christ episcopal church eureka may chronicle 2016

8/17/2019 Christ Episcopal Church Eureka May Chronicle 2016

1/15


2/152

May is such a lovely month! We lovers of roses can

rejoice in the abundant flowers. It is the month of Mary, Jesus'

mother.

On Thursday, May 5, we will celebrate Ascension Day witha Eucharist at 6:00 p.m. Then on Sunday, May 12, we have

another major feast, Pentecost, sometimes termed the "birthday

of the Church." I hope to see many people wearing red that

Sunday! Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit

to the Church, as Jesus promised. The word "pentecost" simply

means fifty, the number of days after Jesus's ascension.

This month I am particularly grateful for the ministry of our eucharistic visitors, those

licensed to bring the consecrated bread and wine to those unable to attend church: those

confined to home, a nursing home, assisted living facility, or a hospital. It is the way for the ill

to maintain their connection to the Church.

On Sunday May 29, at 2:00 p.m. I will offer a prayer at Trinidad Lighthouse for those

who have died, including those lost at sea.

As many of you know, I have moved my retirement up to June 12, due to simply running

out of steam since my ordination ten years ago. I am happy to report that Mother Lesley, withthe Bishop's approval, has agreed to serve as interim rector until the new person is called.

In Christ's love,

Mother Susan


3/153

Saying “Hello” and saying “Goodbye” are the two major

learning tasks all humans need to accomplish. (Attributed

to John Hughes)

Before being ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests, the

Rev. Dr. Susan Armstrong was a Professor of Philosophy at Hum-

boldt State University and now holds the title of Professor Emerita

of Philosophy. She also has been associated with the Oxford Cen-

tre for Animal Ethics whose aim “is to create a world-wide associ-

ation of academics from all disciplines who want to pioneer ethical perspectives on animals.”

Mother Susan came to Christ Church to be associate rector for the Rev. Ron Griffin. She wa

there to step in when Father Ron left to serve at another parish and she has been our Priest-in-

Charge for the past three years. Christ Church has been blessed in countless way from Mother

Susan’s service to our parish. Due to her generosity, we have been financially sound and living

“within our means” for the past three years. Her dedication to her job and service to the people of

Christ Church has meant that she has only taken an occasional day or two off during the past three

years and in reality has not had a vacation in over six years.

Soon Mother Susan will be leaving us to retire on June 12. Between now and then please

take time to give thanks and to show our appreciation for all the gifts she has given to our church

and to each of us.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but

the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them

in everyone. (1 Cor. 12:4-6)

Lyn Klay


4/154

As baptized Christians, we are all called to minis-

try. A wonderful way for followers of Jesus to go deeper

into Christian formation and discipleship is through Edu-

cation for Ministry (EfM), a four -year small group semi-

nar distance certificate program from The Universi-

ty of the South School of Theology (Sewanee, TN). As a

graduate of EfM myself (2007), I went on to co-mentor

EfM with Emily Arents of St. Alban’s for the last group that graduated six years

ago in 2010. Since then, it has been my interest to start up EfM again in Semper

Virens deanery, and the timing for Fall 2016 seems right!

The program is especially designed for lay ministers, but as in my case, EfM can lead to or-

dained ministry as well! The program culminates with graduation and Holy Eucharist with the Bis

op at Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento with others around the diocese (usually in June) and a lovelycertificate. The goal of the program, however, is not a piece of paper at the end, but the journey it-

self through small group formation and the transformation of disciples into more devoted follower

of Christ.

Each year has 36 sessions over the school year, a commitment of one group meeting a week

for a little over 2 hours, and reading assignments (several hours a week). The Old and New Testa-

ments are studied the first and second years respectively; church history the third year; and theolog

ethics, and interfaith encounters the fourth. The heart of the program is theological reflection on toics designed to deepen one’s relationship with the living God. Group disciples take turns providing

opening/closing worship and snacks for the break time. No tests or papers to write! We also have

two Saturday retreats with Eucharist. Meeting day/time and place will depend on the schedules of

group disciples and where they reside in the deanery. The tuition is $460 per year, which includes

materials. Partial scholarships may be available depending on need.

EfM changed my life, and I am passionate about its potential to transform Christian disciple

in a diverse and trusting small group community. For more information, go to the EfM website:

http://efm.sewanee.edu/ And if you are interested, please contact me by email

[email protected] or phone 442-1212.

In Christ,

Mother Nancy

http://efm.sewanee.edu/http://efm.sewanee.edu/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://efm.sewanee.edu/


5/155

We are about to celebrate one of the most overlooked Principle

Feasts of the Christian year – the Feast of the Ascension, which is honored

on the fortieth day after Easter. It’s an easy one to miss, coming as it does

on a Thursday each year, and not having been transformed into a cultural

celebration with appropriate cards, candy and gifts (Ascension balloons?Meringues to symbolize clouds?), but the gift of Jesus’ Ascension is one

that is too important for us to miss – especially this year as we face yet

another transition in priestly leadership. On June 12, we will say our loving

and grateful farewells to Mother Susan for all she means to us, all she has

done for us, all that she is. We will not see her around Christ Church as,

with the wisdom of experience, the Episcopal Church requires that retiring

clergy worship with another congregation for a while to make it easier for the parish to move on int

transition and look ahead together. It is often in those transition times that congregations rediscover

fresh vision of who they are and what their purpose is.

The Ascension is partly about the kind of transition those first followers of Jesus had to make

from having a visible, audible, touchable Jesus present with them, into an unknown and uncertain

future without his physical presence. Jesus left them in a way that can only be hinted at in the

inadequate metaphor of going “up”. He would not be present as they had been accustomed to havin

him, but he had promised that the Holy Spirit would come to them and give them what they needed

in order for them to do what they needed to do next. They were to live and share the love, hope and

wisdom they had received so that others could receive, live and share it too. That’s still the job of a

Christians, including us.

One of the most important parts of Luke’s telling of the story of Jesus’ Ascension (Acts 1:1-1

comes at the end. Jesus had left them. They stood around looking where they saw him last, just

staring and doing nothing. We all need a push in the right direction from time to time, so God sent

two angels to tell them to stop hunting for past securities, to trust that this was not the end, and to

send them on their way. In the next few verses of the story, we find that they returned to Jerusalem.

They stayed together, sharing what they had experienced, praying together, listening for guidance.

Another person was chosen to join them as they tried to find their way ahead. They didn’t have all

the answers, but they had Jesus’ promises and their experiences of being with him. So do we.

The Sunday after Ascension we will celebrate the mysterious event called Pentecost – the

coming of the Holy Spirit. We will hear about winds and fire, speaking in many languages and the


6/156

beginning of the spread of the Gospel to all lands and peoples. Neither of these great events – the

Ascension and Pentecost – came with blueprints, to-do lists or guarantees of success. Rather they

brought people together in prayer and worship that enabled them to carry on Jesus’ work of being

God’s love in the world.

As we move through our transition in priestly leadership, we are to do the same – to pray,

worship and consult together, to listen and share, to continue to love where we are and take that lov

to others. By God’s grace, we can do that.

At the April 17 meeting, the Vestry received an update from Helen Taylor, chair of the Profil

Committee. After researching, writing, and receiving feedback on various sections, the group met

April 15 to fine-tune sections and view the Profile as a whole. Results from the 54 questionnaires a

on the Lewis Hall bulletin board. The Profile Committee met again and submitted the document to

the Bishop during the week of the 18th. We hope he will be able to approve it before he departs fo

three-month sabbatical on April 29, since his approval is necessary before the Office of the Bishop

can post the opening for a rector.

At the May meeting, the Vestry should receive a report with detailed information and costs f

upgrading the sound system and for video streaming of Sunday services.

The Vestry endorsed Anne Pierson for ordination as a vocational deacon. Anne, and PamGossard who had been endorsed previously, are scheduled for ordination at Trinity Cathedral on

August 13.

Several church members and Mtr. Susan represented Christ Church at a meeting of Eureka

Police Chief Andy Mills and other faith- based groups to discuss plans for transitional housing and

services for the homeless who are to leave the Palco Marsh area by May 2. There is a plan to use

GoFundMe to raise funds to help Betty Chinn, the Rescue Mission, and St. Vincent's with this effo

The restroom project will be completed soon. Initial termite treatment for the Chapel area habeen completed, although there is an area which needs further work. The Smullin House porch wi

be re-roofed in May or June.

Deanery Safe Church Training will take place at St. Alban's on April 30. Anne Clark from th

Office of the Bishop is the presenter. Registration information has been provided for parishioners

and the Vestry.


7/157

Want to know what's new? Let the Church office know if you are not on the church mailing

list or email list. Check the bulletin board frequently. Be sure to ask Vestry members if you have

questions.

Lay Ministries

I know you’ll all agree with me that our Holy Week and Easter services were inspiring, lovely

services, filled with beauty and grace. It didn’t just happen; there were many lay ministers who

contributed their time and talents to make our Parish special. Training is provided for all of the

following ministries, please choose your favorite and join in the preparation for our Spring ser-

vices.

Jacqueline Hubbard

May 8

Karl Kellawan

May 19

Lyn Klay May 8 Bill Walser May 19

Vickie Patton May 13 John Patton May 22

Helen Taylor May 13 Susan Armstrong May 23

Richard and SusanWhaley

May 16 Marty Vega May 23

Ann Clark May 19 Pam Gossard May 30

Brenda Glyn-Williams May 19

Eucharistic Visitors

Nursery and Sunday School

Coffee Hour Hosts

Contribution Counters

Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers

Announcers

Ushers and Greeters


8/158

For more details about each ministry in which you’re interested, contact:

Marty Vega Lectors and Intercessors 443-9782

Anne Pierson Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers 442-2025

Sanford Pyron Announcers 444-0968

Susan Whaley Ushers and Greeters 445-2924

Elizabeth Harper -Lawson Eucharistic Visitors 445-1726

Vickie Patton

Nursery and Sunday School

443-1825

Lynne Bean Coffee Hour 822-6086

Bob Hines Contribution Counters 445-8974

Thank you, Marty Vega

United Thank Offering In-gathering

Ascension Sunday, May 15, marks the traditional date for the ingathering of the UTO boxes

(Blue Boxes). Many of us celebrate our many blessings, both large and small, by dropping a few

coins in the United Thank Offering boxes. The funds are used for outreach programs throughout th

diocese and the nation. Grants support making renovations to churches and schools, feeding the hu

gry, providing shelter, and providing care and support to those with physical, mental and emotiona

challenges. Mtr. Susan will bless our offerings during each service. (If you prefer to write a check

please make it payable to Christ Church with UTO on the memo line.)


9/159

Coffee Hour

New members and long-time members, if you do not already serve, please consider joining our live

group of coffee hour hosts serving our parish community with refreshments each Sunday. You are

invited to serve once a year, twice, three times or once per quarter. See me if you have questions o

would like to be added to our list. Lynne Bean, Coffee Hour Coordinator – 822-6086

The Cycles of Prayers for our Diocese and the Anglican Communion

Please pray for those congregations and clergy listed below on the Diocesan and Anglican cycles oprayer.

Every Sunday, our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner, requests we pray for:

The Diocese of Jerusalem, The Most Rev. Suheil Dawani, Bishop and for peace in the Holy Land

Specific Sunday Prayers:

May 1 Prayers: Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:

Holy Trinity, Nevada City, and Christopher Seal, their Rector

Anglican Cycle of Prayer:

The Anglican Church of Kenya The Most Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukala Primate and Archbishop of All Kenya


Holy Trinity, Willows, Gregg Nolta, Priest in Charge, and St. Paul’s, Crescent City, David Shewmaker, Priest in Charge

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Central Solomons (Melanesia), The Rt. Rev. Ben Seka


Holy Trinity, Ukiah, Bill Adams, Priest in Charge Anglican Cycle of Prayer:

The Anglican Church of Melanesia, The Most Rev. David Vunagi, Archbishop- ofMelanesia and Bishop of Central Melanesia


10/1510


Incarnation Church, Santa Rosa, Jim Richardson, Priest in Charge, and St. Paul’s, Oroville, David Englund, Priest in Charge

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico, The Most Rev. Francisco Moreno, Presiding Bishop oLa Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico & Bishop of Northern Mexico

May 29 Prayers:

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: St. Stephen’s, Colusa, John Vafis, Associate Priest

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Pray for the work of the Anglican Centre in Rome

If you wish to offer prayers daily for the church in the world, our Anglican Cycle of Prayer has a daly list of diocese and clergy who would benefit from your prayer ministry. This list can be obtainedvia this website:

http://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle -of - prayer/download-the-acp.aspx

If this does not bring up the full prayer list for the year, tap on “View” on the lineACP 2016 Full version View under Anglican Cycle of Prayer (January 2016-December 2016) andyou will access the daily Anglican Cycle of Prayer. If you do not have a computer, I would be glad make a copy of the 2016 Anglican Cycle of Prayer for you. Anne Pierson


11/1511

Parish Profile Survey

In preparation for writing the profile of our parish, a survey was mailed to all members of Christ

Church. Parishioners were asked to respond to the following questions:

1. What do you value most about worship services and programs at Christ Church?

2. Where do you hope for change or something additional?

3. What is your vision for Christ Church 5 years from now?

4. What qualities or talents do you consider most important? (Respondents chose from a list of

16, and could also choose to add their own).

The results show clearly that the members of Christ Church love and appreciate their church- their

fellow parishioners, clergy, programs, and facilities. There is a strong appreciation for traditional

worship and liturgy. Church members value and appreciate great preaching and seek excellent

communication skills in a rector. At the same time there is a clear consensus that we need to grow,and that to do so we must reach out to families, youth, and children. There is also a strong awarene

of the need to be engaged in our community in positive ways.

How does this translate into what we seek in a rector? Of the qualities or talents deemed most

mportant in our next leader, the top six were:

Sermons Growth

Attracting younger members Communicative

Pastoral care Administrative leader

Some individual comments from the Profile Survey:

What do you value most about worship services and programs at Christ Church?

Liturgy and traditions; joyful atmosphere; variety of programs and services Being a part of the community; sharing in the ceremony and ritual of worship.

I am happy with what we have, but can accept changes if it will attract more young families The warmth of the congregation, the participation in outreach

Where do you hope for change or something additional?

Increase in number of parishioners, more young families if possible. Energized leadership focused on parish needs, great sermons, good pastoral care, growth in


12/1512

membership We must develop, articulate, and communicate a clear vision for how we will minister to the

rapidly changing needs of the people in our neighborhood and community Growth and changes to reflect modern times, more people and children, diversity and inclusion

topical subjects addressed by clergy in sermons

What is your vision for Christ Church 5 years from now?

Greater attendance, same positive atmosphere, some new programs and ways of doing things

A more diverse congregation, with more vitality spreading the Good News in Eureka A growing congregation with a rector deeply involved in the church community Thriving healthy congregation, involved in community life and outreach.


13/1513

As a quasi-stand-in for our Junior Warden, along with the redoubtable Dan Phillips, we ended the

month of April with a trio of issues affecting our facilities.

First, the termite repair firm found more extensive damage to an area of the chapel than could be se

without opening up portions of the wall. They opened the wall and have given the church a bid to

repair the additional damage.

Second, the sewage drains in the basement restrooms overflowed and could not be unclogged witho

professional help. We called the plumbers, who, in turn, had problems cleaning the line. After they

sent a camera into the line, it was apparent that the main sewer was entirely occluded with tree root

This line is about seven feet underground and, fortunately for us, is in the portion of the line for

which the city has responsibility. The city came out within a couple hours of being notified, dug up

the broken line, repaired it and added an external clean out to the line. They were here and gonewithin an afternoon. I can think of no scenario more advantageous to us as the property owners.

Third, mid-week last week, an old trailer appeared in our parking lot with residents claiming that th

had permission to live there for some unknown period of time. This was not true. Almost as soon

the trailer appeared we began to receive messages and complaints from neighbors, parishioners and

members of the church staff. It would seem simple enough to just say living in the parking lot is no

allowed but the logistics of resolving the problem were difficult and complex.

We were aided immeasurably by Leroy Hoffman of Humboldt Towing who dealt with the situation

with the expertise of deep experience and at the same time showed a compassionate patience in

waiting and helping to find a legal place to tow the trailer so that it would not be destroyed. He wa

successful and in the end would not accept any payment for towing the trailer to its new location.

During this last incident, Leroy advised us on what we need to do to ensure that we are acting lega

in removing the trailer from our lot. The most noticeable part of this is that we now have very

official signs near each entrance to the lot asserting our rights in regard to who may use the lot.

Possibly the only really remarkable thing about these three incidents is that they all happened on th

same day, and were all resolved by week’s end. For a short time, things were operatic around here

Barry Ross


14/1514


15/15

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 en

courage and facilitate spiritual development for people of all ages; to grow as Christians in a loving and forgivi

fellowship, thereby confirming, witnessing, and leading others to the faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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

Dr. Douglas Moorehead, Organist Emeritus

John Hammond, Sexton

Barry Ross, Administrative Assistant

Vestry

Lyn Klay, Senior Warden

Beth Powell, Junior Warden

Bob Rex, Julie Cairns, Irene Hannaford, Lin Chase,

Helen Taylor, Elizabeth Harper -Lawson, Belinda Zander,

Rex White, Heidi Erickson, 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

christ episcopal church eureka may chronicle 2016

Documents