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Determinedly Connected:
Weekly Flame for Thursday September 26, 2019
From Our Rector
As I drove to work this morning, I listened to the Acting Director of National Intelligence testify before the House Intelligence Committee in Washington D.C. An explosive story has emerged over the last several days regarding a phone call in which President Trump allegedly pressed his Ukrainian counterpart to investigate former Vice Present Joe Biden and his son for corruption. On Tuesday I received a sobering mass email from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi which began “Dear San Franciscan,” and went on to relay her concerns. Her letter concluded, “Therefore, yesterday, I announced that the House of Representatives is moving forward with an official impeachment inquiry.” It is, to say the least, an extraordinary moment in U.S. History. Unlike the Clinton impeachment twenty years ago, now “ as impeachment looms, disinformation experts are bracing for a fresh cyclone of chaos, complete with fast-twitch media manipulation, droves of false and misleading claims, and hyper-polarized audiences fiercely clinging to their side’s version of reality”.
It is a moment in which to pay careful, critical attention, to stay tethered to the complex reality in we are located, to refuse manipulation, to stay fiercely and determinedly connected.
Last Sunday we heard a story termed by many commentators as the most difficult of Jesus’ parables. It is variously called the parable of “the Unjust Steward” or the “Dishonest Manager”. It tells of how a manager, accused of dishonesty by his boss who is simply described as “a rich man,” reduces what all the master’s debtors owe in order to safeguard his relationships with them once he’s fired. Only—surprise!—instead of firing him, his boss commends him for his shrewd handling of the situation. This is when Jesus comments, seemingly in agreement: “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes” (Lk 16:9). As I said on Sunday, Jesus’ comment, and the story in general, comes across as a real head scratcher. When you consider how strongly Jesus condemns unjust systems in all of the gospels, and how his ministry in Luke’s Gospel in particular (Luke 4:16-21, quoting Isaiah 61:1) is launched through the prophecy of release to the captives, recovery of sight to those without it, and the freeing of the oppressed, his statement that seems to speak positively of “unjust” or even “dishonest” “wealth,” is confusing to say the least. In some ways, the parable is intractably inscrutable. But on Sunday I emphasized several points I think we can take away from this passage:
- the importance of making friends, reaching out to one another in the midst of the contexts in which we are embedded. Jesus in John’s gospel (15:15) says, “I have called you friends.” Friendship is of major importance to Jesus. It binds us together as God’s unruly, creaturely family. We are not to take it lightly.
- to use our critical faculties and shared insights to recognize howwe are embedded in the structures of this world, understanding that we are in the midst of various systems that are in fact unjust (e.g. racism, classism, sexism to name but three that intersect with each other in various ways). I read the ex which the NRSV translates as “by means of” (as in the phrase “by means of unjust wealth”) as more simply “out of,” or “in the midst of.” In the midst of an unjust system, make friends.
- Making friends in the midst of such contexts is about being in solidarity with those who are most marginalized by them. Make friends to push back strategically against and help transform unjust systems together.
I didn’t say it in quite this way Sunday, but here’s another insight from this strange reading to take home this week in particular. I heard it among fellow clergy at a gathering earlier today (h/t A.M.):
- Be shrewd. There’s no need to be naïve in an unjust world. Be aware. In Sunday’s passage Jesus comments, “for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light” (Lk 16:8b). We could stand to be more savvy, he’s saying. Don’t be actively unjust—indeed, as earlier stated, contest injustice. But don’t be a doormat either. I’m also reminded of Jesus’ statement from the Gospel of Matthew: “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (10:16). Jesus urges his disciples to be ready for trouble, indeed persecution.
The end of a New York Timesarticle entitled “Brace Yourself for the Internet Impeachment” claims that not that many people care about this Impeachment inquiry. “This is just another day at the office” claimed a Washington-based communications strategist. I’m not buying it. But in case you’re tempted to tune out, please don’t. We need to pay attention. This is a time, friends, to stay critically aware, determinedly connected.
Peace,
Cameron
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sanitation During Disasters Presentation, Sept. 26th, 6 pm at St. Aidan’s
 Have you wondered what you would do if you do not have usable toilets in an emergency because sewer pipes have been damaged? Find out solutions and other safety tips by attending our Resilient Diamond Heights Workgroup on Thursday, Sept. 26that 6 pm. Greg Carey will discuss his pamphlet – Sanitation During Disasters. Dinner at 6 pm will be followed by the presentation from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Please email Betsy Eddy, betsy.eddy@gmail.com if you plan to attend so that there will be plenty of food for everyone. Parking is available in the lot next to Safeway.
Diamond Heights Blvd. Median Project Workday Sept. 28th, 9 - 12 noon
Please join us on Saturday, Sept. 28 to spread woodchips, collect trash and weed our median islands.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Location: Meet at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 101 Gold Mine Dr., Parish Hall (Lower Level)
Refreshments: Morning snacks
Lunch: We will serve a hot lunch afterward to say thank you
Please RSVP to betsy.eddy@gmail.com so we have a headcount for lunch.
Recommended for 12 years and older; no gardening experience required, but there will be bending and kneeling (pads and gloves will be provided). If you have preferred personal gloves, you are welcome to bring them.
Diamond Diapers: September 29, 1-2pm
 The next Diamond Diapers, our monthly distribution of free baby diapers (generally on the third Sunday afternoon of the month) will take place this Sunday, September 29 from 1-2pm in St. Aidan's Narthex. Please let anyone you know from the 94131 zip code who needs diapers!
(the antiracist) New Jim Crow Book Group – Next meeting is Sept 29, 4:30-6:00. We are reading How to Be an Anti-racist by Ibram Kendi. Please join us! Questions – contact Deacon Margaret,mdyerc@stanford.edu.
St. Nicholas Middle Eastern Food Festival, Sept. 28 and 29th
Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church is proud to announce its 24th Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival. Our Two Day Food Festival can be enjoyed with the whole family and will feature:
Live Music by well-known Bay Area singers!
Craft Beer and Cocktails.
Hookah Lounge.
Dabke Performances (Arabic Cultural Dancing).
Delicious Home Made Middle Eastern Food.
Raffle to win a new car.
Church Tours.
Henna Tattoos.
Ladies Auxiliary Kan Zaman Booth ( Photo booth).
Booths By Local Businesses And Parishioners.
Entertainment for kids and much more!
For information, please go to our website www.stnicholas-sf.com. We hope to see you there!
Sat, Sep 28, 2019, 12 noon – 10 PM
Sun, Sep 29, 2019, 12 noon – 8 PM
Saint Nicholas Syrian Antiochian Orthodox Church
5200 Diamond Heights Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94131
Men's Group
Saturday, October 5, 8:15-10:15am, Wajnert Room
We gather for prayer, study, breakfast, and fellowship. All men are cordially invited.
Invitation to soup-making session: Saturday October 5, 2019
Are you interested in dabbling in an aspect of pastoral care ministry?
The “support and sustenance” team of the St Aidan’s pastoral care committee is holding a soup-making session Saturday, October5, 9:00 am downstairs at church. Our goal is to enjoy one another’s company while we prepare vegetarian and meat-based soups together, that we will label and freeze for parishioners who may be in need. All ingredients will be provided. Bring a favorite knife if you want.
Please let us know if you plan to come.
JoEllen Brothers, JoEllen.brothers@yahoo.com, phone 415-613-5679
October 6th St. Francis Day at St. Aidan's -- Animal Blessings and Memorials
To honor the Feast of St. Francis we will be blessing animals both our 8 and 10am services at St. Aidan's on Sunday, October 6th. Then at noon, we'll head to Upper Douglas Dog Park for blessings. If your dog does better in that setting than at church, please come. And then at 2:30pm we'll honor the memory of animals who have died, as the following blurb explains.
“Always In Our Hearts: Remembering and Honoring Our Beloved Animal Companions” --ou r 12th Interfaith Companion Animal Memorial Service will be held Sunday, October 6th at 2:30 in our Sanctuary. Please know you and anyone else who is grieving or has grieved the loss of a pet are welcome to come. Also, please share this information with those you know who might appreciate being at our service. The loss doesn’t necessarily have to be recent --- as we know, losses and grief continue, and to honor a relationship at different points on a grief journey can be healing. Anyone who has grieved the loss of a companion animal understands the depth and intensity of this journey. Join us in honoring and acknowledging our relationships with our companion animals. Feel free to bring a photo or other memento to place on the altar that we will create together. Children are most welcome.
Free Printer Cartridges from Elaine Mannon
Thank you to Joe Ferrucci for the office supplies shared with members of this community over the last few weeks as his office moves. Elaine Mannon, who received a printer, now has several new cartridges from her old printer that she no longer can use. Could you use HP 02 cartridges in color as well as black and white? If so, please reach out to Elaine at elaine@mannon.com.
Bryan Baker & Friends- a benefit concert for SF Choral Society
Saturday October 5, 2019 at St. Aidan's
Bryan Baker, Piano Jessica House Steward, Soprano Pedro Gomez, Clarinet Grodon Thrupp & more
Tickets $25; Wine tasting & hors d'oeuvres at 3:30pm, Concert at 4pm
(see flyer here)
Three Things from the Bishop's Office:
- Save the Dates for Convention 2019: Friday, October 25 to Saturday, October 26 at Grace Cathedral (please note everyone from across the Bay Area is invited to worship and share a meal together Friday evening).
- Traveling this summer and want to find an Episcopal Church nearby? Check out the "Find a Church Map"created by The Episcopal Church at episcopalchurch.org/find-a-church!
- We need volunteers to help with Harry Potter Day on Saturday, November 16. There will be three online meetings: July 17, July 29, and August 11. If you can make one or all of these meetings, email Caren Miles at carenm@diocal.org.
Curious about upcoming events in the diocese? Visit diocal.org/dio-calendar for more!
Healing Touch
Healing Touch San Francisco invites all Healing Touch students and practitioners in the Bay Area to a convenient Sunday afternoon monthly support group to meditate and share HT treatments. For those coming by BART please let Kathleen know if you would like to be picked-up at the Glen Park Bart Station. A $5-10 donation is requested to cover costs. Please bring a massage table if you can. RSVP to Kathleen Wyckoff at kathleenwyckoff@yahoo.com or 415.577.8359.
Further future dates include Sundays, 2pm- 4pm: October 20, November 17, December 15
Contemplative Prayer: Tues/Thurs 9-10am
All are welcome to participate in a space of quiet, contemplative prayer. You may come either or both days at any time between 9-10am!
 Sacred Cup 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 10amThrough Bread & Pastry 248 Church St, San Francisco
Join our Sacred Space Minister for a conversation about 'letting go' and other topics over a cup of coffee or tea and perhaps a tasty treat! Click here for information.
St. Aidan's Gourmet Book Group - note change in schedule!  The St. Aidan's Gourmet Book Group does not al  ways adhere to its usual last Monday of the month meeting time so please note the dates carefully! Bring your favorite sweet and savory finger food and book suggestions for future meetings. Home of Elaine Mannon 295 Urbano Drive, SF
7:00-9:00pm
RSVP: 415- 469-9832 elaine@mannon.com
Monday, September 30, 2019: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Brimming with charm, personal wisdom and philosophic insight, a look at Russian history through the eyes of a Russian aristocrat living under house arrest in a luxury hotel for more than 30 years.
Monday, October 28, 2019: Born A Crime by Trevor Noah. Noah’s unlikely path from apartheid South Africa to the desk of The Daily Show begins with a criminal act: his birth. Unions between blacks and whites were punishable by 5 years in prison.
Monday, November 25, 2019: The Library Book by Susan Orlean. The 1986 Los Angeles Central Library fire sparks Orlean’s imagination as she writes about the history of libraries, including the terrifying practice of groups destroying books to amplify their ideology.
NO MEETING IN DECEMBER
Monday, January 27, 2020: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. A coming-of-age crime drama about a girl growing up alone in the marshes of North Carolina. As Owens said, “I wanted to write about the effect isolation and loneliness can have on a person.”
 ECS Shelter DinnersJoin us in helping the kitchen staff to serve dinner at the Episcopal Community Services shelter at 8th & Howard every 4th Saturday. Tasks include serving food cafeteria-style, & cleaning the dining room after. You are needed! It's purposeful time with good friends & conversation - a great way to spend the evening! You can sign up here: http://doodle.com/poll/zti2775bth37fwrs - Lee
To add an announcement to the weekly bulletin of the Flame,
please send your edited text no later than 11:00 am Tuesday to office@staidansf.org
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St. Aidan's Vestry
J. Scott Evans, Senior Warden
David Mealy, Junior Warden
Dave Frangquist, Clerk & Treasurer
Peter Fairfield, Charlie Mader, Elaine Mannon,
Martha Olmstead, Grace King,
Will Crockett, Alison Wood
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 29, 2019
8 a.m
The Rev. Cameron Partridge, Preaching & Presiding
The Rev. Margaret Dyer-Chamberlain, Deacon
Susan Stanton, Seminarian
Jackie Buckley, Sacristan
JoEllen Brothers, Bread Baker
10 a.m
The Rev. Cameron Partridge, Preaching & Presiding
The Rev. Margaret Dyer-Chamberlain, Deacon
Susan Stanton, Seminarian
Barry Koron, Music Minister
Barbara Stevenson, Greeter(s)
Kathy O'Loughlin & Peter Fairfield, Lectors
Kateri Paul, Intercessor
Peter Fairfield & Susan Stanton, Eucharistic Ministers
Betsy Eddy, Anointing for Healing
Barbara Purcell, Sacristan(s)
David Mealy & Michael Jennings, Offering Stewards
JoEllen Brothers, Bread Baker
CoCo Lin, Child Care
Will Crockett, Sound
Ray & Pam Wong, Sunday School
Patricia Busk & Barbara Purcell, Welcome Cafe
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