The Spirit - a Newsletter of St. Mary S Episcopal Church, October 2007

The Spirit - a Newsletter of St. Mary S Episcopal Church, October 2007

The Spirit - A Newsletter of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, October 2007

Volume 62 No. 10

Clergy Corner . . .

Greetings to each of you in the name of Christ. Our new program year began on September 9, with our festive “Back to School” picnic at the home of Glenn and Kathy Nishibayashi in Cerritos. A good time was had by all, as we broke bread at the Eucharistic table and then enjoyed an abundant potluck lunch, Bingo, volleyball and swimming--and a Jeopardy game with clues tailor-made for St. Mary’s! The gathered community represented three generations of parishioners, each enjoying the love and care that binds us together. Thanks to Glenn and Kathy and all who helped make the day so enjoyable.

Stewardship: Sharing our abundance. During the month of October you will receive a mailing from St. Mary’s Stewardship committee, asking for your ongoing support of this parish in the year 2008. This is a joyous occasion for all of us, as we have spent the year 2007 reflecting on the gifts, talent and treasure with which St. Mary’s has been blessed these past 100 years. I pray that your household will make a pledge to support St. Mary’s generously next year, the first year of St. Mary’s second century of ministry in service to God.

St. Mary’s Bazaar: To be, or not to be? On September 16 the congregation gathered during coffee hour to consider whether to have a Bazaar in 2008. The primary concern of those who participated in the conversation was the heavy physical burden the Bazaar presents in its current configuration… in other words, the physical labor is more demanding than our members can handle. At the same time, most of the people expressed interest in having some kind of event--or perhaps several smaller events--that will both bring in revenues and provide opportunity for fellowship. We hope you will share your thoughts on these issues. We will meet again during coffee hour on Sunday, October 14 after the 9:45 a.m. service to continue the conversation and begin to decide what path to take. If you cannot attend, please share your thoughts with our clergy, Vestry members, or by emailing the church office to express your opinions.

Centennial Luncheon: I look forward to seeing you at the October 20 luncheon at Almansor Court in Alhambra. This event will mark the second and final formal celebration of St. Mary’s Centennial. Come—let us gather and rejoice!

Each and every day, let us give thanks for all that God has given us, and pray for wisdom in making choices for our own lives and those whose lives we touch. Peace and blessings. Faithfully, Alix+

Saturday, June 4Young Adult Group hike in Palos Verdes

Sunday, June 58:30 a.m. Liturgy/Worship Committee

11:15 a.m. Council of Advice on Outreach/Inreach

Wednesday, June 86:30 p.m. Young Adult Group

Thursday, June 96:30 – 8:30 p.m. Parenting Class in Spanish

Sunday, June 12Young Adults lead the Sunday Service

Monday, June 131:30 p.m. Monterey Park Formation Group lunch Curry House in downtown LA

June 25Parenting Class in Spanish 10 a.m. – 12 noon

June 296:30 p.m. at Rectory, California People of Faith Working against the Death penalty Dinner

Friday, May 7 -Moving Night

Sunday, May 9Mother's Day (Corsage Sale)

Saturday, May 15ANNUAL BAZAAR-CARNIVAL

Sunday, May 16 -Bazaar Clean-up

Clergy Corner . . .

CLERGY CORNER

Greetings in the name of Christ. The Season of Lent begins with the March 1 observance of Ash Wednesday. In order to prepare ourselves for this Lenten period, I would like to share some reflections from the book New Proclamation (2005, Augsberg Press):

"The rush of modern living makes it extremely difficult for believers today to focus on development of their spiritual lives. In the season of Lent, it is possible to call attention to the need for ongoing renewal of the spirit and commitment to holy living.

It's one thing to hear the story of Jesus going into the wilderness for forty days and fighting against the temptations of the world. It is an entirely different thing for someone sitting in church today to realize that she or he faces some of the same temptations in modern society... The astounding thing about Lent is that it combines the very personal process of examining one's own spiritual life with the corporate process of building a community of spiritually engaged believers.

The [scriptural lectionary] texts selected for Lent 2006 provide a strong foundation and rich resource for both of these tasks. The Ash Wednesday texts emphasize the fact that attention to life and growth is not a simple one-way journey, but rather an extended sojourn with God. Even the practices and rituals that seem most appropriate for that walk need to be examined with great care. The first Sunday [March 5] concentrates on new beginnings and especially on Jesus' own preparation for ministry and for the passion. Week two [March 12] reminds us of the difficulties that are inherent in any attempt to walk as a follower of Jesus, where the end of the path may be one of self-sacrifice and service. Human interaction with God's law is the focus of the texts in week three [March 19]. The readings highlight the law as both the wisdom of God and a stumbling block for humans. The week four [March 26] lection is a stark reminder that both tragic loss and ultimate exhilaration can be part of the human journey with God. The imagery of wandering, going up, and being lifted up proves to have a dual significance in this context. Finally, the texts for week five [April 2] include vivid reminders that God continues to call us to a personal relationship, but as we turn to Holy Week, we are also reminded of the costs associated with that covenant relationship." [Author, Daniel N. Schowalter; pp. 132-133]

I look forward to worshiping together with you during this season of Lent, and encountering the themes in the appointed scriptural texts as outlined above. My prayer for each of you, and for myself, during this season of Lent is that we will take the opportunity, as Prof. Schowalter suggests, "not only to walk with Jesus but also to reflect deeply on the implications, the responsibilities, and the potential outcomes of that walk." May we all search our hearts, souls and minds, seek forgiveness where it is needed, and move gratefully toward the light that God shines on our paths.

Faithfully, Alix+

community connections

We are delighted to announce that Erica Sugimori, a Tulane/UCLA Public Health student, joins us in service as our very own Public Health Intern! Over the next six months, Erica will be helping our community address issues of nutrition, exercise and general health through a series of programs and classes for both Spanish and English speakers. She will also be exploring the possibility of creating a community garden here at the church. Erika will be with us from time to time on Sunday mornings and would welcome getting to know each of you personally. Please introduce yourself and feel free to contact her via email at . She is eager to respond to your public health concerns and would welcome a helping hand in her community work. Nicole+

A word of introduction from Erika Sugimori… “Greetings and nice to meet you! I am a second-year graduate student of International Public Health at Tulane University, in New Orleans. Although I have been more of a visitor to Los Angeles for quite a while now, I am a Southern California native. The last eight years have been an interesting journey. I have had the opportunity to live, work, and study in Berkeley, Mexico, New Orleans, and now, Los Angeles. I came back to Los Angeles in August, after hurricane Katrina. While the circumstances that brought about my return were not ideal, to say the least, this experience has given me the chance to be close to friends and family, and get to know the city again. Since my return, I have had a lot of support from friends, family, and fellow Angelenos. It was with this much needed support that I was able to complete my coursework at UCLA last quarter. Now, I am here at St. Mary’s as your community health intern. I look forward to meeting you all and working together in your community. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu. (I must add that this is also a unique opportunity for me to use my rusty language skills. So, if anyone would like to share a little Japanese or Spanish, it would be much appreciated!) Thank you for welcoming me to your church.

-- Erica Sugimori

CLERGY CORNER

Greetings to all in the name of Christ.

As Summer comes, we mark a time of transitions at St. Mary's. In June we said farewell to our Youth Choir Director, Rebecca Straayer, who is moving on to another job. We also gathered to celebrate and say good-bye to Carolyn and Ron Morinishi and their children who are moving to Missouri. (Carolyn will continue to edit our monthly issues of "The Spirit"). Our clergy community marked the retirement of our friend and colleague, The Rev. Connor Lynn, rector of St. Mary's, Palms, as he prepares to retire in August. St. Mary's also marked the high school and college graduations of some of our young people, walking beside them as they transition into new phases of their lives. We marked the end of the 2004-05 program year, paying tribute to our Sunday School teachers who serve so faithfully. At the same time, we were preparing for St. Mary's new Summer Enrichment and Spirituality Program which began on June 20, and looking ahead toward the new program year. And, under the capable leadership of Tom Guzman, we launched the Centennial Celebration Steering Committee... These are all natural events in the life of a parish. We share our sadness at departures, our happiness at jobs well done and completed, and our joy for new beginnings.

St. Mary's Vestry and I and Nicole had our annual retreat June 10 and 11 at the church. Among other topics we evaluated the program year that is just ending, and looked ahead to the year 2007, when we will celebrate our Centennial. We also looked beyond the centennial: "What are your dreams for St. Mary's for the next 25 to 50 years?" It was helpful to share our dreams and look at possibilities. It was also helpful to share our concerns and limitations. All in all, we did not hatch any grand plan for the next half-century, but we will continue to grapple with long-range issues and keep you advised as we go. We did agree on our commitment to minister to the already-existing congregation, as we also open our doors to those in our immediate neighborhood. We all, as a community of faith, shape the vision and direction of this parish.

St. Mary's is blessed with remarkable leaders, both on the Vestry and serving in other capacities. Each and every one of you has something important to contribute to this House of God that has now been gathering for 98 years. Let us look back at those who have given so much, and ahead to those who will join us on this journey, and give thanks to God for the opportunity to serve.

Let us also embrace St. Mary's new Mission Statement, which was adopted by the Vestry last summer and which we are pleased to unfold:

"St. Mary's Episcopal Church, a welcoming community of faith, hope, and love shaped by the Japanese-American experience, strives to grow in our relationship with God through worship, fellowship, outreach, and service." Together, we will live into and embody --make incarnational-- that mission.

Peace and blessings,

Alix+

from the assistant rector

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Maybe we do not have tons of rain in Southern California, but we do have showers of blessings at St. Mary’s: blessings in the form of new Spanish speaking friends sharing our church, and blessings in the form of parishioners donating generously to support our mission and outreach programs.

Thank you to many anonymous donors, Margaret Atkinson, Judy Dionzon, Keiko Hamagiwa, Marian Kubota, Wally and Betty Nakama, Yoshiko Sakurai, Fusa Sugawara, Irene Yoneshige, Midori Yoshimura,and Margaret Yuki and the St. Mary's Altar Guild. Together they blessed us with rice crispy treats, juices, cans of food, crackers, cookies, muffins, adult and children’s clothing, toys, craft supplies, household goods, and hours spent with the ESL child care music class and the Spanish language service. With our increase in children in the ESL child care room, we have been able to keep up with the increased need for snacks because of your gifts to our program. Our major needs continue to be juice, cookies, and crackers.

May God’s blessings flow in the lives of everyone in our St. Mary’s family. As Lent concludes, I wish you all a blessed Easter!

In Christ’s Love, Mother Alexandra+

Age workshop

Asae Oshita, George Oshita, Kumi Gerber, Kazumi Higa, Lauretta Herndon, Fusa Sugawara, Margaret Yuki, Fumi Miyatake, Marian Kubota, Kazie Higa, Stanley Nakamura, Betsy Nakamura, Yo Guzman, Irene Yoneshige, Maxine Yamamoto, Faith Ichida.Completed in record time, enjoyed potluck,

Easter Joy

Many thanks to Norman Naito of Tropical Gardens for getting and delivering the lilies to St. Mary's. Thank you, Carlos Ramirez and his son, Santiago, for carrying the potted lilies outside to a sunny area during the day so that the buds would bloom and bringing them back inside at night. Sincere thank you to Esther Lee and Yoshiko Sakurai's calle lilies from your gardens. They looked beautiful on the flower stands flanking the wooden cross.

Irene Yoneshige, thank you for cutting the newspaper circles to line the potted lilies and obtaining the rubber bands to bundle the Sunday flowers before Easter Eve. We missed you on Saturday due to your previous committment.

A big thank you to Asae Oshita, Maxine Yamamoto, and George Oshita for ironing the red and white banners and the canopy over the altar, and to Carlos Ramirez for hanging them in church. What monumental tasks you've been performing for many years, and please know your deeds have not gone unnoticed.

For your artistic and creative works, a heartfelt thank you to the faithful Easter bunnies--Midge Furuta, Yo Guzman, Faith Ichida, Marian Kubota, Margie Leong, Christine Mora, Asae Oshita, Fusa Sugawara, June Toda, Maxine Yamamoto, and Donna Zoriki.

The Altar Guild is especially grateful to Yoshiko Sakurai for helping to launder the church linens during the year and making sure no soiled linens are left in the sacristy during the week after the 3rd service.

Thanks a million to each of you for bringing the joy of Easter to St. Mary's.

-- Margaret Yuki

Palm Sunday Thanks

First of all, thank you, Carlos Ramirez, for assisting the Altar Guild by climbing the very tall ladder to drape the huge wooden cross in red chiffon, and thank you, Jimmy Ito of Garden Arts for supplying the various sized palms.

On Saturday before Easter, the Altar Guild arrived early to get the church ready for the beginning of Holy Week. Thank you, Donna Zoriki, Maxine Yamamoto, June Today, Fukiko Tauchi, Fusa Sugawara, and Asae Oshita for veiling all the crosses and religious artifacts in red chiffon and decorating the church with palms. You truly created an atmosphere at St. Mary's that celebrates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

-- Margaret Yuki.

Parish News . . .

Spiritual Formation Group – next meeting: ash wednesday

The 20s/30s Group is in need of new blood! Thus, we are in the process of renaming ourselves to reflect who we are – people of all ages who wish to gather once a month on a weeknight to better know one another and talk about spirituality, God, the Christian tradition and other topics that excite us. Do join us for our next meeting on Wednesday, March 1st at 6pm. We will be watching and discussing a short clip from the Via Media series. All are invited to join the Ash Wednesday Liturgy at 7.30 pm following the meeting. For more information, speak to Gwendolyn Davis or Nicole Janelle ().

Exercise Program at St. Mary’s Continues

Many of your know that this past summer we instituted a twice a month Yoga Program for the community. Following the six month evaluation of that program, our participants have elected to engage in some fast-paced exercise in the form of aerobics! In February we kicked off the Aerobics and Night Prayer Program. Participants meet in the parish hall on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 6-7.30 pm to work their bodies and then cool down in the chapel with the words of the ancient service of Compline. This community offering is taught bilingually by teacher Angelica Haro and the Reverend Nicole Janelle. Participants are asked to donate a few dollars to help cover the cost of instructorion and childcare. Persons of all ages and fitness levels are welcome to the class. March classes are held on the 7th & 21st. Do come and join in the fun!