Easter 2010
Volume 56 / Issue 7
A guide to the services of Holy Week at St. David’s
Sunday, March 28 Palm Sunday
8 a.m. Palm procession & Passion
10 a.m. Palm procession & Eucharist
10:45 a.m. Passion & homily
10:45 a.m. Children’s program
This liturgy features a re-enactment of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his death. The liturgy begins on a triumphal note, as all participants are handed palms to wave, just as the crowds did who welcomed Jesus. The Eucharist is received in a joyful intergenerational spirit. The mood of the service then changes abruptly as the congregation next experiences the Passion story followed by a homily. At the second service, there will be a supervised snack and movie for the children, for families so desiring, during the Passion reading and homily.
Thursday, April 1 Maundy Thursday
6 p.m. The story told in four ritual acts
This liturgy is built around four Gospel stories with an accompanying ritual, which tell the story of what happened to Jesus on the night before he died. The four rituals are: Eucharist, an optional participation in the foot washing ritual, the stripping of the altar, and a procession of the reserved sacrament to the altar of repose in the meditation chapel which is set up as a Garden of Gethsemane.
7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Garden of Gethsemane watch
The altar of repose (a place set apart for the reserved sacrament, symbolizing Christ’s presence) will be placed in a spot decorated to look like a garden in the meditation chapel. Congregants are invited to sign up to keep watch (a vigil) in the church throughout the night, reminiscent of Jesus’ all-night vigil in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Friday, April 2 Good Friday
12 noon Passion & prayers (no music)
This traditional service, without music, features a reading from the Passion Gospel, homily, prayers of intercession and collects.
6 p.m. Holy Week story for all ages
All are welcome to this 55-minute experiential service which is also appropriate for children. The story of the Passion is read and involves movement to different stations. Rituals include the Eucharist, foot washing, and the veneration of the cross with votive candles in the style of Taize worship. The service concludes with the entombing of Jesus.
Saturday, April 3 A Celtic Easter
7 p.m. Scripture & song, darkness & light, fire & water, bread & wine
This liturgy is rich with meaning as we celebrate and recall three events. The first event is the liberation of the Hebrew people from their bondage of slavery in Egypt. There is a ritual blessing of fire and lighting of the Easter candle. The second event we celebrate is the liberation of Christ’s people as we renew our own baptismal promises. The Easter proclamation is announced: "Alleluia! Christ is Risen!" and the Easter Gospel is proclaimed in word and song. The first Eucharist of Easter is then celebrated. The service takes place in the church and the service features sung chants and uses prayers and texts drawn from contemporary Celtic Christian sources. People are invited to bring small bells or other percussion instruments to celebrate the Risen Christ in big sound.
Sunday, April 4 Easter Sunday
8 a.m. Festival Eucharist & reception
10 a.m. Festival Eucharist & reception
11 a.m. Festival egg hunt for children
Easter Sunday is the annual celebration of the Resurrection. Both services have expanded music offerings and receptions in Stretch Hall following the Eucharist. The festival egg hunt for children follows the second service.
Children & youth
by The Rev. Elaine Breckenridge
On Palm Sunday, March 28, there will be a palm procession and joyful celebration of the Eucharist without sermon. This will be a wonderful time for the whole parish family to worship together so there is no Sunday School. The Passion Narrative and homily will take place after communion. Children will be invited to receive communion first and then may attend a snack and movie supervised by teenagers while the adults remain in the church for the Passion reading and homily.
For those of you who are in town, please don’t forget about the special Holy Week service on Good Friday at 6:00 p.m. This 55-minute service is a walk through of the Holy Week story and ends with the laying of Jesus (symbolized by a folded fair linen) in the tomb. It makes the opening of the tomb much more significant for children on Easter Sunday.
Easter Sunday is April 4, and there will be a glorious Easter service at 10:00 a.m. and
an Easter egg hunt to follow! Candy donations are needed! If you can help with the Easter egg hunt, please let Mary Basta know.
Many of our families will be out of town for spring break and therefore not available to rehearse for an Easter Sunday presentation. However, several have expressed an interest in singing for the Bishop on Sunday, April 18. The primary singing rehearsal will take place on April 11 right after the 10:00 a.m. service. The ingathering of mite boxes for the Haiti Relief Fund will take place on Sunday, April 18. The Bishop will bless the children’s offerings.
Please do not hesitate to be in touch with me or Janet Dodd if you have any questions regarding our spring program.
This year's Camp Cross registration forms and brochures are now available at the communications center!
Rector’s reflections
by The Rev. Elaine Breckenridge
Welcome to the Easter issue of The Messenger! In thinking about Easter, I always recall what I have learned about the peregrini, those ancient wandering saints of the fourth, fifth and sixth centuries. Related to Christian pilgrimage, yet distinctive, peregrination incorporates the concept of journey but rather than focused on destination, it stems from a passion to find one’s own place of personal resurrection. And as J. Phillip Newell has written, peregrination involves a “willingness to let go of the place that was comfortably familiar in order to find a new life.”
After five years of parish ministry at St. David’s, I am in need of discovering my own personal resurrection. To do so, the vestry has granted me a mini-sabbatical which will take place this May. My sabbatical plan is to become a peregrini, seeking the place of my own personal resurrection by visiting the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, off the coast of Northumbria, England. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne was the birthplace of Christianity in the North of England and is steeped in strong traditions and history.
I will be traveling with seven people, with an ecumenical organization called Journeying which takes groups of people interested in exploring Celtic sites. Their stated purpose is to “help people connect with God in creation, in each other, in ourselves.”. During the pilgrimage, we shall follow an ancient tradition and walk the historic pilgrims' path across the sands. Walking in six to eight mile stretches through a wide variety of landscapes, we shall walk parts of St. Cuthbert's Way mostly on tracks over gentle hills. We shall also walk along the Northumberland Heritage coast. Besides walking, the pilgrimage will include time for prayer and worship, personal and group reflection.
In addition to the walking pilgrimage, I will spend two days in Edinburgh and one day in Durham so that I can visit the magnificent cathedral there. Upon returning home, I then plan to take a few days away in British Columbia with my husband so that we can celebrate
our twentieth wedding anniversary. I will be gone four Sundays, and the Sundays will be
covered by two supply priests. Look for more information in the May newsletter.
I am certainly grateful to the vestry for granting me this leave, and I pledge to do my best to come back refreshed and renewed so that we can continue our pilgrimage as the community of St. David’s.
From our Deacon
Leaving space in my life
by The Rev. Finn Pond
The guest speaker sat a very large, wide-mouthed Mason jar on the table in front of a classroom of eager business students. Carefully, he placed about a dozen fist-sized rocks into the jar, one at a time, until rocks filled the jar. Then he asked, “Is the jar full?” “Yes,” a few overachievers in the front row answered hesitantly, anticipating some sort of trick. “Really?” he said. He pulled a bucket of gravel from under the table and dumped some into the jar. As he shook the jar, pieces of gravel worked themselves into the spaces between the big rocks. “Is the jar full now?” “Probably not,” one student answered.
He reached under the table again and brought out a bucket of sand, which he started pouring into the jar. It trickled into the smaller spaces between bits of gravel. “Is the jar full?” he asked. “No!” the class shouted. “Good!” he said. Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and poured it in, filling the jar to the brim. Then smiling at the class he asked, “What is the point of this illustration?"”
An eager student raised her hand and said, “The point is that no matter how full your schedule you can always fit some more things in!” "”No,” the speaker replied, “That is not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is to put the big rocks in first. Otherwise, you will never get them in at all. What are the 'big rocks' in your life? Whatever it is for you—children, loved ones, education, service for a good cause—you must remember to take care of the big rocks first or they will never get in. Do not let the small, inconsequential stuff—gravel and sand—take priority and fill your life.”
I heard this parable a number of years ago. Of course we should not let the important things in life get pushed aside because we are sweating the small stuff, but I always felt a bit uneasy about the image of that jar packed full of rocks, gravel, sand, and water. Eventually, I met woman who had the same response to that parable. “It just seemed too heavy, too full. Life,” she said, “should not be such a burden to carry around.” What is your image of the abundant life? Is it about maximizing efficiency and productivity, cramming as much stuff as possible into our lives, or something more?
I am not sure I want to fill every space, every moment, in my life. My spiritual wholeness requires a little breathing room—time for quiet contemplation. Perhaps we should be more selective about what we put in our jars. I envision a jar with a few large rocks, particularly attractive and valuable rocks, some choice smaller, colorful stones and pebbles, and lots of water, with room for snails and fish and plants—a jar full of life.
What does it profit a person to gain the world but lose their soul? Amassing possessions does not guarantee a richer life. Filling the nooks and crannies of each day does not insure a happy life. Jesus valued above all else his relationships with God and the people around him. There is something in his example that rings deeply true, something good and compelling. Maybe it is time to reevaluate what is in my jar, and ask whether the rocks, gravel, and sand I have accumulated contributes to spiritual wholeness.
From the Vestry
Summer worship schedule
Summer time will be here soon and with it come weekends at the lake, vacations, and Sabbath days in the park or garden. In other words, Sunday attendance at church goes noticeably down at both services. St. David’s is not unique in this respect; many churches switch to a summer schedule in anticipation of this seasonal fluctuation in attendance. We, your Rector and vestry, believe it is time for St. David’s to do the same. This summer we will experiment with a new worship pattern—one service at 9:00 a.m. during the months of June, July and August.
Why this change? We believe our congregation will be strengthened by bringing the two worshiping communities together. It will be healthy for people to forge new relationships and deepen existing ones. Rather than two small services, having one larger service will give us a new sense of vitality. Most importantly, as we receive guests and newcomers during the summer, we will look more like the active and dynamic congregation that we really are. Frankly, too many empty seats can say otherwise.
Change is never easy and both communities will be making some sacrifices to adjust to this pattern. Specific decisions regarding liturgy, music, and the scheduling of ministries have yet to be made. You can look for more information in the May newsletter. But for now mark your calendars. Our new worship pattern will begin with our communal celebration of Graduation Sunday on June 6 at 9:00 a.m.
Worship News
by The Rev. Elaine Breckenridge
Easter dedications and flower donations
Contribute to the flower fund and have a dedication listed in Easter Sunday’s bulletin! Envelopes for your donation can be found in the pew and at the communications center. Envelopes must be received no later than Tuesday, March 30. Please make your check out to St. David’s with “Easter flowers” on the memo line. Any amount you are able to give will be joyfully accepted.
Easter gifts
Envelopes for your special Easter gift will be in the pews during Holy Week. We invite you to make a special gift for Easter. You may mail a check in, or bring the special offering for the plate during Holy Week or on Easter Sunday.
The Bishop is coming!
Celtic celebration, Thursday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 18 at 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.
We are excited that the Bishop is including the Celtic Celebration as part of his annual visitation to St. David’s on Thursday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. He will also be here at both services on Sunday morning, April 18. The children will sing for the Bishop at the 10:00 a.m. service and mite boxes for the Haiti Relief Fund will be collected. Individuals who wish to be confirmed or reaffirm their baptismal vows are asked to contact Jackie in the church office so she can get necessary information.
Fellowship
The annual Bishop’s Guild Spring Fling fashion show, luncheon and auction will be held on Friday, April 16 at 11:30 a.m. in the Great Hall at St. John’s Cathedral. Tickets ($18) can be purchased from Sue Travis. Proceeds benefit the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund.
Bunko - Italian style!
Friday, April 30 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars for this year’s Bunko night sponsored by St. Martha’s Guild. Social time begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. Bunko begins around 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and there will be a raffle ($5 for an arm’s length of raffle tickets!) featuring handmade items. There will be prizes galore for Bunko winners as well as losers! The proceeds from Bunko night will go to Caritas Outreach Ministries. Tickets and raffle tickets will be on sale beginning Sunday, April 4!
Formation & spiritual renewal
Contemplation & conversation for women
Tuesdays, April 13 & 27 at 10:00 a.m.
The women’s contemplation group meets this month on Tuesdays, April 13 and 27 at 10:00 a.m. for seventy-five minutes, The group is open to women who are interested in developing their prayer and spiritual lives. All are welcome. Sign-up is not necessary. The topic for Tuesday, April 13 is “Anger.”
Sundays at nine
In April, the adult education class on Sunday mornings will not be held on Easter Sunday, April 4 and the Bishop’s Visitation Sunday, April 18. Watch the bulletins for topics for the April 11 and April 25 classes.
Cursillo weekend offered in Walla Walla, May 13-16, 2010
by Rich Basta, Lay Director for Inland NW Episcopal Cursillo
The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane is offering Cursillo at St. Paul’s in Walla Walla, Washington, May 13 - 16, 2010. Cursillo is a diocesan-wide renewal movement within the Church whose purpose is to help those in the Episcopal Church understand their individual callings to be Christian.
Cursillo begins with a three-day weekend short course intended to help participants experience “what is fundamental to being a Christian.” Cursillo operates in our diocese under the direct supervision of the Bishop. Prayer support, love, and joy are emphasized through music, group discussion, and fellowship. There is also time for privacy, meditation, prayer, and walks. Eucharist is celebrated each day by two or three clergy who also attend the weekend.
If interested, please speak with your pastor or contact Jeanne Devenport. The cost is $65; scholarships are available if needed. Applications and more about the weekend can be found at www.inlandnwcursillo.org.
Travis Library
by Ann Kauppi
When I found the book, "Listen To The Wind," at a local bookstore in the section of “Religion” for children, another book also caught my attention. "The Next Place," by Warren Hanson, is a beautifully illustrated picture book that could provide comfort to someone who has experienced the death of a loved one. The words, gliding across the pages, and the sweeping illustrations seem to soothe the reader or listener. This reassurance about a “next place” or a better place after life on earth is uplifting. Warren Hanson, an author, illustrator, and public speaker, also wrote and illustrated the book, "Paw Prints In The Stars; A Farewell and Journal for a Beloved Pet." He has also illustrated other books. His book, "The New Dawn," was added to the church library and is available for checkout. Children and adults will appreciate this book that shows death in a positive and comforting way.
Robert Mills donated a recently published book, "Voices In Today's Magazines," to the church library. Actually, Robert is the author of one of the published articles in this collection of fiction and non-fiction articles. His non-fiction article, “Be Sensitive When Moving The Elderly,” recounts his personal experience of moving his stepmother-in-law from her home after she had lived there for thirty-nine years. Robert found that taking time and showing patience were important considerations during this difficult transition. He shares his experiences as his insights may be helpful to others in similar situations. Other articles on varied subjects provide interesting reading. Thank you, Robert, for sharing your book!
Outreach ministry
2010 Komen Race for the Cure - Sunday, April 18
by Holly Chick
I will be walking the 5K “Race for the Cure” with the June Bug team. Jane Bonogofski is our team captain and has organized the team in honor of a dear friend, June Wyrick. This Friends & Family team was formed to celebrate, honor and remember family members and/or friends that have been touched by breast cancer or for those who simply want to advocate education and awareness.
We all know someone who has been touched in some way with breast cancer. Please help support the promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever by stepping up and supporting our team, the June Bug Team. You can make a donation to a team member by going to: http://race.komenspokane.org and clicking on "Find a Participant to Sponsor," then choosing "Search for a Team" and entering JUNE BUG. On the next page click on the team name to see our page (or just go there directly). You may click on my name and make your pledge via the internet. I will also have some pledge forms available at the Communications Center. If you prefer, you may make a donation to our team as a whole. It would be most helpful if all pledges were in by Sunday, April 11.
Personally, I will be walking in honor of our own Gaye Lagana and others in my family who have had cancer in some form and are currently fine. Thank you for your support of us and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!
United Thank Offering (UTO) - Spring Ingathering, Sunday, April 25
by LouAnn Crass
Through the United Thank Offering, Anglicans nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God. These prayers of thanksgiving start when we recognize and name our many daily blessings. A short prayer of thanksgiving leads to an offering in the UTO box. All collected offerings are used 100% to support grants for ministries at home and overseas as an outreach of the Episcopal Church. The Diocese of Spokane has been recipient of several past grants. Prayers and offerings make it possible for the UTO mission to stretch in unexpected ways. Every spring and fall, Episcopal dioceses and churches have UTO ingatherings. Our spring collection will be on Sunday, April 25. See the communication center for UTO boxes and more information.
CROP Walk - Sunday April 25, 2010, 1:30 pm at Gonzaga Martin Centre
by Char Mills
I invite you to take a beautiful walk on the Centennial Trail along the Spokane River, beginning at Gonzaga’s Martin Centre and turning around in Riverfront Park (2 miles) and walking back along the river. This is a great walk for families to participate in together. For more hardy souls, you can do a 10K walk on the trail turning around at Greene Street in the Valley.
Another reason to take this great walk is to raise funds for hunger locally and around the world. CROP Walk is part of Church World Service who works through local agencies here and where ever its funds and emergency supplies are needed – recently in Haiti. One quarter of the funds come back to local agencies such as 2nd Harvest Food Bank, Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels, Mid-City Concerns and Interfaith Hospitality. Hungry people in developing countries typically walk as much as six miles a day to get food, water and fuel, and to take their goods to market. CROP Walk shows our solidarity with these people struggling for existence.
Please help by signing up to walk (at the Communications Center) or by sponsoring a walker. I plan to walk and will be glad to sign you up as sponsors! If you would like to walk and carpool downtown together, we can meet at St. David’s parking lot at 12:15 p.m. Let me know if carpooling is something you are interested in.
Caritas Outreach Ministries fund raiser - “Annie Get Your Gun” night at the Civic Theatre
by Bob Mills
On Wednesday, June 2, Caritas is inviting you and your friends to a night at the Spokane Civic Theater. The play "Annie Get Your Gun," will be the featured show for that evening. The play starts at 7:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 7:00 p.m.. Proceeds go to help needy families in Northwest Spokane. Tickets are $30 each and every seat has a good view of the stage. See Bob Mills for tickets or call him to reserve your seat.
Current Caritas needs:
Band-Aids, 25 oz. dish soap, paper towels, 32 oz. household cleanser
News & notes
Spring clean-up day thanks
by Gerald Okihara
Thank you to Phil and Donnalu Yenney, Gary and Sally Atkins, Carol and Brad Reynolds, Bill Plesek, Michael Hughes, Steve Lagana, Brendan Wiechert, and Marcia O’Leary who came and worked non-stop to accomplish the task of cleaning up the grounds. This year we did it a little differently in that Steve brought his chipper and ground up most of the pine needles and pine cones for Marcia to spread as a weed barrier that will go under newspaper and mulch. Marcia got us organized to do more than simply rake and clean the gutters by providing us notes on other items to work on in preparation for the growing season. Thanks to Mike, Steve, and Marcia for the extra hours you put in prior to and following clean up day.
Calendar dates to note:
Next Vestry meeting - Tuesday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Next newsletter deadline - Sunday, April 18
Volume 56 / Issue 7
An Easter Blessing on Rising
Blessed be you risen with the sun,
for arriving soft-foot in the garden unawares,
and surprising us with friendly news,
that hope has sprung, the dead season’s gone.
Let me rise with a joyful heart this day. Amen.
–Tess Ward, "The Celtic Wheel of the Year"
Blessed be you risen with the sun,
for arriving soft-foot in the garden unawares,
and surprising us with friendly news,
that hope has sprung, the dead season’s gone.
Let me rise with a joyful heart this day. Amen.
–Tess Ward, "The Celtic Wheel of the Year"
A guide to the services of Holy Week at St. David’s
Sunday, March 28 Palm Sunday
8 a.m. Palm procession & Passion
10 a.m. Palm procession & Eucharist
10:45 a.m. Passion & homily
10:45 a.m. Children’s program
This liturgy features a re-enactment of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his death. The liturgy begins on a triumphal note, as all participants are handed palms to wave, just as the crowds did who welcomed Jesus. The Eucharist is received in a joyful intergenerational spirit. The mood of the service then changes abruptly as the congregation next experiences the Passion story followed by a homily. At the second service, there will be a supervised snack and movie for the children, for families so desiring, during the Passion reading and homily.
Thursday, April 1 Maundy Thursday
6 p.m. The story told in four ritual acts
This liturgy is built around four Gospel stories with an accompanying ritual, which tell the story of what happened to Jesus on the night before he died. The four rituals are: Eucharist, an optional participation in the foot washing ritual, the stripping of the altar, and a procession of the reserved sacrament to the altar of repose in the meditation chapel which is set up as a Garden of Gethsemane.
7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Garden of Gethsemane watch
The altar of repose (a place set apart for the reserved sacrament, symbolizing Christ’s presence) will be placed in a spot decorated to look like a garden in the meditation chapel. Congregants are invited to sign up to keep watch (a vigil) in the church throughout the night, reminiscent of Jesus’ all-night vigil in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Friday, April 2 Good Friday
12 noon Passion & prayers (no music)
This traditional service, without music, features a reading from the Passion Gospel, homily, prayers of intercession and collects.
6 p.m. Holy Week story for all ages
All are welcome to this 55-minute experiential service which is also appropriate for children. The story of the Passion is read and involves movement to different stations. Rituals include the Eucharist, foot washing, and the veneration of the cross with votive candles in the style of Taize worship. The service concludes with the entombing of Jesus.
Saturday, April 3 A Celtic Easter
7 p.m. Scripture & song, darkness & light, fire & water, bread & wine
This liturgy is rich with meaning as we celebrate and recall three events. The first event is the liberation of the Hebrew people from their bondage of slavery in Egypt. There is a ritual blessing of fire and lighting of the Easter candle. The second event we celebrate is the liberation of Christ’s people as we renew our own baptismal promises. The Easter proclamation is announced: "Alleluia! Christ is Risen!" and the Easter Gospel is proclaimed in word and song. The first Eucharist of Easter is then celebrated. The service takes place in the church and the service features sung chants and uses prayers and texts drawn from contemporary Celtic Christian sources. People are invited to bring small bells or other percussion instruments to celebrate the Risen Christ in big sound.
Sunday, April 4 Easter Sunday
8 a.m. Festival Eucharist & reception
10 a.m. Festival Eucharist & reception
11 a.m. Festival egg hunt for children
Easter Sunday is the annual celebration of the Resurrection. Both services have expanded music offerings and receptions in Stretch Hall following the Eucharist. The festival egg hunt for children follows the second service.
Children & youth
by The Rev. Elaine Breckenridge
On Palm Sunday, March 28, there will be a palm procession and joyful celebration of the Eucharist without sermon. This will be a wonderful time for the whole parish family to worship together so there is no Sunday School. The Passion Narrative and homily will take place after communion. Children will be invited to receive communion first and then may attend a snack and movie supervised by teenagers while the adults remain in the church for the Passion reading and homily.
For those of you who are in town, please don’t forget about the special Holy Week service on Good Friday at 6:00 p.m. This 55-minute service is a walk through of the Holy Week story and ends with the laying of Jesus (symbolized by a folded fair linen) in the tomb. It makes the opening of the tomb much more significant for children on Easter Sunday.
Easter Sunday is April 4, and there will be a glorious Easter service at 10:00 a.m. and
an Easter egg hunt to follow! Candy donations are needed! If you can help with the Easter egg hunt, please let Mary Basta know.
Many of our families will be out of town for spring break and therefore not available to rehearse for an Easter Sunday presentation. However, several have expressed an interest in singing for the Bishop on Sunday, April 18. The primary singing rehearsal will take place on April 11 right after the 10:00 a.m. service. The ingathering of mite boxes for the Haiti Relief Fund will take place on Sunday, April 18. The Bishop will bless the children’s offerings.
Please do not hesitate to be in touch with me or Janet Dodd if you have any questions regarding our spring program.
This year's Camp Cross registration forms and brochures are now available at the communications center!
Rector’s reflections
by The Rev. Elaine Breckenridge
Welcome to the Easter issue of The Messenger! In thinking about Easter, I always recall what I have learned about the peregrini, those ancient wandering saints of the fourth, fifth and sixth centuries. Related to Christian pilgrimage, yet distinctive, peregrination incorporates the concept of journey but rather than focused on destination, it stems from a passion to find one’s own place of personal resurrection. And as J. Phillip Newell has written, peregrination involves a “willingness to let go of the place that was comfortably familiar in order to find a new life.”
After five years of parish ministry at St. David’s, I am in need of discovering my own personal resurrection. To do so, the vestry has granted me a mini-sabbatical which will take place this May. My sabbatical plan is to become a peregrini, seeking the place of my own personal resurrection by visiting the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, off the coast of Northumbria, England. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne was the birthplace of Christianity in the North of England and is steeped in strong traditions and history.
I will be traveling with seven people, with an ecumenical organization called Journeying which takes groups of people interested in exploring Celtic sites. Their stated purpose is to “help people connect with God in creation, in each other, in ourselves.”. During the pilgrimage, we shall follow an ancient tradition and walk the historic pilgrims' path across the sands. Walking in six to eight mile stretches through a wide variety of landscapes, we shall walk parts of St. Cuthbert's Way mostly on tracks over gentle hills. We shall also walk along the Northumberland Heritage coast. Besides walking, the pilgrimage will include time for prayer and worship, personal and group reflection.
In addition to the walking pilgrimage, I will spend two days in Edinburgh and one day in Durham so that I can visit the magnificent cathedral there. Upon returning home, I then plan to take a few days away in British Columbia with my husband so that we can celebrate
our twentieth wedding anniversary. I will be gone four Sundays, and the Sundays will be
covered by two supply priests. Look for more information in the May newsletter.
I am certainly grateful to the vestry for granting me this leave, and I pledge to do my best to come back refreshed and renewed so that we can continue our pilgrimage as the community of St. David’s.
From our Deacon
Leaving space in my life
by The Rev. Finn Pond
The guest speaker sat a very large, wide-mouthed Mason jar on the table in front of a classroom of eager business students. Carefully, he placed about a dozen fist-sized rocks into the jar, one at a time, until rocks filled the jar. Then he asked, “Is the jar full?” “Yes,” a few overachievers in the front row answered hesitantly, anticipating some sort of trick. “Really?” he said. He pulled a bucket of gravel from under the table and dumped some into the jar. As he shook the jar, pieces of gravel worked themselves into the spaces between the big rocks. “Is the jar full now?” “Probably not,” one student answered.
He reached under the table again and brought out a bucket of sand, which he started pouring into the jar. It trickled into the smaller spaces between bits of gravel. “Is the jar full?” he asked. “No!” the class shouted. “Good!” he said. Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and poured it in, filling the jar to the brim. Then smiling at the class he asked, “What is the point of this illustration?"”
An eager student raised her hand and said, “The point is that no matter how full your schedule you can always fit some more things in!” "”No,” the speaker replied, “That is not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is to put the big rocks in first. Otherwise, you will never get them in at all. What are the 'big rocks' in your life? Whatever it is for you—children, loved ones, education, service for a good cause—you must remember to take care of the big rocks first or they will never get in. Do not let the small, inconsequential stuff—gravel and sand—take priority and fill your life.”
I heard this parable a number of years ago. Of course we should not let the important things in life get pushed aside because we are sweating the small stuff, but I always felt a bit uneasy about the image of that jar packed full of rocks, gravel, sand, and water. Eventually, I met woman who had the same response to that parable. “It just seemed too heavy, too full. Life,” she said, “should not be such a burden to carry around.” What is your image of the abundant life? Is it about maximizing efficiency and productivity, cramming as much stuff as possible into our lives, or something more?
I am not sure I want to fill every space, every moment, in my life. My spiritual wholeness requires a little breathing room—time for quiet contemplation. Perhaps we should be more selective about what we put in our jars. I envision a jar with a few large rocks, particularly attractive and valuable rocks, some choice smaller, colorful stones and pebbles, and lots of water, with room for snails and fish and plants—a jar full of life.
What does it profit a person to gain the world but lose their soul? Amassing possessions does not guarantee a richer life. Filling the nooks and crannies of each day does not insure a happy life. Jesus valued above all else his relationships with God and the people around him. There is something in his example that rings deeply true, something good and compelling. Maybe it is time to reevaluate what is in my jar, and ask whether the rocks, gravel, and sand I have accumulated contributes to spiritual wholeness.
From the Vestry
Summer worship schedule
Summer time will be here soon and with it come weekends at the lake, vacations, and Sabbath days in the park or garden. In other words, Sunday attendance at church goes noticeably down at both services. St. David’s is not unique in this respect; many churches switch to a summer schedule in anticipation of this seasonal fluctuation in attendance. We, your Rector and vestry, believe it is time for St. David’s to do the same. This summer we will experiment with a new worship pattern—one service at 9:00 a.m. during the months of June, July and August.
Why this change? We believe our congregation will be strengthened by bringing the two worshiping communities together. It will be healthy for people to forge new relationships and deepen existing ones. Rather than two small services, having one larger service will give us a new sense of vitality. Most importantly, as we receive guests and newcomers during the summer, we will look more like the active and dynamic congregation that we really are. Frankly, too many empty seats can say otherwise.
Change is never easy and both communities will be making some sacrifices to adjust to this pattern. Specific decisions regarding liturgy, music, and the scheduling of ministries have yet to be made. You can look for more information in the May newsletter. But for now mark your calendars. Our new worship pattern will begin with our communal celebration of Graduation Sunday on June 6 at 9:00 a.m.
Worship News
by The Rev. Elaine Breckenridge
Easter dedications and flower donations
Contribute to the flower fund and have a dedication listed in Easter Sunday’s bulletin! Envelopes for your donation can be found in the pew and at the communications center. Envelopes must be received no later than Tuesday, March 30. Please make your check out to St. David’s with “Easter flowers” on the memo line. Any amount you are able to give will be joyfully accepted.
Easter gifts
Envelopes for your special Easter gift will be in the pews during Holy Week. We invite you to make a special gift for Easter. You may mail a check in, or bring the special offering for the plate during Holy Week or on Easter Sunday.
The Bishop is coming!
Celtic celebration, Thursday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 18 at 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.
We are excited that the Bishop is including the Celtic Celebration as part of his annual visitation to St. David’s on Thursday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. He will also be here at both services on Sunday morning, April 18. The children will sing for the Bishop at the 10:00 a.m. service and mite boxes for the Haiti Relief Fund will be collected. Individuals who wish to be confirmed or reaffirm their baptismal vows are asked to contact Jackie in the church office so she can get necessary information.
Fellowship
The annual Bishop’s Guild Spring Fling fashion show, luncheon and auction will be held on Friday, April 16 at 11:30 a.m. in the Great Hall at St. John’s Cathedral. Tickets ($18) can be purchased from Sue Travis. Proceeds benefit the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund.
Bunko - Italian style!
Friday, April 30 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars for this year’s Bunko night sponsored by St. Martha’s Guild. Social time begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. Bunko begins around 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and there will be a raffle ($5 for an arm’s length of raffle tickets!) featuring handmade items. There will be prizes galore for Bunko winners as well as losers! The proceeds from Bunko night will go to Caritas Outreach Ministries. Tickets and raffle tickets will be on sale beginning Sunday, April 4!
Formation & spiritual renewal
Contemplation & conversation for women
Tuesdays, April 13 & 27 at 10:00 a.m.
The women’s contemplation group meets this month on Tuesdays, April 13 and 27 at 10:00 a.m. for seventy-five minutes, The group is open to women who are interested in developing their prayer and spiritual lives. All are welcome. Sign-up is not necessary. The topic for Tuesday, April 13 is “Anger.”
Sundays at nine
In April, the adult education class on Sunday mornings will not be held on Easter Sunday, April 4 and the Bishop’s Visitation Sunday, April 18. Watch the bulletins for topics for the April 11 and April 25 classes.
Cursillo weekend offered in Walla Walla, May 13-16, 2010
by Rich Basta, Lay Director for Inland NW Episcopal Cursillo
The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane is offering Cursillo at St. Paul’s in Walla Walla, Washington, May 13 - 16, 2010. Cursillo is a diocesan-wide renewal movement within the Church whose purpose is to help those in the Episcopal Church understand their individual callings to be Christian.
Cursillo begins with a three-day weekend short course intended to help participants experience “what is fundamental to being a Christian.” Cursillo operates in our diocese under the direct supervision of the Bishop. Prayer support, love, and joy are emphasized through music, group discussion, and fellowship. There is also time for privacy, meditation, prayer, and walks. Eucharist is celebrated each day by two or three clergy who also attend the weekend.
If interested, please speak with your pastor or contact Jeanne Devenport. The cost is $65; scholarships are available if needed. Applications and more about the weekend can be found at www.inlandnwcursillo.org.
Travis Library
by Ann Kauppi
When I found the book, "Listen To The Wind," at a local bookstore in the section of “Religion” for children, another book also caught my attention. "The Next Place," by Warren Hanson, is a beautifully illustrated picture book that could provide comfort to someone who has experienced the death of a loved one. The words, gliding across the pages, and the sweeping illustrations seem to soothe the reader or listener. This reassurance about a “next place” or a better place after life on earth is uplifting. Warren Hanson, an author, illustrator, and public speaker, also wrote and illustrated the book, "Paw Prints In The Stars; A Farewell and Journal for a Beloved Pet." He has also illustrated other books. His book, "The New Dawn," was added to the church library and is available for checkout. Children and adults will appreciate this book that shows death in a positive and comforting way.
Robert Mills donated a recently published book, "Voices In Today's Magazines," to the church library. Actually, Robert is the author of one of the published articles in this collection of fiction and non-fiction articles. His non-fiction article, “Be Sensitive When Moving The Elderly,” recounts his personal experience of moving his stepmother-in-law from her home after she had lived there for thirty-nine years. Robert found that taking time and showing patience were important considerations during this difficult transition. He shares his experiences as his insights may be helpful to others in similar situations. Other articles on varied subjects provide interesting reading. Thank you, Robert, for sharing your book!
Outreach ministry
2010 Komen Race for the Cure - Sunday, April 18
by Holly Chick
I will be walking the 5K “Race for the Cure” with the June Bug team. Jane Bonogofski is our team captain and has organized the team in honor of a dear friend, June Wyrick. This Friends & Family team was formed to celebrate, honor and remember family members and/or friends that have been touched by breast cancer or for those who simply want to advocate education and awareness.
We all know someone who has been touched in some way with breast cancer. Please help support the promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever by stepping up and supporting our team, the June Bug Team. You can make a donation to a team member by going to: http://race.komenspokane.org and clicking on "Find a Participant to Sponsor," then choosing "Search for a Team" and entering JUNE BUG. On the next page click on the team name to see our page (or just go there directly). You may click on my name and make your pledge via the internet. I will also have some pledge forms available at the Communications Center. If you prefer, you may make a donation to our team as a whole. It would be most helpful if all pledges were in by Sunday, April 11.
Personally, I will be walking in honor of our own Gaye Lagana and others in my family who have had cancer in some form and are currently fine. Thank you for your support of us and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!
United Thank Offering (UTO) - Spring Ingathering, Sunday, April 25
by LouAnn Crass
Through the United Thank Offering, Anglicans nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God. These prayers of thanksgiving start when we recognize and name our many daily blessings. A short prayer of thanksgiving leads to an offering in the UTO box. All collected offerings are used 100% to support grants for ministries at home and overseas as an outreach of the Episcopal Church. The Diocese of Spokane has been recipient of several past grants. Prayers and offerings make it possible for the UTO mission to stretch in unexpected ways. Every spring and fall, Episcopal dioceses and churches have UTO ingatherings. Our spring collection will be on Sunday, April 25. See the communication center for UTO boxes and more information.
CROP Walk - Sunday April 25, 2010, 1:30 pm at Gonzaga Martin Centre
by Char Mills
I invite you to take a beautiful walk on the Centennial Trail along the Spokane River, beginning at Gonzaga’s Martin Centre and turning around in Riverfront Park (2 miles) and walking back along the river. This is a great walk for families to participate in together. For more hardy souls, you can do a 10K walk on the trail turning around at Greene Street in the Valley.
Another reason to take this great walk is to raise funds for hunger locally and around the world. CROP Walk is part of Church World Service who works through local agencies here and where ever its funds and emergency supplies are needed – recently in Haiti. One quarter of the funds come back to local agencies such as 2nd Harvest Food Bank, Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels, Mid-City Concerns and Interfaith Hospitality. Hungry people in developing countries typically walk as much as six miles a day to get food, water and fuel, and to take their goods to market. CROP Walk shows our solidarity with these people struggling for existence.
Please help by signing up to walk (at the Communications Center) or by sponsoring a walker. I plan to walk and will be glad to sign you up as sponsors! If you would like to walk and carpool downtown together, we can meet at St. David’s parking lot at 12:15 p.m. Let me know if carpooling is something you are interested in.
Caritas Outreach Ministries fund raiser - “Annie Get Your Gun” night at the Civic Theatre
by Bob Mills
On Wednesday, June 2, Caritas is inviting you and your friends to a night at the Spokane Civic Theater. The play "Annie Get Your Gun," will be the featured show for that evening. The play starts at 7:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 7:00 p.m.. Proceeds go to help needy families in Northwest Spokane. Tickets are $30 each and every seat has a good view of the stage. See Bob Mills for tickets or call him to reserve your seat.
Current Caritas needs:
Band-Aids, 25 oz. dish soap, paper towels, 32 oz. household cleanser
News & notes
Spring clean-up day thanks
by Gerald Okihara
Thank you to Phil and Donnalu Yenney, Gary and Sally Atkins, Carol and Brad Reynolds, Bill Plesek, Michael Hughes, Steve Lagana, Brendan Wiechert, and Marcia O’Leary who came and worked non-stop to accomplish the task of cleaning up the grounds. This year we did it a little differently in that Steve brought his chipper and ground up most of the pine needles and pine cones for Marcia to spread as a weed barrier that will go under newspaper and mulch. Marcia got us organized to do more than simply rake and clean the gutters by providing us notes on other items to work on in preparation for the growing season. Thanks to Mike, Steve, and Marcia for the extra hours you put in prior to and following clean up day.
Calendar dates to note:
Next Vestry meeting - Tuesday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Next newsletter deadline - Sunday, April 18
