Blessing the AIDS quilt

On Saturday, Dean Penny went to South Bay Pride and blessed the AIDS quilt Loving God, you created us to be in relationship and to care for one another. As we view this quilt today, we ask you to open our hearts to the loving relationships that are recorded and reflected in the craftsmanship and … READ MORE…

In thanks for a multitude of blessings

On Saturday the 26th, Lisa Churchill and Susan Forsburg reaffirmed their wedding vows as their marriage was blessed at St Paul’s. These are Lisa’s thoughts, on the morning after. Photo courtesy of Hannah Wilder. Here this morning after our Blessing, I feel calm and complete. I have my wife, my cat, my aunt, my knitting—all … READ MORE…

A Fearsome Blessing: The Words of Creation

“May I now present to you Hannah and Kathy Wilder!” Kathy and I were married five weeks ago at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Our ceremony began in the late afternoon, timed so the evening light would shine softly through the stained glass windows. It was a busy day, full of appointments and preparations. Luckily, I found … READ MORE…

Blessing of the animals

Newcomers to St Paul’s must have been surprised on Sunday when they found the pews filled not only with people, but with pets! Other churches may welcome the animals to the outside, but not many actually bring them in to the church itself. But we do! Lots of dogs, from Great Dane down to the … READ MORE…

Evangelizing over dessert

The Rev. Susan Russell of All Saints, Pasadena, is a member of a task force for the Standing Committee for Liturgy and Music (SCLM) that is working on how to implement resolution CO56, to “collect and develop” resources for the blessings of same sex unions. Writing on her blog, she tells us about the task … READ MORE…

Sermon: a Martha and Mary Moment

This is the text of the sermon by The Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas, 18 July 2010 Today‘s Gospel reading from Luke tends to make women feel uncomfortable. Because there really aren’t that many stories about women in scripture, we tend to pay close attention to those that do, but this one cuts a little close … READ MORE…

Pride weekend

Merriam Webster defines the word gay as meaning, “keenly alive and exuberant : having or inducing high spirits “. In this regard, Pride weekend was a great success in more ways than we might have imagined. Friday night, a contingent representing St Paul’s, led by the Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas, attended the Pride opening rally … READ MORE…

Same Sex Blessings in San Diego

As your Integrity representative for the Diocese of San Diego, I want to share some wonderful news. This past week, Bishop Mathes has authorized the clergy of the diocese to begin blessing same-sex unions. This is a great step forward, one to celebrate. For those who may not have been in this struggle as long … READ MORE…