April 2010 Vol. 12 No. 4 Archive of Previous Issues The Grapevine is published monthly (except for a combined July/August issue) by St. Patrick's Episcopal Church E-mail St. Patricks The Rev. Hugh Stevenson, Rector Editor: Mary Banks, 539-7378

Table of Contents for April 2010 [Vol. 12 No. 4]

HEAVEN, I'M IN HEAVEN! TURNING POINTS AROUND ST PATRICK'S DIOCESAN ACTIVITIES OUTREACH COMMITTEE HEIFER INTERNATIONAL

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HEAVEN, I'M IN HEAVEN!

I asked an elderly parishioner where her home was. She said, "Santa Rosa." As one who had been a lifetime Church member and close to God, I wondered whether she would say, "Heaven." When I began to give her a picture of what I believe heaven to be like, she perked up!

First, heaven is a place of stunning beauty. St John describes how he went through a doorway into heaven (Revelation 4) and saw God seated on a throne. Around God was a rainbow that looked like an emerald. Around the throne was a sea of glass like crystal. The full picture is given in some of our Hymns, "Holy, holy, holy all the saints adore thee" (362) and "Round the Lord in glory seated" (367), and "For all the saints who from their labors rest" (287).

Up in heaven a banquet is prepared. The food will be Cordon bleu (several stars) and there will be the best wine vintages (Isaiah 25:6). God is our host; and when we sit down to eat with God there will be a deep level of intimacy. Jesus gave his disciples "foretastes" of this banquet when he fed the five thousand on the mountainside (Mark 6:30) and in the Upper Room at the Last Supper.

The climate in heaven is very comfortable-very different from the supposed fires of hell. There will be no scorching wind or burning sun (Isaiah 49:10). So also says the psalm that many people choose for their memorial service (Psalm 121:6). This must have been important for people who spent much of their time out in the open.

In heaven, we will all be healthy. There will be no disabilities, no pain, no depression, and no dementia. We will be in our prime. God will wipe away every tear from our eyes; there will be no mourning (Revelation 21:4).

At the Last Supper according to John (14:6) Jesus told his disciples that he must leave them in order to prepare a place for them. In God's house there is plenty of room, and a place reserved for each one of us. I imagine a banquet table with my name on a nametag, or on the door of the room reserved for me. This is the picture of heaven that appealed to the ancients, because it corrected what was wrong with the circumstances of their lives. Our hopes for heaven will be slightly different. With Irving Berlin (1935), heaven will be when we're dancing "Cheek to cheek? and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak..."

Many people worry about money. There never seems to be enough. Credit card debt is a major problem. In heaven there will be more than enough, "pressed down and running over." There will be no tough choices to be made between health insurance or buying food.

In heaven we will all be intelligent. We will know things we never learnt. We will never ever have to take another exam. And we will be reconciled with those from whom we are estranged. In heaven all that diminishes our lives is corrected; all that we hope for will be fulfilled.

Who would not perk up with all this to look forward to! The Risen Lord promises "Resurrection Life" to us all. This is what I believe this life is like. How about you?

Hugh Stevenson

TURNING POINTS

All find a welcome:

Jane Hirsch from Richmond UK (and Sausalito) has moved to Oakmont.

Ron and Jenne Albright were here on March 7.

For this, much thanks:

Margaret Merchat chaired the St Patrick's Day dinner on March 20 with lots of helpers.

Charlie Chapman is Director of Diocesan Audit in Northern California and a member of Diocesan Council.

Curtis Duff played his Irish harp for the St Patrick's service on March 14.

Farewell to:

Ruth Wright is moving to Tucson, Arizona to be with family. Her temporary address will be c/o Bruce Wright, 5302E Camino Rio d Luz, 85718 (her cell continues to be 548-9842).

Mary and Jack Coon are moving to Ellisville, MO. Their address will be 15826 Clayton Rd, Apt 314, 93011.

Peter and Mary Banks are spending a year in Arlington, VA.

Relocation:
Norma and John Creaghe have moved to #256 Oakmont Gardens, 301 White Oak Drive (same phone number).

We will exalt you, O God, our King:

Congratulations to Gini Bauer on the birth of her great granddaughter, Kadence O. Kelley.

And to Marcia Ronchetti on the birth of her grandson Alexandar Drakulic-Schoch on March 15 in Belgrade.

Bea Moore was 102 on February 23.

Dorothy Bell will be 106 on August 3.

May they know God's healing power:

Greta MacLeod	Peg Robins
Shirley Pippin	Ed Dill
Evie Borger	Conner Johnson
Harry Fry	Mark Kirkland
Judy Rose	Frank Barner
Kaitlin Bowman	John Creaghe
Norma Creaghe	Matt Harris

We ask God's protection of:
those serving in the military overseas
Jamie Crouse grandson of Marge and Bob Ruehrdanz, in Afghanistan.

Blessings on:

Eddie Gibb in El Salvador for the Spring Break to build houses for ERD.

Nick Chekouras and Liz Abeln are getting married in Los Gatos on June 5. They live on Sonoma Highway.

May they rest in peace:

George Anderson died on March 13. He and Jeanne first came to St Patrick's in 1976. George's celebration will be upon his 100th birthday, July 10.

Milo Stevenson died on March 11. He was the 20-month old son of Aimee & Henry (Hugh's nephew).

Shirley Rush died on January 23. She and Will were members of St Patrick's from 1996 until they moved to Medford, OR in 2003.

Canon Len Shaheen has died. He was director of Camp Noel Porter (and Rector of St Nicholas, Tahoe City) since 1968 and known to generations of summer campers. He was a strong advocate for young people in our Diocese.

Morton MacLeod, brother of George, died on January 24. His memorial will be at Indian Springs Ranch on April 17.

AROUND ST PATRICK'S

SPRING FASHION SHOW
On April 17 at 12:30 p.m., the ECW is hosting a Spring Fashion Show in conjunction with Coldwater Creek. There will be a luncheon, door prize and a raffle. This show (modeled by St. Patrick Parishioners) is only $15.00 and will be held in the Parish Hall. Seating is limited to 100 and tickets are going fast. Tickets are on sale after each Sunday service or call Barbara DeCampo (540-0831) to reserve your ticket. Proceeds will go to ECW outreach programs: Social Advocates for Youth, the Living Room shelter for abused women and Kenwood Elementary School.

LOOKING BACK
Harold Poehlmann was spring cleaning and brought a 1979 directory to the church office. There are some familiar names. The following have been members at least 31 years:

George Anderson	Edgar G. Hanson
Bobette Watson	Constance vanLobensels
Greta & George MacLeod in Los Altos
Harold Poehlmann	Diana & Ray Estabrook

In addition the following are also listed:
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Buff
Mrs. Ronald Pippin

In 1979, there were 55 households. The congregation met for worship at Kenwood Community Church. They owned the land but our church would not be built till 1982. This was the year that John Bogart arrived at St Patrick's and the congregation took off. Attendance in 1979 averaged about 40; but two years later it had doubled. By 1984 there were 120 on an average Sunday. We were elevated to "Parish" status at the Diocesan convention in 1986.

NURSERY
Each Sunday, Carol Papworth supervises the church nursery for young children during the 10:30 a.m. service. The nursery is next to the Sunday school room. There will be an Open House on March 28 after the 10:30 service.

GOOD FRIDAY
At the Good Friday liturgy, April 2, Michael Newell will sing "He was despised" from Handel's Messiah, accompanied by Sylvia O'Neill.

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
Ninon Cabrales, Tommie Cazel, Judy Rose and Rosie Speight will be installed as Daughters of the King at the 10:30 service on April 11.

CLERGY LEADERSHIP PROJECT
Hugh Stevenson will be away April 15 to April 23. The Rev Gail Cafferata will take the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services on Sunday, April 18. The Rev Cliff Kent will take the 9:00 a.m. service.

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE!
The supper and sing-along of well known folk songs, old- time Gospel tunes, Spirituals, and Standards led by Dennis Studebaker will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 8. Further information from Angela Stevenson (537-1440).

ECW SUPPER
On May 11, 6:30 p.m., the ECW will host an evening meeting with dessert and coffee. The speaker will be Jill Hunting talking about her book, Finding Pete.

? Make My Day! ?
Email Sarah Phillips at sarahphilllips2000@yahoo.com if you know someone who needs a little "sunshine." Also contact her if you want to help bring a little "sunshine" to others.

COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP
Vestry and ECW are planning a workshop on Communication skills for the parish on May 15. Mark your calendar.

WANTED: EYE GLASSES
Lion Tommie Cazel has placed a box in the Parish Hall for collection of used eyeglasses, both clear and colored lens. The glasses are reprocessed in Vallejo for distribution all over the world. Thousands are still waiting, so if you have even one pair, please drop them in the box and Tommie will make sure it gets to the right sources. Thanks.

DIOCESAN ACTIVITIES

DIOCESAN SUMMER CAMP
Our Diocesan summer camp is just south of Tahoe City. It has played an important role in many of our children's journeys to adulthood.

May 28-31, Memorial weekend set up.

June 13-19, Counselor training. Counselors (grades 10-12) serve one week

June 20, Camps begin & continue each week.

July 7-10, Camps for ages 6, 7 and 8 will be held.

September 3-6, Labor Day weekend take down.

Registration is $375 per week. Early bird discount (before April 30) is $25.

There are fliers in the parish hall. I have a CD with photos and music to lend to you. Call me (833-4228).
Hugh Stevenson

DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM
The Right Rev Suheil Dawani is the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem. He reported recently that the Christian population in his Diocese is shrinking. Christians in Israel act as a buffer between Jews and Moslems. "You cannot make peace with hungry people," he said. Hunger and violence go hand in hand. He added that the children in Gaza do not smile. The offering at Good Friday services throughout the Episcopal Church (including St Patrick's) goes to the Diocese of Jerusalem.

PILGRIMAGE TO CORNWALL
Ready to make some long-term travel plans? Retired history instructor Jim Rawls and Hugh Stevenson will be leading a fully-escorted, small-group tour to Cornwall and the West of England in May 2011. Known as the English Riviera, Cornwall boasts not only the country's mildest climate but also some of its richest history. Our tentative itinerary includes visits to Plymouth, Exeter, Avebury, Penzance, St Ives, and Land's End. In the spirit of the pilgrimages of old, our pace will be leisurely with plenty of time for contemplation along the way. Registration is through the American Council for International Studies (ACIS) and will be limited to 30 participants. Contact Jim (938-1981) or Hugh (833-4228).

STEWARDSHIP CONFERENCE
Hosted by the Diocesan Commission on Gratitude and St. John's Episcopal Church, Roseville, May 7 - 8, this year's Conference is a must attend for any parish interested in learning new ways to enhance their financial success. Our theme, "Grateful, Glad and Giving," is a new approach to the annual stewardship program that will not only lighten your leadership team's burden, but will be welcomed with open arms by your parishioners. Watch for more details to come at www.dncweb.org/bishopsconference.

EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT
ERD reports that individuals in this diocese gave a total of $78,838.83 to ERD in 2009. In addition, 19 congregations combined to contribute another $8000. (Giving to Haiti will be reflected in a later report.) The Bishop writes, "Add to this all of the additional outreach-giving going on in this diocese, and we have a clear picture of a generous and compassionate people, working hard to transform communities for Christ."

OUTREACH COMMITTEE

Did you know the committee has been active at St. Patrick's since the 1980s? Greta MacLeod has some great tales of the early activities. One time they tried to deliver food to a home in the hills and were discouraged by a shotgun. Later, they were successful. Some of the former members of the committee who are still members of St. Patrick's include: Louise Clark, John Creaghe, Mary Field, Marjorie Friedrich, Bob Fry, Marion Hawley, Jean Henderson, Phil Holm, Barbara Jones, Bette Leedom, Greta Macleod, and Karen Steelman.

The Rev. Hugh Stevenson arrived in 1991 and has kept records of the Outreach Committee since then. Through the years some of the funds were disbursed to:
Crop Walk The Living Room The Presiding Bishop's Fund (now ERD)

Church World Service	Coalition Against Hunger	CARE(Children's Counseling)
Starcross Community Social Advocates for Youth (SAY)	Police and Hospital Chaplaincies
Bread for the World Vietnam Vets Transition House	Santa Rosa Boys and Girls Club
American Bible Society	Salvation Army	Redwood Caregivers Research Center
Food for the Poor	St. Patrick's Discretionary Fund	Valley of the Moon Children's Home
Festival of the Lights	Saddle Pals	St Patrick's Youth & Men's Group Projects
Kenwood School	Faith Lutheran Migrant Project	...and many others.

As this list indicates, disbursements over the years reflect different committees with varying interests and changing community needs.

Not only do we disburse funds but, with the assistance of many parishioners, we do "hands on activities" with some of the organizations we have supported such as:
Teaching English to Vineyard Workers
Rummage sales for the St. Andrew's Food Project
Activities for the Interfaith Shelter Network Home in Glen Ellen
Serving meals at the Santa Rosa Amory Overnight Shelter
Collecting clothes for various community emergencies

Our current committee members are: Barbara Fry and Gretchen Scott - Co Chairs, Jean Derum, Chuck MacLaughlin, J.C. Speight, Jackie McDonald - Secretary, Dale and Joe Jester, Hal Poehlman, David Walzem, Alec Peters - Treasurer, The Rev. Hugh Stevenson - Ex officio, Bill McDonald, Laurie Raess. Last year Xavier Cabrales, Wayne Wright and John and Nancy Young were members.

Fortunately, through the years the funds allotted to the committee have grown with the growth of the requests for assistance. Yearly Totals:

2005: $6,000	2007: $9,000	2009: $10,500
2006: $6,000	2008: $10,050	2010: $18,000

In 2009 we disbursed funds to:
After the earthquake in Haiti we sent $1,000 to ERD and $1,000 to Doctors Without Borders. Parishioners gave another $1,000. At our March meeting, we gave $1,000 to the Redwood Empire Food Bank and $1,000 to ERD for Chile. Some of the organizations above are now being helped by the Episcopal Church Women's (ECW) funds. Depending upon our annual budget, St. Patrick's has tried to be generous to the needs of the community, the nation and the world.
Barbara Fry

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL

Some years ago, it seemed that on every Sunday before Christmas, St Patrick's was asking for donations for this cause or that. The vestry made the decision that we would make our donations through the church's operating fund. One of the organizations for which we have a line item in the budget is Heifer International.

Jean Henderson and Bill and Nell MacDonald visited the Heifer "farm." Some parishioners like to give a flock of chickens or half a goat as a Christmas gift. So we make brochures available.

Heifer was founded in 1944 by an American farmer, Dan West, who had worked as a relief worker for the Church of the Brethren in Spain. He saw that there was not enough food coming from outside. When he got back to the USA he founded Heifers for Relief, providing families with their own livestock so that they "could be spared the indignity of depending on others to feed their children." The philosophy of Heifer is "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; you have fed him for a lifetime." West also conceived the slogan "Give not a cup, but a cow." The first shipment of 17 heifers went from York, Pennsylvania, to Puerto Rico.

Heifer now breeds cattle, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, honeybees, pigs, llamas, water buffalo, camels, alpacas, yaks, horses, chicks, ducks, goats, geese, and fish. These are sent to 125 countries round the world and are used for breeding. They now also distribute tree saplings.

After a family's immediate needs are met, these animals benefit an entire community to become self-sustaining. Animals such as goats, water buffalo and camels are "seven M" animals: they provide meat, milk, muscle, manure, money, materials and motivation.

Heifer is based in Little Rock, AR. They have an educational center at Ceres, CA, a little south of Modesto. Heifer's website is http://www.heifer.org. They are also involved in projects to provide clean water and emergency housing. Their annual revenue is $130 million. They have helped 8.5 million people. The charity navigator gives them 3 stars out of four. 77.5% of their budget goes to program.

More about other charities we support in future Grapevines.
Hugh Stevenson