growing with you in god’s love and service may 2020 · 2020. 4. 25. · by george! growing with...
TRANSCRIPT
By George!
Growing with You in God’s Love and Service
May 2020
Rule of Life for St George’s
Based on our spiritual values and practices, this is ourcommitment to each other.
We:
! Nurture ourselves with the Bible and spiritual
books
! Care deeply about each other, including in
prayer.
! Fellowship together and have fun.
! Are grateful, glad and giving stewards of God’s
creation.
! Reach out to the world, living and spreading the
Word.
St.George’s Episcopal Church
5600 Winding Way
Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 487-5600
By George!May 2020
A monthly publication of
St. George’s Episcopal Church
5600 Winding Way
Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 487-5600
http://www.saintgeorgeca.com
The Rev. Dr. Ray Hess, III
Priest in Charge
916-753-9939
Nancy Landers, Senior Warden
916-487-7310
Rev. Robert Olsen, Deacon
916-729-1019
Tess Testeza,
Organist/Choir Director
Sandy Olsen, Editor
Dolores O’Brien, Deacon Bob and
Carol Adkins, Circulation
In this issue
ANNOUNCEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES. . . . . . . .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
BOOK CORNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
BOUNTY BAG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
DEACON BOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
FROM OUR PIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
HOSPITALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
MAILBOX UPDATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
RE-GIFT SALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ROSTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
SENIOR WARDEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Thoughts From Our PIC (Priest in Charge)
Come, Risen Lord Jesus!
We are in the midst of the Easter Season, which lasts fifty days from Easter Day through the feast
of Pentecost on May 31st. The Sunday Gospel readings for the season start with accounts of resurrection
appearances of the risen Jesus to his disciples. The Gospel readings then move to the teachings of Jesus
in his farewell address to his disciples the night before his arrest, as told in John 14-17. These teachings
describe the kind of relationship Jesus wants with us.
We are also in the midst of the “shelter in place” requirements about staying home and keeping
social distance. As I write this near the end of April, none of us know how long we will be in this
situation. A good question to ask in this time is about the risen Jesus – where is Jesus at work in our
challenging world?
I do not have a direct connection with the risen Jesus to know exactly what he is doing, but I have
some ideas. I see our risen Lord in these places:
In our congregation – We have figured out how to have our worship services and many of our
meetings online, with the help of members of our church and from people in our diocese. The online
services have been very good and have reached out to a lot of people. Our average participation in our
online worship has been more than twice our normal attendance! I will be glad to get back to meeting in
person, but I want to continue to reach out digitally to many others. Jesus is present in our worship!
Our church members have reached out to one another in many ways in our difficult circumstances
– by phone, email, Facebook, text, etc. In addition to the informal ways we stay in touch, we have had
Sunday afternoon Zoom coffee hour meetings. I see the love of the risen Lord in the caring we show for
one another.
We are starting a Thursday noon Zoom Good Book study of the Gospel of Matthew. This is a
way to learn together and to have fellowship online. I trust that our risen Lord will be with us as we
gather around the Good Book.
In all the changes of meeting online, our financial giving has remained strong. This helps all our
ministries to continue without interruption. I see the hand of our risen Christ in our generous
contributions.
In the community – Our risen Lord is at work in the lives of many people in the larger
community around us. I see Jesus in the courage and kindness of so many medical workers who put their
lives at risk in order to help those who have become ill with the virus. Jesus is present in the many
workers who continue to provide essential services for us – grocery store workers, farmers, garbage pick-
up workers, police and fire people, and many others. Without their help, we would not be able to
function.
In prayer – As we pray at worship and at other times, Jesus works through us to heal and comfort
others. It is crucial that we pray and keep on praying – for each other, our community, the sick, all in
need, and for ourselves.
Come, risen Lord Jesus! Help us to see your hand at work in the world around us and in our lives.
Thank you for your presence in us as we move through difficult times. Amen.
In Jesus’ love,
Father Ray
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Senior Warden As we celebrate the Easter Season, we are adjusting to the current sheltering in place order.
Overall, the live streaming of Holy Week and Easter services were well “attended” (viewed). We
appreciate people continuing to send in their pledges plus the Easter offerings. Even without us
personally meeting for the worship services, there are bills to pay. I am learning how to use Zoom which
up until now, I had never heard of. It’s all a learning curve: FaceBook Live; FaceTime; what is public
and what is private domain; physical distancing; face masks; and washing our hands for at least 20
seconds numerous times a day plus hand sanitizer and wearing gloves to shop. I feel fortunate that no
one that I directly know has been diagnosed with the virus. A couple of maybe’s but were not able to be
tested in San Diego. Recently my 99 year old Auntie died 10 days before her 100th birthday. She died
because her heart was worn out and not the CoronaVirus. Sadly only one of her three children was with
her due to the travel restrictions in the Bay Area and their own health issues. Her granddaughter arranged
a Zoom meeting on her birthday where we celebrated with a toast of a beverage of our choice and shared
a memory. A memorial service will be held when we can all gather together to celebrate and honor the
last of her generation on my dad’s side of the Family. It is difficult to grieve and mourn alone. We are
social beings. We are survivors and will do whatever is necessary for the well being of us all. Looking
forward to being with you soon!
Take care and be safe.Virtual hugs coming your way from your Sr. Warden,
Nancy Landers
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Worship, Fellowship, and Education
Sunday Worship at 10 a.m. through
Facebook Live (recorded for later viewing
as well), including Pentecost Sunday on
May 31! Morning Prayer at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays
through Facebook Live (also recorded for later
viewing)
! Zoom Coffee Hour – 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoons
! Zoom Good Book Study of Matthew – Thursdays
at noon through May 28.
Zoom Coffee Hour
Zoom coffee hour takes place on
Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is a fun
way to stay in touch. Father Ray
facilitates these gatherings and has a
theme for each week. Invitations to
participate on Zoom are sent out each
Sunday afternoon.
Church Office During the time of “shelter in place,”
our church office will be closed. Individual
members will come to the office regularly to
pick up the mail and take care of needed
administrative things. Messages on the
answering machine will be checked remotely on
a regular basis.
MAY BIRTHDAYS
1—Aaron Downing
5—Mel Rose
16—Carol Adkins
16—Tim Johnson
16—Rose Clark
17—Genie Schavey
18—Carolyn Caye
21—Nick Wilcox
21—Maydene Lum
24—Ellie Nelson
30—Natalie Saunders
31—Nathan Benbow
31—Tim Breen
MAY ANNIVERSARIES
8—Peter & Diana Perparos
20—Damon & Wendy Nelson
(If your name was not included, please let Sandy know so she
can add your name.)
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Women’s Guild Hospitality
Sunday will be the 1st
Sunday of each month,
special offering envelopes
are included in the bulletin.
These are used by the
Women's Guild to provide weekly coffee
hours, special receptions and other events
for parish members. Please make checks
payable to St. George's Church with a
memo note in the left corner for
HOSPITALITY.
The women’s Guild is
happy to provide the book
corner for your
enjoyment. We
appreciate the books you
all donate. However, I
would like to remind you to bring fiction,
non-fiction, historical or humorous books.
Please NO self-help or study books.
Thanks for your attention to this matter.
CDs...$1
BOOKS...$1
PAPERBACKS...50¢Happy Reading,
Janet Jenkins
GET READY!5TH Annual Regift Sale coming!Sponsored by St. George’s Round Table in support of
Veterans, Homeless, Out Reach & In Reach
Everyone is invited to participate, so startcollecting NEW or LIKE NEW items. Please price your own items and bring to St. George’sParish Hall. We will beannouncing the date of the sale so check your Sundaybulletins!
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Zoom Good Book Lunch DiscussionEach Thursday afternoon at noon through the Easter Season, we will have learning anddiscussion about the Gospel of Matthew. Deacon Bob has sent out information about gettingthe material for the study. This information is also included below:
This Week in Matthew: Weekly emails by Forward Movement will preview the upcoming readings to provide contextand background. The emails also will feature the ministries of partner organizations. Sign upand find archived emails here! https://www.goodbookclub.org/get-involved/
The Good Book Club Podcast: Each day, listen to the scripture passage and a reflection on the Gospel of Matthew. Offered inpartnership with the Episcopal Church’s Office of Communication. Available anywhere youlisten to podcasts.https://bit.ly/2XmU3CI
Matthew 101: A two-page introduction developed by Forward Movement to the Gospel of Matthew,exploring authorship and major themes. https://www.goodbookclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Matthew-101.pdf
Please join in this study of Matthew, which is the focus on our Sunday Gospel readings formost of this Church Year.
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Tnesdays @ 10:45
2nd Wednesday @ 6:45 pm
Lessons can be found on our websitewww.stgeorgeca.org
LastMonday
@ 11a.m.
Saturday @ 3:00
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MAY/JUNE
MAY 3rd 4th SUNDAY OF EASTERActs 2: 42-47 Psalm 231 Peter 2: 19-25 John 10: 1-10CELEBRANT: ` Julie VicePREACHER: Mel RoseEUCHARISTIC MINISTER: LECTORS: ALTAR GUILD: Joy AllmuthACOLYTE: USHER:
MAY 10th 5th SUNDAY OF EASTERActs 7: 55-60 Psalm 31: 1-5,15-161 Peter 2: 2-10 John 14: 1-14CELEBRANT: ` Ray HessPREACHER: Mel RoseEUCHARISTIC MINISTER: LECTORS: ALTAR GUILD: Joy AllmuthACOLYTE: USHER:
MAY 17th 6th SUNDAY OF EASTERActs 17: 22-31 Psalm 66:7-181 Peter 3: 13-22 John 14: 13-21CELEBRANT: ` Ray Hess EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: LECTORS: ALTAR GUILD: Joy AllmuthACOLYTE: USHER:
MAY 24th 7th SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 1: 6-14 Psalm 68: 1-10,33-361 Peter 4: 12-14, 5: 6-11 John 17: 1-11CELEBRANT: ` Bill RotaniEUCHARISTIC MINISTER: LECTORS: ALTAR GUILD: Joy AllmuthACOLYTE: USHER:
MAY 31st DAY OF PENTECOSTActs 2: 1-21 Psalm 104: 25-35, 37 1 Corinthians 12: 3b-13 John 7: 37-39OFFICIANT: ` Julie ViceEUCHARISTIC MINISTER: LECTORS: ALTAR GUILD: Joy AllmuthACOLYTE: USHER:
JUNE 7th TRINITY SUNDAYGenesis 1: 1—2:4a Psalm 82 Corinthians 13: 11-13 Matthew 28: 16-20CELEBRANT: ` Julie Vice
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: LECTORS: ALTAR GUILD: Joy AllmuthACOLYTE: USHER:
ROSTER UPDATEYou should notice there are no servers on the monthly roster except the celebrant and Altar Guild.When we finally are able to attend church we will again ask you to serve. I haven’t forgotten you but therewas no point on assigning a date to serve when we don’t know when we will be able to serve.
Sandy
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Beginning with Football season in August, Sandy and I start watching “Inside the NFL”, a show, asthe name might indicate, dedicated to discussing football each week. Their first question each week is “Whathave I learned.” With all the time I’ve had on my hands lately, I’ve been asking myself, what did I learn from“sheltering in place”.
First off it’s not a lot different than my usual routine, except I don’t go to the grocery store prettymuch every day, just to get out of the house and not stay in my sweat suit day. I also learned after the firstcouple of days, if I grabbed a cookie every time I went in the kitchen, I wouldn’t have any choice but to wearmy sweats, as my Levi’s wouldn’t fit. On those less frequent occasion when I do go to the grocery store, Ilearned folks are still pretty nice, doing their best to stay away from each other. On the other hand I got theimpression that a lot of folks think traffic rules no longer apply. Seemingly stop signs have become yieldsigns and speed limit signs are invisible. Or maybe it is the same number of scoff laws are on the road asbefore, but are more noticeable as most of the good drivers are staying home.
I’m also finding I’m starting to sound like Andy Rooney and that my cultural references are likely tobe 30 years out of date. For those of you who might not remember Andy Rooney from 60 Minutes, hegenerally started his monologue with “did you ever wonder…” With all this time on my hands I’ve had a lotof time to wonder. For example I wonder what it has been like for convenience store and bank clerks withevery one coming in wearing masks and rubber gloves.
With the end of Lent and then Holy Week, it has also given me time to think about more importantmatters, am I continuing to love God and all of my neighbors. Other than some of the drivers mentionedabove I think my answer would be yes. It was nice that one of our neighbors emailed Sandy, I am forgettingnow how she gently identified us as in the vulnerable group offered to do any shopping we needed done. Iwas also drawn back to the piece of scripture from 1 Thessalonians, that I mentioned last month. “Be joyfulalways; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in ChristJesus”(1Thess 5:16-18). I give thanks that as a retired guy I don’t have to worry about losing a job, and evenmy unpaid one as a deacon has kept me busy. I’ve learned new skills, organizing Zoom meetings and LiveStreaming services. I’m thankful that my son Jason has been telecommuting for years, his boss lives inOklahoma City, so has remained employed. Thanks for Facebook, I’m able to see that friends are taking timeto enjoy each day, spending time with their families and staying connected via social media.
The COVID-19 is a reminder that our time on this earth is in God’s hands, but thanks to our faith inJesus, we have ever lasting life. Tomorrow is not promised, just today. I was reminded of this on our wayback from Hawaii last year, when using my Military ID to go through security and the TSA guard noted thatthe expiration date block said INDEF. I explained that it expires when I do. All of this has reminded me thatmy focus should be on each day, am I living out my baptismal vows to Love God and my neighbors. Remembering Jesus words “ do not worrying about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself” (Matt 6:34),but Be joyful this day, pray this day, give thanks this day for that is God’s will. Live in peace, to love andserve the Lord.
Amen. Bob
What have I learned
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BOUNTY BAGWe’re collecting dry goods, canned
goods, dried cereals, soaps, toothpastetooth brushes or any non-perishables,
We collect Bags ANYTIME!! NO TIME TO SHOP a check to St.
Georges with memo to River city Food Bank (everything is welcome).
SUNDAY SERVICES
Family Service 9 a.m.Sunday School 9 a.m.Traditional Service 10:30 a.m.
Recently, it is believed that our mailbox was broken into - the lock was jimmied open. Luckily, I had picked up the mail the day before so only one day’s mail was effected. Since that time, I have been picking up the mail on a daily basis. Deacon Bob isordering a more secure locking mailbox which he will install upon its delivery. Untilwe are able to meet for worship services, I will pick up the mail everyday. If youprefer, you may mail your check to my house:
St. George’s Episcopal Church j Nancy Landers 6036 Comfort Court Carmichael, CA 95608
My mail slot drops in a box directly into my garage plus I have the service where I received an emailfrom the post office showing what mail is to be delivered that day. I attempted to set up that service for theChurch but was informed it was not available for the requested address. The online bill payments from yourbank can continue to go to the Church as I am checking the mail daily. Payments can also be made by PayPal. Please see the Church’s website to make an online: www.stgeorgeca.org donation.
Due to furloughs and lay offs, if you are financially effected, this is beyond the scope of anything youhad control over when you signed your pledge card this past Autumn, please reach out to Father Ray (916)753-9939 or Mel Rose, the pledge secretary (916) 835-3885. Your financial support is greatly appreciatedduring this most unique time of our lives. Take care and be safe.Counting our blessing, Nancy, Sr. Warden
MISSING COOKIE SHEET! Diana Perparos is missing a cookie sheet she brought to the Mardi GrasBrunch, maybe someone took it home to clean or just put it away.
Articles are always welcome...BUT KEEP it short! The best way to submit an article is via my [email protected], May 27th will be the deadline for the June issue of the By George.
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