"When the Pastor Is the Elephant:" Part One

Six wise men of India An elephant did find And carefully they felt its shape (For all of them were blind). The first he felt towards the tusk, "It does to me appear, This marvel of an elephant Is very like a spear." The second sensed the creature's side Extended flat and tall, "Ahah!" he cried and did conclude. 'This animal's a wall." The third had reached towards a leg And said, "It's clear to me What we should all have instead This creature's like a tree."

The fourth had come upon the trunk Which he did seize, and shake, Quoth he, "This so-called elephant Is really just a snake." The fifth had felt the creature's ear And fingers o'er it ran, "I have the answer, never fear, The creature's like a fan!" The sixth had come upon the tail As blind he did grope, "Let my conviction now prevail This creature's like a rope. And so these men of missing sight Each argued loud and long Though each was partly in the right They all were in the wrong.

This poem, and the other material I'm including here this month that comments on it, are from a book called Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach, by Peter K. Steinke.

The image of the elephant figured prominently in discussions the leadership circle was having earlier in the year, so I was really intrigued by this passage from Steinke's book. It introduced a discussion comparing churches that are "clergy" versus "mission" focused. In nearly every church growth strategy book or article I have read, the necessity for a clearly articulated vision for ministry is essential and a prerequisite for numerical growth.

We are there! What the "parish culture" of St. Paul's is doing is moving away from an old clergy-focused model of ministry and "growing into" being mission-focused. The "shape" of our mission is informed by the vision we discerned as a parish in 1999. That is what the vestry recently reaffirmed.

The Mutual Ministry Review that the vestry voted to pursue will facilitate this transition as it takes a ministry inventory of the whole parish (actually well underway because of the fine work of the Congregational Growth and Development Committee) with a constant prayerful awareness of our unique and God given mission as a congregation. As God has called us into the ministry that is evolving here at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bremerton, so he has given is all that we need to accomplish it.

I do not have all of the gifts that we need to fulfill God's charge to St. Paul's. All of us together, as a mission-centered (you might say 'God-centered') congregation, do.

Here is a diagram of my understanding of my role as priest and rector at St. Paul's.

What this means is that God is at the "top of the pyramid." God has a plan of salvation for the world, and as part of that plan Jesus became one of us and sent the Holy Spirit to create the Church. St. Paul's Episcopal Church was called together in 1904 because God has a role for us to play in building the Kingdom. As best as we can tell through the prayer and discernment undertaken together in recent years, our unique ministry is as defined today by our Vision. I am called here to support you in the realization of God's Vision for this congregation at this time (as I believe all of us who journey here are). As the outline suggests, I "stand behind" you to support you in the ministry that we share.

Many of you will probably find the rest of Steinke's comparison (below) fascinating. If not, there is a great deal more wonderful content to read in the rest of this month's Good Word.

Peace!
Randy

"When the Pastor is the Elephant:" Part Two

"The fable reminds me [author Steinke] of what happens when congregations over-focus on their clergy. There are two consequences, neither of which is healthy. First, when over-focused on the pastor, people find it immensely difficult to see the rest of the system. As a result, they are blind to how other forces and people contribute to what is happening. Perspective is distorted. No one part, however, can explain the whole. Second, when a congregation is over-focused on clergy, it cannot keep its focus on its mission. Instead of focusing on who they are and what they are about as a community, they peer intently at who the pastor is and what the pastor does. Again, perspective is skewed...

"The over-focus cuts both ways. Sometimes the extreme attention is a matter of idealizing clergy. At other times the intense preoccupation consists of negative complaining and nagging dissatisfaction. Either way, the focus is riveted on one part of the whole. The congregation has an "elephant" on its hands….

"The [lists] below [contrast] two types of congregations. Think about your own situation. Where does your congregation fit? What in your congregation needs continued support or change?

1. Excessive focus on clergy (difficult to think of the rest of the system): over invested in clergy ("hero or goat"); clergy primarily responsible for what happens

2. Dependency encouraged (parent/child arrangement); no activity without clergy present

3. Neediness is enabled.

4. Clergy expected to motivate, uplift, or rescue people.

5. Inflexible roles (survival depends on a prescribed way of functioning).

6. Cycle of emotional fusion (lack of "distance;" clergy not seen as separate individuals; clergy are "owned").

7. "We" (very few speak for themselves); allow inappropriate behavior to exist, no one confronts or speaks up.

8. "Consensus sensitive" (difference is seen as attack, can't survive if we don't agree): clergy is the hub of the harmony.

9. Disagreement is dangerous (calm surface).

10. Closed system (lack of "oxygen," no corrective feedback, novelty is not entertained).

1. A clear focus on identity and destiny.

2. Stewardship emphasized; responsibility is distributed; interdependence.

3. Needs are met without promoting dependency.

4. Clergy expected to organize people toward mission.

5. Resiliency in functioning.

6. Clergy are separate selves; clergy set goals and take stands.

7. "I" positions are respected; lots of dialogue (physicist David Bohm says, "Dialogue means not winning points").

8. Vision sensitive (differences are tolerated because vision guides and solidifies people).

9. Conflict is normal, essential, and managed.

10. Open system (lots of information, new ideas, feedback loops)."

Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach, by Peter K. Steinke, pp. 44-45.

From the Senior Warden

This particular Ultreya touched me profoundly. At least 200 people from all over our diocese and beyond attended. Friends of long standing and people I'd never met were gathered together to praise God and be in community with one another. During the course of the afternoon there was an incredible gift of music, led by at least twelve musicians. There was an awesome potluck (suitable for feeding a small third world country with all its bounty)! But, as wonderful as each of those things were, they were not what made this Ultreya so meaningful to me. It was the woman who gave the lay witness talk and her story of faith and prayer that so touched my heart.

Her name is Marilyn Brandenburg. She came to this Ultreya to celebrate. She shared a little bit of her journey with us and she told us how completely her life is filled with joy and peace right now, directly because of her relationship with God! Marilyn was diagnosed, a short time ago, with terminal cancer, but she didn't come to talk about that. She came to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Do you ever struggle with prayer? How to pray? What to say and how it's "supposed" to be said? Do you think sometimes your prayers might not be important enough to merit God's attention? I have. Marilyn said she had. I think those kinds of doubts must be pretty common in us mere mortals. Marilyn offered what she found to be the answer to these questions in her life. I'd like to share some of her story with you.

Over twenty years ago, after attending a Cursillo weekend, she very hesitantly approached several friends about forming a small prayer group. She asked them; "You wouldn't want to be in a prayer group with me would you?" To her surprise, every one of them said YES! After a while, a woman in the group told Marilyn she had been praying for her every day and would Marilyn please pray for her? Marilyn said yes and, because she is a woman of her word, she did so. After a short while it occurred to her that she could pray for the other people in her small group as well. She began to do so. Then one day she realized she was regularly praying not only for the friends in her group, but for other people and circumstances in her community and even the world. She had developed a prayer life!

If you know Marilyn, or met her today, you would not be surprised by this revelation. She is woman with a solid core of wisdom, strength and peace. She loves the Lord and has a relationship with God that is the foundation of her life. But I heard from her this past Sunday that this has not always been so. In her small group, she found the safety, encouragement and accountability she needed to deepen her relationship with God and to begin a prayer filled life.

As I watched her at the Ultreya, absolutely radiant, honestly and completely enjoying this part of her life, I knew that relationship Marilyn had so carefully tended and nurtured with God through her prayer and actions had mightily influenced the woman she is today.

Speaking for myself, I have had the enormous blessing of being a part of several small prayer groups over the last few years. Like Marilyn, I was prompted to participate after having attended a Cursillo weekend, but that is NOT a prerequisite for beginning or joining a prayer group. The women I meet now with have become my teachers, my partners, my anchors. They hold me accountable for my actions, yet are quick to understand and forgive my humanity. They expect the same from me for themselves. They show me the face of Christ, the arms of Christ, the heart of Christ, and the words of Christ every day of our journey together! My world is wider and filled with more light because they walk with me.

Myra Battin

A Special Thanks from Your Music Director

The third of four cycles of shared instrumental and vocal gifts is about to begin! This cycle includes the St. Paul's Annual Parish Picnic, the fall Season after Pentecost, Alleluia Sunday (Last Pentecost), and Advent and Christmas pieces.

First, I would like to thank each of you for giving so generously of your time, energy and talent to St. Paul's over the summer. Each service was filled with joyful sharing. I trust each of you have been blessed by being a part of His work. I believe God has used each presentation in a powerful way to touch the lives of those who attended those services.

If you are being called to join the Choir (child care is provided!) Choir practice is in the sanctuary on Tuesday night from 6:30 - 8:30 and will continue through June.

If your gifts are more individual there are opportunities to sing or play a prelude or voluntary with a small group or as a solo. If you would like someone to accompany you, that can be arranged after Church on Sundays, or during Tuesday practice.

Whatever your instrument, if God is calling you I encourage you to listen and act. This will be a splendid season and we are all God's instruments!

In God's Love,
Cindy Holland

St. Paul's Planning 2003-2004

Events are a fun part of life at St. Paul's. Some past events include:

Sunday Services:

• Olympic College Choir Invitational Sunday Service,
• wo Bagpipe Sunday Services each year for St. Andrew's Day (Nov.) and St. George's Day (often coordinated with Newcomers Brunch),
• St. Paul's Sunday Services and Picnic at Illahee State Park and Evergreen Park,
• Bishop Warner Confirmation Sunday at St. Paul's.
• t. Francis Blessing of the Animals and St. Luke's Healing services

Concert and Event Planning:

• Red Cross benefit concert with Kaly Olsen-candlelight memorial service for Sept. 11th,
• Annual Valentine Gala Events with Sterling service, Hors d'oeuvre Buffet and entertainment (2 years),
• Capt. Smarty Pants in concert with St. Paul's and Out Kitsap as co-sponsors,
• Host Russian Choral Concert,
• Host American Guild of Organists Member Recital Concert.
• Karaoke Night, Mexican and Italian Bingo Nights etc….

Future events this fall include:

• St. Francis Blessing of the Animals - Sunday, October 5, bring your favorite pet and have them blessed at the Altar during both services.
• German Bingo Night: Come have dinner on Friday, October 10 and play some great games of bingo. Door prizes and game prizes.
• St. Luke's Healing service: Sunday, October 19
• All Saint's Day- Sunday, November 2- Join in remember the Saints and watch the "Peace' Cranes fly free.
• The Coats a cappella vocal quartet from Puyallup on Friday, November 7. It will be a night of great musical entertainment.
• Kirking of the Tartans and Bagpipes- Sunday, November 16- wear your plaids and enjoy authentic Haggis.
• Christmas Caroling and Concert….Friday, December 19th
• Karaoke Night: potentially in December- come have dinner (no turkey- we promise…) and sing your favorite Carols and Karaoke tunes….

St. Paul's CENNTENIAL CELEBRATION Year events may include:

• Bobby Burns Night with Pipers, Burns poetry reading and Scottish Fare on Friday, January 23 with Netties and Nips.
• Valentine Gala Event - Sterling service, Hors d'oeuvre Buffet and entertainment in February,
• Bishop's Official Recognition Day and Rededication Visit with buffet lunch after the Sunday 10:15 service on April 18.
• Bronn Journey Harp Concert in early spring,
• Museum Day and Dedication of Historical Site Plaque after the 10:15 Sunday service. Visit the St. Paul's Exhibit of St. Paul's History at the museum and Historical Plaque Dedication and Placement at the "old" St. Paul's Church,
• Saturday Tea Party at 3 p.m. with Concert following at 4 p.m. during the fall of 2004 with refreshments and guests of honor,
• Centennial Gala at St. Paul's Heavy Hors d'oeuvres with open bar and program with special guests,
• Altar Guild vestment and linen displays,
• Centennial Parish Banner design planning and construction.

If you're interested in chairing one of these events and/or being a part of the Event Planning Team for the Centennial Year and attending monthly meetings please contact Cindy Holland.

Liturgy & Arts Committee

Church Quiz - October, 2003

1. What is a Missal?
a. A letter of instruction sent by a Bishop to the clergy.
b. The altar book from which the priest reads when celebrating the Eucharist.
c. The Sunday bulletin listing the order of worship.

2. What is a mensa?

a. A vestment worn by a priest under a chasuble.
b. The oldest Christian vestment worn by the priest.
c. The top of the altar.

3. Which of the following is not a vestment?

a. A rochet.
b. A pectoral cross.
c. An amice.

4. What is the Lambeth Quadrilateral?

a. A statement representing the official position of the Anglican Communion.
b. The Lambeth Conference that meets every four years.
c. The Apostles' Creed adopted at the 1888 Lambeth Conference.

5. What are the Gospels?

a. Peter's letters to the Corinthians.
b. The New Testament in the Bible.
c. The first four books of the New Testament in the Bible.

Vestry Report

Brad Wakeman and Pat Maguire, members of TACS (Training and Consulting Services), were special guests that attended in order to present the concept of Mutual Ministry Review to the Vestry. MMR involves the ministry we're called to do, the ministry review, a ministry plan, and then doing the work. Brad said that you usually start by framing the process, i.e. who is involved, identifying roles and expectations, and how in depth you want the process to go. The MMR is not an appraisal of the priest or ministries, but rather gathering information then making a plan of where we want to go and what we want to accomplish. Having a written document of the MMR process and results are very important.

Myra Battin suggested that a copy of the Treasurer's Report be made available to the Vestry prior to the meeting so that they could have more time to look at it.

John Winesdorfer reported that the $25,000 check from the Endowment Fund was received.

A bid from Balfor was received for the repairs in the Youth Room in the amount of $2999.18. A good portion of the expense is for the removal of the mold. Since there was not a quorum present, it was decided to have an email vote to approve the repairs. Randy will send out an email to all Vestry members with Dave Kidd moving to accept the bid and Geof Hosea seconding. All will reply with their vote and a copy will be given to the clerk to file.

The Annual Parish Picnic will be held at Evergreen Park on September 7th immediately following the 10:15 a.m. service being held there. Geof Hosea has volunteered to head up promotion, Barbara Moerler and Randy will do the purchasing (Ann Horn has a detailed list of what to buy), and Rusty Holland and Dave Kidd have volunteered to cook. We still need people to help plan, set up and clean up. A special meeting was held on August 3rd and began at 9:20 a.m..

This special meeting was called in order to vote on the repairs needing to be done in the Youth Room since the Internet vote was found to be invalid. The room was damaged by water leaking from the dishwasher in the kitchen. The insurance will not cover the cost because the leak had gone on for too long. There is a bid from Balfor for approximately $2999 to remove the mold and repair the damage. Sue Ahrens moved to accept the bid from Balfor and Geof Hosea seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Geof Hosea suggested that someone else besides the original presenters come back and go over Mutual Ministry with the Vestry. Dave Kidd concurred. Geof moved to table the MMR discussion until the August 21st meeting.

The regularly scheduled August meeting began at 7:03 p.m. after opening prayer.

After a discussion to bring those up to date that had not attended the July meeting, Geof Hosea moved to pursue the concept of Mutual Ministry Review and Dave Cochran seconded. The whole group will meet with Pat Maguire and Brad Wakeman even though some had originally wanted to have someone else present the information again. The motion passed. Don Vanlue will let Myra Battin know what was decided, as she is the point of contact with Pat and Brad.

John Winesdorfer reported that we have not been using the updated version of Church Windows because it has just been discovered that the proper upgrade patches were not installed. He also stated that we would need to purchase outside help for the program, which will cost $325.

John also reported that we would need to pay Robison Plumbing around $498 for another problem that was discovered in extension to the previous flooding.

Don Vanlue reported that the air was tested in the Choir Room and it was found to be cleaner than the outside air. The Youth Room air is still not acceptable and the room will have to be wiped down and retested. This will be an additional fee not included in the original bid from Balfor. The kitchen air was also tested and found to be clean. The following is a list of suggestions made to the Vestry. The Vestry discussed each item and voted when necessary.

• Being a team of 2 with recognizable nametags on Sundays as back up for greeters. Already in place.

• Nominating Committee: junior class or senior class? Dave Cochran moved to have the senior class perform this duty and Dave Kidd seconded. The motion passed.

• Follow up for every member canvass/annual fund raising. Defer until fund raising methods have been chosen. Parish Picnic organizing/setup. Sue Ahrens moved that it should definitely be Vestry supported and Dave Cochran seconded. The motion passed.

• Annual Meeting support, e.g. senior class gets the report together, middle class coordinates the potluck, and the juniors clean up. Dave Cochran moved to accept as suggested and Sue Ahrens seconded. The motion passed.

• Lock up after church. Withdrawn

• Open up during winter months and turn on heat. Withdrawn

• Track a parish ministry about which to share at Vestry meetings. Dave Cochran moved that the Vestry should do so and Geof Hosea seconded. The motion passed.

• Attend worship regularly. This is a given.

• Pledge. This is a given.

• Attend parish events. This is a given.

• Work the Diner. Dave Kidd moved that the Vestry should work the Diner at least once and Dave Cochran seconded. The motion passed. The Vestry will work the Diner the last Sunday in October.

• Attend a Friday Feast. Dave Cochran moved that the Vestry do so and Ingrid McGinley seconded. The motion passed and the Vestry is scheduled to attend the last Friday in September.

Several methods of fundraising were discussed. After weighing the pros and cons of each, Dave Cochran moved to use the Loyalty Dinner as our method and Geof Hosea seconded. The motion passed and the Congregational Growth and Development Committee will work out the details.

Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Dueñas
Clerk of the Vestry

All Saints' Cranes

"Bring a Friend to Church Sunday"

God's Energy is in the Atrium

Before the first day of the fourth year, the threesome spent an intensive week over the summer completing yet another level of Catechist training.

Additionally, they have been very busy in the Atrium arranging materials, planning presentations, and working on new lessons that will guide our children's Christian development. All of their hard work is showcased in the classroom.

Through the gentle efforts of our catechists, a host of volunteers, and all of St. Paul's family, our atrium program is a place where our children are encouraged to foster a relationship with God. As a united Christian community, we can rejoice and watch as our children are enlightened and begin building their spiritual journeys.

We are eager to share our knowledge and passion for God with the greater Kitsap community and have opened our doors to the Atrium. We pray that news of our program reaches new families.

So join us in supporting this awesome endeavor!

Sherri Cochran

Kirking of the Tartans and Bagpipes

Jubilee Partner: OUTKitsap Women's 40+ Group

We are a group of women who are at least 40 years old and their partners, regardless of age. Any woman who identifies as lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or questioning is welcome here.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

We exist to offer a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for women to discuss issues that may be troublesome to them, to educate ourselves in various areas of interest, to participate in social activities and to offer our support to the GLBT community-at-large.

OUR VISION

This is a place to celebrate ourselves, each other and the fact that we've made it this far!!! Upcoming meetings may include the following:

Sharing on specific topics: At this meeting we can share our acquired wisdom! We can feel comfortable and safe to share our views, ideas and burdens with other women who may have experienced these things too. Aging parents, adult children, menopausal symptoms and remedies, coming-out issues, suddenly being single, chronic illnesses, long-term relationship issues and dealing with our changing bodies can be overwhelming! Sharing with each other how we've gotten through these times can be healing and inspiring.

Socializing: Meeting people of like minds, developing friendships and/or relationships, socializing individually or as a group is encouraged. Community activities will be announced either at the meetings or by email and groups can be formed to participate. Any participant can organize Over-40 events like Game Night, potlucks, Movie Night, camping trips, etc..

Guest speakers: If there is a topic that you would like more information on, let the facilitator know and guest speakers can be scheduled.

Community Involvement: Complacency is easier than participation, but it is deadly to our community. By working together as a group, we can share our combined knowledge and experiences by giving back to the community in important ways. We could cook at Friday Feast, sponsor a community GLBT event, or any other community-based endeavor. Once a quarter, we will invite women of all ages to participate in our group, mentoring these women to start groups of their own particular interests. We can stand tall and proud and show the young ones how it's done! Remember……our elders helped create the opportunities we enjoy today.

Editor's Note: The group meets on Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Contact Robbie for more information.

Jubilee Partner: Olympic Head Start Center

The center serves 12 infants and toddlers one month through 3 years, and case manages expectant families. To be eligible for the program a parent must be an Olympic College student and the family must meet the income eligibility guidelines set by the federal government. Priority is given to families of children with special needs and to families that have extenuating circumstances.

In addition to high quality childcare services the center fosters healthy attachments and relationships between parents and children, promotes wellness, provides resources so parents can care for their children and other family members, encourages involvement of both parents in the care and nurturing of children, nurtures positive parenting skills, builds motivation to continue education, and provides support to become employed.

The current staff at the center consists of one health advocate that also serves as on site director, one lead teacher/primary caregiver, two assistant teachers/primary caregivers, and one classroom assistant. The health and family advocate links families with resources in the community. The teaching staff forms strong relationships with the families they serve. Teachers, working with the parents developmentally screen and assess the children on a quarterly basis. In addition children's health, dental, hearing, visions and social and emotional statuses are screened.

We value our partnership with St. Paul's and appreciate the space that we have been given to serve our families. St. Paul's has served as a resource to our families in the past by providing support to our families in obtaining winter clothing for their children. The Lord's Neighborhood Diner serves as a referral for us when we have families in need assistance with a hot meal.

We welcome volunteers in our program. Volunteers are needed between the hours of 9-12 in the morning. If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions regarding Early Head Start please come down and visit us or call Donna Galano.

German Bingo Night!

Christian Formation News…

An Hour of Yoga: Randy teaches gentle yoga classes on Saturday mornings from 8:30 until about 9:15 in the Nave. Bring a mat or blanket, wear loose comfortable clothing and come join in the fun. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.

On Thursday mornings from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Oxford Room of Canterbury Manor the Rector leads a weekly Bible study. The exploration of the Gospel of John continues this month. All are welcome at any time.

Fall Cell Group sign-up sheets are on the table by the door to the narthex… Description of the three groups and contact information are on the top of each sheet. Also, if you want to start a group and be trained there is a sign-up sheet. Arvelle Carey's group will begin on Tuesday, September 23 at 10:00 a.m in the Oliver Rm. Henry Morris's group will be meeting on Thursday, September 25 at his home at a time to be announced. Barbara Moerler's group will begin during the week of September 29 at a time/location to be announced.

Altar Offerings

It is always fitting to have flowers placed on the Altar or a Sanctuary lamp that burns during the week as a memorial to a loved one, to celebrate a special event in your life, or perhaps for a birthday or an anniversary. There are several opportunities left for this year. Forms are available next to the flower chart on your right as you enter the nave. - Jeanne Thune & Gladys Berteaux, Altar Guild Coordinators.

Phone Directory Updates

We are in the process of creating a new church phone directory. If you are new to St. Paul's, have a new addition in the family, change in address (snail and/or e-mail) or phone number (since June '02) let us know. Please do not assume that we have all the information. We don't want to miss anyone. Please contact Ann in the church office or leave her a note with all the info.

Wine Offerings Invited

The church uses approximately one bottle of Taylor's Tawny Port a week for Communion. If you would like to contribute a bottle of Tawny Port for the Eucharist please contact a member of the Altar Guild. Tawny Port may be purchased at the liquor store for less than $5.00 a bottle. If you would like to donate cash towards the purchase of a case of wine at a discount, you may give money to Gladys Berteaux, Jeanne Thune or Dawne Lewis.

The Lord's Neighborhood Diner…

…is always looking for people to serve hot meals with a generous portion of respect every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in our Parish Hall. Contact Delsie Peebles if you are interested at delsiep@aol.com.

Do you want to help a homeless teenager?

Contact StandUp for Kids at 308-1406. This organization has been helping needy, homeless and at-risk kids for years in the schools, on the streets - wherever they find them. They are looking for volunteers, financial contributions, and donations of groceries, personal hygiene items, baby furniture, and teen and baby clothes. For more information visit their Web site at www.standupforkids.org.

Altar Guild: Looking for a place to plug in and make a difference?

Come and join the fun with this wonderful servant ministry. The group will be sponsoring a pot-luck lunch on Saturday, October 4 at 12:30 p.m. in the Oliver Room Sherry Garman from the Diocesan Altar Guild will be the guest speaker. There will also be time for questions and answers and sharing of ideas. Altar Guild members from other area churches have been invited to attend. Seating is limited and deadline for registration is October 1. Please contact Gladys Berteaux or Jeanne Thune for more information or to sign-up to bring a side dish.

"Stewardship Brunch:" Sunday October 26