Un Encuentro de Oración y Alabanza

I wandered over to the Cathedral Center on Sunday, February 19th after my visitation to St. Cross in Hermosa Beach. It was worth the trip -- I was able to be with members of many of our Spanish-speaking congregations as they began an afternoon of prayer and singing. Lead by Canon Rene Barraza and Fr. Roberto Martinez, the prayers were comforting and the music uplifting!

People jumped to their feet to sing -- the large band (above) with their wonderful voices lead us in song.

Although I could only stay for one hour, I was grateful for this time with everyone. I was able to see (and hug) people I haven't seen for a few months -- and to see some of the graduates of the Instituto de Liderazgo.

I think the next time one of these events is organized, I'm going to wander over there again -- this time clearing my calendar so I can spend the entire evening with them -- what an amazing, spirit-filled gathering!

Ship Shape

I wandered over to St. Gabriel's in Monterey Park for the EAM (Episcopal Asian Ministry) Executive Committee meeting. Fr. Lo, the Rector of St. Gabriel's, is gracious and kind to host the group.

I noticed as I drove in the new church sign. "Bishop Bruno is coming, so we wanted everything to look ship shape, so we purchased a new church sign." He was so proud. I had to take a picture of it before I left to go -- well, I went with the EAM Executive Committee and Fr. Lo for a wonderful dim sum lunch in Monterey Park.

As I am getting acquainted with various parishes on my weekly visitations, I'm always amazed at the lengths people go to in order to welcome "the Bishop". I remember as a rector I always had a "spruce Saturday" before a Bishop visitation -- making sure everything was "ship shape" -- and shiny.

What if the same effort was put into EVERY Sunday, so that a visitor -- who is, in my mind, more important than a Bishop walked away saying -- well done! Hmmmm. I wonder.