Deans' Note
March 14, 2021
This weekend marks the anniversary of our first online service without a congregation present. The last Sunday we worshipped in person was March 8, 2020. A year later we are slowly moving toward returning to some forms of worshipping together, even though we were able to have outdoor services for a time in the fall.
Now as vaccinations are moving through the population and Covid caseloads and death are declining, thankfully, we see a clearer way ahead. So next Sunday, March 21 we will again celebrate our 8:00 mass outdoors in person with appropriate measures for health protection. We will maintain physical distance, wear masks at all times (you may consider double-masking), receive communion in only one kind (consecrated bread). We also ask you to make a reservation by emailing or phoning the church office before Sunday morning since we have limited seating capacity.
This is the first step of a long process to bring us back into a physical community. We know that some of us are eager to be back in a setting of physical worship at church. Others of us are not so sure the time is right for us. That is a decision only you can make for yourself. We will continue to offer digital worship not only throughout this transition period but ongoing.
You may feel it's difficult to again step out into something like a normal life. There are no ways you "should" feel during this time. The world has changed since last March and while we can't go backward, we can go forward into a hopeful future. This is not unlike other experiences of loss where we need to re-engage the world around us. It may take time.
As we move through Lent and anticipate Holy Week and Easter, use this time to examine your own emotions and loss, along with new insights you have gained and hopes for the coming months. Please let us know if you want to talk through any of these things with us as your pastors.
The future really does hold hope. Life follows death, joy will follow sadness for all of us, even if you may not see it yet. Healing is coming.
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Join us for the last evening on the Spirituality of Lent with Mother Lyn Crow on March 12 at 6:30 pm on Zoom.
Find the link on the St. John’s Community Group on Facebook or watch it live on our Facebook Page.
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A Diocesan Virtual Service for Bishop Barbara Harris
MARCH 13, 2021 at 5 pm
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Bishop Barbara Harris was the first woman to be ordained and consecrated as a bishop in the Anglican Communion. She was also a former bishop suffragan of the Diocese of Massachusetts. She passed away on March 13, 2020. This Saturday, March 13, 2021, marks the first year anniversary of her passing. The Diocese of Los Angeles will join with other dioceses and congregations in a virtual service celebrating the life and ministry of Bishop Barbara Harris. The service will be stream online on March 13, 2021, at 5 pm on Facebook and YouTube. |
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Christian Education: The Gospel of Mark |
We will continue studying Mark's Gospel for all of Lent. It's a perfect time to join us if you haven't already. Our focus will be on Jesus' journey to Jerusalem and the week leading up to his crucifixion.
March 21, 2021
Professor Jonathan Reed from the University of La Verne will join us Sunday, March 21 to discuss what the archeology of ancient Jerusalem tells us about the last days of Jesus' life.
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Jonathan Reed
Jonathan Reed is the Provost and Vice President of Academy Affairs at the University of La Verne. He is a leading authority on the archaeology of early Christianity and has conducted research at the Albright Institute for Archaeological Research in Jerusalem, the American Academy in Rome, and the American School of Classical Studies in Athens. He is a professor of religious studies at La Verne and has been on the research council of Claremont Graduate University’s Institute for Antiquity and Christianity.
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Our in-person mass at the garden will resume on March 21, 20201 at 8 am. There is limited seating, so a reservation is required.
To make a reservation email:
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A book study of Citizen: Faithful Discipleship in a Partisan World by C. Andrew Doyle is sponsored by our Social Witness Committee. We will be discussing chapters 9-12.
The next meeting is on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 7 pm via Facebook Live.
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Special Easter Offering
for Flowers & Special Music
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Even though we are digital, we want to enter into the joy of Easter with flowers and special music. A letter will be coming out this week, but you can donate here.
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If you know a senior who is homebound and might need food delivered, please contact Fr. Dan.
The next food pantry will be Saturday, March 20 at 8:30 am.
Click HERE if you would like to donate a lenten offering to this ministry of loving our neighbors.
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Starting on Monday, March 1, 2021, teachers food service workers, and first responders are eligible to receive the vaccine.
The Covid-19 vaccine clinic at Kedren Hospital does not require appointments for seniors over 65 years of age. There is a special senior-only waiting line. An appointment is helpful, but not necessary.
Also, Kaiser Permanente allows persons 75 and over, outside their plan to get vaccinated by calling 1-833-KP4CARE (1-833-574-2273).
Seniors who need to access other options can receive internet support, please contact Fr. Dan for more information.
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SPRING NEWSLETTER COMING SOON! |
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We might be social distancing, but that doesn't mean we can't connect with our community. Follow us on social media for announcements, services, special content, live discussions and prayers.
Like us, tag us, share us with friends & family.
#StJohnsLA #StJohnsLACares
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Online Services
Services will continue to be streamed on our Facebook page here. Sunday morning mass is at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday night compline is at 8:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Sunday. Tuesday and Thursday evening prayer are at 6:30 p.m., also on the Facebook page. The Sunday services are also uploaded to YouTube.
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Online Giving
Giving is still important to the operation of the church in these interesting times. You can give online through our website donation platform here, or by the mobile version Give Plus on Android or iPhone. Checks made out to "St. John's Church" may be mailed to Clergy House; reply to this email for the address. You can also text STJOHNSLA to 44321 for a text-to-give option!
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