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 |
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The month of July marks just-passed the midpoint of the year. We are well and truly in what the Church calendars and lectionaries describe as "Ordinary Time," sometimes called 'Trinitytide' (because of all the 'Sundays after Trinity') or "the Season of Pentecost" (from the mid/late twentieth century habit of 'counting the Sundays as 'of/after Pentecost') the liturgical colour is, usually, green. On some Sundays in this season certain feasts and holy days of obligation are "strong" and displace the Sunday's appointed numbering; these days include, but are not limited to, the Feast of the Presentation, the Feast of the Transfiguration, the Solemnity of All Saints' and the Patronal Saint of the local Parish and Church.
One of the elements that I try and explain in catechumenate classes and to the people who lead the Daily Offices- (Morning, Noon-day and Evening Prayer) is that 'Ordinary Time' does not mean 'run-of-the-mill,' dull, repetitive or monotonous. 'Ordinary' here connotes that it is the 'season in which the Church keeps and marks regular time as the liturgical year progresses.' In one sense 'Ordinary' means the 'Ordering,' the regular, customary and appointed elements of the calendar. It is from this sense of 'Ordinary' that we sometimes refer to the 'Canon to the Ordinary' (a Canon to the Diocesan Bishop) or the 'Ordinary of Westminster Abbey'- is HM Queen Elizabeth as the person who holds ecclesiastical jurisdiction there- as opposed to the 'Ordinary of St Paul's Cathedral'- the Diocesan Bishop who holds ecclesiastical jurisdiction there.
I have sometimes remarked that without the 'keeping of this Ordinary Time' we are unable to keep the 'extra-ordinary time of Christian celebration:' there are just too many temptations to imagine that we can find a 'quick-fix' answer or 'ready-made' solution to an intractable matter. It can come as something of a shock to people who come from other denominational backgrounds that without this discipline and necessary commitment they will not be able to appreciate the depth or characteristics of Episcopal and Anglican liturgy. Our musicians, lectors, altar guild, acolytes, greeters (and many others) are an excellent example to us of how much hard work, time and preparation are needed before we can meaningfully engage in the tasks to which God has called us.
I send my love and prayers to each of you as we keep together this time when the Spirit of God works quietly, perhaps imperceptibly, in our hearts and in the life of our Parish Family,
Fr Ian Elliott Davies |
Mary Magdalene
Feast Day celebrated July 22
Taddeo Crivelli 1469 | Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the Gospels as being among the women of Galilee who followed Jesus and His disciples, and who was present at His Crucifixion and Burial, and who went to the tomb on Easter Sunday to annoint His body. She was the first to see the Risen Lord, and to announce His Resurrection to the apostles. Accordingly, she is referred to in early Christian writings as "the apostle to the apostles."
Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany (sister of Martha and Lazarus), and the unnamed penitent woman who annointed Jesus's feet (Luke 7:36-48) are sometimes supposed to be the same woman. From this, plus the statement that Jesus had cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2), has risen the tradition that she had been a prostitute before she met Jesus.
Because of the assumption that Mary Magdalene had been a spectacular sinner, and also perhaps because she is described as weeping at the tomb of Jesus on the Resurrection morning, she is often portrayed in art as weeping (see References, right), or with eyes red from having wept. From this appearance we derive the English word "maudlin", meaning "effusively or tearfully sentimental." There is a Magdalen College at Oxford, and a Magdalene College at Cambridge (different spelling), both pronounced "Maudlin."
Written by James Kiefer from www.missionstclare.com |
Welcome Aberdeen Ruth Sanchez!
Daughter of Josaphine Richstad & Christopher Sanchez born

Aberdeen Ruth Sanchez warming up after her first bath. Born 3.29 AM, July 14th. 7 pounds 6 oz. Aberdeen is the daughter of former Clerk of the Vestry Josephine Richstad and Christopher Sanchez. Josie & Chris were married at St. Thomas the Apostle. |
Church of England approves Women Bishops
Hisoric Vote at Synod
Following years of debate, the Church of England July 12 backed legislation that paves the way for women to become bishops, much to the dismay of traditionalists who had hoped for more robust provisions for those in opposition. Some 40 proposed amendments to an 11-clause measure were considered by General Synod, the church's main legislative body, during its July 9-13 meeting in York, but only minor changes were given the nod.
Arrangements for those opposed to women's ordination will be outlined in a Code of Practice -- a guide to how the measure will be implemented -- that will be drawn up in the coming months.
Following an impromptu meeting of the church's bishops July 12, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams addressed synod, noting that further referral of the legislation to a revision committee "would not be helpful at this stage." The bishops, Williams said, "now wish to proceed with as much speed to get that work done. That work will see how a Code of Practice can enshrine the best possible provisions in light of what we have heard and discussed."
It is unclear how many people will leave the Church of England as a result of the July 12 vote, but some synod members said that defections are inevitable.
The measure will now be referred to diocesan synods, which cannot further amend it. Should a majority of diocesan synods approve the measure, the legislation is expected to return to General Synod in 18 months for final approval. An amendment was passed requiring a two-thirds majority in each house before the measure could receive final approval when it returns to General Synod.
Assuming all stages of the legislative process proceed without delay, the first woman bishop could not be consecrated until at least 2014, since the measure also would require approval by the U.K. Parliament. Parliamentary approval is necessary because the measure effectively changes English law as the Church of England is an officially established Christian church with Queen Elizabeth II as its supreme governor.
The General Synod began its steady course toward allowing women in the episcopate when in July 2005 it passed a motion to remove the legal obstacles to ordaining women bishops. In July 2006, synod called for the practical and legislative arrangements of admitting women to the episcopate to be explored. It also called for the formation of a legislative drafting group, "which will aim to include a significant representation of women," charged with "preparing the draft measure and amending canon necessary to remove the legal obstacles to the consecration of women to the office of bishop."
At its July 2008 group of sessions, synod agreed that it was the "wish of its majority ... for women to be admitted to the episcopate" and affirmed that "special arrangements be available, within the existing structures of the Church of England, for those who as a matter of theological conviction will not be able to receive the ministry of women as bishops or priests."
General Synod voted in February 2009 to send a draft measure on women bishops to a revision committee so it could rework the legislation.
The revision committee met 16 times since May 2009 and considered 114 submissions from members of the General Synod, and a further 183 submissions from others. In May 2010, the committee published its 142-page report, which offers a detailed analysis of the draft legislation.
In the Anglican Communion, the 1920 Lambeth Conference called for the diaconate of women to be restored "formally and canonically," adding that it should be recognised throughout the communion.
The first woman priest in the communion, Li Tim-Oi, was ordained in Hong Kong in 1944. Due to outside pressure she resigned her license, but not her holy orders, following World War II. In 1971, the Rev. Jane Hwang and the Rev. Joyce Bennett were ordained priests in the Diocese of Hong Kong, though their ministries were not recognized in many parts of the Anglican Communion.
In 1974, there was an "irregular" ordination of 11 women in the U.S.-based Episcopal Church, which officially authorized women's ordination as deacons, priests and bishops two years later.
Four provinces -- the U.S.-based Episcopal Church, Anglican Church of Canada, the Anglican Church of Australia, and the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia -- currently have women serving as bishops. In addition, the extraprovincial Episcopal Church of Cuba currently has a woman serving as bishop coadjutor.
Bishop Barbara Harris, now retired suffragan of Massachusetts, was elected in 1988 and became the Anglican Communion's first woman bishop after her consecration and ordination in 1989.
The Church of England opened the priesthood to women in November 1992, five years after women were first ordained to the diaconate. More than 5,000 women have been ordained as priests in England since 1994 and today they represent nearly 40 percent of all clergy.
Following the synod debate July 12, Williams acknowledged that there are further stages in the process, adding that "we need to continue to look at ways of serving one another ... I hope that what emerges is a witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
The General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England which came into being in 1970 replacing an earlier body known as the Church Assembly. It continues a tradition of synodical government which, in England, has its origins in the medieval period.
By Matthew Davies, editor and international correspondent of the Episcopal News Service. |
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Trinity 7
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 Assistant Organist 10:30amThompson Howell Readings:
Amos 8.1-12 Psalm 52 Colossians 1.15-28 Luke 10.38-end |
Rector Holiday
Father Davies will be on a well-deserved holiday from 22nd of July through the 11th of August. During this time the Parish Office will coordinate pastoral care and support.
Mother Gwynne Guibord and Father Jason Cox will be returning to St. Thomas the Apostle during Fr. Davies holiday. Mo. Guibord will be celebrating and preaching at both Masses on Sunday 25 July and Fr. Cox will be celebrating and preaching on Sunday 1 and 8 of August.
The Daily Offices continue at 6:30pm. Weekday masses will be led by Assistant Priest Fr. William Ledbetter at 7pm in the Lady Chapel.. |
Movie Night TONIGHT
1776 is the film version of the Broadway musical comedy of the same name. In the days leading up to July 4, 1776, Continental Congressmen John Adams and Benjamin Franklin coerce Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence as a delaying tactic as they try to persuade the American colonies to support a resolution on independence. As George Washington sends depressing messages describing one military disaster after another, the businessmen, landowners and slave holders in Congress all stand in the way of the Declaration, and a single "nay" vote will forever end the question of independence. Large portions of spoken and sung dialog are taken directly from the letters and memoirs of the actual participants.
Join us for the next Parish movie Night! A potluck supper will be served as well in conjunction with the St. Martin's Guild. J. Winford Warren will lead the discussion.
Festibitites begin immediately following the 7pm Mass. |
Video Job Opportunity

This fall St. Thomas begins recording the sermon each week and posting it on the website. We have already done some testing and we are excited about this development! We are looking for individuals who have high quality equipment, experience and a willingness to take on a 1-1/2 to 2-hour per week project. Some pay possible. If interested, please contact Randy Ogelsby. . |
Faith in times of Terror
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What is terrorism? Why does it happen? How is it related to the problem of evil in the world? What is the proper response of mainstream religious institutions to the insecurity of fundamentalists or identity-driven terrorism? What is the proper religious attitude and response to political violence? In short, how does one have faith in times of terror?
Parishioner Dr. Thomas Doyle will lead the three session adult education course. All are welcome. August 8, 15, 22. The sessions start at 12:30pm in the Small Parish Hall after the Sunday Hight Mass.
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Many Many Thanks
The July 3 St. Thomas Homecoming BBQ for the Community was a tremendous success. Many many thanks to so many who made the afternoon a delight. We are especially grateful to the members of the Hospitality Committee who worked so hard preparing, serving and tidying up. John Boughner, Ted Chigaros, Scott Crowell, Ruth Dunham Todd Howell, Alison Platt, Sue Ann Keeling and Cynthia Williams. . |
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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Mother Knows Best
On July 18 n this day in 1323, Italian philosopher and Dominican theologian Thomas Aquinas was canonized. |
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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