Nov. 20, 2025 | VOLUME 37, ISSUE 45

Christ the King Sunday

November 23, 2025

Preacher: The Rev. Jennifer Wagner Pavia

Wednesday, November 26, 6:30 PM: Dinner Church in the Parish Hall.

Thursday, November 27, 10:00 AM: Thanksgiving Mass in the Sanctuary.

Sunday, November 30: Advent Wreath making after both services.

Friday, December 12, 6:30 PM: Sisters of Bede Christmas Party in Parish Hall. All persons who identify as women are invited.

Bible and Breakfast

Tuesdays | 9:30 AM

Luther Hall & Zoom

Midweek Eucharist: Dinner Church

Wednesday | 6:30 PM

Parish Hall

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

THANKSGIVING EVE DINNER CHURCH

Dinner Church Thanksgiving Eve Service

Wednesday November 26 at 6:30 PM in Luther Hall

Jesus told Simon Peter, "feed my sheep." Come experience this ancient way of doing church. There is a Thanksgiving meal. But the group does not meet first and then eat. Or eat dinner, and then have church. It all happens simultaneously. Think of a good dinner party with a spiritual twist––and then add good conversation and prayerful moments. Anybody. All ages. Bring your favorite Thanksgiving dish to share. Email Rev. Jennifer at jennifer@stbedesla.org with questions and RSVP. This service will be in person only.

THANKSGIVING DAY EUCHARIST

All are invited to a special Thanksgiving Eucharist at 10:00 AM in the Chapel. Join us as we gather in gratitude to give thanks to God for His blessings. This service will be in person only.

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks

for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those

who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of

your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the

relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

HELP SERVE THANKSGIVING DINNER!

St. Paul’s Commons sets annual Thanksgiving dinner serving Echo Park neighbors in need

Volunteers, financial contributions welcome

Continuing a 30-year tradition, St. Paul’s Commons will host its annual Thanksgiving Day dinner for neighbors in need Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plans call for serving as many as 500 meals, free of charge, in the Commons’ Great Hall and plaza.

Volunteers are welcome to participate and may sign up here for shifts scheduled both before and during the dinner.

Financial contributions toward the event may be made here or by mailing a check payable to St. Athanasius Episcopal Church to 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026.

Coordinated by diocesan building superintendent Canon Luis Garibay, the dinner is made possible by collaboration among St. Paul’s Commons’ ministry partners, including St. Athanasius Church, Seeds of Hope, Nefesh Jewish Community, Immaculate Heart Community, and the staff of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

Inquiries may be directed to Adriana Arce in the Seeds of Hope office, aarce@ladiocese.org.

ADVENT WREATH MAKING

Sunday, November 30 following both services

Stay after either worship service for fellowship and creativity as we make Advent wreaths together. All materials will be provided—just bring yourself! This is a wonderful way to prepare our hearts and homes for the Advent season. We hope you’ll join us! Email Rev. Jennifer at jennifer@stbedesla.org to reserve your space.

SISTERS of BEDE CHRISTMAS PARTY

BAPTISM of DARON MATSUURA

An Extraordinary Story

Daron Matsuura’s Experience of Joining St. Bede’s and Getting Baptized

By Daron Matsuura

When asked to share my experience about joining St Bede’s Episcopal church, I was and I am still am quite honored. When Holly, my wonderful wife, told me that she was going start going to church because of a chance meeting with our priest, Rev. Jennifer, and her Chihuahua, Honeybee, and one of our dogs, Hermes, I was very happy for her that she found a place of worship where she felt at home. As Holly continued to attend services, she would ask me if I would like to go with her to church. I would consistently decline each week. Church was not in my DNA. Even though, many years ago, I did come to believe in a higher power and to turn my will over to God, I did not have any desire to be part of any formalized religion or to join any church. I did not grow up in a household that belonged to any church or formal religion, and I suppose this has something to do with my resistance to joining a church or religion. Also, growing up, I had very few friends who were part of any church or religion. Adding to my skepticism was the learned belief that formal religion was responsible for many wars and prejudices in the world, and of course was used as a vehicle for church leaders to get rich in the name of religion.

What happened?

Holly asked me if I would attend the Blessing of the Animals with her and our two dogs, Hermes and Eros. I agreed to attend. The Sunday when I attended the Blessing of the Animals, I felt very comfortable. I was warmly greeted by our priest Jennifer and people of the congregation like Carl and Susan. Everyone made me feel at home and at ease. Also, listening Jennifer’s sermon, I learned that St Bede’s was about love without judgment and about helping people in need. I also agreed to attend the Sisters of St Bede’s Party of Parties dinner. It was a very nice experience to sit together and share food with others in the congregation.

From that night, I committed to return to service. I felt that if I was going to commit to going to church I should fully commit, which meant being baptized. I learned a lot about being baptized from Holly and felt prepared to take the next step to meet with Jennifer. As I learned about the history and reasons for being baptized, I did not feel any pressure from Holly or Jennifer. I only felt love, patience and understanding. I felt ready.

I am so grateful for making this step to be baptized. I feel closer to God and much more a part of the St Bede’s family.

From left to right: Carl Townsend (Daron's Baptismal Sponsor), Reverend Jennifer, Daron Matsuura & Holly Matsurra. All photos: Penny Jennings

SACRED RESISTANCE: Help Immigrant Families

By Alice Short

In recent months, St. Bede’s has made several connections with Sacred Resistance, a standing task force of the Los Angeles Archdiocese that is assisting immigrant families that are living under the threat of deportation and are sheltering in place.

A few of our parishioners have started to work with a handful of families, delivering some household goods and children’s clothing, and the Mission Committee is also working to assist.

They will need a variety of things on a regular basis, and we can help in a number of ways: The families might request some specific household items, which we can purchase, and they continue to need clothing. The children are hoping for school supplies and art supplies.

We are also collecting money to buy some of these supplies. Checks (with the words “fall clothing/assistance drive”) and cash are welcome!

We will be setting up bins at church for people who purchase those 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

GIFT CARDS : Pizza, grocery stores, Visa gift cards, Target gift cards

HOUSEHOLD GOODS: body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, dish soap, laundry soap, hand soap–soft soap, liquid baby bath soap, diapers size 4,5,6, bleach, canned vegetables, canned fruit, rice, oatmeal, pasta

CLOTHING for 4 Families : The men in these families wear sizes large or XL. The women wear sizes medium and large. The children range in age from 4 to 10. We don’t have exact sizes for them, but many clothing items list age ranges as well as sizes. The families would welcome coats, sweatshirts, shirts, pants and socks– new or gently used.

Thank you!

SACRED RESISTANCE ~ Los Angeles

Who We Are

We are people of faith and conscience standing together against injustice. Rooted in our commitment to resist evil and protect the vulnerable, we work to support immigrants, refugees, and all marginalized communities. Sacred Resistance is a social justice ministry and advocacy branch of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles that was formed after Diocesan Convention voted in 2016 to be a Sanctuary Diocese.

What We Believe

We believe that every person deserves dignity, safety and the right to live without fear. When systems of oppression threaten our neighbors, our faith calls us to act. Our baptismal covenant calls us to "persevere" in resisting evil. We understand that as a sacred promise to stand against the systemic forces that oppress and marginalize any member of our human family– including but not limited to racism, sexism, nativism, homophobia, transphobia, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

We are situated at the intersection of faith and action, recognizing that true sacred practice means protecting the vulnerable and confronting systems that perpetuate harm.

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

FALL STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN for 2026

Did you ever have news so exciting that you could not wait to share it with others? The Good News that fills our spirits with joy is about the radical abundance, abiding love, and healing power that Jesus shares with us when we respond to his call to follow him. All of the gifts that we have been given are ready to burst forth to serve our neighbors and share our love with a world in need.

Stewardship is our grateful response as responsible stewards of the gifts we receive from God. The tradition of giving back to God and to the church comes from the Biblical practice of “tithing,” which means to give back a tenth of our earnings to God (Numbers 18:26). The Episcopal Church sees stewardship as more than simply contributing money to the church; it’s also about contributing time and talents and volunteering for ministry and mission. It’s about reaching out to build relationships from a perspective of abundance instead of scarcity. Please visit the St. Bede's Stewardship page HERE to read Rev. Jennifer's letter and make your pledge online.

Peoples History of Christianity: Chapter Summary

By Susan Holder

Many parishioners who read Diana Butler Bass’s A People’s History of Christianity (our most recent Adult Forum book) found it to be engaging and illuminating, as it built insightful bridges between the past and the present. I wrote up a summary of one of my favorite chapters and Rev. Jennifer asked me to share my summary in the Quill. The words that are bolded indicate chapter subheadings.

A People’s History of Christianity

Chapter 12 - ETHICS: KINGDOM QUEST

In the past Christians typically accepted social structures as part of the divine order. In modern times, however, Christians came to understand that the social order was not necessarily divine—that it actually was riddled with sin—and that they could fix earthly structures to more fully resemble God’s desire for humanity to “live rightly with their fellow humans.”

Ever since Christianity became the majority religion in Europe the church found tolerance a difficult virtue to practice. For 150 years following the Reformation, when Christian diversity broke forth in new and unexpected ways, the blood of Protestants and Catholics flowed in the streets of Europe. The idea that Christians might forevermore be divided was unimaginable! Despite these difficulties, Christians were forced to come to terms with (1) Christian diversity, (2) Abrahamic (Jewish/Christian/Muslim) diversity, and (3) East/West diversity.

Strategies were developed to deal with religious diversity. A truly imaginative rendering of tolerance was displayed in 1548 by the Church of St. Martin’s in Biberach, Germany. This church had 2 naves, one Lutheran and one Catholic, and people of different denominations couldn’t help but encounter one another. Over time, people began to learn the art of accepting differences, eventually finding their way to peaceful coexistence. Centuries later, in America, the strategy to manage religious diversity was to implement the separation of church and state.

The idea of equality was likewise not considered a virtue during much of the history of Christianity, despite Galatians 3:28 which states, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” It wasn’t until the Enlightenment that Christians began to allow for social equality and human rights, in the areas of both gender and race as well as social status. Maria Stewart, an African American woman, proclaimed a Jesus who would set free the captives of race, gender and poverty.

Closely related to the issue of equality is freedom, which Bass highlighted in a brief discussion of slavery in the United States. She talked about Harriet Tubman, the most famous and successful conductor on the 19^th century Underground Railroad. Bass also mentioned the story of Samuel Green whose son was freed by Tubman and who became a Methodist lay preacher. Green was described as intelligent, literate, and industrious and locals held him in high esteem. However, once his son escaped, authorities became suspicious and, having found a copy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin in his house, he was arrested and sentenced to 10 years of hard labor in prison. He was pardoned after 5 years and visited with Harriet Beecher Stowe (the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin) on his way to Canada, where Green’s son was residing.

In her section on community, Bass began by talking about socialism, which in the 19^th century was a new political idea. Socialism arose as a critique of capitalism’s excesses along with the idea that society could be engineered to be fairer and more humane on the basis of systemic economic equality. Many Christians found this political philosophy reminiscent of Jesus’s teachings on wealth and poverty. Bass introduced us to Vida Scudder, a professor of English literature at Wellesley College, who believed that spirituality and politics were intimately connected in the work of Christ. To her the kingdom of God “resembled an extended monastic community in which men and women were freed from both extreme want and extreme greed.” In light of these beliefs, Scudder enlisted privileged students to live among the poor as a way of imitating Christ. This resulted in her students launching a settlement house in New York City and eventually founding Denison House in Boston.

Next, in the section entitled “Progress,” Bass noted that, whereas Medieval people had believed that the universe was static (where change occurred only when God intervened), modern people noticed that the world was more dynamic than they had previously thought. Modern people saw that people, cultures and social structures changed over time, and they concluded that this was growth, which implied progress. During this time the theory of evolution emerged, producing sharp divisions between most scientists and some religious groups. Bass also very briefly introduced progressive Christianity as a religion of hope where men and women participate in the unfolding of God’s reign in the world.

In the following section, Bass stated that during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, American Protestantism was roiled in controversy between conservatives and liberals; this became known as the fundamentalist-modernist controversy. As the 20^th century progressed, American Protestants who embraced conservative theology retained the passions of evangelization, whereas those who followed a more liberal theology picked up the hope for ecumenism (the principle or aim of promoting unity among the world's Christian churches by advocating for dialogue, cooperation, and reconciliation between different denominations). At the center of everything was John R. Mott (1865-1955), an American Methodist layperson. He served the YMCA for 27 years, recruiting people to give their lives to Christian service and he was “the most widely traveled and universally trusted Christian leader of his time.” As he worked toward Christian unity, Mott dedicated himself to globally expanding existing denominations and eventually established the World Council of Churches. In 1946 he won the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting unity through human understanding.

The next section addresses pluralism, which is the belief that multiple religions can be true and valid. In June 2008 the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey reported that 70% of Americans believe that “many religions can lead to eternal life.” Bass mentions the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair where event planners hoped to showcase a liberal version of Christian religion, but a Hindu monk, Swami Vivekananda, unexpectedly stole the show. The monk said, “We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions to be true.”

The chapter ends with a short discussion on World War II where Bass states that “modernity had opened with the hope that wars could be ended, but it closed with the fear that war could end everything.” She talked about the German Lutheran pastor known as Dietrich Bonhoeffer who watched the Nazis gain power in his beloved homeland. The Gestapo arrested Bonhoeffer and during his imprisonment he began to think that religion no longer made any sense. He thought of a “Religionless Christianity” where “God is the ‘beyond’ in the midst of our lives, as opposed to a religion of salvation where human beings would escape the suffering of the world.” On April 8, 1945, Bonhoeffer was hanged by the Nazis and 22 days later Hitler killed himself.

SUPPORT for IMMIGRANTS

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Jessica and her husband Rob head to the food distribution drop off site.

By Jessica Mariglio

During a recent trip to Southern Italy, I found myself intrigued by a tradition tucked into Naples' café culture: il caffè sospeso, the suspended coffee. The practice is simple—you buy an extra coffee and leave it "suspended" for a stranger who can't afford one. Just a small act that leaves a little goodness for the next person who needs it.

Coming back to Los Angeles, I carried with me a desire to continue this tradition of looking out for one another. Having just finished Sara Miles' excellent memoir, Take This Bread, about how distributing food became her path to understanding both hunger and grace, I began thinking about providing nourishment as an expression of solidarity. So when I heard that families in our community were afraid to leave their homes because of the current political climate, I knew I had to get involved.

I started volunteering with CLUE Justice's initiative to feed immigrants sheltering in place. The process is simple—we load cars with fresh vegetables, canned goods, and baby food, then drive to drop-off locations where the provisions can be collected by those in need.

The families served come from Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia—diverse backgrounds united by shared vulnerability. They've stopped attending regular food distribution events not out of choice, but out of fear for their safety.

This work matters because in addition to delivering food, we're sending a message that these families matter and aren't forgotten. When people are too scared to seek help, we can bring help to them. Our own form of sospeso-- one of kindness, if you will.

If you'd like to get involved or learn more, please contact Sithy Bin at sbin@cluejustice.org.

Here is the writeup Telemundo did on CLUE's work. (It's in Spanish):

https://www.telemundo52.com/noticias/local/organizacion-comida-domicilio-inmigrantes-los-angeles/2797060/

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.

FROM THE EPISCOPAL NEWS

A newsletter serving the Diocese of Los Angeles

Bishop-elect the Rev. Antonio Gallardo preaches at St. John’s Cathedral

Bishop-elect Gallardo affirms cathedral’s role of refuge, healing; service celebrates landmark church’s 100th year

By Pat McCaughan

Los Angeles Bishop-elect Antonio Gallardo delivered a stirring and poetic tribute to St. John’s, “a true cathedral,” preaching during the congregation’s Nov. 16 worship service marking the centennial of its landmark sanctuary, his first visit to a diocesan congregation since his election.

Gallardo invited worshippers to pause for a few moments to take in the breathtaking beauty of “this magnificent building” and highlighted the congregation’s longstanding commitment to community health care, feeding and housing the vulnerable, and fostering interfaith and ecumenical ministries.

“The true cathedral God desires is not made of stone or cement, but of people filled with the Spirit, people who aspire to live and love like Jesus Christ, like all of you here this morning,” said Gallardo, who preached and celebrated at the service, one of several events commemorating the centennial.

Gallardo, who was elected the eighth Bishop of Los Angeles on the eighth ballot on Nov. 8 at the 130th annual meeting of the diocese, was greeted with enthusiastic cheers and applause.

The sermon may be viewed here.

“We are overjoyed to welcome you here to your home among us,” the Rev. Mel Soriano, priest associate, told Gallardo. “Your ‘yes’ to this calling of yours carries both courage and hope to us. You show us that the church is alive and listening to the Spirit, and we give thanks for your vision, your compassion, your steady witness for the gospel of love.”

EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE

Episcopal Preaching Foundation course empowers lay leaders, diversifies the pulpit

By Shireen Korkzan

In 2024, Freida Herron, a lay leader at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Maryville, Diocese of East Tennessee, became the first lay person to preach at the closing Eucharist of the annual Episcopal Parish Network conference.

For many Episcopalians, hearing from voices from different backgrounds, ordained and lay, enhances their spiritual growth.

The growing interest in hearing from lay leadership inspired the Episcopal Preaching Foundation to establish a special training program to prepare them for the pulpit.

“The lay preaching program has enriched my life and helped me answer my call to do the work of the Holy Spirit and do the same for other lay people,” Herron told Episcopal News Service.

Herron graduated from the lay preacher program in 2023 and is one of 31 instructors from 12 dioceses who’ve taught over 100 students since the program was launched in 2022. The initial five-student pilot cohort was funded by a grant from New York’s Trinity Church Wall Street. This month, 30 students from 12 dioceses will graduate from the program.

The mostly virtual program is churchwide, with students grouped by dioceses; once they graduate, their bishops license them.

Over the 11-month program, students read articles and books, watch videos, write personal reflections and meet with fellow students in their diocese via Zoom or in person to practice homiletics, aka preaching. Topics range from biblical hermeneutics and exegesis to preaching for different contexts and occasions.