Triumphant Easter Day! Durham Cathedral or St. Philip’s Church?

Both win! ------- Peggy James

Last year I attended Easter service at the Durham Episcopal cathedral with my daughter Kaori and her family and experienced a service with a
huge choir and magnificent organ, over 500 in attendance and the bishop Michael Carr speaking.

This Easter I attended St. Philips with my son’s family from Seattle and experienced a small church setting with no choir, Gertie playing and our
reverend Mary Allen speaking.

Both Easters were filled with joy and celebration upon the Res-
urrection of Jesus and the complete awareness that every Sun-
day we worship it is because of because of this “redeeming mo-
ments for the whole of creation.” In the long run, it’s not about
how large the choir is or how magnificent the organ. It’s the
Resurrection and our focus and our believing.

Rev. Mary was just as magnificent as Rev. Michael and her mes-
sage was just as special, informative, clear and poignant and her
delivery remarkable. (Our German exchange student who is
Catholic, Baptized, Confirmed and First Communioned com-
mented on how much he enjoyed her message—“it wasn’t like
some of his priests who go on for hours with lots of notes”)

The visual picture of our plain wood-grated cross, without much

interest, being transformed into a beautiful colorful flowered
cross -which is then displayed in front of the church- repre-
sented, to me, how Christ in the world transforms us.

I came Sunday, worried about Easter dinner and the multitude (only eleven) I had to feed, anxious about those I was bringing to church, and
beaten down by various events, etc. What a transformation I experienced! And the worry and anxiety vanished somewhere! Christ working?

Welcoming faces; crunching on the palms to our seats; Gertie playing (thanks Jerry); our special and familiar liturgy; Mike waving the magic
wand; Ben, our senior, who we will miss, carrying the cross; Bob processing; Rev. Mary and All! A joy filled Resurrection!

I could go on about all who made the church ready: the Altar Guild, the Grounds’ people, the readers and the hospitality members. Well, then
Pat Ballard, Diana Jones and Merlinda & Charles Williams who make sure we are well fed for the day.
Easter at St Philip’s
 Labyrinth at St. Philip’s
By Janice Saulewicz
What is it?
The labyrinth is a path of prayer for all people seeking the Divine, regardless of the tradition in which one stands. The Cretan Labyrinth, named after the island of Crete, home of the mythical
labyrinth in which dwelled the Minotaur, takes the walker through seven circuits before reaching the center. It is the oldest and most universal form of labyrinth, dating back at least 3,500
years. Almost all other forms of the labyrinth are a variation of this classic model, save for the Chartres cathedral labyrinth in France.

The winding path leads to the center, based on a labyrinth laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral around 1220. Originally created by the 12th century Christian mystics, it served as substitute
pilgrimages when the Church made trips to the Holy Land too dangerous. It serves as a mirror to reflect the movement of the Spirit in our lives. The labyrinth has only one path, so there are
no tricks to it and no dead ends. It is NOT a maze or puzzle. Walking the path with an open mind and an open heart touches our sorrows and releases our joys.

Why do we want one?

We’ve discussed several ways to reuse the space, including public gardening. But our parish resources and people are very limited. Today, we have a large, empty, unused space. It at-
tracts people (and their dogs) to walk and enjoy our grounds, similar to a park. As stewards of God’s creation, it is imperative we maintain that which we have responsibility for. So why not
consider making it a simple park with a labyrinth prayer circle as a main attraction?

How will it be built?

In considering which labyrinth to build, please consider the Cretan design. It is the most simple in design and can be laid out using rope to define and make the paths. The paths can be
made of free wood chip from local tree service companies, with grass outlining the paths.

How will it be maintained?

When mowing and weeding the area, the labyrinth can be trimmed by using a power weed trimmer. If weeds start to grow in the paths, they can be removed and more wood chip can be
added.

Who will build it?

Janice Saulewicz and Jerry Riffe will determine the location and outline the paths. Janice will request help from volunteers to spread the wood chip in the paths.

Who will maintain it?

All who volunteer to maintain our church grounds would share in the effort to maintain it.

When will it be built?

Ideally, it would be nice to have it in place by Easter, but maybe a more realistic target might be Pentecost.

What is the cost to St. Philip’s?

The goal is to have no cost to the church, using only free wood chip and the existing grass that is already growing on the property. Eventually it would be nice to either reseed the grass with
just grass seed or even consider a wildflower seed mix, to even better define the outline of the prayer circle.

What are the benefits to St. Philips and to you and me?
 Providing a sacred prayer circle for our parishioners and others in need

 Better use & stewardship of the church grounds

 Bring positive attention and awareness of our parish to our community

 Hopefully attracts more to come to worship at St. Philip’s church

What are the negatives on having a labyrinth?

 Additional grounds upkeep

 Possible vandalism

 Those with a non-Christian focus might use it in a non-positive way

What obstacles do we face to make this a successful project?
 Help to complete the project

 Approval from the parish that this is the right thing to do

CRETAN LABYRINTH

The Cretan Labyrinth, named after the island of Crete, home of the mythical labyrinth in which dwelled the Minotaur, takes the walker through seven circuits before reaching the
center. It is the oldest and most universal form of labyrinth, dating back at least 3,500 years. Almost all other forms of the labyrinth are a variation of this classic model, save for the Char-
tres labyrinth in the Chartres Cathedral in France.
May Schedules:
Date Reader EM Altar Guild Counters
May 1 Easter 2 Sharon Billings Larry Wilson Susie Halsey Jim Wilson
Mike Wray Janice Saulewicz Emily Wade Larry Wilson
May 8 Easter 3 Bob Tichbourne Sharon Billings Carolyn Forbes
Mothers Day Jim Wilson Diane Jones Corleen Wilson
May 15 Easter 4 Carolyn Forbes Janice Saulewicz Pat Wilson
Charlotte Champers Susie Halsey Dorothy Armstrong
May 22 Easter 5 Mike Wray Pat Wilson Bob Tichbourne
Susie Halsey Larry Wilson Diane Jones
May 29 Easter 6 Jim Wilson Mike Wray Christina Foster
Sharon Billings Bob Tichbourne Pat Ballard

June 5 Easter 7 Bob Tichbourne Diane Jones Jim Wilson

Scott Halsey Susie Halsey Larry Wilson

May Birthdays & Anniversaries

May 12 Emily Lindsay May 1 Mike & Carol Wray
May 16 Sarah Haynes
May 24 Samantha Wray
May 26 Pat Wilson
May 27 Dennis McCaulley
May 29 Susie Halsey
May 30 Kyle MacKay
 Labyrinth Continued...

Grass & small shrub labyrinth in the Philippines.

Labyrinth from ariel view

A Trinity Episcopal Church,
Ashland, Oregon
 Labyrinth Continued...

Grass & wood chip labyrinth in the United Kingdom.

The great labyrinth at Chartres cathedral in France.

The following descriptions are from two different

labyrinths in the Philippines and in the United
Kingdom. They are used as guidelines for the
public to understand the sacred circle and how to
use it in their lives. This is only provided as an
example of how others tell the labyrinth story.
 Labyrinth Continued...

LAKAD – DALANGIN…
ISANG PAANYAYA TO WALK THE SACRED LABYRINTH

A contemplative walk to the sacred Gift of the core of our being.

A pilgrimage to and from the center…
The STILLPOINT… The Center of gravity deep in our souls and that of the Cosmos.
A refreshing and healing return to WHOLENESS through the rhythm of walking and breathing.
Being one with Mother Earth, barefooted, we draw wisdom that lives within.
Thread the path of your whole life as you make this particular journey now.
Treasure the feelings, thoughts, insights and the perspective to life which open out to you.

Enjoy this experience

- of the spiral, the universal symbol
- of growth and transformation to wholeness
- and be connected with all those who have walked this way since 4000 years ago
- or ever since human beings appreciated the circle and spiral in nature and in themselves
- unravel and marvel the discovered truth within and cherish them in your heart
- of liberating your confusion and blossom with the flowers of PEACE.

THE SACRED LABYRINTH WALK - Illuminating the Inner Path

WALKING THE SACRED PATH
The labyrinth is a path of prayer for all people seeking the Divine, regardless of the tradition in
which one stands. The winding path leading to the center based on a labyrinth laid in the floor of Chartres
Cathedral around 1220 serves as a mirror to reflect the movement of the Spirit in our lives. The labyrinth
has only one path so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. Walking the path with an open mind and
an open heart touches our sorrows and releases our joys.

GUIDELINES FOR THE WALK

Please remove your shoes unless you need them for medical reasons. This is your chance to be
energized by Mother Earth and be grounded too.
Clear your mind and become aware of your breathing.
Let your breathing guide your pace. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go. Your pace will change throughout the walk.
You may “PASS” people or let others go around you. The center is the place where you may sit or stand as long as you wish.
 Labyrinth Continued...

The path is two-way. You may follow the same path in going back. Open yourself to a new spiritual experience of walking, a path to
the center.
You are invited to open yourself to a new spiritual experience, the ancient practice of “Circling to the Center” by walking the labyrinth.
It calls people to the throes of life’s transition.
We invite people of all faiths, those who are discerning or struggling to find a means of prayer or meditation to walk the labyrinth as
we become spiritual beings on a human path not simply human beings on a spiritual path.
It is also for those who are confused and disturbed, the labyrinth offers to unwind whatever is blocking the flow of energy. It brings
about the integration of body, heart and spirit transforming the lives of those who take the time to walk in circuits.
THE SACRED LABYRINTH
Originally created by the 12th century Christian mystics as substitute pilgrimages when the Church made trips to the Holy Land too
dangerous. Labyrinths are based on principles of sacred geometry. A cross between math and myth linking us through design and propor-
tion, to the Divine… Regardless of your comfort level with traditional religion, it can render a surprising zap of clarity and insight… walking
into any sacred space, a church, a garden, a temple or a labyrinth can make your heart soar.
To walk the labyrinth, you step into a circle form with a path that leads to a floral-shaped center. It is not a tricky maze or puzzle, just
a winding path to follow, inward and then back out again. No one understands the labyrinth’s soothing effect, but one theory is that since its
design echoes the spiral and repetitive patterns found in nature, say in a nautilus shell or the curve of a river, walking it brings us into har-
mony with larger order.
Walking the labyrinth fulfills 6 important contemporary needs:
deepening spirituality
inwardness and connectedness to one’s soul
access to intuition and creativity
simplicity
for interpretation of body, heart and spirit
intimacy and community
The labyrinth addresses all of these six human needs,
transforming the lives of those who take the time to walk its circuits.


Whale Watchers’ from St. Philip’s.
On the only sunny gorgeous day in April, Peggy and Phil James and friends from Germany,
met Mary Allen, Sue Riffe, Janice and Tony Saulewicz at the Port of Everett for whale watching.
It was a first for Phil and I but a favorite activity for Mary and Sue. Mary’s annual calendar has
beautiful of whales photography, birds and sea life, taken from the trips. Two gray whales were
spotted off Camano Island and thrilling to see. Next trip will be to view the Orcas in May. Check
with Mary if you want more information. Picture of Janice and Tony coming from the Island
Adventurer III.
Good Friday and the Stations of the Cross

Good Friday at St. Philip’s is a quiet and special re-

membrance of Christ’s journey from the First Station
where Jesus is condemned to death to the Fourteenth
Station where Jesus is laid in the tomb. At the Second
Station Jesus takes up his cross. At the Third Station Je-
sus falls for the first time. If you have not come to the
Good Friday service and never followed the journey, you
can do it anytime. The Good Friday service booklet is
always available.

Following the stations at St. Philip’s has a special

significance. Each station was hand carved by Dottie
Kirk’s husband Dr. Don Kirk who was a master wood-
carver.
 Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

As I type those words it is Easter Week, the week following Holy Week
and Easter Sunday. This is usually a tough time for the clergy, Altar
Guild and Hospitality people who have done all the extras in order for
Holy Week and Easter services to be a success . Certainly I can attest to
my low energy level throughout this week! I was even so silly as to
schedule a routine dr s appointment on Monday at 9am. The Dr. Could
barely understand me between yawns.

And yet, there is the joy of another Lent, Holy Week and Easter gone by.
The pageantry, the traditions, the story of Our Lord becoming the Risen
Christ, that make me downright giddy with relief! Going from the palms
on the floor of the sanctuary on Palm Sunday, to the dark and empty
space on Good Friday, to the Cross, filled
space on Good Friday, to the Cross, filled with flowers, and this
year our written prayers on Easter Day! Wow. As is sung at the
Easter Vigil:

How blessed is this night, when earth and

heaven are joined

and human is reconciled to God.

Rev. Mary
 Vestry Summary: 17 April 2011 Peggy James

The vestry met after service on Palm Sunday. Present were: Rev. Mary Allen; Mike Wray, Senior War-
den; Peggy James, Junior Warden; Fred Wade (Treasurer); Susie Halsey; Janice Saulewicz. (absent:
Bob Tischbourne) Scott Halsey, Clerk. (Minutes are posted on bulletin board across from Mary’s of-
fice)

Fred presented a Treasurer’s report and recommended the priest’s salary be increased by $700 due
to the improved church assets. This will bring the salary to Diocesan Level E (lower level) We also re-
called the major priority from most of the parishioners was to keep the priest fulltime. The position
is still ¾ time.

Janice provided an update on the research and planning for a Labyrinth as a part of our Grounds’ im-
provement.

Susie brought up the idea of sponsoring a 13-week class entitled “Financial Peace University.” Watch
for more information.

The policy on accepting gifts for church decoration will be prepared. (No, you can’t donate a six-foot
neon sign that says “Jesus Saves” unless the vestry approves it) “How about some pink flamencos for
spring?” Vestry approval needed!

Mary announced that Bishop Rickel will visit St. Philip’s on 28 August which is also date for the church
picnic.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
Please
431284th St NE
place
Marysville, WA 98270 stamp
Www.saint-philips.org here