The

Keys

Road Trips

Volume 151, Number 12 | August, 2015

of St. Peter’s No matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual road trip, you are welcome here!

The Corner Office A few weeks ago I was in a van filled with raucous teenagers who were singing along with “Bohemian Rhapsody” at the top of their little lungs as we all headed west on I-40 on a rainy New Mexico evening, and as we hurtled down the road I felt an invisible presence. It wasn’t the Holy Spirit, although of course the Holy Spirit was in there with us too. What I felt was the presence of our entire congregation—the parents who had raised this incredible group of kids… adult volunteers who helped along the way… generous contributors who made the journey possible… and all the parishioners at St. Peter’s who had sent prayers and good wishes as our young people left for their mission to Crownpoint, NM. It dawned on me that it takes a village to have a road trip… and that the whole village was with us in that bouncing van. I hope you had as much fun as I did! When the kids shared their memories of the trip on Sunday the 16th, they talked about the gratitude of the people at whose houses we worked, the joy of lively worship, poverty and other problems we saw in the Navajo Nation, and about the fun they had on this awesome road trip. What they didn’t talk about was how incredibly hard they worked… how they tackled any number of difficult jobs under difficult conditions, with all the enthusiasm that the kids of St. Peter’s can offer… and without a word of complaint. Initiative, dedication, energy—they brought their A Game. On the rocky hill behind our compound in New Mexico we gathered one evening for one of the most profoundly moving eucharists I’ve ever celebrated. I realized at that moment that it was an honor and a privilege to work alongside these outstanding young people. I was proud to be part of the team. Thanks for helping to make our mission possible. Thanks for being part of this important leg of our young people’s spiritual journeys! —Susan +

The Deacon’s Beacon One big challenge we face any time we take a road trip or do any kind of traveling is packing. If you are like me, you make a list of all of the things you might need, considering the weather and how long you will be gone. Then you carefully lay everything out, always adding a thing or two as you go along and bemoaning the things you must leave behind. Of course when the time comes to put it all in a suitcase, you find it won't all fit or the suitcase becomes too heavy. Then you must decide which nonessentials you must forego. Finally, having carried all of this stuff on your trip you find that you could have done without much of it. Many years ago, I took a three-month sabbatical from my work and my wife, son and I piled into our station wagon and drove around the country. We had few plans or reservations and just drove as far as we pleased each day. It was a wonderful trip and we all learned a lot. Interestingly, our entire worldly possessions for that three months (including camping gear) were contained in that car and we got quite good at packing and unpacking each day. We got so used to the vagabond life that as we neared the end of the trip, having driven 14,000 miles and seen 35 states and four Canadian provinces, we actually regretted having to go home. We felt free, not only from our usual lives, but especially from all of the possessions we had at home. It was very liberating. One thing that traveling can do for us is make us realize how little we actually need to make it in the world. In our lives we become so attached to all of our stuff that we forget that we really need so little. Jesus commanded his disciples to go into the world with no possessions, just the clothes on their backs, and do good works. They returned amazed at how much they were able to accomplish with so little. I think he calls us to do the same. He wants us to detach ourselves so that we can focus on what we need to do in the world, unencumbered by our feelings of possessiveness. He is not asking us to get rid of our

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Deacon’s Beacon, continued… stuff, just reduce our feelings of attachment to it. Traveling can help us do that. The act of selecting the few things we need to bring and then living without a houseful of our things for a period of time can be liberating. So the next time you travel, try limiting yourself to 10 kg. (22 lbs.) as we did once for a month-long trip to Africa, and see how well you do. Maybe you will be able to free yourself of the need to accumulate more and more stuff so you can pay more attention to the work God has in store for you. —Deacon Skip

What Island Am I On? Humans are driven to explore, to seek new lands and people. So we drive, fly, and sail into unknown territories. Road trip! Mitch and I decided that our first road trip this summer would be an island hop through Micronesia. These islands offer excellent scuba diving, a variety of cultures (including ancient ruins), and pristine rainforests. Micronesia is made up of thousands of islands, of which 125 are inhabited. The land area is 1,245 square miles and the ocean area is 4.5 million square miles. We visited eight different locations, passing through three time zones and crossing the International Date Line. After I returned home, I’d wake up wondering which Pacific island I was on. Independent since 1986, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) maintains a “Compact of Free Association” with the United States. America sends more than $130 million in annual aid and provides for the FSM’s defense. Micronesia has geological diversity, constant warm temperature (85 degrees F) and abundant rainfall. Coral and fish thrive in the warm, clear sea surrounding these islands. Our first destination was Kosrae, a volcanic island whose profile suggests a sleeping lady (legend says the gods created the island from the transformed figure of a sleeping woman). In between scuba dives we toured a mangrove forest in an outrigger canoe, trekked through cloud forests, and explored the 600 year-old Menka ruins, home of Sinlaku, goddess of breadfruit. Our next stop was Pohnpei, where we visited the Nan

Madol site, which spreads over 80 man-made islets and features 25-foot walls made of stacked pentagonal basalt logs. Archeologists know that these stone logs were transported by bamboo or mangrove rafts between the 7th and 16th centuries but they don’t know how the walls were constructed. Our dive master told us that the ancient islanders had the help of the Hunani, individuals with occult powers and enlightenment. One of the great pleasures of road trips is meeting new people. On Pohnpei we met several newly trained Peace Corps volunteers and traded stories with officers from the USN Millinocket, which brought doctors and other specialists to provide health services and training during a three-week stay. On to Chuuk Lagoon, 40 miles across at its widest point, with one of the world’s longest barrier reefs. In 1944 the U.S. unleashed Operation Hailstorm on a Japanese merchant fleet stationed in the lagoon. Today Chuuk Lagoon is the premier wreck diving spot in the world, with 50 wrecks lying in water 30 to 200 feet deep. After 61 years the wrecks are covered with magnificent coral gardens and teem with angel fish, electric blue damsel, and butterfly fishes. We swam through the ghost ships, still filled with jeeps, ammunition, gas masks, and pottery. Our last stop was Majuro Atoll, where modern causeways connect some of the 53 coral islets that arc around the lagoon. We rented a car (you agree on a fee with a cab owner and they remove the taxi sign) and explored all 35 miles of Majuro in one day. In ancient times people on Majuro were master navigators who used sticks and small cowrie shells to create navigation charts indicating islands and ocean currents. Majuro is so narrow that at some points you can see the lagoon on your left and the Pacific Ocean on your right. Yet 25,000 people live on this atoll. The beauty and unique cultures in Micronesia offered Mitch and me an enriching travel experience. It was gratifying to see that our government has delivered needed and appropriate support. Traditional beliefs coexist comfortably with modern religion among Micronesians cultures and together paint a unique picture. Tribal traditions show how life used to be on these islands and, more importantly, show the traditions Micronesian people don’t want to lose. That we are invited to share their history and experiences reflects mutual curiosity and gracious hospitality. It was wonderful to find a warm welcome halfway around the world… and wonderful to return! —Rebecca Schenone

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Sneak Attack! The lure of the open road is part of the American character. Does your heart skip a beat when the cowboy hero rides off into the sunset? Remember squirming with excitement in the back seat at the start of your family’s summer vacation? Think Thelma and Louise looked pretty good in that convertible? If so, congratulations—you’re as American as the rest of us. When Europeans first began to settle in North America, the continent was already crisscrossed by an elaborate system of interconnected native paths reaching from Hudson Bay to Panama and from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. It’s worth remembering that as “Westward ho!” became part of American culture, it was the Native Americans who made it possible. Many of America’s earliest roads were originally Indian paths. For example, the Boston Post Road (U.S. 1) follows a trail once called the Bay Path. El Camino Real was built on top of a system of coastal trails. When the first white pioneers crossed the Appalachians they often followed native paths, and emigrant trails like the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails were originally native routes across the West. Sometimes Native Americans made ceremonial trails. It’s easy to understand the symbolism—walking a sacred path is a spiritual experience for any pilgrim. Of course, there’s something spiritual in taking a new path, too…striking out in a new direction on a road you’ve never traveled. That’s probably why there’s a ton of American literature related to road trips. Mark Twain’s Roughing It led to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Cruise of the Rolling Junk, which led to Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, which led to John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charlie, which led to Bill Bryson’s Lost Continent. With plenty of stops in between, needless to say. Many photographers, including Robert Frank and Ed Ruscha, have documented American road trips. And if you had a nickel for every American song about a road, you’d be counting your money just like Paul Simon counted cars on the New Jersey Turnpike. Somewhere in their adolescence most young Americans realize that anyone with car keys, a driver’s license, and itchy feet can have a road trip… and off they go. It’s a lot of fun to mount a “sneak attack”—an unannounced road trip to visit a distant friend. “Surprise!” But every now and again the journey can surprise the journeyers. A fellow can drive off expecting to have a

perfectly ordinary road trip and return unexpectedly stronger, wiser, and richer. You never know what you’ll find on a road trip, but you almost always return with something new. The young people of St. Peter’s took a road trip this summer that was a wonderful journey of discovery—an adventure that fed body, mind, and spirit. The kids worked hard and came back stronger. They found a lot to think about and came back smarter. They helped people in real need and changed peoples’ lives, and their own lives changed in the process. To be on a road trip with any group of teens is to experience the joy of unfettered freedom. Travel with our young SPYs and you’ll experience plenty of joy … mixed with a surprising amount of responsibility, maturity, care, and concern. It’s enough to make you think that the world may be a slightly better place after the torch passes to the next generation. Lately it seems like our parish has had one big defining moment every year. In 2013, a new rector. In 2014, a sesquicentennial. Your editor thinks that the SPYs’ mission trip may prove to be the highlight of 2015. It’s a new step for the parish… and an important step for young people at the beginning of their own spiritual road trips.

Word of the Month Vanishing Point. n. Where receding lines in perspective seem to converge. The farthest distance visible down a straight road.

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Mission to New Mexico What a trip! After months of planning and anticipation, 10 young people from St. Peter’s headed off to Crownpoint, New Mexico on August 2. All agree: it was an awesome experience. Our 10 SPYs were Bryce Abramson… Juan, Lesly, and Marco Brumleve… Kali Frazier… Eli and Harper Goulden… Ben and Maddy Redlawsk…and Sophia Rivera. Herding the cats were SPYmasters Joan Brumleve, Megan Goulden, Peter Hutchinson, and Mother Susan.

In Crownpoint everyone worked hard on several projects. Jobs included house painting, flooring, carpentry, and roofing… and even the grown-ups had to knuckle down.

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Our trip was coordinated by Next Steps Ministries. Next Steps connects volunteers like us with projects in Crownpoint, which is part of the Navajo Nation. Churches from all over the U.S. pitch in. Our team from St. Peter’s was joined by a group from Clovis, California.

Since our mission came on the last week of the summer we had to grit our teeth and make sure every project was finished before we left.

When it comes to walking on roofs, some of us were fearless. Some.

Everyone on the trip got a crash course in home renovation. Measuring for flooring was challenging. Keeping paintbrushes from getting hard and gummy in the hot New Mexico sun was no treat, either. And the roof tar? Sticky! Sunscreen, sunglasses, and water bottles were popular items. Accommodations were… well, let’s say they were OK. Participants slept in two big rooms, one for the girls and one for the boys.

6 The Keys of St. Peter’s

When the work day ended, everyone ate dinner and then worshipped together.

Worship was designed with young people in mind. With a full band and contemporary music, services got pretty lively. One evening our SPYs built an impromptu rock altar on the hill behind the church and Mother Susan led a sublime, moving eucharist.

The young people ate their breakfasts and dinners in a big three sided building that doubled as a meeting place and, on one night, as a dance hall.

SPYs and grown-ups alike were impressed by the New Mexico landscape. It was “monsoon season” and the valleys were surprisingly green… greener than Redwood City.

In the long summer twilight there was a lot to look at and a lot to think about… and a lot to prepare for, considering how busy the next day was likely to be. After awhile you miss certain amenities. At night the grown-ups dreamed of aspirin. The kids dreamed of Slurpees.

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Monday through Thursday were work days, and Friday was a free day. Under cloudy skies the team stopped by a nearby attraction, Blue Lake. Allegedly.

Then it was off to Albuquerque where a restaurant near the UNM campus provided a welcome and delicious lesson in local cuisine.

After dinner an alumna renewed an old acquaintance.

Most of the party flew home on Saturday, but the unsinkable Brumleves returned the way they came… in the family van. Their trip covered more than 3,000 miles. All of the travelers were glad to be heading home.

There were a few people back in Redwood City who couldn’t have been happier to stop by the church on Saturday!

Ask any of the weary-yet-willing SPYs and you’ll hear exactly the same thing: “We can’t wait to go back next year!”

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From the Vestry

The Vestry has met twice since the last issue of the Keys—first on July 14 and again on August 11. At the July meeting the Vestry discussed a variety of activities around the parish and talked about some ways we could help at Sequoia High School. The Vestry also scheduled a planning session for August 22. Treasurer John Lessar opened the August meeting by presenting the church financials, which continue to look encouraging. Through July, 2015… Actual Budget Variance Income $ 146,144 $ 136,087 $ 10,056 Expense 137,460 144,814 7,354 Net $ 8,683 $ -8,726 $ 17,410

Since we haven’t received much response to our youth director position, the job description was reworked to focus exclusively on Godly Play. Mother Susan will continue to lead SPY. Do you know a qualified person who would like to earn some extra money by working five to eight hours a week? Tell the Vestry! There was further discussion about the August 22 retreat, at which the Vestry will review the parish mission and develop plans and goals for the coming two or three years. The next scheduled Vestry meeting will be on September 8. Any Vestry member will be happy to discuss questions or concerns.

Speaking of Retreats… The annual Parish Retreat, held over Labor Day weekend, is coming up fast. Due to popular demand, additional space at Bishop’s Ranch has been reserved—so there’s room for all and no excuse for not attending! Bishop’s Ranch is the finest spot in northern California to enjoy summer’s last holiday. Recharge your batteries, rest, relax…and eat, drink, and be merry with your fellow parishioners. The party starts on the evening of Friday, September 4 and ends on the morning of Monday, September 7. Circle those dates on the calendar now. Don’t wait—call the church office for an immediate reservation!

Book Fair at the Port Fest Ahoy, readers, booksellers, and book buyers! St. Peter’s will host a book fair at the Redwood City Port Festival on Saturday, October 3. The books we sell will each have a special St. Peter’s bookmark designed by Parish Administrator Siobhan Taylor. The bookmark pictures a stained glass window from the sanctuary, Sunday service times, and other pertinent information. Donations of used books are appreciated, and volunteers are needed to put up our booth and work two-hour shifts. The Port Festival has many events for families and children, including sailing, booths, music, and food, so participants will have lots of enjoyable distractions! Sign up in the parish hall and join the fun on October third. See you there!

Stars of Tomorrow! Dinner Show

If there’s a budding performer in your family—or if you want to enjoy an evening of exhilarating theater and gourmet dining—the Stars of Tomorrow! Dinner Show on November 7 is an event you won’t want to miss. Aspiring actors in their teens and tweens are encouraged to sign up for instruction with Neva Hutchinson, professional actress and director. Weekly classes will be held on Sundays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The first class is September 27. Participation fee is $25 and scholarships are available. In class, actors will play theater games, learn a full range of dramatic techniques, and rehearse for performance. Onstage on November 7 they’ll razzle, dazzle, and delight with scenes from a selection of plays. Anyone old enough to memorize lines can join in… and every participant will receive a 5 x 7 headshot and two free tickets to the performance on November 7. Do you have a Star of Tomorrow! in your family? Call the church office to sign up today!

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The Halo Award

This month we have the rare privilege of bestowing one halo on a pair of deserving parishioners. It’s not easy stretching a gold halo encrusted with gems and silver filigree to fit over two people, but nothing is impossible around here. So hold still, Jeff Redlawsk and Dave Goulden, while we hoist it up there! Without Jeff’s hard work buying airline tickets, confirming reservations, checking everyone in, and shuttling people to and from the airport there might not have been a SPY mission trip. Well, it would have been a long walk to New Mexico, anyway. The ministry Dave launched to local day laborers is the perfect example of how he always seems to lead by example. Dave has shown over and over again that doing something beats the heck out of talking about it. Both Jeff and Dave represent everything that makes St. Peter’s a special place. That’s because they’re special people, and we’re blessed to have them. Congratulations to you both. Share that golden aura with pride!

Noted in Brief

Sunday Soulwork Our engaging Bible study meets every Sunday in the Vestry Room at 9:10 am. If you’ve ever wondered how that great big collection of books came together and want to learn more, stop by and join us! Help Wanted Do you have a 10 x 10 canopy tent that the church can borrow for our October 3 Book Fair? Call the office at 650 367-0777! New Online The church website is just like Topsy. We’ve recently added lots of pictures and info about the SPY mission to New Mexico… and there’s always something new. Stop by often! Get in the Loop! Do you receive the church’s weekly e-mails? There’s no better way to stay up-to-the-minute with happenings around the parish. If your in-box feels neglected, call the church office (or drop us a note) and get on the list. 650 367-0777 or office@stpetersrwc.org.

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Mark the Date!

A few items for your August and September calendars…

-Thursday the 20th at 10:30 am: Crafty Ladies

-Saturday the 22nd: Vestry Retreat

-Thursday the 27th at 10:30 am: Crafty Ladies

-Thursday, September 3 at 10:00 am: Crafty Ladies

-Labor Day weekend, 4th-7th: Parish Retreat

-Tuesday the 8th: Vestry

-Thursday the 10th at 10:30 am: Crafty Ladies

-Sunday the 27th: Stars of Tomorrow! starts

Yoga

Warning! If you haven’t been to yoga at St. Peter’s lately, you may be dangerously out of balance. You know how relaxing and beneficial yoga is… and you know you should go to the next session. So hurry! Classes are led by Lorraine Desser Schulze in the Parish Hall on Tuesdays from 9:00 to 10:15 am and on Fridays from 10:00 to 11:15 am.

To Our Subscribers If you’re an out-of-town reader, we’re counting on you to keep us informed. Tell us what you’ve been up to! Every now and again we hear that someone isn’t receiving the Keys. If your name isn’t on our mailing list, or if you know somebody who should be on it, tell us the specifics. If you enjoy the Keys, keep in mind that your support of St. Peter’s makes our efforts (and a whole lot more) possible. Customer Service: office@stpetersrwc.org or 650 367-0777

Rites of Passage

August Birthdays

Thane Graham…………………….

August 5

Nancy Tovar………………………

August 6

Kathleen Palmer……...........................

August 9

Michael Sholes……………………

August 10

Cynthia Phan……………………...

August 11

Gene Hoffman……………………

August 14

Eleanor Hiles……………………..

August 18

Sydney Essenburg…………………

August 18

Alejandro Mejia……………………

August 22

Heather Hoffman…………………

August 22

Mary Wolf………………………...

August 25

Katie Redman………..........................

August 29

.

In memoriam

Kathryn Marconi………………….. August 29

August Anniversaries

Peter and Neva Hutchinson………..

August 4

Court and Julie McKean……………

August 5

Mary and Phil Wolf………………...

August 17

Denise Delaney and Bill Barton……

August 23

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Get Involved!

Parish governance. Priest’s Warden Rebecca Schenone. rschenone@sbcglobal.net LEMs, acolytes, and lectors. Contact the church office. Godly Play (Sunday School). Cari Pang Chen. caripangchen@gmail.com Altar Guild. Barbara Naas. gladbarb@comcast.net SPY (youth group). Mother Susan. susandparsons@aol.com Men’s Group. Deacon Skip Bushee. gsbushee@gmail.com Hopkins Manor ministry. Deacon Skip Bushee. gsbushee@gmail.com Maple Street Shelter ministry. Pat McCarty. Pat_mccarty@sbcglobal.net Ushers. Erik Chen. runforyourlives@gmail.com Crafty Ladies. Midge Bobel. 650 364-0195 Atherton Court ministry. Billy Park. addawg@mac.com Day Laborer ministry. Dave Goulden. dave.goulden@gmail.com

The

Keys of St. Peter’s

August, 2015

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

178 Clinton Street Redwood City, CA 94062

WWW.STPETERSRWC.ORG

650 367-0777

The Right Reverend Marc Andrus The Diocese of California

Clergy and Lay Staff

The Reverend Susan D. Parsons, Rector

The Reverend Skip Bushee, Deacon Ms. Jina Han, Music Director

Ms. Siobhan Taylor, Parish Administrator

Officers of St. Peter’s

Ms. Rebecca Schenone, Priest’s Warden Ms. Megan Goulden, Junior Warden

Mr. John Lessar, Treasurer Mr. Peter Hutchinson, Clerk of the Vestry

Vestry

Ms. Megan Goulden

Mr. Peter Hutchinson Ms. Susan Mitchell Mr. John Nieman Mr. Jim Redman

Ms. Trish Reilly Taylor Ms. Rebecca Schenone

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The

Keys of St. Peter’s August, 2015

In this issue

…

• Road Trips All Over!

• Mission to New Mexico!

• Book Fair at the Port Fest!

• Stars of Tomorrow!… and more