September 22, 2024

News

Above: Bishops and deputies from the Diocese of Taiwan, left, and the Diocese of Los Angeles, right, gather on the floor of the House of Deputies during General Convention in June 2024. Below: Bishop Lennon Chang, right, met with Bishop John Harvey Taylor during a visit to the Diocese of Los Angeles in February.

Bishop Taylor to lead delegation to Diocese of Taiwan anniversary celebration

By Pat McCaughan

[The Episcopal News – September 15, 2024] Bishop John Harvey Taylor will lead a Los Angeles delegation to join the 70th anniversary celebration of the Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan, with whom a companion relationship was established at the 128th annual diocesan convention in November 2023.

The trip, which will begin Sept. 21 and conclude Oct. 1, marks the beginning of an exchange that will include an August 2025 visit from Taiwan Bishop Lennon Yuan-Jung Chang and is expected to include “theological education exchanges, both of seminarians, recently ordained clergy and young people, and evangelism and mission,” Taylor told Diocesan Council members at their September 12 online meeting.

In addition to Taylor, the L.A. delegation will include: the Rev. Thomas Ni; the Rev. Katherine Feng and the Rev. Fennie Chang. The Rt. Rev. Lennon Yuan-Jung Chang (not related), who was consecrated sixth Bishop of Taiwan in 2020, will preside over a Sept. 28 anniversary ceremony, themed “Sharing the Good News,” at St. John’s University in Taipei.

Vet your sources, pop your news bubble, support good local journalism, panelists say at first ‘Losing Truth’ forum

By Pat McCaughan

[The Episcopal News – September 17, 2024] Bishop John Harvey Taylor opened “Losing Truth: The Critical Cost to Our Lives and Future,” the Sept. 15 online forum, with his confession of how easily he, even as a former journalist and sophisticated news reader, recently was misled by misinformation.

“Remember last week when Tom Brady debuted as a commentator on Fox Sports, helping call the Cowboys-Browns game?” he asked the gathering of about 40. “I’m not much of a football fan, but it’s hard not to follow the career of Tom Brady, and the next day I saw a seemingly reliable commentary saying he’d done a terrible job, and I was inclined to believe it. Why not? But then I checked the online publication The Athletic and learned that, although he started off rocky, as people usually don their first day at work, by the end of the game, he found his voice.

“Turns out, many people were upset. The popular analyst, Greg Olsen, had been demoted to make room for the superstar. I didn’t know enough to be aware of people’s agenda and hurt feelings, and I believed a seeming credible report on face value.”

Confirmation bias, or the human tendency to look for information sources meeting particular needs; tribalism and the need for deeper personal connection; fluidity of truth and the need for contextualization of media and wider media diets, hate speech and abuse of the constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech, were among the topics discussed during the forum facilitated by Dot Leach, a former broadcast journalist and chair of the diocesan Program Group on Ecumenical and Interreligious Life.

Bishop John Harvey Taylor, who opened the online forum, is pictured at Clergy Conference in May 2024.

At September meeting, Diocesan Council hears of search process for bishop coadjutor, new hires and mentoring projects projected for 2025

By Pat McCaughan

[The Episcopal News – September 18, 2024] The search for a bishop coadjutor, mentoring opportunities for newly ordained clergy, financial assistance for Camp Stevens and hiring both a youth and young adult missioner and a housing and enterprise missioner are among next year’s ambitious initiatives, Treasurer Canon Andy Tomat told Diocesan Council on Sept. 12 during a preview of the proposed 2025 diocesan budget.

Council granted temporary relief from the annual 12% assessment to a ninth congregation. It also authorized sanctions for parishes that have not complied with the assessment and have not requested waivers or responded to efforts by Bishop John Harvey Taylor, the Assessment Review Committee, or Diocesan Council to engage them.

Samantha Wylie, convention coordinator, reminded the council that the Rev. Carter Heyward will headline a celebration of the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination at the 129th annual meeting of the diocese Nov. 8 - 9. This year’s convention, themed “Inside Out Church: Episcopal Identity in Our Neighborhood,” will focus on the diocese’s work in advocacy, service and chaplaincy. Delegates to convention will be asked to renew for another three years the diocese’s longstanding companion relationship with the Diocese of Jerusalem.

New grant helps Seeds of Hope expand services with rent assistance, additional food

By Mostyn Trudinger-Smith

Seeds of Hope, the food justice ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles, recently received a $25,000 grant from United Way that will allow it to expand its services, offering clients rent assistance and additional food support at its produce distribution events.

With the new funding, Seeds of Hope will be able to offer clients staple foods, such as beans, rice, eggs, milk, and meat, in addition to produce, and provide rent assistance to eligible clients. The grant money comes from the U.S. government’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program, of which United Way is a partner agency.

“It’s also to serve meals,” said Steven Trapasso, executive director of Seeds of Hope. “I wrote this grant [proposal] with Thanksgiving in mind. Every year we have a Thanksgiving at the diocese. It’s always huge, 1000 people or more, and we can buy everything for that [with the grant].”

Calling all singers! Volunteers needed for choir at St. Paul's Commons Evensong

To join the volunteer choir for the 30th anniversary Evensong at St. Paul’s Commons, click here for the signup form. Music will be sent to all singers who register. There will be one rehearsal, on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 20 (time to be announced). According to the Rev. John Watson, who will lead the Evensong, organizers would like to include at least one singer from every congregation in the diocese.

To learn more about the Evensong see the Episcopal News story, "St. Paul’s Commons sets Oct. 20 Evensong to mark 30th anniversary of campus opening," below or here.

The Bishop's Blog ( Additional entries are here)

All Saints, Pasadena: Safe at home

September 17, 2024

For a half-century an exemplar of the love and justice of our God in Christ, All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena celebrated 100 years in its magnificent church building on Sunday. It was one cornerstone of an epic, festive annual homecoming service. Thousands participated, jamming the old stone church and tuning in via Zoom.

Praying for peace in Jerusalem

September 17, 2024

I know Jack [Miles] and Christopher [Montella] share my profound feeling of humility as we rise to talk about the crisis in Israel and Palestine. No one on our program is competent to express the view of the Israeli or the Palestinian or indeed of the United States Jew or Palestinian American.

Congregations

All Saints, Pasadena, marks 100 years in landmark sanctuary

Parishioners and friends of All Saints Church in Pasadena packed the pews on Sunday, Sept. 15, for a festival homecoming Eucharist marking the 100th year of the congregation’s landmark sanctuary. Bishop John Harvey Taylor was celebrant and preacher for the liturgy which included the premiere of two specially commissioned anthems for the occasion. (Video of the full service is here; video of the sermon is here.)

After the offering and Eucharistic elements were received at the altar, Taylor presented the congregation with the gift – given on behalf of the diocese – of an illuminated manuscript (detailing scripture verse John 1:14) expertly handcrafted by master calligrapher Vincent Mazzucchelli, 97, parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood.

Taylor paid tribute to Mazzucchelli – a retired university professor, cartographer, and WWII counter-intelligence agent – and his husband, John Thornbury, for their faithful witness as spouses who met in 1963 while undergrads.

All Saints’ priest-in-charge, the Rev. Canon Tim Rich, welcomed all who filled the church and watched the livestreamed service. Located across Euclid Avenue from Pasadena City Hall, All Saints’ stone church building was designed by renowned architect Reginald Johnson, son of the Rt. Rev. Joseph Horsfall Johnson, who served from 1896 to 1928 as first bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles. More about the building is here. Taylor posted about the celebration in his blog on Sept. 17.

— Reporting and photos by Bob Williams

Click the image above for a video message in which Bishop John Harvey Taylor invites the diocesan community to donate to St. Luke's Church's shower program for the unhoused through Long Beach Gives on Nov. 19.

DONATE BY SEPTEMBER 19

St. Luke’s asks for support for its shower program through Long Beach Gives

Long Beach Gives is a one-day event on Sept. 19 to raise money for nonprofit organizations in the city, one of which is St. Luke’s Shower Program at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

According to their Long Beach Gives listing, St. Luke’s program, Shower Power & Manna Meals, provides showers, clothes, and food every Saturday for its unhoused neighbors. The shower program signs in about 30 women and 70 men each week. Most weeks 65% of the women and 50% of the men take showers. Most women and about 70% of the men get clean clothes. Every Saturday, St. Luke’s distributes 100 - 150 hot meals. St. Luke’s is one of the few non-profit or city homeless services programs that operate on the weekend. Its services also include a first aid station, monthly barber services and a monthly dental clinic.

During last year’s event, St. Luke’s raised more than $10,000 through links shared on social media and emails. They hope to match that total this year. Early giving this year began on Sept. 12, and by midafternoon on Sept. 18 St. Luke’s had raised $3,500 from 26 donors.

In a video message, Bishop John Harvey Taylor invites the diocesan community to contribute to St. Luke’s shower program through Long Beach Gives. The direct link for St. Luke’s ministry is https://www.longbeachgives.org/organization/St-Lukes-Church-Lbg.

St. Francis' Parish, Palos Verdes, welcomes neighbors from Wayfarers Chapel

[St. Francis’ Church, Palos Verdes Estates] When the landmark Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes closed in February 2024 due to the effects of an unprecedented landslide, the Rev. Jason Shelby, rector of St. Francis’ Episcopal Church, Palos Verdes Estates, reached out to the Rev. David Brown, director of ministry at Wayfarers, and offered his Swedenborgian congregation the use of the St. Francis Chapel while they were without a place to worship.

Brown gratefully accepted the offer and the Wayfarers congregation has been worshiping in the chapel ever since while the Episcopal congregation continues to meet in the main church building.

“They are a wonderful addition to our Sunday services, and we have enjoyed getting to know them through our shared coffee hour,” said Shelby.

“Pastor David and I thought it would be instructive and fun if each congregation worshiped with the other. To that end, the Wayfarers will be joining our Episcopal service for worship on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m.,” said Shelby. “The following Sunday, Sept. 29, we will be joining the Wayfarers for their Swedenborgian service in the chapel at 10:15 a.m.”

Neither congregation is going to alter the way it worships, so that the visitors have a good sense of what their hosts do every week. “I am excited about this opportunity to strengthen our ties with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to learn how they worship on an average Sunday. Having the Wayfarers with us every Sunday for fellowship has elevated and enriched our coffee hour,” said Shelby.

The Wayfarers Chapel building, designed by Lloyd Wright, is a national historic landmark. According to a May 2024 article in the Los Angeles Times, the elegant glass church was so damaged by recent landslides under its foundation that church leaders chose to dismantle the structure, with plans to rebuild on a safer site.

St. Francis is located at 2200 Via Rosa, at the northwest entrance to Palos Verdes Estates. More information is here, or call 310.375.4617.

Photo: Jason Shelby, left, meets with David Brown of Wayfarers at the door of St. Francis' chapel, where the Wayfarers congregation currently meets. Photo: Courtesy of St. Francis' Church.

Diocesan Convention https://diocesela.org/convention

Call to the 2024 meeting of Diocesan Convention

By Steven Nishibayashi and Samantha Wylie

[Convention Office, Diocese of Los Angeles] Join us for the 129th Annual Meeting of Convention of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Los Angeles, themed Inside Out Church: Episcopal Identity in our Neighborhoods, on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 and 9.

Plans are underway for a day-and-a-half in-person Convention at the Riverside Convention Center at 3637 5th Street, Riverside 92501.

In announcing this year’s theme, Bishop Diocesan John Harvey Taylor said, “What we do on Sundays is the launch pad for how we live as Episcopalians in a spiritually hungry world. The church becomes the diaconate writ large when it goes outside its walls.” Inside Out Church is an examination of the diocese’s work in chaplaincy, service, and advocacy.

Further, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church, it is with great joy we will welcome the Rev. Carter Heyward, one of the historic Philadelphia Eleven, as special guest and keynote speaker at this year’s Diocesan Convention.

Pre-Convention diocesan presentations and deanery assemblies scheduled for October

Three online pre-convention diocesan presentations will feature remarks from Bishop John Harvey Taylor, a preview of the treasurer’s report on next year’s diocesan budget, and other details about Convention.

Deanery assemblies will follow on Zoom directly after the diocesan presentation. Those who are unable to attend their deanery’s presentation are welcome to attend a different session. The Zoom link is the same for all three sessions, scheduled on the following dates:

Deaneries 3, 4 & 5: Saturday, October 19, 10 a.m.
Deaneries 6, 7 & 8: Saturday, October 19, 2 p.m.
Deaneries 1, 2, 9 & 10: Sunday, October 20, 3 p.m.

Zoom meeting ID for all sessions is 892 7335 7794, or use the direct link. Advance registration is not required.

More about Diocesan Convention:

Are you interested in running for a diocesan office? Nominations are open. Learn more here.
Would you like to have an Exhibit Hall booth at convention for your ministry or business? Get information and register here.
Do you need childcare at Diocesan Convention? It's offered without charge for children ages 0 - 12 on Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Pre-register here.
Would you like to attend the Friday, Nov. 8 banquet dinner? All are invited and welcome; you do not have to be a delegate. Buy tickets here.

Events & Announcements

St. Paul’s Commons sets Oct. 20 Evensong to mark 30th anniversary of campus opening

[The Episcopal News – August 28, 2024] All are invited to an Oct. 20 Evensong set to mark the 30th year of St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park, as headquarters of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

“The spirit of service and hospitality prized by our diocesan community continues to guide the ministries shared in Echo Park these three decades,” said Bishop John Harvey Taylor, who will preach at the 5 p.m. Sunday liturgy featuring a volunteer choir assembled from across the L.A. diocese’s five and one-quarter counties.

To join the choir for the Evensong, click here for the signup form. Music will be sent to all singers who register. There will be one rehearsal, on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 20 (time to be announced).

“This mission is cause to celebrate anew as we shape deepened ways of feeding hearts hungry for spiritual growth, community life, and social services provided to neighbors in need.”

'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., at MonteCedro, 2212 El Molino Avenue, Altadena 91001; and Mondays, Nov. 18 - Dec. 16 (location 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.

St. John's Cathedral invites church singers to Choral Festival Oct. 5 - 6

St. John’s Cathedral invites singers from congregations around the diocese to Choral Festival 2024: “Let all the world in every corner sing!” on Oct. 5 and 6.

Participating singers will join the St. John’s Cathedral Festival Chorus, directed by Christopher Gravis, and the Laós Chamber Orchestra in historic St. John’s Cathedral to perform Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Two Psalms by Gustav Holst.

The event will include a welcome reception, sheet music, lunch, the public performance in the cathedral, and a reception following the concert.

All is included in the $120 cost per participant. To take part in this event, click here for

more information and to sign up. Space is limited.

Faculty and staff invited to Episcopal schools celebration Oct. 10

Bishop John Taylor and the Commission on Schools invite Episcopal school leaders in the Diocese of Los Angeles to gather at St. Paul's Commons on Thursday, Oct. 10, to celebrate Episcopal Schools Week.

The event will begin with Eucharist at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon. It is open to all who serve in Episcopal schools in the diocese.

St. Paul's Commons is located at 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles 90026. Parking is available underground and on the street, but carpooling is strongly encouraged

Registration is required; click here.

SAVE THE DATE

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.

History of women's ordination is focus of Oct. 27 service at St. Wilfrid's, Huntington Beach

St. Wilfrid of York Church in Huntington Beach invites the diocesan community to a special service to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in The Episcopal Church on Sunday, October 27 at 5 p.m.

The service, which will celebrate God's work through women over the past 50 years, will be designed by and led by women, including the Rev. Karen Maurer as celebrant and the Rev. Kay Sylvester will preach. The women of St. Wilfrid's choir will sing music by women composers. Female clergy of the diocese are invited to vest (red stoles) and process.

"The fight to obtain ordination was not an easy path, though it was a righteous journey," wrote Nancy Davies, senior warden, in a letter of invitation to the event. "Led by 11 incredible women who continued to make waves throughout their lives pursuing justice in all its forms, the Episcopal Church’s acceptance of women’s ordination had lasting effects throughout the world and even on other religions."

St. Wilfrid's Church is located at 18631 Chapel Lane, Huntington Beach 92646. For information, call 714.962.7512.

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.

From the wider church

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to lead online launch for new year of Sacred Ground series

[The Episcopal Church] Interested in learning about Sacred Ground and the work of racial reconciliation? Join a special online event with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 9 - 10:30 (PT) to launch the fall program year of Sacred Ground, the church’s 11-part, film- and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. Sacred Ground circles have grown exponentially in dioceses across the country.

All Episcopalians are invited to join a fall program year launch event for Sacred Ground, the church’s 11-part, film- and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. Sacred Ground circles have grown exponentially in dioceses across the country.

Join this Zoom event to hear what makes Sacred Ground compelling and how the series continues to challenge participants to do the deep work of racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in their own lives, within their ministries, and in society.

To join the Zoom event click here. Learn more about Sacred Ground here.

After Trump, Vance ‘create stories’ demonizing migrants, Ohio city feels brunt of bigotry, threats of violence

By David Paulsen

[Episcopal News Service – September 16, 2024] The Rev. Michelle Boomgaard can speak three languages. One of them is French. On Sept. 15, after a difficult week for the city of Springfield, Ohio, Boomgaard planned to conclude her Sunday sermon at Christ Episcopal Church with some words in French, addressed to the few French-speaking Haitian migrants worshipping there. She wanted to assure them they are welcomed and supported.

But those Haitians weren’t in church on Sunday, “and honestly I don’t blame them,” Boomgaard told Episcopal News Service by phone on Sept. 16. She suspects they and much of the local Haitian community are hunkering down, avoiding attention, after former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, amplified unfounded stories vilifying those migrants last week.

Philadelphia priests discuss the role of faith and government in event marking the First Continental Congress’ 250th anniversary

By Melodie Woerman

[Episcopal News Service – September 13, 2024] Two Episcopal priests who serve historic Philadelphia churches recently participated in a panel discussion marking the 250th anniversary of the opening of the First Continental Congress in that Pennsylvania city in 1774.

They joined other local faith leaders – Christian, Jewish and Muslim – in a discussion entitled “Faith and Democracy and the Legacy of the First Prayer in Congress,” where they talked about the role of prayer and religion in government and American civic culture.

The Rev. Samantha Vincent-Alexander is rector of Christ Church, and the Rev. Sarah Hedgis-Kligerman is associate rector of St. Peter’s. Christ Church was founded in 1695, and in 1761 it created St. Peter’s as a church for parishioners in that part of the city; the two churches served as one unified parish with shared clergy. One of the churches’ pre-Revolution rectors, the Rev. Jacob Duché, played an important role in that first Congress.

For more churchwide stories, visit Episcopal News Service.

Calendar

MONDAYS, 6 - 6:45 p.m.

Take Heart Now: Spiritual Tools for Centering and Compassion

The Guibord Center: Online

Registration

Are you looking for ways to feel more grounded in your spirituality? Could you use tools and guidance to help navigate life’s challenges? This online series will bring you inspirational and experiential presentations from notable leaders in our community. Each Monday through the end of 2024 a new speaker will share concepts, stories, and centering tools that will help ground you in spirituality and compassion.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS, beginning OCTOBER 1, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Community Yoga Class

St. James Episcopal Church

1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena

Please bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. Community yoga is an inclusive and accessible gathering for people of all ages and skill levels. Beginners are welcome. $15 per class, $120 for a 10-class pass. A collaboration between Caitlyn Ference-Saunders, RYT500 and St. James' Episcopal Church.We respect the history of yoga as a holistic South Asian practice. Our classes are offered with cultural respect and religious neutrality in mind. All are welcome.

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.

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.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch & Learn Lecture Series: Natasha Khamashta

St. Paul’s Commons (Jonathan Daniels Room)

840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026, or on Zoom

Natasha Khamashta, deputy public defender, will speak about the impact of diversion programs in the juvenile detention system, and how we, as a community, can invest in and support the healing of children in custody. Khamashta will be introduced by and converse with John Mutz, former L.A. police captain and member of the Immaculate Heart Community.

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; contact the church office, 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 psychologist, a theologian, and a retired federal district court judge. Leach will moderate both presentations. More about the programs and panelists is here.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 4 p.m.

Music for Brass and Organ

St. Gregory's Episcopal Church

6201 E. Willow Street, Long Beach 90815

The South Coast Brass Quintet, organist David York and percussionist Paul Sternhagen unite to present festive music for brass, organ and timpani featuring selections from Gabrieli to Gershwin, Bach to the Beatles. A free-will offering will be accepted, and a reception will follow.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 5 – 7 p.m

Chamber Music for Winds and Harp

All Saints' Episcopal Church

504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Performers: Heather Clark, flute; Sal Lozano, saxophone and clarinet; William Wood, bassoon; Marcia Dickstein, harp. Program: Nina Rota, Sonata for Flute and Harp; Craig Phillips (music director at All Saints’), Suite for Flute, Bassoon and Harp; Jacques Ibert, "Entre'Acte"; Charles Koechlin, "Épitaphe de Jean Harlow"; Lennox Berkeley, "Piece for Flute, Clarinet and Bassoon." A reception will follow the concert.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 8 p.m.

Concert: Featuring Jan Berry Baker, saxophone

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

1031 Bienveneda Avenue, Pacific Palisades

Information/Tickets here or 310.573.7422

The Music Guild at St. Matthew’s Church will begin is 2024 - 2025 season with this concert featuring renowned saxophonist Jan Berry Baker performing Jacque Ibert’s Concertino da Camera and William Grant Still’s Romance for Alto Saxophone and Strings. Baker is professor of saxophone and head of woodwinds at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and performs regularly with the L.A. Philharmonic, Chicago and Atlanta symphonies and a variety of new music ensembles. The program also will include a celebratory new work by conductor/composer Dwayne S. Milburn and concludes with Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony. Tickets: $45 or Music Guild Season Pass (available for eight concerts for as little as $285). Free parking and intermission refreshments are provided.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2 – 4:00 p.m.

The Work of Ida Puliwa

St. Paul’s Commons

840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026

Information: Michele Richards, 747.307.4253 or mrichards@ihworks.org

The Immaculate Heart Community invites you to learn more about the work of Ida Puliwa, founder of Othakarhaka Foundation, empowering girls in Malawi by promoting gender equality, education, healthcare and sustainability. Light refreshments will be provided

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 12 - 3 p.m.

Cultural Competency: It’s Not Only About Pronouns

St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church

18631 Chapel Lane, Huntington Beach

Information: 714.962.7512 or here

Hosted by the St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal PRIDE Alliance, this workshop is designed to increase knowledge of our LGBTQIA+ community. Learn strategies to become an ally. Refreshments will be served at 12 p.m.; the program begins at 12:15. Presented by representatives of the LGBTQ Center of Orange County. Reservations are requested: email Conniehornyak@icloud.com or Steven@jimbocosw.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 3 p.m.

Season of Creation 2024 Ecumenical Service Of Prayer and Reflection

St. Paul's Commons

840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026

Registration and information: email contact@socalforum.net

Join the Southern California Christian Forum's Faith and Order Commission for a time of prayer and reflection on the Season of Creation. Featured speakers will be Michael McNaught and Sister Maryann Huepper of the Center for Reconciliation and Justice at Loyola Marymount University. The event is free, and registration is recommended.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 4 p.m.

Organ Recital: Thomas Mellan

Grace Episcopal Church

555 E. Mountain View Avenue, Glendora

Thomas Mellan, a graduate of USC's Thornton School of Music, has been the organist at Grace Church for about a year. Described by a parishioner as "a bit of a rock star in the organ community," Mellan will perform on the church's organ, Manuel Rosales' Opus 3. The program will be followed by a wine-and-cheese reception. There is no charge.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 10 a.m.

St. Michael and All Angels Eucharist & BBQ

Desert Journeys Guest House

Desert Journeys, Joshua Tree

A relaxed, warm and welcoming gathering. To attend, contact the Rev. Canon David Carrey at 760.362.4670 or desertfather@earthlink.net.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 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.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 5:30 - 9 p.m.

Dinner and a Show

St. Luke the Physician Episcopal Church

122 South California Avenue, Monrovia 91016

Tickets/Information

An evening of fun, fellowship and fundraising, beginning with dinner at 5:30 p.m. prepared by Chef Joseph Lauer and Kelly Lauer and served in the garden. Once dinner is complete, we will progress to the sanctuary to enjoy a curated musical performance by members of the choir, parish musicians and other special guests. The show begins at 6:45 pm. After the show, dessert will be served. Advance general admission tickets: $60 (with wine) or $40) without wine. At the door tickets will be $70 or $55; check or exact change only. A 50/50 raffle will be held. Proceeds will benefit St. Luke's music program.

WEDNESDAYS, OCTOBER 10 - DECEMBER 5, 7 p.m.

Book Discussion – People of the Way: Renewing Episcopal Identity

Via Zoom. Contact: the Rev. Daniel Tamm, danieltamm@gmail.com

Sponsored by St. Mary’s Church (Mariposa), Los Angeles, and led by the Rev. Daniel Tamm. In People of the Way, Renewing Episcopal Identity, author Dwight J. Zscheile asks what it means to be a disciple in today's world. What does it mean to be the body of Christ in an increasingly post-Christian America? Who are we as Episcopalians, and what are we here for? Books may be purchased here.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Shepherd’s Cup Golf Classic and Dinner

Industry Hills Golf Club and Pacific Palms Resort

1 Industry Hills Pkwy, City of Industry 91744

The second annual Shepherd’s Cup 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.) For schedule, costs, registration and other information, visit the Shepherd’s Cup website here.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 4 p.m.

30th Anniversary Evensong

St. Paul’s Commons

840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026

To mark the 30th year of St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park, as headquarters of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Bishop John Harvey Taylor will preach; the Rev. John Watson, priest-in-charge at St. Athanasius – the historic congregation worshiping at the heart of the Commons – is shaping the bilingual Evensong to reflect current ministries in English and Spanish, longstanding community outreach, and collaboration with interfaith partners on site. Evan Griffith, organist-in-residence at St. Paul’s Commons, will conduct music for the service. Information for volunteer choir singers will be available soon. Read more.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 4 p.m.

Men's Evensong Invitational

St. Luke's Episcopal Church

122 South California Avenue, Monrovia 91016

The annual Men's Invitational evensong in honor of St. Luke the Physician features the male singers of St. Luke's Choir, plus men from other choirs around the diocese, led by Kent B. Jones, St. Luke's music director. For information about singing at the Evensong, contact Jones at stlukesdirector@aol.com. A reception will follow the service.

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

Opportunities

VOLUNTEER

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

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.

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.

TRAVEL & PILGRIMAGE

MARCH 20 - 25, 2025

Bishop Taylor to lead delegation to Diocese of Taiwan anniversary celebration

Vet your sources, pop your news bubble, support good local journalism, panelists say at first ‘Losing Truth’ forum

At September meeting, Diocesan Council hears of search process for bishop coadjutor, new hires and mentoring projects projected for 2025

New grant helps Seeds of Hope expand services with rent assistance, additional food

Calling all singers! Volunteers needed for choir at St. Paul's Commons Evensong

All Saints, Pasadena: Safe at home

Praying for peace in Jerusalem

All Saints, Pasadena, marks 100 years in landmark sanctuary

St. Luke’s asks for support for its shower program through Long Beach Gives

St. Francis' Parish, Palos Verdes, welcomes neighbors from Wayfarers Chapel

Call to the 2024 meeting of Diocesan Convention

Pre-Convention diocesan presentations and deanery assemblies scheduled for October

More about Diocesan Convention:

St. Paul’s Commons sets Oct. 20 Evensong to mark 30th anniversary of campus opening

'By Your Side' training sessions set for autumn

St. John's Cathedral invites church singers to Choral Festival Oct. 5 - 6

Faculty and staff invited to Episcopal schools celebration Oct. 10

Golfers (and non-golfers) invited to take part in Oct. 14 Shepherd's Cup Golf Classic

History of women's ordination is focus of Oct. 27 service at St. Wilfrid's, Huntington Beach

Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change sets Nov. 20 webinar with scientist Katharine Hayhoe

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to lead online launch for new year of Sacred Ground series

After Trump, Vance ‘create stories’ demonizing migrants, Ohio city feels brunt of bigotry, threats of violence

Philadelphia priests discuss the role of faith and government in event marking the First Continental Congress’ 250th anniversary

Take Heart Now: Spiritual Tools for Centering and Compassion

Community Yoga Class

Episcopal Students of UCLA

Vigil for Peace

The Welcome Table: A Christian Spiritual Gathering

for the LGBTQ+ Community and Our Allies

Lunch & Learn Lecture Series: Natasha Khamashta

Engaged Compassion and the 2024 Election:

Bringing Compassion to Difficult Conversations and Relationships

Centennial Gala: 100 Years of Love, God and Community

Losing Truth: The Critical Cost to Our Lives and Future (Forum 2)

Music for Brass and Organ

Chamber Music for Winds and Harp

Concert: Featuring Jan Berry Baker, saxophone

The Work of Ida Puliwa

Cultural Competency: It’s Not Only About Pronouns

Season of Creation 2024 Ecumenical Service Of Prayer and Reflection

Organ Recital: Thomas Mellan

St. Michael and All Angels Eucharist & BBQ

Taizé Heartfulness Prayer Service

Dinner and a Show

Book Discussion – People of the Way: Renewing Episcopal Identity

Shepherd’s Cup Golf Classic and Dinner

30th Anniversary Evensong

Men's Evensong Invitational

St. Andrew's Soup Kitchen

Immigration & Refugee ministry

Food Pantry

A Journey of Faith & Action: In the Footsteps of San Romero