The Episcopal Church of the SAviour Hanford, California
March 2016
The Householder
Table of Contents
On this page: photo by Melissa Crider. On the cover: Why Seek Ye the Living Among the Dead by John Roddam Spencer Stanhope, 1870-1890, Art Gallery of New South Wales
The Ramblings 3 A Word from the Warden 5 Field Notes 6 The Part-Time Theologian 7 Saint of the Month: March 10 Cocktail of the Month 11 Photos From the Bishop's Visit 12 Householder Submissions 13 Report: Lenten Fish Fry 13 Directory Update 13 Ministry at the Church of the Saviour 14
I grew up in Salt Lake City where I attended St. Paul’s Church. Each year prior to Lent, I was given a Mite Box that was similar to a small piggy bank. I was told to give up something for Lent, and the money that I saved was to go into the Mite Box. It was my custom to give up watermelon during Lent. This was a very easy fast because it was impossible to find watermelon in Utah at that time of year. My mother still insisted that I put money in my Mite Box which I felt was terribly unfair! I have learned a great deal about Lent since my childhood days in Utah, and I have learned a great deal about the church. I have served congregations in 4 states, and in each of these congregations I have encountered “traditional Episcopalians”. One thing I learned is that there are many varieties of traditional Episcopalians. In the Episcopal Church’s attempts to blend together differing traditions, we have lost many of our traditions in the process. The observance of a Holy Lent is a lost tradition for many of us. Lent has been a part of Christian tradition since the fourth century and may have originated in the prescribed fast of candidates for baptism. Lent was seen as a time of intense preparation of adults for baptism at The Great Vigil of Easter. In the early Christian Church, baptisms occurred once each year on Easter Eve. Candidates for baptism spent an entire year preparing, and their preparation intensified during the 40 days of Lent. There is another Lenten tradition that has been left by the wayside, and that is the reconciliation of penitent sinners. During much of church history, “notorious sinners” were excluded from the congregation and were not readmitted until they had demonstrated that they were sorry for what they had done and that they had changed their behavior accordingly. Penitent sinners were prepared during Lent to reenter the congregation as full communicants at the Great Vigil of Easter. This was a time of celebration for the entire congregation. Today, “The Reconciliation of a Penitent” still exists in the Book of Common Prayer beginning on page 447, but after 25 years of ministry I can count the number of penitent sinners seeking absolution and reconciliation on the fingers of one hand. I am not saying that people are no longer penitent, but we have lost the practice of confessing to a priest and then receiving from the priest “counsel, direction, and comfort.” I particularly love the last statement of the priest, when she says “Now there is rejoicing in heaven; for you were lost, and are found; you were dead, and are now alive in Christ Jesus our Lord. Abide in peace. The Lord has put away all your sins." I don’t expect a great rush of people wanting schedule appointments for private confession. But we all carry emotional baggage that we need to put down. There are times when we need the professional services of a psychotherapist to help us relieve ourselves of this baggage. We carry with us many of the hurts we have received from others, and we carry with us the hurts we have caused others. There are times in our lives when a private confession is just what we need, and there are times when confession and psychotherapy together are the answer. There is a great richness in our Book of Common Prayer that most of us never see. It is important that all Episcopalians know our Book of Common Prayer and the great spiritual resources that are available to each of us. I wish you all a blessed Lent.
By father JOhn Day
The RAmblings
The Ramblings
February was a busy month at ECoS. Father John Day is with us every Sunday. Bishop David Rice visited us on Valentine’s Day and we witnessed the welcoming of new members into the Episcopal Church (including one very special young man, Master Henry Geist.) Very soon, we’ll be celebrating Easter, and another Lenten season will have passed. Pardon my cliche, but time is really flying by, isn’t it? I’m sure that this isn’t uncommon , but the more I have to do, the faster the moments seem to slip away. When anyone asks me how I am, I can’t help but respond, “busy.” I have a family, work, school, church, and the occasional semblance of a social life. The quiet moments are often filled with worry--how will I get everything done? How will I spend time with the people I love the most? When will I have a moment to speak to God? My calendar is filled to the brim, and the days blur into weeks into months...into years. Because I don’t always manage to set aside some time each day to pause, think, pray, and reflect, it’s no wonder my days tend to blend together, the important things with the all the rest. Maybe it’s a hyper-awareness of how ephemeral the days are that causes me to want to pack as much into them as possible, to make the most of each day. I’ve come to realize that a full planner is no indication of a life fully lived. If I’m not purposefully reaching out to God each day, and seeking to do the things that bring me closer to Him, then where is my center? We may ask ourselves how to reconcile our busy lives, lives in which certain things must get done, with a God-centered, contemplative, and purposeful life. There is so much noise in the world, so many distractors and so many worries. How do we invite the silence that allows us to hear God’s voice and to hear what He means us to? In the midst of seeking an answer to these questions, beautiful words appeared in my inbox. They are the words I needed to hear--and maybe they’re what others need right now, too. Deacon Gail has asked me to read at her ordination, and the reading is St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Amen.
By Melissa Crider
A Word From the Warden
FIELD nOTES
by Deacon gAIL bERNTHAL
The Prophet Elias by Daniele da Volterra, c. 1550-60
“Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him…” (1Kings 19:11b-13a) In his fear and confusion, the voice of God came to the prophet Elijah in the sound of “sheer silence.” God comes to us not only through our eyes, our ears, our senses of smell, taste and touch….but also in the “sheer silence.” God gives us the quiet of the night to reflect on the day that is past, and to ask for strength and wisdom for what lies ahead. In the darkness and quiet of winter, nature rests and prepares for new growth in the spring. The Church gives us the season of Lent, a time for us to intentionally leave the noise of the world behind…a time to reflect and pray about how God is inviting us and guiding us. It is a time to “take stock,” and make course corrections. If sin is walking away from, instead of toward God, Lent is a time to look at our footprints to see where we have been, and ask God to direct our feet as we risk a new step in an unknown direction, a direction aligned with God’s purposes for our life. There is simplicity in our worship during Lent, a quietness that allows God to speak to us in new ways. While the joy and celebration of Easter will come, Lent is a time to be attentive in the silence, to open our hearts to how much God loves us – so much that he sent his only Son to die for us, and to rise again so we might have new life. What seeds will God plant in our lives, and what will be the fruit of those seeds? How will sitting with God in silence nurture our love for God, for ourselves, and for others? Is there something in our lives that we need to “sort out” with God? May we know the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding as we encounter God in the quietness of Lent.
Peace comes from within. Do not seek it out. The Buddha
Peace
I realize I am a bit of a softy, but I can't think of anything more soothing, or more peaceful, than a sleeping baby. I believe the most beautiful thing I have ever seen is my grandson, Henry, sleeping peacefully in the arms of my wife. Watching them together puts the rest of my life, and all of it's challenges, into proper perspective. However, getting Henry to fall asleep is a bit of a challenge. No matter how tired he might be, it seems he fights sleeps with every fiber of his tiny little being. He fusses and cries and fidgets, then cries some more, and it takes extreme patience and a will much stronger than his to achieve the peaceful bliss of sleep. Of course, a little music doesn't hurt. When I have a chance to put Henry to sleep I sing to him. I'll sing love songs and lullabies and hymns and carols, what ever he might be in the mood for. He doesn't have a favorite song, at least not yet. I did the same thing for his father when he was a baby (who did have a favorite song, by the way). In fact, I have a great track record of signing babies to sleep. Give me a fussy baby and three or four songs later...it's sleepy time. I don't believe I've met a baby I couldn't lullaby to sleep. But Henry is a real test of my skills, not to mention the depth and breadth of the library of lullabies I have memorized. The good news is, I can sing longer than he can cry. It might take one extra song or verse or chorus, but eventually the little guy surrenders and with a last, exhausted sigh, he falls asleep. Peace. As I hold my now still and quiet grandson an interesting thought comes to my mind. His struggle with sleep is not unlike the struggles I face in my life. I fight very hard to keep the chaos of my world under control and it seems to be an almost overwhelming challenge to maintain balance and find peace. Unfortunately, all too often I fail to achieve the quiet and much needed rest that Henry inevitably does. Peace can be very difficult to find. Does it have to be this way, or am I going about it all wrong? The Gospel of John differs from the other canonical gospels in so many ways. Some of the most familiar and recognizable stories about Jesus are found only in the fourth gospel: turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana; the secret meeting with Nicodemus; the conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well; the very curious incident of Jesus' doodling in the dirt as he confronts a murderous crowd and an adulterous woman; raising Lazarus from the dead. John also gives us some of Christianity's most profound and theologically challenging phrases such as, "I am the way, the truth and the life," and "No man comes to the Father but by me," as well as the images of Jesus as the bread of life, the good shepherd, and the light of the world. In fact, what eventually became the most critical concept expressed in the Creed finds its first expression in John when Jesus describes himself as God's only "unique" son, or "begotten" as found in the traditional translation of the King James Version. However, what is now the centerpiece of our weekly worship is nowhere to be found. While Jesus and his disciples celebrate a meal during the Passover festival, in John's gospel there is no upper room, no bread and cup, nothing that resembles what we would refer to as a Eucharistic meal, and Jesus never utters the words, "Do this for the remembrance of me." During this meal Jesus speaks about his ministry, what is about to happen to him and, perhaps more importantly, what his disciples can expect will happen to them. And though he might not share with them the traditional "last supper," he does leave them with a powerful message of hope and peace. I don't know about you, but I have generally taken this passage to imply that I can experience victory over the difficulties in my life and thus find peace because Jesus has already cleared the way for it to happen. The problem with this perspective is that peace is dependent on that victory, peace comes with overcoming the tribulation, and I have never been able to eliminate the turmoil that broils all around me. I am now convinced that this interpretation misses John's point all together. The word translated overcome in the KJV definitely implies triumph; conquer or be victorious are perhaps better possibilities. The word implies certainty, an actual state of affairs: tribulations overcome, problems solved, victory over the difficulties of life. Sometimes, ειρήνη, the Greek word for peace, assumes this state affairs, a set of favorable conditions that will lead to tranquility, to calm, to peace. But that is not how John uses the word in this context. In fact, it is just the opposite. There is another dimension to the word ειρήνη, another way to understand peace. Peace can also mean a state of freedom from anxiety and worry. It refers to a psychological state that exists regardless of, perhaps even in contrast to, the actual circumstances present at any given moment. In other words, peace has nothing to do with tribulations overcome, problems solved or victory over the difficulties of life. Peace is absolutely not dependent on what is happening around us, but it is all about what is happening inside us. Jesus has overcome the world, but he didn't overcome it for us. He didn't overcome it so that we would not face tribulations; he tells us point blank that we will experience them. One could argue that in John's gospel, the words Jesus shares with his disciples the night before he is arrested are a very clear warning of how difficult the life of a believer will be. Even though John's portrayal of Jesus makes it clear that he knows he is about to die, and knows what that means, he also knows it will make life more difficult, not easier, for those he leaves behind. For Jesus, death is victory over the tribulations of the world. For us his death brings peace in spite of those tribulations. At first glance it might be easy to think, "Well that's pretty depressing! I'm going to be stuck with all of these problems, with no easy way out?" I suppose you can be limited by this perspective if you want to be. However, if you think about it differently it is easy to see that peace, understood in this way, can lead to an incredible experience of freedom. All of the problems of my world are still there, the tribulations of life continue to come, but it doesn't matter because peace is there as well. Peace in the middle of it all, peace to help me deal with it all. Who knows, maybe peace because of it all. When Henry finally surrenders and gives up his fight against sleep, I feel in his last, drawn out, little baby sigh a certain resignation; it's alright to fall asleep. I don't have to fight to stay awake, or stay awake to fight. As he sleeps, resting heavily in my arms, I let go a similar sigh. I can rest with him. I can surrender, I can let go of the fight. These quiet moments do nothing to eliminate the turmoil in our worlds. We will both wake up and life, with all of its problems, will still be there. But we do not need to be afraid. The peace we feel in these moments is sufficient to sustain us. Henry and I just needed one more song. Fortunately, it has already been sung.
By Rod Geist
The Part-Time Theologian
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (KJV)
An obvious choice for Saint of the Month! Patrick was born into a Christian family somewhere on the northwest coast of Britain in about 390. His grandfather had been a Christian priest and his father, Calpornius, a deacon. Calpornius was an important official in the late Roman imperial government of Britain. It was not unusual in this post-Constantinian period for such state officials to be in holy orders. When Patrick was about sixteen, he was captured by a band of Irish slave-raiders. He was carried off to Ireland and forced to serve as a shepherd. When he was about twenty-one, he escaped and returned to Britain, where he was educated as a Christian. He tells us that he took holy orders as both presbyter and bishop, although no particular see is known as his at this time. A vision then called him to return to Ireland. This he did about the year 431. Tradition holds that Patrick landed not far from the place of his earlier captivity, near what is now known as Downpatrick (a “down” or “dun” is a fortified hill, the stronghold of a local Irish king). He then began a remarkable process of missionary conversion throughout the country that continued until his death, probably in 461. He made his appeal to the local kings and through them to their tribes. Christianizing the old pagan religion as he went, Patrick erected Christian churches over sites already regarded as sacred, had crosses carved on old druidic pillars, and put sacred wells and springs under he protection of Christian saints. Many legends of Patrick’s Irish missionary travels possess substrata of truth, especially those telling of his conversion of the three major Irish High Kings. At Armagh, he is said to have established his principal church. To this day, Armagh is regarded as the primatial see of all Ireland. Two works are attributed to Patrick: an autobiographical Confession, in which he tells us, among other things, that he was criticized by his contemporaries for lack of learning, and a Letter to Coroticus, a British chieftain. The Lorica or St. Patrick’s Breastplate (“I bind unto myself today”) (Hymn #370) is probably not his, but it expresses his faith and zeal.
By Terry Poindexter, from Holy Women, Holy Men
Saint of the Month
Collect Almighty God, in your providence you chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that light that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Patrick Bishop and Missionary of Ireland, 461
Lorem ipsum dolor
With winter fading fast and Lent coming to a close near the end of this month, a nice, refreshing drink is the perfect way to usher in the warmer days of spring. While in Spain a few years ago, we sampled some claras (or shandies) and were eager to try them at home. This recipe from Martha Stewart is simple to make and calls to mind those lovely claras we had in Granada. The Orange Wheat Shandy from MarthaStewart.com Ingredients 48 ounces wheat beer 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 3 to 4 oranges) 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional) Thinly sliced oranges Directions Combine beer, orange juice, and almond extract in a pitcher. Stir; serve with sliced oranges.
by Melissa Crider
Cocktail of the Month
4 WEBSITE.COM/MAGAZINE
Photos From the Bishop's VIsit
The Bishop's Visit
Report: Lenten Fish Fry The Lenten Fish Fry was a great success, bringing in approximately $1,300 for the Church. It was very well attended, with the Drive-Thru especially seeing lots of traffic. Special thanks to Angie Hunter and her crew for organizing the event.
Householder Submissions If you would like to contribute to The Householder, please contact Megan Baptista Geist or Melissa Crider.
Episcopal Church of the Saviour Directory Update Please use the link below to submit your contact information and special occasions to the ECOS Directory: http://bit.ly/ECOSdirectory
Ministry at Church of the Saviour
Priest-in-Charge The Rev'd Dr. John Day Deacon The Rev'd Dr. Gail Bernthal Parish Administrator Jeff March ecosoffice1@gmail.com Senior Warden Ms. Melissa Crider mcl.crider@gmail.com Junior Warden Mr. Lewis "Marty" Martin martymartn@comcast.net Vestry Members Mr. Lejf Knutson lejfk@yahoo.com Ms. Megan Baptista Geist megbap@gmail.com Ms. Michelle Skiff michelle33433@yahoo.com Ms. Terry March terrydmarch@gmail.com Ms. Terry Poindexter 4markterry7@sbcglobal.net Clerk to the Vestry Ms. LIsa Eastman-Gomez lisaees@aol.com Music Director Mr. Dennis Flynn hanfordorganist@gmail.com Treasurer Mr. Kyle Crider kyleacrider@gmail.com Financial Officer The Rev'd Teri Van Huss ecosoffice1@gmail.com Parish Chancellor Mr. Lejf Knutson lejfk@yahoo.com Finance & Budget Committee Mr. Kyle Crider (Chair) kyleacrider@gmail.com Grounds Committee Mr. Jeff March jamarch@gmail.com Worship & Music Committee The Rev’d Dr. Gail Bernthal gailbernthal@gmail.com Education Committee Mr. Josh Geist (Chair) jngeist@gmail.com Outreach Committee Mr. Jeff March (Chair) jamarch@gmail.com Soup Kitchen Committee Ms. Bennie Harrell (Chair) soupbkh@gmail.com Website Administrator Mr. Jeff March saviourweb@gmail.com Servers & Lectors Coordinator Ms. Terry March saviourworshiprota@gmail.com Householder Editors Ms. Melissa Crider mcl.crider@gmail.com Ms. Megan Baptista Geist ecoshouseholder@gmail.com ECWM President Ms. Terry Poindexter 4markterry7@sbcglobal.net Usher Coordinator Mr. Rex Steele Steele-away@att.net Coffee Hour Coordinator Ms. Pat Nelson patlnelson@comcast.net Soup Kitchen Manager Ms. Bennie Harrell soupbkh@gmail.com (559) 280-5628 (cell) (559) 584-5628 (home) Sexton Ms. Angie Hunter ECOS OFFICE Open Wednesday & Thursday 9am to 12pm (559) 584-7706 ecosoffice1@gmail.com www.saviourweb.com
On this page: The Annunciation by Sandro Boticelli, 1489, the Uffizi Gallery