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Weekly E-Newsletter
Week Ending
December 04, 2009
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.
In This Issue
St. Nicholas
Bishop Bruno Appointment for Fr. Stuart
Book Discussion continues on Tuesdays
Advent Wreath Sponsorship available
Coffee Hour Help Needed
Communion & H1N1: St. Thomas practices
Convention is December 4&5
The Reason for the Season
Christmas Flowers
Society of Our Lady of Walsingham Meeting
2010 Budget Update
Thank you 2010 Pledgers!
Vigil Mass Cancelled
John West at Disney Hall
Angel Tree
Sing-A-Long
Decorating Volunteers needed
Mother Knows Best
St. Martin's Guild Outing
Julian Sands reads Harold Pinter's Poetry
Vestry Service Opportunity
eNews Archive
St. Nicholas - December 6
 
St NicholasSaint Nicholas (270 - 6 December 346) is the common name for Nicholas of Myra, a saint and Bishop of Myra (Demre, in Lycia, part of modern-day Turkey). Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus, whose English name comes from the Dutch Sinterklaas. His reputation evolved among the faithful, as is common for early Christian saints.  In 1087, his relics were furtively translated to Bari, in southern Italy; for this reason, he is also known as Nicholas of Bari.
 

The historical Saint Nicholas is remembered and revered among Catholic and Orthodox Christians. He is also honoured by various Anglican and Lutheran churches. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, and children, and students in Greece, Belgium, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Russia, the Republic of Macedonia, Slovakia, Serbia and Montenegro.
 
For his help to the poor, Nicholas is the patron saint of pawnbrokers; the three gold balls traditionally hung outside a pawnshop symbolize the three sacks of gold. People then began to suspect that he was behind a large number of other anonymous gifts to the poor, using the inheritance from his wealthy parents. After he died, people in the region continued to give to the poor anonymously, and such gifts were still often attributed to St. Nicholas.
 
In late medieval England, on Saint Nicholas' Day parishes held Yuletide "boy bishop" celebrations. As part of this celebration, youths performed the functions of priests and bishops, and exercised rule over their elders. Today, Saint Nicholas is still celebrated as a great gift-giver in several Western European countries. Medieval nuns used the night of December 6 to anonymously deposit baskets of food and clothes at the doorsteps of the needy. On December 6 every sailor or ex-sailor of the Low Countries (which at that time was virtually all of the male population) would descend to the harbour towns to participate in a church celebration for their patron saint. On the way back they would stop at one of the various Nicholas fairs to buy some hard-to-come-by goods, gifts for their loved ones and invariably some little presents for their children. While the real gifts would only be presented at Christmas, the little presents for the children were given right away, courtesy of Saint Nicholas. This and his miracle of him resurrecting the three butchered children, made Saint Nicholas a patron saint of children and later students as well.

The tradition of Saint Nicholas Day, usually on 6 December, is a festival for children in many countries in Europe related to surviving legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American Santa Claus, as well as the Anglo-Canadian and British Father Christmas, derive from these legends. "Santa Claus" is itself derived from the Dutch Sinterklaas.

Adapted from www.wikipedia.com
Bishop Bruno Appoints Fr. Stuart
 
Fr Mark D Stuart
 
This week Bishop Jon Bruno announced his appointment of Fr. Mark Stuart as Interim Rector of St. Augustine's-by-the-Sea Parish, Santa Monica beginning January 2010. His last Sunday at St. Thomas the Apostle will be formalized following discussions with St. Augustine's.
 
Fr. Stuart has served as Associate Rector at St. Thomas since May 2002.
 
Fr. Davies, the Vestry and the People of St. Thomas the Apostle thank Fr. Stuart for his service and wish him blessings and success in his new ministry. 
 
In appreciation for his commitment and service, the Executive Committee has authorized the creation of a 'purse' for Fr. Stuart.  Total funds contributed to the 'purse' will be presented to Fr. Stuart on his final Sunday at St. Thomas the Apostle with a list of contributors (though not specific donation amounts).  Should you wish to contribute please note "Fr Stuart Purse" on the memo section of your cheque (or on the outside of an envelope if submitting cash) and submit it to the office or in the collection plate.
Book Discussion on Tuesdays
 
Lord is my Sheperd
Harold S. Kushner's book, The Lord Is My Shepherd - Healing Wisdom of the Twenty-Third Psalm, is our source for a five week study exploring one of the most familiar and intriguing portions of Scripture. In the midst of difficulty people of faith have turned to these powerful verses for comfort and support. Journey with us as we try to find the source of its power and enduring witness.
Steven DeMuth, a candidate for the seminary, leads the book discussion.  The discussion meets on Tuesdays after Mass (7:30pm) and will go from November 17 to December 15.  You may purchase the book at Amazon or any other retailer.
Sponsorship available for Advent Wreath
 
Advent WreathSponsorship for the Advent Wreath is available.  The Wreath itself is $100 for the season and sponsorship of each candle (4 total) is just $25.  Please contact the office if you are interested.
Coffee Hour Help Needed
 
The Hospitality Committee is looking for volunteers to help set up and clean up after the coffee hour on Sundays. They would like four to six volunteers so a schedule can be set up and no one person has to work more than once a month.  The coffee hour is an important part in our Parish fellowship allowing us to get to know each other better.  Your participation can help keep this essential part of Parish life running smoothly. Please contact John Boughner, Les Rumsey or the Parish Office if you are interested. 
Communion & H1N1
 
H1N1In response to the H1N1 Flu (commonly known as the Swine Flu), St. Thomas Hollywood encourages parishioners to partake of communion via intinction.  The Sacred Minister will dip the host into the wine and place the consecrated host on the parishioners tongue, which should be extended.
 
For those parishioners who out of custom prefer to continue using the chalice, the chalice is cleaned with a grain-alcohol cloth after each use, significantly reducing any transfer of germs.
 
We are mindful of the sensitivity of certain people to these issues, and we would kindly remind you that receiving just the Sacred Host is full Communion. You do not have to receive the Chalice, and vice-versa: receiving only the Chalice is full Communion.
 
Common sense will be one of our best weapons against this flu:
  • Wash hands early and often, and use appropriate sanitizers.  Please use the dispensers that are placed around the Church grounds.
  • If you feel sick, stay home as an act of grace to others.
  • If you have a family member sick, keep that person home for the same reason.
  • Get your information from trustworthy sources: the CDC, local public health, or your health care provider.
For more information:  www.flu.gov
Convention is Dec. 4 & 5
 
Convention Banner
"Faith & Our Future" is the theme for the 2009 meeting of Diocesan Convention, set for December 4-5 at the Riverside Convention Center. Information for delegates and clergy, including meal reservation forms as well as photos, biographies and statements from candidates for diocesan office are on the Los Angeles Diocese website www.ladiocese.org.
 
All clergy of the diocese will be attending Convention.  As a result Mass on Friday & Saturday are cancelled.  Evening Prayer will be held as usual on Friday at 6:30pm, Morning prayer on Saturday at 9:30am.  The Vigil Mass will NOT be held on Saturday.
The Reason for the Season
 
SOVA
St. Thomas' Stewardship of Community Outreach is launching a food drive to benefit SOVA food pantries this holiday season.  The goal this year is to fill the SOVA food bin twice during the holidays, once before Thanksgiving and once before Christmas.  Thanks to you we filled the bin before Thanksgiving.   Please help us meet the goal for Christmas.  The food bin is located in the foyer near the church office during the week and will be in the recreation hall during coffee hour on Sundays throughout the holidays.  The following items are needed:
 
Canned and packaged foods
  • Personal hygiene products (especially disposable razors, shampoo, soap, feminine hygiene items,  disposable diapers and  deodorant)
  • Ribbon and other basket-making equipment and supplies for Baskets of Hope
  • New or gently used children's books
SOVA is a nonsectarian program of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, dedicated to alleviating hunger and poverty in the community through food distribution and offering a wide range of supportive services.
 
Three SOVA food pantries provide free groceries and supportive resources to 7,000 individuals each month. SOVA participants represent our community's diverse cultures, faiths and ethnicities. Volunteers respond to each person's needs, respecting their dignity, individuality and privacy. With extraordinary community support and a service approach that has been described as "the model for food assistance in the future," SOVA has been providing outstanding community service for 25 years.
 
SOVA also needs volunteers and assistance in linking with manufacturers and distributors as sources of large quantity donations.  Also if you or someone you know are in need, please contact SOVA at 818-988-7682 or visit their website at www.http://www.jfsla.org/sova/ for eligibility requirements, locations and times of pantry operation.
Christmas Flowers
 
Christmas Flowers
If you would like to contribute toward the cost of Christmas flowers and decorations, please fill out the form in the bifold and return it with your donation to the Parish Office no later than Sunday, 20 December.  The suggested minimum donation is $25.
  Contributions are also accepted via Paypal.  (Send funds to [email protected] and note that the contribution is for flowers.)
Society of Our Lady of Walsingham meeting
 
The Parish Society of Our Lady of Walsingham will meet next on
Tuesday 8 December 2009.
 
The Holy Rosary will be said at 6:30pm; followed by a Solemn Mass
at 7:00pm. The Parish Society will meet following the Mass in the Large Parish Hall for a potluck dinner & meeting. All are welcomed!
 
For more information contact Mark S. Vigil @ [email protected] 
2010 Budget Update
 
On December 16, 2009 the Vestry will finalize the 2010 budget for approval by the Parish at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 17, 2010.  As of December 2, 2009 the difference between 2010 projected pledges and 2009 is ($66,095.46), a significant shortfall.  The 2010 budget that will be presented for approval will be balanced and will fund the ministries of the Parish based on available pledges.
 
In the event that you have not received a pledge card, please contact Mr. Joseph Warren, Parish Secretary at 323-876-2102 x2.  If after prayerful consideration you are able to revise your pledge, please contact Joseph Warren, Parish Secretary at 323-876-2102 x2. 
 
Thank you for your continued generosity and support.
 
Les Rumsey - Rector's Warden
Howard Gaass - People's Warden
Craig Coogan - Treasurer
Josie Richstad - Clerk
Pledgers for 2010
 
Our Every Member Canvass campaign completed on Sunday, November 22, Christ the King.  There a number of pledges outstanding.  Please return your Pledge Card to the Office as soon as possible to allow for proper planning for 2010. Please contact the Office if you have any questions. 
 
We are deeply grateful to the following Parishioners who have pledged for 2010:
 
Rob Amore
David Anderson
Michael J. Austin
Shireen Baker
Tom Balamaci & Patrick Wildnauer
Lance Barshinger & David Lynch
Ned James Beedie & Sam Thurber
Robert Beukema & Ken Mosesian
David F. Bode, MD
Rodney Borr
John & Linda Bruce
John Buckley
Kent R. Burke
Christian Antonio Calle
Steven W. Carry
Lucinda Carver
Audrey Chambers
Brad & Wendy Chambers
Ted Chigaros
Herman F. Churchwell
Efrain Cisneros
Jacqueline Elise Cohl
Craig B. Coogan
Scott G. N. Crowell
Donald Cummings
William Daniel
The Rev. Fr. Ian Elliott Davies
John & Janis Davies
Evelyn Davis
Lloyd Davis
Thomas Doyle
Robert L. Ducker
John Eglin
Charles Elliott & Joseph Gaudioso
Michael Ensign Evans
Christine E. Field
David Firman
Jeff & Camellia Friesen
Howard Gaass
John Garces & Anthony Palacios
Richard A. Genovese
Christopher Gragg
John Grigg
Clint Gray
Michael Gray
Ward A. Hansen
Andy Harland
Bob Halvorson
Ron Hartwig
Peter & Julie Heimark
Jane A. Heitz
Bob Henry & Linda Wendell
Sarah Hensley
Hans Herst
John Holloway
Jay Howard & Richard Francis Tracz
J. Todd Howell
Helen Slayton Hughes
Jimmy Hughes
Jeffrey Hyatt
Bronwyn, Greg & Henry Jamrok
Luis S. Javier
Patricia Neal Jensen
Jeff Johnson
The Rev. Mr. Walter S. Johnson
Mary L. Johnston
Timothy Joslin
Sue Ann Keeling
James W. Keltner
Stephen Kemp
Peter T. Kempson
Taffy Kennedy
James R. Kennish
Thomas Kingsley
Ken Koonce
James & Elizabeth Lancaster
Helen Land
Dean Larkin & Paul Park
Bruce A. Larson
Michael Laska
Gerard Lavatori
Len Leatherwood & Ray Beaty
Joe A. Lopez
Ted Marbury
Doris Martin
Vincent G. Mazzucchelli
Robert D. McConnell
Robert D. Miller
Sandra Minott
Brett D. Morana
Richard Morse & Eugene Zhukorsky
Catherine Nameth & Alex Levine
Barry Norcross
Paul Norwood
Randy & Ruth Oglesby
Carolyn S. Olman
Patrick G. O'Shea
Michael Owen
Robert Patrick
Jeffrey R. Pierce
Alison Platt
Jan Quanbeck
Joseph Rials
Josephine Richstad
Gregory Lynn Risse
Linda Rockstroh
Mark F. Rodriguez
Vincent Roncone
Charles L. Rumsey
John V. Schleif
Darrell Schmitt
Garland & Kathy Schweikhardt
John Scoles
Ryan Scott
Gary K. Shaw
Jim Shellenberger
Stan Shipley
William Sileo
Anthony Smilijkovich
Bill Stark
The Rev. Donald Stuart
The Rev. Fr. Mark D. Stuart
Suzanne Tenner
Thomas G. Thanangadan
Darcine Thomas & Howard March
Reece P. Thomson
John Thornbury
Paul Tournay & Lee Cox
Ayako Travis
Robert Van Meter
Mark Stephen Vigil
Christopher Wagner
Lynn Walker
Gary Warning
Joseph Warren
Robert Weihing
Janet West
David Wildman
Billy Ray Williams
Cynthia Williams
Randy Williams
Stephen Yoder
Service Schedule
 
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 through Friday
7:30 AM -  Morning Prayer
6:30 PM -  Evening Prayer 
7:00 PM -  Low Mass  
 
Tuesday
6:00 PM -  Reconciliations / Confessions
 
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
Advent II
Patronal Saint
Celebrant (8am)
The Rev. Ian Elliott Davies
 
Celebrant (10.30a):
The Rev. Mark D. Stuart 
 
Homily (8am & 10.30a)
The Rev. Mark D. Stuart
 
Deacon
(10:30a):
The Rev. Walter Johnson
 
Organist-in-Residence (10:30a): 
John West 
 
PRE
Wachet auf  ruft uns die Stimme            Johann Sebastian Bach
[Sleepers Wake, A Voice Is Calling]
 
POST
Postlude on Sleeper's Wake                 Miles I'A. Martin
 
READINGS
 
Baruch 5 or Malachi 3.1-4
Canticle: Benedictus
Philippians 1.3-11
Luke 3.1-6
Clergy
Fr Davies
The Rev. Ian Elliott Davies
Rector
 
Fr Stuart
The Rev. Mark D Stuart
Associate Rector
 
Fr Cooper
The Rev. Michael Cooper
Assistant Priest 
 
Deacon Johnson 
 The Rev. Mr. Walter Johnson
Deacon
Pastoral Counseling
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
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.]
 
VIGIL MASS CANCELLED THIS WEEK DUE TO CONVENTION 

 
Homeless Breakfast
On the Second and Fourth Saturdays of each month the Homeless Breakfast takes 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.
John West at Disney Hall
John West
Holiday Wonders - Christmas at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Saturday, December 5, 2009, 2:30 pm matinee

 
PROGRAM:
O Come All Ye Faithful
Angels We Have Heard on High
Joy to the World
O Holy Night
Deck the Hall
The First Noel
Plus, audience sing-alongs and other favorites
 
Celebrate Christmas at Walt Disney Concert Hall - a concert of nostalgic carols sung by the world-class LA Master Chorale at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Chorale with be joined by our own Voices Within Children's Chorus and John West at the thundering Disney Hall Pipe organ for the rousing finale medley of carols, A Christmas Garland. Holiday Wonders is a great Los Angeles holiday tradition - sure to put you in the mood to decorate the tree!
 
Rejoice!
Sunday, December 13, 2009, 7 pm
 
PROGRAM:
Vaughan Williams | Fantasia on Christmas Carols
Charpentier | Midnight Mass for Christmas Eve
Ramirez | Navidad Nuestra
Susa | A Christmas Garland
 
Rejoice! is LA Master Chorale's annual classic Christmas concert, featuring important holiday repertoire -- inspired by soaring abbeys and cathedrals of Europe to intimate village festivals of Argentina - plus, favorite carols. First, you'll savor Charpentier's Midnight Mass for Christmas Eve, a charming French Baroque Christmas work. Then you will fell in love with Ramirez's enchanting Navidad Nuestra accompanied by Huayucaltia, LA-based South American folk ensemble. Vaughan Williams' rich and stunning Fantasia on Christmas Carols heralds the season. The festive finale, A Christmas Garland, is a rousing medley of carols and sing-alongs featuring the thundering Disney Hall Pipe Organ and John West, organist. Hear Holiday classics as can be sung only by the LA Master Chorale.
 
TICKETS available at lamc.org
Angel Tree
Angel Tree
It's Angel Tree time again! This year we are assisting the children of women living with AIDS through Women at Risk. St. Thomas has supported this organization for a number of years.  The needs have quadrupled since last year, while their funding has decreased.  This year we'll be assisting 64 families and 129 children.  We had 20-30 children last year from this group.  For these children, this will be the only present they receive.
The Angel Tree will be available this Sunday, November 22nd, and the gifts should be returned by Sunday, December 13th.

Last year we started giving a gift to the mothers as well. This year, the families desperately need food for their tables, so, if you are able, we are also collecting grocery gift cards. There will be a sign-up sheet under the tree.
 
Thank you for your generosity!
Sing-Along
Sunday 13 December:  The Annual Choir Sing-A-Long and Christmas Boutique will begin following High Mass.  Come along and join in the carolling and visit the boutique which will be featuring holiday goodies especially those wondrous persimmon Christmas Puddings! 
Decorating
XMASBells
Volunteers are invited to assist the Altar Guild in cleaning the church interior on Saturday, December 19th, beginning after mass at approximately 10:30a.m.   
 
Volunteers are also invited to come decorate the Church on Wednesday, December 23rd beginning at 9a.m. Lunch will be provided! 
 
If you would like to participate, please contact the Sacristan, John Thornbury at [email protected] or 310.869.1194.
Mother Knows Best
Interesting facts about
St. Thomas the Apostle
 
Doubt
The early St. Thomas rectory was at 1726 Gentry St. There were several other rectory locations over the years. The current rectory, 1719 N
Gardner, was not available for purchase until the late 1940's or early 1950's. In the 1950's the house next to it was purchased, torn down
and our upper parking lot was created.
St Martin's Guild Outing
Sat. Dec. 19
Autry
The St. Martin's Guild invites Parishioners to an outing to the Museum of the American West (formerly the Autry Museum) on Saturday, 19 December.
 
The Guild will enjoy two exhibits: Charting the Canyon and Dreamers in Dream City. Parishioners should arrive in the Parish Car Park by 12 noon and bring a brown-bag lunch; the group will return around 3:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door; however, the Guild currently has 8 free tickets. Please contact Marty Wolf for more information (310) 560-2426.
Julian Sands reads Harold Pinter's Poetry
Julian Sands
 
English Actor and St. Thomas Parishioner Julian Sands is best known for his work in such films as Oxford Blues, The Killing Fields, A Room with a View and Leaving Las Vegas. He became familiar with Harold Pinter's poems a few years ago. Pinter had committed to a reading of his poetry to benefit a women's shelter, but his illness had temporarily impaired his speaking voice and he asked Julian to take over. They worked together as Julian was instructed and tutored in Pinter's phrasing, emphases and, of course, his pauses.
 
There is one performance left (9 Dec. 8pm), Julian will be presenting these poems on stage at the Odyssey Theatre. The evening will include observations and appreciations of his time spent with Pinter.
 
Tickets are only $20, and half of the proceeds will go to the St. Thomas Parish Homeless Breakfast fund. For tickets, click here
Vestry Service Opportunity
The Annual Parish Meeting will take place in the Parish Hall on Sunday, 17 January 2010, following the High Mass. At the meeting the Congregation will elect four new Vestry persons to serve a three year term.  Serving on the Vestry is a further step in your spiritual life, is a further manifestation of Stewardship of our faith and is a tremendous responsibility and privilege. 
 
Existing Vestry persons welcome the opportunity to speak with individuals about the experience of their service.  The specifics of vestry service for the class of 2010 are provided in an in-person discussion with Fr. Davies prior to the Annual Meeting. 
 
We invite individuals considering this spiritual journey to contact Fr. Davies as soon as possible.
Minutes
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.
ePrayer List
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. 
Miss a week?
If you missed an eNews, they are now conveniently archived! Click here!
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for St. Thomas!
Do you shop online?  If you shop at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, eBay.com...or any of thousands of companies - they will contribute up to 30% of your purchase to St. Thomas the Apostle at no additional cost to you.
 
It's easy - goto GoodShop.com (www.goodshop.com) and in the box "Who Do You Support" put in "St. Thomas the Apostle." Click on the St. Thomas located in Hollywood, CA.  Then click on your store - and follow the link "Goodshop this Store."  For St. Thomas to receive donations, you must click through to the store from this site.
 
 Good Shop

From October 2008 to September 2009 St. Thomas earned $462.15 in donations from GoodShop thanks to your shopping via GoodShop.  During this Holiday Season click on GoodShop first!