NEWSWEEK A NEWSLETTER OF SAINT JOHN’S PARISH, SUNDAY JANUARY 22, 2006
news & notes
“salvation” this sunday!
RectoR’s AnnuAl AddRess While the Vestry parish leaders and Rector are
on annual planning retreat this weekend, the
DelivereD at the Parish annual Meeting congregation will enjoy worshipping with our
“guest” preacher and celebrant (and fellow pa-
sunDay, January 15, 2006 rishioner), the Rev. Fred Fenton. Fred’s sermon,
This year, the Rector’s remarks are reprinted in order for those who were entitled “What is Salvation in Jesus Christ?” will
unable to attend the Annual Meeting have the opportunity to hear some of explore three questions: “How are we saved?”
the important information that was shared; as well as the chance for further “What are we saved from?” and “What are we
reflection by those who “had ears to hear.” saved for?” Don’t miss it!
thank you for your participation by your attendance this morning. opportunities to serve and serve some imme-
diate needs: We currently have needs for vol-
Looking Back: 2005 unteers willing to consider serving particularly
in the following capacities: Altar Guild (1x per
Last January, on Vestry planning retreat, we determined that our focus would month), Offering Counter (1x per month), 10
again be addressing the need to seek ways of shoring up the “sure foundation” AM Usher (1x per month), Coffee Hour hosts
and infrastructure which supports everything we do at Saint John’s; in terms of (6x per year), following either 8 AM or 10 AM
financial stability, as we faced the prospects, once again, of a significant deficit worship. We also have several team vacancies to
budget of over $21,000. fill on our weekly Morning Prayer and Evening
As the Treasurer’s report has indicated, despite a shortfall in projected pledge Prayer services (1x per month). Please contact
receipts of over $5,000, and a carryover into the new year of over $11,000, we have the Rector for more information or express your
managed to make good progress and reduce the size of this year’s projected deficit; interest and willingness to serve.
down from $21,000 last year to roughly $17,000 going forward. This earnest effort nursery Care Position open: The Rector seeks
and modest success is due to several things: names of qualified candidates to fill the job (18 or
First, we found more ways to trim an already austere operating budget, most older, dependable and enjoys kids). Please con-
significantly in the area of deleting the Rector’s insurance coverage benefits; and tact him with any possible interested names.
added no new increases to my compensation this year either for merit increase or Flower offerings: With the start of the new
cost of living adjustment. year, consider signing up to donate flowers for
Second, we welcomed and assimilated a number of new folks into the congrega- your special occasions and remembrances. See
tion, and a net increase in the number of pledging member households approxi- the flower chart for 2006 on the rear wall of the
mately 8%. sanctaury. Thank you.
And third, we got more creative than ever adding yet more fundraisers and
expending more of our energies in this area. The new year seems to indicate the sAInts & AnGeLs
necessity of the same prospects. Let’s look at what we’ve done. oF tHe weeK!
• Kelly has faithfully continued to sell Bishop’s Blend coffee, recycle printer From time to time we remember those who
cartridges for cash and sign anyone willing up for the various scrip programs. ascend slightly above, to hover for a while
and buff their halos. This week -- follow-
• Gordon Steveson and his son, David, have taken your recycle bottles and cans ing our Annual Meeting last Sunday -- we
and converted them to cash. acknowledge and thank several of the many
• The popular 5th Annual “Evening in Old Italy” event – originally only a folks who contributed so much to our shared
fellowship event where ticket price only covered our costs -- has become a fund- ministry together in2005. To neal McCauley
raiser, with the addition of a little auction, as well as Germaine’s willingness to, and Karen Peterson, on the conclusion of
once again, join me in raffling off catering a Dinner for Six. Raffle ticket buyers their Vestry service. We also recognize and
generously bought over $800 of tickets for the chance to win. We were amazed, thank Jack Ray for his service which has now
flattered, and amused! concluded as Ass’t Treasurer for many years.
And the ongoing labor of Gordon steveson
• Citizens of our state complain the governor wasted millions on a special elec- who raked and swept “God’s patio” (almost)
tion; but it enabled all our volunteers to raise over $1,600 for the church in one every Saturday for yet another year. Finally,
day with the adopt-a-poll program! we recognize our “Member of the Year, 2005”
Jeff Harris! Congratulations all!
• Denisen and Kelly head up another successful year selling the holiday wreaths; and for the first time, we undertook a large effort,
contracting with an experienced business partner, selling Christmas trees. That effort, as the treasurer reported, did not yield the kind of
financial success we’d hoped. Along with other commercial lots, our partner “lost his shirt” in a down market; and, relative to the size of
the effort, our $1,800 in proceeds was a relatively modest success. Had we not benefited from the generous donation of some tremendous
display advertising in the local papers (thank you Tamara and Suzanne!) – as well as those of you who helped generate several hundred
dollars delivering trees -- our net proceeds would have been nominal. The upside: our commercial partner handled the majority of the
work and risk. We get an “A” for effort.
• The two potentially-largest areas of occasional fundraising possibilities didn’t happen last year; and they are things for which we can
never anticipate or budget. We had no referrals or listings through the Episcopal Realtor’s program with any personal properties that were
sold among our members last year. And we had no sales of donated used vehicles.
This year, however, Paul and Carol already donated a vehicle instead of taking the paltry amount the dealer was going to offer them. Not
only did they make this extra gift to the church, they already found a buyer in their own neighborhood, relieving the Rector of the need to
be a used car salesman this time. The car sold for book value, $3,200, and Paul handed me the check yesterday! This kind of extra dona-
tion is a huge help. That’s approximately the equivalent of nearly two average annual pledges currently at Saint John’s. And it’s a great
tax deduction for the donor.
I would urge anyone considering a real estate transaction or vehicle purchase this year to at least inquire about these two programs. The
realtor referral program costs you nothing. The vehicle donation, in the end, costs you little. And it is obvious they can be a significant
windfall to your church.
• One final area of significant financial support to the Church in recent years has been memorial gifts. I have initiated what is now custom-
ary practice for the Church to automatically establish a memorial fund in the name of the deceased, for the family and friends of anyone
we serve. To date, these monies generously given by our members and other friends and family of the deceased have been set aside for
long term capital improvement needs as a lasting memorial to loved ones.
Another real success and achievement last year:
In the midst of trying to keep the church financially viable, the Rector and Vestry had the outrageous audacity (and the wisdom) to go out
and launch an 8-month capital campaign to address critical property maintenance and improvement needs. And the vast majority of the con-
gregation generously responded where these tangible needs were self-evident. To keep things in relative perspective, that figure was nearly
double the projected operating deficit last year.
Combined memorial monies, capital pledges and outright gifts met and exceeded our $40,000 goal. As a result, our attractive facilities and
office equipment/operations continue to put a fresh face on this “holy place” with which we have been entrusted. We are good stewards of
what we have been given to maintain and improve.
We are not only generous when it comes to keeping God’s house in order. We are also generous in sharing a portion of our own success
with others. We pledged and tithed 10% of our capital receipts (over $4,100) as our congregation’s donation to the Swing Pavilion being con-
structed at the diocesan conference center, as an expression of our gratitude for the Bishop’s twenty five years of ministry to us.
Our willingness to share a portion of what we have extends beyond our own doors. It is one of the paradoxical truths of the peculiar busi-
ness of running a church that’s on a mission: in the midst of our own serious financial concerns, we continue to give money away! This is not
only a constant factor that defines who we are; its increase also indicates a shift in our focus and emphasis.
the shift:
There has been a discernible shift this last year in our focus and energies in another area of our 4-fold areas of our congregation’s mission
of worship, learning, caring and sharing. “Caring for the needs of others” has been expressed in more outreach programs this year than ever
before in my 23+ years at Saint John’s.
• It began with our youth’s “Non-carwash” in January, raising funds for Tsunami relief on the other side of the world. For any size dona-
tion on some rainy winter weekends, donors were given an empty bucket to go home and wash their own damn car. The unique fund-
raiser even got some of our youth on the KTVU evening news.
• Last September, the youth and adults were willing to wash cars for real, to help both 2-legged and 4-legged Katrina victims. On a Labor
Day weekend, between the modest attendance in worship where a special offering appeal was made, and the carwash after worship, over
$1,400 was raised and disbursed.
• In the summer, Marianne Crosby organized a group of us eager and willing to provide a week’s worth of suppers at the Concord Home-
less Family Shelter. Folks got so much out of the experience, when Robin stepped up to coordinate another week of suppers, another
group of you eagerly signed up to do it again!
• Meanwhile, Carol and Nancy headed up something you folks just love doing; and what has become a significant annual outreach effort,
our “back to school backpack” project, providing kids in need with a fresh new start to the school year. 55 backpacks this year, a record!
• The same is true for our holiday adopt-a-family project, ably coordinated this year by Chuck and Cindy. In one Sunday morning, the
49 “neighbors” known to us only by first name and age were fully subscribed and “adopted,” and the reciprocal joy of holiday gift giving
and receiving was guaranteed for all involved.
• Beyond all these outstanding outreach projects, there was another significant way in which St. John’s served our larger community this
last year.
First, this community of faith stepped up and served as a prophetic Christian voice for peace in a world at war, providing a place for all
in our community to gather – despite differing personal political opinions – and stand united in our hunger for an end to the violence;
as well as the acknowledgement of our self-evident failure to find peaceful reconciliation with our enemies. Because this little church in
the east bay suburbs was unique in our particular locale of the need to serve the larger community in such a way, we ended up the lead
story on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Second, with the Vestry’s unanimous endorsement, Jane led our parish in becoming a local sponsor in the world-wide ONE Campaign,
raising awareness of the global need to end hunger and poverty. And this last December, thanks to Jane’s vision and tireless efforts to
organize the first World AIDS Day community observance, for those who came out on a stormy Thursday evening, we experienced a
90-minute program of stirring education, reflection and witness that was unanimously praised by all in attendance. It became the first
of what should be, must be, an annual expression and response to an issue we all know will only increase in pressing importance in
the years to come for every community.
Looking back at a mere twelve months, 2005 at St. John’s was remarkable and impressive. In spite of the significant, real concern Saint
John’s must address regarding its own financial viability, this parish not only successfully addressed its own infrastructure and long term
capital needs; it also looked outside itself to the world it is called to serve in ways that were nothing short of extraordinary.
However, Saint John’s not only served the larger community in more ways than ever; we have also become more visible in the commu-
nity as a result of these and other efforts.
• André’s gifts of his time and particular talents has continued to expand our church’s website, that is attractive, informative, up-to-date
every week. If you’ve never visited www.saintjohnsparish.org, check it out.
• Gary has lent his professional skill in the public relations field to provide press releases of our community activities to local media; and
Saint John’s has received more exposure of what’s happening here as a result.
• Suzanne has generously helped connect us with the Transcript and Times, and Tamara has not only generously provided us regular and
special display ads in the Clayton Pioneer, but also published special articles by Gary and myself this last year.
In every way possible, Saint John’s has done much to welcome such gifted and enthusiastic newcomers into our own membership, while
looking outside ourselves and truly “caring for the needs of others.”
Meanwhile …
Meanwhile, we continue to strive to faithfully fulfill the rest of our 4-fold mission statement of “worship,“ “learning” and “returning a por-
tion of all we have received.”
worship:
Our worship is supported by all those who continue to serve as ministers of worship in all the many different categories. In addition, I
wish to highlight two groups.
First, our folk band who assumes responsibility to provide music once each month. Our thanks to Howard, Steve, Neal, Lindsay, Tamara,
Carylon and Ben!
Second, I want to acknowledge those who do our morning and evening prayers in the sanctuary once each month. For many years now,
our goal has been to assure those on our weekly prayer list they are remembered each day in the sanctuary by at least two members of the
parish. In fact, current vacancies on the monthly calendar means almost 1/3 of each month is not being covered. I would ask anyone who
is not participating in the program to look at our vacant dates on the calendar and consider serving in this capacity. It requires 30 minutes of
your time, once each month.
Post-meeting Follow-up: The calendar sign-up was distributed at the annual meeting. One new volunteer signed up. Perhaps those
able to do so, but reluctant for whatever reason, thought others would step forward?
education:
Adult educational offerings this last year were limited to a few special Sunday morning Forums and the popular Lenten House Churches.
There were no education programs for children or youth, based on the interest-level response from families to actively support and attend
any program. This fall the Rector offered a confirmation course for high school youth, and since September we’ve had seven students who
join the Rector for an hour each Sunday morning. The course will conclude in June, when those who choose to be confirmed will be pre-
sented to the Bishop at the cathedral on June 10th.
Post meeting follow up: The Rector asked for seven adults willing to “shepherd” our seven youth between now and June. This would
simply involve: keeping your sheep in your daily prayers, greeting them on a Sunday and asking something about what they were
learning, and attending their confirmation in June. As of publication of this address no adults have expressed an interest or willing-
ness to do so.
Many of our fellowship events included a chance to explore and learn, as well. There was tremendous response to the Book Club
launched by Jane and Neal this year. And folks who joined Germaine and myself for the periodic Ciné-Sancta nights at the movies had
some great post-film conversations.
Just for fun we had the Shrove Tuesday Mardi Gras, the Annual Pentecost Picnic, the wildly-popular Summer Sunday brunches, the 5th
Annual Evening in Old Italy and the annual Greening of the Church party.
Passages:
This last year we baptized adults, youth and infants, including André, Andrew, Nicholas, Addisen, Meaghan, Abigail, Cindy. With joy, I
solemnized the marriages of Scott & Vivian, Nathan & Rhianna. We’ve grieved the loss and commended to Almighty God the souls of Peter,
Macie, Pat, Dixie Ann and Carney.
All the good people at saint John’s:
Saint John’s continues to do its work because of the people who give generously of their time and efforts:
• Our great mail crew that gets the Newsletter and other things out to you each week; including, among others, Wanda & Lee, Jacquie &
Don, Harriett, Raphael & Janice, Jeff and Gordon. A word about Gordon …
• It isn’t the wind of the Spirit that blows off the patio and parking lot each week so things look so tidy; except the way the Spirit has
“inspired” Gordon to do it for yet another year. In gratitude, I have a new dustpan and brush for him, to help out!
• The Vestry this last year I call the “Magnificent Seven:” Neal and Marianne, Larry, Karen, Jay, Nathan and Jane. In addition, we
thank Jack Ray, who has stepped down as assistant treasurer after a number of years faithfully reconciling the accounts.
• We have been gifted by the presence and ministry of other ‘ordained’ types; from MargaretMary Staller and her quiet deaconate
ministry behind the scenes, to our talented “relief pitcher” when I’m away on Sundays, Fred Fenton. We’re delighted to have wel-
comed another retired priest into our congregation recently as well, John McDermott.
• Our little staff has continued to perform with energy, grace and aplomb. Cheri, my very-part time admin assistant has somehow
learned to accomplish more in less time; and does so with flexibility and cheerfulness. After several years our nursery care attendant
has moved on, and a qualified person to fill that position is much needed. We’ve been blessed for another year with the talents of one
of the finest church musicians this side of Canaan; and blessed that the very part time arrangement works for all parties concerned.
As for myself as your Rector, priest and pastor:
It’s hard for me to believe it, but last June I quietly observed my 30th anniversary of my ordination to priesthood. It’s equally hard to
believe I am in my 24th year of ministry with you in this parish; now representing over half history of this parish church.
In the last six years I’ve published (locally) an annual collection of some of my writings and distributed it at the annual meeting to
each household; but this year, the possible 7th volume (for 2005) has yet to be compiled. My writing and preaching continues to be a
weekly challenge. Yet part of what continues to motivate me week after week is the opportunity I have here to freely seek and discern
what reveals itself to me as gospel, in light of the headlines and our daily lives; and then openly share that with you, my patient listeners.
At least one person last year said they didn’t like that, and walked; while other newcomers have specifically expressed to me they
were drawn to a place where the gospel is taken seriously, and people are engaged in healthy, respectful debate and disagreement;
knowing every voice, every person’s experience and perspective contributes something to be valued in our conversation. It helps shape
a common vision that becomes a model of something more than mere tolerance, but rather diversity, inclusiveness, acceptance and ap-
preciation.
I can’t help but wonder what it could be like if the larger Church and all its wrangling -- let alone places like Washington, DC and all
the other power centers of the world – were to more closely follow the example of little old Saint John’s!
In my personal time this last year I achieved a 35 year dream and goal, and earned my private pilot’s license last July. I’ve only flown
about four times since, which some say contributes to the reason I’m still alive. Because of a busy summer with capital projects, etc., I
did not take any of the large amount of accrued sabbatical time; that may be something Vestry and I will consider this next year. But
other significant things preoccupied my life, such as sending a second daughter off to college this year, then burying two beloved pets,
and Germaine and I will celebrating our fourth anniversary last April.
A word about the Rector’s wife. Occasionally, over the years of my long pastorate at Saint John’s, I have asked myself in all humility,
what the best thing I may have had to offer this church and its people. In the early years perhaps it was all my energy and enthusiasm to
build, build, build. Or my willing silliness to create and perform those musical bands to raise outreach monies. Or, once in awhile, some
writing or preaching, or good luck hiring great musicians to lead our worship. There was the fact that – as the only full time professional
staff person in a multi-faceted 501.C3 California non-profit organization – I could do a lot of different things adequately well. Or the
simple fact that – as many, many people over the years have come and gone – there are others of you with whom I have lived and grown
old(er) together.
But in recent years, I think you’ll agree with me that the best thing I’ve had to offer you is the simple fact that because you got me, you
get Germaine! And I want to publicly, officially and unabashedly acknowledge that and recognize her; and thank her for all she does for
me, and for Saint John’s.
now, for 2006:
• As I already mentioned, I will continue to help prepare some of our youth for confirmation in June. They are my other “Magnificent
Seven!”
• We will have some great new Lenten House Churches coming up, another newcomer’s group, and – important – Bishop Swing will
make his last visitation to St. John’s the first Sunday after Easter, April 22nd. Be here! Even if you have to skip Easter to do it. Be here!
Our diocesan family will elect our new bishop only two weeks later.
• We will try to accomplish some of the uncompleted capital projects on our list, and for which we already have funding in place.
•And, as I said, I may take a little of the considerable sabbatical time I have accrued under my contract with the parish; with financial
support that has already been set aside to fund this time.
A new Focus on a very important topic in our personal lives for 2006
The other day the church office received one of those unsolicited faxes that come through the fax machine and wastes more of our
paper and ink ribbon. The banner read, ““Have you been thinking about selling your Business … if the price was right?” Then the pitch:
“A qualified buyer is guaranteed.” I paused, only for a moment, before tossing it in the recycle bin ….
I’m thinking we’re all getting tired of talking about deficit budgets and the obvious need to increase revenues, since there’s no viable
alternative. The Vestry and I will spend all next weekend discerning how we will lead this congregation; and I believe it should be a dif-
ferent kind of conversation around the topic of money.
Periodically, but consistently, we will hear someone say something like, “It seems like you’re always talking about money.” That’s not
true. Admittedly, we do spend a lot of time talking about the lack of money; to the extent it places limits on being able to do some impor-
tant things. And money, in our case, should not be a limitation.
We are not a poor congregation. Moreover, we have no significant debt, own our buildings and property free and clear, and enjoy
facilities that are attractive and in remarkably good shape. In our happy state, money should liberate us, to give as we choose. If it
doesn’t, if all the abundance with which we have been individually blessed doesn’t free us up, then we should free ourselves from the
shackles money (and all the messages about it with which we are constantly bombarded in our culture) are holding us back.
As a congregation, we understand what giving generously is all about. Last July, the Vestry sent you all a mid-year financial update
report, and how we were doing attempting to reduce a running deficit. I included the important phrase, “and for those who find they
have both the capacity and will to do more…” I just couldn’t help myself.
In response, four member households made additional contributions totaling $4,000. One of you included a note with your check.
You said you’d particularly appreciated and valued something (a sermon reprint in the weekly newsletter), then read the financial up-
date letter, and decided an extra $1 a day was do-able. This year I suggested perhaps you might continue to give that increase of $365 as
part of your revised pledge for the new year; and by golly, you did!
We’ve welcomed some wonderful new member households to Saint John’s this year, as well. These are generous folks who’ve
jumped in and made pledge commitments for the first time, joining the ranks of those who have supported this church for years.
Not only is this not a poor congregation, it is a generous congregation. However, this is also a congregation whose collective generos-
ity is insufficient to sustain our own operation and program.
For a number of years now we have hand no active stewardship education program, engaging each other in serious, open-hearted
conversation about one of the most important things in our lives: our money. And it shows. In November, everyone was asked to
consider increasing your “perpetual pledge.” (There’s still some misunderstanding about this concept. A pledge to St. John’s does
not expire each year, but remains in effect as long as one is a member here. However, the amount of the pledge from year to year is not
expected to remain the same, but be revised as necessary, or as one grows in one’s giving.)
Of our 95 pledging households, 12 increased the amount of their existing pledge for the new year, while 9 decreased their amount,
with an overall net decline in dollars. 74 pledges chose to give at the same level as the prior year. What this means is 87% of us are giv-
ing less to the Church this year than last year, when adjusted for inflation in real dollars. When I said this to one of us the other day they
were surprised, confessing they’d never realized this or look at it that way.
For some of us I’m sure it was essential and necessary to reduce your pledge commitment level. For others, I’d simply ask you to
reconsider it. Do you mean to actually give less?
Most of us have heard at one time or another that the standard of giving in the Church is the biblical tithe of 10% of all we have
received. In all honesty, few of us probably tithe, at least exclusively to the Church. The diocese likes to send us demographic date that
indicates our congregation is not unlike most, where average pledges give less than 2% of gross household income. I know many of us
do more; and some probably do less. On the average, I suspect the stats are not far off. That said:
• For a number of years we had annual stewardship education programs and groups to assist us in talking about money and gener-
ous giving. In recent years, we have been mute when it comes to such helpful conversation. I am happy to say we have a small
group (both some vestry members and parishioners at large, to date) already taking the lead with fresh and openhearted dialogue
this year.
• In Lent, we will welcome back one of our most informative and enjoyable presenters, Josh Goessel (who led the course on “Stages
of Faith” two years ago), with a new course he will be offering he calls “The Spirituality of Money.”
• This year, we will continue to be fiscally responsible by keeping you informed about how much money we do or do not have. But
more so, we will give ourselves some of the spiritual tools to talk about one of the most important and influential things in our lives.
We will talk about money and the role it plays in our own life management of God’s resources, about our giving and our growing in
generosity.
• At the same time, you’ll hear me talk about money more this year; and try to do so in more helpful and creative ways. For in-
stance, here’s a closing thought:
Every Sunday morning around here, we strive to dish up a fine dining experience. And, it’s something we’ve already learned to do
on a shoestring.
In the office, Cheri is a whiz cranking out those attractive printed programs with the entire service in them, and usually keeps to
only 12 hours per week for everything she does. And, we offer live musical entertainment – even a sing-along! – with one of the finest
musicians I’ve ever known. Not only that, her “music notes” she writes for the bulletin, as well as her work with our periodic singers
and musicians, are bonuses. We have volunteer musicians, including myself, who are faithfully willing to supplement the music pro-
gram once each month for the folk service. Finally, we have a regular maitre’d who, after 30 years of practice as a liturgical leader and
preacher, cranks out 50 sermons each year; and on the average gets more hits and runs than errors.
Now, in any fine dining establishment, if you like the service, believe there is value in the meal and the overall experience is a good
one, a 15-20% tip is expected .... (You already know where I’m going with this, don’t you?) If it’s not a good experience you pay the bill,
stiff the waiter and vow never to come back.
Here in Clayton, the Host of this fine dining experience -- the one who miraculously multiplied a couple of loaves and 2 small fishes to
feed and satisfy 1,000s and changed water into fine wine – is the same one who said I am the “bread of life,” and “I am the vine, and you
are the branches.” Yet collectively, we don’t pay the bill when it comes; and don’t even leave a 2% tip.
The fax message taunts us: “Have you been thinking about selling your Business … if the price was right?” Nahhhh. The gospel’s
not for sale. At the same time, Grace – I like to say – is free, but it ain’t cheap.
2005 was a remarkable year in the life of this special, unique and holy place we call Saint John’s. 2006 holds every promise of being
something extraordinary. I invite each of us to eagerly join the parish leadership in this journey we will continue together; with some-
thing new and liberating with the good news we call the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thank you. And amen!
PARIsH weeKLY PRAYeR LIst
Please enter or re-enter any special prayers of petition, intercession or thanksgiving in the PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE intercessory book on the lec-
tern near the double doors of the sanctuary. The intercessor will include them in Sunday worship; they will also be remembered in parish daily prayers
throughout the week by those leading daily Prayer services. (More weekday volunteers needed once per month; inquire with the Rector.) Requests
normally remain on the prayer list one or two weeks in most categories unless notified otherwise.
FoR tHose wHo ARe ILL AnD/oR ReCoVeRInG FoR tHose seRVInG In tHe ARMeD FoRCes: Ross Curtin (Lori & Jack
[(name) = parish members with request]: Week of January Ray), // Matt Rossoni (Rossoni’s), Eric Doty, Bobby Barrickson (Whitehouse’s),
15th: Sherri Tennant (Michelle Smith), Diane Mahler (Beryl Malin Johnson, Travis Schweizer (Whitehurst); and all others known and un-
& Dick), Week of January 8th: Maija Crosby (Marianne known to us, their families, and all who suffer and grieve as a result of armed
Crosby), Rod Caltriden (Grimm family), Roberta (Barbara conflict.
Fogerson), Pat Rogers, Diana Mason, Janet Prudhomme FoR otHeR ConCeRns, CARe & sUPPoRt: Mary Ann Kestle & John
(Lori & Jack Ray), Janice Walsh (Jackie Waterson), Week Thompson, Leena, Mario, Lindsay & Steve (Wanda Grimm), Bob, Andrew,
of January 1st: Tom Herlihy (Suzanne Howard), Week of Kathleen (Jackie Waterson), The Batchelder family, Rose Bloom (Grimm’s), //
December 18th: Bill Caskey, Maryann (Harriette), Randy Mary & Larry Blow and DeLuna family (Suzanne Howard).
McMullen (Suzanne Howard), Pamela Crooks (M.G. So fill our hearts, O Lord, with your abiding care and love.
Christmas), Ross Curtin (the Ray’s), Anamieke De Geus FoR tHe HUMAn FAMILY, and all who minister with compassion to the
(Peter McNeill), Week of December 11th: JoAnne Parson- needs of body, mind and spirit. For the relief of pandemic diseases. For all who
age. And for all families, friends and all who care for them or suffer from natural disaster. For all who suffer from violence, terrorism, and
abide with them. armed conflict. For the safety of humanitarian relief workers. For the eradica-
FoR tHose In LonG-teRM neeD & CARe, esPe- tion of hatred, racism intolerance or injustice in our nation; and ethnic conflicts
CIALLY: Eric Batchelder, Tom, Don (Tuohey’s), Clint around the world. For the good earth God has given us, and for the wisdom
Ingram & Nancy Grainger (Belluomini family), Kyle and will to conserve it. For our enemies. For peacemakers and peacekeepers
McWhirter & Doris Lambert (Lori & Jack Ray), Marjorie in the family of nations. For peace in our world. For peace in our lives.
(Barbara Fogerson), Betty Barnes (Shirley Adams), Don, we ReMeMBeR & GIVe tHAnKs FoR ALL MInIstRIes In tHIs PAR-
Mary , Tom, Cecily, Benny Hidalgo, James Piccolo ( Sher- IsH: For the Diocesan family as we seek to discern the one called to be our next
rie Hidalgo), Rose Cunningham (Shirley Adams), June Bishop and chief shepherd. For the perpetual renewal and transformation of
Taylor, Lee Grimm, Nina, John Bloom, Marylye Johnson, the vision and mission of our parish, its growth and nurture, building upon
Jean Kifer (Grimm family), Art Waterson, Deen Parrish (Ta- the sure foundation of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For the light of Christ shed in
mara Steiner), Flo Roberts, Suzanne Widmar, Kathy Carr, our lives this Epiphany season. For our Rector and Vestry on annual planning
Virginia Longacre (Marianne Crosby), Duane Pinkerton // retreat Jan. 20-22.
Ryan, Jim Cole (Rhiana & Nathan), Miranda (Deb & An- In AntICIPAtIon of the birth of a child to all families known to us, includ-
gela Murelli), Brad (Suzanne Howard), Pat White, Kiyoshi ing: Kim & Chris Himmelberg (Jan’06 - Krausgrills), Alex & Sarah (Feb’06
Sekine (Carr’s), Alix Sahlin (Bill & Maddie Caskey), Cal - JB & Germaine), Matt & Katy Chamberlain (April’06), Scott & Vivian Miller
Treadway (Mary Treadway), Katelyn Grubich (Rhianna (April’06), Dannetta & Ted Coleman (June ‘06 - Grimm’s).
Cole), Patricia & David Atwater (Nancy Spellman), Ruth Confirm their joy & anticipation, O Lord,
Ann Nolan, Hy Rosen (Rosen Family, Michele Smith), Hi- by a lively sense of your presence with them.
roko (Murelli Family), Eric (Bev & Steve Price), Ray Petro- In AntICIPAtIon of the marriage of: Holly Crivello & Vincent Andrews
vich, Jan McNellis-King & Don Snider (Dona Zimmerman), (April 8, ‘06 - Ernie & Mary Ferriera), Erin Coulston & Joel Williams (May 13,
Terena Wickens-Green (Hartlove’s), Martha & Dale Keith, ‘06 - Susan & Phil Coulston).
Casey Atwater, Patricia Hayden (Barbara Fester), Arsenia Look upon this man and woman who seek your blessing, and assist them with your
Cenizal (Bunyi’s), Christa Halstead (Ehrich’s), Lisa Evans grace, that they may honor & keep the promises and vows they make.
(Howard’s). And for all families, friends and all who care for FOR THOSE TO BAPTIZED June 5th: Claire Riley Chislett.
them or abide with them. Let us pray for this person who is to receive the sacrament of new birth.
FoR tHe teRMInALLY ILL oR DYInG, esPeCIAL- FoR tHose YoUtH ConsIDeRInG ConFIRMAtIon June 10th: Nick
LY: David (Rydquist), Pat Rogers (Lori & Jack Ray), Murelli, Sammi Rossoni, Megan Rosen, Eric Jordan, William Howard, Tyler
Baylor & Joan & Marshall Goldberg (Michelle Smith). Nelson and Josh Case.
FoR tHose wHo HAVe DIeD: Mary Thomson. Let us pray for these persons who will renew and confirm their baptismal vows.
Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord, let light perpetual shine FoR tHose CeLeBRAtInG BIRtHDAYs: including:
upon her. Jan. 22 - John Ferrante, Bob Murelli Jan. 23 - Pat Bon
FoR tHose wHo MoURn: Kestle, Tuohey & Thomson Jan. 24 - Kevin Boyle Jan 25. - Charlene Bayles
families. Grant that they may grow in faith, wisdom and grace, all their days.
Give them strength and confidence to meet the days to come. AnD FoR tHose CeLeBRAtInG AnnIVeRsARIes: including:
Jan. 25 - Bill & Maddie Caskey
Give them wisdom, devotion, forbearance, support, joy & affection,
in their life together.
“The Light shines If we miss your birthday or anniversary, check with the church office to be sure we have a
Member Data Information Form on file for you!
in the darkness ...”
Saint John’S EpiScopal pariSh
thE third Sunday 5555 Clayton Road
Clayton, California 94517
aftEr thE Epiphany (925) 672-8855 / Fax (925) 672-7673
www.saintjohnsparish.org
January 22, 2006
8:00 AM - Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:00 AM - Youth Confirmation Class
10:00 AM - Holy Eucharist Rite II,
Guest Celebrant & Preacher
The Rev. Fred Fenton
Sermon: “What is Salvation in Jesus Christ?” l a b e l
Organist
Kimberly Patterson
Scripture Lections for epiphany III - Year B:
Jeremiah 3:21-4:2 / Psalm 130
1 Corinthians 7:17-23 / Mark 1:14-20