Two Statements on TEC & the Anglican Communion

Thursday Thought -- Concerning the Anglican Primates’ action, a statement by Bishop J. Jon Bruno, Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

Dear Friends in Christ: 

We in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles stand firmly with our Presiding Bishop, the Most. Rev. Michael Curry, in his prophetic and pastoral witness during the recent meeting of the Anglican Primates. Bishops Suffragan Diane Jardine Bruce and Mary D. Glasspool join me in this solidarity.

The Primates’ action to suspend the Episcopal Church from Anglican Communion committees and other decision-making activities for the next three years distresses me. I join the many people of the Diocese of Los Angeles and beyond who for decades have been moving forward for justice and mercy, and we are not in any way going backward to change or to dilute this progress made.

Our strong bonds in Christ with sister and brother Anglicans and Episcopalians around the world do not change as a result of the Primates’ action. We maintain and will strengthen our ties with our companion dioceses of Jerusalem and Cuernavaca, and our other partnerships and friendships worldwide.

We in the Diocese of Los Angeles remain in strengthened solidarity with LGBT sisters and brothers around the globe, especially those whose lives are endangered daily by draconian laws that fail to respect the dignity of every person as we live together in diverse cultures and sexual orientations as people created in God’s own image.

Please join me in prayer for the Archbishop of Canterbury and the other Primates, asking that God’s Holy Spirit will guide them in future decision-making that does not seek an appearance of unity by discounting the full humanity and ministries of Anglicans and other persons on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation or other expressions of God’s holy creation.

We continue to move on in faith, building on the progress of the past 40 years in particular, remembering especially the words of our 24th Presiding Bishop, Edmund L. Browning, installed in that office 30 years ago this month after declaring that in the Episcopal Church “there will be no outcasts.”

Together in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno

Sixth Bishop of Los Angeles

January 21, 2016

And this one too from http://abmcg.blogspot.com/2016/01/no-episcopal-church-has-not-been.html

Parish UPDATE: Sunday, January 17

Beloved of God and of this parish:

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

• SUNDAY, JANUARY 17:  THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
•  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 just about finishing 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 EVENTS: 

• Final meeting of the current Vestry: Sunday, January 24
• Annual Parish Meeting: Sunday, January 31. 
• We will elect two members for a three year term to the Vestry to replace members who have been termed out. If interested, please let Fr. Vincent know asap.
• we will elect two regular members to serve as Delegates to Diocesan Convention and two Alternates for a term of two years. If interested, please, let Fr. Vincent know asap.

4.  ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES, FEBRUARY 10.

• First service at 8 am
• Second service at 12  pm (Noon)
• Third service at 7 pm

5.  FAITH FORMATION classes will resume on Sunday, February 7

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

• 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. 
• 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

The Episcopal Church suspended

Statement from Primates 2016

14 Jan 2016

Today the Primates agreed how they would walk together in the grace and love of Christ. This agreement acknowledges the significant distance that remains but confirms their unanimous commitment to walk together.

The Primates regret that it appears that this document has been leaked in advance of their communiqué tomorrow. In order to avoid speculation the document is being released in full. This agreement demonstrates the commitment of all the Primates to continue the life of the Communion with neither victor nor vanquished.

Questions and further comments will be responded to at a press conference tomorrow at 1500. Full details are available here.

The full text is as follows:

1. We gathered as Anglican Primates to pray and consider how we may preserve our unity in Christ given the ongoing deep differences that exist among us concerning our understanding of marriage.

2. Recent developments in The Episcopal Church with respect to a change in their Canon on marriage represent a fundamental departure from the faith and teaching held by the majority of our Provinces on the doctrine of marriage. Possible developments in other Provinces could further exacerbate this situation.

3. All of us acknowledge that these developments have caused further deep pain throughout our Communion.

4. The traditional doctrine of the church in view of the teaching of Scripture, upholds marriage as between a man and a woman in faithful, lifelong union. The majority of those gathered reaffirm this teaching.

5. In keeping with the consistent position of previous Primates’ meetings such unilateral actions on a matter of doctrine without Catholic unity is considered by many of us as a departure from the mutual accountability and interdependence implied through being in relationship with each other in the Anglican Communion.

6. Such actions further impair our communion and create a deeper mistrust between us. This results in significant distance between us and places huge strains on the functioning of the Instruments of Communion and the ways in which we express our historic and ongoing relationships.

7. It is our unanimous desire to walk together. However given the seriousness of these matters we formally acknowledge this distance by requiring that for a period of three years The Episcopal Church no longer represent us on ecumenical and interfaith bodies, should not be appointed or elected to an internal standing committee and that while participating in the internal bodies of the Anglican Communion, they will not take part in decision making on any issues pertaining to doctrine or polity.

8. We have asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to appoint a Task Group to maintain conversation among ourselves with the intention of restoration of relationship, the rebuilding of mutual trust, healing the legacy of hurt, recognising the extent of our commonality and exploring our deep differences, ensuring they are held between us in the love and grace of Christ.

http://www.episcopalcafe.com/primates2016-releases-official-statement/

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's (TEC) response:

http://news.yahoo.com/episcopal-leader-church-not-reverse-gay-marriage-stand-190806422.html

Parish UPDATE; Sunday, December 20

Beloved of God and of this parish:

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

• SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19:
• Mass at 9 am
• Decoration of Community Christmas tree in the plaza - all day Saturday, December 19
• Parish Work Day begins at 12 pm. We will set up the arch in the sanctuary, the Christmas tree(s) and generally  get the church ready for this great Feast of the Solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
• Pizza will be served.  Bring along your friends. 
• Thanks very much for helping out 
• SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20:  THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
• We welcome The Rt. Rev. Edward Mackenzie, (Rtd). Anglican Diocese of Cape Town, South Africa, our Guest Celebrant and Preacher through the Feast of the Epiphany. 
• Community Christmas Carol sing-along from 4 - 5 pm in our plaza.
• A good time to spend with your friends and family. Children welcomed
• Hot apple cider, cookies, as well as JOY, HOPE and LOVE will be generously served.Okay to bring festive munchables.
• "O come, all ye faithful.."
• 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 just about finishing 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 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.
• Sunday, December 27: The first part of the "A Thrill of Hope" video series.

4.  2016 PLEDGE CARD

• Thanks for for your faithfulness and generous pledge towards the ministries of this parish in year 2016
• Please, put your Pledge Card in a sealed envelope and put it in the offering plate or just put the signed Pledge Card in the offering plate at Mass on Sunday.

5.  UPCOMING EVENTS:   

  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
• compassionate care for all who sleep on our sidewalks and streets this Christmas
• 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. 
• all pilgrims to the Holy Land this Christmas. 
• 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, 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