Open Sky Devo ons. Borrego Springs, California November 2014 Volume 17, No. 9

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1 Borrego Springs, California November 2014 Volume 17, No. 9 Open Sky Devo ons That is what we are calling the new Sunday Services that we will be offering at Palm Canyon Campground. In fact, it is not really new; in the early days of St. Barnabas, Frances Brainerd, our Senior Warden then, conducted services there on Sunday mornings in the season. We are picking up on that legacy. Starting Nov. 16 th Laura+ and other members of the congregation, on a rotating basis, will offer Morning Prayer at 7:30AM for early birds at the Park. We hope to attract not just campers, but also people in town who might not otherwise come to a church service. This idea came to us in a Worship Committee meeting. For years we have been talking about offering an additional service on Sundays during the season, but our focus was on offering convenient times for people to attend worship. The breakthrough came when we thought why not bring worship to the people; why not take Jesus to the people where they are, rather than wait for them to come through our doors? What a crazy Chris an idea! As soon as the idea came up we got excited. Think about it - after all, that is what Jesus did. If they don t yet know Jesus, what a great thing it will be for us to go out and invite people to hear the story and share his love. The beauty of it is that any one of us can do it! It does not require the priest. Each one of us has all we need to do this we were ordained for this work at our baptism. PLUS, we don t have to invent a service we will be offering a simple service of Morning Prayer. It is right there in our Book of Common Prayer. Please support this outreach of Open Sky Devotions with your prayers; and, if you are an early bird, support it with your participation -- come join us at the services, get on the roster to lead the service, bring an instrument and help us make a joyful noise. Let s bring Jesus to the people! With love and blessings, Laura+

2 The Women of St. Barnabas kicked off their season on October 1 with a potluck luncheon and lively conversation in the Parish Hall. We discussed the idea of having a table at the Friday farmers market once a month to sell crafts and baked goods in support of our outreach programs. Many members have artistic and culinary talents to share, and only a couple of volunteers would be needed each month to man (woman?) the table, plus a couple of strong men with a truck to deliver and pick up the table. Stay tuned for more information when the market reopens in November. Tracey Alexander joined the meeting briefly as he was waiting for a contractor and came up with another good idea a card featuring the St. Barnabas logo and offering simple English/Spanish translations of common phrases, particularly those needed to communicate with housekeepers and Women of St Barnabas landscapers. This is something else we could offer at our farmers market table for a small price. Sadly, only three of us were present on October 1, and of course the question came up as to the future of WOSB. We are all pulled in many directions, but many of us would like to keep the group going. Please let us know what changes you would like to see that might motivate you to participate. Change of date or time? Change of location? A catered or restaurant lunch rather than a potluck? This Month we will be trying something new: Potluck Lunch at Louise Burmester s home (#82 Roadrunner Club) Noon, Tuesday, 11/11/14. Please contact Wendy Quinn at quinns@cableusa.com or with your input. St Barnabas Prayer List 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 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, Cpl Daniel Peterson, Dick Troy, Tootie Hatch, Richard & Nancy Bye, Kurt Levins, Paul Carroll, Jim Carroll, Jacob Thompson, Kay Sharkey, Ann Easley, Laureana Easley, Leila Easley, Jean Smith, David Born, Rhoda Riddell, Verna Robinson, Elizabeth, Wendy Christy, AnnMarie Tidwell, Norma, Emily, Michael, Barbara Scott, Judy Dehler, The men, women and children crossing our southern border seeking asylum and those caring for them, the people affected by Ebola and those caring for them. For additions to the prayer list please contact Sonja McGrath at sonjamcgrath@att.net or

3 Ann Marie Tidwell made her entrance into this world in the small Idaho town called Nampa. She was the only child in a blended family which consisted of two parents and her maternal grandparents. When she was 6 months old, the family moved to Lincoln City, Oregon where her father became the proprietor of a clothing store. Back in those days the polio scare was just getting full steam and, unfortunately, little Ann Marie contracted the disease at the tender age of three. It was a couple years later when their family doctor suggested that the climate in Southern California would probably be more beneficial for the child s health. The move was made and her parents once again owned a clothing store, this time in National City. The Keithly family moved several times over the next 5 years, always somewhere in Southern Cal, until they finally settled down in Lemon Grove. Ann Marie s father became a gentleman farmer and began growing and selling oranges to local groceries. It was through this business that Ann Marie was first introduced to Borrego Springs. She always loved accompanying her dad whenever he would bring a load of fruit down the mountain. She fondly remembers playing in the pool at the Hoberg Resort as her dad talked business with the manager of the former Oso Ranch, now one of the Burnand properties. While living in Lemon Grove, Ann Marie was invited by a Christian girl friend to attend services with her at the Disciples of Christ Church in La Mesa. Here she had the opportunity to meet Jesus and she came to realize and acknowledge that which had been missing in her life the love and guidance of her Lord and Savior. Her family had been Jewish for many generations, but when she discovered Jesus she knew she was in the right Parishioner Profile AnnMarie Tidwell place for her. She asked for and received baptism and in a relatively short time, her mother and her grandmother also became Christians. Ann Marie attended schools in La Mesa and when she graduated into Junior High, she met Brad Tidwell. No bells rang, no sparks flew, in fact, they really didn t like each other very much. She went on to marry someone else and so did he. She graduated from Grossmont College with a major in Dental Assisting. She worked first for a civilian dentist and then went to work for the Navy, doing the same sort of work. She married a Navy man, did a lot of traveling with him from duty station to duty station, and had a son named Eric. They were living in Washington and Eric was just a year old when his father left for ports unknown and never returned. With her marriage behind her and a young son to raise, Ann Marie began what would turn out to be 10 years as a single mother. Like many young mothers before, and after her unfortunately, she finished her nurse s training and went to work. She worked at Longview and, also, St Helens hospitals in Longview, Washington. Longview is located on the Cowlitz River, which is one of the rivers that runs down from Mt St Helens. Ann Marie and Eric lived just across the river in Kelso, WA. She was raising her son and working in a profession that she enjoyed. Life wasn t perfect, but she was relatively content in a part of the country that is unsurpassed for its beauty. Then Mt St Helens erupted and Ann Marie s life became a bit less idyllic. Through the rainstorms and the falling ash, she watched her home and everything she owned being washed down the river. Thankfully, she and Eric weren t in the house at the time. (Continued on page 4) Carillon Page 3

4 A return to California seemed to be the best option for them, so Ann Marie and Eric returned and moved in with her parents for a while. Not that many of us are called on to begin life all over again, statistically speaking, but our brave and resilient Ann Marie did it. She lives by the credo that God never loads us down with more burden than we can bear. She s a shining example of that very real truth. Upon their return to La Mesa, Eric became involved in Little League baseball. I think you can guess who turned out to be his coach; you re right, the same Brad Tidwell. Unaware that he was playing Cupid, Eric invited his newly single coach home for dinner, along with his son, who just happened to be Eric s best friend. And the rest is history! The two parents found that their childhood judgments weren t accurate, after all, and their marriage is definitely a thing of beauty. Their love and respect for each other often influences those around them and we are all the better for it. Once the boys were through school and on their own, Ann Marie and Brad did what they had been planning on for years; they moved to Borrego. Ann Marie is a treasured member of the community, utilizing her nursing skills for many, and bringing hope and joy to those who are suffering and in pain. She also brings those skills and her beautiful, lyrical voice to our congregation, whether singing or reading the lessons in a most professional manner. Stay tuned for the next issue of the Carillon when we ll be telling you a bit more about Ann Marie s life partner, Brad. Shirley Vialpando CONGRATULATIONS TO Rheanna & LUIS ZUNIGA on the birth of their 1st daughter regina elvlee zuniga born October 9:33am 9.4lbs & 21.5 inches Welcome to the world regina! November Holy Happy Hour Hosts Lectors Schedule for November November 2 Tina Davis & Wendy Quinn November 2 Joanne McLean & Louise Burmester November 9 Freida McLaughlin & Joanne McLean November 9 Lyle Brecht & Wendy Quinn November 16 November 23 November 30 Mary & Chuck Bennett Shirley & Valerie Vialpando Wendy Quinn & Josie Blucker November 16 Martha Mitchell & Carol Sargent November 23 Fred Jee & Cal Hoskins-Kleinkopf November 30 Chuck Bennett & Patsy Schumacher

5 October Vestry Report The Vestry met on October 23rd. The minutes from the September meeting were reviewed and approved. Bonnie Walker presented the Financial reports. The Vestry reviewed and approved them unanimously. Bonnie also presented the recommendation for the 2015 Mission Share to the Diocese. The Vestry voted unanimously after some discussion to approve the 2015 Mission Share in the amount of $12, Laura+ reported that the Finance Committee has begun work on the 2015 budget. A Stewardship Committee was formed to begin the annual stewardship campaign. It is that time of year again for all of us to consider how we will support our church home financially. The Vestry has commissioned the Senior and Junior Wardens to provide evaluations for our priest and parish administrator and consider compensation for the coming year. The Vestry discussed our annual Welcome Back Snowbirds potluck. It was decided that they would like to let that rest for this year as not everyone has returned in November and there are other potlucks later in the year that everyone can attend. Laura+ has activated the Vestry Nominating Committee consisting of Kathleen Killman, Sue Salt and Mac MacDonald who are all ending their Vestry service at the end of this year. You may be asked to serve on the Vestry. Please consider that request prayerfully. The Vestry has decided to offer an early service of Morning Prayer this year at the Palm Canyon Campground instead of a Eucharist service at the church. It will be held on Sundays at 7:30am. Laura+ and others who are interested will be leading the service on a rotating basis. If you would like to participate in this ministry please contact Laura+. Laura+ will be offering 3 different opportunities for Christian Formation this year. One will be Scripture - Between the Lines. This will be held on Wednesdays from 10:00am to 11:00 am at the Parish office. The 2nd will be Embracing Forgiveness. This will be held at the Community United Methodist Church parish hall on Wednesday evenings from 6:00pn to 7:30pm. A 3rd opportunity is the weekly bible study class held on Tuesday evenings at 5:30pm where Laura+ will be using the book We Make the Road By Walking It in conjunction with the weekly Gospel lesson. The Vestry is finalizing the Mutual Ministry Review questionnaire for this year. It is being put together on the web by Tina Davis and Antoinette Barnes. The Vestry will be testing it out before it is sent by to the congregation. Trent C. Hoskins-Kleinkopf All Saint s Day November 2nd In our Baptismal Covenant we profess in the ancient Baptismal creed the words: I believe in the communion of saints, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. (Book of Common Prayer, page 304). In our annual observance we make those words a tangible reality in the here and now by recognizing and celebrating our relationship, not only with those around us today, but also with those who have gone before us in all times and places. Join us this Sunday, November 2nd as we remember all those we love and remember who have gone before us. We will have slips of paper at the door for writing names of saints. They will be read at the presentation of the gifts.

6 SO GOD CREATED... EVERY LIVING CREATURE THAT MOVES, OF EVERY KIND,.... Genesis 1:21 On October 4, in celebration of the Feast of St. Francis, an enthusiastic group of parishioners, guests and their companion animals gathered in the St. Barnabas courtyard for the blessing of God s creatures. Sixteen humans and thirteen dogs enjoyed the beautiful afternoon, prayed and were moved by Laura s+ inspiring service. (Well, it s not certain whether the dogs actually prayed and were moved, but who knows?) Each dog received a personal blessing, a sprinkling of holy water and a St. Francis medallion inscribed with Bless and protect my pet. It was a special experience for all. We thoroughly enjoyed the big turnout of dogs this year, but don t forget all varieties of pets are welcome, so next year let s see some cats, birds, turtles, whatever! And of course bring the dogs back. Wendy Quinn Learning and Sharing Opportunities Embracing Forgiveness Scripture - Between the Lines This program is designed to help participants: Cultivate an honest, intelligent understanding of the Bible and the Christian Faith for the 21st Century Engage with each other in discussion addressing questions designed to challenge, stimulate, and encourage our Christian formation Reimagine what it means to live joyfully and responsibly in today s world as agents of God s justice, creativity, love, and peace Wednesdays from 10:00am to 11:00am in the Parish Office Beginning November 19th This is a special 5 week Advent Program focusing on Forgiveness - what it is, our need to give it and receive it, and how to open ourselves to it and find it in our lives. The program is designed for group discussion and sharing. Each session begins with a DVD presentation which includes: a brief talk by Barbara Cawthorne Crafton on an aspect of forgiveness followed by a short discussion (among participants on the DVD) in response to the presentation and topic The gathered participants then join in the discussion and continue it among themselves. Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 7:30pm in the CUMC Parish Hall November 19th thru December 17th

7 September 2014 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 2014 Expected Pledges $81, Expected Open Plate $9, Total Expected Income $91, Total Budgeted Expenditures $116, Expected Shortfall for FY14 -$25, Actuals through September Pledges Received $63, Open Plate Received 12, Current Total Income $76, Current Position for FY14 Total Expenditures $116, Current Total Income $76, Current Position for FY14 $ 40, St. Barnabas Monthly Income FY 14 vs. FY 13

8 NOVEMBER SUNDAY HOLY 9:30AM FOOD BANK November NOON Volunteers are always needed so come early to help with food distribution! Many Thanks to all who have helped St Barnabas distribute 55,553 meals in the past year! You Are AWESOME! 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: