Note: At St. Michael’s distribution of the Eucharist will remain one kind (bread only) until spring.

​Today (Nov. 23) the Office of the Bishop announced two changes to our COVID protocols.

1. The Peace may be exchanged in whatever manner is comfortable for your congregation.
2. Beginning this Sunday (Advent 1), the chalice can be administered during Eucharist in one of two ways:

• Preferred option is for the lay minister/deacon to offer the chalice to the parishioner, they drink from the cup, and then the minister/deacon does the "twist & wipe" with the purificator.
• The priest takes the wafer, dips it into the chalice and then places the inticted wafer on the parishioner's tongue.

What we don't want is a bunch of fingers in the chalice!

We also advise that anyone who feels unwell to please stay home from church.  Tis the season for flu, COVID and RSV...so please take care.

You can hear from the bishop and watch a demonstration of the aforementioned distribution techniques here:
https://fb.watch/gZsh0mH059/

When I visited Israel a few years ago, one of the highlights was seeing a scale model of Jerusalem before the Temple was destroyed. This is probably what the city looked like during Jesus’ time. There, right in the center, was the Temple. When the guide started explaining how it was decorated, using some of the descriptions in our Gospel reading for today, I was struck with how the people of the day must have seen it, sitting on top of the hill in gleaming white stone with touches of gold. It really was spectacular, a fitting place for God to dwell.

Jesus foretold not only that this magnificent building would be razed to the ground, but that he, the earthly vessel of God, would be killed. As if that wasn’t enough, Jesus told his followers that they would also be persecuted, betrayed, and even put to death. They would be hated because of Jesus. This would be enough for even his most dedicated followers to wonder what they were getting themselves into.

At the end of the narrative, though, Jesus provides comfort for them. Not a hair of their heads will perish. Their physical bodies may be harmed and destroyed, but they will gain their souls. In this apocalyptic description of what they might expect in the near term, they see that there is still Good News as Jesus promised. Jesus is offering us abundant life, even in the direst circumstances, although it might not be the type of life we’re expecting.
​
It’s hard to think of abundance during times of economic instability, partisanship, and conflicts. But abundance is what Jesus has promised. Why not step out in faith this year in gratitude and pledge an extra percent of your income?

Questions For Reflection:
​When was a time when you were expecting the worst but were surprised by a pleasant outcome instead?
How might the words of Jesus in the Gospel reading give reassurance to us today when we face grim circumstances?

The 5 things you need to know this week.

​Food Drive to Benefit Our Food Pantry
Ridgecrest Presbyterian Church
will hold a food drive
at the North Albertsons (1301 N Norma St.)
on Saturday, November 12, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Thanksgiving Turkeys
All Souls' Food Pantry will be distributing turkeys
on Tuesday, November 22 for our Thanksgiving baskets.

Thanks to a wonderful donation of $1,000 we were able to
purchase 40 20-lb turkeys from Walmart at $1.49 per pound.

The Food Pantry needs 10 more turkeys (each under 15 pounds).

All the other markets in town have a 2-turkey limit at their discounted price. You can get a turkey at Stater Bros. for 69 cents per pound if you purchase $25 worth of groceries. The Pantry is looking for people who would be willing to shop there and donate a turkey (under 15 pounds) or we can reimburse you for the cost of the turkey.  

If you are interested in using the $25 worth of groceries for the pantry, the following is a list of items needed.

• Stove Top stuffing
• pumpkin pie filling
• pie crust
• green beans
• cream of mushroom soup
• fried onions for topping
• turkey gravy
• cranberry sauce
• butter or margarine
• potatoes
• onions

​Thank you for your generous donations.

​Join us for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
(November 13) at 10 a.m. in our Sanctuary.
St. Michael's gathers this Sunday at 10 a.m. for Morning Prayer.

Download the Service Program from our website.

Coffee Hour & Bible Study will immediately follow the service.
Note: Padre Jorge fell ill this week. While he is feeling better, he will not be able to preside this Sunday, November 13. Please pray for his recovery.

O God of heavenly powers, by the might of your command you drive away from our bodies all sickness and all infirmity: Be present in your goodness with your servant Jorge, that his weakness may be banished and his strength restored; and that, his health being renewed, he may bless your holy Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

​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.

​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).

​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.

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?

​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.

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?

​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.

​Rummage Sale
Saturday, October 29, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.