Always There for Seafarers in 250 Ports Worldwide

Piracy, shipwreck, abandonment and separation from loved ones are just a few of the problems merchant seafarers face. Here in the Port of Seattle, The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) provides help and support for many of the 50,000 men and women from seventy or more nations whose efforts secure billions of dollars of products from logs and agricultural goods, to electronics and aircraft parts. Our port is vital to our local economy, providing up to two hundred thousand jobs in this state alone.

St. Peter's volunteering at the Port of Seattle MtS in 2011

For cruise ship employees, often away from their families for up to ten months a year, we provide transportation to the City Center where they can spend their time shopping, get needed medical care and pharmacy services, and a meal away from the ship. Our shuttle service between Pier 91 and Downtown Seattle is a vital link for hundreds of cruise ship employees who have only a few short hours away from the ship.

As a Christian agency, we work in 250 ports worldwide caring for seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs. Through our global network of chaplains, staff and volunteers we offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to seafarers through ship visits, drop-in centers and a range of welfare and emergency support services.

In over 100 ports our Flying Angel centers provide a ‘home away from home’ for seafarers who may have been at sea for up to two years. Here they can enjoy time away from their ship and use internet and phone facilities to get in touch with loved ones after months away.

In an emergency, the MtS is often the only help on offer. No matter what problem a seafarer is facing, be it injury, abandonment, non-payment of wages or personal difficulties, they know they can turn to the local Mission for help, advice and support. Our chaplains and volunteers offer practical and financial support, advocacy services, family liaison or simply a space to talk in a time of crisis.

The Mission to Seafarers was founded in 1856 and is entirely funded by voluntary donations.

Holy Week: Why We Do What We Do

                Holy week is the most important time of the Christian year when we commemorate and re-experience the events that led to our salvation.

                The week begins with Palm Sunday when we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The people thought (rightly) that Jesus had come to save them but they were mistaken about the means: They expected the definitive overthrow of the Roman oppression. But that was not to happen. He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilling prophecies of his humility and the people through down palm branches to cover his way. We will commemorate this by meeting in the gymnasium and blessing palms while we listen to the story of Jesus entry into Jerusalem. After this we will process into the church singing hymns of praise. Then the mood of the liturgy shifts suddenly and becomes somber. This is the only Sunday of the year that we read the story of Jesus death in church. During the rest of the Mass we remain focused on Jesus death on the cross for us.

                On Tuesday the Bishop celebrates the Chrism Mass. We now do this by sharing with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This mass commemorates the “ordination” of the apostles and consequently all of the orders of ministry in the Church (bishops, priests and deacons). At the Mass, the clergy renew their ordination vows. Also at this Mass the Bishop blesses the sweet scented holy oil (Chrism) that is used in the sacrament of baptism. Each parish takes a share of the oil to use during that year. Traditionally, this event was celebrated on the morning of Maundy Thursday, but that is not practical because of the geographical size of the diocese.

                On Wednesday evening we will celebrate a ritual known as Tenebrae; the word literally means darkness in Latin. There will be a series of readings and after each reading one of the candles in the chapel will be snuffed out until we end seated in darkness. Then there is a loud noise like a clap of thunder or an earthquake that commemorates the earthquake that occurred at the time of Jesus’ death on the Cross.

                The next three days form what is called the Triduum or the Great Three Days of Easter. This includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. The three services are really on long service with breaks between the parts. One can tell this because there is no dismissal at the end of these services.

                Thursday is called “Maundy” Thursday because at the Last Supper Christ gave a new commandment (mandatum in Latin): “Love one another as I have loved you.” We will begin with a potluck dinner at 6:00 PM. After that we will celebrate the Mass of the Last Supper. There the Gospel tells the story of how Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. In Jewish hospitality of Jesus’ time a host provided water and towels for his guests to wash their feet. Even a Jewish slave could not be compelled to do this utterly humble service. But this is what Jesus did for his disciples and then he said, “as I have done for you, you must do for each other. At Mass Father James and Deacon Richard will wash each other’s feet. Any one else may participate in the washing of feet if they wish but it is not a requirement. It is enough to watch the reenactment of Jesus’ humility. After this Holy Communion continues but at the end the Blessed Sacrament is removed from the Church and taken to the Hikari Chapel where people spend some time remembering the Agony in the Garden. After this the altar is stripped and washed and every thing is removed from the sanctuary while Psalm 22 is said or sung. Then all depart in silence. The presence light in the church is extinguished.

                On Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ death, we will celebrate two services: At noon we will celebrate the Office for Good Friday from the Book of Common Prayer. This includes scripture readings; the Gospel is the story of the passion of Christ from the Gospel of John. Then solemn intercessions, the veneration of the cross and Holy Communion. After communion all depart in silence. At 7:00 PM we will celebrate the Stations of the Cross in the sanctuary; this will be a family friendly conversational remembrance of Jesus journey to crucifixion.

                The major service of the day on Holy Saturday is the Easter Vigil traditionally celebrated after dark and before dawn on Easter Sunday because it was sometime during the watches of the night that Jesus rose from the dead. This liturgy is a long service that begins with the blessing of new fire and then the blessing of a Paschal Candle. This is followed by nine readings that recall the whole story of salvation history from the Creation through the Flood through the covenant with Abraham, the deliverance at the Red Sea and the prophecies of redemption. The first part of the service is celebrated in darkness. The blessing of water follows with Baptisms. Then the resurrection is proclaimed, the church lights come on, the Alleluia is sung for the first time since Ash Wednesday. Holy Communion follows and the Mass ends with a dismissal by the deacon with a double Alleluia.  We do not celebrate the Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s. Other options would include St. Mark’s Cathedral (1245 Tenth Avenue East) at 8:30 PM, St. Clement’s (1501 32nd Avenue South) at 9 PM or Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church (7500 Greenwood Ave N) at 6:30 PM

            Easter Sunday services here at St. Peters begins at 10:00 AM as usual and will include the renewal of baptismal vows.

Support for Volunteer Caregivers

Are you a volunteer caregiver living in King County?


King County Caregiver Support Network provides free consultations, advice, and coaching to help the caregiver maintain their own well-being. Network providers can also order respite care-services that provide caregivers with time away from the responsibilities of ongoing care-on a sliding-fee scale. Go to www.kccaregiver.org for more information. 

Apps for Anglicans and eEpiscopalians

Here are some great apps for your tablet or smartphone. And most are free!

DAILY OFFICE (aka Morning/Evening Prayer, Breviary, Divine Office, etc.)

Mission St. Clare - Daily Office, morning and evening prayer including Scriptures, prayers, creeds, and hymns in English and Spanish according to the (1979) Book of Common Prayer. Android / iPhone 

Glenstal Abbey - Daily Prayers, chant, quotes from the Rule of St. Benedict, and news/info from the Glenstal Abbey. Android / iPhone



DEVOTIONALS

A Year with the Church Fathers - Scripture, readings from great saints of the past (like Irenaus, Augustine, and Gregory), prayers and reflections. Android / iPhone

C.S. Lewis Quotes - Pithy phrases to ponder from one of the 20th century's greatest apologists (and an Anglican, too!), Lewis is known for many books, especially The Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters, and Mere Christianity. Android / iPhone ($.99 for iPhone)

The Imitation of Christ - One of the most well read Christian books ever, this book contains plenty of inspirational directions and guidance about the spiritual life and our relationship with God in Christ.
Android  ($.99)  / iPhone

Handy Info on Burglary Prevention (Via Seattle PD)

[Text from Seattle Police Email Community Newsletter, January 24, 2012]

Dear Community Friends,

Residential burglaries are a problem. While statistically, the burglary rates haven’t varied that much from year to year city-wide, some neighborhoods have been impacted more than others. And when it comes right down to it, it doesn’t matter what the stats say when the burglary has happened to you or your neighbor. We want to pass on some trends we’re noting regarding residential burglary and some prevention and response measures you can take.

The Trends

Burglars Are Concerned About Who Can See Them
First, when burglars come in to an area and are looking for that home to break in to, they look to see if anyone notices them. So if you see someone in the neighborhood looking around at who may be looking at them, take note and watch what they do. Slowly walking down the street is not illegal; slowly walking down the street looking around at who may be looking at them is suspicious.

Burglars Tend To Select Homes That Appear Unoccupied
If they see that there are no cars parked out front, or if all the homes on the block have their curtains open except for one, or that all the trash cans are back from the curb on collection day except for one, these are indicators that that particular home may be unoccupied at that moment.

Burglars Select Homes That Appear Easy To Break Into
Is someone home? How exposed is the home? How easily can I be seen by neighbors? Does it look like there are ways in without being seen?

Burglars Often Work In Groups
Often there will be two, three, or even more burglars who break in to a house. Often one of the group will knock on the door or ring the bell to see if anyone is home, while the rest of the group hangs back. If someone does answer the door, the person gives some explanation why s/he is there (“Do you have a gas can?” “Oh, I thought this was Jimmy’s place”, “Have you seen my dog?”). Knowing that someone is home, the group leaves; they do not try to make entry in to that home. Conversely, if after knocking or ringing the bell, they get no answer, the group will look for a way in, often going to an area of the home not as visible to the neighbors. They will kick in a door, throw a rock through a window or a sliding glass door, or often just lift open an unlocked window, using a recycle bin to boost themselves up to reach the window. We have responded to many attempted burglary events where the homeowner was present but did not respond to the door when someone was knocking, only to find a moment later someone trying to break in, or seeing someone skulking outside the home. Once the would-be burglars realized someone was home, they fled.

Young Women Increasingly Involved In Burglaries
We’re seeing a trend of young women increasingly being involved in burglaries. It may be a young lady who goes to the door to see if anyone is home while the others hang back. Just this past week while finishing up a home security assessment with a neighbor, she and I saw a young lady on the porch of the house next door, and a vehicle with other people that started to slowly drive away once they noticed us. Knowing the young woman didn’t live at that address, the neighbors asked “Can we help you?” The young woman asked if we had a gas can and began to walk off the porch. When we replied no, she walked away; when she was asked where her car was if she needed gas, she pointed the opposite direction of where she was walking. The young woman eventually ran to catch up to the car with the other people in it and they fled the area. The neighbor called 911 to give a description of the suspicious circumstances, the girl and the car. Responding officers informed the neighbor that her being present deterred a burglary.

Home Safes
Increasingly, small home safes, like fire safes which can be easily carried by one person, have been stolen in burglaries. By having a home safe, you are saying to the bad guys, “Look no further; all my important stuff is right here.” If you have or are considering a home safe, consider one that is substantial in weight (couple hundred pounds) or bolted down, not one that can be carried away with little effort by one person.

Things You Can Do

Know Your Neighbors
When you know who lives in your neighborhood, you have a better sense of when a stranger is on your block. The reason the neighbor (mentioned above) knew that young lady didn’t live at that house is because the neighbors knew each other. It doesn’t mean you have to be best friends with everyone on your block; but have a sense of who lives there, what cars they drive, what school age children live on the block, and so on.

Take A Look Around
When you are out and about in your neighborhood or elsewhere, take a moment to look and note what and who is around. As you walk out your door, or as you are coming back, take a moment to scan your surroundings.

The Power Of Hello
When you see your neighbors, wave and say “Hi.” Acknowledge each other. When you see people you don’t know on your block, wave and say “Hi.” Acknowledge them, too. Send the message that you are engaged in your neighborhood and that you are attentive to what is going on and who is around. People who want to break into homes don’t want to be noticed. If they are noticed, they can be identified.

Answer The Door; Doesn’t Mean Open The Door
If you are home and someone comes to your door, answer the door. Let them know someone is home. That does not mean open the door. Talk to the person through the door. Let them know someone is home. Ask who is it and what they want. Tell them you’re not interested. Do not disclose personal information and use “We” messages instead of “I” message (“We” are not interested. “We” can’t come to the door right now.” Leave the info on the porch and “we” will get it later. Now is not a good time for “us.”) Don’t worry about being rude; it is about your safety and the security of your home, not their feelings. Only open the door for those you know. Be able to identify who is on the other side of the door before you open it by looking through a peephole, a window or otherwise.
You may not even need to be verbal; we’ve seen reports where once the person knocking at the door realized that someone was home (the person inside “knocked” back), the person outside ran to a waiting car and they left the area.

Call 911
If you see a person, vehicle or activity that is suspicious, do not hesitate to call 911. The more you know your neighbors, the more you know what is normal for your block, them better able you are to recognize those things and activities that seem out of place. You are not wasting the police officer’s time or tying up the 911 system by calling in suspicious activity; that is what the system is for. Please us it. It’s how officers know what and who to look for and what activity is happening. You don’t tell us, we don’t know; you don’t call us, we don’t show.


Take Steps To Improve Your Home Security
Start by closing and locking all doors and windows when you are away from home, even for short periods of time. Prune back shrubbery to reduce any hiding spots that might make it possible for a burglar to try to gain entry through a door or window without being seen. Ensure you have dead bolt locks on all exterior doors and 3”-4” long screws in the stick plates of your locks. The longer screws make it more difficult to force open a properly locked door when the deadbolt is engaged. Use dowels or Charlie bars for sliding glass windows or doors. Secure tools and ladders so they can’t be used to gain entry to your home or the home of a neighbor.

My Crime Prevention colleagues and I provide free home and business security assessments. If you are interested in having us evaluate your home or business security and make recommendations for improvement, please contact us. If you do not have a block watch, we are available to help you get one going. If you have an existing block watch but haven’t gotten together for a while, we can be of service in that area as well.

Thank you for all you do for your neighborhoods. Until next time, Take Care and Stay Safe!
Contact Mark Solomon, Crime Prevention Coordinator at the Seattle Police Department [email and phone removed for web posting]

What is "Prayerbook Catholicism"?

WORSHIP and LITURGY at ST. PETER'S

The word “liturgy” comes from the Greek liturgia, meaning “work of the people.” The word “worship” comes from the English “worth-ship”, meaning “renown” or “honor”. Thus, when we talk about “going to worship” or “celebrating the liturgy” we mean that the work of the people is to go honor God, to celebrate God’s renown, what God is doing and has done for us. And it is in that context, in the service of the Divine, that we ourselves discover our own worth.

As we’ve spent time worshiping together over the past year you may have noticed changes and development in our Sunday liturgies and other services. In 2009 we’ve experimented with “emergent” style contemporary worship on Wednesdays, we’ve occasionally added the Sanctus Bell to the Eucharist, we now regularly chant the entrance at memorial services, and the use of salt has been added to the Baptismal rite. And these are just a few of our liturgical changes. As a result I have noticed a number of people wondering or questioning where we are going and what lies ahead.

The answer can be boiled down to a label that was suggested to me by a wise friend. What we have been and are developing here at St. Peter’s is a “prayerbook catholicism.” For any of you who, like me, have a Protestant side, this phrase may raise your hackles, but give me a moment to explain.

The word ‘prayerbook’ refers to the Book of Common Prayer, affectionately abbreviated ‘BCP’. The BCP is born out of a desire for the diverse multitudes to worship in unity while maintaining continuity with the previous revelations of God’s Spirit over the centuries. The BCP is both Protestant and Catholic, liberal and conservative, traditional and progressive, new and old.

The word ‘catholic’ literally means ‘universal’, inferring that it covers both geography and time. When we say we believe in the ‘One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church,’ we mean the Body of Christ across the whole Earth and throughout all Heaven. ‘Catholic’ means the believers of the past, present, and future wherever and whenever they are. 

Therefore, as ‘prayerbook catholics’ what we are pursuing in our worship is the following:

·           The People of God giving renown and honor to God in accordance with the pattern, prescriptions, and spirit of the current and past Anglican/Episcopal prayerbooks. (including Jewish practices, Celtic rites, the Sarum Rite, and the 1549, 1552, 1662, … 1928, and 1979 prayerbooks and supplemental materials.) 

·           Full and complete use of signs and symbols (candles, vestments, gestures, chant, etc.) so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be conveyed and experienced by all spiritual and bodily senses.

·           Adapting and preserving our ancient and living Faith in Christ to the language and practices of the present, that it may passed on to future generations as a living Faith full of Holy Tradition, and not a dead faith of obsolete customs. 

In the future we will be considering how we can conform more and be enlivened by the Anglican spiritual tradition as outlined in the Book of Common Prayer. This may include celebrating more of the Church’s calendar (saints’ days, lesser feasts, and fasts), promoting morning and evening prayer in our daily lives, and other liturgies such as the blessing of homes, confession, confirmation, and vigils. 

Thank you to the many who make our worship possible: to those who have put together so many Sunday bulletins; to those who organized many of our lectors and acolytes; to our Deacon who crafts the Prayers of the People; to our Music Director who selects our music; to our Acolyte Masters; to the Altar Guild members, Lectors, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Acolytes, Ushers, and all volunteers and worshipers – thank you! The liturgia, the work of the people, cannot be done without you.

Soli Deo Gloria, (To God alone be the glory)

Fr. James+  

- from St. Peter's 2009 Annual Report

Food of a Different Sort: Feeding the Homeless Makes a Difference

     As you may know, every time a month has a fifth Thursday St. Peter's participates in "The Lord's Table." Spearheaded by Kay Abe, The Lord's Table offers a free dinner to any in need, 5 nights a week, served on folding tables under the I-5 overpass near James Street. Recently, Kay passed on a copy of a letter letting us know how valuable this ministry is. It reads...


"Dear Kay,

    Just a quick note to say hello and thank you for the beautiful Easter card. Life is going very well for me. I have been clean off all drugs for 3 years as of March 7th! School is going very well for me. My first quarter my grade point average was 3.76! I was so happy.

     I was thinking of when I read your Easter card, that if anyone ever wonders if the work you and the people of the Lord's Table makes a difference please show them my letter or have them call me. You and your crew make a difference that has changed my life. I will never forget your love & kindness shown to me.

Thank you.

Love and blessings to you,
Daniel "  

It is not only the body we feed in this ministry, but by God's grace, we feed the lives and souls of others with the love of God that we bring to the Lord's Table.