All Saints’
The Weekly WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
Twenty Fifth Sunday after Pentecost November 10, 2013
Delight in Serving as Children of the Resurrection By The Rev. Rick Matters
Having read Are You My Mother? to my grandson during a recent vacation, I’m reminded that our identity is a fundamental longing. Today Jesus responds to this longing by declaring that we are children of the resurrection (Luke 20: 27-38). Children have an origin, a mother, and our origin resides in the person of the risen Jesus Christ. He is our mother. During vacation we visited the Henry Ford Museum. Expecting to learn about Mr. Ford’s accomplishments, I wondered what it would have been like to be his child. To my surprise, the museum celebrated American society. For instance, I was honored to enter the bus on which Rosa Parks took her stand by remaining seated. Being a child speaks of belonging, and we belong to the resurrection.
The Ford children did inherit vast wealth, spectacular prestige, and heavy expectations. As children of the resurrection, we inherit a weight of responsibility to serve, as well as a living hope of glory.
Scripture Lessons Today Job 19:23-27a Psalm 17:1-9 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 Luke 20:27-38
Scripture Lessons for Next Week Malachi 4:1-2a Psalm 98 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Luke 21:5-19
Recommendation:
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’ is forming a team to be a part of this transformational experience. Contact Robin Denney (redenney@gmail.com) or Greg Troxell for more information.
All Saints’ • The Weekly
Creatures Made To Praise By Bill Reed
One of the surprising turns of today’s Gospel is the association of the children of the resurrection with angels. Angels are pure created spirits, closer to God by nature in their spiritual personalities, with powers of love & intelligence that exceed our own. So why would one correlate such spirituality with the resurrection, the very testament to the holiness of the body and the whole physical creation and its victory over death? Material versus immaterial, right? No, that isn’t Christian, and that isn’t the turn the Gospel is taking here. Angels were created for one purpose, the perpetual praise of God, now and forever. They are sent on certain ministries to men and the created world, but the essence of their vocation is to enjoy the everlasting glory of God in His endless praise. In the early centuries of the Church, the emerging monastic life was called the angelic life. Why? Because monks imitate the angels as they devote themselves singly to the glorification of the Trinity. But this Gospel passage alerts us to the fact that monks are not alone. All human beings, beyond the limitations of this life, are destined for an endless life of praise. As children of the resurrection, we are bound for glory and we will share the same vocation as the angels. We begin that even now when we pray with the angels and all creation daily in praise and thanksgiving and glorification of God. In the Eucharist, this is shown preeminently when weekly we gather with the whole Church on heaven | CONTINUED >
Children of Hope By Robin Denney
Living as children of the resurrection means that we have hope, and that nothing can take that hope away. Regardless of the trials we face on this earth, regardless of the loss or pain we endure, we know that our redeemer lives! We know that we too will join with Jesus in that place where death no longer exists. This hope brings us new life, not only in the future, but right now. As we encounter the frustrations and hurts of everyday living in relationship with others, our Christian hope allows us to let go of annoyance, hurt, and anger, and focus on what is really important. Instead of seeing a person as someone from whom we can gain something in relationship, we see each person as a beloved child of God, made in God’s image, and worthy of dignity and love. And when we find it difficult to move on, to forgive, to live in relationship, we are connected to the power of Christ through prayer. Day by day, as we ask for Christ’s forgiveness and love to dwell in us and move through us into the world, that very thing happens!
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Highlighted Events and Meetings November 10 November 13 November 23 November 23 November 24 November 25 November 28 November 28 December 5 December 7
Pancakes and Teaching Friends of Saint Patrick’s, Haiti - BBQ All Saints’ Fine Arts & Craft Faire Santa Lucia Work Party Committment Sunday Walking Through Jello Thanksgiving Day Liturgy Thanksgiving Day Dinner Christmas Food Box Preparation Bishop Nicholas Celebration
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< CONTINUED | and earth to praise God our Father through His Son by the Holy Spirit. We should come to know weekly and daily in our prayer that there is no greater fulfillment for any creature than the praise of the Infinite Creator. That is His gift to us. “And so, joining our voices with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven who forever sing a hymn to proclaim the glory of Your Name: Holy, Holy, Holy...”
Committment Sunday, November 24 This will be a joyous Sunday celebration of abundance and
commitment. If you have not already mailed in your 2014 pledge, we ask that you bring it with you on November 24. Bring more food for the hungry so that it can be brought forth and blessed together with the food that the Church of the Wayfarer will bring that day at the 10:30 a.m. service. Then, in unison, we will renew our baptismal vows, and proclaim the faith given us.
All Saints’ • The Weekly
Beings of Love and Light By Greg Troxell
To be human is to be: born of a family, of a people, of a nation, with traditions, history, creeds, and values.
Handcrafted items by local artisans Handcrafted Supporting local artisans Items Made by of Local Artisans and the missions All Saints’ Parish Great Christmas Gift Ideas throughout Monterey County Food and Beverages Available
All Saints Episcopal Fine ArtsChurch Fall 2012 & Crafts Fine ArtsFaire
Saturday, November 23, 2013
& 9:00Crafts a.m. 3:00 Fair p.m.
No Admission Fee Saturday, November 17th Food and beverage available 9 AM to 3 PM Dolores and 9th in Carmel
All Saints’ Episcopal Church No Admission Fee
On the corner of Dolores and Ninth in Carmel-by-the-Sea www.allsaintscarmel.org
Join with Church of the Wayfarer to collect non-perishable food for the hungry (spaghetti/spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, chili/hearty soups, tuna, rice, cereal, macaroni and cheese, canned fruits and vegetables). Don’t forget to check expiration dates! Our joint donations will be collected and blessed on November 24. Place your donations in the containers provided in the church.
Big Sur Coat and Blanket Drive
This month Santa Lucia Mission is collecting sweaters, coats, blankets, tents, and sleeping bags. Collection boxes will be available at All Saints’ on Sundays and during the week.
The Apostle Paul writes, “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.” He is addressing specifically the Christian values and habits that strengthen the soul of believers against such things that would beset them from faith or dare enslave them to works-based righteousness. He is urging that we hold onto the faith given us, that faith which is chiefly the grace of God afforded us by the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. He says all this because some aim to do (even holy things) in order to earn the favor of God. But this can not be. It is by grace alone that we are saved. It is when that grace is appropriated that we are transformed within, and empowered to do works according to His plan. We are commanded to go make disciples, to love our neighbors, to serve others, to live respectable lives, to honor our parents, to feed the hungry, and care for the oppressed. Should we dare overlook their needs, or their presence as human beings, when we have been given such a great inheritance by the incarnate Savior of the world? Be. Go. Love.
Children of the Resurrection By The Rev. Rick Matters
Understanding the church as a gathering of children of the resurrection speaks of our mandate to rejoice and be glad. Like children at play, we live to glorify Christ and give thanks continually, for we live in the power of the resurrection. Recognizing that the church is made up of children of the resurrection reminds us that we are all equal. The true ordination of us all is baptism. Our social standing, racial heritage, diverse experience, and educational background all enrich the assembly. We delight that each child is different. Being a church made up of children also prompts us to remain life-long learners. Our baptism calls us to grow continually in the knowledge and love of the Lord. The best tool for learning is to wonder by asking questions, and the strongest means of learning is to teach others. We are students who help each other mature. Do you have a subject or skill you would be willing to share? How might your life story help others live by faith?
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Announcements
Tuesday: The book club meets at 6:00 p.m. in the library for book discussion. Wednesday: Bible study from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. in Grant Hall. Santa Lucia work day: Saturday, November 23—There’s lots to do before the rains begin! RSVP to Mother Cynthia at 831667-2310 or thevicarofbigsur@gmail.com. Bring a sandwich; beverages, fruit, and snacks will be provided. Calling all bakers! The bake sale at the November 23 Craft Faire helps the parish discretionary fund offer assistance to those in need. Can you help stock our table? Contact Andrea Matters at 831-624-3090 or andreamatters@gmail.com. Commitment Sunday rescheduled for November 24—Present your 2014 pledge on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, or mail it ahead of time.
All Saints’ Episcopal Parish Ninth and Dolores PO Box 1296 Carmel, CA 93921 Phone: 831-624-3883 Fax: 831-624-1459 www.allsaintscarmel.org
Outreach food ministry events—Monday, November 25, at 9:30 a.m. we’ll bring large amounts of food from the altar to Seccombe Hall and then separate, organize, and plan for distribution. Thursday, December 5, we’ll organize food for Christmas food boxes at 10:00 a.m. Come help us! Thanksgiving services—The annual IOC Thanksgiving service will be held on Tuesday, November 26, at 7:00 p.m. in Carmel Mission Basilica. All Saints’ will offer a Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, followed by a shared Thanksgiving dinner. Our parish Thanksgiving dinner, at noon on Thanksgiving Day, is a time to join with friends for a festive shared meal. Use the sign-up sheet to RSVP. We’re planning an elegant setting with a diverse array of foods, and you’re invited to bring your favorite seasonal dish to share.
I-HELP is opening a small apartment complex in Marina and is in need of furnishings and housewares, including bedroom and living room furniture, twin bed frames, box springs, and bedding, kitchen accessories, flatware, serving ware, and appliances. To help or learn more, call Janie at 831-384-3388. St. Nicholas Day is coming, and planning will begin soon for our annual St. Nicholas Celebration. Contact Fr. Rick if you’d like to join a team from the school and parish to help with this annual event for all ages. Sunday handout deadline—To be included in next Sunday’s handout, your announcement must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on the preceding Wednesday. Most special parish events are included in the announcements for three weeks before they occur. Contact Andrea Matters at andreamatters@gmail.com or 624-3090.