St Thomas Altar Organ View
eNews10 December 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

Fr DaviesDear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

As I write this the Season of Advent is progressing along her usual path to the Season of the Incarnation, the great Feast that we know as Christmas- quite literally the "Mass of Christ."  'Poor Advent.' This season usually becomes utterly lost amidst the rush of "the holidays." At no other time is there such a radical disconnect between what we do in Church on Sundays and what we do outside the Church the rest of the time! Advent is up against some serious competition, and she invariably draws the short straw, alas!

Yet, Advent invites us to do our waiting, our hoping, and our preparing with a degree of focus and intentionality that we do not often bring to the myriad tasks that seem to press with ever more insistence all around us! For Christians, most especially in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, this Advent Season will take our ordinary waiting, our ordinary hoping, and our ordinary preparing and we will receive all these elements, given back to us in the most miraculous, cosmic dimension. Advent meets us where we are, and then we will know that place/time/occasion as a much larger, more blessed, more sacred and numinous arena for God's Grace given to us in the Christ-Child.

"Waiting, hoping, preparing"

I send my love & prayers for Advent and the Season of the Incarnation
ied sig
Rev. Ian Elliott Davies
Rector

Stewarding the Mysteries of God

Stewardship Logo 2010O God, who hast been pleased to call us to be Ambassadors for thee, make us now of one heart and mind to pray and work and give for the up-building and strengthening of thy Church at home and abroad. Bless our Every Member Canvass, and stir up the wills of all our people to do according to their ability as good stewards in thy service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
The 2011 Every Member Canvass campaign is now complete.  Thank you for all who have contibuted through the Ambassador program! 

Approximately 20% of pledge cards that have been distributed remain outstanding. 
 
Pledging is an important expression of our faith and is an expression of what St. Thomas means to each of us. 

If your personal circumstance allows you to pledge, it would be very helpful if you could return the pledge card as soon as possible.  The Vestry will finalize the operating budget on December 15th for the fiscal year starting January 1.
 
Thank you for being part of the St. Thomas family.

St.  John of the Cross 

 

St John of the CrossSaint John of the Cross (24 June 1542 - 14 December 1591), born Juan de Yepes Alvarez, was a major figure of the Counter-Reformation, a Spanish mystic, Catholic saint, Carmelite friar and priest, born at Fontiveros, Old Castile.


Saint John of the Cross was a reformer of the Carmelite Order and is considered, along with Saint Teresa of �vila, as a founder of the Discalced Carmelites. He is also known for his writings. Both his poetry and his studies on the growth of the soul are considered the summit of mystical Spanish literature and one of the peaks of all Spanish literature. He was canonized as a saint in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. He is one of the thirty-three Doctors of the Church.


Saint John was ordained a priest in 1567, and then indicated his intent to join the strict Carthusian order, which appealed to him because of its encouragement of solitary and silent contemplation. Before this, however, he travelled to Medina del Campo, where he met the charismatic Saint Teresa de Jes�s. She immediately talked to him about her reformation projects for the Carmelite order, and asked him to delay his entry into the Carthusians.


John, still in his 20s, continued to work as a helper of Saint Teresa until 1577, founding monasteries around Spain and taking active part in their government. These foundations and the reformation process were resisted by a great number of Carmelite friars, some of whom felt that Teresa's version of the order was too strict. Some of these opponents would even try to bar Teresa from entering their convents.


The followers of St. John and St. Teresa differentiated themselves from the non-reformed communities by calling themselves the "discalced", i.e., barefoot, and the others the "calced" Carmelites.


On the night of 2 December 1577, John was taken prisoner by his superiors in the calced Carmelites, who had launched a counter-program against John and Teresa's reforms. John had refused an order to return to his original house, on the basis that his reform work had been approved by the Spanish Nuncio, a higher authority than John's direct superiors in the calced Carmlites. John was jailed in Toledo, where he was kept under a brutal regimen that included public lashing before the community at least weekly, and severe isolation in a tiny stifling cell barely large enough for his body. He managed to escape nine months later, on 15 August 1578. In the meantime, he had composed a great part of his most famous poem Spiritual Canticle during this imprisonment; his harsh sufferings and spiritual endeavours are then reflected in all of his subsequent writings. The paper was passed to him by one of the friars guarding his cell.


After returning to a normal life, he went on with the reformation and the founding of monasteries for the new Discalced Carmelite order, which he had helped found along with his fellow St. Teresa de �vila.


He died on 14 December 1591, of erysipelas (cellulitis). His writings were first published in 1618, and he was canonized by Benedict XIII in 1726. In 1926, he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI. When inserted into the Roman Catholic calendar of saints in 1738, his feast day was assigned to 24 November.[6] Pope Paul VI moved it to the dies natalis (birthday to heaven) of the saint, 14 December.


The Church of England commemorates him as a "Teacher of the Faith" on the same date.

 

Adapted from www.wikipedia.org

Christmas Flowers

 

ChristmasFlowersIf 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, 19 December.  The suggested minimum donation is $25.

 

Contributions are also accepted via Paypal.

Donate


Christmas Hospitality

Christmastime is an especially hospitable time at St. Thomas. 

CHRISTMAS EVE:  Join us for a Dessert and Savory Reception after Christmas Eve Mass. The Hospitality Committee would  like to invite any Parishioner who would be interested making or purchasing a Savory or Dessert Treat for this event to sign up on the bulletin board in the large parish hall or contact John Boughner 310-606-1503 / [email protected]

BOXING DAY:  There will be an Open House at the Rectory from 12pm to 3pm on Sunday, December 26, 2010 for our annual Box Day Open House.  All are welcome.  The Open House will replace Coffee Hour on this day.  Contacdt the Office if you have any questions on this event.  All are welcome!
 
NEW YEAR'S EVE:  A pot-luck will be served after the 10:30pm Mass.  Sign up on the bulletin board in the large parish hall or contact John Boughner 310-606-1503 / [email protected]
Christmas Week Schedule

Christmas at St. Thomas

 
FRIDAY, 24 DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS EVE
5:00PM    Family Mass (Sermon & Hymns)
11:00PM  Midnight Mass (Sermon & Choir)
NOTE:  Complimentary Valet Parking will be provided for the Midnight Mass Service.  Drop your car off on Gardner Street.

SATURDAY, 25 DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS DAY
10:30AM  High Mass (Sermon & Choir)

SUNDAY, 26 DECEMBER - ST. STEPHEN'S DAY
8:00AM    Low Mass (Sermon)
10:30AM  Hight Mass (Sermon & Choir)

FRIDAY, 31 DECEMBER - NEW YEAR'S EVE
10:30PM  Low Mass followed by alcohol-free New Year's Eve Potluck Party in the Parish Hall.  All are welcome!


NOTE:  The Parish Office will be closed from 23 December 2010 through 3 January 2011.


 
St. Nicholas Visit

On Sunday, December 5, St. Nicholas of Myra visited St. Thomas the Apostle.  Here are a sampling of photos (courtesey of Windy O'Malley, Michelle Salcedo & David Seck.)  A grand time was had by all! 

St Nicholas 001

St Nicholas 002 
 St Nicholas 003
 
St Nicholas 004
 
St Nicholas 005
 St Nicholas 006St Nicholas 006
 
St Nicholas 007 
St Nicholas 008
 
St Nicholas 009
Bring on the LIght Concert

Please purchase tickets online for the Hanukah concert at Temple Israel!  This is a wonderful inter-faith opportunity and our own Darcine Thomas will be performing!  Saturday, December 11 at 8pm.

Bring on the Light

In This Issue
Rector's Corner
Stewarding the Mysteries of God
St. John of the Cross
Christmas Flowers
Christmas Hospitality
Christmas Week Schedule
St. Nicholas Visit
Bring on the Light Concert
Men's Room Renovation
Townsend Choir
Angel Tree - Return gifts!
Who is Christ for Me?
SOVA Outreach
Annual Parish Meeting
Bake Sale 12/19
Fr. Stuart publishes book
Mother Knows Best
ePrayer
Quick Links

Men's Room Rebuild

The Men's Room in the Parish Hall is under reconstruction.  It has seriously deteriorated over the past several years, from over-use, age, and other issues.  The sub-floor has rotted away and will be replaced completely.  The janitorial closet will be relocated allowing for an additional stall to be added.  When the project is completed there will be 2 stalls and 2 urinals - double the capacity, with a new sub-floor and new tile. 

Unfortuantely construction will not be completed in time for weekend services and events.  The Women's Room will  be partially available during the weekend and the Rest Room downstairs by the Choir Room will be available.  The Parish has also ordered Portable Rest Rooms with sinks that will be situated in the Lower Parking Lot.

Thank you for your patience & understanding! 

Advent III

Celebrant (8am & 10:30am)
Rev. Ian Elliott Davies

Homily
Rev. Ian Elliott Davies

Deacon
Rev. Walter S. Johnson

Organist in Residence
John West

PRELUDE
Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme
Johann Sebastian Bach
 
POSTLUDE
Postlude on "Sleepers Wake"
Miles I.'A Martin

Readings
Isaiah 35. 1-10
Psalm 146. 4-10
James 5. 7-10
Matthew 11. 2-11

Townsend Choir

From Queensland, Australia, the Townsville Grammar School Senior Choir performed a program of classical and popular choral music on Sunday, December 5.  They were a delight to have with much appreciation to John Boughner and Cynthia Williams for their efforts on the reception!

Townsend Choir
Townsville Chior performs at St. Thomas (photo Randy Williams)

Angel Tree - Return gifts 12/12!

Angel Tree 

It's Angel Tree time again! This year we at St. Thomas are assisting children at two groups!  Hillsides is the LA Episcopal Diocese foster care and treatment center for kids who are at-risk. http://www.hillsides.org/  IRIS is the non-denominational response to the needs of refugees settling in LA area.  IRIS help familes and children from Iraq, Somalia, Congo,  and other countries in serious difficultiesIt's also a ministry of our diocese and strongly supported by our Bishops. http://ministries.ladiocese.org/iris.html 


In total we're assisting 40 kids from these organizations. For most of these children, this will be the only present they receive.  


We urge you to explore the ministries and work of these two very worthy organizations.


The (unwrapped) gifts should be returned by Sunday, December 12th.


The IRIS familes also 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!

Who is Christ for Me?

Dr. Thomas Doyle concludes his 2-part Adult Educational Series on Sunday.  Inspired by a recent sermon by the retired Bishop of San Francisco, William Swing, Dr. Doyle argues that in the past 50 years, Christ has come to the American Episcopal Church in three movements looking for a room in which to appear:  (1) in the civil rights movement; (2) in the women's movement; and (3) in the gay ordination movement.  In each movement, His advent was tumultuous, and not everyone in the Episcopal Church expressed welcome.  A fourth movement is on the horizon, and it is related to the matters of interfaith relations.  St. Paul in his first Epistle to Blessed Timothy claims that there is no other mediator on earth between humanity and the Father but the man, Jesus Christ.  Who is this Christ that is coming?  What does it mean to welcome Him today?
 
Sunday, December 12
12:30pm in the Rector's Office

SOVA Outreach

SOVA

St. Thomas' Community Outreach Committee continues our food drive to benefit SOVA food pantries this holiday season.  We collect food throughout the year to benefit SOVA, one of the St. Thomas partners in the Homeless Coalition.  Our goal is to fill the SOVA food bin once more before 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 and is marked with a large red arrow.  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.
 
To learn more about SOVA visit their website.

Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting will take place in the Large Parish Hall following the High Mass on Sunday, January 16, 2011. 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 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 2011 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.
 
Delegates to the 2011 Diocsean Convention will also be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting.  The election process for 2011 will be slightly different than in prior years.  Nomination forms are available from the Office.  To be nominated requires signatures from 2 members of the Parish and the nominee.  Nomination Forms must be submitted by 15 December 2010.  At the Annual Parish Meeting ballots will be distributed. This should expedite the voting process.
Bake Sale Dec. 19

Bake Sale

CHOIR CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE immediately follows the 10:30 AM Mass on December 19 in the Parish Hall.  Save yourself the baking this year and stock up on all your favorite Christmas goodies while supporting the choir. Glorious persimmon Christmas puddings ($25), Greek walnut & spice cookies ($15/doz), decadent triple ginger cupcakes ($15/half doz) and Southern sweet potato pecan pies ($20) will all be on offer. Year-after-year these homemade treats always sell out, so be sure to come early, or email Tom Balamaci at [email protected] to reserve your order in advance (for day-of pickup).

Fr. Stuart's Publishes Book


Grief Transformed.

 

Former Associate Rector Mark D. Stuart has published a book!  We congratulatte Fr. Stuart The book is available on Amazon.

 

Grief Transformed: A Miraculous Story of the Healing Power of Love Between This Life and the Next.

 

Description of the Book:
Mark and Bob had been together nearly twelve years as committed inseparable best friends, companions, and life partners when they embarked upon a much anticipated pilgrimage to the Holy Land, "the trip of a life time," they said. Little could they have known... Shortly after arriving in Israel, Bob suffered a tragic accident and died. Mark confronted the first pangs of his grief and loss in the most sacred places of his faith. Upon returning home to California heartbroken and devastated, he struggled with how he would be able to face life without his Bob. Soon mysterious and wonderful things began to happen which showed him that it was not a life without Bob at all - only different, as Bob began giving messages that he was still very much alive, now in spirit. In "Grief Transformed: A Miraculous Story of the Healing Power of Love Between This Life and the Next" Stuart relates the touching and miraculous account of the death of his beloved partner and how his grief was overcome and brought to healing through Bob's mediation. In a fascinating blend of Christian spirituality and paranormal after death contact and communication, Stuart conveys how love is eternal and can pierce the veil between this world and the next.

Mother Knows Best

On December 11 in 1640, Puritans introduced a petition to the English Parliament seeking to abolish the church episcopacy, "with all its dependencies, roots and branches." The House of Commons accepted what has become known as the "Roots and Branch Petition," but the House of Lords rejected it, and the episcopacy remained in the Church of England.
ePrayer

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.
Quick Links

Find us on Facebook