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February 2001
From Nolan
For those who see
Dear Family in Christ,
Driving down Highway 1 from San Francisco to Seaside is a beautiful
experience. Ann and I had the opportunity to make that trip after being
with a parishioner going into surgery in San Francisco early on a Friday
morning. As we left the hospital for the Diocesan Convention in Seaside
it was overcast, cold and wintry. As soon as we reached Pacifica the sun
appeared and the ocean sparkled, with large waves crashing against rocks
and beach. That journey, following the California coast, was a
refreshing gift spaced between the seriousness of surgery for a loved
member of our community and the discharge of duty, attending convention.
God gives us gifts like that almost every day yet we seldom recognize
them because we are so caught up in other, seemingly more important
matters. It often takes a two-by-four to get my attention. Descending
down the hill into Pacifica with the sea right before my eyes was one
such two-by-four. Fortunately I got the message and reveled in God's
creation for the remainder of the trip. I needed that time of
refreshment and centering and it carried through the remainder of the
weekend. Because of that, it was one of the best conventions ever for
me.
Epiphany is about the manifestation (appearance) of Christ in the
world, not only following his birth but also continuing today. I love
that folk song that asks and answers the question "Have you seen
Jesus my Lord?" "He's here in plain view, take a look open
your eyes..." Seeing him is often as simple as stopping and looking
at something of beauty that has caught your eye and letting the spirit
lead you into that incredible presence. One rainy morning as I pulled
into the church parking lot I looked up and right in front of me was a
partially visible rainbow. In just that moment a connection was made
with Christ that colored the remainder of my day.
With the rainy season upon us, an energy crisis hanging overhead, a
downturn in the economy and numerous other less than happy distractions
vying for our attention, why not look up, out, beyond or within and
discover a gift that God wants you to have. A gift that will put all of
these troublesome matters into perspective. We don't need to wait for
the two-by-four attention getter. God seems to prefer subtlety expecting
"... those who have eyes to see". Experiencing Christ's
appearance in our lives and the world is as much a matter of practice as
it is anything else.
God has some beautiful experiences waiting for us, why not take a
moment and enjoy them, the life you change will be your own.
Please note: Susie Ferguson is beginning another Alpha program,
beginning February 7, 6:30 p.m. at her house: 1446 Kew Gardens Court. If
you are looking to explore your faith or grow in understanding the
basics of Christian belief this is a great opportunity. And, knowing
Susie and Jerry, it will be fun as well. Check it out you won't be
disappointed.
In Christ's love,
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Evangelism & Growth
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I pray that the eyes of your heart may be
enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what
are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what
is the surpassing greatness of His power towards us who believe.
Eph. 1: 18-19
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The Alpha Course
...It's Happening!
Looking for renewed energy, a new direction, a sense of belonging, or
just a better grasp of the Christian faith? Alpha could be the
opportunity for you to make new friends, find some answers to life's
meaning, and get re-fueled to cope with the fast lane of Silicon Valley.
Join Susie and Jerry Ferguson at their home for a gourmet dinner and
an introductory evening on the Alpha Course. Meet, via videotape, Nicky
Gumbel, the Anglican Priest who developed the course. Come and enjoy the
food and fellowship and see what you think.
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When:
Time:
Place:
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Wednesday, February 7
6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Susie and Jerry Ferguson's
1446 Kew Gardens Court
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RSVP:
Home:
Susie's Work:
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By Sunday, February 4
997-0107, mailbox #2
452-2750
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This class will be held on Wednesday evenings and will always include
dinner. The Alpha Course runs 10 weeks plus a Saturday retreat on the
Holy Spirit. Specific dates will be outlined at the introductory dinner.
Looking for a Lenten discipline? This might work! The course will be
running during Lent.
- Susie Ferguson
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Announcements
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Dori's Stole
Deadline is near for Dori's stole. Get your material to Virginia
Jones or Penny Sabin by Valentine's Day - Please! This stole will be
given to Dori from ECA at her ordination on Saturday, May 23 at Trinity
Cathedral. Party to follow at ECA
Bunko
On February 27, Bunko will be at 7 p.m. following the Pancake Supper
in the Choir Room
Happy Hoofers
The Happy Hoofers are hell bent on a Holy Lent! Care to join them?
Consider joining the Happy Hoofers on Wednesdays during Lent. They
meet in the ECA parking lot at 6 a.m., hike up to the library, then to
the Country Club, down to Starbucks, pick up coffee, and then back to
the church for Morning Prayer at 7 a.m. Rain or shine, frost or
freezing. Fun, fellowship and food for the soul!
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Fellowship
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Women's Book Group
The Book Group now meets the SECOND Thursday of the month at 7:30
p.m. in the Old Fellowship Hall. Book selections are as follows. Please
join us for:
February 8: My Dog Skip by Will Morrison
- Carol Pullen 268-2868
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Thank You
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Gold Grapes
Have you noticed someonedoing something special at ECA that you think
should be praised, thanked, or recognized? That's exactly what Gold
Grapes are given for - thanks and recognition for service. This month we
give Gold Grapes to:
-For Earl Griffith who does so much behind the scenes at ECA,
digging, caulking, plunging, etc.;
-For Brenda, Ed, Terry, & Susie, our outgoing vestry members -
thanks for your service the last three years;
-For all the kitchen angels who set up and cleaned up after the
annual meeting;
- God bless you for your service
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Prayer Vine Corner
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Be devoted to one another in brotherly
love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in
diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope,
perservering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the
needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
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New beginnings
It's easy sometimes to take things for granted, to assume jobs will
get done as they always do, events will happen as they always have, and
peoples needs and cares will be addressed and provided for as usual. Is
that how it is in your home or at your work? How about at ECA?
This month our new vestry begins its course for 2001. Twelve
individuals from our parish will work together and probably won't take
things for granted! Twelve individuals with a variety of strengths and
talents who will provide us leadership and vision so that jobs get done,
events still happen, and peoples needs and cares are addressed and
provided for as usual or maybe, this year, with even greater
inspiration.
The Lord has a plan for ECA and our vestry must guide our course to
follow that plan. This month let us join in prayer for our leaders to
see clearly the Lord's vision for us and inspire us to move and grow in
the directions the Lord desires.
For specific prayer requests of thanksgiving or needs, please call
Dorothy Willard @ 268-1212. Dorothy lovingly leads a group of ECA
parishioners devoted to intercessory prayer for you.
- Susie Ferguson
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February's Prayer
We lift up to you, Lord, our vestry: Bev, Russ, Alex, Ginger,
Belinda, Natalie, Warren, Roberta, Len, Vicky, Bonnie, & Dave. Touch
their hearts with your visions and desires for our parish. Fill them
with your Holy Spirit and give them your passion to lead and inspire.
Draw us all closer through the love of Christ.
Amen.
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Happy
Birthday
and
Happy Anniversary
to those celebrating
in February |
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