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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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Folks,
The lessons this week are not exactly from the Revised Common Lectionary as it turns out - the Episcopal lessons may slightly differ. If you hear some others at your parish / spiritual gathering, I hope you will find them of interest. The first lesson from Jeremiah is a strong and poetic prediction of good things to come for Israel as Jeremiah tells the people "I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow". This is followed by Psalm 84 ("How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts!" Curiously it seems this Psalm, with its verse stating "Behold our defender, O God; and look upon the face of your Anointed." which might more easily be interpreted as a reference to salvation in Jesus ministry. But is are OT prophecies always about the coming Christ? The Epistle lesson is from Ephesians where Paul says some amazing (and pleasing) things, with the loving spiritual community seen as destined for adoption as God's children. The first paragraph ends with the usage of "the Beloved", presumably a reference to Jesus, The second paragraph is a particular reference to the church in Ephesus, to which Paul was especially close, having visited there several times. Taken together both paragraphs speak of the strong bond of "family" among the people of the church in various locations. The gospel from Luke is a passage very special to me and I hope some of you will recall my own story of being left behind accidentally by parents. Only in my case it was in the South Side of Chicago, neighbourhoods where black neighbours were carefully set apart from white ones by the boundary of the Calumet River. In Jesus' case, his parents had to return to Jerusalem after a days journey back to Nazareth to find Jesus. My parents, once home and realising I hadn't jumped into the back seat of our Nash Rambler (I was 4 at the time), called the police and came back looking for me. When Joseph and Mary got back to Jerusalem, they found the12 year old Jesus sitting among the temple teachers. In my case I was simply gazing on the model trains in the toy store window when both Mom and Dad assumed the other had put be into that back seat - nothing so lofty as Jesus listening to those temple teachers, and amazing them with his understanding and answers. But sometimes such easy mistakes can make for some wonderful outcomes. You may recall I ran after their car and watched it as the last car to disappear over the drawbridge just before the bridge went up. I sat down and cried a bit, even though I actually could have found my way home by myself (I've most always had a sort of natural mental mapping ability). It was then that a car with four black men riding in it stopped near me and asked "What's the matter, little boy?" I told them - pointing to the bridge, now fully opened for ships passing on the River. In my case, I was well aware that racism was "endemic" on Chicago's South Side, but when these guys asked if I wanted a ride, I gratefully accepted (it was still about 3-4 miles to our house). They drove up to our home and let me off outside. Somehow my parents came to the conclusion I walked home. I knew that Mom and Dad would be upset with the truth, so I chose not to tell them until years later (to my surprise, instead of being upset, it seemed to set Dad to thinking about it all and he and Mom in fact joined us at St Matt! My personal story of something that began with a mistake might not seem so much akin to that of Jesus and his parents but both had good results on the kid in question: Jesus went on to his saving ministry. For me it was a bit more subtle: an awareness of the racism that might always remain in me, such that to this day of the three prayers for mission in the Prayerbook's Morning Prayer service, the one I choose to use begins "... you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth." As for Jesus ministry, it's just possible that the humanity in Jesus didn't really feature being a spiritual leader, but the mistake his parents made of leaving him behind gave him the chance to explore - in his case his spirituality along with others (it sounded like a convivial group he was conversing with), perhaps further enabling his spiritual leadership. May we all seek to make something good come from our mistakes! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) And for all of us at St Matthew Parish Events St Matthew parish, San Ardo and fellow mission St Luke parish, Jolon-Lockwood, will be having Morning Prayer services at 10am at their respective chapels. Our new friend Donna Lewis will lead the service there and preach. My beloved Tony(!) will lead in San Ardo and we will have discussion of the above (and other) lessons, led by yours truly. Other Events Folks at St James parish in Paso Robles have decided that just as they have a special event to "green" the chapel for the holidays they will have an "Un-Greening" event pm Sat Jan 11 at 230pm. If you can help, let our friend Laura Learned know. (As you may know Rev Linzi at St Benedict parish in Los Osos did the same following her family tradition on New Year's Day.) St Benedict Parish will have their famous Potluck this Sunday and all are invited to bring a dish to share, as well as to their Star Party for Epiphany itself, Jan 10 at 6pm. (Both of the events above have decided, wisely I'd say, that Epiphany itself is a "moveable feast" off the "Old Christmas" date of Jan 6, the calendar day of the Feast of the Epiphany.) St Ben parish 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." The Zoom link is https://stbenslososos.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56003b92c20a0cad0f96f87b4&id=4048f71532&e=c7a1548f0f Be sure to join the group at St Ben Church when you can. Meanwhile, the folks at St Barnabas parish in Arroyo Grande tell us they are moving the Epiphany Feast to this Sunday, Jan 5 (a day early). Also at St Barnabas o Thurs, Jan 15 at 7pm a "group will start a three-week series on Walter Wink's book "The Powers That Be." All of us deal with the Powers That Be. They are the systems themselves, the institutions and structures that weave society into an intricate fabric of power and relationships. These Powers surround us on every side. They are necessary. They are useful. We could do nothing without them. Who wants to do without timely mail delivery or well-maintained roads? But the Powers are also the source of unmitigated evils. Corporations and governments are "creatures" whose sole purpose is to serve the general welfare.." See a more complete description at https://saintbarnabas-ag.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=debb1b33eb11372203a975524&id=9ca519844b&e=acee3ced34 Our friend Rev Roger Wharton and the group at Good Samaritan parish in San Jose tell us that you can enjoy their Sunday service LIVE on Facebook at http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqtyLxEzsUYxKQfdu9uaDuQ We have mentioned bafore the following event-series at St Paul Cathedral in San Diego at 9am at their Forum: Forum: Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines, Awakened: A 52-Week Progressive Christian Devotional Interested in starting a devotional practice in the new year? Join us for the first Sunday Forum in 2025 as we welcome Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines to present his new book, Awakened: A 52-Week Progressive Christian Devotional. This beautiful book guides readers through 13 powerful themes like renewal, diversity, and mental health. Fusing scripture, progressive Christian insights, and engaging discussions, each week nurtures a faith that unites intellect and emotion. Themes include renewal, diversity, eco-spirituality, mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, science, and more. Also at St Paul is their 5pm Choral Evensong on the EVE OF THE EPIPHANY. Essentially all St Paul events are available via Zoom. For details see the Cathedral's websites at www.stpaulcathedral.org but two events that are limited to "in person" are the following: On Sunday January 19 at 5 pm, in place of Evensong, we get to come together for a Winter Hymn Sing: there’s nothing like singing favorite hymns together to lift the spirits. Vote for your favorite Hymns on our site. (Note that this even might be via their Zoom as well). On Saturday January 25, the Conversion of St. Paul, we will celebrate our patron saint with a brunch gathering from 11 am to 1 pm on the roof terrace of 525 Olive. This space holds up to 150 people, so feel free to bring a friend whom you would like to introduce to St. Paul’s. Please sign up in advance for this via Realm or at coffee hour on Sunday. Folks,
The lessons for this Sunday include from Isaiah, who was prophesying a glorious future for the Jewish nation, followed by a truly lyrical Psalm (#147) which has an optional first part (we hope you all get a chance to say or chant the entire - I found my spirit rising just in reading it all!). The epistle from Galatians tells us that the people (speaking mostly to the Jewish Christians in Galatia) were at first "imprisoned and guarded under the law" which was a "disciplinarian". But after the Good News arrived in the Word of the "Spirit of his Son" (that would be the son of God) those who were slave (to the law) became children and thus heirs of God. (It would be remiss of this review of the lessons not to mention that the very notion of "The Law", so clear in the Jewish tradition, literally means "the Word", derived from Old Norse.) In the gospel lesson John (I always think of the Greek Island of Patmos where he is said to have lived out his days) we see further discussion of the Word. It seems right that the word Word should be capitalised, since this was no ordinary word, unlike the verbalisations of much of our days. In fact the lesson's first part seems a bit disconnected from what follows, rather like a philosophical introduction. In the following two paragraphs we see a summary of the ministry of John the Baptist, and the life of Jesus and his ministry. In that second paragraph we read that the apparent minority who "received him" (ie Jesus) he gave power to become children of God, indeed who were born of God. The last paragraph seems a mystical melding of earthly reality and heavenly philosophy as "the Word became flesh and lived among us ... full of grace and truth." (There's that word, "grace" one of my favourites, a description of how God acts in the real world). It goes on with a brief reiteration of John's ministry, then to the effects of Jesus on the community of faith ("From his (Jesus's) fullness we have all received GRACE upon GRACE." Following a brief nod to Moses and the law the gospel says "grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." and concluding with a clear statement of the need to see God thru a person, this being, Jesus, God's only Son. I hope we can appreciate the feeling of this earliest "Christian community" of being brought to life by the life Jesus lived, as much in healing and helping as in preaching and teaching, and of the role which flowed naturally forth from Jesus ministry and then of his disciples and then on and on thru the generations to this very day (for you see, we are all part of an "apostolic succession" of the faithful). If perhaps the notion of "the Word" is rather too mysterious for you or too philosophical, just let yourself bask in the graces which flow from it as we live in a community based on caring for your neighbours as they will care for you. Our love to you all, Bart (and Tony!) Events We rejoice that the travelers from our congregation have arrived home and we will all be meeting for Morning Prayer at our customary hour of 10am at the chapel in San Ardo. Our fellow mission St Luke in Jolon will be doing the same at that hour with Roy Morris and Donna Lewis will lead the service on 29 Dec and 5 Jan respectively. My own Tony(!) will lead the service at St Matt parish on both those Sundays. Other Events The folks at St Benedict parish are having a Star Party on Fri, Jan 10 at 6pm, including a potluck dinner, the crowning of the kings and equens of the Epiphany, a journey of the magi to the creche and "undressing" the church by removing special Christmas decorations, then adding the greens to the Christmas fire. At the end of the festivities everyone will receive a "start word" to inspire them in the year ahead. St Ben's "SPiritual Conversations continue on New Year's Eve at 10:30am on Zoom - link is https://stbenslososos.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56003b92c20a0cad0f96f87b4&id=8595cfdc3c&e=c7a1548f0f St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande tells us that on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00pm they will start "a three-week series on Walter Wink's book "The Powers That Be." All of us deal with the Powers That Be. They are the systems themselves, the institutions and structures that weave society into an intricate fabric of power and relationships. These Powers surround us on every side. They are necessary. They are useful. We could do nothing without them." But.... St Paul Cathedral in San Diego will have a special service on New Year's Eve, Dec 31 at 5pm, complete with a Labyrinth Walk in the Deans Courtyard on the Cathedral campus. On the following day, Wed Jan 1 at 10:10am, the Cathedral will welcome the New Year with a Eucharist on the Feast of Holy Name of Jesus. St Paul Cathedral also tells us they will be participating in Partners in ministry: There's Room at The Inn This Advent, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego's "There's Room at the Inn" campaign invites individuals and congregations to support Comunidad de Luz--a migrant shelter for women and children opening in Tijuana. On Sunday, January 5, 2025, St Paul's at their 9 am Forum, will have Dr. Caleb Lines to present his new book, Awakened: A 52-Week Progressive Christian Devotional. This beautiful book guides readers through 13 powerful themes like renewal, diversity, and mental health. Fusing scripture, progressive Christian insights, and engaging discussions, each week nurtures a faith that unites intellect and emotion. Themes include renewal, diversity, eco-spirituality, mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, science, and more. And of course the Cathedral offers the service of Evensong, which they describe as "a beautiful tradition (the 470-year-old choral music tradition was established around 1549), which gives respite and inspiration during our busy, modern lives." I note that it's almost Sunday already - I better get this out! (B&T!) Dear Friends,
In this 40 day run-up to Christmas we find ourselves waiting for someone to lead us out of the wilderness of our times. The lessons appointed for this Fourth Advent Sunday, as with the Advent Sunday lessons, all seem to point a coming (advent) of someone or something. Note that the Epistle for this Sunday from Hebrews the writer (scholars are less certain who authored this "letter") has Christ disavowing the usual temple offerings and instead offering to God to do God's will - this offering will sanctify us thru the offering of the body of Jesus "once for all". The gospel lesson is that thrilling lesson (you might say the "joint was jumpin' with the Spirit) of the meeting of Mary carrying Jesus and her older cousin Elizabeth carrying John the Baptist. On hearing Mary, Elizabeth felt the baby kick and in the words of the Hail Mary prayer loudly said "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" calling Mary the mother of my Lord, concluding "blessed is she" because she believed what was said to her by the Lord. Mary then responds with her "Song" in the beautiful words of the Magnificat (My soul magnifies the Lord ...) which poetic passage is appointed as well in place of a Psalm for this Sunday. And so it is this Sunday, where the OT lesson from the minor prophet Micah would seem to us to be speaking of the birth of Jesus by first speaking to the place the gospels say Jesus was born - Bethlehem (Wiki says the "word" Ephrathah is actually an older name for the the area and meant "fruitful" and as well, "Be opened!". The place holds much importance in the gospel story in the context of the lineage of King David because it was at this place that the Book of Genesis tells us Rachel, one of Jacob's wives, died in childbirth. In his prophecy, God speaks to the town, saying it will be the place of the Advent of one who is "from old, from ancient days" waiting until the time "when she who is in labor has brought forth". The lesson suggests that this One will stand strong and feed the people in God's strength, and they shall live secure, and he shall be the one of peace. But note that we must seek out this person from old, this leader who is the Lord, and not just in the words written in Scripture but even more in our own minds and hearts, and especially by giving over ourselves, our will, to God. The sacrifice noted in Hebrews that God ask of us is not our body in death, our lives living to do God's will in loving one another as Jesus directly said. May we all, this Advent recognise that this one who comes from old IS US when we offer our will to the Lord and do his will by loving each other. Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Parish! Events This Advent Sunday St Matthew Parish will meet for Morning Prayer at 10am at the chapel in "downtown" San Ardo. Our fellow mission St Luke Parish will be doing likewise at the chapel in :downtown" Jolon. Both events will be at 10am and we will have the joy of Advent in the coming (home) of some of our flock from vacation. On Christmas Day at 4pm we will all join St Mark Parish in King City where Fr Carl Hansen will celebrate Holy Eucharist. Other Events Because I am trying to finish planting a RECORD number of acorns that our oaks produced this year (especially valley oaks and live oaks) I don't have time to review activities at other parishes and spiritual groups. I hope to have them all in the ground by Twelfth Night (ie Epiphany. in which Season I hope to have an epiphany of my own by seeing yet more sprouting trees all over the ranch). But besides Advent IV it is Christmas Week and you know what to do - and note that several parishes have added extra services and other events. so be sure to look on your local group's websites, etc for dates and times of events (I see that some parishes are adding extra Christmas Eve services in particular). And when you get to that local spiritual group, let yourself have an experience like Elizabeth and Mary - you don't have to be pregnant to recognise the Spirit of God in the people around you! Folks,
The lessons for this coming Sunday, Advent I, include from Jeremiah, Thessalonians, and Luke lessons all of which seem to have orientation to the future, including a prediction in the OT of one whose name will be "The Lord is our righteousness", the NT wherein the author (probably Paul in one of his earliest epistles) prays to see the church members there "face to fact", and in Luke's gospel one of Jesus's more apocalyptic sounding speeches. I have to confess I had some real difficulty with the latter since about that "Last Days' future I think it better to steel ourselves with "the armour of faith" rather than try to predict specific events. Fortunately we happened to be visiting with our sister Brandy, a bright spark in her own right, on Face Time. She readily pointed out that to her that lesson spoke like the old Scouts' motto, "Be Prepared" (and in fact Advent is called a season of preparation). Indeed in that light "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with ... the worries of this life...". Seems excellent advice and is followed by admonitions to be alert and pray so that you can escape the troubling times and "stand before the Son of Man". Friends, beyond the realities of difficulties facing us all in future, it is indeed important to be alert. An excellent path to such awareness is meditation, as thinkers all over the globe, from the Himalayan gurus, to Christian and Moslem Sufis agree. We hope during times reserved for Silence in your spiritual meetingplaces you will avail yourselves of an opportunity to visit with yourself (I'm reminded of an Abba song that went "I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me") - the one who should be your best advisor. Our love to all in these joyous and yet troubling times! Bart (and Tony!) Events This weekend St Matthew Church in San Ardo will meet as usual for Morning Prayer at 10am. Our fellow missions in South Monterey County, St Luke Church in Jolon and St Mark Church in King City will meet together for Holy Eucharist at St Mark Church, corner of 3rd and Bassett in King City - also at 10am. Other Events As we have been mentioning, St Luke Church, Atascadero, will be having their Christmas Bazaar on Fri, Dec 69am to 6pm. On Sun Dec 15 at 5pm, St Barnabas will have a service of Advent Lesson & Carols. Childcare is provided with Reception following! Epiphany Lutheran/Episcopal Church in Marina will have an organ concert of works by J S Bach this Sunday, Dec 1 at 3pm. If you are going you might stay after ward for the Potluck Fellowship. Epiphany will also have a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Tues Dec 24 at both 7:30pm and 11pm. And Epiphany's Women's Biij Study and Fellowship takes place on the 2nd and 4th Weds at 11am. The group will be reading Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott. I'm afraid with guests and ranch work, that's all we have time for today, but we hope you all will take a look at the websites of your local parishes and other spiritual groups. The Advent Season will have many special events! Folks,
The lessons for this Sunday include from 2 Samuel beginning with the words "These are the last words of David" and continue with quite an analysis of what might constitute a "good king". The epistle lesson is from Revelations - not generally considered an epistle yet it is indeed in the form of a letter. In it the writer (St John of Patmos) which describes in vivid terms a spectacular sense of spiritual otherworldliness of this God-King. The gospel lesson from John details the familiar conversation Jesus had with Roman Governor Pontius Pilate who begins by asking "Are you the King of the Jews?" All three lessons are apt for a Sunday christened in later days as The Sunday of Christ the King and all three are useful. But in the lesson from John it is important to note that Jesus never once says "I am a King" since earthly power was not at all why he "came into this world". Note also that this is in stark contrast even to David, a "good king" as exemplified by the (rather long) appointed Psalm 132 which begins "Lord, remember David" and is a sort of paean to David (did he pay the psalmist to produce it?) (In the above you can detect my "American" sensibilities coming out - not at all keen on having royalty "above" me - yet it certainly was the norm in David's time - and that of Jesus as well, and even today people seem somewhat keen on following the antics of royals - especially British ones.) Our Diocesan News tells us that this feast of Christ the King "was first added to the Christian calendar by Pope Pius XI in 1925, in the bitterly divided aftermath of World War I? At this time, an increasingly secular Europe was also experiencing a distressing rise in support of nationalism and fascism. Pope Pius XI conceived the feast of Christ the King as a way to remind Christians that our primary allegiance is not to any earthly ruler or nation, but to Jesus Christ." It is poignant reminder to pray for (and work for!) good governance. But by Jesus, who never says "I am a king", I am reminded of the film "Candy" about a woman named "Candy Christian" (some will recall it is for me a meme movie) who at the beginning seems to emerge from a bubble dropped on the earth. After a serious of events in which she tries to be "good" for others, to varying degrees of failure, at the end of the movie she is taken up in a bubble and out of "this world'. Just before the she walks on a grassy field with canvas "booths" (as at a fair) where the various groups of people see her go by before she is taken up. They reach out to her but she continues on her way and into the bubble. The Lord came into this world to try to help many find the right kind of "kingdom" to varying degrees of failure. Fortunately Jesus didn't leave us alone, but sent his Spirit to be ever with us when we reach out. May we all reach out to the Spirit of God. Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Parish! Events St Matthew Parish will be having Morning Prayer this Sunday at 10am, weather permitting. For us at the ranch the predicted rainfall will be quite an event assuming it materialises. It has been such a dry winter that a small (20 acres) fire erupted near the ranch. Our friends (heroes really) of the CDF put out the fire in not much more than an hour! Our fellow mission St Luke Parish of Jolon, will be doing the same with our friend and correspondent Rachel Denny preaching. Other Events St Benedict Church in Los Osos is having a Thanksgiving Gathering on the Big Day (Nov 28) at 4pm, beginning with a time of prayer and followed by a delicious meal and a chance to share in conversation and community. If you are able, bring a dish to share. St James Parish in Paso Robles is having a Women's Christmas Luncheon Dec7 from 11:30am to 2pm. To RSVP call the parish office at 805.238.0819. If you are able, bring an unwrapped gift for a child and a can of food for later distribution. Rector Rob Keim of St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande tells us he is singing with the SLO Master Chorale, a 115 person community chorus, at a concert on Sunday, November 24th at 3pm at the Cal Poly Performing Art Center. Tickets may be purchased at pacslo.org St Peter Church in Morro Bay is presenting to staged readings including "An Interview with Gladys Walton" and a 1940 classic radio play, "My Client Curley". This Double Feature of staged readings will be performed Thanksgiving weekend only Friday and Saturday November 29 and 30 at 7pm Sunday, December 1 at 3 o'clock. For info and tickets bytheseaproductions.org or call 805-776-3287. As mentioned, St Luke Church in Atascadero will be holding a Christmas Bazaar, Fri Dec 6 from 9am to 6pm. St Paul Cathedral Parish in San Diego will at this Sunday's Forum have Rev Dr Charlie Bell discussing "Unity, Anglicanism and What's Next? at 9am in their guild room and online. This is especially timely with the recent resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. St Paul also tells us of this event from their Partners in Ministry Program: Cathedral of Light: Thanksgiving Sound Healing Saturday, November 30, 4 pm, In the Cathedral Looking for a unique experience to share with family and friends this holiday season in San Diego? Join Zen Soul Balance on Thanksgiving weekend for a transformative 90-minute sound healing session at the breathtaking St. Paul’s Cathedral. As sunset bathes the Cathedral in golden light, surrender to a harmonious haven of healing vibrations. Experience the synergy of masterful sound artists, musicians, and healers as they blend crystal singing bowls, gongs, drums, chimes, stringed instruments, and other therapeutic sounds to create a profoundly restorative journey. Wrap yourself in serenity and tranquility. From the Diocese We hear there will be a series of one day Advent Retreats, from 10am to 3pm each on Dec 7 at St Mary Church Pacifica Grave, St James Church Paso Robles and St Francis Church, Willow Glen (San Jose). For info and to register go to https://stbenslososos.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56003b92c20a0cad0f96f87b4&id=6655f53085&e=c7a1548f0f Friends,
The Old Testament lesson for this Sunday is a story of Hannah's plea for a son. In her prayer at the temple she saw that Eli was elderly and in her great desire to have a son (at least in part to show the other women she could) she says she will "give" this son to God (hence the name Samuel). The lesson appointed in place of a Psalm for this Sunday is actually also from the OT book of Samuel, and NOT the Book of Psalms. It (1 Samuel chapter 2, basically the passage following that first lesson) should be read or heard along with this particular OT lesson. While the lesson itself seems uninspiring and even hints at unworthy motives (jealousy of the other women, etc), the "song" Hanna sings is a wonderful hymn making clear that the son she will conceive is truly a gift from God - as theologian Walter Brueggemann notes with all the "credit" given to God's power. The epistle, again from Hebrews, makes plain that Christ's sacrifice obviates the need for priestly intercession: "I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds". In Mark's gospel Jesus warns of terrible calamities to follow, but suggests they will be only "the beginning of the birthpangs" of the age to come. While the other two lessons were good and useful, I was surprised that after reconsidering that seemingly uninspiring first lesson within its context, it was the one that "made my day". May we all recognise that "every good and perfect gift comes from above". Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Parish in San Ardo Events St Matthew Parish in San Ardo will be having Morning Prayer at 10am on Sunday and all are welcome. Our fellow mission St Lukes Parish in Jolon/Lockwood will be having two events this weekend. In Rachel's words "There will be two events happening at Saint Luke's in Lockwood this weekend. On Saturday, November 16th, starting at 3:00 P.M., Canon Robert Siefert will be laid to rest in Saint Luke's cemetery. On Sunday, November 17th, at 10:00 A.M., Roy Morris will lead a service of Morning Prayer in the church, followed by coffee and conversation in the parish hall. Everyone is welcome to attend. Let us give thanks for the gift of rain!" (Note that we too at the Ranch give thanks for the rain!) Other Events The other St Luke parish, in Atascadero, tell us they will be having their Annual Christmas Bazaar on Friday, Nov 6 from 9am to 6pm. That St Luke parish will also be having what sounds to be a very interesting event on Tues, Nov 19 at noon (bring your own lunch). "Spirituality and Dementia" will have two retired Sisters of the Order of St Francis, one with dementia and the other a caregiver, come to discuss their journey together. To register call 805.342.0956 or email [email protected] And Rev Linzi of that St Luke parish, who also serves St Benedict Parish in Los Osos, also tells us St Ben will on Wed, Nov 20, at 7pm mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance with a candlelit vigil. St Ben Parish will also be taking a Field Trip on Tues, Nov 19 from 10am to 11am to try the Bird ID app to identify birds by their songs. And Cathy Gildea from the parish leads Spiritual conversations on Tuesdays at noon = go to the parish website https://www.stbenslososos.org/ for their Zoom link. A special event including panelists from San Jose State University, the Diocese of London, and Greenfaith will occur in two parts, on Nov 23 and Dec 7 at 10am PST (6pm in London). The event, God and the Machine, will discuss God, Tech, and the Care of Creation. For full info and the Zoom link go to www.sswsj.org or email [email protected] (the event was put together in part by Michael Barford, formerly of our Diocese of El Camino Real). Friends,
The lessons for this Sunday include from the Book of Ruth and her second marriage to Boaz, with a son, Obed, who in turn was King David's grandfather, putting Ruth directly in the lineage of Jesus. The lesson from Hebrews reminds us that priests of the time seemed to think they were needed to enter the "Holy Place" and offer animal sacrifice on behalf of the people stating that "(Jesus) will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." The gospel lesson is the story of Jesus noting the widow making her donation to the Temple: "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on." We all would profit to consider the value of the widow's mite, not just in its magnanimity (true generosity) but also in its indication that she is pulling together with the spiritual community at the temple. and without that spirit, the temple community would suffer grievously. This is one reason that the act of "passing the plate" truly belongs in our churches and the ushers at large parishes, who might do the accounting, knowing that a few large donors fill out the budget's income line need to remember to include the poor in making donations as well. Nay we all realise that making our own gifts at our temples comes from our own spiritual generosity, however little they "make the budget". Our love to all to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Parish in San Ardo! Events Because of truly excessive work at the Ranch including a leak we are working to repair in our spring-fed water system (nire complicated than we'd realised), we can only mention our Morning Prayer at St Matthew will be tomorrow at 10am and that our fellow Southern Monterey County mission parish St Luke will be doing likewise, also at 10am at the chapel in Jolon in Rachael Denny's own words: "Dear friends, This coming Sunday, November 10th, at 10:00 A.M., Roy Morris will lead a service of Morning Prayer at Saint Luke's in Lockwood. There will be coffee and conversation in the parish hall afterwards, and everyone is welcome to attend. On Saturday, November 16th, at 3:00 P.M., Canon Robert Siefert will be laid to rest in the Saint Luke's Cemetary. Love and blessings, Rachael" Other Events Only time for A FEW other announcementS. We hear from Good Samaritan Parish in San Jose that they were victimised in a hate crime recently. We join with spiritually attuned folks everywhere in working to enlighten folks to the dangers of the thinking behind such crimes. We also hear that Good Sam Parish services are now available online! In their words: We are also streaming LIVE our Sunday service on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GoodSamaritanSJ, the services are on our YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/channel/UCqtyLxEzsUYxKQfdu9uaDuQ. Please subscribe! Check out our website! https://www.goodsamaritanchurch.com And note that our friend Rev Canon Martha Korienek tells us of the following events: "Rev. Lee Barford is a deacon in our diocese who moved to London a couple of years ago. He has requested: "Could you please forward this announcement of an educational event I'm organizing on Christian creation care and use and misuse of technology" It is titled God and the Machine: God, tech, and the care of creation. It is a two-parter November 23 and December 7. " For more info and to participate contact [email protected] Folks,
The lessons appointed for this Sunday include from Ruth, who protests the suggestion made by her mother-in-law Naomi to return her people. But Ruth objects saying she would stay on with Ruth. The epistle lesson from Hebrews continues with further useful depiction of the right kind of priest, who offers once for all, rather than an ongoing and (to us today) somewhat gory series of animal gore as was the custom at the time. Interesting to note that there seems to have progress in this branch of human spirituality as the animal sacrifice practices have been abandoned. The lesson from Ruth is quite different from the story of Job, but again an interesting focus on what might be considered an "aside" in the OT, though one replete with suggestions for caring, respect for elders, and the independence of women. As to the choice of "gods" it appears that the two women would continue following the Judaism of the era. The gospel lesson is a beautiful telling of the conversation of Jesus with some Sadducees (lawyers of the time). In it one of them asks Jesus which is the "first" (or highest) commandment. The answer still fits today: “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” One can hardly help loving that the "scribe" (writer, especially of Jewish law, which was a combination of the secular and religious) answers very directly: “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ —this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” After such a fine response from the scribe, calling Jesus "Rabbi" (Teacher), Jesus says to the scribe "“You are not far from the kingdom of God.” I am reminded by Ruth's story of that of one of the four principal female characters in the TV show Sex and the City where Episcopalian Charlotte decides to convert to Judaism, mostly in order to marry a particular guy who's mother would insist on it. Even after that engagement is off, Charlotte decides to remain a Jew, and we are presented with the very colourful ceremonies she was taught at the synagogue, even though when she first went to knock on the temple door, saying she wants to convert, the rabbi slams the door in her face saying "We're not interested". (I have to giggle at that since Tony(!) and I once tried to visit a Russian Orthodox "Old Believers" parish in San Francisco. We knocked on the closed door as we could hear as service in progress inside, but when I said using a bit of Russian from home I had been raised Russian Orthodox a Russian nun, very old and stern, slammed the door in our faces. I have to enjoy the colour of the Judaic practices shown, both in the temple and at home. My own Russian Orthodox heritage had lots of such practices. Finally however the real spiritual centre needs to be nourished, and colour needs support from clear thinking to my mind (one of my favourite Episcopal Church ads used to run "The Episcopal Church - Where you don't have to leave your mind at the door"). All of above is NOT a criticism of Judaism, and we can easily see such clear thinking in stories like those of Ruth and Job, along with such modern Jewish theologians as Martin Buber as we all make "progress" on our spiritual journeys. But if our God is worthy of worship (again the root of "worship" is to being judged "worthy") it must be with our total personalities, including the wondrous minds God has given us. May we all worship together in body and mind and spirit and may we do so in a place that welcomes all! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Parish Events St Matthew Parish will meet for Morning Prayer at our accustomed hour of 10am. It will be a bit easier this Sunday as it will be the first day of "Standard Time" where we set the clocks BACK by an hour. If you arrive early, please consider hanging around - the leaves have fallen in a big way, and could be usefully swept off the campus. Fellow missions St Luke Parish in Jolon and St Mark Parish in King City will celebrate communion together at the St Mark campus in King City, also at 10am. Other Events As we mentioned, many parishes will be observing All Saints and All Souls Days this coming Sunday. Our friend Mark Plants, at St James Paso Robles has orchestrated the photos display of departed loved ones as well as a Book of Remembrance. See your local parish websites for their observances. Epiphany Lutheran-Episcopal Parish in Marina will observe these holiday TONIGHT with a candlelight Evening Requiem service tonight. St Barnabas will observe the holy days at their Sunday services on Nov3. From the Diocese We are getting notices that it's time to register for Diocesan Convention. For full into visit www.realepiscopal.org From the Broader Church via Padre Sid of St Peter Parish in Morro Bay A New Presiding Bishop for The Episcopal Church St Barnabas Parish News tells us for info about this event go to https://www.episcopalchurch.org/investiture/ Our friend Padre Sid tells us that we can all view the event at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/investiture/investiture-stream-english/ Folks,
The lessons this week include the Happy Ending from Job's story, an excellent reminder of the special role Jesus played as "priest" from the Epistle to the Hebrews, and a very straightforward depiction of a miracle healing Jesus performed as part of his earthly ministry. One has to applaud the direct telling of the miracle in Mark, Ch 10 - the blind beggar heard Jesus was near, called to him, was asked by Jesus for his sight - and got it! The story stands in stark contrast to the much more nuanced distinction the writer of Hebrews makes between Jesus and those other priests of the time. But those of you who know me well, will know how delicious I find Job, down to the very last details (and indeed the OT lesson appointed for this Sunday goes to the end of the Book, most of which was written as poetry). As we will hear this Sunday, Job's friends and family came back to him with gifts and sympathy, he had a herd of animals I couldn't imagine trying to manage, 10 children including 3 daughters (yes Job's Daughters!) and made inheritance provisions for all of them, and then lived a long life. Appropriate to the allegory about accepting reality, Job's friends noted "the evil that the Lord had brought upon him" as I hope all will recall, the Lord specifically allowed these things to happen (allegorically) to make the point. But perhaps best of all was the first sentence of that final paragraph in prose, "And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends" - not for himself! Our prayer for all of us is that we might first pray for others! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew Parish, San Ardo Events St Matthew Parish in San Ardo will be meeting for Morning Prayer Sunday morning at 10am, and all are welcome to the chapel, corner of r Railroad and Jolon, in San Ardo. Our fellow mission St Luke Parish in Jolon will also behaving Morning Prayer at the same time. Tony Saponate will be leaind at St Matthew and Rachel Denny at St Luke. Other Events As with so many of our parishes, bowing to the popularity of Halloween, so to St James parish in Paso Robles. The parish will as well be collecting wrapped candy for donation to be given out at the City's "Downtown Halloween" event - St James is just a block away from the City's Central Plaza. Note that St Luke Parish in Atascadero will be doing the same for the Halloween on Entrada event. These events will be on "True Halloween" (All Saints Eve) on Thursday, Oct 31. Also in observance of All Saints Day, our friend Mark Plants tells us a table will be set up to display photos of departed family and friends, and the Book of Remembrance will be made available to keep memories of them alive in hearts. The parish, again with many others, has a major outreach program to help with "Feeding the Hungry". They estimate they are feeding 200 people each month. And Dcn Jim Arnold of St James tells us the Brotherhood of St Andrew meets monthly with all men from St James welcome - contact him or the parish office for info. Rev Jen Crompton Will be leaving St Benedict Parish in Los Osos and the parish will celebrate her ministry with a blessing this Sunday. Note that she will also be celebrating the Eucharist service at St Ben on Sun, Nov 10. A reminder from St Barnabas parish to view the Investiture of the newly elected Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church on Sat, Nov 2. beginning at 6:30pm. For full info go to https://saintbarnabas-ag.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=debb1b33eb11372203a975524&id=08e2f10466&e=acee3ced34 In tune with other Halloween events, the Cathedral of St Paul in San Diego will be having "Trunk or Treat" in their parking lot on Oct 26 (TORDAY) from 4-6pm. St Paul is also having "Hike Church" this Sunday at 2pm, Oct 27. In their words: "Chaparral Chapel is an opportunity to connect with God and each other through spending time walking, listening, and experiencing the beauty of nature. All of our hikes are easy and family-friendly, and include engaging activities and practices for all ages." The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego's LGBTQIA group is having an Inclusion Summit also TODAY at St Thomas Church, Temecula from 10am to 2pm. In their words: "EDSD LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Summit Saturday, October 26, 10 am - 2 pm. St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Temecula (44651 Avenida de Missiones, Temecula, CA 92592) The recently formed EDSD LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Task Force is gathering those with lived experience and local thought leaders for a half-day Summit (lunch included). Join us for the day, for a season, or for the next year. Together, we hope to celebrate diversity, foster understanding, and cultivate a more welcoming environment across the diocese. Your voice matters! For more info contact: The Rev. Brenda Sol, Task Force Co-Chair" [email protected] Or click here to register! For full info go to www.stpaulcathedral.org From the Diocese Prayers for a Peaceful Election Please consider joining the El Camino Real Social Justice Committee in praying for a peaceful election. A short on-line prayer service will be held every Thursday at 1pm. Confused about the propositions? The California Council of Churches has a useful handout with recommendations from a faith perspective here. Hoping you can join us at 1pm on Thursdays here on zoom. tiny.cc/elcamino-electionprayers |
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