Weekly News Update

Dean's Note | June 18, 2023

Dear Friends In Christ,

This week on reflection, I find myself looking back, looking forward, and acknowledging the present.

Looking back, I will not soon forget the countless parade goers standing on the side of the streets last Sunday as members of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles traveled by in Pride LA. In this day and age, I suspect that the vast majority of people on the sidelines do not attend church, and may not feel welcomed. But as we walked beside the big yellow flatbed truck with large banners on both sides, most people paused to read what we proclaimed:

We are the Episcopal Church

Jesus teaches us

Strive for justice and peace among all people

Respect the dignity of every human being

No exceptions

You are loved

As we scooted along, you could see them reading the banner, smile, make gestures of gratitude and many said thank you – “we love you” in response. The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles was the only religious organization I saw – all 55-60 of us from a handful of parishes. I was grateful that St. John’s Cathedral was there.

Looking forward, some of you may have seen this picture of Mel Soriano and I online from the Episcopal Diocese of LA’s ordination of Transitional Deacons we hosted last Saturday. I am pleased to announce that Deacon Mel will be joining us in August on Sundays and will engage in various forms of ministry at St. John’s Cathedral. In January, then Rev. Mel will be ordained to the priesthood God willing and the people consent. Mel joined us on Pentecost, is a graduate of USC among other institutions of higher education, founded his own software company, is walking the Camino right now, and is a joyful, gifted, faithful soul. Please help me in welcoming him to St. John’s.

Lastly, in this present moment we are in the midst of a transition in leadership at St. John’s, and it is never easy moving through this process. Please be kind to yourself and each other, including me, as we journey together. Part of my job is “to help a congregation work through issues and identify weaknesses that may undermine a new rector/dean if not addressed during the interim” (Vestry Resource Guide, CPG). The Vestry has selected a wonderful, diverse group of parishioners to begin the parish profile. Stay tuned for more announcements to follow. During this time, it is essential that we care for each other as members of this faith community.

May God give us strength, courage and peace.

Anne+

Street Closure Taking Place this Sunday, June 18 for CicLAvia—South LA

In case you're not familiar, CicLAvia is a non-profit organization that partners with the City of LA to produce car free days, transforming the streets into public parks for the day. The event is free, family-friendly and open to the public. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell's office will also be partnering with us to bring their 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration & Resource Fair to this event!

Though the church is not directly on the route, please note that there may be additional traffic congestion during the event hours, and you may need to take a different route to church that day. Please plan accordingly and allow additional time to drive.

Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 3pm

In-person and Online

The Diocese of Los Angeles will present its second annual Juneteenth celebration at 3:00 p.m. this Saturday, June 17 here at St. John’s Cathedral. The Rev. Stacey Forte Dupré will the the preacher for the service, which is sponsored by the Program Group on Black Ministry and the H. Belfield Hannibal Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. The Adrian Dunn Singers will perform spirituals and gospel music and the Rev. Lester McKenzie, a native of South Africa and rector of St. Mary's Church, Laguna Beach, will provide African drumming and song.

Livestream available via Facebook and YouTube

Third Sunday After Pentecost

Sunday, June 18, 2023

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

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

Livestream available via Facebook and YouTube | Service Leaflet

Vestry On-Call

Martha Ree

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.

The Parish office will be CLOSED June 19 for Juneteenth.

Community

Meal Train for Amanda & Hamilton Yang

We are happy to announce that Hamilton and Amanda Yang are expecting their new bundle of joy soon! As they prepare for this exciting new chapter in their lives, they are seeking some help with meals. They have set up a "Meal Train" sheet for folks to sign up if they want to contribute. This is a great opportunity to show our love and support for the Yang family during this special time. Let's come together as a community to help them out and make sure they have meals to enjoy as they adjust to their new family dynamic. Please take a moment to SIGN UP for a meal slot on the Meal Train sheet and help the Yangs welcome their baby with open hearts and full stomachs!

Requiescat in pace

With great sadness, we announced that Valeria McCray died on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 101 years of age. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to her children and family. Mrs McCray was a beloved, faithful member of St. John's Cathedral LA for a lifetime. May she rise in glory, and rest with God forevermore. More information about her service will follow.

Connect with our St. John's Community

There are two WhatsApp group chats for our parish hiking group and for events in DTLA/South Park. Anyone who is interested in joining these chats can simply click on the provided links and they will be automatically added to the groups. WhatsApp is a free messaging app available on both the AppStore and Google Play. This is a great opportunity to connect with other members of our community who share similar interests and stay up-to-date on upcoming activities.

St. John's Hiking Group

DTLA/South Park Adventures ✨

Love Letter LA: LGBTQ Mixer

Celebration and Mixer for LA's LGBTQ + Professionals, Artists, Activists and Allies

Friday, June 23rd from 6 pm-8 pm

at DTLA Proud A+R=T Community Center

This second Love Letter LA counter narrative space is intentionally positioned during the June 2023 Pride Month with an aim to shed light on the profound impact of queer people of color throughout the history of Los Angeles, connect the LGBTQ+ community and allies, and foster a sense of belonging.

Love Letter LA will also honor the founders of Queer Mercado who have created a space in East LA that solely focuses on LGBTQ+ businesses and Toni Newman, an African-American transgender author, sex workers' rights advocate, Director of The Coalition for Justice and Equality Across Movements at National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC). The event will feature a networking reception with music and libations!