May 14, 2023

‘Higher love’ transcends threats of violence against Pasadena’s All Saints Church

By Bob Williams

[The Episcopal News] Uplifted by interfaith solidarity and a sermon that sparked dancing in the aisles, the people of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena claimed “higher love” over homophobic threats to bomb the sanctuary and use a gun to “kill the pastor” in opposition to the parish’s LGBTQ-affirming ministries.

With local police and heightened security in place for May 7 Sunday services, the Rev. Mike Kinman, All Saints’ rector since 2016, preached “the gospel according to Steve Winwood,” highlighting the songwriter’s lyrics “bring me a higher love” and leading the congregation in dancing to Kygo and Whitney Houston’s recording of the pop hit.  

Video of Kinman’s sermon and the full service is here

Kinman also used his homily to address the “people who made the death threats ... I can only imagine you have deep wounds to lash out against us in this way ... Everyone has wounds, and those wounds cause anger. Please hear me; taking that anger and turning it into hate isn’t going to give you what you need. ... So, what is the way? Jesus says, I am the resurrection and the life… What Jesus offers is the higher love for which we long. 

"You can hate us, but we will not hate you.”

Bishop John Harvey Taylor joined the congregation for both 7:30 and 10 a.m. services and gathered with speakers on the parish lawn for an interfaith rally organized by CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) with support from the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders. Video of the full rally is here.

“I’m here on behalf of the whole Diocese of Los Angeles – all the saints gathered in solidarity with all the saints of All Saints – reflecting this morning on how two measly acts of hatred – a phone call and a bomb threat – have resulted in this outburst of love and solidarity,” Taylor said in an interview before the rally started.

“As all gather in support of the All Saints community, we’re standing up for inclusion across all barriers of identification and orientation, race and national origin,” Taylor said. “This is the heart of Christ here, and the darkness will never overcome the light. May all the angels protect the people of All Saints Church.”

Kinman thanked interfaith rally speakers and attendees, underscoring the resilience of LGBTQ people “created in God’s image,” and commended the All Saints wardens and staff for their responsiveness to the situation. To interfaith guests, he added, “Know that if you are ever in need, All Saints Church stands with you as well; we are one.”

Read more here.

New Episcopalians confirmed, received at May 6 cathedral service

Bishop John Harvey Taylor confirmed or received some 20 new Episcopalians from congregations around the Diocese of Los Angeles at a special service at St. John's Cathedral, Los Angeles, on May 6. Taylor was the preacher; the Very Rev. Anne Sawyer, interim dean and priest in charge of the cathedral, presided at the Eucharist; the Rev. Dominique Nicolette Piper was deacon.

The service was the second annual diocese-wide confirmation service, established to serve congregations that will not have an episcopal visitation this year. The third annual service is scheduled for the first weekend in May in 2024.

Participating congregations included: St. Luke's of the Mountains Episcopal Church/ San Lucas de las Montañas, La Crescenta; St. Luke's/San Lucas Episcopal Church, Long Beach; Blessed Sacrament, Placentia; Mutual Ministry of St. Andrew's Church, Torrance, and Christ Episcopal Church, Redondo Beach; St. George's Episcopal Church, Riverside; St. Michael's Ministry Center, Riverside; St. Simon's Episcopal Church/Iglesia Episcopal de San Simón, San Fernando; St. Paul's Church, Ventura; and the St. John's Cathedral parish. Photo: Bob Williams

Credit union annual meeting will focus on new services, developments

The Episcopal Community Federal Credit Union will hold its annual meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16 at St. Paul's Commons, 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026. All are invited to attend and hear about the new services and developments that the credit union is working on to make banking easier for its members. The meeting will last about 30 minutes. Refreshments will be served. Questions may be directed to Urla Gomes, credit union manager, at 213.482.2040, ext. 286.

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

St. Mark's in-the-Valley Church, Los Olives, invites all to the 2023 Santa Ynez Valley Summer Classic, to be held at the church on 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

Support from the Summer Classic enables significant and expanding community work, including: the Santa Ynez Valley Community Kitchen – a food hub for addressing food insecurity through teaching and training, food recovery, supporting microeconomic culinary projects, and charitable feeding on and off site; Open Doors, St. Mark's no-fee meeting space for more than 100 non-profit and community-based organizations annually, and its Welcome Center, open all day every day for local residents, workers, and visitors with clean, open restrooms, an available Wi-Fi network and other amenities;

St. Mark's Preschool; and the 41st Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series featuring world-class professional musicians to our community. Donations to this community service work may also be made here or by texting SERVESYV to 44321.

The Bishop's Blog

The Bishop's Blog is online here.

A magical evening at Church of Our Saviour, San Gabriel

May 6, 2023

The Rev. Jeffrey Stoller Thornberg genially presided over a magical evening today at the The Church of Our Saviour in San Gabriel. One may even briefly suspend one’s pessimism about the thriving of The Episcopal Church when the rector has to apologize for the parking lot being full on Saturday night.

Read more here.

The Rev. Jane Gould’s retirement from St. Luke’s, Long Beach

May 5, 2023

For the Rev. Jane Gould, retiring this Sunday after an abundant and eventful five and a half years as rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Long Beach, gospel justice has been a lifelong vocation. Growing up in Washington. D.C., she marched with her mother and three elder sisters against the war in Vietnam, participated in Dr. King’s Poor People’s Campaign in 1968, struggled against apartheid in South Africa, and campaigned for gender equity in The Episcopal Church.

Read more here.

People

Gerry Engnan consecrated as bishop of Philippine Independent Church

The Rev. Gerry Engnan, assisting priest at St. Mark's Church, Van Nuys since 1986, was consecrated as bishop of the Philippine Independent Church (Iglesia Filipina Independiente) for the west coast of the United States and Canada on April 30 at the National Cathedral of the Holy Child, Manila, Philippines. The installation and seating of the Bishop Engnan will be held this summer in the United States at a site and date to be determined.

Local parishioner to present workshop at Episcopal Church's "It's All About Love" event

Olufemi Gonsalves, a member of St. James in-the-City Church, Los Angeles, will present a workshop at It's All About Love: A Festival of the Jesus Movement 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.' 

"It's All About Love," to be held July 9 - 12 in Baltimore, Maryland, will include lectures, panel discussions, and workshops on Creation Care, Evangelism, and Racial Justice and Reconciliation, guided by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. (See listing below in "From the wider church" or click here for more information.)

Gonsalves is completing a Ph.D. in Public Theology with a concentration on the intersection of theology, mental health, and the arts. She is a vocalist, keyboardist, arranger, songwriter, scholar of Black fashion, and mental health advocate. A professor at Long Beach City College, she holds a bachelor of music degree from Berkeley College of Music and two master's degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Requiescat

Ruth-Alice I. Hailwood

July 18, 1921 – April 14, 2023

Ruth-Alice Hailwood, widow of the late Rev. Canon Edward E. Hailwood, died on April 14. She was 101. 

Survivors include Jack Hailwood and his wife Frances; Jennifer Kysor and her husband Steve; and Christine Helwick, along with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. No services are planned, but the family has created a virtual photo album; contact Jack Hailwood at [email protected] for information.

Ruth-Alice grew up in Pasadena, graduated with a bachelor of science degree from the University of Southern California in February 1944 and served as a regional office manager for the National Automobile Club in Pasadena for 41 years.

She married Edward Hailwood at the Church of the Angels in Pasadena in May 1980 while he was vicar at Trinity Episcopal Church, Orange. The couple moved to Alhambra in 1982 when Ed became chaplain at the Kensington (The Episcopal Home), where he served until 1988. In 1995, Ruth-Alice and Ed began commuting to Seal Beach when Ed was named as vicar of St. Theodore’s Church, where he served until he died in 2006. 

An obituary written by the Hailwood family is here. 

This week

Forum in support of formerly detained migrants slated for May 11

Sacred Resistance, the sanctuary task force of the Diocese of Los Angeles, and CLUE Justice (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) will present "Unbound: Immigrant Voices Post Detention," a forum in support of immigrants who were formerly detained in the Adelanto ICE Detention Center, on Thursday, May 11, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Paul the Apostle conference room at St. Paul's Commons, 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026. Migrants will speak about their experiences of detention and the work that still needs to be done for immigration reform. For reservations, contact Naomi Welikala at [email protected] or 323.454.4425, ext. 113.

Foro en apoyo a migrantes ex detenidos programado para el 11 de mayo

Sueltos: Voces Inmigrantes Despues De La Detencion, Jueves, 11 de Mayo, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Presentado por Sacred Resistance, el ministerio de justicia de inmigración de la Diócesis de Los Ángeles, y CLUE Justice (Clérigos y Laicos Unidos por la Justicia Económica) Sala de Conferencia "Paul the Apostle," St. Paul's Commons, 840 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026. Ven a escuchar las historias de migrantes que fueron detenidos y aprender lo que todavia tenemos que hacer para ayudar. Confirme la asistencia con Naomi Welikala, [email protected] o 323.454.4425, ext. 113.

El taller 'Manteniendo un Clero Saludable y Activo' es el 13 de mayo

[Grupo de Programa sobre el Ministerio Hispano] El Grupo de Programa de Ministerio Hispano creemos que una iglesia sana debe preocuparse por mantener miembros sanos física, mental, y espiritualmente; por lo tanto hemos creado una serie de conversaciones y talleres que tienen la intención de proveernos con las herramientas necesarias para desarrollar hábitos para mantenernos sanos.

Este Sábado 13 de Mayo te invitamos a participar en un taller en el que Brenda Salas, quiene es una entrenadora personal certificada, nos dará una serie de ejercicios que nos ayudarán a ejercitarnos en casa cuando menos por 5 minutos al día, lo cuál ayudará a nuestros cuerpos a mantenerse flexibles. Tendremos algunos regalos para los primero 10 participantes.

La sesión es totalmente gratis. Solamente te pedimos que traigas ropa y calzado cómodos y adecuados para hacer ejercicio. La sesión será bilingüe (Inglés/Español). Se llevará cabo en St. Paul's Commons en el 840 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles 90026. Te invitamos a llegar a las 9:30 am para registrarte. Informes y/o preguntas: [email protected]

Maintaining a Healthy and Active Clergy 'workshop is May 13

[Program Group on Hispanic Ministry] In the Hispanic Ministry Program Group we believe that a healthy church should be concerned with keeping members physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy; therefore we have created a series of conversations and workshops that are intended to provide us with the necessary tools to develop habits to stay healthy. 

This Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m. we invite you to participate in a workshop in which Brenda Salas, a certified personal trainer, will give us a series of exercises that will help us exercise at home for at least 5 minutes a day, which will help our bodies stay flexible. We will have gifts for the first 10 participants.

The workshop will be bilingual (English/Spanish) and will be held at St. Paul's Commons, 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026. The session is free. We only ask that you bring comfortable and appropriate clothing and shoes for exercise, and suggest that you arrive by 9:30 a.m. to register.

For information, email [email protected]

Palisades parish to host Neighborhood Youth Association’s 40th annual scholarship benefit; gala reception set for May 13

[The Episcopal News – April 26, 2023] All are welcome for the 40th Annual Scholarship Benefit supporting 100-percent college placement for students of the Neighborhood Youth Association, a diocesan institution since 1906.

“Building Bright Futures” is the theme for the May 13 event set to begin with a festive 5:15 p.m. reception preceding a 6 p.m. one-hour program in the Sprague Center on the campus of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Parish and School, Pacific Palisades.

Tickets are priced at $125 per person, with sponsorship opportunities available at $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 or above. Tickets may be purchased online here.

Benefit chairperson is NYA board of trustees vice president Sarah Newman, longtime St. Matthew’s lay leader and retired teacher in the parish school. To date this year, Newman and her team have raised more than $80,000 in direct scholarship aid to be presented in some 20 awards to deserving students.

Read more here.

Information meeting for 2024 West African pilgrimage planned

The Program Group on Global Partnership (PGGP) and IRIS, the refugee and migration ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles, will hold an online information and pre-discernment session on Tuesday, May 16 at 7 p.m. for those interested in a prospective pilgrimage to Senegal and the Republic of Guinea in February 2024.

The pilgrimage 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.

Those interested in attending the May 16 session are invited to become familiar with the Five Marks of Mission, a "common commitment to, and understanding of, God’s holistic and integral mission," adopted by the Anglican Communion in 1984. Those who have not participated in the Sacred Group dialogue might consider consulting this excerpt from the webpage. Other useful resources are here.

To attend the information session, contact Troy Elder, executive director of IRIS, at [email protected]. 

LGBTQ+ ministry invites all to annual garden party May 21

GLEAM, the LGBTQ+ ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles, invites the diocesan community to its annual garden party on Sunday, May 21, 2 – 5 p.m. at the episcopal residence in Pasadena. "Join us as we gather in community in the beautiful gardens at the home of our hosts Bishop John Harvey Taylor and Canon Kathy O'Connor, make new friends and raise funds to support LGBTQIA+ ministry in the diocese," says the Rev. Christopher Montella, rector of St. Stephen's Church, Santa Clarita, and chair of GLEAM. "This year we are excited to offer drag bingo, poetry stations with queer poets writing custom poetry, and more!" 

A suggested $30 donation may be made at the door. Donations of $40 include the first two rounds of bingo; donations of $50 will include all rounds of bingo.

For garden party reservations, email [email protected]. Address and parking details will be sent to registrants.

"This work is as critical as it ever has been," says Montella, "and we look forward to seeing you continue the work of proclaiming God’s inclusive love available to absolutely everyone!"

El ministerio LGBTQ+ invita a todos a la fiesta anual en el jardín el 21 de mayo

GLEAM, el ministerio LGBTQ+ de la Diócesis de Los Ángeles, invita a la comunidad diocesana a su garden party anual el domingo 21 de mayo de 2 a 5 p.m. en la residencia episcopal de Pasadena. "Únase a nosotros mientras nos reunimos en comunidad en los hermosos jardines de la casa de nuestros anfitriones, el obispo John Taylor y la canóniga Kathy O'Connor, haga nuevos amigos y recaude fondos para apoyar el ministerio LGBTQIA+ en la diócesis," dice el reverendo Christopher Montella, rector de la Iglesia de San Esteban, Santa Clarita, y presidente de GLEAM. "¡Este año nos complace ofrecer drag bingo, estaciones de poesía con poetas queer que escriben poesía personalizada y más!"

Hay una donación sugerida de $30 en la puerta. Las donaciones en la puerta de $40 incluyen las dos primeras rondas de Bingo. Las donaciones de entrada de $50 incluirán todas las rondas de bingo.

Para confirmar su asistencia a la fiesta en el jardín, envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected]. La dirección y los detalles del estacionamiento se enviarán al recibir su respuesta.

"Este trabajo es tan crítico como siempre ha sido," dice Montella, "y esperamos verlo para continuar el trabajo de proclamar el amor inclusivo de Dios para absolutamente todos y todas!"

By Your Side Vigil Companions offers new partnerships, training

[The Episcopal News – May 3, 2023] Since 2011, the mission of By Your Side Vigil Companions, a program of Episcopal Communities and Services, has been to support people in times of change and difficulty, particularly in health crisis, and to be at their bedside at the end of their lives as needed. 

"We have trained almost 500 people," says Susan Brown, executive director of By Your Side. "The pandemic brought all of us to an acute awareness of life’s fragility; what is most important is connection. It also gave us a renewed commitment to companion one another in even wider and more creative ways."

By Your Side has formed three new programs: an institutional partnership with Keck Medical Center of USC; a collaboration with the diocese's Instituto Liderazgo and its director, the Rev. Carlos Ruvalcaba to create A Su Lado, a Spanish-language By Your Side training; and an in-person By Your Side training – the first one since March 2020 – to be held at St. Luke the Physician Episcopal Church in Monrovia. 

Read more here. 

CFLC/Prism's online 'Exploring Chaplaincy' series slated for May

CFLC (Center for Lay Chaplaincy) and Prism, the diocese's restorative justice ministry, invite the diocesan community to a Zoom series titled "Exploring Chaplaincy," to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in May.

The series will explore the work of chaplains who bring spiritual care to many diverse and challenging contexts. Dates and topics are:

• May 10: Corporate Chaplaincy, with Alex Donovan, a certified lay chaplain pioneering a new form of chaplain presence at Optum Healthcare, focusing on support for medical professionals.

• May 17: Airport Chaplaincy, with Bishop D.D. Hayes, the Rev. Greg McBayer and Mushin Shasheed, chaplains at Dallas Fort Worth Airport.

• May 24: Port Chaplaincy, with Deacon Joey De Leon, interim executive director, and Julia Cooper, interim director of the Seattle Seafarers Center, which supports men and women working at sea.

• May 31: CFLC and Prism: Clergy and lay chaplaincy ministries in the Diocese of Los Angeles.

For information and to register, click here.

Trinity Church, Santa Barbara, invites all to 'An Afternoon with Sister Joan Chittister'

World-renowned spiritual and social leader, author, and Benedictine nun Sister Joan Chittister will speak at Trinity Church, Santa Barbara, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 20.

At the event, titled "An Afternoon with Sister Joan Chittister," she will draw on the themes in her book, The Time is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage. Pairing scriptural insights with stirring narratives of the truth-tellers who came before, Chittister will offer a compelling vision to combat complacency and to propel all of us toward creating a world of justice, freedom, peace, and empowerment.

Chittister has appeared on Oprah Winfrey's Super Soul Sunday program to discuss The Time is Now. She is a sought-after speaker and author of more than 60 books and hundreds of articles. Books will be sold at the event, with a book signing opportunity following the presentation.

This special event, Chittister's only upcoming West Coast appearance, is made possible through the Mark Asman Progressive Theology Fund and co-sponsored by the Walter H. Capps Center for the Study of Ethics, Religion, and Public Life at the University of California, Santa Barbara

Tickets at $30 are available online. Trinity Church is located at 1500 State Street, Tickets at $30 are available here. Trinity Church is located at 1500 State Street, Santa Barbara 93101. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. More about Trinity Church is here.

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].

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 soon. For now, please save the date.

From the wider church

King Charles III promises “to serve, not to be served” at multi-faith coronation

By Solange De Santis

[Episcopal Journal and Cafe – May 6, 2023] King Charles III stressed “community, faith and service” at his coronation ceremony May 6, welcoming representatives of many faiths to Westminster Abbey in London in a nod to a modern monarchy that presides over a multi-cultural United Kingdom.

Charles, 74, became sovereign upon the death on Sept. 8, 2022 of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was crowned in June 1953 and was the longest-reigning monarch. The queen consort, Camilla, 75, who married then-Prince Charles in 2005, was crowned queen as part of the coronation ceremony.

Some 2,000 guests attended the coronation, including heads of state and the U.S. first lady, Dr. Jill Biden. The day, which was chilly and rainy, also saw anti-monarchy protests at Trafalgar Square, with several arrests.

Read more here.

Parishioners heartbroken after vandals desecrate church in Northwest Texas

[Diocese of Northwest Texas, via Episcopal News Service – May 5, 2023]  Episcopalians in Amarillo, Texas, say they are heartbroken after vandals desecrated St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. A liturgy is planned to restore the worship space and consecrated objects to sacred use.

Sometime around 2 a.m. May 4, a person or persons entered St. Andrew’s through a window not covered by security cameras and immediately disabled the security system They deliberately targeted sacramental items for desecration, including the altar, the baptismal font and the processional cross. The font was the most damaged, with the carvings of saints being targeted. The tabernacle was opened and consecrated hosts scattered on the floor. Water used for the baptismal font was poured onto the floor.

The desecration was discovered by Parish Life Coordinator Marlone Givens later that morning. He called the police and then contacted the Rev. Jared Houze, rector. The police are investigating.

Read more here.

Registration open for churchwide ‘It’s 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.

Read more here.

Calendar

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 7 - 8 p.m.

A Resurrection 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 monthly candlelit service of music, meditation and prayer. Taizé services will be held in-person or online throughout the year. Online services are available here.

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 7 p.m.

Caravana LIVE @ The Harmony Room

St. Be (Eagle Rock)

2109 Chickasaw Avenue, Los Angeles 90041

Tickets here or at the door

Caravana is a five-piece Latin pop band that has recently released music on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music and many other music platforms. The band has performed at many great venues like the House of Blues, Disney’s California Adventure, LA County Fair and many other great venues. Caravana is well known for its high energy performances that have thrilled audiences everywhere they have performed. Caravana has recently released the following singles: Bolero, Listen for Love, You Know What and Maria Maria. Check out the Caravana Band channel on YouTube and Caravana on Facebook. Tickets: $15 (available online until 5 p.m. on May 12, or at the door). Light refreshments available, or bring your own.

SUNDAY, MAY 14, 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.

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 7:30 p.m.

Missa Mystica on Ascension Day

All Saints’ Episcopal Church

504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Information: 310.275.0123 or [email protected] or here

All Saints’ Choir Schola will perform Missa Papae Marcelli by G.P. da Palestrina; and Ascendit Deus by Peter Philips.

SATURDAY, MAY 20, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

It’s Complicated!: What’s Your Spiritual Story? 

Online retreat from Stillpoint. 

Information here

Register here

The late theologian and author Frederick Buechner wrote: “Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace." What is my spiritual story? What are some practical ways I might encounter sacred story in my own life? How can I deepen my practice of listening to another's story? This retreat will explore spirituality through the practice of story sharing. Facilitated by Stillpoint faculty Chris Ng, Rick Sforza, and Colleen Thomas. Come and be guided to a deeper awareness of the ways in which you relate with God, and a more skillful way of being in sacred relationship with yourself and others. This retreat will be held online and all sessions will be recorded for later viewing. Cost: $70; a limited number of scholarships are available. 

SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2 – 4 p.m.

An Afternoon with Sister Joan Chittister

Trinity Episcopal Church

1500 State Street, Santa Barbara

Information here

Tickets here

World-renowned spiritual and social leader, author, and Benedictine nun Sister Joan Chittister will draw on the themes in her book The Time is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage. Pairing scriptural insights with stirring narratives of the truth-tellers who came before us, Chittister offers a compelling vision to combat complacency and to propel all of us toward creating a world of justice, freedom, peace, and empowerment. Books will be sold at the event, with a book signing following the presentation. Tickets: $30 (available online).

SUNDAY, MAY 21, 4 p.m.

Evensong

St. Luke's Episcopal Church

122 South California Avenue, Monrovia 91016

Information here

The St. Luke's Choir, along with guest singers, will sing the beautiful, reflective service in a setting with an excellent pipe organ and exceptional acoustics.  The Rev. Neil Tadken, rector, will be officiant and cantor. Music selections will include Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by Richard Ayleward and the anthem "Joys Seven" by Stephen Cleobury. Sean O’Neal, director of music at St. Cross Episcopal Church, Hermosa Beach, will be guest organist. O’Neal, an organ builder, recently rebuilt "Lucille," St. Luke's pipe organ. A wine and cheese reception will follow the service. 

SUNDAY, MAY 21, 5 p.m.

Baroque Music of Mexico City Cathedral

All Saints’ Episcopal Church

504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Information: 310.275.0123 or [email protected] or here

Ruben Valenzuela, renowned leader of Bach Collegium San Diego, directs Tesserae Baroque in a program of popular pieces performed in Mexico City Cathedral during the Baroque period. The performance will include Victoria’s Missa ‘Ave regina coelorum’ -- a piece so popular in Mexico City that the partbooks had to be recopied -- in addition to works by Padilla and others. Tickets: $30 (seniors and SCEMS $25; students $10). Admission free with Music Guild donor season pass. 

SUNDAY, MAY 21, 6 p.m.

Classical Sundays at Six: Ciaramella Early Music 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.

THURSDAY, MAY 25, 7:30 p.m.

Candlelight Vigil: Remember Their Names

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

4400 Barranca Parkway, Irvine 92604

Information: Kathy Cartelli, [email protected]

On the 3rd anniversary of George Floyd’s death, join us for a candlelight vigil in memory of those who suffered a violent death due to the color of their skin, their faith, their gender identity, their cultural heritage or because of whom they chose to love. The service will include lighting of the candles, opening comments, reading of victims' names, closing with a song of hope.

SATURDAY, MAY 27, 4 p.m.

Memorial Day Weekend Organ Recital

St. Martin in-the-Fields Episcopal Church 

7136 Winnetka Avenue, Winnetka 91306

Information: 818.348.1419 or here 

Christian D. Stendel, St. Martin's organist, will perform music by Copland, Bach, Brahms, Barber, Elgar, Howells, William Lloyd Webber, and Widor. There is no charge, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

SUNDAY, MAY 28, 6 p.m.

Classical Sundays at Six: Finn Sagal, baritone & Wendy Caldwell, piano

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.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2 p.m.

Memorial service: Canon Jenny Ladefoged

St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church

3646 Coldwater Canyon Avenue, Studio City (Los Angeles) 91604

Information: Lise Friedman at [email protected]

The service will be followed by interment of her ashes in the memorial garden. "We'll finish in the Ministry Center with a celebration of her life featuring candy, marmalade, bread, cheese, and wine in a box," according to her daughter, Lise Friedman. Ladefoged died on March 13, 2021 in Nashville, where she had lived in retirement. An obituary is here.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 8 p.m.

Jouyssance Early Music Ensemble: 'Hidden Voices'

St. Bede's Episcopal Church

3590 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles (Mar Vista)

Information: 213.533.9922 or [email protected]

Tickets here

A program of Renaissance and early Baroque music – some recently discovered – by women and composers of color, including sumptuous motets by 16th century composer-theorist Vicente Lusitano, first composer of African heritage to be published, as well as music by Mexican composers Juan de Lienas, Juan García de Zéspedes and Antonio de Salazar. Of particular interest is a work with text, and possibly music, by Juana Inés de la Cruz, the 17th century writer who has been called “The Shakespeare of Mexico” and a “proto-feminist.” Filling out the program will be a selection of sacred and secular music by women who were cloistered Italian nuns, such as Raphaela Aleotti, her sister Vittoria Aleotti, Sulpitia Cesis, Isabella Leonarda and Chiara Margharita Cozzolani. Tickets: $25 ($20 Seniors/SCEMS members; $10 for students with current school ID.) As part of its educational outreach program, and funded in part by the Colburn Foundation, Jouyssance offers free admission to members of the American Choral Directors Association, as well as their students. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 4 p.m.

Jouyssance Early Music Ensemble: 'Hidden Voices'

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Avenue, Monrovia

Information: 213.533.9922 or [email protected]

Tickets here

A program of Renaissance and early Baroque music – some recently discovered – by women and composers of color, including sumptuous motets by 16th century composer-theorist Vicente Lusitano, first composer of African heritage to be published, as well as music by Mexican composers Juan de Lienas, Juan García de Zéspedes and Antonio de Salazar. Of particular interest is a work with text, and possibly music, by Juana Inés de la Cruz, the 17th century writer who has been called “The Shakespeare of Mexico” and a “proto-feminist.” Filling out the program will be a selection of sacred and secular music by women who were cloistered Italian nuns, such as Raphaela Aleotti, her sister Vittoria Aleotti, Sulpitia Cesis, Isabella Leonarda and Chiara Margharita Cozzolani. Tickets: $25 ($20 Seniors/SCEMS members; $10 for students with current school ID.) As part of its educational outreach program, and funded in part by the Colburn Foundation, Jouyssance offers free admission to members of the American Choral Directors Association, as well as their students.

SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 5 p.m.

Messiah's Round-up at the Ranch

Tustin Ranch Golf Club

12442 Tustin Ranch Road, Tustin 92782

Information: 714.543.9389

Join Church of the Messiah (Santa Ana) for some darn good grub and a festive auction. This event calls for your Sunday boots, your favorite cowboy or cowgirl hat, maybe a bandana and a fancy belt buckle. (You can leave your horse at home, but maybe we can find a hitching post for your Mustang.) Tickets: $70. 

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 LISTING

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.

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: 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].

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

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.

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