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Weekly News Update

On Sunday we will celebrate Advent IV in the morning and Christmas Eve at night! In one day we move from darkness to the light of Christ born in Jesus. The act of receiving the light of love and carrying it forward into the world requires all of us. On the isle of Iona in Scotland, poet Jan Sutch Pickard describes this act of love.

Carrying a candle


Carrying a candle 

from one little place of shelter 

to another 

is an act of love.


To move through the huge 

and hungry darkness, step by step, 

against the invisible wind 

that blows for ever around the world, 

carrying a candle, 

is an act of foolhardy hope.


Surely it will be blown out: 

the wind is contemptuous, 

the darkness cannot comprehend it.

How much light can this tiny flame shed 

on all the great issues of the day? 

It is as helpless as a newborn child.


Look how the human hand, 

that cradles it, has become translucent: 

fragile and beautiful; foolish and loving. 

Step by step.


The wind is stronger than this hand, 

and the darkness infinite 

around this tiny here-and-now flame, 

that wavers, but keeps burning: 

carried with such care 

through an uncaring world 

from one little place of shelter to another. 

An act of love. 


The light shines in the darkness 

and the darkness can never put it out.

You are invited to join us on Sunday, December 24th in the morning at 9am to celebrate Advent IV and again at 7pm for a beautiful and festive Christmas Eve service with traditional carols for all to sing. Children and families are most welcome.


We will welcome The Right Reverend John H. Taylor, Bishop of Los Angeles later at 10:30pm who will preside and preach with our magnificent St. John’s Cathedral Choir under the direction of Dr. Christopher Gravis and Dr. Zachery Neufeld on organ.


There will be another glorious Holy Eucharist on Christmas morning at 10:00am, with traditional carols to sing and hearts joyful for the birth of Christ within and among us.


Holding onto the light of Christ in a world of darkness takes willing minds and hearts to carry this light forth and make known the love of God to all the world. May God, working in us, who does more than we can ask or imagine, give us peace. Merry Christmas!

 

With God’s love and blessings,

Anne+

Upcoming

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 24th, 2023, 9:00am

Holy Eucharist accompanied by a soloist and organ.

In-Person | Service Leaflet

Vestry On-Call

Ms. Ruby Sylvestre

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.

Christmas Eve

Sunday, December 24th, 2023, 7:00pm

A festive Holy Eucharist with carols and songs of the season for all ages; accompanied in a traditional manner by the cathedral choir. Children and families are most welcome.

In-Person | Service Leaflet

The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ

Sunday, December 24th, 2023, 10:30pm

Holy Eucharist with music for choir and organ. The Rt. Rev. John H. Taylor to preside and deliver the sermon. Incense will be used.

In-Person and Online

Live stream will be available via Facebook and YouTube | Service Leaflet

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.

Christmas Day

Monday, December 25th, 2023, 10:00am

Holy Eucharist accompanied by a soloist and organ. 

In-Person | Service Leaflet

Community

Tis' the Season of Giving


There is still time to make a tax-deductible donation to Cathedral ministries before the year approaches to an end. The ministry of Stewardship is about receiving God’s blessings from those to whom we minister. And, to paraphrase from Reverend James Lee Walker’s sermon on rediscovering lay ministry, we must recognize that we are the hands, hearts, eyes, ears, mouth, and presence of Christ in our daily life inside and outside the church.


Make your contribution here!

Annual Parish Meeting

February 4th at 12:00pm following Sunday Eucharist


This important event in the life of St. John’s will take place on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 12:00pm. There will be important details concerning parish life discussed. Please plan to attend!

SAVE THE DATE: January 13, 2024


Bishop John Harvey Taylor will ordain three transitional deacons to the Sacred Order of Priests at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, at St. John's.


Ordinands are the Rev. Joshua Hing Shing Wong, the Rev. Melvin Maximiano Soriano, and the Rev. Jonathan Timothy Stoner

 

The prayers and presence of the diocesan community are requested.

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.

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