TRYING TO RESTORE FRENCH FRIENDSHIPS.Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer ENCINO - Recognizing the controversy over the Iraq war Iraq War: see under Persian Gulf Wars. Iraq War or Second Persian Gulf War Brief conflict in 2003 between Iraq and a combined force of troops largely from the U.S. and Great Britain; and a subsequent U.S. , the congregation of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church Episcopal Church, Anglican church of the United States. Its separate existence as an American ecclesiastical body with its own episcopate began in 1789. Doctrine and Organization will extend a hand of friendship to the people of France as the members present a French Summer Festival beginning Friday. ``Precisely because of the harsh reaction against France regarding the war in Iraq is why I chose the subject,'' said the Rev. James Furman James B. Furman (January 23 1937 - 1989) was an African-American composer and college professor. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of six he began piano studies with his aunt, Permelia Hansbrough. from St. Nicholas Episcopal Church. ``All over L.A. I've seen anti-French bumper stickers and heard that businesses with French names have been attacked. ``It's not all humorous like freedom fries "Freedom fries" was a short-lived[1] name used by some in the United States for French fries, as a result of anti-French sentiment in the United States. During the international debate over the decision to launch the 2003 invasion of Iraq, France expressed strong . It's Franco-phobia.'' The underlying theme of the four-part event, said Furman, is reconciliation. The festival will include the showing and discussion of two films that focus on the French Revolution, a French dinner in Beverly Hills Beverly Hills, city (1990 pop. 31,971), Los Angeles co., S Calif., completely surrounded by the city of Los Angeles; inc. 1914. The largely residential city is home to many motion-picture and television personalities. and a French picnic at the Encino church. ``Out of hundreds of issues that I could address, I decided I can do something about this one,'' Furman said. ``You have to start somewhere to conquer hate and distrust, even if it's little by little.'' Furman contacted the consul general consul general n. pl. consuls general Abbr. CG A consul of the highest rank serving at a principal location and usually responsible for other consular offices within a country. of France in Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. to invite a representative to speak at the picnic Aug. 3. Jean-Luc Sibiude, the consul general, sent regrets due to limited staffing during the summertime. He did commend Furman ``for this outstanding initiative to renew and strengthen our long-lasting friendship between the Americans and the French.'' What are the first things First Things is a monthly ecumenical journal concerned with the creation of a "religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society" (First Things website). that usually come to mind about France? ``I think it depends on the individual person's background. The popular conception is that France has marvelous food, marvelous wine and a haughty haugh·ty adj. haugh·ti·er, haugh·ti·est Scornfully and condescendingly proud. See Synonyms at proud. [From Middle English haut, from Old French haut, halt group of inhabitants
The game is based loosely on the concepts from SameGame. ,'' said Ann Bloxsom, the festival's chairwoman. ``They do have marvelous food and wine, but the last part is absolutely incorrect.'' Bloxsom, who has taught French and visited France in 2001, found the French to be delightful people who appreciated her efforts to speak their language. ``We are a cosmopolitan group at the church. Most of us have traveled, and we appreciate European culture. We love hearing about other countries,'' said Bloxsom, who travels 15 miles each way to attend the church that uses the traditional Rite I Episcopal prayer book. It's a wonderful opportunity for the parishioners to do something as a group, as they also do with a weekly AIDS project, said Bloxsom. She said she does see a spiritual aspect to what Furman called ``a pleasant human interaction.'' ``Learning about other cultures is very much a part of being a Christian,'' Bloxsom said. ``We have only to look at 'love one's neighbor as one's self.''' France symbolizes elegance, grandeur, fine wine, and maybe accordion music, for Furman. ``As a Christian, I feel called upon to promote healing and reconciliation,'' Furman said. ``If the Lord is about reconciliation then certainly his friends and followers must be also.'' The French Summer Festival will begin with a screening of ``The Necklace'' and a discussion at 7:30 p.m. Friday at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 17114 Ventura Blvd., Encino. A French dinner at Brasserie bras·se·rie n. A restaurant serving alcoholic beverages, especially beer, as well as food. [French, from brasser, to malt, brew, from Old French bracier, from Vulgar Latin des Artistes in Beverly Hills is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. July 28. The cost is $35, and reservations are required. ``The English Woman'' will be screened and discussed at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1. ``Picnic in Paris'' with a discussion will be held at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 3. Services are held at 8 and 10 a.m. Sundays. Call (818) 788-4486. Holly Andres, (818) 713-3708 holly.andres(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Ann Bloxsom and the Rev. James Furman of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church in Encino display a French map and stamp reproductions to tie in with the French Summer Festival. Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer |
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