FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE Volume 68 Number 1
JANUARY 2018
The Episcopal Church of Saint Michael and All Angels Pacific View Drive at Marguerite
Corona del Mar
California 92625
FROM THE INTERIM RECTOR
Worship In The Hi-Def Age
I
s it just me, or are flat-panel television monitors multiplying like tribbles? Over the past few years, flat-panel monitors have suddenly popped up like toadstools after a rain. They seem to be everywhere. When I’m at the gas station, I no longer have the option of staring moodily at the ever-increasing purchase price while I fill my tank, because now there is a flat-panel monitor built into the gas pump, demanding my attention, marketing me about This or That. Fastfood joints have multiple monitors showing multiple sporting events from multiple angles. Major intersections in Los Angeles have gigantic digital screens pushing wildly sensational visual stimuli at me while I sit at stoplights. (This assumes that I’m not busy looking at the flat-panel screen in the dashboard of my car.) And in the final insult to my privacy and my intelligence, flat-panel monitors are now invading men’s rooms, strategically positioned where for, ahem, functional reasons, you simply have to look at them. (Are women’s restrooms being spared this scourge? Somebody send me some email. On second thought, perhaps not…). The ocean of digital visual media in which we all swim is habituating us more and more to be watchers. We are becoming more and more accustomed to observing and less and less inclined to participating in the experiences that present themselves to us. A great number of churches have decided that rather than fighting this cultural trend, they will join it. The thinking goes that unless a church lets people sit back and observe a worship service that has the saturating sensory power of arena rock, it just “isn’t going to work for people” – especially younger people. Now far be it from a 1970’s-era Led Zeppelin head such as myself to be opposed to arena rock. But the great wisdom of the Church’s liturgical tradition is always tugging us in another direction, away from observation and toward participation. A Sunday service at St. Michael’s offers so many ways to participate – by singing hymns, by saying the text of the liturgy, by receiving the Eucharist, by listening to the readings and sermon. All of these different aspects of the liturgy invite us to make them our own – to take them as ours and offer them to God as our very own gift of prayer and worship. When we approach the liturgy in that spirit, it stops being a kind of “spectator sport” and becomes a spiritual practice. It stops being something we “attend” or “observe” or “sit through” and becomes something we do, something we offer to God. If you’re looking for a New Year’s Resolution that aims at deepening your spiritual life, how about “being less of an observer and more of a participant at Sunday worship” in 2018? You might find it one of the more rewarding resolutions you’ve ever made. --Michael Seiler+
949.644.0463
stmikescdm.ladiocese.org
CONGREGATIONS, DIOCESE RESPOND AS THOMAS FIRE WREAKS HAVOC [The Episcopal News] The devastation was all around them when Bishop John Taylor, The Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy, Canon to the Ordinary, and The Rev. Canon Michael Bamberger, Diocesan Disaster Relief Coordinator, visited Ventura Dec. 12 to meet and offer help to Episcopalians and congregations affected by the fastmoving Thomas fire that wreaked havoc on the Ventura, Ojai and Santa Paula areas before spreading up the coast into Santa Barbara, Carpinteria and Montecito. Taylor, McCarthy and Bamberger delivered the first checks from the Diocese of Los Angeles' new fire relief fund to representatives of St. Paul's Church, Ventura, St. Paul's Church, Santa Paula, and St. Andrew's Church, Ojai, all of which are engaged in assisting those affected. Miles Sexton, Senior Warden of St. Paul's, took the visitors on what Taylor called a "heartbreaking" tour to see the devastation before they met with area clergy and lay leaders, as well as one of approximately seven Episcopalians who have lost homes to the fires. "The crisis touched the lives of everyone we met," said Taylor. "There was no escaping it. One St. Paul's, Ventura, member, Ruth, said she knows 15 people who'd lost their homes. Roger, who lost his, told the harrowing story of leaving his housing development by the one available road out. He and his family were stuck in a bottleneck, watching the fire approach in the rearview mirror." Continued on page 7
BUILDING OUR F AITH: L OVING CHRIST AND SER VING OUR COMMUNITY FAITH: LO SERVING
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
THE 2017 VESTRY Senior Warden...................................Mark Peterson markpeterson@catespeterson.com.......949.252.2622 Junior Warden........................................Clyde Dodge clydedodge@cox.net..............................949.375.1530 Christian Education...........................Melinda Rader melindarader2244@gmail.com...............949.230.3644 Clerk of the Vestry.....................................Jill Faller jjfaller@gmail.com...................................949.706.9495 Building and Grounds........................Michael Kiper Islandmd1@aol.com ...............................949.350.2884 Communications..................................Norris Battin nbattin+SMAA@gmail.com..................949.500.2442 Evangelism...................................Anne Warmington amwarmington@hotmail.com................202.550.4100 Fellowship .............................................Beth Bianchi bethebianchi@gmail.com.......................949.721.0192 Finance.................................................................Open Worship...............................The Rev. Michael Seiler mseiler@stmikescdm.org........................949.644.0463 Mission................................................Kati Nicholson kmowat22@gmail.com............................949.300.3164 Stewardship.........................................Stacie Tibbetts sltibbet@uci.edu......................................714.544.8490 Ombudsperson....................................................Open
A GIFT FOR A NEW YEAR!
50 YEARS! .
Our parish history, “A Celebration of 50 Years,” is available for $15 from Lulu Press bit.ly/SMAAhistory. Twenty percent of the purchase price supports our parish budget. 51 pages of text, color photographs, and historical tables.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A PDF COPY of our Parish Directory, please send a request to nbattin+SMAA@gmail.com.
JANUARY 2018 2
What Happened at the 122nd Annual Diocesan Convention? by Lynn Headley The Crosier was passed from Bishop Bruno to Bishop Taylor, making him the 7th Diocesan Bishop of Los Angeles. (Follow Bishop Taylor’s posts on our Facebook page “The Daily Mike” using the hashtag #7bp. Parish events are covered at facebook.com/SMAA.) Officers of the Diocese were elected: Director of Canterbury Irvine; Director, Canterbury USC; Director, Canterbury We s t w o o d ; M e m b e r, Commission on Ministry; Director, Corporation of the Diocese; Member-at-Large, Diocesan Council; Trustee, Diocesan Investment Trust; Board Member, Hillsides; Board Member, Holy Family Services; Secretary of Convention; and Member, Standing Committee. The Margaret Parker Lecture was given by Bishop Minerva Carcaño of the Methodist Church. Bishop Taylor and Bishop Bruce (see page 3) gave addresses. Bishop Taylor invoked a theme for his episcopacy — Bruce Springsteen’s song title “Everybody’s Got a Hungry Heart” — during his address, calling Los Angeles Episcopalians to a renewed vision of “TLC” — tender loving care for one another and all creation. And, to TLC a renewed vision of transparency, leadership, and community. The Treasurers report and proposed 2018 Mission Share Fund budget were presented. A report from the Special Committee on Corporation Sole was given. It reported on progress to date to have Corporation Sole more transparent, and future plans were given. The Standing Committee reported on work done in 2017 and presented a resolution to request the General Convention to take a look at the working of the Title IV process.
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES Birthdays 3rd - Lisa Dooley 5 - Nora Higgins 12 - Gracemarie Dell Angelo 16th - Dale Woolley 18th - Sharon Ferguson 20th - David Davidson 22nd - Herb Hoffman 27th - Ann Morris 27th - Stacie Tibbetts 29th - Skylar Mineshima 31st - Ali Haghjoo Weddings
14th - Ray & Monty Pentz 21st - Larry & Valerie Casey
NURSERY CARE IS AVAILABLE on Sundays from 9:30-11:30am. TIME AND TALENT: If you are thinking about volunteering with one of our Commissions at St. Mike’s, 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 or to volunteer: 202.550.4100.
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE is a publication of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Corona del Mar, CA. Copy deadline is the second Wednesday of the month. We welcome letters and articles. Editor: Susan Beechner 949.644.0463 sbeechner@stmikescdm.org nbattin@gmail.com www.stmikescdm.ladiocese.org
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
FORWARD MOVEMENT PUBLICATIONS The daily message from the venerable Episcopal Church publication, “Forward Day by Day,” appears each morning on our Daily Mike Facebook page. A ministry of The Episcopal Church, Forward Movement has been inspiring disciples and empowering evangelists around the globe since 1935 through our offerings that encourage spiritual growth in congregations and individuals:https://fowardmovement.org. Please check our Forward Movement display rack on the wall in Michael’s Room. Pick up a pamphlet or two to share with family and friends. We provide a donation box for your convenience. This month, the pamphlet “Praying with Icons,” explains how we can enhance our prayer life by using these images to ‘direct us and draw us into the presence of God.” The purpose of icons is not for us to look at them. Instead, we pray through them. An icon invites us into a sacred reality beyond the image itself. The authors offer several suggestions on how to pray with icons, including some of these: Set a timer before you begin; Light a candle or incense or play meditation music; Begin with a prayer (Several examples are offered); Perhaps afterwards write in a journal ideas that came to you as a result of your experience. Praying with icons is now a widespread practice in Christian settings, including the Episcopal Church. A PRAYER FOR OUR PARISH Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and continuing on earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. --BCP page 816
JANUARY 2018 3
Women's Fellowship We held our Christmas party in November. Great fun, with a white elephant gift exchange, and then a sharing of Christmas memories. We are a group with amazing stories! Our next meeting will be in January on the 30th. Foyers--The new year will bring an opportunity for fellowship and food in small groups. Many of us have good memories and deepened friendships because of these St. Mike’s potluck dinners, but it’s been a long time! Singles, couples, cooks and non-cooks-there is lots of flexibility here! More details to follow! For info, please contact Beth Bianchi, 949.636.3418.
VIMEO CATELOG Don’t have the Vimeo app? Get it from the App Store: http://bit.ly/vimeo_ios Fr. Michael’s Homilies https://vimeo.com/242720187 https://vimeo.com/241659903 Jazz Vespers https://vimeo.com/241657522. https://vimeo.com/233953954. https://vimeo.com/233787432 https://vimeo.com/233629564 http://bit.ly/2iHmTIB Ray Urwin Plays https://vimeo.com/240659178. Thanks to Clyde Dodge for capturing these videos
INKLINGS: Meets monthly on the third Thursday, 9:30-11am, in the Davis Library to read and study writings of C.S. Lewis. Susan Caldwell leads the discussion.
Bishop Bruce Continues Multicultural Ministry [The Episcopal News]In her address to the 122nd Covention of the Diocese, Bishop Bruce recast this ministry as “New Community” ministry. She evoked the Celtic image of the Triquetra, symbolizing the Trinity, as an expression of unity in diversity and collaborative ministry. Laundry Love, Christian Education programs and youth groups are excellent opportunities for congregations to work together, “to strengthen the knot and keep it alive and growing,” she said. “We need to stop thinking someone may steal my sheep and start thinking we will attract more sheep by working collaboratively as a community of faith.” Appreciative of and amazed by the “incredible mission and ministry being done in the diocese,” Bruce promised more working together “on what is important.” For example, an immersion model is under development by The Rev. Peter Huang “for clergy and lay leaders in neighborhoods where the demographic makeup is changing, to experience the culture of who God is bringing into the neighborhood.” New Community gatherings are being organized to affirm mixed-race couples, and to reach out to those who may not feel comfortable going to churches where they are the only Asians. In addition, Bruce will continue her “walkabouts” in church communities, she said. The ongoing national “reckoning” as members of Congress and others are confronted by instances of sexual harassment is an invitation to renew church commitments to ensuring broad representation of all groups in rector searches, Bruce said, and to promote “tried and true” organizations such as the Episcopal Church Women, United Thank Offering, Daughters of the King, Girls Friendly Society and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. Bruce emphasized the importance of worldwide and interfaith ministries through the work of the Program Group on Global Partnership and the Program Group on Ecumenical and Interfaith Concerns. The former was especially noted when delegates approved a companion relationship with the Diocese of Tairäwhiti in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS
EPISCOPAL CHURCH 3233 Pacific View Drive Corona del Mar, CA 92625 949.644.0463 949.644.9247 FAX stmikescdm.ladiocese.org A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION
Our mission is to seek and share Jesus Christ as spiritual food for life’s journey.
The Rev. Michael Seiler Interim Rector [mseiler@stmikescdm.org] The Rev. Dr. Barbara Stewart Associate Rector [barbarastewart001@gmail.com] Susan Caldwell, M.A.Ed. Director of Christian Education [scaldwell@stmikescdm.org] Ray Urwin, D.M.A. Director of Music [raywurwin@gmail.com] The Rev. Glenn Libby Canterbury Irvine The Rev. Canon Ray Fleming Assisting Priest The Rev. Norm Freeman Assisting Priest Susan Beechner Parish Secretary [sbeechner@stmikescdm.org] Maile Jansen, Bookkeeper [MaileJansen@stmikescdm.org]
Sunday Sunday worship schedule Holy Eucharist 8am & 10am Sunday School 9:45am Adult Education 9am Nursery Care from 9:30am Wednesday Noon Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing-12 noon ABOUT SAINT MICHAEL AND 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 2018 4
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Susan Caldwell
EPIPHANY
L
ast month, in December, I was at the Costa Mesa Post Office on Adams Avenue waiting in line to mail Christmas cards and ask questions about overseas customs and requirements. The woman behind me said to the woman ahead of me, “Hi, don’t I know you? You may not recognize me but I work at Albertson’s, I am usually dressed in blue, but aren’t you are a customer there?” And the other lady replied, “Yes I am. Thank you for remembering me and saying hello.” For the next few minutes, I stood in between a conversation of two women, one ahead of me and the other behind me. They went on to discuss travel plans and the directions they were heading. The lady ahead of me spoke of her soon departure and flight to Atlanta, Georgia. The Albertson’s checker advised her of the traffic problems outside the airport that were worse than Los Angeles. My expression was one of disbelief. Traffic worse than LA? The Albertson’s checker said that it was better to fly during the week and arrive later in the evening after traffic had subsided. The other lady thanked her for this perspective. More details were exchanged, and forewarnings accepted and appreciated. As the line moved along, we said happy holidays to the each other and the one in front stepped up to the counter. While the Albertson’s checker and I were at the front of the line, we talked about Christmas stamps. She said she would buy the ones in the center of the display, “The Snow Angel” It is that special holiday motif where the child in a bright red snowsuit is making an angel in the snow. I reminisced about my four years living in Big Bear, saying mostly to myself, “I remember doing that!” Happier memories of Christmas juxtaposed with waiting in long lines at the post office, airport delays, and traffic jams came to mind. Traveling during winter can be challenging. Be it the weather or no room at the inn. But, what bids the traveler on, is the destination. Whether it be to embrace loved ones, see a new corner of the world, or to fulfill a business Continued on page 7
PRAYERS HEALING Brad Nadine Suzie Teri Michele Joanne Polly Theo Norm Ron Herb Olive Mark Burton Jay Carolyn Keith Rebecca Cathy Sandra Jamie Parker Michael
GUIDANCE Whitney Scott, Samantha, Shelby Cliff Dale Mari Lynn & Jim Diane Joan Jim
THANKSGIVING - For the safe return of our Holy Land Pilgrims; - For all of our wonderful Saint Michael & All Angels’ volunteers
Call Esther McNamee for prayer requests 949.640.1749
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
SENIOR FITNESS: An exercise class for seniors meets for an hour every week on Tuesdays at 1:30pm in the North Wing. If you would like more information and are interested, please contact Peggy Montgomery, 949.644.2239.
* * * HELP FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE: We are always in need of donations for replenishing our food cupboard. Please call the parish office with any questions or to learn what types of food are currently needed. THANK YOU ALL for your help with this project.
* * * AFTER THE RECENT FIRES, HURRICANES, AND EARTHQUAKES: If you are thinking about making a donation to help with relief and recovery efforts in California, Texas, Mexico, Florida, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and beyond, consider visiting the following website: Episcopal Relief & Development.
A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM The Living Church is published on the Daily Mike Facebook page. https:// www.facebook.com/SMAAdailymike/ timeline. You can also read the day’s morning and evening prayer there.
* * * UNITED THANK OFFERING (UTO) is a ministry of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Through United Thank Offering, men, women, and children nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God. These prayers of thanksgiving start when we recognize and name our many daily blessings. Those who participate in UTO discover that thankfulness leads to generosity. United Thank Offering is entrusted to promote thank offerings, to receive the offerings, and to distribute the UTO monies to support mission and ministry throughout the Episcopal Church and in Provinces of the Anglican Communion in the developing world.
JANUARY 2018 5
READ BISHOP TAYLOR’S POSTS MISSION COMMISSION to the diocese at our Facebook page, NEWS & ACTIVITIES and check it every day. The Daily Mike h t t p s : / / w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / Christmas Gift Fair: SMAAdailymike/timeline. #bishopcoadj. 24 Vendors participated this year $11,954 in Total Gross Sales across * * * all vendors & charitable organizations, ACOLYTES NEEDED: Do you have including us. one hour to offer this parish each $3,286 in Sales by Charitable month? Would you like to participate organizations (not St. Mike’s) in the worship service on Sundays by $2,702 earned by St. Mike’s ($2,034 carrying the Cross or lighting the in sales + 10% donations from other candles? Acolyting is a valuable ministry vendors) in the life of Saint Michael & All Angels. Please contact Susan Caldwell if you Fundraising opportunities: are interested in learning more about this Amazon Smile (5% of qualifying ministry or to volunteer! 949.644.0463 purchases donated to Saint Michael & All Angels), Youth Car Wash, Paint Night x12. Out, and Kids Learn to Knit. To * * * MEN’S GROUP: Meets on volunteer, contact Kati Mowat Thursdays at 7:30am in the Davis Nicholson at 949.300.3164, or Library to discuss questions relating kmowat22@gmail.com. to theology, science, and philosophy. Currently sponsoring: All men are welcome. Canterbury Irvine (UCI), HomeAid Orange County, Compass Rose * * * Society, Share Ourselves (SOS), PLEASE REMEMBER Saint United Thank Offering, Camp Michael & All Angels has a Parish Stevens, and Theological Education. Emergency Fund funded by parishioners and available to * * * parishioners facing financial emergencies and needing economic assistance. Requests should be A WORD FROM STACIE directed to our rector or any member TIBBETTS, OUR STEWARDSHIP of our Vestry. If you are able to COMMISSIONER Please turn your contribute to this fund, all gifts are pledge cards in as soon as possible if welcome! you haven’t already done so. The Vestry needs to plan the 2018 Budget. * * * Additional pledge cards and time and REMINDER: Please wear your talent cards are available on the back name badge on Sundays. rail. Thank you very much!
* * * ONLINE LEARNING - TRY CHURCHNEXT: We continue to explore the resources for online learning available to us through "The Well," which is our parish's module within the ChurchNext website. ChurchNext has a number of offerings and is constantly being updated and expanded. A number of our parishioners have participated. Please take a moment to obtain a user name and become familiar with the offerings. The website offers a wealth of opportunities for reflection and learning both in a group and individually. If you need any assistance or have any questions, please contact Susan Caldwell, 949.644.0463 ext. 12, or scaldwell@stmikescdm.org.
Amazon donates to Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church when you shop @AmazonSmile. http://smile.amazon.com/ch/330512534 #YouShopAmazonGives Anglicans Online http://anglicansonline.org/
* * * LEST WE FORGET: There have been 4,547 American military casualties in and around Iraq, and 2,398 in Afghanistan and other locations. “Lord, hear our prayers for those who are dead and for those who mourn.”
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST Living in Community; Guided by a Rule By The Rev. Michael Seiler
A
nglican religious orders are communities of men or women (or in some cases mixed communities) in the Anglican Communion who live under a common rule of life. The members of religious orders take vows, which often include the traditional monastic vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, or sometimes a modern interpretation of these. Members may be laity or clergy, but most commonly include a mixture of both. They lead a common life of work and prayer, sometimes on a single site, sometimes spread over multiple locations. Some religious orders are unique to the Anglican Communion. Certain large orders, such as the Society of Saint Margaret or the Community of the Sisters of the Church, are widespread and follow a rule of life written especially for the community. Other communities follow one of many historic rules predating the ecclesial divisions of the Reformation era. These rules are followed by different orders often within the Christian denominations, particularly Anglican, Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Eastern Orthodox. The Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) is an Anglican religious order for men. The members live under a rule of life and, at profession, make monastic vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience. The Society is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I have visited their monastery many times for week-long retreats, and I’m always deeply moved and inspired by the depth of prayer, worship, and quiet I experience there. SSJE was founded in 1866 at Cowley, Oxford, England, by Father Richard Meux Benson, and Father Simeon Wilberforce O’Neill, priests of the Church of England, and Father
JANY AR Y 2018 JANYAR ARY
Charles Chapman Grafton, who was an American priest (and later Bishop of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin). The Society was the first stable religious community of men established in the Anglican Communion after the English Reformation. For many years, the society had houses in Scotland, India, South Africa, Japan and Canada. On their website, www.ssje.org, the Society describes itself this way: “We are a community of men giving our whole selves over to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rooted in the ancient monastic traditions of prayer and community life, and critically engaged with contemporary culture, we seek to know and share an authentic experience of God’s love and mercy. We live a common life shaped by worship, prayer, and our Rule of Life.” Beginning with this issue, we will occasionally publish sections of the Rule of Life in “For the Love of Mike” for your meditation and contemplation. Here’s the first one: The Call of the Society God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, the eternal Word by whom all things were created, to become flesh and live among us. In all the signs that he did and the teaching that he gave, he made known to us the grace and truth of the eternal Father. When his hour came the Son consummated his obedience to the Father, and expressed his love for us to the uttermost, by offering himself on the cross. He was lifted up from the earth in his crucifixion and resurrection from the dead in order to draw all people to himself. We whom God calls into this Society have been drawn into union with Christ by the power of his cross and resurrection; we have been reborn in him by water and the Spirit. God chooses us from varied places and backgrounds to become a company of friends, spending our whole life abiding in him and giving ourselves up to the attraction of his glory. Our community was called into being by God so that we may be entirely consecrated to him and through our common experience of the glory of the Father and the Son begin to attain even now the unity that God desires for all humankind. “The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one in them and you in me,
6
that they may become completely one so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Our mission is inseparable from our call to live in union with God in prayer and in worship and with a mutual love mission to others; “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” We are sent to be servants of God’s children and ministers of the reconciliation which the Lamb of God has accomplished. Our own unity is given to be a sign that will draw others to have faith in him. Christ has entrusted to us the same word that the Father gave to him, so that those who hear it from our lips and perceive it in our lives may receive the light and through believing have life in his name. By giving us the grace and courage to make lifelong vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience in an enduring fellowship, God makes us a sign of his eternal faithfulness. A community of men who pledge to stay together until death is a powerful sign to the world of the grace that enables those who love Christ to abide until he comes. The divine Wind that blows where it chooses has not restricted our Society to a few ministries. Varied gifts within our brotherhood bear witness to the living power of Christ and extend his salvation. Though our gifts differ we share one call to be consecrated in truth, through the power of God’s word and the grace renewed by feeding on Christ and drinking his life-blood in the Eucharist. As a sign of our identity, God gives us all an affinity with the witness of the beloved disciple embodied in the Gospel of John. We bear the name of St John the Evangelist to show the Church what is the source of our inspiration and our joy. An excerpt from The Society of Saint John the Evangelist's Rule of Life. Men of prayer, helping people pray their lives. www.ssje.org
PHONE TREE MINISTRY: NEW MEMBERS NEEDED. Our goal is to contact every parishioner by phone once a month. This is a great opportunity to get to know others better and to share information, needs, and suggestions about Saint Mike's. Please contact Ruth Poole at 949.644.9263.
Calendar of Ev ents At Saint Mic hael & All Ang els Events Michael Angels
Senior Fit, 1:30-2:30 p.m., SW AA Meeting, 7:00 p.m., SW
The Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Sundays-at-Nine, 9:00 a.m., DL Nursery Care from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday School, 9:45 a.m. Godly Play, children 4-11, Yellow Room Formation, 5th-8th grade, Green Room Youth Group, high school 1st & 4th Sundays, Blue Room
Saturday
Friday
Thursday
Coptic Christian Church, 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Sanctuary
Volleyball, 4:15-6:00 p.m., AC AA meeting, 7:00-10:00 p.m., SW
Men’s Group, 7:30-9:00 a.m., DL Choir Rehearsal, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday AA meeting, 7:00-8:00 a.m., SW Staff Meeting, 9:30 a.m., DL Liturgy Meeting 10:30 a.m., Michael’s Office The Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing, Noon SAA meeting, 7:30-9:00 p.m., SW
Tuesday
Sunday
EACH WEEK
AAC - All Angels’ Court DL - Davis Library SW - South Wing MR - Michael’s Room YR - Yellow Room, AAC BR - Blue Room RR - Red Room, AAC CRR - Corner Room NW - North Wing GR - Green Room, AAC CR - Conference Room
MEETING ROOMS:
(-
Mon., Jan. 1st Happy New Year 2018! - Parish Office Closed Sat., Jan. 6th The Epiphany Epiphany Party, 6:30 p.m., MR Sun., Jan. 7th The Holy Eucharist at 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Sundays-at-Nine, DL Wed., Jan. 10th Senior Ministry, 2:00 p.m., CR Vestry Meeting, 5:30 p.m., CR Sun., Jan.14th The Holy Eucharist, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Adult Christian Education Meeting, 10:20 a.m., CR Mon., Jan. 15th Parish Office closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Wed., Jan. 17th Deadline for February For the Love of Mike, 5:00 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 18th Inklings, 9:30-11:00 a.m., DL Sun., Jan. 21st. The Holy Eucharist, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Sun., Jan. 28th The Bible Challenge, 7:30 a.m., DL The Holy Eucharist, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Sundays-at-Nine, DL Worship Commission, 11:30 a.m., CR Tues., Jan. 30th Women’s Fellowship, 7:00 p.m., Bianchi’s Home
IN THE COMING WEEKS
JANUARY 2018
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FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
JJANUARY ANUARY 2018 7
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St. Mike’s Social Media For parish events and activities: www. facebook.com/ SMAACDM For daily worship and meditations plus news from our diocese, the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion, and global religion news: The Daily Mike www.facebook.com/ SMAAdailymike/timeline http://bit.ly/DailyMike (free daily newsletter) And also: SMAA Friends of Music www.facebook.com/ SMAAFriendsofMusic St. Mike’s website: www.stmikescdm.ladiocese.org Parish email: smaa@stmikescdm.org For the Love of Mike online (color edition with live links and back issues): Use the Issuu app on either Facebook page
Instagram: Stmikessocal
commitment. All kinds of travel happen during winter months. In early January, Episcopalians, Catholics, and other faith traditions that follow the Liturgical Calendar Year, are particularly interested in the historical winter travelers known as the Magi, or Wise Men, or Three Kings, as traditional song will call it. January 6th is marked as The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a feast day of the revelation of the appearance of God incarnate. Epiphany is when we take notice of wonderful showing of and movement of the Star which guides the Magi to the Christ Child. The Magi left their countries of origin to travel to Israel. It was on their lips to ask questions and to seek answers. Their studies led them in search of a king. “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2. As moderns, we might better relate to this and have some perspective on the request if it were phrased, “I want to meet the Queen of England.” Or, “Wouldn’t it be great to spend the holidays with Will and Kate?” What I find most fascinating is that these Magi are prepared to bow low and bend the knee to a king they have never met. Can you think of a time when you ever bent the knee? Or kneeled before another? Can you even imagine traveling a great distance to worship a stranger? What were they thinking? Scripture tells us that this Jesus would touch the Nations. He wasn’t to be cloistered. He was to be shared. We can hear this Good News to all peoples and epiphany of The Great Commission in the early pages of the Gospel of Matthew. Our parish pilgrims, Lynn and Jim Headley, Myrna Ireland, Melinda Rader, and Beth Bianchi have travelled a great distance in December to the Holy Land. We look forward to hearing about their journey and all that they have learned on their pilgrimage. They will be sharing their stories during Sundays-at-Nine on January 21st in the Davis Library. Please come and pack out the Davis Library to hear of their stories of traffic jams and snow angels. All are welcome. DO YOU HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS? Please contact sbeechner@stmikescdm.org with changes or additions.
Continued from page 1 The fires forced churches to cancel services and clergy and parishioners to evacuate their homes even as they worked to assist their neighbors, including the homeless and other vulnerable people. The congregations receiving the checks will use the money to purchase gift cards from local grocery stores, which they will distribute to those most in need. "There is nothing quite like seeing with one's own eyes the impact of the fires," said McCarthy. "The emotional toll is immense and will be long lasting. It was quite moving to be there, to listen to the stories each person shared, and to be with them in the shock and grief. It's easy to say that it's only stuff; but the stuff lost IN the fire is also memories, connection, and a feeling of place. To lose all of that is devastating." The diocese's fundraising effort continues, as the need will continue to be great for a long time to come. The secure online link is w w w. E D L A F i r e H e l p . o r g . Contributions may also be made by checks made payable to the Diocese of Los Angeles ("Fire Relief Fund" in the memo line) and sent to the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026. Read more here, or in the Episcopal News Winter 2018 issue, due online later this week. Visit episcopalnews.com.
* * * THERE IS a lost and found box in Michael’s Room.--Look for it there!
* * * A REMINDER FROM YOUR SAINT MICHAEL & ALLANGELS’ COMMUNICATIONS TEAM. You have several options to publicize your ministry or event throughout the SMAA community: this newsletter, our Facebook Page (facebook.com/ SMAACDM), the weekly Sunday bulletin, the spoken word at announcement time, or even an email to our “digital parishioners.” Contact Norris Battin for the newsletter and Facebook, Susan Beechner for the bulletin and email, and Fr. Michael for announcements (nbattin@gmail.com, sbeechner@stmikescdm.org; or mseiler@stmikescdm.org.)
JANUARY 2018 8
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
SOCIAL MEDIA SCOREBOARD: During the past month, Lynn Headley’s post of the first day of the parish pilgrimage reach 309 viewers. The post was boosted anonymously (thanks!) and ran for 3 days. On the Daily Mike page, following our pilgrim in the Holy Land has also been popular (the hashtag is #pilgrims.) You can also follow social media postings by Bishop Taylor (#7bp) and Bishop Bruce (#bpsuf) on The Daily Mike Facebook page. Join us on Facebook …it’s not just for kids anymore! Check out our Instagram page, too: https:// www.instagram.com/stmikessocal/. And don’t forget our website http://stmikescdm.ladiocese.org/. We update it regularly.
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ST. MIKE’S IS ESTABLISHING A GIRLS FRIENDLY SOCIETY CHAPTER! Look for more information as we lay the groundwork. Contact Beth Bianchi 949-6363418. GFS is an old fashioned name for tomorrow's leaders. The organization is 140 years old, but is always looking to the future. Activities and programs teach the Bible, Christian service, and current issues at appropriate age levels to girls age 5-18.
* * * ST. MIKE’S COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION is looking for volunteers to help in the parish’s marketing, advertising, and public relations efforts. If interested, please contact Norris Battin at 949.500.2442, or nbattin+SMAA@gmail.com.
MISSION COMMISSIONER KATI NICHOLSON WRITES: Amazing what can be done when a community comes together! St. Mike’s parishioners!! We adopted 3 families this year thru @shareourselves in Costa Mesa. We needed to supply gifts and food for 30 people. We donated $1950 worth of gift cards for shoes, clothes and groceries. We donated and wrapped 100s of gifts and toys as well as 7 bicycles. We boxed it all up and delivered everything today to the #adoptafamily drop-off at OC fairgrounds where the warehouses will soon be full of gifts and groceries to give 1000s of families in Orange County a wonderful Christmas! It was awesome to see the amazing work these volunteers are doing. Thank you St. Mike’s for being small yet mighty in your generosity! #loveourlittlechurch we have helped make 3 families very happy! #happytears! (hashtags refer to the Saint Michael & All Angels’ Facebook page.)
* * * 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 our bookkeeper, Maile, in the Parish Office, 949-644-0463, ex. 15. She will be happy to help you simplify your life!
FOR THE LLO OVE OF MIKE Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church A Christian Community of the Anglican Communion 3233 Pacific View Drive Corona del Mar, CA 92625
In the January Issue:
Page 1: W orship in the High-Def Age Worship P arishes R espond to FFires ires Parishes Respond Page 6: The Society of St. John The Evangelist STAY CONNECTED to St. Mike’s: website: stmikescdm.ladiocese.org email: smaa@stmikescdm.org www.facebook.com/SMAAdailymike www.facebook.com/SMAACDM Instagram: stmikessocal
Pray for and R emember our P arish Emergency FFund und Remember Parish