Weekly Update | November 10, 2024
Red was the color we were asked to wear in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women at the Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, which begins today in Riverside California. Sounds silly, but it meant shopping for a new red blazer. Indeed, red blazers are popular right now.
There was a sea of red stretching from the east coast to the west on election night. Some might say the beating heart of America. But I confess to feeling a bit blue about it all. For despite political differences, the people of these United States are siblings and we are not only called, Jesus commands us to love one another as we are loved.
Despite a sea of difference among civic leaders, Jesus was political in his opposition to ways of life that separate us from the love of God. “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s,” he proclaimed. The question at hand is not what divides us, but rather what unites us as people of God? How are we being called to love our neighbors in word and action; and who is our neighbor? What is God’s dream (vision) for us?
These are the very questions and the work of the Vestry of St. John’s Cathedral for nearly five months, long before the election, as people of faith. How is God calling the good people of this Cathedral as we begin a second century in this beautiful church home?
I am honored to share the collective and bold Mission, Vision and Values of your Vestry on behalf of St. John’s Cathedral.
Mission – How God is calling the people of St. John’s in word and action?
St. John’s Cathedral seeks to be a community of the new covenant and the body of Christ in the
world today by:
- Extending radical hospitality welcoming all people regardless of differences or where one is on their journey of faith.
- Celebrating God through traditional and diverse forms of liturgy, music, and worship.
- Glorifying God through abundant generosity, wise use of resources, and inspired service to others.
- Boldy stewarding the living legacy entrusted to us.
- · Seeking peace, justice, and reconciliation for our neighbors as ourselves.
Vision – What might happen as a result of living into God’s call to us (our mission):
- St. John’s Cathedral will reflect the brilliant light of Christ in the heart of Los Angeles for
the Episcopal Diocese and beyond.
Values – the beliefs that guide our work and ministry, with reference from Holy Scripture:
Inclusiveness
- I John 4:7-8: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who
loves is born of God and knows God.”
Welcoming
- Matthew 25:31-40: “I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me
drink. I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.”
Community
- Ephesians 4:11-20 “He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.”
Diversity
- Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
On November 17th, you are invited to meet with vestry members to share your thoughts and ideas about the newly proposed Mission, Vision and Values of St. John’s Cathedral. The Vestry will consider and incorporate ideas that resonate with the parish and its leaders. Then, these guiding principles will be adopted as the path forward, and they will be included in the parish profile. Please join your vestry in this discernment process of God’s call of us.
May we be united as the people of God across political difference or any human construct that divide us. May we celebrate the diversity that exists within and beyond this family, welcome and include those who are similar and different from the people who gather here. May we as a community of faith proclaim God’s love to everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our city, nation and world; and may the light of Christ shine brightly through us.
With love and blessings,
Anne
