Dear Friends in Christ,

I write to you a week after my return from General Convention, and already there are actions, and reactions arising from Convention decisions.

Remember, please, that the church moves at a much slower pace than the press and the internet: whatever is announced to the world may or may not actually happen. Remember, also, that each diocese is an entity unto itself, so we are not necessarily affected by the decisions of other bishops and dioceses.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has suggested a way forward, but many other bishops must cooperate with him in order for the process he proposes, to unfold. So the Anglican Communion, and the Episcopal Church, will continue to be in the news, but it will be some time before major decisions are made. (The Anglican Communion only came into being in 1867, when the first Lambeth Conference was held, and at that time, the bishops rejected the idea that they would decide on doctrine.)

Leaving aside these controversial issues, I'd like to share with you some of my experiences as a Deputy at General Convention.

First, this year is the 30th anniversary of the 1976 General Convention, which voted to ordain women to the priesthood and episcopate. Several celebrations were held; I went to the dedication of a timeline of women in the church, which began with the wise women of Native America, continued with the pioneer women who gathered for Evening Prayer before there were churches, and on up to 1976, and 1989 (first woman bishop). I was surprised to discover my photo had been added to the timeline by Hizako Beazley, a good friend of Maria Ridgway. Hizako was later elected to Executive Council (she is a deputy from Olympia). The Episcopal Church Women at their triennial meeting wrote the names of ordained women in their dioceses on strips of paper, and made them into a chain which went around their whole meeting room.

I was privileged to serve on the Legislative Committee on Education, along with about 20 other deputies and bishops. We considered, debated and revised about 25 pieces of legislation. Most interesting was one calling for clergy and lay leaders to receive education about domestic abuse, and another supporting methods of Biblical interpretation which do not oppress groups of people (as was done in the 18th and 19th centuries in the debates over slavery). We also felt there were too many groups/causes asking that Episcopalians receive training, and go to workshops. We addressed this by saying that people should receive education (in whatever form seems good to the diocese), that it could be web-based, and that we didn't always need to develop special Episcopal materials, when there are already existing materials available.

We were privileged to hear an address and a sermon by Jenny Te Paa, Dean of St. John's Seminary in New Zealand, urging us to see Christ in every person. Dean Te Paa is of Maori descent, has a PhD from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, and was a member of the Lambeth Commission appointed by Archbishop Williams to address the current situation.

We heard a stirring sermon from the Rev. (Senator) John Danforth, urging us to take the good news of the Gospel to the needy and the disillusioned, and to stop focussing on our internal issues.

I was happy to vote with the majority in approving the Revised Common Lectionary to be our official lectionary as of Advent 2007. We have used the RCL here for 2 years, and have been enriched by readings from more Old Testament books, and by hearing more of the stories of women in the Scriptures.

I was pleased that we voted resolution affirming that theories of evolution are compatible with belief in God, and urging churches to address the issue of global warming.

I was moved by the speech of the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, who thanked the Episcopal Church for helping them during their crisis over boarding schools, and for our modest gift of about $300,000 which prevented the bankruptcy of two dioceses.

Finally, it was thrilling to be present for the election of the Rt. Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori as Presiding Bishop. The House of Deputies erupted in joy at the announcement, and gave us energy to continue 3 more days of intense legislative work. The new president of the House of Deputies is Bonnie Anderson, lay deputy from the diocese of Michigan. She has been the Vice-president, and ably chaired the house during several sessions.

I am grateful to you for supporting me, and to our diocese for electing me as a Deputy; it was an honor and privilege to serve.

The language of poetry has immense power to touch the heart, to fire the imagination, to awaken emotion. Join us this summer in a relaxed exploration of some of the great poets of the English language (plus one Italian!). Whether contemporary or from an earlier time, male or female, American or English, familiar or unknown, these gifted writers have something to say to all of us.

You may never have attended a poetry reading or discussion, or even considered it. But this is a great time to give it a try. Who knows? You might just enjoy yourself!

The series of Wednesday night poetry readings and discussions continues in the Library, 7:30–9:00. There will be a little something for everyone’s taste:

Jhumpa Lahiri won the Pulitzer for her story collection, Interpreter of Maladies.

Her first novel, set in Boston and New York, begins in 1968 with a young Indian man doing research at MIT, and his wife, who becomes pregnant with a son. As years go by, their son, unlike his parents, becomes thoroughly westernized and even rebellious, with a series of non-Indian girlfriends--none of whom stick. After a painful breakup, in the year 2000, the young man, who was named Gogol on a whim of his father's (he has since changed it), decides it's time to read a book by the Russian writer for whom he is named.

Proceeds will benefit programs at St. Thomas and Our Daily Bread.

Lydia Sanchez and Simone Sarracino are training to run the Nike Women's Marathon in October as members of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's team in training. They are going to run 26.2 miles in honor of Simone's mom, Laura Fisher, who is a lymphoma cancer survivor. You can help them make a difference and donate at their Team in Training web pages. They will keep you posted on their progress along the way. Saturday [6/24/06] they completed our first 8-mile training run. Please make donations by August 1st. (Donations after Aug. 1 will gladly be accepted). To donate or help, go to either link below:

• http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/PinkChihuahuas (Lydia)
  
• http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/SpeedySimonkey (Simone)

The celebration of Wendy’s 10^th Anniversary as Rector of St. Thomas, held on June 25^th under joint sponsorship between PEP and Vestry, met all our hopeful expectations:

• We had a very good turnout of approximately 120 people that included representation from all three services and members of Wendy’s colleague group.
  
• The atmosphere was festive and informal. By setting the buffet luncheon in separate stations, people were encouraged to move about frequently and mingle with others.
  
• We had plenty of food on hand, thanks to the contributions from: Elaine Timm, Vi Fugate, Scott and Mollie Whistler, Pam Storrer, Wendy Tracy, Elaine Ho, Peg Prior, Tone Hufford, Margaret Jungling, Joe Gutierrez, Pat Dare, Chris Schmidt, Cal Cornwell, LaVerne Martin, Carol Campbell, Cindy MacKenzie, Lou & Margo Poulain, Mary Jane Larson, Donna Cobb, Ruth Rowe, Dorothy Furgerson, Sandra Seymour, Linda Renner. Thanks also to those who had brought food, but had not signed up and therefore could not be recognized.
  
• The program, coordinated by Chris Schmidt on behalf of the Vestry, was interspersed along with lunch, and it was enjoyable and well-paced. Many of the contributors to the program and the gifts will be recognized in another article.
  
• Everyone had fun, and Wendy was thrilled with the celebration and the gifts!

• “Back to the Parish” Kickoff, September 10^th - We are thinking of having a salad luncheon to kickoff “Back to Parish” month in which we will have different representatives from various parish program groups available after each service to describe and answer questions pertaining to the featured programs.
  
• “Roundup at Sunset”, September 30^th – PEP will be assisting with the food reception for this fundraiser activity.

But alas, we are nearing the end of summer and it is almost time to say goodbye to a time of relaxing fun and to welcome in a new year of Sunday school. With the new school year comes new friends, new ideas and maybe even a new classroom!

FINANCE REPORT: Jim Cobb reported that the May pledge and loose offering income was slightly down […]. Previous months have been strong, so the YTD totals are still quite good. Administration and Buildings & Grounds (pest control) expenses were up slightly. PG&E utility expenses are still reasonable. A small amount of restitution money for the [7/10/05] car crash accident was received and will be added to savings.

FAMILY MINISTRY: Rosemary Parker submitted a written report. She will continue the ODB Story Hour which was a popular program last year.

WENDY’S 10^th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Chris Schmidt reported on plans for the event. Pat Dare is coordinating the volunteers for the food. Vestry plans include the luncheon on June 25^th after the 10:30 service, a scrapbook, and a gift to the church in Wendy’s honor. The gift to the church will be a full set of liturgical vestments, with Wendy keeping one of the stoles. A MOTION was made (Schmidt) and seconded (Furgerson)—The parish has been asked to donate money toward the liturgical vestments in honor of Wendy’s 10^th Anniversary. The Vestry recommends that gifts in excess of the total cost of materials be put into memorial funds; if the gifts are less than the total cost, that amount could be covered from the memorial fund. MOTION carried. Chris Schmidt will be the Master-of-Ceremonies.

WENDY’S POSITION ON REASONABLE GOALS: Wendy’s email to Pat Williams suggested that next year some of the budget priorities might be working towards increasing the work time of the Church Administrator to four full days, and the time of the Family Ministry Director from 15 to 20 hours, in lieu of trying to add an associate clergy person. Also, building a Family Room is a higher priority. Although these priorities are somewhat different than what was discussed at the retreat, Dorothy Furgerson noted that the retreat comments were preliminary ideas, made in the context of trying to find ways to best support Wendy. Wendy’s response is appropriate and helpful in setting goals. Dave Morris suggested that this matter be discussed with the Finance Committee and Jon Aderhold as part of this year’s pledge drive.

ROUNDUP AT SUNSET: This social event will take place on Saturday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m. Wendy Tracy has begun meetings to discuss plans. There will be music, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. There will be a booklet to list the items donated from businesses and parishioners. There will also be on-line bidding.

VESTRY RETREAT for 2007: Five parishioners, including three vestry members, attended the Evangelism workshop led by Canon Britt Olson. A suggestion was made that she be asked to lead the next Vestry retreat. Pat Williams has called to reserve space at The Presentation Center for February 9-10, 2007. A MOTION was made (Schmidt) and seconded (Furgerson) that the Vestry authorizes payment of a deposit to The Presentation Center to reserve space for the retreat on February 9-10, 2007. MOTION carried. The Vestry also approved asking Canon Britt Olson to lead the Saturday morning session at the retreat.

PROPERTY: […] Professional trimming and lightening of the branches is needed for the trees. […] Money is already budgeted for tree maintenance. A MOTION was made (Williams) and seconded (Morris) to authorize Chris Schmidt to arrange to trim the trees in the back parking lot at a cost up to […]. MOTION carried.

Bleaching and staining of the church building: It is recommended that the procedure should be done every three years, and it is now overdue. There is a question of whether we can get all the woods to look the same. Chris got various estimates for the work: Spot bleaching to prepare the wood: […], full front wall to prepare the wood: […], clear coating of the whole church: […] (this also would include some parts of other buildings). Volunteers can potentially do this part of clear coating. This totals […], maximum, and […], minimum, the latter with five Saturdays of volunteer work. Chris is asking the Vestry and the Finance Committee to consider this matter.

FLU PANDEMIC: Dorothy Furgerson raised the topic of local preparations in case of a flu pandemic. Santa Clara County Health Department is doing a good job of preparation, expecting 25-30% of the population to be sick, with 1-2% dying. Day care facilities and schools may be closed, and children will be kept home (“social distancing”). Dorothy wants St. Thomas to consider its response and how we can be useful. It was suggested that perhaps we could provide some sort of video worship so that the congregation would be able to worship at home. It was also mentioned that a phone network could be established to check on members of the parish. Pastoral Care (Peg Prior, Chair) would be the oversight commission.

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: A MOTION was made (Schmidt) and seconded (Prior) that the Vestry authorizes a non-budgeted expense […] to continue the ad for St. Thomas Church in the Sunnyvale Sun from July through September. MOTION carried.

CREATING BELONGING AND FRIENDSHIP: The first event was a salad potluck which went very well, thanks to the work of Peg Prior and Donna Cobb. A Family Camp/Picnic is set for July 14-16.

OUTREACH TO CHILDREN: At the last meeting of this commission report formats were put together. They include: August: Wendy Tracy will report to the vestry on a potential after-school program; September: Pam Storrer will report on a safe-haven transfer program; October: Pat Williams will report on pre-school information.

FUNDRAISING. The Farmers’ Market will resume on July 9. Cal Cornwell and Peg Prior will oversee this activity.

RECTOR’S REPORT: Wendy was away; no report.

Celebration Report—June 25^th 2006
by Chris Schmidt

Thank you to all who attended or helped with the celebration of Wendy's 10^th anniversary at St. Thomas. More than 100 people were able to gather for the luncheon coordinated by PEP and "catered" by many of the great cooks of St. Thomas. This was a chance for the people of St. Thomas to party with each other and to meet some of Wendy's friends and colleagues from outside St. Thomas. And what better occasion than looking back at what has been done in the last 10 years and forward to what we as a community can do in the future.

One thing we have to look forward to is the occasions when we will be able to use the new set of red liturgical vestments that were designed as a lasting reminder of the day, and that celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit. This complete set of vestments, stoles, and hangings are a gift for the future members of St. Thomas from the past and present members of St. Thomas since they were funded both by memorial gifts and by new offerings designated specifically for this gift to the church. This set was sewn by Linda Ormiston, Peg Prior, and Courtney Tan and was designed by Linda.

Thank you also to all of you that signed the scroll that carried the memories, wishes and hopes of the people of St. Thomas to Wendy. A scroll is an old tradition at St. Thomas. And since John Russell was the traditional scroll maker it was fitting that [his daughter] Jane-Marguerite put together this scroll that had a few new "twists". One twist is that the folded scroll fit nicely into the scrapbook that was put together by Mollie Whistler. This scrapbook contained pictures and memories from each of the years that Wendy has been here, graciously furnished by the archives committee and others. The scrapbook and the scroll together spoke to many of the different ways that the people of St. Thomas join together in community.

Another highlight was the music by our young musicians Ryan MacKenzie and Enoch Chow. Their classical presentations were a counterpoint to the soon to be hit song "Wendy" as presented by the choir and supported by kazoos and voices of the crowd. I hope that this is not the last time you'll hear from any of these performers.

Finally, thanks to Wendy for "Ten Wondrous Years". Vi Fugate's logo and slogan said it all. We have been tied together by Wendy's love and work.

Contact Chris Schmidt if you have any questions.

Diocesan Choices
Tue, Aug 22, 7–9 pm, St. Andrew’s, Saratoga
by The Rev. Wendy Smith

As part of the process leading up to the election of a new bishop, and due to the general recognition that the structure of our diocese does not work well, a committee called the Diocesan Evaluation and Structure Committee (DESC) has been working to redesign our diocese. This committee wishes to present its ongoing work to all members of the diocese, and especially to receive feedback from as many people as possible.

ROUNDUP AT SUNSET RETURNS

The last major fundraiser for 2006 will be Saturday,

Here’s how you can help:

• Contribute tickets to a play, film, sporting event
• Provide a gift basket
• Contribute a dinner out at a quality restaurant—or your
  favorite pizza parlor
• Contribute a dinner in—demonstrate your cooking expertise in your kitchen for a small group
• Provide a service—child sitting, car washing, dog walking, computer support, knitting lessons
• Or come up with your own ideas. We want to hear them

ANNIVERSARIES