The 20th Sunday after Pentecost

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

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