THE BETHLEHEM

Hebrew for House of Bread

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

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

The Perfect Christian (doesnt live around here!) In the afterglow of the wonderful experiences we shared during Lent, Holy Week and Easter, it is understandable if we are unshaken in our newfound commitment to live the Resurrected-Life and unrestrained in our joy. We have emerged from a season of confession, repentance and reconciliation with a renewed hope that rivals only the resolutions we make at the New Year. The path into Easter was made more meaningful and beautiful by our study and worship together, especially those days we gathered during the Triduum. While basking in the glory of a new outlook and a new commitment to Resurrection-Life, lapses in memory and performance are hard to avoid. We are bound to err. It is easy, for example, to forget about a commitment to almsgiving when I see the same person on the street every day asking for help. Or I might be in such a rush one morning that I miss my scheduled time for prayer and meditation. First, if you are astute enough to catch yourself on these omissions, you are well ahead of most others. That you are thinking about it means that it is still not far from you and is still in your active consciousness. There is reason for hope. Some believers get easily discouraged and, when they fail, will denigrate their efforts and belittle their commitment. It is proven that the most unhelpful responses to these events is self-shaming and guilt. If you feel bad about forgetting, you are more likely to decide against trying the next time. For, who wants to repeat something when we already feel negatively about our efforts? Page 1
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All of this is to say that none of us is perfect. None of us is likely to be 100% successful when we are working at establishing new patterns, new relationships and new responses to familiar stimuli. These things take time. Remember, our Lenten disciplines included a promise to be non-judgmental even about ourselves. Mistakes and failures prove only that we are human beings and thank God! As human beings, we stand in constant need of Gods love and redemption by and through Jesus. What joy! There are, however, things that will assure us that we are making forward progress and that will measure the quality of our response to living the Resurrected-life. Consider your motivations; is it your intent to build up the Body of Christ? This includes; Do you say only those things that bring life to your brothers and sisters? Can you disagree without causing strife, scandal or dissention? Do your actions reveal witness to Gods love? Are your baptismal promises made visible by your life and choices? As I mentioned in the sermon on Easter morning, I find God making up for my lack when I am searching for Jesus or when I am conflicted. God is the first to act, the one who comes to me even before I am aware of my need. I must only be aware of his loving presence and to accept His gift of Grace. If ever you come up short in your search for Jesus or in your efforts to live the Resurrected Life, God is already prepared to make up for your lack, your shortfall. Imagine your hands extended to help someone - like they are when we receive communion. If there is a gap between what must be done and our ability to do it, we have the assurance that God will fill that gap and that we will have Gods grace to do what we alone never could. As we continue in our service to God, let our communion at the Holy Table be our guide and our objective: To live as One Body Reconciling all things to God the Father through Jesus

Peace to you. Christopher+

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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.

Annual Picnic
Please join us for Fun and Fellowship at Blessed Sacraments Annual Picnic held at the Kittridge Ranch on Sunday, May 18, 2014 Noon4:00 p.m. This year well have Entertainment by The Ukulele Club who will also lead us in a sing-a-long. Theres something fun for all ages: horseback riding; swinging, or just relaxing under a beautiful canopy of trees to enjoy the priceless fellowship of one another. Please sign up on the sheet in the Parish Hall to bring a salad, entre, drinks or dessert to share.

Thank you so much Bill and Coren Kittridge for opening up your beautiful home for us all to enjoy!

Hope to see you there!

Youth Fellowship and Bon Fires

On the third Saturday of each month, beginning in May, join us for Smores, singing and story telling around the camp fire!

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Outreach Committee News

Twelve Easter Baskets were delivered to the Friendly Center, Placentia, for distribution to needy children in our community. Thank you to those who donated filled baskets.

Ongoing Ministries
Thanks also to those who faithfully bring in cancelled postage stamps for the Sisters of the Community of St. Marys in Greenwich, NY, and greeting cards and Campbells Soup labels for St. Judes Ranch for Children in Boulder City, Nevada.

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.)
Month May Theme Mother Thought for the Month

June

Father

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 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

Outreach updates including future activities and/or in-gatherings will be published in the Sunday Bulletins for you to respond as you are able. 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 .

..I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 Page 4

H.I.S. House News Update Outreach Opportunities

There are many organizations that could benefit from your time and talents and especially your desire or simple enthusiasm to do a little good in your community. H.I.S House is always appreciative and very supportive of such and provides various opportunities to anyone that might be so motivated. Prime among these is the Tool Box ministry at HIS House. Every Thursday morning from 9:00 AM to about noon (or whenever the allotted tasks are complete), a group of volunteers meets at the shelter to perform maintenance. Bob Hutchinson is in charge of the program which strives to keep the facilities safe, in good repair, and pleasant for the residents. Jobs may range from painting, installing doors, fixing electrical outlets, planting plants, to building a new pergola for the front entrance and everything in between. If you are at all handy with tools or a paint brush, please contact Bob at (714) 671-0567 or by e-mail at hutch1038@yahoo.com. He will put you on his contact list and send you a list of jobs to be done so that you know how to dress and what kinds of tools are needed. Another non-financial way you can help is by volunteering time (and talent) at Charitys Closet. They are always looking for people who are willing to help out at this boutique thrift shop. Needs include people to help sort and display the donations, salespeople, and transportation of donated furniture (if you have a truck). Its a great way to make friends and meet people within the community since there are many opportunities to assist in this very vital ministry that provides funds for over one-half the budget for HIS House! Even if you cant help out in person, perhaps you have some gently used clothing, furniture, or household items to donate. If you cant get them to the shop by yourself, please call (714) 993-4687 and we will arrange a pick-up. (Now you know why we are always in need of people with a truck or van.) Do you like to Shop and Browse? One simple way to help is by visiting the shop and searching for treasures at very bargain prices. You would be surprised at the quality and condition of the goods offered here. Blessings, Allen Sypherd, HIS House Board

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Childrens Learning Center Update

The C.L.C. had an Easter See's Candy fundraiser and I want to thank all of you that purchased candy from us. With your help we were able to make over $800 for the school. We are now accepting registrations and enrollments for the fall 2014 school year. School and church families get priority when enrolling their children. There are also some openings starting this summer. Let the school office know if you, or anyone you might know, would like more information. If you get a minute please check out our new website @ www.placentiapreschool.com, (thank you Jeff Green for putting this together). Also be sure to "like" us on Facebook and to keep up with all the fun happenings at our school. Blessings, Tracie Donaldson

SONGBIRD STUDIOS PRESENTS ACACIA CHOIR SIMPLE GIFTS A SPRING CONCERT SATURDAY MAY 3, 2014 4:30 P.M. THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Acacia Choir cordially invites you to a beautiful evening of live music. Accompanied by a mini orchestra of piano, cello, and flute, the Acacia songbirds will lift your spirits with elegant and energetic selections from classic American and musical theater repertoire. Consider yourself our honored guest, and drift down the Shenandoah river with us, finding peace and delight in the simple gifts, in the sound of music. Prelude hand-bell music by Belle Musique. Dessert reception to follow. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: ASHLEY ROMERO @ 714-334-8858 or ASHLEY.ROMERO@GMAIL.COM WWW.BELLEMUSIQUE.ORG

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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.

Ukulele Club
Join the fun and participate in the Ukulele Club at the Rectory on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Children as young as four years old have fun making (sometimes very loud!) music, 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. Ukulele club isn't just for kids! Anyone is invited to join. Talk to Ashley Romero for more information.

Financial Update from the Vestry and Senior Warden

METRIC SundayAttendance8:00 SundayAttendance10:15 SundayAttendanceTOTAL NumberofContributions AverageWeeklyEnvelopeContributions($) CumulativeEnvelopeContributions %ParishMembersParticipating(basedonoutstanding envelopes) AverageContribution(perenvelope) AverageWeeklyVariance(fromweeklybudgetarygoal) CumulativeShortfall/GainFromBudgetYTD(1stqtr)
WeeklyBudgetaryGoal

1stQTR 2014
24 53 77 26

1stQTR 2013
26 66 92 30

1stQTR 1stQTR 2012 2011

35 91 116 40 36 89 124 36

1stQTR 2010
43 95 135 45 $3,895.22

$3,854.23 $3,696.84 $5,746.34 $5,535.59

$50,105.00 $48,058.91 $93,846.36 $71,962.64 $68,442.80 35% $150.47 $8.23 $107.00

$3,846

40% $115.50 ($551.16)

31% $143.66 ($513.66)

27% $155.76 $35.59

34% $87.16 ($1,604.78)

($7,036.09) $12,466.83 ($297.00) ($3,057.20)

$4,248 $6,260 includesACR $5,500 includesACR $5,500 includesACR

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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 Tuesday, May 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

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

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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/

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