THE EPISTLE St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Kennewick, WA

Vicar’s Message At age five my friends and I built a fort in the back yard. In order to join our club, each person had to eat a small box of raisins with dirt mixed in. Accomplishing this scary feat resulted in membership in the club.

Many years have passed since I was five, yet I write to invite you to join me in the Good News Club. Instead of eating dirty raisins, we will partake of the clean and wholesome fruit of the Bible, specifically the Gospel According to St. John.

We will join other Episcopal Church members in receiving a daily reading via email during the Season of Epiphany (January 6 to February 26). Together, we will read and pray these daily Scripture lessons. In doing so, we undertake what the ancient Church spoke of as participating in “God speaking the Word of God.” Here is the link to join your vicar in joining the Good Book Club.

Churchwide Bible Reading

Initiative Begins in Epiphany 2020

La iniciativa de lectura bíblica para toda la Iglesia comienza en la Epifanía 2020

Blessings, Rick+

January 2020

St. Paul’s Annual Parish Meeting January 26th, 11:30 a.m.

The Presiding Bishop Presenting the Way of Love Presiding Bishop Michael Curry issued a series of brief videos, one for each of the seven movements of the Way of Love. We will watch one of these at coffee hour over the seven Sundays of Epiphany.

Thank You’s

Thank you for your extra work and attention to the sanctuary, Altar Guild Members

Thank you to outreach leaders Ryan Peterson, Gini Coats, Ron Weed, and to all who donated and/or distributed blankets, socks, warm clothing, or served food.

Thank you Adam, Brando, choir members, and other musicians who enriched the liturgies and/or who represented St. Paul’s at the AGO concert.

Thank you Rachel and Julie who as staff members worked extra hard in December.

Gracias a todos los que ayudaron a que Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe fuera una liturgia maravillosa y un festival delicioso.

Thanking God for Dr. Coler’s 95th birthday, and to Margaret Wild and Ryan Peterson for making this milestone a happy occasion.

Thank you to Susan Moore, for service above and beyond of duty.

What is Epiphany? In the official church calendar, Epiphany is January 6th which in 2020 falls on a Monday. What we are celebrating is when Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River. At St. Paul’s, we will continue to celebrate Epiphany during the January 26th Annual Meeting.

Did you find a dime with your piece of cake at last year's Annual Meeting? What did you do to make it grow? Bring your proceeds to the Annual Meeting and the distribution of Epiphany Dime monies will be decided at that time. -Deacon Lynn

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Epiphany Dimes 2020

Children’s Messages This year’s Diocesan Convention chose the metaphor of

Setting a Table in the Wilderness. Subsequently, diocesan

staff selected Bible passages that convey this metaphor. Fr.

Rick will tell the stories of these passages during upcoming

Children’s Messages at the 10:00am liturgy.

La Convención Diocesana de este año eligió la metáfora de establecer una

mesa en el desierto. Posteriormente, el personal diocesano seleccionó

pasajes bíblicos que transmiten esta metáfora. El Fr. Rick contará las

historias de estos pasajes durante los próximos Mensajes de los Niños a las

10:00 a.m. liturgia.

Teens Encounter Christ Jan. 17-19, 2020 - $50

For grades 9-12

Held at the Cathedral of St. John

Spokane, WA

For more information , see the insert in the Epistle along with other Diocese youth events.

You can follow through with them better if you prepare for success in what may seem to be little ways. For example:

Keep a copy of Forward Day by Day with your Bible. It gives you daily scripture references along with a brief meditation. The current issue is in the narthex. The next issue starts with February.

Put a United Thank Offering “Blue Box” where you will see it every day. It will remind you to be thankful.

Take home your Sunday bulletin so you’ll have the prayer list at hand during the week.

Put cookies and other temptations in opaque containers, inside cupboards, behind closed doors.

In other words, make it easier to do what you want, and harder to do what you don’t.

- Deacon Lynn

New Year’s Resolutions

Sunday Morning Bible Study Start your week with a stimulating discussion of the Bible. Right now we are reading and reflecting on the Gospel According to Luke. The 9:00am start time makes this study an excellent preparation for the 10:00am liturgy. We conclude about 9:40.

Highlights of November Bishop’s Committee Meeting

A quorum was present and November minutes adopted. We spent 40 minutes getting to know our

new deacon, Mark Sluss, and telling him about us as individuals. We also used two draft revisions for our webpage as a means of sharing with Deacon Mark what we believe to be God’s vision for St. Paul’s.

Afterward, we received reports on different ministries, including a treasurer’s report. We decided on a plan for following up on pledges and for developing a 2020 operating budget.

We made plans to recruit at least three candidates to stand for election to the Bishop’s Committee and at least three to serve as delegates to diocesan

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As many of you know, I am a student in the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. I am currently working on a thesis related to Christian environmental.

Through surveys and interviews, I hope to understand the environmental ministries among select churches in the Tri-Cities and why they do or do not exist, and the congregations’ knowledge of church positions and statements on creation care. The thesis consists of four chapters. Briefly, Chapter One includes introductory information. Chapter Two summarizes the review and ethical analysis on creation care and how these positions may apply to a congregations’ ministry efforts and local environmental concerns. Chapter Three summarizes the information gathered from surveys and interviews. Chapter Four consists on building on the findings from the field research and to raise awareness concerning Christian environmental ministry.

I am inviting clergy and laypersons of St. Paul’s to participate in the information-gathering portion of my research by completing a survey on the subjects discussed above. I have a set of prepared questions for you; however, I am also interested in hearing what you might have to say about Christian involvement with environmental ministries and efforts that are not covered by my questions. The survey will take around 15 - 20 minutes to complete and can be completed in a mutually agreeable place that is best for you. A subset of survey participants will be selected for in-depth interviews. If you are chosen, I will notify you directly.

If you are interested in participating, please contact me at krobertson-demers@ses.cdsp.edu, or give me a call.

Environmental Ministry Survey, by Kathy DeMers

Experience a Sacred Ground Event I personally invite you to attend a one-time introductory Sacred Ground event 4:00pm on Sunday, February 9th at St. Paul’s. Participants of this dialogue circle reflect on the American experience for different races. You are invited to explore family stories, the Church’s history, and cultural messages that form us as individuals and as a nation. The goal is to help us might better love our neighbor and to extend our nation’s vision of liberty and justice for all. Fr. Rick

Mark your calendars:

Annual Parish Meeting, January 26th at 11:30am

Outreach

Our Outreach team welcomes and invites you to join us in serving on the Outreach Committee. Last year we provided items for Park Middle School kids, socks for the homeless, Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets, in addition to responding to many other requests. Are we doing enough? Now would be a great time to reflect together on our past year’s efforts and discuss our plans for the year ahead. This important ministry needs your input so we can best address the needs of our community that we can set into place 2020. Our next meeting is January 12th at Noon; location to be announced.

St. Paul’s Cookie Exchange

Thank you so much to all who brought Christmas cookies to the Cookie Exchange. Special thanks to Rachel Tarapwe (right) for organizing this fun event.

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Are you called to Lead? We are seeking candidates to stand for election to serve on the Bishop’s Committee. There are three positions to fill for the class of 2022. Requirements are to be a member in good standing and a giver of record. The Bishop’s Committee leadership team meets once a month and occasionally accomplishes tasks between meetings. We also seek candidates for Diocesan Convention. Pray. Speak to one(s) you think might be called. Nominate them or yourself by speaking to a current Bishop’s Committee member.

Left: Simbe Elizai and her Aunt Rose. Bottom: Aleta and Dennis

Thank you for adding your voice to the Christmas cards for the homebound. Those I visited mentioned how much they miss the congregation and appreciate your thoughts and prayers. If you know anyone who we need to reach out to, please let the church know. Recently, it dawned on me that those in our congregation experiencing loss would benefit from bereavement materials discussing the grief process. If you are interested in receiving this material or know someone, please contact me. Finally, if there are individuals that would like to assist with the visits please let the church know. -Kathy DeMers

Pastoral Care and Visitation

We received an income of $9,923.89 for the month of November. This is an increase of $1,654.70 over October. This shows the usual increase we see after the summer break. We have now received about 94% of our Pledged funds for 2019. We couldn’t ask for anything better.

The expenses for November are $8,393.17. A little higher than last month but still left us with a surplus of $1,530.72 for the month of November. This means our total expenses for 2019 are at 97% of what we had budgeted. Taking in all of our income sources we are at about 96.5%. I’m not sure it can get much better.

Thank you to everyone for your steadfast support of St. Paul’s. The budget for 2020 is in the works with the help of your pledges. If you have not yet filled out a pledge card, it’s not too late. Our goals for the future are big and our opportunities are huge. I want to thank everyone for not only their financial support but also for they willingness to work together to create our vision of the future. -Susan Moore, Interim Treasurer

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Treasurer’s Report

St. Monica’s Guild

I have to say Ladies and Extra Special Gentleman, how astonishing you have all been this last year.

A special thank you to everyone who just jumped in to help. If you look back on last year, we have had some wonderful opportunities to shine from our Easter Fundraiser for our kids to go to Camp Cross, our Thanksgiving gratitude luncheon, and to last month’s Christmas Cookie Coffee Hour. Thank you, thank you, and thank you again.

Now on to 2020. Our first event will be for the St. Paul’s Annual Meeting. This will be held January 26 right after church in the Fireside Room. We usually serve a continental breakfast and this year will be no different. We will be setting up the FSR on Saturday at 10 am. This year I would love to have to put the buffet in the hall because so many people plan on attending and we needed to put up extra tables out. I will be asking for help but don’t be shy you can just jump right in.

-Susan Moore

Thank you to all who pledged during the season of A Still More Excellent Way. You can still complete an estimate of giving for 2020 as a spiritual exercise between you and God. Pledgers also help the Bishop’s Committee craft a responsible operating budget for the new year. Either email bookkeeper and secretary Julie Adamson at stpaulskennewick@frontier.com with your pledge or a request for a pledge card from her. Cards are also located on the Narthex table.

Buildings and Grounds Jr. Warden’s Report The rug entering the sanctuary has been

secured and the masking tape removed.

The main doors on the north side of the church have been lubricated with Teflon so that the left door now closes on its own and a key will actually unlock the right door.

There are new batteries in the temp sensor for the main church thermostat.

We will entertain the idea of remodeling the bathrooms by the Fireside Room, discussing taller toilets and stall doors.

-Dick Richardson, Jr. Warden

A Still More Excellent Way

2020 Pledges

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Mensaje del vicario A los cinco an os, mis amigos y yo construimos un fuerte en el patio trasero. Para unirse a nuestro club,

cada persona tení a que comer una pequen a caja de pasas con suciedad mezclada. Lograr esta hazan a

aterradora resulto en la membresí a en el club.

Han pasado muchos an os desde que tení a cinco an os, pero escribo

para invitarte a que te unas a mí en el Good News Club. En lugar de

comer pasas sucias, participaremos del fruto limpio y sano de la

Biblia, especí ficamente el Evangelio segu n San Juan.

Nos uniremos a otros miembros de la Iglesia Episcopal para recibir una lectura diaria por correo electro nico durante la Temporada de Epifaní a (del 6 de enero al 26 de febrero). Juntos, leeremos y oraremos estas lecciones diarias de las Escrituras. Al hacerlo, emprendemos lo que la antigua Iglesia hablo al participar en "Dios hablando la Palabra de Dios". Aquí esta el enlace para unirse a su vicario en unirse al Good Book Club.

Blessings, Rick+

Una Congregación Invitante y Acogedora

Creemos que Dios convierte a San Pablo en un arco iris con colores únicos y

hermosos que brillan con esperanza y amor. Para cumplir con el propósito del arco

iris de Dios, estamos reuniendo un equipo de liderazgo que se reunirá cada dos

meses (seis veces al año). Esta Comisión de Recién Llegados apoyará y celebrará la

invitación y la bienvenida de San Pablo a vecinos y extraños en el nombre de

Jesucristo. Comuníquese con Kimberly Elliot o el Padre Rick con preguntas o

sugerencias, y por todos los medios únase a nosotros el sábado 18 de enero, a la

1:00 pm para nuestra primera reunión.

Nuestra Sen ora de Guadalupe

Reunión Anual de la Parroquia, 26 de enero a las 11:30am

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Bishop’s Warden Report for January Happy Birthday Dr. Coler!

Wishing Dr. Rod Coler the happiest of

birthdays!

February Epistle Deadline: January 22

Send submissions to: Paula Long @

paulajolong@gmail.com

An Inviting and Welcoming Congregation

We believe God makes St. Paul’s into a rainbow with unique and beautiful colors that shine with hope and love. To fulfill God’s rainbow purpose, we are assembling a leadership team that will meet every other month (six times a year). This Newcomers Commission will support and celebrate St. Paul’s inviting and welcoming neighbors and strangers in the name of Jesus Christ. Contact Kimberly Elliot or Father Rick with questions or suggestions, and by all means join us Saturday, January 18, at 1:00pm for our first gathering.

I have to start out with a gratitude list for 2019. I am so grateful for all the wonderful ladies of St. Paul’s. The Altar Guild for their devotion to the beauty of every season of the church calendar. Don’t forget to get your 2020 Church calendars. They are located in the Narthex.

For the Sunday School teachers, for their patience with our fabulous children and the importance of what they do for the children futures. I can’t forget Father Rick for letting the entire congregation share in the Children’s Moments. It is a gift every Sunday. I are so grateful.

Then there is the St. Monica’s Guild, the Greeters and Ushers, the Welcoming Committee, the ladies that help with this publication, the Outreach Committee and everyone who has used their gifts and talents to make our church community bloom this the last year. I am truly grateful and blessed.

Then there are all the great gentlemen of St. Paul’s. The guys who spent their time fixing wiring, irrigation, furnaces, plumbing and parking lot lights. I am so grateful. You have all made a great difference to and for everyone at St. Paul’s.

I am also grateful for everyone who has served with me on the Bishop’s Committee. They are all “Rock Stars” for St. Paul’s. I know that as I come to sit in the pew, it has taken a whole village to make this space for me that God sent every time. Thank you all.

I invite everyone to attend the Annual Meeting to find out what daring plans we can dream up for 2020. That’s the 2020 Annual Meeting on January 26th right after the 10am service. Be there or be square. Peace and Blessings to you All.

- Susan Moore, Bishop’s Warden

Annual Parish Meeting January 29, 2020

at 11:30am

Celebrate our Blessings Hear Reports

Review our Priorities Receive the Operating Budget

Lunch and Elections

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

The Mission of St. Paul’s is to follow

Jesus into God’s future.

Sunday Worship Schedule:

8:00 AM Holy Eucharist

10:00 AM Holy Eucharist, with music

and Sunday School

Rev. Rick Matters, Vicar

Rev. Lynn Yule, Deacon

Rev. Mark Sluss, Deacon

Susan Moore, Bishop’s Warden

Dick Richardson, Jr. Warden

Phone: 509-582-8635

E-mail: stpaulskennewick@frontier.com

Website: stpaulskennewick.org

PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

1609 W. 10th Avenue

Kennewick, WA 99336

January 2020 Schedule for Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Eucharistic Visitors, Life Care and Volunteers as of 12-22-19

January 5 January 12 Youth

January 19 January 26 Annual Meeting

ACOLYTES

D. Richardson (C)

Youth

M. Week

K. Elliot

Eucharistic Visitors

B. Andrew

E. Wallace

K. DeMers

Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers

10:00 AM # A. Cook +* B. Andrew

10:00 AM # + *

10:00 AM # R. Peterson +* K. DeMers

10:00 AM # V. Coates + D. Richardson * M. Parker

Life Care

E. Wallace

N/A

B. Noland

N/A

Altar Guild: Jan 5 Susan Moore & Dorothy Sherwin Jan 12 Margaret Wilde and Carol Zaugg Jan 19 Susan Moore & Dorothy Sherwin Jan 26 Margaret Wilde and Carol Zaugg

Coffee Hour: Jan 5 Lupe Cervantes Jan 12 Autumn Lawr Jan 19 Nancy Missett Jan 26 Annual Meeting - Potluck

Counters: Jan 5 B. Andrew & K.Brady Jan 12 V. Coates & R. Peterson Jan 19 B. Andrew & C. Dunbar Jan 26 V. Coates & K. Brady

Ushers and Greeters: Jan 5 Ken McCall & Clara Lopez Jan 12 Rachael Tarapwe & Carol Zaugg Jan 19 Ken McCall & Clara Lopez Jan 26 Dorothy Sherwin & Autumn Lawr

St. Paul’s January 2020

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 10-2 Office Open

2 10-2 Office Open

3 6 to 8:30 pm Skills Development Mission (SDM)

4 9 to 12pm Men’s Group

5 The Epiphany 8 & 10 Eucharist 9am Bible Study 10am Eucharist 1pm TCCC 7pm AA

6 10-2 Office Open 7 Scouts

7 10-2 Office Open

8 10- 2 Office Open 10am Morning Prayer 11am Bible Study 7pm Choir

9 10-2 Office Open

10 6 to 8:30 pm SDM

11 9 to12pm Men’s Group 1pm Communication

12 Baptism of Our Lord 8 & 10 Eucharist 9am Bible Study 1pm TCCC 7pm AA

13 10-2 Office Open 6:30 pm Racial Equity Meeting at St. Paul’s 7pm Scouts

14 10-2 Office Open

15 10-2 Office Open 10am Morning Prayer 11am Bible Study 7pm Choir

16 10-2 Office Open 7pm Planning

17 6 to 8:30 pm SDM

18 9 to 12pm Men’s Group 1pm Newcomer’s Commission

19 2 Epiphany 8 & 10 Eucharist 9 Bible Study 12pm BC Meeting 1pm TCCC 7pm AA

20 10-2 Office Open 7pm Scouts

21 10-2 Office Open

22 10-2 Office Open Deadline for February Epistle

23 10-2 Office Open

24 6 to 8:30 pm SDM

25 9 to12pm Men’s Group Wedding

26 8 & 10 Eucharist 9 Bible Study ANNUAL MEETING and Luncheon

27 10-2 Office Open 7pm Scouts

28 10-2 Office Open

29 10-2 Office Open

30 10-2 Office Open

31 6 to 8:30 pm SDM

Racial Equity Champions Monday January 13 at 6:30pm

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1609 W 10th, Kennewick

Establishing Racial Equity and Advocating for Social Justice in the Tri-Cities

Estableciendo la Equidad Racial y Abogando por la Justicia Social en las Tri-Cities

Questions? Contact Rick Matters at 209-327-1134

Welcome to Sacred Ground

Join this one-time introductory Sacred Ground and enjoy a potluck dinner.

Reflect on the American experience through the lens

of different races. Explore family stories, the Church’s history, and cultural messages that form

us as individuals and as a people. The goal is to better love our neighbor and to extend our nation’s

vision of liberty and justice for all.

St. Paul’s Episcopal, Kennewick Sunday, February 9, at 4:00pm. RSVP rickmatters@gmail.com

Winter Cross 2020

Join some of your favorite Camp Cross staff, resource leaders and counselors at the Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center in Ellensburg for a mid-winter break you won’t forget.

While at Winter Cross, you’ll enjoy all the activities you love during the summer with a snowy spin.

Campers Choice classes: Want to go snow shoeing? How about ice skating? May-be you’re feeling like doing some arts and crafts? Want to see if you can take Papa John on the basketball court? We’ve got you covered! Join us for some fun twists on your favorite rec activities.

Winterfront: The team has been busy plan-ning the ultimate winterfront (waterfront with snow) for our happy campers! Come join us for some fun and games and see what sort of chaos winterfront offers. Don’t forget to pack your winterfront gear so you can join in all the fun!

Campfire: It wouldn’t be Camp without some songs around the campfire and some s’mores roasting. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and get ready to sing your favorite songs!

Ohana groups: Our resource team and counselors have been planning some great activities and discussion for our retreat. Bonus- you’ll get a preview into our summer theme: Walking in the Way of Love. Where will your journey take you as you walk the Way of Love with us?

Worship: Is there any better way to worship then surrounded by your CC family? We’ll be praising God in his winter glory.

What are you waiting for?! Sign up for Win-ter Cross today!

Needing a little bit of Camp Cross love to sooth your soul?

Sign up for the 2nd annual Winter Cross retreat! Everything you love about Camp with a winter twist. This event is for youth grades 6-12 plus adult leaders.

Date: February 14-16, 2020

Time: Arrival, Friday, 5:30 PM. Depar-ture 1:00 PM, Sunday.

Deadline for Registration – Feb. 7 or until it fills. First come, first serve.

Cost: $75.00 per person.

Place: Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center, 16170 Manastash Road,Ellensburg, WA 98926

Register: https://spokanediocese.form-stack.com/forms/youth_events

What to bring to Winter Cross?WHAT TO BRING

• Sleeping Bag, Pillow• Towels• Toiletries• Casual Clothes• Snow appropriate Clothes (for winter games): boots, hat, ski jacket, pants, gloves, scarf• Closed Toed Shoes• Flashlight, extra batteries• Bag for Wet Clothes/ Towels

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Snow shoes/ice skates• Extra blanket• Camera • Small Amount of Money• Bible/ Prayer Book• Stationary, Stamps, Pencil/ Pen• Alarm Clock

Please note that Lazy F Ranch may not have cell service available due to its location

TEC, or teens encounter Christ, is a youth-led weekend retreat of spiritual journey for 9th to 12th graders.

Modeled on the Cursillo renewal experience, the program will feature a series of talks and worship sessions focusing on

Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Pentecost.

teens encounter Christ

presented by

The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane January 17 - 19, 2020

For more information, contact John Palarine

johnp@spokanediocese.org

To Register This uplifting weekend will take place at:

St. John’s Cathedral 127 E 12th Ave

Spokane, WA 99202

Bishop's Annual Appeal Dear Friends, I look at the world today and see a broken and divided world, which desperately needs to hear the good news that Christ is our peace. This is a world of hurt that needs the healing Jesus brings. This is a world of darkness that needs the light that cannot be overcome. This is a world of hatred that needs love, a world of revenge needing justice, or separation that needs unity. This world needs Jesus, because only Jesus can transform this world. I am committed to the vision of the Diocese of Spokane to be a creative, compelling witness to Jesus Christ. I long for the day when we look at a world in peace, a world of love, a world where children do not wonder if they will eat and nobody is without housing. I long for the time when God’s will is done on earth as in heaven. To work for that day is our call and our challenge. You have a vital role in that work. You are part of a diocese that understands that there are no outcasts, and that “If it is not about love, it is not about God,” as Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has said. As a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane you know that we join in God’s mission in the world through our congregations and ministries. Today I write to ask you to support the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. With the funds received, we can continue to be a creative compelling witness to Jesus Christ in all corners of our diocese and beyond! With the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, we support the work of the diocese and are able to walk the Way of Love. Will you join me in supporting the Bishop’s Annual Appeal and help us be that creative, compelling witness to Jesus? Every donation is important. Thank you for your support of the Annual Appeal! Faithfully, +Gretchen M. Rehberg