From the Priest-in-Charge The Rev. Elaine H. Breckenridge

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1 Committed to living a faith journey that is sacred, intentional, compassionate and inclusive. From the Priest-in-Charge The Rev. Elaine H. Breckenridge Worship Sunday, January 1 9:30 a.m. Sunday, January 8 9:30 a.m. Sunday, January 15 9:30 a.m. Sunday, January 22 9:30 a.m. Sunday, January 29 9:30 a.m. Special Events Friday, January 27 Soul Kitchen Sunday, January 29 Annual Meeting I have never been a person to make New Year s resolutions. They ve always seemed to be driven by the commercial world. You ve seen the ads. Lose weight, try these products. Want to put your life in order, Do it by re-tooling your closets. Buy our system to get you started. From personal improvements to home improvements, January seems to be the month to instigate new behaviors and begin new projects. Now there is nothing wrong with listening to those voices, and engaging in a little folklore practice or making resolutions but as a faith community who follows the way of Jesus, I suggest that all we need is less. Less stuff, less anxiety, less self-focus. The season of Epiphany is upon us and for the next several Sundays, through the end of February, we will hear stories of how God was and is made manifest in Jesus. Think of these sacred stories as signs, signs that point to the divine and signs that invite us to share in the divine life. As we move into another year of grace, let it begin by rediscovering what we already have a relationship with the Holy Trinity: God the earth-maker, Christ the pain-bearer and Spirit, the life-giver. And let us resolve to know this sacred triad in and through our life in community with the friends of St. John the Baptist.

2 Formation and Spiritual Renewal The Eve of Epiphany, Thursday, January 5 A Contemplation and Chant Circle, called Manifesting Divinity will finish our celebration of the season of the Incarnation. This service will focus on the three great Epiphany Gospel stories with readings by contemporary authors and sung chants. Contemplative in nature, there will be silent time for reflection. Please not that a reception will not be held following this offering. Adult Forum, Sundays 11:15-12:15 The adult forum will begin again on Sunday, January 8 at 11:15 meeting in the Hospitality Room. The class, meeting weekly will continue viewing and discussing the challenging the DVD series called Violence Divine, featuring scholar John Dominic Crossan. Note the later start time so participants can enjoy some time at coffee hour. The forum will not be held on the last Sunday in January because of the Annual Meeting that day. Contemplation and Conversation, Thursdays January 12 & 26 Contemplation and Conversation gathers the second and fourth Thursday of Janaury. The structure of the group is to read scripture and other writings devoted to a spiritual theme. That is followed by twenty minutes of silence, guided conversation and then a brief closing worship. Drop-ins and new members are most welcome. Page 2 St. John s Episcopal Church

3 Parish Life On January 29, following the 9:30 Eucharist the annual meeting will be held. All who worship with us are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. At the annual meeting we elect new parish leaders: vestry members and delegates to convention. We will review our finances and receive next year s budget as presented by the vestry. We will continue our community building work as guided conversations on a theme will be offered. January 2017 Page 3

4 Parish Life Meet The Rev. Edward K. Dondi I am pleased to introduce Dondi as he likes to be called as a volunteer assisting priest. Please welcome him and Elizabeth his wife into our congregation. For the moment he will be assisting on Sundays until such time there are projects in the parish that might be of interest to him. He also works as a chaplain at St. Joseph s Hospital in Stockton. EHB+ I was ordained Deacon in 1983 and Priest in 1984 in the Anglican Church of Kenya, Diocese of Nairobi. I served all my ministry in the Diocesan office as a Director of Community and Refugee Services , before moving to be Assistant to the Provost at All Saints Cathedral in the same Diocese in 1992 until From , I became a Vicar of different parishes. In 2000 became Priest-in-charge of Cristo Rei congregation in Luanda, Angola (Anglican Province of South Africa) and 2001 my family and I sought asylum in the US. I am a lifelong Christian, Priest, and Hospital Chaplain. I hold a Masters degree in Divinity and a post graduate Certificate in Healthcare Ethics. I am currently working on my Doctor of Ministry thesis. I have a deep concern for mission, evangelism and spiritual growth. I am married to Elizabeth who is a program manager with IHSS (In Home Supportive Services) Public Authority in Contra Costa County. Elizabeth holds a bachelors degree in Human Resources. We have three adult children: Evie, Leona and Nathan. We are residents of Oakley California. My interests include reading, listening to music and cooking for others. I enjoy discovering new places and culture. I am honored by Bishop David Rice to have offered me the opportunity to be a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin and excited about the opportunities it presents. Elizabeth and I are greatly delighted to be invited by Mother Elaine to share and contribute to this dynamic ministry of bringing God's love to the people of St. John the Baptist. I look forward to getting to know the people of St. John the Baptist, Lodi in the months to come. Page 4 St. John s Episcopal Church

5 Parish Life Soul Kitchen ALL ARE WELCOME AT OUR TABLE Our monthly Community Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the last Friday of every month. This is a FREE dinner. Our next dinner is Friday, January 27. Our wonderful Designers Guild always decorates our altar on Sundays with fresh flowers. However, this dedicated group of ladies does this with no allotted budget. It is through our donations of remembrance or celebrations that fund this wonderful mission. So with that thought, if you have a loved one to remember or an occasion to celebrate or remember please contact me, Linda Harkins at jlharkins9@comcast.net or phone (209) with your request. You can also let the Church Office know of your intention. In order for your request to appear in the Newsletter it should be to me by the 5 th of the previous month. The donation is still $25 and it is greatly appreciated. Remember this can be a special occasion such as a birth, graduation, a life achievement, a new job, a new home!! A lovely way to say Thanks. Blessings to all, Linda Harkins Altar Flowers January 2017 Page 5

6 Parish Life The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist Manifesting Divinity A Chant Circle Thursday, January 5 at 7:00 pm Sung chants, silence, readings and poetry Worship: Sundays 9:30 a.m S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi stjohnslodi@sbcglobal.net Page 6 St. John s Episcopal Church

7 Parish Life Caring Hearts Ministry Caring Hearts is a ministry to provide services to members in need. At some point in our lives, we will all be in need. I was in need due to an adverse reaction to an antibiotic following surgery a couple of years ago. I was astonished and very grateful when 21 of my fellow parishioners at my church in Fullerton provided help, everything from grocery shopping to housecleaning to driving to visiting and everything in between! Prior to this, I had been providing food and transportation to those in need, as my ways of helping. This is a wonderful and wonderfilled ministry on both sides. And I think it is a vital service for our church family. visit, run errands, child care, yard work, send cards, make phone calls, clean cat litter boxes, stay for a few hours to give the caregiver a break. You can see there are ample opportunities to help and most of these require no specific skill! I would encourage all of you to consider partaking in this ministry. This is provided on an as-needed basis. All help is welcome! Please call Suzanne Kaisch at or suzkaisch@hotmail.com if you are willing to help and/or if you have a need. Right now the following categories have been identified: prepare food, deliver food, drive, shop, clean house, laundry, January 2017 Page 7

8 Christmas Adornments We offer special thanks for our donors for Christmas Flowers and Special Music 2016 Ann Marie Addler, in loving memory of Gladys Malvini Mary Ellen Beckman, in loving memory of Kenneth and our family members who are departed and thanksgiving for family and friends, special thanks for Annie, John and Henry Carol Bower Foote, in loving memory of Frank and Barbara Bower, Al and Belle Bloom, and Lewis Lawrence Joseph Foote. Elaine and Breck Breckenridge in loving memory of The Rev. G. Edward Howlett and Ruby Lou Breckenridge Kevin and Jeannie Canwell, in loving memory of our son Paul, our parents Floss & Roy Ellis and Jane & John Canwell Ruth Diekman, in loving memory of and thanksgiving for family members and friends Beth and Jim Elwood, in thanksgiving for many wonderful blessings Sharon Farnsworth, in loving memory of George Farnsworth and in thanksgiving for family present and departed Patricia Fehling, in loving memory of her husband, Don; her father, Charles Lambert; and her mother, Lenora Lambert; and in thanksgiving for St. John's and all family and friends Elfonda Filomeo, for all God's blessings and in memory of Brandon and Donald Sarah Gay Gerard-Platt, in thanksgiving for my family and friends. Kathy & Pete Girard, in thanksgiving for many wonderful blessings Chester and Rose George, in thanksgiving for their children, grandchildren, and great-grand children Linda Harkins & Lisa Ayers, in loving memory of Husband & Dad Jack Harkins, grandfather William Wiegner and grandparents John and Anne Harkins Donna and Bob Hoffman, in memory of their daughter, Kimberly Crespi and granddaughters, Tessara and Samantha Crespi The Kafton Family, in thanksgiving for the lives of Jim Gerard, Mel and Rick Wagner, Jagger Kafton and Tad Platt Jocelyn and Natalie Kafton, in thanksgiving for Jared Harrigan #60 Page 8

9 Peter and Barbara Krengel, in loving memory of Richard and Carol Krengel Corky & Karen Kuykendall, in thanksgiving for many blessings for family and friends Corky & Karen Kukendall, in loving memory of our daughter, Gia, Amanda, Bill, Ruth, Paul & Thelma Norma Laterreur, loving wife, in loving memory of Jean Claude Laterreur Jim & Jeanne Ledbetter, in loving memory of Keith & Barbara Ledbetter, Mike, Marge & John Suess Jim & Jeanne Ledbetter, in thanksgiving for the many blessings God has given our family John, Edyth, Kimberly (Bronson) and Craig Ledbetter give thanks for the life of Chris Wied, past Senior Warden and Vanadeane Brooks, blessed leaders of St. John s John and Edyth Ledbetter, in celebration of life of their parents, Grace and Ernie Ellis, and Barbara and Keith Ledbetter; and for the blessings of children and grandchildren Norman and Patsy Lithco, in memory of our parents, Norval and Elizabeth Gundershaug, Robert and Elizabeth Lithco Patsy Lithco and Tom Gundershaug, in memory of Louise Gundershaug Pena and MaryAnne Gundershaug Hawley-Norris Ida Mae Lobb, in loving memory of Mary Thomas Elizabeth Lobb and Joe Lobb Russ & Kathryn Munson, in memory of friends and loved ones Gwin Paden, in thanksgiving for God s blessings and for family and friends and in memory of Jack Frank Pegg, in loving memory of his wife, Joyce; his parents, Frank and Evelyn Pegg; Joyce s parents, John and Beatrice Parker; and Frank s brother, Kenneth Tom Ramonda, in loving memory of Caroline Ramonda Anne and Jim Reeve, In memory of John Reeve, Roger and Marian Reeve and Ellen and George Webster Verna Furry-Reinhardt, in loving memory of Steven and Olive Furry Christmas Adornments Paula Saubolle in memory of her father Louis Bachmann and the Rev. Roger Jones Yvonne Schildt, in loving memory of The Rev. Ken Schildt and Joan Marie Schildt-Hyerle Vinita Shinn, in loving memory of her husband, Bob, and her parents, John and Eula Coulter Page 9

10 Adornments Dorothy Snyde, in loving memory of her parents, Lydia and Alexander Chappuis; her brother, Louis Chappuis; and for Fred and Addine Snyde Richard and Sandie Stevens, in loving memory of Richard s grandmother, Alice Culver for her wonderful cooking and love Patrice Tait, in loving memory of Turner, Shirley and Charles Joy Rob and Shawna Thompson, in loving memory of his mother, Marilyn Thompson Joel & Nancy Walker in loving memory of Barbara & Keith Ledbetter; Opal and Art Walker, Walter & Gertrude Mundt; George & Mae Ledbetter Douglas B. Wied, in loving memory of Christine M. Wied. Walter and Barbara Wolterstorff, in thanksgiving for the many wonderful blessings of family and the birth of our 6 th grandchild Dick, Janie, Lindsey and Allison Williams in loving memory of Jerry and Max Christesen and in thanksgiving for family and friends! Greg Wilson Family, in loving memory of Oz Wilson, Randy Wilson and Carolyn Wilson Roxy Woodard, in thanksgiving for God s Blessings We are grateful for these donors whose gifts adorn our worship in January January 8 Mary Ellen Beckman in loving memory of her husband Kenneth for his birthday January 9 January 15 Roxy and Steve Woodard in loving memory of her mother Barbara Voss for her birthday January 17 Corky and Karen Kuykendall in loving memory of their daughter Angela Dawn Kuykendall and granddaughter Amanda Dawn Klaff for their shared birthday January 18 January 22 Bob and Donna Hoffman in loving memory of their granddaughters Tessara and Samantha Crespi January 29 John and Edyth Ledbetter in celebration of their wedding anniversary January 28 If you would like to dedicate flowers in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving, please call the parish office at Page 10 St. John s Episcopal Church

11 January Celebrations 1: Eddie Knutsen Jan Manildi 3: Betty Ferrara Andrew Kafton 5: Nolan Parker 6: Jonathan Langone 7: Carol Foote 8: Paul George Travis McLoughlin 11: Stefano Lima Faith Freund 16: Jose Mujica 17: Claire Augusto Francis Nieman 19: Carrie Martin Briana Gregg 21: Dillion Buck Vinita Shinn Jennifer Tudor 23: Gianna Ginochio 25: Mary Ellen McConnell 30: Betty Bandelin Jeanne Ledbetter Scot Martin 31: Kathryn Tempel 19: Deb and Rich Shook 28: Edyth and John Ledbetter Men s BBQ The men of St. John s will gather on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. as they enjoy great food and fellowship! January 2017 Page 11

12 The Episcopal Church of Saint John the Baptist 1055 S. Lower Sacramento Rd. Lodi, CA Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Lodi, CA Permit No. 161 Phone: Return Service Requested We re on the web What s happening in January Sun 1st 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 9:00-12:00 Nursery care provide 11:00 a.m. Adult Forum Wed. 4th 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Thurs 5th 7:00 p.m. Eve of Epiphany Sun 8th 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 9:00-12:00 Nursery care provided 11:00 a.m. Adult Forum Mon. 9th 7:00 p.m. Vestry Meeting 10:00 a.m. Bible Study Wed. 11th 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Thurs 12th 1:00 p.m. C & C Wed. 18th 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Sun 22nd 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 11:00 a.m. Adult Forum 9:00-12:00 Nursery care provide Mon. 23rd 10:00 a.m. Bible Study Wed. 25th 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Thurs 26th 1:00 p.m. C & C Fri. 27th 5:30 p.m. Soul Kitchen Sun. 29th 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 11:00 a.m. Annual Meeting 9:00-12:00 Nursery care provided Sun. 15th 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 11:00 a.m. Adult Forum 9:00-12:00 Nursery care provided 5:00 p.m. Men s BBQ