December 2012 For the Love of Mike

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE Volume 62 Number 11

DECEMBER 2012

The Episcopal Church of Saint Michael Pacific View Drive at Marguerite

Corona del Mar

California 92625

...From the Desk of the Rector

BELOVEDS IN CHRIST,

A

mong all the wonderful stories born in Christmas Pageants is one of a little boy who had only one line to remember. He was the Archangel Gabriel and his line was, “Behold, I bring you good tidings.” After the rehearsal, he asked his mother what “tidings” meant. She told him that “tidings” meant “news.” When the Pageant was rolling, the boy got a case of stage fright and couldn’t remember his line; then,all of a sudden, the idea came back and he blurted out, “Hey! … Boy, have I got news for you!”

At Christmas 2012, imagine what it would be like if, instead of saying the traditional introduction,“The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (or John),” and your traditional response, “Glory to you, Lord Christ,” I introduced the Gospel saying, “Hey! … Have I got news for you!” and you replied, “Bring it on!” Then, after reading, instead of the priest’s traditional “The Gospel of the Lord” followed by your “Praise to you, Lord Christ,” I concluded, “What do you think of that?” and you responded, “Wow! ” God’s hopes and dreams have always been wrapped in news like that of the incarnation, “Word become flesh” (John 1:14), we celebrate especially at Christmas. Since God first invested in the human experiment and picked up that handful of dust, rolled it into a ball and shaped it into “Adam,” which literally means “dirt ball,” and then breathed God’s own breath into Adam’s lungs, God has intended the very best hopes and dreams. Scripture says so: “What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:4-5, NRSV) God loves us so much that our name is tattooed on the palms of his hands: “See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:16a) When we turned away from God and chose our own ways over God’s ways, God didn’t give up on his hopes and dreams for us. God sent prophet after prophet, leader after leader, trying to get our attention. And when that didn’t work, God decided to come himself. God came in a most unusual manner, as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a feeding trough in a cave beneath a small town of little consequence. God’s coming, taking human flesh, made all the difference because God gave us something that mattered, something from the heart.

& All Angels 949.644.0463

www.stmikescdm.org

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE 2012 Sunday, December 23 Last Sunday in Advent 8 & 10am Holy Eucharist 4pm Christmas Pageant & Eucharist in Saint Michael’s Sanctuary (nursery care available) Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve 5:30pm Choral Eucharist (nursery care available) 10:00pm Gift of Music and Festival Choral Eucharist Tuesday December 25 Christmas Day 10am Holy Eucharist with Carols & Sermon

PARISH NEWS AND NOTES ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR

Sunday, December 2nd following both 8am and 10am worship services, AAC

The Director of another Christmas Pageant let the children decide what gifts they’d give to the baby Jesus. Some wanted to give him stuffed animals, some wanted to give him toys. One little girl named Sally had several conversations with the Director before admitting what she wanted to give to the baby Jesus. The Director finally has to ask, “Sally, what do you want to give Jesus?” “Oh, I’m too embarrassed,” said Sally, “I shouldn’t tell you.” “That’s okay. What is it?”

You will have the opportunity to make donations to worthwhile organizations like the Free WheelChair Mission, Heifer, Habitat and Loaves & Fishes, and buy crafts made by Third World artisans.

There will be crafts from local vendors and parishioners, toffee candy and much more. Don’t miss this opportunity to do your Christmas shopping in a way that benefits so many!!

Continued on page 3

(More News and Notes on pages 2 & 6)

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

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

DECEMBER 2012

2

(MORE) PARISH NEWS AND NOTES CONTRIBUTIONS WERE MADE to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund most most recently by Bill Leasure and Terry Lynberg, Ruth Poole and Judy & Bill Brady, and by the AuneCallahan family in celebration of the life of Barbara Ward Aune.These funds extend our Parish’s mission of outreach, providing for such needs as can be helped by financial assistance.

Anniversaries in December Birthdays 1st - Doug Little 4th - Pat McNamee 5th - Tony Caldarone 6th - Bob Dell Angelo 7th - Corinne Stover 26th - Kathy Stuart 30th - Karlene Miller

* * * LEST WE FORGET: There have been 4488 American military casualties in Iraq and 2029 in Afghanistan. "Lord hear our prayers for those who are dead and for those who mourn."

* * * SAINT MICHAEL’S FINANCIAL UPDATE FOR OCTOBER 2012: Preliminary YTD Income is $426,584.

Our YTD Expense is $458,386. The parish Net Ordinary Income is ($31,801), which is $13,493 ahead of our plan. Our YTD Pledge Income is $338,863 which is $12,928 below our plan through the end of September. Our total operating cash balance is $79,993; we have $88,652 in “designated gifts,” so our net balance is ($8,659). The Endowment Trust has a balance of $156,166. We really need everyone to meet their 2012 pledges in order for us to have a break-even financial report for 2012. And please give prayerful thought about your 2013 pledge, your gift to God and His work here on earth.

St. Mike’s Facebook Page facebook.com/SMAACDM “Like” us Read us every day WE’VE GOT 51

Can we reach 75?

Senior Warden................................Lynn Headley [pirrung@earthlink.net] 714.963.5932 Junior Warden...............................Paul Multari [paul.multari@sce.com 949.760-1454 Christian Education.................... Anne Conover [anabananacaddie@aol.com] 949.721.1050 Clerk of the Vestry..........................Gail Haghjoo [gail@hallresearch.com] 714.966.0314 Building and Grounds.......................Mike Ortt seagate@socal.rr.com 714.323.8189

Baptisms

THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND LIVED AMONG US, AND WE HAVE SEEN HIS GLORY! 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 2013!

Peter, Stephen, Susan C., Susan B., Donnie, and the Westroms (Susan, Heidi, and Erik & Katie)

VESTRY MEMBERS 2012 Communications..........................,Clyde Dodge [clydedodge@cox.net 949.375.1530 Evangelism.............................Deborah Newquist [debnewquist@gmnail.com] 949.854.2675 Fellowship......................................Teri Corbet [hbangel49@msn.com] 714..964.5505

2nd - Corinne Stover Louise Stover 7th - Libby Keating 18th - Bob Dell Angelo 21st - Cal McLaughlin 23rd - Murry McClaren Weddings

11th - Cliff & Teri Corbet 21st - Jack & Suzie Peltason 28th - Bill & Mitzi Currie Mark & Sondra Valentine

* * * LOAVES AND FISHES: This December we are collecting $5 gift certificates to Burger King and McDonalds. Monetary donations are always welcome, too, and checks should be made payable to Saint Michael & All Angels, with Loaves and Fishes on the memo line. (Tax ID #95-2123746) 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......................................... Jim Palda [paldajim@yahoo.com] 626.533.8037 Mission.......................................................

(Open) Stewardship...................................Joan Short [joanshort@earthlink.net] 949.644.0719 Worship.The Very Rev’d Canon Peter D. Haynes [phaynes@stmikescdm.org] 949.644.0463

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

Rector’s Desk from page 1 “A kiss,” Sally said. And the night of the Pageant, that is what she gave him. All the other angels brought their gifts of toys and animals, and Sally bent over the manger and gave the little baby a kiss. A loving sigh went up from the congregation as they watched.

Sally knew the secret of giving. She gave the baby Jesus exactly what God gave us in Jesus in the manger, something that matters, something that summed up God’s hopes and dreams, something from the heart. That’s what God gives us, something from the heart. God gave us himself when he gave us his son.

What do you think of that? Wow?

Yours, in Christ -

“THEY NEED HELP!”

O

n the Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2012, during both eight and ten o’clock worship we will have a very special homilist/preacher, Erin Tharp. Erin is a young parishioner of Saint John the Baptist Episcopal Parish Church in Corona who was disabled as a result of viral encephalitis fifteen years ago. She now speaks through an Ipad and is an eloquent spokesperson for Free Wheelchair Mission.

Erin wrote following the experience of lying in a hospital bed after that virus attacked the white matter in her brain, “I never thought I would say this, and my life does have its share of frustrations, but I believe I am happier now! I am much closer to my family and God.” Erin believes that God called her to become involved with Free Wheelchair Mission in the summer of 2011. She was sound asleep and had a dream about an African boy: “He was on the floor of a tiny kitchen in a ramshackle house. His family was cooking and he so wanted to help, but all he could do was watch, feeling left out. Though I was watching the scene, I could feel his disappointment and it broke my heart, thinking this sweet little boy who couldn’t be more than nine years old had a lifetime of disappointment ahead of him. Just then, I heard a man’s deep voice. It was like he was talking through a bullhorn when he was two feet away (it actually hurt my ears): ‘They need help!’ I jumped awake and felt this burning desire to do something, anything, to help these people.”

Please come to worship on Sunday morning, December 9, and welcome Erin Tharp to Saint Michael & All Angels.

DECEMBER 2012

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THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY DESIGNATE [The Times, UK -- Ruth Glrdhill] The Prime Minister gave a warm welcome to the new Archbishop of Canterbury as Justin Welby announced that he would be the first occupant of the See to use Twitter.. Appropriately, the appointment was confirmed by a tweet from Downing Street, where David Cameron recently set up his own Twitter account. As Bishop of Durham, Bishop Welby is a prolific tweeter. Unusually, he does the tweeting himself and does not delegate it to a member of staff.

The choice of Bishop Welby, a former oil company executive, is a departure for the Church of England, which has in the past chosen theologians to occupy the top spot. Unusually, he has no doctorate.

However, he will be welcomed as someone who speaks clearly and plainly and is familiar with new technology. Mr Cameron said: “I think having someone who had a life outside the Church in business, who understands difficult, complicated issues, will bring a great breath of fresh air.”

Tony Blair, who since leaving office has worked with religious leaders in some of the most conflicted parts of the world, said: “He will bring to the Church and theAnglican Communion a rich experience and spirituality alongside a deep commitment to building harmonious interfaith relations.”

The new archbishop joked at a press conference at Lambeth Palace that his appointment was the “best-kept secret since the last Cabinet reshuffle”. Confirmation of his name was leaked to The Times before yesterday’s announcement and bookmakers closed their books after a flurry of bets.

“It’s something that I never expected and the last few weeks have been a rather strange experience,” he said of his appointment. “I feel a massive sense of privilege at being one of those responsible for the leadership of the Church at a time of spiritual hunger.”

Bishop Welby paid tribute to Dr Rowan Williams, who retires at the end of December after a decade in the post, praising him as a man of great “personal, moral and physical courage” and one of the world’s “principal theologians and philosophers”.

Bishop Welby, 56, has been Dr Williams’s special envoy to Africa, where he has worked on reconciliation between Muslim and Christian groups. He has been Bishop of Durham for only a year and will inherit a Church that has been riven by arguments over female bishops and gay marriage. He will oversee the consecration of the first woman bishop as one of his earliest steps towards detoxifying the Church’s public image.

He will be enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral on March 21.

Although his roots are as an evangelical, Bishop Welby has moved towards AngloCatholicism. He is an oblate, or lay monk, in Salisbury Priory, the Anglican Benedictine house, and his spiritual director is a Roman Catholic monk. “Learning from other traditions than the one into which I came as a Christian has led me into the riches of Benedictine and Ignatian spirituality, the treasures of contemplative prayer and adoration, and confronted me with the rich and challenging social teaching of the Roman Catholic Church,” he said.

He also brings a new optimism to a role that in recent years has been seen in terms of managing decline. “Because of that vast company of serving Anglicans, together with those in other churches, I am utterly optimistic about the future of the Church,” he said. “We will certainly get things wrong, but the grace of God is far greater than our biggest failures. We will also certainly get much right and do so already.”

On the issue of homosexuality, he said, “We also face deep differences,” adding: “We must have no truck with any form of homophobia, in any part of the Church.” He was supporting his fellow bishops in opposition to the Government’s plans for gay marriage. But he added: “I know I need to listen very attentively to the LGBT communities, and examine my own thinking prayerfully and carefully. I am always averse to the language of exclusion.”

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE SAINT MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION

DECEMBER 2012

CHRISTIAN Susan EDUCATION Caldwell

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

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 Chrisatian Education [scaldwell@stmikescdm.org] Stephen M Black, Minister of Music [stephenmblack@gmail.com] The Ven. Canon Terry Lynberg Assisting Priest The Rev’d Canon Ray Flemming Assisting Priest The Rev’d Jefferson Hulet Assisting Priest The Rev’d Fennie Chang, Ph.D., Canterbury Irvine Susan Beechner, Parish Secretary [sbeechner@stmikescdm.org] Donnie Lewis, Bookkeeper [dlewis@stmikescdm.org]

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday Holy Eucharist 8am Choral Eucharist 10am Adult Education 9am Sunday School 10am Nursery Care provided from 9:30am Wednesday Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Peace and Healing-10am 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.

Reflection on a Day Set Aside

D

oes the sound of Taize music incline your soul to pause and rest awhile? Do the lit candles in the sanctuary remind you that your prayers will lift toward heaven? Will walking the labyrinth remind you of your present life’s journey? Are you able to sit quietly in the Memorial Garden or Davis Library to hear the voice of God? A church environment that beckons and brings spirituality in a busy Southern California city can be seen as a resource for those seeking stillness with God. On Saturday, October 27, the Women’s Ministry Team arrived early in the morning to prepare the Saint Michael and All Angels’ campus for a special day of teaching, music, prayer, quiet and fellowship meal. It was a Quiet Retreat Day provided by the Women’s Ministry Team at Saint Michael’s.

In her presentation, Myrna Ireland, asked those present to prepare for Christ’s coming. “With Advent approaching, the Christian new year, we hear passages from Isaiah, repeated by John the Baptist, ‘Prepare ye the way for the Lord’.

Let us prepare this year by trying to walk with Christ through our holidays.”

Julie Jenkins reflected on John 15:9-17 and how Jesus would have us to abide with him. Her visual of a pitcher, cup, saucer and plate reminded us that God’s love is overflowing and His desire is to pour into us in order that we can pour into others.

Barbara Black filled the sanctuary with her lovely piano playing.

Corinne Stover began the day with an Order for Morning Prayer.

Melinda Rader had a closing poem and Lynn Headley went over the retreat details and locations. of places to find quiet and solitude on the Saint Michael campus. Following the program in the sanctuary, attendees were invited to conclude their day

Continued on page 5

4

PRAYERS HEALING

Linda Michele Ann Olive Andy La Juan Sally Bob Pat John Mary Betty Ray Roberta Phil Patricia Kevin Norm GUIDANCE Peggy Victor Steve Barbara Sam Scott Sue REPOSE Barbara Ward Aune Lisa Jordan

THANKSGIVING - for Julie Smallin with Barbara & Wally Paulson; - for Madonna Badger and her beloved family Call Esther McNamee for prayer requests at 949.640.1749

NURSERY CARE for infants through 2 years of age is available in the Parish Center beginning at 9:30am. and Sunday School is available for children from 3 to 13 years.

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

HOLY WOMEN HOLY MEN

Norm Ewers

THOMAS BECKET (1118-1170) Archbishop of Canterbury

T

he life and death of Thomas Becket has intrigued scholars and church people for centuries. He was at different times, a politician, defender of the faith, soldier, martyr.

He was born in Cheapside, son of a wealthy London merchant, on December 18, 1118. After being educated in England and France, he joined the staff of Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury. Later he was sent to study law in Italy and France after being ordained Deacon.

His administrative skills eventually brought him to the attention of King Henry II who, at the suggestion of Archbishop Theobald and much to Thomas’s surprise, appointed him Chancellor of England. Becket’s job was an important one that involved the distribution of royal charters, writs and letters.

The king and Becket became close friends. Becket carried out many tasks for Henry, including leading the English army into battle.

When Theobald died in 1162, Henry chose Becket, who had never been a priest, but a soldier and lover of fine living, to be his Archbishop of Canterbury. Many clergy were outraged. Because he had been a close friend of Henry, they feared he would not be an independent leader of the church. Becket, foreseeing a break with his Royal Master, was reluctant to assume the position.

After being appointed, Thomas Becket changed remarkably. As he tells us, he “changed from a patron of play actors and a follower of the hounds to a shepherd of souls.”

He began to show concern for the poor; wore a simple monastic habit; slept on the cold stone floor, wore a tight-fitting hair shirt and was scourged daily by his monks. He also defended the interests of the church against those of his former friend and patron.

UPDATED PARISH DIRECTORIES are available in Michael’s Room.

DECEMBER 2012

The king decided that clergymen charged with serious crime (murder, robbery) should be handed over to his courts. At first Thomas agreed, but after consulting with other clergy, he changed his mind. Priests had a right to trial by a church court which could not impose punishments that involved violence such as execution or mutilation. This infuriated Henry who believed that Thomas had betrayed him.

In 1164, the king’s courts vs. church courts came to a head. Henry ordered Thomas to appear in his courts to settle charges involving property, embezzlement and treason.

Thomas refused to appear and fled to France under the protection of Henry’s old enemy, Louis VII. Thomas, supported by the pope, organized a campaign against Henry, who fearing he, himself, might be excommunicated, allowed Thomas to return to England after six years.

No sooner had he arrived on English soil than Thomas excommunicated the Archbishop of York and other leading churchmen who had supported Henry.

When the king, who was in Normandy at the time, heard this, he was furious and supposedly shouted out, “Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?” Four of his knights decided to return to England to see Becket. When they arrived at Canterbury on December 29, 1170, they demanded that he pardon the men he had excommunicated. Becket refused and they hacked him to death with their swords. His last words were, “Willingly I die for the name of Jesus and the defense of the church.”

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 Junior Warden, Paul Multari, or any member of our Vestry. Currently there is $5000 in this Fund. At one time there was more than $20,000 in the Parish Emergency Fund; so, if you are able to contribute, all gifts are welcome!

5

Women’s Quiet Day, Continued from page 4

with fellowship and a meal. Michael’s Room was decorated with lovely autumn colors. Tasty soup, bread and cider were served at eleven-thirty. It was a cherished event, as attendees left filled and satisfied.

Won’t you consider attending Quiet Day in Lent? Please hear now the voices and comments of those who made the effort to come on Oct. 27.

“In the dark candlelit chapel, I was able to experience the quiet calm presence of God. Walking the labyrinth helped me to slow down and be present in the botanical environment.”

-- Anne Conover “It is an awe inspiring experience spending quiet time finding new paths and direction with God and self-reflecting on how we can make more time for others.”

-- Dottie Cole “Quiet Day is a special time to take for oneself and in community. How often does one take an hour or two out of a day to be quiet, to meditate and smell the roses? If you haven’t experienced Quiet Day, please join us the next time we gather.”

-- Ruth Poole Looking ahead to Lent, the next Quiet Retreat Day will be held on March 16, 2013. Please mark your calendars now for this special day of quiet time with God on the Saint Michael’s campus.

AN ADVENT PRAYER Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”

--Henri Nouwen

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

(MORE) PARISH NEWS AND NOTES DO YOU APPRECIATE “THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE” the ways we offer them during Sunday morning worship? Louise Stover has been providing the forms we use; now, you are invited join Louise in doing likewise.

Provide forms for “The Prayers of the People” you would like us to use a month or two in advance of the Sunday for which that form would be used and be part of our worship planning.

Questions? Please see our rector.

* * * IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR the Sanctuary Light or Altar Flowers in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving for a birthday, anniversary, or other special event, please sign up on the board in the Parish Center and indicate the person or occasion to be remembered. The suggested donation for flowers is $30 and for the Sanctuary Light is $10.

Please mark your donation for the Altar Guild.

* * * MORNING PRAYER WILL BE OFFERED at 7:30am on Tuesdays, December 4, 11 and 18

* * * 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 Deborah Newquist with questions at 949.854.2675.

DECEMBER 2012

SAINT MICHAEL’S ON EBAY While you’re doing your holiday housekeeping, don’t throw away things that might sell on Ebay. One of our friends has agreed to put items donated to Saint Michael’s on Ebay starting in January to create a small funding source for the church.

Watch for further details about where to drop off items, who to call for pick up, etc. Please do not include clothing or shoes. Just gently used household items are in order.

Watch for the flyer and, REMEMBER, One Man’s Junk Is Another Man’s Treasure!

Pray for and R emember Remember our P arish Emergency Parish Fund

PLEASE CHECK THE 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 will help us prepare for Christmas.

"For centuries, Christians have observed the four weeks leading up to Christmas as the season of Advent.

It is a time of preparation and anticipation of the birth of Christ."

Some suggestions include lighting an Advent Wreath, remembering to wait until Christmas to add the figure of the baby Jesus to your Crèche, and gradually decorating your Christmas tree, maybe keeping it unadorned for a while. Take time for quiet and reflection. Think about gifts in a different way.

And there are lots more resources on the publisher’s website www.forward movement.com.

Advent Calendar He will come like last fall's leaf fall.

One night when the November wind has flayed the trees to the bone, and earth wakes choking on the mould, the soft shroud's folding.

He will come like frost.

One morning when the shrinking earth opens on mist, to find itself arrested in the net of alien, sword-set beauty.

He will come like dark.

One evening when the bursting red December sun draws up the sheet and penny-masks its eye to yield the star-snowed fields of sky.

He will come, will come, will come like crying in the night, like blood, like breaking, as the earth writhes to toss him free.

He will come like child. © Rowan Williams

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

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

SW - South Wing PC - Parish Center RR - Red Room, AAC

NJB Basketball, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., AAC Handbell Rehearsal, 10-11:00 a.m., NW (12/1, 15) 1, 15 (11(11/ Hand

Yoga class, 9:00-10:00 a.m., NW Whiz Kids, 9:15-10:15 a.m., AAC (12/7, 14) Basketball, 3:30-8:00 p.m., AAC

The Men’s Group, 7:30-9:00 a.m., DL Whiz Kids, 1:45-5:00 p.m., AAC (12/6, 13) Basketball, 5:00-8:00 p.m., AAC Parish Choir Rehearsal, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

AA meeting, 7:00-8:00 a.m., SW Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Peace and Healing 10:00 a.m.

Whiz Kids, 1:45-5:00 p.m., AAC (12/5, 12) Basketball, 5:00-8:00 p.m., AAC Contemplative Prayer, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary

Morning Prayer, 7:30 a.m. (12/4, 11, 18) Whiz Kids, 9:15-11:30 a.m., 1:45-5:00 p.m., AAC (12/4, 11) Basketball, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., AAC

Basketball, 3:00-3:45 p.m., AAC House of Speed, 5:00-6:30 p.m., AAC JOURNEY, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary (not 12/24, 12/31) St. Mike’s Basketball, 7:00-9:00 p.m., AAC

Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

Nursery care from 9:30 a.m. on Sundays-at-Nine, 9:00 a.m., DL Children’s Choir, 9:00-9:40 a.m., NW Sunday School at 10:00 a.m.

Meeting Rooms: AAC - All Angels’ Court MR - Michael’s Room CR - Conference Room

Saturday

Friday

Thursday

Wednesday

Tuesday

Monday

Sunday

EACH WEEK

DECEMBER 2012

Wed., Jan. 16th Sun., Feb. 3rd

Tues., Jan. 1st Sun., Jan. 6th

IN THE COMING MONTHS

First Sunday of Advent, Year C Alternative Gift Fair & Luncheon, AAC Advent Lessons and Carols, 4:00 p.m.

Morning Prayer begins, 7:30 a.m., Sanctuary Vestry Meeting, 7:00-9:00 p.m., CR Staff Meeting, 9:30-11:00 a.m., DL Diocesan Convention in San Bernardino Second Sunday of Advent: Erin Tharp preaching Adult Christian Education Committee, 11:30 a.m., CR Morning Prayer, 7:30 a.m., Sanctury Hutchins Consort Board, 4:00 p.m., CR J. Hassett student piano recital, 5:00-8:00 p.m., Sanctuary Deadline for January 2013 For the Love of Mike, 5:00 p.m.

Third Sunday of Advent Worship Commission 11:30 a.m., CR Morning Prayer, 7:30 a.m., Sanctuary Pat Hauk’s Committal, 3:30 p.m., Memorial Garden, Harbor Day using our parking lot, 6:00-9:30 p.m.

Harbor Day using our parking lot, 8:30 a.m.-noon Parish Choir Rehearsal & Brunch, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Sanctuary, MR Last Sunday of Advent (8:00 & 10:00 a.m. worship) 4:00 p.m. Christmas Pageant, Sanctuary (nursery care) Christmas Eve 5:30 p.m. Choral Eucharist (with section leaders) (nursery care) 10:00 p.m. “Gift of Music” and Choral Eucharist Christmas Day Worship, 10:00 a.m., Sanctuary Office closed Office closed New Year’s Eve

Happy New Year 2013! Office closed Friends of Music present Stephen Black & Friends with music for organ and instruments, 4:00 p.m.

Annual Reports due 46th Annual Parish Meeting, 11:30 a.m., AAC Friends of Music present Horizon Chamber Choir in concert, 4:00 p.m.

Wed., Dec. 26th Mon., Dec. 31st

Tues., Dec. 25th

Mon, Dec. 24th

Sun., Dec. 23rd

Wed., Dec. 19th Fri., Dec. 21st Sat., Dec. 22nd

Tues., Dec. 18th

Wed., Dec. 12th Sun., Dec. 16th

Tues., Dec. 11th

Tues., Dec. 4th Wed., Dec. 5th Thurs., Dec. 6th Sat., Dec. 8th Sun., Dec. 9th

Sun., Dec. 2nd

IN THE COMING WEEKS

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

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FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

A CHALLENGE FOR 2013 Norris Battin “Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

-- Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, 1549 Thinking about New Year’s resolutions, yet? How ‘bout this -- perhaps familiar -one?

“This year I’m going to read the Bible cover to cover.” Many have started down this road, but few have crossed the finish line.All those genealogies and dietary codes can be tough going: dry stuff.

But there’s a new sheriff in town in the form of “The Bible Challenge”-- a program developed by the Center for Biblical Studies that lets you skim through those difficult parts and read the Bible not straight through “cover to cover” but in three small chunks a day -- three chapters from the Old Testament, a Psalm and a chapter from the New Testament. Each day’s reading are laid out in a one year reading schedule that’s easy to follow. You should need 20 to 30 minutes a day to follow the plan.

So what if you do make this resolution to take up the Bible Challenge? We know from psychologists that most new year’s resolutions are are broken within six days and that to keep going requires support and accountability to others.

So we’d like to form a group of interested Bible readers in the parish who are willing to take the Bible Challenge together-- to begin the readings and then meet periodically with our Christian Education

DECEMBER 2012

staff to discuss the readings and ask questions that you have developed. We’ll also collect your email questions and use some of them as discussion starters. Along the way, we’ll nudge you with a few emails (even snail mails if need be) to help support you and encourage you to reach your goal.

Of course you can do this all on your own simply by following the reading list, but the group support and fellowship will help you finish.

There is more Bible Challenge information at www.thecenterforbiblicalstudies.org where “the one year read” and other resources are described.

There is also a book of meditations on each day’s reading by 103 Anglican clergy, “The Bible Challenge” edited by the Rev. Marek Zabriskie, an Episcopal priest in Philadelphia, with an introduction by the Rt. Rev. Frank Griswold, former Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church (including two meditations by the Archbishop of Canterbury designate Justin Welby.) This book is available both at online booksellers ($18.00 at Amazon in paperback; $9.99 for the Kindle version) and at Forward Movement, the publisher of many books and pamphlets for the Episcopal Church; the URL is www,forwardmovement.org.

The meditations are also posted daily on the Center’s website.

If you are interested in the Bible Challenge, please contact Susan Caldwell our minister of Christian Education (949644-0463 or scaldwell@stmikecdm.org or in person). We’d like to start in early January and will have an organizational meeting before beginning.

DO WE HAVE YOUR MOST RECENT EMAILADDRESS?

Please contact Susan Beechner at sbeechner@stmikescdm.org with changes or additions.

BUILDING & GROUNDS

7

MIKE ORTT

A

s this goes to press, we are working on the pipe leak and the electrical short in the South Wing.

I had the contractor look at the front door, and he was able to make an adjustment. If this doesn’t work, we might have to replace the hardware.

The toilet in the ladies restroom has been repaired; and so we are back to three.

The drywall mud was loose and peeling off the door in the kitchen in Michael’s room. I cleaned it out and caulked it to eliminate the problem.

I met with the landscape people and informed them we are using way too much water. They are going to work at cutting back and keeping an eye out for areas that are too dry and ones getting too much water.

U

nited 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.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER REQUEST (Please Print) 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 17th.

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

SHARPS AND FLATS

DECEMBER

STEPHEN BLACK

In the last newsletter I wrote about the challenges a music director faces when choosing music for the choir to sing that is not in English.

Specifically, I discussed whether one should perform translations of the text, or sing the text in the original language.

This is related to a broader issue, and that is the singing of music which does not originate in the Episcopal tradition. This can include hymns in which the tune was borrowed from a secular song, or choral music written by composers who are not steeped in the Anglican tradition.

Some of the most beloved sacred choral music is written by composers who were not religiously observant.

This category of works includes the Brahms Requiem and the Vaughan Williams Hodie. There is also a large category of sacred music that was created through commissioning. This

group includes the great (and unfinished) Mozart Requiem.

And of course there are hymns which originated as secular or nationalistic music, such as the Ode to Joy and Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken. Of all the great sacred music we hear and sing in the Anglican Communion, a very small percentage is music that was actually written as a result of divine inspiration.

In no part of the liturgical calendar is this more obvious than the seasons of Advent and Christmas. We sing carols that were originally secular songs, such as What Child Is This.

Choirs sing beautiful choral works such as the Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, who was an atheist.

We sing hymns and chants from other denominational traditions, such as O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

Over the course of history there have been times when a denomination has sought to purify its musical performance heritage by performing and singing music written specifically for that tradition. The early Calvinists and Moravians are an example of this type of purism (though one could argue that the Moravians were heavily

2012

influenced by European classical tradition.

I have often wondered how many people would be upset if we sang Jingle Bells or Deck the Halls at Christmas Eve services instead of Adeste Fidelis or Joy to the World. I suspect that a sadly large percentage of attendees would not care.

It is one of my frustrations at Christmas and Easter to witness the behavior of people who come to church once or twice a year, and have no appreciation of the various elements that make up such a beautifully integrated liturgy. And yet, much of our sacred music comes from a rather motley assortment of sources. How to reconcile this? I think an answer may be found in the story of Pentecost. Perhaps it is not so much the source that matters, but rather the act of lifting our voices in many tongues but with one accord, which reveals true inspiration and authenticity.

ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 4:00 pm, Sanctuary RECEPTION FOLLOWING in Michael’s Room

INVITE FAMILY & FRIENDS!!

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: Alternate Gif air Giftt FFair Page 3: “They Need Help!”

Page 8: Choosing Music

Merry Christmas!

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