An Israeli family during the Hamas attack on Ashkelon, Israel. Photo: Tsafrir Abayov/AP | |
A time to lower our voices and pray
For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pleasant planting; he expected justice, but saw bloodshed; righteousness, but heard a cry! — Isaiah 5:7
My siblings in Christ:
I know you join me in lamenting and grieving the devastating losses resulting from Hamas’ savage, unjustifiable terrorist attack against Israel beginning on Saturday, the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. By Wednesday, Israeli and Palestinian deaths had exceeded 2,300.
As followers of the Prince of Peace, our first and best instinct is to pray, and pray hard: For those who have died and been injured; for those most at risk from continued violence; and for all who have the power to end the suffering by ending the violence.
We also lament every missed opportunity for an equitable peace in Israel and Palestine, year after year, epoch on epoch, that could have kept this outrage from the pages of history. We pray for the transfiguration of the agony of these terrible days into a relentless determination among leaders of good faith to make sure it never happens again. Experts on multigenerational conflicts say they end only when the suffering becomes unendurable to all sides. That this may be such a moment in Israel and Palestine is the moment’s only salutary feature.
This is not the time to make political points beyond saying that all in the region deserve freedom, peace, security, and national self-determination. It can be done, if everyone gives something up. This includes those of us observing from a distance who love the Holy Land, follow its politics, and are passionate about our views. It is time for us to lower our voices and stop choosing sides.
At the same time, as people of faith, let us stand our ground on the immorality of murdering noncombatants and taking hostages. No historic grievance or trauma can justify what Hamas did. By the same token, Israel must do all it can to spare civilians in the hours, days, and weeks ahead.
As we pray for peace, seek wisdom, and hold power to account, let us keep a special place in our hearts for The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and its archbishop, the Rt. Rev. Hosam Naoum, our Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles keynoter last year at convention and a respected leader in the Arab Christian community in Palestine. I’ve written to him on the diocese’s behalf, offering prayers and support. For his sake and the sake of all whom he serves so faithfully, always preaching peace with justice, reconciliation, and the power of Jesus’s love, please join me in making a gift to American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which supports the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City.
Yours in Christ’s love,
The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor
VII Bishop of Los Angeles
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Getting to 12%: a message from the Assessment Review Committee
By The Assessment Review Committee
[The Episcopal News – October 11, 2023] In 2024, the Diocese of Los Angeles will begin to enforce assessments on parishes for the Mission Share Fund, as voted on at the 1997 special diocesan convention. This shift is from the expectation that each parish will give 12% of normal operating income (NOI) to enforcing the required giving level.
In recent years parishes have contributed to the MSF on a voluntary basis, with 12% contributions expected and 15% encouraged. Because many parishes have not met that threshold, the diocese has struggled to maintain the staff, structures and services required to support the ministries of its congregations.
Bishop John Harvey Taylor has established an Assessment Review Committee (ARC) to help parishes get their Mission Share Fund commitments to the mandatory level. We are formulating a process that will ensure that parishes are neither punished nor shamed if they cannot pay, and others will be asked to carry their fair share of the responsibility to the diocese.
A few people have asked us why an assessment is necessary, a question to which there are both theological and practical answers.
Read more here.
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Dr. Lucy Jones to premiere climate connections, disaster resilience program at LA churches
[Dr. Lucy Jones Center] Dr. Lucy Jones and the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles are set to premiere a process to improve post-disaster communication, allowing faith-based institutions to better help their members.
On Sunday, Oct. 15, seismologist Jones will lead an earthquake drill at St. James' Episcopal Church in South Pasadena to demonstrate an essential post-disaster communication process developed in conjunction with the diocese. Over the last year, several member churches across greater Los Angeles have been developing the Climate Connections Program to help congregations prepare for natural disasters, which are increasing due to climate change.
The program to increase community resilience in faith-based institutions was developed by the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society with support from the Southern California Edison Foundation.
“If an organization wants to help after a disaster, they need to know who needs help,” said Jones, founder and chief scientist of the namesake nonprofit. “To connect with each other
after a disaster is the first step in disaster resilience.”
Read more here.
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A special invitation for spouses and partners of clergy in the Diocese of Los Angeles
Happy Fall!
Diocesan Convention is coming to the Riverside Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 11. Please mark your calendars to attend part or all of the convention, as you are able.
Clergy Spouses and Partners will have our own meeting space in the Convention Center where we can be together to catch up with one another, visit, or just have some quiet time.
On Saturday, Nov. 11, all clergy spouses are invited to a private lunch in our spouses’ room where the Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy, canon to the ordinary, will join us for lunch and conversation!
Refreshments and snacks will be available in our space throughout the two days, and I encourage clergy spouses to come by. In addition, the wonderful Exhibit Hall will be open, and the vendors and exhibitors are looking forward to seeing us.
If you plan to attend Convention and the Spouses and Partners Luncheon, please let me know via email or text at mizkoc@gmail.com or 714-315-1033 so I can plan properly.
See you in Riverside!
Blessings.
Canon Kathy O’Connor
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Nominations open for diocesan offices
Nominations are open for candidates for diocesan offices to be elected at the convention on Nov. 10 - 11.
Open offices include:
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Canterbury Irvine (one, clergy or lay, for a one-year term)
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Canterbury USC (one clergy or one lay for a one-year term)
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Corporation of the Diocese (two lay for a three-year term; one lay for a two-year term; two lay for a one-year term)
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Commission on Ministry (one clergy and one lay, each for a three-year term)
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Diocesan Council (one clergy and one lay, each for a three-year term)
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Diocesan Investment Trust (one, lay or clergy, for a four-year term)
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Hillsides Trustee (one, lay or clergy, for a three-year term)
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Standing Committee (one clergy and one lay, each for a four-year term)
Full information about open offices, including nomination forms and submission instructions, may be found on the convention website here.
Photo: Canon Patti Jo McKay, judge of elections
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Planning underway for 2023 Diocesan Convention, 'Love in Action'
[The Episcopal News – October 3, 2023] "Love in Action: For Healing, Housing & Hope" will be the theme for the 128th meeting of Diocesan Convention, a two-day hybrid event on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 11, at the Riverside Convention Center, 3637 5th Street, Riverside.
Clergy and lay delegates are encouraged to attend in person, but may participate by Zoom if desired.
According to Canon Steve Nishibayashi, secretary of convention, a series of workshops featuring diocesan ministries living out the theme of Convention will precede the Friday business session, which will begin at 1 p.m. Workshops will be presented in three sessions, beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until noon. Topics and presenters will be announced in coming weeks.
Friday's agenda includes the annual bishop's address, delivered by the Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor. The afternoon agenda also will include a panel discussion featuring leaders of The Episcopal Church’s Ethnic Ministries department comprising African Descent Ministries, Asiamerica Ministries, Indigenous Ministries, and Latino Ministries. Speakers will offer practical guidance and insights in their respective areas of expertise. The panel is coordinated by the Rev. Canon Anthony Guillén, The Episcopal Church’s missioner for Latino/Hispanic ministries and director of the Ethnic Ministries team. Guillén is well known from his many years of ministry in the Diocese of Los Angeles, including as a former rector of All Saints/Todos los Santos, Oxnard. More information about the panel will appear in a future issue of The News.
Read more here.
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California Endowment President Robert Ross to deliver Diocesan Convention’s Margaret Parker Lecture Nov. 11
[The Episcopal News – October 3, 2023] Focusing on the nexus of philanthropy and social and racial justice, California Endowment President/CEO Robert Ross – a physician and parishioner of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Altadena – will deliver Diocesan Convention’s eighth biennial Margaret Parker Lecture, slated for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, at Diocesan Convention in Riverside.
A leader in implementing the Affordable Care Act in California, Ross also chaired the Los Angeles County Task Force on Alternatives to Incarceration, “developing a strategic roadmap for the county to reform the criminal justice system in support of health-focused strategies to reduce incarceration in 2021,” his California Endowment biography notes.
Ross, who has announced his retirement from the California Endowment in 2024, partnered with its board of directors “to raise $300 million for a first-ever social bond by philanthropy in California, designed to invest in systems-change and movement-building support of grassroots activists in social justice.”
Read more here.
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SAVE THE DATES
Pre-convention deanery assembly dates announced
The office of the Secretary of Convention has announced dates for three online deanery assemblies preceding this year's Diocesan Convention.
Each of the diocese's 10 deaneries is assigned to one of the gatherings. Individual deanery assemblies will follow the joint sessions.
The link to participate via Zoom will be emailed directly to clergy and registered delegates. Spanish translation will be provided. Assembly dates are:
Deaneries 3, 4 & 5
Saturday, October 21, 10 a.m.
Deaneries 6, 7 & 8
Sunday, October 22, 3 p.m.
Deaneries 1, 2, 9 & 10
Saturday, October 28, 10 a.m.
Diocesan Convention will be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 - 11, at the Riverside Convention Center.
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High schoolers invited to volunteer at Diocesan Convention
The Program Group on Youth & Young Adult Ministries welcomes middle school and high school (grades 8 – 12) and college-age young people to serve as convention volunteers. The youth and young adult volunteers handle many logistical tasks while they learn about how their church and diocese are governed. Some will be be acolytes at the Saturday morning Eucharist.
Volunteers will arrive in Riverside on Thursday night for training, and work at the convention on Nov. 10 and 11. (Nov. 10 is a holiday at many schools, in observance of Veterans Day, Nov. 11.) Meals, lodging and adult supervision will be provided.
For more information and to register, visit the youth page on the convention website, or contact Gabe Vasquez-Reyes at gvazquez-reyes@ladiocese.org; registraton deadline is Monday, Nov. 6.
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The Episcopal Chorale celebrates 40 years of music
October 9, 2023
When he was 11, native Angeleno Canon Dr. Chas Cheatham asked to join the youth choir at the Presbyterian church his grandmother attended. It was obviously in his blood. He’d actually conducted a choir when was four, while attending another church. They had him stand on a box so the choir members could see him. Still, the Presbyterians said no on account of his age, so he went back to his mother’s Baptist church, which immediately accepted his application. He hasn’t stopped singing and conducting since.
Read more here.
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Visiting St. Cross Church, Hermosa Beach
October 9, 2023
At St. Cross Episcopal Church in Hermosa Beach on Sunday, where I visited to celebrate and preach, attendance was about 200 at two services. The Holy Spirit came along with the morning fog and confirmed or received ten young people and adults. A tableful of young parents chatted in the parish hall while their kids attended Sunday school. The choir is back in the loft, where organist and choirmaster Sean Coburn O’Neal made the St. Cross organ sound like Canterbury Cathedral.
Read more here.
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Canon John M. Hitchcock
April 23, 1940 - October 7, 2023
[The Episcopal News – October 11, 2023] Canon John M. Hitchcock, 83, a dedicated advocate for children and the former executive director of Hillsides, a family service center and diocesan institution in Pasadena, died peacefully on Oct. 2 with Ida M. Hitchcock, his wife of 57 years, at his side.
Survivors also include their sons J. David (Kristin) Hitchcock of Pasadena and Robert A. B. (Casey) Hitchcock of Eugene, Oregon; and grandchildren Katherine, Benjamin, Peter and June. He was preceded in death by his mother, Anne Manson Hitchcock.
A memorial service to celebrate Hitchcock's life will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 4 p.m. at All Saints Church, 132 N Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hillsides (www.hillsides.org) in his honor, continuing his legacy of helping children in need.
Hitchcock joined Hillsides in 1971 as assistant director, becoming executive director in 1981 and serving in that role for 30 years. In 1982, under Hitchcock's leadership, Hillsides created a visionary family preservation program. Today this vision lives on as the four Hillsides Family Resource Center locations provide mental health support and other resources for vulnerable children and families throughout Los Angeles County. Also in 1982, Hillsides opened a non-public school on the its Pasadena campus, which operated for 40 years.
Read more here.
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Sylvia-Rose Pretorius Mackenzie
December 20, 1930 – September 3, 2023
[The Episcopal News – October 11, 2023] Sylvia-Rose Pretorius Mackenzie – widow of the late Bishop Edward Mackenzie, mother of the Rev. Vanessa Mackenzie of L.A.’s Church of the Advent, and grandmother of the Rev. Lester Mackenzie, rector of St. Mary’s, Laguna Beach – died Sept. 3 in her native South Africa at age 92.
A former church organist, Mackenzie joined her husband -- a former bishop suffragan of the Diocese of Cape Town -- in Los Angeles for nearly two decades of ministry prior to his death in 2020. An obituary of Bishop Mackenzie is here.
The couple had eight children, including two daughters who became Anglican priests, Vanessa of Los Angeles, and Sharon Rosseau of Johannesburg, South Africa; Laura Mackenzie, Charmaine Mackenzie, Aelred Mackenzie, and Leo Mackenzie. The Mackenzies’ twin sons, Graham and Gary Mackenzie, predeceased their parents in 2009 and 2012 respectively.
Additional surviving family members include 17 grandchildren, including Lester of Laguna Beach and Lynn Mackenzie Esq. of Cape Town and Los Angeles; 23 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
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Funeral planned for the Rev. Canon Ginny Erwin
The funeral and celebration of life for the Rev. Canon Virginia (Ginny) Erwin will take place at Trinity Episcopal Church in Orange on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. The service will be live-streamed and recorded. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
Erwin, former rector of Trinity Church and a former archdeacon for Clergy Deployment and Development of the Diocese of Los Angeles, died Sept. 12 in Banning, where she had been living in retirement since 2006.
An obituary is here.
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St. Bede's, Los Angeles, joins global march to end use of fossil fuel
The Rev. Jennifer Wagner Pavia, rector of St. Bede’s, Mar Vista, and parish lay leader Tim Peters (left) are pictured among participants in L.A.’s observance of the Sept. 15 global march to end use of fossil fuel, an international event marked by similar protests around the world.
Central to the L.A. march were Youth Climate Commission members, pictured at center and right, carrying signs underscoring the gravity of climate change and the need for immediate action. The L.A. march occurred the day before the diocesan Climate Change Summit; see story here.
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Help Ramallah orphanage replace furnace through LA - Jerusalem companion diocese ties
Contributions especially welcome amid current tensions
Amid suffering and tensions escalated by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack against Israel, support for charitable projects in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem is doubly appreciated. Concrete initiatives include replacement of the 57-year-old furnace at Ramallah’s Arab Evangelical-Episcopal Home and School.
Donors are invited to join Bishop John Harvey Taylor and others in the Diocese of Los Angeles in contributing via this secure link on L.A.’s diocesan website to assist the $60,000 furnace replacement project, increasingly important as fall weather gives way to winter cold.
Fundraising efforts – highlighted by the Rev. Fadi Diab, rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Ramallah, and his wife, Ruba Gammoh, during their visit to the United States this past summer – have succeeded in raising nearly $20,000 toward the effort, with additional gifts from congregations and individuals requested to meet the goal.
Read more here.
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Brass Rubbing Centre returns to St. Luke's, Long Beach, Oct. 17
St. Luke's, Long Beach, will once again transform itself to "Cassidy Castle" on its 37th Brass Rubbing Medieval Arts Center beginning Oct. 17 and continuing until Nov. 11.
A fascinating program that conjures up knights in armor, grand ladies, dragons and more, the center is an outreach to schools and the community with lessons in historical art. Proceeds support the church's programs and its community outreach ministries.
The Brass Rubbing Centre makes real the historic background and importance of monumental brasses as well as the colorful people they commemorate in a combination of history, folklore, and art, using one of the largest collections of monumental brass facsimiles in North America. Visitors may choose from more than 100 reproduction-engraved plates of brass to do a rubbing, transferring the design to paper. A trained instructor will provide rag paper, metallic waxes, and instructions for visitors to create their masterpiece. Hangers are provided for the finished artwork. Picture frame matting is also available at a minimal cost.
Hands-on workshops are offered for groups of 10 or more Tuesdays - Fridays, with appointments available at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., or 1 p.m. The workshop includes a docent talk, instruction and all materials. The cost is $10 for each participant. Groups are welcome on Saturday at 11 a.m. Reservations are required
The Tea Room is available to groups during the week. Afternoon tea tickets are $28 ($18 per child) and include a docent talk, instruction, and all materials. Reservations are required.
Admission is open for walk-in individuals and families on Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. without reservations. On weekdays, reservations are required. Price for brass rubbings, including all materials, is $10 - $15, depending on the size of the rubbing.
"Cassidy Castle" and the Brass Rubbing Centre are located at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 525 E. 7th St. (enter on Atlantic Avenue), Long Beach 90813. Parking is available in the lot just north of the church on Atlantic Avenue or behind the church off 7th Street.
For information or reservations, email brass.rubbing.lb@gmail.com or call Gail Mutke at 562.439.9496.
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Christian Formation opportunities | |
Bloy House adds to Fall classes for laity, clergy
[The Episcopal News – September 11, 2023] Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School at Los Angeles, is offering online formation classes for lay people and clergy. Both are required for the new lay ministry licensing program recently established by the Diocese of Los Angeles.
The fee for formation classes is $25. Click here for more information and to register.
Episcopal Identity
Wednesdays, October 25, November 1, 8, and 15; 7 - 8:30 p.m.
How would you describe the modern Episcopal Church - its theology, its worship and community, its history, its organization, and what you love about it - to a friend who has never experienced it? A deeper dive than a confirmation class, even cradle Episcopalians will learn something new about our church. Facilitated by the Very Rev. Gary Hall, president of Bloy House, and Linda Allport, dean. This class is required for all licensed lay ministries, except Eucharistic minister, where it is recommended. It will be offered again in the Spring.
Anti-Racism
Tuesdays, November 28, Dec 5, 12, and 19; 7 - 8:30 p.m.
In accordance with a resolution of the 2000 General Convention that “the lay and ordained leadership of the Episcopal Church, including all ordained persons, professional staff, and those elected or appointed to positions of leadership on committees, commissions, agencies, and boards be required to take anti-racism training and receive certification of such training” the diocese now requires that every licensed lay minister complete training in understanding systems of oppression and how they affect the Episcopal Church and society in general. Facilitated by Suzanne Edwards-Action, MAPM, founder of My Work To Do. This class is required for all licensed lay ministries. It will be offered again in the Spring.
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Christian leaders call for end to violence after Hamas’ attack ignites new war with Israel
By David Paulsen
[Episcopal News Service – October 10, 2023] Episcopal and Anglican leaders are amplifying global prayers for peace after the militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel over the weekend, taking an estimated 150 hostages and igniting a new war that so far has killed hundreds of Israelis and Palestinians.
Leaders of the 13 Christian denominations in Jerusalem, known as the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches, released a statement Oct. 7 “to raise our voices in unity, echoing the divine message of peace and love for all humanity” and “to advocate for the cessation of all violent and military activities that bring harm to both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.” The group of patriarchs includes the Most Rev. Hosam Naoum, primate of the province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.
“We unequivocally condemn any acts that target civilians, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity or faith,” the patriarchs said. “We implore political leaders and authorities to engage in sincere dialogue, seeking lasting solutions that promote justice, peace and reconciliation for the people of this land, who have endured the burdens of conflict for far too long.”
Read more here.
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Prayers and other resources offered in response to violence in Israel and Palestine
Episcopal Church and Anglican leaders continue to share prayers and statements calling for an end to the violence impacting Israelis and Palestinians.
Below is a partial list of statements and resources.
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THURSDAYS, 7 p.m.
Episcopal Students of UCLA
St. Alban's Episcopal Church
580 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles
Information: episcopalstudentsucla@gmail.com
We are a group of Christians, looking to further our relationship with God and strengthen our bonds in Christian community. Meeting in the library at St Albans Episcopal Church (right near campus), we are a welcoming community whose goal is to live out the truth of the gospel through spiritual growth, community experience, and service.
FRIDAYS, 6 - 7 p.m.
Vigil for Peace
St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
3233 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar, 92625
Information here Zoom Meeting ID: 912 3096 9532; Passcode: 080100.
Worship bulletins here
Join us every Friday in the St. Michael’s sanctuary and on Zoom as we pray for peace in our community and around the world.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
St. Wilfrid's Feast Day Services
St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church
18631 Chapel Lane, Huntington Beach 92646
Join the clergy at St. Wilfrid's as they celebrate their patron saint, Saint Wilfrid. Each service will be unique and provide an immersive, spiritual opportunity to connect with St. Wilfrid and deepen our understanding of all saints.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 12 – 2 p.m.
SAGES Lunch & Speaker Series
All Saints' Episcopal Church
504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills
Reservations: Gflores@alllsaintsbh.org
Sel Kardan, president and CEO, Colburn School of Performing Arts. We are very fortunate to have this dynamic leader whose vision for the Colburn School and the future of music and dance in Los Angeles is alive and multifaceted. Many of us have attended beautiful concerts and performances featuring gifted young Colburn students, so come and join us to learn more about its newest Frank Gehry-designed plan for campus expansion. Suggested donation: $15. SAGES is All Saints' fellowship ministry for mature adults. We gather two Thursdays a month for lunch, friendship, prayer and engaging presentations.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 7 - 9 p.m.
The Guibord Center's Annual Fundraising Dinner: 'Our Hearts Beat On'
St. John's Episcopal Cathedral
514 W. Adams Street, Los Angeles 90007
Information/Tickets here
The Guibord Center – Religion Inside Out partners with faith communities and individuals to open hearts and minds through a range of programs, public lectures, and immersive events. These experiences reveal the wonder and transformative power at the center of our many religious and spiritual traditions, putting us in touch with something larger than ourselves.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 7 p.m.
Taizé Service
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
1432 Engracia Ave, Torrance 90501
Our candlelit evenings of music, meditation, and prayer return for another season! Join us at St. Andrew's on the second Thursday of each month, starting on October 12, to experience this powerful, spiritual service.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 7 - 8 p.m.
A Creation 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. October’s focus will be on St. Francis of Assisi. Taizé services will be held in-person or online throughout the year. Online services available here.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Free Legal Clinic
Jackie Robinson Community Center
1020 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena 91103
Open to all individuals and community members who need legal assistance, but lack the resources to hire an attorney. Please bring with you any and all papers related to your case. Get help with renters’ or homeowners’ rights; access to cash, food, or health benefits; unemployment benefits; immigrants’ rights; questions about a will or trust; and divorce or child custody issues. If you can’t attend the clinic and are in need of support, please call Public Counsel at 213.385.2977. The clinic, sponsored by All Saints Church, Pasadena, is held on the second Saturday of each month.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 5 p.m.
Diamond Jubilee Gala Celebration
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
24901 Orchard Village Road, Santa Clarita
Reservations: email christopher@st-stephens.org
A dazzling evening of local cuisine, live music, live and silent auctions with SCV Woman of the Year, Jenny Ketchepaw as the evening’s emcee to celebrate St. Stephen's 60th year of ministry. St. Stephen's, which already engages in a host of community ministries, is developing a long-range strategy that will bring about the modernization of our campus and ensure that it becomes a more valuable resource for the people of Santa Clarita. Specifically, we are focused on transforming our campus to be better suited to support educational initiatives for both children and adults, to be flexible beyond the internal needs of the parish alone, and to be environmentally friendly, safe, inclusive, and accessible for all people and to use our campus resources to support and amplify the meaningful work already being done by local organizations that provide care to vulnerable people in need. Tickets: $45. Sponsorships are available. Childcare will be provided. Reservations are requested by Sept. 15. To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 11 a.m.
The Historical Jesus as the Bridge Between Faiths
St. Michael & All Angels Church
3233 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar
Information here
Registration here
Featuring biblical historian and National Geographic and WONDRIUM Great Courses Presenter Professor Jean-Pierre Isbouts, author of The Fractured Kingdom: Uniting Modern Christianity Through the Historical Jesus. (Read more about the book here.) He weaves the origin stories of Christianity and the Lord's Prayer into a reinvigorating and urgent rallying cry for unity in the modern church. This is a free event but seating is limited. Please register to attend.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 11 am. - 1 p.m.
Planning Ahead Seminar / Workshop
All Saints/Todos Los Santos Episcopal Church
144 S C Street, Oxnard 93030
Join us to learn more about Medicare, financial planning, wills and trusts, hospice, grief counseling and funeral planning. We have invited professionals from the community in each of these fields to be on site to answer any of your questions and to help give you some guidance on these very important and often very confusing topics. They are willing to help you “plan ahead” so that when the time comes you and your family are fully informed and prepared. Stop by say hi and take a moment to learn more about how these individuals can help.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 4 p.m.
Mosaix Saxophone Quartet Concert
St. Gregorys's Episcopal Church
6201 E. Willow Street, Long Beach 90815
Information: 562.420.1311
Mosaix Saxophone Quartet presents an afternoon celebration and exploration of the saxophone, with an eclectic mix of solo and quartet arrangements. Freewill offering, with a reception to follow.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 4 p.m.
Evensong for St. Luke's Day
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
122 South California Avenue, Monrovia 91016
The men of St. Luke's choir, along with invited singers from other congregations, offer this annual celebration of the parish's patron saint. Music selections will include "Phos Hilaron," Preces & Responses, "Nunc Dimittis" and a psalm setting by Kent B. Jones, music director of St. Luke's; "Magnificat" by Healy Willan; and Psalm 23 by Franz Schubert. A reception will follow the service.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 5 p.m.
Chamber Music Concert II: Grand Sonatas and Small Pieces
All Saints Episcopal Church
504 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210
Information/tickets here or 310.275.0123 or info@allsaintsbh.org
Phillip Levy, violin, and Tae Yeon Lim, piano, perform works by Mozart, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Bartok and Kreisler. Tickets: $20 ($10 students and seniors). Admission free with Music Guild donor season pass.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 6 p.m.
Classical Sundays at Six: Martin Glicklich, flute, & Friends
St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information: 213.388.3015 or here
Breana Gilcher, flute; Phil O’Connor, clarinet; Jonathan Stehney, bassoon; Emily Pesavento, horn. Martin Glicklich has enjoyed success as an educator, soloist, conductor, chamber and orchestral musician, and has been described as possessing dazzling virtuosity with an enchanting, singing sound. A native of Los Angeles, Martin received his doctorate in flute performance at the Thornton School of Music at USC under the tutelage of James Walker.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 7:30 p.m.
A Service in the style of Taizé
All Saints Episcopal Church
504 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210
Information here or 310.275.0123 or info@allsaintsbh.org
Begun many years ago at the ecumenical French monastic community called Taizé, these services, with candlelight and singing of chants, are a wonderful way to refresh in the midst of a busy week.
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FRIDAY - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 - 22
Earthen Plaster Workshop
Camp Stevens
1108 Banner Road (Hwy 78), Julian
Information/Registration here
In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to restore an earthen building with beautiful clay finish plaster and add artful sculpture. Facilitated by natural building artisan Autumn Flower Creek. This is a great opportunity to build community with like-minded individuals and learn more about natural building. Registration includes two nights of shared lodging and meals (Friday dinner through Sunday lunch). Fees are on a sliding scale; visit website for more information.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2 - 4 p.m.
60th Anniversary Service
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church
15694 Tetley Street, Hacienda Heights
Information here
All are welcome to join this celebration event with music, drama, prayer, and a special message from Bishop Diocesan John Harvey Taylor. A complimentary reception in the parish hall and on the patio will follow the service.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 7:30 p.m.
Jouyssance Early Music Ensemble: William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes
St. Bede’s Episcopal Church
3590 Grand View Blvd., Mar Vista (Los Angeles)
Tickets here
Featuring music by William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes, two giants of the English Renaissance, who died 400 years ago this year. Come hear beautiful motets and often hilarious madrigals by these two masters, as well as Byrd's beloved Mass for Four Voices. Tickets at $25 available in advance or at the door ($20 seniors or SCEMS members; $10 students with current ID).
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 4 p.m.
Jouyssance Early Music Ensemble: William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes
Church of the Angels
1100 Avenue 64, Pasadena
Tickets here
Featuring music by William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes, two giants of the English Renaissance, who died 400 years ago this year. Come hear beautiful motets and often hilarious madrigals by these two masters, as well as Byrd's beloved Mass for Four Voices. Tickets at $25 available in advance or at the door ($20 seniors or SCEMS members; $10 students with current ID).
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 6 p.m.
Classical Sundays at Six:
Michele Zukovsky, clarinet, & The Capitol Ensemble
St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
Phillip Levy & MAYa Magub, violin; Michael Larco, viola; and Michael Kaufman, cello. Selections include Mozart's String Quartet in E-flat Major, K. 428 and Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K. 581. At age 18, Michele Zukovsky became the Los Angeles Philharmonic's principal clarinetist, and went on to become its longest-serving female woodwind player. Read more about this artist here.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 12 – 2 p.m.
SAGES Lunch & Speaker Series
All Saints' Episcopal Church
504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills
Reservations: Gflores@alllsaintsbh.org
Bill Lincoln. Member of All Saints’ and former Vestry Member and Treasurer, our own Bill Lincoln joined the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation Board of Trustees in 2014 and served as President for four years. His business acumen as an entertainment industry finance professional has found wide expression and has resulted in the expansion of Arboretum income opportunities and a steady financial picture. Bill has always shared his talents very generously, and we are grateful and excited to hear about his experiences at the L.A. Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and elsewhere. Suggested donation: $15. SAGES is All Saints' fellowship ministry for mature adults. We gather two Thursdays a month for lunch, friendship, prayer and engaging presentations.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 4 – 5 p.m.
Choir Concert: Vivaldi’s Gloria in D
St. Clement’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
202 Avenida Aragon, San Clemente 92762
Join us for a thrilling musical journey! Experience the spirited beauty of Vivaldi's Gloria in D in the historic sanctuary of St. Clement’s, performed by our very talented chancel choir and accompanied by chamber orchestra and soloists. Revel in the splendor of Mozart's "Laudate Dominum" and "Ave Verum Corpus," Handel's majestic "The Trumpet Shall Sound," and the alluring “Autumn” movement of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Don't miss this hour-long program of lovely music on an autumn afternoon. A reception follows the concert. Free, with a free-will offering accepted. All are welcome.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 29, 4 p.m.
Seraphour: Spirit and Light
Church of the Epiphany
5450 Churchwood Drive, Oak Park 91377
Information here or music@tcote.org or 818.991.4797
From the Renaissance to present day with music from the old and new world, the women of Seraphour celebrate Spirit and Light. With works by Sungji Hong paired with Taverner and a new setting of “Veni Creator,” this program offers a sublime window into the eternal and divine. Come and experience the ensemble that Fanfare calls “meltingly beautiful.” There will be a simple reception after the concert to greet the artists.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 6 p.m.
Classical Sundays at Six: Thomas Ospital, organ
St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
International Laureates Organ Series. Titulaire of the grand organ at Saint-Eustache Church in Paris and professor of Organ Interpretation and Harmony at the Paris National Conservatory of Music (CNSMDP), Thomas Ospital is a young artist who has quickly earned a place amongst the world’s finest concert organists. Read more about this artist here.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Dia de Los Muertos / Day of the Dead
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
242 E. Alvarado Street, Pomona 91767
Enjoy music, art, community and food, plus cultural presentations by Gloria Arjoa and music by Luna Beltran. Free entry. Sponsored by Uncommon Good, UNAM Los Angeles and St. Paul's Church.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 4:15 p.m.
Solemn Evensong for All Saints Sunday
St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
The Choir of Saint James, directed by Canon James Buonemani, will sing Responses by Bernard Rose; Collegium Regale Canticles by Herbert Howells; "O Quam Gloriosum" by Philip Moore; Second Eve by Ola Gjeilo.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 5 p.m.
Choral Evensong
All Saints Episcopal Church
504 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210
Information here or 310.275.0123 or info@allsaintsbh.org
All Saints’ Choir & Parish Choir perform "We Remember Them" by Tarik O’Regan; Preces & Responses by Bernard Rose; Magnificat & Nunc dimittis in A Minor by T. Tertius Noble; "The Souls of the Righteous" (U.S. premiere) by Craig Phillips (music director at All Saints'). A reception will follow the service.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 12 – 2 p.m.
SAGES Lunch & Speaker Series
All Saints' Episcopal Church
504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills
Reservations: Gflores@alllsaintsbh.org
Geoff Rusack, son of the late Los Angeles Bishop Robert Rusack and Janice Rusack. Geoff is a long-time friend of All Saints’ Beverly Hills and St. Matthew’s Pacific Palisades. He and his wife, Alison Wrigley Rusack, own Rusack Vinyards in the Santa Ynez Valley,and oversee the Wrigley family interests in the Catalina Island Company. A lawyer, a wine maker, a surfer, a native Los Angeleno, Geoff is a very accomplished and delightful guy—he will talk with us about wine growing on Catalina Island, as well as the interesting history and restoration that has taken place to date. Suggested donation: $15. SAGES is All Saints' fellowship ministry for mature adults. We gather two Thursdays a month for lunch, friendship, prayer and engaging presentations.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 7 p.m.
Taizé Service
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
1432 Engracia Avenue, Torrance 90501
Our candlelit evenings of music, meditation, and prayer return for another season! Join us at St. Andrew's on the second Thursday of each month to experience this powerful, spiritual service.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 6 p.m.
Classical Sundays at Six: The Debussy Trio & Friends
St. James in-the-City Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information here
A world-renowned harpist, Marcia Dickstein has been enticing new audiences to harp in chamber music and solo with orchestra, and inspiring composers to write new works for harp in classical and jazz genres, for many years. Founder/artistic director of The Debussy Trio, she has performed worldwide, in the United States, Canada, Europe, Scandinavia, and Japan, over NPR radio, PBS, and numerous TV channels. Read more about the artists here.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 7:30 p.m.
A Service in the style of Taizé
All Saints Episcopal Church
504 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210
Information here or 310.275.0123 or info@allsaintsbh.org
Begun many years ago at the ecumenical French monastic community called Taizé, these services, with candlelight and singing of chants, are a wonderful way to refresh in the midst of a busy week.
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Events to be included in the online diocesan calendar and in the Update may be emailed to editor@ladiocese.org. | |
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.
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October 7 – 17, 2024
Italy Pilgrimage
Join the Rev. Steve De Muth and the Rev. Barrett Van Buren for an 11-day pilgrimage across Italy. We will visit Venice, Florence, Assisi, and Rome. The tour price includes roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles, first class/select hotels, most meals, professional tour director, comprehensive sightseeing, all hotel service charges and local taxes, porterage and entrance fees. Cost is $4,549 per person from Los Angeles including $520 taxes/airline surcharges. For information, contact Steve De Muth, 100 N. Third Ave., Covina, CA 91723 or 626.967.3939 or padresteve@holytrinitycovina.com. A full itinerary is here.
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EMPLOYMENT
Listings may be sent to news@ladiocese.org. There is no charge.
CORONA DEL MAR: Director of Music. Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church seeks a director of music to help us create inspiring and transformative liturgical experiences in the English Cathedral tradition. The successful candidate will be an outstanding musician, choral director, and organist, with a track record in cathedral music or a similar setting. At present, the position is part-time with hopes of increasing the position to full-time in the next couple of years. A full job description and application information can be found here.
PASADENA: Childcare staff. All Saints Church is seeking two part-time employees to care for groups of five to 20 children on-site during Sunday services (8 a.m. - 1 p.m.). Hours will vary during other days of the week, usually focused around afternoons and evenings depending on program status and family needs. Total hours per week are a minimum of 5 on Sunday, and will not exceed a total of 8 hours per week. A full job description is here.
SANTA MONICA: Music Director. St. Augustine by-the-Sea, an inclusive and progressive Episcopal Church, is seeking a creative and dynamic music director to lead its music program. An organist and adult choir are in place. The music director will select choral offerings and help plan music and manage the church's music program, rehearsing and directing the choir. Full job description is here. Compensation: $25,000+. Starts Summer 2023 (negotiable). Send resume and references to the Rev. Nathan Rugh, rector, at nate@saint-augustine.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.
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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
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