Folks,
The Collect (collective prayer) for tomorrow (All Saints Sunday) includes the line "you have knit together your elect in one communion" and again at this time in our nations (and world's) history let us pray for civility. All Saints holiday is for me the day I try to remember singing a favourite hymn, "For All the Saints, Who from Their Labours Rest..." among others, remembering as well aso death "rest" is called for in life (Sabbath rest). I know many of you will recall my recounting of growing up in a Russian Orthodox Church, where the effect of the "iconostasis" (wall of icons of the saints) means even if alone in church you are surrounded by saints. We hope the concept of bringing all together in a joyous communion will be at the top of our minds as we celebrate this special day, a notion that is amply reflected in the lessons, including from Revelations "After this I, John, looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb" and continuing with John writing in his first Epistle "Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed." and followed by the familiar and wonderful lesson from our patron Matthew commonly called the "Beatitudes". (Note that the first two may have been Jesus' youngest disciple though not all scholars agree on this.) Remembering a prior statement from Paul, we would hope all would follow Jesus "up the mountain" this All Saints Sunday, and that each would take to heart those amazing (and apparently unrehearsed) "blesseds". May we all savour those beatitudes during this week as we take our Sabbath rest - for they are the way to "knit together" the communion and community God has called us to. Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matts! Events (and remember that tomorrow we return to Standard Time) Many parishes, including Good Shepherd in Salinas will have special All Saints Sunday events - go to their websites including Good Shepherd's at https://goodshepherdcorral.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7cbc9cee2ea785c71ef0cbb3c&id=b74486d010&e=cc1155f723 As we are working at a distance this week, the events section is brief. Fortunately, the Deanery website (www.sloepiscopalians.org) especially at https://www.mychurchevents.com/calendar/74061144/month/2020-10-01/2020-10-01 includes most, but also we suggest visiting individual parish websites at http://sloepiscopalians.org/our-churches.html and subordinate pages (note that the Deanery website includes much more). Members of St Matthews Church in San Ardo will be having Morning Prayer in our homes this Sunday, and we encourage all to do so as well taking in one of the many prayer opportunities found at the above pages and many others. Note that St James Church in Paso Robles, our big sister / big brother parish, will join some of the others we have mentioned in distributing (with precautions) communion at their 10:30am in person service. St Stephens Church in San Luis Obispo (and Rev Ian Delinger and Rev Karen Siegfriedt and Office Manager Stephanie Olsen) tell us that the SLO Ministerial Association will have a Thanksgiving event, "Giving Thanks, Choosing Hope", an interfaith with music, lessons and reflections - a benefit for 40 Prado Restorative Partners. For full info contact Stephanie at St Stephens Office, 805-543-7212 or Office@ststephensslo.org Fr Filemon Diaz of St Marks King City and St Lukes Jolon says that they will be having an "All Saints Altar" featuring photos of loved ones - see http://www.saintmarkskingcity.com Epiphany Church in Marina (Lutheran / Episcopal) is looking ahead to their annual Christmas toys and other gifts. Learn more about this parish and Vicar Jon Perez (and see a calendar of there events) by visiting http://sloepiscopalians.org/our-churches.html Grace Cathedral Parish in San Francisco will have a livestreamed organ recital on TOMORROW (All Saints Sunday) at 4pm - to view / listen go to https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/linkredirect?srcid=25397910&srctid=1&erid=1703309701&trid=196aefaf-b6b2-4528-b65b-b6efe6c79556&linkid=244621144&isbbox=1&pid=0 St Pauls Cathedral, San Diego includes a full roster of online events see https://stpaulcathedral.org/ From the Diocese We note that registration for Diocesan Convention (a Zooom event set for next Sat Nov 7) will be closing tomorrow (Nov 1). While the event is our legislative body, it is open to all and will be via Zoom - for info go to https://www.realepiscopal.org/diocesan-convention/ On Nov 3 Bp Lucinda Ashby will lead a Noonday Prayer Service at Noon at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuxbNrXCTqiFptAOaYIzKgQ From The Episcopal Church Most Rev Michael Curry, our Presiding Bishop, will lead a National Service for Healing and Wholeness, “Holding on to Hope”, TOMORROW at 1pm for the link and more go to https://episcopalchurch.org/ and enjoy this fine preacher and our national church leader. Note also at https://www.forwardmovement.org/Pages/Item/15381/Season-of-Prayer.aspx you will find "A Season of Prayer for an Election". Explore these websites and you will find many more resources for the election season, etc.
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Friends,
The lessons appointed for this Sunday include from Deuteronomy 34 (with the writer noting regarding Moses that "Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." From Paul in I Thessalonians we hear Paul offering an explanation of his evangelism efforts, including problems at Philippi. And from Matthew's gospel we again read of the Pharisees trying to trap Jesus who answers "How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord" ie, why was David, referring to one (the Messiah) who would come after him with the the title "Lord" if he was referring to a princely, rather than a spiritual (and therefore much "greater"), leader. But the alternative lesson from Leviticus includes this timely imperative: "You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor: I am the Lord." This statement seems relevant in time of both elections and especially with the vetting of the new Supreme Court nominee, with a superb call for "fairness" (as we have said, in secular matters, fairness is presumptive. The thing that jumps out at me is to "not be partial to the poor". Note that this doesn't mean matters of mercy, which we need to recognise separately from "justice", though they are closely related (a quick search online reveals many pages of commentaries on which comes first). The relationship is a tricky one, but both in the scriptures and still today we find constantly that both need to be considered at the same time even while separate. When judgement is rendered by a strict interpretation of the law, an outcome may be clear. Yet as well (and here in Leviticus) we are called to not only justice but (and AT THE SAME TIME) mercy. A British barrister (attorney) tells of one way this was done by a friend who was a judge in a criminal case regarding a friend of his. This judge first rendered the strict interpretation, in this case a fine, but then came off the bench and paid the fine for his friend. So also in Leviticus the requirement is to not be "partial to the poor" nor to the wealthy. This is all the more so as our hearts, full of mercy (love) go out to the poor, which is as it should be. Yet mercy is Sometimes religious leaders, correctly working towards spiritual ends, can sound like they are saying that in secular judgments it is ok to be unfair to some (the wealthy) even while we all know that many political types try to benefit themselves deferring "to the great". But neither of those is right. Rather we are called to a higher standard considering both at once. Our relationship with God, the Greatest Judge, is like that for God has paid the price of our offenses and saves us even while noting them in our consciences. But in all matters we need to think of justice AND mercy. May we always remember that while distinct, mercy should always come along with our own thinking about justice and remember that "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matts! Events This Sunday St Matthews will continue with Sunday Morning Prayer in our courtyard at 9:30am at the church at the corner of Railroad St and Jolon Rd in San Ardo. Most regular and special events in the Deanery can be seen on calendar at https://www.mychurchevents.com/calendar/74061144/month/2020-10-01/2020-10-01 and note that on Saturday next, Oct 31, clocks need to be set BACK an hour for Standard Time (Daylight Saving Time ends at midnight that night). However, St Peters Church in Morro Bay notes that the weather can be "iffy" for their Sunday worship at noon tomorrow. Please ask to be on their email list to be notified by 10:15 am tomorrow of cancellation. You can get on that list by emailing Padre Sid at <sssymington@gmail.com>. St James Church in Paso Robles tells us that reservations are no required for their outdoors in-person worship at 8:30am tomorrow, but observe health rules and don't come if feeling ill. St James will also be seasonally changing the time of their in person service future Sundays, with the in-person service at 10:30am outdoors. St Benedicts Church in Los Osos tells us that they will be having a full Eucharist service on All Saints Sunday, Nov 1 at 9:30 outdoors at the church, along with the usual Zoom Facebook Live-Streamed services. Folks at St Bens are also working to prepare for the Nov 5 Community Dinner and could use help. Contact them at 805 441 7262. In addition to the above, St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande is having a speciall book study of Ibram Kendi’s book “How to Be an Anti-Racist" which continues at 7:00pm on Thursdays, Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12, and Nov 19. Looking ahead, St Lukes Church in Atascadero asks us to "save the date" for their Christmas Bazaar to be help Dec 4&5 at the church, 5318 Palma. From the Diocese and Broader Church The Diocesan Office tells us that also on All Saints Sunday, Nov 1, there will be a hearing for resolutions other than Constitution and Canons on Zoom (see the the diocesan websites, www.realepiscopal.org et al). We note that Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will lead a National Service for Healing and Wholeness on Nov 1 (All Saints Day) at 4pm Eastern Standard Time - for full information and the link go to https://mailchi.mp/episcopalchurch/holding-on-to-hope-a-national-service-for-healing-and-wholeness?e=68194b9856 And note that Bp Curry will lead a "Prayer for Peace Among the Nations" tomorrow honouring the Founding of the United Nations. See full info at https://episcopalchurch.org/episcopal-church-and-united-nations?wvideo=0uqpnt8j4l&wkey=ZWxyb25kQHJlYWxlcGlzY29wYWwub3Jn&foreign_data=mailchimp_campaign_id%3A2e39d39943 Also note that Bp Curry bids The Episcopal Church to pray for the Armenian Church in the midst of hostilities between that country and Azerbaijan - read more about the letter he sent to its American primate at https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=5b479aec15&e=f136cc0442 Folks,
The lessons this week seem rather in tune with the Collect (the collective prayer), focusing on the faith of the nation. Thus the lesson from Exodus again has Moses concerned for the entire people of Israel (though adding a request that hs be allowed to see God - see that a meditation asking "What did Moses actually see?" when God passed by can be found at https://www.crossway.org/articles/what-did-moses-see-when-he-saw-the-back-of-god/ The Epistle having Paul caringly shepherding (as always) the entire church, but things come to a dramatic turn in the Matthew's Gospel, where the temple priests try to entrap Jesus by asking a question about secular (taxes - a subject close to Matthew's own career) rather than spiritual matters. To me the gospel lesson fits amazingly well with the other two, and as we are on the eve of national elections here in the United States, a great reminder to carefully separate the spiritual from the secular especially at this time. For the church's mission is of the spiritual, though also helping the people to remember to bring their ethical values with them as they cast their ballots and go to the polling places. We hope many of you got to listen to our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's speech about this mentioned last week (which carefully makes this point): https://episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/presiding-bishop-currys-word-church-what-did-jesus-do Especially at this time when our society seems torn apart by extremes (exaggerated by "social media") may we all remember to include our "moral compass" as our nation's elections come to the fore. Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matts! Events This Sunday St Matthews will continue with Sunday Morning Prayer in our courtyard at 9:30am at the church at the corner of Railroad St and Jolon Rd in San Ardo. Note that our fellow missions in South Monterey County, St Marks in King City and St Lukes in Jolon, will jointly be having a similar service in with proper social distance, etc at St Lukes patio area in Jolon. Other Events Because we are travelling today, we ask all to turn to the many parish websites we have mentioned, including those in our San Luis Obispo Deanery listed at http://www.sloepiscopalians.org/our-churches.html et al. Note that you will find at those websites many regular and special events, but we also had word from outside our Deanery of a special event at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco - a live harmonium concert at 4pm - see https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/linkredirect?srcid=25034662&srctid=1&erid=1686258514&trid=37a0259d-654e-42b6-a1ad-67d842319b34&linkid=244123056&isbbox=1&pid=0 From the Diocese We are reminded that Diocesan Convention is coming up Nov 7 - for Registration and information please visit https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/linkredirect?srcid=25034662&srctid=1&erid=1686258514&trid=37a0259d-654e-42b6-a1ad-67d842319b34&linkid=244123056&isbbox=1&pid=0 and also the diocesan Online Worship Page which can be seen at https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/clicku=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=a3fdf5b533&e=f136cc0442 We want to remind all that our friend and rector Rev Linda McConnell will lead the ECW (Episcopal Church Women) Retreat, "Winning the Right to Vote: with Ida B. Wells and Ruth Bader Ginsburg" October 24, 10 AM - Noon. Please register at https://goodshepherdcorral.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7cbc9cee2ea785c 71ef0cbb3c&id=7386326436&e=cc1155f723 and / or email Donna Seelbach (copied on this email) for full info. Also noted in the diocesan news (see www.realepsicopal.org) the retirement of Joseph Heston of St Dunstans in Carmel Valley who made the statement below as he retired from a 45 year career in television: “Looking at our challenges, our political divisiveness, and the struggle for social justice, it can just look like one big mess,” he said. “Take heart; we need to encourage each other; indeed, the root word there is ‘courage,’ and we surely need that … treat others as you’d like to be treated. If we all did that, even facing our current challenges, with faith or faithlessness, we’d all be far better off.” Prayer Requests We ask your prayers for the election process in our country, and special prayers for those who have died, including our friend Rev Susan Allen, as well as Sheila Nordwick (see last week) and for Larry Denny, the husband of Daphne Denny of the musical Denny family. Folks,
The lessons for this Sunday include from Exodus (and echoed in the Psalm 106) Aaron leading Israel in the making of the idol of a golden calf (to the God's disgust yet God changes his mind once again after Moses begging) along with Paul writing to the Philippians, seeking help for two women, Euodias and Syntyche, who were leaders in the church there (Ellicott's Commentary says that the Philippi was where the gospel was first preached to women and indeed formed in a woman's house - see Acts 16), and the gospel lesson from our patron Matthew, with the parable of the wedding banquet which also appears in Luke's gospel. This past week we had another wedding banquet (a barbecue actually) here at the ranch when two long-time friends of ours were finally united in marriage For these two had been together for 42 years, and registered as domestic partners in the 1990s when that first became available. "Vows" were hardly needed after a near lifetime of commitment to each other, so after brief mention of the above details, the minister asked the couple to relate some of the more personal details of their relationship. Sparks of the romance that brought them together along with practicalities of a formal marriage were mentioned. But for me the real lesson of this event was the joy brought to the couple and all who witnessed it. Many things things can be done well without fanfare, but when an event such as this can be witnessed by the community, the blessing a minister offers the couple is magnified as a blessing to the entire community. Dictionary.com tells us "The Yiddish mazel tov derives from Hebrew words meaning a constellation of good stars and destiny." At the conclusion of the ceremony the minister, knowing the couple's enjoyment of Jewish traditions, said "mazel tov", a phrase that means not so much "Good luck" in future as that "Good luck has been observed in the relationship." May we all bask in the glow of such blessings as we seek, along with Paul: "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matts! Events Friends, besides joyous events such as the above marriage and the 80th(!) birthday of our longtime senior warden Fred Golin, we are saddened to report the death of our longtime and very good friend Rev Susan Allen, who came frequently to lead Eucharist services at St Matts and also taught at area schools, including at San Lucas, King City and Greenfield. Even while challenged by health issues, Susan would be faithful to her commitments, coming to St Matts mostly monthly, at times bringing her oxygen breathing apparatus with her. We remember well her ordination at St Marks Church in King City and trust she is now at the heavenly banquet - we will miss her. (Special thanks to her good friend and ours, Rev Harriet Linville, for calling to let us know.) For more details go to https://www.efscares.com/obituary/susan-allen Also note that Rev Cn Brian Nordwick of the diocesan offices lost his wife Sheila. Basking in the glow of the above marriage we give thanks for the many wonderful couples who are blessings to us all. Parish Events This particular Sunday parishioners of our St Matthews Church in San Ardo will be having Morning Prayer services in our homes or wherever we happen to be. We encourage all to feel the joy of regular meditation / worship. Following rules worked out with the diocesan office, several parishes will be carefully distributing Communion in the form of consecrated bread, including St Benedicts in Los Osos and Good Shepherd in Salinas. For details on this event, along with most other regular and special events, see all Deanery parish websites which are linked at the Our Churches option under the Our Deanery tab at the deanery website: http://www.sloepiscopalians.org/index.html and note that St Bens will have their Zoom Gratitude Gala and Awards Ceremony with reality dessert on Saturday October 24 starting at 7pm. Note that regular and special events will be listed on those pages such as the Fall Book Study with St Barnabas Church Arroyo Grande of "How to Be an Anti-Racist" in five sessions beginning Thurs Oct 22 from 7-8pm. That event will be via Zoom and the link via your browser is https://saintbarnabas-ag.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=debb1b33eb11372203a975524&id=1ddb94f778&e=acee3ced34 To join the Zoom call from your phone or landline call 1-669-900-6833. When prompted put in the meeting id of 881 8781 2750# and when prompted for a password put in 186500#, and then hit # a second time. In addition to their online "Missive" service, St Peters Church in Morro Bay will continue with outdoor in-person worship Sundays at noon in their patio (the parish seems to have liked the experience restarted recently), and as well will have their Java Chat coffee group in person on the patio Thurs mornings 10:30am until noon, weather and air-quality permitting. (The mention of air-quality reminds us of an article we were pleased to read in the Newsletter of Church Divinity School of the Pacific about the work in fuels reduction in the forested area surrounding St Dorothys Rest Retreat Center at Camp Meeker in Sonoma County. CDSP also tells us that alumnus and physician Gavin Shumate was named to the "Anglican Health and Community Network Zoom Consultation" after recording public service announcements about mask-wearing and hand-washing - see www.cdsp.edu et al) Also note that in-person worship events at St James Church in Paso Robles and St Lukes Church in Atascadero are detailed on those pages, along with The (Zoom) Hollister Institute book study of "Streams of Living Water". Fr Filemon Diaz of St Marks / San Marcos Church in King City tells us of Sunday Services to be held in their beautiful patio at 10am TOMORROW (bring masks - all proper social distancing rules, etc, to be observed). Other Events As mentioned, many parishes in the area, across the Diocese and across The Episcopal Church celebrated St Francis Day last weekend, some with drive by blessings for the beasts. Good Shepherd Church in Salinas had a Flu Shot Clinic this past Wed and will be having a Forum discussion on Building the Immune System Oct 14 with Kimberly Ertl, LaC (see https://www.goodshepherdcorral.org/monthlyforum Pastor Linda also tells us that they will have have their first Shared Home Communion on Sunday October 18th with elements bless by her and distributed to parishioners home by members of the Altar Guild. And as we have been mentioning rector Rev Linda McConnell will lead the ECW (Episcopal Church Women) Retreat, "Winning the Right to Vote: with Ida B. Wells and Ruth Bader Ginsburg" October 24, 10 AM - Noon. Please register at https://goodshepherdcorral.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7cbc9cee2ea785c71ef0cbb3c&id=7386326436&e=cc1155f723 and / or email Donna Seelbach (copied on this email) for full info. We received a note of warning from a friend who carefully watches over justice issues in the US that machinations may be taking place in an attempt to undo US Supreme Court decisions supporting marriage equality. Justice requires vigilance so please pay attention with hearts and minds. While the "Season of Creation" has come to a close, the work continues and we recommend visiting the webpages of Rev Roger Wharton, mentioned frequently in this Newsletter - go to http://www.EcoSpirit.org and to https://youtu.be/hKMm4UmguLg From the Diocese Please see www.realepiscopal for all the diocesan news and note that: The Revs. Karen Cuffie and Jani Wild are leading weekly pastoral conversations on racism every Thursday at 4:30 pm., with discussion and prayers. Please join us to learn, process, and share together in a faith community. Join the Zoom Meeting here [realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com] Meeting ID: 835 7594 8022; Password: 748467 One tap mobile: +16699006833,,83575948022#,,1#,748467# US (San Jose) and that The Diocese of El Camino Real has received emergency relief funds from Episcopal Relief & Development [realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com] to support those impacted by the wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. If you know of individuals or families who are in need, please contact your local clergy who will help direct funds. Bishop Lucinda has also established the "Bishop's COVID-19 and Disaster Relief Fund." See past issues [realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com] for details. A Book Review Below is a book review by Peggy Myrick who has been leading a discssion of the book "White Fragility" on another book, "Dear White Christian" by Aaron J Layton (and thanks to Gordon Fuglie for forwarding): Dear White Christian: What Every White Christian Needs to Know About How Black Christians See, Think, & Experience Racism in America; by Aaron J. Layton (145 pages, PCA Bookstore, Lawrenceville, GA.) Reviewed by Peggy Myrick, St. Stephen’s Epsicopal Church, San Luis Obispso In this book Layton uses his personal experiences to outline how white Christians can be allies to black Christians in these divisive times. He does not ‘hit you over the head’ with what is wrong with white-black Christian relations but rather humbly speaks to what all Christians can do to come together in this struggle for racial reconciliation. His main premise is that white Christians simply are unaware of what their black brothers and sisters are going through today, still in 2020, with persisting white supremacy and systemic racism. Layton gives concrete examples of how white Christians can follow Jesus’s teaching through empathy, active listening, and taking that next step to understand how to bridge the gap to become better Christians overall. He believes that much more healing can be accomplished if we have those hard conversations with our extended black Christian family. Layton understands that there is no overnight fix to this problem, but if Christians commit to transformation in racial justice then the church and Christians can be catalysts for change. Racial reconciliation and ideas on how we can achieve it are the main take-aways from Dear White Christian. This book is a good beginning for any Christian wanting to know how they can start to become part of the solution and not continue in their state of ignorance of abiding racial issues in our churches and America. Aaron Layton is founder and CEO of Relate2Color (R2C), a Christian diversity consulting firm in Saint Louis, MO; relate2color.org. Folks, There seem to be at least three understandings of what we must do to be "saved", including "belief" (often claimed to be Luther's path), "good works" (including such as justice for widows and orphans), and the avoidance of "sin" (straying from the right path). Yet these three are clearly inter-related, since "faith" will include belief, trusting in God's ultimate goodness even while trying to good deeds and avoiding bad ones. And we know from the body of our communal religious tradition as stated by Jesus that they boil down to one: to love God with all our being (which is to say); to love neighbour as self. This Sundays lessons ably display all three including from Exodus the delivery of the "law" to the Jews (with thunder and lightning, etc), a code simple enough for most to understand yet causing fear in the people. The lesson from Philippians demonstrates the huge measure of good works done by Paul even while he admits he he has not "reached the goal" but is pressing toward that "heavenly call of God". And Matthews gospel recounts what might be consider the greatest of sins leading to Jesus' death in the form of yet another vineyard parable (not unlike our home in California, Israel was loaded with vineyards). There is a real genius in the lectionary in including all three paths in the day's lessons, since all three are one. There is also a real genius in Jesus' approach and that of the early church, for they did not struggle to "overthrow" the law but to fulfill it. Indeed Jesus' parable here is an excellent summation of the religious history of the Jews, to whom God sent one prophet after another, culminating in the sending of his Son (and note the message was to the "chief priests and Pharisees", who clearly got it). (One cannot help but see the formula of the Holy Trinity as Father - the law, emphasising the avoidance of sin, the Son - the doing of justice, of what is right, and the Holy Spirit, ie the spirit of God's love.) There may be another lesson in all of this as we seek secular leadership for our era across the world. A friend of ours commented recently that it would be nice to have someone "grandfatherly" (as easily could have been "grandmotherly") in the coming election to help us all with that Golden Rule which Jesus rightly called the sum of all the law and the prophets. May we seek after (and find) leaders both secular and religious who imbue that grandparental sense of caring, even while reiterating the rules as a loving father to help us avoid straying and showing a mother's love! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) And for all of us at St Matts! Events This Sunday St Matthews Church in San Ardo again meets in our courtyard for Morning Prayer with appropriate social distance and wearing our masks. The service begins at 9:30am, and there is space for more to join us! We emphasise that in addition to in-person events (and we hear that our friends at fellow missions St Lukes Church, Jolon and St Marks Church, King City may have such services this Sunday!) the Deanery website at www.sloepiscopalians.org and its calendar page at https://74061144.view-events.com/calendar/74061144/ (N show the many online services all over the Deanery. One such which we enjoyed last Sunday was Morning Prayer via Zoom with the folks at St Pauls Church in Cambria. We especially like the way St Paul's uses Zoom for such services because the sound is left on for all (ie, folks aren't "muted" by the "host" which enables us to hear fellow worshippers in their humanity, sometimes stumbling on a word or beginning the wrong prayer or even just finding the right page because it is a reminder that worshipping (loving) God is a corporate effort by the community. Note also that for the special events for St Francis Day (and other special events) at St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande, St Stephens Church in SLO, St Lukes Church in Atascadero and St James Church in Paso Robles, pleae go websites for these parishes and all our Deanery parishes which you can find under the "Our Deanery", "Our Churches" subtab at the Deanery website, www.sloepiscopalians.org Other Events Note that besides most of the regular events on the above calendar page, there are several "special events" on the Calendar, like the upcoming "Hollister Institutes" at St Benedicts Church listed on the calendar this coming Thurs at 11am with the topic being "Adventures through Paul's Letter to the Romans" via the Zoom service. Not yet in the Calendar are the Tues 10:15am Hollister Institute series and new (to me at least) Sat Online Worship at 5:30pm, both via Zoom, at St Bens. Note as well that many of the special events we listed in prior editions of St Matthews News celebrating the feast day of St Francis this Sunday are present in the Deanery Calendar (and some we didn't even know about, including St Pauls Blessing of the Animals with Picnic from 12 to 2pm, and St Benedicts Blessing of the Animals at their Abundance Shop at 2pm and again at Los Osos Middle School at 4pm) - check it out! We note that not every event listed needs to be worship or study, and in fact this Wed at 10am its Coffee Time at St Pauls (as you all know, many parishes have coffee hour before or after regular worship services, but sometimes it's fun to gather for socialising across the distances per se. And while St James Evening Prayer at 6pm this coming Wed is listed, we note that our good friend Laura Learned will be delivering the homily. St Benedicts and other parishes continue to observe the Season of Creation and their Earthcare suggests Beyond the Deanery Last Week we had the first mention of the upcoming ECW (Episcopal Church Women) Retreat which is set for Oct 24 from 10am until noon. As it turns out, the event will be led by or good friend Rev Linda McConell of Good Shepherd Church in Salinas. The Retreat's focus will be on "WINNING THE RIGHT TO VOTE" including the work of Ida B Wells and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For information and reservations for the Zoom event, which looks to be first-rate, please contact Donna Seelbach (copied on this email) at dsdonnaseelbach@gmail.com We hear from Grace Cathedral that there will be a LIVE organ recital this Sun Oct 4 at 4pm featuring the Cathedral's Music Director Benjamin Bachman - this event will be live-streamed and can be viewed by going to https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/linkredirect?srcid=24704032&srctid=1&erid=1668100547&trid=cffcb7ff-55f8-4ffc-87e1-7c20efb8647e&linkid=243663284&isbbox=1&pid=0 (and check out the Cathedral's websites for future live-streamed events at www.gracecathedral.org St Benedicts Church in Los Osos tells us of a series of Creation Care Webinars led by St Timothys Church in Mountain View near the northerly end of our diocese: Following the 10:30 service during the Season of Creation members of Earthcare have presented four ways in which you can make a difference: 1.Lower your carbon footprint Sign on to the Episcopal Church’s climate web site www.sustainislandhome.org and take some of the actions to reduce your carbon footprint suggested on the website. (Need help to turn your intentions into results? Contact John Horsley jahorsley2@aol.com, Don Maruska Don@DonMaruska.com or Fr Barry Turner carltonba@gmail.com) Some members of St. Ben’s have already installed solar panels or purchased electric cars, Others have taken simpler actions such as switching to LED light or reducing meat consumption. An easy way to immediately reduce your carbon footprint is to sign on to the Solar Choice option on the PG&E website. PG&E will purchase from a solar farm the amount of electricity you use. 2.Take the Faith Climate Voter Pledge You can reaffirm your commitment to vote for leaders who will prioritize climate change by signing online the Faith Climate Justice Voter Pledge at www.faithclimatejusticevoter.org/pledge-to-be-a-faith-climate-justice-voter/ . 3.Join the Earthcare group. We need your help! You could also join Interfaith Power and Light, an Oakland based organization that “inspires and mobilizes people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate change” 4.Donate a Tree Last Sunday Fr. Barry Turner gave an update on tree-planting on the St. Ben’s property, including plans for a Memorial Garden. When the time comes for planting you could donate a tree in the Memorial Garden or elsewhere on the property. Creation Care Webinars from our Diocese Each of us can make a difference by being good stewards of creation through easy-to-do actions. St. Benedict’s Earthcare Committee recommends your participation in the upcoming Zoom meetings offered by St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church (Mountain View) Creation Care Task Force. We hope you will join us in taking advantage of the invitation to join these free sessions at 7:00-8:30 p.m. on the designated dates: Wednesday, October 7 Environmental Justice An intergenerational, multi-racial movement promoting environmental, economic, and social justice for where we all live, work, play, learn and pray. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/CC-EnvJustice Special Prayers Asked We ask all to pray for an end to the devastation of the fires and smoke affecting us all in California, and for those who have been afflicted by them. This past week we received word from our good friends Rev Amy (and Vince!) Denny of Grace Church in St Helena but formerly from our part of this diocese that they and their kids have evacuated along with many of the parish, and that several families have lost their homes to the Glass Fire. Pray also for the Seventh Day Adventist community up there who have in the past been very kind to us. Note that these fires are not unrelated to the concerns of the Earthcare / Creation Care groups (see above). Note also that Episcopal Relief and Development is a good way to help if you can, and receive help if in need (our Diocese of El Camino Real has received emergency relief funds from them) - for more info go to https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=d4431f2e0a&e=f136cc0442 A Word from the Presiding Bishop (via St Benedicts Church in Los Osos) Bishop Curry's Word to the Church: WHAT DID JESUS DO? "This November, the people of the United States will elect a president and many others to public office," said Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in a ??ord to the Church on September 16. "This election occurs in a time of global pandemic, a time when there is hardship, sickness, suffering and death. But this election also occurs in a time of great divisions. Divisions that are deep, dangerous, and potentially injurious to democracy. So what is the role of the church in the context of an election being held in a time such as this? What is our role as individual followers of Jesus Christ committed to his way of love in such a time as this?" Read his full message here https://episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/presiding-bishop-currys-word-church-what-did-jesus-do Below are resources that may be helpful: * An online curriculum titled, “Make Me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse,” prepared by the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations. * With Malice Toward None,” an ecumenical nonpartisan program designed for churches and faith communities and groups to provide a way of understanding and healing for those on any side of the political spectrum, both before and after the November elections. It's hosted by Braver Angels, a citizens' organization uniting red and blue Americans. * “ Learn, Pray, Act: Resources for Responding to Racist Violence,” curated by the staff for racial reconciliation and justice and the Office of Government Relations. * Another contains Resources from the Center for Racial Healing and the Diocese of Atlanta. Note also that the Presiding Bishop has a new book out, "Love Is the Way" and subtitled "Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times". You can watch interviews with the PB about this title and other matters at https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=31d055db55&e=95074d798e and https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2020/09/22/qa-presiding-bishop-shares-stories-from-his-life-and-ministry-in-new-book-on-christian-love/ |
WILLIAM BARTOSH
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