THE BETHLEHEM

Hebrew for House of Bread

April 2014
E-Mail: bsacrament@sbcglobal.net Web site: http:/www.bsacramentchurch.org/

A Monthly Message from our interim priest, Rev. Christopher Potter.

We have traversed together about half the length of Lent. In short order, the season will blossom into Holy Week with Easter close on its heels. We have explored some difficult paths together both on Sundays and on Wednesday nights. We examined how human dignity suffers us all in the face of trafficking and enslavement. We have sought how to make moral decisions without the veil of prejudice and judgment. We considered the nature of sin and the grace of redemption. We will continue the work and approach questions of our mortality and the immediacy of the charge that lies before us. We are a people in process. Change is inevitable, though growth is optional. This season challenges us, on the individual level, to review, repent, and renew our baptismal commitment to follow Christ towards his ultimate objective: the Kingdom of God where we shall live fully reconciled with our Creator. We have the choice to accept the challenges of our baptism to recognize where we have fallen short, to acknowledge the healing available through the disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving and to take bolder steps to live more faithfully the Gospel of grace. There is also a communal element to Lent. As a parish, we hear the call to address those places and moments in our communal life that are in need of healing and restoration. Where and how may seem obvious: we seek and pray for healing as we gather at Gods Holy Table. However, unless we deliberately NAME the things that have caused our need for reconciliation our communal shortcomings we may be tempted to gloss over them too Page 1
(Continued on page 2)

(Continued from page 1)

quickly. Healing them requires us to call them what they are (not who we think caused them) and to ask for Healing Waters of the Holy Spirit to fall upon those wounds. There is a specific area in our communal life that signifies our willingness to grow and to take on new directions. In the past, feelings of loss or hurt had kept much of our focus inward. Now, there is mounting evidence that we are looking to be yet a greater witness of Christ in our neighborhood and in the world. Through the wonderful work of the Outreach Committee and the independent volunteers among us, we are bringing love, food, clothing and housing to those who need our help. Before our meeting in mid-March about human trafficking and the shame of homelessness around us, a few people had begun talking about adding a ministry to offer food to children who are homeless. As the conversation evolved, we learned of a gathering of homeless youth behind a store close to the church. We wondered about the mechanics of helping them, and we examined the judgments that might be hampering our own response. For example, we had to exclude immediately that these children were incorrigible runaways who are just avoiding a return to home. Many, we understand, may have been foster kids or residents of group homes who have been emancipated and cannot yet find their footing to establish themselves in jobs. After that discussion about human trafficking, we learned that housing resources for children under 18 do not exist in Orange County unless the children commit a crime or their parents have relinquished their parental rights. Though we are not now in the position to answer the call to provide shelter for these children, we may be in a very good Spiritual position to gather some resources and provide food and help them access local services. It came to us as well that one of our greatest strengths in our parish is the quality and number of children who gather at Table with us! The benefits and grace available by connecting through such a ministry our faithful children to those who are homeless and hungry nearby cannot be underestimated. Keep all these things in your hearts as you approach Jesus in your daily prayers. They hearken to us to continue the wonderful things we are doing yet with greater fervor. Our Lenten work together promises that a Glorious Easter is waiting for us and perhaps for some children who also await a resurrection experience. Peace to you. Christopher+

Page 2

It is the bounden duty and service of the people of this parish, being part of the one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church, to worship God as he has revealed himself in Jesus Christ, to become saints, and to make disciples of all people.

SUPPERS IN LENT
Join us each Wednesday of Lent, (except Holy Week) as we gather for a meal of soup, bread, salad and sharing of the Word at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Topics will inspire discussion and deep prayer.

Join us and have fun making Palm Crosses for Palm Sunday

Holy Week Services

Lessons and Hymns with Tennebrae; Tuesday, April 15, 2014 7;00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Mass; 7:00 p.m. Good Friday Service 12 noon Vigil of Easter Saturday; 7:30 p.m. Easter Sunday 9:00 a.m. (One Mass Only)

On Saturday, April 12th at 9:30 a.m. in the church fellowship hall, there will be a gathering to make the palm crosses for Palm Sunday. Bring yourself and a pair of scissors! Easy to learn and do!! The more the merrier!! Refreshments will be provided!!

Grand Easter-egg Hunt

Remind your children to bring their Baskets and have an Egg_citing Eggsperience after the celebrations of Easter Sunday Mass. (And Dont Forget to bring your bells to help ring out the Gloria during the Service.) Page 3

Outreach Committee News

We recently mailed 1 lb 8 1/2 oz (thats a lot of stamps) to the Sisters of the Community of St. Marys in Greenwich, NY and received the following letter of thanks. Please extend our thanks to all who contributed to St. Marys stamp program. Our Sisters in Malawi have been able to receive a grant to build a school for the orphans they care for. So we are placing the proceeds from our Stamp Program for school supplies for the children and what other needs our Sisters suggest. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. God Bless one and all, Margaret Willis, Resident Associate C & M

Month April

Theme Seeds of Hope

Thought for the Month

May

Mother

And God said, Let the earth bring forththe herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. Genesis 1:11 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you. Exodus 20:12

Please help us to assist the Friendly Center, Placentia, in meeting their goal to provide 900 Easter Baskets to needy children in our community. It is suggested that these baskets contain one hygiene item (toothbrush/paste, shampoo, etc.) a small toy or book and a small amount of Easter candy. Please wrap the basket in cellophane or place items in a gift bag. Baskets should be placed at the back of the church before April 7th.
Also, please dont forget to fill in and submit your Volunteer Log cards.
As usual anyone having any questions on these ministries, or even have other suggestions or ideas regarding any of our Outreach Projects may contact us at: Ned Bergert at 714-501-3858--- Nhbergert@gmail.com , or Marion Hetherington at 714-528-9907--- CSSquared@SBCGlobal.net .

Please, also remember, Every Sunday A Can a Week to Feed Gods Sheep.

(Please use the green bags provided by Outreach for transporting your donations. )
Page 4

H.I.S. House News Update A Winning Team

The Olympics are finally over and the winning contenders and teams have been chosen. Was the team you were rooting for one of the winners? Would you like to have been part of that winning team? Well, heres your chance to be part of a perpetually winning team! For the past 25 years volunteers at HIS House and later Charitys Closet have been part of a winning team providing housing and opportunities to the homeless. Can you believe that HIS House has been in operation for 25 years? What a story we have to tell. Have there been challenges? You bet! Have there been setbacks? Yes. But we have persevered and risen to the challenges to become one of the most successful transitional living facilities in Orange County, if not Southern California. You will be hearing much more about the celebrations and plans for commemorating our 25 years of service as the year progresses. But, to really feel the thrill of success you have to be part of the team that makes it happen. As coaches often say, There is no I in TEAM. It takes the combined effort of all involved to make success a reality. Here is where you come in. Volunteers make HIS House and its mission possible. Without volunteers there would be no Board of Directors, no mentors, no fundraisers, no facilities maintenance, no workers for Charitys Closet - our doors would close. We need all types of volunteers to continue the successes we have had to date. We need:

People who are interested in fund-raising People who are good at fixing things (Thursday mornings at 9AM at the shelter) People who would like to help with publicity People who could help mentor residents in basic living skills People who like to work with the public (Charitys Closet)
People who have expertise in merchandise and display (Charitys Closet) If you are one of those people with the desire to be a winner, please join us in this very rewarding and much needed ministry. Maybe you have a talent or expertise that we havent mentioned give us a call. Maybe you can fit into one of the areas of need right now give us a call. The shelter number is (714) 993-5774 and Charitys Closet number is (714) 993-4687. Operators are standing by - well, not really, but we are waiting for you to become a part of our winning team. You may not receive gold or silver or bronze, but the smiles of appreciation from the residents can outshine any medal. Give us a try. You will definitely be a winner! Blessings,

Allen Sypherd, HIS House Board

Page 5

Childrens Learning Center Update

Dear Parish Family, I want to personally thank each and everyone of you who came out and supported our Childrens Learning Center auction. There was a lot of fun had by all and much excitement over many auction items; including the quilt that Ruth Govorchin made which sold for $1,050.00. My Board and staff was so supportive that night. I could not have done it without you. Peter Koch, a million thanks for being the cashier even though you werent feeling well. Fr. Christopher, thank you for bringing your lovely daughter. Ned and Sandy Bergert, thanks for bringing a whole table of folks and for your continued support even though technically Ned is no longer on the board. And last but not least, thank you to Robert Bell for your many years as our auctioneer. You really know how to get the crowd going. I am so thankful to God for bringing our school to Blessed Sacrament. The support we receive Lauren Potter and Miss Tracie from the parish is immeasurable. Enjoy the Fiesta Activities Im happy to report the net income for the auction was $15,250.and change!
Auctioneer Robert Bell stimulates a receptive audience

Blessings, Tracie Donaldson

Our Childrens Learning Center will be taking orders for Sees Candy. If you would like to place an order you may do so after either Sunday Service. There are also extra order forms if you think you might be able to take any outside orders. All prepaid orders and order forms are due no later than Monday, April 7th. The candy will be ready for pickup around April 14th. Simplify your Easter gift giving and support our Childrens Learning Center at the same time! Page 6

SEES CANDY

Important News from the

Vestry and Senior Warden
RECTOR SEARCH UPDATE
Following up on last months announcement, Bishop Bruno has agreed to visit Blessed Sacrament Church and hold another town hall meeting to encourage us on our journey, and to answer questions about our search process, or any of the changes that have recently taken place. Bishop Bruno is scheduled to meet with us on Wednesday, April 30 at 7:00 pm

Ukulele Club
Join in the fun and participate in the Ukulele Club at the Rectory on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. The newly-formed Ukulele Club, directed by Ashley Romero, has proven so popular with the kids of the congregation that it is now meeting every week! Children as young as four years old have fun making (sometimes very loud!) music, while members in their teens enjoy spending time in community with other youth, improving their musicianship, and practicing songs both familiar and new. It's so encouraging to see such a wide range of ages present and having so much fun! The club is a fantastic way for all the children of the parish, from both services, to get to know each other, build friendships, and praise God. It's also drawing kids from outside the parish. Ashley, who teaches in the Fullerton School District, has been inviting her students to participate as well. Ukulele club isn't just for kids! Anyone with an interest is welcome to join. Talk to Ashley Romero for more information, and look forward to a public performance from the Ukulele Club soon!

The Charles Williams Reading Group

continues our review of MSgr. Ronald Knoxs collected Oxford conferences from the volume titled The Hidden Stream. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday about 7:15 pm, at the home of Teri and Eliot Harry, which is located about a mile north of the Blessed Sacrament Church. We always look forward to welcoming any new members to any of our meetings! For more information regarding our present topics please contact either Eliot at heharry@att.net or Emily Evans at matthew633@mindspring.com or call 714.525.1066 if you are interested, or have questions.

Page 7

Electronic Giving
A timely reminder that you can now donate electronically to The Blessed Sacrament Church and/or The Childrens Learning Center. You may make a one-time or a recurring donation simply by clicking on the Online Giving link on the menu bar at the top-right of the church website, or you can go directly to this URL: http://www.blesssac.org/giving/. Direct Debit Giving is used to automatically transfer funds from your checking or savings account to the churchs bank account. At this time we do not offer online credit card giving as the processing expense is prohibitive. As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving. Additional information is available from the church office. If your smart-phone is equipped with a QR code reader application you can set up an online donation plan and/or make a one-time donation by reading the QR code at the right.

A reminder also for Amazon Shoppers

Support our Church with up to 0.5% of your eligible purchases when shopping at smile.amazon.com. Just remember to identify Episcopal Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Placentia, California as your Designated Charity.

NEXT BETHLEHEM DEADLINE Sunday, April 20, 2014

FR. CHRISTOPHER POTTER, INTERIM PRIEST JEFF GREEN, SENIOR WARDEN BRIAN NICK, JUNIOR WARDEN PATTY BELL, OFFICE MANAGER MARION & THEO HETHERINGTON, EDITORS cssquared@roadrunner.com

Page 8

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH WOULD LIKE TO THANK THESE BUSINESSES FOR MAKING OUR NEWSLETTER POSSIBLE

YORBA LINDA PLUMBING CO.

Garbage Disposals Water Heaters Sink Lines Cleared

CALL 777-2717
4891 Main Street
Since 1970

Nursing Care Home Health Aids Nutritional Counseling 24-Hour on Call Sta Spiritual Counseling Physician Consultations Bereavement & Counseling Services Volunteer Companion Service For Quality of Life... Through the Compassion of Many

1280 N. Kraemer Placentia, CA 92870

Margo's Flowers
10% OFF
with coupon

www.margosflowers.net

(714) 572-8878

377 E. Chapman Ave., Ste. 280 Placentia 800.889.3227 714.577.9656

Green Cleaners
Delivery Service

Taking care of you & your clothes since 1965

Drive-up Service

24 Hr. Drop Box

Superior Cleaning and Finishing Laundry Fluff & Fold Service Couture Clothing

Household Linens & Bedding Alterations & Tailoring

204 E. Yorba Linda Blvd. Placentia, CA 92870 714-524-7130 642 N. Rose Placentia, CA 92870 714-524-9184 nortonscleaners.com

Residential Commercial Industrial

No Job Too Small or Large Troubleshooting Room Additions New Outlets Lighting Installation Ceiling Fans Circuits LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Call: (951) 295-4399

Fullerton Since 1911

Lic.#190

MCAULAY & WALLACE

Mortuary and Florist
William H. McAulay
Funeral Dir. Lic. #289
www.cmpublications.com

Yorba Linda Since 1976

Lic.#1304

714-525-4721
BLESSED SACRAMENT / 003

714-777-2692
For information, please call (951) 776-0601

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 1314 North Angelina Drive Placentia, California 92870-3442

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

THE BETHLEHEM
Phone: (714) 528-2995 Fax (714) 528-2997 E-Mail: bsacrament@sbcglobal.net Web-site http://www.bsacramentchurch.org/

Page 10