The

Episcopal News Update

A weekly newsletter serving the Diocese of Los Angeles

May 21, 2023

Chairman of the board Dan Valdez, seated next to vice-chair Jennifer Miramontes and board member Nadia Casildo, conducts the annual meeting of the Episcopal Community Federal Credit Union on May 16 at St. Paul's Commons. Photo: Janet Kawamoto

Future Focused: Technology integration at your Episcopal Credit Union

Diocese's financial institution marks beginning of 30th year with extensive new services

By Jennifer Miramontes

One of the biggest challenges faced by small credit unions is the rapid advancement of technology in the banking industry. Many of those who would be best served by our services, as well as those who are most well-equipped to provide stable accounts, have grown up with a device in their hand. If it can’t be done on a phone, it can’t be done. For a small credit union, investing in technology overhauls is daunting. The investment isn’t just an expense that’s not in the budget (just as with our churches, it never is); it’s a new way of thinking, a new way of serving, a new way of believing in doing mission.

Founded in the wake of the 1992 civil unrest, the Episcopal Community Federal Credit Union (Episcopal Credit) received its federal charter in 1994 with the support of many volunteers from parishes around the diocese as well as seed funding from what we now know as Episcopal Relief & Development. As a faith-based credit union, headquartered at St. Paul’s Commons, we serve a low- and moderate-income community that believes in the principle of service to others and responsible investing in the community. This philosophy follows the credit union principle where members pool their savings to make loans to one another and are shareholders of the institution where they save, borrow, and obtain financial services.

As Bishop of Los Angeles John Harvey Taylor notes, “Our credit union began and persists as a ministry of economic justice, enabling individuals and institutions to lay hands on some vital capital to leverage a better future when other lenders pass them by.”

Currently, our credit union provides an abundance of services, including:

Low-cost financial services for members opening their first account or who need financial counseling, in a supportive, compassionate, bilingual environment with fee-free, direct-deposit checking accounts and co-op debit cards;
Support for local entrepreneurs in the form of small business loans and loans to churches to assist with much-needed repairs or revenue generating revitalization;
As an extension of its focus on social justice ministries, the credit union enables members with well-established banking records to help support others in the community as they build a more financially sustainable future
Support for clergy in establishing credit and providing savings and checking accounts and debit cards.

Read more here.

‘Housing czar’ will help congregations build affordable dwellings, bishop tells Diocesan Council at May 11 meeting

By Janet Kawamoto

[The Episcopal News – May 17, 2023] The Diocese of Los Angeles will soon have a “housing czar” who will assist congregations that want to join the diocese’s initiative to build affordable housing on 25% of its properties, Bishop John Harvey Taylor told the May 11 meeting of Diocesan Council.

Taylor announced the new position, which will be funded by Episcopal Communities and Services, an institution of the diocese, during his report near the end of the regularly scheduled meeting, which was conducted via Zoom.

Other matters discussed during the meeting included progress on the housing initiative; pleas for churches to complete their parochial reports as soon as possible; and news that a larger-than-expected assessment from The Episcopal Church will strain the diocese’s resources but will be possible to pay with cooperation from its congregations.

Taylor also renewed his longstanding request for congregations to provide their mailing lists to The Episcopal News. “If for whatever reason, a church sends us an address of somebody who doesn't want to be on the list, it's easy to unsubscribe. But once they start reading it, they're not going to want to miss it because it's full of all kinds of good reporting about our mission and ministry,” he said. Canon for Common Life Bob Williams later confirmed that several congregations have recently provided their lists, which may be sent in any format to editor@ladiocese.org.

Treasurer’s report

Canon Andy Tomat, diocesan treasurer, told the council that thanks to timely payments by most congregations, first quarter Mission Share Fund income is in line with the budget and expenses generally are at or below budgeted levels. He also said that income handled by the Corporation of the Diocese (COTD) has increased by about $100,000 over what was expected this year due to rent from new tenants at St. Paul’s Commons and successful fundraising for the One Body & One Spirit annual appeal, which funds grants to churches and institutions for needs not covered in their budgets. In addition, grant-funded programs are now reimbursing the diocese for administrative costs, a key part of the 2023 budget.

Read more here.

Bloy House commencement celebrates new graduates

Bloy House honored graduates Joshua Wong, Karen James, Jonathan Timothy Stoner and Miriam Helene Edwards at its annual commencement Eucharist on May 13. Bishop John Harvey Taylor preached and celebrated; the Very Rev. Canon Gary Hall, president, and Linda Tobin Allport, dean, presented diplomas and awards.

At its meeting after the commencement Bloy House's board elected Canon Steve Nishibayashi (pictured at right with Taylor and Hall) a trustee emeritus as he retired after 18 years as its vice president.

Bloy House, founded in 1958 for working people who felt a call to ministry but were unable to attend a full-time seminary, now provides training for lay leaders, continuing education for clergy, and theological education for men and women called to the vocational diaconate. Formally known as the Episcopal Theological School at Los Angeles, Bloy House is named for the Rt. Rev. Francis Eric Bloy, third bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles. To learn more about the seminary and its programs, click here.

Photos: John Taylor

NYA scholarship benefit raises $121,000 to assist college-bound students

Marking 75 years of helping students and families break cycles of poverty on L.A.’s Westside, Neighborhood Youth Association awarded $86,400 in direct scholarships and raised an additional $34,600 in program support May 13 during the agency’s 40th annual benefit.

Some 100 attendees gathered for the festivities in Sprague Center at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Pacific Palisades where Bishop John Harvey Taylor, chair of NYA’s board of trustees opened the evening with greetings and an invocation. NYA board vice-chair Sarah Newman, longtime St. Matthew’s parishioner and benefit chair for the past five years, joined in welcoming students, families, and donors. Key supporters from St. Bede’s Church in Mar Vista and St. Augustine by-the-Sea, Santa Monica, also were on hand.

Newman and NYA site director Sonia R. Hernandez (pictured below) shared in recognizing afterschool program staff members for dedicated instruction that is helping students close learning gaps created by the pandemic. Among NYA’s current enrollment of 65 students in grades 1-12, five are graduating seniors (pictured at top), all university-bound in keeping with NYA’s mission of 100% college placement of participating youth leaders.

While its program is fully non-sectarian, NYA dates from 1906 beginnings downtown as an affiliated institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Diocesan Canon for Common Life Bob Williams, president/CEO of NYA’s board of trustees, said the agency is gearing up for a full summer of activities including its annual week in Yosemite. Learn more about NYA here.

Photos: Penny Jennings

St. Francis' Church, Palos Verdes, to host annual antiques show and sale

St. Francis' Church will host the 52nd annual Palos Verdes Antiques Show and Sale on Thursday and Friday, June 1 - 2, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The popular three-day event features top dealers from Northern and Southern California and Arizona who will display and sell a dazzling array of 18th, 19th and early 20th-century furniture, silver, prints, jewelry, china, pottery, rugs, Asian antiques, vintage Americana and more. In addition, the show will feature the Harvest Cupboard with tasty homemade offerings and Garden Gazebo with plants and ornaments, plus patio luncheons and English afternoon tea. Comedian Lynn Chichi will perform “Chichi’s Table Talk” on Friday at 3 p.m. during afternoon tea. Admission is $10 with return privileges and parking is free. Proceeds support the mission and outreach of St. Francis Church. For information, call 310.375.4617 or visit the website. The church is located at 2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates.

The Bishop's Blog

The Bishop's Blog is online here.

Visiting Iglesia Episcopal San Clemente de Roma, Huntington Park

May 15, 2023

His heart bursting with the love of Christ, the Rev. Santos Flores has presided over Iglesia Episcopal San Clemente de Roma in Huntington Park for nearly a quarter century. If there’s a gap in the liturgy as he’s setting the table or cleaning up, Padre Santos sings. If he doesn’t think folks have said “alleluia” with sufficient gusto at the dismissal, he improvises a bit of litany and exhorts them to more confident expressions of joy as they head out into he world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Read more here.

Neighborhood Youth Association awards benefit

May 13, 2023

Emily Hernandez, a senior at Culver City High School, chosen valedictorian by her five-member 2023 Neighborhood Youth Association cohort, said it’s not always easy for immigrant parents to get their kids into college. At my table at tonight’s 40th annual NYA awards benefit at the The Parish of St. Matthew – The Episcopal Church in Pacific Palisades, Emily’s parents sat beaming with pride. Emily and the other graduates — all first-generation high school seniors bound for four-year colleges in the fall — said NYA had been a vital second family, helping with study skills and college applications.

Read more here.

People

StJohnsCathedral_2010_byDouglasSSanto image

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.

Photo: Douglas S. Santo

This week

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 gleamlainfo@gmail.com. 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 gleamlainfo@gmail.com. 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!"

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, which began May 3, are exploring the work of chaplains who bring spiritual care to many diverse and challenging contexts. Remaining dates and topics are:

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.

Events & Announcements

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.

Caregiver-patient_hands_ByYourSide_web image

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 (five Wednesday evenings, beginning June 14); 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 (beginning in late May); 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 (five Saturday mornings, beginning May 27).

Read more 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 enieves@ladiocese.org.

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

As Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s term winds down, committee calls for nominees to succeed him

Criteria cited for new presiding bishop include leadership, faithfulness

By David Paulsen

[Episcopal News Service – May 15, 2023] The committee tasked with producing a slate of candidates for The Episcopal Church’s next presiding bishop issued a call for nominations on May 15 based on what it identified as the central challenges facing the church in the coming decade: the need to foster evangelism, discipleship and formation while responding to a changing world filled with environmental crises, violence, war, inequality and division.

The committee, established under Episcopal Church canons as the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop, emphasized in its introductory letter that the newly released profile for qualified candidates was developed with input from across the church. More than 6,000 people completed the committee’s survey, sharing their hopes and concerns about the future of the church and the world. The committee then interviewed dozens of church leaders, including current and past presiding bishops.

“This profile articulates from our perspective where we believe The Episcopal Church stands today and to where Christ now calls us,” the committee said, calling this a “decisive moment” for the church. “The church faces challenges and opportunities that are unlike anything we have encountered in recent times.”

For the next two months, anyone can use the committee’s nomination form to submit names of bishops for the committee to consider. The 20-member committee is chaired by Alaska Bishop Mark Lattime and Steven Nishibayashi, a lay leader in the Diocese of Los Angeles.

Read more here.

House of Bishops more diverse than ever with addition of women, people of color, LGBTQ+ bishops

By David Paulsen

[Episcopal News Service – May 16, 2023] The Episcopal Church has long been known as a predominantly white denomination, one that for most of its history ordained only men as bishops and priests. For the past eight years, however, since the church’s last presiding bishop election, the House of Bishops has undergone a rapid diversification.

Though still more than two-thirds white and male, the House of Bishops’ increasing diversity was evident last month when 30 Episcopal bishops gathered in Cleveland for the Diocese of Ohio’s consecration of the Rt. Rev. Anne Jolly as the church’s newest bishop. Ten of the bishops were women, in addition to Jolly herself and two female bishops-elect who attended. Ten Black bishops participated, along with two of South Asian descent. At least four bishops were immigrants.

Two LGBTQ+ bishops attended, as did the Rt. Rev. Nedi Rivera, the church’s first Latina bishop when she was consecrated in 2005. And photos from the consecration show a wide range of ages, from Southwest Florida Bishop Douglas Scharf at 43 to retired Ohio Suffragan Bishop Arthur Williams Jr. at 87.

Read more here.

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, 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 info@allsaintsbh.org 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

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 info@allsaintsbh.org 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, kathycartelli@gmail.com

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.

Conversations with LCAD President Steve Brittan

St. Mary's Episcopal Church

428 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach

Reservations: parishoffice@stmaryslb.org or 949.494.3542

Enjoy a free afternoon with the president of Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD), Steve Brittan. The afternoon will begin with wine, cheese, and fellowship. Conversations will be focused on art and spirituality, how art and creativity can address global issues, and more. All are welcome to attend. Please reserve your place; email the total number of guests to parishoffice@stmaryslb.org.

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.

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 8 p.m.

Chamber Orchestra and Choir Concert

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

1031 Bienveneda Avenue, Pacific Palisades

Information here or 310.573.7422.

The Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s and Choir of St. Matthew’s Church, under the direction of Dwayne S. Milburn, will present premieres of two commissioned works: Hymn To Life, a three-movement cantata by San Francisco-based composer David Conte; and Hermitage for Steel Drum and Orchestra by Dante De Silva, featuring steel drum virtuoso Tyler Hunt. Other selections include Sinfonietta, Op. 5 by Sergei Prokofiev and Flos campi, a tone poem by Ralph Vaughan Williams, with solo violist David Sage. A pre-concert presentation, “Liner Notes with Tom Neenan,” begins at 7:10 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Concert tickets: $35.

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 FriedLise@gmail.com

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 nicole@jouyssance.org

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 nicole@jouyssance.org

Tickets here

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 news@ladiocese.org.

Opportunities

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 info@our-center.org.

EMPLOYMENT

Listings may be sent to news@ladiocese.org. There is no charge.

NEW LISTING

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, M-F (occasional weekends); depending on applicants the job may be split up into two part-time positions. A full job description is here.

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 james.melody2012@gmail.com. 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 grace@graceglendora.org 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 acollado@ladiocese.org 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 bx94860@yahoo.com or the Rev. Thomas Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org.

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 OrangeUGladPK@gmail.com.

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, rector@messiah-santaana.org. 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 nwhitson@stpatricksdayschool.org.

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: administrator@stpauls.org.

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 martha.whitesides@ministryarchitects.com 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 editor@ladiocese.org. 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