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Folks,
Two of the lessons for this Sunday put us in a personal way in the midst of the Jewish culture, from the days of King David thru the time of Jesus ministry, with stories of people who we can understand/identify with. The OT lesson continues David's gradual gathering of the nation of Israel with moving of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, where he was consolidating power, and when the move was complete he had a festival, with barbecued ox, special and symbolic clothing and his own "leaping and dancing" - it must have quite a sight. The gospel lesson tells of the demise of John the Baptist, who was resented by Herodias as she had married her former brother in law King Herod, which was against Jewish law (recall that these were Roman characters with Herod appointed King by the Roman governor). The familiar story had her demand John's head on a platter, which was done to quiet those concerns (the idea came from her mother Berenice). This must have made the royal family feel more secure since Herodias' daughter Salome later danced at the event. Paul's letter to the Ephesians takes a completely different tone and reminds the Christian community there of its part in the family of God in Jesus Christ, with the gifts of the spirit and an inheritance of "spiritual wealth" - a lovely lesson helping that community to better sense their identity is part of "a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth." While as so often the epistle might be considered more "edifying" by the Christian community of today, I'd like to go back to the lesson from 2 Samuel because of the passage omitted, perhaps because it doesn't underscore "the Kingdom of the Jews". The lesson mentions that the Ark had been housed by someone named Obededom, but it omits a passage that described the blessings that came to Obededom and his family for their effort in preserving the ark. In looked up this person, we find that he was a "gentile" and so a reminder that if people respect the religious/spiritual traditions of others, they too will receive God's blessings even if they are not of the "community". Sometimes it is as important to pay attention to what is not said as to that which is said. While we have respect for David's role in bringing together the nation of Israel we also rejoice in the many other who helped to build our great spiritual tradition., May we all recognise that spiritual wealth that God gives to all who love God and respect spirituality as expressed in humankind. Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Church! Events This Sunday we at St Matthew Church in San Ardo will be meeting at 10am, our customary hour, for Morning Prayer, while over at our fellow mission St Luke Church in Jolon our friend Rachael Denny will be leading that same service at the same hour. Other Events St James Church in Paso Robles will be celebrating St James Day on July 28th immediately following the 10am service, with hot dogs and hamburgers. The parish suggests bringing side dish, salad or dessert. St James will also be hosting this Sunday's Deanery Meeting (see below). St Paul Cathedral in San Diego will have a Forum discussion on the important topic of Separation of Church and State this Sunday at 9am (between services) in person and online. On June 17 they will begin celebrations of the San Diego Pride event, including on Wed Jul 17 at 7pm, when they will "Light Up the Cathedral for Pride", followed on Sat Jul 20 at 10am the Pride Parade & Picnic, and the main Pride Parade on Sun Jul 21. And on Sun Jul 28 at 10:30 the cathedral parish will celebrate Comic-Con Sunday, with folks "encouraged to show up at this service wearing a costume from their favorite sci-fi, fantasy, superhero or any other franchise you enjoy." For all of the many events at St Paul, including details for attending online, go to www.stpaulcathedral.org St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande will be having a Garden Party on Wed Jul 17 from 9:30-11am - but rather than tea, this event will be for planting succulents in the parish's garden - bring knee pads and tools! And as previously mentioned on Jul 25 the parish will be hosting folks to a light supper at 6:30pm followed by a screening of the Philadelphia Eleven documentary about the first women priests in The Episcopal Church in 1974. Sign up at https://saintbarnabas-ag.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=debb1b33eb11372203a975524&id=f2c660222a&e=acee3ced34 We were happy to see the Gladdening Light Symposium mentioned again in a parish newsletter - this time from St Barnabas. The event will occur in November in Santa Barbara. See details at https://saintbarnabas-ag.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=debb1b33eb11372203a975524&id=d9136723f1&e=acee3ced34 St Barnabas also reiterates the wonderful Stephen ministry in our Deanery as follows: Life transitions are hard. Some are much harder than others. It is those very difficult transitions in life that most call out for support: illness, job losses, grieving the passing of loved ones, are a few. No one should have to be alone at these times. Stephen Ministers serve to walk with others through their most difficult life journeys. We each commit to taking that walk with our care receivers. We are not counselors; we are Christian caregivers who are prepared to listen to your story, support you, and pray with you. Our leaders provide us with 50 hours of training in the skills we most need to help our care receivers navigate their crises. We are committed to strict confidentiality protecting others' thoughts and feelings. Should you be experiencing one of life's very difficult transitions, talk with Deacon Susan Arnold to see if a Stephen Minister might provide the support you need. Deanery The Deanery meeting, as mentioned above, will be this Sunday at St James Church at 2pm, preceded by a pot luck lunch at 1:15pm. Bp Lucinda will be joining us to discuss the recent General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Should you wish to visit the Deanery meeting electronically, Convenor David Ottesen sent the following Zoom details: David Ottesen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: SLO Deanery Meeting at St James Time: Jul y14, 2024 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83851408255?pwd=p5M41abGbYj2iizE8a5mQdJNbSvb6p.1 Meeting ID: 838 5140 8255 Passcode: 007741 One tap mobile +16699009128,,83851408255#,,,,*007741# US (San Jose) +16694449171,,83851408255#,,,,*007741# US Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kel6DPgMHo
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