St Thomas the Apostle
eNews
April 30, 2010
Greetings!

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.
Rector's Corner
From the Rector
Fr. Ian Elliott Davies
Fr. Ian Elliott Davies
 
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
 
 
Having just returned from my friends' wedding in Christ Church, Greenwich, Connecticut (and having been on various flights between Los Angeles, Chicago and New York) I am pleased to see that the flights in and out of Europe have started to return many stranded people to their homes and families. The flight routes over Britain and much of Europe had been suspended due to volcanic ash in the upper atmosphere emanating from Iceland. Among those stranded was the Cathedral Choir of St Alban's Abbey in Hertfordshire, England- the Cathedral Abbey where Dr Jeffrey John is the Dean. The Abbey Choir had been on an American tour performing all over the States... but they ended up having a well-earned if slightly unexpected vacation in Miami Beach, Florida! I am pleased to report that they are now back in their Hertfordshire homes none the worse from a few extra days suntanning! I hope and pray that you will enjoy these spring months that lead us into the summer...and beware of volcanic ash!
 

I send my love & prayers,
Fr Davies Signature
 
Fr Ian Elliott Davies
May Day
International Workers' Day
 
Russian May Day poster
May Day
May Day occurs on May 1 and is synonymous with International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, a day of political demonstrations and celebrations organised by the unions, anarchist, and socialist groups. May Day is also a traditional holiday in many cultures.
May Day is related to the Celtic festival of Beltane and the Germanic festival of Walpurgis Night. May Day falls exactly half of a year from November 1, another cross-quarter day which is also associated with various northern European pagan and neopagan festivals such as Samhain. May Day marks the end of the uncomfortable winter half of the year in the Northern hemisphere, and it has traditionally been an occasion for popular and often raucous celebrations, regardless of the locally prevalent political or religious establishment.

The earliest May Day celebrations appeared in pre-Christian, with the festival of Flora, the Roman Goddess of flowers, and the Walpurgis Night celebrations of the Germanic countries. It is also associated with the Gaelic Beltane. Many pagan celebrations were abandoned or Christianized during the process of conversion in Europe. A more secular version of May Day continues to be observed in Europe and America. In this form, May Day may be best known for its tradition of dancing the Maypole and crowning of the Queen of the May.
 
In the Roman Catholic tradition, May is observed as Mary's month, and in these circles May Day is usually a celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this connection, in works of art, school skits, and so forth, Mary's head will often be adorned with flowers. Fading in popularity since the late 20th century is the giving of "May baskets," small baskets of sweets and/or flowers, usually left anonymously on neighbours' doorsteps.
 
Roodmas was a Christian Mass celebrated in England at midnight on May 1.
 
May 1 also is recognized in the U.S. as Law Day.  May Day can refer to various labour celebrations conducted on May 1 that commemorate the fight for the eight hour day. May Day in this regard is called International Workers' Day, or Labour Day.
 
Adapted from www.wikipedia.org
Congratulations!
2 members of St. Thomas Postulant for Holy Orders
 
Shireen Baker
 
Shireen Baker
 
 
 
Steve DeMuth
Steve DeMuth
 
 
Congratulations to Shireen Baker and Steve DeMuth who have been named by Bishop Bruno as Postulants for Holy Orders.  Postulates for Holy Orders allows candidates to attend Seminary as the next step in becoming a priest.  Shireen started the process nearly 2 years ago and Steve approx. 18 months ago.  The process has included an individual intensive Discernment process administered by Lay Persons and approved by the Vestry.   St. Thomas the Apostle is the Sponsoring Parish for both Shireen and Steve and will continue to sponsor them through their ordination.
 
Deacon Walter Johnson and Mother Gwynne Guibord are the most recent candidates that St. Thomas has sponsored.
 
A concert will be held on May 30, 2010 in the Church.  All funds raised will benefit the cost of Seminary for Shireen and Steve.  Look to the eNews for more information soon.
Homeless Foot Washing
Saturday, April 24 event a success
 
 
Feet Washing 01     Foot Washing 02
As part of the QueensCare outreach program in connection with the twice-monthly Homeless Breakfast and Social Outreach program the homeless were provided the opportunity for foot washing and poditary care.  The program will be done again in June.
 
Photos courtesy of Eddie Milla Photography
Ministry Fair
May 16 after Mass

Ministry Fair
The annual St. Thomas Ministry Fair will be held on Sunday, May 16 after Mass.  Informational tables will be throughout the Parish Hall with brochures and representatives from each group.  This will be an excellent opportunity to thank all of those who contribute so much to St. Thomas as well as and opportunity for Pairishioners to contirbut time and talents.
 
Acolytes
Altar Guild
Breakfast Club
Buildings & Grounds
Choir
Community Outreach
Faith & Knowledge (Sunday School & Adult Education)
Guardian Society (Planned Giving)
Hospitality
Lectors
Newcomers Committee
St. Agnes Guild (Gardening)
St. Martins Guild (Social Group)
USC / AIDS Lunch
Ushers/Greeters
Our Lady of Walsingham
Hospitality
Ministry of social outreach

Hospitality is as much part of St. Thomas as incense.  The Hospitality Committee coordinates, manages or creates the sharing of food, drink and festivities across a number of events.  What would a Coffee Hour, pot-luck, soup supper be without the generosity of time and talent of the Hospitality Committee.  And, of course, what would special events such as Easter breakfast be without Hospitality? 
 
The ministry of hospitality is vital to the social outreach of  St. Thomas.  Parishioners can support this ministry easily!  Opportunities include underwriting the cost of a Coffee Hour (just $75), helping to set-up and clean-up from events, and providing extra hands to make an event hospitable. Please contact Rector's Warden Les Rumsey or visit our booth at Ministry Fair!

Big Sunday 2010
Join the event! 
 

Big Sunday 2010

In This Issue
Rector's Corner
May Day
Congratulations to 2 Postulants
Homeless Foot Washing
Ministry Fair May 16!
Hospitality
Big Sunday 2010
LGBT Party w/ Bishop 5/02
Consecration May 15
Clergy Conference
Mother Knows Best
Movie Night
ePrayer List
Easter 5
 

Celebrant 8:00am & 10:30am
Fr. Ian Elliott Davies

Homily 8:00am & 10:30am
Fr. Ian Elliott Davies

Deacon 10:30am
The Rev. Walter S. Johnson

Organist-in-Residence 10:30am
John West

Prelude:
Berceuse
[from '24 pieces en style libre pour Orgue']
Louis Vierne

Postlude:
Fugue
[from Sonata VI in d minor]       
Felix Mendelssohn
 
Readings:
Acts 11.1-18
Psalm 148 [148.1-6]
Revelation 21.1-6
John 13.31-35
LGBT Party w/ Bishop
 
Bishop Jon Bruno and his wife, Mary, cordially invite you to a garden party at their Pasadena home this Sunday, May 2, from 2 to 5 p.m. This annual fund-raiser for diocesan lesbian and gay ministries--with food, fellowship and open bar--brings together people from all over the diocese. This year retiring Bishops Chet Talton and Sergio Carranza will be honored for their support of LGBT issues. A $25 donation is requested. RSVP to [email protected] for directions and to help planners get a head count for the caterer.
Consecration May 15
 
 

LA Bishops

On May 15, 2010 at 1:30pm Presiding Bishop The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori will consecrate The Reverend Canon Diane Jardine Bruce and The Reverend Canon Mary Douglas Glasspool at the Long Beach Arena.  All are welcome!  For invitation, travel choices and directions, please click here or find the link on the News page of the website.  Information is also available on the LA Diocese website.
Clergy Conference
 
The Annual Diocesan Clergy Conference will be held next week, May 3-5.  Fr. Davies and Deacon Johnson will be attending.  Mass on Monday, May 3 and Tuesday May 4 will be said by Fr. William Ledbetter.  Evening prayer will be held as usual each day.
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.  On the 4th Saturday of the month LA Schola sings the service.
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.
Mother Knows Best

 
On April 30   in 418, Roman Emperor Honorius (384-423) issued a decree against Pelagianism, a teaching that a person can take the initial and fundamental steps toward salvation by one's own efforts, apart from divine grace. 

Movie Night May 14 

Join us for Movie Night, Friday, May 14 following the 7pm Mass. 
 

wall-e

 
The story follows a robot named WALL-E, who is designed to clean up a waste-covered Earth far in the future. He eventually falls in love with another robot named EVE, and follows her into outer space on an adventure that changes the destiny of both his kind and humanity.
 
A potluck supper is also served by the St. Martin's Guild. 
 
Discussion follows.
 
Join us for Film, Food & Fellowship!
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.
 
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.
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