On Tuesday, 22 October, the Parish will once again host Life Line Screening sponsored by St. Vincent Medical Center. Life Line Screening will be offering safe, painless, non-invasive preventive health screenings that are typically not part of a routine physical. Screenings to be offered are:

1. Stroke/Carotid Artery Screening ($60) - Ultrasound scan of carotid arteries that screens for buildup of fatty plaque, a leading cause of strokes.
2. Heart Rhythm Screening or Atrial Fibrillation ($60) - A quick and easy test using EKG electrodes placed on the arms and legs to identify the presence or absence of an irregular heartbeat.
3. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening ($60) - Ultrasound screening for an abdominal aneurysm (enlargement) that could lead to a ruptured aorta.
4. Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening ($60) - Evaluates for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the lower extremities, which increases the risk of heart disease.
5. Osteoporosis Risk Assessment ($35) - Ultrasound screen of the heel for bone mass density. Osteoporosis is painless and silent in its early stages.

• Package A (includes tests 1-4): $139
• Package B (includes all 5 tests): $149

Register today by calling (800) 324-9458 or visiting www.helpinghandsforhealth.com. Not only will you receive a $10 discount off any package priced at $139 and up, but St. Thomas will also receive a $10 donation for any member that signs up through this number or website and attends the screening. (NOTE: St. Thomas only receives the donation if you pre-register by phoning or visiting the website).

Is generosity learned or inherited? Most people learn about generosity from their parents, or other close family members, or from important role models in their lives. One of the most familiar stories in the Scriptures is the "Good Samaritan" (Luke 10:30-37). In this story a man walking down the road from Jerusalem to Jericho becomes a symbol recognized by people who don't even know much about the Christian faith. And yet the concept of giving of oneself to care for others crosses almost all cultural barriers.

Why does this story make such an impression? It is not one's position or profession in life. It is not the order in which the persons appear. It is how each person responds to an opportunity to practice generosity. Sometimes the opportunity is in the most unexpected circumstances.

The Samaritan is not expected to be generous to a Jew. His action cuts through the stereotypes. His behavior is truly counter-cultural. Jesus calls us to giving behaviors that are counter-cultural also. People who are generous have an opportunity to do the unexpected, even if this is not the daily expectation in their culture.

How do we as Christians practice generous living in a culture that seems to be moving further away from our faith practices? We turn to examples from Scripture and those close to us. It is by developing generous practices in our life and looking for ways to demonstrate these practices that we both reflect Christ and teach others. It is important to take a moment and consider how you have demonstrated generosity recently and how others may have learned from your example.

Prayer: O God of abundance, open my eyes to see those who are truly generous around me. Help me to be prepared for the unexpected and to be generous in unexpected ways. May I understand how my living influences the lives of others. Amen. 

In lieu of admission fee, please bring a supermarket gift card donation to benefit the homeless and hungry via two Los Angeles based charities: Housing Works and Hope Net. It is also suggested purchasing cards from Target, K-Mart, Costco, Smart&Final, etc.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Committee plans to present two free workshops to Chamber members (since St. Thomas is a member, all Parishioners are welcome) offering detailed assistance with the Covered California enrollment process. A Covered California certified agent will be available to offer an overview of healthcare reform regulations, Covered California enrollment procedures, and comparisons of alternative plans. The two workshops will be held at the Hollywood Chamber Conference Room (7018 Hollywood Blvd) on Monday, 14 October 3-5pm and Tuesday, 15 October 12-2pm. Attendance is limited to 30 individuals per session. First come first serve. The event will be free to attend. Validated parking for $4 is available at Roosevelt Hotel. Register online: