Weekly Update | September 3, 2023
During the month of September, St. John’s Cathedral will celebrate the Season of Creation beginning on Labor Day Weekend and ending on October 1st, with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. This month of remembrance worldwide is an invitation to be more mindful of the beautiful planet on which we live, the waters and streams that give life, the air we breathe, and all creatures great and small, so to protect all that is sacred. Believing in science, and the presence of God in the midst of it all, we are called to be faithful stewards of the world we co-create. This year the theme is “Let Justice and Peace Flow” from the writings of Prophet Amos (Amos 5:24). We have a full month of joyful celebrations at St. John’s, and I pray we will take heart of God’s call to us.
On the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, we welcome home The Rev. Dr. Glenn Libby from his travels, and Deacon Margaret H. McCauley will preach at both services.
But as I write late at night, or wake early in the morning, I hear drums, sirens, voices, chants and the cries of hotel workers in Downtown LA on strike since July 1st. This strike represents 30k workers, and is the largest hotel strike in US history. Workers are having to demand a contract with living wages, pensions, healthcare, fair workloads and union growth. Other gifted workers remain on strike too – members of the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers; and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio artists.
On this Labor Day Weekend, let us remember the social and economic achievements of all who contribute to the common good of society; as well as the labor unions who stand with workers for fair rights and wages and for safe work conditions required for everyone to prosper and grow in strength. Anyone wishing to know more about efforts for economic and social justice, please contact Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice at cluejustice.org.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 824)
Much love and blessings,
Anne Sawyer
Interim Dean & Priest-in-Charge
