February 8, 2026

L.A. summer young-adult trip to Taiwan set to build relationships linking companion dioceses

By EN Staff

Young adults ages 18-30 are invited to apply for a mission experience in the Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan, a companion diocese of the Diocese of Los Angeles. Set for June 25-July 8, the trip will be hosted by the Diocese of Taiwan, and co-led by the Rev. Hsin-fen "Fennie" Chang and Missy Morain, L.A. diocesan missioner for Christian formation, children and youth ministries. The experience will include visits to churches and church schools, and sharing in leadership of the Northern Region Children’s Camp, a summer day-camp for children. Participants also will visit night markets, museums, and multiple cities in both the northern and southern regions of the diocese. Application and more information are available here.

Q&A: Meet Taiwan priest Joseph Ho, now serving at St. Gabriel's, Monterey Park

Under a clergy and student exchange program launched last year between the companion dioceses of Taiwan and Los Angeles, the Rev. Joseph Jui-en Ho, priest of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Keelung City, Taiwan, is now assisting for three months at St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, Monterey Park, one of the Diocese of L.A.'s three Chinese congregations. Ho is assisting the Rev. Canon Ada Wong-Nagata, longtime priest at St. Gabriel's.

All invited to Feb. 15 Absalom Jones service featuring Episcopal Chorale at Holy Faith Church, Inglewood

The Episcopal Chorale is scheduled to sing during the diocesan Absalom Jones Eucharist set for 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, at Holy Faith Episcopal Church, 260 N. Locust St., Inglewood. All are welcome. The service is co-hosted by the diocesan Program Group on Black Ministries and the H. Belfield Hannibal Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. The Episcopal Church's first African-American priest, Jones was ordained in 1802.

People

Hilda Sarkisians named IRIS executive director

Bishop John Harvey Taylor has named Hilda Sarkisians executive director of the diocesan Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS). Sarkisians has been serving as operations director since April 1, 2025, when former executive director Troy Elder stepped down to take a position at an immigration services nonprofit in Miami.

Sarkisians joined IRIS as refugee employment supervisor in 2013, and brings longstanding experience to IRIS’s leadership. She began working with refugees in 2001 as a case manager at the Armenian Evangelical Social Service Center and was promoted several times before moving to a Department of Mental Health program in 2011. Her vast experience and expertise became invaluable to IRIS, where she was promoted to the post of supervisor of the reception and placement department during President Trump’s first term.

IRIS, which opened its doors 20 years ago to continue the diocese’s decades-long immigration work, is now addressing significant changes for people being forcibly displaced who seek refuge in the United States. In January of 2025, all refugee arrivals to the U.S. were indefinitely canceled by the U.S. Department of State and funding for resettlement and case management for refugees was withdrawn. In May of 2025, Episcopal Migration Ministries, of which IRIS is a subsidiary, ended contracts with the federal government over the controversial prioritization of Afrikaner refugees.

In the past, the majority of IRIS’ funding has come from federal sources, and the funding cut has been devastating. Peer agencies have had to undergo major staff reductions or simply close all together. Thanks to the support of the IRIS Emergency Fund, IRIS is fighting to remain a valuable resource for immigrants in Los Angeles.

Requiescat in Pace

The Rev. Bryan Jones dies at 72; Feb. 16 celebration of life set for St. Luke's, La Crescenta

The Rev. Bryan Jones, longtime priest of the Diocese of Los Angeles, died Feb. 3, while hospitalized following a series of illnesses. He was 72 and retired.

Survivors include his wife, the Rev. Amy Pringle, and his children -- Derek (Jessi), Sean, Jenni and Kate O'Reilly-Jones -- and three grandchildren, Willa, Genevieve, and Corbin.

A celebration of Jones's life and ministry is set for 11 a.m. on Feb. 16 at St. Luke's of the Mountains Church, Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta, where he was vicar from 2009 to 2014. Lunch will follow the service.

Cathedral Connections

St. John's sets Black History Month events, including Feb. 21 benefit with young musicians, dancers

St. John's Cathedral invites all to share in observing Black History Month. Here is an overview of upcoming activities written by Canon Earl Mounger, longtime parishioner, and including a Feb. 21, 5 p.m., musical benefit featuring a string quartet from the Inner-City Youth Orchestra and the Lula Washington Dance Theater.

The nationwide theme for this year's observance of Black History Month is “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” as set forth by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The observance was originally founded by Carter G. Woodson, the “father of Black History.”

Woodson’s mission was to share and preserve the particular contributions of Black culture. In 1926 he launched the first Negro History Week, and 50 years later President Gerald Ford officially expanded it to a month in 1976.

Office Closures

Diocesan offices will close Feb. 16 for Presidents' Day

Diocesan offices at St. Paul's Commons will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents' Day.

Reminders & Resources

Gifts invited to Neighborhood Youth Association scholarship honoring Bishop Taylor

The Neighborhood Youth Association, a diocesan institution specializing in 100% college placement of under-resourced students, invites financial contributions to its new Bishop John Harvey Taylor Scholarship Fund, established to express appreciation for his leadership and to mark his retirement upcoming in July.

Gifts may be made online here, or checks -- payable to Neighborhood Youth Association (spelled out) -- may be sent by postal mail to NYA's main office at 3590 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066.

"We are deeply grateful to Bishop Taylor for his tireless and strategic support," NYA's board of trustees said in a statement announcing the scholarship. "His leadership in chairing NYA's board has anchored the agency with wise guidance and new opportunities, including his securing a $1.2 million endowment restricted for program. Through the new scholarship, we look forward to furthering Bishop Taylor's dedication to NYA's students and families, and we welcome contributions to build a strong fund that can grow to serve students for years to come."

The initial award will be presented June 6 at NYA's 43rd Annual Scholarship Celebration, set for St. Bede's Episcopal Church in L.A.'s Mar Vista district. Reservation information will be posted in coming weeks.

Photo: Bishop John Harvey Taylor joins NYA college student Heidi Soriano -- a mechanical engineering major at Cal-State Long Beach -- for a "selfie" photo during a recent scholarship celebration. NYA photo by Penny Jennings

All invited to Feb. 10 Zoom Evening Prayer marking Bob Williams’s 40th year of service in Diocese of L.A.

Last call to register, here.

“It’s very important to me to express my gratitude for the remarkable opportunity to be of service through these decades,” Bob Williams, diocesan canon for common life, said of an upcoming Feb. 10 Zoom Evening Prayer liturgy set to mark, to the day, his 40th anniversary of joining the staff of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

“I’m borrowing a tennis-game metaphor to call this a ‘40-love’ milestone,” Williams said. “My goal is to ace one more point for the win, which will be helping to assure the ongoing vitality of diocesan communications, interfaith and civic relations, and archival/historiography work,” all part of the portfolio he currently manages at the direction of Bishop John Harvey Taylor. Williams also is president of the board of trustees of the Neighborhood Youth Association, a 120-year-old diocesan institution specializing in 100-percent college placement for under-resourced students.

Bishop Taylor will preside at the 5 p.m. service of Evening Prayer, for which attendees are asked to register here.

Creation Justice Ministries releases annual resource, 'Canopy of Creation'

"Trees are everywhere in conversations about the environment, and for good reason," wrote Derrick Weston, director of theological education & formation for Creation Justice Ministries. "They've become the go-to symbol for environmental action, appearing in corporate greenwashing campaigns and genuine conservation efforts alike. But beyond the symbolism, trees are partners in the work of creation justice. They cool cities, purify air, stabilize soil, and create habitats. They literally make life possible.

"Yet not every neighborhood has been given equal access to the canopy.In cities across the United States, tree coverage follows the same fault lines as historic redlining. Neighborhoods denied investment generations ago are the same ones baking under full sun today—lacking shade, breathing polluted air, and experiencing temperatures up to 13°F hotter than tree-lined streets just miles away.

"This is why we've created this year's Annual Resource: The Canopy of Creation: Trees, Faith, and the Work of Justice. Because the church needs theological grounding, practical tools, and prophetic courage to address what we might call tree apartheid: the systemic inequity in access to the life-giving benefits trees provide."

Download the resource here.

Commission on Ministry sets March 14 Discernment Information Gathering to explore ‘How Is God Calling You?’

The diocesan Commission on Ministry (COM) has scheduled a Discernment Information Gathering (DIG) for Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Paul’s Commons in Echo Park to explore the question “How Is God Calling You?”

“This is a chance for those seeking answers to where God is calling them in their life, their work, their church and the world,” notes COM Co-chair Cameron Johnson. “We’ll discuss the orders of ministry (lay and ordained) and the ordination process. Additionally, we’ll review other opportunities available for those in discernment including spiritual direction, chaplaincy, lay licensing, new theological education pathways for both the diaconate and Spanish-language speakers, and the opportunity to study and serve in Taiwan.”

In addition, a training will be held for congregational discernment committee members which is required for new discernment committees.

There is no cost to attend.

For more information or to request Spanish-language interpretation, contact Johnson at cameratta@aol.com or 310.415.0288.

Parishes: Please submit Mission Share Fund calculation for 2026; same formula, new form

Parish leaders are reminded to submit an easy-to-complete online form to calculate "Normal Operating Income" (NOI) for Mission Share Fund (MSF) 2026 assessments, noting that there is no change in the formula from prior years.

“During these months of transition to Bishop-elect Antonio Gallardo’s season of leadership, I’m especially grateful to our parishes as they work to fulfill their 12% Mission Share Fund assessments,” Bishop John Harvey Taylor notes. “We know these aren’t easy times, either for families or congregations. Everyone is wondering what the future has in store. These funds enable our diocese to do all we can for God’s glory and God’s people, especially when it comes to support for our mission congregations, many of which are acutely feeling the pressure of current events. On behalf of the whole diocese, my thanks to every parish’s lay and ordained leaders for helping make sure Bishop Antonio and his team get off to the right start.”

Diocesan Finance Office staff ask parish leaders to remember to hit "submit" on the form so that the Finance Office receives updated NOI total for 2024. Fill in the four fields, and the automated form will complete the calculation. Detailed instructions are included at the bottom of the form, and inquiries can be emailed to finance@ladiocese.org. The new form has been introduced due to changes in the denomination-wide Parochial Report form for 2024.

Until updated information is received, the Finance Office will continue to send invoices based on 2023 data.

The MSF is funded by assessments contributed by all congregations of the Diocese of Los Angeles for the collective ministry including outreach and formation, mission and congregational development, multicultural ministries, stewardship and care, communications, operations of the Bishop’s Office, and more.

On Nov. 7, Diocesan Convention passed a $6,650,500 MSF Budget. See the online version of the 2025 Treasurer’s Report here for a comprehensive look at the diocesan budget.

Each congregation gives to the diocese a percentage of the income it receives from parishioners’ pledges and from money offered at worship services, also known as NOI (“normal operating income”).

At a special meeting on Sept. 14, 1996, and reaffirmed in 2011, Diocesan Convention resolved that the asking formula for giving by parishes be 15% of NOI, with a minimum level of 12%. Mission congregations give 10% of their pledge and plate income. This formula is not changing. Going into 2026 will be business as usual.

Previously, NOI was easily identified by looking at “Line A” of the financial section of the Parochial Report. Starting with the 2024 Parochial Report, the financial section has changed and no longer provides an easy NOI snapshot.

The Bishop's Blog (additional entries are here)

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Practical preaching on immigration policy

February 2, 2026

The prophetic voice is allowed to be practical. If Christian disciples want to help end the catastrophe that Trump is visiting on our country using the immigration issue, in addition to lifting up love and protesting hate, we have to talk more about immigration policy. The outcome may not be everything we wish. Practical solutions to complex issues sometimes mean that we only get half a loaf. But half a loaf is better than going hungry.

The Rev. Canon Warner Traynham

February 2, 2026

The Rev. Canon Warner Traynham’s first conscious memory is hearing legendary radio announcer Gabriel Heatter describing President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s funeral train making its way from Warm Springs, Georgia, where FDR died in April 1945, to Washington and then on to Hyde Park, New York.

Announcements & Events

Diocese of San Diego will host churchwide Episcopal Communicators conference April 14-17

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego will host the churchwide Episcopal Communicators Conference April 14-17 in San Diego. All communicators active in Episcopal congregations, institutions, and dioceses are invited to attend.

"We know that ministry today can rise or fall on connection—how clearly we speak, how well we listen, and how faithfully we share the story of what God is already doing among us," organizers said. "The Episcopal Communicators Conference is not a luxury or a marketing exercise; it is formation for this moment. Clergy and staff who attend consistently return with sharper tools, renewed confidence, and a deeper sense of support for the work they carry. The cost of participation is real—but so is the return: clearer invitations, stronger engagement, and a congregation better equipped to be seen, heard, and understood in its community."

A key organizer in the conference host committee is Chris Tumilty, communications director of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, who previously served the Diocese of Los Angeles as communications specialist and youth ministry coordinator.

Episcopal Church Foundation offers congregational resources for faithful action

The Episcopal Chuirch Foundation, as part of its Vital Practices ministry, offers congregations two new Toolkits for ministry, “Congregational Solidarity and Resistance” and “Solidarity with our Trans and LGBTQ+ Siblings.”

The toolkits offer resources, prayers, study guides, advocacy tools, and practical suggestions for congregations to begin or deepen their work of solidarity with marginalized community members. The toolkits were developed in collaboration with TransEpiscopal, the Episcopal Migration Caucus, the Staff Office for Gender Justice at The Episcopal Church, Palestinian Anglicans & Clergy Allies, Sacred Resistance, and the AuSable Inclusion Center. They are designed to meet Episcopal communities where they are and equip them to widen their circle of belonging, bear witness to the dignity of every child of God, and take faithful action in the face of injustice.

The Congregational Solidarity and Resistance toolkit includes two pieces by the Rev. Dr. Francisco Garcia, one of the conveners of the Sacred Resistance Task Force in the Diocese of Los Angeles.

From the Wider Church & Media

From New York to New Mexico, Episcopalians speak against new ICE detention centers

[Episcopal News Service] Some of the sharpest criticisms of the Trump administration’s immigration policies have focused on the aggressive tactics used by federal enforcement agencies in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and other U.S. cities. Episcopalians, in addition to decrying the cruelty of those tactics, also are joining other Americans nationwide in speaking against plans to expand the network of detention centers where individuals are being held as part of the ongoing federal operations targeting legal and illegal immigration.

154 Episcopal bishops issue message calling for immigration policies respecting the dignity of all

[Episcopal News Service] More than half of all living bishops in The Episcopal Church added their names to a “message to our fellow Americans” expressing “grief, righteous anger and steadfast hope” in response to the aggressive federal immigration enforcement operations that have left two U.S. citizens in Minnesota dead.

The 154 bishops who signed the lengthy message are a diverse mix of diocesan bishops, suffragans and retirees from all regions of the United States and the church’s Latin American dioceses, and they represent the church’s broad racial, ethnic and theological spectrum. Many of the bishops also appeared on camera to read aloud the written message for a video released Jan. 31.

For more churchwide stories, visit Episcopal News Service.

Calendar

TUESDAYS, 10 – 10:30 a.m.

Episcopal Church Immigration Updates

Via Zoom

Join Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Office of Government Relations every Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET for 30-minute updates on U.S. immigration policy and how Episcopal congregations and communities are responding. Spanish interpretation is available. Register here.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Community Yoga Class

St. James Episcopal Church

1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena

Community yoga is an inclusive and accessible gathering for people of all ages and skill levels. Please bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. Beginners are welcome. $15 per class, $120 for a 10-class pass. A collaboration between Caitlyn Ference-Saunders, RYT500 and St. James' Episcopal Church. We respect the history of yoga as a holistic South Asian practice. Our classes are offered with cultural respect and religious neutrality in mind. All are welcome.

TUESDAYS, 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Teen Tuesdays

St. Francis Episcopal

2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates

The new St. Francis Youth Group meets Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall! This weekly gathering is a relaxed “study hall” style hangout where teens (ages 13–18) can come after school to do homework, enjoy pizza and snacks, play games, and share in a short devotional. It’s a space to unwind, connect with friends, and grow in faith together. The Youth Group is a joint ministry of St. Francis and Wayfarers Chapel, and all teens in the community are invited to join—so bring your friends! Come for the pizza. Stay for the friendship and faith.

For more information contact Shelley Reece, missioner of programming and youth, at shelley.reece@stfrancispalosverdes.org

WEDNESDAYS, 10 a.m.

Midweek Holy Eucharist

St. Francis Episcopal Church

2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates

Join us for a peaceful midweek Holy Eucharist service, celebrated with hymns and prayers from Rite II in our Chapel. Each week we include the collect for the saint commemorated in the church calendar. It’s a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect, and be renewed in the middle of your week. All are welcome!

WEDNESDAYS, 7 p.m.

Women's Lectionary Study

St. Francis Episcopal Church

2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates

Join us every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Library for Women’s Lectionary Study. We’re exploring scripture through “A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church – Year W” by Rev. Dr. Wilda Gafney, discovering fresh perspectives that center women’s voices and experiences in the Bible. You don’t need the book, and you don’t need to attend every week— just come as you are to listen, learn, and share in open, thought-provoking conversation. Everyone is welcome — men and women alike!

THURSDAYS, 7-7:30 a.m.

Churches for Middle East Peace weekly calls on Holy Land conflict

Via Zoom

Join weekly briefings on the Israel-Hamas war hosted by Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), of which The Episcopal Church is a founding member and active on the board. CMEP mobilizes Christians in the United States to advocate for equality, human rights, security, and justice for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people of the Middle East. Learn more and register.

THURSDAYS, 10-10:30 a.m.

Episcopal Public Policy Network/Office of Government Relations weekly calls

Via Zoom

Join these 30-minute conversations each Thursday with Office of Government Relations staff members, who share an overview of the political environment and legislative outlook, offer advocacy tips, and answer questions. Register here.

THURSDAYS, 7 p.m.

Episcopal Students of UCLA

St. Alban's Episcopal Church

580 Hilgard Ave., 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.

FIRST SATURDAYS, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Dress a Girl Around the World Sewing Ministry

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

242 E. Alvarado St., Pomona

All are invited to participate in St. Paul's sewing ministry, creating dresses for the Dress a Girl Around the World project. Experienced sewing is not required! Please email seniorwarden@stpaulspomona.org to attend.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 6-8 p.m.

Lunar New Year Fundraiser Event

St. Francis Episcopal Church

2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates

St. Teresa’s Guild of St. Francis Episcopal Church,

invites you to celebrate 2026 Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) on Friday, February 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Parish Hall. Students from the Palos Verdes High School Chinese Program will entertain guests with performances: Chinese Traditional Red Drums, Zu Zheng: a traditional Chinese instrument and a contemporary group Square Dance. This fun, family-friendly event will also include an opportunity drawing to win items via raffle tickets, Live Auction and traditional Chinese foods. Tickets are $10 in advance, $13 at the door; children under 4 are free! Proceeds will benefit Rainbow Services, House of Hope and other charities that support women and children. For more information, call 310.375.4617 or visit www.stfrancispalosverdes.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 8 p.m.

Queen of Hearts

St. Matthew's Church

1031 Bienveneda Ave., Pacific Palisades

St. Matthew’s Music Guild presents a special concert event on Friday, Feb. 6, welcoming the internationally acclaimed British vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six to St. Matthew’s Church in Pacific Palisades. Titled “Queen of Hearts,” the program offers a richly imagined musical portrait of some of Europe’s most influential queens, told through the music written for—and inspired by—their courts. Drawing from works associated with Anne of Brittany, Margaret of Austria, Anne Boleyn, and Mary Tudor, the program traces how composers of the sixteenth century used music to reflect power, devotion, intrigue, and personal identity. Short contemporary works are interwoven throughout the program, creating a dialogue between Renaissance music and modern perspectives. Tickets are $45 or $10 with student ID. More information at musicguildonline.org or by calling 310.573.0722

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 5:30 p.m.

An Evening of Music

St. Francis Episcopal Church

2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates

Join us for a special night of great music, delicious food, and meaningful community as St. Francis hosts An Evening of Music, a fundraiser benefiting Harbor Connects and the St. Francis Music Guild. The evening begins with music by David Nemo Knight, Musical Creator, with special guest musical theatre superstar Tamra Glaser. Dinner & drinks follow at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall, featuring a catered menu of Red Wine Braised Short Ribs and Oven Roasted Wild Salmon. At 7:30 pm, enjoy more live music from HAZ B’ENZ, featuring Warren Dow, Ben Egan, Alex Sams, and Eric Tanaka. For more information, call 310.375.4617.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 4:15 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Choral Evensong & Organ Recital

St. James' in the City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles

Evensong with the Choir of St. James', presented in honor of Canon Bob Williams and his 40 years of service in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Organ recital by Nathaniel Gumbs of Riverside Church, New York City, will follow.

3903 Wilshire Blvd

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 7:30 p.m.

St. Martin’s Music Salon presents The Studio City String Quartet in concert

St. Martin in-the-Fields Episcopal Church

7136 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka

Music by Debussy, Borodin, and Campo.

Information: 818.348.1419

Tickets: www.ViolinTickets.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 5 p.m.

Choral Evensong

All Saints by-the-Sea Episcopal Church

83 Eucalyptus Lane, Santa Barbara

The Chancel Choir of All Saints by-the-Sea Episcopal Church invites the community to a service of Choral Evensong on Sunday, Feb 15 at 5 p.m. Evensong is a sung service of evening prayer that emerged from the daily monastic offices of the medieval Church and was shaped into its present form during the English Reformation. Over the centuries, it has become one of the great treasures of the Anglican tradition, uniting scripture, prayer, and music in a reflective offering at the close of day. The service will include the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by John Stainer, as well as Preces and Responses by Katherine Burk Webb. Whether you are a longtime lover of choral worship or new to Evensong, this service offers a peaceful and prayerful space for reflection and renewal. All are warmly welcome.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 7 p.m.

Organ Concert with Paul Fey

All Saints by-the-Sea Episcopal Church

83 Eucalyptus Ln., Santa Barbara

All Saints by-the-Sea Episcopal Church is delighted to present an evening organ concert featuring internationally known organist Paul Fey on Friday, February 20 at 7 p.m.

Paul Fey is a dynamic concert organist, church musician, and widely followed YouTube creator whose performances have introduced thousands of listeners to the expressive and dramatic possibilities of the pipe organ. This concert will showcase the versatility of the organ at All Saints by-the-Sea, with music spanning a range of styles and periods, brought to life by one of today’s most compelling advocates for the instrument.

The concert is free and open to the public. A recommended donation of $20 per person is suggested to support the church’s future music programming. A reception will follow the performance. All are warmly invited.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 4:00 pm

Lenten Evensong

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church

6201 E. Willow St., Long Beach

Start your Lenten journey with this service of choral music presented by St. Gregory’s Choir and oboist Dave Champagne. Through readings, prayers and music we explore the themes of Lent. Music by Adrian Batten, Maurice Greene and Robert Hobby. Free-will offering, with a reception to follow.

Events to be included in the online diocesan calendar and the Update may be emailed to mtrudinger-smith@ladiocese.org.

Opportunities

PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to Spain

Holy Trinity Church, Covina, and Blessed Sacrament, Placentia, with NAWAS International Travel

October 13 - 24 2026

Join the the Rev. Steven De Muth and the Rev. Barrett Van Buren in a pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes, and Spain with Avila and Barcelona. Explore Holy places and historic sites throughout the Iberian Peninsula and France as we trace the footsteps of the three shepherd children at the Cova da Iria in Fátima, spend time with Teresa of Ávila, mystic and writer of The Interior Castle and more, participate in an evening torchlight procession on our way to the famous grotto of our Lady in Lourdes, visit majestic Madrid, the royal city and the Prado, the Archabbey of Montserrat and with the beloved Black Madonna. Finally, enjoy a few days in Barcelona and see the hopefully completed Sagrada Familia, and much more.

Full trip information pamphlet here. For more information, contact padresteve@holytrinitycovina.com or 626.967.3939

Journey to the Holy Land

All Saints, Riverside, and friends, with Qumri Pilgrimages

February 2027

Join All Saints Episcopal Church, Riverside, in a Journey to the Holy Land led by the Rt. Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce and the Rev. Canon Kelli Grace Kurtz, with local guides Canon Iyad Qumri and Rami Qumri. For more information, email PilgrimKGK@gmail.com

VOLUNTEER

Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service

Assemble “Essentials Kits”, organizing drives for essential items for immigrant and refugee families, set up fundraiser events for IRIS, facilitating workshops for clients, or suggest an idea of your own. Visit the IRIS volunteer page to get involved.

Seeds of Hope

Volunteer with Seeds of Hope at free farmers’ markets, gardens, and compost sites, which all rely on volunteers. From lifting boxes to planting seeds, every hand makes a difference.

To join, fill out the volunteer form here pick what you want to do, and join the crew.

Food Pantry

Our Saviour Center

4368 Santa Anita Avenue, El Monte

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. For information or to sign up, email info@our-center.org. Volunteers may fill out a volunteer form here.

EMPLOYMENT

HUNTINGTON BEACH: Youth Director. St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church is seeking a Youth Director who will be responsible for guiding youth, grades 6-12, in their understanding of themselves and their Christian faith. Duties include organizing social and faith-based youth events centered on belonging, community building, and appreciating their self-worth. The Youth Director should be a strong leader by example and knowledge, and will help to build strong leaders in the church from the youth community. A detailed job description can be found here.

LA VERNE: Full-Time University Chaplain and Director of the Office of Spiritual & Religious Life, University of La Verne. The Office of the Provost is seeking a thoughtful, compassionate University Chaplain to guide spiritual life and nurture community across our diverse student body. This full-time role supports students, faculty, and staff through pastoral care, interfaith engagement, spiritual programming, and mission-centered initiatives that reflect our historic Church of the Brethren values of peace, service, and inclusion. The ideal candidate will bring strong listening skills, a grounding in spiritual formation, and a commitment to supporting people from all backgrounds and traditions. A master’s degree in a related field is preferred. Full job description here.

Long Beach. Organist and Director of Music. St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church is seeking a talented Organist and Director of Music to begin on Jan. 1, 2026. This essential role involves playing the organ and/or piano for all worship services, directing and leading the adult choir, and collaborating closely with the clergy to plan and enhance the music for all liturgical seasons. Key administrative responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance of the church's musical instruments and managing the music budget. We are looking for a dedicated musician to sustain and grow our vibrant musical tradition. Salary will be negotiated based on experience and qualifications. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Allen Stout, the Bishop’s Warden, at astout1176@gmail.com or 714.381.5910

LONG BEACH: Parish Administrator. St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, seeks a friendly, detail-oriented, and resourceful parish administrator to support the vibrant and welcoming congregation. The parish administrator serves as the heart of the church office — providing administrative support to the rector, serving as the primary point of contact for parishioners and visitors, and managing day-to-day operations of parish life. This is a part-time position of 12 to 16 hours/week, ideal for someone who values both meaningful work and work-life balance. A detailed job description is available at here.

PASADENA: Part-Time Youth Associate, All Saints Church. Reports to director of Children, Youth, and Families. Hours: 12 hours/week, Sept 2025 through June 2026; Wednesdays and Sundays required (non-exempt position). Compensation: $20/hour. The ideal candidate will have a heart for serving youth, spiritual maturity, a commitment to continual spiritual and personal development, and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of youth in our community. As a youth associate, you will work closely with our youth minister and director of Children, Youth, and Families to plan, organize, and implement programs that support the spiritual, emotional, and social needs of our youth. Full job description here.

REMOTE: Executive Director. Stillpoint, a center for spiritual formation, contemplative practices, and living, as well as a supportive community, is seeking an executive director to move the organization into its next phase, expanding markets and board, and evaluating existing programs. Masters level academic preparation in a relevant discipline is preferred. 30 hours per week. Remote, with some travel for in-person events. Benefits available. $85,000 maximum salary package. Full job description here.

SANTA CLARITA: Organist/Pianist. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church is seeking an organist/pianist skilled at playing service music in worship settings and well versed in a variety of musical genres to support the musical life of the congregation. A successful candidate will be familiar with the Episcopal liturgical tradition, will be a strong musical collaborator, will be self-motivated and will work collaboratively with the Music Director to grow and enhance the music ministry of St. Stephen’s. This position is currently a part-time ministry staff position (approximately 10 hours per week). The full job description is here. To apply, email christopher@st-stephens.org.

SANTA MONICA: Office Manager. St. Augustine by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, a welcoming and progressive parish committed to inclusion, service, and spiritual formation, seeks an experienced and organized office manager to oversee the administrative functions of the church. The office manager manages day-to-day operations by coordinating with the clergy, staff, and parish leadership in ensuring the efficient operation of the church’s ministries and daily activities. The ideal candidate will bring professionalism, discretion, cheerfulness, and a spirit of hospitality that reflects the values of our community. Read the full job description here. To apply, email employment@saint-augustine.org

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