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Merry Christmas to all from St. George's Anglican Church
Candlelight Communion service at St. George's Church Christmas Eve. Advent candle at extreme left. This is the third annual candlelight Christmas Eve service. It was attended by approximately fifty members and guests. Pictured: Left - Bishop Pressey and Reverend Canon Bylo. Reverend Ternahan at Altar. Crucifer Edward Pressey at choral position.
Clergy, choir and congregation sing carols before service.
Crucifer Edward Pressey leads the choir in the recessional.
Reverend Ternahan, Reverend Bylo and Bishop Pressey recess
St. George's Clergy - Reverend Canon Bylo, Bishop Pressey, Curate Reverend Ternahan
Choir (from Left): Kathy, Lucille, and Bonnie with Reverend Ternahan and Cruifer Ed Pressey
St. George's Prepares for Harvest Festival
Dee decorates windows
Windows after decorating
Looking down at the table
Beautiful Flowers
Eleanor gets ready to place a big zucchini
Decorating crew in the fellowship hall
St. George's Holds Annual Picnic
St. Georges held it's annual picnic at Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura on Sunday, October 2nd. Nearly 50 people attended. Bishop Pressey offered a prayer for those attending and for the universal church. Events included fun, and singing of traditional songs as well as plenty of tasty food provided by the church and the church's members.
Ladies of the church listen to announcements.
Pictured: Dee L., Betsy P., Kathy B., Lisa E., John E., and Cathlyn W-O.
Dee L. with family and friends
Bill G. (left) talking to Dave P. who is preparing to light a fire. Although the day was warm, the smoke helped keep insects away. The dry hills of Ventura can be seen in the background. Because this is a prepared site, we were allowed to light a fire, which we carefully extinguished when the picnic was over.
Martin H. and his wife Mina. Martin is one of our long serving lay readers. He is originally from London, but has worked in Southern California for many years, and has been a key reader in our service.
Sue T. and Ed P. work at the food service. Sue is our hospitality chairperson in charge of organizing the food portion of the picnic, and Ed. serves as St. George's Sexton.
"I've brought the pickles!" Chuck B. seems to be telling Fran G. Bill G. is seen at the edge of the picture.
A guest shares a laugh with Eleanor B. Chuck B. in background.
Sue and Rev. Phil pose for the photographer.
On October 8th, Juli Appleyard and Arnold Garcia exchanged vows in Las Vegas, NV. Arnold is studying for the St. Mary's in the Dessert diaconate and the wedding was officiated by the Rev. Nicholas Neubauer. Many members of St. Mary's and friends and family attended. St. George's was represented by Rev. and Mrs. Ternahan.
Thursday Bible Study Continues
Thursday Bible Study Group continues with Genesis at 6:00 p.m.
Church of the Redeemer Visit by Bishop Pressey Very Successful
Bishop Dave Pressey (Center) and wife Elizabeth (left of Bishop Pressey) spent two very enjoyable Sundays in July at the Church of the Redeemer, Fairbanks, Alaska. The Presseys visited at the invitation of Mr. Cooper (back row, left) and the Vestry. Part of the congregation is pictured above. Bishop Pressey reported that the fellowship and cordial welcome of the Church made the occasion very memorable, and they were treated exceptionally well by all. The Church of the Redeemer is under the Episcopal oversight of Bishop George Conner, AEC. Bishop Pressey's visit to conduct Holy Communion for the Church was his first visit to the Church. We hope that close ties will continue to develop with this traditional Anglican church.
Sarah Roberts, daughter, of Jack and Catherine Roberts, was recently married to Kevin Gordin. Rt. Rev. Pressey officiated. Kevin is an aerospace engineer and Sarah teaches at a Christian high school. Jack Roberts is a Vestryman at St. Georges. Left to right: Jack Roberts, Sarah Roberts, Bishop Pressey, Joseph Pressey (back) and Kevin Gordin.
New Directory Published and Available for Pick Up
A new St. George's Directory has been published for pickup before or after service in the narthex. It has been a few years since we have published a directory, and many individuals have updated their information. The new directory was printed in a convenient booklet form, similar to special service booklets prepared from time to time. If you would like a copy, please check with any of the priests. The preparation was done by John Bylo, although all the congregation contributed to the accuracy of the information by proofing it prior to publication.
Pictures from Deacon Neubauer's Ordination
Bishop Dave Pressey questions Postulant Neubauer prior to ordination. Rev. John Bylo stands on Neubauer's right side as sponsor
Clergy add support to Neubauer's calling as Deacon in the Anglican Episcopal Church
Nickolaus Neubauer was ordained deacon in the Anglican Episcopal Church on Sunday, May 29th at St. George’s Anglican Church, Ventura, California. Watched by family and friends and the St. George’s congregation, Postulant Neubauer, of the St. Mary’s in the Desert mission in Los Vegas, was presented by Reverend Canon John Bylo to AEC Suffragan Bishop David Pressey who examined the candidate. Following the examination and in concert with the laying on of hands by Bishop Pressey all the clergy gathered to support Deacon Neubauer in his calling. St. George’s clergy participating were: Reverend Phil Ternahan, Curate of St. George’s, Deacon Henry Birkinbine and Deacon Bill DeZavala in addition to Reverend Bylo. Postulant Arnold Garcia, of St. Mary’s in the Desert served as Epistler during the service. Edward Pressey, served as Crucifer. The St. George’s choir performed a choral offertory with Elena Kohanovski, St. George’s organist. A delicious lunch prepared by Sue Torres and the ladies of the church in honor of the occasion followed.
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Marietta Ayer-Smith places the ordination cake on the desert table.
This is Nicholas' favorite cake. Sue Torres, Hospitality Chairperson, arranged for the inscription on the cake, symbolizing the church's hopes in Deacon Neubauer's ordination.
Neubauer and baby daughter Ava pose before cake cutting.
Bishop Pressey gives Deacon Neubauer additional instructions on cake cutting and that the Bishop gets the first piece.
Elena K. prepares to dish her favorite chocolate triffle dessert prepared by Mrs. Gates.
A fellowship lunch was held on 29 May for the Neubauer family, Arnold Garcia and guests.
Easter Sunday Altar with lillies from St. Georges members
Palm Sunday Description in the Anglican Church of the 19th Century
PALM SUNDAY
There is a note of expectancy in the air. After long weeks of anticipation and preparation Holy Week has come. Christ is going up to Jerusalem, and we are going with him. The great liturgical drama is about to begin. The threefold Passover is at hand.
As far back as the fourth century (and probably much earlier) on Palm Sunday the bishop, accompanied by the faithful carrying palm branches and singing antiphons and hymns, went from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. Mass was sung before the procession started, and it was at this Mass that the palms were blessed. A second Mass (of the Passion) was sung when the procession had reached Jerusalem.
Today's Mass is the Mass of the Passion and has no reference in it to the ceremony of the palms. But before the principal Mass of the day, after the Asperges, palms are blessed and are carried in procession. The service which accompanies the blessing is the ancient Mass of the palms as far as its Preface and Sanctus. Six prayers follow, and the palms are then distributed, first to the clergy, and then to the faithful, who generally receive them kneeling at the altar-rails, kissing the palm and the celebrant's hand as an act of reverence.
The palm is held upright during the procession and during the singing of the Passion, and it is a pious custom to take it home and keep it over a crucifix or sacred picture until the following Lent.
The long prayers which accompany the blessing of the palms tend to overshadow the procession, especially if it has to be a short one. But it is the procession which matters, and though the ministers wear penitential purple it is a joyful procession. Like the great multitude which welcomed Christ outside Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, we welcome him with palms and shouts of joy. And we with better reason. To them he was at the most the Messiah (but an earthly one) and a possible king; few, if any, saw in him more than that. But we welcome him as our Saviour; as our eternal King, riding in triumph to claim his throne, the Cross.
The procession goes outside the church, singing antiphons set to ancient chants, as the church bells ring. But when it returns it finds the doors closed against it. In this we may see a picture of our Lord at his Ascension waiting for the gates of heaven to be opened to him, as the angelic choirs sing "Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in." But, before he can enter the heavenly Jerusalem in triumph, he must first enter the earthly Jerusalem to suffer.
Through the closed doors the ancient hymn Gloria, laus et honor (or more commonly its modern version, "All glory, laud and honour to thee, Redeemer, King") is sung, the cantors from within singing the verses, those outside the refrain. The subdeacon, with the foot of the processional cross which he is carrying, strikes the doors, which are flung open. Christ enters Jerusalem.
“BLESSED ARE THE MEEK FOR THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH”By Bishop David Pressey, AEC - Commentary- Letter sent to the Ojai Valley News Each day the news media of all sorts blare forth the glories of Hollywood, actors and actresses and political figures. Every other article seems devoted to law suits, misbehavior, and human conflict. Self-interest groups scream of alleged past and present abuse and discrimination justifying entitlements from the supposed greater society. Goodness is castigated and evil is called good as our nation and the world seems clouded by self-interest on over-ride. SO IT SEEMS! But, there is another story unspoken and untold! Our nation continues to exist and thrive despite the distractions of corruption and false images. We thrive because of the millions of people and the tens of thousands of companies, businesses, and farmers committed to service and responsibility. They provide the goods and services. They keep the system running. They are called truck drivers meeting schedules and demands. They are teachers who really teach. They are doctors who know how to heal. They are the road crews who maintain our transportation system. They are mechanics who know how to maintain the mechanical components of a modern society. They are tradesmen who create and build. And, don’t forget the lowly field workers toiling in the hot sun and the muddy fields to ensure our food supply. When you turn on the water, a light switch, or the gas oven, remember the army of utility workers who deliver and maintain those services. If we are a healthier people with a higher level of pure food, remember the health care professionals who monitor our food and water supply. If our cities are cleaner and healthier, we need to remember the waste disposal people who ensure proper disposal of the refuse of society. The list includes administrators who do their duty, not because of pay, perks, ego, and advancement but because they have commitment. We need to remember the contribution of the secretaries, clerks, and shop keepers who provide service and information, even in the face of thoughtless and complaining individuals. The list of responsible and dedicated workers is endless. There are many categories not mentioned, but they all serve making this a better country and better life. These are the real heroes of society and most of you in the Ojai Valley are part of that army of the often ignored segment of society. You are the people that raise families, believe in God, follow the commandments out of will or habit, attend churches and synagogues. You are the competent people who keep us fed, clothed, housed, and healthy. Lastly, we must remember the lowly junior officers and enlisted men and women, who risk their live, limb, and liberty to ensure our protection. Surely, the meek should inherit the earth for they are worthy.
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LAS VEGAS MISSION TRAIN WITH ST. GEORGES CLERGY
On February 20th, Postulant Nicholas Neubauer and Mr. Arnold Garcia participated in morning prayer. This training was required by Bishop Pressey, (Center) as training for Mr. Neubauer's ordination as deacon, which will happen in the Spring. Mr. Neubauer's group will be received in the AEC mission under the supervision of Rev. Canon John Bylo, pictured next to Bishop Pressey. Left to right: Garcia, Pressey, Bylo, Neubauer, Rev. Ternahan, Curate of St. Georges' is in second row.
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