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Folks,
In the lessons this week the Old Testament fast forwards to Joshua after the "disgrace of Egypt" was over. At that time the people of Israel changed over to agriculture, eating the produce of the land of Canaan - ie, they "settled in". Even the gospel lesson from Luke talks about foodstuffs, both with reference to Jesus himself - "All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." and in the context of parable Jesus told about the feast prepared for the "prodigal" son (not so much a prodigy as "extravagant"), a memorable story of forgiving, whether deserving or not. a useful lesson for those among us who see themselves as "holier than thou" in the words of the song from Nunsense - a great musical comedy. While the gospel lesson is one of reconciliation with a fellow human being, the "father", Paul's lesson written to the church in Corinth speaks of a broader reconciliation, to God in Christ, now a spiritual being. To my mind, it is in this much bigger reconciliation ("in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself" that we are truly freed to live as spiritual beings as well. May we all dwell freely as spiritual being while yet participating in the joys of this world, knowing that we are fully reconciled to God and one another in the Spirit! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matt Events This Sunday at 10am St Matthew Parish will be meet for Morning Prayer at 10am. Our fellow missions in South Monterey County, St Mark in King City and St Luke in Jolon, will be meeting together at 10am St Mark Church in King city, a beautifully meditative space at Third and Bassett, in King City. It will be the bishop's visitation to both parishes. Other Events Because we have houseguests this weekend, we are out of time and need to attend to them, so ask that you all might either go to the websites of your local parishes or see prior News emailings for more event info - lots of things are happening in the Church. And don't forget to help others, among other ways by going to the websites of Episcopal Relief and Development at https://www.episcopalrelief.org/contact-us/
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Folks,
The lessons for this Sunday seem to be replete with lessons about the continuity of the Jewish people from last week's Second Creation Story to their formation in Canaan of a new "nation". The Exodus lesson for this Sunday reminds us of the effort of the Jews to leave Egypt. God, in the form of a burning bush, speaks to Moses at Mt Horeb - a rocky peak in an arid area to see Canaan - the "promised land". Yet it was populated, as even the Bush tells Moses, by no less than five other tribes (would-be nations). God then gives that eerie name for himself "I am who I am", recounting Moses' lineage thru Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is little wonder that the Exodus story, echoed thru time even unto the 1960 movie of that title and the modern nation of Israel. But the story of Jewish nationhood continues in the Gospel of Luke with reference to the collapse of the Siloam Tower, killing 18 people. for reason of their "sins". The writer asks himself if they were worse sinners than all the others living in Jerusalem and concludes with a loud "No!" and reminding them of their fates unless they repent. In that lesson the need to repent is reiterated in the story of the fig tree, wherein a gardener asks a second chance for the barren tree, a story that suggests we are just now living in our second chance time. We ALL need to repent (re-think) our lives. More history comes with Paul, writing to the young church in Corinth, wherein he recounts more of the story, including the crossing of the sea as a sort of "baptism" (the practice of baptism Wiki tells us is related to ancient Jewish and other nearby groups purification rites especially at the time of the Babylonian Captivity, 586-539) was a part of Jewish custom. John the Baptist seized it as his cousin Jesus came along as his "thing". Paul makes it clear that such things, including the terrible fate of the people in a plague event that resulted in the death of thousands due to immorality (perhaps sexually transmitted diseases?) amid drunken revels. He sums his lesson up in these lines: "No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it." But for all us in this common period of testing in our earthly lives, has a great help in our Rock (my subtitle for this Sunday) as Paul eloquently refers to the Rock at Horeb, saying "For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ." So it is that we have a common history with our forebears in that Rock (eschewing excessive "nationalism" and recognising our commonality with all those other tribes), who was with them thru all those ancient times and even today. May we all continue drinking spiritual sustenance from that Rock! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Church Events St Matthew Parish will be meeting for Morning Prayer at 10am at the chapel in San Ardo. Our fellow mission St Luke Parish in Lockwood area will be doing likewise at the chapel in Jolon St Luke correspondent Rachel Denny tells us that on the following Sun, Mar 30, Bp Lucinda Ashby will visiting with both St Luke and St Mark Parishes at St Marks architectural stunning facility in King City with Fr Carl Hansen. They ask that you tell Carl so had an idea of how many people to expect. Other Events Beyond the "advent" of Spring (yesterday was the first day!) we note that even while Lent is a more pensive season (again "repent" or re-think, as in the lessons), the parishes of the SLO Deanery are busy nonetheless: Other Events Our sister Brandy tells us that she will be off to service near her home at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, followed by their Forum (their events are usually available at least to audit - see the links and other info at www.gracecathedral.org and note that tomorrow's Forum features our friend Tom Steyer, Venture Capitalist especially with an eye to "green investing" (which will become important whatever one's political leanings"). We once participated in an "Adult Sunday School" with Tom and thoroughly enjoyed it - many interested concepts in this world, yet bolstered by a drinking from our spiritual Rock. Camp St Andrews, run by St Andrew's Parish in Saratoga, tells us that there are still limited spot available for this year summer camping program especially for young people, ages 8-15. For full info go to https://campsaintandrews.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f47a445ec3a76051753e25c4b&id=6793a114b7&e=c59fdc55b8 Our friends at St Peter Parish in Morro Bay tell us that Bp Lucinda will be visiting there as well, in this case on Sunday April 13. And while they search for a new priest, our friend Rev Caro Hall will be in charger there. St Peters will also have a concert, "The Voice of Spring", by the Voice Studio of Mary Sue Gee, on Mar 30 at 2pm. St James Parish in Paso Robles tells us they will be continuing reading together Entering the Passion of Christ: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Week by A J Levine. Contact the Parish Office for details at 805.238.0819. St Paul Cathedral in San Diego will have a Forum as well - in this case "A Guide to Civil Discourse". See their websites for info on this and many other events at www.stpaulcathedral.org Which include a Silent Day Retreat on Apr 5 and A Forum on Mar 27 from 9am to 2:15pm with the National Faith + Climate Forum, a Day of Jewish Community and Learning on Mar 30, and an even of Women Together described as The Crucifixion of the King of Glory: How Christ Confounded the World While Fulfilling Perplexing Prophecies Thursday, April 3, 5:45 - 7:15 pm, The Guild Room Speaker: Dr. Eugenia Constantinou And of course the Cathedral Parish will be offering Lenten Soup Suppers including on Maundy Thursday, April 17. Besides all of the above, we encourage all to visit websites fore events at your local parishes, such as St Barnabas in Arroyo Grande, St Benedict in Los Osos, St Paul in Cambria, St Luke in Atascadero and St Stephen in San Luis Obispo. From the Diocese You saw above that Bp Lucinda will be visiting in many places, including April 6 at Good Shepherd Parish in Salinas (Corral de Tierra). If you want to track all of her "moves" you might want to sign on to receive the diocesan newsletter - see details at www.realepiscopal.org (you will see an excellent graphic of a chessboard with one of the "bishop" pieces moving about). At those websites you will see this item as well: March 28 – The Sickness unto Death Kierkegaard defines despair not as mere sadness but as a failure to be truly oneself, rooted in God. This session will explore how despair can coexist with happiness and what it means for the spiritual life. April 4 – Philosophical Fragments How does Christian faith differ from Platonic recollection? We will contrast these perspectives while considering Kierkegaard's concept of offense—the stumbling block of the gospel that is inextricably linked to faith. About our presenter - Luke Grote, PhD, has previously led an engaging Lenten series on theology and philosophy. This online series is open to all who seek a deeper understanding of faith and the risk it entails. For full info on this series go to https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=1b1c16b777&e=f136cc0442 Each year, we combine worship, ministry tables, presenters, and food (YUM!) to center around a particular theme. This year, our theme is "Believing, Belonging, Beloved." Registration will be opening soon with early bird pricing through April 18th. On the evening of Friday, May 16th, it will be the Bishop's pleasure to gather us at a banquet to honor Joanna Shreve, who is the recipient of the 2025 Pilgrim's Path award. We will also honor two of our long-time leaders, Jerry Drino and George Lockwood, who are recipients of this year's Bishop's Award. The banquet will end with a brief talk by our presenters and a service of Compline. Our presenters for the 2025 Spring Renewal are the Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner, Bishop Provisional of the Missionary Diocese of Navajoland, and Canon Cornelia Eaton, a Navajo priest who serves as Canon to the Ordinary for that diocese. On Saturday May 17th, they will share presentations about their ministry together in Navajoland, the challenges and joys of the work they share, and the unique experience of meeting Navajo spirituality and the spiritual tradition of The Episcopal Church, which they both embody in their respective roles. Our presenters are candid, thoughtful, and deeply committed to the calling they will share with us. Friends,
Sometimes one wonders what got into the minds of the people who put together The Lectionary. A good example is this comes this Sunday, with an OT lesson from Genesis 15 which is the announcement to Abraham that he was to be the progenitor of multitudes - more about which below. Taken together with Genesis 16-18, where his wife Sarah laughs after overhearing the Lord appearing to Abraham that she was to have a child at her advanced age, it seems that God's intent was to work in the lives of both females and males. In this creation story - a more intelligible story, especially to the Jews seeking their promised land, than that of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Note that while some think it mere "woke" thinking to add that reminder of Sarah's laughter, the fact is that without Sarah's womb there would be no future Jewish multitudes. Moreover in God's command to change her name from Sar'ai (princess of a specific group) to Sarah (a princess not limited to any specific group) Sarah really rises in stature alongside Abraham to the beginning of many tribes. Reading the chapters in between paints an interesting and complex (oh the humanity!") picture of that story, with the birth of Ishmael (meaning "God will hear") to Hagar, leading in theory at least to the Arabic tribes - and note that the angel of the Lord spoke directly to Hagar while Sar'ai only overheard . This creation story, thru Sar'ai's laughter, includes jealousy and succession issues and it should be noted that it is followed by the introduction of sin in story of Sodom and Gomor'rah, whose sins were very grave (scholars suggest it was a lack of hospitality to their guests) with Abraham bargaining with the Lord to save those places and the few righteous citizens that may be there (finally whittled down to ten after which "the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place." The other lessons for this Sunday include from Philippians, which scholar's generally agree was written by Paul and which include the wonderful notion of citizenship in heaven, and Luke, wherein Jesus is told that Herod wants to kill him. Jesus seems to accept this willingly as his ministry is among the Jesus and must be in Jerusalem, even while knowing that his fate there might include self-sacrifice as with former prophets. Indeed, Jesus seems to lament not that fate, but rather that his own tribe were not willing to be gathered together under God's wings for protection - note that elsewhere in Luke Jesus says that "a prophet is not without honour except in his own country". To me these three lessons include an early and grandiose vision of one's own "country" (as in the last verse of the Genesis lesson "from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates", ie the entire "Middle East" as we think of it today and a lament that the people of that country are not willing to work together for that country thru to Paul's notion of heavenly citizenship, by which I can believe Paul was hoping to put paid to the ethnic and cultural divisions within the church. We have spoken of this progression before, but it cannot be emphasised enough that Jesus says "My kingdom is not of this world". May we all find ourselves dwelling in that heavenly kingdom, working together for good with our fellow citizens! Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Church Events St Matthew Parish will meet this Sunday at 10am for Morning Prayer at the chapel in San Ardo. St Luke Parish in Lockwood-Jolon will be doing the same at the chapel in Jolon. Rachel Denny leads at St Luke and Tony Saponate(!) leads at San Ardo. Other Events St Luke Parish Atascadero's Taize Music will as usual Sunday evening at 7pm via Zoom. The link, etc are below Topic: Gather with Taize Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87454433792?pwd=M01rNThaRUpBVmJxVW9DcHJnY2FWdz09 Meeting ID: 874 5443 3792 Passcode: 783520 Gather Lent2025 Youtube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL69la8W1_FUGizrsGI-oBeqlDpfkmX7WI Also St Luke's folks are continuing collecting items for their Plant and Bake Sale which is scheduled for April 26 from 8am to 2pm. And remember that St Luke folks meet Tues and Thurs evenings for Evening Prayer. The Zoom link is available at St Luke's website at http://www.stlukesatascadero.com/ St Barnabas Parish in Arroyo Grande On Saturday, March 15th (that's TONIGHT) is having a dinner to raise funds for the youth to attend the Episcopal Church Camp. All are invited! St Barnabas suggests all might join on Zoom for Prayers for a Peaceful World on Thursdays in Lent at 12:00 pm Pacific starting on March 13 and ending April 21 (the day before Earth Day). We will discuss our concerns and pray for just and peaceful outcomes and for all of God's creation. The Zoom link is https://saintbarnabas-ag.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=debb1b33eb11372203a975524&id=a6174c5322&e=acee3ced34 Also at St Barnabas we hear that "St. Barnabas Hosting 6 Classes on First Century Christianity: As Christians, we worship Elohym, God of Israel. Our Bible was written by the Holy Spirit, using the hands of the Hebrews. Our Lord Yeshua (Jesus), who redeemed us from sin by the shedding of his blood, is a Jew. The Bible tells us that Salvation is first for the Jew, and then for the Gentiles. This material will help us understand the conditions, both secular and religious, that existed in Messiah's time. We will learn about Israel, and about Rome. Some Hebrew customs will be examined, and an over-view of the language and culture." Contact Phil West for full info at [email protected] Also at St Barnabas: TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER at 9:30 am followed by BIBLE STUDY at 10:00 am Hybrid in-person (church library) and Zoom Click this link to attend via your computer or device: bit.ly/stbarnabasmorningprayer To dial in call 1-669-900-6833. Meeting ID: 878 6513 4138# Password: 365072## and FRIDAY AFTERNOON CENTERING PRAYER at 4pmEVERY Friday from 4 to 5pm. We next meet in-person, tomorrow, Friday, March 14th and on every 2nd Friday of the month at St Barnabas and via Zoom on all other Fridays. Our zoom linkis bit.ly/stbarnabascenteringprayer More details here: https://saintbarnabas-ag.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=debb1b33eb11372203a975524&id=e4c8d5dfc9&e=acee3ced34 To dial in call 1-669-900-6833. Meeting ID: 867 7756 1670# Password: 034979## Join Rev. Linzi of St Ben's Parish each weekday morning (Monday-Friday) through Lent. Everyone's welcome to join at any point, no prior experience is needed. Bring your BCP and Bible or follow along with "Venite" either via their website or their downloadable app. Join Morning Prayer by clicking through the zoom link below. The link is also below in "The Week Ahead" and on the website under "Worship." https://stbenslososos.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56003b92c20a0cad0f96f87b4&id=b8761c907e&e=c7a1548f0f Also at St Bens we hear of "Spiritual Conversations" as follows: Tuesday Morning Spiritual Conversation: During Lent the Spiritual Conversation group will be reading from Living Well Through Lent by Living Compass. The pamphlet is available for free as a PDF file or contact Roz Malone. You do not have to do the reading to participate, all are welcome. Join on Zoom. Link is https://stbenslososos.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56003b92c20a0cad0f96f87b4&id=c8f7703ba9&e=c7a1548f0f St Peter Parish in Morro Bay will host a recital called "Voices of Spring" on Mar 30 at 2pm. Also at St Peter the Knitting Group will meet in the Anderson Library at the church Wed Mar 18 at 2pm - Happy KNitting. And the Bible 101 series with Lenny Erickson will meet on Wed <ar 19 from noon til 1:30 - bring a brown bag lunch. We want to remind everyone of the North County Bible Study being held jointly by St James parish in Paso Robles and St Luke Parish in Atascadero pm Wednesdays during Lent. The group wo;; meet at St James Church in Paso using the Kerygma study guide. For full info contact Holly Cooper at 805.434.7002. Ans don't forget those listed in last week's News - in particular the Piano Concert at 3pm on March 30 by Josh Tarica at 3pm. Friends,
The lessons for this Sunday include two lessons about veiled and unveiled truth with the curious outcome of Moses trek up Mt Sinai (in Exodus) to talk to God, and coming down with a serious case of shiny face (he took to the veil after that). Paul in an analogy refers to that story 2 Corinthians, suggesting the people hearing the lessons of the Old Covenant (Testament) when read in the Temple had a similar problem with the veil over their understanding of the lessons. and that "when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed" - ie, they can understand, which leads to a transformation of the people in the same image "as though reflected in a mirror". Those lessons are echoed in Luke's gospel which includes a form of the story of The Transfiguration. My partner Tony(!) tells me from his time with practitioners of Eastern religions people used the Japanese word "satori" which refers to a sudden realisation of one's true nature. My guess is that this is what happened when Peter, James and John went up the mountain with Jesus, whose face had changed when praying there and whose clothes became dazzling white - not a good idea to wear white on a mountain hike, I can tell you! And even though the guys were a bit sleep deprived (which probably made the white even more dazzling) they seemed to recall, as a tiny tiptoe into the drama of the Easter Season, that Jesus had been discussing his "departure" (the Hebrew word exodos meaning leaving or death) with Elijah and Moses (we aren't told whether Moses was still wearing that veil). After this a cloud overshadowed them all and God spoke directly: "This is my ... chosen, listen to him!" Interestingly, in the times I had a "mountain top experience" it was followed first by silence, as happened to this mountain top group coming down. But to me the story wouldn't be complete without the extra (and optional - ie, enclosed in brackets by the Lectionary composers) passage in which Jesus heals a boy from demons. This seems to tell me that a satori experience is even better followed by "good works". As we come to Eastertide may we all experience that satori glimpse into the divine! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) And for all of us at St Matt Events St Matthew Parish in San Ardo will meet for Morning Prayer at 10am at the chapel there. St Luke Parish in Jolon will be doing likewise. Both events are set for 10am. Donna Lews leas at St Luke Church and Tony Saponate(!) at St Matthew Church. Next Sunday St Luke's folks will join St Mark's folks at the chapel in King City for a service of Holy Eucharist at 10am. Note that Fr Carl Hansen will hold an Ash Wednesday Mar 5 at St Mark Church at noon. Other Events St James Parish in Paso Robles will kick off the Easter Season with a brief service attending the burning of the Palms for the ashes to be used on As Wednesday, followed by a Mardi Gras Pancake Supper. The events begin at 5pm Tuesday Evening, March 4. Note that several other parishes will be doing a similar event such as St Luke Parish in Atascadero - check with your local parishes for specific details as to time and place (eg, St Peter Parish in Morro Bay will start at 4pm and St Luke Parish in Atascadero at 5:30pm). St James (and several other parishes) will be enjoying the "Lent Madness" event, a tongue in cheek contest of sorts where folks will chose a favourite saint from a list of 32. An entry fee will be collected and donate to Episcopal Relief and Development, and organisation we have frequently commended in the News. For more info go to http://lentmadness.org/ As mentioned St James will be hosting a Piano Concert by Josh Tarica at 3pm on Mar 30. St Luke Parish in Atascadero tells us that in addition to the Shrove Tuesday Mardi Gras Pancake Supper event there will be an Ash Wednesday service at noon at the chapel. Note that St James Parish in Paso Robles will also have an Ash Wednesday service, in their case at 7pm. And St Luke Parish is collecting items to be sold at a benefit Plant and Bake Yard Sale to be held on April 30. At St Benedict Parish Ash Wednesday service, with Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist will be 7pm on Wednesday, March 5. St. Ben's _Discovery Team_ will be offering _Ashes to GO!_ at the Abundance Shop from 7am on Ash Wednesday. Also at St Ben's, Lenten Morning Prayer begins on Monday, March 10, at 8:30am. Rev. Linzi will offer Morning Prayer each weekday morning (Monday - Friday), you will need a Book of Common Prayer and a Bible if you'd like to participate fully . And St. Benedict's own exquisite Stations of the Cross will be installed in the sanctuary during Lent. Beginning on March 11, the church will be open every Tuesday in the Lenten season from 2-5pm for personal prayer and devotions. [Please know that the church won't be heated, so please do dress for comfort while in the space.] During the rest of the season after The Epiphany, St Ben's Spiritual Conversation group will be focusing on The Book of Acts. We'll read several chapters a week and then discuss together. You do not have to do the reading to participate, all are welcome. Join on Zoom. See St Ben's websites for details, including Zoom links. At St Barnabas Parish in Arroyo Grande on Saturday, March 8th at 3pm, their own Choral Scholar, Alexander Miller, will be performing his Vocal Minor Recital at Cal Poly in the Davidson Music Center (Building 45 Room 218). The event is free. Come support and enjoy Alexander and his wonderful singing! For more information, call 805-756-2406 And the parish will hold a St. Patrick's Day Fundraiser Dinner on March 15th from 5-6:30pm, come enjoy a wonderful dinner to raise funds for the youth to attend the Episcopal Church Camp. Contact the Parish Office for tickets. St Barnabas will host a Quilters, Needleworkers, Crafters! Retreat You are invited to a retreat at St. Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande. May 29th – 31st, (Thursday & Friday 9 am - 4 pm, Saturday 9am - 1 pm) There is no charge for the retreat. There is an optional $20 donation to cover costs (snacks, raffle, etc) Please let me know if you wish to attend the retreat. Contact Melissa Biel, 562-400-4704 (call or text), [email protected]. She will respond to your RSVP. If you do not hear back from me, it means I did not receive your response. She will follow-up with you when we get closer to the retreat to make sure the dates still fit with your schedule and give you more retreat information. They have 28 spaces available at the retreat. If they receive more than 28 responses, they will start a waiting list. Let me know if you have any questions. St Barnabas Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will also be on Mar 4 at 5pm. Besides that Shove Tuesday Pancake Supper (see above) St Peter Parish will be hosting the play Fireflies This weekend and next. the parish Knitting Group will gather at 2:30pm on Tues Mar 4 (Shrove Tuesday). And on Ash Wed, at the Parish on March 5 and every alternate Wednesday St Peter's Writer’s Group meets, 4:45-7:00. Have your own project but would like camaraderie or pointers? Here’s the place – Scout Coffee 390 Morro Bay Blvd. Also at St Peter Parish, from noon to 1:30pm my friend Lenny Erickson will lead "Bible 101" - a discussion and Q&A session, at the church. At Epiphany Episcopal/Lutheran Parish in Marina and St Phillips Lutheran Parish in Carmel our friend Rev Jon Perez tells us that they will have an Epiphany & St Phillips Joint Service on Mar 5 at 7pm at the Marina Church, after which they will journey thru Lent together with Holden Prayer Services on Tuesday alternating between the two locations, with the first on Mar 12 at St Philips Church, 8065 Carmel Valley Rd in Carmel Valley. the Services go from 6:30 to 8pm including a Simple Supper. Epiphany is receiving items for a Rummage Sale to be held on Mar 29 8am until noon. Contact the Church Office to be sure someon is there to drop off donations to be sold. Our friend Don Maruska of St Benedict Parish tells us of the coming WFaith Climate Action Week 2025, the week around Earth Day 2025, an inspiring time for faith communities to come together, raise awareness, and take meaningful action for the climate. This year's theme, Grounded & Growing: Planting the Seeds of Change, emphasizes the importance of trees in building resilient communities and reducing global warming. From April 18th to 27th, including the weekends just prior to and after Earth Day (April 22nd), we will join together in a variety of activities including worship services, educational events, tree planting, and advocacy efforts focused on protecting Creation and advancing climate justice in the Golden State. Register for your Action Kit at https://click.everyaction.com/k/102894575/530594740/1150051766?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAxNy8xLzExNDM0MyIsDQogICJEaXN0cmlidXRpb25VbmlxdWVJZCI6ICI5NzBhYzNjNi0zNmY1LWVmMTEtOTBjYi0wMDIyNDgyYTk0ZjQiLA0KICAiRW1haWxBZGRyZXNzIjogImRvbkBkb25tYXJ1c2thLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=Qwv8vDseUztEdNJCG3Av03vu3PBqdfCpW3aGdcT8S30=&emci=9282af13-a3f4-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&emdi=970ac3c6-36f5-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&ceid=5496925 Note that The 2025 FCAW kit includes: Welcome from your CIPL team Organizer's Guide Reflection on the Sacred Duty of Protecting Trees Book Recommendations Movie Recommendations with Discussion Questions Activities for Children and Youth Groups Interfaith Prayers and Poems Inspiration for Reflections, Sermons, Homilies from different traditions Postcards for Action Tree Planting Ceremony Script By joining us, you will be part of a movement of people of faith across the Golden State, united in the mission to create a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world for all. From the Deanery The Deanery Meeting will be this Sunday at St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande starting at 2pm. It will be preceded by a potluck lunch at 1:15pm. All are invited and the programs are interesting! The Agenda is as follows (thanks to David Ottesen!): Opening Prayer and Welcome: The Rev. Rob Keim Special Presentation: The Immigration Crisis: “Helping our Neighbors” Rita Casaverde – Executive Director, SLO Diversity Coalition Approval of Minutes: Laura Learned Treasurer: Lisa Gonzalez Deanery Elections: David Ottesen Committee Reports: Standing Committee; Board of Trustees; Commission on Ministry; Missional Grants Commission; SLO Episcopal Campus Ministry; Social Justice Committee Announcements: Future Meetings: May 4, 2025 – St. Luke’s, Atascadero July 20, 2025 – St. Paul’s, Cambria September ?? (Diocesan Budget Review via Zoom) Closing Prayer: The Rev. Dcn. Susan Arnold From the Diocese we hear the following: Below is a letter from the Rev. Martha Korienek, Canon to the Ordinary. In it, she announces her departure from our diocese, effective April 30, 2025. Canon Martha has been with us since the Summer of 2021, when she began working intensively in the areas of Transition Ministry and liturgical trainings. Many of you have experienced her pastoral style and her personal one-on-one engagement with leaders of congregations in transition. I hope that you will reach out to her and express your gratitude for her work with us. We wish her the very best as she continues to explore this ever-evolving call in ordained ministry. Faithfully, +Lucinda Dear Beloveds of El Camino Real, It has been the joy of a lifetime to serve as your Canon to the Ordinary these past few years, and to work alongside you in ministry. I have enjoyed every minute of working with vestries, search committees, transition teams, and clergy, and remain eternally grateful for the opportunity to journey with you as we discerned the call of the Holy Spirit and equipped the saints for ministry. And so, it is with an abiding love that I share with you that I will be leaving the position of Canon to the Ordinary, and my last day will be April 30, 2025. One thing that has inspired me time and time again is the wisdom within each of our communities. And when we bring together our gifts, talents, and skills, I have been impressed by what we can accomplish. I hope you will continue to work together, sharing wisdom and gifts, both within your congregations and with each other across the diocese. It has been beautiful and holy to see you support each other in being God's people in the world. Please know that you remain in my prayers, and in my heart. God bless, The Rev. Canon Martha Korienek Folks,
The lessons for this Sunday include from Genesis a remarkably serene Joseph disclosing to his brothers his identity without any anger (most of us would be a little upset about being sold into slavery), and in the Gospel of Luke good "turnabouts" of phrase, spoken by Jesus at least in part to get people to think. Taken along with the Old Testament my partner Tony! comments how impressed he was by Joseph's forgiving his brethren, which might say also sums up the gospel lesson and indeed our friend and recent houseguest Jim noted that a big part of what characterises Christianity is forgiveness with grace. In the Corinthians lesson Paul refers to Jesus as "the last Adam" a notion that in Jesus Christ we have the fulfillment and counterpart to the first man, ie, the fulfilment of God's plan for humanity. But to my mind a more important part of the lesson is Paul's emphasis on the spiritual, suggesting we do better to see ourselves first as spiritual beings and only later as physical. Indeed Paul concludes with this sentence "What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. As we continue living in our communities may we learn to practice forgiveness with grace, and as Paul, recognise the primacy of the "spiritual" beings in ourselves and in each other, for in this way we may live in that "kingdom of God" Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matt Events This Sunday St Matthew parish will meet for a service of Morning Prayer led by my partner Tony Saponate at 10am, the customary houw, at the chapel in San Ardo. Our fellow mission St Luke parish in the Lockwood / Jolon area will be doing the same led by Rachel Denny. Note that on Sun Mar 9 Bp Lucinda Ashy will be at St Marks to meet with both parishes. If you can be there, contact Fr Carl Hansen. Other Events This Sunday St Barnabas Parish in Arroyo Grande will focus on Creation Care, with Creation Care team member Don Maruska of St Benedict Parish Los Osos at their 8am and 10am services. They describe the events as follows: "During today's worship, Don will be sharing his and experience and joy in God's creation and how we might respond to this expression of God's love. After church, and during Coffee Hour, Don and several Cal Poly Climate Fellows will leading us a Climate Action Coffee Hour in which we will learn more about what we can all be doing to care for God's creation. The food for the Climate Action Coffee Hour is "green" and vegan. Note as well that St Barnabas has Bible Study TUesdays at 10am after 9:30am Morning Prayer, and Centering Prayer on Fridays at 4pm. Both are via Zoom - see the parish website for the Zoom links. Our neighbouring parish St James, Paso Robles, is having several special events in the run-up to the Lenten season, such as a short service to burn the palms used in last year's services to make the ashes used on Ash Wednesday. This service will take place at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Mar 4. Note as well that the congregation is planning an especially festive Coffee House this Sunday after 10am services, by the good work of our friend Laura Learned. The congregation is seeking donations to be sold at a Silent Auction at the Pancake Supper. On Wed Feb 26 at 10am St James will offer a Small Group Bible Study of the Beatitudes. And looking ahead, St James will host a Piano Concert offered by Hosh Tarica on Mar 30 at 3pm. Note that neighbouring parish St Luke Church, Atascadero, will also have a Pancake Supper on Tuesday, Mar 4 beginning at 5:30pm. And don't forget St Luke's Taize Music group meets onine Sunday evenings, including tomorrow at 7pm via Zoom. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87454433792?pwd=M01rNThaRUpBVmJxVW9DcHJnY2FWdz09 Meeting ID: 874 5443 3792 Passcode: 783520 And wife and husband deacons Susan and Jim Arnold will be having Licensed Eucharistic Minister training - contact St Luke Parish for full info. St Benedict Parish will be installing beautiful Stations of the Cross for Lenten observance, leaving the church open every Tues during Lent from 2-5pm. Their Ash Wednesday service on Mar 5 will be at 7pm. St Ben's team will offer Ashes to GO as well. St Peter Church in Morro Bay, besides having pancakes on Shrove Tuesday will host the play Dahl's Darlings starting Feb 28 and running thru Mar 9. Call f805.776.3287 or full info and tickets. From the Diocese We hear that Calvary Church in Santa Cruz is having an inauguration of their new Labyrinth and a program covering some of Calvary's long history in that City. While this event occurred today, we hope they will repeat it with more forenotice. Folks,
The lessons include from I Corinthians Paul claiming that (borrowing from Fried Green Tomatoes) without the body you don't have a case (most of you know my riposte to that thinking - faith IS believing in things unseen, so a body would make no difference), and in the gospel of Luke we see the "beatitudes on the plain" very similar to those in Matthew. But for this Sunday I'd like to concentrate on the OT lesson from Jeremiah, where the writer is in typical "jeremiad" form, suggesting all manor of unpleasant outcomes following "mere mortals" yet blessed are those following the Lord. In particular I'd have focused on the last three stanzas of the poem-lesson: The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse-- who can understand it? I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings. These words suggest the kind of relationship we might strive to have with the Lord, and with ourselves. We need to know that the Lord will be testing the mind of course, but to me it seems more important that the Lord searches the hearts. While we all might like to think otherwise, it seems human deviousness is a reality that fits most of us at times all too well. Yet in that searching of the heart, the Lord, and indeed we ourselves, can find the motivation to amend our "ways" and so enjoy the fruit of our doings. Indeed for many, in the process of meditation and prayer we can better search our hearts, and in so doing use the mind to begin a work of self improvement. It is this connection of meditation and prayer that seems to be beautifully reflected in the Book of Common Prayer's "Collect of the Day": O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. We pray that all will join in this effort of meditation and prayer! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matt Events St Matthew parish in San Ardo will offer the service of Morning Prayer this Sunday at 10am in the chapel, corner of Railroad and Jolon. Our fellow mission, St Luke parish in Jolon, will be doing the same at the same hour, with our friend SuRay leading. As a heads-up for March, our friend Rachael tells us that Bp Lucinda will be visiting BOTH parishes on Sun, Mar 9 for a service of Holy Communion - more about that soon. Other Events Speaking of the Beatitudes, our friends at St James Parish will be studying them at a series of Kerygma Bible Studies set to begin on Wed Feb 26 at 10am St Barnabas parish in Arroyo Grande tells us they have a Barre Sculpt class every Mon and Fri at 10:30am. For full into call the parish office. St Barnabas also offers Centering Prayer every Fri at 4pm via Zoom at the following link: https://saintbarnabas-ag.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=debb1b33eb11372203a975524&id=f0bbaa2d1f&e=acee3ced34 The Spiritual Conversations at St Benedict parish, Los Osos will via Zoom will take up The Book of Acts at their regular Tuesday event at 10:30am. The Earthcare group there will also meet via Zoom at 3pm that day. The folks at St Luke parish, Atascadero are planning ahead for a "Parking Lot Sale" of plants and baked goodies on April 26. Look for more about this in future News episodes. They are also are having a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Mar 4 at 5:30pm. At St Peter parish in Morro Bay, the play Fireflies, will be performed starting Feb 21. For full details call 805-776-3287. At St Paul Cathedral in San Diego this Sun at 5pm, the Order of Evensong will take place. They describe the Order as The Order of St. John, formally the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, is a British charitable Order of chivalry dating back to the Crusades and is renowned throughout the world for its apolitical health care and first responder services in over 40 nations, upholding the St John motto - 'For the Faith and in the Service of Humanity.' And the Cathedral parish will offer "Ashes to Go" on Ash Wed, Mar 5. Contact the Cathedral Office for full info. And they are having a Newcomers Brunch on Sun Feb 23 at noon. On Tues Mar 4 at 5:45pm they will have a Zydeco Mass and Reception to begin Lent (yes, it will be "Fat Tuesday"). Good Shepherd Parish, Salinas (Corral de Tierra) will have a Jazz Service at 10am Mar 2 followed by a Pancake Brunch put on by the Scouts of the parish. Our friend Roger Wharton of Good Samaritan parish in San Jose suggests that as we celebrate with those we love on this St Valentine's Day (when I am writing this) that It can also be a "little earth day" to remind us to care for creation. Take the letters of "earth" and scramble them and you get "HEART". Folks,
The lessons appointed for this coming Sunday include from Isaiah the familiar passage beginning "In the year that King Uzziah died..." wherein a seraph using tongs removes the prophet's sin with a hot coal (not sure I'd be "up" for that!) but including in the prophecy section death and new life, and then the gospel lesson on Lake Gennesaret where Jesus suggests a better location for the nets which yielded a huge catch, including of people (it was there that Simon Peter fell down before Jesus, recognising his "Lord", after which he and his partners James and John left nets and boat and followed Jesus in his ministry). In the NT lesson Paul in I Corinthians recounts Jesus's appearances after his death. Paul shows his own humanity too by noting that he worked harder than any of the apostles even though he begins by saying he was the "least of the apostles" - recall that we are keen on both a reasonable humility and a reasonable pride (Paul seems to have both here as well as showing "teamwork" with the others, even by lots of letter writing, noting in the recounting that "most of them are still alive"). It is that facet of Paul's ministry that I find most appealing. When writing thoughts down, one gets a chance to visit with the self - something most of us need more of (a great line from Abba goes "I've never been to paradise but I've never been to me"). But Paul's writing was part of a community effort, with correspondence back and forth - he writes of his knowledge of some of the goings on in the early Christian communities with suggestions for improvements, etc. Yet today there seems to me no knowledge of the exact content of the letters written to Paul. I consider Paul an outstanding example of loving hard work - but in this regard he and his followers seem to have erred since the result is "top-down" spiritual community. But as was made clear in Paul's own "conversion" story, the Truth of God can appear to anyone, even those who might not be in the church's early (or even today's) hierarchy. May we all find "community" in our spiritual lives in person (including FaceTimes and Zooms and phone calls) but also by our letters and emails, etc. And in the latter (following Socrates and Shakespeare's dicta) we might get to know ourselves Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) Events St Matthew Parish will meet this Sunday at the chapel in San Ardo for Morning Prayer. Fellow mission St Luke Parish in Lockwood area will be doing the same at the chapel in Jolon. Note that we see our big brother/sister neighbour parish St James in Paso Robles is suggesting using electronic devices instead of handing out lots of paper (but likely still offering them to those unable to use the former). This of course to be be more environmentally friendly, but also a good idea. Thus we encourage all to visit the lectionary lessons (go to https://www.lectionarypage.net/ and locate the correct lessons for the Sunday in question, then click on it. It will bring up the lessons along with the Collect appointed for that Sunday, and the Psalm. Note that sometimes there are multiple choices for a given Sunday. More about that in future News editions, but we recommend pre-locating the lessons and reading them so you can be better prepared to read,etc, at the service you attend. For now I have to get this out (we have travelling for work again) before it actually IS Sunday. Other Events St James (see above) service are at 8am in person and 10am online and in person at http://www.saintjamesspr.org/ We hear from Good Shepherd parish in Salinas that in 2024 Good Shepherd ran a book drive to collect funds for books for children in Ukraine. This was donated before Christmas which allowed them to tie the donation of books to Christmas as well. The primary issue is that the constant bombing in these villages has destroyed most of the libraries, leaving the children without full access to books. ! Good going, Good Shepherd! Over at St Benedict Church in Los Osos the Spiritual Conversation group will be focusing on The Book of Acts. Join on Zoom at https://stbenslososos.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56003b92c20a0cad0f96f87b4&id=1c2168d980&e=c7a1548f0f The Group meets at 10:30 am Tuesday mornings. The Taize Music group led by folks from St Luke Parish in Atascadero meets via Zoom Sundays at7pm. The link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87454433792?pwd=M01rNThaRUpBVmJxVW9DcHJnY2FWdz09 with Meeting ID 874 5443 3792 and Passcode: 783520 St Peter Parish in Morro Bay is forming a visiting group which will visit the homebound. This iss great news given that the congregation are currently without a full-time rector, though our friend Rev Caro Hall is filling in Our friends at St Barnabas Parish, Arroyo Grande will meet to watch the Superbowl at 3pm in their Forum Room. Bring food and/or beverage to share. At St. Barnabas, our friend Sigrid Long has offered chair yoga, senior fitness, and yoga. Classes are donation based which is usually $5-10. Wednesdays at 12:15 pm - Chair Yoga / Senior Fitness Thursdays at 9:30 am - Yoga Fridays at 12:15 pm - Chair Yoga / Senior Fitness In February they are also offering additional Barre Sculpt classes. Join Heidy for a FANTASTIC Barre Sculpt class every Monday and Friday at 10:30am in our St. Barnabas Church parish hall. Barre Sculpt is a mix of Pilates, Yoga, and functional weight and resistance training. This is a low-impact workout that works hard on our muscles, but is kind to our joints. The moves are choreographed and set to great, motivating music. Each energizing, targeted song sculpts, slims, and stretches your entire body. Folks,
This Sunday we observe the Feast of the Presentation. The lessons in our Lectionary include from Malachi that God is sending a messenger, but not just to deliver a message, from Hebrews an explanation of Jesus's role and especially his shared humanity, and from the gospel of Luke a lesson describing Jesus Presentation in the Temple for Jesus's "purification" (ie, circumcision, the custom of the Jews). The Temple event was remarkable, with the "Holy Family" observing traditional religious purification customs even while the child presented to the Temple Priests was about to start a new era of faith. with help from Mary and the Holy Family. The lesson includes Simeon uttering the "Nunc Dimittis" canticle (so-called as it is often sung or chanted). Note that Simeon's speech From that gospel includes an even more remarkable (if not often quoted) comment: "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too." The website bibleref.com says of this quote that it points to the divisions Jesus's ministry will cause among the Jews, along with others who choose to follow his teachings, and as well the angst Mary will face, perhaps in her role as missionary outside of Jerusalem - see https://rcan.org/mary-the-first-missionary-disciple/ But I'd like to consider more the role of Malachi in the OT lesson, and recall that last week we mentioned that it is a time for unity, unity in California, as we help the victims of the fires (see the ER&D mention below), in our nation after very divisive electioneering, and in the world. In this day we have many who say they are acting as "messengers" but with this cacophony of messages, we have a two-fold responsibility to hear the messages and to weigh them carefully, supporting those we find lead to those "good works" so often commended in the Scriptures as a whole. In the frame of an analogy to the body from Paul's message of unity from last week the body of Christ needs all its parts, even the naysayers, who challenge our thinking and our actions on the basis of intelligent ethics. As well, we need those who challenge our religious assumptions to keep our faith real in the face of the totality of the human condition (as Hobbes said of human life, "Solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short"). May we all use our judgment to responsibly forward those messages that are of God even as we weigh our political and spiritual leaders! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) Events St Matthew Parish in San Ardo will meet for Morning Prayer this Sunsay at 10am. Our fellow missions St Luke Parish, Jolon and St Mark Parish in King City will meet together for Holy Communion at St Mark's chapel on the corner of Third and Bassett Sts in King City, also at 10am. Other Events We emphasise again the need to help fire victims in the terrible fires especially in Los Angeles County and perhaps the best way to help would be via Episcopal Relief and Development as commended by many, including St Barnabas parish in Arroyo Grande (where the Sunday offerings of cash and checks so marked will go to the cause) and Good Shepherd parish in Salinas (Corral de Tierra). For info and to donate go to https://www.episcopalrelief.org/ as well as the Diocese of Los Angeles websites at https://goodshepherdcorral.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7cbc9cee2ea785c71ef0cbb3c&id=f30cee684d&e=cc1155f723 Being avid hikers, Tony(!) and commend Good Shepherd for their small group programs, including for hikes. Contact the parish for more info and to participate. As mentioned previously, this Sunday is Scout Sunday st Good Shepherd. with celebration of the Scouts works at the 10am service. As we come to Lent, St Benedict Parish in Los Osos is looking forward to have Morning Prayer Services Mon-Fri at 8am (subject to change). St Ben's newsletter also tells us that "During the season after The Epiphany, the Spiritual Conversation group will be focusing on spiritual practices that help us be present in the world as God's light. We will be loosely guided by Pema Chodron's When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times. You do not have to read the book to participate, all are welcome. Join on Zoom." Zoom link is https://stbenslososos.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56003b92c20a0cad0f96f87b4&id=eb65ec6aeb&e=c7a1548f0f Note that as we come to "Income Tax Deum" as pundit Richard Armour once called it, the parish will be "hosting the Central Coast Tax-Aide folks in the Parish Hall on Thursdays during the tax season. help(ing) taxpayers by preparing US and state income tax returns and ensuring that taxpayers receive all applicable tax credits and deductions. It is a free service that is available to all taxpayers except those with complicated returns such as rental property, with special attention to seniors and those with low or moderate income. You can see if you qualify and make an appointment at ccfreetax.org Besides sage advice from St Stephen's Parish Newsletter on making EFFECTIVE donations to the LA Fire Victims (too much uncoordinated and unsolicited objects, etc) the newsletter notes that Individuals' "Stories", featuring especially two questions: - How did you come to St Stephens = Why do you stay? The compiled results will make for an interesting read. St Paul Cathedral in San Diego describes their Forum event this Sunday at 9am as follows: Forum: Reading Genesis with Dr. Pat Lindquist 9 am, Guild Room Dr. Pat Lindquist presents a review of Marilynne Robinson’s newest book, READING GENESIS. Most of us have at least a hazy idea of Genesis, from God’s Creation of the world to the exile of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden. By including the really ugly stuff, Robinson affirms that God’s loyalty to humanity is a powerful meditation on hope. Can these ancient stories sustain us through…well, absolute Evil? This is not a book of theology, yet it contains all the theology we need to see. As Robinson says, “the Lord has an intention for the world that is to be realized through history”. Reading Genesis is the start of that history. Dr. Pat Lindquist is a psychologist in private practice in San Diego. She is a devoted reader of Marilynne Robinson, a novelist who appears to trust in divine intervention the way you or I might trust in a train timetable. She reads these verses as human episodes written by humans who devoutly felt they were authored by God. Robinson’s studies in religion have become this psychologist’s tool for hope in the mysterious ways of God. The Cathedral Parish also tells us that they are gather Reflections for the Lenten season: "Lent is coming soon, and so with it we want to offer daily reflections for the Cathedral community! Rev. Richard will coordinate the creation of our 2025 Lent Reflection Booklet, and we need your reflections. Signing up means you will receive 1 to 2 days with the associated lectionary readings. Email Rev Richard ([email protected]) with subject "Lenten Reflections" by Monday, February 10, if you would like to participate and receive assignments. All reflections will be short (enough to fit on a half-page, a paragraph or two maximum), edited, and will be due by Wednesday, February 26." (Note that this seems a worthy activity for many parishes. -ed) Fundraiser for St. Paul’s on Saturday (TOMORROW!) Saturday, February 1, 7 pm, In the Cathedral "Please join St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in once again welcoming Irish recording artists Tommy and Saundra O’Sullivan for an evening of traditional and original Irish music. Tommy and Saundra own, manage and perform at O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub in Dingle on the wind-swept southwest coast of Ireland, a renowned center for Irish Folk Music. Tommy is a master guitarist with “A tenor voice that has all the ring of Waterford crystal which has only ever served smokey whiskey”– Sean Laffey, Irish Music Magazine. His wife and musical partner Saundra hails from Texas and was a nurse in her former life. Of them, the prolific Irish music reviewer Nicky Rossiter said: “The husband-and-wife team from Dingle must surely be the best exponents of what Irish folk should be.” Please join us for a memorable event. St. Paul’s Cathedral is a San Diego architectural treasure and wonderful acoustic venue. The O’Sullivan’s concert series is sponsored in part by a grant from Culture Ireland." For full info go to https://k7cbcacab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hCrbRAX_fKmzD1XHJOSCW9a4rfCu09ZVvzioTpANmB0ycCTJTmRxZCsXET5zi4Ow2TJz3GfwRum-ttoBZnR-ftlnaB4Jm3cd9x0ET0xI6y5LZlvIRFxRuazFoQMwVfE6NfHPadmBwGQdriWGqS3XLNmhYQR-mStlt65tR30bgraex5DQPGm7l8lgDbmjirMUoYIpbYIWo4OVDFYK3e8MMybfie7_i-rPdAJjfuk9g6PCZmENLG9sQhj55I1ew7pRklSRGrNhrM4=&c=rY1CupFydcGXyEdSn8BuyLAN9gcX1FzJ4k0TmVh_Mby4A8Dq2JJc_Q==&ch=J2-i0QdfPSEyL55aK8D8pnLn70Fm7pj6eh6IZix_a7X7Jj3NpKHs7A== From the Diocese The Diocesan News at www.realepiscopal.org has put out the following thoughts by our friend Bill Shreve on climate change with special view to the wildfires in Los Angeles and elsewhere: "Climate Change and Fire Danger By Bill Shreve The fires in Los Angeles are terrible. Why was this fire so devastating, and what can we do to avoid future massive fires like this? Science tells us about the connection of these fires to climate change. Fires like the one in LA emerge through a sequence of climatic events: The cycle typically begins with periods of significant rainfall, which promotes vegetation growth: in Los Angeles, they had an incredibly wet 2023-2024 winter. Prolonged dry conditions and elevated temperatures dry the accumulated vegetation creating fuel for a wildfire: in Los Angeles, they had an incredibly dry and hot summer 2024, and basically no rain since. Finally, a spark and strong winds spread the resulting fire: Santa Ana winds spread the fire, and made it basically impossible to fight. Climate change makes rainfall more variable with bigger swings from wet to dry extremes. We can expect conditions like these to recur in California. Santa Clara County Fire Department has suggestions on how to prepare for wildfires by creating a defensible space around home, fire hardening you home, and creating a wildfire action plan before a fire starts. Details are on their website. Plan ahead and work with your neighbors to make your whole neighborhood defensible." Apologia? For those of you careful readers, I note that I misstated an aspect of the gospel lesson in last week's News: It was the servants, not the steward, who were told by Mary to "Do whatever he tells you."
This error was occasioned by a power and my haste to get the News out in advance (I usually like to wait until Friday at least so I can get a more inclusive Events section). Those of you wordsmiths out there might say this should simply be an "apology" vs an "apologia" (a formal defense of a position) thus the question mark. But it gives me a chance to recommend that all (in the words of the hymn) will "Taste and see", the goodness of faith, On to this week's lessons include from Nehemiah, at prophet Ezra's time "governor" seemingly predicting coming good times for Israel and from the Gospel of Luke a lesson describing Jesus's amazing ability to teach in the synagogues, including in his hometown of Nazareth, especially when "filled with the power of the Spirit". But I'd like to focus on the Epistle lesson from Paul in I Corinthians. a familiar but important reminder that all the members of the "body" need to work together. Note that when President Trump was recently inaugurated, Bp Mariann Budde of Diocese of Washington DC offered the meditation which can be read at https://edow.org/2025/01/22/a-service-of-prayer-for-the-nation-homily/ as well as our diocesan websites (www.realepiscopal.org et al). Our friend Rev Dcn Susan Arnold commented that "The request Bishop Budde made to President Trump at the end of her sermon was not a political one. It was a request made directly from the Holy Bible in which God charges, first the leaders of the Jewish people and then also Christians, to Love God and in so doing, care for the alien resident, widows, children, the homeless, the hungry, to clothe the naked, and, yes, visit the prisoner." And note that the Inauguration took place on the day we commemorate Martin Luther King, a leader for justice for all (see the prayer further below). A Reminder Before this recitation of Events we'd like to remind all of the need to help LA Fire Victims: The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has asked that anyone looking to make a direct donation to relief efforts in LA give to their annual appeal: https://shorturl.at/QV8eN Episcopal Relief & Development, who is working in partnership with the Diocese of Los Angeles, is accepting donations to their Wildfire Fund: https://shorturl.at/Hv5Yb Events St Matthew Parish will be meeting for Morning Prayer at 10am at the chapel in San Ardo and our fellow mission St Luke Parish, Lockwood-Jolon will be doing the same. Our correspondent and parish leader Rachael Denny tells us that there is some interest in resuming the monthly Vespers Potlucks in Feb or Mar. Contact Rachael if you might be interested at [email protected] Other Events The women of St James Parish in Paso Robles meet for prayer and breakfast the second Wednesday of each month at 9am and they invite all to join them. And St Luke Parish in Atascadero tells us that their Daughters of the King chapter will be meeting together with the St James Parish chapter at 4pm on Feb 22, 2025 in the Cummings Room at St Luke Church building in Atascadero. St Benedict Parish tells us that during the season after The Epiphany, the Spiritual Conversation group will be focusing on spiritual practices that help us be present in the world as God's light. We will be loosely guided by Pema Chodron's When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times. You do not have to read the book to participate, all are welcome. Join on Zoom at https://stbenslososos.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56003b92c20a0cad0f96f87b4&id=0a55875782&e=c7a1548f0f St Barnabas Parish in Arroyo Grande's Book Study Series will have their final meeting on Thurs Jan 30 at 7pm. St Barnabas also tells us of this event at All Saints Church in Carmel: "All Saints' in Carmel, CA will be hosting a Wisdom Work Group and a Circles of Trust Group called "Building Beloved Community" this Spring. The Wisdom Group will be open to ZOOM participants but not Circles of Trust." The meetings will all be on Saturdays (February 22nd, March 29th, April 26th, and May 10th). For more information for the Circles of Trust Group: please see flier at https://saintbarnabas-ag.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=debb1b33eb11372203a975524&id=b6fbcadc2d&e=acee3ced34 For more information for the Wisdom Work Group: please see flier at https://saintbarnabas-ag.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=debb1b33eb11372203a975524&id=be1e04161b&e=acee3ced34 The meetings will all be on Saturdays (January 25th, February 15th, March 22nd, April 11-12 [two day retreat], May 17th, June 7th). From St Paul Cathedral in San Diego we hear of the following event: "World Premiere from Bruce Neswick 10:30 am, In the Cathedral As we celebrate Cathedral Day, our Cathedral Choir will offer the first performance of a new mass setting, a Missa Brevis by the celebrated composer and organist Bruce Neswick. The Mass was commissioned from Bruce as part of the cathedral’s 150th anniversary in 2019." St Paul Parish also tells us of a "New Online Bible Course … for Smarties!" "Starting Monday, January 27th, 6 - 8 pm, on Zoom You’ve heard of The Bible for Dummies. Now, introducing The Bible … for Smarties! A chance to explore and learn about the Bible without dumbing it down. Going beyond your typical Bible Study, this seminar will be a university-level academic class focused on Nurturing Students towards a Nuanced, Critical Interpretation and Sophisticated Understanding of the Texts of the Bible. Dr. David Moseley will be the Instructor for this online Course about the writings of the New Testament beyond the Gospels, with a particular focus on the development of the Early Church; the life and literature of the Cathedral's patron, St. Paul; the General Epistles; and the Book of Revelation. For more information, go to https://k7cbcacab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001KgKtLA7sArkX_RvTWy6w51BJ_D-UDeOH3QrxA56VZwFo0tvrgmbeIYd7JH9UFGlQWHAByUqXoBl00zaqLNPAoFllqOpJUnGVoWliyIqEdwXURnh3ujljO2_vJN9luPIWXJsWCEH8XEQhwU6uDFuBYAKVKso6SVuvFw5-NQbYbOT-vcZ1cZc6JYzU2z1X5FShYwa7SVM05zNJ4uvc3udl7Xdd4RRFNKGOlVohtiva5IECEu-iwlt78Eo39I0eal41&c=l155mAMrJ5unOCWRrskTHKJAJItekLxTv7nV4XlQFEeaqV9ejl7ADA==&ch=PK-6fAp0mC7doiEfDj3oXX7sqAKS8CnO4pvozM4YroLtDr7Bof3LXg== for the syllabus and email Dr. Moseley ([email protected])." We wish to remind all of the Robert Burns Fellowship Hour event set to take place at the Church of St Stephen (Episcopal) in downtown San Luis Obispo. Gather at 3pm this Sun Jan 26 at 3pm in Ramsden Hall for Burns' songs and poetry, Celtic Ceilidh (music and dance) and Scottish appetisers. And of course a bagpiper. If a different musical approach is "your thing" you might instead want to take in the Taize Music with the group from St Luke Parish in Atascadero and other locations at 7pm on Sunday. For full info and the Zoom link contact at 7pm on Sunday. Also online (and in person) is the wonderful traditional Anglican service of Evensong at from the Cathedral of St Paul in San Diego on Sunday at 5pm. For full info and link go to www.stpualcathedral.org From Good Shepherd Church in Salinas (Corral de Tierra) we hear for Lent they are ogranising Small Groups and Hiking. For full info go to https://goodshepherdcorral.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7cbc9cee2ea785c71ef0cbb3c&id=40cff5f03d&e=cc1155f723 We also thought to mention this news and poem from Good Shepherd Church in Salinas (Corral de Tierra): Scout Sunday February 2nd @ 10 AM Join us for Scout Sunday, February 2nd @ 10 AM, where we recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting. Rev. Shelley read the following poem at church on Jan 19th. It is from Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes, a retired United Methodist pastor, who has a website: https://unfoldinglight.net/ from which you can receive free daily emailed poems. The Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Between a president who recently died and one about to begin we remember a man who was never president. (We notice the harmonies, and the dissonances.) See how our choices matter-- not our position, nor our power, but our character. We remember Martin, who was famous, and in his name thousands more who were not, but just as brave and merciful and mighty. We remember all those who were peacemakers, the nonviolent seekers of justice who have gone before, and those who are now among us, without office. We give thanks for those who stood against injustice, who faced violence, hatred and anger with gentle courage, and we pray for that spirit as well: that we will not walk with the haughty and the cruel, that we will be truthful and kind, that we confront the power to exclude with the power to love. With blessed leaders showing us the way, we pray that we will choose love over fear, generosity over selfishness, service over supremacy. We give thanks for the saints who have gone before, link arms with the saints who risk even now, and with their song in our throats, we carry on."00 Folks,
The lessons this Sunday include more of Isaiah, primarily thinking of the Jewish people, suggesting that they would be God's "bride". Also, Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, trying to make peace among the early Christians, some of whom thought the "gift" of tongues made them especially prophetic. But the gospel lesson from John, a real favourite concerning the miracle the lesson says was Jesus' first, (I guess being born of a virgin didn't count) actually started out slow. Jesus actually said that it was of no concern to him that the wine supply was insufficient - nor even to his mother Mary (both were invited guests to the wedding along with Jesus's disciples). Mary told the stewards to do whatever Jesus bid them to do which included filling some stone jars with water, then taking some to the chief steward at the wedding without telling him or her where it had come from. The steward tasted it and make the curious remark that "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk...." Some have remarked that this remark was rather akin to Jesus himself being the good wine and In any case he certainly was aware of the practice by hosts. But the steward went on to say "But you have kept the good wine until now." The point of this story seems to have been that the steward without knowing where it came from, had noted that the wine was indeed good even though served later at the wedding feast. Sometimes folks can happen upon a truth - in this case the real purpose of Jesus's ministry - without knowing its origin - or at least so it seems. May we all be somewhat like this steward and know that something is good even when we don't know where it came from! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Parish, San Ardo Ongoing prayers and help for those impacted by fires especially in Southern California. Our Diocese of El Camino Real recommends seeing how you can help by going to Episcopal Relief and Development at https://www.episcopalrelief.org/ Note also that the The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has asked that anyone looking to make a direct donation to relief efforts in LA give to their annual appeal. They have announced, "Until further notice, all donations to the Annual Appeal will be used to help institutions and individuals most affected by the wildfires." You can find their donation portal at this link: https://diocesela.org/annual-appeal/ Events St Matthew Parish in San Ardo will be meeting for Morning Prayer at 10am this Sunday, Jan 19, At the same time, fellow mission St Luke parish in Jolon will be doing likewise. The events will be led by Suray Raycraft at St Luke and Tony Saponate(!) at St Matthew. Other Events Folks at St Benedict Parish in Los Osos tell us they will be gathering on Zoom Mon thru Fri for Morning Prayer during Lent. And as previously mentioned the Spiritual Conversations Group is planning an in-person gathering on January 22 as Art and Judy will be in town. Contact Letty Cotta for more information. See St Ben's websites for full info on these and other events. St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande will continue studying Walter Wink's book, The Powers That Be" on Jan 23rd and 30th with discussion at the church at 7pm. Don't forget that St Barnabas offers Centering Prayer on Fridays at 4pm on Zoom. with full info and link at https://saintbarnabas-ag.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=debb1b33eb11372203a975524&id=e418ea52d4&e=acee3ced34 Good Shepherd Church in Salinas (Corral de Tierra) tells us that this Sunday there will be music from the group U2 at their services. As mentioned, Good Shepherd will have Small Groups gathering during Lent along with Group Hikes. For more info see https://goodshepherdcorral.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7cbc9cee2ea785c71ef0cbb3c&id=c6383b31d3&e=cc1155f723 or contact Small Groups - Joe Ladd will be coordinating the small groups. Please contact him if you have any questions: [email protected]. Group Hikes - Alice Knapp will be coordinating the group hikes. Please contact her if you have any questions: [email protected]. From the Diocese The Annual El Camino Real Diocesan Leadership Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2025. You must register if you were elected or appointed to any governing body at the Diocesan Convention in November. To register, go to https://www.realepiscopal.org/leadership-retreat/ |
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