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Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, August 18, 2024, 8:00 am Said Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In the Lady Chapel)

Sunday, August 18, 2024, 10:00 am Sung Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In the Sanctuary)

In-Person and Live Streamed on YouTube | Leaflet


A very happy birthday to The Rev. Margaret McCauley, our Parish Deacon, who is celebrating this week.


Flowers are given by and coffee hour has been sponsored by Dn. Margaret in celebration of her birthday.


Vestry-On-Call: Ms. Heather Ward

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.

Interim Dean and Priest-in-Charge's Note


A week ago last Monday, we received a call from a clergy colleague asking about using space at the Cathedral for a Lutheran pastor from Palestine. I was told that the speaker was being hosted by Friends of Sabeel in North America (FOSNA). Recognizing FOSNA and checking the calendar, I said yes!


I became familiar with FOSNA over 20 years ago when I had the privilege of meeting the Rev. Naim Ateek and spending a couple of weeks in Palestine and Israel with his team. While I am a lifelong Episcopalian and was in the ordination process when we met, the work of Sabeel at the grassroots level in partnership with our Muslim and Jewish siblings, bridging differences and standing boldly against injustice, moved my heart. Knowledge of FOSNA made the request an easy decision.


I was told that the Saturday gathering would be interfaith, and I asked my colleague if we could include The Guibord Center and the diocesan Program Group on Ecumenical and Interfaith Life, our two interfaith partners. When asked about attaching my name or the Cathedral name to the event, I asked to see and learn more about the event before doing so. The following day when asked for our logo, our church administrator restated that we were not hosting the event.


Then last Wednesday I was sent the flyer to distribute widely. This is when I became concerned. The flyer sent made a bold proclamation, and under it in bold large letters was St. John’s Cathedral and address. The actual hosts of the event were at the very top of the flyer in light fonts, easy to overlook. In fact, it took me a moment to realize that these other organizations were even mentioned.


My primary concern was not the message (per se) but that other organizations were making strong political and religious statements on behalf of St. John’s without consent, or conversation about the impact on our interfaith partners and relations. St. John’s Cathedral remains committed to ongoing dialogue with our Jewish and Muslim siblings, bridging differences and standing against all injustices – not unlike what inspired me about Sabeel long ago. I would have welcomed the opportunity to discern a path forward together.


After reconvening with my clergy colleague, we decided that it was best that the event take place at another location. The decision was made within 48 hours of the initial inquiry, and only after marketing materials had been released without conversation. Had the event been advertised similarly to the gathering that was held at All Saints Pasadena or elsewhere nationally, I would have felt comfortable with providing space – as was our initial response to the request. I suspect that with more time, all things would’ve been possible.


 At St. John’s Cathedral we strive to uphold the socio-political and religious values and positions of the Episcopal Church, as described by the public policies of the 81st General Convention.


Regarding Israel and Palestine (2024-D0007): [We] “Condemn and lament the Hamas lead attack against Israel and the violent and destructive retaliation of the Israeli government in Gaza. [We] Call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, for the release of all Hamas-held hostages, and of Israeli-held unjustly detained Palestinian prisoners, and for the urgent provision of comprehensive, substantial humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, in particular such vulnerable populations as children, the elderly, and those in need of medical care.”


Moreover . . . “the 81st General Convention condemns the increasing seizure of land and the escalating military and Settler violence against Palestinians living under Israeli military occupation in the West Bank; and be it further resolved, That the 81st General Convention reaffirm its call for the building of a lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis, with mutually negotiated solutions ending an inherently unjust and unstable military occupation, upholding the principle that no peoples’ right to self-determination should be exercised at the expense of another’s (GC 1988-D053, 2018-D018, 2022-C039), and assuring equal rights, freedom, security, and self-determination for all; and be it further


Resolved, That the 81st General Convention call on the Office of Government Relations to promote policies to further these goals, and encourage all Episcopalians to join with other Christians, Jews, Muslims, and people of all faiths in calling for a ceasefire and a sustainable peace.”


After the attack last October and retaliation, I attended interfaith meetings for months where it was hard for everyone to find words to describe the horrors of what people in Palestine and Israel were experiencing in real time, without using words that shut down communication and prevented good people of faith from finding ways to move forward together. Out of those conversations, The Guibord Center led the way proclaiming that “Every Child’s Life Is Sacred.”


Let us continue bridging differences as people of faith and stand with each other against all injustice. Let us find the way.


With love and blessings,

Anne+

Upcoming

Food Pantry Distribution

TOMORROW

8:30 pm - 10:30 pm


Our next Food Pantry distribution is on Saturday, July 20. We are committed to supporting our community by providing fresh produce, canned goods, and frozen goods to families in need. The gates will open at 8:30am, and we will continue serving until supplies last. We invite everyone to come and take advantage of this opportunity to access nutritious food for themselves and their families.

Canterbury USC Back to School

Friday, August 23

5:00 am - 8:00 pm


Want to participate with Canterbury USC this year? We have a couple of activities that can use some assistance. The USC Fall semester is about to begin and students will be moving back into the apartments next door to St. John's. Our parking lot will be reserved for students to move in from 5am-8pm on Friday August 23. We will have a table and umbrella with information, water bottles, and snacks in the lot and could use assistance answering questions and welcoming the returning students. Also, on Thursday August 29, 5pm-7pm, we will have a back to USC BBQ for the students. If you'd like to help with these and subsequent Canterbury USC events, please contact the Rev. Mel Soriano.

Church Clean-up Day

Saturday, August 24

9:00 am - 12:00 pm


The church has begun preparing for the development project. The time has come to begin sorting, packing, and storing items that are currently in the spaces slated for demolition. Would you be willing to help us get things organized? Contact the Parish Office if you are willing and able. More information will be sent your way.

Field Trip to the Broad Museum

TO BE DETERMINED


Meet up with other parish members. We will have a certain number of tickets available and they're FREE! We'll let you know who is coming in case you want to dine before or afterward at the various food trucks or at Grand Central Market just a couple of blocks away. The Broad houses a nearly 2,000-piece collection of contemporary art featuring 200 artists. The Broad has $17 parking but is easily accessible by Metro (A/E line station Grand Ave Arts is just a block away). Contact the Rev. Mel Soriano to reserve your FREE ticket. 

Community

Golfers (and non-golfers) invited to take part in Oct. 14 Shepherd's Cup Golf Classic


Calling all golfers! The second annual Shepherd’s Cup Golf Classic and Dinner will be held on Monday, Oct. 14 at the Industry Hills Golf Club and Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry. This year’s event will benefit campus ministries in the Diocese of Los Angeles, including Canterbury USC!


The event will begin with registration and fellowship at 9 a.m. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start (scramble format). A pre-dinner social hour with live music and cash bar will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the banquet at 5:30 p.m.


Registration packets for golfers are $250 per person, including green fee, use of the putting greens and driving range, golf bag drop-off service, a golf cart (per foursome), a grab bag and the evening social hour and banquet. A $75 player pack adds a gourmet boxed lunch, two mulligans, and entry to a variety of putting and on-course contests.


Non-golfers are welcome to the social hour and banquet; tickets are $85.


More information about the tournament and registration links are here. Contact the church office to make up a foursome and compete for the Shepherd's Cup.

Date set for 2024 Episcopal-Lutheran Night at Dodger Stadium


Episcopalians are invited to join their Lutheran siblings at Episcopal-Lutheran Night at Dodger Stadium on Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. 


The Dodgers will play the Cleveland Guardians. Tickets will be $35. Fireworks and a drone show are scheduled after the game. 


Contact the parish office if you are interested! 

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