January 8, 2025
Last updated: Wednesday, Jan. 10, 1:30 pm
Greetings St. James’ Family —
I’m writing today in the hope that you are well and to let you know that the church is praying for you as we make our way through this tragedy.
So much of the area has been hit by the wildfires that it is hard to assess, let alone get one’s head around, the devastation. Everyone has been affected in some way, some dramatically. Homes, businesses, and jobs have been lost. Some are still waiting to hear about their residences. Amidst challenging times, we can sense God’s presence even more closely. God’s love covers us and gives us true peace, when life is troubled. Christ’s love gives us strength to meet the days ahead and brings us together as a worshiping community.
Ministry continues at St. James’ during the crisis. The St. James’ Community Food Pantry will be held today. We expect larger numbers. Although we have fewer foodstuffs to distribute (there was no Farmers Market yesterday and the Pavilions donations were smaller this week), several folks dropped off donated items to supplement what we do have. I ask that each person or family, if they are able, bring canned food and dry goods for the Food Locker to be blessed at the altar this Sunday.
Tomorrow (Saturday, January 11) at 10 am at St. John’s Cathedral, Mike Mischler will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests. All of Mike’s vestments were lost in the Eaton Fire that destroyed Saint Mark’s, Altadena. St. James’ has donated an alb, cincture, two stoles, holy oils, pyx, and a BCP to be presented to him. We’d like to give him an additional gift of funds to purchase whatever other liturgical items he needs. If you are able to make a donation, please do so to the church, memoing Michael Mischler.
St. James’ has opened the church apartment to a parishioner whose home was lost. I have been contacted by numerous folks, within and outside the parish, who need either temporary or longer-term housing. If you have an ADU or room available, even for a few days, please contact me at the cell phone below.
Sunday, January 12, the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, we will hold services at 8 am and 10:15 am, as usual. At the latter service, we will celebrate the baptism of Emma Gonzalez, newborn daughter of Rob and Sarah Gonzalez. We invite you to attend, as able, to celebrate this wonderful and life-affirming event, when we welcome a new soul to the body of Christ and renew our own baptismal vows. Emma’s baptism is a reminder of the healing and saving power of God’s grace throughout the course of life. For those who cannot attend in-person, the 10:15 am service is live-streamed from our website and can be accessed then and later at our Facebook page.
Again, I wish you all blessings as we come together and work through this time as a loving faith community. Here are some prayers that we will also pray on Sunday:
We pray for all who lost lives in the wildfires around Los Angeles and for the fire fighters and first responders putting themselves in harm's way to secure the safety of God's people. Amen.
For all those who have lost homes, houses of worship, businesses, and jobs. For their families and friends. And for those who have evacuated and await with anxious hearts any news. Amen.
For all vulnerable and homeless in the community, for whom this disaster comes with disproportionate effect. Grant the protection, consolation, and peace that only come from you. Amen.
For all who help in difficult times, and for the vision and faith of all of us to persevere and rebuild the Kingdom of God on earth as in heaven. Amen.
Faithfully,
Fr. Greg+
Greetings St. James’ Family —
I’m writing to you to share some serious news in this time of wildfires. Many church families have been evacuated from their homes by the Eaton Fire and other fires popping up in the area. I’ve been reaching out and hearing from folks who are worried. Our heartfelt prayers go out to them.
We are thankful for the early warnings, the evacuation system, and the first responders keeping us safe. Many are putting their lives on the line to prevent the spread, as their own homes and livelihoods are in jeopardy.
At the time of this writing, much of the area is without power. Right now, power is on at St. James’, although it has gone off intermittently during the night. We have cancelled the St. James’ Parish Day School for Wednesday. Classes for SPUSD are also cancelled for Wednesday. We will evaluate opening for school on a day-by-day basis.
The church is open for prayer and to host folks who are evacuating and need a place to rest and figure out next steps. At this time, the St. James’ apartment (1 bedroom) is available if needed. We have a limited supply of surgical masks to aid with the ash and smoke.
I’ll be here all day and am available via text or phone at 213-220-0241. I’m planning on holding the 6 pm Wednesday Evening Eucharist, but it may be wise to stay off the roads. All other scheduled activities and appointments are cancelled.
Here is a prayer for the families and communities affected by the fires:
Holy and Almighty God, we come to you with open hearts at the time of crisis. Many are evacuating and desperately worried about their wellbeing, that of their neighbours, and their homes. Uphold them by your grace. Watch over them with your love. Protect their lives and their properties in this time of natural disaster. Be with our first responders and their loved ones in their vital work. Grant all of us the strength of mutual support, assisting neighbour as well as sojourner, in prayer and action. All this we ask in your Name, as your are our true hope and consolation. Amen.
Faithfully,
Fr. Greg+
1325 Monterey Road
South Pasadena, CA 91030