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Folks,
The lessons for this Sunday include from Proverbs (of King Solomon of course and part of the "Wisdom Literature" in Scripture) a warning about love of money and especially status, and somewhat echoed by the other two lessons. In the Epistle of James we hear the words that should reverberate in our minds: "So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead," Echoing the value of "good works" Jesus encounters the Syrophoenician woman, a gentile, seeking a cure for her daughter. In his reply Jesus says that the "children should be fed" before the dogs. The woman, immediately understanding that he mean by "children" the Jews, comes back with the metaphor and says "even the dogs under the table (meaning non-Jews) eat the children's crumbs". Recognising her testimony of faith he tells her to go home as her daughter has been healed. All these lessons are beautiful reminders that "good works" often precede faith, and even when they don't, they ought to issue forth from faith. But my partner Tony(!) was a bit shocked by Jesus's harsh language with that Gentile woman. I'd like to think that being "fully human" Jesus was also learning that his ministry wasn't just to the Jews, but to all humankind. One of my favourite stories from my time in more "fundamentalist" churches was of a poor man begging on the streets. The passerby a devout "holy roller" stops to look at the poor man. The poor man tells that "He stopped by me. I thought he was going to speak. But instead he handed me a 'tract'." (Think of the tracts sometimes being handed out on sidewalks or at people's front doors.) May we all follow in the ways of the Old and New Testaments by remembering that there is no antagonism between faith and works, but as well learn, as I'd like to think Jesus was learning, that his (our) mission is to EVERBODY". Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew parish in San Ardo! Events Note that while St Matthew Church, along with fellow missions in South Monterey County. will continue with services as per their usual schedule we want to mention a couple special events at the top here: In addition, St Luke Parish in Jolon will host a special Vesper Supper Club on Oct 12 at 5pm in memory of our friend Rev Can Rob Seifert, who served St Luke folks so well for so long (the "Vicar of All Jolon"). Note as well, and also previously mentioned, St Luke Church in Atascadero (NOT in South Monterey County) is having a party where folks can meet their new priest, Rev Linzi Stahlecker, who will also serve the congregation of of St Benedict in Los Osos. The event begins Sat, Sep 7, at 4pm in Atascadero Lake Park, and will feature food (including potluck) and games. We hope all with come to this joyous event! (Special thanks to our friend Kathy Hansen for the extra invite! Regrettably, we cannot attend due to appointments) As well don't forget St Luke Atascadero offers Evening Prayer every Tues and Thurs at 5pm, and Taize on Sunday evenings at 7pm = for Taize contact Linda Castle for the Zoom link at [email protected]. (We hope the events at the two separate St Luke Parishes will not be confusing to readers!) Other Events The folks at St Benedict Parish in Los Osos tell us that "The Tuesday morning Spiritual Conversation group will discussing ideas from the book The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why by Phyllis Tickle." This will continue for the next several Tues mornings at 10:30am via Zoom. The folks at St Stephen Church in SLO are getting ready for the annual Visitation by Bp Lucinda this Sunday, Sep 7. Also note that the Earthcare / Creation Care team from St Benedict parish in Los Osos will be visiting St Stephen parish on Sun Sep 29. In their words: "At the special coffee hour following each service, meet with Don (Maruska) and knowledgeable Cal Poly Climate Fellows." St James Parish in Paso Robles reminds us that the Wayside Cross events will be on Sunday 22 from 2-4pm in the afternoon at the beautiful cross location high on a ridge above Parkfield om Southern Monterey County. For details call St James Office ay 805.238.0819. The stone cross is smaller version of the one in Golden Gate Park, SF, erected to commemorate the first use of our Anglican (now Episcopal) Book of Common Prayer by the party of English explorer Sir Francis Drake near Pt Reyes in Marin County. Also a reminder that the Parish Campout, a celebration for St Barnabas' Parish in Arroyo Grander, will run from Sep 20 at 3pm until Sep 22 at 11am. Make a reservation by emailing the office at [email protected]/ St Barnabas folk will continue their study of the Gospel of Mark on thru Tuesdays Sep 24 at 10am in person at the church or via Zoom: Zoom where the link is: bit.ly/stbarnabasmorningprayer To dial in call 1-669-900-6833. Meeting ID: 878 6513 4138# Password: 365072## More will be had on the "Season of Creation" at St Paul Cathedral in San Diego on Sep 15. including a walk across the street to Balboa Park for a peripatetic discussion led by Phil Petrie, former convenor of their Simple Living Ministry. The walk will be followed by further discussion with snacks in the "Queen's Courtyard" of the Cathedral. Also that day, after services, the Cathedral will be host to a "Newcomer's Brunch". And on Sep 22 at10:30am at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre on the Jacobs Family Campus the Cathedral parish will be studying "Why the Jews? …History of Antisemitism" (Part 1). Part 2 will occur at the Cathedral on Mon Sep 23 at 6:30pm. For full details on all Cathedral events go to www.stpaulcathedral.org And the annual Art Show held as a fundraiser at Good Shepherd Church in Salinas, "Art in the Pastures of Heaven" will commence with a Silent Auction, Reception and Raffle on Fri, Sep 13. For more info go to https://goodshepherdcorral.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7cbc9cee2ea785c71ef0cbb3c&id=d9a7290437&e=cc1155f723 From the Diocese We hear of a lecture on "The Psychology of Christian Nationalism" being presented on Sep 17 at 5:30pm via Zoom. For more info go to https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=2f6c114800&e=f136cc0442
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