Regular Events
JoJoin us for a four-part “Not Your Father’s Bible Study” on gender and sexuality in the Bible. All members of the UCSB community are invited to join us for any or all of these sessions. No prior knowledge needed, just an open mind, willingness to learn and commitment to respectful dialog. Meet in the UCSB Women’s Center, 1st floor of the Student Resource Building. Led by Anna Daly, Karen Steward and Nicole Janelle.
Liberating the Bible
Wednesday, February 4th 3-3:50pm
In this introductory session of a four-part February Bible study on gender and sexuality, we’ll explore the various ways communities have interpreted the Bible. We’ll focus on reading the Bible as a multi-layered, complex document that offers a message of justice and liberation rather than oppression and condemnation.
Beyond Friendship?
Wednesday, February 11th 3-3:50pm
You can find examples of just about every kind of human relationship in the Bible. Some of these relationships are condoned and others are condemned. Yet ALL are subject to interpretation, and they have been continually reinterpreted in light of contemporary contexts ever since they were written down. Join us for a discussion of two same-gender relationships – Jonathan & David and Ruth & Naomi. How might Christians in the 21st century interpret "the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul" and Ruth's declaration to Naomi that "Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God?”
Liberating Mary
Wednesday, February 18th 3-3:50pm
Virgin, sinner or whoar? In the third of a four-part Bible study on gender and sexuality, we’ll look at the trinity of Marys – Mary the Mother of God, Mary of the sisters Mary & Martha and Mary Magdalene, apostle to the apostles. We’ll separate fact from fiction when it comes to the lives, work and reputations of these brave and spunky women!
Putting Paul In His Place
Ash Wednesday, February 25th 3-3:50pm
What did the apostle Paul mean when he wrote, "Wives, be subject to your husbands?” Or "women should be silent in the churches?” How about "men committed shameless acts with men?” Many historical and current Christian teachings have their roots in Paul's pronouncements, including such gender and sexuality-related topics as husband-wife relationships, women's leadership in the church, and homosexuality. Join us for a discussion of Paul's words in their 1st-century textual, social, political, and religious contexts and what they can mean for us in the 21st century.
Labyrinth Day at Storke Plaza on January 6!
Progressive Christian Students @ UCSB sponsor a labyrinth walking day at Storke Plaza on Tuesday, 1/6, 10am-2pm. (Rain date is Monday 1/5.)
Labyrinths have been around for over 4000 years and are found in nearly every major religious tradition in the world. The labyrinth has only one path so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. The path winds throughout and becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives. Get your Winter Quarter off to a GOOD START by participating in this ancient tradition of walking the labyrinth.
Defy the Death of Spirit: Restorative Justice and South Africa's Truth & Reconciliation Commission
Join us for the first of a three-part series sponsored by Progressive Christian Students on the principles and practices of restorative justice, a philosophy and movement that seek to move beyond punishment and retribution to facilitate a just society. We will look at the case of South Africa's attempt to confront its half-century legacy of apartheid by inviting perpetrators and victims to participate in a forum that lasted more than two years, through which the grievances could be aired, horrific truths exposed, and forgiveness and healing made possible. This event will feature excerpts from the award-winning documentary Long Night's Journey Into Day: South Africa's Search For Truth & Reconciliation (2000).
Tuesday 1/13, 12:30-1:30pm, 1st floor Multi-Purpose Room of the Student Resource Building.
Day/Night Winter Quarter Parking Permits Available @ St. Mike's!
Tired of roaming the streets of IV for a parking space?
A small number of parking spaces are available for rent at St. Mike's. Overnight parking allowed with some restrictions for special events and services.
To reserve your spot for Winter Quarter, email (info@saintmikes-ucsb.org) or call (805/968-2712). In person interview and signed contract required. $80-$100 per quarter. First come. First Serve. Spread the word among your friends! Proceeds help to support community programming at St. Mike's!
Ever wanted to be a Church Volunteer?
The New Year is almost upon us and we need your ongoing help to keep St. Mike's running smoothly. Please let us know if you are able to share some of your time this year in any of the following areas currently in need of attention. Students and community members are invited to volunteer!
Money Counter - Jesus didn't have great things to say about the money counters, but rest assured that this is a valued ministry at St. Mike's! What's involved? Counting the Sunday offering (pledge checks and loose change) and completing the bank deposit slip. On the job training provided! Contact Madeline Blickley, our treasurer, to join the volunteer rota. 964-7033
Coffee Cart Monitor - Great job for a caffeine lover! Our coffee cart houses our coffee maker and supplies for after church coffee hour. The cart is in need of regular cleaning (spilled coffee, etc.) and re-stocking from supplies in the kitchen. To keep a watchful eye over the coffee cart a few times a month, please contact Nicole+. 968-2712
Linen Launderer - Our fair linen needs (purificators, altar cloths) weekly/bi-monthly washing and ironing. We also often have dirty kitchen towels or bathroom mats that need washing. This behind the scenes ministry is critical to our weekly "feeding of people" operation! If you have a washing machine and don't mind a periodic load of holy laundry, then this is your ministry! Speak to Gary Marter, altar guild coordinator, to volunteer. 964-3841
Choir Member - Our laid-back choir rehearses every Sunday at 9:30am and helps support the congregation in song. To join up, come to church a bit early for the rehearsal. No experience necessary -- just a love of music...
Progressive Christian Students @ UCSB
Fall Quarter Meeting Schedule - Meetings held every Monday, 12-1pm in the 2nd floor conference room, SRB on campus.
9/29/08: “Progressive Faith. Progressive Action” A conversation with Jennifer Bailey, UCSB alum and Executive Director of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, Santa Barbara.
10/6/08: “Meet a Monk: Contemplative Life and the Practice of Prayer” A conversation with Brother James, Order of the Holy Cross, Mt. Calvary Retreat Center.
10/13/08: “Prophetic Hospitality: Immigration & the Sanctuary Movement” A conversation with Alice Linsmeier & friends, Executive Director of Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice, Ventura County.
10/20/08: “A Theological Response to Violence Against Women”
10/27/08: “Fonkoze and other Stories of Hope in Haiti” A conversation about the micro-finance movement in Haiti and other stories of Hope.
11/3/08: “Faith, Politics & the Elections: A Conversation about Prop 8”
11/10/08: “Healing Prayer & Healing Touch”
11/17/08: “Progressive Christianity & Young Adults”
Late November – Early December: “Walking the Labyrinth” Come walk a canvas labyrinth. Location and date TBA.
A Prayer for our Community in the Midst of the Gap FireGracious and holy God,
Creator of life -- earth, wind and fire.
May our prayers, entwined with the flames that ravage our mountainside,
be set forth in your sight as incense,
the lifting up of our hands,
our common supplication to you.
Bless all creatures in the path of harm's way.
Strengthen the firefighters and all those working tirelessly to keep us safe.
Comfort those whose beloved homes are threatened by flame.
Soothe those who are anxious and in need of rest.
Hallow the good earth and the fire that surround us.
O God of all creation:
In the midst of uncertainty, help us to find community.
In the midst of tragedy, help us to find a semblance of peace.
May we know your
compassionate,
restorative
and healing presence
in our souls as we labor on.
For only in you do we rest in safety.
All this we pray in your holy name, AMEN.
Bilingual Yoga & Compline to begin @ St. Mike's Spring Quarter!
Mark your calendars! This program which blends spiritual practices of the East & West will be offered Tuesday evenings, 6:30-7:55pm in our candlelit chapel. We hope that people of all backgrounds in the community will partake in this meditative, energizing and soulful class! A donation of $2 or more is requested at the door. Bring your yoga mat or a towel, dress in comfortable clothing and bring your friends! Led by yoga instructor Tali Sanchez and chaplain Nicole Janelle.
Newsflash: We made the front page of the UCSB Daily Nexus! Check us out at: http://www.dailynexus.com/article.php?a=16524
UCSB & CSU-CI Campus Ministries sponsor first-ever CAMPUS CONNECTION WEEKEND!
Campus Connection is a new initiative of the Episcopal Campus Ministries at UCSB and Cal State University Channel Islands. Campus Connection creates a partnership between these two campus ministries and urban Los Angeles & Oxnard-area Episcopal parish youth grades 8-12. The goal of Campus Connection is to better prepare select youth for a university education by:
1. creating a community of support within the congregation for youth who are preparing for college;
2. allowing youth to experience university life through a 2-day immersion experience at UCSB and CSU-CI; and
3. linking urban Episcopal youth to others in their faith community who have successfully applied to, or completed college as well as creating community connections among youth of these urban parishes.
Campus Connection includes the following components, which are required of the participants:
* Conversation with between the youth, priest and family about why the youth wishes to participate in Campus Connection.
* Completion of the covenant/contract and permission slip forms to participate in Campus Connection.
* Participation in Campus Connection Preparation Day in LA (March 2008) with the youth's priest and a family member/mentor. The goal of Preparation Day is to build community among participants, to talk about the college preparation process and to review what to expect during the Discovery Weekend. A family member or mentor is not required to attend this meeting, but is strongly encouraged to do so.
* Participation in the Campus Connection Discovery Weekend at UCSB and CSU-CI, Friday April 4th, 7am – Saturday April 5th, 8pm. The Discovery Weekend will include q & a sessions with students and faculty, attendance at a lecture, campus scavenger hunt, UCSB ropes course, evening movie, worship and time spent at the beach
* Participation in the Campus Connection Follow-up Day: "Where do we go from here?" – Date and location TBA.
We believe that Campus Connection is an important program because it helps put college "on the map" for these young people, most of whom do not have family members who are college graduates. It also creates a comprehensive, long-term structure of support that allows parish clergy, campus chaplains, parishioners, family members to help youth prepare for college. We hope that Campus Connection will generate sufficient excitement in these faith communities and our campus ministries so that it becomes an annual program!
Let Nicole+ know if you'd like to participate in the UCSB weekend!
2008 Episcopal Campus Ministry Retreat for West Coast Student in Salt Lake City
This year's retreat will be held in Salt Lake City March 28-30. We have funds for plane tickets. Talk to chaplain ASAP (deadline is 3/8) if you're interested in attending. So far, four students (plus the chaplain) are planning to attend and we have funds for a few more to make the trip!
at(one)ment
Friday March 28 - Sunday March 30, 2008
Episcopal Church Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Hosted by Lumen: Episcopal/Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Utah
Community Service of Advent Lessons & Carols, December 9th @ 7pm
Join us for a reflective and celebratory service of Advent Lessons & Carols. It's a community affair! Mark your calendars! Choir members from St. Michael's, Trinity & All Saints' will join together in beautiful song. Community members will serve as lectors. Parishioners from the Standing Committee on Campus Ministry and area congregations will provide post-service winter treats! Do be sure to join us -- and spread the word! Invite family, friends and colleagues -- this gathering is a wonderful way in which St. Mike's shows hospitality to the larger university and surrounding community.
And, if you're a member @ St. Mike's, don't forget your pledge! Pledges will be blessed during this service -- and the person who is first to submit his/her pledge will be presented the glow in the dark Virgin Mary!
New and Returning Students
Welcome back to school! It's great to have you back in the neighborhood. Make sure to stop by St. Mike's to introduce yourself and say hi! Look for the chaplain on campus and join in some of these welcoming beginning of school activities!
To learn about what's going on at St. Mike's, consult our up-to-date calendar!
Hope to see you soon!
We're @ 6586 Picasso Road in Isla Vista -- the corner of Picasso & Camino Pescadero. Ample parking is available!