News from the Hill

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church

Christmas Edition

Worship Services

Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, December 17

9:30 am and 7:00 pm

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Christmas Eve Wednesday, December 24, 2014

2:00 pm

Sung Eucharist using the Church’s Ancient Chants with the

Schola Cantamus

4:00 pm Pageant with Children of the Parish

Music of Christmas with the

Choristers of St. Bart’s Childcare available

7:00 pm

Joyous Christmas Music for the Congregation with

Brass and Coventry Choir Childcare available

9:00 pm

Candlelight and a

Joyous Christmas Liturgy with

Brass, Organ and Coventry Choir

˜ ˜ ˜ ˜

Christmas Day

Wednesday, December 25, 2014 10:00 am

Carol Sing – Choose Your Favorite Carol We’ll Sing it!

Dear friends, I hope this advent letter finds you all in good health and spirits. We now prepare ourselves to welcome the Prince of Peace into our lives again. Indeed, it is from the prophet Isaiah that Handel wrote the amazing Messiah. I have it

playing at full volume around me as I prayed before writing you today. Indeed, it is prayer that binds us together with God. Handel’s Messiah: I had the privilege of singing the soprano part my freshman year in high school, the alto part sophomore year and (you guessed it) tenor thereafter. My senior year, I had the privilege of playing first trumpet and the amazing piccolo trumpet part. I flew to eastern Africa in the summer of 1990 to seek a better understanding of AIDS education techniques on the front lines of community health and to participate in a cultural exchange, My advisor suggested I listen to familiar music throughout the trip. I took off from JFK airport playing Handel’s Messiah over and over again, until the batteries ran low on a 24-hour journey. I was taking one of the biggest leaps of faith in my entire life ... soon I would be living with farmers in the mountains of Kenya. I had no idea how spiritual complex it would be. Like’s Handel’s Messiah, the deeper I went, the true beauty of God’s grace came to light. What were you doing here? Do you want to contextualize this trip as it relates to Handel’s work and ministry? My prayers were woven into each note. In recent years, I have come to love praying with icons too. Each has a mystical way of presenting itself and God. As you become more familiar with one, you will find yourself in a deeper relationship with God. At a gift shop in September, I spontaneously reached out for a small icon, the Black Madonna. It was spellbinding, and yet, so unfamiliar. During a short visit to Boston last month, I placed the icon in my briefcase. At first glance, it is a typical image of Mary

holding baby Messiah in her arms. Looking at it now, I realize that I have never seen Mary and the infant Jesus in this way before. Her face has a scar on it, and her lips and eyes are almost

expressionless. Jesus' face is not one of an infant; rather, a young boy in a baby’s body. Looking more deeply, they both have hands extending to each other. Jesus’ hands project calm and peace. Could be being offering his first healing ... to his mother? Could she be overwhelmed at the challenges of raising a child, one who no one will ever know in the way she knows , could she be overwhelmed with how and who He is in God’s eyes? On the back of the icon, I read that this icon is thought to be written by Saint Luke, kept safe until the 4th century when Empress Helena discovered and kept it safe in Constantinople. This icon migrated to Poland and is for almost ten centuries, the most important, national symbol in Poland. A closer look now reveals, Mary is telling/showing us the way to Jesus. Jesus holds the four gospels (the Good News of hope) in one hand. His other hand, two fingers represent His divine and earthly existence, and three fingers represent the holy trinity. To see the original, we would need to visit the Chapel of the Birth of the Virgin Mary in Poland. The Advent season is a time to look closer, to take a moment in the presence of the familiar to see what God's message is to you and to humanity. Most everything in Advent is so familiar, and yet each encounter invites you to go deeper, to engage Christ and hear his message for you and the world. Can you hear Isaiah’s words singing in your heart? It's a message of peace, hope and endless possibilities. It's a message that God is ever present and ever inviting you into a deeper relationship. Nothing fancy. No glitter. Just the familiar so ever present. I have a confession to make: I always thought the Black Madonna icon was a cultural icon written from the hand of someone desperate to challenge the image of Jesus as a white European man, with smooth flowing hair. The original icon was named

from the rector

Advent 2014

"Our Lady of Czestochowa". The faces of Mary and Jesus are described on the back as "darkened from endless exposure of smoke from candles and incense” It was endless prayers offered in its presence that have changed it; much like a Bible with worn-out pages or a crèche with broken pieces or paint worn away. It’s so familiar and loved, the fingers of countless prayers changing its face. Indeed, it is our prayers, and returning to the familiar that allows the living Christ to speak to us in new and yet, familiar ways. May your journey to the birth of the Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Counselor, Kings of Kings, Lord of Lords, be just that, a path that is familiar and yet, beckons you in, closer and closer, to that which yearns in your heart. A heart much like Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and all who seek to be with Jesus Christ, a deeper relationship with God. God who loves you. Join me this advent in prayer, praying that the Prince of Peace will be realized in our lives and in the world. Prayerfully, Mark+

A “Blue Christmas” Service

A Place for Those Who Mourn Amid the “Merry”

Wednesday the 17th of December 9:30 am and 7:00 pm

“Many of us have ‘blue feelings’ at Christmas time. We invite you to a place where you can acknowledge these feelings and the reasons for them, and give them over to God, knowing that no matter how deep your sense of pain and grief may be, you are not alone.

St. Bart’s Concert Series

On Sunday, December 7 will be our second event in this year’s St. Bartholomew’s Concert Series for 2014-2015. It is possibly the greatest sacred music ever written, Handel’s Messiah with orchestra, soloists, and the Coventry Choir. Our soloists will be Diana Villwock, soprano, Evangelina Woo, mezzo-soprano, Sean McCormac, tenor and Tim McLellan, bass. We will be singing the Advent/ Christmas section plus the famous “Hallelujah Chorus”. This is a festive time of the year; you’ll not want to miss this very special event in the musical life of our church. There is a suggested donation of $15 for adults and $7.50 for children under 12 years of age. Tickets are available at the door. Bring your friends and neighbors! This would be a very special gift to give to someone whom you haven’t a clue what to give them for Christmas. A reception is to follow in the Parish Hall.

Rotational Shelter

St. Bart's will again be hosting the Rotational Shelter from January 3 to January 17, 2015. There are lots of ways to volunteer and/or donate to this very important ministry. For more information, contact Sandy Morrison at leesgirl1973@gmail.com or 909-801-0971. You can sign up as : Evening, Overnight, or Weekend Hosts Meal Teams, Set-up, Take-down and cleanup Transportation Laundry

St. Bart’s Children and Youth

Celebrate our Saviors Birth on Christmas Eve at 4:00 pm

For many, this is the highlight of the year and we are delighted to have our youth help direct all the sheep, angels, shepherds and animals this year as we tell this very special story. All ages are welcome, we have a part for everyone. Practices will take place during the 10:15 am service on December 14 and 21 and then in church after the 10:15am service on December 21. Please plan to arrive no later than 3:30pm on the 24th so we can be ready for our entrance just after 4pm. Nursery care will be available from 3:30pm until 5:30pm in the education building. Can’t wait to see all your adorable faces.

First Sunday after Christmas We invite you to enjoy church as a family on December 28 as Sunday School and Youth Group will not be in session. Childcare will be available for newborns thorough age 5 during the 10:15 am service.

Thrift Shop Ministry News

December has arrived, so do come and visit The Nook on Sundays for all your gift needs. You will find many treasures and also Cynthia Webb beautiful art- work and jewelry which make wonderful gifts. The Nook is open between services beginning at 8:45 am and also after the 10:15 am service. Our main Thrift shop in the Carriage Center on Poway Road, has an abundance of seasonal items, along with clothes, linens, household goods, toys, books and much more. For your convenience we are open Monday – Saturday 9:30 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Money raised from the Thrift Shop support more than 20 outreach programs distributed through the Outreach Committee of the Women of St. Bart’s. If you would like to join our team of wonderful volunteers please call our Volunteer Coordinator, Cheryl Roop 858-486-5033 & she will arrange it

Our Angel Tree Ministry Is a

Christmas Blessing Angel Tree Prison Ministry is not just about buying and delivering Christmas gifts. The ministry is really about sharing the Good News of God’s love with these kids who are often forgotten, neglected and sometimes just overlooked. Unfortunately, statistics show that they are far more likely than others to follow in their parent’s footsteps and to wind up in prison themselves. We can help by spreading the hope and love of Jesus to these kids so that they can have better lives and make better choices. We can make a difference through prayer and sharing the Gospel message one heart at a time. Our sister church in Southeast San Diego, St. Paul United Methodist is once again having a Christmas party on Monday, December 15th for our San Diego kids. This gathering is another opportunity for everyone to hear just how much Jesus loves them and to receive their gifts that you have so graciously and generously provided. When we allow God to work in our hearts and minds, there is no end to showing His love to our fellow man! Thank you for your faithful participation in this ministry for Jesus said in Matthew 25:40 “anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me”. Is that not a special gift? Peace of the Lord be with you and know that we all are so very blessed! Merry Christmas! Rosalind Duddy

Regular Meetings and Groups

SUNDAY

ICS — Merle’s Place: 4:30 to 7:00 pm on the first and third Sunday of the month. Contact Jill Henderson at 760-807-8445 for more info.

Daughters of the King: the third Sunday at 9:15 am, Education Building, Room 3E. Call Carolyn Armstrong at 858-451-5637.

MONDAY

Boy Scouts: 7:00 pm Parish Hall.

Health and Wellness Ministry: the first Monday at 6:30 pm Education Building, Room 3AB.

Salisbury Hand Bell Choir: 7:00 pm Education Building, Choir Room.

TUESDAY

Centering Prayer: 5:00 pm Education Building, Room 3AB.

The Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry: Tuesday (except fifth Tuesday) at 6:30 pm Quilt Room. To request a quilt please contact either Holly Gray at hollygray@san.rr.com or Marcia Harrod at marcia.harrod@gmail.com

Thrift Shop Sorting Night: the second Tuesday at 4:00 pm Thrift Shop.

Choristers: 4:40 pm Education Building Choir Room.

Schola Cantamus: 5:30 pm Education Building Choir Room.

WEDNESDAY

Interfaith Community Services (ICS): Serve breakfast, fourth Wednesday at 6:00 am. Contact Denny Walters at 760-432-8518.

Thrift Shop Work Night: last Wednesday at 4:00 pm Thrift Shop.

Camarata Strings: 7:00 pm Education Building Choir Room.

THURSDAY

Book Guild: Call office at 858-487-2159 for date and time.

B.P.U.S.A.– Bereaved Parents: fourth Thursday at 6:30 pm Conference Room.

P.A.S.S. - Parent Advocates Seeking Solutions: third Thursday of the month 7:00 pm South Parish Hall.

Coventry Choir: 7:00 pm Education Building Choir Room. SATURDAY

Psalm Singers: Third Saturday 4:00 pm Sanctuary. AA Meeting: Tuesdays at 12 noon – Parish Hall. Mondays at 9:30 am – Parish Hall. (Women only). Wednesdays at 6:45 pm – Conference Room Fridays at 12 noon – Parish Hall. Al-Anon: Mondays at 12 noon – Parish Hall.

New Ministry Celebration (11/15/2014) (Photos by Gretchen L. Alspach)

December Sunday Forum Series - Advent

December 7: Can You ‘Handel’ Messiah? December 14: Art as a Window into the Meaning of Advent December 21: Family Traditions in Advent and Christmas

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Page 7

Clergy 858-487-2159 (except as noted) The Rev. Mark C. Mc-Kone Sweet, Rector, 858-432-7107 revmark@stbartschurch.org The Rev. Dr. Judith Allison, Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, ext. 311 jallison@stbartschurch.org The Rev. William Zettinger, Deacon, 858-432-7108 wzettinger@stbartschurch.org Honorary Clergy The Rt. Rev. Samir Kafity, Bishop-in-Residence The Rev. Dr. Alfred H. Smith, Priest-in-Residence Administrative Staff ………………………………………….858-487-2159 (except as noted) Maureen Ovenstone, Parish Administrator, 858-432-7110 ……………………………………………………………………….….movenstone@stbartschurch.org Louise Lawson, Assistant for Communications, 858-432-7104 …………………………………………………………………………………..llawson@stbartschurch.org Blair Lawson, Accounts Manager, 858-432-7119 ……..blawson@stbartschurch.org Nina Zettinger, Assistant Accounts Manager and Pastoral Assistant, 858-432-7105 ……………………………………………………………………………....nzettinger@stbartschurch.org John Mitrovich, Sexton, 858-432-7120 Christian Formation for Children and Youth858-………..487-2159 (except as noted) Greg Tuttle, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries 858-432-7114 ……………………………………………………………………………………...gtuttle@stbartschurch.org Kelly Mahon, Youth Minister……………………………………..kmahon@stbartschurch.org Pippa Mills, Director of Sunday School and Nursery 858-432-7102 ……………………………………………………………………………………….pmills@stbartschurch.org Music Ministry / Academy of Music and the Arts …………..……………...858-432-7112 Dr. William J. Eichorn, Minister of Music & Arts, 858-432-7112 ………………………………………………………………………………….weichorn@stbartschurch.org Janie Prim, Organist St. Bartholomew’s Preschool ……………………………………………………………858-487-2140 Cheri Hoffman, Director ………………………………………...preschool@stbartschurch.org Mary Frost, Administrator St. Bartholomew’s Thrift Shop …………………………………………………………858-486-2110 Laurie Wathen, Manager Pam Lazenby, Assistant Manager Wardens and Vestry Term End Diane Berthoud Vestry Member 2016 Jerry Blanton Vestry Member 2017 Rick Bramble Vestry member 2016 Steve DesJardins Vestry Member 2017 Brian Eshelman Vestry member 2015 Jeffrey LaBerge Vestry Member 2017 Judy Macemon Vestry Member, Senior Warden 2016 Linda Meling Vestry Member 2017 Larry Salvadori Vestry Member, Junior Warden 2016 Claire Saxon Vestry Member 2015 Anne Snyder Vestry Member, Clerk 2015 Ian Strout Vestry Member 2015 Bob Capettini Treasurer Pauline Getz Chancellor

About the News from the

Hill … Thank you to our sponsors—and welcome to our many new sponsors, too. These im-portant supporters, whose advertising funds the printing of the News from the Hill, are greatly appreciated. See our list of spon-sors on page 10. If you would like to help sponsor the News from the Hill with your advertisements, please contact C&M Publi-cations at 951-776-0601 or visit http://www.cmpublications.com. Your advertise-ment will be seen parish-wide within these publications. News from the Hill is a monthly publication of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 16275 Pomerado Road, Poway, CA 92064. Publisher: The Rev. Mark C. Mc-Kone Sweet, Rector. Editor: Louise Lawson, Assistant for Communications. Deadline for submission of articles and announcements is the 5th of the month preceding the publication date. We welcome your submissions of infor-mation for publication. Please contact Louise Lawson at (858) 432-7105 or via e-mail at llawson@stbartschurch.org

Worship Services Wednesdays at 9:30 am (Healing Service)

Saturdays at 5:00 pm Sundays at 8:00, 10:15 am

Office Hours Monday through Thursday

9:00 am to 4:00 pm Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Holiday Hours

Office Closed December 24 at noon December 25 and 26

Office Closed

December 31 at noon January 1.

Pastoral Emergency – Call 858-432-7113; record your message in-cluding your phone number. The clergy person on call will return your call promptly.

Page 8

December News from the Hill St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church 16275 Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064-1826 Phone 858-487-2159 FAX 858-487-2324 www.StBartsChurch.org Change Service Requested