All Saints
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THE SEASON OF EPIPHANY 2014
Following the Light WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Letter from the Rector Dear Reader:
This Epiphany we feature two works of art that illustrate the Gospel message of following the light of Christ. One shows the Good Shepherd facing the light, while simultaneously emitting light in a halo of radiance. The other work of art is a photograph of a single candle with a beautiful ring of light that extends the flame by taking on its brightness. This ring of radiance expresses how God’s light transforms our darkness into light. Epiphany is that season when we witness the light shining in the earthly life of Jesus Christ, from the manger to his baptism in the Jordan. It is the season when we watch fisherfolk leave their nets to follow Jesus, the season when simple disciples are changed forever by the dazzling glory of his transfiguration. During this season we are invited to imitate the disciples by following Jesus into the light. I invite you to read about following the light in my basic teaching on this subject, but also in articles on the interior life, relationships, society or politics, and the church. I invite you to read examples of following the light in the lives of several members of All Saints’, and in the ministries of this faith community.
Gospel Themes
in the Season of Epiphany The Epiphany (January 5): Following the starlight First Sunday after the Epiphany (January 12): Following the light of the Beloved Second Sunday after the Epiphany (January 19): Come and see the light The Third Sunday after the Epiphany (January 26): Following in the company of the light The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (Feb 2): Children follow the light The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (Feb 9): Following the light into the world The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany (Feb 16): Following the light of God’s goodness The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany (Feb 23): Following the light of perfect love The Last Sunday after the Epiphany (March 2): Dazzled by the light
These articles invite you to stand in the light that shines on All Saints’. Let God’s light shine on and through you in a manner that inspires others to follow the light of Christ.
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Articles:
Life Application Series INTERIOR
Ministry Focus PAGE 16
The process of sanctification begins within our mind and our soul. This quadrant provides teaching to help us explore ways in which the Gospel can transform us from the inside out.
RELATIONSHIPS
PAGE 17
God desires that we live in harmony with each other and allow the grace we have received to be manifest in each relationship so that we respect the dignity of all humanity and support one another.
SOCIAL
PAGE 18
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead. In this quadrant we aim to challenge the way we engage and reach out to the greater community.
CHURCH
PAGE 20
The Church is the body of Christ, designed to work together to glorify Christ. In this quadrant we aim to explore ways to collaborate and allow each member to do what we can to build up the church and exercise stewardship of all our gifts.
LETTER FROM THE RECTOR
page 2
VESTRY CANDIDATES
pages 4, 5
FIVE AREAS OF MINISTRY
pages 6-10
PFEIFFER FIRE
pages 11
SANTA LUCIA MISSION AND CAMPGROUND
page 12
ALL SAINTS’ DAY SCHOOL
page 13
FOLLOWING THE LIGHT
pages 14, 15
LEADERSHIP LESSONS
pages 22
ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION: The All Saints’ Magazine is published seven times a year, corresponding with the liturgical seasons. The next edition will be available on March 2, 2014. We welcome your submission of articles, and ministry event and opportunity ads if submitted by February 12, 2013. Use of all ads and articles will be determined by the staff and editorial team. All submissions should be sent via e-mail to Greg Troxell, parish administrator, at gtroxell@allsaintscarmel.org or to the office at information@allsaintscarmel.org.
VESTRY NEWS
page 23
SERVICE AND GRATITUDE
pages 24, 25
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
pages 26, 27
All Saints’ Episcopal Parish | P.O. Box 1296 Carmel, California 93921 | 831-624-3883 | www.allsaintscarmel.org Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - noon
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Communion of Saints
Vestry Candidates
Brief stories of faith, and the faith-filled lives of our members. How is God working in your life? Share it here and give a bit of hope to others.
Sameera Sharif My name is Sameera Esther Sharif. I am a Christian from Pakistan where I belonged to the Anglican Church. I come from a priesthood family in Pakistan and India where my family served the Lord for years. I left Pakistan in 1992 and lived in England for 13 years, then I moved to California, in 2004. I have two children, Sarah and Suliman, who live in Austin Texas. I work at the Defense Language Institute and have been there for the last eight years, teaching and developing curriculum. I recently earned a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University. Church is the focus in my life too. I would like to serve the Lord and the church, and help care for others. I would like to contribute my skills and knowledge at All Saints Church. It lifts up my spirit to work for the Church. I felt at home when I first started coming to All Saints’, and I find people here are welcoming and warm. One, especially, who has become my prayer mentor. I would like to give more time to the Church, that’s is why I want to join the vestry to engage more in All Saints’ Church.
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Frank Graham Thank you for your invitation to be considered for service on the vestry at All Saints’ Parish. Jackie and I moved to Carmel in October of 2011 and attended All Saints’ shortly thereafter. We received such a warm welcome that we have been coming ever since. I was raised in the Evangelical tradition and was a pre-seminary student in college. I was active in men’s, singles, adult education and music ministries. In the late 80’s I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church and served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, conducted Morning Prayer services and consulted with the priests regarding management, organizational issues, parish development and adult education for two parishes. Professionally, I have worked as a consultant, speaker and educator with organizations (public and private, profit/non-profit), and entrepreneurs to create organizational and business development processes based upon core principles, vision, mission, and culture. I have conducted workshops and classes as adjunct faculty at two universities and have published articles in local publications. At All Saints’ I serve as a Chalice Bearer at the 8:00 AM service, and on the Governance and Adult Education (CCT) committees. I am honored to be invited to be considered for the vestry. Someone said: “Without trust you won’t get teamwork and without teamwork you won’t get innovation.” Establishing trust requires a willingness to be vulnerable. I welcome any questions or concerns regarding my background, beliefs, guiding principles and suitability for this position.
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Susan Sonthal My name is Susan Sonnthal. I teach special needs students in the Alisal School District. I enjoy sailing, reading, tennis and travel. I volunteered with Christine Marie Star Riders, a horse riding program for individuals with disabilities, in Marina. I was there for over four years and served on their executive board. Currently, I volunteer with the Pegasus Project, an organization dedicated to providing sailing opportunities on San Francisco Bay for the disadvantaged, disabled or atrisk youth and veterans. Prior to joining St. Mathias Mission Church in Seaside in 2001, I resided in Johannesburg, where I belonged to St Georgeʼs Church, for over 20 years. Since 2006, Iʼve worshiped at All Saint’s. Church activities Iʼve enjoyed are our retreats, lenten study groups, handbell ringing and worshiping with partner parishes. I was approached to run for the vestry and said yes, because I believe All Saints’ needs vestry members who will consult with the congregation about its needs and aims. I want to help clearly define and articulate those needs and aims, so that they can be addressed. I want to help manage All Saintsʼ resources effectively, so that we can fulfill our missions, while still living within our means.
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Susan Stanton As an experienced city manager I feel that I come to the slate of vestry candidates with the necessary skills and abilities to help lead our congregation forward. My faith and my passion for our church is also expressed through my participation on the pastoral care team and when I serve as a lay Eucharistic minister. In my professional work and past church experiences, I have been recognized for my ability to effectively aligning human capital with organizational objectives and strategic long term planning. I’m a results-driven leader, a visionary with my feet on the ground and a commitment to valuing people, creativity, quality, integrity, openness, respect, diversity, and teamwork and who attracts talented people and inspires them to succeed. Other skills I bring that may be particularly helpful to the congregation at this time are: Organizational Development, Training and Development, Compensation and Benefits, Recruitment and Selection, Conflict Resolution, Motivation and Team Building, Strategic Problem Solving, Leadership Development, Employment Law and Risk Management.
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Worship
The Liturgy Shines with the Light of Christ by The Rev. Rick Matters
From Christmas Eve through the Feast of the Epiphany, each liturgy was illumined by scores of candles. During the season of Epiphany, you’ll find at the back of the church a photograph of a single candle shining in the darkness. In this stunning photo we hardly see the flame, because the ring of light is so bright. (See this same photo on page ???.) The single flame, representing the light of Christ, shines in the world, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5). In the same way, the glory of Christ enlightens each liturgy. Like the photograph, each candle in the church emits a ring of light. These halos shine with the beauty of holiness. The liturgies in which we participate shine with the flame that does not consume. Christ is the flame that illumines our assembly as we process, sing, pray, listen, eat, drink, and honor the silence. The moon does not generate light, but shines instead with the beauty of the sun. In the same way, we reflect the light of Christ, and in doing so we glorify the Lord.
Announcing Long-term Music Staff Positions
In this season in which the light of God is manifested, and now that the transition period after Todd’s departure is completed, I’m pleased to announce our long-term music staff. With gratitude I announce that Kathy Kirkwood has agreed to serve as our choral conductor for Sunday mornings. With equal delight, I report that Anne Sibley has agreed to continue as the conductor of the All Saints’ Singers, our children’s choir. I can also report the wonderful news that Peter Tuff will continue to conduct the Evensong and Palestrina choirs. Finally, I’m delighted to announce that Pam Lawrence will continue playing piano at the 5:30 p.m. Eucharist. These fine musicians join our ever-dependable and accomplished organist and pianist, Richard Wilson. God is good!
Reflection
By Robert Nielsen © 2014 In the beginning the Word, Light, Life eternal, inextinguishable incarnate, manifest at Christmas Light from Light Present in each alone, still, knowing God present whenever two or more are gathered present in all souls community, all saints
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Everlasting Light of the world not hidden under baskets, bushels, buckets or bowls shining for all to see Light of living in wisdom, love warming, healing, protecting showing the way, the path shining in darkness not overcome by darkness keeping the darkness at bay
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Community Pastoral Care Giving Rides
By Susan Stanton The pastoral care team is finding that some of our members really need help with transportation, such as for a medical appointment. We are hoping to put together a list of potential drivers who would occasionally help. If you would be willing to be asked about giving a fellow member a lift, please speak to Susan Stanton, or email the pastoral care team at aspastoralcare@gmail.com or call the church office. “When two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.” –Matthew 18:19] One of the most important ministries at All Saints’ is the Pastoral Care Team who regularly visit congregants unable to attend church service. Members in this ministry regularly travel to hospitals, nursing centers, and private residents to bring the love of our church family, to offer prayer or just extend friendship during times of loneliness, sorrow or grief. Lay Eucharistic Visitors are also available to administer the Sacrament of Holy Communion and ensure every member of the church feels connected to the greater parish family. If you are interested in becoming a member of this team please contact the church office. This is truly a unique opportunity to extend the love of Christ and develop new and meaningful friendship.
All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Campground Reservations As members of All Saints’, your family can get a terrific discount and priority reservation when booking Paul’s Meadow at Santa Lucia Mission & Campground for as little as $25 a night. Call now to reserve your spot. There are five camping sites in Paul’s Meadow. More information: In July 2013 the camping ministry at Santa Lucia underwent a revision of policy. Information was available and posted. This notice is to remind you that parishioners of All Saints’ still have a priority for booking space at Paul’s Meadow, but only up to six months prior to a date. Practically speaking, this means Paul’s Meadow is now open to any camper to book in April, May or June, but not yet for July and the months that follow. All reservations after the early bird reservation period are on a first-come-first-served basis. You still have priority for July and the rest of the summer until February 1, 2014. Let’s say you don’t know when you want to be at Paul’s Meadow? You are just going with your tent, or with three friends who also want to set up tents. So make a guess and book it now. Book one site and pay just $100 for four nights. You may also pay only a deposit of $50 and pay the remaining $50 one month before your reservation. If you cancel one month before your date, you get all your money back. If you don’t cancel by the deadline, you will be supporting Santa Lucia…. but you won’t get your money back. There is also an option to transfer your deposit or full payment to a future available date. Seasonal Rates & Fees: If you reserve the entirety of Paul’s Meadow it is $250 (June-August), $212 (May and September) and $175 (April and October). If you want to reserve one site (5 in the entire Meadow) it is $25/site (three small to medium tents allowed per site). The bottom line: If you want to reserve Paul’s Meadow, do it now. You can change dates or get your money back up to one month before your date.
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Discipleship
Finding God’s Light in the Bible by The Rev. Rick Matters
We currently offer three weekly Bible study classes; many members read the Bible regularly; at each Eucharist we offer four different Bible lessons. Yet we acknowledge that the Bible is written by humans, and encumbered by cultural norms, some of which are antithetical to our faith. How do we find God’s light in a series of texts that span several thousand years, and pass through languages now dead or radically changed? How do we avoid being literalistic while still finding truth and spiritual refreshment in the Bible? Along with the frail and often obdurate human agents, our Bible stories tell of God’s interactions with humankind. While some details may seem fanciful or embellished, the characters remain true. God might be objectified as walking in the garden, or embodied in an earthquake or a dove, but it is still God loving, admonishing, exhorting, forgiving, and healing. God speaks to us as we open ourselves to that divine presence. The God who addressed the people of the Bible addresses us through the words of the Bible. God remains consistent through the teachings and stories. The fact that God is love, and the nature of God’s love revealed, speaks to us powerfully. God’s loving presence also helps us interpret troubling passages. Thus the heart of the Bible is the lively and life-giving love of God, most perfectly manifested in the light of Jesus Christ.
Congregational Transformation Project By Robin Denney
Join the team! Are you interested in helping our parish move toward a member-led culture? Are you interested in how God calls both the powerful and the powerless to respond to Christ’s mission in the world? Are you interested in welcoming people from different cultures and backgrounds? As children of the resurrection, we are called to be transformed, and to transform the world. Our diocese is sponsoring a training series with the Kaleidoscope Institute and congregational transformation expert Eric Law. All Saints’ staff and members Susan Stanton and Carlos Camacho are participating in the series and learning together to help lead our own congregation in our transformational experience. Contact Robin Denney via email at redenney@gmail.com for more information.
Matthew in the Morning
If you would like to attend the Gospel of Matthew: Its Relevance for the 21st Century series offered by Fr. Rick but cannot attend Monday evenings, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., you are welcome to participate in a Sunday morning track from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. The material will be somewhat abbreviated due to the shorter time. If volunteers want to make pancakes, we will serve breakfast. Otherwise, the sustenance will be strictly spiritual. Mark your calendar now for either Sunday mornings (January 12 to February 9) or Monday evenings (January 6 to February 3).
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Wednesday: Join us for Bible study and coffee from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. in Grant Hall as we explore Jesus’ life in a chronological study of the Gospels.
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Stewardship Town Hall Meeting Update by Jacklyn Graham
At the Town Hall meeting on November 7, 2013 your vestry committed to give you an overview of the financial impact of Todd’s departure. After receiving several thousand dollars of pro bono work from TPO Human Resource Management, we were charged only $900 for this firm. The difference in the 2013 operating budget between the Music Director’s compensation, end of employment costs, was only -$33.00. The cost of the interim music directors was another $3,350. Another impact of Todd’s departure was approximately $10,000 in unpaid pledges.
Ways to Help
We can all give a little, and some have the ability to give much more financially, but we all have talents, skills and time. Please review the list on page 26 listing ways to help in minsitry. Take time during coffee hour to ask your friends here how they are involved and how you might be able to step out in faith, lend a hand, and serve on a ministry team, committee or commission.
All Saints’ Revenue and Expenses As of the end of December 31, 2013 YTD Budgeted Pledges & Donations $397,748 Other Revenue $98,420 Trust Revenue $195,318 Total Income $691,486 Total Expense $697,596
YTD Actual $309,405 $44,229 $225,386 $579,022 $656,381
Pledge Campaigns
While the books are closed for 2013, its not to late to fulfil your pledge or make a gift to reduce the 2013 deficit. If you would like to help, please mail your check with a memo of “2013 reduce the deficit”. As of January 6 we had 72 pledges for 2014 totaling $161,849 making our average pledge thus far $2,248. We are still waiting on pledges from 25 households that pledged in 2013 and more new pledges. However we are still $70,000 short of our income goal for 2014. Our vestry is committed to passing a balanced and conservative budget and also hope to maintain our current operational expenses and staff. You can help the church achive that goal by making a special one time gift in addition to your 2014 pledge. Please contact the Jackie Graham, our Treasurer to make arrangements for your gift of stock, or other cash donations.
2014 Pledge Card
Please fill out the pledge card below and return it to the office or place it in the offering plate on Sunday. Name(s): ________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: ___________________ Phone: ____________________________ Email: ______________________________________________ I/We Pledge:_____ $ per week / month / quarter (circle one) I/We plan to make our annual pledge in the month of _________________ ☐ Please contact me/us about planned giving ☐ I/We would like to donate with a credit card. ☐ I/We have named All Saints’ in our gifts to United Way. WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
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Outreach
Outreach funds are generated through a major annual fundraiser, Small Bites for Big Hunger (save the date of May 2, 2014), the annual Fine Arts and Crafts Faire, the operating budget of the church, and through many individual donations. Members donate food at the door of the church, and this year we are coordinating with Church of the Wayfarer and Comerica Bank to collect food for distribution to the hungry. Our many outreach projects are coordinated by the faithful work of the Outreach Commission. If you are interested in finding out more, or would like to join this leadership team, please contact the church.
Joy at Christmas By Judy Kirk
from the diocese of Haiti. As you’ve followed the stories and reports of the California Friends of St. Patrick, you know that the teachers are now paid each month. You know that the families of the congregation have clean water, and the students at the school have school supplies. For many of you have contributed to complete these labors of love. I’m happy to announce that Fr. Lazard will visit All Saints’ January 25 to 27. He will preach at the services that Sunday, and visit the school the following Monday. Students, families, and faculty who have given generously to St. Patrick’s for over ten years, plan to meet Fr. Lazard, drink a cup of Haitian coffee with him, and hear other inspiring stories.
Thanks to all the parishioners for the outpouring of toys, clothing, books, art supplies, gift cards and cash donations that you so generously contributed to Epiphany and Lutheran Church in Marina for their distribution on Christmas Eve. Father Jon reported that 135 children from 46 families received gifts. Each child was given a toy, clothing, a book and art supplies. In addition, each family received a food box given by All Saints’ Outreach and added to by the Thomas Carman Food Pantry, a family gift and a gift card. Local Marines, the Central Coast HIV/AIDs services and many other local volunteers including students from CSUMB also contributed to the effort. But, as Father Jon wrote, “This really is a big program and having All Saints’ at its core makes it all possible.” He thanks us for our love and support.
Labor of Love by Rosemary Smith
Since I’ve become involved in the work of the California Friends of St Patrick’s, Haiti, I’ve seen exactly what this phrase from First Thessalonians 1:3 means. It means teachers working for months without salary or access to clean water. It means teaching in a school accessible by motor bike or a two-hour hike. It means serving as a priest who provides peanut butter and rolls for school lunches, paid out of his pocket, as does Fr. Lazard, the rector of St. Patrick’s. Or again, it means paying teachers out of his own salary, received 10
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Pfeiffer Fire
All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
More of the story on page 16.
Please continue your prayers for those families who impacted by the Pfeiffer Fire. Santa Lucia Mission remained unharmed but the flames were just seven tenths of a mile away. John, a member of the Santa Lucia Mission (in the blue shirt above), escaped the flames thanks to the thoughtfulness of a neighbor who hiked into the woods to find him. John made it out alive but he lost everything, his tent, a photo of his Dad, and the poetry he wrote. The Pfeiffer Fire started on December 17, 2013 around midnight in the vicinity of Pfeiffer Ridge in the Monterey Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest. The fire burned 917 acres (he area within the black and red border on the map to the left). Thirty four residence and four outbuildings were damaged/destroyed. It took two crews, two engines, nine dozers and seven helicopters - a total of 200 personnel three days to contain the fire. All residents were allowed to return to their property by December 23. WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Santa Lucia Mission and Campgrounds Angels have been here in Big Sur!
These angels were wearing funny hard hats, carrying hoses, saws and driving backhoes! A report received from parishioner, Reed Cripe, stated that he Brigga faced a wall of fire only 1/2 mile away. Fire trucks came to the homes of his Clear Ridge neighbors. They came, more than 75 of them, from all over this state and further. They cut down bush and trees to clear the area as protection from the fire, and then, the truck stayed there. It stayed there! And that’s when the tears started down my face. We think of the Holy Spirit as the “Paraclete” which is the word in Greek that means someone who walks along side, an advocate or helper. I guess that’s how we think of angels. Whatever we call it, somehow those trucks staying there with the house to protect and the firemen putting themselves in mortal danger, that seems to me what Christmas is all about.
the way back home to Love. Following our service in the outdoor chapel we had a wonderful feast in the lower campground of ham donated and cooked by Elizabeth Sebring, turkeys donated by the Monterey County Food Bank and cooked by Mother Cynthia and Alex Collard, salads by the Finckes, Remy Ryan and Laura Pavloff. There was homemade cranberry sauce, yams, green beans and pumpkin pies. One wanderer came our way and left on his bike with a box packed full of food after devouring his Turkey dinner. We think this should be a Big Sur tradition! Thousands of dollars have been raised to help the 35 families rebuild their homes. The Grange Hall had enough clothes donated, from all over the area, to clothe everyone in Big Sur! Angels have been here in Big Sur! A visitor from LA who comes every Christmas. She and her husband come back every summer as well. They want to attend one of our summer retreats. These were from our Santa Lucia Christmas feast.
PHOTOS Far Left: Ed Fincke and friends at the Christmas Feast
What we celebrate is the light in the darkness (not the fire). It is Love come down, close and walking with us, as those brave people did who populated our mountain to stand with us. We are grateful!
Left: Laura Pavloff and Remy Ryan Below: photo of the Pfeiffer Fire taken by Jahre Carver
Alex Collard, Father Rick and Mother Cynthia all took turns at the hotline in the Health Center in Big Sur during the Fire. Santa Lucia Mission was on evacuation watch until the fire was contained. In the second week of January, it is still not out, burning in the center of many Redwoods with sparks dangerously lashing out. Many trucks, the Red Cross, and others, went home for Christmas, but fire trucks are still there up on the ridges where the burning continues in small fits and starts. They are still there! On Christmas day we celebrated the presence of Love in our midst. For us, Jesus is 12
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
All Saints’ Day School
Lessons and Carols DVD
If you wish to order a DVD of the ‘Lessons and Carols’ service at All Saints’ Church on December 18, place your online order at http://www. formstack.com/forms/?1030254-UnqohvvScV
Salinas Valley Food Drive Nancy Costello’s project is in need of volunteers to load groceries Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings at Trader Joe’s in Pacific Grove at around 9-9:30am. We could also use some help loading at Safeway at the mouth of the valley at 8:15am on the same days. The loading takes about one hour. You can volunteer for once a week, or once a month whatever works for your schedule. The food you load goes out to the farm worker communities in Salinas or Greenfield later the same day.
Thomas Charles Coppinger Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Tom Coppinger, who died on December 24. He is survived his wife Tracy and their two boys, Trey (Duke University) and Carson (All Saints Day School). A memorial service and reception was held at All Saints’ Church on January 11, 2014.
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Following the Light by the Rev. Richard B. Matters
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014 The Feast of the Epiphany and the season that follows lend themselves to the spiritual theme of following the light. After all, the Epiphany story features the magi following a star. They followed its light because they understood that this star announced a savior king born for the world, not just for Israel. The star led the magi to Bethlehem, where they paid homage to Jesus.
As Paul teaches us, we see “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ who has shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4b –6).
Throughout Advent we traveled toward Bethlehem, and at Christmas we hurried with the shepherds to see the Christ Child. Now we accompany the magi and pay homage to the newborn king. The magi risked travel over great distances on roads notorious for bandits. They sacrificed the comfort of home and country. They undertook an expensive journey in order to bring costly gifts.
The light that shines on the face of Jesus radiates within All Saints’, and shines through us to others beyond this congregation. It is important to acknowledge that we are a community in which the light of Christ brightens hope and awakens joy. We become a beacon of light when we love others in gratitude for the life-giving gift of Jesus Christ. Our good works reflect Christ’s glory when we name Jesus as the Son of God. In these ways we place the lamp of God’s love on a lamp stand, so that its light shines on everyone.
Like those magi, we seek signs from God to confirm our deepest hopes and to allay our greatest fears. Sometimes we follow those signs at great risk—at least the risk of being out of step with a skeptical society, or of being identified with those who hate and condemn in the name of Christ. At other times we follow with joyful abandon. The magi brought gifts that represented their true selves and the things they held dear. Gold speaks of power, of pleasure and comfort. Frankincense was used to worship God, and thus represented their true source of meaning, their deepest values. Myrrh was used for burial, and marked what they would live and die for. Like the magi, we offer gifts that express our deepest values, and we bring our very selves to God when we approach the altar. By the first Sunday after the Epiphany, we watch a thirty-year-old Jesus step into the Jordan River to be baptized by John. The following Sundays repeatedly portray the light of Christ shining in the world. We follow that light Sunday by Sunday as Jesus calls his disciples, proclaims the Sermon on the Mount, and dazzles us with the splendor of the Transfiguration. We follow the light not only through the Gospel lessons, but in our own hearts. Jesus leads us beyond our own cares, and invites us to love others as much as we love ourselves. How we act toward others reflects the light of Christ. When people recognize that we respect and love each other, and when they see our compassion and care for children and the poor, they are drawn to the light of Christ. We follow this light so that others may see its brightness and join us in following Jesus.
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Like a bright light over a bathroom mirror, the light of Christ shows our flaws. Knowing our weakness and imperfection is an important part of loving ourselves, and of allowing others to love us. The light of Christ makes us more human, and animates our humility. God’s love quickly brings us to the realization that our opinions and our best efforts are not as important as we’re tempted to make them. God’s true light makes us realize that we cannot create peace or joy for ourselves or others. To one degree or another, all of us are addicted to our selves, but God’s light helps us acknowledge that we need the grace, forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation that only God in Christ brings. The brightness of God’s love highlights our imperfections, but it also draws us to love ourselves in the manner that God loves us, unconditionally. As we feel loved deep down in our souls and all the way out to our fingertips, we are set free to love others. In this manner, the light within the All Saints’ family shines on others to show their imperfections and to demonstrate that we love them in the same manner that God loves them. We cherish them because of who they are, not because they are perfect or beautiful. We love them because God loves them enough to have died for them.
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Interior by The Rev. Rick Matters
There is often a mystical quality about a pregnant woman. Oh, her back might hurt, she may be tired from tossing and turning at night, she might be holding back tears, ready to scream at a toddler in tow. All the same, she is participating in the miracle of new life, and we can wonder at God’s gift of life. Mary, in all the fullness of her pregnancy, fills our imaginations. The wonder of her expectation is intensified because of the message of Gabriel and the dream of Joseph. Mary not only participates in the miracle of life, she is also caught up in the wonder of God’s love. For she carries her own baby—flesh of her flesh and bone of her bone—but she also bears the divine child, light from light, very God of very God. At his birth all the cosmos trumpets forth “wonder of wonders!” The image of the newborn baby lying in a manger epitomizes life as a gift. The wonder is the degree to which God loves us. Taking on our human nature with all of its weaknesses and suffering is an extraordinary act of love. The miracle of Christmas is as powerful as the sacrifice on the cross, and as uplifting as Easter.
others offer, and not by dwelling on disappointed expectations or mistakes. Wonder is a habit, just as much as negativity is a habit. Practicing wonder and exercising gratitude increases our propensity to appreciate and praise. Renowned author and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel wrote, “Right after the war, I went around telling people, ‘Thank you just for living, for being human.’ And to this day, the words that come most frequently from my lips are ‘thank you.’ When a person doesn’t have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity. A person can almost be defined by his or her attitude toward gratitude.” The final image of Christmas is the shepherds. However tired, disappointed, or needy they were, their silent night was broken by the angel’s message. Yet they knew the joy of Christmas not so much because of the message, but because of the chorus of angels praising God. Filled with awe, they turned their faces toward Bethlehem, knelt with gratitude before Christ Child, and told their wonder-filled story.
At this time of year God invites us to wonder. We can accept this invitation because God surrounds us with love and infuses our existence with meaning. Wonder affects our spiritual and emotional lives. When oriented toward the wonder of God’s love we look at each circumstance through the lens of God’s generosity and respond with gratitude. It is no surprise that some scientists say that grateful people live longer, for they are connected to God’s gift of life. We cultivate the wonder of God’s love by acknowledging disappointments while intentionally focusing on the positive. A few years ago at All Saints’ I greeted a member at the end of a glorious special liturgy; she responded to my happy greeting by complaining that we had sung none of her favorite hymns, which she had marked in her mother’s old hymnal. Sadly, it seemed that she spent that entire joyful liturgy waiting to complain. Cultivating wonder requires exercising gratitude in the particular circumstances of our lives. Experiencing God’s love does not happen when we are looking for things to criticize; rather, we experience God’s love by appreciating what 16
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Relationships
All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
by Greg Troxell
Years ago one of my YoungLife trainers told me, “Greg, it’s better to light the candle than chase the darkness.” I learned only recently that the phrase was first spoken in public by Peter Benenson, the English lawyer and founder of Amnesty International, at a Human Rights Day ceremony on 10th December 1961. A candle circled by barbed wire has since become the society’s emblem.
I use this tool when consoling and consulting, but also with myself. Life is not always a bowl of cherries but we can live a life of much greater vitality as we take ownership of our emotion and aim to respect our own needs and those of others.
For several years I’ve been researching the realm of motivation, activity and emotion. It is in part an outgrowth of my training in the field of behavioral psychology. It is however more deeply rooted in my desire to understand others and cultivate respect peace, truth, freedom, and dignity of all.
I call this the emotive-ational theory. Within my website (www.gtroxell.com) you will find a table that contains its essential framework (pictured above). By its use I aim to help people focus on their intrinsic needs rather than on the current problem and by that discipline they can take responsibility and experience healthier emotions and reflect more the light of Christ with that comes from within. The theory indicates that most of the ills, vices and intractable conflicts emerge from the escalation of external pressure or the reduction of our ownership towards those things we hold most dear. While most people have three priority needs at any one time, these might well change from season to season. Thus the challenge of all relationships is in understanding what it is that the other(s) need. For their needs are no less meaningful or significant than one’s own. In my own life I’ve internalized this by taking on a discipline of listening, asking and suspending judgment of others. I seek to hear them say what it is they need and empathize with their emotions in the moment.
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January 13 January 16 January 18 January 20 January 21 January 22 January 26 January 27 January 30 February 2 February 4 February 10 February 13 February 16 February 17 February 20 February 24 February 25 February 26 February 27 February 28
Elisabeth McPhail Paula Beckman, Brigga Mosca Bill Reed Beth Sterten Chet Lowrey Judy Kirk Umi Hongo, Norman Parris Tom Fontenay Raul Garcia Leontine Turner Josh Green Alison Craig Linda Dowd, Gary Turner Dennis and Pinkie Terry LeAnn Keaton Frederick Stanley Nancy Collins John Stivers Schwartz Booth Norah Strawser Linda Bradley, Sarah Felsinger
The list above comes from our parish database. We don’t have everyone’s birthday on record but we would like to. Feel free to send an email, drop a note, or call the church office to provide us your birthday, or that of your child who worships here at All Saints’. We would also welcome the submission of wedding anniversary dates.
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Social
Following the light in South Sudan By Robin Denney In this season of light, the season of Epiphany, we seek to find and follow the light of Christ. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:9 Darkness is a common thing in our world: the darkness of war, hatred, greed, vengeance, and hopelessness. Yet there is no darkness too deep, no evil too great for the light of Christ to overcome. In the last four weeks a conflict has erupted in the newest country of the world, South Sudan. This country, born out of fifty years of war, born miraculously through a peaceful referendum, born as a sign of great hope for its people and for the world, is now torn apart. In these few weeks thousands have been killed and over 200,000 displaced from their homes. Two state capitol cities have been destroyed, one state has fallen into rebel control, and many other towns have seen heavy fighting. With so many displaced suddenly from their homes, hunger and disease are rampant, with little aid reaching those in need. At times like these, it is tempting to see only the darkness. It is perhaps our human nature to question God, or fall into despair when we hear of the apparent triumph of darkness. Yet God has not abandoned the people of South Sudan. The light of Christ still shines in South Sudan. Jesus does not shirk away from that which is difficult, he is there in the midst of the most terrible pain, holding the people, giving hope and strength that seems impossible to have, placing the peace which passes understanding in people’s hearts. When we pray for those who are suffering, we participate with God in the powerful, healing movement of the Spirit, and we too are moved, healed, perhaps even driven out into the world to participate in reconciliation in our own lives and contexts. Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, of the Episcopal Church of Sudan and South Sudan, is working day and night to bring the message of peace to his people. He is working with other denominations to show solidarity across tribal and political divisions. He, the bishops, the clergy, and the people of the Church, will not cease in standing for peace, working for peace, risking their lives for peace. And while it may seem to be a 18
fruitless flickering flame against a storm of darkness, it may just be the force that quells this conflict. For the flickering flame is the light of Christ, power and peace beyond measure. Pray, pray that the Light of Christ will burn bright in South Sudan. Pray for Archbishop Daniel and all the religious leaders, pray for the people of the Church, pray for those who are suffering now, pray that the light of Christ would burn bright, keeping hope alive. And as we pray, we too will be changed. Fr. Rick has designated February 9 as the start of a week of prayer for peace in South Sudan and elsewhere. On Sunday, February 16 I will be leading a forum about the conflict and relief efforts at 9:00 a.m. in Seccombe Hall. At that time we hope to present more information about the the nationwide relief campaign for South Sudan being spearheaded by ERD (Episcopal Relief and Development).
A Prayer Service for Christian Unity
+ FOR CHRISTIANS OF ALL DENOMINATIONS +
5 P.M., Sunday, January 19, 2014 St. Angela Merici Catholic Church 362 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove PLEASE RSVP 373-4345 or 394-4465
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
January 18 two representatives from the Diocese of Gloucester and the Diocese of Western Tanganyika will be presenters for our Diocesan Winter Conference. Our partners will be with us for six days. Each diocesan team will share how Christianity came to their country, and how their unique history affects their missional context today. They will encourage us to explore our own history of how Christianity arrived in California, and how that impacts our missional sharing of the gospel in the present day. Our presenters: The Bishop Sadock Makaya and Gervas Ntahamba from Western Tanganyika, The Archdeacon Robert Springett, Ms. Julie Faye and Canon Andrew Braddock from the Diocese of Gloucester. DATE: January 18, 2014 TIME: Gather at 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PLACE: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1071 Pajaro Street, Salinas, CA 94901 COST: $20.00 (lunch included) REGISTER: online at www.edecr.org or call 831-394-4465 QUESTIONS: marybeth@edecr.org or call us at 831-394-4465
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Church by Donald Layton
On a test, a young boy wrote, “The Moon is more important than the Sun because the Moon shines at night when it is dark and the Sun shines during the day when it is light, anyway.” We may smile at his erroneous deduction, but we often make the same mistake when we consider the Light of Jesus Christ. Without giving it much thought, many would say that the Light of God is manifest on earth by the Church. But the Church is just an instrument for channeling and sharing of the Light of Jesus Christ through the community of the church and the communion of saints in heaven. It has been proclaimed that God is Light and in him is no darkness at all. (John 1:5) The communion of saints in heaven have become perfect in love during their life on the earth and are now united with Christ where they love us and are concerned for us. Since they have reached a perfection of holiness in Christ, their prayers are powerful before God. Just as we ask believers on earth for their intercessory prayers, it is right to request the intercession of our communion of saints in heaven.
Many people are of the opinion that one must have almost supernatural powers to bring the Light of Jesus to others. But one does not need to be a Dr. Salk, a Mahatma Gandhi or a Mother Teresa to work miracles on earth. Scientists have established that the all-encompassing light of the Sun is composed of millions of tiny rays. And so it is that the omnipotent Light of Jesus Christ consists of countless particles contributed by the communion of saints in heaven and the community of undesignated saints on earth. Long before I knew anything about light rays and even before I knew much about Jesus, I recall singing the refrain from an old children’s hymn –
we, and our fellow servants in heaven, have an obligation to keeping the Light of Jesus Christ shining so brightly that there will be no darkness. This is essential because there is no hope in darkness. When God came to the earth, Incarnate in the Lord Jesus Christ, light entered the world. And Jesus declared that He was the Light. He spoke to his Disciples saying, “I am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12). God’s plan means that those who partake of Light need no longer walk in darkness. It was expressly said in the bible that Jesus came to earth “…to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79) I find a great example of the sharing of the Light in my late wife, Kathleen. She spent over half of her adult life dispensing healing as a Military Nurse serving in the Pacific in World War II, as a Civilian Nurse in charge of a Ward during the Meningococcal meningitis epidemic at Fort Ord Hospital, as a Family Nurse Practitioner in charge of the Navy Clinic and, later, as a care giver at the Presidio of Monterey Clinic. To many of the patients, the facility itself was the source of healing whereas, in truth, it was the compassion and learning of Kathleen and the other Doctors and Nurses that provided the therapeutic powers. And I recall all of the hours she spent every evening reading medical journals to insure that her Light would not dim. Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee; Sweetly the light has dawned upon me; Once I was blind, but now I can see: The Light of the world is Jesus! Philip P Bliss
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, To shine for Him each day. Nellie Talbot Since we are all members of the body of Christ, and since Christ’s members suffer and rejoice together, 20
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
The Key to Building Oganizational Capacity By Greg Troxell
Once before I’ve written to you about Liebig’s Law of the Minimum states that “growth is controlled by the scarcest resource, not the total of resources available.” In the application of this law to church vitality, the staves of the barrel are related to five areas of ministry: worship, community, discipleship, stewardship and outreach. The the straps are the structural elements that support the vessel such as facilities, finances and policies; the top and bottom are like the mission, vision and values. Together, these factors control the organizational capacity, sustainable legacy, and determine the effectiveness of the the church. The mission of the church is capsulized in Jesus command to go, make disciples, baptiszing and teaching them the truths and good news og God’s love. May we prepare room in our hearts for the Savior and share the greatest gift of all - the grace of God.
The Art of Hosting By Greg Troxell
We will be hosting a very special gathering of entrepreneurial leaders in Province VIII of the Episcopal Church on February 25-March 1, 2014. It will be a small gathering with intense amounts of learning and sharing. Two fascilitators sent by the national church office will help these leaders learn how to start new churches and develop new communities of faith, love and service. We would be pleased to have other members come to help welcome the participants each day. While most registrants will be staying at a local hotel or inn, I would be very pleased to offer three or four guest rooms as a means of sharing our own abundance and hospitality. If you would offer your guest room, please contact Greg Troxell at the church office or send an email to gtroxell65@gmail.com.
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The fascilitators are: The Rev. Tom Brackett is the Missioner for New Church Starts and Missional Initiatives for the Episcopal Church Center. For thirty years, Tom has been passionate about lively faith communities that share transformative ministry as midwives to all that God is birthing in our times. He offers coaching and consulting to Diocesan leaders across the Episcopal Church, nurturing fresh visions of the future of ministry and the role of leaders in engaged communities. Steve Matthews is a Leadership Coach, Retreat Leader, Spiritual Director and Curriculum Developer. He has coached dozens of congregations through intentional redevelopment over the last few years, primarily through missio:Engage! 21
All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Creating Trust
The Foundation for Principle Centered Leadership by Frank Graham Recently Donald Williamson shared some ideas on leadership. I have been asked to continue the discussion and would like to share where I am in my own journey in understanding effective principals based leadership. A few years ago, strategic quality guru W. Edwards Deming wrote in his book The New Economics: “We have grown up in a climate of competition between people, teams, departments, divisions, pupils, schools, universities. We have been taught by economists that competition will solve our problems. Actually, competition, we see now, is destructive. It would be better if everyone would work together as a system, with the aim for everybody to win. What we need is cooperation and transformation to a new style of management.”
You see, establishing trust requires a willingness to be vulnerable. In my previous article I mentioned that I come from a family with a four generation history of depression driven by toxic shame. The more I understand the power and perniciousness of shame, the more I understand how intensely hard it is to be vulnerable. John Bradshaw wrote: “The most paradoxical aspect of neurotic shame is that it is the core motivator of the superachieved and the underachieved.” Being willing to be vulnerable is tough for “normal” people. It is excruciating for those who are shame based. Creating trust with others is made more difficult by the lack of trust in and for myself.
Why can this cooperation and transformation be so difficult? How can we move from a scarcity mentality where each individual or group fights for its own resources and move to a system based upon interdependency - with the “aim for everybody to win?” I think it begins by creating trust. “Without trust you won’t get teamwork and without teamwork you won’t get innovation.” At a presentation to corporate executives on the critical importance of trust, Stephen Covey was asked how to begin creating trust within an organization. He responded: “Go back to your workplace, stand before your colleagues/employees, tell them you need their help and mean it!. From the silence in the room, it became apparent that this was not the quick fix formula that the 500+ people in attendance were expecting. 22
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Vestry News The vestry is concluding its appeal for pledges. The vestry will meet on January 8 to authorize a business plan for Santa Lucia Mission, and to continue building an operating budget for 2014. We will meet for our regular monthly meeting on January 22 and adopt an operating budget to present to the parish at the annual meeting, which takes place on Sunday, January 26. At that time we will also plan the annual vestry retreat, scheduled for January 31 and February 1. In December the vestry accepted with regret Mother Cynthia’s letter of resignation as vicar of the Santa Lucia Mission, effective April 1, 2014. They charged the wardens and the Santa Lucia Council to develop a business plan by early January for adoption by the vestry. Fr. Rick met with Canon Brian Nordwick, the deployment officer of the diocese. Once a plan is approved, a search will begin. Mother Cynthia fulfilled the service of a missionary exploration. She planted a tremendous number of seeds. Word of Santa Lucia Mission is out, i.e. most of the residents of Big Sur know that there is now a mission at Santa Lucia. They know that we are committed to serving residents, campers, and tourists. Mother Cynthia helped a small core group become passionate about belonging and serving. Outreach and a children’s camp will continue throughout the transition, by virtue of local leadership. By creating a vision and planting seeds, Mother Cynthia has staged us to continue to the next level. She plans to remain at All Saints’ and pursue some of her original retirement plans. We will move to the next phase of planting a mission by actively looking for an ordained vicar. Our first goal is to find a part-time priest or deacon, most likely retired, but one who wants to serve another five or ten years. Our second choice would be a licensed lay leader (i.e. someone licensed by Bishop Mary to lead a congregation). If necessary, on an interim basis we will hire a sexton and camp host.
All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Vestry Members say Farewell Weston Coby I can’t begin to say how grateful I feel to have been welcomed into the All Saints family over the past couple years. I also feel extremely privileged to have also had the opportunity to give back to the community by serving on the vestry over the past year. This spring I will move on to my next military assignment, which will take me to Yokosuka, Japan. I will always look back fondly on my time at All Saints as not only a highlight during my time here in Monterey, but as a time of significant religious growth. Thank you all for your kindness, friendship and love. In God, Weston.
Grace Nola It has been a great privilege to serve our community as a member of the All Saints’ vestry for the past year. Although the press of business responsibilities and an 18-month term of service on a Federal Grand Jury necessitate my resignation from the vestry, I will continue to support our parish programs and cherish the friendships I have made. Grace Nola
Harrison Shields I have enjoyed my two years on the vestry and appreciate the congregation’s trust in selecting me to serve. Now, as I approach my 80th year on this planet, I feel that a younger member would have more to offer than I. Also, I have thought about writing a memoir of my life, its joyous moments as well as it sad ones, and the wonders and excitement of seeing the world in my career and travel. Therefore, I feel it best to submit my resignation to the vestry at this time. Harrison Shields
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
All Saints’ Ministry Team Leaders Worship Bill Mattmiller, Mila Murphy, Robin Denney, Susan Britton, Mike Raggett Community The Rev. Gwen Buehrens, The Rev. Rick Matters, Susan Stanton, Kathy Nielsen, Elaine Stanton, Robin Reyes, Gwyn Romano, Judy Kirk Discipleship The Rev. Rick Matters, Bill Reed, Maria Medina, Claudia Ward, Greg Troxell, Frank Graham, Donald Williamson, Ed Fincke Stewardship Nan Walker, Greg Troxell, Grace Nola, Allan Groves, Bill Mattmiller Outreach Rosemary Smith, Hans Lehmann, Nancy Jones, Aliceon Jones, Jana Gill, Grace Nola Parish Clergy The Rev. Rick Matters, The Rev. Cynthia Spencer, The Rev. Gwen Buehrens, The Rev. John Burke, The Rev. Holly Hudson-Louis Staff Pedro Cabrera, Robin Denney, Raul Garcia, Maria Medina, Greg Troxell, Richard Wilson
Ways to Help in Ministry
There are so many ways to help the church. We have space to mention only a few. Find the entire list and send in a response using the web form: http://www.allsaintscarmel.org/2013/11/ volunteer-form/
• Packing Bags for the Food Pantry – 10-20 food bags need to be packed each week and cases of food need to be organized on the shelves. To help, contact Rosemary Smith or Dave McClendon by calling the church office. • Church Work day – January 18 there will be a Church work day with Raul. Workers needed with skills in light carpentry & painting. Projects: include Grant Hall patio benches, work room, railing, and light gardening. Please contact Greg or Raul to volunteer by 4:00 p.m. Wednesday January 15. • Office Volunteers – We still need an office volunteer on Wednesday morning. To volunteer please call the church office. • Photographers – Use your skills to capture the church at work, in worship and fellowship. To volunteer call the church office.
• Guest Rooms Needed – We need up six guest rooms for individuals and couples who will be participating in the Province VIII conference for church planters that will be held at All Saints’ on February 25 through March 1. If you can offer a room, please contact Greg Troxell at the church office or send an email to gtroxell@ allsaintscarmel.org • Diocesan Delegates – We need two individuals to serve as delegates to convention and in the deanery during 2014. If interested, please contact Fr. Rick before the Ann ual Meeting on January 26. • Writers Wanted – We need biographers and writers for columns in each magazine and Weekly. To volunteer call the church office.
Music Directors Pam Lawrence, Kathy Kirkwood, Peter Tuff, Anne Sibley Vestry Dave McClendon, Wes Coby, Nan Walker, Mike Carter, Bill Mattmiller, Ed Fincke, Harrison Shields, Grace Nola, Wanda Green Office Volunteers Dave McClendon, Jenny Nobis, Marcia Owen-Jeiroudi, Jim and Izzi Shillinglaw, Larry Osborne 24
Please save the date to join us at Carmel Valley Ranch for a twenties inspired night of dinner and auction with live music and dancing.
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
We are Grateful for your help
This is a very active church with members who lend a hand, teach classes, lead ministry teams, serve on committees and use their gifts and talents in service of others. Space below doesn’t allow us to list everyone. We are so grateful for how we see God at work through this church. Please do your part and say thank you to those who are a blessing to you and your friends.
• Thank you to all who helped decorate the church for Christmas, especially Susan Britton, who organized us. Thank you to the Britton’s for providing the new candlesticks. • Thank you to Amy Buchanan and Anne Sibley for organizing the pageant, and to the children and parents who helped. • Thank you to Kathy Kirkwood, Richard Wilson, Peter Tuff, and all of the musicians for bringing beautiful music to our Christmas liturgies. • Thank you to Alex Davies, Grace Sizemore, and Rachael Sizemore for singing a trio at the early Christmas Eve service. We hope you will sing again! • Thank you Larry Osborne for joining the team of front office volunteers. • Thank you to Wanda Green for launching the covenant group for women with young children. • Thank you Raul for completign the resoration of the statues above the entry doors of the church • Thank you Nan Boreson for joining Jana Gill and Dave McClendon in packing food bags for the hungry.
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
Upcoming Events Mark your calendars
January 12
Friends of St. Benedict Convene in the Chapel for Evening Prayer & Lectio and then proceed to the Library for Study. 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Contact Bill Reed at 831-625-3387.
January 13
Foundation Trust Fund Meeting in the Library at 6:00 p.m.
Youth Group Youth (grades 6–12) gather each Sunday afternoon in the youth room from noon – 2:00 p.m. Strategic Planning Meeting Gathering in the Rector’s study at 4:00 p.m.
January 14
Buildings and Grounds The committee gathers at 10:00 a.m. in the library. NPS Information Fair Represent the parish on the grounds of the Naval Post Graduate School from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Contact Ed Finke to learn more. Discipleship Committee Meeting Meeting in the Rector’s Study at 2:30 p.m.
This is a just a partial listing of events for you, your neighbors, and your family. Visit www.allsaintscarmel.org for a complete listing of meetings, services, events, and community events at All Saints’, plus more news, details, photos, links, and registration forms.
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All Saints’ Singers Rehearsal Children gather in the church choir room at 3:45 p.m. each week for rehearsals. All Saints’ Book Club Gather in the library from 6:007:00 p.m. Email Kathy Nielsen for more information at knielsen@redshift.com.
January 15
Wednesday Morning Bible Study Join us for Bible study from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. in Grant Hall as we explore Jesus’ life in a chronological study of the Gospels.
Yoga For all Ages Meet in Seccombe Hall with Beth Lefebvre at 6:30 p.m.
January 17
Local Lecture Series Come to Seccombe Hall at 7:00 p.m. to hear Mark Lukach, author of Where the Road Meets The Sun: a personal story about families hope and living with a mental illness. Mark Lukrach is a very compelling speaker, and the subject is so important. This event is to be a smaller, more intimate circle. This event is provided by the Carmel Library Foundation.
January 18
Church Work Day Join Raul and other members of the church for 4 hours of work on the church grounds. Projects: include the repair of a bench creation of the too/work room, railing repair, and light gardening. Please contact Greg or Raul to volunteer by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday January 15. Diocesan Conference Delegates and Clergy of the Church gather ing In Salinas
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All Saints’ • The Season of Epiphany 2014
January 19
January 24
Prayers for Christian Unity Meet at St. Angela Merici Church 146 8th Street in Pacific Grove at 5:00 p.m. for more infomration please contact Fr. Rick.
January 26
Youth Group Youth (grades 6–12) gather each Sunday afternoon in the youth room from noon – 2:00 p.m.
January 20
Church Office Closed Martin Luther King, Jr’s Day The Gospel of Matthew: Join Fr. Rick in the Library at 7:00 p.m. for this class series discussing the relevance of the Gospel for the 21st Century Local Lecture Series Carmel & Berkeley art colonies 7:00 p.m. in Seccombe Hall.
January 21
All Saints’ Singers Rehearsal Children gather in the church choir room at 3:45 p.m. each week for rehearsals. Finance Committee Meeting Meeting in the Rector’s Study at 5:00 p.m.
January 22
Wednesday Morning Bible Study Join us for Bible study from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. in Grant Hall as we explore Jesus’ life in a chronological study of the Gospels. Yoga For all Ages Meet in Seccombe Hall with Beth Lefebvre at 6:30 p.m.
I-Help Dinner Come have dinner and visit with the men in I-HELP. Food and beverages are provided by a team of volunteers. To learn more, contact Hans Lehmann at 831-624-0540. Annual Meeting This annual potluck luncheon takes place in Seccombe Hall at noon. Reports are presented about all our ministries, the new annual budget and year-end finances are discussed, and votes are cast for our new vestry meembers. Youth Group Youth (grades 6–12) gather each Sunday afternoon in the youth room from noon – 2:00 p.m.
January 27
Strategic Planning Meeting Gathering in the Rector’s study at 4:00 p.m. The Gospel of Matthew: Join Fr. Rick in Seccombe Hall at 7:00 p.m. for this class series discussing the relevance of the Gospel for the 21st Century
January 31 - February 1
Vestry Retreat Gathering at All Saints’ Day School 4:00 p.m. Friday and resuming Saturday from 8:30 am.m to 5:30 p.m.
February 1
8th Annual All Women’s Ball A fundraiser in Seccombe Hall For more information contact Community Human Services www.chservices.org
February 2
Youth Group Youth (grades 6–12) gather each Sunday afternoon in the youth room from noon – 2:00 p.m. To learn more contact Robin Denney at 805-835-8538. Evensong Evensong at 5:30 p.m., with choir rehearsal at 4:00 p.m.
February 3
Outreach Commission Meeting Join this team in the library from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
January 28
All Saints’ Singers Rehearsal Children gather in the church choir room at 3:45 p.m. each week for rehearsals.
January 29
Wednesday Morning Bible Study Join us for Bible study from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. in Grant Hall as we explore Jesus’ life in a chronological study of the Gospels.
Vestry Meeting Gathering in the Library at 7:00 p.m.
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All Saints’ Parish Disciples Glorifying Christ and Serving Others
All Saints’ Episcopal Church
Ninth and Dolores PO Box 1296 Carmel, CA 93921 Phone: 831-624-3883 Fax: 831-624-1459 www.allsaintscarmel.org
All Saints’ Episcopal Day School 8060 Carmel Valley Road Carmel, CA 93923 Phone: 831-624-9171 www.asds.org
Santa Lucia Mission & Campground
46896 Highway One Big Sur, CA. 93920 Reservations: 831-667-2310 www.allsaintscarmel.org