Ongoing Events

Centering Prayer

One of the themes that is emerging in our ongoing practice of Centering Prayer is the awareness that God just wants to spend time with us. In response to the enthusiasm growing around this feeling, our Centering Prayer gatherings are now offered Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Fridays at noon. The former Tuesday evening gathering has been changed to Monday. We hope that you will join us and see how contemplation can enrich your own experience.

 Join the Diocese as We Celebrate Bishop Barry

Our journey through this episcopal transition has carried us to the place where we intentionally and joyfully celebrate the ministry and gifts of Bishop Barry and his episcopate in this diocese.

We ask you now to send photos of your church, ministries and people, as well as cards, notes and stories about the way that Bishop Barry has blessed you during his time as a bishop to: [email protected] . Photos and notes will be included in a memory book for him. Please include the church city and name in the subject line.

The diocese is also giving Bishop Barry and Rev. Ann a trip to begin their life in retirement together. You may donate at https://goo.gl/DRQ1Me (or on www.norcalepiscopal.org, under “Online Giving.”) Donors will be recognized.

We honor Bishop Barry.

Join the diocese as we gather in three different events to honor Bishop Barry Beisner. These events are free. Please RSVP online if you plan to attend:  https://goo.gl/v6LkBi    

Saturday, May 11 ^th , 5:30 - 8 p.m. 

St. John's, Petaluma 

Friday, June 7 ^th , 5:30 - 8 p.m. 

Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento 

Saturday, June 15 ^th , 1:30 - 4 p.m. 

All Saints, Redding 

For questions about these events, please visit the bishop search website.

O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop Barry, Bishop-elect Megan, other clergy and all your people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your Son, and grant that we show the power of your love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

From our Bishop-Elect

Dear Friends in Christ,

Our relationship together in Christ has begun, and I rejoice in it. 

It is as if we are walking two parts of a converging road. We can recognize the same landmarks as we move forward, Shrove Tuesday with pancakes and fun, Ash Wednesday with repentance and ashes, and the long prayerful walk of Lent. Our paths will converge after Easter, starting in mid-May.

At that time I will start in the Diocesan office, and the following six weeks will be a time of intense learning. With Bishop Beisner sharing his wisdom and the skilled staff, I will become acquainted with the workings of the Diocese. All the while the preparation for the consecration will be ongoing - indeed it has already begun.

I look forward to joining our large Diocesan family, where I can hear your struggles and your joys - and you can hear some of mine as well! Our first two years together will be an intensive time of relationship building. We will discover how God is building us up in Christ together.

I am currently working hard to make sure that my current Bishop concludes his time with joy and that my new Bishop makes a strong beginning. Philip and I are working on our own steps of transition as well. At this time I cannot be responsive to you by email or phone calls. I want to be connected with you - but we have to let the transition process move through its various stages. For projects that really do need the input from the Bishop-Elect, Jacqi Seppi in the Bishop’s office will be the conduit, and she will forward urgent matters to me directly.

Meanwhile we both have good work to accomplish until our paths draw close in May and truly converge on June 29. Thank you for your warm welcome to me, and thanks for the good care you are taking of Bishop Beisner, his excellent staff, and each other.

“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, 

just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

Colossians 2:6

Faithfully in Christ,

The Rev. Canon Megan Traquair

Bishop-Elect

Diocese of Northern California  

Adult Formation Classes



Inquirers Class

Are you looking to become a member of the Episcopal Church? Whether you are seeking baptism, confirmation or are just curious...this is your chance to join Pastor Liz and Fr. Tom as we dive into the history, faith and worship of the Episcopal Church. We will meet on three consecutive Thursday evenings: April 25 ^th, May 2 ^nd and May 9 ^th at 7 p.m.

Don't Miss Out on Lent Madness!

Booklets are available for a fun and informative Lenten experience (based on the idea of March Madness for you college basketball fans). There will be online voting for the 32 saints tournament style, elimination bracket format.

 The booklets contain a short biography of each saint and instructions on how to go online and sign up to get the daily emails and opportunity to vote for your favorite saint. Lent Madness is brought to you by Forward Movement, the organization that publishes our daily devotionals.

Walk the Labyrinth

The ancient practice of walking the labyrinth evokes our journey toward God. Using the symbol to contemplate life's twists, turns and redirections can be a form of prayer and a source of peace. We will have a labyrinth set up in the sanctuary during Holy Week, April 15 ^th - 19 ^th for any who wish to walk it.

Hosting Coffee Hour is Easy!

All of us enjoy Coffee Hour after church. However, we need more volunteers to sign up to provide snacks. It is easy! Find a partner to share the experience. Keep it simple.

Although occasionally those who host provide a generous offering, that is NOT the expectation. Snacks can be simple finger foods such as: cookies, crackers, cheese, chips, veggies, fruit . . . you get it. You will need about 100 pieces.

TIP: Check out the big box stores for large packages.

Come early to set up, stay late to clean up. You do not have to worry about coffee and tea as those are provided by the Hospitality Coffee person. Look for the sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center. Thank you for volunteering. If you have questions, please contact Camille Grabowski at:

[email protected]

Vestry Profile

Senior Warden

Kathy Dillon

For all who do not know me, I am the Senior Warden for the year 2019. I have been a member of St. Augustine since 1999. The Church was just barely nine years old when I joined, moving from a warehouse on Anthony Court to a store front on Granite Drive. I have been a very active member of this parish since I joined and have seen the increase in membership as well as the building of our First Church.

I am retired and have lived in Sun City Lincoln Hills for 11 years. I am married to Jack - we will celebrate 48 years in July - and the proud mother of two children, and have four grandchildren. I enjoy cooking and entertaining and sharing that with friends and family.

I love being a part of St. Augustine and spreading the mission of our Church in the community. I serve and have served on many ministry teams and encourage each of you to look and see what ministry can enlighten your life. I look forward to a productive year ahead.

Love and Blessings,

Kathy Dillon

It might look chaotic, but it’s not—it is actually an extremely  well-organized operation. On the second Wednesday of each month, St. Augustine provides 75-80 homeless guests, including as many as 15 children, a delicious hot meal and a warm place to sleep.

Shopping for fresh food items usually takes place on Tuesday, the day before. Work at the Church begins about 2 p.m. on Wednesday, when a crew sets up the long tables in Canterbury Hall with real silverware, glass plates, drinking glasses and cups - no paper throwaways, we treat our guests with dignity! The chairs in the sanctuary are moved to one side, and a movie is set up.

The menu does not vary; we are the “chicken church,” and guests look forward to that. About 14 whole chickens are sprinkled with a rub (garlic powder and paprika), hung in two 50-gallon barrels to roast for a couple of hours and then cut into five or six pieces per half.

Meanwhile, a tossed green salad with peppers and tomatoes is made onsite, 50 cups of rice are cooked in the rice cooker and mixed with vegetables, and rolls are in the warming oven. Desserts, made at home from the same recipe, are prepared for serving. The desser ts usually follow a holiday theme.

By 6 p.m., everything is ready for the guests who arrive by bus or van. They drop their bags and duffels in the Sunday School rooms and take a seat. After grace is said, guests line up to get their food which is dished out buffet-style by Church volunteers.

During the meal, a dedicated team of our Church members is working hard in the kitchen, washing serving pans and loading the dishwasher as guests finish eating. The guests do the final clearing, dish washing and putting the tables and chairs away.

After dinner, the guests watch a movie in the sanctuary. Families with children usually sleep in the Nursery or Sunday School rooms. Single men sleep in the sanctuary, while single women sleep in Canterbury Hall. Mats are provided by The Gathering Inn staff.

 

Guests are assigned tasks by The Gathering Inn monitors who accompany them. In the morning, guests serve themselves a granola bar and coffee and juice for the children. They clean the kitchen, sweep the floors, scrub the toilets and reset the sanctuary.

Around 5:30 a.m., a St. Augustine volunteer comes to check our facility and lock up. Everyone is gone by 6:30 a.m., and our Church is back to normal. You’d never even know anyone had been there!

What a fabulous outreach ministry. Over 30 Church members volunteer throughout the year to help with the work involved in serving our Gathering Inn guests. Currently, Rick and Janice Stenzel are in charge of this ministry, which was started by Jim Quinney. Jack Dillon is the master chef at the BBQ with loads of volunteer assistance. Kudos to all!

Volunteers are needed each second Wednesday of the month. Sign up at the Welcome Center to help with this ministry. This is an amazing way to serve.



By Barbara Woolman 

It Takes a Fabulous Team of Volunteers!!!!

The Gathering Inn Donations

The Gathering Inn has a great need for underwear: specifically women's small and men's medium, large and extra-large.

Please place your donations in the grocery cart at the entry to Canterbury Hall. Every item is greatly appreciated. Beth Sulc will deliver the items to The Gathering Inn. If you are interested in helping to deliver donations, please contact Beth at:

[email protected]

Outreach Stampede

Calling all cowboys and cowgirls! Mark your calendars and save the date for the St. Augustine Outreach Stampede on Saturday, May 4 ^th . The event will feature a Western theme with a spectacular BBQ dinner, a special raffle of some extravagant items and our traditional luscious desserts. 

Instructor Bill Swayne will be on hand to give us an introductory line dancing lesson - children included. There will be prizes for the best Western outfits. The Outreach Team is hard at work organizing this extravaganza, and it is sure to be an outstanding event. Proceeds go towards various outreach programs supported by St. Augustine. The event begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 each.

Kairos 23



Jack Dillon and Steve Mershon, along with a team of Christian men from different denominations, are preparing for for Kairos 23. The four-day event will be held April 4 ^th through April 7 ^th at Folsom Prison.You are invited to help in one or all of the following ways: prayer, cookies, paper hands, letters and financial support. . Cookie recipes and tri-fold flyers are available the at the Welcome Center. For more information, please contact Jack or Steve.

Church Spring Cleaning Day

We will have a clean-up day after the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, April 14 ^th. We need volunteers to help with cleaning and repair tasks in preparation for Easter Sunday. Sign-up sheets are located at the Welcome Center. Lunch will be provided by the Daughters of the King.

Baptism

The Great Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 20 ^th is an Easter Celebration, with Holy Eucharist. It is also a service reserved for baptism. If you are interested in baptism for yourself or a member of your family, please contact Pastor Liz, Fr. Tom or Pastor Maryellen.

Open Mosque Day

Want to meet your Muslim neighbors? The 5th Annual Open House at the Muslim Community of Folsom will be held on Saturday, April 13th from 11 a.m. to 4 p. The Center is located at 391 S. Lexington Drive, Folsom. There will be hourly presentations on Islam, tours of the facility, snacks and refreshments.

At the January 26 ^th and 27 ^th food-packing events, we raised $8,403.36 and packed 20,304 meals. Nearly 178 folks volunteered over the two-day period. The food packed at St. Augustine was sent to the Philippines. Many thanks to those who donated and/or participated.

St. James Food Pantry Ministry

Thank you to all who have generously donated food to support the pantry. The pantry in Lincoln has grown in size and scope, and your continued support is appreciated and important. Food scarcity is a very real situation and is 24/7. Canned chicken, tuna, rice, pinto beans, flour or corn tortillas, cereal and juice are pantry favorites. Other items are also appreciated.

Please make sure your items are not past the expiration date and are unopened.

The grocery cart is located at the entrance to Canterbury Hall. Thank you for your donations.

St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room

A group of volunteers from St. Augustine Church serves meals at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room the third Thursday of each month. They volunteer from approximately 9:15 a.m. until 1:45 p.m., helping prepare, cook and serve a warm meal for those in need.

Approximately two to three hours of standing are involved. All food is provided, and no cooking experience is needed.

Volunteers include Jack Dillon, John Redmond, Rob and Deidre Shonk, Catherine Beckman, Jim and Stephanie Tilton, Jim and Carla Dolislager, Rick and Janice Stenzel, Lyn Fuson, Steve Broce, Linda Peterson and Kathryn Jordan. 

Volunteers for Thursday, April 18 ^th are John Redmond and Rob and Deidre Shonk.

  Please contact Rob Shonk if you are interested in working in this important ministry:

[email protected]

 

Meal Train Ministry

The Meal Train Ministry is an online calendar that organizes delivery of meals for parish families in times of need. Barbara Woolman is in charge of the Meal Train Ministry. If you are interested in providing meals for parish families, please contact:

[email protected]

916-771-8830

Altar Flower Note Cards

We have beautiful, custom-designed note cards created from pictures of our altar flowers. A perfect way to send a cheery message to lift someone's day. Available for a $20 donation for 12 distinct images, including envelopes and beautifully package for giving. Funds will benefit the Women's Retreat scholarship account.

For more details, contact Joan Howe at:

[email protected]

Youth Group News & Updates

Come & Worship with FISH

The FISH Youth Group, grades 6 - 12, meets Sunday nights for dinner, activities, discussion and prayer. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. All Church members are welcome to join the group at 7:30 p.m for youth-led services.

The FISH Group has been talking about some of the nuts and bolts of the Church. For the next few weeks, they will continue to answer those questions. They will talk about what is so special about the Episcopal Church, what confirmation is and how to get the most out of going to church.

FISH Calendar

Sunday School News

March began with changes in our Sunday School program. We moved to a lead teacher and an assistant teacher working together. All of the children and the teachers are meeting in the same room, much like a one-room classroom.

Beginning in April, we will have two different people sharing the position of lead teacher. Natalie Cooper and Kara Diaz have agreed to be a lead every other week to help provide consistency to our program. They are also enhancing what we have been doing using our current curriculum. They are utilizing both rooms and will have the children on the floor for a portion of the class and then move to the other class for an activity or craft. We are excited to see how this will evolve and how the children will respond.

Natalie and Kara will be the lead teachers, alternating each week. However, we still need assistant teachers. We currently have just a few teachers available for this role. Please contact Melissa Lovin if you would like to be a part of the children's program.

The responsibility of the assistant is: Arrive a few minutes early to help with any last-minute set-up; assist with activities and/or reading; encourage participation of the children; watch for the Nicene Creed in the sanctuary to let the lead teacher know there are eight minutes left of class; be sure the attendance sheets are accurate where the children sign in and assist in cleaning up the classroom afterwards. We also hope at some point, if an assistant is interested, that they will consider being a lead teacher when needed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Melissa at the new Children's Ministry email:

[email protected]

You can also reach Melissa at 916.833.6263.

A BIG THANK YOU! I would like to thank both Barbara Woolman and Rob Shonk for all of their many, many years of being involved with the children's ministry. They have each decided it is time to step down from this ministry. I am so grateful to each of them for signing up each month to be a teacher through all the changes and all the growth. I believe they have both been teachers since we restarted our Sunday School program many years ago with just a few children - mine included! Again, THANK YOU!

Melissa Lovin

Interim Children's Ministries Coordinator

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

(more info to come)

April 21 - Easter Egg Hunt following the 10 a.m. service

May 4 - Outreach Stampede Fundraiser

Childcare will be provided

May 17 - Family Picnic and Bingo

June 23 - Family Play at the park

July 28 - Family Play at the park

August 2 - Parents Night Out

Easter Egg Hunt

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt immediately following the 10 a.m. service on Easter Sunday. If weather permits, we will be on the patio for this event. You may bring your own basket, but we will have baskets available. All children are welcome.

News from the Nursery

Our Nursery is a very active place. Please know that you are welcome to bring your child back into the nursery after communion if you choose. Please let Emma know you plan to do this so she is prepared.

Our attendants do take turnsfor communion, but there is always someone in there. The 3 ^rd and 5th Sunday of the month is available if there is a preteen, teen or adult interested in volunteering monthly.

Please contact Melissa if you are interested:

[email protected]

or

916-833-6263

IMPORTANT CAUTION ALERT REGARDING NURSERY DONATIONS!

Parents and members…it seems that folks have been leaving toys and games in the nursery. As much as they are appreciated, please check with Melissa Lovin, Interim Children’s Ministry Coordinator, before leaving anything in the nursery.

All toys and games must be checked for the size of parts. Many times the parts are small and can be a great choking hazard to our little ones. We do not want any of our babies or toddlers to choke on a toy! Also, the toys or games must be cleaned and sanitized before they can become a part of the nursery collection.

Thank you for your generosity and for your attention to this important notice.

Please remember that any items that folks want to donate should come through Melissa first. Melissa can be reached at:

[email protected]

Children's Choir

The St. Augustine Children’s Choir is in its second year - rehearsing and performing. The Choir rehearses on the first and third Sundays of the month following the 10 a.m. service and concluding by noon.

The choir sings periodically during the 10 a.m. service throughout the school year. All children from five years old to 5 ^th grade are welcome. Give it a try!

Questions? Contact Amy Quinney at:

[email protected]

or

916-257-2343

Daughters of the King

The St. Augustine Chapter of Daughters of the King meets on the second Sunday of each month, following the 10 a.m. service

The Daughters met Sunday, March 10 ^th. Kathleen Quigley facilitated a discussion about evangelism. The group will not meet April 14 ^th , the Church Clean-up Day. The Daughters will provide lunch for the volunteers. They will not meet May 12 ^th which is Mother's Day. Members have collected items for the women at Acres of Hope as a special Mother's Day service project.

On June 30 ^th, the Daughters will hold a Service of Admission for Camille Grabowksi, Lyn Fuson, Barbara Woolman, Priscilla Kriner and Janet Dickens. This group completed five study sessions to become new members of the St. Augustine Chapter. Kathleen Quigley and Greer Nave were the facilitators.

If you are interested in becoming a Daughter or would like more information, please contact our Chapter President, Joanne McCormack at:

[email protected]

Brotherhood of St. Andrew

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew holds its regular monthly meetings at 9 a.m. in Canterbury Hall the fourth Saturday of the month. Coffee and breakfast are served. All men and boys are welcome and encouraged to attend a meeting.

"Even if you are not a member of the Brotherhood, and just have an interest in what we do, you are welcome to join us for breakfast and the meeting," said Rob Shonk, Director. If you have an interest in learning about the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, please contact Rob or Secretary John Redmond.

The Brotherhood served a pancake, sausage and juice supper for Shrove Tuesday on March 5 ^th. Father Tom Gartin conducted the Burning of the Palms ceremony after the supper. The palm crosses and palm leaves from last year are burned and used for this year's Ash Wednesday service.

The Brothers are planning for their annual summer BBQ, which will be held June 9 ^th after the 10 a.m. service. The menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and chips. This is the fundraiser for the year, and there will be a free-will offering.

The next Brotherhood meeting will be Saturday, April 27 ^th at 9 a.m. in the Sunday School room.

If you have questions, please contact Director Rob Shonk or Secretary

John Redmond:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Brotherhood of St. Andrew

Nation Day of Service

Work Day

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

The Burning of the Palms

It is believed that the origin of the prayer shawl can be found in the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy in the Old Testament.  Moses wrote that God instructed him to have the men make tassels for the four corners of their cloaks to remember God’s commands. Some Christians believe that Jesus wore such a shawl and wish to follow His example.  

Wherever it started, there has been a growing interest in recent years to provide such shawls to people who need a visible sign of caring and comfort to face life’s more difficult challenges. Members of our ministry either knit or crochet the shawls with very soft, washable yarn that can be easily cared for and is very comfortable.  

We welcome Janet Dickens as our newest member.  The group gathers every second Monday of the month at the Church at 1:30 p.m. to work on our projects and enjoy each other’s company.  If you wish to request a shawl for someone, notify Pastor Liz, Pastor Maryellen or Greer Nave. 

Please contact Greer if you are interested in joining the ministry:

[email protected]

Raising Money for St. Luc School

St. Luc Benefit Concert & Dinner

The St. Luc Haiti Partnership Team sponsored an excellent concert and dinner featuring The Katie Knipp Band. Over $5,000 was raised at the event. All of the proceeds support the St. Luc Episcopal School in Thomassique, Haiti. Thank you for your support!

Katie is known to St. Augustine members as Katie Schmidt, wife to Jeremy, and mom to sons Thomas and James.

Companion's Corner

EASTERTIDE

As a former Presbyterian, the term Eastertide puzzled me. It took conversion to the Episcopalian faith to make it clear to me.

Eastertide is the period of 50 days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday. This year it begins following Easter on April 21 ^st and extends to Sunday, June 9 ^th, which is Pentecost Sunday. Eastertide stresses the joy and responsibility of Easter that marks the beginning of this period. We are called to acknowledge the gift Christ has given us and to carry out His sacred call in a statement He made prior to His crucifixion. It is also a relative to Eastertide where we are given a charge from Jesus.

"You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because I have told you everything I heard from my Father. You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures." (John 15:15-16)

I invite you to meditate on this scripture in relation to your life in Christ.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Carole Peterson