PENTECOST I MAY 19 – JULY 28, 2013
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PLUS • ALL SAINTS’ MISSIONER PAGE 9 • WELCOMING OTHERS IN THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT PAGE 14 • INFILLED PAGE 12 • PEACEMAKERS PAGE 16
• DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE PAGE 12
In the POWER of the Spirit
AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
Letter from the Rector by The Rev. Rick Matters My prayer for you is the same as my prayer for myself, that we may continue to love ourselves more deeply. I pray that, as we discover our true humanity, we will fall in love with others who share that humanity. I pray that as we fall deeper in love with our neighbor and ourselves, we will encounter the God who is love. Pentecost Day, followed by Trinity Sunday, is an excellent way for us to continue this journey into love. On Pentecost Day God freely and enthusiastically gives himself away to all who open their hearts and minds. One week later, the mind-bending mystery of the Trinity only begins to make sense through the lens of love. After all, what relationship of love and passion can be explained logically? The love for which we hunger is found when we pause from busy schedules to simply be with God and one another. It starts with celebration, and moves from the altar out into the world. Our lives are the playground of the Spirit. The love which we discover in our midst is the Holy Spirit. We receive that love most authentically as we give it away in the power of the Holy Spirit. However surprising it might seem, the prayer for love is fulfilled by praying with love. This is true because the way of the cross is the way of life. And so I pray that the next ten weeks (from whenever you read this letter) will be a season of falling in love all over again, and again, and again.
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Themes in this series May 19 May 26 June 2 June 9 June 16 June 23 June 30 July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28
Rejoicing in the Power of the Spirit Glorifying Christ in the Power of the Spirit Speaking in the Power of the Spirit Set Apart in the Power of the Spirit Forgiven in the Power of the Spirit Healed in the Power of the Spirit Following Jesus in the Power of the Spirit Sent Out in the Power of the Spirit Loving in the Power of the Spirit Welcoming Others in the Power of the Spirit Praying in the Power of of the Spirit 02
AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
Features
In the 04 Power of 06 the Spirit
COMMUNION OF SAINTS
Read members’ stories of faith, service, and personal transformation.
LIVING IN THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT
An introduction to the upcoming series, and its underpinning precepts.
Life Application
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ALL SAINTS’ MISSIONERS
The spiritual journey of Maurice Dyer, All Saints’ new missioner to South Africa; plus Jim Shillinglaw’s story about prison ministry; and Robin Denney sharing five steps to become a missioner.
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INFILLED
Why is it that some feel the Holy Spirit, and some don’t? Learn more about how you can live every day with God’s power, comfort, and presence.
WELCOMING OTHERS IN THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT
Living a lifestyle of hospitality is one way to reflect the forgiveness and grace you have received.
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PEACEMAKERS
As Christians we are commanded to do our best to be at peace with everyone. The key is to learn to forgive, even when it hurts.
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OUTREACH
All Saints’ is a faith community with a big heart that offers assistance throughout the county regardless of one’s beliefs.
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STEWARDSHIP
Learn more about what it means to be a steward; review a snapshot of our financial status.
FORGIVENESS
The gift of forgiveness is powerful enough to transform both us and those whom we forgive.
GLORIFYING CHRIST IN SONG & PRAYER
It is said that he who sings prays twice. Learn more from two scholars at All Saints’.
MASTER KEY TO LEADERSHIP
Servant leadership transforms lives.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
There’s so much going on! Mark your calendars and keep this list of events handy so you can share it with a friend.
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 August 6, 2013. We welcome your submission of articles, and ministry event and opportunity ads if submitted by July 19, 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 the office at information@allsaintscarmel.org. 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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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
Communion of Saints
Jon Hill
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.
Over the last many years, I have held leadership positions in both paid employment and in community service. From time to time in such roles, people find themselves at a crucial juncture. With reflection, it becomes clear that the time is now, and the place is here. (Breathe!) And, as well, that I am the person. I am the person with the opportunity and the responsibility to change this little piece of the world. Where I was raised, youngsters were taught that we could not walk on water. It was a reference to Matthew 14:22-33. But it is an inaccurate reference. The truth is that people walk on water all the time. I have watched many people courageously stand for their beliefs. Without fear, they articulate deeplyheld ideals that portray a radically different vision. Disappointment occurs when, like Peter, people lose faith, become afraid, and begin to sink. A year and a half ago I ran for and was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. I hold a strong conviction that the board and the school district are off track. MPUSD can, in fact, become a world-class educational system if it is guided in a slightly different direction. For this to happen requires new and sustained leadership: the courage to walk on water. A few weeks ago, I was elected to lead the board. The following Sunday I stepped forward at the end of the 10:30 service to ask for a blessing for this work. I am confident that it is possible to walk on water. But I am fully aware that there will be disappointments and setbacks. I asked for a blessing to better endure these, so that I might not lose faith, become afraid, and sink before mission-critical changes are instituted. I humbly thank God for the opportunity and responsibility.
Sofia and Larry Osborne Sitting in church a little over a year ago, we felt as if we had come home. For many years we had wanted to move to Carmel and here we were! The call to worship at All Saints’ was strong since we had been married there over fifty years ago. Way back then, All Saints’ welcomed us in the form of Fr. David Hill. We were young and dewy-eyed and we agreed with everything he said during our counseling. Years later, it was Fr. Rick who welcomed us and helped us plan our fiftieth anniversary celebration at the church. Both men of God helped us to shape a new life during a time of transition. We knew that All Saints’ was where we wanted to worship in our new home. Members of the congregation also warmly welcomed us and invited us to participate in the activities of our new faith community. Since then, the liturgy and worship services have been a mainstay for us. In addition, both of the Bible studies that All Saints’ offers have enhanced our knowledge of the Bible. Each one in different ways has helped us in our understanding of what it means to live as a Christian. WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
Rachael Sizemore
Jed and Alisha Dooley I was brought up in a Christian family. While my parents made church part of my life growing up, they left the decision of when and if I wanted to be baptized up to me. While I considered myself a Christian, I never felt the calling to be baptized. That all began to change when I got engaged to the love of my life, Alisha. As we began to plan for our wedding, it was important for us that God be part of our life. One aspect of this desire was that we wanted to participate in Holy Communion as one of our first activities as a married couple to cement our relationship in God. In order to do so, I needed to be baptized. My baptism was a tremendous experience and one that I will never forget. The affirmation and showing of support from All Saints’ was wonderful and demonstrated a commitment to take me in as a brother in Christ. I very much look forward to continuing my relationship with Christ and the plans that he has for my wife-to-be and me going forward.
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Rachael is an active member of the youth group, an acolyte, and a lector. She enjoys singing and acting, and uses these gifts from time to time in the service. Rachael and her sister Grace perform together in community plays and singing events. Rachael is in 7th grade this year at the Monterey Bay Educational Center. Rachael loves her school so much that she is disappointed when there is a holiday. Her favorite TV shows are “Lois and Clark” (from the 90s) and “Bones.” She is also an avid reader and Harry Potter fan. Rachael is kind, a deep thinker, and energetic. She is not afraid to share her enthusiasm and spirit with everyone she meets.
All Saints’ Parish Campout at Santa Lucia Campground & Chapel July 29-August 5, 2013 All Saints’ Parish Eucharist Sunday, August 4, 2013 11:00 a.m. All Saints’ Parish Potluck Picnic Sunday, August 4, 2013 following the service
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Living in the Power of by The Rev. Rick Matters
In the season of Pentecost, God continues to invite us to live in the power of the Spirit. Despite the significance of this gift, we hesitate to accept it. Our hesitation arises from misunderstanding the gift, and from the intensity of the life to which the Spirit opens us.
In the
We misunderstand the power of the Spirit when we equate the Spirit with glossolalia (speaking in tongues), rolling in church aisles, or falling down in a trance. It helps to recognize that these manifestations of the Spirit are the extreme two percent of the bell curve representing the entire range of experiences. If we let these few dramatic manifestations dictate our attitude toward the Holy Spirit, we are indeed walking in darkness. I invite you to read First Corinthians, Chapter 14, where Paul calls for balance in response to the radical spiritfilled attitude of the church in Corinth.
power
Simply put, the Holy Spirit is the presence of the risen Lord in our lives. The Spirit brings the transcendent down to earth in a way similar to the mystery we celebrate at Christmas. But with the birth of Jesus, the presence of God was localized in one human being, whereas in the Holy Spirit, God weaves between us and moves within us.
of the Spirit
This brings us to the second reason we hesitate to open ourselves to the power of the Spirit. The fact that the mysterious and majestic wholly Other is intimately present in our
all things are possible WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
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the SPIRIT
community, active in loving relationships, and dwelling in our souls is disconcerting, to say the least. With the power of the Holy Spirit, God invites us to embrace a quality of life that demands honesty and requires an openness to taking risks. Of course, all loving relationships make such demands, but when our dance partner is God, we worry more about stepping on toes or losing our balance. We might long for a reasonable and holy faith, and thus choose to ignore the wonderful gift that God is offering. We might also be afraid of letting go of control and saying something embarrassing, or doing something out of character. Hope for a tranquil life is threatened by the quality of love which God revealed in Jesus. The same quality of love confronts us in the Spirit, and causes us to hesitate. An important feature of God’s invitation is the preposition “in.” This simple preposition gives the gift of the Holy Spirit a proper context. The Spirit does not invade us as a foreign entity who takes over our will, or clouds our good manners. Rather, the Holy Spirit facilitates our relationship with God and enriches our human experience. By living in the domain of the Holy Spirit, we are oriented beyond our own needs and desires, toward God and others. The invitation to live in the Spirit is God’s ultimate re-framing plan for our lives. God knows our hesitation. After all, God fully experienced our human frailty in Jesus of Nazareth. Of course, God also knows our human capacity when aligned with the Holy Spirit. In consequence, God meets us where we are, with our passion or lethargy, faith or fear. And in various ways God taps, knocks, pinches, whispers, calls, yells, or silently invites us to turn and open ourselves to the Spirit’s power. God yearns for a lively relationship with deep currents of love, because this is who God is. Your invitation to live in the power of the Spirit will arrive in many guises. Most especially God’s invitation will come in the community of the faithful, because WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
the Spirit’s primary mission is animating the assembly and transforming us into the Body of Christ. Just as the Spirit anointed Jesus at his baptism, and just as we are baptized as his followers, so the Spirit anoints the community that gathers in Christ’s name. Taking baby steps is appropriate; after all, growing incrementally is the norm of our lives. God is patient and optimistic. Our first and primary response to the nudging, pulling, and pushing of the Spirit is gratitude. We cannot go wrong with gratitude. The act of being grateful opens us to receive the Holy Spirit. Tasting the Spirit makes us long for more, if we are willing. Confirmation that we are living in the power of the Spirit might come by praying in the language of angels, but more likely it will be one of the more common gifts of the Spirit. Paul lists the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, but perhaps more relevant for us is Paul’s list of the fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. After encouraging the Galatians to live by the Spirit’s power (v. 16 NIV translation), Paul lists these results of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let us not hesitate to live in the power of the Spirit. Let us strive passionately to produce such fruits.
Join the altar guild. Contact Fr. Rick to learn more.
This is the original sketch of the carvings above the high altar rendered by Alec Miller in the 1950’s.
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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
Why Prison Ministry? by Jim Shillinglaw by Jim Shillinglaw In the fall of 1996, one William (Bill) Jordan, an ordained minister of a denomination I cannot remember, came to All Saints’ Church and spoke at a 10:30 a.m. Sunday service about a prison ministry called M-2, Match-Two Prisoner Outreach. He was at that time the program coordinator in our part of California and was recruiting volunteers to minister to those incarcerated in state prisons who had no other friends or family to visit them.
Steps for God’s Agents to Change the World
And the righteous then asked, “When did we see
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CONSIDER YOUR GIFTS. Spend time thinking about what gifts God has given you (spiritual gifts, talents, resources). If you don’t know, take a gifts survey and pray.
Step
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PRAY FOR OPPORTUNITIES. Spend time in prayer every day. Ask God to make opportunities for you to share your gifts with the world. Pray for the ability to recognize them, and the strength to act. Spend time in silence with God.
Step
by Robin Denney Robin serves as the youth pastor of All Saints’ Parish and also as the missioner at Trinity Episcopal Church in Gonzales. In the past Robin has served as a missionary in the South Sudan, Liberia, El Salvador, Tanzania, Honduras, Mississippi, and Nevada.
Bill referred to scripture in support of his remarks, specifically Matthew 25:31-45 (RSV), which speaks about the Son of Man coming and separating the sheep and the goats and saying to those who are his beloved, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,” etc., and further on he says, “for I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
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LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES. Throughout the day keep your eyes open to recognize the opportunities God is placing before you.
Step
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ACT ON OPPORTUNITIES. Opportunities are usually fleeting. In the moment, pray for the courage to step outside your comfort zone and act!
Step
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REFLECT. At the end of the day, reflect on the opportunities you acted on, and the ones you missed. Did you stop short of God’s calling? Give these experiences to God, and pray that God’s will would be revealed to you.
Step
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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013 thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink?” A little further on in this passage they also asked, “And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?” The King answered them, saying, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” You will note the King did not say “like you did it to me”; he said “you did it to me.” That was an “aha” for me, an awakening. That scripture that day touched my heart in a way I cannot explain. I knew in a moment that the Lord was calling me to this ministry, and now I realize it was the Holy Spirit nudging me. After some training, several from our congregation were assigned inmates at Salinas Valley State Prison and began visiting. That was seventeen years ago, and during that time I’ve had three inmates assigned at different times. Two of them were transferred to other prisons, but the third I have visited each month for close to fourteen years. Has it made a difference? That remains to be seen upon their release.
Maurice Dyer: All Saints’ Missioner I’m a recent graduate of CSU Monterey Bay. Very soon I will be off to Grahamstown, South Africa to join the community of brothers at the monastery of the Order of the Holy Cross, and working in a primary school with children k-2nd grade. This service year is a part of the national church’s missionary program, the Young Adult Service Corps. I’m very excited to teach and learn from the kids and people of the community. Education is most important when working in developing communities. I feel a call to use my gifts, and the gifts of my communities, to help in whatever way to empower my future students and their community members. What’s most exciting is being in a space where the bridge between the students, community, and myself is the Holy Spirit. And really living a
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life completely based on faith and trust in God. I invite you to support, interact and check in on how this adventure is going via these websites.
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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
Outreach
All Saints’ is a community with a big heart by Nancy Jones In Carmel and, increasingly, on the Monterey Peninsula, All Saints’ Parish is known for its community outreach. Members of your Outreach Commission are committed to being your hands in the community, as we listen to St. James (2:14-24) when he proclaimed that it is by actions that we are put right by God, not by faith alone. Jesus said that righteous people, those who feed, house and clothe the least of us, will possess the kingdom (Matthew 25:31-40). We might not think of this reward when we pack and distribute food bags at the office and food boxes twice a year, or host the I-HELP men on the fourth Friday of each month, or collect gifts at Christmas or distribute grants to other organizations in the area, but that’s what we’re doing. Working with Epiphany Lutheran & Episcopal Church in Marina, we locate those in need and help to address those needs with food, volunteer support, and grants. Extending beyond our borders, we are part of the California Friends of St. Patrick in support of St. Patrick’s School in Haiti, where the need is unbelievable. As this article is being written, your Outreach Commission is basking in the glow of Small Bites for Big Hunger. Inaugurated last year, our second Small Bites event is much more that an outreach event raising money for the commission, but a parish-wide (indeed, community-wide) event. Small Bites empowered members to live out their faith – something to celebrate! In starting Interfaith Outreach of Carmel, whose mission is to join faith communities together to address housing needs in Monterey County, from the funds raised at the Joining Hands Benefit Shop, we lead in bringing the faithful together. The IOC Community interfaith Thanksgiving Service was joined this year by the interfaith Earth Day celebration. WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
Many thanks and God’s blessings to each of you who contributed to our efforts to help improve the lives of others in our community and our world. We are reminded of St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (13:13) that of faith, hope and charity, the greatest of these is charity. It is in this spirit that we share our bounty. We have received your time, your energy, your goodwill, and your funds. We and the community thank you for all of this. Rosemary Smith packing food bags with help.
Small Bites gathered the community to support All Saints’ outreach.
We support SaintPatrick school in the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti. The 200+ students who are in school walk dirt paths from family farms and live on less than a dollar a day.
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Stewardship Surprised by God’s blessings
by Jackie Graham, Treasurer As Christians, we are challenged to believe that all of our possessions are gifts from God. With that belief as a starting point, it certainly seems right to give part of it back to further God’s kingdom here on earth. In our culture of materialism, greed is common. Imagine a world where joyful givers start affecting the greedy vs. the other way around. As to whether it should be 10 percent, it appears that donations of a tenth portion, or tithe, of the spoils of war were common in the ancient world from Greece to China – apparently because most peoples counted in tens, based on ten fingers. There are many Biblical references to the tithe in the Old Testament, starting with Abraham giving one-tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem (Gen. 14:18-20). The New Testament does not require Christians to tithe in the sense of giving ten percent, but it does reiterate many ideas associated with tithing: those who minister are entitled to receive support (1 Cor. 9:14); the poor and needy should be cared for (1 Cor. 16:1; Gal. 2:10); those who give can trust God, as the source of all that
is given (2 Cor. 9:10), to supply their needs (2 Cor. 9:8; Phil. 4:19); and giving should be done joyously (2 Cor. 9:7). Tithing is a positive choice that produces differences inside of us – even when conditions in the physical world may not change immediately. While we are given a spiritual “guideline” of 10 percent, consider doing all you can and prepare to be surprised by blessings every day!
For the Record Income Year-to-Date* Pledge Donations New Member Pledges Other Trust Revenue Total Income
YTD Budgeted $ 91,298 $ 35,801 $ 56,033 $ 32,807 $ 47,439 $ 212,978
YTD Actual $ 83,609 $ 20,791 $0 $ 12,861 $ 99,838 $ 217,645
Expense Year-to-Date* Total Expense
YTD Budgeted $ 260,163
YTD Actual $ 226,063
* Year-to-date (YTD) is as of the end of April, 2013.
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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
Dreams Really Do Come True by The Rev. Cynthia M. Spencer
I believe that when God gives us a dream, he also provides the means to make it manifest. My dream has been a long time in the making. Along the way, I have completed an MBA, been a realtor, earned a Master of Divinity, and this is my twenty-second year as an ordained Episcopal priest. Upon graduation from seminary, I recall knowing that when I retired, I would do retreat ministry. It is a dream I have held for more than twenty five years. I considered myself a retreat junkie and also found much fulfillment in planning and presenting retreats. Through the years, I have experienced a whirlwind of entrepreneurial energy leading me into many new ministries. So here I am, years later, twice retired from parish ministry, poised on the precipice of yet another new adventure, in fact, two new ministries. One is working for the Center for Christian Transformation as coordinator, organizing this year’s festivals of spirituality. The first festival will be June 7 to 9 at Santa Lucia Campground in Big Sur. I have also been called to be the missioner and camp/ retreat director at Santa Lucia. I have been camping and bringing people to Santa Lucia for thirty years. It is a land I love. It is a great honor to be completing the dream of the people of All Saints’ to have a mission WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
serving the worship and pastoral needs of the Big Sur Coast. In 1960 Father Peter Farmer officially began what we call an unorganized mission. The first service was held in April of 1960 at the Grange Hall in Big Sur. At that time, we did not have our lovely outdoor chapel. I will be moving to the campground the last week in May to live in the trailer that Father Rick calls the cabin. Services begin on Sunday May 26 at 11:00 a.m. and will be held each Sunday, with a potluck following in Paul’s Meadow. Please come to help make dreams come true. Support this renewed effort to form a mission in Big Sur and help us to continue to use this, our holy ground, to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ. Come and see!
Sunday Services at
Santa Lucia
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. followed by a potluck picnic in Paul’s Meadow.
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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
by Greg Troxell
Infilled
God desires that all humanity would be reconciled, that is, justified, by faith in Christ, and transformed, or sanctified, by the renewing of our minds. He equally desires that we be empowered by and filled with the Holy Spirit so that we can experience life abundant and eternal which is both pleasing and honoring to God. No doubt you’ve heard people say, “I want to feel closer to God” or “I hope God still accepts me” or “I’m sure God doesn’t want anything to do with a person like me” or even “I don’t need God; I’m doing fine on my own.” Such words, whether spoken out loud or in our minds, stem from our lack of faith and understanding of a few essential scriptural truths. Unless we are infused with the Holy Spirit we will continue to struggle and strive in vain. The fruits of our lives are derived by the root stock to which we have been grafted. The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Galatia (Galatians chapter 5) urging them to understand this precept that Jesus taught. He said that the evils, vices, sins that entangle us and divert us from our higher calling are a result of our separation from God in thought, deeds, or lack of faith. He implored them to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that the fruit of their lives would be able to nourish the well-being of others with love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.
gone, and the Roman government and the Jewish leaders were determined to stamp out any further insurgence. What to do? Should they carry on? Who would lead now? At that very moment, like a strong south wind on the coast of Carmel, the Holy Spirit came into the upper room and blew out all despair and filled them all with the presence and power of God. Down to the fiber of their souls, like the sun that warms your bones as you enter your car that has been parked outside while going about your business in the stores, the Holy Spirit filled the believers. They felt the power of God in them and understood it could not be contained. They would need to allow the Spirit to flow through them just as they had seen it flow through Jesus. By faith they proceeded and the power of the Holy Spirit that flowed through them gave them the divine confidence to continue on. They each became gifted in a particular manner, as apostles, prophets, shepherds, evangelists, or teachers, so that together they could minister to large numbers of followers, as the spirit empowered them.
Years earlier, the disciples had gathered in the upper room after Jesus’ death and resurrection. They were afraid and confused. They had long enjoyed being in the company of Jesus, learning from him and following his lead. Now he was WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
Life Application Going Deeper: Exploring the Soul
by Greg Troxell The concept expressed in the above image was developed by the members of the board of the Center for Christian Transformation. It represents four arenas in which we can apply the Gospel and be transformed. Our integrity, faith, and witness to the world around us will be strengthened if we would choose to open ourselves, our precepts, our responses, and our actions to the power of God. We introduce it to you here in this inagural issue of All Saints’ magazine as a way to help us go deeper and be transformed through and through — in our thoughts, actions, and being. The quadrant that is illumined will be addressed most clearly in the adjacent article. All Saints’ logo was developed by Rodney Warren, which in turn inspired the creation of this image.
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Welcoming Others in the Power of the Spirit by The Rev. Rick Matters Jesus led the way in making hospitality a core value of our faith. He is the reason hospitality is the All Saints’ way. Jesus constantly outraged the authorities by welcoming outcasts and treating sinners as God’s precious treasures. His radical hospitality threatened to break down the established social and religious order of his day. When he refused to stop welcoming all people, they crucified him. We can easily see how his social order needed to be broken open, but can we see the same need in our own society? I hope so. A role of the church is to inspire people to practice radical hospitality in business
and social contexts. We help to break down prejudice by proactively welcoming others. I once preached about how the policy of some parishioners’ favorite local country club was contrary to the Christian faith because it did not allow blacks or Jews to join. Hospitality is the All Saints’ way precisely because Jesus taught us to love others as he loves us, prodigiously and with respect. It is not always evident, but hospitality undergirds ministry. Bible study leaders practice hospitality by welcoming comments from people with differing perspectives. We invite friends to join us in attending events. Our classes and youth group activities are aimed as much toward 14
AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
Forgiveness
by The Rev. Gwen Buehrens
When someone we care about hurts us, we can hold on to anger and resentment, or embrace forgiveness and move forward. Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. These wounds can leave us with lasting feelings of anger and thoughts of revenge. But if we don’t practice forgiveness, we might be the one who pays most dearly. The act that hurt or offended us might always remain a part of our lives, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on us and help us focus on other, positive parts of our lives. In time, forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding and empathy for those who hurt us.
visitors as toward our own members. Evangelism, or commending the Christian faith and life to others, is a matter of practicing hospitality. Can you imagine hosting an event like Small Bites for Big Hunger without practicing hospitality? Hospitality is the main purpose of the liturgy. What is baptism, if not welcoming others into the household of God? At the Eucharist, Jesus welcomes us to his banquet table. It is perfectly appropriate to seek comfort and encouragement by attending church, but the main reason we gather Sunday by Sunday is to
permit visitors to find Jesus Christ (we are his body!) and join us in worshiping the Trinity. It really is that simple. A couple recently reported how welcomed they feel, even when their baby makes noise during the service. Because of our hospitality, they have decided to make All Saints’ their spiritual home. Now they join us in welcoming others in the power of the Spirit. Thanks be to God!
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Forgiveness doesn’t mean that we deny the other person’s responsibility for hurting us, and it doesn’t minimize or justify the wrong. We can forgive the person without excusing the act. Eventually forgiveness can bring a kind of peace that helps us go on with life. And why, as people of faith, is the choice to forgive so compelling, so clear? It is because Christ first loved and forgave us….and does so over and over each day. We are called to pass it on. If you desire a prayer for healing in body, mind, or spirit, either for yourself or on behalf of someone else, you are invited to come to the baptistery in the back of the church before or after you receive communion at the 10:30 a.m. service. Prayers and anointing for healing are also offered at the 5:30 p.m. Eucharist, as part of the Prayers of the People. 15
AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
Peacemakers the power of forgiveness “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
by Robin Denney I heard the verse above many times as I traveled through confli ct-torn Jonglei State, South Sudan, on a peace tour with Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul in 2009. The archbishop was passionate about bringing peace and reconciliation to this region, where he was from. He crossed tribal boundaries, bringing the message of Jesus’ saving love and the need for peace. The archbishop has become famous for his peace work, risking his own life to broker a ceasefire which enabled the referendum to be conducted peacefully in 2011; he is now the head of a peace commission for the nation. I learned from Archbishop Daniel that peace is the byproduct when Christians commit themselves to Jesus’ radical calling of forgiveness. There are so many examples of inspiring Christian leaders who risked, and sometimes laid down, their lives for peace, following the path of forgiveness while still standing for justice: Archbishop Oscar Romero, Martin Luther King Jr., Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mother Theresa. We have feast days for many of them, and there are so many more whose names we don’t know, ordinary people who, through the power of the Spirit and in WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
← Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul In his Easter message the Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of Sudan challenged Christians to be “the light of the world, shining like stars in the darkness, so that we can achieve the goals of our nation.”
the face of great evil, put aside vengeance and embrace forgiveness. Jesus’ message of forgiveness and reconciliation is a powerful message. Nothing else so radical exists in the world today: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Just imagine if all Christians (nearly a third of the world’s population)
truly lived out this calling. The world would be a different place. I’m reminded of the lyrics of a song we used to sing in Sunday School, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!”
Le Salon des Artistes Join Le Salon des Artistes on the first Monday of each month for a potluck and share your most recent works of art (paintings, photographs, poetry, sculpture, writing). Contact Marcia Owen-Jeiroudi to learn more at 831-623-7488. ← This painting, “Aloha Storm” by Elizabeth McInnis, is an oil on canvas 16” x 20” ©2010.
WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
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Glorifying Christ in song by Dr. Todd Samra Modern people hear music nearly every single day. Music is part of the fabric of our lives: we hear it while shopping or driving cars, in elevators and in our offices. Through technology, music is accessible to us at every hour of every day. In ages past music could only be enjoyed in live performance, therefore music belonged to the wealthy and to the church for hundreds of years. Because of this tight relationship, musicians crafted music for these purposes, and for discerning audiences, hence we have a large body of work that was specifically created for worship and liturgy. This body of work is larger than the orchestral repertoire and band repertoire combined, and no single person can learn everything (unlike guitar or bassoon repertoire, for example). The glorification of Christ through music is a powerful medium, and one that embodies the artistic values of each creator, who in turn embodies the love of Christ. When we hear music in church, we are active participants WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
in that glorification. Each of our three weekly services features a different ethos, allowing different styles of individual worship and contemplation. Our 8:00 a.m. service is traditional and concise; the 10:30 a.m. is balanced and has the most activity; and the 5:30 p.m. is contemplative and peaceful. Please come and enjoy a different Sunday liturgy from your usual experience, and enjoy the diversity of weekly glorification, love, and praise.
Bach to the Future
The two one-week sessions offer music and fun for children in kindergarten through the sixth grade. Each session will include plenty of singing and music-making, drawing, and dancing. The children will also explore history and languages, and interact with singers and instrumentalists from the Carmel Bach Festival! Week I: July 15-19, 2013, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Special presentation at All Saints’ on July 21, 10:30 a.m. Cost: $150 Week II: July 22-26, 2013, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Special
Special Guest Vocalists
Sunday, July 21 and July 28
Tim Krol and Patricia Thompson will again be joining us on Sundays during the Bach Festival.
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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
Praying in the power of the Spirit by Bill Reed
In his great work On the Holy Spirit, St. Basil interprets the mystery of the Holy Spirit using Christian doxologies. At one point he focuses on what is probably the first liturgical formulation of the doxology: “Glory to the Father through the Son by the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.” The beauty of this formulation is that it highlights the relative operations of the Trinity. It is particularly powerful in communicating to us how the life of God moves within us to the glory of God.
the New Testament teach us that the Holy Spirit takes us into God, is the life of God welling within us. He is our prayer and our praying. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God...when we cry ‘Abba, Father!’ it is the Spirit himself bearing witness to our spirit that we are children of God”(Romans 8:14-15). We should invoke the Holy Spirit every time we begin to pray and he will teach us to pray as we ought. After all, he is our prayer and our praying, taking us into the deep things of God.
In fact, it is the Holy Spirit who moves us to God and into God. “By the Holy Spirit” we come to the Son and “through the Son,” Jesus Christ, we come to the Father. The Holy Spirit has been given to us as the very presence of God bringing us to the Son and through him to the Father. In the Eastern tradition the Spirit is called an uncreated energy, a living presence and movement of God within us, giving us opportunities for living communion with God that otherwise wouldn’t exist. “For we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words”(Romans 8:26). When we pray, we too often think that we are the ones praying. Stop. Aren’t we the ones praying when we pray? Stop. If we think that we are the ones praying when we pray, we have reached a wall, a limitation in our prayer that we ought to surmount. We need to come to the deeper realization as we pray that the Holy Spirit is the One praying when we pray. He is the source, the life, the movement of all our prayer within us. St. Ignatius of Antioch writes that we should listen to the Spirit within us, like a living spring, saying, “Come to the Father.” Yes, the ancient Doxology and the saints and WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013 ALL SAINTS’ MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS Worship Bill Mattmiller, Mila Murphy, Robin Denney, Dr. Todd Samra, Susan Britton, Robin Reyes, Valerie Warren, Nancy Bernherd, Mike Raggett Community The Rev. Cynthia Spencer, The Rev. Gwen Buehrens, The Rev. Rick Matters, Kathy Nielsen, Gwynn Romano, Judy Kirk Discipleship The Rev. Rick Matters, Bill Reed, Maria Medina, Claudia Ward, Greg Troxell Stewardship Nan Walker, Greg Troxell, Grace Nola, Allan Groves, Bill Mattmiller Outreach Rosemary Smith, Hans Lehmann, Nancy Jones, Aliceon Jones
Fe at u re d
Parish Clergy The Rev. Rick Matters, The Rev. Jon Perez, The Rev. Joan Anderson, The Rev. Cynthia Spencer, The Rev. Gwen Buehrens, The Rev. John Burke, The Rev. Holly Hudson-Louis Vestry Dave McClendon, Wes Coby, Nan Walker, Mike Carter, Bill Mattmiller, Ed Fincke, Harrison Shields, Grace Nola, Wanda Green Office Volunteers Dave McClendon, Marcia OwenJeiroudi, Marcia McCleary, Grace Swearingen, Jim and Izzi Shillinglaw Staff (non-clergy) Greg Troxell, Dr. Todd Samra, Robin Denney, Richard Wilson, Raul Garcia, Pedro Cabrera, Maria Medina
Leaders
ROSEMARY SMITH A question you’ve heard: You’re walking on the beach and you meet Jesus. What do you say? What if HE said “Thank you for feeding me when I was hungry.” And I say “WHEN did I... ?” You know the rest. To paraphrase James, “acts of love and care for one another are essential.” These are just two reasons why I love the Outreach Commission, plus the fact that in work we have a very good time. PHONE: 831-402-5100, EMAIL: hesmith21@comcast.net
DAVE MCCLENDON In 2013, Dave was appointed to serve as the senior warden of the parish. He was elected to the vestry in 2012 and has been serving as a member on several teams including the finance committee, office volunteers, food pantry, and ushers. PHONE: 831-624-1309
WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
CARL SACKETT Carl lives in Seaside with his wife, Najia. He is a pediatric dentist, working in Salinas. Carl is from Santa Rosa. He attended a men’s Cursillo in Santa Rosa a few years ago, and it profoundly affected him. He was moved by the experience of men sharing their spiritual lives with each other and growing in faith. He has continued to commit himself to his faith, and enjoys using his musical talent in the All Saints’ Band, as well as serving as one of our youth leaders. Carl and Najia are expecting their first child this summer! PHONE: 415-519-7411, EMAIL: carlsackett@gmail.com
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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
A Ma s t e r Ke y t o L e a d e r s h ip by Ed Finkce There are many keys to good leadership, such as being visionary, charismatic, persuasive, or being in-charge. One master key used by many successful leaders is to serve others. Leadership is frequently viewed in terms of a pyramid where leaders are found at the top with everyone else falling below. But some people turn the pyramid upside down; they lead by serving others, which results in putting the followers first. One person who turned things upside down was Jesus. He washed the feet of his followers; even though he did not come primarily to be their foot-washer, he was ready to do this service. Kings throughout history have sent their people out to die for them, but Jesus decided to die for his people. It is sometimes essential, however, that the pyramid stay upright, such as when setting major goals. Moses did not go up the mountain with a committee. But the real test of leadership is whether people around the leader, those whom the leader serves, grow as persons. This applies not only in organizations, but also in our personal lives. Jesus told us to love one another and serving others is love WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
A Prayer for Leaders by Dr. Pamela Chinnis
former president, House of Deputies
made visible. Our All Saints’ mission statement captures this: “Disciples glorifying Christ and serving others.” We feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and provide various caring ministries. Caring for persons is the rock upon which a good society is built. Most people are quiet leaders. We find some in the headlines, but most are unsung heroes, making a difference for the common good. These quiet leaders are everyday people handling difficult choices and tough situations in ways that make the world a better place. The sum of their many small and obscure deeds can be larger than big public deeds. Jesus was about empowering his followers through instruction and encouragement. He is the Master who gives us the Key: Leaders serve those whom they lead so that they, in turn, will serve others.
Almighty God, you have given us responsibility for the leadership of the Church for a season. Grant us patience, courage and wisdom to discern your will amidst the many competing claims and conflicts of this present time. Give us an appreciative memory for all who have gone before, and a strong clear vision of the Church in the future. Let us exercise our stewardship with energy and enthusiasm, so that, when the time comes, we may joyfully relinquish our tasks to those who will come after. We ask this in the name of our redeemer, Jesus Christ, who calls us into fellowship and sends the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire us, generation after generation, that we may do all to your greater glory. Amen. (As published in Women’s Uncommon Prayers, Morehouse Publishing, 2000)
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Upcoming Events Mark your
May 19
Youth Group Youth (grades 6-12) gather each Sunday afternoon in the youth room from noon-2:00 p.m.
May 24
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.
May 26
calendars
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.
Sunday Services at Santa Lucia Chapel in Big Sur The Rev. Cynthia Spencer will be the celebrant. The service commences at 11:00 a.m. and it will be followed by a potluck picnic in Paul’s Meadow. Please participate when you are able.
May 27
Memorial Day. Church offices are closed.
May 28
Licensed for Ministry Join the ranks of those who hold the chalice and bring communion to shut-ins. Participate in this training from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. to become a licensed lay eucharistic minister or visitor.
May 28
Conversatio Join with others in the chapel at All Saints’ for conversatio a model of prayer and study fashioned by the founders of the Center for Christian Transformation. Also June 25. WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
June 2
Year-End Party for Youth. Youth entering grade 6-12. Invite friends and help welcome the new 6th graders into the youth group. Fun venue TBA. 2:30-5:00 p.m.
June 3
All Artists Welcome Are you artistic? Join Le Salon des Artistes on the first Monday of each month for a potluck and share your most recent work. Contact Marcia Owen-Jeiroudi to learn more at 831-623-7488. Also July 1.
June 5
Wednesday Bible Study Join the class as they begin the next study, the life of Jesus in the Harmony of the Gospels. Each Wednesday from 10:30 11:45 a.m. in Grant Hall.
June 8
Day of Discovery Participate with others throughout the diocese at St. Paul’s Salinas from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. to explore your calling in ministry. More information at www.edecr.org.
June 7-9
The Festival of Christian Spirituality Join with others at Santa Lucia in Big Sur for this weekend retreat. Registration is required. More online at www.cctcarmel.org.
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AllSaints’ • Pentecost 2013
June 9
Recognition of Graduates We want to recognize all those graduating this year (kindergarten through postgraduate school) at the 10:30 a.m. service. Please notify the office with your good news.
June 10
Studies of the Holy Spirit Attend the four-part series on the Holy Spirit. Classes held on the second and fourth Monday in June and July. Contact Fr. Rick for more information.
June 11
Book Club Join together with other avid readers to discuss a selected book each month and share a meal. For more information, contact Sherry Shollenbarger at sshollenbarger@yahoo.com.
June 16
Father’s Day
June 17-20
Camp Ignite. Leadership, spiritual growth, and outdoor adventure at Santa Lucia in Big Sur in this four-day camping retreat for youth entering grades 6-12. Contact Robin Denney at 805-835-8538,
June 22
Friends of Epiphany Dinner Purchase your dinner tickets to help support our mission in Marina, CA. More information and tickets are available online at www.epiphanymarina.org.
July 4-5
Meet new spiritual friends and learn new ways to grow deeper into your Christian journey. The Festival begins at 1:00 p..m. on Friday, June 7, and ends after a Communion service and lunch on Saturday, June 9, 2013.
Independence Day. Church offices are closed.
July 6-12
www.cctcarmel.org
Junior High Mission Trip Sierra Service Project mission trip to Susanville, CA.
July 13-20
High School Mission Trip Sierra Service Project mission trip to Stockton, CA.
July 15-19
Bach to the Future, I A one-week music camp for children grades kindergarten sixth grade. More info online.
July 17
Friends of St. Benedict Join this Christian community to learn more from the works and spirituality of St. Benedict. Contact Bill Reed at 831-625-3387.
July 22-26
Bach to the Future, II
July 29-August 5
Parish Campout, Eucharist and Picnic at Santa Lucia See page 5 for details.
WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
All Saints’ Day School Graduation Ceremony May 31, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at All Saints’ Church. Reception to follow in Seccombe Hall
Friends of Epiphany Dinner Saturday, June 22 “Many Cultures, Many Nations, All Children of God” is the theme for the 2013 Friends of Epiphany Dinner. Buy your tickets online at www.epiphanymarina. org/friends-of-epiphany-2013.php
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All Saints’ Parish Disciples Glorifying Christ and Serving Others
All Saints’ Episcopal Church
All Saints’ Episcopal Day School
Santa Lucia Chapel & Campground, Big Sur
Epiphany Lutheran & Episcopal Church
Center for Christian Spirituality
College & Canterbury Ministries
Ninth and Dolores PO Box 1296 Carmel, CA 93921 Phone: 831-624-3883 Fax: 831-624-1459 www.allsaintscarmel.org
425 Carmel Avenue Marina, CA 93933 Phone: 831-384-6323 www.epiphanymarina.org
8060 Carmel Valley Road Carmel, CA 93923 Phone: 831-624-9171 www.asds.org
Ninth and Dolores PO Box 1296 Carmel, CA 93921 Phone: 831-624-3883 www.cctcarmel.org
PO Box 1296 Carmel, CA 93921 Reservations: 831-624-3883 Phone: 831-244-0388 www.allsaintscarmel.org
425 Carmel Avenue Marina, CA 93933 Phone: 831-384-6323 www.epiphanymarina.org