Statement from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on the death of Pope Francis

My heart is heavy at the death of our brother in Christ, Pope Francis. Throughout his life and ministry, he has been a witness for the Gospel and a champion for the poor and marginalized. Especially in this season, I give thanks for his powerful advocacy on behalf of migrants and refugees. Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American pope, understood these siblings in Christ are never at the edges, fearful and alone. As he once wrote, “In the faces of the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the sick, strangers and prisoners, we are called to see the face of Christ who pleads with us to help.” 
 
In 12 years as the Roman Catholic pontiff, Pope Francis transformed our theology of the environment and recognized the need for LGBTQ+ people to feel heard, seen, and included in their church. We are likewise grateful for his emphasis on reconciliation and ecumenical dialogue, in which our church has participated through the Anglican-Roman Catholic Theological Consultation in the United States of America. 
 
I thank God for the life of Pope Francis, and ask you to pray for him, for all who loved him, and for our Roman Catholic siblings in Christ. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Two-part class on the structures and processes of our democratic institutions

To be effective in advocating values and priorities in public policy making processes, it is important to understand how our governmental systems are structured and operate.

To assist with this this, our Sunday class period at St. Benedict (9:15 to ____) during the first two Sundays in May will feature a two-part class on the structures and processes of our democratic institutions.  They will be presented by our parishioner Karen Fraser.  She is a retired State Senator who held several major policy and budget leadership positions during her 24 years as a Washington State Senator.  She is a former Adjunct Faculty in the Master of Public Administration Program at The Evergreen State College and is a current Trustee at the College.  She formerly served as Lacey Mayor and Thurston County Commissioner.

The schedule:

 Sunday, May 2.  An overview of authority relationships between federal, tribal, state, and local governments and international treaties.

Sunday, May 11.  An overview of the "nuts and bolts" of the Washington State legislative process.

Come Join Us – Where Eggs are Free. April 19-20

Holy Week

The price of eggs may have risen, but the Lord’s grace is abundant and free.

I hope that you and your family and friends, and all who hunger for the Good News of God’s love, will join us this Easter weekend.

The Great Easter Vigil will begin at 8 pm Saturday night with two services on Sunday morning: a contemplative celebration at 8 am and the great alleluia with the choir and an Easter Egg hunt at 10:30 am.

St. Benedict’s Weekly Prayers: Week of April 20, 2025

Easter Sunday

The Collect:

O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. 
Amen.

The Reverend Dr. Beth Echols

References below names "LFF" are celebrations from "Lesser Feasts and Fasts", 2021.  Holy Days are from the Book of Common Prayer Holy Day celebrations.  You can find "Lesser Feasts and Fasts" online at https://extranet.generalconvention.org/staff/files/download/21034

Daily Prayers for those in need or trouble:

Prayers for the Parish
Kathleen, Mary, David, Isabel, Gary Carolyn, Judy, Patricia, Matthew, Chris, Pam, Ray, Kay, Pat, Andy, John, Elisabeth, Kathy, Rebekah, Becky, Bob and Karina

For Repose of the Soul:  Robert

Prayers for friends of St. Benedict
Nancy Jo, Adam, Tina, Amanda and Sharon
__________________________________________
In the case of a pastoral care emergency please call the Rector directly
360-485-7281

Monday - April 21- For Parish Members

Tim and Caroline
Patty
Joanna

(LFF:  Monday in Easter Week)

Tuesday - April 22 - For Parish Members

Jill
Anne, David and Lisa
Karen

(LFF:  Tuesday in Easter Week)

Wednesday - April 23- For Parish Members

Robert and Diana
Christine
Rebecca

(LFF: Wednesday in Easter Week)

Thursday - April 24- For Parish Members

Vicky
Steve and Candace
Dennis

(LFF:  Thursday in Easter Week)

Friday - April 25 - For Parish Members

Jim and Kathy
Ralph
Christine and Mike

(LFF:  Friday in Easter Week)

Saturday - April 26 - 

A PRAYER FOR PEACE AND FORGIVENESS
Loving God of all the earth, we pray for those who perpetrate injustices in the Holy Land, regardless of their
motives; we pray that you will change their hearts and fill them with the spirit of mercy. Teach us all the pathways
of peace and forgiveness. Spirit of comfort whose glory covers the face of our earth, comfort the oppressed, give
shelter to those who have lost their homes, and let your peace dwell in every heart. With thankful hearts we pray
in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 
Amen
Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

Almighty and Everliving God, you bring forth and sustain every living thing; help us grow in compassion and care for the multitude of your creatures, that we may see them not as objects for our use, but as brothers and sisters that sing your never-ending praise. Through Jesus Christ, our Shepherd and guide, who with you and the Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever.  
Amen
Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis, IN

Reverend Dr Beth Echols,

(LFF:  Saturday in Easter Week)

Sunday - April 27, 2025
Second Sunday of Easter

Worship Services - 8 & 10:30 am

For the members of our parish family that
passed away  this year:

Ildiko Baldwin
Reverend Robert Williams
Reverend Eldwin Lovelady
Robert Wilson

Give to the departed eternal rest;
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

A Prayer for this Parish

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for the St. Benedict parish family.  Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent.  Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 ~Amen.

Send Prayer requests to the parish office via email at sbechurch@gmail.com or phone 360.456.2240

PLEDGE ELECTRONICALLY

A Prayer for this Parish

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for St. Benedict's parish family.  Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent.  Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
      Amen.

Parish Leaders

The Rev. Dr. Beth Echols, Rector
The Rev. Tony Irving, Deacon
Mr. Bob Zych, Senior Warden
Ms. Kelly Ellis, Junior Warden
Vestry members
Jan Akin, Bob Beckman, Karen Fraser,
Norman Gregory, Nancy Zabel, Gerry Apple, clerk

Thank you for your Easter flower donation!

—Nancy Zabel, Sacristan

Thank you to all our Easter flowers donors. Easter flowers add beauty and symbolism to the holiday, representing new beginnings, hope, faith, and the resurrection of Jesus. Buying plants instead of cut flowers adds sustainability to our planet. Our hope is you will take home a plant the 2nd Sunday in Easter and plant it in your yard.  Thanks to your generosity, we have extra money to add a few plants to our newly refurbished garden and benches in our entry.

Letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on bombing of al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza

Dear People of God in The Episcopal Church:
 
Early this Palm Sunday morning, we received confirmation that al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, was hit last night by Israeli missiles. The diocese and many media outlets report that the emergency department, the pharmacy, the chapel, and other essential facilities have been severely damaged, and patients are without shelter or medical care. Read more about the attack from the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
 
No matter how we understand the causes of violence in the Holy Land, we can surely agree that we must support our fellow Anglicans in alleviating the devastating humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Gaza.
 
As we begin our Holy Week journey, I ask you to: 

• Pray for the staff of al-Ahli Hospital, giving thanks for their courage and sacrifice, and for its patients, who are in pain and danger without lifesaving care. The American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem offer this prayer and litany that I commend to you. 

• Join me in giving generously to the Good Friday Offering, which supports the ministries of the Diocese of Jerusalem, including al-Ahli Hospital. For more than a century, Episcopalians have supported ministry in the land of Jesus with an offering on Good Friday; and especially now, the need is greater than ever. 

• Write to your members of Congress, asking them to support a permanent ceasefire; a just, sustained peace in the Holy Land; and humanitarian aid for those suffering in Gaza. Find information about The Episcopal Church’s response to the crisis and resources from the Office of Government Relations on our website.

During these sacred days, as you encounter the suffering and sacrifice of our Redeemer and come again to the joy of the Resurrection, please pray for all of the people of the land where Jesus lived, died, and rose again. May God grant them a future free of violence and suffering.
 
Faithfully,

The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe
Presiding Bishop
The Episcopal Church

Tellers Count, Can You?

Martha Liska, Head Teller

We would like to add one or two new folks to the tellering ministry.  Tellers count, tally and deposit the church's incoming funds.  The tellers work in teams of two and do their work following the 10:30AM Sunday service.  The tellering task takes about 90 minutes and each teller is scheduled to work about 14 times a year.  Training will be provided.  We say, "tellers count," so can we count on you?  Contact, Martha Liska, head teller with questions or to volunteer for this vital church ministry.  Best way to reach Marthe is in person or via email:   mlisk@comcast.net

Is it Time for a new SBEC Sign?

—Norman Gregory, Building Steward

When we first moved to Lacey and came looking for St. Benedict, we looked down Bowker Street for a familiar shield on a sign that announced to everyone that a strong Episcopal church was ready to welcome our family. But we did not see anything except a row of flowering trees, and we were confused.  We drove down the street further and eventually saw a small sign among the trees and realized that we had arrived. 
We have talked several times about that first impression and wondered how many other people seeking to come to St. Benedict simply missed our church and drove on and so the idea of a different sign was born.  We looked at traditional Episcopal Churches with tall steeples and walls of stone in our travels and wondered how we could bring that feeling of permanence to our modern-looking building.   
At the Vestry’s request these concepts were taken to sign shops in the area and the first rendering has come in. Now the Vestry would like to hear from the congregation how the design feels to them. Would a new sign with this or a similar design do a better job of helping people looking for a church home to find their way to our door? Please consider conveying your thoughts to a Vestry Member. 

Book Club Update: March 19

The Wednesday Morning Book Group is starting a new book:  The Wisdom Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind—a New Perspective on Christ and His Message by Cynthia Bourgeault.  
We expect to start discussing The Wisdom Jesus at our 11:00 am Zoom meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
 
If you’re new to the group and wish to join us, please send me an email, and I’ll send you a link to the meeting.  Send the email to Anne Metzler at annieg426@gmail.com.

Thurston County Hunger Walk: May 4 @ 3:00 p.m.

Save the Date! We would like to invite our community to join the annual hunger-relief fundraiser—Thurston County Hunger Walk—on May 4! This walk and celebration supports both the Thurston County Food Bank and The Community Kitchen!
 
●  Sunday, May 4, 2025 @ 3 PM
●  Huntamer Park 618 Woodland Square Look SE, Lacey WA
●  Live music and camaraderie! Outdoors!
●  Leashed dogs are allowed!
●  Many ways to participate!
 
GIVE what you can. WALK if you want.

Join the St. Benedict Episcopal Church Team – Donate or walk with us!

St. Benedict Outreach: Faith in Action

Last month, Vestry approved a motion to take a 3-month hiatus on Social Justice donations to redevelop the outreach program. Subsequently, a subcommittee drafted a “Faith in Action Ministry Policy” which was proposed to Vestry on March 27th.  

The policy's purpose is to ensure that funds granted to organizations by SBEC are in line with our mission, while controlling the best use of available funds. This policy will serve to guide Vestry in the outreach decision-making process. Vestry will deliberate over the draft and anticipate accepting and approving a final policy next month. During the time a SBEC policy is being crafted, Vestry may approve specific donations.  

Our commitment to outreach remains unwavering. Feel free to reach out to a Vestry Member with your questions. Also, anticipate a forthcoming SBEC survey on the topic to further shape the outreach ministry. 

Rest in Peace: The Rev. Ed Lovelady

The Reverend Edwin (Ed) Lovelady, retired from the Air Force after 22 years of active-duty service and attended Seminary at the School of theology of the University of the South, Sewanee, TN. graduating and ordained Deacon and Priest in 1993. 
 
The Rev. Lovelady served as Curate of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Jamestown, NY (1993-1998); Rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Westfield, NY (1998-2004) and Rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Las Vegas, NV (2004-09). 
 
In his retirement the Rev. Lovelady served in the Diocese of Olympia (WA) as Interim Rector of St. Luke-San Lucas, Vancouver, WA (2010-2011) Associate priest of St. Mary’s, Lakewood, WA (2012-2016), and Interim Vicar and Rector of St. Benedict’s, Lacey, WA (2016-2020), Assisting Priest at St. Mary’s, Lakewood, WA (2021 – 2022 ) and Sunday supply in several congregations in the diocese of Olympia.  He entered full retirement in Oct 2020.
The Rev. Edwin Lovelady was married to the love of his life Debbie for 48 years until her death January 29, 2021.  His wife is inurned in the columbarium at Ascension Pueblo CO.  His grief at his wife's death was profound. 
 
The Rev. Lovelady did significant mission work in the Philippines and had a great fondness for the people there.  He was actively posting on Facebook as late as Jan. 29.  
 
Join us in giving thanks for the life of this faithful and gracious servant; and commending his soul to God.

Rest in Peace: The Rev. Robert L. Williams

The Reverend Robert L. Williams, a beloved servant of God, devoted family man, passionate traveler, and accomplished musician, passed away on March 5, 2025, at Providence Saint Peter’s Hospital in Olympia, Washington. Born on June 30, 1936, in Findlay, Ohio, Reverend Williams proudly served in the United States Army, playing the French horn in the military band.
During his service, he met and married the love of his life, Daphne B. Grint, in Lowestoft, England, with whom he shared a remarkable 68-year marriage. Together, they raised five cherished children while traveling through Europe, the United States, and Canada. Reverend Williams is survived and will be missed by his devoted children—Karen, Michelle (Marion), Andrew (Julie), Patrick (Susan), and Celia—as well as fourteen treasured grandchildren and eleven beloved great-grandchildren.
Following a distinguished 22-year career in the United States Army, Reverend Williams was ordained and dedicated himself to serving the Lord for forty-eight years in Washington and California. He found profound purpose in ministering to the needy, including prison inmates, shut-ins, and hospital patients.
In addition to his loving wife Daphne, Reverend Williams will be deeply missed by his grandchildren—Jason (Nicole), Devon (Connor), Rachel (Jeff), Orin, Nathan, Joshua (Aubrie), Kaitlyn (Kyle), Korey, Claire (Daniel), and Shane—as well as his eleven great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and compassion and will be deeply missed by all who know him, including his brother- and sister-in-law, John and Barbara Grint, of Lowestoft, England.
His family would like to thank the staff of Providence Saint Peter’s Hospital, Olympia, Washington for their kindness, compassion, and dedication to service. They also wish to thank Bishop LaBelle and Pastor Echols, both of the Episcopal Church, The Diocese of Olympia and Bishop Tom Nelson, Olympia 1st Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Instead of flowers please consider making a donation to Cure Alzheimer’s or Alzheimer’s Association. Our family is deeply grateful for your generosity.

Burial Office and Commendation will be held at St. Benedict Episcopal Church, March 26, 2025 at 11:00 am, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

Committal and Internment will be at Woodlawn Funeral Home Cemetary at 2:00 pm.

Notes From the Sacristy: Communion Wine

by Nancy Zabel, Sacriston

This Californian vineyard has a long tradition of making the finest sacramental wines on the market. All wines are prepared in accordance with Canon Law. Vineyards have ecclesiastical praises by the Bishops in their respective dioceses. The Eucharistic wine is traditionally red to symbolize the blood of Christ, which was shed for the forgiveness of sins. The use of red wine helps to visually, and symbolically represent the blood of the new Covenant, as mentioned in the words during the Eucharist. 

Adult Education Update: Giving Up Church for Lent

—Rev. Dr. Beth Echols

Church, do we really need it?  The numbers in America are staggering
Key Statistics:

• 20% of Americans attend church every week (Gallup)

• 41% of Americans are in monthly church attendance or more (Gallup)

• 57% of Americans are seldom or never in religious service attendance (Gallup)

• Regular church attendance has steadily declined since the turn of the century (Gallup and Pew Research Center)

Some of our most brilliant thinkers even prophesied with glee the death of religion and in particular, Christianity,
“And I said, isn't it great that religion is just fading as a force in American life? We'll all be more enlightened and more tolerant and less bigoted and ignorant as a result.” (Jon Rauch)
It turns out that the Lord is not finished yet and many pundits are singing a different tune that is more lament than delight.
We will explore the ever present and always evolving face of religion in America during Adult Education.
I hope that you will join us.