Friday, December 28, 2012

Parish UPDATE: Dec. 30


Beloved of God and of this parish:

1. THANKS
  • to all who helped to make our Christmas celebrations such a huge success - the villancicos [community Christmas carol sing-along] on Sunday, Dec. 23; the Christmas Eve service; the Christmas Day Mass and all the setting up for food, etc.
  • to all for our shared ministries and vocations in this parish and for all we were able to do on behalf of God's kingdom this year.
  • to our Altar Guild, our Choiristers, Organist and Music Director, our Eucharistic Ministers and Visitors, our Lectors, Thurifers, Ushers and Greeters.
  • to our Spanish Congregation and its leadership for journeying with us together in 2012.
2. REMINDERS
  • Join us for Evensong EVERY Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm to REFRESH our spiritual lives. Please, bring a friend.
  • The BBC "A History of Christianity" series will continue tomorrow, Saturday, December 29 at 6:30 pm. Soup and salad will be served. Come, let us learn about our faith and its history. Bring your friends.
3. OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY FOR:
  • Julia Bergstrom and Robert. Julia's brother-in-law [Larry], died yesterday from a heart attack while removing snow at their house; Julia's sister-in-law Ann, lost her son last spring; Ann's father died the week before Christmas. Larry would be remembered at tomorrow's Mass. May the soul of Larry and all the departed rest in peace and rise in glory. Julia can be reached at 412-715-6046
  • Continued healing for Bianca Mussenden, Kay Burleigh, Betty Moreno and Anna Durkin.
  • Safety in travelling for Phyllis, Julia,  Bea and Gayle 
  • Our benefactors and all who make the ministries of this parish possible.
  • All who are discerning vocations to various ministries in the Church at this time 
  • All church musicians and preachers as they prepare for Christmas
  • Our Palms community that it would be safe for all residents
  • Fr. Connor Lynn, Rector Emeritus as he moves to Los Angeles next week. Safety in travel for him and all who are travelling at this time.
  • For all who have been deeply affected by the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut or are mourning the loss of loved ones at this time.
  • For the leadership of our nation as they work to find solutions to our nation's financial challenges.

 See you at Mass.

Fr. Vincent
www.stmarypalms.org

Friday, December 21, 2012

Parish UPDATE: Dec. 23


1.  THIS WEEKEND
THE CHRISTMAS TREE IS UP!!!! TOMORROW IS TREE DECORATION DAY. PLEASE, BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUR FAVORITE ORNAMENTS TOMORROW TO DECORATE. WE WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.

2. UPCOMING EVENTS
ASaturday, December 22 - This is a parish WORK DAY. Our day will begin with Mass at 9 am and will be followed by an hour of work - BEGINNING AT 9:30 AM -  to decorate the church and its surroundings in readiness for Christmas. We will be decorating our parish/community Christmas tree in front of the church, please bring your favorite ornaments for the tree.

BSunday, December 23 - The Fourth Sunday in Advent. We will have our Community Christmas sing-along [villancicos] with hot apple cider in front of the church, near the Christmas tree from 3 pm and lighting of the tree at 6 pm. Join in the festive mood, come sing carols with us.

3. CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE:
A. Christmas Eve (Vigil of the Nativity) service begins a 11 pm
B. Christmas Day (Solemnity of the Nativity) Mass at 10 am
C. Wednesday to Saturday: Morning Prayer at 8:45 am; Mass at 9 am

4. REMINDERS
  • Join us for Evensong EVERY Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm to REFRESH our spiritual lives. Please, bring a friend.
  • The parish Calendars - very good Christmas gifts - are still available for only $3. Please, get your copies while they last and help promote the work of this parish.
  • Advent is a time of spiritual house cleaning in readiness for the advent of our Lord Jesus Christmas. Please remember that Jesus Christ is the reason for the season and prepare accordingly to celebrate Christmas with a joyful spirit.
5. OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY FOR:
  • the repose of the soul of Robert, Julia Bergstrom's fatherr-in-law.  Pray for God's strength and comforting presence for the family at this very difficult time.
  • Continued healing for Bianca Mussenden, Kay Burleigh, Betty Moreno and Anna Durkin.
  • Safety in travelling for Phyllis, Kevin, Julia,  Bea and Gayle and all who will be travelling for the Christmas holy days.
  • Our benefactors and all who make the ministries of this parish possible.
  • All who are discerning vocations to various ministries in the Church at this time especially, all being prepared for baptism at Christmas.
  • All church musicians and preachers as they prepare for Christmas
  • Our Palms community that it would be safe for all residents
  • All for whom this Christmas season would be challenging because they cannot find work or have recently lost loved ones
  • All who will be returning to the church at Christmas or rediscovering newer depths in their relationship with God.
See you at Mass on Sunday.
Fr. Vincent

Monday, December 17, 2012

Christmas Tree Decorating and Lights


St. Mary in Palms: Christmas Tree Decorating &
Light Switch-on Event

Saturday, December, 22nd from 10 am
Sunday, December 23rd from 3 pm to

The Rev. Vincent Shamo, Rector announces the St. Mary in Palms Church will hold its Christmas Tree Decorating on Saturday, December 22nd from 10 am. The community is invited to bring a decoration to hang on the tree, which will stand outdoors in front of the parish.

Businesses and residents are invited to participate by bringing decorations to hang. Everyone who hangs a decoration will be recognized in the church newsletter and the most unique decorations will be highlighted. St. Mary in Palms event is free and open to everyone. St. Mary in Palms is located at 3647 Watseka Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034.

The community is also invited on  Sunday, December 23rd3 pm, for an early evening of Christmas caroling, villancicos, singing classic songs. There will be warm apple cider to warm chill off. The evening will end with the lighting of the Christmas tree to shine in all its glory. The tree will then be lit upon sunset each night through January 6th.

For more information, email: StMaryinPalms@gmail.com or call 310-558-4124.

Worship Service:
Monday to Saturday: Morning Prayer 8:45am / Mass 9:00am
Sunday: Morning Prayer 9:45am / Solemn Mass 10:00am
Sunday: Spanish Mass 1:00pm EspaƱol
Christmas Eve service at 11 pm
Christmas Day Mass at 10 am

http://stmarypalms.org  and on Facebook


Friday, December 14, 2012

Parish UPDATE: December 16


Beloved of God and of this parish:

1.  THIS WEEKEND
A.  Saturday, December 15 - Special Vestry planning meeting following the 9 am Mass. All Vestry members please, take note and plan on attending.

B. Saturday, December 15: The second in the six-part BBC series on "A History of Christianity". Screening begins at 6:30 pm. Soup and bread will be served. Come learn about our faith and strengthen yours too. Friends and family members welcomed. 

C: Sunday, December 16 - Third Sunday in Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. We will have a special service celebrating our ministries and gifts as a parish. Please, remember to bring someone to the celebration. 

D. This Sunday (December 16) is a very special day in the Hispanic community. Please, join us for the Las Posadas celebration of the Hispanic community at 3 pm. The parish will also celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the 1 pm Misa.  

2. UPCOMING EVENTS
ASaturday, December 22 - This is a parish WORK DAY. Our day will begin with Mass at 9 am and will be followed by an hour of work to decorate the church and its surroundings in readiness for the Christmas. We will be decorating our parish/community Christmas tree in front of the church, please bring your favorite ornaments for the tree.
BSunday, December 23 - The Fourth Sunday in Advent. We will have our Community Christmas sing-along [villancicos] with hot apple cider in front of the church, near the Christmas tree from 3 pm and lighting of the tree at 6 pm. Join in the festive mood, come sing carols with us.

3. CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE:
A. Christmas Eve (Vigil of the Nativity) service begins a 11 pm
B. Christmas Day (Solemnity of the Nativity) Mass at 10 am
C. Wednesday to Saturday: Morning Prayer at 8:45 am; Mass at 9 am

4. REMINDERS
  • Join us for Evensong EVERY Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm to REFRESH our spiritual lives. Please, bring a friend.
  • The parish Calendars - very good Christmas gifts - are still available for only $3. Please, get your copies while they last and help promote the work of this parish.
  • Advent is a time of spiritual house cleaning in readiness for the advent of our Lord Jesus Christmas. Please remember that Jesus Christ is the reason for the season and prepare accordingly to celebrate Christmas with a joyful spirit.
5. OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY FOR:
  • Julian Bergstrom's father-in-law Robert who is dying. Pray for God's strength and comforting presence for the family at this very difficult time.
  • Continuing healing for Bianca Mussenden, Kay Burleigh, Betty Moreno and Anna Durkin.
  • Safety in travelling for Bea and Gayle and all who will be travelling for the Christmas holy days.
  • Our benefactors and all who make the ministries of this parish possible.
  • All who are discerning vocations to various ministries in the Church at this time especially all being prepared for baptism at Christmas.
  • All church musicians and preachers as they prepare for Christmas
  • Our Palms community that it would be safe for living in, raising families and business.
  • All for whom this Christmas season would be challenging because they cannot find work or have recently lost loved ones
  • All who will be returning to the church at Christmas or rediscovering newer depths in their relationship with God.
See you at Mass on Sunday.
Fr. Vincent

Friday, December 7, 2012

Parish UPDATE: December 9


Beloved of God and of this parish:

1. LOS ANGELES DIOCESAN CONVENTION:
Of your charity, please pray for the Bishops, Clergy and Lay Delegates as they assemble at the National Orange Show, San Bernadino tomorrow, Saturday, December 8 for Diocesan Convention. Pray for God's blessings on all deliberations at Convention and for a safe return home for all delegates.

2. UPCOMING EVENTS
A: Sunday, December 9 - Second Sunday in Advent. Pledge Cards will be collected during the 10 am Mass and 1 pm Misa. Thanks for your pledge. The ministries of this parish are powered by God and our collective talents, time and treasure. Your parish needs your help.
B. Saturday, December 15 - Special Vestry planning meeting following the 9 am Mass. All Vestry members please, take note and plan on attending.
  • The second in the six-part BBC series on "A History of Christianity". Screening begins at 6:30 pm. Soup and bread will be served. Come learn about our faith and strengthen yours too. Friends and family members welcomed. 
C: Sunday, December 16 - Third Sunday in Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. We will have a special service celebrating our ministries and gifts as a parish. Please, remember to bring someone to the celebration. 
  • This Sunday is a very special day in the Hispanic community. Please, join us for the Posada celebration of the Hispanic community at 3 pm. Misa for this Sunday, will also celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe during the 1 pm Misa.  
D. Saturday, December 22 - This is a parish WORK DAY. Our day will begin with Mass at 9 am and will be followed by an hour of work to decorate the church and its surroundings in readiness for the Christmas. We will be decorating our parish/community Christmas tree in front of the church, please bring favorite [light to hang] ornaments for the tree.
E. Sunday, December 23 - The Fourth Sunday in Advent. We will have our Community Christmas sing-along [villancicos] with hot apple cider in front of the church, near the Christmas tree from 3 pm to 5 pm. Join in the festive mood, come sing carols with us.

3. REMINDERS
  • Join us for Evensong EVERY Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm to REFRESH our spiritual lives. Please, bring a friend.
  • The parish Calendars - very good Christmas gifts - are still available for only $3. Please, get your copies while they last and help promote the work of this parish.
  • Advent is a time of spiritual house cleaning in readiness for the advent of our Lord Jesus Christmas. Please remember that Jesus Christ is the reason for the season and prepare accordingly to celebrate Christmas with a joyful spirit.
4. OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY FOR:
  • Julian Bergstrom's father-in-law Robert who is dying. Pray for God's strength and comforting presence for the family at this very difficult time.
  • Continuing healing for Bianca Mussenden, Kay Burleigh, Betty Moreno and Anna Durkin.
  • Safety in travelling for Bea and Gayle and all who will be travelling for the Christmas holy days.
  • Our benefactors and all who make the ministries of this parish possible.
  • All who are discerning vocations to various ministries in the Church at this time especially all being prepared for baptism at Christmas.
  • All church musicians and preachers as they prepare for Christmas
  • Our Palms community that it would be safe for living in, raising families and business.
  • All for whom this Christmas season would be challenging because they cannot find work or have recently lost loved ones
  • All who will be returning to the church at Christmas or rediscovering newer depths in their relationship with God.
See you at Mass on Sunday.

Fr. Vincent

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Parish UPDATE: Dec. 2


Beloved of God and of this parish:

1. ADVENT SEASON begins Sunday, December 2. We will need volunteer help to set up the church on December 1 and December 22. Please, mark your calendars for these days and help if you can. Work will begin at 10 am and finish at 11 am. We will need help with ushering and greeting newcomers and visitors to church. If you can help with ushering and greeting, please talk with Sandra after Mass.

2.  BBC VIDEO SERIES ON A HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY:
We will begin these series on Saturday, December 1. Soup and salad would be provided. Series would run every other Saturday. Please, check Sunday's bulletin for flyers and our website and Facebook for more information. Please, encourage and bring your friends to these series. Let us strengthen our faith.

3. PLEDGE CARDS AND STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN:
The Stewardship Committee and the Vestry are grateful to all who have already turned in their pledge cards for fiscal year 2013 and/or have helped in cultivating new pledges for our parish. The vision, mission and ministries of this parish are owned, powered by all of us and made possible by our shared ministries and witness to the power of God working in our lives. Let us double our efforts in raising the funding necessary to make our shared ministries sustainable. No pledge effort or donation is too small. God has been generous with us, NO DOUBT, let us be generous of our resources for God and his kingdom. May the God who continues to be generous with us, inspire us to be generous to him and his kingdom.

As already published, we need all pledge cards in by Sunday, December 9 and we will have a special Stewardship celebration on Sunday, December 16. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

(a)  DIOCESAN CONVENTION:
This year's Diocesan Convention would be a one-day event scheduled for Saturday, December 8 in San Bernadino. Please, keep our Diocese and the kingdom of God in your prayers at this time.

(b)Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Wednesday, December 12 at 7 pm in the church. Please, invite your friends to this service.

(c) Posada: Sunday, December 16 at 1 pm. 

(d) Caroling (villancicos) at St. Mary: Sunday, December 23 at 3 pm. Time to relax with apple cider and carol singing. Time to build community - our parish and local community. All voices welcomed.

4. NEEDED FOR THE CHURCH: Our parish is in need of two (2) travel Mass kit for taking communion to shut ins and the sick. Here is a picture of what it looks like. Bought from the traditional Catholic bookstore, this is very expensive. However, you can find the same  or similar kits on Craigslist for much less. This is one of the traditional gifts of Christmas that keeps on giving for every time the sacraments are administered using the vessels from this kit, a prayer will be offered for you. 

 Travel Mass Kit
5. OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY FOR:
(i) Recovering from illness: Ralph Williams, Bianca, Rose Lanam, Andrea Williams, Anthony Jo, Bishop Jon Bruno, Patrick Williams, Hyacinth Young,  David Lloyd, Rev. Canon Cyprian Fields, Rev. Canon Rosina Ampah, OSH
(ii) Youth in our parish: Vincent, Larry Jr, Simone, Audrey, Michelle
(iii) God's blessing on our parish, its ministries and finances
(iv) Our benefactors and all who made the ministries of this parish possible
(v) The Vestry 
(vii) All who are discerning vocations to various ministries in the church especially the consecrated life and the ordained ministries.
(viii) Peace in the Middle East, especially Jordan, Syria and Egypt.

6. EXTRA NEWS:
(i) Anglican Communion News: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/index.cfm
(ii) Diocese of Los Angeles: www.ladiocese.org
(iii) Palms Neighborhood Councilwww.palmsla.org

See you at Mass on Sunday.

Fr. Vincent