November 20, 2022

Diocesan Convention Report

Above: Canon Steve Nishibayashi, secretary of convention; Canon to the Ordinary Melissa McCarthy; and Bishop Diocesan John Harvey Taylor are seated on the dais for Diocesan Convention 2022 at the Riverside Convention Center. Below left: Mary Tororeiy preaches at the Nov. 12 morning Eucharist. Photos: Janet Kawamoto

Diocesan Convention hears of hope, challenges in the Holy City and at home

By Pat McCaughan

[The Episcopal News – November 16, 2022] Bishop John Harvey Taylor wove a vision of the Diocese of Los Angeles as a “new Jerusalem where no one is left out”, and where the Spirit “knows something new and exciting is happening” even in bitterly polarized and post-pandemic financially challenging times.

Evoking frequent laughter and hearty applause, Taylor on Nov. 11 welcomed about 1,000 online and in-person delegates, visitors, and exhibitors to the Riverside Convention Center for the 127th annual meeting of the diocese, themed “Back to the Holy City, the Hope of Christ in Our Time.” Guests included keynote speaker Jerusalem Archbishop Hosam Naoum, who addressed convention on Nov. 12 about sustaining hope in challenging times. (See related story here.)

“Jerusalem is a living invitation to healing and reconciliation,” said Taylor who visited there as recently as August of this year, his ninth trip to the Holy Land. “If Archbishop Hosam can keep hope alive amid injustice and poor political leadership, then we can, too. Each day, the Holy Spirit whispers our invitation to a New Jerusalem, despite our divisions and anxieties, despite whatever injustices and inanities may plague us – despite the plagues that plague us. Sometimes we just need a little faith – which is why it’s encouraging to see how much faith they have in Jerusalem despite the odds they face.”

Taylor announced that he and Canon Kathy O’Connor, to whom he is married, will lead a March 2023 pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The Los Angeles diocese has enjoyed a companion relationship with the Diocese of Jerusalem since 2005.

The Rev. Mary Tororeiy, preacher at the Nov. 12 morning Eucharist, described God’s companionship with God’s people, a relationship that enabled the people of God to imagine and envision themselves filled with hope amid challenges – not unlike present times.

“Like the hope that filled us during Covid, and we kept going and going and meeting and discovered we can do church at home, and through Zoom and Facebook, that we never gave up.”

Read more here.

Jerusalem’s Anglican archbishop invites all to share his diocese’s ministry of reconciliation in the Holy Land

By Pat McCaughan

[The Episcopal News – November 16, 2022] Jerusalem Archbishop Hosam Naoum delivered an invitation of hope, healing, reconciliation, determination, and hospitality on Nov. 12 to delegates attending the 127th annual meeting of the Diocese of Los Angeles in Riverside.

“We live in a part of the world where the work of reconciliation is very much needed. The ministry of reconciliation is very much at the heart of the not only Palestinian Christian theology, but the theology of Christians in the Middle East. As you know, my people have suffered rate over the past 75 years of displacement and occupation. We don't call it just and lasting peace for all people,” he told delegates.

“At the same time, we refuse to let hatred and bitterness well within our hearts. Yes, we often feel righteous anger when we see injustice happening, and we are not afraid to speak out against it. That is something as children of God we can do. But that is different than holding hatred in your heart.”

Seeking or extending forgiveness means “we are really at the heart of the Holy One. We are at the heart of God.”

Since 2005, the Diocese of Los Angeles has enjoyed a companion relationship with the Jerusalem diocese, which encompasses 28 congregations and 35 hospitals, schools and other institutions in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. It also has “more barbed wire than any other diocese in the world,” according to the Rev. Canon Donald Binder, Naoum’s chaplain, who introduced him.

Read more here.

Bishop Taylor honors four new canons, Program Group on Missions chair at convention dinner

By Janet Kawamoto

[The Episcopal News – November 16, 2022] During the Nov. 11 Diocesan Convention dinner, Bishop John Harvey Taylor named four people as canons of the Diocese of Los Angeles, and honored the Rev. Canon Kelli Grace Kurtz, who stepped down this year as head of the Program Group on Missions.

The title “canon” dates from medieval times. It denotes a key advisor to a bishop or a cathedral community. In more recent times the title has been given to both clergy and lay members who have made a significant contribution to the ministry of the church.

Taylor noted that in previous years honorees were named canons of the Cathedral Center of St. Paul. After the diocese's historic cathedra, or bishop's chair, was moved to St. John's Cathedral in Los Angeles, and the Echo Park facility was renamed "St. Paul's Commons," Taylor directed that future canons would be styled "canon of the diocese."

"So tonight," he said, "I have the privilege of naming the first four canons of the Diocese of Los Angeles in recent or even living memory."

The four new canons are: the Rev. Canon William (Bill) Lane Doulos; the Rev. Canon Juan Jiménez; the Rev. Canon Barbara Stewart; and Canon Sister Patricia Sarah Terry.

Read more here.

More about Diocesan Convention

Click on titles for full text

Elections at Diocesan Convention 2022 (The Episcopal News – November 11, 2022)

All are invited ‘back to the holy city’ for Diocesan Convention 2022: Archbishop Naoum of Jerusalem will be featured speaker

Diocesan Council recommends 2023 draft budget for approval at Nov. 11-12 convention [The Episcopal News – October 26, 2022]

Samantha Wylie, diocesan convention coordinator, is a Jedi Master of organization, colleagues say [The Episcopal News – October 26, 2022]

Watch video of Churches for Middle East Peace webinar providing context for Archbishop of Jerusalem’s keynote address to Diocesan Convention [The Episcopal News – October 12, 2022]

Convention website gets new look, new URL [The Episcopal News, September 13, 2022]

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to headline events in Diocese of L.A. during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend

Bishop's Dinner, diocese-wide liturgy will feature renowned preacher

The Most. Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, will speak at two events during the Jan. 14 - 15 Martin Luther King Jr. commemorations in the Diocese of Los Angeles.

Curry will be the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the 2023 Bishop’s Dinner set for Saturday, Jan. 14, at St. John’s Cathedral, Los Angeles, with proceeds benefitting diocesan ministries.

Curry, well known for his compelling preaching, also will preach at a diocese-wide liturgy set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15 at Christ the Good Shepherd Church, Los Angeles, to which all are invited. More information about the liturgy and day's events will be announced soon.

Early ticket orders for The Bishop's Dinner are recommended as two thirds of tables have been sold since reservations opened on Oct. 28. Tickets are priced at $225 each, and event partnership and sponsorship opportunities are available. Guest names may be emailed to Canon Kathy O’Connor, dinner coordinator, at [email protected].

An outdoor (tented) reception will precede dinner inside the cathedral. Complimentary valet parking will be available.

Calling the church to focus on the “Way of Love” as part of the “Jesus Movement,” Curry began his ministry as presiding bishop in 2015. More biographical information is here.

Coming holiday closures at diocesan offices

Diocesan offices at St. Paul's Commons and elsewhere will be closed for several coming holidays.

Thanksgiving

Diocesan staff will take the traditional two-day holiday for Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 - 25.

Christmas and New Year

Christmas and New Year's Day fall on Sundays this year; diocesan staff will have Dec. 23 and 26 off for Christmas Eve and Day, and Dec. 30 and Jan. 2 off for New Year's Eve and Day.

Episcopal News Update hiatus

The Update will be on hiatus for Thanksgiving week (no issue for Nov. 27). It will return for the weeks of Dec. 4, 11 and 18, then be on hiatus until the Jan. 8, 2023 issue (publication Jan. 4). Information about events taking place in late December or in January 2023 should be sent as soon as possible to [email protected] to be included in issues before the holiday break.

Volunteers, donations sought for Echo Park Thanksgiving Day dinner at St. Paul's Commons

Helping to brighten the holiday for neighbors in need, St. Paul's Commons invites volunteers and financial donors to share in serving 500 free Thanksgiving Day dinners in the Echo Park complex's Great Hall, continuing a 30-year tradition.

Volunteers may sign up online here using a portal created by Seeds of Hope, a diocesan ministry partnering with the congregations of St. Athanasius Episcopal Church and Nefesh Jewish Community, and diocesan staff in hosting the event. Donation checks may be made payable to St. Athanasius Episcopal Church and mailed to 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

Questions may be referred to Canon Luis Garibay, building superintendent and coordinator for the event, by phone at 213.482.2040 or email, [email protected].

Volunteer shifts are available on both Wednesday, Nov. 23, and Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, when dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a first-come-first-served basis. Thanksgiving Day one-hour shifts begin at 7 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m.

The traditional dinner complements the ongoing longtime ministry of the Friday Food Bank operated at St. Paul's Commons each week, assisted by Seeds of Hope and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

St. Paul's Commons, the administrative and ministry hub of the Episcopal Diocese, is located at 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles.

Above: Loading turkeys purchased for St. Paul’s Commons Echo Park Community Thanksgiving Dinner are, from left, Canon Luis Garibay (event coordinator), Margarita Galvez (diocesan staff member) and Dolores DeSantis (bishop’s committee member, St. Athanasius Church). Staff photo

Interfaith memorial service Dec. 21 will honor homeless

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles will host a Homeless Persons' Interreligious Memorial at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles. Approximately 63,000 people in Los Angeles are homeless, an increase of 13% from 2019, and one of the largest homeless populations in the country. Every year, more than 1,000 unhoused people die on the streets of Los Angeles. The service, held on the first day of winter, will acknowledge and honor their lives. Bishop John Harvey Taylor of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles is scheduled to participate. All are welcome. For more information and reservations, click here. A flyer is 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, Dec. 10.

At the event, titled "An Afternoon with Sister Joan Chittster," 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.

Tickets at $30 are available online. 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.

Good News Gardens Field Day at Camp Stevens will focus on food, faith and service

Camp Stevens will host Field Days: Food, Faith, Service – An Immersive Agrarian Ministry Experience, Dec. 7 – 8, hosted by Good News Gardens, a new initiative of The Episcopal Church.

The two-day Field Days event will offer participants opportunities "to connect with God, neighbor, earth, and self." Activities will include:

• Farm-to-table Eucharist
• Good News Gardens-themed workshops (information on topics and leaders coming soon)
• Participation in farm chores
• Restorative practices such as hiking or yoga
• Fellowship with other Good News Gardens, food justice, and agri-ministry-minded folks

Cost is $100 per participant; partial scholarships are available. Register here. (New users will need to create a profile to register.)

Field Days are made possible in part by a Constable Grant from The Episcopal Church, and with support from the departments of Evangelism and Creation Care.

Diocese of San Diego welcomes all to Dec. 10 Good News Festival with Michael Curry, William Barber

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and The Episcopal Church are preparing to throw a party titled The Good News Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9 with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of The Episcopal Church and the Rev. Dr. William Barber II, social justice leader and founder of the Poor People's Campaign.

The event will be held Dec. 10 at the Town and Country Resort hotel. It will begin with workshops inspired by a remark from Barber: ""There is no religious left and religious right. There is only a moral center. The scripture is very clear about where you have to be, to be in the moral center – you have to be on the side of the poor, the working, the sick, and the immigrant."

Workshops will be held starting at 11:30 a.m. and concluding at 4:10 p.m.; titles and the schedule are here.

A Holiday Marketplace will be held concurrently with the workshop sessions (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.).

The day will conclude with a rousing revival service featuring messages from Curry and Barber. Joining them will be The Voices of Our City choir, a street choir of homeless and formerly homeless members that performed on "America's Got Talent," where they were honored with the 'Golden Buzzer' for their performance.

Learn more about The Good News Festival offerings here. The Town and Country Resort is located at 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego.

From the wider church

University of Virginia Episcopal community mourns after campus shooting

By Egan Millard

[Episcopal News Service – November 14, 2022] The Episcopal campus ministry at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville is comforting shocked and grieving students after three of their classmates were killed, and two injured, in a shooting on the night of Sunday, Nov. 13.

St. Paul’s Memorial Church and the adjacent Canterbury House campus ministry building are about a five-minute walk from the parking garage where the shooting happened. The students were shot on a bus that was returning from a field trip to see a play, the university said; another student was arrested and charged with murder on the morning of Nov. 14.

“We’re in the thick of it right here,” the Rev. Mark Wastler, chaplain of The University Fellowship, told Episcopal News Service. “It was an execution.”

Students were locked down for about 12 hours while police searched for the suspect.

Read more here.

Massachusetts diocese creates reparations fund with $11.1 million goal

By Tracy J. Sukraw

[Diocese of Massachusetts – November 16, 2022] In a vote described as historic by many in attendance, the 237th annual convention of the Diocese of Massachusetts, meeting Oct. 28-29 in Danvers, approved the creation of an Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts Reparations Fund “as part of our effort to address our legacy of wealth accumulated through the enslaved labor of Africans and Afro-Caribbeans on our behalf and for our use today.”

The convention resolution calls for an initial pool of approximately $3 million to generate investment income for the new reparations fund. That pool is to be established in part with 15% of the diocese’s unrestricted agency and Diocesan Council-designated endowment funds. The resolution calls for additional commitments of 15% of the annual draw from unrestricted trusts and bishop-directed funds, as well as 3 percent of income from parochial assessments until the reparations fund exceeds $11.1 million. The resolution also urges contributions from congregations, organizations and individuals.

Read more here.

Priest charged with wire fraud, money laundering while running foster care nonprofit in Kansas

By David Paulsen

[Episcopal News Service – November 14, 2022] An Episcopal priest who previously served as head of a nonprofit foster care agency in Kansas has been suspended from his priestly duties as he faces allegations that he conspired with an internet contractor to defraud the organization of at least $4.7 million.

The Rev. Robert Smith was charged by a federal grand jury with 16 counts of conspiracy and wire fraud and one count of money laundering, according to an indictment filed Nov. 9 in the U.S. District Court in Topeka. He and his co-defendant, William Whymark, are accused of a scheme of overpayments to Whymark for web development work at Saint Francis Ministries, based in Salina, a small city in central Kansas about 90 miles north of Wichita.

Smith served as chief executive officer at Saint Francis Ministries from 2014 until November 2020, when he was forced by its board to resign under suspicion of financial mismanagement. Details of the alleged fraud scheme, which dates back to 2018, have only now been made public after a two-year federal investigation. Investigators accuse Smith of receiving a “kickback” of $50,000 from Whymark for illegally approving invoices for the overpayments. Smith also allegedly misused an organization credit card for “cash withdrawals, clothing and jewelry purchases and expenses associated with travel for Smith and his family members,” according to the indictment.

Read more here.

Calendar

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 7 – 8 p.m.

Taizé Prayer Service

Sacred Heart Chapel

480 S. Batavia Street, Orange 92868-3907

Information: 714.744.3172 or [email protected]

Offered in prayerful collaboration between Stillpoint (a diocesan institution) and the Center for Spiritual Development (Sisters of St. Joseph, Orange). Slow down and unplug at this hour-long service designed in the style that began in Taizé, Saône-et-Loire, Burgundy, France. This service includes prayer, simple beautiful music, a time for silence and sacred readings. Chants are sung many times over as a prayer of the heart. All faith traditions are welcome. Third Sunday of each month. Covid requirements: proof of vaccination (including booster) and masks.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 5 p.m.

Tesserae Baroque: Bach Reconstructed/Deconstructed

All Saints’ Episcopal Church

504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Information here or 310.275.0123, ext. 112

Tesserae Baroque presents a unique performance of works by Bach that have only survived in “secondary” versions, with the original versions being lost. In an attempt to recreate the sound of the original version, Tesserae will use modern reconstructions (including our own). Works performed will include the “Seventh” Brandenburg Concerto, based on the G-Minor gamba sonata; a Trio Sonata for Recorder and Violin, based on the A-Major Flute Sonata; and two of the Six Organ Sonatas performed as instrumental trios. Tickets: $30 ($25 seniors and SCEMS, $10 students). Admission free with Music Guild donor season pass.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 5 - 7 p.m.

Escuela para Ministerios en Español (continuing)

All Saints Church

132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena

Information and Zoom link: Alfredo Feregrino, 626.583.2713 or [email protected]

All Saints Church offers Escuela para Ministerios en Español in partnership with the Diocese of Oregon. The program, taught entirely in Spanish, consists of four modules of formation that will be taught throughout the liturgical year – and you can join at any time during any module. This program is offered for anyone interested in learning and engaging in an immersive Spanish Theological experience. Classes are in-person (and also available on Zoom) every other week at All Saints Church on Saturdays, 5:00-7:00 p.m. The subjects to be offered in the four modules are Theology and Spirituality, Theological Reflection, Sacraments and Liturgy, Sacred Scriptures: Hebrew Bible and New Testament, and Church History and Anglican-Episcopal Tradition. The Fourth Module’s fourth class on Church History and Anglican-Episcopal Tradition will be held on Nov. 19. See the syllabus here. All are welcome.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 7 p.m.

Laós Chamber Music: Inertia and Entropy

Church of Our Saviour

535 West Roses Road, San Gabriel 91775

Information: 626.282.5147 or here

Featuring a 10-piece baroque ensemble work by Heinrich Biber, works inspired by folk tunes and alternative pop by Gabriella Smith and Marcos Balter, and finally Felix Mendelssohn’s monumental String Octet. Performers include Xenia Deviakina-Loh, Ela Kozdas, Haesol Lee, Aiko Richter, Mizuki Tagaki, Chandler Yu, violin; Ben Bartelt, Zach Dellinger, Sunwoo Lee, viola; Niall Taro Ferguson, Dustin Seo, cello; Eric Shetzen, bass; and Irene Kim, harpsichord. Conductor is Alex Dale. Free and open to the public.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 5 p.m.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

All Saints Church

132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena

Information: Debbie Daniels, 626.583.2750 or [email protected]

On and around this day across the world, people gather in solidarity to mourn those who have been victims of anti-trans violence, and to ensure that their lives, and deaths, are not forgotten. It allows us to call attention to the continued violence and discrimination persons of trans experience face every day, and serve as a reminder that the community of people of trans experience and their allies are resilient. Following the service we will have a private dinner and discussion for transgender people. At the same time, all allies are invited for a group discussion.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 6 p.m.

Classical Sundays at Six: Maxine Thevenot, organ

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information: 213.388.3015 or here

International Laureates Organ Series. Free. Live-stream and on demand at GreatMusicLA.org.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 6 p.m.

Santa Ynez Valley Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Bethania Lutheran Church

603 Atterdag Road, Solvang 93463-2603

Information: 805.688.4637

Livestream here

Sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community, Bethania Lutheran Church, and St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, and including representatives of Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and other faith communities. A reception will follow the service.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 6 p.m.

Classical Sundays at Six

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information: 213.388.3015 or here

Chamber music series featuring solo and chamber artists of varied combinations and repertory. Free. Live-stream and on demand at GreatMusicLA.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 7 p.m.

Taizé Advent Lessons and Chants Service (online)       

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Long Beach                                                

Information: 562.436.4047 or here

On Zoom here (Meeting ID is 824 3865 4278; Passcode is 525); Facebook here

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Long Beach invites you to begin Advent with an inspiring service that combines aspects of Taizé worship with highlights of the traditional Advent Lessons and Carols. Join us online as we hear the message of The Promise of a New Covenant, The Coming of the Messiah, and The Annunciation of the Christ Child’s Birth. Light a candle, sing along with simple Taize chants, engage in quiet reflection and prayers as we wait expectantly for God’s great gift. Come Lord Jesus!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Ritual and Storytelling as a New Way of Healing and Transformation (for men only)

Center for Spiritual Development

434A South Batavia Street, Orange 92868-3907

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

An “On the Road: Men’s Spirituality Series” Program. One of the most traditional ways of healing for men is through creative storytelling and ritual expression. In this workshop, we will explore the power of storytelling and ritual expression, for ourselves, our friendships and for our communities. This gathering will then focus on creating meaningful rituals and effective techniques for storytelling. Come and experience a new way of healing yourself and others. Leaders: the Rev. Jim Clarke, Ph.D. and Joe Lonergan, M.Div., moderated by Canon Steve Bruce. Fee: $60 with lunch.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The Spirituality of Waiting: An Advent Retreat led by Stillpoint

Information/Registration here

This retreat will be held online and all sessions will be recorded for later viewing. You are invited to an on-line guided contemplative Advent retreat to pause and wait in the company of others to give attention to what needs restoring and what is waiting in you. Noticing how you are waiting for God, and how God is waiting for you. Leaders include Ravi Verma, Stillpoint program director; Judith Favor, spiritual companion and author; and the Rev. Elizabeth Rechter, Stillpoint executive director.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

A Franciscan Quiet Day for Advent

Christ Episcopal Church

1127 N. San Antonio Avenue, Ontario 91762

Registration here

Information: Laura, [email protected]

Enjoy a day of rest and reflection between the holidays. Presented in conjunction with The Third Order of the Society of St. Francis, an Anglican/Episcopal religious order for people of all kinds – single and in committed relationships, lay and ordained – who live by Franciscan principles “in the world.” This is the order founded by Francis himself for those who were drawn to his way but felt called to live it out right where they were. A light vegetarian lunch will be served. A donation of $10 towards lunch is appreciated. Christ Church has a beautiful courtyard with a fountain filled with koi surrounded by Franciscan icons to invite you into time for rest between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. A labyrinth, oratory, cozy library, and Rebecca's Garden on the grounds also offer natural and intimate spots for contemplation and reflection.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 4 p.m.

Mosaix Saxophone Quartet Concert

St. George's Episcopal Church

23802 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills 92653

Information: 949.837.4530, ext. 101

Mosaix Saxophone Quartet presents an afternoon celebration and exploration of the saxophone, with an eclectic mix of solo and quartet arrangements. Free admission, with a wine and cheese reception to follow.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 5 p.m.

An Advent Festival Of Lessons & Carols

All Saints’ Episcopal Church

504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Information here or 310.275.0123, ext. 112

A seasonal favorite sung by All Saints’ Choir, including: Advent Responsory by Richard Marlow, "Adam lay ybounden" by Craig Phillips (Premiere), "The Lord will come and not be slow" by Christopher Tye, "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" by Elizabeth Poston, "King Jesus hath a garden" arr. by John Scott, "Gabriel’s Message" by Craig Phillips, "Hymn to the Virgin" by Benjamin Britten, and Vesper Responsory by G. P. Palestrina.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 6 p.m.

Classical Sundays at Six

St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information: 213.388.3015 or here

Chamber music series featuring solo and chamber artists of varied combinations and repertory. Free. Live-stream and on demand at GreatMusicLA.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 7 p.m.

Lessons and Carols

Blessed Sacrament Episcopal Church

1314 N. Angelina Drive, Placentia 92870

Featuring the choirs of Blessed Sacrament and St. Andrew's and Emmanuel in Fullerton. Come and be a part of the traditional music and Scripture lessons to prepare our hearts for the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. A reception will follow the service.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 4:15 p.m.

Advent Procession of Lesson & Carols

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. Live-stream and on demand at GreatMusicLA.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 7:30 p.m.

Lessons and Carols

Saint Edmund's Episcopal Church

1175 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Marino 91107

Information: 626.793.9167

This is a traditional service of Advent readings and choral music with the Choir of Saint Edmund's and guests from the L.A. Opera.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 7 – 8 p.m.

Taizé Prayer Service

Sacred Heart Chapel

480 S. Batavia Street, Orange 92868-3907

Information: 714.744.3172 or [email protected]

Offered in prayerful collaboration between Stillpoint (www.stillpointca.org) (a diocesan institution) and Center for Spiritual Development (www.thecsd.org) (Sisters of St. Joseph, Orange). Slow down and unplug at this hour-long service designed in the style that began in Taizé, Saône-et-Loire, Burgundy, France. This service includes prayer, simple beautiful music, a time for silence and sacred readings. Chants are sung many times over as a prayer of the heart. All faith traditions are welcome. Third Sunday of each month. Covid requirements: proof of vaccination (including booster) and masks.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 5 p.m.

A Christmas Festival Of Nine Lessons & Carols

All Saints’ Episcopal Church

504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Information here or 310.275.0123, ext. 112

All Saints’ Choir, Parish Choir, and All Saints’ Choristers sing beloved Christmas carols for congregation & choir.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 7 p.m.

Homeless Persons' Interreligious Memorial

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles

Information/Reservations here

Hosted by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Approximately 63,000 people in Los Angeles are homeless, an increase of 13% from 2019, and one of the largest homeless populations in the country. Every year, more than 1,000 unhoused people die on the streets of Los Angeles. The service, held on the first day of winter, will acknowledge and honor their lives. Bishop John Harvey Taylor of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles is scheduled to participate. All are welcome. A flyer is here.

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

PILGRIMAGE AND TRAVEL

Turkey: Footsteps of Paul

April 14 - 29, 2023

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

EMPLOYMENT

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

NEW LISTINGS

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA: Parish Administrator or Secretary, St. John Chrysostom Church. Position is full time with benefits and requires onsite presence. Full job description is here. Please submit resume with qualifications to the Rev. Christopher Potter, [email protected].

THOUSAND OAKS: Head of School. St. Patrick's Day School seeks a skilled educator whose leadership is distinguished by a warm, welcoming, and inclusive personal manner, exceptional verbal and written communication skills, a commitment to values-based education and spiritual development, and a love for young children. They will bring the skills, initiative, and drive to help further realize a compelling and sustainable vision for the future of the school. Position information and application instructions are here. Application deadline: Nov. 20.

CONTINUING LISTINGS

ALTADENA: Interim Preschool Director. Saint Mark’s School seeks an inspiring and innovative Interim Preschool Director for the 22/23 school year who will ensure the continued excellence and distinction of our program for children ages 2 year, 9 months through 5 years old. The Interim Preschool Director will take a leadership role in all areas that support the school’s core mission, including managing the day-to-day operations of the preschool, providing mentorship to the preschool faculty and staff, and ensuring the preschool program provides the highest quality learning experience and environment for the growth and development of children. Full job description here. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and current resume to Kelly Mancuso, assistant head of school, at [email protected]. Date posted: Aug. 20, 2022. Date available: immediately.

BUENA PARK: Administrative Assistant, St. Joseph's Episcopal Church. 15 hours/week. Small parish seeks experienced and cheerful person to handle customary reception and business office tasks. Send resume and letter of interest to [email protected]

FILLMORE/VENTURA: Community Engagement and Development Coordinator, The Abundant Table, a non-profit, organic certified farm and BIPOC- and women-led worker collective in Ventura County, California that seeks to transform our food system towards justice, liberation, and increased health for all people, while caring for the land and all who tend the land. Community Engagement and Development Coordinator will be responsible to oversee and coordinate the TAT community engagement and development processes, including management; fundraising; community engagement, coordination and development. 30 hours/week; salary and benefits $32,864.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].

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

LOS ANGELES (ECHO PARK): Credit Union CEO/Manager, Episcopal Community Federal Credit Union. To provide strategic, vision, leadership, and management in all functional areas. Plan, direct and control credit union activities in accordance with credit union plans, policies, directives and activities as established by the Board of Directors. Responsible for ensuring financial stability and member satisfaction commensurate with the best interest of members, staff and credit union. A full job description is here. For more information and to apply, click here.

LOS ANGELES: Preschool Director, St. James' Episcopal School. The preschool director oversees the Grammercy Place Preschool and is the supervisor for the St. Andrew’s Place preschool site director. The preschool director is responsible for curriculum, evaluation, professional development and parent and family engagement and communications for both preschool campuses. Website is here. Full job description here.

PACIFIC PALISADES: General Maintenance Worker, St. Matthew's Church and School. St. Matthew's is a vibrant community that includes both a Church and a School situated in beautiful Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. The Director of Facilities and Operations seeks a full time maintenance staff member with maintenance experience. This is a "hands-on" position and the ideal candidate will have repair maintenance and event setup experience, great people skills and a history of providing the highest level of customer service. A full job description is here. Please email resume to [email protected].

SOUTH PASADENA: Tenor Choir Section Leader, St. James’ Episcopal Church. To begin immediately. Section leaders are compensated $32/hr (usually $80 per service) with extra fees for weddings/funerals as required through the year. Music is a vital and celebrated part of the worship at St. James’, a warm, welcoming parish in the heart of South Pasadena. Joined by the volunteer choir of approximately 22 able singers, section leaders are at the foundation of the music program, often featured in solos, motets, and anthems. More about Music at St. James’ is here. A full job description and application instructions are 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].

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

OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE

DALLAS, TEXAS: Director of Youth Ministry. Saint Michael and All Angels Church is seeking a leader and committed follower of Jesus Christ to provide adaptive leadership and oversight to the Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade) to build faith, form disciples of Jesus Christ, make a difference in the world and equip parents to disciple their children. Full job description here. All resumes and inquiries may be directed to [email protected]. Application deadline is Nov. 30, 2022.

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— Janet Kawamoto, editor