A Prayer for Healing (9) (We are Praying Together with our
National Cathedral and the world.)
Where Jesus came, life was different. He proclaimed the gospel by being the gospel, “and greater things than I do shall you do,” he said. It is not enough to heal the sick. Heal the systems that make them sick. –Verna Dozier
God who is present in small acts of mercy, God who is attendant in the struggle for justice:
There is so much pain in our world today. Systems are broken, people are broken-hearted. Yet the gospel of Jesus tells that things can be different. There is healing for all if we all work to bring your kingdom here on earth. Give us the strength to be your healing ministers on earth this day. Amen.
From “Twenty-five Days of Prayer,” The National Cathedral.org
|
|
|
St Patrick's
Worship & Education
|
|
|
Check out Priest Doyle's sermon from December 6th. 
You can click HERE to read it.
St Patrick's recently mailed out items from our Stewardship
Ministry. Please let us know if you need anything!
Parish Office: 707-833-4228
|
|
Zoom Sunday 9:30 am Eucharist Schedule
December 2020 – January 2021
Click here for the link!
|
|
|
 Please join us for a Blue Christmas Eucharist – A Service of Hope and Healing -- at Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Kenwood – Friday, December 11 at 5:00 pm. Fellowship following.
On this night, we remember those for whom the holidays are not joyful. They may be lonely, in mourning or feeling alienated and cast apart from family celebrations. Some of us may be experiencing depression and sadness, and yet are often compelled to “put on a happy face” for others, denying our true feelings. We may be grieving or dealing with illness.
We will worship together, acknowledge our brokenness and celebrate the healing power and hope of Christ.
Click HERE for your Zoom invite.
Click HERE to download your service leaflet. This service is not included in the Book of Common Prayer, so it is important to print out or look at the Service Leaflet attachment in the Enews.
“Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God“. Isaiah 40:1
|
|
St Patrick's next Zoom Eucharist
Sunday, December 13, 2020
|
|
|
Parish Bible Study – Wednesdays at 9:00 am.
Reading for December 16 is Romans 6:1-8:8
Reading for December 23 is Romans 8:9-10:4
New Invitation below.
Click here for the Zoom Invitation.
|
|
|
Richard Rohr
Daily Meditation
|
|
|
Giving Birth to Christ
A Lifetime Commitment
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
My dear friend Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I. reminds us that giving birth spiritually is a dynamic and creative process. To bring Christ into the world involves an ongoing commitment to growth, to discomfort, to love, and to surrender. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is God’s invitation to all of us.
Looking at how Mary gave birth to Christ, we see that it’s not something that’s done in an instant. Faith, like biology, also relies on a process that has a number of distinct, organic moments. What are these moments? What is the process by which we give birth to faith in the world?
First, like Mary, we need to get pregnant by the Holy Spirit. We need to let the word take such root in us that it begins to become part of our actual flesh.
Then, like any woman who’s pregnant, we have to lovingly gestate, nurture, and protect what is growing inside us until it’s sufficiently strong so that it can live on its own, outside us. . . .
Eventually, of course, we must give birth. . . .
Birth, however, is only the beginnings of motherhood. Mary gave birth to a baby, but she had to spend years nurturing, coaxing, and cajoling that infant into adulthood. The infant in the crib at Bethlehem is not yet the Christ who preaches, heals, and dies for us. . . .
Finally, motherhood has still one more phase. As her child grows, matures, and takes on a personality and destiny of its own, the mother, at a point, must ponder (as Mary did). She must let herself be painfully stretched in understanding, in not knowing, in carrying tension, in letting go. She must set free to be itself something that was once so fiercely hers. The pains of childbirth are often gentle compared to this second wrenching.
All of this is what Mary went through to give Christ to the world: Pregnancy by the Holy Spirit; gestation of that into a child inside of her; excruciating pain in birthing that to the outside; nurturing that new life into adulthood; and pondering, painfully letting go so that this new life can be its own, not hers. . . .
Our task too is to give birth to Christ. Mary is the paradigm for doing that. From her we get the pattern: Let the word of God take root and make you pregnant; gestate that by giving it the nourishing sustenance of your own life; submit to the pain that is demanded for it to be born to the outside; then spend years coaxing it from infancy to adulthood; and finally, during and after all of this, do some pondering, accept the pain of not understanding and of letting go.
Christmas isn’t automatic, it can’t be taken for granted. It began with Mary, but each of us is asked to make our own contribution to giving flesh to faith in the world.
Reference:
Ronald Rolheiser, “Mary as a Model of Faith,” reflection on Luke 11:27–28 (December 7, 2003).
Image Credit: Abiding Love (detail of triptych), Janet McKenzie, copyright ©2019.www.janetmckenzie.com
Inspiration for this week’s banner image: Mary could trustingly carry Jesus, because she knew how to receive spiritual gifts, in fact the spiritual gift. She offers a profound image of how generativity and fruitfulness break into this world. We have much to learn from her. —Richard Rohr
Click HERE for more
|
|
|
Little Drummer Boy
Alex Boye'
|
|
A Message from the Planned Giving Ministry
|
|
|
St. Patrick's Presents to Diocesan Leadership
We were honored to be invited by the Bishop's Office to present our Planned Giving Campaign to the Leadership Team of the Diocese of Northern California on December 3.
Priest Doyle provided an introduction and overview of this program made available to parishes by the Episcopal Church. Stephanie Chapralis McCaffrey presented a PowerPoint presentation to the 68 parishes, as well as, to Bishop Megan and her staff.
Highlights included our personal experience as a parish in implementing the Planned Giving Materials developed by the Episcopal Foundation to assist parishes in strengthening their Planned Giving Ministries. The presentation was well received.
The Diocese and Foundation are interested in using St. Patrick's experience as an example of how to plan, coordinate, and implement a Planned Giving Campaign, and to assist other parishes in developing their own campaign.
Hebrews 13:16
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others,
for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
The Planned Giving Ministry members include Laurie Boone-Hogen, Chair,
Stephanie Chapralis McCaffrey, and Ann and Alec Peters.
|
|
|
Making Room for New Life in This In-Between Time:
An Advent Retreat
|
|
|
|
 Join Bishops Ranch on Zoom from home or from the Ranch for a time of spiritual practice and reflection focused on grounding and opening. Life is about more than our heads though, so we’ll bring our hearts and our whole selves to the practices.
There will be daily worship, prayer, silence, meditation, poetry, music, chant, conversation, reflections and even cooking together!
Click the logo below to access NEWS from The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California.
|
|
Secret Santa for Dunbar School Children
|
|
|
There are 72 children from families at the Dunbar School who would be thrilled to  receive a Secret Santa gift. This past week, our team has been working hard to accomplish this Christmas goal!
The school sent us the wish list and our local toy store, Kaleidoscope Toys has fulfilled most of the toys! AMAZING, a big THANK YOU to Kaleidoscope, they even wrapped each gift!
If you would like to participate in providing a gift, please send your donation to St. Patrick’s Church indicating BBC-Schools Secret Santa gift.
We are very excited to begin our deliveries in the coming week.
Thank you for your donations, we feel very blessed to be able to help children and families in our community. You have helped make a difference this holiday season for each family!
Thank you very much!!
Laurie Boone Hogen and the Becoming Beloved Community - Schools Team
|
|
Messages from Bishop Megan M. Traquair
|
|
|
|
Invitation to Join a Pastorela
|
|
|
Grace, St. Helena is creating a virtual Spanish-language Christmas pageant (pastorela), and would love to include neighbors from around the Diocese of Northern California! It will be a very simple lessons and carols format, with costumed children enacting the different moments of the nativity as it is read (usually but not always by children). This year, families and individuals are invited to record a reading/enactment/prayer/song at home and send it in by December 18.
They will knit them together to create the pageant, which will air on Christmas Eve, with a chance for the children to interact over Zoom afterwards. If you or someone from your community would like to participate, please sign up using the form below by December 12. You will be emailed a full bulletin including your part, instructions for returning it via dropbox, and a photo/video release form, plus your link and invitation to view and participate on Christmas Eve!
|
|
An invitation to give to the
Bishop's Partnership Book of Dreams
Dear Friends in Christ,
The Bishop's Partnership Appeal is a collaborative year-end process, designed to directly support the congregations and institutions of our diocese. Last year, a total of $12,000 was received in donations, 100% of which went directly to the designated recipients.
This is a partnership of people who love the Episcopal Church in Northern California. It is an opportunity for each of us to support the ministries and organizations we believe in and to equip them for the future. When we give in this way, our Church becomes stronger; better able to reach out and engage in the work God calls us to do.
This year brings an exciting change to the annual Bishop’s Partnership appeal. The Bishop’s Partnership Book of Dreams presents a brief overview of dream projects and ministries across the diocese. As 2020 draws to a close, I ask that you prayerfully consider supporting one or more of these projects.
In Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Megan M. Traquair
Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California
|
|
 Join us in the Day of Giving and make your gift to the BLESS Annual Appeal of The Episcopal Church.
Click on the image to the left to make your donation. Thank you!
|
|
Santa Rosa
City Connections
|
|
|
Governor Announces New Regional Stay-at-Home Order,
Not Currently in Effect in Sonoma County
Governor Gavin Newsom announced today a new regional-focused effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19 as well as assist hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. This Regional Stay at Home Order establishes five regions across the state, and would go into effect for a region within 48 hours if that region's remaining ICU bed capacity falls below 15%. Santa Rosa, as part of the Bay Area Region, is NOT currently under the Order. However, should the Bay Area Region fall under 15% ICU capacity, the Order will prohibit private gatherings of any size, close sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and require 100% masking and physical distancing in all others. All Californians are encouraged to continue to avoid non-essential travel. READ FULL ORDER
The City will have additional information and updates on what these statewide orders would mean for the local community if triggered for our region in the weeks ahead.
|
|
More COVID-19 News
|
|
GLASS FIRE UPDATE
State’s Debris Removal Process Has Begun
in Sonoma County
On Tuesday, the State’s Phase 2 fire debris removal process began in Sonoma County with the deployment of equipment, site surveying, and asbestos abatement work. Actual removal of debris is expected to start on Friday for properties that have been signed up for the State program. A debris removal status map will track progress of the mission. The deadline to submit a Right of Entry form to sign up for the State’s program is Dec. 15. Applications for the alternative private debris removal program are also due by Dec. 15. Access information on either option at srcity.org/DebrisRemoval.
|
|
SCE Independence Program Expanded for Wildfire
and Earthquake Improvements
Santa Rosa property owners within City limits can now finance wildfire and earthquake-related building improvements through the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP). The program, which originally allowed property owners to finance energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable generation, has been expanded to include a wider range of eligible upgrades which includes protecting buildings against wildfires and earthquakes. Improvements eligible for financing now include such things as roofing, siding, decks, gutters, foundation/soil treatment and frame strengthening to name a few. READ MORE
|
|
Input Needed to Improve Transportation for Older Adults & Individuals with Disabilities
Santa Rosa CityBus and Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging are seeking input from older adults and individuals with disabilities to help identify gaps in our transportation system and better develop transportation options. Please answer a few quick questions using the following online survey link. Your responses are 100% confidential. Survey
|
|
MULTICULTURAL ROOTS PROJECT
The City’s Multicultural Roots Project is an ongoing historical project that looks to create broader visibility for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in Sonoma County, with a particular focus on Santa Rosa; and to recognize, through historical stories from BIPOC, contributions and impacts that have shaped the City and the region. This week, we highlight Santa Rosa’s Chinatown and youth community activist Joy Ayodele.
Santa Rosa’s Lost Neighborhood: Chinatown
Before the flourishing and thriving of Chinatown, Chinese migrants in Santa Rosa were subjected to racism, exclusion, and displacement to other Bay Area cities; however, by the early 20th century, Chinese residents made their way back to the area and went on to develop their own safe haven and community that encompassed their culture. About 200 people lived in Chinatown which consisted of homes, restaurants, businesses, and a temple located on Second Street between Santa Rosa Avenue and D Street. This was the center for Chinese heritage and traditions in Santa Rosa... READ MORE
The Next Generation of Civil Rights Activists:
Getting to Know Joy Ayodele
Eighteen-year-old Santa Rosa resident Joy Ayodele has been active as a community leader regarding racial inequity and injustice. Ayodele founded the organization What We Are Fighting For after seeing that youth in the community are affected by racial injustice yet may not truly understand the extent to what is being fought for. What We Are Fighting For provides education around racial injustice, disseminates local information, discusses ballot measures, encourages youth to vote and organizes gatherings, whether that be protests or safe spaces for people to have these important conversations... READ MORE
|
|
Christmas Cookies for YOU!
|
|
|
 Sonoma County
United In Kindness
|
|
|
|
My Little Prayer
David Archuleta
|
|
Let us pray.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
|
|
|
Please Support Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church Ministry
|
|
|
|
Please remember that if you choose to mail your gift, our mailing address is P.O. Box 247, Kenwood CA 95452.
Thank you!!!
If you choose to mail in your gift, please consider to send checks only. This is for your security.
|
|
|
 Our Weekly Saint Patrick’s Newsletter now comes out once a week on Wednesday. Look for it after noon. |
|
Priest Doyle Dietz Allen Contact Information
Email: stpatricksrector@gmail.com
Parish Office Phone: 707-833-4228
|
|
|
|
9000 Sonoma Highway
PO Box 247
Kenwood, CA 95452
|
|
|
|
|
