Epiphany Day Queen, Sara Hines

The Annual Meeting of

Christ Church Parish
Sunday, January 22, 2017
beginning at 10:30am
Lunch will follow

Of Annual Meetings
January does have a way of sneaking up on us. Those of us involved with the
preparations for the Christmas season at a parish church are just that, really involved
with Christmas. Then, suddenly it is January 6, the feast of the Epiphany, Christmas is
over for another year and we are staring the Annual Meeting in the face. We have
reports to write, candidates for vestry and delegates to convention to confirm, ballots
to print, a lunch to arrange, minutes and pencils to find, and all the other things
needed for a smooth and productive meeting.
We love to grumble about annual meetings, they interfere with our preferred worship
schedule, they can be dull, the potential for dissension is high, they seem
unnecessarily formal, and they remind us not only of all the things we have done, but
also those we should have done and have not. The truth is we are required to have an
annual meeting, the Diocesan Canons state in Sec. 36.1. The meeting of every Parish
shall be held annually for the election of members of the Vestry for the reception of
reports, and for the transaction of other business which may legally and canonically
come before the meeting., and in section 3.2 of the Constitution of Christ Church
Parish we read, The members of the parish shall meet annually to elect members of
the Vestry and Lay delegates to Diocesan Convention.
So a required meeting, but an important meeting, a meeting we should all plan to
attend, think State of the Union plus. At this meeting we elect representatives to
govern the business affairs of our parish and those who will represent us and make
decisions on our behalf at our Diocesan Convention. Both of these offices carry with
them responsibility, the need to know the feelings of our parish membership on
various topics and a charge to be aware of the day to day events in our communal life.
Vestry members have to commit to regular attendance at meeting, delegates to
attending our annual convention and the regional convocation that precedes it.

At our Annual Meeting the approved budget for the coming year is presented and
time is given to ask questions of Bob Hines our diligent and faithful treasurer, this also
a time to give Bob thanks for all the work he undertakes on our behalf.
The fun part of our Annual Meeting is to read and hear reports from all the different
areas of parish ministry. As a congregation we do so much for our own parish community, we keep our plant up and running, make our worship services prayerful and
beautiful; we care for our fellow parishioners as we offer hospitality and education for
all.
For the greater community we do as much or perhaps more. Support for the Forgotten
Initiative, food for the food bank, fresh produce for St Vincents dining room, music
and arts for children, concerts, support for ministry to the homeless, the list goes on.
We will offer our thanks to those who, during the past year, have worked diligently on
our behalf and we will remember and pray for those who are now with God.
Last but not least the Annual Meeting is a time when the members of our two worship
services come together for food, for fun and fellowship, a time for conversation and a
tasty lunch provided by the members of our Vestry. My hope is that on January 22, we
will see you all.

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with us at
our Annual Meeting as we take counsel for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us
in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us
both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it!
Genesis 28:16b

Christ Church is a beautiful church. There is so

much to see that is pleasing to one mentally and physically. The
warmth of the redwood, the stained glass windows along the walls, the altar sitting in
the center of a tiled circle floor with the cross suspended above. And the majestic pipes
surrounding Jesus centered in the middle stained glass window.
Some people who are in the church each week for Sunday service may be
so used to the beauty that it just seems natural and they take for granted the warmth
that is being radiated to them.
From Palo Alto, to Willits, to Eureka, I have spent many years in my
churches during times when I am the only one there. I have always considered those
times to be a gift and an opportunity to feel the power and joy radiating from God.
It is a reminder that Surely, the Lord is in this place and I did not know
it. And a reminder that although we may find God within beauty, God is in every
place. Wherever Gods people gather, God is in their midst. As we begin a New Year,
let us remember that the work of all of Gods children is to see the holy wherever we
are.

Lyn Klay, Senior Warden

There has been a fascinating, wide-ranging and challenging

discussion in a Facebook group for Episcopalians. It started with a
question about whether we should pray for the next President by
name during the Prayers of the People, but quickly moved toward
all kinds of comments about the purpose of intercessory prayer,
praying for our enemies, judging, and so forth. It was a
wonderfully civil discussion, which is a Facebook rarity that I
greatly appreciate, and one that gave me plenty to think about.
One person remarked that he had prayed hard, daily, for a
former President with whom he disagreed profoundly, but it
didnt work. That President had still done many things the person saw as wrong
and harmful. Responses were tremendously helpful, many saying that, when we
pray, we cant know how God uses those prayers. Others suggested that true
intercession is praying for the persons highest good as God knows that good, rather
than praying that the person will or wont act in a certain way. Still others pointed out
that prayer is not something that works or doesnt work, but our sharing in Gods
work of redemption and healing as God knows best.
Many people talked about their struggles with the President-elect. Some were
painfully honest as they shared their fears and other feelings about him. How could
they pray with integrity for a man they see as dangerous, destructive? Some shared
their journeys through that struggle to recognizing that, as Christians, we dont really
have a choice is we are to be true to our calling. We are to pray for those in leadership
whether we approve of them, like them or not. One person wrote something to the
effect, I prayed for Barak Obama for eight years, now its your turn to pray for
someone you dont like.
What it comes down to, I believe, is that whatever our political position,
whether we think that Donald Trump is going to be a great President or whether we
are horrified at the thought of him with presidential powers, praying for him (and
other people in power and leadership) is essential. We need not pray for specifics;
simply that God be with him, guide him, give him wisdom and insight for the
impossible job of the presidency. We can pray that his deep wounds be healed, that he

will come to know Gods love for all people, including him. We can pray for those
whose lives will be influenced by his policies. We can pray honestly about our own
feelings, whatever they may be, and ask God to use our prayers anyhow. Or we can
simply sit and hold all of this, silently, lovingly, before God, entrusting everything to
our Creator, our Redeemer, the one who loves and Sustains all.
Id love to hear your thoughts about this if you feel inclined to share.
Sr. Diana

A Personal note
Dear Friends,
You have been so kind and concerned lately as I have missed events at Christ Church
and not looked my usual self when I was present. I am so grateful for your
thoughtfulness, love and prayers. Several years ago I was tentatively diagnosed with
fibromyalgia. The Mayo Clinic defines fibromyalgia as a disorder characterized by
widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood
issues. It was the best explanation for the symptoms I was having at the time. They
were relatively mild, then, but in the past several months have increased in intensity
and the diagnosis has been confirmed. The fatigue and pain are unpredictable, as are
an interesting variety of other symptoms, including breathing challenges, which
appear from the research Ive done to be related to the fibro. Fibromyalgia is not, so far
as current research shows, either degenerative or fatal. It is, however, a darned
nuisance. My job now is to learn to live with it gracefully, with faith that God will
work through these circumstances for good, and to continue to serve as I am able. I
will not be able to do as much as I would like to do, which is one of those facts that
will require prayers for patience and a sense of humor. Thank you so much for your
love and concern. You are blessings in my life that make living with these new
challenges much more bearable.
Sr. Diana

Lay Ministries
Wow, wasnt that a spectacular December, with all the special services, music, flowers,
and decorations? Wouldnt you just love to be part of the behind-the-scenes groups
who made it all possible? Pick your own special interest and join one of the groups below. Youll be able to practice all year!
Marty Vega
Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers
Announcers
Eucharistic Visitors
Nursery and Sunday School
Coffee Hour Hosts
Contribution Counters
Lectors and Intercessors
Ushers and Greeters
Contact:
Anne Pierson
Sanford Pyron
Lynne Bean
Bob Hines
Elizabeth Harper-Lawson
Marty Vega
Pam Gossard
Susan Whaley

Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers

Announcers
Coffee Hour
Contribution Counters
Eucharistic Visitors
Lectors and Intercessors
Nursery and Sunday School
Ushers and Greeters

442-2025
444-0968
822-6086
445-8974
445-1726
443-9782
445-1959
445-2924

Mark your calendars!

The Annual Meeting of Christ Church Parish
will take place on Sunday, January 22
We will be electing two Vestry members,
five Delegates to Diocesan Convention and two Alternates.
Please submit any nominations to the members of the Nominating Committee:
Bob Rex, Gail Freeman, Beth Powell,
or Lyn Klay, Senior Warden, or Mother Lesley

Mother Nancy and Acolyte Duke Albright flanking the Christ candle, Christmas Eve at
Sts. Martha and Mary.

Christmas Eve at Sts. Martha and Mary. L to R: Mike Burleson, Kathrin

Burleson, Connie Butler, Mother Nancy, Duke Albright, Beccy Hash, Zach
Rotwein, Lee Albright, Dave Hash
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Madelon Moore

January 8

Bill and Barbara Walser

January 11

Evan Smithler

January 17

Doug and Nellie Thompson January 21

Quilters +\
Like all well raised Episcopalians of our generation we are trained in writing thank
you notes for gifts received. Thus follows the thanks of Peg and Joan for all the support the needle women of Christ Church have given us for our ongoing endeavor of
supplying fleece quilts, recreational nights for the children and small stocking gifts of
love. Without the support of our faithful friends the numbers of quilts could never
have been reached. Please read with care Peg's annual meeting report on the year's
activities of the Quilters+ group for detailed information.
Currently we are beginning our fleeces for the older Foster children and the change
in the patterns is appealing. Do we feel like junior high teens? Sometimes! An addition service that we render is giving the scraps and trimmings of the fleeces to two of
our very own Quilters..Irene and Merry who tell us that their kitties are endlessly delighted with the games they can play with our left overs.
Please join us for easy needlework (all materials supplied) left over fabric for your
pets and just plain pleasant mornings once a month. Your company is sought. Peg
(443-9627) and Joan (443-9637).

Epiphany party King, Howard Gardner and Peg Gardner

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The Cycles of Prayers for our Diocese and the Anglican Communion
Please pray for those dioceses, congregations, and clergy listed below on the Diocesan
and Anglican cycles of prayer.
Every Sunday, our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner, requests we pray for:
The Diocese of Jerusalem, The Most Revd Suheil Dawani, Bishop, and for the
Christians in the Holy Land
Specific Sunday Prayers:
January 1st Pray for:
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:
St. Michaels, Alturas, The Rev. David Cohen, Priest
Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
Kolhapur (North India) The Rt Revd Bathuel Tiwade
January 8th Pray for:
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:
St. Michaels, Anderson, The Rev. Royston Auelua, Rector
Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
Kuching (South-East Asia) The Rt Revd Bolly Bathok, Asst. Bishop of
Kuching (South-East Asia) The Rt Revd Solomon Cheong Sung Voon
January 15th Pray for:
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:
St. Andrews in the Highlands, Antelope, The Rev Peter Rodgers, Vicar
Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
Kyushu (Japan) The Rt Revd Luke Ken-Ichi Muto
January 22nd Pray for:
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:
St. Albans, Arcata, The Very Rev. Sara Potter, Rector
Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
Lake Rukwa (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Mathayo Kasagara
January 29th Pray for:
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:
St. Lukes, Auburn, The Rev. Brian L. Rebholtz, Priest-in-Charge
Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
Lichfield (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Michael Ipgrave, Lichfield

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Shrewsbury (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Mark James Rylands,

Lichfield-Stafford (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd
Geoffrey Peter Annas, Lichfield-Wolverhampton (Canterbury, England)
The Rt Revd Clive Gregory
February 5th Pray for:
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
St. Pauls, Benicia, The Rev. Jeanne Forte, Rector
Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
Lomega (Loryko, Sudan) The Rt Revd Paul Yugusuk
If you wish to offer prayers daily for the church in the world, our Anglican Cycle of
Prayer has a daily list of diocese and clergy who would benefit from your prayer
ministry. This list can be obtained via this website:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-theacp.aspx
If this does not bring up the full prayer list for the year, tap on View on the line
ACP 2017 Full version View under Anglican Cycle of Prayer (January 2017-December
2017 and you will access the daily Anglican Cycle of Prayer. If you do not have a
computer, I would be glad to make a copy of the 2016 Anglican Cycle of Prayer for
you.
Anne Pierson

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Day of Epiphany party

Day of Epiphany party

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The Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner

Bishop, Diocese of Northern California
Staff
The Rev. Lesley McCloghrie
Interim Rector
The Rev. Nancy Streufert
Associate Priest
The Rev. Sister Diana Doncaster
Associate Priest
The Rev. Pam Gossard
Deacon
The Rev. Anne Pierson
Deacon
Merry Phillips
Organist and Music Director
Dr. Douglas Moorehead, Organist Emeritus
John Hammond, Sexton
Barry Ross, Administrative Assistant
Vestry
Lyn Klay, Senior Warden
Beth Powell, Junior Warden
Bob Rex, Julie Cairns, Irene Hannaford, Lin Chase,
Helen Taylor, Elizabeth Harper-Lawson, Belinda Zander,
Rex White, Heidi Erickson, Gail Freeman
Bob Hines, Treasurer, Peg Gardner, Clerk

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