Wednesday, November 20, 2024
#930
Seeking to live Christ’s love in a caring and inclusive community
Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
(John 18:33-37)
A Message from Bishop Steven Charleston:
Spirit allows us all to speak our mind. I am glad because I have a lot to question. The state of the world and the threat to Mother Earth: I have a lot to speak out about. But before I do, I need to be clear about one important thing: I may not like where things are going, but my trust is in Spirit. The key is trust. For me, there is one captain on this ship called Earth.
(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:
| November 20: | Lunch Bunch |
| November 24: | Bible Sunday |
| November 24-30: | National Bible Week |
| November 24: | Christ the King Sunday |
| November 25-27: | Church and Office Closed for Termite Tenting |
| November 27: | Holden Evening Prayer and Pie Social at Mount Cross |
| November 28: | Thanksgiving Day |
| November 28-29: | Parish Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday |
| December 1: | First Sunday of Advent |
This Week at St. Columba’s
| Wednesday 11/20 | EDMUND, King of East Anglia, 870 |
| 9:00a.m. | Morning Prayer — Mary Chapel |
| 12:00 Noon | Lunch Bunch |
| 2:00 p.m. | Craft Group — Parish Hall |
| 7:00 p.m. | Women’s AA — Parish Hall |
| Thursday 11/21 | WILLIAM BYRD, 1823, JOHN MERBECKE, 1585, and THOMAS TALLIS, 1585 Musicians |
| 9:00-10:00 a.m. | Project Hope — Parish Hall |
| 10:00 a.m. | Holy Eucharist |
| 5:00-6:00 p.m. | Project Hope — Parish Hall |
| 6:00 p.m. | Choir Rehearsal |
| Friday 11/22 | CECILIA, Martyr at Rome, c, 280; and CLIVE STAPLES LEWIS, Apologist and Spiritual Writer, 1963 |
| Saturday 11/23 | CLEMENT, Bishop of Rome, c. 100 |
| Sunday 11/24 | THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST — year B |
| 9:30 a.m. | Holy Eucharist Narrative Budget to be presented by Gail Hill, Parish Treasurer |
| 10:30 a.m. | Coffee Hour |
| Monday 11/25 | JAMES OTIS SARGENT HUNTINGTON, Priest and Monk, 1935 |
| All Day |  Church and Office Closed for Termite Tenting |
| Tuesday 11/26 | ISAAC WATTS, Hymnwriter, 1748 |
| All Day | Church and Office Closed for Termite Tenting |
| Wednesday 11/27 | WEDNESDAY OF LAST PENTECOST |
| All Day | Church and Office Closed for Termite Tenting |
| 7:00 p.m. | Holden Evening Prayer and Pie Social at Mount Cross |
Our Stewardship theme for this Fall is “Walk in Love.” The Episcopal Network for Stewardship has developed a series of weekly reflections, which will be posted here, on the Stewardship page on the website, and in the Sunday worship bulletin.
Click here to view all of the reflections.
The complete set of nine reflections may be found by clicking the tab for “Ministry Opportunities / Stewardship”.
Special Notes:
The 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
Note: readings are subject to change.
The Last Sunday after Pentecost — Year B
- 2 Samuel 23:1-7
- Psalm 132:1-13 (14-19)
- Revelation 1:4b-8
- John 18:33-37
- Or:
- Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
- Psalm 93
- Revelation 1:4b-8
- John 18:33-37
Changes to 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:
Lynn, Susan, Milli, Justin, Jerry, John, Ann, Wendie, Robb, Heather, Bruce, Keli, Jack, Chris, Gail, Cameron, Maggie, Eileen, Declan, John, Emily, Allison, Linda, Mary, Lisa, Ivan
Those Who Need Our Continuing Prayers:
Chance, Richard
We Pray for All Those Serving at Home and Around the World:
Jesse, Liam, Matthew, Matt, Nathan, Jonah, and Chris
Would you like to use a website for daily reflection? Try Pray as You Go. I have found this site easy to use and helpful for one’s spiritual journey. They also 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.
A New Prayer Ministry
Be sure to check out the letters of praise of our Children’s Learning Center posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex. We are grateful for the quality of our school and the work that is being done there!
While you are there, please consider joining a prayer group that prays for students and their families by name, while also informing their parents that they are in oure prayers. If you are willing to join this prayer group, please sign up on the sheet located on the bulletin board in the Narthex. This is a great way to increase our support of the school and strengthen the bonds between the church and the school.
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)
Vaccinations for Respiratory Viruses Cut Hospitalizations by 50%
Vaccines for respiratory viruses are proven to cut hospitalizations by up to 50%, which is particularly important for vulnerable populations like the elderly, those with pre-existing health conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems. 21,000 people died and 369,000 individuals were hospitalized for the flu during the 2022-2023 influenza season. Please consider getting vaccinated.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), our Sunday School for children is on break.
A Message from the Senior Warden
November 2024
The text for this article may be found at:
https://stcolumbaca.com/senior-warden-updates/
Financial Update for November
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.
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.
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: December 13, 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
Many thanks to all those who have generously donated money and groceries for use at our Project Hope food ministry! It really helps us to be able to provide a good diversity of items to the families in need. And kudos to all our volunteers who pick up food, bag groceries, distribute, deliver, and keep up with the paperwork!
We are grateful to serve over 60 families three times per month. As we continue to do so, 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—Thank you for your help with our request for paper grocery bags. We have a sufficient supply now and appreciate your assistance!
We still distribute to Camarillo residents on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays – 9:00-10:00 a.m. or 5:00-6:00 p.m. On the 1st Thursday of the month, we distribute from 5:00-6:00 p.m., however, we no longer distribute food on the 3rd or 5th Thursday of the month. Starting in September, our new grant with HUD and St. Columba’s will provide groceries and produce for our 1st Thursday distributions through Spring 2024.
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 is on Wednesday, November 20, at Noon. Sign up on the bulletin board in the Narthex for this time of food and fellowship.
Vaccinations for Respiratory Viruses Cut Hospitalizations by 50%
Vaccines for respiratory viruses are proven to cut hospitalizations by up to 50%, which is particularly important for vulnerable populations like the elderly, those with pre-existing health conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems. 21,000 people died and 369,000 individuals were hospitalized for the flu during the 2022-2023 influenza season. Please consider getting vaccinated.
Thank you to all who helped to make the Celtic Christmas a success! Thanks to all who made items or brought items for the sale. Thanks to all who came out and supported the event by setting up, working the event, purchased items, or helped with cleanup! Here are a few photos of the event that didn’t get posted last week.
Termite Treatment and Thanksgiving Holiday November 25-29
The week of November 25, the church and the parish office will be closed so that the buildings can be treated for termites. There will not be Morning Prayer (November 25 and 27) or Thursday Eucharist (November 28) that week.
The Parish Office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 28-29, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving blessings to you and yours!
Bye-bye Bees!
As much as we need bees to pollinate plants for our gardens and especially for our agricultural industry, St. Columba’s does not need bees in our heater room above the Altar Guild sacristy. Thanks to Maurice Hill for working out a solution with contractors to come up with a solution to keep the bees out (we’ve had the bees in the heater space for several years–they just keep coming back). With a new structure to close up the space, the bees should be deterred from reentry. In the photo, you can see that a lift was required to get the workers up to the location along with materials and equipment.
Thanksgiving Eve Ecumenical Prayer
All are invited to Mount Cross Lutheran Church (102 Camino Esplendido, Camarillo 93010) on Wednesday, November 27, at 7:00 p.m. for sung Evening Prayer, with a brief message, and a Pie Social following prayer with our friends from Mount Cross and Camarillo United Methodist Church.
Looking ahead to December
Our annual Advent Wreath-Making Event with Mount Cross will take place Sunday, December 1. All are invited to Mount Cross (102 Camino Esplendido, 93010) to learn about the history of Advent while also making an Advent wreath. We’ll enjoy fellowship and food with a Blue Zone hospitality time after 9:30 a.m. worship and welcoming back Pastor Julie Morris from her sabbatical, then make our wreaths. If you have your Advent wreath metal ring from last year, bring it to decorate, but new rings will also be available, along with candles. There is a suggested donation for those who need candles and/or wreaths ($5 for candles & $5 for wreaths). We hope to see you! Please sign up online: https://signup.com/go/HBcqsVq
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
#18: “Ours is not just a checkbook ministry. Episcopalians roll up their sleeves and help.”
Agnes L. Haviland-Moore, Diocese of Connecticut
101 Reasons to be an Episcopalian
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.
