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. |
Thomas Gallaudet - August 27 |
 Thomas Gallaudet was born in 1822, in Hartford, Connecticut. His mother, Sophia was deaf, and his father, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, was the founder of the West Hartford School for the deaf (now American School for the Deaf), which was the principal institution for the education of the deaf in America from 1806 to 1857 (the year of the founding of Gallaudet College (now Gallaudet University) in Washington, DC. The father had intended to become a priest, but had become an educator of the deaf instead. The son also intended to seek ordination, but was persuaded by his father to work for a while first as a teacher of the deaf. He did, and so met and married Miss Elizabeth Budd, who was deaf. He was ordained in 1851, and the next year established St. Ann's Church in New York, especially for deaf persons, with services primarily in sign language. As a result of his work, congregations for the deaf were established in many cities. (Alternatively, some congregations that are mostly hearing will have someone standing near the front and signing the service for the benefit of deaf parishioners.) Gallaudet died 27 August 1902.
One of Gallaudet's students and parishioners was Henry Winter Syle, deaf from an early age, who had attended Trinity College (Hartford, Conn), St John's (Cambridge, England), and Yale (New Haven, Conn.). Gallaudet encouraged him to become a priest, and in 1876 he became the first deaf person to be ordained by the Episcopal Church in the United States. He established a congregation for the deaf in 1888, and died 6 January 1890.
O loving God, whose will it is that everyone should come to you and be saved: We bless your Holy Name for your servants Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle, whose labors with and for those who are deaf we commemorate today; and we pray that you will continually move your Church to respond in love to the needs of all people; through Jesus Christ, who opened the ears of the deaf, and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
By James Keffer www.missionstclare.com |
Archbishop of Canterbury: Hell is being alone forever |
 Dr Rowan Williams said that although his vision was not that of the traditional inferno, being alone with his "selfish little ego" for all eternity would be torment enough. He also admitted he is sometimes embarrassed by the time the Church of England takes to keep up with changes in society. His comments come in a new television programme, to be broadcast in UK, in which five leading religious figures in Britain explain the basic tenets of their faith and how they know that God exists. Dr Williams, the most senior cleric in the established church, said: "I think I'd prefer to talk about being confident that God exists, or trusting that God exists. "It's not knowing as you know a state of affairs in the world, it's much more of a sense that you're in the presence of something greater than you can conceive. I suppose from my teens I have just been aware of that something greater than I can put words to in whose presence I live." But he admitted he has suffered "moments of strain in faith". Asked by film maker Antony Thomas about what happens to the soul after death, the Archbishop replied: "All we really know about the after-life is that God has promised to be there." When asked if hell exists and what it is like, he said: "My concept of hell, I suppose, is being stuck with myself for ever and with no way out. "Whether anybody ever gets to that point I have no idea. But that it's possible to be stuck with my selfish little ego for all eternity, that's what I would regard as hell." When told that this does not look sound like the Biblical image of the damned being tortured in lakes of fire beneath the earth, Dr Williams replied that being alone for ever "is torment enough if you think about it". He also said it is not necessary "to regard every verse of Genesis as recording history in the sense we now understand it". Asked why the Church of England is still struggling to admit women bishops long after Britain had its first female Prime Minister, he said: "The Church has got to solve this on its own terms and yes that does take longer and it can be embarrassing sometimes. "You look at society and you realise people don't fully understand why the church is taking so long, and what the terms are in which the church is trying to sort it out." The newly installed head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, Archbishop Vincent Nichols, tells the programme that he suffered pangs of doubt about his faith when younger. "I do remember very vividly standing amid a crowd of probably 50,000 people at Anfield one particular Saturday afternoon and just kind of calling out to God, 'just leave me alone, let me be one in the crowd and I do not want this'," he said. Asked why his church forbids contraception in developing countries where disease and poverty are rife, the Archbishop said: "I think I would want to say condoms don't lack their advocates. There are plenty of people who are doing that. I don't know, but my impressions is that they are well available in places. "I think the deeper point that the church wants to make is to keep sexuality as profoundly human." By Martin Beckford, The Telegraph, August 13, 2009 | |
Parents Pot Luck - August 23 |
All parents are invited to a Pot Luck after Services this Sunday, August 23 in the Rectory Garden. The event is convivial and practical - we will eat, drink and talk about the direction St. Thomas is going in reference to our little ones. At this meeting we will discuss possible Sunday School plans, including various curriculae, as well as special events for the year. Questions? Please contact lenleatherwood@gmail.com. |
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. |
Forgive us our tweets |
Who would Jesus tweet?Madison Avenue has long known that word of mouth is the best advertising - a truth regularly played out on Facebook, the online social networking site.
Brandon Mozingo, 32, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, became a fan of the Episcopal Church on Facebook after noticing a friend became a fan. The same with Ann Redmond, 54, of Tallahassee, Florida, a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and a singer in the choir.
As of August 16 the 2.2 million-member Episcopal Church had 7,455 Facebook fans. Another 883 people follow the Church on Twitter, the social network/micro-blogging online instant messenger.
The Episcopal Church created a Facebook presence in early 2009 and began sending "tweets" via Twitter in April. Initially the Facebook page saw a huge spike in fans, but adding new fans now trends toward gradual growth. Tweets from the recent 76th General Convention in July in Anaheim, California, spiked the number of followers on Twitter, said web producer Barry Merer.
It works like this: top stories posted to Episcopal Life Online and news posted to the Office of Communication's News Line are fed automatically to the church's Facebook page by Real Simple Syndication, or RSS. The article's headline appears on the main page. Clicking on the headline takes you to a "note." The full article can be viewed by clicking on the "View Original Post" link on the note page. Fans of the page can also share links, news stories, photos, videos, etc. (News stories posted to Twitter link directly to the story.)
Redmond said Facebook is a good way to "get better in touch with the lay community," and likened it to the old days when "people went to the town square to pass information around."
In a church as widespread as the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, it's nice to hear members' voices in an open, insightful dialogue, said Mozingo, who is also pursuing the priesthood in the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee.
A drawback, however, Mozingo said, is that people don't always read the articles they post comments on.
An article in which the Episcopal Public Policy Network requested that Episcopalians support healthcare reform drew a record number of responses: 95 people "liked" the story and 89 people posted individual responses ranging from "The Episcopal Church should try spreading the Gospels and should stay out of politics," to "Every tax-paying American should have affordable health care coverage."
Ginger Mortimer O'Connell, 60, of West Virginia, said she follows the Episcopal Church on Facebook because, she says, "I think it is the most convenient way to be daily reminded that the church is a living organism in transition."
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Gracie Jane Dove |
From Charity Dove:
Gracie Jane is an American Eskimo mix (with Pomeranian or Spitz, we think) and is approximately 15 years old. Mom got her from a rescue group in 1995 when Gracie was around a year old. Gracie has been to most of the Blessing of the Animals services over the years, so should be familiar to many of the St. Thomas parishioners.
Gracie loves people and attention. She loves to roll on her back and have her belly scratched, and when she's not getting love, she always wants to be in the same room as you, curled up on the floor near your chair, couch, or bed. She's hosuetrained and enjoys short walks or using a doggy run by the house.
All of Gracie's shots are up-to-date, and we have lots of records on vaccines and tests. No rescue group (even the American Eskimo groups) will touch her because she's so old. The shelters are full to the brim, and we'd be lucky if they kept her for even three days. Most likely they'd just put her down immediately. Although she'd be great in a convalescent home, Dad's care home wasn't interested in having her. I was really lucky to find someone at our vet's office willing to foster her, but this woman already has 4 dogs and can't keep Gracie long-term.
It would be wonderful if someone could adopt Gracie and care for her as she lives out her days.
Please contact the office if you are able to adopt Gracie. |
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. |
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!
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We hope to see you soon!
Blessings from
St. Thomas the Apostle |
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Trinity XI |
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Celebrant (8am)
The Rev. Ian Elliott Davies
Celebrant (10.30a):
The Rev. Mark D. Stuart
Homily (8am & 10.30a): The Rev. Ian Elliott Davies Deacon (10:30a): The Rev. Ian Elliott Davies Resident Organist (10:30a):
1 Kings 8.[1, 6, 10-11] 22-30, 41-43 Psalm 84 Ephesians 6.10-20 John 6.56-69 |
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.] |
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 10th. 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. |
Treasurer's Report
August 2009 |
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Bounty Year-to-Date
260,285.97
Ministries Funded YTD:
257,832.86
Positive Balance:
2,453.11
Thank you for your continued support of St. Thomas with your consistent pledge payments! |
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 current rectory dates from 1919 and is not the original rectory. That rectory was on Orange Grove Ave. The rectory also once was where the Parish Hall currently stands. |
Fr. Stuart on TV! |
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On this week's edition of Penn & Teller's "Bullsh*t" (on Showtime), you can see Fr. Stuart! Well, at least his hand holding a host over a chalice.
A few years ago when Fr. Stuart participated with a film shoot for a stock footage film company. Penn & Teller purchased one of the shots. It's in the episode titled "Stress" and he's in the first five minutes.
Get Fr. Stuart's autograph on Sunday!
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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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