Mission Statement of Christ Church To the glory of God, the mission of Christ Church Parish is to serve Jesus Christ and all the people of God; to encourage and facilitate spiritual development for people of all ages; to grow as Christians in a loving and forgiving fellowship, thereby confirming, witnessing, and leading others to the faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.

2

September is a time for beginnings of all kinds! At Christ Church

we are beginning a new service, to be offered the first Sunday of each

month on a trial basis. Four Vestry members have pioneered this idea:

the late Peter Hannaford, Gail Freeman, Bob Rex, and Lin Chase.

The services are intended for those wondering about what the

Church might have to offer, as well as for those whose schedules make

it difficult to attend on Sunday mornings. Childcare will be offered for

young children.

The first service will be Oct. 4, at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel. (It will

be preceded by the 2:00 p.m. Animal Blessing, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.) The service will be

a service of light, with candles, a bit of music, and a bite of food.

Nov. 1 at 4:00 p.m. will follow, and then Dec. 6, and Jan. 3. In January we will decide whether

to continue, based on the interest shown by those attending.

The Choir returned on September 13. Its wonderful to hear the beauty and joy their voices to the

service! In addition, several wonderful concerts are scheduled for the fall. Please check your

bulletin for details.

Gracious God, be with us each hour of each day.

In Christ,

3

Recently there was a "My Word" article in the Times-Standard

(August 7, 2015) by Norm Shockley called "Who are these Godless

'Nones'?" They are people who are "unaffiliated" (non-religious,

freethinkers, agnostic, atheists) and the article says "are the fastest

growing segment of our nation's religious life: 23 percent are

'Nones'."

Mr. Shockley says "there is no god "up there" who cares for us.

Nature, the world, and any god (if there is one) are all completely in-

different to us." He also says that most religions devalue our pre-

sent life by placing a greater value on a "future life" in order to avoid

the finality of death. "The early Christians, following Jesus' teachings, most certainly devalued

this life to prepare for a promised, greater life after death." 'Nones' place a higher value on this life

than Christians do because present life is what matters most to 'Nones'.

'Nones' believe that religions introduce "revealed" morality to tell us what is right and what is

wrong. "This imposed morality is not a part of mankind's natural morality, so religions must in-

troduce unnatural motivational inducement ... including rewards and punishments with such un-

natural concepts as heaven and hell. .. Most 'Nones' believe that a morality that devalues this life

that is based on imposed rules and motivated by fear or reward, is not the best way to live this one

life we have."

Even for those who are not 'Nones', there are times when we fmd ourselves dissatisfied with

our church. I am sure this happens in all faiths. I have heard many reasons: you do not relate to

the priest; the sermons are not to your liking, too many clergy; too little clergy; do not like the lit-

urgy, music, coffee hour; resent being asked to pledge each year or contribute to ministry pro-

grams, are some of the reasons people use to stop coming to church on a weekly basis. I'm not

happy so I'm not going. Of course, there is also that people are too busy with work, sports and

other commitments to find time for worship on Sundays.

I have to ask myself, what if when Jesus became dissatisfied, disillusioned, or too busy, he did

not continue to follow God's will?

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's do-

ing, and it is amazing in our eyes. Mark 12:10-11.

4

September:

"Summer is over! Do we hear that because school has started?

But this year is going to be different. We have already had a sunny

summer, now we are having a Humboldt foggy bit of summer, and

next we will have another bunch of sunny days. All the better to

work on our garden before the promised rainy El Nio shows up.

All this leads to cleaning up and pruning bushes and trees around the

campus. Should we set a specific date to garden together or just

coming on your own time?

Please look at the third bulletin board in Lewis Hall. I have

renewed the list for projects that need to be done. Also many on the list are mentioned as WISH

LIST items and there is also a request for VOLUNTEERS. (There are sticky notes on the bulletin

board please leave messages or requests if you cannot contact me.)

Updates:

1. The ADA compliant toilets are coming along. We have gotten a clear asbestos test. The con-

tractor and draft person have received copies of the report. The draft person will be working on the

final drawings that will be taken for the County Building Committees approval.

2. I hope that by the time you receive this newsletter the new section of the iron fence will be in

place between the chapel and Zander Building. We still need two new gates in the courtyard. They

are on the WISH LIST!

Thank you Gwen, Elizabeth and John. Lewis Hall is looking better all the time. Thank everyone

else for your help.

October:

And now Fall weather has come. It is cooler in the mornings with warm sunny days. Now we

can only hope that El Nio arrives and we have lots of rain. Therefore it is time for a garden clean-

up day before the big rains come. I hope that you can set aside October 17, a Saturday starting at

9:30 a.m. We need to work on the parking lot and along G Street, cutting back trees and brush.

Could someone bring a pick-up so we can get rid of the big stuff?

Come help and join the fun with your community. Refreshments and lunch supplies will be pro-

vided. Call me if you have any questions, 442-4471.

5

Our fence between the chapel and Zander Building is done! It looks so nice with part of the

fence replace and all painted. Go have a look.

The ADA compliant restroom plans are at the planning commission waiting for approval. John

Hammond is working on the downstairs "little" girls room. Gwen Connell will be working on the

window trim in the Heritage Room. We are going to look so good when the Bishop comes in No-

vember!

Beth Powell, Jr. Warden

Why do we say Amen?

I went through a recent Sunday service booklet and counted the

Amens. On that particular day, the word was there 14 times. (Used 13

times if there was no birthday, anniversary or travel blessing, 12 if no

Eucharistic Visitors were sent out from that service.) It is a word that

gets a lot of use. But what do we mean when we say Amen? What

are the depths and complexities of this seemingly simple word?

It is a word of agreement. When we say Amen at the end of a

prayer, were agreeing with the intent of the prayer. When we say

Amen at the end of a blessing, were accepting the gift of that bless-

ing for ourselves or affirming the blessing of an item or other person. Were saying Yes! Let it be

so!

Similarly, it is a word signifying unity of heart and soul in the congregation. When the priest or

the intercessor is leading prayers, we dont just listen in silence. We are joining our hearts and minds

to those prayers. We are one with the person who is offering the words, a profoundly important spir-

itual fact which we affirm with our vocal Amen. When we offer our Amen at the end of the

Creed, we are making ourselves one with all who have made themselves vulnerable to God by being

willing to wrestle with the great story that the Creed tells. We may not be able intellectually to affirm

every single word, but we are affirming that we receive the gift of Gods love through Jesus Christ.

It is also is a word of thanksgiving. When the priest or Eucharistic Minister tells us that we are be-

ing offered The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven, or The Blood of Christ, the cup of salva-

tion, we respond with our trusting affirmation that, in the great mystery of the Holy Eucharist, Christ

is present, feeding and nourishing us with the divine essence. We agree, with gratitude, to receive that

6

wonder into ourselves. Thus we say Amen before eating and Amen before drinking in grateful

affirmation of the gift we are given.

The word Amen has deep significance for us. It emphasizes that we are not a bunch of people

watching someone else perform religious acts on our behalf, but that we are part of every prayer,

every action intimately, deliberately, and hopefully.

Can I get an Amen on that?

Sister Diana Doncaster

Saints Martha and Mary: Gifts of Love

Each year since Christ Churchs first Music & Arts Camp in 2010, the

parishioners at Sts. Martha and Mary Mission in Trinidad have partnered

with our camp team in a beautiful ministry that provides $100 Target gift

cards to selected children who attend camp for their back-to-school needs.

The mission raises money for their ministry through rummage sales held

at the church during the Trinidad Fish Festival in June. The gift cards are

then purchased and delivered personally to the children and their families

after Music & Arts Camp is held in early August. This year, ten (10) chil-

dren received gift cards!

Lee Albright, a member of Sts. Martha and Mary, has served as a shep-

herd at the camp for most of its six seasons and says, From that first year, we at M&M felt a great

desire to help some of the campers who were in need prepare for school. One grateful parent told me

what a wonderful experience camp had been for her children and that they are already looking for-

ward to next year's camp. Our project has certain-

ly been inspired all along by the Music & Arts

Camp. The parishioners at M&M love the project

and are very supportive. It has been a joy for me

to be a small part of the camp.

Sts. Martha and Mary is the parochial mission

of Christ Church. The camp leadership team at

Christ Church is grateful for Lees active partici-

pation in the camp and for the parishioners at Sts.

M&Ms, whose gift card ministry brings love and

joy to our campers each year.

The Rev. Nancy Streufert Lee Albright

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The Choirs Return!

On Sunday, September 13, we welcomed the choir back to the 10:30

service! The choir is open to all who love to sing and offer praise to

God through music, and who can carry a tune! If you are interested in

joining the choir, please contact Merry Phillips (445-0940 or

merry@merryphillips.com). The choir rehearses on Wednesday

evenings from 5:30-7:00 p.m. and at 9:30 a.m. in the Chancel on

Sunday mornings.

Mother Nancy shared an interesting article recently titled Ode to

Joy: Join a choir, Science shows itll make you feel better (http://

www.slate.com/articles/life/culturebox/2013/07/

singing_in_a_choir_research_shows_it_increases_happiness.html). The essay is adapted from a

new book called, Imperfect Harmony: Finding Happiness While Singing With Others, by Stacy

Horn. Much of what it says comes as no surprise to singers. Like runners and other enthusiasts for

any kind of physical activity, singing provides neurochemical rewards; singing might be our most

perfect drug; the ultimate mood regulator, lowering rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness, while

at the same time amplifying happiness and joy, with no discernible, unpleasant side effects. Come

join us and find out.

In addition to rehearsing and performing together, choir members also enjoy socializing together.

Many thanks to Denise Braflaadt who welcomed us to her home for the annual choir potluck. It was

a delightful evening! (see photo on page 13)

Thank you to Guest Musicians

During the summer we have had several guest musicians play for our church services, and I

would like to say a special thank you to all of them: Earl Morgan, Peg Molloy, Marty Van Zandt

and Betty Burton, Jeanne Fish and Helen Winfrey, and Nancy Streufert. Thank you for sharing your

time and talent and enhancing our worship services with your fine music. We will continue to have

special music with instrumentalists throughout the year. If you play an instrument and are interested

in playing for a Sunday service, please contact Merry Phillips.

I would also like to thank Helen Hui for her service as the organist at the 8:00 a.m. service on

Sunday mornings. Beyond playing for the service, an organist chooses and prepares music for the

service, and it is a commitment of time and service to the church. Thank you Helen!

8

We invite you to

Come and See

On Sunday October 4 at four oclock in the afternoon

in the Chapel of Our Merciful Savior, we will be hold-

ing the first of a new series of services. Titled, Come

and See, these informal services will be of light,

some scripture, some silence, prayer and simple

music.

Please join us as we explore different ways of making

time for God in our busy lives.

The Christ Church campus once again came alive with the sound of childrens singing and laugh-

ter during the recent music and arts camp held August 10 14. Our theme this year was "This Land

Is Our Land," with a focus on all things Americana. Pam and Paul Gossard taught the children the

theme song along with "America the Beautiful" and "When the Saints Go Marching In" (with kazoo

chorus!) as the core songs for the opening and closing gatherings. Paul accompanied the group on

the banjo and worked in a nature/environment theme with Pete Seeger and the Hudson River cleanup

project he spearheaded. Also incorporated were some gospel songs like "Every Time I Feel the Spir-

it."

The theme of Americana ran through the other classes too: Marita Musantes art class, with paint-

ing and collage projects inspired by

artists like Grant Wood and Ed

Emberley; the singing class with

Nan Voss Herlihy whose campers

learned Big Rock Candy Moun-

tain and a round on America;

and the keyboard class co-led by

Merry Phillips and Wally Cooper as

violinist Caitlin Wheetley accompa-

nied the children in singing Holy

9

Manna from the Southern Harmony hymnbook.

Christ Church is in its sixth year of this childrens outreach ministry

that offers a morning summer day camp for children in the community

entering the first through sixth grades. Its mission is to facilitate the pro-

cess of awakening the creative spirit in the children of our community

in a safe and loving Christian environment. The children are divided in-

to three groups and rotate daily through classes taught by professional,

experienced childrens music and art teachers in keyboards and other

instruments, drawing and painting, and group singing. On the final day

of camp, families of the campers are invited to an open house to experi-

ence some of the childrens accomplishments, including a showing of

their art work and a choral concert in the nave of the church, followed

by a festive picnic lunch to celebrate the joy of the childrens creativity.

Among the 30 campers enrolled this year, many were from Betty

Chinns after-school program and from the foster care community.

Please see the poster in the Heritage Room for pictures and a list of all

the generous people from the congregations of Christ Church and St. Albans who gave of their time,

talent and treasure! All funding this year came from the generous donations from our congregations.

We are already planning next years camp with a working theme title Great Adventures. If you are

feeling called to this joyful ministry, please talk to anyone on our leadership team: Peg Gardner, Pam

Gossard, Paul Gossard, Marita Musante, Merry Phillips, or myself.

Camp Leadership Team

Peg Gardner, Pam Gossard, Paul Gossard, Marita Musante, Merry Phillips, Nancy Streufert+

Activity Leaders/Teachers

Wally Cooper, Pam Gossard, Paul Gossard, Nanette Voss Herlihy, Marita Musante, Merry Phillips

Adult Shepherds

Lee Albright, Shirley Curtis, Spen-

ser Erickson, Peg Gardner, Pam

Gossard, Paul Gossard, Elizabeth

Harper-Lawson, Vickie Patton,

Stephanie Schultz, Joan Stewart

Teen Shepherds

Ian Curtis, Sally Endsley, Emily

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Hines, Chloe Robnett, Isabel Robnett, Caitlin Wheetley

Luncheon

Lyn Klay, Fiona Grant-Endsley, Sara Hines, Susan Whaley

Snack Mavens

Sara Hines, Fiona Grant-Endsley, Elizabeth Harper-Lawson,

Vickie Patton

Quiet Room Staffing

Fiona Grant-Endsley, Elizabeth Harper-Lawson, Vickie Patton

Church Support

Susan Armstrong+, Kathy Clague, John Hammond, Barry Ross

Parish Campers

Christ Church: Angus Endsley, Finnbar Endsley

St. Albans: Lily Bowman, Lotus Bowman, Timber Bowman,

Lily Herlihy, Jonah Hohl, Miriam Hohl, Elizabeth Curtis, Sarah

Curtis

Cash Donations

Anonymous, Anita Alexander, Lynne Bean, Kathy Clague, Byrd

Lochtie, Anna Klay, Lyn Klay, Bev Olson, Helen Person, Bob

and Judy Rex, Helen Taylor, Susan Whaley

11

Lay Ministries

Think for a moment about attending Sunday services. What is your favorite part of the day being

greeted as you enter? Receiving the Eucharist? Hearing the lessons? Perhaps your favorite is after

each service - the coffee hours with wonderful, tasty goodies? Or could it be the Adult Forum

between services with its in-depth studies and lively conversation?

Now think about developing your own active role in your personal favorite part of the worship

experience. Right now, while we enjoy the final slow summer and beginning of fall, would be the

perfect time to try your hand at one of the following join in the fun!

In-Kind Donations

Peg Gardner (Keyboards, Office Supplies); Pam and Paul Gossard (T-Shirts, Keyboard Accessories);

Fiona Grant-Endsley (Snacks); Sara Hines (Snacks); Marita Musante (Art Supplies); Nancy

Streufert+ (Gifts, Office Supplies)

Announcers

Lectors and Intercessors

Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers

Ushers and Greeters

Eucharistic Visitors

Coffee Hour Hosts

Contribution Counters

Please contact Marty Vega at 443-9782 or send an email to mjv523@reninet.com.

12

Brief Notes

Food for People and St. Vincents Dining Room

Thank you one and all for the

wonderful increase in donations

during September. On the twenty

third there were fifty pounds of food

to take to the food bank . On fresh

produce Sunday there was a bounty

of produce for St. Vincents. St

Vincents feeds between 350-400

people every weekday and they

deeply appreciate Christ Churchs

contributions.

Thank you,

Beverly Olson and Rene Ross

Fresh produce for St. Vincents gathered on Sunday, September 27

All Saints Day is coming up Sunday, November 1

There will be a table in front of the Altar for pictures of family and friends who have departed.

Please bring your labeled pictures to the office starting Monday, October 12. Make sure to hand

them to Barry directly for safe keeping. Photographs will also be collected on Sunday, October 25 in

Lewis Hall.

This year there will also be a separate section for departed pets. Please bring labeled photographs

in the manner mentioned above.

For an excellent article about the observance of All Saints Day, please see Fr. Leos article on our

Diocesan website: http://www.norcalepiscopal.org/celebrating-all-saints-and-all-souls-day

Rest eternal, grant unto them, O Lord;

and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Elizabeth Harper-Lawson

13

John and Vickie Patton September 2 Richard Whaley September 26

Lynn and Greg Bean September 8 Peg Gardner September 26

Marcia Marling September 15 Fred and Jacqueline Moore

October 1

Eris McCarthy September 16 Catherine Mace October 2

David Toy September 21 Barrett Mace October 15

David Moore September 23 Sharon Dircks October 23

The Rev. Nancy and Richard Streufert

September 25 Robert Hines October 28

2015 Choir Potluck

14

Fun Shopping for Foster Kids Christmas Party

Here's a great reason to go shopping! The TFI (The Forgotten Initiative) will be holding their an-

nual Christmas party just after Thanksgiving for Foster Kids in Humboldt County. Last year Christ

Church parishioners helped provide a wonderful collection of small toys and gifts for the children.

The gifts are spread out on tables and the children are given tickets to select something to put in their

gift stockings.

During October and up until November 22, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we will collect gifts

which will then be blessed at our Thanksgiving Eve Chapel service, Wednesday, November 25. Have

fun scouting for gifts in the $1.00-10.00 range that would suitable for ages newborns through high

school. Look for the collection table in the Heritage Room. Questions? Call Peg, 443-9627.

Peg Gardner

From Linda Benko: Thank you for helping me find a home. I am now living in McKinleyville, and

would still love to come to church. Please let me know if you are able to give me the occasional ride

to church. Tel: 267-5918.

Quilters...Plus!

Meet with the Quilters...Plus! parishioners on Wednesday morning, October 7, in Lewis Hall. Come

at 9:30 a.m., or a little later if that works better for you. We are working on a very easy project - mak-

ing fleece blankets for Foster Children in our community. No sewing skills are needed. The most dif-

ficult part is choosing a colorful and fun piece of fleece with which to work. Coffee, goodies, and

friendly conversation are a bonus.

The Forgotten Initiative (TFI) Foster Kids resource room/clothes closet for foster families will be

moved in several weeks from the First Nazarene Church to a much-needed larger space near the old

post office on H Street. As soon as the space has been painted and shelves and rods added, we will be

delivering frogs, rockets, dinosaurs, basketballs, music symbols, trains, dogs, flowers, sharks, trucks,

kites and more - all on brightly colored fleece blankets. Take Questions? Contact Joan Stewart, 443-

9637, or Peg Gardner, 443-9627.

On September 13, Mother Susan blessed 60 additional quilts which Peg Gardner has delivered to the

Foster Kids Resource Center at its new location across from the downtown H Street Post Office.

This will be our completion workday on the fleece blankets gven our current supply of fleece. Take

note of the bulletin board in Lewis Hall where a list of all of the quilters who worked on this project

can be found.

Joan Stewart and Peg Gardner

15

ECW October

At the ECW meeting on October 14 at noon, JoAnn Schuch and

Betsy Hubbard from Redwood Coast Village will talk about the

organization and its opportunities.

Redwood Coast Village (RCV) is a new membership organization

that encourages older adults living in Humboldt County to be part of

a network of volunteers and business referrals so that they may re-

main in their own homes as they age. Central to the organization are

methods to encourage neighbors to help each other and especially to

support seniors to continue being active, independent, and socially

connected to their communities.

Villages like Redwood Coast Village are a grassroots effort to

address the current and unfolding challenges of an older America.

Originally started in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Mas-

sachusetts in 2002, the Village concept arose out of community mem-

bers desire to reside in their own homes while being able to access

services that address their changing lifestyles as they aged. At its

core, the Village movement is consumer- and customer-driven.

This exciting and innovative organization is currently in develop-

ment in Humboldt County. Come hear about RCV's initial plans for

services or how to be a volunteer.

www.redwoodcoastvillage.org for more information.

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Baptism at Saints Martha and Mary

On September 13, the Rev. Nancy Streufert presided over the baptism of Zach Rotwein in Trinidad.

17

In August Sister Diana delivered the following sermon on the Feast of the Transfiguration, August 6. Because it was at a mid-week service, not so many of us were able to be there and hear it.

Transfiguration sermon, 2015

In the Collect for the Transfiguration we pray, Grant that we, being delivered from the

disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty . . . Its tempting to interpret

this as only about the glories of the life to come after our deaths. But Jesus was so emphatic about

the reign of God also being in the here and now among and within us that it seems reasonable to

look for that holy presence without waiting until we die especially in the midst of what the prayer

so aptly calls disquietude in the midst of the everyday joys and challenges of life.

Heres one small example. One of the core practices of living the religious life is the Divine

Office. Day in and day out, morning, noon, evening and night, the community comes together to

worship mostly through praying and singing Psalms and reading other Scripture. It creates a

rhythm to the day. Its a regular reminder of Gods presence; of love, of our responsibilities and

privileges as Christians. It helps us to put down the merely urgent for a few minutes to try to be

attentive to what is truly important.

As you can imagine, however, sometimes it gets old. Sometimes the last thing you want to do is

stop what you are doing to go recite those same Psalms and say those same prayers and sing those

same hymns one more time. Sometimes you just drift through it, barely awake or you indulge in

annoyance at the way someone else is saying it. And sometimes God surprises you with

deliverance from disquietude. Sometimes that Transfiguring light sneaks up on you.

Sr. Alice shared an experience she had when, one day, she dragged herself reluctantly to whatever

the next Office was. In the midst of it, a verse shed read a thousand times took hold of her and

opened her to insights and peace that she badly needed in a situation with which she was dealing.

She said, What if I hadnt been there? I wouldnt have heard what I needed. Id have missed Gods

touch.

When the three disciples later looked back on their experience with Jesus, Moses and Elijah on

the mountain, I wonder if they thought about how close they came to missing that holy moment.

Luke tells us Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had

stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Since they had stayed

awake they were witnesses to one of the great mysteries of Jesus life. They were awake enough to

see when the division between Earth and Heaven became so thin that the Reality of Jesus the

Christ the Messiah God Incarnate was briefly visible.

18

I am so grateful to Luke for putting that bit about struggling to stay awake in the story. Aside

from reassuring me once again that even those closest to Jesus were just as human and flawed as I

am, it is another reminder that it is Gods love, not what I deserve, that matters. It is also a reminder

to grow prayerfully more attentive to how the King in his beauty is present in any situation, no

matter how unlikely it seems.

Sometimes I dont want to be where I am. Sometimes Im only physically there hardly awake.

Sometimes Im distracted, thinking so much about what I need to do next that I can barely manage to

pay attention to the needs of the person Im with. Sometimes Im so annoyed by or bored with

whats happening in a meeting that I dont even want to think that God might have something to

teach me about love. Sometimes I think Im too busy to rejoice in the beauty around me.

Sometimes I think Im doing something too important to stop and attend to the Office or even to be

still in the presence of God.

And oh, those arrogant times when I think Ive heard it all before!

Sister Alice and Saint Luke remind me to stop and at least be willing to try to be awake in the

moment, in prayer, in worship, in whatever work is before me, in the person I am privileged to be

with, in the dishes and laundry and dusting, in meetings and bill paying, because the Transfigured

Christ is present and has something to teach, and love to convey even when it seems least likely.

Of course Alices experience is a reminder that it can be enough if you simply show up. The God

who can break through to three groggy disciples can and does break through to us in all kinds of

ways. But, I suspect, God prefers a little more active cooperation from us. Perhaps God would

prefer that we ask for help regularly as well as work at paying attention at staying awake. The

disciples couldnt do it on their own, and neither can we.

Transfiguration moments are offered to us all the time. We may not have the privilege of spotting

Jesus, Moses and Elijah in conversation, but the event of the Transfiguration on the mountain is a

reminder that the barrier between us and eternal reality aka the reign of God With Us is very thin,

indeed. As we continue to show up as we stay faithful to the practices of prayer, worship, study of

Scripture, coming together, sharing Holy Eucharist, sharing our lives, sharing ourselves and

substance in ministry we will grow in our wakefulness and attentiveness. As we continue to ask

God to show us what we need, and as we practice expectant attentiveness, we will become

increasingly aware. We will glimpse Christ alive in the interruptions, in the seemingly mundane, in

that which frustrates and wearies us, in the needs of those around us, in grief and in joy, in hope and

despair, as well as in those rare and wonderful mountaintop moments.

Lord, in the midst of the disquietude of our daily lives, help us to keep awake . . . really, really wide awake; attentive, open and responsive to you in every possible moment.

The Rev. Sister Diana Doncaster

19

Partnership Brings Relief to Fire Victims

by The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California

The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California is partnering with

Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) to assist Northern

California communities suffering due to fires. Financial support

from ERD brings additional resources to the local level, expanding

the ministry of our congregations. With these donations, we will

help provide increased bilingual communication resources,

pastoral care and increased support for ministry outreach

initiatives, such as local food closets and thrift stores.

Katie Mears, Director of US Disaster Preparedness and Response for Episcopal Relief &

Development, has been assisting our diocese with outreach to lay and clergy leaders working on the

ground near the fires, and assessing the needs in these areas. Elaine Clements, Diocesan Disaster

Coordinator for The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana and a member of Episcopal Relief &

Development's Partners in Response Team, has contacted clergy and lay leaders from each

congregation working in evacuation centers and high-risk areas. Elaine is an experienced disaster

coordinator who has worked on relief efforts in response to Hurricane Katrina for the last 10 years.

"The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California has been a strong supporter of Episcopal Relief &

Development for a long time," shares Bishop Barry Beisner. "We have celebrated its wonderful

worldwide work. Now, in our time of need, we have become the beneficiaries of that work. We now

see ERD's legendary effectiveness first-hand. This assistance enables us to respond with more

effective compassion and generosity. ERD equips our prayers for action, and we are deeply grateful."

An outpouring of support, prayers and funds are being showered on our diocese from across the

state, country and the world. We are so grateful. This recovery will take a long time. To continue to

contribute to these efforts, please consider a donation to the Bishop's Discretionary Fund or to

Episcopal Relief & Development.

20

To donate to the Bishop's Discretionary Fund, please make checks payable to:

Episcopal Diocese of Northern California or EDNC

Important: Please include "Bishop's Discretionary Fund - Fire"in the memo line

Please Mail Checks to:

The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California

c/o Accounts Receivable

350 University Avenue, Suite 280

Sacramento, CA 95825

Compassionate God... Draw near to us in this time of sorrow and anguish, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are weary, encourage those in despair, and lead us all to fullness of life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who liveth and reigneth with

thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. Holy Women, Holy Men: Celebrating the Saints

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe

the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. BCP, pg 124

Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the

changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen. BCP, pg 832

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The Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner Bishop, Diocese of Northern California

Staff

The Rev. Dr. Susan J. Armstrong

Priest in Charge

The Rev. Lesley McCloghrie

Resident Associate Priest

The Rev. Nancy Streufert

Associate Priest

The Rev. Sister Diana Doncaster

Associate Priest

Merry Phillips

Organist and Music Director

John Hammond, Sexton

Barry Ross, Administrative Assistant

Vestry

Lyn Klay, Senior Warden

Beth Powell, Junior Warden

Bob Rex, Barry Ross, Lynne Bean, Lin Chase,

Helen Taylor, Elizabeth Harper-Lawson, Belinda Zander,

Rex White, Katherine Clague, Gail Freeman

Bob Hines, Treasurer, Peg Gardner, Clerk

625 15th Street P.O. Box 861

Eureka, California 95502 Phone (707) 442-1797 Fax (707) 442-5647