Discerning Your Lay Ministry

On Sunday, May 12 parishioners met during the adult education hour to discuss the important topic of Lay Ministry.

A resource was mentioned called "The Spiritual Gifts Assessment Tool." This tool was created by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and it is designed to help you discern what are your gifts and the particular areas in which you might find your personal "ministry." 

You can take the assessment HERE (a pdf copy of the assessment is also available HERE and can be printed out).

Here is what the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer says about Lay Ministry, found in the Outline of the Faith:

The Ministry

Q.	Who are the ministers of the Church?
A.	The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons.
Q.	What is the ministry of the laity?
A.	The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.

Called to the Wall Border Pilgrimage, April 13

https://diocesela.org/uncategorized/called-to-the-wall-2019-planned/

‘Called to the Wall’ pilgrimage in support of immigrants planned for April 13

by EN Staff | Mar 24, 2019 | Uncategorized

The Called to the Wall pilgrimage ends with a walk across the beach to the U.S. – Mexico border. Photo: Susan Forsburg

“Called to the Wall,” the diocese’s annual pilgrimage to the U.S. – Mexico border in support of immigrants, has been scheduled for Saturday, April 13 – the day before Palm Sunday.

The event, led this year by Bishop Assisting Sammy Azariah of Los Angeles and Bishop Assisting Katharine Jefferts Schori of San Diego, will follow the pattern of previous years. It will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Cathedral Center in Echo Park. The group will travel to St. Michael’s Church, Anaheim arriving at about 9 a.m. The next stop will be at about 11:30 at St. John’s Church in Chula Vista (Diocese of San Diego), where lunch will be served. The final stop will begin at the border parking lot at about 1 p.m.. Pilgrims will walk across the beach about a mile to the U.S.-Mexico border fence.

At each location Stations of the Cross will be read, including several during the beach walk. At the border the group will celebrate the Eucharist on the San Diego side of the wall as representatives of the Anglican Church in Mexico celebrate on the Tijuana side. After the Eucharist, pilgrims will walk back along the beach to the parking lot.

Pilgrims are welcome to join at any stop along the way. There is no charge. For information, contact Jennifer Hughes at jenniferhughes1969@gmail.com.

Join Messiah's Women at the Women's March! Saturday, January 19, 9:00 AM, March 10:00 AM

Lunch at the Courtyard, Sunday, December 23, 11:45 AM

Lunch at the Courtyard, Sunday, December 23, 11:45 AM, Episcopal Church of the Messiah (click for map).

Immediately following the 10:15 service the Messiah community and all interested persons will go out to the homeless shelter at the Courtyard to serve lunch. If you plan to come and/or bring food, please contact Lou Chapin at louisjchapin@gmail.com.

Entrees, salads, fresh fruits, dinner rolls, and desserts are usually needed for this large lunch service, as are volunteers to serve the food. It is best to coordinate food donations with the organizers to make sure we have enough of everything. Cash donations are also welcome and will be used wisely in shopping for food on the Saturday preceding.

Lunch at the Courtard: Messiah's Homeless Ministry, November 25, 11:45 AM

Lunch at the Courtyard, Sunday, November 25, 11:45 AM, Episcopal Church of the Messiah (click for map).

Immediately following the 10:15 service the Messiah community and all interested persons will go out to the homeless shelter at the Courtyard to serve lunch. If you plan to come and/or bring food, please contact Lou Chapin at louisjchapin@gmail.com.

Entrees, salads, fresh fruits, dinner rolls, and desserts are usually needed for this large lunch service, as are volunteers to serve the food. It is best to coordinate food donations with the organizers to make sure we have enough of everything. Cash donations are also welcome and will be used wisely in shopping for food on the Saturday preceding.

Wednesday Night Movie: Won't You Be My Neighbor?, November 28, 7:00 PM

Won't You Be My Neighbor?, Morgan Neville (2018, 93 minutes), Wednesday, November 28, 7:00 PM, Church of the Messiah (614 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701), Upper Room.

By the Academy Award winning director of 20 Feet From Stardom (2014), this documentary on the life and work of Fred Rogers examines the beloved television personality as a figure of cultural, ethical, and political significance, one whose values have been influential and controversial for decades.

"Not just because he was quiet and soothing and patient, but because he was ferocious and brave and radical. [...] the easily parodied, often underestimated icon of children's television was a total badass.

"Imagine what Mister Rogers would make of where we are now. Imagine what he'd say about the thousands of children currently being separated from their parents and detained in windowless facilities, as if their youth renders their emotional duress inconsequential. The lifelong registered Republican would be howling. 'I'm very much interested in choices,' he told the Dartmouth graduating class back in 2002. 'What choices lead to ethnic cleansing? What choices lead to healing? What choices lead to the destruction of the environment, the erosion of the sabbath, suicide bombings or teenagers shooting teachers? What choices encourage heroism in the midst of chaos?'" (Mary Elizabeth Williams, Salon.com)

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhwktRDG_aQ
Official Site: http://www.focusfeatures.com/wont-you-be-my-neighbor/
Salon.com Article: https://www.salon.com/2018/06/14/mister-rogers-was-actually-a-badass-new-film-wont-you-be-my-neighbor-shows-his-tough-side/

Interfaith Witnesses: Saturday, November 17, 4:30 PM

IMPORTANT: Review Ground Rules for Interfaith Witnesses (below)!

*****

Dear Interfaith Witnesses,

We once again will witness at the annual CAIR banquet on Saturday, November 17 at the Anaheim Hilton, 777 W. Convention Way, Anaheim, CA  92802.  The program starts at 6:00 p.m., so we should be outside from 4:30 p.m. to 6: 00 p.m.  After that, those who have bought tickets to sit at the Interfaith Witnesses table can go inside for the program (if you'd like to buy a ticket, do so here and specify the Interfaith Witnesses table).  If you'll be attending the event, park in the structure and bring your ticket inside to be validated.  If you are coming only for the witness, you can park in the open lot next to the hotel.  Please carpool in consideration of our environment and to save the cost of parking.

Every time we witness at this hotel, we see how important it is that we have the largest number of witnesses possible, and that we arrive before any harassers.  Please plan to arrive at 4:30 and come directly to the long curved sidewalk in the front of the hotel (photo attached) and take up as much space as possible as quickly as possible.  Remember that the space where we stand is public property so it is first-come, first-served as to who is allowed to stand there.  

We have had good success with the idea of wearing white as a way of creating a unified witness line, so please do so if possible.  And for anyone who'd like a reminder of our purpose, please see "What We Do" and "Ground Rules" which are attached.

Those who have IW banners or signs, please be sure to bring them.  If you'd like to simply print out our logo on a sheet of paper and hold that, please do--it's attached.  I have also attached the artwork for a banner, just in case anyone would like to have one made.  We definitely could use more banners to help create a visual barrier from any harassers.

This is love in action.  We are responding to hate with love.  I hope to see you on November 17!

Grace and peace,

Vicki

(714) 362-7676

GROUND RULES FOR INTERFAITH WITNESSES

Please remember that we are Interfaith Witnesses; that means that we are present to bear witness and to be of assistance.  If we let our own anger or emotions show, we will defeat the purpose and make matters worse.

1) We will greet and escort attendees to an event or time of worship by remaining near the attendees, not going near any harassers.
2) We will not engage, confront, or respond to any harassers under any circumstances.  If anyone does, he/ she needs to leave.
3) If you receive an email or phone call asking you to be present as an Interfaith Witness at a certain time and place, please confirm whether you will be there.  Sometimes we will need to know whom to expect at certain locations. Both individuals and congregations can sign up as Interfaith Witnesses. 

For those who volunteer on behalf of their house of worship, we ask that they take responsibility for conveying the Ground Rules and other information to their congregation.

If you have any questions, please contact Vicki Tamoush at (714) 362-7676 or VTamoush@gmail.com. 

Interfaith Witnesses 13217 Jamboree Road, Suite 213 Tustin, CA  92782

www.interfaithwitnesses.org  www.facebook.com/groups/InterfaithWitnesses

CARS Donations

Help support the ministries and programs of Church of the Messiah with your donation to CARS.  

Do you have an old car, RV, boat, motorcycle, scooter, motorized wheel chair, sit-down lawn mower or other wheeled vehicle taking up space in your garage? If so, you can now donate this item and help Church of the Messiah at the same time!  CARS (Charitable Adult Rides and Services) is a non-profit that has operated for 14 years. It works with over 3500 non-profits, nationwide, and has helped them generate thousands of dollars from vehicle donations.

If you’d like to help the church with your donation, call: 1-855-500-7433 or visit their website (click HERE) to arrange for pick up of your vehicle (at no cost to you).

Be sure to tell them you are from Church of the Messiah.

March for Our Lives, Saturday, March 24, 2PM-5PM, Centennial Regional Park, Santa Ana

On March 24, the kids and families of March For Our Lives will take to the streets of Santa Ana, to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today. 2PM to 5PM Centennial Regional Park 3000 W Edinger Ave, Santa Ana, California 92704

CHANGE: Called to the Wall, Saturday, February 17

Episcopal bishops to lead service 

lamenting immigrants' plight, border restrictions

Service will draw people from Los Angeles, Orange, 

San Diego, Imperial, Riverside Counties and Yuma, Arizona 

LEMON GROVE, CA - Because newly announced US Border Patrol restrictions severely inhibit an annual communion service held for the past six years on both sides of the Mexico-U.S. border fence, an alternate Service of Lament recognizing the plight of immigrants is set for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 2660 Hardy Drive, Lemon Grove. All are welcome to attend. 

Episcopalians from the Diocese of San Diego and Los Angeles will stand in solidarity with immigrants as they travel the Via Crucis, the Way of the Cross, a service of 14 stations commemorating Jesus' walk to his crucifixion. 

Traditionally, the event has been a joint communion service on both sides of the fence that separates the U.S. from Mexico with Anglicans on both sides. This week, just days before the event, planners received the following restrictions from Border Patrol: 

• No more than 10 people allowed inside the Friendship Circle at any given time.
• No media outlets will be permitted inside the Friendship Circle.
• No photography or video.
• Overt political messages will not be permitted.  
• No equipment including large crosses will be allowed.

Based on these new restrictions, planners do not believe they can adequately show solidarity with immigrants at the border. Participants will instead finish the Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis) at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Lemon Grove where they will conduct a service of lament to share deep concerns about immigration policies and practices in this country and demonstrate shared desire for immigration reform. 

The Rt. Rev. John Taylor, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, the Rt. Rev. Diane Jardine Bruce, bishop suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, and the Rt. Rev, Katharine Jefferts Schori, assisting bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, will attend, as well as pilgrims from Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, Santa Barbara counties and Yuma, Arizona. Attendees hope to draw attention to the plight of immigrants as they travel the way of the cross. They will witness to the memory that Jesus was also perceived as an alien, and an unwelcome immigrant. 

"Human beings have migrated since before they were clearly human," said Jefferts Schori. "Our journeys have been driven by the search for food, shelter, and safety, as well as freedom from control and oppression by others. Called to the Wall is an Episcopal witness to concerns about borders and migration. Our prayerful work expresses the urgent desire for justice and mercy in engaging all migrants, and the ancient yearning for God's justice here on earth, as it is in heaven. We continue to pray and advocate for that justice, that all humanity might live in peace. The journey may be long, yet we will persist, for the spiritual migration involved in learning to love our neighbors is ultimately essential to the flourishing of us all." 

Participants are welcome at any point along the pilgrimage:  

• 7:30 a.m. at Cathedral Center of St. Paul, 840 Echo Park, Los Angeles, Opening Devotion (Stations 1-3)
• 9 a.m. at St. Michael's, 311 W. South St., Anaheim, 92805 (Stations 4-7)
• 12:30 p.m. at St. Philip's, 2660 Hardy Drive, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 (Stations 8 - 14)

Pilgrims will travel by car caravan between the stops. For more information, visit: https://edsd.org/event/called-to-the-wall/ and www..ladiocese.org. 

Wednesday Night Movie: The Take, January 31, 7:00 PM

The Take (La Toma), Avi Lewis (2004, 87 minutes), Wednesday, January 31, 7:00 PM, Church of the Messiah (614 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701), Upper Room.

Produced by Avi Lewis and his wife, author Naomi Klein (The Shock Doctrine), the film documents the takeover of an abandoned Argentinian auto factory by its workers, who begin a long battle for the right to operate it as a workers' cooperative. Their actions give rise to a broader cooperative movement in the country.

"...a compelling and suspenseful cautionary tale documenting the consequences of globalization... universal in its implications" (Los Angeles Times).

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLbDUuKK7t0
Official Site: http://www.thetake.org/

Lunch at the Courtyard, Sunday, January 28, 11:45 AM

Lunch at the Courtyard, Sunday, January 28, 11:45 AM, Episcopal Church of the Messiah (click for map).

Immediately following the 10:15 service the Messiah community and all interested persons will go out to the homeless shelter at the Courtyard to serve lunch. If you plan to come and/or bring food, please contact Lou Chapin at louisjchapin@gmail.com.

Entrees, salads, fresh fruits, dinner rolls, and desserts are usually needed for this large lunch service, as are volunteers to serve the food. It is best to coordinate food donations with the organizers to make sure we have enough of everything. Cash donations are also welcome and will be used wisely in shopping for food on the Saturday preceding.

Orange County Women's March: March with Messiah, Saturday, January 20, 8:30 AM

Meet us at Church of the Messiah,m 614 N. Bush Street at 8:30 AM, or join the contingent at Flower and Civic Center.

Paris is Burning, Jennie Livingston (1990, 78 minutes), Wednesday, December 13, 7:00 PM, Church of the Messiah (614 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701), Upper Room.

This now-classic documentary introduces the culture and activities of the New York City drag balls and their colorful, intensely competitive participants. This world is a prism reflecting the issues of racism, poverty, and AIDs, which was epidemic at the time.

"One emerges from this film not only with a new vocabulary and a fresh way of viewing the straight world but with a bracing object lesson in understanding what society 'role models' are all about" (Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader).

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78TAbjx43rk
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ParisIsBurningMovie/

New World Order, Luke Meyer, Andrew Neel (2009, 90 minutes), Wednesday, November 22, 7:00 PM, Church of the Messiah (614 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701), Upper Room.

Excerpts from the documentary New World Order will be paired with recent videos taking us into the world of conspiracy theorists such as Alex Jones with his Infowars franchise. The 9/11 Truth movement is a focus. Be prepared for a journey through the looking glass to a view of current events we may have never experienced.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5kqXHflKnw

Official Site: http://seethink.com/new-world-order/

Lev Grossman Article: http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1531304,00.html

Lunch at the Courtard: Messiah's Homeless Ministry, November 26, 11:45 AM

Lunch at the Courtyard, Sunday, November 26, 11:45 AM, Episcopal Church of the Messiah (click for map).

Immediately following the 10:15 service the Messiah community and all interested persons will go out to the homeless shelter at the Courtyard to serve lunch. If you plan to come and/or bring food, please contact Lou Chapin at louisjchapin@gmail.com.

Entrees, salads, fresh fruits, dinner rolls, and desserts are usually needed for this large lunch service, as are volunteers to serve the food. It is best to coordinate food donations with the organizers to make sure we have enough of everything. Cash donations are also welcome and will be used wisely in shopping for food on the Saturday preceding.

Training: Visiting Immigrants in Detention, Sat., Nov. 4, 10-12, St. Paul's, Tustin

 In Collaboration with CLUE

                                                          

The Episcopal Church of the Messiah and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church are partnering to offer a series of Community Trainings in Orange County to raise awareness of issues around immigration and offer ways in which we can assist our neighbors

who are being detained.

How to Visit Immigrants in Detention

In this training, Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement (CIVIC) will offer a thorough overview of the system of immigrant detention on a national scale and offer participants clear tools for visiting detained persons locally. We will also be joined by Sister Greta Ronningen of the Community of Divine Love Monastery who will introduce the basics of CHAPLAINCY as a resource to enrich detainee visitation.

This is an important time for people of faith and conscience to develop a deeper understanding about the crisis facing immigrants in our communities and to put this understanding into action. 

WHEN:  Saturday, November 4th, 2017

TIME:  10:00am - 12:00pm

WHERE:  St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1221 Wass St., Tustin

RSVP: Laura Siriani  laura@stpauls.org

ENDORSERS: Presbytery of the Pacific(PCUSA), Bend the Arc, Task Force on Sanctuary for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Matthew25th/Mateo 25, COPALA (Coalition of Latino Pastors), California Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church, Jesus4Revolutionaries, USWW-SEIU UNITED SERVICE WORKERS WEST, Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

Wednesday Night Movie: Blood in the Face, October 25, 7:00 PM

Blood in the Face, Anne Bohlen, Kevin Rafferty, James Ridgeway (1991, 78 minutes), Wednesday, October 25, 7:00 PM, Church of the Messiah (614 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701), Upper Room.

Based on the book by James Ridgeway, the documentary provides an in-depth view of white supremacy groups in the United States. Some of the interviews are conducted by Michael Moore. More recent short videos on the subject will also be shown.

Messiah Parishioner John Liu belongs to the faculty of Social Sciences and Asian-American Studies at UCI, specializing in Race, Ethnic, and Minority relations. He will lead us in a post-film discussion.

"In a series of amazing interviews, members of the Ku Klux Klan, the American Nazi Party, and the Posse Commitatus reveal the frighteningly over-rationalized logic behind their beliefs. 'The Russians and Chinese are amassing tanks at the Mexican border' and 'The men behind the Holocaust were Jews' are two of the more preposterous claims recorded by the film. While it's an investigation of the people behind the political power of politicians like David Duke, the film is also a study of how people are overtaken by hate and fear. The result is an essential and powerful documentary" (Rotten Tomatoes).

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy3bJXep384

Lunch at the Courtard: Messiah's Homeless Ministry, October 22, 11:45 AM

Lunch at the Courtyard, Sunday, October 22, 11:45 AM, Episcopal Church of the Messiah (click for map).

Immediately following the 10:15 service the Messiah community and all interested persons will go out to the homeless shelter at the Courtyard to serve lunch. If you plan to come and/or bring food, please contact Lou Chapin at louisjchapin@gmail.com.

Entrees, salads, fresh fruits, dinner rolls, and desserts are usually needed for this large lunch service, as are volunteers to serve the food. It is best to coordinate food donations with the organizers to make sure we have enough of everything. Cash donations are also welcome and will be used wisely in shopping for food on the Saturday preceding.

Lunch at the Courtard: Messiah's Homeless Ministry, September 24, 11:45 AM

Lunch at the Courtyard, Sunday, September 24, 11:45 AM, Episcopal Church of the Messiah (click for map).

Immediately following the 10:15 service the Messiah community and all interested persons will go out to the homeless shelter at the Courtyard to serve lunch. If you plan to come and/or bring food, please contact Lou Chapin at louisjchapin@gmail.com.

Entrees, salads, fresh fruits, dinner rolls, and desserts are usually needed for this large lunch service, as are volunteers to serve the food. It is best to coordinate food donations with the organizers to make sure we have enough of everything. Cash donations are also welcome and will be used wisely in shopping for food on the Saturday preceding.