So click the link and do it now!

Survey results will be sent to all candidates for our next Rector to give them a picture of who we are as a Parish. If you haven't answered then you won't be represented.

Responses are anonymous and you don't have to answer all the questions. The survey is intended for all those 16+ years of age participating either in-person or remotely in our parish community of worship.

The rock band R.E.M. released the song It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I feel fine) as a single 34 years ago this month. That title seems particularly fitting for what is happening liturgically and and globally in these days of pandemic, climate change, economic crises, and political/cultural divides.

The season of Advent is just over a week away with its theme of the coming of Christ both at Bethlehem and at the culmination of all things (the word Advent means “coming” or “presence”). The lectionary readings in recent weeks have also depicted images of eschatology (last things). Last Sunday we read Jesus’ prophesy of the destruction of the temple (Mk 13) and this week we will read of the exaltation of the “Son of Man” on Christ the King Sunday (Dan 7 & Rev 1). All of this “end of the world” talk is not meant to cause you to despair, it is a call to faithfulness, because God is faithful. We are called to consider how we might provoke one another to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). So, how do we do this? Let me suggest three things.

First, rebuild the holy habit of worship attendance either in person or online. As the author of Hebrews says, “Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing” (Heb 10:25). Remember, the word church does not refer to a building but to an assembly of people. If we do not gather for worship, we are not a church. The best way for us to encourage one another is to gather regularly.

Second, consider how you can do good to others. A straightforward way is to contribute to our Thanksgiving food drive. All you need to do is look around and you can see the homelessness and economic stress that people are living with, so please give generously. Beyond that, you can simply reach out to the people around you – listen to them, empathize with them, show them you care.

Finally, and hopefully I do not lose you here, get vaccinated. I know it has turned into something controversial, but it is not. The Covid vaccine is safe and effective but most importantly, it is about loving our neighbors as ourselves – “let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). We love one another by doing what we can to be safe.

Yes, these times may feel like the end of world as we know it, but as we spur one another on to love and good deeds, we will feel fine. In truth, we will be better than fine, God will bless us. As the old collect for the last Sunday of the year says: “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

 

Harbor Interfaith works to fill the void for the homeless and working poor during the holidays. They distribute holiday food baskets and provide social connection. Help them to help others by donating items for their Thanksgiving food baskets:

Please bring non-perishable gifts and leave them on the coffee cart in the Narthex.

*Frozen turkeys need to be placed in the freezer in the kitchen.

Please ask in the office if you need help on a week day. Office hours are 9-3pm Monday through Thursday.

And/or bring donations on Sunday, Nov. 21, after the 8 a.m. service and before and after the 10 a.m. service.

Questions? Contact Gayle Taylor.

Wherever you are, and whatever you're doing - this year you can give thanks to God with our community via zoom.

Rev. Jerry will be leading a simple service at 10am.

Join Zoom Meeting

Come together for a morning of Opening Up to God by awaking our senses through activities, laughter, prayer, and silence. We have been shuttered for so long; let’s open the windows and let in the Light!

To help us with planning - please RSVP to Kristina Pela via email or phone (310-941-2498). Also contact her for more details.

Get into the Holiday Spirit and join us on the 2nd Sunday of Advent for the St. Francis traditional wreath-making! Following the 10:00am service we will gather to make wreaths and enjoy some festive holiday treats. We will have candles, greens and floral wire/pipe cleaners available at the event. However, in the spirit of reuse, reduce and recycle, please bring any foam or metal wreath bases you may have at home to use this year! We will have some available but really want to encourage families to use the ones they already have. If you have any questions, please email Mary Deley.

Advent Taizé - Back In Person!

Our Taizé service returns for an evening of contemplative music and prayer in our candlelit chapel beginning at 7:00pm and wrapping up with a reception on our heated chapel patio.

Come let the Peace of this Advent Service of Wholeness & Healing wash over you, then join us for a cup of warm wassail and light refreshments afterwards! Any questions, please email or call Kristina Pela 310-941-2498.

A spiritual mind and body practice!

Parish Hall (doors will be open for ventilation and masks must still be worn). No set fees - classes are free-will offering. Questions? Jill Fenske

Meditation (no meeting tomorrow - Veterans' Day)

Meditation, followed by a quiet time of conversation.

Contact - Susie Zimmerman

8:00 a.m. - Rite I in-person worship in the Chapel, with two hymns (for those fully vaccinated). This service is not live-streamed.

10:00 a.m. - Rite II in-person worship in the main church with music.

10:00 am Sunday worship is live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, and available for watching later.

Please contact Kristina Pelá to arrange for a Lay Eucharistic Minister to safely bring you communion.

Need someone's email, or even map directions to their home?

Go to https://servantkeeper.com/directory/sfc/login

The password is Romans12:4-5

Bookmark the link on your phone or computer and let your browser save the password and you will always be up to date with information!

We are here to do our best to help you with whatever you may need. We know circumstances can be difficult at any time. For help of any kind, or just for a Zoom or Facetime or phone call, please email or call Jerry+ .

310-594-7984

Enews is sent weekly on Thursday afternoons: email Susan with your requests.

Click here for The Episcopal News Update

Office main line - 310 375 4617

The Rev. Jerry Sather 310-594-7984

Mark Bennett 310-594-7416

Susan Marshall 310-594-8427

Elaine Mistele 310-594-8268

Mary Sanchez 310-375-4617