new home, but a new family. In the past 3 months
I’ve enjoyed getting to know many of you. If we haven’t yet sat down over a cup
of tea or coffee, please drop me a line or send me an e-mail. Let’s get to know
one another! Now that I’ve told you my story, I’d like to hear yours.
With God’s Love,
- James
The Reverend Deacon
James Thibodeaux
ORDINATION
Invitation is on the
next column.
If you need transportation,
please contact Curtis Ono at (206) 285-2198 or Mel Asato at (206) 409-3482.
SENIOR
WARDEN
Dear
St. Peter’s Family and Friends,
Why
St. Peter’s?
Over the last two years, several
people have asked me who I am and why I started going to church at St.
Peter’s. A lecture series originally brought me over the threshold, but that’s
not why I stayed. The people at our church made me feel as though I were with
family. I felt at home in a way I never have in any place of worship. It
seemed to me I was supposed to be here. I was just as surprised as you were
that I became so enthusiastic about our church. I was welcomed, but not
pressured. I felt included. I love St. Peter’s and I love the people who
attend. I cannot adequately articulate how deeply I have been changed by my
involvement. I am a better person in so many ways. I am grateful to Christ
for allowing me the opportunity to know you. A great peace has come to me
through this experience.
Vision for the Future
Our vision is collective and will be
created by all of us. I remember the all parish meeting. As I listened to
church members talk about the direction they wanted to church to take, I was
moved. Not only were the ideas thoughtful and considered, they were sincere.
I saw an amazing number of people show up to contribute to the dialogue. We
were there for about six hours. So many people cared so much. That’s the day
I realized, St. Peter’s is going to be okay. Yes, there’s a lot of work to
do. There are fewer people in good health to help. Some are simply burned out
from previous efforts. I don’t expect any one person to make our church
successful in its future endeavors. Yet, I am convinced that we will make the
necessary changes. We have worked together harmoniously in the past, and we
can again. God has blessed St. Peter’s for 100 years. I have been honored to
see the last two. I feel certain Christ will lead us where we are supposed to
go. All of us together make St. Peter’s what it is. And speaking for myself,
there’s nowhere I’d rather be.
-
Holly Cannell
RECTORSHIP
STATUS
The Reverend Deacon James Thibodeaux is currently serving as our Deacon
Administrator in anticipation that he will become our Rector after he is
ordained as a priest, and licensed as a priest by the Bishop of the Diocese of
Olympia. While serving as the Deacon Administrator, James performs most of the
duties of a rector, except we rely on Diocesan supply clergy at our services to
pronounce blessings and consecrate the elements at communion.
After what seems to be a slow process, we are delighted James will be
ordained at St. Peter's on May 18 (see ordination invitation in this Valor).
No date has been set for his installation as Rector yet. And we look forward
to working with Bishop Greg Rickel of the Diocese of Olympia in making this
happen.
During our search process, it was clear from our conversations with James
and his references that he possesses a deep spiritual passion to share and
teach the word of God. Also, he has imaginative ideas for growth, outreach and
new programs for St. Peter’s and demonstrated a strong commitment to
congregational ministry and pastoral care.
MORE
ABOUT JAMES
To get to know James more, we asked
him a few questions and received the following answers from James which were
read to the congregation when Bishop Rickel approved his appointment as Deacon
Administrator.
What is your name?
My
name is James Lawrence Thibodeaux. “James” is a family name. I am the third
generation to bear it, but all three of us were given different middle names,
so I am not “the third”.
“Thibodeaux”
is a French-Cajun name common in the Louisiana bayous. My family emigrated from
Louisiana to California four generations ago.
What do you go by? How do you like to be
addressed?
I
introduce myself as “James,” but you will hear family and friends use both
“James” and “Jim.” I answer to either.
As
for titles, I am a transitional deacon. I once tried “Deacon James” out in
conversation. Boy, was that a disaster! Those poor folks couldn’t figure out if
my first name was “James” or “Deacon”, or if my last name was “James” and
“Deacon” was a title, or if “Deacon” was a title and my first name was “James.”
It was mass confusion.
So
let’s keep it simple: “James” will work for now, and when I’m ordained a priest
(likely to happen this spring) I’ll go by “Father James.”
What is your occupation?
Your
future rector, but first I’ll be your “Administrative Deacon” while awaiting
ordination to the priesthood. That means I’ll be doing most everything a rector
does except pronounce blessings and consecrate the elements at communion.
Tell us about your sense of call to the
priesthood.
I
began to discern a call to full-time ministry when I was five. At that time I
thought I would like to become a missionary to a foreign country. In high
school I realized one of the toughest mission fields was in my back yard, right
here in the U.S. At that point I changed my focus towards becoming a pastor.
In
college, I began searching for a deeper expression of my faith and calling,
which I found in Anglicanism. It was at this point I began to discern a call to
the sacramental ministry of the priesthood.
By
sacramental ministry I mean two things: First, as a priest my call is to bring
God’s grace and love to the People of God in the sacraments and proclaim the
Good News revealed in Jesus Christ. Secondly, I am called to join with you and
the whole Church in the ministry of the baptized. We are to be “an outward and
visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace,” God’s sacrament of love, to the
rest of the World.
What is your religious background?
It’s
very mixed. I was baptized in a Baptist church. My father is ordained in the
Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination, but mostly pastored non-denominational
churches. I graduated from a Pentecostal Jr. High, an Evangelical college, and
one Lutheran and one Episcopal seminary. At one point I even considered
becoming Eastern Orthodox.
What made you decide to become an Episcopalian?
It
was the liturgy that first grabbed me. I had never before experienced worship
that was so articulate, beautiful, and deep. Later, I found Anglicanism’s
theological emphases to be inescapably attractive. Specifically, Anglicans see
Christianity as a way of life. We believe faith is something we live out and
not merely an intellectual endeavor. And lastly, I wanted to live in a faith
tradition that remembered its heritage, how the Holy Spirit has been present
with God’s People in the past.
Tell us about your family.
I
have been married to Annaka for 6 wonderful years. We have no children yet, but
plan to start our family sometime in the next 5 years or so. We have a dog
named Mini. She’s a Shiba Inu and my frequent companion in the car and on
walks.
As
for our extended family, Annaka’s is mostly in Spokane and Yakima. Mine is
mostly near Boise, Idaho. Incidentally, our families have been praying for us
and for you since July and are also very excited to meet you.
What do you do for fun?
I like
to run, hike, backpack, cross-country ski, BBQ, play the piano and guitar, read
while hanging out in coffee shops, to research my family history, and to play a
few video games or see a movie now and then.
I
think it would be great fun to do some of these things with you.
Do you like Sushi?
What’s
not to like?! Annaka and I both enjoy Japanese cuisine. We are adventuresome
eaters and love to try new foods and discover new tastes.
Annaka’s
family is Swedish. So the real question is do YOU like salt-herring? ;-)
What attracted you to St. Peter’s?
First
and most importantly, you did.
When
Annaka and I visited we received a very warm welcome and felt immediately
comfortable. As we drove back to our apartment we looked at each other and
agreed it would be easy to call St. Peter’s “home.” Over and over again our
sense of being at home was confirmed as we met and talked with the search
committee and the vestry.
Secondly,
St. Peter’s is poised for growth. I have encountered few family-sized parishes
that are as strong as St. Peter’s in its heritage, organization, resources, and
stewardship. You are well equipped for a very exciting and powerful ministry!
And
finally, I want to be a contagiously passionate disciple of Jesus Christ. I
want to follow Christ with my whole being. And I want to lovingly encourage
others to do the same. That is my baptismal calling. I think St. Peter’s is not
only a place where that kind of discipleship can thrive, but where I can join
others with the same desire.
What kinds of things would you like to see happen
at St. Peter’s in the future? What changes do you want to make?
The
question is not what I want to do, but what WE want to do. What
changes do WE want to make? And I think the answer is, “We’re not sure
yet.” In order to figure that out, our first step should be to get to know one
another.
I
believe ministry is a relational endeavor. Ministry is about participating in
God’s transformation of lives. We can’t do that when we don’t truly know God,
one another, and our neighbors. I think the first step, though, is to spend
time together and to listen.
I WILL
say that whatever happens in the future, whatever changes we make together, my
prayer is that we will always be growing in the knowledge and love of God, of
our neighbors, and of ourselves. And that won’t change.
We are blessed to have James and
Annaka among us, and we look forward to partnering with James, to begin
planning for our second century centered, as always, on inviting all people to
a life of faith through worship, education, service and spiritual
development.
Please join us at St. Peter's and get
to them. We know he will open your hearts and minds to new ideas and your
active involvement in the life of St. Peter’s.
----------------
FOR PASTORAL CARE NEEDS contact The Rev. Deacon
James Thibodeaux. He can be reached at St. Peter's (206) 323-5250, by cell
(206) 383-9236, at home (267) 481-2019 or by email jthibodo@yahoo.com.
CENTENNIEL CELEBRATION
O God, who
created all peoples in your image. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of
fellowship. And show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect
in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. -Thanksgiving for the Diversity of Races and Cultures,
Book of Common Prayer
In the late nineteenth century, early Japanese pioneers
immigrated to the State of Washington to work predominately as laborers in a
variety of settings including farms, saw mills, railroads, and salmon
canneries. Among these immigrants were a few members of the Anglican Communion
baptized in Japan or California. By 1907, several Japanese immigrants were
attending Trinity Church; and in 1908 under the sponsorship of Trinity, two
rented rooms at 9th Avenue South became the Japanese Mission of the Episcopal
Church.
To accommodate a growing membership, in 1912, St. Peter’s Mission moved to Yesler Way. By 1932, despite the Great Depression, a church building was
completed by the faithful at South King Street, near Seattle’s International
District.
Saint Peter’s congregation continued to thrive until the onset
of World War II. Together with others of Japanese ancestry, members of St.
Peter’s were forcibly removed and incarcerated in desolate camps away from the
West Coast for the duration of the war. They found both their faith in God and
their faith in America sorely tested. Yet, despite the oppressive conditions,
pervasive racism, and badly impaired morale, church members and clergy worked
through these challenges as best they could, with some support from
non-Japanese Americans who recognized the injustice perpetrated on those of
Japanese ancestry. The survival of St. Peter’s as a community of faith
throughout these trying times is powerful testimony to the membership’s courage,
resilience, and steadfast belief in God’s grace.
Rebuilding and reclaiming damaged lives was an important mission
for St. Peter’s during the early post-war years. The ethnic church provided comfort and support for members
who had been painfully scarred by their wartime experiences and continuing
societal marginalization. Church programs flourished, serving as a major part
of the social fabric for several generations of parishioners. A new sanctuary
was built adjacent to the original church building by 1962, with the latter converted to a multi-purpose gymnasium.
Stability was personified by a Nikkei priest whose tenure began in the late
1960’s and spanned almost twenty-five
years. During this period of vitality and growth, St. Peter’s was incorporated
as a parish in 1977.
By the 1980’s most parishioners had successfully created new
post-war lives, some Nisei, and even more Sansei—2nd and 3rd generations in
America—found employment in mainstream positions, rather than in the ethnic
economy as was common prior to World War II. Concurrently, St. Peter’s
membership began to decline as the 1st generation immigrant Issei were dying
and younger members began to drift away from the church community.
A need for redefinition and renewal was recognized as St.
Peter’s entered into a search for a new rector in the early 1990’s. A more
diverse and inclusive vision of our church was formulated, culminating in the
selection by the congregation of our first female priest in 1995.
Members of St. Peter’s have continued to
engage in a process of reflection and prayer as a spiritual community. A consensus has emerged
that for this church community to be viable well into the 21st century, it can
no longer be primarily a Japanese American
church, but instead must reach out to diverse groups of people extending
Christian fellowship and welcoming the rich experiences that each may bring. We shall
always cherish and honor our historical
heritage; the contributions and sacrifices made by those who have preceded us have helped us evolve and mature as a
congregation that now seeks to embrace everyone interested in joining us
in fellowship.
As we
prepare to enter our second century, please join us in remembering our humble
beginnings and celebrating our ever-widening circles of fellowship. Two
significant events celebrating our Centennial are:
CENTENNIEL
CELEBRATION DINNER
On June 28, 2008, 4
pm, St. Peter’s will host a celebration program and banquet to acknowledge key
events and people who have been part of their history and a special recognition
of our elder members 80 and over, hor' duerves, bento box dinner, no-host bar,
entertainment. Bishop Rickel & Bishop Rivera both plan to attend. For
additional information, please contact Jan Kumasaka phone (206) 722-5683, or
email jankuma@comcast.net.
HOLY EUCHARIST &
BRUNCH
On June 29, 2008, 10 am, St. Peter’s will have a
Holy Eucharist Commemorative Celebration.
Complimentary brunch in Upper Parish Hall will be served after service.
We hope that you will be part of this centennial celebration of
St. Peter’s past, present and future. For more information about St. Peter’s
and our 100th anniversary celebration, please contact us or visit
our website at www.stpeterseattle.org.
In Christ’s love,
The St. Peter’s
100th Anniversary Committee
CENTENNIAL GARDEN
As part of our 100th
Anniversary celebration in 2008, St Peter’s commissioned Al Kubota of Kubota
Landscaping to create a Centennial Garden as a tribute and living symbol to our
Issei Pioneers, their Nisei children and all future generations. The Garden is
now completed and we invite you all to enjoy this tranquil, meditative
sanctuary space.
Kubota has created an overwhelmingly
beautiful, organic dry-landscape style garden in the below-grade space between
the original Upper Parish built in 1932 and the new church built in 1962. A
triad of Columbia River Basalt Stones forms the central focal point for viewing
from 3 angles - South front entry approach, East looking down from Narthex
windows, and North through hallway windows connecting gym and new church. A
“water bowl” rock highlights other accessory stones, along with river rock and
crushed granite paths. The primary plantings are a “Shishigashira”
(Lion’s head) Japanese Maple – slow-growing upright form to 8’ mature, with
densely layered leaves that are brilliant rose coloration in Spring. Another
Japanese Maple will naturally drape over the wall as it matures. Complementary
shrubs and small plantings have been chosen for minimal upkeep. Kubota’s
creation is designed to capture nature’s changing seasonal moods utilizing a
practical approach.
Complementary shrubs, small plantings and
smooth gravel representing a river complete the garden. An existing Japanese
Maple was moved from the lower section to above the bulkhead. As it matures, it
will naturally drape over the wall.
Not
part of the original work commissioned, Kubota
donated his and his crew's time,
machinery and material to transplant a 50-yr old specimen Japanese Maple
donated by Shea Aoki to the front entry bank, landscaping with adding rocks,
plantings and sculpting the miniature bamboo. Thank you Shea and Al for your generous contributions!!
This new Centennial Garden and entry landscaping project completes the 1970 legacy and vision of Al’s grandfather,
Fujitaro Kubota, connecting the Dry River Bed landscaping along King Street.
Garden viewed from the Narthex window.
Al Kubota
Al Kubota, landscape designer and grandson
of Master Gardener Fujitaro Kubota, created the St. Peter’s Centennial Memorial Garden as a tranquil sanctuary for contemplating nature.
He is well known for his organic and
intuitive approach to landscaping. Although working from a general overall plan, his
creations evolve within his “mind’s eye.” He is always conscious of
capturing nature’s changing seasonal moods, utilizing a practical approach.
To view Kubota’s most recent public creation, visit the
“Japanese American Remembrance Garden” on the Seattle U. campus between St.
Ignatius Chapel and newly renovated School of Theology and Ministry, near Madison Street.
Transplanted Japanese
maple tree, front entrance.
NO
BIG TAKE OUT THIS YEAR
St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 1610 South King
Street, Seattle, WA will not hold the annual Big Take Out fundraiser normally
scheduled in May due to two major events occurring around that time.
James Thibodeaux, currently serving
as Deacon Administrator, will be ordained at St. Peter's on May 18 at 6:30 pm,
and St. Peter's Centennial Celebration will take place on June 28 - 29.
The Big Take Out annual event,
proceeds from which outreach projects to help the needy are funded, will return
next year. We will fund those projects with generous contributions from our
congregation and friends. If you would like to help fund these projects,
please indicate your donation is for Outreach. St. Peter's thanks all who
support us each year, and look forward to seeing you in May 2009.
If you have any questions regarding
future plans, the ordination or the centennial celebration, please contact Mel
Asato at asatom@comcast.net.
HOW THE VALOR WAS BORN
In 1945, the long, costly and devastating war had
finally ended. It left many of us feeling uprooted, unsettled and not in
control of our destiny. In the months following the war’s end many families who
had left the camp to go to places like Chicago, New York, Salt Lake City and
Minneapolis to mention a few, decided to stay there. Everyone was trying to
piece together their shattered lives.
It was in those times that we found a
haven at St. Peter’s. We would meet in the room to the right of the altar
(north of the altar) to discuss current topics of interest. The Nisei
generation was at that marriageable stage so there were a lot of engagements
and weddings in Seattle and even in our church. We would be sitting around
batting different names for the paper and that was when we chose Valor to
headline our newsletter because Valor signified courage and strength and how we
needed both. The war had ended hut racial prejudice had not in places like
employment, recreation areas and especially housing. We did not know what fate
had in store for us behind the billboards of life.
Almost every Friday evening, we would
have a social hour at church where there would he music and dancing. It
provided a much needed respite to us from our daily grind. After the dance, we
would hurriedly clean up the gym and put the chairs back in place for the
Sunday services. The people I remember well from those days were: Joe Shoji,
Liz Shoji Slee, May Sakuma, Fran Matsuoka, Pat Kojima, Sally Koga. Peggie Shoji
and myself. I just want to take this opportunity to let people who did not
have the privilege of knowing Liz Shoji Slee - what a pillar she was at our St
Peter’s. Liz was very hardworking and quietly got her work done without
fanfare. I knew Liz a long time and being a minister’s daughter in those earlier
days was not an easy life, but she was always thoughtful and caring. We all
admired her courage so very much during her final illness. She will be missed
forever.
Those were hectic times, hut we
enjoyed the camaraderie we had working and playing together. The Valor was a
small newsletter in those days, compared to the grand paper put out by hard
working Mel Asato. We all appreciate his efforts a lot. Our hope is that future
generations will he blessed with caring and intelligent minds, and may their
eyes always be focused squarely on the light shining from our sacred cross.
- Rose Fujinari
OUTREACH
May 29 - Kay Abe Homeless Feeding Program
Once again, we will prepare food and
serve the homeless as part of Kay Abe Homeless Feeding Program (The Lord's
Table). A delicious meal will be served to hungry individuals. St. Peter’s
participates in providing homeless meals four times a year with our next meal
serving on Thursday, May 29, 8 pm, at the corner of Columbia and 6th Avenue under the I-5 overpass.
Food will be prepared that afternoon,
and we will meet at church at 7:30 pm to transport food. If you want to
experience this uplifting experience, please join us for this very worthwhile
program. Any questions, contact Mel Asato (206) 409-3482.
SPRING
CLEANUP
St. Peter's thanks the many
enthusiastic and hard-working volunteers who came to church on a cold and inclement
weather day to spruce the church on May 3rd. Some came during the week. Work
included weeding and spreading bark in front of the church, cleaning the sanctuary/altar,
washing the many windows, complete cleaning of the lower parish kitchen, plus
many other jobs.
We are thankful to the following for
their help: Naoko Aoyagi, JoAnn Asato, Mel Asato, Michael Burnap, Fumi
Kaseguma, Paul Kaseguma, Pat Kojima, Janice Matsuoka, Fran Matsuoka, Hero
Matsuoka, Karen Shigaki, Polly Shigaki, Annaka Thibodeaux and James Thibodeaux.
Janice and Fran were in charge of the wonderful lunch served to the hungry
volunteers.
- Paul Kaseguma, Chair
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
- Wednesday Bible Study meet Wednesdays at 10:30 AM in the Conference Room. The Rev.
Deacon James Thibodeaux will lead the session.
- Sing Group Practice the hymns for the coming Sundays at 9:00 AM
Sunday mornings.
- The Long Journey Homecoming Community
Gathering, May 17, 4 – 7 p.m., Blaine Memorial Methodist Church: In conjunction with the UW graduation, the
Seattle area Japanese American community invites you and your family to attend
this potluck dinner to welcome the 1941-42 Nikkei students home. St. Peter’s
has been asked to bring main dishes, and volunteers are needed to help set up,
serve and clean-up. For more information contact Irene Tanabe know, 206 232
5138.
- The Long Journey Home, May 18, 2 -3:30 p.m., UW
Kane Hall 120: The University
of Washington, in recognition of the Japanese American students who were
incarcerated during WWII, invites you to a graduation ceremony to confer
honorary bachelor’s degrees and pay respectful tribute to these students whose
lives and education were wrongfully disrupted. St. Peter’s Jim Muzuki, Paul
Kaseguma, Frank Tanabe, and Martha Kimura’s sister will be among the students
being recognized. If you plan to attend, please RSVP 206 543 0540 or online
at go.washington.edu.
- Ordination of James Thibodeaux to Sacred Orders
of Priests May 18, 6:30 pm at St. Peter's. Light refreshments will be served after the service in the Upper
Parish Hall.
- Kay Abe Homeless Feeding Program May 29, 7:30
pm, St. Peter's. Once again, we
will prepare food and serve the homeless at The Lord's Table.
- Centennial Celebration Dinner June 28, 4 pm,
St. Peter’s.
- Centennial
Celebration Holy Eucharist Commemorative Celebration, June 29, 10 am.
Complimentary brunch in Upper Parish Hall will be served after service.
