St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church and School

We are a Christian community seeking to know and unconditionally share God's unfailing love.

Weekly Newsletter

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Saturday, May 2

• Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast at 7am to 11am in Sacquety Hall (see below)
• Luau Potluck Dinner at 5pm in Sacquety Hall (see below)

Sunday, May 3

• Food Pantry Sunday: donate non-perishable food using the baskets in the narthex (see below)
• Godly Play at 8:30am in Room 9
• Youth Group Meeting at 4:30pm in the Youth Center

Tuesday, May 5

• Grief Group Meeting at 9:30am in the church office
• Bible Study at 11am in Sacquety Hall
• Men's Group Meeting at 7:30pm in the office

Wednesday, May 6

• Morning Prayer Service at 7:15am in the chapel

Sunday, May 10

• Godly Play for Everyone at 9:30am in Sacquety Hall
• Episcopal Pride Alliance Potluck Meeting at 12:15pm in Sacquety Hall

Tuesday, May 12

• Rector's Bible Study at 11am in Sacquety Hall

Wednesday, May 13

• Weekly Holy Eucharist at 7:15am in the chapel
• St. Wilfrid's Shares at 6pm in Sacquety Hall (see below)

Saturday, May 16

• Celebration of Wisdom Luncheon at 11:30am in Sacquety Hall (see below)

Sunday, May 17

• Small Change Sunday to support Laundry Love
• Godly Play at 10:30am in Room 9
• Youth Group Meeting at 4:30pm in the Youth Center

Tuesday, May 19

• Grief Group Meeting at 9:30am in the church office
• Rector's Bible Study at 11am in Sacquety Hall
• Preschool Board Meeting at 5pm in the preschool office
• Finance Meeting at 6pm in Fr. Nathan's office
• Men's Group Meeting at 7:30pm in the office

Wednesday, May 20

• Weekly Holy Eucharist at 7:15am in the chapel
• Laundry Love at 5:30pm at Huntington Coin Laundry

Saturday, May 23

• Funeral Service for Lin Callaghan at 11am in the sanctuary followed by a reception in Sacquety Hall

Sunday, May 24

• Pentecost Sunday
• Holy Baptisms available (see below)

Monday, May 25

• Church and preschool closed in honor of Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 26

• Rector's Bible Study at 11am in Sacquety Hall

Wednesday, May 27

• Weekly Holy Eucharist at 7:15am in the chapel

Saturday, May 30

• Picnic in the Park from 11am to 2pm at Helme Park (see below)
• "Border Crossings: Music Beyond the Boundaries" concert by the Orange County Women's Chorus at 7pm in the sanctuary (see below)

Sunday, May 31

• Outreach Commission Meeting at 9:45am in the office
• Newcomer Luncheon at 12:15pm in the office (see below)
• "Border Crossings: Music Beyond the Boundaries" concert by the Orange County Women's Chorus at 3pm in the sanctuary (see below)

Rector's Corner

Each weekday, our parish campus is buzzing with activities. From our various support groups to the Boy Scouts, to a senior citizen singing group, our campus is alive with events. One of our parish's major outreach ministries is our St. Wilfrid's Preschool. Our mission is to immerse children in a faith-filled journey where education meets enrichment, curiosity grows, and every child’s unique potential blossoms. We seek to partner with parents and shape children’s bright futures. Currently, we have 125 children enrolled in our transitional kindergarten/pre-k classes, preschool, kindergarten, after school, and Japanese immersion programs.

This past Friday, our preschool held its annual Spring Fling, where our preschoolers and their relatives came together for an afternoon of fun, entertainment, and connection. Our preschool teachers transformed our parking lot into a fun-filled festival! Thanks to the leadership of Peggy Young (our Preschool Director), Sarah Stover (our Preschool Board President), Debbi Campana, Carol Cherpes, and numerous other parish volunteers, this preschool event was fun and enjoyable for people of ages.

Our St. Wilfrid's Youth Group also contributed by helping with setting up the chairs/tables, cooking hot dogs, selling beverages, and cleaning up. This service opportunity provided the youth with a great opportunity to build relationships, connect, and generate revenue for future Youth Group activities. I especially want to thank Stephanie Stiles for all her help in preparing the Youth Group food booth. This preschool event was fun and enjoyable. Everyone had a good time!

If you have a moment, I encourage you to pray for our preschoolers, our youth, and their parents. May they experience an increasing amount of God's peace and wisdom, and may they know that they are always loved.

Many Blessings,

Fr. Nathan Biornstad+

A native Southern Californian, Rev. Karen was raised in Fullerton, attended USC for her undergraduate and graduate work and, later in life, attended Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA for her MDIV. Ordained as a transitional Deacon in 2007 with her late husband, David, Rev. Karen and Rev. Dave served in the Inland Empire at for 7 years at 3 churches, St. Peter’s Rialto, St Clare’s Rancho Cucamonga and St. Luke’s in Fontana. 

After Rev. Dave’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Rev. Karen began a 4 year ministry at St. Wilfrid’s, serving as the BCIS Executive Director and Associate Rector. Both she and Dave enjoyed the warmth and Christian love extended to them during a difficult season. After Dave’s death in 2016, Rev. Karen eventually accepted a call as Associate Vicar to St. John Chrysostom Episcopal Church in Rancho Santa Margarita in June, 2018 where she remained until her retirement in 2022.

Reverend Karen is the proud mother of 2 adult children and 5 grandchildren and continues to enjoy life in San Clemente, her hometown since 1981. She enjoys time at the beach, traveling, cooking for friends and family, knitting, playing bridge with her sister, Jo, and daily walks with the family dog, Camper, while occasionally supplying at local churches when their Priest needs a break! Her spiritual life is grounded in gratitude while she embraces Brother Lawrence’s life model of Practicing the Presence of Christ every day. 

Warden's Report

Robert Morgan

Vestry Meeting on 4/27/26

Either I am getting older or the Vestry meetings are getting longer. Well, both seemingly are true. Hopefully with time and age comes wisdom! The April Vestry meeting though long, was very productive.

After the minutes from March’s Vestry meeting were approved, Connie Hornyak was introduced as our newest member. Connie brings wisdom and experience to the Vestry. She has previously served as clerk and Junior Warden and was on the Vestry when Father Nathan became our priest! Connie received a very warm welcome. She will serve on two commissions, one of those being the Finance Committee.

We discussed a myriad of items. Fred Whipple presented renditions of signage options provided by Insignia Rising. They are currently working on a signage project with St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church in the city of Orange, as well as many others throughout Southern California. The Vestry viewed and discussed. Fred was directed to get two more bids with renditions of signage to go onto the north wall of the church, and compare with the current one. Great Job Fred!!

Building and Grounds is in the throes of having new lighting in the parish hall, and a new air conditioning system installed in the youth room. Bids to repair the 5 keystones will be forthcoming in late spring as well as bids to replace the roof over the U-shaped administration and preschool buildings. Needless to say, they have been busy. Thank you, Junior Warden, Zach Anderson, and Lou Podesta for all your continued time and hard work!

The preschool held their annual spring fling. The youth group along with Debbi Campana, Lou Podesta and Carol Cherpes stepped up to help relieve teachers working the booths at the event as well as setting up and tearing down for the event. Great work!!

There will be an Outreach Commission meeting held on Sunday May 31, in the youth room in between services (9:40-10:20). Congratulations Steven Nadolny for writing and receiving a Deanery Grant from the Diocese for Laundry Love for $1,000. More volunteers are welcome and needed to do over 200 loads of wash

for people in need. Even though we may come to Laundry Love with unclean hearts, all go home with clean laundry!

Debbi Campana presented the annual parochial report. The Vestry discussed and approved it.

The Vestry has also been approached about starting a new ministry through sewing, stitching and possibly quilting. The body approved in concept of the idea.

The need to have someone takeover hospitality, which involves 3.5 hours a week reached a vote with the Vestry approving and moving forward with finding and hiring said person. A committee was formed with Jill McKenna, Connie Hornyak and Robert Morgan. They are tasked with writing a job description and then finding prospective candidates.

The Vestry moved into ‘Executive Session” for approximately thirty minutes. All were heard during discussion.

It remains a privilege to serve as your Senior Warden. Please contact me with any questions and or concerns. Especially contact me (775) 772-7475 if you wish to be on any of our 9 Commissions, as well as Robyne’s Nest and Laundry Love.

God’s mercy and blessings be upon us all.

It's not too late to sign up!

Call the office at (714) 962-7512 or email SundayTimes@stwilfridschurch.org

Attendees will receive a complimentary lei.

Need potluck suggestions? Use the ideas below or check out the menus of Hawaiian themed restaurants such as LL Hawaiian BBQ or Hula Girls Shave Ice.

Potluck Ideas:

Fresh pineapple or mango slices, teriyaki chicken, rice, skewers of BBQ teriyaki chicken w/onion, bell pepper, sushi

Tickets will be available at the door on Saturday morning.

Don't forget to bring non-perishable food to donate this Sunday!

This month, we are once again partnering with Oak View ComUNIDAD, who hosts a weekly food and essential items distribution every Friday at 11:00am at 17331 Koledo Ln, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, serving local residents. The mutual aid effort provides free, "no questions asked" produce, pantry staples, and sometimes items like diapers.

Key Details for OakView ComUNIDAD Food Distribution:

• When: Every Friday, 11:00 AM.
• Where: 17331 Koledo Ln, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.
• What: Fresh food, produce, diapers, and household items (when available).
• Who: Open to all,, featuring a walk-up/drive-up service.
• Volunteering/Donations: You can connect via their Facebook page (linked above) to confirm current needs or offer volunteer support.

Rooted in Faith, United in Purpose

Interfaith Prayer Breakfast

Thursday, May 7th from 7am to 9am

This year, the NMIIC Interfaith Prayer Breakfast in partnership with GHBIC will feature Steve Young - former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Super Bowl XXIX MVP, and NFL MVP in 1992 and 1994. Join us for this special and inspiring gathering as we come together in faith, optimism, and positivity during challenging times. As always, we will also pray for individuals, our community, our city, our state, our nation, and our world, seeking guidance towards a brighter future.

Keynote Speaker: Steve Young

Held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2300 Bonita Canyon Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Table of 10 for $225

Individual tickets for $25 each

GHBIC meets monthly on the last Tuesday at 8:30am at HB Civic Center Rm B-8

Email: info@ghbic.org

Holy Baptism

If you or someone you know is interested in receiving the Sacrament of Baptism, please contact Fr. Nathan by Sunday, May 10th. Baptisms will be held on Pentecost Sunday, May 24th, 2026. 

Newcomer Luncheon

Have you joined St. Wilfrid’s in the past year? We want to get to know you! Join us for a Newcomer Luncheon on Sunday, May 31st, at 12:15pm. Sign up at the SCRIP table or by calling the office. This is a great way to meet our church leaders and ask questions. Please mention any dietary restrictions when you sign up. 

Let’s gather to share what’s bringing us joy and interest in our daily lives. Have you read a book you’d recommend, discovered a great TV show, or recently visited a museum, art exhibit, or performance you loved? Perhaps you play Mahjong or have another hobby or activity you’d enjoy sharing or teaching. 

Are there experiences or interests we haven’t yet explored that could enrich our time together? Your ideas could inspire new opportunities for connection, learning, and shared enjoyment.

Here’s your chance to share!

Wednesday, May 13th at 6pm in Sacquety Hall

Celebration of Wisdom Luncheon

Saturday, May 16th at 11:30am

Happy Easter to all at St. Wilfrid's. Wisdom invites you all to our end of season meeting. We will have Line Dancing, hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, bbq beans, apple pie, and ice cream. Our friend Efren will be back to lead us. So come learn, do your thing, or just watch us do our thing. Still only $10. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 16th at 11:30. But be sure to sign up. See you there partner. 

Darleen York

Pack your picnic basket and join us for fun, food, and friends at Picnic in the Park! Bring your own meal and hang out with your church family. Laughter guaranteed!

A note from the Orange County Women's Chorus

This isn't the program we’d planned—but it’s the one we’re feeling called to sing. Join us as we celebrate music by immigrants and refugees, and songs that remind us of the ties that bind, not the walls that divide.

St. Wilfrid's parishioners may receive $5 of their ticket price by using code STW.

Online pricing:* Adult $35, Senior (65+) $30, Student (with ID) $15

At the door: Adult $40, Senior $35, Student $18

Outreach Opportunity:

Helping Briarwood Square Neighbors

A recent fire at an apartment complex called Briarwood Square, where one of our members resides, has displaced approximately 45 residents, including ten children. One of the buildings was destroyed, and families are now beginning the long process of rebuilding their lives and replacing basic necessities.

With Vestry approval, we invite the congregation to assist as these neighbors recover and take their first steps toward stability. This is a simple but meaningful way for us to live out our call to care for those in need beyond our immediate community. Affected households are creating Amazon Wish Lists with urgently needed items. For questions or more information, please contact Laurie, Parish Administrator.

Series of events will launch episcopate of the Rev. Dr. Antonio José Gallardo Lucena

Planning continues for consecration, installation, and deanery celebrations to welcome new bishop

By EN Staff

The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles will welcome the Rev. Dr. Antonio José Gallardo Lucena as its eighth bishop with July 11-12 liturgies and watch parties followed by weekly deanery celebrations.

The consecration, set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, at All Saints Church in Pasadena, will be a ticketed event complemented by watch parties screening the livestream across the six-county diocese.                                                         

The new bishop’s installation on July 12 will start with a walk for Love and Truth at 2 p.m. from St. Paul's Commons to St. John’s Cathedral, followed by Sunday Evensong at the Cathedral at 4 p.m. Sunday Evensong will be a ticketed event that will also be livestreamed. Thereafter, a series of weekly Saturday celebrations will welcome the bishop to each of the diocese’s 10 geographic deaneries.

Full information about ticketing, along with scheduling and locations of watch parties and deanery celebrations, will be published next month when finalized by the consecration and transitions committees on behalf of the diocesan Standing Committee. An online platform providing participation details is nearing completion.

Sharing his vision with planning team members, Bishop-elect Gallardo L. asked, “How can we make these events intimate and simple, while honoring the tradition of our church?” Expressing his desire that congregations and individuals “feel that they are part of the celebrations,” he added: “What is the Spirit of God inviting us to be and do in 2026 and beyond?”

This approach is in keeping with the customary set by Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, who will officiate at the consecration liturgy.

Gallardo L. was elected by Diocesan Convention on Nov. 8, 2025, to succeed L.A. Bishop John Harvey Taylor, who is retiring after nearly 10 years in office.

Archbishop of Canterbury meets and prays with Pope Leo XIV during four-day pilgrimage to Rome

[Anglican Communion News Service] The Archbishop of Canterbury met and prayed with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on the morning of Monday, April 27, during her pilgrimage to Rome.

Archbishop Sarah had a private meeting with the Pope, after which the Pope and the Archbishop each gave an address. Archbishop Sarah also introduced the Pope to her delegation and exchanged gifts with His Holiness.

Today’s meeting with Pope Leo was part of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s four-day pilgrimage which began on Saturday April 25. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen Anglican–Roman Catholic relations through prayer, personal encounter, and formal theological dialogue. It aims to deepen bonds of communion, affirm a shared witness, and encourage ongoing collaboration at both global and local levels.

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