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     May 7, 2008

Valor
DEACON ADMINISTRATOR

Dear St. Peter’s Family and Friends,

I’ve been asked to tell a little about the journey that brought Annaka and me to St. Peter’s. You may have heard that we had just arrived in Seattle in June of 2007 from New York City, but for Annaka and I, the West is our home.

Annaka grew up near Spokane and I in Sonoma County, California. We met while going to Westmont College in Santa Barbara. We married in July of 2001 and headed to Philadelphia, where Annaka completed a second Bachelors and her Masters in Nursing at the Univ. of Pennsylvania. I also went to school there, interning at two Episcopal parishes, and completing a Masters of Divinity in 2006 from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.

Afterwards Annaka and I moved to New York City so that I could attend the Episcopal Church’s General Theological Seminary. In May of 2007 I completed a Masters of Sacred Theology in Anglican Studies. 

Family has been a consistent priority in our lives, and so when Annaka was hired in 2007 as a Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Hospital, Seattle, we were thrilled to be returning home where we would be close to family.

As God would have it, St. Peter’s became part of that homecoming. I began at St. Peter’s in February and on May 18th I will be ordained a Priest. These two events are the culmination of a 25 year journey towards answering God’s call to enter the priesthood.

 I think we know we’ve answered God’s call when it feels like coming home. To be at St. Peter’s, part of the Diocese of Olympia, in the West, a priest – this is home to me.

And the best part about coming home is that home is where family is.  Thus, in coming to St Peter’s I’ve discovered not only a


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.


 

This newsletter is published by St. Peter's Episcopal Parish in Seattle, King County, Washington.  You are encouraged to submit articles for The Valor and notices of upcoming events by mailing them to St. Peter's.  Please indicate if you want/don't want us to edit your articles before publication.

 

Please join us every Sunday at 10:00 am as we are renewed and challenged to deepen our faith as the body of Christ at Saint Peter's.

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