Mailbag: Church persists in faith, if not in a building
On July 5, I attended the “sidewalk” service of St. James the Great in Lido Park. What an amazing experience.
Despite being locked out of their place of worship by the Diocese of Los Angeles, the congregation came together in faith, song and prayer to support their vicar, the Rev. Cindy Voorhees, and her message of hope and perseverance.
While I had read that the service was being held in the park as a “protest” to the lockout, what I saw anything but the kind of protest that is popular today. No one yelled, screamed or used force.
Instead, these folks respectfully stood up for themselves and what they believe is right, to save their historic church and preserve their congregation. They kept their heads and spirits high.
Truly amazing was their sense of community. Since the congregation cannot access their building, they had to make do with whatever they received as donations.
The large holy alter was replaced by a folding table, the pews became pop-up beach chairs and the traditional golden candlesticks transformed to tiki torches. Members of the choir sang their hearts out, and the Fire Department even rang a siren. It was a very clever and authentic open-air church experience.
Bravo, St. James the Great, you kept on keeping on!
The service showed me what true faith is about — holding on in the face of adversity, sticking together when the going gets rough, and being a good neighbor in your community. This was without question, the most positive ‘protest’ I have ever attended.
Looking forward to this coming week’s service.
Carol Colesworthy
Newport Beach
*
Townhome presentation gave both sides
I attended the June 15 town hall meeting about St. James the Great Episcopal Church as an interested nonmember.
Parishioner Bill Kroener (“Mailbag: St. James the Great should remain a church,” June 22) is incorrect when he writes that “much of the city’s presentation was dedicated to the process by which Legacy Partners Residential, developer of the proposed luxury town-house project, could undo the protections afforded the church with its sanctuary zoning and convert the space to residential/commercial.”
Quite the contrary. Mayor Pro Tem Diane Dixon and Community Development Director Kim Brandt are to be congratulated for giving an unbiased, factual explanation of the process should the sale of the property close.
The excellent article in the same issue, “Judge says St. James sale may proceed,” will inform readers further.
Tom Staple
Newport Beach
*
CDM fireworks were thrilling
What a lovely surprise on July Fourth to see the Caruso fireworks display for Corona del Mar residents. Just wanted to thank the Caruso party for giving us such a spectacular treat!
Dan and Pat Salceda
Corona del Mar