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Second Sunday after Epiphany
January 18, 2026
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
John 1:29-42
Psalm 40:1-12
Preacher: The Rev. Jennifer Wagner Pavia
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Thursday, January 15, 7:30 PM: FoM concert by the "Yale Whiffenpoofs" in the sanctuary
Saturday, January 17, 7:00 PM: "Poker Night" SoB venue in the parish hall
Saturday, January 24, 6:30 PM: "Small Plates w/Wine Pairing" SoB venue at Short/Vielhaber residence
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Bible and Breakfast
Tuesdays | 9:30 AM
Luther Hall & Zoom
Midweek Eucharist:
Wednesdays | 7:00 PM
Chapel in the Sanctuary
Adult Forum: Between Sword & Cross
Wednesdays | 8:00 PM
Luther Hall & Zoom
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SAVE the DATE . . .
St. Bede's Annual Meeting: February 22, after the 10:00 AM service
| | YALE WHIFFENPOOFS CONCERT TONIGHT! | | |
On Thursday, January 15, at 7:30 pm, in the St. Bede's sanctuary, the Friends of Music will present a concert featuring the Yale Whiffenpoofs, the world's oldest collegiate a capella group. Founded in 1909, the Whiffenpoofs have brought their diverse repertoire of vocal jazz, folk, pop, and Broadway hits to more than two hundred audiences each year across all 6 inhabited continents. In past years the "Whiffs" have sung for Presidents Obama, Bush (41 and 43), Clinton, Reagan, and at venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. They've been featured on television shows such as "The Sing Off," "The West Wing," and "Glee."
This is definitely a concert not to be missed!!! Bring your friends and families.
| | ONE SPOT LEFT for POKER NIGHT on 1/17 | | Space is still available! Come and have fun while you learn to play poker or sharpen your poker skills. | | |
"Between Sword and Cross: Just War Theory in the Light of Jesus"
Join us for this six-week series exploring Christian perspectives on war, peace, and discipleship through Scripture, theology, and faithful conversation. Between Sword and Cross invites us to wrestle with Jesus’ call to peacemaking alongside the Church’s moral traditions, including the Just War framework. The forum meets Wednesdays at 8 pm, immediately following the 7 pm Midweek Mass, and is open to all—whether you attend in person or online. Come with your questions, your experience, and an open heart. Visit stbedesla.org for more, including the participant guide.
| | Why are they graffiti-ing the church? | | |
If you noticed parishioners chalking symbols by our doors this past weekend, don’t worry—it’s a beautiful Epiphany tradition!
The 8 a.m. service chalked next to the sanctuary doors, and the 10 a.m. service chalked the wall leading up the walkway as it is visible from the parking lot.
The chalked inscription for 2026 (20 + C + M + B + 26) dates back centuries and marks the visit of the Magi. The letters recall the traditional names of the Wise Men—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar—while also standing for the Latin prayer Christus mansionem benedicat (“May Christ bless this dwelling”).
Chalking the doors is a prayerful way of asking God’s blessing on all who enter, exit, and dwell in our homes or church.
Want to do this at home? Ask an usher for blessed chalk and a simple blessing for your home.
| | SUPPORT SACRED RESISTANCE | | |
St. Bede's has partnered a task force of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, called Sacred Resistance, that assists immigrant families who are sheltering in place. The Mission committee has been assisting in the delivery of household goods, groceries and clothing.
There are two ways you can help:
1. Local Family Support We are currently supporting local families who need the following items:
ART SUPPLIES: Sketch pads, markers, construction paper, children's scissors, pipe cleaners, crayons, gel crayons, air dry modeling clay, stamps, stickers
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Notebooks, loose paper, notepads, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, rulers, pencil sharpeners, erasers, highlighters, pencil/pen bags, glue sticks, Sharpies
HOUSEHOLD GOODS: Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, dish soap, laundry soap, hand soap (soft soap), liquid baby bath soap, diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6), bleach, canned vegetables, canned fruit, rice, oatmeal, pasta
CLOTHING: Men's sizes L/XL, women's sizes M/L, children ages 4-10. Coats, sweatshirts, shirts, pants, and socks (new or gently used) are all welcome.
How to give:
2. Broader Community Distribution
Sacred Resistance is also collecting dry goods and household items for distribution to families throughout Los Angeles County. View their wishlist here: https://www.myregistry.com/organization/sacred-resistance-los-angeles-ca/5220494
You may also drop off items directly at Sacred Resistance headquarters in Hollywood:
- Monday–Tuesday: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Thursday–Friday: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Address: 6125 Carlos Ave, Los Angeles CA 90028
Monetary donations can be made here: Venmo: @ststephenshollywood Paypal: https://bit.ly/sacred-resistance
Your generosity helps families in our community during a vulnerable time. Thank you for your support.
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Dear friends,
Many of you have shown concern about new immigration policies and how they will impact this vulnerable population among us here in Los Angeles. Below is information about how you can get involved through CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice), an organization that St. Bede's works with and supports. Join us in preparation for this essential work.
Blessings,
Rev. Jennifer+
At the core of nearly every faith tradition lies the concept of a just, harmonious, and loving society where all souls are valued and everyone can thrive.
It is unconscionable that people fleeing violence in other countries would be deported back to those places, regardless of threats to their safety and security.
Because the Trump Administration is threatening immigrant communities across the country (regardless of documentation status), CLUE is working across Southern California to protect immigrant workers and their families in a variety of important ways.
You can join us in this work or support it with your donations knowing that you are doing your part to protect vulnerable people.
SUPPORT CLUES IMMIGRATION WORK
RAPID RESPONSE NETWORKS
If you see ICE Activity anywhere you go, you can report it to the Rapid Response hotlines in your area.
- Los Angeles: 888-624-4752
- Orange County: 714-881-1558
- San Bernardino/Riverside: 909-361-4588
- Kern County: 661-432-2230
- Central Valley: 559-206-0151
CLUE is working with RRN partners to offer ongoing trainings for faith leaders and community members who want to show up for workers and families being targeted by ICE.
If you want to be trained to be a rapid responder and you live in Orange County, Los Angeles or the Inland Empire, contact Sithy Bin at sbin@cluejustice.org.
CLUE WELCOME NETWORK
CLUE is cultivating its vast network of houses of worship to create a network of congregations that provide respite, and even longer-term shelter, to migrants released into Southern California.
Over 30 congregations are already participating in the CLUE Welcome Network that houses asylum seekers and refugees. We receive referrals from CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) for asylum seekers in need of shelter, from legal service providers that are seeking sponsors for people being released from detention, or direct walk-ins. Some congregations in the network provide temporary shelter or short-term housing, and others support those efforts with gifts of supplies, transportation, etc.
Thank you for standing in intimate solidarity as we seek to build a society where everyone is safe and lives with dignity.
If your congregation is interested in joining the network, offering housing or supplies or services, please contact Sithy Bin at sbin@cluejustice.org.
In faith and solidarity,
Rev. Jennifer Gutierrez
| | A PRAYER for IMMIGRANTS from BISHOP TAYLOR | | PRAYER FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND | | ST. BEDE'S ONLINE GIVING PORTAL | | |
Visit the St. Bede's website and at the top of every page, look for the "Donate" button. When you click on the "Donate" button, you will be transported to St. Bede's Vanco eGiving and Payment Process Site.
Vanco is an industry leader in online payments. More than 40,000 churches, faith-based groups, nonprofits, schools, and educational organizations trust Vanco to securely complete transactions every day. Vanco complies with PCI Level 1 standards, the highest security standard in the payment processing industry.
You are invited to set up one-time or recurring gifts using credit, debit, or bank transfer on Vanco's secure payment processing platform. Giving online through the Vanco site saves time and the hassle of remembering to bring your offering. In addition, you decrease the expense incurred by St. Bede’s from handling and processing checks and cash.
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FROM THE EPISCOPAL NEWS
A newsletter serving the Diocese of Los Angeles
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‘Solidarity is vital’ in opposing federal injustices, Bishop Taylor tells Sacred Resistance advocates
By Pat McCaughan
A moment of silence for those killed by ICE — immigrants and Renee Nicole Good, the 37-year-old Minneapolis mother of three, poet and singer — followed the music of protest folk singer Jesse Welles as the Jan. 13 online meeting of the Sacred Resistance Ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles got underway:
“If you’re looking for purpose in the current circus,
if you’re seeking respect and attention,
if you’re in need of a gig, that’ll make you feel big.
Come with me and put some folks in detention …
Take my advice, if you’re lacking control and authority
come with me and hunt down minorities. Join ICE.”
The Rev. Canon Jaime Edwards Action, a lead organizer, invited participants to share “a glimmer of hope … a spark of light … some manifestation of blessing (in spite of) the ongoing violence and vengeance that’s happening right now in our country and in our communities, against our communities.”
That hope, participants said, looks like:
- A recent YouGov and The Economist poll indicating 46 percent of those surveyed favor abolishing ICE, compared to 43 percent opposed to the idea;
- Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota who resigned after being asked to prosecute Rebecca Good, the widow of Renee Nicole Good, for domestic terrorism;
- “Folks who are changing their minds, rather than embracing, what is happening. We have to give permission and be kind and gentle, rather than piling on when someone is struggling with wanting to change their mind.”
Guest speaker Bishop John Harvey Taylor began his remarks by offering the gathering greetings from Bishop-elect Antonio Gallardo, slated to be consecrated July 11, who “is with you in solidarity and in spirit and will be with you in body and soul before too long.”
READ MORE HERE
| | At All Saints Church in Pasadena, choir sings during Jan. 11 diocesan Climate Evensong marking one-year anniversary of Eaton and Palisades wildfires. Dr. Lucy Jones, seismologist and Evensong organizer, is pictured at left, first row, just above pianist Haesung Park of St. Matthew’s, Pacific Palisades. Photo: Kathy Eisel | | |
Climate Evensong affirms resilience, remembrance, resolve one year after Eaton, Palisades fires
By Pat McCaughan
Some 250 voices from around the Los Angeles diocese joined the poignant strains of violin, cello and organ, Sunday, Jan. 11 at All Saints Church in Pasadena, in the ancient Anglican prayer practice of Evensong, singing of sorrow, faith, resilience, renewed commitment and remembrance, one year after “once-in-a-century” wildfires destroyed area lives, homes, schools and churches. Evensong video is here.
Bishop John Harvey Taylor welcomed those attending the diocesan Climate Evensong, created by seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones, senior warden at St. James, South Pasadena. Officiating was the Rev. Carri Patterson Grindon, rector of St. Mark’s Church in Altadena, which was destroyed in the Eaton fire.
Patterson Grindon was joined by Cantor-Emeritus Mark Saltzman of Congregation Kol Ami, West Hollywood, in singing portions of the service, for which Jason Klein-Mendoza of St. James, South Pasadena, conducted the choir including singers from various congregations affected by the fires, and Dr. Haesung Park of St. Matthew’s, Pacific Palisades, was organist. A report of Jan. 7 memorial concerts and liturgies at St. Matthew’s, with members of the L.A. Master Chorale, is here.
The season of Epiphany commemorates new awarenesses, and recalls the story of the magi, “three visitors from the East who have made the most grueling journey of their lives” and begets new understandings, empathy and ultimately, self-giving love, said Taylor. He had spent much of the week among victims of the fires that devastated much of the Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Pasadena areas.
“Tonight, we gather in the quiet beauty of this ancient form of prayer to share our grief and anger at what we have lost, to honor the pain that still lives in our bodies, our memories, and our landscapes,” said Jones, in a statement included in the evening’s program.
READ MORE HERE
| | The Rt Revd Craig Loya, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, responds to the killing of Renee Nicole Good by agents of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Photo: Wikipedia/public source photo | |
Thousands join Episcopal Church vigil to lament violent immigration enforcement actions, unite in pursuing justice
By Shireen Korkzan
Episcopalians and faith partners gathered virtually Jan. 13 for an evening prayer vigil to mourn, lament and remember people who have died by immigration enforcement actions in and out of detention.
“After all the things I have seen this week in Minnesota, I am weary, I am weighed down, I am angry, and I am heartbroken, and I have no doubt that all of you are, too,” Minnesota Bishop Craig Loya said to some 3,700 people gathered online for the vigil. “For those of you who are outside of Minnesota, it is hard to overstate the magnitude of the random and reckless cruelty that we are seeing and the depth of the fear that nearly everyone is living with all the time.”
The Episcopal Church in Minnesota and The Episcopal Church’s public policy, partnership and witness division co-hosted the vigil via Zoom in response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s ongoing, often violent enforcement actions in the Twin Cities area.
On Jan. 7, Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed in her car by an ICE officer during an altercation on a city street in her neighborhood. Later that same day, Minneapolis Public Schools temporarily closed after U.S. Border Patrol agents went onto a high school campus during dismissal and tackled, handcuffed and released a chemical weapon on students, faculty and bystanders.
Since the killing of Good, the Department of Homeland Security has ordered more officers to Minneapolis, in numbers that now outnumber the city’s own police force.
Episcopal clergy and laypeople nationwide have joined anti-ICE protests and attended prayer vigils for Good. Some read her name in their Sunday services during the Prayers of the People. Many are looking to Jesus’ life and teachings for guidance on how best to respond, as Christians, to what some fear is an increasingly authoritarian and unchecked federal government.
“This past week, after the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis, has been an incredibly challenging and painful time for all of us in Minnesota,” Loya said. “In these days, we have felt so held by the love and the prayers of this church.”
READ MORE HERE
| | Christ Church Cranbrook in suburban Detroit, Michigan, is one of 48 recipients of multimillion-dollar Lilly Endowment grants in support of faith-based storytelling projects. Photo: Christ Church Cranbrook | |
Lilly Endowment awards millions to Episcopal storytelling initiatives in latest round of grants
By David Paulsen
Virginia Theological Seminary, the dioceses of Colorado and West Virginia and an Episcopal church in the Diocese of Michigan have each been awarded multimillion-dollar grants from the Lilly Endowment to launch initiatives aimed at sharing stories of Christian vitality in their faith communities.
The seminary, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is launching its new Stories of Hope and Renewal through a partnership with The Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Presbyterian Church. VTS received the maximum $5 million in this round of 48 Lilly grants, as did Christ Church Cranbrook, a Michigan church that is leading a joint Faith in Detroit project with Detroit PBS, Oakland University, Detroit Opera and other partners.
“All of our partners bring important skills to the table that are going to allow us to build this story-telling ecosystem,” the Rev. William Danaher, rector of Christ Church Cranbrook, told Episcopal News Service in a phone interview this week.
The Episcopal Church in Colorado was awarded $3 million in support of Show & Tell: Stories for the Nones, Dones and Disconnected, which will promote an inclusive and contemporary vision of mainline Christianity. And the Diocese of West Virginia will use $3.9 million from the Lilly Endowment to launch Seeds of Hope, a storytelling ministry rooted in the Appalachian Christian experience.
Each of these grant-supported initiatives is expected to span at least four or five years and was chosen to fulfill the Lilly Endowment’s stated goals for its National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life: “To unlock and tell compelling stories that portray the vibrancy and hope of Christian faith and life and to inspire and help people from a wide variety of backgrounds to come to know and love God.”
“Appalachians are natural storytellers,” West Virginia Bishop Matthew Cowden said in a diocesan news release announcing its grant. “Through this storytelling initiative, we seek to shift the impressions and misconceptions West Virginians have about Christian faith and open the door to encountering the love of God and the love of community.”
READ MORE HERE
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