Honoring Those Who Labor

Labor Day weekend is upon us which marks the unofficial end of Summer. Schools are starting back up – though not without some COVID difficulties – and the Fall sports season is about to kick off. At St Francis, we are also wrapping up some of our summer activities. Get Connected Sunday is on the 19th and the Bishop’s visit will take place on October 3rd. 

However, before we launch headlong into the Fall season, it is good to stop and give thanks to God for the men and women who, in their daily labor, keep our nation moving. Many of us will be enjoying this long weekend with some time at the grill or a trip to the beach, but about 40% of working Americans will still be on the job on Labor Day, many in lower-wage service industries.

Ecclesiasticus 38:27-32a (found in the Apocrypha) describes what workers bring to a community. The text mentions artisans, smiths, and potters – wonderfully depicting the details of their craft. We could add restaurant workers, police and firefighters, medical professionals, store clerks and many others. Of them we could say, “All these rely on their hands, and all are skillful in their own work. Without them no city can be inhabited, and wherever they live, they will not go hungry” (Ecclesiasticus 38:31-32a). We need such faithful workers in our communities, yet too many are underpaid and underappreciated.

So, on this Labor Day, think about all the workers around you and the difference they make. Give them your thanks, and maybe say this prayer on Labor Day:

Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1 (323) 204-5045
Interim Priest
Sign-up for the Taco Truck on Get Connected Sunday

Our “Get Connected Sunday” is just around the corner on 19 September. This event will give you an opportunity to learn about the many different ministries of our church and how YOU can get involved. 

This fun-filled day will include a Taco Truck meal following our 10:00 a.m. service. 

If you would like to assist with the fellowship portion of the day, please contact Mary Deley at mary_deley@yahoo.com.


Please sign up for the fellowship meal indicating
the number of adults and children in your party.
If you have any problems registering online, call the church office at (310) 375-4617.
Check the Our Rector Search Page for information about the rector search process, and updates about the upcoming Parish Survey.
Confirmation classes will begin soon! If you wish to be confirmed or received into The Episcopal Church, contact the church office at 310-375-4617 or email Jerry+ for details.
Saturday, Sept. 11 at St. Peter's by the Sea, Brahms Requiem in remembrance of those we lost on 9/11/01, and those we have lost in the last 18 months. Featuring a 70-voice choir from the community and chamber orchestra conducted by Dr. Jeannie Cobb.
Disaster Relief Opportunities
Contact Susie Zimmerman at (310) 316-5941.
Following Hurricane Ida, Episcopal Relief and Development is in touch with our regional partners and dioceses to assess the needs of those impacted. We need your help to give them critical aid. Please give an urgent gift and enable us to respond immediately — and aid all along the road to recovery. Your gift will provide our partners on the ground with essential supplies such as food and water, pastoral care and other urgent needs. You’ll also help with long-term recovery efforts needed to rebuild and heal. Don’t wait to give.
Sunday Worship

8:00 a.m. - Rite I in-person worship in the Chapel.
(spoken service, not live-streamed).

10:00 a.m. - Rite II in-person worship in the main church with music.

Masks required: LA County mandate requires masks worn indoors regardless of vaccination status.

10:00 am Sunday worship will continue to be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, and available for watching later.

Please contact Kristina Pelá to arrange for a Lay Eucharistic Minister to safely bring you communion.
Compline on Facebook Live

Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7:00 pm.

What is Compline anyway? Read more here.
Tuesday Bible Study over Zoom

Our Tuesday Bible Study team is working on plans for a new program series.

Email Suellen Eslinger or Jack Hailwood for details.
Teen Youth Group

Youth Group is on hiatus over the Summer. Our first session of the new program year will be Sunday, September 26 at 4:00pm.

Youth Group is open to all Middle and High School students.

Need Help of Any Kind?
Physical, Spiritual, Psychological, or Material?

We are here to do our best to help you with whatever you may need. We know circumstances are difficult for many at this time. For help of any kind, or just for a Zoom or Facetime or phone call, please email or call Jerry+ at any time.

You are not interrupting our work - you ARE our work!

(323) 204-5045
Summer Communications

Peter and Susan Marshall will both be away for the next few weeks, attending the wedding of their daughter Zoë in DC, and then (travel regulations permitting) visiting their mothers in the UK. All for the first time reuniting since the pandemic began.

A huge thank you to everyone who is stepping in to cover for Susan.
  • For matters relating to the enews and website, please contact Wayne.
  • For anything else, please contact Mary in the church office.

Wishing a safe and blessed summer to us all. ~Susan.
Enews Submission Deadline: 3:00 pm Wednesday

Enews is sent weekly on Thursday afternoon: email Wayne with your requests.
St. Francis Office Hours

The church office is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The office is closed on Fridays.
Contact:
1 (323) 204-5045

You are not interrupting our work - you ARE our work!