Committed to living a faith journey that is sacred, intentional, compassionate and inclusive.

Transcription

1 January 2019 Committed to living a faith journey that is sacred, intentional, compassionate and inclusive. Worship Every Sunday Holy Eucharist 9:30 am Special Events Friday, January 4 Celebration of Life for Karen Trueman 1:00 pm Every Thursday Fr. Tom Bonacii speaks on Revelation 10:30 am, Chapel Sunday, January 20 Following Church Service Annual Meeting Friday, January 25 Soul Kitchen 5:30 pm Ever-present God, you call us on a journey to a place we do not know. We are not where we started. We have not reached our destination. We are not sure where we are or who we are. Be among us, we pray. Calm our fears, save us from discouragement, and help us to stay on course. Open our hearts to your guidance so that our journey to this unknown place continues as a journey of trust. Amen. -The Reverend Canon Kristi Philip, Women s Uncommon Prayers

2 From Our Priest-In-Charge Dear Friends, St. John s is in the midst of many transitions right now and I commend this prayer to individuals and small groups for use over the coming months. In a book called Transitions, William Bridges the author, describes transition as a natural process of disorientation and reorientation that marks a turning point on the path of growth. For individuals and communities transitions can result in wonderful times of renewal. Transition is a process. According to Bridges, transitions have three stages: endings, a neutral zone, new beginnings. In a transition what has to change is an old outlook and an old value system in order for renewal to take place. Today I am focusing on endings. In subsequent articles, we will explore the other two stages. Currently, we are in a time of endings. During this period, it is necessary to let go of the old before we can pick up the new, both outwardly and inwardly. For me and for you, we will soon need to let go of our pastoral connection with one another. This will be difficult for me! On Christmas Eve I was overwhelmed with sadness as I stepped forward to offer a blessing. I realized it was my last Christmas Eve service with you. It is difficult to let go because I have truly enjoyed my time among you. Letting go is difficult because it involves loss. And sometimes a new loss can trigger feelings from a previous loss. While new beginnings can be very positive, there is no way around processing the sadness of endings. Part of the process of ending a pastoral relationship involves both saying goodbye and celebrating the five years we shared together. Fortunately, we will have ample time to do this as I have revised my schedule for leaving St. John s and Lodi. I will be with you until March 10. To celebrate our relationship and to attend to this process of letting go, I will be crafting a special liturgy for that occasion which will be used on March 3. A reception will follow. I will be here to offer the traditional Ash Wednesday services on March 6 and my last service with you will be on the first Sunday of Lent on March 10. Page 2 St. John s Episcopal Church Continued on next page

3 From Our Priest-In-Charge Breck and I do expect to move to the Northwest sometime in April. We just do not know where yet. The plan of course is to land within driving distance of our children and grandchild. We await God s timing and direction to unfold. There are other transitions to note besides my retirement. We said good-bye to our organist and choir director Kristy Wells in December. Kristy found it too much to juggle her expanding full time job as a music teacher along with the responsibilities she had here. However, we have been blessed with the recent arrival of Steven Weikle who is now our new choir director. Steve is a music educator in the Unified Lodi School District with his primary job teaching both choir and music at Tokay High School. He jumped into the deep end by beginning in Advent just in time to prepare the choir for Christmas Eve. The choir singing that evening was wonderful! Another transition that I would like to announce is that of a new Senior Warden. Colleen Hurley agreed to a one-year term on the vestry and service as Senior Warden. We will thank her and honor her at the Annual Meeting on January 20. In the meantime, please know that I have appointed Pat Fehling as the next Senior Warden. She has already begun working with the Diocese to facilitate leading the vestry and parish through this season of transition. Our Sunday birthday and anniversary prayer seems very appropriate now. May our prayer and affirmation be, Oh God our times are is in your hands. Faithfully, The Rev. Elaine Breckenridge January 2019 Page 3

4 Parish News Vestry Meetings, January 9 & January 13 The next regularly scheduled meeting of the vestry is Wednesday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. There will be a special meeting on January 13 following the Eucharist with Canon Anna to discuss details of the transition. Attention Ministry Leaders! Ministry Reports due January 13, 2019 It is that time again to start preparing for the Annual Meeting in January. Please have your Ministry reports to Penny in the office by January 13, Thank you. Annual Meeting Sunday, January 20 On Sunday, January 20 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 also hear more about the transition process in calling a new priest. The vestry will be the search committee. It is not too late to consider serving on vestry. A job description is available on Ministry Table. Page 4 St. John s Episcopal Church

5 Men s BBQ Sunday, January 6, 2019, 5:30 p.m. Parish News MEN S BARBEQUE Please join us for food and fellowship. Sign up at the ministry table. Soul Kitchen is back, Friday, January 25! With the New Year we have the return of the Soul Kitchen the last Friday of each month from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm a nutritious meal is served. This is a great way to reach out to our community. Please join us. If you have questions you may contact the office. In Memory Karen Trueman, whose memorial service is January 4 was preceded in death by her sister, her mother Yvonne Schildt who led many ministries within St. John's over the years, and her father Fr. Ken Schildt who served as Assistant Priest at St. John's for many years. He served at St. John s at our former location at Locust and Lee and then followed us to the new church on Lower Sacramento. Prior to St John s, he was Priest in charge at St Stephen s in Stockton. The Schildt Family have contributed much to St. John s and the Episcopal Church. Fr. Ken and Yvonne are inurned in the columbarium in the church and memorial plaques are in place for both Karen and her sister Grace above their parents. Karen Olds January 2019 Page 5

6 Formation and Spiritual Renewal Tom Bonacci on the Book of Revelation The Rev. Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P., director of the Interfaith Peace Project will be presenting a book study on the New Testament s Book of Revelation. They will be held in the Chapel, on four Thursday mornings in January, 10:30-Noon. Donations will be happily received for this program. For more information about the Interfaith Peace Project or Fr. Tom, see visit interfaithpeaceproject.org Fr. Tom describes the series in this way. Our four reflections on The Book of Revelation will strive to convey the passion and hope the Book offers a troubled World. As a Book of Vision, we see the Lamb, symbolizing Jesus, strong with compassion and comfort in the midst of trouble. As a Book of Hope, Revelation urges us not to despair in perplexity times. As a Book of Revelations, The Book of Revelation invites us to envision and see beyond the obvious. Finally, as a Book of Prophecy, the Last Book of the Christian Bible invites us to a moral integrity reminiscent of Jesus. JANUARY 10, 2019, VISION WHAT IT MEANS TO SEE, PERCEIVE, AND APPRECIATE JANUARY 17, 2019, HOPE COURAGE IN THE MIDST OF CONFLICT, STRIFE, AND DIVISION JANUARY 24, 2019, REVELATIONS THE EXPERIENCE OF THE DIVINE IN THE PLIGHT JANUARY 31, 2019, PROPHECY THE CALL TO ETHICAL AND MORAL INTEGRITY Page 6 St. John s Episcopal Church

7 Formation and Spiritual Renewal The People of Faith Book Study The People of Faith Study Group begins January 21. The People of Faith study group will be meeting Mondays, January 21 and February 4 and 18 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. The meeting on January 21 will conclude in plenty of time for people to attend The Break Through Project of Lodi commemoration at the Methodist Church in Lodi, beginning at noon. The study group will continue exploring the relationship between Celtic Christianity and the Episcopal Church (Church of England). Mother Elaine gave us an excellent presentation on December 11 th and has offered some additional literature and topics for our enlightenment. People are invited to review previous materials and to do their own internet investigation before meeting again. During 2018 we studied and learned about the apostles using dates and readings, etc. as designated on the Episcopal Church Year Kalendar. We may choose to learn more about other saints listed on our calendar during New members are always welcome. The new year will be an excellent time to join. Ruth Diekman Circles of Trust Continuing the process of forming Circles of Trust, two new groups will be starting in February. These are small groups of people who meet to learn more about ourselves and others, to listen deeply to others, and to learn to accept each other as we share our similar and differing views and experiences. We will be exploring and sharing our responses to four basic questions. What past encounters or people have influenced who I am? What do I believe? As I look out into the world, what breaks my heart? What vision emerges from my broken-heartedness? We will be able to dialog with the others in our group, in a space of deep receptive listening. Groups will meet five times and we ask for a commitment to attend all five sessions. Sunday groups will be offered after church: February 10 and 24, March 10 and 24, and April 7. Tuesday evening groups will be offered from 7-8:30: February 12 and 26, March 12 and 26, and April 9. If you want more information or are interested in joining one of these groups, please speak with Colleen Hurley, Kathleen Bell, Kim Ostrom, or Suzanne Kaisch. January 2019 Page 7

8 Christmas Adornments We offer special thanks for our donors for Christmas Flowers 2018 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 Sharon Moore Boblitt, in loving memory of my son William Matthew Boblitt. Carol Bower Foote, in loving memory of Frank and Barbara Bower, Al and Belle Bloom, and Lewis Lawrence Joseph Foote. Jack & Diana Christy in loving memory of George Buck, Jr., June Buck Christy and Dorothy Ellen Christy Ruth Diekman, in loving memory of her brothers Derrick, William and sister-in-law Barbara and in 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 Tony & Betty Ferrara in thanksgiving for many wonderful blessings Elfonda Filomeo, for all God's blessings and in memory of Brandon, Donald and Maybelle JoEllen & James Ford, in loving memory of Rev. Clifford Ford and Thelma Ford 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 greatgrand 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 loving 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 Page 8 St. John s Episcopal Church

9 Corky & Karen Kuykendall, in thanksgiving for many blessings for family and friends Corky & Karen Kuykendall, in loving memory of our daughter, Gia, Amanda, Bill, Ruth, Paul & Thelma 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 Ida Mae Lobb, in loving memory of Mary Thomas Elizabeth Lobb and Joe Lobb Dave & Virginia Marken, in loving memory of Tabitha Aiken Poff, 4/6/84 2/23/91 Russ & Kathryn Munson, in memory of friends and loved ones John Nieman, in loving memory of his wife Fran Nieman 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 Anne and Jim Reeve, In memory of John Reeve, Roger and Marian Reeve and Ellen and George Webster Paula Saubolle in memory of her father Louis Bachmann and the Rev. Roger Jones Vinita Shinn, in loving memory of her husband, Bob, and her parents, John and Eula Coulter Rich and Deb Shook, in thanksgiving for many wonderful blessings Richard & Sandie Stevens, in thanksgiving for family and God s many blessings Joel and Nancy Walker, in loving memory of our parents: Barbara & Keith Ledbetter and Opal & Art Walker; and in thanksgiving for many wonderful blessing Elizabeth White and family, in loving memory of our grandparents, Walter & Margaerite Marcroft, who lived the blessing of Christmas cheer and faith 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 Christmas Adornments January 2019 Page 9

10 Parish Outreach Breakthrough Project Presents the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration of Unity Monday, January 15, 12pm-1 pm, First United Methodist Church, 200 West Oak St. Lincoln Ellis of the Lodi Boys and Girls Club is the speaker this year. Breakthrough Project recognizes local peacemakers and civil servants in Lodi, by recognizing and awarding their devotion to making Lodi a better place for all. This annual event is meant to ensure that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. s words of wisdom are not lost amongst Lodi s youth. Point in Time Count of the Unsheltered Homeless On January 23, 2019 at about 9am, San Joaquin County will be conducting the count for the unsheltered homeless in Lodi. This count is necessary for The Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUD) to determine the amount of money received from federal and state funding for programs that address homelessness in Lodi and the county. The community of Lodi, the churches, and The Salvation Army are participating in this count and we are asking for volunteers from St. John s to help that day. Thank you to those who have already signed up! There are more opportunities to volunteer as we are inviting the homeless to come to the Armory to be counted and to also obtain necessary supplies such as hygiene kits for their usage. Those who volunteer at the Armory will be asked to help as interviewers, handing out supplies, helping with the food being served, and being welcoming to the homeless. There will also be teams that will go out into the community to count the homeless being paired with a police officer and a mental health team member. Please sign up at the Ministry table to volunteer for this important activity on January 23. It is an important way to help the homeless in the future. We at St. John s are also supplying toothbrushes and tooth paste for the hygiene kit. If you can donate such items, please bring them to the church. Your donations and your volunteer service are much appreciated. --Pat Fehling Page 10 St. John s Episcopal Church

11 January Celebrations & Adornments 1: Jan Manildi JoEllen Fortenberry Ford Mila Valdivia 3: Betty Ferrara Andrew Kafton 5: Nolan Parker 6: Jonathan Langone 7: Carol Foote 8: Paul George Travis McLoughlin 11: Stefano Lima Faith Freund Chase Ledbetter 14: Kyle Schmidli 16: Jose Mujica 17: Claire Augusto 19: Carrie Martin Briana Gregg 21: Dillion Buck Vinita Shinn Jennifer Tudor 23: Gianna Ginochio 24: Barbara Krengel 25: Mary Ellen McConnell 28: Jessica Picone 30: Betty Bandelin Jeanne Ledbetter Scot Martin 19: Deb and Rich Shook 28: Edyth and John Ledbetter Jan 6 Jan 13 We are grateful for these donors whose gifts adorn our worship in January Mary Ellen Beckman in loving memory of her husband, Kenneth, for his birthday, January 9. Rosemarie Ostberg in loving memory of her father, W.A. Armstrong for his birthday, January 12. Jan 13 Roxy and Steve Woodard in loving memory of her mother, Barbara Voss, for her birthday, January 17. Jan 13 John Nieman in loving memory of his wife, Fran Nieman for her birthday, Jan. 17. Jan 20 Jim and Karen Kuykendall in loving memory of their daughter, Angela Dawn Kuykendall, and granddaughter, Amanda Dawn Klaff, for their shared birthday on January 18. Jan 20 Bob and Donna Hoffman in loving memory of their granddaughters, Tessara and Samantha Crespi. Jan 27 John and Edyth Ledbetter in celebration of their wedding anniversary on Jan. 28. 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 requests. January 2019 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