FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE Volume 66 Number 3
MARCH 2016
The Episcopal Church of Saint Michael & All Angels Pacific View Drive at Marguerite
Corona del Mar
California 92625
...From the Desk of the Rector
BELOVEDS IN CHRIST “Empty!” We usually think of “empty” as a bad thing, sometimes even a burden. Sometimes we find ourselves full of nothing, full of “empty”ness. When we go to the refrigerator only to find it “empty,” we leave hungry. When there is no clean water or our water bottle is “empty” we walk away thirsty. When we go to buy something and discover that both our wallet and bank account are “empty,” we are disappointed and embarrassed. Carl Jung said, “The central neurosis of our time is emptiness.” When a beloved dies, the emptiness of grief fills our hearts. Every time we see their empty chair, the empty place at the table, the empty pillow on the empty bed, the emptiness of the grief threatens to overwhelm us. And, we know the “‘empty’ nest syndrome,” and the constant disappointment of the empty promises of the politicians in whom we misplace our hopes. We pretty much despise “empty.” Empty-headed people drive us nuts. We hate leaving “empty-handed.” Yet, empty calories fill diets and empty phrases fill mouths. The sad truth is that many of us are “running on empty,” as Jackson Browne sings. And, we don’t like it. Because emptiness is motionless and keeps us from moving forward or growing. “Empty” is unresponsive, dead and buried. And that is exactly how the women disciples felt that first Easter morning when they ran away from the empty tomb to find the male disciples who were hiding in the upper room. They had witnessed it all: the triumphant entry upon palms into the holy city one week before, Jesus’ “cleansing of the temple,” the “Last Supper,” betrayal. All their hearts, and hopes and dreams, were empty; they had seen them nailed to a cross and sealed in a tomb. They felt used up, disappointed, stricken, confused, hopeless, empty. Because “the tomb was ‘empty’,” “empty” is re-defined, re-framed, restructured, re-made, re-imagined through Christ. “Empty” is now about God’s triumph over sin and death. Now, empty lives can be filled; empty FOLLOWING THE GOOD dreams can be fully lived; empty hope FRIDAY EVENING LITURGY, can over-flow. The Rev’d Canon Haynes will be available in the Sanctuary Empty now reminds us why Jesus for the rite of Reconciliation of willingly took on the emptiness of our a Penitent, pages 447-448 or lives: the emptiness left by trials and 449-452 in the Book of tribulations, the emptiness left by trying Common Prayer, or at other to fill our hollow lives with the “stuff” times by appointment. of this world instead of the Stuff of
949.644.0463
stmikescdm.ladiocese.org
HOLY WEEK 2016 WORSHIP SCHEDULE Palm Sunday, March 20 Holy Eucharist at 8am and 10am with Blessing of Palms and Procession • Evening Prayer (said) at 5:30pm Monday in Holy Week, March 21 Evening Prayer at 5:30pm Tuesday in Holy Week, March 22 Evening Prayer at 5:30pm • Tenebrae at 7:30pm Wednesday in Holy Week, March 23 Holy Eucharist with Healing 12 noon • Evening Prayer at 5:30pm Maundy Thursday, March 24 Evening Prayer at 5:30pm • The Washing of Feet & Holy Eucharist at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary • The Stripping of the Altar • The All Night Watch at the Altar of Repose, 9pm to 9am Good Friday, March 25 Morning Prayer at 9am •Stations of the Cross on the patio at noon • Stations of the Cross for children & families on the patio at 4pm • Evening Prayer at 5:30pm • Stations of the Cross on the patio at 7pm • Good Friday Liturgy with Music at 7:30pm (See note at left below for availability of Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent) Holy Saturday, March 26 Morning Prayer 9am • Evening Prayer 5:30 pm • The Great Vigil of Easter at 7:30pm with the Lighting of the Paschal Candle, Holy Eucharist and Holy Baptism* Easter Day, March 27 Festival Choral Eucharist with Choir, and Organ and Instruments at 8am and 10am (Childcare provided from 8am through Easter worship)
* Childcare provided for this service Continued on Page 3 BUILDING OUR F AITH: L OVING CHRIST AND SER VING OUR COMMUNITY FAITH: LO SERVING
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
CONTRIBUTIONS WERE MADE TO THE RECTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND most recently by Bill & Carol Russell with gratitude and by Valerie & Larry Casey in thanksgiving and prayers for Fred. These funds extend our Parish’s mission of outreach, providing for such needs as can be helped by financial assistance.
* * * 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. The pamphlet “Meditations on the Way of the Cross” is an appropriate reading as we continue our Lenten disciplines this month and anticipate Holy Week, Good Friday, Easter and Resurrection. Here are a few selected prayers offered at the Stations of the Cross: “Condemned Lord Jesus, draw us closer to you in your Passion, that we may walk the way of your Cross in line, trusting only in your mercy.” “Suffering Jesus, by your love transform our fear of pain and rejection into a willingness to risk ourselves in order to find you in all others.” “Jesus, witness of the kingdom, free us from the blindness of delusion and despair. Give us a true vision of hope in God’s saving will.” “Holy God, send your spirit of patient love, that we may not fear the isolation of death and burial more than we hope in your promises of life and resurrection.” ....Ruth Poole
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LEST WE FORGET: There have been 4,497 American military casualties in Iraq and 2,382 in Afghanistan and other locations. "Lord hear our prayers for those who are dead and for those who mourn."
MARCH 2016
SAINT MICHAEL FINANCIAL REPORT JANUARY 2016 Parish income through January 2016 is $63,243; expense to date is $55,539. Pledge income currently exceeds its budget as some parishioners have paid in advance, but this will level out as the year progresses. Please keep your pledge current. Donations to use our campus facilities are on target. It is nice to be sharing our sanctuary with the Coptic Church. Remember that donations for trees or other items to complete our landscaping project are still welcome. As noted at the annual parish meeting and in the finance committee annual report, our objective in 2016 is to balance our budget, and we have reduced expenditures from last year’s level to do this. If we receive income exceeding our budget, we have committed to increasing our contribution to Diocesan Mission Share Fund, which was budgeted significantly lower than our previous annual contributions. At the annual parish meeting, a question was raised about our endowment fund– the $180,065 currently under management at the Diocese of Los Angeles. The parish endowment committee (Laird Blue, Craig Kennedy, Jim Palda, Ray Pentz, and Melinda Rader) has been asked to determine if the undesignated funds in the endowment can be used to help pay down our longterm debt, $132,000 from the 2000 Building our Faith campaign. We have paid interest only for several years and the rate of interest is higher than the rate of return on the funds invested with the Diocese. Please refer any questions you have to a member of the committee. Julie Jenkins, Finance Chairman
* * * 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.
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....................Melinda Rader melindarader2244@gmail.com..............949.230.3644 Clerk of the Vestry...............................Jill Faller jjfaller@gmail.com...........................949.706.9495
Building and Grounds..............Tom Nicholson tom@nicholsoncompanies.com.........949.872.9067 Communications...........................Norris Battin nbattin+SMAA@gmail.com.............949.500-2442 Evangelism.............................Anne Warmington amwarmington@hotmail.com............202.550.4100 Fellowship............................................OPEN
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MARCH ANNIVERSARIES Birthdays 5th - Bill Brady 9th - Patricia Zorn 28th - Norm Bianchi 31st - Jacqueline Caldwell Baptisms 13th - Ruth Poole 24th - Ann Morris 28th - Julie Jenkins
PLEDGE ENVELOPES: If you would like pledge envelopes for 2016, please leave a message for our bookkeeper, 949.644.0463, ext. 15.
* * * MEN’S GROUP: Meets on Thursdays at 7:30am in the Davis Library to discuss questions relating to theology, science, and philosophy. All men are welcome.
* * * DO YOU HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS? Please contact sbeechner@stmikescdm.org with changes or additions. 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 the Kingdom of God. Now, empty reminds us that the raised Jesus offers us the fullness of faith, the fullness of life, the fullness of joy, the fullness of forgiveness, the fullness of hope, the fullness of peace, the fullness of life eternal. Empty reminds us that our deepest hunger can be filled by the Bread of Life who inspires us to feed the hungry. Empty reminds us that our thirst can be quenched by the Good Shepherd who leads us beside still waters and inspires us to provide safe and clean water for others who need it as much as we do. Empty reminds us that although we will experience loneliness we are, in fact, never alone.
MARCH 2016
WE HOPE YOU’LL NEVER HAVE TO USE ONE OF THESE... The National Association of Mental Illness has recently published a series of telephone scripts to use when calling 911 in a mental health crisis that requires the help of a first responder. (For more information about NAMI, please see: http:// namiglendale.org/911-emergencyscripts-2/.)
911 Emergency Scripts Please note: It is best if you call 911 from a land line whenever possible. If you must call from a cell phone, use your local emergency police number. Suicide/Overdose Attempt
Empty empowers us to be God’s hands and feet in our world, visiting the sick, the lonely, the imprisoned, clothing the naked, feeding the hungry and thirsty so near us. Come, celebrate that the empty places in our lives have been filled because the tomb of our Leader and Lord is empty.
Yours, In Christ -
PAPER REPRODUCTIONS OF TILES MADE IN JERUSALEM THAT DEPICT THE 14 STATIONS OF THE CROSS have been posted on the walls of our sanctuary. “Real” tiles (to be donated by a parishioner) will go there if there is a favorable response to this idea. Please have a look, and then let Lynn Headley know your thoughts about them. Yes or no? (lynnheadleygc@earthlink.net) The Stations of the Cross (or Way of the Cross; in Latin, Via Crucis; also called the Via Dolorosa) refers to a devotional depiction of the final hours of Christ. It may be walked at any time, but is most commonly done during the Season of Lent, especially on Good Friday and on Friday evenings during Lent. The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer to the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death.
My name is (NAME). I am calling from (LOCATION ADDRESS). I am calling to request a CIT Officer (Crisis Intervention Team) and a 5150 evaluation (evaluation for involuntary psychiatric treatment.) My family member’s/loved one’s (NAME, AGE, PHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS). He/She has a mental health condition. He/She is diagnosed with (DIAGNOSIS). He/She has attempted suicide: IF PILLS: He/She took (KIND OF PILL) in the amount of (QUANTITY AND DOSAGE OF PILLS) and they were taken at (TIME/DATE). IF WEAPON: He/She has (TYPE OF WEAPON) and it is (LOCATION OF WEAPON). The last contact I had with (HIM/ HER) was at (TIME/DATE), by (PHONE OR IN PERSON) and contact was made by (YOU or FAMILY MEMBER/LOVED ONE). He/She lives with (NAME OF PERSON(S) OR ALONE). He/She has a previous history of suicide attempts and in the past has used (METHOD USED). He/She has (LIST OF OTHER PHYSICAL OR HEALTH ISSUES). DISPATCHER WILL WANT TO KEEP YOU ON THE LINE IN CASE THE RESPONDING OFFICERS/ DEPUTIES HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS.
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Weapon: Threat To Self My name is (NAME). I am calling from (LOCATION ADDRESS). I am calling to request a CIT Officer (Crisis Intervention Team) and a 5150 evaluation. My (FAMILY MEMBER/LOVED ONE) has a mental health condition. He/She is diagnosed with (DIAGNOSIS). He/She is threatening (SUICIDE/CUT/ OD/DESCRIBE SPECIFIC ACT) him/ herself and has (DESCRIBE WEAPON/ PILLS). He/She is NOT threatening anyone else. He/She has been on/off medications for (PERIOD OF TIME). He/She may be on (DRUGS/ ALCOHOL), and has a history of using (SPECIFIC DRUG/ALCOHOL). FOLLOW DISPATCH INSTRUCTIONS. Weapon: Threat To Other My name is (NAME). I am calling from (LOCATION ADDRESS). I am calling to request a CIT Officer (Crisis Intervention Team) and a 5150 evaluation. My (FAMILY MEMBER/LOVED ONE) has a mental health condition. He/She is diagnosed with (DIAGNOSIS). He/She has a (WEAPON TYPE) and is threatening others by (SPECIFIC BEHAVIOR, INCLUDING DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, THROWING CHAIRS, ETC.) He/She has been on/off medications for (PERIOD OF TIME). He/She may be on (DRUGS/ ALCOHOL), and has a history of using (SPECIFIC DRUG/ALCOHOL). He/She has a history of violence: (BRIEFLY EXPLAIN). FOLLOW DISPATCH INSTRUCTIONS. No Weapon: Threat Of Violence My name is (NAME). I am calling from (LOCATION ADDRESS). I am calling to request a CIT Officer (Crisis Intervention Team) and a 5150 evaluation. My (FAMILY MEMBER/LOVED ONE) has a mental health condition. He/She is diagnosed with (DIAGNOSIS). Continued on Page 6
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE SAINT MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
MARCH 2016 4
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
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.
Susan Caldwell
March Mindfulness
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took on mindfulness as my Lenten practice. How to give God thanks in my ordinary and daily living. I have been reflecting on how to focus and to be truly “present.”--I'm a notorious multitasker! I wanted to create peacefulness through more patience and thoughtful awareness of the world around me. What does it mean to stop and listen to one’s surroundings? What is happening in the present space? I came across a small book at Urban Outfitters titled, “The Little Book of Mindfulness” by Dr. Patrizia Collard. The chapter themes went from “Increasing Gratitude” to “Being in the Now” and “Look Around You and Live Longer.” “Why Little Things Matter;” How to be more in the present and not to be in such a hurry to plan the future. During the first week, of my decisive mindfulness I volunteered to take care of my neighbor’s cat. After feeding Sashi and walking down the apartment steps, I noticed two succulent plants on my friend’s balcony. In the early morning light, the green and orange colors caught my attention. I thought about the shape of the leaves and petals that that were so well-proportioned. I thought about the mind of God, his sense of symmetry, his sense of beauty and artistry in the plant kingdom. Those small leaves spoke to me of “Hosanna.” Then, I returned to my car. I needed to navigate around the orange cones and yellow tape set out for safety. I noticed that there was a team of men preparing to roof the apartment complex. Usually, the noise and dust and debris are an aggravation. To my surprise, amidst the nail guns fastening the shingles, I heard a roofer singing. He was singing in Spanish and it was from his heart. His cry was repeated “La Vida.” I knew from my high school Spanish classes that La Vida translated to "life". I wondered if this worker had a different profession on Continued on Page 5
PRAYERS HEALING Teri Chuck Brad Nadine Suzie Mary Betty Michele Norm Ben Fred John GUIDANCE Julie & Bob Esther Whitney Scott, Samantha, Shelby Polly Cliff Kolene REPOSE Joseph Benjamin Russ Jenkins THANKSGIVING - for blessings of Holy Week and Easter
Call Esther McNamee for prayer requests 949.640.1749
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE - ADS NEEDED: Our newsletter is printed by C & M Publications at no cost to St. Mike’s, thanks to the support of the local businesses whose ads are found on the back of the calendar each month. If you or someone you know might like to become a sponsor, please call Susan Beechner in the parish office for more information. 949.644.0463 ex.10. 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.
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
March Mindfulness continued from Page 4 the weekends as a musician. He really did have a beautiful voice and so unusual to find in this present environment of construction. Mesmerized, I sat in my car and listened, afraid to break the spell of a unique happening. I listened, wanting to clap when the song had ended, but it seemed wrong to interrupt. I didn’t want to bring to consciousness someone who may have thought no one was listening. I drove away realizing that I had received this gift of music on this extraordinary day. A canter on the roof! I think Jesus has several examples for us in the art of mindfulness. He marvels at the simple faith of the Centurion who he comes in contact with; or he takes note of the Leper who turns back in thankfulness. Jesus speaks to those sitting by the side of the road asking for help, or says distinctively, “Let the little children come unto me, do not hinder them.” When I walked into the gym the day after Shrove Tuesday, I could still smell the syrup and pancakes in All Angels’ Court. This delightful smell brought back the events of the night before, and I remembered the children’s voices and the motion as they ran circles around the tables. My thoughts then took me to thankfulness and gratitude for Beth Bianchi’s retelling of the ever-so-funny Pancake Man story, which was
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enjoyed by children and adults alike. Laughter is an expression of mindfulness. And then I thought about Anne Conover gathering the children in the Yellow Room so they could learn about clearing out the pantry and keeping the good and healthy foods. She showed them all the colorful little food items that can fit in the palm of the hand. And I thought about the boy who turned to say, “Thank you for having such great prizes for the pancake races.” His mindfulness and gratitude in the details still speaks to me in such a special way. Since it is March, and I am still on my Lenten Journey, I have not learned all that God has for me this forty day step by step. I can only continue to ask the questions that will keep me mindful. How might I bring appreciation into the ordinary of each day? How to let God’s message to me touch my heart in the viewing of a night star, feeling the warm wind on my face, slowing down in the blinding sunlight, or returning the smile of someone I love. I want to appreciate all earth’s simplicities in motion that I daily receive. Mindfulness is keeping the senses alive, the five senses that make us distinctly human and keep us connected to the world and to each other. REMINDER Please wear your name badge on Sundays.
It’s Not too Late for Lent Madness!
P
ick out your golden halo winner with help from the 2016 Saintly Scorecard. Inspired by college basketball tournaments, Lent Madness pits 32 saints against each other in a bracket, as each saint seeks to win the coveted Golden Halo. This indispensable guide includes biographies of the thirty-two saints vying for the golden halo, tips on how to use Lent Madness as a tool for formation, a handy fold-out bracket with all the pairings, and Saintly Sprinkles recipes for saints-related sweet treats and tasty breads. New this year is Pocket Lent Cards of previous Golden Halo winners with key vital stats. Lent Madness was initiated by Episcopal priest Tim Schenck in 2010 and found its home at Forward Movement in 2012. Lent Madness engages thousands of people each season of Lent as they learn together about the lives of amazing men and women—and have a lot of fun! “There is a deep benefit to learning about the saints. As we learn more about the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ — those saints who have gone before us — we invite the communion of saints to pray with us for our needs and the needs of the world,” says The Rev’d Canon Scott Gunn, executive director of Forward Movement Still time to play! See Susan Caldwell for details...and your scorecard.
EASTER FLOWER REQUEST FORM (Please Print) Name:__________________________________________________________ Phone Number:_________________________________________________ In Memory of:__________________________________________________ In Thanksgiving for:______________________________________________ Please make your check payable to Saint Michael & All Angels and write “Easter Flowers” on the memo line. 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, March 21st.
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
Crisis 911 Scripts from Page 3 He/She does NOT have a weapon and is threatening others by (DESCRIBE WHAT YOU SEE AND HEAR THAT IS A THREAT; HEARS VOICE TELLING HIM/HER TO KILL ALL EVIL PEOPLE). He/She has been on/off medications for (PERIOD OF TIME). He/She may be on (DRUGS/ ALCOHOL), and has a history of using (SPECIFIC DRUG/ALCOHOL). He/She has a history of violence: (BRIEFLY EXPLAIN). FOLLOW DISPATCH INSTRUCTIONS. No Weapon: Gravely Disabled My name is (NAME). I am calling from (LOCATION ADDRESS). I am calling to request a CIT Officer (Crisis Intervention Team) and a 5150 evaluation. My family member’s/loved one’s (NAME, AGE, PHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS). He/She does NOT have a weapon and is NOT threatening to harm anyone, but symptoms of his/her mental disorder have reached the point of Grave Disability because (SPECIFIC BEHAVIOR DUE TO MENTAL DISORDER): Inability to provide food. For example – he/she won’t eat because he/she thinks the food is poisoned by the CIA. Inability to provide clothing. For example – he/she refuses to change clothes or bathe for over two months. The smell is overpowering. This is a health hazard. Inability to provide shelter. For example – the symptoms have become so severe that I can no longer manage him/her in my house. He/she cannot live here until better and back on medication. NOTE: This is difficult to say but often the strongest, best case for Grave Disability. He/She has been on/off medications for (PERIOD OF TIME). He/She may be on (drugs/alcohol), and has a history of using. (SPECIFIC DRUG/ALCOHOL). FOLLOW DISPATCH INSTRUCTIONS. Note: Copies of these scripts are available on the table in Michael’s Room.
MARCH 2016
Theodicy By Fredreick Buechner
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needs isn't an explanation. Suppose that God did explain. Suppose that God were to say to Job that the reason the cattle were stolen, the crops ruined, and the children killed was thus and so, spelling everything out right down to and including the case of boils. Job would have his explanation. And then what? Understanding in terms of the divine economy why his children had to die, Job would still have to face their empty chairs at breakfast every morning. Carrying in his pocket straight from the horse's mouth a complete theological justification of his boils, he would still have to scratch and burn. God doesn't reveal his grand design. He reveals himself. He doesn't show why things are as they are. He shows his face. And Job says, "I had heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes see thee" (Job 42:5). Even covered with sores and ashes, he looks oddly like a man who has asked for a crust and been given the whole loaf. At least for the moment.
Theodicy is the branch of theology that asks the question: If God is just, why do terrible things happen to wonderful people? The Bible's best answer is the book of Job. Job is a good man and knows it, as does everybody else, including God. Then one day his cattle are stolen, his servants are killed, and the wind blows down the house where his children happen to be whooping it up at the time, and not one of them lives to tell what it was they thought they had to whoop it up about. But being a good man he says only, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). Even when he comes down with a bad case of boils and his wife advises him to curse God and die, he manages to bite his tongue and say nothing. It's his friends who finally break the camel's back. They come to offer their condolences and hang around a full Originally published in “Beyond week. When Job finds them still there Words” at the start of the second week, he The Rev’d Frederick Buechner is a curses the day he was born. He never Christian theologian and author of 36 quite takes his wife's advice and curses books, including autobiography, God, but he comes very close to it. essays, sermons, quotes, fiction, and He asks some unpleasant questions: other nonfiction. If God is all he's cracked up to be, how come houses blow down on innocent people? Why does a good EPISCOPAL HAIKU woman die of cancer in her prime while an old man who can't remember The Church, Its Ways, his name or hold his water goes on in and Its People, a nursing home forever? Why are there Seventeen Syllables at a Time so many crooks riding around in Cadillacs and so many children going The season is Lent: to bed hungry at night? Job's friends time to prepare for Easter offer an assortment of theological by adding to faith explanations, but God doesn't offer one. The little ones ask God doesn't explain. He explodes. He questions that would confound a asks Job who he thinks he is anyway. learned archbishop He says that to try to explain the kinds of things Job wants explained would Pews haven’t been sold be like trying to explain Einstein to a for at least a century, little-neck clam. He also, incidentally, but this is my pew. gets off some of the greatest poetry in the Old Testament. "Hast thou entered Stand, sit, kneel, stand, kneel: into the treasures of the snow? Canst it’s quite a workout for thou bind the sweet influences of the a Sunday morning. Pleiades? Hast thou given the horse strength and clothed his neck with Sarah Goodyear and Ed Weissman thunder?" (Job 38:31). (Available on Amazon.com) Maybe the reason God doesn't explain to Job why terrible things (Thank you, Corinne Stover!) happen is that he knows what Job
FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
LOAVES & FISHES: This month we will collect individually-wrapped Easter candies for Easter baskets for the children who come to the soup kitchen. (We will need to have these by Sunday, March 20). 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.
* * * IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY SEEN OUR NEW WEBSITE, please check it out! It is refreshed and features beautiful design and up-to-date information! Click on http:// stmikescdm.ladiocese.org/
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EASTER by The Rev’d George Herbert (1593-1633) Rise heart; thy Lord is risen. Sing his praise Without delayes, Who takes thee by the hand, that thou likewise With him mayst rise: That, as his death calcined thee to dust, His life may make thee gold, and much more, just. Awake, my lute, and struggle for thy part With all thy art. The crosse taught all wood to resound his name, Who bore the same. His stretched sinews taught all strings, what key Is best to celebrate this most high day. Consort both heart and lute, and twist a song Pleasant and long: Or, since all musick is but three parts vied And multiplied, O let thy blessed Spirit bear a part, And make up our defects with his sweet art.
ST. MIKE’S COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION is asking for volunteers to help in the parish’s marketing, advertising and public relations efforts. Please contact LENTEN CHORAL EVENSONG: The nbattin+SMAA@gmail.com or service of Choral Evensong is the most distinctive and to many the most beautiful 949.500.2442 if interested. service of the Anglican Church. Our Saint Michael’s Choir will be singing our annual Lenten Evensong on Sunday, St. Mike’s March 6th at 4:00 p.m. Come and hear Social Media beautiful music by the Tudor composer William Mundy and American Gerald Near For parish events and in this short, quiet, reflective, and activities beautiful service. facebook.com/ SMAACDM
For news from our our diocese, The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion, and religion news around the world The Daily Mike On Facebook: www.facebook.com/ SMAAdailymike/timeline On the Web: http://bit.ly/DailyMike SMAA Friends of Music On Facebook: www.facebook.com/ SMAAFriendsofMusic
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THE WEDNESDAYS IN LENT EVENING PROGRAMS CONTINUE THROUGH MARCH 16: Evening Prayer 5:30pm, Soup Supper and Program 6pm; Compline 7:30pm. In Michael’s Room.
* * * 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!
I got me flowers to straw thy way; I got me boughs off many a tree: But thou wast up by break of day, And brought’st thy sweets along with thee. The Sunne arising in the East, Though he give light, and th’ East perfume; If they should offer to contest With thy arising, they presume. Can there be any day but this, Though many sunnes to shine endeavour? We count three hundred, but we misse: There is but one, and that one ever.
In this poem, Herbert helps us see the love that our Creator holds for his creation. If we read this poem as a contemplative prayer, we find we are encouraged to consider the art of living and dying, as God has done for us, and how we, through faith, do in him. Herbert renders God an instrument – and even God’s body an instrument – and reminds us that we are all included as potential participants in the Christ’s Resurrection, and not just as passive observers. -- Rev. Patrick Comerford
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.
* * * CAMP STEVENS: Each year The Very Rev’d Gary Hall leads a reflective retreat weekend for adults at Camp Stevens. This year the focus is “Listening for God in Nature, Scripture, and the Human Community.” Scheduled for March 4-6, it will offer collective readings and reflections, time for personal outdoor explorations, and undoubtedly, apple pie. For more information and to register on-line, go to campstevens.org or speak to Melinda Rader. Each
MARCH 2016
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. 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 (not 3/22) AA Meeting, 7:00 p.m., SW (not 3/22)
Thursday
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 (not 3/24) Parish Choir Rehearsal, 7:00-8:30 p.m., NW (not 3/24)
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
Friday
Whiz Kids, 9:00-11:30 a.m., AAC Yoga class, 9:00-10:00 a.m., NW (not 3/25) Basketball, 1:15-2:45 p.m., 4:00-5:00 p.m., AAC (not 3/25) AA meeting, 7:00-10:00 p.m., SW (not 3/25)
SW - South Wing YR - Yellow Room, AAC RR - Red Room, AAC
Saturday
DL - Davis Library NW - North Wing GR - Blue Room, AAC
Coptic Orthodox Christian Church, 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Sanctuary Basketball, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., AAC ( (not 3/27)
Meeting Rooms: AAC - All Angels’ Court MR - Michael’s Room CR - Conference Room
Wed., Mar. 2nd
Thurs., Mar. 3rd Sun., Mar. 6th Tues., Mar. 8th Wed., Mar. 9th Sat., Mar. 12th Sun., Mar. 13th Wed., Mar. 16th Sun., Mar. 20th Mon., Mar. 21st Tues., Mar. 22nd Wed., Mar. 23rd Thurs., Mar 24th
Fri., Mar. 25th
Sat., Mar. 26th
Sun., Mar. 27th Mon., Mar. 28th Tues., Mar. 29th
IN THE COMING WEEKS
Third Lenten Supper, 5:30 p.m. 5:30 Evening Prayer, Sanctuary 6:00 p.m. Simple Soup Supper/ Program 7:30 p.m. Concludes with Compline Staff Meeting, 9:30 a.m., DL Vestry Meeting, 6:00-8:00 p.m., CR Lenten Choral Evensong, 4:00 p.m. Hutchins Consort Board, 5:00 p.m., CR Senior Ministry, 2:00 p.m., CR Fourth Lenten Supper, 5:30 p.m. Citizens’ Climate Lobby, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DL Daylight Saving begins - Spring Ahead! Adult Christian Education Com. 11:30, CR Deadline for March For the Love of Mike, 5:00 p.m. Final Lenten Evening Supper, 5:30 p.m. Palm Sunday - Blessing of Palms, Procession Evening Prayer (said), 5:30 p.m., Sanctuary Monday in Holy Week - Evening Prayer, 5:30 p.m., Sanctuary Tuesday in Holy Week - Evening Prayer, 5:30 p.m., Sanctuary Spyglass Hill Homeowners Board, 6:00-9:00 p.m., CR Tenebrae, 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Wednesday in Holy Week - 12 noon, HE with healing, Sanctuary Evening Prayer, 5:30 p.m., Sanctuary Maundy Thursday - Evening Prayer, 5:30 p.m., Sanctuary Holy Eucharist, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary The Washing of the Feet, Sanctuary The Stripping of the Altar, Sanctuary The All-Night Watch at the Altar of Repose, 9:00 p.m.-9:00 a.m. Good Friday - The Watch concludes with Morning Prayer, 9:00 a.m. Stations of the Cross, 12 Noon, Parish Patio Stations of the Cross for Children & Families, 4:00 p.m. Evening Prayer, 5:30 p.m., Sanctuary Stations of the Cross, 7:00 p.m. Parish Patio Good Friday Liturgy with music, 7:30 p.m , Sanctuary Holy Saturday - Morning Prayer, 9:00 a.m. Evening Prayer, 5:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal, 12 noon, Sanctuary The Great Vigil of Easter, 7:30 p.m. (child care) Lighting of the Paschal Candle, Holy Eucharist, Holy Baptism Easter Day! -Festival Choral Eucharists, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Office closed for Monday after Easter Day Women’s Fellowship, 7:00 p.m., Bianchi’s Home
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FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE
Thoughts for Good Friday “In Evil Long I Took Delight”
T
his hymn by John Newton was part of the “Olney Hymnal,” a collection of hymns published in 1779 that contains some of the most popular Christian songs of all time, “Amazing Grace” among them. By 1836, the book had gone through at least another 37 editions. Along with “Amazing Grace,” there are over 300 more hymns, some of which still appear in modern church worship. John Newton and his friend, William Cowper, one of the most respected and influential English poets of the 18th century, worked together on this project. Both men shared passion for showing others that they could befriend God personally, receiving forgiveness, freedom, and love. In many ways, their collection epitomizes the booming Evangelical movement of their time. Kathleen O’Bannon Staff Christian Classics Etheral Library
MARCH 2016 8
In Evil Long I Took Delight In evil long I took delight, Unawed by shame or fear, Till a new object struck my sight, And stopped my wild career. I saw One hanging on a tree, In agonies and blood, Who fixed His languid eyes on me, As near His cross I stood. Sure, never till my latest breath, Can I forget that look; It seemed to charge me with His death, Though not a word He spoke. My conscience felt and owned the guilt, And plunged me in despair, I saw my sins His blood had spilt, And helped to nail Him there.
A second look He gave, which said, “I freely all forgive; This blood is for thy ransom paid; I die that thou mayst live.” Thus, while His death my sin displays In all its blackest hue, Such is the mystery of grace, It seals my pardon too. With pleasing grief and mournful joy, My spirit is now filled; That I should such a life destroy, Yet live by him I killed. – John Newton You can hear the tune at the Cyber Hymnal (www.hymntime.com/tch/)
Alas, I knew not what I did, But now my tears are vain; Where shall my trembling soul be hid? For I the Lord have slain.
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
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