St. John's Cathedral Weekly Update

Weekly News Update

Deans' Note | November 7, 2021

“Every generous act of giving with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17a)

For many of us the words from the hymn we call the doxology ring in our minds with the mention of the first line "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." The words may be too familiar. How often do we remember that all our blessings come from the hand of God? The Letter of James takes it to another level “every generous act of giving with every perfect gift” comes from our loving Father. In other words, even the gifts we give from a generous heart express the goodness and kindness of God who is generous through us!

The image we use in our stewardship program this year depicts a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, a sign of all the potential released through the generosity we give and receive. Gifts that come from the heart bear fruit and give life beyond the gift itself. This is especially true of the gifts of time, talent, and treasure we share in the ministry of St. John’s. Our gifts unlock the potential for God to work through the ministries they enable in our church and in the world around us.

We are emerging from a chrysalis moment right now. We have spent over a year and a half in a time of enclosure and now we aren’t sure what new life will emerge for the future. This coming year will be a time of new possibility, of trying new things while still standing on our foundations.

The gifts you share in this coming year will bear fruit into the future. Our new possibilities are limited only by our imagination and generosity. We ask and encourage each of us to step out, to emerge from our chrysalis to make a generous act of giving. When it comes from a full and abundant heart, it will be a perfect gift.

This Sunday, we officially begin our Stewardship Season as we celebrate all the saints who went before us and whose faith filled gifts continue to emerge in the life of our congregation. We invite you to join us for lunch after the 10:00 mass to celebrate our emerging life, and to hear the inspiring witness of parishioner, Rick Nordin. We look forward to seeing you then.

Vaccination Policy

Don't forget to bring your vaccine card to mass if you have not already done so! Facial coverings continue to be required.

Vestry On-Call

This Sunday's Vestry Person On-Call

Paul Adesokan (2023)

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.

Upcoming Events

All Saints and All Souls Day (Observed)

Sunday, November 07, 2021

This Sunday we will remember those who have left this world and whom we hold dear in our hearts. Everyone attending the 8:00 am and 10:00 am Masses may bring a picture or memento of a loved one and place it on the High Altar near the Blessed Sacrament. Card stock will also be available for names to be written down and displayed.

Stewardship Luncheon

Sunday, November 07, 2021

at 11:30 am

Guest Speaker: Rick Nordin

"Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

- James 1:17

Members of our congregation are invited to join together for fellowship following our all saints and all souls observance to learn more about the start of our Stewardship season and share personal stories and reflections about our community and unique house of prayer. Rick Nordin will be our guest speaker.

Rick has both a personal story to share and one as a retired fundraiser with forty years in the field including six years as Director of Stewardship at All Saints Church, Pasadena.

He retired in 2017 and is the founding president of a now 600 member alumni association at USC, serves as Chair of the Development Committee for The Sycamores, an LA Country focused non-profit organization delivering support to children and families and as a board member of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council. Besides those organizations, Rick’s passion is the study of Los Angeles history.

He and Chris Reyes, his partner of four years, live in DTLA.

Compline

Sunday, November 07, 2021

at 8pm

Join us in-person or online via Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter for our monthly service of candlelit Compline led by the choir under the direction of Dr. Christopher Gravis; food and fellowship will immediately follow service.

Pathways To An Open Heart

Appreciative Inquiry:

How Looking At What's Working Well Instead of What's Wrong Can Change Your Life

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

at 7:00 pm via Zoom

There are many ways that one can draw closer to God. In this series, Mother Lyn shares four that, with practice, can serve as doorways into a deeper relationship with God. The remaining two classes will meet on November 10 and 17, at 7:00pm via Zoom.

Zoom link will be posted on the St. John's Cathedral Facebook Group on the day of the class.

Newcomer Gathering

Sunday, November 14, 2021

at 11:30 am

If you have been attending St. John's (virtually or in person since March of 2020) as a new member, please join us for a tour of the church and a light reception. Our clergy would be pleased to welcome you and answer any questions.

To receive your invitation, sign-up during coffee hour with our Sexton Ada Galindo or email us at churchoffice@stjohnsla.org .

Evening Prayer

via Facebook Live

Join us for evening prayer every Tuesday and Thursday via Facebook Live at 6:30 pm.

St. John's Cathedral Facebook Page

Community

Vestry Nominations

The vestry has appointed a selection committee to gather names of potential candidates for our Vestry, Names will be reviewed and a slate determined by the Vestry. Members of the committee include Michael Tracy (Junior Warden), Carol Nicholas, David Oakes, and Linda Brown.

"To be eligible for election to the Vestry, a candidate shall be a baptized person of sixteen years or over, attendant upon the services of this parish, who for at least one year prior to election shall have been a pledging contributor to the support of this Parish." (Parish Bylaws)

In addition, candidates should

Demonstrate leadership potential and understanding or willingness to learn the nature of a parish and cathedral as a whole
Have the ability to empathize with expressed broad views
Have problem-solving skills with an understanding of group process, and demonstrate respectful open communication skills
Be willing to learn from each other and subordinate their own preferences to the common good
Be able to embrace group process, accept its inevitable frustrations, and work as team players
Be mature, active Christians, who understand the theology of Christian stewardship, have consistently given of their financial resources
Embrace the vision and mission of St. John’s as articulated by our Deans and work well with other Vestry members as a team

Please submit names to any member of the committee no later than Sunday, November 14.

Office Hours

The Cathedral is open for parishioners and visitors:

Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday from 8:00 am - 11:00 am

(Appointments only through our Sexton, Ada Galindo)

Sunday Mornings starting at 7:00 am

Monday and Friday Office is Closed

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St. John's Cathedral | www.stjohnsla.org