 Jesus had a soft spot for the poor. It might be fair to say, he preferred the poor. Poverty exists everywhere, you needn’t go to a “developing nation” to find it. It’s down your block. Don’t think so? You’re likely not looking hard enough. Here, Jesus challenges us to look. Because he tells the poor, the hungry, “I see you, and yours is coming.” Sometimes the rich engage in the narrative that poor choices lead to poor people: “They made bad financial decisions.” “He ran all his money into the ground on drugs or alcohol.” “She didn’t take her education seriously and now has a low paying job.” But in truth, economic injustice in the United States is far more complicated, and often combinedwith big ticket societal issues like systemic racism, sexism, immigration status, employmentdiscrimination for marginalized groups like the LGBT+ community, generational poverty, or the geographic location you were born. Americans get very comfortable at living comfortably, and confronting poverty takes people to a place they don’t like. But Jesus tells us over and over again, that the vulnerable are our mission. In the words of Óscar Romero, “It is not God’s will for some to have everything and others to have nothing.” Our calling as Christians is to live life generously. And not for our own desires, or those of our immediate circle. But for those on the fringes. Think of the good that could grow if we died to self a little more, and wholeheartedly embraced the work that Jesus has given us to do. Do you see the Holy Spirit in the faces of the poor? Are you actually looking? Questions For Reflection: Reflect upon a time Reflect upon a time where you made a judgement on a person or place when you had limited or incomplete information. Discuss your experience with explanations for poverty. What are your own explanations? Do they need investigating?
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The five things you need to know this week. St. Michael’s Stewardship Month Continues until Sunday, November 13. To download a pledge card CLICK HERE. All Diocese Zoom Trivia Night: Friday, November 4, 6 p.m. St. Michael's gathers tonight, November 4, to meet with the rest of the diocese (via Zoom) to open the 63rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. Join our convention delegates and clergy at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall to compete with congregations throughout the diocese in a special trivia challenge. We need you there to help St. Michael's capture the trivia crown. Please RSVP to Deacon Cathy (countmyblessings1@gmail.com). Clocks Fall Back One Hour on Sunday, November 6 It's that time again. Across most of the United States, Daylight Saving Time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 6, when clocks will fall back to Standard Time. Set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night! Join us for All Saints' Sunday (November 6) at 10 a.m. in our Sanctuary. St. Michael's gathers this Sunday at 10 a.m. for worship. The Rev. Jorge Pallares will preside and preach. Download the Service Program from our website. Coffee Hour & Bible Study will immediately follow the service. Join Us on Thursdays for Evening Prayer
Join us Thursday for the Church's offering of Evening Prayer as we continue to share in the life of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We gather Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Access our Zoom meeting room by clicking HERE. Meeting ID: 928 461 1047, Passcode: StMichael Download the Service Program from our website. 10/28/2022 0 Comments More Than Enough: Giving and Receiving In his excellent book Being Christian, former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams draws this lesson from the story of Zacchaeus: Jesus is not only someone who exercises hospitality; he draws out hospitality from others. By his welcome, he makes other people capable of welcoming. And that wonderful alternation in the Gospels between Jesus giving hospitality and receiving hospitality shows us something absolutely essential . . . Now, I’m probably alone in this, but Archbishop Rowan’s comment made me think about the Royal Canadian Navy Manual of Naval Etiquette. The Manual outlines a first and second aim of proper etiquette: The first aim of proper etiquette is “the consistent demonstration of thoughtfulness and consideration for the wellbeing of others.” ... The second aim of proper etiquette is “the gracious acceptance of reciprocation.” ... [O]nly a mutual, interactive process of kindness and decency will allow mutual trust, respect and friendship to flourish. Not only does God give us his extraordinary gift of grace, but he graciouslyaccepts our reciprocation. This reciprocation, however, is not a quid pro quo. The relative value of God’s gifts to us and our gifts to God arenowhere near equal. The graciousness of a person of wealth and privilege will look very different from the graciousness of a person who is poor or otherwise marginalized. Yet though the fare at the poor person’s table may not be the haute cuisine we would expect from the tables of the wealthy, who would be so churlish as to complain? The simple stew was likely a greater sacrifice for the poor host than the steak and lobster was for the wealthy. And like the widow’s mite, it is appreciated all the more. Our God is not content to be merely the dispenser of largesse. Our God seeks a relationship with us. In order for that relationship - that friendship - to flourish, the God who is so generous with us graciously accepts our reciprocation. Questions For Reflection: Can you think of a time someone was very generous with you but would not permit you to reciprocate in any way? How did you feel? How was it different in another case where you were allowed to reciprocate?
10/28/2022 0 Comments The Friday 5 for October 28, 2022The five things you need to know this week. St. Michael’s Stewardship Month Continues until Sunday, November 13. To download a pledge card CLICK HERE. Rummage Sale Saturday, October 29, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Join us for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost (October 30) at 10 a.m. in our Sanctuary. St. Michael's gathers this Sunday at 10 a.m. for worship. The Rev. Jorge Pallares will preside and The Rev. Deacon Cathy Kline will preach. Download the Service Program from our website. Coffee Hour will immediately follow the service. Join Us on Thursdays for Evening Prayer Join us Thursday for the Church's offering of Evening Prayer as we continue to share in the life of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We gather Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Access our Zoom meeting room by clicking HERE. Meeting ID: 928 461 1047, Passcode: StMichael Download the Service Program from our website. All Diocese Zoom Trivia Night: Friday, November 4, 6 p.m.
Team St. Michael’s will be in our Parish Hall. 10/23/2022 0 Comments More Than Enough: About Humility “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 18:9-14 When I envision this scene, I can’t help but imagine the Pharisee’s voice sounding like songwriter Mac Davis singing his hit, “Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble, When you’re perfect in every way; I can’t wait to look in the mirror, Cause I get better looking each day…” Why is Jesus concerned about our level of humility even when our faithful actions are good? Certainly we should strive to be good, to give generously, and to avoid sin. Yet it is the sinful person in this story who Jesus sets as our example. In the parable, the first person is giving a speech to God. The second person is opening up his heart, admitting his weakness, and asking for God’s merciful acceptance. He is humble enough to acknowledge that God is in control. Such humility is a path toward a deeper, trusting relationship with God. Trusting God requires admitting that we need God. It means accepting that we are not so self-reliant that we can figure out all the answers, successfully battle every demon, and control our own destiny. Those are false narratives anyway. Humility keeps us honest. Jesus’ time on earth exemplifies one of the most beautiful realities of our faith: Our Creator craves a close relationship with each of us. We don’t have to be perfect in every way. We just need to love and trust that what God provides will be more than enough. Questions For Reflection: Imagine looking in the mirror and seeing a reflection of your relationship with God. How would you describe it? How might generosity be connected to one’s trusting relationship with God? In serving others we often find humility. How has service to others helped deepen your relationship with God?
10/14/2022 0 Comments The Friday Five for October 14, 2022The five things you need to know this week. Join us for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (October 23) at 10 a.m. in our Sanctuary. St. Michael's gathers this Sunday at 10 a.m. for worship. The Rev. Jorge Pallares will preside and preach. Download the Service Program from our website. Coffee Hour will immediately follow the service. Join Us on Thursdays for Evening Prayer Join us Thursday for the Church's offering of Evening Prayer as we continue to share in the life of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We gather Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Access our Zoom meeting room by clicking HERE. Meeting ID: 928 461 1047, Passcode: StMichael Download the Service Program from our website. St. Michael’s Stewardship Month Sunday, October 23 – Sunday, November 13. To download a pledge card CLICK HERE. Rummage Sale Saturday, October 29, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. All Diocese Zoom Trivia Night: Friday, November 4, 6 p.m.
Team St. Michael’s will be in our Parish Hall Holy Baptism with EucharistSaturday, October 8, 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary St. Michael's gathers to baptize Addison Faith Ray. Join us for Indigenous People's Sunday
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