the hearts of those from every walk of life. Missionaries have related how groups of unlearned tribesmen were moved to tears by the hymn's proclamation. Whenever Queen Victoria had the hymn played, she would direct that her jeweled crown be removed in deference to the hymn's message that Jesus should be crowned Lord of all!

Cindy Holland
Music Director

Church Quiz - May 2003

1. How long is the Easter Season?

a. 20 days
b. 30 days
c. 40 days

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

a. Rogation Days
b. Pentecost Season
c. Eastertide

a. Red
b. White
c. Blue

(No help on this one)

6. What is a Bishops staff called?

a. Shepherd's crook
b. Crozier
c. Verger

Quiet Day and Retreat

Sister Leslie will also led a weekend silent retreat at St. Andrew's House on May 2-4. The cost will be $110, which includes all meals, sleeping arrangements etc. If you are interested, please contact Debbi Garrett.

Out of the Ashes

After the smoke cleared, and all units checked the status of their soldiers, it was apparent that everyone had made it out alive. Amazing. It was Sunday morning and a service had just concluded, but most of the worshippers had left. A Catholic service was scheduled next, and one of the tents would have been packed. During breakfast, all the tents were packed, but not at the time of the fire. Some sharp NCOs pushed military and civilian cooks outside, and propane tanks were removed to safety. Firefighters arrived quickly and kept the flames from spreading to the rest of the camp.

What could have been a major catastrophe merely resulted in the loss of some equipment and soldiers eating MREs [meals ready to eat] for a few days. I call this a miracle. God takes care of his children, even when they are deployed far, far away from homes. Especially when they are deployed far from home.

But let me tell you the rest of the story. The fire occurred on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. This is the day many Christians observe the beginning of the season of Lent. It is a time of penitence, as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter. We mark our foreheads with ash as a sign of this penitence. I had planned to offer ashes for Protestant soldiers who wished to observe this ritual. I didn't have any ashes though. Traditionally, you burn palms from the previous year‚s Palm Sunday celebration to make ash for Ash Wednesday. I didn't have any. So it seemed to me that the most significant ash to use for this occasion would be ash from the DFAC.

The site was under guard, so I asked an MP to escort me to the firefighters who were working there. Things had calmed down, and they were just watching to make sure there were no flare-ups.

I explained to the officer in charge what I wanted. He agreed it was a very appropriate request. I handed a cup to one of the firefighters, who walked to the rubble, scooped up some ash, and returned to me.

"Is this enough?" he asked.

"Perfect," I replied. I placed the cup in a Zip-loc bag and headed to my tent.

Two days later I decided to open the bag and see if I needed to crunch up the ashes into smaller pieces. I was digging around in the cup with a plastic knife when I noticed the edge of something metallic. I reached in, and pulled out a cross: a flat, metal cross. It had some dark smudges on it from the fire, but it was otherwise undamaged. I could still read the etching on it: "Jesus is Lord."

I can't even fathom the odds of picking the exact site of that cross out of the acreage destroyed by the fire. It doesn't matter. The message to me is clear: God walks with us through the terrible firestorms of our lives, and we are lifted unharmed out of the ashes. We may be marked in some way, like the cross of ash placed on our foreheads during Ash Wednesday. However, that mark is a symbol of God‚s love and protection.

I wear that cross now on my dog tags. No matter where the Army may send me, or what God may ask of me, I will cherish this special reminder that God will never leave us alone to face the tragedies in our lives. With God's help, we will always rise out of the ashes.

Author: Barbara K. Sherer is an Army chaplain, currently with the 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry, currently stationed in Iraq.

-Submitted by Caro Dugan

Community Health Screening

Last year during the community screening at St. Paul's, 120 ultrasounds were preformed with nearly 50 abnormal results noted including six response which revealed possible high risk or severe disease present. Contact the church office for more information about how to set up this important appointment.

Olan Mills Update

Many changes happen within a year, and we do want to include our new families, military people, and shut ins. I am trying to set something up with area churches who are planning on creating their own directory. As soon as I hear from the Representative on dates, I will let everyone know.

Thank you for your patience. Please contact the church office if you were not able to have your pictures made last summer when we started the project.

Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Pantano

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The younger children created a "Lenten Tree" by writing and drawing their prayers and Lenten commitments on green paper leaves, then attaching those leaves to the bare branches of a winter twig. As the leaves grew in number, the bare branches were slowly transformed into a lush tree, ripe with Easter hopes.

In the remaining weeks of this program year, one of the presentations planned for the children is a depiction of the Lords Last Supper, allowing them not only to hear how scripture describes this defining event, but to visualize the occasion for themselves. In keeping with the exploration of the roots and history of our Eucharist, Fr. Randy will celebrate Eucharist in the atriums, with the children and their guests, on Sunday, May 11th at 9:15 a.m. The young people will be responsible for much of the service, from polishing the vessels, setting the table, and arranging flowers to reading scripture and leading prayers. An invitation is extended to all parents, siblings, family and friends to come join the celebration in the atriums that day.

The last day in the atriums for this program year will be May 18th. In past years, on the closing day, the catechists have given the children a few minutes to explore the room and choose a symbol from any presentation that held special meaning for them.

The children then bring that symbol to the closing circle and share what it is about that particular work that means so much to them. The children's responses are varied, touching and affirming of the work they have accomplished over the past year.

This year, the same closing ceremony is planned for May 18th, and family and friends would be most welcome to join the children at approximately 9:15 a.m., upstairs in the atriums.

During the 10:15 service that same day, the children who will be moving from one level of atrium work to the next, or who will be graduating out of the atriums into the Junior High class, Rite-13, next year, will be acknowledged and given a small gift.

The Catechists wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to the family of St. Paul's for all the support they have offered the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd process over these past three years.

They are looking forward to continuing their training in Vancouver this summer and fall, and feel honored to be given the privilege of being trusted to share this exciting formation vehicle with the children (and adults!) of St. Paul's.

Thank you,
Honi Matchell, Ann Horn and Myra Battin

Odds and Ends

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

• all the folks who donated "flowers" during Lent and Easter Lilies to celebrate this special season.
• Cindy Holland for her creative energy; she made the dramatic altar flower offerings for Lent, including fashioning a Crown of Thorns from a plant that we have growing at St. Paul's, and working with Canterbury Manor and their donation of the beautiful plants that graced the altar during the season.
• those who participated in the Thursday night Lenten offerings of Holden Evening Prayer and a study on a variety of styles of prayer. On average, 15-19 individuals took part in some or all of the night's activities including several new families.
• Larry and Caro Dugan, who prepared the beautiful Garden of Repose in the back of the Nave. It was a great place to escape from the world for some quiet reflection during Holy Week.
• the parish's generous support of the "Fishes and Loaves" food drive outreach program. Your donations of food were delivered to the Bremerton Food Bank through Northwest Harvest on Friday, March 28th. We collected a total of 108 pounds of food! The entire Episcopal Diocese is participating in this same food drive in honor of the 150th anniversary. The next delivery date will be May 2nd. Food donations can be placed in the large bin the Nave. For more information please contact Alexandria Nichandros at (925) 528-9100 or Lisa Kidd at 478-6456. Keep up the good work!
• everyone who took the time to sign cards to be included in "care packages" for our service men and women aboard the USS Camden and the USS Abraham Lincoln serving in the Middle East (and, we hope, steaming towards home), and the USS Carl Vinson which is sailing in waters near North Korea…. We have several members at St. Paul's whose children and spouses are in "harms way." Pray for our troops, country and the world during these trying times….

Classes will be lead by Randy and Arvelle Carey on the four Wednesday nights of May at 7:00 p.m. in the Library. Childcare will be available with advance notice. The class is open to anyone wanting to explore their faith, and learn more about St. Paul's and the Episcopal Church. Contact Randy or the church office for more information.

Prayer Vigil Continues

St. Paul's is pleased to extend the Prayer Vigil through May. It will continue on Friday evenings from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Come take a tranquil moment to reflect on the world, a loved one, and a friend. Pray for peace on our shores and beyond. Pray for the safety of our service men and women that are currently deployed; and share in a prayer of thanksgiving for the ones able to come home safely. Babysitting is available with advance notice. Please contact Sherri Cochran for more information.

Hospitality Help

Are you looking for a way to help out at the church on a regular basis? Then come and join the Coffee Hour Angels. This servant ministry is an excellent way to offer the gift of hospitality to our visitors and parish family each Sunday. A team of folks are scheduled to 'set-up' and 'take down' one Sunday a month following the 8:00 & 10:15 services. The church pays for and provides the coffee and goodies although additions from home are always welcomed. We currently have gaps on the second and third Sundays of the month during the 10:15 service, so grab a partner and step up to the plate (training is available on the use of the Bunn coffee maker for anyone who has questions). Please contact Jennifer Laris or Ann Horn in the church office to volunteer for this important ministry.

Youth News!

The weeknight meetings will adjourn for the summer after May 28 (special events will occur about once a month throughout the summer, however). On Wednesday, May 14, the Youth Group will go roller-skating at Skateland again, and on Saturday, May 31, the Group will serve at the Diner, go ice-skating at the new Bremerton Ice Arena, spend the night in the church, and lead the liturgy on Sunday, June 1.

Emily Battin will be part of the staff for the spring Junior High Youth Conference held May 2-4 at Trinity Church, Everett. Ellie Holland and Abby Horn will be attending the event.


Rector's Vacation

Randy will be off from April 28 - May 6. Deacon Cece (792.1589) will be available for pastoral needs in his absence.