Favored One

by Lauren Wright Pittman

Inspired by Luke 1:26-38

Digital painting

The following is a reflection by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman, the artist who created the image above titled Favored One. As you read this reflection, notice what stands out to you. What is it like to consider that your full embodied self is not only acceptable but beloved by the creator of the universe?

***

“She was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” (Luke 1:29) I’m certain I would have had the same reaction to being called “favored one” by God’s messenger. At an early age, I learned that because

I am human, I am sinful, and by my very existence, I am unsuitable to be in God’s presence. Without Jesus to intercede on my behalf, my unworthiness

was untenable to God. Needless to say, this was not good for my self-esteem or self-image, and though I have done a lot of work to untangle these lessons from my expanding theology, there is a lot of lingering self-doubt—bordering on

self-hatred—that I have yet to root out.

God chooses Mary, a young, unmarried woman—with little value as far as society is concerned—to be the conduit through which Love takes on flesh. “Why me?” I can almost hear Mary’s spiraling thoughts even before she knows the purpose of the angel’s visit. And then the angel pronounces what is to come. I imagine Mary first confused, then nearly crushed by the weight of an impossible burden. How do I square this reading with the fact that Mary is favored by God?

I originally created this image for Sojourners Magazine. I was invited to create an illustration based on Natalie Wigg Stevenson’s reflection on the Annunciation through a queer theological lens. Stevenson’s writing stretched me beyond my limits, and once I got past my discomfort, I became grateful for this challenge. Her commentary broke open my perspective and rebuilt it with affirmation, agency, consent, and pleasure. She notes that Mary is affirmed by the angel: “Greetings, favored one!” (v. 28), Mary exhibits agency: “How can this be?”(v. 34), and offers consent: “Here I am . . . let it be with me according to your word” (v. 38). Stevenson’s writing introduced a question I had never considered: What if Mary experienced pleasure? This notion proved incompatible with my internalized shame. It challenged my deep-seated feelings of unworthiness and threatened to overturn the construct of a God who is repelled by anything human—especially the very natural human qualities of pleasure and desire. The exercise of sitting with this thought felt revolutionary.

As I attempted to create imagery to accompany her work, I found myself in tears. What if my fully embodied self, including the most human parts of me, are not only acceptable but beloved by the creator of the universe? What if because of my me-ness, God couldn’t stay away, and chose to come near and take on flesh too? As I drew, I felt a few steps closer to accepting the steadfast, limitless, unconditional love of God that I claim to believe in, but have yet to fully receive.

What resulted was an image of Mary and Gabriel in a warm, intimate embrace. Mary has a peace to her that is like a wave of relief over her whole being. A kaleidoscope quilt pattern surrounds them and patterns Mary’s clothes. If we could open ourselves up to receive the incomprehensible love of God, maybe we would constantly feel wrapped up in a soft, cozy, lovingly-stitched-together quilt. Favored one, God delights in you—every single bit of you. Never forget: you are a blessing. —Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman

***

yours in prayer and hope,

Mother Mary Lynn

marylynn@standrewspb.org

This Sunday - November 17

8:30-10:00

How to...believe [3rd Confirmation Session]

What do Episcopalians believe? We’ll walk through the ancient Nicene creed that connects us to Christians across the world and throughout time, and share our own doubts and beliefs in a space meant for asking the questions you weren’t sure how to ask before.

10:30 am

Service of Holy Eucharist

Children and Youth

Nursery care for 0 - 3 years old available

3 - 10 years old: Godly Play

In Godly Play this week, we will hear and explore the story of The Ark and the Tent, learning about God's presence in the Tabernacle. If you can't make it this Sunday, check out the story in the video below, and wonder together at home:

10 years old - 5th grade: Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints

This week in Holy Troublemakers, our young people will learn about Thich Nhat Hanh (known as Thay), a Vietnamese monk, teacher, and peace activist. He become a monk at 16, inspired by the joy and serenity of Buddha, who lived in India 500 years before Jesus. Thay's nonviolent leadership led to his exile from him home country to France, where he started a monestary and helped other people fleeing Vietnam. Kids will practice one of Thay's mindfulness practices.

Note: We make every effort to live stream the service each Sunday, but sometimes technical issues arise. If you would like to help make the live stream happen, please email Kari Robinson to join the tech team!

Youth Group for Middle and High Schoolers: This Sunday!

All middle and high schoolers are invited to join family ministry Kari Robinson for monthly youth group after church! We will check in with each other, reconnect over snacks and fun activities, and talk through some of our biggest questions about faith. All 6th-12th graders (and their friends!) are invited. 

How to... Church: Going Deeper in Faith

New to the Episcopal church, or looking to go deeper in your life of faith? Sign up for the How to...Church series coming this winter at St. Andrew's by-the-Sea. Attend as many sessions as you'd like! Coffee and pastries will be provided - feel free to bring a breakfast item to share, if you'd like.

This series is open to people in 8th grade and up. If you have a teenager in 8th-12th grade interested in confirmation, please join us for an informational meeting this Sunday, 10/13, from 9:30-10:15 in the parish hall. Email family minister Kari Robinson if you're planning to come to this session for parents and youth.

Note: these sessions are also intended to prepare folks for baptism, confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation. If you are interested in being baptized, confirmed, received, or making a reaffirmation during the bishop's visitation on December 8, 2024 you will be expected to attend all of the sessions (or work through the at-home resources if you miss a session).

Confirmation: The sacramental rite in which the candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860). Those who were baptized at an early age and those baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop (BCP, p. 412). 

Reception: The sacramental rite in which those who have previously been confirmed in another denomination are officially received into the Anglican communion, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop.

Reaffirmation: The sacramental rite in which those who wish to reaffirm their commitment to Jesus Christ, often after or during a significant life change or event, are celebrated in the community, and receive laying on of hands of a bishop.

Click below to register!

Photo by Bryan Rodriguez on Unsplash

Transition Updates

Our rector, Mother Mary Lynn, has announced that she and her family are moving back to her hometown of Kansas City in early January 2025. Here are some updates on the upcoming transition:

• In case you missed it, read her announcement here.
• This Sunday, the vestry will discuss plans to rent out the rectory after Mother Mary Lynn's family moves out, providing income for the church operating budget in 2025.
• Katie and the Killer Queens (the band!) will play at a farewell party on the evening of January 3rd in the sanctuary. All are welcome!
• Mother Mary Lynn's last Sunday will be January 5th. Please plan to attend the service and the reception following!
• The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego will identify a priest who can step in starting January 12th. The canon to the ordinary (person on staff at the bishop's office who helps congregations in transition) will meet with the St. Andrew's vestry at their December meeting, 12/15. Cyndie Woodbury, senior warden of St. Andrew's, has already had a meeting with the canon to the ordinary to begin making plans.
• Questions? Reach out to senior warden Cyndie Woodbury.

Coming Up at St. Andrew's:

Donate Fabric for Advent Project

Do you have extra fabric at home? We are asking for donations of fabric (all colors, textures, etc!) for a fun Advent project. Please drop them off at church starting this Sunday. Thank you!

Congratulations Bernardo Kullberg Family - Sign Up to Bring a Meal

Violeta Zoraya Bernardo Kullberg was born last Wednesday, November 6, to proud parents Cristina and Hans. Her big siblings Liliana, Aviva, Sofia, and Hansito love her so much. Welcome to the world, Violeta Zoraya! If you would like to sign up to bring a meal to this wonderful family, sign up here.

20s & 30s Friendsgiving: November 23rd

All St. Andrew's folks in their 20s and 30s are invited to celebrate Friendsgiving at Mother Mary Lynn's house on Saturday, November 23rd from 1 - 4pm. We will share an afternoon feast together, and reflect on what we're most grateful for in our lives. Please email Mary Lynn if you are planning to come, and let her know what dish you are bringing to share. Partners / spouses / roommates / friends are welcome!

Rebel Women Bible Study - Wednesday Mornings

The Bible is full of kick-ass women who bucked the status quo. Come meet the real women of the Bible. No experience reading the Bible? No problem! We approach these stories with curiosity and encourage doubt, questioning,

and wrestling with the text.

This season, we’re exploring the stories of the women in the New Testament - our spiritual great-grandmothers whose faith shaped the Christian community from the beginning. Come connect with other women seeking support on their spiritual journey.

Join us Wednesday mornings in the sanctuary, 9:30-10:30, and connect with other women asking big questions about faith and wrestling with scripture.

Email Mother Mary Lynn for more information.

Pacific Beach Community Choir

1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month, at 7pm

Want to sing with friends in a fun, non-pressure environment? Come meet new people and make music the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7pm at St. Andrew's. This choir is led by our parish musician, Katie Cavallo, and sings secular music just for the fun of it. Anyone in high school or older is welcome - no audition necessary! It's a great way to meet new friends and express your creativity - contact Katie with questions or to join.

Safe Church, Safe Communities: Our Commitment

You may have read in the news this week that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has resigned. This is the spiritual leader of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, the worldwide community to which the Episcopal Church belongs. He has resigned due to the release of a report of a prolific child abuser known to the Church of England, and his lack of response to the initial report.

As a church, we lament the church's culpability in issues of abuse, and we lament the church's lack of an immediate and clear response when reports of abuse have been made. In our parish (and our diocese) we are committed to taking direct action to educate leaders on safe practices, put safeguards in place against abuse, and perform background checks on all people interacting with children and other vulnerable populations. All our vestry members, Sunday school teachers, church and preschool staff complete the Safe Church, Safe Communities training every three years. You can read more about that training here.

The Church condemns sexual misconduct by clergy and other church workers in the strongest terms, and we have clear rules that define what it is and how it will be punished. Read the policy for the protection of children and young adults here.

Dances of Universal Peace at St. Andrew's

We are excited to announce that the San Diego Dances of Universal Peace group will be bringing their spiritual practice to the St. Andrew's sanctuary on the second Sundays of the month. Learn more about the Dances of Universal Peace here. What a blessing to share our sacred space with them. All are welcome to join and try out this spiritual practice of chant, live music, and movement.

Support Saturday Meal Service

Every Saturday morning, Jodie and her team of volunteers set up their folding tables in front of St. Andrew's and feed anyone who is hungry. This past Saturday, they fed 80 people a hearty breakfast.

Jodie and her team from small potatoes foundation have been serving meals on Saturdays at St. Andrew's since June 2024. Their organization is dedicated to offering nourishing and wholesome meals to those facing hardships.

Check out this note from Jodie:

"We deeply appreciate your generosity in allowing us to use your church lawn as a space to feed our guests. Your support truly helps us in our mission to serve those in need. We are dedicated to making a significant impact on the lives of our neighbors facing adversity and food insecurity. We believe a meal made with love is a tangible way to show compassion and understanding. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help us continue feeding our neighbors in

need. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to making a lasting impact.

From our bustling kitchen, Chef Jodie"

Scan the QR code to give directly to small potatoes foundation. We're so grateful for Jodie and her team, and for the difference they make in our neighborhood.

Call Your Representatives and Ask for Ceasefire in Gaza

“People of faith and goodwill can organize and address our governments to call for humanitarian aid to flow freely to those in desperate need in Gaza; for the release of all hostages; for an end to all targeting of children and other civilians; and for a de-escalation of violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.” - Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

As death, destruction, and violence continue in Gaza, we urge you to lift your voices and do everything possible to put pressure on all parties for an immediate and sustained ceasefire. 

We are not helpless in the face of the world's horrors. Takeon a new spiritual practice: every day, call your representatives and ask them to call for an immediate ceasefire, access to humanitarian assistance to end starvation and avert any further risk of famine, and urge the release of hostages.

You can click this link to go to the Episcopal Public Policy Network website, which has a script for contacting your representatives, as well as a form you can fill out right on the site.

Donations Needed for Border Ministry

Our diocese is continuing to respond to the needs of those seeking asylum at the US/Mexico border and being held in open-air detention sites and awaiting transport at the airport. The diocese prepares 200 sack lunches every Monday to be distributed, and are asking for the following:

• jelly
• packaged snacks like: potato chips, protein bars, fruit gummies
• brown paper bags
• sandwich bags

Please drop off donations at church on Sunday. Email Mother Mary Lynn if you are able to volunteer to assemble sack lunches every Monday at 3pm.

Volunteers Needed: 5th Tuesday Chefs

Did you know that St. Andrew's has hosted a weekly free community meal every Tuesday for over 10 years? We are looking for volunteers who are willing to cook the meal on the 5th Tuesdays of the months, which is only 4 times per year. Volunteers would be expected to take a food safety certification course, plan and shop for a meal, and cook for 50-60 guests. But you won't be doing it alone - our volunteer coordinator, Auburn, will be there to help you every step of the way, and our team of dedicated volunteers who show up weekly will help, too. Please email Auburn if you are interested in taking on this important (and fun!) work. We are so proud to be able to feed our neighbors, and this ministry depends on the dedicated service of so many. Join the fun!