One of our readings this Sunday will be read by Ms. Dona Smith in Gullah, a creole language that originated among enslaved Africans in the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia. It developed as a means of communication between African slaves who spoke different native languages and their English-speaking masters. Gullah incorporates elements of African languages, English, and some vocabulary from the surrounding cultures.

I wish to extend heartfelt gratitude for a successful Annual Meeting on the 26 January, and for the lovely service on the Centennial Anniversary of the consecration of our beautiful sanctuary last Sunday on the 2 February 2025. We have officially entered our second century!

Today is the last day in January 2025, thanks be to God. It has been quite a month, and many of us are feeling traumatized here in Los Angeles.

We've come this far by faith trusting in the Lord. As we begin our new century here at St. John’s let us not forget how far we have come from the days of the dedication of this building 100 years ago. Some of us, myself included, would not have been invited into the pews of this church perhaps because of our race or sexual orientation.

8.00 a.m. Said Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In the Lady Chapel) 10.00 a.m. Sung Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In the Main Sanctuary) In-Person and Live Streamed on YouTube | Leaflet Vestry on-Call: Ms. Rosalind Vernon

Goodness, what a week. On behalf of St. John’s Cathedral, our hearts ache for everyone throughout the city of Los Angeles whose lives have been devastated by the fires that continue to rage. We grieve with you and everyone experiencing the death of loved ones, loss of homes and belongings, and properties and places that were sanctuaries of happiness, rest and peace. Let us give thanks and express our most sincere gratitude for the first responders, fire fighters, emergency medical teams, emergency relief workers, police, and everyone risking their own lives to save people, animals and homes, and decrease catastrophic destruction.

A message from the Interim Dean and Priest-in-Charge regarding the most recent wildfires burning throughout Southern California.

Dealing with the muck of life is essential to care for all of life and love, as well as caring for a home; all of it requires taking care of business. As we begin a new year, we must do the same. One can imagine Mary and Joseph creating a sacred space in a stable long ago.

I wish to extend special thanks to everyone who decorated our beautiful cathedral in simple and elegant ways to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Special thanks to our acolytes and master of ceremonies, clergy, choir, altar guild, ushers, readers, gardeners, and cathedral staff for being ever-present, gracious and generous with their time, gifts and talents. Lastly, we give heartfelt thanks to the donors who have blessed us with monetary gifts, as well as the glorious new vestments and altar linens.

Very soon we will celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ into this world. Long ago, Angels appeared to shepherds, as they did to Mary and Elizabeth. They were told, “do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.”

On December 21, 1924 the good people of St. John’s Church opened the doors of this magnificent Cathedral home 100 years ago. Please join us this Sunday, on the 4th Sunday of Advent, to continue our centennial celebrations as St. John’s begins its Second Century.

We will celebrate our Latin heritage and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe this Sunday. The congregation will be joined by mariachis and celebrate following both services. A treasured annual tradition for our congregation.

In Luke’s telling of the Christmas story, startled shepherds are the first to hear that good news of great joy given to all people. Since then, through generations and generations, across the world, we keep sharing this Good News, receiving signs from God that, in the coming of Jesus Christ, we have received the greatest gift of all.

Earlier this week Mr. Rick Nordin, Co-chair of the Centennial Committee, wrote that he and the other Co-Chairs, Deacon Margaret H. McCauley and Mr. Arcadio Morales, were “ecstatic with our collective results” last Sunday with Advent Lessons and Carols and the festive reception that followed. Indeed, what a glorious launch of a second century! From planning, preparations and rehearsals to the promotion, decorations and physical labor of it all, we give heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed and to everyone who celebrated with us. Thank you for blessing us.

Thanksgivings are a form of prayer to God giving thanks for the fullness of life: from the gifts freely bestowed upon us, to the wonder of creation, the lives of men and women who reveal the image of Christ, our daily food and drink, and our homes and families and friends.

Come early, and give twice this Sunday in thanks for all the blessings of life this Thanksgiving. Please consider the gift of an offering and a pledge of your support to St. John’s Cathedral for 2025. Your support matters greatly. Giving makes you an active member by sharing in the expense of caring and operating this church, which takes all of us; and by sharing what has been given to us by God. There is Good News to be shared as we begin a second century in this beautiful church home.

Mark your calendars today, and join us on December 1st at 4pm for a special service of Lessons & Carols on the First Sunday in Advent.

Red was the color we were asked to wear in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women at the Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, which begins today in Riverside California. Sounds silly, but it meant shopping for a new red blazer. Indeed, red blazers are popular right now.

The Apostle Peter preached, “As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10-11. Being well resourced allows us to be good stewards of what God has entrusted, and to further his work ensuring that our generosity supports the spread of the Gospel presently and in the future.