September 2021 Newsletter
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Sunday Worship at 10 a.m. is offered both virtual and in-person. Please wear a mask for in-person worship until further notice.
You can participate in all of our services live via Zoom or YouTube. The links are on our webpage at Faithec.org or click the links below. You can also watch the recorded service at another time via YouTube. We no longer have a Facebook page.
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Join us this Sunday, September 5, for a special town hall after service where we'll introduce this year's stewardship campaign. We will also spend some time talking about your experience of worship and community at Faith Church.
If you are joining worship virtually, use the Zoom link above to view the Town Hall meeting.
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On Explosions of Weepy Gratitude
As I was driving down the hill from church a few days ago, I became annoyed that the cars in my lane were moving a bit slowly. So, with my bad attitude, I quickly changed lanes to zip around whoever was causing the slowdown. Much to my chagrin, there was a long line of fire trucks causing the slowdown. I immediately felt ashamed of my lack of patience, especially with firefighters. And then I felt weepy, not from my shame, but from a sense of overwhelming gratitude for the sacrifices some folks are making to protect others.
In that moment, I felt like I’d never seen anything more beautiful than a line of fire trucks. They represent some of the very best impulses and actions in human beings, especially under such horrifying circumstances as the Caldor fire.
It could be argued that I’m a middle-aged woman who will weep at just about anything. That’s true. It could also be argued that my emotional circuits are a bit fried from trying to pay attention to and tend to the many crises in our immediate area and around the world. That’s true too. But it could also be argued that my explosions of weepy gratitude come from a heart being so cracked open these days that I’m able to see reality as it is, rather than the distortions and distractions in which I can so often get lost. Even as much as I often resist what is difficult and painful, I realize it’s from the gritty, difficult stuff in life that the most beautiful stuff emerges.
If I sat down with those firefighters in that long line of fire trucks, would we find all kinds of ways in which we disagree? Maybe. Probably, since we’re all messy humans. Would any of that stuff matter, in an ultimate sort of way? No, absolutely not.
Thanks be to God for these glimpses into the reality that matters, even when those glimpses come from difficult circumstances. Thanks be to God for those firefighters, laboring so generously to protect us. Thanks be to God for you, giving so much to care for others. Thanks be to God for the explosions of weepy gratitude that bring us back to what really matters.
Rev. Sonya Reichel
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Tom and Linda West have been active members of Faith Church for about eleven years. They are parents to Dan West (Kristen) and Debbie Torpey (James) and grandparents to Alex, Lily, Paul, Mark, and Evelyn. They serve in several ministries including Stephen Ministry.
We are “cradle” Episcopalians, nurtured by St. Luke’s Church in Monrovia CA, and married there in 1964. During our married life, we moved frequently for work, so we attended a large number of churches, serving in a variety of ministries. Finally ending up in the Sacramento area in the mid-1990s, we attended Trinity Cathedral for about fifteen years.
We were attracted to membership at Faith Cameron Park because two of our children and (now) five of our grandchildren worship here. The unique family-oriented programming at Faith includes and values everyone, from toddlers to senior citizens. Very important to us are the opportunities in our faith community for youth: Godly play for toddlers and a welcoming play structure; Christian education for elementary, middle school, and high school ages; opportunities for Sunday service as acolytes, altar guild, and readers; participation in a Christmas pageant, children’s choir, youth band, and choir; youth camps like Galilee; Sierra Service Projects. Our children experience Christ’s love in action and grow in faith. The Bible sets the standard of financial support for the church at a tithe, or ten percent. Please join us in trying to meet the standard.
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You are Invited to Table Talks with Rev. Tom Gartin and Vestry Members
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Join us for an opportunity to discuss how we will grow out of this Pandemic and any other questions you have about our church. Meetings will be held on the church patio, except where noted. No need to RSVP!
Monday, September 6 at 12 p.m. (Bring a lunch, drinks will be provided)
Monday, September 13 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom (email Zoom link will be sent that morning)
Wednesday, September 22 at 9 a.m.
Wednesday, September 29 at 5:30 p.m.
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I'm excited to share that during a trip to the coast on Sunday, I proposed to my sweetheart, Megan Anderson, and we are now engaged! We are very excited to continue making our life together as we begin making plans for a wedding.
Thank you to everyone who has shared in our joy with well wishes and congratulations.
Rev. Tom+
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Caldor Fire Relief Efforts and Opportunities
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We have been sending regular communications about fire relief for victims of the Caldor Fire. Catherine Maloney volunteered to coordinate our efforts. There are still more opportunities to meet the needs of fire victims.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to Catherine at (530) 488-8172 or email at cmmaloney503@gmail.com
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Support for Haiti Earthquake Victims
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On Saturday, August 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the southwest
portion of Haiti. This devastating earthquake was followed by Tropical Storm Grace. More than 1 million people, including more than half a million children, have been impacted by the back-to-back disasters, and the death toll is close to 2000. Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners are responding immediately with direct assistance to vulnerable households in the region, as partners plan long-term recovery. Your generous gift can provide assistance to help people in the wake of these disasters. To assist in these efforts, visit episcopalrelief.org/haiti-relief. or donate online via Realm - use the category "other".
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This group is open to the general community, so feel free to invite friends and family. Please register so we know how many people to expect. Click here to register.
The format is ongoing and open so attendees may start at any point in the 13-week program. A donation of $20 is suggested to cover the cost of the workbook. Workbooks can be picked up at the meeting and donations can be made online or mailed to the church office.
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Free Zoom Webinar
Resurrection: Living the Promises of New Life in Sobriety
September 11, 2021 9-11 a.m.
Come celebrate with the Diocesan Partners in Ministries of Health as we welcome the Rev. Coleen Tully, an Episcopal priest, with an amazing story of recovery from substance abuse, to explore together.
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Ian Roberts, Eagle Scout and member of Faith Church stands with EDH/Rescue Fire Chief Maurice Johnson after presenting the Rescue Fire Department with an official flag retirement box. Mountain Democrat photo by Thomas Frey
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Save the Date - Blessing of the Animals
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This year, we will celebrate Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 3, during the worship service. Mark your calendars and bring your favorite well-behaved pet to church!
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There are many opportunities to meet new people, grow spiritually, and serve the community. Below are groups that are currently meeting and you can learn more about them by logging into Realm!
Landscape Ministry: Second Saturday of the month. Contact Tim Daust at (707)333-6570. You don't need to join the ministry to help out on September 11! Just bring your gloves and a willingness to make the church property look great.
Young Adults Group: First and Third Fridays of the month on the patio at 7 p.m. Contact Amy Daust at (530) 313-9094.
Women's Lectionary: Via Zoom on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Contact Sue Davis at (530) 409-0570.
Senior Lunch Bunch: Third Wednesday of the month at Noon via Zoom. Contact Darcy Umphred Burton at (916)835-5208.
Spiritual Yoga: Mondays at 5:30 on YouTube. Contact Sharon Greene at (916)715-4766.
Spiritual Companions: Thursdays at 7 p.m. Contact Susan Wahlstrom at (209)304-8321.
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Links, Resources, Prayer Requests Etc.
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Mailing Address
PO Box 966, Shingle Springs, CA 95682
We do not accept mail at our physical location!
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We no longer have a Facebook page.
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