Me : n d sh tte Pari am. l 0 oA n t nua 1:3 Pla h An y 7, 1 48t ruar b Fe
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE Volume 66 Number 1
JANUARY 2016
Corona del Mar
California 92625
...From the Desk of the Rector
BELOVEDS IN CHRIST -
O
ur forty-eighth Annual Parish Meeting will be held on the first Sunday of next month, February 7, 2016, immediately following worship, 11:30 a.m., in All Angels’ Court. I hope and pray you will attend, and promise we will be finished in plenty of time for you to get to Super Bowl (or as my spiritual director calls it “Stupid Bowl”) parties. To entice you: - How long has it been since you read the three mission statements printed weekly in our worship bulletins, usually on the inside of the back cover. The first is ten years old and the other two were here when I arrived in l987. Our 2015 Vestry has given highest priority to claiming a new mission statement, what Louise Stover, our Ombudsperson, creatively calls “rebranding.” The process for doing so will be outlined at our Annual Meeting and our hope is that by the end of 2016 each of us will be able to give our Mission Statement when others ask us to do so. - Thanks to Clyde Dodge our 9:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, June 5, 2016, will be our second U2charist. Those who were here on Saturday evening, May 10, 2014, know how wonderful this is. Others may learn more about what it will be at our Annual Meeting. - The opportunity of a third Parish Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in November 2017, led with Canon Iyad Qumri and The Very Rev’d John Peterson, will be discussed. We will have to decide soon whether this is a “Go!” or not, whether or not at least twenty-five of us are seriously interested in this journey. - The General Convention of our Episcopal Church meeting in summer 2015 gave considerable attention to use (and abuse) or alcohol in church worship and fellowship. This arose from tragic deaths involving two of our bishops, one in Baltimore, Maryland, and another in Monterey, California. Your Worship Commission has discussed using non-alcoholic wine at Eucharist/Communion and your Vestry has asked that this be discussed at our Annual Meeting. - 2016 will be an exciting time in our Diocese of Los Angeles as we should elect a Bishop Coadjutor to succeed The Right Reverend Jon Bruno who has announced his retirement in 2018.
949.644.0463
stmikescdm.ladiocese.org
LENTEN QUIET DAY SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27
C
onsider a day to slow down and take in the significance of Lent. This year’s annual Lenten Quiet Day for Deaneries 9 & 10 will be at Saint Michael & All Angels, on Saturday, February 27th, from noon to 4:30pm. All are welcome! Join us for a day that promises to renew and deepen our engagement with the power of God’s Word as we are reintroduced to our sacred stories through the wonder of Godly Play. With a fresh perspective, we may open up to God’s presence and revisit the path He calls us to follow. The Rev’d Martha Korienek, former St. Mike’s associate, is this year’s keynote speaker. The afternoon offers time for meditative art making, labyrinth walking, quiet reading, and peaceful reflection along with several Godly Play story sessions. The day concludes with Holy Communion celebrated by the Rt. Rev’d. Diane Bruce, Bishop Suffragan. Registration opens at 11:30am. A simple lunch will be served at noon. Childcare is provided for children in kindergarten and under. Please register your children well before the event to ensure enough childcare workers are present. Please consider making a donation of $15.00 per person to cover lunch and expenses, and RSVP to Louise Stover at lstover@alum.pomona.edu by February 15th. Save the Date, and plan to spend a meaningful afternoon here at Saint Michael’s.
+Jon and I are both 1946 models (July for me, November for Jon) and our Title III, Canon 16, Section 5 requires: “Upon attaining the age of seventytwo years, each Member of the Clergy occupying any position in this Church shall resign that position and retire from active service...” Continued on page 3 BUILDING OUR F AITH: L OVING CHRIST AND SER VING OUR COMMUNITY FAITH: LO SERVING
ng
Pacific View Drive at Marguerite
eti
The Episcopal Church of Saint Michael & All Angels
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
CONTRIBUTIONS WERE MADE TO THE RECTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND most recently by Marilyn & Bob Whiton in thanksgiving for their fifty years of marriage; by Barbara & Sy Black in thanksgiving for healing and service; and by Barbara & Wally Paulson in gratitude for the joy and beauty of the holiday season. 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.)
JANUARY 2016
SENIOR FITNESS: An 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 at 949.644.2239.
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/
DO YOU HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS? Please contact sbeechner@stmikescdm.org with changes or additions.
* * *
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.
* * * LOAVES & FISHES: In January, we will collect large boxes of kids’ favorite cereals. Monetary donations are always welcome, too. Please make checks payable to Saint Michael’s with Loaves & Fishes on the memo line. Tax ID #95-2123746). Attention Travelers: We are always collecting hotel/travel-size toiletries for shower kits for the homeless patrons.
* * * LEST WE FORGET: There have been 4,497 American military casualties in Iraq and 2,375 in Afghanistan and other locations. "Lord hear our prayers for those who are dead and for those who mourn."
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
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
2
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES Birthdays
2nd - Craig Kennedy 3rd - Lisa Dooley 5th - Nora Higgins 12th - Gracemarie DellAngelo 16th - Dale Woolley 18th - Sharon Ferguson 19th - Marcia Last 20th - David Davidson 22nd - Herb Hoffman - Anne Logie 27th - Ann Morris Stacie Tibbetts 31st - Ali Haghjoo Weddings
14th - Ray & Monty Pentz 21st - Larry & Valerie Casey
* * * 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! 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
From the Desk of the Rector
continued from page 1 - Parish elections will include representatives to Diocesan Convention (which, next December, will elect our seventh Bishop Diocesan) and Deanery Council and Assembly as well as members of our Vestry who will lead the significant ministries of Junior Warden and Clerk, and Christian Education, Communications, and most hopefullyFellowship Commissions. Please be with us in All Angels’ Court, 11:30 a.m. – (no later than) 1:00 p.m., on the Last Sunday After The Epiphany, February 7, 2016 for the 48th Annual Parish Meeting of our Saint Michael & All Angels Parish Church.
Yours, In Christ -
P.S. 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
DECEMBER 2015
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+ P.P.S. To get a sense of what a Holy Land visit can be like, visit our Area Bishop Diane Bruce’s blog www.obispadjb.blogspot.com/. Her trip began in late December.
PENITENTIAL PRAYER OF ST. AUGUSTINE O Lord, The house of my soul is narrow; enlarge it that you may enter in. It is ruinous, O repair it! It displeases Your sight. I confess it, I know. But who shall cleanse it, to whom shall I cry but to you? Cleanse me from my secret faults, O Lord, and spare Your servant from strange sins. St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-430)
3
Episcopal Congregations Research Info Available [Episcopal News Service, December 4, 2015] Based on data received from a comprehensive survey of churches through the 2014 Parochial Report, updated facts and figures about congregations in The Episcopal Church have been posted here: http:// www.episcopalchurch.org/page/ research-and-statistics The information was compiled by Dr. Kirk Hadaway, Congregational Research Officer for the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. New documents include: Domestic Fast Facts Trends 2010-2014; Membership and attendance by province and diocese 2013-2014; Membership and attendance totals by province 2013-2014; and several other trend reports on participation and giving. Among the data report, 26 dioceses in The Episcopal Church experienced membership growth: Arizona, Arkansas, Dallas, Dominican Republic, East Carolina, Ecuador Littoral, Florida, Georgia, Haiti, Louisiana, Navajoland, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern California, Oklahoma, San Joaquin, South Dakota, Southeast Florida, Southwestern Virginia, Tennessee, Virgin Islands, Virginia, West Virginia, Western North Carolina. While the figures reflect a decline, Hadaway explained, “The decline recorded is larger than has become typical for the last several years due to the situation in South Carolina. Records for the disputed congregations that are not cooperating with the reorganized diocese were suspended, resulting in a decline of 77.3% in membership and 76.6% in Average Sunday Attendance. The net effect was to change the overall decline of membership from -1/6% to -2.6% and the decline in attendance from 2.1% to 3.5%.” Information that has been posted includes: • Episcopal Domestic Fast Facts Trends: 2010-2014 in English and Spanish • Statistical Totals for the Episcopal Church by Province: 2013-2014 in English and Spanish • Statistical Totals for the Episcopal Church by Province and Diocese: 20132014 in English and Spanish.
Celebrating the Holidays
Making Advent Wreaths
Singing and Distributing Flyers at the Christmas Walk
ls
e l Ang l A ichael & M t n i a S t A
The Children’s Christmas Pageant and Children’s Choir
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE SAINT MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION
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 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.
JANUARY 2016 6
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Susan Caldwell
I would like to give you an update of the events taking place in Christian Education in the New Year. Looking to Sundays at Nine, Melinda Rader will continue to lead The Great Courses DVD series. This series will last through January 31. The following Sunday, on February 7, in preparation for Lent, there will be a sacred story telling by our Godly Play teachers. Women’s Fellowship will resume meeting in January, on the last Tuesday of the month, January 26th. This fellowship and study time meets at Beth Bianchi’s house. Please contact Beth if you have any questions or inquiries. A new group has formed which covers all things C.S. Lewis. The Inklings meets on the third Thursday of the month in the Davis Library from 9:30-11:00am. The devotional book “Praying with C.S. Lewis” by Charles C. Taliaferro is published by Saint Mary’s Press. Please join us for a look back at Christian history during the 1940s and 50s and the phenomenon of C.S. Lewis’ published works and how he helped shape American Christianity. The Men’s Book Discussion Group meets on Thursday mornings, 7:30am-9:00am. Men’s Group will launch the new year with a new book for discussion. The title of this book is “The Soul of the World” by Roger Scruton. ChurchNext Online Learning is led by Kathleen Peterson. If you are interested in studying a variety of topics at home on your computer all the while being connected to a small study group at church, please contact Kathleen Peterson. There are over 100 classes to choose from. Lenten Suppers 2016 Our guest speakers this year are coming from our very own Saint Michael & All Angels Parish! The topic of discussion will be the study of Holy Continued on page 9
PRAYERS HEALING Teri Russ Brad Nadine Joe Suzie Mary Betty Lee Michele Alexander Jeff GUIDANCE Julie & Bob Esther Whitney Kolene Scott, Samantha, Shelby Polly Cliff REPOSE Dan Connelly
THANKSGIVING - for our parish of Saint Michael & All Angels and for our hard-working Vestry
Call Esther McNamee for prayer requests 949.640.1749
EVANGELISM: A great big thank you to every one who came out to sing at the Corona del Mar Christmas Walk. A wonderful time was had by all and my family cannot wait to do it again next year! Barbara Black did a fantastic job on the keyboard and it was such a joy to watch the young parishioners hand out flyers to the passersby. Oh, what fun!! - Anne Warmington
Monday
Sunday
Volleyball, 3:30-6:30 p.m., AAC St. Mike’s Basketball, 7:00-9:00 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. (Begin again Sun., Jan. 10th) 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.
EACH WEEK
Tuesday
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
Friday
Thursday
Whiz Kids, 9:00-11:30 a.m., AAC Yoga class, 9:00-10:00 a.m., NW Basketball, 1:15-2:45 p.m., 4:00-5:00 p.m., AAC AA meeting, 7:00-10:00 p.m., SW Truth Spiritual Study Group, 6:00-8:00 p.m., DL
Whiz Kids, 9:00-5:00 p.m., AAC 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
Wednesday AA meeting, 7:00-8:00 a.m., SW Yoga class, 9:00-10:00 a.m., NW Whiz Kids, 9:00-5:00 p.m., AAC Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing, Noon Basketball, 5:00-8:00 p.m., AAC SAA meeting, 7:30-9:00 p.m., SW (not 1/6) Volleyball, 8:00-9:30 p.m., AAC
Saturday
Coptic Orthodox Christian Church, 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Sanctuary Basketball, 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., AAC
Happy New Year 2016! Parish Office closed The Bible Challenge, 7:30 a.m., DL The Epiphany Coptic Orthodox Christian Church’s Christmas being celebrated in our Sanctuary, 7:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Vestry Meeting, 5:00-7:00 p.m., CR Staff Meeting, 9:30 a.m., DL Citizens’ Climate Lobby, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DL 1st Sunday after the Epiphany - Baptism of Our Lord Adult Christian Education Committee, 11:30, CR Hutchins Consort Board, 5:00 p.m., CR Deadline for February For the Love of Mike, 5:00 p.m. Senior Ministry, 2:00 p.m., CR Worship Commission, 11:30 a.m., CR Office closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Annual Parish Reports due Bible Challenge, 7:30 a.m., DL Annual Parish Reports available Friends of Music Executive Committee, 11:15 a.m., CR Spyglass Hill Homeowners Board, 6:00-9:00 p.m., CR Women’s Fellowship, 7:00 p.m., Bianchi’s Home
IN THE COMING WEEKS
JANUARY 2016 Fri., Jan. 1st Sun., Jan 3rd Wed., Jan. 6th
Thurs., Jan. 7th Sat., Jan. 9th Sun., Jan. 10th Tues., Jan. 12th Wed., Jan. 13th Sun., Jan. 17th Mon. Jan. 18th Wed., Jan. 20th Sun., Jan 24th Tues., Jan. 26th
IN THE COMING MONTH
DL - Davis Library NW - North Wing GR - Blue Room, AAC
SW - South Wing YR - Yellow Room, AAC RR - Red Room, AAC
Sun., Feb. 7th Last Sunday after the Epiphany 48th Annual Parish Meeting Wed., Feb. 10th Ash Wednesday Sun., Feb. 14th 1st Sunday in Lent Wed., Feb. 17th First Lenten Supper, MR Sat., Feb. 27th Quiet Day with Martha Korienek+ ( Meeting Rooms: AAC - All Angels’ Court MR - Michael’s Room CR - Conference Room
Calendar of Ev ents At Saint Mic hael & All Ang els Events Michael Angels
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
James B. Hair, D.D.S. Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry
Fireplace Fixtures
DON SHEETZ Broker
3800 E. Coast Hwy., Suite 2 Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 (949) 675-1146 • Fax (949) 675-3491 www.jamesbhairdds.com
673-7065
2711 East Coast Highway
Quality Home Care You Can Trust®
949.720.0700
Piano Instruction by Jennifer Hassett
Private at-home or studio piano programs for all levels 949.374.0323 jhassett@inbflat.com
UNLIMITED PLUMBING CO. Complete Plumbing Service 9 855-6000 4 9 363-5556
www.newportfineproperties.com Cal BRE:01268002
Parishioner for 30 Years Owned & Managed by Judy Brady Saint Michael’s Parishioner for 35 Years • Personal Care, Bathing, Dressing • Medication Reminders • Respite for Families • Errands & Appointments • Doctor Visits • Light Housekeeping Preparation • Meal P • Companionship • And More
Call Today for a Free In-Home Assesment
949.650.2550 Our services are always confidential. 881 Dover Dr. Ste. 300 • Newport Beach www.assistinghands.com/newport-beach
Lic. #618320
Lance McRoberts
Need Help? Call Bob "The Handyman" No job too big or too small
949-350-4260
Over 24 years experience References available
Income Tax Services Nathan Day-Montgomery 2901 W. Coast Hwy. Ste. 200 Newport Beach natemontgomery@gmail.com
949-350-6127
Balboa Island Board & Care Balboa Island Registry, Inc. Board & Care Service Hospice, Respite Care, In-Home Care • Part-time of 24 hours R.N.'s C.N.A.'s • Home Health Aides & Companions All with DOJ & CCL Clearance
949-673-8589 Cyndy Barton R.N. Ca St. Lic. #300606338
300 Apolena Ave. Balboa Island Most Insurance Accepted ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS EPISC / 68
Mark D. Peterson • Business Disputes William L. Cates • Estate Planning Kathleen O. Peterson • Family Law
4100 Newport Place Ste. 230, Newport Beach 949-724-1180 • www.CatesPeterson.com
www.cmpublications.com
For advertising information, please call (951) 776-0601
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
HOLY INNOCENT CHILDREN OF BETHLEHEM Slaughtered on Order of King Herod the Great by Norm Ewers When Jesus of Nazareth was born (6BCE), he and his parents, Mary and Joseph, were temporarily residing in Bethlehem, Judea, where Herod the Great was king. Rome had appointed Herod to the Judean throne in 40 BCE to keep peace in Palestine. The Jewish historian Josephus recorded Herod as a man of ruthless control, coupled with genuine ability who sought to become known as “King of the Jews.” Because his family had converted to Judaism, his claim to this title was always questioned. His “greatness” was due to his building projects: the harbor at Caesarea, the Temple Mount, Masada, and the Herodium. Historian Josephus also described Herod as a man of great barbarity who was continually in fear of losing his throne. It is not surprising that the Wise Men’s report of the birth of an infant Messiah who would eventually free Palestine from Roman domination caused Herod great fear and tribulation. Although it is not recorded in secular history, the massacre of those innocents is totally in keeping with what is known of Herod’s character. As the Gospel According to Matthew reports, Joseph received a warning and in the middle of the night hustled his little family to Egypt before Herod could find Jesus, where they remained until Herod had died and his kingdom divided among his four sons. That was an infant Messiah (Jesus) the Wise Men had seen. “What a fairytale,” a skeptic might say. “Where’s the evidence?” “On the front page of your daily newspaper, or on the 6 pm News of your favorite TV station, that’s where,” the person of faith might gain footing and make a reply. Terrorist and other attacks on persons, property and freedom, just like Herod contemplated, are daily occurrences in today’s world. What we saw in ages past, we see again today in the
JANUARY 2016 9
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. It is time to revisit the words of John C. Danforth, an Episcopal priest and former senator from Missouri and ambassador to the United Nations. The following words appear in his 2006 Forward Movement pamphlet “Common Ground in a World of Extremes,” and concluded his address delivered at the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal church on June 15, 2006. “…I plead with all my fellow Episcopalians... let us figure out a way to hold together… let us put whatever we do in the context of the higher calling of the ministry of reconciliation. Put that first and let everything else fall into place. If we can’t resolve every difference, let us try to make the start by resolving some small difference, or else deciding to live peaceably together despite our differences. Agree to disagree if that’s necessary, and if we succeed in shifting the emphasis of this church to the ministry of reconciliation and closing the differences that separate us, we will deliver a powerful message that will spread well beyond the Episcopal Church. It will be a message not merely for our little corner of Christianity, but one heard all over the world….”
---Ruth Poole
Editor’s note: Danforth has authored a recent book: The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can Change Politics published by Penguin Randon House in October 2015.
* * * WE NEED Greeters, Ushers, Tellers, and Altar Guilders. Please contact Canon Haynes if interested. modern area, violent acts of despotic leaders. During these turbulent times, it is important to keep our eyes on God and to stay tightly attached to the anchor of his Scripture promises. As God spoke to Abraham, Jacob and Moses, God said, “I will be with you.” (Genesis 26:3, Genesis 31:3, Exodus 3:12) And again Jesus said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) Thank you, God for being with us.
Susan Caldwell - Christian Education continued from page 6
Week. For the five Wednesday nights in Lent, guest speakers will reflect on Holy Week and their favorite worship service, be it Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Tenebrae, Maundy Thursday, Holy Saturday or Easter. Please talk with Canon Haynes or me if you are interested in sharing about your favorite Holy Week worship service. Deanery Quiet Day in February Saint Michael & All Angels is hosting the annual Deanery Quiet Day. The Reverend Martha Korienek will be the guest speaker. This wonderful event will showcase our parish hospitality and also our new grounds. Please take the time right now to schedule in the afternoon of February 27th to attend this event. The theme is, “Rediscover the wonder, mystery and joy of the sacred stories.” Please contact Louise Stover if you have any questions or inquires.
* * * CHURCHNEXT ONLINE LEARNING 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. NURSERY CARE IS AVAILABLE on Sundays from 9:30-11:30am.
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
JANUARY 2016 10
Epiphany
As with Gladness Men of Old
E
piphany is the Christian festival celebrating the manifestation of the divine nature of Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi. The feast day is traditionally observed on January 6th. Western churches generally celebrate the Visit of the Magi as the revelation of the Incarnation of the infant Christ. Traditionally, Eastern churches celebrated Epiphany (or Theophany) in conjunction with Christ's baptism by John the Baptist and celebrated it on January 19; however, many have begun to adopt the Western custom of celebrating it on January 6, the twelfth day of Christmas. Protestant churches often celebrate Epiphany as a season, extending from the last day of Christmas until Ash Wednesday. In more general terms, the phrase "religious epiphany" is used when a person realizes his faith, or when he is convinced that an event or happening was really caused by a deity or being of his faith.(Wikipedia)
As with gladness, men of old Did the guiding star behold As with joy they hailed its light Leading onward, beaming bright So, most glorious Lord, may we Evermore be led to Thee.
Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way; And, when earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy glory hide.
As with joyful steps they sped To that lowly manger bed There to bend the knee before Him Whom Heaven and earth adore; So may we with willing feet Ever seek Thy mercy seat.
In the heavenly country bright, Need they no created light; Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown, Thou its Sun which goes not down; There forever may we sing Alleluias to our King!
As they offered gifts most rare At that manger rude and bare; So may we with holy joy, Pure and free from sin’s alloy, All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.
Words: William Chatterton Dix, 1860. He wrote this on Jan. 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, while sick in bed. Music: "Dix," adapted by William Henry Monk from the original "Treuer Heiland, Wir Sind Heir" by Conrad Kocher, Stimmen aus dem Reiche Gottes, 1838.
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
Return Service Requested
Inside the January Issue: Page 1: 48th Annual P arish Meeting Parish Page 3: P ossible 2017 Holy Land Journey Possible Pages 4 & 5: P icture P ages Picture Pages
Pray for and R emember our P arish Emergency FFund und Remember Parish