the way of love epistle - the parish of st. matthe · top estheticians and toys for kids of all...

1 The Epistle – September 2019

Th

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The monthly newsletter of

St. Matthew’s Parish, Pacific Palisades, CA

September 2019Volume 48 No. 1

(Continued on Page 2.)

I’m a person who loves his rituals. You might expect this as my whole professional life as a priest revolves around the sacramental rituals of our Episcopal form of the Christian faith. However, my connection to rituals extends to almost everything else in my life. From my morning wake up, to pre-run stretching to bedtime habits—rituals help me negotiate my days. It’s for this reason that I positively anticipate the transition from the loosey-goosey days of summer to the structured, busy and ordered schedule of fall. Don’t get me wrong—I really enjoyed and benefited from the recreational and restorative character of this last summer. There were many days during these last three months in which I was able to read, reflect and play. But the fall returns me, and of course, many of you, to the predictable rhythm of the program year. There is a comfort in this, as the many rituals that return with the advent of fall bring order and focus to our lives.

In this program year, our St. Matthew’s formation ministries are inviting all of us to focus on incorporating the “Way of Love practices for Jesus-Centered Life” into our individual and corporate lives. Our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, has offered this collection of tools to us as a way to form our spiritual and emotional lives. The seven practices - Go, Bless, Worship, Pray, Learn, Turn, and Rest, provide a structure in which we are drawn deeper into the spiritual life even as we connect with our own purpose in the world around us. My sense is that the Way of Love can provide the foundation for rituals and habits that can focus and energize us to know and serve God in the real world in which we find ourselves.

With the “Way of Love” in mind, in particular the “Learn” practice, I want to highlight a couple of opportunities this fall that can provide a context for re-ordering our spiritual lives. Here in September, our Emmaus groups begin their 10-week covenant period. What are Emmaus groups? They are small weekly gatherings that study and pray together, share fellowship, serve and create, in my opinion, genuine Christian community. I am in awe of the many in our parish who participate in the Emmaus groups. Most have had found a deep connection with their group and have experienced the joy one can find when we allow others to walk with us in this kind of way. Do sign up for an Emmaus group if you haven’t already.

There is another kind of community gathering offered especially in the fall. Our Foyer groups are organized in late September, marked by the initial Foyer Dinner on Sunday Sept 29. Everyone is invited to participate in these social events. Each month or so Foyer groups gather in homes to share a meal and fellowship. It

THE WAY OF LOVE


Parish News

is an easy and enjoyable way to get to know others at St. Matthew’s. I can say that some of the most interesting conversations I’ve had in my last four years here have happened at Foyer dinners Dana and I have attended. Our Foyer ministry knits together our diverse community and provides its participants with a graceful way to engage in the life of this spiritual congregation.

Lastly, the “Way of Love” includes the practice “Go: Cross boundaries, listen deeply and live like Jesus”. This is relatively self -explanatory. The idea is that many of us truly learn about how to know Christ in serving others, particularly those in need. At our upcoming St. Matthew’s Day celebration on Sunday, Sept. 22 we will pass out “Opportunities for Involvement in Outreach Ministry.” Members of our Outreach Commission prepared this complete document as an easy guide to getting involved with an appropriate service opportunity. Please take a look at it and see if God isn’t calling you to serve in a specific and life giving way in the year to come.

Every one of us benefits by incorporating rituals and practices into our lives that draw us neared to God. My prayer this fall is that you will find ways to order your daily and weekly schedule so that you are fed with productive and energizing opportunities to know and serve God.

In Christ,Bruce

Parishioners enjoyed each others’ company at many Foyer Dinner groups last Spring.

St. Matthew’s Parish School’s Head of School, Edward Kim, named President of the National Association of Episcopal Schools

The Parish of St. Matthew is pleased to report that Edward Kim, Head of School at the Parish School, has been appointed to a two-year term as president of the National Association of Episcopal Schools. The NAES Governing Board provides strategic direction for and oversight of the Association’s mission, ministry, and work. The Board, which is self-electing, is comprised of school leaders, clergy, and friends from throughout the community of Episcopal schools. The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church is the honorary chair of the board.

Congratulations to Mr. Kim and to NAES.


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PRISM PICNIC

Dozens of volunteers from the St. Matthew’s community welcomed guests from Outreach Partner, PRISM Re-storative Justice, earlier this month for a day of fun and relaxation on our campus. Prism is an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and advocates for positive change in the system of mass incarceration. Families of those who have been incarcerated enjoyed a special day of food, fun, swimming and games at St. Matthew’s and took home some necessities provided by the Thrift Shop.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who made the day special for so many.


Outreach OpportunitiesUpcoming Outreach Opportunities

Many outreach events benefitting St. Matthew’s hard-working Outreach Partners are just around the corner! Want to get in-volved but don’t see something here that’s right for you? Check out a full calendar of upcoming Outreach Opportunities online now.

September 24: SPY DinnerSt. Matthew’s provides dinners for 65-75 homeless young people on the 4th Tuesday of each month. To learn how you can help, contact Kathy Bitting ([email protected]).

September 29: Hollygrove/Uplift Family Services School Supply Drive - September 29

Long-time outreach partner Hollygrove/Uplift serves local at-risk children and families, most of whom are expriencing trauma. More than100 children are in desperate need of all kinds of school supplies: backpacks, pencils, peens, highlighters, binders, paper, etc. Please bring your donations on September 29 and drop in the marked basket. Questions? Call Heather Jones (310-259-7720).

October 19: Uplift Family Services Norma Jean Gala Honoring St. Matthew’s!

Uplift Family Service’s annual Norma Jean Gala will be held at the historic Hollygrove campus in Los Angeles, with dinner and silent auction presented by Master of Ceremonies Colin Hanks. This year, the Parish of St. Matthew is being honored with its Ambassador of Children Award!Click now to learn more.

October 19: PRISM Restorative Justice Annual Dinner

Want to support our Outreach Partners but live closer to San Gabriel? PRISM’s annual dinner will feature a presentation by Javier Stauring of Healing Dialogue and Action. Proceeds from the suggested donation of $50 benefit PRISM’s work engaging in spiritual care with the incarcerated community in the Los Angeles County jails. Please see the event flyer following our Upcoming Events page.

October 27: Flower Collection and Blessing

St. Matthew’s Parish and Corpus Christi Church are providing 50 centerpieces for the Annual Westside Hunger and Shelter Coalition’s Success Breakfast on October 30th. All flowers will be given to formerly homeless people who have transitioned into housing and employment.

Do you have flowers in your garden you’d like to donate for these centerpieces? Or flowers you’d like to purchase for this project? Bring your flowers to church on Sunday, October 27th. We will bless them, and create bouquets out of them! Want to help make the arrangements on Oct. 29th? Please contact Jocelyn Cortese 310-454-1424.


Each year, Sprague Center is trans-formed into the annual Christmas Faire in support of St. Matthew’s

deserving Outreach Partners. Right: Anna Hurst and Heather Hilterbrand-

Marble decorate the tree at a previous year’s Faire.

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Plans underway for Christmas Faire 2019 Coming November 22

The Parish of St. Matthew invites the entire Pacific Palisades community to join us for a Friday evening filled with frivolity, friendship and great finds for everyone on your Christmas list at the 28th Annual Christmas Faire on Friday, November 22, 2019 from 6pm-9pm in Sprague Auditorium.

Shop for all those on your list – and maybe a little treasure for yourself – at the Silent Auction which will feature tickets to various sporting events, hotel getaways, treatments from top estheticians and toys for kids of all ages. It’s a win-win; get and give simultaneously.

This year’s Faire theme is “The Spirit of Giving” because, as 2 Corinthians 9:8 instructs, “God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance...that you may share abundantly. As always, all of the net proceeds from the evening are donated to the church’s Outreach Partners – providing essential funds for organizations who help those amongst us who are in need.

The six Christmas Faire co-chairs have deep ties to St. Matthew’s and the Palisades. Whitney Cale Brejcha will serve as the event co-chair with Lauren Aspell Adler, Whitney Campeau and Kristin Ellis. Brooke Toeller Kathrein, and Kristin Quinn Canon will serve as auction co-chairs. Palisadian natives, and Parish School alumni Brejcha, Kathrein and Canon, “are honored to carry the tradition they remember fondly forward.”

If you would like to help with any aspect of Christmas Faire - by planning, staffing, decorating, baking, crafting, soliciting auction items, underwriting or just want to learn more - please join us at our kick off meeting in Founders Living Room on September 25 at 8:30am. We will provide the coffee and look forward to sharing in The Spirit of Giving together!


Upcoming EventsMark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Events

September

September 22: St. Matthew’s Day

Don’t miss our annual parish picnic with food and fun for all ages! Follow the crowd to the Meadow after the 10:15am service for hamburgers and hot dogs, chili, salads, desserts and plenty of games for the kids. $11 adults and $6 children.

September 25 at 8:30am: Christmas Faire Planning Meeting

Join us in Founders Living Room to get involved in this year’s Christmas Faire (com-ing on Nov. 22). For more information email [email protected].

September 29: Guest Preacher Josephine Hicks

Don’t miss hearing Josephine Hicks of Episcopal Relief & Development when she visits St. Matthew’s to learn about ERD and its One Thousand Days of Love campaign.

September 29 at 6:00pm: Foyer Dinner Parties: Kick-Off!

Connect with other parishioners in these relaxed and friendly dinner parties, which meet periodically through the year. To join a group, just complete the form on our website (www.stmatthews.com) and mark your calendar for the kick-off dinner on Sept. 29 in the Parish Center.

September 30: Centering Prayer at 7:30pmWhy not take some time out of your

busy week for a bit of spiritual support? Come to the chapel for Centering Prayer on Mondays at 7:30pm.

OctoberOctober 1: Emmaus Groups begin

Sign ups are underway for our small group program at St. Matthew’s! Contact us now to find a group that’s right for you ([email protected]).

October 3 at Noon: Saints Alive - Lebanon: A State Without a State

Our monthly speaker series luncheon kicks off its 2019-2020 season with Lebanon: A State Without a State by Sima Ghaddar whose profound knowledge of the politics of the Arab World - and Lebanon in particular - is sure to impress. Buy your $15 tickets on the patio, through the parish office or online (www.stmatthews.com) or choose a full season package for only $80.

October 4 at 8:00pm: Music Guild Season Opener: Pogossian Plays Max Bruch

Armenian-born Movses Pogossian took the violin world by storm winning the Tchaikovsky International Competition at the age of 20. Get your tickets now (www.musicguildonline.org) to hear him at the Music Guild’s first concert this season.

OCTOBER 5 and First Saturdays: Pray The Rosary at 8:30am

Praying the rosary is a lovely and contemplative spiritual practice, which takes about 20 minutes. For more info, contact Anne Jaskoski ([email protected]).

OCTOBER 6: Blessing of the Animals at 4pm

St. Francis Day is around the corner! Come for our annual Blessing of the Animals on the Meadow above the parking lot and bring your pets of any shape or size. (Just be sure that they are properly leashed or crated for safe interaction with all.)

October 13: Evensong at 4pmEvensong is a lovely musical service

of prayer and contemplation ~ perfect for your Sunday afternoon!

October 20: Newcomer Cafe!

Do you or someone you know want to know more about the St. Matthew’s community? Come after Sunday Services for our Newcomer Cafe to learn more!


Tickets will be on sale on the Church Patio beginning Sept. 22!


World Class MusicClose

to Home

2019-2020 Season


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19th6PM – 9PM

Javier is a founding member of Healing Dialogue and Action who has spent his entire career accompanying young people in the juvenile justice system, survivors of crime, and families of both. Javier has received international recognition for his life’s work, including commendation by World’s Children’s Prize in Sweden for his advocacy work with incarcerated youth and victims of crime. He is also the �rst United States citizen to receive the international award from Human Right Watch. He facilitated two dialogues for the recent CNN documentary series The Redemption Project.

BUILDING BELOVED COMMUNITYA Vison of Unity

Javier Stauring & Guestswith

Healing Dialogue and Action brings together people wounded by violence and broken criminal justice systems. We share our stories and listen deeply with open hearts. We respond with compassion and accompany each other in healing the harm caused by violent crime. We work together to change the criminal justice system so it is one that respects and o�ers an opportunity for transformation for victims, o�enders, and families. We are creating a world free from violence.

DOING JUSTICE · LOVING MERCY · WALKING HUMBLY

Church of Our Saviour535 West Roses Road, San Gabriel

WINE RECEPTION · DINNERSuggested donation $50

Proceeds bene�t our work in the jails.· For more info or to purchase tickets call 626.7034474 or visit prismjustice.org ·


Episcopal Relief and Development Continuing to Respond to Hurricane Dorian

In collaboration with the Anglican Alliance, Episcopal Relief & Development, is continuing to support the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas & the Turks and Caicos in a response to Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas.

Episcopal Relief & Development staff is in regular contact with the Rt. Rev. Laish Z. Boyd and diocesan staff to provide sup-port as they assess the needs of impacted communities and begin to respond. The diocese is in the process of hiring an Emergency Officer who will be able to lead relief and recovery efforts. In the meantime, Bishop Boyd visited Abaco and Grand Bahama to see the impact of the storm firsthand. Churches within the diocese are collaborating with the government and local organizations to serve as distribution centers and facilitate feeding centers for impacted communities.

“I am encouraged by the offers of assistance and support that have been shown by our partners in the United States and the Caribbean towards relief and recovery in the Bahamas,” said Nagulan Nesiah, Senior Program Officer, Disaster Response and Risk Reduction for Episcopal Relief & Development. “As needs become clear, we will continue to support the Bahamian com-munity towards long-term recovery.”

Episcopal Relief & Development continues to monitor the paths of developing tropical storms and hurricanes. Donations to the Hurricane Relief Fund will help Church partners respond to Hurricane Dorian and other storms in the most efficient way possible. Please continue to pray for the individuals and families affected by this crisis. Church bulletin inserts can be found here

For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.

Don’t miss hearing Josephine Hicks, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Vice President for Episcopal Church Programs, when she visits St. Matthew’s on September 29. She will also be available in the music room after each service for a brief discussion about ERD and its One Thousand Days of Love campaign.


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RDial 310/573-7787, then the extension

The Rev. Bruce A. Freeman, Rector (Ext. 130) [email protected]

The Rev. Christine F. Purcell, Associate Rector (Ext. 129) [email protected]

The Rev. Stefanie G. Wilson, Assistant Priest (Ext. 183) [email protected]

Ms. Missy Morain, Director of Program Ministry; (Ext. 139) [email protected]

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Ms. Lyris Amador, Director of Administration (Ext. 180) [email protected]

Ms. Andrea Bostick, Director of Development (Ext. 182) [email protected]

Mr. Josh Castellanos, Facilities Coordinator (Ext. 175) [email protected]

Mr. Craig Ehlers, Chief Financial Officer (Ext. 126) [email protected]

Mr. Greg Heidt, Director of Facilities and Opera-tions (ext. 108) [email protected]

Ms. Jennifer McCarthy, Director of Communica-tions (Ext. 128) [email protected]

Mr. Dwayne Milburn, Director of Music (Ext. 179) [email protected]

Mr. Jeremias Mendez, Special Projects Manager (Ext. 133) [email protected]

Dr. Haesung Park, Parish Organist, [email protected]

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The Rev. Kristin Barberia, School Chaplain (Ext. 125) [email protected]

Mr. Edward Kim, SMPS Head of School (Ext. 146) [email protected]

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a Christian community, and

Welcome all, wherever they are in their journey,

Nourish all who seek unity with God and each other in Christ, and

Serve all, striving to do Christ’s work in the world.

Sundays

8:00 am The Holy Eucharist

(with infant and toddler care available)

10:15 am Choral Eucharist

(with infant and toddler care available)

Mondays7:30 pm Centering Prayer

Wednesdays

10:00 am The Holy Eucharist

Staff Directory

Weekly Services

Requests for Prayers

Please pray for Julie Greissinger, Allison Holmes, Mar Jennings, Steve Kerr, Carol Lan-ning, Tracy, Sam Hill, Robyn, Randy, Art, Christie, Anita Tilley Murdoch, Lila Jean and Harper Rose, Sean Mitchell, Ellen Baker, Eliza-beth Barabas, James Dameris, Bryant Reese, Lee and Ray, Elizabeth, Isabel, Sherry, June, Mark, Alan, Barbara Lynn, Mary Ann Heidt, Pam McGranahan, Loretta, Riley, Courtney, Andrew, Tom and Michael.

We also remember those who have died in the hope of Christ’s resurrection: Dick Van Duzer.

Please know that in addition to your praying for these persons, they are prayed for regularly throughout the week by clergy and by members of our Intercessory Prayer Group.

If you would like to add, keep, or remove someone from this list, please call The Rev. Christine Purcell at 310/573-7787, ext. 129. Prayer requests will automatically be kept on the list for one month only.

the way of love epistle - the parish of st. matthe · top estheticians and toys for kids of all...

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