Folks,
The lessons for this coming Sunday include from Deuteronomy an homage to Moses, who must have been quite a guy. So just a bit of oddity then that rather than building him a fine tomb like their examples in Egypt the lesson says Moses was to be buried somewhere in Moab in a place "no one knows to this day". I'm impressed that for someone who easily could have commanded much finery after death, Moses obeyed God's will and chose simplicity. Of course some of the lesson may be mythical exaggeration (120 years old?) but still it edifies! For all that there have been many jewels in it, we are glad the long Exodus slog is over! Note that, mol in "historic" order next week we will begin with the Book of Joshua, who receives brief mention at the end of this Sunday's lesson as a worthy successor to Moses. From the Matthew gospel we hear of the follow up from last week's clever reply by Jesus using a coin for an example. And of course he wows them again - only this time it's with what may be the greatest lesson of all God would have us learn. This is because Jesus's message, just like the "Jesus people" Rev Dr Bramlett told us about who were gathering at the synagogues even though many were Gentiles, wasn't about worshipping idols in temples at all. Rather it was about establishing a community based on God's lovingkindness, the essence of that golden rule and the second which Jesus said is like unto it and which puts the first squarely into our real world rather some theological fantasy. Some of you may know I'm pretty involved with stock market work, and believe it or not, it is an incredibly SOCIAL effort, learning about companies and practices, exchanging tips, etc. But I have come to realise a "community" of electronic friends who frequently discuss the markets with me - and a key ability in that social effort is to seek out folks who are "trustworthy" for such a social effort. That in turn is best indicated by someone who shows kindness, especially when it's unexpected. Now, it is of course important that such "trustees" also have a pretty good knowledge of what they are talking about. But of the two, a confidant with reasonable knowledge and kindness is better than one who doesn't exhibit such kindness, since in the latter the knowledgeable person may have the smarts to lead you astray, even with malicious intent. And yet again in his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul describes the overwhelmingly loving example he hoped to be setting for the young churches and its disciples, even while (as he relates he was at Philippi) having "been shamefully mistreated". As Paul said, may we have the "courage in our God to declare ... the gospel of God in spite of great opposition". Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Church in San Ardo! Events Please join us if you can for Morning Prayer at St Matthew Church at 9:30am this Sunday. And note that our fellow mission St Luke Church in Jolon will be meeting for Morning Prayer this Sunday at 10am, this Sunday to be led by our friend Rachel Denny. Other Events Well in advance so you can plan, our friends at that other St Luke Church in Atascadero have announced their annual Bazaar Friday, Dec. 1 from 9:00-6:00. This is a chance to enjoy a fun events while supporting a congregation that we see especially kind, hence worthy. All Saints Day Several congregations will be observing this special day in the church calendar by having a time set for remembrance for those who have "gone before". As people of faith, we know that "death has no dominion over us" not in a "scientific" sense, but with that ineffable trust that the spirits will be with us all, both "in this world" and the "world to come". One such is St Barnabas Church Arroyo Grande, who encourage all to bring photos of loved ones to church for display Nov 5 & 12 at the 8am and 10am services. They will also be having a Newcomers Brunch on Nov 12 at 11:30am. Note that a similar event will take place at St Benedict Church in Los Osos at their 8am and 10:30am services. As well the parish tells us of the following event: "OKTOBERFEST ON 29TH: Sign up for a time slot and be a part of the Discovery Team as we continue the work to reach out to the community around us. Join us as we offer the ministry of presence with blessings, prayer, and conversation. Please contact Rev. Jen at jen@stbenslososos.org " From our "big sibling" parish St James Church in Paso Robles we hear of the following Samhain (look it up at www.oxfordreference.com ) event: "On Thursday, November 2 at 7pm there will be a quiet service to remember our loved ones who have died. They tell us more information coming next week on the Celtic way of honoring the movement of the year from fall into winter as well as the thinning of the veil between this world and the next. More about Samhain As millions of children and adults participate in the fun of Halloween on the night of October 31st, few will be aware of its ancient Celtic roots in the Samhain (Samain) festival. In Celtic Ireland about 2,000 years ago, Samhain was the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter). At Samhain the division between this world and the otherworld was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through. The family's ancestors were honored and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off. People wore costumes and masks to disguise themselves as harmful spirits and thus avoid harm. Bonfires and food played a large part in the festivities. The bones of slaughtered livestock were cast into a communal fire, household fires were extinguished and started again from the bonfire. Food was prepared for the living and the dead, food for the ancestors who were in no position it eat it, was ritually shared with the less well off. Christianity incorporated the honoring of the dead into the Christian calendar with All Saints (All Hallows) on November 1st, followed by All Souls on November 2nd. The wearing of costumes and masks to ward off harmful spirits survived as Halloween customs. The Irish emigrated to America in great numbers during the 19th century especially around the time of famine in Ireland during the 1840's. The Irish carried their Halloween traditions to America, where today it is one of the major holidays of the year. Through time other traditions have blended into Halloween, for example the American harvest time tradition of carving pumpkins. (from Newgrange.com) For our Samhain Service on Thursday evening November 2 at 7pm we will light candles and remember our ancestors and saints as we also welcome the Celtic new year. The Celtic day begins at dusk and so the new year begins as the year moves into darkness." From the Diocese By way of Good Shepherd Church in Salinas we hear of both the communique sent jointly by Abp Naoum of Jerusalem Justin Welby, Abp of Canterbury (viewable at the diocesan website at www.edecr.org and at many diocesan parish websites) suggesting donations might go for relief to https://goodshepherdcorral.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7cbc9cee2ea785c71ef0cbb3c&id=f7125729be&e=cc1155f723 Note also that the Cathedral of St Paul in San Diego tells us one can donate, including to Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza via https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0017k4-xJzRUOO8t8bkGOxJe1zyK3-zX-yg1F5EMQKJNHyA3w8FYokZyZjML1Lt4epWGCOdHeh6OFG8HJrie6ZqNFkr1IgX5S7rDRFuSkougKTEwn-YxsGMxxypplI05aARzO5MLrSBg4xgTd4dM3SiSmtlUzO0NCq59RNAIXrUO9UBWWZpw89GRhhJqqjaHz5VsGpgt6szQDnYKCFLXIVUur2ld3V71djZn_t3EfKwFaY=&c=icoJ36H5ZAMRK3VjYUOkc2p5ejgXsxC6hWPSAx81Spbv9VS6- e3gPQ==&ch=g6xowXf24H74qYX5gYwPpXHal7AQIOOymFiIYLTLbg19plq5SoKSwg==
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Folks,
The lessons for this week include more from Exodus, including this time Moses asking God to be with and even lead the people of Israel, thus making them a distinct people "from every people on the face of the earth" - but is this a good thing? More than that, God is depicted, as often in the OT, as "personal" such that he could place his hand over Moses, and after he passes, his "back" would be visible. The lesson from Paul to the church in Thessalonica, Greece, is from one of the earliest Pauline epistles (Galatians may be earlier). It clearly is written to people he met in the synagogue there (a clear remind of Dr Bramlett point out that Paul mostly sought out not just anyone but "gentiles" who were inclined to the notion of one god already as distinct from the then more common "idol worship" in Greco-Roman temples. He clearly was happy with the inclination of his audiences there to follow his lead in evangelism. It's not quite clear to me exactly what sort of "wrath" he and his followers were expecting to be rescued from. The gospel lesson from Matthew (haven't we had this not too many Sundays back?) speaks for the separation of church and state (give the emperor the things that are the emperors and to God the things that are God's). Whether those hearing this speech supported Jesus or not, I can believe they were amazed by the quick witted and sensible reply Jesus made! Even taken together these lessons do not present very interestingly to me, though I have already indicated my quibble with Moses idea that the people of God should be distinct from others. This was also quite a different tack from what hear in quotes from Jesus, and especially so from Paul, who was very much more ready to create an "international" spiritual movement. As we know the distinction between "people" leads to such events as the fighting between Hamas Palestinians (today effectively all Moslem) and Israeli defense forces. While both groups believe in "one God" it certainly doesn't seem to make for peace. My take on all this is that the more inclusion we recognise the better - perhaps seeing a progression in time from the single-minded ethnicity of the OT, still appearing (mostly) in the gospels - Dr Bramlett was most emphatic that Jesus was speaking primarily to his "fellow Pharisees" (yes, though not upper class, with his amount of education and emphasis on spirituality and the Jewish people, he could be considered "pharisaical" but) then being graciously expanded to all people by the Pauline Church. As we offer our prayers for peace in the world, may we remember the beautiful prayer for mission from the Morning and Evening Prayer services, "Oh God, you have of one blood all people of the earth..." for so it is. Our love to all Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matts! Events St Matthew Church in San Ardo will have Morning Prayer at 9:30am this Sunday - all are welcome to join us. At our fellow mission, St Luke Church in Jolon, we hear that our friend Roy Morris will lead the Morning Prayer service and preach, beginning at 10am. On the following Wed, Oct 25, folks will gather for the Vespers Supper Club, with the eating to being at 6pm and the service of Vespers at 7pm. From Sid Symington of St Peters Church in Morro Bay we hear of the Eclectia Fall, 2023 course this time an in-depth look at "The Tevye Stories" by the great Yiddish writer Sholem Aleichem. This eight-part filmed seminar is taught by Harvard professor emerita Ruth Wisse and hosted by Padre Sid. Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:30 Erickson Hall 545 Shasta Avenue in Morro Bay November 1 through December 20 One session --$5 Eight sessions $15 We will watch the lecture, take a break and discuss! Ruth Wisse (pronounced Wais) née Roskies, born May 13, 1936) is the Martin Peretz Professor of Yiddish Literature and Professor of Comparative Literature at Harvard University emerita. She is a noted scholar of Yiddish literature and of Jewish history and culture. St Peter folks also tell us that "Our sister church St. Paul's of Cambria is the new home of Cambria Concerts Unplugged produced by violin virtuoso Brynn Albanese. Spectacular setting for spectacular music with Louie Ortega and his daughter Talia and Dean Giles and Greg Smith. Brynn will play if sufficiently recovered from knee surgery (on Halloween). For info and tickets go to https://my805tix.com/e/cambria-christmas And St Peter's By the Sea Players will be putting on another play, this time The War of the Worlds by H. G. Welles Fri-Sun thru Oct 29. For tickets and full info call 805.776.3287. A Quick Reminder ... about the QUILTERS, CRAFTERS, NEEDLEWORKERS RETREAT - OCT. 26-28 at St Barnabas Church, Arroyo Grande. We are especially fond of needlepoint and know how retreat-fitting an activity it is. contact Patrice Fiser 805-550-9570, patricefiser@yahoo.com for full info. The retreat IS FREE but we would still like to know who is coming, so please reserve your spot. From the Diocese ... comes word of nationwide prayers for peace in the Middle East - see https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=3dc4797b8f&e=f136cc0442 Also word of the coming to fruition of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary which we heard as well at Sunburst's daily meditation from our friend Ilene who leads the morning quiet meditations most days. Go to the diocesan websites at edecr.org and for this item see https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=ec06df4d52&e=f136cc0442 Folks,
The lessons for this Sunday include another part of the long Exodus slog - in this case including the story of idol of gold made into the image of a calf, along with a gospel lesson from Matthew with a stern warning. While these two lessons are "difficult". The strange thing about this gospel lesson is that it was clearly directed at the "Jesus people" of the times, the Jews - already clearly the "chosen people" and those Gentiles attracted to the synagogues (listen to Dr Bramlett's lectures that we mentioned last week for a better understanding of who these folks were). But how does this invitation to be "chosen" fit with the Exodus lesson? There probably isn't a better explanation in the scriptures that what was being discussed was "spiritual" in nature than this rejection of some man-made object set on an altar to worship. While we might think such worship "quaint", in the era it was written such objects and altars were the norm (think of all the Roman temples to their versions of the Greek "gods"). So who will be welcome at the wedding banquet? I suggest this is a reminder lesson of the old "free will / predestination" arguments - and it is up to us to recognise that we are already chosen (and so invited to be guests) even as we accept with gratitude such an invitation to the heavenly banquet. Paul again has it right (and please note how easily Paul was able to "work" with women as well as other men "in the work of the gospel" again, a big point of Dr Bramlett's!) It seems to me it is a combination of choosing and recognising one has been "chosen" already! Paul's concluding sentences are especially gracious as they are simple and direct in their instructions: "Finally, beloved, 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. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you." Our love to all - and may we all choose to be chosen! Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matts! Events Tony(!) and I will be back at St Mathhew Church in San Ardo this Sunday for Morning Prayer at 9:30am at the chapel at the corner of Railroad and Jolon in San Ardo, and we hope many of you will join us. We want to thank you for your prayers and note that it appears my surgery went especially well. Other Events As you know, we like to select one or two rather special events here at our neighbouring parishes, often beginning with St Luke Church in Jolon where our friend SuRay will be leading morning prayer at 10am. Good Shepherd Church in Salinas tells us they will be having Community BBQs Oct 18 and 25 at 5:30pm. As we've mentioned before (but reiterate now because it seems such a good idea!) St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande will be having the 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 And More Events: From St Paul Cathedral in San Diego we note that besides their Youth Group Meet-Up at 7:30pm on Wed Oct 18, we note the following set for this evening at 5pm: "St. Paul’s opens its concert series this fall with a program (that) includes some of musical theatre’s loveliest love songs and duets, songs from the American Songbook and songs from composers such as Poulenc, Ravel, Bernstein, Sondheim, and Ricky Ian Gordon." and also their "variety" program, called "A Cathedral Home Companion" takes place a few days later on Oct 21 at 5:30pm. For full info on these and other St Paul Cathedral events go to www.stpaulcathedral.org Folks,
The lessons for this Sunday include a recitation of the 10 commandments from Exodus, a beautiful statement of Paul's persevering love for the church of God, and a stern lesson in a parable Jesus delivers in the Gospel of Matthew. Note that this gospel lesson is remarkably similar to the alternate Old Testament lesson from Isaiah 5:1-7 - in both God, in the person of a vineyard owner, loses the harvest and destroys the vineyard! The point of the similar lessons is made at the end of the Matthew lesson, wherein the temple officials realise that Jesus was speaking of them and even of the people of Israel when saying that he would find other tenants to deliver the produce to him at harvest time. Fortunately, quite a few of the "Jesus people" (as Dr Bramlett who was subbing at St Stephens Church called them) were in the new tenant group. (As an aside, Dr Bramlett's lecturs on the earliest era of the church after Jesus resurrection thru the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem has been well work auditing and the recorded lecture series is available online as follows: Session 1: Understanding the significance of critical historical scholarship for both scriptures and this pivotal historical period. https://tinyurl.com/Uncovering-Session1
Meanwhile, we want especially to note from the Exodus lesson for this Sunday the following passage where the people said to Moses: “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, or we will die.” Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come only to test you and to put the fear of him upon you so that you do not sin.” As you can see Moses speaking for a God who puts mercy ahead of just immediately recognises the excessive fear of the people, So all who read the simplistic formulary in the Ten Commandments realise that the situations human beings find themselves in are more complex - yet it is one of early openings that show everyone can and does speak to God directly in their prayers and meditations. May we make speak to God, alone and in groups, directly, both individually and in corporate prayer, seeking right ways of living! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) And for all of us at St Matts! Events As mentioned last weekend, we encourage to be at the local parishes this weekend as you are able. For us we will be awaiting the surgical procedure (with some special instructions) in Santa Barbara this weekend and ask your prayers for us too! Note that services will continue in San Ardo, and all around the Deanery and Diocese. Also note that while some parishes celebrated St Francis Day last Sunday, other will do so THIS weekend with a bless of the animals (even a somewhat nervous set of cats and dogs!) Further affield online events are available at many larger parishes, including St Paul Cathedral in San Diego - see www.stpaulcathedral.org Note that THIS SUNDAY St Paul Cathedral and St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande are just two of the places to have a blessing of the animals, Also note as we have been mentioning St James Church in Paso Robles will be having their "Oktobertfest" fundraiers TOMORROW at Harris Stage Line TOMORROW - for full info go to www.tinyurl.com/oktoberfest-cfs for full info! And as they each Sunday, the Sunburst Community near Gaviota will be meeting for meditation at 10:30am with music and an inspirational talk! We will be glad when this surgery is behind us and we can participate more fully in these events! |
WILLIAM BARTOSH
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