Prayers of Courage
God takes care of the glowworm as well as the galaxies, and not an atom moves without God’s consent. So what in the universe shall we fear? –Ernesto Cardenal
God of the wildflowers, God of the sparrows:
We humans are so prone to fear and anxiety that one of the most repeated phrases in the Bible is “be not afraid”. Scripture also offers us examples from nature to teach us how to move beyond our worries. Look at the birds of the air ... consider the lilies of the field .... Help us today to read the message of reassurance we see in the world around us so that we may let go of our fears and trust in your steadfast love. Amen.
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St Patrick's
Worship & Education
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Beginning in February, we will be having Eucharist Services by Zoom on Sunday mornings each week at 9:30, followed by fellowship.
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St Patrick's next Zoom Eucharist
Sunday, January 31, 2021
Followed by our Annual Meeting
The Service Leaflet will be available later.
In the meantime, you can save the Zoom Invite by clicking the link below!
Your Zoom Invite here.
 After Eucharist, stay tuned for our Annual Meeting. Your packets will be coming in the mail at the end of next week.
Please review your packet and come up with your questions to review on Sunday. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Regular Weekday & Education
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Compline Service, Every Tuesday at 4:00 pm.
See New Zoom Invitation and Service Leaflet
Links January 26, 2021.
Click here for the Zoom Invitation for January 26.
Click here for the January 19 service leaflet.
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The Parish Bible Study meet every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
January 27, 2021 readings will be Romans 12:1 - 13:10.
Click here for your Zoom Invite. See you there!
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 Time: 4:00 PM
Dates: Monday, January 25,
Monday, February 1
Monday, February 8
Monday, February 15
Monday, February 22
Monday, March 1
Click Below!
In the New Testament, there are 40 to 46 Parables of Jesus, depending on who's counting and which definition is being used. Yes, there are several slightly different definitions of the word parable: For instance, juxtaposition, comparison, illustration, and analogy; a fictionalized story based on everyday life in order to teach a lesson; or a communication of wisdom and of practical ways of daily living are three.
When we read the parables, we discover that Jesus uses this oral literary tradition to focus on two questions: What is the kingdom of God like? and How should we live so that we can participate in it, both now and in the future (the now, but not yet concept)?
Please join me by Zoom for six one-hour classes in which we will discuss the parable and its purpose as well as some of the parables told by Jesus. While I will choose most of the parables, the class may choose two (and hopefully, you won't stump me.).
Peace be with you all as the door opens on a new year thereby closing the door on the sorrows of the old one after letting its joys pass through.
~Karen+
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Richard Rohr
Daily Meditation
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Liberation
Free to Serve Others
Friday, January 22, 2021
German theologian Dorothee Sölle (1929–2003) describes how seeing with God’s eyes, hearing with God’s ears, and acting with God’s passion for justice is a truly liberating experience that benefits the entire community. Sölle writes:
In the sense of theology that liberates, the soul that is united with God sees the world with God’s eyes. That soul, like God, sees what otherwise is rendered invisible and irrelevant. It hears the whimpering of starving children and does not let itself be diverted from real misery, becoming one with God in perceiving and understanding as well as in acting. For people in the slums, redemption does not consist of some great and far removed actor ending the misery of the oppressed. Rather, in coming so very close, that far-near one acts in and through those who have become one with that actor. In liberating movements, the mystical eye sees God at work: seeing, hearing, acting, even in forms that are utterly secular. In the contingency of literacy programs, or collaboration in building a school, God’s action is manifest. It is a mysticism of wide-open eyes. . . .
What happens really in the soul’s union with God in terms of liberation and of healing? It is an exercise in seeing how God sees, the perception of what is little and unimportant; it is listening to the cry of God’s children who are in slavery in Egypt. God calls upon the soul to give away its own ears and eyes and to let itself be given those of God. Only they who hear with other ears can speak with the mouth of God. God sees what elsewhere is rendered invisible and is of no relevance. Who other than God sees the poor and hears their cry? To use “God’s senses” does not mean simply turning inward but becoming free for a different way of living life: See what God sees! Hear what God hears! Laugh where God laughs! Cry where God cries!
Allowing God to fully inhabit our senses does not mean we close ourselves off from the world but open ourselves more fully to it. We are free to be fully ourselves but not to exist only for ourselves. We are free to become Christ in the world to the same extent that we recognize the Christ in others, especially the last and the least.
Reference:
Dorothee Sölle, The Silent Cry: Mysticism and Resistance, trans. Barbara and Martin Rumscheidt (Fortress Press: 2001), 283–284, 293.
Story from Our Community:
I grew up in a quiet little idyllic Midwestern town. In my mid-40s I began to experience disorder through burnout in ministry, only I didn’t know what it was. I was afraid I was losing my faith completely. After first coming in contact with Fr. Richard through “Falling Upward” I eventually ended up finding the “Another Name for Everything” podcast as well as these daily meditations. Each of these interactions is such a tremendous aid in my own continually unfolding pilgrimage. Richard often gives words to the unspeakable wrestlings of disorder and a vision of a reality re-ordered that keep resonating in me. —Don R.
Image credit: Monastery Window (detail), Photograph by Thomas Merton, copyright the Merton Legacy Trust and the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University. Used with Permission.
A window is an invitation. A break in the impervious stone of a wall. A way in or out. Covered in foliage, light, and shadow, this window speaks to the complex nature of reality, unveiled.
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Breath on me breath of God
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Book Group: Julian of Norwich: Wisdom in a Time of Pandemic — and Beyond
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 Wed. February 3rd @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm $20
Mystic and theologian, Julian of Norwich, lived in a time of global pandemic and social upheaval that produced cultural and religious systems based in fear, guilt and denial of goodness. Julian of Norwich did not share this view. Julian’s teachings remind us to live with passion, remind us not to run from, but to enter into the realities of “mirth and mourning” so that we might encounter glimpses of one-ing with God as often as we can.
In this book study, we will engage in a guided exploration of the Showings of Julian of Norwich as shared in Matthew Fox’s book – Julian of Norwich: Wisdom in a Time of Pandemic – and Beyond.
Sharron Simpson, Facilitator
Sharron is an Educator, Storyteller, and Spiritual Mentor supporting inter-spiritual community.
Requires:
- Book purchase.
- Class fee: $20
- Meeting on Zoom weekly for 8 weeks
If you would like to register for the group, click here & you can follow this link and purchase the “ticket” for $20 through our website.
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Books on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
A new library section at Dunbar School
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January, 2021 and Ongoing
Join this special opportunity to provide at least 80 books for Dunbar School's library on diversity, equity and inclusion. Stories from diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds will further Dunbar School’s initiative celebrating diversity, and justice. Titles such as Go Show the world: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes; Harvesting Hope: A Story of Cesar Chaver; My Life Story by Sonia Sotomayer; Black is the Rainbow Color;Kamuik: an Inuit Puppy Story; Dolores Huertai: A Hero to Migrant Workers and many more will update the library collection and enhance the education of these 150 children.
Here is how you can participate: Each donation of $15 buys one book; $30 provides 2 books and so on with a discount of 7 books for $100 and 12 books for $150. Our goal is to raise at least $1500 for these special books, and later additional funds for other books. Each donor will receive a thank you and a receipt indicating how many books they donated, and a book plate will be inserted into those books with the donor’s name. Any amount is greatly appreciated!
Send a check, noting in the memo "BBC-Schools Books", and indicating the number of books to be funded, to: St. Patrick’s Church, P.O. Box 247, Kenwood, California 95452. St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church has 501(C3)
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Redwood Empire Food Bank Ministry
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Below is Eleanor's thankful note to those who volunteered earlier this week and a few words about those whom they served! Thank you Team!!
Thank you to Larry/Pam, Erin, Kathleen B, Kerin, driver Jesus and REFB rep Arturo. We began at 4:40, distributed at a blazing pace until 5:30. Then, it dropped to a trickle! No way to figure! But, food went to 56 families/188 individuals.
The new plan for the REFB truck to leave after unloading worked well. Arturo returned the equipment and the little food left in his personal truck. Flats will be picked up soon. This is will likely be the procedure until further notice.
More vehicles took food for multiple families than in the past. Each driver gave the names of those extra families, who had been previously registered with REFB . There were only a few new clients, so registration went quickly. And...diapers and wipes were again welcomed!
Often, REFB emails their 8000+ volunteers the names of distribution sites that need help. St Patrick's is never listed, because we are so blessed with a large corps of committed volunteers. And, when this pandemic gets under control, those who had to take a leave of absence will return!
In years past, Christmas lights have usually been stored away shortly before or after New Years' Day. But driving home, I saw homes and businesses with lights still aglow. In these very challenging times, many are wanting the joy and the promise of the season to continue. I'm sorry I took mine down!
~Eleanor
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 Dear Friends in Christ,
I invite you to join with me in nine days of prayer leading up to, and surrounding, Inauguration Day on Jan 20, 2021.
Each night, at 6 pm, starting on Thursday, January 14, one of our Regional Deans or our Cathedral Dean will lead us in prayers, following The Order for Worship for the Evening. I will lead the prayers on Wednesday, January 20.
The Zoom link and additional call in numbers may be found HERE.
Whenever we are confronted with moments of great import, we gather as the people of God to pray together. The fellowship and grounding we receive gives us strength to engage in a non-violent manner with critical events such as those arising last week.
This worship is my call, to all our members, to engage in the hallmark of our vocation as Christians: to be peacemakers, who engage one another across difference to create bonds of friendship and connection in the power of the Spirit.
Please join us as we pray for our nation.
In Christ,
+Megan
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Pray for guidance
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 832)
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A Pastoral Letter from the
Episcopal Bishops of California
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A Letter from the Episcopal Bishops in California
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We, the Episcopal Bishops of California, have watched the events of January 6th and following days with deep concern. As Christians we follow Jesus, who is the Way of Love.
This weekend, when we remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we call upon the leaders of our cities, states and country to stand firmly in the place of non-violence, truth-telling and mutual respect.
To lead from the place of non-violence is not passive acceptance of wrongdoing; it is an active call to summon the “better angels of our nature(Abraham Lincoln, 1861).” We know of the difficulty Dr. Martin Luther King Jr faced, even among his own followers, as they resisted hatred and physical violence with prayer, song and marches for justice. We call on all people to embrace words and actions that are non-violent.
To lead from the place of truth calls us to resist misinformation and convenient half-truths, and embrace what is real. Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free (John 8:32).” To do otherwise is to incite, to inflame and to spread lies. We honor the many thousands of election workers and officials of both parties who worked tirelessly, honestly, and at times in peril, to shepherd our nation through the election process. We call on all people to search for truth.
To lead from the place of mutual respect is to stand against racism in any form. We cannot, any of us, ignore the role that our nation’s sad history with race has played with events in our country. As Christians, we remember that each person is someone’s child, someone’s beloved, God’s creation. When we fail to remember that, we dehumanize our brothers and sisters. In our Baptismal Covenant, we vow to “respect the dignity of every human being.” We call on all people to practice mutual respect.
As we approach Inauguration Day, we ask our leaders to dig deeply into their consciences and to act with integrity to preserve, protect and defend our fragile democracy. We call on all people to pause and pray for the peace of our country, a peace rooted in the Way of Love.
“The end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the Beloved Community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opponents into friends.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
In hope and prayer for peace and grace,
The Rt. Rev Dr. Marc Andrus
Bishop of California
The Rt. Rev. Lucinda Ashby
Bishop of El Camino Real
The Rt. Rev. Diane Jardine Bruce
Bishop Suffragan of Los Angeles
The Rt. Rev. David Rice
Bishop of San Joaquin
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook
Bishop of San Diego
The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor
Bishop Diocesan of Los Angeles
The Rt. Rev. Megan Traquair
Bishop of Northern California
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Commission for Intercultural Ministries Newsletter
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Click the labyrinth & download your copy of the Commission for Intercultural Ministries Beloved Community Resource Newsletter.
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From the Presiding Bishop
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Presiding Bishop Curry has issued the following video Word to the Church: Who shall we be?
And now in the name of our loving, liberating, and life-giving God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
In another time of national crisis, another time of danger for our nation, in 1865 on March the fourth, Abraham Lincoln concluded his second inaugural address with these words:
With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.
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Conversations Across Difference
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From Many, One: Conversations Across Difference
Starting January 18, The Episcopal Church launches a campaign urging Episcopalians and our neighbors to engage in the spiritual practice of listening and honest conversation across the many differences that separate us, starting with four simple questions:
What do you love? - What have you lost? - Where does it hurt? - What do you dream?
The campaign is designed to offer a faithful perspective and time-tested practice for knitting deeply divided communities into a diverse, more perfect union. In a cultural moment shadowed by pandemic, fractious politics, and deep division within families, communities, and nations, Episcopalians can partner in simple ways to celebrate difference, listen with deep curiosity, and promote healing.
Watch the videos. Invite a partner. Have the conversation. Pray. Join in deeper conversation, learning and action. Help to form God's beloved community.
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Senator McGuire's town hall on Coronavirus Response: Slowing the Spread, Distributing the Vaccine
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Coronavirus Response: Slowing
the Spread, Distributing the Vaccine. You
can join us via phone or on Zoom,
whichever is easiest for you.
While we can see the light at the end of the tunnel with this pandemic, both the state and federal governments must pick up the pace on vaccine distribution. This is 100% critical.
That’s why, on January 26, we’re bringing together the experts, who will have the latest, most accurate information on where we’re at with the coronavirus response across Northern California, what we can expect in the next few months and we’ll get the very latest information on vaccine distribution.
We hope you can join us for this important conversation.
Here are the details:
Who: Senator Mike McGuire; Dr. Timothy Brewer, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and Geffen School of Medicine; and Lori Nezhura, Deputy Director Planning, Preparedness and Prevention from the State Office of Emergency Services. Ms. Nezhura also serves as the Co-Chair on California’s COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force.
What: Senator McGuire’s town hall on Coronavirus Response: Slowing the Spread, Distributing the Vaccine.
When: Tuesday, January 26 at 6:30pm
How to attend: RSVP today by clicking here! After you RSVP, we’ll email the call-in number and custom Zoom link within 24 hours of the event.
Questions about the Town Hall: Email or call us at 707-576-2771.
We look forward to talking with you on January 26!
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Santa Rosa City Connection
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Vaccine Update: Vaccine Availability for People 65 and Older
Yesterday, the state announced all California residents age 65 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. While the state has widened the vaccine’s availability, local implementation will depend on the vaccine supply at the County and healthcare providers. Sonoma County health officials are asking people 65 and over to contact their primary care doctor to inquire about the vaccine’s availability at this time, or if they don’t have one to call 2-1-1 to get connected to a primary care provider at a Federally Qualified Health Center in the county. The County’s vaccine distribution website will be continually updated, giving the public detailed information about the vaccination rollout, safety, and how the vaccine is being disseminated in Sonoma County.
READ MORE
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State’s Regional Stay Home Order Extended Indefinitely
California’s Regional Stay Home Order for the Bay Area region, which includes Santa Rosa, has been extended indefinitely as of January 9, 2021. With ICU capacity at 4.7% as of today, the order for the City of Santa Rosa and County of Sonoma will continue to prohibit private gatherings of any size, close sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and require 100% masking (with certain exceptions) and physical distancing. The restrictions will remain in place until the state’s four-week projections of the Bay Area’s total available ICU bed capacity are greater than 15 percent. MORE INFO
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For the latest updates and resources for COVID-19, visit srcity.org/PreventTheSpread
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The City’s ongoing, historical Multicultural Roots Project looks to create broader visibility for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in Sonoma County, with a 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 and honor:
The Art of Building Community: Evangelist Marteal Perry
Born Evangelist Marteal Perry and known to many as Mother Perry, she was a dedicated, passionate leader and staple in the community. Marteal Perry focused on teaching the community about the significance of Juneteenth and was the founder of Santa Rosa’s Juneteenth celebration. She also brought people and groups together, supported and raised children in the community, and built community. She used her vision to create the Prayer Chapel Outreach Mission Church in south west Santa Rosa in 1953. She was also a member of the Santa Rosa – Sonoma County Chapter of the NAACP and a founding member of the Head Start Program in Santa Rosa. READ MORE
Photo Credit: David Buchholz Photography
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Getting to Know Nancy Rogers: Mentor and Activist for Students and Local Businesses
Nancy Rogers strives to shape her community in the same way of those who came before her and for the generations to come through her continuous support, activism, mentorship and contributions to the Black community in Santa Rosa. Mrs. Rogers is the chairperson for the annual MLK Juneteenth Community Celebration. She is also the Vice President of the North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce; a Board Member of the Sonoma County Black Forum; President of Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow; and the facilitator for Blacks United, an organization that brings other Santa Rosa and Sonoma County Black groups together to connect, share resources, and support for one another. READ MORE
Click here to read the full Newsletter.
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St Patrick's Weekly Calendar on Zoom
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St Patrick's Weekly Calendar
Tuesdays: Morning Coffee Hour
Let's meet over coffee! 10:00 a.m. Hosted by Eleanor Albon. Send a note to Eleanor Albon and she will ensure you receive a Zoom invitation. ralbon@aol.com / 281-610-8043 or Richard Randolph rjurny@gmail.com
Tuesdays: Compline
Let's share Compline together! 4:00 p.m. Hosted by Priest Doyle.
Wednesdays: Parish Bible Study
Join Priest Doyle for the study on Romans 9:00 a.m., hosted by Priest Doyle.
Thursdays: The Women's Bible Study
Grow in your faith & walk with God! 9:30 a.m. Send a note to Miriam Casey and she will ensure you receive a Zoom invitation. mlcasey7@yahoo.com or 650-380-2747
Fridays: The Men's Bible Study:
Grow in your faith & walk with God! 8:30 a.m.
Send a note to Tom Allen and he will ensure you receive a Zoom invitation. ctetfa@sbcglobal.net or 214-766-7209
Second Saturday of the Month: Women's Breakfast:
Fellowship over breakfast, a cup of coffee, or just to visit with us! 8:30 a.m.
Send a note to Eleanor Albon and she will ensure you receive a Zoom invitation. ralbon@aol.com or 281-610-8043
** Women's Breakfast will meet on the second Sa turday of the month. Our next Zoom gathering will be February13th**
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Let us pray.
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world; Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Please Support Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church Ministry
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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.
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Priest Doyle Dietz Allen Contact Information
Email: stpatricksrector@gmail.com
Parish Office Phone: 707-833-4228
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9000 Sonoma Highway
PO Box 247
Kenwood, CA 95452
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