A week ago last Monday, we received a call from a clergy colleague asking about using space at the Cathedral for a Lutheran pastor from Palestine. I was told that the speaker was being hosted by Friends of Sabeel in North America (FOSNA). Recognizing FOSNA and checking the calendar, I said yes!

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, August 11, 2024, 8:00 am Said Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In the Lady Chapel) Sunday, August 11, 2024, 10:00 am Sung Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In the Sanctuary) In-Person and Live Streamed on YouTube

We knew last Sunday would be glorious as we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women in the Episcopal Church, but I never imagined being thanked and honored by all of you: by your presence, willingness to be servant leaders, generous gifts – beautiful flowers and a delicious coffee hour, and your kind words and loving support. I give special thanks to St. John’s Parish Life Committee, the Rev. Mel Soriano, and Canon Lurelean Gaines, Senior Warden. Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you in ministry.

Many of you know that my family has been separated for the past year or two; we have honored our calls to ministry as a two-priest household. It is so lovely to be reunited and together under one roof again. Our dogs are ecstatic, as am I.

Sermon preached by The Rev. Susan Anderson-Smith on Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Los Angeles Pentecost 9, Proper 11B – ERCL Text: Ephesians 2:11-22

I shared exciting news last Sunday! Over the weekend, the Vestry had a great overnight retreat with Canon Melissa McCarthy leading the way. I also mentioned that a committee was formed to craft possible changes to our values, mission and vision. Any proposed changes will be reviewed by the vestry in August who will then share their work with all of you during a parish-wide gathering in September.

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, July 14, 2024, 8:00 am Said Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In the Lady Chapel) Sunday, July 14, 2024, 10:00 am Sung Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In the Sanctuary) In-Person and Live Streamed on YouTube

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, July 7, 2024, 8:00 am Said Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In the Lady Chapel) Sunday, July 7, 2024, 10:00 am Sung Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In the Sanctuary) In-Person and Live Streamed on YouTube

Please be patient with us this week! Mr. Kyle Black, the dear staff member in the front answering doors and calls, and the dedicated team member behind the scenes making most things happen is on vacation next week – thanks be to God. He works so hard; we could not be happier that he is taking well-earned paid time off to have a little fun and attend a conference for organists, another gift among his many talents. We sent him off (for one week!) with our blessings as of yesterday; St. John’s will not be the same without him.

Summer has officially arrived as of 20 June! Can you feel it? Calm, bright sunny days lay ahead. St. John’s Cathedral has been is high gear since the first of the year, coming off of a busy fall. To see a little space in the calendar, while parishioners gather to feed our neighbors and to care for our Cathedral home is a welcome respite.

Thanks to vestry member Mr. Rick Nordin for organizing coffee hour for the month of June following our 10:00 am service of Holy Eucharist. Father's Day will be celebrated on the lawn with ice cream sandwiches this weekend - join us! Flowers have been given this week by Dn. Margaret McCauley celebrating the ministries of Dr. Chris Gravis, Dr. Zach Neufeld, and the choir of St. John’s cathedral.

I am beyond grateful to the allies among us who are willing to walk, stand, and act on behalf of those for whom life is not always easy, equal, fair or just. Perhaps you have experienced the blessing of an ally at home, work, church, among friends, or by a new acquaintance or random stranger in the community? This gift of love is beautiful.

Second Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, June 2, 2024, 8:00 am Said Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In the Lady Chapel) Sunday, June 2, 2024, 10:00 am Sung Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In the Sanctuary)

On the eve of a holiday weekend, as graduates bask in the glory of achievement, and families gather near and far, we hope to see you at St. John’s Cathedral on Sunday for a joyful service to give thanks to God for the blessings of life.

A year ago the talented Joyce Swaving wrote a beautiful poem for Pentecost to be read at St. John’s Cathedral in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. In it she prays to God for the Holy Spirit to come. In it she names the gifts of the Spirit, and in it, is our hope.

St. John's will host a diocese-wide service of confirmation tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Bishop Taylor will confirm candidates as presented by their home congregations at the cathedral.

I was told by parish leaders that the only way we could extend hospitality to each other was to pay someone to do it; not so now. There has been this amazing shift in the past six months!

Please join us after the 10:00am Choral Eucharist this Sunday as the Choir of St. John’s Cathedral happily hosts our coffee hour reception. The choir would like to express their profound gratitude to the entire St. John’s community, for your love and support over the past season. There will be plenty of homemade goodies and treats. They look forward to sharing time and conversation with you!

#feedinghungryhearts This weekend, in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Jim Wallis is bringing the Word.

Alleluia, Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed, Alleluia.