Cow

Hollow Church News

  

T h e E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h o f S a i n t M a r y t h e V i r g i n F a l l 2 0 1 5

In Gratitude and Expectation The Rev. Scott E. Richardson, Rector What a blessed summer we have enjoyed together! I’m so thankful for Claire Dietrich Ranna and Kathleen Bean for the excellent work they did in putting together our summer forum series. And, more specifically, I’m grateful for the roster of great teachers who helped us move more deeply into our goal of personal and social transformation through the amazing offerings they made every week. If you weren’t able to attend all of the sessions then please know that recordings of the talks can be accessed through our website, thanks to the good work of Sandra Gary and Nancy Clothier. We also had the chance to test some different liturgies over the past three months. This has become the common summer practice at Saint Mary’s – our goal is to use the entire prayer book during the program year and then detour into some other rites in the summer so that we get an expanded sense of how others are praying to God and blessing their neighbors. This year we used rites developed by the Lutherans (with whom we are in full communion) and by Anglicans in New Zealand. We are curious to know what you thought of these offerings and encourage you to take the time to fill out the worship survey that Claire will be sending out. We also used the summer season to do repairs around the campus. This year the Vestry allocated $75,000 to paint the interior of the building, repair wood rot, do roofing work, and seal the windows above the Great Room (the site of a major leak last winter). We are also thrilled to announce that we have installed a new solar panel array above the administration offices and on the south side of the church. This was a major task, a multi-year effort led by Stephen Koch, that will result in lower utility costs and better environmental stewardship. Now, in gratitude and expectation, we turn our attention toward the fall program and look forward to welcoming back our huge group of Sunday School students and teachers, our incredible Confirmation Class, and our renowned choir. We will be saying hello to a new seminary-intern, Christie Fleming, and stand with Tim Smith as he takes up his ministry as a deacon in the church and the world. Helen Prejean, the nun dedicated to the abolition of the death penalty, will be preaching on Sunday, October 11 – you might recall her story being compellingly told in the movie entitled “Dead Man Walking.” And we will continue to lift up creation care as a core value of this congregation. But, first and foremost, we will strive to heed the voice of Jesus as he asks us to love God entirely and our neighbor mutually. None of us will ever be perfect in this regard, but we do believe that progress is possible for all. We grow in our ability to love through worship, prayer, learning, service, and generosity. Thank you for understanding that this is our highest calling and that everything we attempt to accomplish as a congregation will finally be measured by our adherence to this central commandment. We look forward to sharing this season with you in that spirit and under the purview of God.

FALL 2015 SPIRITUAL FORMATION Welcome to another fantastic year of

Spiritual Formation at The Episcopal

Church of St. Mary the Virgin! In

addition to the programs offered this

fall, take a moment to read about

these ongoing opportunities.

Welcome: We are delighted that you found us, and now we want to get to know you better! Join the clergy for a Saturday morning retreat for new members on October 24, and join leaders of the parish at a New Member Reception in the Fall or the Spring. Prayer: Whether you are interested in practicing contemplative prayer and meditation, joining a prayer group or Bible Study, or looking for inspiration in your prayer life, we’re here to support you. Children and Youth: Between Sunday School, Youth Group, choirs for children and youth, and an annual Youth Mission Trip, there are many ways to get your whole family engaged at St. Mary’s. Service: Join us every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month cooking dinner with youth in need; volunteer with our weekly food pantry; or get involved with Night Ministry. There are countless ways to be of service – let us help you find your place. Community: Small groups offer an intimacy and sense of community that can be hard to find elsewhere, and parish-wide celebrations happen year-round. Baptism and Confirmation: Sign yourself or your child up for baptism on September 27 or November 8, or Confirmation. A member of the clergy will guide you and your family through these important steps.

Visit www.smvsf.org for more details or email office@smvsf.org.

ABOUT SPIRITUAL FORMATION AT ST. MARY’S

Whether you are looking to learn more about a particular topic,

deepen or expand your prayer life, or engage contemporary issues

from a spiritual perspective, there is something for you here.

September

Friday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. Heroes and Monsters Innovative theater group WePlayers comes to St. Mary’s on 9/11

Sunday, September 20 at 5:00 p.m. Mary McBride Candlelight Concert Our Candlelight Concert Series gets off to a brilliant start

Sunday, September 27 at 5:00 p.m. On Being Mortal A forum on caring for loved ones at the end of life, inspired by the book

October

Sunday, October 4 at 5:00 p.m. Screening of Dead Man Walking Catch the film before Sr. Helen Prejean preaches here on October 11 Sunday, October 18 at 5:00 p.m. A Balm in Gilead A service of healing and hope for those who have lost an infant or child Saturday, October 31 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. From Life to Life

A retreat for those holding grief and promise in tension this year

November

Sunday, November 1 at 5:00 p.m. Bach Church Featuring the music of Bach, Hildegard von Bingen, poetry and prayer Sunday, November 8 at 5:00 p.m. Screening of Merchants of Doubt Learn about the massive industry behind the denial of climate change Sunday, November 29 at 5:00 p.m. Advent Dinner and Hymn sing A perennial favorite: come be nourished by seasonal fare and song

December

Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. Mini Advent Retreat A contemplative beginning to advent, featuring prayer and Taizé chant Sunday, December 13 at 5:00 p.m. Recovery Eucharist A service of healing integrating 12-step spirituality and Christianity Sunday, December 20 at 5:00 p.m. The Longest Night

Alternative worship for those who find the holidays especially difficult

 

Solar Power Comes to St. Mary’s

The solar panels are up. The project, two years in the planning and a month-and-a-half in construction, is complete. From any angle the panels look satisfying to anyone concerned with the good of the earth and good economy. We await only the approval of building inspectors to flip the switch on, powering our $80,000 project that is expected to bring utility savings of $9,500 in the first year alone and is anticipated to generate approximately 95 percent of our annual electricity consumption. The system will actually cause our PG&E meter to run backwards during the day and transform us into better stewards of our environment around the clock.

An official dedication of the solar installation is planned for October 4 during the 11:00 a.m. service.

Photos by John Addeo, Manny Gabiana, and Carla Ocfemia

Page 2   Fall 2015 The Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin

 

Cow Hollow Church News Fall 2015 Page 3

News of Note from the Sr. Warden

Jim Griffith

The Philanthropist Among Us It’s fall. Time for back to school, back to church, back to the routine. It is also the beginning of the Asking Season. School alumni organizations send out requests, local arts groups begin their season of subscription, and many nonprofit organizations prepare their budgets for 2016. We, too, at St. Mary’s will soon begin our Stewardship Campaign for 2016. Before you make your next charitable contribution or pledge, it would be worthwhile to spend some time reflecting on your underlying motivation for giving. Taking a moment to reflect upon what truly drives you to give can lead to more effective and focused philanthropy. Indeed, the decision of how much to give, to which cause, and when to give, will naturally follow from your evaluation of why you want to give. Understanding the factors that influence your giving, as well as the goals that are significant to you and your family, is crucial not only to ensure that your philanthropic activities are effective, but also to ensure that your charitable giving is aligned with your overall wealth planning. The decision regarding how much to give, when to give, and to which causes are all closely intertwined. Determining why you are motivated to give is the key starting point. You may believe that it is everyone’s responsibility to give to those less fortunate and that giving is a moral imperative. You may be driven by a strong sense of duty or obligation to fellow human beings and a deep concern for society to function fairly. Many are aware that they are the recipients of significant material benefits and they would like to acknowledge their good fortune by “giving back.” Or, your life has been enriched by the arts, theatre, opera, or classical music and you may be inspired to support museums, orchestras, and similar institutions. Another common motivation for giving is the desire to transfer positive values to younger family members. For many, charitable giving is a tradition that they have “inherited.” Giving to religious organizations evokes many reasons and can include many of the above

motivations. But perhaps the most overlooked reason for supporting the church: it brings joy! There are several basic questions regarding charitable giving that you may wish to explore:

Why do you wish to give to charitable causes? Which charitable causes are you giving your

money and time to now? How involved are you in the causes that you wish

to support? Why are you involved? Do these activities or charitable organizations

reflect your values and goals? How will family members be involved in making

gifts?

Another way to frame the question “why give?” is to think about it in this way: every dollar you spend, no matter what it is on, is a vote for the way you want the world to be. Every dollar you spend is a vote. Next, develop a plan for giving. Spend as much effort on the plan as you do with tax planning, estate planning, and budgets. For some, a possible outcome of developing a plan may be that you conclude that making substantial gifts to charity at present may not be appropriate given your current personal and financial goals, such as funding your retirement and providing for your family. Perhaps, as you become more financially secure, charitable giving may become a more important part of your financial plan. The Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin is very fortunate to have had many philanthropists who have sustained the parish for nearly 125 years. Many parishioners have included the church in their charitable plan: participating in annual giving, providing ad hoc gifts during the year, and remembering the church in a will or trust (see the story on Transformative Gifts, on page 15). However your charitable plan develops, giving ultimately rests on your values and those of your family. Once your values are clearly articulated, you can create a charitable giving strategy that is engaging, effective, and focused on what really matters to you. Text liberally taken from: The Diversity of Philanthropic Motivations, by Marguerite Griffin

 

Page 4  Fall 2015 Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin

Sunday School News Nancy Clark, Sunday School Co-Director On the liturgical calendar, Advent is the first season of the church year. For families, however, September’s Back to School Season is an advent unto itself and with it entreaties to buy new supplies, join new teams, new clubs, new after-school programs. The phrase “Mark Your Calendar” abounds. Good news, parents: having your children take part in St. Mary’s Sunday School program is just a matter of showing up. Registration and the first day of classes for this coming Sunday School year will be September 13, but if you miss that day, no problem. We welcome children all through the year. Our aim from Sunday to Sunday, throughout the year and in varying ways as children move through the grades is to bring our Sunday School children to full participation in the community life of St. Mary’s. Feeling at ease in the Sunday School classrooms, meeting children from other schools, learning a new prayer or two, learning about saints and heroes, figuring out what we do in church and why we do those things, and hearing Old and New Testament Bible stories are components of our Sunday program.

As it happens, Sunday School is likely to be the only place children will hear those stories or learn the meaning of Christian holidays and celebrations. In our multicultural community and with the firm and good commitment of schools and teachers to celebrate diversity in its many forms, a side effect has

been to pass over Christian stories and holidays (historically the dominant culture) and instead focus on the stories and celebrations of other traditions. Diwali, Norooz, Ramadan, Hanukkah are recognized, but Christmas and Easter are side-stepped. So Sunday School takes on the added role of equipping

children with an awareness of their own heritage and

aditions. tr Parents, as this new school year begins and as noted above, you

are faced with the challenges of another school year, marking your calendar, and lining up extracurriculaactivities of every description, we hope you will put participation in life at St. Mary’s as special family time,down time, a calming time. As one child noted, “I like church because it’s the only time grown-ups andkids kneel and say the same words and sing togetherAt St. Mary’s, in our worship services, our Sunday School activities, and our community life, we strive to nurture spirituality and put in practice the words of a baptism prayer: “O Lord, give us an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works.”

r

.”

In June, our confirmands celebrated together in the library of Grace Cathedral following their confirmation by Bishop Marc Andrus. Caroline McDermott joined 21 of the 23 graduates of St. Mary’s confirmation class for the occasion. Under the experienced tutelage of Phil Woodworth, confirmation class members were: Eleanor Baenen, Taylor Berwick, Piper Brooks, Colby Case, Dillon Case, Sally Cobb, Ryan Darwin, Maggie Doyle, Alexandra Ellwein, Sean Ferguson, Phoebe Froeb, Elizabeth Hayashi, Colette Hom, Annabel Kocks, Carson Levit, Claire Madsen, Emily Nutting, Stella Smith, Daisy Tuller, Will Veatch, Bayard Walsh, Jay Henry Wells, and young Philip Woodworth. 

 

Cow Hollow Church News Fall 2015 Page 5

Acolytes Debbie Veatch, Acolyte Coordinator, with Sandy Briggs

St. Mary’s is blessed by the participation of many young people during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday service. Children and youth sing in the Children’s and Youth Choirs, serve as lectors and acolytes, and teach Sunday School. Each week eight youth from fourth through twelfth grades don their white albs and blue cinctures, and begin the service by leading the processional. New acolytes are trained as Torch Bearers, who accompany the Crucifers during the processional and recessional, and the Gospeler during the Gospel reading. In sixth grade, many acolytes elect to be trained as Servers. Servers collect the oblations from the oblations bearers, collect the alms basins from the ushers, and assist the priests at the altar. Servers often worry about accidentally pouring wine rather than water over the celebrant’s hands in preparation for the Eucharist. You probably have no idea that this happens, because when it does, the Celebrant and Server gracefully recover while masking their surprise. Once in high school, acolytes may become Crucifers and carry the crosses. Several acolytes are specially trained as Thurifers. Thurifers prepare the incense, put it into the thurible, and swing the thurible for special services, such as Christmas Eve and Easter. Fifty-three acolytes served during the 2014-2015 academic year. Our Associate Acolyte Coordinators, Emma McBride, Frannie Sutton, and Ginny Woodworth helped train new acolytes. Our youth leaders were especially adept at keeping their eyes open and thinking quickly to gracefully adjust to service changes.

All fourth through twelfth grade students are welcome to become acolytes. In the fall, we train new acolytes and current acolytes who are ready to advance to Server or Crucifer, as appropriate. If you or your child is interested, or you have any questions, please contact Sandy Briggs at sjbtbf@earthlink.net or 415-346-6457, or Debbie Veatch at veatchdl@gmail.com or 415-752-1676.

Advancing at RSCM Chip Grant, Director of Music A year ago, when chorister Edwin Burnam graduated from eighth grade and Youth Choir, he had three goals: singing in the Parish Choir, singing at the Royal School of Church Music in Washington DC, and

singing at the Pope’s New Year’s Mass in Rome in 2016 with the Golden Gate Boys Choir. So far, he has achieved two out of the three. Choristers at Royal School of Church Music need to be recommended for participation, and Edwin represented St. Mary’s for the second year this summer. The silver medal that he wears over a purple ribbon, earned by passing a proficiency test, is the second

highest award one can achieve at RSCM. The gold level is achieved by very few, usually college students or adults. Since his voice changed this year from alto to tenor, I thought it best to let his voice have a year to settle while he also gets some more musicianship and sight-singing under his belt. We are proud to have him represent not only St. Mary’s, but also the West Coast at the prestigious RSCM.

Acolytes ready to serve: left to right, Charlotte Wyman, 

Frannie Sutton, George Sutton, James Sutton, Mack 

Woodworth, Ellie Boyden, and Ben Boyden.

Edwin at RSCM

 

Page 6  Fall 2015 Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin

A Mini-Ministries Fair In the spirit of our annual ministries fair in the courtyard that launches our fall programs, and to acquaint you with the work of our liturgical ministries, here is a mini-introduction to the activities that make our worship flow smoothly. Here, too, are names of people to contact if you are inspired to join in. Also see more stories in this issue of the Cow Hollow Church News on: Lectors and Prayer Leaders (opposite page), Acolytes (page 5), and Children’s Homilies (page 11). Altar Guild The Altar Guild is a ministry of anticipation and celebration. Each week, we ready the sanctuary with flowers and greens, fresh candles, and clean linens to welcome God’s people into a sacred time and place. We’re eager to share the fun, and are looking for new

members – men and women of all ages. We've even added a few committees that could use your help if you have only a little time to spare each week or month, or are interested in one-time projects. Please contact the clergy, any Altar Guild member, or Deborah Franklin at office@smvsf.org to learn more about how you might contribute to this ministry.

The Flower Committee The Flower Committee is part of the Altar Guild; our charge is to arrange flowers for the altar for the Sunday services, in accordance with the church calendar. Our ministry is generously supported by the congregation, for which we are very grateful. Steven Currier and Joanne Squire co-chair our group, which now comprises eight flower arrangers. Everyone’s experience is varied, but it is a great committee to be part of, a group that works quietly behind the scenes to ensure the readiness for Sunday services. We work in pairs once a month to arrange the flowers for

Sunday and as a group, at Cflower committee is regularly brougfor weddings, memorials, and funeWe are always looking forarranging experience to join uscommitment, but when else can yoin the peace and quiet of ouoccasionally accompanied by Steveon the organ. It's truly a spiritual eprivilege to serve. Contact: Joanne Squire at

hristmas and Easter. The ht in to arrange

rals at St Mary's. new members with flower

. It is a time u play with flowers

r sacred space, Repasky practicing xperience and a

e altar, and during Communion chalice. At the

nducted by Bob Bledsoe. Reach them at

o is

epresent

ppo

e

rom a

workshop and individual instruction at St. Mary’s

joannesquire@me.com. Chalice Bearers Chalice Bearers assist the clergy at ththey administer the11:00 a.m. service, they carry the cross and torches at the processional, at the reading of the Gospel, and at the recessional. As well as serving on Sundays, the Chalice Bearers serve during Holy Week and the Easter and the Christmas services. Chalice Bearer scheduling is done by Pam Bledsoe and the training sessions, which are held two to three times a year, are copam_bob@comcast.net. Lay Eucharisitc Visitors A Lay Eucharistic Visitor (or LEV) is a person whtrained to distribute the blessed elements of Holy Communion to persons unable to attend Sunday worship. As Christ makes himself known through the Church, St. Mary’s Lay Eucharistic Visitors rour faith community gathered together in prayer and thanksgiving. Licensed by the Diocese, Lay Eucharistic Visitors bring the word of God, news of parish activities, and the oHoly Eucharist to those whthose temporarily unablto attend services, such as those recovering fsurgery, or families with newborn. Fellow parishioners and family members may also participate in these visits. Training at a Diocesan

ortunity to receive the are homebound and/or

 

Cow Hollow Church News Fall 2015 Page 7

prepares those who respond to a call to this ministryIf you feel called, contact Natalie Hala, by phone at

.

08-316-3845 or email at nataliehala51@gmail.com.

is a

9,

g this vital and njoyable ministry at St. Mary’s.

al s

identiality. cy Bryan, Deacon, at

hbsf@me.com

4 Ushers Ushers present the first face of the parish to newcomers and regular worshippers entering the courtyard at St. Mary the Virgin, as welcoming hosts. They guide worshippers to seats and throughout theservice. Ushering is an enjoyable way to contribute your time and talent to the SMV community andminimal commitment of once per month at the service of your choice. We also ask for volunteers toassist at special services such as Christmas Eve and Easter. Ushering is also a great way to meet people as you welcome them in the courtyard and assist in helping to make the services run smoothly and helpto create a worshipful atmosphere. If you have aninterest in joining the usher team, please contact David Sullivan at david@djsully.net or 415-928-498or let any of the ushers know of your interest. Wehope that you will consider joinine Pastoral Care Team This team of people provides compassionate, spiritusupport for parishioners. We offer various servicesuch as meals, transportation, personal calls, and notes, all provided with respect and confContact: Rev. Nann .

ari Coates, Lector Coordinator

than

y

be ignored when read aloud. I am compelled to listen

am there, awestruck

ad Why I Read and LeM I am a words and a story person, so volunteering as a lector seemed an obvious way to contribute to our worship. What I didn’t expect was the sudden wave of nervousness that hit the first time I stood at the lectern. Of course, there was nothing to do but hold onto the big Bible, take a tentative breath, and begin. To my great relief, the words—biggermy self-consciousness—began to draw me in. I calmed down and found the rhythm of the text, and discovered as well a surprise benefit of reading aloud: What can be easy to skim over silently—the formalitof Biblical language, the strangeness of some of the names, the occasional violence of the stories—cannot

as I read, and very quickly the text opens itself in a generous and illuminating way. I am not a Biblical scholar, nor do I know anything about the way the Bible was selected and arranged. But as a lay reader, I enjoy reflecting on what’s in front of me. For example, that the value of paper in the ancient times of writing likely affected the authors’ stylistic choices. I can safely conclude that if a word is in the text, it’s there on purpose. Likewise if it’s repeated! So I begin to experience the Bible as both spare and lavish. Look at the Creation story in Genesis. It all happens very quickly even as it’s carefully measured in allotments of evenings and mornings and days—a masterpiece of poetic design. There is a “formless void” and “a wind from God [that] swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” Well, you know the rest. When I read this aloud, in my imagination I am zooming across the waters, discovering the dry land, and am suddenly bathed in the brand new light. I marvel at the whole astonishing bringing forth of living things that follows and find myself emerging onto a new and different shore. The prophet Ezekiel certainly found himself in an unfamiliar place when God showed him the Valley of the Dry Bones, and when I read the ringing challenge—“Mortal! Can these bones live?”—I feel I

as the dusty bones are covered with sinews and flesh and animated with the breath of life. Will that happen for you should you decide to become a lector? Ican’t say, but it surely might. Still, there are caveats: while reading aloud in church can be

deeply personal, it is first and foremost a dialogue with the congregation. As readers we are there to convey the living Word to those listening in the pews; thus we are careful to speak out clearly and directly and at a good pace. If you find yourself drawn to this powerful ministry, I hope you will let us know. We offer written guidelines and person-to-person coaching. We would love to include you in an experience that can alter your relationship with the Bible and with God. For more information, contact mari.coates3@gmail.com.

 

Page 8  Fall 2015 Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin

Stewardship and Furniture Roulhac Austin, Stewardship Co-Chair, with Jory Sandusky What do stewardship and outdoor furniture have to do with one another? For me, stewardship and outdoor furniture are beautifully entwined. Restore and Recycle We have porch furniture at our summer spot in northern Michigan which we’ve restored and refurbished. In fact, a sermon at St. Mary’s on stewardship in 2000 prompted us to search out artisans to restore rather than discard it and buy something new. The cottage has a long history of restoration and recycling. Built in 1896, the cottage was modernized with a steel shower in the ’30s, and electrical stuff over the years, but it remains largely cared for with original claw foot tubs and “cottage board” tan wood-paneled walls. There is no insulation because it snows too much to visit in the winter. When Tom’s parents bought the cottage in 1962, they acquired all the contents: indoor and outdoor furniture, books, silverware, dishes, pots and pans, the works; most of it had been in the cottage at least 30 years or more. After Tom and I spent several summers at the cottage, we found a local artisan named Don Kelly who stripped, repaired, and repainted the indoor furniture. Another fellow, Max, reupholstered or recovered the cushions. The wicker porch furniture, also acquired, has likewise been re-caned, a dying art. We love “Don’s barn,” where all the old wicker furniture in town is taken, much of it 100 years old or more. We’ve had Don and Max restore beautiful old wicker rockers and

tables over the summers. We see their work all around town, too. Nothing new needed. Supporting the Local Community We’ve been thrilled to support real artisans in their communities. In Michigan, the summer season is only six weeks long, so every dollar helps these people remain self-supporting during the off-season, when the county’s poverty rate is 45 per cent. New Acquaintances Through our repeated interactions with Don and Max, we’ve become friendly and trusting with both men and their families. Don had a serious health issue a couple of years ago, and found a sympathetic ear in us, coaxing him on via email throughout the winter. It made Tom’s heart sing when we first saw Don and he said, “Hey, Tom, so glad you’re back!”

From the start of a project, we talk with them about what we want. They set the price, we pay, they work their magic, and we get photos to whet our appetitcoming to visit them both.

e for

our

Enduring Friendships Our porch is the

heart and hub ofsummer. On our rockers in the morning

with coffee and a paper, we wave at the kids on bikes or tricycles whizzing by or the folks heading off to tennis. Afternoons bring waves from the kids returning from their organized play-dates or from adults just strolling around. We’ve met all of our friends in these interactions, and that’s about 60 people who’ve been coming around for 20 summers. Each porch gathering becomes a party: there’s no better way to get to know someone than over a cool glass of something and a little snack, right? This summer the annual porch party yielded a special gift. I was invited to an ecumenical women’s bible study in the neighborhood. Sharing the bible with the

Tom Austen in Michigan, enjoying the wicker furniture that supports the local community, and anticipating the arrival of friends.

 

Cow Hollow Church News Fall 2015 Page 9

women in the group casts us all in a whole new, loving light in each others’ eyes. One fourth-generation attendee said the bible group really uplifts the tone of the whole place. One of our early porch pals introduced us to Don, who introduced us to Max, which led to the porch becoming the heart of our visits -- including bible study. We’ve come full circle. I am filled with wonder for this grace and adventure with all this old stuff made new through friends and friends of friends all the while. By simply choosing to restore the furniture rather than replace it, we were able to create relationships, support local businesses, be more ecologically friendly, and enhance the community. Much like a domino effect, one simple action rooted in the idea of being good stewards created a number of positive changes all around us. It also enhanced our own sense of belonging and spiritual well being -- just as participating in stewardship at St. Mary’s does.

Celebrating Our Patron Saint

Following a worship service on August 16, marking both the Feast of St. Mary the Virgin, our patron Saint, and the third anniversary of the beginning of the Rev. Scott Richardson’s ministry as rector to our congregation, we celebrated by eating cake in the courtyard. Above, Parish Administrator Carla Ocfemia serves up the first piece to webmaster Nancy Clothier.

You Don’t Have to Struggle Alone David Crosson Are you having trouble adjusting to life without someone you continue to love deeply? Have you just lost your job, or are you facing a crisis in your career? Do you still have pain to share and no one to listen? Does that new baby take more time and energy than you ever imagined possible? Are you still trying to find meaning in retirement? Are you suffering a severe health problem or caring for someone who is? Have you struggled with conflicting feelings about placing a loved one in a care facility? Sooner or later, we all will face times of confusion and crisis. Each of us will some day walk in the wilderness. But we don’t have to walk alone. Stephen Ministers are here to walk with you. September marks the first anniversary of the Stephen Ministry program at St. Mary’s Church. Stephen Ministers are lay members of the parish who have completed 50 hours of training to provide confidential, Christ-based pastoral care to people in crisis. Over the past twelve months, St. Mary’s-trained Stephen Ministers have met with 11 care receivers with a wide variety of needs, from career decisions to medical crises, to death of a loved one. Some care relationships have lasted just a few weeks, and others for many months. Stephen Ministers are there as long as they are needed. Stephen Ministers are people you know in the parish: Lee Walsh, Megan Topping, Nan Slavin, Linda Sharp, Sheila Santangelo, Arthur Perkins, Josie McGann, and David Crosson. They certainly do not replace or replicate the pastoral care provided by our priests and deacons, but they are able to walk with you over a more extended period of time. And all caring relationships are absolutely confidential. If you want to explore the Christ-centered pastoral care that a Stephen Minister can provide, talk to the clergy, email sministry@smvsf.org, or contact David Crosson at 408-316-0478 or david48ec@gmail.com.

 

Page 10  Fall 2015 Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin

Our New Seminarian Sandra Gary, Editor of the Cow Hollow Church News Christie Fleming was born in Hawaii (in the same hospital as President Obama) and has hopped from coast to coast. She once did marketing for a stained glass studio in Vermont, took a job with a Hispanic trade association in Washington DC, and served as wedding coordinator for St. Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego. “I've done all kinds of wild and crazy things,” she says. “I do feel fortunate to have had the experiences.” A breadth of life experiences has allowed her to develop a talent for empathy and listening that led her to work as a counselor, a spiritual director, and a hospice chaplain. Expanding and refocusing her gifts for pastoral care, she is now enrolled at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, one of the ten seminaries of the Episcopal Church in the US. She will be doing required field work with us, joining St. Mary’s community as our seminarian, beginning September 13. Christie has completed the first of three years of study. “I'm not quite wet behind the ears,” she says. “I'm 57 years old. It's quite a challenge to go back to school at my age.” Declaring herself to be, “very hands on” she is also very game. She is just back from a three-week adventure in Panama, spending some of that time in a town that she describes as “so small Google doesn't even know where it is.” She helped school children with their English homework, refined her Spanish, and experienced total cultural immersion living with a family in their home with dirt floors with no running water. “I showered with toads,” she says, “And met the chicken I ate for dinner.” At St. Mary’s, Christie will immerse herself in our urban environment. She will join us two days a week, attending liturgy and staff meetings as feasible given her commute from Berkeley and juggling classes, homework, and duties as a CDSP’s sacristan. She will preach at least one sermon a semester, attend vestry meetings, learn about budgets, and learn about our approach to outreach from our new deacon, Tim Smith. “I always look forward to learning about how

Christie Fleming gets to know our inner courtyard

communities feel called to serve in a world that's hurting,” she says. “I'm looking forward to learning how that works at St. Mary's.”

She already understands about ministering to people in a hurting world. She served as a chaplain to the mentally ill, homeless community in San Diego for a year and a half; counseled patients at a women’s clinic in Washington DC both in the delivery room and in the abortion clinic for nearly two years; and acted as a hospice chaplain in San Diego for almost seven years.

Then she found herself in the hospital. As she tells it, “I was profoundly ill and almost died. It taught me how to be a lot more sensitive to what pastoral care looks like -- what's helpful and what's not helpful.” Right after she was admitted, she received a visit from the hospital chaplain. “The chaplain came in and cheerily said to me, 'Hi. I see you are a hospice chaplain, what's your favorite scripture?' I just felt very, very sick. And then she said, ‘You'll be glad to know that we are all born again Christians here.'” Weak and stunned, Christie replied, “‘Just go away.’” She adds, “I do have a favorite scripture, but golly gee, I was so sick, that's not what was on my mind at

 

Cow Hollow Church News Fall 2015 Page 11

that moment. And -- she made an assumption that I would be glad to know she was born again.”

In 2005, Christie completed a two-year program at the University of San Diego, a Catholic university, to become a certified Spiritual Director, and has practiced ever since. Her own spiritual growth now brings her to be a postulant for Holy Orders. St. Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego is sponsoring Christie to discern her call to be ordained a priest. St. Paul’s is also where she first became acquainted with the Rev. Scott Richardson, who served as Dean of the Cathedral.

Scott is a strong supporter of Christie’s. He says, “Christie is deep and fun -- you don't always get those two traits in the same person. I have known her for 12 years, endorsed her bid for ordained ministry, and am delighted that fate (read God) brought her to be among us at St. Mary's. People are going to love her because she will first love them.”

“You are a vibrant community,” Christie says, declaring enthusiasm for her new position. We at St. Mary’s look forward to welcoming our new seminarian with equal enthusiasm.

On Giving a Children’s Homily Sandy Stadtfeld

The Children’s Homily When those words appear in the bulletin, they cast a spell of taut anticipation across the congregation, foretell entertainment and wisdom for those in the single-digit age bracket, and instill dread in someone about to face a tough crowd. For our readers who attend other services, the Children’s Homily is a brief lesson for pre-school children at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday service. After the Gospel reading, a designated Children’s Homilist comes forward, convenes all the little children at the front of the church, and relates to them a brief interpretation of scripture. After an offering and hymn, the children depart to attend their Sunday School classes. Sounds simple? Bear in mind, then, that these kids are sharp and articulate; the address includes a roomful of attentive adults (some of whom are priests), and the Children’s Homilist is typically a lay (theologically un-credentialed) volunteer. For all its pitfalls, though, this ministry is both gratifying and humbling and is sure to expand

your own understanding of scripture, not to mention your comfort zone. So congratulations if you’ve volunteered to be a Children’s Homilist! Here are some things to consider before your big debut:

Study the readings On some Sundays, the appointed lessons, Psalm and Gospel may have a common theme, from which you may be able to derive a message that may have meaning for young children. There will be Sundays, however, when it isn’t easy to discern or articulate that meaning. You might contact one of the clergy for help -- they are professionals, trained to solve this problem every week. You can certainly consider other material related to the readings, including the date in history, current events, the weather, or milestones in the life of a pre-schooler. It isn’t necessary to have brilliant insight, just to share an essential idea with a thoughtful community.

Short and simple While your audience is typically enthusiastic and engaged, their attention is limited, can wander, and even be entirely lost. Discussing one (1) idea for three (3) minutes (1:3) is therefore a reliable formula. Brevity and simplicity needn’t limit you to the most obvious themes, but more complex ideas require critical thinking and editing if you hope to get them across. These children can be surprisingly sophisticated and subtle in their thinking. If they go home with questions for their folks, then you’ve done a heck of a job!

Active participation The children’s homily needn’t be quiet, static, or a lecture. Whether you bring some object to share, lead the children in a cheer, or get the entire room to do the Hokey Pokey, active engagement helps the children comprehend and retain your message. The easiest way to involve the children is to solicit their own understanding, experience, or examples. This works best if you ask questions that don’t have “correct” answers, and if you sincerely listen to and acknowledge what they say.

You’re the catalyst What could be more rewarding and fun? Remember - they are still little kids, and their parents are sitting close enough to retrieve them if things get out of hand. But that probably won’t happen. Good luck and Happy Homilies!

 

Page 12  Fall 2015 Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin

Youth Mission Trip to Wind River, Wyoming

After two fun days bonding, we traveled to the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. The Wind River Reservation is an American Indian reservation shared by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes of Native Americans in central Wyoming; this is where we would complete the service component of the mission trip. The first night, we met the staff of

YouthWorks and the other groups from Arkansas, Maryland, and La Jolla, and slept in our sleeping bags on thin foam pads on a hard

Diana Silvestri, Youth Group Missioner We began our Mission Trip journey with a short plane ride to Salt Lake City, and then a five-hour car ride just west of the Grand Tetons through Idaho. For many of us this was our first time in this area of the country, but the scenic views and wide open spaces exceeded all of our expectations. For some, including myself, the green mountains and valleys were jarring because I constantly compared them to California’s drought stricken “golden” landscape. We arrived at our cozy - but spacious - cabin for two amazing days in and around Yellowstone National Park, filled with hiking, exploring, and swimming - along with some interesting car entertainment which included Ryan Lally’s descriptive retelling of The Shining.

floor.

t types

On the reservation, we painted, scraped, and worked on reservation residents’ homes. We also helped at the Kids Club which is an afternoon camp/Vacation Bible School for kids on the reservation. Both were meaningful, but differenof service. Each evening there were different activities, including a hike with huge mosquitoes and beautiful rapids, a pow-wow demonstration, two

  Mission Trip youth and leaders ready to take on service in Wind River, Wyoming: left to right, Charlotte Cobb, leader Riley Haggin, Sadie Ray Smith, Maddie Vestal, Catherine Silvestri, Director of Youth Programs Michael Stafford, Ryan Lally, Diana Silvestri, Duncan Walsh, Elsa Dierkhising, and Jack McBride.

Shoshone pow-wow demonstration

 

Cow Hollow Church News Fall 2015 Page 13

delightful Shoshone speakers, and a community cookout. We made strong connections with the

eople we were serving, as well as with the other

eek ding of service to

tended. Throughout

occer, playing with kids, performing, arts and crafts,

how to be

l, forest, and uffalo reminded me of the world’s natural beauty

p inspired me to stay focused and w fun service can be when

Buffalo: reminders of the world’s natural beauty

partly

,

e and feed my faith in God. Wyoming was my fth and final mission trip, and as I boarded the flight

ft ars

nd us --these

ese trips hav

pgroups with whom we were serving.

Over the years I have become very comfortable with the idea of service; I have defined it through my experiences, have written about it for college essays, and use it quite easily in conversation. Yet this win Wyoming brought my understannew heights. These are some of the people and interactions that made it happen:

Ms. Polly showed me how to express sincere and heartwarming gratitude. Ms. Polly is an elderly American Indian whose yard we the day she brought us popsicles and beautiful bracelets to show her gratitude.

The kids at Kids Club reminded me of my love of sand just how privileged and blessed my life really is.

Steve, a parent from Arkansas, showed me the most steadfast, loving, and willing server - and how I can serve far beyond the initial call.

Each sunset, lake, mountain, waterfalband how vital it is that we protect it.

The St. Mary's groucontinued to remind me hoalongside friends.

...and much, much more.

Scraping and painting homes on the reservation Service is integral to my identity, and for this Icredit these mission trips. While I often miss the laziness of summer, friends, and comforts of home (this week I especially ached for my mattress!) these mission trips continue to be highlights of my summers, and the past mission trip weeks accumulate to be some of the most meaningful times of my life. Mission trips have offered me opportunities to travelto meet new people, to learn new cultures, and to activatfihome to San Francisco I could firmly say it had leme no less refreshed, revived, and renewed as in yepast. Thank you all for affording me -- aexperiences by praying for us and by contributing

e affected me so deeply. financially. Th

 

Page 14  Fall 2015 Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin

Newcomers’ Corner:

The Perry FamilyMaureen Perry

After several years of “wandfinally found a spiritual homThe warm and welcoming c

ere om

omes

n

aning from those I listened to ing

. he

ter in ity, and the f

Poughkeepsie filled with families. The rector was en

casions. t

and,

. I

rch,

e to

the

certainly didn't expect them to

d

we got

l and

ed us in the courtyard and shared

pportunity to learn how to n our daily life, to and to experience

ing,” our family has at St. Mary the Virgin. munity, vibrant and voking sermons, and

Michael’s godfathcompelling sermo

During our searchintellectual clergy, thought-prowonderful children’s programs offer everything we have been looking for.

My husband, Michael, cfrom a rich Anglican background, with Episcopal priests appearing in the family every other generation, while I was raised Roman Catholic. We were married in the Episcopal Church and our daughter, Seda, was baptized by her grandfather in a moving ceremony when we lived in Sonoma County and were members of the Church of the Incarnation iSanta Rosa. When we found ourselves returning to live in San Francisco, we were also in search of a new church.

As a child, I went through the motions of attending mass with my family, but lost my connection to the church after leaving the nest to go to college. It wasn’t until I was in a postgraduate program at a Jesuit university that I began to weave my interest in social justice issues together with my Christian beliefsin a meaningful way. Out of curiosity, I began to attend the noon-hour mass just to listen to the visiting Jesuit scholars and was hooked. The stories of Christ’s teachings came alive and took on a completely different meweek after week in my youth. After this eye-openexperience, I knew that returning to the uninspired Catholic church of my childhood would be impossible.

Growing up as a “priest’s kid” in the Episcopal Church, Michael found that his family’s social circles

were centered primarily on the church communityHis father served as the ecumenical officer for tPresiding Bishop at the Episcopal Church CenNew York C amily attended a parish in

r, who offered dynamic and s that really spoke to him.

for a new church, we visited the Episcopal church closest to our home on numerous ocMichael and I both realized thabased on our past experiences, our expectations were rather high unfortunately, that church just didn’t feel like the right fit for usthen suggested that we might investigate a nearby Jesuit chuthinking it might have what we were looking for since I had gotten so much out of the last Jesuit church I attended. Though we liked it, it wasn’t possible for Michael and Seda to participate asfull members of the parish dutheir having been baptized intoEpiscopal faith. We realized that this was unacceptable, and I

convert. We tried out yet another

Episcopal church, but, again, we were not in the right place.

Michael’s godfather told us that St. Mary’s was “the best Episcopal parish in the city” ansuggested we give it a try. We attended our first service on Epiphany and it felt “just right,” soour coffee mug and decided to come back. After the following week, Seda attended Sunday schooloved it. As the weeks passed, many long-term members welcomtheir stories with us. They spoke so highly of the church community and how it has enriched their lives. Our search was over.

We are grateful to be a part of the St. Mary’s family, to give our daughter the osee examples of Christ’s teachings ideepen our relationship with God, His unconditional love.

Maureen, Michael and Seda Perry getting acquainted with fellow parishioners at the rectory

 

Cow Hollow Church News Fall 2015 Page 15

Transformative Gifts Ellen McLean, Legacy Society Committee Member Over the years St. Mary’s has been the recipient of

at just

ost

aul Wattis’ funeral was held

of on

t

’ gift, St. ary’s is proudly debt free and better able to expand

e, eft

r

than ever, as e were struggling to balance our income and

t

chose ts to

uch needed income r our operating expenses every year. Betty’s

ts

ommitment to tackling the homeless problem in San

ommunity Services to

yst d

$127,000 to create an endowment for our

d those in need when the need was greatest, and

g

e sation about making a legacy

ift to St. Mary’s, please contact Scott Richardson at

t and

he world. You can sten to an audio recording of the discussion posted

many gifts and bequests thexactly the right time. Everyone was astonished when St Mary’s received a bequest of $500,000 from Phyllis Wattis in 2003. Mrs. Wattis was probably the mgenerous philanthropist in thewest, but her only previously known connection to St. Mary’s was that her husband

seemed to come at

Pat St. Mary’s in 1971 -- a ceremony she likely arranged. “The Holy Spirit is watching out for us,” was what more than one parishioner said when the gift arrived. The timing this gift allowed St. Mary’s to pay off the mortgage the rectory when that payment was a significant financial burden to the parish. At the same time, thevestry also wisely set aside $100,000 from this bequesto be used to buy the equity that the Parkin family had in the rectory. As a result of Mrs. WattisMour ministries without the financial burden of a mortgage. In another example of the right gift at the right timMary E. (Betty) Wilkins passed away in 2011 and la significant percentage of her estate to St. Mary’s. At the time, the country, and indeed our parish, was recovering from the effects of the recession. Ouinvestment balances had been hit hard and we needed the income from those accounts more wexpenses during the “interim time” before Rev. ScotRichardson was called as our rector. Although Betty’s gift was not restricted in any way, the vestry and Legacy and Endowment Board to invest the entire gift in our investment accounallow the principle to provide mfo

generosity will support St. Mary’s and our many ministries long into the future. Long-time parishioner Joyce Whitman passed away in 1996 and left one half of her estate to the Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin, with the restriction that it be used to support parish outreach projects. Atthe time, the Diocese of California was expanding icFrancisco, so St. Mary’s was able to really step up its leadership in outreach by designating these grants:

$100,000 to Episcopal Cserve as seed money for the 48-unit supportive housing complex now known as Canon Barcus House.

$100,000 to Episcopal Charities for their general operating fund to serve as a catalfor securing matching funds, an

church for outreach, with principle and income restricted to outreach.

Her generous bequest helped our greater community anhas continued to support our outreach projects with the income from the remaining outreach endowment. All three of these generous people envisioned helpinto sustain and grow the mission and ministries of St. Mary’s when they made their estate plans. If you arready to have a convergrector@smvsf.org or 415 921-3665 x 306. Gifts of any size are welcome. On behalf of St. Mary's Legacy Society, members of our Planned & Major Gifts Committee hosted the Summer in the City Adult Forum entitled Leaving Your Legacy, on Sunday, July 26, 2015. During this gathering, all forms of legacy gifts - time, talentreasure - were discussed. A number of people sharedinspirational stories which lifted up and celebrated thetransformational power of legacy giving - for ourselves, for our parish, and in tlion our website, www.smvsf.org; look opage under Spiritual Formation.

n the home

Philanthropist Phyllis Wattis

 

Page 16  Fall 2015 Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin

A Growing Partnership Ruth Tatum, Volunteer Since October 2014, volunteers from St. Mary’s habeen busy growing our relationship with Larkin Youth Services, a San Francisco nonprofit thcommitted to helping homeless youth move beyondstreet life

ve Street

at is

. More specifically, we are working with oung people living at Edward II, a permanent

ago t

0

t ’s

sidential facilities.

t

illed rom

t.

ur

The

ch a groaning board. At Christmas, volunteers

at

es filled with andy and a Walgreens gift card to all the residents.

ays fun. ou don’t even have to be an expert cook to join us -

ep

se the menu (requirements:

ers

nerally

ide

olunteers have all

cooking to f

and ings.

ysupportive housing residence located in our neighborhood at the corner of Lombard and Scott Streets. The residents at Edwyears old, work or are required to pay 3rent, which is different from mosof Larkin Street

rd II are between 18 and 24 o school (some do both), and per cent of their income in

if you can boil water or tear up lgood conversation, please sign u The cooking leaders choo

reWe have met a fantastic group of young people. We began our journey together lasfall by providing welcome bags fwith everything fa cozy blanket and sundries to gift cards from the local Walgreen’s and Marina SupermarkeParishioners thengenerously cooked a traditional Thanksgivingdinner that a few of ovolunteers delivered and served to the residents.amount of food prepared lovingly by St. Mary’s folks must have resembled that first Thanksgiving; it was sumade holiday cookies and other goodies that were greatly appreciated by the residents. In February we began cooking our monthly dinners Edward II. Easter weekend, we provided “spring baskets” (colorful Chinese take-out boxc

And in mid-August we delivered a small stash of school supplies to each young person. All of this has been made possible by the generous time, effort, and culinary talents of about 60 St. Mary’s volunteers, plus a dozen “core” volunteerswho are now leading the charge each time we cook, including Marta Johnson, Georgene Keeler, Anne Kieve, Jeanne Lacy, Elaine Larkin, Pat McGuire, Ellen McLean, Jessica Metoyer, Beth Silvestri, and Ruth Tatum. Most Sundays we’ve had a resident or two join in the cooking efforts which is alwY

ttuce, or engage in to help.

easy, nutritious, inexpensive, and delicious), do their food shopping, andorganize the three to four voluntewho cook that evening; getwo of the volunteers provthe cookies or brownies for dessert -- and then sit down to have dinner with the residents, which is the highlight of the evening. The core

vbeen trained by Larkin Street in waysto work with, and

respect the privacy of, the youth. At a brainstorming meeting in July with the core volunteers and some Larkin Street staff, we looked atways to engage more youth in coming to the dinners and to strengthen our commitment to serving the youth at Edward II. To show a more consistent presence we have agreed to expand our two Sundays a month - the 2nd and 4th Sundays oeach month. We are all very excited about this -will need your help staffing these additional even

St. Mary’s volunteers preparing dinner with the young people at Edward II: left to right: John Addeo, Pat McGuire, Barbara Addeo, and Brittni Tanenbaum, a Larkin Street counselor at Edward II. Photo by Jessica Metoyer.

 

Cow Hollow Church News Fall 2015 Page 17

At Halloween, we will also decorate and provide goodies and a few DVDs along with pumpkin carving. Throughout the year we’ll also provide birthday cards from St. Mary’s, which will be given to

e staff to distribute to the youth (to maintain

I has

n to

t

ture. As volunteers we are learning to open our as we

t times have involved conversations and

me spent with the youth, and we hope to continue

r

adventures await! ontact martajohnsf@gmail.com if you would like

more information or to become a volunteer for one of the many projects this year.

ve then th

thprivacy), and we’ll continue with the events that have been successful this past calendar year. Our partnership with Larkin Street at Edward Ibeen a gratifying experience. Fostering relationships with youth who have lived through incredible hardships has been challenging and extremely rewarding. As one counselor described, in additioproviding a delicious meal, just having “people like us” for the residents to talk to is a growing experienceas they strive for a more stable and independenfuhearts and minds to these extraordinary youth try to earn their trust and build relationships. In addition, we volunteers have all made new acquaintances among parishioners and had a great time working together on various projects. The mosrewardingtibuilding and strengthening this commitment to one another. Please consider joining us as we continue to grow ourelationship with these delightful young people. None of us knows what fun andC

Halloween Celebration Sa

Friday, October 30, i

Date e church, at 7:00 p.m.

Please join us Friday evening, October 30th, 2015 for the annual Halloween Celebration at St. Mary's. The program will start promptly at the tolling of the bells at 7:00 pm in the church. After a fun service of Pumpkin Carols, Costume Parade, Scary Readings, and of course Spooky Organ Music, we will proceed to the great room for seasonal Halloween treats, drinks, and the ever popular Bobbing for Apples. This year's Halloween celebration theme is “The Three Witches” featuring works by Verdi, Shakespeare, Disney, and I put A Spell on You from the movie, Hocus Pocus. Join us in costume and bring your scary friends for this annual FUN celebration of all things Halloween. To lend help setting up the Great Room with Halloween decorations and snacks, please contact Steve Repasky at Steve@smvsf.org.

 

Regular Wors p Schedule 

Returns on 

Sunday Se tember 13 

Services at  

8:00 a.m.    9:00 a.m.    11:00 a.m. 

 

hi 

 

p 

 

Page 18  Fall 2015 Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin

The 27th Presiding Bishop The Rev. Claire Dietrich Ranna, Associate Rector

I first met the Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, then Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolinauring my freshman year at Duke University. It was

,

a line up

o excited to be in worship

nd

nocking over the lectern,

es!”

e

apacity. We are

dthe fall of 2002, and I found myself spending moreand more time with the Duke Episcopal Student Fellowship (ESF) as I settled into life in Durham.

As is customary in the Episcopal Church, Bishop Curry visited every parish in his purview once a year, and I happened to be in the pews when he came to the ESF that fall. I was 17 years old and had spent myentire life in Northern Ohio. I had met the Bishop ofOhio all of once, when he confirmed me, and I

ouldn’t have been able to pick him out ofwif I tried. Bishops were, it seemed to me, distant figureheads, imbued with heady authority but rather removed and somewhat unapproachable.

The altar at the ESF was smaller than the one that adorns our Chapel, and it sat in the center of a small rectangular space bounded by pews. Also in that space sat a small lectern and two chairs for the clergy. I watched Bishop Curry take his seat. Fully vested, he seemed physically imposing, but his smile was warmand gentle and there was something almost giddy in

r, like he was shis demeanothat he could barely contain himself. He sang with

gusto. He listened attentively to the readings. Athen he got up to preach.

If you have never seen someone steeped in the black Baptist tradition preach, then it will be hard to imagine what I really mean when I say that Bishop Curry is a preacher. Not only was he brilliant -- offeringa deeply theological and profoundly relevant message -- but his energy, it turned out, actually couldn’t be contained. He bounded around the altar, knockingover candlesticks, almost kraising his voice and his hands while drawing “yesand “amens!” from a usually shy and soft-spoken group of undergraduates.

Everything I thought I knew about Bishops, and about the Episcopal Church, was blown out of the water. He made me glad to be a Christian. He made me happy to have stayed in the Church. He helped

s a little more that night. me open my heart to JesuAnd I was honored to get to know him better in thcoming years as I took on leadership positions in the fellowship and welcomed him back for visits.

On June 27, during our 78th General Convention, Bishop Curry was elected the 27th Presiding Bishop ofThe Episcopal Church. Bishop Curry, 62, is the first African-American to serve in this ctruly blessed to have such a faithful disciple of Christ

ward to all that is to come in this role, and I look forunder his leadership.

Bishop Curry, fourth from the left, led about 1,500 General Convention participants in a “Bishops United Against Gun Violence” procession in Salt Lake City on the morning of June 28, 2015.

 

Cow Hollow Church News Fall 2015 Page 19

“Ten Historic Days

ly ring the most recent, the

The Episcopal Church

t

mes.

,

ch

hen we

ncrete

al or

t of

Episcopal bishop accused of driving g an accident resulting in the death of a

of

r of an

irly

ake? They establish r which our official representation in

ting y

ting t on

k postings list the actions of the

/78

in Salt Lake City” Dr. Rod Dugliss, Lay Deputy to General Convention for theDiocese of California

This was the final headline on one of the pop-up daiupapers that came to life d

78th, General Convention of

authorized $2,000,000 to fund education and coaction to engage and seek to take our part in dismantling the stubborn structures that perpetuate racial division, disregard, and hatred.

We also attended to the declining and shifting membership of The Episcopal Church and authorized $2,000,000 to plant new churches and an addition$1,500,000 to grow and support ministry with and fthe fastest growing segment of our population, our Latino/Hispanic sisters and brothers. Also, in lighthe tragedy last year in the Diocese of Maryland (involving an

(TEC) which took place in Salt Lake City for a busy ten days, ending July 3rd.

Making Our Own History Every nine years the bishops of the Church elect one of their number to be Presiding Bishop—who also acts as the primate of TEC in the structures of The Anglican Communion. This year the bishops elected and the deputies ecstatically endorsed The Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry of North Carolina to be the nexPresiding Bishop, starting on All Saints’ Day. He is the first African-American selected for this office in the 230 years of the General Convention. He is an amazing, energizing preacher and visionary who hasalso stood foursquare for justice in difficult tiThe choice was historic, and a huge blessing for us all.

We met immediately following the murder of nine congregants who were in prayer at Emanuel American Methodist Episcopal Church in CharlestonSC. During our time together two historic decisions were rendered by the Supreme Court—affirming the Affordable Care Act and declaring marriage equality for the entire country. The Church in Convention is always aware that it is working to guide a church that is very much part of the larger national context. It wasparticularly true in Salt Lake City.

The Episcopal Church approved marriage equality with canonical and liturgical changes. We authorizedthat the language of the Canons (laws) of the churgoverning marriage will be gender neutral. Tapproved two liturgical rites for the blessing of holy unions. These actions were not taken in haste but followed years of hearings, trial use, official gatherings, and local experience.

We faced the ongoing blight of the sin of racism in the Church, in local communities, in the nation. We

drunk durinbicyclist), we approved a clear and detailed setstandards regarding the use of alcohol in the life of the church.

Resolutions We deliberated and passed a large numberesolutions addressing issues of immigration, humtrafficking, gun violence, food security, divestment in fossil fuels (except for the Pension Fund), and a fatoothless statement wishing for peace in Israel/Palestine but with no action urged. What difference do these resolutions mthe policy foWashington -- yes, our lobbying office -- can advocate. They can only speak on matters for which TEC in Convention has acted.

Triennium Facts While many readers may know this, it bears nothat the way The Episcopal Church is governed is ba gathering every three years (triennium in Episcopal-speak) of deputies from every diocese, both lay and ordained, who meet as a legislative House of Deputies, with the bishops of the Church meetogether in a separate House of Bishops. They aca wide range of resolutions that authorize actions, take policy positions, and urge the wider Church intoaction. Not incidentally, the Convention also approved a several million dollar budget for the triennium. For the House of Deputies, each diocese elects four lay persons and four ordained persons—deacons or priests. I was honored to be elected as aLay Deputy for the Diocese of California for the fourth time and served the diocese at the convention. If you are interested in more detail, a number of web sites and FacebooConvention, including the Episcopal News Service, http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/categoryth-general-convention. Check it out. This is thof your Church.

e work

about the Convention can An audio recording of Rod talking found on www.smvsf.orgbe under “Spiritual Formation.”

 

Page 20  Fall 2015 Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin

From the Associate Rector

ly

l

ing

ular rayer practice is something I commend to everyone.

nt, bout

btle g

l

is

rdinary acts, undertaken prayerfully, that our lationship with God is deepened and sustained.

eciating

es

ars

, or, you

gging a

ame old thing. This is precisely why it so important to have support in this venture – a

r

we l

, I ncourage you to be compassionate with yourself.

’s

comes to prayer, practice does not make erfect - that, we trust, is a matter of grace -- but it

Practicing the day evenings last s program

coming

The Rev. Claire Dietrich Ranna

Practice In recent weeks, I’ve had the joy of meeting regularwith a group of faithful and courageous people from the parish and wider community interested in contemplative prayer. We not only talk about spirituapractice, we practice together. As members of the Church, we are all invited to practice prayer by maka habit or custom of praying. On the other hand, wemight practice prayer like we practice piano or soccer: to acquire a new skill or become more proficient in it. As an athlete, practice also implies for me that the activity at hand is a work in progress. I’m not going to the big game; I’m going to practice. Committing to a regpWhat this looks like for each of you will be differebut I offer here a few thoughts on how to go aimagining this and, more importantly, beginning. A balanced prayer life integrates both formal and informal - even playful – elements, while also including times for individual and corporate prayer. For several years after college, I sat in silence with God each morning for 20 minutes. This was a fruitful and life-giving discipline which had its own sujoys, but mostly it felt like work. I didn’t like wakinup early to pray. It took two years before I felt I’d actually connected with anything deep or meaningfuwithin or beyond myself. I wasn’t “good” at meditation; I just kept doing it. Nevertheless, thgave me a foundation in contemplative practice that has served me well. My practice is much more fluidnow. I still pray daily, but also bring an attitude of prayer into my everyday life. It’s often through simple, oreWith a particular approach, baking bread, apprnature, or feeding another person all “count” as prayer. The point is simply this: practice matters. For centuries, spiritual teachers have taught that we are shaped by what we regularly do, the way dripping water changes stone. Psychological research provida scientific foundation for this. Our brains work so efficiently, in part, because neural networks are filled

with shortcuts. This is to our advantage much of the time (think of how much energy it took when you were first learning to drive to just get the car out ofthe driveway). But our brains do the same thing with emotional responses and habitual behavior, which cansometimes get us in trouble. If you have spent yeresponding to criticism with feelings of shamemore positively, waking up each morning to pray, will find that these acts become conditioned feelings and behaviors. A therapist friend of mine oftencompares neural networks to a river running downhill: the water (our consciousness) takes the easiest, most established path, the one with the least resistance, unless we invest time and energy in redirecting it. Starting a new practice is like dinew offshoot, and it does take more work, at first, than doing the siscommunity that can cheer you on, hear your frustration, and remind you why you got into this in the first place. My 9-month old daughter is now learning to walk. She pulls herself up on furniture and eagerly takes ouhands as she takes sometimes timid, sometimes jubilant steps. She takes incredible risks, falls frequently, and seems never to be discouraged. She is practicing a new skill, learning how to do something she has never done before, and her excitement is contagious. When we, as adults, take on new skills,are all too often judgmental of our progress. We feewe aren’t doing it right because we aren’t good at it yet, or we may feel embarrassed or discouraged by our pace. As you explore different ways to prayeThink of a baby learning to walk. Invite “beginnermind,” as the Buddhists would say, and approach each new practice with curiosity and wonder. When it pdoes draw us deeper into the heart of the divine, where God’s love and mercy alone can make us whole.

Presence met for six weeks on Wednessummer. Rev. Claire will be offering thi

again later this fall. Keep an eye out for more details on! so

 

Summer in the City The Rev. Claire Dietrich Ranna, Associate Rector Our annual summer adult form series, Summer in the City, was again an overwhelming success thanks to our gifted preseseries, which foTransformation,with Rector categories and vocabulary oour faith anew,we savored speakers for 1weeks. Rev. Dr. AlJones, DeanEmeritus of Grace Cathedral, engaged in dialogue with Fr. Scott the relevanof faith in thmodern world,

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Cow Hollow Church News Fall 2015 Page 21

oprofound insight and poignant socommentary. The Rt. RevWilliam Swing, former Bishop of the Diocese of California, returned to St. Mary’s to discuss the poweof inter-religious collaboration and talk about The United Religions Initiative, about which he has recently written a wonderful book, A Bishop’s Quest. Dr. Roderick Dugliss followed on the 5th of Juhaving just returned from General Convention, and spoke about how The Episcopal Church takes positions on social issues. We then welcomed back the Rev. Dr. William Stafford, former Dean Sewanee School of Theology, who brouLtransformations of the Reformation. On July 19, we celebrated the Feast of Mary Magdalene for the first time in worship and

welcomed Dr. Kayleen Asbo, a renowned historian and mythologist, as our preacher and Summer in tCity presenter. Her creative exploration of the visupresentations of Mary Magdalene throughout tcenturies delighted participants. The Planned and Major Gifts Committee bravely navigated the

led a lovely ith that, the w weeks. Our own Todd Reynolds offered an insightful and relevant presentation on California’s water shortage and future. The Rev. Claire Dietrich Ranna led an interactive presentation on Pilgrimage, sharing her own experiences as a pilgrim to

Jerusalem, and CanterburyCathedral. On our pa

feast day, inspired by the Magnificat, the Rev. Tim Smith invited participants to reflect on our collective social ministries and outreach programs. Nearof August, Jory Sandusky used his significant professional experience to talk about faithful finances, and the series closed with a reflection on the probof Good Friday, specifically in terms of the anSemitism historically sparked

Summer Adult Forum Series speaker and former Bishop of the Diocese of California, William E. Swing, reminisced and worshipped with us and with his wife Mary. Here the Swings are welcomed by the Revs. Scott Richardson and Claire Dietrich Ranna.

n With something for everyone, this summer’s formation offerings were diverse, inspiring, andcan only hope, transformational for all. Audio recordings of these talks can be found on our ww under “Spiritual Formation.”

 

Page 22  Fall 2015 Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin

St. Mary the Virgin of Sagada

Lisa Cabahug-Gabiana

The wife of our Sexton, Manny Gabiana, Lisa traveled recently in their native Philippines to Sagada, 170 miles north of Manila, where she met with a surprise.

In my mind, there is only one Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin, and it is located on Union and Steiner Streets in San Francisco. So it was a big jolto see a sign for Church of St. Mary the Virgin first thing as I entered Sagada. The church spire looms large over a settlement which literally clings to the sides of the Cordillera mountain range, some 7000 feet above sea level. The church clock chimes the hour, every hour, and establishes the town’s day. Its stained glass window hangs high over the altar. Daily Mass starts at 6:30 a.m., so teenage girls in crisp pink school uniforms, young men on their way to the fields, and mature folks with wizened faces start to file into church at 6:00 a.m. It is a mellow congregation that includes the dogs who saunter in during Mass.

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I looked for a statue of St. Mary the Virgin, and there she was out front, facing the sunrise, hidden by vines, but keeping watch over the wheels of the wagon that brought the Episcopal Bishop Charles

Brent to the mountains of Sagada. Anglican Bishop Charles Henry Brent, a missionary bishop from the Episcopal Church of the United States, was sent to the Philippines in 1902 to convert the population of the newly-annexed US colony to the faith. Together with incoming Governor-General William Howard Taft, the Bishop decided to prioritize his missionary work among the pagans, namely, Chinese in the cities and the tribes of northern and southern Philippines who did not convert to Roman Catholicism under Spanish rule. Bishop Brent believed in disciplined but sustained work and opted for service to hospitals and education at schools as strategies for conversion. In 1904, he sent the Rev. John Staunton from New York to establish the mission in Sagada that became the parish of St. Mary the Virgin. Bishop Brent's experience in the Philippines and elsewhere convinced him of the need for Christian unity. After attending the World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1910, he began to conceptualize an ecumenical organization and in 1927 became the moving spirit in the establishment of what is now known as the World Council of Churches. 

Sagada beckons as Dharamsala and Bali Hai do – mystical mountains, spiritual sanctuary, peace centers, cool and refreshing oases for the soul and the body.

Sunrise over the Cordillera Mountains does not disappoint, as the mist gently withdraws from the South China Sea. Sagada’s famed hanging coffins are still visible over the limestone cliffs, preserving ancestors’ remains and culture for many more generations. The ancient burial practice endures, but head hunters are no longer a threat, and the locals, short and dark, speak perfect English. They are worthy inheritors of Bishop Brent’s social and educational legacy in this mountain enclave.

The entryway to St. Mary’s in Sagada

Mystical mountains in the Philippines yield spiritual sanctuary, and refreshing oases for the soul and body

Famed hanging coffins

 

Music News

 

Finland’s exuberant and enchanting choir, Vox Aurea, joined St. Mary's choir on Sunday, July 12, 2015, during our worship service and then gave an impromptu concert in our courtyard. Director of Music Chip Grant arranged the visit with Vox Aurea (the golden voice) conductor Sanna Salminen. They went on to give award-winning performances at the Golden Gate International Choral Festival in Oakland.

The Orff instrument collection of the Children’s Choir already included an alto metallophone and a soprano and an alto glockenspiel (shown on the back page, being carried by Maddie Glunt and Emma Dyson). Now, thanks to a generous donation by the Hon. and Mrs. Charles Renfrew and an All Souls’ Day fundraiser last year when choristers and their parents baked and sold “soul cakes,” two new xylophones join the collection. Shown in the photo above, Isabella Landry (left) demonstrates the soprano xylophone and Sebastian Landry (right) demonstrates the alto. Last year, “bass xylophone specialist” Nolan Giovagnoli, accompanied and sang in about a third of the 9:00 a.m. services. This year, choristers will accompany themselves in about half of the 9:00 a.m. services. Now that we are blessed with more instruments to use, each chorister will have a chance to play at each rehearsal.

-- Laura Jeanne Ruppert, Children’s Choir Director

Cow Hollow Church News Fall 2015 Page 23

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INSIDE… From the Rector ................ Cover Story

Solar Power ........................................ 2

Sr. Warden’s Letter ............................ 3

Sunday School .................................. 4

Mini-Ministries Fair .......... 5, 6, 7, & 11

Stewardship & Furniture ................... 8

Our New Seminarian........................ 10

Youth Mission Trip .......................... 12

Newcomers’ Corner ......................... 14

Transformative Gifts........................ 15

A Growing Partnership.................... 16

27th Presiding Bishop ...................... 18

Historic General Convention .......... 19

From the Associate Rector ............. 20

Summer in the City .......................... 21

St. Mary’s of Sagada........................ 22

Music News ...................................... 23

HIGHLIGHTS—FALL - 2015 Also visit www.smvsf.org

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday Morning Services – Regular worship times start again

September 13 with services at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

SPIRITUALITY & PASTORAL CARE Nursing Home Ministry – every 4th Sunday, Golden Gate

Healthcare Center, 2707 Pine Street, at 1:30 p.m.

Presidio Gate Ministry –2nd & 4th Mondays, 2770 Lombard Street, at 11 a.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite II – Wednesdays, in the chapel, at 7 a.m.

OUTREACH Raphael House Ministry – First Monday of each month.

Contact Alisa Quint Fisher at alisaquint@mac.com Larkin Street Dinners at Edward II – 2nd and 4th Sundays

each month. Contact Marta Johnson at martajohnsf@gmail.com

SAVE THESE DATES Night Ministry’s Open Cathedral – Sunday, September 20 at

Civic Center Plaza, at 2 p.m.

Night Ministry Annual Gala – Saturday, October 17, at the Urban Life Center of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. For more information, visit www.sfnightministry.org