In This Issue:
by Nigel Taber-Hamilton
This month I want to use my column to respond to some of the questions put in the “Ask the Rector” box in the Narthex. For space reasons it is not possible to give any question the full answer it deserves – please feel free to ask me separately if you would like to have further conversation.
"Why are we singing the Nicene Creed?"
There are two important parts to this question. First, we are not singing the Nicene Creed as written in the Prayer Book but are using a metrical paraphrase so as to match the words to familiar music. The General Convention-authorized version we have been using can be found in “Wonder, Love, and Praise” #768 and #769.
A creed is, simply put, “a statement of principles”. Christian creeds take any number of forms. The earliest is found in the New Testament: “Jesus is Lord.” For Christians creeds have become philosophical statements that express our understanding of who God is. While the sung version omits and alters some of the language adopted at Nicea in 325 C.E (and in the three councils that followed, concluding at Chalcedon in 451 C.E.). it retains the central Trinitarian structure, the vision of God as Creator, of Jesus as Redeemer (and identifies the same salient events of his life as found in the Nicene Creed), and the Holy Spirit as Sanctifier.
Liturgists will tell you that a spoken Nicene Creed represents an intrusion into the middle of the Sunday liturgy. And, in fact, the Nicene Creed was only added to the liturgy in the 7th Century for political, not theological, reasons. Likewise it was retained for political, not theological reasons. Any rationale for retaining the creed in the liturgy for such reasons is very suspect. Some Episcopal congregations in our diocese omit the creed entirely except during the Easter Season (St. Columba’s in Kent, for example), while others only use the sung version (St. Thomas’ Medina is an example of this).
We have sung the creed for a season only – Easter, the season of new life – as a way to enter more fully into the liturgy we share each Sunday. Studies have shown that we remember and incorporate 80% of what we sing but only 15% of what we say. To sing the creed using an accessible meter and tune is both to use it as an evangelistic tool and also to honor it as one philosophical pillar of our faith without subjecting contemporary Christians to fourth century Platonic philosophy.
The Worship Committee will review the sung version’s usage and determine when we will use it again.
What does the phrase “Son of Man”signify and why is it used by St. Mark?
Actually this title is used in all four Canonical Gospels in three contexts: (1) in referring to Jesus himself; (2) when the writers are speaking generically about the future suffering, death, and resurrection of the Messiah; and, (3) in an apocalyptic context – where “the Son of Man” comes at the end of time.
Its meaning is rooted in Judaism. In the Hebrew bible the phrase is often a synonym for “a human being.” For instance, in Ezekiel the prophet is addressed by God as “Son of Man” as a way of emphasizing his humanity. This is one – and the main – usage by the New Testament Gospel writers.
Another less common meaning is found in Daniel where the phrase is interpreted as referring to some sort of angelic being, perhaps the Archangel Michael.
The main scholarly interpretation of the term as used in the Canonical Gospels is that it underscores both Jesus’ humanity as “a human being” (and also, perhaps, the archetypal “Human Being”) and his broader identity as “a son of Adam” as opposed to a narrow Jewish nationalist identity as “Son of David”.
When people put money in the little church on Sunday mornings aren’t they ‘buying blessings’?
It can seem a little like that other ‘Reformation Starter’ (purchasing “indulgences”) can’t it?!
This concern has been discussed before. Making a financial gift in thanksgiving is done in many congregations – often for birthdays and anniversaries – and is based on the belief that one way we mark out how important something is for us is to make some sort of personal sacrifice. This is, after all, one of the things that support a Christian understanding of Stewardship: we give sacrificially. There is no theological understanding whatsoever that such a gift is buying anything.
It is not necessary to give in this way, of course, and many people do not do so when they come forward. Some give through other means, others simply forgot their wallet!
If anyone feels uncomfortable in not placing something in the little church I would suggest having a prayer or prayer request written out ahead of time and putting that in when you come forward.
Any financial gift goes to support the outreach of our parish to those in need via the Parish Discretionary Fund.
God’s blessings to you.
Nigel
by Diane Klein
Imagine your house with water almost up to the ceiling for three weeks. Imagine 80% of the houses in Seattle damaged to varying degrees, most uninhabitable. Imagine 70% of our trees blown down. Imagine St. Augustine¹s pews floating in eight feet of water for three weeks. These are a few of the statistics of New Orleans.
In April, I joined a group of 21 from this Diocese and ventured to New Orleans for a week to help in whatever way we could. We were hosted by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the Lakeview District. This Diocese is supporting the "We Will Stand With You" project.
Some volunteers were a medical team who assisted with health issues and referred people for additional help when indicated. They took supplies with them and were assigned a different place each day. The rest of us gutted houses, planted trees and shrubs, made street signs, pulled weeds, made welcome baskets, visited St. Paul’s Episcopal School and assisted wherever we could. It was quite a week.
*See the upcoming schedule of Sunday Forums.
by Cheryl Smith
Put Saturday, June 2nd, on your calendar for the ECW picnic, starting at 12:00 noon, at the Hoelting barn.
All parish women are invited to this annual event. Bring your favorite potluck picnic dish to share. And how about a sun hat, bonnet, chapeau?
As there is no parking at the barn, shuttle service will be available from St. Hubert’s parking lot on 3rd Street in Langley, starting at 11:45am.
by Jay Ryan, Legacy Planning
YOUR IRA.
One of the easiest ways to remember St. Augustine’s in your estate plan is to name St. Augustine’s as a beneficiary for a specific amount or a percent of your IRA at your death. This is easy because no codicil to your will or amendment to your trust is necessary. Adding or changing a beneficiary on an IRA is similar to the same procedure on an insurance policy except it is done through the IRA administrator. The great benefit is that you can continue to withdraw from your IRA as you do now and if something is left at your death then a distribution will be made as you had designated to St. Augustine’s, but if you need to use up all your IRA during life, no harm done.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE FEDERAL ESTATE TAX
Under the current law passed in 2001, the Federal Estate Tax exemption for 2007 and 2008 is $2 million and for 2009 it rises to $3.5 million. The Tax is repealed for persons dying in 2010 then reinstated in 2011 with a $1 million exemption. Many bills have been introduced since 2001 to increase the exemption, lower the tax rate or outright repeal, but nothing has passed.
Prospects for a freeze at the 2009 level have now increased in the Senate and while the House has not yet considered this option it may also be leaning toward this 2009 Estate tax freeze with the exemption at $3.5 million and the tax rate at 45%. The full marital exemption and step up in basis would also be retained.
by Judy Yeakel
It has been a very busy Easter season and by the time you receive this, we will have begun the season of Pentecost. I hope many of you had a chance to take part in the many events in the last four weeks. Easter services were spectacular and included four baptisms. The brunch between services was ably planned and executed by Nancy Langler and her Fellowship Committee. A big thanks to them.
Ray Haman has retired as Stewardship chair after serving for the past 6 or more years. We are so grateful for his leadership and commitment. Lynda Anderson has accepted that position, ably assisted by her husband, Ken, and a committee of seven. Look for an article in this and each issue of The Light, during the summer and fall. Emphasis: Stewardship is an every day, every moment part of our ministry as Christians.
Summer is a time for outdoor fun. Watch for information on our Annual Parish Picnic at which we will honor newcomers: people who have joined our Parish community during the last year or so. This will probably take place in late July or August.
Also, in August look for a repeat of the Whidbey Island Music Festival with three or four performances. More detail during June and July.
There is always work to be done on the grounds any time of the year. Most is done by volunteers. If you would like to help with weeding, clean up, trimming, etc. call Diana Klein or Bill Carruthers. Or just come to the church from 9:00 AM to noon on the second Monday of each month.
We hope to be able to introduce to you by next month a person who will be our Director of Christian Education. The goal is to start a CE program for children and youth in September.
The search continues for a Music Director.
by Carole Hansen
Communications black outs are frequent in a war zone for a number of reasons. When I didn't hear from Jens on Mother's Day I understood that and sent him an email to tell him how often I think of him and how much he is loved. I told him that many of you ask about him and pray for his safety and well-being. He responded today. He is a UAV pilot - Unmanned Air Vehicle. These drones are used for many purposes such as reconnaissance. On their second day flying they spotted a truck planting IED's (the mines that blow up convoys and road vehicles) and were able to forward the location of the explosives to an air team which blew them up. He said, "It's nice to know I'm able to make a difference." He also asked me to tell all of you hello, and seemed very appreciative of your prayer support.
by Bill Carruthers
Thanks to the Columbarium Garden committee for cleaning up the gardens of the Columbarium and around the church. Thanks also to Albert Rose for creating a cave to enhance the Easter vigil experience.
Albert, Art Taylor and Jim Langler have agreed to help with removing the bulletin board on the landing and painting that area after its removal. If anyone wishes to help please let me know, as we need more hands to do the job correctly.
I will be soliciting others to help in the litter clean-up on our assigned section of Honeymoon Bay Road. Father Nigel and Judy Yeakel have already indicated they would help in that area. More information will follow concerning this outreach project. And for our community efforts a county street sign with the church’s name will be posted along the section.
by Carole Hansen
August 19 Forum - Russian Relations
Join me for a presentation on my four month sojourn in Russia. We'll talk about our relations: Children's Hospice, St. Nicholas Cathedral in Pavlovsk, George Khristich our 3rd CPE student, and my own Russian family (the Tkachenko's) and the unforgettable ways we celebrated my 60th birthday! Plus, find out what the rare "Gramota" is and what you have to do to get one (that's a little joke on me.
August 26 Forum - Iconography & the Trinity Icon (Rublev)
The purpose of my four month stay in Russia was to paint the icon of the Holy Trinity for an orthodox church outside the city of St. Petersburg. It is a new church. This will be the first icon
finished to go into it. It is very much a privilege to have been commissioned for this work. We'll talk about the process of making an icon, with a series of photos of the stages. We'll also talk about icons and iconography. Iconography combines the techniques and skills of fine art with the
practice of deep contemplation. It is prayer in action.
by Ted Brookes
The Adult Christian Education program will move into the Pentecost season with the final two episodes of our "Walking the Bible" series. We will then begin to examine the New Testament with a series titled "Exploring the Gospelers" in which we will take a closer look at the Gospel writers and the various books attributed to them. The congregation will also be treated to three special forums hosted by two of our traveling parishioners. The forums for the first half of Pentecost promise to be informative, illuminating, and fun. We hope you will mark them in your calendars and plan to attend. Ted Brookes will serve as your host for the Biblical presentations.
- 3 June - "Walking the Bible." Forty Years in the Desert, Part 1. Moses receives the Law and the 10 Commandments.
- 10 June - Walking the Bible." Forty Years in the Desert, Part 2. The Israelites take two generations to move into the Promised Land.
- 17 June - Episcopal Hurricane Relief. Diana Klein will recount her recent experiences in the Gulf States providing assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
- 24 June - "Exploring the Gospelers." The Letters of John, Part 1. The John Community and the Conflicts Within.
- 1 July - "Exploring the Gospelers." The letters of John, Part 2. The Relationships Between the Gospel and the Letters. The Rise of Gnosticism
by Diana Klein, Vestry Clerk
The old Book of the Gospels was replaced by a new revised copy and the old one donated to the Episcopal Fellowship of St. John.
There is an estimate of $3000 for the complete hookup to Freeland Water.
Loretta Martin has been hired as the new Administrative Assistant. Some of you may recognize her from her nine years as with the Langley Chamber of Commerce.
The Communications Committee is looking for a Communication Officer and a backup.
We need an audit committee.
It was proposed that the parish MSO matching funds to be gradually increased to 100% of congregation giving.
Nancy Langler is the new chair of the Fellowship/Newcomers committee.
Dick Hall was presented to Kiwanis as our Lay Person of the Year.
The entire Minutes are posted in the undercroft.
by Nigel Taber-Hamilton
Send it in?
I can remember the first time I saw it as clear as if it was yesterday! “It” was a form which claimed to be the first draft of a new IRS form 1040 and it had only two lines on it, one a question and the second an instruction:
1. How much did you earn last year?
2. Send it in.
The humor, of course, is in the seeming rapaciousness of the Internal Revenue Service and its apparent desire to collect more than its “pound of flesh”. And most often, I believe, that’s how we look on paying taxes: a necessary evil, and occasionally one that seems intentionally designed to separate us from what is rightfully ours by dint of our own labor. Behind the humor, however, there is a fundamental truth. At least it is a fundamental truth when we switch our gears and use the language of Christian Stewardship.
My former Bishop, Catherine Waynick, was fond of defining Christian Stewardship as “what you do with all you have all the time.” She was careful with words: not “what you own” but “what you have” – a redefining of possessions away from “ownership” and toward “care on behalf of.” St. Paul reminds us that we own nothing, not even ourselves – it all belongs to God, and God has placed the responsibility for its care and nurture temporarily in our human hands.
Jesus continually reminds us that what we do with these divine gifts will tell the tale of our faithfulness to God’s own hopes and dreams for a good creation.
Christian stewardship is, therefore, about everything.
I think, though, that the response most of us have when the language of Christian stewardship and ownership is used, is similar to the response we have to the bogus IRS form. It’s easy to pay lip service to divine ownership and human stewardship but it is also way too seductive not to see what we care for as what we own.
To that issue of ownership the bible is clear: being a good steward does not mean giving away everything; a tithe is the appropriate amount, the first fruits go to God, and those “first fruits” are 10%.
One way of having our eyes opened to the very human struggle over ownership and possessions is to stop using personal ownership language for a day. Instead of thinking “I’m going to drive my car to the grocery store,” say “I’m going to take God’s car to the grocery store”. Or think of what is in the bank as “God’s bank account” rather than your own.
Even for such a short period of time this exercise will raise up for you all sorts of questions and thoughts that, in all likelihood, have never been raised before.
Doing this will help us enter into a deeper understanding of what Stewardship is truly about, for if we genuinely believe that everything belongs to God then it will alter what we do with everything we “have”, all the time.
by Carol Ryan
Stephen Schwarzmann called the Communications Committee to order at 11:10 a.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2007. We met in the Undercroft. Present were: Stephen, Carol Ryan and Judy Yeakel.
We reviewed the first draft of a door hanger and suggested changes. Carol will work on this and send to the committee for review. It must also go to the Vestry and Fr. Nigel for approval. Fr. Nigel joined us for part of the meeting and suggested information to be included. Our goal is to have the door hanger completed by July, 2007.
We plan to include one picture of children from the pre-school to encourage parents with children that there will be a Sunday School starting in the fall. Joan Johnson told Carol she would find a good photo.
Stephen said a grant from the Diocese of Olympia up to $500 will be used for the project. We will get quote quantities at 500 and 1000.
As good stewards and in accordance with the Church’s Millennium Goal Seven, (environmental resources) it is our plan to transition to electronic delivery with The Light for most readers. We would plan parallel delivery (three delivery systems: web site, e-mail, and postal mail) in the beginning and then reduce mailings depending upon acceptance by parishioners.
by William Smith
Due to my sloth, and to save money, Giving Statements will be distributed twice a year rather than quarterly. The Giving Statements will be distributed for periods January through June and January through December inclusive.
I will be happy to produce interim statements for anyone wanting them. Please call me at 331-6742 or email me at smthcher@whidbey.com
Thank you all for your prayers and words of comfort in the wake of the fire which destroyed my son George’s home and shop in Clinton on May 2nd. We also want to thank those who offered time and material items as well as those who contributed to the relief fund at Whidbey Island Bank. Unfortunately, the bank doesn’t record the names of those donors but George and I want you to know how grateful we are to each of you for your generous help.
God Bless you all,
Nancy Paris
by Nancy Langler
Clarence Noyer
Clarence Noyer came to Whidbey Island in 1988 from Palo Alto, California. He was born in Roseburg, Oregon. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 as a USN Selective Service Volunteer. After boot camp, he went to Radar School in San Diego and finished in the top two of his class. As a radar man, he served on the SS Halford for 150,000 miles in the Pacific.
After getting out of the service he went east to visit a Navy buddy, Ed Roe. Clarence and Ed’s sister Betty were married in 1950. Betty was a life long Episcopalian. At their wedding rehearsal the priest asked Clarence if he had been baptized. “Not that I know of,” Clarence replied. Clarence was baptized at the rehearsal and has been an Episcopalian ever since.
They moved to Eugene, Oregon where Clarence used the GI Bill to major in Architecture at the University of Oregon. After graduating, he and Betty moved to Treasure Island near San Francisco hoping to explore the city. With three small children they didn’t explore as much as they had planned. They later moved to Palo Alto where Clarence was a scientific and engineering associate at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center at Stanford University until he retired.
Clarence and Betty had four girls; Victoria, Pamela, Lise, and Amy followed by two boys. The Boys were both born in 1960. Christopher was born in January and Bruce was born in December. When the rector called on Betty, after the birth of Bruce, he said “Mrs. Noyer, don’t you think you have done enough?” Betty died in October of 2005 after nearly 56 years of marriage.
Clarence says that he is a “thing” person. He is very interested in designing things, discovering what makes them work and how they go together. He has built his own boat and model railroad built to scale. He has 530 feet of track running outside his home overlooking Holmes Harbor. He enjoys his wonderful view, woodworking and reading. An avid reader, he is a great supporter of libraries and has many collections of magazines.
At St. Augustine’s, Clarence has served as junior warden 8 times and senior warden once. He was heavily involved in the rebuilding of All Saints Church in Palo Alto. This and his background in architecture have prepared him well to serve on the building committee here at St. Augustine’s. His dream is to see the new “all on one floor” parish hall built. He says, “The time is now.”
by Joan Johnson, Director
The 2006-2007 school year at St. Augustine’s Preschool ended with graduation on May 30 (our 21st graduating class!) and a family picnic at Maxwelton Beach on May 31.
Registrations are now being accepted for the 2007-2008 school year beginning on September 10.
The following classes are being offered:
Four-year-old Pre-kindergarten Classes - for those students who are four by August 31, 2007, and expect to attend kindergarten in the fall of 2008. Tuition is $135 per month.
1) Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings – 9:00 to 11:30, with an extended day on Wednesday (10:00 – 2:00)
2) Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons – 12:30 to 3:00, with an extended day on Wednesday (10:00 – 2:00)
Three-and-four-year-old Classes - For children who are three by December 31, 2007, and potty trained. Tuition is $85 per month.
3) Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 to 11:30
4) Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:30 to 3:00
Two-year-old Play Group - Three four-week sessions will be offered during the school year for two-year-olds. This class will meet at Trinity Lutheran Church. Tuition is $40 per session.
Registrations are also being accepted for Summer Day Camp held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, July 9- 20 from 10:00 to 1:00.
This summer’s theme is “Children around the World.” Students will “visit” Hawaii, Russia, Australia, Costa Rica, Sweden, and Whidbey Island through song, dance, games, stories, and crafts.
Tuition is $14 per day. Registration forms are available in the church office or by calling Joan Johnson at 331-4748.
Submitted (but not written) by Fr. Nigel Taber-Hamilton
From an article in the New York Times, dated 5/12/07
Somewhere near you, there's a blue-and-white sign bearing the familiar slogan: The Episcopal Church Welcomes You … It represents some 7,400 congregations that trace their beginnings in North America to a small but hopeful group of English Christians who arrived May 14, 1607 at a place they called Jamestown - the first permanent English settlement in the New World.
You may know us as Washington's monumental National Cathedral, site of historic services and ceremonies, or the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York, still unfinished, but already the largest cathedral in the world.
But the Episcopal Church is also Boston's Old North Church, founded in 1723 and made famous by serving as the beacon for Paul Revere's revolution-spurring "midnight ride." And Philadelphia's Christ Church, home parish of 15 signers of the Declaration of Independence, host to the first General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 1785.
It's Trinity Parish on Wall Street in New York, formed in 1698, and St. Paul's Chapel just down the street, frequented by George Washington and the spiritual healing center of Ground Zero since September 11, 2001.
It's also Epiphany Church in Los Angeles, where Cesar Chavez rallied the United Farm workers. And Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Cumberland, Maryland, whose basement was a major stop on the Underground Railroad to freedom for enslaved African-Americans. And St. John's Church in Greenwich Village, a meeting place for gay and lesbian action following the 1969 Stonewall uprising.
It's a parish in Iowa. A campus ministry in Georgia. A mission in Dinetah - the Navajo Reservation. A cathedral in Utah. Even a house church in Vermont.
Wherever you find us, you'll find the Book of Common Prayer and a Christian faith that honors and engages the Bible, the tradition of the Church, and God-given human reason.
Joined in prayer, you'll find people with many points of view - Christians who are progressive, moderate, and conservative - yet who value the diversity of their faith community.
That's a heritage drawn from our deep roots in nearly 2,000 years of English Christianity, and shared by a worldwide Anglican Communion that unites nearly 80 million people in 164 countries through prayer and ministries committed to caring for "the least of these," as Jesus commanded, by reducing poverty, disease, and oppression.
Episcopalians struggle with the same issues that trouble all people of faith: how to interpret an ancient faith for today ... how to maintain the integrity of tradition while reaching out to a hurting world ... how to disagree and yet love and respect one another.
Occasionally those struggles make the news. People find they can no longer walk with us on their journey, and may be called to a different spiritual home. Some later make their way back, and find they are welcomed with open arms.
Despite the headlines, the Episcopal Church keeps moving forward in mission - in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, as well as congregations in Belgium, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Guam, Haiti, Honduras, Italy, Micronesia, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Taiwan, Venezuela, and the Virgin Islands. We're committed to a transformed world, as Jesus taught: a world of justice, peace, wholeness, and holy living.
We've grown a lot in 400 years, since that 1607 worship service from the Book of Common Prayer was held in Jamestown-inside and out. Come see for yourself. Come and visit... come and explore ... come and grow.
Submitted by Elaine Ludtke
June’s Mission Sunday Offering supports the South Whidbey Youth Connection. Begun in 1989, by a grassroots group of parents, teachers, school counselors and health care professionals who banded together to advocate and create programs to meet the needs of middle school and high school youth on South Whidbey. After 18 years of serving thousands of youth and community members through an evolving menu of increasingly effective programs and activities, today we are the South Whidbey Youth Connection.
The South Whidbey Youth Connection, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to: providing youth with essential social, academic, individual, and environmental supports; to invite youth to engage in challenging, enriching and creative activities, in partnership with peers, adults, and the wider community; to empower youth to develop leadership and life skills which create pathways to healthy decision-making and meaningful community engagement: and to organize and mobilize community resources for the prevention of youth substance abuse and violence.
Operating programs include The Hub, an after-school drop-in program, which offers social and recreational activities in a safe and supportive setting to middle school youth; the Tutor/Mentor Program which recruits and matches community volunteers with students at Langley Middle School and South Whidbey High School who would benefit from additional academic and/or relationship support; the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) a youth-initiated and youth-led program, consisting of 15-20 South Whidbey youth; and the Island County Meth Action Team which aims to decrease the availability of precursor methamphetamine materials and methamphetamine production, as well as to increase treatment/recovery resources.
Your support of the South Whidbey Youth Connection is an investment in the future of our island community.
SEATTLE
The Episcopal Diocese of Olympia elected the Rev. Dr. Gregory Rickel to be the eighth Bishop of Olympia on May 12 at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle. The Episcopal Church in Western Washington is comprised of 32,000 members in 96 congregations that stretch between the Canada and Oregon borders, from the Pacific coast to the Cascade foothills.
Rickel, 43, currently rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church, Austin, Texas, was elected on the third ballot from a slate of five nominees. He was elected with 224 lay votes and 106 clergy votes. An election on that ballot required 185 votes of 369 cast in the lay order and 104 of 207 votes cast in the clergy order.
“It’s a hot day in Austin,” Rickel said via cell phone after the announcement of his election. “We’re looking forward to being with you all in the Diocese of Olympia. The blessings we received while we were with you on walkabout we carry with us today.” Rickel also sent his warm greetings to the other nominees who he said he dearly loves.
Since 2001, Rickel has been rector of St. James’, “an inclusive, multicultural community” and historically African-American Church started in east Austin in 1941. He has been a consultant for the Stewardship Office of the Episcopal Church Center in New York since 1997. He has consulted in Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Michigan, Oregon and Kentucky as well as in other denominations on such topics as initiating comprehensive stewardship programs, working better as a team, diversity, communications and evangelism. Rickel has been married to his wife, Marti, for 22 years and they are the proud parents of Austin Morris, 10 years.
Under the canons the Episcopal Church, a majority of bishops exercising jurisdiction and diocesan Standing Committees must consent to Rickel’s election and ordination as bishop. For more information on Episcopal Church canons, visit www.episcopalchurch.org.
Rickel's role as spiritual leader of the diocese officially begins when he is consecrated on Sept. 15 at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. He succeeds the Rt. Rev. Vincent W. Warner, 66, who will retire at the time of the consecration after 18 years as Bishop Diocesan.
Complete ballot results are available at www.bishopsearcholympia.org.
Other nominees were the Rev. Richard A. Burnett, 50, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Columbus, Ohio; the Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, rector of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Medina; the Rt. Rev. Bavi Edna (Nedi) Rivera, 61, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Olympia; and the Rev. Angela F. Shepherd, 47, rector of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Annapolis, Md. Burnett, Rivera and Shepherd withdrew after the second ballot.
June 2007
Submitted by Barbara Moss
An important part of the Caring Ministry is Intercessory Prayer. Names of those in need in the parish are read aloud on Sunday during Prayers of the People. The names of those who are sick, who have lost loved ones, or anyone needing the intercession of prayer are provided to the Rector or to the office for inclusion.
Barbara Moss has lead in another kind of Intercessory Prayer, the Prayer Chain. Its purpose is to offer an immediate prayer support system for the church family, their family and friends. Prayers may remain on the Chain for longer periods, depending on the situation. To have prayers on the Prayer Chain call Barbara Moss.
This Fall there will be a Prayer Box in the narthex for parishioners to leave requests for private prayers. These prayers are confidential. They would be prayed through the ministry of the Prayer Chain.
All other prayers continue to be said every Sunday during Prayers of the People. We pray for the world and our community. Intercession is our prayer to God to show mercy.
“For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”
(Matthew 7:8; Luke 11:10)
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