Volume 22, Number 5 May 2013 Monthly Newsletter of St. Timothy s Episcopal Church, Danville, CA Inside this issue: Dear Parish Family 1 Ltr from Rev Kurt 2 Koovshinoff 2 Small Groups 3 Beauty & Beast 4 Senior Luncheon 5 Acolytes 5 Top Scouting Award 6 Mission Trip 2013 6 Bishop Marc 6 Vestry Visions 7 God s Hands 8 Flowers 8 Prayer/Birthday 9 Thank you! 9 Class of 2013 9 TaizéService 8 Loves & Fishes Raffle 10 OPTIONS 10 CCIH 10 Tutors wanted 11 Dear Parish Family: By now you will have likely heard about the change in status of Fr. Kurt with our staff at Saint Timothy s. (You can read his letter to the parish found in this edition of The Tidings.) Please know that I fully affirm his decision at this time to make his family his primary calling in ministry, and how supportive I and the Vestry are to have him continue with us as a nonstipendiary Associate Priest for the parish. Kurt and his family will remain as members of the church, and we will be blessed by their regular presence in the life and community of the congregation, as well as his occasional presence behind the pulpit and at the altar during worship. Kurt s last day in the office will be on June 6, after which he will be away on two weeks of accrued vacation. His last official day in worship will be on Sunday, June 23. Plans are underway to celebrate his ministry and many contributions to the parish, as well as marking the transition to this new role among us. Please watch for upcoming announcements. Being such a large and vibrant parish means we will continue to need a second full time clergy on staff. The search process for a new priest will begin as soon as possible. In the mean time, we will learn and grow together about how to continue to offer quality pastoral care and leadership for the many areas of church life that Kurt has previously been involved with us. Please feel free to speak with myself or the Wardens (Shelton Ensley, Rector s Warden; and Tori Nelson, Peoples Warden) if you have any questions or concerns about what will be happening in the next few months as we together navigate this transition. As for my own heart, I will greatly miss Kurt s regular presence in our midst and his invaluable guidance as I learn and grow in my still very new role as your Rector. While this is not good-bye it is a significant change for all of us; and especially for Kurt, as well as his family. My thanks, in advance, for your patience; as well as my confidence in your continuing love, support, and prayers for them and for all of us, as we move through this change together. Blessings! Fr. Jeff
Dear parish family, After much prayer, discernment, and conversation, I have decided to step down from my current role as Associate Rector at St. Timothy s, so that I may provide the needed care for our two young sons, Luke (4 and half years) and Finn (7 months). My last Sunday in this role will be June 23. The good news is that we don t have to say good-bye to each other! I will be transitioning into a new role as a non-stipendiary priest associate, providing Sunday supply on an occasional basis. I am deeply grateful to St. Timothy s for the life and ministry we have shared together over the past two plus years and for the many learning and growth experiences we have enjoyed. As a family, we are immensely grateful for the welcome, care, and friendship we have received and for the many nurturing relationships we have gained. St. Timothy s is a wonderful community, and we look forward to remaining part of it in this new role. I especially want to thank Fr. Jeff (our new rector), Shelton (our rector s warden), and Tori Nelson (our people s warden) for their support during this transition and for their welcome into this new role. I ask for the community s prayers as I transition into this new ministry, and I promise you mine. Faithfully, and always with my gratitude, prayers, and best wishes, KURT (The Rev.) Kurt H. Levensaler Dear friends, Irene Koovshinoff February 21, 1935 May 13, 2013 It is with sadness that we report the death of Irene Xenia Koovshinoff the morning of May 13. We will celebrate Irene s life on Tuesday, May 28 at 11:00am with a simple Eucharist in the church followed by the interment of ashes in the columbarium. All are invited to attend and to surround Irene s family with prayer. Please note that there will not be a reception following the service. May her soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Fr. Kurt 2
SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES BEGIN IN JUNE For the months of June, July, and August we will be offering several different small group opportunities through the parish. Our thanks to the over 65 people who responded to the online and paper surveys showing your interest in this round of topics. It is still not too late to sign up and be involved. Please respond as soon as possible to the contacts listed below to be included! Training in Pastoral Care meeting on three Saturdays, for six hours June 22, July 13, and August 17. Contact Fr. Jeff to sign-up if you have not already done so on the small group survey jfrost@sainttimothysdanville.org Group Spiritual Direction: Session 1 we had such a good response that we will be offering two groups: The Tuesday Group meeting at 7:00pm (for 90 minutes) in the church, starting on June 4 and meeting for four weeks The Wednesday Group meeting at 2:00pm (for 90 minutes) in the church, starting on June 5 and meeting for four weeks Contact Fr. Jeff to sign up for Session 1 of Group Spiritual Direction if you have not already done so on the small group survey jfrost@sainttimothysdanville.org NOTE: Two more sessions of Group Spiritual Direction (each four weeks long, on the same days and times as Session 1) will be offered Session 2 begins July 16/17 and Session 3 begins August 13/14. There will be an open enrollment time at the beginning of each session; however, once a session begins no further participants will be received. Eating 4 Health meeting for four sessions on Sundays at 12:30pm in the Conference Room of Grace House. Sessions will be June 30, July 14, and August 4 & 11. Contact Tori Nelson to join this small group if you have not done so through the small group survey t- nelson@pacbell.net. Book Group The Soul of Celtic Spirituality in the Lives of the Saints meeting at tbd (for 60 minutes) in the tbd starting on June?? and continuing for 13 weeks. You will need to purchase your own book, which can be found at Amazon for $10 (not including shipping). Contact Joann Oliver to join this small group if you have not already done so through the small group survey joannoliver@sbcglobal.net. NOTE: There was a large response for this group, if the time we have selected will not work for you AND you would be willing to facilitate a meeting for a different day and/or time please contact Fr. Jeff as soon as possible jfrost@sainttimothysdanville.org Our thanks to those of you who offered suggestions for new and different small groups. Please know that we will be in touch with you during the summer to create another interest survey for the congregation to prepare for another round of small groups to be offered in the Fall. 3
ANNOUNCING SAINT TIMOTHY S PARISH MUSICAL Saint Timothy s Parish Musical will be Beauty and the Beast. Dates of production are Thursday, Sept. 26 Sunday, Sept 29 all performances at 7 PM. There are numerous opportunities to be involved as Asst. Director, as actors, as stage crew, as costumers, as set builders, as props master/ mistress, etc., etc. Please consider volunteering for one (or more) of these jobs. This show is a LARGE undertaking with lots of costumes, many of which will need to be built (or constructed as the case may be) so I m hoping many parishioners will want to be involved on some level if I don t have enough help, I may have to re-think this choice, but I m sure St. Timothy s has the human resources available! Please contact Pat 837-4993 x15 patparr@sainttimothysdanville.org if you are able to help in any way. AUDITIONS for LEADING ROLES (see below) Open to anyone age 8 to over 80 (I won t askj). I will consider non-traditional casting (IE: Cogsworth is usually a male role, but could be a female role) Audition dates: Friday, June 21 from 6 8 PM and Saturday, June 22 from 10 AM to Noon. PLEASE call or email Pat Parr (ext. 15 or patparr@sainttimothysdanville.org) to set up an audition time. If you are interested but unable to audition on either of those two dates, I will schedule individual auditions as needed. If you are interested only in a CHORUS ROLE, please call or email Pat to sign up no audition necessary. LEAD ROLES: Beauty Mezzo-Soprano Beast Baritone/Tenor Gaston Baritone LeFou Tenor (or Mezzo-Soprano) Lumiere Tenor Cogsworth Baritone (or Mezzo-Soprano) Madame de la Grande Bouche (Wardrobe) - Soprano Babette Soprano Mrs. Potts Alto/Mezzo-Soprano Chip boy or girl Monsieur D Arque non-singing role male or female (could be cast from the chorus) Chorus Roles: Narrator(s), Townspeople, Castle People (Knives, forks, spoons, etc.) REHEARSALS: Rehearsals will begin for the Leads in early mid July, working mostly on songs and some staging. Full cast rehearsals will begin Monday, Aug. 12. Since there are a few BIG scenes involving the majority of people, I will begin rehearsing those on Saturday, Aug. 17 and will try to use either Saturdays or Sundays to cover those scenes. Leads will need to be available Mon., Wed., and Fri. nights from 7 10 during the first 5 weeks. EVERYONE will need to be available for final tech/dress rehearsals beginning on Saturday, Sept. 21 st. Please take this information into consideration when deciding on auditioning this is an important commitment! 4
Senior Ministries Summer Luncheon Our summer luncheon will be held at Forbes Mill Restaurant in the Livery in Danville. It will be held on Wednesday, July 10th at 11:30 a.m. The price per person is $25 and will include an entree, dessert, and your choice of coffee, tea, or a fountain soda. Tax and tip are included also. The entree choices are: The Ranch Combination - Parmesan crusted chicken breast, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese pomodoro sauce, panini roll. Served with a wedge salad & French onion soup. The BLT Combination - Cherry wood smoked bacon, little gem lettuce tomatoes, garlic aoili, focaccia bread. Served with a caesar salad & soup of the day. Pasta Primavera - Fettuccini noodles tossed with seasonal vegetables, garlic & olive oil. A vegan entree is available upon request. Dessert will be Chef's Duo - A seasonal selection of desserts. RSVP by July 5th to: Cathy Morris (925) 300-3555 or email Cathy at lil.captain315@gmail.com or Linda Maddalon (925) 736-1041 or email Linda at LMMaddalon@comcast.net When you RSVP, please state your choice of entree as the restaurant wants to know this ahead of time. Please respond by Friday, July 5th. Want to be an Acolyte? Have you wondered what you needed to do to serve at the altar as an acolyte on a Sunday morning? There is an easy answer for you! In the next month or two we will be holding a training class for youth and adults who are interested in serving at the altar as an acolyte. All you have to do, to be part of this class and to join this ministry, is to "raise your hand" by emailing me at nkmats@aol.com or calling at (925) 838-1617. We are especially seeking out youth and adults who prefer to attend the 11:00 Sunday service. At St. Timothy's we have a multigenerational acolyte group and encourage anyone at least 9 years old (or in at least the fourth grade) to consider joining our group; youth, teenagers and adults are welcome. Our group is currently 41 acolytes strong, with 5 elementary, 12 middle school and 13 high school youth and 11 adults. So join us and experience the joy of serving at the altar on Sunday mornings. Neal Matsunaga 5
Bob Carns Receives Top Scouting Award Bob Carns will receive the Sliver Antelope award at the Boy Scouts of America annual meeting this month in Dallas. The Silver Antelope is awarded to adults for exceptional character and service to youth. It is the highest recognition given to adult volunteers at the regional level. Bob is one of eight honorees from the Western Region. Bob s volunteer service to Scouting began when his son joined St. Timothy s Cub Scout pack almost twenty-five years ago. Bob continued to volunteer through various leadership positions in Pack 36, Troop 36, the Meridian District and the Mt. Diablo-Silverado Council. He currently serves as Area President for Area 3 which encompasses Northern California and Northern Nevada from Fresno to the Oregon border and east to Reno. Congratulations, Bob! Mission Trip 2013 This year, from July 28th till August 7th 2013, the Youth Mission Trip will be going to New York for Hurricane Sandy relief. The work will include demolition and reconstruction of hurricane damaged areas as well as volunteering in various programs that serve the poor and homeless. Three Saint Timothy s teens, Casey Kris, Emma Gil, and Katie Keeshan will be going as well as Sharyn Mitzo. 27 other youth, and 9 adults will accompany us from All Souls Berkeley, Christ Church Alameda, Church of the Resurrection Pleasant Hill, and St. Paul's Walnut Creek. Once we get there we will meet up with 12 more kids and 4 adults from the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota (who we met during our 2011 Mission Trip to the reservation). We plan on being very busy working but are also hoping to have a ton of fun connecting with our old friends and meeting new ones. In order to get there we will need YOUR help. You will see Casey, Emma, and Katie selling raffle tickets and collecting spare change. Please consider buying some tickets or contributing to our donation cans. Anything, no matter how big or small, will help us get there. Thank you very much!! Emma Gil Visitation by Bishop Marc Andrus On Sunday, June 16 we will be blessed to have Bishop Marc joining us to preach and celebrate at the 9am and 11am services. It has been some time since the Bishop has been able to join us. Please plan to be present and enjoy a chance visit during coffee hour. Note: We will have our regular schedule of services on that day (including 7:30am). 6
Vestry Visions Having lived in and around the Danville area for the past 45 years, I have seen many changes. I can remember driving down Danville Blvd. between Danville and Alamo, and knowing just about every person in every car that met me, and giving a wave to the driver, who was usually a friend, acquaintance, or family. Those were the days of close knit families and friends, and loving thy neighbor in a fashion that, today, I don t encounter as much. God tells us to love thy neighbor, not just the ones next door or across the street but *all* neighbors. But alas, the days of very few cars on 680 and most local cars on Danville Highway are long past, and, in general, our communities are not as tightly connected as they used to be, due to population increases, social changes, and various demands on the time and resources of every member of every family. The troubles and sadness and divisiveness witnessed in our local community, local Bay Area region, our State and our Nation, not to mention the World, are evident daily. As we turn to God, and ask God to give us the ability and wherewithal, to strengthen our love for our families and for one another, and for society as a whole, we learn that prayer is our conduit, to guide us along the way that God intends for us to walk. Case in point: This past March, my wife Kathy and I attended our Foyer Group s dinner. This was such a heartwarming experience, we were floating about 1 inch off the ground as we left the home of James & Caroline Vila. The feeling was not unlike the inspiration we receive every Sunday at the conclusion of Holy Eucharist. The conversations at the Foyer dinner were marvelous among all in attendance, and such a wonderful insight into our mutual spirituality, ministries, and community. I know it is moments like these which are the true blessings of the gifts from God. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20 We are recipients of the strength and love of the Lord which is so omnipresent at St. Timothy s. We give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed upon us, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and for the gift of St. Timothy s. We value the countless ministries (over 30 at my last count) which are such a vibrant and integral part of this special place. To echo the stirring words from Jesus, describing the Holy Spirit about to appear at Pentecost: And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:16 17 As I said earlier, this is a special place, this place called St. Timothy s. The many ministries and programs which are on-going on a daily basis, as well as the wonderful facility which allows us to meet, worship, break bread, celebrate, and pray together. Unfortunately, all that this place has to offer does not come without a price tag, and that is where we are asked to help by contributing what we can, and maybe just a little extra, so all of the blessings we are so fortunate to have, continue to enrich all of our lives. May the peace of the Lord be always with you, Mike Miles 7
GOD S HANDS Our highest purpose on earth is to do God's work, to share God's love with others. Outreach efforts at St. Timothy's have always been a strong example of giving of one's self, being good stewards of God's gifts. For those that have had "hands on" experience of feeding the hungry, providing shelter to the homeless, there is a deeper understanding of, and exhilaration in, doing God's work. God's Hands is the name of a new Outreach focus that will offer everyone "hands on" experience in doing God's work. We are hoping each parishioner, child and adult, will find at least one opportunity to participate in the various activities being planned. There will be opportunities to harvest fruit for the hungry, provide meals, garden at respite facilities, build with Habitat for Humanity... Look for the rolling board outside of church for sign ups and see where God is calling you to lend a hand. New events will be posted regularly. We have already seen an incredible response to man the Devil Mountain Run and GAIA fundraisers, assemble food packets for Stop Hunger Now, register fruit trees with Urban Farmers, and man the Loaves and Fishes dining room. God's Hands is also a wonderful opportunity for intergenerational activity, a way to meet other parishioners and build bridges out into the community. What a great way to introduce a friend to St. Timothy's by inviting them along. Information on the various organizations St. Timothy's supports can be found on our website and will soon be available in a brochure. Questions can be directed to the individual liaisons noted or to Tania Hanson- De Young at outreach@sainttimothysdanville.org. Flower Arrangements for Church Services Each week there are lovely flowers at the altar for Sunday services. These are created for us by East Bay Flower Co. St. Timothy s asks for parishioner assistance in paying for these arrangements. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, new babies, promotions, all can be occasions you wish remembered by making a contribution toward these weekly flowers. You can do this by signing up on the flower chart on the wall in the narthex for the week of your choice, then getting a check to Bea in the office. The suggested amount is $50.00. Special donation envelopes are on the shelf by the chart, and they have informational slips attached, on which you can tell which day you have chosen and in whose honor the donation was made. These envelopes may be placed in the alms basin or given to Bea directly. A recognition of your donation will be added to the weekly bulletin, unless you do not wish to have that done. Thank you for considering this beautiful way to mark family events, and also to make our worship services more beautiful. God's Hands A huge thank you from Kathy Chiverton and me to all those who volunteered at the Devil Mountain Run. Discovery Counseling Center will be the recipient of $5,000 as the result of this collective effort. Be sure and watch for more ways you can become involved with the organizations' we support through outreach. Laurell Ingham Patty A. 8
PRAYER LIST Please prayer for those on our parish prayer list: Ron Banks, Fred Cavin, Richard Clark, Chelsea De Young, Hal Deane, Angela Domer, Ann Shea Hensen, Bill Jess, Mary Keele, Bobbie Miller, Jean Richardson, Joyce Rutherford, Fred Setchell Jr., Yvonne Setchell, Tom Thoreson, Jeremy and Jason Thornton, Walt Varco, and Parker Wills For the brave men and women of our armed forces Cody Fowler, Nate Fisher, Kyle Galbreath and Michael Rasak ANNOUCEMENT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Please submit all entries for the Thursday 411 email and the Sunday printed announcements to parish@sainttimothysdanville.org by Monday at 4:00pm. Please include a headline, a 25-word description (what, when, where), and contact info. Thank you.. Your cards, prayers, emails and phone calls have made my "bump in the road" so much more endurable. I look forward to regaining full use of my shoulder and spending more time with you, my St. Timothy's family. Gratefully, Sharyn Mitzo CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES and that is what we want to do in our June 20th edition of The Tidings. If you or your child are graduating from high school or receiving a degree, please contact Bea in the Parish Office. For the Tidings, we need a photo and a biography that is a paragraph or two in length, please include the plans you have after graduation. The deadline is June 10 not June 15 this allows time to do lay-out. If you have any questions, please call Bea at 837-4993 or email parish@sainttimothysdanville.org. June Birthdays Alexandra Argiros William Bried Steven Collari Will Eckhardt Kyle Fairman Lexi Gates Allison Geraci-Novy Katelyn Geraci-Novy Stephen Hager Mitchell Kanazawa Caroline Keeshen Claire Keeshen David Kerns Garret Kiepen Sloane Liddicoat David Mason Jonny Mills-Lawrence Andrew Nelson Alexander Paine Joyce Palmer Skylar Puckett Brandi Rhoads David Robinson Claire Simpson Annalyse Stedman The Song of Silence Have you ever experienced a Taizé Service? Come join us Monday evening June 3 at St. Timothy s Church between 7 and 8 p.m. for a deeply contemplative candlelight service. In the fullness of silence we discover deeper truth and insights. Gathered in a beautiful environment of luminous darkness (candlelight), live music, sacred chants, short readings of scripture and poetry, and periods of silent meditation, we rest in the presence of God. Taizé originated about 60 years ago in the small, monastic village of Taizé in France. Today it continues to draw thousands of Christians, (mostly young adults) from all over the world. It has quickly spread to Christian churches here and abroad. We welcome everybody! 9
LOAVES & FISHES 3 rd ANNUAL RAFFLE Tickets: $5 each or 6 for $20 1 st Prize - $1,000. 2 nd Prize - $500. 3 rd Prize - $250 Drawing will be held on June 30 th Some of us will never experience hunger, but for some it s a daily reality. Help feed the hungry of Contra Costa County. Loaves & Fishes serves a hot lunch at 5 dining rooms and at two satellite locations. With your help we will serve over 180,000 meals this year to those who are hungry. St. Timothy s serves meals on the fourth Monday of every month at their Martinez kitchen. We have a roster of about 18 people, and a crew of 10 is recruited to work from 9 to 1:00. These are God s Hands at work. For raffle tickets, contact Leslie Firth, lesliefirth@comcast.net, 925-314-3044, or Pat Lucht 925-820- 9209. We will be available after services. SAVE THIS DATE! Outreach Opportunity! Friday June 7, 2013 We will make and take Shepherd's Pie for the Graduation Luncheon at OPTIONS RECOVERY SER- VICES in Berkeley. We'll need help with purchasing, cooking, transporting, serving and cleaning our kitchen. If you want to participate in an awesome experience, filled with God's love and joy, let us know and look for more details to come. Patti Farris 925-979-9043 Leslie Firth 925-314-3044 Dear Friends of CCIH, We would appreciate it greatly if the following text can be included in any correspondence to your congregants, be it via printed bulletin or bulletin board notice. NEEDED: Late model microwaves and lamps (table and floor) to use in furnishing apartments for incoming homeless residents at Garden Park Apartments in Pleasant Hill. Please Contra Costa Interfaith Housing at (925) 944-2244 to arrange for pick up. Thank you all for your help! Belinda C. Sullivan, Director of Outreach Contra Costa Interfaith Housing 925.944.2244, 925.944.2248, www.ccinterfaithhousing.org 10
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ST. TIMOTHY S EPISCOPAL PAL CHURCH 1550 Diablo Road Danville, CA 94526-1952 A D D R E S S S E R V I C E R E Q U E S T E D Tidings is published monthly by: St. Timothy's Episcopal Church TELEPHONE: (925) 837-4993 FAX: (925) 837-8455 24-hour access to voice mail (925) 838-7896 e-mail address: parish@sainttimothysdanville.org web site: SaintTimothysDanville.org Clergy and Staff Rector The Rev. Jeffrey L. Frost Ext. 14 JFrost@SaintTimothysDanville.org Associate Priest The Rev. Kurt Levensaler Ext. 13 KLevensaler@SaintTimothysDanville.org Associate for Family Ministry Lori Robinson Ext. 23 LRobinson@SaintTimothysDanville.org Associate for Music Ministry Pat Parr Ext. 15 PatParr@SaintTimothysDanville.org Facilities Bev Matsunaga Ext. 11 BKMats@aol.com Noah s Ark Executive Director Sue Enes (925) 362-8565 NoahsArk@SaintTimothysDanville.org Secretary Beatriz Pussman Ext. 10 Parish@SaintTimothysDanville.org Treasurer Carleen Carns Treasurer@SaintTimothysDanville.org Intercessory Prayer 12 prayers@sainttimothysdanville.org