Dear Parishioner
St. Thomas the Apostle is an Episcopal Parish in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. We are called by God to be a holy place where love is found, where all are named and where hearts are freed to change the world. |
| William Porcher DuBose - August 18 |
 William Porcher DuBose is a serious candidate for the title of "greatest theologian that the Episcopal Church in the USA has produced." He was born in South Carolina in 1836, and attended the Military College of South Carolina (now the Citadel) in Charleston , and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He served as a chaplain in the Confederate Army, and after the War of 1861-1865 served as a parish priest. In 1871 he became a professor at the University of the South (an Episcopal institution) in Sewanee, Tennessee, became Dean of the School of Theology in 1894, retired in 1908, and died in 1918. He was fluent in Greek, and well-read both in Greek philosophy and in the early Christian fathers. Among his numerous books, the best known are The Soteriology of the New Testament, The Gospel in the Gospels, and The Reason of Life. (Soter is the Greek word for "Savior", and soteriology is the branch of theology that deals with such questions as, "What does it mean to say that Christ saves us?" "How does his death and resurrection do us any good?" "How are the benefits of Christ's work applied to the individual?" and so on.) A quote from one of his articles follows:
God has placed forever before our eyes, not the image but the very Person of the Spiritual Man. We have not to ascend into Heaven to bring Him down, nor to descend into the abyss to bring Him up, for He is with us, and near us, and in us. We have only to confess with our mouths that He is Lord, and believe in our hearts that God has raised Him from the dead--and raised us in Him-- and we shall live.
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Openness of Ordination Affirmed |
 The 76th General Convention reaffirmed the inclusive nature of the Episcopal Church's ordination process and agreed to spend the next three years developing resources that could be used for blessing same-gender relationships.
The moves came in the form of resolutions D025 on the ordination process and C056 on same-gender blessings.
Resolution D025Resolution D025 says that the Episcopal Church is committed to its relationships in the Anglican Communion; recognizes the contributions of both its lay and ordained gay and lesbian members; that many of those members live in committed relationships; that access to the church's discernment and ordination process is open to all baptized members according to the Constitution and Canons; and that members of the church disagree faithfully and conscientiously about issues of human sexuality.
D025 was chosen from among 13 resolutions that proposed some action addressing Resolution B033, adopted by the 75th General Convention (2006), which called for restraint in consenting to the consecration of bishops whose "manner of life" - widely understood to mean homosexuality - would cause concern for other members of the Anglican Communion.
Both bishops and deputies approved Resolution D025 by two-to-one margins.
Resolution C056
Resolution C056 calls for the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in conjunction with the House of Bishops, to invite church-wide participation in collecting and developing theological resources and liturgies for blessing same-gender relationships. The commission is to report on its efforts to General Convention 2012.
The resolution also says that bishops, "particularly those in dioceses within civil jurisdictions where same-gender marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships are legal, may provide generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this church."
The bishops approved (by a three-to-one margin) a version of Resolution C056 that was developed by a group of more than 25 bishops who Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori later described as "representing diverse and divergent views" who "gathered informally" and "had thoughtful, loving and candid conversation."
Later the House of Deputies gave its required concurrence in a vote by orders, also by a wide margin.
Differing viewsWhile groups that advocate for the full inclusion of gay and lesbian people in the church praised the convention's actions, other groups were critical. On July 16, Bishop Gary W. Lillibridge of West Texas read a statement to a closed session of the House of Bishops opposing the decision and asserting loyalty to the Anglican Communion. The "Anaheim Statement" was later signed by some 30 diocesan, suffragan and retired bishops.
On July 27, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, who attended convention for the first two days, wrote, "No one could be in any doubt about the eagerness of the bishops and deputies of the Episcopal Church at the General Convention to affirm their concern about the wider Anglican Communion."
However, Williams noted "that a realistic assessment of what convention has resolved does not suggest that it will repair the broken bridges into the life of other Anglican provinces; very serious anxieties have already been expressed."
While Williams underscored that "no Anglican has any business reinforcing prejudice against LGBT people," he concluded that blessings for same-gender unions cannot, at present, have "the authority of the Church Catholic, or even of the communion as a whole," because such a change in policy would require "the most painstaking biblical exegesis" as well as consensus in the Anglican Communion and with ecumenical partners.
House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson said during the convention's final media briefing that she hoped the convention's actions could be interpreted "without any sort of ulterior motive with regards to how our actions are designed to affect or not affect the Anglican Communion."
Jefferts Schori added, "We are simply trying to express the state of discernment in this church at this time, recognizing that there is not unanimity within our own church and certainly not expecting that there will be unanimity around the communion, but we must be faithful to the call of God as we hear it." By Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg, National Correspondent Episcopal News Service | |
| Barbara Dove, RIP |
 It is with great sadness that we announce Barbara Dove, RIP, died Wednesday, July 29th after a long battle with liver cancer.
Barbara was a long-time, beloved Parishioner and prominent member of the choir.
Her Requiem will take place in the Parish Church on Friday, 14 August 2009 at 7:30pm. The Parish Family is strongly encouraged to attend and sing with gusto for Barbara!
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| Prayer Chain |
Again, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:18-20)
Prayer is at the center of our worship and binds us together as a community of faith. This week we commenced our electronic prayer chain email. A list of persons on the prayer list is sent weekly.
Subscribers to the prayer chain email agree to honor confidentiality of the members on the prayer list and to pray for the persons on the prayer list during the week. It is expected that the prayer chain will be sent weekly, though occasional additional emails will be sent if circumstances warrant.
The prayer chain email is an opt-in list only - it will not be sent unless you sign up for it. If you'd like to be on this distribution list, please update your profile (please use link at the bottom of the email, customized with your email)or contact the office. |
| Feast of the Assumption, Aug 15 |
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The Cell of Our Lady of Walsingham will observe The Feast Day of The Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary on 15, August 2009; The Holy Rosary will be begin at 4:30pm; Followed by a Solemn Mass at 5pm. This occassion will also mark the internment of our late beloved Cell Member Robert Krueger. Afterwards the Cell of Our Lady of Walsingham will host a potluck dinner. All are welcomed. For more information please contact Mark S. Vigil: 323-303-7426, marksvigil@yahoo.com. |
| Coffee Hour Sponsorship Available |
Sponsors needed for the Coffee Hour after the 10:30 Mass. There are coffee hours for Sept through Dec. 2009 that are available. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the large parsih hall. If you have any questions please talk with John Boughner or Cynthia williams after Mass or contact John Boughner at 310-606-1503 or johnmboughner@aol.com. |
| St. Thomas Forever |
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Have you made plans for your mortal remains to be in the St. Thomas the Apostle columbarium? If you have, please contact the office in order to confirm location and other specifics. If you haven't, but would like to ... please also contact the office to discuss the details.
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| Facebook Group |
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Are you a member of Facebook? Now St. Thomas is as well.
Become a fan of St. Thomas!
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| Service Schedule |
NOTE: STARTING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 THE DAILY MASS WILL BE HELD M-F AT 7PM
MASSES & DAILY OFFICES
Sunday
7:30 AM - Morning Prayer
8:00 AM - Low Mass
9:45 AM - Rosary
10:30AM - High Mass with Choir - Childcare Available
4:30 PM - Evening Prayer
Monday
7:30 AM - Morning Prayer
8:00 AM - Low Mass
6:30 PM - Evening Prayer
Tuesday
7:30 AM - Morning Prayer
6:00 PM - Reconciliations / Confessions
6:30 PM - Evening Prayer
7:00 PM - Low Mass
Wednesday
7:30 AM - Morning Prayer
8:00 AM - Low Mass
6:30 PM - Evening Prayer
Thursday
7:30 AM - Morning Prayer
6:30 PM - Evening Prayer
7:00 PM - Low Mass
Friday
7:30 AM - Morning Prayer
8:00 AM - Low Mass
6:30 PM - Evening Prayer
Saturday
10:00AM - Low Mass
5:00 PM - Vigil Mass with Gregorian Chant
6:30 PM - Compline
Many additional activities occur each week at St. Thomas the Apostle. See the calendar for more! | |
We hope to see you soon!
Blessings from
St. Thomas the Apostle |
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| Assumption of Our Blessed Lady Mary into Heaven (Observed)
[Trinity X] |
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Celebrant (8am)
The Rev. Ian Elliott Davies
Celebrant (10.30a):
The Rev. Ian Elliott Davies
Homily (8am & 10.30a):
The Rev. Mark D. Stuart
Deacon (10:30a):
The Rev. Mr. Walter Johnson
Guest Organist (10:30a):
Revelation 11:19--12:6, 10
Psalm 45:10-end
Galatians 4:4-7
St. Luke 1:46-55 |
| Clergy |
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The Rev. Ian Elliott Davies
Rector
The Rev. Mark D Stuart
Associate Rector
The Rev. Michael Cooper
Assistant Priest
The Rev. Mr. Walter Johnson
Deacon |
| Pastoral Counseling |
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One-on-one Pastoral counseling is available. Please contact the office (323-876-2102 ext 2) to schedule an appointment with the Clergy. |
| Vigil Mass |
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Missa Vigil hoc septem dies cum lingua Latina. Missa mos ineo 5 meridianus et cum ero Abeo Gregoriana in Ecclesiae Parochiae Sancta Thomasiensis.
[The Vigil Mass on Saturday will be in Latin this week. Join us at 5pm in the Church with Gregorian Chant.]
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| Homeless Breakfast |
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Saturday, August 22nd the Homeless Breakfast will take place. Volunteers are welcome and greatly needed!
150 homeless and needy Angelinos are served a tasty breakfast by St. Thomas volunteers. Come at 7:00am to help prepare and share pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and good fellowship. Come at 7:30am to help serve. Come at 9:00am to help clean up.
Deacon Johnson serves as the Social Worker providing outreach to the Homess during the Breakfast. This portion of the program, including providing safer sex kits, hygene items and other critical supplies is funded in part by a grant from The City of West Hollywood. |
| Join Music Ministry |
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The St Thomas Choir will be officially starting back to its Thursday Rehearsal schedule on September the 9th. If you are interested in joining the choir please come to this first rehearsal and sit in!
If you would like to join the choir please see Choir Director Jim Keltner to discuss the opportunity. The choir rehearses in the choir room located in the Parish basement on Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 and on Sundays at 9:00am. |
| Liturgical Dedication |
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On Sunday 13th September 2009, at 10am at the Parish Church of St Nicholas, Encino, there will be a liturgical dedication and blessing of a new Illuminated Manuscript by Dr VG Mazzucchelli.
The Manuscript is being given in honour of the Reverend Canon Professor Howard Happ. Father Happ was born in Waterloo, Iowa and holds degrees from the University of Chicago and Princeton including his Ph.D. and B.D. (one of the degrees for clergy granted by the Ancient Universities).
Father Happ held a Chair at Northridge and taught Ecclesiastical History, he has worked in many parishes in our Diocese and was our Guest Preacher some years ago at St Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood.
We send our love, prayers and blessing for Father Happ, Dr Mazzucchelli and Mr Thornbury as well as the Parish & People of St Nicholas, Encino. |
| Sophie's Choice |
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Sophie's Choice is a novel by William Styron published in 1979. It concerns a young American Southerner, an aspiring writer, who befriends the Jewish Nathan Landau and his beautiful lover Sophie, a Polish (but non-Jewish) survivor of the Nazi concentration camps. An immediate bestseller and the basis of the 1982 successful film.
Friday, September 18th join in a viewing of the film and a lively discussion afterwards. |
| Mother Knows Best |
Interesting facts about
St. Thomas the Apostle  |
The St. Thomas organ is also known as the AIDS Memorial organ. It was built for St. Thomas when the parish was dealing with the AIDS epidemic. St. Thomas was (and is) known for its outreach to people with AIDS and so when the organ was being built many people in Los Angeles organ community wished to donate to it. Many of these people had AIDS themselves and some knew they were dying. These organ builders had retained various sets of pipes and other prized organ possessions, and donated them to our organ builder, Weston Harris, to include in the organ. Just a few examples include, the Dopple Flute stop which came from an 1890s organ, and amazingly the original organ bench which had been with the console but separated from it for 50 years was returned when its owner learned of what was being done at St. Thomas. |
| Minutes |
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The minutes from the Vestry Meetings of St. Thomas the Apostle are now available on the St. Thomas the Apostle website. Click here to get the minutes. (Or goto the "Wardens & Vestry" page and click on "Minutes.")
Each month after the Vestry approves the prior months minutes they will be posted in PDF format. |
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