Interim Dean and Priest-in-Charge's Note
Goodness, what a week. On behalf of St. John’s Cathedral, our hearts ache for everyone throughout the city of Los Angeles whose lives have been devastated by the fires that continue to rage. We grieve with you and everyone experiencing the death of loved ones, loss of homes and belongings, and properties and places that were sanctuaries of happiness, rest and peace. Let us give thanks and express our most sincere gratitude for the first responders, fire fighters, emergency medical teams, emergency relief workers, police, and everyone risking their own lives to save people, animals and homes, and decrease catastrophic destruction.
Please know, you are not alone – all of us at St. John’s Cathedral are here for you. Our church doors are open wide to welcome you, and to journey with you through the days, months and years to come. There are numerous resources at hand, but if there’s something we can do please do not hesitate to let us know. We are listening for how we can help and extend God’s love and support as we face tragedy all around.
As you know, one of our priests has lost his home in the fires. The Rev. Mel Soriano is safe, and beginning to wrap his head and heart around this next chapter of his life with Stephen. We are inviting members of St. John’s to make a monetary gift to Rev. Mel if you are so moved and in a financial position to do so. The gift of cash is preferred over possible gifts.
In addition to a donation, we are inviting all of you to select and give one of your own Christmas ornaments (before they are packed away) to create a box of ornaments for Mel and Stephen next year. This idea came from Mel when he was mourning the loss of the ornaments that he and Stephen had collected over the years – gone in the fire. Next year and for years after when they unpack Christmas, this box of ornaments will remind Mel and Stephen of your love for them, and will create a new memory for them to carry forward. Please bring these ornaments to church this Sunday. It will be important for Mel to have us gather as a community at this time of great loss.
On the horizon, there are also important gatherings and work to be done. Next week after church, we will hear from members who have expressed an interest to serve on the Vestry of St. John’s for a term of service, and I will present a budget to be approved at our annual meeting on January 26, one week later.
Additional income is needed to balance our budget for next year. Please let us know your intentions to give and support the staff and ministries of St. John’s Cathedral by making a pledge. This will make you eligible to vote at the annual meeting, and give voice and vote on the selection of a new dean, when it comes time to make that decision. The other alternative is to cut our budget at a moment of time when we all need each other the most.
Please stay safe, and find ways to stay connected to each other. Tell us if you have been impacted by the fires, and allow us to be present with you. God promises to be with us through it all, and with us now.
With love and blessings,
Anne+
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