December 7
THE
Episcopal News Weekly WWW.EPISCOPALNEWS.COM
SERVING THE SIX-COUNTY DIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES
Scan to subscribe to
The Episcopal News
DECEMBER 7, 2014
Dec. 11 vigils to oppose gun violence
T
Thanksgiving at Camp Stevens
Camp Stevens held its traditional Thanksgiving Family Camp Nov. 27 - 30, highlighted by the annual “Turkey Bowl” football game (above). Campers took part in a wide variety of activities, including crafts, folk dancing, cooking, braving the climing wall (near right) and enjoying fall foliage at the camp in Julian. Camp Stevens, which serves the dioceses of Los Angeles and San Diego, holds family sessions throughout the year in addition to its summer camps for children ages 8 - 15. For more information about the camp, visit its website at campstevens.org or call the camp office at 760.765.0028.
Episcopal Church provides discussion questions for adults and youth on the Ferguson decision
W
ith a focus on Advent, the Episcopal Church has prepared a series of resources as well as discussion questions for adult forums and youth gatherings to provide for understanding, reflecting and praying following the recent announcement of the grand jury decision in Ferguson, MO. Prepared by the Missionary Society, Talking about Ferguson in our Congregations is available at bit.ly/1pKP8pG. As noted in the materials, “Many congregations will host conversations about Ferguson this Advent season. Advent is a good time
to take up the deep work of encountering racism and other issues that divide us.” Included are a series of Bible citations; conversation starters for elementary school children; conversation starters for youth; conversation starters for adults; and resources such as Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s statement on Ferguson. The document states: “Advent is a time for waiting with hope … As your congregations talk about the events in the news, we invite you to use these resources and conversation starters.” ?
he diocesan community will join Washington National Cathedral, the Newtown Action Alliance, Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence and States United to Prevent Gun Violence in observing Dec. 11 as a day of national vigils to remember all of those who have been killed and injured by gun violence, and to renew commitment to the work of preventing such violence. The date is the second anniversary of gun violence at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Connecticut, in which 20 children and six teachers died. In Los Angeles County, individuals and faith communities are encouraged to participate in Light LA, a campaign sponsored by Women Against Gun Violence, local Brady Campaign chapters, and Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles. Organizers invite people to put candles in their windows on the evening of Dec. 11; get together with a small group for a time of reflection and witness; or attend one of the community vigils. A complete tool kit for planning Light LA events is available at www.wagv.org. People in other counties are encouraged to replicate any of the Light LA materials. Scheduled Los Angeles County and Santa Barbara vigils on Dec. 11 are: u 6:30 p.m. in Los Angeles Temple Isaiah, 10345 West Pico Blvd. u 7 p.m. in Santa Monica Palisades Park, Ocean at Wilshire u 7 p.m. in Canoga Park Victory Blvd. at Topanga Canyon u 7 p.m. in Santa Barbara Trinity Episcopal Church 1500 State Street. Information about the national vigil and resources are available at marchsabbath.
AROUND THE DIOCESE
FROM THE BISHOPS
— SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 — 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Birth and baptism: comfort and joy
All Saints Episcopal Church 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena Information: 626.796.1172
By Diane Jardine Bruce
Alternative Christmas Market
— TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 — 6 p.m. Homeless Memorial Service All Saints Episcopal Church 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena Information: 626.583.2721 — FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 — 8 p.m. Concert: Handel, Purcell and Bach St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 1031 Bienveneda Avenue, Pacific Palisades Information: 310.454.1358 — SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 — 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Anglican Rosary Workshop St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 6125 Carlos Avenue, Hollywood Information: 323.469.3993 11 a.m. Virtual Labyrinth: Spiritual Formation Emmanuel Episcopal Church 1145 West Valencia Mesa Drive, Fullerton Information: [email protected]
C
omfort, O comfort my people I love this line from Isaiah — and will bet many of you do, too. As we began this season of Advent and the new church year last Sunday, we moved to year B in our three-year cycle of readings and to the Gospel according to Mark. Last week, we jumped ahead to chapter 13 of Mark and today we are back at the beginning – the very beginning of the gospel. Unlike the other two synoptic gospels (Luke and Matthew), Mark doesn’t begin with a story about the birth of Jesus. Rather, he begins with John the Baptist in the wilderness, fulfilling the prophecies as told in the book of Isaiah, which we read today in the First Testament lesson and hear echoed in the Gospel lesson: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
Instead of an infancy narrative, Mark’s gospel jumps right to the waters of Jesus’ baptism. For Mark, that is where the “birth” of Jesus truly began — the birth of what we know as the ministry of Jesus on earth. For me, the true comfort we received was more than just the birth of Jesus — it was and is the ministry he did on earth following his baptism. John came to baptize with water, but Christ came to baptize with the Holy Spirit. During this season of Advent, I wish you deep comfort in wading in the waters of baptism, waters that are infused with the Holy Spirit. Think of this season as a walk into the river Jordan, looking forward to emerging from the waters on Christmas Day with hearts full of love for the one who came to bring us comfort, love and joy. ?
— SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 — 3 p.m. Organ Dedication Concert: David York St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1221 Wass Street, Tustin Information: 714.544.3141 4 p.m. Concert: ‘Now Is the Caroling Season’ Grace Episcopal Church 555 East Mountain View Avenue, Glendora Information: 626.335.3171 4:30 p.m. Advent Procession of Lesson & Carols St. James’ Episcopal Church 3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles Information: 213.388.3015 Event listings and program details may be found at www.ladiocese.org (select “Calendars”) THE
VOLUME 3, NUMBER 49
Episcopal News Weekly Editor: Janet Kawamoto, [email protected] Correspondent: The Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, [email protected] Art Director: Molly Ruttan-Moffat, www.mollyruttan.com Advertising: Bob Williams, [email protected]
Dec. 7: A day for lessons, carols, jazz, Taizé and Messiah 4 p.m. Annual Christmas Concert St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church 6201 E. Willow Street, Long Beach 90815 Information: 562.420.1311
5 p.m. Advent Lessons & Carols St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 580 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles (Westwood) Information: 310.208.6516
4 p.m. George Frideric Handel’s Messiah St. James the Great Episcopal Church 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach Information: 949.675.0210
5 p.m. Advent Festival of Lessons & Carols All Saints Episcopal Church 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101 Information: 626.583.2750
5 p.m. An Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols All Saints’ Episcopal Church 504 N Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210 Information: 310.275.0123
5 p.m. Jazz Vespers with the Rev. Norm Freeman St Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church 280 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley Information: 805.526.5141
5 p.m. Advent Taizé: Lessons and Chants St Luke’s Episcopal Church 7th & Atlantic, Long Beach Information: 562.436.4047 or www.stlukeslb.org
7:30 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church 1175 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Marino 91108 Information: 626.793.9167 ?
FEATURED ITEM:
Gifts
Did you know? The Diocese of Los Angeles has a full-service Credit Union.
THE 1979 BCP AND NRSV BIBLE
Religious Jewelry
Prayer Books/Bibles
840 ECHO PARK AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90026 PLEASE CALL AT 213.482.2040, EXT. 228 MONDAY – FRIDAY: 9AM – 4PM • SATURDAY: 10AM – 2PM
The Episcopal Community Federal Credit Union has been in existence since 1994, and any Episcopalian in the diocese can join.
ECFCU offers a full line of financial products: Saving and Checking Accounts Free Income Tax Preparation Holiday Club Accounts Debit/ATM Cards Individual Credit Counseling 24-Hour Telephone Information On-Line Banking
Bill Pay Auto Loans Signature Loans Business Loans Wire Transfers Financial Education
800-366-1536 ext. 254 www.efcula.org
Episcopal News Weekly WWW.EPISCOPALNEWS.COM
SERVING THE SIX-COUNTY DIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES
Scan to subscribe to
The Episcopal News
DECEMBER 7, 2014
Dec. 11 vigils to oppose gun violence
T
Thanksgiving at Camp Stevens
Camp Stevens held its traditional Thanksgiving Family Camp Nov. 27 - 30, highlighted by the annual “Turkey Bowl” football game (above). Campers took part in a wide variety of activities, including crafts, folk dancing, cooking, braving the climing wall (near right) and enjoying fall foliage at the camp in Julian. Camp Stevens, which serves the dioceses of Los Angeles and San Diego, holds family sessions throughout the year in addition to its summer camps for children ages 8 - 15. For more information about the camp, visit its website at campstevens.org or call the camp office at 760.765.0028.
Episcopal Church provides discussion questions for adults and youth on the Ferguson decision
W
ith a focus on Advent, the Episcopal Church has prepared a series of resources as well as discussion questions for adult forums and youth gatherings to provide for understanding, reflecting and praying following the recent announcement of the grand jury decision in Ferguson, MO. Prepared by the Missionary Society, Talking about Ferguson in our Congregations is available at bit.ly/1pKP8pG. As noted in the materials, “Many congregations will host conversations about Ferguson this Advent season. Advent is a good time
to take up the deep work of encountering racism and other issues that divide us.” Included are a series of Bible citations; conversation starters for elementary school children; conversation starters for youth; conversation starters for adults; and resources such as Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s statement on Ferguson. The document states: “Advent is a time for waiting with hope … As your congregations talk about the events in the news, we invite you to use these resources and conversation starters.” ?
he diocesan community will join Washington National Cathedral, the Newtown Action Alliance, Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence and States United to Prevent Gun Violence in observing Dec. 11 as a day of national vigils to remember all of those who have been killed and injured by gun violence, and to renew commitment to the work of preventing such violence. The date is the second anniversary of gun violence at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Connecticut, in which 20 children and six teachers died. In Los Angeles County, individuals and faith communities are encouraged to participate in Light LA, a campaign sponsored by Women Against Gun Violence, local Brady Campaign chapters, and Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles. Organizers invite people to put candles in their windows on the evening of Dec. 11; get together with a small group for a time of reflection and witness; or attend one of the community vigils. A complete tool kit for planning Light LA events is available at www.wagv.org. People in other counties are encouraged to replicate any of the Light LA materials. Scheduled Los Angeles County and Santa Barbara vigils on Dec. 11 are: u 6:30 p.m. in Los Angeles Temple Isaiah, 10345 West Pico Blvd. u 7 p.m. in Santa Monica Palisades Park, Ocean at Wilshire u 7 p.m. in Canoga Park Victory Blvd. at Topanga Canyon u 7 p.m. in Santa Barbara Trinity Episcopal Church 1500 State Street. Information about the national vigil and resources are available at marchsabbath.
AROUND THE DIOCESE
FROM THE BISHOPS
— SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 — 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Birth and baptism: comfort and joy
All Saints Episcopal Church 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena Information: 626.796.1172
By Diane Jardine Bruce
Alternative Christmas Market
— TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 — 6 p.m. Homeless Memorial Service All Saints Episcopal Church 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena Information: 626.583.2721 — FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 — 8 p.m. Concert: Handel, Purcell and Bach St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 1031 Bienveneda Avenue, Pacific Palisades Information: 310.454.1358 — SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 — 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Anglican Rosary Workshop St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 6125 Carlos Avenue, Hollywood Information: 323.469.3993 11 a.m. Virtual Labyrinth: Spiritual Formation Emmanuel Episcopal Church 1145 West Valencia Mesa Drive, Fullerton Information: [email protected]
C
omfort, O comfort my people I love this line from Isaiah — and will bet many of you do, too. As we began this season of Advent and the new church year last Sunday, we moved to year B in our three-year cycle of readings and to the Gospel according to Mark. Last week, we jumped ahead to chapter 13 of Mark and today we are back at the beginning – the very beginning of the gospel. Unlike the other two synoptic gospels (Luke and Matthew), Mark doesn’t begin with a story about the birth of Jesus. Rather, he begins with John the Baptist in the wilderness, fulfilling the prophecies as told in the book of Isaiah, which we read today in the First Testament lesson and hear echoed in the Gospel lesson: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
Instead of an infancy narrative, Mark’s gospel jumps right to the waters of Jesus’ baptism. For Mark, that is where the “birth” of Jesus truly began — the birth of what we know as the ministry of Jesus on earth. For me, the true comfort we received was more than just the birth of Jesus — it was and is the ministry he did on earth following his baptism. John came to baptize with water, but Christ came to baptize with the Holy Spirit. During this season of Advent, I wish you deep comfort in wading in the waters of baptism, waters that are infused with the Holy Spirit. Think of this season as a walk into the river Jordan, looking forward to emerging from the waters on Christmas Day with hearts full of love for the one who came to bring us comfort, love and joy. ?
— SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 — 3 p.m. Organ Dedication Concert: David York St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1221 Wass Street, Tustin Information: 714.544.3141 4 p.m. Concert: ‘Now Is the Caroling Season’ Grace Episcopal Church 555 East Mountain View Avenue, Glendora Information: 626.335.3171 4:30 p.m. Advent Procession of Lesson & Carols St. James’ Episcopal Church 3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles Information: 213.388.3015 Event listings and program details may be found at www.ladiocese.org (select “Calendars”) THE
VOLUME 3, NUMBER 49
Episcopal News Weekly Editor: Janet Kawamoto, [email protected] Correspondent: The Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, [email protected] Art Director: Molly Ruttan-Moffat, www.mollyruttan.com Advertising: Bob Williams, [email protected]
Dec. 7: A day for lessons, carols, jazz, Taizé and Messiah 4 p.m. Annual Christmas Concert St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church 6201 E. Willow Street, Long Beach 90815 Information: 562.420.1311
5 p.m. Advent Lessons & Carols St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 580 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles (Westwood) Information: 310.208.6516
4 p.m. George Frideric Handel’s Messiah St. James the Great Episcopal Church 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach Information: 949.675.0210
5 p.m. Advent Festival of Lessons & Carols All Saints Episcopal Church 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101 Information: 626.583.2750
5 p.m. An Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols All Saints’ Episcopal Church 504 N Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210 Information: 310.275.0123
5 p.m. Jazz Vespers with the Rev. Norm Freeman St Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church 280 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley Information: 805.526.5141
5 p.m. Advent Taizé: Lessons and Chants St Luke’s Episcopal Church 7th & Atlantic, Long Beach Information: 562.436.4047 or www.stlukeslb.org
7:30 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church 1175 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Marino 91108 Information: 626.793.9167 ?
FEATURED ITEM:
Gifts
Did you know? The Diocese of Los Angeles has a full-service Credit Union.
THE 1979 BCP AND NRSV BIBLE
Religious Jewelry
Prayer Books/Bibles
840 ECHO PARK AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90026 PLEASE CALL AT 213.482.2040, EXT. 228 MONDAY – FRIDAY: 9AM – 4PM • SATURDAY: 10AM – 2PM
The Episcopal Community Federal Credit Union has been in existence since 1994, and any Episcopalian in the diocese can join.
ECFCU offers a full line of financial products: Saving and Checking Accounts Free Income Tax Preparation Holiday Club Accounts Debit/ATM Cards Individual Credit Counseling 24-Hour Telephone Information On-Line Banking
Bill Pay Auto Loans Signature Loans Business Loans Wire Transfers Financial Education
800-366-1536 ext. 254 www.efcula.org
