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.

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.

On Sunday at 2pm St. John’s is gathering for a memorial and glorious celebration of life and music to remember Hilary Fraser-Thomson, who died on August 19, 2024. Hilary was a beloved member of the St. John’s choir and church for over two decades, singing nearly every service of the year, at memorials and for other special occasions. There are no words to adequately express our heartfelt grief over of her death.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated by the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum from September 15 to October 15 to honor the Hispanic Americans who have and continue to enrich our nation and society.

Last Sunday was a lovely festive day at St. John’s Cathedral for our Ministry Fair. What made my heart sing was the sight of faithful members engaged in lively conversations with new and old friends sharing stories of ministry.

Dear Friends, This Sunday after the 8am & 10am services St. John’s Cathedral will host a Ministry Fair as a way for everyone to learn about the numerous ways to be involved in the life of our church. We will have twenty-one ministries represented by dedicated and active members, who will happily tell you more about what they do and the level of commitment needed.