Come to the Block party!!!

Parish UPDATE: Sept. 30

Beloved of God and of this parish:

VESTRY MEETING

The Vestry will meet in regular session on Sunday, Sept. 30 following the 10 am Mass. This was the meeting that was re-scheduled from Sunday, Sept. 16. Please, come with your reports.

NEW FLIERS

Please, look for samples of new fliers in the narthex and in the Lady Chapel. 

• One flier is a more generic one announcing our services and volunteer opportunities at the parish. Here are some volunteer opportunities at the parish: HIV/AIDS sandwich program; ministry to youth and young adults in our community; choir; acolytes; after-school program, contemplative prayer and meditation, et al.  
• one flier announcing the blessing of our pet and animal companions at the Sunday, October 7 mass. Though not on this flier, pet and animal companions will also be blessed at the 1 pm service on that same Sunday.
• Please, take a sample copy of any of the fliers and feel free to duplicate and pass on or let Sandra and Phyllis know how many copies you need for distribution in your own network of friends.

LOS ANGELES TRIATHLON

The Los Angeles Triathlon is being run this Sunday, Sept. 30. Venice Blvd would be closed up to 10 am. If you live south of Venice, please make alternate arrangements to come to church.

NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY

Finally, the Block party is here!!! Our neighbors have really worked hard to make this happen and they need to be commended. Here is what to expect tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 29:

• two porta-potties would arrive tomorrow before 10 am and will be sited on Faris Drive for the event. Thanks to our donors from the church.
• Faris Dr. would be blocked at Charnock and Hannum about 10 am
• we will set up tables and chairs around 10 am on Faris Dr. Volunteers welcome.
• Map out of area: 
  • food assembly area and grilling site. Our food Coordinators are Grillmaster David Gardener assisted by Renaldo and Sylvia. 
  • Food will be potluck and community lunch will be served at 12 pm.
  • Entertainment includes music provided by youth in our community and by the band "Phat,Slap,Daddy"
• I will pass out copies of our new fliers to attendees.
• there will be an opportunity to win one of five coupons for Comprehensive Fitness and Evaluation and one free fitness session. Each coupon is worth $195
• Sponsorship packages were made possible by Albertsons, Trader Joes, Ralphs, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, COOPS Pizza, and Bio Mechanix Strength and Conditioning Clinic.
• Presentations will be made by: 
  • Councilman Paul Koretz, Council District 5
  • the Palms Neighborhood Council - the upcoming Council elections, how to get involved in your community
  • the Evening of Community (Watch Community) - earthquake preparedness, among others 
  • the LAPD Explorer Program
• Invite your friends to come share in the fun and make new friends.

GENERAL NEWS

1. For news from the Anglican Communion office, please go to http://www.anglicancommunion.org/

2. For news about the Diocese of Los Angeles www.ladiocese.org

3. For news about Palms Neighborhood Council www.palmsla.org

4. For news about the Expo Line www.buildexpo.org

OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY FOR:

1. the Crown Nominations Commission as they nominate two persons for the office of Archbishop of Canterbury this weekend.

2. God's blessings on our parish in its stewardship and ministries.

3. For our communities that they may be safe places to raise children and live in.

4. For the sick, the unemployed, homeless veterans and children in our community.

See you at Mass. 

Fr. Vincent

www.stmarypalms.org

Parish UPDATE: Sept. 23

Beloved of God and of this parish:

As I write this UPDATE, the Shuttle Endeavour is making its flyover across Southern California in celebration of many years in active space exploration. Eventually, it will "rest" at the California ScienCenter. Why this introduction? Because, it is a dream come true for those who conceived the idea of the ScienCenter twenty years ago - that a Space Shuttle would eventually "rest" here. Twenty years later, that dream is coming true. Goes to show that dreams come true with grace, time, hard work, good friends and determination. So I urge you friends to hold your dreams alive: "For thus says the LorD: For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.[Jeremiah 29:11-12]

THIS SUNDAY, SEPT. 23

Following the 10 am Mass, we will have our monthly Parish Forum. Items on the agenda include: 

• updates on the Neighborhood Block party and opportunities for volunteer work
• updates on the work of the Vestry

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Fr. Vincent would begin his annual vacation on Monday, October 1. He will return to the parish on Monday, October 29. In Fr. Vincent's absence, Sandra Dyson, Senior Warden and Anthony Joseph, Junior Warden would guide the work of the parish per the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Los Angeles and of this parish. Please, keep them in your prayers and support their work.
• Br. (Fr.) Derek, SSF would preside over the celebration of Mass and bless the animals on Sunday, October 7. Br. Derek would also preside over the sacrifice of the Mass on Sunday, October 14.
• Parish Fundraiser: Our next parish fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, November 10. Please, remember to bring the best rummage you can find, volunteer in this effort so we can raise funds to support the work and ministries of this part of God's kingdom.

SOMETHING TO INSPIRE YOU:

From the Forward Day by Day meditation for today, Sept. 21: Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.

Matthew 9:9-13. Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?

Jesus had a habit of doing ministry at wedding banquets and feasts, and referencing these in parables. In this, Jesus particularly brings the outcast and untouchables to the table to eat, for all are welcome at God’s table. Clearly, this made the religious and political authorities of his day uncomfortable, because they were directly implicated in what was wrong with the status quo.

In heeding Jesus’ call to expand the banquet table, we might be stretched to speak, eat, or worship with someone who might cause us discomfort. Despite having grown up in the United States, I experienced the feeling of not being welcome on a number of occasions, due to my name and ethnic background. Had I been undocumented, like my father was, I may have experienced even harsher treatment. My father, sensing God’s invitation that transcends borders, overcame language, economic, and physical barriers to support his family.

Because God’s banquet table is ever-expansive, Jesus delivers a resounding message—everybody’s in, no one is out. On the feast day of Saint Matthew, rather than worry about who Jesus eats with, why not just sit down and enjoy the meal?

COMMUNITY NEWS

1. For news about the Diocese of Los Angeles, please go to www.ladiocese.org

2. For news about Palms and information re:election to the Board of Palms Neighborhood Council, please go to www.palmsla.org If you live, worship or work in Palms, you are a stakeholder, consider running for office and help improve our community so it can be safe for everyone especially for those raising children.

3. For the latest update on the Expo Line, please go to www.buildexpo.org

Remember: Live like Christ; Love like Christ; Give (of yourself) like Christ and, Die like Christ so you can be raised like Christ.

See you at God's ever-expansive banquet table on Sunday with your friends.

Fr. Vincent

www.stmarypalms.org

 

... ""Every Christian needs a half hour of prayer each day, except when he is busy, then he needs an hour." - Saint Francis of Sales "

One more reason to be a Christian

Saturday, September 22, 2012 St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions (1600?-1637)

Lawrence (Lorenzo) was born in Manila of a Chinese father and a Filipino mother, both Christians. Thus he learned Chinese and Tagalog from them and Spanish from the Dominicans whom he served as altar boy and sacristan. He became a professional calligrapher, transcribing documents in beautiful penmanship. He was a full member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary under Dominican auspices. He married and had two sons and a daughter. His life took an abrupt turn when he was accused of murder. Nothing further is known except the statement of two Dominicans that "he was sought by the authorities on account of a homicide to which he was present or which was attributed to him." At that time three Dominican priests, Antonio Gonzalez, Guillermo Courtet and Miguel de Aozaraza, were about to sail to Japan in spite of a violent persecution there. With them was a Japanese priest, Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz, and a layman named Lazaro, a leper. Lorenzo, having taken asylum with them, was allowed to accompany them. But only when they were at sea did he learn that they were going to Japan. They landed at Okinawa. Lorenzo could have gone on to Formosa, but, he reported, "I decided to stay with the Fathers, because the Spaniards would hang me there." In Japan they were soon found out, arrested and taken to Nagasaki. The site of wholesale bloodshed when the atomic bomb was dropped had known tragedy before. The 50,000 Catholics who once lived there were dispersed or killed by persecution. They were subjected to an unspeakable kind of torture: After huge quantities of water were forced down their throats, they were made to lie down. Long boards were placed on their stomachs and guards then stepped on the ends of the boards, forcing the water to spurt violently from mouth, nose and ears. The superior, Antonio, died after some days. Both the Japanese priest and Lazaro broke under torture, which included the insertion of bamboo needles under their fingernails. But both were brought back to courage by their companions. In Lorenzo's moment of crisis, he asked the interpreter, "I would like to know if, by apostatizing, they will spare my life." The interpreter was noncommittal, but Lorenzo, in the ensuing hours, felt his faith grow strong. He became bold, even audacious, with his interrogators. The five were put to death by being hanged upside down in pits. Boards fitted with semicircular holes were fitted around their waists and stones put on top to increase the pressure. They were tightly bound, to slow circulation and prevent a speedy death. They were allowed to hang for three days. By that time Lorenzo and Lazaro were dead. The three Dominican priests, still alive, were beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized these six and 10 others, Asians and Europeans, men and women, who spread the faith in the Philippines, Formosa and Japan. Lorenzo Ruiz is the first canonized Filipino martyr. COMMENT: We ordinary Christians of today—how would we stand up in the circumstances these martyrs faced? We sympathize with the two who temporarily denied the faith. We understand Lorenzo's terrible moment of temptation. But we see also the courage—unexplainable in human terms—which surged from their store of faith. Martyrdom, like ordinary life, is a miracle of grace. QUOTE: When government officials asked, "If we grant you life, will you renounce your faith?," Lorenzo responded: "That I will never do, because I am a Christian, and I shall die for God, and for him I will give many thousands of lives if I had them. And so, do with me as you please."

Parish UPDATE: Sept. 16

Beloved of God and of this parish:

THANK YOU....

Again for your hard work in putting everything in place over the past few months and especially last weekend for the celebration of our Patronal Feast. I have heard only good reports from all who joined our regular worshiping community. May Almighty God replenish abundantly all the resources you spent on building up his kingdom with such generosity. Thanks to Russ for the magnificent photos of the patronal feast. Ave Maria! Ora pro nobis! 

PARISH FORUM

All too soon, another month is here. I will need your help. Apart from the regular items on the Parish Forum agenda: finances, decisions taken by Vestry, - what area of Spiritual or Christian Formation would you suggest we focus on at the Parish Forum scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 23? What weighs on your heart that you would like us - as a faith community - to address? Please, send me an email by return address or speak to any Vestry member by Sunday, Sept. 16 so we can plan accordingly. 

Here are my suggestions:

• Earthquake preparedness - [for September]
• Medicaid & Medicare Plans (for October or November)
• Advance Directives (October)
• Youth Formation [for September]

THE NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY

Planning meetings have intensified as we have drawn closer to the event date. In the past two weeks, eight of our neighbors have joined our parish team in six planning meetings for this event. Our neighbors are excited and I hope and pray we are too.

Here is an update:

• Councilman Paul Koretz's office is picking up all the departmental fees - over $400
• Most of the grocery shops  and businesses in our community have been invited to make cash or food donations or donate prizes towards the raffle draw. To qualify for the raffle draw, bring your business card. 
• Fliers have been posted in many apartment buildings, condo units, homes and on many street light posts in our community.
• Event has been posted on our Facebook page. "Like" us, the event and SHARE on your Facebook page too if you have that access.
• Planning meetings are held on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in front of the church near the new sign board. 
• Volunteers are still needed to help with setting up and taking down among others
• Food is potluck.
• Updates will be shared as they become available. In the meantime, pray for God's blessing on this outreach project of our parish and our neighborhood.

VESTRY MEETING

The Vestry will meet in regular session on Sunday, September 16 following the 11 am Mass. All Vestry members, please endeavor to attend Mass, get your reports ready and be ready to work at 11:15am.

EXTRA NEWS

1. For news about Palms and the upcoming Neighborhood Council elections, please go to http://palmsla.org/
2. For news about the Diocese of Los Angeles, please go to www.ladiocese.org
3. For news about the EXPO Line extension to Santa Monica, please go to http://www.buildexpo.org/

I am always grateful for your commitment to living and spreading the good news of God in Jesus Christ, for strengthening our parish community with your prayers, time, talent and treasure and above all for being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. 

My prayer is that all of us would be strengthened in faith to "not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ  Crucified, manfully to fight under His banner against sin, the world, and the devil; and continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant until your life's end."

See you at Mass with your friends, your hopes and dreams.

God's abundant blessings be on you, your work, your family and loved ones and, your vocation as disciple of Jesus Christ.

Fr. Vincent

www.stmarypalms.org

Patronal Feast alert!!

This day marks the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our parish's patronal feast.


MASS IS AT 1 PM.

There is NO Mass at 10 am


See you at Mass at 1 pm

Fr. Vincent

Parish UPDATE: Sept. 9

Beloved of God and of this parish:

Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone for the hard work in planning and preparing for our parish's patronal feast. Here are some reminders:

• keep praying for the clergy, leadership and all members of this parish - our two congregations.
• Saturday, September 8: We will meet after the 9 am Mass to begin setting up the church and St. Joseph Hall for the Sunday celebration. In the church, we will need help with dusting windows, pews, altar area and narthex. In St. Joseph Hall and patio, we will need help setting up tables in a previously arranged format. Please, see Fr. Vincent if you have questions.
• Sunday, September 9. Actual day for the FIESTA!!!!!  The following persons need to be here at Church by 12 pm for a brief rehearsal: 
• Clergy
• Eucharistic Ministers - Mauricio; Joanna
• Greeters:  Stephanie Z; Samantha; Peter B
•  Ushers: Robby; Jojo; Denise; Anthony J
• Thurifer: Anthony Y
• Crucifer: Raul
• Torch Bearers: Alex and ??
• Lectors: Arturo and Peter B
• Parking: 
  • Parking on the street.
  • Additional parking is available at the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement parking lot off Tabor. From the 10 Freeway heading West (towards Santa Monica), please, exit on National Blvd., go left under the Freeway, - there is NO LEFT TURN on Exposition Blvd, so make a left turn on Clarington, another left turn on Tabor, stay on Tabor until you past Faris Dr.; the church parking will be to your right. 
  • From National Blvd heading East, go through the lights Palms Blvd, stay on Exposition Blvd, make a right turn on Tabor. Parking will be to your left.
  • From Exposition Blvd, heading West. Stay on Exposition until you go past Bagley, Cardiff, Watseka and make a left turn on Tabor. Parking will be to your left.
  • More parking is available at the Watseka Parking structure in Culver City, just south of Venice Blvd. This is a free 2-hour parking and only two blocks away from the church. If you intend parking here, please plan on arriving early and walk the 10 or 12 minutes to the church. 
  • IN ALL CASES, PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO LOCK YOUR CAR. 

Help with Sunday, Sept. 9:

• If you are bringing food, please know that we will be serving from your dish - we do not have lots of pans and pots. Please, remember to take your pots, pans and other dishes with you when you leave.
• We will need help to complete setting up for Sunday. If you can help, please plan on arriving at 11:30 am.
• REMEMBER, the Mass begins at 1PM and NOT 10 am
• The service will be bilingual,  so please, follow the service in the language that is more accessible to you. 
• If you are so inclined to, ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to assist your prayers this week.

For news from or about the Diocese of Los Angeles, please, go to www.ladiocese.org

For news about the Palms Neighborhood, please go to www.palmsla.org and look out for opportunities to serve our community.

See you at Mass on Saturday and Sunday.

Fr. Vincent

www.stmarypalms.org

PRESS RELEASE: ST. MARY PATRONAL FEAST

http://culvercityobserver.com/News/newsmain_view.php?editid1=575

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Bishop Catherine Roskam to Celebrate Patronal Festival at St. Mary Episcopal Church By Stephen Hadland Observer Publisher Bishop Catherine Roskam, the retired Suffragan Bishop Diocese of New York and one of the most prominent female religious leaders in the country, will officiate at this week’s Patronal Festival at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Palms. The day of celebrations, marking the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, will begin with a Mass in English and Spanish at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 9. The service will include hymns in Spanish and English, under the direction of Mr. Mark Kennedy, Parish Organist and Choir Director. The celebrant, Bishop Roskam, was consecrated a bishop in 1996, becoming the first woman bishop in the state of New York and the fourth woman bishop in the Episcopal Church. She is co-founder of the Carpenter’s Kids, a partnership between the Diocese of New York and Central Tanganyika which now enables over 6000 AIDS orphans in Tanzania to go to school, and All Our Children, an initiative in support of public education in the U.S. She also founded the Global Women’s Fund of the Diocese of New York dedicated to educating women in the developing world, with priority given to women seminarians. Bishop Roskam is also a nationally-known consultant on church growth, congregational development, and in multi-cultural ministry. In 2006, she was named by New York Magazine as “The most prominent female religious leader in the city.” During an interview with the Culver City Observer, Bishop Roskam was very approachable and down to earth. Although retired, Bishop Roskam said she is still fighting for the causes she believes in. She also said she really enjoys visiting parishes in Southern California where she now resides. The special feast to celebrate the birthday of the Mother of Jesus Christ is “a time for praise and thanksgiving in honor of Mary’s personal sanctity and vocation,” said church officials. “Mary is the foreshadowing of the hope and salvation as expressed in the perfect love of her Divine Son. The special celebration encourages all to strengthen relationships with God and one another as each seeks to connect with and live out the Light of Christ in daily living.” Following Mass will be a reception in the church parish hall.  Bishop Roskam will lead a discussion on “The Dignity of Every Person.” St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is located at 3647 Watseka Avenue, Palms, just north of Venice Boulevard. Everyone is welcome. For additional information, please contact via email at stmarythrive@gmail.com or telephone (310) 558-4124.