Congregational Development

As of press time, Pastor Mary and Jane Ellis are traveling to Sacramento to attend an Episcopal Church Province VIII Conference on congregational development.  Canon Britt Olson (who is now Canon to the Ordinary in Sacramento) is one of the team leaders, along with Deacon Brian Nordwick.  Centered on prayer and discernment, they will pray, attend workshops and discussion groups on how to be a growing, lively church in the 21st Century.  They will attend workshops on teaching spiritual discipline, embracing new styles of worship, and how to be a welcoming church. They look forward to sharing what they learned, and working with you to see how we might apply some of what is recommended to St. Philip’s.

Installing a Light Bulb

How many St. Philip's congregants does it take to install a light bulb in the sanctuary? At least seven!

One to say an opening prayer, and then comment on Scripture passages: “Let there be light!” (Genesis 1) and “You are the light of the world!” (Matthew 5)

One to talk about what this installation reminds him of in his earlier life.

One to bemoan the mounting costs of electrical energy and light bulbs and their impact on the tight budget at St. Philip’s.

One to start a discussion of the economic superiority of the new “cork screw” light bulbs over conventional incandescent bulbs.

One to comment on the obsoleteness and danger of the fraying electrical wiring in the church.

One to raise the question about how the decision was made in the first place to change this particular bulb.

And one to say nothing while she finds a ladder and screws in the bulb.
             Anonymous

News from the Diocese

The Bishop Search Committee: The committee has almost completed its work. They will present nominees to the Standing Committee at the end of March, and the slate will be announced on April 2. Information about the process and the nominees will be announced at the April 23-25 Clergy Conference and at the Lay Conference on May 19. The committee is grateful for the prayers that have supported the process and asks your continuing prayers for the nominees and our diocese.

Along the King’s Highway: The April and May issues will be web-only. The June edition will be hardcopy.

Deployment/Position Postings: Detailed postings for jobs can be seen here: http://www.edecr.org/jobs.htm .

1. Rector, St. Paul’s in Salinas.

2. Communications Director for St. Timothy’s in Mountain View.

3. Pianist/Organist, St. John the Divine, Morgan Hill.

Kirk Hadaway has produced and posted FACTs on Episcopal Growth, which looks at the dynamics of growth and decline in parishes and missions based on the a national survey of 4,100 Episcopal congregations. Available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/

The Safeguarding God’s Children Policy for El Camino Real, including an Executive Summary, has been posted to our website in English and Spanish. You can locate them at: http://www.edecr.org/administrator/admintools.htm under Safe Churches Policy.

Youth Ministry News:

· New Beginnings: April 27-29th at Episcopal Church in Almaden. Contact Desi Brown for more info.

· New contact info for Desi Brown, Diocesan Youth Coordinator: 408-710-4795, desi@edecr.org.

Yabroffs Move to Tacoma

The Rev. Martin Yabroff, the founding vicar of St. Philip’s, will be leaving his position as Dean of St. James Cathedral in South Bend, Indiana this month and moving to Washington where he will begin his new position as Rector of St. Andrew’s Parish in Tacoma.

The congregation of St. Philip’s would like to wish Fr. Martin, Eve, Andrew, and Thomas love, happiness, and all manner of blessings as they begin this new chapter of their lives. 

St. Philip’s Dinner Groups

Every few months people from St. Philip’s meet in dinner groups of six to eight people each.

These Saturday evening occasions are casual, friendly, and open. The designated host (volunteers only) sets the time, the theme (if any), and designates others to help with food. An effort is made to mix the groups so you meet different people. Whether you are single, a couple, or a family, newcomer or old-timer, all are welcome.

This is a wonderful way to get to know the fine, interesting and often witty people here at St. Philip’s. Contact Bill Lages.