Rejoice and Be Joyful!

The majority of our emotions during this time are negative: grief, confusion, anger, etc.  However, from a Biblical point of view we need to see that God has not been taken by surprise.  Our main response should be one of faith: We believe that the future holds great things for St. Philip's.  Martin doesn't seem to be confused or irate about this.  Instead we should be rejoicing with him in that God is opening up for him a great opportunity: Dean of a Cathedral! What is next?  Archbishop of Canterbury?!! I am impressed with Proverbs 23:17-18: "...always continue in the fear of the Lord.  Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off."

                 Gordon Nordstrom, Bishop’s Committee

A Letter From Bill Kelly

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,                                      September 25, 2004

One of the special moments in my Ordination service on Saturday came while I was serving the Eucharist. Kneeling at the altar rail, all next to one another, were a “host” o’ folk from St. Philip’s. You were friends whom Karen and I know on a first name basis, and whom we cherish as partners in ministry here in Scotts Valley. You had supported me in taking my first steps toward the priesthood, and now you were vibrantly present at my ordination. I was thrilled to share that moment with you.

Karen and I want to thank all of you at St. Philip’s for including us in Christian community and in the special fellowship of Christ’s Church.

I experienced the special worship service very much as a community event. As one of my Scotts Valley neighbors said, “We were astonished! It was so much an ordination by the entire community, by everybody who was there, the congregation and not just the clergy. All of us did it together!”

And now Karen and I are very much with you while St. Philip’s enters this new time of our history, with Father Martin’s announcement of his departure for ministry in South Bend (that congregation is blessed, don’t you agree?).

The next steps are simple, but not easy! In Christ, let us continue to give thanks together.

                 The Reverend Bill Kelly

New Challenges and Time to Trust

Yesterday, September 19th, during an excellent sermon and one that will change St. Philip's spiritual family, Fr. Martin announced he has accepted the appointment as Dean of the Cathedral of St. James in South Bend, Indiana and his last Sunday with us will be October 24th.  Sobs could be heard throughout the services, tissues were passed to soak up the tears , members reached out to touch one another as the feeling of devastation, shock, and being lost were followed by "where do we go from here" thoughts. Yes, it is alright to shed tears and feel lost but before we can think of "where do we go from here", we should turn around and look back at the road that has been traveled.

In late 1986 or early 1987 I remembered reading an article about a young priest starting a new church in Scotts Valley. The picture that accompanied it showed a young man with a vision filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. I recall thinking 'he is young and one who will lead' and I wanted to meet him as I was searching for a church home. This was not to happen for seven plus years. In the fall of 1987, a group of people met in a living room to read the Gospel of John about some Greeks wanting to meet Jesus and how the Apostle Philip lead them to Him. The group had found a name for their new church and thus St. Philip The Apostle Church was born with the blessings of our Lord. The road was not to be easy but they willingly followed their priest, Martin Yabroff, with their caravans of pickup trucks, cars, and vans to unpack and set up the altar, vessels for Communion, Books of Common Prayer, hymnals, and Sunday School supplies only to repack it all after the service to haul back to the storage units every Sunday. Thus began the journey across Scotts Valley for over seven years of worshiping Jesus in living rooms of private homes, the offices of Doctors on Duty, the city hall facilities, and with stops in between for night services for Ash Wednesday in the “A-frame building to the Promised Land”, the Star Lodge, that was to become our church home. And what a beautiful Home we built!

Now our journey has brought us to a fork in the road; where do these new paths lead and what is expected of us? The answer is obvious; the Holy Spirit will lead all of us; all we have to do is listen in prayer to His wishes. One road will lead Fr. Martin and his family to the Cathedral of St. James where, as before, Martin will be praying, listening and trusting.  The other road will lead the family of St. Philip's in a new direction and with a new leader. Both roads will not be easily traveled but with God's blessings, our prayers, supplications, listening and trusting, we will follow and have a stronger Church. I find it interesting that St. Philip's began on All Saints Day in 1987 and now, seventeen years later, Martin's and St. Philip's new journeys also begin on All Saints Day. I can't help but recall a catchy tune we used to sing in prayer group: "Come Holy Spirit, Melt me, Mold me, Fill me, and Use me.” Come Holy Spirit and bless us as a church family guiding our Bishop's Committee, assistant clergy, and all committees in the direction you want us to travel and strengthen us with faith, hope, and trust in the assurance of your love and mercy to follow you. Bless Martin, Eve and their family as they travel a new road to a new home and a new church. Father, we ask that you bless each of us, melt us, mold us, fill us, and use us as we bring Your holy word to all we pass on the roads You have chosen us to travel. Amen.
Let the journeys begin …    God's blessings,
                 Bobbie Bonds, Altar Guild Coordinator