FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE Volume 63 Number 8
SEPTEMBER 2013
The Episcopal Church of Saint Michael Pacific View Drive at Marguerite
U
Corona del Mar
U
California 92625
U
...From the Desk of the Rector
BELOVEDS IN CHRIST, Sanctuary refurbishment is happening as I write this. Hopefully, when you read this we will be enjoying a brighter, cleaner, safer worship. Amid details like “How much light should we bring into our sanctuary?” “What color paint?” “Can we brighten pews?” “What will enhance acoustics?” “Concrete, carpet or tile?” “A rug for the center aisle?” “How much can we afford given generous donations from so many beloveds?” . . . I have pondered a seemingly different question: “What makes space sacred?” Here are four responses to “What makes space sacred? ” First: We make space sacred by our intention. The simple act of gathering with the intention to open ourselves to God and to our neighbors creates a sacred space. We light candles; we create sounds; we pause; we pray. Through simple actions we make room for the unpredictable nature of God’s Spirit to enter into the equations of our lives. Second: We make space sacred through sharing life together. Weekly worship, holy baptisms, celebrations and blessings of marriages, celebrations of lives and burial of mortal remains of those preceding us to God’s heavenly banquet table all resonate throughout sacred space. I could detail so many stories. . . . Such resonance can lead to a sense that we can’t change anything in the space, because then it won’t look the same as when we celebrated a major event in this body-bound chapter of our lives; however, preserving a memory does not make a space more or less sacred, it simply anchors us in the past. Third: Our capacity to experience sacred space lies in our capacity to move from moment to moment, in other words, to be present to what is now. The more we practice this, the more we experience the now-of-life, and each moment presents itself in all its God-drenched sacredness.Throughout Jesus’ life we see his immense capacity to be present to what is and remain connected to God through the worst that human beings can inflict upon one another. When that kind of life begins to stir in us, then the act of coming to worship becomes a joy! What amazing grace to join with others in thanksgiving for what is, tell the truth about the complexity of our lives, offer it all up to God and receive strength to walk through this world as agents of God’s purposes for the world. Sacred space occurs when you and I join with God/Christ Jesus/Holy Spirit to become bread for the world, offer healing and hope, and work to promote true justice and lasting peace.
& All Angels 949.644.0463
U
www.stmikescdm.org
PARISH NEWS & NOTES Stewardship Celebration September 8, 2013 11:30am All Angels’ Court Music, catered lunch (no charge)
Guest Speaker: The Rt. Rev’d Catherine Roskam, former Bishop Suffragan of New York (See bio on page 3)
FELLOWSHIP PLANS FESTIVE FALL Fall is fast approaching, and that means our Saint Michael's Day Celebration can't be far behind. On Sunday, September 29th following l0am worship, we will celebrate our patronal feast day with a party in All Angels' Court, so put that date on your calendar, and watch your Sunday bulletins for further details. And don't forget to mark your calendar for the first Sunday in October, October 6th, too, when we will honor Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi with our annual Blessing of the Animals. --Teri Corbet
Continued on page 3
More News & Notes on page 2 & 7
BUILDING OUR FAITH: LOVING CHRIST AND SERVING OUR COMMUNITY