Hello –
First, letting you know that you’ll all be in my prayers tomorrow as the storm hits. We can be there for each other as needs arise. We are among those you can call if you are afraid or alone. (415 456 4842)
Also, I wanted to be sure everyone knew that we’re going to cancel tomorrow morning’s Morning Prayer at 7:30.
But while I have your attention, I want to share two things, Our kids got a great shout out in the monthly newsletter from the St. Vincent DePaul society (see below) and Richard Olive has designed an easy way to make a difference in the lives of seven men in San Quentin by shooting them a Christmas card. (Also see below.)
These two things are the Holiday Spirit, St. Paul’s Style!
From the Monthly Volunteer Letter from St. Vincent’s:
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Kids Program has added a much needed warmth to the walls in our dining room. In October, their happy and smiling jack-o-lanterns decorated the side wall; some toothless, others with one eye, but all sending the message, “We care about you!” At our Thanksgiving feast, paper bag turkeys festively decorated the tables and after the meal they served as holiday hats for diners as they danced to the music of Kurt Huget. On December 14th, the Kids Program will visit our dining room, singing holiday songs with our diners. The program, with children ages 3 to teens, adds a special reminder to those in need each month – “You are part of our community, you are important, and we want to share a part of the holidays with you.” Thank you, St.Paul’s Kids program for sharing your joy with all of us.
And from Richard Olive:
PRISON CHRISTMAS
In response to Jesus’ call in Matthew 25:36 calling attention to the imprisoned (“I was in prison and you visited me …”), St. Paul’s ministry for death row inmates at San Quentin is in touch with seven men. There are 13 church members involved along with the Rector in this ministry, which includes prison visits, corresponding with inmates and providing lodging for the mother of one who drives each weekend from Bakersfield to see her son.
You can make a difference for one or more of these men this holiday season by sending a Christmas card with a message of prayer to one or more of these inmates. If you feel a calling for this simple service you may send your Christmas greetings to the following, each of whose address ends with two lines:
San Quentin State Prison
San Quentin, CA 94974
Joseph Lloyd Cook Daniel T. Silveria
E-61595 K-57200
NSS-2 NS.4.N
Tim De Priest Steve Livaditis
J-23100 D-61400
NB-N6-5-L NS-22-S
Robert Cowen Ted Wrest
K18501 D-87200
Jonathan Travis
K57201
NBS32