Incarnation Newsletter & Announcements

The Party Committee welcomes everyone to come celebrate the Feast of the Ascension this Thursday May 17 at 6 pm. Ascension Thursday is one of the more important feast days on the liturgical calendar, and it is held on the 40th day following Easter to commemorate the ascension of Jesus into Heaven.  We’ll be serving a gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Bob Matteucci, followed by a worship service. As we need a headcount for the dinner, please RSVP at your earliest convenience to bobmatteucci@comcast.net or 707-815-8900. You may also use the signup sheet in Farlander Hall. Childcare will be provided.  If you want to volunteer to help, please contact Stephanie Blair by emailing stephcristel@gmail.com. Thank you very much and we hope many of you will come to celebrate this Feast with us!

Lay Ministry Workshops – St Mary’s, Napa, May 19th. Are you seeking a lay ministry license (Eucharistic Ministers OR Eucharistic Visitors, or both)? Perhaps you are just interested in a little more information about lay ministry licensing? If you nodded yes to either of these questions, please join us for our upcoming Lay Ministry workshops. The Lay Ministry workshops are presented by the Committee on Lay Ministry of the Commission on Ministry, and are open to all, whether seeking a license or not. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, May 19, 2012 at St. Mary’s, Napa, 1917 Third Street. Morning Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided by the hosting Parish. A $15.00 registration fee will cover food and handouts. (RSVP – Patty Park, 916-652-6576, pre-registration and advance payment is encouraged).

Animal Ministry Adoption Fair– next Sunday, May 20th: Sonoma Humane Society’s animals will join us at Incarnation on May 20th from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an adoption fair! Small dogs and cats and a bunny will be available for adoption and to love on.  Come meet Sonoma Humane’s volunteers and animals and celebrate the adopted animals in your life:) For more information, contact Eileen at animalm@incarnation-sr.org.

Sunday, June 3rd… what a day! Here are the things you need to know:

1)    We will have only two services that day, at 8 am and 10:30 am.  That’s right, I said 10:30!  We’re pushing the time back in order to accommodate Bishop Hunt, who is coming in to confirm members of our youth group!

2)    Ella Harris will also be with us that day, sharing news about her educational organization in Ecuador and our youth group’s 2013 mission trip there.  Ella will be giving a talk between the services.

3)    Our 10:30 service will include the baptism of Amanda Claiborne: welcome to the Body of Christ, Amanda!

4)    After the service, stick around because we’ll be celebrating in style at our summer BBQ! All are invited and encouraged to attend. All donations will go towards the Mission Trip to Ecuador fund.

Remember, that’s June 3: 2 services – at 8 and 10:30.

On June 10th we will begin our normal summer schedule, which is 2 services at 8 and 10:00.  That schedule continues through Labor Day weekend.

Via Media Sign-up! Via Media sessions will start Sunday, June 10, and run through July 22. They will be held following the 10:00 service, 11:30-1:30 (summer schedule). Via Media invites those seeking spiritual community to explore our Christian faith from a uniquely Episcopal point of view. Through an engaging course of study, prayer, conversation and questions, we will discuss topics such as the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and Jesus Christ. This exploration with others includes friendship, worship and sharing a simple meal. Participants discover a church that values reason and science along with prayer and scripture; a church where everyone is included; a church that tells the truth about its strengths and points out its challenges. Via Media, along with the Inquirers/Seekers class, fulfills a requirement for confirmation or reception into the Episcopal Church. There is a sign-up sheet on the Small Groups table in Farlander Hall. If you want to learn more about Via Media or about being confirmed or received at Incarnation, visit our website at www.incarnation-sr.org or go directly to the Via Media page at http://bit.ly/via_media. You may also send an email to viamedia@incarnation-sr.org or call the office at (707) 579-2604.

Prayer List ~ Did you know that the Church keeps two prayer lists?  Your name or the name of anyone you care about can be added to either the confidential list that the Morning Prayer Group prays for, or to the list that gets published in this bulletin.  You do not have to disclose the reason for the prayer request.  Keep in mind that names are rotated off the list every three months, to make room for others. If you want to add someone again, just ask. Please contact Claire at 579-2604 ext. 104, or email claire@incarnation-sr.org.

Prayer with the Hands is looking for donations of beads.  Necklaces and bracelets, broken or not, we take them apart to make Anglican Rosaries to give to Pastoral Care. Any and all donations are gratefully accepted. There will be a small basket next to our Small Group table in Farlander Hall for the next few weeks so please place your goodies in there. Thank you all!

Did you know that Fr. Matt posts his sermons in written form on his blog (http://thehopefulpriest.blogspot.com)? Ever wish you could remember a line he spoke or a point he made or a reference to a book or something else? You can also post a comment or question to Fr. Matt on his blog. Check it out!

Thanks to all of the ministry leaders who send me updates to our website! Making sure that our website is always up-to-date is very important, so even if you are not a ministry leader but just someone who spots something not accurate on our site, please send me an email or call me and let me know so I can make the changes. You can reach me (Mitch Garcia) at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org or call me at 707-703-4162. Thanks!

Create your own Small Group ~ If you have an idea for a small group or have been thinking “wouldn’t it be great to share my joy for (fill in the blank) with others”, then consider starting your own small group. On the Small Group table in Farlander Hall is a flyer with information for anyone who is interested in creating their own Small Group. If you would like to share and discuss your idea with me, call me at (707) 703-4162. Or email me (Mitch Garcia) at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

Are you looking for a way to connect with others? Then check out our small groups. Small Groups span a wide area of interest. We offer Care + Support groups, Study + Reflection groups, Topics + Interest groups, and Prayer + Contemplative groups. To learn more about each one go to our website and explore the possibilities! Stop by the Small Group table in Farlander Hall after the service. If you have a desire to form a small group, I would love to hear from you. You can call me (Mitch Garcia) at 707-703-4162 or email me at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

A friendly reminder: At the close of the service, please remember to leave your pew quietly out of respect for our organist and for those who stay behind to enjoy the postlude.

Summer Chamber Concert Series:

An afternoon of live chamber music

followed by a wine and food reception.

June 10th at 4 pm (Church of the Incarnation)

Performing the works of Bach, Schubert, Brahms, Roussel, Nino Rota:

Carol Menke,

soprano
Marilyn Thompson, piano
Kathleen Reynolds, flute
Roy Zajac, clarinet

Laura McLellan, cello

July 15th at 4 pm (St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

Performing the works of Händel, Clara Schumann, Louise Farrenc,

Arthur Foote, Samuel Barber:
Carol Menke, soprano
Marilyn Thompson, piano

Kathleen Reynolds, flute

Laura McLellan, cello

Monday Evenings at 7pm:

Sing the Music of Hildegard von Bingen

(Church of the Incarnation)

Wednesday Evenings from 5:30-6:30pm:

Sacred Yoga ~ Sacred Space

(Church of the Incarnation)

3rd Fridays at 7pm:

Taize ~ Contemplative Worship Service

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

2nd Thursdays at 7 pm:

Aramaic Jesus ~

Experience the Words of Jesus in His Original Language

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

Numina Center for Spirituality and the Arts

www.numinacenter.org · 707-324-6021

Last Chance to Dine for The Living Room today, April 29 at Roberto’s Trattoria Lupo, located at 4776 Sonoma Highway (Route 12). Open for Dinner, 4-10pm. Reservations helpful, 539-0260. A portion of your bill will be given to The Living Room. This is part of Restaurant Week in conjunction with The Human Race.

“What can I do for you?” That is the question that Small Groups ask. Our small groups are about showing people they matter. We take time with one another. We listen. We desire a relationship with each other. We strive to be genuine. To me, that is the truest and purest form of love, to make people matter, to make me matter to other people. Community with each other also creates a place where we get to pursue the unending and most amazing relationship one can have with our Creator. Jesus urges us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Loving people or maybe a better way to say it would be pursuing people. When we pursue people, we are actually pursuing what brings joy to our God’s heart. We are effectively pursuing Jesus. It’s worship. Jesus still pursues people, so why shouldn’t we? Consider becoming a pursuer of Jesus! If would have a question about our Small Groups, please email me (Mitch Garcia) at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org, or better yet call me at 703-4162.

May Guild Meeting: The Guild of Incarnation will hold their monthly meeting this Tuesday, May 1, in Farlander Hall at 11:30 am. It will be followed by a potluck luncheon at 12:00 noon.  For our program after lunch we will have Becky Lunders of Teamworks speak to us about volunteering.

The Biblical Archeology small group meets this Tuesday in Room 3, 7-8:30 pm. This Study/Worship small group focuses on learning the ways and practices of the Essenes (Healers), known today as the Dead Sea Scrolls community. Our studies will investigate this third major sect of Judaism at the time of Christ, its influence on Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels, and on the formation of the Church mission. All are welcome.

Animal Ministry Field Trip to Animal Place in Grass Valley–May 5th: Have you ever wanted to go to one of the largest sanctuaries in Northern CA that take in rescued, abused and abandoned farm animals? Animal Place, most recently featured in the news for helping to rescue 4,500 chickens from a Turlock factory farm, is on 600 acres of rolling grass land about 2 hours from Santa Rosa. Marji Beach, Education Director, will be our tour guide to introduce us to many of the ambassadors who live on the farm– chickens, turkeys, rabbits, pigs, cows and sheep. Yes, you are able to pet them and love on them! We are meeting at Incarnation Church parking lot with folks from Compassionate Living Outreach at 9:15 am to carpool.  We will start our tour at 12 noon and be done with the tour and picnic by 3:30 pm. You are also welcome to drive separately–you just need to let me know that’s what you are doing.  Cost is $10 per person for the personal tour.  We are all bringing food to share to have a picnic onsite after the tour.  It will be a vegan lunch, but you do not have to be vegan or vegetarian to attend!  Please e-mail me (Eileen Harrington) if you have any questions at animalm@incarnation-sr.org.  You will need to RSVP through the Compassionate Living Outreach Meet Up site at http://www.meetup.com/northbay-vegan/events/58858422/.

Come Join The Russian River Sisters for Bingo Night!

Benefiting The St. Andrews Food Program

When: Saturday May 12th, 2012, doors open at 5:30PM for advanced ticket holders. Bingo starts at 6:30PM. Seating is “First Come, First Seated.”

Where: The Odd Fellow’s Hall, 16219 First St., Guerneville (One block South of Main Street)

Tickets are $20 for two cards. Tickets are on sale now! You can purchase them On-Line at: www.rrsisters.org/bingo-bpt.html

Note: Some of the humor is of Adult Subject Matter. You MUST be 18 or older to attend.

The line starts around 4:30PM. Come early if you want to sit together. Tickets sell out quick! The Russian River Sisters are a 501(c)3 non-profit org. dedicated to raising funds for charitable causes. ALL the money raised that night goes directly to the beneficiary. The Sisters keep NOTHING! So please come join us! You will have a fun night experiencing Bingo like you never have before! See David Bartz or Gene Mendez for more details.

The Evening Women’s Gathering will meet on Tuesday, May 15th at 7:00 pm at the home of Donna Wiuff. All women are welcome to join us. We are a supportive group providing a place to share our lives and our spiritual journeys with each other, building friendships as we go. If you have any questions, please contact Donna Wiuff at 707-837-8768.

Lay Ministry Workshops – St Mary’s, Napa, May 19th. Are you seeking a lay ministry license? Perhaps you are just interested in a little more information about lay ministry licensing? If you nodded yes to either of these questions, please join us for our upcoming Lay Ministry workshops. The Lay Ministry workshops are presented by the Committee on Lay Ministry of the Commission on Ministry, and are open to all, whether seeking a license or not. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, May 19, 2012 at St. Mary’s, Napa , 1917 Third Street. Morning Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided by the hosting Parish. A $15.00 registration fee will cover food and handouts. (RSVP – Patty Park, 916-652-6576, pre-registration and advance payment is encouraged).

Animal Ministry Adoption Fair–May 20th: Sonoma Humane Society’s animals will join us at Incarnation on May 20th from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an adoption fair! Small dogs and cats and a bunny will be available for adoption and to love on.  Come meet Sonoma Humane’s volunteers and animals and celebrate the adopted animals in your life:) For more information, contact Eileen at animalm@incarnation-sr.org.

A Welcoming Congregation: Each of us participates in systems of inclusion and exclusion. There is no way to be alive and not be part of those invisible yet powerful superstructures that protect and welcome certain people while demeaning and marginalizing others. We have all been conditioned by the prejudices of our respective cultures, and those assumptions and judgments still function today, albeit in sometimes more subtle forms. We are none of us innocent, and there is no such place as a neutral space.You can choose to participate in these systems or to dismantle them. You can opt out and disavow any responsibility by saying, “I’m part of an oppressed group, so how could I marginalize someone else?” or “We’re good people. No one would feel unwelcome in our community, so why should we do all this work?”  Or you can name your reality and accept your responsibility, and let that wisdom spur you toward becoming a positive agent of Christ’s reconciling, transforming spirit. We pray that you will choose the way of honesty, reconciliation, and action.

(Adapted from Radical Welcome – Embracing God, The Other, and the Spirit of Transformation by Stephanie Spellers.)

A Note from your Parish Administrator: I ask that if you have ANY church business question (even a small one) on a Sunday, please wait to ask it until I’m on duty Monday through Friday. I would like to consider Sunday a Worship Day, not a Work Day (consider: would you want to work on your day off?). It’s emotionally jarring to have someone say hello and ask me how I’m doing, when the next question is something work-related. Please note this DOES include someone saying “I’ve got a work question for you, but I’m not going to ask it today!” I do appreciate your restraint, but the knowledge that you have a work question is almost as bad as knowing what it is. Many of you understand this, and I appreciate it. You’re a wonderful community and I love being a part of it!                                                                          –Claire Frydenlund

Monday Evenings at 7pm:

Sing the Music of Hildegard von Bingen

(Church of the Incarnation)

Wednesday Evenings from 5:30-6:30pm:

Sacred Yoga ~ Sacred Space

(Church of the Incarnation)

3rd Fridays at 7pm:

Taize ~ Contemplative Worship Service

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

2nd Thursdays at 7 pm:

Aramaic Jesus ~

Experience the Words of Jesus in His Original Language

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

Numina Center for Spirituality and the Arts

www.numinacenter.org · 707-324-6021

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Peggy.  Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

Jose Ramirez’s Memorial Service will be held this coming Thursday, March 29th, at 11 AM, followed by a reception.

As a part of their ministry to the church, the Guild of the Incarnation provides the receptions for most memorial services here. However, this one promises to be very large (several hundred people), and thus they would appreciate it if attendees would bring salads, pre-cooked hot dishes, and/or cookies. They can be dropped off in Farlader Hall before you go in to the service. Please contact Lynn Cassil with questions about the reception (528-9255).

The final Lenten Series and Supper will be this Thursday, March 29. The Supper starts at 6 PM and the Lenten Series begins at 6:45 in the church. The theme for this year is Tell Out My Soul: Exploring our Baptismal Covenant in Story. You don’t want to miss this exciting and community-building series led by Julia McCray-Goldsmith, our wonderful Seminary Intern.

During the five Lenten Thursdays we’re gathering for prayer and song, and a conversational exploration of what it means to say “I will with God’s help”. We recommit to these practices at every baptism (check your BCP pp. 304-305), but what do they mean in contemporary language and life? Come hear your fellow Incarnation parishioners talk about how they understand and live out these commitments, and practice telling your own story of baptismal identity, faith and ministry using the tools of “Public Narrative.” Visit http://bit.ly/lentenseries for more information about the Series.

There are sign-up sheets for this Thursday’s Potluck near the small groups table in Farlander, please take a moment and sign-up to bring something for this week. Thank you.

A Welcoming Congregation: Last Sunday the Welcome Committee threw a St. Patrick’s Day Newcomer Party, which was open to the entire parish.  There was plenty (actually, too much!) good food, and everyone was engaged in wonderful conversations.  It was a really fun party, and if you didn’t make it out this time, we hope you can make it to the next church event.

Hanging out in Farlander Hall after your regular Sunday service, you don’t get to meet everyone who attends the other two services.  Also, you might feel rushed to get on with your day.  Attending the church’s social events are a wonderful way to hang out with your fellow parishioners, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

The church’s newly-formed Party Committee (which is still recruiting party planners) has taken on the goal of making sure the church offers one social event per month.  The Party Committee hopes to provide the parish opportunities to socialize with one another, in order to foster community, and to allow friendships to grow.

The Welcome Committee encourages all to partake in these soon-to-come fun events!  In the meantime, we have noticed the efforts being made by you to connect with newcomers in Farlander Hall after Sunday services, and we want to say thank you, and keep it up!

Ever wanted to ask Fr. Matt a question about theology, or have him expand more fully on some point in his sermon? Did you know we have an Ask the Rector webpage? Go to our website (www.incarnation-sr.org) and look for Fr. Matt’s picture. Follow the “Ask the Rector” link to see the questions that other people have submitted and Fr. Matt’s answers. Click on the letter icon to submit your own question to Fr. Matt.

Numina Center for Spirituality and the Arts presents:

A Good Friday Concert

This year we will feature soloists Carol Menke, Chris Fritzsche, Kevin Baum, and Tom Hart in excerpts from the well known Stabat Mater and Requiem literature.  Cantiamo Sonoma will also be joining forces with the St. Cecilia Choir and the Incarnation Chamber Orchestra to perform a concert on Good Friday, April 6th at 8:00 p.m.  From duets to larger choral works, all musical selections promise to be contemplative and appropriate to the theme of the evening.

Please join us for this annual concert!  This one traditionally sells out – so be sure to get your tickets beforehand, as opposed to getting them at the door. Tickets will be available soon on the Numina website and from Carol Menke or any St. Cecilia Choir member.

The Incarnation Bookstore will have new hours beginning April 1. The hours will be 9 AM to 11:30 AM with selected Sundays open until 12:45. To those of you who attend the 11:15 service, please stop in early to see our selection of books, cards and gifts. Rebecca Gbasha and Judy Velasquez will be the new managers of the bookstore. Both Rebecca and Judy have an extensive knowledge and love of books. In the coming months, the bookstore will stock more religious objects and gifts than in the past. We will also be donating some of our profits to Incarnation’s outreach programs: Open Table, Burbank School, The Living Room, and St. Andrews Mission. The Vestry has established an oversight committee to set direction and provide the financial framework for the bookstore. Any suggestions should be given to Rebecca or Judy. The Vestry members are David Jasper, Bob Matteucci and Ellen Murphy. Father Matt also serves on the committee. Come on in and enjoy our unique shop!

Dear Church of the Incarnation: We are ever so grateful for the school supplies. The copy paper has become as precious as gold.  The pencils, pens, erasers, and writing tablets make it possible for us to support our learning. Your generosity and kindness are greatly appreciated.

-Rose Morgan

One of the teachers at Burbank School

Just a reminder: As you see from the letter, school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, erasers, etc) are continuously needed and appreciated at Burbank School. You can place your donations in the bag marked “Burbank School” in Farlander Hall. Thank you!

Are you looking for a way to connect with others? Then check out our small groups. Small Groups span a wide area of interest. We offer Care + Support groups, Study + Reflection groups, Topics + Interest groups, and Prayer + Contemplative groups. To learn more about each one go to our website (www.incarnation-sr.org) and explore the possibilities! Stop by the Small Group in Farlander Hall after the service. If you have an desire to form a small group, I would love to hear from you. You can call me (Mitch Garcia) at 703-4162 or email me at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

Create your own Small Group. If you have an idea for a small group or have been thinking “wouldn’t it be great to share my joy for (fill in the blank) with others”, then consider starting your own small group. On the Small Group table in Farlander Hall is a flyer with information for anyone who is interested in creating their own Small Group. If you would like to share and discuss your idea with me, call me at (707) 703-4162. Or email me (Mitch Garcia) at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

I hear wedding bells! We now have a page dedicated to weddings at the church, so check it out – http://bit.ly/cofiwed.

Friday, Apirl 6th, 8 pm:

Musical selections appropriate for the evening of Good Friday(Church of the Incarnation)

Monday Evenings at 7pm: Through the Ear to the Heart

Sing the Music of Hildegard von Bingen

(Church of the Incarnation)

Wednesday Evenings from 5:30-6:30pm:

Sacred Yoga ~ Sacred Space

(Church of the Incarnation)

3rd Fridays at 7pm:

Taize ~ Contemplative Worship Service

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

2nd Thursdays at 7 pm:

Aramaic Jesus ~

Experience the Words of Jesus in His Original Language

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

Numina Center for Spirituality and the Arts

www.numinacenter.org · 707-324-6021

A Good Friday Concert

Some people go through life trying to find out what the world holds for them only to find out too late that it’s what they bring to the world that really counts.

- Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Jose. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

All are invited to the Welcome Party: This Sunday, March 18th!!

The Welcome Committee at Incarnation invites everyone, new or not-so-new, to our St. Patrick’s Day Newcomer Party!! Please join us in Farlander Hall at 2 p.m. and wear something green! The party is an opportunity for newcomers to get to know us, and for us to get to know them! Good fun, good food and camaraderie are certain to occur; singing of “Danny Boy” may or may not. If you are new, please feel free to bring your family or a friend. If you are not-so-new, please bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

The Evening Women’s Gathering will meet on Tuesday, March 20th at 7:00 pm at the home of Gretchen Ross. All women are welcome to join us. We are a supportive group providing a place to share our lives and our spiritual journeys with each other, building friendships as we go. If you have any questions, please contact Donna Wiuff at 707-837-8768.

The Lenten Series and Supper continues this Thursday, March 22nd. The Supper starts at 6 pm and the Lenten Series begins at 6:45 in the church. The theme for this year is Tell Out My Soul: Exploring our Baptismal Covenant in Story. You don’t want to miss this exciting and community- building series led by Julia McCray-Goldsmith, our wonderful Seminary Intern.

During the five Lenten Thursdays we’re gathering for prayer and song, and a conversational exploration of what it means to say “I will with God’s help.” We recommit to these practices at every baptism (check your BCP pp. 304-305), but what do they mean in contemporary language and life? Come hear your fellow Incarnation parishioners talk about how they understand and live out these commitments, and practice telling your own story of baptismal identity, faith and ministry using the tools of “Public Narrative.” Visit http://bit.ly/lentenseries for more information about the Series. There are sign-up sheets for this Thursday’s Potluck near the small groups table in Farlander, please take a moment and signup to bring something for this week. Thank you!

A Welcoming Congregation

Research has shown that people most often seek church for:

(a)  refreshment, support, growth, fulfillment, faith and fellowship,

(b)  their family, help in raising children, keeping relationships together, and

(c)  for a sense of belonging.

-When People Seek the Church, The Alban Institute, 1982

What reasons caused you to start attending church on Sundays? Are those reasons still what inspire you to keep coming every Sunday morning? Chances are, some of your reasons for coming to church (whether they are your initial reasons, or current reasons) are similar to a newcomer’s reasons for showing up at Incarnation. Your stories have common ground, which can easily be discovered by engaging newcomers in conversation. The Welcome Committee invites everyone to engage, and discover how the story of your journey can be a guide for the new church-goers among us.

Needed: some artificial flowers to decorate lamp shades that were donated by The Lamp and Shade Shop. We will be wearing them in the HUMAN RACE MAY 5th. (You may have to read that twice.)  There will be a container in Farlander Hall. Join us by Walking/Running/Pledging for THE LIVING ROOM. We will be carrying the inflated sofa again and will have ‘moving lamps’ to accompany it, our logo. At our booth we will be giving one ice cream party pack from Cold Stone Creamery. Come and join the fun and raise much needed funds for THE LIVING ROOM. In any case, Diane Cox would welcome your pledge, 707-545-0783 or email  dianecox@sonic.net.

Ever wanted to ask Fr. Matt a question about theology, or have him expand more fully on some point in his sermon? Did you know we have an Ask the Rector webpage? Go to our website and look for Fr. Matt’s picture. Follow the “Ask the Rector” link to see the questions that other people have submitted and Fr. Matt’s answers. Click on the letter icon to submit your own question to Fr. Matt.

Are you looking for a way to connect with others? Then check out our small groups. Small Groups span a wide area of interest. We offer Care + Support groups, Study + Reflection groups, Topics + Interest groups, and Prayer + Contemplative groups. To learn more about each one go to our website (www.incarnation-sr.org) and explore the possibilities! Stop by the Small Group in Farlander  Hall after the service. If you have an desire to form a small group, I would love to hear from you. You can call me (Mitch Garcia) at 703-4162 or email me at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

Create your own Small Group. If you have an idea for a small group or have been thinking “wouldn’t it be great to share my joy for (fill in the blank) with others”, then consider starting your own small group. On the Small Group table in Farlander Hall is a flyer with information for anyone who is interested in creating their own Small Group. If you would like to share and discuss your idea with me (Mitch Garcia), call me at (707) 703-4162, or email me at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

Friday, March 23rd, 7:30 pm:

Kirtana

More info on our website. Tickets now available.

(Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, Rohnert Park)

Monday Evenings at 7pm: Through the Ear to the Heart

Sing the Music of Hildegard von Bingen

(Church of the Incarnation)

Wednesday Evenings from 5:30-6:30pm:

Sacred Yoga ~ Sacred Space

(Church of the Incarnation)

3rd Fridays at 7pm:

Taize ~ Contemplative Worship Service

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

2nd Thursdays at 7 pm:

Aramaic Jesus ~

Experience the Words of Jesus in His Original Language

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

Numina Center for Spirituality and the Arts

www.numinacenter.org · 707-324-6021

Kindness does wonderful things to a face.

- Dixie Doyle

“A faith-centered community, where pastoral leadership is warm and caring, where worship life offers quality extra-dependence, and people genuinely support and care for each other, offers something unavailable anywhere else. These churches have the gift of life, and they need to be taught to share this gift more freely with the seeking, hurting people who wander in their front door.”

(Roy Oswald, “Incorporating New Members into Parish Life,” Ministry Development Journal, Spring 1984)

What gifts of life does Incarnation give to you? What other gifts of life does this Church offer? How can the Church successfully share these gifts? How can you?

The Men’s Group will meet this Wednesday March 14th, 7-8:30 pm in the Church. If you have considered attending but were unable to due to transportation issues, call and we will help with a ride. Our group explores the challenges men face in living their lives of faith in a safe, intimate environment. This is a time of support, friendship and fellowship. All Men are welcome and we hope to see you there. If you have any questions you can call Mitch at 707-703-4162 or email mensgroup@incarnation-sr.org.

The Lenten Series and Supper continues this Thursday, March 15th. The Supper starts at 6 pm and the Lenten Series begins at 6:45 in the church. The theme for this year is Tell Out My Soul: Exploring our Baptismal Covenant in Story. You don’t want to miss this exciting and community-building series led by Julia McCray-Goldsmith, our wonderful Seminary Intern.

During the five Lenten Thursdays we’re gathering for prayer and song, and a conversational exploration of what it means to say “I will with God’s help.” We recommit to these practices at every baptism (check your BCP pp. 304-305), but what do they mean in contemporary language and life? Come hear your fellow Incarnation parishioners talk about how they understand and live out these commitments, and practice telling your own story of baptismal identity, faith and ministry using the tools of “Public Narrative.” Visit http://bit.ly/lentenseries for more information about the Series.

There are sign-up sheets for this Thursday’s Potluck near the small groups table in Farlander Hall, please take a moment and signup to bring something for this week. Thank you!

A Welcome Party: For All!

The Welcome Committee at Incarnation invites everyone, new or not-so-new, to our St. Patrick’s Day Newcomer Party!! Please join us next Sunday, March 18th at 2 p.m. in Farlander Hall and wear something green!

The party is an opportunity for newcomers to get to know us, and for us to get to know them! Good fun, good food and camaraderie are certain to occur; singing of “Danny Boy” may or may not.

If you are new, please feel free to bring your family or a friend. If you are not-so-new, please bring an appetizer to share. RSVP to Barbara Avery at 707-577-8718.

A message regarding former parishioner Gail Tucker: Many of you may remember Gail Tucker, who was a member of our congregation and volunteered for The Living Room. We are sad to say she has passed away. A current parishioner received this note from her daughter:

“Thank you for your Christmas card to Mother. She passed away on December 21st from Parkinson’s Disease and pneumonia. I will always be grateful to her for moving to Seattle and giving my family a chance to spend time with her at the end.”

Have a smartphone? Then scan this QR code for more information on Small Groups – go ahead give it a try! (To get a QR Code Reader, download it from the App Store for your phone.)

Needed: some artificial flowers to decorate lamp shades that were donated by The Lamp and Shade Shop. We will be wearing them in the HUMAN RACE MAY 5th. (You may have to read that twice.)  There will be a container in Farlander Hall. Join us by Walking/Running/Pledging for THE LIVING ROOM. We will be carrying the inflated sofa again and will have ‘moving lamps’ to accompany it, our logo. At our booth we will be giving one ice cream party pack from Cold Stone Creamery. Come and join the fun and raise much needed funds for THE LIVING ROOM. In any case, Diane Cox would welcome your pledge, 707-545-0783 or email  dianecox@sonic.net.

Ever wanted to ask Fr. Matt a question about theology, or have him expand more fully on some point in his sermon? Did you know we have an Ask the Rector webpage? Go to our website and look for Fr. Matt’s picture. Follow the “Ask the Rector” link to see the questions that other people have submitted and Fr. Matt’s answers. Click on the letter icon to submit your own question to Fr. Matt.

Are you looking for a way to connect with others? Then check out our small groups. Small Groups span a wide area of interest. We offer Care + Support groups, Study + Reflection groups, Topics + Interest groups, and Prayer + Contemplative groups. To learn more about each one go to our website (www.incarnation-sr.org) and explore the possibilities! Stop by the Small Group in Farlander  Hall after the service. If you have an desire to form a small group, I would love to hear from you. You can call me (Mitch Garcia) at 703-4162 or email me at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

Create your own Small Group. If you have an idea for a small group or have been thinking “wouldn’t it be great to share my joy for (fill in the blank) with others”, then consider starting your own small group. On the Small Group table in Farlander Hall is a flyer with information for anyone who is interested in creating their own Small Group. If you would like to share and discuss your idea with me (Mitch Garcia), call me at (707) 703-4162, or email me at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

Friday, March 23rd, 7:30 pm:

Kirtana

More info on our website. Tickets now available.

(Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, Rohnert Park)

Monday Evenings at 7pm: Through the Ear to the Heart

Sing the Music of Hildegard von Bingen

(Church of the Incarnation)

Wednesday Evenings from 5:30-6:30pm:

Sacred Yoga ~ Sacred Space

(Church of the Incarnation)

3rd Fridays at 7pm:

Taize ~ Contemplative Worship Service

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

2nd Thursdays at 7 pm:

Aramaic Jesus ~

Experience the Words of Jesus in His Original Language

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

Numina Center for Spirituality and the Arts

www.numinacenter.org · 707-324-6021

At first dreams seem impossible,

then improbable,

then inevitable.

- Christopher Reeve

March Guild Meeting: The Guild of the Incarnation business meeting on Tuesday, March 6 will begin at 11:30 am in Farlander Hall and will be followed by a potluck luncheon at 12:00 noon. After the luncheon we will have Marie Martinez with Safari West speak to us about their wildlife preserve located here in Sonoma County. All are welcome. It should be a very interesting program, so please join us!

A Note of Thanks: As many of you know, parishioners Carla Baldassari and Jose Ramirez have been in Mexico. They travelled there when they found out last month that Jose has pancreatic cancer, to seek out alternative treatments. If you would continue to pray for Jose and Carla, they would appreciate it a great deal. They asked their families to come to the 9:15 service a couple of weeks ago. Here’s a note of thanks from Carla and Jose:

“What a wonderful description about the service today!!!! It brought tears to our eyes. Teresa, the youngest of Jose’s sisters sent us 4 Flip videos that we just saw, including Father Matt’s blessing and prayer after the service. We also caught a glimpse of Julia. Thank her for meeting with Jose’s children and grandchildren in the library. THANK FATHER MATT FOR THE BLESSINGS AND PRAYERS FOR JOSE’S HEALING. Here in Salamanca we (Chata Jose’s older sister, Lupe a younger sister and her husband Rafael, Jose and I) went to the BIG St. Augustin Chruch at the same time. The church was packed, too. They have 8 services throughout the day. SEND the congregation all our thanks for their prayers and support.”

A Big THANK YOU to all the folks who helped pull together our Mardi Gras party last week!  Special thanks to Daphne Vernon, David Jasper, John Nykamp, Alice Macondray, Linelle Lane, Bob Matteucci, Kathleen Kane, and all other adults who pitched-in.  And an extra special thanks to our Youth Group, who cooked, cleaned and spread the love alongside us!!!  Love, Fr. Matt

The Lenten Series and Supper began on March 1st and continues this coming Thursday. The theme for this year is Tell Out My Soul: Exploring our Baptismal Covenant in Story. You don’t want to miss this exciting and community building series led by Julia McCray-Goldsmith, our wonderful Seminary Intern.

During the five Lenten Thursdays we’ll gather for prayer and song, and a conversational exploration of what it means to say “I will with God’s help.” We recommit to these practices at every baptism (check your BCP pp. 304-305), but what do they mean in contemporary language and life? Come hear your fellow Incarnation parishioners talk about how they understand and live out these commitments, and practice telling your own story of baptismal identity, faith and ministry using the tools of “Public Narrative.”

The Potluck Supper begins at 6 pm in Farlander and the series begins at 6:45 pm in the church. Please take a moment and sign-up to bring something for one of the suppers during our Lenten Series.

Childcare provided upon request – please call Mitch at 707-703-4162 or email smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org by the end of this Tuesday if you need childcare!

Visit http://bit.ly/lentenseries for more information about the Series.

With a Perspective. Did you miss Fr. Matt on KQED radio last week, “We Just Want You to Be Happy”? If you did, go to http://bit.ly/fr-matt and check it out.

A Verbal Odyssey of Bach’s Musical Expression:

Into Words What the Master Expressed in Music

Recital (3/9/12) and Workshop (3/10/12) with

Robert Huw Morgan

University Organist & Lecturer in Music

Memorial Church, Stanford University

The recital on Friday evening is part of the Twilight Pipe Organ Mini Recital Series here at Incarnation at 6:00 PM, and will be approximately 1/2 hour in length, followed by a dinner with Robert to those who would like to attend. A free will offering is asked at the recital.

On Saturday, Robert will be offering an exciting presentation on the music of Bach from 10 am to 3 pm (includes lunch from 12-1)… anyone who has heard Robert speak confirms that he is a captivating and enthralling speaker and presenter. Cost: $25.

For the workshop on Saturday, if anyone has difficulty with the cost, please let them know we do NOT want to deter them from attending … and to let me know of any concern or need, particularly students. The REAGO (Redwood Empire chapter of the American Guild of Organists) would like to encourage students and will greatly reduce the fee for students for them to be able to attend. Please contact Harold Julander, see below.

PHONE: 707-694-1896 (cell)

E-MAIL: bach4me@sonic.net

Harold Julander

Organist, Church of the Incarnation, Santa Rosa

Sub-Dean, REAGO

Ever wanted to ask Fr. Matt a question about theology, or have him expand more fully on some point in his sermon? Did you know we have an Ask the Rector webpage? Go to our website and look for Fr. Matt’s picture. Follow the “Ask the Rector” link to see the questions that other people have submitted and Fr. Matt’s answers. Click on the letter icon to submit your own question to Fr. Matt.

A WELCOME PARTY FOR ALL. The Welcome Committee at Incarnation invites everyone, new or not-so-not, to our St. Patrick’s Day Newcomer Party!! Please join us on Sunday, March 18th at 2 p.m. in Farlander Hall and wear something green! The party is an opportunity for newcomers to get to know us, and for us to get to know them! Good fun, good food and camaraderie are certain to occur; singing of “Danny Boy” may or may not. If you are new, please feel free to bring your family or a friend. If you are not-so-new, please bring an appetizer to share. RSVP to Barbara Avery at 707-577-8718.

NEEDED: Some ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS to decorate lamp shades that were donated by The Lamp and Shade Shop. We will be wearing them in the HUMAN RACE MAY 5th. (You may have to read that twice) There will be a container in Farlander Hall. Join us by Walking/Running/ Pledging for THE LIVING ROOM. We will be carrying the inflated sofa again and will have ‘moving lamps’ to accompany it, our logo. At our booth we will be giving one ice cream party pack from Cold Stone Creamery. Come and join the fun and raise much needed funds for THE LIVING ROOM. In any case, Diane Cox would welcome your pledge, 707-545-0783 or bach4me@sonic.net.

Are you looking for a way to connect with others? Then check out our small groups. Small Groups span a wide area of interest. We offer Care + Support groups, Study + Reflection groups, Topics + Interest groups, and Prayer + Contemplative groups. To learn more about each one go to our website (www.incarnation-sr.org) and explore the possibilities! Stop by the Small Group in Farlander Hall after the service. If you have an desire to form a small group, I would love to hear from you. You can call me (Mitch Garcia) at 703-4162 or email me at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

Create your own Small Group. If you have an idea for a small group or have been thinking “wouldn’t it be great to share my joy for (fill in the blank) with others”, then consider starting your own small group. On the Small Group table in Farlander Hall is a flyer with information for anyone who is interested in creating their own Small Group. If you would like to share and discuss your idea with me, call me at (707) 703-4162. Or email me (Mitch Garcia) at  smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

Monday Evenings at 7pm: Through the Ear to the Heart

Sing the Music of Hildegard von Bingen

(Church of the Incarnation)

Wednesday Evenings from 5:30-6:30pm:

Sacred Yoga ~ Sacred Space

(Church of the Incarnation)

3rd Fridays at 7pm:

Taize ~ Contemplative Worship Service

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

2nd Thursdays at 7 pm:

Aramaic Jesus ~

Experience the Words of Jesus in His Original Language

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

Friday, March 23rd, 7:30 pm:

Kirtana

More info on our website. Tickets now available.

(Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, Rohnert Park)

Numina Center for Spirituality and the Arts

www.numinacenter.org · 707-324-6021

One can live magnificently in this world

if one knows how to work and how to love.

–Leo Tolstoy

The Lenten Series and Supper begins on March 1st (Thursday). The theme for this year is Tell Out My Soul: Exploring our Baptismal Covenant in Story. You don’t want to miss this exciting and community building series led by Julia McCray-Goldsmith our wonderful Seminary Intern.

During the five Lenten Thursdays we’ll gather for prayer and song, and a conversational exploration of what it means to say “I will with God’s help.” We recommit to these practices at every baptism (check your BCP pp. 304-305), but what do they mean in contemporary language and life? Come hear your fellow Incarnation parishioners talk about how they understand and live out these commitments, and practice telling your own story of baptismal identity, faith and ministry using the tools of “Public Narrative.”

The Potluck Supper begins at 6pm in Farlander and the series begins at 6:45pm in the church. Please take a moment and sign-up to bring something for one of the suppers during our Lenten Series.

Visit http://bit.ly/lentenseries for more information about the Series.

Prayer with the Hands is a new small group that is forming! Have you ever wanted to prayerfully make Anglican Beads or Pocket Prayers? Come to an informational gathering this Saturday, March 3rd from 10 am to 12 pm in Room 3. Hosted by Peggy Zimmerman and Vicki Garcia, we invite anyone interested to join us for coffee and tea and some tasty treats as we share with you our ideas for this group and invite you to share your input.

Inquirers & Seekers Class begins March 4 and meets four consecutive Sundays, right after the 9:15 service, at about 10:45.

¨ A class for those new to our church, for seekers, for the curious, for those who might want to join the church, and even for those who definitely plan to join the church.

¨ A place to safely explore your faith journey, as well as to connect with others who are new to Incarnation. You’ll have a chance to meet our clergy and current leaders, hear about their faith journeys, and learn about the ministries and life of our congregation.

¨ There will be opportunities to ask questions about the Episcopal Church: its ways of worship and traditions, and about our parish: its calling to serve in downtown Santa Rosa and beyond.

Please register for the class by filling out the signup sheet on the Small Group table in Farlander Hall, calling the church office at 579-2604, or sending an email to iseekers@incarnation-sr.org. Please let us know if you’ll need childcare.

Note: For those wishing to be confirmed, this course serves as partial preparation for confirmation. Those wishing to be confirmed should contact the office for more information.

News from the Finance Committee:

Pledge income budgeted, Jan 2012: $31,085.

Pledge income received, Jan. 2012: $24,012.

That’s a deficit of over $7,000. Let’s see if we can’t turn this around!

A Verbal Odyssey of Bach’s Musical Expression:

Into Words What the Master Expressed in Music

Recital (3/10/12) and Workshop (3/11/12) with

Robert Huw Morgan

University Organist & Lecturer in Music

Memorial Church, Stanford University

The recital on Friday evening is part of the Twilight Pipe Organ Mini Recital Series here at Incarnation at 6:00 PM, and will be approximately 1/2 hour in length, followed by a dinner with Robert to those who would like to attend. A free will offering is asked at the recital.

On Saturday, Robert will be offering an exciting presentation on the music of Bach from 10 am to 3 pm (includes lunch from 12-1)… anyone who has heard Robert speak confirms that he is a captivating and enthralling speaker and presenter. Cost: $25.

For the workshop on Saturday, if anyone has difficulty with the cost, please let them know we do NOT want to deter them from attending … and to let me know of any concern or need, particularly students. The REAGO (Redwood Empire chapter of the American Guild of Organists) would like to encourage students and will greatly reduce the fee for students for them to be able to attend. Please contact Harold Julander, see below.

PHONE: 707-694-1896 (cell)

E-MAIL: bach4me@sonic.net

Harold Julander

Organist, Church of the Incarnation, Santa Rosa

Sub-Dean, REAGO

A Welcoming Congregation:

Notes From a Newcomer

Those of us who are new to Incarnation want to feel at home. We come with a sense of expectancy that this will be a good place for us to find community, companionship, and spiritual nourishment. We are hopeful, and nervous. A smile directed at us can help alleviate our nerves, but that alone is inadequate.  A hello and a handshake are so much more powerful.

It’s not difficult to engage a one of us in conversation. Really!! Ask us what brought us to Incarnation, who we are, what we do for a living. Please do not think that you must have the most interesting conversation ever, or the funniest, or the deepest. That is not what we need. We need to find a church in which we feel comfortable, and that is filled with nice people. People like you!

We want to feel welcomed into what we hope will be our new spiritual home. So please take some time to welcome us and get to know us!

The Biblical Archaeology group gathered for the first time last Tuesday! We will be meeting again soon. Want to join us? Sign-up for more information and to find out when our next meeting will be. Our studies will investigate the Essenes, the third major sect of Judaism at the time of Christ, its influence on Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels, and on the formation of the Church mission. Our group times will include psalmic worship, Prayer, and circle songs, with percussion. Check us out!

From the Altar Guild: Have you noticed the new shelves in the Marion Chapel? On either side of the Annunciation Window are two new shelves, right under the angels. Now why would we need shelves in the Marion Chapel? Glad you asked. They are for flowers, little flowers (nosegays) for our loved ones in the columbarium. The need was discovered 2 Christmases ago, when a young women came to the Midnight service and wanted to put a rose near her grandmother’s ashes and there was no place, but on the little stool in the corner. Mom and I saw what she was doing, and thought there should be little vases near our columbarium for flowers like they have up at the cemetery. We spoke to David Jasper and after some talented work by Jerry Bandy we now have the shelves and little vases. The Altar Guild will fill the little vases with water for your use and we even have little supply of cards if you want to label your little gift. You are welcome to bring your flowers in before the service (or after) and put them in a vase. Just one little piece of advice: Little is the word, little vases, sharing a shelf, so little flowers, not more than about 8 inches high, or so seem to be best. If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Altar Guild.

Are you looking for a way to connect with others? Then check out our small groups. Small Groups span a wide area of interest. We offer Care + Support groups, Study + Reflection groups, Topics + Interest groups, and Prayer + Contemplative groups. To learn more about each one go to our website (www.incarnation-sr.org) and explore the possibilities! Stop by the Small Group in Farlander Hall after the service. If you have an desire to form a small group, I would love to hear from you. You can call me (Mitch Garcia) at 703-4162 or email me at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

Create your own Small Group. If you have an idea for a small group or have been thinking “wouldn’t it be great to share my joy for (fill in the blank) with others”, then consider starting your own small group. On the Small Group table in Farlander Hall is a flyer with information for anyone who is interested in creating their own Small Group. If you would like to share and discuss your idea with me, call me at (707) 703-4162. Or email me (Mitch Garcia) at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

Ever wanted to ask Fr. Matt a question about theology, or have him expand more fully on some point in his sermon? Did you know we have an Ask the Rector webpage? Go to our website and look for Fr. Matt’s picture. Follow the “Ask the Rector” link to see the questions that other people have submitted and Fr. Matt’s answers. Click on the letter icon to submit your own question to Fr. Matt.

Monday Evenings at 7pm: Through the Ear to the Heart

Sing the Music of Hildegard von Bingen

(Church of the Incarnation)

Wednesday Evenings from 5:30-6:30pm:

Sacred Yoga ~ Sacred Space

(Church of the Incarnation)

3rd Fridays at 7pm:

Taize ~ Contemplative Worship Service

(St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Sebastopol)

Numina Center for Spirituality and the Arts

www.numinacenter.org · 707-324-6021

What thou avoidest suffering thyself seek not to impose on others.

- Epictetus (in Ancient Greece)