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June 11, 2023

SAVE THE DATE

Countering white Christian nationalism is focus of July 9 forum set by diocesan ecumenical, interfaith program group

By EN Staff

[The Episcopal News – June 7, 2023] A Sunday afternoon forum focused on countering white Christian nationalism is set for 2 – 4 p.m. on July 9 at St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park, hosted by the diocesan Program Group on Ecumenical and Interfaith Life.

All are welcome, and advance registration is requested here. 

The program – planned by diocesan interfaith ministers-in-residence Sable Manson, Tasneem Noor, and Tahil Sharma – will be framed by remarks offered by Bishop John Harvey Taylor of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Bishop Brenda Bos of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Southwest California Synod, and Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, retired bishop of the United Methodist Church’s California-Pacific Conference.

Forum planners recommend that attendees read Pamela Cooper White’s 2022 book The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide. The author has been invited to address the forum.

Program objectives, set by the diocese’s interfaith ministers and program group members, include: 

• Creating a deeper understanding of what white Christian nationalism is, the different ways in which it materializes, and why it is pervasive and important to address;
• Empowering people to realize different roles to play in combating white Christian nationalism;
• Activating people to see white Christian nationalism as an issue requiring attention and diligent action;
• Providing people with tools to understand that addressing white Christian nationalism is not attacking their faith but addressing the weapon hijacking Christianity.

Further information will follow in upcoming issues of The Episcopal News Update.

This article also appears on the Episcopal News website.

Highland Park’s All Saints parish welcomes ‘LA Rez’ as nesting congregation

By Bob Williams

[The Episcopal News – June 7, 2023] Anglicanism’s “via media” (middle way) is the path newly chosen by two northeast Los Angeles congregations, one Episcopal, the other leasing space onsite as part of the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA).

Highland Park’s All Saints Episcopal Church, founded in 1904 and worshiping in English and Spanish at 5619 Monte Vista Avenue, has voted to welcome Church of the Resurrection, formed in 2016 and cheerfully dubbed “L.A. Rez” by congregants, to locate its ministries on campus and share the A-frame sanctuary’s worship space.

This agreement – forged by both congregations’ leadership groups and endorsed by Bishop John Harvey Taylor and the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles – reflects Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s view that Episcopal congregations may find productive common cause with those of breakaway denominations such as ACNA.

“At a House of Bishops meeting last year, Bishop Curry asked us all to keep in mind that, in his words, the ‘ACNA of 20 years ago is not necessarily the ACNA of today,’” Taylor told The News. “He said that many of its congregants and even leaders were not as invested in the doctrinal disputes of the early years of the century, and he hoped we would not be, either. He stressed that he wasn’t asking us to put aside the gospel priority of equity for all across barriers of identification and orientation. He just wanted us to go into any conversations we had with ACNA with hearts of reconciliation.

"That’s just what our colleagues and I did working with our siblings at L.A. Rez," Taylor continued. "After all, looking at the many denominations that nest in our missions and parishes, almost all are more conservative than we on key questions. And yet in church after church, these exercises in practical ecumenism are reaping a wonderful harvest for our Lord.”

Read more here.

Interfaith Refugee & Immigration Service (IRIS) to host summer open house

IRIS (Interfaith Refugee & Immigration Service), a ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles, invites all to a summer open house on Tuesday, June 20, 4 - 7 p.m. at its offices in Atwater Village. 

IRIS staff will be on hand for this day of community connection. The event will offer free food from local vendors, a refugee welcome kit-building station, art projects for the whole family, and more.

Reservations are encouraged; click here or scan the QR code on this flyer for more details.

IRIS's offices are at 3621 Brunswick Ave, Los Angeles. 

SAVE THE DATE

Panel discussion in Pasadena will focus on death penalty

All Saints Church, Pasadena, invites the diocesan community to an open public panel discussion and debate about capital punishment in California on Tuesday, September 26, 6:30 - 8 p.m. The panel will feature notable experts from the pro and con sides of the death penalty issue, giving attendees an opportunity to learn about potential death penalty ballot measures in California and make independent and informed decisions. 

The discussion will be held in All Saints Church's Forum, a conference space in the basement of Regas House, a prominent building on campus (wheelchair accessible). All Saints Church is located at 132 N Euclid Ave, Pasadena 91101. Water, coffee, and light snacks will be provided. To register, click here.

SAVE THE DATE

Ticket orders to begin for 2023 Episcopal Night at Dodger Stadium

The Diocese of Los Angeles will once again descend on Echo Park for Episcopal Night at Dodger Stadium on Friday, Sept. 1 for a game (with playoff potential) against the Atlanta Braves, according to the Rev. Canon Greg Larkin (AKA "Canon Baseball"), who has led this event since its inception in the 1990s, during Bishop Fred Borsch's tenure.

A coordinator in each congregation will monitor signups, collect ticket money ($30 per ticket; same rate as last year) and place orders with Larkin. Tickets will be delivered electronically to the coordinator, who will then distribute them by email to parishioners, according to instructions recently sent to clergy. Tickets must be readable on a cell phone for entry to the stadium. All ticket orders must be sent to Larkin by July 18; coordinators will set deadlines for their congregations.

"We will be joined by the Lutherans of the Southwest California Synod in the true spirit of baseball and ecumenism," noted Larkin, "so do invite your Lutheran friends to come out and join us."

Summer schedule for diocesan offices, Episcopal News Update

Diocesan offices at St. Paul's Commons will be closed on Monday, June 19 for Juneteenth and Tuesday, July 4, for Independence Day.

The Episcopal News Update will begin its biweekly summer schedule next week. Issues will be published for June 25; July 9 and 23; and Aug. 6 before the regular weekly schedule resumes Aug. 20. (Issue date is Sunday: publication is on the preceding Wednesday.) Please send submissions to [email protected] by 12 p.m. on Tuesday for each week's issue.

The Bishop's Blog

The Bishop's Blog is online here.

A visit to St. Michael’s Ministry Center, Riverside

June 5, 2023

Shortly after the Rev. Canon Mary Crist began her volunteer ministry to the food- and housing-insecure at St. Michael’s Riverside Episcopal Ministry Center at Bishop Bruno’s invitation 12 years ago, she asked one of the men who wandered over from a nearby park what he and his friends needed most. “He said a place to have a cup of coffee together without being run off,” Mary told me today.

Read more here.

Visiting St. Hilary’s Church, Hesperia

June 4, 2023

For Trinity Sunday at St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church in Hesperia, in the desert above the Cajon Pass, we didn’t have a smidge of June gloom — just shining sun and faces as seven were confirmed or received in The Episcopal Church. Along to preach and preside, my first Sunday visit to this lovely campus in five long years, I was the guest of the Rev. Jonathan Sy, whose deep, Christ-centered spirituality has struck a chord with his diverse congregation.

Read more here.

People

Ordination of deacons is June 10

Bishop John Harvey Taylor will ordain Timothy Gardner Hamlin, Joshua Hing Shing Wong, Melvin Maximiano Soriano and Jonathan Timothy Stoner to the Sacred Order of Deacons at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 10 at St. John’s Cathedral.

The prayers and presence of the diocesan community are invited. Parking will be available in AAA Lot 2 on West 27th Street (behind the Bank of America building).

Photo: Douglas S. Santo

LGTBQ+ Pride events

Bishop Taylor will lead Episcopal presence at OC Pride worship, parade and festival 

Episcopal churches will be represented at OC Pride on June 24 with worship, a parade presence and a booth at the following festival, coordinated by GLEAM, the diocese's LGBTQ+ ministry.

Bishop John Harvey Taylor will celebrate Eucharist at 9 a.m. at 201 E. Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, across the street from Church of the Messiah. Participants will join the Pride parade at 10:30 a.m. To help staff the Episcopal Church booth at the following festival (11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.), contact the Rev. Steve Swartzell at [email protected]. 

Former Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori will join Episcopal contingent for LA Pride Parade June 11

Former Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will join members of the Diocese of Los Angeles to march in the historic L.A. Pride Parade in Hollywood on Sunday, June 11, beginning at 11 a.m.

Participants will gather at the staging area at 10 a.m. Montella notes that participants must be at the staging area and checked in before the parade steps off, and may not join the contingent along the parade route. To participate, email [email protected]; parade details including staging location, parking and other guidelines will be sent in response. 

Read more here.

This week

Late writer-priest Malcolm Boyd’s 100th birthday to be marked with Eucharist, lunch at St. Paul's Commons June 8 

[The Episcopal News – May 24, 2023] The Rev. Canon Malcolm Boyd – champion of civil rights and freedom rider, openly gay priest, and author of more than 30 books including the 1965 bestseller Are You Running with Me, Jesus? – will be remembered on what would have been his 100th birthday – Thursday, June 8 – with 11:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist followed by lunch at St. Paul’s Commons, 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles

All are welcome for the service, at which Bishop John Harvey Taylor will preside. Lazarus Chapel, where Boyd’s ashes are interred, will be open for prayer and reflection.

Lunch, with a celebratory cake, will be served in the Jonathan Daniels Room where an open mic will be available for anyone wishing to share a brief recollection. A free-will offering of $10 is requested per lunch. Inquiries about the celebration or additional lunch reservations - requested by Wednesday evening, June 7 – may be directed to diocesan Canon for Common Life Bob Williams, [email protected].

Read more here.

Environment, racial justice among topics for Immaculate Heart Community’s ‘Lunch & Learn’ lecture series at St. Paul’s Commons 

A June 9 program on environmental care and a July 14 presentation titled “Reparations: A Discussion on Addressing Racial Justice” will be hosted at St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park, by the Immaculate Heart Community.

A longtime L.A.-based ecumenical Christian order including laypersons and clergy, Immaculate Heart Community relocated its offices to St. Paul’s Commons earlier this year, welcomed by Bishop John Harvey Taylor to share in opportunities for collaboration with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

Immaculate Heart Community President Sherry Purcell and Pam Hope, development officer, invite all in the diocese to join the 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Friday Lunch and Learn programs in the series, which is named in honor of Marisa Antonini. There is no charge to participate, but free-will donations are appreciated. Reservations may be placed with Hope at [email protected].

Read more here.

Historically Black St. Barnabas' Church, Pasadena, to celebrate 100th anniversary

[The Episcopal News – May 24, 2023] Bishop Diocesan John Harvey Taylor and a phalanx of parishioners, civic leaders and friends will be present as St. Barnabas' Church, Pasadena, celebrates its 100th anniversary as a historically Black congregation of the Diocese of Los Angeles on Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The celebration, themed "St. Barnabas 100 – Still We Rise!" will include a program, featuring commemorations from dignitaries and testimonials from church members. Event chair Marco White says that the homecoming event will be held with "love, St. Barnabas style," with a luncheon barbecue, peach cobbler, music and the "beautifulest" centennial birthday cake.

Expected to attend are U.S. House of Representatives member Judy Chu, Pasadena Councilmember Justin Jones and California Assembly Member Chris Holden.

Read more here.

Juneteenth service will celebrate freedom from slavery, honor Black heritage

The Diocese of Los Angeles will present its second annual Juneteenth celebration at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 17 at St. John's Cathedral, Los Angeles.

The Rev. Stacey Forte Dupré will the the preacher for the service, which is sponsored by the Program Group on Black Ministry and the H. Belfield Hannibal Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. The Adrian Dunn Singers will perform spirituals and gospel music and the Rev. Lester Mackenzie, a native of South Africa and rector of St. Mary's Church, Laguna Beach, will provide African drumming and song. 

Other service participants will include Deacons Dominique Piper, Margaret McCauley and Jamesetta Glosson Hammons, and Canon Suzanne Edwards Acton and the Rev. George Okusi, co-chairs of the program group. 

All are welcome to attend. Suggested dress for attendees is festal white or African patterns. The cathedral is located at 514 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90007

Read more here.

Immersion programs will introduce women to Franciscan spirituality

The Community of St. Francis (www.communitystfrancis.org) of San Francisco invites women over age 18 to take part in "Companions in Franciscan Spirituality" 10-day residential immersion programs in Franciscan Spirituality. The program includes studying Franciscan spirituality and living out of that spirituality by sharing in community life, worship and ministry in the church and wider community. Cost is a free will donation. Coming sessions are July 14 - 23 (with a focus on Creation) or September 29 – October 8 (with a focus on St. Francis Day). For more information, contact Sr. Pamela Clare at [email protected].

ECW of Province VIII announces 'Opening Our Hearts' annual retreat 

Episcopal Church Women of Province VIII will hold its in-person annual retreat and business meeting, "Opening Our Hearts," June 23 – 25 at the Wasatch Center at the Episcopal Church Center of Utah in Salt Lake City. Participants will include delegates from Province VIII, plus representatives from United Thank Offering, Church Periodicals Club, Girls Friendly Society, Daughters of the King and other ministries who will offer guidance, resources, and inspiration.

Two interactive sessions will focus on Leading With Heart, a circular leadership model developed by Province VIII ECW, collaborating with Episcopal women from across the country. All participants will receive resources and ongoing support through the Leading with Heart webpage.

Local presenters include St. Elizabeth’s Art Empowers Youth program and the Good Shepherd Ogden Youth Impact Program. The full agenda is posted here.

All Episcopal Church Women in Province VIII are welcome and invited to attend. Registration (click here) is $200 per person for both days and includes dinner on Friday and lunch and dinner on Saturday. Accommodations are at The Plaza Hotel; special rates through the Episcopal Diocese of Utah are $95 per night for two people, $105 for three to four people). Reserve rooms at 801.606.2410

For additional information contact Christine Budzowski at [email protected]

Reservations now open for Santa Ynez Valley Summer Classic on June 24

St. Mark's in-the-Valley Church, Los Olivos, invites all to the 2023 Santa Ynez Valley Summer Classic, to be held at the church on Saturday, June 24, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. This lively outdoor event gathering offers guests a chance to dine, sip, and support service projects benefitting the Santa Ynez Valley and the larger Santa Barbara County region. 

Participants will start the evening with appetizers, a glass of local wine, and live entertainment by Dewey Roberts, followed by a silent auction items with a wide variety of lifestyle packages and items from local businesses and a hand-crafted dinner by AR Catering, with tasting with Rob & Hammer’s SLO Stills.

Individual tickets are $250; tables for up to 10 guests may be reserved for $2,500. For tickets, click here or call 805.448.7070. The church is located at 2901 Nojoqui Avenue (at Alamo Pintado Avenue), Los Olivos.

Seeds of Hope offers help to those seeking food assistance

Seeds of Hope, the food justice ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles, is working with CalFresh Food, the statewide food program that helps Californians buy more groceries when money's tight, and the L.A. County Department of Public Social Services to help qualified Angelenos receive food assistance.

Seeds of Hope staff members are ready to support individuals and lead sign-up events at congregations. They will walk new applicants through the process to make registration quick and easy. Assistance is available in English and Spanish. (Applicants may also begin the process here.)  

To learn more or to host a support session, contact Erica Nieves of Seeds of Hope at [email protected].

In the local press

Sacramento embraces surprise arrival of migrants stuck in national political feud

By Mackenzie Mays

[Los Angeles Times – June 7, 2023] On the same day that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration took responsibility for sending dozens of migrants seeking asylum to California, the volunteers and organizers inside the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral of Sacramento refused to say the Republican politican’s name.

Instead, they wanted to talk about the 36 men and women they’ve cared for this week, who they say were left exhausted, confused and afraid at the doorstep of a local church in what California officials have called a political stunt.

Gabby Trejo, executive director of Sacramento Area Congregations Together, said the migrants she took to church with her on Sunday — some who had walked thousands of miles over the course of several months from Venezuela to the U.S. — reached into their pockets to offer a dollar for the collection plate.

“I said, no, you need it more than our church does today. But they didn’t care. They still put it in the plate,” Trejo said. “In that moment, our new neighbors showed me what it means for them to also be able to contribute to our community.”

Read more here.

Parents and LGBTQ+ advocates clash at Saticoy Elementary School Pride protest

By Clara Harter

[Los Angeles Daily News – June 2, 2023] “Stop grooming our kids,” shouts a group of parents. “No hate in the 818” yells back a group of LGBTQ+ advocates.

These chants rang out for hours outside Saticoy Elementary School on Friday morning, June 2, where a group of predominantly Armenian parents protested a Pride-themed book reading that described same-sex marriage and counter-protesters defended the school’s right to teach grade school students about forms of sexuality. ...

Alfredo Feregrino, a priest at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, joined the counter protest to show support from the Christian community.

“There are different faith leaders who use the Bible or twist the message of the gospels to inject hate,” he said. “For me the God that I love, the God that I try to proclaim, is the God that loves everyone, so for me it’s important to be here and show that.”

Read more here. The Diocese of Los Angeles GLEAM ministry for LGBTQ+ people issued a statement of support for Saticoy School written by the Rev. Canon Susan Russell, canon for Engagement Across Difference. The statement may be read here.

From the wider church

Episcopal delegate attends meeting of new UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

By Melodie Woerman

[Episcopal News Service – June 6, 2023] Representatives from The Episcopal Church took part in only the second session of the United Nation’s Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, with four days of debate, discussion and meetings at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd Sr., missioner for African Descent Ministries, was the church’s delegate to the May 30 - June 2 forum, and he was accompanied by Lynnaia Main, the church’s representative to the U.N. They were joined at the opening plenary by the Rev. Margaret Rose, deputy for ecumenical and interreligious relations.

As a first-time delegate, Byrd told Episcopal News Service his goal was “to look, listen, learn” and to understand the process of how the large event functioned. He was among 900 representatives from what the U.N. calls “civil society” – nongovernmental organizations and others, including The Episcopal Church – as well as representatives of the 193 U.N. member states and other U.N. agencies. The United States delegation to the forum was led by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

Read more here.

Episcopal Church seeks young adult fellows for Ecojustice program

The Episcopal Church's Department of Reconciliation, Justice, and Creation Care is forming a new Ecojustice fellows program for five to six young adult Episcopalians (ages 18 to 30). The virtual/remote fellowship will offer participants training in creation care advocacy as they develop a local eco-justice project for their congregations, institutions, or dioceses related to preaching, teaching, justice advocacy, or sustainability. 

The program will require six to eight hours per week between June and October and will include a stipend of $2,500. Applications will be accepted until June 10.

Fellows will receive: 

• Training in topics related to climate change and environmental racism, including advocacy, storysharing, and faith-based ecojustice ministry
• Leadership development, public speaking, and writing opportunities  
• Travel and lodging for It’s All About Love: A Festival for the Jesus Movement July 9 – 12 in Baltimore, Maryland  
• Opportunities for additional advocacy.

Fellow responsibilities include: 

• Gathering weekly/biweekly for check-ins and trainings and participating in Episcopal Church-wide creation care and eco-justice work 
• Developing a local ecojustice project, with support from the fellows coordinator
• Volunteering at It’s All About Love

More details and an application form are available here.

Top Episcopal leader in Haiti calls for new bishop election as gun trafficking scandal grips diocese

By David Paulsen

[Episcopal News Service – June 2, 2023] The Diocese of Haiti was marked by internal divisions when Bishop Jean Zaché Duracin retired in 2019, and those divisions have only worsened in the ensuing four years.

With the standing committee serving as the interim ecclesiastical authority, the diocese, The Episcopal Church’s largest by membership, reportedly has devolved into chaos and infighting, and in July 2022, an arms trafficking scandal ensnared at least a half dozen current and former diocesan officials, including the current standing committee president. The case remains under investigation.

The Rev. Jean Madoché Vil (pictured above during a Zoom meeting), the standing committee president, said last month that electing a new bishop remains a priority, crucial to the survival of the diocese. Vil, however, gave no timeline or plan for holding an election.

“Beloved brothers and sisters, the diocese is going through a dark phase in its history, a difficult ordeal,” Vil said via Zoom in his May 9 speech to the diocesan synod. Episcopal News Service commissioned a French-to-English translation of his remarks from a video of the synod. “We believe that our church will emerge stronger and with its head held high. For the moment, the investigation of the case continues, and the standing committee is awaiting the judge’s order.”

Read more here.

Virtual worshippers often satisfied, but more Americans choose in-person services

By Adelle M. Banks

[Religion News Service – June 5, 2023] In the height of the pandemic, many Americans who attended in-person worship services turned to their computers and their couches instead for virtual viewing. Now, the Pew Research Center finds a third of Americans regularly attend in-person worship services while a bit more than a quarter regularly watch religious services on TV or online.

Its new survey paints a detailed picture of which, why and how often Americans continue worshipping online or on TV:

• Half of those who are regular online watchers of religious services usually do so alone.
• More than half (61%) of those who virtually attend do not participate in worship activities as they did in person, such as singing, kneeling or praying out loud. But Black (49%) and Hispanic (47%) online worshippers are more likely to continue these practices virtually.
• And while the majority (60%) of virtual viewers watch the worship service of one congregation, 32% watch those of two or three houses of worship and 6% watch four or more different congregations. One-quarter of regular online worshippers say they exclusively watch services of the congregation they usually attend.
• “Regular” attenders were defined as those who said they watched or attended services in the month before the survey or had attended or watched at least monthly.
• The online survey of more than 11,000 Americans reports significant levels of satisfaction among those who are worshipping online.

Read more here. Image above: Adapted from Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, this meme appeared on the internet in March 2020 as churches, unable to meet in person due to the Covid-19 pandemic, shifted their Holy Week and Easter services online.

Taking the Lambeth Calls Forward: The Lambeth Conference Phase 3 launches and starts with Discipleship

[Lambeth Conference – May 30, 2023] Phase 3 of the Lambeth Conference has been launched, with the aim of taking the Lambeth Calls into the life of the Anglican Communion. The Lambeth Calls are on themes in church and world affairs and were discussed by bishops that attended the conference in Canterbury.

With the theme of ‘Add Your Voice to The Call’, Phase 3 is open to all those that attended the conference in 2022, along with their wider church communities, so that the Lambeth Calls can be shared around the world.

Phase 3 launched on May 24 and May 25, with a webinar that looked at the Lambeth Call on discipleship. ... Last week’s webinar was the first in a series of Phase 3 discussions planned in the months ahead which will look at each of the Lambeth Call themes in turn. In-between each webinar, churches and communities will be encouraged to meet for their own group discussions. For each of the Call themes, the Lambeth Conference will release a set of Bible studies, the Lambeth Call paper and an information guide, signposting people to relevant resources and initiatives from Anglican networks and commissions around the Communion. The first of these resources to be shared are on the discipleship theme.

To mark the start of Phase 3, the full set of updated Lambeth Calls also has been published on the Lambeth Conference website. They incorporate feedback gathered from the bishops during the Lambeth Conference.

Read more here.

Joint Budget Committee offers June 20 listening session on income

As it continues its work on the 2025-2027 Episcopal Church budget, the Joint Budget Committee invites churchwide participation in a June 20 online listening session focused on income. Registration is available online in English and Spanish.

Formalized by General Convention in July, the Joint Budget Committee replaced the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget & Finance, a change that streamlines the budget process, allowing Executive Council to present its churchwide budget proposal directly to General Convention each triennium.

In advance of the listening session, the committee shared a breakdown of income sources and preliminary assumptions of what will be available for the 2025-2027 budget. That list can be found online in English and Spanish.

The committee invites thoughts, questions, and suggestions during the listening session or in advance via email at [email protected].

Registration open for churchwide ‘All About Love’ festival in July

[The Episcopal Church – April 12, 2023] Episcopalians everywhere are invited to register to join a churchwide festival of worship, learning, community, and action July 9-12 at the Baltimore (Maryland) Convention Center.

“It’s All About Love: A Festival for the Jesus Movement” will open at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 9, with a revival worship service featuring Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. It closes at noon on Wednesday, July 12, following a festival Eucharist preached by House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris. The Rev. Mariama White-Hammond will preach on July 10.

Kwok Pui Lan, dean’s professor of systematic theology at Candler School of Theology, will speak during the July 10 morning plenary on racial reconciliation; Sarah Augustine, co-founder and director of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, will speak July 11 on racial reconciliation and becoming Beloved Community. Author and speaker Brian McLaren will join Curry for a morning plenary July 12 on the future of evangelism. View the schedule online.

Worship will be led by Live Hymnal and friends from across The Episcopal Church, and a special prayer space will be curated by Lilly Lewin of Free-Range Worship.

“It’s All About Love” will feature three “tents” – evangelism, creation care, and racial justice – that will host evening revival worship services, as well as daytime workshops, panels, practice opportunities, and other ways to engage.

Olufemi Gonsalves, a member of St. James in-the-City Church, Los Angeles, will present a workshop titled "All About Love: Bell Hooks, Pauli Murray, and Love as a Tool for Reconciliation." The workshop's theme is 'reflect, connect, and sing in the key of love.' 

Read more here.

Calendar

THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 7 - 8 p.m.

A Pentecost Taizé

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

1432 Engracia Avenue, Torrance 90501

Information: 310.540.1722

The mutual ministry of St. Andrew's and Christ Church, Redondo Beach, invites all to this monthly candlelit service of music, meditation and prayer. Taizé services will be held in-person or online throughout the year. Online services available here.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 3 p.m.

Juneteenth Celebration

St. John's Cathedral

514 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90007

The Rev. Stacey Forte Dupré will the the preacher for the service, which is sponsored by the Program Group on Black Ministry and the H. Belfield Hannibal Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. The Adrian Dunn Singers will perform spirituals and gospel music and the Rev. Lester McKenzie, a native of South Africa and rector of St. Mary's Church, Laguna Beach, will provide African drumming and song. Other service participants will include Deacons Dominique Piper, Margaret McCauley and Jamesetta Glosson Hammons, and Canon Suzanne Edwards Acton and the Rev. George Okusi, co-chairs of the program group. All are welcome to attend. Suggested dress for attendees is festal white or African patterns. Read more here.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Santa Ynez Valley Summer Classic

2901 Nojoqui Avenue (at Alamo Pintado Avenue), Los Olivos

Tickets here or call 805.448.7070

This lively outdoor event gathering offers guests a chance to dine, sip, and support service projects benefitting the Santa Ynez Valley and the larger Santa Barbara County region. Participants will start the evening with appetizers, a glass of local wine, and live entertainment by Dewey Roberts, followed by a silent auction items with a wide variety of lifestyle packages and items from local businesses and a hand-crafted dinner by AR Catering, with tasting with Rob & Hammer’s SLO Stills. Individual tickets are $250; tables for up to 10 guests may be reserved for $2,500.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 5 - 8 p.m.

Havana Nights

St. Peter's Episcopal Church

1648 W. Ninth Street, San Pedro 90732

Information: 310.831.2361

Featuring Cuban food, live Cuban music, specialty drinks, dancing and games. Tickets: $50.

Additional events are listed on the diocesan calendar here. Calendar information may be emailed to [email protected].

VOLUNTEER

Food Pantry

Our Saviour Center

4368 Santa Anita Avenue, El Monte

With lower pandemic numbers and everyone back at school and work our Food Pantry is in need of volunteers. Lend a hand on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m., rain or shine, to help us help the neediest families in our community. Volunteers should be age 16 and up. Street parking is available on Santa Anita, McGirk and Lambert avenues. Please wear a mask. All activities are outdoors; dress appropriately and wear close-toed shoes. For information or to sign up (not required), email [email protected].

EMPLOYMENT

Listings may be sent to [email protected]. There is no charge.

NEW THIS WEEK

SANTA MONICA: Music Director. St. Augustine by-the-Sea, an inclusive and progressive Episcopal Church, is seeking a creative and dynamic music director to lead its music program. An organist and adult choir are in place. The music director will select choral offerings and help plan music and manage the church's music program, rehearsing and directing the choir. Full job description is here. Compensation: $25,000+. Starts Summer 2023 (negotiable). Send resume and references by July 31, 2023 to the Rev. Nathan Rugh, rector, at [email protected].

CONTINUING LISTINGS

ARCADIA: Office Manager. Arcadia Episcopal Preschool is opening the position of Office Manager, effective June 15, 2023. The position is a 20 hour per week responsibility and requires a person with bookkeeping experience who is familiar with computer skills, Quick Books and ADP. Duties include management of accounts payable, payroll for 9 or 10 staff members, collection and recording of tuition, close association with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, and preparation of financial reports for the vestry of the Church of the Transfiguration. The benefits for health and insurance are administrated by the diocese. Wage depends on qualifications and starts at $25,000 annually. Interested applicants should contact Senior Warden Melody James at [email protected]. A detailed list of responsibilities will be available to applicants. The church and preschool address is 1881 South First Avenue, Arcadia, California 91006. 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: $18,000. Weddings and funerals will provide additional compensation. A full job description is here. Send resume to the Rev. Susan Scranton via email at [email protected] or by postal mail at 555 E. Mountain View Avenue, Glendora 91741.

LOS ANGELES: Receptionist/Administrative Support, Diocese of Los Angeles (St. Paul's Commons). This position is unique and very important to the ministry of the diocese, being the first face and voice of communication representing the bishops and staff and the ministries that take place at St. Paul’s Commons. Duties and Responsibilities: Greet and welcome guests with grace and hospitality on the phone and in person; direct guests to their destinations; assist with bookings/calendared events at St. Paul’s Commons; invoicing; database management. A job description is here. Send applications to Canon Anilin Collado, Human Resources manager, at [email protected] or call 213.482.2040, ext. 250. Application deadline is May 31, 2023.

LOS ANGELES: Administrative Assistant, St. Philip's Episcopal Church. Part time (no more than 15 hours/week). On site as much as possible. Wage: $18/hour. Requires English and Spanish. Full job description here. Contact: Marc Nesbit, senior warden, at [email protected] or the Rev. Thomas Quijada-Discavage at [email protected].

OJAI: Music Director (keyboard and choral conducting skills), St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. This is a part-time, contracted position, and compensation is commensurate with experience. Individuals who have excellent musicianship, can work both independently and collaboratively, are creative, and demonstrate strong leadership skills are encouraged to apply. We have a small Bösendorfer grand piano in the sanctuary as well as a Rosales-Dickson Opus 10 pipe organ (two manuals, tracker action, 15 stops, 17 ranks) built in 1983 and installed in 1983. Responsibilities: report to the rector; select music for Sunday services and special liturgical services during Easter and Christmas; provide music on piano or organ or both and direct the choir at the 10 A.M. Sunday service and at special liturgical services; conduct weekly choir rehearsals; work with youth choir (when one is formed) for occasional special services; play for weddings and funerals, with first right of refusal; recruit additional paid/non-paid supplemental singers; attend staff meetings. Send application letter and resume to: Organist/Choir Director Search Committee, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 409 Topa Topa Drive, Ojai, CA 93023, or e-mail [email protected] or call 805.646.1885 or email E. J. Beukenkamp, search coordinator, at [email protected].

SAN GABRIEL: Three part-time music positions. Church of Our Saviour is hiring an Interim Children’s Choir Director for grades 2-5 (2-3 hours/week), an Alto Soloist/Section Leader (4 hours/week) and a Director of Music (almost half-time). To send a resumé, or for further information, contact Dr. Paul Kilian at [email protected].

SANTA ANA: Bookkeeper, Episcopal Church of the Messiah. The bookkeeper will be responsible for maintaining the day to day accounting functions, accruals, and financial statements. This position reports directly to the rector and works closely with the treasurer. The position is subject to an annual performance evaluation. This position is part-time at 15 hours per week, with the ability to have a customized work schedule approved during Messiah’s regular office hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Compensation will range from $18 to $20 per hour based on experience and skills. Benefits are not offered. A full job description is here. Send your résumé and a letter about yourself to the Rev. Abel E. Lopez, rector, [email protected]. Word or PDF documents only, please.

THOUSAND OAKS: Assistant Principal, St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School. Duties include helping with admissions, development, parent relations, student supervision, and program development. Candidate must have a college degree, a teaching credential, and a minimum of five years working in a school. Administrative experience is desirable. If interested, please send resume to [email protected].

TUSTIN: Sexton. St. Paul's Episcopal Church. 25 hours/week. The sexton serves to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and readiness of Church facilities to enable the work and ministry of the congregation and to create a pleasant atmosphere for members, guests, and staff. Job description here. Contact: [email protected].

OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE

PALM SPRINGS: Parish Administrator, St. Paul in the Desert Episcopal Church (Diocese of San Diego). The parish administrator serves as the central contact and hub for all church staff, parishioners, volunteers, visitors, vendors, and community partners. The parish administrator must be well-organized, able to work independently and collaboratively, and be flexible in responding to the changing needs of the parish. The parish administrator reports to the co-rectors and manages two other staff members: a sexton and assistant sexton. The parish administrator also works with the co-rectors in managing a team of office volunteers who will assist in the broad scope of this key role as the parish grows into a program-sized church. Hours: Full time, Monday - Friday (occasional weekends); depending on applicants the job may be split up into two part-time positions. A full job description is here.

DALLAS, TEXAS: Director of Children and Family Ministry, Saint Michael and All Angels Church. Full time. Full job description is here. All resumes and inquiries can be directed to [email protected] by August 4, 2023.

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— Janet Kawamoto, editor