8:00 am   The Traditional Eucharist
9:30 am   The Joyful Noise Eucharist
10:30 am   The Musical Eucharist


From the Rector

Dia De los Muertos
Next week we celebrate All Souls' and All Saints' day on Sunday morning. We do so by starting in our Memorial Quiet Garden and remembering the departed loved ones we have buried there, and other loved ones who have died. Bring pictures you don't mind leaving, be ready to write names down and place them onto our memorial altar and be ready to call out the name of your loved one. 

After this moving and joyful act of remembrance we will go inside the church and remember all of the saints of the church. We have examples of holiness in our saints, but I personally believe in the sainthood of all believers. What I mean by this is that every one of us contains the seeds of grace, and it is our task in life to water them and help them grow. Every one of us is 'becoming' a saint. 

Join us next week as we remember loved ones, are inspired by the example of the saints and seek to grow in holiness ourselves. On the front cover this week you will see a series of Icons created by my friend Regan O'Callaghan, in his series that depicts the 'sainthood of all believers' - these are three women who acted as 'mothers' to the parish he served in the East End of London and these images were commissioned for the diocesan offices in the diocese of London.

Healing - like water
So we had our prayers for healing last week on St. Luke's Day. We made healing a special focus of our Eucharist, looked at the 12 steps, honored physicians and thought about how prayers for healing could be part of an ongoing journey towards wellness.

In the week since I have had several conversations about prayers for healing, with some of you telling me that you have valued this ministry in our church. One conversation in particular made me think. It was with a parishioner who said that she did not know what to ask for one time when she went up for healing, and made something up. When she told me what she had said it actually sounded like a deeply authentic request that she was downplaying, but in responding to her comment I asked: "you do know you don't have to say anything?"

I went on to say that I always go up for healing prayers, but that I never say what I am praying for. I always have an intention, but I never tell the people praying because I know that God knows. Sometimes it is a physical thing, sometimes an emotional one, sometimes a spiritual issue. I always go because I believe that we are all always both broken and healing at the same time. Personally, I believe that receiving prayers for healing is less like taking a pill when you feel unwell, and more like drinking water - you do it all the time because it is an essential part of being well.

Thank you to our healing team for making this ministry possible. It is a great gift to me personally, and I know to a great many others.

Stewardship: we are family
Thank you to everyone who helped make Oktoberfest possible yesterday.

I am writing this before the event has taken place, but I am confident that it will have been full of fun and excitement! 

And thank you to our Stewardship team of Claudia, Jeanette and Tania for bringing us this year's stewardship campaign. Please read the materials, look at the installations in church and contemplate for the next few weeks how Transfiguration is an extended family to you.

In a couple of weeks we will send out stewardship pledge cards for your responses so that we might support the ministry of our church for the year to come. Monica and I are so excited about ministry with you in the coming year, thank you already for your generosity and commitment to Transfiguration.

Love, 
Matthew+


Monica away this weekend. . .
Monica is away today visiting Isabella and Kyle for their baby shower. Her first grandchild is due in mid-December. Monica will be back in the office on Monday.

Wondering Together
From Virginia: Our Wondering Together dinners wrap up Sunday night. Thank you to the Vestry members for their generous hosting and to all those who came and shared their stories. We will be reporting back all that we learned in the coming weeks.

From Matthew: I am so grateful to Virginia for spearheading this program with the Vestry, she has put together the framework, facilitated each meeting and coordinated guest lists with Noreen Huey, our Administrator. 

I also wanted to thank Matt Longnecker who hosted and Keith Jobe who assisted at the first meal, Jan Jensen who hosted and Bob Adams who assisted at the second meal, Mike Robinson who hosted and George Philipp who assisted at the third meal, Skip Howie who hosted and Bethany Lukach who assisted at the fourth meal, John Tornquist who hosted and Shannon Yonker who assisted at the fifth meal and Gari Patton who hosted and Claudia Dierkes-Banks who will be assisting Sunday night at the final meal. Thank you also to understanding and loving spouses who assisted their Vestry member partner in preparing homes and hosting meals. I am excited about this program and very grateful for the efforts of all. 


+           +           +

News & Announcements
Home & Hope walk/run coming up in November
The 3rd Annual "The Journey Home" Walk/Run Fundraising Event is to be held on Sunday, November 8th at 1:00pm at Seal Point Park in San Mateo. This is a sponsored event to raise funds for Home & Hope.  Please go online to join our team
or to make a donation


Distil - for the Fall  
Distil (young adult group) will have a new format for the Fall - faith conversation around the dinner table!  Sunday night potluck dinners, 6:15-8pm:
TONIGHT, Oct. 25th - "On Thor and Food" at Dawn's in Palo Alto 
Sunday, Nov. 29th - "Muddy Field vs. Bright Field"Sunday, Dec. 20th - "Fast and Slow"
Distil is also still hosting Sanctuary Yoga with yogi, Yael.  Please join us for yoga on
Thurdays, 
Oct. 22nd, Nov. 12th and Dec. 10th, 
6:15-7:15pm.
Questions?  Speak to Dawn Bailey.

Legacy Society Party
On Sunday, November 1st, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. the Endowment Committee is hosting a "Thank You Party" for Legacy Society members and others in our community who have made long term commitments to Transfiguration.
While the group is enjoying refreshments at the home of Ruth Ciranni, special guest Amanda Kierman, JD, will give us food for thought. At Notre Dame University, Amanda obtained a law degree with a focus on trusts, estates, tax and nonprofit law. She is now the Planned Giving Officer of our Diocese and will talk to us about "Philanthropy and Intergenerational Wealth."
If you would like to attend this party, RSVP to Ruth Ciranni. All are welcome!

The New Jim Crow book study (Nov. 5-Dec. 10)
Holy Family-Half Moon Bay will be hosting a reading and discussion group on the important new book by Michelle Alexander, The New Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of color blindness. This is an open group, and friends and neighbors are welcome to participate. Please contact the Rev. Julia McKeon  if you would like additional information, or would be interested in carpooling from Good Shepherd-Belmont. This is another opportunity to get to know our Episcopal neighbors and wider community.

Collaborating for a Slave-Free Bay Area
On Nov. 4th at 7:30 am at Cafe Bliss (Carlmont Shopping Center), Belmont Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a presentation about human trafficking in the Bay Area. Featured speakers will be Brian Wo, leader of the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition, and Mike Brosnan, Human Trafficking Program Coordinator for the County of San Mateo. Gather with neighbors for breakfast and learn what we can do to eliminate this modern form of slavery, especially in our own backyards.

Transfig Fireflies
Fireflies, a preschooler play group (ages 0-5), meets in the parish hall every Thursday, 10am-noon. 
The group is free and everyone is invited, church member or not. We have a play time, story time with musical instruments, healthy snacks and finish with a craft project and/or game activity. We have fun, make new friends and share our joy, wisdom and sometimes frustrations of family life with other parents and caregivers. Stop by and check us out. Even if you do not have the children in this age group, please, let your friends, neighbors and family members of preschool age children know that we would love to welcome them at our playgroup.  Questions? Contact Dace Samta through the parish office.




+           +           +


This Week

Sunday, October 25
The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
8am             The Traditional Eucharist
9:30am       The Joyful Noise Eucharist
10:30am      The Musical Eucharist
noon            Transfig Teens - Off Topic
6:15pm        Distil -Potluck Dinner (at Dawn's) 
Monday, October 26
3:15pm         Snake Dragon Club -Japanese language storytime(classrooms)
7pm              FA Meeting (Parish Hall)
Tuesday, October 27
9am              Morning Prayer (at Good Shepherd, Belmont)
10:30am      Parish Care Committee (Parish Hall)
6:30pm       New Millennium Chamber Orchestra rehearsal (Church)
7pm              AA Meeting  (Parish Hall)
Wednesday, October 28
9am              Morning Prayer (Chapel)
10:30am      Gospel Preview Bible Study (Parish Hall)
3pm             Good Grief (Patton home)
3:15 -5:45pm  Looking Glass Korean LearningCenter (classrooms)
4-5:30pm    Looking Glass Korean LearningCenter (Parish Hall)
7:30pm        Finance Committee (Peters home)
Thursday, October 29
9am              Morning Prayer (Chapel)
10:30am      Transfig Fireflies (Parish Hall)
2pm              Staff Meeting (Parish Hall)
7pm              Choir Rehearsal
Friday, October 30
3:30pm       Girl Scout Brownie Troop Mtg (parish Hall)
Saturday, October 31
Halloween
8:45 -11:15am  Looking Glass Korean LearningCenter (classrooms)
Sunday, November 1
Daylight Savings Time Ends
All Saints'/All Souls' / Dia de los Muertos
10am           The Festival Eucharist  One parish-wide worship service
3pm             Legacy Circle Tea (Ciranni home)




MINISTRY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
8:00 The Traditional Eucharist
Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Matthew Woodward
Lector: Gari Patton
Usher: Bob Adams
Coffee Hour:  Bobbie O'Keefe, Betty Strombom
9:30am The Joyful Noise Eucharist
Presider: The Rev. Matthew Woodward
Storyteller:Michelle McLean
Coffee Hour: Michelle McLean
10:30am The Community Eucharist
Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Matthew Woodward
Acolytes:  Charlie Fox, Patrick Fox, Zoe Leckey
Eucharistic Ministers: Keith Jobe, Bill Peters
Lectors: John Phillips  (Scripture)
Tom Yonker  (Prayers)
Director of Music: Eric Choate
Welcoming/Greeting: Skip and Sarah Howie
Kids Club/Chapel Time: Eric Johnson, Joseph Villa, Lydia Villa
Childcare:  Veer Singh, Nikki Singh 
Coffee Hour: Dawn Bailey

Altar Flowers: Bobbie O'Keefe
Altar Guild:  Betty Haines, Holly Bailey
Sunday Bankers: Tim Fox, Betty Strombom
Dedication
The Altar Flowers today are given to the Glory of God by Bobbie O'Keefe 
in loving memory of her husband, Richard.

From the Rector -
​
Morning Prayer with Good Shepherd
We have started praying at Good Shepherd, Belmont for morning prayer on Tuesday. Their Vicar, Michael has also come and prayed with us at Transfiguration on Wednesday and Thursday as his calendar allows. We just started doing this in September, as an attempt to support a neigboring parish and grow our praying community. We are really enjoying it and it is creating space for conversation with other Episcopalians trying to serve our community just down the road.

Healing - 12 steps
One of the conversations I have had with Michael on a Tuesday morning was about the 12 step groups that meet in the Good Shepherd parish hall. They have the longest consistenly meeting 12 step group in the US meeting in their hall, and between Christmas and New Years they have one 12 step meeting on the hour every hour for those who need support at that time of year. It is a great gift to the community, and reminded me that we also offer space to 12 step groups, and they are a place of profound healing in our community. 

This realization inspired me to want to bring the wisdom of the 12 steps program to our wider worshiping community through the Prayers of the People at 10:30am today. I have had a lively and moving conversation over email with our healing team. We acknowledged that this could be a difficult subject, but in reflecting on it I decided that I would like to use these prayers - because they are profound and get to the heart of much human suffering. They also offer wisdom that can help all of us move towards healing and wholeness. 

We have not invited anyone from any of our 12 step groups to join with us, as it is essential to honor the anonymity of the 12 step community - but please be aware people who will have used 12 steps meetings will be worshiping with you this Sunday morning, and for them, these steps are an important framework for living life and growing spiritually. Please be open to whatever wisdom they bring to you.

What we learned this week
Monica and I have been at Pneuma this week. I was leading worship and teaching some workshops, Monica was able to fully enter into the learning experience of the conference. This is a conference for Christian Educators on the West Coast of the US. We listened to Eric Law talk about ‘Holy Currencies’ - which are his metaphor for building sustainable long term ministries. The experience was very inspiring and both Monica and I will be reflecting on his models and would be happy to talk to you about what we learned.


Announcement sheet reflections
During the summer the announcement sheet dropped down to two pages from four. We went back up to four pages for the program year launch - but that is not our prefered model as we are using a lot a paper and we think we could come up with a more environmentally sustainable model.

We are putting a lot of our information for the week on the web site - and would love to know where you get your church information. Do you get it on the web? Do you get it in the announcement sheet? Do you get it by word of mouth? Do you get it in Sunday announcements?

I have had feedback that says you like the weekly letter from me and would like to keep getting that, and not have it shortened. My working proposal (which is open to change) is as follows:

1. We move to having a more extensive printed announcement sheet (more like a parish magazine) on the first Sunday of the month that contains all of the information for the month. 

2. We reduce all other weeks of the month to a single two-sided sheet and only put essential weekly items in the announcement sheet on these Sundays.

3. We retain a Rector’s letter every week - but add new voices on the first Sunday of the month.

4. We continue to put information on the web site and try to discern whether we can rely on that as a means of communication - or whether we need to retain a printed announcement sheet for the forseeable future.

Let me know what you think. 

Wondering Together
I am so grateful for the work on this program in our parish life. The conversations are under way and the feedback I am getting from the co-ordinator, Virginia Fox, is excellent. Thank you for everyone who is putting so much work into this project.

Oktoberfest and Stewardship
We are about to enter into Stewardship Season, I am excited to share Oktoberfest with you and to have a conversation about resourcing our ministry for the year to come. Please come along to Oktoberfest next Saturday and be aware that there will be a silent auction with some excellent items to bid on. The Finance Committee wants you to know that the funds raised at the silent auction will be used to enhance our youth ministry in the year to come.

Love,
Matthew+

News & Announcements 
OKTOBERFEST - this Saturday, October 24th!
Come one and all to Oktoberfest at Transfiguration Episcopal Church!
Saturday, October 24th , 4:00pm in the Parish Hall, $10 per plate*, at the door
We’ll be serving Bratwurst, Sprussen, Pretzels, Himmel und Erde... Traditional German fare. There will be frankfurt sausages (hotdogs) and kaese spaetzle (OK.. mac & cheese) for the kids.  Beverages of every kind for all. It’s the 205th wedding anniversary of King Ludwig (the 1st) to Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. But it’s also the kickoff of our Stewardship campaign!  We will also be holding a silent auction to support the work of our youth ministry in the year to come.
Come be sociable, eat well und trinken Sie ein Bier oder Limonade!
(*ten dollars is a requested donation but we will accept any amount, and suggest no families pay more than $25)

HOME & HOPE WALK RUN COMING UP IN NOVEMBER
The 3rd Annual “The Journey Home” Walk/Run Fundraising Event is to be held on Sunday, November 8th at 1:00pm at Seal Point Park in San Mateo. This is a sponsored event to raise funds for Home & Hope.  Let Matthew or Dace Samta know if you want to participate. 

Distil - for the Fall  
Distil (young adult group) will have a new format for the Fall - faith conversation around the dinner table!  Sunday night potluck dinners, 6:15-8pm:
NEXT Sunday, Oct. 25th - “On Thor and Food” at Dawn’s in Palo Alto 
Sunday, Nov. 29th - “Muddy Field vs. Bright Field”
Sunday, Dec. 20th - “Fast and Slow”
Distil is also still hosting Sanctuary Yoga with yogi, Yael.  Please join us for yoga on
Thurdays, Oct. 22nd, Nov. 12th and Dec. 10th, 6:15-7:15pm.
Questions?  Speak to Dawn Bailey.

LEGACY SOCIETY PARTY
On Sunday, November 1st, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. the Endowment Committee is hosting a “Thank You Party” for Legacy Society members and others in our community who have made long term commitments to Transfiguration.
While the group is enjoying refreshments at the home of Ruth Ciranni, special guest Amanda Kierman, JD, will give us food for thought. At Notre Dame University, Amanda obtained a law degree with a focus on trusts, estates, tax and nonprofit law. She is now the Planned Giving Officer of our Diocese and will talk to us about “Philanthropy and Intergenerational Wealth.”
​If you would like to attend this party, RSVP to Ruth Ciranni. All are welcome!

TRANSFIG FIREFLIES
Fireflies, a preschooler play group (ages 0-5), meets in the parish hall every Thursday, 10am-noon. 
The group is free and everyone is invited, church member or not. We have a play time, story time with musical instruments, healthy snacks and finish with a craft project and/or game activity. We have fun, make new friends and share our joy, wisdom and sometimes frustrations of family life with other parents and caregivers. Stop by and check us out. Even if you do not have the children in this age group, please, let your friends, neighbors and family members of preschool age children know that we would love to welcome them at our playgroup.  Questions? Contact Dace Samta.

Transfiguration Preschool Openings
Our preschool is still registering new students for this year and would welcome anyone from the parish to enquire, particularly in the three year old class. Please pass along the information to friends and neighbors.  For details please look at the web site.
 and contact our director Karen Indorante for more details.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:  Mary Castiglia on Monday, Geoff Lime on Tuesday, Nancy Burnett and Aidan Jobe Sea on Friday. 


Fall 2015 at Transfiguration - Mark Your Calendars!
Various dates in October                      Wondering Together dinners (questions? see Virginia Fox)
Thursday, October 22, 6:15pm          Sanctuary Yoga, sponsored by Distil, in the church
Saturday, October 24, 4-7pm            Oktoberfest at Transfiguration in the Parish Hall 
Sunday, November 1, 10am                 Dia De Los Muertos (All Souls/All Saints Day)
                                                                              One parish-wide worship service at 10am
Sunday, November 29                            The First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, November 29 (pm)                  Home and Hope Hosting Week in the Parish Hall
thru Sunday, December 6 (am)
Sunday, December 6                                Lessons and Carols Community Eucharist at 10am
Sunday, December 13                             Bishop Marc Andrus visitation at Transfiguration
Saturday, December 19, 4-6pm       Snow Day at Transfiguration
Thursday, December 24, 5pm           Christmas Eve Joyful Noise Eucharist and Pageant
Thursday, December 24, 10pm        Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist
Friday, December 25, 10am               Christmas Day Eucharist

Regularly Scheduled programs:
Morning Prayer                                          Tuesday mornings at 9am @ Good Shepherd, Belmont
(with Good Shepherd, Belmont)            Wednesday mornings at 9am@ Transfiguration
                                                                              Thursday mornings at 9am@ Transfiguration

Gospel Preview                                          Wednesday mornings, 10:30 - noon in the Parish Hall
(bible study and conversation)

Transfig Fireflies                                        Thursday mornings, 10am - noon in the Parish Hall
(playgroup for 0-5 yr olds and their caregivers)

Sanctuary Yoga, sponsored by Distil     2nd Thursdays, 6:15 - 7:15pm in the church

Diocesan events for Youth and Young Adults this Fall:
Diocesan convention, including youth presence    October 16-17 at Grace Cathedral
http://www.diocal.org/discipleship/youth/programs

NightSong, a Young Adult evening with Bishop Marc          Second Tuesdays, 7pm in Berkeley
Financial Basics for Young Adults (3-session program)    Tuesdays, Oct. 20, 27 & Nov. 3 in S
www.diocal.org/discipleship/young-adults


LOOKING AHEAD in 2016:
Men’s Retreat@ St. Dorothy’s Rest              Friday, January 8 - Sunday, January 10
Annual Meeting and Brunch                                Sunday, January 31 (following parish-wide 10am service)
Women’s Retreat@ The Bishop’s Ranch   Friday, February 26 - Sunday, February 28
Parish Retreat @ The Bishop’s Ranch     Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21
 
Ministry Acknowledgments   
8:00 The Traditional Eucharist
Presider & Preacher:     The Rev. Matthew Woodward
Lector:     Betty Strombom
Usher:     Gari Patton
Coffee Hour:      Maxine Olson
9:30am The Joyful Noise Eucharist
Presider:     The Rev. Monica Whitaker
Storyteller:    Imogen Sanders
Coffee Hour:     The Bakken Family
10:30am The Community Eucharist
Presider & Preacher:     The Rev. Matthew Woodward
Acolytes:      Eve Kearns, Josie Kearns, Louisa Kearns
Eucharistic Ministers:     Barbara Carlisle, Patt Montgomery
Lectors:     Deborah Adams  (Scripture),    Skip Howie  (Prayers)
Director of Music:     Eric Choate
Welcoming/Greeting:     Skip and Sarah Howie
Kids Club:    Kristen Kearns, Silvio Del Rosso
Chapel Time:    Monica Whitaker, Bob Adams
Childcare:      Veer Singh, Nikki Singh 
Coffee Hour:     Phuong Thai and Greg Spurrier

Altar Flowers:     Hayes Bakken
Altar Guild:      Ruth Leijon, Betty Strombom, Tania Philipp
Sunday Bankers:     Jan Jensen, Gari Patton

Dedication
The Altar Flowers today are given to the Glory of God by the Bakken Family
in thanksgiving for life, health and family.

This Week
Sunday, October 18
The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
Feast of St. Luke
8am    The Traditional Eucharist
9:30am    The Joyful Noise Eucharist
10:30am    The Musical Eucharist  with healing ministry
Monday, October 19
3:15pm    Snake Dragon Club -Japanese language storytime(classrooms)
7pm     FA Meeting (Parish Hall)
Tuesday, October 20
9am    Morning Prayer (at Good Shepherd, Belmont)
6:30pm    New Millennium Chamber Orchestra rehearsal (Church)
7pm       AA Meeting  (Parish Hall)
Wednesday, October 21
9am    Morning Prayer (Chapel)
10:30am    Gospel Preview Bible Study   (Parish Hall)
3:15 -5:45pm Looking Glass Korean Learning Center (classrooms)
4-5:30pm     Looking Glass Korean Learning Center (Parish Hall)
Thursday, October 22
9am    Morning Prayer (Chapel)
10:30am    Transfig Fireflies (Parish Hall)
6:15pm    Sanctuary Yoga (Church)
Friday, October 23
5:30-8:30pm Friday Hangout, Integrated Missions for Kids (Parish Hall)
Saturday, October 24
8:45 -11:15am Looking Glass Korean Learning Center (classrooms)
11am-2pm    Private Event (Kawato) (Parish Hall)
4-7pm    Oktoberfest at Transfiguration (Parish Hall) 
Sunday, October 25
The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
8am    The Traditional Eucharist
9:30am    The Joyful Noise Eucharist
10:30am    The Musical Eucharist

COMING UP:
Sunday, November 1, 10am    
Dia De Los Muertos (All Saints Day) 
One parish-wide worship service at 10am

From the Rector: on feedback

We started up our new program year on September 13th with a flurry of new initiatives, a new web site, some new ways of approaching established parish practices and some new locations for furniture and changed the Altar in church. 

It is great starting things up – I love trying new things, and reimagining old favorites. When we do that we sometimes ask for feedback from you, the people who know and love our parish and have a vested interest in the way we do things.

Long gone is the time when there is immediate negative feedback from parishioners when things change. I am not sure you have ever been like that since I have been your rector. There are many old jokes about Episcopalians not liking change, but I have never felt that with the Transfiguration community. 

We have often been honest about the fact that our common life is always a work in progress and can always change and evolve. So the feedback I get often takes into account that I am not asking you to do something forever, but just for now, and that we should work out the best way forward - together.

I wanted to say thank you to you all for that attitude, and just let you know that we have been getting feedback. I have heard from you on the following:

• Positive feedback on the new healing space.
• Not so keen on the hanging in that space. 
• One person not so sure about the new layout of the space.
• Positive feedback on using the larger Altar in the main worship space.
• Positive feedback on liturgical changes at the 8am, introducing Rite II there.
• Positive feedback on the new space arrangements for Chapel Time and Kids Club (once we got a bit used to it).
• Positive feedback also on our new material for Chapel Time and Kids Club, with some mixed reviews for the video element of our classes, but a real sense that they have created good conversation.

I have really enjoy getting your feedback, reading how thoughtfully you engage with the developing life of the parish.  I particularly enjoy the spirit in which you offer it. I get a sense that you appreciate that we are building something together, and working as partners in an ongoing project.

I think there is also a sense that when you tell me what you think, you are aware that other people may not agree with you.  There is an understanding that the vestry and staff team have to react to the balance of views we get from the parish.

Finally, I am very excited about the number of people who have responded to the invitation by the Vestry to join them for dinner and “Wondering Together.” The first of these evenings took place on Tuesday, October 6th and a great conversation is reported to have taken place. This is another way in which we get feedback, as we continue to tell the Transfiguration story to each other, and figure out ways to tell that story to the wider world.

If you haven’t let me know what you think please do. Or tell Monica, Fran, one of the Vestry or anyone whose name you see on the back of the announcement sheet.

We really listen to feedback, talk about it at the staff meeting and consider how we can balance it, respond to it, and integrate it into our practice. I love being a part of a community that moves forward in this way.  If you have not yet told us what you think of something, drop me a line, be constructive, but don’t be afraid to disagree, be prepared for your voice to be heard as one of many and be ready to keep talking.

Love,

Matthew+

 

News & Announcements

PNEUMA
Matthew is heading up to Bishop’s Ranch to lead worship for Pneuma, a conference for Christian educators that takes place at this time each year. This year, Monica is also attending and they will both be listening to the work of Eric Law on Sustainable Ministries. For any pastoral needs please call Matthew on his cell phone and he will be able to return to the parish if need be at any point throughout the week. 

Morning Prayer will take place as usual at Good Shepherd on Tuesday. Please check with Gari or Bob to see if they are meeting Wednesday or Thursday for Morning Prayer. Please also note that Gospel Preview will be taking place on Wednesday as usual, but convened by Ruth Ciranni.

Wondering Together
Our Wondering Together dinners have begun this week.   If you have not yet rsvp’d, please do so via email or talk to Virginia Fox at church today.  Thanks!


New Web site - www.transfig-sm.org
If you go to www.transfig-sm.org you should see some changes!
Thanks to all who helped put this together! Please let us know if you have feedback. We are working ot make it a great way to communicate and need your help to do that.
 
Lock In Thank You
Thank you to leaders and youth who came to the Lock In last weekend. We all had a great time, and were exhausted but exhilarated to participate in the blessing of animals the next morning. Particular thanks to George, Julia and Bethany.

Leader Sign-Up for Kids’ Club & Chapel Time
There are several openings for Kids’ Club and Chapel Time leaders for October through December. A sign-up sheet will be available at coffee hour today if you would like to compare your calendar with open dates and sign up for leading. We will also offer the sign-up through SignUpGenius on Transfiguration’s new interim website within the next few weeks.

Home & Hope Walk Run coming up in November
The 3rd Annual “The Journey Home” Walk/Run Fundraising Event is to be held on Sunday, November 8th at 1:00pm at Seal Point Park in San Mateo. This is a sponsored event to raise funds for Home & Hope.  Please go online to join our team at:  https://journeyhome.homeandhope.net 

Oktoberfest Coming Soon!
Come one and all to Oktoberfest at Transfiguration Episcopal Church!
Saturday October 24th , 4:00pm in the Parish Hall
$10 per plate*, at the door
We’ll be serving Bratwurst, Sprussen, Pretzels, Himmel und Erde... Traditional German fare.
There will be frankfurt sausages (hotdogs) and kaese spaetzle (OK.. mac & cheese) for the kids.  Beverages of every kind for all.
It’s the 205th wedding anniversary of King Ludwig (the 1st) to Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. But it’s also the kickoff of our Stewardship campaign!
Come be sociable, eat well und trinken Sie ein Bier oder Limonade!
(*ten dollars is a requested donation but we will accept any amount, and suggest no families pay more than $25)

Distil - for the Fall  
Distil (young adult group) will have a new format for the Fall - faith conversation around the dinner table!  Sunday night potluck dinners, 6:15-8pm:
Sunday, Oct. 25th - “On Thor and Food” at Dawn’s in Palo Alto
Sunday, Nov. 29th - “Muddy Field vs. Bright Field”
Sunday, Dec. 20th - “Fast and Slow”

Distil is also still hosting Sanctuary Yoga with yogi, Yael.  Please join us for yoga on
Thurdays, Oct. 22nd, Nov. 12th and Dec. 10th, 6:15-7:15pm.

Questions?  Speak to Dawn Bailey.


Transfig Fireflies
Fireflies, a preschooler play group (ages 0-5), meets in the parish hall every Thursday, 10am-noon.
The group is free and everyone is invited, church member or not. We have a play time, story time with musical instruments, healthy snacks and finish with a craft project and/or game activity. We have fun, make new friends and share our joy, wisdom and sometimes frustrations of family life with other parents and caregivers. Stop by and check us out. Even if you do not have the children in this age group, please, let your friends, neighbors and family members of preschool age children know that we would love to welcome them at our playgroup.  Questions? Contact Dace Samta.
 
Transfiguration Preschool Openings
Our preschool is still registering new students for this year and would welcome anyone from the parish to enquire, particularly in the three year old class. Please pass along the information to friends and neighbors.  For details please look at the web site.
 and contact our director Karen Indorante for more details.
  
Fall 2015 at Transfiguration - Mark Your Calendars!
Various dates in October                      Wondering Together dinners (questions? see Virginia Fox)
Thursday, October 22, 6:15pm          Sanctuary Yoga, sponsored by Distil, in the church
Saturday, October 24, 4-7pm            Oktoberfest at Transfiguration in the Parish Hall 
Sunday, November 1, 10am                 Dia De Los Muertos (All Souls/All Saints Day)
                                                                              One parish-wide worship service at 10am
Sunday, November 29                            The First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, November 29 (pm)                  Home and Hope Hosting Week in the Parish Hall
thru Sunday, December 6 (am)
Sunday, December 6                                Lessons and Carols Community Eucharist at 10am
Sunday, December 13                             Bishop Marc Andrus visitation at Transfiguration
Saturday, December 19, 4-6pm       Snow Day at Transfiguration
Thursday, December 24, 5pm           Christmas Eve Joyful Noise Eucharist and Pageant
Thursday, December 24, 10pm        Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist
Friday, December 25, 10am               Christmas Day Eucharist

Regularly Scheduled programs:
Morning Prayer                                          Tuesday mornings at 9am @ Good Shepherd, Belmont
(with Good Shepherd, Belmont)            Wednesday mornings at 9am@ Transfiguration
                                                                              Thursday mornings at 9am@ Transfiguration

Gospel Preview                                          Wednesday mornings, 10:30 - noon in the Parish Hall
(bible study and conversation)

Transfig Fireflies                                        Thursday mornings, 10am - noon in the Parish Hall
(playgroup for 0-5 yr olds and their caregivers)

Sanctuary Yoga, sponsored by Distil     2nd Thursdays, 6:15 - 7:15pm in the church

Diocesan events for Youth and Young Adults this Fall:
Diocesan convention, including youth presence    October 16-17 at Grace Cathedral
http://www.diocal.org/discipleship/youth/programs

NightSong, a Young Adult evening with Bishop Marc          Second Tuesdays, 7pm in Berkeley
Financial Basics for Young Adults (3-session program)    Tuesdays, Oct. 20, 27 & Nov. 3 in S
www.diocal.org/discipleship/young-adults


LOOKING AHEAD in 2016:
Men’s Retreat@ St. Dorothy’s Rest              Friday, January 8 - Sunday, January 10
Annual Meeting and Brunch                                Sunday, January 31 (following parish-wide 10am service)
Women’s Retreat@ The Bishop’s Ranch   Friday, February 26 - Sunday, February 28
Parish Retreat @ The Bishop’s Ranch     Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21
 

Ministry Acknowledgments   

8:00 The Traditional Eucharist
Presider & Preacher:     The Rev. Monica Whitaker
Lector:                                     Gari Patton
Usher:                                      Frank Mercer
Coffee Hour:                       Jane and David Lintott

9:30am The Joyful Noise Eucharist
Presider:                               The Rev. Matthew Woodward
Storyteller:                          Jeanette Garbo
Coffee Hour:                       Dace Samta

10:30am The Community Eucharist
Presider & Preacher:      The Rev. Monica Whitaker                        
Assisting:                               The Rev. Frances Tornquist
Acolytes:                                Desmond Hart, Sophia Philipp, Lydia Villa
Eucharistic Ministers:    Jan Jensen, Peter Jensen
Lectors:                                    Skip Howie (Scripture)
                                                      John Tornquist (Prayers)
Director of Music:            Eric Choate
Welcoming/Greeting:    Phuong Thai and Greg Spurrier
Kids Club:                             Matthew Woodward, Virginia Fox
Chapel Time:                      Jeanette Garbo
Childcare:                             Veer Singh, Nikki Singh
Coffee Hour:                       Dawn Bailey
 
Altar Flowers:                   Gari Patton
Altar Guild:                          Jane Lintott, Judy Castillo, Nancy Burnett
Sunday Bankers:              Margaret Jadallah, George Philipp
 
Dedication
The Altar Flowers today are given to the Glory of God by Phuong Thai and Greg Spurrier in thanksgiving for their wedding anniversary.
  
This Week
Sunday, October 11
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
8am            The Traditional Eucharist
9:30am     The Joyful Noise Eucharist
10:30am   The Musical Eucharist
6-9pm       Sine Nomine Rehearsal (Parish Hall)

Monday, October 12
3:15pm      Snake Dragon Club -Japanese language storytime(classrooms)
7pm            FA Meeting (Parish Hall)

Tuesday, October 13
9am            Morning Prayer (at Good Shepherd, Belmont)
6:30pm     New Millennium Chamber Orchestra rehearsal (Church)
7pm            AA Meeting  (Parish Hall)

Wednesday, October 14
9am            Morning Prayer (Chapel)
10:30am   Gospel Preview Bible Study   (Parish Hall)
3:15 -5:45pm Looking Glass Korean Learning Center (classrooms)
4-5:30pm       Looking Glass Korean Learning Center (Parish Hall)

Thursday, October 15
9am            Morning Prayer (Chapel)
10:30am   Transfig Fireflies (Parish Hall)
7pm            Choir Rehearsal (Church)

Friday, October 16
5:45-9pm  Diocesan Convention (Grace Cathedral)
                         5:45 dinner and  7pm Eucharist

Saturday, October 17
8:45 -11:15am Looking Glass Korean Learning Center (classrooms)
9am-5pm  Diocesan Convention  (Grace Cathedral)

Sunday, October 18
The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost / Feast of St. Luke
8am            The Traditional Eucharist
9:30am     The Joyful Noise Eucharist
10:30am   The Musical Eucharist    with healing ministry

COMING UP:
Saturday, October 24, 4-7pm            Oktoberfest at Transfiguration (Parish Hall)
Sunday, November 1, 10am                Dia De Los Muertos (All Saints Day)
                                                                             One parish-wide worship service at 10am

From the Rector

St. Francis

Miami Roman Catholic Archbishop Thomas Wenski was on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the new late night host asked him if the college of Catholic bishops was wanting to get some of the Pope’s ‘mojo’ on his recent visit. He went on to wonder whether Catholics were allowed to have mojo, or whether it was a sin.

Archbishop Wenski smiled and said that he had a more theological word for it and told the comedian that the bishops were interested in capturing some of the Pope’s ‘grace’.

I wonder how you catch someone’s grace? 

Our country had a visit from Francis, the Pope - not the Saint; although his reception might have left you thinking that a saint was walking amongst us. In fact, Pope Francis chose the name of the famous saint because he wanted to manifest some of his values.

It might be interesting to ponder, for a moment, just what that means. Our contemporary picture of the Saint, Francis, might be that he is really a modern day 

pro-environment, animal loving hippie who would fit in perfectly in the Haight-Ashbury; one of the ‘gentle people’ you find in San Francisco.

In truth he was a radical preacher who left behind his family riches in the most dramatic way - literally throwing his clothes off, because they represented the wealth of his father’s fabric empire, and walking away naked.

St. Francis is said to have preached to animals, because he believed that they were worthy of God’s grace and innocent of offenses against creation that humanity was capable of. He critiqued the wealth of the church and was determined to live in poverty. In his early life he had sought fame and success in the pursuit of military honor, but after an illness rejected this endeavor and sought a humble life imitating Christ. He was a challenge to those in authority and became phenomenally popular as a figure of authentic faith.

So he was beloved and also criticized at the time in which he was operating. 

The current Pope chose his name, and I think seeks to be inspired by his example. Pope Francis is a part of the institution of the Catholic Church, but he is also working hard on critiquing its power structures and the desire for comfort and luxury amongst some of his colleagues. He has a deeply thoughtful approach to the environment which could not be simply dismissed as the work of a hippie. And he is primarily a pastor, seeking to meet his people and share God’s love and grace with them.

It was interesting that the Pope reached out to John Kerry and shook his hand in the chamber last week, and similarly reached out to John Boehner, asking the Speaker to pray for him as he entered the Capitol. Both men are Catholic, each disagree with the other, but both seemed touched by the pastoral concern of the Pope. 

As I wrote in a blog post last week, I don’t agree with everything this Pope believes, but I do respect the way in which he is occupying his role.

Some are complaining that the Pope actually has too many conservative views that Episcopalians cannot agree with; but when they do that they are only thinking about where the Pope is. There is another dimension we should also consider, not just where he is, but in which direction he is going.

I love the direction of Pope Francis, just as I love the direction that Saint Francis took his followers centuries ago. I hope that I am able to live with the same kind of ‘mojo’ in my own public ministry.

Love,

Matthew+



​Blessing of Animals - today: Sunday, October 4th, St. Francis of Assisi Day
Today, animal companions or cuddly toy animals are welcomed to church for the 10am Community Eucharist.  We will meet in the courtyard so that animals can say hello to each other and calm down a bit.  We will begin the service outside and then move inside for the rest of the service.  Photographs of animals you have shared your life with, but who have passed on are also welcomed so we can remember them also.

Where the Wild Things Are: Transfig Teens Lock-in
Last night was the Transfig Teens kick-off event - an overnight in the church!  We watched a movie, played games, and explored the wonder of Creation including an art project and planning some of the elements of today’s eucharist and blessing of animals. 

So if you notice a few bleary-eyed teens (and the adult chaperones) among us, now you know why!

Wondering Together
Our Wondering Together dinners begin this week. Invitations were emailed (or mailed out) about two weeks ago.   If you have not yet rsvp’d, please do so via email or talk to Virginia Fox at church today.  Thanks!

New Web site - www.transfig-sm.org
If you go to www.transfig-sm.org you should see some changes!

Thanks to all who helped put this together! Please let us know if you have feedback. We are working ot make it a great way to communicate and need your help to do that.


News & Announcements

Assistant Rector in Korea
This past week, Monica gathered with over 185 other delegates, including 16 from the Diocese of California, for the Episcopal Asiamerica Ministries (EAM) Consultation in Seoul to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Anglican Church in Korea.  EAM gathers every few years to share ideas about leadership, ministry, and liturgical resources, and to worship as a multicultural community of Asians, Asian-Americans, and non-Asians in The Episcopal Church and wider Anglican Communion. Delegates met in 2013 in Burlingame for the 40th anniversary of EAM. Please pray that our EAM delegates will have an enjoyable and productive gathering, and that all may have safe travels. Monica will be back at Transfiguration on Tuesday, October 6. For more information about EAM visit: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/asiamerica-ministries.

Leader Sign-Up for Kids’ Club & Chapel Time
There are several openings for Kids’ Club and Chapel Time leaders for October through December. A sign-up sheet will be available at coffee hour today if you would like to compare your calendar with open dates and sign up for leading. We will also offer the sign-up through SignUpGenius on Transfiguration’s new interim website within the next few weeks.

Transfiguration Preschool Openings
Our preschool is still registering new students for this year and would welcome anyone from the parish to enquire, particularly in the three year old class. Please pass along the information to friends and neighbors.  For details please look at the web site: 

www.transfig-sm.org/pre-school.html and contact our director Karen Indorante for more details at transfignurserysch@sbcglobal.net.

Transfig Fireflies
Fireflies, a preschooler play group (ages 0-5), meets in the parish hall every Thursday, 10am-noon. 

The group is free and everyone is invited, church member or not. We have a play time, story time with musical instruments, healthy snacks and finish with a craft project and/or game activity. We have fun, make new friends and share our joy, wisdom and sometimes frustrations of family life with other parents and caregivers. Stop by and check us out. Even if you do not have the children in this age group, please, let your friends, neighbors and family members of preschool age children know that we would love to welcome them at our playgroup.  Questions? Contact Dace Samta via the parish office.

Home & Hope Walk Run coming up in November
The 3rd Annual “The Journey Home” Walk/Run Fundraising Event is to be held on Sunday, November 8th at 1:00pm at Seal Point Park in San Mateo. This is a sponsored event to raise funds for Home & Hope.  Let Matthew or Dace Samta know if you want to participate. 

St. Olaf Orchestra performs at Transfiguration
Called “one of the best college orchestras in the nation” by Time magazine’s Richard Ostling, the St. Olaf Orchestra is known for its passionate music-making and professional-level performances. The orchestra’s tour of California, Oregon, and Washington this fall will feature repertoire that includes Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, the world premiere of Daniel Kallman’s Gaia: Desecration, Lamentation and Awakening, the second movement from Ginastera’s Pampeana No. 3, and Elgar’s complete Enigma Variations. Two students will also be performing solos with the orchestra, rotating throughout the tour.​ ​

Saturday, Oct. 10th, 8:00PM at Transfiguration Episcopal Church

Cost: General: $10 Students: Free        Tickets: https://events.stolaf.edu/Online/

Contact:  800-363-5487        More info: http://wp.stolaf.edu/stolaf-orch/