Saint Andrew and Saint Charles Episcopal Church - Choral Christmas Eve - Granada Hills, LA

What a distinctive wonderful church.  Despite the shingle architecture when we were welcomed early, several men and women were rushing about with pails and mops to address the roofs leaks following the deluges of the last couple of days. The church was definitely an ark.  It reminded me that as a child my father had fixed our Trinity Baptist roof on his weekends , volunteering his service as much for mom as for the community.   I regret how smart and clever I felt lecturing at the university onlyolder realizing the poetry of parents humble Christian service and love.

I felt good at Saint Andrew and Saint Charles Church, that sense I get when I am on hallowed ground.. This church was a marriage Episcopalian St. Andrew’s and  Methodist St. Charles Church sacramentally born in the mid 1950’s and flourishing today, as a spiritual centre.  Laura, my Catholic grandmother partner felt at home too.  Everyone was friendly.

The music was ethereal. The choir and musicians would be called ‘professional’ in other circles .The quality of sound as worthy of the grace bestowed.  No politics. No distractions.  Christmas Eve, the birth,and meaning of God born man and reborn again and again.  Songs I learned as a child “Come all ye Faithful’  ‘Born In a manger’. “Little Town of Bethlehem ‘Silent night’.  Candles and prayers together.  The Nicene creed recited .  Families joined and gathered and shared the peace.  We loved seeing these well groomed children and young adults all participating with their parents in sacred ancient rites.  Laura and I felt special as guests joining this ‘home’ and participating in the sacramental meal.  The Sermon was deeply moving and hopeful. The presence of Christ Jesus reborn this day and always.  God within. Do not be afraid.  We are no alone. 

At the end we walked out into the darkness feeling some of the light and warmth of St. Andrew and St Charles Episcopal Church came with us.

Thank you for making Christmas Eve 2025 moving and memorable for us.  

We drove back to the Hollywood RV Park where we are staying in the motorhome I drove down from Canada leaving our community Burnaby church St. Barnabus Episcopal there and so glad to have found a welcoming community here.