This Week at St. Columba

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

#955

Seeking to live Christ’s love in a caring and inclusive community

At the last supper, when Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

(John 13:31-35)

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A Message from Bishop Steven Charleston:

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Upcoming Events:

May 12-14:	Clergy Conference
May 17:	Hoedown and Chili Cook Off — to support theHealth Ministry’s goal to obtain an AED
May 20:	Reading Group Zoom
May 25:	Adult Forum
May 26:	Memorial Day — Parish Office Closed
May 27:	Pub Theology at Institution Ale — 7:00 p.m.
May 31:	Fr. Michael’s Institution as Rector and Confirmation
June 8:	Feast Day Celebration for our Name Saint: Columba of Iona
June 23:	Buildings & Grounds Meeting — Parish Office, Noon

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This Week at St. Columba’s

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Why isn’t Easter always on the same day? Easter is always celebrated on a Sunday in the Spring season. Why Spring? That is when the Jewish tradition of Passover occurs, and in the early church, it is when pagan feasts occured, and it became a way the early church attracted new members. The date is determined to be the Sunday following the full moon that follows the Spring Equinox on March 21. The complete rule for determining Easter and a table for finding the date for Easter in any year from 1900 to 2051, may be found on pages 880-883 in the Book of Common Prayer. However, let us remember Easter (or Eastertide or Paschaltide) is more than one day, it is a season that lasts for 50 days from Easter Day to the Day of Pentecost.

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 Special Notes:

The online Calendar for St. Columba’s has been updated! Check it out at:

St. Columba’s Calendar

• 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)

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• 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:

Fiona, Cynthia, Robert, Richard, Kandis, Teri, Sara, Carrie, Kim, Joan, Candice, Dana, Chase, Betty, Susan, Millie, Justin, Jerry, Ann, Keli, Chris, Gail, Maggie, Eileen, John, Emily, Allison, Mary, and Lisa

Continuing Needs:

Declan, Bruce

We Pray for All Those Serving at Home and Around the World:

Jesse, Liam, Matthew, Matt, Jonah, and Chris

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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. 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.

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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

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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.

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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. (NOTE: There will not be Morning Prayer or Thursday Holy Eucharist April 21- May 1. The regular schedule will resume the week of May 5.)

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Time: 10:00 a.m.

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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, May May 18, will be the date for the upcoming Youth Group meeting. Meet in the parish hall at 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for lunch, games, and Bible Study. Francina Anderson and Eleanor Tyas leading this group and are excited about supporting the young people of the congregation. Email Francina for more info: francina.anderson@stcolumbaca.com.

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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.

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Financial Update for May

The reports from Gail Hill, Treasurer, may be found at:

https://stcolumbaca.com/financial-updates/

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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 labyrinth is located behind the church in the labyrinth garden.

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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.

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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 May 9.

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).

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Return to Communion Common Cup

We have returned to the ancient practice of a common cup. 

1. 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.
2. Take a sip from the cup.
3. 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.

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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. The Livestream team is pleased to announce that it is now streaming the Sunday services to YouTube as well as to Facebook. You can reach either channel by clicking on the appropriate icon at the top right hand side of our web page (https://stcolumbaca.com). Happy viewing!

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St. Columba’s Project Hope Food Pantry

Donations Needed

Thank you all who provide us with plastic grocery bags! We continue to need the bags—please bring your bags in—we
pack them with fresh produce for the families each distribution. We continue to serve 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. Many of you made donations to the CROP Walk in March—many thanks! 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 this year! 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!

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Lunch Bunch will be Wednesday, May 28. 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.

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Give Glory, Share Beauty

Sponsor Flowers for the Lord’s Altar

Would you like to honor a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or simply give thanks?
Sponsoring the altar flowers is a meaningful and beautiful way to do just that.
Each bouquet offered at the Lord’s table is a living prayer—lifting up our joys, our
memories, and our gratitude before God.
Here’s how you can participate:

• Find the flower chart on the door in the narthex and sign up next to your preferred Sunday.
• Fill out the form—Let us know who or what your flowers are honoring.
• Place your form and $50 check (made out to St. Columba’s Altar Guild) in the colored envelope provided and place in the collection plate.
• Your gift adds beauty to our worship and meaning to our prayers. Thank you for helping us keep the altar blooming with love and reverence.

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Health Ministry Event

Y’all Ready for a Hoedown?
Brought to you by St. Columba’s Health Ministry—Where faith meets flannel!

Dust off your boots and grab your hat—it’s time for a rootin’-tootin’ good time at our first ever Church Hoedown! Whether you can two-step like a pro or just want to enjoy some good grub and better company, we’d love to see ya there!
Date/Time: Saturday, May 17
Location: St. Columba’s parish hall and patio
Chili Cookoff—if you are interested in competing, contact Teri Helton,
teri@terihelton.com
Enjoy Line dancing, raffle prizes & desserts, games, eat some chili and vote for your favorite.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Beer, dessert, and raffle prizes can also be purchased.
Proceeds will go toward an automatic electronic defibrillator (AED)
No horse required. Just come hungry and happy!

Let’s get into the mood: click here to watch YouTube with Gene Autry!

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Looking to grow in faith and fellowship through great books? Join our Church Reading Group—a warm, welcoming space where we dive into inspiring reads and share meaningful conversations  rooted in our Christian Walk.

Come as you are—no need to be a theologian, just bring your love of reading and open heart. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth, community, or just a peaceful evening, we’d love to have you.

Sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the narthex. Initial Zoom meeting: Tuesday, May 20, 7:00 p.m.

Contact Fr. Michael: michael.anderson@stcolumbaca.com.

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Our next Pub Theology is Tuesday, May 27, at 7:00 p.m. at Institution Ale (3841 Mission Oaks Blvd, Camarillo). All are welcome for a pint and discussion. (Institution is family-friendly and alcohol-free drinks are also available.)

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Save Books to Sell It’s never too early to start setting aside books that you might like to pass on to fellow readers. We will once again be having a book sale to raise money. So, find a spot on a shelf or wherever, and tuck that book you just finished away. Thanks so very much!

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Mark your calendars for our annual Saint Columba Day celebration with our 9:30 a.m. Eucharist, followed by a parish picnic and potluck—Sunday, June 8.

“An I mo chridhe, I mo ghraidh. – In Iona that is my heart’s desire, Iona that is my love.”
― Saint Columba

It seems few people today, in America at least, are familiar with Columba. Many people respond to the name by saying “I didn’t know the guy who discovered America was a saint?”

What do you know of Saint Columba? Here is the first of a series on the life of our Name Saint. In Ireland, Columba is well known among all the people. Many churches are named for him.

Part 1: Columba is a direct descendant of an Irish King and he most likely could have been crowned as King of Ireland had he chosen that, however the life he chose was to be a humble follower of the King of Kings.

According to tradition, Columba was born December 7, 521 in County Donegal, Ireland. He belonged to the Clan O’Donnell; his father’s name was Fedhlimdh and his mother was Eithne. His mother gave him two names, “Crimthan,” meaning wolf, and “Colum,” meaning a dove. It is curious, but sheer coincidence, that the Hebrew word for Dove is “Iona” and the Latin word is “Columba,” yet the island of Iona on which Columba founded a monastery was called “Iona” before Columba came. As a child, his playmates called him Colum-cille (Colum of the Church), which shows how as a boy he was fond of helping with the services and sharing in the work. To this day Gaelic-speaking people talk of him as Colum-cille.

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Mountain Fire Assistance

*Conejocompassion.org

*Localloveproject.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.

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Episcopal Relief & Development Donations Needed

Contributions to the 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 

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101 Reasons to be an Episcopalian

#43: “We welcom the faithful, the seeker, and the doubter.”

Dianna Smith, Diocese of Washington

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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.

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Here is a link to the website for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles:

https://diocesela.org/

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More from The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations

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A Prayer for Peace in Israel and Palestine

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Supporting humanitarian response to the crisis in Ukraine

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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!

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We are all branches of the same vine.

We are one in the Spirit and in the body of Christ.

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