Hymnapalooza... Sunday August 28 9:30 a.m: Time again to choose hymns for the next few week's services. What's your favorite tune? Join us.

Double the Music... An extremely generous anonymous donor has created St. Martha's "Special Music Fund" and is doubling all contributions. By contributing, you'll be helping to enrich our music programs; instruments and music for the Youth Chorale, new hymnals, music memberships and even a piano (our organ will always remain our primary instrument in the church). Donate by writing "Special Music Fund" on the memo line of your check. Let's all take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

Blue Bayou on the Patio... Saturday August 20 8:00 p.m: Late pot-luck and game night under the stars. Bring a dish or two to share, drinks (heck, bring your own tableware too) and your favorite board game or two and enjoy St. Martha's late night "Blue Bayou on the Patio" supper. Eric Mandeson will be decorating, so you can be sure it'll be way overboard.

Pennies for Heaven... Sunday August 14: 277 feet (some $50) has been deposited to the ECW's "Mile of Pennies" account. A big thanks to everyone (especially to Lorraine Salem and the Smiths for sharing their hordes). Let's keep filling the ECW's penny donation jar, which usually sits on the coffee service table after the 10:00 a.m. service.

La Santa Eucarist�a... Sunday August 7th 2005 Noon: St. Martha's Episcopal Church inaugurates a weekly Holy Eucharist service in Spanish (La Santa Eucarist�a). Celebrating will be The Rev. Alexandra Conrads, vicar of St. Martha's Episcopal Church.

Every Sunday, St. Martha's celebrates a quiet and contemplative Rite I spoken service at 8:00 a.m. and a warm and engaging Rite II service with service music and hymns at 10:00 a.m. "We believe that the introduction of a Spanish language service will be a rich and vibrant addition to our parish. Come join us on this joyous day..." says Jose Alvarez, St. Martha's Newcomer Incorporation and Stewardship Ministry Development Team member.

St. Martha's Youth Chorale... Join St. Martha's new youth vocal and instrumental group, now meeting every Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. service. They'll be singing the anthem during the 10:00 a.m. service the first Sunday of every month beginning Sept. 4th. You won't want your children to miss out on this joyous new, parish-supported, opportunity.

Bishop Bruno Commends Muslim Statement Against Terrorism to Dioces... The Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles, has asked that the following release from the National Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) (CAIR maintains a local office in Anaheim) be provided to the clergy and laity of the diocese...

"WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/28/05 - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today offered its support for a fatwa, or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and extremism issued by the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) and endorsed by more than 120 U.S. Muslim groups, leaders and institutions. (The term "fiqh" refers to Islamic jurisprudence.)

"The fatwa, released during a news conference this morning at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., states in part:

"Islam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives. There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism. Targeting civilians' life and property through suicide bombings or any other method of attack is haram - or forbidden - and those who commit these barbaric acts are criminals, not 'martyrs'. . .In the light of the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah we clearly and strongly state: 1. All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are haram (forbidden) in Islam. 2. It is haram for a Muslim to cooperate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence. 3. It is the civic and religious duty of Muslims to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to protect the lives of all civilians. We issue this fatwa following the guidance of our scripture, the Qur'an, and the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him." (Full text is below.)

"In a statement read at the news conference, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said: "United, we can confront the terrorists and frustrate their goal of sparking an apocalyptic war between faiths and civilizations. . .The presence here today of American Muslim leaders indicates the willingness of our community to strengthen national security and to work with policy-makers to gain victory over this international menace to humanity." CAIR urged that the fatwa be read by Imams, or Islamic prayer leaders, at Friday prayers across the United States."

Full text of statement is available at http://www.cair-net.org/

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