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Like Sparks through the Stubble:
Weekly Flame for Thursday October 31, 2019
From Our Rector
In the time of their visitation they will shine forth,
and will run like sparks through the stubble. – Wisdom 3:7
When I wrote to you last week I was in Atlanta at a meeting of the Task Force on Liturgical and Prayer Book Revision. We worked on a way forward for the revision of our Common Prayer, and an update on our work will soon be released—I’ll share it when it is. Then on Friday I flew back to San Francisco and headed to our Diocesan Convention at Grace Cathedral. As I mentioned last week, the theme of this year’s Convention was the “Doctrine of Discovery,” the fifteenth century theological rationale that white European explorers, colonists and missionaries used to justify their expansion and violent impact in this land. We heard from three indigenous people on Friday evening and Saturday morning, one of whom heads up the History Museum of Mission Dolores not far from our neighborhood. As Susan Spencer’s below announcement about this Sunday’s Anti-Racism Committee meeting shares, we’ll be visiting that museum in the weeks to come.
As Dave Frangquist reports below, the Convention passed several resolutions, and he’ll share more about them in subsequent Flames so we can consider them at greater length. On Saturday Bishop Marc gave a Convention address and homily via pre-recorded video, and he looked and sounded very good—completely himself, as his recovery moves rapidly forward. Also on Saturday, I was very honor  ed to be elected as one of the General Convention Deputies to represent our diocese at the next General Convention which will take place in Baltimore in July of 2021. I have been to several General Conventions in an advocacy role, but this will be my first time serving as a Deputy. On Saturday the Convention also honored Dave Frangquist for his twelve years of service as the Secretary of our Diocesan Convention. As I said on Sunday, Dave worked with someone over the last year who shadowed him in preparation for taking over the role. Major congratulations and thanks go to Dave from the entire diocese for this ministry.
During Convention we also heard from Canon Abbott Bailey that Bishop’s Ranch in Healdsburg, where many of us have been for retreats over the years, had been evacuated due to the Kincaid Fire. I’m glad to report that the evacuation order has since been lifted and the ranch suffered no damage. This week as fires have raged in various parts of our state, a strong sense of anxiety has been in the air—literally, even as the air quality has not been as bad here as last year. I have talked with many of you this week about feeling overwhelmed by the fires. Some of you have been hosting people you know who are displaced by the fire. Others have been keenly watching television reports or checking air quality apps. I have found it helpful to gather and talk about it, especially in a context of prayer and worship, as we did on Wednesday night. I have also found it helpful to gain more perspective on the role and history of fire in California. I’ve been reading about how fire has long been endemic to life here. Smaller, sometimes controlled fires have been the norm, bringing a cleansing affect, keeping dried grasses and underbrush from accumulating, and releasing some tree seeds ( Check out this story from the Cross Currents podcast on KALW in which a fire chief in the Sierras argues that we actually need more smaller fires to prevent larger, catastrophic ones). Once arrived in California, white European settlers tended to always put out all wild fires, including smaller ones, leaving more fuel for larger ones. With climate change, dry seasons are now often longer and some of our rainy seasons can be more intense which also contribute to more dangerous fires. And of course, there are the much-reported electrical infrastructure problems, which have caused some deadly fires. Even the PG&E shut-offs, which have impacted people in our community directly and indirectly, have not fully prevented fires amid the Diablo and Santa Ana winds.
Thirteen years ago, in 2006, Kateri and I were fortuitously able to attend the seating of the newly elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Reverend Katherine Jefferts Schori. The Presiding Bishop’s sermon ( which you can read here) was based on the readings for All Saints, the Feast we will be celebrating on Sunday. I remember her homing in on a particular line from Wisdom 3:1-9: “In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble.” She wondered who was doing the visiting—was it the Holy Spirit? Was it the saints? She then spoke of a farming practice in Western Oregon in which the fields are intentionally burned once the grass seed has been harvested. The sparks quite literally run through the stubble of those fields from which the next season’s growth will emerge. I was struck by the connections the Presiding Bishop observed between fire, human agency, and renewal. Her example was not akin to the catastrophic fires we have been experiencing but more like the ancient controlled burning practices I mentioned earlier. Her comments also prompted me to think about God’s presence in response to fire. Whatever happens, God the Holy Spirit will be with us “in the time of [our] visitation.” As a result of that presence, that caring, come what may, we will be strengthened and renewed. We “will shine forth,” running “like sparks through the stubble.” The hair on the back of my neck stood up as she preached those words.
This Sunday morning at the 8 and 10 AM, in honor of the Feast of All Saints, you are invited to bring a photo or memento of a loved one who has died. There will be a time to place them on a table in front of the altar, to lift them up, recognizing their participation as well as our own in a sainthood broadly conceived: the people of God, all God’s saints still striving as well as all God’s saints at rest (to quote Horatio Nelson’s hymn).
As we strive and rest, as we reel and take stock, may the former Presiding Bishop give us strength and hope: “This place we call home is meant to be a new heaven, a new earth, a holy city, a new Jerusalem. It is the sparks in the stubble that will make it so.”
Peace,
Cameron
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Do you want to spend our money?
If you are a committee chair or program coordinator who needs to spend St. Aidan’s money next year, we need to hear from you. The Finance Committee needs your input to set the budget for 2020. Please submit your budget requests to Dave Frangquist (email: Frangquist@acm.org) no later than November 8. No request, no budget.
Men's Group
Saturday, November 2, 8:15-10:15am, Wajnert Room
We gather for prayer, study, breakfast, and fellowship. All men are cordially invited.
Street Requiem for Those Who Have Died on the Street
Saturday, November 2, 2019, 7:30 p.m.,
San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak Street
LGCSF presents Street Requiem, a moving 50-minute choral work by Kathleen  McGuire, Andy Payne and Jonathon Welch which remembers and honors those who have died on the street. A portion of our ticket sales will benefit Larkin Street Youth Services. Tickets: https://www.lgcsf.org.
Jim Oerther, who sings in this choir, adds: We have a Friends and Family promo code that takes $5 off the “Blue Level” tickets (price = $20). The Promo code is FNF20 and is limited to 98 seats.
Anti-Racism Group Meeting: Sunday, November 3 at 11:45, Wajnert Room
At Diocesan Convention this past weekend the diocese was invited to learn more about the history of indigenous people in the Bay Area and the "Doctrine of Discovery," a topic we began to explore last spring during our Christian Formation series on Race and Faith. As we move toward Thanksgiving, it is important for us to bear in mind that national Thanksgiving mythology caries many mistaken ideas about indigenous people. In the spirit of a truer Thanksgiving and as a next step on our communal learning journey, this next year the anti-racism group will be taking a closer look at the history an d present of indigenous communities of the Bay Area.
We will kick off the series with a film and discussion on Sunday. I would also encourage people, at some point, to read There There by Tommy Orange. It is a novel about indigenous people in Oakland that will keep you glued to the page. This book is informative and powerful.
As part of this exploration of Bay Area indigenous culture and history, we will be taking several field trips, including one to Mission Dolores (where one of the speakers from Diocesan Convention heads up the history museum), the Oakland Museum, and the Ohlone Cafe in Oakland.
This is a time for us to learn about indigenous people of the Bay Area and to challenge the ideas and stereotypes we have been raised to believe are true.
You are invited to come on Sunday and join in this exploration.
Diocesan Conventio n, October 25-26: Last Friday and Saturday, the Diocese of California held its annual convention at Grace Cathedral. About 250 delegates and clergy from around the diocese gathered to hold elections, debate resolutions, and hear reports from various commissions and diocesan leaders. Bishop Marc, who usually presides, was unable to be present for medical reasons, and the Rev. Jill Honodel, president of the Standing Committee, did an excellent job of presiding, with much coaching from the secretary (me) and the parliamentarian (Christopher Hayes). This was my last convention as secretary, but St. Aidan's will continue to be well represented in diocesan leadership: Cameron Partridge was elected as one of our four clergy deputies to the 2021 convention of the whole Episcopal Church, the convention confirmed the appointment of Will Crockett to the Commission on Ministry, and Charlie Mader will continue as a member of the Executive Council (diocesan board of directors).
The Convention adopted the following five resolutions, which will be described in later Flame articles:
#1: Sabbatical Leave Policy for All Clergy
#2: Carbon Offsets
#3: Diocesan Liturgical Commission
#4: Task Force on Disability and Deaf Access
#5: Single-Use Non-Biodegradable Plastics
Dave Frangquist
Convention Delegate &
Secretary Emeritus
Please help spread the word about The Elves of Presley
Nov. 8, 9 and 10 at St. Aidan’s!
 Inviting family, friends and neighbors is a great way to introduce people to one of the fun and joyous aspects of St. Aidan’s Church. The Elves of Presley, our 16th original musical comedy with familiar tunes, will be performed on Nov. 8 and 9 at 7:30 pm and Nov. 10 at 2:00 pm.
Christmas comes in November when Elphus, King of the Elves from Presley, and Mother Mary lead the church holiday fundraiser at St. Dymphna’s Church. Much merriment and bah, humbug attitudes mix together for a laugh filled play. The play is suitable for the whole family. Young children who would sit through a 1 hour and forty minute show are welcome. Unfortunately animal friends are not welcome since they may howl through the play with the singers.
This year’s show is written and directed by John Wilk, Theatre Professor, City College of San Francisco. Scrumbly Koldewyn returns as music director. Deborah Shaw, director and choreographer of City College’s spring musicals, stages the dancing. Actors in the large cast join parishioners Anne Benninger, Dave Frangquist, Christine Powell and Nancy Sabin.
Tickets are available on Brown Paper Tickets https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4422209, on Nov. 3 after the 10 am service and at the show. Tickets are: general admission – Adults - $25, Children (5 – 18) - $10, Priority seating Friday & Saturday evenings - $35.
If you are not available to attend the musical, please consider making a donation to the show with a check written to St. Aidan’s Church with “Elves” or “Dymphna” in the memo line. We have more expenses this year with having to purchase costumes for 14 elves!
Please invite your family and friends. Help raise funds for St. Aidan’s community programs. Please contact Betsy Eddy, betsy.eddy@gmail.com for more information.
Volunteers Needed for The Elves of Presley Shows Nov. 8, 9 and 10
Many  volunteers are needed each year to make the shows a success and raise funds for St. Aidan’s. Volunteer still needed: photographer for cast photos after the matinee on Nov. 10; provide a simple meal for the cast before the matinee on Nov. 10; serve as bar tenders on Nov. 8; and set up and monitor the complimentary charcuterie/ cheese table on Nov. 10. Please contact Betsy Eddy, betsy.eddy@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer.
(the antiracist) New Jim Crow Book Group- Our next meeting is Dec. 1, 4-6 pm, and we’re reading Washington Black by Esi Edugyan. Please join us! Questions – contact Deacon Margaret, mdyerc@stanford.edu.
Stronger Together 94131- join neighbors from throughout the 94131 zip code in a two-part Community Circles series.  On Thursday, November 14th and December 5th from 6:30-8 PM, we will gather for a simple supper and small-group intentional conversations. It is our desire to share stories about our beloved San Francisco, create connections, and explore possibilities for building a stronger community that we can achieve together, because it is impossible to do it alone. Come, be part of this moving, hopeful series of conversations, and invite friends!
From the Bishop's Office:
- 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!
Wrestling with Scripture: an in person / video-conference Bible Study
Have you ever had scriptural passages that you just wanted to discuss with someone? Here is your opportunity. We will be wrestling with scripture once a month starting in January. All are invited to come and discuss designated passages in the Bible. What if you can't get to church? You will be able to join the discussions by conference call or FaceTime. What time? The first Tuesday of the month in the late morning (time to be determined). Are you interested in helping to plan the meetings with a team and leading some of the discussion? Let Don Casella, Susan Spencer, or Cameron Partridge know. See you there or be square.
Volunteer to Help Coordinate the Episcopal Community Services Gift Tree
Each Advent we receive a list of gifts to give to some of the residents in one of San Francisco's Episcopal Community Services shelters. Judy Bley has coordinated this for the last several years and needs to hand this role off to a new coordinator. The coordinator 1) services as contact person with ECS, receiving the gift request list; 2) makes simple paper ornaments with the needed items on them, working in parallel with Susan Spencer (who has a similar role for San Francisco Safe House gifts); 3) invites St. Aidanites to purchase the gifts, wrap them and attach the ornament label to them; 4) prepares the gifts for delivery to ECS. ECS may pick up the gifts, or may ask us to deliver them. Thank you, Judy, for your work coordinating this over the years! Please reach out to her if you can do this, and ask any questions you may have.
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: 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, 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.”
Monday, February 24, 2020: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Why would an eleven-year-old black girl want blue eyes? That question is at the center of Toni Morrison’s first novel. In it, Morrison explores how we form our ideas of beauty, how we develop particular aesthetics, and how those preferences affect the choices we make and how we treat others.
 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
All Saints Day
November 03, 2019
8 a.m
The Rev. Cameron Partridge, Preaching & Presiding
The Rev. Margaret Dyer-Chamberlain, Deacon
Susan Stanton, Seminarian
Doris Feyling, Sacristan
Patricia Brown, Bread Baker
10 a.m
The Rev. Cameron Partridge, Preaching & Presiding
The Rev. Margaret Dyer-Chamberlain, Deacon
Susan Stanton, Seminarian
Barry Koron, Music Minister
Will Crockett & J. Scott Evans, Greeter(s)
Betty Carmack & Dave Frangquist, Lectors
Patrick Hall, Intercessor
Ray Wong & Luna Zucchi & Susan Stanton, Eucharistic Ministers
Margaret Tait, Anointing for Healing
Barbara Stevenson, Sacristan(s)
Elaine Mannon & Ray Wong, Offering Stewards
Ptraicia Brown, Bread Baker
CoCo Lin, Child Care
Peter Fairfield, Sound
Grace King, Sunday School
Pail & Shelley Nocero, Welcome Cafe
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