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.

Stewardship

Giving in Gratitude

2019 Giving

        

In 2018, we received 92 pledges for a total of about $286,000 for our operating budget. So far, we have received 88 pledges for 2019 for a total of just over $289,000 – thank you all so much for your thoughtful generosity!

But we have not heard from about 20 families who are active members of the congregation and who pledged last year. We will be following up with them and if they give similarly to last year we can increase our operating giving in 2019 by over 10%.

We will be providing up-to-date information as we wrap up our Giving in Gratitude stewardship. Thank you for helping us plan our 2019 budget wisely as we move forward with servants’ hearts for all people!  

Pastor Liz

 

The Reverend Thomas Robert Gartin

The Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, officiated at the ordination of Thomas Robert Gartin into the Sacred Order of Priests at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church on October 19 ^th .

Several members of the clergy from the diocese, vested in white with red stoles, joined in the procession led by thurifer Sam Weston, carrying the burning incense. Resident clergy, the Rev. Liz Armstrong and the Rev. Maryellen Garnier, along with Tom’s parents Bob and Lana Gartin, members of St. Augustine, presented Tom to Bishop Beisner for ordination.

The Rev. Charlie Knuth from Trinity Episcopal Church, Folsom gave a thoughtful homily full of humor and sage advice for Tom as he enters his new role as priest. The Rev. Sarah Quinney, Priest-in-Charge of St. James, Lincoln, sang the litany with her beautiful clear voice. 

The Bishop laid his hands on Tom’s head, and all the priests in attendance did also as part of the consecration, asking God to make Tom a faithful pastor, a patient teacher and a wise counselor. During the moving ceremony, Pastor Maryellen and parishioner Jim Quinney vested Tom as a priest for the first time with his own red stole and chasuble, a holy poncho-type garment worn by priests as they celebrate the Eucharist. Tom also received a Bible from the Bishop, welcoming him to his new ministry. The laying on of hands and the special gifts are symbolic, as no one becomes a priest on his own without the discernment and support of the local church and fellow clergy. 

Tom grew up in Rocklin and attended Sierra College. He went on to Bethany University in Santa Cruz, where he earned a BA in Church Leadership. Although raised in the Assemblies of God tradition, Tom joined the Episcopal Church in 2011 after sensing the Spirit’s guidance. He then moved to Atlanta where he attended Candler School of Theology at Emory University and graduated with a Master of Divinity in Anglican Studies.

Tom returned to Rocklin in 2016 and started the ordination process with the Diocese of Northern California, going from aspirant to postulant and finally ordinand with the full support of the congregation and vestry of St. Augustine.

Tom’s work with the young people of St. Augustine has led to the expansion of that group into two sections, 6 ^th through 8 ^th grades and 9 ^th through 12 ^th grades. He has guided many insightful seminars which have helped St. Augustine’s members grow in their spiritual formation. 

Tom will carry on at St. Augustine, working with the youth group and leading seminars as well as the being the social media coordinator. Now that Tom is a priest, he is part of the pastoral care team, and he will be part of the rotation for celebrating communion and other services.

A Memorable Evening!

Adult Formation Classes

Apocalypse & Advent

Every second Wednesday of the month, we host 70-plus homeless men, women and children, guests of The Gathering Inn, for a great meal and a safe place to sleep. Due to some changes in people's schedule and availability, we need a few more volunteers for meal preparation, coordination of volunteers and grocery shopping.

Sign-up sheets are at the Welcome Center in Canterbury Hall. The next hosting event is Wednesday, November 14 ^th. This is a very rewarding ministry, and if you are interested in learning about how to become involved or even more involved, please contact Jim Quinney at:

[email protected]

The Gathering Inn Donations

The Gathering Inn is looking for all types of winter clothing. The need is also great for adult jeans, new men's and women's underwear, new or gently used colored T-shirts, men's belts and adult-size socks.

The Inn is also in need of liquid detergent and bleach for the mountains of laundry they do daily in the laundry room. In addition, large cans of coffee would be appreciated. All donations can be left in the grocery 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.

Mission and Outreach

Acres of Hope

A $500 grant was sent to Acres of Hope to support their important work of breaking the cycles of homelessness through their residential program. The women and children are offered a safe living environment along with an educational program and the requirement that that they find a church community of their choice. Recently, Jack Dillon and Rich and Janice Stenzel cooked the famous barrel chicken for the Acres of Hope Open House. All of our support is great appreciated.

Apple Hill Pie Sales

From November 4 ^th to November 11 ^th, Mission and Outreach Team will once again be taking orders for frozen Apple Hill pies to be delivered to the Church before thanksgiving. The selections available will be: apple, Dutch apple, caramel apple and pumpkin. The cost is $25 each. There will be a sign-up at the Welcome Center. Profits will go to the Mission and Outreach funds.

Fair Trade Holiday Sales

On Sundays, November 4 ^th, 11th and 18 ^th, Matt Loeffler will be in Canterbury Hall with a Fair Trade marketplace of holiday gift items to be purchased. These are new items - different than the last two years. They will be available to be taken home on the spot. Ten per cent of the sales will be donated to Mission and Outreach funds.

Sleeping Bags for The Gathering Inn

St. Augustine participated in the sleeping bag donation event for The Gathering Inn. We donated 24 sleeping bags and quilts. These bags are for the overflow recipients who could not be accommodated in the churches. These folks will be kept warm during the cold nights. Mission and Outreach funded six bags; parish members funded 13 bags; three gently used bags were donated and two quilts were also given to The Gathering Inn.

Rise Against Hunger Launch Event

On October 24 ^th, St. Augustine hosted the Rise Against Hunger Launch Event. Over thirty people gathered to celebrate the opening of a Sacramento regional warehouse and office. Our very own Jim Quinney is the new Community Engagement Manager. He will be developing relationships with corporations, civic, faith and school groups and promoting meal packing events. His territory will run from Stockton to Redding. Volunteers at this event worked at four stations and packed 2,160 bags of meals to be sent overseas.

Rocklin Mayor Ken Broadway presented Jim with a proclamation "hereby recognizing October 24, 2018 as Rise Against Hunger Day and acknowledging your expanding Commitment to Northern California by opening a new Office."

Jim took this opportunity to acknowledge the many Rotary Clubs in Sacramento District 5180 (Passport One Club, Citrus Heights, Rocklin, Roseville, Fair Oaks, South Sacramento, Pocket Greenhaven and Folsom Lake) who support Rise Against Hunger. They are working on a May District Conference where they expect to package over 70,000 meals.

Rise Against Hunger sends food to global partners who request food assistance. Rise Against Hunger also partners with programs emphasizing education or early childhood development. In addition to food, Rise Against Hunger also provides water hygiene and sanitation assistance and Economic Empowerment grants and programs (Farm to Fork in the Philippines, Talapia Farms in Haiti and agricultural development in Africa and Haiti).

The goal of Rise Against Hunger in the Sacramento regions in 2019 is to pack one million meals. The United Nations goal is to end world hunger by 2030.

St. James Grocery Cart Ministry

Thanks to everyone who generously brings food items for the St. James Pantry. The pantry serves a small niche in Lincoln, and the needs are pretty specific: flour and corn tortillas, pinto beans, canned chicken or tuna, rice, cereal, fruit cups and peanut butter.

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, Linda Peterson, Steve Broce and Kathyrn Jordan.

Volunteers for Thursday, November 15 ^th are Lyn Fuson, Deidre Shonk and Steve Broce.

 

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

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.

FISH has primarily been a high school group, so in an effort to make it better suited for our middle school friends, we will have combined FISH nights every other week. See schedule below.

All Church members are welcome to join the group at 7:30 for youth-led services.

FISH Calendar

Advent Wreath Workshop

Make your own Advent wreath with fresh greens! This special workshop will take place after each service on December 2 ^nd, the first Sunday of Advent. To ensure we have enough supplies for everyone, RSVP to Tom Gartin at [email protected] by Sunday, November 25 ^th. Cost is $15.

On Sunday, November 4 ^th, we will host our first ever Fall Parents' Brunch. All parents of Nursery and Sunday School-aged children are invited to a free brunch, following the 10 a.m. service. This is a Children’s Choir day, and child care will be provided for those not in the choir.

Join us for a great opportunity to connect with other parents and your Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Also, you can provide feedback about the children’s programs and offer suggestions for the new year.

RSVP and send dietary restrictions to Shelby Larkey at:

[email protected]

It will be a great event! We hope to see you there so that your voice can be heard!

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:

[email protected]

Children's Choir

The St. Augustine Children's Choir rehearses on the first and third Sundays, following the 10 a.m. service. All children in kindergarten through fifth grade are welcome. For more information, please contact Amy Quinney:

916-257-2343

or

[email protected]

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.

Rhonda Wampler will host the November 11 ^th potluck luncheon meeting at her home. Members will reveal their "secret prayer partners" at that event.

The Daughters of the King Fall Assembly will take place at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Carmichael Saturday, November 3 ^rd. DOK members from throughout the diocese will gather for this event. New officers will be installed. A representative from the Food Bank will be accepting donations of non-perishable foods.

The Daughters will gather for their next regular meeting on Sunday, December 9 ^th following the 10 a.m. service.

Our DOK chapter donated money to help fund the reception held following Fr. Tom's ordination, October 19 ^th.

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

[email protected]

Brotherhood of St. Andrew

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew holds its regular monthly meetings at 9 a.m. in Canterbury Hall the second Saturday morning 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," 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 will be planning for a second Bingo Night/Spaghetti Feed for 2019. The group has also scheduled its annual summer BBQ for June 9 ^th , following the 10 a.m. service.

The Brotherhood had a Membership Drive during the month of October. Several men were interested in becoming new members. Others expressed an interest in being associate members, those who could volunteer at our events but may not be able to attend meetings.

The next Brotherhood meeting will be Saturday, November 10 ^th at 9 a.m. in the Sunday School room.

If you have further questions, please contact Director Rob Shonk or Secretary John Redmond:

[email protected]

[email protected]



Soft, warm and full of love... prayer shawls are a tangible token of the power of prayers. They are given to those needing a physical reminder of our love and concern in times of healing and stress.  "We have a lovely time of fellowship when we meet each month in Canterbury Hall on the second Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m. There is always an open chair for anyone who would like to be a part of this ministry. We welcome our newest member, Sheryl Forster," said Greer Nave.

"We have several shawls in inventory. If you would like to give one to someone not a member of St. Augustine, contact me," said Greer. "They are presented with a beautiful card of our own design, and a selection of prayers from the Book of Common Prayer." For shawls given outside the congregation, a donation to replenish the yarn supply is appreciated, but not required. 

If you wish to request a shawl for someone, notify Pastor Liz, Pastor Maryellen or Greer Nave. Please speak with Greer, if you are interested in joining this ministry. For more information, please contact Greer at:

[email protected]

Blessing of the Animals

While tails wagged and noses bumped, Pastor Liz blessed the canine members of our congregation as their owners carefully brought them forward. Amidst sharp yips and loud barks, the pets received their blessings with dignity and grace and with no “accidents!”

All kinds of dogs received this honor—a big black lab, a shaggy-haired sheep dog, a pink-haltered fuzzy Bichon Frise and many lovable small dogs gently held by their indulgent masters.

Not to be outdone, several worshipers brought cell phone pictures of their pets. All were tenderly blessed.

What a delightful way to acknowledge the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals!

Companion's Corner

Different Viewpoints

While reading a poem in Rainer Maria Rilke’s Book of Hours - Love Poems to God , I was struck by the clarity and simplicity he used to describe how differently we each see the world. As you vote and discuss all that is happening in our country, it may be helpful.

I found this beautiful in its wording and perceptiveness:

“You are the deep innerness of all things,

 the last word that can never be spoken.

 To each of us You reveal yourself differently:

 To the ship as coastline, to the shore as a ship.”

                                         (Rilke’s Book of Hours: Love Poems to God )

A superb bit of wisdom when we encounter differing viewpoints.

November blessings!

Carole Peterson

1 Corinthians 7:7

"I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has a particular gift from God, one having one kind and another a different kind."

New Revised Standard Version

Editor's Notes:

Rainer Maria Rilke, was a Bohemian-Austrian poet. He is considered one of the most significant poets in the German language.

Innerness is the state of being mental or spiritual rather than physical.

November Birthdays

November Anniversaries