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Saturday, May 30, 7:00 PM: "Young Artists in Harmony" FoM concert in the Sanctuary (see flyer below)
Friday, June 5, 7:30 PM: Pride Worship Service at St. Augustine by-the-Sea (see flyer below)
Saturday, June 6: 5:00 PM: NYA Scholarship Celebration in Luther Hall (see flyer below)
Rescheduled:
"Paint & Sip": July 11
"Seafood of Coastal California": TBD
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Bible and Breakfast
Tuesdays | 9:30 AM
Luther Hall & Zoom
Midweek Eucharist:
Wednesdays | 7:00 PM
Chapel in the Sanctuary
Adult Forum: Living Faithfully with Alzheimer's
Wednesdays | 8:00 PM
Luther Hall & Zoom
| | | Wear RED on the DAY OF PENTECOST | | |
Pentecost, which means "fiftieth day," is used in the Old Testament and refers to a feast of seven weeks known as the Feast of Weeks. It was apparently an agricultural event that focused on the harvesting of first fruits. Josephus referred to Pentecost as the fiftieth day after the first day of Passover.
In the New Testament Pentecost comes fifty days after Easter and commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. It marks the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit and is often recognized as the birthday of the Church. Pentecost reminds us that the Church is alive, united, and empowered by the Spirit to go out into the world with boldness and love. It is also one of the seven principal feast days in the Episcopal Church. To mark this vibrant and joyful feast, the church will be decorated in red—the traditional color symbolizing the fire of the Holy Spirit.
We invite everyone to join in the celebration this Sunday by wearing RED as a visible sign of our shared faith and the Spirit’s presence among us!
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FoM CONCERT: YOUNG ARTISTS in HARMONY
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Save the Date: Friday, June 5 at 7:30 pm:
Join local congregations to celebrate God’s love for all in this special PRIDE worship service! Come rejoice in God’s wonderfully wild and extravagant embrace – unconditional love that breaks through all barriers to fill every heart. All are welcome – whether you identify as queer or ally – whether you are God-loving or God-curious – come as you are! St. Augustine by-the-Sea, 1227 4th Street, Santa Monica. Talk to Rev. Jennifer if you would like a role in the service.
| | NYA SCHOLARSHIP CELEBRATION | | |
You’re Invited! NYA Scholarship Celebration
Saturday, June 6, 5pm
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Dear Friends,
“Family & Community” is the theme for NYA’s 43rd Scholarship Celebration set for Saturday, June 6—reception starting at 5pm and program at 5:45pm—at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, 3590 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles. You are warmly invited to come celebrate student successes as NYA carries out its mission of mentoring and 100% college placement.
Please reply by May 27 to events@nyayouth.org. A donation of $100 at the door is suggested but not required for admission. A buffet of Mexican food favorites will be served; plans call for seating outdoors on the patio, so please bring a wrap.
This year’s celebration will include a tribute to Bishop John Harvey Taylor as he retires and NYA welcomes Bishop-elect Antonio José Gallardo Lucena as incoming chair of its board of trustees. Please click here to donate to the new Bishop Taylor Scholarship Fund established in his honor.
All of us at NYA thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you at the celebration.
Together we succeed!
With all the best wishes,
Robert Williams, President/CEO,
with Sarah Newman, Vice-Chair
on behalf of NYA’s Board of Trustees
| | Adult Forum: LIVING FAITHFULLY with ALZHEIMER'S | | |
Adult Forum Video Course
May 27-June 17 at 8:00-ish pm
following the 7:00 pm Midweek Service
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This four-part video course explores the spiritual journey of living with Alzheimer’s through the lens of faith, loss, and gratitude. As memory and roles gradually fall away, participants are invited into a “spirituality of subtraction” that clarifies what truly matters—love, connection, and trust in God.
Ultimately, the course offers hope that even as life grows smaller, God’s presence remains constant and sustaining. Join us Wednesdays at 8pm following the Midweek Eucharist.
| | SHELTERING FAMILIES NEED OUR HELP!!! | | |
For the last several months, St. Bede’s has been helping a handful of families that are sheltering at home. Among them there are more than 20 children ranging in age from 18 months to 15 years. They are able to experience very few of the childhood rituals that many of us take for granted.
Their lives are confined to the home and the classroom. Even though they might hear their classmates talk about Legoland or Disneyland, the amusement parks are off-limits. They can't go to a movie theater or play after-school sports; they can’t go to the park with friends or walk to church or synagogue. Their access to food is limited and, to a great extent, depends on donations from caring people.
Two of the parents have been detained; one at a car wash, the other at a bus stop. Some of the adults have lost their jobs, and all of the kids are intimately familiar with what they cannot have: playdates, hamburger runs, back-to-school shopping, and summer vacations.
What can we do to help? Plenty.
These families need household supplies such as laundry detergent and dish soap, and toiletries like shampoo and tooth paste. Our deliveries have included pasta sauce and pasta, cereal and oatmeal, rice, peanut butter and jelly, juice, spices, canned protein, and rice and beans. Of course, fresh healthy fruits, vegetables, and proteins are on the list–when timely deliveries are possible–and gift cards from grocery stores are very welcome.
Babies need diapers and wipes, and growing kids need new shoes. School supplies are needed, and art supplies provide a welcome diversion.
In addition, there’s a shopping list on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2X5NPRY7OJZR8?ref_=wl_fv_le
Lately, there have been fewer headlines about raids, detentions and deportations, but they are still happening. The need for goods and services continues. Please look for donation bins in the narthex and thank you for supporting our neighbors.
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“LEGO SURPRISES”
By Lana Spraker
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I went by to see the Legos being made on May 9 as well as several already created. I was astonished by the detail and beauty that these tiny pieces of plastic could create in patient hands.
Kathy Russell provided the “Tools” - kits of thousands of pieces with which to create and the directions.
As I walked around a large table filled with the results of patient creativity I thought maybe I could join them next year. Kathy insisted that even a beginner could create these plastic wonders.
Dessert was served in a lego “hard Hat” with a lego shovel spoon. All photos by Lana Spraker.
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The Sisters of Bede book cart is an excellent resource not only for our congregation but for the groups that use our facilities. In exchange for books, the reader leaves a free-will offering. The money collected is added to the funds donated by the Sisters to the NYA.
Each month, Melora Sundt and I add a bunch of “new” books to the cart and weed out books that have been on the cart for several months. Melora takes the “weeded” books to support a similar program at the YMCA.
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We depend on donations of your unneeded books to stock our carts. Several years ago we had lots of inventory to fill the carts each month, but we are running low at this point. We especially need: mysteries (our most popular), general fiction (including romance), and general nonfiction.
If your Spring cleaning efforts include making some room on your bookshelves, nightstand, or beside your favorite chair by reducing the number of books, please consider bringing them to church. You can leave them next to the book carts in the parish hall and I’ll make sure they are put away.
Thank you for your continued support of the Sisters of Bede book cart.
Kathy Russell
| | SUPPORT SACRED RESISTANCE | | |
St. Bede's has partnered a task force of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, called Sacred Resistance, that assists immigrant families who are sheltering in place. The Mission committee has been assisting in the delivery of household goods, groceries and clothing.
There are two ways you can help:
1. Local Family Support We are currently supporting local families who need the following items:
ART SUPPLIES: Sketch pads, markers, construction paper, children's scissors, pipe cleaners, crayons, gel crayons, air dry modeling clay, stamps, stickers
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Notebooks, loose paper, notepads, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, rulers, pencil sharpeners, erasers, highlighters, pencil/pen bags, glue sticks, Sharpies
HOUSEHOLD GOODS: Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, dish soap, laundry soap, hand soap (soft soap), liquid baby bath soap, diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6), bleach, canned vegetables, canned fruit, rice, oatmeal, pasta
CLOTHING: Men's sizes L/XL, women's sizes M/L, children ages 4-10. Coats, sweatshirts, shirts, pants, and socks (new or gently used) are all welcome.
How to give:
2. Broader Community Distribution
Sacred Resistance is also collecting dry goods and household items for distribution to families throughout Los Angeles County. View their wishlist here: https://www.myregistry.com/organization/sacred-resistance-los-angeles-ca/5220494
You may also drop off items directly at Sacred Resistance headquarters in Hollywood:
- Monday–Tuesday: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Thursday–Friday: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Address: 6125 Carlos Ave, Los Angeles CA 90028
Monetary donations can be made here: Venmo: @ststephenshollywood Paypal: https://bit.ly/sacred-resistance
Your generosity helps families in our community during a vulnerable time. Thank you for your support.
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Dear friends,
Many of you have shown concern about new immigration policies and how they will impact this vulnerable population among us here in Los Angeles. Below is information about how you can get involved through CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice), an organization that St. Bede's works with and supports. Join us in preparation for this essential work.
Blessings,
Rev. Jennifer+
At the core of nearly every faith tradition lies the concept of a just, harmonious, and loving society where all souls are valued and everyone can thrive.
It is unconscionable that people fleeing violence in other countries would be deported back to those places, regardless of threats to their safety and security.
Because the Trump Administration is threatening immigrant communities across the country (regardless of documentation status), CLUE is working across Southern California to protect immigrant workers and their families in a variety of important ways.
You can join us in this work or support it with your donations knowing that you are doing your part to protect vulnerable people.
SUPPORT CLUES IMMIGRATION WORK
RAPID RESPONSE NETWORKS
If you see ICE Activity anywhere you go, you can report it to the Rapid Response hotlines in your area.
- Los Angeles: 888-624-4752
- Orange County: 714-881-1558
- San Bernardino/Riverside: 909-361-4588
- Kern County: 661-432-2230
- Central Valley: 559-206-0151
CLUE is working with RRN partners to offer ongoing trainings for faith leaders and community members who want to show up for workers and families being targeted by ICE.
If you want to be trained to be a rapid responder and you live in Orange County, Los Angeles or the Inland Empire, contact Sithy Bin at sbin@cluejustice.org.
CLUE WELCOME NETWORK
CLUE is cultivating its vast network of houses of worship to create a network of congregations that provide respite, and even longer-term shelter, to migrants released into Southern California.
Over 30 congregations are already participating in the CLUE Welcome Network that houses asylum seekers and refugees. We receive referrals from CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) for asylum seekers in need of shelter, from legal service providers that are seeking sponsors for people being released from detention, or direct walk-ins. Some congregations in the network provide temporary shelter or short-term housing, and others support those efforts with gifts of supplies, transportation, etc.
Thank you for standing in intimate solidarity as we seek to build a society where everyone is safe and lives with dignity.
If your congregation is interested in joining the network, offering housing or supplies or services, please contact Sithy Bin at sbin@cluejustice.org.
In faith and solidarity,
Rev. Jennifer Gutierrez
| | A PRAYER for IMMIGRANTS from BISHOP TAYLOR | | PRAYER FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND | | ST. BEDE'S ONLINE GIVING PORTAL | | |
Visit the St. Bede's website and at the top of every page, look for the "Donate" button. When you click on the "Donate" button, you will be transported to St. Bede's Vanco eGiving and Payment Process Site.
Vanco is an industry leader in online payments. More than 40,000 churches, faith-based groups, nonprofits, schools, and educational organizations trust Vanco to securely complete transactions every day. Vanco complies with PCI Level 1 standards, the highest security standard in the payment processing industry.
You are invited to set up one-time or recurring gifts using credit, debit, or bank transfer on Vanco's secure payment processing platform. Giving online through the Vanco site saves time and the hassle of remembering to bring your offering. In addition, you decrease the expense incurred by St. Bede’s from handling and processing checks and cash.
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FROM THE EPISCOPAL NEWS
A newsletter serving the Diocese of Los Angeles
| | Canon for Common Life Bob Williams, pictured in 1986 when he first joined the communications staff of the Diocese of Los Angeles, and on a recent Easter Day at his parish, St. James’ Wilshire, Los Angeles. | |
Bob Williams to retire as diocesan canon for common life marking 40 years of service
By EN Staff
Marking his 40th year of service to the Diocese of Los Angeles and the wider Episcopal Church, Bob Williams on May 5 announced his retirement this summer as diocesan canon for common life, a post in which he coordinates communications and interfaith ministries. He will continue in his role as president of the Neighborhood Youth Association, a diocesan institution specializing in 100% college placement of students overcoming socio-economic challenges.
“I am energized by the vision of Bishop-elect Antonio, who has graciously welcomed me to continue on the staff,” Williams said, “and at the same time, through prayerful discernment, I’m mindful that it is time for me to make room for new colleagues skilled for this new chapter of diocesan life. I look forward to assisting the transition in very way and in supporting diocesan work going forward.
“Retirement also will allow me time to complete the book that I have been writing about the history of the diocese,” said Williams, who is Diocesan Convention’s appointed historiographer-archivist. “The book is my way of giving back in thanksgiving for the opportunities provided to me these many years.”
Thanking Williams, in remarks at the clergy conference dinner, Bishop John Harvey Taylor underscored Williams’s leadership role with the Neighborhood Youth Association, crediting him with its revitalization since 2015.
Williams “is the widely acknowledged godparent of multi-faith ministry in the Los Angeles region, which is a word we are now applying to ecumenical and interfaith ministry,” Taylor added. “He is the first name on everyone’s list when people talk about that absolutely vital movement among 21st-century God-believers, God-celebrators, and God –fearers as we prepare to take our absolutely vital place in the public square. Canon Bob has helped us have a vocabulary for doing that and having a conversation across difference which is always gracious and substantive.
“He is the finest Episcopal communicator in The Episcopal Church. He has served both our diocese and the wider Episcopal Church in service to two or three presiding bishops with whom he has traveled the world."
READ MORE HERE
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Seeds of Hope adding sites, will distribute 5 million pounds of food this year
By Pat McCaughan
“Eat, Pray, Move,” and “Food as Medicine” partnerships, creating fresh fruits and vegetable storage hubs, offering nutrition education, healthy cooking classes, gardening, food distribution and even case management are ways Seeds of Hope (www.seedsofhopela.org) aims for a healthier greater Los Angeles community.
The diocesan food justice ministry, launched in 2013, has exploded into a major network of church, municipal, community and health care partnerships, distributing more than 400,000 pounds of food at 80 sites (https://www.seedsofhopela.org/food-distributions.html) monthly in the greater L.A. area, according to Steve Trapasso, executive director. He anticipates delivering a robust total of about 5 million pounds of food in 2026. A Seeds of Hope (SOH) food hub at L.A.’s Christ the Good Shepherd Church (Christ the Good Shepherd | Christ the Good Shepherd), for example, has blossomed into fresh vitality for the congregation and healthy fruits and vegetables for its historic Leimert Park community in L.A., according to the Rev. Susan Anderson-Smith, priest-in-charge of the Leimert Park parish.
READ MORE HERE
| | Layan Nasir is with the Very Rev. Canon Richard Sewell, dean of St. George's College, Jerusalem. Photo: Church Times, UK | |
Anglican Palestinian woman Layan Nasir released from Israeli prison
By ENS Staff
Layan Nasir, an Anglican Palestinian woman, has been released from Damon Prison at Daliyat al-Karmel, Israel, eight months after an Israeli court convicted her on unclear charges.
“Joyful news today for the release of Layan Nasir,” Archbishop Hosam Naoum, bishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem and primate of the Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, said in a May 15 Facebook post.
Nasir is a member of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Birzeit in the occupied West Bank.
“Typical of Layan’s personality, her primary concern was not for herself but for the prisoners remaining, with whom she had shared a cramped cell, and others held in Damon Prison near Haifa,” the Very Rev. Richard Sewell, dean of St. George’s College in Jerusalem, said in an interview with the U.K.-based Church Times.
Sewell said said he was at Nasir’s home when she arrived. She described Damon Prison’s conditions to him as “a cemetery for the living” and expressed concern for other incarcerated Palestinians.
Nasir’s latest conviction was for “routine activities that took place four years ago” when she was a student at Birzeit University. She completed her studies after being released from detention the first time in 2021, also reportedly for nonviolent organizing activities as a student.
In 2024, she was held for eight months in administrative detention by the Israel government without charge. Soldiers had arrived at her home in Birzeit and threatened her family as they searched the house before taking her away.
READ MORE HERE
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Northern Michigan churches display red dresses in recognition of violence toward Indigenous women
By Shireen Korkzan
Episcopal churches throughout the Diocese of Northern Michigan are marking the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives as a monthlong observance by displaying red dresses in May. Each participating parish will display dresses outside and inside the parish, including in the pews.
The day of awareness and remembrance, also known as Red Dress Day or the Red Dress Campaign, is observed every May 5 in the United States and Canada to bring attention to the disproportionately high number of Indigenous women and girls who are victims of violence and to call for improved law enforcement investigations of these crimes, which often go unsolved.
This is the third year in which the diocese is participating in the Red Dress observances with monthlong displays.
“Having [the dresses] also in the pews offers a more personal approach, reminding folks where our missing relatives could be,” Miskopwaaganikwe Leora Tadgerson, a member of the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Diocese of Northern Michigan’s director of reparations and justice, told Episcopal News Service in an email.
In the United States, about 84% of Native American women, or 1.5 million, have experienced violence in their lifetime, and more than half have experienced sexual violence, according to data from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs. Native Americans are victims of murder, rape and other violent crime at higher rates than national averages.
READ MORE HERE
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