The Anchor. August Time to say good-bye Zinfandel Dr. Rancho Cordova, Ca A Veteran Friendly Congregation

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1 The Anchor Published Monthly by St. Clement s Episcopal Church Diocese of Northern California A Veteran Friendly Congregation Visit us on the web at saint-clements.com Time to say good-bye 2376 Zinfandel Dr. Rancho Cordova, Ca August 2014 My final month with you has arrived. I will be on pay status through August, but not around much after August 17. It would just be too awkward for us to say our good-byes to each other, and then have me stick around for two more Sundays. I will be available for pastoral or administrative emergencies during the last two weeks of August, but not in the office or at worship. We have had a long time to get ready for this change, and the Vestry has been diligent in its responsibilities to search for a new Priest-in-Charge. The time is right for St. Clement s to explore new visions. Many new lay leaders have already stepped forward, and soon you will welcome new clergy leadership, as well. There are some important guidelines that we all must observe. I will not be coming back to socialize or worship for quite a while, probably at least a year. The reason for this separation is to allow the parish to develop a healthy relationship with your new priest, and not have the old one kibitzing on the side. There can be rare exceptions, like, for example, I would want to be present for David Bridges ordinations. Please do not try to keep me informed about who is doing what I need to stay out of congregational networks. There may be rare exceptions to that, too, but let s establish clear boundaries. I will not be your pastor anymore. The temptation will be great for me to follow your news with keen interest. You can help by not putting me in the loop. None of this is because I don t care about you any longer nothing could be further from the truth. At some point, down the road, when your new priest is well established, some contact could be renewed. I will be praying for St. Clement s. And, I have left a gift for St. Clement s in my estate plan. I hope that many of you have done so, or will, too. Meanwhile, you may be wondering what I will be up to. I certainly hope to continue my priestly ministry by serving as a supply celebrant and preacher at congregations around the diocese. I have already been invited to be an adjunct priest at both Faith Church, Cameron Park and Church of our Saviour, Placerville, so I have ready places to worship. My biggest activity in the fall will be to write my doctoral dissertation. My topic is how religious congregations can be part of the healing process for psychologically injured military veterans. I will be interviewing ten veterans for my research four interviews are already done. I am hoping to send the first draft to my advisor at CDSP (Church Divinity School of the Pacific) in January 2015, and graduate in May As many of you know, Terry Sandhoff and I facilitate a weekly veteran support group on Tuesday afternoons in the portable classroom. The Bishop and the Vestry have given me the green-light to continue this participation, since it does not interfere with St. Clement s business, and is held at a time when there is usually no one else around. My husband and I do have a little fun planned for the fall, as well. David and I are going to Costa Rica 1

2 for 16 days at the end of October, and the itinerary is full of adventure: zip lines, canoe trips, horse-back riding? a bunch of stuff. It is a small tour, through Overseas Adventure Travel, the same company that ran the trip to Turkey we took in April And then, at the end of November, we will mark the 50 th anniversary of our first marriage! The Costa Rica trip is part of that celebration. It s a little odd not to know if I will preside at Advent and Christmas services somewhere. But, all will be revealed in good time God s time. Be well, my dear friends. We have enjoyed happy and sad times together, and I have been so enriched by our ministry together. To paraphrase Jesus, you will go on to do even greater things. Faithfully, fondly and finally, Pastor Christine + Everything Changes and Ends by Vonnie Madigan If you weren t at the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, July 20, you missed a summer harvest of treats: Guido s musical offertory performance on the harmonica; Sharon challenging David s children s sermon with Jonah in the Whale Box toy; the Sunday Schoolers enthusiastically nailing their Bible stories and most moving of all, the great fellowship and loving kindness in the sanctuary. I am bouncing these days between out-of-state work, racing to Fresno to care for my mother and back to Sacramento to tend to my husband. I balance my church attendance between 8 o clock (love those Rite I folk) and the 10 a.m. services. Everyone seems to understand. I leave St. Clements feeling well-loved and a better person. Is it true? Is it kind? Is it positive? St. Clement s has faced many trapeze times, points between change and endings. Things don t always go according to plan. We don t always have control. And sometimes we become afraid. I was surprised and saddened to learn that there are some in our church family who are looking out the rear-view mirror, not the windshield as we move to calling a priest-in- charge. It was helpful to be reminded that we were asked to respond on the configuration of our now Eastern facing altar nearly a decade ago. It s easy to forget that the vestry keeps reaching out to us. I interviewed many parishioners about their faith journey before we embarked on the Moving Forward Together Capital Campaign in In those conversations some held on to things from more than 20 years ago; others appreciated the heavy work of the clergy and vestry to keep us advancing. But all loved Christ s church and identified kindness as the quality that unified us. We love, because He loved us first. Join me in the journey ahead to be mindful as we talk with people we agree with, and disagree with. Ask, are my words: True? Kind? Positive? Bible Readings for the month Revised Common Lectionary Year A August 3 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 32: PSALM 17: 1-7, 16 Romans 9: 1-5 Mathew 14; August 10 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 37: 1-4, PSALM 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b Romans 10: 5-15 Matthew 14; August 17 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 45: 1-15 PSALM 133 Romans 11: 1-2a, Matthew 15: (10-20), August 24 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 1: 8-2:10 PSALM 124 Romans 12: 1-8 Matthew 16: August 31 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 3: 1-15 PSALM 105: 1-6, 23-26, 45c Romans 12: 9-21 Matthew 16:

3 David Bridges continues the journey to ordination The Vestry will endorse David s application for Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate at its August 10 meeting. David has one more task to complete in his Formation Plan (which he and Pastor Christine worked out with the Rev. Rod McAulay, a member of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry, last May). He was approved as a Candidate for Holy Orders on April 28, He cannot have his first ordination until six months has elapsed, AND he has been approved by the Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee. We cannot know when those meetings will be scheduled, but we will do our part to be on top of the required documents. Once he is ordained a Transitional Deacon, at least six months must elapse before his ordination to the priesthood. Meanwhile, you will see David serving as a Chalice Bearer at upcoming services, because (we just learned, after requesting an LEM license for him) all postulants and candidates are universally licensed to perform LEM and LEV functions. Founders Day Picnic how about September 13? The annual St. Clement s Founders Day Picnic used to be in June, one of the hottest months of the year. In 2011, on our 50 th anniversary as a congregation, we moved it to September 10, the actual day we were admitted to the diocese, and the picnic has stayed in September since, because the weather is nicer! We re thinking 1 to 3 pm, with hot dogs, maybe wings, and the rest pot-luck. Got ideas? Talk to the Vestry or Randy Grimwood. Lunch Bunch Tuesday, August 12 Pastor Christine s final fellowship with the Lunch Bunch will be Tuesday, August 12. (We could use a cook for that session.) But that won t be the end of Lunch Bunch. Pastor Christine will brief everyone on how to conduct a noon devotional and healing service, something any lay person can lead. The Eucharist will be represented by eating together. Vacation Bible School another great experience Some 60 children, 3 from St. Clement s (Cherry, Sophia and Jackson), along with associated adults, participated in this year s Vacation Bible School, held up the street at the United Methodist Church. Ethel Bartmess, Pam Quarles, Mary Norsweather, and Muriel Murray were there every night (Mary and Muriel with specific team roles), and Debbie Kidd and Debbie Popp came one night. Harry Shippy checked in regarding food. This is the third year that St. Clement s has joined forces with the Methodists and Cordova Baptist Church to put on a really successful and inclusive Vacation Bible School experience. It is a good model, and we are building community connections! Minutes of the Meeting of the Vestry of St. Clement s Episcopal Church June 8, 2014 The opening prayer was given at 12:03pm. Members Present: Christine Leigh-Taylor, Rector Ray Stults, Senior Warden Bobbie Keill, Peoples Warden Kent Ransom, Treasurer Harry Shippy, Clerk Guido Polana Terry Sandhoff Randy Grimwood Debbi Popp Ethel Bartmess Marj Heineke DISCUSSION/INFORMATION ITEMS A. Tennessee BBQ wrap-up 3

4 The barbeque went well. The church netted $ It should be noted that the proceeds were as high as they were because David Bridges bore the cost of equipment. The barbeque was expensive up front but was successful. B. Summer Solstice tea The Tea is a little slow taking off. There are seven hosts: Sharon, Mickey, Jennifer, Victoria, Christine, Muriel, Carole and Debbi H. C. Introduction to Our Next Fundraiser on October 4, 2014 Terry Sandhoff suggested a possible community blessing of the animals with dog events and a raffle. No decisions were made. D. Christmas in July-African Team Ministries Items will be delivered for display by July 6. They will be available for two Sundays. E. Cancellation of Janitorial Service The janitor didn t come for the last two weeks. We will cancel contract effective 6/30/2014. We have a bid from Vanguard for $235.00/mo. It was moved and seconded that the bid from Vanguard be accepted. The motion passed unan- MOTION: imously. Vanguard also recommends that the Parish hall floor be stripped and resealed. Their bid is $ The furniture must be moved out and then put back. This work will be scheduled. F. Using Social Media Effectively Pastor Christine reported that the Clergy Conference dealt extensively with this matter. She reported that Twitter was seen not as a good way to communicate but rather as a good way to listen. It is important to find out how best to communicate with the members of the parish; Bobbie will create a chart. G. Need New Mugs for Coffee Hour We need additional mugs because we run out by the second coffee hour. We should look at what can be obtained at restaurant supply houses. Harry will investigate this and report back. H. New Name on Discretionary fund With Pastor Christine s imminent departure a new person on the discretionary fund is necessary. This requires a motion. MOTION: Resolved that Kent Ransom be placed on the Rector s Discretionary Fund as an owner (the banks term). The motion passed unanimously. I. Planned Giving Program A new brochure is needed. The image on the cover should be an older person, a child and a dog (suggestion from the clergy conference). It is necessary to keep track of who has already included the church in their estate plans. J. Binders We ran out this month plus some binders are showing wear. K. Stewardship Committee for Fall The vestry is reminded to think about this matter. L. Sun River Church Homeless Meeting This meeting is scheduled for June 12 at 7:00pm. Harry and Ray plan to attend. M. Vacation Bible School Scheduled for June at the Methodist Church. Muriel and Harry are on the planning group. N. Candidate for Holy Orders David Bridges and Pastor Christine met with Rod McCauley. Things are moving along. David must engage with a local spiritual advisor. ACTION ITEMS A. Resolution to add name to Discretionary fund. See item G above. REPORTS A. Minutes Two typographical errors noted. Minutes approved as corrected. 4

5 B. Rector s Report The report was distributed and is available separately. C. Treasurer s Report This parish is $ better than expected by budget. We will finish the year about $ better than planned. (NOTE: there was a planned deficit). Waste Management s contract has been cancelled. The air conditioner repair was paid for ($ ). Two candlesticks were sent for refurbishing ($400.00). The interest on the loan is up from 4.75% to 5.00%. If we stay on course it will be paid off in five years. The next meeting is scheduled for July 13 at 12:00noon The August meeting is scheduled for August 10, 2014 at 12:00noon. Respectfully submitted Harry Shippy Birthdays August 1 Lois Stryker Auguat 7 Ethel Bartmess August 12 David Bridges August 20 Gaylen Quarles August 21 Trish Slaff August 22 Cherry Blossom Zenor August 23 Randy Grimwood August 21 Anniversaries Guido and Sharon Polana 5

6 2014 AUGUST St. Clements Episcopal Church SUNDAY CALENDAR YEAR / MONTH FIRST DAY OF WEEK Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday NA 10:00am AA 6:00pm AA9:00pm Ukulele Club 5:45 Bible Study 7:00pm Daut of the King 10:00am NA 10:00am AA 6:00pm AA9:00pm Vestry Meeting 12:00noon Lunch Bunch 12:00noon Ukulele Club 5:45 Bible Study 7:00pm 19 Anchor Deadline Bon Voyage to Pastor Christine 4:00-6:30pm Pastor Christine's last Sunday Ukulele Club 5:45 Bible Study 7:00pm 26 NA 10:00am AA 6:00pm AA9:00pm AA6:30 Ukulele Club 5:45 Bible Study 7:00pm NA 10:00am AA 6:00pm AA9:00pm AA6:30 6

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8 Contacts Office Manager Irene Celedon Music Minister Carole Maxson Sexton Randy Grimwood Altar Guild Debbi Honycutt Anchor Editor Harry Shippy Daughters of the King Debbi Honeycutt Lay Ministry Coordinator Debbi Popp Lay Eucharistic Visitors Len Honeycutt Prayer Tree Mickey Boughton Sunday School Muriel Murray Sharon Burke-Polana Ushers Randy Grimwood Coffee Hour Hospitality Debbie Popp Kitchen Supplies Sherry Stults Ray Stults Senior Warden Bobbie Keill, People's Warden Terry Sandhoff Guido Polana Randy Grimwood Debbie Popp Ethel Bartmess Marj Heineke Kent Ransom, 2014 Vestry Treasurer Harry Shippy,Clerk Clergy and Lay Eucharist Visits Please call Len Honeycutt ( ) or the church office ( ) or send an to the church at if you would like communion brought to you or a family member. The Rev. Christine Leigh-Taylor, Rector Harry Shippy, Editor The Anchor is published monthly by St. Clement s Episcopal Church 2376 Zinfandel Drive Rancho Cordova, CA Phone: (916) Fax: (916) info@saint-clements.com Web: Please your news and photographs to anchor@saint-clements.com or shippyharry@yahoo.com. Deadline for articles is the 15th of the month. Articles are subject to editing. 8