The Keys, February 2013 by St. Peter's, Redwood City, CA

The Keys

February 2013

of St. Peter

No matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here!

Happy st. valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day!

Lights and Shadows Groundhogs, Candles, and a Baby at the Temple As this issue of the Keys arrives, February 2 has come and gone, and you already know whether spring is around the corner or six weeks off. The editor is still in the dark as he writes to you. Speaking of the dark, let’s note that Groundhog Day is the only holiday focussed on shadows. There are holidays to commemorate people, events, and even ghosts and goblins, but—as far as we know—there’s only one holiday whose central point is a shadow. In the church February 2 is called Candlemas, and Candlesmas is the only holiday whose central point is a light. So here’s the ultimate win-win—a day when we can celebrate both sides of the coin, the shadow and the light. Groundhog Day is a German folk tradition transplanted to America by the Pennsylvania Dutch, who call it Grundsaudaag or Murmeltiertag. The American groundhog, or woodchuck, is a sort of interloper: in Europe the wise and noble badger was the original prophet of spring. According to an old German proverb, “The badger peeps out of his hole on Candlemas Day, and, if he finds snow, walks abroad; but if he sees the sun shining he draws back into his hole.” Other Northern European cultures have similar traditions pegged to Candlemas. In Britain, a bit of folk doggerel tells us: If Candlemas Day be fair and bright Winter will have another flight. If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, Winter won’t come again.

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In Scotland, where the people are more succinct, they say, If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, There’ll be two winters in the year. In Scotland the quarterly rent is due on Candlemas because February 2 is one of the year’s four “cross-quarter” days—the halfway points between solstices and equinoxes. Halfway through winter is a very good time to get an informed opinion about how much more bad weather remains in store. In New England mild winters are the exception, and farmers go by a rule of thumb: “Groundhog Day, half your hay”—meaning, if your animals still have half of their winter hay by February 2 you probably have enough to last until spring. Most cultures mark the change of seasons on the four solstices and equinoxes. Northern Europe’s Celtic people started their seasons on the cross-quarter days. When the Celts adopted Christianity two traditions conflicted and confusion resulted. Some folklorists think that the badger was brought in to settle the argument. Will spring start on February 2 or March 20? The shadow knows! Until the invention of the electric light the world was a very shadowy place. It was dark on winter nights… unbelievably dark. Well into the 19th century, the Western world’s primary source of artificial light was the tallow candle, a rancid, sputtering, dim, and very costly item—nothing like today’s paraffin candles, let alone light bulbs. In the past light was such a luxury and candles were so valuable that a special day was set aside on which they were blessed by the parish priest—the “Candle Mass.” Groundhog Day isn’t the only superstition associated with Candlemas. In Poland candles blessed by the priest were sometimes placed in windows to ward off thunderstorms. We’re told that a candle dripping on one side on Candlemas forecasts a death during the coming year. According to tradition, all Christmas decorations must be removed by Candlemas. In “Ceremony upon Candlemas Eve” the 17th-century poet Robert Herrick wrote:

February 2013

Down with the rosemary, and so Down with the bays and mistletoe; Down with the holly, ivy, all, Wherewith ye dress’d the Christmas Hall It goes without saying that the midpoint of winter is a very appropriate time to bless your primary source of light. But the date isn’t arbitrary. In the prayer book February 2 is the Feast of Jesus’s Presentation at the Temple. In Jewish tradition, mothers were quarantined for 40 days following birth. Forty days after the arrival of the first child, the family would offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, the Redemption of the Firstborn. Count 40 days from Christmas, and you’re at February 2. According to Luke, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem where they found Simeon, who had been promised by God that he would not see death before meeting the Messiah. Simeon’s response to seeing Jesus is called the Nunc Dimittis or Canticle of Simeon: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace; according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people: to be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Freud, a guy who knew his way around a symbol, said that there are no accidents. The birth of Jesus at the year’s darkest time and his presentation at the Temple on the day when we’re halfway to spring are both wonderful symbols of hope. Following Vatican II the Roman church emphasized the Presentation and deemphasized the candle-blessing, which seems fitting. No matter how pretty, a candle is temporary, a pale substitute for natural light… a mere symbol of light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. But whether we call February 2 the Presentation of Jesus, Candlemas, or Groundhog Day, it’s a good day to remember the little lesson the woodchuck already knows: Move toward the light and find hope in the shadows. 4

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Transitions Plus ca change… January, named for the god who looks both forward and backward, brought a few changes to the parish staff. At the end of the month our interim rector, Reverend Amanda May, accepted a new position as the vicar to four missions in East Contra Costa County: Brentwood, Antioch, Concord, and Clayton. This new challenge is an ideal fit with Rev. Amanda’s clerical and historical interests. Rev. Amanda came to us last August, just as we were beginning the search for our next permanent rector, and her unique skills were apparent as soon as she started to work with the Vestry. Her financial insight led St. Peter’s to its first balanced budget in several years and, more importantly, helped chart a path to long-term financial viability. Senior Warden Mary Esther Schnaubelt is grateful for Rev. Amanda’s contributions to the parish’s financial planning. “Our finances are much more transparent and organized, we have a balanced operational budget, our rents are approaching market rates, and she has helped us think creatively about how we can maximize our greatest physical asset—our property.” Rev. Amanda moved St. Peter’s in new directions liturgically, incorporating video and graphics into several services, and drawing from the English and New Zealand prayer books. Rev. Amanda’s artistic vision is another contribution the Senior Warden appreciates. “I really enjoyed her focus on aesthetics in the liturgy and in our worship space. I’d forgotten how much I like the art and music of the Church and how important aesthetics can be to learning about and experiencing God. I’m personally grateful for the reminder and for renewing my interests and energy in this area.” Mary Esther also noted that Rev. Amanda pitched in to help the Search Committee February 2013

as committee members began to assemble the first draft of our Parish Profile. Rev. Amanda’s ministry in the East Bay began on February 1. The communion table which she donated to the sanctuary remains behind, reminding the congregation of her significant and meaningful contributions during this transitional period. Members of the Vestry have met with two candidates to replace Rev. Amanda as interim rector, and the Vestry expects to have a new interim rector in place by March 1. In the meantime, Rev. Susan Parsons celebrates with us as supply priest through February 17, including services on Ash Wednesday. Our well-liked music director, Faith McCoy Scriven, accepted a new “day job” that forced her to leave St. Peter’s. In her three-plus years with us Faith won many friends, not only for her musical talent, but also for her appealing personality. At her goodbye party after services on January 20th it was painfully apparent that she’ll be sincerely missed and long remembered. But change brings opportunity, and we warmly welcome our new music minister, James A. Sharpe. Jim has a performance degree in organ from the University of Michigan and an MDiv degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, and has served Presbyterian and Episcopal parishes in Marin County both as a music director and organist. Jim is a fan of French organ music, especially César Franck, Marcel Dupré, Maurice Duruflé and Jehan Alain… but he tells us he has eclectic tastes. “There is so much wonderful music that lends itself to worship, whether it is Bach, Chopin, Gershwin, or Joplin. All music, whether organ or piano, helps to create a space for listening to the Spirit.” Jim will convene the congregation’s choristers at an introductory get-together on Sunday, February 10th at 9:00 AM, and all interested parties are welcome. Jim plans to start by working on service music and a simple anthem. “Most of all, we will share the love of singing with each other and the congregation,” he says. “Don’t call ahead – just show up!” He also hopes to encourage the parish’s young people. “I was so moved watching 6

The Keys, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

the young people on Epiphany Sunday as they shared their pageant with us. I hope they will participate on Palm Sunday and Easter as part of some new and wonderful choir and/or dance experience. It’s great fun!” During the week Jim is a computer consultant, and he and his wife Beth live in Novato. He tells the Keys, “You should know how much Beth and I appreciate your warm and enthusiastic welcome. We are most grateful!” And likewise, we’re sure! Jim can be reached via e-mail at JSharpe@stpetersrwc.org

February 2013

Search Committee Report Almost halfway home! The Search Committee has two main jobs: preparing a Parish Profile and interviewing candidates. Happily, the Parish Profile is approaching completion… which means that St. Peter’s is roughly halfway through our transitional period. Some of the information in the final Parish Profile will be about the community of Redwood City and some will be church data: attendance, finance, and other statistics. But a big portion of the Parish Profile will be about you—and your fellow parishioners. In fact, after two town hall meetings and a detailed survey, the Search Committee has learned quite a bit about us all. We were poking through the preliminary survey results and several items caught our attention. In a manner of speaking the survey provides an interesting snapshot of our congregation. For example, when asked about church programs, the programs that the members are most satisfied with include fellowship opportunities like the Mother’s Day brunch (75 percent of the respondents are “very happy” or “somewhat happy”) and children’s programs, including Godly Play (68 percent). Worship and outreach place third and fourth. The survey asked parishioners to think about different aspects of the church’s mission. There’s remarkable consensus on the value of our children’s ministry. Nine out of ten parishioners say that it’s either a “high priority” or “essential” for the church to be a place where children have an important role and can explore their spiritual understanding. More than eight out of ten parishioners (84 percent) believe that providing a welcoming and supportive community is a high or essential priority. Almost as many (79 percent) believe that the church should be a place where all members can explore their relationship with God. The congregation wants our next rector to bring two special qualities. Almost nine out of ten parishioners (88 percent) believe that it’s either “very important” or “critical” for our new rector to provide leadership. Spiritual guidance is a close second at 86 percent. At 62 percent, the ability to be a good teacher or mentor is the third most desired skill. 8

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When the Parish Profile is in its final form the second phase of the search process— finding and reviewing candidates—will begin. With the Profile in hand, candidates will have a very clear picture of the church’s interests and needs. In the meantime, all of us can learn from the valuable work that the Search Committee has accomplished. For more information contact Chairman Dave Goulden or any Search Committee member.

February 2013

THE DEACON’S BEACON By Dn. Skip Bushee

The primary job of a deacon is to lead the people into the wider world to perform outreach ministries. As I examine my nearly 11 years at St. Peter’s, I have to say that I haven’t earned very high marks in this regard. I know that we can do a great job when we put our minds to the task. During Advent season, we did a superb job with the giving trees, one for Maple Street Shelter and one for the homeless shelter in San Francisco. We have also had a good turnout recently when we have prepared and served meals at Maple Street. Our other major outreach ministry is Hopkins Manor. Once a month we take communion to the people there and they really appreciate it. We usually have 20 to 25 residents in attendance and we do a very short communion service that includes three old favorite hymns. The service is designed to be led by a lay person using the same large-print service bulletins each time. All that is required is for us to walk the short block to Hopkins following the 10:30 coffee hour. We are usually done in 20 to 25 minutes. The problem is that it is always the same three to five people that do the service each month. The staff at Hopkins have begged us to come twice each month but I feel that would be asking too much of those who give so much already. So I would like to see if we can put together a second team that would go to Hopkins on the fourth Sunday of each month. We just need three to five people willing to commit. The service can be done with a little as two but we always need backups as people’s schedules do not always fall in line. Another need is for us to send a team to bring communion to the people at Sequoia/Sabrina Homes. Those of you who attend the 10:30 service know that 10

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we usually have two or three residents of these homes who sit in the back with their caregivers. Unfortunately, there are many more residents who cannot attend because they become more disruptive when they are outside their familiar home environment. Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it be nice if we could put together a team to take communion to these folks? I have visited one of the homes and it is a delight to see these severely handicapped people so lovingly cared for and living in such a comfortable environment. I guarantee that anyone willing to undertake this ministry would find it a joy. These are just a couple of ideas. Do you have others? Please let me know if you would like to learn more about these and other ministries. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see if we can get more of our congregation involved.

Dn. Skip

February 2013

Noted in Brief Ladies’ Choice All women of St. Peter’s are encouraged to attend a meeting on February 24, in which the future of two of the church’s women’s groups—the Episcopal Church Women and the Women of Wisdom— will be discussed. Sources tell us there’s a proposal to combine the two groups. In favor? Opposed? Interested? Contact Su Boocock (650 591-9395) for more information.

Many Happy Returns Speaking of Su Boocock (whose portrait must be aging in a closet somewhere), we’re told that the ECW celebrated Su’s 29th birthday last month in appropriately grand style… and with cheers and best wishes from everyone.

Good Works Keep Growing Episcopal Church Women President Kathryn Marconi tells us that the church’s Godly Play program has been added to the long list of outreach programs that the ECW supports. We don’t know how they keep track of it all. The group’s beneficiaries include the School for Deacons, Second Harvest, and Shoes for Kids, and many other worthy causes. Much of the funding comes from the Holiday Bazaar, which raised more than $3,000 last year.

The Keys, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Grinding Away This month’s What-a-Great-Thing-to-Do! award goes to Amanda Reid, who has taken the leadership role at Coffee Hour. Every parishioner has enjoyed occasions when coffee hour featured delicious treats and hands-on hosts. Now’s the time for every parishioner to pay it forward. We thank Amanda… and we hope each member of the congregation is inspired to take a turn!

Flowers, Candles, and You Everybody loves the beautiful flowers and candles that grace our altars on Sunday mornings. They’re made possible through the generosity of parishioners like you. Last year 30 people contributed flowers and 29 gave candles. Many gave flowers or candles on more than one Sunday. Nancy Oliver reports that there are several “blank” Sundays on the calendar—Sundays where a donor is needed. If you’d like to celebrate a special occasion, honor a special person, or just give praise, Nancy would love to hear from you. Flower donations are $35. Candles are $10. Give her a call at (650) 592-5822.

“We’ll have a barrel of food…” We have a new Second Harvest Food Closet barrel located in the hall near the office. Next time you go shopping, please pick up a few non-perishable food items to add to it! We’re hoping to return the barrel to the folks at Second Harvest in record time. February 2013

Church Business Notes from the Annual Meeting and the Vestry Following a delicious lunch served by the Brotherhood, and a Town Hall meeting coordinated by the Rector Search Committee, the 149th Annual Meeting of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church was called to order on January 9, 2013. Here are some highlights from the minutes… -Vestry Election. Scott Turner, Ted Hardie, and Arthur Lloyd have completed threeyear Vestry terms. Lori Castellucci, Susan Mitchell and Darryl Race were elected by acclamation to become new members of the Vestry. -Diocesan Convention. John Lessar, Mary Esther Schnaubelt, and Scott Turner were elected as delegates to the Diocesan Convention. -Senior Warden’s Report. Senior Warden Mary Esther Schnaubelt discussed the past year, mentioning a couple of personnel changes in the church office: our new Parish Administrator, Denise Delaney, and our new Treasurer, John Lessar. -Junior Warden’s Report. Dave Householder described several repair projects undertaken during 2012, including the church roof, upstairs classroom ceilings, plumbing, and the apartment roof. He mentioned that we’ve requested bids to repair the cork floor and replace the carpeting in the sanctuary. Dave also proposed a volunteer day in the summer to have the congregation help complete odd jobs around the church. -Finances. Treasurer John Lessar presented the parish’s financial reports (see “Money Matters,” pg. 16) and thanked Dave Householder, Eleanor Antonakos and Barbara Naas for their help during the transition after Bruce Lacina’s death last spring. -Awards. Retiring Vestry Members Scott Turner, Ted Hardie, and Arthur Lloyd were recognized with gifts for their efforts on the Vestry, as was Mary Esther Schnaubelt for her efforts as Senior Warden. Dave Householder was presented with St. Peter’s Cross for his positive outlook and exemplary work. 14

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The Vestry met twice in January. At the regular monthly Vestry meeting on January 9 the agenda was mostly items covered in the Annual Meeting and noted above. One additional item involved the church organ, which needs several repairs. Since a fully functioning organ is an asset to the church, the Vestry hopes to proceed. One bid has been received from Hupalo and Repasky Pipe Organs, LLC, and additional information has been requested. (See “Organic Growth,” below) The Vestry also met briefly following the Annual Meeting. Both Senior Warden Mary Esther Schnaubelt and Junior Warden Dave Householder were reelected to their current positions. The next meeting of the Vestry will be on Wednesday, February 13. As always, questions and concerns can be addressed to any member of the Vestry.

Organic Growth A couple of Sundays ago our glasses fell off and the hymnals and prayer books began to shake in the pews when new Music Minister Jim Sharpe swung into the fourth verse of the recessional. We hadn’t heard the old pipes blowing so hard in a while, so we decided to chat Jim up on the subject of the church organ. He told us that he appreciates the instrument’s versatility. “We’re very fortunate to have a vintage Swain and Kate organ,” he said. “It was installed in 1972 and has many different sounds… excellent for leading congregational singing, accompanying the choirs and for use within our worship service.” We had noticed Jim and Steve Azar tinkering up in the loft before the service began. Jim told us that the organ could use some attention—both mechanical and electrical. “It will serve us for many years after that,” he added. The Vestry is soliciting bids for the work and will discuss the project further at the February Vestry meeting. If you have questions in the meantime, Jim is glad to talk! February 2013

Money Matters 2012 Financials Actual

Budget

Variance

Income

250,750

246,292

+ 4,458

Expense

273,958

260,044

- 13,915

Net

- 23,209

- 13,751

- 9,457

2013 Budget

2012 Actual

Variance

Income

269,292

250,750

+ 18,452

Expense

269,292

273,958

+ 4,666

- 23,209

+ 23,209

2013 Budget

Net

The Keys, St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church

Finding Your Way Are you looking for a new way to get connected or help out at St. Peter’s? Wondering what your ministry might be within our community? There may be more going on than you realize and more chances to get involved that you know. Think about one of these ministries and if something interests you, get in touch with the contact person listed below. • Choir—contact James Sharpe at JASharpe@stpetersrwc.org • Parish Governance (Vestry, Deanery, Finance or Buildings & Grounds)—Sr. Warden Mary Esther Schnaubelt at meschnaubelt@ gmail.com • Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Acolytes and Lay Readers—contact Sue Walker at davtronr@aol.com • Godly Play (Sunday School)—contact Cari Chen at caripangchen@gmail.com • Altar Guild—contact Barbara Naas at gladbarb@comcast.net • S.P.Y. (Youth Group)—contact Mary Esther Schnaubelt at meschnaubelt@gmail.com • Hopkins Manor Nursing Home Ministry—contact Deacon Skip Bushee at gsbushee@gmail.com • Maple Street Shelter Ministry—contact Pat McCarty at pat_ mccarty@sbcglobal.net • W.O.W. (Women of Wisdom)—Lori Castellucci at loriange1551@ sbcglobal.net • Crafty Ladies (ECW)—contact Midge Bobel at (650) 364-0195 • Brotherhood (Men’s Group)—contact JD Davidson at jdconstruction_2000@yahoo.com Of course, if you have an interest in starting a fellowship group or ministry at St. Peter’s, don’t hesitate to contact a member of the Vestry so we can assist and support you in that effort. February 2013

The Next Page The Keys is a monthly newsletter for all members and friends of St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. And all members and friends are welcome to submit articles for it. You might be a member of a group in the church that would like to invite more people to a gathering you are having. Or, you might be someone who has just read an interesting book and want to share your thoughts about it. The parish staff does reserve the right to not publish something if it is, for some reason, deemed inappropriate. But, we do publish most articles that are submitted. If you have questions about your submission for the Keys, please contact Peter Hutchinson at hutchinp@comcast.net

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Rites of Passage “Believing hear, what you deserve to hear: Your birthday as my own to me is dear... But yours gives most; for mine did only lend Me to the world; yours gave to me a friend.” —Martial

February Birthdays Bruce Rollin �� 2/3 Bill Heinrich �� 2/5 Claire Jensenrose �� 2/9 Krista Miloslavich �� 2/9 Sue Walker ��2/10 Will McDermott ��2/11 Donna Davidson ��2/13 Mary Lyn Azar ��2/16 Jim Runyeon ��2/17 Karen Zack ��2/20 Laura Graham ��2/20 Gabriel O’Hare Hardie ��2/24 Madison Redlawsk ��2/24 Gertrude Lacina ��2/25 Bernice O’Leary ��2/25 Deanna May ��2/27

“A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year.” —Paul Sweeney

February Anniversaries Rod & Sue Walker �� 2/18 Adina & James Badia �� 2/23

Please contact the church office to make sure we have YOUR birthday or anniversary date to celebrate. February 2013

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church   St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 178 Clinton Street 178 Clinton Street Redwood City, 94062 Redwood City, CACA 94062 www.stpetersrwc.org www.stpetersrwc.org

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St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Worship Schedule: Holy Eucharist: Worship Schedule: Sundays & 10:30 a.m. Holy8:00 Eucharist:

Wednesdays Noon in the Chapel Sundays12 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays 12 Noon in the Chapel

The Rev. Marc Andrus  Rt.Diocese Rev. MarcofAndrus BishopThe of the California Bishop of the Diocese of California The Vestry:

Clergy & Lay Staff:

Mr. Steven Azar

The Rev. Skip Bushee, Deacon Mr. James A. Sharpe, Music Minister Mr. Mark Weiss, Sexton & Facilities Manager Ms. Denise Delaney, Parish Administrator

Ms. Adina Badia Mr. Steven Azar Mr. Ted Hardie Ms. Adina Badia Ms. Lori Castellucci Mr. Dave Householder Mr. Dave Householder Mr. Peter Hutchinson Mr. Peter Hutchinson Mr. Arthur Lloyd Ms. Susan Mitchell Ms. Nancy Oliver Ms. Nancy Oliver Ms. Mary Esther Schnaubelt Mr. Darryl Race Mr. Scott Turner Ms. Mary Esther Schnaubelt

Officers of St. Peter’s: Ms. Mary Esther Schnaubelt, Senior Warden Mr. Dave Householder, Junior Warden Mr. John Lessar, Treasurer Mr. Darryl Race, Clerk of the Vestry

The Vestry:

The Keys is published monthly for members and friends of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

The Keys is published monthly for members and friends of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. News items

News items may be emailed to denise@stpetersrwc.org. Next deadline: February 25th; pictures welcome! You can find The Keys IN FULL COLOR at www.stpetersrwc.org

may be emailed to office@stpetersrwc.org. Next deadline: November 5th – pictures welcome!