April 28, 2024

Richard Estrada, assisting priest at Church of the Epiphany, Los Angeles, accompanied by actor-activist Edward James Olmos, speaks at the launch of the Lydia Lopez Center for Community Empowerment. Photo: Janet Kawamoto

Gala fiesta launches Lydia Lopez Center to empower local immigrants, youth

by Bob Williams

[The Episcopal News – April 24, 2024] A summer youth program and an immigrant welcome center will expand in coming weeks through the new Lydia Lopez Center for Community Empowerment, launched April 21 with a fiesta benefit that raised more than $102,000 in support.

Bishop John Harvey Taylor opened the festivities by greeting attendees including actor Edward James Olmos and Antonio Chapa, district director in the office of County Supervisor Hilda Solis who has provided a $15,000 grant to the center based at East L.A.’s historic Church of the Epiphany, a hub of civil rights organizing since the 1960s.

“As Lydia would have it, we begin with resistance to an unjust status quo,” Taylor said of the new center envisioned by the Rev. Richard Estrada, Episcopal priest known for his advocacy, shared by Lopez, in the sanctuary movement.

Estrada, 82 and a former pastor of L.A.’s landmark La Placita Roman Catholic Church and founder of Jovenes Inc., followed Taylor at the podium. “The plight of immigrants is a pressing concern that challenges the principles of justice and compassion fundamental to our faith,” Estrada said. “Despite adversities, our immigrant brothers and sisters have integrated into our society, enriching our communities and contributing significantly to the common good. However, the human impact of immigration policies, particularly the separation of families and the uncertainties many face, threatens the cohesion of our communities.”

Read more here.

Bloy House seeks new leadership as it navigates big changes, greater possibilities

By Pat McCaughan

[The Episcopal News – April 24, 2024] Look for big changes, exciting possibilities and “a lot of room to grow” in the very near future for Bloy House – the Episcopal Theological School at Los Angeles – including relocating from Glendale to Echo Park and calling a new dean to oversee classes and operations.

“The possibilities are endless in an era when the national church, as well as we locally, are looking at ways to elevate and empower lay ministry even more than it already is,” according to Linda Allport, Bloy House dean, who will leave her post June 30.

The search for a new dean has begun, chaired by Bloy House trustee Eric Miller of San Gabriel’s Church of Our Saviour. A job description with application information is here. Resumes may be forwarded to Canon Anilin Collado, diocesan missioner for human resources, at acollado@ladiocese.org.

“There are many directions this program could go in,” said Allport, a parishioner at St. John’s Church in Rancho Santa Margarita, who was originally hired to serve a two-year tenure. Health concerns prevent her from remaining longer in the role, she said.

“The sky’s the limit, given the caliber of lay people that we have in this diocese. We lay people have a tremendous amount of wisdom about our experience in the church, and ideas about how that could be expanded, and ideas about collaborative and shared ministry with ordained leaders.”

Read more here.

Bloy House, Deanery 6 join together in pilot program to train lay ministers

by Pat McCaughan

[The Episcopal News – April 24, 2024] When visitors become members at St. Paul’s Church in Pomona, “it totally renews my faith,” says Sandra Martinez Moore. “I believe it is a sign God sends us that we are doing what we’re supposed to be doing, what God is calling us to do and that we’re trying the best we can with what we have.”

Moore and ten other members of the Inland Empire congregation are participants in a Bloy House-Deanery 6 pilot program to empower lay leadership in churches that are without regular, full-time clergy – a challenge affecting an estimated 40 congregations throughout the diocese.

Or, as Moore, who works full time as a licensed vocational nurse, says, “We are stepping up to maintain the church and its worship every Sunday.”

Read more here.

Sunday without a priest? Feeding the people with the Word

By John Harvey Taylor

[The Episcopal News – April 24, 2024] The problem with the deacon’s mass? It’s the name itself, for one thing.

It’s true that, according to the catechism and church tradition, deacons have assisted priests and bishops in the administration of Holy Eucharist, both as chalice bearers and in settings where a priest was not available. The instructions on p. 408 of the Book of Common Prayer are based on an ancient liturgy that deacons used when serving pre-consecrated elements. It resembles a Holy Eucharist liturgy until the offertory, when the deacon places the pre-consecrated elements on the altar, leads the congregation in the Lord’s Prayer, and then serves communion.

The first problem is that it’s not a deacon’s mass, because no one celebrates Holy Eucharist. Some dioceses even forbid the use of the term. As a matter of fact, the prominence of the deacon’s role in the service appears to be a consequence of the assertion, elsewhere in the prayer book’s instructions, that a deacon, when present, should serve the chalice while the priest serves the bread. Nowadays most missions and parishes call on laypeople to serve the chalice even when a deacon is present.

Read more here.

Shepherd's Cup Golf Classic postponed

The Diocese of Los Angeles' second annual Shepherd’s Cup Golf Classic and Dinner has been postponed to Oct. 14, 2024.

The tourney will be held at the Industry Hills Golf Club and Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry. More information is here.

The Bishop's Blog (click here for additional entries)

Visiting St. George’s Church, La Cañada

April 22, 2024

For services and my visitation on Sunday at St. George’s Episcopal Church in La Cañada, my fellow Detroiter the Rev. Amy Pringle, rector these 19 years, prepared a chart showing all four gospels’ accounts of Jesus’s post-Resurrection appearances and invited me to dig in and lead the conversation in lieu of the usual sermon. Bible study on Sunday morning? For someone such as I, who hasn’t done it much since he was in parish ministry, it was like manna from heaven. Like dessert before dinner.

Read more here.

Friends in mission and faith

April 20, 2024

Born in Jerusalem, Michal Morris Kamil Camille (shown at right) is rabbi of Ahavat Torah, a synagogue that meets at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church in Mar Vista. Born in Anaheim, Pam Hope is director of mission advancement for the Immaculate Heart Community, which nests at St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park, regional headquarters for all us Episco-Pals.

Read more here.

Requiescant in pace

Margaret Gene Rivers Andrews

June 7, 1944 - April 2024

Margaret Gene Andrews, nee Rivers, secretary of a diocesan chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians from 1990 to 2024, has died at age 79.

Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held at St. James in-the-City Church, 3903 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90010, on Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m.

Survivors include her husband, Viceroy Andrews; children, Anazette Andrews and Viceroy Andrews, Jr.; grandson Noah Thomas Andrews-Ukwa; and a sister, Marilyn Armstrong of Las Vegas, NV.

Andrews and her family were members of Christ the Good Shepherd Church, Los Angeles, later moving to St. Timothy’s Church in Compton, and finally settling at St. James in-the-City. In addition to her work with UBE, Andrews served at various times as a president of her congregations’ Episcopal Church Women and Daughters of the King chapters. She also was a choir member, lector, lay Eucharistic minister, and Girls Friendly Society leader.

A native of Houston, Texas, Andrews grew up in Las Vegas, where she attended public schools. She was accepted to USC on a full scholarship, graduating in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in social studies, with a minor in music. In 1971, she returned to USC and graduated with a master’s degree in educational administration in 1973. While at USC, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated, and there she met Viceroy Andrews, from the Virgin Islands. They married on July 13, 1968, in Las Vegas

Andrews began her teaching career in 1967 in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She served LAUSD for more than 42 years as a teacher, principal, consultant, coordinator, administrator, mentor teacher, master teacher, and training teacher.

Glen Henry Mitchel Jr.

April 23, 1926 – April 17, 2024

Glen Henry Mitchel Jr. – a Los Angeles business leader who as board chair of the former Cathedral Corporation and the Harvard School (now Harvard-Westlake), and board vice-chair of the Good Samaritan Hospital provided strategic advice to then-Bishop Robert C. Rusack and the wider diocese – died in Santa Barbara on April 17, six days before his 98th birthday.

Survivors include his four adult children, the Rev. Canon Glen Henry “Hank” Mitchel III (Mari), Clark Mitchel (Carol), Caroline Chesebro (Mark), and Cynthia “Mia” Ludlow (Jeff); 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

An obituary is here. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1 at All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 83 Eucalyptus Lane, Santa Barbara 93108. Interment will be a private family service at Forest Lawn in Glendale. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to UCSB’s Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics or to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History are suggested.

May Weidemann

May 17, 1918 - April 20, 2024

May Weidemann, widow of the Rev. Charles Weidemann, former rector of St. Aidan’s Church, Malibu, died April 20 at age 105.

Survivors include her son, Charles; six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Her daughter, Barbara Bacon, died in 2020.

Weidemann, a native of Essex, England, and member of the Church of England, worked as a clerk for a large company in London before she met and married American G.I. Chuck Weidemann during World War II, and emigrated to the United States as a war bride. Her husband was later ordained in the Episcopal Church, and served as rector of St. Aidan’s from 1978 until his death in 1982.

May began writing poetry in her early eighties after experiencing meditation while practicing Centering Prayer with the St. Aidan’s group. Most of her poems and reflections were written on greeting cards sent to relatives and friends.

Service arrangement are pending. An obituary will be published on The Episcopal News website in coming days.

This week

HFS gala will honor late Bishop Bruno, Diocese of Los Angeles for support creating ‘forever families’

HFS Adoption and Foster Care invites the diocesan community to its annual Circle of Hope reception and dinner on Sunday, April 28, 5 - 8 p.m. at the San Gabriel Country Club, 350 E. Hermosa Drive, San Gabriel 91776.

The fundraiser event, which marks the agency’s 75th anniversary, will honor several people and organizations, including the Diocese of Los Angeles and the late Bishop J. Jon Bruno, who invited HFS - formerly known as Holy Family Services – to establish its offices at the diocese’s Cathedral Center (now St. Paul’s Commons). Diocesan Convention later voted to accept HFS as a diocesan institution. Bruno’s son and daughter-in-law, Phil Bruno and Mary Bannon Bruno, who serve on the HFS board of directors, will represent the Bruno family. Bishop John Harvey Taylor and Canon Kathy O’Connor will represent the diocese at the event.

Other honorees include

The California Endowment and its retiring CEO, Robert Ross, a member of St. Mark’s Church, Altadena, who delivered the annual Margaret Parker Memorial Lecture at the 2023 meeting of Diocesan Convention;
The Mozilo Family Foundation, which has provided HFS with essential financial support for many years.

The event will also feature an opportunity drawing and live auction. Complimentary valet parking. Tickets are $150 and may be ordered here. (Reservations are requested by April 22.)

Events & Announcements

Santa Angelina apartments at Blessed Sacrament, Placentia, invites all to grand opening May 13

National CORE, the Episcopal Church of the Blessed Sacrament and the City of Placentia invite the diocesan community to the grand opening celebration of Santa Angelina, a new affordable senior housing complex on the church’s campus, on Monday, May 13 at 11 a.m.

Santa Angelina was developed by National CORE, the Episcopal Church of the Blessed Sacrament and Episcopal Communities & Services. It is the latest project to be built under the Diocese of Los Angeles’ housing initiative, launched by Bishop John Harvey Taylor, which aims to build affordable apartments on 25 percent of its properties. Several other projects are in various stages of development.

A recent ABC-7 Eyewitness News report on recent legislation streamlining such projects that features the Santa Angelina project is here.

The grand opening will feature performances by the choir of the Children’s Learning Center, which also shares the Blessed Sacrament property; a ribbon-cutting ceremony; tours of Santa Angelina’s amenities and apartments; and a reception with an international tasting menu.

Bishop Taylor is scheduled to take part in the program, along with Orange County Supervisors Doug Chaffee and Katrina Foley; the Rev. R. Barrett Van Buren, rector of Blessed Sacrament Church; Placentia Mayor pro tem Kevin Irwin; Michael Duane, president of National CORE, the developer of the new complex; and Hope Through Housing Vice President Alyssa Cotter.

Reservations are requested here, or call 909.204.3490. Church of the Blessed Sacrament is located at 1320 North Angelina Drive, Placentia 92870.

Guests are invited to park in the south parking lot and along the west side of North Angelina Drive. Enter the site from Angelina Drive, as left turns are not allowed from Morse Avenue. Additional parking may be available at adjacent commercial centers. Parking guides will be available on the day of the event.

Maureen Cruise, RN, to advocate for state health bill at Inglewood forum

Holy Faith Episcopal Church, Inglewood, will host a community forum titled “California Universal Health Care Now” on Saturday, May 11 at 10 to discuss CalCare SB 2200 Health Care for All, a bill being considered by the California State Senate, with a vote due at the end of May.

Maureen Cruise, RN, board member of the Cal Care Campaign sponsored by the California Nurses Association, will be the speaker. Cruise has a long history of support for single-payer health care systems in the state.

The forum is sponsored by JAMM (Justice & Mercy Mission), a ministry at Holy Faith Church, and by its rector, the Rev. Joseph Oloimooja. Holy Faith Church is located at 260 N. Locust Street, Inglewood 903301. The forum, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the parish hall.

A Los Angeles area native and lifelong resident, Maureen Cruise received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology from UCLA. She enrolled in graduate studies in psychology before leaving to pursue a career in nursing. Cruise is a former research associate at UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute, a former public health clinic nurse with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and a Red Cross volunteer. She has worked at LAUSD schools on projects as a parent outreach coordinator, student support sServices coordinator, and as a volunteer program developer. She has been active with many health care justice organizations and coalition partners in California for over 20 years.

Stillpoint announces Pentecost retreat, ‘Dancing with Wind and Fire’

Stillpoint: The Center for Christian Spirituality, invites the diocesan community to "Dancing with Wind and Fire: A Pentecost One-Day Retreat" on Saturday, May 18, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

“We invite you to gather with us to joyously celebrate Pentecost –a landmark moment that marked the start of a new movement that is still transforming us and the worlds we live in,” according to the invitation to the online. “If you are in need of a ritual, in community, to restart some area of your life, please join us.”

Participants will explore three movements during this online event:

"A deeper grounding that connects Spirit to Earth, moving from private to public and individual to collective
"A stirring up, being amazed , confused – and becoming Beloved Community
"Dancing with the potential invitation from these experiences – what is mine, yours and ours to do?"

Leaders Desta Goehner and Ravi Herman, both certified spiritual directors, will use a variety of practices – movement, silence, journaling, and small- and large-group discussions “to open our hearts and bodies to the Divine. And hopefully, leave with a renewed sense of hope, purpose and open to deep transformation.”

Cost is $75. The sessions will be conducted online and recorded. Register here.

First of 4 climate crisis programs will focus on water

Responding to the climate crisis requires new forms of imagination, and the first public event of a series featuring the four elements (Water, Fire, Air, and Earth) will immerse participants in a conversation about water and the climate crisis in relation to faith and science.

The water-themed event, which is sponsored by the Wildland-Urban Interface Climate Action Network (WUICAN), will be held on Thursday, May 9, 6 - 7:30 p.m. at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 2200 San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Beach 92660.

The Episcopal Church of the Messiah, Santa Ana, is among the sponsoring organizations; the Rev. Jim Lee, assistant priest at Messiah, is a member of the working group planning the event series.

“Participate in a Water Communion,” says the invitation. “Experience diverse prayer traditions. Share snacks and make new friends. Find out how the climate crisis is impacting different communities, and what you can do.”

Presenters include: Pastors Sadie and Ryan Cullumber of Harbor Christian Church; Keila Villegas, Water Justice director, Orange County Environmental Justice; Steve Allison, professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCI; Rabbi Marcia Tilchin of the Jewish Collaborative of Orange County; and Duygu Ustun, Pacifica Institute.

Based at the University of California, Irvine, WUICAN is a consortium of community organizations, California Native American Tribes, land managers, and universities working together to develop community-driven policies and practices for land and water stewardship in the face of the climate crisis.

The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested; use the form here.

Reminders

Annual scholarship benefit event to honor NYA students who are 'going places'

Neighborhood Youth Association (NYA), an institution of the diocese, will hold its 41st annual scholarship benefit event, titled "Going Places," on Saturday, May 11, 5 - 7:30 p.m. at the Parish of St. Matthew's Sprague Center, 1031 Bienveneda Avenue, Pacific Palisades 90272

Attendees will find a op-up store, art exhibit, music and refreshments beginning at 5 p.m.; a reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet will start at 5:15 p.m. The awards program will begin at 6 p.m.

NYA was founded in 1886 as "Church of the Neighborhood (later the Neighborhood Settlement Association) under the auspices of the Diocese of Los Angeles. Now an independent agency that maintains its ties with the church, NYA "empowers students to achieve 100% college placement and on-time high school graduation through mentoring, tutoring, and a holistic family approach to break cycles of poverty and vulnerability," according to its mission statement.

More about NYA is here. To order tickets to the benefit ($125 per person) or contribute to NYA scholarship funds, follow the "Donate Now" link on the home page.

Early childhood educators invited to summer institute in San Juan Capistrano

[The Episcopal News – March 20, 2024] Registration is now open for the inaugural St. Margaret’s Summer Institute for early childhood education, to be held June 14 - 15 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and School in San Juan Capistrano.

The institute will bring together early childhood educators, administrators and policy makers over two days to explore and elevate the quality and excellence of early childhood education. Attendees will explore the essential role of play in early childhood education, diving into the latest research, methodologies and best practices.

Episcopal schools teachers and administrators are especially invited and encouraged to attend, according to the Rev. Ryan Newman, executive director of the diocesan Commission on Schools.

Read more here.

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.

Camp Stevens summer camp registration open

Registration is open for summer sessions for children at Camp Stevens, the diocesan facility in Julian, California.

Camp sessions will be held the following weeks:

Session 1: June 23 – June 28, ages 8-15
Session 2: July 7 – July 12, ages 8-15
Session 3: July 14 – July 19, ages 8-15
Session 4: July 21 – July 26, ages 8-15
Session 5 (International Odyssey): July 28 – August 3, ages 12-17

"At Camp Stevens, our program isn’t built around crafts and activities: it’s built around people," camp staffers wrote on Facebook. "Each member of the group brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that shape a one-of-a-kind experience each week.

"The job of our staff is to facilitate creative outdoor play that builds belonging and fosters connection. On a given day, an adventure group might tackle a team building challenge, paint watercolors out by the pond, explore off trail and find a clearing to build forts in, hop in the pool at free time, visit with the camp farm animals, and watch shooting stars as they drift off to sleep. As our returning campers and staff have shared: there’s always more to see and explore but what makes it really special are the people you’re there with."

For full information and registration, visit the website. Counselor Training, for campers age 16 and up who would like to be considered for summer camp counseling positions, will be held June 16 - 21. Information and application forms are here.

From the wider church

Episcopal Parish Network’s Earth Day webinar highlights climate advocacy barriers, responsible investing

By Shireen Korkzan

[Episcopal News Service – April 23, 2024] On April 22, the Episcopal Parish Network hosted a virtual conversation about corporations impeding climate advocacy progress in observance of Earth Day. The webinar was one of many Earth Day events Episcopal congregations and ministries hosted this year.

“As we celebrate Earth Day today, one way that we can honor God and our faith tenants is by caring for God’s creation,” said JoAnn Hanson, president and chief executive officer of the Church Investment Group, a nonprofit that offers ethical investing resources to Episcopal entities managing endowments.

The Episcopal Parish Network is a national, membership-based organization of clergy and lay leaders representing 200 parishes of all sizes and budgets across the church. The webinar featured two speakers – Kendra Haven, director of special projects, and Cleo Rank, a senior policy analyst – affiliated with InfluenceMap, an independent data analysis think tank that tracks companies and industry associations. The two speakers and Hanson shared how partisan advocates and fossil fuel companies and interest groups direct resources to hinder progress.

Read more here.

House of Deputies vice president announces intention to run for president against incumbent

By David Paulsen

[Episcopal News Service – April 22, 2024] The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, vice president of the House of Deputies, announced over the weekend that she intends to challenge House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris for the office of president, setting up a contested president election seemingly without precedent in recent church history.

Taber-Hamilton, a priest in the Diocese of Olympia, did not refer to Ayala Harris by name in her announcement. Instead, she wrote in general terms that she is running for president because of “unaddressed internal dynamics that in my professional opinion are contributing to an unhealthy corporate culture, jeopardizing our ability for forming the collaborative relationships necessary for effectively moving forward in the crucial work of The General Convention.”

The election will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, when the 81st General Convention convenes June 23-28. At each General Convention, all deputies are permitted to seek election as president, though incumbent presidents do not typically face challengers.

Read more here.

Executive Council adopts statement on Holy Land war after debating use of term ‘potential genocide’

By David Paulsen

[Episcopal News Service – April 22, 2024] Executive Council voted overwhelmingly April 20 in support of a resolution lamenting the ongoing deadly violence in the Holy Land since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, though some council members raised concerns about the resolution’s reference to the “potential genocide” of Palestinians.

Other council members questioned whether it was appropriate for Executive Council to approve such a statement just two months before the 81st General Convention will convene and consider a dozen of its own resolutions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Bishops and deputies are scheduled to meet June 23-28 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Opening remarks from the president of the House of Deputies

For more churchwide stories, visit Episcopal News Service here.

General Convention 2024

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.

Calendar

THURSDAYS, 7 p.m.

Episcopal Students of UCLA

St. Alban's Episcopal Church

580 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles

Information: episcopalstudentsucla@gmail.com

We are a group of Christians, looking to further our relationship with God and strengthen our bonds in Christian community. Meeting in the library at St. Alban's Episcopal Church (right near campus), we are a welcoming community whose goal is to live out the truth of the gospel through spiritual growth, community experience, and service.

FRIDAYS, 6 - 7 p.m.

Vigil for Peace

St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

3233 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar, 92625

Join us every Friday in the St. Michael’s sanctuary and on Zoom as we pray for peace in our community and around the world. Log-in information here (see "Weekly Worship"), or join on Facebook Live.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 4 p.m.

Laós Chamber Music Concert

St. Gregory's Episcopal Church

6201 E. Willow Street, Long Beach 90815

Information: 562.420.1311 or her e or info@stgregoryschurch.com

Laós Chamber Music, hosted on the campus of Church of Our Saviour in San Gabriel and led by cellist Dustin Seo, will present music by Ludwig van Beethoven and Johannes Brahms. Inspired by the tradition of liturgy as an active invitation to community and belongingness through public participation, Laós Chamber Music believes that music can also serve as a conduit for human connection and incubate safe and vulnerable spaces for individuals to feel welcomed and heard.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 6 p.m.

Classical Sundays at Six: Los Angeles Symphonic Winds

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information

Stephen Piazza, conductor. Wind Serenade No. 10 in B-flat Major, K. 361/370a, “Gran Partita” by W.A. Mozart. The Los Angeles Symphonic Winds is one of the most critically acclaimed and internationally recognized wind ensembles in the United States. Since 1983, the L.A. Winds have been a leading force in Southern California’s cultural community. Praising the Winds for their “dedication to the highest standard of musical excellence” former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote: “As one of the great cultural treasures of Los Angeles, your band has enchanted audiences with fantastic performances, elegant melodies and graceful harmonies.” Read more about the artists here.

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 7 p.m.

Taizé Prayer Service

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

428 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach 92651

Join St. Mary’s on the first Thursday of each month for this service in the style of France’s Taizé monastery.

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 7 - 9 p.m.

The Guibord Center's Annual Dinner Celebration

St. John's Episcopal Cathedral

514 W. Adams Street, Los Angeles 90007

Information/Tickets

This year's theme is “Take Heart: The Power of Connection.” Yuval Ron and his international ensemble will return to bring his inspiring, unifying, and deeply spiritual music to this event.

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 8 p.m.

Spring Concert: Fauré & Brahms

All Saints Episcopal Church

504 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Information/tickets here or 310.275.0123 or info@allsaintsbh.org

All Saints’ Choir and Orchestra. The year 2024 marks the centennial of the death of French composer Gabriel Fauré, and we commemorate the occasion with a performance of his glorious Requiem. Fauré composed the work between 1887 and 1890. Shorter than many settings of the requiem, its final version consists of seven movements for soprano and baritone soloists with mixed choir, orchestra and organ. The Requiem is paired in this performance with Brahms’ Vier Gesänge (Four Songs), scored for women’s voices, two horns and harp. The concert also includes the premiere of a new work by Craig Phillips, Homage to Fauré, scored for men’s voices, solo violin and strings. Tickets: $30 ($15 students & seniors). Admission free with Music Guild donor season pass.

SATURDAY, MAY 4, 9 a.m.

Men's Breakfast

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

1221 Wass Street, Tustin 92780

Reservations: David Milligan, david@stpauls.org

Guest speaker will be the Rev. Lester Mackenzie, rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Laguna Beach.

SATURDAY, MAY 4, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

World Labyrinth Day

All Saints Episcopal Church

132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101

Join the ASC Labyrinth Ministry in observing World Labyrinth Day as participants pray and meditate in a worldwide Walk as One for Peace. Some participants will “Walk as One at 1 p.m.” by walking a labyrinth at 1 p.m. local time to create a rolling wave of peaceful energy across time zones connecting people around the globe. Whether you are familiar with labyrinths or new to the idea of this ancient “moving” spiritual practice, all are welcome to take part in finding peace for all. World Labyrinth Day is an international event held on the first Saturday each May, sponsored by The Labyrinth Society in collaboration with partner organizations including Veriditas.

SUNDAY, MAY 5, 4 p.m.

Spring Organ Recital: Frederick Burgomaster

St. Edmund's Episcopal Church

1175 San Gabriel Blvd., San Marino 91108

St. Edmund's presents its annual Spring Organ Recitals on its famous Aeolian Skinner/Rosales Organ. A reception will follow. There is ample parking and a free will offering will benefit the music fund. Additional recitals will be held on May 12 and May 19.

SUNDAY, MAY 5, 6 p.m.

Classical Sundays at Six: Emerging Artists Series

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information

Honors Ensembles from the Colburn School’s Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute, which offers one of the most comprehensive and intense pre-college level chamber music learning experiences of any music school in North America. Students are coached weekly by members of the Colburn’s nationally acclaimed faculty. Read more about Colburn School here.

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 7 p.m.

Taizé Service

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

1432 Engracia Avenue, Torrance 90501

Information: 310.540.1722

Our candlelit evenings of music, meditation, and prayer return for another season! Join us at St. Andrew's on the second Thursday of each month to experience this powerful, spiritual service. Online services available here.

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 7:30 p.m.

Missa Mystica on Ascension Day

All Saints Episcopal Church

504 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Information here or 310.275.0123 or info@allsaintsbh.org

All Saints’ Choir Schola sings Missa Ascendens, Christus in altum and Ascendens in altum by Tomás Luis de Victoria.

SUNDAY, MAY 12, 4 p.m.

Spring Organ Recital: Ty Woorward

St. Edmund's Episcopal Church

1175 San Gabriel Blvd., San Marino 91108

SUNDAY, MAY 12, 4:15 p.m.

Solemn Evensong

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information

The Choir of Saint James performs Westminster Abbey Responses and St. James Canticles by James Buonemani (music director at St. James'); "O Clap Your Hands" by Orlando Gibbons; and "Totus Tuus" by Henryk Górecki.

TUESDAY, MAY 14, 7 – 8 p.m.

A Resurrection Taizé

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

525 E. 7th Street, Long Beach 90813

Information: 562.436.4047

St. Luke’s invites all to this quiet hour of prayer, chant and renewal. Taizé services will be held online throughout the year. Online services available here or by joining on this Zoom link. Meeting ID: 864 4405 5548, password 525

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Bloy House Spring Reception

St. Paul's Commons

840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026

Reservations: rfelton@bloyhouse.org

Bloy House (The Episcopal Theological School at Los Angeles) invites its alumni and friends to the rooftop of St. Paul's Commons for fellowship, fun, and updates on the school's work and its next steps as it searches for a new leader. More about Bloy House is here.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

The Welcome Table: A Christian Spiritual Gathering for the LGBTQ+ Community and Our Allies

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

24901 Orchard Village Road, Santa Clarita 91355

Information: 661-259-7307 or here

The Welcome Table is an experience created by and for the LGBTQ+ community. Gather with us as we eat, pray, sing, discuss, share communion, celebrate diversity and explore our faith community as our true, authentic selves. Come as you are, this place is for you.

SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2 - 4 p.m.

An Afternoon with Father John Dear, Peace Activist

Trinity Episcopal Church

1500 State Street, Santa Barbara 93101

Information: here, office@trinitysb.org or 805.965.7419

Meet longtime activist, author, teacher and Catholic priest the Rev. John Dear, who will be visiting Trinity on his national book tour. During these times of warfare, gun violence, racism, poverty, and climate change, John Dear has much to say in his new book, The Gospel of Peace, which is a commentary on the Gospels from the perspective of nonviolence. Dear’s Jesus is like Gandhi and Dr. King–nonviolent to the core, a disarming healing presence toward those in need, and a revolutionary disrupter of the unjust status quo. Prepare to be stirred up and inspired! Suggested donation: $20. Books will be available for sale for an additional $20. Cash, check, and credit card accepted at the door.

SUNDAY, MAY 19, 4 p.m.

Pentecost Sunday Evensong

St. Gregory's Episcopal Church

6201 E. Willow Street, Long Beach 90815

Information: 562.420.1311 or info@stgregoryschurch.com

St. Gregory’s hosts the annual Guild Service of the Long Beach Chapter of the American Guild of Organists with a festival service of Evensong for The Day of Pentecost, featuring music by Alfred V. Fedak, William Billings and Andrew Carter.

SUNDAY, MAY 19, 4 p.m.

Spring Organ Recital: Robert Hovencamp

St. Edmund's Episcopal Church

1175 San Gabriel Blvd., San Marino 91108

SUNDAY, MAY 19, 5 p.m.

Chamber Music Concert IV: Maurice Clerc, organ

All Saints Episcopal Church

504 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Information here or 310.275.0123 or info@allsaintsbh.org

Maurice Clerc is the titular organist emeritus of the Cathedral of Dijon in France. He presents a varied program including music of Buxtehude, Mestres, Franck, Tournemire, Langlais and Cochereau. Tickets: $20 ($10 students and seniors). Admission free with Music Guild donor season pass.

SUNDAY, MAY 19, 6 p.m.

Classical Sundays at Six: Pacific Trio

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information

Roger Wilkie, violin; John Walz, cello; Edith Orloff, piano; performing Nocturnes by Ernest Bloch; Trio by Gaspar Cassado; and Trio in A Minor by Maurice Ravel. “Top string quartets pop up everywhere, but first-rate piano trios are rare. A concert by the Pacific Trio was a special treat, as the trio demonstrated in convincing manner, why it should be considered one of the best.” So began the Los Angeles Times review of Pacific Trio’s debut. Each member has enjoyed a celebrated career on the international music scene, rich in recital, ensemble, and concerto performances. Read more about the artists here.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 7 p.m.

Concert: Hidden Journeys

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

2901 Nojoqui Avenue, Los Olivos

Tickets/Information

Featuring Roger Roe, English horn and oboe, and R. Kent Cook, piano.

SUNDAY, MAY 26, 6 p.m.

Classical Sundays at Six: International Laureates Organ Series

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information

Bruce Neswick is artist-in-residence at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla, a position to which he was appointed in summer 2022. Prior to moving to California, he served as the canon for music at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, OR; associate professor of music in organ at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, and assistant organist of St. Francis in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, Louisville, KY. He has also served as director of music at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, and as canon for music at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta. Read more about this artist here.

Events to be included in the online diocesan calendar and the Update may be emailed to editor@ladiocese.org.

Opportunities

VOLUNTEER

Work Days: APRIL 27, MAY 18

Camp Stevens

1108 Banner Road, Julian

Come lend a helping hand at camp! The trails need a little love after a wet winter so they can be safe and accessible all spring and summer long. Tools, materials, instructions, and lunch are all provided; families and friends are welcome. Sign up here.

Immigration & Refugee ministry

IRIS (Interfaith Refugee & Immigration Service)

3621 Brunswick Ave. Los Angeles 90039

In this new year, support is needed more than ever for newly arrived refugee and immigrant neighbors. Community members can volunteer with IRIS in many ways, from one-off or short-term opportunities, such as greeting newcomers at the airport, to donation coordination, transportation, translation, and more. For those interested in even deeper client connections, don't hesitate to ask about mentorship opportunities. Proficiency in Spanish, Arabic, Farsi (and other languages) is desirable, but not required, for some volunteer positions. A background check will be conducted for volunteers working directly with clients. Contact Ruben Tomasian at rtomasian@ladiocese.org. IRIS, a non-profit organization, is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, and an affiliate of Episcopal Migration Ministries. Through refugee resettlement, immigration legal services, and organized community involvement, IRIS helps immigrants and refugees reach self-sufficiency. Check the website for more information.

Food Pantry

Our Saviour Center

4368 Santa Anita Avenue, El Monte

With lower pandemic numbers and everyone back at school and work our Food Pantry is in need of volunteers. Lend a hand on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m., rain or shine, to help us help the neediest families in our community. Volunteers should be age 16 and up. Street parking is available on Santa Anita, McGirk and Lambert avenues. Please wear a mask. All activities are outdoors; dress appropriately and wear close-toed shoes. For information or to sign up (not required), email info@our-center.org.

PILGRIMAGES, RETREATS & TRAVEL

June 9 - 14, 2024

Aquinas At Orvieto, Italy:

Deepen Your Own Spiritual Journey as Mystic and Prophet

Join Matthew Fox, Meshi Chavez and Claudia Picardi for a five-day workshop at the ancient monastery of St. Ludovico in St. Thomas Aquinas’ hometown. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) was a mystic and prophet and one of the greatest geniuses in Western history. Courageous and controversial in his day, he brought science (from Aristotle) into the Christian West. His writings reveal an amazing mind and mystical heart. Matthew Fox, a member of the Dominican order, is a preeminent theologian and internationally acclaimed scholar of Western spirituality. He has written extensively on the wisdom of Aquinas and has translated for the first time in English some of his works. Discover Aquinas where he lived and worked, and experience monastic hospitality during this five-day retreat. More information is here.

October 7 – 17, 2024

Italy Pilgrimage

Join the Rev. Steve De Muth and the Rev. Barrett Van Buren for an 11-day pilgrimage across Italy. We will visit Venice, Florence, Assisi, and Rome. The tour price includes roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles, first class/select hotels, most meals, professional tour director, comprehensive sightseeing, all hotel service charges and local taxes, porterage and entrance fees. Cost is $4,549 per person from Los Angeles including $520 taxes/airline surcharges. For information, contact Steve De Muth, 100 N. Third Ave., Covina, CA 91723 or 626.967.3939 or padresteve@holytrinitycovina.com. A full itinerary is here.

EMPLOYMENT

Listings may be sent to news@ladiocese.org. There is no charge.

LAGUNA HILLS: Church Administrator, St. George’s Episcopal Church. Part time (18 hours/week). Seeking a responsible, proactive individual who is responsible for managing the daily activities of the Church, through working with staff and volunteers, managing the church’s schedule of events and keeping accurate records. The individual will work with the vicar, staff, volunteers and the community to support the goals and objectives of the church. Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus. Job description is here. To apply, contact Chuck Day at mickoday@yahoo.com.

LONG BEACH: Music Director. St. Luke’s Church / Iglesia de San Lucas looks forward to welcoming a creative collaborator and team player, someone who is passionate about music as a vehicle for spiritual growth and who views their music performance as a spiritual practice. The music director will lead a diverse and dynamic music program that is central to our identity as a parish, enhances our worship experience, and supports us in our aspirations to become a Beloved Community. For more information, please see the job description, which also includes information on how to apply.

LOS ANGELES: Development Coordinator. IRIS (Interfaith Refugee & Immigration Service, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles) seeks to hire a full-time development coordinator (our first) as we expand and reorganize as an independent non-profit after nearly 20 years as a successful, fiscally sponsored agency. This position requires a seasoned, confident, and humble professional who thrives in a thoroughly cross-cultural environment and measures her/his/their success by helping others to achieve their own. Full information, job description and application information are here.

LOS ANGELES: Episcopal Hospital Chaplain, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, 1225 Wilshire Boulevard. Full time, salaried. Reporting to one of our department supervisors or managers, this position provides spiritual support to patients, their loved ones, and staff in our hospitals. This chaplain serves people of all belief systems (religious and non-religious), and provides or arranges special rites and rituals as requested by patients and/or surrogates. Full job description and information here.

STUDIO CITY: Organist. St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church is seeking a professionally trained church organist. The organist will be expected to play for two Sunday services and one choir rehearsal per week. Additionally, the organist will play for special services such as Holy Week and Christmas Eve. We value traditional worship drawn from the Book of Common Prayer. The preferred style of music is classical sacred music, ranging from Palestrina to Rutter. The pipe organ was built by Reuter in 1961. R. M. Ballantyne replaced the console and performed substantial refurbishment and modernization of the instrument in 2008. The organ has three manuals and 16 ranks of pipes with some unification. The organist will work directly under our Director of Music in a collaborative manner. Salary: $18,000. Weddings and funerals will provide additional compensation. A full job description is here. Send resume to Mark Gaddis via email at administrator@stmikessc.org or by mail at 3646 Coldwater Canyon Avenue, Studio City 91604.

TUSTIN: Sexton at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. 25 hours/week. The sexton serves to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and readiness of Church facilities to enable the work and ministry of the congregation and to create a pleasant atmosphere for members, guests, and staff. This includes deep cleaning of the kitchen, restrooms, church, and general gathering space(s), as well as basic household chores and changing out supplies as needed. Full job description and application instructions here.

The Episcopal News Update is published on Wednesday afternoons. News items, job listings, calendar items, questions and comments may be sent to editor@ladiocese.org. Weekly deadline is Tuesday at 12 p.m. Photos are welcome: please include them as email attachments (rather than embedded in a document). To subscribe, click here.

— Janet Kawamoto, editor