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By Pat McCaughan

[The Episcopal News – June 30, 2021] Anyone who’s ever wondered how to create safe spaces for honest conversation about progressive public theology or the rise of Christian nationalism, or even how to approach a loved one whose memory appears to be slipping, might want to investigate this fall’s course offerings at Bloy House – the Episcopal Theological School at Los Angeles.

As the 63-year-old Southland institution repositions itself in a shifting theological education marketplace, it is rolling out a series of four-week affordable online courses for everyone – for $50 each – that will explore both contemporary issues and ancient traditions, according to the Very Rev. Canon Gary Hall, interim Bloy House dean.

“We exist not simply to educate people for ordained ministry but to serve all the educational needs of the diocese … and we’re on a mission to bring our tuition and fees down,” Hall told The Episcopal News recently.

Los Angeles Bishop John Harvey Taylor applauded the effort. “Bloy House’s vision is that our polarized, anxious, secularizing time needs more and more well-educated Christians, especially laypeople who traditionally aren’t encouraged to go to seminary.

“These affordable new offerings are indigenous to our diocese, reflecting our multicultural population and values, signifying our commitment to the democratization of lifelong theological education,” Taylor continued. “I’m deeply grateful to Dean Hall and my board colleagues for turning this new page and want to do all I can to support it. I just wish I could take some of the classes myself!”

Read more here.

To register for the virtual Interdependence Walk, click here.

As Pride Month 2021 concludes, the LGBTQ+ ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles has released "Voices of Pride," a video highlighting ministry to and by this community, available in English and Spanish. 

The video features prayer, scripture and testimony from Episcopalians who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. It also includes a reflection from Bishop Diocesan John Harvey Taylor and a blessing from Bishop Suffragan Diane M. Jardine Bruce.

The English-language video is above or here. The Spanish version, Voces de Orgullo, is here. La versión en español, "Voces de Orgullo," está aquí.

The Episcopal News Update is being published according to its biweekly summer schedule.

The Update will be published on the following dates:

July 18 (publication July 14)

August 1 (publication July 28)

August 15 (publication August 11)

The regular weekly schedule will resume after Aug. 15.

Items for the Update may be emailed to [email protected]. Deadline for each issue is Tuesday at noon.

Diocesan staff members – those working at St. Paul's Commons and those working from home – will be off duty on Monday, July 5 for the Independence Day holiday. Most staff members will return to work on Tuesday, July 6. Happy Fourth of July weekend!

Presenter: the Rev. Roberto Martínez Morales. The workshop will be offered in Spanish with simultaneous English translation.

Register here

Presenter: Davey Gerhard, Executive Director of TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship

Register here

Presenter: Ms. Terry Knowles of the Program Group on Stewardship

Register here

All workshops in this series have been livestreamed and recorded. Learn the latest best practices for church vitality, finance, digital media, and more. Choose from the full series of 13 webinars here.

[The Episcopal News - June 30, 2021] During a worship service on the final day of this year's counselor training session Camp Stevens dedicated a venerable oak tree at the facility's center to the Rev. Canon Greg Larkin in honor of his long involvement with the Diocese of Los Angeles' camping ministry and specifically his 31-year commitment to training counselors.

“Greg had the seed of Camp Stevens planted in him and has led counselor training for decades,” said the Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy, canon to the ordinary, during the service, held under the oak tree located next to the main staircase between the dining hall and the Blum Lodge. Larkin was a chaplain at sessions during which McCarthy as well as current executive director Kathy Wilder first trained as camp counselors.

At the end of the gathering, Wilder unveiled a sign on the oak identifying it as “The Larkin Tree."

“It’s an honor to have this tree named for me,” said Larkin, who is rector of St. Columba's Church in Camarillo. “All the seeds that have been planted in that 30-year span have been too many to count and I get to see the results every time I come to camp and see someone I know.” 

Read more here. Reporting and photo by the Rev. Hannah Wilder.

The Reverend Gary Jay Adams

The Rev. Gary Jay Adams, former rector of St. Edmund's Church, San Marino, and Church of the Messiah, Santa Ana, died June 10 in Carson City, Nevada. He was 90.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Marguerite (Peggy) Goff Adams, and four of their children – Philip C. Adams and his wife Tucker of Ojai; Daniel J. Adams and his wife, Kathleen Juarez, of Reno; Marguerite E. Paul of Carson City, Nevada; and Richard B. (Ben) Adams and his wife, Kimberly, of Phoenix, Arizona; and daughter-in-law Kimberly Turbeville Adams, widow of their son Charles F. Adams of Corona; 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Adams is also survived by his brother, Kenneth B. Adams and his wife, Claudia, of Reno.

Most recently Adams was rector of St. Mark's Church in Santa Clara, retiring in 1993 to Carson City. He also served at St. John's Church, Marysville, California (1980-1987).

Adams was rector of Messiah from 1973 to 1980; rural dean of the Diocese of Los Angeles from 1969 to 1973; and rector of St. Edmund's from 1966 to 1969.

Read more here.

The Reverend Canon

The Rev. Canon Richard Van Horn, assisting priest at St. Mary's Church (Mariposa), Los Angeles, and president emeritus of Mental Health America of Los Angeles-Long Beach, died June 15. He was 81.                                                    

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Kay Ferber Van Horn; son Kinter; grandchildren Skyler, Aidan, Kylia, and Aysa; stepchildren Mark (Debbie) and Todd (Tali); step-grandchildren Max (Erin), Samantha (Patrick), Eli, Maya, and Cameron, and step-great-grandson Noah.

Services will be held at Saint Mary’s Church, 961 S. Mariposa Avenue, Los Angeles, on July 10 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Mental Health America.

In addition to his vocation as a priest, Van Horn was a lifetime local, regional and national advocate for people with mental health issues.

In 1980 he became president at CEO of Mental Health America of Los Angeles-Long Beach, (MHALA) and served in that role until 2009, when he retired and was named president-emeritus.

"Richard permanently changed the way mental health services are offered, not just in California but around the nation," said a statement issued by the organization upon news of Van Horn's death. "He was a major force in bringing about the Mental Health Services Act and a true pioneer in the recovery movement, which transformed the lives of countless individuals dealing with mental health needs. His advocacy on behalf of MHALA and those with mental health challenges continued long after he stepped down as CEO."

Read more here.

The Gathering: A Space for Asian Pacific American Spirituality will host a screening of the documentary Nā Kamalei: The Men of Hula, an exploration of Native Hawaiian culture via Zoom on Saturday, July 17 at 2:30 p.m. A conversation with film director Lisette Marie Flanary and the Rev. Keleawe Hee of St. Andrew's Cathedral, Honolulu, will follow at 4 p.m.

The documentary captures the journey of legendary master teacher Robert Cazimero and the only all-male hula school in Hawai’i. The film follows the dancers – who range in age from 18 to 55 years old – as they return to the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, the world’s largest hula festival. More information about the film and the director is available here.

The Gathering is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles to Asian Pacific Americans. It holds events to engage topics relevant to Asian Pacific American communities and offers a space for Asian Pacific Americans to gather to share in their spiritual journeys.

The event is free. Register here to receive the Zoom link. For additional information, email [email protected].

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.

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.

Saint John's Episcopal Church

4745 Wheeler Avenue, La Verne 91750

Reservations here or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767)

Sponsor code: STJOHNS

All donors will receive a Red Cross embroidered hat.

Christ Episcopal Church

1127 N. San Antonio Avenue, Ontario 91762

Informatiocn: 909.983.1859

Reservations here or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767)

Sponsor code: CCPOntario

Additional dates at this location: Monday, Aug. 16; Thursday, Sept. 16; Thursday, Oct. 7; Thursday, Nov. 11; Saturday, Dec. 11.

St. Ambrose Episcopal Church

830 W. Bonita Avenue, Claremont 91711

Information: 909.626.7170

Reservations here or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767)

Sponsor code: stambrose

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

525 E. 7th Street, Long Beach 90813-4503

Reservations here or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767)

(Search by zip code and date)

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

12692 Fifth Street, Yucaipa 92399

Reservations here or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767)

Sponsor code: ST ALBANS

Upcoming dates at this location are Mondays; Aug. 23, Sept. 27, Oct. 18, Nov. 22 and Dec. 27.

All Saints Episcopal Church

132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101.

Reservations here or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767)

Sponsor code: ASEC

Information: [email protected]

Upcoming date at this location is Aug. 17.

St. Mark's Episcopal Parish

330 E 16th Street, Upland 91784

Register here or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767)

Sponsor code: stmarks

Upcoming date at this location: Tuesday, Nov. 2

By appointment only. Donors must be healthy and identification is required.

St. John Chrysostom Church and School

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

Upcoming date: Sunday, Nov. 7

Will your church host blood drives in 2021? Send the information to [email protected] for inclusion in the calendar.

Girls Friendly Society Los Angeles invites girls ages 6 and up and their mothers, grandmothers, aunts or female mentors to register for "Me and My Mama Bear" Camp Sept. 17 - 19 at Camp Wrightwood.

Overnight and one-day options will be available for the camp, which will be operated using social distancing and other precautions as needed, depending on CDC guidelines at that time.

Registration opened on June 15 and will close July 15; early registration is encouraged. Girls do not have to be members of GFS to register or attend.

A flyer with complete cost, safety and registration information is here. For additional information, email [email protected].

By Egan Millard

[Episcopal News Service – June 28, 2021] Themes of racial justice, including the experience of people of color within The Episcopal Church, the persecution of Indigenous peoples in North America and plans to extend and magnify the church’s existing truth and reconciliation efforts, dominated the work of the church’s Executive Council during its June 25-28 virtual meeting.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry opened the meeting by announcing the formation of a new truth and reconciliation working group tasked with building on the church’s existing anti-racism efforts and extending them to every corner of the church. The group will develop proposals for the 80th General Convention, scheduled for July 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland, “that will foster and facilitate the convention’s adoption of a plan and pathway for a process of truth and reconciliation in The Episcopal Church,” Curry said.

The results of the Racial Justice Audit of Episcopal Leadership were presented to the entire council for the first time, with facilitators from the Mission Institute – which conducted the audit – breaking down the nine dominant patterns of racism it identified. The full 72-page report based on the survey responses of 1,300 church leaders was released to the church in April.

In small groups and committee meetings, council members shared their reactions to the findings of the audit, which included the lack of access to power that people of color experience in the church and the stress they experience from being held to unreasonable expectations and feeling invisible or hypervisible. Members expressed their satisfaction with the thoroughness of the audit, as well as frustration with the church leaders who did not participate, including most bishops. Most of all, council members stressed the importance of getting the audit’s conclusions in front of Episcopalians at the congregational level who may not be tuned in to the work of Executive Council.

Read more here.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's opening remarks to Executive Council are here (English and Spanish).

House of Deputies President Gay Jennings' opening remarks are here (English and Spanish).

By Egan Millard

[Episcopal News Service - June 29, 2021] Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, a historically Black college affiliated with The Episcopal Church, announced on June 28 that it is clearing all tuition and fee balances owed for the spring, summer and fall semesters of 2021.

After all government and private financial aid has been applied, any remaining balance owed will be cleared, the university announced on its website.

Saint Augustine’s took the unprecedented action in recognition of the financial hardships many students have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, interim chief marketing officer Demarcus Williams told Episcopal News Service.

University staff were “seeing trends of balances being owed for the previous semester and anticipating balances being owed for this fall semester,” Williams said.

The relief was made possible with the $11.8 million in CARES Act funds that Saint Augustine’s has received from the federal government, Williams said. The school plans to use about $9 million of that to cover existing student balances.

“Students still have to complete their [federal applications for] financial aid and all of that. We’re not telling them tuition’s free, but what we’re saying is they will not have a balance,” Williams clarified. “This is for students that were not able to meet their financial obligations and students whose families were financially impacted by COVID-19. This will allow them to continue their education.”

Read more here. 

More reporting from Episcopal News Service is here.

St. James in-the-City Church, Los Angeles

Live-streamed and on demand here

ICUJP (Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace)

Zoom: Meeting ID 856 0321 7282 Passcode: 909356 | By phone: 669.900.6833

The Rev. Dr. Beth Johnson and Colleen Y. Thomas, two members of the California Poor People’s Campaign, will share about the Campaign's fusion work that brings together people from affected communities, partner organizations, and faith communities to work for economic, racial, and social justice for all. The Rev. Dr. Beth Johnson is the minister of Palomar Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Vista. As a minster, activist and public theologian, she works on intersectional issues including immigration, worker and racial justice, as well as environmental justice. Colleen Y. Thomas is a certified spiritual director and holds an M.A. in Theology and Art from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, Beverly Hills, chaplain to the Los Angeles chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, and convener of the L.A. Poor People’s Campaign Multifaith Working Group.

September 2022

Join Bishop Guy Erwin of the ELCA and Canon Jim Newman of the Episcopal Church for a 13-day journey across central Europe to Oberammergau, Germany. The day-long Oberammergau Passion Play is produced every decade and is a four-century “thank you” to God for saving the people of this picturesque Bavarian Alpine village. Experience this spiritual event and look at the culture and religion of Poland (Warsaw, Krakow, Auschwitz and Czestochowa), Hungary (Budapest), Czech Republic (Bratislava), Austria (Vienna & the Salzkammergut) and Germany (Oberammergau & Munich). Cost is $4,899 from Los Angeles including $450 taxes/airline surcharges.) Information: Jim Newman, 3590 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066; 310.391.5522 or 888.802.6722; [email protected]. A full itinerary is here.

ALTADENA: Church Office Administrator, St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Part-time (20-25 hours/week, Monday - Friday). Responsible for church communications, maintenance of office a records, assisting with financial operations, administrative support for the rector and other staff. A full job description is here. Salary is commensurate with experience. Contact: The Rev. Carrie Patterson Grindon, rector, at [email protected].

BEVERLY HILLS: Administrative Coordinator, All Saints Episcopal Church. Seeking a detail-oriented person to handle a wide range of responsibilities, including financial, calendar, coordinating volunteers, offices support, phone and more. Compensation based on experience. Benefits include health (dental and vision) and pension. Full job description and application information here.

COSTA MESA: Sunday School Teacher, St. John The Divine Church, to plan lessons and teach one room of 2 - 6 students or more. Sunday mornings - 9:45 - 11 a.m. Prep time – flexible, 3 hours per week at $15 per hour. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Include the job title in the subject line, or mail document to Saint John the Divine Episcopal Church. 183 E. Bay Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.

HOLLYWOOD/WEST HOLLYWOOD: Master of the Music (Organist/ Choirmaster), St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Part-time. This is a rare opportunity for a talented musician to undertake a leadership position in a prominent Anglo-Catholic parish (where parishioners love to sing) with one of the largest organs in Southern California. In addition to accompanying the weekly High Mass on the 85-rank, five-manual, American-Classic/English-Cathedral-Romantic AIDS-memorial organ (as well as other holy days and special services), the ideal candidate would take a cheerful approach to the reestablishing of our all-volunteer choir after a year-long, pandemic-related hiatus. Although the position works under the supervision of the rector, the Master of the Music is expected to be self-sufficient, collaborate with the organ curator for proper maintenance, and lead as the principal musician with dignity and compassion. Salary negotiable. Please send resume and letter of interest to the Parish Administrator, Joseph Warren ([email protected]).

HOLLYWOOD-LOS ANGELES: Seeds of Hope Food Distribution Associate. Bilingual (English-Spanish). This position will be an essential part of the Seeds of Hope team getting healthy, nutritious food to more families in need in Los Angeles and surrounding counties. Job duties include picking up, sorting, organizing and delivering produce; providing great customer service; documenting quantities and submitting data for reports. Work hours are full time, but variable. Valid Class C driver's license, experience with driving 16-ft or larger truck required. Full job description is here.

LA CAÑADA: Preschool Director, St. George’s Preschool. Full time, beginning this June-July, before students return to classrooms in mid-August. Program is presently a half-day, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., plus an optional after-care program 12 - 2:30 p.m.; we may be expanding our hours to a full day in the future. Classrooms range from potty-trained two-year-olds through pre-K five-year olds. Enrichments include regular music and movement programs, special visitors, and themed day celebrations. Our philosophy is learning-through-play and hands-on experiences, tailored to each child’s developmental needs. We are just beginning to use Brightwheel management software; experience with Brightwheel is a plus. This position is full-time, pays health care benefits, and offers a matching pension plan. Salary negotiable, based on both experience and vision for the school. Send CV and letter of interest to the Rev. Amy Pringle at [email protected].

LA CRESCENTA: Coordinador(a) de Oficina Parroquial. San Lucas de las Montañas. San Lucas está buscando un(a) Coordinador(a) de Oficina como parte del equipo de esta Misión para apoyar a Dios en lograr su visión para el mundo. Somos un congregación diversa que aspira a estar cada día más unida en Cristo, y con un alto grado de participación de voluntarios comprometidos. Si estás interesado(a) en utilizar tus talentos para una gran causa, aprender, y hacer una diferencia, te invitamos a aplicar. Puedes conseguir aquí la descripción de trabajo e información de cómo aplicar.

LA CRESCENTA: Church Office Coordinator, St. Luke’s of the Mountains. St. Luke’s is looking for a Church Office Coordinator as part of the team of this mission to support God in achieving God’s vision for the world. We are a diverse congregation that aspires to be more united in Christ every day, and with a high degree of participation of committed volunteers. If you are interested in using your talents for a great cause, learning, and making a difference, we invite you to apply. You can get the job description and information on how to apply here.

LOS ANGELES: Controller, Diocese of Los Angeles. Responsible for all diocesan accounting operations. This is a hands-on accounting lead position requiring a high level of integrity and a desire to work in a mission driven environment. Requires knowledge of non-profit accounting and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and non-profit reporting standards. Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems. Blackbaud expertise required. CPA highly preferred. Immediate opening. Applications will be accepted until June 15. Full job description and application instructions here.

LONG BEACH: Bookkeeper for St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Part time. Responsible for recording and maintaining the church’s financial transactions, such as donations, expenses, and payments. This person will record financial data into QuickBooks and Realm software to ensure our database reflects accurate giving records. An effective bookkeeper will be integrity-filled, consistent and accurate. This person will have a knowledge of accounting and the ability to understand how to use accounting software systems. Full job description and application instructions here.

THOUSAND OAKS: Office Manager/Registrar. St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School is looking for candidate who would enjoy working in a busy elementary school office. The main duties include answering phones, working with families and children, maintaining data bases, organizing daily office routines, making flyers and communications, and supporting teachers and administrative staff. Candidate must have office experience, preferably in a school, and must be COVID vaccinated. This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday. To apply sent a resume to [email protected].

TUSTIN: Director of Family Ministries, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Part-time (15-20 hours weekly) Seeking a high-energy leader to direct our church school, plan activities for families, and minister to parents. A more detailed job listing can be found here. St. Paul's hopes to hire someone to begin working alongside its departing director around May 16. Please send resume and cover letter to: the Rev. Kay Sylvester, rector, at [email protected].

Additional job listings are here. Listings are free: send information to [email protected]. Applications for jobs must be sent to the contact included in the listing.