The
Episcopal News Update
A weekly newsletter serving the Diocese of Los Angeles
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Above: Roberto Muñoz Sr. and his wife Margarita Muñoz wait for their COVID-19 shots. Photo: Roberto Muñoz Jr. Below right: Grace Bowden of St. Paul's Church, Pomona, recently launched a group of tech-savvy millennials to help eligible people get vaccination appointments. (Photo from Facebook) |
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Pomona parishioner is on a mission to help people get the COVID-19 vaccination
By Pat McCaughan
Roberto Muñoz was growing increasingly frustrated and discouraged by trying and missing out on scheduling Covid-19 vaccination appointments online for his 88-year-old father Roberto and 85-year-old mother Margarita.
As a health care provider, the St. Paul’s, Pomona senior warden had already been vaccinated, and desperately wanted the same protection for his aged parents.
“Both my parents have bronchial issues. My whole thing was, the sooner they can get the vaccine, the sooner they can get the second shot, the sooner their risk is lowered,” he said.
“Both my parents have Medicare and Medi-Cal, but their health care providers could not do anything for them,” he added. “I was there the other day, picking up a prescription and … instead of trying to help a woman who needed it, they basically told her to just go online and keep trying. I cannot see my almost 90-year-old dad being told that.”
That’s when Grace Bowden, 31, a friend and also a St. Paul’s parishioner, zoomed in with an offer — working remotely from home, she had the capability to monitor websites and book appointments as they became available. And she had the desire to help.
Very quickly, the elder Muñozes had both appointments and vaccinations at Dodger Stadium. “And now, Grace is on the lookout for their second appointments,” Munoz said.
For Bowden, the effort “started with my helping my grandparents and then neighbors. I sit at my computer all day and I’d see appointments pop open and I’d ask people, do you know anyone who needs an appointment?”
Friends and neighbors began telling others; word spread. The effort grew. Soon she had a group of friends volunteering to help her book the appointments.
Since early January, the group has assisted about 120 people. “There is not one person who’s asked for our help that we haven’t been able to book,” Bowden said.
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SAVE THE DATES
Two online diocesan services planned for Eastertide
Bishop John Harvey Taylor invites the diocesan community to two online services in Eastertide.
The first will be The Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday, April 3 at 8 p.m., coordinated by the Rev. Canon Susan Russell with participation by Taylor, Bishop Suffragan Diane M. Jardine Bruce and Canon to the Ordinary Melissa McCarthy and people from all over the diocese.
The second service, on the second Sunday of Easter, April 11, will be a simple celebration of Holy Eucharist conducted by Taylor and Canon Kathy O'Connor.
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Voices of Justice: Seeds of Hope ramps up food distribution as COVID adds to food insecurity issues
By Pat McCaughan
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a seismic spike in existing food insecurity, and a shift in the approach, but not the mission, of Seeds of Hope, the food justice ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.
“The intent behind Seeds of Hope was to rethink, to repurpose church resources and capacities, to do what we can to address food insecurity and the structural inequities in the system that leave people struggling to have access to or to afford basic nutrition,” says executive director Tim Alderson, who founded the ministry in 2013.
Seeds of Hope has since grown to about 92 urban farms, 75 food pantries and 70 meal programs — just among churches and diocesan institutions. Additionally, it has cultivated a network of nearly 50 local and county partner agencies, increasing its capacity to offer nutrition and education classes, along with distribution of fresh produce.
In 2020, for example, Seeds of Hope staff transported about 26 million servings of fresh fruit and vegetables to Los Angeles county’s food insecure and hungry, more than tripling the previous year’s deliveries. “The dramatic spike was due almost entirely to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Alderson said.
The pandemic has meant a shift in focus largely to food distribution, especially for partners like St. Stephen’s Church in Hollywood, whose congregation and Delaney Wright Fine Arts Preschool have been deeply affected, said the Rev. Canon Jaime Edwards-Acton, rector.
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The Covington's "Mary Minstrels" prepare for a performance. From left: Charlene Clark, Rosemary Zettler, Pat Norgon, group founder Mary Lam, Barbara Peck, Audrey Fong, Zemula Fleming and Anita Parker. Photo: The Covington |
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At Aliso Viejo’s Covington, ‘Mary Minstrels’ ukulele group lightens spirits during pandemic
By Pat McCaughan
Mary Lam, 90, taught herself to play the ukulele; now she teaches others and together they serenade the residents of The Covington, an Episcopal Community Services senior living residence in Aliso Viejo.
“I never even had a lesson myself, but I wanted a group, so I taught each of them how to play,” said Lam, a retired schoolteacher who moved from Stockton to the Aliso Viejo facility in 2016.
Initially, daily during the pandemic, as many as ten “Mary Minstrels” happily strummed “You Are My Sunshine,” “Billy Boy” and other golden oldies on outdoor patios. Their goal: to lift the spirits of residents, who listened from balconies and “followed COVID rules,” according to Lam.
It was lots of fun, even with face masks and being appropriately socially distanced, said Barbara Peck, 85, a member of the group. “We’ve played for luaus and talent shows and summer concerts here at the Covington.” The group’s music-making even led to a jam session with Aliso Viejo’s mayor and a performance for the city’s Chamber of Commerce.
“We always try to pick songs appropriate for the occasion,” Peck added. “I just think it keeps us sharper. Mary is a wonderful leader. She keeps us improving with harder music and we’re learning all the time. We really enjoy it.”
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Servants of the Spirit: Gifts for Ministry |
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Ministry, financial workshops to be held online throughout the year
The diocese's new series of online ministry workshops, titled "Servants of the Spirit: Gifts for Ministry," will continue throughout 2021.
Two workshops will be held each month; one on a ministry topic (usually the first Wednesday of each month, in the evening) and one on a financial topic (second Saturday mornings.) No workshops will be held in July or August.
Upcoming workshops:
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 7 p.m.
Trauma-Informed Care
TIC is understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. A trauma-informed approach aims to help us create an environment that is sensitive to the needs of those effected by trauma. Presenter: Stacey Roth, LCSW. Register here.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 9 - 10 a.m.
Budget prep for 2021:
Narrative and Zero-based Budgeting
If you haven’t started working on your 2021 budget, utilizing one or both of these methods of budgeting might help. If you are done with 2021 budgeting, and you’d like to think fresh for 2022 and get a jump on planning for that, this workshop is for you. Led by the Rt. Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce. Register here.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 7 - 8 p.m.
Best Practices for Stewardship Campaigns
Presenter: Davey Gerhard, Executive Director of the Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS). Register here.
SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 9 - 10 a.m.
Training for Treasurers, Part 1
Learn valuable tools and best practices and procedures to help you serve as treasurer for your congregation. Register here.
Additional information about the workshop series is here. All workshops are livestreamed and recorded, and will be made available for on-demand viewing here.
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Celebration of Absalom Jones coming Feb. 13
The H. Belfield Hannibal Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians will commemorate the feast day of Absalom Jones, first Black priest of The Episcopal Church, on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 11:30 a.m. with a virtual service of lessons and spirituals. The service, themed "A Charge to Keep: Aligning Ourselves with the Heart of God in the Fight for Liberation," will be streamed on YouTube here. All are invited. For more information, click here, or email [email protected]
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The Gathering invites all to reflect on what it means to be Asian Pacific American Christians at virtual event
Bishop Diane Jardine Bruce and The Gathering invite the diocesan community to a panel conversation and discussion on “Who Shall We Be? Theological reflections on being Asian Pacific American Christians in today's world” on Sunday, Feb. 28, 4 - 6 p.m.
This virtual event, held on Zoom, will focus on how Christians make meaning and respond to the events of the world. The conversation will feature Heidi Kim, director of the Melrose Family Center for Servant Leadership at the Breck School and formerly The Episcopal Church's staff officer for racial reconciliation; Winnie Varghese, priest for Ministry & Program Coordination at Trinity Church, Wall Street; and Gale Yee, Nancy W. King professor of Biblical Studies emerita at Episcopal Divinity School. Yein Kim, rector of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Westwood, will moderate the conversation.
The program is hosted by The Gathering - a Space for Asian Pacific American Spirituality, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles to Asian Pacific Americans. There is no charge, and all are invited to attend virtually. Advance registration is required: click here.
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All are invited to Lunar New Year celebration Feb. 13
The Chinese congregations of the Diocese of Los Angeles invite the entire diocesan community a virtual celebration for the Lunar New Year ("Year of the Cattle") on Saturday, Feb. 13, 5 p.m. To join the celebration, click here. |
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All are welcome to Feb. 10 ‘Social Café’ to explore digital media strategies for congregations
Bring your questions about social media and communications best practices to the online Social Café set for Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m., led by Dr. Rose Hayden-Smith (pictured at left), digital engagement strategist and member of the diocesan Program Group on Communications.
The Social Café will provide a regular opportunity for informal, drop-in conversations and questions about the effective use of social media and communications in congregations and their ministries.
To register, email [email protected] with participant name, email address, and congregation, and a Zoom invitation will be forwarded by return email. Inquiries about the Social Café and digital media resources may be emailed to the same address.
Each Social Café will last one hour and open with a 5-15 minute “tutorial” of a tool or feature on commonly used social platforms, or a brief showcase of an individual or institution in our diocese that is using digital communications in innovative and effective ways. The remainder of the time will be devoted to sharing, crowdsourcing information, discussion and Q&A.
A parishioner and recent senior warden of St. Paul’s Church in Ventura, Hayden-Smith brings her experience as part of the parish’s digital media team and as owner of her own firm, Shine Communications.
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New Lenten study program to focus on Presiding Bishop Curry's Love Is the Way
The election is behind us, the new year is ahead of us, and Lent is upon us. In preparation for those forty days of prayer, study and action, the diocesan One in the Spirit team has created a five-week program Lenten study of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s newest book, Love Is the Way.
In Love Is the Way Bishop Curry offers an inspirational road map for living the way of love through the prism of his faith, ancestry, and personal journey. In the words of reviewer Jon Meacham, “Michael Curry draws on his own remarkable life to show us the way we might make our own lives, and the live of nations, warmer, better and nobler.”
Designed for online book groups, the curriculum includes bilingual English/Spanish study guides with video presentations from the Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy, the Rev. Antonio Gallardo, the Very Rev. Canon Gary Hall, Missioner for Youth Ministries Gabriel Vasquez-Reyes and Bishop John H. Taylor. The resources now are available on the One in the Spirit webpage.
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Quilt auction will benefit Church Periodical Club
The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Los Angeles encourage all to take part the Church Periodical Club's triennial Quilt Fundraiser by bidding on one of two handmade quilts; the "Aloha" (pictured at top) and the "Star." Bids are accepted here until Feb. 28.
The Church Periodical Club is an independent, affiliated organization of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, dedicated to the worldwide ministry of the printed word and to the promotion of Christian mission, according to its website. It is the only organization in the Episcopal Church dedicated solely to providing free literature and related materials, both religious and secular, to people all over the world who need and request them and who have no other source for obtaining them. Prayer Books, books for seminarians, educational materials, medical textbooks, agricultural manuals and books for those in local and global mission are some of the publications The Church Periodical Club supplies. |
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Screening and conversation with makers of 'Far East Deep South' slated for Feb. 6
The Gathering: A Space for Asian American Pacific Spirituality invites the diocesan community to "Far East Deep South: Film Screening and Conversation with the Filmmakers Larissa Lam & Baldwin Chiu," on Saturday, Feb. 6.
The online screening will begin at 2:30 p.m.; the Q&A with the filmmakers will begin at 4 p.m., moderated by the Rev. Peter Huang from The Gathering and the Diocese of Los Angeles, with guest moderator the Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's staff officer for Church Planting.
Far East Deep South explores the seldom-told history of early Chinese immigrants living in the American South during the late 1800s to mid-1900s through the eyes of Charles Chiu and his family as they travel from California to Mississippi to find answers about his father, K.C. Lou.
The film provides a window into the lives of the Chinese in the South and the discrimination they faced in the midst of segregation. Included in the story is the bond between the Chinese and Black communities as two groups disenfranchised by racism.The film highlights the struggles and perseverance of the Delta Chinese and explores the added challenge of exclusionary immigration policies, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act. Additional information on the film and filmmakers is available here.
The Gathering, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles to Asian Pacific Americans, holds events to engage topics relevant to Asian Pacific American communities and offers a space for Asian Pacific Americans to gather to share in their spiritual journeys.
The event is free and all are welcome to attend virtually. Advance registration is required: click here. For additional information, email [email protected]. |
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Congregations continue blood drives
Blood supplies are critically low in California, and congregations in the Diocese of Los Angeles have stepped up to help replenish them by hosting blood drives. Currently scheduled events are listed below.
Additional helpful resources from the American Red Cross:
Donors may save up to 15 minutes by completing pre-donation reading and answering health history questions here, rather than filling out forms on the day of donation.
All donors and staff will be screened before entering the facilities.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.
Reservations here or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767) Sponsor code: ASEC
Donations will be by appointment only, scheduled through RedCrossBlood.org. Upcoming dates at this location are March 23, April 20, June 22 and Aug. 17.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
100 N. Third Avenue, Covina 91723
Information: 626.967.3939
Red Cross reservations here or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767) Sponsor code: HTEC
Holy Trinity will offer a blood drive each month. Upcoming dates are: Thursday, March 18; Thursday, April 15; Thursday, May 6. Reservations through the Red Cross are required.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1 - 7 p.m.
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
12692 Fifth Street, Yucaipa 92399
Register here or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767) Sponsor code: ST ALBANS
St. Alban's will host a blood drive on fourth Tuesdays through August 2021. Upcoming dates are: March 23, April 27, May 25, June 22.
Will your church host blood drives in 2021? Send the information to The Episcopal News ( [email protected]) for inclusion in the calendar. |
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From the wider Episcopal Church |
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Episcopal Church’s ‘From Many, One’ aims to heal America’s deep divisions one conversation at a time
By David Paulsen
[Episcopal News Service] The Episcopal Church is launching a campaign, “ From Many, One,” to promote a new spiritual framework for Episcopalians to engage in tough conversations with family, friends and neighbors, bridging the intense divisions that threaten to tear apart communities in the United States and beyond.
Starting Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Episcopalians will be encouraged to invite others to join them in “conversations across difference” guided by four questions: Who do you love? What have you lost? Where does it hurt? And what do you dream?
The campaign, which rejects retribution, punishment and “othering,” is inspired by the Latin phrase on the U.S. seal: E Pluribus Unum. Although it was developed before the mob of Trump supporters took over the Capitol for several hours on Jan. 6, the church campaign is launching at a time when many Americans are reeling from recent events. The goal is to celebrate difference and promote healing by emphasizing listening and curiosity.
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SUNDAYS, 6 p.m.
LACMA Sundays LIVE! Chamber Music concerts
St. James in-the-City Church, Los Angeles
Live-streamed and on demand here
MONDAYS, 5 -6:30 p.m. AND 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Becoming More Human: A Spiritual Exploration
Center for Spirituality in Ontario
A series of interactive online meetings using Matthew Fox’s book Original Blessing as the springboard for exploration and reflection. The series, which began Oct. 12, is for persons of any age or walk of life, who share an interest in processing their inner journeys. Participants may join at any point, though regular participation is presumed. Sessions are led by the Rev. Gianluigi Gugliermetto, director of the Center for Spirituality. Suggested donation is $7 per session.
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SATURDAYS, FEBRUARY 6, 13, 20, 27, 10 a.m.
'The Reality of Evil in Our Times' with Peter Fritsch
The Center for Spirituality-Ontario
Online: Learn more and register here
A comprehensive class with presentations (1/3 of course time) and discussion (2/3) on the ways we can learn to recognize and resist the evil effects of individual or societal behaviors; as well as reflective guidance on how to orient your life in prayer for action and openness to God’s grace. Cost is $125. Peter Fritsch is an Episcopal priest and spiritual director. He holds a master's of divinity from Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley, and a bachelor's of music therapy from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA. Fritsch is the author of several books, and he is presently engaged in the study of evil from a spiritual perspective.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Michael Lapsley: Healing as a Revolutionary Act
All Saints Church, Pasadena
A conversation with the Rev. Michael Lapsley and a panel of facilitators: China Gerstner, Karen Hayes, Patti Prickett, Sally Roberts, and Lynndi Scott.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 6 - 7 p.m.
Bilingual Bible Reflection, led by Alfredo Feregrino
All Saints Church, Pasadena
This group will discern and imagine in community how each is called to be in a beloved community from the perspective of the Latino/Bilingual lens and how God is already working in our communities. This group will be led by Alfredo Feregrino. Everybody is welcome. The group will meet every other Thursday. Upcoming meetings: Feb. 11 & 25, March 11 & 25, April 8 & 22, May 6.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
'Coming to Terms with the Gentleness of St. Francis of Assisi'
Stillpoint: The Center for Christian Spirituality
At this Stillpoint one-day online retreat with Jon Sweeney, the purpose won’t be to dismantle the birdbath Francis, but to uncover the real man and saint behind the popular legends. Who was he? What did he really do that was unusual and important? Most of all, we will focus and then practice how Francis cared for creatures (human, animal, and even inanimate) with particular care. Registration: $60 per person.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 5 - 6 p.m.
Interfaith Study Group: Being Muslim in My America
Join All Saints' Interfaith Study Group to hear Imam Ahmad Deeb, imam and religious director at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, and outreach ambassador for Bayan Claremont, the first graduate school for Islamic studies and chaplaincy in the country, as he shares his Muslim experience in America.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Webinar: Praying With Our Bodies
The Guibord Center
Zoom webinar: register here
Also livestream on Facebook here
Lent is a season of contemplative practice for Christians around the world. It is a time to reflect on the sacredness of the body and gratitude for new life in Jesus’ gift of sacrificial love. Join The Guibord Center for a unique interfaith observance of Ash Wednesday. Our time will include guided meditation, simple body work, and conversation about what the ancient practice of Lent, along with wisdom from other spiritual traditions, can show us about the divine and embodied nature of love. Leader: Moira-Cecily Brady-Rogers, founder and executive director, Alive and Well Women. There is no charge.
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Central Europe: Oberammergau Passion Play
September 2022
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. |
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HOLLYWOOD-LOS ANGELES: Seeds of Hope Food Distribution Associate. Bilingual (English-Spanish). This position will be an essential part of the Seeds of Hope team getting healthy, nutritious food to more families in need in Los Angeles and surrounding counties. Job duties include picking up, sorting, organizing and delivering produce; providing great customer service; documenting quantities and submitting data for reports. Work hours are full time, but variable. Valid Class C driver's license, experience with driving 16-ft or larger truck required. Full job description is here.
CLAREMONT: Spirituality center executive director. The Center for Spirituality & Practice (CS&P), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources for those seeking wisdom and spiritual practices for their daily lives, seeks a committed spiritual practitioner and high-capacity nonprofit leader to be its first executive director. A respected name in the spiritual enrichment landscape, the Center runs the multifaith/interspiritual website SpiritualityandPractice.com which offers a vast array of resources for the spiritually hungry. The new executive director will collaborate with founders Mary Ann and Frederic Brussat to advance their legacy and develop the organization into its next phase. A detailed position profile can be found here.
SANTA ANA: Office Manager, Church of the Messiah. Part-time. The Office Manager will serve as the focal point for parish business operations, and is responsible for a broad range of administrative, specific operational and oversight functions. Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish) required. More information is here.
Additional job listings are here. Listings are free: send information to [email protected]. Applications for jobs must be sent to the contact included in the listing. |
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