The Keys, May 2013

The KeysMay 2013

No matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here!

The Keysof St. Peter

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. ~Maori Proverb

The Keys, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church2

Contrasting Opinions

Spring evenings are beautiful everywhere, but they’re especially intense here in

northern California, where the evening light in May can be stunning. Sit at a west-

facing window as the sun begins to set, and after awhile the luminous evening

light turns the whole world into a Vermeer or a Rembrandt. Sometimes the light

seems thick enough to bottle and the shadows heavy enough to trip over. Maybe

the lengthening evenings trigger a vestigial childhood joy: school’s almost over…

summer’s coming! Or maybe they trigger something even deeper, like the strangely

infallible signal that tells jacaranda trees to blossom just when spring evenings are

longest.

An art teacher might say that the light of spring evenings takes its character from

the angle of the sun and the quality of the air, and that longer shadows deepen

the contrast between light and dark. You’d have to be a skilled painter to capture

that mysterious interplay. Without the long dark shadows we couldn’t appreciate

the golden light… and without the golden light we wouldn’t have the long dark

shadows.

A scientist could add that the human eye is more sensitive to contrast than to

brightness. Because of this we’re able to perceive our world equally well in both

high and low light, and able to distinguish between light and dark in an image

whether the image itself is bright or dim.

When it comes to contrast, the impressive sensitivity of the eye may influence how

our minds work. We sometimes use metaphorical contrast—“black and white”—

to mean that something is plain to see. Sometimes we use the same phrase to

describe a clear-cut case of right and wrong. And sometimes we can even fool

ourselves into thinking that the world works in black and white.

May 2013 3

Back in the third century a Persian mystic named Mani taught his followers that

the universe was a duality in which God and Satan, good and evil, contended for

supremacy. The same fight was waged within each person, where it was a battle for

the soul.

Mani’s religion, Manichaeism, grew like Topsy and was one of the most active

“competitions” of the early Christian church. It spread east along the Silk Road and

west throughout the Roman empire. Manichean churches lasted in western China

into the 14th century—more than 1,000 years.

St. Augustine was probably the most famous Manichean, although he converted

to Christianity at the age of 33 because Manichaeism had become a little too

simplistic for him. He wrote in the “Confessions” that the Manicheans blamed sin

on something external…

“It flattered my pride to think that I incurred no guilt and, when I did wrong, not to

confess it... I preferred to excuse myself and blame this unknown thing which was

in me but was not part of me. The truth, of course, was that it was all my own self,

and my own impiety had divided me against myself. “

Because Manicheans painted everything in black and white, the word “Manichean”

is sometimes used to describe any outlook that ignores nuance. For example,

focussing on the letter of the law could be called a Manichean view of justice.

Most people accept that their world doesn’t really divide neatly into good and bad.

Even close friends have failings… and even our worst enemies have redeeming

virtues. But when challenged by something new and different, anyone can turn

into a Manichean. The world we know may not be black and white… but often

the world we don’t know is. Different cultures and unexpected change can be


threatening. The unfamiliar is frightening. It makes us think in terms of Us and

Them.

Jesus reminded us that dividing the world into black and white, Us and Them, is not

only arbitrary, but wrong. He said “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye

also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for

sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to

you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them

of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to

receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping

for nothing again; and your reward shall be great.”

This is the Golden Rule, a lesson that’s easy to learn, easy to accept, and—more

often than not—hard to follow. The Golden Rule dares us to think in colors and

shadings, to move beyond black and white. It challenges us to find nuance, to

recognize that differences between people don’t matter as much as what people

share in common.

Let’s let the beautiful golden light of May evenings remind us that contrasting

shades can form an appealing picture. At dusk contrasting colors and the interplay

of light and shadows create a special luminosity. Contrasts among people can be

beautiful, too. A mixture of different tones—of light, deep color, and shadow—

can enrich our lives… if we let it.

May 2013 5

Catching Up With the Senior WardenA Chat with Mary Esther Schnaubelt

We had to sprint to catch up with Senior Warden Mary Esther Schnaubelt. Now in her second year as the leader of the parish, Mary Esther has a lot of ground to cover and she’s moving fast.. We thought that now would be a good time to see how she’s holding up and hear what’s on her mind. Here’s what we found.

How are you feeling about our rector search?

“I am really pleased with the focus and diligence of the Search Committee… they have really applied themselves to the task. I am so appreciative, as I am sure others in the parish are also, of all the time and energy they are putting into it. The Committee plans to have the three finalists selected by June first, at which point the Vestry will conduct interviews of the three and make the final selection. Vestry members already have blocked out possible interview times so we can keep up the momentum of the search when it’s time for our part of the process.”

What are your quick thoughts on our new interim rector?

“We are so lucky to have Susan as our interim rector. I only hear positive things about her from the congregation. I personally have enjoyed her sermons and her warmth during our worship.”

What do you think we’ve learned about ourselves as a parish since Chip left?

“Well, I think one of the things we have learned is that we will be OK without Chip. I think it is now clear to us that we will make it through this transition period just fine and that we have a bright and exciting future ahead of us. It was hard for many of us to feel this in the first few months after he left, but now I sense a collective confidence in our future. “

As senior warden at a time of transition, how are you holding up? What do you do to relieve stress and stay on an even keel?

“I’m doing fine. Being senior warden during this time in our parish life is quite demanding, but it is also a privilege and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in


this capacity. I have learned so much—about St. Peter’s and the diocese, and I’ve gotten to know many people much more deeply. It is has been wonderful to have such a great junior warden to work with—I’ll be sad when Dave makes his move farther north. I also am so appreciative of all of the Vestry members I serve with. They have all accepted great responsibilities during this time period and are good people.

“I’m afraid I don’t do a very good job relieving stress! I do find that I am more relaxed about the responsibilities of senior warden after a worship service. Worshiping together is the central act of our life together. The prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving offered during this time relaxes my spirit and renews my soul.”

May 2013 7

In the Interim

‘If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.’ Luke 11:36

Contrasting light and dark is an ancient, timeless way to consider all sorts of ideas but most obviously that between good and evil. This is particularly obvious in Scripture, where dark or darkness is almost invariably is a metaphor for evil or igno-rance and light for goodness and wisdom.We could also use the contrast to think of the times when life seems quite appalling and the times when life seems – if not peaceful – at least less awe-full.

Whatever contrast we choose to use, I find it useful to remember the words Adlai Stevenson wrote of Eleanor Roosevelt; ‘She would rather light candles than curse the darkness...’ How we respond to the darkness is everything. Do we choose fear and run or do we stand and face the darkness, recalling that the light came into the world and nothing that can overcome it. Indeed, it is only when it is dark enough you can see the stars. Amen.Susan +

St. Peter’s Women: Stronger than Ever

This year’s Women’s Retreat sounds like a special occasion—one not to be missed. The Retreat will be held from Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19 at Bishop’s Ranch… a beautiful spot with wonderful company.

The Keys has learned that the agenda may include both a speaker and a storyteller, as well as important discussion on women’s issues at the parish. Among the items to be considered: A regular social event for church women, future directions for the ECW, and activities like author Lana Dalberg’s reading on May 5.

Becky Schenone, who’s helping to coordinate the Women’s Retreat says, “There are many dedicated, hard working individuals among the female population at this church… it would be wonderful if more women would get involved!”

To sign up or learn more, contact Becky at (650) 888-2921, or Shireen Luna Woo at (510) 407-2500. See you there!


As I write this brief epistle, it is one day after the passing of our beloved Scott Turner. Each day for the past week, I have gone to see him in the hospital, praying at his bedside and watching him gradually fade until his incredibly strong heart finally decided to release him from this world.

What amazed me was the sheer number of people who came to pay their respects during the week. It wasn’t just his three children or his siblings. He had visitors representing many parts of his life, including church, his legal clients and especially the people from the 12-step program that he was so devoted to. I heard story after story of how Scott had influenced their lives, helped them regain their health, make new friends and find a deeper meaning to life. These stories were profound and life-changing and in each case it was Scott who made it happen.

And yet, Scott was not a demonstrative person. He was quiet and unassuming. He did his work with people by simply being a friendly presence and by modeling his faith and lifestyle without forcing himself on anyone. I realize now how much his gentle smile and loving, prayerful nature affected me in the brief few years I had the pleasure of knowing him.

Scott showed us that you don’t have to be a great preacher or dedicate your life to some great cause to do God’s work. All you have to do is to live your life with a smile on your lips and Christ in your heart. If you do so, people will see the glow in your life and they will come to you. You don’t need to impose yourself on them.

THE DEACON’S BEACON By Dn. Skip Bushee

May 2013 9

Dn. Skip

From my perspective, Scott was taken from us all too soon. And yet, he managed to accomplish more in his lifetime than most of us ever will, no matter how long we live. He did it quietly with no great fanfare, simply by always being Christ like as he went about his daily life.

Scott, you are one of the angels now. We will miss you greatly and yet you have earned your reward. I pray that I can claim half as much when my time comes.

Scott Turner1948-2013


Godly PlayBig doings in Godly Play!

The students have been thinking about new service projects, and on April 21 Cari Pang Chen led a brainstorming session on the subject of what might come next. Suggestions included…

-More “Hope Bags” to be shared with homeless individuals

-Collecting money or items to support a nonprofit organization such as the Ameri-can Red Cross, Peninsula Humane Society, or the Second Harvest Food Bank.

-Picking up trash at a local park or beach.

-Providing brunch at Maple Street Homeless Shelter.

-Helping out at a St. Peter’s event, like the holiday bazaar.

Cari also told the students and parents about a local interfaith group of churches that plans a few select community-building events to do throughout the year to-gether.

The younger students have been working on the story of the Good Shepherd and on “The Synagogue and the Upper Room,” which combines the story of Jesus reading scripture in the synagogue in Nazareth with the story of the Last Supper.

The older children are working on the series “Knowing Jesus in a New Way, ” which includes Jesus’s appearance to disciples at the Sea of Galilee, the story of Doubting Thomas, and the admonition to Peter to “feed my sheep.” The students are also discussing how disciples are commanded to go everywhere, teach, and baptize.

Attention children’s choir! CDs are available in the back of the church. The choir continues under the direction of Music Minister Jim Sharpe.

May 2013 11


From the Vestry

At its most recent meeting on April 10, the Vestry turned its attention to several items of interest. Many were very positive… but the first was not.

With regret, the Vestry learned that Junior Warden Dave Householder and Colleen plan to move to Sonoma County this summer. Dave’s service to St. Peter’s has been immeasurably generous, and his many accomplishments were often undertaken behind the scenes and out of the limelight. Dave has supervised innumerable repairs and renovations with good cheer and great results, and has handled issues with our renters effectively and graciously. Since Father Chip’s departure Dave has been a key figure in parish management and transition planning. Dave will be missed by everyone… and especially by his fellow Vestry members, who wish him and his family the very best.

The Vestry has authorized repairs to the sanctuary floor tiles, and Dave reported that the project has been something of a nightmare. It’s proving impossible to match the existing tiles. As a consequence, it appears likely that all of the tiles on the altar rail level will need to be replaced. Dave will also get an estimate to replace the altar carpeting.

The Vestry authorized cleaning and painting at the main entrance, and also approved the purchase of a pressure washer to help with this and similar projects.

The Vestry discussed next steps following former Sexton Mark Weiss’s resignation on April 15, and agreed to solicit bids from three commercial janitorial companies, including the current cleaners. The Vestry is also considering using a commercial security to handle lock-up and related activities.

Aware that the diocese is discussing future directions for Mother Anna and her ministry, the Vestry agreed that St. Peter’s should invite all members of the El Buen Pastor congregation to worship with us, but that our parish will be unable to support El Buen Pastor as a separate ministry.

The Vestry received an update from Search Committee Chairman Dave Goulden, detailed in a separate item.

The next scheduled Vestry meeting is on Wednesday, May 8.

May 2013 13

Update on the Search

The search for a new full-time rector is starting its busiest—and final—phase. The Search Committee got a little breather between the time when we posted our Parish Profile and the deadline for applications. But the break’s over now, and Committee members have been harder at work than ever.

Before the deadline passed the parish received 15 applications, from all around the country, and by mid-May each candidate will have had at least one conference-call phone interview.

After speaking with the 15 applicants and reviewing their resumes, the Committee will choose the top five candidates. And from these, the Committee will recommend three candidates to the Vestry. Search Committee Chairman Dave Goulden plans to present the three candidates to the Vestry by June 1.

In preparation for interviews with the three finalists the Vestry has scheduled a May 29 briefing session with Denise Obando, our diocesan transition manager. The candidates will visit St. Peter’s in June, and if all goes according to plan, the Vestry will make an offer sometime in early July.

If you have questions or concerns, see Dave Goulden or any Search Committee member. And don’t forget to say thanks… the Committee has put long hours and lots of thought into this important process, and there’s more to come!


Noted in Brief

Combined Service Alert!

If you’re a regular at the 8:00 AM service, you can sleep in on May 12th (Mother’s Day) and on May 19th (Pentecost). Both Sundays will feature a combined service at 10:30.

Driven to Succeed

Get Up and Go is a community-based program that provides rides to isolated older adults. They’re looking for volunteer drivers. If there’s room in your car and room in your heart, you’re cordially invited to help older adults who no longer drive. Occasional availability is fine. Contact Manager Betty Burr at (650) 378-2698.

Notes Noted

Our music critic tells us that the adult choir has never been in such good voice… or in such strength. At last week’s 10:30 service the choristers filled the air with beautiful sounds, and filled the area around the altar, too. Would you like to be associated with such a fine, growing group of musicians? See Music Minister James Sharpe.

Celebrating the Spirit

Our music critic is on the edge of his seat as Pentecost approaches. Our combined service on May 19th will include a jazz prelude at 10:15, hymns that capture the miracle of the spirit, special anthems by our adult and children’s choir, a jazz voluntary during communion, and a jazz postlude.

May 2013 15

Peet’s for St. Pete’sOur monthly coffee sponsorship program is back up and running! Many thanks to the Householder family for their sponsorship of Peet’s Coffee for May; lift your cup to them at coffee hour! If you would like to sponsor a month, please write [email protected]

Your Help Needed!

St. Peter’s is tentatively scheduled to serve dinner at the Maple Street Shelter on May 26. Why “tentative?” Because if you don’t volunteer, we won’t have enough workers. So don’t wait… sign up now! Our work has meant a lot to this worthy cause and community resource. Contact Pat McCarty at [email protected].

Very Handsome in Profile

Have you seen the St. Peter’s Parish Profile? It’s available for viewing and downloading on the parish Web site: www.stpetersrwc.org/news.htm Hard copies are available on request; call the office. The Parish Profile is the culmination of months of effort on the part of every member of the Search Committee, and it’s a fantastic portrait of our parish and how we see ourselves. Not to be missed!

Ice Cream Social on Pentecost

Join us for an ice cream social following the family service on Pentecost! You can help fund it (and other upcoming events) by depositing your spare change in the birdhouse-shaped church (or church-shaped birdhouse) at coffee hour, or by contacting [email protected]


Baton Notes–James Sharpe

Music For Children Is Music For Us – Several times now, our young people have shared anthems in worship. Practicing during coffee hour, and bolstered by the parents and other members of the choir, they have added a new dimension to our worship. Between now and June 2nd, these practice times will continue as they prepare anthems for upcoming Youth Sundays. Please encourage your child to par-ticipate. Words and CDs are available on the information table in the church.

New, at 10:10 AM Sundays – Practice Church! Do you remember that not-quite-at-home feeling you have when you visit an unfamiliar church, where you feel quite alone, and not certain about what will hap-pen? So – you are invited to come early, meet others, sing the liturgy and hymns which we will be us-ing. Beginning at 10:10 each Sunday, we will have a ten-minute “Practice Church.” On alternate Sun-days the choir will already be there, and if you accidentally decide to join the choir, well … that just might happen. See you there!

Need Encouragement? If you know of people who need encouragement to sing, or who are hiding their instrumental skills, please share their names, phone number and email address with me. Send a note to me at [email protected], or call me at 883-1696 and I will contact them. There is nothing more meaningful than watching someone “remember” how much music means to them, and how im-portant it is to share that in worship. Our choir meets on 2nd and 4th Sundays at 9:00 am – See you there!

Pentecost Sunday: May 19thJazz Worship–10:30 a.m.

Celebrate the Birthday of the ChurchEvery Time I Feel the Spirit!

Join us for a reprise of the 2012 Jazz Easter Service!Jazz Prelude at 10:15 AM, followed by Hymns Which Capture the Miracle of the Spirit, Special Anthems By Our Choirs, Jazz

Voluntary During Communion, Jazz Postlude

May 2013 17

Finding Your Way

Are you looking for a new way to get connected or help out at St. Peter’s? Wondering what your ministry might be within our community? There may be more going on than you realize and more chances to get involved that you know. Think about one of these ministries and if something interests you, get in touch with the contact person listed below.

• Choir—contact James Sharpe at [email protected]• Parish Governance (Vestry, Deanery, Finance or Buildings & Grounds)—Sr.

Warden Mary Esther Schnaubelt at [email protected]• Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Acolytes and Lay Readers—contact Sue Walker at

[email protected] • Godly Play (Sunday School)—contact Cari Chen at caripangchen@gmail.

com• Altar Guild—contact Barbara Naas at [email protected] • S.P.Y. (Youth Group)—contact Mary Esther Schnaubelt at meschnaubelt@

gmail.com• Hopkins Manor Nursing Home Ministry—contact Deacon Skip Bushee at

[email protected]• Maple Street Shelter Ministry—contact Pat McCarty at pat_mccarty@

sbcglobal.net• ECW (Episcopal Church Women)—Su Boocock (650) 591-9395 or Kathryn

Marconi (650) 365-8861• W.O.W. (Women of Wisdom)—Lori Castellucci at loriange1551@sbcglobal.

net • Crafty Ladies (ECW)—contact Midge Bobel at (650) 364-0195• Brotherhood (Men’s Group)—contact JD Davidson at jdconstruction_2000@

yahoo.com

Of course, if you have an interest in starting a fellowship group or ministry at St. Peter’s, don’t hesitate to contact a member of the Vestry so we can assist and support you in that effort.


The Next Page

The Keys is a monthly newsletter for all members and friends of St. Peter’s. And all members and friends are welcome to submit articles for it. You might be a member of a group in the church that would like to invite more people to a gathering you are having. Or, you might be someone who has just read an interesting book and want to share your thoughts about it.

The parish staff does reserve the right not to publish something if it is, for some reason, deemed inappropriate. But, we do publish most articles that are submitted. If you have questions about your submission for the Keys, please contact Peter Hutchinson at [email protected]

May 2013 19

Rites of Passage

“We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a

happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person.— W. Somerset Maugham

“I remember when the candle shop burned down. Everyone stood around singing ‘Happy Birthday’.”— Steven Wright

May Birthdays

Chris Angel �� 5/1Richard Marconi �� 5/5Sarah Rivera �� 5/5Dean Miller �� 5/8Cari Chen �� 5/9Carl Berens ��5/12Natalie Friend ��5/13Erna Daley ��5/15Lesly Duke ��5/15Stacey Redman� ��5/17Court McKean ��5/17Declan Higgins ��5/18Pat McCarty ��5/19Adam Larrimore ��5/20Miguel Rivera ��5/20Arthur Lloyd ��5/21Gwyn Azar ��5/24Mona Dena ��5/26Robbie Davidson ��5/26Rod Marconi ��5/27Helena Shapiro ��5/28Danny Shapiro� ��5/30James Badia ��5/30Dottress Rollin ��5/31 May

Anniversaries

Curiously, we have no anniversaries listed in our records for May!

Please contact the church office to make sure we have YOUR birthday

or anniversary date to celebrate.

The Keys is published monthly for members and friends of St� Peter’s Episcopal Church� News items may be emailed to denise@stpetersrwc�org� Next deadline: May 29th; pictures welcome! You can find The Keys online at www�stpetersrwc�org and www�issuu�com/st_peters_episcopal_church

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 178 Clinton Street Redwood City, CA 94062 www.stpetersrwc.org

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Permit no. 29

The Keys is published monthly for members and friends of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. News items

may be emailed to [email protected]. Next deadline: November 5th – pictures welcome!

The Vestry:

Mr. Steven Azar

Ms. Adina Badia

Mr. Ted Hardie

Mr. Dave Householder

Mr. Peter Hutchinson

Mr. Arthur Lloyd

Ms. Nancy Oliver

Ms. Mary Esther Schnaubelt

Mr. Scott Turner

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Worship Schedule:

Holy Eucharist:

Sundays 8:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays 12 Noon in the Chapel

The Rev. Marc Andrus

Bishop of the Diocese of California t

Clergy & Lay Staff:The Rev. Susan D. Parsons, Interim RectorThe Rev. Skip Bushee, DeaconMr� James A� Sharpe, Music MinisterMr� Mark Weiss, Sexton & Facilities ManagerMs� Denise Delaney, Parish Administrator

Officers of St. Peter’s:Ms� Mary Esther Schnaubelt, Senior WardenMr� Dave Householder, Junior WardenMr. John Lessar, TreasurerMr� Darryl Race, Clerk of the Vestry

The Vestry:Mr� Steven AzarMs� Adina Badia

Ms� Lori CastellucciMr� Dave HouseholderMr� Peter Hutchinson

Ms� Susan MitchellMs� Nancy Oliver

Mr� Darryl RaceMs� Mary Esther Schnaubelt

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church178 Clinton Street Redwood City, CA 94062www�stpetersrwc�org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

St. Peter’s Episcopal ChurchWorship Schedule:

Holy Eucharist: Sundays 8:00 & 10:30 a�m�

The Rt. Rev. Marc AndrusBishop of the Diocese of California

The Keys, May 2013

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Transcript of The Keys, May 2013