Standing Committee set to begin process of forming bishop coadjutor search committee
By EN Staff
[The Episcopal News – August 21, 2024] The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Los Angeles – having called for the November 2025 election of a successor to Bishop John Harvey Taylor preceding his retirement in 2026 – is preparing to form a search committee and has named a consultant with experience in 25 dioceses seeking bishops.
The Rev. Lester Mackenzie, chair of the Standing Committee and rector of St. Mary’s Church in Laguna Beach, today released the following update to the diocese:
“Greetings to the People of the Diocese of Los Angeles:
“We are pleased to provide an update – the first of many! – as we move ahead with the process of electing our next bishop coadjutor.
“In the last few days we have signed a letter of agreement with Judy Stark, who will serve as our consultant. This is an important first step as we rely on her extensive experience to guide us in designing a procedure that is clear and engaging for all."
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Panelists Lester Mackenzie, Joe Mendelsohn and Jean Tschohl Quinn led the "Season of Lamentation" panel discussion at St. George's Church, Laguna Hills, on Aug. 18. Photos: Jean Klein |
Interfaith gathering in Laguna Hills seeks common ground, connection
By Pat McCaughan
[The Episcopal News – August 21, 2024] A “Season of Lamentation,” an Aug. 18 gathering at St. George’s Church in Laguna Hills, drew participants from across the diocese yearning for common ground and interfaith connection in a conversation led by panelists the Rev. Lester Mackenzie, rector of St. Mary’s Church, Laguna Beach; Jean Tschohl Quinn, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i of San Clemente; and Rabbi Joe Mendelsohn of the Reform Temple of Laguna Woods.
The Rev. Vanessa Mackenzie, rector of the Church of the Advent, told The Episcopal News she was willing to brave heavy Sunday afternoon traffic to Orange County from Los Angeles “for an opportunity to dialogue and to listen to and to learn from people of faith with as much diversity as possible.
“It is wonderful to be invited into a sacred space to lament,” about the many challenges today, she said. “When you cry, the whole world cries with you – welcome to the human race.”
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L.A. city committee on reparations will release study Aug. 27; three Episcopal congregations will assist in gathering public feedback
The L.A. city Reparations Advisory Committee – a blue-ribbon task force of local leaders in activism, academia, law and racial justice – will release findings of a year-long study titled “The Impact of the Black Experience in Los Angeles” on Aug. 27, 5:30 p.m., at Cal-State University, Northridge (CSUN).
This event will also serve as the kickoff for a two-week campaign to get the public's feedback on possible reparations through the City of Los Angeles. The campaign will run from Sunday, Aug. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 8 and will include presentations, radio ads, an online survey, and idea/suggestion boxes placed throughout the city, including at these three Episcopal congregations:
The study, set to feature community testimony and perspectives on reparations, will be the basis of the commission’s final recommendations to city leaders.
Established by the city in 2021, the Reparations Advisory Commission works with CSUN as its academic partner and with Mockingbird Analytics as fund development partner.
Additional information may be requested from Monet Bagneris Tolbert, human relations advocate in the City of L.A.’s Department of Civil + Human Rights and Equity, email: monet.bagneris-tolbert@lacity.org. Right-click on flyer above to download a larger copy.
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CLUE, SCLC-LA invite Black, Brown clergy, laypersons to Aug. 30 King-Chavez Celebration
The Black and Brown Clergy and Community Coalition invites Black and Latino clergy and laypersons to a Latino Soul Food Brunch at the fourth annual King Chavez Celebration on Friday, August 30, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at McCarty Memorial Christian Church, 4103 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90018.
The event, co-sponsored by CLUE (Clergy United for Economic Justice) and SCLC-LA, (Southern California Leadership Conference, L.A. chapter) honors the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and labor organizer Cesar Chavez. A special guest will be Yvonne Wheeler, president of the L.A. County Federation of Labor, and tribute will be paid to the late Rev. James M. Lawson and the late Rev. Cecil Murray. The gathering also will offer a space for Black and Brown clergy and laypersons to listen and share the struggles of local communities.
“The Black and Brown Clergy and Community Coalition builds trust through relationships so we can face injustice in solidarity, according to the Rev. Jennifer Gutierrez of CLUE.
Reservations are requested. Donations are welcome.
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UTO offers assistance with ingatherings, begins process for next round of grants
By Tammy Smecker-Hane
Thank you for supporting United Thank Offering (UTO) this past year! Remember that every penny your parishioners donated went out as grants to groups in the USA and wider world through the Anglican Communion with themes of welcoming the stranger. You can find the list of the 2024 grants that involved supporting the marginalized in our communities, asylum seekers, refugees, migrants, the LGBTQIA+ community, etc., here. Please thank your parishioners for making these amazing grants possible!
Order materials by Aug. 16 for Fall UTO Ingathering
Now is the time to order free UTO materials for your Fall Ingathering, such as parish kits or UTO blue boxes, color-your-own boxes, envelopes, etc. UTO now will ship materials only seasonally, not on demand, so place your order online here as soon as possible to get your materials for the Fall.
If you haven’t seen it yet, please look at UTO’s guide to running a parish UTO Ingathering. You’ll find it very helpful and maybe get some new ideas to make your Ingathering even more successful. Please contact me if you have any questions, and I’ll be glad to help. If you have not done a UTO Ingathering before, I will be glad to come and talk about UTO at your next vestry/bishop’s committee or Outreach/Mission Committee to explain what UTO is and why parishes benefit from spreading the discipline of gratitude. There is a saying that “gratitude makes you fall in love with the life you already have” and, once you feel the power of gratitude, you’ll want to spread it around so everyone feels it and others are blessed by it.
Applying for a UTO Grant to tackle water issues
This coming year’s UTO grants will tackle water issues; for example, increasing access to clean water, providing water for unhoused people, addressing health issues that arise from lack of clean water, increasing water conservation, etc. If you are interested in applying for a UTO grant, please email me as soon as possible so I can guide you through the process.
The internal diocesan deadline for UTO grant proposal ideas for the Diocese of Los Angeles will be Oct 27, because the bishop can recommend only one UTO grant for the national competition. To enter a proposal idea, email me a short (1 page maximum) description of your proposal by Oct 27. Make sure to touch on who will be served by your proposal and what in your experience makes you best equipped to carry it out. Please consult the UTO Grant proposal and its guidelines here to apply or email me at tsmecker@cox.net with any questions you have.
— Tammy Smecker-Hane is UTO coordinator for the Diocese of Los Angeles and Province VIII representative on the UTO board. She may be reached at tsmecker@cox.net.
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FOR THE RECORD: In an August 18 item about the Rev. Joshua Lee's visit to the 150th anniversary celebration of the Diocese of Hokkaidō, Japan, the Most Rev. David Eisho Uehara, pictured at center in this photo, was not correctly identified. He is bishop of the Diocese of Okinawa and presiding bishop and primate of the Anglican Church of Japan. His son, Joshua Seiwa Uehara, at left, was correctly identified as a priest of Diocese of Okinawa. Lee, at right, served with the elder Uehara in Hokkaidō 25 years ago as a missionary from Korea. The News regrets the error, and thanks Lee for the correction.
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On the road: Eusabio and the Hoover Dam
August 17, 2024
In Willa Cather’s “Death Comes for the Archbishop,” published in 1927, Bishop Latour, patterned after the real-life first bishop of Santa Fe in the late 19th century, sets out through the Arizona and New Mexico desert with his friend, a Navajo chief named Eusabio. I covered some of the same ground earlier this week when I drove to Santa Fe from Window Rock, capital of the Navajo nation.
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On the road: Eusabio and the Hoover Dam
August 15, 2024
The only cottonwood tree on old Acoma mesa was planted by the great-grandfather of our guide, who gave us permission to call him Gooby. The nickname is derived from his Acoma name, which he said means early winter. You can find him on Facebook as artisan Barnett Garcia — and most days, you can find him and his spouse on Acoma mesa, where people have lived continuously since A.D. 1100. One of a handful of families who live there year round, they’re caretakers of his aunt and uncle’s home.
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RIP: The Reverend Bert Anderson Jr.
February 18, 2029 – August 13, 2024
[The Episcopal News – August 21, 2024] The Rev. Bert Anderson Jr., 95, a priest of the Diocese of Los Angeles and resident of Ashland, Oregon, died Aug. 13. He served most recently as an assisting priest at Trinity Church in Ashland, beginning in 2002.
Anderson was married to Nancy Daniels Anderson, who survives him. The couple had three children. Information about survivors and services was not immediately available.
Before his 1997 retirement, Anderson was a marriage and family counselor and non-parochial priest. He had served at Trinity Church, Redlands from 1986 to 1988 after several years at Church of the Holy Spirit, Bullhead City, Arizona. Previously he was vicar, then rector, of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea, San Diego (then part of the Diocese of Los Angeles), which achieved parish status and built a new church during his tenure. He also served on the board of Episcopal Community Services and as a chaplain at juvenile corrective institution. In the Diocese of Los Angeles he was a member of the Commission on Stewardship Education.
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All are invited to Echo Park Immigration Center’s Aug. 24 gala
Honorees include veteran priest Richard Estrada
Longtime priest and refugee advocate Richard Estrada will be among leaders honored by the Echo Park Immigration Center (EPIC) at its 3rd annual gala set for Saturday, Aug. 24, 3 - 6 p.m., at L.A.’s historic Pico House, 424 N. Main St. All are invited; tickets are $175 each and may be purchased here.
Under the theme “Sanctuary of Support,” EPIC has set a $25,000 fundraising goal for the event benefiting the agency’s work with immigrants arriving in Los Angeles, notes co-founder and executive director Josh Lopez-Reyes. Sponsorship opportunities also are available.
Among other gala highlights, several EPIC clients will recount their experiences of resilience and achievement, and the agency will present its annual Canon Lydia Lopez Awards recognizing exemplary service to immigrants and refugees. Lopez, who died in 2023, championed support for immigrants throughout her 50-year ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.
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‘Losing Truth’ online forums set for Sept. 15, 22, will address societal impact of disinformation
[The Episcopal News – August 14, 2024] Two Sunday-afternoon online forums titled “Losing Truth: The Critical Cost to Our Lives and Future” will be presented Sept. 15 and 22, 2 - 4 p.m. via Zoom by the diocesan Program Group on Ecumenical and Interfaith Life. All are welcome, and attendees are asked to register here.
“Recently we’ve seen truth manipulated with misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, and just plain old lies,” notes program group chair Dot Leach, a lay leader at Orange County’s St. John Chrysostom Episcopal Church in Rancho Santa Margarita, who also invokes a quote from the late N.Y. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan: “Everyone is entitled to his own truth, but not his own facts.”
With opening remarks from Bishop Diocesan John Harvey Taylor, the first panel will feature insights presented by journalists and a cyber liaison officer, while the second webinar’s panelists will be a clinical psychologist, a theologian, and a retired federal district court judge. Leach, a former broadcast journalist and former member of the Orange County Human Relations Commission, will moderate both panel presentations.
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SAVE THE DATE
Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change sets Nov. 20 webinar with scientist Katharine Hayhoe
[The Episcopal News – August 14, 2024] Internationally renowned climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe will keynote a diocese-wide webinar set for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20 by the Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change. Attendees are asked to register here.
Hayhoe is chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy and a Paul Whitfield Horn Distinguished Professor and the Political Science Endowed Chair in Public Policy and Public Law in the Department of Political Science at Texas Tech University, where she is also an associate in the Public Health program of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. In addition, she is a principal investigator for the Department of Interior’s South-Central Climate Adaptation Science Center and the National Science Foundation’s Global Infrastructure Climate Network.
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Golfers (and non-golfers) invited to take part in Oct. 14 Shepherd's Cup Golf Classic
Calling all golfers! The second annual Shepherd’s Cup Golf Classic and Dinner will be held on Monday, Oct. 14 at the Industry Hills Golf Club and Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry.
The day will include the tournament, putting and other contests, a banquet dinner with guest speaker Bishop John Harvey Taylor, live and silent auctions, and an opportunity drawing. A video invitation from Bishop Taylor is here. (Oct. 14 is Indigenous Peoples Day, also known as Columbus Day, a federal holiday.)
This year’s event will benefit campus ministries in the Diocese of Los Angeles, including the Canterbury Clubs at UCLA, USC and UC-Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Riverside.
Non-golfers are welcome to the social hour and banquet.
More information about the tournament and registration links is here. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. All congregations of the diocese are encouraged to make up a foursome and compete for the Shepherd’s Cup.
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Students at USC, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, and UCSB invited to join Canterbury Clubs
The Diocese of Los Angeles invites all current students of USC, UCLA, UC Riverside, UC Irvine, and UC Santa Barbara to join the Canterbury Club, the Episcopal Church's campus ministry.
Canterbury is a spiritual home for Episcopalians, seekers and friends, and a space for music, fellowship, community activism, and food justice. Canterbury is committed to welcoming all students and honoring people of all faiths or no faith.
To learn more, students or their friends and families may contact the the chaplain at the following schools:
Come and be a part of a loving, warm, and authentic community.
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'By Your Side' training sessions set for autumn
Since 2011, the mission of By Your Side – a program of Episcopal Communities & Services – has been to support people in times of change and difficulty, particularly in health crisis, and to be at their bedside at the end of their lives as needed. More than 500 volunteers have been trained to be a compassionate presence.
By Your Side's next 10-hour training session will be held on Tuesday evenings, Oct. 1 - 29, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., and Mondays, Nov. 18 - Dec. 16; locations to be determined. Both classes will be hybrid, with an option to attend via Zoom. For further information and to register, contact Susan Brown at sbrown@ecsforseniors.org or 626.403.5424. A fee of $70 (which includes all materials) is due by the second class. ECS team members are complimentary; scholarships are available for public enrollees. CE (12 hours) for nurses is available for an added $30 under California Board of Registered Nursing Provider CEP 16239. Anyone may take the training; there is no obligation to volunteer.
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St. Mark’s School, Altadena, offers full scholarships for underserved children
St. Mark’s School, Altadena, in partnership with The Children’s Education Initiative (TCEI), a non-profit organization, is offering a rare opportunity to children in underserved communities: full scholarships to its highly rated elementary school.
The scholarships, which are available for children entering kindergarten in the Fall, will cover 100% of tuition and other associated fees such as childcare and uniforms.
Saint Mark’s is an independent Episcopal school for students in preschool through grade 6, located at 1050 E Altadena Drive, Altadena 91001 (at the corner of Lake Avenue and Altadena Drive). Parents or guardians of prospective students are invited to call Maggie Young at 626.798.8858 to set up a school tour, and to visit the school website to apply. Families will be asked to fill out a tuition assistance application. Translation services and support available.
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New York gives $1.5 million to help Cathedral of St. John the Divine expand social service ministries
[Episcopal News Service – August 20, 2024] The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine announced Aug. 20 that it had received a $1.5 million grant from the city of New York to renovate a historic building on its Upper Manhattan campus and expand the social services it offers through the Cathedral Community Cares program.
The goal is to transform the cathedral’s Synod Hall into a “larger community hub” offering a range of services to combat poverty, with a particular focus on addressing health and hunger issues.
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Central Pennsylvania congregation sells church but remains active by renting back its sanctuary
By David Paulsen
[Episcopal News Service – August 19, 2024] Worshippers gather Sundays inside the nave at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Altoona, Pennsylvania, just like they always have, with no reason to notice anything different – despite a big change that took effect there three weeks ago.
The pews and altar are the same. The same organ accompanies the hymns. The schedule of services still alternates between Holy Eucharist and Morning Prayer, depending on the availability of supply priests. And the worshippers are mostly the same, typically about 12-15 familiar faces, some of whom have been attending St. Luke’s for many years.
What’s different is that the congregation is now a tenant instead of the owner of its building in downtown Altoona, a city of about 44,000 in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. On July 26, the congregation finalized the sale of its property to Chris Cook, a local contractor and property manager whose family businesses specialize in historic preservation.
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A candid conversation with Bishop Michael Curry
[2WGRZ TV – Chautauqua, New York – August 19, 2024] Bishop Michael Curry's position as Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church may be retiring as he approaches the mandatory retirement age of 72, but he plans to always serve.
Curry spent time in August speaking at Chautauqua Institution.
Two On Your Side's Claudine Ewing had a chance to sit down with the bishop about his ministry, events, and thoughts on the city of Buffalo where he was raised.
… When the bishop is no longer serving as Presiding Bishop, he said "I can't not serve. I don't have to lead anything. I don't have to be a leader, but I want to serve."
Read more and watch video interview
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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.
THURSDAYS, 7:30 p.m. (beginning August 22)
Art in Contemplation Exploring Parables
Through the Paintings of Rembrandt
St. Thomas the Apostle Church
7501 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles
This four-week series of guided discussions led by Jennifer Parker will consider four of Jesus’ parables through a series of paintings by Rembrandt Van Rijn, each week focusing on a different parable. This is a free course and all are welcome. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link can be provided. For information or the Zoom link, email the parish office at jwarren@saintthomashollywood.org.
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.
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FRIDAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 - 24, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Annual Rummage Sale
St. Francis Church
2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates
Information: 310.375.4617
Thousands of items including furniture, electronics, housewares, small appliances, home décor, art, sporting goods, garden supplies, power tools, toys, baby gear, holiday, jewelry, luggage, boutique items, clothes, shoes and more! Proceeds support buildings and grounds and outreach.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Book club: Joan Chittister’s The Time is Now
Via Zoom: Information & registration
The Immaculate Heart Community, based at St. Paul's Commons, is hosting a new virtual book club on Zoom, reading The Time Is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage by Sister Joan Chittister, OSB, a passionate supporter of IHC’s mission. Chittister — well known as a rabble-rousing force of nature for social justice and fervent proponent of personal faith and spiritual fulfillment — draws on the wisdom of prophets, both ancient and modern, to help us confront the societal forces that oppress and silence the sacred voices among us. Book club will meet via Zoom on the fourth Saturday of each month (except October and December 2024). Sessions will include large- and small-group discussions led by rotating hosts, with focus questions, related media, journaling and more. Open to all.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 3 - 6 p.m.
Echo Park Immigration Center (EPIC) Gala
Pico House
424 N. Main Street, Los Angeles
Tickets
Longtime priest and refugee advocate Richard Estrada will be among leaders honored at the event, themed “Sanctuary of Support.” The gala will raise funds for the agency’s work with immigrants arriving in Los Angeles. Among other gala highlights, several EPIC clients will recount their experiences of resilience and achievement, and the agency will present its annual Canon Lydia Lopez Awards recognizing exemplary service to immigrants and refugees. Lopez, who died in 2023, championed support for immigrants throughout her 50-year ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Tickets: $175. Sponsorships are available. Read more about the gala and EPIC here.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 7 p.m.
Taizé Heartfulness 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.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 7 p.m.
Episcopal-Lutheran Night at Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium
1000 Vin Scully Avenue, Los Angeles 90012
The Dodgers will play the Cleveland Guardians. Tickets will be $35. Fireworks and a drone show are scheduled after the game. More information has been 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.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 10 a.m.
Celebration of a New Ministry
All Saints by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
83 Eucalyptus Lane, Santa Barbara 93108
The people of All Saints' Church welcome the diocesan community's prayers and presence as the Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, installs the Rev. Channing R. Smith as rector. A reception will follow the service. Clergy: white stoles. Nursery care will be provided.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 7 p.m.
Documentary Screening: The Philadelphia 11
Trinity Episcopal Church
1500 State Street, Santa Barbara 93101-2514
In an act of civil disobedience, a group of eleven women deacons and their supporters organized their ordination as Episcopal priests in 1974. In The Philadelphia 11, we meet and come to understand the women who succeeded in building a movement that transformed an age-old institution, and challenges the very essence of patriarchy within Christendom. Local access to the film is made possible through the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. A $5 freewill donation is requested. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2 - 4 p.m.
Losing Truth: The Critical Cost to Our Lives and Future (Forum 1)
Online: register here
Presented by the Program Group on Ecumenical and Interfaith Life. How do we determine truth from lies? How do we recognize omissions of truth? How do we face facts and not look away even if those facts tell a story we are not comfortable with or want to acknowledge? Join us for this two-part series for an examination of the misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation that has infiltrated our daily lives, through the lenses of faith, law, psychology, and more. With opening remarks from Bishop Diocesan John Harvey Taylor, the first panel will feature insights presented by journalists and a cyber liaison officer. At the second session, on the following Sunday, Sept. 22, panelists will be a clinical psychologist, a theologian, and a retired federal district court judge. Leach will moderate both presentations. More about the programs and panelists is here.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 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.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Engaged Compassion and the 2024 Election:
Bringing Compassion to Difficult Conversations and Relationships
St. George’s Episcopal Church
950 Spruce Street, Riverside 92507
Information/Registration: Karri@stgeorgesriverside.org
Developed by the Center for Engaged Compassion at The Claremont School of Theology, this day-long workshop will address the difficulties that some are experiencing in their relationships around politics, especially as we get closer to the election. We will look at ways to help you bring compassion to conversations and relationships, and how to work toward social change using compassion, not confrontation, as a guide. Lunch will be provided. There is no fee, but registration is required, and a freewill offering will be collected. This workshop will be facilitated by the Rev. Karri Backer, Ph.D., a certified facilitator of The Compassion Practice, spiritual director, therapist, and vicar of St. George’s.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 6 - 10 p.m.
Centennial Gala: 100 Years of Love, God and Community
St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church
2563 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta 91214
The centennial celebration will include history, music, a formal dinner dance, and a “fund a program” auction. Tickets are $125 each; on PayPal order form, note “Gala” and number of tickets - or contact the church office at 818.248.3639 or info@stlukeslacrescenta.org.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2 - 4 p.m.
Losing Truth: The Critical Cost to Our Lives and Future (Forum 2)
Online: register here
Presented by the Program Group on Ecumenical and Interfaith Life. How do we determine truth from lies? How do we recognize omissions of truth? How do we face facts and not look away even if those facts tell a story we are not comfortable with or want to acknowledge? Join us for this two-part series for an examination of the misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation that has infiltrated our daily lives, through the lenses of faith, law, psychology, and more. With opening remarks from Bishop Diocesan John Harvey Taylor, the first panel, on Sept. 15, features insights presented by journalists and a cyber liaison officer. At the second session, panelists will be a clinical psychologist, a theologian, and a retired federal district court judge. Leach will moderate both presentations. More about the programs and panelists is here.
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Events to be included in the online diocesan calendar and the Update may be emailed to editor@ladiocese.org. | |
St. Andrew's Soup Kitchen
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
1231 E. Chapman, Fullerton
Do you have a few hours to spare on Friday nights? Join us at St. Andrew's Soup Kitchen to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who rarely have a hot meal. Fridays at 5:30 p.m. St. Andrew's is in need of dedicated volunteers to help serve dinner and assist with cleanup. Their time and effort will provide warmth, nourishment, and a sense of community to our guests. No experience is necessary – just a kind heart and a willingness to help. All are welcome. To volunteer, please contact office@saintandrewwsfullerton.com
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Immigration & Refugee ministry
IRIS (Interfaith Refugee & Immigration Service)
3621 Brunswick Ave., Los Angeles 90039
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.
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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 | |
FULLY SUBSCRIBED: WAITING LIST ONLY
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.
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EMPLOYMENT
Listings may be sent to news@ladiocese.org. There is no charge.
| HERMOSA BEACH: Executive Assistant to the Clergy, St. Cross Church. 30 hours per week, benefits and pension. Responsibilities include working closely with the clergy, overseeing the communications coordinator, and managing the front office. For a more detailed job description please email the Rev. Rachel Nyback, rector, at rnyback@stcross.org. | HERMOSA BEACH: Communications Coordinator, St. Cross Church. 20 hours per week, benefits and pension. Responsibilities include upkeep of the website, social media, and print media, leading the strategic promotion of St. Cross events within the parish and wider communities. This also includes webcasting the 10 a.m. Sunday service. For a more detailed job description please email the Rev. Rachel Nyback, rector at rnyback@stcross.org. | LAGUNA HILLS: Church Administrator, St. George’s Episcopal Church. Part time (15-19 hours/week), to begin work in late May 2024. Areas of responsibility: communications, administration, membership, facilities management, and IT. We seek a dynamic self-starter who can implement technological, operational, and systemic changes to help the church better serve the community. This position reports to the vicar and offers opportunity for creativity and leadership. The right candidate will thrive as the primary point of contact at the church, ideally 4-5 days per week, 3-4 hours per day (we are open to flexible scheduling). Full job description here. To apply, email resume and cover letter to the Rev. Pat McCaughan, vicar, at revpatmccaughan@aol.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: 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. | PALOS VERDES ESTATES: Administrative Assistant / Front Desk Receptionist at St. Francis’ Church. 24 hours per week. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing exceptional service and administrative support in a church office setting. Full job description and how to apply here. | PASADENA: Director of Children, Youth & Families Ministry. All Saints Church is conducting a search for a full-time Director to continue to develop and implement a vibrant Children, Youth and Families program that is welcoming, inclusive, and in alignment with All Saints’ values. The Children, Youth and Families department at All Saints strives to create a safe haven for all Children and Youth, and to amplify their voices in the church and in the wider community in spreading love, compassion, and healing to all people. To apply, please review the job description and email your resume and cover letter to skramer@allsaints-pas.org with the title of the position listed in the subject line of the email. | REDONDO BEACH: Children’s Ministry Leader, Christ Episcopal Church. 4 hours per week. Plan and lead creative, educational, and fun indoor/outdoor activities for children ages 3-11 years on Sunday mornings. Opportunity to expand to a new program for middle and high schoolers. For more information, please email the Rev. Julie Beals at jbeals@andrewandchrist.org. | 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. | |
UPLAND: Music Director and Organist. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Upland, California, seeks a part-time music director and organist who can bring musical gifts, creativity, faithfulness, and joy to our community. We hope to strengthen and expand our music program, which has a long history of quality voice and instrumental offerings from a core group of dedicated volunteer musicians who help lead the congregation in worship each Sunday. A full job description is here. Resumes, references, and links to musical performance recordings should be sent to our selection committee at music@stmarks-upland.org. Please include a short cover letter of introduction. | |
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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
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