Parish Weekly UPDATE: 10/28

Beloved of God and of this parish:

Thanks to all who have been praying with me and keeping the ministries of this parish alive while I have been on vacation. I look forward to my return to the parish on Monday, October 29.

Here are some UPCOMING notices requiring your attention:

1. THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28

(a) Fr. Brad Karelius will be our Guest Celebrant and Preacher at the 10 am Mass. Please bring your friends to church and get to meet Fr. Brad. 

(b) The elections to the Board of the Palms Neighborhood Council is this Sunday, October 28. Voting begins at 10 am and ENDS at 2 pm. If you live in, have business or worship in Palms, you are a stakeholder and may vote. Voting will be at the IMAN Cultural Center, 3376 Motor Avenue (between National Blvd and Woodbine). Your voice and vote will help make our community safer and better administered.

2. ALL SAINTS DAY:

(a)Thursday, Nov. 1 is All Saints Day. Our All Saints Day celebrations will be on Sunday, November 4. If you have departed ones you would like to remember in a very special way, please, give their names to Phyllis on Sunday, and consider donating flowers in their honor. During the Prayers of the Faithful, we will pray the Litany of the Saints, alternating between Men and Women voices. For those who observe Dia de los Muertos, have a great event. 

3.  SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 IS VETERANS DAY:

We will keep this special day as a Day of Remembrance. If you know a Veteran, please invite him or her to join us in our local celebration of Veterans.

4. NOVEMBER IS___:

• National Diabetes Month
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month 
• Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month as well as 
• Hospice Palliative Care Month. 
• We will have two conversations on Hospice Palliative Care on November 4 after Mass. Conversation would include preparing Advance Directives and Funeral Plans. 

5. FUNDRAISERS IN NOVEMBER:

(a) Saturday, November 10: 

Our parish's Fall Thrift Sales. Please, donate items and volunteer to help set up, clean up and welcome shoppers as they buy. You might make a friend for our parish. More on this in next week's bulletin and during the Sunday notices.

(b). Saturday, November 17: 

We will host a Poker Night to raise funds for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease. This is a private initiative and our parish will get a share of the funds raised. A $40 donation is requested. We expect over 50 participants. 

6. EVENSONG AT ST. MARY

Tired at the end of the day from all that office work and traffic? Need some time to pray with friends? Join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 pm - each night - to pray the Evening Service from the Book of Common Prayer. Spread the word and bring your friends.

7. OF YOUR CHARITY PLEASE PRAY FOR:

(a) Bianca Mussenden, Patrick Williams, Sr. Rosina Ampah, OSH and all who are recovering from recent illness. Remember to pray for all who minister to their needs at this time.

(b) The Vestrymembers, staff and volunteers of our parish.

(c) Clergy and people of The Church of Advent (San Francisco) and St. Mary the Virgin, (New York), our special partners in ministry.

(d) All who are battling financial challenges and parenting challenges.

See you at Mass this and every Sunday.

Fr. Vincent

www.stmarypalms.org

OC Superior Court judgments in favor of Diocese of Los Angeles

Judgments grant Long Beach, North Hollywood properties to Diocese   [The Episcopal News, Los Angeles] -- Final Judgments in favor of the Diocese of Los Angeles and the Episcopal Church in cases regarding Long Beach and North Hollywood property disputes have been entered by the Orange County Superior Court.   "The Judgments conclude the trial court portion of the cases and declare that the Diocese holds the properties in trust for the current and future mission of the Episcopal Church," said diocesan attorney John R. Shiner. "It is ordered, adjudged and decreed that final judgment is entered in favor of Plaintiffs [including] the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Los Angeles... and Plaintiff-In-Intervention The Episcopal Church and against defendants," each Judgment reads. Links to the cases are here:          Judgment: St. David's, North Hollywood       Judgment: All Saints', Long Beach     "We will move forward with an orderly transition," said the Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, who was present in the courtroom Aug. 24 for the recent proceedings. "Being people of compassion and understanding, we have been in touch with the attorneys for both congregations, and we will make every effort to respect the dignity of all involved."   The Court will take up another case, involving the congregation of St. James', Newport Beach, on Oct. 24.   The litigation began eight years ago when a majority of members of All Saints' Church in Long Beach, St. David's Church in North Hollywood, and St. James' Church in Newport Beach voted to disaffiliate from the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Los Angeles. A Court returned a fourth property -- St. Luke's of the Mountains Church in La Crescenta -- to the Diocese in 2009.

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