by the Rev. Christopher Potter, Vicar

As the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement in the Diocese of Los Angeles anticipates a word or two from Bishop John, and awaits directions from the State of California regarding COVID-19 safeguards, we’re taking the cautious step of restarting our Saturday evening service on June 19. By that date, we’ll have the safety instructions from both the state and from Bishop John, and will be well-positioned to take this highly anticipated next step.

Along with this reopening is the thrilling news that there is a band of musicians who will be playing together for this service on what is hoped to be a regular basis! Well, to be completely honest with you, there are three priests and a professional musician who will be providing the music. Rev. Karen, Rev. Rob Bethancourt, and I are combining our musical prowess (remember, we are priests, first!) with Kenny Peters (percussionist of stage and screen) to supply the worship music for Saturday night. We have had some rehearsal time and are excited about playing together for Saturday night worship. I’ve also had word that we may be blessed by yet another priest who could take the leadership role at the Holy Table, thus allowing the other clergy to focus on the ministry of music.

If you haven’t joined us for the Saturday service BP — before pandemic — here’s my enticement for you to give it a try: we celebrate Eucharist in an intimate setting. Previously it was held in the chapel, but with the number of musicians, we will need to return to the church’s nave. We are working to create an intimate feel. Saturday night is much less formal than our Sunday morning worship. On Saturday, we recruit volunteer readers and leaders on the spot, and we have a dialogue about the readings instead of a formal sermon. We share our spiritual journeys together with the intent of building up and strengthening the foundations of Christian Community. We use the liturgy of St. Anslem, a 12th century French priest and monk, whose writings became the basis of several of our Eucharistic Canons.

The service, now with music, will last about 45 minutes, giving us much time for after-worship fellowship. The music is less traditional than we use on Sunday, but will be familiar to many. To those who have asked for alternative music for worship at St. John’s, THIS IS IT!

So, on the eve of Father’s Day, bring your dad, your son, your bud, your mom, your family, or just yourself, to St. John’s on Saturday night, June 19 at 5 p.m., and celebrate with your voice, your hands, and your hearts as we rejoice in our steps towards normal!

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Help St. John’s be Eco-Friendly . . . 

Either print the bulletin at home and bring it to church with you Sunday morning, or bring your smart device to the service so you can pull up the bulletin. Thanks for helping us reduce use of paper and toner!

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Q: Where do I find out what’s happening at church? Throughout COVID the announcements of upcoming events and classes have been at the back end of the Sunday worship bulletin. Many of you didn’t know the info was there and we’ve heard your comments! You can now find all the details on all upcoming events in our weekly e-blast. Click away!

Here’s a quick peek at some events coming your way:
+ Baptisms are back! Contact Roger Bradshaw in the church office to learn the available dates.
+ Details and pics of your high school and college grads are needed by Sunday, June 6.
+  Caregivers Support Group meets Wednesday, June 9, 6 p.m. via ZOOM
+ VBS is Monday-Friday, June 21-25 from 9 a.m. to noon. Sign-ups happening now.
+ Youth and Adult confirmations are coming up with Bishop John.
+ The St. John’s Youth Group’s summer schedule is coming out soon. Check back for details. The Youth group is for kids in grades 6-12.
+ We’re looking for acolyte families! There’s an easy training, and no age limit (but need to be able to carry a cross, gospel book, or candle)
+ Red Cross Blood Drive Sunday, June 27 in the Cardinal Gym 8 a.m. — 2 p.m. Sign-up now.

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