Wednesday, February 5, 2025
#941
Seeking to live Christ’s love in a caring and inclusive community
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
(Luke 5:1-11)
A Message from Bishop Steven Charleston:
Though a storm rages all around us, still we will not be moved. We are anchored in Spirit. Therefore, we are anchored in diversity, honesty, spirituality, and equality: the guiding principles of indigenous civilization. These are our non-negotiables in moving forward as a community because without them, we cannot be a community.
(Editor’s Note: Steven Charleston is a Native American spiritualist who lives in Oklahoma and posts daily meditations on Facebook [Steven Charleston | Facebook]. He is also the retired Episcopal Bishop of Alaska, and has written several books on spiritualism. He has two new books coming out this year: Spirit Wheel: Meditations from an Indigenous Elder and We Survived The End of the World: Lessons from Native America on Apocalypse and Hope.)
Upcoming Events:
| February: | February is Black History Month | |
| February 8: | VCIC Visit the Hindu Community — 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | |
| February 9: | Health Ministries | |
| February 11: | Leisure Village Bible Study | |
| February 14: | Valentine’s Day Lunch Bunch | |
| February 16: | Vestry Meeting | |
| February 17: | Presidents’ Day — Parish Office Closed | |
| February 19: | Lunch Bunch | |
| February 23: | Epiphany Adult Forum Youth Group formation meeting | |
| March 9: | Church World Services CROP Walk | |
| March 22: | Guided Lenten Labyrinth Walk — 10:00 a.m. |
This Week at St. Columba’s
| Wednesday 2/5 | ROGER WILLIAMS, 1683 and ANNE HUTCHINSON, 1641, Prophetic Witnesses; and R. AGATHA OF SICILY, Martyr, c. 251 |
| 9:00 a.m. | Morning Prayer in the Mary Chapel |
| 11:15 a.m. | CLC Chapel |
| 2:00 p.m. | Craft Group — Parish Hall |
| 5:45 p.m. | Women’s AA — Parish Hall |
| 7:00 p.m. | Women’s AA — Parish Hall |
| Thursday 2/6 | THE MARTYRS OF JAPAN, 1957 |
| 10:00 a.m. | Holy Eucharist |
| 6:00 p.m. | Project Hope — Parish Hall |
| 6:00 p.m. | Choir Rehearsal |
| Friday 2/7 | CORNELIUS THE CENTURIAN |
| Saturday 2/8 | BAKHITIA (JOSEPHINE MARGARET BAKHIL, Monastic, 1947 |
| Sunday 2/9 | THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY Super Bowl Sunday |
| 9:30 a.m. | Holy Eucharist — The Rev. Michael Anderson, Presiding |
| 10:30 a.m. | Coffee Hour — Parish Hall |
| 11:30 a.m. | Health Ministries Meeting |
| Monday 2/10 | SCHOLASTICA, Monastic, 543 |
| 9:00 a.m. | Morning Prayer in the Mary Chapel |
| 6:00 p.m. | Boy Scouts — Parish Hall |
| Tuesday 2/11 | FRANCES JANE (FANNY) VAN ALSTYNE CROSBY, Hymnwriter, 1915; THEODORA, Empress, c. 867; and The Consecration of BARBARA CLEMENTINE HARRIS, First Woman Bishop in the Anglican Communion, 1989 |
| 10:00 a.m. | Staff Meeting — Parish Office |
| 2:00 p.m. | Leisure Village Bible Study |
| Wednesday 2/12 | CHARLES FREER ANDREWS, Priest and “Friend of the Poor” in India, 1940 |
| 9:00 a.m. | Morning Prayer in the Mary Chapel |
| 11:15 a.m. | CLC Chapel |
| 1:30 p.m. | Lent / Holy Week Planning Meeting |
| 2:00 p.m. | Craft Group — Parish Hall |
| 4:00 p.m. | CLC School Board Meeting |
| 7:00 p.m. | Women’s AA — Parish Hall |
Special Notes:
The online Calendar for St. Columba’s has been updated! Check it out at:
- For links to Holy Women, Holy Men posted (listed by month and date or follow the alphabetical listing), visit:
https://stcolumbaca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WIL-authenticity.pdf
(see also the link below to the Lectionary Calendar)
- To find the Lectionary for any Sunday or Holy Day, visit:
Lectionary Calendar – The Episcopal Church
Prayer Requests Procedures—Praying for others is an important part of our worship experience and essential that it hold spiritual meaning. Prayer is integral to our community, and we would love to pray for you. To add or remove someone from the prayer list, please email the church office at office.manager@stcolumbaca.com or call 805.482.8831.
Those Requesting Our Prayers for Immediate Needs:
Candice, Joan, Marianne, Dana, Bruce, Chase, Betty, Susan, Milli, Justin, Jerry, Ann, Bruce, Keli, Chris, Gail, Cameron, Maggie, Eileen, Declan, John, Emily, Allison, Linda, Mary, Lisa, and Ivan and his family
Those Who Need Our Continuing Prayers:
Gail, Richard
We Pray for All Those Serving at Home and Around the World:
Jesse, Liam, Matthew, Matt, Jonah, and Chris
We pray for the repose of the soul of Lynn Hyde-Harris, for Lyle and Marianne Hyde, and for their family and friends. And we pray for the repose of the soul of Jack Shutt, and for his family and friends.
Would you like to use a website for daily reflection? Try Pray as You Go. They have an ap for smartphones that you may download for free. Using earbuds or headphones can make this helpful a private time for spiritual reflection. There is a reflection for each day of the year (except for Sundays–they assume you will be in church). This includes a little music to set the tone, reading, and a bit of commentary to stimulate your thinking. Pray as you go – Pray as you go (pray-as-you-go.org)
We give thanks for all members of our St. Columba’s parish family.
Holy One, you are our comfort and strength in times of sudden disaster, crisis or chaos.
Surround us now with your grace and peace through storm or earthquake, fire or flood.
By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, sustain those who work to rescue or rebuild,
and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through you, our rock and redeemer.
– Jesuit Prayer
You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.
Morning Prayer
Mondays and Wednesdays, Fr. Michael Anderson invites you to join him in the Chapel to start your day with Morning Prayer at 9:00 a.m., on Mondays and Wednesdays. All are welcome.
People in all kinds of religious traditions, including Judaism and Christianity, have been marking time with prayer for almost as long as we’ve had hours. “Praying the hours,” as it’s called, has always reminded us that God walks with us throughout each day; “praying the hours” is also a way that the community of faith comes together, whether we’re all in one place or scattered like raindrops. Praying at set hours links us, both to God and to all God’s people. We know this, and we are comforted. In The Episcopal Church, our Book of Common Prayer offers beautiful services for morning, noon, evening, and nighttime in a section called “The Daily Office.” (click here to download The Daily Office)
Sunday School
For Sunday worship, students will start in the Nave with the parish and then walk together to our new class space in the Children’s Learning Center. They will join back with the congregation at the”Peace” to share in Communion with their church family
Francina Anderson will be teaching the class, and she is a gifted teacher, who brings a calm, gentle approach to ministry. She is excited for the opportunity to help children, youth, and families to grow in faith and experience more deeply the love of Jesus.
Youth Group News – Calling all Middle School and High School Students! Sunday, February 23, is the first Youth Group meeting. Francina Anderson and Eleanor Tyas are looking forward to leading this group and are eager to support the youg people of the congregation. Email Francina for mor info: francina.anderson@stcolumbaca.com.
Epiphany Adult Forum
Fr. Michael will lead an Epiphany Adult Forum on Sunday, February 23, at 11:30 a.m. in the parish hall. Watch the bulletins for details about this class.
Download the complete flyer: click here
Vist the 2025 Camarillo CROP Hunger Walk: click here
Health Ministries – Parish Nurse Office Hours
St. Columba’s Health Ministry is delighted to announce that a Faith Community Nurse will be available for private meetings on most Tuesdays, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the church office. The Parish Nurse is able to offer:
- Blood pressure checks
- Health education and resources
- A compassionate ear and caring heart
An appointment is suggested—but feel welcome to drop by anytime during the above hours. For those unable to visit the office, home visits can also be arranged.
Questions or Assistance? Contact Teri Helton at 805.312.1631 or teri@terihelton.com.
Wildfire Response Fund
Episcopal Relief & Development is offering technical support to partners in California that are being affected by the devastating and fast-growing Palisades, Woodley, Eaton and Hurst fires. Emergency responders are currently working to contain the 100 mph wind-fueled fires that are consuming the dry land. At least five people have died and around 130,000 people have had to evacuate their homes. Places of worship, businesses and other buildings have been heavily damaged. There are widespread power outages impacting hundreds of thousands of people. Please pray for the people affected by the wildfires. Supporting the Wildfire Response Fund will help communities around the world respond to the impact of fires. You can donate here:
https://bit.ly/ERDWildfireResponseJan2025.
Note: The photo above was taken by Robyn Migel, and shows the destruction of the home of the Migel family. The location is on Fair Oaks Avenue, Altadena, CA. Robyn is the daughter of Gwen Waite.
A Message from Bishop John Harvey Taylor
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Altadena, CA
A Message from the Senior Warden
January 2025
The text for this article may be found at:
https://stcolumbaca.com/senior-warden-updates/
Financial Update for February
The reports from Gail Hill, Treasurer, may be found at:
https://stcolumbaca.com/financial-updates/
St. Columba’s “Greg and Nancy Larkin Labyrinth” is available during daylight hours for anyone who wants to set aside some time to walk with God. You may walk the Labyrinth during this period. Kindly follow good practices of social distance. Also, note the helpful labyrinth walking guides posted under the tab “Labyrinth” at the top of this web page.
The Larkin Labyrinth is open for walkers any time during daylight hours. The labyrinth is an ancient form of walking prayer; ours here at St. Columba’s is a quarter mile from start to finish. With no choices to make other than at what speed one walks, the mind is free to listen for that still, small voice of God. At the same time, the pathway is intricate, calling one to focus on the labyrinth more than the world outside, if only for the brief time it takes to walk.
Coming Next Month
Join us for a Lenten Labyrinth Walk on Saturday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m.,
led by facilitator Linda Drevensted.
Three Congregations Taizé
If you’re interested in a contemplative, meditative type of worship, the Three Congregations (Camarillo United Methodist, Mount Cross Lutheran, and St. Columba’s Episcopal Churches) are offering in-person Taizé-style prayer, held in the intimate setting of the Mount Cross sanctuary (102 Camino Esplendido, 93010) generally on the 2nd Friday of each month, at 7:00 p.m. For those unfamiliar with this type of prayer, Taizé is an international, ecumenical community in France, dedicated to peace and reconciliation, whose prayer includes meditative singing, scripture, silence, and spoken prayer. The meditative singing of simple refrains repeated many times allows the words—often as simple as “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”—to truly settle into our hearts.
Then Next Three Congregations Taizé will be February 14.
If you are interested in participating as a musician, lector, or intercessor, please contact the Mount Cross office (office@mountcross.com or 805-482-3847).
Return to Communion Common Cup
We have returned to the ancient practice of a common cup.
- Some may choose no Communion wine. The Church has always taught that to receive Communion in one kind is to receive the full grace of the sacrament.
- Take a sip from the cup.
- Intinction: The Eucharistic Minister will take the host from your hand and intinct, dip the wafer in the chalice and place it back in your hand.
We have now returned to using the Communion rail. Please use the handrails at the left or at the right at the Chancel steps if you are the least bit unstable at using the steps. For those who wish to avoid the steps altogether, we will have a LEM to distribute the bread and wine in the Mary Chapel. Or if you would rather not come forward to receive Communion, notify an usher and the bread and wine will be brought to you in your pew.
Worship Beyond Sunday Mornings
This month, our non-Sunday morning services will be as follows:
- Morning Prayer on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in the Mary Chapel.
- Thursday Morning Eucharist is on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. We meet in the Mary Chapel.
- Three Congregations Taizé at Mount Cross: With the growing partnership of the Three Congregations (Camarillo United Methodist, Mount Cross Lutheran, and St. Columba’s Episcopal Churches), we will be bringing back an in-person Taizé-style prayer, held in the intimate setting of the Mount Cross sanctuary (102 Camino Esplendido, 93010) on the 2nd Friday of each month, for this month: February 14, at 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday Morning Digital Eucharist services may be viewed at any time (click here) or click on the “Welcome” tab on the menu at the top of any page on the St. Columba’s website.
Notes Concerning Facebook streaming of services:
If you are unsure of how to view the videos, a link is provided to give some instruction; a quick tutorial on viewing the video, including instructions on displaying the clip in full screen mode as well as instructions on how to adjust the volume, click here.
Simply go to the “Welcome” tab on the menu bar at the top of any page of the St. Columba’s website to find the links to the videos, help, and downloadable service bulletins.
For any who are having trouble connecting to our online services, Tim Helton has offered to assist. Tim may be contacted at 805-231-6986, or by email at tim@timhelton.com
At the bottom of each page of the St. Columba’s website, you will find a red icon. This is a “widget” button that will take you to our St. Columba’s YouTube channel. We are no longer uploading our Facebook videos to YouTube. The graphic at left is an active link to our YouTube page.
St. Columba’s Project Hope Food Pantry
Donations Needed
We need plastic grocery bags—please bring your bags in—we pack them with fresh produce for the families each distribution. Currently, we are serving about 65 families in need three times a month. A dozen parishioners help in this process—getting groceries and produce, packing bags, taking bags out to family cars, and delivering to those who can’t pick up. And, importantly, many of our parishioners have generously donated money for us to buy groceries and produce or brought items in for us to use. And remember to sign up to walk or sponsor someone for CROP Walk in March. Our Food Ministry receives a nice donation from CROP each year that we participate. We thank everyone for all you have done and will continue to do in 2025! Please contact Maurice Hill if you are interested in participating in this ministry.
As we continue to do serve our Project Hope families, we need the following items: cereal, oatmeal, pasta sauce, pasta, canned soup, mac & cheese, canned tuna, canned chicken, fresh bread, toilet paper, paper towels, and Kleenex. If you would like to donate any of these items, you can bring them on Sunday or drop them off at the parish hall during the week. Alternatively, you can donate to our Food ministry fund, by indicating “Food Ministry” in the memo of your check. Your support is so appreciated by our food clients who truly need our help! Your support is so appreciated by our food clients who truly need our help. Thank you! And, last but not least, thank you to all our volunteers!
Food Pantry
You can also donate to St. Columba’s, and we’ll do the shopping. Just indicate “Food Ministry” in the memo on your check. Your support is so appreciated by our food clients who truly need our help – thank you for your donations and thank you to our volunteers!
Lunch Bunch will be Wednesday, February 14. Come and enjoy lunch and fellowship, hosted by Michele Hauser, Diane Off, Beanie MacLaurie, and Jarrel Fuller, at Noon in the parish hall. Sign up on the bulletin board in the narthex.
Flower Chart for 2025
The 2025 Flower Chart is posted on the closet door in the Narthex. To sponsor the altar flowers:
- Put your name next to the date of choice.
- Fill out the form in the basket at left on the table below the chart.
- Enclose a check ($50 for the High Altar)
- Put the form in a colored envelope from the basket.
- Deliver the envelope to the Parish Office.
It is helpful to receive the from well in advance of the date of sponsorship to help in bulletin preparation. Call Marjo Grdner with any questions.
Emergency Contact Information
Because of the recent Mountain Fire emergency, we realized that we are missing cell phone numbers, emails, and possibly up-to-date addresses for some of our members and attenders. Additionally, the Diocese is requesting email addresses for communicating their regular news. Watch for details and a form to help us collect this current information. Thank you for your help with this project.
Mountain Fire Assistance
Prayers for hurricane season and for those in a hurricane’s path. Click here.
Episcopal Relief & Development Donations Needed
Giving Donors A Chance to Double Their Impact During the 2024 Holiday Match Campaign
Episcopal Relief & Development has launched its Holiday Match Campaign to support global needs around the world. Now until December 31, donors can double the impact of their donations with qualifying contributions matched up to $750,000.
Contributions to the Holiday Match Campaign will benefit the Global Needs Fund–a critical resource to help continue work in Episcopal Relief & Development’s focus areas. Support of the campaign will be used by our partners to make a lasting impact through long-term programs in their local communities, focusing on:
- Supporting young children’s development through nurturing care throughout Africa
- Reducing gender-based violence and support women’s financial self-sufficiency globally, including Liberia, Vanuatu and Honduras
- Investing in at-risk communities to help them adapt to climate change in places experiencing chronic drought like Tanzania, Angola and Brazil
- Responding to global disasters, wars and other crises, and accompanying people as they recover
101 Reasons to be an Episcopalian
#29: “The signs that say, ‘The Episcopal Church Welcomes You’ mean it.”
Nick Humez, Diocese of Newark
We invite you to share part of your journey with us. Here at St. Columba’s, we don’t have all the answers, but we will gladly join you in exploring the questions.
Here is a link to the website for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles:
More from The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations
A Prayer for Peace in Israel and Palestine
Supporting humanitarian response to the crisis in Ukraine
One Body & One Spirit Annual Appeal
Your support of the diocesan One Body & One Spirit Annual Appeal directly assists congregations working to meet unforeseen, unbudgeted expenses – from repairing a roof to sheltering unhoused neighbors.
Congregations seeking Annual Appeal grants are encouraged to review the application and FAQ information available via the “donate” link below.
To all donors, thank you! And to all who are considering a gift, please follow the link to contribute today.
Dear Friends,
Click the link to read and download a PDF of The Church at Work. Feel free to pass the link along to a friend or print a copy for your parish. In addition, the online document contains links that will take you to related webpages.
In the newsletter, you will find stories to preview our gathering in Baltimore, Maryland, for the It’s All About Love Festival this July. We hope to see you there!
Please let me know what you think about receiving a downloadable PDF. – Julia Alling.
Consider making a gift today to the BLESS Appeal
- Online
- Call: (800) 344-7626 ext. 6002
- Text: ‘Appeal’ to 91999
- By Mail: The Episcopal Church DFMS – Protestant Episcopal Church US, PO BOX – 95893, St. Louis, MO 63195 -8983
- Stocks or securities: please contact T.J. Houlihan at thoulihan@episcopalchurch.org or (800) 334-7626 x6271.
Thank you!
We are all branches of the same vine.
We are one in the Spirit and in the body of Christ.
