In This Issue:
From the Rector
By Nigel Taber-Hamilton
The first eight days of April represent for us the most sacred part of the Church’s year. In this short time we remember all of the history of creation, and we focus on what is, for Christians, the central moment of that Creation, as we remember the final days of Jesus’ life from his dramatic entry into Jerusalem to the discovery of the empty tomb.
The earliest pattern of celebration for the first Christians was to meet weekly on the First day of the week” – A.K.A. the Day of Resurrection, or “The Eighth Day” – and celebrate the resurrection.
Fairly early on it became clear to these worshippers that one Sunday in the year was more significant than all the others – that Sunday closest to the celebration of the Jewish Passover that most closely marked the Celebration of Celebrations, which they called “The Great Day”.
On this day they began to hold what they understood as the first service of the Church’s year: The Easter Vigil.
As pilgrims started to visit the Holy Land in the Fourth Century they realized that they could re-enact the various events in the Great Week on the days they happened, and the Easter Vigil service was extended back in time to create what has come to be called the “Triduum” – “The Great Three Days”.
In other words, the celebration of Easter became an uninterrupted three days long. This is the origin of three of the services that are central to our modern celebration: The Maundy Thursday Eucharist, the Good Friday Liturgy, and the Great Vigil of Easter/Easter Day Eucharist.
The real power of these three days only comes from understanding that the celebration of Easter does not begin with either the Vigil or the Easter Day Eucharist – this would be to miss the central baptismal theme that to be Christian we must, as St. Paul said, “die with Christ so that we can be raised with him.”
Thus the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection begins with the Maundy Thursday Eucharist at 7:00 p.m., which has no end. There is no final blessing, no dismissal. Even though we leave, we continue to be in that sacred time of worship.
The Good Friday Liturgy, at 7:00 p.m. does not have any formal beginning in the way that other services do – rather it is to be understood as a continuation of the service that began the previous evening. As we remember Christ’s crucifixion it must be done only in the context of celebrating the meaning of that moment – that it marks the beginning of our transformation from death to life.
Finally we come to the Easter services, where the transformation is completed – and we, with Christ, are raised into the life of God.
The Altar Guild
By Nigel Taber-Hamilton
One of the most important yet unnoticed liturgical ministries in the Episcopal Church is that of the Altar Guild.
Interestingly, if you ‘Google’ the phrase “Altar Guild” you’ll get about 192,000 web-sites! And checking from the first one up it would appear that 98% are related to Episcopal Churches! We obviously think that they’re important!
There’s a constant theme that runs through each of these pages, with the same words being used over and over again:
- They all indicate that it takes a special sort of person to be involved in Altar Guild
- Someone who doesn’t need to be in the lime-light, to be seen as doing something important while they’re doing something important.
- Someone who’s willing to make a commitment and follow through on a regular basis - to be reliable and dependable.
- Someone who has good attention to detail, is caring but organized - who is, above all dedicated to what they’re doing.
That’s all very important because this is a very important ministry. To quote from the introduction to our Altar Guild Manual:
“The ministry of the Altar Guild is central to the sacramental ministry of the parish. In particular, the Guild, as it performs its ministry, is participating in the process of creating the “sacred space” in which worship can happen. This careful preparation for the services of the Church, and its concurrent clean up, is a wonderful gift by Altar Guild members – an intentional act of stewardship - that helps to create a seamless and engaging worship experience for all the people who worship”
Planning, preparation and ‘stage management’ are crucial to the success of what happens in public view. Ironically, the true measure of success of the Altar Guild’s Ministry is the extent to which no one notices it. When the altar is set, the vestments laid out, the various vessels in their places, the books marked, the flowers arranged - when all that is part of the preparation is finished and done in good order - they all become vehicles through which people worship. Altar Guild members have done their best work when they have allowed the results of their labors in worship preparation to be transparent, so that the congregation sees through it and can enter more completely into the experience of worship itself.
What is important about the ministry of the Altar Guild is not just what is done but how it is done. Prayerful and humble preparation contributes in some ineffable way to the experience of that preparation by each person who comes to Church on a Sunday: action and contemplation are the different sides of the ‘coin’ of the ministry of the Altar Guild.
Until recently Altar Guilds were made up exclusively of women but the world continues to change, and this is no longer so. Our own Altar Guild is now actively seeking men to share in this very important ministry. If anyone – man or woman – is interested in finding out more please contact Liz Kershaw, the Altar Guild Directress, or myself.
And please, next time you see an Altar Guild member, thank them for their very important ministry among us.
Mission Sunday Offering – Helping Hand of South Whidbey
By John Watson
Because of Easter falling on the second Sunday, the MSO will be collected on April 1515. For newcomers to our parish, brochures and information will be available on the back table in the undercroft from Palm Sunday onward.
This non-profit charity was founded 25 years ago this May by our Rector Emeritus William Burnett and Judy Yealel, our current Senior Warden. Thanks to Judy, headquarters have been located at the House of Hope across from Langley Middle School since the early 1980’s. The Board members and volunteers represent the majority of the churches on South Whidbey and those churches financially support Helping Hand.
Helping Hand meets emergency needs of the community when times are tough – such as lay-offs, medical problems, car repairs, utility needs and temporary housing. Vouchers are distributed for telephone bills, gas, and past due rent. This charity is a Christian outreach support group in the best sense of the term.
The organization works closely with the Family Resource Center, Good Cheer, Friends of Friends, Opportunity Council, and other agencies. There is no duplication of services of other agencies.
There are several volunteers from St. Augustine’s who have held, and are holding Offices and to staff the office. More office help is needed in the afternoons to assure the agency will be open five days a week. Grants from foundations have enabled the organization to improve the infrastructure, train volunteers, pay office expenses and increase knowledge of the agency.
Grants from several service clubs and community donors have enabled Helping Hand to increase donations from $22995 in 2001 to $41358 in 2006. The number of adult clients served in 2001 was 139. In 2006, that number increased to 333.
I believe this is a legacy our parish can be very proud of and worthy of continued support, as there in no ‘homeless’ mission on Whidbey Island. The need will always be there.
From the Senior Warden
Judy Yeakel
On Thursday, March 1st, we had our first gathering of the Thursday evening study group. I arrived at the church at 6:00 p.m. to find no one there and the doors locked. We were to begin the soup supper at 6:30. I decided that I would go ahead and open the door, and start getting tables set up. Pretty soon I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. But still no soup. After checking the signup sheet we found that the person who was to bring soup was out of town. Obviously, we were on our own. About that time Nigel came in and volunteered to drive home and get some cans of soup from their pantry. I drove to Payless to get bread and everyone else went to the undercroft to set things up. All this in the midst of The Rack! When the soup came – two different kinds, plus a quart of take-out soup someone had brought – we put the soup into pots to heat up, sliced the bread, set the tables, made the coffee. Everyone pitched in. There was much chatting and sharing and everyone was having a good time.
I tell this story because what we did that evening was what any good community does: we put our heads together, divided up the work, combined our resources, and got the job done while having a happy, relaxed time doing it. What a great kick-off for the study series and it could never have been planned!
This is what often happens at St. Augustine’s. When there is a need or concern to be addressed, whether it is for a single person or the whole community, everyone pitches in to get the job done. And we each find great satisfaction and joy in doing the work. It is a bedrock foundation for any Christian community. Caring for each other. The kind of community that Jesus urged his followers to be.
There are many activities and programs planned for this spring and summer. A chance to pitch in and help. When you receive this issue of the Light, Easter will be only a week or so away. There will be opportunities to pitch in and help, inside and out, so watch for the notices. And don’t forget the brunch between services on Easter Sunday. Check the calendar in this issue of the LIGHT for ways YOU can pitch in and help. And have a good time doing it.
From the Junior Warden
By Bill Carruthers
We have, of course, continued to have branches and tree leaves on the parking lot. Art Taylor and myself pressure washed the parking lot. Grant Heiken, Jim Langler, Steve Schwartzmann, and Jay Ryan completed the removal of branches and swept up debris to ensure that the grounds would look good for Easter. Thanks to Pandora and the ECE for cleaning the undercroft after the "Rack" Sale.
Judy Yeakel, Anne Pringle, Jay Ryan (Insurance/At Risk person) and myself have formed an ad hoc committee to organize inventory of the church buildings
Employee Search Updates
From Nigel Taber-Hamilton
As many of you are aware we are seeking to hire individuals to fill three positions in our parish: Administrative Assistant, Parish Musician, and Director of Christian Formation. Ad Hoc committees are working to fill all three positions, all of which have been recently advertised in local and mainland newspapers.
- The Musician committee, chaired by Melisa Doss, has been working for about six minths, has a fully developed job description, has interviewed several candidates, and is arranging for interim coverage until someone is hired. Currently Dr. Marion Anderson is our interim Organist and Choir Director through Easter Sunday
- The Director of Christian Formation Committee, co-chaired by Sue Idos and Susan Sandri, has been working for about two months, fulfilling decisions taken by the 2006 and 2007 vestries to fill this position by mid-year, with a full program for children and youth beginning in the fall. A fully developed job description is in place, and the committee is receiving names. One candidate will be visiting the island shortly.
- The Administrative Assistant Committee, co-chaired by our wardens, Judy Yeakel and Bill Carruthers, has been working for about one month, has a fully developed job description, and has received the names of several candidates. Interviewing will begin shortly. Interim coverage is being arranged if there is no overlap between Rachel McDougald and the new A.A.
All of the committees are intent on ensuring a planned, careful, and thoughtful processs. We do not want to rush to fill any position, since each is integral to the future of our parish. The processes are moving forward with intention.
Each Committee welcomes feedback. Please contact the various chairs as appropriate
Easter Brunch
By Claree Vandegrift, Chairperson
It is not too early to mark your calendars for April 8th at 9:00 a.m. for our annual Easter Brunch in the undercroft. The tables will be preset - so please be ready to sign the attendance sheet. This popular event fills up quickly and we want everyone to have a seat.
You will also find a sign-up sheet if you wish to contribute the the meal. We are soliciting sliced fruit and nut breads, deviled eggs, and sliced cheeses. Please sign up if you can help and how many will be attending.
Mutual Love and Support
By Pandora Halstead
Editor’s note: The following insert from Pandora reached the office at the same time as our Senior Warden’s article – and very apropos. It comes from her Daily Word on the day of The Rack sale!
Our hearts overflow with the joy of experiencing mutual love and support.
As something important to us comes to a successful conclusion, we look back on our shared experience with joy.p
What began and continued with prayer has been realized. We’ve put God’s principles to practice and seen the Christ in each other. Served God for the joy of serving, we’ve remained open and non-resistant when plans have changed or when adjustments were necessary in our routines. There has been joy in working and living together in harmony. We rejoice as we see the good we’ve practiced and sought being reflected back to us. Our hearts are filled with the joy of experiencing mutual love and support.
“Happy are those who find wisdom,
And those who get understanding…
She is a tree of life to those who lay
Hold of her;
Those who hold her fast are called happy.”
-Proverbs 3:13, 18
Episcopal Church Women’s Invitation
By President Cheryl Smith
Please join the women of St. Augustine’s at our next ECW meeting on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Bring a sandwich to share and enjoy delicious homemade soup served at noon following the business meeting. The program after lunch will be ‘All About Rhododendrons’, presented by Kristi O’Donnell, Executive Director of Meerkerk Gardens. Friends and visitors are always welcome.
Getting Reacquainted
By Nancy Langler
Gerry Rosenau, a Brooklyn, New York native, moved to Washington after meeting her husband, Bud when he was in the service. She came to Seattle for the first time during the month of July. Having spent most of the summer on Atlantic beaches she arrived in a summer dress and sandals and thought she had come to the coldest place on earth.
She and Bud lived in Seattle when they were first married. Her father-in-law brought them to Whidbey for vacations and they fell in love with the island. In 1952 they bought a small farm on Fish Road as their daughter Diane loved horses. They had a large garden, along with horses, pigs and one steer. The steer did not last long. He tried to escape. Gerry grabbed him by the tail and held on tight until a very excited neighbor convinced her that this was not a wise maneuver. They also had geese and rabbits which became such good friend they could not slaughter them.
The farm became too much when they were both working so they moved to a smaller home off east Harbor Drive. Elaine Ludtke’s mother, Marion, lived two doors away. It was Marion who brought Gerry to St. Augustine’s. Marion and Elaine were her sponsors when she was baptized.
Gerry worked at several places but her favorite job was at the library. Her friend Betty Bell owned a dress shop. Her dream was to start a Freeland library and so she did. The library was in the dress shop. Gerry says it was never a quiet library but more a meeting place for everyone. Gerry liked meeting and helping everyone who came in whether they wanted books or dresses. Now the library has its own building and the children’s room is dedicated to Betty Bell. Gerry is on the board of the Friends of the Library and works on the monthly book sales. She left the library when her husband became very ill. After his death, she volunteered 3 days a week at the nursing home and also Time Together.
At St. Augustine’s, Gerry is a tabulator and takes care of the small children during the10 o’clock services. It is a wonderful job, she says. She gets to spend and hour or so with them and then they all go home. They love to sit on the floor with her and listen to her read. We are so lucky to have this Grandma share stories and care for the little ones. She has one grown grandson, Tony, who lives in Seattle. Her daughter, Diane, lives in Bremerton.
The Kids’ Korner
By Sue Idso
During the Lenten season, there have been children’s programs following the 10:00 a.m. service during coffee hour. Some topics have been ‘Hiding Alleluia’, an activity period for all; ‘Gardeners in Jesus’ Garden”, painting pots and preparing a place for growth; ’Jesus Will Always Welcome Us Home’, the story of the prodigal son followed by a scavenger hunt in the woods; ‘Love and God’s Kingdom’, counting coins from the mite box to donate to charity plus a letter from the children.
Of course, on PALM SUNDAY the children will join in the processional with Abigail and also make a cross from our palm fronds.
HAPPY EASTER! CHRIST IS RISEN! The children will find and post the Alleluia banner and celebrate what we’ve learned through Lent.
St. Augustine’s is currently in the process of recruiting and hiring a Christian Education Director to plan and provide engaging ways for our children and youth to participate and grow in Christian faith at our church. By the fall of 2007, our children’s ministries should be in place!
A Head’s Up To Fall
By Cheryl Smith, President, ECW
It is time to start thinking about Trash and Treasure to be held the last Saturday of September.
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 you homes and garages for clean items, in good working order; start to pot plants; save books (but avoid books with a musty or mildew smell and NO encyclopedia, as they don't sell). We can accept small pieces of furniture on a selective basis, but you must be willing to remove the item right after the sale if it doesn't sell. The shed is clean so some items can be stored there.
Why not join us in service, fellowship and fun? Contact Cheryl Smith or Barbara Strom to ask questions or volunteer. If you have had a job you have done for years and want to continue with it please contact us and sign up.
Eastertide Forums
By Ted Brookes
Chairman, 8th Day Committee
The second series of forums for our adult Christian Education program will begin 15 April and end 13 May. The forums will primarily focus on the first five books of the Old Testament and use the acclaimed PBS series "Walking the Bible", which is based on the best-selling book by Bruce Feiler of the same title.* Through this marvelous DVD we will be transported around the modern geography of the Middle East while virtually experiencing the site, sounds, and written words of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The forum schedule, subject matter, and presenter are as follows:
- 15 April From Creation to Abraham
Part 1 Mesopotamia & the Garden of Eden to Noah &the Great Flood
Ted Brookes presents.
- 22 Apr - From Creation to Abraham
Part 2 The Story of Abraham and Isaac
Ted Brookes presents.
- 29 Apr The Israelites in Egypt
Part 1 The Story of Joseph, from slavery to prosperity
Ted Brookes presents.
- 6 May - The Israelites in Egypt
Part 2 Oppression under Pharaoh. The Story of Moses & the Exodus
Ted Brookes presents.
- 13 May "The Election of a New Bishop."
Fr. Nigel will discuss the current election, the election process, and the history behind our episcopacy.
* The "Walking the Bible" series will continue into the first part of Pentecost.
Communications Committee Happenings
By Stephen Schwarzmann
We have designed an ASK THE RECTOR form that appears in this issue of the LIGHT. Parishioners or visitors of St. Augustine's can ask a pastoral question on this form and either drop it in a box provided in the Narthex (where forms will also be provided) or mail it to St. Augustine's, P.O. Box 11, Freeland. The rector will provide replies in the next issue of the LIGHT and/or during a scheduled Sunday Forum Session.
We have placed our new welcome trifold color brochure designed by Carol Ryan for visitors and newcomers to South and Central Whidbey Island, in Chambers of Commerce in Freeland, Langley and Coupeville and also at bed and breakfasts and hotels.
Gretchen Wood has accepted the position Communications Committee Episcopal Peace Fellowship(EPC) Liaison.
Caring Ministry
By Isobel Neddow and Judy Yeakel
Caring Ministries are not new to St. Augustine’s, but we are attempting to bring various ministries together under one umbrella. Included would be pastoral pare, the prayer chain and intercessory prayer; transportation and meals; visiting people in home, hospital and care centers; checking on those who have not been in church for awhile; and Eucharistic visitation.
At an idea gathering meeting we discussed the continuing problem of keeping people informed; defining the purpose of this group and how each of us can participate; and how to incorporate existing programs. If disaster strikes; e.g. an earthquake, flu pandemic or lengthy power outage, we, living on an island, need to be self-sufficient and take care of each other.
A Parish Nursing Program was proposed and Wendy Close offered to help develop a program similar to one she started at St. Mark’s in Medford, OR. As a Certified Parish Nurse, Wendy would serve as an education and resource person rather than a “hands-on” health care person. As Parish Nurse at St. Mark’s she kept office hours with office space at the church. She began with a parish health survey and followed up with monthly blood pressure checks; first aid kits; hospital visits and many phone calls. With the local health department she organized a yearly flu shot clinic. Educational projects included programs for adult forums on health issues; articles for the parish newsletter; arranging and leading panel discussions on a diversity of issues that can affect one’s health.
Her presence at St. Augustine’s and as part of the Caring Ministry will be invaluable and we look forward to working with her. Please join us for the next Caring Ministry meeting on Wednesday, April 11 at 10:30 am in the undercroft.
The Easter Garden
The Easter Garden is a tradition carried on in some English country parishes depicting the Resurrection story using ceramic figures, greens and spring flowers. While traveling in England in the late 1960’s, Liz Kershaw , Altar Guild Directress, was introduced to this tradition and has been creating a similar garden here at St. Augustine’s every Easter morning for the past 12 years. It is found in the narthex just below the stained glass windows.
As each evangelist describes the events and details somewhat differently, Liz has drawn on several Gospels in her presentation. The Easter Garden display represents the early morning of the first day of the week after Christ was laid in the tomb. Some of the women took spices to anoint the body of Jesus. They found the stone rolled away
and no body in the tomb, only the burial wrappings. Liz uses rocks to form the sepulchure. Inside she places a flat rock upon which is a small linen folded, showing where the body of Jesus had laid. Two ceramic white angels are there to ask, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is Risen!” Spring flowers, Mary Magdalene and Jesus complete this delightful garden scene. Be sure to look for it on Easter morning.
Got Flowers?
From Susan Sandri
The Altar Guild is requesting that those blessed with enough showy flowers or flowering branched to shore, bring them to the church by 9 a.m. Saturday morning April 7th. We will use as many as possible in our Easter Décor! Please remember to label your container with your name. Thank You!!
United Thank Offering
By Sharlene Hodges
The ingathering of the UTO will be held Sunday, May 6, 2007. More information will be available in the next issue of “the Light”.
”Gratitude takes three forms: a feeling in the heart, an expression in words, and giving in return.”
Sisters Heartland Sampler, Inc.
Librarian’s Corner
By Isabel Neddow
”The Last Week” by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan (260/BOR) is excellent in many ways. It is an excellent read for this season of the Christian year; is is an excellent telling of Jesus’ final week in Jerusalem; and it is an excellent account from two of the best Christian writers today. Using Mark’s Gospel, Borg and Crossan present a day-to-day picture of what happened in a historical and political context during that most important week to all Christians.
Jody Heiken has given us two sets of videos: one a three volume set of Jesus and His Times; and the second a double video set narrated by Charleton Heston with stories from the New and Old Testament. These videos are in the Resources bookcase to the left of the library desk.
Mystery fans are in luck. Judy Yeakel has donated a batch of new mysteries which are on the rolling cart.
Prayer for Easter Morning
As the world sings triumphant cries to heaven over death that You conquered, help us, Lord, tomorrow as well, then the dresses are put away and the candy is all eaten and on with life we go, let us not forget.
The celebration of Your Resurrection over death is a celebration of life that should continue well beyond the sunrise service and the music, rehearsed for days prior; it is beyond the sign of spring, beyond the lily, beyond the new lambs grazing I open fields.
Resurrection is a daily celebration over fear; man’s greatest and most powerful enemy. Fear of tomorrow, fear of our yesterdays, fear of what shall become or our young, our old, our unborn. Resurrection is replacing fear with physical action.
this alone, the most touching and profound of Your signs that fear is dead and belief in You brings, not just hope, but life.
What better living parable coun You have brought? All fear death. All. Even in the garden, You took on our fear if for only moments, it was as real as our fears can be real and You knew then that this single enemy must be destroyed.
And, You sacrificed Your life, leaving those who had been comfort, and follower; You left ehem behind, to conquer fear.
I shall cling to this now, and the tomorrows given me.
Peace and Thanksgiving lifted unto You.
Amen.
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