FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE Volume 66 Number 10
NOVEMBER 2016
The Episcopal Church of Saint Michael & All Angels Pacific View Drive at Marguerite
<Corona del Mar <
California 92625
<
949.644.0463
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stmikescdm.ladiocese.org
...From the Desk of the Rector (This letter appeared here last June. It seems even more important this November 8th.)
PRAYING OUR GOODBYES SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH 5PM
BELOVEDS IN CHRIST “Vote your hopes not your fears!” So I’ve said every election year during my tenure as your rector. In this last important election year in which I will be your rector I want to add, “Voting is an act of faith that can be a spiritual practice.” It’s easy to feel discouraged with all the challenges our United States faces, but as people of faith we know we have to work toward a better future for all. Why do we spend time and energy going to our polling place on, or voting by mail before, June 7 and November 8 when our individual vote is unlikely to be the deciding factor in local, state, or federal elections? Because we have responsibilities to the common good that cannot be done in isolation. Voting is clearly not the only way we are supposed to live out our faith, but it certainly is a foundation for showing our dedication to each other. The physical acts involved in voting -- learning about the issues, talking with family and friends about the candidates, going to the polls, filling out the ballots -- solidify our spiritual commitment to love our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus’ teachings are intended to make us aware of our connections with, and responsibilities to, others; they call us to engage with the world around us with the hope of transforming it. This is “political,” as our word comes from the Greek “politicos” which means “of, for, or relating to citizens.” Politics is the Continued on page 3
DR. RAY URWIN, HOMILIST CHOIR SPECIAL READINGS CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS God has given us each other to help us in this journey we call life. We can grow, learn, and find support from one another. If you have lost a loved one, beloved pet, or job, experienced something in life which has brought sadness and difficulty, or know someone who has suffered such a loss, please attend this very special worship at Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church.
ALTERNATIVE GIFT FAIR ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13th. Plan now for our annual event. Your favorite places to find gifts for family and friends will be there, plus the opportunity to support many different outreach projects with your gift-giving, such as Free Wheel Chair Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Heifer Project, and Loaves & Fishes. And Michael's Market, featuring your handmade items for sale, will be returning again. So, please start thinking about how you can participate and put this date on your calendar! Please call Barbara Stewart+ with ideas and offers to help. 714.949.7449
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 on-line). 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, Ext. 15. She will be happy to help you simplify your life!
BUILDING OUR F AITH: L OVING CHRIST AND SER VING OUR COMMUNITY FAITH: LO SERVING