My sisters and brothers in Christ:
On an afternoon walk in Yorba Linda yesterday on the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus (also known as New Year’s Day), I noticed that someone had painted “Psalm 34:5” in a graceful hand on a stone and left it to be found atop a retaining wall. The citation (a worthy message for us all, this time of year and always) reads, “Look to the Lord, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.” I was tempted to pocket this gracious Word from a fellow pilgrim on the Way, but I successfully resisted.
Just a few other reminders on this chilly Saturday, the ninth day of Christmas:
— No service today (Saturday, Jan. 2). We worship (and welcome the “wise men from the east”) tomorrow, the Second Sunday after Christmas, at 8 and 10 a.m.
— Recommencing next week are Tuesday Tuneups, youth group, the Wednesday noon healing Holy Eucharist service, and women’s Wednesday Bible study.
— Laundry Love Lake Forest, a monthly ministry of fellowship and service, is this Wednesday evening, Jan. 6 (please write Mo. Martha at mjohns@stjohns-es.org for details). The Parish Council meets Thursday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Bishop’s Room (write council chair Loreen Guilford at loreenguilford@gmail.com for more information).
— We had received 111 pledge cards by New Year’s Eve. Thank you! Twenty-nine more, and St. John’s beats last year’s record. The Bishop’s Committee meets Wednesday, Jan. 6 to plan the 2016 budget. If you’re still discerning about your pledge, please let us known as soon as you can.
Yours in Christ’s love,
Fr. John
P.S.: All are welcome at a celebration of the life of our Ruth Carolyn Breunig tomorrow (Sunday, Jan. 3) at 2 p.m. at St. John’s.
P.P.S.: Featuring St. John’s members leading discussions about great films from a faith perspective, “An Epiphany Search For God at the Movies” kicks off next Sunday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. in the Bishop’s Room. Pam Kelley, Mo. Martha, and I will facilitate a conversation about “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Our next three movie conversations will also be at 9 a.m. in the Bishop’s Room: Jan. 17, Linda Allport leading a discussion of “Lars and the Real Girl”; Jan. 24, Andy Guilford, “A Man for All Seasons”; and Feb. 7, Daniele Struppa, “The Seventh Seal.”
You will want to watch the movies before the Sunday discussions. For “Star Wars,” you’re on your own. “Lars,” “Seasons,” and “Seal” are available for on-line rental or purchase from iTunes (Apple); “Lars” and “Seasons” stream for rental or sale at Amazon. If you are having trouble finding a movie, please let Mo. Martha or me know.