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Folks,
The lessons for this week include from Isaiah a strong reassurance of God's love for Israel, the beginning of the spread of the "Good News" of God's further love to all people, starting with the Samaritans who were ethnically and physically very close to the Jews, and the Holy Spirit descending visibly on Jesus as he was being baptised by John the Baptist, who proceeds to tell the people that the One coming is yet greater than he is. To me the most important aspect of these lessons is the beginning of what might be called "missionary work" though I take it much less formally at the beginning of the spreading of the Word (recall the importance of words to society). It also seems to me that the good feelings and good works of "charity" (ie love) that erupted at Samaria (an area on the West Bank of today's Israel) were exactly what the loving God would have flow naturally from the people. I hope most of us do not feel a "compunction" to do some sort of mandatory missionary work, as is actually expected among some religious groups. For it seems to me that those hearing can tell if the joy from the one telling is spontaneous and "natural". May our joy overflow natural and be a blessing to all who are around us! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Parish, San Ardo Before we get to the Events section we'd like to offer this prayer for those in danger from wildfires today and for those suffering from them, especially in the Diocese of LA and special prayers for the parish of St Mark, Altadena, whose chapel was consumed. : O God, our refuge and strength, our help in times of trouble. Have mercy on the lands damaged by fires. Guard and protect first responders and those who care for others in danger. Protect those who evacuate houses, and give them shelter and encouragement to face the days to come. Strengthen those who rebuild hope, so that entire communities may face the future without fear, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer of Rt Rev Susan Snook, Episcopal Bishop of San Diego) Ways to Help The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has a page on their website dedicated to Fire Response and Resources, there's also a video announcement on this page from the Bishop of Los Angeles. It's a good page to bookmark if you're wondering how you might help and stay informed. Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8DTVNT07Ik We want to remind all that a good way to help folks suffering from the wildfires is thru Episcopal Relief and Development. For details on how to help, etc, go to https://www.episcopalrelief.org and where you will see a banner in front specifically about the fires. Another helpful site coming from my sister Brandy for info about the situation is from the Episcopal Diocese of California (SF area) can be viewed at https://mailchi.mp/diocal/010925?e=50dab5e078 Events in and around the San Luis Obispo Deanery St Matthew Parish in San Ardo will be meeting for Morning Prayer tomorrow at the customary time, 10am at the chapel on the corner of Railroad and Jolon. Our fellow mission parishes, St Luke in Jolon, and St Mark in King City, will be meeting together for a service of Holy Eucharist at the beautiful chapel in King City on the corner of 3rd and Bassett Streets with Fr Carl Hansen presiding. Other Events This Sunday St Barnabas Parish in Arroyo Grande Julie Shires will be preaching and Fr Rob Keim presiding at Eucharist services at 8am and 10am. Besides being a member of the congregation, Julie leads the Coffee Hour Ministry and the People's Kitchen Ministry at that parish. The parish Book Study Series will begin on Jan 15 at 7pm with the first part of a three-week series on Walter Wink's book "The Powers That Be". On Sunday Jan 19 during coffee hour the parish will have a demonstration and discussion about preparing for disasters. This seems timely in light of the wildfires affecting so many people in the Los Angeles area. Over at St Benedict Parish in Los Osos, Rev Linzi is asking us all to take time for prayer to ask that all impacted by the fires may be surrounded by the protective force of God's love. St Ben's Spiritual Conversations Group will meet in person on Jan 22, along with a visit from former rector Judy and husband Art Stevens. St James Parish, Paso Robles tells us of a special event to take place at Ramsden Hall, St Stephen Parish, San Luis Obispo the Robert Burns Fellowship Hour celebrating Scotland's Famous Bard on Sun Jan 26 at 3pm. At St Peter Parish in Morro Bay there will be a production of the play Dahl's Darlings Jan 17-19. And as Padre Sid has retired, the parish has called our friend Rev Caro Hall to serve as interim. At Good Shepherd Parish in Salinas (Corral de Tierra) the parish is organising a small groups ministry and as well hikes. Contact the parish office for more info.
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