By George! Growing with You in God s Love and Service OCTOBER 2015 Rule of Life for St George s Based on our spiritual values and practices, this is our commitment 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 St. George s Episcopal Church 5600 Winding Way Carmichael, CA 95608 (916) 487-5600 stgeorge@sgec.us http://www.saintgeorgeca.com The Very Rev. Ray Hess, III Priest in Charge 916-753-9939 fatherray@frontiernet.net Ryan Saunders 916-696-0280 ryan.saunders@sbcglobal.net Rev. Bob Gould, Assoc. 916-488-5757 banjobobg@yahoo.com Rev. Robert Olsen, Deacon 916-729-1019 rolsen8070@gmail.com Timothy Mascarinas, Organist/Choir Director tmascarinas@ucdavis.edu Sandy Olsen, Editor sandyolsen8070@gmail.com Dolores O Brien, Deacon Bob and Carol Adkins, Circulation In this issue AFRICAN TEAM MINISTRIES............ 5 ANIMAL BLESSING..................... 5 BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES..........4 BISHOP S VISIT....................... 8 BOOK CORNER...................... 5 BOUNTY BAG........................ 8 DEACON BOB........................ 6 FROM OUR PIC....................... 1 HAPPENINGS........................ 8 HOSPITALITY........................ 5 ROSTER............................ 7 SENIOR WARDEN.................... 2 SERVICES........................... 8 WOMEN S GUILD..................... 3
Thoughts from Our PIC (Priest in Charge) SEASON FOR GIVING Why am I calling October the season for giving? Isn t that more appropriate for December and the Advent/Christmas season? I m thinking about October for this theme because it is the time of year we often think about our financial stewardship. On Sunday November 22, we will be asked to make our financial pledges to St. George s for 2016. During October, we have the opportunity to think about our personal stewardship and our commitment to St. George s. The basic theology of stewardship is that everything we have is a gift of God, on loan to us temporarily as stewards. We give of ourselves to others out of thanksgiving to God. We also are accountable to God for how we use the gifts God has given us. In my personal prayer time, I often imagine God telling me how much I am loved and encouraging me to enjoy the gifts I have received and to use them to help other people. For me, this affirms that gifts are to be enjoyed and shared. We are a parish which has a tremendous amount of shared ministry. So many people give of their time and talents for the ministries of our parish. We are not a church where a few do all the work while everyone else watches! We have a way of life where many participate in all kinds of ways. We all have time and personal gifts and talents which we can share with the congregation, as well as with the larger world around us through family, work, and community organizations. We also have money as a gift from God. We appropriately use most of our money to support our own families, and we also give some money for others. Financial stewardship is the way we approach this gift of money and financial resources. We each have different circumstances in our personal finances, and God is very aware of this. In our financial stewardship, we give away a proportion of our income to help others, especially through the local church community. Doing this in a regular, disciplined way is a great help to our parish and also helps free each of us from the power of money. Letting go of some of our money regularly for God s work is a very liberating experience! In this October season for giving, I encourage us to consider what financial gifts we have received from God and how we might both enjoy them and share them with others. Father Ray 1
SENIOR WARDEN To everything (turn, turn, turn). There is a season (turn, turn, turn). And a time to every purpose under heaven. The Byrds topped the charts with this song in 1965, and it still resonates today. There are various seasons that we all transition through as the calendar marches on. As I am writing this, the last light of Summer is drifting away. Fall is upon us, and then it will be Winter. In our home, Summer vacation transitioned into the school year as Sophia and Natalie headed off to 6 th grade and 1 st grade. Soccer season is here, but it will soon transition to basketball season and I will have to switch gears from coaching a game of the feet to a game of the hands (though both games require the 4 between your ears). Our girls are already planning for Halloween, which will then be Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas. St. George s will also be experiencing a season of change as our Music Director, Tim Mascarinas, leaves our congregation for a new full time employment opportunity with St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. What does it all mean? It is hard to contemplate that now when you are in the heat of the moment, taking things day by day and simply trying to keep up with all the activity swirling around you. Angela and I feel exhausted at the end of each day, at the end of each week. I can t begin to imagine the craziness and exhaustion that Jesus felt as the seasons transitioned and he marched towards the inevitable.yet he continually preached peace, calmness, and love for everything around you. So many friends we talk to with older children encourage us to enjoy this time, these crazy seasons, because you will never get them back. I feel like Jesus would say the same thing. Enjoy the moments while you have them. Take in the view. Appreciate the opportunity presented by each season, because they will be gone before you know it. I would encourage you not to simply get through each day, but to live each day in love. Enjoy each season for what it brings, but also look optimistically to what the next season will bring as well. Ryan Saunders, Senior Warden Tim Mascarinas 2
WOMAN S GUILD The Guild s September meeting was well attended and a few decisions were made. The biggest decision was whether or not to hold a Yard Sale. It was decided that holding a yard sale on a Saturday is not doable at this time. After some discussion it was decided that since some members have items they would like to sell, we could have a scaled down sale on Sunday, October 11 for the parishioners. This should work since there is only one service scheduled that Sunday for the annual Animal Blessing. As that is an outdoor service, some sale items can be delivered to the church parish hall area on Saturday, October 10, but most items are to be brought in prior to the 10 am service and the buying done after the service.we do not wish to have any clothing for this sale. Items that are donated are to be pre-marked with prices (stickers will be available, if needed). Items not sold are to be taken away by the people who brought them. Those wishing to deliver their donations on Saturday may call Rene Cress at 916-944-9957 or Carol Adkins at 916-624- 3112 to verify what time the doors will be open. Future Guild activities will include a luncheon in December. More details will be available next month. The Guild continues making sure the kitchen is supplied with coffee hour and reception items (cups, plates, napkins). Everyone, not just the ladies, is encouraged to take a turn providing cookies or breads or fruit and such. Homemade or store bought does not matter. Also, help washing coffee pots and putting things away will be appreciated. There is a sign-up sheet on the board next to the kitchen window. The next Women s Guild meeting will be Wednesday, October 21 at 11:00 am. The business part of our meetings is usually brief and then we have time to enjoy some refreshments while visiting with one another. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending. Carol Adkins, President Women s Guild St. George s Church OUR NEW POSTULANT Hi, my name is Michael Williams. I am a Postulant to the Diaconate (deacon in training) from Saint Andrew s Church in Antelope. I am looking forward to worshiping with The Congregation of Saint George for the next two years. Initially I will simply be sitting in the pews getting to know the wonderful people who I will have the privilege of learning from. I will be working close with both Fr. Hess and Deacon Bob during this process. I do have experience with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Veteran s ministries. I really enjoy helping those who are feeling loss. In the second year I will be with you and learning how to practice your liturgical customs here at Saint Georges. 3
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS 1 Leslie Thelen 5 Ryan Saunders 7 Song Hahn ( 1936) 9 Janet Jenkins 11 Jenny Pierce 20 Cathy Crosby 20 Jan Mirrione 25 Marilyn Ditzen 26 James Landers 27 Sheron Olsem 28 John Borgman (If your name was not included, please let Sandy know so she can add your name.) OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES 2 Jim & Rene Cress 26 Ryan & Angela Saunders 4
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 Our yearly Animal blessing will be held October 11 th at 10 a.m...only one Service 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. In memory of Yogi Bera a Yogism It s like déjà vu all over again. 5
Faith vs Works Last month I wrote about a study conducted in Europe - Social Participation and Depression in Old Age, by the London School of Economics and Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands. Their conclusions was that individuals age 50 or over who participated in church, which seemed to mean simply attending, were significantly less likely to be depressed than other active seniors. Note there was a separate category from volunteering and charity work. As I thought more about that study, I found it interesting that attendance at church was more beneficial than volunteering/charity work. Now for a lot of us, church means volunteering and charity work. This is particularly the case for deacons our ministry is to call attention to those in need and then work through the church to do something about it, just as Christ came to server, we are all called to serve each other. As I write this, Pope Francis is calling for ending tax-exempt status for Churches that don t help the needy. So there is a long tradition that the mission of the church is to help the poor. Throughout the churches history there has also been the issue of how we are saved, works verses faith. This is a hangover from Jewish tradition where some saw their works as evidence of their faith and justification (Lk 18:11 The Pharisee and the tax collector). In St Paul s letter to the Romans we hear: For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works (3:38) and similarly in Galatians 2:16. In the letters of James there is a discussion of Faith and Works (James 2:14-17), ending Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. I don t think James was in disagreement with Paul, rather pointing out if we really have faith, then we will act like it in our lives and our works are a result of that faith, not a means to our salvation. I think most of us know in our heart of hearts, that it is faith and God s grace that saves us. But I m also guessing somewhere in the back of our minds is the idea that there might be a bit of quid pro quo, or at least some nod towards building up a few credits in the plus column for when we meet St Peter at the Pearly Gates. I take away from the study that while our charity work is great, simply attending church on a regular basis will do much more for us mentally, building up our faith in this life time, and by building our faith, oh so much more in the next. Attending church, sharing in the prayers and fellowship will do much for our wellbeing, as we increase in faith. But guess what, like James I m going to continue to remind you that you demonstrate your faith through how you live your lives do you live out your baptismal vows to seek and serve Christ in others? Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Deacon Bob 6
October/November OCTOBER 4 th 19 th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Job 1:1; 2:1-10 Psalm 26 Hebrews 1: 1-4 2: 5-12 Mark 10:2-16 CELEBRANT: Gini Hummel EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Aaron Adkins LECTORS: JoAnn Cookman & Annelise Connell ALTAR GUILD: Barbara Cooper & Cruz Siaz USHER: Conrad Cookman & friend OCTOBER 11 th ONLY ONE SERVICE@10 20 th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Job 23: 1-9, 16-17 Psalm 22:1-15 Hebrews 4: 12-16 Mark 10:17-31 CELEBRANT: Fr. Ray Hess EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Diana Perparos LECTORS: Karen Lolmaugh & Becky Freie ALTAR GUILD: JoAnn Cookman & Vicki Karsten USHER: Cathy Crosby & friend OCTOBER 18 th 21 st SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Job 38: 1-7 [34-41] Psalm 104: 1-9 25, 37b, Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 10:-35-45 CELEBRANT: Fr. Ray Hess EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Ryan Saunders LECTORS: Anne Mangles & Aaron Adkins ALTAR GUILD: Joy Allmuth & Angela Saunders USHER: Carol Adkins & friend OCTOBER 25 th 22 nd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Job 42:1-6, 10-17 Psalm 34: 1-8, [19-22] Hebrews 7: -23-28 Mark : 10:46-52 CELEBRANT: Susan Plucker EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Marilyn Ditzen LECTORS: Annelise Connell & Carol Adkins ALTAR GUILD: Vicki Karsten & Cruz Siaz USHER: Cathy Crosby & friend NOVEMBER 1 st ALL SAINTS DAY Wisdom of Solomon 3: 1-9 Psalm 24 Revelation 21:1-6a John 11 :32-44 CELEBRANT: Gini Hummel EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Aaron Adkins LECTORS: Karen Lolmaugh & Joan Tennis ALTAR GUILD: Angela Saunders & Joy Allmuth USHER: Carol Adkins & friend NOVEMBER 8 th 24 th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Ruth 3: 1-5; 4:-13-17 Psalm 127 Hebrews 9: 24-28 Mark 12:38-44 CELEBRANT: Susan Plucker EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Dave Allmuth LECTORS: JoAnn Cookman& Becky Freie ALTAR GUILD: JoAnn Cookman & Barbara Cooper USHER: Conrad Cookman & friend Lessons can be found on our website HTTP://www.stgeorgeca.org 7
Bishop Barry Beisner will be visiting St. George s at both services on Sunday January 31 st. His visit will provide an opportunity for youth or adults to be confirmed, received, or renew their baptismal vows. Youth should be in 7 th grade or older to be confirmed. If any youth or adults are interested, please call the church office at 916-487-5600 or e-mail at stgeorge@sgec.us. You may also speak with Father Ray or Deacon Bob at any Sunday service, or contact Father Ray at 916-753-9939 or at FatherRay@frontiernet.net. Second Wednesday @ 6:45 pm The choir meets Thursdays @ 6:15 Last Monday @ 11 a.m. SUNDAY SERVICES Family Service 9 a.m. Sunday School 9 a.m. Traditional Service 10:30 a.m. BOUNTY BAG We re collecting dry goods, canned goods, dried cereals, soaps, toothpaste tooth 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). Articles are ways welcome...but KEEP it short! The best way to submit an article is via my new e-mail sandyolsen8070@gmail.com 8