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Episcopal News Update

A weekly newsletter serving the Diocese of Los Angeles
February 6, 2022
Heartbreak and hope pave Latin American migrants' path; church leaders explore ways to help during Mexico-Guatemala trip

For the Rev. Norma Guerra and other members of the border ministries committee of the Diocese of Los Angeles, a Jan. 17 – 22 trip along “the migrant road,” from Guatemala City to Tapachula, Mexico, was both heartbreaking and hopeful.

“It was really bittersweet, very moving for me to be there, like my two worlds were coming together, my ties to my family and the church there, and of course, my love for and concern about immigrants and the church here,” said Guerra, diocesan associate for formation and transition ministry. She is the daughter of the Rt. Rev. Armando Guerra Soria, retired bishop of Guatemala and former primate of Central America.

“I’ve served in churches where we have immigrants, and I’ve heard their stories. So, it was wonderful to go and to see how organizations and the churches are wanting to help,” said Guerra, who came to the U.S. as a student, married, and later became a citizen. Yet, “it was very hard to hear about the treatment the people have received … like they are disposable.”

The migrant road is the nearly 300-mile journey many take, usually on foot, from Guatemala to Tapachula, Mexico, where they are stuck, sometimes for years, under Mexican immigration enforcement that has ramped up from pressure by the United States.

Following migrants’ journeys by bus, witnessing plazas where they sleep at night, the soccer stadium in Tapachula where many live, was a trip objective. Migrants are from South America, Central America, Africa, Haiti; some are LGBTQ+ and avoiding persecution. Others are forced to flee, to escape violence, environmental disaster, extreme poverty, racism, political oppression. “They risk a lot in fleeing their countries,” said the Rev. Pat O’Reilly, vicar of St. George’s Hawthorne and a border ministries committee member.

“They are desperate," O'Reilly said. "One woman said, ‘I can die at home, and I can die on the route, so I’d rather take my chances on the route.’ They are running for their lives. They are not just saying ‘we want to go to America.’ They are saying ‘we cannot live where we would prefer to live, in our own country. We have to flee.’”

Read more here.
New diocesan Commission on Climate Change will begin work in March

The Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change – a new forum engaging individuals and congregations in deeper response to urgent environmental issues – is set to begin work in March, taking up priorities underscored by the U.N.’s COP26 conference and in the recent Diocesan Convention lecture given by Mary Nichols, parishioner of St. James’, Los Angeles, and former chair of the California Air Resources Board.

The commission is chaired by the Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy, diocesan canon to the ordinary, who was among Episcopal Church representatives to the COP26 conference in November. Nominations for new commission members are now being received, and names or self-nominations may be emailed to bishopsoffice@ladiocese.org.

The commission’s work, set to commence with monthly Zoom meetings, is three-fold:
  • Advocacy and education for diocesan congregations, schools, institutions, and individuals in addressing climate change
  • Engagement of General Convention legislation calling dioceses, congregations, and individuals to action
  • Preparedness for natural disasters and responsiveness when they occur

In addition, the commission will bring attention to intersections of food insecurity and racial justice; tracking of federal, statewide, regional and local legislation; and development of an anthology of online resources. The role of youth and young adults, together with local schools and seminaries, also will be key. Updates of the commission’s work will follow in news reports and on the diocesan website.

Above: Fellow climate activists Mary Nichols and Melissa McCarthy meet before the Margaret Parker lecture at the 2021 Diocesan Convention. Both attended the recent U.N. climate conference, COP26; Nichols in person and McCarthy via the internet. Photo: John Taylor
2022 Ministry Fair online series to start with tips on 'how to host a workshop'

The Diocese of Los Angeles' online 2022 Ministry Fair workshops will begin again this month with the theme "Truth and Love: The Work of Ministry."

Workshops will be held twice monthly on Zoom. The first workshop, on Saturday, Feb 12, 9 – 10 a.m., will be “How to Host a Ministry Fair Workshop on Zoom.” Samantha Wylie, the diocese's Ministry Fair and Convention Coordinator, will offer information for anyone who is interested in hosting a workshop but is not sure where to start. The presentation will include how to develop a topic, different styles of workshops, effective use of PowerPoint, and more.

There is no charge. To register, click here.
People
Bishops' football wager benefits Holy Faith Church, Inglewood

The Rev. Jennifer W. Pavia, rector of Holy Faith Episcopal Church, Inglewood, got a pleasant surprise on Jan. 31: her congregation will get some extra funding due to a bet between two bishops.

Bishop John Harvey Taylor of the Diocese of Los Angeles and Bishop Marc Andrus of the San Francisco-based Diocese of California had a friendly wager on the outcome of Sunday's football game between the L.A. Rams and the San Francisco 49ers.

The Rams won the game and will face the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl on Feb. 13, to be held at SoFi Stadium, very near the Inglewood parish. Home of the Rams and the Chargers, SoFi Stadium, opened in 2019, is located on the site of the former Hollywood Park racetrack. According to its website, "the stadium is the centerpiece of a 298-acre mixed-use development featuring retail, commercial office space, a hotel, residential units, and outdoor park spaces."

"In the wake of the Rams’ victory, Marc has agreed to send a $500 donation to the EDLA [Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles] mission or ministry of my choice," wrote Taylor in an email to Pavia that he copied to The Episcopal News, "and my choice is the church most impacted, for good or ill, by the construction of SoFi Stadium, namely Holy Faith in Inglewood."

"It warms my heart to learn what collegiality between bishops looks like in California," Pavia wrote in response to Taylor's message. "The community of Inglewood continues to be impacted by stadium development and 2028 Summer Olympics, and the negative hallmarks of gentrification, including displacement and rising rents for residents and businesses. As a city of color, the loss of culture is a real threat. I will earmark the generous purse from the 'bishops' bet' for vulnerable community members in need of assistance."

Bishop Andrus noted on Taylor's Facebook page, "Such a pleasure to lose under the terms of this agreement! Always delighted to support the ministry of Bishop Taylor and the great Diocese of Los Angeles!"

There was one minor hiccup in the bet, wrote Taylor: "Since we made our wager, the distinguished bishop of El Camino Real, Lucinda Ashby, has announced that she claims the 'Niners, since they play in her diocese. We may need to call an ecumenical council to sort this out. For now, with characteristic graciousness, in the aftermath of the game, +Lucinda has stepped aside in Marc’s favor."

Taylor is doing his part for Holy Faith as well; he has matched Andrus' prize, and the congregation will receive $1,000 to support its ministry to the community.

Above: Bishop Marc Andrus is pictured at a meeting of the House of Bishops. Photo: John Taylor
Events & Announcements
Camp Stevens opens registration for Summer 2022 sessions

Registration for summer sessions at Camp Stevens opens today, Feb. 1.

"We talk a lot at summer camp about 'adventure': adventure groups, adventure time, adventure arrows, and adventure seeking," according to the camp's Facebook page. "Adventure exists in the space between your comfort zone and your panic zone. It’s where our bodies and brains wake up and join the moment, where we make memories, and where we learn about ourselves and others. You might think of adventure as happening at the ropes course or on the top of a mountain, but it’s also happening in the creek bed, around a campfire, at the lunch table, in a creative project, or even in a first night away from home."

Camp Stevens staff have established Covid mitigation strategies that worked well last year:
  • Proof of testing or vaccination
  • Reduced total capacity
  • Increased hygiene and sanitation requirements
  • Most activities and gatherings are held outdoors

The camp works closely with its staff nurses to follow American Camping Association guidance and closely monitor public health information. In 2021, no Covid cases were reported among summer staff, counselors and campers.

Camp sessions are open for campers ages 8 to 15; those 16 and older may apply to attend Counselor Training (June 12 - 21).

A video showing camp activities is here. (Like the photo above, the video was made before the pandemic; activities are currently modified to follow health guidelines.)

Each session begins on Sunday afternoon and ends on Friday for ages 8-15

  • Adventure Session 1: June 26 – July 1
  • Adventure Session 2: July 3 – July 8
  • Adventure Session 3: July 10 – July 15
  • Adventure Session 4: July 17 – July 22

Cost is on a tiered system, with each family choosing which rate to pay, according to their means. Fees for a week-long camp range from $625 to $795. Some camperships are available.

To learn more and register, visit the camp website here. Under "Programs," select "Summer Camp."
Bloy House continues registration for 'Education for Your Faith Journey' classes

Bloy House (Episcopal Theological School Los Angeles) is still accepting registrations for the "Education for Your Faith Journey" program, which is designed to meet the education needs of those not currently served by seminaries or other church programs. Each class meets online weekly for four weeks. Class sessions are about 60 to 90 minutes long. The class fee is $50; financial aid is available.

"It's not too late to register, even if you've missed the first session," according to Bloy House staff. "You can watch the recording and participate in the rest of the sessions."

Current courses are:

TUESDAYS, FEBRUARY 1, 8, 15, 22; 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Aging and Ageism
Taught by Susan Brown, administrator of the By Your Side program of Episcopal Communities and Services. What are the assumptions we make about aging? Are those assumptions cross-cultural, or do they differ within the very diverse Diocese of Los Angeles? What are the facts of aging from the perspectives of employment, health and medicine, spirituality, charitable giving? What does ageism look like and to what degree might we have “introjected” biases about both younger and older people? What is the connection to “ableism”? What would a cross-generational, diversely-abled Jesus Movement” look like, and how might we get there? This four-week, one hour course will explore the questions above and probably many others, as participants survey attitudes about age and the particular picture of their own communities.

THURSDAYS, FEBRUARY 3, 10, 17, 24, 1, 8, 15, 22; 7 – 8:30 p.m.*
Exploring Chaplaincy
Led by the Rev. Jana Milhon-Martin, director of the Center for Lay Chaplaincy. The ministry of chaplaincy is unique. Chaplains do not seek to impart faith, but rather they operate within the ecology of belief they encounter in those seeking care. Which means the ministry of chaplaincy is focused on deep listening and supportive presence. Most often chaplains employ these gifts in places like hospitals, schools, the military, and jails. The Center for Lay Chaplaincy seeks to expand the ministry of chaplaincy and bring the gifts of deep listening and supportive presence to the ordinary footpath of everyday life. The class will explore the ministry of chaplaincy in a variety of contexts and vocations. Presenters and class titles are:
  • Feb. 3: Sharon Crandall – The Gifts and Challenges of Chaplaincy with the Incarcerated
  • Feb. 10: The Rev. Ronald David, M.D. – Clinical Pastoral Education as a Pathway to Liberation
  • Feb. 17: Cati Bennett – The Path to Professional Chaplaincy: the Challenges of Residency
  • Feb. 24: Jessica Zheng – Chaplaincy Everywhere: Bringing the Gifts of Chaplaincy to the Footpath of Everyday Life

For more information and to register, click here.

*The Feb. 10 session will meet at 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Coming in February: 'Engagement Across Difference: A Spiritual Practice of Love in Action'

By Susan Russell

“Conversation with others across difference is not just a nice thing to do. It is a spiritual practice of love in action.”

The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles invites you to put these words of Presiding Michael Curry into action as we seek to work together to be agents of change in our increasingly polarized and divided world.

On two Thursdays, Feb. 17 & 24, 6 - 8 p.m. members of the One in the Spirit ministry will host virtual conversations (via Zoom) structured around “From Many, One: Conversations Across Difference” – the initiative inviting Episcopalians and our neighbors to engage in one-to-one listening and sharing across the many differences that challenge us. Participants will have a chance to see how this framework can enable them to communicate with others with whom they disagree on contentious issues and transform their relationships in the process.

Join us as we continue to work together to be the change we want to see – living out God’s love in the world one conversation at a time!

For more information or to register, contact Wendy Lords at wendylords10@gmail.com.

— The Rev. Canon Susan Russell is canon for Engagement Across Difference for the Diocese of Los Angeles.
Training will help bystanders intervene in cases of hate speech, aggression

In response to increasing incidents of anti-Asian aggression locally and nationwide, The Gathering: A Space for Asian Pacific American Spirituality and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-L.A. will provide practical training for those who want to know how to respond immediately and safely if they witness such harassment in "Love My Neighbor, Stand Against Hate: Bystander Intervention Training & Workshop," to be held via Zoom on Saturday, Feb. 12, 1 – 3:30 p.m.

In the first hour, AAAJ-LA's trainers will teach the "5 Ds" of how to intervene effectively as a bystander without compromising safety, based on the proven methodology of Hollaback!, a global anti-harassment nonprofit organization. In the second hour, participants will learn to put what they have just learned into action, especially as it relates to faith communities. The Gathering team will facilitate reflective exercises and a Q&A time.

Note: The first hour of the workshop will not be recorded or made available after the live event due to AAAJ-LA's licensing agreements.

There is no charge for the program. To register, click here. For more information, email thegatheringedla@gmail.com.
UBE invites 'offerings of creative expression' in honor of Absalom Jones, 1st Black Episcopal priest

To celebrate the Feast of Absalom Jones (Feb. 13), the H. Belfield Hannibal Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians invites the diocesan community to contribute offerings of creative expression to the glory of God in commemoration of Jones' life and legacy. To submit artwork, poetry, essays, photography, drawings, and other forms of creative expression, click here.

Absalom Jones (1746 – 1818) was the first African American to be ordained in The Episcopal Church. Born into slavery, Jones eventually obtained his freedom and helped to found St. Thomas's Church of Philadelphia, the first Black Episcopal congregation in the United States. He was ordained a deacon in 1795 and a priest in 1802. According to a short biography of Jones by Arthur K. Sudler, archivist of St. Thomas' Church: "Jones was an earnest preacher. He denounced slavery, and warned the oppressors to 'clean their hands of slaves.' ... But it was his constant visiting and mild manner that made him beloved by his congregation and by the community. St. Thomas Church grew to over 500 members during its first year. The congregants formed a day school and were active in moral uplift, self-empowerment, and anti-slavery activities."

For information, email ubehannibal@gmail.com.
EDIFY at St. Edmund's, San Marino, teams with Trevor Project for webinar on LGTBQ youth in crisis

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning young people. On Monday, Feb. 7, 6 – 7 p.m., EDIFY (the Edmund's Institute for Faith and Youth) will host a webinar to discuss the services that The Trevor Project has to offer and how youth can access them, as well as challenges facing the mental health of LGBTQ youth today. Participants also will help identify ways to create safer and more supportive environments for LGBTQ youth in faith communities.

Registration for this free webinar is available here.

EDIFY is an initiative of St. Edmund’s Church in San Marino, created as a resource to inspire, inform and support the faith formation of youth and those who work with youth.
Diocese's Chinese congregations invite all to Lunar New Year celebration Feb. 12

The Chinese congregations of the Diocese of Los Angeles invite the entire diocesan community to a virtual celebration for the Lunar New Year ("Year of the Tiger") on Saturday, Feb. 12, 4 p.m. The online celebration, hosted by St. Thomas' Church, Hacienda Heights, will take place on Zoom here. A flyer is here.
Brad Karelius to lead two-part introduction to 'Desert Mystics'

The Rev. Canon Brad Karelius will present "Encountering Your True Self with the Desert Mystics," a two-part introduction to desert spirituality through the lives and teachings of the desert fathers and mothers, sponsored by the Orange County-based Center for Spiritual Development.

"From across the centuries, the desert fathers and mothers of the 4th and 5th centuries continue to speak to us about solitude and silence, death, grace, and true freedom," Karelius writes in the course description. "Their stories and sayings create an environment which invites our spirit to grow into God’s deepest desires for us." There will be time for personal meditation on their wisdom and group reflection at each session.

The two sessions are:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Part 1: The Desert Fathers
Meeting via Zoom
This session will focus on two pioneers of the contemplative tradition: Abba Moses the Black and Abba Anthony the Great.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Part 2: The Desert Mothers
Meeting via Zoom and in person (as allowed by health codes)

Karelius has been a priest in the Diocese of Los Angeles for 50 years. For 45 years he was associate professor of philosophy at Saddleback Community College. He is author of The Spirit in the Desert (2009), Encounters with the World’s Religions (2015) and Desert Spirit Places: The Sacred Southwest (2019). His new book, Desert Spirituality for Men, will be available in Lent.

The first workshop is offered via Zoom only. A link will be sent to registrants a few days before the event. To register, click here. For more information call 714.744.3172 or email thecsd@csjorange.org
Finding peace for the task of peacemaking is topic of EPF online program

Episcopal Peace Fellowship will offer another in its series of online programs for peace builders with "Finding Our Own Peace So We Can Become Peacemakers" on Sunday, Feb. 6, 1 – 2 p.m. PST (4 p.m. EST)

The program will be led by the Rev. Dan Hines, an international freelance speaker, therapist, workshop facilitator and leadership consultant in various contexts and communities. His workshops and programs have taken him to China, Central America, throughout Canada and the U.S., and on sailboats and hiking trails. Hines, an Anglican priest, is co-founder of the intentional community RareBirds Housing Co-operative, has run for public office, and has managed a zoo.

In a course description, Hines writes: "Our “hidden wholeness” is our safe haven amid the violence of the storm around us. We seek refuge from the storm to pause, to look inward, and to catch a glimpse of the soul and to listen deeply to that small voice inside of you that speaks the truth about you, your work, and the world. In this introduction to the Circle of Trust® workshop, we will renew our courage and capacity to weather the storm in an inclusive, safe, and disciplined space of ‘solitude in community.’ We will explore the theme of wholeness using the practices of storytelling, evocative readings and poetry, inner reflection, guided meditations, and facilitated discussions."

There is no charge for the program. For more information and to register, click here.
By Your Side training for end-of-life companions scheduled

By Your Side Vigil Companions, a project of Episcopal Communities and Services, trains volunteers to be a compassionate presence in the lives of those nearing the end of life. Training sessions are scheduled in March and April.

"The mission of By Your Side since 2011 has been to be supportive of people in palliative care and to be at their bedside at the end of their lives as needed," says By Your Side director Susan Brown. "The pandemic has brought all of us to an acute awareness of life’s fragility, and of the immense value of being companioned. In adapting to the reality of COVID, we redefined being 'present' to include presence at the bedside and presence without proximity, realizing that what is most important is connection."

Brown invites interested people to enroll for the Zoom (or hybrid) training sessions on Mondays, March 7 – April 4, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. There is no obligation to volunteer at the completion of the training.

To enroll or for more information, contact Brown at sbrown@ecsbyyourside.org or 818.822.6044. Enrollment is limited to 30 people. A fee of $70 (which includes all materials) is due by the second class. Scholarships are available. CE (12 hours) for nurses is available for an additional $30 under California Board of Registered Nursing Provider Number CEP 16239.
From the wider church
Episcopal team to launch virtual reality church services in metaverse, all avatars welcome

By David Paulsen

[Episcopal News Service – February 2, 2022] Your Zoom church? It’s so 2020. This year, Episcopal liturgies are about to enter the metaverse.

The metaverse is the term increasingly applied to experiences in virtual reality, or VR, in which users wear internet-connected headsets and manipulate hand controllers to immerse themselves in an entirely digital world. A team led by Episcopal clergy is developing a church space in VR called Web3 Abbey, and they plan to welcome the first worshipers to their avatar-friendly liturgy on Feb. 28.

So, what will an Episcopal liturgy look like in the metaverse? “I can’t answer that,” said the Rev. Sean Steele. It’s still a work in progress, he told Episcopal News Service this week, but its baseline will be “a special liturgy that is prayer book-rooted” and customized for a VR experience. “The paradigm-shifting question is, what would an Anglican space look like if we were creating it here?”

Read more here.
Canterbury Cathedral
Proposal would give Anglican Communion greater voice in choice of future archbishops of Canterbury

[Anglican Communion News Service – February 2, 2022] The Church of England’s Archbishops’ Council has launched a consultation on a proposal to change the makeup of the body that nominates future archbishops of Canterbury. The proposal would give the worldwide Anglican Communion a greater voice on the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) for the See of Canterbury.

Currently, the entire Communion outside of the Church of England is represented by just one of the 16 voting members, compared to six from the Diocese of Canterbury.

The proposal would increase the Anglican Communion representatives to five, while reducing the number of members from the diocese to three. There would also be nine other members from the Church of England, including six elected by General Synod.

The proposal is to be discussed at the Anglican Consultative Council’s Standing Committee meeting later this month and will also be discussed at the Primates’ Meeting in March.

Read more here.
Presiding bishop nominating committee plans history-making presence at General Convention

[The Episcopal Church – January 27, 2022] For the first time in Episcopal Church history, the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop plans to be at General Convention in July to hear Episcopalians’ hopes and dreams for the church’s next presiding bishop, who will be elected in 2024.

The postponement of the 80th General Convention from 2021 to 2022 created the opportunity for the committee to attend convention to speak with bishops, deputies, and other participants. General Convention is scheduled for July 7-14 in Baltimore, Maryland.

“The committee members are committed to hearing from as many Episcopalians as possible as we prepare to write a profile and call for discernment for the 28th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church,” said Canon Steven Nishibayashi, committee co-chair. “We feel blessed that we have this opportunity to visit with the part of the church that will be in Baltimore for convention this summer.”

Read more here.

Note: In addition to Nishibayashi, Thomas Diaz, alternate lay deputy, and the Rev. Antonio Gallardo, alternate clergy deputy, from the Diocese of Los Angeles serve on the Joint Nominating Committee.
More reporting from Episcopal News Service is here.
Coming up
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Rebecca's Garden Composting Workshop
Christ Episcopal Church
1127 N. San Antonio Avenue, Ontario 91762
Information: Mary Wise, lurp56@gmail.com
Live demonstration on building and maintaining a compost pile. Learn to up-cycle food waste into healthy soil. Rebecca's Garden is an urban oasis open to all Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Friday 2 - 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 5 p.m.
Choral Evensong for Epiphany
All Saints’ Church
504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210
Information: 310.275.01, ext.112 or here
The All Saints’ Choir will sing: "When to the temple Mary went" by Johann Eccard; Preces & Responses (St. David’s, Roswell) by Craig Phillips; Magnificat and Nunc dimittis (Mt. St. Alban) by David Hogan; "Dazzling as the sun" by Gwyneth Walker. A reception will follow the service.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 6 p.m.
Classical Sundays at Six: Crossroads School Chamber Orchestra
St. James' in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
Tickets here
The Crossroads School Chamber Orchestra and ensembles, under the direction of Alesander Treger, perform music to be announced. Ticket required to attend.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 7 p.m.
Taizé Service
Mutual Ministries of Christ Church, Redondo Beach, and St. Andrew's Church, Torrance
Via Zoom (here)
Experience a Taizé service from the comfort of your own home. Create a meditative space, dim your lights, light a candle and enjoy sacred music, prayer, and meditation.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 4:30 p.m.
Solemn Evensong
St. James' in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
Tickets here
Choir of Saint James offers the uniquely Anglican service of Evensong in the style of the great English cathedrals on the second Sunday of the month. Freewill offering. Ticket required to attend.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 6 p.m.
International Laureates Organ Series: Christopher Houlihan
St. James' in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
Tickets here
The organist Christopher Houlihan has established an international reputation as an “intelligently virtuoso musician” (Gramophone), hailed for his “glowing, miraculously life-affirming performances” (Los Angeles Times). Read more about this artist here. There is no charge, but a ticket is required to attend.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 4 - 6 p.m.
Inspiring Stories:
How Survivors of Racism Have Healed Their Wounds
The Guibord Center
Online
Register here
Information: Lisa Patriquin, lisapatriquin@theguibordcenter.org
Presented by The Guibord Center and IslamiCity. Survivors of racism in the United States have been telling their stories for centuries. However, they have often not been widely heard or acknowledged outside of their communities. Yet hearing these truths is essential in order to enable healing and change to take place. In this event, people who have been wounded by racism will share about how their spirituality has helped them find healing. Join us as we hear from compelling storytellers whose personal reflections open a space for deeper exploration and transformative engagement. Storytellers for this event will be announced soon. There is no charge, but both sponsoring organizations gratefully accept donations.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 8 p.m.
Concert: Golden Bridge Consort
All Saints’ Church
504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210
Information: 310.275.01, ext.112 or www.allsaintsbh.org
An evening of spectacular choral music. The Golden Bridge ensemble, led by Suzi Digby, OBE, features the finest professional singers in California. Their seventh annual concert focuses around a commission from Ola Gjeilo, whose choral music is celebrated worldwide. Suzi Digby has also commissioned Moira Smiley, Saunder Choi, and Ian Krouse for this concert, which features Golden Bridge Patron Morten Lauridsen with a movement of his "Madrigali." Each of these contemporary choral works will be paired with an English Renaissance gem, bringing music of California's acclaimed composers together with England's divine heritage of choral music. A reception will follow the service.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 6 p.m.
Classical Sundays at Six: Bassoonist Judith Farmer and Friends
St. James' in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
Tickets here
Featuring Ambroise Aubrun, violin; Virginie d'Avezac, viola; Armen Ksajikian, cello; and Judith Farmer, bassoon. Performing Duo No. 2 in B-flat major for Violin and Viola, K. 424 by W.A. Mozart; Common Ground for Bassoon and Violoncello by Gernot Wolfgang; and Quartet in C major for Bassoon and String Trio, Opus 73, No. 1 by François Devienne. A ticket is required to attend.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 7:30 p.m.
A Rabbi, A Priest, and an Imam Discuss ... God and Core Beliefs
WBT@Home (Wilshire Boulevard Temple), Los Angeles
Via Zoom: register here
A conversation in the spirit of tolerance, unity and acceptance. What core beliefs define a Christian, Muslim or Jew? What if you don’t believe everything? How do we each understand God? What about agnostics and atheists? What are our holy texts and how much authority do they have? Can we question or disagree? What is the role and power of prayer? Does it change anything? Panelists include the Rev. Neil Tadken, rector of St. Luke the Physician Episcopal Church, Monrovia; Imam Jihad Turk, president of Bayan Claremont, a graduate school designed to educate Muslim scholars and religious leaders; and Rabbi Susan Nanus, associate rabbi and director of Adult Programs at Wilshire Boulevard Temple.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 8 p.m.
Concert: "After Silence" with VOCES8
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
1031 Bienvenda Avenue, Pacific Palisades
Tickets and information here MusicGuildOnline.org or 310.573.7422
Called “the Rolls-Royce of British vocal ensembles” (Artdesk), VOCES8 will perform a varied program spanning 400 years as part of the St. Matthew’s Music Guild’s thirty-eighth season of concerts. The program will feature selections from Monteverdi’s Madrigals, Book VI, Benjamin Britten’s “Hymn to St. Cecilia,” and masterpieces by Gibbons, Victoria, Rachmaninoff and others. Masks are required for all audience members. All audience members must show proof of having been fully vaccinated before February 11, 2022. Proof of vaccine booster is not required at this time.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 10 a.m.
Messiah Black History Program - 20th Anniversary
Episcopal Church of the Messiah
614 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana 92701
Information here
Livestreamed here
On demand here
Keynote speaker: Assembly Member Chris Holden. Recognizing the need for education and a better understanding of African American history and culture, the Messiah Black History Program was developed by Allen Doby, a late parishioner. The first Black History Program was held on Feb. 24, 2002. The program is held annually during Black History Month (February). The objective is to raise awareness of the contributions of people of African descent to society, revealing their past and present, in an effort to inspire a better world. The program offers perspectives on civil rights, social justice trends and the need to embrace the diversity and inclusion of all people. Each year, a distinguished keynote speaker is invited to share her or his journey, as a person of African descent in America. After the service, the speaker joins parishioners for a soul food luncheon and informal discussions. The first keynote speaker, in 2002, was Jewel Plummer Cobb, cancer researcher, professor and the first Black woman to hold the position of president at California State University, Fullerton.
Blood Drives
Churches continue blood drives

Blood supplies are critically low in California, and congregations in the Diocese of Los Angeles have stepped up to help replenish them by hosting blood drives. Currently scheduled events are listed below.

Additional helpful resources from the American Red Cross:

Donors may save up to 15 minutes by completing pre-donation reading and answering health history questions here, rather than filling out forms on the day of donation.

Reservations through the Red Cross are required. All donors and staff will be screened before entering the facilities.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 8:15 a.m. - 2 p.m.
St. John's Episcopal Church, Cardinal Gym
30382 Via Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita 92688
Reservations here or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767)
Sponsor code: St. John (note no "s")
Additional dates at this location are Sundays, June 26 and Oct. 23.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
St. John's Episcopal Church
Vicenti Hall
4745 Wheeler Avenue, La Verne 91750
Reservations here or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767)
Sponsor code: STJOHNS
Additional dates at this location are: Sunday, May 29; and Sunday, July 24.

Will your church host blood drives in coming months? Send the information to news@ladiocese.org for inclusion in the calendar. Please include the date, times, location and sponsor code.
Opportunities

Listings may be sent to news@ladiocese.org. There is no charge.

COVINA: Organist/Choirmaster, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Part time (6-12 hours per week). Holy Trinity Church in Covina seeks an organist/director of Music responsible for providing music in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition (music ancient, classical, contemporary, and multicultural). Send resume to the parish administrator via email at holytrinitycovina@yahoo.com. For a full job description, click here.

FILLMORE/VENTURA: Community Engagement and Development Coordinator, The Abundant Table, a non-profit, organic certified farm and BIPOC- and women-led worker collective in Ventura County, California that seeks to transform our food system towards justice, liberation, and increased health for all people, while caring for the land and all who tend the land. Community Engagement and Development Coordinator will be responsible to oversee and coordinate the TAT community engagement and development processes, including management; fundraising; community engagement, coordination and development. 30 hours/week; salary and benefits $32,864.Full job description here.

GLENDORA: Organist. Grace Episcopal Church is seeking a professionally trained church organist to be a part of our strong and vital music ministry. The organist will be expected to play for one Sunday service and one choir rehearsal per week, feast days, and for festive concerts. We offer a traditional Rite II service at 10 a.m. on Sundays. The preferred style of music is classical sacred music, ranging from Palestrina to Rutter. The pipe organ is by Manuel Rosales, built in 1977, with a new console in 1980, and substantial reconditioning work in 2016. The organ has two manuals and 26 ranks. The organist will work directly under our choirmaster/director of music in a collaborative manner. Salary: Starting at $12,000 per year, negotiable with demonstrated ability and experience. Weddings and funerals will provide additional compensation. Send resumé to the Rev. Susan Scranton via email at grace@graceglendora.org or by postal mail at 555 E. Mountain View Avenue, Glendora 91741.

LONG BEACH: Music Director and Organist. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church seeks a music director and organist to lead worship, work with the choir, and set a vision for the parish music program. Worship music includes traditional Episcopal/Anglican church music and sacred music from a variety of cultural and contemporary traditions, including Latino music at the Misa en Español, and monthly Taizé worship. 18 hours per week; salary $33,000-$38,000 commensurate with experience. Full job description is here.

LOS ANGELES: Executive Director, Commission on Schools. The Diocese of Los Angeles and the Commission on Schools are seeking a lay or ordained person with school, preschool, and/or parish leadership experience to be a part of the diocesan staff beginning Summer 2022. Being an Episcopalian is not required but is preferable, and a non-Episcopalian must be willing to fully understand, articulate, and support the ministries of Episcopal schools and preschools. The position is 1000 hours per year, benefits eligible, with the work schedule to be determined by the needs of the position with respect to the school year and diocesan considerations. Please send a cover letter, resume, and a reference list to Canon Anilin Collado via email at anilincollado@ladiocese.org or by postal mail at 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026 no later than March 1. A job description is here.

LOS ANGELES: Seminary Dean and President, Bloy House. The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles is recruiting an individual to serve as dean and president of Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School of Los Angeles. Over its 50-year history, Bloy House has trained generations of lay leaders, priests, and deacons, moving flexibly with the needs of the diocese and the changing realities of academic seminaries. Our vision is that Bloy House will now put greater emphasis on lay formation and will provide an integrating hub for the many excellent existing, but disparate, formation programs in the diocese, as well as visioning new initiatives and expanded constituencies. A full job description is here.

LOS ANGELES: Preschool Director, St. James' Episcopal School. The preschool director oversees the Grammercy Place Preschool and is the supervisor for the St. Andrew’s Place preschool site director. The preschool director is responsible for curriculum, evaluation, professional development and parent and family engagement and communications for both preschool campuses. Website is here. Full job description here.

PASADENA: Administrative Assistant for Music & Children, Youth and Family Program, All Saints Church. Full-time with benefits. Administrative assistant performs routine administrative functions for the children, youth, and family program such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files. Also performs routine administrative functions for the directors of music (adult, children and youth), and associate organist-choirmaster. Full job description is here.

PASADENA: Administrative Assistant for Pastoral Care, Health & Healing and Giving Office, All Saints Church. Full time with benefits. Performs routine administrative functions for Pastoral Care, such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files; write reports of prayer requests and pastoral care needs; handle phone and email, provide information, coordinate meetings and more. A complete job description is here.

SANTA CLARITA: Youth Ministry Coordinator, St. Stephen's Church. Part-time. The role of the youth ministry coordinator will be to develop, coordinate and lead all St. Stephen’s Church youth activities. The major goal is to guide young people in their faith journey by creating a welcoming environment, providing faith direction and encouraging discussion, education and programming. 10-15 hours per week. A full job description is here.

SIERRA MADRE: Director of Music (organist/choir director), Episcopal Church of the Ascension. Ascension is a medium-sized historic parish located in Sierra Madre, California. Our worship is rich with an emphasis on traditional Anglican liturgy and music. We have a modest 10 set, 13 rank, 1983 Harris pipe organ, a beautiful Kawai grand piano, and a 7-member volunteer choir. Our congregation is a lively mix of people with a median age of 50. This position is part-time (Sunday mornings and a week -night choir practice.) A full job description is here.


OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE

OAKLAND: Director of Children and Youth Ministries, St. John’s Episcopal Church. The founding congregation of Confirm not Conform, St. John's prides itself on being welcoming, innovative and action focused. Its vision is to manifest God’s love through invitation, inclusion, faith and action and it is seeking ways to extend its relevance to the unchurched now and in the future. St. John's is seeking a Director of Children and Youth Ministries to lead its efforts in actively revolutionizing ministry for and with young people within the church and the larger community. St. John’s seeks a person who is passionate about social and environmental justice and equity, and who is excited to empower children, youth, and families to take action locally and beyond. The DCYM oversees the creation and delivery of a holistic formation program from birth through high school graduation and beyond, including intentional spiritual nourishment of the caring adults who walk alongside children and youth during these times. Full job description is here. Interested and qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Martha Whitesides, martha.whitesides@ministryarchitects.com.

Additional job listings are here. Listings are free: send information to news@ladiocese.org.