In This Issue:
In just a few, short weeks I will be in Columbus OH as part of our diocesan deputation to General Convention. From June 13 – 21 we will meet from 7:00 a.m. to as late as 10:00 p.m. every day. Even Sunday is not exempt from at least some work.
General Convention is the governing body of the Episcopal Church and meets every three years to address matters of concern to our Church, to talk about the issues of our time, and to pass legislation that is designed to reflect and enhance our common life.
Our church’s constitutional structure is the most democratic in the Anglican Communion. Many of its original authors also worked on the U.S. Constitution, and so there are many similarities between the U.S. constitution and our own, including Separation of Powers, the power of committees, and the dual chambered approach: House of Bishops, and House of Deputies.
I am currently wading through the Report to the 75th General Convention , known fondly as the Blue Book (It’s green this year!) which is as large as a 451 page coffee table format book, containing the Reports of the Committees, Commissions, Agencies and Boards of The General Convention of the Episcopal Church . It also includes all the proposed legislation which runs to hundreds of pages. It has proven to be excellent bed-time reading (but only if you re an insomniac!).
I m going to be busy!
This year there are a number of very important topics coming before Convention:
- The election of a new Presiding Bishop for a nine year term.
- The revision of the Disciplinary canons (Title IV) to include the laity.
- The further revision of the Ministry canons (Title III).
- Responding to the Windsor Report.
I am an Alternate Deputy to this Convention, which means I have more flexibility than Deputies, who have to be on the floor of the House of Deputies for most of each day.
The great advantage of this is that I will be able to go to those places where important decisions are being made and because we are using Convention as a dress rehearsal for the Sabbatical I will be writing material that will be posted on our web-site, and sending back pictures of what’s going on. Be sure to check the main page of our site for further information: www.staugustinesepiscopalchurch.org
My main request of you is this: that you hold our Church, and General Convention, our diocesan deputation, and myself in your prayers for the time we are meeting in Columbus.
God’s blessings to you.
The Episcopal Church has a wonderful web page devoted to the General Convention:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org
If you would like assistance accessing the site or printing material please feel free to contact the
office. We ll be happy to help. 331-4887
By Bill Carruthers
Thanks to Fred Ludtke and Dan Sizer, repairs have been completed on the damage to the electrical and water systems sustained by past vandalism. Thanks to Dick Hall and Bob Dial for making a protection box for the well. I am investigating the cost of hooking up to Freeland Water.
April Fool’s cleanup of church grounds was a huge success and thanks to Anne Pringle and Grant Heiken for organizing that. The gutters have been cleaned out; branches and debris removed from the roof. Thanks to all who helped beautify our grounds for Easter. Apologies to anyone we might have missed.
Thank you: George Sharp, Joyce Mowles, Grant Heiken, Anne and Andy Pringle, Jim Langler, Gretchen and Jack Wood, Dick Hall, Ray Haman, Art Taylor, Margaret Schultz, Jay Ryan, Nigel Taber-Hamilton, Clarence Noyer, Albert Rose, John Watson, Stephen Schwartzman and Matt Idso.
Thanks to Doyle Lewis, Jim Langler, and Clarence Noyer several light bulbs have been replaced in the nave.
Doyle and Jim, and Clarence have nerves of steel climbing that ladder to get to the light fixtures way up in the nave. It makes our knees knock to watch! But when we serendipitously came across these versions of the old joke we just couldn’t resist.
How many Anglicans does it take to change a lightbulb? None. The old one is complete and sufficient unto itself, and should not be changed according to the world's whims.
How many Anglicans does it take to change a lightbulb? Four. One to call the electrician, one to clear it with the vestry, and two to argue about how much better candles were.
How many Anglicans does it take to change a lightbulb? Five. One to screw in the new bulb and four to found an organization for the preservation of the old bulb.
How many Anglicans does it take to change a lightbulb? What!?! Change the bulb? My Grandmother donated that bulb!
How many Anglicans does it take to change a lightbulb? A whole convention. One to move that the bulb be changed while the others debate until the room spins.
By Isabel Neddow, President
Put Saturday, June 3, on your calendar for the ECW picnic starting at 11:00 am. All women of the parish are invited to the Hoelting barn for this annual fun event. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex for food and car pooling, and a need for both set-up and clean-up. There is very limited parking in the lot across from St. Hubert’s and none near the barn, so shuttle service will be available.
Ted Brookes
Chairman, Sabbatical Planning Committee
The long awaited and much anticipated St. Augustine¹s Sabbatical Program (1 Aug 17 Nov) is almost upon us. As you may recall, the congregation is going to embark on a virtual journey with our Rector through the Holy Land, among St. Paul’s early churches, and to the birthplaces of Anglicanism in Great Britain during this period. We will be retracing our roots as Christians and Anglicans. As an introduction to and a spiritual fore taste of our Sabbatical Program we have planned a 5-week, interactive series of forums that reflect on "What is Anglicanism, How did it develop, and What makes it unique." The forums will intersperse DVD/Video presentations on the "Story of Anglicanism" with in-depth discussions on the same subject matter led by Fr. Fletcher Davis. We will be examining the period of early Christianity in Great Britain, through the Reformation, and into the modern era of the global Anglican Communion.
The schedule for these presentations will be as follows:
- 09 July Story of Anglicanism, Part 1, Ancient and Medieval Foundations
- 16 July Fr. Davis, with emphasis on Celtic Christianity
- 23 July Story of Anglicanism, Part 2, Reformation and its Consequences
- 30 July - Fr. Davis, with emphasis on Henry V111’s break with papal authority, and the subsequent shaping of classical Anglicanism
- 06 Aug Story of Anglicanism, Part 3, Creating a Global Family
This will be the first in what we hope will be a continuing series of summer forums. We trust you will find them illuminating, inspirational, and entertaining. Please mark the dates and subject matter on your calendars. More importantly, please plan to attend. Your attendance and active participation will be the keystone to the program’s success.
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
that I always may be holy.
Amen.
The announcement was met with gasps. Cleveland’s resigning?!?!
It was the talk of coffee hour: I sure hope he doesn’t quit coming to potlucks. I d miss his cooking! No one plays that organ like Cleveland. He is just such a nice, spiritual man.
The good news is that Cleveland is staying on the island It is home for me. I want to be near my parish family he says. We'll still be part of the potlucks and do an occasional Men's Breakfast I suppose. Cleveland is only resigning as organist and choirmaster, not leaving our church.
Cleveland is a lifelong Episcopalian. He began taking piano lessons when he was six or seven and studying the organ (which he refers to as his "true love") at age 12. He enjoys classical music "with the organ leading the pack of instruments".
Cleveland and his partner Jan Mulder, have been members of St. Augustine’s for 14 years. Cleveland has been active on the Worship Committee and the Telephone Tree, he has helped with meals to the shut-ins, and pot luck suppers, he is a lector, has been delegate to convention, was a vestry member for two terms, and convener of the Sno-Isle Regional Ministry and he chaired the Diocesan Commission on Liturgy and Music for five years. He is currently completing his second three year term on Diocesan Council with four of those years as co-chair.
When asked what he was most proud of in his ministry to the parish he replied: With great humility, I say that the greatest achievements have been the acquisition of the Pasi organ and inspiring the congregation to sing the liturgy, especially chanting the Psalms.
While he has no specific plans for the future, Cleveland says he is looking forward to having the time and opportunity to worship at churches around the Diocese, especially St. Mark's and St. Paul's on Queen Ann Hill . And of course he will still worship at St. Augustine’s from time to time and plans to remain a part of this community.
Cleveland says he timed his resignation to coincide with the choir’s summer break so as to cause as little disruption as possible. Nancy Gosen, who stepped in during Cleveland’s sabbatical, will be available through mid-December.
I want to express my great appreciation to the members of St. Augustine's for your support and encouragement during my term as organist and choirmaster. And to the choir, your support has been spontaneous, active and enthusiastic. You have been loyal in service to God and unswerving in your support of our mutual music ministry.
To each of you I owe my affection, gratitude, respect and prayers. God bless you one and all!
Cleveland Riley, Jr.
Spirit of Christ, stir me;
Spirit of Christ, move me;
Spirit of Christ, fill me;
Spirit of Christ, seal me.
Consecrate in me Your Heart and Will,
O Heavenly Father.
Create in me a fountain of virtues.
Seal my soul as Your own,
that Your reflection in me
may be a light for all to see.
Amen.
This is the first of occasional notes to stay in touch with you, the parishioners of St. Augustine’s on matters pertaining to parish finance.
I became your new (long past) Treasurer at the behest of the Vestry on May 4, 2006, following the resignation of Ron McKinnell due to travel and family considerations.
The Vestry has asked me to reestablish our parish bookkeeping and accounting system with Edwards and Associates, CPAs, using the process we had with them in the past.
The transfer of the financial accounting and bookkeeping will be complete by the end of June. Edwards and Associates will provide monthly financial statements to the treasurer, the vestry, and to you, the parishioners. These reports will be posted on the undercroft kiosk following the Vestry meetings every month.
If there are any questions concerning parish finances, please ask a Vestry member or the Treasurer. You will be provided with prompt replies.
By the way, please do not send the Treasurer email requests for information. I am not computer literate. I will be happy to speak with you at church or you can reach me through the church office. I will happily respond to your questions.
See you in Church,
Andy Pringle
The last Men’s Breakfast for the season will be held Saturday 10 June in the Undercroft. The guest speaker will be Lenny Marlborough, Coupeville Town Marshall and candidate for Island County Sheriff. Marshall Marlborough will be speaking to us primarily in his capacity as Head of the Meth Action Team. He is a very engaging speaker and has appeared before several groups on the South End with very favorable reviews. As a gentle reminder, the breakfast begins at 8:30 AM and the speaker takes the podium from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Everyone is invited so let’s have a typical St. Augustine’s turn out for Marshall Marlborough.
We still need some volunteer cooks for this final breakfast get together. If you are interested in helping, please contact Bill Carruthers.
Sincerely, Ted Brookes
Men's Breakfast Co Chairman
Father,
give perfection to beginners,
understanding to the little ones,
and help to those who are running their course.
Give sorrow to the negligent,
fervor to the lukewarm,
and a good consummation to the perfect.
Attributed to St Irenaeus of Lyons, Bishop, Defender of the Faith and Martyr whose feast day is June 28th.
We were having a calendar lesson at preschool one day, discussing the terms "yesterday, today, and tomorrow." "If today is May 10," asked the teacher, "what was yesterday?" "May 9," correctly answered several children. "If today is May 10," the teacher asked again, "what will tomorrow be?" "A new day!" proudly answered one astute (and correct) little girl. When you are four years old, every day is a new and exciting day full of adventures!
Our days at preschool have been especially full recently as this school year comes to an end. For Mothers' Day the children prepared food and gifts and hosted a special tea party for their mothers and grandmothers. The Pre-K class visited the kindergarten in preparation for their next school adventure. They also went to the Camp Casey Sea Lab, played on the beach, and explored the Children's Museum in Everett.
Eighteen children will be graduating from St. Augustine's Preschool during a graduation ceremony in the church at 6:30 the evening of May 31. Our church friends are invited as well as all family members.
We are currently registering children for the 2006-2007 school year. Classes for children ages three through five will be held Monday through Friday mornings and Monday through Thursday afternoons.
We are also registering for our Summer Day Camp which will be held on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, June 26 through July 7. The theme this year is "Happy Birthday, St. Augustine's Preschool." Children ages three through five are invited to help the preschool celebrate its 20th birthday. Please contact Joan Johnson through the church office to register for fall classes or for Day Camp or to get more information about the preschool.
by Anne Pringle
I know, I know! Summer is just starting and already comes a notice from ECW about our annual Trash and Treasure Sale!
This year the sale will be Saturday, September 30th from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. It takes a lot of people to put this sale together, so please be thinking now about what you can do to help.
Now is the time to start potting up your plants for the garden shop . Our foods department is always popular, so plan to get an early start on pickles (people asked for those Bread and Butter pickles long after they were all gone!), relishes, salsa, sambal, dilly beans, etc. Good sellers as well are jellies, jams, and breads, cakes, pies, and all manner of other goodies. (Fudge? Divinity?)
We will need help in June to clear out and reorganize the shed. Your items to sell can be stored in the shed, but remember that we do not take anything you wouldn’t buy yourself (old tires, TV’s that don’t work, computers, typewriters). Hauling stuff off to Island Disposal after the sale is getting more expensive every year.
Call Lucy Sharp, Barbara Strom or Isabel Neddow to find out what you can do to help. This sale is a major fund raising event for ECW, and the proceeds are distributed throughout the South Whidbey community and beyond. This will be the 44th Annual Sale.
St. Petersburg, Russia
By Carole Hanson
Three new doctors and two nurses have been hired. Dr. Nina Nikolaevna has been hired to serve as the Medical Director providing administration and documentation for the medical practice of the hospice. She has worked in pediatric hospice in London and Poland and was employed at the very first hospice of any kind in Russia in 1990. Dr. Lubov Alexeivna will serve as the Head Physician directly supervising medical services. Delivery of services has been re-organized so that a team of one doctor and one nurse supervises the care of each group of patients. A coordinated telephone service has been formed so that family members and patients can call to a central system with questions, concerns or requests.
At this time the single most crucial need of the hospice is funding for the salaries of its doctors, nurses and other full time staff members. Fr. Sasha has asked me to help him develop an interesting concept. We propose a new program "Adopt-A-Doctor". The salaries of doctors at the hospice range from $368 - $736 per month, or $4,418 - $8,836 per year. We hope to have churches and other organizations commit to providing one doctor’s annual salary. Think about it — to adopt the Medical Director or Head Physician we would need 12 people with $500, or 24 with $250, or 48 with $125, etc., half those amounts to adopt one of the other doctors! The organization sponsoring a doctor would receive contact information and a photo--as with any adoption person-to-person communication is very important. We would be able to communicate directly with this individual gaining a perspective on the hospice and its work from the inside. Remember my mantra last year? I m looking for 100 people with $1,000. ? Those numbers make adopting a doctor seem feasible.
Fr. Sasha will visit St. Augustine’s to give a presentation at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 29. We always have great food and wonderful fellowship, please plan to attend. I would very much like to surprise him with a commitment for the first adoption. If you are willing to donate to Adopt-A-Doctor please contact me directly so we may calculate if we have a suitable commitment. Funds donated in excess of a doctor’s salary will be applied toward the salaries of other staff members.
The relief efforts associated with Katrina and other natural disasters have produced a tremendous demand on charitable giving. This does not change the plight of children dying or permanently disabled in Russia. Please prayerfully consider the special needs of Children’s Hospice and continue to support to the best of your ability. Every effort made on behalf of the hospice, no matter how great or small, creates a blessing upon it and serves as a witness to the miraculous nature of the hospice’s very existence.
Carole Hansen
A thousand thanks to all my friends here at St. Augustine's who send cards and prayers for my recovery. The meals wee such a treat - all so unique and delicious! My husband and I are very grateful.
Woodsie MacLeod
By Ray Haman
The following article authored by Glen Holliman, Vice President of Giving Services of the Episcopal Church Foundation, appeared in a recent Foundation newsletter; and is reprinted here by permission.
Will Preparation Basics
Okay, you finally have your spouse convinced it is time to prepare that first will or revise an existing one. You have made an appointment to see a lawyer. Want to save some time and money? Prepare the following before seeing your attorney.
- Make a list of everyone for whom you feel responsible.
- List everyone you would like to remember in your will, include any charities or the church.
- List all your material assets. (This may be more extensive than you think.)
- Match the names and assets or consider giving a portion of your estate to each loved one.
Be careful. Do not write, "I leave my favorite ring to my favorite niece." Well, which ring and which niece? The fake glass ring or the diamond ring. Suddenly every living niece is a favorite unless you are specific.
- Ask a chosen estate administrator (usually a family member or financial or legal advisor) if they will agree to serve.
- If you have minor children, select (and ask) guardians of your children in the horrible case both parents die suddenly.
- Consider what role a trust might play in your family's life. You may want to establish a testamentary trust to care for children or for a disabled spouse or loved one. If your estate is sizeable, you may be liable for federal and state taxes. A trust may reduce that tax liability.
Finally, talk to your priest to explore the ministries of the church that could be funded by a gift from your will.
Writing a will is a summit event in life. This is the summing up of what to do with the gifts God has given you. Sharing this wealth responsibly is important for your family's sake. Take this responsibility seriously, and as the Book of Common Prayer advises: do it while in health.
For additional information about wills or estate planning arrangements that benefit St. Augustine’s or other Episcopal charities, please contact the Episcopal Church Foundation at 800-697-2858 or a member of the St. Augustine’s Planned Giving Committee: John Watson, Jay Ryan, Judy Yeakel or Ray Haman.
It is possible that St. Augustine’s will be playing host to an out-of-state youth group this month. This group of five young adults and their two leaders are from St. Albans Episcopal Church in Salisbury, MD.
The group’s plans are still somewhat in flux, however. If they come they will most likely be here from June 17-20. They will camp on the undercroft floor and be gone most days exploring local churches and nature sites.
They have assured us they will respect our services and group meetings, however, you may notice their bedrolls in a corner of the Undercroft.
The next few months are a slow time around the parish. Everyone is enjoying the weather and no major Holy Days or events need planning.
Nigel will be gone for Convention in June, on vacation in July and beginning his Sabbatical in August. Rachel McDougald will also be taking time off.
Keep your eye on the bulletin announcements for specifics!
By Ray Haman
Mission Sunday Offerings in June will benefit South Whidbey Youth Connection, a non-profit organization that is improving our community with vital programs for young people. Our donations will help support these programs:
+ The Hub After School Program: An after school drop-in program offering social, recreational and creative activities in a safe, nurturing and supportive setting for middle school students. A nutritious meal is served daily; and special activities and field trips are offered on early release days.
+ The Tutor/Mentor Program: This program assists South Whidbey Schools in improving students' academic achievement. Originated in Langley Middle School, the program has been expanded into South Whidbey High School. Several St. Augustine's parishoners have served as Tutor/Mentors. Volunteers are always welcome. In addition to your Mission Sunday Offering, please consider sharing your skills to help some of the youth of our community.
+ Seeds of Change: Partners for a Drug-Free Community: SWYC has taken a major role in the Seeds of Change drug prevention coalition, whose goal is to reduce substance abuse among the youth and adults on Whidbey Island. The coalition is working to accomplish this goal by strengthening family and neighborhood relationships, educating parents and changing community norms around substance abuse.
+ Youth Leadership Council: This group of motivated young people empower their peers to make positive changes in the community by giving voice to the opinions of young people. The Youth Council also works to promote healthy lifestyle choices by bringing youth together in a safe and positive environment. A recent project of the Youth Council is the Walk In Closet, a teen thrift store.
South Whidbey Youth Connection relies upon private donations and various grants to support its programs. So, please be generous with your donation to this month's MSO. Also, our combined personal donations will be matched up to $500 by earnings from the Parish Endowment Fund.
By Nancy Paris
The first time Rob & Carolyn Castleberry came to Whidbey Island, it was a side trip for a change of scenery on their drive from their home in Irvine, California to visit Carolyn’s family in Canada. According to Irene Mueller’s column in the Coupeville Examiner in 2005, they stayed in Coupeville and liked what they saw!
Finding just the right place took lots of looking but they eventually settled in Toronda West, north of the Greenbank Farm. Three other couples from St. Augustine’s are also nearby residents Bob & Lynda Dial, Dick & Arnelle Hall along with Jack & Pandora Halstead!
Rob, a retired attorney, was born and raised in Santa Monica, CA. He enjoys golf, gardening, travel, and is a member of the Whidbey Golf & Country Club and, along with Carolyn, the Island Fishing Club.
Carolyn was born in Montreal, Ontario, Canada, where she became an RN. On a working vacation to Santa Monica, she met Rob. They were married in 1966. She loves to read, do crosswords, walk and travel.
Rob and Carolyn have two grown daughters — Laura, in San Francisco, and Lisa, in Las Vegas.
"We both love Whidbey and feel at home at St. Augustine’s," they say.
By Nancy Langler
Fred and Elaine Ludtke have been active members of St Augustine’s since moving to Whidbey Island in 1970. Fred, having been raised in Minnesota, met Elaine at a church coffee hour at Christ Church in Tacoma where Elaine was a life long member.
Fred, who still enjoys coffee hour (he is almost always the first one downstairs after the 10:00 service) worked for Boeing. He spent the last years of his working career as a teacher in the Whidbey schools. Much of his spare time was spent on his favorite hobby of restoring old airplanes. He has given time most generously to the community, most notably to Senior Services.
Elaine’s favorite pastime is music. We all know her beautiful soprano voice in the choir and enjoy her occasional flute solos. She has recently retired from the church office for the second time. Both have served on the vestry as wardens. Fred was junior warden for 3 years and Elaine served as senior warden for 3 years (2 different terms).
When asked about changes on the island, they mentioned that in 1970 the ferries only held 60 cars but that they ran every 20 minutes. The closest traffic light was in Oak Harbor. The demographics have changed as well. We now have four schools compared to two. However, the ratio of retirees has increased tremendously.
The demographics of the parish have also changed. The children who filled the Sunday school have grown up and moved away. The parish has grown. We used to share a clergyman with St. Stephens in Oak Harbor.
Space was limited, so vestry meetings and church gatherings were held in the Ludtke’s living room in their former home on Bercot Road. They remember designing the church, as we know it, on butcher paper with magic markers at a vestry retreat. Eventually a designer was hired, a capital fund was raised, and a mortgage was secured. Soon the payments were too steep, so a successful "Burn the Mortgage" party was held.
The stained glass windows were also paid off early. A committee had been formed to select and procure the windows. The designs were so wonderful that the members immediately subscribed and there was concern that there would be no windows left for other parishioners to support.
Elaine was senior warden the year that St. Augustine’s went from mission to parish status. She remembers this year the charter was written, as being the busiest year of her life.
I asked what their dreams for St Augustine’s might be. More space, space for offices, meetings and most importantly handicap restrooms accessible to the church proper quipped Elaine. She believes, "We should grow where we are planted; which is a wonderful community of retired people." "However," Fred added, "we must be ready, if the demographics change, to welcome and provide for young families in our parish."
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