Parish Update: 12/19

Beloved of God and of this parish:

Here is an UPDATE of what is making news in our parish this week and will be making news in the coming weeks.

1. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19: [THREE EVENTS]

This is the last Vestry meeting of the year. Vestrymembers are encouraged to attend MASS that day and stay for the meeting.

• It is time to renew our COMMITMENT to God, our family and our non-parish community. It would be helpful if we have all pledge/commitment cards by the First Sunday of Christmas so  we can complete the budget process by year's end. If you have not already received your pledge/commitment card, please talk with Phyllis after Mass on Sunday or arrange to have your card sent to you in the course of next week. Please, remember to pick your box of pledge envelopes after Mass on Sunday. Our pledges and commitments make the ministries of this parish and mission to partner with God in the rebuilding of lives and his world possible. God generously gives us his Son to be our redeemer, let us give generously to support his reign and his work in our lifetime. We are grateful for your commitment to this cause to the glory of God. 

• Decorating for Christmas: If you can help with decorating the church in readiness for Christmas, show up during the week between Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks for any help you can give.

• During coffee-hour, we will celebrate the 82nd birthday of Gerda Morinaka. Please, surprise and congratulate her if you can.

2. CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE:

• MASS on Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24 will be at 8pm

• MASS on Christmas Day, Saturday, December 25 will be at 10am

• MASS on First Sunday after Christmas Day will be at 10am to be followed with our signature potluck brunch. Please, bring whatever you can by way of main dish, desserts, gifts for the children of the parish and a joyful spirit. 

• NEW YEAR'S EVE: Friday, December 31. Church will be opened from 10pm to Midnight for private prayer and meditation. The sacrifice of the Mass will not be offered during this period.

• NEW YEAR'S DAY: Saturday, January 1. MASS of the HOLY NAME will be offered at 9am. 

Please, plan on attending as many of the above events as you can and bring your friends to join in the celebrations. NO CELEBRATION IS COMPLETE AND JOYOUS WITHOUT OUR FRIENDS.

3. COMING EVENTS IN JANUARY 2011:

• Sunday, January 2: Second Sunday after Christmas Day

• Sunday, January 9: First Sunday after the Epiphany (Baptism of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST). The youth of the parish will lead the Offertory and Presentation of the Gifts with the traditional gifts presented by the wisemen (wise-persons). It is time to support our children in their spiritual formation as we each present out life as gifts to God.

• Sunday, January 16: First Vestry meeting of 2011 and time to hear our audit reports in preparation for the annual Parish General Meeting. 

• Sunday, January 23: Our ANNUAL PARISH GENERAL MEETING. The first in the potluck-brunch series. We need someone to coordinate this event - setting up, designing meeting hall with appropriate signage, food and to encourage active parish-wide participation. It will look good on your resume as Events Organizer or Coordinator. If you can help, please, call Phyllis in the parish office ASAP.

• Sunday, January 30: Our first PARISH FORUM for 2011. We will have conversations around the book:"Living a Eucharistic Spirituality" by Oscar Lukefahr, C.M. If you have not already bought your copy, buy your copy now for ONLY$2. See Phyllis or Fr. Shamo. 

4: THANK YOU

In spite of global and economic challenges that faced us and many in 2010, all of us have remained faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, generously supported the ministries of this parish and the reign of God. Our individual and collective prayers, our presence at Mass and parish events, our faithfulness have transformed many lives; your parish leadership team and me personally are grateful for your witness. Let us strive even much more harder in this discipleship project in the coming year.

See you at Mass with your life-enhancing stories, your anxieties and a willing attitude to permit God to transform these to his honor and glory. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY, ALWAYS!!

Fr. Shamo

www.stmarypalms.org 

Parish Update: Sept. 12

1. ORDINATION SILVER JUBILEE MASS: SUNDAY, SEPT. 12
Please, plan on joining our parish this Sunday, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fr. Vincent Shamo's ordination to the priesthood. Any anniversary is worth celebrating, especially an Ordination Silver Jubilee. Festive food will be potluck so it can truly be our parish's event. Please, bring your family, friends and favorite dish. We anticipate a fair amount of guests to this event; please welcome everyone as Christ. 

We welcome especially, Bishop Ed Mackenzie, former Bishop of Johannesburg, South Africa;  Rev. Canon Connor Lynn, Rector Emeritus; Rev. Canon Cyprian Fields; Rev. Brian McHugh; Jay Launt (former Senior Warden); Canon Randy Kimmler, L. A. Diocese Missioner for Vocations.

Pray for your priest, his family, his ministry among us and indeed for all bishops, priests, deacons and all who are discerning vocations to various ministries in God's kingdom.

2. MORNING PRAYER ON SUNDAY

Morning Prayer will be prayed [each Sunday] at 9:45am to be immediately followed with Mass. Plan on arriving early to join in this worship service or join in quietly if you arrive after 9:45am and Morning Prayer is being prayed. The church encourages everyone to pray daily at least Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. As a parish, we endorse  and affirm the importance of this spiritual discipline.

3. BIBLE STUDY ON WEDNESDAY

Mid-week Bible Study has moved FROM Wednesday Noon TO Wednesday 7pm. We meet in the Chapel. We are presently exploring the Book of Nehemiah [In the Old Testament]. The preferred bible translation is the New Revised Standard Version [NRSV]. If you do not have this translation, please, come with what you have.
Required: A willingness to explore God's word with others. Notebooks and pens would be provided to participants. NO EXAMS AND PAPERS TO WRITE. You can support this project by: donating refreshment, attending the sessions with your friends and by spreading the word.

Always grateful for your ministry within our parish and your commitments to christian discipleship and  to the mission of God's reign in our community and generation. The Christian life is not lived in isolation!!

4. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE:
Work is progressing steadily on improving our "grounds". For now, one portion of the lawn has been put on an automatic sprinkler; we will work on the other portions as funds become available. Eventually, we hope to have more color around the church. If you are able to contribute towards this project, please, make your check to "St. Mary" and put in the memo column "grounds project". 

5. PEACE AND JUSTICE COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENT

Rosaries for the Sick: Beginning Sunday, September 19, the Peace and Justice Commission [of this parish] will begin classes on making rosaries and prayer beads to be given to parents of children who are hospitalized and those receiving chemotherapy. Please join us on the patio after Mass as we begin this exciting ministry.

COME TO THE BANQUET OF THE LORD.

Fr. Vincent Shamo

www.stmarypalms.org

Parish Update: August 29

Beloved of God and of this parish:

1. TIME FOR THANKSGIVING:
Let me take this opportunity to thank [again] all who provided food, music and worked hard to make our patronal feast a success. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God and all the saints of God intercede for us so we may obtain the needed graces to grow in faith and in our baptismal vows.

2. THIS SUNDAY, August 29:
(a) Serving:
Joanna Cory [EM1]; Joe Gaynor [EM2]; Peter Braganca [Thurifer]; Elliott Ryder [Lector]; Bea Boggess [Prayer of the Faithful]; Angela and Simone [Oblation bearers]; Simone Bookman [Usher]; The Joseph Family [Post-Mass refreshments].

(b)  Parish Forum:
Our  parish forum this Sunday will focus on: outreach to Hispanic community; parish finances and related issues; Peace and Justice Commission survey;  parish awards;  annual rummage sale; Ordination Silver Jubilee Mass on Sunday, Sept, 12,  plus much exciting news to share. Our Vestry will entertain what questions you may have. Please, endeavor to come to Mass and stay for the Forum. It is our parish, let us show a sense of ownership. Our parish is part of God's reign, let us support its ministries and the mission of the church.

3. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE:
Work is progressing steadily on improving our "grounds". For now, one portion of the lawn will be put on an automatic sprinkler until we have enough money to work on the other portions. Eventually, we hope to have more color around the church. If you are able to contribute towards this project, please, make your check to St. Mary and put in the memo column "grounds project".

4. OF YOUR CHARITY:
Please, intercede for the following: Birthdays: Phyllis Thomas [August 30]; Chelsea (Daley) Adams [Sept. 1]; Mark Kennedy [Sept. 2]. Recovering from recent unwellness: John Dadzie, Anthony and Jai; Brenda and Tony. Illness: Gene Boggess, Mrs. Philip Chand, Kay Burleigh.

Noticeable UPCOMING CHANGES:
1. Beginning Sunday, Sept. 5, Morning Prayer will be prayed [each Sunday] in the church beginning at 9:45am to be immediately followed by Mass. All of us need time to "quieten down" and be "centered" before Mass. Please, prayerfully join in and spend some time preparing yourself for Mass.

2. Bible Study will be moving FROM Wednesday Noon to 1pm TO Wednesday 7pm beginning September 8. We will meet in the Chapel. We will begin exploring the Book of Nehemiah [In the Old Testament]. The preferred bible translation is the New Revised Standard Version [NRSV]. If you do not have this translation, please, come with what you have.

Required: A willingness to explore God's word with others. Notebooks and pens would be provided to participants. NO EXAMS AND PAPERS TO WRITE. You can support this project by: donating refreshment, attending the sessions with your friends and by spreading the word.

Always grateful for your ministry within our parish and your commitments to christian discipleship and  to the mission of God's reign in our community and generation. The Christian life is not lived in isolation!!

See you at God's banquet table with all that we are.

Fr. Shamo
www.stmarypalms.org

PARISH UPDATE: August 15

1. PATRONAL FESTIVAL [SUNDAY, AUGUST 15]

A warm welcome and invitation to you to join us this Sunday, as we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - our parish's patronal feast. We will re-join the universal church at 10am in worshipping God, celebrating the work and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and community and be strengthened by the sacraments of the church to engage in mission and ministry. WELCOME to the FEAST.

Serving:
EMs: Peter Marinkovich [1], Kozetta Garnett [2]; Thurifer: Anthony Yarzue; Lector: Larry Osakwe Sr; Prayers of the Faithful: Debra Mckinney; Usher: Obed; Coffee: Festive potluck brunch.

By popular request, the Jacob Daley's band [same band that played at our patronal feast in 2009] will be playing again during the brunch. Bring your appetite, good humor and dancing shoes!

The Vestry will announce the 2010 recipients of the Theotokos and Magnificat Awards during the brunch. Thanks to all for your nominations; we had an extraordinary list to consider. Build up for yourself treasure in heaven.

2. CONGRATULATIONS:

(a) To Stephanie Walker and Michael who got married on Saturday, August 7 in Texas. Stephanie received your kind and generous gift [cards and money] last Tuesday, before she left for Texas. She was really touched by the kind gesture and asked me to express her thanks to all of you.

(b) To Anthony Joseph for completing the front signage project on time before the patronal feast.

(c) To all recipients of the 2010 edition of The Theotokos and The Magnificat Awards. Recipients will be announced on Sunday.

3. OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Anthony Joseph, Jai Joseph [recovering]; Donald Zucca and Joanna Cory [discerning vocations]; All parishioners of St. Mary [as we prepare to celebrate our patronal feast].

UPCOMING EVENTS:

1. TRAINING FOR ALL USHERS
Please, consider signing up to be trained as an Usher for this parish. Training will be offered after Mass on Sunday, August 22. Please, call the office to sign up or just stay in the church after Mass. There is NO exam and NO papers to write. The key word to remember about being an Usher is: HOSPITALITY! HOSPITALITY!! HOSPITALITY!!! translated into easy-speak, "welcome and treat everyone as Christ". The ministry of an Usher/Doorkeeper is well documented in the Bible as far as the Old Testament. Hey, you will get a nice pin to wear upon completion of this training program. "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness" [Psalm 84:10]

2. PARISH FORUM ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 after Mass. More details in next week's UPDATE..

3. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Morning Prayer will be prayed at 9:45am to be immediately followed with Mass. This will be a regular feature on all Sundays. Plan on arriving early to join in this worship service or join in quietly if you arrive after 9:45am and Morning Prayer is being prayed. The church encourages everyone to pray daily at least Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. We endorse this spiritual discipline.

3. ORDINATION SILVER JUBILEE MASS: SUNDAY, SEPT. 12
Please, plan on joining our parish on this Sunday, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fr. Vincent Shamo's ordination to the priesthood. Any anniversary is worth celebrating, especially an Ordination Silver Jubilee. Festive food will be potluck so it can truly be our parish's event.

Pray for your priest, his family, his ministry among us and indeed for all bishops, priests, deacons and all who are discerning vocations to various ministries in God's kingdom.

COME TO THE BANQUET OF THE LORD.

Fr. Shamo

PARISH UPDATE: August 5

Here is an UPDATE of what made news in the past week or will be making news in the coming weeks:


1. COME TO THE GARDEN PARTY:
YES, the "garden/parish work day party is STILL ON for Saturday, August 7. YES, you are still invited to the party. We will begin with Morning Prayer at 8:45am and Mass at 9am. As our new parish sign reminds us, "Ora et labora" translated "Prayer and work/service". Following Mass, we will all grab our donuts, muffins, coffee and tea and head straight into "work/service" tidying up our Meditation Garden, cleaning around the church premises and getting it all ready for our Patronal Festival. There will be work/service opportunities for everyone. Let us "pray and work" so we can better build God's reign and our parish community.

2. THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 7:

(a) Serving:
EMs: Sandra Dyson [1], Peter Braganca [2]; Thurifer: Simone; Lector: Sam Hitz; Prayers of the Faithful: Angela; Obation-bearers: Malicia & Sara Sue; Usher: Dr. Neboh; Coffee: Volunteer.

(b) VESTRY MEETING:
The Vestry will meet in regular session following Mass in the VICAR'S OFFICE. We will start at 11:15am.

(c) Why/What is a Patronal Feast?
Many have asked these questions over the last few weeks. We will address these questions at Mass in hopes that it would prepare us for the festival.

3. MONDAY, AUGUST 8:
The carpets in the working sacristy - from the top of the stairs leading into the attic all the way to the landing - will be put in on Monday beginning around 10am. We are deeply grateful to our "re-carpetting project" team for their hard-work in pooling resources together for this project. May God richly replenish the resources you spent on this project. You are indeed building up treasures for yourself in heaven and in God's kingdom.

4. PATRONAL FESTIVAL [SUNDAY, AUGUST 15]

Serving:
EMs: Peter Marinkovich [1], Kozetta Garnett [2]; Thurifer: Anthony Yarzue; Lector: Larry Osakwe Sr; Prayers of the Faithful: Debra Mckinney; Usher: Obed; Coffee: Festive potluck brunch.

By popular request, the Jacob Daley's band [same band that played at our patronal feast in 2009] will be playing again during the brunch. Bring your appetite, good humor and dancing shoes!

The Vestry will announce the 2010 recipients of the Theotokos and Magnificat Awards during the brunch. Thanks to all for your nominations; we had an extraordinary list to consider. Build up for yourself treasure in heaven.

5. CONGRATULATIONS:
To Stephanie Walker and Michael as they married on Saturday, August 7 in Texas. Stephanie received your kind and generous gift [cards and money] last Tuesday, before she left for Texas. She was really touched by the kind gesture and asked me to express her thanks to all of you.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

6. Sunday, September 5
Morning Prayer will be prayed at 9:45am to be immediately followed with Mass. This will be a regular feature on all Sundays. Plan on arriving early to join in this worship service or join in quietly if you arrive after 9:45am and Morning Prayer is being prayed. The church encourages everyone to pray daily at least Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. We endorse this spiritual discipline.

7. ORDINATION SILVER JUBILEE MASS: SUNDAY, SEPT. 12
Please, plan on joining our parish on this Sunday, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fr. Vincent Shamo's ordination to the priesthood. Any anniversary is worth celebrating, especially an Ordination Silver Jubilee. Festive food will be potluck so it can truly be our parish's event.

Pray for your priest, his family, his ministry among us and indeed for all bishops, priests, deacons and all who are discerning vocations to various ministries in God's kingdom.

COME TO THE BANQUET OF THE LORD.

"Ora et Labora"

PARISH UPDATE ending May 23

A. VIDEO OF ORDINATION AND CONSECRATION OF BISHOPS ON MAY 15

Thanks to all who welcomed the Diocese's two new bishops suffragan on May 15 at the Long Beach Arena. The Episcopal News website [http://www.ladiocese.org/]offers coverage; for on-demand video, please follow these links:

Part 1 The Pre-Liturgy is here.
Part 2 The Consecration is here.
Part 3 The Eucharist is here.
Entire video event is here.
Service leaflet (PDF) is here.
Macintosh-compatible versions

B. READINGS FOR DAY OF PENTECOST: Sunday, May 23:

If you are planning on reading the Gospel in a non-English language, the passage is from John 20:19-23. To date, the following have indicated readiness to read: Donald - German or Italian; Gerda - Dutch or German; Hyacinth - French; Florence - Ga. We need readers in Spanish, Igbo, Ga, Fante, Latin, Hindi, etc. Please, call the parish office if you are still interested in this project.

See you at Mass this Sunday.

C. SEND IN THOSE MEMORIES

Episcopal News by EN staff
Photographs and memories of retiring Bishop Suffragan Chester Talton and Bishop Assistant Sergio Carranza are being sought for display at their May 29 retirement reception and as lasting mementos for the two bishops to keep.

"We would like to make as many opportunities as possible for people from throughout the diocese to communicate their congratulations to retiring Bishop Talton and Bishop Carranza," said Serena Beeks, who is coordinating the effort. "We are soliciting “postcards” to display – a photograph (5” x 7” or smaller) of your church or one of the bishops visiting you or anything that will serve as a reminder of your wonderful relationships with two terrific people!"

Well-wishers are also invited to write a message greeting, poem or prayer on a separate piece of paper (also 5" x 7" or smaller). Beeks requests that they not write on the backs of the photos.

"Please write separately to the two bishops so that they may take the messages home," said Beeks. "We will happily receive pictures and notes from congregations, groups and/or individuals."

Photographs and notes may be mailed to: Serena Beeks, Cathedral Center of St. Paul, P.O. Box 512164, Los Angeles, CA 90051. (Please do not email materials.)

The open house reception for the two bishops will be held on Saturday, May 29, 12 noon to 3 p.m., at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles. The diocesan community is invited: children are welcome. Entertainment and light refreshments will be provided for all ages.

Reservations (for planning purposes) may be made to Lilline Dugan at lillinedugan@ladiocese.org, at 213.482.2040, ext. 241, or at the Cathedral Center address (P.O. Box 512164, Los Angeles, CA 90051

Parish Update ending May 16

Serving THIS Sunday: May 16


Eucharistic Ministers: [1] Kozetta Garnett [2] Peter Marinkovich

Thurifer: Jacob Daley

Lector: Joe Gaynor

Prayers of the Faithful: Sam Hitz

Oblation bearers: Jai & Belinda

Usher: Robby Igodan

Coffee: Volunteer needed [please, call Phyllis at 310-558-4124 if you can help]
 
A friendly REMINDER:


Tomorrow, Saturday, May 15 is the Ordination and Consecraton [service] of Rev. Canon Diane Jardin Bruce and Rev. Canon Mary Douglas Glasspool at the Long Beach Arena. For those who are planning on attending, here is some information you might find helpful:

Bishops Suffragan Ordination and Consecration

All are invited; no tickets are needed for admission.

Date & Time: Saturday, May 15, 2010

Doors open at 12 noon

12:30 p.m. Celebration Gathering – featuring music and dance highlighting the cultural diversity of our diocesan community

1:30 p.m. Liturgy for the Ordination and Consecration of Bishops Suffragan

Clergy and other participants are asked to arrive by 12:30 p.m.

Location: Long Beach Arena – located in the Long Beach Convention Center Complex, 300 Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, California (90802). Seating capacity for the liturgy will be at least 6,700.

The Arena building is covered by one of the world’s largest murals, “Planet Ocean,” a fabulous array of marine life by environmental artist Wyland. The Arena is the large round blue building often mistaken for the aquarium.

Travel Directions: www.longbeachcc.com.The Long Beach Convention Center, site of the Long Beach Arena, is easily accessible via the Metro Blue Line. More about the Blue Line is here. The Blue Line links with the Red Line (San Fernando/Valley/Hollywood/Downtown) and the Green Line (L.A. Airport/Westside/Norwalk/Lakewood). Various groups and individuals are planning to take the Metro on May 15.

Parking: Ample parking is available at the Long Beach Arena/Convention Center; rate is $10 per car. Special parking areas are reserved for drivers and passengers with disabilities, and for buses. (Please note that buses will be charged for parking according to the number of regular parking spaces the bus occupies: each space is $10.)

Source: http://www.ladiocese.org/

VESTRY MEETING:
The Vestry will meet in regular session this Sunday, May 16 beginning at 11:15am. All Vestry members should endeavor to attend Mass so we can start the meeting on time.

READINGS FOR DAY OF PENTECOST: Sunday, May 23:
If you are planning on reading the Gospel in a non-English language, the passage is from John 20:19-23. To date, the following have indicated readiness to read: Donald - German or Italian; Gerda - Dutch or German; Hyacinth - French; Florence - Ga. We need readers in Spanish, Igbo, Ga, Fante, Latin, Hindi, etc. Please, call the parish office if you are still interested in this project.

See you at Mass this Sunday.

Fr. Shamo