October 2013
Stina’s Message
How then shall we live? This is a huge question. The first thing we have to realize is that the question is in the plural. How shall “I” live can only be answered with the relationships I have with those around me, including those who cannot speak, the animals, plants, and even the rocks themselves. What does it mean to respect the other, while maintaining the integrity of the self? Is it possible to come to a win-win for all parties? Perhaps, but not if I insist on having everything I want all the time!
These thoughts run around my brain as I prepare for Diocesan Convention, where the larger body of the Church meets to talk about our life together. We will discuss everything from the small but sometimes critical changes in canon (the law that guides our common life), to how and where we should hold our assets (they are not currently in socially responsible investments – are yours?). If you go to Diocal.org, you can see the various resolutions that will be raised for discussion. We will have several reports, Mary Vargas will be giving a report, and the Rev. Merry Chan Ong will give a report on EAM@40. We will worship together, and we will make decisions on how to spend our money. In one way, it is like the workings of an individual church. However, it is like the difference between city and state governments. There are some similarities, and some differences simply because of the size and scope. I am grateful to your representatives who will accompany me there.
~ Stina
BC NOTES
Our BC meeting was postponed to Oct 20 because of Dr Hinohara’s lecture, which shifted the Tri-Church World Communion to Oct 13. Therefore, this Messenger is later than usual! Other than the English-impaired (self included!) who did not understand the second half of Dr Hinohara’s sermon, both the Tri-Church and the lecture were a success, and everyone who helped out is showered with gratitude!
Please pay attention to the dates and times under the “Events” section. There are a lot of things coming up. One change is that we will join the Presbyterians for Lessons and Carols for our service on Sunday, December 29.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- November 3 All Saints Day – please send names to Stina that need to be added to the list.
- November 9Deanery meeting at Holy Innocents
- November 10Baptism of Caitlyn, Natsuyo’s granddaughter
- November 17BC
- December 1 Home Advent wreath-making during coffee hour
- December 24 4:00 Christmas Eve service at SKK
- December 29 10:00 Lessons & Carols at CUPC (Presbyterian)
- 2014 Music Festival August 24
NEWS AND NOTES
Many of us remember The Rev. James D. Swearingen who was our associated minister long time ago. The Tadakumas had a phone call from his friend in June that he passed away. He was very compassionate and kind person. They were unable to attend his memorial service but sent a sympathy card to his beloved wife, Lynn. May he rest in peace.
Because our church floor was being renovated, the Sunday service on June 30th was closed. The Tadakumas decided to visit the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Oakland. The rector of the church is Rev. Merry Chan Ong, our former interim minister. The church is located in the heart of Oakland Chinatown. The service was conducted in English and Chinese. Rev. Merry was very happy to see them. After the service they were invited for lunch. Every fifth Sunday, they have pot luck luncheon. The congregation welcomed them warmly, made them feel at home. They also met the retired former Bishop of Korea and his wife. They had a wonderful time and experience.
EDUCATION
I recently looked at a video I want to recommend to you. It is at http://www.nantucketproject.com/joel-baden-what-use-is-the-bible. Those of you looking at this online should be able to copy and paste the link. It may take a couple of times listening to him, but I thought it was excellent. Stina
SPECIAL THANKS
To Carl for the new top step on the back steps.
To Kei, Yuki, Gordon and Carol for all of their work on the Hinohara lecture!
THE LAST WORD
It is a good day to live. They say my ancestors were unafraid to make the spirit journey when their time came, accepting it as a good day to die. I like to think that what made it so was their claim of every other day as a good day to live. Let me embrace each dawn as gift. Let me walk the hours of day unafraid, rejoicing in all I do, with grace and faith unbounded. Let evening find me close to those I love, warming my soul by the fires of their laughter. And let me sleep in a holy peace believing that tomorrow will bring a blessing. Bp Steven Charleston in Hope as Old as Fire