Community updates (7/6/22)
Backyard Fellowship Hike and Lunch- Saturday, July 16 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
This time the “Backyard” is our church. Hikers meet at the church at 10 AM and we will walk the Los Alamitos Trail to Almaden Lake and back to church for lunch. This is an easy level walk which you can go as far as you are comfortable and turn around anytime you like. Want to just join in the fun for lunch? Meet us on the church patio at 12 noon. Everyone brings their own lunch and beverage. Hikers can put their bag lunches in the church refrig while we are hiking. And for an extra special treat, how about ice cream sundaes for dessert. There’s plenty of ice cream on hand for a crowd. Check the ECA bulletin board to sign up and for more details.
John Leslie is coming!
A Reading of the play 'Tuesdays with Morrie'
by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom,
based on the book by Mitch Albom.
John will be performing a two-person play, “Tuesdays with Morrie” in our sanctuary
on Saturday, July 23rd at 2:00.
It is a tribute to a favorite and very inspirational professor, Morrie Schwartz, and is based on Mitch’s real-life visits with Morrie after he is diagnosed with ALS.
Cast will include Andrew Hall and John Leslie, assisted by Gwen Hacker.
Free admission, with free-will offering for JV Churches
Simple reception following for all who would like to catch up and talk with John.
Join us for the fun!
From Your Transition Consultant
Transitions and change are facts of life – personally and corporately. In the Church, we are always in transition as parishioners arrive to us, and then as they leave us for other locations, jobs, or into retirement or even death. Clergy transitions are a part of this general picture as well.
Let’s face it; most of us don’t like change. Change is generally quick, and it is out of our control. But a transition is different; transition is a process, and there is much that can be learned from it. It is a way to see new opportunities and deal with things “we have left undone.” Transition is slower than change.
Have I convinced you that this is a good thing? I doubt it. But let me assure you that in this time of transition, as with all others, Bishop Lucinda is with you, not only in prayer, but in practice. The Consultant will be with you regularly to support a congregation’s process. More than that, this Transition Team, supported by the Consultant on a regular basis, helps the congregation to figure out what kind of leadership it needs, both clergy and lay.
The transition process is step-by-step, yet it calls for each congregation to look at things that need to be attended to along the way. At the end of the process, you will have a consensus about what is needed, and a clear idea of who you are as a congregation. I know: you’ve done this before—and I know you will do it again. You will be able to answer the questions, “Who are we?” and “What is God calling us to do/be?” You will discover what your personal and church spiritual identity is. These are all important discoveries that a potential applicant will want to know more about.
How long will it take? I don’t know. It will take as long as it takes to answer those two questions. But these things I am sure about: God is faithful, you have a Vestry and a Diocese to guide and support your ministry, and you are a congregation poised on the edge of really good things.
Julian of Norwich said, “All will be well, and all will be well, and all will be well.” I truly believe that, and I hope you do too. Please be a part of this transition process and walk faithfully. And above all, be patient; God has much to do with this congregation, and God’s work takes time and prayerful discernment.
- Bishop Lucinda Ashby
Diocesan Transition Consultant
Confirmation Class begins Sun, July 24 and runs through Sun, August 21 from 9-10:15am in the Learning Center, downstairs. This 5-week class is open to everyone, but if you want to be Confirmed or Received into The Episcopal Church by the Bishop during her annual visitation, you will need to take this preparation class. It is a good foundation for who we are as Episcopalians, what we believe, where we came from, etc.
-Shelley
Shelley will be finishing her sabbatical and taking some vacation from June 13 through July 23. The Rev. Canon John Saville and his wife, Kathleen, will once again be here to cover her time away. They will be living in the rectory and Fr. John will be presiding and preaching at the 10:45am service each Sunday (there will be no 7:30am service during this time, due to lack of attendees. The 7:30am service will begin again when Shelley returns). Fr. John will also attend meetings and take care of any pastoral needs. You may call him directly or call Senior Warden Nancy Romer if you have need of pastoral care.
Wednesday Night Discussion Group is on vacation until the Fall. It will return in mid-September as a book study group.
Thursday Morning Bible Study is also on vacation until Thursday, July 28th from 10-11:30am on Zoom.