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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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