july bethlehem newsletter_2014
DESCRIPTION
July Bethlehem Newsletter_2014TRANSCRIPT
Page 1
THE BETHLEHEM
Hebrew for “House of Bread”
July 2014
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web site: http:/www.bsacramentchurch.org/
A Monthly Message from our interim priest, Rev. Christopher Potter.
We are, most of us, possessed of joyful, clear memories of the mid-summer rituals known as “The Fourth of July.” Family gatherings, parades, picnics in the park, food cooked over an open flame, patriotic music and the loud claps of fireworks exploding overhead make up these rights. This is how Americans celebrate and aspire to such noble attributes as ‘Freedom,’ ‘Liberty,’ and ‘Justice for all!’ Unfortunately, we do this only once a year! I for one would love more time with family, good food and fireworks! My memories extend back to a time when I was sitting in my mother’s lap in a park in Riverside on the Fourth of July, having her covering my ears to protect me from the
noise of the exploding fireworks. I think I liked then the feeling of being held by my mother more than the comfort I felt from her hands on my ears. Flags may still inspire us to salute when unfurled, stand as they pass and perhaps draw a tear from our eyes as we think of battles, victories or the courageous acts we had done or had done on our behalf. Much like a civil sacrament (or sacramental), a flag represents much more than the fabric, the colors or design contained on them. Few can look at the Flag of the United States and see only three colors, 50 stars and 13 stripes. This combination automatically engenders in us strong feelings and nostalgia; the physical nature of the flag is probably the last thing on our minds. The most that the flag represents is the country in which we live and the benefits we receive from living in it.
(Continued on page 2)
Page 2
As citizens of the United States, we have much gratitude for the blessings we receive here. We guard jealously the benefits of freedom, liberty and justice and live well under their blankets. We are shocked when people disregard, dishonor or attempt to erode these gifts and wish for the full weight of the law to fall on them. We may become complacent with the value of these blessings, but we never shrink from a fight if we are required to protect them. All that being said, how does the relationship we have with our country relate to our commitment as followers of Christ? News articles and the ‘talking heads’ on television frequently proclaim the “Christian Principles” upon which this country was founded, but this is rather figurative. After all, “Christian Principles” would have to include feeding the hungry, healing the sick, welcoming the marginalized, housing the homeless, and providing for the poor. Though some of these receive honorable mention in the founding documents of this country, they do not describe our patriotic objectives. Instead of being a source of compassion, the value of our citizenship has decayed a bit – becoming an instrument that seeks to mark us as separate or superior to others. The flag – our patriotism – can be used as a weapon when it denies the same rights to someone marginalized because of circumstances or status. As a nation, we wrestle with these exclusions in courts and in the legislature. As Christians, I believe we have no choice.
Our greater objective, our deeper citizenship rests in heaven. As children of the Almighty, our kinship extends beyond geographic boundaries and outside political connections. The call of Jesus is to consider the plight of all brothers and sisters, extending to everyone the benefits of our common membership in the Kingdom of God. The command to feed the hungry does not end at the Mexican or Canadian borders, but goes to all corners of the earth. The cry for justice is not silenced at political boundaries, but falls on our ears with all the force of exploding fireworks! This neither denigrates nor subjugates the beauty and blessings of our nation nor of our citizenship as Americans. In fact, without the protections promised in the Constitution, we would be hampered from pursuing the very values that Jesus commands of us. However, when the flag distracts us from our larger membership in God’s family or when patriotism is used to marginalize people, we stand far short of full membership in God’s Kingdom. Our approach to Eucharist leads us to discover so much more in simple elements once offered on the altar. In bread and wine, we see far more than our eyes alone tell us. We find there the food of heaven, the sacrifice that reconciles us to the Father and the very definition of who we are! This carries us far beyond citizenship in a country or allegiance to political
(Continued from page 1)
(Continued on page 3)
Page 3
It is the bounden duty and service of the people of this parish,
being part of the one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church, to worship God as he has revealed himself in Jesus Christ, to become saints,
and to make disciples of all people.
constructs. It propels us upward to see beyond boundaries and nationality. The Body of Christ gives us eyes to see brothers and sisters from all over the world struggling to live plainly in the Kingdom of God. Once beholding their need, we shall find nothing to stop us from welcoming them, feeding them and sheltering them in the loving arms of God who loves us all. Happy Fourth of July. Better still, remember: we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom.
Peace to you.
Christopher+
Page 4
Outreach Committee News
In July we will be accepting donations for “Seeds of Hope” through Episcopal Relief & Development. Giving envelopes will be available at Sunday Services. In August we will be collecting school supplies for needy children in our
local area. Suggestions will be posted in future Sunday Bulletins and the next Bethlehem.
Ongoing Ministries Thanks also to those who faithfully bring in cancelled postage stamps for the Sisters of the Community of St. Mary’s in Greenwich, NY and the greeting cards and Campbell’s Soup labels for St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Boulder City, Nevada. As usual anyone having any questions on these ministries, or even have other suggestions or ideas regarding any of our Outreach Projects may contact us at:
Ned Bergert at 714-501-3858--- [email protected] , or Marion Hetherington at 714-528-9907--- [email protected] .
Please, also remember, Every Sunday “A Can a Week to Feed God’s Sheep”. (Please use the green bags provided by Outreach for transporting your donations.)
Month Theme Thought for the Month
July Freedom
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13
August Learning Given instruction to a wise man, and he will still be wiser, teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.
Proverbs9:9
Page 5
Parish Life
We set the table and they gathered for Tea…………….Twenty eight ladies of our parish came together at the end of May to enjoy an English Tea, prayer-time led by Fr. Christopher, warm fellowship and to make plans for future gatherings. It proved to be a very fruitful event enjoyed by all and the next gathering is planned for Saturday, August 2nd from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The Ukulele Club gathers at the Rectory on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. All ages are invited to join. For more information talk with Ashley Romero.
Parish Monthly Bon Fires We are planning on having parish bonfires
on the 3rd Saturday of every month.
The next one is on July 19th.
PLEASE NOTE: Beginning in June the Vestry meeting will be held on the third Wednesday of the month beginning at 7:00 p.m.
A CALL FOR USHERS Please consider being a Sunday Usher. It is a wonderful way to greet newcomers and also meet each of your church family individually. Training is provided. Please contact Coren Kittredge if you are interested.
HELP WANTED Please consider being a volunteer to help out at our VBS July 7—11. We need help in the following areas:-
Preparation of snacks The Market Place
Drama Leaders Arts and Crafts
Contact Patty in the church office if you can be a part of this fun event.
SAVE THE DATE OUR ANNUAL YOUTH BEACH DAY IS COMING!
Saturday, July 12th, beginning at Noon
Any questions: Contact Steve Classen: 714-321-3419 or email him at:[email protected]
Page 6
Welcome to the Wilderness, where you’ll join Moses as he and the Israelites escape Egypt and travel to parts unknown—trusting God all the while!
This adventure begins on Monday, July 7th at 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and ends on Friday, July 11th
With songs, games, dramas, and the market place, we will learn the many trials Moses endured while leading God’s chosen people out of the land of Egypt. To secure your child’s spot for this journey, please register at [email protected] or by calling 714-528-2995. Include in your e-mail your name and contact information, your child’s(children’s) name(s) and grade level. If you are an adult or teen that would like to volunteer, please also provide the above information and respond to the same e-mail.
This is a FREE VBS and is opened to all. Donations are welcomed, of course.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT BLESSED SACRAMENT
Page 7
Do you love sunshine and fresh morning air? Bright flowers and shady moss, holly and hedges? Then you are indeed qualified and most certainly well suited to join the Blessed Sacrament Gardening Guild. Starting on July 26 we will meet at 8:00 a.m. on the first and last Saturdays of the month. Because the season is hot, we will finish up and cool off at 9:00 a.m. with Morning Prayer in the church. By 9:15 you will be on your way or can join us in the parish hall for coffee and juice or smoothies. (Maybe even an occasional breakfast?) Every corner adjacent to the church now has garden areas that need regular loving attention. You need not worry if you are missing the proverbial green thumb; there are loads of tasks for anyone, young to old. Bring the kids or grandchildren and help them learn the love of nurturing God’s creation. We were made in a garden, after all! All ages are invited to join! Even if you have trouble bending or kneeling there is much that can be done while only standing-just remember to wear comfy shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat. By volunteering your time to help make our gardens even more beautiful, you will be blessed as you delight in the fruitfulness of God’s creation, prayer and fellowship.
On Gardening Guild Saturday mornings we will:
Water flower beds and trees Pull occasional weeds (we don’t get many in dry summer/fall) Clean cobwebs off holly and juniper bushes Hoe around our ancient holly and camellia bushes and add plant food Plant begonias in church front beds and add succulents and bulbs to our shade garden Trim rose bushes, prune lantana, vines and other fast growing plants Clip and shape herbs and lavender And plenty more gentle garden work, including serenity time for thinking, praying, and
fellowship
Our schedule for the next three months is as follows:-
July 26 August 2 and 30 September 6 and 27 We hope to “grow” our Gardening Guild. Feel free to show up for one or two or all of the scheduled days. For more information, contact the Church Office or Devin and Sandy Fryling at [email protected] with your questions. See you in the garden!
Angelina Gardens Corner By Sandy Fryling
Page 8
1 Dennis Deovlet, birthday Justy Dalbey, birthday
2 Joan La Crotte, birthday Ty and Laurie McGee, 20th wedding anniversary
3 Laurie McGee, birthday 4 Andrew McGee, 11th birthday Billie Keith, birthday Brian and Ashley Nick, 11th wedding anniversary
7 Steve and Dorothy Cunningham, wedding anniversary
8 Robert and Patty Bell, 25th wedding anniversary
10 Brian Nick, birthday
14 Teri and Gary Niebuhr, 35th wedding anniversary
16 Joi Weaver, birthday
17 Anthony Bell, 16th birthday Mckerah Pittle, 13th birthday
18 Lisa Rowley, birthday
21 Bruce and Katherine Weber, 41st wedding anniversary
23 Pasha Koch, 19th birthday 24 Mark Hetherington, birthday George Parrott, birthday
26 Dorothy Cunningham, birthday
28 Nick and Justy Dalbey, 2nd wedding anniversary
29 Joshua Lee, birthday
30 Penny Hansen, birthday Melissa Quijada, birthday
31 Rose Reyes, birthday Will and Lisa Rowley, 21st wedding anniversary
JULY BIRTHDAYS
AND
ANNIVERSARIES
Page 9
Back by popular demand . . . new and improved . . . Thursday afternoon fun and fellowship for girls. All ladies age 8 to 108 are welcome, so get your calendar out and plan to join us every Thursday this summer. We especially encourage all teens and tweens to attend - give your Mom a break, or bring her with you! Events begin at 2:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament, unless otherwise specified. Most activities will finish between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. When the activities takes us "off-campus" carpooling can be arranged, so invite your friends. Check each July schedule for specific instructions on what to bring. Bring $5/person to help cover costs. To help ensure that we have a reasonable headcount and plenty of supplies, kindly email [email protected] or text Sandy Fryling (714) 402-2929 that you plan to attend. Even though it will help in planning, no RSVP is necessary, so PLEASE come even if you forget to email ahead. July 3 - FOURTH OF JULY PIE,TARTS, and COBBLER. Bring $5 to cover food, a cookie sheet and pie pan for each person. Learn to make homemade pies, tarts and cobblers and take one home for the holiday! July 10 - OUT TO LUNCH - Leave Blessed Sacrament Church directly after VBS and share a family style Asian lunch with all your friends! Be sure to bring $5 - you may want more for drinks and a tip. July 17 - MOVIE DAY at the Brea 5 Plaza Theater, located at Associated Rd and Imperial Hwy. Be at the church at 2:00 p.m. if you need to carpool, or meet at 2:15 p.m. at the Starbucks in the Theater plaza. We will walk to the theater at showtime (approx. 2:40 p.m.) Movie tickets cost $3/person, but bring more for popcorn or Starbucks. July 24 - POOL or WATER PLAY - Swim at a local family pool or have water play (including sprinkler volleyball) at the church - whichever can be arranged - plus a "how to" for Christmas cookies/candy in July! If it is really hot, we may just have to watch "White Christmas" to keep our cool. July 31 - BOWLING - Great way to stay "cool" with your friends on a hot summer afternoon. Bring $5 to cover shoes and lane costs. *GUYS - While this is for girls only, we know you boys are ready to play too. If you are interested in planning activities for the boys please contact.... [email protected] or the Church office.
Summer Thursdays for Girls at BSac*
Page 10
NEXT BETHLEHEM DEADLINE Tuesday, July 22, 2014
FR. CHRISTOPHER POTTER, INTERIM PRIEST
JEFF GREEN, SENIOR WARDEN BRIAN NICK, JUNIOR WARDEN
PATTY BELL, OFFICE MANAGER MARION & THEO HETHERINGTON, EDITORS
Igive.com will arrange for online merchants to give a substantial percent of the cost of purchases to the charity of the purchasers’ choice, at no extra cost. We are already getting 0.5% from smile.amazon.com. We can get as much as another 0.8% through Igive.com. However amazon has many categories with lower percentages, maximums, and exclusions. Some merchants give much more, a few as much as 40%. Some merchants give a basic percentage, with exceptions, limitations, and categories with lower and even higher percentages. Most merchants exclude gift cards. Just sign up with Igive.com and designate The Episcopal Church of the Blessed Sacrament as your charity. At the websites of participating merchants, click on the icon at the lower right corner.
Online Shopper?
A timely reminder that you can now conveniently donate electronically to The Episcopal Church of the Blessed Sacrament and/or The Children’s Learning Center. As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving. Additional information is available from the church office.
Electronic Giving
BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH WOULD L IKE TO THANK THESE BUSINESSES FOR MAKING OUR NEWSLETTER POSSIBLE
McAulAy & WAllAceMortuary and Florist
William H. McAulayFuneral Dir. Lic. #289
Fullerton Since 1911
714-525-4721Lic.#190
Yorba LindaSince 1976
714-777-2692Lic.#1304
YORBA LINDAPLUMBING CO.• Garbage Disposals
• Water Heaters• Sink Lines Cleared
CALL 777-27174891 Main Street
Since 1970
Blessed sacrament / 003 www.cmpublications.com For information, please call (951) 776-0601
Residential • Commercial • IndustrialNo Job Too Small or Large
• Troubleshooting • Room Additions • New Outlets
• Lighting Installation• Ceiling Fans • Circuits
Call: (951) 295-4399LICENSED CONTRACTOR
Green CleanersTaking care of you & your
clothes since 1965• Delivery Service• Drive-up Service• 24 Hr. Drop Box• Superior Cleaning and Finishing• Laundry Fluff & Fold Service• Couture Clothing• Household Linens & Bedding• Alterations & Tailoring
204 E. Yorba Linda Blvd.Placentia, CA 92870
714-524-7130642 N. Rose
Placentia, CA 92870714-524-9184
nortonscleaners.com
Margo's Flowers1280 N. KraemerPlacentia, CA 92870www.margosflowers.net
(714) 572-8878
10% OFFwith coupon
Listing Local! Marketing Global!We can help you achieve your dreams!
Real. Professional. Real Estate.Susan Wan-Ross
BRE #01425412
Jason Harris Mortgage Consultant NMLS #242245
909.287.2677 [email protected]
Opening DoorsFor You
LIC #01754714
JoAnnSowards
REALTOR
Page 12
THE BETHLEHEM Phone: (714) 528-2995
Fax (714) 528-2997 E-Mail: [email protected]
Web-site http://www.bsacramentchurch.org/
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 1314 North Angelina Drive Placentia, California 92870-3442 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED