Christ Church Eureka July Chronicle 2016

7/25/2019 Christ Church Eureka July Chronicle 2016

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Stagnation in thought or enterprise means death for Christianity as

certainly as it does for any other vital movement. Stagnation, not change is

Christianitys most deadly enemy... Harry Emerson Fosdick

Once again we find ourselves in a state of transition. A state that has

become only too familiar in recent years and is often compared to thebiblical experience of the Israelites after they had fled Egypt. They had left

behind all that was known, and had not yet arrived home, the Promised

Land. For forty years they wandered in the wilderness; we can take

comfort in knowing that our time of transition will be considerably shorter!

No matter how much the Israelites wanted to flee Egypt and be free from the yoke of slavery

they still found change difficult. There is that wonderful passage from Exodus, when the Israelites

said to Moses, What have you done to us bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the very thing we

told you in Egypt, Let us alone and let us serve the Egyptians. For it would have been better for us

to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness? But Moses said to the people, Do not be

afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today.

Exodus 14

Like the Egyptians we are entering a new adventure, a time when we begin to look to the

future as we reflect on our past, all the while working to identify our hopes and dreams for our pari

church. We might find ourselves wondering what the future will bring. What of our mission and

ministry, how might that change, and what of our life together as a community of faith? Most of u

do not care for uncertainty, we like our lives to be predictable, comfortable, we like to be able to pl

and know pretty much what is going to happen and when. Keith and I are in the midst of moving

house, not quite the same as searching for a new rector, but it comes with its share of

unpredictability. When will we actually move, where will we put everything and then where did w

put everything, that vital piece of kitchen equipment, that essential power cord and so on? When li

is in a state of upheaval like the Israelites we often find ourselves saying it would have been better

for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.

The quote at the top of this article is from Harry Emerson Fosdick, a prominent liberalProtestant American pastor of the early twentieth century, and I think it says it all, without change w

stagnate, and if we stagnate, then we will die. This doesnt make change any more comfortable, bu

reminds us that it is a necessary part of our lives. As followers of Jesus we know that our lives are

journey, taking us to unknown and sometimes uncomfortable places, but that along the way we wil

hear and see new things, all the while discovering different and exciting things about ourselves,

about others, and about God.


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So it will be with us and our search, and at those times when we are feeling insecure we must

remember that we are not in this alone. We have great support in our Wardens and Vestry, our

diocesan staff, our Bishop and most of all from God. The Holy Spirit is at work in all our lives and

in our community, gently nudging, guiding us, helping us as we journey to new places in our life in

Christ. When times get tough remember the words of Moses, true for the Israelites and true for us

today, Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you

today. Most of all do not neglect to pray.

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on this your Church, and so guide t

minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pasto

who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord

Amen.

May God be with us all as we journey,

The Rev. K. Lesley McCloghrie

Interim Rector


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Change and Transition: Whats the Difference?

The past weeks have been ones of change and/or transition in

my life. There have been several events that have affected me. First,

after eight years of living in Eureka, my sister has moved back toPalo Alto and her home there. I am helping a friend who is retiring

close her law practice. And I have been involved with the retirement

process of Mother Susan. While I am not the person actually making

the change/transition, I feel personally involved in and influenced by

these events.

According to the Fresh Start Understanding Transition Program the difference between

change and transition is that change is the event that happens the outward and visible, like a mov

to a new location. Transition is the internal process that happens emotional, psychological, men-

tal, and spiritual responses to change the inward and spiritual. It is more like a journey.

When have you experienced transition? Christ Church has experienced transition due to

searches for a new rector at least three times in the last 15 years and with the retirement of Mother

Susan we again are experiencing the search process for a new rector. Each of the searches and cal

ings of a new priest has brought times of significant change.

During a time of transition, life can be so chaotic or painful that it is tempting to go back to

the old status quo or engage in uncharacteristic behaviors. Understanding the difference betweenchange and transition will help. As we move forward, let us look for God in our midst.

Lyn Klay, Senior Warden


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Note: Mother Nancy wrote the following to the Eureka Interfaith Fellowship

encouraging members to join with Christ Church in supporting Betty Chinns

food ministry

Eureka Interfaith Fellowship re Betty Chinn's St. Joe's Food Ministry for the

Needy

Dear EIF Friends At our May EIF meeting, I invited other faith communi-

ties to join us (Christ Church) in building a sustaining ministry to help Betty

Chinn in her tireless efforts to get wholesome food to the needy in our communi-

ty. We discussed it further at todays (June 28th) meeting held at Christ Church

and provide below more details about our ministry.

Betty Chinns St. Joseph Hospital Food Ministry for the Needy

Since the fall of 2013, thirteen parishioners at Christ Church have been helping Betty Chinn

her nighttime outreach ministry to the poor and hungry in our community. After the cafeteria at St.

Joseph Hospital closes each evening at 7:30 p.m., we take turns (in pairs) packing up the leftover

cafeteria food from the day that will otherwise be discarded. Then we transport it to Bettys kitchen

at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Myrtle Avenue where she creates individual servings and distr

utes them to the poor that same night. Its as simple as that, and takes less than an hour with two

people!

Betty can use our help on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (and possibly Sun-

days). The Kiwanis Club takes care of Wednesdays. Not only does this allow Betty more time at heBetty Kwan Chinn Day Center with the children of her after-school program, we help ease her bac

problems that are exacerbated by lifting gallon buckets of soup and in wheeling the cart down the

ramp from the St. Joes kitchen.

To continue to grow this ministry into a viable and sustainable one, we need more help so no

one gets burned out. Our faithful weekly regulars in this ministry at Christ Church are down to

seven, with several others who can substitute when the regulars are out of town or sick. Can your

faith community take one night a week? One week a month? One week every two months? As the

administrator of this ministry, I am available anytime to talk about it with you and answer question

If you want to know more and/or want to help, contact me by email or phone (see below). I hope y

will prayerfully consider joining us!

Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you? . . . Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of

the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matt 25:37,40)

The Rev. Nancy S. Streufert


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Theres a popular belief that everything happens for a reason. Of

course it is natural to want to find an explanation for hard things, for hurt-

ing things, for losses, for times of change and challenge. On the face of it,

everything happens for a reason sounds pretty good. It even sounds like

a statement of faith.But think about how God is defined by the belief that everything

happens for a reason. It shows a god who is a puppet master controlling

everything and everyone. This god targets particular places and people for

earthquakes, terrorist attacks, hurricanes and tripping over a childs toy in

the living room, resulting in a broken leg for a false gods mysterious rea-

sons. It is a belief that, followed to its logical conclusion, takes away all

of our freedom of choice, of thought, of action. That is not the God

revealed in Jesus who spent a good deal of his time urging people to make good use of their freedo

because our choices, even our very thoughts matter deeply.

But so what? Why does it really matter if we comfort ourselves in times of sorrow with think

ing that everything happens for a reason? Consider the difference if instead, we open ourselves to t

great gift of freedom. If we live choosing to believe that God is with us in every moment, every ac-

tion, urging, but never forcing us to choose the way of love, wanting to help us live that love, then

are empowered to make a real, positive difference. How does that influence our lives and actions

right now?

Think about the situation we are currently in at Christ Church. Once again we are in a time of trans

tion and change. Blessed as we are to have Mother Lesley move smoothly into the role of Interim

Rector, we know that this is temporary and that there will be more change ahead, especially when t

new Rector comes whoever she or he may be. But are we just in a holding pattern until the new

Rector arrives? What are the choices God has given us the privilege to make?

We can rejoice in the freedom that God has given us to choose. We can make the choice to act with

love, patience and kindness, whatever happens. We can gently, lovingly share our thoughts, hopes a

struggles. We can make the choice to look for ways that we can continue to be Christs love in wha

ever happens and to grow in receiving and sharing that love.

Being Christs love is always grounded in coming together regularly for prayer, for worship, for re

joicing in the hope revealed in Jesus life, death and resurrection. When away, we can worship with

whatever congregation is nearby. Being Christs love also grows out of our own daily commitment

prayer and study of scripture, trusting God by giving freely from our resources and our time, and

sharing our questions, our discoveries with each other. Certainly we need to pray often for whoeve


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Ann Clark and Gary

Knudsen

July 4 Gail Freeman July 22

Ronalda Carlson July 6 Barry and Rene Ross July 22

Nick and Anna Smithler July 7 Carrie Hogan July 23

Bill and Helen Taylor July 7 Joan Stewart July 25

Father Doug Thompson July 11 Julia Lawson July 26

will be our new Rector, and for those who are involved in the search process.

We have two choices. We can sit back and see what happens, assuming we have no control over it

because everything happens for a reason. Or we can act now and every day on the freedom we

have as Gods children, baptized into the love and life of the Holy Trinity. We are the people of G

in Christ Church, Eureka, California right now. How do we choose to continue to respond to that i

credible gift?

The Rev. Sister Diana Doncaster

Remembrance Table from Sunday, June 26


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At the June 19 Vestry meeting, it was reported that the Smullin House porch roof has been replaced

The soffit needs some repairs as well, and Beth Powell, Dan and Merry Phillips will tackle that

project.

The Vestry approved the gift of Betty Burton's Wurlitzer spinet piano to be placed in the Chapel.

Betty, our former choir director, passed away last spring and wished that her piano be donated to

Christ Church.

The Parish Commission on Ministry and the Vestry both recommend licensing of two parishioners

for ministries. Mtr. Lesley will write the Office of the Bishop requesting that Elizabeth Harper-

Lawson be licensed as a Healing Minister and Irene Hannaford be licensed as a Eucharistic Visitor.

Several parishioners have joined Beth Powell, Junior Warden, in improving the appearance of the

campus landscaping for both beautification and improving security. They would welcome others.

We received an update on the sound system. The sound system will be improved with the addition

of several new microphones that will be funded by donations. There is a sound problem in the

chancel area where the choir is located. Two new speakers will be needed to enable the choir to hea

what the congregation is able to hear.

Please check the bulletin board in Lewis Hall for postings of approved minutes and financial report

Also, talk with Vestry members for additional information.

Peg Gardner, Clerk

Lay Ministries

Summer is here, the days are long for now, vacations and travel plans are being made. Itstime for summer school, vacation bible schools, learning about a new (to you) lay ministry. Here aseveral to help you fill those lazy days of summer.


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Coffee Hour Hosts

Contribution Counters

Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers

Announcers

Ushers and Greeters

Eucharistic Visitors

Nursery and Sunday School

For more details about each ministry in which youre interested, contact:

Anne Pierson Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers 442-2025

Sanford Pyron Announcers 444-0968

Lynne Bean Coffee Hour 822-6086

Bob Hines Contribution Counters 445-8974

Elizabeth Harper-Lawson Eucharistic Visitors 445-1726

Marty Vega Lectors and Intercessors 443-9782

Vickie Patton Nursery and Sunday School 443-1825

Susan Whaley

Ushers and Greeters

445-2924

Fresh Produce Sunday

YES!! Your generous contributions of fresh produce do make a difference! Monday, I delivered tfresh produce that was brought to the Christ Church on Sunday. When I delivered the produce to S

Vincent's dining room the next day, Mary, who is the manager, said, "Blessings and thanks to all of

you! This is what our people will be eating for the next couple of days. We have nothing else."

Our generous giving does matter.

Rene


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An Organist and Friends

Please join us for the second Sundays at 4 summer concerts,

sponsored by Organ Concerts at Christ Church. The concert, on Sunday, July

24, at 4 p.m., will be presented by Christ Church Organist Emeritus, DouglasMoorehead. Performing with Doug on the program will be Nancy Streufert,

flute, and Helen Winfrey, clarinet.

The program will include a variety of music from different eras and of

different compositional styles baroque, classic, romantic, and contemporary (20th-century).

Featured composers include J.S. Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Francis Poulenc, Marcel Dupr

and Richard Purvis.

The concert will be an opportunity to hear the Kegg organ as a solo instrument, as well as induet with the clarinet (on the second movement of Mozarts Quintet in A for Clarinet and Strings).

piece for piano and flute by Francis Poulenc will round out the program.

Douglas Moorehead is a former Organist and Music Director at Christ Episcopal Church,

retiring in 2013 after 30 years of service. He continues to serve as a substitute organist for several

local churches. He oversaw the 2008 installation of the magnificent Kegg pipe organ and acoustica

renovations at Christ Church, which have made Christ Church a wonderful venue for concerts.

Helen Winfrey (clarinet) is a retired music educator who continues to be active with musical

endeavors, including playing with the College of the Redwoods Concert Band and the local All

Seasons Orchestra.

The Rev. Nancy Streufert (flute) is an associate priest at Christ Church (Eureka) and St.

Albans (Arcata). She is an active musician, singing with the church choir and the Eureka

Symphony Chorus, and playing the flute for church as well as community events, including the

Eureka Heritage Society Fall Home Tours.

The Sundays at 4 concerts are free and open to the community. A donation basket will be

strategically placed for those who wish to show their gratitude. Please join us and invite yourfriends and family for an enjoyable concert featuring music for organ, organ and clarinet, and piano

and flute. Its a delightful way to top off the weekend!


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CHURCH WISH LIST:

1. Weed Wacker (battery operated and light weight) for our gar-

deners. Estimated cost $200.00.

2.Blinds for the six west windows in the Lewis Hall that will cut

the sunlight for a comfortable dining experience. $310 each.

Elizabeth Harper-Lawson is following this item

3.Double pane windows in Lewis Hall for the north windows esti-

mated cost for each window $229 plus two kitchen windows es-

timated cost for each window $215.

4. Two entrance gates should be replaced between the chapel and the Zander

Building. Estimated cost $1,566.00 for both.

5. Wish list item for new heathers and other plants for our garden. Bring plants from

home that you think would work. Purchase price $8 to $10 each.

LIST OF CHURCH CAMPUS NEEDS:

6. Prime and paint over construction work on the chapel.

7. The Youth Room in the Zander Building needs to be refreshed. The ceiling has leak

stains and the walls need a new color. Volunteers are needed.

8. Garden Committee: We only have a paid gardener for 3 hrs a month so we need vol

unteers. All are welcome to come to pull weeds, trim trees and remove half of the lilie

of the valley in the parking lot, clean the alley drain gutter, etc.

9. Continuing project: consolidating files found all over the church. Most consolidated

in the first classroom in the Education Building. So far the older files in the basement

have been reviewed and reduced. We are developing a maintenance history of church

which includes dates of equipment purchases, major construction work and determinin

replacement dates. Committee: Belinda Zander, Kathy Clague, Peg Gardner and Beth

Powell.

10.The roof leaked into the Heritage Room during the first part of January. The leak w

repaired. Now we are waiting for the area to dry before replacing the ceiling in the


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Heritage Room. Dan Phillips is following this item.

11. Clean the basement of unwanted items including two file cabinets, excess number

folding chairs and accident prone card tables, etc. Volunteers needed.

12. Light connection buried on both sides of the H Street sign. One light connection ha

been found. When both electric outlets are uncovered and found safe new lights will be

installed.

NICE TO HAVE LIST:

13. Water flow from sump pump to alley needs drainage reworked. Water flow down t

alley needs to have plant removal. Prime and paint the basement with water-proof pain

to reduce the water in the basement.

14. Stain glass window in Nave need to be cleaned, checked for dry rot on frames and

new plastic covers if necessary.

15. Review file on the Smullins Building.

16. Retaining wall reconstruction between office building and Education Building.

17. Vinyl flooring in Pierson Room.

18. Resurface parking lot. A number of hazards need to be repaired. Plus there are two

tree holes in the side walk on 14th Street that should be covered or new trees planted fo

safety reasons

19. Gutter and down spouts on the Education Building and Zander Building to be

checked and possibly replaced.

WORK COMPLETED:

1. ADA approved restrooms near Heritage Hall completed and working.

2. Pest work has been completed on the chapel.


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The Cycles of Prayers for our Diocese and the Anglican Communion

Please pray for those congregations and clergy listed below on the Diocesan and Anglican cycles o

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 peace in the Holy

LandSpecific Sunday Prayers:

July 3 Pray for:

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:

St. Andrews in the Redwoods, Monte Rio, Linda Moore, Priest in Charge

Anglican Cycle of Prayer:

The Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea, The Most Revd Clyde Igara Archbishop Papua New Guinea & Bishop of Dogura

July 10 Pray for:


St. Michaels, Anderson, Royston Auelua, Rector


The Episcopal Church in the Philippines, The Most Revd Renato Mag-Gay Abibico

Prime Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines

July 17 Pray for:


St. Pauls, Sacramento, Lynell Walker, Priest in Charge


Province de L Eglise Anglicane au Rwanda, The Most Revd Dr. Onesphore Rwaje

Archbishop of L Eglise Episcopal au Rwanda and Bishop of Gasabo

July 24 Pray for:


St. Timothys, Gridley, John Harris, Vicar


The Scottish Episcopal Church, The Most Revd David Chillingworth Primus of the


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Scottish Episcopal Church & Bishop of St. Andrews Dunkeld & Dunblane

July 31 Pray for:


St. Marys, Ferndale

St. Andrews, Corning, Diana Lueckert, Priest in Charge


Church of the Province of South East Asia

August 7 Pray for:


St. Andrews in the Highlands, Antelope, Peter Rodgers, Vicar

Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento, Brian Baker, Dean


The Church of South India (United), The Most Revd Dr Govada Dyvasirvadam

Moderator of CSI & Bishop of Krishna-Godavari

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-the-acp.aspx

If this does not bring up the full prayer list for the year, tap on View on the line

ACP 2016 Full version View under Anglican Cycle of Prayer (January 2016-December 2016

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
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspxhttp://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspxhttp://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspxhttp://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspxhttp://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspxhttp://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspxhttp://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspxhttp://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspxhttp://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspxhttp://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspxhttp://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspx


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The Table of Remembrance

On the Sunday following the horrendous massacre in Orlando, we offered our prayers for the victim

and all shattered by violence at a special Table of Remembrance. The large pillar candles were lit, o

at a time, as prayers were offered. During the reception of Holy Communion and after each service

people took the time to light another candle and to offer their own prayers and sorrow.

The names of all those who died in the Orlando massacre were on the table, as well as place namesmany recent massacres and five symbolic place names associated with massacres of Native

Americans. Violence is an ongoing part of our human story a sorrow we must continually bring

before God and a form of evil we must repent and resist in every way we can.

Table of Remembrance, June 19, 2016


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Sound System Upgrade in Progress

Have you noticed inconsistency in sound quality and volume during services in recent

months? If so, you are aware that the church sound system is badly in need of a retrofit and upgrad

At times, the quality sound vitally important to a satisfying worship experience for all parishioners

has been compromised. Although the church has a high quality sound system, it is now well over t

years old and time has taken its toll. Many of the microphones that were a part of the original sys-

tem have been lost or broken and need to be replaced. In addition, expanding ministries are placin

additional demands on the system. Examples include web streaming of services, additional clergy

with active roles in services, and expanded use of our facilities as a concert venue.

We have been working closely with Craig Pedley at Sound Advice to determine what is need

ed to return the system to a high audio standard. The first priority is to replace broken or missing

microphones. Additionally, extension speakers are needed in the chancel area so that members of t

choir can hear all parts of the service. Needed equipment and costs are outlined below:

Two microphone body packs (the part carried by the user that a wireless mic plugs into)

Two additional head-worn mics (we presently have two that are functional)

Two new hand held mics (of the two that were a part of the original system, we still have one

It is broken, and is "living on borrowed time").

Two JBL speaker systems for the chancel area

The total cost of the microphones (not including speakers), with tax, is $2050.26. The speak

ers are an additional $808.00 plus tax and installation. The grand total for all equipment needed is

$2845.15. These prices have been negotiated locally, and are competitive with Internet prices.

There will be additional cost for installation and calibration of the new microphones. The ve

try has authorized up to $500.00 for this purpose.

The purpose of this article is twofold-to keep you informed on the progress of this importan

project, but also to let you know that there is an opportunity to contribute to the cost of the micro-

phones, speakers, and installation if you so desire. Checks may be made out to Christ Church, with

"Sound System" indicated on the memo line. Thank you!

Note: to date, the church has received $1,000.00 in donations specified for this project.

Paul Gossard


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An Update on the Russian launch of a manned spacecraft and a prayer

Some of you may not know that our Bishop, Barry Beisner, and his wife, The Rev. Dr. Ann Ha

lisey, are traveling to Kazakhstan during Bishop Barrys sabbatical. Ann Halliseys daughter, Dr. Kate

Rubins, a biochesmist and astronaut, is joining the Russian cosmonaut team for the launch to the In

ternational Space Station (ISS) on Monday, July 6th, at 6:36 p.m. PDT from the Balkonur Cosmo-

drome in Kazakhstan. Astronaut Kate and the Russin Cosmonauts will serve at the space station for

months before returning home.

Let us pray

Oh Lord, be with Kate, Ann, Barry, and their family, as they await the launch of Kate and the Russian

team on July 6th. Guide all who work to prepare for this launch and be with the team and their families

We pray for the teams safe delivery to the International Space Station, their safety during their 6 month

mission there, and their return home to Earth and their loved ones. This we pray in the name of your son

our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

A parting note from Mother Susan

Until we meet again!

As most of you know, I retired June 12. The sermon for that day can be found in this July

Chronicle. My heart is full of thanks to all of you. You have welcomed me and worked hard with m

in all the work that the Church requires: praying, making music, reading the lessons, offering food

keeping the altar a thing of beauty, making Eucharist together, observing the varied services and se

sons of the church year, greeting visitors, bringing the Eucharist to the sick, attending weddings, ba

tisms, and funerals. And being the Body of Christ in this place by loving each other.

When Jesus leaves the desert, he has chosen to reject the possibilities of dominating power. He

rejects the power to weigh in and impose changeto fix things. Instead, the first thing Jesus does

to find people who will walk with him.Living Reconciliation, Groves and Jones.

Thank you for walking with me. And remember, Peter begins as a disciple (one who follows) an

then is appointed by Jesus as one of the twelve Apostles (one who is sent out). Peter and the other

apostles are watchers no longer, but workers with Jesus.

Mother Susan, working with you.


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Sermon from June 12, 2016Mother Susans last Sunday

Im sure many of you have seen the photo of Earth, blue and beautiful, floating against the

blackness of space, taken during the Apollo Mission 8 on Christmas Eve 1968. The photo stunned

the world. It was the first time anyone had seen the Earth floating in space, holding all of human h

tory and life. Bill Anders, the astronaut who took the photo, said, We came all this way to explor

the moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth. The photo has become

known as Earthrise, and it became an iconic reminder of our planets splendid isolation and deli

cate fragility. Sir Fred Hoyle, the great British cosmologist, rightly predicated in l948 that the firs

images of Earth from space would change forever our view of our own planet.

There is a reason why our Bible begins with the story of God breathing across the void, crea

ing the heavens and the earth, breathing across the Earth, calling into life the night and the day,

plants and animals, breathing to life humankind imprinted with the image of the Creator. Casting a

loving eye on all that God had created, God saw that it was good, very goodit was and is, earth,

our fragile island home.

The Bible goes on to explain that we cannot be in right relationship with God unless we are

right relationship with the land. In the Hebrew, the land means all that is: the ground, the trees

and plants, the rivers and seas, the animals and all other human beings, even the air we breathe. A

of it. God created an astonishing world of beauty and plenty for all of us; it is Gods gift.

Ellen Davis, a professor of Old Testament, has said, One day, in the fullness of time, all of

creation will be given its voice and we will be called to sit down at table and listen, really listen, an

hear the pain we have caused. We will have to hear the sadness, the absolute unrelenting sadnessand pain we have caused by abusing the finest gift we have ever been entrusted with: Earth.

I imagined the ocean clogged with billions of pounds of trash I had helped dump into it. The

air choked with pollution I had helped to pump put, I would hear trees being clear-cut and moun-

tains being reduced to sludge. I would have to hear the cries of animals dying. I would hear the hu

ger of mothers and fathers and the thirst of small children, 5000 who die every day for want of cle

water while I let the tap run just so the water I drink will be colder.

I was completely overwhelmed. How could I do anything about this, I wondered? Was I bei

asked to change my whole life? And anyway, what could one person like me really do that would

make any difference at all? But Ellen Davis statement was the beginning for me, the first tiny ray

of light urging me to wake up to the way I lived; to embrace what I did with awareness and respon

sibility. It was a wake-up call and it is never easy to wake up.

Roger Peterson, the author of Field Guide to the Birds describes an experience that changed

his life. He called it a trigger. One Saturday when he was a boy, he was taking a walk with a

friend. They came upon a flicker in an oak tree. Thinking the bird was dead, he poked at it, ginger


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the way you touch something you think is dead. But the bird was not dead; it was just asleep, per-

haps resting. When he touched it, its eyes flew upon, and it flew away. What struck him was the co

trast between what he thought was dead, but in actuality was very much alive. He said, it was al-

most like resurrection. . .Ever since then birds seemed to me the most vivid expression of life.

I have taught environmental ethics for over 25 years. A few years ago I read a book entitled

The Last Child in the Woods. Perhaps you have heard of the little boy who didnt want to go outsi

because there was no place to plug his electronic devices. I asked my students what had been theirexperience with the natural world. It was apparent that those who had been camping with their fam

lies often continued to love being outside when they had children of their own. And often the paren

had left an area in the back yard unmowed to keep a bit of wilderness.

Amazingly, when I was a little girl many people just threw trash out of the window of the ca

And later, in the late 80s, my parents were on a cruise and noticed that the ship was throwing out

huge black trash bags onto the sea. These bags will never biodegrade. Fortunately, things have

changed a lot. Many of us care very much about the Earth because that is where our children and

grandchildren will live out their lives. It can be overwhelming for sure. None of us can take care o

the whole of Gods creation, but we can try to take care of what is right in front of us. We can chan

one thing at a time. In fact we read in Genesis that we human beings were created to be gardeners

the earth.

We live in a challenging time. If by Gods grace we are awakened to the travail of the Earth,

we need to learn to trust these experiences. In these moments we are touched by the beauty and th

holiness of the Earth, and we find ourselves summoned to a work that will not wait. Take a mome

to go online and consider joining a group working to defend animals, trees, rivers, or the ocean. Yodont even need to go online, because we here in Humboldt County live at one of the places that is

most concerned about Gods creation. I often have to reassure myself that there are many people i

the world who do care. Sometimes I even have to reassure myself that we humans have God work

ing with us.

Everything in this world is capable of becoming a means of grace. We say that we believe in

God, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Yet we rarely make the connection that the God to whom we

pray is also the God of all that has life. God is the Lord of all Creation, every bird and bush and

whale. Gracious God, help us to treasure this beautiful Earth. Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Susan Armstrong


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Mother Susans final service


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Letter to the Episcopal Church

From Presiding Bishop, President of House of Deputies

Jesus tells us to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry and President of the House of Dep

ties the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings have written the following letter to the Episcopal Church.

June 28, 2016

Dear People of God in the Episcopal Church:

We all know that some things in holy Scripture can be confusing, hard to understand, or ope

to various ways of understanding. But some essential teachings are clear and incontrovertible. Jesu

tells us to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves, and he tells us over and over again not to b

afraid (Matthew 10:31, Mark 5:36, Luke 8:50, John 14:27).

Theres no confusion about what Jesus is telling us, but it often requires courage to embody

in the real world. Again and again, we become afraid, and mired in that fear, we turn against Jesusand one another.

This age-old cycle of fear and hatred plays out again and again in our broken world, in sicke

ing and shocking events like the massacre targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)

people in Orlando, but also in the rules we make and the laws we pass. Most recently, weve seen

fear at work in North Carolina, a state dear to both of our hearts, where a law called the Public Fa

cilities Privacy & Security Act has decimated the civil rights and God-given dignity of transgende

people and, by extension, drastically curtailed protections against discrimination for women, peopl

of color, and many others. We are thankful for the prayerful and pastoral public leadership of the

North Carolina bishops on this law, which is known as House Bill 2.

North Carolina is not the only place where fear has gotten the better of us. Lawmakers in oth

jurisdictions have also threatened to introduce legislation that would have us believe that protectin

the rights of transgender peopleeven a right as basic as going to the bathroomsomehow puts th

rest of us at risk.

This is not the first time that the segregation of bathrooms and public facilities has been used

to discriminate unjustly against minority groups. And just as in our painful racial past, it is even being claimed that the bathroom bills, as they are sometimes called, ensure the safety of women an

childrenthe same reason so often given to justify Jim Crow racial segregation.

But we believe that, as the New Testament says, perfect love casts out fear. On June 10, th

Executive Council of the Episcopal Church stood against fear and for Gods love by passing a reso

lution that reaffirms the Episcopal Churchs support of local, state and federal laws that prevent dis

crimination based on gender identity or gender expression and voices our opposition to all legislati


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that seeks to deny the God-given dignity, the legal equality, and the civil rights of transgender peo-

ple.

The need is urgent, because laws like the one in North Carolina prey on some of the most vu

nerable people in our communitiessome of the very same people who were targeted in the Orlan

attack. In a 2011 survey, 78 percent of transgender people said that they had been bullied or harass

in childhood; 41 percent said they had attempted suicide; 35 percent had been assaulted, and 12 pe

cent had suffered a sexual assault. Almost half of transgender people who responded to the surveysaid they had suffered job discrimination, and almost a fifth had lost housing or been denied health

care due to their gender identity or expression.

In keeping with Executive Councils resolution, we are sending a letter to the governor and

members of the North Carolina General Assembly calling on them to repeal the Public Facilities

Privacy & Security Act. When legislation that discriminates against transgender people arises in

other places, we will also voice our opposition and ask Episcopalians to join us. We will also suppo

legislation, like a bill recently passed in the Massachusetts state legislature, that prevents discrimin

tion of all kinds based on gender identity or gender expression.

As Christians, we bear a particular responsibility to speak out in these situations, because at-

tempts to deny transgender people their dignity and humanity as children of God are too often bein

made in the name of God. This way of fear is not the way of Jesus Christ, and at these times, we

have the opportunity to demonstrate our belief that Christianity is not a way of judgment, but a way

of following Jesus in casting out fear.

In the face of the violence and injustice we see all around us, what can we do? We can start b

choosing to get to know one another. TransEpiscopal, an organization of transgender Episcopalianand their allies, has posted on their website a video called Voices of Witness: Out of the Box that

can help you get to know some transgender Episcopalians and hear their stories. Integrity USA,

which produced the video, and the Chicago Consultation are two other organizations working for t

full inclusion of LGBT people in the church. Their websites also have online materials that you can

use to learn more about the stories of transgender Christians and our churchs long journey to unde

stand that they are children of God and created in Gods image.

When we are born anew through baptism, we promise to respect the dignity of every human

being. Today, transgender people and, indeed, the entire LGBT community, need us to keep that

promise. By doing so, we can bear witness to the world that Jesus has shown us another waythe

way of love.

Faithfully,

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings

Presiding Bishop and Primate President, House of Deputies


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Mission Statement of Christ Church

To the glory of God, the mission of Christ Church Parish is to serve Jesus Christ and all the people of God; to en

courage and facilitate spiritual development for people of all ages; to grow as Christians in a loving and forgivi

fellowship, thereby confirming, witnessing, and leading others to the faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Rt. Rev. Barry L. BeisnerBishop, Diocese of Northern California

Staff

The Rev. Lesley McCloghrie

Interim Rector

The Rev. Nancy Streufert

Associate Priest

The Rev. Sister Diana Doncaster

Associate Priest

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

625 15thStreetP.O. Box 861

Eureka, California 95502Phone (707) 442-1797Fax (707) 442-5647

Documents

Christ Church Eureka July Chronicle 2016