The Witness
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Sunday
8:00AM Holy Eucharist
without Music
9:00AM Bible Forum in
Boydston Room
10:00AM Holy Eucharist
with Music
Sunday School and
Childcare available
during the 10:00AM
Service
Tuesday
5:00PM Centering Prayer
Wednesday
12:15PM Holy Eucharist,
Morning Prayer or Healing
Service
Welcoming Worshiping Working
Reflections 2
Vestry 3
New Delegates 4
Treasurer’s Report 5
Sexton’s Report 6
Creation Care 9
Calendar 7
Inside this issue:
Volume 24, Issue 2 February 2020
The Big Day: 02022020
By The Rev. Ian Delinger, Rector
Candlemas, Groundhog Day and the Super Bowl are all on the same day this
year, and the date is a palindrome: 02/02/2020.
Candlemas is the day in the Church’s calendar on which we remember Jesus’
Presentation in the Temple as an infant. Recounted in the middle of Luke chapter
2, Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the Temple. This would have been Mary’s first
opportunity to enter the Temple because, according to Leviticus 12, a woman
who bears a son shall not be “clean” until 33 days after the boy’s circumcision,
which is 8 days after he is born, which, for Jesus, is January 1. In a few countries,
great celebrations will take place. In Mexico, it is one of the days on which tama-
les are eaten, as I learned when producing a radio piece on tamales. We will
celebrate Candlemas with a regular Sunday Holy Eucharist. (If someone wants to
host Coffee Hour with tamales, I’m sure that would be appreciated by every-
one!). The largest seems to be in Puno, Perú, on
the coast of Lake Titicaca.
Groundhog Day is huge deal in Punxsutawney,
PA. Over 20,000 people will descend on the
town to see Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his
home at Gobbler’s Knob. This form of weather
prediction comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch
as far back as 1840, but has much earlier roots
in Germany itself. Phil has taken on a kind of
demigod status, and his big day is big business.
It even spawned a film in 1993 starring Bill Mur-
ray, which is watched every year around this
time. Being part of the 20,000 fans to stand in
the cold to see if Phil sees his shadow or not is
only a small part of a much bigger program.
If you are a member of the Groundhog Club,
you are invited to a whole host of events: The
Groundhog Ball, special seating at Gobbler’s
Knob, the Dueling Pianos event, the Annual Groundhog Banquet, and Brunch (Continued on page 10)
Volume 24, Issue 2 The Witness Page 2
The Witness
General Information
The Witness is a monthly newsletter published by St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, San Luis
Obispo, CA to provide information about the parish to the congregation. Subscriptions are free to
anyone. Send request along with your name and mailing address to the church office. Donations
to help offset distribution costs are appreciated. Make checks payable to St. Stephen ’s.
The Church’s e-mail address is: [email protected]
Contribution of articles is encouraged. Please e-mail submissions to [email protected] The deadline for emailed submission of articles is the third Friday of the month. Email any ques-
tions to [email protected] © Copyright 2020 by St. Stephen ’s Episcopal Church. All
rights reserved.
POSTMASTER: Please send address corrections to: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1344 Nipomo
St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3935
Hands on Stewardship at St. Stephen’s
Thank you to Lynn Hollister, Kathleen Pennington and Gail Taylor for teaching Sunday
School in January.
Thank you to everyone who donated non-perishable food to Grass Roots II through our
Sunday School kids’ Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive.
Thank you to Shannon Larrabee, Clark Lewis, Jim Murphy for their service on the Vestry, and for organizing the Annual
Meeting. Lee and Lynn Hollister for hosting the Newcomer’s Welcome Reception. Skip Parks for carrying the St.
Stephen’s Banner during the consecration of Bishop Lucinda. Rosey Parks for lending her voice to the Consecration
Choir.
Thank you to all the volunteers that have helped in the office this last month. Thank you to all of the contributors for the
articles for this issue.
Our New Vestry
At the Annual Meeting on January 19, 2020, Bill Crewe, Kathryn Marshall and Craig McCollum were elected to 3-year
terms on the Vestry. They join the current Vestry:
Gail Taylor (‘20) Senior Warden
Bob McCorkle (‘20)
Jennifer Sayre (‘20)
Lee Hollister (’21)
Diane Levison (’21)
Roxanna Shaheen (’21)
Alison Preston is the Vestry Clerk.
The Vestry will meet for dinner on Friday, January 31, and meet for an all-day Retreat on February 1. The next Vestry
Meeting will be on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 12:00 in the Boydston Room. The Junior Warden will be elected at that
meeting.
Page 3 Volume 24, Issue 2
Volume 24, Issue 2 The Witness Page
Come Sing With Us And Feel Good
According to lifehack.org* singing releases endorphins which are hormones that increase feelings of euphoria and pleasure. Singing also releases oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle hormone” because it is released when people snuggle up. It is known to decrease stress and anxiety. Both of these hormones can make you feel better in general and decrease any pain you might be feeling.
You can feel better by joining us in leading a Sing-Along of Love Songs at Bella Vista Care Center, 3033 Augusta Street, on Saturday February 15th from 10-11am and at Sydney Creek Memory Care, 1234 Laurel Lane, on Sunday February 16th from 3-4pm. We'll be leading the residents in singing songs you probably already know, like "You Are My Sunshine", "Bicycle Built for Two", and "Oh Susanna". We practice in The Shire (room at the end of St. Stephen’s Education Building closest to the parking lot) on Tuesday afternoons from 5:15-6 p.m. Attending practice isn’t required, but you’ll feel better if you do…… Bring your voice and/or ukulele, drum, finger cymbals, etc. to The Shire February 3rd and 10th to go through the music together, or just come to Bella Vista or Sydney Creek to sing along and be happy. If you’d like directions, a copy of the word sheet or music ahead of time or have questions see, call or email Kathleen at 805-546-0880 or [email protected]. *https://www.lifehack.org/288228/11-amazing-benefits-singing-you-may-not-know
SAVE THE DATE!
The 5th Annual Canterbury Shire Chili Cook-Off, with Silent Auc-tion & Raffle Fundraiser, will be held on Saturday, April 18th, from 4-6pm at St. Stephen's, SLO.
More info to follow in your March newsletters. Thank you for your
support!
I will represent St. Stephen’s at the annual Diocesan Convention
on November 6 &7, 2020.
Our New Delegates At the Annual Meeting, we also elected the following Delegates to Convention: Liz Frost, Bruno Giberti, Rosey Parks And Alternates: Gail Taylor, Kathryn Marshal
Our Delegates will represent St. Stephen’s at the annual Diocesan Convention on November 6 &7, 2020.
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Volume 24, Issue 2 Page
Notes from the Treasurer…..
As of this writing we have 48 pledging units for a total of $181,033 ($25,620.08 was prepaid pledges). If you would like to pledge for 2020, please let me know and I can get a pledge card to you.
Our Fair Share calculation deadline is January 31,2020. This is our “gift” to the Diocese and has a very clear method of calculation. Last year we submitted a recalculation around the middle of the year to lower our Fair Share to $1,817/month.
Here are the current donation totals in our various Restricted Funds:
RSVP Demo: $9,970 Wood Siding: $19,000 Painting: $11,090 Jean’s Building Fund: $6,910 The funds for the new doors are in the Endowment Checking Account. The new glass doors add an inviting feel to the church.
Here are the Mechanics Bank balances as of January 18, 2020:
Operating: $96,636.28 Money Market: $46,185.88 Endowment Checking: 20,235.88
Faithfully Submitted, Katie Arndt, Treasurer
5
Volume 24, Issue 2 The Witness Page
Supporting Sundays Prayer Intentions
It is the role of the Church, as individuals and corporately, to pray for those in need and to give thanks for the good-
ness of God. To offer a prayer intention, you can scribble a name or cause in the Prayers of the People binder at the
back of church, with the Ushers. The Prayers are written out as they are to be read on Sunday mornings; simply
write your intention under the relevant petition. There are also cards in the pews, or you can call or email the office.
It will be included with the existing ones, typed up into the prayers the following week, and remain on the list for 4-6
weeks.
Memorials through Candles and Flowers
You will notice that the flowers and candles on Sunday mornings are given in memory of loved ones. If you wish to
remember your loved ones in this way, you can sign up on the sheets in the Parish Hall, or contact a member of the
Altar Guild. Choose the Sunday you would like to have your loved ones remembered (or an anniversary, birthday or
other commemoration), and give a check or cash to Katie Arndt for the appropriate amount. Suggested donations
for Candles: $15 Flowers: $45.
Coffee Hour
Some of you like to serve your brothers and sisters in concrete, physical ways. Hosting Coffee Hour is a fun and very
social way to do that. There is a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall, or you can contact Sophia Agbo. She will guide you
through what you need to bring, what time to be at church to set up, who is available to help you, how much fun you
can make Coffee Hour, and when to know when all is cleaned up and it’s OK to close up shop (usually the last one
out). Gail Taylor is stepping down from the Hospitality Team as she assumes the role of Senior Warden. If you would
like to join Sophia in sharing the responsibilities of Hospitality, please see Father Ian.
Sexton’s Report
February 2019
More Lights…
On Christmas Eve, I deployed 18 solar LED walk lights along the sidewalk from the parking lot to the front door for
safety and ambience. Christmas morning before 9AM when Katie and I ushered, I retrieved them for next year. They
have been disassembled, the batteries removed, and stored in the red barn for the next night event or service.
Oven
I repaired the left oven in the kitchen, and, when I was finished, all burners, both ovens, and both sides of the griddle
worked.
Three panels of the fence between the classrooms and ASN have blown down against our building during a storm.
ASN was notified, and the fence has been temporarily propped up. No update on a permanent repair or replacement
is available yet.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Arndt, Sexton
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Volume 24, Issue 2 Page
Bible Selections for February
2-Feb-20 9-Feb-20 16-Feb-20 23-Feb-20 26-Feb-20
Presentation/Candlemas Epiphany 5A Epiphany 6A Epiphany Last Ash Wednesday
1st READING Malachi 3:1-4 Isaiah 58:1-12 Sirach 15:15-20 Exodus 23:12-18 Joel 2:1-2,12-17
PSALM Psalm 84 Psalm 112:1-9 +Glory Psalm 119:1-8 Psalm 99+Glory Psalm 103:8-14
2nd READING Hebrews 2:14-18 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 2 Peter 1:16-21 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
GOSPEL Luke 2:22-40 Matthew 5:13-20 Matthew 5:21-37 Matthew 17:1-9 Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
Birthdays
Judy Mackey 2-Feb
Lynn Wiech 6-Feb
Karla Gibson 6-Feb
Eric Fisher 9-Feb
Frances Edwards 11-Feb
Richard Foge 12-Feb
Al Williams 12-Feb
Kathleen Pennington 16-Dec
Frances Robertson 18-Feb
Peter Agbo 20-Feb
Bud Zeuschner 23-Feb
Christina Bearce 25-Feb
Ann Patry 28-Feb
Anniversaries
Fred & Carol Astaire 14-Feb
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
3 4 5 6
7
8
9
10 11
12
13 14 St. Valentine’s
Day
15
16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23
24 25 Shrove Tuesday
26 Ash Wednesday
27 28
29
February 2020 Who’s Celebrating?
Ongoing Activities
Handbell Practice Tuesdays 4:00 PM
Sing-Along Practice Tuesdays 5:15 PM
Centering Prayer Tuesdays 5:00 PM
Mid-Week Service Wednesdays 12:15 PM
Choir Rehearsal Wednesdays 5:15 PM
No handbell practice on 2/4
Important Dates!
Vestry Retreat 1-Feb
Souper Bowl of Caring 2-Feb
Vestry Meeting 9-Feb Brotherhood Breakfast 12-Feb
Sing-Along @ Bella Vista at 10AM 15-Feb
Sing-Along @ Sydney Creek at 3PM 16-Feb
Pancake Supper @ 5PM 25-Feb
Ash Wednesday Service @ 6:30PM 26-Feb
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Parish Activities in the first part of 2020
As you start to look at your calendars and how your home and family life will take shape through
out 2020, here are some activities that will be taking place at St. Stephen’s outside of our normal
Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday worship and our monthly lunch serving at 40 Prado.
There are a variety of activities, some of which are worship services to put in your calendar to
attend (A), and some are community activities for which you may consider being the organizer
(O) (see Fr Ian) or being a volunteer (V) (see Stephanie if an organizer has not yet been
decided).
Mark your calendars and keep a look out for notices in your
Sunday Bulletins and in The Witness for more information!
2/1/2020 Vestry Retreat
2/9/2020 Vestry Meeting
2/10/2020 Opening Doors of Interfaith Understanding (A)
2/25/2020 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at 5PM (O,A)
2/26/2020 Ash Wednesday Services at 12:15PM & 5:30PM (A)
3/1/2020 Endowment Committee Meeting
3/14/2020 Agape Community Workshop by Kelsey Davis (A)
3/29/2020 Sayre/Pillow Early Music Concert (A)
4/5/2020 Palm Sunday (A)
4/9/2020 Maundy Thursday Service at 5:30PM (A)
4/10/2019 Good Friday Service at 12:00PM (A)
4/11/2020 Holy Saturday Sanctuary Cleaning Day (V)
4/12/2020 Easter Sunday Service at 8AM & 10AM (A)
4/19/2019 Low Sunday/Quasimodo Sunday with possible Eucharistic Brunch (A)
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Volume 24, Issue 2 Page
Tending the Flock
Sometimes a person indicates that they would like to see me, but know I am “very busy”. My primary
responsibility is the care of the good people of St. Stephen’s!! I am always ready to meet parishioners one-to
-one or in groups, in my office, in your home, or out for coffee or a glass of wine. You can always catch me
when you see me…as long as you see me put the date into my calendar(!!!) or call
or email me. We can talk about the more serious issues of your life, the good times
that you are experiencing, and everything in between. Home Communions can be
arranged in the same way.
As in the past, I hope to arrange times to meet with parishioners informally. I
haven’t worked out the dates or the format, but that will come soon. As the Rector,
and I have Cure of Souls at St. Stephen’s, and my mantra is: People are my
CREATION CARE REFLECTIONS
Several people who read my Creation Care article in the January issue of The Witness have indicated an interest in exploring the possibility of this new ministry, and I hope many others will join us.
Lent, which begins February 26 with Ash Wednesday, seems an especially appropriate time for beginning our exploration of the topic. I suggest an organizational meeting after the 10am service on a Sunday in early March, to be determined. At that meeting, in addition to getting ourselves organized, we could review some of the national Church’s resources for Creation Care, which would include some suggestions for personal or group Lenten reflections.
Please see me at coffee hour on Sundays, call me (805-709-0840) or send me an email ([email protected]) to let me know of your interest. If you didn’t have an opportunity to read my January article, I will have copies of it at coffee hour.
-Kathryn Bumpass
Chocolate Factory Opens March 23rd!
Once again, St. Stephen’s Parish Council’s delicious and fun outreach
fundraiser will take over the parish hall for the two weeks before Palm
Sunday. It’s as much fun to make the chocolate eggs as to eat them, so
consider signing up to help. We’ll be making up to 400 eggs again this
year and will be offering two sizes, ½# and ¼#. Priority in filling orders will
be given to “chocolate factory workers” and remaining orders will be filled
by date received.
Sign-up sheets for “factory workers” will be on the bulletin board in Ramsden Hall around March 3rd and
order forms for these beautiful, and delicious chocolate eggs will be in the March Witness, on the bulletin
board, inserted in bulletins and at the web site in early March.
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Volume 24, Issue 2 The Witness Page
with Phil.
Super Bowl LIV is in a league of its own, as we all know. This “worship” event starts at $4,675 and goes up to
$23,375! And that’s just for the game! In the stadium, there will be 65,000 spectators and hundreds of more
athletes, performers, team staff and stadium staff. Around 100 million Americans will watch (just under a third
of the population) and another 50 to 60 million spectators around the globe. I don’t need to preach on the
religion that is football, because we have all heard that sermon at some point in our lives!
Where we focus our attention (the heart, the soul, the mind) and time shapes who we are and how we en-
gage with others. By no means is this a critique of those who enjoy things outside the Church (as do I!)! Many
in the Miami Hard Rock Stadium will be churchgoers and people of other faiths, as will those huddled around
a rodent hole at Gobbler’s Knob. The people of Puno enjoy soccer and have their own team Alfonso Ugarte.
I bring these three events together because 1) they are all on the same day, 2) it illustrates how we are part
of a bigger world, and 3) it points to how we are multidimensional and can participate in a wide variety of
activities, identify with various groups, have many gifts, yet still be one person. A single aspect of our person-
hood need not and does not define who we are.
As you fill out your Stewardship of Time and Talent Pledge Card, give some thought to the variety of interests
and skills that you possess, that make you a multidimensional person. Recognize that these are gifts from the
God who created you. And consider how you might use them to the glory of God and as part of the richly
talented St. Stephen’s Family.
(Continued from page 1)
MUSIC OF PEACE AND UNITY
The internationally renowned Yuval Ron Ensemble will present a 3-day program of unique Middle Eastern music at Congregation Beth David, in San Luis Obispo, March 13-15. The highlight of the weekend will be a concert on Saturday evening, March 14, that features work from the group’s newest album “Unity of the Heart”.
An Oscar-winning, Grammy nominee and peace activist, Yuval Ron formed his Ensemble in 1999. The group includes Jewish, Christian and Muslim artists who seek to bridge racial, religious and cultural divides by uniting the music and dance of the people of the Middle East into a unique mystical, spiritual and inspiring celebration.
They have performed peace tours around the world, imparting the ancient inter-cultural connections between Arabic, Jewish and Christian traditions. Featuring ancient as well as modern instruments, songs, stories and dance, the Ensemble offers a performance that “creates light and hope through music”.
Tickets for the Saturday concert are $45, and are available from 805tix.com. Ticket price includes a pre-concert workshop at 6pm and a dessert reception at 6:45pm. The concert follows at 7:30pm. St. Stephen’s is proud to be a local sponsor of this event.
Congregation Beth David is located at 10180 Los Osos Valley Rd., San Luis Obispo. For additional information, call 805-544-0760 or visit cbdslo.org. You may also call me at 805-709-0840 or [email protected]
-Kathryn Bumpass
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Volume 24, Issue 2 Page
Understanding Your Rights: The 4th Amendment
Wednesday, March 25
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Copeland Health Education Pavilion
French Hospital, 1911 Johnson Avenue, San Luis Obispo
PEACE Program: Providing Education & Community Engagement about Public Safety. At the San Luis
Obispo Police Department, we understand how important it is to have a trusting relationship with our com-
munity, and believe we must take ownership in creating those relationships.
Launched in 2017, PEACE (Policing Education And Community Engagement) provides education about
what the police department does, why we do it and how the community can share responsibility for our
safety and success.
PEACE is a series of 2-hour discussions focusing on topics such as police protocols for use of force, police
body cameras and mental health resources. During the discussions, members of the public will hear from
and ask questions of different police professionals. The talks are limited to the first 120 people. Sign up here.
For questions, email Christine Wallace at [email protected].
11
1344 Nipomo Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Office: 805-543-7212
www.ststephensslo.org
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid San Luis Obispo, CA
93401 Permit No. 57
Address service requested
Hello February