Last Sunday I was driving on The 99 in the Car-thedra (Great Episcopal Ride by-the-way [thanks again everyone]) and I switched to one of my programmed stations on the radio. If you must know, it is 98.9, a self-proclaimed “soft rock” station. Periodically, a lad by the name of John Tesh appears espousing tid-bits for better living, Tesh isn’t important to this reflection, in other words, I am digressing. Now, instead of the typically groovy tunes on 98.9, I encountered on the day in question, yes, on the 16th of November, non-stop Christmas Jingles. I found myself working on the presupposition that 98.9, in their infinite wisdom and/or commercialized foresight, was playing a “Wee Yultide Teaser” for mid-November listeners.
Yesterday (Tuesday), I returned to The 99 and whilst driving I turned to 98.9 only to hear, you may not be surprised at all, Christmas Jingles. After listening to these “Yule Tunes” for two hours (yes I did) I realized this was not a teaser at all. Again, perhaps it is no surprise to you, 98.9 is playing, as I craft these words, non-stop Christmas Ditties.
I must say sisters and brothers, I like listening to Bing, Nat and Burl as much as the next person, in fact, possibly more than the next person The thing is, as much as I am perhaps nostalgically inclined, I simply cannot bring myself to listen (more than I already have) to “songs of the festive season.” In addition, I am struggling with the fact that we are already inundated by Christmas Decorations and Ads on the tele. San Joaquin, for your bishop, this is simply too much, too soon.
It is not that I am a proponent of “liturgical” or “seasonal” approaches like absence-makes-the-heart-grow-fonder or the hide-and-seek of the nativity. In other words, it is not helpful or healthy to pretend that the Incarnation hasn’t occurred. However, if we begin to observe and celebrate the feast-in-question, a month in advance, we will run the risk of being completely and utterly exhausted by the time 25 December arrives or worse yet, feel “done with it” before it happens. The other aspect of my meandering reflection involves one of the loveliest not-to-mention poignant Seasons in the Christian Year, namely Advent. Advent affords us the opportunity of rediscovering important Christian concepts and human responses like anticipating, expecting and “actively waiting.” Please, please, thricely please, let’s not give that away for the premature “Ho-Ho-Ho’isms” we are already encountering.
For almost twenty years we have lived in a place where Christmas was about anticipating a Bar-B-Que on the beach with family and mates and preparing for the summer holiday. I write this because the Cappel Rices will observe and celebrate this Northern Hemisphere Christmas in a very big way indeed, however we will not start before Thanksgiving or before Advent. I look forward to singing O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus and Lo! How A Rose E’er Blooming with you in the days of anticipation and expectation and waiting before us.
Blessings
+David
“Travel Light, leaving baggage behind.”
Luke 10:1-12
From the Diocesan Office…
For All Clergy:
HOUSING ALLOWANCE: Dear Clergy, please remember that you need to have a housing allowance resolution passed by your Vestry/Bishop’s committee in December of 2014 for the 2015 tax year. If you have any questions about this process or would like a recommended format, please contact Canon Kate.
For All Clergy and Lay Employee: LAST DAY!
MEDICAL AND DENTAL RENEWALS: Those of you currently covered through the Episcopal Church Medical Trust for your health and/or dental insurance will see a letter coming to your home in the very near future. If you wish to change your plans in any way a response will be required by November 21st. Watch for the notice in the mail.
For Clergy, Vestries and Bishop Committees:
The Bronze Disaster Preparedness Plan:
Is to be completed by all parishes and missions and turned into the Diocesan Office. Many thanks to St. Clare of Assisi- Avery, St Matthew’s- San Andreas, St. James- Sonora, St. John the Baptist- Lodi, St. Raphael’s- Oakhurst, Holy Trinity- Madera, Church of the Saviour- Hanford, St. Paul’s- Bakersfield, St. Paul’s, Modesto, St. Sherrian’s, Kernville, St Anne’s, Stockton, St. John the Evangelist, Stockton and St. Paul’s, Visalia just completed their report. Thank you!
For those parishes and missions who have not completed this: They need to be turned in ASAP.
For All Clergy and Parishioners:
The Diocesan Staff would appreciate your assistance in getting the contact information for the Provost, Chancellor, Dean, or President of the public and private universities, colleges and junior colleges in our geographical location. If you know who to contact, please call the diocesan office or email [email protected].
ALL MAIL…
for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, Bishop, Canon, and Administrator is to be mailed to 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355.
Thank you,
Ellen Meyer,
Administrator
Sacred Order of Deacons…
By the Grace of God
The Right Reverend David C. Rice
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
will ordain
Steven Michael Karcher
to the Sacred Order of Deacons
Saturday, November 22, 2014, at 4:00 p.m.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
2216 17th Street
Bakersfield, California 93301
Clergy Vest with Red Stoles
From Bishop David and the Deacons of the Diocese of San Joaquin…
“. . . for I was hungry,
and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:35-40
What do most people do when they see a homeless person? They look away and pretend they didn’t see the person. Some will give a little money. We, as Christians, are called to do more. Spare change won’t buy the toiletries they need for basic hygiene, and a little food can tide someone over until the next soup kitchen opens.
Bishop David and the Deacons in the Diocese, are coordinating a program to help. Each congregation will soon be receiving a shipment of drawstring backpacks. They need to be filled with some basic items, carried in our cars, and given to those we see in need. It’s simple and can make a world of difference to someone on the streets.
The list below is merely a suggestion. Most of these can be obtained at dollar or 99 cent stores, and WalMart will often have a better price. Be sure to ask the stores for donations of these items – you may just get them for free.
Depending on the needs in your particular area you may wish to change some of the contents. There are many more things which could be added, but these backpacks are meant to be carried around and handed out – weight is an issue. Choose carefully and prayerfully the items you put in your backpacks.
Bottled water
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Deodorant
Hand Wipes
Comb
Razor
Soap
Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion (from motels when you travel)
Tissue
Emergency Blanket
Small Microfiber Towel (Amazon.com)
Hand Sanitizer
Socks
Scarf
Hat
Cookies
Sandwich Crackers (peanut butter or cheese, for example)
Granola Bars
Deacon Carolyn Woodall
NOTE: Backpacks just arrived and will be distributed to the churches!
Stole Making Workshop Fundraiser for Car-thedra Fund…
Deadline to sign up is NOW!!
Stole-Making Workshop
in Support of the Diocesan Car-thedra Fund
Saturday, 6 December 2014
9am-5pm
Episcopal Church of the Saviour, Hanford
Fr. Luis Rodriguez will be leading an all-day practical workshop on traditional stole-making techniques (all by hand). The day’s aim is that each participant will leave with a completed stole, and so reasonable sewing skills are a requirement to help move things along smoothly. This workshop is limited to only 10 participants so that each can get individual attention. It will meet at the Episcopal Church of the Saviour in Hanford and the cost is $100, the entirety of which will go the Diocesan Car-thedra Fund. A sack lunch will be provided. The registration fee does not cover materials, but good fabrics for stoles can be easily and relatively inexpensively acquired. To register download, complete and return to the diocesan office the linked registration form (click here) along with a check to cover the cost. Please do so as soon as possible, and Fr Luis will email you with a list of materials. If you have any questions, please contact Fr Luis by email ([email protected]) or phone 559-584-7706.
Deacons in Our World Today…
Coming Anon to a Service Near You!
During the upcoming months, and starting on November 9th, Bishop David will be accompanied by a deacon when he visits your congregation. The deacon and Bishop David will be showing the video “Deacons in Our World Today,” and answering questions about the vocational diaconate. You will need to have a DVD player and television, or laptop, speakers and a projector available. Please notify Ellen Meyer ([email protected]) at the Diocesan office if your congregation lacks this equipment so arrangements can be made.
Deacon Carolyn Woodall
Office of Public Affairs…
Office of Public Affairs
Applications now accepted online for
Episcopal Church Young Adult Service Corps
2015-2016 placements
[November 6, 2014] The Episcopal Church offers untold opportunities for young adults to live, work and pray with brothers and sisters around the Anglican Communion through the Young Adult Service Corps. Commonly known as YASC, applications for 2015-16 are now being accepted for the Young Adult Service Corps from young adults between the ages of 21-30.
“YASC provides an opportunity for young adults to explore their faith in a new capacity and to live out the Baptismal Covenant by seeking and serving Christ in all persons,” noted the Rev. David Copley, Mission Personnel Officer. “Applicants must have a high degree of maturity and possess a faith commitment and the willingness to be a humble guest, and the ability to be an authentic companion.”
The application is available online here www.episcopalchurch.org/yasc The application deadline is Friday, January 2, 2015.
Where are the YASC?
Current YASC members can be found throughout the Anglican Communion. They are working in administration, agriculture, development, education, and technology. They are serving Brazil, Burundi, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Haiti, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Kenya, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain and Uruguay.
Among the possible placements for 2015-16 are Brazil, Burundi, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Panama, the Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Uruguay and Zambia.
For more information contact Elizabeth Boe, Global Networking Officer, at [email protected].
The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org
YASC: www.episcopalchurch.org/yasc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/episcopalian
Twitter: twitter.com/iamepiscopalian
For more info contact:
Neva Rae Fox
Public Affairs Officer
The Episcopal Church [email protected]
212-716-6080 Mobile: 917-478-5659
United Thank Offering Grants…
2015 United Thank Offering Grants
In recognizing the Five Marks of Mission, especially “to seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation”, the United Thank Offering is seeking to address the current culture of violence by supporting the mission of peace as expressed in the Gospel. The Gospel of Love proclaimed by Jesus Christ is the focus for the United Thank Offering Grants during the 2014-2015 period.
The 2015 United Thank Offering Grant Application is now available. The following information should be helpful in preparing a United Thank Offering grant application. All additional forms necessary for the completion of a United Thank Offering Grant are also included below. The deadline for submission of a completed application (and required documents) is 5pm (EST) on Friday, January 15, 2015.
Click here to go to The Episcopal Church website for application forms OR
Holy Family Fresno is considering hosting a Godly Play training possibly Spring 2015. We are trying to gauge the interest of parishes that would like to participate and share the cost of the training. Cost depends on how many parishes attend. We will advise final cost and dates of training after we have an exact count on attendees. If you know of a parish outside our diocese that might be interested in participating, please pass along this information.
What is Godly Play? Check out the link below:
http://www.godlyplayfoundation.org/
Here is a sample of a Godly Play lesson:
Meet Canon Randy Kimmler, our 2015 Retreat Leader.
Randy is Missioner for Vocations in the Diocese of Los Angeles, where he supports and oversees clergy development prior to and after ordination. About 8 years ago, he helped plant the Community of the Holy Spirit (CHS) in the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles. Lay-organized and led, the group is an emergent progressive Christian community that is being studied by many Episcopal dioceses. “It’s not a church. It’s not a mission. It’s an
anomaly and dioceses around the country are trying to figure out what to do with groups like us that are springing up all over the place.” Those who attended the 76th General Convention 2009 in Los Angeles experienced wonderful worship services and worship spaces designed by Randy and his team. Randy attends St. John’s ProCathedral in Los Angeles, serves on the Bishop’s Commission on LGBT Ministries and has been recognized by Bishop Jon Bruno for his significant service to the wider church.
For Southern Deanery…
Southern Deanery Meeting
11:00 a.m., St. Michael’s, Ridgecrest.
Whats going on…
What’s Happening in the DIO
Ordination for Deacon -Steven Michael Karcher, Saturday, November 22, 2014, 4:00 p.m., St. Paul’s, Bakersfield.
Clergy Retreat, St. Anthony’s, Three Rivers, December 9-11, 2014
Diocesan Council and Standing Committee Meeting, Saturday, December 20, 2014,
11:00 a.m., St. Paul’s, Modesto
Integrity Retreat, January 23-25, 2015, ECCO, Oakhurst
Diocesan Council and Standing Committee Retreat, Friday-Saturday, February 20-21, 2015, ECCO, Oakhurst
Click on the link below to see more upcoming events and meetings around the diocese.
Dear long- time and new friends of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church,
We are writing to inform you of a very important gathering which is coming up on the Feast of St. Andrew, November 30, 2014.
We are hoping that you will mark your calendar, save the date and plan to attend the celebration here at St. Andrew’s which will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone. The laying of the cornerstone, for the structure of the church building, was November 30, 1934. It was the beginning of a community-wide project. We are told that many people, in Taft, were involved in the making of the adobe bricks. They were formed out of the soil in this place.
We request the honor of your presence at the 10:00 AM service on November 30, 2014. The Rt. Rev’d David Rice, The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, will preside at the worship service.
The service will be followed by a luncheon gathering, and at that luncheon we will have members and previous members reminisce about some of the important events in the history of St Andrew’s.
To honor our Scottish connection, we will also share in a wonderful Scottish meal. So far the menu will include…..Cottage Pie, Cock-a-Leaky soup, Scottish eggs, clootie dumplings and Short bread. I hear there may even be haggis???
The congregation of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, is looking forward to welcoming everyone who has had and does have, a connection with this beautiful church. Let us gather to celebrate our past and look forward to the future, of this important place of worship in Taft, California!
Sunday at 10:30 am virtual and in-person worship service
First Sunday of the month in-person worship service at 5 pm
Sunday at 3 pm adult education class @ Zion Lutheran Church
Link to virtual services on “Calendar tab”
Vision Statement
We the people of the Episcopal Church of Saint Anne believe in following Jesus Christ in his radical acceptance, inclusion and honoring of all persons. Through our worship of God and our caring for others, we minister Christ’s love to our congregation, our community and the world. We fulfill the meaning of being Christian by loving each other and through honoring the rich heritage of diversity represented in the Episcopal Church in the United States.
“. . . for I was hungry,
