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Visitors from Bethlehem

Sunday, November 8

Yara Hawwash and her family will be present this Sunday to raise awareness about the Christian community in the Holy Land. They will bring items handcrafted by families in Bethlehem and Jerusalem for sale. They hope to additionally engage in meaningful (non-political) conversations about the challenges faced by Christian families in the region. Be sure to give them a warm welcome and consider purchasing an item in support.

Sunday School Continues

Sunday, November 8

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Dr. Luisa Bonillas continues Sunday School this weekend. Youth will gather at the end of the service following the final hymn and proceed to the Children, Youth, and Family room.

Storymakers NYC sparks curiosity, hope, and faith by drawing individuals into God's redemptive narrative in the stories of the Bible. The material focuses on facilitating the formation experience for churches and families, deepening the Christian faith of children and grown-ups alike.

Dear Cathedral Congregation,

In a few weeks, on November 22, members of the vestry and I will update you on news regarding the engineering study that we competed this year to determine whether the cathedral will need a mandatory retrofit, and a possible plan to develop the land on Flower Street and West 27^th, as well as a new parish hall and church space. Please join us after services for this exciting updates.

There are three newsworthy decisions that I wish to share.

One: after an open invitation for nominations to serve as a diocesan delegate, one delegate from the congregation and one delegate from the vestry, the vestry elected Arnie Ree to serve as the congregational delegate and Charlotte Borst to serve as the vestry delegate on behalf of St. John’s Cathedral. Eric Tate was elected as the alternate delegate, and everyone is invited to attend diocesan convention on Nov 13-14 in Riverside CA. More information about convention is listed below. Diocesan Convention is the gathering of representatives from the entire geographic region who meet to conduct the business of the church and discern how God is leading us forward.

Two: over the course of two months the vestry entertained the idea of increasing the term limit from three years (one term) to six years if elected to serve for a second term. Nonprofits with a two-term limit is most common and considered a best practice by many. This allows vestry members to build a body of knowledge to make wise decisions and to provide steady leadership, while also creating opportunities for new members to bring new ideas and energy to the table. The decision to make this change was motioned during the September vestry meeting, and read again at the October vestry meeting before taking a vote. The motion passed with one member voting against the change. Vestry members interested in a second term must run for re-election, and must be elected to serve.

Three: there is a vestry nominations committee that is accepting names for members who wish to serve on the vestry next year.

Please contact Christopher James, Jennifer Jones, Suzanne Papp and Heather Ward. The bylaws of St. John’s state that candidates for the vestry should:

"...have a clear commitment to the life of the Parish in such other ways as active involvement in committees, guilds, and Parish organizations, and who have demonstrated leadership in other tangible ways."

Nominations for the vestry will be open until 30 November.

Good things are happening and we are excited for you to be a part of it all. St. John’s Cathedral is here for you.

Blessings,

Anne+

Gardening Ministry

Saturday, November 7

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Come help keep our cathedral grounds beautiful and welcoming. Through dedication and hard work, we are able to curate a peaceful environment that is an outward sign of care for God's house. We are grateful for your willingness to serve and the difference you make for our church community and honored guests.

BCCC Annual Summit - Our Call to Carbon Neutrality

Saturday, November 7

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

St. Paul's Commons

840 Echo Park Ave.

All churches, green teams, building & grounds committees, and parishioners who want to live into the resolution passed by the 80th General Convention in 2022 on carbon neutrality for The Episcopal Church, or who are feeling pulled toward care of creation, environmental stewardship, and love of God's precious Earth are encouraged to attend. Register Here.

Diocesan Convention 2026

November 13 and 14

This will be the first Diocesan Convention presided over by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Antonio José Gallardo Lucena, VIII Bishop of Los Angeles who was elected at the 2025 Convention and consecrated earlier this year.

The theme of this year’s Convention draws from the theme of Bishop Gallardo’s episcopacy: Living in Love & Truth | Viviendo en Amor y Verdad. “In a diocese as large, diverse, multilingual, multicultural, and politically varied as the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Ephesians 4:15 is not just a slogan; it is a way of exercising episcopal ministry.

Fellowship and Fun: Upcoming Black History Ministry Events

November 15 and December 12

Black History Ministry and its chairperson Canon Earl Mounger are excited to announce two special gatherings. A delicious meal featuring New Orleans-style Red Beans and Rice, Collard Greens, Fried Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Candied Yams, Cornbread, Pound Cake, and Banana Pudding after the service on November 15 ($10 donation requested) and an ugly sweater dance party on Saturday December 12. You can support the efforts of our Black History Ministry through their special raffle. Raffle tickets are $25 each or two for $45. Drawing date for a $350 Airbnb Voucher: February 28 (you do not need to be present to win).

Black History Committee Members:

Canon Earl Mounger • Canon Lurelean Gaines • Bob Bowen • Marci Clare • Evadney Edelson • Gloria Flowers • Velma Ford • Felicia Gaddis • Gillian John • Marcus Martin • Deacon Margaret McCauley • Josephine Reneau • Anne Sawyer • Dona Smith • Dawn Spencer • Ruby Sylvestre • Priscilla Torres • Barbara Vacarrio • Martha Watson • Diola Welch-Garcia

Update: Cathedral Retrofit and Building Development Proposal

November 22

After Sunday Morning Services

Please mark your calendars now for an important update regarding two matters concerning the future of our cathedral campus. There is good news to share as the congregation continues its efforts to secure this sacred place for the next one hundred years.