Following the Light in Epiphany, as the Light leads to change Wilma

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1 St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church in Cupertino McClellan Rd., Cupertino, CA (408) St. Jude s is a spiritual oasis where lives are transformed. January 2019 Volume 34, No. 1 the This Month Following the Light pages 1-2 A Le er from Kathy Yates pages 2-3 Welcoming & Sending page 3 Courtyard Update page 4 Preparing for the Annual Mee ng pages 4-5 Vestry & Delegate Candidates pages 5-6 Vestry Notes pages 6-7 The Divine Thread page 7 Gra tudes pages 8 Amahl Gra tudes page 9 iew from the orchard Following the Light in Epiphany, as the Light leads to change Wilma As the magi of old followed the bright star that led them to the baby Jesus, so we con nue to follow the light of Christ as it leads us into the future. A er much prayerful discernment in following the light of Christ in my life, it has become clear that God is calling me back to South Africa, where my voca onal journey began almost four decades ago. It is thus with deep gra tude for St. Jude s and with bi ersweet feelings, that on January 8, I offered my resigna on as rector of St. Jude s Church to the Senior Warden and Vestry, effec ve May 15. My last Sunday will be May 5. The Vestry met on January 15 to determine the next steps in consulta on with Canon Brian Nordwick, Diocesan Canon for Deployment. There are exci ng possibili es to be explored as St. Jude s mission and ministries con nue. In May, I will be joining the Volmoed Community and Retreat Centre outside Cape Town, as the chaplain and as part of the leadership team of the Volmoed Youth Leadership Training Program. As you may recall, this was part of my sabba cal experience last year. Working with college students and young people was the passion and call that first led me to seminary in the U.S. and ordina on in South Africa. Now, a er many years of forma on in many places, I am returning to pass on this forma on to the younger genera on of South African faith leaders who need it more than ever. St. Jude s has been a very special place for me these past six plus years. The love, generosity and deep care of this faith community for each other and the world has touched my life on a number of levels. I experienced that personally when I was hospitalized for several weeks in The scope of ministries and volunteering has been inspiring. The bonds formed through worship, prayer, pastoral care, outreach and forma on run deep. Shared experiences of grief, loss and tears, alongside laughter, joy and celebra on have made my heart sing. Even though I know it is me to leave, my heart aches because I love you and I know you love me. (con nued on next page) Page January 2019 the View

2 Even more, I am trus ng that the newness God is bringing into my life is also an opportunity for God s newness to come to St. Jude s faith community and mission. The scripture I come back to o en is Ephesians 3:20, God is able to do immeasurably far more than all we can ask or imagine. I pray that we may all experience this truth as we walk these next months of transi on and change together. I know that this may be difficult news, given that Sarah Lapenta-H is leaving us at the end of January, yet I trust in this season of Epiphany that God s light and love is guiding all of us and that God holds us in the palm of God s hand. I also believe that the lay leadership of St. Jude s is strong and able to faithfully lead you through this me of newness and change. While this is a sad me, it is also a hopeful and exci ng me of discerning what God has in store for St. Jude's. I hope to see you at the annual mee ng on January 27 a er we enjoy potluck brunch together following our combined service. We will talk more about the transi on, present our reports and finances for 2018 and elect our new vestry leaders. You are all deeply in my prayers as together we trust God and follow the light in this Epiphany season. A Letter From Senior Warden Kathy Yates Dear Fellow Parishioners, The news about Wilma s call to return to South Africa has been a lot for me to take in, and I imagine it is for you, as well. In my heart, I am not surprised: I have always felt that Africa is core to Wilma s en re being, and I believe that returning to her homeland is the right thing for Wilma. As such, I trust it is also right for St. Jude s. I am deeply thankful to have had a chance to work with her over the years, and especially in this past year as I served as Senior Warden. She brought an expansive, visionary spirit to St. Jude s that is now embedded in who we are. Wilma will be with us for several months as we con nue our work to discern how best to replace Sarah, move through the liturgical seasons of Lent and Easter, and begin the search for our next rector. She has asked me to stay on as Senior Warden, and I have gratefully accepted that invita on. I feel the past year allowed me to grow new connec ons with our parish that I hope will provide a good founda- on as we start the rector search process. Ken Foot has been a wonderful partner as Junior Warden, and has also graciously agreed to stand for reelec on. We have four solid candidates for Vestry to take the seats of those members whose terms are ending, a new Vestry clerk (Elena Lamp), and an experienced Treasurer (Jeffrey Pugh) and HR Administrator (Sara Razavi), and a solid cadre of dedicated ministry leaders in place. So I feel that the lay leadership of our parish is equipped to step forward into this season of change with confidence. Transi on periods such as the one we are entering are always mul -faceted filled with opportunity, uncertainty, and newness. In this season of Epiphany and light, I visualize this par cular transi on as being like a prism invi ng us to look at the cons tuent parts of our parish as dis nct, beau ful and colorful dimensions, while also reminding us to consider the brilliance and luminosity of the whole. My belief in the wholeness of this parish is reinforced by our recent experience of coming together so carefully during Wilma s sabba cal. Our congrega on is both resourceful and resilient. I trust that God will help us sustain our reserves of strength and crea vity as we transi on to new clergy leadership. In addi on to the strong lay leadership we are blessed with, Donna, Laura and Billie were steadfast and helpful during Wilma s sabba cal and I am confident our staff will con nue to work together effec vely in the months ahead. I am also grateful for Bruce, whose care and love for our parish is very (con nued on next page) Page 2 January 2019 the View

3 evident. He will be with us as an ongoing clergy presence throughout the coming period. Finally, we are blessed to have the con nuing wise counsel of Bishop Mary and Canon Brian Nordwick. They have already been a source of much support and guidance to Wilma and to me as Wilma discerned God s new calling to her. There are many details for us to consider as we map out the rector search process. Vestry began this planning at the January 15 mee ng, and we will collec vely have an opportunity to discuss thoughts and ideas at the all-parish Annual Mee ng on January 27. In the mean me, please feel free to bring ques ons or concerns to me, Ken Foot, or to any Vestry member. In this me, may we accept God s invita on to see anew our many, beau ful dimensions alongside the radiance of our whole community, while we hold one another, our Vestry, and especially Wilma, in prayers of thanksgiving for this community of grace, strength, and joy. Welcoming and Sending The Rev. Sarah Lapenta-H 2018 was laced with welcoming new folks into the St. Jude s community and saying goodbye to folks I d grown to love. This rhythm of welcoming and sending echoes the Epiphany story and the magi who visited Jesus: I imagine Mary and Joseph regularly welcomed people into the most precious part of their lives and then sent them on their way never to be seen again. When we talk about following the loving ways of Jesus, there are many stories where he modeled the pa ern of welcoming and sending, a pa ern that started at his birth with the shepherds and then the magi. Now it s my turn to be sent. Some of the most precious memories I will carry with me were formed over meals or cups of tea, si ng at hospital bedsides, discussing my sermons, or just holding each other in silence when words were not enough. I will also carry your love and ever hold you in my prayers with thanksgiving, not in the least for the last year of ministry that included a con nued focus on systemic work, such as leading the ministries involved in weddings and funerals/memorials to refresh how volunteers partner together in those sacred moments, and working with the team crea ng our new website pastoral care, including support of ministry leaders and many folks we do not see regularly at church but feel very connected to St. Jude s as their church serving as a sacramental presence, preaching, and suppor ng meaningful liturgy suppor ng all of you and Wilma while she was on sabba cal over the summer In our me together, my prayer was to quote an excerpt from Louise Glück s poem, Celes al Music: She's always trying to make something whole, something beau ful, an image Capable of life apart from her. As I wave adieu, I am excited about what and who you will welcome and love next as you follow Jesus pa ern of welcoming and sending. Like Jesus and his biological parents, you welcomed me and my instant family with open arms, and my me with you has been a gi! Page 3 January 2019 the View

4 new fencing and gates around the courtyard - plus we will have a volunteer day to raise the playground and spread the wood chip surfacing to make it inspec on-ready. Other finishing touches will include a water feature and garden which will be built as William Mason's Eagle Scout project, and a bocce court where the old playground used to be. Classroom Courtyard Update Jennifer Stern What are those huge holes in the ground? Is that a new tree in front of Room 2? And what are all those wooden boards in the classroom courtyard? YES! We have finally begun work on the classroom courtyard renova on. Demoli on began on Saturday, November 24th, with a volunteer work day. Over 25 St. Jude's volunteers plus representa ves from two Boy Scout troops removed plants, bricks, benches, a planter box, fencing, and the old playground in prepara on for our contractor to begin work on Monday, November 26th. Since then, we have completed demoli on, grading, and rough irriga on and have started outlining the main design of the courtyard in prepara on for concrete and pavers, which should be installed in mid-to-late January. We also installed two new trees - a large Coast Live Oak in front of room 2, and a Chinese Pistache at the back edge of what will be our new shaded pa o. We also have 15 HUGE holes in the ground - six holes for the foo ngs for the arbor which will cover the pa o area, and nine holes near the farmhouse and center courtyard which will be the foo ngs for our three pieces of playground equipment. In addi on to the courtyard upgrade, we are renova ng the restroom adjacent to room 5 to make it ADA-compliant, which involves enlarging the interior space and the doorways. This work is happening in parallel with the landscaping work. We expect to have at least two addi onal volunteer work days in the Feb/March meframe. We are collabora ng with Rotary and Live Oak to build a new planter box for the seniors to use and to install Thank you to all those who have supported the project thus far, including the volunteers who came out and contributed me and sweat and the many parish families who have made dona ons in support of the project. Preparing for the Annual Meeting: Sunday, January 27 We will have ONE 9:30 am youth-led service, followed by a potluck brunch and the Annual Mee ng. Brunch: Please bring finger foods that are easy to serve. It s best if you cut items at home before bringing them. We ask that you don t bring anything that needs to be warmed up, cooked or baked. Don t forget to mark your serving container with your name and be sure to take it home with you a er the mee ng! (con nued on next page) photos: Michelle Pugh Page 4 January 2019 the View

5 The mee ng will include elec ons to the Vestry and elec on of conven on delegates. There will be a discussion about the Annual Report including our finances for 2019, and remarks from Wilma, Jeffrey Pugh, and Kathy Yates. This will also be Sarah Lapenta-H s last Sunday with us. The mee ng moves fast - don t miss it. Vestry Candidates Wren Gray-Reneberg I appreciate St. Jude's emphasis on faith as a journey. As a poten al vestry member, that's what I would most like to help us con nue to embody. Faith journeys are unique, deeply personal, and may be full of surprises, but they require curiosity and open ears to walk them. As someone who grew up in the church (several churches, really) but who feels like there is an eternity more to learn, I am both inspired and humbled by the opportunity to help St. Jude's journey con nue to develop. I have been a member of St. Jude's for four years, am an ac ve par cipant in the Young Adults group, a delegate to Diocesan Conven on, and a Eucharis c Visitor accompanier (when I am available). I have a background in Psychology, and I live in San Jose with my dog Penny, and partner Erik. Beth Leonard Evangelism: spreading the Gospel of the Good news of Jesus. As a poten al vestry member, that is my highest priority, but I try to achieve it in a dignified, Episcopal, way. My family started at St. Jude's five years ago, and I have led the Vaca on Bible Camp here for the last four years. When serving on the Finance Commi ee for the last two budget cycles, I have tried to keep the St. Jude's mission covenant of nurturing our volunteers and leaders present in the financial processes of the church. I have two children, Peter, 14, and Amber, 11, and a husband of 21 years, Jon, who does not a end church. Dan Putler (also an alternate delegate candidate) I have been part of the St. Jude's community since 2012, and am currently one of the "8:00 people". At this point, I am a member of the Communion Bread making, Garden, Greeters Minisrty, and a lay Eucharis c minister. I was bap zed and confirmed into the Episcopal Church in 1994, while I was on the faculty at Purdue University. At Purdue, I was the faculty adviser to the Episcopal Campus Student Ministry. Based on my previous work for a number of successful administra ve commi ees, I believe I can help to further St. Jude's ministry and outreach as a vestry member. Jennifer Shearin My family and I have been members of St. Jude s for eight years. I hope you ve met me gree ng on Sunday mornings or serving at coffee hour a er the 10:30 am service. At St. Jude s, I ve also enjoyed helping with Godly Play and with our signage. I m a stay-at-home-parent, and what my family calls a professional volunteer currently this means I m a long me Girl Scout leader, on the board of (con nued on next page) Page 5 January 2019 the View

6 Walk-Bike Cuper no, and a Commissioner for the City of Cuper no. Previously, I have sat on PTA boards, was the Treasurer for a preschool, and ran the Cuper no Tournament of Bands twice. A (very) long me ago I was an automo ve engineer. I really look forward to the opportunity to be on the St. Jude s Vestry as a new way to serve both my faith and wider community. Alternate Delegates Judy Bailey My husband Doug and I have been at St. Jude s since I am a Stephen Ministry leader and co-chair of the newcomers commi ee. Together Doug and I serve as coffee hosts and greeters. Currently I am on Vestry un l January I have prior experience as a delegate and I feel that it is especially important for St. Jude s to be strongly connected and influen al in the Diocese during this me of transi on, not only for St. Jude s but also for the Diocese. I would feel privileged to serve in this capacity once again. Mary Hultquist My family came to St. Jude s in 2006 and jumped into volunteering with abandon. I ve served in many different ministries, including twice on vestry (senior warden twice) and diocesan delegate twice. Marc LeBlanc I was born and raised in Bri sh Columbia, Canada with a strong French Canadian heritage and culture. Typical of French Canadians, I also had a tradi onal Roman Catholic upbringing and a ended Catholic school un l grade six. My educa onal background and experience in electronics and programming eventually led me to take a posi on at Apple Inc. in April of While working at Apple, I met Karen LeBlanc (née Carlson) in 2014 who introduced me to St. Jude s where she was a ending services and was a Youth mentor. Anne Mahler I have been a member of St. Jude's for two years. I'm ac ve on the Community Forum Commi ee and the Social Jus- ce & Outreach Commi ees. I grew up in a clergy family and have always been interested in how the larger church works. Dan Putler (see previous page) Peter Troop I have been a member of St. Jude s for the last 18 years. Previously I have served as alternate and delegate to the Diocesan Conven on at four different mes. I am a member of the Altar Guild, a Eucharis c Minister, have been ac ve in the Social Jus ce Outreach Commi ee and help coordinate St. Jude s rela onship with Santa Maria Urban Ministry and the people of Saint Patrick school in Hai. I would be honored to again represent St. Jude s as an Alternate to Conven on. December 2018 Vestry Highlights Wilma opened with a devo onal song that reflected the spirit of advent. She reminded us that advent is the season of preparing our hearts to accept God s grace and allow the mystery to work in our lives, especially amongst all the busyness of our me. Turning to the business of the evening, Vestry approved minutes from the October and November mee ngs, along with Finance resolu ons to establish clergy housing allowances for the coming year; designated a recent dona on to St. Jude s as being for the Rector s discre onary fund; and a designated Women s retreat fund to hold monies on account for that purpose. (con nued on next page) Page 6 January 2019 the View

7 We then reviewed the first dra of the 2019 budget. Pledge income for 2019 is projected at $516,278, which requires us to reduce spending from 2018 in order to maintain a balanced budget. As previously instructed by Vestry, the ini al budget maintains a minimum of 5% of pledged income for social jus ce and outreach ac vi es (~$25,813), plus 1% of pledged income for theological educa on ($5,162). The replacement for the Associate Rector posi on was budgeted as a part me (~75%) posi on. There are no cost of living increases for exis ng staff in this first dra. The budget will be adjusted as we go forward to reflect addi onal pledges as we close out the financial promise season. It was noted that ght finances are being felt by churches throughout our diocese. As we moved into a report from the Social Jus ce Outreach commi ee (SJOC), Liz Mulford (as chair) expressed disappointment that we are not able to maintain a commitment of 10% of pledges for social jus ce work. Vestry approved three year-end alloca- ons from SJOC: to Live Oak for $6,500, to the Canterbury Bridge program at SJSU ($2,000) for student room and board assistance, and to Episcopal Peace Fellowship ($200) for con nued membership. There followed a discussion about the role of advocacy of the commi ee, and of the Vestry on behalf of important moral issues. Vestry agrees to explore this ques on further, perhaps at the upcoming annual mee ng. Vestry next reviewed a report by Sarah that recounts what has emerged from our Apprecia ve Inquiry process with ministry leaders. The conversa ons have been healthy and energizing. Vestry discussed how to con nue them in the coming year. This will be a topic for us to explore at our upcoming Vestry retreat. In other ma ers, Vestry discussed dates for the retreat and received an update on recrui ng candidates to serve on Vestry in the coming year. Advent Jazz Vespers: Clinging to the Divine Thread of Comfort and Joy The following is an excerpt from Carolyn Bowker s reflec on So where in all this [loss and change] do I find comfort and joy? It is easier for me to find comfort and peace. I find these in prayer me, gardening, holding my cats especially when they purr, singing Taizé chants, ea ng special meals. I try to have compassion with myself. I do a lot of posi ve self talk to encourage myself when something is difficult. Because of my desire to feel more joy in my life, I have done some thinking about what this means. Something in my pondering led me to believe that joy and happiness or feeling good are not the same thing. It helped to read the Book of Joy by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama. In it, the Dalai Lama states we can also experience happiness at the deeper level through our mind, such as love, compassion and generosity. What characterizes happiness at this deeper level is the sense of fulfillment that you experience. What I have no ced from that perspec ve is that prac cing gra tude for all the small things in daily life, which are easily taken for granted, allows me to feel joy. I felt the joy of being li ed and carried in prayer during and a er my heart procedure. I experience that deeper joy when spending me with the inmates in jail, even when I feel I have nothing to offer but my presence. I have been trying to pay a en on to when I feel joy with the hope of increasing that experience. Joy is found in deepening my rela onship with God and with others. Joy is found in seeing the beauty and diversity in a garden. I find joy when I find meaning even in difficult mes. Your 2018 Vestry: (from back le ) Pat Coles, Ken Foot, Lauren Minkel, Mason Razavi, Kathy Yates, Don Disney, Wilma Jakobsen, Susan Davenport, Liz Mulford, Sco Rotondo. (front from le ) Shanie George, Sarah Lapenta-H, Judy Bailey. Page 7 January 2019 the View

8 It is a privilege to have a rector discre onary fund that enables me to help people in our community and others who come and ask for financial assistance. A big thank you to all who donated to this fund in Your dona ons helped to buy gi cards, pay u lity or phone bills, assist with rent, auto repairs, emergency housing and more. I deeply appreciate your generosity. ~Wilma Thanks to John Butcher, our Social Services Volunteer, who meets with people needing financial assistance, provides informa on about housing and other resources, guides clergy about who to help and how. John is available in the West Room, Mondays and Thursdays, 12:30-1:30 pm. He is a gi to St. Jude s. We give thanks this season for The lovely Christmas Eve, Christmas, and Epiphany services, and all who created and held the sacred space! The financial support from your chili purchases that enabled the Youth Group to support 72 children, youth, and elderly with Gi s for the Giving tree $ (the youth made a total of 21.5 gallons of chili in this year)! ~ Karen LeBlanc Your purchases of over sixty gi s and gi cards for Santa Maria Urban Ministry s children and youth Angel Tree. Your generous dona ons to help with the fire, totaling $2475. Your 2019 pledges, totaling $510,475 and 119 households. Thank you to all who donated to my discre onary fund in 2018, enabling me to help congregants and other community members with meals, marriage counseling and other personal counseling fees, gas cards, u lity bills, medical bills, auto expenses, rental assistance, and hotel rooms. ~ Sarah+ Amahl Gratitudes Laura Green Big Amahl (Catherine Pugh) and Li le Amahl (Kai Echeverria) passing the baton as our new produc on in 2019 echoes the successful produc on in Should we wait another 10 years? Thank you St. Jude s for suppor ng our performances of Amahl and the Night Visitors. Both nights were well a ended in spite of the rain. The people who spoke to me a erwards were very glad they had a ended, and men oned the wonderful singing, the cozy set, and the amazing dancing by our choir. And for the price of a cket, you got to see our own Bruce dance! (con nued on next page) Page 8 January 2019 the View

9 One of the wise people in the musical, John Kemp, said, I enjoyed being part of a story of redemp on. I loved the songs. They have so much meaning and humor." Actor and choir member, Daphne, said, I loved the dancing! For a precious moment in me we were transported to the me of the Bible, par cipa ng in the world-changing realiza on that the Savior had been born in Bethlehem, with the power to heal. Many thanks to all the people who made this posi ve experience possible. It happened because we are a community and for that special me together we were all focused on bringing a blessing to people through this opera by Gian-Carlo Meno. ~ Laura Green photos: Lisa Carpenter Page 9 January 2019 the View

10 S t. Jude s t.ude s Episcopal Church, Cupertino, CA The VIEW from the Orchard is a monthly publica on Jana Chow, Editor St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church McClellan Road Cuper no, CA How to contact St. Jude s: office@saintjudes.org (408) Page 10 January 2019 the View