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Stewardship Spotlight Hey! It’s not the fall! Why is there something about stewardship in the newsletter? Well, although there is always a focus on stewardship through the fall as the Bishop’s Committee tries to put a budget together based on pledges offered, stewardship should be in our minds all the time. Responsible stewardship means using our time, resources, and money as wisely as possible and investing in things that grow. Spending some time to think about what has been important in our lives, what is important now and what will be important in the future, helps us to make good investments with our time, resources, and money. That is why I think pledging to St Philip’s is a GREAT idea! My own journey at St Philip’s began when I was six months pregnant and lost in a very strange land. For almost nine years the community of St Philip’s has supported, challenged, and witnessed to me in my faith journey. No amount of stewardship can repay the grace that God has given me, but it can open up even more wonderful opportunities for me to develop my gifts and deepen my understanding. So! Hey! It’s not fall; but it’s Lent! This is a great time to think about all the blessings you have in your life—look really hard! As a part of my own stewardship, I am going to become a roving reporter lurking in the congregation. I will gather insights for a series of short newsletter testimonies in which people can share what motivates them to give to St Philips and what inspires them in their giving. Vicky Granger-Jones |
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Advocating Acolyting It is lovely to be an acolyte because I like going up in church. Sometimes I walk out holding the cross to Sunday School and I always carry a candle in. I like being part of the service. Father Martin told us it was a good way to worship God. I want to say thank you to Tamah and Eric Swenson and Claire Mills for taking us on some good trips. We had a really fun time at Tamah's house swimming and I got to wear a wetsuit. We also went to see Godspell, which had good songs and told some stories about Jesus. They took us on a bowling trip too and I think I got a good score!! It is really good being an acolyte. You can have lots of fun and serve God too! Jessica Granger-Jones |
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The Art of Worship A new group is forming at St. Philip’s with people interested in textile arts for Liturgical accents found in the church. This group plans to create pieces for use in the foyer, sanctuary, … outside … who knows! All are welcome as we embark on this adventure. The group plans to meet once a month for planning and organizing and then additionally to work together to create pieces for use at St. Philip’s. All talents are welcome and wanted. This is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with others on creative works that we hope will add to the beauty of our worship together. If you are interested, please contact Julie Edwards-Levy or Karen Krestensen. We are looking forward to hearing from you! |
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Family Retreat! I am heading up a group of people to look at opportunities for putting together a St Philip’s “all church” retreat. We would need to work out a program of music, activities, prayer, worship, teaching and fun; with something for everyone! There are many wonderful centers in the Wine Country and the Sierras which would be great for a weekend retreat. If you are interested in helping to plan this event, please contact me as soon as possible. Vicky Granger-Jones |
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Some of St. Philip’s youngest gardeners |
Cursillo Weekend: May 13-16Cursillo is a weekend experience (for adults) of Christian community and going deeper in faith. It is a lay-led weekend, with laypersons sharing their experiences, and conversation in small groups. There is a lot of singing and celebration, as well as reflection and prayer. This ecumenical experience begins on a Thursday evening and runs to Sunday afternoon. Fr. Martin will be one of the Spiritual Directors for this weekend. Please see him, Dave Sanguinetti, Bill Kelly or any other “Cursillistas” to learn more or to consider attending. |
