Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church

How long have you been a member of Grace St. Paul's?
I think since 2003. I visited one Sunday and saw someone I had been trying to connect with since moving to Tucson from Boston. When I saw her I thought, "Hey! This must be a great congregation since she is here." I didn't realize then that it was her first visit to GSP, too.

Which service do you attend regularly?
The 10:00 am Sunday service.

Why do you attend GSP?
I'm a cradle Episcopalian. When I came to Tucson I shopped around and discovered that I want the liturgy to be traditional enough so that I feet at home but progressive enough so it isn't stuffy.

What GSP ministries are you involved with?
I'm an usher and co-chair of the hospitality ministry.

How long have you been volunteering as an usher?
2 or 3 years. Time flies when you're having fun and I've lost track!

What does volunteering as an usher involve?
I volunteer about every six weeks and we work in teams of four people. We greet people as they enter the church. I really like this part of the work because I get to know people better. We hand them bulletins and pay attention to the order of the service (because we present the offerings and the bread and the wine). The best part is that we get to ring the bell at the start and end of each service!

Why do you volunteer?
Because it's fun! And it's a great way to be connected with the community at GSP. We're all in this together; we all need to give as much as we receive.

What prompted you to begin volunteering as an usher?
Kathy and Michael Allen were determinedly persuasive. I'm glad they were because it's been a wonderful thing. That's how I get involved with most of what I'm involved with... Kathy and Michael Allen. So far each experience has been a good one....

What is your professional job?
I teach chemistry and math at San Miguel High School. I have the best job in the world! I get to listen and talk to students every day. I love that it's totally unpredictable; it's not remotely boring. I also appreciate that there's a re-set button at the beginning of each year.

Can you tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know?
I became a teacher while learning to speak Wolof! I served for almost 3 years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa in The Gambia. I went there to work as an agriculture and forestry volunteer but also got involved with teaching 6th grade science. I fell in love with that job and it's why I became a teacher.
My original plan was to work in a lab to try to cure cancer. After teaching, though, I realized teaching would allow me to encourage many more people to go out and do great things. Every day I'm grateful I made the decision to teach instead of do research.
In 1998 I rode my bicycle down the west coast with a friend. We started in Seattle, then went up and around the Olympic Peninsula and down the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California to San Francisco. It took all of April and most of May.

Can you tell us something about which you're particularly proud?
I'm proud of being a good teacher. I work really hard and I'm proud of how that pays off in the classroom.

What other interests do you enjoy?
I'm a serious reader of non-fiction and I'm a devoted library girl.

If you are interested in learning more about serving as an usher please contact Marilyn Abraham through the Parish Office.

Spirit Dojo Karate News: Part II

2012-05-11T16:46:20Z

By The Rev. Allen Breckenridge

In the manner of the old Victorian serial short stories by Charles Dickens & more recent writers like Tom Wolfe & Eric Kraft

Last week in the GSP news we heard a bit of a testimonial from one of our karate students, Mrs. Elizabeth Durham, who's dedication to class and inspiring spirit are much missed around these parts since she returned to home base in Canada for a while. We promised you a bit of a story this week of a dilema she recently found herself facing in a situation that was challenging, somewhat threatening, and which called forth a balanced approach in her reactions.

Last week Liz Durham started her story and left us with the following statement..."I have also found myself being more assertive than in the past. I find myself less often saying "I should have..." or, "I wish I had..." or "I wanted to say..." Now the rest of the story!

I was doing a lengthy round of errands on March 7th, and I made my last stop at 7:15 p.m. at a small Middle Eastern grocery. As I entered the store a young woman held the door for me. Once inside, she started acting strangely, walking aimlessley throughout the store and talking on her cell phone. She asked the clerk the store's address and then gave it to the person on the other end of the phone. As I paid for my items, she stood at the counter asking odd questions and generally acting as if she were delaying her departure. When I left, she followed me.

As I exited I saw a pickup truck in the alley which had been there the whole time. The woman opened the truck door and spoke to the driver. I thought this all seemed fishy, so I sat in my car and pretended to adjust my radio. I decided to go back into the store and act as if I had forgotten something. Once inside I warned the two clerks. We all wondered why she had given the store's address to the person on the phone when the truck had been parked outside the entire time. I suggested they close the store, as it was just ten minutes to closing time.

As I turned to leave, a young man entered the store. He wore a grey hoodie and appeared to be poking something in his front pocket. I told him, "They're closed." He said, "All I want is a napkin." I said ,"They don't sell that kind of thing in here; it's not that kind of store." He responded, "Wouldn't they even have a spare napkin?" "No they wouldn't," I told him, half laughing. He left the store and returned to the other side of the street where he joined another fellow. They both just stood there.

I told the clerks, "You'd better lock up right now!" and told them about the two men. The clerks pulled the big barred front door shut. I called the police as soon as I got home, and reported what I'd seen.

What do you think was going on? How would you have dealt with this dilema? What was the turning point in the story? And where did faith play a role in this incident?

Liz kept her cool and didn't overreact, panic, or abandon an apparent call to caring action. I think there are several things to learn from this situation (which could happen to anyone). Next week, we'll reflect on the situation, Liz's actions, and how her weekly mind/body/spirit training with friends at church and the dojo may have equipped her to deal so well with this situation.

Stay tuned!

Master Taisen Deshimaru, in The Zen Way to the Martial Arts says, "Both Zazen/practice and the martial arts can lead us toward the spirit of the way, because any conflict, whether it takes place within the body and mind or outside them, is always a battle against the self."

Volunteer Spotlight: Chuck Hannan, May 6, 2012

2012-05-07T17:58:00Z

How long have you been a member of Grace St. Paul's?
Six years.

Which service do you attend regularly?
The 10:00 am Sunday service.

Why do you attend GSP?
We live within 10 minutes of another Episcopal church, but drive past it to attend GSP. I think GSP resonates with me so much because of its outreach. GSP thinks beyond its own campus. I call it "thinking outside the walls." My Franciscan values lead me to work with those who are marginalized in our society and GSP does exactly that.

What GSP ministries are you involved with?
I'm a member of the new Social Service Ministry, Community of Hope, and the Pastoral Care team. I'm a Lay Eucharistic Minister and a sub-deacon. I also co-chair the Altar Guild, and on Healing Sundays I participate with the laying on of hands.

How long have you been volunteering with the social service ministry?
Since November of 2011.

What does volunteering for the social service ministry involve?
It's about being a listener and an advocate for folks who are in crisis and need help. We serve as a source of information about resources in the wider community and help our clients navigate them. Much of our assistance has to do with helping folks avoid evictions and utility cut-offs. I recently helped a woman who was in an abusive relationship find emergency shelter and medical care.
I think of myself as being a voice for those whose voices go unheard.

Why do you volunteer?
I think that scripture commissions us to help others. I'm a member of the Third Order of The Society of St. Francis which is a Franciscan religious order within the Anglican Communion. Part of my Rule of Life includes being compassionate, and recognizing that everyone is a child of God. I put that into practice by working with the poor, with the sick, and with the homeless. Those are the vows that I took when I was Life Professed in October of 2011. The formation period for that was 3 ½ years.

What prompted you to begin volunteering?
I felt called to it. I think I approached The Rev. Nancy Meister and told her of my desire to work in Social Services Ministry, and asked if she had a place for me on her team.

What was your professional job?
I was a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Two partners and I had a practice in Evansville, IN for 10 years. Before that I was a sales manager for the Dial Corporation for almost 20 years.

Can you tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know?
I'm a private pilot. I owned my own single engine plane until last year. It was a Cessna 172 4-seater. I also love to cook and bake; my signature dish is my chicken braized in Tuscan white wine sauce. I make my own noodles so I love fettucini with mushrooms.

Can you tell us something about which you're particularly proud?
Taking flight lessons in my 60s and becoming a pilot. I didn't begin that adventure until I retired.

What other interests do you enjoy?
I love canoeing and hiking. In the spring and fall I love desert hiking but, having been born in Wisconsin, I particularly like walking among pine trees for a full day when Nan and I are at our cabin up in Show Low.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with the social service ministry, please contact Nancy Meister through the Parish Office.

Spirit Dojo Karate News

2012-05-04T17:31:04Z

"The Spirit Dojo" is an officially registered UFAF karate school. The owner, The Rev. Allen Breckenridge, is a 3rd degree black belt, and teaches in the Korean style of Chun Kuk Do. Classes are every Monday and Wednesday, 5:30 pm-6:15 pm in the parish hall at GSP. The cost is $30 per month for the first family member; additional family members cost $10 each. Parents are invited to participate or watch.

The Spirit Dojo Karate School continues to journey forth in faith and fatigues (Ghis) at Grace St. Paul's. We have a diverse and energetic cast of students, both children and adults, who meet twice a week. Training includes energetic warmups and conditioning exercises, karate and self-defense skills, group teamwork, some meditation & prayer, and often times a simple, quick "Guerilla method of theological reflection" upon our experience and faith, loosely based on the EfM method.

This last week we said goodbye, for a while, to a fine student who has been an inspiration to us all, Mrs. Elizabeth Durham. She is now back in her native Canada where she spends her summers. Mrs. Durham has been very faithful in attendance, practice, and spirit-building for our team of students and me. She shares her story below about the benefits she's received from participating in the Spirit Dojo. Mrs. Durham credits the Spirit Dojo with helping her consciously shape her attitude and gain confidence. She's also a member of the "Healing Touch" ministry team at GSP, and I think it shows in all she does inside and outside of class.

In the manner of the old Victorian serial short stories by Charles Dickens and more recent writers like Tom Wolfe and Eric Kraft, here is installment #1 of 3 that will appear over the next three weeks.

The beginning journey of Elizabeth Durham's story with Karate, as told in her own words:

"I have been learning Karate at the Spirit Dojo at Grace St. Paul's since February. Father Allen Breckenridge is a good and patient teacher. He has shown me the same moves over and over, as I have issues with right and left, and find it hard to make my hands and feet do what I want. We are all ages and sizes in the class, and are all able to learn at our own pace. The class and practice is helping me, at 67, deal with some lifelong coordination problems. I have also found myself being more assertive than in the past. I find myself less often saying "I should have..." or, "I wish I had..." or "I wanted to say..." For example, I was doing a lengthy round of errands on the afternoon and evening of March 7 and ..."

Well, you'll have to wait until next week to learn more about a recent experience of Mrs. Durham's where her karate learnings possibly assisted her. Just suffice it to say she had an encounter that she never dreamed might happen, got in a bit of a dilemma, and rose to the occassion. But I've already said too much. Tune in next week to find out more. Until then, "stand by for more!"

The Spirit Dojo Creed:

I intend to develop myself in a positive manner by learning and growing!

Question: What are we learning? Loyalty, honesty, discipline and respect - Sir!

Question: What are we growing? Mind, body, spirit - Sir!

Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Mattix, April 29, 2012

2012-04-30T17:55:51Z

How long have you been a member of Grace St. Paul's?
I've been a member since I was received by the Bishop last year but I've been attending since Palm Sunday 3 years ago.

Which service do you attend regularly?
I read at the 8:00 am Sunday service but I typically attend the 10:00 am Sunday service.

Why do you attend GSP?
A former colleague told me about GSP so we visited. Our introduction to GSP was on Palm Sunday and I was sold! People couldn't have been friendlier. I felt welcomed immediately and attended all the Holy Week services. I've been here ever since. GSP is a very inclusive, individual church. The people make the difference. This is an amazing community to be a part of and I feel blessed to be here!

What GSP ministries are you involved with?
Joseph's Pantry and I serve as a lector at the 8:00 am Sunday service.

How long have you been volunteering with Joseph's Pantry?
I started in December. I indicated I was interested on the back of a pledge sheet and was contacted by Joan Cooney. I've been volunteering every week since then!

What does volunteering for the Pantry involve?
We provide shower services for the homeless. Many days we provide a little meal to anyone who stops by. We also provide community food bank boxes and food that is donated by parish members, either as canned foods or harvested from GSP's community vegetable garden. And now that the Social Services ministry is up and running, we're able to direct folks there to have needs met that the Pantry can't address. We provide a safe haven for those hours that the pantry is open. The homeless are under stress pretty much wherever they go. For the few hours we're open, they can relax and mingle outside.

Why do you volunteer?
It started off with a "there but for the Grace of God go I" but it's turned into feeling very blessed to work with the people that I do. There are a lot of angels here at GSP. Joan Cooney is amazing! Every person who comes to the pantry gets her undivided attention for whatever period of time they are there. She knows everyone and they know her. It's a blessing just to be there to witness those interactions and to be a part of them.

What is your professional job?
In August, the company I worked for closed its doors. I'm currently looking at the possibility of purchasing a company.
I have been a manager for over 30 years. I started in production and later moved into advertising research. The last 28 years I've spent in Tucson.

Can you tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know?
The oddest thing is that for about a 9 year period I was stopped multiple times - regardless of where I was - and told that I looked like a now former vice-president. No one ever said that I looked Brad Pitt. Nooo! I have to look like Dick Cheney!
In high school, I was a fantastic debater!

Can you tell us something about which you're proud?
When I worked for Brush-Wellman we were involved with United Way. I am proud that I was able to get a large number of people to sign up to support it who might otherwise not have been interested.

What other interests do you enjoy?
I enjoy golf and I enjoy fly-fishing. There aren't a lot of places to do the latter here. Usually I go farther north. The closest place to Tucson is the Salt River and then north - almost to Flagstaff. When the weather is warmer I go a few times during the summer.
I don't play golf as often as I'd like but it's a nice activity to do with my son.

Volunteer Spotlight: Willie Schlentz, April 22, 2012

2012-04-22T17:52:32Z

How long have you been a member of Grace St. Paul's?
Since 1998.

Which service do you attend regularly?
The 10:00 am Sunday service.

Why do you attend GSP?
When I first moved to Tucson in 1996 I visited three different Episcopal churches but didn't transfer my membership until I walked into GSP on Easter. I love our liturgy and after experiencing GSP's Easter service I was hooked and never left. The other churches I visited couldn't match the beautiful, fun, exciting, innovative, and variety of liturgies that GSP offers.

What GSP ministries are you involved with?
I schedule the lectors, chalice bearers and sub deacons for the 10:00 am Sunday service, as well as Christmas week, Holy week, memorial, funerals, and other special services.

How long have you been volunteering as the scheduler?
I started way back! I think it must be since 2000 or 2001. It's a lot more than scheduling names on a particular Sunday or special day. It's about considering who works well with whom, working around vacations, and giving new people an opportunity, encouraging folks who might be interested but hesitant to try it. I try very hard to distribute the responsibilities equally.

Why do you volunteer?
Because I love the magic that liturgy creates. It's very satisfying spiritually when I attend church on Sunday and can see, hear, and feel the service unfold. I was raised in the Methodist church but never felt spiritually fed. I'm an Episcopalian because of this denomination's liturgies.

What prompted you to begin volunteering?
Our former rector, Gordon McBride, asked me.

What was your professional job?
I was a high school teacher and counselor. I taught psychology as an elective, American History to Juniors, and English to Juniors and Seniors. I took early retirement at 55 and entered the insurance business for about 5 years. I handled life and disability insurance planning. I learned that this was not for me as I didn't handle rejection well; cold calling and prospecting for new clients was awful.

Can you tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know?
In the latter 1970's I wanted to be ordained and attend CDSP. I entered the discernment process and, while it was helpful for my spiritual growth, it also made clear to me that I was much too hedonistic to commit to the ordained priesthood. But that formal process was really the beginning of my spiritual journey and I'm very grateful and very thankful for the experience.
I was Queen of the Folsom Pioneer Festival when I was eighteen.
In 1976 I served as my church's first woman lector and chalice bearer. The first time I served during worship service, I looked out and saw the women in the congregation giving me thumbs up!

Can you tell us something about which you're particularly grateful?
I'm profoundly grateful that I have BJ in my life, and that I found my daughter, Deb. I'm absolutely amazed that she accepted me from the moment we met. It was the perfect time in both our lives for us to come together.
Deb was born in 1957 when I was an immature 22 year old and during my first year of teaching. Back then being a single mom was an absolute taboo. Had I kept her I would have probably lost my teaching credentials. Had I married Deb's father it would have been for all the wrong reasons and wouldn't have turned out well.
I waited to look for Deb because I didn't want to interfere with her life or cause her any insecurity with her family. When she turned 21; I joined the Alma Society and we finally found her last summer, as it was doing adoptions from 1957. We met and it was an instant bond. It was such a relief to see her well and thriving because I had always feared that something might have happened to her during infancy.
What's really fun is to discover again and again how alike we are. For example, the way we process a day or the food we order in a restaurant... it's amazing how similar we are! Deb and her husband, Rick, moved from California to Glendale, AZ in March and it's just wonderful to have them so close.

What other interests do you enjoy?
I like swimming laps, keeping up my flower garden, playing golf, and traveling.

Willie encourages anyone who would like to try reading or serving as a chalice bearer to contact her through the Parish Office or catch her on a Sunday morning before or after the 10:00 am service.

Sermon - Fr. Keplinger - April 15, 2012

2012-04-17T21:34:47Z

Sermon (5.2Mb MP3)

Download MP3 file (5.2Mb)

Download PDF copy of sermon text (66Kb)

Revised Common Lectionary for Second Sunday in Easter (Year B)

Kate Campbell's "Jesus and Tomatoes" (YouTube)

Volunteer Spotlight: Bill Trujillo, April 15, 2012

2012-04-16T17:46:06Z

How long have you been a member of Grace St. Paul's?
A year and a half.

Which service do you attend regularly?
The 10:00 am Sunday service.

Why do you attend GSP?
My wife and I love that GSP reaches out to the community beyond the immediate parish members. My wife was raised as a Presbyterian and I was raised as a Roman Catholic. We compromised and found an Episcopal church we liked back in Delaware so when we moved to Tucson we looked for another Episcopal church... and found GSP!

What GSP ministries are you involved with?
We volunteer with Bread from the Pantry and with the altar guild.

How long have you been volunteering with Bread from the Pantry?
About a year now.

What does volunteering for Bread from the Pantry involve?
Picking up, sorting, and delivering bread. I pick bread up on Monday and Saturday nights, and help sort it on Monday and Friday mornings. I deliver the bread to one or two places on Mondays and six or eight places on Fridays.

Why do you volunteer?
Because what we do helps the wider community. I volunteer because I want to give something to the community. This church is involved in more than just looking at itself and that's very, very important to me. Who are the people that Christ had dinner with? Prostitutes and tax collectors. (And I used to be a tax collector!) Some of our volunteers come from the homeless community and I think it's marvelous that we work side by side. Volunteering here also helps me meet really interesting people.

Before retiring, what your profession?
I spent 30 + years with the US Customs Service (when it was under the Treasury department). I was involved in the commercial part of customs and was based in San Francisco, Washington, DC, and Portland, OR. I also spent a little over 4 years overseas in Kuwait as a public administrator heading an advisory program to help the country modernize its customs service.

Can you tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know?
I grew up in a Spanish speaking family but don't speak any Spanish. Meanwhile, I speak some Arabic and survived the temperatures in Kuwait. (It would reach 160 Fahrenheit during the day and go down to only 100 at night!)
I was on the town council in Delaware and I worked for the tourist bureau.

What other interests do you enjoy?
My passion in life is photography. I've been a professional photographer and did a lot of weddings, little league games, bar mitzvahs, and bowling teams. That work paid for a lot of my education.
I'm also interested in genealogy and the vast expanse of people who make up the United States.
And last but certainly not least, I'm passionate about my wife! Aside from the fact that I love her, she's an artist and her artistic interests dovetail with my photography.

Adult Spiritual Formation for April & May 2012

2012-04-09T23:36:32Z

Facebook & Other Social Media Connections

Sunday, April 15 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Bloom Education Center

Want to know what Facebook is all about? Are you new and tired of trying to figure it out all by yourself? Join us for this informational and hands-on session on social networking through Facebook. Find out how to use it to increase a sense of belonging and community at Grace St. Paul’s. Those who are already on Facebook are invited to come and share stories and tips. Bring a laptop if you have one. Facilitated by Eric Carr and Kitt Cordero. Eric is a parish communication’s leader; Kitt is a GSP member.

Emerging Church—“Embracing Emergence Christianity”

Sundays, April 15 & 22 9-9:45 a.m., Bloom Education Center

Using the DVD series by Phyllis Tickle, we will discuss how the emerging church may impact your personal faith. As noted on the DVD, which quotes the Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori, “Where do you believe God is leading? Tickle takes us on a pastoral journey, of which we cannot see the end detail, but into which the Spirit continues to invite us. This is an invitation to be disturbed, moved out of comforts and into the new thing God is doing among us. This is the Jesus road, that always leads us out of death to resurrection.” Facilitated by Rick Hanson, a pilgrim searching for different expressions of progressive Christianity and its potential replacement.

Adult Spiritual Formation & Education Planning Meeting (open to all)

Thursday, April 19 7-8:30 p.m., Weeks Room

Come and meet your new co-facilitators of Grace St. Paul’s Adult Spiritual Formation and Education ministries. Have you ever wondered about a special topic in your spiritual life? Alternatively, have you read a book that you think would help others grow in their spirituality? Ever wanted to facilitate a class or small group? If so, come to the Adult Education planning meeting. Topics and class facilitators for the Summer, 2011 Schedules are wanted and needed. The more the merrier! If you need a class proposal form, or have any immediate questions, contact the church office at 520-327-6857.

Film & Fellowship Festival

Fridays, April 20 & May 18 6:30-9 p.m., Bloom Education Center

You are invited to enjoy a film viewing, potluck meal, and discussion. The movie will be selected by the group attendees each prior month, with themes ranging from social justice to romance. The potluck starts at 6:30; the film starts at 7. Following the film, expect a lively discussion on the film as it relates to life’s journey—from the humorous to the serious. Coordinated by Kitt Cordero and Eric Carr, facilitators and/or contributors to the film and fellowship series earlier this year.

Common Security Clubs: Building Supportive Community for Hard Financial Times

Sunday, April 22 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Bloom Education Center

The Common Security Clubs (CSC) provide a context where people can come together to understand the greater economic system that creates local conditions; to break down the stigma, isolation and shame associated with financial distress; and to share support and resources, such as referrals, opportunities for bartering, and rotating credit. Following this introductory class, participants will choose times and dates for the follow-up sessions. Education materials provided by the Institute for Policy Studies Program on Inequality and the Public Good will be provided free of charge. The curious as well as the new and continuing participants are invited to attend. Coordinated by Ana Teresa Ortiz, a GSP member, ordained Interfaith Minister, and member of the Union of Religious Progressives.

Lenten Themes & Practices Developed through Film

Friday, April 27 7-9 p.m., Bloom Education Center

Through film and discussion, we explore pre- and post Lenten themes as a way to enhance your spiritual practice during this time of preparation and waiting. Movies planned are “The Way,” “Grand Canyon,” and “Slumdog Millionaire.” Be sure to check the Sunday bulletin for the current details. Facilitated by Steve Williams, an avid movie watcher on a spiritual journey.

Communication & Etiquette with Persons with Disabilities

Sunday, April 29 9-9:45 a.m., Bloom Education Center

How can you make your relationships with those who are blind, deaf, and/or in wheelchairs easier and more relaxed? Laugh and learn by watching a DVD “Ten Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities.” Led by The Rev. Anne Strong, from the Diocesan program group on disability concerns, and sponsored by GSP’s Community of Hope.

The Grand Inquisitor

Sunday, April 29 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Bloom Education Center

What if Christ returned to earth in the 16th century, was recognized, imprisoned, questioned, and threatened with death by the Grand Inquisitor of the Spanish Inquisition? How might Christ respond to the Inquisitor as he insists that Christ rejected the temptations in the desert to give mankind unwanted freedom and this doomed mankind to suffer? This short play, based on a parable told in “The Brothers Karamazov” poses troubling questions for people of faith about the conflict between human nature and our need for freedom. The GSP Spirit Players will lead the discussion following a reading of the play.

Confronting Moral Dilemmas—A Play Reading Experience

Friday, May 4 6:30-8 p.m., Bloom Education Center

A continuation of the evenings without technology in the tradition of 20th century literary societies when neighbors gathered to read plays aloud. Plays to be read include “The Crucible,” “Lysistrata,” “The Devil’s Disciple” and “To Kill A Mockingbird.” Everyone is invited to attend and participate in “cold” readings of each play. No theatre or public speaking experience is necessary; parts will be randomly assigned to anyone who shows up. Non-readers are welcome as well and can participate as an “audience”. All the plays are appropriate for all ages. Coordinated by Halsy Taylor and Nanalee Raphael. Both enjoy sharing all aspects of theatre with others.

Parish Wellness & Monitoring Update

Sunday, May 6 9 & 11:30 a.m., McBride Hall

Please join the Senior Warden and Fr. Steve Keplinger in an ongoing discussion on key issues affecting Grace St. Paul’s, including our various ministries, how your pledge and plate contributions are spent and other items related to Grace St. Paul’s financial health. Bring your questions and thoughts. Facilitated by Martha Whitaker, Grace St. Paul’s Senior Warden, and members of our Vestry.

Ancient-Future: The Emerging Church Movement

Mondays, May 7 & May 14 7-8:30 p.m., Bloom Education Center

This presentation will follow-up on the previous class on the Emerging Church with a multi-media look at the different voices, values and practices that are part of the “emerging church” movement. We will watch and discuss short video vignettes of selected emerging church leaders and compare these with the values and practices of “progressive Christianity.” Come prepared for some lively conversation! Facilitated by Catherine Penn Williams. Catherine has spent the last year pondering what the emerging church movement has to offer the Episcopal Church. A long-time member of GSP, she is currently a postulant for the priesthood in the Diocese of Arizona.

Sex & the Early Church

Sunday, May 13 9 a.m., Bloom Education Center

Using the book, “The Body and Society: Men, Women, and Sexual Renunciation in Early Christianity,” this class will focus on the practice of permanent sexual renunciation—continence, celibacy, and lifelong virginity—in Christian circles from the first to the fifth centuries A.D. and early Christians’ preoccupations with sexuality and the body in the work of the period’s great writers. As one reviewer for Amazon.com wrote, “An understanding of early Christian spirituality and asceticism illuminates early Christian doctrine and church structure even more.” Although not required reading, this book will be available for purchase at Grace St. Paul’s Rector’s Bookshelf. Facilitated by Beth Miksa, Anthropologist and Grace St. Paul’s Verger.

Are We Safe Enough, Yet? A Social Justice Issue

Sunday, May 13 11:45 a.m.-12:45 a.m., Bloom Education Center

Since the tragic events of 9/11, U.S. citizens have allowed for an unprecedented erosion of their civil rights, including the Patriot Act, the censorship of journalism in war zones, and intense and widespread domestic wiretapping. Muslim-Americans have been under particular scrutiny and suspicion. These assaults against the Constitution and the Bill of Rights have been accepted as necessary steps to protect the country. In this class we remember another time in U.S. history when citizens were forcibly detained into internment camps, supposedly for national security and their own protection. What can we learn from this piece of the past? Michi Yamasaki was involved as a community activist in the successful campaign to achieve monetary compensation for internment camp survivors. Both her parents were internees, in locations ranging from Wyoming to Arkansas. Ana Ortiz is a long-time GSP member and member of the Union of Religious Progressives.

Gospel-Based Discipleship & 'Disciple’s Prayer Book'

Sunday, May 20 9 a.m., Bloom Education Center

In commemoration of the 10-year anniversary of The Disciple’s Prayer Book, a new version will be released at General Convention—and we’ll be able to preview and discuss some of the new version. Although widely used in many parts of the church, The Disciple’s Prayer Book was born out of the need to develop a simple resource following the daily offices so that lay and ordained leaders in the Native community could engage the gospel with persons of all ages. Gospel-Based Discipleship has empowered communities of faith and their wisdom has enriched the church. The book will be available following General Convention, at the Rector’s Bookshelf. The Rev. Debbie Royals is the project manager for the new Disciple’s Prayer Book. Her work in theological education, leading and developing the ministry of all the baptized, and as a leader in Native American ministry is being shared here as we get a first glance into the new release. She is a priest associate at Grace St. Paul’s.

Liturgy—Worship or Dance?

Sundays, May 27 & June 3 9 a.m., Bloom Education Center

What are the interpretations of the Liturgy? According to Wikipedia, “Typically in Christianity, the term "the liturgy" normally refers to a standardized order of events observed during a religious service, be it a sacramental service or a service of public prayer.” What goes in on planning this weekly event at Grace St. Paul’s? What changes would you like to see made to the Grace St. Paul’s Sunday Eucharistic Celebrations? This class will provide a forum for learning and discussion on this important presentation of our faith and beliefs. Facilitated by Beth Miksa, Verger at Grace St. Paul’s, who has a life-long fascination with Liturgy.