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Check out the fig tree by the church entrance and see if you can spot this glittering metallic spinning cross! This is a gift for Christ Church from one of our youth, Ryder Want. It is given in thanksgiving for this congregation. The tree will be its home for now. Thanks Ryder!!
Remembering 9/11 in Prayer
This Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack.
A Prayer for the Fifteenth Anniversary of 9/11
O God, you made us in your own image
and redeemed us through Jesus your Son:
As we commemorate the anniversary
of the terrorist attack on our nation,
continue to look with compassion on the whole human family.
Take away the arrogance and hatred which infects our hearts;
Break down the walls that separate us;
Unite us in the bonds of love;
And work through our struggle and confusion
to accomplish your purposes on earth;
that,
in your good time,
all nations and races may serve you
in harmony around your heavenly throne.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, and p
osted on the Episcopal Relief & Development website
The Work of a Rector
The Parish Profile provides a lot of information about a congregation; it also includes a section from the parish's perspective that is titled: "Qualities We Seek in a New Rector".
As we move towards the calling of a new rector for Christ Church, there is another perspective worth highlighting: what are the duties and responsibilities of a rector?
I have material from two sources to share with you. The first source comes from a blog post by the Rev. Laurie Brock, titled:
We Only Work One Day a Week..... Here are sections from that posting, with permission from the author. She has 10 major areas of weekly clergy work; I am listing two at a time for the next five weeks. I will repeat her introduction each week.
We Only Work One Day a Week...
Yep, all clergy have heard that joke. And no, it's not funnier because we've heard it 827 times.
But I do suspect many people wonder what do we do all week. After all, how long can it take to plan a service, write a sermon, and do all the pastoral care a church requires?
Well, since you asked, here's what a typical clergy week is for many of my clergy friends. Depending on church size, denominational affiliation, and full time vs part time, there will be differences (so don't print this out and take it to your pastor, demanding to know why her week looks different). This seriously not scientific study happened mostly over coffee.
(Part 3)
Prayer:
I hope every minister has time each day dedicated to prayer. Begin the day, end the day, interrupt the day - spend some time each day praying for those in our care, for our own ministries, for God's guidance. And yet, I hear so many clergy lament the lack of a prayer life. I don't think this is a negotiable for us, any of us.
Office and property manager: This is the one area where I heard more variance than any other. Some churches (less than 15% in most dioceses) have staff to help manager the office and the buildings and grounds. Most depend on volunteers and clergy. Answering phones, cleaning the church, taking out the trash, buying coffee, cleaning the church refrigerator (where everything goes to die, at least in my church), setting up for events, cleaning up after events, and keeping the books all happen at a church. It is, in one aspect, a business with the normal business things. And, at some level, except in the very largest churches, the minister is involved.
(Source: Dirty, Sexy Ministry web blog, "We Only Work One Day a Week....", 8/9/16 entry)
Discernment Prayer for the Vestry
Note: This prayer is updated now that the Vestry has received the names of the finalists and the Search Committee's work is completed.
Almighty God, giver of every good gift:
look graciously on your Church,
and so guide the minds of the Vestry
who shall choose the rector of this parish.
May we receive a faithful pastor who will care for your people
and equip us for our ministries
as we work together to align our lives
with God's love, justice and compassion. Amen.
(Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, p. 818)
Faithfully, Marilyn+
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VESTRY NEWS ON THE SEARCH FOR OUR NEW RECTOR
updated September 7, 2016
Rector Search
The Vestry is now going over the applications and supporting information provided by the Search Committee for each of the three finalists for Rector. It has scheduled visits in the coming weeks for each candidate and his or her family. Due to the need to keep the names confidential, they will not be meeting with the whole parish. During each visit the Vestry will interview the candidate and have extra time to get to know the candidate and family. It is hoping to finish the interview/visit process, complete its discernment, and call our new Rector by late September or early October the latest.
Updated September 7, 2016
Christ Church Upcoming Events & Announcements
SUNDAY, September 11, 2016
- Fr. Norm will be preaching at both services.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 - PLEASE NOTE the LA Triathlon At Torrance Beach is being held on Sept 11. There may be parking issues, traffic restrictions, and road closures that morning. Here is a
link to their website in case you would like more info.
THE BISHOP COADJUTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has named five candidates for nomination preceding election by Diocesan Convention meeting Dec. 2-3 in Ontario, Calif.
The candidates are the Rev. Paul Fromberg, rector of St. Gregory of Nyssa, San Francisco; the Rev. Rachel Nyback, rector of St. Cross, Hermosa Beach, Calif.; the Rev. Anna Olson, rector of St. Mary's, (Mariposa Avenue) Los Angeles; the Rt. Rev. Pierre Whalon, bishop of the Paris-based Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe; and the Rev. Mauricio Wilson, rector of St. Paul's, Oakland, Calif. More information about the process is found here, Additional candidate information will be posted on the diocesan website in the next weeks.
MOTHER MARILYN'S OFFICE HOURS -
Sundays at church for services and any scheduled events and meetings.
Monday-Wednesday at church typically from 9 am - 2 pm.*
*When there are evening meetings or services her 'day' usually starts in mid-afternoon.
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SUNDAY SERVICES THIS WEEK
8:00 AM Choral Holy Eucharist (said service)
10:00 AM Choral Holy Eucharist (with music)
Sunday School -
Ms. Sylvia thanks the parents and children of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for another wonderful year of learning and prayer together. Parents, please note that the Catechesis' last session for this academic year was
June 5th
. We will post the opening date for Catechesis in the Fall
,
toward the end of summer.
ACOLYTES SERVING IN SEPTEMBER
September 4: Ryder Want
September 11: Christopher Dedo
September 18: Ryder Want
September 25:
PASTORAL EMERGENCIES OR ILLNESS?
In case of a pastoral emergency, please call Mother Marilyn at (323) 273-3888. If you are ill and not able to attend church or hospitalized and wishing to have a visit by Mother Marilyn, please give her a call and let her know.
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 We are trying to keep our prayer list current. So, every four weeks we will start our list over again. If you wish to have someone added to our weekly Prayers of the People, please call Trudy Bush at 310 540-1722 or send her an email at christrb@aol.com. Thank you.
We commend to God's love and care those for whom our prayers have been requested especially:
For all those serving in our armed forces at home and abroad and especially those known to us: Blake, Joshua, Louis, Eric, Spencer, Christopher, Simon, John Joseph, Jimmy, Gage, Josh, John, Ken, Jeff, Blake H, Danelle, and Jarrod.
We also pray for:
George; Sal; Joe; Pat and Gene; Sandie; Aiden; Alice and Blake; Blanca and Albert; Francesca; Carlene; Fran; Hunter; Allan; Martha; Rita; Byron; Ann; Todd; Sara; Sherry; Bradley; Maria; Nancy E; Ann; Father Bob and Madelyn; John R; Rdythe and family; Al and Shirley Miller family; Anne; Lenia; the Catlett family; David; Teresa; Megan;
Leo and the Licciardone family; George and the Hoag family; Florence Haefner and family; Paula;
the entire Steib family as they help and support Betty, especially Laura and Sam;
Gwendolyn; Joannie; Eric; Bob Nelson and the Nelson family; Roger; Frieda K; William Ro; Ray; Al; Tom;
the Dwyer family; Lawrence; Carlene; and Bennett
For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, especially:
We pray for our pets who we love, or are lost, sick or dying especially:
And we give thanksgiving for those celebrating Birthdays and Anniversaries this week, especially
the birthdays of: Dar, Sandy, Anton, and Haley.
The anniversaries of: Diana and Chuck, Nancy and Terry, Gail and Robert.
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The flowers in the church this Sunday are donated to the Glory of God by:
Ann and Vic Cooper in memory of their fathers Bob Abel and Norman Cooper.
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8 AM COFFEE HOUR - Please use the sign up sheets in the Parish Hall, or call or email Trudy to sign up.
10 AM COFFEE HOUR - Please see the Guidelines below. Extra copies of the Guidelines are also
attached to the Coffee Hour Sign up sheet in the parish hall.
Any questions, please call or email Trudy in the church office at (310) 540-1722 or christrb@aol.com.
September 11, 2016 (Pentecost XVII)
8:00 AM: Nancy Taugner
10:00 AM: Needed
September 18, 2016 (Pentecost XVII)
8:00 AM: Needed
10:00 AM: Needed
September 25, 2016 (Pentecost XIX)
8:00 AM: Needed
10:00 AM: Needed
October 2, 2016 (Pentecost XX)
8:00 AM: Needed
10:00 AM: Needed
October 9, 2016 (Pentecost XXI)
8:00 AM: Needed
10:00 AM: Needed
October 16, 2016 (Pentecost XXII)
8:00 AM: Needed
10:00 AM: Needed
October 23, 2016 (Pentecost XXIII)
8:00 AM: Needed
10:00 AM: Needed
October 30, 2016 (Pentecost XXIV)
8:00 AM: Needed
10:00 AM: Needed
NEW COFFEE HOUR PLAN AND GUIDELINES
We are going to try something new for Coffee Hour after the 10:00 a.m. service. The change will begin on October 11, 2015. Sticking with the Theme of "Hospitality and Welcome", we will ask that three or more families or individuals sign up per Sunday. This change will help spread the cost and time commitment out among the members of the group serving on that particular Sunday.
The following guidance will help explain what is involved when your group is responsible for providing the refreshments, hospitality and clean up.
1. On a typical Sunday, there will be between 25 and 40 people attending the Coffee Hour.
2. Those providing the Hospitality/Refreshments will plan between themselves what they will bring and serve.
3. Setting out the refreshments can take place just after you have come up for communion, providing sufficient time for everything to be ready for the group at the end of the Church Service. If you need assistance in finding where trays are kept and serving utensils please ask Susan Mulledy-DeFrank and she will be happy to show you around the kitchen.
4. Clean up: Please clear all food and serving trays off of the tables. If food is left over and you wish to take it that is great. If you wish to leave it there are plastic zip lock bags in the pantry. Please make sure if you are using the Refrigerator or Freezer that you make sure that they are closed securely. Wash, dry and put away the utensils and trays. If you are unsure of where they go, please dry them and just leave them on the kitchen counter. Please make sure that all used coffee mugs are placed in the dirty cup plastic bin (it's kept by the Coffee Machine during the Coffee Hour). If someone could put the bin in the kitchen sink and fill with soapy water fully covering the coffee mugs that would be appreciated as the dirty mugs draw bugs. The soapy water keeps them at bay. The mugs are washed and sterilized on Wednesday morning by Susan.
5. Finally please wipe down the kitchen counters to keep any crumbs and food product from attracting bugs.
This offering of Hospitality is one of our most important ministries at Christ Church. As you have read and heard in Sermons over the years " Jesus Christ" was always teaching his followers about the importance of this welcoming gift-the Gift of Hospitality.
Christ's Peace in Welcome & Hospitality,
Susan Mulledy-DeFrank
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ACE OF HEARTS
In our Gospel, the tax collectors and the Pharisees grumble because Jesus...
1. Welcomes sinners and eats with them.
2. Challenges their authority.
3. Is better educated than them.
4. Refuses to follow the laws of the Torah.
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COLLECT AND READINGS FOR THIS COMING SUNDAY
September 11, 2016 Proper 19C Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
(15th anniversary of 9/11/2001 WTC terrorist attack)
The Collect
O
God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The First Lesson
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
A
t that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem: A hot wind comes from me out of the bare heights in the desert toward my poor people, not to winnow or cleanse-- a wind too strong for that. Now it is I who speak in judgment against them.
"For my people are foolish,
they do not know me;
they are stupid children,
they have no understanding.
They are skilled in doing evil,
but do not know how to do good."
I looked on the earth, and lo, it was waste and void;
and to the heavens, and they had no light.
I looked on the mountains, and lo, they were quaking,
and all the hills moved to and fro.
I looked, and lo, there was no one at all,
and all the birds of the air had fled.
I looked, and lo, the fruitful land was a desert,
and all its cities were laid in ruins
before the Lord, before his fierce anger.
For thus says the Lord: The whole land shall be a desolation; yet I will not make a full end.
Because of this the earth shall mourn,
and the heavens above grow black;
for I have spoken, I have purposed;
I have not relented nor will I turn back.
The Response
Psalm 14
Dixit insipiens
1
T
he fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." *
All are corrupt and commit abominable acts;
there is none who does any good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven upon us all, *
to see if there is any who is wise,
if there is one who seeks after God.
3 Every one has proved faithless;
all alike have turned bad; *
there is none who does good; no, not one.
4 Have they no knowledge, all those evildoers *
who eat up my people like bread
and do not call upon the Lord?
5 See how they tremble with fear, *
because God is in the company of the righteous.
6 Their aim is to confound the plans of the afflicted, *
but the Lord is their refuge.
7 Oh, that Israel's deliverance would come out of Zion! *
when the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,
Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.
The Epistle
1 Timothy 1:12-17
I
am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
The Gospel
Luke 15:1-10
A
ll the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."
So he told them this parable: "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
"Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
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CHRIST CHURCH SPIRITUAL LIBRARY
The following books have been added to the lending library. There is an updated book list along with at least one copy of each new book in the parish hall.
They can also be purchased as E-books or hardcopy for your reading.
1.
Grounded: Finding God in the World-A Spiritual Revolution
by Diana Butler Bass.
2. Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today
by Sr. Joan Chittister
3. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
4.
Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion
by Fr. Gregory Boyle
(Note: purchases of this book benefit Homeboy Industries).
5. Holy Currencies: Six Blessings for Sustainable Ministries by The Rev. Eric F. Law
The following books continue to be part of the lending library.
The Kingdom Within John Sanford
Unearthing My Religion: Real Talk about Real Faith Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves
Innocence: A Novel Dean Koontz
Naked Spirituality: A Life with God in 12 Simple Words Brian McClaren
Living on the Border of the Holy L. William Countryman
Violence Unveiled: Humanity at the Crossroads Gil Bailie
Knowing Jesus James Allison
Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World Brian McClaren
Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife Eben Alexander
Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life Richard Rohr
Healing After Loss-Daily Meditations Martha Whitmore Hickman
Paradoxy: Creating Christian Community beyond Us and Them Ken Howard
The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life Thomas Moore
The Common English Bible (CEB) Study Bible-The Book of Mark
The Power of the Powerless: A Brother's Legacy of Love Christopher de Vinck
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Christ Church Mission: Who We Are & What We Hope to Do and Become