Folks,
The lessons for this Sunday include from Exodus, which includes seeking water in the Wilderness of Sin (NOT a moral state but the Hebrew name of an actual desert region in the Middle East) and finding it with the help of Moses. Remember that earlier in the OT we were told that Moses' name actual means to draw out of water (he was found as a baby floating in a basket). So it shouldn't be surprising that in this lesson he is able draw water out of the Rock of Horeb, especially with God's guidance. Note that the "splitting of the Sea" and the opening of this rock are both commemorated in the Psalm appointed for this day, Psalm 78. The gospel lesson includes a couple of parables showing mental dexterity, with the first enabling Jesus to avoid giving an answer that might incite the authorities and even the crowds again him and his followers, while the other makes plain that the will to do good deeds is of lesser value than the actual doing. But again I am entranced by the the lesson from Philippians (a letter to the church in the Greek province of Macedonia). Taken together with the lesson from the same letter last Sunday, we see from Paul and his likely co-author Timothy a real "love letter' (recall that last week Paul spoke of being keen to go to be with his God yet willing to stay on in order to assist the work of the early church and its people). In this lesson he seeks for the people to be more concerned with others: "Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others." The lesson continues with what some have called "The Christ Poem", a theologically advanced set of considerations of who Jesus was, "God" taking human form, and indeed that of a slave, obedient to the point of death. Such ruminations are indeed helpful to us to realise the very much more than just the "everyday" that Paul is talking about. When such willingness is combined with the actual doing (in Paul's case travelling much of the Roman Empire to build the church), the gestalt is very powerful indeed! May we also, as we are able, follow Jesus in our lives, caring more for others' concerns and being willing, as intelligently as possible to both sacrifice ourselves and then doing whatever truly helps - it is a sure-fire formula for a successful community! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Church! Events This will have to be brief as we will be travelling for work during the week and for a medical procedure the next week. St Matthew Church continues meeting at 9:30am for Morning Prayer at the chapel in San Ardo. Please see last week's Events for those of our fellow mission St Lukes Church in Jolon. Below are a couple of very-good sounding events from our friends at St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande. Note that we are partial to quiet retreats (and even quiet meditation as part of our services) and the quilters, crafters and needleworkers retreat is likely to be fairly quiet with some relaxed chats. Senior Potluck Luncheon - Oct. 19th (Noon) St. Barnabas' Seniors, we hope to see you on Thursday, October 19th, at 12:00 pm for our next Senior Potluck! A time set aside for fellowship and community, to share a meal, catch up with friends, and maybe make some new ones. A main dish and beverages will be provided. Please bring one of your favorite salads, desserts, or side dishes to share. If that's not possible for you, please join us anyway. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Parish Hall. Please sign up by Oct 15th. Looking forward to being together again! Quilters, Crafters, Needleworkers Retreat - Oct. 26-28 Are you a quilter, crafter, knitter or other creative maker? Join us for a fun retreat hosted by St. Barnabas in our own Parish Hall.
805-550-9570, patricefiser@yahoo.com The retreat IS FREE but we would still like to know who is coming, so please reserve your spot. Farther affied, yet as close as your internet connection, we can recommend two worship events at St Pauls Cathedral n San Diego, including Sunday morning worship at 10:30 (go to https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lw_UIqbAb0CSqoJ6f1GrzlCoCY4MPeP3ewVdA0tBcvAjzZJZPF5dy2raMt0YtxJd-r04PGQDXMdNerbVoBGhmQqJ0k10NBJd7e0-d0mUHUmTJ6jO7bMURc0ROZnkoFPG-RbnnhvT-6qBMEYmEEwOCrg53G9BgOXb28FS18B2rCP3GVe6Bu7v7TTRSvoX1F8abGAQnYHEA24=&c=JauKHCsFqcssm0_w_a05EjX4x28l70sCe266k-LX7TwGYGe4J5JdIQ==&ch=C8rh_egLJns_Nn294uBBH4NFj9-B75-gqG3XXxP9ZbTGXvavgJI1AA== and Sunday evening the Evensong event at 5pm - go to https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lw_UIqbAb0CSqoJ6f1GrzlCoCY4MPeP3ewVdA0tBcvAjzZJZPF5dy2raMt0YtxJd-r04PGQDXMdNerbVoBGhmQqJ0k10NBJd7e0-d0mUHUmTJ6jO7bMURc0ROZnkoFPG-RbnnhvT-6qBMEYmEEwOCrg53G9BgOXb28FS18B2rCP3GVe6Bu7v7TTRSvoX1F8abGAQnYHEA24=&c=JauKHCsFqcssm0_w_a05EjX4x28l70sCe266k-LX7TwGYGe4J5JdIQ==&ch=C8rh_egLJns_Nn294uBBH4NFj9-B75-gqG3XXxP9ZbTGXvavgJI1AA== And at that same distance, we commend the Taize music event from the folks at St Lukes Church in Atascasdero. For full details and the link please contact Cindy at castlewood16@gmail.com
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Folks,
The lessons for this Sunday include from Exodus, wherein edible manna from heaven (or at least the sky) settled on the landscape and the people of Israel, complaining of hunger were instructed by Moses to eat of it, and so were saved from starvation (though we must not forget more nutritious suppers also came from the sky in the form of quails at night. (The cynic in me asks why they didn't also eat quail in the morning - while small, the meat is quite delicious.) The gospel lesson from Matthew is a parable of a vineyard owner who chooses to pay the same daily wage to all the workers, including those who only worked a small part of the day. Those who work longer, the parable assumes, would be miffed. But Jesus insists it is the landowner's right to pay out what he chooses, sort of making a gift to some of the later workers. This is sort of related to the notion of "positional good" spoken of by economists when they tell us that people are made happiest not so much by having "enough" goods nor any particular amount, but rather by having more than others do. In the case of these laborers, perhaps they were unhappy because what they really wanted was to be given more than all the others, a very human form of greed (would one of them, if given double the total amount all the other received be unhappy? What if it still didn't amount to the typical daily wage for such labour? If there is a thread drawing these two lessons closer to each other, it is probably in that question of sufficiency vs the desire to have more, either comparatively or singularly. A few of us may not have enough in both ways, but the lesson is two pronged since God's will seems to have ordained that some of us have more than others. Therefore a certain amount of acceptance of that fact seems to be called for. Yet at the same time when people, however few in our society, truly do not have "enough" it is should be cause for concern for all the people. Sorting out in detail how much of what is "enough" is the ongoing work of justice, and it is not a an easy job. But what of the Epistle lesson from the letter to the Philippians? While I have read and heard it many times, it still amazes me. Paul was torn and saw clearly that he might be even better off in death than in his work in this life, yet he toiled on, finally being martyred by Roman authorities in a somewhat uncertain location (Rome is most likely), doing so in order spread the realisation of God's love. In his own words from the lesson: "I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again." When we wonder if death might be the better option (and at some points in may be so) may we remain, if we are able, in order to foster progress and joy in faith in our communities, and that might be just the time to do some of the work of justice, as well as helping others grow in faith. And if we boast at all, may it be boasting in Christ Jesus! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matts! Events We hear that preparations for the St James Church, Paso Robles, Oktoberfest fundraiser, set for Oct 7th at 4pm have been made and that tickets are now available. Contact the parish office and Sylvia Barker at 805.238.0819 for full info and the tickets. Note that we had a delightful alternative service for our own St Matthew Church in San Ardo with folks mostly from St James up at the Wayside Cross last Sunday while the rest of our congregation had Morning Prayer in San Ardo. THIS Sunday St Matthew Church will be having Morning Prayer at the usual hour of 9:30am and we hope you will join us at the chapel on the corner of Railroad and Jolon in San Ardo! We also got a splendid note from our informant at St Luke Church in Jolon, Daphne Denny, about upcoming activities there. In her words: "Hello to Everyone, There is an Abundance of Activity, a Plethora of Events, scheduled to happen at St. Luke's in Jolon over the course of the next two weeks. Here they are in chronological order - First - SERVICE OF MORNING PRAYER - Sunday, September 24, at 10 AM, Roy Morris will lead the Service of Morning Prayer at St. Luke's. Everyone is invited to attend. There will be coffee in the Fellowship Hall after the service. We welcome Roy home from his vacation! Second - VESPERS SUPPER CLUB POTLUCK -Wednesday, September 27, at 6 PM we will meet in the Fellowship Hall for our amazing monthly potluck where the food is excellent and the fellowship is even better. The Rev. Robert Seifert will be visiting with us from his home in Mexico. Many people in our local community know Robert and are invited to join us to visit with him. Vespers will follow at 7 PM. Third - SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY RURAL COALITION - Friday, September 29, at 5:30 PM, the Rural Coalition, will be holding a barbeque and potluck and will be hosting a meeting with local state and county officials as well as officers from Fort Hunter-Liggett. Here is the information SuRay sent me about this event - "Assembly member, Dawn Addis, Monterey County supervisor Chris Lopez, and Colonel Stephen Trotter, the new commander at Fort Hunter Liggett. will join the Rural Coalition at a Swiss sausage barbecue on Friday, September 29 at St. Luke's at 5:30 The focus will be plans to repair Jolon Rd. and community input is needed.,. Reservations are required. Please call or text SuRay at 831-214-2732 to make them." The Rural Coalition is providing the sausages, and those who attend can bring side dishes to go with the sausages. Fourth - NO MORNING PRAYER SERVICE AT ST. LUKE'S SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 - Since this is the first Sunday of the month, we will be joining the congregation of St. Mark's Episcopal in King City for a Communion Service lead by Father Carl Hansen at 10 AM. Fifth - CONCERT WITH JOHN WEED AND FRIENDS - Friday, October 6, at 7 PM, St. Luke's will host John Weed, and his fellow musicians, Johnny B. Connolly, and Cary Novotny. John Weed has performed on the fiddle (to our great pleasure) at St. Luke's in the past and is now returning with two friends who play guitar and button accordion. It will be a lovely and lively evening. There is a suggested donation of $20.00 at the door, and ALL proceeds go to the musicians. if you would like to bring finger foods to share at intermission, please feel free. Sixth - SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE HONORING DIANE MORNINGLIGHT - Sunday, October 8, at 10 AM the Rev. Robert Seifert will lead a short Service of Remembrance after the regular Sunday service at St. Luke's. Diane was a long-time, and well-known resident, of Lockwood, and a member of St. Luke's. Everyone who would like to honor her is welcome to attend. So there you have it! St. Luke's is hoppin' this Fall. Come join us! Much love to all of you! Daphne Denny" Season of Creation As summer passes into a beautiful autumn (a favourite season for many of us!) we note that the "Season of Creation" is upon us - a time to learn more of things needed to preserve and protect such beauty for ourselves and others, including those who come after us and especially as we witness it at the ranch! We commend the thoughts put together by St Thomas Church in Sunnyvale and forwarded to us by our friends at St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande: ECUMENICAL FAITH LEADERS INVITATION Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration to pray and respond together to the cry of Creation: the ecumenical family around the world unites to listen and care for our common home, the Oikos of God. The Season “Celebration” begins 1 September, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and ends 4 October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations. Following the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere, we began in February the Season of Creation “Preparation” to reach local leaders and call our communities to participate actively by raising awareness of the theme, and how to respond to the cry of creation where the Lord calls us in our diverse contexts. The stage of “Preparation” is key to prepare together for the Season of Creation, creating bonds and relationships as the People of God caring for our common home. This year we will unite around the theme “Let Justice and Peace Flow” with the symbol of A Mighty River. Ecumenical faith leaders from across the world have prepared a special video to invite you to take part in this season. Many have also shared their reflections to inspire our ecumenical family in this journey forward as Christians everywhere prepare to witness the power of working together to let justice and peace flow as we care for our common home. We invite you to reflect with their words below: “The Season of Creation is a splendid opportunity for Christians around the world to embody the communion for which we human earthlings are created, and to do so in the quest for lifeways that build justice among people and allow Earth’s web of life to flourish.” - Cynthia D. Moe-Lobeda, Ph.D., Professor of Theological and Social Ethics, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary of California Lutheran University. Director, PLTS Center for Climate Justice and Faith “There has never before been a time, in the history of human existence, when we have so gravely threatened not only our own existence, but that of the rest of the living world. But it’s not too late to act, if we do it now, if we do it together.” - Bishop Olivia Graham, Diocese of Reading, Church of England “The Season of Creation is a vital and necessary reminder that God’s saving, healing, justice-seeking love extends to every part of creation. As the Church, the household of God, we are called to live out this life-giving love for the benefit of all.” - Rev Faith Whitby, Bishop of the Central District, Methodist Church of Southern Africa “We live in very turbulent and troubling times as we continue to struggle for world peace and the reconciliation and unity of all creation. We are surrounded by war, violence, climate challenges and unjust systems that continue to dehumanise and oppress people around the globe. Christians are urged to join with God in the ever-flowing river for justice and peace in the world.” - Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, General Secretary, World Council of Churches “The Season of Creation is a reminder to young people that God is Creator, and we humans, along with others (animals and plants), are creatures. It is a reminder that we need to take care of one another as our Creator takes care of us SoC is important for youth as it recognises us (youth) as leaders of today rather than the victims of tomorrow.” - Priyanka Gloria Gupta, Intern at the World Communion of Reformed Churches “The Season of Creation is a special time of the year to pray with others as part of and with God’s creation. I am reminded that our joint response in loving creation comes from first being in a loving relationship with our Creator God.” - Jasmine Kwong Creation Care Catalyst, Lausanne Movement “This Season of Creation will be an opportunity to pray, reflect and act together as the People of God for our common home. Like tributaries joining forces to become a mighty river, the ecumenical family will come together on a synodal path of care for our common home through justice and peace.” - Sister Alessandra Smerilli, Secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development “The Season of Creation is celebrated by ACT members around the world every year from September 1 to October 4. Celebrate with us this year.” - Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, General Secretary, ACT Alliance. “The Season of Creation has been a gift to the churches of the Middle East. It has awakened the already present creation dimension in the diverse worship traditions, it has provided language that responds to the concerns of the youth, and it has provided a bridge between the varied ministries and between the faith communities and the civil society..” - Rev. Dr. Rima Nasrallah, Middle East Council of Churches. Through prayer, practical advocacy, and sustainable actions, this 2023 Season of Creation can prophetically renew our ecumenical unity and care for our common home. We invite you to join this special season and be part of this mighty movement for justice and peace. May we journey together in communion as the People of God to let justice and peace flow! Folks,
The lessons for this Sunday, Sep 17, include a stern warning to be forgiving much more than you might think necessary (“Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.") along with another useful lesson for living in community with others very much related to the central thesis of the gospel lesson. While I want to mention that there is wisdom in forgiveness (modern bankruptcy laws eg tend to want to allow for the rehabilitation to good credit in companies and individuals rather than punish them with something of an eye towards making profit for both the lenders and the general good of society) it is the Exodus lesson and accompanying Psalm that caught my eye. That lesson includes a LOT of chest-thumping talk about having dealt a severe defeat to Pharoah's army as they pursued the Jews out of central Egypt, though in fact a bit of research suggests no suggest mass-drowning (with chariots included) in the Red Sea (note that some suggest the armies crossed the Red Sea at the very narrow "Suez finger - but again no archaeological evidence has turned up). But all of that is far from my point, which includes an amazing triad of siblings leading Israel and including Moses, his brother Aaron and their sister Miriam (about whom see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miriam and note that she wasn't the only female OT prophet). Indeed at the end of one of the Psalms, called "The Response" in the Lectionary, Miriam sings to the assembled congregation including the words: "Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.” You will note in that website that Miriam was no pushover - she along with Aaron chastised Moses when he took an Ethiopian wife, "separating from" Tzipora whom they though truly righteous. Moses however seems to have played the God-card, indicating that he alone was God's chosen leader for the Jews to get out of Egypt. My take on all the above is that it is wise to avoid excessive "hagiography" when considering the lives of OT prophets and NT saints and let them be discovered as the real people they were. For all that it is refreshing to realise OT women were leaders as well (and very much so!) the reality of their lives will likely teach us more than excessive myth, much as the headcount of lost charioteers in the Red Sea is balanced by the fact that so far no evidence for the mass loss of life can be found. Our love to all in the embrace of reality, Bart (and Tony!) And for all of us at St Matts! Events This Sunday we only have time to mention one event, which we can HIGHLY recommend to you all - the Annal Wayside Cross service out on property along Vineyard Canyon Rd TOMORROW at 2pm. The event is hosted by St James Church in Paso Robles, and fairly easy to find, but at just about the highest point on Vineyard Canyon Rd between San Miguel and Parkfield (though much closer to Parkfield). Note that our own ranch is very near the cross (at least "as the crow flies") and if as suggested by the weather sites tomorrow is a near-clone of today, a more idyllic time in the country is hard to imagine, with a morning for clearing by noon. Our friend Laura Learned of St James Church in Paso Robles is putting together a bit of a choir for the event, and it will be a memorable time with congential company in a beautiful surrounding - a bit of heaven if you will. We hope to see you there! Bart (and Tony!) Folks,
The lessons appointed for this Sunday including the instruction as delivered to Moses and his brother Aaron (remember that while Moses was the "political leader" - sort of - so Aaron was the chief priest or religious leader of the "House of Israel". Note that there is some discussion of why God chose Aaron rather than Moses to be the main leader of Israel. More about that below, but note that the two other lessons for this Sunday, NT and gospel, are loaded with good practical advice for "living in community". As is appropriate the gospel lesson really was the more limited in scope but no less important, with practical advice for two or three of the same spirit to live together in a spiritual "institution". Perhaps because of his missionary work in other parts of the Roman Empire, Paul really seems to have the entire world in mind when he admonishes to "Love your neighbour as yourself" and adds "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law." thereby uniting in his thinking and ours the sacred community with the secular. It is not for good reason that when we read this we do not think of the other church members living on our block while mentally skipping over the non-church gores in the next house(s) down. As for the reason Aaron was chosen We may never know the answer, but I'd like to think it was because even in those days of what we might call "mass religious formation" with the emergence of an organised calendar as described in this Exodus lesson with the month of the Passover being the first month (Nisan - though note that the date of Passover itself is further determined by the date of the first full moon in that month - presumably for the practical reason of having more light at nigh), and that with the differences of the technically more accurate Gregorian calendar mean that some calculation is required), God saw the need for a separation of church and state. (As an aside, it is interesting to consider that the Hebrew calendar according to the Gregorian calendar as 3761 BCE - see https://web.library.yale.edu/cataloging/hebraica/about-hebrew-calendar#:~:text=The%20starting%20point%20of%20Hebrew,a%20cycle%20of%2019%20years. "The starting point of Hebrew chronology is the year 3761 BC, the date for the creation of the world as described in the Old Testament. The Jewish calendar is luni-solar, based on lunar months of 29 days alternating with 30 days. An extra month is intercalated every 3 years, based on a cycle of 19 years." Note however that such a determination was by later scholars, and on actual Passover event day, there wasn't time for such fine points - indeed it is called the Feast of Unleavened Bread because tradition has it that the people had to leave Egypt in a hurry with no time allowed for the leavening process.) Remember that although God was (and should be) the ultimate leader of both church and state in a truly just society, the practical matters of governing are many times best left to folks who can "get things done" - such as the mass migration out of Egypt and the setting up of the new "nation". Indeed in this Exodus lesson we even witness the beginnings of the Jewish reckoning of time as divided in years, with the Passover event being the starting point. Whatever exactly happened in that even (apparently some kind of mass-extermination of very young Egyptians), it was a clear demarcation for the people of the "House of Israel" to see themselves as the "Nation of Israel". Note how subtle this difference is since the origin of the word "Nation" also refers to one's "birth". (As an aside, it is interesting to consider that the Hebrew calendar 2023 is the year 5783 and that the Gregorian calendar has 3761 BCE as the date of the first Passover - see https://web.library.yale.edu/cataloging/hebraica/about-hebrew-calendar#:~:text=The%20starting%20point%20of%20Hebrew,a%20cycle%20of%2019%20years. "The starting point of Hebrew chronology is the year 3761 BC, the date for the creation of the world as described in the Old Testament. The Jewish calendar is luni-solar, based on lunar months of 29 days alternating with 30 days. An extra month is intercalated every 3 years, based on a cycle of 19 years." Adding to the complication is the fact that The Jewish, or Hebrew, calendar is a lunar/solar calendar (months are based on lunar months but years are based on solar years, No wonder Judaism has so many scholars!) Note however that such a determination was by later scholars, and on actual Passover event day, there wasn't time for such fine points - indeed it is called the Feast of Unleavened Bread because tradition has it that the people had to leave Egypt in a hurry with no time allowed for the leavening process. The matter at hand for today's church / ummah / sangha. etc is to work out an understanding that finally we are all one nation. rather like Moses and Aaron, working together joined in the task of understanding nationhood - for as certain as it is that each person in our world was "born" we are surely participants in "nations" - may they be united under God! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matts Events St Matthew Church in San Ardo will be meeting for Morning Prayer his coming Sunday at our customary 9:30am, but we hope some are arriving closer to 9am to discuss the lessons. Our nearby big sibling parish, St James Church in Paso Robles, tells us they will be having the annual Wayside Cross service on Sept 17 Our friends and leader sat St James, Laura Learned and Sheila Vossler, tell us also that they are seeking singers and instrument players to help lead that service. But note that all are welcome, and even wile we are NOT particular adept at singing, we hope to be there! You will recall that Wayside Cross is a replica of the monument in SF's Golden Gate Park which commemorates the first use of Book of Common Prayer in the "New (at least to Europeans) World". Don't forget that Sat, Oct 7 will be St James' Oktoberfest celebration at Harris Stage Lines, 5995 N River Rd, Paso Robles. And remember that TOMORROW is the final session "Glimpses of God's Dream" - a visioning event for our Diocese of El Camino Real. The event starts at 10am but you must register here: https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=8d32513e13&e=ed3784fc26 From the Diocese We hope you will remember that on Saturday Sep 16 the Diocese will be presenting a diocesan workshop called Diocesan Workshop: Re-Homing our Diocese in Beloved Communityand planners are thrilled to welcome the Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton who is a gifted speaker with a background in cultural anthropology. She is also vice-president of the House of Deputies, and Rector of Trinity, Everett, WA. Rachel was raised in a multi-cultural and mixed-race heritage of First Nations (Shackan, British Columbia), Pennsylvania Dutch and Scots-Irish, and is a passionate advocate for indigenous people. The Workshop is set for Saturday, September 16, 2023, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM St. Paul/San Pablo, Salinas 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM St. Paul/San Pablo, Salinas More details and registration here: bit.ly/elcamino-re-homing Folks,
The lessons appointed for this Sunday include a fine epistle passage (again from Paul) on humility, and a gospel lesson from our patron Matthew on the importance of being willing to go the distance, even thru suffering, for one's faith. But the OT lesson from Exodus which depicts a discussion between God and Moses, who seems full of doubts about his assignment after witnessing a miraculous burning bush that was not consumed. In that Exodus lesson God hauntingly presents a self-description as "I am who I am" - sometimes translated "I am THAT I am" - with the emphasis on the impersonal but undeniable God. To be still and know that it is God who simply IS is one of the greatest "comforts" of faith - amid the efforts of good works (as Paul admonishes in the Romans lesson) and suffering as Jesus tries to explain to his followers in the gospel lesson. The alternative lesson from Jeremiah, too often thought of as merely histrionic, includes the notion of "eating" words - reminding us of other spots in the Scriptures of the nutritional value of words and leading to the notion of "digesting" thoughts - for it takes some bit of mental effort to more fully appreciate the words we use. Note that all of this comes in a week where we heard the concerns of our friend in faith, Pope Francis, in the revealing of statements made to a group of Jesuits in Portugal this past week wherein he warned of the "backwardness" of some elements of the American Roman Catholic Church with the central thesis that it is faith that matters, NOT ideology- see the story at https://nypost.com/2023/08/30/pope-francis-calls-us-catholic-church-backwards/ To me Francis seems a real person of faith, one has been willing to suffer (intelligently) for the sake of the God who loves us, the one who haunts us always not by nagging nor criticising us for petty infractions of the "rules" but rather the one who "is that s/he is", the one who is indeed with us always, unto the end of the age. In his talk with the Portuguese Jesuits his emphasis is on sheer faith as the first matter, with the words following that lead. May we all take cues from the words of Francis, Moses, Paul and Jesus and be steadfast in our loving faith! even before the words of any ideology. Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) And for all of us at St Matts! Events The congregation of St Matthew Church will be meeting this Sunday at 9:30 for Morning Prayer and meditation - all are welcome to attend. And our fellow mission congregations in South Monterey County will be meeting together for services to be led by Fr Carl Hansen at St Mark Church in King CIty (301 Bassett St) where all are welcome. Other Events Our friends at St Peters Church in Morro Bay will be hosting another drama production and this is how they describe it: By the Sea Productions presents 'The Lifespan of a Fact' by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell, and Gordon Farrell, based on a true incident. An upscale magazine editor hires a recent college graduate to fact check an essay by an established author who tends to embellish the truth. The fact-checker, eager to succeed in his first assignment, and the imaginative and somewhat egotistic writer soon clash, requiring the magazine editor to step in as mediator. Delivered with humor, the play highlights an all too real problem about the casual blending of fact and fiction in today's news. Jean Miller directs this staged reading featuring Brandon MacDonald, Kate Kravets and Larry Barnes. 'The Lifespan of a Fact' performs one weekend only, September 1-3, at 545 Shasta Ave. in Morro Bay. Tickets -- $15 --available at bytheseaproductions.org or call 805-776-3287. Portraits of Christ Our friend Fr Vince Pizzuto of St Columba's parish and retreat house in Inverness CA tells us he is doing an online course with the above title. Vince is one of the most creative theologians we know and we recommend this course to all. The course is online in weekly sessions on Tuesdays, and has already begun (first session was last Tuesday). For full into https://www.stcolumbasinverness.org/portraits-of-christ-iv From the Diocese This week there is a special diocesan event coming up that we want to mention to you all: Diocesan Workshop: Re-Homing our Diocese in Beloved Community Saturday, September 16, 2023, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM St. Paul/San Pablo, Salinas The Social Justice Committee invites you to a very special workshop day on September 16th. In the past year we have been thinking about Christian Nationalism and how Christianity is being used to support white supremacy in this country. Also, the last diocesan convention passed a resolution forming a task force to explore our diocesan history with the oppression of the indigenous people of this land. Re-homing our Diocese in Beloved Community brings together both these themes. We are thrilled to welcome the Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton who is a gifted speaker with a background in cultural anthropology. She is also vice-president of the House of Deputies, and Rector of Trinity, Everett, WA. Rachel was raised in a multi-cultural and mixed-race heritage of First Nations (Shackan, British Columbia), Pennsylvania Dutch and Scots-Irish, and is a passionate advocate for indigenous people. In this workshop, we will be continuing to awaken to the history and the people of this land. You can expect to learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery and how this laid the foundation for Christian Nationalism and the oppression and genocide of native peoples. There will also be discussion of how we reach out to the people who represent the continuity of the land which we now inhabit and thus make our church more accessible to all whom Jesus loves. Donation of $25 includes lunch and helps to defray costs. Scholarships available. More details and registration here: bit.ly/elcamino-re-homing |
WILLIAM BARTOSH
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May 2024
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