The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost July 20, 2014

Discerning God's Ladder

Jacob was running from his brother, who wanted to kill him. Jacob was

heading for his Uncle Laban’s home when the sun set. He found himself nowhere

special, so he took a stone to use as a pillow. That uncomfortable pillow epitomizes the difficult

plight Jacob was in. Despite all the challenges and worry, Jacob dreamed a dream that was to carry

him forward for the rest of his life. It was such a powerful dream that it has come down to us in

chapter 28 of Genesis.

We sometimes find ourselves in such an in-between place, with nothing but a stone for a pillow. At

this time, All Saints’ itself is in an in-between place, with significant staff and vestry turnover and

attendance down. When facing such a transition, it is helpful to look for God's guidance. As we enter

a time of discernment, may we pay attention to the message of Jacob’s dream: God is present even in

the 'nowhere' places and our life in Christ is the very gate of heaven.

August 3 Parish Picnic at Santa Lucia Today’s Lessons Genesis 28:10-19a

Psalm 139: 1-11, 22-23

Romans 8:12-25

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Next Sunday’s Lessons Genesis 29:15-28

Psalm 128

Romans 8:26-39

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Sign up today at the back of the church or in the office at information@allsaintscarmel.org

July 16, 2014

Dear Members of All Saints’:

During the past year All Saints’ has experienced significant staff turnover and the

election of seven new members to the vestry. This time of transition has not been

easy, but it has provided an opportunity to reassess our parish’s vision and goals.

Working together, the rector and vestry have begun to ask about God’s calling and

our future. In order to fully evaluate our future, Fr. Rick and the vestry have

agreed to begin a wider discernment process that will engage the entire

congregation in the task of spiritual listening.

This discernment will help us clarify the type of leadership required of your

vestry (both elected members and rector), and of other leaders within the

congregation. It will also help the entire congregation start a new phase of

ministry, and will simultaneously help Fr. Rick discern his calling.

To guide and assist us through this very important discernment process, the vestry

has engaged and has begun working with Dennis Romley, a professionally trained

and experienced facilitator recommended by Bishop Mary. In the coming month

we will be asking each of you to join us in this prayerful discernment. We are

confident that our spiritual work will result in a clear and compelling vision for all

of us at All Saints’.

The Rev. Rick Matters, Wanda Green,

Rector Sr. Warden

A Vision to Start Our Discernment Conversation

Let us imagine God’s dream for All Saints’, a vision built upon 1) Jesus Christ, 2) relationships, 3)

abundant life, and 4) self-giving. In listening to this dream, may you discern God’s vision for your-

self as well. Fr. Rick

Jesus Christ

I dream that tourists and neighbors of all ages learn how much I love them because of the way you

follow my Son. I foresee All Saints’ celebrating Jesus Christ with such joy that the fireworks of your

faith draw people to this congregation. I dream that you boldly proclaim Jesus as Lord in such a way

that people of every religion see and feel my love. For the eternally begotten and enfleshed Word of

God presents my comprehensive and inclusive love for all people. I have a dream that your beautiful

liturgy is a light to the nations and a beacon to the lost.

Relationships

I dream that when people come to your doors they already know that you treasure them as unique

human beings. Your radical hospitality confirms my people as being precious. As Rebekah wel-

comed the servant of Abraham at the gate, so you welcome and incorporate babies, children, youth,

families, singles, middle aged, and retired people of many nationalities and races. Love them through

my Son.

The Abundant Life

I have a dream that you stretch out your arms and reach forth your hands to partake of the abundant

life in which your brokenness is healed, your thirst to learn is quickened, your yearning to teach is

satisfied, and your courage to take risks knows no bounds. I dream that All Saints’ serves as a learn-

ing community in which people search the height and depth, the length and breadth, of the mystery

that I am. I want you to grow and mature spiritually all the days of your life. I give you my life that

you may have life abundantly.

Self-Giving

Finally, I dream of All Saints’ as a life-giving community that empties itself for the sake of others. I

dream that your care for one another brings comfort, that your justice feeds my people from Carmel

to Haiti to Africa. I dream that you wear the yoke of Jesus to such a degree that the weary know they

are loved. I dream that people with heavy burdens join you in expressing gratitude by who they are

and what they do. I dream that my gentle heart extends from this church to my day school and that

my humble spirit reaches to Santa Lucia, as you lovingly serve the two missions I have given you.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

All Saints’ – YTD June 30, 2014 Financial Update

INCOME: YTD Budget

2014 Pledges $100,227 $110,002

Other Operating Income $28,828 $47,050

Total Operating Income $129,055 $157,052

Revenue Other $27,060 $26,650

Trust Revenues $95,948 $77,557

Total Income $252,063 $261,259

EXPENSE:

Areas of Ministry $65,254 $71,618

Committees $22,682 $29,632

Operations:

Payroll $139,484 $139,968

Administrative $24,658 $28,203

Total Operations $164,142 $168,171

Operations-Other (loan interest) $1291 $502

Total Expense $253,369 $269,923

Net ($1307) ($8664)

Announcements Regarding Our Parish and Ministries

Today: Sunday morning Bible study is offered each week in the rector’s study from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. We

study the lessons appointed for the day.

Today: Lottery Hymn—At the 10:30 service each Sunday in July and August, you are invited to drop the

name and number of your favorite hymn (from either the red or the green hymnal) into a basket. At the time

of the announcements we will draw the winning hymn and sing that hymn at the close of the service.

Today: No youth group—Because youth leader Jennifer Suttie is out of town, the youth will not meet today.

Youth group will resume next Sunday, July 27, gathering in the youth room after the 10:30 service.

Tuesday: Christian yoga resumes—Creating space in the body through breath, movement, and stillness cre-

ates space in your heart and life. Beth Lefebvre will offer classes on Tuesday evenings in Seccombe Hall,

from 5:30 to 6:45 pm., July 22 through August 12. No previous yoga experience is required.

Wednesday: The Bible study group is taking a brief summer recess and will resume on Wednesday, August

6.

Bach to the Future 2014—In its tenth anniversary year, Bach to the Future offers two one-week sessions (July

21to 25 or July 28 to August 1) featuring singing, music-making, drawing, dancing, and interactive presenta-

tions by singers and instrumentalists from the Carmel Bach Festival. For more information, contact director

Carteena Robohm at paws4music@redshift.com or 831-663-6218.

July Healthy Saints hikes—Wednesday, July 30: Mill Creek Redwood Preserve in Palo Colorado; 8:30 a.m.

to 1:30 p.m.; easy to moderate difficulty; no dogs. Thursday, July 31: Point Sur Light Station tour; 9:30 a.m. to

noon; easy walk; no dogs; fee of $12 for adults/$5 for children. Please contact Mother Cynthia at 520-260-

5158 or cms614@me.com if you want to join us. A reminder with directions and other details will be sent

about five days before the hike.

Parish campout and picnic in Big Sur—Join your parish family at our beautiful Santa Lucia campground

from July 28 to August 3. Camping is free, but you must make a reservation in the office. A potluck for both

campers and day visitors will be held at noon on Sunday, August 3.

Diocesan ECW retreat—The Episcopal Church Women’s annual retreat will take place August 7 to 8 at the

St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista. The program, “Time Out with God,” will be led by the Rev.

Wilma Jakobsen of St. Jude’s, Cupertino. Scholarship help is available. For more information, contact Diane

Lovelace at DiLovelace@aol.com or 408-263-8945, or visit http://www.edecr.org/subscription_detail.php?si=3.

Save the date: Parish discernment meeting at noon on Sunday, August 17. More details to follow!

Memorial for Michael Reeves—All Saints' parishioners interested in contributing to a memorial for Bishop

Mary's husband, Michael Reeves, are invited to donate to the Bishop's special project, the renovation of Sar-

gent House in Salinas, the new home of the Diocese of El Camino Real. Send a check to All Saints' and note

"Michael Reeves" in the subject line.

Furniture available—As the chalet/sexton’s cottage is readied for new use, two items, an occasional shelf in

marble and metal, and a California king bed in excellent condition, have become available. They can be yours

in exchange for a donation to All Saints’ in the amount of your choosing. To view the items, contact the office.

Sunday handout deadline—To be included in next Sunday’s handout, your announcement must be submit-

ted by 4:00 p.m. on the preceding Wednesday. Most special parish events are included in the announcements

for three weeks before they occur. Contact Andrea Matters at andreamatters@gmail.com or 624-3090.