St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

21405 82nd Place West Edmonds, WA 98026

Phone: 425-778-0371 Fax: 425-778-1583 Email: staedmonds@aol.com Website: www.stalbansedmonds.org Newsletter: nancykitty@earthlink.net Sunday Worship 8:00 a.m. Holy Communion, Rite I 10:00 a.m. Nursery Open 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion, Rite II

The newsletter of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Edmonds, WA

Also Inside:

Message from Fr. John 2

Bits & Pieces 3

ECW 4

Inner Healing 5

Financial Update 6

Youth Group 7

Calendar 8

Inside the Vestry 4

Transition to the Revised Common Lectionary

The 75th General Convention in June, 2006 directed that the Revised Common Lectionary replace the Book of Common Prayer lectionary "effective the First Sunday of Advent 2007; with the provision for continued use of the previous Lectionary for purposes of orderly transition, with the permission of the ecclesiastical authority, until the First Sunday of Advent 2010.

A Lectionary is a table of readings from Scripture appointed to be read at public worship. The association of particular texts with specific days began in the 4th century. The Lectionary [1969, revised 1981] was developed by the Roman Catholic Church after Vatican II provided for a three-year cycle of Sunday readings. This Roman lectionary provided the basis for lectionary in The Book of Common Prayer 1979 as well as those developed by many other denominations.

The Common Lectionary, published in 1983, was an ecumenical project of several American and Canadian denominations, developed out of a concern for the unity of the Church and a desire for a common experience of Scripture. It was intended as a harmonization of the many different denominational approaches to the three-year lectionary. It has been in trial use in the Episcopal Church and among the member denominations since 1983.

The Revised Common Lectionary, published in 1992, takes into account constructive criticism of the Common Lectionary based on the evaluation of its trial use and like the current prayer-book lectionary is a three-year cycle of Sunday Eucharistic readings in which Matthew, Mark and Luke are read in successive years with some material from John read in each year.

For more information, you may wish to visit http://episcopalchurch.org.

January 6 January 13 January 20 January 27

Isaiah 60:1-6 Isaiah 42:1-9 Isaiah 49:1-7 Isaiah 9:1-4

Ephesians 3:1-12 Acts 10:34-43 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Matthew 2:1-12 Matthew 3:13-17 John 1:29-42 Matthew 4:12-23

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Psalm 29 Psalm 40:1-12 Psalm 27:1, 5-13

The Lessons Appointed for:

As space permits we will print the lessons in the newsletter or you may find them on our website.

St. Alban’s Vestry

Carrie Cone, Rector’s Warden Phil McClelland, People’s Warden Darla Lane, Clerk Phyllis Becker John Bee John Greenlaw Barbara McLain Reilly Mannery Erin Munday Susie Nichols Gaylord Sisk Jeannie Wells Shirley Wilson Chris Greenlaw, Treasurer

Staff

The Rev. John R. Leech, Rector Doris Eaker, Parish Secretary Donald Vollema, Music Director & Organist Shannon Duggan, Nursery Director Joyce Carver, Sunday School Director Nancy Boor, Editor, The Grapevine, Webmaster

Office Hours

Monday & Wednesday 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

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Grapevine Newsletter Articles for the February 2008 Issue:

Due January 15

Please send articles to Nancy Boor for the February i ssue v ia emai l a t nancykitty@earthlink.net. I can accept email messages, pictures, photos, and Word, Publisher or PDF documents only. Be sure they have a .doc, .pub, or .pdf extension on the file for text files. Or, you may place items in the plastic holder marked “Grapevine” on the wall to the right inside the door in the Narthex.

The season of Epiphany lasts from the Twelfth Day of Christmas until just before Lent. At the beginning of the season is the feast of Epiphany, or Little Christmas, also known as Three Kings Day; Candlemas (Candelaria), February 2nd, marks its end. On the feast of Epiphany, in some places, a lucky person will find a little clay (or plastic) baby Jesus – or a bean or a coin – in their piece of festival cake; that means they’re king or queen for the day, and it’s their turn to provide the refreshments at the next feast, on Candelaria Day. In between is the season of Epiphany, of ‘appearance’ or ‘manifestation’, celebrating the ‘shining forth’—or revelation—of God to humankind in the person of Jesus. The whole event of the Incarnation, including the Birth of the Messiah, the visit of the ‘Magi’ – the Wise Men or ‘astrologers’ – to the Holy Family at Bethlehem, all of Jesus’ growing up, his Baptism in the Jordan River, the Wedding-feast at Cana, can be celebrated at this season; we pay particular attention to his Baptism on January 13th. This celebration of the mystery of the Incarnation, of ‘God in Man made manifest’—in Christ—shows forth to the whole of creation the love of God. The star in the east, the pilgrim kings bearing royal and mysterious gifts, the night flight of the holy family, the descent of the dove as Jesus emerges from the river water, Cana — all these portents point to the question, “Who is Jesus?” Who is he now, here, in our lives and our world? Who will he be for us? How will God be present to us in our lives? And how will we make God present to others? Epiphany is the season to explore that…

Message from John

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Altar Guild

The Altar Guild will be meeting on Wednesday, January 9th at 7:00 p.m. to go over preparations for Ash Wednesday and Lent. Your participation is welcome.

Flu & Cold Season

Get a flu shot and wash your hands...Often!

Keep the Music Playing

The approved 2008 St. Alban’s budget was not able to fund the Organist/Music Director position at the same level as in 2007. This will mean a reduction in music during the year, UNLESS additional support is found. The estimated shortfall is approx $4,000. If you wish to contribute special funds (above and beyond your pledge or regular giving for the year), please contact Carrie Cone, Sr. Warden, at 206-367-7402 or Chris Greenlaw, Treasurer, at 206-300-7247.

Mark Your Calendars January 12 Holy Habits Workshop www.ecww.org/giving/holyhabits.cfm February 2 Chamber Concert, St. Alban's February 9 Bishop Greg @ St. Alban's February 28-March 1 The New Conspirators: What in the World is God Doing? April 10-12 Healing Our Planet Earth www.healingourplanetearth.org

Bits & Pieces—

Liturgically Speaking. . .

Ablutions — Liturgical and ceremonial cleaning of the paten and chalice with water, or with water and wine, following the communion of the people at the Holy Eucharist. If the consecrated bread and wine are not reserved for later use, they are consumed by the ordained and lay ministers of the Eucharist either after the communion of the people or after the dismissal. The ablutions may also include the cleaning of the celebrant's fingers before and after communion, depending on the liturgical custom of the congregation.

Important Words The 5 most important words: I admit I was wrong. The 4 most important words: That’s a good job. The 3 most important words: What’s your opinion? The 2 most important words: Thank you. The 1 most important word: We

Connie Forsberg, President

ECW: Celebrating a precious birth

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January ECW Birthdays!

Inside the Vestry— On Tuesday, December 4, your new Vestry met. Those present included continuing Vestry members: John Bee, Reilly Mannery, Susie Nichols, Shirley Wilson, Gaylord Sisk, and Jeannie Wells. Newly elected Vestry members present included: Carrie Cone, Phil McClelland, Barbara McLain, and Erin Munday. Clerk Darla Lane and Rector John Leech were also present. Susie Nichols officiated. Actions coming from the meeting included: the 2008 Budget as presented to the parish at the Annual Meeting was approved; new Wardens were selected: Carrie Cone as Senior Warden and Phil McClelland as Junior Warden; the 2008 Vestry Retreat days were chosen, February 22-23; and Reilly Mannery and Jeannie Wells were appointed to finish out vacant, unexpired terms on the vestry. The Vestry thanks the parish for its prayers over the last several years during the interim time between permanent priests and invites continued prayer, as we walk with Christ down this new road He is preparing for us. We encourage all at St. Alban’s to seek God’s guidance as we move faithfully into the future He intends for this parish, praying that our eyes, ears, and hearts will be open to His leading and that we seek His will first, rather than our own.

In Christ’s Love, Your Vestry:

John Leech, Rector Carrie Cone, Sr. Warden

Phil McClelland, Jr. Warden Phyllis Becker

John Bee John Greenlaw

Barbara McLain Reilly Mannery Erin Munday Susie Nichols Gaylord Sisk Jeannie Wells Shirley Wilson

Darla Lane, Clerk Chris Greenlaw, Treasurer

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I am not a very adventurous person by nature. I like comfort and familiarity. But something in me got sparked on our last trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I got an idea into my brain to break away from the usual routine and do something different. I guess you could say I was feeling adventurous. My sister Sharon, who was on the trip with us, thought it was a great idea, so with that encouragement, she and I decided to sign up for a tour called the “Canopy.” This is the description in the brochure: “What is the Tour like? The Tour consists of a series of platforms mounted on the trees of the tropical semi-desert forest. Guides help participants use climbing equipment and techniques to move over the Tour. There are 14 observation platforms, 9 horizontal traverses, and a “Tarzan” swing, two flexible bridges and a vertical descent (rappel). The Tour elements are situated between 10 and 90 feet above the ground.” The “techniques to move over the Tour” consisted of being hooked onto a cable at each platform and allowing yourself to be propelled at a fast speed down the cable to the next platform. It’s kind of like swinging through the jungle from tree to tree. The first-time platform was the scariest. We were advised not to look down, and believe me, I did not. After that, I got into the routine and enjoyed acting like Jane of the Jungle. God’s world is amazing and offers so many wonderful adventures. I’m glad I didn’t miss this one because of fear.

Safety seemed to be a priority of the tour guides so I felt totally safe. Besides, I had a strong sense of the Lord with me, cheering me on. I believe He wants us to be courageous and not fearful. He wants us to experience His world as much as we can because He made earth for our enjoyment as well as for His own pleasure.

Mostly I think He wants us to learn to trust Him even in uncomfortable situations; to venture out of the box on occasion beyond our comfort zone. When we do, we get a stronger sense of His care for us, and a stronger sense of our own self confidence. These qualities, then, spill over into every area of our lives.

Next time you are presented with a new idea that may be a little scary - to swing through the jungle like I did, or join a Bible Study or church committee, or take up golf, or read a book on nutrition, or whatever it may be - before you dismiss the idea, muster up your courage and ask God if it just might be coming from Him. You may be surprised what form your “Canopy” might take.

If you would like to learn more about the Inner Healing Ministry, please call Shirley Wilson, 206-542-2944 or e-mail wilsaw@hotmail.com.

A Touch of Inner Healing— The Canopy by Shirley Wilson

The New Conspirators Tom & Christine Sine of Mustard Seed Associates are hosting a conference next year entitled The New Conspirators: What in the World is God Doing? Join us at Bethany Community Church in Seattle February 28, 29 and March 1, 2008 and find out.

•Come spend some time with Shane Claiborne and hear what is happening in The Simple Way in Philadelphia other monastic communities •Hear what God is doing in Minneapolis at the Sanctuary Covenant Church, an innovative multicultural community, from Efrem Smith co-author of the Hip-Hop Church •You can join Tim Morey, pastor of Life Covenant in Torrance California, and learn how and he and his friends have planted three missional churches in Southern California in the past three years that are already making a difference both locally and globally •Karen Ward will share what is happening in the Fremont Abbey here as they create new forms of ancient future faith here is Seattle

We would love to have some from St Alban’s join us. We are also looking for volunteers to help before and during the conference. For more information contact Tom & Christine Sine at 206 524 2111 or visit our conference website www.thenewconspirators.wordpress.com.

Upcoming Hands-on Activities Our next scheduled time for a Compass Center dinner is Sunday, January 27th. The menu is still to be decided. Come help us prepare or serve the food. We prepare the food at Edmonds Lutheran Church, usually around 2 p.m. and serve at 5 p.m. at the Compass Center near Costco in Shoreline. Donations of money or food for the meal are always welcome. Watch the bulletin for more information. Our next opportunity to help distribute food at the North Seattle Food Bank will be Saturday, February 23rd in the morning. We’ll meet in the church parking lot at 8:30 to carpool and work from 9 a.m. till noon. If you want to participate in either of these activities, please call Barbara Lagozzino, 425-774-9265 or Maryellen Young, 425-776-2461. Our next meeting is Thursday, January 24th at 7:00 p.m. at Barbara Lagozzino’s, 857 Walnut, Edmonds. Anyone is welcome. Please come participate in identifying and planning other Hands-on Activities for 2008.

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Good news!! Our contributions for November slightly exceeded our actual expenses and are near our original projection! We are ending the year slightly over budget, but not beyond expectations. We are blessed with a generous and giving parish and all r ecogn ize tha t we have rece ived many b less ings and good for tune th i s l as t year . We are approaching the next year with a conservative budget forecast and a redoubled effort to pace our expenditures with our contributions and yet expand our stewardship in our community. Thank you very much and we look forward with great anticipation to this Christmas Season and coming New Year! Sincerely, John Greenlaw

NOVEMBER

YEAR TO DATE

Act - Bud Actuals Budget Difference Total Contributions $13,146.75 $13,346.00 ($199.25) -1% Total Expenses $11,438.00 $13,955.33 ($2,517.33) -18% Net Contrib – Expenses $2882.75

Year To Date Act – Bud Actuals Budget Difference Total Contributions $148,493.96 $159,333.00 ($10,839.04) -7% Total Expenses $156,395.61 $166,828.38 ($10,432.77) -6% Net Contrib - Expenses ($7,901.65)

Act - Bud Actuals Budget Difference Total Contributions $13,146.75 $13,346.00 ($199.25) -1% Total Expenses $11,438.00 $13,955.33 ($2,517.33) -18% Net Contrib – Expenses $2882.75

St. Alban’s Financial Update as of November 30, 2007

A House A Home

Being as how a lot has happened in getting the rectory ready for John and Sarah, we would like to thank you for all the donations that have come in to help put the rectory in good condition. In order to respect the anonymity of our donors we will not publish names, however, we want everyone to know that your contributions have gone to a good cause. Jim Nichols has been in charge of the rectory reclamation project and has done a great job facilitating and overseeing the projects. We owe him a round of applause for the many hours he put into this. The fireplace was something that had been neglected in recent years and has now been repaired and usable (just in time for the snow!). This was a big expense and your donations and funds from the church assisted in making this happen. Other items that got proper attention

include providing a new kitchen stove, a new washer and dryer, the all important fence repair for Hound Dog and repair to the roof and rain gutters. Oh, and there was paint, plumbing, weather stripping, storm doors and garage door maintenance. If there was insulation installed in the garage it would provide protec-tion for the heating system so that it would do a better job and be less expensive to operate.

Door locks have been improved to the point where John and Sarah do not need to worry about uninvited guests during the sleeping hour. We do need to install a couple of security lights for the out of doors to provide even better night time security for them. This is only a sample of things that have been done to make this house a home for

John and Sarah. There are many little things that your money has gone to such as new toilet seats, some light fixtures, some window blinds, new shower curtains, window latches, door mats, and a number of other things too tiny to mention here. Lots of small but important

items still need to be cared for and repaired or replaced as money is donated. We are not done yet, so your continued donations will be greatly appreciated. These tasks may have been assigned to us by the goodness of God as it has

brought lots of us together in bonding and in working for the good of St. Alban’s. Again thanks for you love of our church and for believing that God wants us to go in this direction. Lee Forsberg, Buildings and Grounds 425-774-4571

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Early in December the St. Alban's Youth Group got together for some Christmas cheer. There was pizza and laughter in preparation for the night's main event of taking in a showing of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" presented by Edmond's own Driftwood Players. The youth group members enjoying the night were Miranda Timonen, Emily Bee, John Bee, Meridith Bee, Patrick Greenlaw, and Marshall Greenlaw, as well as their chaperones Melissa Hicks, John Greenlaw, and Ben Johnson.

The group agreed that the highlights of the production were a Pharaoh with Elvis flare and Joseph's brothers' comical, Parisian ode to Canaan's glory days. A big Thank You goes out to John and Chris Greenlaw for their organization and generous support of the night's events. Also, thanks to Joyce Carver for the recommendation of the play.

If you're aware of any community events that you think the Youth Group would enjoy or would like to support the Youth Group in any future activities, please contact Ben Johnson at 206-819-2319 or benj@gocougs.wsu.edu.

Youth Group: Pizza, party, play

You've Got Mail Many may remember Coe Hutchison, a man of many hats. For years, he and his wife, Janet, were active members of our congregation. To name a few places you could find Coe serving would be, Treasurer, Vestry, Choir, Alpha and Cursillo. Janet served with Cursillo, Altar Guild and Sunday School. You could also find her serving quietly in many other places. As you can see, both Coe and Janet were very active members in parish life and shared their many gifts with us. They raised their two sons, David and Steven within the St. Alban's community as well. Both Coe and Janet were God's faithful servants during their many years of worship at St. Alban's. Janet and Coe are now living in Minnesota, where currently

Coe is enrolled for the school year, at Luther Seminary. After this year of study, he will finish up at Regents College in Vancouver, B.C., where he is pursuing ordination. After completing these academic pieces, a year long internship will begin next September 2008. He hopes to be back in the Puget Sound area for his internship. As we know, being away from home and family can be difficult. Do you remember how much fun it is to receive mail when you're away from familiar surroundings? Please remember Coe in your prayers as he continues his Call to the ministry. If you wish to send your greetings, encouragement and support to the Hutchisons', you may do so at the following mailing address: 1570 Eustis St. #235, St. Paul, MN 55108 or e-mail address: cmhutchison@hotmail.com. All communication will be appreciated.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 21405 82nd Place West Edmonds, Washington 98026

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Calendar—January 2008

Day Date Event

Tuesday 1/1 Office Closed

Saturday 1/5 Scout tree recycle project

Wednesday 1/9 Altar Guild @ 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday 1/15 Vestry @ 6:30 p.m.

Monday 1/21 Office Closed

Thursday 1/24 Hands On Committee @ 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday 1/2 Prayer Beads @ 7:15 p.m.

Recurring Events:

Boy Scouts: Mondays at 7:00 p.m.

at St. Alban's

Annie’s Kitchen: Wednesdays at 5-6:30 p.m.

at Edmonds Lutheran Church

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Letters from Kids: Dear Pastor, I know God loves everybody but He never met my sister.