I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e :

Blessing of Animals 1

FOTH 1

Welcome Sermon 2

When bad things

happen

3

Wheelchair 3

Taize Service 4

The King and I 4

Fright Night 4

Bishop Robinson 5

Acolytes 5

Pass the Plate 5

Stewardship 2012 6

Parish Meal 6

Stewardship Journey 7

Family Circle 8

Adult Education 9-

Need Prayer 10

Spa Day for the Spirit 11

Women’s Retreat 12

Welcome 13

Fall Luncheon 13

Birthdays 13

Thank You’s 13

Fruits of the Harvest 14-

Diocese and around the

community

17-

22

Calendar 23

S t . T i m o t h y ’ s E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h

T i d i n g s N ew s l e t t e r October 2012 Volume 20, Issue 10

Blessing of the Animals

In association with the Feast of St. Francis, the Blessing of the

Animals will take place on the patio at St. Timothy’s at 3:00

p.m., Sunday, October 7. This simple liturgy is a favorite for

animal lovers, and reminds us that God’s love and provision

extend to all of creation. All are invited to attend, with or

without pets. Those bringing animals to be blessed are asked to have them con-

tained or restrained to prevent unFrancis-like encounters.

2

Excerpt from Welcome Home Sunday Sermon by Kurt Levensaler, Associate Priest

IV.

Here’s one church that got welcome right! This is the welcome message from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic

Community in Daytona Beach, Florida. It’s a little long, but I think you’ll get a kick out of it! It reads…

We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, filthy rich, dirt

poor, yo no habla ingles. We extend a special welcome to those who are crying newborns,

skinny as a rail or could afford to lose a few pounds.

We welcome you if you can sing like Andrea Bocelli or like our pastor who can’t carry a note in a

bucket. You’re welcome here if you’re “just browsing,” just woke up or just got out of jail. We

don’t care if you’re more Catholic than the Pope, or haven’t been in church since little Joey’s

baptism.

We extend a special welcome to those who are over sixty but not grown up yet, and to teenag-

ers who are growing up too fast. We welcome soccer moms, NASCAR dads, starving artists, tree-

huggers, latte-sippers, vegetarians, junk-food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or

still addicted. We welcome you if you’re having problems or you’re down in the dumps or if you

don’t like “organized religion” (we’ve been there too).

If you blew all your offering money at the horse track, you’re welcome here. We offer a special

welcome to those who think the earth is flat, work too hard, don’t work, can’t spell, or because

grandma is in town and wanted to go to church.

We welcome those who are inked, pierced or both. We offer a special welcome to those who

could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down your throat as a kid, or got lost in traffic

and wound up here by mistake. We welcome tourists, seekers and doubters, bleeding hearts,

and, most of all, we welcome you!

I think that sums it up well. Jesus welcomes everyone, and so do we!

V.

So, welcome home, St. Timothy’s—in the deepest, fullest possible sense of those words!

We welcome God’s presence within you—within each and every one of us. And we hope that you will come

home to that presence within you and all around you.

May it be great year ahead for St. Timothy’s!

Amen.

Read or listen to the full sermon here:

www.sainttimothysdanville.org/PDF/WelcomeHomebyKL.pdf [PDF]

www.sainttimothysdanville.org/worship/sermon/mp3/26Aug2012-Welcome_Home-RevKurtLevensaler.mp3 [MP3]

3

When Bad Things Happen

Last week our college friend, Mark, was in town emptying out his parents’ house so that his mom can find a renter. Mark’s dad, Bernie, died a few months ago after a very short battle with can-cer. Bernie was a good and decent man. He was faithful, honest, worked hard, raised a nice family, gave back to others, and would never knowingly or willingly hurt anyone. So it was not surprising when, as they prepared for Bernie’s funeral, Mark asked his clergyman why such things happen. Sadly, his clergyman’s response was that such a question should not be asked.

Over the last couple of months at St. Timothy’s it feels like we have been having to ask that question a lot. Because it seems like a lot of bad things have been happening to some very good people – family members lost, devastating diagnoses, debilitating illness, life-changing injury… And it is only natural that we want to know why.

I can understand why Mark’s clergyman wanted nothing to do with such a question. If you do not believe that God makes things happen to us to test or to punish us, to help us grow in faith, to “bring us back home,” or because God “needs another angel” (which I do not), and at the same time believe in a God of power and justice (which I do), it does not leave much in the way of a good an-swer. So the questions “Why do bad things happen?” or “Why does God allow bad things to hap-pen?” are not inappropriate. It is just that they do not lead to a satisfying or helpful conclusion.

A more helpful thing, I believe, when life deals us a difficult blow, is to ask where God is in it. How is God at work? Here at St. Timothy’s, that is an easy question to answer. I have heard and seen God work through all of you who have provided meals, sent cards and emails, helped with fu-nerals and funeral receptions, made visits and phone calls, provided a compassionate, listening ear and a lot of hugs. It is during these times of personal challenge and struggle that our community of faith becomes especially important. And it is through this community of faith that God’s presence, compassion and love are made manifest.

I do not know why bad things happen to good people. We live in a broken world where God’s kingdom has not completely broken in. But I do know that when life breaks us open, God is there and at work in profound, healing ways through the likes of all of you. And it is in times such as these, when so much seems to be happening to so many, that we learn the value and the impor-tance of being a part of a community of faith.

Kathy Trapani, Interim Rector

Missing Wheelchair Help! About 4 years ago I loaned my uncle's wheelchair to someone and I can't remember to whom. Do you have a wheelchair that says "John Hogren” on it with our phone number? Thanks, Helen Coleman 925-831-1728 Colemanhelen@pacbell.net

4

Tickets for the Saint Timothy's Concert Series 2012/2013 are now available

The season brochure will be mailed out this week, or you can pick one up in the Narthex on Sunday mornings. Our season will consist of only 4 concerts this year including the musical.

The King and I - Sept. 20-23 at 7 pm (individual tickets are available also)

The Mozart/Munich Duo with Vera Breheda, piano - Oct. 21, 2012

Musaic - April 7, 2013

SF Girls Chorus LIV - May 5, 2013

Price for the entire season is $60 general and $40 senior/student. Individual tickets are $18 gen-eral and $12 senior/student. Please contact Pat Parr at ext. 15 for more information.

Taizé – Creating a space for God

I need to be silent for awhile. Words are forming -- in my heart.

Meister Eckhart

Mark your calendars for Monday evening, October 1. This contemplative Christian prayer ser-vice includes live music, repetitive songs and chants, Lectio Divina (scripture reading), and periods of restful silence -- all this in a setting of soft candlelight inviting deep communion with God. Taizé originated about 60 years ago in a small, monastic village named Taize, located in south-eastern France, and continues there today drawing thousands of Christians (mostly young people) from all over the world. It has quickly spread to churches here and abroad. Call or email me if you have any questions. Come and join us Monday evening, October 1 as we practice the Presence! Jean Crane jcrane88@pacbell.net

FRIGHT NIGHT AT SIX FLAGS!!!FRIGHT NIGHT AT SIX FLAGS!!!FRIGHT NIGHT AT SIX FLAGS!!!FRIGHT NIGHT AT SIX FLAGS!!!

Middle and high school kids are invited to join Church of the Resurrection youth for an afternoon and evening of rides, food, motion sickness, and terror at Six Flags on Sunday, October 28th. Check your schedules and let me know if you want to go. Sharyn Mitzo spearzo@pacbell.net

5

Pass the PlatePass the PlatePass the PlatePass the Plate

If you donate online or make your contribution in some manner other than on Sunday in the alms basin, it might seem a bit strange as you pass the plate. To a casual observer it might seem odd that so many people don’t financially support St. Timothy’s.

A small purple alms basin card has been created for those that support St. Timothy’s financially in some manner other than the weekly plate. The purple cards can be found in the narthex of the church, please take one as you enter the church and add it to the plate as an outward sign of your commitment to St. Timothy’s.

Want to be an Acolyte? Have you wondered what you needed to do to serve at the altar as an acolyte on a Sunday morn-ing, or were shy about doing so? There is an easy answer for you! This fall we will be holding a training class for new acolytes, so that you know what to do on a Sunday morning and what is ex-pected of you. Once you complete training you will be added to the quarterly schedule. All you have to do, to be part of this class and to join this ministry, is to "raise your hand" by emailing me at nkmats@aol.com or calling at (925) 838-1617. We are especially seeking out youth and adults who prefer to attend the 11:00 service on Sundays. At St. Timothy's we have a multigenerational acolyte group and encourage anyone at least 9 years old (or in at least the fourth grade) to consider joining our group; youth, teenagers and adults are also welcome. Our group is currently 42 acolytes strong, with 3 elementary, 13 middle school and 16 high school youth and 10 adults. So come join us and experience the joy of serving at the altar on Sunday mornings. Neal Matsunaga

Bishop Gene Robinson Discusses His New Book: God Believes in Love: Straight Talk about Gay Marriage

6 October 2012 at 4 PM (Location TBD)

For more information call Rakestraw Books at (925) 837-7337 About the book and the bishop: From the Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire in the Episcopal Church, the first openly gay person elected (in 2003) to the historic episcopate and the world's lead-

ing religious spokesperson for gay rights and gay marriage—a groundbreaking book that lovingly and persuasively makes the case for same-sex marriage using a commonsense, reasoned, religious argument, made by someone who holds the religious text of the Bible to be holy and sacred and the ensuing two millennia of church history to be relevant to the discussion, equally familiar with the secular and political debate going on in America today, and for whom same-sex marriage is a per-sonal issue; Robinson was married to a woman for two decades and is a father of two children and has been married to a man for the last four years of a twenty-three-year relationship.

6

Trusting God As a newcomer to the Episcopal Church, I find that I am often struck by the wording of the Sunday col-lects and the images that they evoke. Last Sunday was no exception. The collect’s theme was about trust, and contained this surprising phrase: “For as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy.” I found the idea that God re-sists the proud and self-confident surprising and a bit worrisome. You see, I think of myself as a “can-do” type of person. When difficulties present themselves, my instinct is to put my shoulder to the grindstone and work harder. My natural inclinations are affirmed by our cul-ture. As Americans we pride ourselves on our ability to get things done. We extol the so-called self-made man and idealize our rugged individualism. The belief that we have only to trust in ourselves and our own abilities makes us feel powerful, and in control. But deep-down, I know that the self-made man and the rugged individualist are illusions. No one is an is-land: we all need and depend on God and one another. None of us can forge ahead on our own strength alone, and circumstances can drive even the proudest of us to our knees. But the collect seems to say that those who rely primarily on themselves will find it hard going when God’s assistance is finally sought. Will God hold our pride against us and resist us in our moments of difficulty? The problem is not with God, but with ourselves. Even when we turn to God in moments of strife or trou-ble, our underlying attitude of self-reliance has not changed. We remain proud rather than humble. We are apt to make demands, to pray for the outcome we would prefer, rather than the unfolding of God’s will. It is this attempt at manipulation that God resists. We still have not admitted our vulnerability and de-pendence, and so our trust is misplaced. Our hearts remain closed because our basic orientation is still inward, rather than outward. Trusting in God means facing our vulnerability and dependence, and embracing it. Only then can a funda-mental shift take place as we begin to “let go and let God.” Only then can we admit that all we have comes from the Lord and does not belong to us. Only then can we feel solidarity with and compassion for others. Only then can we share our time, talent and treasures with an open heart. Letting go of our illusion of control is frightening and humbling. But just as the words of the collect chal-lenge us, so do they reassure: God will never forsake those who acknowledge their basic need for God. Trusting in God is the first step to the real peace promised us by Jesus, the peace the world cannot give. Anna Horen

Stewardship 2012 Trusting in God ~ Sharing God’s Love ~ Responding with Gratitude

Parish MealParish MealParish MealParish Meal

Save the date! Sunday Oct. 28th

8:30 and 10:00 a.m following the 7:30 and 9:00 services

Save the date! October 28th we will gather as a parish family to celebrate what is right with St. Timothy’s. Join together to share a meal as we view a short video created by Ryan Mahoney. Yes, we have been in-terviewing parishioners over the past months; come see if you are in the video! We have much to be thankful for. This is an opportunity for us to reflect on our blessings and how we can be good stewards of the gifts we receive from God. If you would like to help with the preparation of the meal please contact Zoe Gil Davis at daviesgil@sbcglobal.net

7

The Kiepen Family's Stewardship Journey When we were asked to provide our family's spiritual journey related to stewardship, Stephanie and I were both somewhat reluctant given the personal nature of the story. However, we eventually discov-ered the task to be enjoyable, cathartic and comforting. Enjoyable because it forced us to stroll down memory lane and trace the evolution of our blessings and giving; cathartic because it forced us to con-front our feelings about financial security and views towards money generally in the context of the val-ues we hold close to our hearts as a family; and comforting because the history of our family life and giving revealed the unquestionable truth that regardless of the perceived financial struggle one confronts in their lives, God encourages us to give and share because his abundance assures that there is always enough. The stroll down memory lane likely mirrored that of so many in our St. Timothy's family. It was easy to see how God has always worked and continues to work in our lives. Upon returning to California from several years in Philadelphia, we were immediately welcomed into the community and adopted by our St. Timothy's extended family. St. Timothy's contemporary 9 am service and other rich programs provided the ideal environment for us to pursue individual spiritual wellness, develop friends that we cherish to this day, and introduce our children to the beauty of a relationship with God. Now 16 years later, God's work has been so obvious in our lives and manifested in the joys, excitement, trials and tribulations of 4 children, career changes, different homes, expanding circles of friends to share our lives etc. Recognizing God's endless blessings, we realized it was our responsibility to use the gifts God entrusted to us to do the work God has planned for us. St. Timothy's was an obvious choice to begin our giving efforts in that it served as our spiritual foundation, provided spiritual guidance to so many through rich services and programs, and enhanced the lives of so many outside our immediate St. Timothy's family through the incredible outreach programs. Pledging to St. Timothy's truly provided a wonderful means to touch so many lives and strengthen our personal commitment to God. Next came the hard part - How much could we afford to pledge? That question proved to be very inter-esting and remains an interesting struggle each year. At our first formal contribution to stewardship, we were juggling numerous financial challenges common to young couples (saving for a home, saving for vacations, trying to replace old vehicles, paying off school loans). As a result, we struggled with a degree of insecurity and concern that a pledge to St. Timothy's would somehow delay or impair our ability to accomplish our immediate financial goals. Moreover, from our first experience with formal pledging to the present day, we always seem to confront unbudgeted expenses and financial demands around the time the Stewardship campaign begins. As a result, we developed a habit of briefly con-fronting the issue of stewardship collectively at various times through out a month, but never truly delv-ing into the issues. The process was such that we both had to first think about the matter individually and truly evaluate our family's priorities, followed by prayer and eventually collectively making the deci-sion on the amount when the number just felt right. The process was and remains cathartic in that it forces us to slow down, take an inventory of our blessings, mark moments in our lives on a yearly ba-sis and ultimately commit to what is undoubtedly a healthy prioritization of our family values and goals. The end result has been a frequent reminder that is very comforting. Regardless of a particular year's financial issues and challenges, or how dire a situation may seem to be at the time, God's abundance assures us that there is always enough. Perhaps financial goals get temporarily adjusted, a particular acquisition is slightly delayed or we settle for a less expensive model. However, as we looked back on our past and laughed about the various challenges we have over-come, we realized that we always seem to make it through and often come out on the other end better than we could have expected at the time. God's abundance assures us that there always will be enough and that our giving is our re-sponse to this abundance.

8

W h a t i s F a m i l y C i r c l e ?

Family Circle is a new fellowship and formation group designed for all families. We welcome new parents, those with

children at home, empty-nesters and grandparents! Our monthly program provides opportunity for adults, youth and

children to develop deeper relationships with peers as we explore our lives and our faith together.

Each month we gather for activities which include: adult program, youth groups, children’s activities and childcare fol-

lowed by dinner and evening prayer. Our programs and other activities will be guided by the needs of the group and

may include topics such as family prayer practices, navigating the holidays, the effects of technology on children’s spiri-

tuality, how-to’s for Advent and Lent and more.

Format

Family Circle meets the second Sunday of each month 4:00-6:00pm and each gathering includes the following:

4:00 to 5:00pm

� Adult program

� Activities: 3rd

grade & under

� Youth group: 4th

-5th

grade (led by HS youth leaders) *

� Youth group 6th

-8th

grade (led by HS youth leaders) *

5:00 to 6:00pm

� Community dinner

� Evening prayer

* Youth break out groups (4th

-5th

& 6th

-8th

) are dependent on having enough participants and all participants in child

and youth activities must have an adult onsite. No drop offs allowed.

Calendar

Oct. 14 GAME NIGHT – Bring a board game to play with others!

Nov. 11 Adult Program – “Unplugging the Christmas Machine”; Youth – Art Party

Dec. 9 Christmas caroling & cookie exchange

Jan. 13 Program & dinner

Feb. 10 Program & dinner

March 10 Program & dinner

April 14 Program & dinner

May Date TBA: End of year event

Suggested donation for dinner and activities: $5 per person.

Are you on our Evite list?

In order to plan effectively for childcare and dinners, an Evite will be sent our prior to each gathering. If you are not on the Evite

list, please contact Lori Robinson to be added at lrobinson@sainttimothysdanville.org or #837-4993 x.23.

9

Sunday Forums: Translating into Practice

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life Sundays through December 2, 10:10-10:50 a.m., Grace House Conference Room

In Falling Upward, renowned Franciscan teacher Father Richard Rohr offers a new way of

understanding one of the most profound of life’s mysteries: how our failings can be the

foundation of our ongoing spiritual growth. Drawing on wisdom from time-honored

myths, heroic poems, great thinkers, and sacred religious texts, Rohr explores the “two

halves of life” to show that those who have fallen, failed, or “gone down” are the only

ones who understand “up.” We grow spiritually more by doing it wrong than by doing it

right. With rare insight, Rohr takes us on a journey to give us an understanding of how

the heartbreaks, disappointments, and first loves of life are actually stepping stones to

the spiritual joys that the second half of life has in store for us. Come explore this out-

standing book together. There’s something in it for everyone! Books are available for purchase at the St.

Timothy’s Book Cart and online. Facilitated by parishioner and former EfM mentor Matt Jones and associ-

ate priest Kurt Levensaler. To sign up, email Kurt at klevensaler@sainttimothysdanville.org. All are welcome

to join or drop in at any time.

In Falling Upward, Richard offers a simple but deeply helpful framework for seeing the whole spiritual life—

one that will help both beginners on the path as they look ahead and long-term pilgrims as they look back

over their journey so far. — Brian McLaren, author of A New Kind of Christianity

Read a book review at www.christiancentury.org/reviews/2011-08/falling-upward-richard-rohr.

Diocesan Convention Preview & Report Sundays, October 14 and 21, 10:10-10:50 a.m., Grace House Conference Room

The 163nd

Convention of the Diocese of California will take place on October 19-20 at

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. How does Diocesan Convention work and what issues

are before this year’s gathering? October 14: Learn about the nominees to key diocesan

offices and about proposed resolutions and canon revisions. October 21: Learn what

happened at Diocesan Convention and how it affects the mission and ministry of St.

Timothy’s. Presenters: Our parish delegates to Diocesan Convention, the Rev. Kathy

Trapani, and the Rev. Kurt Levensaler. To learn more, visit the Convention webpage: http://diocal.org/

governance/convention/2012-convention.

Weekday Classes: Going Deeper

Bible Study: Micah Mondays, noon-1:30 p.m. or Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Grace House Conference Room

Come enjoy a time of conversation with Scripture and with one another as we learn about Micah, the

prophet who turned liturgy into life. Associate Priest Kurt Levensaler facilitates the Monday session, and

Interim Rector Kathy Trapani facilitates the Tuesday session. Both sessions cover the same material. See

Kurt or Kathy for background readings. For the Monday session, you’re welcome to bring a brown bag

lunch. All are welcome to join or drop in at any time. Contact Kurt at klevensaler@sainttimothysdanville.org

or 925-837-4993 ext. 13.

10

NEED EXTRA PRAYERS ?? St. Timothy’s Prayer Chain is a small, behind-the-scenes prayer ministry that has been around for many years. We offer confidential, intercessory prayers for you or your loved ones who are facing a crisis of any type – medical, financial, spiritual, etc. We are here to serve God and to support you and your loved ones in prayer during your time of need. With your loved one’s permission, simply email us and include the recipient’s name, concern, and whether or not this person would like to be listed in our church-wide prayer bulletin. We will pray faithfully and fervently for one week on her or his behalf; and you may renew or update your request by email for as long as necessary. All requests will be held in complete confidence.

prayers@sainttimothysdanville.org If you would be interested in joining our ministry of intercessory prayer, please speak with The Clergy.

Education for Ministry (EfM)

Mondays starting in September, 6:45-8:45 p.m., Grace House Library

Education for Ministry (EfM) is an in-depth study of the foundations of Christian

faith and the practice of theological reflection. Over the course of four years

(committed one year at a time), EfM offers an in-depth study of the Hebrew

and Christian scriptures, church history, theology and ethics. EfM meets on

Monday evenings from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., September through June, and

is open to all, including those who are not members of St. Timothy’s. For more

information or to join, contact EfM Mentor Lisa Perry at lisaperry@sainttimothysdanville.org or 925-837-

4740.

Saving Jesus Redux: Kidnapped. Discarded. Jesus needs saving!

Wednesdays, September 12–December 5, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Grace House Conference Room

Ever feel like Jesus has been kidnapped by the Christian Right and discarded by

the Secular Left? Saving Jesus Redux is a 12-session DVD-based group explora-

tion of a credible Jesus for the third millennium. Join a host of experts and lead-

ing thinkers for a conversation around the relevance of Jesus for the 21st

cen-

tury. For those who would like to discuss the issues raised in the op-ed piece fol-

lowing General Convention, this series will provide a great opportunity. For

those who participated in the Welcome to the Episcopal Church series last spring, this will provide a great

next step. Facilitated by parishioner, vestry member, and EfM mentor Lisa Perry and associate priest Kurt

Levensaler. Produced by Living the Questions. Snacks provided. To sign up, email Kurt at klevensaler@

sainttimothysdanville.org. Topics include:

1. Jesus through the Ages

2. Who Was Jesus?

3. What Can We Know About Jesus (and How)?

4. The World into which Jesus Was Born

5. Jesus’ Birth: Incarnation

6. Teachings of Jesus: Wisdom Tradition

7. Jesus’ Program: The Kingdom of God

8. Jesus’ Ministry of Compassion

9. Who Killed Jesus?

10. The Atonement

11. The Resurrection of Christ

12. Why Jesus is Worth Saving

11

12

St. Timothy’s Women’s Retreat: “Tending the Souls’ Garden”

The Bishop’s Ranch- Healdsburg

February 8 – 10, 2013

Facilitated by the Rev. Whitney Roberson, Tending the Soul’s Garden will provide the chance for

you to muse about the “yes’s” and “no’s” of your life and to honor to your own deepest self as you ex-

plore with other women what it means to be fully alive. The retreat will begin with a light supper on

Friday evening. We’ll spend the evening getting to know one another, begin to look at our theme, and

settle into the quiet of this oasis in time. Saturday morning we’ll continue our exploration, using tools

that help us tend our “soul-gardens” including: listening, sharing, prayer, guided meditation, art, music,

and movement - to name a few. There will be time alone and time with others, structured time and free

time, active time and quiet time. We’ll end with a community Eucharist and an early breakfast together

on Sunday morning before heading home.

Whitney Roberson is an Episcopal priest who recently retired as Associate Pastor at Grace Ca-

thedral where she worked especially closely with families and women. She has authored two books,

The Mass: Remembering Our Story and Life and Livelihood: a Handbook for Spirituality at Work. Addi-

tionally, she has worked intensively with Marion Woodman, Jungian analyst and author, recently com-

pleting Marion’s Body-Soul Leadership Program. In the course of her adult life, Whitney has also taught

school (math,) written screenplays for episodic television (action/adventure,) earned two masters de-

grees (child psychology and divinity) and raised three daughters as a single mother (with God’s help.)

Cost: $205 for double rooms and meals. A few single rooms are available for an additional cost.

Scholarships are available if needed.

Payment: Deposit due with registration - $50.00

Payment in full is due by December 30, 2012.

Please send your 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!

13

The Turett family has been blessed with a precious baby boy Bryson Stephen. Chris and Becca are the proud new parents. He arrived at 5:47 pm, Saturday evening, August 4. Please remem-ber them in your prayers as they welcome this dear loved one into their lives.

SENIORS! The annual FALL LUNCHEON will be

here before you know it! So save the date.

It will be on Wednesday, November 7 at 11:30

in the parish hall. More details to follow.

RSVP: Carol Skuce (925) 855-8108 or cgskuce@yahoo.com

Thank you, St. Timothy’s, for a wonderful celebration!

Dear friends: Leighanne, Luke, and I would like to thank you for your incredible outpouring of generosity

and love at the baby shower on August 19. Baby Boy Levensaler will be very well-outfitted! More impor-

tantly, we know that he will be welcomed and loved by this extended family. Thank you for your generosity

and kindness. We are very grateful.

– Kurt Levensaler, Associate Priest

P.S. Unfortunately, in the shuffle of bringing gifts home, two items lost their cards—an organic Winnie the

Pooh bear and a set of two outfits (one a brown and yellow fleece top and bottom set and the other a

green and white striped jumper). Thank you very much to whoever gave them! And please let us know who

you were so that we can write you a thank you note.

Ministry Faire Thank You! The Ministry Faire on Welcome Home Sunday, August

26th, was a great success. Thanks to everyone who came to help on Saturday and early Sunday to set up tables and displays for the 30+ ministries represented at the Faire, and sustained by Saint Timothy’s parish. It is impossible to measure the amount of support we give to ourselves and to oth-ers, but we get a glimpse of it when we come together as a caring community of faith. Blessings, Sharyn Mitzo

Zachary Argiros, Carolyn Biatek, Orlando Chiavini, Miachel Collari, Chelsea DeYoung , Rich Gibson, Katie Gonzalez, Alexandra Hascall, Benjamin Has-call, Elizabeth Henry, Heather Hutchcraft, Trey Johnston, Garrison Kanazawa, Ryan Mahoney, Wesley Miller, Julian Mossop, Makena Naegele, Kirsten Pearsons, Kain Piyanuluk, Lori Robinson, Ty Robinson, Nicholas Ross, Michelle Sampson, Julianne Speck, Natalie Speck, Olivia Speck, Nolan Stark, Kurt Westwick, William Westwick, Colette Wisniewski

14

15

16

17

CCIH THANKS YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY WITH THE BACK PACK DRIVE Many thanks to all of you who took part in the BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE last month. We appreciated all your wonderful donations of school items, and we also thank those of you who generously donated funds which totaled $475. That is so wonderful! Thank you to the volunteers who worked the table on Sundays and delivered the supplies: Barbara Thatcher, Patty Pray, David Pray, Sara Bossatti, Ruthann Gore, Allison Hill, and Leslie Firth. You can see how the school supplies were so well received. Thanks, Leslie 683-7868

18

MAKING YOUR GIFT LAST FOREVER

The anxious caller asked “What do you think I should do? I hear that they are borrowing from the parish endowment fund. Isn’t that illegal?” “Well, it might not be illegal, although it may be unwise,” I responded. I ex-

plained that bequests that were designated for the endowment by the vestry, rather than by the do-nor, could legally be used for other purposes-- if the vestry were to later decide to this. “But these are meant to be permanent funds, with only the income being spent,” the caller protested. She indicated that she was planning to reduce her own planned gift from $100,000 down to $1,000! With her bequest, she said, would be a note informing the vestry that she had slashed the value of her gift because they had shown that they could not be trusted not to violate the endowment funds. “If you want to make your gift last forever, “ I counseled, “You could state clearly in your will or trust that only the income is to be spent.” “Another option, “I told her,” would be to establish your endowment fund at the Diocese, for the sole benefit of your parish. Then the annual income would be distributed each year to your parish but they would not have access to the principal.” When this call ended, the donor had still not made up her mind about which course she would fol-low. Vestries must be aware that their long-term gift planning donors are looking over their shoul-ders. Donors are concerned that their gifts will be well-managed and well-spent—and fully re-spected if designated for permanent endowment. The lesson for donors is to consult in advance with your Gift Planning Officer on ways to make your wishes come true—especially if you want your gift to last forever.

_____________________________________________________________________________ The Rev. Richard L. Schaper, CFP (415) 869-7812 Gift Planning Officer RichardS@DioCal.org Episcopal Diocese of California Gifts.DioCal.org

19

HIKE FOR SHELTER SHELTER, Inc. of Contra Costa presents the third annual Hike for SHELTER, a hiking fundraising program that brings together neighbors, friends, families and local groups for a one-day event to raise awareness about homelessness in our community. Hike for SHELTER is for all levels of abilities from walkers to seasoned hikers. Before the big day, enjoy the local trails by training individually or with a group at our optional training hikes every weekend leading up to the event. On Sunday, October 21st, hikers will take to Mount Diablo and complete any one of four trails of their choosing depending on fitness level. For more information, go to www.shelterincofccc.org or contact hike@shelterincofccc.org Amabelle Camba Development Associate SHELTER, Inc. 1815 Arnold Drive, Martinez, CA 94553 (925) 957-7589, amabellec@shelterincofccc.org www.shelterincofccc.org

An Options Recovery Services Event

Ride For Recovery! A small donation from you . . . A huge impact for us!

Saturday October 13, 2012 A 102 mile round trip ride from Berkeley through beautiful Lake Berryessa,

back to Berkeley via Vallejo and across the Carquinez Bridge! Ride with us - or sponsor a rider!

Join Options' Executive Director Bobby Miller and other Options supporters as they ride their bicy-cles for recovery! We are appealing to you to help us raise funds to support our Mission to "Break

the cycle of addiction that causes violence, crime, homelessness, and broken families" Please sponsor a rider for Options with a tax-deductible donation!

Checks can be made payable to: Options Recovery Services

1931 Center Street * Berkeley, CA 94704 Donations can be made online at Options Recovery Services

For more information please contact: Bobby Miller, Executive Director

Options Recovery Services 510.666.9552

BMiller@optionsrecovery.org

20

21

22

Diocesan Convention: It’s just around the corner

Do you ever wonder what happens at those other Episcopal churches around the San Francisco Bay Area? Just what are those people up to anyway? Maybe some congregations have figured out how to engage the deepest needs of their neighborhoods. Perhaps others have started to network together to reduce their carbon footprints at home, in their church, in their offices and schools. Who knows, maybe some even have exciting forms of worship that get people excited about living their call to fol-low Christ in the world. Well, one way to find out is to join together with all of the other congregations in the diocese in worship, fellowship, learning, and governing. In other words, come to The 163rd Convention of the Diocese of California at your cathedral: Grace Cathdral. Starting at 4 p.m. on Fri-day October 19, you are invited to join every other DioCal Episcopalian for food, worship, and com-munion. Pre-registration will open for delegates to convention at 4 p.m. on Friday. At the same time, Gallery 1055 in DioHouse will be open featuring the work of photographer Nancy Warner, and the cathedral’s Chapter Room will feature a full array of diocesan discernment ministries. Want to know more about the path to deeper discipleship and the many offerings from around the diocese? Drop in to connect with the people and programs of these ministries. At 6 p.m., dinner will be served on the cathedral’s plaza, and a diocesan community Eucharist will begin inside the cathedral at 7 p.m. The Gallery 1055 event, dinner, and the Eucharist are open to all Episcopalians in the diocese regardless of whether they are a delegate to the convention or not.

The business of convention will be held in the cathedral’s Gresham Hall on Saturday, October 20, and will be called to order at 9 a.m. (After coffee and registration at 8 a.m.) Materials for delegates will be distributed at deanery meetings beginning this month, and all resources are made available at www.diocal.org/convention. Although the convention hall will be filled with delegates, vendors with items of interests to Episcopalians will be featuring their wares at the convention’s exhibit hall in the cathedral’s Wilsey Center.

So, if you are a delegate or not, and you really want to find out what all of those other Episcopalians are up to, come to your diocesan convention.

Where: Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, San Francisco When: Friday, October 19, 4 p.m. and Saturday, October 20, 9 a.m.

Visit www.diocal.org/convention for more information.

23

24

Tidings is published monthly by: St. Timothy's Episcopal Church

TELEPHONE: (925) 837-4993 FAX: (925) 837-8455

24-hour access to voice mail (925) 838-7896

e-mail address: parish@sainttimothysdanville.org

ST. TIMOTHY’S EPISCOST. TIMOTHY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCHPAL CHURCH

1550 Diablo Road

Danville, CA 94526-1952

A DDR E S S S E R V I C E R E QU E S T ED

Clergy and Staff Interim Rector The Rev. Kathleen M. Trapani 14 KTrapani@sainttimothysdanville.org

Associate for Family Ministry Lori Robinson 23 LRobinson@sainttimothysdanville.org

Associate for Music Ministry Pat Parr 15 PatParr@sainttimothysdanville.org

Bookkeeper Jennifer Lively 16 Bookkeeper@sainttimothysdanville.org

Facilities Bev Matsunaga 11 BKMats@aol.com

Noah’s Ark Executive Director Sue Enes (925) 362-8565 NoahsArk@sainttimothysdanville.org

Organist Kevin Morris Kevin.Morris@sbcglobal.net

Secretary Beatriz Pussman 10 Parish@sainttimothysdanville.org

Treasurer Carleen Carns Treasurer@sainttimothysdanville.org

Intercessory Prayer prayers@sainttimothysdanville.org

Associate Priest The Rev. Kurt Levensaler 13 KLevensaler@sainttimothysdanville.org

Search Committee Sttims.rector.search@gmail.com