Registration is open for all-diocese confirmation service at cathedral
Registration is now open for the all-diocese confirmation service to be held on Saturday, May 11 at St. John's Cathedral. Bishop John Harvey Taylor will preside and confirm candidates presented by any congregation that does not have an episcopal visitation this year.
Clergy or lay leaders (at congregations without a rector, vicar or priest-in-charge) may register candidates for confirmation, reception or renewal of baptismal vows here. Please register by Monday, May 6.
The cathedral is located at 514 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90007. Parking will be available in AAA Lot 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (see map here). Please note that cars must leave the lot before 1 p.m or risk being cited, towed or locked in.
Candidates should arrive 45 minutes before the service (9:15 a.m.). Be sure to allow time to park and walk to the cathedral.
Clergy: Please provide certificates in keeping with your congregation's practice, and bring your register with the names of those to be confirmed already listed so the bishop can sign it after the service.
To contact the cathedral office, email churchoffice@stjohnsla.org or call 213.747.6285.
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A message for congregations with youth-focused tenants from the Commission on Schools
By Ryan Newman
In addition to our 33 Episcopal schools in the Diocese of Los Angeles, numerous congregations have established third-party relationships (tenants) with schools, childcare providers, and other youth-focused organizations serving children under 18. These connections are invaluable to many congregations for reasons ranging from financial support to ministry collaboration.
Recognizing the significance of these relationships, the Commission on Schools is actively exploring ways to better support congregations and their leaders who engage with schools, childcare providers, and other youth-based organizations as tenants. Among other things, we would like to collaborate closely with diocesan congregations to establish safety protocols and other universal guidelines to bolster your ministry endeavors with youth-focused tenants.
Before proceeding further, the Commission on Schools is eager to understand the diocesan landscape regarding congregations involved with youth-focused tenants. If your congregation currently houses a tenant offering services to youth aged 0 to 18 years, we kindly request your participation in completing a very brief form. By doing so, we can accurately identify those congregations with such tenants and tailor our follow-up based on the insights gleaned.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Your input is invaluable as we work towards fostering safer and more supportive environments for our congregations and the youth they serve.
— The Rev. Ryan D. Newman is executive director of the Commission on Schools of the Diocese of Los Angeles
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‘Nuevo Amanecer’ conference celebrates Latino/Hispanic ministries, welcomes families
[The Episcopal Church - April 23, 2024] Registration is open through May 1 for Nuevo Amanecer (“New Dawn”) 2024, a popular biennial gathering that celebrates Latino ministries across The Episcopal Church. The June 3 - 6 event is co-hosted by the Office of Latino/Hispanic Ministries and Kanuga, a retreat center near Hendersonville, North Carolina.
This churchwide event includes training for church leadership and formation, as well as time for renewal and networking. In addition to lay leaders, clergy, diocesan missioners, parish staff, and church planters, those interested in learning about Latino ministries are also encouraged to attend. The conference welcomes families and offers special activities for children and youth. Programming is offered bilingually through simultaneous interpretation, so that no one is left out and nothing is repeated.
This year's theme is “Sowing Love and Hope.” Scheduled keynote speakers include the Rt. Rev. David Rice, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin; House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris; and the Rev. Anthony Guillén, missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will preach at the opening Eucharist.
Read more here.
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Apply by May 15 to be an Episcopal Church Ecojustice Fellow
The Episcopal Church Department of Reconciliation, Justice, and Creation Care invites applicants for the 2024 Ecojustice Fellows program, open to young adult Episcopalians between 21 and 30 years old. In this five-month virtual/remote program, fellows will participate six to eight hours per week between June and mid-October and receive a stipend of $2,750. Fellows will receive training in creation care theology and advocacy and will develop a local ecojustice project in their congregation, institution, or diocese. Applications will be accepted until May 15. Apply online.
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Exploring the four orders of ministry: new video, discussion guide are online
From the Bishop's Commission on Liturgy & Music
There are many gifts but one Spirit, and in the Episcopal Church there are many ways to be in ministry and four orders of ministry: lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons.
A new video presentation explores those four orders of ministry – their similarities and their differences — starting with their definitions in the Book of Common Prayer and through the first-person stories of members of each of the four orders sharing how they live out their vocation in the world.
The video is accompanied by a discussion guide for further conversation and exploration of what it means to live out our baptismal vows as members of the Episcopal Church.
The video is on the Diocese of Los Angeles YouTube channel here. The discussion guide (a PDF file) is available here.
More about the work of the Bishop's Commission on Liturgy & Music is here.
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Applications accepted for United Nations 2024 climate conference Episcopal delegation
[The Episcopal Church – April 9, 2024] Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites all interested Episcopalians over 18 to apply to be a delegate—in person or virtually—to the 2024 United Nations climate change conference, scheduled for Nov. 11-22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Applications—found online in English and Spanish—are due by 3 p.m. PT (5 p.m. ET) May 6.
Since 2015, Episcopal delegates have attended the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (known as UNFCCC COP), which this year marks its 29th session. The UNFCCC is a multilateral convention adopted in 1992 to help stabilize greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly 200 parties have joined the convention.
Read more here.
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EPF Lay Preacher Training Curriculum opens to all dioceses
[EPF] The Episcopal Preaching Foundation will launch in April a new one-year curriculum for dioceses to use for lay preacher training.
The Lay Preacher Training Curriculum (LPTC) consists of a 12-month program of self-study video and printed materials, moderated by one or more diocesan-appointed trainers who will receive training from EPF staff.
The curriculum can be used in person, on media platforms like Zoom, or a combination of the two. The training utilizes the best techniques for adult learners, and half of the students’ work will be preaching in small groups to feedback, hence, learning by doing.
Read more here.
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Congregational Vitality Assessment case stories: Submissions welcome
[ECF] Has your parish taken the Congregational Vitality Assessment?
If you have, The FaithX Project and their partners at the Episcopal Church Foundation would like to hear your congregation’s story:
- What did you learn about your congregation?
- How did your congregation put those learning to work?
- What kind of impact have those learnings had on your congregation?
If you haven’t heard about the Congregational Vitality Assessment (or CVA), now might be a good time to experience it in your congregation. The CVA is the only research-based, online congregational vitalityc diagnostic tool. It assesses 12 areas of congregational vitality and sustainability, and provides positive prescriptions for leveraging strengths and bolstering areas that need improvement.
Read more here.
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WCC publishes new materials for Easter solidarity with Holy Land series
[World Council of Churches] The World Council of Churches has published online new materials related to the 2024 Easter initiative, “Out of the darkness – Easter solidarity with the Holy Land.” The Easter initiative is an annual activity of the WCC Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel.
The materials — which include feature stories and prayers, as well as social media and advocacy resources — connect the stories of Easter with current realities in Palestine and Israel, and spotlight the challenges of a life marked by violence, war and occupation. The materials also nurture hope and highlight groups and individuals striving for a just peace.
Read more here.
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TryTank Experimental Lab evolves into TryTank Research Institute to spearhead innovative theological research
[TryTank – March 5, 2024] TryTank Experimental Lab has changed its name to TryTank Research Institute to reflect its focus on advancing theological research to meet the evolving needs of the church in the modern world.
Launched in 2019 as a joint venture between Virginia Theological Seminary and The General Theological Seminary, TryTank has been a trailblazer in providing data-driven insights and innovative strategies to address ecclesiastical challenges.
Its transformation into TryTank marks a significant evolution from its experimental roots to a focus on in-depth, scientific research and application in religious contexts, especially within The Episcopal Church. It will have a particular focus on engaging young adult families – a demographic largely unexplored in religious studies.
Read more here.
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'Palestinian Anglicans and Clergy Allies' launched
[PACA – March 11, 2024] Palestinian Anglicans and Clergy Allies (PACA) is a new grass-roots organization of Palestinian Christians worldwide, and the ecumenical alliance of clergy and seminarians who support them. According to its website, PACA invites both clergy and Palestinian Christians to join a Facebook group dedicated to nurturing conversation about how our church can be a better ally to and advocate for the Palestinian community, most especially those who are members of our communion.
The goal of PACA is to educate and equip clergy in the Anglican Communion – and the church in the global West more broadly – to understand, teach and preach from sound theological and pastoral foundations about the realities faced by Palestinians. The creation of this group is in direct response to the devastating events in Gaza and the West Bank since October 2023.
Note: Among the founders of PACA are the Rev. Nicole Janelle, former executive director of The Abundant Table farm ministry in Ventura County and current rector of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Calgary, Canada, and the Rev. Lauren Grubaugh Thomas, who was sponsored for ordination by All Saints Church, Pasadena.
Read more here.
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Relief may be available for student loan debt
[Church Pension Fund] Are you saddled with student loan debt? Is it affecting your ability to save for retirement? There may be relief.
Many student loan borrowers have an opportunity to have their entire student loans cancelled or receive more credit towards cancellation. The one-time pay count adjustment will occur in the Summer 2024 for federal student loans. Borrowers who have certain non-federally held loans (Parent PLUS, commercially held FFEL, Perkins, and HEAL loans) can consolidate these loans into a Direct-Consolidation Loan to qualify for this program. However, you must apply for consolidation by April 30, 2024.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) will be conducting a one-time payment count adjustment. Specifically, ED will give borrowers credit towards loan cancellation through its Income Driven Repayment program (IDR) for repayment periods since July 1, 1994, and for certain deferments and forbearances. IDR programs result in loan cancellation after 20 or 25 years of eligible payments; the account adjustment will ensure borrowers receive credit for the maximum number of eligible payments based on their loan history. This program has alreadyresulted in cancellation of loans for more than 800,000 borrowers. In addition, IDR plans can make monthly payments more affordable by capping monthly payments based on borrowers’ income and family size, not loan balances.
Read more here (PDF).
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Date set for 2024 Episcopal-Lutheran Night at Dodger Stadium
Episcopalians are invited to join their Lutheran siblings at Episcopal-Lutheran Night at Dodger Stadium on Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.
The Dodgers will play the Cleveland Guardians. Tickets will be $35. Fireworks and a drone show are scheduled after the game.
More information was recently sent to clergy and lay leaders, who will work with congregation-level coordinators to collect ticket orders, according to the Rev. Canon Greg Larkin, Dodger night coordinator.
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TENS 2024 stewardship materials now online
The Diocese of Los Angeles has renewed its membership in TENS: the Episcopal Network for Stewardship, which offers stewardship resources, teaching and training opportunities.
The diocese's membership provides access to TENS materials for all its congregations. To log on, visit the website, select "Annual Pledge Campaign" from the navigation bar and "Walk in Love" from the dropdown menu. The password for 2024 is Ephesians5:2. (Note: the password is case sensitive and there are no spaces. No user name is required.) Materials are available in English and Spanish and in MS Word and PDF versions.
The theme for the year is Walk in Love, "a celebration of the joy and gratitude we have for God and our community that lead us to share our stories, our journeys, and our gifts," according to TENS. "Our resources are making a special effort to lift up diverse voices as we share the stories that inspire us to share our wealth, works, and wisdom with our ministry."
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Commission on Ministry continues discernment training events
Over the past five years, the Commission on Ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles has been taking deliberate steps to streamline and clarify the discernment process for people wishing to enter lay or ordained ministry. They have re-imagined the congregational discernment committee training and manual, re-worked and published a new discernment website, have provided input into crafting a new lay licensing certification program, and launched the Diocesan Discernment Information Gathering, just to name a few.
Training for congregational discernment committees is required as part of the discernment process, so that all clergy and committees are working from the same guidelines. Beginning in 2024, training for congregational discernment committees will now be held four times per year at different locations around the diocese, instead of at individual parishes.
If you are clergy currently working with a parishioner on discernment, please take note. If you feel your discerner is ready or almost ready for a congregational discernment committee, please ask your chosen committee members to attend a training at one of the locations listed below. Registration for committee members can be scheduled by contacting Cameron Johnson at cameratta@aol.com. Additional Spanish-language training may be scheduled as requested.
Saturday, July 20, 2024, 10 a.m.
Discernment Committee Training
All Saints'/Todos los Santos Church, Oxnard
Friday, November 8, 2024, time TBA
Discernment Committee Training
Diocesan Convention, Riverside Convention Center
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La Comisión de Ministerio continúa con eventos de capacitación en discernimiento
En los últimos cinco años, la Comisión del Ministerio ha estado tomando pasos deliberados para optimizar y clarificar el proceso de discernimiento. Se ha re-imaginado el entrenamiento y el manual para el discernimiento congregacional, se ha revisado y publicado una nueva página de internet de discernimiento, se ha proporcionado ideas para la elaboración de un nuevo programa laico de certificación y licencias, y entre otras cosas se ha iniciado las Conferencia Informativas Diocesanas para el proceso de discernimiento.
Es un requisito que los comités congregacionales reciban entrenamiento, para que de esa manera todos los comités y todo el clero utilicen las mismas guías. Empezando en el 2024, se realizarán los entrenamientos para los comités congregacionales de discernimiento cuatro veces al año en diferentes lugares alrededor de la Diócesis, en lugar de hacerlo individualmente en las congregaciones.
Si usted es un/una sacerdote que en este momento está trabajando con un miembro de su congregación, favor tomar nota de esto. Si usted cree que la persona que está discerniendo ya está lista o casi lista para reunirse con un comité congregacional de discernimiento, favor de preparar a los miembros que elijan para que participen en uno de los entrenamientos que se encuentran enumerados a continuación. Para registrarse en alguno de los entrenamientos, favor de comunicarse con Cameron Johnson en cameratta@aol.com. Si se necesita entrenamiento en español, el mismo se puede programar al solicitarlo.
Horario del 2024 para el Entrenamiento de los Comités Congregacionales de Discernimiento
Sábado, 20 de julio del 2024; 10 a.m.
All Saints'/Todos los Santos, Oxnard
Viernes, 8 de noviembre del 2024; Hora pendiente a determinarse
Lugar: Convención Diocesana, Centro de Convenciones de Riverside
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Episcopal Service Corps seeks applicants for 2024-25 service year
The Episcopal Service Corps invites young leaders ages 21 to 32 interested in a transformative outreach and discernment experience to apply online for the 2024-25 program year through the end of May.
Those interested are encouraged to take an online discernment quiz.
Episcopal Service Corps is a network of young adults who commit to a year of transforming themselves and the world through community-building, local collaboration, prayer, and action while living in locally organized intentional communities within the U.S. Each corps member serves at a community-based nonprofit, working in immigration and refugee resettlement, housing justice, education for at-risk youth, and more. Members receive housing, health coverage, and stipends to cover living expenses, transportation, and food.
Read more here.
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ACTION REQUIRED
Changes to California Paid Sick Leave laws
From the State of California Department of Industrial Relations:
Starting on January 1, 2024, employers must generally provide 5 days or 40 hours of paid sick leave to their employees in California. The Labor Commissioner has updated the paid sick leave poster and 2810.5 employee notice in English, Spanish, Korean, Tagalog, Chinese Simplified, and Vietnamese. All employers should post the new poster. An employer previously providing less than 5 days or 40 hours of paid sick leave per year will need to provide employees a new copy of the notice.
Links to download the posters and read FAQs are here.
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New web-based app automates Episcopal parish register portion of the annual parochial report
[Episcopal News Service – Jan. 16, 2024] The General Convention Office has released a new web-based app that helps tally items on the annual parochial report relating to church services and attendance.
The parish register app allows users to track aspects of every liturgy that takes place in their congregation and then adds that data to the church’s parochial report, the Rev. Molly James, deputy executive officer of General Convention, told Episcopal News Service. Every congregation in The Episcopal Church is required to complete the parochial report annually. This year’s report based on 2023 data is due March 1.
“It tracks everything related to worship, so that at the end of the year, when you go to fill out the parochial report, the number of Eucharists you have, the number of baptisms, your average Sunday attendance – all of the math is done for you,” she said. Data that is entered during 2024 will be compiled for the parochial report that is filed in 2025.
Read more here.
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Deacons on the Road 2024
Deacons of the Diocese of Los Angeles have been on the road all year, preaching and worshiping with congregations throughout the diocese and frequently offering a forum about the diaconate.
“It has been our joy to visit large and small congregations," says Archdeacon Laura Siriani (pictured at left), "encouraging active ministry in a world that needs to know the way of love more than ever."
Currently, 32 deacons serve congregations from Santa Barbara to Rancho Santa Margarita and east to San Bernardino. Their ministries reach people on the margins and in the social gaps: immigrants, those who are homeless, those who are incarcerated, patients and their families, and those in recovery. Deacons preach, teach, lead studies, and pastor in their congregations.
Our deacons are eager to tell their story. If you would like a parish visit from a deacon please contact the Ven. Laura Siriani at lsiriani@ladiocese.org.
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Planning under way for 81st General Convention:
Episcopal Church provides information, resources
The 81st meeting of General Convention will convene June 23 - 28 in Louisville, Kentucky.
A major portion of its business will be the election of the 28th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church to succeed the Most Rev. Michael Curry, who will conclude his nine-year term in November of this year. On April 2 the nominating committee announced its slate: Bishop J. Scott Barker of Nebraska, Bishop Daniel G.P. Gutiérrez of Pennsylvania, Bishop Sean Rowe of Northwestern Pennsylvania, and Bishop Robert Wright of Atlanta. (Read more here.) A fifth candidate, Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe of Central New York, was added by petition. (Read more here.)
More about General Convention and Diocese of Los Angeles representation is here. This article is updated occasionally as new information becomes available.
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Selected links from items previously published in the Resource Roundup are below for your reference.
FROM THE DIOCESE
Reserve St. Paul’s Commons retreat, event space
Canon Anilin Collado, retreat center manager, is available to assist with all reservations and pricing schedules; she may be reached by email at retreat@ladiocese.org or phone at 213.482.2040, ext. 250. Full information, including photos and capacity of event spaces, is available online.
Information about new services being offered by Episcopal Community Federal Credit Union, based at St. Paul's Commons.
Contact: The Rev. Canon Susan Russell, srussell@ladiocese.org
For information about Diocese of Los Angeles requirements, contact Canon Anilin Collado, missioner for Human Resources, at acollado@ladiocese.org or 213.482.2040, ext. 250. Related information: Who should take Safe Church training?
Checks to the diocese must be made out to “The Protestant Episcopal Church” or “Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.”
Mileage rate: The current IRS mileage rate (as of January 1, 2024) is 67 cents per mile.
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FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Louisville, Kentucky, June 23 - 28, 2024
Joint Nominating Committee for the
Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church
Prayer (please include in liturgies until General Convention)
Almighty God, source of all wisdom and understanding: Look graciously on your church, and so guide the hearts and minds of those who will choose our next presiding bishop, that we may receive a faithful pastor who will care for all of your people, equip us for our ministries, and proclaim your word to us and to the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Nominating Committee news
Facebook
Twitter (@PB28Nominations)
Instagram
Exhibit Hall registration for General Convention
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'Beloved Community' resources
Responding to racism, police brutality, and community trauma
General Resources
Episcopal Racial Reconciliation Resources, including sections on how to ACT, PRAY and LEARN:
Police Reform
Racial Justice Action and Prayer
A Year of Prayers to End Racism
Scriptures related to justice, lament, and solidarity, to assist with preparing a liturgy, finding direction and encouragement, or calling communities to work for justice:
- Exodus 22:21-23
- Micah 6:8
- Isaiah 58:6-12
- Isaiah 61
- Psalms 10, 13, 89, and 103
- Luke 4:16-21
- Ephesians 6:12-20
- Hebrews 13:1-3
- Hebrews 13:1-3
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CURRICULA
Women's Lectionary by Wilda C. Gafney: weekly study (register here)
Christian Nationalism study guide
A three-week study guide to The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide by Pamela Cooper-White, from the Engagement Across Difference Ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles.
Bearing Witness
A free video-based study program that shares the stories of people living in Palestine and Israel and the remarkable ministries of the Diocese of Jerusalem. From American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ).
Love God, Love God’s World
A nine-session, film-based curriculum, ideal for Episcopalians anywhere on the journey with creation care and environmental ministry. From the Creation Care ministry of The Episcopal Church.
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Listings for clergy employment in the Diocese of Los Angeles are here. (Scroll down the page.)
Listings for lay employment are here.
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Resource Roundup, a weekly publication for clergy, wardens, church office staff and lay leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, is emailed on Tuesdays (alternate weeks from mid-June to mid-August). Items for inclusion may be sent to Janet Kawamoto, editor, at news@ladiocese.org by noon on Monday. | | | | |
