In This Issue:
By Nigel Taber-Hamilton
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
While every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection there is only one
“Great Sunday”, only one Easter Day.
That said, we often forget that the celebration of Easter is a season, not just a day – which is why the Sundays in this season are referred to as “of” not “after”.
Every spring we share in this fifty day celebration of that new life that lies at the heart of our community’s identity.
We began this season a little differently this year – we celebrated not one day, “Easter Day” but “The Triduum”, the “Great Three Days” from Maundy Thursday to the Day of Resurrection itself. This ancient way of celebrating reminds us that neither cross nor empty tomb can – on their own – fully encompass the meaning of this moment. Paul’s words of dying with Christ so as to be raised with Christ come closest. We have to see the cross ‘back-lit’ by the light of resurrection, and we have to see the cross’s shadow lying across the entrance to the empty tomb.
In the end this time is about the transition from what is death-dealing to what is life-giving: we are a people who are to be about the latter – that which is life-giving, even if we have to pass through the former to get to the latter.
I invite you, in this season of new birth, to explore for yourselves what is life-giving for you in your life, and to see the presence of the risen Christ there present.
God’s blessings to you,
Nigel
Please save the evening of Thursday, May 24th for an All Parish Dinner at which the Building Committee will be reporting.
By Sharlene Hodges
The UTO is gathered twice each year. Saint Augustine’s Spring Ingathering has been set for Sunday, May 6th. Please bring the contents of your blue box (or a check for the total) to church on that day.
By Judy Yeakel
In 2005 St. Augustine Parish Endowment Fund Trustees began discussions about making a small investment in the Nicaragua Alternative Credit Fund (NICA). NICA operates by channeling funds from socially responsible North American investors to Nicaraguan non-governmental organizations (partner agencies) that specialize in providing credit to marginalized sectors. They are self-sustaining, non-profit, micro-finance institutions with years of experience lending to the poor. NICA Fund partner agencies are currently lending to thousands of low-income borrowers in Nicaragua. These groups or individuals typically borrow amounts under $500.00. In November of 2006, the Vestry approved a loan of $5,000 at 3.5% interest to NICA.
Let me tell you about some of the people who have been helped with loans from the NICA Fund.
Maria Diaz, bakery owner. Her first loan helped her construct a baker’s oven at her small home. This allows her to bake on a larger scale than in her old household oven. Through earnings from her bakery Maria has been able to improve her small two-room house. A series of three loans has allowed Maria to purchase supplies in bulk. With the administrative skills she is learning, she hopes to pass on to her daughter.
Juana, store owner. Juana received her first loan 12 years ago. She has been able to enlarge her store over the years and has improved her skills in accounting and business management through classes offered by NICA.
Alvaro’s Auto Repair business. This is a joint business that employs men from three families. With this work the men are able to provide for their families’ living expenses. School expenses for the children of two families can also be covered.
There is a side effect to this investment. It means that St. Augustine’s is contributing our fair share to the support of the Millennium Development Goals implemented by the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in July of 2006. Each diocese, congregation, and parishioner is asked to consider 0.7% of their annual budget to support these goals. The investment in the NICA Fund means we have done that, as 0.7 % of our parish budget comes to $ 1,400.00.
I’ll keep you informed about how our loan to NICA is helping the people of Nicaragua in later issues of the LIGHT.
By Bill Carruthers
I would like to thank Chris Campbell, our groundskeeper, for offering his Easter gift to the church by sweeping the parking lot clean of accumulated fir needles. Thanks also to Jim Langler and Bill Smith for setting up tables and chairs for our Easter brunch. Claree and her workers (Nancy Langler, Barbara Moss, Cheryl Smith, Elaine Ludtke, and Doris Hunter) really did a great job of preparing the feast. Thanks also to Joan Focht, Mary Beth Moss, Diane Schwarzmann, and Shirley Bauder for assisting them. All the wonderful chefs who brought deviled eggs and nut breads really topped our Easter Brunch off.
Thanks to Albert Rose for helping me move the tables and chairs back to the shed.
The wooden board supports of the education building have been painted and are awaiting a second coat. The Junior Warden is aware that the next task will be to remove the bulletin board and paint the hallway. Albert Rose has already volunteered to tape and bed. Please let me know if you can help with painting.
I have signed up the parish with Island County Roads Department to clean up along Honeymoon Bay Road. We will need to pick up trash along the road from the intersection of Hwy 525 and Honeymoon Bay Road to Scarecrow Lane. All equipment will be supplied. Dates and times will be published in a forthcoming bulletin.
By Shirley Bauder, Vice President, ECW
Please join the women of St. Augustine’s at our next ECW meeting on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in the Undercroft. Bring a sandwich to share and enjoy delicious homemade soups served at noon following the business meeting. The program after lunch will be Pat Bass with her popular book reviews and Ethel Waters presenting the poem “When I Grow Old I Will Wear Purple.” We also suggest you wear something purple or a red hat, if you dare! Friends and visitors are always welcome.
By Isabel Neddow
A new book in the church library is “Leaving Church” by Barbara Brown Taylor (242/TAY).
Taylor is not new to our shelves but this is her most personal book and her best. As most of you know she is an Episcopal priest, but in this memoir she gives up her congregation to save her faith.
“Leaving Church” is one of seven books in the St. Augustine’s library by Barbara Brown Taylor. “When God is Silent” (252/TAY) is about words and how so many words have lost their meaning. Her outlook is optimistic as she writes in “Speaking of Sin” about the downsizing of sin. She covers subjects as varied as the ongoing conversation between science and religion “The Luminous Web” (261/TAY); sermons on the church seasons “Home by Another Way” (252/TAY); and a collection of sermons on the healing power of God “Gospel Medicine” (252/TAY). In “Bread of Angels” (252/TAY) she says in speaking of Christians – “We know there is more going on than meets the eye.”
Start with any of these very readable books, but “Leaving Church” is special.
When you have the opportunity in the next few weeks please drop by and welcome our new Administrative Assistant, Loretta Martin.
Many of you know her from her many years as Executive Director of the Langley Chamber of Commerce.
Loretta, who grew up as a Roman Catholic, is a member of Trinity Lutheran in Freeland, where she attends the Saturday evening service. This is good news for us, because she is conversant with the sort of language and needs of a liturgical church. We are very fortunate to have Loretta with us.
In connection with the filling of this position, the vestry has made an adjustment to our office hours:
| | Monday | 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon |
| | Tue-Fri | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
Volunteers?
We are also seeking volunteers to staff the office Monday thru Friday for two hours between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. one or more afternoons per month. If you are willing to consider this, please do contact Nigel.
By Sue Idso, Vestry Liaison
Alleluia’s back!!!!!
Christ is Risen!
He’s Risen Indeed!
Children’s Ministry update: On Easter, the children’s Lenten activities ended with ringing bells in church and digging up the alleluia banner in the woods! The Anderson children, Emily, Christopher, Erik, and Caitlyn , did most of the digging (thereby “breaking in” their lovely Easter clothes!) and returning “alleluia” to its place in church over the piano. Personalized pots of flowers that the children painted weeks earlier with a depiction of what God looks like to them also went home to be enjoyed throughout the Easter season. These activities were fun for all who participated and offered a chance to start creating community amongst the young families at church.
As we create more opportunities for young people to explore their spirituality at St. Augustine’s, with the goal of hiring a Christian Education Director to implement a full Sunday School ministry in the fall of 2007, we’ve decided to continue fellowship activities for children after communion each week during the season of Easter.
What’s new? Each week in Easter, children of all ages are invited to participate in storytelling lessons from Godly Play, a program designed by an Episcopal priest. Godly Play offers children (and adults for that matter) a chance to explore Bible stories and church traditions in a very meaningful way through storytelling and exploratory play. Lucky for us, Fr. Dave Close, a trained and accredited Godly Play teacher, has offered to teach each week! So, if you have children or grandchildren who might be interested in exploring their Sacred Stories in a child-friendly environment have them meet me at the doors to the narthex after communion and I'll take them to Fr. Close in the education building. The story-telling and time for wondering will last from about 11:00 to 11:40 or so.
The lessons will follow the subject areas covered in the Walking the Bible adult forum, so we’re calling this series Walking the Bible for Kids. Thank you for supporting this important ministry in any way you can! Keep us in your prayers or let me know if you are interested in learning more about Godly Play.
- April 29 - The Great Flood and the Ark
- May 6 - Abraham and Sarah
- May 13 - The Exodus
- May 20 - 10 Best Ways
- May 27 - Pentecost: Celebrating the Holy Spirit!
By Nancy Paris
BRIAN and REBECCA REID, with their daughters KATIE and EMILY, come from Coupeville to worship at St. Augustine’s. The Reids make their home at 805 NE Leach, just east of downtown Coupeville.
Brian was born in Stockton, CA and lived in Sacramento as a child, later moving to Coos Bay and Eugene, Oregon. He presently is a teacher at Harbour Pointe Middle School in Mukilteo. Brian enjoys reading novel fiction about the Napoleonic Wars; adapting devices for use by disabled students; and canoeing on Penn Cove. Along with Rebecca, he is co-leader of a Brownie Troop.
In the past, Brian has been a member of the National Organization for Women; the Committee in Solidarity with Central American Peoples; the Association for the severely handicapped; and the Council for Exceptional Children.
Rebecca is a native of New Jersey; born in Red Bank and growing up in Middletown. She later moved to Arizona and then on to Eugene, Oregon. The couple moved to Whidbey Island 16 years ago. She is a counselor at Compass Health in Coupeville and has previously worked on a volunteer crisis line in both Tucson and Eugene. Rebecca likes walking and training the family dog as well as taking scenic walks with family and friends. She also enjoys reading.
Small and large format “Forward Day By Day” for May, June, and July is available in baskets placed in the Narthex and in the Undercroft.
by Nancy Langler
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, DOROTHY NESTOR long dreamed of a trip to the west coast. She had even saved a $50 war bond to finance the trip. She finally set off with a co-worker who told her she had two nephews living in Seattle. However, she added, one of them is engaged. Dorothy replied, “Well, I’m not taking this trip to meet a guy.” But that is exactly what she did. She fell in love with both the west coast and the co-worker’s nephew, Johnnie.
They were married a year later at St. Stephen’s, a lovely old Anglican church in Edmonton. She moved to the Seattle area where both Johnnie and his father were builders. They raised their three sons: John, Darryl and David there. Two of their sons followed in their Dad’s footsteps and went into building. Darryl lives in Seattle. David is in North Carolina and John lives here on Whidbey.
The Nestors moved to Whidbey in l986 when Johnnie began to build their dream home in Freeland. Johnnie had a stroke but that did not prevent him from completing his dream home. Dorothy commuted to Northgate where she worked at The Bon Marché.
They had attended Redeemer church in Kenmore before moving to the Island. They felt right at home at St Augustine’s as there were so many Redeemer friends here … Genevieve Nyerges, Diana Klein, Nancy Paris, and later Cheryl and Bill Smith and Dorothy and Art Taylor.
Dorothy had met Genevieve when they both had children in kindergarten and they have been close friends ever since. They both love to travel and have taken five trips to England together.
In addition to her love of travel, Dorothy loves to cook and bake from scratch. At St Augustine’s, Dorothy is active in the Prayer Chain, the Fellowship Committee, and the 8 o’clock Coffee Crew where she serves coffee, baked goodies and brings a little ‘sunshine’ into all our lives. She is best known for her friendly smile and wonderful dry wit. She has shared these attributes with the seniors at Time Together for over 10 years - bringing a little sunshine to each and everyone.
Her dear husband, Johnnie, died in 2002. They would have been married 60 years this April.
June submissions for “The Light” must be received by May 15th. Submit by email text with photo attachment or bring by church office.
By Joan Johnson
Another preschool year (our 21st) is all too rapidly coming to an end. On Tuesday May 29 the twenty children in our three and four year old classes will have a closing program for their families. The evening of Wednesday May 30 twenty-seven Pre-K’s will have their graduation program and prepare to move on to kindergarten in the fall. The school year ends with a family picnic at Maxwelton Beach on Thursday May 31.
Registrations are currently being accepted fro the 2007-2008 school year. The Pre-K class is for children who are four by August 31, 2007, and expect to go to kindergarten in the fall of 2008. The Three/Four class is for children who turn three by December 31, 2007. In addition, we will, during the 2007-2008 school year, be offering several four-week sessions for two-year-olds.
Registrations are also being taken for our preschool Day Camp to be held in July.
“Walking the Bible” series
The second series of forums for our adult Christian Education program began April 15 but you are welcome to join us along the way.. The forums 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, experiencing the sites, sounds, and written words of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Ted Brookes will introduce all sessions.
- Sunday, April 29—”Walking the Bible” series
The Israelites in Egypt
Part 1 – The Story of Joseph from Slavery to Prosperity
- Sunday, May 6—Facilities Development Conversation.
The church Building Committee will take this opportunity to begin a discussion with the congregation on facilities pre-planning and building/improvement options. Phase II of the Long Range Plan- Facilities Development will be briefly reviewed as a starting point for our collective deliberations.
The Building Committee presents.
- Sunday, May 13—”The Election of a New Bishop”.
Fr. Nigel will discuss the current election, the election process, and the history behind our episcopacy.
- Sunday, May 20—MSO Ministry Fair
- Sunday May 27—"Walking the Bible" series.
The Israelites in Egypt
Part 2—The Oppression Under Pharaoh. The Story of Moses & The Exodus
By Joan Johnson, Delegate
A special convention for the election of the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia will be held Saturday, May 12, at St. Mark’s Cathedral. After a very thorough search by the Bishop Search Committee the following five nominees have been presented: the Rev. Richard A. Burnett, rector, Trinity Church, Columbus, Ohio; the Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, rector, St. Thomas’ Church, Medina, Diocese of Olympia; the Rev. Dr. Gregory Rickel, rector, St. James’ Church, Austin, Texas; the Rt. Rev. Nedi Rivera, Suffragan Bishop of Olympia; and the Rev. Angela F. Shepherd, rector, St. Philip’s Church, Annapolis, Maryland.
Information on each of these candidates is available on the stairwell bulletin board and online at www.bishopsearcholympia.org. All parishioners at St. Augustine’s are encouraged to learn as much as possible about the candidates and to share their thoughts with our voting delegates: Arnelle and Dick Hall, Jack Wood, and Joan Johnson. (Alternates are Isabel Neddow and Tom Williams). Also voting will be our clergy: Fr. Nigel, Fr. Fletcher, and Fr. Bill.
A walkabout has been scheduled for the week of April 30 to provide an opportunity for the people of the diocese to meet the nominees. For a schedule of locations, speak to one of our delegates or check the diocesan website, www.ecww.org. We will be arranging carpools to several of these sessions.
This is an exciting and an important event in the life of our diocese and we encourage all members of St. Augustine’s to take the time to be informed participants in the election process.
The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of North Carolina, will be visiting the Diocese of Olympia in June. Bishop Curry is a nationally known preacher, a frequent speaker at conferences around the country, and has appeared on The Protestant Hour.
Please come, and invite your friends and family to St. Aidan’s, Camano Island,
1318 East SR 532, on Thursday, June 7th, 2007, to hear Bishop Curry preach at “A Gathering for Spiritual Renewal” at 7:30 p.m.
St. Aidan’s also needs your help with this event, particularly with refreshments, setting up or taking down the event or possibly making a financial contribution to defray the cost that will not be covered by the Diocese.
From your Editor
Happy Summer Vacation!
A reminder that “The Light” for June will be formatted from somewhere in Colorado. However, through the magic of electronics, it will be published. Please submit your text on Palatino Linotype size 12 pt. and your photos to be sent to the office on pdf format. The July & August issues will be combined. They, too, will be formatted from Minnesota. Uff Da!
By Diane E. Lantz
Tutor/Mentor Program Coordinator
I proudly serve on the South Whidbey Youth Connection (SWYC) Board. We reach out and connect with our island youth through our programs. Our bottom line is….it's all about the kids; making a positive difference in their lives. I invite you to join us and share in this rewarding experience. We recently discussed why we serve on the Board of Directors. One member said, "It is a great way to give back to my community." Another said she "liked taking part in visions and decisions." Our newest member said, "Having moved here recently, the Board provides me a connection with my community."
SWYC, which has been in existence for 18 years, cares strongly about our youth making healthy choices. We offer programs such as the HUB, (after-school activities and meals), the South Whidbey Tutor/Mentor Program and the Youth leadership Council (the "other" student body that puts on substance free events, runs the Walk-In closet and so much more). In addition, we play a leading role in coordinating our community to recognize and eradicate substance abuse in families.
Please consider this request to join our Board. However, if you find this is not the right fit for you, will you pass along this email to your island network? SWYC Board Commitment: average 5-10 hours per month, including meetings on the last Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Langley.
Time Together Adult Day Service has been serving people with special needs in the South Whidbey community for 10 years, enabling caregivers to continue with their loved one at home. They offer a wonderful program of activities that are designed and modified for each participant’s abilities and disabilities, including themed discussion groups, brain stimulating activities, exercise groups, sensory activities, music and singing and much more. Service days and times are: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Hours will be expanding soon.
Many caregivers try to manage on their own without outside assistance. When asked, “How are you?” the answer is almost always, “Fine,” or “We’re getting along.” How long can someone work many, many hours per month care-giving without a rest and other support? Without help it isn’t long before the caregiver succumbs to the stress of care-giving. Time Together supports the caregiver with peace of mind that, while they are resting, their loved one is in a safe, caring environment.
Time Together was begun by a few dedicated volunteers from St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Freeland and is located in the Bayview Senior Center. They recognized a need for respite for caregivers of people who have dementia, stroke, developmentally delayed, or other chronic conditions. Today many of those same, early volunteers are still serving at Time Together and their dedication is still as strong as ever.
In addition to the many volunteer hours, Time Together exists on funds from N.W. Regional Council, Island County; some private pay funds; Senior Thrift Store; and other private, small grants. Time Together relies on the generosity of others to help offset the expenses of operating such a needed service.
We’re grateful that our information is in The Light and in your bulletin. Please contact Kristi Huffman, Director, Adult Day Services for Senior Services of Island County, at 360-279-4592 or Senior Information and Assistance at 360-321-1600 ext. 27
It is not easy for me to leave this wonderful Christian Community as Interim Parish Musician. As I prepare to do so, I want to say “Thanks” for all the many ways you have made my time here with you such a blessing in my life.
To the Music Committee, who sought me out by email when I was in Paris last fall…Thank You!
To Fr. Nigel, who has been a source of unfailing support and encouragement…Thank You!
To the wonderful singers, who sacrificed to come back to the choir in midseason…Thank You!
To the instrumentalists, who have volunteered their talents:
the string players, the wind players, and the bell “orchestra” for Easter II…Thank You!
To the congregation for your vigorous singing of the hymns and the service music, even when it is new and unfamiliar…Thank You!
There is a wonderful spirit in their place that I will miss. I wish you all the best as you seek a permanent musician.
Marion
Registrations are being taken for our preschool Day Camp to be held in July. This summer’s theme is “Children Around the World.” Children ages three through five are invited to join us as we take imaginary journeys to other countries.
For more information on Day Camp or fall classes, please contact Joan Johnson at 331-4748 .
FAX??
After many years of service the parish FAX machine has “retired” and we are in need of a replacement.
If you have a working FAX machine which you no longer need and would consider donating, please call the parish office and speak to Loretta Martin .
Thank you
|
