FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE Volume 67 Number 9
OCTOBER 2017
The Episcopal Church of Saint Michael & All Angels Pacific View Drive at Marguerite
Corona del Mar
California 92625
949.644.0463
stmikescdm.ladiocese.org
JOURNEY TO GENEROSITY
FROM THE INTERIM RECTOR
Stewardship In a New Era By The Rev. Michael Seiler 2017 has been a year of milestones! This year St. Michael’s is celebrating its 50th anniversary. St. Michael’s has also recently marked the retirement of The Very Rev. Canon Peter Haynes after his many years of ministry here. Both of those events are important landmarks. They are defining moments in the life of any parish community. Here at St. Michael’s, they have happened at the same time, closely followed by my arrival to serve as your Interim Rector. I think it’s safe to say that those three events mark this moment as the beginning of a new era for the St. Michael’s community! This month we will be launching our Stewardship Campaign for 2018. For those of us who have been involved in the life of the Episcopal Church for many years, “stewardship time” can become something of an annual autumn routine. Over the years making our pledge may become something we don’t think about very much – we pledge faithfully because it’s just what we do. It becomes a virtuous habit. And much about that is good! However, we may not spend a lot of time reflecting on it once it becomes an annual routine. But this year is different. This year St. Michael’s is embarking on a new era. And this year’s stewardship campaign is something much more than just a routine annual event. Our pledges this year are truly a sign of our faith in the future that God has for St. Michael’s. This year, in a very special way, our faithfulness and generosity in stewardship can help make a new era at St. Michael’s possible. This year, our pledges are our stake in everything that St. Michael’s already is – but also everything it can become, as God calls us into a new future. You’ll soon receive pledge cards, for both a financial pledge and a pledge of time and talent. Please take this opportunity to consider (or re-consider) your pledge to St. Michael’s. How might you make your pledge of time and talent this year less of a routine task (however virtuous!) and more of a commitment to a new era? Is there something more you can do to help us realize a new era of ministry here at St. Michael’s? Are there others whom you can encourage and support to do the same? This is a challenging, but also a very promising time for our parish community – it’s the dawn of a new era. We have new leadership and new opportunities that we trust God will bring to us. It’s up to us to join together and begin that new era with energy and confidence. I hope you’ll join me as stakeholders in this new era at St. Michael’s, founded on God’s goodness, but built up through our generosity and commitment. Thank you for the honor of serving as your interim rector at the dawn of a new era. Thank you for all of the faith, generosity and dedication that I’ve come to know here at St. Michael’s. And most of all, thank you for joining me in pledging our time and talent for a new era of life and ministry. Blessings!
Dear Fellow Parishioners: I’m honored to serve as the Stewardship Chair for this year’s pledge drive at Saint Michael & All Angels. On Sunday, October 1, we will kick off our annual giving campaign: “Journey to Generosity.” In the weeks following, we will explore together how we can live more generously as individuals and as a community of faith. Journey to Generosity is more than what we do with our financial resources — though that is important. We are also called to be open to new ideas, to welcome the stranger, to volunteer often, and to forgive those who have offended us. Your generosity, in response to the abundance in your life, will fund the mission and ministry of Saint Michael & All Angels and transform lives, as we journey forward in this time of transition. Here is the plan for this year’s pledge drive: • Beginning on Sunday, October 1, and continuing throughout the pledge drive, our Sunday bulletin will include reflections written by Episcopal leaders from across the country. These reflections will cover stewardship and faithful giving in connection with the Gospel reading of the day, and I encourage us all to use them for prayer and study throughout the week. • On several Sundays, we will hear from our fellow parishioners what the practice of intentional giving means to them. • On November 5, we will celebrate Commitment Sunday, the culmination of our exploration, when pledges will be completed and offered as an act of worship and in response to all that God has provided. The Vestry have set a goal of receiving pledge commitments from 100% of our worshiping community. We will be in intentional prayer that each of us will remain open to letting the Holy Spirit lead and guide us in a faithful response to being called to Journey to Generosity. Thank you for joining me as we consider how we can journey more fully into a generous life. May our exploration open us to a new spirit of generosity. Yours in Christ, Stacie Tibbetts, Stewardship Commissioner
BUILDING OUR F AITH: L OVING CHRIST AND SER VING OUR COMMUNITY FAITH: LO SERVING
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
THE 2017 VESTRY Senior Warden...................................Mark Peterson markpeterson@catespeterson.com.......949.252.2622 Junior Warden........................................Clyde Dodge clydedodge@cox.net..............................949.375.1530 Christian Education...........................Melinda Rader melindarader2244@gmail.com...............949.230.3644 Clerk of the Vestry.....................................Jill Faller jjfaller@gmail.com...................................949.706.9495 Building and Grounds........................Michael Kiper Islandmd1@aol.com ...............................949.350.2884 Communications..................................Norris Battin nbattin+SMAA@gmail.com..................949.500.2442 Evangelism...................................Anne Warmington amwarmington@hotmail.com................202.550.4100 Fellowship .............................................Beth Bianchi bethebianchi@gmail.com.......................949.721.0192 Finance.................................................................Open Worship...............................The Rev. Michael Seiler mseiler@stmikescdm.org........................949.644.0463 Mission................................................Kati Nicholson kmowat22@gmail.com............................949.300.3164 Stewardship.........................................Stacie Tibbetts sltibbet@uci.edu.....................................714-544-8490 Ombudsperson...................................Craig Kennedy ckennedy@cpkenlaw.com................... ..949.474.1500
50 YEARS! . Our parish history, “A Celebration of 50 Years,” is available for $15 from Lulu Press bit.ly/SMAAhistory. Twenty percent of the purchase price supports our parish budget. 51 pages of text, color photographs, and historical tables.
OCTOBER 2017
St. Mike’s Gift Fair November 19th 8am-1pm
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lease mark your calendars for the Annual St. Mike’s Gift Fair. As usual we will be holding the Fair on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to give you all a chance to get some gift shopping done before the holidays are upon us! The St. Mike’s Gift Fair is a great place to stock up on unique host/hostess gifts as well as stocking-stuffers and Christmas gifts. This year we hope to grow the Fair and invite the broader community to shop with us. Annual favorites like Free Wheelchair Mission, Heifer International, St. Mike’s Table, St. Mike’s Youth table, Zatoun Olive Oil, and Origami Owl Jewelry will be returning - and NEW vendors like Mixed Bakery, OneHope Wine, See’s Candies, and others will be joining the fun! Help Needed: If you know of an artisan or business owner who you think we should invite to participate in our Gift Fair please contact me at kmowat22@gmail.com and I can reach out to them to give them the details. If you would like to volunteer to support this event (set-up / host a table / make snacks etc...), please contact me as well! Music, Snacks, Activities for the kids will be provided. Cash, Cheques, and Credit Cards will be accepted. ---Kati Nicholson
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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A PDF COPY of our Parish Directory, please send a request to nbattin+SMAA@gmail.com.
ADULT ACOLYTE CAPTAINS NEEDED: The ministry commitment is based on a rotation Sunday schedule and on an “as needed” basis depending upon the liturgical calendar year. Contact Susan Caldwell, Director of Christian Education, 949.644.0463 ext.12 if you would like to take part in the Acolyte Ministry at Saint Michael & All Angels.
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OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES Birthday 5th - Gail Haghjoo 12th - Amanda Corbet 16th - Sandra Alser 17th - Terry Lee 23rd - Norm Ewers 29th - Maria Solomon Baptisms
9th - Keith Nelson Weddings
4th - Chace & Anne
Warmington
SENIOR FITNESS: An exercise class for seniors meets for an hour every week on Tuesdays at 1:30pm in the North Wing. If you would like more information and are interested, please contact Peggy Montgomery, 949.644.2239.
* * * NURSERY CARE IS AVAILABLE on Sundays from 9:30-11:30am. FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE is a publication of Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, Corona del Mar, CA. Copy deadline is the second Wednesday of the month. We welcome letters and articles. Editor: Susan Beechner 949.644.0463 sbeechner@stmikescdm.org nbattin@gmail.com www.stmikescdm.ladiocese.org
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
FORWARD MOVEMENT PUBLICATIONS Please check the Forward Movement Display rack on the wall in Michael’s Room. Pick up a pamphlet or two to share with family and friends. We provide a donation box for your convenience. “Children & Holy Communion” is a simple and straightforward pamphlet that helps parents teach their children what Communion means and how to receive it. Episcopal tradition welcomes baptized Christians of all ages to receive Communion. “It is important that children receive a level of information and instruction appropriate to their age and experience – and that starts at home.” Explain to children why Communion is an important act for Christians. “The truth is, children usually accept mystery and wonder better than adults.” Teach children exactly how to physically receive the bread and wine. Understand if a small child will at first reject the bread. Perhaps practice with unconsecrated bread at home. It is not necessary for children or anyone to receive the wine. Show children how to cross their arms after they have received the bread if they do not want the wine. Do not force children to receive Communion, but simply how to receive a blessing. “Sharing Holy Communion is about us giving thanks to Jesus … One way to do this is by remembering the meal he shared with his disciples.” Children will understand this.
FORWARD DAY BY DAY The daily message from this venerable Episcopal Church publication appears each morning on the Daily Mike Facebook page https:/ /www.facebook.com/ SMAAdailymike/timeline. A ministry of The Episcopal Church, Forward Movement has been inspiring disciples and empowering evangelists around the globe since 1935 through our offerings that encourage spiritual growth in individuals and congregations: https://fowardmovement.org
OCTOBER 2017
Women's Fellowship In September we watched and listened to a fascinating TED talk by Robert Walsinger--"What makes a good life?" This talk describes a long (75 year) Harvard study that accumulated data on satisfaction and happiness, and includes practical advise on how to build a long and fulfilling life. Our usual meeting date is the last Tuesday of the month. In October this falls on Halloween, so we will instead meet the week before, on the 24th. All are welcome! If you have questions and directions, contact Beth Bianchi, 949636-3418. Please join us! Meet, Greet, Eat Do you have a desire to make some new friends and deepen personal relationships with fellow parishioners? Enjoy relaxed conversation in small groups? Then Meet, Greet, and Eat is for you! We will organize small groups (6-8) for pot-luck meals, to be held in homes. You may chose to host a group, but that is not necessary to participate. Singles and couples are welcomed! If you are interested, please contact Beth Bianchi, 949-636-3418
SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE! SET UP DIRECT GIVING TO SAINT MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS: Pledge payments can now be scheduled using web banking. You can set up regular, recurring payments for your annual pledge, and leave your checkbook at home on Sundays.This payment method is completely optional. You can continue to place pledge envelopes in the collection plates if you wish (empty or with a note saying you gave on-line). Note that regular, recurring payments help the church maintain a healthy cash flow, especially useful during the summer months when many are on vacation. For details and instructions call our bookkeeper, Maile, in the Parish Office, 949-644-0463, ex. 15. She will be happy to help you simplify your life!
* * * LEST WE FORGET: There have been 4,542 American military casualties in Iraq and 2,394 in Afghanistan and other locations. "Lord hear our prayers for those who are dead and for those who mourn."
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A NEW TRADITION FOR ST. MICHAEL’S! CHORAL EVENSONG SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 at 5pm By Dr. Ray Urwin, Minister of Music
D
uring this interim time we will be exploring some new musical and liturgical directions. One of them will be two Choral Evensongs, and possibly a Choral Compline. The Choir and I want to offer these, with the goal of creating a new tradition at St. Michael’s. The first of these beautiful services will be Choral Evensong on October 15th at 5:00. Please come! In terms of sheer frequency, Choral Evensong is probably the main sung liturgy of the Anglican Communion, with a long and glorious tradition and history. Many UK churches, cathedrals, and college chapels worldwide offer Evensong multiple times each week more often than sung Eucharists - and have for centuries. While these services may be done weekly or monthly at some larger and more prominent Episcopal churches, and at least three churches in our diocese offer it on a regular basis, Evensong is more often offered a few times a year (if at all) in smaller parishes. Thus, it is a special and unusual event in most of the U.S. Evensong is much loved by many both in and outside Christianity. The service has been called “the gold standard of Anglican worship” and “the jewel in the Anglican Crown.” Appreciation for Choral Evensong and Choral Compline (the latter a more recent “thing”) has been growing enormously. There have been fully Anglican Choral Evensongs in Munich, The Hague, and even St. Peter’s in Rome (see 2nd article referenced below). And the American Cathedral in Paris recently celebrated Evensong on St. Michael and All Angels Day (September 29). One website says by way of introduction: "Choral Evensong is a 45minute long peace-inducing church service in which the ‘song’ of voices sounding together in harmony is heard at the ‘even’ point between the active day and restful night, allowing listeners time for restful contemplation – Church members, agnostics, and atheists alike.
Continued on page 6
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
SAINT MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS
EPISCOPAL CHURCH 3233 Pacific View Drive Corona del Mar, CA 92625 949.644.0463 949.644.9247 FAX stmikescdm.ladiocese.org A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION
Our mission is to seek and share Jesus Christ as spiritual food for life’s journey.
The Rev. Michael Seiler Interim Rector [mseiler@stmikescdm.org] The Rev. Dr. Barbara Stewart, Associate Rector [barbarastewart001@gmail.com] Susan Caldwell Director of Christian Education [scaldwell@stmikescdm.org] Ray Urwin, D.M.A. Minister of Music [raywurwin@gmail.com] The Rev. Glenn Liebby Canterbury Irvine The Rev. Canon Ray Fleming Assisting Priest The Rev. Norm Freeman Assisting Priest Susan Beechner, Parish Secretary [sbeechner@stmikescdm.org] Maile Jansen, Bookkeeper [MaileJansen@stmikescdm.org]
Sunday Sunday worship schedule Holy Eucharist 8am & 10am Sunday School 9:45am Adult Education 9am Nursery Care from 9:30am Wednesday Noon Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing-12 noon ABOUT SAINT MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS, CORONA DEL MAR We are a Christian Community of the Anglican Communion who come to hear God’s word and receive and share the Lord Jesus Christ. Our purpose is to have Christ live in us in order that in Christ we may live faithful and productive Christian lives. Our commitment to the Gospel is evangelical; our liturgical tradition, catholic; our theology orthodox but open to thought, reflection, and spiritual endeavor.We care about the world and strive to serve Christ in it.
OCTOBER 2017
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Susan Caldwell
CAMP STEVENS Imogen Kirsch, a seventh grader at Corona del Mar Middle School, is one of Saint Michael’s parishioners who loves going to Camp Stevens each summer if possible, and this summer it was. Camp Stevens is nestled in San Diego County near the small town of Julian. The drive to Camp Stevens is very scenic, passing rolling hills and a picturesque landscape of open meadows and joyous wildflowers. I appreciated Imogen’s giving me the opportunity to interview her about her camp experience. I asked her to tell me her story. She told me of her cabin, which is partially opened allowing the campers to see the sky and shooting stars at night. Imogen saw three on one night. I asked her if she was ever cold with this type of exposure to the elements and she said no, as she had a heavy, quilted sleeping bag. Each morning, began with a huge communal breakfast, and then a day’s adventure and activity with other campers. After lunch there is a twohour block of free time, which Imogen said she liked to spend in her cabin resting as most days they did a lot of hiking. However, the other choices for free time include picking mulberries, swimming, making a craft, and a favorite - archery. On one particular day, with the intent of an overnight outdoors, Imogen said that she and her group hiked to a place called Starfield. It was there that she saw five shooting stars. On this overnight, she distinctly remembers eating a hot, delicious “pizzadilla,” which is a cross between a quesadilla and a pizza. For dessert, they had banana boats, which are bananas, marshmallow, and chocolate wrapped in foil and heated over the open fire. Both gave new meaning to “camp food.” Much to her surprise, she was awakened one morning at 4:30am to hike to a prominent look-out for the sunrise. Imogen took photos of the sun coming up and the result was a spectacular image of a cross formed by the sun’s horizontal and vertical rays. Continued on page 7
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PRAYERS HEALING Brad Nadine Suzie Teri Michele Joanne Polly Craig Norm Ron Herb Olive Sandi Mark Burton Jay Carolyn Keith GUIDANCE Whitney Scott, Samantha, Shelby Cliff Dale Mari Lynn & Jim Diane Joan Sandra Sarah & Jeff Mary & Sandy and L.J. Warren REPOSE Jonathan Winnefeld Donald Alser THANKSGIVINGS For the birthdays of: Rebecca Wright Eric Olson Rosella Leasure James Patric Leasure In loving memory of Charlie Shryock; and by Clyde & Pepa in loving memory of Alison. Call Esther McNamee for prayer requests 949.640.1749
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
THE PARISH NECROLOGY for 2017 will be read on November 5th at the 8am and 10am worship services and at the Praying Our Goodbyes service at 4pm that afternoon. Please submit names of departed loved ones you’d like remembered to: The Rev. Michael Seiler, mseiler@stmikescdm.org or 949.644-0463; or to Susan Beechner at the Parish Office (sbeechner@stmikescdm.org. AFTER THE RECENT HURRICANES AND EARTHQUAKES: If you are thinking about making a donation to help with relief and recovery efforts in Texas, Mexico, Florida, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and beyond, consider visiting the following website: Episcopal Relief & Development.
* * * READ BISHOP TAYLOR’S POSTS to the diocese at our Facebook page, and check it every day. The Daily Mike h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / SMAAdailymike/timeline. #bishopcoadj.
* * * A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM The Living Church is published on the Daily Mike Facebook page. https:// www.facebook.com/SMAAdailymike/ timeline. You can also read the day’s morning and evening prayer there.
* * * UNITED THANK OFFERING (UTO) is a ministry of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Through United Thank Offering, men, women, and children nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God. These prayers of thanksgiving start when we recognize and name our many daily blessings. Those who participate in UTO discover that thankfulness leads to generosity. United Thank Offering is entrusted to promote thank offerings, to receive the offerings, and to distribute the UTO monies to support mission and ministry throughout the Episcopal Church and in Provinces of the Anglican Communion in the developing world.
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CHORAL COMPLINE IN SANTA ANA OCTOBER 8TH! Our Minister of Music, Ray Urwin, will be playing and conducting for a Choral Compline service at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, 614 N. Bush St., Santa Ana CA 92701 on October 8. The Messiah Choir will sing several famous and beautiful anthems, including Joseph Rheinberger’s Abendlied, and music by English composers Edward Bairstow and Charles Wood. The service includes Hubert Parry’s beautiful setting of Tennyson’s famous poem Crossing the Bar, which our choir will be singing at our Praying Our Goodbyes and All Saints services. Ray will be conducting Pilgrim’s Hymn by American composer Stephen Paulus, and the hymns include an arrangement by Ray. Wine and cheese at 7pm, Compline at 7:30. All are invited.
* * * WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP: During our August meeting, we again shared a "Let the Women Speak" video from ChurchNext. We considered several stories from the Apocrypha, where we find the story of Judith, who has more words than any other biblical woman. Hers is a story of high drama and action--absolutely Shakespearian! On September 26, we will look at women of the New Testament. We meet at 7pm in the home of Beth Bianchi. For questions and directions, please call Beth, 949.636.3418. And please join us. All are welcome!
* * * ONLINE LEARNING - TRY CHURCHNEXT: We continue to explore the resources for online learning available to us through "The Well," which is our parish's module within the ChurchNext website. ChurchNext has a number of offerings and is constantly being updated and expanded. A number of our parishioners have participated. Please take a moment to obtain a user name and become familiar with the offerings. The website offers a wealth of opportunities for reflection and learning both in a group and individually. If you need any assistance or have any questions, please contact Susan Caldwell, 949.644.0463 ext. 12, or scaldwell@stmikescdm.org.
MISSION COMMISSION NEWS & ACTIVITIES Coming up: Homeless CarKit Drive; Adopt a Family (or 5) for Christmas; and Saint Mike’s Gift Fair. Organizations St. Mike’s currently sponsors: Canterbury Irvine (UCI), HomeAid Orange County,Compass Rose Society, Share Ourselves (SOS), United Thank Offering, Camp Stevens, and Theological Education. Fundraising opportunities: Amazon Smile (.5% of qualifying purchases donated to SMAA), Youth Table at Gift Fair, Youth Car Wash, Paint Night Out, and Kids Learn to Knit. To volunteer, contact Kati Mowat, 949.300.3164, or kmowat22@gmail.com..Kati Nicholson
* * * AFTER MANY YEARS OF SERVICE, LOAVES AND FISHES HAS SADLY CLOSED. Maria Dzida, who has been the heart of Loaves and Fishes, has retired. The organization, under her direction, has played an important role in the community and in the lives of those whom they served and will surely be missed. Thank you all for the wonderful support you have given to this project for many years!
* * * HELP FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE: We are always in need of donations for replenishing our food cupboard. Please call the parish office with any questions or to learn what types of food are currently needed. THANK YOU ALL for your help with this project.
* * * Amazon donates to Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church when you shop @AmazonSmile. http://smile.amazon.com/ch/330512534 #YouShopAmazonGives
* * * MEN’S GROUP: Meets on Thursdays at 7:30am in the Davis Library to discuss questions relating to theology, science, and philosophy. All men are welcome.
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE Evensong from page 3
It is both free of charge and free of religious commitment, and its choral music is performed live and often to a very high standard. “BBC Radio 3’s ‘Choral Evensong’ is the longest continuously running outside broadcast in history, begun in 1926 and currently broadcast live from locations across the UK every week. Perhaps this is because there is something extraordinary about the sound of choral music within the stonewalled acoustics of cathedrals, churches and chapels, and the opportunity it affords us for pause in our busy lives. "And for those who wrestle with the complexities or truth of theological arguments, Evensong does not demand belief or any kind of affiliation to the Church. Indeed, the prominent atheist Richard Dawkins has said ‘I have a certain love for Evensong,’ and pianist/ composer Stephen Hough describes it as ‘rich with prayer and scripture, it is nevertheless totally non-threatening.’ It allows an individual to engage with it in his or her own way. Indeed, other than active listening there is little for the congregation to do – perhaps join in the Creed (if one wants to), sing some hymns, and perhaps a few Amens. This may be one reason why attendances at cathedrals for midweek services, primarily evensong, have increased by more than 60% in the past decade." (www.choralevensong.org). I believe a fully choral Evensong is a new and different animal for St. Michael’s, and I thought it would be helpful to explain some of its history and why so many find it so personally meaningful and compelling. Evensong is part of the "rich English tradition of sung prayer.” Many consider it to be the most beautiful and meaningful Anglican liturgy, and it has called forth some of the greatest music ever composed. The service structure has much to like: it is often rather laid-back, with an end-of-day feeling. It is usually short, often without a sermon. It moves right along, and the average length is about 45 minutes (we did an Evensong here a couple of years ago beginning at 4:00, and I received a very complimentary and congratulatory email at 4:59!). Evensong is a combination of several Daily Offices - services said or sung eight times over the course of a day,
OCTOBER 2017
dating back to the lives of monks in monasteries throughout Western Europe. In its present form, Evensong comes to us primarily from the Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556), the cleric who served through the tumultuous reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary in early modern England (at Mary’s order he was executed). While compiling the first Prayer Book in 1549, Cranmer refined a system of prayers for different times of the day, called the Hours, observed most fully in Western monasteries, which, in spite of their beauty, were deemed unsuitable for general use. Cranmer believed they were such because there were far more services than people could be expected to attend, not enough Scripture was read, and the public services were in Latin and were too elaborate for most lay people to follow. By compressing the two later offices of Vespers and Compline and translating the service from Latin into English, Cranmer formed beautifully the crux of what we call Evensong today. The historical connection, however, goes back even further than late medieval Christianity. Where did the monks get the services they used? The services used in the monasteries 500 years ago were, essentially, the same as those used in monasteries many centuries before, and those go back to the earliest age of the Christian Church. The Apostles themselves had services consisting of psalms, Scripture readings, and prayers, out of which was formed the first part of the earliest Christian liturgies. This leads to the question, from where did the Apostles get the services they said? They were the services that they had attended in company with Jesus in temples at Capernaum and elsewhere. If we look even further back, we reach the time when the Jewish people were exiled to Babylon, far away from their beloved temple, and learned to "sing the Lord's song in a strange land” (Psalm 137:4), without an altar or sacrifice. Of course, the Church gave a Christian stamp and flavor to traditional Jewish worship, but the service framework was the same. Evensong thus can be reverenced and loved because it is a modern form of the worship that Jesus himself and the Apostles offered to God, and connects us back to, not only the medieval Church leaders and the Apostles, but to our Jewish sisters and brothers over 2,000 years ago. The significance of Evensong today, in addition to sanctifying the day with an
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offering of praise and prayer, is to offer respite and beauty, contemplation and interiority, at the end of one’s day. Many people today are searching for beauty, for moments of reflection where the outside world and its clutter can be kept at bay, even for short periods of time. As I see it, Evensong can serve as a means of purifying the spirit – a place where the “beauty of holiness” is accessed easily in this profoundly powerful liturgy where canticles, anthems, and prayers are carefully and beautifully sung - by the Choir, but on behalf of all those present. All participate through their presence, listening, and singing, so that the words and music might become a prayer and elevate us to contemplate God’s beauty and glory. Perhaps the best way to think of what Evensong offers us today comes from a statement from England’s Coventry Cathedral, which says …“Evensong ... is a very tiny fragment of something else: It is a fragment of the worship which is offered to God by Christian people every hour of the 24 in every part of the world. When you come to Evensong ... it is as if you were dropping in on a conversation already in progress -- a conversation between God and [people] which began long before you were born and will go on long after you are dead.” The St. Michael’s Choir and I invite you all to join this conversation - to experience this beauty of holiness, to begin a new and great tradition at St. Michael’s, to connect back for 45 minutes to forms of worship over two thousand years old at Choral Evensong on Sunday, October 15th at 5pm. Preces and Responses by the Tudor composer Richard Ayleward, Canticles by Charles Villiers Stanford, a Psalm to Anglican Chant, and an anthem will be included. Bring a friend! A reception follows the service. With many thanks to David Sheridan, Director of Liturgy and Music, Episcopal Church of the Messiah, Santa Ana, who states that "Information for this article was drawn from the Episcopal Church national website, pamphlets from Westminster Abbey, and articles by W.K. Clarke.” For more information about this fascinating service, see these short articles and websites: https://www.christiantoday.com/article/why. are.thousands.of.people.whove.never.set.foot. in.church.before.suddenly.showing.up.for.choral. evensong/112148.htm http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/03/13/ first_anglican_evensong_celebrated_in_st_peters_basilica/ 1298440 Also: www.choralevensong.org and Facebook’s Choral Evensong Appreciation Society.
Calendar of Ev ents At Saint Mic hael & All Ang els Events Michael Angels
Whiz Kids, 1:45-5:00 p.m.,CRR (Corner Room) St. Mike’s Basketball, 7:00-9:00 p.m., AAC
Senior Fit, 1:30-2:30 p.m., SW Whiz Kids, 9:15-11:20 a.m., 1:45-2:45 p.m., CRR Basketball, 5:00-8:00 p.m., AAC AA Meeting, 7:00 p.m., SW
Monday
Tuesday
(- Sanctuary Coptic Christian Church, 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Coach Jon Basketball 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., AAC
Saturday
IN THE COMING MONTH
Praying Our Goodbyes’ Sub-Com. Meeting, 11:30 a.m., CR Saints Francis and Clare Day Youth Choir, 9:00 a.m., NW The Holy Eucharist, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Blessing of the Animals at 10:00 a.m. Adult Christian Ed. Com., 11:20 a.m., CR Friends of Music Board Meeting, 11:20 a.m., DL Parish Office closed for Indigenous People’s Day DAR Board Meeting, 9:00-11:30 a.m., CR Deadline for November For the Love of Mike, 5:00 p.m. Senior Ministry, 2:00 p.m., CR Vestry Meeting, 5:30 p.m., CR Citizens’ Climate Lobby, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DL The Holy Eucharist, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Choral Evensong, 5:00 p.m. Mission Commission, 11:30 a.m., DL Baroque Music Festival Fall Preview Dinner/Program, 5:00 -8:30 p.m., MR Inklings, 9:30-11:00 a.m., DL Sandi Ames’Workshop, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., MR Methodist Church’s Fall Festival (using our parking lot) The Bible Challenge, 7:30 p.m., DL The Holy Eucharist, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Spyglass Hill Homeowners Board, 6:00-9:00 p.m., CR Women’s Fellowship, 7:00 p.m., Bianchi’s Home DAR Meeting/Luncheon, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., MR The Holy Eucharist, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Cavalcade of Saints, 10:00 a.m Canterbury Irvine Dinner, 6-9:00 p.m., MR, AAC
IN THE COMING WEEKS
Thurs., Nov. 2nd Life Line Health Screening, 8:15 a.m.-5:00 p.m., AAC Daylight Saving ends - Fall Back! Sun., Nov. 5th All Saints’ Sunday Praying Our Goodbyes, 4:00 p.m., Sanctuary th St. Mike’s Annual Gift Fair, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., MR Sun., Nov. 19
Wed., Oct. 25th Sun., Oct. 29th
Tues., Oct. 24th
Sun., Oct. 22nd
Thurs., Oct. 19th Sat., Oct. 21st
Tues., Oct. 17th
Sat., Oct. 14th Sun., Oct. 15th
Mon., Oct. 9th Wed., Oct. 11th
Sun., Oct. 1 Sun., Oct. 8th st
DL - Davis Library SW - South Wing MR - Michael’s Room YR - Yellow Room, AAC CRR - Corner Room NW - North Wing GR - Green Room, AAC CR - Conference Room
Yoga class, 9:00-10:00 a.m., NW Coach Jon, 1:30-2:45 p.m., AAC Basketball, 3:30-4:30 p.m., AAC Volleyball, 4:30-6:00 p.m., AC AA meeting, 7:00-10:00 p.m., SW
Friday
MEETING ROOMS: AAC - All Angels’ Court BR - Blue Room RR - Red Room, AAC
Whiz Kids, 9:15-10:15 a.m., 1:45-5:00 p.m., CRR Men’s Group, 7:30-9:00 a.m., DL Coach Jon 10:30-11:30 a.m., AAC Basketball, 5:00-8:00 p.m., AAC Choir Rehearsal, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Thursday
Wednesday AA meeting, 7:00-8:00 a.m., SW Staff Meeting, 10:00 a.m., DL Yoga class, 9:00-10:00 a.m., NW Whiz Kids, 9:15-10:15 a.m., 1:45-5:00 p.m., CRR The Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing, Noon Basketball, 5:00-8:00 p.m., AAC SAA meeting, 7:30-9:00 p.m., SW
The Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Sundays-at-Nine, 9:00 a.m., DL Nursery Care from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday School, 9:45 a.m. Godly Play, children 4-11, Yellow Room Formation, 5th-8th grade, Green Room J2A, high school, 1st & 4th Sundays, Blue Room Volleyball Class, 1:00-3:00 p.m., AAC
Sunday
EACH WEEK
OCTOBER 2017
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FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
OCTOBER 2017
Continued from page 4
St. Mike’s Social Media For parish events and activities: www. facebook.com/ SMAACDM For daily worship and meditations plus news from our diocese, the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion, and global religion news: The Daily Mike www.facebook.com/ SMAAdailymike/timeline http://bit.ly/DailyMike (free daily newsletter) And also: SMAA Friends of Music www.facebook.com/ SMAAFriendsofMusic St. Mike’s website: www.stmikescdm.ladiocese.org Parish email: smaa@stmikescdm.org For the Love of Mike online (color edition with live links and back issues): Use the Issuu app on either Facebook page
Instagram: Stmikessocal
Camp Stevens has a unique outdoor chapel, which in modern terms, I would call deconstructed. Imogen said she enjoyed eating bagels at 7am at the chapel location. She had made new friends at Camp Stevens, for which she was especially grateful, as she knew no one going in. Every night the campers would gather to sing songs led by a guitarist, such as the folk songs like “Take me Home, Country Roads,” “Amazing Grace,” and even amusing ones that come from the film, Shrek. A ukulele, drums, and clarinet accompanied the guitarist. Such a wonderful ensemble! Overlooking Camp Stevens is the ever present Mount Volcan. It was said to be a mystery spot or an undisclosed destination to be climbed, but Imogen sorted it out, and in the evening her group made their ascent. It took about one hour to reach the top. From the summit of Mount Volcan (elevation over 5,000 ft.) the youth were able to watch the sunset in all its glory, but with the evening darkness quick upon them, they began their descent. Imogen said that her flashlight died, but happily walked beside another camper. To their surprise, a three inch bug happened upon the eager campers. With more investigation, they found the three inch bug not to be a bug at all, but rather a tarantula!! Continuing in the dark, they pressed onward. Upon returning to camp, those who had rolled their sleeping bags out earliar in the day found another camp phenomenon - a myriad of grasshoppers resting mischievously upon the sleeping bags. Imogen was relieved she hadn’t been overly ambitious earlier in the day; she rolled out her sleeping bag and had no grasshoppers to contend with. During the finale of the week, Imogen remembers taking Eucharist with the other campers, preparing a skit, and enjoying a time of dance, laughter, and song to close camp. I asked her if she missed anything while she was gone and she said her afternoon tea. Good news for her, the small of town of Julian had a teahouse where she and her mom visited after pick up on Saturday morning. Imogen was able to get her craving filled nicely by a London Fog (Earl Grey Tea with steamed milk). Upon reflection, Imogen learned she enjoys being free of suburbia for a week, getting to meet new people, and experiencing nature round the clock. As she says, “It was time to stretch oneself and get out of my comfort zone.” Well worth the adventure!
7
A REMINDER FROM YOUR SMAA COMMUNICATIONS TEAM. You have several options to publicize your ministry or event throughout the SMAA community: this newsletter, our Facebook Page (facebook.com/SMAACDM), the weekly Sunday bulletin, the spoken word at announcement time, or even an email to our “digital parishioners.” Contact Norris Battin for the newsletter and Facebook, Susan Beechner for the bulletin and email, and Fr. Michael for announcements (nbattin@gmail.com, sbeechner@stmikescdm.org; or mseiler@stmikescdm.org.)
* * * PHONE TREE MINISTRY: NEW MEMBERS NEEDED. Our goal is to contact every parishioner by phone once a month. This is a great opportunity to get to know others better and to share information, needs, and suggestions about Saint Mike's. Please contact Ruth Poole at 949.644.9263.
* * * PLEASE REMEMBER Saint Michael & All Angels has a Parish Emergency Fund funded by parishioners and available to parishioners facing financial emergencies and needing economic assistance. Requests should be directed to our rector or any member of our Vestry. If you are able to contribute to this fund, all gifts are welcome!
* * * INKLINGS: Meets monthly on the third Thursday, 9:30-11am, in the Davis Library to read and study writings of C.S. Lewis. Susan Caldwell leads the discussion. A PRAYER FOR OUR PARISH Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and continuing on earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. --BCP page 816
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
FALL IN LOVE WITH GFS! GIRLS FRIENDLY SOCIETY is an old fashioned name for tomorrow's leaders. The organization is 140 years old, but is always looking to the future. Activities and programs teach the Bible, Christian service, and current issues at appropriate age levels to girls age 5-18. St. Mikes will be establishing a GFS chapter of our own! Be looking for more information as we lay groundwork. We (girls and parents) have an opportunity to join other local branches on Saturday, November 4th from 10am2:00pm at St. Joseph's Episcopal Church for a day of information, fun and friendship. Questions? Contact Barbara Stewart 714-979-7449, Beth Bianchi 949-6363418, or Susan Caldwell 949-644-0463.
* * * SOCIAL MEDIA SCOREBOARD: During the past month, “Amazing Grace” performed by the Norm Freeman quintet, drew the most views on our two Facebook pages. Kids did a good job at Summer Sunday School -- a mural they created-- was next, followed by the announcement of Jazz Vespers and “Bishop Bruno Appeals Ruling.” The video of “Early Autumn” by the Freeman Quintet was fifth. Join us on Facebook …it’s not just for kids anymore! Some great new pics on Instagram, too: https:// www.instagram.com/stmikessocal/. And don’t forget our website http://stmikescdm.ladiocese.org/.
OCTOBER 2017 8
THE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS AT ST. MIKE’S Sunday, October 8th @ 10am. Bring your pets, photos of pets, or even well loved stuffed animals to church! Pets will be welcome in the sanctuary and receive a blessing and medal of protection. Join us as we celebrate St. Francis’ love of animals and the important place they have in our lives and hearts. All are welcome! It’s free to participate! We will, however, be collecting donations for pets in need (food, new& gently used toys, towels, blankets...)
SHARE THIS EVENT INVITE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
DO YOU HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS? Please contact sbeechner@stmikescdmorg with changes or additions.
FOR THE LLO OVE OF MIKE Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church A Christian Community of the Anglican Communion 3233 Pacific View Drive Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Inside the October Issue: Page Page Page
1: Stewardship in a New Era 1: Journey to Generosity 3: A New TTradition radition for St. Michael’s
STAY CONNECTED: website: stmikescdm.ladiocese.org email: smaa@stmikescdm.org www.facebook.com/SMAAdailymike www. facebook.com/SMAACDM Instagram: stmikessocal
Pray for and R emember our P arish Emergency FFund und Remember Parish