Small Groups at St. Paul’s Church
One of the funniest experiences I’ve ever had is also a penetrating commentary on our time. We are actually on “greeting terms” with the people on our street; we have what an old friend used to call a “nodding acquaintance” with each other. We aren’t friends, but we say ‘hey’ to each other or raise a finger off the steering wheel of the car in salute when driving. (We are actually quite neighborly with the man in back of us, however, and we shared an organic garden this year.)
Our neighbors across the way are a couple of our generation who are quite personable but also quite private. They have demanding jobs where they interact with lots of people all day and don’t need friends in the neighborhood. They are cordial and charming, if distant, neighbors.
One day during Alexandra’s second spring of life the three of us were going out for a walk. Alexandra was exulting in the freedom of being out of doors and was taunting me so that I would chase her (she also loves to play tag in the house). Our neighbor was in his front yard with a “weed whacker.” He turned it off, removed his goggles and ear protection, and shouted across the street in a tone of utter astonishment, “You had a child?!”
It was news to him.
It is often taught today that what our fragmented world most needs and what churches can offer is authentic community. This is one of the main reasons I have been such a believer in the value of small study and fellowship groups in congregations. I hope to inaugurate a new wave of small groups starting in January, and now I invite you to consider not only being in such a group but to ask yourself if God is calling you to a ministry of facilitating one.
I’ll be passing around my usual sign-up sheets to remind you of this ministry opportunity, and then to inform you of a series of workshops that will equip you for this work and also help you discern if it is really something you are cut out to do.
Why are we doing this? Because to strengthen and deepen relationships between members makes for a healthier and more effective parish. Small groups are a means of supporting the ministries of members in the church and in the world. Fostering the creation of small groups is a proven way to facilitate numerical growth (it helps bring new members in from the periphery). People meeting in groups of twelve or fewer members for study, prayer and fellowship also extends the ministry of pastoral care into the life of the congregation at large. Group facilitators can give clergy a “heads up” if a critical event occurs in the life of a group member.
A lot of the actual content of the groups’ meetings will be decided by member’s themselves. As to who may be in the groups for this wave, I am suggesting that we create groups for people who have common interests, for example: ‘parents over 40’ (hear me chuckling?); ‘people living with long term health challenges’ (or ‘people in recovery’), former vestry members, active and former military people, and so on.
We already have some small groups up and running. There are at least three spiritual growth (or “reunion”) groups for men and women active at St. Paul’s, and the Youth Group, going into its fourth consecutive year of life, qualifies as a “small group” ministry.
You can also just put your name on a list for a “generic” group which will just be “pot luck” This was very
successful in our Total Ministry period. Or you can suggest one for us to form. In every case a group’s life will go 6 to 12 months, disband, and then reform for another cycle. This makes it possible to include new folk from the beginning of a cycle (new people can get into a group that’s already started, in many cases)
Watch for sign-up sheets for facilitator training and discernment, and for sign-ups for the groups themselves in church, for the next several Sundays.
Peace, Randy
Rector taking Thanksgiving Leave
From Monday, November 25th through Tuesday, December 10th the Lord-Wilkinsons will be visiting family and friends in WV and ME for Thanksgiving and early Advent. There will be a priest present for the Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist on November 27th (at 7:00 pm) and the first two Sundays of Advent. Thursday morning services and the Bible Discussion Group will be in recess for two weeks (11/28 and 12/5).
New Adult Formation study opportunities for Thursday evenings (the book study for God, History and the Jews) and Sunday mornings after the 10:15 service (“On the Christian Theology of War,” with special attention paid to the upcoming preemptive attack on Iraq) will commence in December.
Cece will be on hand for clergy related needs, backed up by Dick Scott of St. Antony’s.
Family Meeting
Family Meeting on our Place
in the Diocesan Community
Some weeks ago we had a “family meeting” between the Sunday morning services to raise parish awareness of the many ways we have been enriched by the ministry of “the Diocese,” in part as a way to teach our membership that the annual Assessment is a worthy financial cause. What follows is what the 23 parishioners present shared:
- went to Cursillo at St. Luke’s, Sequim;
- children brought us into Episcopal Church when they saw Christ Church, Seattle, and proclaimed, “this is our church;”
- got emergency roadside help from strangers from St. Paul’s, Pt. Gamble who saw the Episcopal Church shield on our car;
- I pray with a group of Episcopalians under the auspices of the diocese;
- I got involved with Total Ministry, which connected me to other Episcopalians all over the diocese doing the same thing, and I went to Gail Helgeson’s installation as rector of St. Paul’s, Pt. Townsend, whom I met in one of our TM groups;
- I learned how to be a lay eucharistic minister here after only six months;
- I was invited to be part of the diocesan Evangelism Commission, and will be confirmed this year;
- my music ministry has lead me here from St. Nicholas, Tahuya, St. Bede’s, Pt. Orchard, and I have been to Camp Huston and made a Cursillo;
- I cam into the Episcopal Church by marrying into it, and my relationship to it has been deepened by involvement in Total Ministry, Marriage Encounter and Cursillo;
- I was raised at St. Mark’s and other parishes in the diocese, and have been involved in the ministry of HYC and JYC many times (as a host);
- worked with lots of folks from Peninsula region on hosting the Convention three years ago;
- I am involved with Diocesan Altar Guild;
- I got a baby shower from the people of St. Andrew’s, Aberdeen;
- going to Good Shepherd, Vancouver, for catechist training has been a great experience, and I have met catechists from other churches and denominations.
Our next “family meeting” will be after the 10:15 service on Sunday, November 17th. At that meeting we will focus on how St. Paul’s has been enriched by various diocesan based programs and ministries in its century of existence.
Fighting wolves
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life.
“A fight is going on inside me”, he said to the boy. It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too. The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather which wolf would win.
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
Author unknown
Submitted by Cyndie Lord-Wilkinson
Calling all Stars…
Come and join the Karaoke Family Night on Friday, November 22 at 6:00 pm in the Parish Hall. The night will include a great Philipino dinner of lumpia, pancit, chicken teriyaki salad and dessert. Karaoke will follow the meal. There will be a drawing during the evening for door prizes.
Childcare will be available with advanced notice for the “wee little ones”. Tickets are $5 for adults and youth. Children 12 years old and under eat for free. E-mail Luz Accos at krayzazn@hotmail.com or Ann Horn at rhorn@tscnet.com for reservations or for more information.
Worship
Fall and Winter Sunday Worship that:
10/13/02 Provides a Home: so you can Invite a Friend to Church.
10/20/02 Breaks Down Barriers: so you can experience St. Luke's Healing Service.
10/27/02 Sees Christ in All People: with Bishop Warner's Visit and Confirmations.
11/3/02 Encourages One People of God: for All Saints Sunday.
11/17/02 Equips the Saints: blessings of kilts/tartans for St. Andrew's Bagpipe Service.
11/24/02 Celebrates the Mystery of Christ the King: The Episcopal New Year's Party!
12/1/02 Acknowledges your Spiritual Journey: Advent 1! Always watchful and alert.
12/8/02 Ministers in the World: like John The Baptist for Advent 2 and 3.
12/15/02
12/22/02 Shows God's Love for All: through Mary's Sunday for Advent 4.
Cindy Holland
Newsletter Deadlines
Please e-mail your newsletter articles by noon on the 15th of each month to Ann Horn. Reach her by e-mail, (rhorn@tscnet.com)for any questions or concerns. Or catch Ann in the church office on Tuesdays through Fridays at 377-0106. Please note: Articles submitted after the due date will be published in the next month’s newsletter.
Arichiglas Concert
Thanks So Much For Your Support!
What a gift you gave the church and the community with the Arichiglas Concert on October 4th!!! By giving hotel rooms, home cooked meals, decorations, hors d'oeuvres, beverages, sanctuary set up, clean up, advertising, publicity, ticket sales, ticket planning/printing, poster planning/printing, program planning/printing, CD transfers/sales, Oliver Room coordination, youth group servers, sound system coordination, lighting, a great feeling of community and over $700 donation to the group, St. Paul's supporters really made it happen!
It helped educate the community about St. Paul's being a place where we can "Reconnect our Spirit without Disconnecting our Mind." The singing was truly an opportunity to "Reconnect the Spirit" and live into our Vision. We were one people of God who broke down barriers, equipped others for ministry, provided a home for others and celebrated Christ's love for all.
It was so delightful to be able to experience something of this quality. I was awestruck by the quality of their singing! It was an incredible peak experience for me and I'm sure for many others who were there. Thanks again to St. Paul's Episcopal Church members: especially Margaret Murdach, the Adams, Sue Ahrens, the Battin Family, Gladys Berteaux, Arvelle Carey, Katie DeLapp, the Dugans, Gayla Elverson, Charly Foster, the Holland Family, the Horn Family, the Hoseas, the McGinley Family, the Remick Family, the Schuetz Family, and the Winesdorfer Family.
Cindy Holland
Director of Music and Concert Coordinator
JoAnn Winesdorfer
Publicity Concert Communications Coordinator
Church Quiz
In November, the Church celebrates All Saints’ Day to honor all saints of the Church, even those not known by name. We also celebrate All Souls’ Day (dia de los Muertos) in commemoration of all the faithful departed. And, of course, we celebrate the American Thanksgiving.
When is All Saint’s Day?
a. November 1
b. November 28
c. November 30
When is All Souls’ Day?
a. November 2
b. November 28
c. November 30
3. How many Church seasons are there? Can you name them in order?
4. Can you name the colors for the Church seasons?
5. What is a church Verger? (Modern)
a. A Lay Eucharistic Minister
b. A ceremonial mace or staff
c. A Sexton
6. How many sacraments of the Church are there? Can you name them?
7. What is unction?
a. Confession and pardoning of sins.
b. Anointing of a sick person with consecrated oil.
c. Excommunication from the church.
Quiz Answers: 1.a. 2.a, 3.b (Advent, Christmas, the season after Epiphany, Lent, Easter, the season after Pentecost), 4. Advent – purple, Christmas – white, season after Epiphany – Green, Lent – purple, Easter – White, season after Pentecost – green., 5.c, 6.c, 7.b
Pastoral Studies
Earn a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies in three years (including a two-week summer session for each of three summers). Two summer courses at Seattle University each of 2003, 2004 and 2005. The balance of courses will be at Pacific Lutheran University, 1010 122nd St. S., Tacoma, WA, in the fall, winter and spring of 2003 (fall), 2004, 2005, and 2006 (winter and spring). Winter 2005 is the only other quarter with two classes.
This is a cohort program: students enter together and take the entire program as a community. This is a one-time offering. 25 Catholic and/or Protestant students are needed. You are encouraged to sign up now.
The order of classes is 1. Christian Anthropology and Pastoral Helping Skills 2. Ministry in a Multicultural Context 3. Christology 4. Group Effectiveness 5. Hebrew Scriptures and History of the Ancient Church 6. Ministerial Theological Integration (MTI) Internship 7. MTI and Christian Prayer and Spirituality 8. MTI Christian Scriptures and Theology in an Ecumenical Context 10. Christian Ethics 11. Christian Sexuality 12. Sacramental/Liturgical Theology.
Holy Trinity will host an inquiry night on Monday October 21st from 7:00-9:00 pm. Our Lady Star of the Sea will host an inquiry night on February 5th. If you have any questions, please let me know at 360-598-6856 or at janieline@aol.com.
Sally Kaiser
Odds & Ends
Fall Fund Raising
Watch for an invitation to upcoming Cottage Meetings, where you can share Eucharist with a few parishioners and learn about the financial needs of St. Paul’s and its ministries, and how you can help. Schedules and locations of all of them will be published so that if you can’t make the one you were invited to then you can attend another. In any case, you can send in the pledge card you got in last month’s Good Word by mail (or drop it into an offering plate) addressed to “Treasurer, St. Paul’s Church.”
Smoke Alert
We will be using incense at the 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service on December 24. We use a very fine grade of frankincense that doesn't seem to cause respiratory irritation in many people. The incense will only be used for the procession at the beginning of the Eucharist. The rest of the time during the service the incense will be removed from the nave. We only use incense a few times each year at special services in keeping with the rich traditions of our Church.
Help Wanted
The St. Paul’s Worship Team is looking for a few good people to serve as Lectors. Lectors actively participate in our Sunday worship services by reading one of the two lessons appointed for the day, or leading the Prayers of the People that include the current Anglican, Diocesan and Parish Cycles of Prayer. We especially need Lectors for the early service on Sunday mornings, but all are welcome to be Lectors at either service. Please prayerfully give your consideration to joining our Worship Team and become a Lector at St. Paul’s. If you are interested, please let Randy know.
Diocesan Convention
Convention will be held November 15-16 at the Seattle Airport Hilton and Conference Center in SeaTac. Randy, Cece, John and JoAnn Winesdorfer, and John and Myra Battin will be representing St. Paul’s as this year’s delegates. Pray for them as they are involved in voting for some very important issues that are facing the Church. It will also be a very exciting time, as St. Paul’s is awarded Jubilee status by the National Church.
Special Holiday Newsletter Deadlines
With the holidays coming up there will be special deadlines for the December and January issues of the Good Word. The deadline for December’s issue will be Tuesday, November 12 while the deadline for the January issue is Monday December 9. Reach Ann Horn by e-mail, rhorn@tscnet.com, or call 475-8742 for any questions or concerns. Or catch Ann in the church office on Tuesdays through Fridays at 377-0106. Please note: Articles submitted after the due date will be published in the next month’s newsletter.
Around the Diocese
Guess who is coming for Dinner? “They” are coming to St. Paul’s in January 2003… Get Ready….
Winter Junior High Youth Conference (JYC) will be held on November 22-24 at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Federal Way. The theme is "Learning to Fly" and navigate the "turning into teenager years." The weekend is open to young people in grades 6-9. With lots of community-building games and activities this is the place to find friends that will be with you through it all! Around 100 youth come together from all over western Washington to share in music, worship and fun! Check with the church office in late October for a registration form.
Dates for fall Cursillo: The women’s Cursillo is scheduled for November 7-10 weekend. A Fourth Day celebration will be held on November 23. See Randy or members of the Cursillo community for more information.
A Silent Lectio Retreat will be held at the Priory Spirituality Center on November 15-17, from Friday, 7:30 p.m. till Sunday 1:30 p.m. Deepen your experience of praying with Scripture during this silent retreat centered around Lectio divina (sacred reading). Lectio is a foundational piece in Benedictine spirituality. This retreat is appropriate both for those exploring this prayer form and for those who know it well. The weekend is a good introduction to silence, with instruction in lectio along with ample time to practice. Meals will be in silence. Registration is limited.
Deadline for register is November 8. The fee for the weekend is $145. The Priory Spiritual Center is located at 500 College St. NE Lacey, WA. Call (360) 438-2595 for more information.
Volunteers are needed: The Lord’s Neighborhood Diner has worked out a program with Kitsap Transit for the use of a vehicle from its vanpool to assist in transporting 20 to 40 people in the community who needs rides on Saturday and Sundays. Drivers are desperately needed. Kitsap Transit will provide a short training course about the use of their van. Please contact Delsie Peebles at 377-2915 for more information.
