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March 8, 2020

diocesela.org/episcopal-news

Liturgical Commission will coordinate worship resources in the Diocese of Los Angeles

The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor announced March 4 the formation of a Bishop's Liturgical Commission in the Diocese of Los Angeles, led by the Rev. Michelle Baker Wright. The Rev. Canon Susan Russell, diocesan canon for Engagement Across Difference, will be staff liaison.

Taylor established the commission help meet the need for liturgical resources in the diocese and also in response to a resolution adopted at the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2018. The resolution recommended that next steps toward revision of the Book of Common Prayer begin at the diocesan level, with dioceses establishing liturgical commissions and engaging in liturgical experimentation and resource creation.

“I am delighted to take on this work," said Baker Wright, senior associate for Christian Education at St. James' Church, South Pasadena. "I look forward to bringing people together from across our diocese to prayerfully discern how to shape our common prayer, and to envision ways by which we can offer our diocese’s diverse liturgical wisdom to support the process of Prayer Book revision.”

Read more here.

' Tsuru for Solidarity' exhibit on display at St. Paul’s Commons

More than 1,000 handmade origami cranes, or tsuru, representing Japanese Americans and Japanese Latin Americans incarcerated during World War II, are currently on display in the Great Hall at St. Paul’s Commons through March.

Created by Nikkei Progressives, an organization based in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, the crane display is part of the nationwide social justice movement Tsuru for Solidarity. In April it will be sent to Washington, D.C., where it will be combined with more than 120,000 other tsuru from Japanese American communities across the country and hung on the White House fence to protest mass imprisonment of immigrants and refugees.

The Echo Park display was arranged by Stan Yogi and the Rev. Tom Carey, both of Church of the Epiphany in Lincoln Heights.

St. Paul’s Commons is located at 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles. More information on the Tsuru for Solidarity movement and Nikkei Progressives is here.

--Reporting and photo by Alysha Kawamoto

Eric Law releases new album, 'Up-Side-Down Town'

The Rev. Canon Eric Law, founder of The Kaleidoscope Project, has released a new album of music, "Up-Side-Down Town," now available in iTunes/Apple Music, Amazon, CDbaby, and Spotify. Law writes in the liner notes that he wrote the songs in the American folk-singer tradition in response to increasing polarization in American society. "Each song is an open space for truth-telling, lament, discovery and ultimately hope that leads to actions," he says. Some of the song lyrics were included in Law's most recent book, Fear Not: Living Grace and Truth in a Frightened World. Music director, arranger and guitarist for the album is Dan Cole, a music minister at All Saints Pasadena. More information and musical samples are here.

Annual Lenten retreat will offer women opportunities to 'pray, play, praise'

"Pray, Play, Praise," the annual Women's Lenten Retreat sponsored by Bishop Suffragan Diane Jardine Bruce, will be held on Saturday, March 21, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1145 Valencia Mesa Drive, Fullerton 92833. The retreat will be "a day to relax, refresh spiritually and enjoy a series of workshops that encourage expansion of the way we relate and connect with each other and God," according to the event announcement. The program will begin at 9 a.m. with Morning Prayer, followed by two workshop sessions and a plenary workshop on "Spiritual Play" with Monica Romig Green, spiritual director, writer, retreat leader and founder of Play Without Ceasing. Workshop topics are:

 The day will end with lunch and Eucharist. A registration fee of $40 per person includes continental breakfast, snacks, lunch and workshop supplies. Scholarships are available. For information and to register, click here.

2020 Census: Episcopalians are invited to help shape the future

In the United States, 2020 is a year for federal as well as state and local elections and, as the beginning of a new decade, the year for its decennial count of people living in the country. The Episcopal Church encourages U.S. Episcopalians to participate in both. As an official partner of the United States 2020 Census, The Episcopal Church and Episcopalians can help make the count as accurate as possible. The census is a self-portrait of the United States. The U.S. Constitution requires the federal government count everyone living in the country every 10 years. The tally must include people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups; all citizens and non-citizens. Every household should complete a census form by April 1, 2020. Read more here.

LAGUNA BEACH: Chair rack. St. Mary’s Church has, for free and available for pick up, a moveable metal folding chair rack. Holds approximately 72-82 folding chairs. Please contact the church office at 949.494.3542 to arrange time and day to pick up.

Planning to go to the Ministry Fair? Register today!

Clergy and lay members of the diocesan community are invited to register as soon as possible for the Diocesan Ministry Fair, to take place on Saturday, March 7 at Campbell Hall School in Studio City. Congregations are encouraged to send teams of leaders to take advantage of this opportunity to acquire new skills for ministry and personal growth. There is no charge to attend the fair and its workshops, but registration is required for planning and security reasons. Attendees will need to print out their confirmation letters to show at the gate for entry to the parking structure. They do not need to commit to specific workshops in advance. More information, including a list of Ministry Fair workshops and presenters and a registration link, is here. A Ministry Fair flyer in English is here; in Spanish here.

Diocesan Lenten program set to engage households in reducing carbon impact

All Southland Episcopalians are encouraged to join a churchwide initiative engaging households and congregations in reducing carbon impact, conserving energy, and saving money by taking sustainable actions outlined at www.sustainislandhome.org. The goal is to have as many households as possible within the Diocese of Los Angeles participate by logging in, creating a profile, and taking recommended actions that are in turn aggregated to reflect progress at both diocesan and churchwide levels. Read more here.

Lent Madness 2020: The Saintly Smackdown returns

“What are you doing for Lent?” In the run-up to the church’s holy season of repentance and renewal, this question echoes in parish halls and dining rooms, pews and study halls. One exciting and life-giving answer to the proverbial question is “Lent Madness!” That’s because, for the eleventh straight year, people of faith the world over are filling out brackets and gearing up for the 2020 “saintly smackdown.” With its unique blend of competition, learning, and humor, Lent Madness allows participants to be inspired by the ways in which God has worked through the lives of saintly souls across generations and cultures. Read more here.

Called to the Wall 2020 planned for March 28

Called to the Wall, the annual pilgrimage to the U.S. – Mexico border in support of immigrants’ rights sponsored by the dioceses of Los Angeles and San Diego, will be held this year on Saturday, March 28. The pilgrimage group will travel by car caravan with stops at several churches along the way, and conclude at the border. Plans are being finalized; watch The Episcopal News Update for more information.

Guide to Civil Discourse' online course debuts

The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations and Department of Faith Formation, in partnership with ChurchNext, a ministry of Forward Movement, has released “Make Me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse.” This five-part online curriculum covers the following topics: civil discourse in context, tenets for civil discourse, values-based conversations, the complexities of policy, and sacred space for debate. Read more here.

Camp Stevens opens registration for summer sessions

Camp Stevens has opened registration for its summer programs for children and teens. Offerings include:

In addition, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Harvest Weekend, and Thanksgiving family camps will offer lodging, food and activities for all ages. For more information about Camp Stevens offerings, see the brochure here or visit campstevens.org.

Echo Park exhibit features paintings by veteran priest Warner Traynham

“Abstractions in Oil,” an exhibit of paintings by the Rev. Canon Warner Traynham, retired rector of St. John's, Los Angeles, will be on view at St. Paul’s Commons through March 31. Selected paintings are available for purchase from the artist. St. Paul’s Commons is located at 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles 90026, with two levels of free secured parking. For further information, email [email protected] or call 213.482.2040, ext. 240. Read more here.

ECW Annual Meeting to be held in Alhambra

The 2020 annual meeting of the Diocese of Los Angeles' Episcopal Church Women will be held on Saturday, March 28 at Holy Trinity & St. Benedict’s Church in Alhambra (pictured at left). According to Christine Budzowski, diocesan ECW president, the board is working to line up speakers and program, which will be announced as soon as they are finalized. For information, contact Martha Watson at [email protected].

Restorative justice training offers tools for those seeking to address conflict, mend relationships

A Restorative Justice & Circle Process Training will be hosted on Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at St. Michael & All Angels Church, Studio City. The training, cosponsored by Deanery 2, will be taught by leaders from the Center for Peacemaking at Fresno Pacific University. There is no charge for the training. A light breakfast and a lunch will be provided. Childcare is available for a small fee. For more information see the flyer here. To register, click here. Registration is limited to 50 participants. St. Michael and All Angels Church is located at 3646 Coldwater Canyon Avenue, Studio City 91604. For additional information, contact Hannah Bowman, event organizer, at [email protected]. Read more here.

Presiding Bishop Curry encourages support for 1000 Days of Love

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church, encourages congregations and supporters to support the One Thousand Days of Love campaign through observance of Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on March 1. Globally, 155 million children under the age of six are not reaching their full potential due to inadequate nutrition and healthcare. One Thousand Days of Love is a three-year, $3-million grassroots church-wide fundraising campaign dedicated to expanding Episcopal Relief & Development’s programs for children up to age six. The campaign launched in September 2019 and will run for 1,000 days, until May 31, 2022. Diocesan contact for Episcopal Relief & Development and the Thousand Days of Love campaign is Linda Allport of St. John’s Rancho Santa Margarita, [email protected] or 949.981.3404. Read more here.

High-school age Episcopalians invited to 2020 Episcopal Youth Event in Maryland

The Program Group on Youth & Young Adult Ministries invites high-school age Episcopalians to consider attending Episcopal Youth Event 2020, which will be held July 7 - 11 at the University of Maryland. Every three years young people from all over the world gather for a week of exploration, prayer and fun. This year's speakers, preachers, workshops and more will be keyed to the theme “Unite! ¡Unámonos!” and to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's "Way of Love" initiative. To learn more about the event, including costs, scholarships and fundraising and more, and to register, click here.

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

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 at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina. 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 Damaris de Jesús and Bishop José McLaughlin. Read more here.

Women invited to Franciscan spirituality program in San Francisco

Companions in Franciscan Spirituality in San Francisco invites women over age 18 to its 10-day residential immersion programs in Franciscan Spirituality. The program, which is free of charge, includes studying Franciscan spirituality and living out of that spirituality by sharing in community life, worship and ministry in the church and wider community. Program dates in 2020 are April 3 - 13, July 3 - 13, and Oct. 2 - 12. For more information, contact Sr. Pamela Clare at [email protected].

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

By Your Side Vigil Companions Training (Session 3 of 5)

St. Thomas Episcopal Church

5306 E. Arbor Road, Long Beach

Information: 626.403.5424 or [email protected]

By Your Side Vigil Companions trains volunteers to be a compassionate presence in the lives of those nearing the end of life. Training is 10 hours over 5 weeks, on Thursday evenings. A fee of $70 is due on the first night of training; scholarships are available.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Pacific Inklings Festival

California Baptist University (Staples Room)

8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside

Information: Dr. Jim Prothero [email protected]

The Southern California C.S. Lewis Society will present the Pacific Inklings Festival and General Meeting. Scott B. Key, Ph.D., will deliver the keynote address. Admission is $5 or free with student ID; cosplay (wearing costumes) related to the theme is encouraged.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Open Farm

Abundant Table Farm

1012 West Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo 93010

Information: Lisa Devine at [email protected]

On specific dates throughout the year, visitors will be invited to visit the farm to learn about its workings and ecological justice, and to volunteer time and labor. There is no charge, but a $5 donation ($20 per family) will help support the farm.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

By Your Side Vigil Companions Training (Session 4 of 5)

St. Thomas' Episcopal Church

5306 E. Arbor Road, Long Beach

Information: 626.403.5424 or [email protected]

By Your Side Vigil Companions trains volunteers to be a compassionate presence in the lives of those nearing the end of life. Training is 10 hours over 5 weeks, on Thursday evenings. A fee of $70 is due on the first night of training; scholarships are available.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 9 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

Atonement, Violence, and the Cross of Jesus

The Center for Spirituality in Ontario

Christ Episcopal Church

1127 N San Antonio Avenue, Ontario 91762

Information here

Should Christians substitute the image of the cross in their churches with that of the empty tomb in the garden? And why should we focus on the last three horrible days of his life, rather than on the whole of it: his teachings, his healings, his defiance to the power of the Empire? This class examines the historical construction of the doctrine of atonement (i.e. the notion that Jesus Christ saves humanity through his death on the cross) not simply to justify its demise, but rather to explore the possibility of reframing it in non-violent and non exclusionary ways.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 9 am. – 4 p.m.

Thomas Merton and Mary Oliver: Mentors for Entering the School of Our Lives

All Saints Church

132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101

Registration here

Stillpoint: The Center for Christian Spirituality will present a retreat centered around the works of Thomas Merton and Mary Oliver, presented by Jonathan Montaldo. Cost is $68 to attend ($78 with lunch); limited scholarships are available.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

GFS Not-So-Quiet Day

Trinity Church

419 S. 4th Street, Redlands 92373

Information/registration here

Girls ages 5 and up are invited to a lot at how water, light, food, shelter and community shape and transform people. Participants are asked to bring supplies for Healing Water Ministry, such as travel-size hygiene supplies like soap and toothpaste, sanitary products, and underwear. There is no cost for the program. Registration is required; more information can be found here.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 4:30 p.m.

Solemn Evensong

St. James Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information: 213.388.3015

Choir of St. James’, James Buonemani, director.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 6 p.m.

Lenten Evensong

St. Bede’s Church

3590 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles 90066

Information: 310.391.5522 or stbedesla.org

This annual evening of Lenten prayer and meditation will feature music by Renaissance composers.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 6 p.m.

Organ Recital

St. James Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information: 213.388.3015

Malcolm Matthews, organ

SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 7 p.m.

Choral Compline

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

3290 Loma Vista Road, Ventura 93036

Information here

The choir at St. Paul's Church welcomes all to calm the soul at the end of the day during our brief, candle-lit, a cappella choral prayer service. The church will remain open after the service for those who wish to continue their prayers, light a votive candle, or walk the candle-lit labyrinth outside. Donations will support the Music Ministry at St. Paul's.

TUESDAY MARCH 10, 7 p.m.

Lenten Reflections Taizé Prayer and Song

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

7th & Atlantic, Long Beach 90813

Information: 562.436.4047 or here

Lent is a time to reflect on our relationship with God; a time to renew our spirit with deeper intention. As part of your Lenten experience, come be present in a quiet hour of prayer, chant and renewal.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 8 p.m.

Solo Recital: Petronel Malan

St. Matthew’s Church

1031 Bienveneda Avenue, Pacific Palisades

Information: here or 310.573.7422

Award-winning and Grammy-nominated pianist Petronel Malan will perform a solo recital. Tickets are $35 and will benefit St. Matthew’s Music Guild.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 4 p.m.

Women’s Evensong

St. Luke’s Church

122 South California Avenue, Monrovia 91016

Information: [email protected]

Music will include the trio from J.S. Bach’s Magnificat and service music by Kent Bennett Jones, St. Luke’s minister of music. A reception will follow the service.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 5 p.m.

Jazz Vespers: Aaron Serfaty

All Saints Church

132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101

Information: [email protected]

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Aaron Serfaty began playing a drum set at the age of 15 and started to play professionally at 17. He has played with Arturo Sandoval, Sergio Mendes, Jon Anderson, Dori Caymmi, and Don Grusin among many others. This will be a bilingual Spanish/English service.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 7:30 p.m.

Choral Compline

Church of the Epiphany

5450 Churchwood Drive, Oak Park 91377

Information: 818.991.4797

With antecedents that date from the 4th century, this liturgy is designed to calm the spirit and to bring the day to a peaceful close. Compline was a favorite service of Tudor composers, who created ethereally beautiful music for it; all of the choral music for this service is from the Tudor era. The choral music, with its long, spacious, soaring lines, can transport you, comfort you, and enable you to experience awe and wonder. Please join us!

TRAVEL & PILGRIMAGE

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: Chief of Staff, All Saints Church. The chief of staff manages all business and administrative affairs necessary to support All Saints’ ministries. Primary areas of responsibility include: finance, human resources, buildings and grounds, information technology, office administration, stewardship, communications and membership database. A full job description is here. Contact: [email protected]

BEVERLY HILLS: Assistant to the Rector, All Saints Church. The assistant to the rector supports the Rector administratively so that she may lead the parish most effectively. Responsibilities include calendar, scheduling, travel management, correspondence, meeting management, keeping parish records, etc. A full job description Is here. Contact: [email protected].

EL MONTE: Director of Development, Our Saviour Center. Plans, schedules, and implements moderate-sized, comprehensive fundraising projects and programs, including specific fundraising programs such as annual fund, grant writing, research, etc. May coordinate and oversee the work of support staff and/or volunteers. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Position is expected to raise gift dollar amounts as established at each fundraiser specialization. Full job description here. Contact: Janet Fall, executive director, at [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.

OXNARD: Party/Event Supervisor. All Saints/Todos los Santos Church is seeking an individual or individuals to help open, partially set up, supervise and clean up after events held at the church hall. Typically needed one to two Saturdays a month. If interested, please contact the Rev. Melissa Campbell-Langdell, [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. Fully bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred. Full job description and application instructions are 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.

SANTA BARBARA: Director of Music Ministries. All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church is seeking a full-time Director of Music Ministries/Organist or part-time Director of music ministries versatile in both modern and traditional sacred music. This position can be held by one person or by two people (distinct director of music ministries and organist). Application period closes on Monday, March 1. A full job description with application instructions is 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.