~ E p i s c o p a l ~
Deans' Note March 21, 2021
The story of Jesus' arrest, trial, and journey to the cross becomes our focus as we enter Passiontide. These powerful narratives are at the core of our Christian story. In them, we hear of the gift of God's selfless love, the challenge to serve one another, Jesus giving his life so that we all might be reconciled to God. It is a story of God's embrace of all humanity, calling us back from separation, and sin to unity and peace.

The irony is that this very story has been used as a means of tribalism and hatred. Throughout Christian history, these stories have wrongfully been used as the basis of antisemitism and violence against the Jewish people. Words matter and the misuse of the words about "the Jews" in gospel accounts have fueled hatred.

Words matter as they have in recent months when insults hurled at our Asian siblings have fueled hatred -- words like 'Kung flu," and "China virus," have been the basis of pitting "us against them" yet again.

These acts of violence, fear, and demonizing of the other lie at the heart of the darkness Jesus came to destroy. The biblical story tells us that all the peoples of the earth are created as one blood, and Jesus came to redeem all of us and to bring us all under the most gracious rule of his dominion so that it might be on earth as it is in heaven. 

As followers of Jesus crucified and risen, we have the mandate to speak against all forms of hate speech or actions targeting any person or group. So now it is imperative for all of us to stand in solidarity with one another. If you hear someone engaging in toxic rhetoric say something -- not escalating an argument, but defusing it with love and grace.

As we enter this Passiontide, we know that the darkness of human hearts still needs the power of Christ's redeeming love and transformation. In recent times we have seen this darkness rise up in attacks on African Americans, through systemic racism, in anti-immigrant attacks, and now in the rise of anti-Asian attacks. Let us once more pray from the wisdom of the Book of Common Prayer: 

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen (BCP p.815)
Stations of the Cross
Join us on Friday, March 19 and March 26 at 6:30 PM for an evening viewing of the Stations of the Cross.

You can watch it on our Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Christian Education: The Gospel of Mark
March 21, 2021 at 9:30 am
on Facebook Live

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.
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.

He has authored and co-authored numerous books including “The Harper Collins’ Visual Guide to the New Testament” and “Excavating Jesus.” 
SPRING 2021 Newsletter Is Out Now!

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Special Easter Offering
for Flowers & Special Music
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.
Book Club
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.

The National Cathedral Sunday Service w/ Bishop C. Andrew Doyle
Bishop C. Andrew Doyle, Author of Citizen: Faithful Discipleship in a Partisan World, will be the guest preacher at the National Cathedral Sunday Service.

The service can be watched on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at 11:15 am Eastern Time. Available on YouTube and their Facebook Page.
Outdoor In-Person Mass
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:
COVID-19 VACCINE
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.

Meet the Doctor Who Turned His LA Clinic
Into a COVID Vaccine Hub
Let's Connect
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

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.
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!