Parish UPDATE: Sunday, December 13

Here's what's making news THIS WEEKEND  AT ST. MARY:  

• SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13:  THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT - GAUDETE SUNDAY
• Liturgical color for the day is Rose
• Question: What Is Gaudete Sunday?
  Certain Sundays throughout the liturgical year have taken their names from the first word in Latin of the Introit, the entrance antiphon at Mass. Gaudete Sunday is one of these.
  Answer: Gaudete Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent. (See the Liturgical Calendar for Advent to find the date of Gaudete Sunday this year.) The Introit for Gaudete Sunday, in both the Traditional Latin Mass and the Novus Ordo, is taken from Philippians 4:4,5: "Gaudete in Domino semper" ("Rejoice in the Lord always").
  In Advent, the priest normally wears purple vestments. But on Gaudete Sunday, having passed the midpoint of Advent, the Church lightens the mood a little, and the priest may wear rose vestments. The change in color provides us with encouragement to continue our spiritual preparation—especially prayer and fasting—for Christmas.
  For this same reason, the third candle of the Advent wreath, first lit on Gaudete Sunday, is traditionally rose-colored. Gaudete Sunday has a counterpart in Lent: Laetare Sunday
• AVAILABLE NOW: our parish's 2016 Churchman's Ordo Kalendar. . Few copies remain. Get your copies NOW. Cost - $3. Makes for a great Christmas present. 
•  Invite your friends and buddies to church this Sunday and every Sunday.

2.  BIBLE STUDY: (English edition) Every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7: 30 pm. 

• We meet in the Sacristy.

• We are studying the Book of the Acts of the Apostles 

• No experience necessary. 

• Bring your Bible and your friends 
• Spanish Edition: We meet on Tuesday from about 7 pm either in the Chapel at St. Mary or in a parishioner's home. Please, call Fr. Juan (213-434-0476) for more details. 

3. UPCOMING SERIES ON FAITH FORMATION: Sundays from 11:30 to 12 pm

  Kathleen Norris's "Embracing A Life of Meaning". A five-session Study. 

        Session 4 (December 13):    Place Matters: In what ways is faith set within the physical space of home, church, land, and people?

        Session 5 (December 20):   We Matter: What does it mean to remain in God's image and to counter our selfishness by embracing the world and its needs.

4.  2016 PLEDGE CARD

• Thanks for for your faithfulness and generous pledge towards the ministries of this parish in year 2016
• All PLEDGE CARDS are due Sunday, December 13, Third Sunday of ADVENT. This will help the Budget Committee finish its work before Christmas.  
• Please, put your Pledge Card in a sealed envelope and put it in the offering plate or just put he signed Pledge Card in the offering plate at Mass on Sunday.
• Early returns are always welcomed. 

5.  UPCOMING EVENTS:   

A.  COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

• Decoration of Community Christmas tree in the plaza - all day Saturday, December 19
• Community Christmas Carol sing-along: Sunday, December 20 from 4 to 5 pm
• Carols from the English and Spanish communities will be sung
• Hot apple cider, cookies as well as JOY, HOPE and LOVE will be generously served
• A good time to spend with your family and neighbors. 
• Children welcomed.

B.  CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE:

• Christmas Eve: Thursday, December 24: 
• Carol singing beginning at 11:30 pm
• Mass of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ at Midnight
• Christmas Day. Friday, December 25
• Mass at 10 am
• First Sunday after Christmas, Sunday, December 27
• English Service (Mass): 10 am
• Spanish Service (Misa): 1 pm
• No evening service on New Year's Eve. Church will be opened until Midnight for private prayer and meditation.
• Look out for the CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE on the "Welcome" tables in the church.

6.  THANK YOU

• for making the mission and ministries of our parish possible.
• for helping us raise the needed money to install the new ceiling fans.
• Benefactors: You can also make DONATIONS (Paypal) at our website or include our parish in your WILL.

7.  OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE, PRAY FOR

• full recovery post-surgery, for Mr. Kenneth Spurling, father of Megan Marsh.  Pray for Megan, Michael and Annabelle and the Spurling family at this time. Thank you.
• political will in implementing a global action on Environmental Stewardship
• all who are currently discerning vocations to ministries in the church especially the Sacred Order of Priesthood, Youth Ministry and,  Eremitic Monasticism
• continued healing for Gerda, Anthony Joseph, Patrice Gonzales, Nora, Ben, Roberta, Mary Jane. 
• the healing of our nation and all whose lives have been impacted by the recent mass shootings in San Bernadino 
• Natasha, Vincent, Larry Jr, Jeffrey, Simone, Obed, Audrey, Michelle, Yasmine, Jason,  Annabelle, Biko Lisustha, Amani Lisustha  

8.    FOR NEWS ABOUT

• the Diocese of Los Angeles, please click on www.ladiocese.org
• the Episcopal Church, please, click on www.episcopalchurch.org
• the Expo Line construction, please, click on www.buildexpo.org
• the Palms Neighborhood Council, click on www.palmsla.org

9.    Like us on Facebook follow us on Twitter @stmaryinpalms

Fr. Vincent

www.stmarypalms.org

Parish UPDATE: Sunday, November 29

Here's what's making news THIS WEEKEND  AT ST. MARY:  

• SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29:  THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT. 
• Season's color change to Purple/Violet
• Very Important notice from our Senior Warden: it's okay to wear uncomfortable shoes this Sunday, but start polishing hiking boots for next week? An exciting and noble parish project beckons next Sunday.
• Look out for the new ADVENT Worship bulletin this Sunday and running through Christmas. Be not afraid, all will be well.
• AVAILABLE NOW: our parish's 2016 Churchman's Ordo Kalendar. . Few copies remain. Get your copies NOW. Cost - $3. Makes for a great Christmas present. 
•  Invite your friends and buddies to church this Sunday and every Sunday.

2.  BIBLE STUDY: (English edition) Every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7: 30 pm. 

• We meet in the Sacristy.

• We are studying the Book of the Acts of the Apostles 

• No experience necessary. 

• Bring your Bible and your friends 
• Spanish Edition: We meet on Tuesday from about 7 pm either in the Chapel at St. Mary or in a parishioner's home. Please, call Fr. Juan (213-434-0476) for more details. 

3. UPCOMING SERIES ON FAITH FORMATION: Sundays from 11:30 to 12 pm

  Kathleen Norris's "Embracing A Life of Meaning". A five-session Study. 

        Session 3 (November 29):   Community Matters: In community, individualism and imperfection meet grace and acceptance. What is our part in the Body of Christ?

        Session 4 (December 6):    Place Matters: In what ways is faith set within the physical space of home, church, land, and people?

        Session 5 (December 13):   We Matter: What does it mean to remain in God's image and to counter our selfishness by embracing the world and its needs.

4.  2016 PLEDGE CARD

• Thanks for for your faithfulness and generous pledge towards the ministries of this parish in year 2016
• All PLEDGE CARDS are due Sunday, December 13, Third Sunday of ADVENT. This will help the Budget Committee finish its work before Christmas.  
• Early returns are always welcomed. 

5.  UPCOMING EVENTS:  

• Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Los Angeles, Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 at the Ontario Convention Center. Pray for God's blessings on Convention Delegates and on our Bishops Jon, Diane and Mary. 
• First Communion Classes: Registration for both English and Spanish congregations are still open. Please, contact Fr. Juan Barragan at PadreJuanBar@gmail.com or at the Parish Office
• Look out for the CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE in next week's edition of the UPDATE

6.  THANK YOU

• for making the mission and ministries of our parish possible.
• for helping us raise the needed money to install the new ceiling fans.
• Benefactors: You can also make DONATIONS (Paypal) at our website or include our parish in your WILL.

7.  OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE, PRAY FOR

• full recovery post-surgery, for Mr. Kenneth Spurling, father of Megan Marsh.  Pray for Megan, Michael and Annabelle and the Spurling family at this time. Thank you.
• all who are currently discerning vocations to ministries in the church especially the Sacred Order of Priesthood, Youth Ministry and,  Eremitic Monasticism
• continued healing for Gerda, Anthony Joseph, Patrice Gonzales, Nora, Ben, Sr. Rosina. Delia, Jeff, Roberta, Mary Jane. 
• all who are battling any form of cancer and all involved in research work to find lasting cure for cancer and Alzheimers
• Natasha, Vincent, Larry Jr, Jeffrey, Simone, Obed, Audrey, Michelle, Yasmine, Jason,  Annabelle, Biko Lisustha, Amani Lisustha  

8.    FOR NEWS ABOUT

• the Diocese of Los Angeles, please click on www.ladiocese.org
• the Episcopal Church, please, click on www.episcopalchurch.org
• the Expo Line construction, please, click on www.buildexpo.org
• the Palms Neighborhood Council, click on www.palmsla.org

9.    Like us on Facebook follow us on Twitter @stmaryinpalms

Fr. Vincent

www.stmarypalms.org

THIS WEEKEND  AT ST. MARY:  

• SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22: LAST  SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING)
• MINI YARD AND FOOD FUNDRAISER FROM 11 AM TO 1 PM.  We are raising funds to make the interior of the church more energy efficient. A $15 donation would be most welcome if you cannot attend the event. Donate on line through our website or send us a check.
• AVAILABLE NOW: our parish's 2016 Churchman's Ordo Kalendar. . Few copies remain. Get your copies NOW. Cost - $3. Makes for a great Christmas present. 
•  Invite your friends and buddies to church this Sunday and every Sunday.

2.  THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26:  JOIN US AT OUR ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DAY JOINT-EUCHARISTIC SERVICE WITH GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4427 OVERLAND AVE, CULVER CITY.

• Worship Service begins at 10 am
• Free lunch after the service
• Please, SPREAD the word and bring your friends

3.  BIBLE STUDY: (English edition) Every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7: 30 pm. 

• We meet in the Sacristy.

• We are studying the Book of the Acts of the Apostles 

• No experience necessary. 

• Bring your Bible and your friends 
• Spanish Edition: We meet on Tuesday from about 7 pm either in the Chapel at St. Mary or in a parishioner's home. Please, call Fr. Juan (213-434-0476) for more details. 

4. UPCOMING SERIES ON FAITH FORMATION: Sundays from 11:30 to 12 pm

  Kathleen Norris's "Embracing A Life of Meaning". A five-session Study. 

              Session 2 (November 22):   The Bible Matters: How is the Bible's story reflected in our daily lives? What is it about the Bible that always seems to address our present moment?

        Session 3 (November 29):   Community Matters: In community, individualism and imperfection meet grace and acceptance. What is our part in the Body of Christ?

        Session 4 (December 6):    Place Matters: In what ways is faith set within the physical space of home, church, land, and people?

        Session 5 (December 13):   We Matter: What does it mean to remain in God's image and to counter our selfishness by embracing the world and its needs.

5.  UPCOMING EVENTS:  

• Feast of Christ the King, Sunday, November 22
• First Sunday of Advent, Sunday, November 29
• Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Los Angeles, Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 at the Ontario Convention Center. Pray for God's blessings on Convention Delegates and on our Bishops Jon, Diane and Mary. 
• First Communion Classes: Registration for both English and Spanish congregations are still open. Please, contact Fr. Juan Barragan at PadreJuanBar@gmail.com or at the Parish Office

6.  THANK YOU

• for making the mission and ministries of our parish possible.
• for your faithfulness and generous pledge towards the ministries of this parish in year 2016
• Benefactors: You can also make DONATIONS (Paypal) at our website or include our parish in your WILL.

7.  OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE, PRAY FOR

• full recovery post-surgery, for Mr. Kenneth Spurling, father of Megan Marsh.  Pray for Megan, Michael and Annabelle and the Spurling family at this time. Thank you.
• all who are currently discerning vocations to ministries in the church especially the Sacred Order of Priesthood, Youth Ministry and,  Eremitic Monasticism
• continued healing for Gerda, Anthony Joseph, Patrice Gonzales, Nora, Ben, Sr. Rosina. Delia, Jeff, Roberta, Mary Jane. Gerda is out of the Rehabilitation facility and back home. 
• all who are battling any form of cancer and all involved in research work to find lasting cure for cancer and Alzheimers
• Natasha, Vincent, Larry Jr, Jeffrey, Simone, Obed, Audrey, Michelle, Yasmine, Jason,  Annabelle, Biko Lisustha, Amani Lisustha  

8.    FOR NEWS ABOUT

• the Diocese of Los Angeles, please click on www.ladiocese.org
• the Episcopal Church, please, click on www.episcopalchurch.org
• the Expo Line construction, please, click on www.buildexpo.org
• the Palms Neighborhood Council, click on www.palmsla.org

9.    Like us on Facebook follow us on Twitter @stmaryinpalms

Fr. Vincent

www.stmarypalms.org

Letter from Bishop Suffragan Mary D. Glasspool

November 14, 2015  from The Bishop's Office         Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles Dear Friends and Colleagues,    It has been an honor and a privilege to have served you all in the Diocese of Los Angeles these past five-and-one-half years. This past August I received a call to become Assistant Bishop of New York, and I have accepted that call. God willing, I will begin this new ministry on the East Coast April 1, 2016. The Diocese of New York is, on this day, holding its 239th Annual Convention, and Diocesan Bishop Andrew Dietsche has just announced these plans in his address to the Convention.              The next several months will, of course, be busy! Bishop Jon is designating some time during our upcoming Diocesan Convention to celebrate our time together. And while the outline of my planned sabbatical has been adjusted, I will still be taking it from January 18 to March 18, 2016. During this time I will be spending two weeks in the Diocese of Cuernavaca (February 13-27) on the Fourth Annual Pilgrimage and Intensive Spanish Language Course; two weeks in Texas at a meeting of the bishops suffragan adjacent to the Spring House of Bishops' Meeting (March 6-18); and at least one week (dates to be determined) on retreat.              To write that I am deeply grateful for this time of service in the Diocese of Los Angeles is an understatement. From the Summer of 2009 when I entered the search process for two bishops suffragan in Los Angeles, to and through today, this time has been filled with challenge, growth, sorrow, joy, outrageous diversity, monumental change, hard work, and joyful play. During my time here I've had the extraordinary opportunities of working with so many committed people in the areas of Ecumenical and Interreligious Life, the excellent schools of the Diocese, the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered Community, the youth and young adults, and the people of the northern part of the diocese. I will always hold dear so many unique experiences: the Consecration with Bishop Diane on May 15, 2010; diocesan conventions, clergy conferences, and ordination services which featured so many incredible people; the steady beat of weekly visitations to parishes and missions striving to further God's Reign of love and justice in this world; Episcopal Nights at Dodger Stadium; the growing relationship with the Diocese of Cuernavaca; and travel to such places as Quito, Ecuador, Taiwan, Pine Ridge Reservation, Israel/Palestine, and (one of my favorite,go to places) Glendale! My partner of almost 30 years: Becki Sander, and I finally got married here due to the remarkable long-term work of so many of you in the struggle for marriage equality. And I am more than a little grateful that there is still some time in the next few months to continue to appreciate all that has happened. The Episcopal Diocese of New York (for those who may want to know a little more), is geographically comprised of three city boroughs and seven upstate counties: Staten Island (where I was born!), Manhattan, and the Bronx; Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan, Orange, and Rockland Counties. There are close to 200 parishes and missions; 60,000 baptized communicants in good standing; and more than a few church-related institutions that creatively engage with people where they live.   There will be more to come in the days ahead. For now, let me simply bear witness to that which holds us all together through thick and thin - the Love of God. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 God's Peace to All, + Mary D. Glasspool To the Diocesan Community Dear Friends, The Diocese of Los Angeles has been greatly enriched these past five-and-one-half years by the ministries of our two Bishops Suffragan, Diane Jardine Bruce and Mary Douglas Glasspool, both of whom will begin well-deserved sabbatical sojourns starting in January 2016. Today, the Bishop of New York, Andrew Dietsche, has announced that Bishop Glasspool has accepted his invitation to serve as Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of New York beginning April 1. Please join me in congratulating Bishop Glasspool on this new chapter in her ministry, and in giving thanks for her remarkable ministry with us here in Southern California. We will have an opportunity at Diocesan Convention to express our thanks and best wishes to Bishop Glasspool as she returns to the region in which she was born and formed in the Episcopal Church. Although we together feel a sense of loss and sadness at Bishop Glasspool's departure, we can also share with her our ongoing support and appreciation for her many gifts and skills that she has shared with us so generously. Please keep Bishop Glasspool and her spouse, Dr. Rebecca Sander, and our diocesan community in your prayers as we move forward. Together in Christ, + J. Jon Bruno Bishop of Los Angeles