This Sunday's Readings:
Psalm 85:8-14
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33
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Greetings!
For most of us summer means "Time Out." Whether we translate that into a vacation or a staycation, our minds wander to fun, relaxation, or the great outdoors. We cherish lazy time for daydreaming or reading. "Time Out" gives us permission to dive into casual books we wouldn't attempt during other seasons. I'd like suggest that we add a spiritual reading category to "Time Out." It can fit easily between casual reads and refresh us in a way that other reads cannot. I thought about this as I read a statement from a twenty-something the other day. It made me want to know more about Jesus:
"I got asked today why I go to church...and...this is my answer: I don't know all there is to know about God. I never will...but I do know that I can feel God...and I can feel my heart. I know there was a man named Jesus. Do I necessarily know where he came from? Absolutely not. Some say through human conception; others claim God's work through the Holy Spirit and Mary. I personally embrace the blurred line between science and belief. I don't necessarily need to know where he came from. What I need to know is how he lived...I know he fed the hungry; embraced tax collectors; healed the sick; hung out with drunks, prostitutes, idolaters, murderers, and cheats. And do I know what he did with them? He loved them. Unconditionally. Without judgment. He showed them dignity. He saw in them a light no one else chose to see. This example, from this man named Jesus, is one that I embrace and choose to follow. I feel that if he were here today, he would understand a heart like mine. He would still embrace those that society has cast aside - even you and me. That is all I need to know to have faith. That is all I need to know to belong to a community that embraces these beliefs with me. And that's why I choose to go to church."
Summer spiritual reads can help us expand our faith the way this young person's faith was expanded. So in the final days of this summer, you might consider Phillip Yancey's What's So Amazing About Grace? (It's also a timely read in light of today's conflict in the world and our book club will be discussing it on September 8th.)
Happy summer, Rev. Vicki
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Photo of the Week: Special Archives Edition
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Vicar Melville M. Moore, with his wife, outside All Saints in the Bush Runabout given to him by the All Saints' congregation. Traveling to the Mission in Carpinteria by horse and carriage was difficult, so the church bought him this automobile. Circa 1910.
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Save the Date for a Very Special All Saints' Homecoming Picnic Honoring Father Bob
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Homecoming Sunday will be September 14 this year. Please plan on joining us for this very special day, as it will also be Father Bob's last Sunday at All Saints. Sunday School teachers will be
commissioned during the 10 a.m. service. Immediately following the
 10 a.m. service, our Homecoming celebration on the patio will kick off. Join us to rejoice in the bountiful gifts God has bestowed upon All Saints, including a special sendoff for our beloved Father Bob. Enjoy delicious brunch, music, fun and fellowship as we look back on Father Bob's leadership at All Saints, bid him a farewell as he starts his new journey, and look ahead to the exciting new chapter we're beginning at All Saints. This will truly be one of the most memorable Homecomings yet - we look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, or would like to help in any way, please contact the Church Office 805/969-4771. |
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Have You Signed Up for
the ASBTS Campus Cleanup Morning?
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 All Saints' Annual Campus Cleanup Day is just around the corner, and we need your help! Join us Saturday, August 23, from 9am-Noon, to spruce up our lovely campus. The work we accomplish in just a few hours is important in keeping our campus one of the most beautiful around. (And of course so everything is shiny and clean for a new Rector!)
We'll tackle a variety of other projects this year. Remember, many hands make light work. Please volunteer if you can. Sign up with Nathan Sigler.
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All Saints Book Table Resumes!
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The All Saints Book Table will resume this Sunday, August 10, after
 being rained (yay!) out last week. Find it on the patio after Sunday services. Our educational and inspirational selection of books will be on sale the first and third Sundays of each month, and more frequently during special liturgical seasons. Come browse and see what's new! There's something for all ages. If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer, please feel free to contact the Rev. Vicki.
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 School is back in session at Cleveland Elementary School, and the Outreach Committee needs YOU! There are so many ways to support this important focus project: homework tutors are needed in all subjects; administrative help is needed in the school office; the PTA needs help in a variety of ways; help is needed in the library; gardeners are needed on the weekends; we even need strong role models to come and have lunch with the children periodically. Do as much as you'd like or as little as you have time for. All of it helps. Signing up to be a volunteer with this project is easy, but does require a background check, which the Outreach Committee can facilitate. Sign up with the Outreach committee at the Information Table after Sunday services or call the Church Office 805/969-4771. Learn more.
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This Sunday is All Saints' Night
at Transition House
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One Sunday each month, 20 to 30 homeless families enjoy the All Saints dinner at Transition House emergency shelter. Our next night to make and serve dinner is this Sunday, August 10. Servers should be at Transition House by 5 p.m. Call the Church Office if you'd like to purchase food and/or help serve.
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Young Professionals Beach BBQ This Sunday
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 All Saints' young professionals - and their family and friends - are invited to a beach BBQ this Sunday, August 10 at 12:30 p.m.at Leadbetter Beach. Come out and get to know your fellow All Saints' young professionals! No need to bring anything - we'll have good eats, good drink, and great conversation. Email Heather Childress or Alex Williams if you can make it! Hope to see you there!
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Save the Date: M-4 Day of Service, September 6
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The M-4 churches are hosting a half Day of Service, September 6 from 9am-Noon at Cleveland Elementary School. Projects include: gardening sprucing up the school's picnic tables and grounds, computer work, and classroom work. The PTA will provide a light breakfast. As Cleveland Elementary is All Saints' Focus Project, it's important that we have a good showing of parishioners. Sign up at the Information Table after Sunday services or call the Church Office 805/969-4771.
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Artists, There's Still Time!
Submit Artwork for 2014 Christmas Card
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 The Episcopal Church is still accepting submissions of original artwork for the 2014 Episcopal Church Christmas card. How great would it be to have an All Saints artist featured this year?! The original artwork should express a local understanding of God's incarnation for the celebration of Jesus' birth. The August 15 deadline is approaching; find out how to submit your artwork here.
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Looking Ahead...
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- August 10 - All Saints' Night at Transition House
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August 10 - Young Professionals BBQ @ Leadbetter Beach
- August 15 - Healing Touch Support Group
- August 16 - Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks
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August 20 - Summer Potluck on the Patio
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August 23 - Campus Cleanup Day
- September 6 - M-4 Day of Service @ Cleveland Elementary
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September 14 - Homecoming Sunday
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There are many more items for your attention than we can comfortably fit in the email each week. Please click on the headlines below to view some of the stories from the All Saints website and from around the Internet!
Miramar Hotel Project Back on Track -
According to developer Rick Caruso and his team, the Miramar is on its way back! At a briefing for parish leaders recently, the hotel, to be called the Miramar Beach Resort and Bungalows, will hopefully see construction begin this year and open in 2017. Read more...
A Unique Opportunity to Transform Lives in Rwanda - Twenty years after the genocide, Rwanda is now one of the safest and most peaceful nations in Africa. However, it still struggles to overcome the legacy of destruction endured by its people. Read more...
Responding to Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone and Liberia - Episcopal Relief & Development is working with the Anglican Diocese of Bo in Sierra Leone and the Episcopal Church of Liberia in response to the Ebola epidemic that has killed hundreds of people since the current outbreak began in March 2014. Read more...
Bishop's Chair for Environmental Studies & Food Justice created at Campbell Hall - The Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno has created the Bishop's Chair for Environmental Science & Food Justice and named the Rev. Andrew K. Barnett to the new post at Campbell Hall Episcopal in North Hollywood, California. Read more...
Did you know that each week's Sunday service bulletin is posted on the All Saints website? Just click here. |
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