Weekly News Update

Deans' Note | February 06, 2022

This week marks the 97th anniversary of the dedication of our church building. We celebrate this milestone Sunday as we press on to nearly 100 years! And it's Candlemas, the day the Church marks Jesus' presentation in the temple in Jerusalem. It's also the time of the Lunar New Year. What a dynamic confluence of events.

The Feast of the Presentation provides us with the wonderful image of God's presence entering the temple at Jerusalem, almost imperceptibly, in the child Jesus. The Holy Spirit is also at work here, bringing something new out of that which had grown old. Where do we see God doing something new and are we able to perceive the Holy Spirit at work?

The connection between this Feast and the dedication of our building brings to mind a hymn sung by the first congregants of St. John's who came that day 97 years ago: "Come to this temple now thine own and let thy glory fill the place." Can we renew and energize our life again this year as we emerge into new post-Covid possibilities? How can we invite the Holy Spirit to let God's glory fill the place afresh?

And the connection of the Lunar New Year, a time of new beginnings in itself, reminds us all of the cross-cultural nature of our community and our city. Could our forebearers in the faith 97 years ago ever have imagined life in the 21st century, especially at St. John's?

These three streams of confluence invite us to pray for wisdom, joy, revival, renewal, courage, and hope. Pray with us the time honored words of the Book of Common Prayer, words that date all the way back to the fifth Century:

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Upcoming Events

Christian Education | Winter 2022

Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of Luke | St. John's Cathedral

Sundays, February 6 through March 13 ( Six weeks)

at 11:30 am, Zoom and in-person

Take a deep dive into the Gospel of Luke, who we read throughout this liturgical year in our Sunday masses. How does Luke tell the story of Jesus? How is his story distinct, and how similar to the other writers who tell the story of Jesus?

Learn more about our presenters and dates by downloading a digital flyer here.

Vaccination Policy

Don't forget to bring your vaccine card to mass if you have not already done so!

Booster shots will be required starting January 16. Facial coverings continue to be required.

Vestry On-Call

This Sunday's Vestry Person On-Call

Erik Knutzen

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

St. John's Cathedral X Vanco Live

This Sunday we are excited to announce an important update when it comes to giving at St. John's Cathedral. As you know, your generosity and financial partnership helps to expand the impact our work across the community and beyond. We’ve recently introduced Vanco as our new partner in electronic giving, which allows for simple, secure gifts with your laptop or mobile device.

This new partnership will also impact the way that we hold and participate in virtual services. Starting this Sunday, February 06, join us at Vanco Live. This new streaming platform will allow us to worship from home or on the move while incorporating the ability to give quickly and securely.

For those already familiar with Vanco, you can access your giving histories and preferences by signing into your profile during the stream.

If Vanco is new to you, consider creating a profile prior to the service to participate in giving. You can do this in a couple of ways:

Go to Vanco Online and click ‘Sign Up’ to begin creating your giving profile
Go to Vanco Live and click ‘Give’. Follow the instructions to create your profile.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support!

Watch Livestream

February Food Pantry Update

Linda Whitlock (Amanda Yang's grandmother) along with friends of hers from the Assistance League of Riverside, recently knitted these hats. We would like to give them a big thanks for donating them to our St. John's Food Pantry, where they will be distributed this month.

Share This Email

St. John's Cathedral | www.stjohnsla.org