From Don’s Desk


A potpourri:

    Barbara and I had some wonderful R and R in August. Barbara attended a family reunion in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia and enjoyed it very much. En route we spent some incredible days taking in some of the most magnificent and spectacular natural beauty we have ever seen:   rugged mountain peaks and glaciers and gorgeous lakes and streams and waterfalls . . . elk and mountain sheep and big horn sheep . . . and . . . and . . . and!  Many times as we gazed in awesome wonder at what God’s hand hath made we softly sang:
    “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation.
      O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
      Let the Amen sound from His people again. Gladly for aye we adore Him.”
And this offertory hymn from a previous congregation:
    “Thank You, Lord! Thank You, Lord! Thank You, Lord, I just want to thank You, Lord.”

    Blessing of Animals Sunday October 1, 2:00 pm  Due to circumstances beyond our control we were unable to announce and publicize this sooner, so please help us get the word out. The Blessing of Animals, open to the public of course, will take place in the upper parking lot.

    Sunday School under way:  We have ordered materials, and we are now ready to provide Sunday School for younger children at our Worship Services. The Vestry’s point person for Education, Joan Wilson, reports that she, Barbara Hagiwara, Marty Durrett, Anne Harris-Smith, Joni Michel and Gay will take turns with the kids. If you know you will be bringing grandchildren or other young ‘uns to a Sunday service, it would be very helpful if you would let Barbara, Marty, Gay or me know which service, and we’ll try to have a Sunday School teacher available.
    My cell phone # is 909-7805  A reminder that you are now graciously providing me with a cell phone. I’m still not quite in the habit of carrying it with me all the time . . . or having it turned on when I do . . . but if you can’t reach me at home or at St. Paul’s don’t hesitate to call me at 909-7805.
    Cambria Oktoberfest Saturday October 7  Some of you know I’m the Entertainment Chair for Cambria’s Oktoberfest this year. The event is a major fund-raiser for the Joslyn Center. It will run from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 p.m. at the Veterans’ Hall. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. Barbara and I will do some German folk dances, and in our second program we will be joined by part-time Cambrians who live in Fresno. In addition to the Morro Bay Oom-pah Band, a band from Fresno will play. Square dancers, line dancers, swing dancers, international folk dancers, belly dancers and the Cambria Baton Twirlers will perform. We’ll have an ugly legs contest for the men and a lovely legs contest for the ladies and a yodeling contest. The Honorary Mayor of Cambria will do the honors at a ceremonial tapping of the first keg. If you enjoy this sort of thing, this should be lots of fun.
    Central Coast Clergy for Justice  The group met recently to draft position statements on four areas of concern  [War and Peace and Non-violence; Civil/Human Rights; Economic Justice and Environmental Justice] and to discuss future plans. We were top-heavy with Episcopalians! I worked on the statement on war, peace and non-violence. If you’re interested, ask to see the fruits of our labors after the material is edited and approved by the larger group.
                Don