May is such a lovely month!

We lovers of roses can

rejoice in the abundant flowers. It is the month of Mary, Jesus'
mother.
On Thursday, May 5, we will celebrate Ascension Day with
a Eucharist at 6:00 p.m. Then on Sunday, May 12, we have
another major feast, Pentecost, sometimes termed the "birthday
of the Church." I hope to see many people wearing red that
Sunday! Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit
to the Church, as Jesus promised. The word "pentecost" simply
means fifty, the number of days after Jesus's ascension.
This month I am particularly grateful for the ministry of our eucharistic visitors, those
licensed to bring the consecrated bread and wine to those unable to attend church: those
confined to home, a nursing home, assisted living facility, or a hospital. It is the way for the ill
to maintain their connection to the Church.
On Sunday May 29, at 2:00 p.m. I will offer a prayer at Trinidad Lighthouse for those
who have died, including those lost at sea.
As many of you know, I have moved my retirement up to June 12, due to simply running
out of steam since my ordination ten years ago. I am happy to report that Mother Lesley, with
the Bishop's approval, has agreed to serve as interim rector until the new person is called.

In Christ's love,
Mother Susan

Saying Hello and saying Goodbye are the two major

learning tasks all humans need to accomplish. (Attributed
to John Hughes)
Before being ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests, the
Rev. Dr. Susan Armstrong was a Professor of Philosophy at Humboldt State University and now holds the title of Professor Emerita
of Philosophy. She also has been associated with the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics whose aim is to create a world-wide association of academics from all disciplines who want to pioneer ethical perspectives on animals.
Mother Susan came to Christ Church to be associate rector for the Rev. Ron Griffin. She was
there to step in when Father Ron left to serve at another parish and she has been our Priest-inCharge for the past three years. Christ Church has been blessed in countless way from Mother
Susans service to our parish. Due to her generosity, we have been financially sound and living
within our means for the past three years. Her dedication to her job and service to the people of
Christ Church has meant that she has only taken an occasional day or two off during the past three
years and in reality has not had a vacation in over six years.
Soon Mother Susan will be leaving us to retire on June 12. Between now and then please
take time to give thanks and to show our appreciation for all the gifts she has given to our church
and to each of us.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but
the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them
in everyone. (1 Cor. 12:4-6)

Lyn Klay

As baptized Christians, we are all called to ministry. A wonderful way for followers of Jesus to go deeper
into Christian formation and discipleship is through Education for Ministry (EfM), a four-year small group seminar distance
certificate program from The University of the South School of Theology (Sewanee, TN). As a
graduate of EfM myself (2007), I went on to co-mentor
EfM with Emily Arents of St. Albans for the last group that graduated six years
ago in 2010. Since then, it has been my interest to start up EfM again in Semper
Virens deanery, and the timing for Fall 2016 seems right!
The program is especially designed for lay ministers, but as in my case, EfM can lead to ordained ministry as well! The program culminates with graduation and Holy Eucharist with the Bishop at Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento with others around the diocese (usually in June) and a lovely
certificate. The goal of the program, however, is not a piece of paper at the end, but the journey itself through small group formation and the transformation of disciples into more devoted followers
of Christ.
Each year has 36 sessions over the school year, a commitment of one group meeting a week
for a little over 2 hours, and reading assignments (several hours a week). The Old and New Testaments are studied the first and second years respectively; church history the third year; and theology,
ethics, and interfaith encounters the fourth. The heart of the program is theological reflection on topics designed to deepen ones relationship with the living God. Group disciples take turns providing
opening/closing worship and snacks for the break time. No tests or papers to write! We also have
two Saturday retreats with Eucharist. Meeting day/time and place will depend on the schedules of
group disciples and where they reside in the deanery. The tuition is $460 per year, which includes all
materials. Partial scholarships may be available depending on need.
EfM changed my life, and I am passionate about its potential to transform Christian disciples
in a diverse and trusting small group community. For more information, go to the EfM website:
http://efm.sewanee.edu/ And if you are interested, please contact me by email
nancy.s.streufert@att.net or phone 442-1212.
In Christ,
Mother Nancy

We are about to celebrate one of the most overlooked Principle

Feasts of the Christian year the Feast of the Ascension, which is honored
on the fortieth day after Easter. Its an easy one to miss, coming as it does
on a Thursday each year, and not having been transformed into a cultural
celebration with appropriate cards, candy and gifts (Ascension balloons?
Meringues to symbolize clouds?), but the gift of Jesus Ascension is one
that is too important for us to miss especially this year as we face yet
another transition in priestly leadership. On June 12, we will say our loving
and grateful farewells to Mother Susan for all she means to us, all she has
done for us, all that she is. We will not see her around Christ Church as,
with the wisdom of experience, the Episcopal Church requires that retiring
clergy worship with another congregation for a while to make it easier for the parish to move on into
transition and look ahead together. It is often in those transition times that congregations rediscover a
fresh vision of who they are and what their purpose is.
The Ascension is partly about the kind of transition those first followers of Jesus had to make
from having a visible, audible, touchable Jesus present with them, into an unknown and uncertain
future without his physical presence. Jesus left them in a way that can only be hinted at in the
inadequate metaphor of going up. He would not be present as they had been accustomed to having
him, but he had promised that the Holy Spirit would come to them and give them what they needed
in order for them to do what they needed to do next. They were to live and share the love, hope and
wisdom they had received so that others could receive, live and share it too. Thats still the job of all
Christians, including us.
One of the most important parts of Lukes telling of the story of Jesus Ascension (Acts 1:1-11)
comes at the end. Jesus had left them. They stood around looking where they saw him last, just
staring and doing nothing. We all need a push in the right direction from time to time, so God sent
two angels to tell them to stop hunting for past securities, to trust that this was not the end, and to
send them on their way. In the next few verses of the story, we find that they returned to Jerusalem.
They stayed together, sharing what they had experienced, praying together, listening for guidance.
Another person was chosen to join them as they tried to find their way ahead. They didnt have all
the answers, but they had Jesus promises and their experiences of being with him. So do we.
The Sunday after Ascension we will celebrate the mysterious event called Pentecost the
coming of the Holy Spirit. We will hear about winds and fire, speaking in many languages and the
5

beginning of the spread of the Gospel to all lands and peoples. Neither of these great events the
Ascension and Pentecost came with blueprints, to-do lists or guarantees of success. Rather they
brought people together in prayer and worship that enabled them to carry on Jesus work of being
Gods love in the world.
As we move through our transition in priestly leadership, we are to do the same to pray,
worship and consult together, to listen and share, to continue to love where we are and take that love
to others. By Gods grace, we can do that.

At the April 17 meeting, the Vestry received an update from Helen Taylor, chair of the Profile
Committee. After researching, writing, and receiving feedback on various sections, the group met on
April 15 to fine-tune sections and view the Profile as a whole. Results from the 54 questionnaires are
on the Lewis Hall bulletin board. The Profile Committee met again and submitted the document to
the Bishop during the week of the 18th. We hope he will be able to approve it before he departs for a
three-month sabbatical on April 29, since his approval is necessary before the Office of the Bishop
can post the opening for a rector.
At the May meeting, the Vestry should receive a report with detailed information and costs for
upgrading the sound system and for video streaming of Sunday services.
The Vestry endorsed Anne Pierson for ordination as a vocational deacon. Anne, and Pam
Gossard who had been endorsed previously, are scheduled for ordination at Trinity Cathedral on
August 13.
Several church members and Mtr. Susan represented Christ Church at a meeting of Eureka
Police Chief Andy Mills and other faith-based groups to discuss plans for transitional housing and
services for the homeless who are to leave the Palco Marsh area by May 2. There is a plan to use
GoFundMe to raise funds to help Betty Chinn, the Rescue Mission, and St. Vincent's with this effort.
The restroom project will be completed soon. Initial termite treatment for the Chapel area has
been completed, although there is an area which needs further work. The Smullin House porch will
be re-roofed in May or June.
Deanery Safe Church Training will take place at St. Alban's on April 30. Anne Clark from the
Office of the Bishop is the presenter. Registration information has been provided for parishioners
and the Vestry.
6

Want to know what's new? Let the Church office know if you are not on the church mailing
list or email list. Check the bulletin board frequently. Be sure to ask Vestry members if you have
questions.

Jacqueline Hubbard

May 8

Karl Kellawan

May 19

Lyn Klay

May 8

Bill Walser

May 19

Vickie Patton

May 13

John Patton

May 22

Helen Taylor

May 13

Susan Armstrong

May 23

Richard and Susan

Whaley

May 16

Marty Vega

May 23

Ann Clark

May 19

Pam Gossard

May 30

Brenda Glyn-Williams

May 19

Lay Ministries
I know youll all agree with me that our Holy Week and Easter services were inspiring, lovely
services, filled with beauty and grace. It didnt just happen; there were many lay ministers who
contributed their time and talents to make our Parish special. Training is provided for all of the
following ministries, please choose your favorite and join in the preparation for our Spring services.
Eucharistic Visitors
Nursery and Sunday School
Coffee Hour Hosts
Contribution Counters
Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers
Announcers
Ushers and Greeters

For more details about each ministry in which youre interested, contact:
Marty Vega
Anne Pierson
Sanford Pyron
Susan Whaley
Elizabeth Harper-Lawson
Vickie Patton
Lynne Bean
Bob Hines

Lectors and Intercessors

Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers
Announcers
Ushers and Greeters
Eucharistic Visitors
Nursery and Sunday School
Coffee Hour
Contribution Counters

443-9782
442-2025
444-0968
445-2924
445-1726
443-1825
822-6086
445-8974

Thank you, Marty Vega

United Thank Offering In-gathering

Ascension Sunday, May 15, marks the traditional date for the ingathering of the UTO boxes
(Blue Boxes). Many of us celebrate our many blessings, both large and small, by dropping a few
coins in the United Thank Offering boxes. The funds are used for outreach programs throughout the
diocese and the nation. Grants support making renovations to churches and schools, feeding the hungry, providing shelter, and providing care and support to those with physical, mental and emotional
challenges. Mtr. Susan will bless our offerings during each service. (If you prefer to write a check,
please make it payable to Christ Church with UTO on the memo line.)

Coffee Hour
New members and long-time members, if you do not already serve, please consider joining our lively
group of coffee hour hosts serving our parish community with refreshments each Sunday. You are
invited to serve once a year, twice, three times or once per quarter. See me if you have questions or
would like to be added to our list. Lynne Bean, Coffee Hour Coordinator 822-6086

The Cycles of Prayers for our Diocese and the Anglican Communion
Please pray for those congregations and clergy listed below on the Diocesan and Anglican cycles of
prayer.
Every Sunday, our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner, requests we pray for:
The Diocese of Jerusalem, The Most Rev. Suheil Dawani, Bishop and for peace in the Holy Land
Specific Sunday Prayers:
May 1 Prayers:
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:
Holy Trinity, Nevada City, and Christopher Seal, their Rector
Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
The Anglican Church of Kenya
The Most Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukala Primate and Archbishop of All Kenya
May 8 Prayers:
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:
Holy Trinity, Willows, Gregg Nolta, Priest in Charge, and St. Pauls,
Crescent City, David Shewmaker, Priest in Charge
Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
Central Solomons (Melanesia), The Rt. Rev. Ben Seka
May 15 Prayers:
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:
Holy Trinity, Ukiah, Bill Adams, Priest in Charge
Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
The Anglican Church of Melanesia, The Most Rev. David Vunagi, Archbishop- of
Melanesia and Bishop of Central Melanesia

May 22 Prayers:
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:
Incarnation Church, Santa Rosa, Jim Richardson, Priest in Charge, and
St. Pauls, Oroville, David Englund, Priest in Charge
Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico, The Most Rev. Francisco Moreno, Presiding Bishop of
La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico & Bishop of Northern Mexico
May 29 Prayers:
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:
St. Stephens, Colusa, John Vafis, Associate Priest
Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
Pray for the work of the Anglican Centre in Rome
If you wish to offer prayers daily for the church in the world, our Anglican Cycle of Prayer has a daily list of diocese and clergy who would benefit from your prayer ministry. This list can be obtained
via this website:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer/download-the-acp.aspx
If this does not bring up the full prayer list for the year, tap on View on the line
ACP 2016 Full version View under Anglican Cycle of Prayer (January 2016-December 2016) and
you will access the daily Anglican Cycle of Prayer. If you do not have a computer, I would be glad to
make a copy of the 2016 Anglican Cycle of Prayer for you. Anne Pierson

10

Parish Profile Survey

In preparation for writing the profile of our parish, a survey was mailed to all members of Christ
Church. Parishioners were asked to respond to the following questions:
1.

What do you value most about worship services and programs at Christ Church?

2.

Where do you hope for change or something additional?

3.

What is your vision for Christ Church 5 years from now?

4.
What qualities or talents do you consider most important? (Respondents chose from a list of
16, and could also choose to add their own).
The results show clearly that the members of Christ Church love and appreciate their church- their
fellow parishioners, clergy, programs, and facilities. There is a strong appreciation for traditional
worship and liturgy. Church members value and appreciate great preaching and seek excellent
communication skills in a rector. At the same time there is a clear consensus that we need to grow,
and that to do so we must reach out to families, youth, and children. There is also a strong awareness
of the need to be engaged in our community in positive ways.
How does this translate into what we seek in a rector? Of the qualities or talents deemed most
important in our next leader, the top six were:
Sermons
Growth
Attracting younger members
Communicative
Pastoral care
Administrative leader
Some individual comments from the Profile Survey:
What do you value most about worship services and programs at Christ Church?
Liturgy and traditions; joyful atmosphere; variety of programs and services
Being a part of the community; sharing in the ceremony and ritual of worship.
I am happy with what we have, but can accept changes if it will attract more young families
The warmth of the congregation, the participation in outreach
Where do you hope for change or something additional?
Increase in number of parishioners, more young families if possible.
Energized leadership focused on parish needs, great sermons, good pastoral care, growth in
11

membership
We must develop, articulate, and communicate a clear vision for how we will minister to the
rapidly changing needs of the people in our neighborhood and community
Growth and changes to reflect modern times, more people and children, diversity and inclusion,
topical subjects addressed by clergy in sermons
What is your vision for Christ Church 5 years from now?
Greater attendance, same positive atmosphere, some new programs and ways of doing things
A more diverse congregation, with more vitality spreading the Good News in Eureka
A growing congregation with a rector deeply involved in the church community
Thriving healthy congregation, involved in community life and outreach.

12

As a quasi-stand-in for our Junior Warden, along with the redoubtable Dan Phillips, we ended the
month of April with a trio of issues affecting our facilities.
First, the termite repair firm found more extensive damage to an area of the chapel than could be seen
without opening up portions of the wall. They opened the wall and have given the church a bid to
repair the additional damage.
Second, the sewage drains in the basement restrooms overflowed and could not be unclogged without
professional help. We called the plumbers, who, in turn, had problems cleaning the line. After they
sent a camera into the line, it was apparent that the main sewer was entirely occluded with tree roots.
This line is about seven feet underground and, fortunately for us, is in the portion of the line for
which the city has responsibility. The city came out within a couple hours of being notified, dug up
the broken line, repaired it and added an external clean out to the line. They were here and gone
within an afternoon. I can think of no scenario more advantageous to us as the property owners.
Third, mid-week last week, an old trailer appeared in our parking lot with residents claiming that they
had permission to live there for some unknown period of time. This was not true. Almost as soon as
the trailer appeared we began to receive messages and complaints from neighbors, parishioners and
members of the church staff. It would seem simple enough to just say living in the parking lot is not
allowed but the logistics of resolving the problem were difficult and complex.
We were aided immeasurably by Leroy Hoffman of Humboldt Towing who dealt with the situation
with the expertise of deep experience and at the same time showed a compassionate patience in
waiting and helping to find a legal place to tow the trailer so that it would not be destroyed. He was
successful and in the end would not accept any payment for towing the trailer to its new location.
During this last incident, Leroy advised us on what we need to do to ensure that we are acting legally
in removing the trailer from our lot. The most noticeable part of this is that we now have very
official signs near each entrance to the lot asserting our rights in regard to who may use the lot.
Possibly the only really remarkable thing about these three incidents is that they all happened on the
same day, and were all resolved by weeks end. For a short time, things were operatic around here.
Barry Ross

13

14

Mission Statement of Christ Church

To the glory of God, the mission of Christ Church Parish is to serve Jesus Christ and all the people of God; to encourage and facilitate spiritual development for people of all ages; to grow as Christians in a loving and forgiving
fellowship, thereby confirming, witnessing, and leading others to the faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner

Bishop, Diocese of Northern California
Staff
The Rev. Dr. Susan J. Armstrong
Priest in Charge
The Rev. Lesley McCloghrie
Resident Associate Priest
The Rev. Nancy Streufert
Associate Priest
The Rev. Sister Diana Doncaster
Associate Priest
Merry Phillips
Organist and Music Director
Dr. Douglas Moorehead, Organist Emeritus
John Hammond, Sexton
Barry Ross, Administrative Assistant
Vestry
Lyn Klay, Senior Warden
Beth Powell, Junior Warden
Bob Rex, Julie Cairns, Irene Hannaford, Lin Chase,
Helen Taylor, Elizabeth Harper-Lawson, Belinda Zander,
Rex White, Heidi Erickson, Gail Freeman
Bob Hines, Treasurer, Peg Gardner, Clerk
625 15th Street
P.O. Box 861
Eureka, California 95502
Phone (707) 442-1797
Fax (707) 442-5647

15