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Weekly News Update

Deans' Note | September 12, 2021


Words from the opening hymn scheduled for mass this coming Sunday resonate with the events we remember and reflect on this weekend. We begin the Season of Creation on the twentieth anniversary of September 11. 


Joachim Neander wrote the original German version of what we know as, “All my hope on God is founded" in the 17th Century. Yet his poetry rings maybe even truer in our time than in his. He writes:


God’s great goodness e'er endureth,

deep his wisdom, passing thought:

splendor, light and life attend him,

beauty springeth out of naught.

Evermore from his store

newborn worlds rise and adore.


The wisdom of God continues to birth creation and we have been invited to “husband” it, to use an old word. That is, our vocation is to help the creation achieve her full potential, to care for the earth and all creatures including one another. At least that’s how we were created to live.


Instead of living in awe of the beauty springing out of naught, we have placed ourselves at the center of the universe and have tried to harness creation to our purposes. That’s the path we’ve been heading on for a long time and nature now is rising up in prophetic witness against our selfishness. 


We humans, especially in developed nations have placed our trust in our own abilities to control the world. Our tribalism wreaks havoc on the planet and destroys our bonds of common humanity. The tragedy of September 11th demonstrates the profound evil of making others into objects to advance misguided ends. The evil acts of terrorists and the pride of our empire building both faced judgement on that morning twenty years ago. Neander’s poem both warns us and guides us:


Mortal pride and earthly glory,

sword and crown betray our trust;

though with care and toil we build them,

tower and temple fall to dust.

But God's power, hour by hour,

is my temple and my tower.


This weekend, as we recall the tragedy that tore apart our nation and caused such pain and grief for so many even to this day, as we remember the other tragedies in the years since then, as we fear for the earth and her creatures, we may be tempted to lose hope. While we Christians aren’t optimists, we are people of hope who ultimately know we aren’t defeated by the forces of darkness. Our hope is found in nothing less than the God whose power, hour by hour, is our temple and our tower.



Vaccination Policy


Don't forget to bring your vaccine card to mass if you have not already done so! We are continuing to build our Cathedral Vaccination Registry. Facial coverings continue to be required."

Vestry On-Call

This Sunday's Vestry Person On-Call

Mr. Michael Tracy (Junior Warden)



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.

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Fall Services Schedule

The end of our summer season is approaching, that means a return to two services on 

October 3rd, 2021: Mass at 8:00am (Spoken) and Mass at 10:00am (with choir, organ, and familiar festivity) followed by Coffee Hour. It has not been decided whether to hold our 8:00am service outdoors or indoors. We would value all thoughts from members of the congregation about this arrangement which can be submitted to the church office via email, phone or traditional letter

Upcoming Events

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Blessing of the Animals

and Brunch 

Saturday, September 11, 2021

between 10am-11am



All things bright and beautiful (all creatures great and small) are welcomed to our annual blessing of the animals to take place on the Cathedral grounds. Attendees are welcomed to a light church-sponsored brunch immediately afterwards.

Belize Day and Brunch

Sunday, September 19, 2021

at 9am


Mark your calendars for our annual church-wide celebration of Belizean culture with guest preaching by Delane Willis-Ysaguirre. The festive Eucharist, with traditional drumming and flag waving, will be followed by a brief luncheon with familiar Belizean fare.

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State of the City Forum:

Next Steps in the Pandemic 

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

at 6:30 pm


What is the health of the city and what social justice issues remain? Where are we in terms of our medical understanding of COVID-19, breakthrough cases, and accessibility in our changing medical landscape? Join Dr. Jerry Abraham, The Rev. Dawnesha (Policy and Legal Fellow, LA Civil and Human Rights Department, and minister for Administration at New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church), representatives from the office of Councilman Curren D. Price, and St. John's own Martha Watson, as we discuss these very important issues facing the city of Los Angeles. The cities process of establishing vaccine mandates will also be part of the discussion.

Sunday Morning Christian Education


In September Christian Education begins at 10:30 am


SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

Fr. Mark opens the season with a forum exploring the recent ecumenical letter by Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Pope Francis; and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew. These three leaders represent the majority of Christians across the globe.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2021: NO CLASS AS WE CELEBRATE BELIZE DAY.

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

Welcome back New Testament scholar, farmer and activist Sylvia Keesmaat discusses the theology of creation in the New Testament and the implications of faith in the farm she runs with her husband Brian Walsh. Sylvia and Briab were with us last year as we studied the Book of Romans.

In October Christian Education begins at 11:30 am


OCTOBER 3, 2021

Fr. Mark explores the story of Noah and its implications for our current eco-crisis.

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OCTOBER 10, 2021

Welcome Mari Joerstaad, Academic Dean, Vancouver School of Theology and Old Testament Scholar, as she explores The stories of the Prophet Elisha in the Book of Kings as a source wisdom for our relationship with all earth's creatures.

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OCTOBER 17, 2021

We close out the series with Tim Alderson, director of Seeds of Hope, a Ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles. Tim will bring us down to earth, as he discusses how our theology can have grassroots application in activism.


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Community

Food Pantry

Saturday, September 18, 2021

from 8:30am - 10:30am

Our food pantry is every third Saturday of the month. We help families in the community with canned goods and fresh produce.


If you know a senior who is homebound and might need food delivered, please contact Fr. Dan.

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California Recall Election

Community Coalition (click HERE to learn more) has forwarded us a link with slides describing the basics of the upcoming California recall election. Follow THIS LINK to view. This special election will determine the future of the state. Casting your vote will determine whether or not to recall the current governor. 

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