St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church

Tidings APRIL 2011 Easter Baptisms in the Water of Life

St. Timothy’s normally baptizes those who can answer for themselves at the Great Vigil of Easter. This year, four younger members of the parish plan to make this commitment to Christ and His Church, three by the usual form of baptism (Angelika and Krissy Cratty—daughters of Anna Hough, who was baptized here at the 25 years ago—and Isabela Gaupo), and one by conditional baptism (Enku Castellanos). Conditional baptism is a special way of assuring that a person who may have been baptized before—but who does not have a written record of baptism—has a clear and undoubted “beginning” in the sacramental life of Faith. Enku Castella- nos was born in Ethiopia and was very likely baptized there, but no formal record of it is available. Thus, Enku will be conditionally baptized at the Vigil. If a record of a previous baptism subsequently is found, that will be understood to be her actual baptism. All four will be baptized by immersion (as was the ancient Church’s custom, and is also ours at St. Timothy’s). They will then receive the Holy Mysteries in the for the first time, followed immediately by a sip from a of water (recalling the water of the river Jordan and their passage into the New Israel), and then another sip of milk and honey mixed together (a taste of the “land of milk and honey” they have entered through baptism). After the Easter Vigil, the newly-baptized are the “guests of honor” at the Feast in the Parish Hall. It is often said that we need to find ways to support the youth in our parish. Our words be followed by deeds. Your participation in the Great Vigil of Easter is a very important way in which we show these young people we value their commitment as they make this momentous decision. When the youth of our parish are brought by their parents to the Vigil and see how important they are to (Continued) (Continued) the community, it will make a lasting impression. Sharing in baptism, rich in the presence of the Spirit and the embrace of our gathered community, is one of the greatest privileges and joys I know as a parish priest. Everyone who is physically able to do so should be present for the confer- ral of grace in this sacrament on that holy night at St. Timothy’s. Our very life as a Christian community depends on it.

HOLY WEEK

Why ?

Below are some points to consider about the meaning and significance of Holy Week at St. Timothy’s. I write this for the whole parish, but particularly for those who are new to St. Timothy’s, or who have yet to “get it” about why this time of year is so significant in our parish’s life.

Why is this so important? Because the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection is the essence of the Christian faith. Everything we are and do as is (and must be) some- how connected to the “mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

What is different about St. Timothy’s and how it observes Holy Week? St. Timothy’s has chosen to take the ’s vision for the Christian life seriously, living it out as fully as we are able. This vision is based on the ancient and undivided Church’s way of celebrating and experiencing the story of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection as described in the Scriptures. The elements of this vision include: (Continued) (Continued) • Establishment of a lay-led Catechumenate for those adults preparing for bap- tism and confirmation, as well as those who wish to join in growing in their faith • Parish-wide emphasis on Holy Week as the fountain of our year-around identity • A full offering of Episcopal liturgical resources for each day of Holy Week • Making clear the unity of the Triduum ( Thursday--Holy Saturday) as one Great Day, with full use of rites associated with each of these services • A full celebration of the Easter Vigil (with baptisms by immersion, as put forward in the BCP) as the principal Easter Liturgy • The as a continuation of the celebration of the Easter Vigil.

Many parishes have adopted part of this vision (e.g. some of the services), but very few have established the Catechumenate as the normal way new members are prepared for baptism, confirmation, renewal of baptismal vows, or have taken to heart the necessity of moving the focus from Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday to full observance of the entire Holy Week.

Why has St. Timothy’s chosen this way of living out the ? Because it is rooted both in the essentials of our Faith and suited to the reality of being a Christian in contem- porary society. Once upon a time, our society was nominally “Christian.” Being part of Church was either actively encouraged or at least considered “the right thing to do.” Today, like in the very early Church, being a Christian requires intention and can even be looked down upon. “Observing” Holy Week as it once was allows us to pretend that nothing is changing, and prepares our churches to fade away into the oblivion of nostalgic complacency.

Many people today do not know God. They do not even know there is a spiritual dimension to life, but they know they are hungry. They hunger for community, intentionality, peace, hope. The rites of Holy Week are utterly intentional and experiential. Participants are immersed not in an “opinion” about God: they are

(Continued) (Continued) immersed in “those saving acts” by which God gave us the answer for all these hungers: new life in Christ. Retreating to childhood memories of flowered cross- es, Easter-egg hunts, and nostalgia for so-called “simpler times” means putting sentiment above salvation, comfort above the Cross.

Churches that refuse to deal with the “missional reality” set before them not only will disappear: they should disappear. This is not the same as trying to be “rel- evant” or “hip.” It is about being faithful and responsive to God’s call, not our own preferences. That is a big part of what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

Should children be part of all of this? Isn’t it sort of extreme? Children are incredibly observant. They know when something is important to us, and when we are play-acting. When we deem something as significant (i.e. school, dentistry, work, etc.), we make it clear both by our example and our will- ingness to negotiate. We cannot “force” anyone to be a follower of Christ. Christianity cannot be taught so much as “caught.” However, if we re-structure our life one week a year so that participation at the major Holy Week liturgies is primary, we will do two things at once: make clear that we as adults value what is being offered, and expose our children to the very DNA of the faith—not in a classroom setting, where it remains merely an intellectual concept, but in the lived experience of an entire community. That is often where our children will “catch” Christianity in ways they themselves don’t figure out until much later.

When you consider how “extreme” our organization of life around school or work is on a day-to-day basis, Holy Week at St. Timothy’s is hardly demanding at all. Just think about it…

What should I do to prepare? • Plan to attend the liturgies on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter (as the years go by, many people will gradually start attending Tenebrae on Holy Wednesday, and some come to the services on Monday and Tuesday evening, and on Holy Saturday morning, but these are much less important)

(Continued) (Continued) • Re-arrange your Easter Weekend so that you can attend the Easter Vigil and Agape Feast (at least for a while). You don’t need to come to Sunday morning Eucharist if you have participated in the Great Vigil of Easter. • Bring pillows and blankets for your children so they can sack out in the pew when they get sleepy. • If you plan to come to the Agape Feast, bring a special festive dish to share, as well as a beverage. Consider helping with putting on this tremendous event (see the Parish Life Commission)! • Be open to a new way to enter into the meaning of the Cross and to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection. Bring those traditions with you that will help in this, but let go of those that hinder it. Most of all, just make it a priority and let God speak. —BLF+

Missions Commission

Once again, I will be going to China, this time for 2 1/2 weeks (April 8-24) and sadly will miss being with you all for Holy Week. However, on Easter I’ll be joining people from about 60 nations at the Beijing International Fellowship’s service. This is always an amazing experience to worship with people from all over the world! What exactly will I be doing while over there? In Beijing, I’ll be spending about 45 hrs consulting with the leadership team of English Lan- guage in China (www.elic.org) whose purpose is to train and support ESL teach- ers in China. These teachers are often pivotal in forming relationships with their students that often turn into “Come and See” conversations about God, the and Jesus. My second week will be in Shenyang where I will be co-teaching a course on “Divorce and Remarriage in a Christian Perspective” to Chinese stu- dents at the East Asia Marriage and Family Training Program. China is where we were about 30-40 years ago, with divorce now beginning to increase rapidly but with very little understanding of how to help prevent this and how to do “damage control” for families going through divorce. Both programs are quite exciting in their vision to help bring hope and make a difference “for Christ and his Kingdom” in China. Your prayers for me are so appreciated! —Janet Taylor of the Month

This month we are recognizing Caroline Gilbert for her generosity in sharing her STEWARD time and talent over many years to enhance the life of our parish.

She has been active in the Parish Life Commission serving in a variety of roles. For several years she took on the responsibility of planning the annual parish camping trip to Odell Lake.

Caroline coordinated the Chaburah groups twice a year for many years. Her dedication to this program has provided the opportunity for parish members to become better acquainted with others in comfortable home environments.

As part of the Parish Life Commission, Caroline has worked cheerfully and tire- lessly to help insure the success of events. Her gift of persuasion provides Les- sons and Carols with an elegant buffet table.

Working with the Missions Commission she faithfully participates as an overnight host with the Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Currently she is focusing on an area of passion for her. She is co-leading the Rite 13 group which is part of the formation program “Journey to Adulthood”. She loves the kids she is working with and is enthusiastic about travelling this path with them.

Caroline is a gift that keeps on giving to our parish. — Stewardship Commission

Children’s Egg Coloring Party Holy Saturday, April 23 11 AM Endowment Dreams become reality…

The Endowment Board made its first award to the Vestry from Endowment earnings. Parishioners provided 126 suggestions for use of the funds at the annual meeting. The summary of those suggestions was prioritized based on common responses during the Vestry Retreat. The recommendations from the Vestry back to the Endowment Board for approval include: Endowment Grants 1) $2000 to Mission Commission; (2) $4000 to the Youth Pilgrimage Fund; (3) $6000 to Administration Commission for Marketing, Advertising, and Web site development; (4) $3000 to Mission Commission to fence the Community Garden; (5) $4334 to Art and Architecture for replacement of windows and the organ cloth in our church’s nave.

Thanks to the hard work of those involved, the process set up for the Endowment Board appeared to work quite smoothly. — Your Vestry

Community Garden

Fuente de Vida (community garden) has 8 plots reserved for St. Tim’s parishioners. If you would like to garden the easy and really productive way (they are ideal for square foot garden- ing, and you’ll have mentors all the way through), these 12’x12’ raised beds can keep you and your family of up to 4 or 5 supplied with pretty much all the vegetables you want from May or June through at least November. Some of us will garden year round. This is an excel- way to get to know our Hoover School neighbors while eating well and fulfill- ing our mission. Pamela Lyons-Nelson 503-362-4905 to explore this opportunity.

Soup Kitchen

Members of Catechumenate and Living in the Kingdom supplied soup and fed 67 people on March 20th during Spring break. Thanks to the following people who participated: Sue Bergquist, Enku & Sheila Castel- lanos, Caroline Gilbert, Sandy Noble, Ruth Speaker, Denis Williamson, and friends of JH. —John Hanson 1 2 Women’s Bible Study 10 Study & Children’s Stations 7

Lent IV 3 Martin 4 5 6 Tikhon 7 William 8 Dietrich 9 8 an HE Luther King Jr Court Child Augustus Bonhoeffer 9 am CS 10 am HE Care 9:30 Muhlenberg Guild 10 am HE Crafts 10 Meeting 9 LTK 7 Women’s Bible Study & Study 10 Adult Study Vestry 7 Catech 7 Stations 7 Bishop’s Vis. J2A Retreat Lent V 10 George 11 12 13 14 15 16 Augustus Court Child Women’s 8 am HE Selwyn 10 am HE Care 9:30 Bible Study 10 9 am CS Crafts 10 10 am HE LTK 7 Study & Choir Catech 7 Stations 7

Passion/ 17 Mon. in 18 Tue. in 19 Wed. in 20 Maundy 21 Good 22 Holy Sat/ 23 Palm Sunday Holy Week Holy Week Holy Week Thursday Friday Easter Eve 8 am HE Hoover Meeting Liturgy 10 10 am HE ...Watch Crafts 10 1:45 Eggs 11 9 am CS Stations 12 10 am HE Choir 6 Choir 7:30 Liturgy 7 Choir 6 Choir EP 7 pm Vigil 9 EP 7 Choir 7:30 pm Tenebrae 7 Watch... Liturgy 7 Agape Feast Easter Day 24 Easter 25 Easter 26 Easter 27 Easter 28 Easter 29 Easter 30 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Women’s Bible 10 am HE Court Child 10 am HE Study 10 Care 9:30 Sts Anna & Crafts 10 LTK 7 Simeon Catech 7 4:30 pm April Birthdays

4 Will Wood 16 Olivia Padrick

11 Elizabeth Purdy 18 Skip Padrick

12 Kim Garner 21 Jeff Swartwout

13 David Tatman 23 Holden Gaupo CALENDAR NOTES FOR APRIL

Friday, April 1: Study & Children’s Stations of the Cross, 7 PM Sunday, April 3: Bishop’s Official Visitation Reception, following 10:00 Liturgy Noon Adult Study

Tuesday, April 5: Vestry Meeting, 7 PM

Wednesday, April 6: Court Child Care, 9:30 AM Friday, April 8: J2A Pilgrimage Retreat

Passion/PalmSunday, April 17: Blessing of Palms and Holy Eucharist, 8 AM Church School, 9 AM (Adults, 8:45) Palm Procession & Holy Eucharist, 10 AM

Monday in Holy Week, April 18: Evening Prayer, 7 PM

Tuesday in Holy Week, April 19: Holy Eucharist, 10 AM Evening Prayer, 7 PM Choir Rehearsal, 7 PM

Wednesday in Holy Week, April 20: Tenebrae, 7 PM

Maundy Thursday, April 21: Choir Rehearsal, 6 PM Maundy Thursday Liturgy, 7 PM Watch at Altar of Repose following Good Friday, April 22: (Fast Day) Watch continues until noon Stations of the Cross, noon Choir Rehearsal, 6 PM Good Friday Liturgy, 7 PM

Holy Saturday, April 23 Holy Saturday Liturgy, 10 AM Children’s Easter Egg Coloring Party, 11 AM Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 PM Great Vigil of Easter, 9 AM Agape Feast following

Easter Day, April 24: Holy Eucharist, 10 AM (No 8:00 Liturgy) Sunday, May 1: Assembling of School Kits & Blessing of Lent Outreach Project What to Bring to the Agape Feast: 1. a potluck dish 2. your choice of beverages

Current and Coming Focus of Adult Study Group(s)

Since the beginning of Epiphany, we have been engaged in a study of disciple- ship, using N. T. Wright’s Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship. The topics have generated lively discussions, new insights, and a few lingering questions. We will finish this series the last Sunday of Lent. March 27 will be the concluding chapter of the book, “New Life – New World.” On April 3 we will do a comprehensive review of discipleship maxims we have picked up from discuss- ing Wright’s book. For example:

• Follow Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith.

• Align our vision of God and his kingdom with Jesus’ vision.

• Be still and know: Look again and again at the human face of Jesus until...

• We behold his glory, abide there, and reveal his glory in the world.

On April 10, the last Sunday of Lent, we will shift our focus to begin learning how all the elements of discipleship fit together into a single coherent vision, mak- ing use of a graphic image: “Discipleship Formation Within the : A Golden Triangle.” (See the next page for an image.) The image and some ques- tions for reflection will be discussed on April 10. In turn, it will become the basis of a further adult study series on discipleship, more practice oriented than the former, starting the first Sunday after Easter.

Adult Study groups meet each week on Sunday mornings at 9:00 and each month on Sunday afternoons at noon. We welcome visitors and newcom- ers into these lively learning communities. Try us out! —Carole Ann Crateau

Ride Ministry

Over the past year or so, an opportunity for fellowship and outreach has made itself available to Anne and me. It started with a phone call. Someone in West Salem needed a ride to St. Timothy’s one Sunday morning, and we obliged. Then, one at a time, through the church network, we began receiving more calls, resulting in nearly a half-dozen people wanting rides.

Both Anne and I have enjoyed the experience, getting to know some people we only knew casually. Two of these people recently passed away, giving us the op- portunity to provide a few poignant moments in their fragile lives.

Now is the time for St. Timothy’s to provide a more cohesive and accessible re- source of transportation, including the establishment of a rotating list of volunteer drivers to take turns driving these less mobile parishioners to and from church. Such a list could be divided into geographical regions, so the closest driver avail- able is selected.

Although legalities and insurance liability are barriers to its institution, both Anne and I envision St. Timothy’s purchase of a van or mini-van, possibly used, to facilitate the transport of parishioners for either or other church-related events. Such a van could be called, “The Spirit,” with the motto being, “The Spirit moves us.”

In summary, “The Spirit moves us” to offer our time and transportation to help other less mobile parishioners. Does the Spirit move you?

Blessings, Jim & Anne Whitney 503-588-3085 [email protected] Get me to the church on time! Lent Reminder

As your Lenten discipline, don’t just give something up, take something on. Fast and feast at the same time.

Fast from destructive attitudes & closed minds; feast on openness. Fast from complaining and criticizing; feast on praise. Fast from bad temper and impatience; feast on gentleness. Fast from self pity; feast on joy. Fast from resentment; feast on contentment. Fast from jealousy; feast on compassion. Fast from pride; feast on humility. Fast from empty piety; feast on holiness. Fast from selfishness; feast on serving others. Fast from doubt; feast on faith. Fast from fear; feast on hope. Fast from hate; feast on love.

What you need to fast from is a personal matter. For some it is gluttony, for oth- ers pride, anger, lust, sloth, envy or covetousness; for others it might be grudges, grievances, prejudices, status, security, success, laziness, ambition, insensitivity, unkindness. The call to fast is for us to wrestle with what keeps us from becom- ing what we’d like to be and by God’s grace can become. Fasting is worthless if it is to impress others, but most valuable if it brings us to understand who we are in God. — adapted from an article by the Rev’d Kathleen V. Price at St. John’s Church, Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Using the Votive Candles

1. Kneel down and pray for those who need your prayers and/or for your own needs. Look at the notebook and pray for the needs you see there. 2. Write your petitions and intercessions in the black book on the kneeler rack so others can pray for them. 3. Light one candle to represent all of your prayers. 4. If you have one, put a quarter in the coin slot as an offering for your candle. HOLY WEEK

We are the players in the pageant of the central act of our salvation—the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

We stand along the street of Jerusalem, where Our Lord enters the city, as the Old Testament prophet said, “riding on an ass.” We wave our branches and shout “” to the Son of David. But later, as the Passion Gospel is read, we join the fickle crowd which is now crying, “Crucify him! “

8 AM : Blessing of Palms and Holy Eucharist 9 AM : Church School, Choir Rehearsal 10 AM : Palm Procession and Holy Eucharist

Monday and Tuesday in Holy Week: Evening Prayer 7 PM We follow, in the readings for these Liturgies, Our Lord’s last days in Jerusalem.

Wednesday in Holy Week: Tenebrae, 7 PM The service of Tenebrae (“shadows”) is a compilation of the monastic services of Matins and Lauds for the last three days before Easter. We experience the grow- ing darkness as the time of the Crucifixion nears, and hear and lamenta- tions prayed during Old Testament times of trial.

Maundy Thursday

We sit with the disciples as Our Lord bends to wash their feet, and hear our Lord’s at the , the first Holy . Later, at the Altar of Repose, we are in the Garden of Gethsemane, watching as Our Lord agonizes over the events to come. The Liturgy comes to a close but remains unfinished for now. Maundy Thursday Liturgy, 7 PM (Child care) Watch at the Altar of Repose, beginning at the close of the Liturgy Good Friday

We are in the crowd that demands, “Crucify him!” as Jesus’ trail progresses. We kneel at the foot of the cross, feeling the rough wood, trying to comprehend the meaning of this Sacrifice to us and our lives. We leave the dark building and empty cross in silence. Watch continues until Noon Stations of the Cross, Noon Good Friday Liturgy, 7 PM (Child care) Catechumenate Retreat Follows Holy Saturday/Easter Eve

Holy Saturday Liturgy & Work Party, 10 AM Children’s Easter Egg Dyeing Party, 11 AM

The Great Vigil

Saturday of Easter 9:00 PM April 23 (Child Care)

We watch as the New Fire pierces the darkness with the light of hope. We listen as the ancient Exsultet sets the stage for the drama to come. We wait as our story of salvation is unfolded in scripture and song. We offer our support as new mem- bers become a part of our story through Baptism. We greet the proclamation of the Resurrection with joyous singing, and meet the Risen Lord in the First Eucharist of Easter. Then we adjourn to the parish hall to continue the celebration! (Bring a potluck dish for the Agape Feast—ethnic Easter food is especially appropriate.) 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

Holy Week Services: April 17-24 Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday Blessing of Palms & Holy Eucharist, 8 AM Palm Procession & Holy Eucharist, 10 AM (Child care)

Monday in Holy Week: Evening Prayer, 7 PM

Tuesday in Holy Week: Morning Prayer, 10 AM Evening Prayer, 7 PM

Wednesday in Holy Week: Tenebrae, 7 PM

Maundy Thursday: Liturgy, 7 PM (Child Care) Watch at Altar of Repose following Good Friday: Watch continues until noon Liturgy, 7 PM (Child care)

Holy Saturday/Easter Eve: Tomb Liturgy, 10 AM (Chid care) Great Vigil of Easter, 9 PM Agape Feast following

Easter Day: Holy Eucharist, 10 AM