Looking Ahead
Coming Events

June 5 th
Statewide Direct Primary Election
Polling P lace

June 6 th , 18 th , 20 th , 27 th
Disciples Bible Study
2 to 3:30 p.m.

June 5 th , 12 th , 19 th , 27 th
Evening Centering Prayer
6:30 p.m.

June 8 th , 15 th , 22 nd , 29 th
Noonday Prayer and Contemplation

July 16 th to 20 th
Vacation Bible School
9 a.m. to Noon

July 22 nd
Vacation Bible School Sunday

July 27 th
Deacon Tom Gartin's Ordination to the Priesthood
St. Augustine Church
7 p.m.

July 29 th
Brotherhood of St. Andrew BBQ
11:30 a.m.

September 15 th
Chili Cookoff
5 p.m.
Table of Contents

  • Pastor Letter
  • Service Times
  • forward in faith
  • Bishop's Prayer
  • Centering Prayer
  • The Vestry
  • Mission & Outreach
  • The Gathering Inn Hosting Program
  • Grocery Cart Ministry
  • The Gathering Inn Donations
  • Meal Train Ministry
  • Lunch w/Pastor Maryellen
  • St. Vincent de Paul
  • FISH
  • June Graduates
  • Sunday School
  • Nursery
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Children's Choir
  • Daughters of the King
  • Brotherhood of St. Andrew
  • Prayer Shawl Ministry
  • Ladies Spring Tea Party
  • Collin Earns a Medal
  • Haiti Partnership
  • Companion's Corner
  • Birthdays & Anniversaries
  • Contact Information
From the Pastor

The power of prayer...
In a time when every day brings chilling headlines, I think we are all being stretched to our capacity for moral outrage and crushing grief. I feel mostly powerless to effect any positive change in the big world around me. Wars, starvation, Ebola on the move again, school shootings, finger pointing and caustic language everywhere we turn.

What can we do? This is at the heart of being intentional about drawing prayer into the culture of St. Augustine. We can pray. We can offer prayers of gratitude, prayers for healing and comfort and strength for others and for ourselves. We can pray alone. We can pray in groups, sharing our prayers. We can pray together silently in groups.

We can learn about Centering Prayer, a type of silent prayer in which we experience God’s presence within. Centering Prayer is a spiritual discipline, or habit, that deepens our relationship with God. It is both simple and difficult all at the same time. It asks us to quiet our minds for minutes at a time. We use a word or phrase to draw us back into that quiet when our mind strays. Sometimes I am constantly using my word or phrase. Sometimes I can go for moments in true quiet.

The purpose of Centering Prayer is to be transformed by God. Not telling God how to do that or even thinking through how that should happen. It is simple – spend quiet moments thinking about nothing.

It is hard – our minds tend towards being like monkeys in a banana tree. But with our intention and our trying – we are transformed by God. Love, compassion, and gentleness are all deepened by this simple, yet hard, act of silent prayer.

Fridays at noon and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., you can gather with others and practice Centering Prayer. You will be changed!

God’s Peace,

Pastor Liz
Service Times
8 a.m. Sunday Service
The early service begins at 8 a.m. This is a simple communion service without music, using Rite II. The quiet service will appeal to some every week and to others occasionally as a quieter way to worship.

10 a.m. Service
The 10 a.m. service is supported by the St. Augustine Choir. Sunday School begins at 9:50 a.m., except on some Holy days and special occasions. The FISH Youth Group meets 6 to 8 p.m. for dinner, lessons and worship most Sundays.
forward in faith

Capital Campaign

July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2018
Goal
$400,000

Committed
$397,427

Collected
$379,514
Special Prayer for
The Election of a Bishop
Almighty God, giver of every good gift, look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a Bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Centering Prayer

During Lent, we began offering a Friday service of noonday prayer with time for centering prayer. The response to this was so positive that we continued that service and decided to offer a workshop for those wanting to learn more.
At the workshop, we heard from some experienced practitioners of Centering Prayer and put our conversation into action by sitting in quiet to prayerfully meditate on God.

One of the themes that is emerging in our ongoing practice of Centering Prayer is the ongoing awareness that God just wants to spend time with us. In response to the enthusiasm growing around this feeling, we are adding a 6:30 Tuesday evening service of Centering Prayer. We hope that you will join us and see how contemplation can enrich your own experience.
What is "The Vestry?"
This is the second in a series of articles about the Vestry of St. Augustine. Given that I am writing it, this article presents some of the “legal” aspects of the Vestry.

When St. Augustine became a parish, we also incorporated under California law and are formally know as “The Rector, Wardens and Vestry of St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Rocklin, California.” As both a parish and a corporation, we are governed by the Canons of the Episcopal Church of the United States of American (ECUSA), the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California and the Corporations Code of California. We are also governed by our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. So, what does this mean?

The Vestry is the Board of Directors of the parish and manages the affairs and conducts the business of St. Augustine. Pastor Liz, as our rector, is the chair of the Vestry and presides at meetings. Vestry members must be communicants, 16 years old or older, regular in church attendance and stewards of their time, talent and treasure for the support of the church. Vestry members are elected by the congregation present at the annual meeting. We have nine members on our Vestry. Each member serves a three-year term, and the terms are staggered, so we have three new members each year. One member, appointed by the Rector, is the Senior Warden and another, elected by the Vestry, is the Junior Warden.

The Wardens are responsible for the care, protection and maintenance of the parish building. They are also responsible to ensure that everything needed for the worship of God and proper administration of the sacraments are provided at the expense of the parish. And, of course, they and other members of the Vestry perform those important “other duties as required.”

In addition to the Vestry members, we have a Clerk to take minutes and a Treasurer to handle financial matters. Now you ask, who are all these people? Here’s the rundown:

Joan Cavanagh 2019, Senior Warden
Chris Cooper 2019
Marcia Rush 2019
Carlton Allen 2020
Pierce Leavell 2020
Jon Titley 2020
Kathy Dillon 2021
Peggy Doyle 2021
Jim Quinney 2021, Junior Warden
Bob Deering, Treasurer
Chris Deering, Clerk

In addition, Pastor Maryellen, Deacon Tom and Postulant Miranda attend our meetings

Our meetings, other than executive sessions, are open to any parishioner who would like to attend. We meet at the church at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. The minutes of our meeting and the financial information are available on the website. If you have questions or would like more information, please talk to any one of the members of the Vestry. More information coming next month.

Joan Cavanagh
Senior Warden
joan.w.cavanagh@gmail.com 
Mission & Outreach

It has been a busy April and May for the Mission Outreach Committee. All of the Luau planning and hard work of over 30 people paid off. Over 100 tickets were sold, and all who attended had a wonderful time enjoying Hawaiian music, food and dancing along with a silent auction, live auction and cake auction. The reward for the fabulous event was a profit of over $7,100! Many thanks to all who participated!

This profit will supplement the present Mission & Outreach funds to support such expenditures as were made in the last month: $200 to the Whitney High School Community Service Club for fleece blankets for children at local hospitals and homeless care packages; $500 to the Kairos ministry for the food and materials for the prison ministry weekend; and $500 to Meagan Lovin to help with expenses for her Haiti medical mission trip supplying medical, hygienic and emotional support to neighborhoods and orphanages. 

The profits from the Luau will be used to fund the ongoing Gathering Inn monthly dinners as well.

Beth Sulc, Outreach Chair 
The Gathering Inn Hosting Program
Every second Wednesday of the month we host 70-plus homeless men, women and children, guests of The Gathering Inn, for a delicious barrel chicken dinner and a place to sleep at our Church.Three teams support this ministry: food preparation, room set-up, serving and clean-up.

Please look carefully at the new and improved sign-up sheet for the team hosting the dinner for The Gathering Inn. We are trying to have slots available for serving and cleaning up starting at 6:20 p.m. which hopefully will make this more accessible to many members who work and commute. Consider volunteering for one of the teams. It is very rewarding.

The Gathering Inn continues to have exceptional results with placing people in housing and assistance finding employment. They also offer an array of medical services designed to help reduce the amount of emergency care in our local hospitals. None of this would be possible without the core component of a place to stay each and every night and a good hot meal. Thanks to all who support this ministry with your time and treasure.

Sign-up sheets are at the Welcome Center in Canterbury Hall. For more information, please contact Jim Quinney at:

jim@caliwaii.com
Grocery Cart Ministry
Protein – canned chicken and tuna are always in need as well as pop-top type or pouch servings for those who do not have access to a kitchen. Rice and pinto beans, fruit cups (especially low-sugar content) are also in need. The community garden is starting to produce fresh produce which is also used to help supplement the food shortages in Lincoln. 

If you can, please add a can or two of tuna or chicken or maybe a bag of rice or a box of cereal into your cart then into ours. The grocery cart is located at the entrance to Canterbury Hall. Thank you for your generosity.
The Gathering Inn Donations
Donations of new or gently used and washed clothing for The Gathering Inn are greatly appreciated. S ummer is near, and The Gathering Inn guests will be transitioning to warm weather clothing and shoes for men and women. Also in demand are shaving cream for both men and women and deodorant for both - but especially for men.

The Inn is also in need of bleach for the mountains of laundry they do daily in the laundry room. All donations can be left in the shopping cart in the entrance way . Every item is greatly appreciated.

As always, unused travel-sized toiletry items are needed. Please place your donations in the grocery cart at the entrance to Canterbury Hall.
 
Jim Quinney will be delivering the items to The Gathering Inn each Sunday after Church.
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:

barbwoolmn@comcast.net
916-771-8830
 
Lunch with Pastor Maryellen

Please join Pastor Maryellen at noon for an informal, unrehearsed and fun time of conversation. No program, no agenda, no reservations required. Just bring your lunch to St. Augustine. A homemade dessert will be provided. The lunch group will not meet in May. The next date for lunch with Pastor Maryellen is June 20 th .
St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room
A St. Augustine group of volunteers 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, Linda Peterson, Steve Broce and Kathyrn Jordan.
 
  Please contact Rob Shonk if you are interested in working in this important ministry:
robshonk1976@hotmail.com
 
FRIENDS IN SERVING HIM
The FISH Youth Group ended the year with a party at Quarry Park in Rocklin. They will resume Sunday night meetings in September. Thanks to the leaders, Tom Gartin, Gaby Sisk and Shelby Larkey, for their leadership this past year. And thanks to Emily Buck for coordinating the Sunday night dinners.
FISH Youth Group End-of-the Year Party
Congratulations to Kalie Geiger, daughter of Carole and Les Geiger and granddaughter of John and Kathleen Quigley. Kalie graduated from Woodcreek High School and will attend Boise State University in the fall.

Nolan Ekberg is graduating from 8 th grade at Granite Oaks Middle School. His brother, Tristen, is graduating from Rocklin High School. Tristen will return from his year in Switzerland on July 12 th. Congratulations to their parents, Christina Dyer and Leif Ekberg.
Sunday School News
Sunday School will be available for children ages four to 11. We will continue with our curriculum throughout the summer. We are always open to new volunteers. If you would like to volunteer to teach, please reach out to Shelby Larkey at larkey.shelby@gmail.com or 916-807-0880


News from the Nursery

The nursery is available for children ages six months to three years. Emma Andres is our Nursery Attendant. She has a volunteer helping her each Sunday. If you would like to volunteer to help in the nursery, please contact Shelby Larkey at larkey.shelby@gmail.com.


Vacation Bible School

Mark Your Calendars!

Join the 2018 Vacation Bible School crew for music and drama, Bible discovery, high energy games, tropical treats and science experiments at this year's VBS 2018 - Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus.

If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, please email Shelby Larkey at larkey.shelby@gmail.com. We are in need of volunteers, so please reach out if you are available.

VBS 2018 is now accepting registrations! You can register online or on paper. Payments can be made via cash, check, or the church’s online payment system.

Online Registration Form: https://goo.gl/forms/oPLrSnmYIrbBKBp02

Hard copy registration forms are available at the Welcome Center, on the Church website or by contacting Shelby Larkey at: larkey.shelby@gmail.com 
Children's Choir

Congratulations to the Children's Choir! After a very successful first season, the Children's Choir is on summer break. We will resume rehearsals once the new school year begins. All children in kindergarten through fifth grade are welcome. For more information, please contact Amy Quinney at:

1-916-257-2343
or
amyquinney@yahoo.com


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. Our next meeting will be June 10 th.

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

joanneola@icloud.com




Brotherhood of St. Andrew




The Brotherhood of St. Andrew holds its regular monthly meetings at 9 a.m. in Canterbury Hall on the second Saturday of each month. Coffee and breakfast are served. All men and boys are welcome and encouraged to attend a meeting. If you are interested in the Brotherhood, feel free to join the group for a Saturday meeting and breakfast.

The Brotherhood is planning projects in recognition of The National Day of Service, which was Saturday, April 28th. The Brotherhood service projects will take place at a later date and will include improvements at the Church.

The Brotherhood members are also planning for their summer fund-raising BBQ, to be held July 29 th, following the 10 a.m. service. Hamburgers, hot dogs and salads will be served. This event will be a perfect celebration for Deacon Tom Gartin's first service after being ordained.

The next meeting will be Saturday, June 9 th at 9 a.m.

If you are interested in more information about the Brotherhood, please contact Director Rob Shonk at: robshonk1976@hotmail.com.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The St. Augustine Prayer Shawl Ministry meets every second Monday afternoon from
1:30 – 3:30 in the Sunday School rooms. We have eleven active members and are delighted to welcome Sheridan Brown and Nancy Brockhaus into the group as our newest members. 

The shawls are either knitted or crocheted out of very soft washable yarn, Lion Brand “Homespun” being our yarn of choice. Most of us use very simple patterns because the yarn itself is lovely. Those with more experience will venture into more complicated patterns. We welcome new members and will gladly help those who are just learning.

Members pictured for the recent shawl blessing: Kathy Griffin, Karen Hardage, Sue Hunnell, Janice Stenzel, Dottie Neil, Greer Nave.
Ladies Spring Tea
The Ladies Spring Tea Party, held the day before Mother’s Day, was a grand success. Guests were treated to a wonderful assortment of tea sandwiches, scones, sausage rolls, dark chocolate cups filled with apricot balls and berries, pecan tea cookies and, of course, a variety of teas.
 
Through "The Art of Storytelling," Christine Holmann shared a touching tale . Her mother, Jackie Proett, presented a wonderful 'hat story" using a variety of charming hats.

The tables, hosted by Church members, were decorated with fine china place settings. Karen Hardage, chair of the event, remarked that it truly takes a “village” to make this a successful event. Karen and her committee did a fabulous job hosting the tea.

Ginny Dearing, Christine Hohman, Kathy Griffin, Theresa Allen, Linda Bittman, Joan Cavanagh, Joan Howe, Jackie Proett and Susan Lampton were on the planning committee.

Don Dearing assisted as the photographer and also took care of the printed items. Wayne Hardage, John Bittman, Jim Quinney, Reg Underwood also helped in many ways.

Kathy Dillon, Rhonda Wampler, Chris Deering, Sharon Mershon and Dottie Neal assisted with supplying various items used for the tea. 
Special Olympics
Collin Cooper participated in the Western Placer Special Olympics Regional Track competition held at Whitney High School in May. He ran the 25 meter and won a bronze medal, and the 50 meter brought him a gold medal. He also did the softball throw and earned a gold medal. He enjoyed practicing for the ten weeks prior to the competition and loves being part of the team. Collin and his family are thankful for the volunteers who makes this event possible.
St. Luc Episcopal School
Haiti Partnership

You don’t have to go to Haiti to have a heart for Haiti!

Special thanks to everyone who generously support our education partnership in Haiti. St. Luc Episcopal School in Thomassique will be ending classes in June for summer break. We are currently making plans for a trip to Haiti in either December or early January to spend time with the students, teachers and community members of Thomassique. The process to elect a new Bishop in Haiti is underway at this time, and we anxiously await the results of this selection.

The Haiti Education and Development Corporation was formed in February, and the IRS recently approved us as a tax exempt organization. Hopefully, this result in being able to attract a broad array of potential donors and partners outside of St. Augustine Church.

We will be developing our long-term goals and strategies after we meet with our partners in Haiti. Our committee is working to develop our Facebook page and a newsletter to help keep everyone informed about St. Luc School. Please watch for updates and opportunities to be involved.

Thank you,
St. Luc Partnership Team
Companion's Corner

The Poor
The phrase “Blessed are the poor in spirit. . .” puzzled me for many years, and it was when it was described for me as a right ego stance in life, one that is neither powerless nor arrogant, that it became especially clear to me. As I read further on the quality of “poverty of spirit,” I began to see that it is always yearning for more, it is a hungry spirit, a willingness to learn and above all a willingness to be led by the Spirit.

The National Catholic Reporter put a poignant tone to it: “Poor in spirit means that we understand a profound truth about ourselves -- the truth that none of us is responsible for our own existence and our own continuance of existence. Poor in spirit means we understand our need for God and who God is and who we are. Poor in spirit means we understand that without God and God's gift to us of existence, of life, we would not be. God has loved us into being. God has loved all of creation into being, and it is only God's love that sustains all of creation as it continues to evolve and develop in each one of us.”

The word “humble” could suffice, but this bit of scripture is enhanced by viewing it from several vantages as described in the Reporter: “Am I willing? Do I understand who God is and who I am? Am I hungry? Am I willing to be led?” These are questions we ask ourselves as we ponder this lovely Beatitude.


June blessings,
Carole Peterson  

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3
 
June Birthdays

June 3
Fernando Sandoval
June 4
Amy Quinney
Camille Grabowski
June 7
Ashley Booker
June 8
Gersson Bran
Barbara Loughlin
June 10
Nathan Cochenaur
June 11
Joan Cavanagh
June 12
Bill Rush
June 13
Jim Tilton


June 17
Pat Boudreaux
June 19
Collin Cooper
June 20
Janice Stenzel
Kristen Cichocki
June 24
Louise Weston
June 25
Ralph Nave
June Meredith
Greg Cichocki
June 27
Joan Buckmaster
June 28
Reg Underwood

June Anniversaries
June 1
Rick & Melissa Lovin
June 6
Wayne & Karen Hardage
June 20
Rich & Rhonda Wampler
June 21
Matt & Kara Diaz
June 22
Ammon & Kristen Lehnig
June 25
Ian & Louise Weston
June 28
Steve & Sharon Mershon
John & Kathleen Quigley
Contact Information
Pastor Liz Armstrong
916-201-3319
earmstrong@prodigy.net
Associate Priest
The Rev. Maryellen Garnier
916-409-5687
Please contact the Church Office or Pastor Liz for pastoral emergencies.

St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal
A Safe Place for People Seeking God
1800 Wildcat Boulevard
Rocklin, CA 95765
916-435-9552
 
Volume 8 No. 3 April 2018