Borrego Springs, California March 2015 Volume 18 Issue 3. He aint heavy

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1 Borrego Springs, California March 2015 Volume 18 Issue 3 He aint heavy He s my brother! Lyle just sent me this photo. Can you believe it it is a weasel on the back of a woodpecker! (Maybe you have seen it as it has gone viral on the social media.) I ve seen some odd couplings of animal friends before, but this one even defies gravity. We have been talking about how these two creatures happened to be together at all, let alone in flight. From its relative size, the weasel seems to be the vulnerable one here, but even as small as they are, weasels have been known to eat chickens. So what is going on here? If the woodpecker didn t want it there, it could easily flip upside down and knock the weasel off. Is this a rescue? Has the bird adopted it? It is a mystery that we cannot solve just from this photo. But what an image such food for thought; there must be as many ideas as there are beholders. Whatever is actually going on, this beholder finds this image heartwarming. To my eyes, the weasel looks like it still has its baby fur, and as if it is holding on for dear life; it is the woodpecker that looks like the predator, as large as it is and with its long sharp beak. But, incongruous as it seems, there they are, sailing together through the air. I can imagine charming scenarios -- the baby weasel, having lost its mother, seeks refuge on the woodpecker s back; or the woodpecker sees this lone and vulnerable creature and offers it protection. Perhaps I am anthropomorphizing too much; but there are so many strange predator/prey animal couplings that it does not seem like too much of a stretch. In nature we see these very unlikely bonds or friendships. It warms my heart and gives me hope. I see in them visions of the day when the lion lies down with the lamb. May we humans share such bonds with each other and all creation. Bonded together and flying blessings from your fellow creature and sister in Christ, Laura+

2 O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly ask you for all sorts and conditions of men; that you would be pleased to make your ways known to them, your saving health to all nations. More especially we pray for your holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by your good spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of ASHES TO GO On Ash Wednesday, February 18, the churches of Borrego Springs once again held their traditional Ashes to Go ceremonies at Christmas Circle. The ashes are used to mark the sign of the cross on the foreheads of the faithful, symbolizing a quote from Genesis 3:19,... you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Our own Laura+ said a beautiful blessing, and was assisted by George Abrams, a retired Methodist minister from Spokane, Washington who spends two months each year here with his wife. The event lasted from 11:00 to 1:00, and by 11:30 ten people had already received the ashes and blessing. The ashes represent mortality, repentance and humility. Ash Wednesday also ushers in the Lenten season, the 40 days leading up to Easter during which many of us give something up such as alcohol or desserts. In modern times, some give up smartphones, social networks and video games! God blessed us with a beautiful sunny day for observance of this important day in the Christian calendar. May He continue to support us all during our Lenten journey. Wendy Quinn OPEN SKY DEVOTIONS Want an earlier start to your Sunday so you can get out and hike? We are now offering Morning Prayer service at Palm Canyon Trail Head - Pupfish Pond Service Begins at 7:30 AM St Barnabas Prayer List peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any way afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; especially those for whom our prayers are desired; that it may please you to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we ask for Jesus Christ s sake. Amen BCP pg. #815 We pray especially for Our Men and Women in uniform, Tootie Hatch, Richard & Nancy Bye, Kurt Levins, Paul Carroll, Jim Carroll, Jacob Thompson, Kay Sharkey, Ann Easley, Laureana Easley, Leila Easley, Austin Woodruff, Jean Smith, David Born, Verna Robinson, Wendy Christy, AnnMarie Tidwell, Michael, Barbara Scott, Judy Dehler, Kay Sharkey, Gary Westover, Willy Johnson, Bob Keller, Marge Kerr, Ralph Dunlop, Ann White, Barbara Matson, Carol Sargent, Betty Patterson and Lyn Loerke.

3 JANUARY FINANCIAL UPDATE Parishioners have asked to be kept better informed as to the finances of the church. In an attempt to do that The Finance Committee will be including each month in the Carillon the latest numbers that will give you an idea of how the church finances are doing over the course of the year. Budget for FY 2015 Expected Pledges $76, Expected Open Plate $9, Total Expected Income $85, Total Budgeted Expenditures $109, Expected Shortfall for FY14 -$23, Actuals through January Pledges Received $11, Open Plate Received $ Interest from Growth Fund Current Total Income $12, Current Position for FY14 Projected Expenditures $109, Current Total Income $12, Current Position for FY14 $ 98, St. Barnabas Monthly Income FY 14 vs. FY 15 Carillon Page 3

4 Women of St Barnabas What a meeting we had on February 10! Fourteen ladies enjoyed Tina Davis s beautiful home and hospitality while Pat ably served as parking attendant and sommelier. There was so much food that most of us didn t have large enough appetites to sample everything, but what we did try was all delicious. It s been a long time since we had this many in attendance. Let s keep it up! Once our tummies were full, we got down to business and concentrated on Shirley Vialpando s proposed English/ Spanish translation guide. Shirley needs suggested phrases to include, particularly geared toward communication with housekeepers and landscapers, at least in the initial phase. Please them to Shirley at shirleyvlp1@att.net. Tina had a good suggestion to add to Kath- leen Killman s proposed virtual bake sale. Since no actual baked goods would be sold, folks would simply donate to WOSB s outreach programs and pretend to buy a pictured item, they might be more motivated if we made it a 50/50 opportunity drawing. In other words, half the money would go to the winner of the drawing and half to WOSB. Our next potluck luncheon meeting will be on Tuesday, March 10. We are in need of a hostess, so if anyone would like to volunteer please contact Wendy Quinn at quinns@cableusa.com or see Trent to have it included in the bulletin. Thanks to all who participate in this worthwhile group and support our efforts. Wendy Quinn Easter is Sunday, April 5th this year. If you would like to make a donation for flowers please make checks payable to St Barnabas and write Flowers in the note field of your checks. If you would like to make your donation in Honor of or in Memory of someone special, please sign the flower list in the Parish Hall. March Holy Happy Hour Hosts Lectors Schedule for March March 1 - Shirley and Valerie Vialpando March 1 - Chuck Bennett & Jan Naragon March 8 - Joanne McLean & Freida McLaughlin March 8 - Joe Dawson & Joanne McLean March 15 - Cathy Gay & Tina Davis March 15 - Lyle Brecht & Cal Hoskins-Kleinkopf March 22 - Ann Nourse & Diane Hydoski March 22 - Wendy Quinn & Haddon Salt March 29 - Wendy Quinn & Jan Jones March 29 - Ann Nourse & Fred Jee

5 HERE COMES THE BRIDE February 15 was a magical day at St. Barnabas, when Annmarie and Brad Tidwell renewed their wedding vows during the Sunday service. The event began with the happy couple walking down the aisle to Bonnie Walker s beautiful organ music in the company of a large group of friends and family of all ages. Annmarie was radiant in the floor length white gown, and Brad was a dashing groom in his formal attire. Following the procession, everyone was seated for the traditional church service until after the Homily and Nicene Creed. At this point Annmarie, Brad and their wedding party joined Laura+ at the altar and once again recited their marriage vows after 15 happy years together. I d venture to say a few tears of happiness were shed among the congregation! Our wonderful choir then surprised everyone with a stirring rendition of My Guy by Mary Wells. Every bit as good as Sister Act! At the conclusion of the service, the coffee hour was transformed into a wedding reception, thanks to our able hostesses, Maggie Beckwith and Kathleen Killman. There was even a cake! Tables and chairs were set up on the patio to accommodate the many guests whom we welcomed into our congregation for this joyous event. Best wishes to the bride and groom, thanks for sharing your special day, and may you have many, many more years of happiness together. Wendy Quinn n February 7th the new Vestry met at the Rectory for their annual retreat. The group of nine O people including Trent and Laura+ gathered and welcomed the three newest members of the Vestry, Tracey Alexander, Diane Hydoski and Sherry Harapat. Laura+ then lead the group in study and discussion of a wonderful little book, A People Called Episcopalians. Everyone present took a turn reading from the book. It was a great look at who we are as Episcopalians, as individuals, local parishes, nationally and globally. I would highly recommend it to everyone. It is informative, easy to read and short. After a break, the group settled themselves in various beautiful and comfortable locations for a 15 minute meditation focusing on how is God ANNUAL VESTRY RETREAT calling me to serve at St Barnabas? and What dreams do I have for St. Barnabas?. This was a real highlight for the day. The temperatures were perfect, there was no wind and the birds were singing in chorus, reminding us how blessed we are to be alive in this beautiful place we call home. After the meditation time all shared their insights and dreams for St. Barnabas. There were many ideas of how we are called to serve our congregation and the wider community like being more intentional in our welcoming of newcomers and increasing our presence in the community through outreach and music. After celebrating Holy Eucharist together the group had lunch and then the business meeting. I look forward to working with this enthusiastic group. Trent C. Hoskins-Kleinkopf

6 Going Deeper: Bishop Mathes' Lenten Message Beloved, It has been only one week since we received ashen crosses and heard those foreboding words, "You are dust and to dust you will return." On the second Sunday of Lent, we heard Jesus predict his own passion and caution his disciples: "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it." Too often, we are disinclined to embrace a costly discipleship. People come to church to receive good news, not burdens and crosses. We all want to be uplifted by our worship, by the liturgy, the music, and certainly by the sermon. In all cases, Lent calls us to go deeper. We are urged to rededicate our lives to Jesus and practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. As I learn with horror that Coptic Christians are being beheaded in Libya and scores of Syrian Christians are being held hostage by ISIS, I am brought to my knees in prayer and convicted of practicing a non-demanding Christian following. I wonder how I would measure up. I honestly think I am pretty soft. I suspect that I am preoccupied with proverbial first world problems and preserving a privileged church. And so, I ask myself how do I go deeper this Lent? What cross must I take up? How must I lose my life? I don't know the answer. I don't know if I have the courage. And so I ask, will you walk this way with me? Can we struggle together to embrace a more costly discipleship? May Jesus accompany us and bless us on this way, The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes Bishop BISHOP MATHES ANNUAL VISIT The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes, Bishop of San Diego, will be making his annual visit to St. Barnabas on Palm Sunday, March 29th. As always we look forward to having our Bishop with us. It is a special treat that he will be here for such a special day in the liturgical calendar. The Bishop will be receiving people into the church. He will also be dedicating our new fountain in the Memorial Garden so it can be used in Baptisms. Following coffee hour the Bishop will be speaking on the role of General Convention and the election of a new Presiding Bishop in the life of our parish and those across the country. You won t want to miss this. Finally, following his talk the Bishop will be meeting with the Vestry for lunch. Trent C. Hoskins-Kleinkopf

7 Expected Income as of $72, Pledges $ 9, Open Plate $15, From Investments $96, Total Expected Income $109, Budget for 2015 $ 12, Budget Short Fall as of HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE MAUNDY THURSDAY APRIL 2nd 4:00PM GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 3rd STATIONS OF THE CROSS BEGINS AT CHRITMAS CIRCLE AT 3:00PM GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE 4:00PM EASTER VIGIL APRIL 4th 7:00PM IN THE MEMORIAL GARDEN WEATHER PERMITTING EASTER SUNDAY APRIL5th SUNRISE SERVICE ON THE HILL ABOUT 6:30AM HOLY EUCHARIST FOLLOWS AT ST BARNABAS 9:30AM CHORAL EUCHARIST Number of People Pledging for The 2015 pledge totals $72, Below is the list of various pledge amounts as they have been counted. We are oh so short of the $85, goal and need everyone to review and think about how they might get more involved with exceeding this goal. Please have a look at where you are placed on this list. Could you increase your pledge? If you have not pledged please see how easy it is to take ownership in the future of St. Barnabas and sign a pledge card. Thank You! Kathleen Killman Chair for Stewardship Committee 2015 Pledge Amounts for 2015 $ $10, $ $ $3, $ $ $ $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $1, $ $ $4, $1, $ $1, $ $2, $1, $ $1, $ $1, $6, $3, $ $1, $ $5, $6, $10, $ $ $ $ $600.00

8 MARCH OPEN SKY 7:30AM Palm Canyon Trail Head SUNDAY HOLY 9:30AM FOOD BANK March NOON Volunteers are always needed so come early to help with food distribution! St. Barnabas Carillon Editing and Design: Trent Hoskins-Kleinkopf stbarnabasborrego@gmail.com (760) Production: Carol Sargent & Trent Hoskins-Kleinkopf Newsletter Committee: Trent Hoskins-Kleinkopf, Wendy Quinn & Shirley Vialpando Editor Emeritus: Lynnis Wilderson St. Barnabas Episcopal Church 2680 Country Club Road P.O. Box 691 Borrego Springs, CA Church office: Website: