Dec2015lom

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE Volume 65 Number 11

DECEMBER 2015

The Episcopal Church of Saint Michael & All Angels Pacific View Drive at Marguerite

Corona del Mar

California 92625

...From the Desk of the Rector

BELOVEDS IN CHRIST -

O

ur Winter Solstice on the 22nd of this month means that this is a dark time of year. The world around us seems “dark,” as well; we’ve got climate change, cyber attacks, random violence, global terrorism and more.

We are living in a world that feels like the first verse of “The first Nowell the angel did say... on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.” Deep, deep darkness.

Remember comedian George Carlin’s line: “When you’re experiencing darkness in your life, pray for God to free you from it. If you are still in darkness ... make sure you’ve paid the electric bill!”

Certainly, you will understand that we’re not the first people to face dark days. Hebrew Scriptures present numerous examples. In the prophet Isaiah’s time, about seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, people “walked in THE WORD BECAME darkness ...{and}... lived in a land of FLESH AND LIVED deep darkness ”(9:2); God seemed AMONG US, AND WE HAVE SEEN HIS Continued on page 3 GLORY!

Christmas Cheer for All

If you missed your chance -- either in May or at the Christmas Faire -- to acquire our new parish history, “A Celebration of 50 Years”, remember that you can buy one or more copies at the parish office until Christmas.

You will love this little book and so will your children, relatives and friends, since it is chock-full of lively stories, accomplishments, and photographs from our frst five decades together. It is a great Christmas present for anyone you love, admire, or just would like to know better.

It is also a standing invitation to its readers to join this congregation and be part of our adventure!

For those who prefer the electronic approach, please note that copies of our history can also be purchased on-line from our publisher, Lulu Press. The web-site address is http://goo.gl/VKgp4K and the price is $15, of which $3 will be rebated to our parish. When you reach the web-site you can take a quick look at the book simply by clicking "preview".

JOHN 1:14A

Dear Friends in Christ, As we celebrate the wondrous birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, we continue to pray in hope for the promise of peace with justice that God brings to all. Especially at this time, we, the staff of Saint Michael & All Angels, want to thank our beloved parish family for the opportunities to serve among you during the entire year.

As we work together with you in our various ministries, we are able to bring the message of Christ beyond our parish into our community, our nation, and the world.

We wish you a most happy and blessed New Year 2016!

Peter, Ray, Susan C., Susan B., Marybeth, and the Westroms (Susan, Heidi, and Erik & Katie)

949.644.0463

www.stmikescdm.org

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE 2015 Sunday, December 13 4pm Lessons & Carols in our Sanctuary

Sunday, December 20 8 & 10am Holy Eucharist 4pm Children’s Christmas Pageant & Eucharist in Saint Michael & All Angels’ Sanctuary (nursery care available)

Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve Worship

5pm Festive Choral Eucharist with Gift of Music (nursery care available) 8pm Solemn Choral Eucharist with choir (nursery care available)

Friday, December 25 Christmas Day

10am Holy Eucharist with Carols & Sermon

Merry Christmas!

CELEBRATE THE SEASON! Everyone is encouraged to join SMAA choir members and parishioners in offering Carols for the Season at the 37th annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk on Sunday, December 6th. We will be singing from 12 noon to 2pm in front of Sherman Library and Gardens.--Look for our Saint Michael’s banner! Please Save the Date for this festive event!

More information to follow. …Anne Warmington (202.550.4100)

BUILDING OUR F AITH: L OVING CHRIST AND SER VING OUR COMMUNITY FAITH: LO SERVING

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

CONTRIBUTIONS WERE MADE TO THE RECTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND most recently by Cam and the Wallis family in thanksgiving for Richard’s (Dick’s) life, by Jim and the Jackson family in thanksgiving for Marguerite’s life, and by Bob and the Anderson family in thanksgiving for Shirley’s life. These funds extend our Parish’s mission of outreach, providing for such needs as can be helped by financial assistance.

* * * 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 online). 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 Marybeth Waniek, our bookkeeper, in the parish office 949-644-0463, ex. 15. She will be happy to help you simplify your life!

* * * 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. Haynes for announcements (nbattin@gmail.com, sbeechner@stmikescdm.org; phaynes@stmikescdm.org.)

DECEMBER 2015

A NOTE FROM AGE WELL SENIOR SERVICES: Dear Friends in the Community, We are in need of Volunteers and hope you can help.

Age Well Senior Services is a non-profit organization helping Senior Citizens in the community. We need help serving lunch at the Oasis Senior Center in Corona Del Mar, Monday through Friday, 9:30am until 12:30pm. Lunch is included.

Volunteers would only be expected to help one day a week on a regular basis.

Volunteer tasks would be helping in the kitchen to receive meals (they are delivered hot and ready to eat), set tables in dining room, serve meals to seniors, clean up kitchen, put away utensils, and clean up the dining room. All tasks are very easy; no heavy lifting required.

We look forward to your becoming part of the Age Well Team and helping our Seniors in the Community to Live Long and Healthy!

Thank you, Trish McCauley, 949.718.1820

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Birthdays 5th - Tony Caldarone 6th - Bob Dell Angelo 7th - Corinne Stover 30th - Karlene Miller Baptisms 2nd - Corinne Stover 2nd - Louise Stover 7th - Libby Keating 18th - Bob Dell Angelo 23rd - Murry McClaren Weddings 11th - Cliff & Teri Corbet 21st - Dale & Joanne Woolley 28th-Mark & Sondra Valentine

* * * LOAVES & FISHES: In December, we will collect $5 gift cards for MacDonalds and Burger King. Monetary donations are always welcome, too. Please make checks payable to Saint Michael’s, with Loaves & Fishes on the memo line. Tax ID #952123746). Attention Travelers: We are always collecting hotel/travel-size toiletries for shower kits for the homeless patrons.

* * * FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE - ADS NEEDED: Our newsletter is printed

by C & M Publications at no cost to St. Mike’s, thanks to the support of the local businesses whose ads are found on the back of the calendar each month.

If you or someone you know might like to become a sponsor, please call Susan Beechner in the parish office for more information. 949.644.0463 x10.

THE VESTRY Senior Warden.............................Myrna Ireland mireland6@sbcglobal.net....................949.759.1509 Junior Warden.............................Donald Sheetz donald.sheetz@gmail.com..................949.720.0700 Christian Education.....................Barbara Black bbblack56@sroadrunner.com...............949.640.7989 Clerk of the Vestry........................Karlene Miller karlenemiller@gmail.com...................949.336.6215

2

Building and Grounds..............Tom Nicholson tom@nicholsoncompanies.com.........949.872.9067 Communications...........................Clyde Dodge [clydedodge@cox.net.......................949.375.1530 Evangelism.............................Anne Warmington amwarmington@hotmail.com...... ...202.550.4100 Fellowship............................................OPEN

LEST WE FORGET: There have been 4,491 American military casualties in Iraq and 2,355 in Afghanistan and other locations.

"Lord hear our prayers for those who are dead and for those who mourn."

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

Finance......................................Julie Jenkins jdfritz@aol.com.............................949.640.0134 Mission...............................Barbara Stewart+ barbarastewart001@gmail.com.........714.979.7449 Stewardship.............................Matthew Shaw mattjshaw@yahoo.com..................949.645.4942 Ombudsperson..........................Louise Stover lstover@volt.com..........................714.432.7371 Worship...The Very Rev’d Canon Peter D. Haynes phaynes@stmikescdm.org...........949.644.0463x11

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

I (CONTINUE TO BE) VERY INTERESTED IN A THIRD PARISH JOURNEY TO THE HOLY LAND. ARE YOU? WE HAVE A DATE!

R

ecently I was privileged to have time together with The Rev’d Canon John Peterson and Canon Iyad Qumri and said that I’d love to have one more Saint Michael & All Angels’ parish pilgrimage before I retire.

We have since decided on the dates: November 9-20, 2017.

To have both John and Iyad as leaders is an incredible opportunity.

Ask our 2011 pilgrims: Don & Sandra Alser, Norris Battin, Bill & Judy Brady, Teri Corbet, Frances Fukuda, Jim & Grace Walker Gray, Ray & Monty Pentz, Frances and Don Haynes, Jim & Lynn Headley, Bryant & Elizabeth and Evans Henry, Steve & Ann Morris, Keith Nelson, Ruth Poole.

We will spend ample time in Jerusalem and the Church of the Resurrection (housing both the empty tomb and Calvary), the Western Wall and Temple Mount, the Garden of Gethsemane, walk both the Palm Sunday Road down the Mount of Olives and Stations of the Cross (with John Peterson, author of the form for the Stations that we use on Good Friday here) through the Old City of Jerusalem; Bethlehem and Manger Square; travel to Galilee and its Sea/ Lake, Nazareth and the home of Jesus’ childhood, Capernaum, Magdala, Mount of the Beatitudes and site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes; the Greek Orthodox Monastery built over Jacob’s Well; Qumran and the Dead Sea; maybe ice cream in Ramallah. We will worship with Anglicans living in the land where Jesus walked. There will be ample opportunities to talk with them as well as with Jews and Muslims and other Christians and learn much about contemporary life in Israel/ Palestine. Are you excited?

Costs should be approximately $2,075 for land (non-single room housing, excellent middle eastern meals, air conditioned transportation) and $1,800 for coach air travel.

Please think prayerfully about this possibility, understand that we will be very safe at all times, talk with parishioners who have made this journey previously, and let Lynn Headley and/or me know that you are interested.

Peter+

DECEMBER 2015

3

Rector’s Desk from page 1 absent and people saw “only distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish; and they were thrust into thick darkness” (8:21-22).

We know what this feels like.

Anxiety and insecurity about relationships, jobs, health, retirement and fear about the future lead us to feel as though we are being “thrust into thick darkness.”

We need illumination.

The people of ancient Israel looked for a ray of light. “For a child has been born for us, given to us,” says the prophet (9:6), “authority shall rest upon his shoulders; and he will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Prince of Peace” (9:7). This was their “FutureHope.”

We have so many reasons for hope today. From a TED talk by authorcomedian-entrepreneur Baratunde Thurston, I learned about three teenagers: American Taylor Wilson who said to himself, “I’m going to design a new, safer, more efficient nuclear reactor,” and did; Kenyan Richard Turere who feared that lions would devour his family’s livestock, so he built an automated security system; Californian Jack Andraka who became angry about pancreatic cancer after it killed a family friend, so, bucking conventional wisdom, he developed a protein-based blood test that is much faster, more effective and less expensive than other options.

Instead of cursing the darkness these three adolescents lit candles. Says Thurston, “...all while dealing with homework, parents and puberty.”

Children are succeeding in making this world a safer, more secure and healthier place.

God’s kingdom of justice and righteousness is being advanced one innovation at a time.

It’s enough to give us FutureHope.

Isaiah predicted Christ’s coming and the Virgin Mary brought him into the world “To show God’s love aright, she bore for us a Savior when half spent was the night” (as the carol “Lo, how a Rose...” tells us; but his people had to wait more than seven hundred years; that would be like us waiting patiently until the 28th century!

The Psalmist (84:10b) witnesses that “justice and peace have kissed each other,” and Jesus offers us that

“endless peace” the prophet promised in a challenging and contentious world: “Peace I leave with you; my own peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) Jesus does not offer us an escape from life’s challenges, but instead gives us peace in the midst of these challenges.

Jesus is focused on people being in right-relationship (“righteousness”) with God and with each other.

Righteousness (right-relationship) means: loving, giving, just and committed. This is the kind of relationship Jesus has with each of us, and it is the kind that he wants us to have with God and with one another.

Our hope for the future is found in Christ Jesus, and in all who follow him in rightrelationship and peace-with-justice.

Christmas is the season of FutureHope, in which the light of Christ enters the darkness of the world.

The birth of Jesus reminds us that children can change things for the better, whether they are designing safer nuclear reactors, developing better blood tests, or being the One and Only Savior of the world. To those living in deep darkness the Light of Christ is shining, to save us from our mistakes and to lead us in the paths of peace-with-justice and rightrelationship.

Receive the Light. Accept the Light.

Embrace the Light. And then, share the Light in whatever ways you can. You don’t have to build a security system for livestock or broker peace between rival gangs or warring nations, though we are all called to do what we are able.

You can visit a lonely relative and/or friend, drive respectfully, shop intelligently, invite a neighbor to church, tutor a troubled teenager, plant a garden in community.

Accepting and sharing the Light of Christ is the best present and hope for our future.

Jesus is our FutureHope and Jesus is here now among us. Merry Christmas!

Yours, In Christ -

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE SAINT MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

DECEMBER 2015

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Susan Caldwell

3233 Pacific View Drive Corona del Mar, CA 92625 949.644.0463 949.644.9247 FAX www.stmikescdm.org The Very Rev’d Canon

Peter D. Haynes, Rector [phaynes@stmikescdm.org] Susan Caldwell Director of Christian Education [scaldwell@stmikescdm.org] Ray Urwin, D.M.A. Minister of Music [rurwin@stmikescdm.org] The Rev’d Fennie Chang, Ph.D., Canterbury Irvine The Rev’d Canon Ray Fleming Assisting Priest The Rev’d Barbara Stewart, Ph.D., Assisting Priest Susan Beechner, Parish Secretary [sbeechner@stmikescdm.org Marybeth Waniek, Bookkeeper [mwaniek@stmikescdm.org]

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday Holy Eucharist at 8am & 10am Nursery Care 9:30am -11:30am Sunday School 9:45am Adult Education 9am

Wednesday 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.

PRAYERS HEALING

A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION

Our mission is to seek and share Jesus Christ as spiritual food for life’s journey.

4

Five Good Reasons to Come to Church

L

iving near and driving up and down the Southern California freeways, we live in the shadow of the Hollywood sign. There are iconic movies with this symbol that stand out for us during the Christmas season. For those of us who are familiar with Jimmy Stewart’s memorable film, It’s a Wonderful Life, we think about the closing scene where the community comes together to help the hero, George Bailey who is in need. His wife, Mary’s (Donna Reed) beaming face rejoices as she sees each neighbor enter through her living room door.

And what a wonderful Christmas it is.

One reason to come to church is for community. “Community is,” as Jeff Rekoon, a Sundays-at-Nine guest speaker, says “a chance to be a part of something greater than ourselves. We can stay home and pray or we can come to church and join with others to get in touch with the Holy Spirit.” Being a part of a community of people is like having a safety net and a cheering section.

Scripture speaks to this in I Corinthians 12:26. “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”

A second reason to come to church is that you can make a difference.

Another theme in the film, It’s a Wonderful Life, is what might happen if you didn’t participate in your community? George Bailey is given a tour of Bedford Falls by Clarence, the angel seeking to earn his wings.

Bedford Falls, as Clarence shows him, might have become a wasteland in the event that George had gotten his wish “to have never been born.”

Clarence the angel spotlight’s the value of George’s life by looking at the converse.

Continued on page 7

Teri Russ Brad Nadine Andrew Suzie Mary Betty Michele Potter GUIDANCE Julie & Bob Esther Whitney Kathleen Scott, Samantha, Shelby Bob Catherine Mari Cliff REPOSE Shirley Anderson THANKSGIVING - in celebration of Harry Bubb’s birthday - in loving memory of Norm Cory, Davis Patterson McNamee, Jack Schlatter, and Audrey Crawford

Call Esther McNamee for prayer requests 949.640.1749

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.

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

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.

* * *

REMINDER: Please wear your name badge on Sundays.

* * * PLEDGE ENVELOPES: If you would like pledge envelopes for 2016, please leave a message for our bookkeeper, 949.644.0463, ext. 15.

* * * SENIOR FITNESS: A new exercise class for seniors, using chairs, has been formed by Peggy Montgomery.

It meets for an hour every week on Tuesdays at 1:30pm in the South Wing.

If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Peggy, 949.644.2239.

* * * 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.

* * * PLEASE CHECK the lost and found box in Michael’s Room.

* * * THE BIBLE CHALLENGE: “Journey with Luke”, the new Forward Movement publication, continues.

“Join the journey with Luke with fifty days of scripture readings, meditations, and prayers written by dynamic spiritual leaders from around the world.” If you would like to join, please contact Susan Caldwell, 949.644.0463 ext.

12, or scaldwell@stdmikescdm.org The cost of the book is $12.00.

* * * WE NEED Greeters, Ushers, Tellers, and Altar Guilders. Please contact Canon Haynes if interested.

DECEMBER 2015 5

PARISH FINANCIAL REPORT

CHURCHNEXT ONLINE LEARNING

Parish net income through October 2015 is $1,336 below the year-to-date budget of ($39,922).

Year-to-date pledge income is about $20,000 under budget. Please bring your pledge commitment up to date.

Also, please turn in your 2016 pledge cards. Without a solid estimate of 2106 income, the Vestry cannot plan our 2106 program and budget.

Donations for use of the parish center are $10,043 ahead of plan.

The Vestry and the finance committee continue to explore how we can offer high quality programs and events while minimizing expenses. As a start, we need sufficient pledges from all of our members.

We are still accepting donations for trees or other landscaping items to complete the project.

We are need tellers to process each Sunday’s offering. We ask for a commitment of one Sunday a month and we will train you. If you’d like to help, please contact Susan Beechner in the parish office, 949.644.0443 or sbeechner@stmikescdm.org.

Julie Jenkins, Finance Chairman

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. The current "Big Class" is entitled "A Christian Response to Gun Violence" and is led

by Eugene Sutton and Ian Douglas.

A number of our parishioners have participated in our first group class and we are exploring what our next group offering should be. 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 Kathleen Peterson: kathleenopeterson@gmail.com or 949.378.5002, or Susan Caldwell at scaldwell@stmikescdm.org,or 949.644.0463 ext. 12

* * *

* * *

OUR BOOKKEEPER UPDATES: Pledges collected for the first two weeks of November were above expectations, which is great since we were behind quite a bit as of 10-31-15.

Total year to date collected pledges are now $365,718 versus $379,287 budgeted. While lower than planned, we hope to meet our goal of $440,463 in pledges by year end. YTD non-pledge income is also lagging at $9,283 versus $12,916 budgeted.

Containment of expenses has helped reduce the "planned" cash negative from an expected loss of $39,922 to an actual YTD loss of $24,432, but these figures can at times be skewed due to expense timing.

Hopefully everyone has been extra "thankful" during the month of November, which will help Saint Michael’s see "black" rather than "red" before the holidays are upon us! Marybeth Waniek, Bookkeeper

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. A donation box is provided.

“How to Keep Advent” is a pamphlet that reminds us that the season of Advent is “a time of preparation and anticipation of the birth of Christ.”

Helpful suggestions tell us ways that individuals and families may observe Advent. One way is that we can make our own Advent Wreath. Saint Michael’s follows this tradition by having different families light a candle each Sunday during Advent. You might set up a creche before Christmas, and perhaps put various figures in different places in your home and add them gradually. (Remember that baby Jesus does not appear until Christmas, and that the three kings do not arrive until Epiphany.) Take time to give to those in need, and feed the hungry are two more things you might do; and other ideas are included in this helpful little booklet.

* * * DO YOU HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS? Please contact sbeechner@stmikescdm.org with changes or additions.

* * *

NURSERY CARE IS AVAILABLE on Sundays from 9:30-11:30am.

Saint Francis Day - Blessing of the Animals

We welcomed many dogs this year, a cat, and some came electronically!

However they come to us, they are blessed!

The Saints Come Marching In!

Saint Francis Day - Blessing of the Animals

We welcomed many dogs this year, a cat, and some came electronically!

However they come to us, they are blessed!

The Saints Come Marching In!

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

DECEMBER 2015

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COMING IN ADVENT SUNDAYS-AT-NINE IN DAVIS LIBRARY November 27, December 6, 13, 20

“Crazy Christians” A book by Bishop Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church “We need some Christians who are as crazy as the Lord. Crazy enough to love like Jesus, to give like Jesus, to forgive like Jesus, to do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God, like Jesus. Crazy enough to dare to change the world from the nightmare it often is into something close to the dream that God dreams for it. And for those who would follow him, those who would be his disciples, those who would live as and be the people of the Way? It might come as a shock, but they are called to craziness.”

-- Bishop Michael Curry The Reverend Lisa Rotchford will lead this study. If you would like your own book, please contact Susan Caldwell, Director of Christian Education. 949.644.0463 Ext.12

MONDAY EVENING ADVENT BIBLE STUDY AT THE IRELAND’S HOME (It began November 23), 6-7:30 p.m. at the home of John and Myrna Ireland, and continues on Monday evenings of Advent, November 30, December 7, & 14. It will be conducted

by The Rev’d Dr. Barbara Stewart and based on the following Sunday’s lectionary. For further information and directions to the Ireland’s home, please call Myrna, 949/759-1509.

All men and women are cordially invited!

CHRISTMAS FLOWER REQUEST (Please Print) Your Name:______________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number:_________________________________________________ In Memory of:____________________________________________________________________________ In Thanksgiving for:_______________________________________________________________________ Please make your check payable to Saint Michael & All Angels and write “Christmas Flowers” on the memo line. You may place it in the collection plate or mail it to Saint Michael & All Angels Church, 3233 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, CA 92625. Deadline for Bulletin inclusion is Monday, December 21st, 2015.

Calendar of Ev ents At Saint Mic hael & All Ang els Events Michael Angels

Volleyball, 3:30-6:30 p.m., AAC St. Mike’s Basketball, 7:00-9:00 p.m., AAC

Whiz Kids, 9:00-3:00 p.m., AAC Senior Fit, 1:30-2:30 p.m., SW Basketball, 5:00-8:00 p.m., AAC AA Meeting, 7:00 p.m., SW

Monday

Tuesday

Whiz Kids, 9:00-5:00 p.m., AAC (not 12/17, 24, 31) Men’s Group, 7:30-9:00 a.m., DL Basketball, 4:00-5:00, 5:00-8:00 p.m., AAC Parish Choir Rehearsal, 7:00-8:30 p.m., NW

Whiz Kids, 9:00-11:30 a.m., AAC (not 12/18, 25) Yoga class, 9:00-10:00 a.m., NW (not 12/18, 25) Basketball, 1:15-2:45 p.m., 4:00-5:00 p.m., AAC (not 12/25) AA meeting, 7:00-10:00 p.m., SW Truth Spiritual Study Group, 6:00-8:00 p.m., DL

Coptic Orthodox Christian Church, 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Sanctuary Basketball, 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., AAC (not 12/26)

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Wednesday AA meeting, 7:00-8:00 a.m., SW Yoga class, 9:00-10:00 a.m., NW (not 12/16, 23) Whiz Kids, 9:00-5:00 p.m., AAC (not 12/16, 23, 30) Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing, Noon Basketball, 5:00-8:00 p.m., AAC SAA meeting, 7:30-9:00 p.m., SW Volleyball, 8:00-9:30 p.m., AAC

Holy Eucharist at 8:00 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, 2nd & 4th Sundays, Corner Room Holy Eucharist at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday

EACH WEEK

DL - Davis Library NW - North Wing GR - Blue Room, AAC

SW - South Wing YR - Yellow Room, AAC RR - Red Room, AAC

(

Happy New Year 2016! Parish Office closed Office closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Meeting Rooms: AAC - All Angels’ Court MR - Michael’s Room CR - Conference Room

Fri., Jan. 1st Mon. Jan. 18th

IN THE COMING MONTH

Nominating Committee, 4:00-5:00 p.m., CR Vestry Meeting, 5:00-7:00 p.m., CR Thurs., Dec. 3rd Staff meeting, 9:30 a.m., DL Fri. & Sat., Dec. 4th & 5th Diocesan Convention, Ontario Sat., Dec. 5th Citizens’ Climate Lobby, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DL Sun., Dec. 6th Corona del Mar Christmas Walk, 12 noon-2:00 p.m., Sherman Gardens Mon., Dec. 7th Advent Bible Study, 6-7:30 p.m., Ireland’s Home Senior Ministry, 2:00 p.m., CR Wed., Dec. 9th Sat., Dec. 12th J. Hassett Piano Recital 3:30-6:00 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 13th Advent Lessons & Carols, 4:00 p.m.

Mon., Dec. 14th Advent Bible Study, 6-7:30 p.m., Ireland’s Home Wed., Dec. 16th Deadline for January For the Love of Mike, 5:00 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 20th Last Sunday of Advent Christmas Pageant with HE, 4:00 p.m. in Sanctuary Thurs., Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Worship: 5:00 p.m. Festive Choral Eucharist with Gift of Music 8:00 p.m. Solemn Choral Eucharist with choir Fri., Dec. 25th Christmas Day Worship, 10:00 a.m., Sanctuary Holy Eucharist with Christmas Carols th Sun., Dec. 27 First Sunday after Christmas Day The Bible Challenge, 7:30 a.m., DL Thurs., Dec. 31st New Year’s Eve

Wed., Dec. 2nd

IN THE COMING WEEKS

DECEMBER 2015

S T. M I C H A E L & A L L A N G E L S W O U L D L I K E T O T H A N K T H E S E B U S I N E S S E S F O R M A K I N G O U R N E W S L E T T E R P O S S I B L E

A TRUSTED NAME IN REAL ESTATE

THE HEARTHSTONE

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FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

Five Good Reasons...

Continued from page 4 Now the spotlight is on you. What happens if you decide not to come to church?

Your pew space is empty. Others notice that you are gone. The ministry that the Lord has for you goes lacking. The people that you normally talk to and encourage may leave without having spoken to anyone that day.

A third reason to come to church is to exercise the gifts God has given us.

Those who have the gift of hospitality and service share their gifts each time they push the coffee cart out and put out the refreshments.

When this loving act does not take place, everyone notices. There is no coffee. There is no food. Parishioners are grumpy. Fellowship goes waning.

Scripture reminds us to use our gifts.

“If service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:7-9 A fourth reason to come to church is for corporate worship.

There are three kinds of worship, according to Dr. Steven D. Brooks, adjunct professor at Azusa and Biola University and author of the book, Worship Quest with this symbol.

There is personal worship, lifestyle worship and corporate worship. In my conversation with Dr. Brooks, I asked him to explain his perspective.

Personal worship is how we spend our own unique time with God. Private prayer and meditation would fall into the personal worship category. Lifestyle worship, according to Brooks, is how we live out our Christian faith in our daily lives. For example, if we are driving on the freeway and someone cuts us off, how do we respond? Do we respond with anger or do we lift the day’s events up to the Lord? We worship God in our actions.

Corporate worship is that special and unique time to come together and give our praises to the Lord. For Episcopalians, corporate worship takes place in singing together, reading together, and sharing in the Eucharist.

DECEMBER 2015

A fifth reason to come to church is to be reminded. It is good to be reminded of what is really important.

Easter Sunday last year, I was busily checking off my to do list prior to attending the 8:00 o’clock worship service. Canon Haynes said to me, “Did you hear the rumbling in the tombs?”

I stopped. I remembered it was Easter.

I remembered what it was all about and the reason for the Christian faith, my faith and why I do what I do: I believe in a risen Savior. It takes a bit of an imagination and creativity to remember. And others at church help us to think about what we believe, why we believe and how we take this message to the world.

Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ.

People: We who are many are one, sharing in that one Body.

I have given you five good reasons to come to church.

Can you think of a sixth?

P.S. And hint…It’s a Wonderful Life.

* * * ACOLYTES NEEDED: Do you have one hour to offer this parish each month? Would you like to participate in the worship service on Sundays by carrying the Cross or lighting the candles? Acolyting is a valuable ministry in the life of Saint Michael & All Angels. Please contact Susan Caldwell if you are interested in learning more about this ministry, or to volunteer! 949.644.0463 x 12.

7

A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR YOU! If you haven't already seen our NEW WEBSITE! Please check it out! It is refreshed, features beautiful design and up-to-date information! Click on http://stmikescdm.ladiocese.org/

* * * HELP FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE: We are once again in need of donations for replenishing our food cupboard. Please call Murry McClaren with any questions or to learn what types of food are currently needed. THANK YOU ALL for your help!

* * * 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!

* * * TIME AND TALENT If you are thinking about volunteering with one of our Commissions at St. Mike’s, please review the “Parish Life” booklet on the back rail of the sanctuary, which describes these activities. We need greeters, acolytes, coffee hosts, and ushers, and have other interesting assignments as well. Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people at St. Mike’s. Please call Anne Warmington with questions: 202.550.4100.

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

ABOUT CHRISTMAS MUSIC Music was an early feature of the Christmas season. The earliest examples are chants and litanies intended for liturgical use to observe both the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany, many of which are still used by the Eastern Orthodox Church. The 13th century saw the rise of the carol written in the vernacular, under the influence of Francis of Assisi.

In the Middle Ages, the English combined circle dances with singing and called them carols. Later, the word carol came to mean a song in which a religious topic is treated in a style that is familiar or festive. From Italy, it passed to France and Germany, and later to England.

Christmas carols in English first appear in a 1426 work of John Audelay, a Shropshire priest and poet, who lists 25 "caroles of Cristemas", probably sung by groups of wassailers, who went from house to house. Music in itself soon became one of the greatest tributes to Christmas, and Christmas music includes some of the noblest compositions of the great musicians.During the Commonwealth under Cromwell, the

NOVEMBER 2015 8

Rump Parliament prohibited the practice of singing Christmas carols as Pagan and sinful. Like other customs associated with popular Catholic Christianity, it earned the disapproval of Protestant Puritans.

Famously, Cromwell's interregnum prohibited all celebrations of the Christmas holiday.

The Westminster Assembly of Divines established Sunday as the only holy day in the calendar in 1644. The new liturgy produced for the English church recognised this in 1645, and so legally abolished Christmas. Its celebration was declared an offence

by Parliament in 1647. There is some debate as to the effectiveness of this ban, and whether it was enforced.

Puritans generally disapproved of the celebration of Christmas—a trend which continually resurfaced in Europe and the US through the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries.When in May 1660 Charles II restored the Stuarts to the throne, the people of England once again practiced the public singing of Christmas carols as part of the revival of Christmas customs, sanctioned by

the king's own celebrations. William Sandys's “Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern” (1833), contained the first appearance in print of many now-classic English carols, and contributed to the midVictorian revival of the holiday. Singing carols in church was instituted on Christmas Eve, 1880, (Nine Lessons and Carols), in Truro Cathedral, Cornwall, England, which is now seen in churches all over the world. According to one of the only observational research studies of Christmas caroling, Christmas observance and caroling traditions vary considerably among nations in the 21st century, while the actual sources and meanings of even high-profile songs are commonly misattributed, and the motivations for carol singing can in some settings be as much associated with family tradition and national cultural heritage as with religious beliefs.

The tradition of singing Christmas carols in return for alms or charity began in England in the seventeenth century after the Restoration. Town musicians or 'waits' were licensed to collect money in the streets in the weeks preceding Christmas, the custom spread throughout the population by the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries up to the present day.---- from Wikipedia

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 December Issue: Page 1: Christmas is the Season of FFutureHope utureHope Page 3: P ossible 2017 Holy Land Journey Possible Page 4: FFive ive Good R easons to Come to Church Reasons

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