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. |
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Rector's Corner
From the Rector
Fr. Ian Elliott Davies |
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
One of the rather more enjoyable duties that I have is in recommending and occasionally reviewing books of theology, spirituality, and culture- this is particularly enjoyable if the recommendation is for friends; some of them seem to think that I have an 'eye' for the well-written and the informative. A former colleague and friend from London recently recommended a book by the Superior of the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield, Father George Guiver. Father Guiver is an accomplished and respected liturgical scholar of some international renown and his latest publication is " Vision Upon Vision: processes of change and renewal in Christian worship," Canterbury Press, 2009. The book is divided into two sections: 'How we became this kind of worshipper,' and 'what kind of worshipper do we need to become?' There is a very great deal of wisdom in the closely observed and slightly unusual account of Church history- making me say to myself that this would also be an excellent companion to Professor MaCulloch's ' A History of Christianity; the first three thousand years.'
Liturgical history is very far from dry and dusty and in the hands of Fr Guiver the events, most especially those of crucial importance to Anglo-Catholics, of our shared tradition and experiences in the Anglican Communion come to life in a thoroughly engaging (and wryly humorous) fashion. If you need a book for your summer vacation, a book with which to spend an hour or two a day (or to give you a thorough grounding in liturgical spirituality) you will make a good friend in listening with Fr Guiver's perceptive progress.
I highly recommend this volume that is easily obtained online.
I send my love & prayers,
Fr Ian Elliott Davies |
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Saint Columba
Feast Day June 9
SAINT COLUMBA (also known as Columcille, meaning 'Dove of the Church') was born in Donegal on December 7, 521 to noble Irish parents. He became a monk and was soon ordained priest. Tradition asserts that, sometime around 560, he became involved a dispute over the right to copy an edition of the Psalter. The dispute eventually led to the Battle of Cul Dremhe in 561, during which many men were killed. As a penance for these deaths, Columba was ordered to make the same number of new converts as had been killed in the battle. He was also ordered to leave Ireland and move such that he could not see his native country.
He travelled to Scotland, where it is reputed he first landed at the southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula, near Southend. However, being still in sight of his native land he moved further north up the west coast of Scotland. In 563 he founded a monastery on the island of Iona off the west coast of Scotland which became the centre of his evangelising mission to Scotland.
There are many stories of miracles which he performed during his mission to convert the Picts, the people who dwelt in Scotland in those days. In one story in his life, in 565 the saint came across a group of Picts who were burying a man killed by a monster that lived in the waters of Loch Ness, and brought the man back to life. In another version, he is said to have saved the man while he was being attacked, driving away the monster with the sign of the cross.
St Columba is believed to be buried together with St Patrick and St Brigid of Kildare in Downpatrick in County Down, deep within the famous Hill of Down.
His feast day is June 9.
Adapted from www.oodegr.com |
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Concert Photos
Seminarian Fundraiser was May 30
There was a movable feast of music and celebration on May 30th in the Church and in the Parish Hall. The photos below are courtesy of our good friend and fellow Parishioner Jeff Knight.
NOTE: The Vestry has established a Seminarian Scholarship Fund. Should you wish to mae a contribution please submit your cheque (to the office or via the Offering Plate) with a notation of "Scholarship Fund" in the Memo Line. Contributions may also be made via PayPal. Thank you for your generosity in supporting the continuing education of Shireen Baker and Steve DeMuth who are St. Thomas the Apostle Postulants for Holy Orders. |
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John West - AGO Concert
June 6 at 4pm
The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is celebrating its Centennial Anniversary this year. Eight organists have been asked to perform on this historic occasion and our Organist in Residence, John West is honored to be one of them.
The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, 540 S. Commonwealth Avenue on June 6 at 4:00 pm. First Church houses the largest church organ in the world and the attendance is expected to be overflowing.
This is a free event so please come and arrive early!
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Pastoral letter responds to Canterbury's letter
Presiding Bishop issues letter to Church
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued a pastoral letter to the Episcopal Church, in which she refers to the Pentecost letter from Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and urges continued dialogue with those who disagree with recent actions "for we believe that the Spirit is always calling us to greater understanding."
In his May 28 letter, Williams acknowledged the tensions caused in some parts of the Anglican Communion by the consecration of Los Angeles Bishop Suffragan Mary Douglas Glasspool and the ongoing unauthorized incursions by Anglican leaders into other provinces. Glasspool is the Episcopal Church's second openly gay, partnered bishop.
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LA GLBT Pride: March with Mary
Sunday, June 13, 2010
 Christopher Street West is Proud to present LA PRIDE - the 40th annual Los Angeles LGBT PRIDE Celebration taking place in the City of West Hollywood, June 11-13, 2010.
LA PRIDE FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 12 from 12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
San Vicente Blvd. between Santa Monica Blvd. and Melrose Ave.
All are invited to come out and show their Pride at one of the most exciting PRIDE Celebrations in the country as Christopher Street West launches their latest three-year vision - "PRIDE 365: Power. Passion. Purpose." Thousands of festival attendees are expected in the heart of West Hollywood to revel amongst world-class headlining entertainment (previously featured artists include: Olivia Newton John, Joss Stone, Joan Jett and the premiere of the music video "Hollywood" by Madonna). In addition to lively dance pavilions with music spun by some of the hottest DJ's in the country, a new layout of festival grounds boasts food, drink, socialization, community programming and unique exhibitors, all hosting a diverse spectrum of activities to entice the entire LGBT family. Festival admission, inclusive of entertainment venues and dance pavilions, is still just $20 per day -- or $15 per day with advance purchase from LAPRIDE.org.
LA PRIDE PARADE
Sunday, June 13, steps off at 11:00 a.m.
Santa Monica Blvd. between Crescent Heights Ave. and Robertson Blvd.
MARCH WITH MARY
Street Eucharistat 9:30 am
Bishop Glasspool preaching
Go to the Bank of America parking lot for directions to the Eucharist site (look for the Episcopal flag).
Episcopal GayPride 2010 T-shirts will be available at the Eucharist. $15 (make checks payable: Diocese of Los Angeles) Pride Paradeat 12:00noon Bishop Glasspool riding!Be an evangelist, be a part of history! March with Mary! Say "The Episcopal church Welcomes YOU" and mean it! |
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| Trinity 1
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:
La fille aux cheveux de lin
[The girl with the flaxen hair]
Claude Debussy
Postlude: Tu es petra et portae inferi non prævalebunt adversus te
[Thou art Peter, upon this rock I build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it]
Henri Mulet
Readings:
1 Kings 17.8-16 [17-end]
Psalm 146
Galatians 1.11-end
Luke 7.11-17 |
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Follies - June 19
The annual Choir Follies will occur on Saturday, June 19th at 7pm
in the Parish Hall. This year OSCAR music is the theme.
Coffee and desserts will be served. There will also be an opportunity drawing for great prizes.
All monies raised support the Choir, especially their Annual Workshop Retreat in September.
Tickets are available at Coffee Hour from any member of the Choir for a suggested minimum donation of $20.
Join us on June 19th for an evening of fun, fellowship and music. |
Work Party, June 5th
Join us on June 5th for a Work Party around the Parish. We'll be painting, cleaning, moving boxes, installing bumper curbs as well as some gardening projects.
Projects include the Church, the Parish Hall and the Offices.
Enthusiasm is what's required! If you have skills and muscles, that's an added bonus.
We'll provide supplies, food, beverages, and fun. You bring yourself (and friends)!
Come for an hour, or stay for the entire day. 10am to 4pm. Contact Howard Gaas, People's Warden if you have questions, or just show up! |
| Blood Drive June 27
Tim Cunningham writes: Patrick Oshea's bone marrow transplant was a success. He is still at City of Hope recovering. He has asked in lieu of gifts or flowers to donate blood and or blood platelets. Louise Whitney and myself have coordinated a blood drive with the City of Hope. We have scheduled this for June 27th between the hours of 8:30am to 2:30pm. If you are interested in becoming a blood donor on June 27th please email me a contact number to reach you on. I have a schedule that the City of Hope has asked me to fill in and commit to designated time slots. We are hoping for 75 signups. We know this is a huge favor to ask but it is for a great cause and if your blood can save a life it would make it all worth it. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to a great turnout. With fingers crossed, Patrick might be well enough to make an appearance to show your gratitude. |
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. |
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.
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Homecoming BBQ
On Saturday, July 3, 2010 join us in the Rectory Garden for a BBQ 12pm to 3pm. Burgers (beef, turkey, veggie), Hot Dogs, Beans, and other summer treats will be prepared by the Hospitality Committee.
All are welcome! This is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with current and former Parishioners, neighbors and make new friends. Come see the new Sunday School room!
Celebrate the 4th of July, St. Thomas Patronal Weekend with food, fellowship and fun! |
Mother Knows Best
On June 9 in 1536, following Henry VIII's Declaration of Supremacy, English clergy drew up the Ten Articles of Religion, the first articles of the Anglican Church since its break from Roman Catholicism. |
Ordination Volunteers
On Saturday, June 12, 2010 there is an Ordination at St. John's Cathedral. The Bishop Guild needs volunteers. Patricia Neal Jensen has represented St. Thomas in the past, but is unable to do so this year. She writes of her experience:
The ordination cake and coffee service does not require any particular talent!! Just a willingness to cut and serve cake and set up tables and smile. It is spectacular to view an ordination, of course, and we workers peeked in and watched a bit as well. Donna Keller and the Bishops Guild never have enough help. Steve DeMuth and his partner came with me and were a great success and much appreciated. The set up is pleasant work and then a lull (peeking time) while the actual ordination is going on, and then cake is flying as everyone comes out of the church at once and his hungry and eager to celebrate. It is so much fun to see the newly ordained and their families. It is an exciting and happy day.
The ordination is at the ProCathedral and the work is over at noon. Bishop's Guild's function is to support candidates for ordination and they do it financially (raise money) and spiritually (cards, letters, prayers). Important work and not burdensome. It would be lovely to have St. Thomas continue to be represented.
If you are able to be of service to represent St. Thomas please contact Donna Keller.. |
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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