Benedictions October 2009

Vicars Voice

I’ll be happy when…

I shake my head in disbelief every time. How is it that I can hold my own sense of well being and joy hostage by saying, “I’ll be happy when…” you can fill in the blank. I’ll be happy when the mortgage is paid. I’ll be happy when I get that promotion. I’ll be happy when I have a new car or a new pool or…

Last month, I wrote about the book, How your Church Family Works by Peter Steinke and a particular chapter of that book that I and the Bishop’s Committee have been spending some time studying. Quite often Steinke is invited into churches to work as a consultant and to help resolve issues or conflicts in a church—to help congregational families redefine their problems and their reality. The first question he asks is: “What would it look like if you were happy, satisfied?” Full Article

Hoping to Grow in Christ by the Rev. Andrew Shirota

“I just love Costco… No matter which one you go to, you know exactly where things are…”, said a friend of mine who just returned from her one-year business assignment in Japan recently. Apparently, Japan now has a Costco and it is very popular. According to her, she visited it often when she felt homesick. Her comment made me chuckle because I was thinking somewhere on the same line about the baptism service at St. James, Kent, which she and I had just attended. Yes, the church welcomed me with the famous The Episcopal Church welcomes you sign on the street, but the crowd was a little bit different than ours. Yet, knowing when to do or say certain things before looking at the service bulletin made me feel right at home despite my unfamiliarity in the neighborhood.  Full Article

Earth Ministry Events by Beth Ilem

So What's Next

On Sunday, September 20 after the 10:30 Eucharist several parishioners met together to discuss the surveys results from over the summer and to look at what’s next for St. Benedict.

One of the most important pieces that came out of this time together was the idea of bettering our communication and listening process by holding quarterly times when parishioners can gather together with the Vicar or Bishop’s Committee to talk about what’s on their minds and what’s happening.

Several concerns were voiced about attracting younger generations to St. Benedict and that that was a very big issue for many of the people attending the meeting. We also discussed plans for the new worship service at 5:30 (see Third Liturgy article below about that). 

Another important piece that was mentioned was that while we are growing and are a medium sized church (our current average Sunday attendance is 130 as of 8/2009) people named that we tend to function and communicate like a smaller sized church.

Our next All Church meeting will be held on: October 11 after the 10:30 Eucharist coffee hour or if you can’t make that time, Wednesday October 14 at 5:30-6:30 p.m.

At this meeting, we will be focusing on Congregational Size. *

* Please Note: these meeting were cancelled. Please attend the Soup Supper Program on October 7th instead.W

St. Benedict's Third Liturgy Planning Committee - New Sunday Eucharist: Questions and Answers by the Rev. George Anne Boyle

Q: How will the new liturgy be different from the 10:30 Eucharist,
and how will it be the same?

The word we’re using to describe the new Eucharist (at 5:30 p.m., starting on November 29) is “Benedictine.” By this we mean that like the 8:00 & 10:30 liturgy, it will be deeply reverential and will have all the grace and fluidity that we cherish. In addition to this, this new evening liturgy will a) use expansive language in its Eucharistic prayer and other liturgical texts, b) incorporate an expanded musical repertoire featuring texts published since The Hymnal 1982 and texts suitable for evening, c) have a streamlined shape, and d) feature a shared homily in which a homilist will offer brief remarks and members of the assembly will be invited to share reflections if they so choose, will offer a chance for more silence as well. Click here for more questions and answers.

Read any good books lately?

Don’t forget about the Growing in Christ Classes and the Adult Formation Classes between Sunday services at 9:15—10:15 a.m.

Daughters of the King by Lucy Reuter

The Daughters of the King is an Order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, or churches in communion with it. Members undertake a Rule of Life incorporating prayer and service. By reaffirmation of the promises made at Baptism and Confirmation, a Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program of prayer, service and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ’s Kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of the parish.

A Tasteful Auction: A FUNdraiser for Interfaith Works

You’re sure to be licking your lips and tapping your toes at this fun event while you make some new friends, taste some amazing desserts, hear some awesome music and help raise some funds for Interfaith Works at the same time!

Live music will be provided by Artesian Rumble Arkestra (ARA), including former IW board member Richard Lopez. You are certain to be HAPPY to spend your money on delicious desserts and some very interesting, even unique items. 

Marvelous and mouth-watering desserts will be available for tasting as well as auctioned. Just some of the other items available are a hand crafted quilt by Leslie Edwards-Hill, handmade scarves, a gift basket of local foods, harmonica lessons, and an authentic Stumpf Fiddle that must be seen to be believed.

Who says fundraising has to be intimidating? We are going to have a blast at Interfaith Works’ first ever Tasteful Auction. Bring your family and friends for an entertaining and tasty evening as we support the mission and goals of Interfaith Works. 

Esoterics has been canceled for October 11th at St. John's.

Knitting/Crocheting Group by Meredith Blundell 

German Minsitry 

The German Ministry meets the first Saturdy of the month from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Benedict. There will be a German Service followed by fellowship in the Parish Hall. Come and check it out and spread the word!

Kid's Corner

2nd Sunday's Gospel: Mark 10:17-31

Camp Michael 2009

More than 100 campers, C.I.T.’s and Counselors spent from August 2nd through the 6th experiencing “SOUL TENDING”, the theme for the 37th year of Camp Michael. 

From the Polar Bear swimming at 7:30 in the morning to the campfire as the last event of each day, all discovered in their own way how we can be in touch with our souls & take care of each other. The themes each day led us through “Bless My Soul” - what is the soul? Your soul & God, ways to care for or “tend” your soul.  Monday’s theme of  “My Soul & Me” discovered ways to take care of yourself, honor your body, explore the commandment to love yourself, and recognize the gift from God that we are. Tuesday was “Who You Gonna Call? Soul Tenders! Full Article

St Benedict to Host Youth Conference by Jan Akin

Stained Glass Window

St. Benedict has received a wonderful gift from a long time parishioner. The gift is a commissioned artist to put together a group of stained glass windows for the seven windows that are up top in our church space. A committee is being formed to have input into that commission and to also examine the aesthetic values of our building.

Vicar: The Rev. George Anne Boyle

Associate Vicar: The Rev. Andrew Shirota

Church Administrator: Lacey O'delle Smith

Treasurer: Collie Liska

Director of Children and Teen Ministries: Jan Akin

Pastoral Musician: Susan Bloomfield 

Head Nursery Assistant: Susan Upton

Sunday School: Carla Whiting, Michelle & Matt Fisher