St Thomas Altar Organ View
eNews17 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,

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:2)

Those words which are very familiar to all of us who have been traveling the "Advent Journey" and we have heard echoes and reflections of them in all our liturgies, readings and devotions. The words (first recorded as much as a thousand years before the Birth of the Christ-child) come from the Prophet's "breaking open" one of the deepest truths of Christmas for Christians of all eras:  that Christmas is an invasion of light.

The origin of these words first saw 'the light of day' (one might say!) in a forgotten corner of the Roman Empire, the words were uttered far distant from the places of wealth, privilege and power; and the first witnesses... (the origin of the word 'martyr,' like 'disciple' comes from the root meaning 'witness.') ...these men, women and children were pretty much a rag-taggle, cluster of castaways-devoted ordinary shepherds carrying on the thankless task of a long night-time vigil for their flock- the Shepherds set aside their worries and fears and made a journey to see the Light. Is it any wonder that "Christ the Good Shepherd" plays such a central facet in our Christian devotions?

When the shepherds finally arrive they discover that they could only catch the merest glimpse of the One True Light "...for that was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (St John 1:9)

For those of you who have seen a young babe in the arms of his or her mother or father, you may, sometimes, also, catch the merest glimpse of the Divine! That most extraordinary trust, the complete, rapt attention, the promise of a future- that glimmer and sparkle that could only possibly be explained by one simple phrase- 'the miracle of light.'

At Christmas we too are invited to move closer to that Light-so that the Light of the Christ Child can transform us and through us fill the places of darkness in our world with the Light of God's promise.

The world longs for this invasion of Light-
Let earth and Heaven combine,
Angels and men agree,
To praise in songs divine
The incarnate Deity,
Our God contracted to a span,
Incomprehensibly made Man.
See in that Infant's face
The depths of deity,
And labor while ye gaze
To sound the mystery
In vain; ye angels gaze no more,
But fall, and silently adore.
Unsearchable the love
That hath the Saviour brought;
The grace is far above
Of men or angels' thought:
Suffice for us that God, we know,
Our God, is manifest below.
Made perfect first in love,
And sanctified by grace,
We shall from earth remove,
And see His glorious face:
His love shall then be fully showed,
And man shall all be lost in God.
[Charles Wesley, 1707-1788]

As we recall that great love, miracle, grace, sanctity and beauty given to us in this extraordinary Parish I hope and pray that you will be able to continue to support through your most extraordinary generosity to our Parish's Mission- "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."

Love, prayers and blessings of the True Light be with you all!

Virgin and Lamb [La Vierge L'agneau]
Painted 1903 By William Bouguereau

RC 121910

ied sig
Rev. Ian Elliott Davies
Rector
Christmas Message 

 

Presiding Bishop

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. -Isaiah 9:2


That's how the first lesson of Christmas Eve opens. It's familiar and comforting, as the familiar words go on to say that light has shined on those who live in deep darkness, that God has brought joy to people living under oppression, for a child has been borne to us. The name of that child is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace - and God is bringing an endless peace through an heir to the throne of David (vv 3, 4, 6, 7).


This year we're going to hear a bit we haven't heard in Episcopal churches before, in that missing verse 5. It's pretty shocking, but it helps explain why the hunger for light is so intense, and the joy so great when it comes: "For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire." The coming of this prince of peace will mean the end of all signs of war and violence. An occupied people will finally live in peace, without anxiety about who or what will confront them the next time they go out their front doors. .


People in many parts of this world still live with the echo of tramping boots and the memory of bloody clothing. Many Episcopalians are living with that anxiety right now, particularly in Haiti and Sudan. Americans know it through the ongoing anxiety after September 11 and in the wounded soldiers returning to their families and communities, grievously changed by their experience of war. Remember the terror of war when you hear those words about light on Christmas Eve. Remember the hunger for peace and light when you hear the shocking promise that a poor child born in a stable will lead us all into a world without war. Remember the power of light when you go out into the darkness after hearing those words - and pray that you and those around you may become instruments of peace.


Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! -Luke 2:14


The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori is presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church.

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 / johnmboughner@aol.com

BOXING DAY:  There will be an Open House at the Rectory from 12pm to 3pm on Sunday, December 26, 2010 for our annual Boxing Day Open House.  All are welcome.  The Open House will replace Coffee Hour on this day.  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 / johnmboughner@aol.com
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.

THURSDAY, 5 JANUARY - EPIPHANY
7:30PM  Epiphany Mass (With Choir)
 
Treasurer's Report

Gifts received as of November 30, 2010
$350,881.57

Ministries funded as of November 30, 2010
$350,636.90

Balance as of November 30, 2010
$244.57

Minutes from the November 17 Vestry meeting are available online

2011 Budget
St. Thomas is blessed to have a committed and generous family of supporters that allow us to fund our programs and ministries. 

On December 15, 2010 the Vestry approved a balanced budget for 2011 pending Parish approval at the Annual Parish Meeting. 

2011 Budget  $367,000
2010 Budget $400,000
2009 Budget $440,000
2008 Budget $480,000

 

The budget has seen a $113,000 decline in real dollars over the last several years and the Ministries that are funded have been impacted, most especially with the loss of funding for the Associate Rector position.  2011 will be no different.  To meet our fiduciary and moral obligation of a balanced budget nearly all of our programs have had to be cut over the years as a result of a 26% drop in pledge dollars and a 20% reduction in pledge responses. 

 

We are grateful for the 75% of the pledges that are new, the same or increase over 2010 and the Vestry appreciates the difficult financial time that many of us are experiencing.  It is important that despite the generous pledges that many have made, there are fewer pledges and fewer dollars so the budget must reflect that reality.  The 2011 budget will be available for review and discussion with the Vestry at the January 16 Parish Meeting. 

 

In the event that your personal circumstance enables a change in your 2011 pledge, please contact the office to adjust your gift.  Upon receipt of additional pledges the Vestry will revisit the 2011 approved budget prior to the Parish Meeting.

 

In addition to the General Fund, many of our Designated Funds are also struggling.  Designated Funds underwrite the costs of mission critical programs such as the AIDS/USC Feeding program and the bi-monthly Homeless Feeding Breakfast.  The Breakfast ministry is funded by some parishioners through their contributions that are in addition to their pledge commitment.  For several years the bulk of the funding of this ministry has come from members of the community and not the Parish family.  (The City of West Hollywood grant funds the Outreach component of the Breakfast and a nominal portion of the cost of the breakfast itself.) 

 

The Homeless Breakfast ministry has run out of funding for the first time in many years.  The Vestry approved a stop-gap funding loan to allow a modified Breakfast to continue through February, 2011.  During this gift-giving season please consider a dedicated gift to the Homeless Breakfast so that this vital ministry can continue at a time when more people than ever need it.  (Simply note "Homeless Breakfast" in the memo line of your check.)

If you have questions, please contact me personally via email.  Thank you for being part of the St. Thomas family.
In This Issue
Rector's Corner
Christmas Message
Christmas Hospitality
Christmas Week Schedule
Treasurer's Report & 2011 Budget
Restroom nearly Complete
Bake Sale 12/19
Lessons & Carols
SOVA Outreach
Annual Parish Meeting
Mother Knows Best
Episcopal News Online
ePrayer
Quick Links
Advent IV

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

Homily
Rev. Ian Elliott Davies

Deacon
Rev. Walter S. Johnson

Organist in Residence
John West

PRELUDE
An Advent Prelude
Charles Callahan
Timothy Joslin, flute
 
POSTLUDE
Toccata on Veni Emmanuel
Adolphus Hailstork

Readings
Isaiah 7. 10-16
Psalm 80.1-8,18-20
Romans 1. 1-7
Matthew 1. 18-end

Restroom nearly complete


The renovation of the Men's Restroom in the Parish Hall is nearly complete.  In addition to the original work to repair and replace many items, significant work was required upon discovery of leaking water pipes and deteriorating gas lines.  That work has now been completed.

 

The fixtures are expected to be installed and functional in time for the weekend services and events.  Missing will be the privacy dividers that are on order and are expected to be installed by Christmas.

The Unisex Restrooms near the Office and downstairs will continue to be available.

 

Thank you for your patience and please accept our apologies for the extended delays and inconvenience this project may have caused.

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 twbal@hotmail.com to reserve your order in advance (for day-of pickup).

The annual Choir led Christmas Carol sing-along will occur during the Bake Sale! 

Lessons & Carols

The Choir will sing Advent Lessons & Carols on Sunday, December 19 at 4:30pm.  This is a wonderful service that sets the mood for Christmas! 
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 ASAP.  At the Annual Parish Meeting ballots will be distributed. This should expedite the voting process.
Mother Knows Best

On December 20 in 1576, Archbishop of Canterbury Edmund Grindal sent a letter to Queen Elizabeth protesting her order that he tell clergy throughout England to stop preaching so often; the Queen felt three or four sermons per year were sufficient.
Episcopal News online

Episcopal News
The Episcopal News, which has told the story of the Diocese of Los Angeles for some 60 years, is switching with the Winter 2010 issue from print to online publication. To read The News online, click here or on the picture.
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.
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