All Saints e-Newsletter October 2011

While I was earning my doctorate in church growth, I studied many of the approaches that congregations try out to increase their size and strength. Given that over the last three years All Saints' attendance has grown by more than a third -- along with a strong sense of purpose, optimism and energy -- we might wonder what we're doing right, so we can do it more.

I think the answer is actually pretty simple. We are growing because we have re-connected to the source of life and growth of the church. We're told in scripture that we are the branches, and if we sever ourselves from the vine we will wither. We're told in scripture that we really can't do anything important on our own strength -- that another kind of strength has to flow through us if we are not to become lost and exhausted. We have all experienced this, alone and in groups.

In other words, we are growing because we have worked to re-connect, as a community, to the source of living, refreshing water himself, the one who said he would be with us always: to Jesus Christ, Immanuel, the Risen One, the Son of Man. We have begun a process of re-connection and re-claiming what it means to be Christian as we remain fully, richly and authentically Episcopalian, rooted in the glorious Anglican tradition.

Some of us have grappled with our own resistance to claiming Christ as the source of courage, creativity and compassion in our lives. Some of us have recognized that our resistance comes from unspoken, unchecked (and ultimately wrong) assumptions -- like "Christians are closed-minded, power-hungry, angry and often ugly people." Or "Christians are not very bright." Some of us have recognized that we are not Unitarians (as wonderful as many of them are), but actual Christians. As we claim our Christianity, person by person, we actually change what that term means to the world.

Of course, this is an ongoing process. There will be times when we move further from our source, or start to close the channel. (Check the Hebrew Scriptures for a whole history of how that happens.) Not many Episcopal churches have experience in doing what we're doing. But if you wonder if it works, just see how it feels to be part of this community right now. Feel the energy, and witness the growth. And enjoy the sense of wonder about it all.

Men of Courage and Compassion

For years, All Saints has had a Women's Devotional Group on the first Wednesday of each month. That's been a real blessing. Now it's time to build a group where men can support each other in meeting the special challenges of being a man -- and a Christian -- in today's society.

Father Rob invites all men in the parish to join him on Wednesday, October 5, in the Fireside Room from 7:00 to 8:30. We'll explore the various kinds of groups that we could form (time to bring back the Brotherhood of St. Andrew?), and decide on the next steps to making this a reality.

(Note to dads: Julia and Sarah, our nursery staff, will be on duty during that time. So bring the family!)

Bzzzz, Bzzzzzz Musical staff

By Claire Burke

All Saints Choir is as busy as bees in a honeycomb! We've enjoyed three Sunday morning practices, and we washed and shook out our robes and cottas. Starting Sunday, October 2, you will find us on hand at the 10:15 service. We hope our presence will sweeten and flavor your worship experience.

For amazing support from new and returning choir members and from the Facilities Care Committee, I say "Thanks be to God!"

Parish Photo Directory Coming

LifeTouch Photographers at All Saints October 27, 28, 29

Beginning next week, everybody at All Saints will be able to sign up to be part of a new parish photo directory with photographs of everyone. On top of that, every All Saints member will have access to a secure, password-protected online version of the directory for computers and smart phones that will include automatic updates and easy inclusion of new members. This is also a chance to get a family portrait. (Christmas isn't that far off!)

For more information, contact Dana in the church office.

Family Spirituality Program in Full Swing

Our new Family Spirituality program is fully under way. We now offer the following for families, under the supervision of The Rev. Stephanie Green Tramel, our new Associate for Family Spirituality.

Cartoon of nursery care

Professional Nursery Care
Julia Riera and Sarah Rothenberg staff our nursery from 9:00 a.m. to noon every Sunday. These trained, professional caregivers provide a safe, caring and fun experience for our littlest members.

Godly Play
Our beloved Godly Play program is back up and running every Sunday for children ages 4-10. This Montessori-based learning experience includes the great stories of our tradition, from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, as well as "wondering time" and creative "work."

Fireside Kids/Grapple
For kids and youth 11 and up, we now have games and/or crafts from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. every Sunday. The group will come in for the beginning of church at 10:15 and at about 10:20 go to the Fireside Room for a presentation by one of our adult members. Presentations are on a passion of one of the presenters, with talks, demonstration and participation. Twice a month, we will offer our Grapple youth program with Bible study, video and interactive games. About 11:15 the young people rejoin the congregation for Eucharist.

Adult Sacred Story
From 9:15 to 10:00 in the Nave Circle, adults are invited to take part in professionally led interviews. Discussions will alternate between Fireside Kids presenters talking about their passion and Rev. Stephanie offering Godly Play storytelling for adults (helps with later discussion with their children -- and just great for spiritual formation of adults themselves!)

Fall Stewardship Campaign Begins!

By Karen Taylor, Stewardship Chair

Last fall, while Fr. Rob was on sabbatical, the parish took time to listen carefully to one another about where God is calling us. That led to envisioning a future that looks like this:

A community of praise, that places a priority on life-changing, hope-giving worship
A community that works consistently toward building friendships
A community that encourages healthy change and growth through the careful stewardship of rich resources.
A community of grateful people serving thousands of our neighbors each year

In short, we praise God, build friendships, affirm abundance and serve thousands. That vision is becoming reality here at All Saints. It's been so exciting to watch us prosper and become ever more vital.

Even in this time of financial difficulty, we continue to be generous givers, aware of the fantastic blessings God continues to pour out on us. Sunday attendance continues to increase; the new Family Spirituality program is so positive and encouraging, bringing excitement and joy with it.

The response to the Retire the Debt request was overwhelming, and we'll soon have a much reduced debt and a bright and roomy family-friendly restroom to show for it. All of this is making All Saints a wonderful place to grow, both individually and as an active congregation.

Over the next few weeks, we will look at the four ways we are growing as we prepare for the annual ingathering of pledges on Sunday, November 20.

Come Join and Be a "Helping Hand"

by Mary Kincaid

All Saints has long been known for its welcoming spirit and generous hospitality. We greet newcomers warmly, helping them to feel comfortable in our midst. We also minister to and serve our church family with support and graciousness in times of trouble or need. Indian stew

To continue this important ministry, I am gathering together a group of people who would be willing to set up the hall, cook, feed, serve and clean up for receptions after baptisms, funerals and other important services.

Many of you have already helped in this capacity. Now I would like to have an "official" group designated for the purpose of providing this care to our members when the need arises. Separate from coffee hour volunteers, this group will be named "Helping Hands."

If you would like to participate and assist in this capacity, please contact me at 886-5157 or email me at: kinscott@comcast.net.

New Partner of The Neighborhood Center

Aurora Birth -- Childbirth Education

Are you or someone you know seeking a childbirth preparation class that nurtures you in your journey to becoming a parent? Beginning in January of 2012, the Neighborhood Center will host childbirth education classes.

The Aurora Birth series provides a supportive space for expectant couples to come together and build community as new families. The 6-week series is informative and transformative. Mom and partner will learn concrete skills to help navigate labor, including breath work, touch, labor positions, and much more. Please visit www.aurorabirth.com for more information.

Retire the Debt Nears $50,000

By Connie Camp

The Retire the Debt Campaign has officially come to a close, and the committee thanks everyone for their generous contributions.

We raised $13,600 in cash during the campaign. We also have pledges of $26,000 to be paid over a three-year period, which brings the amount to $39,600. With additional $7,600 already in our building fund we now have $47,300 with which to pay the balance of the loan to Union Bank ($34,187) and a surplus of $13,100. This money will go towards the completion of the family-friendly bathroom.

Thank you to everyone for making this happen. Thank you to members of the committee -- Donna Lack, Karen Taylor and Mary Kincaid. Thank you to Father Rob for being our encourager and advisor, and a special thank-you to Dana Coffin for that wonderful little pink card that helped us clarify what we could do.

Most important of all I give God special thanks for each member of the congregation who loves this church as much as I do and has helped to keep the roof over our heads and the walls around us safe, dry and ready for another hundred years of faithful service.

Vestry Highlights

Here are the highlights of the vestry's regular meeting on September 21:

Fall Auction Success. The parish thanks Clyde Fralick and his team for the extremely successful fall auction. While final figures are not yet in, the gross income for the event was over $6,500. Since the event was a potluck, expenses were very low (probably less than $500). This means we expect to net around $6,000 -- well over the goal for the event and the fundraising goal for the year. Final figures will be provided in October.
Retire the Debt Campaign Success. The summer campaign was a huge success. See the article in this newsletter for details. The parish thanks Connie Camp, Donna Lack, Karen Taylor and Mary Kincaid for their hard work on this project.
Finance Committee/2012 Budget. The Finance Committee, chaired by Gary Lindberg, is now developing the budget for 2012. Thank you Gary and committee!
Facilities Improvements Continue. The Facilities Care Committee continues to make progress on the new family-friendly restroom near the Fireside Room. Special thanks to Jack Kincaid for his leadership in this area.
Family Spirituality Program Launch. Rev. Stephanie gave a detailed description of her program, including a copy of her letter of agreement with the parish and her extensive list of duties and responsibilities. The vestry expressed enthusiasm for this program and thanks the donors whose special gifts made it possible.

These are just highlights; full minutes for meetings are posted the last week of the following month. All vestry meetings (regularly scheduled for 7:30-9:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month) are open to parishioners.

Thank You, Bag Lunch Volunteers!

By Ken Wright

Every third Sunday, a group of volunteers stay after the early service and bag 110 lunches for the homeless. They are then delivered to the Boys and Girls Club in San Leandro. We started this program when we bagged only 45 lunches.

Thanks to all the volunteers who make this program possible, including Dorothy and Conway Pendleton, Dora and Jim Muir, Margaret and Jim Martin, Dorothy Wright, Cimberly Eng-Tamura, Marjorie Trimble, Nancy Churchill, and Nicola Peck.

PCTI: Neighborhood Center Partner Serves Many Faiths

The Pacific Chaplaincy Training Institute (PCTI) is training nine interns during this fall semester at The Neighborhood Center. Chaplains will work in a variety of faith environments: The Jewish Senior Home, San Francisco; Alameda County Medical Center, Oakland; The Veteran's Hospital Livermore; Saint Rose Hospital, Hayward; and parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Oakland, with the School for Deacons.

The students will fulfill the requirements of their various institutions for completion of their internship and/or field education credits.

PCTI is completing its second year at The Neighborhood Center. Winter semester dates are January 20 through March 23, 2012. For more information, contact the Rev. Robert Dale Walter, Executive Director, at 408-910-4497 or bd.1768@yahoo.com, or pick up a brochure in the All Saints parish hall.

CONTACTS

Church Office: allsaintsepiscopal@att.net, 510-569-7020

Neighborhood Center: Maxine Sitts,

neighborhood.center.at.all.saints@gmail.com

Please check the calendar for scheduled meetings and to see what spaces and times are available for a meeting you are planning. To add your meeting time and space to the calendar, contact Maxine Sitts, sittsbreck@att.net.

Rector: Fr. Rob Droste, robdroste@sbcglobal.net

Associate for Family Spirituality: Rev. Stephanie Green Tramel

Rector's Warden: Maxine Sitts, sittsbreck@att.net

People's Warden: Anne Phillips, aphillips@chcnetwork.org

Choir Director: Claire Burke, clairenote@msn.com

Organist/Pianist: Dylan Snodgrass, dvsnodgrass@yahoo.com

Newsletter Editor: Mary Nelson, marypat56@gmail.com