SPRING 2015A PUBLICATION OF ST. MICHAEL’S BY-THE-SEA

THE MESSENGER

The Life Issue

from the R ECTO ROver the course of the last year, St. Michael’s by-the-Sea has been blessed with an abundance of new life — spiritual and physical. It has been hard to miss the growing company of expecting families at Sunday worship. To date, four young souls have made their journey to life outside the womb. The fifth is due any day.

As a priest, it is a particular joy for me to watch these faithful families flourish by God’s goodness and grace. My prayers for each fresh soul begin when they are in utero, where I have the great spiritual privilege of blessing them in the womb each Sunday at communion. When they finally arrive at the rail swaddled in their mothers arms, it is like seeing an old friend for the first time. When it is time for me to cradle them in my own arms and bath them in the waters of spiritual birth, I know in my very being that my relationship as spiritual father to this spiritual child is no mere metaphor, but a sacred reality in Christ.

If an organism is healthy it will naturally grow, and it seems that Almighty God has blessed the spiritual community of St. Michael’s by-the-Sea with an abundance of health. In this issue of The Messenger, these five faithful families share their stories of God’s growth and grace in their own lives. I pray that you will be as blessed by their witness as I have been.

To God be the glory, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages!

In Christ,

Fr. Doran+

SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR

CO-CREATORS WITH GOD Fr. Doran Stambaugh

STORIES OF LIFE Ryan & Gina KatesDavid & Kristen HarrKyle & Erica MartinMary RossEric & Elizabeth Schmutzer

WARDEN’S REPORTEileen Hoppen

FAMILY MINISTRYTherese StambaughBecky Gleason

BRINGING LIFE TO HONDURAS Becky Gleason

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TA B L E o f C O N T E N T S

Cover Photo and Martin Family Photo courtesy of Salt Light & Avocado Photography, a local photography studio owned and operated by St. Michael’s parishioners Ryan and Gina Kates! Ryan and Gina specialize in wedding and family photography. For more information please visit www.saltlightavo.com!

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MARCH

S P R I N G EV E N TS CA L E N DA R

H O LY W E E K AT A G L A N C E

Maundy Thursday8:30 am Chapel

6:00 pm Church

7:30 pm - 12:00 pm Friday The Watch at the Altar of Repose Chapel

Palm Sunday Vigil5:30 pm - Vigil Chapel

Palm Sunday8:00 am - SungChurch

10:00 am - Solemn High Church

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PASSOVER PRESENTATION 7:00-9:00 pm Join Messianic Rabbi Barney Kasdan as he discusses the relationship between Passover and Jesus’ crucifixion as the Lamb of God.

‘MEN AT WORSHIP’ RETREAT 8:30-1:30 pm A time for men to come together and reflect on what it truly means to be a man in Christ. Lunch will be provided.

EASTER LILY SALE 9:15-10:00 am Gift your loved ones (or yourself) with an iconic Easter Lily. $10 per bloom. Proceeds benefit St. Michael’s Children’s Ministry.

DUCT TAPE EXTRAVAGANZA 12:00-3:00 pm A SOUL Youth duct tape adventure where imagination brings endless possibilities. Invite friends, eat pizza and get creative!

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FR. KRAFT’S FILM FORUM 7:00-8:30 pm Showing The Shroud of Turin! Come discover and discuss. Refreshments are provided. Childcare is available with RSVP.

EASTER LILY SALE Gift your loved ones (or yourself) with an iconic Easter Lily. $10 per bloom. Proceeds benefit St. Michael’s Children’s Ministry.

PALM CROSS MAKING PARTY 5:30-7:30 pm Help prepare for Palm Sunday at this traditional St. Michael’s event. No experience is necessary, all ages welcome!

EASTER LILY PICK UP Pick up your purchased blooms at the Parish Hall kitchen window.

Schedule is subject to change. For current listings visit www.stmichaelsbythesea.org or contact the Parish Office at 760-729-8901.

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H O LY W E E K AT A G L A N C E

Great Vigil of Easter7:30 pm Church

Good Friday12:00 pmChurch

6:00 pm Church

Easter Day8:00 am - SungChapel

10:00 am - Solemn High Chapel

Easter Egg Hunt9:30 amSt. Michael’s Campus

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MAYEASTER EGG HUNT 9:30-10:00 am A treasured Easter tradition for all ages. A wonderful opportunity to invite family and loved ones to experience St. Michael’s!

FLOWERING OF THE CROSS 9:15-9:45 am Return your Lenten “Mite Can” offerings for Casa de Amparo. Join professional florist Leigh Haddad in the Rose Garden to adorn the Living Cross.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 9:15 -10:00 am Children 2nd grade and older are invited to attend weekly classes to prepare for this very special sacrament. Register at stmichaelsbythesea.org.

MISSIONS MADNESS 12:00-3:00 pm SOUL Youth has a heart! Students will participate in several missions-minded projects. Lunch will be provided.

WORSHIP 101 9:00-9:45 am Be trained as an Acolyte, Chalice Bearer or Lay Reader. Upon completion, help the Worship Team serve in Mass! Open to St. Michael’s members only.

CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA 4:00-7:00 pm Enjoy a Mexican dinner, piñatas & games! Purchase tickets (family $50, adult $25, child $10) after Mass or in the Parish Office. Proceeds benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

SOUL YOUTH SKY ZONE 12:00-4:00 pm Catch some air with SOUL Youth at this San Marcos Trampoline Park. Invite friends, eat free lunch and have hours of fun.

PENTECOST PARTY 9:15-9:45 am Celebrate the birth of the Church at this inter-generational event with fellowship, lessons, and crafts.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 10:00 am Children receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.

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SPRING BIRTHDAYS

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

GRACE GARTLAND 1 EDGAR RAY 1 SALLY VIGIL 2 SHEILA MILLER 2 EMRICK WEBB 5 JANETTE LARSON 6 JACOB SPENCE 6 MARGARET LEGNARD 7 MADELEINE TOBER 7 DAPHNA WHITE-HUNTER 8 ROBERT KOSSE 8

JAMES HARPER 1 CARL MILLER 1 JOANNA BRAVENDER 1 CARTER CROMER 1 SHERRY JAWORSKI 3 RICHARD DEVON 4 JOSEPHINE HUCKABAY 4 FRANKI GILES 4 CHARLES GRABOWSKY 5 BRIAN REIHS 5

GRACE GARTLAND 1 JAMES CURRAN 1 MATTHEW MAHAFFEY 3 LEONARD SMITH 6 CHERYL MCKEAN 6 KARL PIEPER 6 VALERIE CUMMING 9 ANNA DEVON 9 KYLE MARTIN 9 GERALD JONES 10 JULIE VINZINSKI 10 MAX JARA 10

JOSH MOSS 9 LINDA KILLERMAN 10 MARY COOPER 16 CHARLOTTE LARSON 16 GREGORY FAHEY 17 MARY MILLS 17 SANTINA DORSEY 17 JANE GERHARDT 18 ANIKA LARSON 19 BETTY GROVES 21 JACK BARRY 21

CAROLYN RODOSTA 6 JAKE BENNETT 7 DAVID GILSON 8 RICHARD HARRISON 8 ROBERT LAYNG 9 JENNIFER LUCAS 10 DENNIS HUCKABAY 13 MARY ROSS 13 NAOMI BOWES 13 RICHARD COAN 14

EDEN STAMBAUGH 11 KENNETH SIMON 12 CRAIG KLAMPE 14 LYNN BEHYMER 15 ROBERT EIKEL 15 ARTHUR MCLEAN 16 RUSSEL HOLLINGSWORTH 17 DIANA BENNETT 17 BUKKIE AFOLAYAN 21 BEN CONARROE 24 PHYLLIS ZEIGLER 25 HENRIETTA BLACIC 25

ELAYNA VAIL 22 ELIZABETH MURPHY 23 DONNA ANDERSON-REIHS 24 STEPHANIE GREEN 25 ELIZABETH ABLES 25 ELIZABETH REINER 26 PETER RATHBONE 26 ADAM BELT 26 ANNA WILLIAMS 28 EDGAR DEMARIS 31 RAY BROOKHART 31

KATHLEEN MACFARLANE 18 ERICA MARTIN 18 VALMEA FORSTER 19 DAISY RATHBONE 20 PHIL GILBERT 22 RICHARD STINSON 23 SYDNIE LEIGH 25 JOHN HUTTON 27 ALISON GROVES 27

KEN BEVERLY 25 JACKSON MOSS 25 APRIL VANARIA 26 CHRIS CRAIG-JONES 28 DAN GREEN 28 COURTNEY CROMER 28 GORDON KLETT 29 JANE CRAIG-JONES 29 JASON KARDAS 29 NOLAN HARR 29 PATRICIA JEFFERYS 30

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CLERGY

RECTORThe Rev. Doran Stambaugh, SSC

Office: 760.729.8901 ext. 102frdoran@stmichaelsbythesea.org

ASSOCIATE RECTORThe Rev. Ken Simon, Jr.

Office: 760.729.8901 ext. 115frken@stmichaelsbythesea.org

ASSOCIATE PRIESTThe Rev. H. Ivor Kraft

frkraft@stmichaelsbythesea.org

PASTORAL EMERGENCIESDial 760.729.8901

MINISTRY STAFF

ORGANIST Dr. Josephine McGrath

PARISH RECORDS Ginny Unanue

FAMILY MINISTER

Therese Stambaugh

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY & SOUL YOUTHBecky Gleason

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR Linda Mumford

COMMUNITY RELATIONS Megan Stanton

OFFICE HOURS

TUESDAY – FRIDAY9:00am - 2:00pm

ST. MICHAEL’S BY-THE-SE A S p r i n g Me s s e n ge r 2 0 1 58

The single most identifiable attribute of God . . . is that He creates! In fact, that is perhaps the only thing we know of God, up until we are told that He created us “In His image.”

One of the clearest marks of the image of God in humanity is our ability to create. Made in God’s image, we have His gift of creativity imprinted into our very beings. The image of God is manifest in all the magnificent expressions of human creativity: math and science and technology and problem solving; music and art and literature and dance and design. Humanity has the ability to create because we were made in the image of God the Creator.

The other window we have into the image of God in humanity comes from the creation account in Genesis 2, “The Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” All the rest of creation came into being through God’s Word spoken. But not Adam. Adam’s body was

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, the land and the sea, the plants and animals. God created “all that is, seen and unseen” (Nicene Creed). Everything that God created was good, but there was one part of God’s creation that was particularly special. Holy Scripture tells us that God created humanity, “In his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them” (Genesis 1.27).

We humans are unique from all of creation in that we were made in God’s image. For millennia theologians have pondered what it means that we humans are made in the image of God. What does God’s image in us look like? How does it manifest itself?

In order to identify God’s image within us, we must first understand something of the nature of God. He is the One after all, whose image is reflected in us. So what do we know about God? A cursory look at the first chapter of Genesis is most illuminating: in the beginning, God created.

CO-CREATORS WITH GOD FR. DORAN STAMBAUGH

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formed from the dust of the earth, and then God breathed His own breath of life into Adam. The Hebrew word for breath is synonymous with spirit. Humans are unique from all of creation because God brought us into being by breathing His Spirit into us. Thus we are spiritual beings, imbued with immortal souls!

Made in the image of God, human beings – male and female – are both physical and spiritual beings gifted with an ability to create. The most sacred expression of human creativity is found in the union between male and female – when the two become one flesh. That union is made incarnate in the fruit of human love which is . . . human life itself. The classic Christian view is that at the moment of conception, the male and female provide the flesh, while God provides the person with an immortal soul. It is astonishing to think that God has blessed us with the ability, not only to reproduce, but to co-create with Him!

Theologian and apologist Peter Kreeft makes a

striking analogy between procreation and the Holy Eucharist. Both are human works that “God uses as the material means to do the most divine work done on earth. In the Mass, man offers bread and wine, the work of nature and human hands, for God to transform into the Body and Blood of Christ.” Kreeft explains further that in reproduction, the male and female offer their “Work – the procreation of a new body – for God to do his work: the creation of a new soul. God grants priests the incredible dignity of being his instruments in working one of his two greatest miracles. God grants spouses the incredible dignity of being his instruments in working the other one.”

How wondrous it is, that in our sexuality God has invited us to be co-creators with Him! May we seek to honor God in our creativity and our sexuality, that we might continue our partnership of co-creating with God to His honor and glory!

Photo: Artist - James Brandon; Original Black and white photo, a tint was added; http://bit.ly-1EsCMYe

Children 2nd grade and older are invited to attend weekly classes to prepare for this very special sacrament!

PARENT PARTICIPATION IN CLASSES IS MANDATORY

PARISH LIBRARYSundays 9:15-9:45am

APRIL 19, 26MAY 3, 10, 17, 24

Register at www.stmichaelsbythesea.org/holycommunionFor questions contact children@stmichaelsbythesea.org

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONSunday, May 31st

Sunday, April 5th9:30am

OPEN TO THE COMMUNITYwww.stmichaelsbythesea.org/events/easteregghunt

FAMILY EASTER EGG HUNT

LIFESTORIES of

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RYAN & GINA KATESQ: What was your experience like of welcoming a new life into the world?

Gina: Our experience of bringing Caleb into the world isn’t what you would call an average one, and it certainly didn’t play out the way we imagined.

It began with my 39 week trip to the doctor. To say we weren’t expecting to welcome Caleb into the world that day would be a vast understatement. I was all ready to go out to lunch followed by ice cream (of course) and Ryan was out deep in San Diego at a photo shoot. When my beloved doctor checked how things were moving along, she found I was about 3cm dilated, and I also began bleeding quite a bit. I could see the confusion and anxiety on both my doctor and her nurse’s face – however, I was cool as a cucumber. What did I have to be afraid of? I was going to meet my son today! My doctor was hoping that the blood was from my water breaking during the check and that blood had gotten into that water. She didn’t want to risk anything, so Ryan came and we made the drive to the hospital. She explained that she would meet me at the hospital the next day and deliver Caleb.

At the hospital I was given medication to induce labor. There was no talk of the blood from the doctor’s office. Labor followed shortly after. It was such a special, beautiful time. Ryan and I talked about our dreams for our son, how we would raise him, how much we already loved him. Each time a contraction would hit, I would close my eyes and picture this beautiful shiny cross, I can almost still see it when I close my eyes today. I felt as though God was right there with me holding my hand. I felt calm, excited with anticipation, and driven with focus.

When it came time to push, my doctor had not yet arrived at the hospital (as she wasn’t set to be on-call for a few more hours). I kept visualizing the glowing cross. However, my mind and body weren’t in sync, and I began feeling very dizzy.

Fast-forward to five minutes before Caleb was born, and in walks my doctor. Why? Because God sent her to me! He knew I was going to need her for the next portion of my journey, as I was losing mass amounts of blood.

My doctor was having difficulty stopping the bleeding in the ways that typically work. Things quickly went south and became frantic for those around me. Caleb was taken from my arms and given to Ryan, and I was whisked away to the operating room. Here is what I remember clearly: the fear on the faces of the 20+ doctors surrounding me, the feeling that God was holding my hands, and the face of a stranger that appeared and joined me as I recited aloud The Lord’s Prayer.

LIFE

IT IS IMPORTANT TO RAISE CALEB IN THE CHURCH BECAUSE WE NEED HELP TEACHING HIM ABOUT CHRIST, COMMUNITY, AND MORALITY.

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Ryan and I were told by countless doctors and nurses how lucky I was to survive. My doctor and nurses told me how afraid they had been that I would lose my life. I never for one second shared that fear, quite simply because of God. I knew he was taking care of me, I knew it wasn’t my time. I knew that not only was my life not ending, it was just beginning! This past year with our sweet son has been by far the best yet. I am eternally grateful not only for the life we gained that day, but also for this beautiful life I got to keep. Thanks be to God!

Ryan: Welcoming Caleb into the world was unlike any other experience. Best / most emotional day of my life. Our experience was compounded with Gina having serious procedures after giving birth, which also made it one of the scariest days of my life. So best / most emotional / scariest day of my life.

Q: What are some of the challenges and joys of being a parent?

Gina: Being a parent is without doubt the best most difficult job I’ve ever had. It is such extremes in emotions. Nothing makes you feel more elated than the sound of their giggle, nothing makes you feel more special than your child reaching their arms out for you, nothing makes you feel more complete than sharing these special moments with your spouse.

That said, nothing is harder than listening to your child cry in pain or exhaustion, nothing is more frustrating then not being able to instantly stop it. I’ve had many of nights rocking Caleb to sleep, praying that he would fall asleep, praying that I would have the patience I need to rock him for an hour while trying to get him down in his crib

unsuccessfully. In those moments when even your loving spouse can’t help you, what you have is God. These are the times I’ve really needed prayer. These are the times my prayers start with pleading for patience, and end in thanks.

Ryan: The greatest joy of being a parent is spending time with Caleb. He lights up our life (from 5am to 7pm and sometimes in between). The challenge is keeping up with him when I’m tired. Thankfully he has Gina who loves him / takes care of him / teaches him almost all day everyday.

Q: How has your experience of being a parent shaped your own relationship with God?

Ryan: Being a parent has made me more grateful for God’s love and for life in general.

Q: Why is it important for you to raise your child in the church?

Ryan: It is important to raise Caleb in the church because we need help teaching him about Christ, community, and morality. It’s also fun, so we want him to experience the same things we did growing up at a church and going to a youth group.

Q: What was your experience of having your child baptized?

Ryan: The experience of having Caleb baptized was beautiful. The ceremony itself and Calebs’ godparents committing to being spiritual (and life) influences in his life was humbling.

Page 12 Photo: Ryan and Gina Kates at Caleb’s Baptism.

Page 14 Photo: Artist - Thomas Renken; Title - Baby; http://bit.ly-1EsCnVy

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EASTER LILY SALEMarch 15, 22

Pick-up

Palm Sunday, March 29

Purchase $10 florist-quality blooms To help support the St. Michael's Children's Ministry,

The Easter Lily is a beautiful symbol of Christ’s Resurrection, Trumpets announcing joy and new life!

A wonderful gift idea for loved ones or yourself.

www.stmichaelsbythesea.org/events/lilysale

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DAVID & KRISTEN HARRAfter growing up in the Episcopal Church on the east coast and attending church every Sunday in my early years, I experienced my own spiritual roller coaster. As I approached my early adult years, I acknowledged the need for more spiritual guidance, but didn’t really “do” anything about it until I was married.

The first two years of our marriage were filled with ups and downs as we were fully devoted to taking the steps to start our family. To say it was a challenge is a true understatement. Having undergone numerous fertility treatments and emotional strain that went along with constant disappointment, I knew that it the time to take our spiritual growth seriously and entrust God to get us through these hard times. My husband was willing to make that commitment and take that huge step for himself. We knew that we wanted our family to have the spiritual stability that, up to this point, we had only dreamed of having. It wasn’t until after my son Nolan was a year-and-half that we made the decision together to join the Episcopal Church. Upon our initial meeting with Fr. Doran, we immediately felt that St. Michael’s was a perfect fit for us and that we had found our new spiritual home.

Upon our initial “joining” of the church, our hope was to have Dave and Nolan baptized together, creating not only a special father-and-son bond, but a true symbol of our dedication to God and to our family’s spiritual growth. Despite the fact that these two were at complete different stages of their lives – Dave in adulthood and Nolan in toddlerhood – it was a beautiful moment to witness them both solidifying a relationship with God at the same moment. In Dave’s words, “It was the most special bond that I could share with my son.”

Since the baptisms would take place during the Easter Vigil service, I knew that it would be special. Although there were a few “glitches” (as one would anticipate with a two-year-old who had celebrated his birthday earlier in the day), the serenity and peacefulness of the service itself was truly a special moment to experience as a family.

We are convinced that our commitment to the church and God led to the miraculous news of another arrival….Ben. Just six months after Nolan and Dave’s baptism, Ben was was born and was baptized at three-weeks-old. It is truly a blessing to have this little life begin his spiritual journey from his earliest days.

Having three members of our family baptized within the same year has been amazing. It is just such a “cool” thing to have the three Harr boys share the bond of baptism, and begin their journey with God together!

Photo: David and Kristen Harr at Ben’s Baptism.

WE ARE CONVINCED THAT OUR COMMITMENT TO THE CHURCH AND GOD LED TO THE MIRACULOUS NEWS OF ANOTHER ARRIVAL….BEN.

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KYLE & ERICA MARTINSavoy Anne Martin has been with us for only a few weeks. It feels a little early to start discussing the things that we have learned since she arrived, but we had a long season of growth before she came.

The chief result of that season was gratitude. During the wait for baby Savoy to join our family, God graciously cultivated gratitude in our hearts long before we knew she was coming. It changed the way we view life and grace. Waiting for God to bless us with a child and wondering what our family would look like was bewildering and painful. Like exercising a muscle, it took time, but eventually we learned to thank Him for the waiting. We thanked God because He is the Giver of all things and the Giver is good! It seems so easy to write that sentence now, but it took years for us to be able to say it with conviction. It is such a hard earned treasure – acceptance of the sweet and the bitter. But even in the bitter, God showed the countless ways He lavished grace and care on us – if we paid attention.

St. Michael’s has been a vehicle of that grace and care. The sacraments themselves grant us the grace to thank God for all that he gives; most especially the gift of His death and resurrection. Our friends in the parish allow us to share in their joy and remind us of God’s endless gifts to all of His children. In these and countless other ways, we have been blessed by St. Michael’s throughout our journey.

We hope and believe that in the future this parish will come to be a blessing to our daughter as well.

Photo courtesy of Salt Light & Avocado Photography, a local photography studio owned and operated by St. Michael’s parishioners Ryan and Gina Kates! Ryan and Gina specialize in wedding and family photography. For more information please visit www.saltlightavo.com!

OUR FRIENDS IN THE PARISH ALLOW US TO SHARE IN THEIR JOY AND REMIND US OF GOD’S ENDLESS GIFTS TO ALL OF HIS CHILDREN.

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So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find, knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives, and he who seeks, finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! (Luke 11:9-13)

In this passage, Christ invokes our most basic biology, helping us to understand the infinite loving fatherhood of God. God created us so that we want to be good to our children, even when we aren’t especially good to anyone else. Other Christian mothers have told me that parenting has made them recognize, for the first time, their own “weakness”, “darkness”, “ugliness”, “depravity”. When I fail to be good to my children, it shocks me like few other sins.

I take tremendous joy in my children – as all parents do – and know that I am very fortunate to be at home with them. I love them deeply, but I cannot translate my inadequate human love into agape – into true charity. I cannot be kind and warm to them every moment of every day without God’s help. I cannot always be patient and just, though my little ones certainly deserve every “good gift”. For me, learning to be a loving authority for my children is the first rung of a very long ladder of spiritual growth, a ladder I couldn’t even perceive before I had them.

Soon after the birth of my second daughter this fall, I put a piece of paper on the wall by my bed on which I had written, “Ask and it will be given to you.” It sounds a bit desperate, and it was. I had been struggling to put my three-year-old, my newborn, and myself down for a nap without getting frustrated with my miserably envious older child. There were a few

MARY ROSS

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days I just lost it, and had to run out of the room, or even out into the yard (clutching the wailing baby) to prevent myself from doing or saying something terrible (or rather, God forgive me, from saying something more terrible).

After one especially poor attempt, we fled across the street to our friends’ apartments. In response to our collective misery, these Christian mothers held our hands and prayed for us aloud, right there, with their small children scooting around the sidewalk and babies nursing in slings. The presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable. How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?

The verbs used in this passage from Luke “imply continuing action”, according to my study Bible, so they are “better translated as ‘keep asking’, ‘keep seeking’, ‘keep knocking’.” God, in His goodness, is indeed giving me more patience, as Christ promises. But I must indeed keep asking: every day, every hour, sometimes every moment. It is very humbling. My three-year-old, with a child’s natural humility and capacity to love and be loved, to forgive and be forgiven, has already grown so much in her relationship with her sister. She is an example to me every day.

I have read that there is a saying in Orthodox circles: “A mother’s face is the first icon.” I pray that God will grant me – and all mothers – that grace.

Photo: Blythe (toddler) and Pauline (baby).

“A MOTHER’S FACE IS THE FIRST ICON.”

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Eric and I had a very unique start to building our new family. I was seven months pregnant when Eric left for an 8 month-long deployment and up until that point (we had been married a little over a year), the talk of finding a church-home had been pretty general. It wasn’t until he returned home and was meeting our daughter Katherine – for the first time at almost six months old – that he and I both felt a very strong yearning to find that home.

Although neither of us had been attending church for quite some time, we were both raised in the church and brought up with Christian values. From the start, we knew that the Christian faith (more specifically, the Episcopal church) went hand-in-hand with the values and style in which we wanted to raise our children. After very little searching, we found Saint Michael’s by-the-Sea and immediately fell in love. There is a warmth and comfort in the congregation and the perfect combination of old-church tradition mixed with the liveliness and fun of Fr. Doran. This strengthened our belief that Saint Michael’s was exactly where we had envisioned raising our family.

After making the decision to call Saint Michael’s by-the-Sea our new “home”, we immediately went to Fr. Doran about having Katherine baptized. In our

hearts, we felt that having her baptized solidified our decision to make the church an integral part of our lives. Baptism would signify Katherine’s church-birth and give her a “starting point” to life and journey as a Christian.

Eric and I truly feel that having children is a most incredible gift from God and that it is only by His grace that we were given the privilege to be parents. Therefore, it only felt right that we would make a conscious effort to put God first in our lives – both as husband and wife and also as parents and instill this awareness and gratitude in our children. I am now 8 months pregnant with our second baby girl, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce her to our church family and the enriched life that Saint Michael’s has given us. In this world that we live in today, we as parents wanted to give our children a safe and nourishing place to learn and grow as Christians. They will face many obstacles in their lives both as young women and Christians, but we know that they will remain strong based on the rich history of their faith taught through this incredible church and the incredible people around them.

Photo: Eric and Elizabeth Schmutzer with daugher Katherine.

ERIC & ELIZABETH SCHMUTZER

LET’S TALK ABOUT IT!

HOMENEW TO ST. MICHAEL’S?

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER?

exploring the sacraments of BAPTISM, MARRIAGE,

or FIRST HOLY COMMUNION?

www.stmichaelsbythesea.org/membership

BAPTIZED DEPARTEDISABELLE SMELSER

JANUARY 17, 2015

JANE THOMASFEBRUARY 8, 2015

LEO CHRISTIANAPRIL 18, 1919 – DECEMBER 5, 2014

EDOR ANDERSONJULY 15, 1933 – OCTOBER 8, 2014

JEAN MCCAMBRIDGE JULY 28, 1931 – DECEMBER 19, 2014

MARIE SPURLOCK-DREW

OCTOBER 14, 1916 – DECEMBER 28, 2014

JOYCE EDMONDSAUGUST 20, 1938 – JANUARY 25, 2015

SHANNON KISHNOVEMBER 3, 1958 – FEBRUARY 29, 2015

TICKET PRICESFamily: $50Adults: $25Children: $10 (Ages 12 & under)

fiesta

SATURDAY, MAY 2nd4:00 – 7:00pm

Proceeds benefit NamiSPONSORED By ST. MICHAEL’S FOREIGN & DOMESTIC MISSIONs

A festive event for the whole family! Enjoy a Mexican dinner, piñatas, games,

and raffle prizes. Purchase tickets after Mass and/or in the Parish Office.

ST. MICHAEL’S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH2775 CARLSBAD BLVD., CARLSBAD, CA 92008

WWW.STMICHAELSBYTHESEA.ORG/EVENTS/CINCODEMAYO

WARDEN’S REPORTEILEEN HOPPEN

2 5ST. MICHAEL’S BY-THE-SE A S p r i n g Me s s e n ge r 2 0 1 5

O U T R E AC H A RT I C L E25

Life . . . When I think about life, I think about how cyclical our lives are. In the springtime some of the same things happen every year. For the Hoppens, the baseball season has begun. For high school students it’s time to pick next year’s classes. In the northeast they are waiting for the warm temperatures to melt the snow and the iris and crocus to bloom. In Carlsbad, the ice plant along I-5 blooms a glorious purple color every March. It seems to signal Easter is fast approaching. Easter is all about life.

How is the life at St Michael’s? We just participated in a Church survey that measured our “vitality”. As defined by Webster’s, vitality is the “property distinguishing the living from the nonliving.” I am happy to report that St Michael’s is alive and well!

Three key results were:

• Overall satisfaction with things at St. Michael’s - Very high

• Overall energy and excitement about St. Michael’s - Very high

• Attendance in 2015 compared to 3 years ago - 85% of attendance is the same or greater!

The top three drivers of your satisfaction were:

• Worship services at St. Michael’s are exceptional in both quality and spiritual content.

• St. Michael’s does a good job supporting persons in ministry by reminding them that they are making a difference.

• Persons who serve as leaders in St. Michael’s are representative of the membership.

These results were not a surprise to me or to the Vestry. We see signs of life all over the campus. In Foreign and Domestic Missions activity, the spring Catechumenate class, all the new acolytes serving at the altar. More signs of life include the renovations to the Bookstore and continued planning for the Narthex wall repairs. St. Michael’s has also made it to the final phase for the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation 2015 grant award.

Fr. Doran’s homily on February 14th reminded me of one of my favorite rounds from the Hymnal:

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God And its righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you; Ask, and it shall be given unto to you, seek, and ye shall find, knock, and the door shall be opened unto you.”

What does springtime mean to you? How can you be part of the life, growth and development at St. Michael’s?

Seek, ask, knock.

WARDEN’S REPORTEILEEN HOPPEN

Fr i d ay, Ma rc h 2 0 t h7: 0 0 - 8 : 3 0 p m – Pa r i s h Ha l l

An informative documentary providing in-depth analysis on theauthenticity of the Shroud of Turin as the burial linen of our Lord. Is it really the cloth that wrapped his crucified body, or simply a medieval forgery? Come discover and discuss.

Refreshments provided.

RSVP with your chi ldcare needsw w w. s t m i c h a e l s b y t h e s e a . o r g /e v e n t s /s h ro u d t u r i n

SHOWING

SHROUD OF TURIN

101

JOIN THE WORSHIP TEAM! Training April 26th @ 9:00 am

Be trained as an Acolyte, Chalice Bearer or Lay Reader. Learn how these positions are integral

to the celebration of Mass and Anglo-Catholic tradition. Upon completion, help the Worship Team serve in Mass! Open to Church members.

Sign up today at

stmichaelsbythesea.org/events/worship101

MEN AT WORSHIP

L E N T E N M E N ’ S R E T R E A T

SATURDAY, MARCH 14TH8 : 3 0 – 1 : 3 0 P M

PARISH HALL

SPONSORED BY THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW

ST. MICHAEL’S CHAPTER.

A TIME FOR MEN TO COME TOGETHER, DISCUSS AND PRAYERFULLY REFLECT ON WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MAN IN CHRIST.

OPEN TO ALL MEN AGES 14 & UP. REFRESHMENTS AND LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED.

SIGN UP TODAY AT WWW.STMICHAELSBYTHESEA.ORG/EVENTS/MENWORSHIP

Fr i d ay, Ma rc h 2 0 t h7: 0 0 - 8 : 3 0 p m – Pa r i s h Ha l l

An informative documentary providing in-depth analysis on theauthenticity of the Shroud of Turin as the burial linen of our Lord. Is it really the cloth that wrapped his crucified body, or simply a medieval forgery? Come discover and discuss.

Refreshments provided.

RSVP with your chi ldcare needsw w w. s t m i c h a e l s b y t h e s e a . o r g /e v e n t s /s h ro u d t u r i n

SHOWING

SHROUD OF TURIN

Passover Presentationwith Rabbi Barney Kasdan

ChazeratRomaine lettuce, whose roots are

bitter-tasting.KorpasA vegetable otherthan bitter herbs, usually parsley.

MarorFreshly grated horseradish.

Z’roaA roasted lamb or goat bone.

BeitzahA hard-boiled

egg.

CharosetA sweet, brown,

paste of fruits and nuts.

Thursday, March 12th7:00 - 9:00 pm

Don’t miss this enlightening opportunity to deepen your understanding of Passover from a Jewish perspective.

Join Messianic Rabbi Barney Kasdan, leader of Kehilat Ariel, as he discusses the relationship between Passover and Jesus’

crucifixion as the Lamb of God. Enjoy refreshments of coffee and dessert at this intergenerational event.

www.stmichaelsbythesea.org/events/passover

ST. MICHAEL’S BY-THE-SE A S p r i n g Me s s e n ge r 2 0 1 52 8

At each “Presentation of Baptism” we promise before God and one another that we will, “Do all in (our) power to support (the baptized) in their life in Christ” (Book of Common Prayer 303).

This covenant language is very poetic. But what does it mean? What roles do we –The Church – play in this process?

It is only through individual actions that our obedience to this covenant becomes tangible:

• Praying daily for the deep needs of others.

• Making worship, spiritual formation, and Christian fellowship a family priority.

• Inviting the Holy Spirit into everyday life.

It is within a family unit that a child begins to understand the concepts of belonging and acceptance. The membership of St. Michael’s by-the-Sea is an extension of the family unit. Let us continue, through our prayers and witness, to help one another, “Grow into the full stature of Christ” (BCP 302)!

THE COVENANTTHERESE STAMBAUGH

S T . M I C H A E L ’ S B Y - T H E - S E A C H I L D R E N ’ S M I N I S T R Y

Dwell ing in His Love. Serving in His Church.

S P R I N G S C H E D U L E

Oh, save your people

and bless your heritage!Be their

shepherd and carry them

forever.

P S A L M 2 8 : 9

2015 VERSE

Save the Date – Vacation Bible SchoolJune 15th – 19th

MARCH3/15 Easter Lily Sale Begins3/29 Easter Lily Delivery 10:00 am Youth Sunday

APRIL4/05 9:30 am Easter Egg Hunt4/12 9:15 am Flowering of the Cross *4/19 9:15 am First Holy Communion Classes Begin (6 consecutive Sundays)4/26 10:00 am Youth Sunday

MAY5/24 9:15 am Pentecost Party * 10:00 am Youth Sunday5/30 10:00 am First Holy Communion

JUNE6/7 9:15 am Christian Formation Ends * 10:00 am Catechist Appreciation6/15 - 6/19 Vacation Bible School6/21 10:00 am VBS Open House6/28 10:00 am Youth Sunday

* Denotes Intergenerational Christian Formation in Parish Hall. Intentional togetherness in mutual sharing, serving, and learning!

Dwell ing in His Love. Serving in His Church.

ST. MICHAEL’S BY-THE-SE A S p r i n g Me s s e n ge r 2 0 1 53 0

15 DUCT TAPE EXTRAVAGANZA 12:00 pm

6/15-19 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

6/19 VBS AFTER PARTY 12:00 pm6/21 VBS OPEN HOUSE 10:00 am

19 MISSIONS MADNESS 12:00 pm

MARCH

JUNE

APRIL

MAY24 PENTECOST PARTY* 9:15 am

24 SKYZONE! 12:00 pm

BECKY GLEASON

When I was in high school my life was jam-packed – between classes, choir rehearsals, and other extracurricular activities, my days were often so busy I would be up until midnight or later trying to finish my homework. There was a tremendous amount of pressure to succeed, and I fear that it’s only gotten worse over the last decade. With everything that is expected of teens, it can be difficult to find the time or energy to do anything beyond what’s required.

The youth at St. Michael’s by-the-Sea are showing us that there is more to life than the craziness of high school. They are taking time out of their busy schedules to serve others in our community and worldwide. In November 2014, SOUL Youth held its first Missions Madness event. At Missions Madness we are working to be a beacon of light in our local community and abroad by sharing in Christ’s work of reconciliation and healing in our own small way. During the events, we do acts of service for our local community or abroad.

Missions Madness will continue in 2015 with it’s focus on being a part of Christ’s work in the world. At their heart, these gatherings are an opportunity for the youth at St. Michael’s to step out of their everyday lives, and begin to live more fully the lives to which they are called: to become people who serve and share the love of Christ in their community and throughout the world.

FIND SOUL YOUTH ON INSTAGRAM! instagram.com/soul_youth

Duct Tape Extravaganza

Come on down for a SOUL Youth duct tape adventure. Invite friends, hang out, eat pizza and get your creativity on.

See what you can build!www.stmichaelsbythesea.org/events/ducttape

March 15th12-3pm in the Youth Room

Duct Tape Extravaganza

Come on down for a SOUL Youth duct tape adventure. Invite friends, hang out, eat pizza and get your creativity on.

See what you can build!www.stmichaelsbythesea.org/events/ducttape

March 15th12-3pm in the Youth Room

3 1ST. MICHAEL’S BY-THE-SE A Wi n t e r Me s s e n ge r 2 0 1 4

missions

SOUL Youth EVENTSunday, April 19th

12-3 pm in the youth roomStudents will learn more about Invisible Children.

Luch will be served.

www.stmichaelsbythesea.org/events/missionsmadness

GO!

SKY ZONE!

SUNDAY, MAY 24th12:00 - 4:00 pm

Catch some air with SOUL Youth at this San Marcos Trampoline Park!

Lunch and admission to the park will be provided.* SOUL Youth Minister Becky Gleason will

meet students at the SKYZone Trampoline Park. Parents please pre-register your students at:www.stmichaelsbythesea.org/events/skyzone

SKYZone Trampoline Park860 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069

*Suggested donation $10.

PENTECOST PARTY

Sunday, March 24th 9:15-10:00 am in the Parish HallCelebrate Pentecost – the coming of the Holy Spirit

and the birthday of the Church! An intergenerational event with fellowship, lessons, and crafts.

www.stmichaelsbythesea.org/events/pentecost

ST. MICHAEL’S BY-THE-SE A S p r i n g Me s s e n ge r 2 0 1 53 4

BRINGING LIFE TO HONDURAS BECKY GLEASON

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT I REMAIN OPEN TO THE REAL, LIFE-GIVING POWER OF THE LOVE OF GOD.

I recently returned to Tela, Honduras for a short-term mission project. A group from St. Michael and All Angels in Dallas goes to Tela every year to work on construction

projects, provide fluoride treatments to children and reading glasses to adults, and do Christian education consisting of music, lessons, and crafts. I met this group last year when I was living and teaching in Tela. This year they invited me to go back with them for their annual trip, and after being away for several months, I enthusiastically accepted!

More than anything I was excited to see my friends and church family in Honduras. I was also excited for another opportunity to be a part of God’s healing and life-giving work in the world. Although they may only be there for one week every year, after over a decade of traveling to Honduras, this group from Dallas has built authentic relationships and made lasting impacts in the communities in which they serve. Providing yearly fluoride treatments, a new toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste, plus dental education, has visibly improved the oral hygiene of an entire generation of children in the villages of San Martin, Campo Elvir, and El Sauce.

It’s a small act, but it makes a big difference in the lives of these children and their families.

I was honored to be a part of the concrete, measurable work that was done, but more than anything I saw the life-giving power of Christ in relationships. When we have only a short time, we tend to open up more quickly; love more freely, without asking anything in return. This can be hard to do in our daily lives, when we have a million different commitments pulling us in every direction. But in an unfamiliar environment we experience even the familiar differently. In many ways we are able to see more clearly and feel more deeply. Spending time with old friends and meeting new friends helped me to experience more fully the life that we have through the love of God.

I feel sometimes that words are limiting; I don’t know that I’ve even come close to conveying how my experiences in Honduras have changed me. I hope that my time there has made an impact on someone. I guess it’s not really about me anyways! Whether I am in Carlsbad or Tela, it really doesn’t matter. The most important thing is that I remain open to the real, life-giving power of the love of God.

Photos from Becky Gleason’s recent return trip to Tela, Honduras.

3 5ST. M I C H A E L’S BY-T H E - S E A S p r i n g Me s s e n g e r 2 0 1 4

ST. MICHAEL’S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH2775 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, CA 92008760.729.8901 info@stmichaelsbythesea.org

www.stmichaelsbythesea.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Nonprofit

U.S. Postage

Paid

PERMIT NO. 97

CARLSBAD, CA

To the Parish of St. Michael’s By-The-Sea,

It is with deep regret that I must share the news that Easter Sunday, April 5th, is the last service that I will be on the organ bench serving you as organist and choirmaster. It has been a privilege to play the organs and direct the music at St. Michael’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. My family and I are accompanying my husband to Annapolis, Maryland where my husband has received orders to be a Chaplain at the Naval Academy. We are looking forward to living there, but are sad to leave friends, house, parish family, and of course, the mild, sunny weather. It has been a pleasure working with the clergy, staff and choir. I enjoyed meeting many of you in the faith. Thank you for welcoming me and my family to the church, and the many services worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ together through these past four years! May the Lord continually bless the parish of St. Michael’s by-the-Sea and keep you all in His Hands!

Sincerely,

Josephine McGrath

Organist/Choirmaster

THANK YOU JOSEPHINE!