By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Parish of Saint Matthew annual Stern Lecture—which will take place in three sessions on March 1 and 2—will feature lecturer Debie Thomas, an author and speaker.

“Thomas is a sought-after speaker on scripture, faith, writing and spiritual practice who holds a master’s degree in English literature from Brown University and an MFA in creative writing from the Ohio State University,” according to a press release from St. Matthew’s. “She currently serves as Minister of Lifelong Formation at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto, California. A columnist and contributing editor for The Christian Century and author of ‘Into the Mess and Other Jesus Stories,’ Thomas has also been published in The Kenyon Review and River Teeth.”

Each year, the Stern Lecture features talks on spirituality. This year’s series will cover content from Thomas’ upcoming book, “A Faith of Many Rooms.”

The first session—“Into the Wilderness: On the Virtues of Lostness”—will take place on Friday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. followed by the second session, March 2 at 9 a.m., on “Beyond Belief: Living a Stories Christianity.” The third session—“But What About Sin? Inhabiting a More Spacious Salvation”—will take place March 2 at 10:30 a.m.

There will be a short break between sessions two and three, as well as a light lunch offered after the sessions at 12 p.m.

“The Stern Lecture was established in 1986 by Dr. W. Eugene Stern in memory of his wife, Libby Naffziger Stern, and is dedicated to bringing international scholars to The Parish of St. Matthew for lectures and preaching opportunities,” according to the press release.

Thomas will also serve as guest preacher during the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services on March 3.

The talks are free to attend, but registering in advance at stmatthews.com is required.

Stern Lecture 2024 will take place at The Parish of St. Matthew, located at 1031 Bienveneda Avenue.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283 will host a “pivotal” event dedicated to women veterans: “Challenges & Opportunities” Women Veterans Forum on Saturday, March 2.

The event will feature keynote speaker Virginia Wimmer, deputy secretary of women veterans affairs at the California Department of Veterans Affairs, and retired U.S. Army Major Ranee Rubio as emcee.

“Participants will have the opportunity to connect with professionals and get their questions answered on medical care, employment, educational opportunities and various other veteran benefits, including a one-year free membership to the American Legion for those eligible,” according to American Legion.

Slated to be a day of “empowerment, insight and community support,” community members are encouraged to attend, visit the vendor booths that support women veteran interests, win raffle prizes and enjoy an activity area designed for children by the Mindful Veteran Project.

A complimentary lunch will also be provided to all attendees. Doors will open at 10 a.m.

“Be part of this inspiring gathering that celebrates the courage, service and achievements of women veterans,” according to American Legion.

Due to limited seating, interested participants are asked to register at bit.ly/women-vets-2024.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

St. Matthew’s Music Guild’s 39th season will continue on March 8 with a concert featuring the Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s and violinist Hye-Jin Kim.

“Kim will be heard in the lyrical ‘Violin Concerto’ by Gian-Carlo Menotti,” read a press release. “The world-premiere of ‘Tamit and Moar’ by New York composer and saxophonist Ethan Helm and music of Florence Price (‘Andante moderato’ from ‘String Quartet in G major’) fill out the program.”

Kim’s career includes work as a soloist, recitalist, educator and chamber musician, beginning with her First Prize win at the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition at the age of 19. She is known for her “musical sensitivity” and “deeply engaging performances that transport audiences beyond mere technical virtuosity,” according to the press release.

Kim has performed with orchestras across the globe, including Philadelphia, BBC, Seoul, Hong Kong and Hannover Chamber orchestras.

Helm—born in Southern California—works in contemporary jazz, classical and musical theatre genres. “Tamit and Moar” was written to honor two central deities: “Grandfather Sun” and “Grandmother Moon,” central to Tongva creation myths.

“Tamit is joyful, adventurous and sunny, while Moar darkens the landscape with long shadows,” Heml wrote. “Straddling and connecting both personalities is the soprano saxophone soloist whose passages are sometimes notated, sometimes improvised—part storyteller, part wanderer. The creation myths are hundreds of years old but are inspired by the same Southern California landscape that fills my childhood memories: hills, ocean, desert critters, chaparral … ”

A free pre-concert lecture by Music Guild President Tom Neenan will begin at 7:10 p.m., followed by the concert at 8 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, located at 1031 Bienveneda Avenue.

Tickets start at $45 or are available as part of a season pass. For more information or to buy tickets, visit musicguildonline.org.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The deadline is approaching for the Palisadian-Post’s 2024 Travel Tales Contest, which will run in an upcoming edition.

Readers are encouraged to share their tales—whether they traveled near or far—in up to 600 words, plus one to four high-res images, for consideration by Friday, March 8, at 6 p.m. for a chance to be featured in print and to win a prize.

Past Travel Tales have included stories about visits to Peru, Greece, Botswana and beyond.

Submissions may be sent to mypost@palipost.com, which is also where questions can be directed.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Palisades Branch Library will host “Sow Seeds for Spring” on Saturday, March 2, at 12 p.m.—a health and wellness event designed for teenagers and adults.

“Come spend an afternoon learning all about sowing seeds for veggies, herbs and flowers with Emi Carvell,” read an announcement.

Carvell has spent years in the community working as a master gardener, previously hosting a Succulent Container Garden Workshop.

According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources department, a master gardener is a local resident who is certified by the University of California after completing a training course and passing a final examination.

“Master Gardeners help the community,” according to the University of California. “They share their UC-based knowledge with the public to promote environmentally responsible horticultural practices. Master Gardeners … attend demonstrations, publish newsletters and continue their gardening education.”

All supplies for the Sow Seeds for Spring event will be provided, but space is limited. It is suggested that interested individuals RSVP to Carvell at oneiemi3@gmail.com.