Weekly News Update

A courageous wise soul posted a few weeks ago that Christmas is not the easiest time for everyone for numerous reasons. Some of us are far from family and friends. Some are missing loved ones now in the nearer presence of God. Some hold memories of Christmas’ past. Some yearn for their lives to be different or for the world to be different – for violence and war to end. Some are living with uncertainty of life and hardships. The economic stress of it all is too much for many. For others the holidays intensify everything. Some simply feel alone.

Theologian Henri Nouwen reminds us we are not alone. God is with us even when it feels as if no one is there. He explains:

"God came to us because he wanted to join us on the road, to listen to our story, and to help us realize that we are not walking in circles but moving toward the house of peace and joy. This is the great mystery of Christmas that continues to give us comfort and consolation: we are not alone on our journey." (https://henrinouwen.org/meditations/we-are-not-alone)

I encourage you to join us this Christmas as a community of faith preparing to welcome the Christ child once again into our lives. Let us awake to the presence of God in our lives each and every day and feel the love of God that transcends time and place. Let us draw near feeling the warmth of Christmas from within. May you feel God’s loving presence along the way.

Love and blessings,

Anne+

Upcoming

The Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 17th, 2023

Said Mass is at 8:00am | In-Person

Choral Mass is at 10:00 am| In-Person and Online

Livestream for 10am available via Facebook and YouTube | Service Leaflet

Vestry On-Call

Mr. Nazario Palma

Vestry members are partners with clergy, encouraging the growth of community and the establishment of common ground in the spiritual life of the congregation. Parishioners are always welcome to speak with these individuals on Sunday morning; they assist in making sure our questions, comments, or concerns are heard.

Community

A regular meeting of the St. John’s Cathedral Vestry will take place THIS SUNDAY in the Parish Office at noon.

DONATIONS towards Christmas 2023 at the Cathedral can now be made online by visiting our website. Your contributions will support our annual tradition of festive greens, poinsettias, wreaths, and seasonal music. Dedications are warmly welcomed and envelopes will be on the welcome table.

CONNECT with Mr. Arnie Ree (310.991.7679) or contact the church office if you have an interest in serving the church as an usher. A full roster helps to spread the responsibility among a larger group of people. Please feel free to contact Mr. Ree directly with any questions.

Lunch & Learn Lecture Series

Date: THIS FRIDAY

Topic: Activism Through a Spiritual Lens

Time:11:30 A.M.

Location: St. Paul Common’s, The Great Hall

840 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Lois M. Sprague, President of the Guibord Center, has worked closely with Dr. Guibord since the Center's inception and been involved in every facet of planning and growth. “Lo” is a deeply spiritual and passionate leader who has dedicated her life to enabling others to find and follow the best within themselves.

Come and hear from Lo about the relationship between social justice and spiritual fulfillment and how to join them together to create a positive impact on yourself, your loved ones, and the causes you care about.

Immaculate Heart Community will be doing a Toy Drive with CLUE, CHIRLA, and

CARECEN to support migrants that have been sent from Texas to Los Angeles. Please

support immigrant children by bringing toys to our Lunch & Learn.

Planning Ahead...

Canon Earl Mounger has begun planning for our celebration of African American History Month (January 14 through February 11). If you are interested in joining the planning committee please speak with the Rev. Anne Sawyer or Deacon Margaret McCauley.

The Gathering, A Space for Asian Pacific American Spirituality, invites you to prepare your heart for the Christmas season with its annual Advent service. This year, the celebration will be held SUNDAY at 5 pm. All are welcome at the table as we weave together Asian American Pacific Islander identity and Christian joy. Advent music will be offered by musicians from Laós Chamber Music. Refreshments and fellowship will follow.

Please note change of date: St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park, will host an artist’s reception honoring the Rev. Canon Warner Traynham, retired rector of St. John’s, THIS FRIDAY from 5-7pm. The reception will feature an exhibit of Canon Traynham’s paintings that he has donated for sale to benefit the diocesan One Body & One Spirit Annual Appeal. The exhibit is titled “Abstracts in Action.” St. Paul’s Commons is located at 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles

If you brought in a picture of a loved-one for our November "ofrenda" now is the time to retrieve it from the altar in the baptistry.

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