January 17, 2018
"The fires, floods, and mudslides are not part of some divine strategy. They are disasters . . . "
Read, Listen to Sunday Sermon from The Rev. Gary Hall, Rector of Trinity SB
The parishioners of All Saints were warmly welcomed and embraced by the clergy and parish of Trinity Santa Barbara on Sunday, Jan. 14. With the All Saints campus closed due to the mud slides and evacuation order, those who are on the north side of the HW 101 closure and who were able made their way to Trinity.

The Rev. Gary Hall and the Trinity clergy and staff have offered not only their support to Rev. Aimee, but also to our staff and Vestry. Trinity has offered space for the staff to conduct business, hold staff meetings, conduct Vestry business, and more. We are extrememly grateful for this support and these kindnesses.

Father Gary's sermon on Sunday was especially poignant and meaningful for those in attendance, all of whom have been touched by our community tragedy. You can read or listen to his sermon by clicking on the links below:  

Read Father Gary's homily from Sunday by clicking on this link. 

Listen to Father Gary's sermon by clicking on this link. 
Rev. Aimee helps staff, Vestry process individual experiences, feelings
Staff Met Yesterday; Vestry, Too!
Yesterday morning, the All Saints staff held a "conference call meeting" for the first time since the flooding and tragedy of a week ago. The staff in the "north," participated from Trinity, including Rev. Aimee and Alyson, who evacuated from the Rectory and are staying on the Mesa. Those at points south of the HW 101 closure, including Rev. Vicki, Father Paul, Director of Administration Kathleen Bright and Cynthia Breen, staff bookkeeper, were able to call in for the meeting that focused exclusively on hearing from one another, sharing stories and checking each other's status.  Last night, the Vestry met in the same fashion and for the same purpose. 

As Aimee commented, "We need to come together and give ourselves permission to acknowledge that we've been faced with real trauma, whether personally or with our All Saints home and community. By gathering, first with the staff and then with the Vestry, we can share our own experiences and feelings of the past week and affirm for one another that we are not alone in what we are feeling or the situation in which we find ourselves. It's appropriate and the right thing for us to talk in these settings and process what we've been through, and then we can begin the healing."
Parish School Operating from Interim Locations; Working to Secure Location Until Campus Opens
Check out this report from Padric Davis, All Saints Parish School Director:

"The families that met at Rockin' Kids had a great time and we look forward to the next session on Thursday (9 am-12) at Rockin' Kids!  The children may not wear their shoes in the play area, only socks, so please make sure the children have socks on.  We will provide a snack mid-morning, so there is no need to bring a lunch.
 
"Rev. Aimee will be available for healing conversation Thursday from 9:00 to 12:00.  Drop off your child at Rockin' Kids and come to Lovie's Dance Company, three doors down from Rockin' Kids.  Coffee and nibbles, and loving care provided!
 
"Our south of the freeway closure teachers and families are anticipating a fun day on Thursday at Tomol Park (9-11:45 am) and on Friday at the Children's Creative Project at Main School on Friday (9-11:45 am)."






All Saints Evacuation Scene on Cover of LA Times; Neighbors Helping Neighbors
The evacuation of people by the National Guard who made their way to All Saints during the day of the mudslides was documented by neighbor Sky Gilbar and included on the front page of last Sunday's  Los Angeles Times. To read a feature story prepared by the Episcopal News Service, just click this link or on the photo below.

Click on the photo to read a story of All Saints' role as a medical triage and evacuation during the early days of the mudslides.

Friendship Center Operating from Goleta Center
As with everything on the All Saints campus and in our neighborhood, no one can get in or out. This includes the  Friendship Center, which operates on the All Saints campus. 
All members are encouraged to attend the Goleta Center which has remained opened, welcoming seniors. The administrative team is operating from the offices of  First American Title; we join with the Friendship Center in thanking them for their generosity .
The staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers at the Friendship Center are thinking about they we can do to help in the aftermath of these tragic events impacting the community. Said Executive Director Heidi Holly, "We believe our best response is to continue without interruption, doing what we do best, which is continuing providing stellar day services, and trusted, reliable respite for families and caregivers." She invites anyone to call  the Goleta Center number 805-845-7442 for further information, or questions. As with All Saints' phones, t he phones in Montecito are not working.

Of special note to the parishioners of All Saints, Heidi added, " Please let us know if Friendship Center can be helpful in anyway to your parishioners seeking respite during this unpredictable time." We are grateful for this offer of assistance and compassion. 

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