Seismologist Lucy Jones will share insights at diocesan Climate Change Summit Sept. 16
Congregations urged to send teams in person, online to hybrid gathering
By EN Staff
[The Episcopal News – August 30, 2023] Distinguished seismologist Lucy Jones – a well-known voice for earthquake science and safety – will deliver the morning plenary presentation at the diocesan Climate Change Summit, a hybrid event set for Saturday, Sept. 16, at St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park.
Registration is here. All are welcome. Coffee and table conversation starting at 9:30 a.m. will precede the program opening at 10 a.m. Sessions will continue until 2:30 p.m. with a 30-minute break for lunch.
Jones, who is a lay leader at St. James Episcopal Church in South Pasadena, will be joined by afternoon presenters Kate Varley and Lisa Markus, also Episcopalians and climate specialists from local congregations.
“The summit is a great opportunity to bring our diocesan community together to do what we can to address this issue which affects our whole world. It’s not easy work but it is necessary work,” said the Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy, diocesan canon to the ordinary, who chairs the 30-member commission on behalf of Bishop John Harvey Taylor.
Read more here.
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Online classes to study 'wisdom tradition' in Christianity
The Center for Spirituality in Ontario, based at Christ Episcopal Church, has announced a series of online classes on recovering the wisdom tradition in Christianity
According to the center's director, the Rev. Gianluigi Gugliermetto, Ph.D., "The particularity of these classes is at least threefold: 1. they are informative and not dogmatic; 2. they are centered on the spiritual journey of the participants; 3. they are interactive and engaging (you do not simply receive a video to watch)."
Upcoming classes are:
Pearls of Wisdom, Drops of Dew
Fridays, beginning Sept. 1, 9 a.m.
A presentation and discussion of one or more texts from the Bible, following the Revised Common Lectionary used by many churches for their Sunday worship. Gugliermetto, Episcopal priest and a published author in the fields of interfaith dialogue, the history and theology of Anglicanism, and theology and sexuality (theology of desire), will explain the context of the texts, the main ideas present in the texts, and the history of their interpretation for about half an hour. A discussion will follow. This is a free program.
All the Big Words: An in-depth exploration of John's Gospel
Thursdays, beginning Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m.
The second half of the Gospel of John deals with the major words that give meaning to human existence, such as peace, freedom, love, unity, truth. This course is an in-depth reading of chapters 13-21 of this late first-century book, daring to plunge into hard existential questions without the moralizing bigotry which hides and dilutes the power of the text. Led by James Dunkly, Ph.D., former professor at Nashotah House, the Episcopal Divinity School, and the School of Theology at the University of the South, who now teaches at Bloy House.
For more information, visit the center's website or contact Gugliermetto at [email protected]
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'New Camino' seminar will present vision for Latino ministries
The Program Group on Hispanic Ministries of the Diocese of Los Angeles will host "New Camino: A New Vision for Latino/Hispanic Ministries," a two-day seminar presented by the Office of Latino/Hispanic Ministries of The Episcopal Church, Oct. 20-21 at St. Paul's Commons.
New Camino is especially designed for diocesan bishops, staff and congregations open to exploring how they can be more effectively involved in reaching all the various Latino generations.
New Camino offers a new strategic, evangelistic outreach that is open to either a Spanish or English-language ministry, depending on the cultural and linguistic context of the anticipated mission field. Its aim is to dispel stereotypical notions about the Latino population by presenting the changing reality of Latino ministry that must recognize the cultural, linguistic, and generational diversity in the Latino population.
New Camino specifically aims to demonstrate that a paradigm shift is emerging in Latino ministry. The shift begins with thinking in terms of evangelistic niches due to the socio-demographic changes in the Latino population.
Accommodations are available at the St. Paul's Commons Retreat Center, located at 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles. For information and to register, email [email protected]
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Diocesan offices to close for Labor Day holiday
Diocesan offices at St. Paul's Commons and off-site will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day. Most offices will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
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Kathy Wilder brings love of kids, justice and the outdoors to Camp Stevens
By Pat McCaughan
[The Episcopal News – August 30, 2023] Camp Stevens Executive Director Kathy Wilder was two years old on her first overnight camping trip, and the experience stuck.
“It was up here, in these mountains, where I live and work now. It’s a special place to me,” says Wilder, who was born and raised in San Diego and grew up in an “outdoorsy” military family with a love of camping.
Officially named the camp’s executive director in 2020, she aims to spread that love – for the outdoors, the environment, and for restorative justice – to all people, and especially to young people.
The successful 2023 summer sessions provided exploration of the Julian camp’s 250 acres of forests, trails, gardens, buildings, team-building challenges with the high ropes courses, a climbing wall, swimming, archery, arts and crafts as well as spiritual connection.
In addition, Camp Stevens offers a variety of other sessions, such as Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and other weekend programs for families and wilderness experiences for groups and individuals.
Read more here.
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Cathedral lay leader Jerry Abraham named president of L.A. County Medical Association
Physician Jerry P. Abraham – director and chief vaccinologist of Kedran Community Health Center, who has been a leader in community clinics and parish outreach at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral – was installed Aug. 18 as 152nd president of the Los Angeles County Medical Association, a professional organization founded in 1871.
Abraham, who is also assistant professor of psychiatry and family medicine at Charles R. Drew University, has provided strategic services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he helped organize vaccination clinics at the cathedral. Expressing gratitude for this outreach, Bishop John Harvey Taylor joined other community leaders in commending Abraham on his years of service and new honor.
The installation program book praises Abraham as “an advocate for equitable access to public health and healthcare delivery for all people across Los Angeles County .... [H]e has fought for the rights of African-American, Latinx, and LGBTQIA+ patients to access safe, reliable, and nondiscriminatory quality care in their community, where people live, work, worship, play, go-to-school, and care for the homebound. Through a mixture of avid social activism and extensive medical advocacy, Dr. Abraham has spent his entire short career working to prioritize those who are abused and neglected by the healthcare system -- the hard-to-reach, hardly-reached, often-forgotten and left-behind.”
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Bloy House announces new fall formation classes, open to clergy and laity
[The Episcopal News – August 23, 2023] Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School at Los Angeles, has announced several online continuing education and formation classes this Fall for lay people and clergy.
Engaging Adult Formation and Small Groups: Tips and Techniques
Tuesdays, Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 7 - 8:30 p.m. via Zoom
For both clergy and lay leaders, this class will host a collaborative discussion on how to plan adult formation; develop new curriculum or enhance packaged curriculum; design activities to deepen participant engagement; prepare promotional materials; facilitate Zoom classes; and handle difficult situations that arise in small or large groups. Facilitated by Linda Allport, dean of Bloy House. Allport has more than 35 years’ experience in leading bible study and adult formation in a variety of group settings.
Genesis 1 and 2: A Fresh Exploration of the Creation Stories
Mondays, Oct 1, 9, 16, 23, 7 – 8:30 p.m. via Zoom
Taught by popular Hebrew Scripture facilitator the Rev. Dr. Mary Tororeiy, this class will help participants learn how to read and understand Hebrew Scripture using the first two chapters of Genesis. The class will explore and contrast general themes from these two creation accounts, focusing on human identity, gender, and the natural world.
The fee for formation classes is $25. Click here for more information and to register.
Later this Fall Bloy House will begin a new lay licensing training program. Watch for information in the next issue of the Episcopal News Update.
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Registration is open for Education for Ministry classes
[The Episcopal News – August 23, 2023] Education for Ministry (EfM), a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice, will begin its 2023-24 sessions in the Diocese of Los Angeles in September.
“EfM is destined to take on a larger role in our formation and theological education toolkit," says Bishop John Harvey Taylor, "to address the disconnect in basic biblical understanding between those who preach and those who hear and to remove stumbling blocks to the pluralization of church leadership.”
The curriculum, based at the University of the South's School of Theology, is shared in a small-group setting of six to 12 students. It is intended to help church members connect faith with everyday life. "We guarantee to stretch your imagination and open a new world of insights as you probe scripture and tradition," according to EfM.
In-person and online groups will be available. For more information about EfM and its curriculum, visit the website.
Read more here.
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Episcopal agencies, Diocese of Hawai'i seek support for relief efforts after devastating fire on Maui
[The Episcopal News - August 16, 2023] The town of Lahaina, Maui — once a royal capital of Hawai'i — burned to the ground in a wildfire last week, which was exacerbated by strong winds from Hurricane Dora following a period of drought. With the death toll at 96 and rising, the blaze was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.
Hundreds of Lahaina residents have lost their homes, and its historic Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, a parish of the Diocese of Hawai'i, was completely destroyed.
"As is usually the case in the immediate aftermath of disasters, monetary gifts remain among the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai’i’s most urgent needs," Bishop John Harvey Taylor of the Diocese of Los Angeles wrote on his Facebook page Aug. 16, "second only to your prayers for those who are have been lost and those who wait in agony for news of the missing."
Episcopal Relief & Development, an agency of the multi-nation Episcopal Church, is asking for financial support to help those affected by this devastating event. Funds will go to immediate relief efforts, in addition to emerging needs, a situation in which Episcopal Relief & Development has extensive experience.
To donate, click here.
Episcopal Relief & Development will continue to work with the Diocese of Hawai'i and other agencies after the initial response period to support redevelopment efforts.
Read more here.
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Chaplaincy program needs donations for picnic serving families of the incarcerated
The PRISM Family Picnic, suspended for several years due to the coronavirus pandemic, will once again be hosted by St. Matthew's Church, Pacific Palisades, over the Labor Day weekend.
The picnic, which provides a carefree day of fun for families of incarcerated persons, is held in collaboration with CFLC/Prism, the diocese's chaplaincy program, along with Get on the Bus and the Center for Restorative Justice Works.
CFLC/Prism is seeking donations to fund buses that will transport families to St. Matthew's for the picnic.
"The impact of incarceration can destroy families across generations," writes Sharon Crandall, director of Prism, in a blog post. "It is an incessant grief that is difficult or impossible for families to talk about outside of the home. Loss of loved ones, financial stress, divorce, job loss – things that would cause stress in any family are amplified in families who have someone living in prison.
"This is why the Prism Family Picnic ... is so profoundly special. Families are invited to relax, play, feast and swim all afternoon in a space that safely and compassionately holds their sadness, grief and shame without judgment."
Donations for buses may be made here.
In a previous issue, the author of the blog post was misidentified. The News regrets the error.
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Immigration ministry asks Episcopalians to encourage US assistance for refugees
Troy Elder, director of IRIS, the diocese's refugee and immigration service, has issued a call for Episcopalians to join the New York-based International Refugee Assistance Project in asking President Joe Biden to facilitate the entrance of refugees into the United States.
"Every September, the president sets the goal for the number of refugees to be admitted into the United States for the upcoming fiscal year," said a message from the organization. "Last year, President Biden set out to welcome 125,000 people, but as the year comes to a close, the United States is on track to admit less than half of that number.
"Every unutilized spot in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program represents a person or family that is left in harm’s way. Today, more than 108 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced, 40 percent of whom are children – a new record. More than 2.4 million people need urgent access to resettlement this year.
"Refugees are a vital part of the American social, cultural, and economic fabric. They invigorate our economies and bring their resilience and drive to our communities, making us stronger. President Biden can ensure we achieve our nation's FY 2024 resettlement goal by investing the resources necessary for the resettlement program to rebuild and prepare to welcome."
Individuals may send a message to Biden requesting action here.
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Immersion programs will introduce women to Franciscan spirituality
The Community of St. Francis of San Francisco invites women over age 18 to take part in a "Companions in Franciscan Spirituality" 10-day residential immersion program in Franciscan Spirituality. The program includes studying Franciscan spirituality and living out of that spirituality by sharing in community life, worship and ministry in the church and wider community. Cost is a free will donation. Next session is Sept. 29 – Oct. 8 (with a focus on St. Francis Day). For more information, contact Sr. Pamela Clare at [email protected].
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‘Season of Creation’ emphasizes creation care as a way for Episcopalians to care for neighbors
By Melodie Woerman
[Episcopal News Service] The Season of Creation, which begins on Sept. 1 and concludes on Oct. 4, is more than just a time when Episcopalians can reflect on God’s act of creation, Delia Heck told Episcopal News Service. It’s also a time church members can be intentional about how they think about and act on the issues of climate change and caring for others.
Heck, who is a professor of environmental science at Ferrum College in Virginia, also is a member of The Episcopal Church’s Task Force on Care of Creation and Environmental Racism. She said that people increasingly are aware of the damaging effects of climate change, including the recent deadly fire on Maui, and those events point to how actions affect others. “When we look at issues of sustainability, what does loving your neighbor look like?” she said. “How is that lived out in a world with increasing disasters from extreme weather?”
Read more here.
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Episcopal chaplains join over 100 others to urge Texas school districts not to hire chaplains
By Jack Jenkins
[Religion News Service – August 29, 2023] Episcopalians joined more than 100 chaplains in signing a letter urging local Texas school boards to vote against putting chaplains in public schools, calling efforts to enlist religious counselors in public classrooms “harmful” to students and families.
The letter comes just days before a bill allowing public schools to hire school chaplains becomes law in Texas, the first state in the country to pass such a measure. The legislation, which had been pushed by activists associated with Christian nationalism, gives the state’s nearly 1,200 school boards until March 1 of next year to vote on whether to employ chaplains.
The letter was organized by the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and Interfaith Alliance as well as local advocacy group Texas Impact.
Read more here.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 7:10 p.m.
Episcopal Night at Dodger Stadium
1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles 90012
The Dodgers will play the Atlanta Braves. Check with your congregation's Dodger coordinator to see if any tickets are still available.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 4 – 7 p.m.
Season of Creation 2023: Ecumenical Service of Prayer and Reflection
Southern California Christian Forum
Christ Cathedral Chapel in the Sky – Tower of Hope
12141 Lewis Street, Garden Grove 92840
Information/Registration: Contact Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith, president, Southern California Christian Forum, at [email protected]. Join the Southern California Christian Forum’s Faith & Order Commission for a time of prayer and reflection on the Season of Creation, featuring an address by Archdeacon John Chryssavgis, advisor to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople on environmental issues. This event is free, but registration is required.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Conversations from your Spiritual Core - Sept. 11
The Guibord Center
Online: Register here
As we approach the remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001 we pay tribute to those whose lives were lost on that day, and honor those who have worked so faithfully ever since to create paths of peace in our conversations with one another. This event, part of our contribution to the growing bridge-building movement in the United States, will help people have better conversations about charged social and political issues. This event will NOT be recorded. Limited to 35 participants; register soon.
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WEDNESDAYS, SEPTEMBER 13 - OCTOBER 25, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Online BioSpiritual Focusing Book Study: An Exploration
Center for Spiritual Development
Via Zoom
Registration here or call 714.744.3172
This program is for those who wish to learn the process of BioSpiritual focusing. The workbook Rediscovering the Lost Body-Connection Within Christian Spirituality by the Rev. Edwin McMahon, Ph.D. and the Rev. Peter Campbell, Ph.D will be our guide for the exploration. Led by Deacon Joe Marino, Sr. Jeanne Fallon, CSJ, and David Robinson, SJ. Seven weeks, on Wednesday evenings via Zoom: September 13, 20, 27 and October 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023. Fee: $110
SEPTEMBER 14 - 17
Camp Stevens Alumni Reunion Weekend
Camp Stevens
Julian, CA
Information/Registration here
Bring the family or come solo and join friends for a weekend reunion. Visit for the day or for the whole experience! Activities may include swimming in the pool, group projects, silk screening, hikes, a special beer tasting by John Horton and, of course, community gathering around the campfire. Come home to camp, share your stories and make new memories together. To help plan the event contact alumnus Stephen Lockert at [email protected].
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Side by Side Retreat for Couples:
The Sacred Art of Couples Aging with Wisdom & Love
Trinity Episcopal Church
1500 State Street, Santa Barbara 93101
Information/Registration here
Based on the true soul stories collected in the newly released book Side by Side: the Sacred Art of Couples Aging with Wisdom & Love, authors Jay and Caryl Casbon offer this one-day retreat designed for all couples in committed relationships, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, living into the autumn/winter of their lives. Participants will actively engage in rituals, tell stories, view interview clips, and share in small groups using the Circle of Trust process. Cost: $95 per person ($190 per couple), which includes a copy of the book. (Partial scholarships are available upon request.) Deadline for registration is Sept 6.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Centennial Celebration: Episcopal Communities and Services
Monte Cedro
2212 El Molino Avenue, Altadena 91001
Reservations: call 626.403.5445
Come celebrate 100 years of service with a unique look back at the history and legacy of ECS. Light refreshments will be served. Business professional or smart casual attire.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 6 - 6:45 p.m.
Compline with the Choir of St. Paul's, Ventura
Trinity Episcopal Church
1500 State Street, Santa Barbara
Calm your soul at the end of the day during our brief, candle-lit, choral prayer service. This is an a cappella offering. Selections of music highlight composers such as Tallis, Lotti, Rickard, and St. Paul's music directors, Tara Eisenhauer and Felix Eisenhauer. There is no cost for this event. A goodwill offering will be taken; proceeds will be used for the choir's tour and pilgrimage to Europe in 2024.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 5 p.m.
Diamond Jubilee Gala Celebration
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
24901 Orchard Village Road, Santa Clarita
Reservations: email [email protected]
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.
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Events to be included in the online diocesan calendar and in the Update may be emailed to [email protected]. | |
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].
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EMPLOYMENT
Listings may be sent to [email protected]. There is no charge.
NEW LISTING:
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.
CONTINUING LISTINGS:
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].
OJAI: Music Director (keyboard and choral conducting skills), St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. This is a part-time, contracted position, and compensation is commensurate with experience. Individuals who have excellent musicianship, can work both independently and collaboratively, are creative, and demonstrate strong leadership skills are encouraged to apply. We have a small Bösendorfer grand piano in the sanctuary as well as a Rosales-Dickson Opus 10 pipe organ (two manuals, tracker action, 15 stops, 17 ranks) built in 1983 and installed in 1983. Responsibilities: report to the rector; select music for Sunday services and special liturgical services during Easter and Christmas; provide music on piano or organ or both and direct the choir at the 10 A.M. Sunday service and at special liturgical services; conduct weekly choir rehearsals; work with youth choir (when one is formed) for occasional special services; play for weddings and funerals, with first right of refusal; recruit additional paid/non-paid supplemental singers; attend staff meetings. Send application letter and resume to: Organist/Choir Director Search Committee, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 409 Topa Topa Drive, Ojai, CA 93023, or e-mail [email protected] or call 805.646.1885 or email E. J. Beukenkamp, search coordinator, at [email protected].
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 [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].
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OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE
PALM SPRINGS: Parish Administrator, St. Paul in the Desert Episcopal Church (Diocese of San Diego). The parish administrator serves as the central contact and hub for all church staff, parishioners, volunteers, visitors, vendors, and community partners. The parish administrator must be well-organized, able to work independently and collaboratively, and be flexible in responding to the changing needs of the parish. The parish administrator reports to the co-rectors and manages two other staff members: a sexton and assistant sexton. The parish administrator also works with the co-rectors in managing a team of office volunteers who will assist in the broad scope of this key role as the parish grows into a program-sized church. Hours: Full time, Monday - Friday (occasional weekends); depending on applicants the job may be split up into two part-time positions. A full job description is here.
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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 [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
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