The Light Parish Newsletter, March, 2006In This Issue:
As I write there is a growing controversy about the relationship between freedom of speech and censorship — especially self-censorship — when it comes to religion. Late last year a Danish newspaper published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. It took awhile for the fact that the cartoons had been published at all to make it to Middle-Eastern and Asian Islamic countries, but when it did a firestorm of condemnation erupted. Demands for an apology — coupled with violence and attempted violence against Danes in particular and westerners in general — swept the Islamic world.
"How dare the Islamic faith's belief that any representation of the Prophet be violated?" they cry. "Have you no sensitivity to our religious beliefs? Apologize!"
Europeans — and European newspapers in particular — responded to the demands by re-publishing the cartoons, acknowledging that while the cartoons might be offensive to Muslims, freedom of expression was too important a principle for democratic societies to surrender.
And so the battle lines are drawn: freedom of speech on the one side, and respect for the religious beliefs of others on the other side. And with those apparently opposing views there comes a question that is very relevant to every Christian congregation, including ours: should we bracket or even censor what we say so as not to offend the religious sensibilities of others?
While we are not likely to find conflict over Christian representations of God in the way that has happened between the Islamic and European worlds there have been — and will continue to be — issues over which Christians will disagree — often strongly — within denominations and congregations around religious beliefs. This is not a new struggle: in the Early Church, for instance, there was:
- Disagreement over whether it was appropriate to eat food that Jewish law prohibited. St. Paul said it was okay to eat such food, unless by doing so it caused the weaker believers to fall, in which case it was appropriate to self-censor one's diet out of consideration for others.
- Disagreement around circumcision. On the other hand, when the issue of circumcision was raised St. Paul took the opposite perspective: no matter what, circumcision was not an appropriate response, even if it offended others.
If Paul can come up with opposing positions — and really struggle and disagree with other Christians — then it should come as no surprise that the answer to the question for us might vary depending on the circumstances. We have had our own struggles with such questions: is it appropriate to display announcements about conscientious objection in time of war on Church notice boards when some feel such displays are unpatriotic? How about articles on our web-site that challenge some folks perspective of Christian institutions?
While there are no easy answers there are some important things to say:
- The process by which we engage each other is just as important — more important, in fact — than the final outcome.
- That process must include mutual respect — defacing an Episcopal Peace Fellowship sign (as happened last month) represents a violation of our baptismal vows.
- We have to be able to differ and yet remain in relationship with each other. It is entirely possible that some might hold that respect for others involves not saying something they believe to be true as it might be hard for those others to hear. Yet another person may believe that speaking out is more important than self-censorship.
If we are able to live together out of these Christian values of relationship, pilgrimage, respect and honesty, there is little we will not be able to do together as a Christian community.
God s blessings to you
Nigel
Vestry Highlights for January 27, 2006
After considerable discussion of the 2006 proposed budget, it was accepted and will be presented to the Parish at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 29, 2006.
The Long Range Plan will not be discussed at the Annual Meeting due to time constraints.
There will be an event for the Legacy Society after Easter.
The Columbarium Committee s report was accepted.
The Peacemakers event on January 16 was very successful, Bishop Hampton was the speaker.
Rev. Jo Beecher from La Iglesia de la Resurrección has proposed preparing an all parish dinner at St. Augustine's.
Four candidates for Presiding Bishop have been selected.
The next Vestry meeting will be Thursday, February 16 at 6:30pm.
Diana Klein, Vestry Clerk
Fr. Nigel introduced the new Senior Warden, Jim Langler and Junior Warden, Bill Carruthers. The three new Vestry members are Steve Connelly, Sue Idso and Susan Sandri.
The Annual Report was presented and questions answered.
The 2006 Annual Budget was discussed. We have changed from Church Windows to Quickbooks and have had many challenges.
It was clarified that the Diocesan Assessment is based on 20% of net disposable income. In 2007, this will change to 18%.
Fr. Nigel explained the process used to develop the budget.
Sue Idso and Judy Yeakel are working on material for welcoming children to the service, using the budgeted Sunday School funds.
Sabbatical funding of $15,000 from the Lilly Foundation will be for Adult Education.
Diana Klein, Vestry Clerk
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your publication editor. Marie Miller has done a fantastic job and I look forward to the challenge of continuing in her place.
I am proposing to add several new items of interest for our readers, as well as photos of our latest endeavors and accomplishments. The Light is not a substitute for, but rather an addition to, including our parish community and beyond, as to what we, as Episcopalians are all about. It is intended to keep you informed, enlightened, and to encourage all to join in the many activities offered. Our publication is only one of many communication tools to benefit our parish members and friends.
If you have an urge to share any information pertaining to our Christian beliefs, anecdotes, etc., we will try to include your short entry in our following edition. (Of course, we will have the last word in content editing!) Either email or mail your item to the church office in care of the Light Editor.
Trevor Arnold
The Office of Morning Prayer will be resumed the first Tuesday in Lent. It will be conducted at 8:30 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Anyone who has an interest in leading Morning Prayer, (this Office is contained in the Book of Common Prayer (the red book in the pews), is asked to call Anne Pringle, who will schedule the Leaders. Any baptized person and member of the parish may conduct the Daily Offices. Morning Prayer is a peaceful way to begin the day, and it is hoped that we will have a number of people willing to lead this service on a scheduled basis.
The Way of the Cross will be offered again at 5:30 pm on the Fridays in Lent, beginning on Friday, March 3rd, the Friday following Ash Wednesday. Again, it is hoped that we can have a number of volunteers to lead this Office. (The Office is found in the Book of Occasional Services and is available at the church. There are also booklets that can be found in the Sacristy. (Please do not remove!) Anne Pringle will be the contact person, and will lead Way of the Cross on the first Friday.
A weekly offering of Contemplative Prayer is being planned by our Deacon, Julie Bird, who will present an introduction to Contemplative Prayer to ECW on Ash Wednesday at their meeting (March 1st at 11:00 am.)
In keeping with the Worship and Spirituality goals developed by the Long Range Committee and adopted by the Vestry, these additional worship opportunities can enhance the worship experience for our parishioners. Please join us in these offerings as we continue our spiritual journey.
In Christ's Love, Anne Pringle
By Nancy Paris
"Blessed Are the Peacemakers — Or Are They?" was the title of retired Bishop Sandy Hampton's thought-provoking talk when an estimated 95 persons gathered January 16 at St. Augustine's to remember and celebrate Martin Luther King's life and his stance for peace and justice.
Sponsored by St. Augustine's Peace Fellowship, the event drew many from our own congregation and from the community at large. Presided over by the Rev. Bill Burnett, the program included the reading of excerpts from MLK's 1967 "Beyond Viet Nam" speech, and the Bible interspersed by spirituals and other songs led by the Sophia Singers. Members of the congregation read a list of names of witnesses for peace and justice. The list included such names as Rosa Parks, Ghandi, Nelson Mandella, Desmond Tutu, as well as lesser-known individuals. A question and answer period followed Bishop Hampton's presentation. Addressed were the seeming exaltation of war over peace, the glorifying of warriors over peacemakers, and the contrast in which opponents of war are often described as 'wimps, cowards, and disloyal Americans'. The point was made that nearly all the witnesses for peace whose names were read were harassed or even murdered. "Peacemakers are people of courage," he said, "and should be recognized as such."
This is the fourth major community event sponsored by the Peace Fellowship since its inception at St. Augustine's in 2004. For additional information about Peace Fellowship, contact Dick and Arnelle Hall through the Parish Office (360) 331-4887.
By Judy Yeakel
(I first wrote this in 1995, more than 10 years ago. It was a time of some dissension in our Parish life, not unlike what has been happening again in recent weeks. So here it is again.)
The 13th chapter of I Corinthians is probably my favorite Pauline passage. It contains a message for all Christians at all times. We are most apt to hear it as one of the readings for weddings. This is too bad because in a way it trivializes it by implying that it is for married couples only.
In his letters to the church in Corinth, which he founded, Paul is addressing a community which is being consumed by their petty differences. Reports have come to Paul that this community has become quarrelsome, arrogant, self-centered, and intolerant of their differences. This must have been a source of great pain for Paul. And it shows in his words to them in this passage.
Essentially what Paul says is that without love, nothing else has value. We are nothing! Our gifts are valueless without love! Only love can lead the Corinthians out of their pettiness and back to being a community of patience, kindness, tolerance, joyfulness, faith and hope.
Perhaps the meat of the passage is in verses 4 through 7, as Paul tells the Corinthians (and Us!) not only what love is but what love is not. "Love is patient, love is kind, love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
I urge all of you to read and reread these words of Paul s and apply them to our lives but especially to our life as a community. If each person took these words seriously and applied them to his or her life at St. Augustine s, what great and wonderful things we could accomplish as Christian sisters and brothers.
Patience. Kindness. Tolerance. Lack of envy, arrogance, rudeness, selfishness. Banishment of irritability, resentment, disagreement. Only with love can we do this.
March 1st is a special day in our church calendar this year: Ash Wednesday. Come and join us for our monthly ECW meeting at 11:00. Bring a sandwich to share. Soup and coffee will be served. Our special program will feature Julie Bird, our Deacon, who will guide and assist us in the process of contemplative prayer.
March 3, 2006
There will be three brief meditations on Lenten themes. Each will be followed by twenty
minutes of silence.
| 3:00 | | Gathering and Welcome |
| 3:15 | | First Meditation
Self-examination and repentance - Pat Bass
Silence |
| 3:55 | | Second Meditation
Prayer, Fasting and Self-denial - JudyYeakel
Silence |
| 4:35 | | Third Meditation
Reading and Meditating on God's Holy Word - Julie Bird
Silence |
| 5:15 | | Closing prayers |
The recitation of the Stations of the Cross will follow this program at 5:30 pm.
All are invited to participate
| 5:30 | | Stations of the Cross |
By Pandora Halstead
By the time you read this edition of the Light, our ninth annual ECW Rack sale will have come and gone. However, knowing how this event is a labor of love, I want to give a great big thank you to all who helped in any and all ways to make this a fun and successful week to benefit local charities. More information will be in next month's edition.
"Sharing Holy Ground: is Peace Possible?" is the theme of a diocesan conference on issues of justice and peace in Israel-Palestine to be held March 18 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Medina, Wash.
The Rev. John Peterson, Canon for Justice and Reconciliation Ministries at the Washington National Cathedral, will deliver the keynote address. Before becoming Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Canon Peterson spent 12 years as Dean of St. George's College in Jerusalem.
Also on the program will be Dr. Steve Niva, from Evergreen State College, and the Rev. Canon Brian J. Grieves, Director of Peace and Justice Ministries for the Episcopal Church. They will examine the history leading up to the recent elections and the role of corporate engagement in furthering the peace process. Mary Pneuman and the Rev. Fletcher Davis will report on their January visit to eight parishes in Israel and the West Bank and discuss the reconciling role of the Episcopal Church in the Holy Land.
The conference is sponsored by the Bishop's Committee for Justice and Peace in Israel/Palestine. A registration fee of $10 will include lunch and a hosted social hour. Registration forms are available at your church, or you can register on-line at www.ecww.org under Peace Conference on the Middle East.
February was Caring and Sharing month at preschool. We read the story "Stone Soup" and made a huge pot of delicious soup just from a stone (and a small contribution from each child). After enjoying the soup at school the children each took a container home to share with their families. We collected lots of canned goods for the Food Bank at Good Cheer and clothing for ECW's clothing sale. Our children are learning that they can help and make a difference in this world.
The weather gave us an excuse for new adventures. After the big windstorm we had school one day at Trinity due to the lack of water at St. Augustine's. It was fun to do things differently, and we do appreciate our friends at Trinity. We also appreciate our friends at St. Augustine's who cleaned up our playground and repaired the damage done by falling branches. Thank you Andy Pringle, Bill Carruthers and crew!
The Pre-K class continues working its way through the alphabet. On "N" day we played a letter guessing game. "I'm thinking of something that starts with the letter N and birds lay their eggs in it," said the teacher. "Nest," correctly answered several children. "I'm thinking of something that starts with the letter N and you breathe through it," said the teacher. "Inhalor" , promptly responded one little boy with a history of respiratory problems! Out of the mouths of babes!
On "O" day we were treated to a visit to the choir loft and a demonstration of the organ. Our budding young musicians even got to play the organ themselves. Thank you, Cleveland, for a delightful experience.
On "P' day we made our own delicious pizzas. "S" day will bring another adventure when the children get to visit the High School for a Spanish lesson with several high school students. Being in preschool is never dull!
Joan Johnson
On Carole Hanson's recent return from Russia, she brought us a gift - a beautifully embroidered Fair linen for our altar. The women of our Sister Parish made this piece. We will use it at Christmas and Easter. The following message was included with the linen:
Dear Fr. Nigel, matushka Rachel, brothers and sisters at St. Augustine's
We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the contribution you have given to our church for all these years. On behalf of all our parishioners we thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness. We were so happy to receive Carol Hanson as our guest and we do hope to see our friends this fall. We hope that next time more members of your parish could visit us to enrich our relationship. The distance keeps us away, but you are never too far from our thoughts and prayers.
"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"
Fr. Valery, Fr. Dimitry,
and all parishioners of St. Nicholas
By Beverly Babson
Margaret Schultz and myself went to the travel agency who will be handling the travel arrangements for our trip to Russia. We have thus far determined that we will be departing for St. Petersburg on October 2, 2006, returning October 19, 2006 on SAS.
The cost of the fare is estimated to be $1,000.00 per person and that includes all taxes and surcharges. Additionally, a $200.00 visa and invitational letter to Russia is required. Both amounts may be lower and is dependant on the number in our group.
Individuals interested in going should get their passports in order. Your passport must be good for at least six months after the trip. Passports must be submitted to the travel agent no later than August 15, 2006.
More information will be forthcoming as it becomes available.
The next Men¹s Breakfast will be held Saturday 11 March in the Undercroft. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Susan O'Shea, Chaplain to one of our sister parishes, Sts. Martha and Mary at Pike's Place Market. Sts. M&M, as the church is commonly called, is also one of our MSO outreach recipients. Susan is a passionate, articulate, and inspirational speaker, particularly when she is talking about her ministry to the needy in the inner city. Everyone in the parish is welcome and encouraged to come to this meeting. Let's show through our attendance how much our special relationship means to the congregation.
We are in urgent need of volunteer cooks to fix breakfast for this event. If you are willing to help please call Bill Carruthers at 341-2209. If you plan to attend please let me know so we can prepare sufficient food. I am at 221-8351.
As a gentle reminder, the breakfast begins at 8:30 AM and the speaker takes the podium from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.
Sincerely, Ted Brookes, Program Co-Chairman
You are invited to come to a fundraiser for La Iglesia de la Resurrección of Mount Vernon on March 17th at 6:00 PM at St. Augustine's in the Undercroft. The Oaxacan food prepared by women of La Iglesia will consist of tamales, pozole, mole and other Mexican delicacies. It won't be too spicy (at least not all of it). The Rev. Jo Beecher says, "What these women cook you wouldn't get in a restaurant!" This would give our parish a chance to get to know some of the people we supported most recently last Christmas. Suggested donation is $10 per person. Please come for fellowship and a really good meal.
Continuing with the invitations, the Easter Brunch will be held April 16th, Easter Sunday, between the 8 am and the 10 am services in the undercroft. Do plan to attend on this joyous day! Watch for details in the Narthex beginning April 2nd. Attendance, food, set-up and clean-up will be requested. Questions? Please contact Claree Vandergrift through the Parish Office at (360) 331-4887.
By Nancy Paris
ENSO HOUSE, on Wahl Road in Freeland, is the recipient of the Mission Sunday offering in March. The facility provides physical and emotional support to people of all faiths who are facing terminal illnesses.
The care at Enso House is inspired by Zen Buddhist practice, but services and prayers of all denominations are welcomed, integrating spirit with care giving. Enso House provides a nourishing environment for both the ill person and family and friends, who may stay at the facility either in the same room or in other accommodations in the building. Music and art therapy are offered, as well as the care of Whidbey General Hospital and Hospice nurses who are an integral part of the care giving team which also maintains a core of certified care givers, a licensed MD or RN for the management of medications.
Enso House also provides respite care for patients whose caregivers need or want to take a break from the 24-hour care at home. A number of St. Augustine's parishioners have spent their final days at Enso House in this caring environment where stays range from one day to a number of weeks. The facility is a fully insured and licensed Adult Family Care Home and accepts private pay as well as being contracted with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to provide care to Medicaid-eligible individuals.
By Nancy Paris
ELIZABETH IRWIN, Jody Heiken's mother, is a recent arrival on Whidbey Island, moving here from Rockport, Texas.
Elizabeth was born & raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, later making her home in various cities in Iowa before moving to Texas. She was employed for some years as a secretary for the US Department of Agriculture.
Elizabeth and her husband Irvin moved to Whidbey to be closer to Jody and Grant. Sadly, Irvin died in October, just four months after their arrival. Elizabeth says she is learning to live a different lifestyle slowly, after losing her mate of 66 years.
The Irwins were members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City where Irvin and their three children were baptized. When Trinity Episcopal Church burned, the Irwins attended a Lutheran church. It s good to be back in the Episcopal Church. St Augustine's is a warm and gracious group. I sincerely appreciate the warmth and friendship I ve been blessed to receive here. There is healing in the awesome majesty of the trees, birds and creatures I ve seen.
She adds: My years are as astonishing to me as to others who ask, but if there is anything that s possible for me to do at St. Augustine's, it would be a pleasure to try. Bless you, Elizabeth, for that willing attitude!
The Irwins have three children: Michael, a Viet Nam veteran; Jody and husband Grant Heiken of St. Augustine's; and Raymond and his wife Nancy. Raymond is owner of Heartland Racetrack in Topeka, Kansas. The Irwin's grandson, Jared, will be entering college in the fall.
Manna and Mercy ~ A Brief History of God s Unfolding Promise to Mend the Entire Universe
By Daniel Erlander
This is the book we have selected for our all-congregation Sabbatical Year study. There will be a number of opportunities to join a study group throughout the year. Some will be daytime and some evenings. It will be offered during the summer for those who are gone all winter. The first chance will be during Lent. One group will meet on Thursday evenings and there will be at least one daytime group. Watch for more information on time and place. Books will be furnished for those who join a study group. Donations to pay for the purchase of the books will be gratefully accepted.
This is a unique way of studying and getting to know the Bible. Dan approaches the Bible as a long story. The story of the exodus from Egypt is the Primal Story in the Hebrew Bible (commonly called Old Testament). Every other part is understood in the light of this event. The divine act of liberation gives the partner people their identity, their understanding of God, and their understanding of life and how to live. Every book in the Hebrew Bible is part of the unfolding story of the Hebrew people in some way.
In the New Testament the Primal Story is the death and resurrection of Jesus. Every other part (of the New Testament) is understood in the light of this event. This journey of Jesus through death and resurrection gives the followers of Jesus their identity, their understanding of God, and their understanding of life and how to live.
This is a delightful book, easy to read, and with many of Dan s wonderful, sometimes whimsical, drawings. It has changed the way I approach the study of the Bible for myself. I invite all of you to join in on this new experience getting to know our Holy Scriptures.
Reviewed by Isabel Neddow
The Family on Beartown Road
by Elizabeth Cohen
I lost a book from the St. Augustine library. When I confessed to Isabel, she asked me to write a book review. Embarrassed, I agreed. In the library section "New Books" I found Cohen's, the cover subtitled "A Memoir of Love and Courage", the title page subtitled "A Memoir of Learning and Forgetting." 'Memoir' didn't put me off; I like to read about families; I checked it out.
The Cohen family lives on a remote rural road in upstate New York. The family consists of Beth, age 40 and a journalist, her daughter (Ava), not yet 1, and her father (Daddy), age 80 with mid stage Alzheimer's Disease. As the author puts it, one is a sponge, the other a sieve. For eighteen months we, the readers, live in this family. We experience the excitement of Ava's first words and first steps, the frustration with her tantrums and food wars. We learn how Daddy's disease gradually steals his memories of the past. Beth tries to be all for her family. She finds day care for Ava but elder care for Daddy is less available. The dirty dishes, piles of mail, clothes to be washed and guilt that she is lacking as mother and caregiver overwhelm her. Then she listens, fascinated, as grandfather and granddaughter converse and sing together in a language she hardly understands. Gradually, help comes from unexpected sources. The neighbors she barely knows issue invitations and plow the snow from her drive. Her friends give her time off and send her care packages. These are samples of her life of highs and lows.
Don't let the serious nature of Alzheimer's discourage you from reading this book. Cohen's talent as a writer allows her to present these family lives in a way that is real, funny, poignant and entertaining.
Reviewed by Martin Payne
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