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Interim Dean and Priest-in-Charge's Note

Today is the last day in January 2025, thanks be to God. It has been quite a month, and many of us are feeling traumatized here in Los Angeles.

I would invite and encourage us to be kind and understanding with each other, knowing that there is so much beyond our control that is impacting the world in which we live. When craziness swirls beyond control, there is the temptation to take hold, to dig in, to hold fast to that within our reach, and sometimes, to cut bait. When in reality, we need each other more than ever as we try simply to manage it all. There is always need for support during times of change and trauma. Let us listen to each other for what is needed, and respond with love, compassion and understanding.

I give thanks for all of you. For this community of faith that is grounded in love and light, and proclaims the values of inclusiveness, radical welcome, community, diversity and stewardship. By listening, we will hear what is needed the most both within our community and beyond. We will hear how we are called to take action during this time of trauma and change, and who needs us the most. As we show up, may we be kind to each other and gracious not knowing more than we are willing to share. Thank you for being a community of faith that honors the One who gives us life and is the source of love.

Join us on Sunday as we celebrate The Presentation of our Lord in the Temple, also known as Candlemas. This Sunday was also the day of consecration for St. John’s Church in 1925. Mr. Rick Nordin has written a prayer of historical remembrance for this special occasion.



In addition, February is Black History Month and  plans are underway to learn more about the intersection of African Americans and labor in this country and ongoing struggles, as well as celebrate the rich traditions and culture of our siblings in Christ. We hope to see you.

With love and blessings,

Anne+

A Prayerful Remembrance to Honor the

Consecration of St. John's - February 3, 1925

by Mr. Rick Nordin

Creator of all that is good, we sing your praise and thanks for the blessings you have given to all the people who have worshiped in St. John’s Cathedral since 1924.

We remember the one thousand families of parishioners and friends who gave the funds to build this beautiful house of worship where so many people of different backgrounds have gathered in the last century.

We especially wish to recognize Mr. William Andrews Clark, Jr. who made the largest gift to restart construction in 1923 after the project had stalled for lack of funds. He inspired others to step up to help complete the building in time for Advent worship in 1924 with his philanthropy. Bless the memory of this most generous man.

We also give thanks and bless the memory of Mrs. Isaac Milbank whose funds in honor of her late husband provided the high altar and the hand carved triptych of your son our Lord, Jesus Christ.

We express our appreciation to the family of William May Garland for their numerous gifts that funded marble and mosaics in the chancel and created the Lady Chapel.

We ask for remembrance of Father George Davidson whose drive brought this house of worship into being and for the role his wife played in it through her quiet supportive involvement. 

We celebrate the creative work of the building's architects the brothers Pierpont and Walter S. Davis who were awarded the commision for their design based upon an 11th Century Church in Toscanella, Italy. 

These dedicated souls and the others who joined with them built this house of worship. Now as St John’s Cathedral celebrates its centennial we ask for heavenly guidance to assure a vigorous active future for this church.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Black History Month at

St. John's Cathedral 2025

Written by Canon Earl Mounger

We've come this far by faith trusting in the Lord.

As we begin our new century here at St. John’s let us not forget how far we have come from the days of the dedication of this building 100 years ago. Some of us, myself included, would not have been invited into the pews of this church perhaps because of our race or sexual orientation. This month as we began to celebrate Black History Month here at St. John’s let us not forget that Blacks who wanted to worship in this is magnificent church were encouraged to attend Saint Philip’s the first historically Black Episcopal church in the dioceses a few blocks away. It was also the largest Black Episcopal Church West of the Mississippi River....

Pledge Update

As of Friday, January 31

To date, we have received 92 pledges ranging from $5 to 75k, and have achieved 92% of our pledging goal this year! The mode and median pledge are $1,200, and the average pledge is $2,800. Many thanks to all of you who have pledged your financial support to St. John's Cathedral. We are grateful for your active membership in our church community. Pledge statements and thank you notes were distributed last week during our annual meeting. If you have not picked up your folder, please do so on Sunday after services. Thank you!

Gardening Ministry

Saturday, February 1 (TOMORROW)

9.00 a.m. - 11.00 a.m.

Grab your gloves and join us on the lawn; the Gardening Ministry meets! Help us care for the earth. We will weed, cut, prune, fertilize, plant, mulch, and water, as well as share stories and gardening tips in good humor and fellowship. If you enjoy getting your fingernails and knees dirty, join the St. John's Gardening Ministry. Feel free to bring your favorite gardening tools!

Compline

Sunday, February 2

8.00 p.m.

Let your prayers arise like incense and embrace a time to "be still" and inwardly digest the presence of God among us. Compline has been the last office of prayer before the close of day since the sixth century. The short liturgy is divided into several sections: the chanting of psalms, scripture, and prayers. Reception to follow.

Nominations for Transitional Committee Are Still Open

From the Senior Warden, Canon Lurelean Gaines

Here is an opportunity to serve and be a part of a decision making body. There is a need for at least nine to fifteen persons to work together to determine where we are leading the congregation and by whom.

The ideal situation is to have representation which encompasses committed, caring, thoughtful individuals from different age groups and ethnic backgrounds who are willing to put in the time and energy to make informed decisions that allows the group to invite the full-time Dean for St. John's Cathedral.

If you are interested in this opportunity to serve please speak with the Committee Chairperson Mr. Luis Gonzalez or me.

Thank you in advance for considering this task.

Emergency Preparedness

Helpful Guides

Congregants, loved ones and their neighbors are encouraged to consider individual and collective emergency preparedness. Explore such sites as Ready.gov and RedCross.org for techniques and materials. The City of Los Angeles has also created a Personal Preparedness Guide as a quick reference for households. Discover that here. Please let us know how St. John's Cathedral can provide support during recovery from the devastating fires in Los Angeles. We are here for you.

Don't forget to sign up!

If your birthday is in February, please use the sign-up sheets on the bulletin board in the fountain courtyard or contact the Rev. Mel Soriano. Whether it’s cookies, fruit, or something homemade or heartier, your contribution will help make our time of fellowship even more joyful.

Thank you for sharing your special month with the community—we can’t wait to celebrate together!