From the Pastor...







Peace Be With You...
“The peace of Christ be always with you.” We say these words following the proclamation of the absolution of sin in our liturgy. Through Christ, humanity has peace with God. Christ's death and resurrection cleanses us of all sin. We can stand in God’s presence clean of sin and at perfect peace with God. And then, in the liturgy the words that follow are “and also with you.” This refrain captures the fact that Christ’s atonement also brings peace between fellow humans.

Christ is the great peace bringer. Christ removes the barriers that separate people. In confession we repent of the evil we do each week. Doing so removes the grievances between us and allows people to live in community. The act of receiving forgiveness softens hearts to live in unity with one another.
Passing the peace is a promise of what is to come when Jesus comes back and brings his kingdom fully.

When we pass the peace, we are living into the promise that one day all the barriers will be destroyed. That God’s whole creation will live in peace with one another and with God. The act of standing up to pass the peace is an act of faith. That faith stand proclaims that one day God will put all things right and we will live in perfect peace with ourselves, one another and all creation.

Thus, passing the peace reminds us that we are people of the Kingdom of God. As Christians, our first alliance is to Christ. Our baptismal commitment is to be people who act like Jesus. We commit to be people of reconciliation and peace. Passing the peace is the last act of the liturgy before communion. We pass the peace before communion to remind us that the communion shapes us into Kingdom people. Communion acts as the potter’s wheel and forms us into peaceable people who live for God’s kingdom of justice and flourishing for all. God’s reconciling internal calm combined with the nourishment of the Lord’s table creates a person of peace.

My peace-offered hand embodies this truth when I pass the peace. When I offer my hand to shake your hand, I am offering you peace, love and joy. My embrace is also a prayer for you that you do well, that you will have everything you need to thrive and live the life God wants you to live. That peace symbolizes all the good I hope for you. This moment is a snapshot of the love and care I have for you and the peace that Christ has created between us.
During the pandemic, of all the activities I miss most due to social distancing, is passing the peace.

In the liturgy after confession I, the priest, say, “The peace of Christ be always with you” and I miss hearing the resounding harmonious return of, “And also with you.” I miss walking through the sanctuary and shaking hands and hugging each other. I miss passing Christ’s reconciliation peace to each of you. This deeply grieves me.

I am not alone in this. I think the passing the peace is a unique symbol of Christian community. I think you miss this also. So, I decided to start The Passing the Peace Project.

Warmly,
Pastor Anny+
Table of Contents

From the Pastor
Pass the Peace Project
Table of Contents
September Calendar
Worship Services
Connecting with Pastor Anny ~ Community Café
Small Group Gatherings ~ Holy Eucharist on the Patio
News from Minnesota
Story Behind the Story Stoles
Treasurer's Report
Donate - Online Giving
Centering Prayer
The Gathering Inn Hosting Program
Outreach Ministries
Lighting for Literacy
St. Luc School
St. John's Lincoln Food Pantry
St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room Ministry
Goat & Sheep
The Bear Project
Popcorn Visits
Youth Group Co-op
Blessing & Movie Night
Sunday School News
In Loving Memory
Daughters of the King
Brotherhood of St. Andrew
Amazon Smile
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Contact Information

September Calendar

Go to the St. Augustine website for live-streaming the Sunday service, instructions to join Zoom or watch for an invitation via email.

Upcoming Events
Ongoing Events
Thursday, September 3
Budget Committee
Zoom Meeting
5:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 6
Outreach Committee
Zoom Meeting
3 p.m.

Wednesday, September 9
Food Preparation
The Gathering Inn Guests
1:30 p.m.

Friday, September 11
Blessing & Movie Night
Junior High & High School Students
Reservations Required
Church Patio
7 p.m.

Saturday, September 12
Blessing & Movie Night
Elementary School Students
Reservation Required
Church Patio
7 p.m.

Sunday, September 13
Daughters of the King
Zoom Meeting
11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, September 16
Haiti Team Meeting
Zoom Meeting
6 p.m.

Thursday, September 17
St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room
Lunch Preparation
9:15 a.m.

Thursday, September 17
Vestry Meeting
Zoom Meeting
7 p.m.

Saturday, September 26
Brotherhood of St. Andrew
Zoom Meeting
9 a.m.
Sundays
September 6, 13, 20, 27
Eucharist on the Patio
8 a.m.
Reservations Required

Sundays
September 6, 13, 20, 27
Live Streaming
Worship Service
10 a.m.

Mondays
September 7, 14, 21, 21, 28
Evening Centering Prayer
Zoom Meetings
6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays
September 8, 15, 22, 29
Holy Eucharist
On the Patio
10 a.m.

Wednesdays
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Connecting with Pastor Anny
Community Café
Zoom Meetings
7 p.m.

Fridays
September 4, 11, 18, 25
Friday Noon Centering Prayer
Zoom Meetings
12 p.m.



Worship Services



Sundays
Holy Eucharist
On the Patio
Reservations Required
8 a.m.

Holy Eucharist
In the Sanctuary
Online Streaming
10 a.m.

Tuesdays
Holy Eucharist
On the Patio
10 a.m.
Connecting with Pastor Anny...
Join Pastor Anny
Compline and Fellowship
For a Zoom Gathering
Wednesdays
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
7 p.m.


Watch for a Zoom Invitation!


Small Group Gatherings
Holy Eucharist
On the Patio

Sundays
8 a.m.
Reservations Required
Call the Church Office at 916-435-9552

Tuesdays
10 a.m.
Senior Citizens & Medically Compromised

Gathering with Safety and Care
  • Please wear a face mask and keep it on while at the church.
  • Help us maintain a six foot safe zone with each other.
  • Hand sanitizing will be provided before entering.


Holy Eucharist on the Patio
News from Minnesota ...
"A Sermon on the Hill"

Recently, Gary and I went to a farm in Minnesota with Chloe and Liv. Chloe guided us to a hillside which overlooked acres of corn fields and vineyards.

We sat next to her on the grass as she delivered a "sermon on the hill." What wonderful insights children have that cause us to pause and listen to what is really worth hearing.

Pastor Maryellen, Gary and Chloe

The Story Behind the Story Stole

You may have noticed Pastor Anny’s beautiful shepherd’s stole. Pastor Anny’s stole depicts a shepherd and its flock. Pastor Anny says, “I see myself as a shepherd. So, I ordered this stole from two ladies who make these Story Stoles.”

There is a story behind these very special stoles.

Each stole is memorable and shares a story from scripture that corresponds with the liturgical church calendar. Every stole is handmade, using beautiful and vivid materials and comes with a corresponding Bible verse on the back collar to share God's Story.

Story Stoles was created by two talented women. Stacey Siebrasse, a Lutheran pastor, and her sister, Brooke James, graphic designer, and mother of three boys. They grew up in a creative household. Their mother, a talented seamstress and quilter, taught them sewing and the art of imaginative design from a young age.

Their father also reinforced their sense of wonder and experimentation. When sitting around a campfire one evening, talking about their interests in the arts, Stacey and Brooke decided to embark as sister-partners on a creative adventure.

 “I’ve been thinking about making my own stoles,” said Stacey, “stoles that are more than conceptual - stoles that help me share actual stories from scripture.”

“You come up with the concepts,” responded Brooke, “and I’ll design them!” With that, Story Stoles™ began. Since then, Brooke and Stacey have been working to design and create stoles that not only correspond with the liturgical church calendar but also favorite stories from the Bible.

Story Stoles is located in Havre, MT, a town located 45 miles from the Canadian border with a population of nearly 10,000. Montana State University-Northern is located in Havre.

Visit the Story Stoles website to explore all of the beautiful stoles they have created.
www.storystoles.com

Treasurer's Report
Bob Deering, Treasurer
July 2020 Income and Expenses
July 2020 Year to Date
Online Giving - Electronic Donations
Quick, Easy, Safe

Between 35% and 40% of our monthly giving is being donated online. Visit the St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church website at:


Click on the 'Donate' button. Follow the screen instructions to create an online profile. You can make one-time donations and also set up recurring gifts. You can use credit cards and build your points and miles. You will have the option to help offset the credit card processing fees.
One of themes that is emerging in our ongoing practice of Centering Prayer is the awareness that God just wants to spend time with us. In these times of separation and anxiety, Centering Prayer can help us find that core trust that God is always with us.

Monday Evening and Friday Noon Centering Prayer will not be able to gather in the church until COVID-19 restrictions are eased. For the time being, Monday Evening and Friday Noon Centering Prayer will be held by Zoom.

 If you need more information, please contact Chris or Steve at:

Chris Deering (916-484-9195) or lmalex@mac.com)

Steve Merhson (916-768-6933) or steve.mershon@icloud.com

If you are more comfortable praying on your own, that is great! Please see the information below to download the app on your device. We hope you will join us on Zoom or on your own to learn how contemplation can enrich own faith experience.
 
We invite you to download the Centering Prayer app to your device. 
 
Apple/iPhone: 
Google/Android: 
The Gathering Inn Hosting Program
The Gathering Inn team continues to prepare our famous “Chicken Church" barrel chicken meal combined with rice, salad, rolls and dessert for our homeless brothers and sisters at The Gathering Inn. After the meal is prepared, it is delivered to St. John's and The Gathering Inn, where the guests are housed for the night, until such time that it is safe to go back to hosting the evening on-site.

We have developed a great routine with a minimum of volunteers rotating in, doing their task and leaving - always with social distancing and wearing masks. Although we cannot wait to go back to the old routine, this process accomplishes the same end result – serving a delicious meal to our less fortunate brothers and sisters.

By Janice Stenzel
The Outreach Team
In the spirit of our church tradition, the mission of Outreach Ministry is to love others as God loves us. We do this by serving those in need and inviting others into transformational experiences of serving others. The results of our No Event - EVENT in late July have enabled the Outreach Team to distribute funds to a variety of ministries.

Acres of Hope: When COVID-19 hit, Acres of Hope was forced to close its ReNew Store in Roseville and saw the instant vanishing of 40% of its income. The store was able to reopen in May, but with limited hours, volunteers and customers, they have yet to recover. In addition to that, all fundraisers, events and speaking engagements were canceled, and there is no idea yet, when or if they will be able to resume those large gatherings and events.

Outreach Ministry has approved a Grant for $1,000 to Acres of Hope, which will help some. Any additional assistance would be of great help to them. For more information, please contact:

Lisa Risdal, Executive Director, Acres of Hope
(530) 878-8030 x480; (916) 342-0612 cell

St. Luc School Haiti: In addition to having to deal with COVID-19, St. Luc’s School in Haiti was horrified to find its school vandalized and chairs, tables and chalkboards were stolen right before school was to begin. Outreach Ministry provided $500 to St. Luc’s to assist them in restoring the school so classes could begin again.

Lighting for Literacy, Thai/Myanmar: Outreach Ministry provided $500 to Lighting for Literacy to fund shipment of 10 solar charging stations for laptops for Thai/Myanmar border Migrant Learning Centers. These learning centers benefit teachers and hundreds of students. Lighting for Literacy provides opportunities for STEM middle and high school students to build sustainable and renewable lighting systems which are then provided to students in under-served countries. (See article below).

The Gathering Inn Hosting Program: Outreach Ministry continues to work with The Gathering Inn Hosting Program Team to provide and prepare the monthly dinner for The Gathering Inn guests on the second Wednesday of every month. During this time of COVID-19, the meals are prepared and delivered to The Gathering Inn and St. John's Roseville, where the guests are housed for the night. 

In addition, the Outreach Team will send a cooking team, once each quarter, to The Gathering Inn Auburn location, to prepare a meal on-site in their designated kitchen trailer. Cost will be borne by an Outreach grant. The Gathering Inn is the only homeless shelter in South Placer County and the only shelter that takes families. Join us as we extend to them a warm welcome from St. Augustine. www.thegatheringinn.com

A big THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed to Outreach Ministry and made these grants possible. If you are interested in joining our team, we meet on the first Sunday of the month. Presently that is on Zoom. Our next meeting will be Sunday, September 6th, at 3 p.m. Please contact Camille Grabowski at camillegrabowski@gmail.com or 916-409-5509.
Lighting for Literacy

Lighting for Literacy is a world-wide organization dedicated to engage local youth in designing solar light units which will be installed throughout the world. Through the exploration of science, engineering and math (STEM), teens learn how to build a sustainable, renewable lighting system capable of providing two to three hours of evening light to homes without electricity. The benefit of the renewable lighting system enables students in underserved countries to have the opportunity to read and advance their educations.

A St. Augustine group is working with a two-phase program providing Lighting for Literacy solar lights and power charging stations for laptops. The group is working with several Rotary clubs and possibly a commercial firm. Teacher Focus is an organization working in Thailand providing training for teachers who are currently educating Myanmar refugees in Thailand.

There are over 200,000 Myanmar refugees in Thailand not currently receiving any education. The $500 grant given by the St. Augustine Outreach Team will be used for transportation of 10 light kits already assembled by the Elk Grove Rotary Interact Club or the donation will be used to help fund 10 additional light/charging kits. 

The work Teacher Focus is doing in Thailand is so important, and I am glad St. Augustine has stepped up to help support this project. The domestic side of this is a wonderful science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) project we can offer to local middle school and high school students. 



St. Luc School Thomassique, Haiti
First Day of School for the Children
of
St. Luc School, Thomassique, Haiti
We are very proud of the amazing work of the Reverend Guilene Fiefie, Priest in Charge, in building and running the school. What a terrific group of children and staff!

St. Augustine supports St. Luc School in a variety of ways. Most recently the Outreach Team sent $500 to help with repairs due to the vandalism which destroyed chairs and supplies just before the start of the school year.

St. Augustine parishioners continue to support students by sending $17 each month. The donations are used for teacher salaries, food, supplies and uniforms.

If you are interested in supporting a student for $17 a month, please contact Jim Quinney at:
jimquinney@gmail.com
St. James Food Pantry
The St. James Food Pantry is open at the church in Lincoln, primarily serving people in that community. The number of families they support has risen in the past few months. They greatly appreciate our support.

Unlike some of the larger food cooperatives, the Pantry needs items packed in smaller containers. Here is a list of popular items: fruit cups, peanut butter (16 ounce), Mac n Cheese, cereals, canned tuna and chicken, pinto beans (small bags), rice and small boxes of pancake mix.

Please drop off your items in the shopping cart at the church. Jim Quinney will deliver the donations to St. James Pantry. Thank you for your generosity.



St. Vincent de Paul
Dining Room
A group of volunteers from St. Augustine Church regularly serves meals at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room the third Thursday of each month. They work from approximately 9:15 a.m. until 1:45 p.m., preparing, cooking and serving 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.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, St. Vincent de Paul has closed its kitchen and dining room. For now, the volunteers prepare the meals, place them in brown bags, and Supervisor John Mayne distributes the lunches.

On August 20th, the volunteers prepared bag lunches for the patrons, adding chips, trail mix and bottled water to the main meal in the brown bag. Volunteers Catherine Beckman, Janice and Rick Stenzel assembled the lunches. The Supervisor of St. Vincent de Paul, John Mayne, passed out the lunches at 11:30.

Our volunteers for the upcoming session on September 17th are John Redmond, Deidre Shonk and Steve Broce.

Volunteers for St. Vincent de Paul include Jack Dillon, John Redmond, Deidre and Rob Shonk, Catherine Beckman, Jim and Stephanie Tilton, Jim and Carla Dolislager, Rick and Janice Stenzel, Steve Broce, and Kathryn Jordan. 

Please contact Rob Shonk, if you are interested in working in this important ministry: robshonk1976@hotmail.com or 916-599-1218.

Bless the Goats and Sheep
The goats and sheep returned to St. Augustine. Hopefully they ate every piece of grass and weed. We welcome the goats to our property. They keep us safe from fire.
The Bears are Back!!!
A couple of years ago, Sam Weston brought his dream of a Bear Ministry to St. Augustine. He envisioned us building bears, with special “blessed” hearts, to be given to youngsters in the hospital. He wanted them to have something to hold on to, something they could turn to when they were scared, hurting or just needed a friend. Well, many of us helped Sam build some bears. And they were welcomed and loved by their lucky recipients.

There is still an inventory of materials to build more bears. Sam is bringing this project back and is looking for some help with building them. He needs sewers, stuffers and hand stitchers.

Can you lend a hand???? If so, please contact Sam at:

He would be happy to fill you in on the details of how you can be of help.
Popcorn Visits
Have you had a Popcorn Visit from Pastor Anny? She is so excited to be our new rector, but is disappointed she cannot meet you all in person.

Sooo....she has embarked on Popcorn Visits. Vestry members are driving Pastor Anny around to each St. Augustine home to ring the doorbell and meet you in person.

Be patient! This may take through the month of September. But Pastor Anny will soon be ringing your doorbell to meet you and present you with a package of popcorn.
Youth Co-op News!
Join the St. Augustine Blessing and Movie Night, Friday September 11th at 7 p.m. Reservations are required.
Please join the St. Augustine Movie and Blessing Night, Saturday, August 12th at
7 p.m.
Reservations are required.
Connect With Us!
Make sure you are getting all of the information about Sunday School. Log on to our Shutterfly website where we can communicate and safely share photos.

staugustiness.shutterfly.com
Dear Sunday School Students,

Missing you all.

As you all know from reading the Regathering Safety Measures that were sent out, Sunday School will not resume when Church first opens.

We are looking forward to when we will be able to worship in person. Check your Shutterfly for weekly links to Godly Play lessons or the St. Augustine Facebook page.

Please feel free to reach out to Natalie at mommy.cooper1@gmail.com or Kara at ksdiaz22@gmail.com if you have any questions or need assistance. We are so fortunate to have our Church community and want to make sure our kiddos know we are here for them.

Natalie and Kara


In Loving Memory


Cathleen Erickson


Cathy passed away August 13th.


No services are planned.


Daughters of the King
Pastor Anny will be our guest for the Daughters of the King (DOK) "gathering" on Zoom, Sunday, September 13th, at 11:30 a.m.

Our new Pastor will share her background, experience and her Calling. "Pastor Anny needs to know us, and we need to know her!" said Carol Ann Hackley, DOK president.

"This will be our first-ever online meeting, and our first time together, since last we met in person in March. Although the pandemic has separated us physically, spiritually - in our hearts - we remain close," said Carol Ann.

Details as to how we will access Zoom will be available before the meeting. Those without access to Zoom will be able to join in the conversation by telephone. Although they won't be seen, they will be able to participate in the meeting.  

DOK usually meets at 11:30 a.m. on the second Sunday of each month. Notification will be sent when in-person meetings are scheduled to resume. For more information, please contact Carol Ann Hackley at:




Brotherhood of St. Andrew






The Brotherhood of St. Andrew holds its regular monthly meetings at 9 a.m. in Canterbury Hall the fourth Saturday morning of the month. During this time of restrictions, due to COVID-19, the Brotherhood is observing social distancing and holding its meetings via Zoom.

The Brotherhood Executive Director, Tom Welch, was the guest speaker for the August 22nd meeting. Welch discussed what was going on at the Executive level of Brotherhood. He also encouraged any Brothers who might be interested in being part of the Executive Board or wish to be President of Province VIII (west coast) to contact him.

The Brothers approved a $200 donation to Acres of Hope, including an additional anonymous donation. The Brothers are considering a fund-raising event in November, either virtual or outdoors, for the wildfire victims of Northern California. There was interest in doing a Bingo afternoon/early evening. Plans are still in the making.

Anyone who has an interest in the Brotherhood can contact:

Director Rob Shonk at robshonk1976@hotmail.com
Secretary John Redmond at jcred40@gmail.com
Treasurer John Quigley at jjquigley28@gmail.com

The Brotherhood will continue to observe social distancing and will hold their meeting via Zoom. The next meeting will be September 26th.
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September Birthdays
September 3
Michael Lafarge
September 6
Dan Dorr
September 7
Kelly Bran
September 8
Jack Dillon
September 17
Greg Postulka
September 18
Gary Garnier
September 21
Kalie Geiger
Chelsea Bran
September 25
Kathryn Jordan
Linda Bittman
September 27
Brian Arcuri
September Anniversaries
September 5
Bob & Chris Deering
Don & Ginny Dearing
September 7
Willie & Nicole Johnson
Raymond & Anny Genato
September 8
John & Susan Ronan
September 14
Greg & Sara Postulka
September 16
Gerrson & Kelly Bran
September 30
Michael & Emily Buck
Contact Information

Rector
The Rev. Anny Genato
323-434-4067
anny@staugustineepiscopal.com

Please contact Pastor Anny for pastoral emergencies.

Associate Priest
The Rev. Maryellen Garnier
916-409-5687
maryellengarnier@yahoo.com

St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church
A Safe Place for People Seeking God
1800 Wildcat Boulevard
Rocklin, CA 95765
916-435-9552
email: staugustine@staugustineepiscopal.com
www.staugustineepiscopal.com
Volume 10 No. 9 September 2020