In This Issue:
In just a few, short days we will embark on our shared journey of recovering and remaking - exploring the origins of our faith, reflecting on their meaning, wondering anew where this journey might take us.
As with the beginning of every journey it's important to go over some of the planning. Here, therefore, are some helpful pieces of information for all of you.
1. Who is in charge?
Our canons indicate that in the absence of the rector the Ecclesiastical Authority is the Senior Warden. For the next three or so months any questions, comments, or suggestions that you would normally direct to me should go to our Senior Warden, Jim Langler. If Jim is off the island for any extended length of time, then the Ecclesiastical Authority becomes our Junior Warden, Bill Carruthers.
2. What about clergy emergencies?
We have contracted with our own Fr. Fletcher Davis to be with St. Augustine's on a part-time basis. He will be present every Sunday, preaching and presiding for the first nine Sundays. He will lead the mid-week sabbatical programming. He will be available for emergencies and can be contacted either through the parish office or at his residence.
3. What about pastoral care?
Lucy Sharp coordinates our pastoral care program and has been doing so for some time. Lucy - a retired hospital chaplain - has the full trust and confidence of the vestry and myself. She will be working with Fr. Fletcher to ensure that our pastoral care program continues as usual.
4. Should I send emails to the rector?
You can send as many as you want but I won't be reading any of them! The parish email account that I use - rector "at" whidbey "full stop" com - will be dormant until I return in the second half of November. The Sabbatical Committee will act as the conduit for any urgent communications - both our current and previous wardens are members, and Ted Brookes is the Chair - and they have a different email address to use to reach me. They will also be letting me know of any important events in our parish's life.
5. But what if I have questions about the sabbatical program that only Nigel can answer?
Speak with the Sabbatical Committee - they can forward your questions on to me.
6. Will Nigel come back in the middle if there's a major event in the parish?
The Lilly Endowment regulations prohibit me from returning to our parish until my sabbatical is over. Lilly s established policy is to revoke the grant and require repayment of expended funds from the parish - if he were to do so. It would also be very difficult for him to return since he is no closer than 2,000 miles at any time during the 3 months.
7. What else will change?
Our focus over the next three months is on engaging this journey with intention and depth. There will be less committee activity as we do so because we will all benefit so much from the process.
One significant change will be to the configuration of our worship space. Our choir will have to return to the organ loft - they need to be adjacent to the choir director. The overall changes made to the space have been very positively received, but many of you do not like kneeling behind the altar. We will move the rear rails back to the front. Any further changes will wait the building committee's attention as we we move into the next phase of our long-range planning. I expressed my hope to the wardens that the change would be accomplished before I left.
Lastly, our parish office will be open shorter hours. Check before you come over.
I am sure I ve forgotten something! Isn't that the way with trips? But I am confident in our parish leadership and know that all will be well.
I am particularly excited that we get to make this journey together. I pray that it will be for all of us an opportunity for renewal, refreshment, and rest, and that we will come back together in November energized for our renewed journey.
God's blessings to all of you.
Nigel
by Trevor Arnold
During this period of summer, it has been the Light’s practice to either skip an issue or combine two. However, this is not an ordinary summer.
Although the Bishop’s Conference is over and we have received several reports, there just might be a comment or two from someone wishing to share their views. Father Nigel is on vacation these weeks and preparing for his sabbatical. The Sunday forums with Father Fletcher are preparing us for Nigel’s trip. Many committees have postponed their meetings to a later date in order to take a break from their busy church activities.
By the next issue’s due date on the 15th, St. Augustine’s will be revving up for the Fall season. September issue will be full of upcoming events and busy-ness to report& .not to mention our annual Trash n Treasure sale!
So enjoy your summer; enjoy this issue with a glass of iced tea; and give just a little thought to things to come.
Please plan to join the congregation at the M BAR C Ranch. Bishop Nedi Rivera will be there to help us commission Nigel and the congregation as we begin our separate but parallel sabbaticals. We will also use this opportunity to celebrate the year with our annual all parish picnic. This year's picnic will be a barbecue with all the trimmings; hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, soda pop, wine, beer and dessert will catered.
From Bush Point Road watch for signs near the Shore Meadows Road.
by Margaret Schultz
Greetings from Pavlosk!
Our sister church, St. Nicholas Cathedral, sends us summer greetings. They are continuing restoration of the cathedral’s interior and have added some new icons over the deacons doors. They are proudest about the restoration by parishioners of the icon of Our Lady of Tihkvin, used on Sunday liturgies. This icon is a replica of the famous icon returned to Russia from the United States in 2004 and is now displayed at the Monastery of Tihkva.
Father Valery visited Mt. Athos, the famous monastery region in Greece, at the conclusion of the Easter Season. He regrets to inform us his eldest son was killed under suspicious circumstances. His death is being investigated by the police. Father Valery and his wife, Matushka Zinaida, are grieving but take great comfort in their Christian faith.
The cathedral is growing and many of the new parishioners are families with children. Now St. Nicholas is planning a playground for them to enjoy.
St. Nicholas reputation is also growing and an article about the restoration of the cathedral will be featured in the prominent Orthodox magazine, "Thomas".
This month our Mission Sunday Offering will benefit our Sister Parishes. Please give generously.
By Liz Kershaw
Many thanks to those of you who recently signed up to help with this Parish service.
It is an important offering when the need arises. You will be contacted as necessary.
You are greatly appreciated for your generosity, along with the faithful group who has carried on this ministry over time.
By Isabel Neddow
Many, many thanks to the shed clean-up crew on July 10th - Lucy and George Sharp, Bill Carruthers, Jim Langler, Ken Anderson, Jack Wood, Stephen Schwartzmann and Sean McDougald.
By Bill Carruthers
Summer has brought work around the grounds of the church. George Sharp and I chipped up some of the wood from the fallen trees which were brought down by the heavy winds in the winter. Members of the garden committee, Margaret Schultz, John Watson and Diane Klein, did a great job in clearing the Columbarium and bell areas of ferns and blackberry vines. The shrubs around the office entrance were trimmed also. Assisting in filling the trash bags was Sean McDougald.
Several members of Communications and Trash and Treasure committees cleaned out the shed to make ready for the ECW annual sale.
A church in New York known for its prophetic witness and its influential ministries has this statement on its Web site:
"We know that, despite our reputation for 'speaking truth to power,' all our words and actions are empty if they are not based on the solid ground of faith. We gather in prayer, worship and meditation to renew our commitment to living according to the promptings of the Spirit. We learn and grow in faith through Bible study and forums. We bring music from many traditions into our worship to revive our spirits. And then we take this spiritual energy back out to our homes, workplaces, towns and to a nation in need of spiritual renewal. Much has been given us, and much is asked of us. We cannot waste our spiritual capital, but must ever seek to renew and deepen it."
We all need to tend our spiritual gardens in order to reap the benefits and share them with others.
When a young man in Oklahoma City lost his job a decade ago, he was told about a church that needed someone to maintain the building. He didn't want to be a janitor and maintenance man, but when nothing else came along, he applied for the job.
He was hired, and he now feels that the job is the Lord's will for him. It is his venue for ministry.
For example, a mission team was being organized for Africa. He set up the room where the mission was planned. He provided everything the team needed to make their plans: tables, chairs, maps, chalk, a board with white paper, markers, etc. He considered his actions to be a small part of the ministry to the mission field.
When he cleans the sanctuary, he makes sure it's in the best condition possible. He knows that cleanliness is indeed next to godliness. The psalmist wrote, "Holiness befits your house" (Psalm 93:5, NRSV).
The senior minister of the church took the custodian aside one day. He said that some new members had joined the church in part because the facilities were always well-kept and clean. In a sense the man had served as an evangelist.
When asked about the work he's doing for God - and on behalf of God's church - he says, "I feel blessed."
May we all discover blessed opportunities to serve God in everything we do.
Jesus the Good Shepherd is one of Christianity's most endearing images. Pictures of Jesus with a small lamb in his arms are comforting to many during times of trouble. The image symbolizes the love God has for us when we're hurting. But when we've been healed, we're expected to take our place following Jesus. The Shepherd is there to lead the flock, not carry it.
Roots To Shoots
Presented by Father Fletcher Davis. The series will start Thursday, August 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Undercroft at St. Augustine’s. This series will be based upon the Anglican religion beginnings and the many changes that have transpired since its inception. The materials will be collated from our correspondence with Father Nigel during his sabbatical to Europe.
By Tekla Cunningham
I am proud to announce the first season of the Whidbey Island Music Festival. The Northwest boasts many fine summer music festivals, but until now none that focuses so specifically on period-instrument performance. Visiting with family over the years on Whidbey Island has been a special treat for me, and I'm delighted to be able to share the joy of this special music with audiences on Whidbey.
My first chamber music experience at age 12 was across the water from Whidbey on Marrowstone Island where I played string quartets for the first time. Since then I've traveled to Europe and California to pursue my love of music, and have specialized in baroque music. I'm thrilled to be back home in the Northwest and am looking forward to sharing music and community with all of you.
The First Season
Artists will include Tekla Cunningham, Cynthia Freivogel, William Skeen and other noted baroque specialists.
The two programs for this summer will include Bach's Goldberg variations and music by W.A. Mozart in honor of his 250th birthday.
Sunday, August 13 at 4:00p.m. at St. Augustine’s
J.S. Bach’s Goldberg variations for string trio, trio sonatas by Handel, masterworks by Mozart in honor of his 250th birthday. Cupcake reception will follow!
Sunday, August 20 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Augustine’s
J.S. Bach and his 17th century influences, Buxtehude, Erlebach and Krieger.
Reception will follow!
Tickets $20/$15 senior and student discount. For more information, see www.whidbeyislandmusicfestival.org.
Elaine Ludtke
By Ray Haman
Can Life Insurance Be An Effective Planned Giving Tool?
Glenn Holliman, Vice President of Giving Services at The Episcopal Church Foundation, answers that question with a resounding YES. He says that many people make gifts to charities and churches using life insurance. Assuming a charitable intent, he gives a few examples:
1. You can purchase a new policy and make the parish the owner and beneficiary of that policy. Hopefully, the ultimate gift will be much larger than your premiums. Of course the premiums can be tax deductible.
2. You can make the parish the owner and beneficiary of an existing policy. The current value of the policy is tax deductible as are all payments of future premiums.
3. You can make the parish a contingent beneficiary of a new or existing policy, in which the parish receives the death benefit, if designated beneficiaries die before you.
4. You can take the current value of a policy and invest it in a charitable gift annuity. Pay yourself an income, enjoy a tax deduction, and at your passing the parish receives the remainder value. Mr. Holliman cites a person who very much needed to increase her income. So, she used the cash value in a paid up life insurance policy to invest in a life income gift, that increased her income.
There are additional ways to use life insurance for charitable purposes. For more information phone Glenn Holliman at 212-697-2858 or send her an e-mail. If you intend to make a gift of a life insurance policy to St. Augustine's, be advised that the parish has a Policy on the Acceptance of Non-Cash Gifts, which covers life insurance policies. Check with the Planned Giving Committee before making the gift.
In the June issue of The Light it was announced that members of the St. Augustine's Legacy Team [SALT], as well as members of the Bishop's Society from other parishes in the Sno-Isle Regional Ministry, were invited to a special event to be held on September 24 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Everett, with St. Augustine's co-hosting the event. At a planning session held last month at St. Augustine's, it was decided to expand the scope of the event to include all members of the Bishop's Society in the diocese and to encourage them to invite other members of their congregations.
So, all members of the St. Augustine's parish family are invited, and should mark your calendars for 4 p.m., Sunday, September 24. The event will begin with a Festive Evensong, in which a massed choir will be led by Cleveland Riley; and David McClellan and Richard Tussey will serve as co-officiants. Evensong will be followed by an opportunity for dialogue with Bishop Vincent Warner. Cleveland Riley has agreed to serve as MC during this portion of the program. The event will conclude with a reception in the Trinity Parish Hall. Diana Klein has agreed to co-chair the reception.
Members of SALT should watch for the August issue of Willing & Able, that will include notepapers on which messages of thanks may be sent to Bishop Warner, who founded the Bishop's Society in 1993. Today the Bishop's Society is the largest legacy society in the Episcopal Church.
Members of SALT and the Bishop's Society have made bequests to their parishes or other Episcopal charities in their wills or other estate planning documents. If you have made such a bequest, or intend to make such a bequest soon, and you have not notified the Planned Giving Committee, please contact Judy Yeakel, John Watson, Jay Ryan or Ray Haman.
By Joan Johnson
"Happy Birthday to Us!" was the theme of this summer's Preschool Day Camp. Thirty-two preschoolers and five teenaged "teachers-in-training" helped us celebrate St. Augustine's Preschool's 20th birthday. Daily party themes were Teddy Bears' Picnic; Under the Sea; Wild, Wild West; Under the Big Top; Christmas in July; and St. Augustine's County Fair. It was a joyous two-week celebration!
The preschool was founded in 1986. Since that time hundreds of South and Central Whidbey children have begun their formal school education at St. Augustine's. If you are in the educational building, take a look at the long bulletin board in the hall with its display of 20 years' worth of class photos.
Preschool is closed for the month of August, while our teachers re-energize themselves. In September we will again greet an enthusiastic group of new and returning students and their families. Registrations are still being taken for fall classes. Prospective families may call the Parish Office for more information.
By Maya Angelou
[and thanks to Nancy Ruff]
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin".
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible,
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou.
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God’s good grace, somehow!
The gentlest of reminders to think about what you can do to prepare for the T&T Sale on Saturday, September 30.
This is ECW's major annual fund-raiser in partnership with the men of St. Augustine's. The proceeds are given to those in need in the community, but it does take over 60 parishioners to make the sale a success.
Check your home and garage for clean items, in good working order; start to pot plants; and avoid books with a musty or mildewy smell (no encyclopedias, as they don't sell). We can accept small furniture on a selective basis, but you must be willing to remove the item right after the sale if it doesn't sell. Also, please hold onto all items until we clear out the shed.
Why not join us in service, fellowship and fun? To ask questions and volunteer contact:
Barbara Strom
Lucy Sharp
Isabel Neddow
It became apparent over the last few months that our choir will have to return to the organ loft - they need to be adjacent to the choir director. The seating they used will be removed, providing more space.
The overall changes made to the space have been very positively received. Feedback from a large number of you indicates you like the altar closer to you without the barrier feeling of altar rails.
A significant number of you do not like kneeling behind the altar, and we have never really managed the traffic flow.
After consulting with our wardens and Worship Committee I have decided that we will move the rear rails back to the front. We have learned a great deal from the changes we made and are in a good position to understand what will work in the future.
Any further changes will wait the building committee’s attention as we move into the next phase of our long-range planning.
Nigel
In 2 Samuel is a story about one of King David's sons who rebelled against his father. There was a battle in the forest of Ephraim between men who were faithful to David and those who followed the rebellious son.
David's soldiers won the fight and David's son fled riding a mule. The mule ran under an oak tree and David's son caught his head in the thick branches. He was left hanging there, trapped but alive. His father's soldiers came upon him and ended his life.
King David was heart-stricken when he learned about his son's death. He cried out, "O my son _____, my son _____, my son ! Would I had died instead of you, O _____, my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 18:33, NRSV).
What was the son's name?
- A. Amnon
- B. Absalom
- C. Solomon
- D. Daniel
Answer: B
By Nancy Langler
Helen Genis is a Whidbey Islander of 26 years’standing, moving to the Island from Las Vegas. She now makes her home in Clinton.
Helen was born and raised in East Moline, Illinois, across the Mississippi River from Davenport, Iowa. She and her late husband, John, lived in Florida, the Bahamas and Nevada for his job in construction.
At the time of her retirement, Helen was employed as Communications Service Advisor/Supervisor for Nevada Centel (now Sprint). Her work included telephone courtesy programs, instruction on PABX and working with larger businesses with complex internal systems of their own. Helen also performed public relations issues in this connection.
Helen’s special interests these days are reading, painting, and exercise and eating, she adds! She is involved with Time Together and is a member of The Circle, a group of widows who offer support and friendship to each other. Previously, she was a member of Eastern Star and Riders (Mardi Unit).
The Book of Parish Biographies is now in St. Augustine’s library for easier access to parishioners. Each month the latest Getting to Know You and Getting Reacquainted columns are added to the book.
By Nancy Langler
Joan Johnson
Joan Johnson began this interview by explaining that it was impossible to interview her without hearing about her family, as they have been such an important part of her life here at St. Augustine's.
Joan was teaching in a military school on Midway Island when she met her husband, Bert, a naval pilot, in l972. They were married in Mississippi, Joan's home state, in l974, and moved to Whidbey Island, where Bert owned a home in Oak Harbor and a recently burned-down, fixer-upper in Freeland. Bert had just retired from the Navy and set about rebuilding the Freeland property while the new family of six lived in a 21 foot motor home. It was this project which led to Bert's second career. Having developed wonderful wood working skills, he started his own company, Wernergren Cabinets. He did many projects for people in the community and many for St. Augustine's, most notably the lovely wooden cross which hangs above the altar in the sanctuary. Bert died of multiple myeloma in 1998.
When the Johnsons first came to St. Augustine's in 1975, the church was housed in the present educational building. The current office area was the parish hall, encompassing a small kitchen, the church office, and two Sunday School class areas. The sacristy and the rector's office were in a small closet on the other side of what was then the church. It became obvious that more space was needed. At a Bishop's Committee retreat Bert helped create the first sketch for the new church, which was built in 1978.
Bert served as junior warden. Joan has also served the church in many capacities. She has served as senior warden twice. She is, perhaps, best known for her work with the children. She was the Sunday School coordinator and also a Sunday School teacher. She founded the preschool in 1986. It was a natural extension of the new Sunday School space and a wonderful use for the space during the week. If you have a chance, it is fun to tour the educational building and see how the original church nave was converted into a fun learning space for preschoolers.
Bert, a widower, had four children from his first marriage - Murray, Heidi, Tracy, and Jill. He and Joan had two more daughters, Jennifer and Jessica. They were both born on Whidbey, grew up here in the same house, and have been part of the St. Augustine's family their entire lives. Joan says that the Johnson family proudly provided acolytes for St. Augustine's for 25 years.
Jennifer and Jessica both graduated from Pacific Lutheran University. Jennifer, an archaeologist, is working towards a PhD at Vanderbilt. She is doing research for her dissertation in Bolivia. She met her husband, Joel, also an archaeologist, on a dig in Wisconsin. Joel is an artist and painted the lovely picture of St. Augustine's which appears on the cover of the Light. They were married at St Augustine's in 2005. Father Bill Burnett officiated at the ceremony. It was the only time he had ever officiated at the marriage of someone whom he had baptized as an infant.
Jessica, having majored in Special Education, taught herself to sign and has been teaching in the Northwest School for the Deaf in Shoreline. She will be starting her Masters this fall at the University of Maryland, where she plans to get her MEd in Special Education with an emphasis on students with severe disabilities.
Joan's dream for St. Augustine's is that we will be able to accept ourselves for who we are - a wonderfully diverse, friendly, talented, involved, Christ-centered parish with a preponderance of graying heads - and that we will continue to joyously serve the Lord in the ministries to which we have been called.
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