Tidings

Monthly Newsletter of St. Timothy’s Christmas 2015

Christmas at Saint Timothy’s

Christmas Eve, Thursday December 24

Children’s Christmas Pageant 3:30 p.m.

Including Communion and Carols

Children’s Christmas Pageant 5:30 p.m.

Including Communion and Carols

Christmas Eve Mass w/ string quartet 10:30 p.m. (Christmas Carol singing begins at 10:00 p.m.)

Christmas Day, Friday, December 25

Festive Holy Eucharist with Christmas Carols 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, December 27

Christmas Lessons and Carols – One service 10:00 a.m.

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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR ST. TIMOTHY’S VESTRY?

New vestry members are elected each year at the annual meeting held in late January. For 2016, four new members will be elected for three year terms. The vestry - as the governing board of our parish - works closely with the rector in managing all of the programs and responsibilities of our church. The next couple of years will be particularly important years for strong leadership at St Timothy’s as we go through a search process for a new rector as well as a new music director. On Sunday, January 10th, Rev. Stacey will hold a “Vestry 101” session following the 9:00am service for those parish members that are considering this avenue of service and leadership. She will be discussing the roles and responsibilities of vestry members and will answer any questions potential candidates might have. If you think you might be interested in running for a vestry position, please fill out the vestry nomination form found on the last page of this Tidings and return it to the parish office by January 15th. A forum will then be set up on Sunday, January 17th, following the 9:00 am service so that the parish can ask potential candidates questions and listen to each candidate’s positions. For more information, please contact Scott Sampson at (925-366-4587) email jscottsampson@gmail.com.

Taizé ---- First Wednesday of each Month

Have You Experienced a Taize Service? You are invited to come to church Wednesday, January 6 at 7 p.m. to start off the new year. Our Taize service, held in the Sanctuary, begins promptly at 7 and ends around 7:50.

Taizé is a meditative prayer service that incorporates music, uncomplicated and repetitive songs, scripture readings, and periods of group silence in a setting of peace and soft candlelight. During Taizé you can worship in a community setting, yet remain open to the voice of God. Through periods of silence we allow the mystery of God to become tangible through the beauty of simplicity. Come join us --- everybody is warmly welcomed! Questions? Contact Jean Crane at mjeancrane88@gmail.com

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NOVEMBER 2015 FINANCIAL REPORT

Our financial picture continues to improve as we receive pledged income at the anticipated levels and

our expenditures are managed at the approved levels. It is gratifying that we had a surplus of income

of $14,667 over expenses in November. We continue to exceed our income projections because in

July, the revised budget significantly reduced our expenditures. Despite unanticipated personnel

costs, with our reduced staffing and improved pledge commitments we are moving to a fully balanced

position. We anticipate significant pledge and non-pledge income arriving in December and if that

happens, we will end the year with a surplus. This major shift to a fully sustainable budget is critically

important as we plan for the 2016 budget year and calling our permanent Rector in 2017.

It should be noted that this big improvement in our financial situation has not happened without

sacrifice. Our July budget revisions significantly reduced our staff which resulted in our:

Leaving the Associate Rector position vacant

Making significant reductions in staff hours

Significantly increasing our reliance on volunteers, many of whom have stepped up and spent many hours accomplishing needed services and tasks.

In addition, we have fully funded the costs incurred in the severance package agreed to in the Spring

Once again, we can only be thankful for these results and continue to do our part to practice good

stewardship with the “treasure” we have to work with.

Joe Cunningham, Treasurer

Mike Oliver, Senior Warden

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GROWING TOGETHER: SAINT TIMOTHY’S PLEDGE DRIVE

As of this writing, everyone should have received a pledge packet with lots of information to help in

your consideration of your financial commitment to the work of St. Timothy’s for 2016. In celebration of

everything that we are, do, and hope to become in the coming years, we will hold an InGathering meal

after each service on Sunday, January 3. At that time we will present our 2016 pledge commitments in

celebration of all that God has provided us. By presenting our pledges at that time, the vestry can then

complete their task of preparing a budget for 2016 (as required!) to present at the Annual Meeting on

January 31 for our review and approval. And even more important, they will be able to do some

serious program and ministry planning at their retreat in February.

If you have not received a pledge packet or would like more information about pledging, please stop

by the Stewardship 2016 table after any of the Sunday services to talk to one of the Stewardship

committee members. We look forward to growing together with you in 2016 and beyond.

Faithfully, and on behalf of the Stewardship committee,

Susan Cyr, Chair

ST. TIM'S BOOK CLUB will meet on Sunday, January 17th at 12:30 in the Grace House Library when we will discuss The Invention Of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd.

NEW fun! NEW (New Episcopal Women) will be making Swedish hearts at our January 20 at 6:30 pmmeeting. Bring your scissors, and enjoy learning a quick and easy way to make ribbon baskets in the shape of a heart. Make several for your family for Valentine’s Day. To sign up, call Helen Coleman at 925-831-1728 or email colemanhelen@pacbell.net

CHURCH DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

January 31 – Annual Meeting

February 10 – Ash Wednesday

March 20 – Palm Sunday

March 27 – Easter Day

May 15 – Pentecost

June 4 - Confirmation

BOOK CLUB NEWS

NEW EPISCOPAL WOMEN’S GROUP

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St Timothy’s Episcopal Church Vestry Meeting Highlights –December 2015

The vestry met in Grace House on Monday, December 14th at 7:00 pm.

MOTION: The vestry voted by email during the month of November to approve the replacement of

the church office copier due to maintenance problems. Because the current number of copies

made per month is not as large as when the original lease was negotiated, the new lease will be

less expensive than the current one.

MOTION: The vestry approved the necessary motion to endorse Stacey’s housing allowance for

2015.

MOTION: The vestry formally approved the movement of $20,000 from the income from the

Ackerman property to the church budget for 2015.

The parish annual meeting will be on Sunday, January 31 in the church. The Parish Hall will

be in use at that time for the Warm Winter Nights program.

The Vestry annual retreat is scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday, February 5 – 6 at St.

Stephen’s church in Orinda.

Scott Sampson reported on the efforts of the Vestry Nominating Committee. So far 5 people have

indicated that they are interested. The committee is continuing to work on this. A vestry candidate

forum and Vestry 101 class by Stacey are planned.

The Stewardship Committee (with volunteers) created and sent out pledge packets to all parish

members – including those who have already pledged for 2016. The packets included a letter to

those who have pledged already explaining the content. Several pledges have been received.

Joe Cunningham, reviewed the income and expenses for the church for November 2015 and the

year through November 2015. A report on these is elsewhere in this issue of Tidings. Joe

reported on the work of the Finance Committee on the 2016 preliminary budget. The vestry

discussed the tentative plans which cannot be finalized until after the stewardship results are

known – in January 2016.

Stacey reviewed her activities in November (including jury duty) and plans for the next few months.

Jim Coleman shared the results of his analysis of Sunday attendance trends for 2010 through

2015. The shapes of the graph lines were similar with a drop of attendance following the switch

from 3 to 2 services.

Parish members are welcome to attend Vestry meetings. The next formal meeting is on Monday, January 11, 2016. The minutes of the vestry meeting will be filed in the Parish Office after they are approved by the Vestry.

Submitted by Sally Shea Potts, Vestry Clerk

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ST. TIMOTHY’S YOUTH! Save these 2016 dates

MARCH 4-6: HAPPENING RETREAT for grades 9-12

Every young person needs a space to experience unconditional love in community. That’s the special purpose of Happening, a unique weekend retreat led by youth, for youth, dedicated to diving deeper in faith and relationship. Happening 33, "Let Your Light Shine," will take place March 4-6, 2016, at St. Stephen’s, Orinda. http://www.diocal.org/discipleship/youth/programs

APRIL 29-30: NIGHTWATCH for grades 6-12

Youth gather together for a night of fun, music, and spiritual exploration, sleeping in Grace Cathedral. All youth in 6th-8th grades are welcome, from all church backgrounds. http://www.diocal.org/discipleship/youth/programs

JUNE 27-JULY 1: BAY AREA IMMERSION TRIP for grades 6-8

5 days and 4 nights filled with local hands-on project work and Holy Spirit filled fun. Much more information to come and meanwhile if you have questions contact Sharyn Mitzo spearzo@pacbell.net LITURGICAL ART FOR THE SEASONS

Epiphany 2015

The big star is coming back! It was put away for a few years and will return brighter than ever. It was

originally inspired by the words in the song “What star is this? ‘The guiding star above is bright; within

them shines a clearer light, and leads them on with power benign to seek the Giver of the sign.” This

star we will see way up high is an explosion of light guiding the way for us to ponder the significance of

the birth of Jesus and what He shall symbolize for us all.

On the rererdos (that big wooden wall 16 feet high behind the altar) you will see the four sheer panels

with stars which create a relationship to the Advent art. The solid white behind the sheer panels are

actually the four Advent panels turned around.

We hope this artwork will give a deeper meaning to your Advent and Epiphany season. Many thanks

to Charlie Wills, Dick Firth and Nora Hudson for helping with the installation.

Leslie Firth and Kathy Wills

ST. TIMOTHY’S YOUTH!!

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. It is the custom of the church to reserve Baptism to the four major dates listed below. Holy Baptism is also possible at any of our midweek services. Please speak to Stacey+. Please contact the Interim Rector if you have an infant or young child to present for Holy Baptism. If you are an adult wishing Baptism, a course of study of some length will be required, and adult baptism is best celebrated at the Easter Vigil, although other dates are possible.

1/10/16 Baptism of our Lord 3/26/16 Easter Vigil 5/15/16 Pentecost 7/24/16 St. Timothy’s Half Feast Day

SAVE THE DATE! Mardi Gras

Celebration of Pat Parr’s Ministry February 9

CONFIRMATION CLASS – Begins January 24th! If you are interested in confirmation, reception or reaffirmation, now is the time to sign up for classes. All youth in 7th grade & up and interested adults need to register for classes. Confirmation, reception and reaffirmation will take place at Grace Cathedral on June 4, 2016. Those interested in confirmation and reception will enroll in the “Confirm Not Conform” class. Those seeking reaffirmation of their baptismal vows will spend two sessions with the Rev. Stacey Grossman. There will be ten session from January through May on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. starting on January 24th. Please contact Lori Robinson, our Family Minister, at lrobinson@sainttimothysdanville.org or #925/837-4993 x. 23 to sign up.

HOLY BAPTISM DATES

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ST. TIMOTHY’S WOMEN’S RETREAT

The Bishop’s Ranch- Healdsburg February 19 – 21, 2016

St. Timothy’s Women: It’s that time of year again. Please join us at the annual women’s retreat at Bishop’s Ranch! This will be a weekend of rest and reflection for women to enjoy together in the beautiful setting of the ranch located on a sunny knoll nestled among the forests, farms and vineyards of Sonoma County.

Our retreat leader will be the Rev. Martha Kuhlmann who is the Associate Rector at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Castro Valley. Martha has extensive experience as a retreat leader and especially enjoys leading women’s retreats!

This is a marvelous opportunity to get away for the weekend AND to get to know other women at St. Timothy’s. This retreat is open to all women in our parish community, so please come and enjoy this special time away together.

Cost: $255 double room occupancy $334 single room occupancy (limited availability – call Dana to verify) Cost covers two nights (Friday & Saturday) and 4 meals (Saturday & Sunday morning)

Payment: $75.00 deposit due with registration form as soon as possible Payment in full due by 12/31/15

Cancellation policy: If you cancel your reservation and someone takes your place, your money will be refunded. If no one takes your place, your money goes to funding the retreat, as we have to pay for rooms, occupied or not.

Registration forms: You can find registration forms in the 411, narthex and Bea’s office. Questions please

contact Dana Lopez at either 510-303-8116 or danalope@comcast.net or you can contact Bea at the office.

Please let us know if you have special needs (i.e. food allergies, diet needs, ground floor room, minimal walking, wheel chair access etc.) You may make roommate requests on your registration form.

Return your registration form and payment to: St. Timothy’s Women’s Retreat; 1550 Diablo Road; Danville, CA 94526. Label your payment “Bishop’ Ranch Women’s Retreat” to assure proper credit. Space is limited so reserve your spot soon!

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WINTER NIGHTS SHELTER 2016

WINTER NIGHTS SHELTER 2016 January 18 - February 1

Sign-up Now

St. Timothy's and Beth Chaim Congregation are once again co-hosting the Winter Nights Shelter from Monday, January 18 through Monday, February 1. St. Timothy's parishioners will be responsible for the first week and Beth Chaim will take the second week. Set-up and break-down of the Shelter will be a joint effort among Beth Chaim and St. Timothy's volunteers. The Shelter, which will be located in the Parish Hall, is for the most vulnerable in our community - homeless families with children. It takes a village of helping hands to set up, stock, and operate a two-week shelter for these struggling families. There are many ways to participate, from donating much needed food, supplies, and monetary contributions to being a member of a meal team that provides a hot, nutritious meal.

Again this year, we are simplifying the sign-up process so that you can check your calendar at home and sign-up on-line through Sign-up Genius. Signups will also be available between services beginning December 20. To learn more about the various volunteer opportunities and to sign up online go to the St. Timothy’s website for links. Click HERE

For more information contact Joann Oliver at 362-4805 or joannoliver@sbcglobal.net

For more information about the Winter Nights Shelter and the Interfaith Coalition of Contra Costa County go to http://www.cccwinternights.org/

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CHRISTMAS FOOD BOXES – 2015

This parish knows how to pull together to help our neighbors! On Saturday, December 5th we delivered

215 boxes of food to Monument Crisis Center in Concord. Each box along with a $20 grocery certificate

is enough food to feed a family of 5 for about a week. This delivery was the result of many people doing

their part to make the project happen!

Parish children and friends filled enough bags with rice and beans to put a bag of each in every

one of our boxes.

Holy Mischief Makers and other volunteers packed 98 food boxes at Safeway

Over 70 parish and Noah’s Ark families filled one or more boxes with food

More than 15 volunteers helped sign up sponsor families on Sundays

Volunteers received boxes starting on Sunday, November 29th.

More volunteers helped load and unload the UPS truck that delivered the boxes to Monument

Crisis Center on Saturday, December 5th.

Volunteers managed sign-ups without the coordinator on November 22 so she could spend

Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C.

Donna Fernandez arranged for the UPS truck to deliver the boxes and recruited another driver

to help.

Shelley and John Henry Wells were our liaison with Safeway in Alamo.

Tania Hansen DeYoung found a truck to transport our boxes from Safeway to the church.

Jim Coleman took pictures.

Alamo Safeway ordered enough food and let us use their conference room to fill boxes.

I could go on listing the many names of people who help with this effort.

The staff and clients of Monument Crisis Center and I send a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who

helped make this project so successful and FUN! WELL DONE.

Please let me know if you need a receipt for your tax records.

Sally Shea Potts, sallyspotts@gmail.com

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LENTEN LECTIONARY

Calling all writers! Calling all those who wish they were writers! Calling YOU! It is time to sign up to be a writer of a Lenten Meditation. For those new to St. Timothy’s, let me explain a wonderful tradition we have for Lent. For each day in Lent, forty parishioners volunteer to write a meditation based on the readings for that day. Bea prints all of our meditations into a lectionary, and it is distributed for us to use to help us with our spiritual journey through Lent. All of you who have written personal reflections on Lenten text selections in the past have experienced the warm feeling of love and community in the process. It truly is a blessing for the writers --- as well as the entire parish community. We’re asking for your contribution to the Lectionary again this year – as well as inviting new participants. There’s no right or wrong way to write about your insights, beliefs, questions, and personal implications. (Just a few paragraphs will work fine.) It’s so creative and rewarding! After meditating on scriptures from the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel, you’ll find that you want to reflect on a connection among the three writings—or perhaps you’ll be led to reflect on the Gospel alone – or perhaps one sentence takes you back to your childhood and your writing just flows from there. We’ll have sign-up sheets and answer questions during coffee hour in the parish hall after the 7:30 service and in between the 9:00 and 11:00 services, starting on January 10. However, you can also sign up by calling or emailing me. Helen Coleman (925) 831-1728 colemanhelen@pacbell.net

Welcoming the Stranger with a ride A God’s Hands Ministry

San Damiano Retreat Center is providing temporary shelter for two recently arrived Afghani brothers (19 and 21), while they become integrated members of our communities. To accelerate this process the brothers will start English language classes at Acalanes Adult Education Center in Walnut Creek Monday through Thursdays beginning January 4, 2016. The distance from San Damiano to Acalanes is 10 miles and takes about 24 minutes, unless you do not have a car. Without a car, it takes walking twice, two different buses and approximately two hours. Interfaith San Ramon Valley would like to support the brothers by providing transportation for them as a demonstration of how our faith communities welcome strangers. The classes meet from 9:00 AM to noon Monday through and including Thursdays starting January 4th, 2016. Many hands make light work, so the more volunteers the less each one of us will do. It has been recommended that a volunteer drive both to and from so that the brothers will recognize who will be picking them up. Please contact Steve Mason at 925-487-2994 or stevemason200@gmail.com

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Visit our Calendar online at http://sainttimothysdanville.org/calendar/

ONLINE CALENDAR UPDATES Requests for space use submitted to the staff as of December 15 have been approved and are on the St. Timothy's website calendar.

If you have a meeting/space request, please fill out a form see below they can also be found in the parish office, on the table outside the parish office or in the narthex and return it to the office.

Requests are reviewed every Tuesday in the AM so please make sure you submit your request by Monday afternoon please.

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Vestry Nomination 2016

Biography Form

Name:_________________________________________________________________

How Long in the Area: ___________________________________________________

How Long a Member of Saint Timothy’s Church: ______________________________

Present/Past Vocation or Employment: _______________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Present/Past Ministry Involvement (at Saint Timothy’s or elsewhere):

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Serving on the Vestry includes active participation on one of three Commissions: Administration and Finance,

Property, or Ministry (programs and worship). Which commission do you feel called to serve on and why?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Nominated by: ____________________________________________________________

Yes, I am willing to stand in nomination for election to a three year term on the Vestry of Saint Timothy’s

Episcopal Church.

__________________________________________________________________________

(Signature) (Date

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Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church

www.SaintTimothysDanville.org

1550 Diablo Road

Danville, CA 94526

925.837.4993

Email: parish@sainttimothysdanville.org

Contact Us

Interim Rector: The Rev. Stacey Grossman

14 SGrossman@SaintTimothysDanville.org Cell phone (415) 309-1855

Associate for Family Ministry: Lori Robinson 23 LRobinson@SaintTimothysDanville.org

Associate for Music Ministry: Pat Parr 15 PatParr@SaintTimothysDanville.org

Parish Administrator: Beatriz (“Bea”) Pussman 10 Parish@SaintTimothysDanville.org

Noah’s Ark Director: Cynthia Chavez 925-362-8565 NoahsArk@SaintTimothysDanville.org

Facilities: Bev Matsunaga 11 BKMats@aol.com

Treasurer: Joe Cunningham Treasurer@SaintTimothysDanville.org

We are also on Facebook at

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church Danville, California