Friday, August 10, 2012

Parish UPDATE: August 12


Beloved of God and of this parish:

UPDATE ON IMPROVING FRONT OF THE CHURCH
Debora Shuger and I met the Project and Policy Committee of the Palms Neighborhood Council on Monday, August 6, presented and made a strong case for funding. Our request for $1500 was approved at Committee level. The full Council will meet on Wednesday, Sept 5. Meantime, we are filling out the necessary paperwork to aid the process. Thanks to all who supported us with prayer, you helped make it happen. Keep praying, we still have work to do.

On another note, we were reminded of the Neighborhood Council's resolution to encourage use of native plants in Palms for new projects. I met with Charles Miller, Chair, Transportation and Safety Committee - who also oversees the Native Plants project - yesterday on site. We looked at possibilities, our choices were confirmed by Grow Native Nursery in Westwood as appropriate. I will have computer print-outs for the Vestry meeting on Sunday, August 19 and for the Parish Forum, Sunday, August 26. Your input would be most appreciated.

UPDATE ON NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY
(a) On Saturday, September 29, we will block off Faris Dr. between Charnock and Hannum  for a neighborhood block party.
(b) I met with Lead Officer Ceja, Pacific Division, LAPD yesterday. We agreed the best times would be 11 am to 3 pm so it can free some parking up to 10 am and after 3 pm. This arrangement would help us make a better case. 
(c) I have parishioners working on a flyer and signature collection; we need the approval of 51% of residents on Faris Dr. between Charnock and Hannum to go ahead with the project. We are confident we will get this.
(d) The Outreach Committee of the Palms Neighborhood Council has agreed in principle to support this party. A formal request will be considered at its meeting in early September.
(e) Representatives of the Neighborhood Watch Committee and our neighbors on Faris, Hannum and Charnock Dr. are helping with the planning. Food will be potluck.
(f) The office of our Councilman Paul Koretz have pledged some financial support.

Please, talk to Fr. Vincent to find out how you can help with this block party.

PAINTING THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH
Mr. Anthony Joseph, our Junior Warden is currently collecting estimates and work will start once we have a selection and Vestry approval.

OUTREACH TO CHEVIOT HILLS
Beginning next Monday, we will be passing out flyers in Cheviot Hills, announcing the ministries of this parish, inviting people to church and especially the Patronal Feast on Sunday, Sept. 9. If you can help with this project, please talk to Fr. Vincent.

FEAST OF THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY
Wednesday, August 15 marks the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This being an important feast for Anglo-Catholics, our plan is to have an Evening Mass on this day at 7 pm if there is a strong support (attendance) from parishioners. Please, talk to Fr. Vincent if you plan on attending this Mass and as always, bring your friends. We need to have a decision by end of Mass on Sunday, August 12.

EVENSONG AT ST. MARY
Last Tuesday at 7:30 pm a group of parishioners led by our own Kevin, met in the chapel to pray Evensong. We'd like to explore this prayer opportunity to bring our community to prayer on a more regular basis. If you plan on joining us in prayer or would like to share thoughts and ideas, please talk to Kevin after Mass on Sunday.

PATRONAL FEAST, SUNDAY, SEPT. 9
Sandra Dyson would give us an update as it becomes available. For now, talk to her after Mass to find out how you can help with preparations and plans to make this event successful. 

Our very own Fr. (Br) Derek, SSF will lead our parish-wide Quiet Day on Saturday, Sept. 1 to prepare us for the patronal feast. Please, mark your calendar, bring your friend and do not disappoint Br. Derek. We will begin with Mass at 9 am and finish before Noon. Watch out for more details on this event in next week's update.

Under a separate cover, you will receive the flyer for the event on September 9. Please, feel free to make additional copies and distribute. It is our patronal feast, let us celebrate with a joyful heart and spirit.

I thank God everyday for you and your loved ones, for the ministries and mission of this parish, and for our shared witness in this project and in our community. Let us mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice.

OF YOUR CHARITY PLEASE PRAY FOR
  • all who make the ministries of this parish possible with their treasure, time and talents
  • all who have recently lost their jobs
  • all who are discerning various vocations in the church and in our community and God's will in their lives
  • all young people as they prepare to return to school
  • all who are struggling financially and having to make hard decisions between providing food, healthcare for themselves and their families or doing without these
  • our Moslem brothers and sisters in this holy month of Ramadan. May God's peace reign in our hearts and, together may we all rejoice and celebrate the diversity of God's creation. 
OUR COMMITMENT
Guided by the examples of Jesus Christ and supported by the presence of the Holy Spirit, let us strive each day to strengthen our relationships with God and one another in the bond of love and peace.

See you at Mass. Bring a friend.

Fr. Vincent

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