Hands Around the Lake

As mentioned in the Mar 2002 issue of the HTSB Messenger, many members of our parish had the privilege of attending the Hands Around the Lake event in at the diocesan center in Echo Park.  To read more about this event and the associated "Hands in Healing" convocations in various areas in coming months, please visit the LA diocesan web site and/or the Episcopal News web site.

Hazel Reads Lesson before Jon Bruno speaks to crowd Our very own Hazel Danggoec did one of the readings during the short service before Bishop J Jon Burno speaks to crowd after being seated as the 6th Bishop of diocese of Los Angeles, Feb 9 in Echo Park.
Someone commented before the service that it would be the shortest service in Anglican history. We have no way to know for sure if it really was but the idea was received with lots of enthusiasm from the crowd.  

The speeches that followed reminded us of all the work that needs to be done and encouraged us to get involved to stop the violence in our communities particularly among youth.  We heard not only from Bishop Bruno but police chief Bernard Parks, and LA City Councilman Eric Garcetti.  I am sure we will hear more about the Hands in Healing program in the coming months. There are also a number of follow up convocations coming to various areas.  See Diocesan Web site for more details.  Tustin Mar 16 and LA County April 6 are probably the locations most relevant to our parish.  
Jon Bruno with Charlene Uncle Bruno with Charlene after
the service and speech.

After the service and speech the crowd attempted to join hands around the lake.  This took much longer than the service as the lake is quite large, at least by some standards. Perhaps I should call it a large pond. Some of us walked all the way around the lake, I would guess a little less than a mile walk. We stretched our arms as far as we could and linked finger tips.  Others were less flexible and gathered in bunches that could have easily been stretched to fill the gaps.  We could easily here Bishop Bruno clear on the other side of the lake encouraging us to spread out. Facilitators were working hard to work there way around the lake and encourage everyone to spread out but I am sorry to say we did not quite make a completely linked chain of joined hands. We did however come very close.

Although perhaps we fell short physically, spiritually and symbolically we were successful in standing for peace.  With God's help, peace will win!

Reflections and thoughts on the event from some of our youth

Below are some thoughts about from some of our youth about the hands around the lake event. 
Summary by Daphne Some thoughts from Daphne

 
Crystle's picture Drawing done by Crystle

 
Hazel's Notes  Some thoughts from Hazel

 
Kimberlys's Notes  Some thoughts from Kimberly

 
Erin Charlene Jennea Erin, Charlene and Jennea on a walk around the lake.

 

 

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