September 8, 2024

News

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.

Summer 'Reach Academy' at All Saints, Beverly Hills, empowers young men for mental, spiritual success

By Pat McCaughan

[The Episcopal News – September 4, 2024] “Positive masculinity” was just one of many lessons Brad Flores, 16, learned over the summer as a counselor at the Reach Academy for Young Men, a four-week summer program at All Saints Church in Beverly Hills.

“They offered classes that are not like classes you normally take in school,” said Flores, an 11th grader at Cathedral High School in downtown Los Angeles. He particularly enjoyed film production and art and design, and the history of the universe, but valued lessons learned from the younger students he mentored, who are known as “Reachers.”

“I had it in my mind that I would be someone to watch over the kids” as a counselor, Flores told The Episcopal News. “But it was completely opposite. I got to learn myself, not only from the classes I took but from the kids themselves. We were learning from each other.”

They learned that vulnerability and sharing awareness and feelings are not only acceptable, but desirable. “Every day at the start and end of the day, we would have a common-ground gathering where everyone as a group met up and talked about our experiences and what we learned, and often shared stories about ourselves,” Flores said.

“We got to a point where we felt comfortable sharing personal things that said a lot about us, in a good way.”

Santa Clarita church to host dialogue on Christian response to war between Israel and Hamas

In response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the complex political, religious, and historical tensions that the violence has brought to public attention, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Santa Clarita will host an open dialogue to wrestle with the question of how to respond to the tragic situation. Bishop John Harvey Taylor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author and scholar Jack Miles will lead the discussion, which will be in person at St. Stephen’s on Monday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.

Since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed over 1,100 Israeli citizens, the ensuing violence has killed more 40,000 people in Gaza — largely civilian women and children — and injured over 90,000 throughout Palestine. In the face of such a terrible loss of life, it can be unclear what the Christian response should be, said the Very Rev. Christopher Montella, rector of St. Stephen’s and organizer of the event.

“Of course, we will not find all the answers in one evening and our objective is not to figure out how to bring peace to the Middle East,” said Montella. “Perhaps, though, we can find some common language and leave the experience with some sense of how the Holy Spirit is asking us, as followers of Jesus, to respond to this moment. Not simply through politics but with our hearts so that we might be a balm for those in pain and begin to be bridge builders creating pathways back to relationship where that seems impossible today.”

Before he entered the ordained ministry, John Harvey Taylor was a reporter, a post-presidential chief of staff to Richard Nixon, and director of the Nixon Presidential Library. As bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles, he promotes empathy and curiosity as tools of evangelism to build new relationships across barriers of difference.

Jack Miles is a professor emeritus of English and Religious Studies at the University of California, Irvine, and senior fellow for Religion & International Affairs with the Pacific Council on International Policy. He holds honorary doctorates from both the American Jewish University and Hebrew University/Jewish Institute of Religion, and has published books about God in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim texts.

Iona Collaborative, Center for Lay Chaplaincy join forces to offer online pastoral care course

By Jana Milhon-Martin

[The Center for Lay Chaplaincy – August 30, 2024] CFLC began with a question: What might happen if we adapted Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and made it accessible for everyone? How might the landscape of church leadership–not to mention chaplaincy and spiritual care–change as a result? And who might have access to the vocation of chaplaincy that otherwise might be excluded, because traditional CPE requires the privileges of advanced degrees, and an abundance of free time and money?

Over the past four years, CFLC has worked to adapt the traditional CPE curriculum making it more accessible, while retaining CPE’s transformational model of action-reflection-action, structured through case studies and feedback from colleagues.

This fall, CFLC and the Iona Collaborative are joining forces to take our adapted CPE curriculum and offer it online. This venture is an exciting experiment to help us learn more about how we might adapt our curriculum for a wider audience.

The Rev. Jana Milton-Martin (pictured above) is director of The Center for Lay Chaplaincy, a ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles

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.

St. James in-the-City renovates building for 2026 centennial; concerts, services move to parish hall

[St. James' Church, Los Angeles] St. James in-the-City is renovating its church building in preparation for its 100th anniversary in 2026.

New lighting, audio, and heating/air-conditioning will enhance the space, along with fresh paint and much-needed repairs. As the congregation awaits the completion of this project sometime in late 2025, all services and concerts will be held in the comfortable and more intimate setting of the parish hall.

According to music director Canon James Buonemani, the only offering to be suspended during the renovation will be the International Laureates Organ Series, which will resume once the church re-opens. Classical Sundays at Six will be presented the first and third Sundays of every month, beginning Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. with acclaimed pianist Christopher O’Riley. On Oct. 13 and continuing on the second Sunday of every month, the Choir of Saint James will resume singing Solemn Evensong at 4:15 pm. The popular Advent Service of Lessons and Carols will take the place of Evensong on Dec. 8 at 4:15 p.m. For more information, visit GreatMusicLA.org.

People

Mostyn Trudinger-Smith joins diocesan communications team

Bringing expertise in digital media and news writing, Mostyn Trudinger-Smith has been named communications coordinator on the diocesan staff.

“We welcome Mostyn and give thanks for his gifts and experience,” said Bishop John Harvey Taylor. “They dovetail with the evolving vision of our communications ministry, combining well-reported, in-depth content with a deeper footprint across social media.”

Trudinger-Smith, a graduate of Occidental College where he helped edit and manage the campus newspaper, is assuming responsibilities held by Canon Janet Kawamoto, who has announced her retirement effective this December after 22 years as editor of The Episcopal News.

In a newly configured position, Trudinger-Smith will serve as diocesan webmaster and share in producing video and expanding social media posts across platforms.

Prism, St. Matthew's Church host picnic for families of incarcerated

This past Saturday was an unforgettable day filled with fun, delicious food, and a strong sense of community at the annual Prism Family Picnic for family of incarcerated people, hosted by St. Matthew’s Church in Pacific Palisades. St. Matthew's volunteers created a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyone, according to Gabriel Vazquez-Reyes, IT and Digital Resources manager for the Center for Lay Chaplaincy/Prism. "From the farmer’s market strawberries to the homemade mac and cheese and the delightful “candy bar,” our hearts and stomachs were overflowing with gratitude," Vazquez-Reyes told the News. "We are deeply thankful to Jackie Ehlers and her volunteer team from St. Matthew’s Parish, Get On the Bus, and the Center for Restorative Justice Works for making this event so special and memorable." More pictures are here.

The Bishop's Blog ( Additional entries are here)

Faithful leadership in a pluralistic society

August 29, 2024

Trump said the other day that if Jesus counted the votes, he’d win. Maybe if he multiplied the ballots. President Biden’s moving trademark coda, “God bless our troops,” is less preposterous but still too exclusive. Some nations use power more honorably than others. But they all ask 18-year-olds, without soliciting their views on foreign policy, to shiver in the cold or roast in the sun and all too often put them in a position where their last conscious thought, as earthly life bleeds out, is imagining the faces of their mothers.

A rich week to begin the program year

September 2, 2024

What a rich week, leading to Labor Day and helping set the tone for a busy program year. Colleagues and I spent an evening at All Saints’ Beverly Hills with their gifted priest in charge, the Rev. Canon Andrea McMillin, and her fellow parish leaders. On an after-dinner walk around Pasadena, Canon Kathy Hannigan O’Connor and I strolled through the grounds of another wonderful All Saints, which is preparing for its homecoming feast and a celebration of the 100th anniversary of its beautiful church building, all on Sept. 15. We’ll see you there!

To have and have not

Free baby grand piano

St. Edmund’s Church, San Marino, has a fully functional Knabe baby grand piano, great for a youth room or parish hall, available for free. Recipient must handle moving and related expenses.

The piano is at St. Edmund’s, 1175 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Marino 91108. Contact: James Clark, parish administrator, office@saintedmunds.org or 626.793.9167.

NOTE: An incorrect image was included for this listing in last week's Update. The image at left is the correct version.

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.

“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.”

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.

UPDATED

‘Losing Truth’ online forums 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 opinion, 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 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.

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.

Camp Stevens to host stop on Valarie Kaur’s ‘Revolutionary Love Bus Tour’

Valarie Kaur is returning to Camp Stevens on Saturday, Sept. 14 on the fourth of 30 stops of her Revolutionary Love Bus Tour, and everyone is invited, says Kathy Wilder, the camp’s executive director. In addition to sharing her two new books, World of Wonder and Sage Warrior, Kaur will bring artists, musicians, and collaborators for an all-ages immersive experience. Camp Stevens will provide a community supper and chai tea for all attendees.

Kaur is a renowned civil rights leader, lawyer, award-winning filmmaker, educator, innovator, best-selling author of See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love. Founder of the Revolutionary Love Project to reclaim love as a force for justice, she delivered a keynote address at Camp Stevens’ 70th anniversary celebration in 2022. Kaur was recognized in September of that year by President Joe Biden as one of 16 Uniters Healing America. More about Kaur is here.

The event will begin at 4:30 and conclude at 8:30 p.m. at Camp Stevens, located at 1108 Banner Road, Julian, CA 92036. Those who would like to stay overnight may contact the camp staff at info@campstevens.org.

The event is free for participants, but Camp Stevens is seeking supper sponsors (see flyer here). Contact Wilder at kathy@campstevens.org. To register for the event, click here. An event flyer is here.

Interested in climate justice and gardening? Good News Gardens Field Days are coming to Kaunga

[The Episcopal Church] All Episcopalians are invited to explore topics of botany, gardening, climate justice, green burial, and more at Good News Gardens Field Days, September 22 - 24 at Kanuga Conference Center near Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Good News Gardens is a church-wide evangelism movement for those involved in food and creation care ministries. Event activities will include:

A keynote address from Mallory McDuff, who holds a doctorate in environmental education. McDuff will speak Sept. 23 on the intersection of agrarian ministry, church land stewardship, and creation care.
Discussions with Episcopalians involved in volunteer work at Kanuga’s Foster Education Garden; and a Hispanic worker-owned farm cooperative partnering with Episcopal churches in a food ministry.
Forest bathing, sound baths, music, stories around the fire, and a farm-to-table dinner.

For more information, email goodnewsgardens@episcopalchurch.org. To register, first create an account here.

'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.

StJohnsCathedral_2010_byDouglasSSanto image

3 Episcopal congregations will help gather public feedback to study on reparations

The L.A. city Reparations Advisory Committee – a blue-ribbon task force of local leaders in activism, academia, law and racial justice – on Aug. 27 released findings of a year-long study titled “An Examination of African-American Experiences in Los Angeles."

The release also kicked off a two-week campaign to get the public's feedback on possible reparations through the City of Los Angeles. The campaign will run 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:

St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 514 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles; suggestion box available Sundays, 8 a.m. – 12 noon.
St. Athanasius Episcopal Church at St. Paul’s Commons, 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles; suggestion box available Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the North Lobby.
Episcopal Church of the Advent, 4976 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles; suggestion box available Sundays, 9 – 11 a.m.

The study, which features 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, atmonet.bagneris-tolbert@lacity.org.

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

Pauli Murray Center to celebrate grand opening of its namesake’s childhood home Sept. 7

By Melodie Woerman

[Episcopal News Service – September 3, 2024] The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice on Sept. 7 will celebrate the grand opening of the space that will anchor the nonprofit’s programming – the restored 1898 house that belonged to Murray’s grandparents and where the civil rights leader and trailblazing Episcopal priest spent part of her childhood.

Murray, who was born in 1910, lived there after her mother’s death in 1914 until she graduated from Hillside High School and headed to Hunter College in New York, according to the center’s online biography. (Because later in life Murray expressed ambiguity about her gender, the center and others sometimes refer to Murray by other pronouns, such as they and their.)

Arlington National Cemetery meant to be 'neutral zone,' says military chaplain

[NPR News] Arlington National Cemetery remains at the center of controversy after one of its staff members tried to prevent former President Donald Trump’s team from filming and taking photos in the cemetery.

The incident occurred earlier this week, when Trump appeared at Arlington to observe the three-year mark since 13 U.S. service members were killed in a deadly attack in Afghanistan during the U.S. withdrawal.

. . . The grounds are considered sacred and hallowed, and Rev. David Peters, a retired military chaplain and Episcopal priest who has conducted services at Arlington, said this is because the cemetery is meant to be a space set apart to remember those who died in service.

As the Season of Creation begins, the church offers Episcopalians new resources to celebrate

By Melodie Woerman

[Episcopal News Service – August 29, 2024] Churches looking for ways to mark the Season of Creation have a new resource from The Episcopal Church.

The Season of Creation is a worldwide ecumenical Christian observance that begins with the Day of Prayer for Creation on Sept. 1 and ends with the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, on Oct. 4. This year’s theme is “To hope and act with creation.”

A new nine-session, film-based curriculum entitled “Love God; Love God’s World” focuses on creation care and environmental ministry using a model similar to The Episcopal Church’s popular Sacred Ground series on race. It includes films and readings, faith-based reflections and discussion questions written by eight lay and clergy contributors from across the church.

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 the year, a new speaker will share concepts, stories, and centering tools that will help ground you in spirituality and compassion. Take Heart Now launches Monday, Sept. 9 with Valarie Kaur in conversation with Dr. Lo Sprague. Kaur is a renowned civil rights leader, lawyer, award-winning filmmaker, educator, innovator, and best-selling author of See No Stranger. She is the founder of the Revolutionary Love Project, where she leads a movement to reclaim love as a force for justice. Kaur just released Sage Warrior, a beautiful and immersive epic of her Sikh ancestors and the role that women played as warriors of love, and her first children’s book, World of Wonder.

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.

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.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Academic Freedom Discussion and Potluck Dinner

All Saints Church

132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101

Information: Debbie Daniels, 626.583.2750

Last spring, the campuses of many local colleges and universities were sites of student encampments and protests against the Israeli military’s response in Gaza to the events of October 7, 2023. Students from a broad cross-section of faith traditions and of no particular faith joined together to call for a ceasefire and for disengagement and divestment by their educational institutions from Israeli military, academic and cultural ties. In some cases, these protests were met with tolerance and accommodation, even with negotiations. In others, the response turned violent as police or campus security sought to clear encampments, or protesters were confronted by counter-protesters. Join us for a potluck dinner and discussion of academic freedom, sponsored by the Middle East Ministry of All Saints Church. The discussion will include college/university students from Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim and Christian faith traditions and will be moderated by Salam Al Marayati, president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Please bring a vegetarian salad, side dish, main dish or dessert for yourself and enough to share. Parking is available on the street or in the All Saints parking lot located just north of the church.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 5:15 - 9:30 p.m.

Valarie Kaur’s Revolutionary Love Bus Tour

and Interfaith Blessing of the Bus

Japanese American National Museum

100 N. Central Avenue, Los Angeles 90012

Sponsored by The Guibord Center. The Revolutionary Love Bus Tour is a healing odyssey across the United States calling people to rise up in courage, humanity, and love. At the heart of every event, Valarie and fellow artists tell stories of how their ancestors survived seemingly apocalyptic times. Together, we explore how each of us can walk the path of love, healing, and justice. As their journey begins, The Guibord Center is offering an “Interfaith Blessing of the Bus” with leaders of L.A.’s faith communities. Both events are free and open to the public. The bus blessing will begin at 5:15 p.m., followed by the program at 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 4 - 6 p.m.

Saturday Night Stay Home Cinema

Via Zoom: Register here

Information: mrichards@ihworks.org

The Immaculate Heart Community will present (via Zoom) four short films highlighting stories of struggle and resilience previously screened at the L.A. International Short Film Festival: Primero, Sueno; Boat People; Medicine; and Welcome to Klyde's Kitchen.

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.

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; 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 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.

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.

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.

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

Call to the 2024 meeting of Diocesan Convention

Summer 'Reach Academy' at All Saints, Beverly Hills, empowers young men for mental, spiritual success

Santa Clarita church to host dialogue on Christian response to war between Israel and Hamas

Iona Collaborative, Center for Lay Chaplaincy join forces to offer online pastoral care course

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

St. James in-the-City renovates building for 2026 centennial; concerts, services move to parish hall

Mostyn Trudinger-Smith joins diocesan communications team

Prism, St. Matthew's Church host picnic for families of incarcerated

Faithful leadership in a pluralistic society

A rich week to begin the program year

Free baby grand piano

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

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

‘Losing Truth’ online forums Sept. 15, 22, will address societal impact of disinformation

Faculty and staff invited to Episcopal schools celebration Oct. 10

Camp Stevens to host stop on Valarie Kaur’s ‘Revolutionary Love Bus Tour’

Interested in climate justice and gardening? Good News Gardens Field Days are coming to Kaunga

'By Your Side' training sessions set for autumn

3 Episcopal congregations will help gather public feedback to study on reparations

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

Pauli Murray Center to celebrate grand opening of its namesake’s childhood home Sept. 7

Arlington National Cemetery meant to be 'neutral zone,' says military chaplain

As the Season of Creation begins, the church offers Episcopalians new resources to celebrate

Take Heart Now: Spiritual Tools for Centering and Compassion

Episcopal Students of UCLA

Art in Contemplation Exploring Parables

Through the Paintings of Rembrandt

Vigil for Peace

Taizé Heartfulness Prayer Service

Episcopal-Lutheran Night at Dodger Stadium

Celebration of a New Ministry

Academic Freedom Discussion and Potluck Dinner

Valarie Kaur’s Revolutionary Love Bus Tour

and Interfaith Blessing of the Bus

Saturday Night Stay Home Cinema

Documentary Screening: The Philadelphia 11

Losing Truth: The Critical Cost to Our Lives and Future (Forum 1)

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

Concert: Featuring Jan Berry Baker, saxophone

The Work of Ida Puliwa

Cultural Competency: It’s Not Only About Pronouns

Taizé Heartfulness Prayer Service

St. Andrew's Soup Kitchen

Immigration & Refugee ministry

Food Pantry

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