DEO on STX # 25

DEO+ on STX #25
GOOD FRIDAY: 2 April 2010

A New Condo rental
We have now occupied a Two Bedroom unit at The Reef Condos; we moved across the fairway into Unit #433; we enjoy the cross breezes and extra space.
We have some wonderful neighbors next door, full timers, Mark & Vicki Baker who actually “introduced” us to the owners who live most of the year in Colorado. It’s been a good change; we pick up the trade winds with cross ventilation since there are windows on three sides and high exit windows for the rising hot air! Much better sleeping and less glare! Still enjoy a dynamic “million dollar view” of the Ocean!

Dry weather but Great Trade Winds
We don’t get much rain in March-April; it’s dry and humid; bright sun; sometimes very still, but most of the time a gentle breeze off the Ocean.

Confirmation Class
Fourteen Saturdays. Fifteen teenagers, One Adult student; One Priest & One Deacon, Three Lay persons as Teaching team; We meet at 8:00am until 9:30 to 10am; Students build a learning notebook of “hand-outs”; we worship together using various Book of Common Prayer services; and we develop a small community of formation for the Bishop’s visit on June 27th.

More Wind Shield “signs & names”:
Never give up; Choose Your Path; IM2OlfoTis; Salt Life; Born Ya; Come Here Ya;
New Come Ya; Mine Yo Business; A Child of the King; CRUZAN Thomin; Here Go;
Watch De Creep Up!; Who Jah Bless, No Man Curse; Rum Runner; Sailor Man;
No Blog; Risen from the Dead; Tree Girl; Sea Shells & Bare Feet; No Gun aboard; Fret Not Thy Self; CLOCK; Bird Feeder; S-L-O-W W-A-T-E-R; Flam Boy Yant; *Harmony*; PR & STX; Small Shoes for Big Mover; BIG BLUE TRUCK; IXAT; Can’t Keep A Good Woman Down; N’v G’ up

Babs is sewing a “memory quilt”The memory quilt is slowly taking shape with designs incorporated from local culture; Babs joined a Quilting Group with women for all over Saint Croix; most are “full-timers,” a few seasonal renters or Condo owners. Word has gotten out that Babs has a sewing machine so occasionally one of the complex women will
Call and need to use the sewing machine! Great way to get to know folks!

Saint Peter’s Church sanctuary
The Church building has been spruced up and repainted; we cleaned and straightened the sanctuary; added a reed table and cleaned up the appearance.
It looks much more inviting and less cluttered!

New Windows & Cross Breeze!
When I arrived the Church was in broken conditions with windows and lighting;
All has been repaired; on each side of the Altar/Sanctuary the window OPEN thereby allowing a cross breeze to keep us cooler or air moving. A tremendous improvement!

Golf Scrambler & Friday evening Social
Each Friday, “a Four Ball” golf tournament occurs; I have “taken up golf” after thirty-five years! I play most every Friday afternoon; we shoot the best ball in the foursome; fun time; relaxing; meet some new folks usually from The Reef.
Afterward we gather around the pool for a bring-your-own dish of “finger food” and BYOB. During lent I usually leave to meet at the Church for 7pm “Stations of the Cross.”

East End Social Club
We have joined the east End Social Club that meets every Saturday late afternoon near 5pm for one hour at the East End Tamarind Beach Hotel Bar;
It’s a fun group and expands our horizon into another social network, mainly of full-timers and long term “snow birds.” No agenda; no meeting minutes; no projects; JUST SOCIAL FELLOWSHIP, “meet and greet.”

Tire Swings from “the Big Tree”Robert Christman (retired fire-chief from Louisville, KY assited me in hanging two tire swings on ropes from the big tree in the Church yard; we also built a picnic table with benches. We us the table for outdoor classes, meetings away from the Church building, and a comfortable site for parents to gather while waiting for their children to finish events at the Church. It’s a fun place to rest and meet each others.

May & June time to visit
We depart Saint Croix in First Week of July! My letter of agreement or contract with Saint Peter’s ends on last day of June; we leave STX probably on July 1st or near by depending of flight arrangements; so, if you desire a visit come see us in May OR June. Last call soon and very soon!

Church Music has improved!
Music has been a challenge at St. Peter’s; the organist for twenty years is not professionally trained, but self taught; he lacks basic musical skills, yet somehow has learned to play most of the familiar hymns; he has just retired as warehouse manager from the local oil company refinery; he now has more time to practice and come to the Church every day for work on the organ and piano. Our music has improved!

Interim Ministry Training for the Diocese
During the three days prior to Diocesan Convention, the Bishop called together Priest and Deacons from the Diocese, both active and retired for an introduction to Interim Ministry. It was a good overall exposure for those interested clergy.
The experience was a good “refresher” for me! Let me know if anyone out there may be interested in exploring the possibility and potential for an assignment in the Diocese of the VI, as Interim Priest-in-Charge for a year and half.

Stations of the Cross during Lent
Each Friday evening we follow the Way of the Cross by using the traditional “Stations of the Cross.” Attendance has been good, ranging from 15 to 30 persons. We gather at 7pm as the Sun has set the temps are cooler and glare less intense. It’s a traditional Lenten worship time of contemplation of the mighty acts of our redemption on “the ole rugged cross.” Fourteen stations to meditate.

Morning swim at Sunrise
Now we live in another condo; we are closer to the pool; it’s a strong climb up
Six flights of outdoor stairs; 167 stairs; amidst desert plants, on hill top is the fabulous pool surrounded by giant palm trees. I rise early near 5:30am;
Make coffee and climb the stairs to the outdoor pool; I swim a few laps in the
Early first light as the Sun rises over the Eastern hills as the stars and moon fade; it’s a morning wake up with air temps about 75 and water temp about 85
Degrees; the cool breezes make the quick dip a refreshing morning ritual/awake.
It’s a great way to begin the day before Morning Prayers on the ocean patio, then Ham Radio Weather Net check-in on Two Meters talking with “other Island” Ham radio Operators. By then it’s near 7am.

Come See us Mon!
La Paz Y Buen Camino!
DEO+