christ church eureka march chronicle 2016

8/20/2019 Christ Church Eureka March Chronicle 2016

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My dear sisters and brothers:

Lent is moving along steadily, offering us the opportunity to

deepen our relationship to God. We have observed Ash

Wednesday, as well as the first two Sundays of Lent. At the end

of March, we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. But

before then, there is further time to prepare. If you haven’t yet

joined us for the soup suppers and brief DVD on Tuesday nights,

you are invited to do so. There is also the opportunity to

participate in the Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 11:45 in the Chapel, followed by thirty

minutes of restful and beautiful music in the Nave.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday (March 20), and continues with Tenebrae, Maundy

Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and the Easter Eucharist on Sunday March 27. For

those with children, we will provide engaging items for them while they join you in worship.

You will be receiving an Easter letter with additional details.

Meanwhile, here are some ideas of spiritual practices you may wish to adopt. Choose one!

*Commit to reading your Bible ten minutes every day and spending five minutes in quiet

meditation on what you read.

* Find and write down three ways God has blessed you and thank God for them.

* Look for “God sightings” in your day and every day write down one of them.

* Pray every day for someone, very specifically.

* Consider a cause or a group that matters to Jesus: research, serve, give, and pray for them

during Lent.

In thanks for each of you,

Mother Susan


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For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one

confesses with the mouth and so is saved. Romans 10:10.

The February Day by Day contributor, Elizabeth Brignac,

tells of her father, an Episcopal priest, “who was magnificent at

raising Christian children because he allowed and even encouraged

us to voice doubt.” She writes:

“Most sources agree that belief is the major requirement for

Christians. So when I first questioned my faith, it was frightening.

My father taught me that in a skeptical world filled with thousands

of religions and anti-religions, it becomes acceptable, even necessary, for strong Christians to ques

tion their faith sometimes. He gave me room to figure out what it means to believe. I can think of

no better way to help a child grow into a mature Christian.”

I am a cradle Episcopalian. I cannot remember a time in my youth when I did not attend

church each Sunday. I don’t know how much in that early time that I questioned the teachings of

the church but I do remember when I started to question my faith in the context of being an Episco

palian.

When I was growing up it seemed like everyone I knew went to a church, so it was not hard

to get an invitation from a friend to go to their place of worship. My mother was a strong Episcop

lian and not always open to trying new things but surprisingly she was supportive of my questionin

mind. I don’t remember how long I was on my shopping spree, probably less than a year, but I do

remember that I came to the conclusion that “my church” was the one for me. By allowing me to

question my faith, my mother helped me to “grow into a mature Christian.”

Christ Church is again coming to a time for questioning and change. I pray that it will be a

time for us to look to our Christian beliefs, voicing both doubt and encouragement during our searc

process, as we continue to grow as strong and mature Christians.

Lyn Klay, Senior Warden


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Psallam spiritu et mente!

“What then? I will pray with my spirit, but also with my mind; I will sing

hymns with my spirit, but with my mind as well” (1 Corinthians 14:15).

The season of Lent often feels like a time of contradictions … it is a sea-

son of repentance and forgiveness … of giving up something up while at

the same time taking up new activities, such as Lenten studies, as we pre-

pare to renew the baptismal vows that call us to follow Jesus in service and ministry. It is a season

that calls for silence, reflection, meditation, and study; yet it is springtime, one of the busiest times

the year. Our yards and gardens are waking up and calling us to tend them and spring cleaning is u

derway. It is a busy season in our church with added activities such as the Tuesday evening soup

supper and study, Stations of the Cross on Friday, and our Lenten music programs on Fridays. As

musician, I find it the most difficult time of year to maintain the discipline and focus needed for all

the preparations involved for Holy Week and Easter. As I recently learned though, this is not all tha

uncommon among church musicians! Which makes me slightly feel better about longing to be out-

doors rather than inside on the organ bench.

Psallam spiritu et mente! (“I will sing praises with inspiration and intelligence) is the motto of the

Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). RSCM is a life-long learning organization that promotes

the study, practice, and improvement of music in Christian worship. I have written in past articles

about seeking new ways to make that vital connection between our music and our life of faith,

through “expression” and “formation.” When we are able to sing (literally and figuratively) with in

spiration and intelligence, we make a connection to the music that allows us to express our faith as

well as well as to form it. For example, a recent visitor to Christ Church relayed to me that she esp

cially enjoyed the plainsong chants we are using for the Psalm and service music during Lent. She

appreciated the richness of the service (in its entirety), the Anglican tradition, and noted that she

“came away from Christ Church feeling spiritually fed.”


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During the Lenten season we have used plainsong chant in our services, as a change and contrast to

the upcoming Eastertide. Plainsong is a rich, centuries-old tradition that focuses our minds and hea

on the text – the words – that we are singing. It emphasizes that we are a community; we chant in

unison – we are one voice. I would love to hear your thoughts as to whether or not this “spiritually

fed” you. I welcome your feedback at any time … via email ([email protected]), telephon

(707-445

-0940), or a face to face chat!

During this Lent, a series of music programs is offered on Fridays, from 12:15-12:45 pm, in the Na

(the main church). By the time you read this, two programs will have already occurred (Merry Phi

lips, organ with Nancy Streufert flute, and Doug Moorehead, organ). The remaining programs are:

March 4: Gary Klemp (organ), Nancy Streufert (flute) and Doug Moorehead (piano)

March 11: Helen Hui (organ)

March 18: Paul Gossard (guitar), Helen Winfrey (clarinet), Merry Phillips (organ).

The music programs immediately follow the Stations of the Cross service offered in the Chapel fro

11:45-12:10. Please join us for these half -hour -long programs of music designed to offer an oppor-

tunity for quiet, personal reflection, meditation, and contemplation.

Upcoming Concerts:

On Saturday, April 2, Christ Church welcomes the Ferndale Community Choir, conducted by Betty

Diehl, for its second (of three) spring concerts. For forty-seven years, the Choir has offered concer

to the North Coast community featuring sacred music, from choral classics to contemporary compo

tions and spirituals. For more information about the Choir, see their website: http://

ferndalechoir.com/. There is a beautiful photo of the choir, singing at Christ Church last spring.

And looking ahead, please save the date! On Sunday, April 24, the Christ Church Concert Series wcomes “Organized Rhythm,” the organ and percussion duo of Clive Driskill-Smith and Joseph Gram

ley. For a video preview, visit: http://organizedrhythm.com/ , and hear tastes of Holst’s The Planet

and Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens. These two outstanding musicians will provide a conc

that is aimed to be ‘family friendly’ – something for all ages! Watch for more details on the concer

in April.

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://ferndalechoir.com/http://ferndalechoir.com/http://ferndalechoir.com/http://organizedrhythm.com/http://organizedrhythm.com/http://organizedrhythm.com/http://ferndalechoir.com/http://ferndalechoir.com/mailto:[email protected]


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The Socks Project

"…for I was hungry and you gave me food,

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, …I was naked and you gave me

clothing."

Matthew 25:35-36a

What do you do when cold, rainy weather leaves you with wet shoes, wet

socks, and cold feet? Those of us who are fortunate, go home and change into

some dry socks and shoes or slippers, and turn up the heat.

Our brothers and sisters who live on the street do not have thatluxury. They may not even own a second pair of socks.

During Lent, as an annual program sponsored by the School for

Deacons, donations of new socks will be collected in Lewis Hall .

The socks for children will go to foster children, and socks for

men and women will be delivered to Betty Chinn for distribution to the homelessand needy that she serves.

The collection for socks will run from Ash Wednesday, February 10, until

Palm Sunday, March 20, when Mother Susan will bless them.

Please join in this effort to share Christ's love.


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Lay Ministries

Lent seemed to come early this year, at least to me, and in just a few weeks it will be Easter. I think

now is a perfect time for you to consider sharing your talents in one of these Lay Ministry areas an

help get ready for spring.

Announcers

Ushers and Greeters

Eucharistic Visitors

Nursery and Sunday School

Coffee Hour Hosts

Contribution Counters

Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers

For more details about each ministry in which you’re interested, contact:

Marty Vega Lectors and Intercessors 443-9782

Anne Pierson Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers 442-2025

Sanford Pyron Announcers 444-0968

Susan Whaley Ushers and Greeters 445-2924

Elizabeth Harper -Lawson Eucharistic Visitors 445-1726

Vickie Patton Nursery and Sunday School 443-1825

Lynne Bean Coffee Hour 822-6086

Bob Hines Contribution Counters 445-8974

Marty Vega


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That Blue Box and UTO - What's It About?

UTO stands for United Thank Offering- and the Blue Box,

which once was referred to as a 'mite box' is for you to drop

coins into as you give thank to God for large and small bless-

ings that brighten your life and the lives of those around you. The coins add up rapidly and provide

major source of grants for The Episcopal Church to build churches and schools, make needed reno

vations, feed the hungry, clothe the poor, provide shelter for the homeless, and provide care and su

port for those with physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

The Spring UTO ingathering traditionally takes place on or Ascension Sunday, the Christian feast

day commemorating the ascension of Jesus into Heaven. This year Ascension Day is Thursday, M

5, 40 days after Easter. Ascension Sunday is May 8.

Last year Christ Church contributed over $440 to the UTO. Count your blessings and fill your Blue

Box with coins. Plan to return your United Thank Offering in May! (Or if your box is overflowing

turn it in and start a new one!)


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Lee Garrison March 02

Mary McNelis March 03

Kathrin Burleson March 08

Michael Burleson March 13

Pam and Paul Gossard March 17

Heidi Erickson March 18

Beverly Olson March 18

Angus Stewart March 22

Patricia Toy March 22

Jacqueline Moore March 29

Lois Gossard March 31

Communion Bread Group

There has been a slight change for the Communion Bread Group in that Mary McNelis has asked m

to take on the Chairmanship. I am delighted to take on the task and am pleased that we have, I thin

seven bread makers. I have not talked to everyone so I hope all are still willing to help. Those I

have on my list are, in alphabetical order: Lynne Bean, Gail Freeman, Irene Hannaford, Mary

McNelis, Marita Musante, Laura Rose and Joan Stewart.

Making Communion Bread is not an arduous task for me and I find it very satisfying when the

rounds are cut out and the crosses made and then put into the oven to bake. For a while we had few

members who were willing to do the baking so it seemed to be a chore rather than a pleasure.

I will have the schedule out in just a short time so all members of the team will have plenty of time

to be ready to take their turn. If any one has any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me.

707/444-8559 [email protected].

Irene Hannaford


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Vestry Highlights

At the January 24 Annual Meeting the congregation elected four members to serve as the the Vestry

Class of 2018: Julie Cairns, Heidi Erickson, Irene Hannaford, Helen Taylor, and alternate Janettje

Vrieze. Those elected to be delegates to the Diocesan Convention in November are Lin Chase, Eliz

beth Harper -Lawson, Merry Phillips, Anne Van Zandt, and alternates Rex White and Heidi Erickso

Lyn Klay continues as the Rector's Warden, and Beth Powell as Junior Warden - the People's Ward

Peg Gardner is Clerk and Bob Hines, Treasurer.

Check the bulletin board often for more detailed information about the Vestry's activites. The agen

and minutes are posted, as are the complete financial report for 2015, the approved 2016 budget, an

monthly financial statements.

In recent months the Christ Church Chronicle has reported on several important repairs and upgrad

to our church campus. You probably remember reading about the new roof for the Zander Building

the fence repairs for the courtyard, dry rot and termite remediation for the Chapel, gutter cleaning a

repair, and the upcoming remodeling that will create a second restroom - one that is ADA-complian

off the Heritage Room. A number of other projects are on the Wish List. Ask Vestry members and

check out information on the bulletin board.

The apartment above the office has been rented. A graduate student at Humboldt State University h

settled in, and he is enjoying his new quarters.

In January Mtr. Susan sent a letter to all on the mailing list announcing that she planned to retire as

priest in charge as of the end of December. Many wonder how we proceed in calling a new priest to

serve as rector. Bishop Beisner and Canon Andrea McMillin will be providing direction and leader

ship as we enter the Discernment (Calling) Process. The Vestry held a brief Skype meeting with C

on Andrea in January. The Vestry hopes to meet with her in person in March and then be able to sha

information with the entire parish.


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Scholarships

“ An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seek knowledge “

Proverbs 18 : 1

In 2010, Christ Church was the recipient of a $ 15,000.00 grant from the San Francisco Foundation

The only stipulation was that it was to be used for scholarships. We wrote a letter expressing our ap

preciation, but we never heard anything more from the Foundation. With Fr. Ron’s help we formed

committee and planned just how to go about using the money in the best way possible.

We designed an application and decided on $ 1,000.00 as our first award. A letter of explanation an

a separate application were sent to all six Episcopal Churches in our deanery. Our first recipient wa

a young man from St. Alban’s- a super candidate.

At this time we also granted scholarships to Camp Living Waters and offered assistance with tuition

for advanced programs to several of our clergy. Now with Mtr. Susan’s direction, over the next few

years we granted $ 500.00 scholarships to seven deserving young students whose ties were all with

Christ Church.

We have become increasingly aware that all of the money was going out and very little was coming

in. At the end of 2015 our total in the Scholarship account was just over $ 3,500.00. At the first Ves

try meeting of 2016, the motion was passed unanimously to add $ 2,000.00 to the Scholarship ac-

count. Needless to say this was a most thoughtful and generous gift.

We are now thinking ahead to another round of applications. We have already received a call from

another church asking if we were going to offer the scholarships again. This church has three likely

candidates, and we have several more prospective candidates here at Christ Church. We are always

open to suggestions from the congregation, and we would welcome especially any ideas for funds t

replace those we have given away.

We strongly feel this is a worthwhile project helping young people as part of our life affirming min

tries. We look forward to any responses. Thank you.

“ Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future “

Proverbs 19 : 20

Helen Taylor - Vestry


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The Journey through Holy Week and Easter

During the eight days from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday

we not only remember the final week in Jesus’ life, his death and

resurrection, we are invited to step out of our daily lives and take

part in the same events along with his other followers. Rather than

merely “re-enacting” historical events, we are proclaiming that what

happened more than 2,000 years ago is still relevant now, that we,

too, are part of the story. While it is possible to attend only Easter

services, it would be something like reading only the last chapter of

a book. Easter is the culmination of all that came before. We need to live through the whole historytogether.

On Palm Sunday we experience the dramatic conflict between joyous welcoming of Jesus to Jerus

lem – a welcome we ourselves would delight to share in – and powerful resistance to the way of Li

Jesus lived and taught and still offers today. We begin the service with cries of “Hosanna” (a word

rooted in Aramaic meaning, roughly, save, rescue, or savior. It is also a word of hope and praise.

From there we move quickly to joining the mob who demanded Jesus’ crucifixion. If we enter fullyinto these primal moments, we will encounter ourselves, our own conflicts and ambiguities in our r

lationship to God.

On Wednesday evening, we will continue our entry into the darkest, most profoundly revealing da

of the Church year and reflect on how fully Jesus entered into our lives and experiences. We will

pray, sing and chant ancient Psalms of lament, interspersed with readings and other prayers that

reflect Jesus’ journey through betrayal, suffering and death. We will acknowledge our own need formercy, for forgiveness, for help.

On Maundy Thursday, with some embarrassment, we try to respond to Jesus’ New Commandme

(Mandatum, the Latin word from which we derive the word “Maundy” and “mandate”) to “love on

another as I have loved you”. He took on the most menial job to make this point – washing his

followers’ dirty feet. We swallow our discomfort with serving and being served in such an intimate


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way – lay aside a little of our self - protection, and get a glimpse of Jesus’ way of loving. We reflect

how we might live that kind of mutual, simple service on a daily basis.

Jesus gave us the gift of an ordinary meal made rich with eternal meaning in the bread and the wine

broken, poured out and given to us. He showed us the ends to which Love is willing to go for the B

loved. The washing of the feet and the giving of bread and wine are not two separate actions, but al

of a piece with how Jesus loves us and how we are to love each other and those we meet.

The awesome loneliness of Jesus’ final struggle – his fully human terror of what was to come – is r

membered as we move into the unlighted church and watch as the altar is stripped and all that

enhances the beauty of our church is removed. We remember that his disciples, also confused, terri

fied and exhausted, found refuge in sleep as Jesus fought his solitary battle, wrestling in prayer with

his fears and doubts.

We are then invited to share in his disciples’ struggles for one hour as we gather in silent waiting

around the Altar of Repose and try to keep watch for one hour. The story continues as we walk

silently into the night, leaving Jesus as they did. It is humbling to know our kinship with Jesus’

followers of so long ago.

On Good Friday, we continue our journey as we walk the way of the Cross. At Noon, we will

symbolically follow in Jesus’ steps from his struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane through his trial

crucifixion and death. In the evening, we will re-enter the story again, and re

-live his betrayal, arres

trial, crucifixion and death. We will join the crowds who shouted “Crucify him”, knowing that there

are times when we have felt betrayed by God whose ways of being with us can seem too challengin

who won’t wave an almighty arm and make everything better. We will admit to the doubts and

disillusionments we endure that can leave us hurting, wondering what the horrible death of a single

human being more than 2,000 years ago really has to do with us. Yet there is hope. We are nourish

by the wine and bread that was saved from the feast where we received the command to love one

another. That, too, we carry with us as we leave in silence.

On Holy Saturday, we gather again in the evening, meeting in darkness. A sudden flare of light as

the New Fire is kindled is our first glimpse of hope. As Paschal Candle is carried lit from the New

Fire, and we sing our gratitude for “The Light of Christ”, the light begins to spread from candle to

candle, from person to person. The Exultet, a great song of praise and thanksgiving is sung, then w


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hear again the great stories of God’s actions through the centuries. The darkness continues to roll

back as the stone guarding Jesus’ tomb was rolled back and we rejoice in Resurrected Life bursting

forth with lights and singings and the exuberant ringing of bells. (Don’t forget to bring your bells to

share in this exuberant, joyous praise!) Once again, after weeks of being lost to us, the great praise

ALLELUIA! is sung and we enter into the wondrous feast of Life and Hope that is Easter.

The celebration continues on Easter Sunday with all the glory, joy and beauty of what is known as

the Queen of Seasons, the Feast of Feasts.

Come and walk with us through the whole of the great story of God’s intense love for presence wit

us. Walk with us through hope and betrayal, confusion, loss, grief, doubt, fear and loneliness. Walk

with us through darkness into the Light of Resurrection and new life.

Helping to Make a Glorious Easter

It is your generous donations that allow us to purchase arrays of lovely flowers for the Garden of

Repose on Good Friday, Easter Eve, Easter Day and Beyond. If you wish to contribute to the beau

please fill out a slip indicating the person/event you would like to honor and put it in the offering

plate together with a check made out to “Christ Church” and clearly marked “FLOWERS.” Or you

can mail in your donation, or drop it by the church office. The donor’s name together with the

person/event honored will be listed in the Easter Bulletin. Thank you!

Notation: EASTER FLOWERS

Name:

Person/ Event to be honored: (Phrase to go in the bulletin):


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Presiding Bishop Curry calls for “remembering our sister

and brother Christians in the Holy Land

who maintain the faith which we hold so dear.”

[February 22, 2016] “Our journey as Episcopalians also includes remembering our sister and broth

Christians in the Holy Land who maintain the faith which we hold so dear,” Presiding Bishop

Michael Curry wrote to the clergy of The Episcopal Church. “Their witness is an inspiration.”

Presiding Bishop Curry wrote in the annual Good Friday letter to all congregations asking them to

consider assistance for Jerusalem and the Middle East.

“As you know, each year, every bishop and congregation is encouraged by the Presiding Bishop to

participate in the Good Friday Offering,” he wrote. “This tradition is decades old and is an importa

statement of our solidarity with the members of the four dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and

the Middle East. We have a Gospel imperative to be sure they know they are not forgotten behind theadlines or because of the distractions in our own lives.”

Funds collected from the Good Friday Offering are gathered and distributed to the Province of Jeru

salem and the Middle East which includes the Dioceses of Jerusalem and Cyprus and the Gulf, all

members of the Anglican Communion.

For more information contact the Rev. Canon Robert Edmunds, Episcopal Church Middle East Par

nership Officer, [email protected].

The following is the Presiding Bishop’s letter:

_______________________________________________________

Lent 2016

Dear Clergy of the Episcopal Church,

My hope and prayer for you is that you will find time during this Lent for prayer, for study and for

renewal of your spirit as you share with me in the joys and challenges of leading the people of God

of our beloved Church. May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fill each of us with the desire and th

will to follow him ever so more closely in the weeks to come.

Our journey during Lent always leads us to Jerusalem. We walk with Jesus over the Mount of Oliv

and behold the Holy City. We join in laying out our palm branches and shouting Hosanna. We will

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here at the garden but most of us will not be able to stay awake for even one hour. We will walk the

Way of Sorrows.

How close will we come to the cross on that Friday? Will our journey include skepticism or amaze-

ment when the women bring us the news from the tomb?

Our journey as Episcopalians also includes remembering our sister and brother Christians in the Ho

Land who maintain the faith which we hold so dear. The political, social and spiritual challenges ar

well known. Their witness is an inspiration.

As you know, each year, every bishop and congregation is encouraged by the Presiding Bishop to

participate in the Good Friday Offering. This tradition is decades old and is an important statement

our solidarity with the members of the four dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle

East. We have a Gospel imperative to be sure they know they are not forgotten behind the headlines

or because of the distractions in our own lives.

This year, on this Good Friday, it is my hope and prayer that you will stand with me in prayer and a

ion by promoting the Good Friday Offering among your people. Your leadership in encouraging ge

erosity is important. Your willingness to speak out in support of the ministry of the Anglicans who

keep the faith on our behalf in the land our Lord Jesus Christ once walked is needed and appreciate

With thanks to God for your support and leadership, I remain,

Faithfully

The Most Rev. Michael Curry

Presiding Bishop and Primate

The Episcopal Church


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