Folks,
The lessons this week include terrific lessons from Isaiah (asking in allegory who will be sent to deliver God's message and John's gospel wherein we hear those wonderful words of God's love for us all. But it is Paul's letter to the church in Rome that really strikes me this day. Perhaps some of you have heard some of the churches and preachers referring to "our brother Jesus", and Paul makes clear that this was indeed God's intention as he explains our familial relationship to God thru Jesus, so close as to be considered "joint heirs". Note also that all humankind as mutual beneficiaries of God's love need to see that, much as at any family estate settlement, we need to cooperate in that spirit of love - which will result in greater benefit to all. As inheritors of God's love, it seems natural to want to go out and deliver the message of God's love. For this reason, Trinity Sunday as it is called (and note the use of "us" in Isaiah as God's self-reference) is the beginning of the long green "Pentecost" season when we celebrate the family that God is calling to gather across the world and in all tongues, as on Pentecost. We once had occasion to help a friend who had difficulty communicating with his father. He knew of his father's love and vice versa, and we happened to be in the right place at the right time to tell each of the other's love, resulting in great joy for both. In the same way, it is the mission for all of us to communicate this love to the world today, and in so doing, we will help bring the whole family of God together! Our familial love to all, in God's love, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matts! Events As is our usual custom, St Matthews Church in San Ardo will gather this Sunday at 10am for worship and fellowship. We hope you will join us at the chapel at the corner of Railroad St and Jolon Rd! My partner Tony(!) will lead the service, while over at fellow mission St Lukes in Jolon our friend Susan Raycraft (SuRay!) will lead their service, also at 10am. Note also that the "opening" of the churches continues as more services are being held in person. We were cheered to hear that St Lukes Church in Atascadero will be meeting in person, and doubly glad to hear that they will also make the service available on the Zoom service. For these and most of the other events at local parishes be sure to go to the San Luis Obispo Deanery webpage at www.sloepiscopalians.org and its calendar as well as links there to the parish websites for full details. And if you are travelling (as you probably have heard, travel has resumed in a big way) check out parish websites near your destinations - God's family is large and diverse, but welcoming. Some of the most "special" events that I note have been occurring in the post from our friends at Good Shepherd Church in Corral de Tierra Salinas include workday projects such as mowing their pasture to keep the fire danger low (we know about that here at the ranch!), preparing donated plants for a future plant sale and cleaning the kitchens which have prepared many meals (they counted 1700!) for homeless even during the pandemic, even as they now have begun welcoming worshippers for in person events. Such "mundane" events seem delightful after a year when we could not easily gather in person. Grace Cathedral in San Francisco tells us that while meeting in person for worship at several events on Sundays (due to limiting capacity for health and safety register in advance), they are meeting via Zoom on Thursday mornings to study the scriptures for the following Sunday. This prior study program has been and is occurring at many of the parishes in our Deanery and we are glad to hear of it at our city sibling parishes. For full info go to www.gracecathedral.org As you all know, Tony(!) and I are keen on the ministry of EarthCare / CreationCare, and have joined with the folks leading this effort at St Benedicts Church in Los Osos, who have put together a five session Beginners Guide. Note that while it is a "work in progress" and will be refined and offered to other parishes and groups for their use, the Guide materials can be seen at https://www.stbenslososos.org/a-beginners-guide-to-creation-care-and-the-climate-crisis/ et al. Note that while the study Guide is a great start, with many links to further sources of information, greater value will emerge from joint study with groups discussing the matter. The EarthCare / CreationCare group meets monthly on the 3rd Wed of each month. Contact Don Maruska at <don@donmaruska.com> for full info. We wanted to mention one other special event that occurred last Sunday (Pentecost) with Tony(!) and me joining in to an Interfaith GLBTQ Pride worship service. Thanks to the folks at the GALA / Pride Center in SLO. Brotherhood of St Andrew, Nationwide Our friend Eric Fisher tells us that The Brotherhood of St. Andrew National Office invites you to their monthly webinar via Zoom on Wednesday, June 2 at 5:00 PM (8:00 PM eastern time). 7 Areas of Ministry Last month we asked Chapter Directors, Assembly Presidents, Diocesan Coordinators, Province Presidents, and an ACNA liaison advisor to share their stories of leadership on their spiritual journey. This month we are asking the committee chairmen for our 7 ministries to do the same. We have identified seven areas where we can bring discipleship and mentoring through prayer, study, and service. In these respective themes, we put into action our belief in our role model Jesus Christ. What would Jesus do in this situation? We should always ask this question before we embark on any journey in his service. We put ourselves aside charging out to be servants to our brothers and sisters in our congregations and communities. This is their story. To register for this event, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpf-isqDIrH9PklhFckG2X51kbX1QGVH_5
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Folks,
This Sunday we celebrate the church's birth as things became clearer after Jesus' ascension. The lessons include from either Ezekiel (the Valley of Dry Bones) along with Acts telling the basic story of Pentecost as the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles with tongues both verbal and of fire. Note that both of those lessons are highly evocative, with tongues of fire and the image of humans being (re-)created from their dry bones. For the second lesson there is an alternate from Paul's letter to the Romans first noting the labour pains (of the church's birth?) but also the redemption of our bodies (as in the Bones Ezekiel mentions). Both are useful images (though Acts includes some portentous lines about the sun turning dark and the moon to blood) followed by a superb gospel lesson from John 15 wherein Jesus knows his disciples will miss him, yet says "because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." I believe that what Jesus was saying in the above is simply that he didn't want people to put their faith in a any single person, even a resurrected one, but instead trust in the guide of the Holy Spirit. Our prayer is that all of us may listen to hear what the spirit is saying to God's people. Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matts! Events Above we mentioned the moon turning to blood and as it happens, this week we on the West Coast of the US will be able to see such a thing as in the early morning hours of May 26th a lunar eclipse will occur, though this occurrence will not be a portent but instead a fully predicted bit of scientific understanding. Still, it is important to observe Nature. See https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/05/17/super-blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-may-2021/5130321001/ et al. Also very much related to an awareness of our natural environment along with its preservation is the next EarthCare Meeting (headed by the group at St Benedicts Church in Los Osos) at 3pm this Wed May 26. For full info on EarthCare, contact Don Maruska at don@donmaruska.com As mentioned last week, most parishes are now having at least some meeting in person, and while we are glad the Diocese was careful for health safety to regulate these, we are really happy to be meeting in person. For full info on in person worship and other events go to the San Luis Obispo Deanery website at www.sloepiscopalians.org and other parish websites, and as you do look for "special events". One such "special event" will be the St James Parish Old Fashioned Picnic directly after the 10am in-person service on Memorial Day - bring your own picnic but desserts and games will be available. Note that Mtr Barbara Miller will be having Confirmation Classes June 6 and June 16 for those wishing to be confirmed or received into The Episcopal Church - contact the parish for full details at Note that on her upcoming sabbatical beginning in June Mtr Barbara will be visiting the Orkney Islands and Iona, the "Cradle of Celtic Christianity" - for the itinerary, go to http://www.illuminatedjourneys.com/documents/BrochureIslandsHighlands2021.pdf Another parish in the Diocese, St Andrews in Saratgoa, will had their 300th Morning Prayer Service as their first in person service inside the chapel. The daily event is 30 minutes of prayer, study and fellowship. See https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=59bfe54bde&e=f136cc0442 Folks,
The Subject line this week is meant to emphasise what we saw last weekend with the beginnings of the opening of the churches to in-person events. While this will be discussed again under Events )below) we note that the Collective Prayer (Collect) set out for tomorrow asks that God not leave us comfortless, but send us the Holy Spirit as happened on Pentecost which we celebrate as a major feast day next Sunday. The lessons appointed for this Sunday include from John's first letter, wherein he discusses "human testimony" vs God's as the disciples heard from Jesus, and John's gospel in which Jesus delivers what might be called his farewell speech - a truly loving prayer for the unity of the church. (Note that His departure, Ascension Day, was celebrated last Thursday). But today it is the first lesson from Acts in which Peter leads the disciples in the choosing of a replacement for Judas the betrayer. The choice between two "finalists" is made by casting lots, which suggests the remaining eleven trusted both, and fell to Matthias. But what of Joseph called Barsabbas, also known as Justus, the other candidate? A little research shows that this Joseph, also know as Justus, continued with the ministry and became Bishop of Eleutheropolis, an important Roman city not far from Jerusalem. But in the greater sense, it shows that not being chosen for a particular role, such as bishop, priest or even head of the parish council, by no means negates our roles in spreading the Good News that God is Love. As we open up more fully, by welcoming people physically as well as virtually within our doors, we pray that all may find their places in God's ministry of love. Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matts. Events Note that while parishes are indeed having more "in person" events, with rules need to be followed for continued health and safety (we encourage all to go to individual parish websites as well as the Deanery's webpage www.sloepiscopalians.org and the calendar page as well as the parish pages there under the "Our Churches" tab. And note that St Matts, San Ardo continues with its services of Morning Prayer with occasional communion services at 10am. Note that while most parishes are having in person services now, some such as St Lukes in Atascadero will continue with Zoom events including 9am on Sunday worship and 7pm Taize music and meditation an weekday events. See https://www.stlukesatascadero.com/ Another event primarily continuing online is the EarthCare group meetings rooted at St Benedicts in Los Osas, expanding to include environmentally attuned folks from many parishes and meeting Wed May 19 at 3pm. Contact Don Maruska at <don@donmaruska.com> to get caught up - Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7977776046?pwd=VUFZSXY3UVpNVitJaDl2VmhPS3E2UT09 and Zoom meeting ID 7977776046, PW 93402). Another such Zoom event will be the gatherings of the Brotherhood of St Andrew with members from several parishes across the country and in our diocese as mentioned before. Please contact Eric Fisher for details at <eric.on.fisher@gmail.com> Learn more of this organisation with several special ministiress at https://www.brothersandrew.net/ One of the parishes meeting in person is St Lukes in beautiful Jolon which will be having Communion in person at 10am with Fr Filemon Diaz (note that they are still cooperating with St Marks mission in King City, along with St Matts and St Lukes the third remaining of the four established by Rev J S McGowan in the 1880s in South Monterey County. From beautiful country locations to the heart of the City (San Francsico's Grace Cathedral will meet outdoors at 10am in the plaza at the Cathedral campus atop Nob Hill and San Diego's St Pauls Cathedral will meet in their cathdral building at 10:30am for worship), Note however that both parishes will continues with several online events - for full details go to www.gracecathedral.org and www.stpaulcathedral.org In our diocese St Barnabas Church in Los Osos will celebrate a bread only Euchrist indoors at both 8am and 10am but the 10m service will be streamed live on their Facebook page - for details on these and other events see https://saintbarnabas-ag.org/ and note that St Barnabas active Sunday School program continues and is seeking additional teachers. The parish is also looking forward to their patronal feast St Barnabas Day BBQ on Sud June 13 and they say "This year we will be offering the drive thru take-home meal as well as a tailgating option on site. If you choose to tailgate, you will be guided to park in a designated area of the parking lot and walk over to pick up your dinner. You will need to bring your own chairs and table (if you want a table), and are welcome to enjoy the meal with your church friends and family while observing proper social distancing protocols. We encourage you to celebrate both the Feast of St. Barnabas and the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company once again by not only dressing in red, but decorating your cars in red (balloons, signs, crepe paper, …be creative!). If you would like to join the tailgate, but will need assistance, let us know and we’ll be happy to assist you. While there is no charge for the barbeque we need reservations so we: (a) know how much food to prepare and (b) can schedule you for pickup. If you are doing takeout with another family, let us know that as well, and we’ll schedule you together. The first pickup will begin at 11:30. Please send an email to saintbarnabas.ag@gmail.com to make your reservation. We’ll need to know these things: 1. Your name 2. # of chicken dinners 3. # of veggie dinners 4. Pickup or Tailgate 5. Any special considerations" We appreciate the folks at St Barnabas setting out such a fine feast with careful attention to details! In sum, we ask our prayers for all of us as we return to "normal life" and special prayers for our own member Beverly, recovering from eye surgery this week and for our beautiful California as we come into fire season. Folks,
The lessons this week surround a wonderful lesson of inclusion with the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out on all to be followed by baptism, Jews and Gentiles, from Acts, from John both in a letter and his gospel more of the lesson that God is love. There have been many ways to says, but if you watched our friend Rev Jason Sisk-Provencio's interview that we mentioned last week you would know that he made clear that God is not another "person" no matter how great. Rather very simply, Jason said "God IS love". While there are many details to "organised religion" (spirituality), to me be that is both the easiest (most graceful) and best way to think of it. As we read / hear the lessons, may we not worry about formulations but bask in the realisation that "God IS love". Our love to all Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matts! Events As always we refer everybody to the events and calendar pages at your local parish (and those farther off - our San Luis Obispo Deanery webpage can be seen at www.sloepiscopal.org and especially the Calendar tab. Within our diocese of El Camino Real we refer all to both the diocesan webpage, www.realepiscopal.org and several of its parishes such as Good Shepherd parish near Salinas at https://www.goodshepherdcorral.org The Our Churches tab there includes webpages for each of the Deanery parishes and as mentioned we frequently refer to parish events further away as can be found at www.stpaulcathedral.org and gracecathedral.com Along with all the above events today we'd like to single out one below but also to mention that our St Matthews Church in San Ardo, at the corner of Railroad and Jolon will meet for worship tomorrow at 10am. Probably the most important event this week will be the many parishes, in our diocese and across the country, which are starting up "in-person" worship services, many with virtual adjunct to reach out to both members who cannot attend and to the folks who might be interested. One such parish is St Benedicts in Los Osos. Note however that precautions for Covid will still need to be taken, including a limitation of the number of people in the building which has necessitated a lottery. For full details on St Benedicts services, go to there websites at http://www.stbenslososos.org Note also that some smaller parishes, including beautiful St Lukes Church in what was the town of Jolon (current population 0) Daphne Denny tells us that our David Miller will e leading Morning Prayer at 10am with a simpler situation as the building is much larger than the group, since it dates back to the days (1885) when Jolon was a bustling stage stop town. This parish is co-operating with another smaller parish, St Marks in King City, and to support that mission on future first Sundays they will be meeting jointly in King City, also at 10am. On all the others Sundays St Lukes will continue with lay led services at 10am. Note that longtime leader at St Lukes, Deacon Rob seifert, will be there the following Sunday, May 16, along with Fr Filemon Diaz of St Marks. It is a pleasure to see that parishes of all sizes have such ability to have coped with necessities brought about by Covid. From the Diocese We hear from the Diocese we hear of the "WAY OF LOVE" REVIVAL WEEKEND: The Episcopal Church greets Pentecost with One in the Spirit, a Way of Love Revival Weekend designed to fan the flames of hope, celebrate difference, honor creation, foster beloved community, and send people toward Jesus’s Way of Love. The weekend of events includes the following: * Saturday, May 22, 6-7:30 p.m.: Concert for the Human Family and “From Many, One” Community Conversations * Sunday, May 23, 4-5:30 p.m.: Churchwide Pentecost Revival Worship from Philadelphia, Navajoland, Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. For complete details go to https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=4e168f16e4&e=f136cc0442 Folks,
The lessons today include from the Book of Acts, which contains the amazing story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch from the court of "the Candace" (which was a title rather than a name), along with lessons from John's gospel and the wonderful "essay" on "God is love" from John's first epistle. While the lesson from Acts includes what feels like an act of magic when Philip disappears in one location and finds himself in another, it shows the value of both reading the lessons and helping others to understand them (a salute to Sunday School teachers everywhere and to Adult Christian Education as well). It also reminds that a person often learns more about a subject when attempting to teach others. The gospel lesson puts the spotlight squarely on God ("my Father is the vinegrower") even while Jesus goes on to remind that he is the vine and those who truly hear him the branches. But the epistle is nothing short of a paean to the notion that God is love. While there are many wonderful things in the scriptures, perhaps no other short statement can so well summarise God's truth. We encourage all to study these and other lessons along and in groups, and thus better realise (make a reality) that God is love. Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) Events Because we are travelling for work this weekend, we need to refer folks to the various calendars, including the parishes and SLO Deanery Calendar at www.sloepiscopalians.org as well as churches farther affield. Note that while it is a joy to be able to meet in person, it appears online access will become a permanent part of many events and advantageous to take in events either because they are too far away or because of scheduling conflicts. There is however one special online event I'd like to mention in this email, an interview by our young friend Dylan Baker of another friend, Rev Jason Sisk-Provencio of the United Church of Christ in San Luis Obispo. The interview lays out beautifully reasons for choosing to be a person of faith-in-community, which to me in a nutshell is the value of "church" or any religious gathering, and can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Tvp6HqNM29YP2mZzeKTpQ Note that although I have opted for a more hierarchical religious group in The Episcopal Church (primarily because the sound "advice" offered by the third leg of the Anglican stool, tradition, along with scripture and reason), Jason's faith "journey" is really very similar to my own. From the Diocese We hear from our good friend Eric Fisher of San Luis Obispo that the Brotherhood of St. Andrew National Office invites you to our monthly webinar via Zoom on Wednesday, May 5 at 8:00 PM EST. He tells us that the webinar is called "Let Your Andrew Out" and writes: What does it mean to put into action Discipleship and Mentoring? Leadership is a Contact Sport. Come spend a few minutes listening to chapter directors, assembly presidents, diocesan coordinators and a Province President share their experiences. What has this effort meant to them on their spiritual journey with Brothers Andrew? We will feature such leaders: * Don Neely, Chapter Director, Diocese of Texas * Wentworth Jeffers, Brooklyn Assembly President, Long Island NY * Dave Saxon, Auston Assembly * Sam Palermo, Diocesan Coordinator Pennsylvania * James Carlock, Diocesan Coordinator Virginia * Dr. Roy Benavides, Province VII President * Larry Biddle, Anglican Church of North American Liaison Advisor to the National Executive Board Zoom Registration: Register in advance for this meeting: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014TRhPPksLnmuoxrwn05QlJO4tbLiV2fgU0RQhqWM1JXatTOeEPjIjuCC-VlOOFiHWZwB-4hSBeKgvjwNni81_bfKoIxwjuUe24M87zkgAV8lH7bJdkp-N7_-YNTZs5IM2gWIbCAsE7E96Wa1jZ3oD_ERT5U-6xnq65_lQ1G6oigrAA7Q4NOQzC1x4cm0jN9DpVDWgC2lmt3zN8Xh4YWk1T309R2xS7Dq&c=_AmIPMknfH8AIItnwyRBvX8oyzzLwxXz0hgVshqQetlqYvMOV52xSA==&ch=6PM_mGMbqRnqU9pwH8tgpgveR07Sa0ce6ueexG_bRSV3uemq3FlSpA== |
WILLIAM BARTOSH
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