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St. Paul's
at Midweek
September 23, 2020
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Whoever you are,
and wherever you find yourself on your journey of faith,
we welcome you to our inclusive faith community.
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The Coming Week
at St. Paul's
While public worship in the church continues to be suspended, a number of services and opportunities for fellowship and study are being offered
September 27, 2020
Seventeenth Sunday
after Pentecost
10am Morning Prayer
(from our cathedral via Facebook and YouTube)
6.00pm Evening Prayer
(from our chapel via Facebook and YouTube)
Monday, September 28
Paula and Eustochium of Rome, Monastics and Scholars, 404 and c. 419
10.30am Coffee (or Tea) Morning (via Zoom)
Tuesday, September 29
Saint Michael and All Angels
10.00pm St. Paul's Book Group
(via Zoom)
October 4, 2020
Eighteenth Sunday
after Pentecost
10am Morning Prayer
(from our cathedral via Facebook and YouTube)
6.00pm Evening Prayer
(from our chapel via Facebook and YouTube)
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Morning Prayer will continue to be recited privately at 8.30am for the well-being of our city, the nation, and the world, and for all those living with the effects and consequences of COVID-19
Please note, that due to the present health crisis, our Food Co-op Ministry will be closed until further notice.
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Finding the
Sunday Readings
Did you know you can always find the readings for Sunday by following this link? Did you find two sets of readings for the Sunday? If there are two "tracks", at St. Paul's we are using "Track 2".
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Although mail will be regularly collected, the parish office will be closed until further notice.
However, you can reach our Parish Administrator via email. Alternatively, you can also email Fr. Luis.
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• Thanksgiving for Our Animal Companions
• Reflections on Spirituality in the Age of COVID: Ali Whyte
• A Message About Creation Care
• Parish Prayer List to be Revised
• Welcome to Luke Martinez, New Field Education Student
• Chris Russell's Mask Ministry
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Sunday Worship at St Paul's
During the present health crisis Sunday worship continues at St. Paul's. In the morning you are encouraged to join online worship from our cathedral in Fresno. This can be accessed here. In the evenings at 6pm via Facebook and YouTube Evening Prayer is led by Fr. Luis from our chapel. Check this out on our Facebook page by clicking here, and be sure to follow us if you aren't already. If you watch via YouTube, please subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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Praying at St Paul's
Remember that while there are no public services at St. Paul's and the church is closed, the Church's round of prayer continues. While currently the heat precludes its being said regularly in the church, our members are encouraged to continue to gather in spirit on or around 8.30am to say Morning Prayer.
Up until now there has has been provided a weekly download indicating the psalms and readings for each day. However, there seems little need of replicating what is already easily accessible online. St. Bede's Breviary is highly recommended, and can be accessed here. You can access our Parochial Prayer Dairy here, and if you have found the non-Scriptural readings helpful you can download the Universalis app and just click through to Spiritual Readings. This last is a Roman Catholic site and there is a small charge for the app.
Continue faithful in prayer in these time, and if you any questions please contact Fr. Luis.
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Wednesdays as Days
of Special Devotion
As a parish, remember we are keeping Wednesdays as days of fasting and prayer for the pandemic of COVID-19, but also and perhaps more disturbing pandemic of self-centeredness, which as our Presiding Bishop preached "has been the root cause of every humanly created evil that has ever hurt or harmed any child of God or even the earth itself." While fasting is technically going without food, Fr. Luis has asked that we fast each Wednesday of this summer by doing "something to frustrate our appetites", whatever that appetite may be. Also we are asked each Wednesday to pray the Great Litany beginning on page 148 of the Book of Common Prayer. You can also find an alternate version of the Great Litany here. As Fr. Luis wrote a few weeks ago, "The journey away from ourselves is the journey towards the other, and hence community. Spiritual disciplines like fasting and prayer are the first steps towards spiritually-motivated action and solidarity. I hope we can take these steps together, and discover where the Spirit will lead us."
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Thanksgiving for our Animal Companions |
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Sunday, October 4, would have been the day for our animal blessing at St. Paul's. It's an important day in our community, and we will miss gathering with each other and our animal companions. Still, we will remember and pray for them on the day. We are hoping that people will send pictures of their pet for a special period of prayer during Evening Prayer on October 4. You can email pictures of your pet's/pets' and their name/s to Fr. Luis. These will then be used during our service. While our animal companions are always a blessing, for many of us during these COVID times our theyy have brought a special sense of grace, comfort, and fellowship. On October 4 we will mark and give particular thanks for this.
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Reflections on Spirituality
in the Age of COVID
During these days we are finding our spiritual practices affected and shaped by the present health crisis. Members of St. Paul's are being invited to share their reflections on this phenomenon in their own lives. This week Ali Whyte offers his thoughts.
Spirituality in a COVID World
“We’re fine,” we say when someone asks how we’re doing, but are we? Yes, we are all getting along in our new restrictive world, limiting interaction, donning uncomfortable masks and sheltering at home. Everyone prays that the pandemic will be over and we can return to our former way of live. I think we will be changed forever. We will more skeptical, more distrusting and more fearful. The unknown now has a face and 200,000 have died in this country. We mourn the loss of these innocent souls and pray for the loved ones left behind. Tragic…
Faith has always been a deep, rock-solid core of my being that supports everything I think, everything I do and everything I dream. While one can be spiritual in isolation, it is the church that I miss most. We can tune into online church services, listen to hymns and hear a sermon. We can even attend multiple church services by a mere click. But it’s not the same.
As an art historian, I have been drawn to landscape paintings, particularly from the 19th Century. That was a time when a philosophy known, as Pantheism was popular among aesthetics of the time. It sprang out of the Naturalist movement. Simply put, subscribers believed that God was everywhere in nature, in the trees, in the rocks and in every creature. God created the planet and all that dwell on this earth—a true masterpiece of design! Artists like Constable and the Hudson River painters—and poets like Wordsworth and the romantics celebrated Pantheism. Over the years, I’ve collected many landscape paintings and God is present in numerous scenic depictions that grace my home.
Many know that I am an avid gardener with a specialty in antique roses. I love being outside fussing, pruning, watering my 100 lovelies. These too are God’s creations and the beauty that surrounds me is inspiring, poetic and yes, spiritual. I sometimes hum the Doxology or some other hymn, silly, perhaps, but comforting, all the while.
I miss the beautiful liturgy; I miss our gorgeous church, the stained glass windows, the magnificent altar, the choir, the music, and on occasion the smoky, pungent smell of incense. The flowers, the vestments, the announcements… everything. I miss the aerobic ritual of rising and kneeling and juggling books. I miss the whole thing!!!
But what I really miss is you. I miss our congregation and I miss our priest. While God is everywhere in nature as well as deep in our hearts, he becomes real in faces of the people of St. Paul’s. If you want to see the face of God, look no further than to the person next you in the pew or across the aisle or at communion or greeting you at the door, serving at coffee hour or escorting the children. Oh how I miss the Peace! Seeing God in your faces reaffirms my own faith and is immensely profound…
Isolation is difficult to say the least. With faith and hope and loads of prayers, we can get by this. We are the children of God and we are beautiful.
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Parish Prayer List
to be Revised
As we approach the end of the third quarter our parish prayer list will again be revised. This means that all names will be removed at the end of this month. If you would like a name to remain on the list or a name to be added please contact Fr. Luis via email. Remember that while public services are suspended, prayer at St. Paul's continues. Those on our prayer list are mentioned by name at Morning Prayer, and also by members of the congregation, among them, the Daughter of the King. In our physical separation, our prayers for each other, for those in need, and for those who have died take on a particular dimension as they affirm our abiding connection in the midst of physical separation.
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Collect of the Week
O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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In Our Prayers
Remember in your prayers Kristian Yvonne, London, the Sosa family, Lori, Joel, Barbra, Stephanie, Sandra, Nancy, Anita, Penny, all those living with the effects of COVID-19, and all who are in sorrow, sickness, or any kind of need.
Remember also the recently departed, among them Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and also all those whose year's mind falls at this time.
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Monthly Prayer Diary
Remember you can alway access the current monthly Prayer Diary by clicking here.
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Calling Volunteers
for Online Worship
As we continue to live into these days of online worship, we also continue to discern ways in which our common life can continue and flourish. Part of this is still enabling a sense of corporate worship even while we remain distanced physically. To that end we are looking for volunteers to lead parts of our Sunday evening service. This would entail making a recording of yourself doing a reading or leading intercessions. This can be done relatively easily on one's phone, tablet or computer. If you would like to volunteer for this ministry or have any questions, please contact Fr. Luis.
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St. Paulʻs Book Group:
Orphan Train
by Christina Baker Kline
St. Paulʻs Book Group continues on Tuesday, September 29 at 10.00am We will be reading Orphan Train by Christina Baler Kline. (If you do not already have the book be sure to get this edition as it has an extended scene.) "Moving between contemporary Maine and Depression-era Minnesota, Orphan Train is a powerful novel of upheaval and resilience, of second chances, and unexpected friendship." One critic wrote: “A lovely novel about the search for family that also happens to illuminate a fascinating and forgotten chapter of America’s history. Beautiful.” You will find the reading schedule and Zoom link here.
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A Message About Creation Care
Creation Care is a committee within the diocese to bring light to our responsibility as Christians to confront the challenges of climate change particularly as they effect communities that are economically disadvantaged. April Brown and I will be the representatives from St. Paul’s.
It is disturbing to look around and see the damage being done to our home. The scope and size of the problem is enormous and the economic and political interests around the world seem to have little interest in making serious changes. From that perspective things can appear bleak. If we look at it from a spiritual perspective we can find hope. People of faith are blessed with the opportunity have a different relationship with our planet and universe. However you believe the universe came into existence we know that it is sacred and we have a responsibility to care for it and all life. We may all express it differently but it is our shared responsibility. Our faith allows us to come together for the love of creation and knowing there is a path forward.
April and I look forward to this opportunity to learn and share. It is our hope
St. Paul’s can be an active member in our community for change. I have enclosed a video that speaks to the current pandemic, our shared responsibility, and the need for change.
Hope you are well,
Mike Dunham
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Parish News and Information |
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Welcome to our New Field Education Student:
Luke Martinez
This month we are joined by a new field education student. Like our present field ed student, Cathy Kline (who will remain with us), Luke Martinez is in the ordination process but discerning a call to the priesthood. Luke was raised in Tulare, CA, and works as a High School teacher there now. He also teaches at College of the Sequoias, and is pursuing his MDiv at CDSP. He holds MAs in History (Fresno State) and Theology (Fuller Theological Seminary). Luke is married to Natalie, and they have two dogs, Bambi and Thumper, who are mostly well-behaved. He is currently a member of St. John's, Tulare. While the present pandemic doesn't allow for us to welcome him as we would like, he is VERY welcome nonetheless. In the coming months we will get to know Luke through his preaching, writing, and some Christian formation programs that are planned.
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Do you know individuals or organizations in need of masks, but without the means to get them? Our own Chris Russell has been making beautiful cotton face masks throughout these COVID days and is willing to donate them where needed. From the samples above you can see her creations come in a variety of colors and patterns. Masks have become an absolute necessity these days, and a sign of respect for the "dignity of every human being" which includes their physical well-being. Chris is meeting that need and making possible that sign. You may contact her by email at Sewtype@yahoo.com with any questions or to suggest who might be in need of masks.
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Vanco - A New Way of E-Giving to St. Paul's |
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You’ll notice a new “donate” button on the St. Paul’s website. We’re changing our e-giving platform from Network for Good to Vanco, which partners with our pledge system Servant Keeper. What are the advantages to working with Vanco? First, all donations and pledges get directly deposited to St. Paul’s bank account. We won’t have to wait 1 - 1 ½ months for a check to be sent. Second, for all check writers - you can set up your monthly pledge or any recurring donation to be taken out of your account automatically, which means you don’t have to write out a check or mail a check - saving you precious time. Lastly, using Vanco - you do not need to set up any kind of “account” to use it. It’s completely optional to set up a profile. One advantage from the church’s perspective is that Vanco works with Servant Keeper (SK), so any donation instantly gets credited to a parishioner’s SK profile, ready for the year-end contribution statements.
Like most e-giving platforms, there is a processing fee of 2.75% (for debit/credit cards; 1% for checking accounts). When inputting your payment information, there is the option for the donor to help St. Paul’s offset the processing fee by adding it to your donation. This is optional though, so it is completely up to the donor. At St. Paul’s, we appreciate any and all donations!
Also, you can download the GivePlus app (through App Store/Google Play) if you’d rather use your smartphone to manage donations. Once downloaded, you can search for St. Paul’s by entering our zip code (93301) or St. Paul’s Episcopal Bakersfield. Just scroll through till you find us! Once you find us, you can proceed to setting up your donations.
If you have ANY questions, feel free to email Diane Mangum at didi93307@gmail.com. She has used the app and the online site and can help with any questions.
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Fellowship and Connection |
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Monday Morning Coffee
(or Tea) Hour
As we continue sheltering in place and physical-distancing (when did these become verbs?) we become all too aware of the importance of our fellowship at St. Paul's. While it's not exactly the same as gathering in Grace Hall or joining Fr. Luis for coffee at Blue Oak, we are still going to try to gather each week via Zoom. Get yourself a cup of tea or coffee this coming Monday, September 28, at 10.30am, and click onto Zoom via your phone, tablet or computer, and let's chat. The Zoom invitation link is here. See you then, and if you have any questions, get in touch with Fr. Luis.
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Children's Sunday ZOOM Time |
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Our Children's Zoom Time meets on a monthly basis. The next meeting will be Sunday, October 4 at noon, and then on the first Sunday of the month. This is a chance for the younger members of our congregation to get together for fellowship, prayer, and Christian formation. Click here for the Zoom link. If you can any questions contact Lori Toia.
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St. Paul's Sunday
Afternoon Social
Our Sunday Afternoon Zoom Social meets on a monthly basis. The next meeting is October 4 at 2pm. Join members of St. Paul's for a time of fellowship and conversation during these COVID-times. Click here for the Zoom link. If you have any questions contact Lori Toia or Fr. Luis.
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Remember, St Paul's
Still Needs Your Support
Words from Brian Whitfield, our Bishop's Warden:
Like many businesses, St. Paul's also has to worry about the bills and how we will pay for things without the usual amount of foot traffic and plate offerings. Like everything else, giving has to adapt as well. There are numerous ways to continue giving (if you are able): you can send your check to the office, you can drop an envelope through the mail slot (in the door of the office) with your payment, you can set up bill pay and have your bank send a check online (most banks do this for free and can be done using their app), or you can visit Vanco to donate using a debit or credit card. If you pledge, please continue to do so. If you give regularly but do not pledge, again please continue giving by one of the ways mentioned above. At the same time, lack of visitors and newcomers means that occasional giving will decrease, negatively impacting our already negative budget. To counter this, Fr. Luis and I are both committing to raising our pledge by 5-10% during this time, and we would like to invite you (if you are a regular giver, whether pledging or not) to do so as well as you are able. This will hedge the number of losses that we will encounter and further allow us to continue the wonderful ministries that happen here.
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Are You in Need of Anything?
Are you or someone you know in need of food or other essentials but are unable to get out? Are you in a high risk group and anxious about going out to get what what you need? Please email Fr. Luis. Volunteers are at the ready to help out in any way they can. Please, please, please get in touch. We are all in this together.
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Youth Ministries of St. Paul
We are happy to announce the re-launch of our youth ministries at St. Paul’s! We have so many exciting upcoming events for our youth. If you are the parent of a child ages 5-18, please join our Youth Ministries messaging service. You will NOT receive any spam messages. This messaging service allows you to send messages directly to our youth leadership and to receive info on upcoming events. Text this message- "@youth2216" - to 81010.
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Poetry Corner
A Hope is a Thing With Feathers
by Emily Dickinson
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
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Sean Williams
Cathy Henry
Sara Chan Pettiford
Draven Brown
Maceo Brown
Deborah Spaine
Faith Haney
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September 9
September 16
September 18
September 18
September 18
September 18
September 29
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News and Information
from our Diocese
and the Wider Church
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Nominations for Elected Positions at Diocesan Convention due September 28
The following positions will be elected at convention:
Standing Committee (1 lay and 1 clergy; 4 year terms)
Diocesan Council (1 lay at large; 3 year term)
You can nominate yourself or someone in your congregation. Nominees will need to submit a short bio and photograph to me (canonanna@diosanjoaquin.org) by October 1.
On Deanery Day (October 10) we will also do the following elections:
Diocesan Council, 3 year term: northern deanery, 1 clergy person
Diocesan Council, 3 year term: central deanery, 1 lay person
If you have any questions contact Canon Anna at the above email.
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Prayer in Time of Disaster
Holy One, you are our comfort and strength in times of sudden disaster, crisis, or chaos. Surround us now with your grace and peace through storm or earthquake, fire or flood. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, sustain those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ, our rock and redeemer. Amen.
As many of you are aware, on Friday the Creek Fire started, and has continued to spread throughout the weekend. In coordination with the Office of the Bishop and the director of ECCO, parishioners of St. Raphael's Oakhurst are in communications with each other and the Office of the Bishop regarding evacuation needs.
Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a state of emergency for Fresno, Madera and Mariposa Counties.
Areas currently under MANDATORY EVACUATION orders in Fresno County:
Shaver Lake
Huntington Lake
Camp Sierra
Big Creek
High Sierra areas, which include: Florence Lake, Ward Lake, Portal Forebay, Edison Lake Mono Hot Springs, Kaiser and all campgrounds.
Alder Springs
Mile High
Meadow Lakes
Big Sandy
Jose Basin
Italian Bar
Dinkey Creek
Wishon & Courtright Reservoirs
Area west of Tollhouse, along Auberry Road west to Powerhouse Road.
Areas currently under MANDATORY EVACUATION orders in Madera County are:
Cascadel Woods
Kinsman Flat Subdivision
Italian Bar Rd. from Road 225 to Reddinger Lake
Mammoth Pool
Whiskey Falls
Clover Meadow
Arnold Meadows
Minarets
All campgrounds off Minarets Road
All campgrounds off Beasore Road north of Grizzley Road
An Evacuation Order means there is immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access.
Fresno County has set up an an evacuation center for people and small animals at Clovis North High School, 2770 E International Ave.
Areas currently with an EVACUATION WARNING in Fresno County:
- Auberry Rd from the top of the four lanes to Powerhouse to the San Joaquin River
- Jose Basin
- Alder Spring
- Mono Wind Casino
- Meadow Lakes
- Mile High
- Tollhouse Rd at Peterson Rd down to Lodge Rd
- Beal Fire Rd
- Powerhouse Rd to the San Joaquin Riverere are
Areas with EVACUATION WARNINGS in Madera County:
Mammoth Pool trailer park to Road 233, down Road 225
Sierra Sky Ranch (Road 632) and surrounding area
North Fork
Bass Lake
An evacuation warning means there is a potential threat to life or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate and those with pets/livestock should leave now.
Prior to the sending of this communication, Bishop David was contacted and he is fully abreast of the situation. He has asked that all questions or concerns be directed to either Canon Anna or Chancellor Michael in his absence. Rev. Angela and her family have been safely evacuated and are taking time to rest. Your prayers are appreciated.
If you would like to make a financial donation to assist those who have been evacuated, please make your check out to EDSJ and put in the memo line "Emergency Relief for Creek Fire".
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Have you has a chance yet to view this powerful presentation put together by SJRAISE and spearheaded by our Cathy Kline? It focuses on a collection of artwork from the Tornillo Children's Detention Camp where close to 3,000 unaccompanied minors from Central and South America were held. For these children, art was a way to express their faith, the love of their family and friends, and pride in their homeland.
You can access the presentation here.
To learn more about the artwork, read this article from the New York Times.
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Disaster Relief:
Hurricanes and Fires
This year has been one of many seasons and changes. Our brothers and sisters throughout California are suffering from fires that threaten homes and lives. Our friends and colleagues in Louisiana have seen destruction from winds they have not experienced in this lifetime. Some of you have asked how you might give in a way that will directly affect these people. Please find two places to do so below.
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California has published
this information for fire relief in their area:
Bishop's Discretionary Fund: Disaster Relief
100% of your donation will go directly to assist victims in the first stage of the disaster and later during long term recovery.
To donate to disaster relief, click here now.
Please make checks out to EDNC
put "Disaster Relief" in the memo line.
Mail checks to:
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California
350 University Avenue, Suite 280
Sacramento, CA 95825
Episcopal Relief and Development has issued the following statement about their work with the victims of Hurricane Laura:
[The Episcopal Relief and Development] U.S. Disaster team is supporting the dioceses of Louisiana, Western Louisiana, Mississippi, Central Gulf Coast, Texas and West Texas with technical assistance as they prepare for and monitor storms in this region and assess needs as a result of the rainfall, winds, flooding and storm surge - all within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In particular, the dioceses of Texas and Western Louisiana are finding ways to support the most vulnerable, especially low-income and unhoused people. Western Louisiana is conducting damage assessment, and coping with power and water outages. Diocesan leaders have also started to coordinate aid, including the distribution of gift cards.
As we help the local dioceses assess the most immediate needs, we are counting on our community to show what our faith can do.
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Are You Registered to Vote?
We are blessed as a nation to vote. As citizens of this country this is a right, an obligation, and a duty. Go vote. Vote your conscience. Your conscience informed by what it means to love your neighbor, to participate in the process of seeking the common good, to participate in the process of making this a better world. However you vote, go and vote. And do that as followers of Jesus.
-Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
Election Day is November 3.
Are you registered to vote?
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Buildings Re-Opening Protocols for
the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
From Bp. David C. Rice
June 12, 2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers of EDSJ,
From the early beginnings of this horrific pandemic, I have been joined by diocesan staff, leaders and clergy colleagues in expressing the ways in which our responses amid this crisis speak of who we are and to WHOM we belong. We have consistently identified that this is yet another opportunity to grow deeper into the Beloved Community we are Called to be... This has been no more evident than the urging to take care of one another (the other) by taking care of ourselves. This other-self care has and continues to involve sheltering-in-place, wearing masks
and gloves and the like. We have been clear that our identity, our very reason to be, requires that we put public health over economics and theological-communal responsibility over individual rights. We have been clear that the need to reflect God in the Way of Love could not be more necessary than in our present contexts and circumstances. And we have been clear the Jesus Movement must inform what we do and how we do it during these days of COVID-19.
As we move closer to reopening, the aforementioned expression of identity and reflection of faith must not diminish. The guidelines before us are practical measures to ensure (to the extent we can) continued safety, health and wellness for all. When reopening occurs, we urge you to adhere to the guidelines and continue to frame them with words of faith, hope and love. We also encourage you to exercise caution, care and patience as we move into becoming church in yet
another way.
I wish to thank the contributors of our Diocesan Guidelines.
Participants on the Working Group were:
Canon Anna Carmichael (Diocesan Staff)
Ms. Barbara Vassell,
Communicable Disease Manager, Stanislaus County Public Health (Modesto)
Rev'd Luis Rodriguez (Bakersfield)
Rev'd Peter Ackerman (Lodi)
Rev'd Jim McDonald (Fresno)
Bishop David Rice (Diocesan Staff)
Blessings,
The Rt. Rev. David C. Rice
So, where are we now?
EDSJ-Stage 1: Shelter In Place
- Virtual worship services
- Allow for no more than 3 people in the same space for filming of virtual worship; wearing of masks and 6ft of social distancing required
- All meetings/gatherings held virtually
- No in-person pastoral visits
- Limit feeding ministries to those which can follow safe protocols determined by health department.
Here you will find the guidelines and protocols for re-opening as well as powerpoint presentations detailing the guidelines and protocols. Please note that these have slightly changed since last week.
From Fr. Luis
We all realize that these are very difficult times, and that our being unable to meet in our church building only makes them more difficult, maybe even lonely. Nevertheless, we can take comfort and pride in our Church's commitment to people's well-being, both her members and the wider community. Part of that care-taking means accepting that it's not yet possible for us to gather safely in our church buildings. Nevertheless, I don't believe this undermines our being the Church. Our ministry continues in all sorts of ways: through online worship and fellowship, pastoral care, private prayer and devotion, Daughters of the King, and the regular, everyday support of our members as they call, connect, and check up on one another. Certainly, we are currently not able to meet in our buildings, but we are still the Church, and like the Church has always done we are learning to be the Church in a new context. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with me and we can arrange for a conversation.
Yours,
Fr. Luis
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Did you know that SJRAISE, The Diocesan Immigration Commission, has a new monthly newsletter?
You can check it out HERE and subscribe at the bottom, or email Deacon Angela at dioadmin@diosanjoaquin.org to be added!
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Community News
and Information
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Evicted in Kern
a report published by Faith in the Valley
Did you know that an estimated 20,000 Kern households, including 24,000 children are in danger of facing eviction due to relying on income from industries that have been impacted by COVID-19? This important report by our community partner, Faith in the Valley highlights an important dimension of the housing crisis in our county. You can access the entire report here.
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Community TRUSTT
Community TRUSTT is committed to improving relations with local law enforcement. TRUSTT is an acronym for “Together, Rebuilding Unity, Seeking Trust and Transparency.” Members of the community and representatives of each branch of local law enforcement, including BPD, KCSO, Probation, KC District Attorney, Juvenile Court and KC High School District Police, participate. We advocate for best practices in 21st Century Policing and highlight the experience of those most negatively affected by law enforcement, including communities of color and all minority groups. Our dialog is civil and direct. Currently, we are focusing on issues surrounding juveniles and gang enhancement charges. We are advocating for Independent Expert Review of the Bakersfield Police Department.
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Kern Welcoming and Extending Solidarity to Immigrant (KWESI)
Through KWESI those living at the Mesa Verde Detention Center right here in Bakersfield find fellowship and hope. KWESI volunteers are regular visitors to those detained at Mesa Verde and are also an important link for them to world outside. Consider giving some of your time to this the important work. To volunteer call either call Jeannie Parent at (661) 877-1894I or Eddy Laine at (661) 345-4736. To get a better sense of the work being done by KWESI, click here to see a recent update newsletter.
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Connecting with St. Paul's
and The Episcopal Church
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If you need to speak with
Fr. Luis, our Priest-in-Charge, please call the main office at (661) 869-1630.
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Church Office
(661) 869-1630
Priest-in-Charge
The Rev'd Luis Rodriguez
Senior Warden
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Junior Warden
Michael Dunham
Parish Administrator
Lily Guerra
Midweek
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