“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

How does it always happen that just as we are getting used to the kids being back at school, and the evenings being shorter, that suddenly we are shocked to discover it is that time of year again … the Holidays!

In California we are thrust from sunshine and usually an Indian summer, to a sudden frantic rush and crush to get to the store to buy food as if we are laying in for siege, and as if we are single-handedly going to feed the five thousand. It is a shame really that the Holidays, when we were supposed to gather with friends and family, is actually so stressful.

This year, let us try and simplify the process and enjoy these two wonderful times of year when we first rejoice and give thanks for all our bounty. There is not one of us that cannot be thankful for something, be it health, good fortune, the joy of a loving family, or simply our beautiful surroundings. Then, let’s remember with humility the wonder of the birth of our Savior.

At St. Philip’s, we give thanks to all of you for your renewed pledge to us, for your unfailing generosity in our Stewardship Campaign. It is your promise of financial support for the next twelve months, that helps us plan for what promises to be an exciting year.

Which bring me to the most exciting news, for which we all truly rejoice. On December 5, the Second Sunday in Advent, Fr. Barry Miller arrives to take his place as the first Interim Vicar of St. Philip’s. Fr. Barry and his wife, the Rev. Nancy Miller, will be with us as we go through the search process for a new Vicar. Fr. Barry comes to us from his home in West Hartford, Connecticut. He is a trained Interim and has served parishes both full-time and part-time; he has just finished a term as Interim Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Fishkill, NY. The Revs. Miller will be living in Scotts Valley and they are both looking forward to meeting and talking with everyone. If you have questions and concerns please feel free to discuss them with your Bishop’s Committee liaison. And most importantly, let us welcome Fr. Barry at both services.

Thank you, too, to Fr. John Duncan and Fr. Bill Kelly for their guidance and care of our spiritual well-being during this time of transition. It is your calm and gentle good humor that has made for a successful, seamless transition. The Bishop’s Committee would also like to thank every member of St. Philip’s for carrying on all of our ministries.

Lucy Gowan, Bishops Warden.

And the angel came to Mary and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you … Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High" ...

Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." (Luke 1: 26 - 38)

St. Philip’s joyfully welcomes
The Reverend Barry Williams