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HFS seeks foster families to share their lives with children in need
By Pat McCaughan
[The Episcopal News – December 13, 2023] Christmas can’t come fast enough for young brothers Jimmy, 7, and 5-year-old Mark. The family tree’s been decorated, they’ve visited Santa at a local park, and now and again St. Nick randomly drops off a note or gift for each of them, says their foster mom, Rebecca Bardales.
“They’re getting more and more excited,” Bardales told The Episcopal News in a recent telephone interview. “Mark wants to hear Christmas songs in the shower. We’re watching the movies, like The Nightmare Before Christmas, for the first time this year.”
And, this year, also for the first time, Jimmy and Mark will receive their very own initialed ornaments to hang on the tree – “red, white and green plaid with crystals” – as part of a family tradition. (The names of the children have been changed to protect their identities.)
“Every ornament has a story to tell,” Bardales said. Each has been collected “from wherever we’ve visited, or else we’ve received them as gifts. Now they’ll have ornaments with their initials, too, and we want them to start sharing their story around the tree.”
In June 2022 HFS (Holy Family Services), an institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, brought the boys into the lives of Rebecca and Luis Bardales who, after a dozen years of marriage, were childless.
HFS Executive Director Julie Brown said that the agency, which will observe its 75th anniversary in 2024, has been training and supervising foster parents since the 1970s, but has been known mostly for adoptions. She aims to change that.
Read more here.
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‘Abstracts in Action’ paintings available for purchase to benefit diocesan One Body & One Spirit Appeal
All are invited to Dec. 15 artist’s receptions with the Rev. Canon Warner Traynham at St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park
By EN Staff
[The Episcopal News – December 13, 2023] Two Dec. 15 receptions and an online gallery and catalog will feature some 50 canvases that the Rev. Canon Warner R. Traynham – a retired rector of St. John’s, Los Angeles – has painted and donated for sale to benefit the diocesan One Body & One Spirit Annual Appeal.
All are invited to greet the artist and view the paintings during two Dec. 15 gatherings at St. Paul’s Commons, 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles: the 11:30 a.m. Lunch & Learn program hosted free of charge by the Immaculate Heart Community (more information below; register here) and the evening Shabbat service of Nefesh Jewish congregation.
Traynham will be available Dec. 15 from 1-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. in the Commons’s Great Hall, where the paintings – priced from $150-$500 – are on view under the theme “Abstracts in Action” signifying their deployment for charitable purposes.
All proceeds go directly to the diocesan appeal, which to date has raised more than $300,000 to help congregations meet unbudgeted expenses through grants awarded by the Corporation of the Diocese.
Read more here.
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Trinity Wall Street grant will help Bloy House train clergy to work across political, ideological differences
By Pat McCaughan
[The Episcopal News – December 13, 2023] Trinity Church Wall Street has awarded a one-year $85,000 grant to Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School at Los Angeles, to develop leadership engagement across political and ideological differences.
The growing political divide in the nation and even among some churches and their members, inspired the Very Rev. Gary Hall, Bloy House president, to apply for the grant, he told The Episcopal News recently in a telephone interview from New York City.
“I’ve been increasingly concerned in the last two decades that The Episcopal Church is really losing conservatives,” Hall said. “We’ve always prided ourselves on being a comprehensive church in theology and churchmanship and politics. We’ve had conservative members, liberal members. My concern is that we find a way, to the extent that we can, to keep conservatives in the church and to keep a broad perspective theologically and politically. There’s a sense we’re becoming more narrowly progressive.”
Hall noted in the grant application that The Episcopal Church, along with all mainline denominations, is experiencing decline in measurable ways: church starts, attendance, and numbers of pledges.
“Clergy are retiring early or leaving their posts for other work,” he wrote. “Bishops report an increasing amount of their time and resources given to rector/vestry conflict. While the project will not reverse those trends, it seeks to address the leadership side of the equation.”
Read more here.
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Li Tim-Oi Center, Our Saviour Parish to mark 80th anniversary of first Anglican woman priest with January, February festivities
[The Episcopal News – December 13, 2023] In 1944, with the world at war, Bishop Ronald Hall of Hong Kong, desperately needing Church of England sacraments to be administered in Macau, ordained Li Florence Tim-Oi, a deaconess, as the first woman priest in the Anglican Communion.
The Li Tim-Oi Center and Church of Our Saviour, San Gabriel, will mark the 80th anniversary of that historic ordination with a series of events, beginning with a fundraising dinner on Jan. 6, 2024 and culminating in a Lunar New Year celebration the weekend of February 10 - 11 with special guests, including the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, first woman presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church.
The February celebration will include a panel discussion on women's ordination on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 3:30 p.m. and an exhibit of art depicting women in the Bible by He Qi, renowned artist and member of the parish. The next day, Feb. 11, Church of Our Saviour will host the annual diocesan Lunar New Year Celebration with a 4 p.m. service of Holy Communion celebrating Li Tim-Oi. More information about these events can be found here.
Read more here.
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Local screenings, study guides set for ‘Case for Love’ film produced by team based at Beverly Hills parish
By EN Staff
[The Episcopal News – December 13, 2023] Congregations across the Diocese of Los Angeles are invited to rally around the Jan. 23 release of “A Case for Love” – a feature-film documentary inspired by the teachings of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and produced by Grace-Based Films, a company formed by parishioners of All Saints Episcopal Church, Beverly Hills.
To complement the film’s one-day release in selected AMC/Regal/Century theaters on Jan. 23 (see schedule here), congregations are invited to host screenings on church sites.
Free resources – including discussion guides for adult education and youth groups, communications tools, social media files and posters – can be downloaded here.
An Episcopal News Service story about the film and its production team is below or here.
Read more here.
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Documentary inspired by presiding bishop’s teachings on love due for nationwide theatrical premiere Jan. 23
'A Case for Love' grew out of Episcopal filmmaking ministry
By David Paulsen
[Episcopal News Service – December 7, 2023] A nonprofit movie company led by Episcopalians is about to unveil its biggest project yet. Its feature-length documentary inspired by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s message of unselfish love is headed for a nationwide theatrical release on Jan. 23.
The film, “A Case for Love,” is expected to appear in at least 1,000 theaters for the one-day initial release, and more dates could be added if large numbers of moviegoers turn out for the premiere. The nonprofit, Grace-Based Films, also hopes to generate interest from streaming services.
“There’s a hunger for stories like this,” director Brian Ide told Episcopal News Service. He founded Grace-Based Films with fellow members of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills, California, some of whom worked in the film industry. Grace-Based Films started as an All Saints’ ministry. Now, as an independent nonprofit, it plans to devote revenue from “A Case for Love” to funding future storytelling projects.
The new film is structured as seven chapters featuring 14 individual stories of people from a wide range of backgrounds, whom Ide described as “ordinary people doing ordinary-to-extraordinary things.” The stories cover a wide range of experiences, from racial justice issues and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights to the foster care system and the military.
Read more here.
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Guibord Center president Lo Sprague to keynote Dec. 15 Immaculate Heart Community 'Lunch & Learn' in Echo Park
Dr. Lois M. “Lo” Sprague, president of The Guibord Center: Religion Inside Out, will keynote the Immaculate Heart Community’s Dec. 15 Lunch & Learn program starting at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Commons, 840 Echo Park Ave. Los Angeles. Sprague’s talk is titled “Activism Through a Spiritual Lens.”
Lunch is provided at no cost, though donations are appreciated. Attendees are asked to register here.
A distinguished psychotherapist, Sprague worked closely with the late Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord in founding the center, which brings together people of diverse faiths for dialogue and education. Sprague is described as “a deeply spiritual and passionate leader who has dedicated her life to enabling others to find and follow the best within themselves.” Her talk will explore “the relationship between social justice and spiritual fulfillment and how to join them together to create a positive impact on yourself, your loved ones, and the causes you care about.”
An added feature of the Lunch & Learn program will be an introduction to the Rev. Canon Warner Traynham, whose art is on view at St. Paul’s Commons and is available for purchase to benefit the diocesan One Body & One Spirit Annual Appeal. (See related article above or here.)
Donations of toys will also be accepted for a drive that Immaculate Heart Community is conducting for immigrant children served by CLUE, CHIRLA, and CARECEN in support of migrants that have been sent from Texas to Los Angeles.
For information visit www.immaculateheartcommunity.org or phone 323.466.2157.
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A London adventure
December 11, 2023
Entering Westminster Abbey this morning, Kathy Hannigan O’Connor and I gratefully accepted the complimentary audioguides. A few minutes later, I noticed that, as I scrolled through the generous menu of selections on the device’s touch screen, I happened to be standing on Charles Darwin’s memorial. I took this as an evolutionary signal to pay closer attention to my surroundings without relying on digital support.
Read more here.
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A new ministry in La Crescenta
December 9, 2023
St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church/ San Lucas de las Montañas, a joyous 100-minute service featuring an eight-piece, four-vocalist ecclesiastical show band, a bilingual liturgy, and a worthy complement of Guy’s bishop, deacon, and priest colleagues — plus Guy’s delightful mom, Paige, a retired teacher, whom we just happened to catch between her series of international adventures with friends.
Read more here.
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Jennifer Wagner Pavia to be installed Jan. 6 as rector of St. Bede’s, Mar Vista
All in the diocese are invited to join the celebration as Bishop John Harvey Taylor installs the Rev. Jennifer Wagner Pavia as rector of St. Bede’s, Mar Vista, in rites set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. Pavia was elected rector after serving as priest-in-charge at Holy Faith, Inglewood, and, prior to ordination, many years of lay ministry at St. Augustine by-the-Sea, Santa Monica. St. Bede’s – which also serves the Westside communities of Venice, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, and Culver City – is located at 3590 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles. More information is online here.
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Canon
James Alexander
d. December 7, 2023
Canon James Alexander, longtime diocesan lay leader and member of St. Andrew's Church, Ojai, died Dec. 7 after a long illness.
Survivors include his wife, Trilby Conried. Funeral services will be held in January.
Alexander had a long career in commercial mortgage banking, including a stint as first vice president of Meteor Financial, a subsidiary of Met Life. For many years he attended St. James in-the-City Church, Los Angeles, where he was a founding member and treasurer of St. James Wilshire Foundation, which in 1986 built and still operates St. James' Manor, a 65-unit affordable senior housing facility. Alexander also served the congregation as vestry member, treasurer and senior warden. After his retirement he moved to Ojai, where he was a lay leader at St. Andrew's Church.
His leadership extended to the diocese, which he served for some 15 years as Deanery One's lay representative to Diocesan Counsel. He was a trustee of the Diocesan Investment Trust, a member of the Program Group on Missions, Deanery One president, and served on the 2016-17 Bishop Search Committee. In recognition of Alexander's many years of service, Bishop John Harvey Taylor named him an honorary canon in 2019.
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James Lusby
d. December 7, 2023
James Lusby, former head of school for St. John’s Episcopal School, Rancho Santa Margarita, died Dec. 7 of a heart attack, according to an announcement from the school. He had been dealing with several health issues in recent years.
Lusby was head of school at St. John's from 1996 to 2013, when he retired, but continued as the school's chancellor until his death. During his retirement he also served as interim head of All Saints' Episcopal School, Carmel Valley.
Survivors include his wife, Gail, their son, Christian, their daughter, Elizabeth, and three grandchildren. Service arrangements are pending.
Before his tenure at St. John's, Lusby was head of school at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal School, Studio City, from 1991 to 1996. Previously he was head of Foothill Country Day School in Claremont.
He earned a bachelor's degree in Comparative Religion at Trinity College and master of education degrees at Boston College and the University of San Francisco.
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Funeral for the Rev. Canon Peter Haynes will be on Dec. 16
A funeral service for the Rev. Canon Peter D. Haynes (July 30, 1946 – Nov. 28, 2023) will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 at St. Michael & All Angels Church, where he served as rector from 1988 to his retirement in 2001. An obituary is here.
The service will be live-streamed via Zoom (click here, or log in using the meeting ID, 912 3096 9532, and passcode, cdm080100!,) or join on Facebook Live.
St. Michael's is located at 3233 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar 92625.
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Diocesan staff to observe Christmas, New Year holidays
Update will be on hiatus
Diocesan offices at St. Paul's Commons and elsewhere will close on Friday, Dec. 22 for Christmas Eve and Monday, Dec. 25 for Christmas Day, as well as Friday, Dec. 29 for New Year's Eve and Monday, Jan. 1 for New Year's Day.
The Episcopal News Update will be on hiatus for the weeks of Dec. 24, and 31.
Each issue of the Update is emailed on Wednesday and dated for the following Sunday. Weekly deadline is Tuesday at 12 p.m.
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The Gathering invites all to Advent service Dec. 17
The Gathering: A Space for Asian Pacific American Spirituality invites the diocesan community to a special Advent service at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17 at St. John's Cathedral, 514 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles.
All are warmly welcome to this celebration service that will weave together Asian American Pacific Islander identity and Christian joy. Advent music will be offered by musicians from Laós Chamber Music.
In-person guests are encouraged to stay after the service for fellowship and an Asian-inspired light meal.
The service will be livestreamed at the cathedral's website, and the recording will be available afterwards at The Gathering's channel.
Onsite parking is limited, but additional secure parking will be available one block away at the Bank of America at 2703 S. Figueroa. Street parking also is available along W. Adams Blvd.
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Help Ramallah orphanage replace furnace through LA - Jerusalem companion diocese ties
Contributions especially welcome amid current tensions
Amid suffering and tensions escalated by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack against Israel, support for charitable projects in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem is doubly appreciated. Concrete initiatives include replacement of the 57-year-old furnace at Ramallah’s Arab Evangelical-Episcopal Home and School.
Donors are invited to join Bishop John Harvey Taylor and others in the Diocese of Los Angeles in contributing via this secure link on L.A.’s diocesan website to assist the $60,000 furnace replacement project, increasingly important as fall weather gives way to winter cold.
Fundraising efforts – highlighted by the Rev. Fadi Diab, rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Ramallah, and his wife, Ruba Gammoh, during their visit to the United States this past summer – have succeeded in raising nearly $20,000 toward the effort, with additional gifts from congregations and individuals requested to meet the goal.
Read more here.
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Camp Stevens announces first Black Family Camp
Camp Stevens has announced its first-ever Black Family Camp, to be held Jan. 4 - 7 at the diocesan facility in Julian, Calif.
The program is designed by and for Black families to create a safe and inclusive camp experience and to highlight/promote Black culture. The camp will also welcome non-Black parents and children who are part of transracial or multiracial families with Black children.
According to the camp's announcement, "In an effort to combat the history of Black people in the U.S. being excluded from camping and to increase Black families’ access to outdoor spaces, this extended weekend excursion is designed to give Black families access to camping.
The weekend schedule may include activities such as archery, the climbing wall, garden projects, tie-dye, campfires with s’mores, culinary projects, trivia, family fun games, visits with goats and pigs, beer and wine tasting, and more.
For information, email retreats@campstevens.org. To register, click here.
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SAVE THE DATE
Jan. 6 fiesta, immigration justice forum set for historic Church of the Epiphany, Lincoln Heights
[The Episcopal News] All in the diocese are invited to join the historic Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Lincoln Heights, in celebrating the congregation’s Jan. 6 feast day and sharing in a strategic immigration justice forum.
Well known as a hub used by activists Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta in organizing the United Farmworkers union, Church of the Epiphany continues its legacy of civil rights work, a central focus for the Saturday-afternoon immigration forum and related community resource street fair.
Organized under the theme “Epiphanies: A Festival of Discovery,” the 2 p.m. forum will include a panel discussion shared by leading local immigration justice advocates.
The congregation’s Mariachi procession and Eucharist for the Feast of the Epiphany will follow at 5 p.m. recalling decades of the congregation’s similar bilingual Latin American observances. Portions of a new gallery exhibit tracing Epiphany’s history will be on view during the fiesta and forum. Traditional foods and beverages of the season will be served.
The Jan. 6 events also will highlight the upcoming launch of the Lydia Lopez Center for Community Empowerment, an initiative honoring the late Canon Lydia Lopez, who was active in neighborhood, diocesan, and international ministries for more than 50 years. Formed to equip new generations, the center will focus on immigration, education, cultural and history resources.
Read more here.
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Bloy House continues formation classes for laity
Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School at Los Angeles, continues to offer formation classes. These courses are designed to meet requirements for the new diocesan lay licensing program, but are of general interest as well, and all are welcome. The fee for each class is $25. Click here for more information and to register.
Introduction to the Bible for Lay Licensing
Tuesdays, January 9, 16, 23, and 30; 7 - 8:30 p.m.
While this course has been designed for the new diocesan lay licensing program, the topic is of general formation interest as well. How did we get the Bible we have today, and how do we best read and interpret it? We will cover the composition and construction of our Hebrew and Christian scriptures and pay close attention to the diverse voices and major themes that we encounter. These discussions will develop tools for interpretation and study of our sacred scripture. Facilitated by the Rev. Jerry Sather of St. John Chrysostom Church, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Linda Allport, dean of Bloy House. This course is required for licensing of lay preachers, evangelists, and pastoral leaders, and recommended for worship leaders and catechists.
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SAVE THE DATE
Three to be ordained to priesthood Jan. 13
Bishop John Harvey Taylor will ordain three transitional deacons to the Sacred Order of Priests at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, at St. John's Cathedral in Los Angeles.
Ordinands are the Rev. Joshua Hing Shing Wong, the Rev. Melvin Maximiano Soriano, and the Rev. Jonathan Timothy Stoner
The prayers and presence of the diocesan community are requested.
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SAVE THE DATE
The Rev. Ron Byrd to keynote annual MLK celebration on Jan. 14
The Diocese of Los Angeles, through the Program Group on Black Ministries, will present its annual Martin Luther King Day celebration on Sunday, Jan. 14, 4 p.m. at Christ the Good Shepherd Church, Los Angeles.
Featured speaker will be the Rev. Ron Byrd, missioner for African Descent Ministries for The Episcopal Church.
Byrd, who took part in a panel discussion on new communities at the L.A. diocese's Nov. 10 - 11 annual convention, is a strong proponent of entrepreneurial ministry and leadership development. He worked for 20 years in executive management, including positions at four Fortune 500 companies. He has served as a deputy to General Convention, a design team member for international Black clergy conferences; and as lead consultant for the Episcopal Church Foundation’s newest leadership development program, Vital Teams.
In 2011, Byrd and the congregation of St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church in Williamston, Mich., created and launched Forster Woods Adult Day Center, a facility that ministers to persons living with dementia and other physical and mental impairments.
A soul food reception will follow the service. All are welcome.
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By Your Side training sessions to begin Jan. 23
By Your Side, a program of Episcopal Communities & Services, will begin its winter training session for end-of-life companions on Tuesday, Jan. 23 and continuing on Tuesdays through Feb. 20, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
The sessions will be held at MonteCedro, ECS's senior living facility at 2212 El Molino, Altadena 91001.
Since 2011, the mission of By Your Side 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. By Your Side has trained more than 500 volunteers to be a compassionate presence.
"We continue to develop teams of people to serve in hospital and long-term care settings, especially in our ECS communities," says By Your Side administrator Susan Brown. "Team members have had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of what it means to really be “with” the residents they support; residents become even more aware of the needs of neighbors having difficulty with changes in their lives, with challenging diagnoses or increasing frailty. In the larger community, individuals and spiritual care teams strengthen their understanding of what being together through the end of life can really look like. We all gain tools for taking care of ourselves while being present for those around us."
There is no obligation to volunteer after training. For further information and to register for the winter training session, contact Brown at sbrown@ecsforseniors.org or 626.403.5424. A fee of $70 (which includes all materials) is due by the second class. Scholarships are available. CE (12 hrs.) for nurses is available for an added $30 under California Board of Registered Nursing Provider CEP 16239.
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SAVE THE DATE
March discernment event will help church members answer calls to ministry
The Commission on Ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles invites any Episcopalian who feels a call to lay or ordained ministry to attend a Diocesan Discernment Information Gathering (DIG) on Saturday, March 16, 2024, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Commons, 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles.
"How is God calling YOU? We’re often surprised that God calls us ... all of us," says the event announcement. "Today’s world pulls us in so many directions that it's sometimes hard to discern. Have you been wondering where God is calling you in your life, your work, your church and beyond? The COM wants to help those seeking answers to these questions. Join us as we explore what answering a call can mean in your life."
Registration will open soon; for now, save the date.
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Diocesan Convention Reports 2023 | |
2023 Convention Reports
Click on the titles below to read The Episcopal News' coverage of Diocesan Convention, held Nov. 10 - 11 at the Riverside Convention Center.
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Convention videos
Videos of convention sessions and addresses, plus reports of several diocesan ministries and the 2023 Necrology, are available on the diocesan YouTube channel at the following links:
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Presiding bishop released from hospital, continuing recovery at home
By Ens Staff
[Episcopal News Service – December 8, 2023] Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has been released from the hospital and is continuing his recovery at home, according to a Dec. 8 press release from The Episcopal Church’s Office of Public Affairs.
Curry fell while visiting Syracuse, New York, and suffered a subdural hematoma, or brain bleed, that required surgery. He was admitted Dec. 3 to a hospital near his home in Raleigh, North Carolina, and underwent surgery on Dec. 4.
His surgeon is happy with his continued progress. Curry will be attending follow-up appointments and working from home in the days ahead, the release said.
Read more here.
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Episcopal bishops grant ‘permission’ for St. Nicholas to minister in their dioceses during Advent
By David Paulsen
[Episcopal News Service – December 6, 2023] St. Nicholas may not be paying attention to The Episcopal Church’s polity, but his fellow bishops certainly are.
Several Episcopal bishops have issued statements timed to Dec. 6, the feast day for St. Nicholas, ceremoniously granting him “permission” to travel within their dioceses – presumably to deliver toys and other delights to good girls and boys according to the common Christian tradition during Advent.
St. Nicholas served in the fourth century as bishop of Myra, in a region that today is part of Turkey. He later would become the inspiration for the modern Christmas figure Santa Claus.
... Arizona Bishop Jennifer Reddall and Los Angeles Bishop John Harvey Taylor issued proclamations, welcoming St. Nicholas to minister in their dioceses.
“May his presence be a blessing and a sign of hope for all,” Taylor said.
Read more here.
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DEADLINE: DEC. 15
UTO matching grant challenge to support ministries of Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
[The Episcopal Church - November 2, 2023] The United Thank Offering – in partnership with the Good Friday Offering – will match up to $100,000 of donations given through Dec. 15 to help sustain outreach ministries in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which operates across several countries or territories and includes churches, schools, medical facilities, and other ministries.
“United Thank Offering has supported the diocese with over $1 million in grants since 1973, thanks to the generosity of Episcopalians everywhere,” said UTO Board President Sherri Dietrich. “We know people want to help those projects continue their work through and after the current heartbreaking conflict; this challenge grant will allow us all to make a powerful contribution to those impacted by this conflict.”
Matched donations to the United Thank Offering will be given in 2024 as a grant to the diocese to disburse where the needs are greatest.
Read more here.
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THURSDAYS, 7 p.m.
Episcopal Students of UCLA
St. Alban's Episcopal Church
580 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles
Information: episcopalstudentsucla@gmail.com
We are a group of Christians, looking to further our relationship with God and strengthen our bonds in Christian community. Meeting in the library at St. Alban's Episcopal Church (right near campus), we are a welcoming community whose goal is to live out the truth of the gospel through spiritual growth, community experience, and service.
FRIDAYS, 6 - 7 p.m.
Vigil for Peace
St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
3233 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar, 92625
Information here Zoom Meeting ID: 912 3096 9532; Passcode: 080100
Worship bulletins here
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.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 7 p.m.
Advent Lessons and Chants Taizé
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
1432 Engracia Avenue, Torrance 90501
The mutual ministry of St. Andrew's and Christ Church, Redondo Beach, invite all to this monthly candlelit service of music, meditation and prayer. Taizé services will be held in-person or online throughout the year. Online services available here.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1 - 4 p.m.
Crafternoon
Camp Stevens
1108 Banner Road (Hwy 78), Julian 92036
Reservations: retreats@campstevens.org or 760.765.0028
Get creative in Camp Stevens' cozy dining hall. Enjoy fireside hot cocoa, cookie decorating, wreath making, eco-friendly crafts, and more. Make a day of it and visit the historic town of Julian before or after the Crafternoon to see Main Street decorated for Christmas. $15 per person suggested donation.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Pasadena Symphony Orchestra Holiday Candlelight Concert
All Saints Episcopal Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena
Information/Tickets here
Featuring the Donald Brinegar Singers and JPL Chorus, Los Angeles Children's Chorus, L.A. Bronze Handbell Ensemble, soloist Jamal Moore and conductor Jenny Wong. Top off your holiday season and enjoy fully reserved seating arrangements in the architecturally exquisite and acoustically sonorous All Saints Church. Tickets: $65 - $165.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 5 p.m.
Procession with Lessons & Carols for Advent
St. Thomas the Apostle Church
7501 Hollywood Blvd (at Gardner Street), Hollywood (Los Angeles)
The Schola Marialis under the direction of Sean Smith will sing music from the Middle Ages through the 21st century by Palestrina, Praetorius, Tallis, Gibbons, Terry, Woodward, Willcocks, Vaughan Willams, Paish, Christopher Gravis of St. John's Cathedral, Los Angeles, and more. Parking is available in the lot north of the church. A reception will follow the service.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 7 p.m.
Orange County Women’s Chorus: Dancing Day
St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church
18631 Chapel Lane, Huntington Beach 92646
Information/Tickets here
The concert’s focal point is John Rutter’s "Dancing Day," accompanied by the ethereal sounds of the harp. This work will serve as the anchor of OCWC’s holiday program, interweaving a tapestry of carols and seasonal songs to immerse the audience in the festive spirit. Tickets: $30 ($25 for seniors; $15 for students).
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Teach-In: The Islamic History of Israel/Palestine
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101
Information here
Long-time All Saints Church Interfaith partner Salam Al-Marayati, president and co-founder of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, will moderate a panel of Muslim leaders including Munir Shaikh, Bayan Claremont, Early Islamic history of Jerusalem/Palestine; Fayez Hammad, USC, Ottoman Palestine; Eba Hathout, Hassan Hathout Foundation, 1948--A Story of Freedom and Islamic Obligation for Palestine; Laila Al-Marayati, Kinder USA, Reflections on a Journey to Jerusalem and Dissent – U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. For centuries of Islamic rule, Jerusalem was a bastion of religious pluralism. Join us as we explore the social understanding, political authority, and religious freedom that existed under Islamic rule from the 8th century until the 19th century. The in-person session also will be livestreamed here.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 3 p.m.
Orange County Women’s Chorus: Dancing Day
St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church
18631 Chapel Lane, Huntington Beach 92646
Information/Tickets here
The concert’s focal point is John Rutter’s "Dancing Day," accompanied by the ethereal sounds of the harp. This work will serve as the anchor of OCWC’s holiday program, interweaving a tapestry of carols and seasonal songs to immerse the audience in the festive spirit. Tickets: $30 ($25 for seniors; $15 for students).
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 4 p.m.
A Service Of Lessons and Carols
Trinity Lutheran Church
1340 11th Street, Manhattan Beach
Led by James Koenig, director of music, and Mark McCormick, organ and piano. Come by yourself, or bring friends, family, neighbors. All are welcome – after all, isn't this the ultimate season of inclusion and love for all! A reception will follow the service.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 4 - 6 p.m.
Live Nativity
Christ Episcopal Church
408 S. Broadway, Redondo Beach 90277
An outdoor family Christmas celebration starring a live camel, donkey, goat, and sheep! Children can dress up and take part in a pageant, and all can sing along to carols and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Presented by the Mutual Ministry of St. Andrew's, Torrance, and Christ Church, Redondo Beach.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 5 p.m.
A Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
All Saints Episcopal Church
504 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210
Information here or 310.275.0123 or info@allsaintsbh.org
All Saints’ Choir, Parish Choir and Choristers; featuring beloved Christmas carols for
congregation & choir.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 5 p.m.
Advent III Evensong
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101
Information here
Trouvères and Canterbury Choir, accompanied by harp, offer A Ceremony of Carols by Britten; Gillian Garcia offers a meditation. The service will be livestreamed here.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 6 p.m.
Classical Sundays at Six: Cristina Montes Mateo, harp & Friends
St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
With David Rejano Cantero, trombone; Susan Greenberg, flute; Judith Farmer, bassoon. Unanimous winner of the first prize in the XII Edition of the “Torneo Internazionale di Musica” (Rome, 2006) and the first prize in the International Harp Competition “V. Bucchi” (2009), Cristina Montes Mateo is recognized throughout the world as one of the leading harpists of her generation. Read more about the artist here.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 6 p.m.
Luminaria Women’s Chamber Singers: Christmas Concert
Blessed Sacrament Church
1314 N. Angelina Drive, Placentia 92870
Information: 714.528.2995
Featuring works by Palestrina, Abbie Betinis, Peter Dyson and a world premiere by Brigitte Bellavoine. Suggested donation: $20.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 6 p.m.
Blue Christmas Service
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101
Information here
If you are struggling this season, you are not alone. Join us for a unique liturgy where the light of Christ provides comfort and healing. Sally Howard and Mike Kinman preside. Jonathan Berry offers music. The service will be livestreamed here.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 3 p.m.
Christmas Eve Family Service
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101
Information here
Experience the Christmas story told by children! Unidad children’s choir offers music. The service will be livestreamed here.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 5 p.m.
Christmas Eve Festive Eucharist
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101
Information here
Trouvères youth choir & Trouvères alumni offer music of Ramsey, Saldaña & Leontovitch. Mark Chase preaches. We invite all children, youth & family alumni. ASL Interpretation will be provided. A festive reception will immediately follow the service. The service will be livestreamed here.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 7:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve Festive Eucharist
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101
Information here
Canterbury Choir and Chamber Orchestra offer Mass in C Major, K 337, by Mozart and music of Barnum and Willcocks. Mike Kinman preaches. The service will be livestreamed here.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 10:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve Festive Eucharist
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101
Information here
Coventry Choir and Chamber Orchestra offer Coronation Mass in C Major, K 317 by Mozart and music of Forrest. Mike Kinman preaches. The service will be livestreamed here.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 10 a.m.
Celebration of Life: The Rev. Peter Rood
Holy Nativity Episcopal Church
6700 83rd Street, Westchester (Los Angeles) 90045
Reservations (requested) here
All are invited to a celebration of life for the Rev. Peter Rood (July 29, 1955 - April 20, 2023). A reception will follow the service, music, food, and dedication of the parish garden in Rood's memory. "In honor of Peter's enduring commitment to aiding those in need, we will be collecting blankets and socks for individuals in unhoused communities," according to the announcement. "Additionally, we warmly invite you to share any photos or videos of Peter. These will be used to craft a special slideshow, intended to honor the many lives he has touched throughout his life." Photos or videos may be emailed to peterscelebrationoflife@gmail.com
SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 6 p.m.
Classical Sundays at Six: Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra
St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
Featuring Vittorio Ponti, piano. Carlo Ponti, conductor. Selections will include Nocturne in B Major, Opus 40, by Antonín Dvořák; Concerto in D Major for String Orchestra by Igor Stravinsky; Keyboard Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, BWV 1052 by Johann Sebastian Bach. The Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra is a dynamic ensemble devoted to the advocacy and support of music education. The ensemble was founded in 2013 on the core belief that an orchestra is a unique educational resource. Read more about the artists here.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 12 – 2 p.m.
SAGES Lunch & Speaker Series
All Saints' Episcopal Church
504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills
Reservations: Gflores@alllsaintsbh.org
Speaker: Suzi Digby, Baroness Eatwell OBE. A choral music director of considerable reputation for some time, Lady Eatwell has conducted the popular Golden Bridge Concert series at All Saints, where she explores fascinating comparisons of modern and classical composers. Additionally she comes to Los Angeles as a visiting lecturer at USC, where she teaches conducting. She is an extremely dynamic speaker and performer, and we are very fortunate to have her join us! She will share highlights of her career, including her collaboration with All Saints’ own Dr. Craig Phillips. Suggested donation: $15. SAGES is All Saints' fellowship ministry for mature adults. We gather two Thursdays a month for lunch, friendship, prayer and engaging presentations.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 7 p.m.
Taizé Service
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
1432 Engracia Avenue, Torrance 90501
Our candlelit evenings of music, meditation, and prayer return for another season! Join us at St. Andrew's on the second Thursday of each month to experience this powerful, spiritual service.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 4:15 p.m.
Solemn Evensong
St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
The Choir of Saint James will perform Responses by William Smith; Gloucester Canticles by Herbert Howells; "Jesu, the Very Thought of Thee" by Paul Halley; and "Ave Maria" by Franz Biebl.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 7:30 p.m.
A Service in the style of Taizé
All Saints Episcopal Church
504 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210
Information here or 310.275.0123 or info@allsaintsbh.org
Begun many years ago at the ecumenical French monastic community called Taizé, these services, with candlelight and singing of chants, are a wonderful way to refresh in the midst of a busy week.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 4 p.m.
Oak Baroque: Baroque Rarities
Church of the Epiphany
5450 Churchwood Drive, Oak Park 91377
Information here or music@tcote.org or 818.991.4797
The players of Oak Baroque return with a fascinating program of Bach’s Partita in Bb, BWV 825, Telemann’s Gulliver’s Travels Suite for Two Violins, rarities for cello by Domenico Gabrielli and Francesco Maria Zuccari, and American premieres of recently discovered works by Roberto Valentine and an anonymous composer. There will be a simple reception after the concert to greet the artists.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 6 p.m.
Classical Sundays at Six -
International Laureates Organ Series: Ryan Chan
St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
Ryan Chan is recognized as a versatile musician who specializes in organ and harpsichord. His passions for both early and contemporary repertoire, performance practice, historic/antique keyboards, experimentation and teaching define his musical identity. As a soloist and a chamber/orchestral player, he has performed in venues across the United States, Europe and Hong Kong. Selections will include: Prelude and Fugue in B Major (from Op. 7) by Marcel Dupré; Hommage à Couperin, Op. 48 & Trumpet Tune, Op. 43, N0. 6 by Rachel Laurin; Fantasie No. 2 in D-flat Major, Op. 101 by Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns; Carmen Fantasy by Edwin Lamare; "Hózhó" by Connor Chee; "Lullaby that releases me from reality" by Hina Sakamoto; "Toccata" (from Suite, Op. 5) by Maurice Duruflé. Read more about this artist here.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 12 – 2 p.m.
SAGES Lunch & Speaker Series
All Saints' Episcopal Church
504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills
Reservations: Gflores@alllsaintsbh.org
Curtis Berak/Harpsicord. A master and acclaimed harpsichord maker and hurdy gurdy (we will learn all about this instrument!) player, Curtis promises to inspire us with an introduction to these two instruments invented during the Middle Ages, and which he supplies all over the West Coast for music from the Baroque and Renaissance era. He is an expert in his field and we are so very fortunate to have him join us! Suggested donation: $15. SAGES is All Saints' fellowship ministry for mature adults. We gather two Thursdays a month for lunch, friendship, prayer and engaging presentations.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 5 p.m.
Chamber Music Concert III
All Saints Episcopal Church
504 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210
Information/tickets here or 310.275.0123 or info@allsaintsbh.org
Music by Beethoven & Bruch, performed by Roger Keller, clarinet; Connie Kupka, viola; David Speltz, cello; and Stephen Manes, piano. This concert features Beethoven’s “Eyeglass Duo” for viola and cello, and “Trio, Op. 11,” and other duos and trios of Max Bruch. Tickets: $20 ($10 students and seniors). Admission free with Music Guilddonor season pass.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 6 p.m.
Classical Sundays at Six: Phillip Levy, violin & Tae Yeon Lim, piano
St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
Featuring works by Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, and Kreisler. Hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as the top classical performer of 1995, violinist Phillip Levy has received worldwide critical acclaim at festivals in Spoleto, Bayreuth, Edinburgh, Israel, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Ojai, Seattle and Aspen. Read more about the artists here.
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Events to be included in the online diocesan calendar and the Update may be emailed to editor@ladiocese.org. | |
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.
| PILGRIMAGES, RETREATS & TRAVEL | |
June 9 - 14, 2024
Aquinas At Orvieto, Italy:
Deepen Your Own Spiritual Journey as Mystic and Prophet
Join Matthew Fox, Meshi Chavez and Claudia Picardi for a five-day workshop at the ancient monastery of St. Ludovico in St. Thomas Aquinas’ hometown. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) was a mystic and prophet and one of the greatest geniuses in Western history. Courageous and controversial in his day, he brought science (from Aristotle) into the Christian West. His writings reveal an amazing mind and mystical heart. Matthew Fox, a member of the Dominican order, is a preeminent theologian and internationally acclaimed scholar of Western spirituality. He has written extensively on the wisdom of Aquinas and has translated for the first time in English some of his works. Discover Aquinas where he lived and worked, and experience monastic hospitality during this five-day retreat. More information is here.
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October 7 – 17, 2024
Italy Pilgrimage
Join the Rev. Steve De Muth and the Rev. Barrett Van Buren for an 11-day pilgrimage across Italy. We will visit Venice, Florence, Assisi, and Rome. The tour price includes roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles, first class/select hotels, most meals, professional tour director, comprehensive sightseeing, all hotel service charges and local taxes, porterage and entrance fees. Cost is $4,549 per person from Los Angeles including $520 taxes/airline surcharges. For information, contact Steve De Muth, 100 N. Third Ave., Covina, CA 91723 or 626.967.3939 or padresteve@holytrinitycovina.com. A full itinerary is here.
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EMPLOYMENT
Listings may be sent to news@ladiocese.org. There is no charge.
CORONA DEL MAR: Director of Music. Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church seeks a director of music to help us create inspiring and transformative liturgical experiences in the English Cathedral tradition. The successful candidate will be an outstanding musician, choral director, and organist, with a track record in cathedral music or a similar setting. At present, the position is part-time with hopes of increasing the position to full-time in the next couple of years. A full job description and application information can be found here.
COSTA MESA: Music Minister, St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. Working in conjunction with, and directly reporting to the rector, the Music Minister serves as organist/pianist and choir director. The Music Minister is encouraged to use traditional Episcopal hymns along with contemporary music, using a variety of hymnals, instruments and accommodating the abilities of volunteers. As this is a worship leadership position in our church, the qualified candidate must understand himself, or herself, as first and foremost a person who worships God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). This is a non benefited part-time job position. A full job description with application information is here.
COSTA MESA: Parish Administrator, Saint John the Divine Episcopal Church. The Parish Administrative Assistant (AA) serves the church working directly with the rector of the parish. The AA is responsible for a wide variety of communication and administrative tasks and is the key contact (with the clergy) for groups using the facility, and visitors. The non-benefited position is approximately 15 hours a week, currently Tuesday-Thursdays, 10 - 3 p.m. A full job description with application information is here.
MANHATTAN BEACH: Choir Section Leaders, Trinity Lutheran Church. Nine month contract – Saturday morning rehearsal 9-11 a.m. Sunday morning 9 a.m. call for 10 a.m. service. Also Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter. Benefits as per California employment law. Compensation is essentially $100 a week on a per-call basis. Solo opportunities as well. Looking for good readers and strong singers to thrive in a vocally healthy and creative environment. For questions, or to set up an audition, please send resume and possible sound clip to Director of Music & Liturgy James Koenig; olympicrange@msn.com or text 323.309.9532.
SANTA MONICA: Music Director. St. Augustine by-the-Sea, an inclusive and progressive Episcopal Church, is seeking a creative and dynamic music director to lead its music program. An organist and adult choir are in place. The music director will select choral offerings and help plan music and manage the church's music program, rehearsing and directing the choir. Full job description is here. Compensation: $25,000+. Starts Summer 2023 (negotiable). Send resume and references to the Rev. Nathan Rugh, rector, at nate@saint-augustine.org.
TUSTIN: Sexton. St. Paul's Episcopal Church. 25 hours/week. The sexton serves to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and readiness of Church facilities to enable the work and ministry of the congregation and to create a pleasant atmosphere for members, guests, and staff. Job description here. Contact: administrator@stpauls.org.
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The Episcopal News Update is published on Wednesday afternoons. News items, job listings, calendar items, questions and comments may be sent to editor@ladiocese.org. Weekly deadline is Tuesday at 12 p.m. Photos are welcome: please include them as email attachments (rather than embedded in a document). To subscribe, click here.
— Janet Kawamoto, editor
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