March 12, 2023

Bishop Taylor baptizes daughter of Duke and Duchess of Sussex in private rite

Acting on behalf of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Bishop John Harvey Taylor of the Diocese of Los Angeles baptized Princess Lilibet Diana, 21-month-old daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, at a private rite at the couple's Montecito (Santa Barbara) home on March 3.

"Prince Harry and Meghan were gracious hosts to the congregation of family and friends who were present," Taylor told The Episcopal News. According to news reports, guests in attendance included Lilibet's brother, Archie, 3; her grandmother, Doria Ragland, and her godfather, filmmaker Tyler Perry. Reports from the BBC said that members of the royal family had been invited, but did not attend.

Although the family has said they will use the titles only on formal occasion, the official announcement of the baptism from Buckingham Palace for the first time styled the Sussexes' son and daughter as Prince and Princess. They are grandchildren of the reigning monarch, King Charles III of the United Kingdom. 

Photo: Alexi Lubomirski

Residents move into new affordable apartments at St. Michael’s, Riverside: More housing projects on church properties are in progress

Plans for housing at Anaheim, Garden Grove approved by diocesan boards

By Pat McCaughan

[The Episcopal News – March 8, 2023] Since Anthony Rothstein moved into St. Michael’s Apartments a few days ago he’s been busily helping other residents settle into one- and two-bedroom units at the affordable housing complex at St. Michael’s Episcopal Ministry Center in Riverside.

“It’s exciting. We’ve got a bunch of move-ins going on right now. I’m trying to schedule at least five a day and have everybody moved in by the end of the month,” said Rothstein in a recent telephone interview with The Episcopal News. As caretaker, he will live onsite and facilitate case management for residents of the 49-unit apartment complex. 

Construction began on the $17-million project in 2021 in cooperation with Community Development Partners to serve housing-insecure people in the Riverside community, where St. Michael’s has ministered since the mid-1950s.

“I am giving thanks for the incredible support for the St. Michael’s Apartments project and for the strong teamwork it took to make it happen,” the Rev. Canon Mary Crist told The News via text. “It took four years to design and secure approval for the plans and nearly two years to build it.

“We have made many friends along the way,” Crist said. “I know it hasn’t been easy for our neighbors to endure the disruptions caused by construction and I thank them for their patience. May God bless our efforts to bring safe permanent housing and support to 90 people who have been going without them for years.”

Bishop John Harvey Taylor has pledged to create similar opportunities throughout the Diocese of Los Angeles. “We have 128 churches, not just in your magnificent city but all over six counties in Southern and Central California,” he told Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during the Jan. 15 annual diocesan Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. “Homelessness is a regional crisis, and we’re committed to building affordable permanent supportive housing on 25 percent of our church campuses.” 

Read more here.

First-ever Discernment Information Gathering explores paths for ministry

By Pat McCaughan

[The Episcopal News – March 8, 2023] If you think discernment merely involves a call to ordination in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, think again, Cameron Johnson, co-chair of the Commission on Ministry, told the first-ever Discernment Information Gathering, or “DIG,” on March 4 at St. Paul’s Commons.

“Most of you here today are probably asking for God’s guidance in your life,” Johnson told about 80 attendees, including those in discernment, members of church committees aiding discerners, and clergy. “God, through the gospels, is calling all of us to ministry and not just ordained ministry.”

Organized by the COM, the DIG brought together Episcopalians from across the diocese for a day of fellowship, information, education and even practice discernment exercises for those considering calls to the varying orders of ministry: laity, professed religious, diaconate and priest, and for those communities and clergy supporting them. 

Participants could select from among such workshops in Spanish and English as bi-vocational ministry, chaplaincy, education pathways, opportunities for lay leaders, the ordination process, spiritual direction, and sponsoring-clergy responsibilities. Another workshop, about congregational discernment committee training, was led by Canon Jim White, who recently retired after 25 years’ service on the COM.

The Rev. Lyn Crow, a COM co-chair, recalled “the old days, [when] the way discernment happened is, somebody came to the diocese and the commission, and we said, ‘is this a priest or not – yes or no? The last number of years we’ve been shifting the focus of discernment and we’re proud of that, because we’re noticing that there’s more ministry going on than just in the priesthood.

“At the parish we’ll tell a person yes, you’re called. There’s no question that you’re called because we’re all called. The question is, what are you called to? Are you called to be a lay minister?”

Read more here.

Bloy House announces April, May formation classes for clergy and laity

Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School at Los Angeles, has announced several continuing education and formation classes for laity and clergy.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

21st Century Ministry in Multicultural Contexts: Enjoying our Colorful Tapestry

Bloy House (in person)

1300 E. Colorado Street, Glendale 91205

Register here

Facilitated by the Rev. Carlos Ruvalcaba and the Rev. Melissa Campbell-Langdell. Ministry, lay or ordained, in our diocese is a multicultural experience. How do we gain skills and insight, not only to understand others' languages and cultures, but to be open to transformative friendships? We will explore the invitation of seeing the "other" as our friend, and discuss the importance of cultivating connections with those who share different backgrounds to bridge cultural and religious divides. What we learn from these relationships—how to nurture, respect, and care for others—will help us make meaningful change in the world. Lunch will be provided. Class fee: $25

SATURDAYS, APRIL 29, MAY 6 and MAY 13, 9 – 11 a.m.

Deacons: Who, What, Why

Via Zoom. Register here

Facilitated by the Rev. Dennis Sheridan, deacon. Three two-hour sessions will offer a glimpse into the life and history of the diaconate. We’ll answer the questions: What does it mean to be a deacon today? How do I know that I am called? What are the steps for getting there? Participants will hear stories about deacons who act as the bridge between the church and the world and learn about the distinctive diaconal voice. Recommended for those discerning a call to ordained ministry. Class fee: $50.

Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 12

People

Gerry Engnan elected bishop of the Philippine Independent Church's western North America area

The Rev. Gerry Engnan, assistant priest at St. Mark's Church, Van Nuys since 1986, has been elected bishop of the Philippine Independent Church (Iglesia Filipina Independiente) for the west coast of the United States and Canada. 

Engnan was unanimously elected by the 39 members of the PIC's Supreme Council of Bishops at a special meeting February 13 - 17. PIC and The Episcopal Church have a full-communion concordat, and their priests may serve congregations of both denominations. 

Engnan will be consecrated at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 30 at the National Cathedral of the Holy Child, 1500 Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Philippines. The chief consecrator will be the Most Rev. Rhee Timbang, Obispo Maximo of the PIC/IFI. The preacher will be the Most Rev. Brent Alawas, prime bishop of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP). 

The installation and seating of the new bishop will be held this summer in the United States at a site and date to be determined. 

In addition to his work as a pastor at St. Mark's, Engnan is a church planter and ecumenist, and co-convener of the Episcopal Asiamerican Ministries' Filipino Convocation alongside the Rev. Brent Quines, Jr., also an Episcopal priest. Both conveners are also members of the council of advice to the Episcopal Church's Asiamerica missioner.

Jim Lee featured in podcast discussing 'Pedagogies of Woundedness'

The Rev. James Kyung-Jin Lee, Ph.D., Episcopal priest, professor of Asian American Studies and affiliated faculty in English at UC Irvine's School of Humanities, and author, most recently, of Pedagogies of Woundedness: Illness, Memoir, and the Ends of the Model Minority, is featured on Asian America: The Ken Fong Podcast in a discussion of the human problems of sickness, suffering, disability, and death, especially when seen through the filter of the Christian faith.

Lee, who is an assisting priest at Church of the Messiah, Santa Ana, holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania; master's degrees in Asian American Studies and English from UCLA; a doctorate in English from UCLA; and a master of divinity degree from Claremont School of Theology. 

Requiescat

Frank T. Griswold III, 25th presiding bishop, dies at 85

By ENS Staff

[Episcopal News Service – March 6, 2023] The Rt. Rev. Frank Tracy Griswold III, the 25th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, died on March 5 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Griswold, 85, was bishop of the Diocese of Chicago when he was elected at the 72nd General Convention in Philadelphia in July 1997 to succeed Presiding Bishop Edmund Browning. He officially took office on Jan. 10, 1998, as he was invested in the role at Washington National Cathedral. He served until Nov. 1, 2006, when he was succeeded by the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori.

“Please join me in prayer for Bishop Griswold’s family and for all of us who give thanks for a remarkable and faithful servant of God who served among us as the 25th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church. May the soul of Bishop Griswold, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercies of God, rest in peace and rise in glory,” Presiding Bishop Michael Curry said in a statement.

Griswold was the first of the church’s presiding bishops to serve a nine-year term after the 1994 meeting of convention had reduced the term from 12 years.

Read more here.

Related story:

Memorial tributes pour in for former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold [ENS – March 6, 2023]

Stephanie Lopez

d. March 2, 2023

Stephanie Lopez – an advancement staff member at Hillsides, a Pasadena-based children’s services agency – died March 2. She was 33 and had been under doctors’ care.

Funeral services have been set including visitation March 13, 6-9 p.m., at Hollywood Forever, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles; funeral Mass at 10 a.m. on March 14 at St. Matthias Church, Huntington Park, followed by burial at 12 noon at Resurrection Cemetery in Montebello.

“Stephanie was a sunny and positive person who was generous and always had a kind word and smile for everyone,” a notice to Hillsides staff members stated. “She has been an important and key part of the Hillsides Advancement Team for more than 10 years and has interfaced with our clients, staff, volunteers and donors routinely. She was well regarded, appreciated, and loved by all of us.

“The contributions she made to Hillsides” – founded in 1913 as an institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles – “and our clients in all these years are significant. She will be so missed.”

Founded in 1913 as an institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Hillsides maintains a close relationship with the diocese and its congregations.

The Bishop's Blog

The Bishop's Blog is online here.

Thoughts on MLK and music at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta

March 7, 2023

Thinking about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I’ve always wondered what it was like being in church with him on Sunday. Seeing him on the steps on the way to services or maybe when he dropped by a Sunday school class. This would’ve been when he was a co-pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta from 1960-68, serving with his father, the senior pastor. His world-changing work obviously kept him away a lot. But he said the church had always been his rock.

Read more here.

RIP: The Rt. Rev. Frank Griswold

March 5, 2023

In “The American President,” after a fictional POTUS gives a dazzling speech, an aide predicts that the press corps would be falling over themselves doublechecking how to spell erudite. I had the same kind of reaction after hearing the late Frank Griswold speak at a Virginia Theological Seminary dinner in 2018, during The Episcopal Church’s General Convention in Austin.

Read more here.

'Spiritual mosaic' of the African diaspora will be theme of Black ministries conference

The Western Region Union of Black Episcopalians and the Province VIII Black African Ministries Conference will present a conference titled "Envisioning a Spiritual Mosaic: The African Diaspora Ablaze in our Beloved Community" Thursday – Saturday, April 20 - 22 at the Church of the Epiphany, 2222 S. Price Road, Tempe, Arizona.

The Rev. Mary Tororeiy (pictured) of the Diocese of Los Angeles will be among the speakers. Others will include the Rev. Canon Anita Braden and the Rev. Canon C.K. "Chuck" Robertson, canon to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry for ministry beyond the Episcopal Church.

The event will be "a spirit-filled gathering celebrating the mosaic that is our Beloved Community," according to the event announcement. A reception will be held Thursday evening as well as a service on Saturday afternoon.

Registration fee is $50. For information and to register, click here.

February 2024 West African pilgrimage discernment group now forming

Members of the Diocese of Los Angeles community are invited to consider joining a group of prospective pilgrims to Senegal and the Republic of Guinea in February 2024.   

Sponsored by the Program Group on Global Partnership (PGGP) and IRIS, the diocese's refugee and migration ministry (www.iris-la.org), the group will spend the next year considering the history of forced migration from the West African “Slave Coast” through study and prayer.  

The Episcopal Church’s Sacred Ground dialogue series may inform the group’s preliminary work, which will take place mostly through virtual monthly meetings. The pilgrimage itself will engage participants in active ministry with diocesan mission partners in West Africa, including possibilities for teaching and post-pilgrimage partnership.

For more information and to be invited to an informational meeting, please contact Troy Elder, IRIS' executive director, at [email protected]. 

CPE for Lay Chaplaincy to begin spring training sessions

Training for lay chaplains will be offered beginning March 11 by the Center for Lay Chaplaincy (CFLC), a ministry of the diocese led by the Rev. Jana Milhon-Martin.

​During a 12-week, in-person training, CPE trainees use case studies, drawn from their own ministry sites, to deepen their self-awareness and interpersonal insight. Along with a small cohort of lay colleagues, trainees examine the meaning they make of their pastoral care and learn to respond to the spiritual needs of others – and develop and deepen their own self-awareness.

Lay CPE cohorts are forming now. Online information sessions are scheduled on the third Thursday of every month: the next meeting is March 16. To learn more and sign up, visit the CFLC website here and select "CPE for everyone."

SAVE THE DATE

2023 Episcopal Night at Dodger Stadium set

The Diocese of Los Angeles will once again descend on Echo Park for Episcopal Night at Dodger Stadium on Friday, Sept. 1 for a games against the Atlanta Braves, according to the Rev. Canon Greg Larkin (AKA "Canon Baseball"). Tickets may be ordered through each congregation's coordinator; more information will be available after Easter. For now, please save the date.

All are invited to inaugural Shepherd's Cup Golf Classic on April 24 at Industry Hills Golf Club

Tournament will benefit diocese's capital campaign

[The Episcopal News – February 1, 2023] The first-ever Shepherd's Cup Golf Classic and Dinner will be held on Monday, April 24 at the Industry Hills Golf Club and Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry, one of the most distinctive golf facilities on the West Coast and home to several professional golf tournaments.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Generation to Generation capital campaign supporting the mission and ministries of the Diocese of Los Angeles.

The golf tournament is open to foursomes and individuals; prizes will be awarded to the winners. Registration for a foursome is $800; for an individual, $225. Early-bird registration for a foursome is $800; for an individual, $225. (Prices will rise after March 1.) Registration includes green fees, use of putting greens and the driving range, golf bag drop-off service, a golf cart, golfer grab bag, and the evening reception and banquet. The tournament will begin at 11 a.m.

Read more here.

Registration is open for summer sessions at Camp Stevens

Camp Stevens, the diocese's facility in Julian, California, opened registration for its summer camp sessions on Feb. 1

The summer schedule is:

• Adventure Session 1: July 9 – July 14 
• Adventure Session 2: July 16 – July 21
• Adventure Session 3: July 23 – July 28
• Adventure Session 4: July 30 – August 4
• International Odyssey: August 6 – 12 

Teen Wilderness Trips will also be available:

• Sea Kayaking 1: July 10 – 14 
• On the Road: July 23 – 28
• Sea Kayaking 2: August 7 – 11

Camp Stevens uses tiered pricing, and encourages families that are able to pay at the top tier to help make camp available to as many children as possible. Camperships are available: application forms may be filled out after the camper is registered. To register, click here. Families registering for the first time will need to create an account; returning families will need to update their passwords.

From the wider church

Joint Budget Committee invites Episcopalians to weigh in on spending priorities in April 17 Zoom call

[The Episcopal Church – March 8, 2023] How is The Episcopal Church changing? How should its budget allocations change? What are your missional successes and challenges?

Episcopalians are invited to respond to these and other questions in a church-wide listening session on Zoom with the Joint Budget Committee of the Executive Council on Monday, April 17, 1 - 2:30 p.m. PT (4 - 5:30 p.m. ET). Responses will help guide the committee in its work to craft a 2025-2027 church budget. Learn more about the Joint Budget Committee and view its budget process timeline here.

Written responses may also be submitted online. To respond and register, click here.

Pennsylvania bishops lead interfaith call for gun reforms, pressing state lawmakers to act

By David Paulsen

[Episcopal News Service – March 7, 2023] Pennsylvania’s five Episcopal dioceses are at the forefront of a growing interfaith push for the Legislature to enact gun law reforms, most recently through a March 6 rally inside the Capitol in Harrisburg.

“As a faith leader, there is plenty to pray about. God have mercy,” Central Pennsylvania Bishop Audrey Scanlan said at the late afternoon rally. She cited data compiled by national Gun Violence Archive showing that more than 7,000 Americans—including over 4,000 by suicide — have died so far in 2023 from gun violence. Pennsylvania averages about 1,600 gun-related deaths a year, she added.

Such statistics should be “a call to all of us to action,” Scanlan said. She was backed by a crowd of about 50 other advocates, many holding signs with the slogan “With One Voice: End Gun Violence Now.”

Read more here.

Bexley Seabury launches competency-based theological education program to prepare leaders to minister in context

By Melodie Woerman

[Episcopal News Service – March 3, 2023] Bexley Seabury Seminary has launched a new program to provide students an alternative way to meet the requirements of a master of divinity degree.

Historic racism and classism have prevented some people from getting a theological education, and now institutions like Bexley Seabury can help change that, Northern Indiana Bishop Douglas Sparks, a member of the seminary’s board of directors, told Episcopal News Service.

“They can seek ways of addressing the dynamics that are part of our history,” he said, adding that this new program, as well as online courses in general, can help break down barriers.

Through what the seminary is calling its “Mentor Assessed Program,” students won’t be required to take a standard set of classes but instead will work with a team of mentors to demonstrate mastery in common core competencies, Scripture, Christian history, theology, liturgy and ethics. The program is supported by $300,000 in grants from Trinity Church Wall Street in New York.

Read more here.

Calendar

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 7 p.m.

Lenten Service of Lament, Hope and Call to Action for Black Lives

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church

1062 N. Fair Oaks Blvd., Pasadena 91103

Sponsored by the Program Group on Black Ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles and the H. Belfield Hannibal chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. The series of Lenten services will continue on March 15 at Christ the Good Shepherd Church, Los Angeles; on March 22 at Church of the Advent, Los Angeles; and on March 29 at St. Timothy's Church, Compton (see listings below). A video invitation from Bishop John Harvey Taylor is here.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 7 - 8 p.m.

A Lenten 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, invite all to this candlelit service of music, meditation and prayer. Taizé services will be held in-person or online throughout the year. Online services available here.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.

Music for Cello and Piano (with a Bit of Bassoon)

Trinity Episcopal Church

1500 State Street (at Micheltorena), Santa Barbara

Featuring John Walz, principal cellist of the L.A. Opera, and pianist Milos Velkovic in a program of Schumann and Dvorak, with a bit of bassoon from William Wood in between. Selections include: Schumann's Adagio & Allegro, op. 70; "Andante" from Mozart's Sonata for bassoon & cello; and Dvorak's Sonatine, op. 100 (arr. Walz) $10 suggested donation at the door or online at Trinity's donate page (select "Noon Concerts" from the drop-down menu.)

SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 3 p.m.

A Celebration of Bishop Barbara Harris

St. John's Cathedral

514 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles 90007

St. John's Cathedral invites the diocesan community to a special service celebrating the life and ministry of the Rt. Rev. Barbara Clementine Harris, late bishop suffragan of the Diocese of Massachusetts and first woman bishop in the Anglican Communion. The service is sponsored by the H. Belfield Hannibal chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) and the Program Group on Black Ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles. Bishop John Harvey Taylor will be the celebrant; the Rev. Canon Lynn Collins, first vice president of the church-wide UBE, will preach. A video invitation is here.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 4:15 p.m.

Solemn Evensong

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information: 213.388.3015 or here

Choir of St. James’, James Buonemani, director. Free. Livestream and on demand at GreatMusicLA.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 7 p.m.

Lenten Poems & Carols

Church of the Blessed Sacrament

1314 N. Angelina Drive, Placentia 92870

A Lessons & Carols format, alternating between readings, anthems, and congregational hymns, featuring T.S. Eliot’s Ash Wednesday and choral selections sung by the choirs of Blessed Sacrament and St. Andrew's Episcopal churches, Luminaria, Acacia Choir, and the California Children’s Chorus. Donations will be welcome to support Blessed Sacrament’s music ministry and California Children’s Chorus.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 7 p.m.

Lenten Service of Lament, Hope and Call to Action for Black Lives

Christ the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church

3303 West Vernon Avenue, Los Angeles

Sponsored by the Program Group on Black Ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles and the H. Belfield Hannibal chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. The series of Lenten services began on March 8 at St. Barnabas' Church, Pasadena, and will continue on March 22 at Church of the Advent, Los Angeles; and on March 29 at St. Timothy's Church, Compton (see listings below). A video invitation from Bishop John Harvey Taylor is here.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Taizé Service

All Saints’ Episcopal Church

504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Begun many years ago at the ecumenical French monastic community called Taizé,these services, with candlelight and singing of chants, are a wonderful way to refresh in the midst of a busy week.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 6 p.m.

Journey to the Thin Places: A Live Concert with Celtic Song and Poetry

Center for Spiritual Development

434 South Batavia Street, Orange 92868

Information/Registration: 714.744.3172, [email protected] or click here

Join Deirdre Ní Chinnéide on her return visit from Ireland and for her second performance at St. Joseph Center in Orange. Deirdre is a renowned Irish singer and composer of two acclaimed albums “Celtic Passage” and” I Will Sing for You.” She will be joined by musicians Dennis Doyle (harp), Paula Doyle (vocals and bodhran), Jannette Carothers (piano), and Sr. Ann Marie Steffen, CSJ (guitar). Appetizers will be served beginning at 6 p.m.; the concert will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets: $30 

SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1 p.m.

Laós Chamber Music: 'Palette' 

Church of Our Saviour

535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel 91775

An all-string quartet program, this concert will showcase new music by Grammy award winning composer, Caroline Shaw, music by Princeton composition professor Juri Seo, and masterpieces by Anton Webern and Franz Schubert, featuring a roster of young professional musicians based in Los Angeles. Celebrating its inaugural season, Laós Chamber Music is a new concert series led by Dustin Seo, founder and artistic director. In addition to its core season performances at Church of Our Saviour, Laós Chamber Music also collaborates with the other Church of Our Saviour ministries, including programming at Jubilee Homes sober living and Our Saviour Center in El Monte. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 4 p.m.

Women's Evensong Invitational

St. Luke's Episcopal Church

122 South California Avenue, Monrovia 91016

Sung by the women of St. Luke's Choir and invited guests. Directed by Kent B. Jones. (See item in "Events and Announcements" for more information.) A reception will follow the service.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 5 p.m.

Chamber Music Concert IV: Clavierübung III

All Saints’ Episcopal Church

504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Information: 310.275.0123 or [email protected] or here

All Saints' own Collin Boothby, in his first solo recital at the church, presents Clavierübung III, Johann Sebastian Bach’s monumental organ mass, bookended by the famous "St. Anne" Prelude and Fugue in E-flat. Some of Bach’s finest chorale preludes are included in the collection, which contains pairs for each tune, representing Luther’s large and small catechisms. Tickets: $20 (students & seniors $10). Admission free with Music Guild donor season pass.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 6 p.m.

International Laureates Organ Series: Jonathan Ryan

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information: 213.388.3015 or here

Free. Livestream and on demand at GreatMusicLA.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 7 p.m.

Lenten Service of Lament, Hope and Call to Action for Black Lives

Episcopal Church of the Advent

4976 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90016

Sponsored by the Program Group on Black Ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles and the H. Belfield Hannibal chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. The series of Lenten services began on March 8 at St. Barnabas' Church, Pasadena, continued on March 15 at Christ the Good Shepherd Church, Los Angeles, and will conclude on March 22 at Church of the Advent, Los Angeles; and on March 29 at St. Timothy's Church, Compton (see listing below). A video invitation from Bishop John Harvey Taylor is here.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 8 p.m.

Chamber Music Concert featuring Beethoven's 4th Piano Concerto

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church

1031 Bienveneda Avenue, Pacific Palisades

Information here or 310.573.7422

Ukrainian-born Pianist Inna Faliks joins the Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s under the direction of Dwayne S. Milburn. The program also will include Two Pieces for Small Orchestra by Frederick Delius and Molly on the Shore by Percy Grainger. Tickets: $35 or Music Guild Season Pass. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Deepening in the Mystic Call Towards Personal & Social Transformation with Teresa of Avila

Stillpoint: The Center for Christian Spirituality

Online: Register here

Led by Teresa Mateus. During this day of retreat we will explore the lessons and wisdoms found in the life of the Spanish mystic Teresa de Avila. She offers us much to reflect on based on her own life story, her moments of fracture and fragmentation, her deep relationship and visceral experience of God, and her return to the work she felt called to do in and for the world. Teresa Mateus, born in Bogota, Colombia and twice-named after Teresa of Avila, is a trauma therapist, contemplative practice facilitator, and educator/healer at the intersections of spirituality, activism, and healing. She is a Nusta Paqo (indigenous healer) in the Andean Mountains Q’ero Paqo lineage and co-director/co-founder of The Mystic Soul Project. She is also the author of three books: Mending Broken: A Personal Journey Through the Stages of Trauma & Recovery; Sacred Wounds:The Path to Healing from Spiritual Trauma; and Going Naked: The Camino de Santiago and Life as Pilgrimage. This retreat will be held online and recorded for later viewing. Cost: $70. Some scholarships are available.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Listening in Lent: Deepening Our Desire for God, with Deirdre Ní Chinnéide

Center for Spiritual Development

434 South Batavia Street, Orange 92868

Information/Registration: 714.744.3172, [email protected] or click here

During this daylong event, Chinnéide guides us on a journey of light through darkness, as we listen to the invitation home, to the presence and guidance of God in our everyday lives. This workshop offers an opportunity to gather with others, sharing the beauty and power of the Lenten Message through scripture, poetry, music, and prayer. Drawing from the well of Celtic Christian spirituality, we shall weave together an experience to inspire, nourish and prepare us for the Easter message of hope. Fee: $60 (includes lunch). The Center for Spiritual Development is a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 6 p.m.

Classical Sundays at Six: The Capitol Ensemble

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information: 213.388.3015 or here

Free. Livestream and on demand at GreatMusicLA.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 7 p.m.

Lenten Service of Lament, Hope and Call to Action for Black Lives

Episcopal Church of the Advent

4976 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90016

Sponsored by the Program Group on Black Ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles and the H. Belfield Hannibal chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. The series of Lenten services began on March 8 at St. Barnabas' Church, Pasadena, and continued on March 15 at Christ the Good Shepherd Church, Los Angeles, and on March 22 at Church of the Advent, Los Angeles. A video invitation from Bishop John Harvey Taylor is here.

SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 4 p.m.

A String Quartet Concert

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, invite all to this FREE String Quartet concert with selections from Claude Debussy and W.A. Mozart. Donations will be accepted for the Music Ministry. Please join us in-person in Torrance, or online, available here.

SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 6 p.m.

Classical Sundays at Six

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information: 213.388.3015 or here

Free. Livestream and on demand at GreatMusicLA.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 7 p.m.

Tenebrae: A Service of Darkness

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, invite all to walk with Christ through The Passion in this candlelit and musically inspired service. Donations will be accepted for the Music Ministry. Please join us in-person in Torrance, or online, available here.

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 7:30 p.m.

Missa Mystica on Maundy Thursday

All Saints’ Episcopal Church

504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Information: 310.275.0123 or [email protected] or here

All Saints’ Choir will perform G. P. Palestrina's Missa Brevis; Craig Phillips' "Peace is my last gift"; and Maurice Duruflé's Ubi caritas, Tantum ergo.

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

PILGRIMAGE AND TRAVEL

The Holy Land

April 12 - 22, 2023

Members of the Diocese of Los Angeles community are invited to join members of St. James’ in-the-City Episcopal Church for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in April 2023. We hope you will consider coming along on this exciting and soulful adventure. Walk the footsteps of Jesus during an 11-day pilgrimage to the Holy Lands and Jordan, with Pastor Jim Boline of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and the Rev. Dr. Kate Cress of St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church. Itinerary is here. Click here to register.

Turkey: Footsteps of Paul

April 14 - 29, 2023

Scheduled for the week after Easter, this tour will be led by the Rev. Canon George Woodward, vicar of St. Paul's Anglican Church, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and former rector of St. Edmund's Church, San Marino. The itinerary will follow the travels of St. Paul of Tarsus, with stops in Istanbul, Antioch, Tarsus, Cappadocia, Lystra, Konya, Antalya, Perge, Ephesus and Kusadasi. Canon Woodward lived in Turkey for two years and is personally familiar with all the tour destinations. The tour cost of $3365 per person (double occupancy) will include tour guide and manager, deluxe hotels, daily breakfast, some lunches and dinners, coach transportation and entrance tickets. (The main tour group will depart from Mexico City; pilgrims from other areas will fly directly to Istanbul.) Operated by St. Cecilia Tours. For detailed information and to register, click here. Photo: Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

EMPLOYMENT

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

NEW LISTING THIS WEEK:

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].

CONTINUING LISTINGS:

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: 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].

LOS ANGELES: Coordinator for Refugee Housing, Interfaith Refugee & Immigration Service (IRIS). Identify and secure safe, affordable, appropriately furnished housing that meets the Cooperative Agreement for refugee clients. Conduct home visits for safety evaluation and housing orientation with newly arrived refugee clients. This position manages home furnishing donations and coordinates donation drives and deliveries. This position reports to the Resettlement Supervisor. Position will be based out of the IRIS office located at 3621 Brunswick Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90039. The job also entails traveling to and from client appointments, airport pick-up, home visits and other community events, trainings and meetings. Full job description / application instructions here.

PASADENA: Director of Giving, Development and Economic Justice, All Saints Church. The director reports to the rector and will provide leadership, strategic direction, management and coordination of all fundraising and fund development efforts for All Saints Church. The director will stimulate and sustain an attitude of generosity throughout the institution and lead the community in articulating a theology of giving and faithful engagement with economic systems in our personal and corporate lives. Full job description here. Submit cover letter and resume to Samantha Kramer, [email protected].

SAN MARINO: Parish Administrator. St. Edmund's Episcopal Church is looking for a full-time parish administrator to manage our office and assist in the success of our various ministries and operations. The administrator likes people, is organized, is a collaborative team-player, but also able to work independently, is open to new ideas, a self-starter, professional, available and flexible and is able to multi-task.A full job description is here. 

SOUTH PASADENA: Parish Administrator. St. James’ Church is seeking a Parish Administrator. A full-time, exempt position, the parish administrator supports the overall work process of the church office, works with the priest-in-charge and parish accounting manager, and provides general supervision to the office volunteers and contractors. Prior experience as a church/parish administrator in one or more churches is preferred (experience in an Episcopal parish a plus). Social media (at a minimum, Facebook, Instagram, and Mailchimp) and database skills are important. Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. For more information, please contact the Rev. Michelle Baker-Wright at [email protected] or 626.799.9194.

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].

UPLAND: Music Director and Organist. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church seeks a part-time Music Director and Organist who can bring gifts, creativity, faithfulness, and joy to our community. The Music Director is central to our shared ministry and life together as a Parish. Sunday worship responsibilities include playing one hymn at the conclusion of our 8 a.m. service, rehearsing with singers and other musicians, and accompanying worship at our 10 a.m. service. Practices for our choir, handbells, and band have been held in the late afternoon and evening one or two days per week. We have a 2-manual tracker pipe organ, E.& G.G. Hook and Hastings, Boston, 1873, Opus 734. We also have an Eric Herz harpsichord, Kawai spinet piano, handbells and chimes. The salary range is $18,000 to $26,000 per year, depending upon experience and scope of responsibilities. Weddings and funerals will provide additional compensation. A full position description is here. Cover letter, resume, references, and links to musical performance recordings should be sent to our selection committee, in care of [email protected].

WESTCHESTER: Parish Administrator, Holy Nativity Episcopal Church. Part-time. Good communication skills, computer skills, and organization skills required. $20/hour at 15 hours per week (over 3-4 days per week. Contact: The Rev. Michael Foley, [email protected] or 310.670.4777.

Episcopal Church Center

LOCATION NEGOTIABLE / NEW YORK, NY: Editor/Reporter. Episcopal News Service is seeking a full time Editor/Reporter to join its team and help to embolden the church's primary source of news and ministry of storytelling. Full job description here. 

The Episcopal News Update is published on Wednesday afternoons. News items, job listings, calendar items, questions and comments may be sent to [email protected]. Weekly deadline is Tuesday at 12 p.m. Photos are welcome: please include them as email attachments (rather than embedded in a document). To subscribe, click here.

— Janet Kawamoto, editor