Vicar’s Notes:
The season of Pentecost is the perfect time to work on the ministries that deepen our individual and communal personal growth as Christians. This is also a time to look for the ministries and service that we are called to, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and also the needs and opportunities we see as we engage with the people, communities and realities around us.
Here are some highlights about how the Spirit is moving (and moving us) today:
Spiritual Companions Group:
This group will soon begin meeting on Tuesdays (time TBA). If you are looking for a place to deepen your spiritual journey, to connect and share with others, and to find ways to live out our common Christian faith, this might be the right place for you. The focus will be study, prayer, encouragement and service. Click here to let me know if you are interested, and more information will be coming soon.
Support for the housing-challenged:
Jesus commands us to be mindful and active in sheltering those who have no home (Matthew 25:31-46). At this time, our BAC has discerned that we are called to live into this by helping a known and loved member of our own community, Craig Stoke, with a place to
call home. “Crog” was able to park his RV for several months in the driveway of Dave and Lori Dillon, but housing ordinances in Manzanita precluded this becoming a permanent arrangement. Our BAC has approved a contingent move of his RV to our church grounds, and more importantly, we are committed to finding a long-term resolution to Crog’s need for housing that is safe, legal, and right for him.
In order to do this well, our BAC is also asking for volunteers to come forward and help us provide Crog with a safe place to live. We especially need people with some “handyperson” skills. Again, let me know if you can help!
In Christ,
Patricia+
Personnel Committee Meets
At the last BAC meeting a personnel committee was appointed to analyze the work needed to support worship and the spiritual life of the church as well as the building and grounds and to make recommendations. The first meeting was Tuesday May 30. They looked at the various ministries that are currently active and how they get done or are staffed. They will be developing position descriptions from the data. Carol Jones, Chip MacGregor, Vicki Melton, and Lianne Thompson serve on the committee
Congregational Care Report
Congregational Care offers support to members of the congregation.
We are in the process of developing a protocol on falls and other medical events during church services and programs.
We will soon set date for final “End of Life Issues” program on legal issues at end of life. Joel Sacks has volunteered to make this presentation. Let Phyllis Mannan know the best day of the week for this. (Saturday? Sunday after church? etc.?).
Our continuing projects include updating the birthday list, am Invite a Friend Sunday, Home Communion, Meals for those who have recent surgery or medical needs, and a possible Caregivers’ Support Group.
Let Phyllis know if you have questions or interest in any of these projects. The committee is mainly one of coordinating activities. You can participate as you are able.
Phyllis Mannan
Congregational Care Coordinator
stcatherinemanzanita@gmail.com
Vicar Patricia Graduates from EfM
After 4 years of study Patricia+ has completed the Education for Ministry Program from the School of Theology, University of the South, Sewanee TN. Every Monday evening during the school year she joined her classmates online to discuss New Testament, Old Testament, Church History and Theology. The program encourages education of lay people and clergy to deepen their knowledge of the Bible and our faith and integrate learning into daily life. Though many participate in EfM in face to face groups – EfM Online allows those who are too distant from a group or have schedules that need to be flexible to join these classes.
EfM was originally developed to give church members an education in their faith in a more comprehensive study program and to reflect on how one’s faith is integrated into daily life. Textbooks are similar to those used in seminaries with published study guides and mentors to facilitate the discussions. Read more here. Patricia’s fellow group participants were from all over the US as well as one person living in Cartagena, Columbia. Ann+ was one of 3 mentors for the group.
A letter from Bishop Michael:
Our bishop writes on the tragedies of this past weekend. Read it all here.
Love is More Powerful Than Hate
“there is no passive fight against the evils of racism. Not all of us will have occasion to step in between a knife-wielding man and a child, but every day there are opportunities to overcome hatred and put love into action.
Pastoral Notes:
We have received word of the death on May 22 of Peter T. Kirschner. There will be a memorial service in Portland, and interment will be held after the Sunday services on Sunday, July 2nd.
A memorial service for Bill and Chelo Steagall will be held Tuesday, June 20, at the Episcopal Parish of St. John the Baptist in Portland at their 9:25 AM Eucharist.
Dalia’s Birthday Party
