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CLUE invites all to 'May Day' march May 1
Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) is a part of the Los Angeles May Day Coalition hosting “Solo El Pueblo Shuts it Down – No Work. No School. No Shopping” (We the People Shut it Down). CLUE calls on the full Los Angeles community to participate in a march on International Workers' Day, May 1, also referred to as “May Day.” The march will begin at 10 a.m. at MacArthur Park. The coalition is demonstrating on May 1 demanding: Legalization and citizenship; protection and and expansion of voting rights by defeating the SAVE America Act; defunding or abolition of DHS, ICE, CBP and Border Patrol; banning discrimination against the LGBTQIA community and protection of DEI and inclusivity policies; an economy that works for all; taxation of billionaires to fully fund safety net programs; defense of workers' rights by restoring the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); and no U.S. Wars.
Additional May 1 marches will be held in Long Beach and Santa Ana:
Long Beach: Beginning at The Marketplace parking lot at PCH & Seaport Way Route map here; Sign up for Long Beach march here.
Santa Ana: Beginning at Sasscer Park (Black Panther Park). Sign up for Santa Ana march here.
CLUE asks all to take the pledge and spread the word. Take the pledge here.
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Reminder: Overdue Parochial Reports must be sent to Convention Office by May 1
Parochial Reports for the 2026 filing that were not submitted by the March 1 deadline must be submitted to the Diocesan Convention Office by May 1.
Upload overdue reports including a completed signature page here, for the English form, o en español aquí.
Instructions from the General Convention office sent late last year are available here, in English, y en español aquí. There are detailed instructions in the report itself, but a walkthrough video is also available here, in English, y en español aquí.
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Stillpoint to offer spiritual director training for clergy and spiritual care workers
Stillpoint is offering an Introductory Orientation of the Spiritual Journey program, which is a required prerequisite to The Art of Spiritual Direction, Stillpoint's program that offers an introduction to the ancient art of spiritual direction: the practice of "companioning" others on personal spiritual journeys.
Stillpoint is dedicated to supporting spiritual seekers in the ancient tradition of spiritual direction, with 40 years of experience forming spiritual directors. Stillpoint continues to form people in this sacred art in the changing spiritual landscape of the 21st Century, so that the presence of God working can be witnessed in daily life.
The orientation program is an intensive experience of the Spiritual Journey, designed specifically for those who already have training and practice in spiritual leadership, such as ordained clergy, chaplains, lay leaders and other soul care workers. This orientation is a as a prerequisite for Stillpoint's Ghost Ranch formation program in The Art of Spiritual Direction.
This program is a small group, experience-based approach to help participants explore their calls to become spiritual directors. The program will help participants discover how spiritual life can develop, how spiritual direction work can be a powerful resource, and how to discern the next steps in their own spiritual journeys.
Find more information about the orientation here, and the Art of Spiritual Direction program here.
Please contact Director of Operations Krystle Hart at khart@stillpointca.org with further questions.
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All invited to documentary premier May 2 with Muslim-Christian conversation on faith and fighting authoritarianism
"I’d Rather Be Dead Than Silent," a new documentary exploring the lives of two Muslims -- Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl and Grace Song -- targeted by the U.S., Saudi, and Egyptian governments for their speech and pursuit of justice, will premier May 2 at the Sepulveda Screening Room. The premiere event will conclude with a Muslim-Christian conversation about the intersection of faith and justice, led by The Shoulder To Shoulder Campaign’s executive director, Nina Fernando. The premiere seeks to bring together an interfaith audience as part of a broader effort to raise awareness about anti-Muslim bias and inspire interfaith action against discrimination and violence.
Reserve public tickets ($10) here. For more information visit www.deadthansilentfilm.com
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Latino Ministries to offer Grant Writing for
Community Impact Spanish-language webinar
The Episcopal Church’s Office of Latino Ministries will offer a free, three-part grant-writing seminar in Spanish on May 13, May 19, and May 26 at 4 p.m. PT.
The seminar is open to Episcopalians seeking funding for church and community programs, whether they are new to grant writing or have prior experience. Participants will learn a step-by-step approach to effective grant writing, including how to develop a narrative budget, and will explore both religious and secular funding sources for congregational programs. Each session will focus on a different topic.
English interpretation will be available. Register at:
- Spanish grant writing, session 1, Wednesday, May 13, 7 p.m. ET
- Spanish grant writing, session 2, Tuesday, May 19, 7 p.m. ET
- Spanish grant writing, session 3, Tuesday, May 26, 7 p.m. ET
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All invited to join or host World Labyrinth Day event May 2
Join All Saints Episcopal Church, Pasadena, St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Simi Valley, or St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Irvine, in "Walking as One at 1:00," in celebration of World Labyrinth Day, May 2. The All Saints event goes from 12 p.m. t0 3 p.m., the event at St. Francis Church will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the event at St. Andrew's will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is celebrated by hundreds of other institutions with labyrinths from around the world. All are invited to join at one of the participating congregations in the diocese. Congregations with labyrinths that would like to participate are invited to email desjardins.katherine@gmail.com.
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Applications open for Diocesan Innovation Grants
Applications are now open for the second round of Diocesan Innovation Grants through the office of Christian Formation, Children, Youth. More than $80,000 is allotted for grants and scholarships in this funding cycle. Application timeline for 2026 grant cycle now available here on the Diocesan Innovation Grants webpage. The grants are a part of the Immersed in Worship Program.
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All-diocese confirmation service set for May 9 at St. John's Cathedral; pre-registration requested
This spring's all-diocese confirmation service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 9 at St. John's Cathedral. Bishop John Harvey Taylor will preside and confirm candidates presented by any congregation that does not have an episcopal visitation this year. A registration form — to be completed by clergy in charge, wardens, or administrators in congregations — is here.
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Applications open for Episcopal Church 2026–27 educational scholarships
Applications are now open for a variety of educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2026–2027 academic year. The deadline to apply online is Friday, May 15. All applicants must be Episcopalians.
This year the following scholarships are available:
- Ten $10,000 scholarships for applicants of African descent studying for ministry in The Episcopal Church.
- Eight $5,000 scholarships for applicants of Indigenous descent.
- Seven $5,000 scholarships for applicants of Hispanic descent studying at an accredited Episcopal seminary.
- Four $5,000 scholarships for applicants of Asian and Pacific Island descent studying theology.
Fully completed applications will receive priority. Scholarship funds will be given to the schools designated by the applicants. Apply here.
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Applications open for 2026 Certificate in Lifelong Christian Formation
Forma and Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) have opened applications for 2026 Certificate in Lifelong Christian Formation.
This yearlong certificate (August–May) equips formation leaders in the Episcopal Church with theological grounding, practical tools, mentorship, and spiritual direction, rooted in real ministry context. Through online learning and a 5-day residency at VTS, participants grow in confidence, competence, and resilience as leaders who shape faith across the lifespan.
Applications are due April 16, program begins Aug. 1. Residency at VTS will be from Sept. 28 and Oct. 2, 2026. Tuition is $2,500 with payment plans and limited scholarships available.
Application and additional information here. Contact Samantha Clare at sclare@vts.edu with questions.
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Donations requested for families affected by ICE activity; Hollywood supplies low
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Hollywood is collecting essential supplies for families affected by recent ICE activity. Because pantry inventory is running low, donations are urgently needed to help meet immediate needs, including food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and household basics.
Those who prefer to contribute financially can also donate through the links and payment options listed on the flyer below.
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CLUE seeks donations to maintain bond fund for detained immigrants
Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) has been operating a volunteer-run bond fund for six months, which has reportedly become the largest immigrant bond fund in the United States. Now, after bonding out more than 100 people who have been able to return to their families, the donation-fed fund is running dangerously low.
CLUE is calling on the network of faith leaders and community members to help continue this sacred work. 100% of donations go directly towards paying somebody’s bond.
Donations, small or large, can make a life-changing impact on families.
Donate here
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CLUE invites all to join daily masses, weekly vigils for immigrant families
In response to recent Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and detentions, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) is holding daily mass services Monday - Friday, beginning at 9:30 a.m., at Placita Olivera. CLUE welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds to the services, and invites attendees to bring signs, prayers, and presence.
CLUE will also host a weekly prayer vigil for those who have been disappeared by ICE every Tuesday, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., at the Los Angeles Federal Building, 300 N. Los Angeles St. Register here to attend. Find more protests and events on CLUE's Summer of Resistance Instagram page.
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Legal resources on sensitive locations, immigration enforcement available for religious employers, workers
Catholic Legal Immigration Network has created two resources for religious employers and workers on what you should know in case immigration agents show up at your place of worship.
Under the Obama administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a memo informing its officers that they should not perform arrests in “sensitive locations” such as churches, schools, and hospitals. This also included events like weddings, funerals, and special religious services. This memo was reinforced by the Biden administration, which issued a “Sensitive Locations Policy” (also known as the “Protected Area Memorandum”).
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump issued several executive orders that rescinded these protections.
ICE is now permitted to enter sensitive locations and perform immigration enforcement – including interrogations, searches, and arrests. In light of this reversal, congregations may now experience more interactions with ICE within their community spaces, and residences.
Resource for religious employers here. Resources for workers here.
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TENS 2026 stewardship materials available
The Diocese of Los Angeles continues its membership in TENS: the Episcopal Network for Stewardship, which offers stewardship resources, teaching and training opportunities.
The diocese's membership provides access to TENS materials for all its congregations. To log on, visit the website, select "Annual Pledge Campaign" from the navigation bar and “Plenty Good Room" from the dropdown menu. The password for 2026 is Matthew22:4. (Note: the password is case sensitive and there are no spaces. No user name is required.) Materials are available in English and Spanish and in MS Word and PDF versions.
“In God’s house there is always room for more: more ideas, more people, more ways to share, more stories to tell. And in the world that God created, there is more needed: more love, more connection, more peace, more creativity. Plenty Good Room reminds us that there is always room in God’s house; we just need to make ourselves at home and invite others to join us. The ways we steward our relationships, resources, and responses to grow ministry and serve our neighbors are the ways we connect our gratitude to our generosity. There’s Plenty Good Room in God’s House; pull up a chair and sit down.”
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'Living Stories Sermons' offers collaborative preaching model; training workshops available
Living Stories Sermons (LSS) a collaborative preaching method that is gaining traction across the Episcopal Church, is "a way of bringing an entire congregation into the preaching moment." Created by the Rev. Peter Levenstrong of St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, the LLS method invites congregations into dialogue, prioritizing relational preaching, intergenerational strength, healing presence, and formation over performance. The method "helps make scripture stick" and offers "longer-lasting takeaways." Monthly workshops outlining the method are offered free of charge. To learn more, visit www.LivingStoriesSermons.org.
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Selected links from items previously published in the Resource Roundup are below for your reference.
FROM THE DIOCESE
Reserve St. Paul’s Commons retreat, event space
Canon Anilin Collado, retreat center manager, is available to assist with all reservations and pricing schedules; she may be reached by email at retreat@ladiocese.org or phone at 213.482.2040, ext. 250. Full information, including photos and capacity of event spaces, is available online.
Contact: The Rev. Canon Susan Russell, srussell@ladiocese.org
Questions about Safe Church may be sent to safechurch@ladiocese.org. Julie Kelly, at 213-482-2040, ext. 227, can support inquiries about the Praesidium Training Academy and Missy Morain, at 213.905.0181, is the Safe Church officer, and can answer questions about training needs, background check requirements, and reporting.
Checks to the diocese must be made out to “The Protestant Episcopal Church” or “Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.”
The annual diocesan rate for mileage reimbursement in 2026 is 72.5 cents per mile driven for business use.
| | RESOURCES FROM THE WIDER CHURCH | |
Migration, Refugee, and Immigration resources
American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ) supports the vulnerable and displaced in the Holy Land through support of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem’s hospitals, schools, and centers for children with disabilities.
'Beloved Community' resources
Responding to racism, police brutality, and community trauma
The official Episcopal Church LGBTQIA+ Pride logo
General Resources
Episcopal Racial Reconciliation Resources:
Police Reform
Prayers for justice
Scriptures related to justice, lament, and solidarity, to assist with preparing a liturgy, finding direction and encouragement, or calling communities to work for justice:
- Exodus 22:21-23
- Micah 6:8
- Isaiah 58:6-12
- Isaiah 61
- Psalms 10, 13, 89, and 103
- Luke 4:16-21
- Ephesians 6:12-20
- Hebrews 13:1-3
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CURRICULA
Christian Nationalism study guide
A three-week study guide to The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide by Pamela Cooper-White, from the Engagement Across Difference Ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles.
Love God, Love God’s World
A nine-session, film-based curriculum, ideal for Episcopalians anywhere on the journey with creation care and environmental ministry. From the Creation Care ministry of The Episcopal Church.
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Listings for clergy employment in the Diocese of Los Angeles are here (scroll down to the end of the web page).
Listings for lay employment are here.
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| Resource Roundup, a weekly publication for clergy, wardens, church office staff and lay leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, is emailed on Tuesdays (alternate weeks from mid-June to mid-August). Items for inclusion may be sent to Mostyn Trudinger-Smith, at mtrudinger-smith@ladiocese.org by noon on Mondays. | | | | |
