St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church

FEBRUARY Tidings From the Rector… For signs and seasons

And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. (Genesis 1: 14-15)

Easter this year will be on April 24. This is one day short of the latest it can be. ’s date is based on an ancient calculation, based in turn on the date of the full moon in relation to the spring (vernal) equinox. It is one of the few remaining remnants of the Lunar Calendar (dating things in re- lationship to the cycles of the moon) in our society, which is largely governed by a Solar Calendar (dating things in relationship to the earth’s annual pilgrimage around the sun).

The is dominated by two major “cycles.” One of them—the Incar- nation Cycle—is based on the Solar Year, always falling on a fixed date in the calendar. This cycle begins with the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25 (celebrating the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement of God’s Incarna- tion in Christ), continues through Christmas and , and concludes with the Feast of the Presentation in the Temple () on February 2. So, for much of the year, we are thinking about a “fixed” event in the calendar, connect- ing us solidly to history, fact, and the “groundedness” of the Christian faith. The Incarnation of Christ is very much about humility—a word coming from the same root as humus: earth or soil. One can say that the Incarnation cycle is always calling us to the “rootedness-in-reality” aspect of the Christian life.

The other major cycle in the Christian Year…and the most important part of our Calendar…is the Easter cycle. This date constantly shifts with each year, falling somewhere between March 22 and April 25 (inclusive). The cycle officially begins (in the Episcopal Church) with and concludes with .* (Continued) (Continued) Its mobility reminds us that movement and fluidity are part of our life as disciples, and that we must keep our eyes fixed on Christ, who is the “Light of Life” for us, and who alone determines the “signs and seasons” in a world of constant change. As we are reminded in the Letter to the Hebrews: For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. (13:14).

Easter will not come this late again for a very long while. This means we will have an extremely long Epiphanytide, a accompanied by the full energy of spring, and that we won’t be taking our annual parish photograph on Pentecost Sunday until nearly the middle of June! Such a long season after Epiphany will allow us to spend a great deal of time thinking about what it means to follow Christ as his disciples and to prepare for Lent. But there is another, more subtle meaning we can glean from this calendar eccentricity.

The Christian life is always marked by holding seemingly opposite things in ten- sion. We believe in a God who is all-powerful, and yet who has come into our midst as one of us—vulnerable and contending with the limits and struggles of our mortal life. We know God to be loving and merciful, but we also know that sin is incompatible with God and we must be shorn of it if we are to achieve union with the divine. Likewise, the Church Calendar teaches us that we must be fixed, solid, and grounded in the eternal truth of God as revealed in Scripture and Apos- tolic teaching—while at the same time being open and flexible so as to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to become more and more like Christ through learning, renewal, and growth.

Some people—and some churches—tend to pick one or the other of these direc- tions, mistakenly believing that by simplifying the mystery of faith, we can “get it right” and arrive in heaven without depending all that much on God. Such “pseu- do-faith” distorts our relationship with God and each other. It also disfigures the Church’s witness in the world, often projecting a horrifying caricature of the Gos- pel that is either rigidly condemning or vapidly permissive. Often, the two things merge, creating a mock-Christianity with neither mercy nor truth. God deliver us from such delusion!

(Continued) (Continued) We are blessed as Anglicans and as members of St. Timothy’s to be the stewards of a whole or catholic faith, asserting both the groundedness and the livingness of the Gospel. This is the kind of Christianity the contemporary scene around us needs. It is an eternally-relevant Christianity. It is the gift we bear. But, it will be seen only if we live it out ourselves, by living lives grounded in the un- changing truth of God, yet always growing into the opportunities God gives us in the present moment. Like the Liturgical Calendar itself, we are a people connect- ed to earth, sun, moon, and heaven itself. By God’s grace, we share in his light, becoming stars and guides, by which others may be guided to that city which is to come: the Kingdom of God. So may it be.

In Christ,

Brandon+

[*The “-gesima” Sundays leading up to Lent formerly in our Calendar were sup- pressed with the 1979 Book of Common Prayer in order to enrich the Season after Epiphany. Shrove Tuesday (the day before Lent) could be said to be part of the Easter Cycle, but it is not “officially” mentioned in the Calendar. always falls the Sunday following Pentecost, but it is technically part of the Sea- son after Pentecost, and not part of the Easter Cycle.]

Completing the Circle: The Senior Warden and Rector bring the Annual Survey to Bishop Hanley PARISH SURVEY On Tuesday, January 4 of this year, Ruth Speaker and Fr. Brandon went to see the Bishop at our Diocese’s offices to deliver the results of our parish’s annual survey, along with the recommendations the survey committee had developed in response to those results. Bishop Hanley was given the history of how the annual (Continued) (Continued) survey developed, a well as details on how the survey works each year. This was the first time a Bishop was given the survey results (something we could not do until this year, due to being “between bishops” for so long), and the first time Fr. Brandon had the opportunity to report to his “supervisor” the parish’s sense of the Rector’s ministry.

Bishop Hanley had several responses:

• He was impressed that St. Timothy’s does the survey in such a broad-based manner. • While the Bishop was very familiar with using such Parish Survey an instrument in his own experience as a parish priest, he had never considered bringing the survey’s results to his bishop. • He noted that we encouraged people to write comments without requiring their signature; he said that this was a risk not all communities would take, and that it suggested a certain level of trust in our parish. • He pointed out that the survey result recommendations, when used properly, are an excellent tool for planning. • He encouraged us to keep to a few goals for the new year, emphasizing the refinement of what we already do well in addition to embarking on new and difficult projects. • Finally, he said he would look at the results in detail and respond to those results with his own suggestions. This last item was not something we counted on, but are very grateful he offered to do. It provides another level of connection with our “chief priest and pastor,” and will offer us added insights into how we might develop this congregation’s mission.

As a result of this, Mary Raney (chair of the Vestry’s annual survey committee) has developed (and the Vestry has approved) a new way to focus our parish’s response to the survey and subsequent ministry for 2011, starting from our An- nual Meeting. This will continue the gradual sharpening of our sense of follow- through on goals, and planning for the long term. The Annual Meeting will grow in importance for committed, forward-looking, mission-minded parishioners.

By reporting all of this to you, the parish, we are attempting to “complete the

(Continued) (Continued) circle” of communication that began with the annual survey questionnaire in the early autumn. Over the course of 2011, the Vestry will help this cycle of commu- nication to increase both in clarity and depth. What is important for all members of St. Timothy’s to know now is that for the first time, the annual survey process is functioning as it was intended: as a tool for honest conversation, initiation of beneficial change, and planning for the coming years. May it continue to grow in all these areas as St. Timothy’s grows in holiness, discipleship, and service to God and neighbor.

Saturday, Feb. 5 4:00 PM Hors d’oeuvre potluck Child care available Brigid of 1 Presen- 2 Anskar of 3 Cornelius 4 Martyrs 5 Kildare tation of Our Scandinavia the Centu- of Japan Lord 10 am HE Court Child rion Care 9:30 Annual Prayer Crafts 10 Art & Architect. Meeting 4 pm Network 7 Feast of the Meeting 1 FEB. Presentation 7 Epi. V 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8 am HE 10 am HE Court Child Convocation 9 am CS Care 9:30 10 am in Crafts 10 McMinnville 10 am HE Living in the Missions Kingdom 7 Comm 7 Catechum. 7 Epi. VI 13 Cyril & 14 Thomas 15 16 17 18 19 8 am HE Methodius Bray Crafts 10 9 am CS ------SIHN------10 am HE Hoover 10 am HE Living in the Meeting 1:45 Organ Recital Vestry 7 Kingdom 7 Pariah Life 2:30 pm Catechum. 7 Comm 6:30 Epi. VII 20 21 22 Polycarp 23 Saint 24 25 26 8 am HE 10 am HE of Smyrna Matthias 9 am CS 10 am HE

Epi VIII 27 28 8 am HE 9 am CS 10 am HE FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS Choir 4 Larie Nicholas

7 Susan Hawkins 15 Peggy Weeks Fr. Brandon 16 Bill Kramer 9 Howard Klopfenstein Coralie Peterson 22 Morgan Larkin Amy Divelbiss Anna Hough 23 Ruth Campbell

1 Russ Raney 10 Virginia Collins 24 Pat Klopfenstein

3 Barbara Watson 13 Melinda Padrick 27 Paul Dakopolpos Calendar Notes for February

Tuesday, Feb. 1: Prayer Network Meeting, 7 PM

Wednesday, Feb. 2: Court Child Care, 9:30 AM The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple Holy Eucharist, 7 PM

Friday, Feb. 4: Art & Architecture Committee Meeting, 1 PM

Saturday, Feb. 5: Annual Parish Meeting, 4 PM — please bring a hot hors d’oeuvre to share; child care will be provided.

Wednesday, Feb. 9: Court Child Care, 9:30 AM

Thursday, Feb. 10: Missions Commission Meeting, 7 PM

Saturday, Feb. 12: Convocation, 10 AM at St. Barnabas, McMinnville

Sunday, Feb. 13: Organ Recital, given by the Salem Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, 2:30 PM

Tuesday, Feb. 15: Vestry Meeting, 7 PM

Thursday, Feb. 17: Parish Life Commission Meeting, 6:30 PM at Sandy Noble’s

Wednesday, Feb. 23: Court Child Care, 9:30 AM

Sunday, Feb. 27: Choir rehearsals begin

Coming Up in March: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper: March 8 Ash Wednesday: March 9 12 noon 7 PM with Bishop Michael Daylight Time begins: March 13

A Note of Thanks Megan Cameron, Jerry Wood’s daughter, thanks the parish for the prayers, visits, kindness, and support for Jerry and the family at the time of his death. 2011 Epiphany Pageant: From doubts to wonder

It was a bleak midwinter sort of announcement when Fr. Brandon informed us one December Sunday morn- ing that St. Tim’s would probably not be having an Epiphany Pageant this year. Oh, there would be King’s cake and fireworks but no angels and shepherds, no wicked King Herod or Wise Men, and no Mother Mary, Joseph, and the Babe. Since no one had come forward to direct the event, it would be shelved like all the bins in the attic full of angel wings, robes, crowns, and striped and chenille fabric.

Perhaps our world has grown too sophisticated for such things. But while stand- ing near the coffee pots and cookies the following Sunday, three teachers de- cided that together they could orchestrate what felt impossible for one. The plan was proposed, approved, and set in motion. The script was written and a notice sent to the children to come find a costume and practice the Sunday morning before January 6th.

Only a few showed up that cold morning; it was looking doubtful. Maybe it would be best just to call it off. On the other hand, it seemed better to see it through, and offer it up. Over the next few days, a few adults were invited to fill vacancies in the cast originally geared for children and youth.

Then came the night: 6:00 p.m., one hour before the pageant. In the old narthex, excitement began to build as children and young teens fashioned turbans, tinsel halos for angels, beads for the kings, and jewels for the two queens (no doubt they joined the kings on their camel cruise). Marlene Carmack (who played Elizabeth, Mary’s relative) and Johanna worked magic as wardrobe consultants. One brief run-through and we were as ready as could be. We paused to pray, asking God’s help to do our part.

At 7:00 p.m. the organ played and the people sang. Sandwiched between the acolytes and Fr. Brandon, the players proceeded in, following the star held high by Isabella Guapo, They found their places in front pews. At the time of the gos- pel reading, the pageant unfolded with six scenes while separate readers shared

(Continued) (Continued) the Christmas and Epiphany story found in Luke 1, 2 and Matthew 2. The familiar story became new once again as the angel Gabrielle brought shock- ing news to Mary. Hearing that her Aunt Elizabeth was six-months pregnant, she went to visit her. Elizabeth’s baby “leapt” quite visibly in her womb, and we laughed heartily.

St.Tim’s (Joel & Carissa Henderson with their 9-month-old son, Ryan) was no doubt the cutest in town. When the little angels and shepherds gathered around the manger, baby Ryan smiled at them and held up his arms in welcome. More than a few people in the congregation brushed away a tear at this unex- pectedly tender reminder of Jesus’ loving welcome to us all. King “Hair—odd” (played by Steve Cowgill) was especially funny in spite of his bad-guy reputation. As the three kings and the two queens entered and bowed before King Herod three deep bobs, they caught the humor of this story. King Herod asked his scribes for the new king’s whereabouts. Two scribes whispered the news into his generous locks. In the final scene, the kings presented their gifts to the Christ Child. Ryan as Jesus reached out for the golden ball dangling from a rope. The royal hymn, “We Three Kings” provided a closing pageant exodus for all the players to return to their families in the pews and continue the Eucharistic liturgy.

Reflecting on this year’s pageant, Christina Rossetti’s hymn, In the Bleak Midwinter, is a reminder of the King’s golden ball, held up to the light, with the childlike question: ”What can I give him, poor as I am?” The answer comes: “What I can I give him—give my heart.” As pageant participants, we offered what we had—unique interpretations that brought the story to life. In return, doubts were swept away.

After generous slices of Kings’ cake and brilliant fireworks in the black sky, all ages left with a favorite scene or some new insight. Once again, our parish fam- ily shared the wonder and beauty of this sacred story of the Lord God incarnate, Jesus Christ. — Carole Ann Crateau Johanna Dakopolos Caroline Glbert Reclaiming the Great Commission

Last month, the Vestry concluded a months-long study of the book, Reclaiming the Great Commission: A Practical Model for Transforming Denominations and Congregations, written by Claude Payne, Retired Bishop of the Diocese of Texas, and Hamilton Beazley. In a nutshell, the book discusses how the Diocese of Texas transformed itself from being a “maintenance model” church to one operating as a “missionary model.” In the process, the Diocese energized and transformed its members and experienced considerable growth in church membership.

The authors use the term “maintenance model” to refer to a church that primar- ily exists to maintain the status quo, mostly focusing on current members; “mis- sionary model” refers to a focus that is intentionally external – yes, we’re talking evangelism – and on making disciples. Evangelism is discussed in this book in the best sense of the word; the ultimate goal here is not just to “sign up” believ- ers, but instead to turn individuals into disciples. The process is transformational for both the evangelist and the individual who is the recipient of that witness (whether by word, or better yet, by deed) as well as for the whole body of Christ. The Vestry’s book study resulted in interesting and thought-provoking (some- times even exciting) conversations. Vestry members are donating several copies of the book to the parish library. The books will be available to those who are interested in reading about the potential for transformation, of communities and individuals, through an intentional focus on making disciples. If you have trouble finding the book, check with Elizabeth Mills, the parish’s librarian.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20.

Craft Outreach The Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel has written to thank the Wednesday Craft Group for their recent donation of 40 children’s hats, 2 knitted blankets, 8 stuffed animals, 12 crocheted blankets and lapghans, 3 quilts, and 13 pairs of slippers. Congratulations, Crafters! Soup Kitchen

On Sunday, Jan 16th, members of J2A and Rite 13 provided 8 gallons of soup and fed 58 people at St Mark’s Lutheran soup kitchen. Thanks to the following who participated: Enku Castellanos, Gail & Joy Coulson, John & Logan Divel- biss, Holden Gaupo, Caroline Gilbert, Nancy & Haley Herrin, Angelika Cratty, Mindy & Mariah Padrick, Russ & Mary & Aidan Raney, and Ruth Speaker & grandchildren Alana Sapp & Auriella Becerril. —John Hanson

Wow!!! Our J2A and Rite 13 youth got some great compliments at the soup kitchen. The coordinator was really impressed with their behavior and their work ethic — said it was the best group of kids she had worked with there! Everything went smoothly, we finished cleaning up in record time, and even though we had tons of people helping, everyone seemed to stay busy. Kudos to Pam, the coordi- nator, for being so organized and so direct with us, and more kudos to the men- tors. The kids were obviously prepared for whatever came their way, and rep- resented St. Tim’s very well. Pam gave us an open invitation to come back and help any time! —Nancy­ Herrin St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church Return NON-PROFIT ORG. PO Box 7416 Service U.S. POSTAGE Salem, OR 97303 Requested PAID 503-363-0601 SALEM, OR www.sainttimothys.org PERMIT NO. 409

ORGAN RECITAL with members of the Salem Chapter of the American Guild of Organists Helen HOLLENBECK Raymond UTTERBACK Christopher WICKS and others 2:30 PM, Sunday, February 13 St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church

Admission free. Music old and new!