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O Come:
Weekly Flame for Thursday December 19th, 2019
From Our Rector
Last night at our "Blue Christmas" service, several of us offered reflections: Betty Carmack, Pat Kleinberg, and Alison Woods, and me. My comments reflected in part on a sonnet by Malcolm Guite in his book Sounding the Seasons:
O come, O come, and be our God-with-us
O long-sought With-ness for a world without,
O secret seed, O hidden spring of light.
Come to us Wisdom, come unspoken Name
Come Root, and Key, and King, and holy Flame,
O quickened little wick so tightly curled,
Be folded with us into time and place,
Unfold for us the mystery of grace
And make a womb of all this wounded world.
O heart of heaven beating in the earth,
O tiny hope within our hopelessness
Come to be born, to bear us to our birth,
To touch a dying world with new-made hands
And make these rags of time our swaddling bands.
There is a hymn (or chant) that is often sung at this time of year: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. It is technically a hymn of Advent, the season in which we are still located. The hymn is in a minor key and it sounds mournful up until its refrain, “Rejoice! Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.” Each week at our family dinner table we’ve been singing one of its seven verses as a way of observing an extended Advent. Singing that song as an Advent grace is a tradition that Kateri’s family introduced to me years ago around their dinner table. I was familiar with the hymn from my childhood church choir days, but as we all held hands singing, I was surprised when everyone punctuated the “rejoice” refrain by suddenly lifting up their hands together. And then giggling at the awkwardness.
There is something about that combination that feels especially right to me: the tone of mourning and longing, interspersed with awkward, interjecting joy. For me this combination catches up the affective mixture of this season. Christmas celebrates Emmanuel, which translates to God-with-us. God with us in all things, in all experiences, in all sorrow as well as all joy. God with us in shadows, in grief, in disconnect and pain. God with us no matter what.
The sonnet we just heard by Malcolm Guite is his summation of this good news. In it he recapitulates the ancient monastic tradition of what are called the Great O Antiphons. Guite composed a sonnet for each of these names, gathered from various places in scripture: O Wisdom, O God (Adonai, name beyond all names), O Root of Jesse, O Key of David, O Dayspring (or Dawn) from on High, O King (or Desire in the hymn) of Nations, O Emmanuel. These varied expressions of the unnameable divine Name open up a space for God to acknowledge and enfold us, to plant life in the midst of death, to draw forth tendrils of hope in the midst of hopelessness, without erasing the truth of our experiences, without suggesting that we are somehow not allowed to feel grief-stricken or unmoored in a season that all too often mandates jolliness.
This season as my family has sung the verses each week and awkwardly raised our held hands at that refrain, we carry the memories of our previous singing, our previous giggling, our previous prayer. We lift up the loss of Kateri’s mom this past May. We bear up to God our longing for justice and hope in this season of political turmoil-- indeed, as our President has just been impeached. We lift up our compassion for all without homes, separated from loved ones, struggling just to survive. We long for Emanuel to come and bear the grief of all who (as the hymn puts it) “mourn in lonely exile here.”
And so I, for one, choose to anchor my mourning and my longing to this living, breathing, ancient tradition. I entrust myself to this awkward rejoicing, grateful amid grief that the One who has folded himself into our time and place promises to wait with us, to “touch a dying world with new made hands and make these rags of time our swaddling bands.”
O come, O come Emmanuel. Meet us where we are, bind us together, draw us afresh into the mystery of your heart, make us new.
Peace,
Cameron
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Celebrate Christmas at St. Aidan's!
Please note that like last year, our Christmas Eve services are earlier than in years past. We look forward to seeing you!
A Jazzy Little Christmas
 Please join us on Sunday December 22 for an evening filled with music! Performances will include St. Aidan's parishioners Elaine Jennings and Janet Lohr with guest performer Michael Jennings. All proceeds will help fund St. Aidan's various ministries! Tickets are available now at https://sidebyside.brownpapertickets.com
Carols, Holiday Craft Making, Santa and Mrs. Claus at Diamond Heights Holiday Party
On December 14th, over 120 pe ople enjoyed a festive holiday event at St. Aidan’s. Thanks are due to many people for creating the success of the party. Jeff York decked the Sanctuary in holiday greenery. Gilbert Chavez was the first volunteer to arrive and helped in many capacities during the event. Peter Fairfield and Linnea Sweet played Santa and Mrs. Claus and distributed presents to children. Jill Borofka and Eleanor Elliot organized crafts and helped people of all ages create ornaments, Christmas wreaths and other imaginative decorations. Cameron Partridge welcomed everyone and announced the start of the program that included District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman giving holiday greetings. The Supervisor then stayed to talk with many people.
Scrumbly Koldewyn, our Dymphna Music Director, led caroling along with seven Elves of Presley actors. Alex de Coninck and Clemence Lepers, encouraged by their piano teacher, Moon Kim, played classical music and brought friends and coworkers to help with set up and food service. A tasty buffet with Chinese favorites donated by Harbor Villa Restaurant and Safeway deli items was kept in good order and overseen by CoCo Lin. Greg Carey for Resilient Diamond Heights (RDH) gave an overview of resiliency and emergency preparedness and had each table play Disaster Trivia. Nelson Barry, founder of Urban Angels located at his law office in the Diamond Heights Shopping Center gave an overview of his nonprofit’s services for homeless people. Volunteers Patricia Busk, Kathy O’Loughlin, Betty Carmack, Barbara Stevenson, David Mealy, Alton Mai, Dave Frangquist, George Slaiman, Linda Kern, Kateri Paul, Cameron Partridge and Jan and Ed Sheffner kept the party going and helped with setup and cleanup. The party was a wonderful display of volunteers creating a joyful holiday event.
For photos of the Holiday Party taken by Greg Carey go to https://www.facebook.com/resilientdiamondheights/ Please select “like” on the Resilient Diamond Heights Facebook page to receive RDH updates.
Contemplative & Morning Prayer- Cancelled 12/23-12/30
Due to the holidays, Contemplative and Morning Prayer will be canceled the week of the 23rd. Prayer will resume on January 1, 2020. Thank you for your understanding and happy holidays!
Holiday Gift Drive II. – San Francisco Safehouse
Thank you for keeping the Christmas spirit going with gifts for the women of San Francisco Safehouse. As with the ECS/Crosby gifts, please make sure you return your gift wrapped and with the ornament taped to the outside, so we can make sure it gets to the right person. Gifts need to be brough in no later than Sunday, December 22st. Thank you!
onvention News: The Diocesan Convention this fall adopted three resolutions that commit the diocese to study various issues and report back with recommended actions. In each case, the bishop is to appoint a commission or task force to carry out the study. They are:
- Diocesan Liturgical Commission “to develop and implement a process for laity and clergy throughout the diocese to be informed of and provide input about proposed liturgical revisions.”
- Sabbatical Leave Task Force “to research and prepare a proposal for a paid sabbatical leave policy for clergy who serve as associates, interim rectors, interim vicars, or priests-in-charge.” Interims and many part-time clergy do not currently have any provision for sabbaticals.
- Task Force on Disability and Deaf Access “which is charged with creating a best practices guide for voluntary disability and deaf access for all Diocesan institutions and congregations.”
If you are interested in being appointed to any of these bodies, or if you know someone you think would be a good candidate, please contact Dave Frangquist, frangquist@acm.org.
From DioBytes and the Bishop's Office: "Ministry for the Common Good"
Jan 15-16 @ Grace Cathedral
What does Christian service for the common good look like? How can Christians love the world as God loved the world? What do we need to know and do in order to seek peace in our contexts? Join us and other ministry leaders as we consider these important questions together.
Speakers include Willie James Jennings, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Africana Studies at Yale Divinity School and the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, Presiding Bishop’s Canon for Evangelism, Reconciliation, and Creation.
This gathering is for anyone engaged in Christian ministry, including lay leaders, as well as those who are looking for new ways to serve in their church and other ministry contexts. The Episcopal Diocese of California is pleased to co-sponsor this gathering with Newbigin House of Studies.
Cost: $95 — Special DioCal Discount code: "diocal" for 20% off!
Contact: Newbigin House of Studies, info@newbiginhouse.org
More information, visit: newbiginhouse.org/ministry-for-the-common-good/
Registration: eventbrite.com/e/ministry-for-the-common-good-tickets-71296637161
Wrestling with Scripture: A Combined Online-Offline Discussion Group
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.
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: January 19, February 9, March 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.
Gentle Movements for Body, Mind, and Spirit, Tues, 6-7 PM, St. Francis Lutheran Church, 152 Church St, co-led by Jim Oerther
A relaxed gathering in the beautiful sanctuary of St. Francis Lutheran Church, open to anyone who wishes to unwind and reconnect with their whole self, body-mind-spirit. Through simple stretches and gentle movements, we will make time to listen to the needs of our bodies and make room for silence and contemplation. No prior experience is necessary. All levels of ability are welcome. (All exercises can be adjusted so they can be done while sitting on a chair.) You are invited to wear comfortable clothes, to bring a yoga mat or towel, or to use mats provided by St. Francis. Of greatest importance, bring an open mind. This is a weekly drop-in program. Come as you are! For more information contact stfrancis@sflcsf.org or call 415-621-2635. Note: please enter through the North Gate and come up the metal stairs - this is the most direct way to the gathering. An elevator is also available as needed .
St. Aidan's Gourmet Book Group - note change in schedule!
The St. A  idan's Gourmet Book Group  does not always 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,
7:00-9:00pm
RSVP: 415- 469-9832 elaine@mannon.com
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.
Monday, March 30, 2020: First: Sandra Day O'Connor by Evan Thomas. An intimate, inspiring and authoritative biography of America's first woman Supreme Court Justice.
 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
Seventh Sunday of Advent
December 22, 2019
8 a.m
The Rev. Cameron Partridge, Preaching & Presiding
The Rev. Margaret Dyer-Chamberlain, Deacon
Jackie Buckley, Sacristan
Judy Bley, Bread Baker
10 a.m
The Rev. Cameron Partridge, Preaching & Presiding
The Rev. Margaret Dyer-Chamberlain, Deacon
Barry Koron, Music Minister
JoEllen Brothers, Greeter(s)
Betty Carmack & Nicole Miller, Lectors
Dave Frangquist, Intercessor
Patricia Busk, Eucharistic Ministers
Betsy Eddy, Anointing for Healing
Janice Leonard, Sacristan(s)
David Mealy & Patricia Brown, Offering Stewards
Judy Bley, Bread Baker
CoCo Lin, Child Care
Will Crockett, Sound
Patrick Hall, Sunday School
Janice Leonard & CoCo Lin, Welcome Cafe
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