May 7, 2023

Above: Bishop John Harvey Taylor and Canon to the Ordinary Melissa McCarthy, center front, pose with priests, deacons and diocesan staff members at the 2023 Clergy Conference, held May 1 - 3 at the Mission Inn, Riverside. Below right: Author and lay formation minister Debie Thomas delivers a keynote address. Photos: Janet Kawamoto

Clergy Conference explores ‘lament, hope and communion’ on the way to Emmaus

By Janet Kawamoto

[The Episcopal News - May 3, 2023] Ministry has always been a challenge, and may be especially so in the current cultural moment, but clergy of the Diocese of Los Angeles found new energy during this year’s Clergy Conference, meeting May 1 – 3 at the Mission Inn in Riverside under the theme “Moving Forward as Beloved Community: Lament, Hope, and Communion.”

The conference opened on Monday evening with a reception featuring a welcome from Bishop John Harvey Taylor, in which he reminded the clergy that ministry in difficult times is nothing new. He pointed out that that chapter 2 of the book of Acts makes the early church in Jerusalem sound impossibly idyllic. “It's just such a wonderful and happy thing to read about. People were all together and in perfect agreement, praising God, performing miracles and wonders, owning everything in common. That's always a fun one,” he said, as the clergy laughed in response.

“I have never in my life known human beings to behave that way. Not now, not ever. … And in the first century, it was an anxious time and people were oppressed and living lives of scarcity, dealing with the impossible paradox, the resurrection, which we still grapple with. Do we really think people were acting that way? My friends, it's a press release, written half a century later."

Taylor also outlined three priorities for the year:

• Building affordable housing on 25% of church properties in the diocese;
• Collaborating; encouraging churches to share resources, possibly including clergy;
• Interrogating; “breaking down the barriers that impede the growth, the wholeness and the justice of Christ's own church by expressing gospel curiosity about our neighbors across all the barriers of distance and discord, being curious all the ways and accountable as need be, putting our privilege and our preference on the line. All for the glory of God, for the sake of God's people.”

Canon to the Ordinary Melissa McCarthy and the Rev. Canon Thomas Quijada-Discavage and the Rev. Norma Guerra of the Office of Formation & Transition Ministry, organized the conference around the story of the journey to Emmaus from the Gospel of Luke. The program was replete with worship, song, discussion and sharing, informed by insights from keynoter Debie Thomas, author of Into the Mess and Other Jesus Stories, a columnist and contributing editor for The Christian Century, and minister of Lifelong Formation at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Palo Alto, California.

Read more here.

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. 

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!"

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]. 

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.

The Bishop's Blog

The Bishop's Blog is online here.

Visiting St. Edmund’s Church, San Marino

May 1, 2023

“Take what we have, and go.” That’s the six-word sermon of the Rev. Jenifer Chatfield, rector of St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church in San Marino. St. Edmund’s is famous for the pastoral support its members offer one another. Under the leadership of Jenifer and a wise, engaged vestry, St. Edmund’s is committed to finding new ways to share its love with the neighborhood.

Read more here.

A new rector at St. Mary in Palms Church, Los Angeles

April 29, 2023

The Rev. Paul Anthony Daniels, the brilliant new rector of St Mary in Palms Episcopal Church, grew up at historic St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, his family’s parish, on his mother Julia’s side, for at least four generations. Established in 1868 as a worshiping community of St. Augustine’s University, its first members were enslaved people emancipated at the end of the Civil War. The roster of distinguished former rectors includes the Rt. Rev. Kimberly Lucas, bishop of Colorado, and the Rev. Dr. Michael Battle, formerly of the the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

Read more here.

Requiescant

Pamm Land

May 26, 1958 - February 23, 2023

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 6, for Pamm Land. A lay leader at Church of the Advent, member of the Program Group on Black Ministries and prominent member of The Episcopal Chorale Society, Land died of bladder cancer on Feb. 23 at age 64. An independent legal services professional, Land held a bachelor's degree in sociology from UC Santa Cruz and a law degree from Southwestern Law School. Survivors include her daughter, Quinci. The service will be held at Church of the Advent, 4976 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90016. A repast will follow. Requested attire: African garb, bright colors or white. For livestream information, visit "Pamm Land" on Facebook. 

This week

HFS invites all to 2023 Circle of Hope gala honoring longtime association with Sisters of Social Service

HFS, the adoption and foster care service and institution of the Diocese of Los Angeles, invites the diocesan community to its 2023 Circle of Hope gathering and fundraiser on Thursday, May 4, 6 – 8 p.m.

The event, to be held at the Oakmont Country Club, 3100 Country Club Drive, Glendale 91208, will honor HFS's 30-year association with the Sisters of Social Service, an organization founded in Hungary in May of 1923, known for their work in nursing, midwifery, and orphanage services. The Los Angeles organization was founded in 1926. 

In 1963, 14 years after HFS (originally Holy Family Services) was founded, the Sisters took over its administration and development and led the organization for the next 30 years. Sr. Bertille Prus, LCSW, became executive director of HFS in 1963 and served until her retirement in 1991. Sr. Mary Phyllis McCarthy, Ph.D., succeeded her as executive director, serving from 1991 to 1993. 

The May 4 Circle of Hope event will feature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, an opportunity drawing and live auction. Complimentary valet parking will be provided. Tickets are $75 each; sponsorship opportunities are also available. For additional information and reservations (requested by April 30), click here or contact HFS at 213.202.3900.

DOK's online Spring Assembly, 'Time for Mary/Martha,' coming May 6

Daughters of the King Los Angeles invites women of the diocese to its annual Spring Assembly, "Time for Mary/Martha," via Zoom on Saturday, May 6, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

"Whether you are most like Mary of Bethany, simply longing to be fed spiritually, or more like her sister Martha, eager to be up and serving others – or perhaps you're a blessed blending of the two – this Spring Assembly will have something for you," according to an invitation from DOK-LA's President Kimberly Cortner.

The program includes Morning Prayer and installation of the new diocesan DOK chaplain, who will lead an exploration of Celtic Spirituality; and a session (with breakout options) exploring various ministries sponsored by the Diocese of Los Angeles. The day will conclude with the chance to walk a labyrinth – even if just with a finger – in celebration of World Labyrinth Day. 

Participants who register by April 21 will receive by postal mail an assembly packet containing the printed program, St. Brigid’s cross materials, finger labyrinths, and "other goodies," according to Cortner. Those who register after April 21 will be able to download printed materials from the DOK-LA website.

Register here. For more information email [email protected].

Concert, discussion with The Gathering and Laós Chamber Music will honor Asian Heritage Month

The Gathering will join Laós Chamber Music for a special Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month event featuring a picnic concert and a discussion of music and Asian identity on Saturday, May 6 at Church of Our Saviour, San Gabriel.

The evening's event will begin at 5 p.m. with a reception and a discussion of “Artistry, Music, and AAPI Identity," in which Laós Chamber Music musicians will talk about how their identity as Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) intersects with their artistry and career. Dustin Seo, founder and artistic director of and member of The Gathering’s leadership team, will moderate the discussion.

At 7 p.m. Laós Chamber Music will present a concert titled "Sunset Glow," which will include works by Maurice Ravel and Heitor Villa-Lobos and new works by Asian American composers Nicky Sohn and Niall Taro Ferguson. The concert will feature acclaimed soloist Kelci Hahn, a Los Angeles-based soprano who has made solo appearances with the L.A. Philharmonic, and sings with the L.A. Master Chorale. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy this indoor-outdoor event at Our Saviour's Grace Chapel. There is no charge (though donations will be gratefully accepted.) Church of Our Saviour is located at 535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel 91775. Livestream of the panel discussion and concert will be available on YouTube.

In addition to its core season performances at Church of Our Saviour, Laós Chamber Music collaborates with other parish ministries, including programming at Jubilee Homes sober living center and Our Saviour Center in El Monte.

The Gathering: A Space for Asian Pacific American Spirituality is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles that provides opportunities for Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) to gather together to tell their stories, learn from one another, engage in initiatives for peace and social justice, and talk about spirituality in the APA context.

Pomona parish to mark World Labyrinth Day with health fair

St. Paul's Church, Pomona, invites the diocesan community to its World Labyrinth Day Health and Well-being Fair on Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The day's program will include two walks in the parish's outdoor labyrinth, led by Jennifer Redelle Carey, labyrinth trainer, as well as children's events such as finger labyrinths to trace, rocks to paint, and birdseed labyrinths to create. Inside the church the labyrinth mat will be open for additional meditation walking. A video created by Carey depicting labyrinths around the world also will be shown in the church. Attendees are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy the church's grounds and courtyard. Food and treats will be available for purchase.

The event also will feature St. Paul's first Health and Well-Being Fair of 2023. The 986 Pharmacy will conduct a vaccine clinic, offering inoculations for Covid-19, flu, and monkeypox. Pomona Valley Hospital will provide blood pressure screenings. The first five families to get Covid vaccines will receive a voucher from Pomona Food Bank; everyone who receives a vaccination will earn a $5 voucher for food and treats at the event. 

Funding is made available by generous grants from philanthropy to support L.A. County’s Covid-19 Equity work through a partnership with Southern California Grantmakers and the Center for Strategic Partnerships.

St. Paul's Church is located at 242 East Alvarado Street, Pomona 91767. For more information, visit the website or call 909.622.2015

Tour and lunch to celebrate 50th anniversary of Union Station center in Pasadena

All Saints Church, Pasadena, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Union Station Homeless Services on Wednesday, May 10 with a tour of the USHS Family Center in Pasadena, followed by a presentation and lunch with a Q&A session on the agency's work with CEO Anne Miskey and other key Union Station team members.

USHS, founded in the 1970s at All Saints Church and formalized as a secular nonprofit organization in 1984, helps families and individuals in the Pasadena area end homelessness and rebuild their lives. The 50-bed Family Center was opened in 2003 on Orange Grove Blvd as a safe, nurturing place for homeless parents and children to achieve self-sufficiency. USHS has since grown to be the lead agency for providing homeless services in the San Gabriel Valley. It owns and operate five facilities and supports dozens more. More about the 50th anniversary celebration is here.

For the May 10 event, participants will carpool from the All Saints Church parking lot at 11:30 a.m. The tour starts at noon, and we will return to the church parking lot by 2 p.m. Space is limited to 15 people, with a waiting list in case of cancellations. There is no charge. To participate, register here. For information, contact Amanda McCormick at [email protected]. All Saints is located at 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101.

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.

Books

Injustice and the Care of Souls:

Taking Oppression Seriously in Pastoral Care

Edited by Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook and Karen B. Montagno

Fortress Press | Second Edition | Paperback | $32

Available September 12, 2023

Pastoral care is often focused on individual problems, but much of what harms and impedes people stems from the larger social maladies at work in their lives. This unprecedented gathering of 27 essays by a diverse group of renowned writers and experienced caregivers discusses the realities of racism, sexism, heterosexism, ageism, ableism, and classism prevalent within the church and society. Injustice and the Care of Souls supplies pastoral caregivers with the knowledge and the skills needed to respond effectively and with compassion to oppressed and marginalized persons. Throughout, this wide-ranging volume helps pastors and students to reflect on the ways their own social

locations affect their ministries and to gain familiarity with resources available to support pastoral and spiritual caregiving in a variety of contexts.

The Rev. Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, a priest of the Diocese of Los Angeles, is professor of Anglican Studies and Religious Education at Bloy House (Episcopal School of Theology at Los Angeles). She holds six university degrees, including three master's degrees and two doctorates. Active as a teacher, scholar, and theological educator for almost 40 years, she is the author of 24 books, handbooks, training manuals, curricula, and numerous articles and reviews in academic journals and church publications.

The Rev. Karen B. Montagno is director of Congregational Resources and Training (CRT) for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. CRT equips and supports congregations, lay and ordained ministers in mission, formation and creating vital and viable congregations and communities of faith. Montagno, second vice president of the Union of Black Episcopalians, also serves as priest at St. Cyprian's Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts.

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 3: Military Chaplaincy, with Colonel Joanne Martingale, VA chaplain and CPE supervisor at David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base.

• 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

Iowa church’s ‘community fridge’ becomes ministry hub connecting neighbors with neighbors

By David Paulsen

[Episcopal News Service – May 3, 2023] Many Episcopal congregations run food pantries to collect and distribute food to hungry neighbors in need. The pantry at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Des Moines, Iowa, is actually a shed, and it functions a bit different from the typical feeding ministry.

For starters, the shed at St. Andrew’s is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, both for community members dropping off food and others looking to take home some of the donated items. More notably, the small structure that sits next to the church is equipped with a refrigerator, so visitors can receive perishable items like milk, eggs and produce, as well as nonperishable canned and dry goods.

Its official name is the North Des Moines Community Fridge, part of a network of about 45 similar locations around Iowa’s capital region. Since September 2021, when St. Andrew’s first provided the space for the shed and its refrigerator, the congregation has partnered with local organizations to interact with and support its surrounding community.

Read more here.

Episcopal delegates to UN Indigenous forum focused on ‘Doctrine of Discovery’ following Vatican’s repudiation

By Melodie Woerman

[Episcopal News Service – May 1, 2023] The March 30 statement by Pope Francis repudiating the “Doctrine of Discovery” had a major impact on the three people who represented The Episcopal Church at the 22nd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues that met April 17-28 in New York.

The Roman Catholic Church was the last major Christian denomination to repudiate the doctrine, making the pope’s statement “a significant advancement,” said the Rev. Brad Hauff, the Episcopal Church’s missioner for Indigenous ministries and a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe.

Previously, addressing the doctrine’s negative impacts was harder when “over 50% of the world’s Christians were not on board with it,” he said.

The Episcopal Church led the way as the first Christian body to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery through an act of General Convention in 2009.

Read more here.

Episcopal churches to participate in World Labyrinth Day

By Shireen Korkzan

[Episcopal News Service – April 28, 2023] In many religions, prayer beads are used as a prayer guide and tool for mediation. But instead of using prayer beads, Katie Bull [of the Diocese of Los Angeles] prefers to walk in and out of labyrinths as a form of prayer, setting an intention before starting.

“In a labyrinth, you’re releasing what comes in as you’re walking; you’re trying to get that busy mind to go,” Bull told Episcopal News Service. “I center my prayer by giving time to God, to use me to be an instrument and a tool for your work.

“In a labyrinth, there’s one way in and one way out, and it’s a process to find yourself and connect to God,” she said.

Bull said she developed an interest in labyrinths while in college. Over time, her interest developed into a passion that led her to learn about the Labyrinth Society, a sponsor of World Labyrinth Day, which is held annually on the first Saturday in May. This year, the 15th annual World Labyrinth Day will be held on May 6. The Labyrinth Society is hosting the event in collaboration with other organizations, including Veriditas, which was founded by the Rev. Lauren Artress, an honorary canon at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, California.

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

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 8 p.m.

Coronation Concert

All Saints’ Episcopal Church

504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Information: 310.275.0123 or [email protected] or here

On the eve of the coronation of King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the program will include Coronation Anthems 1 & 3 ("Zadok the Priest" and "The King Shall Rejoice") and Organ Concerto Op. 7, No. 1 in B-flat by Georg Frederic Handel; and Magnificat, BWV 243, by Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach and Handel are considered the two greatest composers of the High Baroque, and indeed two of the greatest in the history of Western music. This program features uplifting and joyous music, characterized by both grand gestures and intimate expressive moments. Handel’s Coronation Anthems were originally written for the coronation of George II in 1727. Bach finished his Magnificat in D in 1733, and it is a true jewel among his large sacred choral works. Tickets: $25 adults / $15 students & seniors. Admission free with Music Guild donor season pass.

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 7 p.m.

Laós Chamber Music: 'Sunset Glow'

Church of Our Saviour

535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel 91775

You are invited to pack a picnic dinner and bring your family and friends for an evening of chamber music under the San Gabriel sunset in Our Saviour's indoor/outdoor Grace Chapel. The concert will feature young composers Nicky Sohn and Niall Ferguson, and soprano soloist Kelci Hahn, who sings with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and has appeared as a soloist with the LA Philharmonic. Come at 5 p.m. to enjoy a reception with refreshments, and a pre-concert discussion presented by The Gathering: A Space for Asian Pacific American Spirituality, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. The Laós Chamber Music musicians will discuss how their identity as an AAPI intersects with their artistry and career, in a panel moderated by Dustin Seo, founder and artistic director of Laós Chamber Music and member of The Gathering’s leadership team.

SUNDAY, MAY 7, 6 p.m.

Classical Sundays at Six: Colburn Chamber Ensembles

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information: 213.388.3015 or here

Featuring Honors Ensembles from the Colburn School. Free. Livestream and on demand at GreatMusicLA.org.

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.

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

Featuring the choir of St. Luke's and guests. A 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.

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 THIS WEEK

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.

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 BARBARA: Office Manager, Christ The King Episcopal Church. This is a permanent part-time position, $25/hour with flexible hours. The office manager will create and maintain a pleasant work environment, ensuring high levels of organizational effectiveness, communication and safety. If you're a passionate self-starter and love helping people, CTK is a great place to work. Apply today! More information is here. 

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].

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