| This Sunday, October 8th Holy Communion - 10 AM All are welcome to receive Communion!
In today's gospel reading, Jesus tells a parable of the vineyard, an image of Israel, the prophets' mission, and Christ's death. For Christians, the vineyard also speaks of God's love poured out in the blood of Christ, given to us for the forgiveness of sin. Grafted onto Christ the vine at baptism, we are nourished with wine and bread, that we may share Christ's sufferings and know the power of his resurrection.
Sunday's readings: |
Serving God on Sunday September 3rd
Assisting Minister: Teresa Arellano Crucifer/Acolyte: Kim Hervey Lector: Kim Hervey Ushers: Craig and Vicki Pyle Organist/Pianist: Clyde Niesen Flowers: Bev Smith (Wedding Anniversary)
Fellowship: Cynthia Bettini, Matt Hervey Sacristans: Kathy Sutin, Bev Smith Counters: Anita Patten, Karen Spears
Janitorial: Karen Spears
Groundskeeper: Matt Thelen
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| Worship Schedule Worship schedules will continue to rotate on a monthly basis through the end of the year as follows: October 2017 10:00 a.m. Worship Service at St. Paul's.
Please note that on October 29 there will be no service at either Saint Paul's or Holy Trinity in Vallejo. Services will be at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
November 2017 10:00 a.m. Worship Service at Holy Trinity*
December 2017 10:00 a.m. Worship Service at St. Paul's.
Christmas Eve service will be at Holy Trinity at 7 p.m.
*No flowers or alter care at St. Paul's
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Like most of you, I awoke this morning to see the horrific news of the shooting massacre in Las Vegas just a few hours ago. This is, according to news reports, the deadliest such shooting rampage in U.S. history. Sadly, it is not the first, nor will it be the last such incidence of gun violence. Over four years ago, in the wake of the Sandy Hook School Shooting, the Conference of Bishops published a pastoral letter encouraging prayer and advocacy, with resources for use in congregational and community conversations. I am sending this letter to you today, because many of the statements it contains and the resources it provides will be helpful, I believe, as we once again become communities of prayer, peace, hope, advocacy and deliberation. + I encourage all of us to ponder how we can be "public church" in this moment, for such a time as this, to stand with sisters and brothers of faith and good will as we pause to pray for healing and reflect on the pain and suffering of those whose lives will forever be altered by this event. + I pray we will make ourselves visible at vigils and remembrances to let Christ's light shine through our presence, care and compassion. + I hope we will use our voices to advocate for legislative initiatives which will finally stem access to weapons such as those used in this massacre which have but one purpose - to visit upon hundreds, thousands of innocents this kind of carnage. + I lament yet another senseless tragedy, which calls to mind a school shooting which took place in Stockton where I was serving in 1989, and so many other such incidents since that time.
Please join me in not forgetting that these senseless acts of violence cannot and will not be the last word in this moment. Let a last word be our voices calling for a change in gun and ammunition laws which makes these acts possible. Let a last word be that we advocate for mental health services and other means of services for those who need such assistance. Let a last word be our commitment to pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Let a last word be our "Amen" to the light of Christ which shines brightly through us, even and especially now. Thank you for your work and witness in all things, and in this time. Peace, Bp. Mark |
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A Pastoral Letter from the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
A Pastoral Letter on Violence adopted by the ELCA Conference of Bishops, March 4, 2013 "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." Jeremiah 31:15 and Matthew 2:18 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: Every faithful caregiver who sits with victims of violence knows what we know - as God's church, we are called to reduce violence and should, in most cases, restrain ourselves from using violence. Whether or not statistics show that overall violence has declined in recent years, every person wounded or killed is a precious child of God.
As bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we lament the tragedy of gun violence in our country. We are grieved by the way violence threatens and destroys life. We affirm the current soul searching and shared striving to find a way to a better future. While the church grapples with this call to reduce violence, and make our communities safer, we recognize that before God we are neither more righteous because we have guns nor are we more righteous when we favor significant restrictions. Brokenness and sin are not somehow outside of us. Even the best of us are capable of great evil.
As people of God we begin by confessing our own brokenness - revealed in both our actions and our failure to act. We trust that God will set us free and renew us in our life's work to love our neighbors. In this time of public attention to gun violence, local communities of faith have a unique opportunity to engage this work. As bishops, we were thankful to recognize the many resources our church has already developed (see below). We begin by listening: listening to God, to Scripture, and to each other. Providing a safe place for people to share their own stories, together we discern courses of action. Together we act. And together we return to listening - to assess the effectiveness of our efforts to reduce violence.
In the Large Catechism Luther says, "We must not kill, either by hand, heart, or word, by signs or gestures, or by aiding and abetting." Violence begins in the human heart. Words can harm or heal. To focus only on guns is to miss the depth of our vocation. Yet, guns and access are keys to the challenges we face. We recognize that we serve in different contexts and have different perspectives regarding what can and should be done. But as we live out our common vocations, knowing that the work will take many forms, we are committed to the work of reducing and restraining violence. This shared work is a sign of our unity in Christ.
We invite you, our sisters and brothers, to join us in this work: - The work of lament - creating safe space for naming, praying, grieving, caring for one another, and sharing the hope in God's promise of faithfulness
- The work of moral formation and discernment - listening to scripture, repenting, modeling conflict resolution in daily life, addressing bullying, conducting respectful conversations, and discerning constructive strategies to reduce violence
- The work of advocacy - acting to address the causes and effects of violence, knowing that we are not saved by this work, we undertake it trusting in Christ Jesus, who laid down his life for the world and who calls us to be peacemakers, to pursue justice, and to protect the vulnerable. In this, as in all things, Christ is with us. Thanks be to God.
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| ELCA on Gender Identity Discrimination In light of recent public events and conversation, it is important to remember the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) rejects all forms of hatred or discrimination. This includes employment discrimination against the transgender community, as stated in "Gender Identity Discrimination, " a policy resolution that was adopted by the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly...
http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7897
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| Events
Saint Paul's to Host Ingathering for Lutheran World Relief
Many of you either participate in making or at least know about the quilts and kits that are lovingly prepared each year at Saint Paul's during our sewing Thursdays on the first Thursday of each month and by volunteers at home. Marge Johnson, a Key Leader (volunteer) for Northern California Ingatherings states, "The Holy Spirit is working thorough the collection of quilts and kits. God has blessed us so much; what an opportunity we have to spread God's love to others in faraway places." Once a year the quilts and kits have to be collected from all participating congregations at identified sites in preparation for mailing. Saint Paul's is blessed to again be one of these sites. Representatives from churches across the Synod will be bringing their contributions to St. Paul's on Saturday, October 14, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Four persons will be needed to serve as welcoming greeters. Cookies, quick breads, coffee and juice will also be needed to serve our guests. Dollies will be needed to unload and load boxes. Anita says she needs four strong men, (but she probably wouldn't turn away strong women), to help unload boxes from cars on Oct. 14. Four strong persons will also be need on Oct. 21, to load collected boxes, which have been stored at our church, onto a truck, so they can be delivered to their intended destinations. Anita says she will put a sign up sheet out on October 1, asking for your help with all these needs. When the quilts and kits are blessed and dedicated during the church service on October 8, you will also be asked for good will donations to help with the cost of mailing the kits. It costs $2.25 to mail each quilt, $1.40 to mail each School Kit and $2.65 to mail each Personal Care Kit. The higher price for the Personal Care Kit includes the toothpaste added nearer the time of shipment to disaster sites by Lutheran World Relief.
Contact Anita Patten with any further questions you might have about the Ingathering (P) (707) 745-0648. (Email) anitapatten@comcast.net.
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Results of Straw Vote September 24, 2017 Holy Trinity: 15 yes, 1 no, 1 neither St. Pauls': 13 yes, 3 no, 2 uncertain Total: 28 yes, 4 no, 3 uncertain
We just learned from the Synod that we should be using the word, "consolidation" rather than "merger" as the legal terminology for what is under consideration. More information to explain this will be forthcoming from the pastor and joint counsels. Also if you were not present for the vote but have comments you would like to be considered by the joint counsels, hand them to Kathy Sutin or Susan Riley. Even if you were present, but have thought of more comments, these would also be welcome.
The following are unedited comments from the Straw Vote for your review:
St. Paul's comments (unedited) : · I prefer St. Paul's · Find transportation to Holy Trinity a problem-closer location or all St. Paul to worship. Worship would be awesome. · I want to sell both properties and get a new property. · Keep the assets both church and decide later in the future. · St. Paul's has a better location, but Holy Trinity has the property- maybe a different location? Both need major work. · Emphasize our religion and diminish the focus of "my church building." · St. Paul's looks more like a church inside to me, but doesn't have as much parking · I believe we will strengthen each other and learn from each other · Why merge? Larger body of worshippers makes church feel more exciting and alive and might be more appealing to potential members. More opportunities for adult study & the possibility of having a suitable classroom to meet in. The possibility of having a commercial kitchen out of which to address hunger issues and hunger programs. The possibility of having one facility and actually doing regular maintenance. A pastor in one place will not be spread so thin. · New seats at Holy Trinity. Only concern is the seats are uncomfortable. Otherwise everyone and everything is great.
Holy Trinity comments (unedited): · Keep the Doyle Dr church · United we stand, divided we ??? · Would like to see innovative ways of promoting the churches. Newsletters to Vallejo residents. Advertising. Community events (eg. Greek food festival at Greek Orthodox church on Amador St.) I don't think individuals, even two by two, should feel they should be out soliciting new members. I know you disagree. · We need lots of chances to get to know each other. Appreciating each other is key. · I am worried that Holy Trinity's identity will be lost- the deep, thinking, and spiritual church will disappear into St. Paul's very different ideas. I am also concerned about the pastor who seems more interested in attending city council and synod meetings than being our pastor. · I whole-heartedly favor the merger between our two churches. If I may make a suggestion, if we do merge, we should meet at Holy Trinity, based upon the church facilities. · There are some bugs that need to be worked on. Nothing that can't be resolved. Worship a month at a time has been helpful. · I like a fuller church · Feels like our services are not different. I do like community involvement. If we do merge, keep Holy Trinity campus. I would still attend to see how the service plays out. · This is a qualified yes-only if we go into it knowing it is not going to solve financial problems. If it is to share our fellowship with each other and honor all our different ways of serving God in our daily lives, then yes.
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| Pastor's Corner While looking at the comments people wrote on the ballots, it is easy to see there are different ideas about the role of the pastor in the congregation and in the larger community. I feel I have been clear from the beginning what I think about the subject. I mentioned to the call committee when interviewed that I intended to be a pastor engaged in the community and the wider church and I have followed through with that promise. This is based not just on my personal interests, but on expectations given to all ordained leaders in the ELCA. I have included some relevant quotes from "Visions and Expectations for Ordained Ministers in the ELCA." - This church expects of its ordained ministers regular and disciplined time for personal study,study in the company of others, participation in programs of continuing education and periodic times for extended study. Congregations and other entities of this church are expected to provide the ordained minister time and assistance with the financial resources needed for such study.
- The apostolic witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ is at the heart of the church's mission. Through its ordained ministers, this church affirms the critically important task of communicating this evangelical word to the world.
- The church is to witness to God's call for justice in every aspect of life, including testimony against injustice and oppression, whether personal or systemic. This church expects its ordained ministers to be committed to justice in the life of the church, in society, and in the world.
Beyond these, every pastor is expected to participate in the life of the conference, the synod and professional leaders conference by attending meetings, at the very minimum. You may remember my comments to you when I was new that many in the community did not know we are here. The consequences of my participation in the community is that there are now many more people aware of the two churches and both are better known as places where things are happening.
We need to be visible if we want to grow. If you still have questions or concerns about this, please talk to me about it so we can understand each other more completely. Your voice matters to me as we seek to move forward. In the end, I want to echo a comment, "united we stand." Peace, Pr. Dawn |
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| Celebrating October Birthdays 9 - Keith Domingo 21 - Frank Gonsalves 30 - Don Ockrassa 31 - Kim Hervey
Note: I am in the process of reconstructing the monthly birthday list. If I get it wrong or someone is left out for the month, please let me know. Contact me at judithfaye@aol.com or call or text me at (707) 980-9667.
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| Thank You!
Thank you, Don Ockrassa, for coming out on Sunday afternoon to unclog the kitchen disposal. You are so good about fixing things around the church and we don't thank you often enough. |
| Opportunities for Study Book Study: The Cross in Our Context: Jesus and the Suffering World by Douglas John Hall, meets 8:00 am downstairs at St. Paul's during the month of October. Book can be ordered on-line. Note: This class will not meet on Oct. 8 due to anticipated low attendance.
Martha Circle, women's Bible Study using "Gather" magazine meets the third Thursday of each month in Fellowship Hall at St. Paul's. Bring your own bag lunch and dessert will be served by the monthly hostess.
Book Study: Daughter of the Reformation: A Historical Perspective of the Life of the Wife of Martin Luther which meets every second Tuesday of the month at 4 pm, at Holy Trinity. This study will end with a German Potluck Dinner at 4 pm, on October 17, at the home of Lynette Felsing, 133 Carlisle Way in Benicia. |
| Opportunities for Service Saint Paul's Choir Rehearsals for the month of the month of Ovtober will be at 8:45 am at St.Paul's. New singers are always welcome. Food Basket Sunday. The first Sunday of each month at St. Paul's. Food donations go to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties. Brown Bag Lunches for distribution to the homeless are located in Fellowship Hall. Sewing Ministry: The 1st Thursday of every month in Fellowship Hall from 1 to 4 pm. Both women and men are welcome. No prior sewing experience is required. |
| THE BUS IS FULL FOR REFORMATION SUNDAY AT GRACE CATHEDRAL Those of you who are signed up to go be sure you get your $25 fee to Linda Bowen of Holy Trinity no later than Sunday October 8. Contact Linda with any question you might have about the trip at (707) 644-9541 or linjb@comcast.net.
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| Kindly Remember Submissions to The Weekly e-pistle are due on Tuesday of each week as we agreed to at our Congregation Meeting. If you submit an article late, and it still has significance for the next week it will be included then.
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| Council and Committee Information Council Meeting 9/17/17, 7pm at St. Paul's The Budget Committee: Kathy Sutin, Vicki Pyle, Anita Patten, and Dean Ahlberg had their first meeting 8/29/2017 and a second meeting on 9/12/17. They will be doing pledges starting on October 1st to give them enough time to have the Budget out to congregational members two weeks before the Congregational meeting scheduled on November 12, 2017. Thank you Dean Ahlberg and Matthew Hervey for your stewardship talks.
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| Know Your Church Council
Don Ockrassa, President (510) 719-7730, d.ockrassa@gmail.com Craig Pyle, Vice President (707) 645-7092, capylepe@pacbell.net Keith Domingo, Secretary (707) 373-2774, k-s-domingo@sbcglobal.net Corie Hervey, returning member (510) 691-2728 Kim Hervey, new member (707) 334-4872 (Use text messaging) Kathy Sutin , Church Treasurer, Ex officio member (707) 333-0150 (use text messaging) Rev. Dr. Dawn Roginski (650) 771-4241 Please know that you are free to contact your council members with questions you might have about church governance. Remember to be patient while waiting for a response as most council members hold full time jobs and volunteer their free time to the church. They will get back to you as soon as possible. You are also welcome to attend council meetings with the exception of occasional closed executive sessions dealing with such things as personnel matters. If you wish to get something on the council agenda for a regular council meeting, contact Keith Domingo. If you wish to view council minutes, they are on file in the office. Any council member can help you access these. Remember if you are viewing minutes, they do not become final and official until approved at the next meeting.
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| Christ's Care List
"Without the discipline of prayer, the world retains its illusions. Without an hour of public prayers, or half hour of private prayer, or ten minutes of quiet meditation, or saying a brief prayer of gratitude before or after a meal, we forget that God is present in the world and in our life. When we remember to pray in the morning, when we are mindful of the present moment, when we set apart Saturday or Sunday as the Sabbath, God's special day of the week, then all of life, and all times and places, and all people that we see are transformed by the light of God. The more we pray--in the sense of living a prayerful life--the more we desire to be with God in prayer. Prayer creates in us a hunger and thirst to be with the One whom we have see shining through nature and moments in time, people and events." -Henri Nouwen-SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Healing of body, mind, and spirit...
(Recent Additions or Updates) Don Stradal (Pr. Dawn's father). Continuous issues with falling. Just learned he has two blocked arteries around his heart and has to decide if he wants open heart surgery which is a very risky procedure at 85.
Dee Fix has a new voice activated phone and appreciates phone calls.
The family of Carmen Harnish in Puerto Rico coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
Susan Barton (broken wrist)
Lilly (Cynthia Betinni's friend) who is recovering from surgery and needs prayers for peace of mind.
Roy Meyeske (husband of Karen Spear's first cousin) injured in a pedestrian accident.
Pr. Dawn Roginski (right shoulder tendinitis)
Those Who Grieve: - The family of Felicia Nunez (Carmen Harnish's sister)
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The family of Rosemary Bolstad (first cousin of Karen Spears)
Those Who Rejoice: God Speed:
Lynne Witte of Holy Trinity has recently been chosen for mission work and will be traveling to Ethiopia, October 14-29. This is a medical mission through Project Mercy. She will be working with a team of physicians providing surgery and other supportive services. Please pray for a successful and safe mission.
Those Who Need Long Term Prayer:
Darren & Eline Campass (Kathy Campass-Sutin's son & daughter-in law expecting a baby 1/2018)
Margaret Cole
Dee Fix Anna Hervey
Jan Jackson
Louisa Johnson and Don Johnson (as he provides care for Louisa)
Gladys Jones (Kathy Campass Sutin's mother)
Caryl Kroan
Angelika Shanley
Robin Slusher as she navigates the legal process in pursuit of justice for her granddaughter and other children at risk.
We also pray for: -
Those affected by hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Your support through Lutheran Disaster Response will bring hope and healing to those who have or will be affected. Donations can be made on line at (http://www.elca.org/give or call (800)638-3522. -
Pray for an end to acts of terrorism and hatred in our country and around the world. Pray also for those who hate that their hearts might be changed. -
The communities of both St. Paul's and Holy Trinity as we continue to explore the possibility of consolidation. -
An end to racism and its injustice -
A just and lasting peace in the Holy Land -
Refugees - Those serving the armed forces.
Please Note: If you wish to add new prayer requests please contact Judy Faye at judithfaye@aol.com, or (707) 980-9667 or (707) 557-4531. When submitting new names, be sure to use an identifier such as friend of Karen Spears or daughter of Jessica Nelson. Also briefly tell us the reason you are requesting prayers such as recent surgery so people will know what to pray for. If you see names on the list that it is time to remove, your own, or an old submission please let Judy know. With the exception of the Long Term Category, Council has recommended that names will be placed on the list for one month and then removed unless a new request with an update is submitted. If a name disappears that you want to stay in, just contact Judy with the reason you are requesting continuing prayer and she will add it back.
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