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December 15, 2019

diocesela.org/episcopal-news

SAVE THE DATE

Ministry Fair on March 7 will 'equip the saints to serve'

The Ministry Fair, themed "Equipping the Saints to Serve," will return to the Diocese of Los Angeles on Saturday, March 7, 2020, hosted by Campbell Hall, the Episcopal school in North Hollywood. All are invited.

Organizers are seeking proposals for workshops in the following ministry areas:

To submit a proposal, click here.

Watch the Update and the new Episcopal News Monthly (coming in late January) for more information about workshop offerings, registration and more. Campbell Hall is located at 4533 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Studio City 91607. Workshop topic suggestions may be sent to the Rev. Laurel Coote at [email protected] or Samantha Wylie at [email protected].

Bishop Taylor to ordain eight to priesthood Jan. 11

Bishop John Harvey Taylor will ordain Brainerd Solomon Dharmaraj, Carlos Enrique Ruvalcaba, Jonathan William Feuss, Jamelia Cooper Barnett, William Ralph Knutson, Judith Forman Lyons, Kristin Claire (KC) Robertson and Sarah Dammann Thomas to the priesthood on Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. at St. John's Cathedral, 514 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90007. The prayers and presence of the diocesan community are invited.

Update will be on hiatus for holiday weeks

The Episcopal News Update will be published for the week of Dec. 22 (publication date Dec. 18 ). It will be on hiatus for the weeks of Christmas and New Year, and resume with the Jan. 12 issue (publication date Jan. 8). If you have an event coming up in January and would like a listing in the Update, please send information by noon on Tuesday, Dec. 17 to [email protected]. Note: The Episcopal News Weekly bulletin insert has been discontinued. Beginning in January, look for the new Episcopal News Monthly, to be delivered by email and in hard copy to congregations. For information, contact Janet Kawamoto at [email protected].

Simulcast Christmas service from Washington D.C., Holy Land is Dec. 21

Washington National Cathedral and Christmas Lutheran Church of Bethlehem will simulcast services celebrating the birth of Jesus on Saturday, Dec. 21, 6:30 a.m. PST. Hymns, prayers, and readings will alternate in Arabic and English from each location. Watch on the National Cathedral website here or on YouTube here. A flyer from American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of jerusalem (AFEDJ) with more information is here.

Stillpoint Epiphany retreat with Judith Favor to focus on gifts and giving

Stillpoint: The Center for Christian Spirituality, will present "Gifted and Gifting in Epiphany: A Contemplative Writing Retreat" with the Rev. Judith Favor on Saturday, Jan. 4, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at St. Mark's Church, Altadena. "The Magi aren’t the only ones bearing gifts during Epiphany," says the event description. "Those who view inspiration as gift also receive the fruits of personal creativity as gift." Prayer and poetry "play at the edges of mystery,” writes Marilyn McEntyre, author of When Poets Pray. “Poets hold a tension between line and sentence, between sense and reason, between the transcendent and the deeply, comfortingly familiar.” Participants are asked to bring one treasured poem to give away during this retreat; "words that have gifted you and will gift a spiritual companion during Epiphany." Judith Favor is a retired UCC pastor and teacher at the Claremont School of Theology. A veteran spiritual director and writer, she has been a contemplative, seeker, and companion to others for many years. Cost is $68 ($78 with lunch). For more information and to register, click here.

Traveling the Way of Love Episode 7: Learn

Traveling the Way of Love, Episode 7: Learn, the final installment of the first season of the Way of Love video series from The Episcopal Church Office of Communication, is now available for viewing on The Episcopal Church website (click on Learn) and on The Episcopal Church Facebook page. Hosted by Chris Sikkema, the Office of Communication’s manager for special projects, Traveling the Way of Love shares stories of the ways people across The Episcopal Church practice the Way of Love with each episode highlighting one of the seven Way of Love practices: turn, learn, pray, worship, bless, go, and rest. This seventh episode focuses on Learn. Read more here.

Church-wide Bible reading initiative to begin in Epiphany 2020

Forward Movement, along with partners from across the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada, invites followers of Jesus to participate in the Good Book Club, a church-wide Bible reading initiative. The Good Book Club will focus on the Gospel of John, with participants reading a section of scripture each day during the Epiphany season, starting on January 6, 2020. “The Good book Club is helping us to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the holy scripture, anew in our time,” said Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry. “The Good Book Club is a helpful tool to engaging in ‘Learn,’ one of the seven Way of Love practices for a Jesus-centered life.” Read more here.

Nuevo Amanecer Conference on Latino/Hispanic Ministries, May 12-15, 2020

Nuevo Amanecer, a biennial event that unifies and celebrates the Latino ministries from across The Episcopal Church, will have the honor of hosting Presiding Bishop Michael Curry at their May 12-15, 2020 gathering. Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina, will welcome for the seventh year a diverse group of participants who look forward to the support, networking, tools, formation, and fellowship environment that this conference offers every two years. Lay leaders, clergy, diocesan missioners, parish staff, church planters, and anyone else interested in expanding their knowledge by sharing best practices and exploring new methods of church growth, discipleship and evangelism, are invited to attend. Speakers include Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Damaris de Jesús and Bishop José McLaughlin. Read more here.

Call for proposals: The Theology of Gratitude

The United Thank Offering (UTO) and Bexley Seabury Seminary invite scholars in philosophy, religion, theology, and other relevant disciplines to offer proposals for papers on The Theology of Gratitude. This call for proposals comes in recognition that gratitude has become a phenomenon in popular culture and is written about in books ranging from self-help to the Harvard Business Review. Scholarly engagement has developed primarily in the psychological community, which has demonstrated the correlation between gratitude and improvement in personal health and the development of strong, healthy relationships. There is far less scholarship arising within the theological community. Scholars representing diverse perspectives and experiences from all disciplines, generations, and cultural groups are invited to submit a 1000-1500-word proposal plus bibliography of how they will engage in a rigorous exploration of human expressions while living in a complex world. Read more here.

Episcopal Relief & Development releases 2019 Gifts for Life catalog

During the holiday season, Episcopal Relief & Development encourages friends and supporters to give a gift that will transform a life with Gifts For Life, an alternative giving catalog that offers tangible and meaningful ways to create lasting change in communities around the world. The Gifts for Life program enables individuals and groups to empower transformation in communities worldwide through the purchase of gifts to support those communities. The catalog features a wide range of gift options from $15 to help parents nurture and nourish a child to $1,284 to provide a complete care package to empower a community. Read more here.

United Thank Offering 2020 Annual Grants application process is open

An informational webinar will be offered Jan. 14

The United Thank Offering (UTO) board of directors is pleased to announce the availability of their 2020 United Thank Offering Annual Grants. These grants are awarded for projects in The Episcopal Church and throughout the Anglican Communion, each year with a different focus. For 2020, the focus is "Bless: Share faith, practice generosity and compassion, and proclaim the Good News of God in Christ with hope and humility." These awards have supported everything from staff positions, conferences, creation of educational resources, and contributing to building projects. The application process opened Sept. 6, 2019; application information and forms are available here. The deadline for submitting a grant application is March 6, 2020 at 2 p.m. (West Coast time). Read more here.

SAVE THE DATE: January 18, 2020

Professor Devon Carbado to return for 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. celebration

Professor Devon Carbado of UCLA will again keynote the diocese’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, to be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Holy Faith Church, Inglewood. Carbado, an associate vice chancellor at UCLA and a professor at the university's school of law, addressed last year’s gathering, saying on that occasion, “Law and morality are not the same thing." Furthermore, he said, “The civil rights trajectory, the pathway to social change, is not linear. It reflects what we might call a reform entrenchment; a movement forward, then a movement backward.” (A report on the 2019 event is here.) All are welcome at this year's service, which also will feature The Episcopal Chorale, a renowned gospel group directed by Canon Chas Cheatham. Read more here.

Autumn 2019 issue of The Episcopal News chronicles changes, new beginnings - including a few of its own

The Episcopal News, Autumn 2019 issue, is now available online in versions to read online or print. This issue includes: News about this year's diocesan convention, which begins this Friday; a message from Bishop John Harvey Taylor on walking the way of love; and stories about renaming St. Paul's Commons, closing the Cathedral Bookstore, moving the cathedra to St. John's, Los Angeles; moving Bloy House to Glendale; relaunching St. Be's ministry in Eagle Rock (L.A.), a visit from Archbishop Rowan Williams and a message from the editor about new plans for the Episcopal News publications. Click here to download and read the issue.

Scholar Jim Prothero offers to speak about C.S. Lewis at Southland congregations

Jim Prothero, senior warden at St. Clement's by-the-Sea Church, San Clemente, and director of the Southern California C.S. Lewis Society, has announced that he is available to speak at congregations of the diocese about the late renowned scholar and his works, which include such classics as Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia and Till We Have Faces. Prothero is a Lewis scholar and co-writer of G aining a Face: The Romanticism of C.S. Lewis. He also welcomes people who enjoy Lewis' works to come to meetings of the society, which meets at St. Luke's Church, Monrovia and on the campus of Vanguard University in Costa Mesa. For more information, visit www.socallewis.org; to contact Prothero about speaking to a church or group, email him at [email protected] or call 494.230.6801 (leave a message).

Dates confirmed for annual pilgrimage to Cuernavaca

The Diocese of Los Angeles will sponsor its annual pilgrimage to its companion Anglican Diocese of Cuernavaca, Mexico, March 14 - 28, 2020. Up to 15 guests can experience Mexican culture, learn Spanish, and visit historical and cultural sites throughout the area. Cost is $3,000, which will cover transportation, lodging, meals, and teaching services; a deposit of $100 is required to confirm a place in the program. Contact the Rev. Laurel Coote ( [email protected]) for information on scholarships. Registration and further information are available here.

Salvage , a play by Seeds of Hope's Tim Alderson, is open in Los Angeles

Salvage, a play with music written by Seeds of Hope Executive Director Tim Alderson, opened on Nov. 15 and will run on Fridays and Saturdays (8 p.m.) and Sundays (3 p.m.) through Dec. 15 at the Lounge Theater, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles 90038. Directed by Damian D. Lewis, Salvage is about Harley, a singer-songwriter whose wife is expecting their first child, has decided to hang it up. On his way to pawn his guitar, he stumbles across the bar where his musical hero, Floyd Whitaker, died. Entering, he finds Johnson, the inhospitable bartender, and a single, surly customer, known as Preacher, who’s strumming the blues on an old guitar. Dueling words and songs ensue, dislodging uncomfortable truths, until an unexpected arrival turns everything on its ear. Tickets are $35; for reservations call 323.960.7712. Seeds of Hope is the food justice ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 6:30 p.m.

Interfaith Prayer and Action Service

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

1221 Wass Street, Tustin 92780

Information: The Rev. Laura Siriani, [email protected]

The Interfaith Prayer and Action Service is an outgrowth of St. Paul’s public witness with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. Last summer we prayed for the children at the border and witnessed publicly for their release and humanitarian treatment. In collaboration with the Sisters, St. Paul’s continues its witness with a gathering of interfaith partners. The evening includes a time of learning, prayer, silent reflection, and action. This month, Deacon Lisa Jacoby, director of Spiritual Care and Ethics at Mission Hospital, will share her experience of recent visits to Catholic Charities refugee centers on the Texas border and Tijuana. IPA is intended to be an interfaith witness and will continue as long as prayers are needed. Please join us and bring your friends who are concerned about the treatment of children at the border.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 7 p.m.

Advent Procession of Lessons & Carols

St. John's Cathedral

514 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90007

Information: 213.747.6285

The Choir of St. John's Cathedral present an . Beginning in darkness from the great west doors and processing toward resplendent light at the high altar, this annual tradition features beloved carols and readings for the season of Advent. There will be complimentary valet parking and a warm reception following the service. All are welcome. The service will be live-streamed on the Diocese of Los Angeles Facebook page here.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 10 a.m.

60th Anniversary Service

Christ the Good Shepherd Church

3303 W Vernon Avenue, Los Angeles 90008

Information: 323.232.3494

A celebration of 60 years of worship and service at the Diocese of Los Angeles' first historically Black church, founded by and for Episcopalians of African heritage. A reception will follow.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1 p.m.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Service / Celebración a la Virgen de Guadalupe

All Saints Church

132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena

Information: Ada Ramirez at 626.583.2734 or [email protected]

Join us as we celebrate the feast day of the Virgen de Guadalupe — the patron saint of the Americas — with a festive service full of candles, roses, and joyful song steeped in the Latino religious tradition. Alfredo Feregrino preaches; Dan Cole & Ensemble offer music. Convivio to follow with a potluck and music by the cultural band Alebrijes. For additional information, click here.

Acompáñenos el domingo 15 de diciembre a la 1 p.m. en nuestra celebración a la Virgen de Guadalupe, patrona de las Américas, con un servicio festivo lleno de cultura, rosas y música tradicional. Después de misa los invitamos a nuestro convivio con música de la banda cultural Alebrijes. Por favor de traer un platillo para compartir. Para más información, comuníquese con Ada Ramirez al 626.583.2734 o [email protected] . www.facebook.com/TodosLosSantosPasadena

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 4 p.m.

The Joyful Sounds of Christmas

Grace Episcopal Church

555 E. Mountain View Avenue, Glendora

Information: 626.335.3171 or graceglendora.org

Traditional favorites and new music performed by the Grace Parish Choir, directed by David Aldrete, and Sounds of Grace Handbell Choir, directed by Marilyn Scranton. Featuring music and arrangements by Rick England, parish organist.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 4:30 - 5:45 p.m.

Living Nativity

St. James' Episcopal Church

1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena 91030

Information here

The young people of St. James' will present a living Nativity scene on the grass in front of the church. There will be cookies and warm drinks, and a petting zoo!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 5 p.m.

A Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols

All Saints’ Church

504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

310.275.0123 ext.112 or here

Beloved Christmas carols for congregation and choir.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 5 p.m.

Musical Offering: Trouvères, Youth Chamber Choir, and Vox Cambiata

All Saints Church

132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena

Information: Debbie Daniels at 626.583.2750 or [email protected]

Music selection will include works by Ešenvalds, Hella Johnson, Schubert, Ames, and Wright. Jenny Tisi will direct.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 6 p.m.

Advent Lessons & Carols

St. James’ Church

1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena 91030

Information here

Advent Lessons & Carols is a candlelit, music-filled service to hold a quiet and reflective space in the middle of a busy season. The choir will sign ancient and new music by such composers as Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Arvo Pärt, David Willcocks, and Malcolm Archer. Come celebrate Advent, and let your spirit be lifted by the music of the St. James' choir and organ. Child care is available.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 7 p.m.

Rejoice! Music of the Season

St. Mark’s Church

1014 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena

Information: 626.798.6747

Renew your heart and soul as Mark Robson, organist at St. Mark’s Church, shares organ selections highlighting melodies of the season – familiar, lesser-known, and his own compositions – with appearances by guest performers. Reception to follow.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 8 p.m.

Compline at the Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral

514 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles

Information: www.stjohnsla.org/compline

Thirty minutes of stillness, prayer, and song — bathed in calming candlelight — followed by food and fellowship. We are a welcoming and affirming community seeking to worship, pray, and connect to God and one another.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 6 p.m.

Blue Christmas Service

All Saints Church

132 N Euclid Avenue, Pasadena

Information: Debbie Daniels, 626.583.2750 or [email protected]

If you are struggling this season, you are not alone. Join us for a unique liturgy where the light of Christ provides comfort and healing. Mike Kinman and Sally Howardwill will preside. Jonathan Berry will offer music.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 7 p.m.

A Brass Christmas Concert

St. Mary's Episcopal Church

428 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach 92651

Featuring the Orange County British Brass Band. Come hear sounds of the season featuring the OC's newest premier brass ensemble. This group is the beginning of a new tradition of brass music in South Orange County. There is no charge.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 7 p.m.

Blue Christmas: A Service of Comfort & Light

St. Mark’s Church

1014 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena

Information: 626.798.6747

Christmas is not a joyous season of celebration for everyone. Our Blue Christmas worship will be quiet and reflective, accepting the hurts we bear and offering the hope of comfort and healing in our lives and in our world.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 5 p.m.

Advent Evensong

All Saints Church

132 N Euclid Avenue, Pasadena

Information: Debbie Daniels, 626.583.2750 or [email protected]

Canterbury Choir and Chamber Ensemble offer Gloria by Vivaldi; directed by Weicheng Zhao. Susan Russell offers a meditation. This special evensong service is a wonderful way to close the Advent season and prepare for the glory of Christmas.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 7:45 p.m.

Missa Mystica for Christmas Eve

All Saints’ Church

504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

310.275.0123 ext.112 or here

All Saints’s Choir with Strings. Featuring works by Haydn, Lauridsen, and Harold Darke.

TRAVEL & PILGRIMAGE

Be Transformed by Tanzania

April 25 - May 7, 2020

Christian and Shannon Kassoff will lead a transformational journey to Tanzania in East Africa April 25 - May 7, 2020. This trip will have a school project component, however, the focus will be traveling with intention to meet new people, experience another culture, and to stretch, learn and grow into new ways of being and engaging the world. This will not be a "churchy" trip but we will meet the Holy Spirit everywhere as she expresses herself around East Africa. We will have time for reflection and meditation and optional opportunities for yoga. We will of course visit God's creation on safari in the Serengetti and Ngorongoro Crater. Cost is $3,700, which covers roundtrip flight from LAX. For information visit RoadtoTanzania.com. Questions? Contact Christian at [email protected] and 714.726.3673.

Central Europe: Oberammergau Passion Play

September 2 - 14, 2020

Join Bishop Guy Erwin of the ELCA and Canon Jim Newman of the Episcopal Church for a 13-day journey across central Europe to Oberammergau, Germany. The day-long Oberammergau Passion Play is produced every decade and is a four-century “thank you” to God for saving the people of this picturesque Bavarian Alpine village. Experience this spiritual event and look at the culture and religion of Poland (Warsaw, Krakow, Auschwitz and Czestochowa), Hungary (Budapest), Czech Republic (Bratislava), Austria (Vienna & the Salzkammergut) and Germany (Oberammergau & Munich). Cost is $4,899 from Los Angeles including $450 taxes/airline surcharges.) Information: Jim Newman, 3590 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066; 310.391.5522 or 888.802.6722; [email protected]. A full itinerary is here.

EMPLOYMENT

Listing information may be sent to [email protected]. Some documents, such as full job descriptions, are stored in an online Dropbox folder. It is not necessary to have a Dropbox account to download the files: select "Continue download" if the program invites you to create an account.

ALTADENA: Director of Christian Formation (all ages). St. Mark’s Church. Half-time with benefits; salary commensurate with experience. Director of Christian Formation will work with the rector, staff, and the Formation Committee to develop and implement a coordinated program of formation for all members of Saint Mark’s Church. A full job description is here. Contact: the Rev. Carri Patterson Grindon at [email protected]

BEVERLY HILLS: Financial Manager, All Saints Church. Part-time (30 hours/week). To coordinate and execute the congregation's financial business affairs. A full job description is here. Email cover letter and resume to Jody Giles, director of Giving and Engagement, at [email protected].

LOS ANGELES: Senior Accountant. The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles is seeking an experienced senior accountant who is well versed in fund accounting, budgeting, financial statement preparation, and internal controls. The ideal candidate is a hard worker who can easily navigate new financial accounting software systems, who communicates well, works well in a variety of situations, and who has a servant heart. A full job description is here. Send resume and cover letter to [email protected].

OJAI: Organist/Choir Director. St. Andrew’s Church is seeking an experienced person well-versed in both organ and choral conducting skills. 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. More information is here.

ONTARIO: Parish Assistant, Christ Church, to staff the office Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. For inquires, contact Gianluigi Gugliermetto, priest-in-charge, at [email protected].

PASADENA: Building and grounds manager, All Saints Church. The manager has responsibility for supervision of a staff of eight full-time and part-time employees; for planning, organizing and directing campus maintenance, repairs and major events; and for managing annual budgets for the department. Must be fully bilingual (English and Spanish). Full job description and application instructions are here.

SIERRA MADRE: Ministry Intern at Church of the Ascension. Seeking a driven and organized part-time ministry intern, 5(+) hours/week (Sunday mornings from 7:45-12:45). Job duties include assisting Minister to Young Persons with childcare and various youth service activities. As-needed assistance with various kitchen maintenance duties (including coffee hour duties and kitchen upkeep.) Submit resume and cover letter to: [email protected], ATTN: The Rev. Canon Michael A. Bamberger.

SIERRA MADRE: STEAM Teacher. The Gooden School, an independent Episcopal K-8 school, is looking for a full-time maternity leave STEAM and Social Studies faculty position for the spring of the 2019-2020 school year. Anticipated start and end dates are January 6 – April 3, 2020. Full job description with contact information here.

SIERRA MADRE: Health, Wellness and Physical Education Teacher. The Gooden School, an independent Episcopal K-8 school, is actively looking for a full-time teacher who would also function as athletic director, to start as soon as possible. Full job description with contact information here.

UPLAND: Kindergarten Aide, part time, at Saint Mark's Episcopal School, a PS-8 school that inspires each child to achieve their highest potential by promoting intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual growth, in a safe and nurturing community. A strong candidate will have a love of children and a desire to support the teacher/school in its mission of education and formation. Bilingual in English and Mandarin a plus. A full job description can be found here. Please submit inquiries to the Rev. Karri Backer at [email protected].

OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE:

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: Director of Youth Ministries (full time), St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. This individual will oversee the programs of Christian formation for students in 6th-12th grades. A self-starter who connects with youth in engaging and innovative ways would be a welcome addition to the leadership of St. Luke’s. A full job description is here.