Wednesday, January 1, 2025
#936
Seeking to live Christ’s love in a caring and inclusive community
After the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”
When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”
(Matthew 2:13-15,19-23)
A Message from Bishop Steven Charleston:
You have all you need for the journey to come. As this year unfolds you will have the skills of a lifetime to navigate it. You will be surrounded and supported by spiritual friends you can trust. You will have the guidance of the ancestors and the wisdom of the elders. Most of all, you will have the Spirit and the hosts of healing spirits to help you. Do not be anxious: you have all you need.
(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:
| January 1: | New Year’s Day — Parish Office closed | |
| January 10: | Three Congregations Taizé | |
| January 11: | 2025 Budget Meeting with Vestry and Budget and Finance Commiettee — 9:00 a.m. to finalize the proposed budget | |
| January 17: | Annual Reports Due | |
| January 18: | Dance of the Thorns | |
| January 20: | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — Parish Office closed | |
| January 26: | Annual Parish Meeting, following the 9:30 a.m. Service | |
| January 29: | Lunch Bunch |
This Week at St. Columba’s
| Wednesday 1/1 | NEW YEAR’S DAY—Parish Office closed THE HOLY NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST |
| 5:45 p.m. | Women’s AA — Parish Hall |
| 7:00 p.m. | Women’s AA — Parish Hall |
| Thursday 1/2 | VEDANAYAGAM SAMUEL AZARIAH, First Indian Anglican Bishop, Donakal, 1945 |
| 10:00 a.m. | Holy Eucharist |
| 5:00-6:00 p.m. | Project Hope — Parish Hall |
| 6:00 p.m. | Choir Rehearsal |
| Friday 1/3 | WILLIAM PASSAAVANT, Prophetic Witness, 1894 |
| Saturday 1/4 | ELIZABETH SETON, Founder of the American Sisters of Charity, 1821 |
| 10:00 a.m. | Daughters of the King — Parish Office |
| Sunday 1/5 | THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (celebrated) |
| 9:30 a.m. | Holy Eucharist — The Rev. Michael Anderson, Presiding |
| 10:30 a.m. | Coffee Hour |
| Monday 1/6 | THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST |
| 9:00 a.m. | Morning Prayer in the Mary Chapel |
| 6:00 p.m. | Boy Scouts — Parish Hall |
| Tuesday 1/7 | FRANCES JOSEPH GAUDET, Educator and Social Reformer, 1934 |
| 10:00 a.m. | Staff Meeting — Parish Office |
| Wednesday 1/8 | WEDNESDAY OF EPIPHANY 1 |
| 9:00 a.m. | Morning Prayer in the Mary Chapel |
| 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 |
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.
On Sunday, December 1, we celebrated Stewardship Sunday, and the pledges turned in to-date were be blessed at the 9:30 a.m. service.
If you haven’t returned your Pledge Card yet, please bring it as soon as possible. Over the next few weeks, we will be publishing and posting the totals from all pledges recieved.
The Vestry and Budget and Finance Committee will be meeting Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. to finalize the proposed 2025 Parish Budget.
Prior to last Sunday’s service, here is the report of Total Pledges:
| Number of Pledges received | Total Amount Pledged |
| 48 | $211,454.23 |
2025 Pledge Offering envelopes are available in the church narthex
(or contact the church office to make other arrangements to get your envelopes).
The clergy, Vestry, and Budget Committee want to thank all who contributed to the work and ministry of St. Columb’s during the current year.
Thanks for all you do in helping St. Columba’s to be a beacon of God’s hope and love to our community.
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
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:
Dana, Bruce, Chase, Betty, Gail, Lynn, Susan, Milli, Justin, Jerry, John, Ann, 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, Jonah, and Chris
We pray for the soul of Candice Van Runkle, and for her family and friends.
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.
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.
Francina Anderson has worked in youth ministry for around fifteen years. She has a multiple subject teaching credential and has taught fifth grade, as well as junior high science. Most recently, Francina was the EYC Director (Episcopal Youth Community) at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, in Lewisville, Texas. She also has led several women’s bible studies, and she and Fr. Michael have hosted a family Bible study out of their home for several years.
Francina 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.
Beginning January 5, for 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 at the peace to share in communion with their church family.
And stay tuned for details on youth group Sundays with lunch, fellowship, and Bible study. For any questions, see Francina Anderson.
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 January
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
Project Hope Gifts
A huge THANK YOU to all of you who participated in gifts for our Project Hope children! Thanks to your generosity, we were able to make Christmas merrier for 45 youngsters. Again, thank you!
Donations Needed
In 2024, we were serving about 65 families in need three times a month. A dozen parishioners helped out 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. We thank everyone for all you have done and will continue to do in 2025! Please read the Food Ministry report in the 2024 Annual Report for further information. And remember, we need plastic grocery bags—bring your bags in—we pack them with fresh produce for the families each week. Please contact Maurice Hill if you are interested in participating in this ministry.
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
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!
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.
Anyone who is ill or shut-in and would like to receive Holy Communion during the Season, please contact the Parish Office at 805-482-8831, so that arrangements can be made.
Lunch Bunch will be Wednesday, January 29. 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.
The time is fast approaching, and the Chief Rosarian has issued the annual call to all dedicated rose lovers to gather once again for the Annual Dance of the Thorns.
Julian Hoyle, our in-resident Master Gardener, will be on hand to offer help to any and all volunteers who wish to attend this annual event. We promise that the work is not too difficult, and Julian will provide excellent help for any novice pruner, so previous experience is not required. However, those who would like to participate should bring garden gloves and sharp pruning shears. Your loyal editor will provide a sharpening stone and honing oil if your clippers need a tune-up.
If you have enjoyed the colorful blooms on our roses, please consider joining our band of happy volunteers!
| When: | 9:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18. We hope to complete our task by 11:00 a.m. |
| Where: | In front of the Church |
| What to Bring: | Garden gloves and pruning shears |
| In case of rain: | Our Fall-back date will be Saturday, January 25 |
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.
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on January 26, 2025, following our 9:30 a.m. service. Please mark your calendars now and save the date.
Our Annual Parish Meeting is the one time during the year when we meet together like a large family to celebrate the community that we are and to celebrate the many ministries that take place at and through St. Columba’s. We also enjoy food, felowship, and elect CLC school board members, convention delegates, and new Vestry members.
We need ALL REPORTS to be included in the Annual Book of Reports submitted to the Parish Office by Friday, January 17. If possible, it is preferred that reports be emailed as an attachment to office.manager@stcolumbaca.com.
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
#24: “We belong before we believe.”
Joanna Wragg, Diocese of Southeast Florida
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.
