Weekly Services

• Sunday Holy Eucharist:
  • English at 10 a.m.
  • Spanish at Noon.
• Wednesday Evening Prayer Services at 6 p.m.

Food Ministry Dates 

• The Thrift Store Co-Op is normally open every Wednesday, 10 am-1 pm. 
• Monday, December 16 - CAPK Senior Box Day, 10:30-11:30 am 
• Tuesday, December 17, Food Pantry is open 9-11 am 

Holy Communion, Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe on Thursday, December 12, at 6:30 pm. We will celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe Day in Spanish.

Southern Deanery Posada in Saint Paul's Bakersfield. On Monday, December 16, at 5 pm, all Episcopal churches of the Southern Deanery will gather to celebrate the Posada according to ancient Latino Traditions. If you want to attend, we can car-pool. Please, let us know if you are interested in participating, so we can plan our departure.

Next Bishop's Committee Meeting: Wednesday, December 18, at 7 p.m.

Christmas Decoration Sunday: December 22, after 10:00 am. Worship Service. We invite all our family members to participate in our Church Decoration Day to enjoy the Christmas Season with a sense of community in hope with the Holy Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ for the New Year.

Piñata Sunday: After our 12:00 pm. Worship in Spanish on Sunday, December 22, we will gather to break 2 piñatas for children and share food and candies according to Latino Traditions in before Christmas. Please, come to share time in warm fellowship.

December 29 is Alms Sunday. On the last Sunday of the month, all undesignated loose cash is deposited into the Parish Discretionary Fund to help those most in need in the communities of the Indian Wells Valley.

Hermanas y Hermanos de la Dioceses Episcopal de San Joaquin, es un placer y un placer ofrecerlos; bienvenidos, bienvenidos, tres veces bienvenidos a 65 (sesenta y cinco) Convencion Diocesana de EDSJ. Que demos gracias por este espacio santo y este tempo santo esta ora santa ante nosotros.

Translation:
Sisters and Brothers of The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, it is my pleasure and delight to bid you welcome, welcome, three times welcome to the 65th Diocesan Convention of EDSJ. And we give thanks for this holy space and this holy time and this holy work before us.

This is my Presidential Address for the 65th Diocesan Convention in The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. It is my 11th address in as many years. The theme of this 65th Convention for EDSJ is “Called to be... in Holy Transition.” - “Llamados a ser... en transicion sagrada.”

One of the many invaluable lessons I have learned and continue so to do, over the last decade plus, as your Diocesan Bishop, has been developing and redeveloping responses and corresponding decision-making through times, often somewhat challenging times, of transition. Said another way, we have employed and exercised, over and over again, adaptation and adaptability. And amid many circumstances, perhaps even most circumstances, since my arrival in early 2014, we have invariably assumed a position of assessing, figuring out (heaps of conversations, collaborations and consultations) and implementing. And before any of that took place, through all of those circumstances, you have consistently heard, wait for it, “we should ponder and pray” before
considering any action or non-action. And Siblings in Christ, those last words have not been said, as many times as you have heard them, flippantly. I’ve said those words measuredly and I’ve said them earnestly. And I have done so because all of this belongs to God and it is the Holy Spirit Who navigates us through each of our circumstances (hear transitions) and all of our decisions whether we know it at the time or not. And lastly, we have made mistakes and there have been heaps of failures along the way, and, many amazing things have occurred, and, we have endeavoured to remain faithful through it all.

So, our first acknowledgement is that life is never without transition. Every moment of our lives, the world around us is changing and the world within us is changing. Transitions occur whenever and wherever life is. And it is in our succession of transitions, where we find God, that is to say, if we are open to finding God. Because God is most certainly here and there (I’ll come to that in a moment).

For years I have said The Church is in a state of perpetual transition. Consequently, leadership in the church should be transitional, both in tenure and focus, for both clergy and laity. The only permanence in life, is the presence and the love of God. All else is in a constant transitional flux. It is little wonder we spend an inordinate amount of time pining away and yearning for constancy,
predictability and for anything or anyone to remain the same for at least a moment. But that is not the world in which we live. And that is not the life gifted to us. And that is precisely why, Jesus People, faith is our most essential and active and lasting ingredient.

I started crafting this address a few days ago, specifically, prior to the changing of the landscape and our lives due to elections throughout the country in which we live. And as I’ve often written and said, it is the responsibility of the Faith Community to speak to and reflect the Gospel into every circumstance and context (transition) in which we find ourselves. Thus, I should take a moment
here to say a few words about our post election reality. I heard someone say on Wednesday of this week following the election, that they were wondering what God was doing in all of this. It is one of those timeless, frustratingly, unanswerable queries. And I would not be so bold or dare I say, arrogant, to venture-a-go at an answer. However, I wish to say, that election, those elections, as
with all moments-in-time, was a Holy Transition. And siblings, what that means, is that God was in the election. God didn’t cast a single vote, those votes belong to us. And yet, God was in it all. God is in everything and that is what makes these Transitions Holy, Life, Holy. Moreover, God is not only in our present moments (circumstances, contexts), God is out in front of us awaiting our arrival
(here and there). In my humble opinion and experience, that is who God is, how God works. And that is precisely what makes our present, Holy and our moments not yet lived, Holy. And our responsibility in our continued living into Holy transition, as the Prophet Micah reminds us is to: “Act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with God” whether we like the results of the election
or anything else, or not. In other words, in the days before us, we must continue to be the Church, lovingly, boldly and faithfully.

And continuing to consider and reflect this convention’s theme, a year from now as we gather for our 66th Diocesan Convention, we will also be engaging in Holy Transition as we participate in EDSJ‘s Episcopal Election. So this is my penultimate Presidential Address and next year‘s address will be embedded in and living amid the electoral convention. And the thing is, God is already there waiting for us. And God will be walking with us, in our present moments, every step of the way between now and then, here and there. And we will continue to live into the Holy Transitions of our lives whether they are welcomed or not. And so, as we potentially entertain anxiety and perhaps fret somewhat over the uncertainty of that particular election too, please, may we remember, this belongs to God. And even though EDSJ, we are somewhat out of practice, as it was 1979 since we
had an Episcopal Election, again, God will be in it with us. It occurs to me we may not always need convincing of God‘s presence with us in our Holy Transitions, perhaps the more challenging convincing for ourselves is whether we will be with God
in those Holy Transitions. again, “acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God?” In other words, in the days before us, will we continue to be the church, lovingly, boldly and faithfully?

I have every confidence, as God continues to walk with us in our Holy Transitions, we will most certainly continue to walk with God. There has been too much evidence during my episcopacy to think otherwise. We have lived faithfully a life of adaptation and adaptability. We have travelled exceedingly light adhering to the roadmap of Luke 10. We have lived into and continue to become a
Holy Experiment, Finding Ourselves through Finding Others through pilgrimages and revivals and conventions and by entering into our neighborhoods, and paddocks and into the public square. We have heard the voices and responded to the needs of the marginalized, those who are houseless, hungry and vulnerable. We have taken care of one another and insured that we remained as well as possible during an unprecedented pandemic. We have “followed Jesus into loving, liberating and life-giving relationships with God, with each other and with the earth.” And, we have and most certainly continue to be, Called to be... in Holy Transition.

In conclusion, I wish to thank all of you for your good and faithful work, in our respective local Faith Communities, and in our Faith Community called The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin.
Thank you laity and clergy of EDSJ.
Thank you to those who participate in ministry through our Diocesan Commissions: SJRAISE, Anti-Racism and Creation Care.
Thank you to those who serve on our governing bodies, the members of Standing Committee and Diocesan Council.
Thank you to Deputies to General Convention and Delegates to our Diocesan Convention.
Thank you to wardens and chapter, treasurer, cathedral staff and cathedral community.
Thank you to wardens, treasurers, vestries and bishop’s committees, throughout the diocese.
Thank you Joanne and Mike, our Co-Directors and their staff at our camp and conference center, ECCO.
Thank you Deacon Greg, our Diocesan Treasurer.
Thank you Nelson, our Latino Hispanic Missioner.
Thank you Michael, our Diocesan Chancellor.
And thank you Anna, my/our Canon to the Ordinary.
EDSJ, I cannot possibly fathom living into Holy Transitions with any other Diocesan Community. You have taught me more than I could have possibly anticipated. And you have shown extraordinary willingness and resilience and faithfulness in taking chances, having a go, and venturing into the unknown, together, with me. You have continued to provide a model for the rest of the Episcopal Church in the way of becoming the church amid extraordinary change and Holy Transitions. You, EDSJ, are an amazing Holy Experiment and I pray, you will continue to be so. You remain in my heart and in my prayers.

Bendiciones,
Bendiciones,
tres veces Bendiciones
The Rt Rev David Rice
Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin

Weekly Services

• Sunday Holy Eucharist:
  • English at 10 a.m.
  • Spanish at Noon.
• Wednesday Evening Prayer Services at 6 p.m.

Food Ministry Dates 

• The Thrift Store Co-Op is normally open every Wednesday, 10 am-1 pm. 
• Monday, November 18 - CAPK Senior Box Day, 10:30-11:30 am 
• Tuesday, November 19, Food Pantry is open 9-11 am 

“Altar del Dia de los Muertos”
“Altar for the Day of the Dead”
We will place the Altar in the Lobby of the Church on Friday, November 1 at 6:00 pm. We invite you to participate by bringing pictures of your loved ones who have passed away. You also are invited to bring any food or drink that they enjoyed in life. In ancient cultures, and in many current cultures, peoples pay honor to their ancestors by remembering and keeping them always in their minds, hearts and prayers. We will offer our prayers on Sunday, Nobember 3, at our Worship of “All Saints and Faithfull Departed,”.

Daylight Saving Time Ends on Sunday, November 3
It's that time again. Across most of the United States, Daylight Saving Time (DST) will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, when clocks will fall back to Standard Time. Set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night!

Thanksgiving Turkeys Needed. Deadline is November 15. 
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and our food pantry will once again be giving away turkeys. If you would like to donate a turkey, please keep it under 12-15 lbs. Most of our clients are small families or have small ovens. Keep your eye out for the sales that our grocery stores will be offering for good deals such as buy one get second free or discounted and some do free or discounted with $100 grocery purchase. We need to have your donations in by November 15th, so we know how many more we need to purchase. You can also give money to help us purchase both turkeys and all the other food needed for a family Thanksgiving dinner. Please contact Stephanie with any questions you may have.

Next Bishop's Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 20, at 7 p.m.

November 24 is Alms Sunday and Christ the King Sunday
On the last Sunday of the month, all undesignated loose cash is deposited into the Parish Discretionary Fund to help those most in need in the communities of the Indian Wells Valley.
Christ the King Sunday marks the last Sunday of the current Liturgical Cycle. The Liturgical New Year will begin on Sunday, December 1, 2024, with the First, Sunday of Advent, Cycle C.

Thanksgiving Evening Prayer with Communion
​Wednesday, November 27, at 6 p.m.

​

Weekly Services

• Sunday Holy Eucharist:
  • English at 10 a.m.
  • Spanish at Noon.
• Wednesday Evening Prayer Services at 6 p.m.

Food Ministry Dates 

• The Thrift Store Co-Op is normally open every Wednesday, 10 am-1 pm. 
• Monday, October 21 - CAPK Senior Box Day, 10:30-11:30 am 
• Tuesday, October 29, Food Pantry is open 9-11 am 

2024 Stewardship Campaign
Our 2024 Stewardship Campaign is inspired by the phrase, “Walk in Love,” which is contented in the Letter to Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Through our Christian journey we are called to walk in love seeing Christ’s face in others. Then, we invite to all our family of faith members to support Saint Michael’s Church to continuing serving our communities of Ridgecrest and Inyokern, to spread the message of Love of our Lord Jesus Christ and helping all who are in need. Our Commitment Sunday will be October 27. Please, be generous for all that you have received from God. Pledge Cards are available on the round table in the Church Lobby. You may also deposit your Card in the Little Church which is on the same table.

Zoom Listening Session for the Bishop Search
This Zoom session is for for Ridgecrest and Kernville; others are welcome to attend.
Date: Thursday, October 3
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Pacific

Login information
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8369687704?omn=85777547672
Meeting ID: 836 968 7704

All are invited to participate in this Zoom meeting hosted by the Standing Committee members to hear and discuss our ideas and thoughts for creating the Diocese Profile and New Bishop Profile to launch the call for applications in the search for our next Diocesan Bishop.  Please reserve the date and time.

Blessing of Animals.
Celebration of Saint Francis of Assisi Day. 
The service for blessing our pets will be on Saturday, October 5, at 2:00 p.m., on the Church Patio. Bring your beloved pets to be blessed and pray for God´s Creation. 

Halloween Costume Giveaway
CAPK Oasis Family Resource Center and Saint Maichael’s will give for free to Children and Youth of our community Costumes for Halloween in the Parish Hall of the Church, 210 W. Drummond Ave., Ridgecrest, CA. 93555, on Wednesday, October 16, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Parents must accompany children.

Next Visitation of Bishop David Rice
On Sunday, October 20, the Bishop will make his Second Visitation of 2024 to our Church, and he will Celebrate Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations and Receptions. 

Next Bishop's Committee Meeting
Wednesday, October 23, at 7 p.m.

October 27 is Alms Sunday
On the last Sunday of the month, all undesignated loose cash is deposited into the Parish Discretionary Fund to help those most in need in the communities of the Indian Wells Valley.

Weekly Services:
Services in English: Sundays at 10 am and Wednesday Evenings at 6 pm 
Services in Spanish: Sundays at 12 Noon. 

Food Ministry Dates 
• The Thrift Store Co-Op is normally open every Wednesday, 10 am-1 pm. 
• Monday, September 16 (Third Monday of the Month) - CAPK Senior Box Day, 10:30-11:30 am 
• Tuesday, September 24, Food Pantry is open 9-11 am 

Game Night: Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 pm., we will have a Game Night in the Parish Hall. Come and have fun participating in the Board Games. You can bring your favorite game and some food and drink to share. Everyone is welcome. 

Save the Date: The church polity lesson with Chancellor Glass has been rescheduled to a Zoom only session on
Monday, 16 September at 6:00 pm.
Login details; Meeting ID: 857 1668 1984, and Passcode: 071557.
Zoom Meeting Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/85716681984?pwd=sba9TIJfabNfGokWP6HGclCcBjxw8H.1

2024 Voter Registration Center: Our Church will participate in 2024 National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 17, starting at 10:00 am. Encourage people in your neighborhood to register to vote. Our Parish Hall will be open for registration. Interested in volunteering, please speak with Deacon Cathy Kline. 

Next Bishop’s Committee Meeting: Wednesday, September 18, at 7::00 pm. 

2024 Stewardship Campaign: Our 2024 Stewardship Campaign is inspired by the phrase, “Walk in Love,” which is contented in the Letter to Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Through our Christina journey we are called to walk in love seeing Christ’s face in others. Then, we invite to all our family of faith members to support Saint Michael’s Church to continuing serving our communities of Ridgecrest and Inyokern, to spread the message of Love of our Lord Jesus Christ and helping all who are in need. Our Campaign will be developed on Sunday, September 8, 15, 22, and 29. Our Commitment Sunday will be Sunday, October 27. Please, be generous form all that you have received form God. Pledge Cards are available on the round table in the Lobby’s Church. You may also deposit your Card in the Little Church which is on the same table. 

September 29 is Alms Sunday: On the last Sunday of the month, all undesignated loose cash is deposited into the Parish Discretionary Fund to help those most in need in the community, Ridgecrest and Inyokern. Please help us help! 

Next Visitation of Bishop David Rice: On Sunday, October 20, the Bishop will make his Second Visitation in 2024 to our Church, and he will Celebrate Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations and Receptions. It is necessary that those interested approach Father Jorge or Deacon Cathy or Cassidi as soon as possible so that they can meet the requirements, and their documents can be sent to the Office of the Bishop before October. Classes and orientation will be held during the month of September.

OUR MISSION: The people of Saint Michael's welcome all those who seek a deeper understanding of God's love for ALL God's children. Our congregation is "intentionally inclusive," welcoming all persons without regard to age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or developmental disability. 

CHURCH PRAYER LIST: We pray for Michael our Presiding Bishop and David our Bishop. We also pray for Joseph our President, Gavin our Governor, and Eric our Mayor. Please remember in your prayers Stan, Rita, Sandy, Bob, Dick, Meagan, Suzie, Diane, Ariel, Kay, Jack, Roberto, Beverly, Logan, the students at Mesquite High School & Burroughs High School. 

​PLEASE GIVE Mail your pledges and offerings to: St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 
200 W. Drummond Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555 
Contribute to the church online at: secure.myvanco.com/L-Z9KQ/home 

2024 Stewardship Campaign
​Saint Michael’s 2024 Stewardship Campaign will be Sunday, September 8 - Sunday, September 29. We invite any of our members to come and speak for 3 or 5 minutes at our Sunday Worships to testify saying, “Why you support Saint Michael’s with your Annual Pledge.” It is our intention to encourage all our members to become pledge members in order for us to become financially self-sufficient. If you are interested, please sign the Sign-Up Sheet which is on the round table in the Lobby of the Church. 

EDSJ Cycle of Prayer
August 4, 2024 Church of the Saviour, Hanford
August 11, 2024 Clergy
August 18, 2024 St. Francis, Turlock
August 25, 2024 St. Clare of Assisi, Avery

Church Prayer List
We pray for Michael our Presiding Bishop and David our Bishop. We also pray for Joseph our President, Gavin our Governor, and Eric our Mayor. Please remember in your prayers Stan, Rita, Sandy, Bob, Dick, Meagan, Suzie, Emily, Kimberly, Diane, Ariel and Kay, and the students at Mesquite High School and
Burroughs High School.

Lectionary Readings
Click HERE for the Revised Common Lectionary readings.
We are in Year B and we use "Track 1" if there are two tracks of readings.

Cathedral Livestream
As an alternative for those unable to attend our Sunday services in person, St. James Episcopal Cathedral offers a livestream of their service. Link: www.youtube.com/@StJamesEpiscopalCathedral/streams

Please Give

• Mail your pledges and offerings to:
  St. Michael's Episcopal Church,
  200 W Drummond Ave, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
• ​You can contribute to the church online at:
  https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z9KQ/home

Forward Day by Day
The "Forward Day by Day" devotional booklets are available. Many people use this publication as part of their regular prayer life. If you do or would like to, be sure to pick one up in the lobby.

Subscribe to the Friday Reflection
The Friday Reflection is the official e-publication of The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. It is published every week throughout the year. Click HERE for the subscription page.

Worship with us this month in our Sanctuary
Sunday Holy Eucharist: English at 10 a.m., Spanish at Noon.
July 7 - Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9)
July 14 - Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10)
July 21 - Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11)
July 28 - Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12) and Alms Sunday
On the last Sunday of the month, all undesignated loose cash is deposited into the Parish Discretionary Fund.

Wednesday Evening Prayer Services at 6 p.m.
Unless otherwise noted, Communion will be served.
July 3 - Independence Day (July 4)
July 10 - Proper 9 Wednesday
July 17 - Proper 10 Wednesday
July 24 - Saint Mary Magdalene (July 22)
July 31 - Proper 12 Wednesday

​Immigration Month Can
In honer of Immigration Month, we invite you to donate in our Coin Cans (bills and checks are welcome) found on the table in the Church lobby. Be generous in supporting health services for Farm Workers who are heroes. The last day to donate is Wednesday, July 31. Thank you. 

​Ridgecrest Viewing of The Philadelphia Eleven
Saturday, July 27
The Parish Hall doors will open at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at 6:30 p.m.Join us for a screening of The Philadelphia Eleven: Come watch this important film that recounts a historical moment for The Episcopal Church, have conversation, and enjoy fellowship!
We will serve pizza, salad, and ice cream.
Please, sign up on the Sign-Up Sheet which is on the round table in the Lobby of the Church. 

​Next Bishop’s Committee Meeting
Wednesday, July 24 at 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall

​Church Polity Sessions
On August 11 and 18 at 11:10 a.m., the Chancellor of our Diocese, Michael Glass will present interesting sessions about Church Polity for 45 or 50 minutes. Please, head over the Parish Hall Library after the Sunday Worship. Let us learn together by attending these two sessions with time for questions to our Chancellor. 


​2024 Stewardship Campaign
Saint Michael’s 2024 Stewardship Campaign will be Sunday, September 8 - Sunday, September 29. We invite any of our members to come and speak for 3 or 5 minutes at our Sunday Worships to testify saying, “Why you support Saint Michael’s with your Annual Pledge.” It is our intention to encourage all our members to become pledge members in order for us to become financially self-sufficient. If you are interested, please sign the Sign-Up Sheet which is on the round table in the Lobby of the Church. 

​Each year, letter carriers across the country head out on their routes on the second Saturday in May to collect donations of non-perishable food items to benefit local food pantries. Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive, helping to fill the shelves of food banks in cities and towns throughout the United States.

The need is great, but you can help. We invite you to join letter carriers and our partner organizations in the fight to end hunger in our communities by participating in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
​
Simply leave your donation of non-perishable food in a bag near your mailbox on the second Saturday in May, and your letter carrier will do the rest.