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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Thursday, February 26

• Engagement Committee Meeting at 6pm in the office

Saturday, February 28

• Celebration of Wisdom Luncheon at 11:30am in Sacquety Hall (see below)
• "America the Beautiful" Concert by the Meistersingers at 7pm in the sanctuary (more info here)

Sunday, March 1

• Food Pantry Sunday (see below)
• Godly Play at 8:30am in Room 9
• Youth Group Meeting at 4:30pm in the Youth Center

Tuesday, March 3

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

Wednesday, March 4

• Morning Prayer Service at 7:15am in the chapel
• Lenten Book Study at 6pm in Sacquety Hall

Sunday, March 8

• Godly Play For Everyone at 9:30am in Sacquety Hall

Tuesday, March 10

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

Wednesday, March 11

• Weekly Holy Eucharist at 7:15am in the chapel
• Lenten Book Study at 6pm in Sacquety Hall

Saturday, March 14

• Funeral Service for Roger and Nancy Brandt at 1pm in the sanctuary

Sunday, March 15

• Small Change Sunday to support Laundry Love
• Godly Play at 10:30am in Room 9
• "The Psychology of Bias: How Bias & Prejudice Form and How We Overcome It" Lecture Series at 1pm in Sacquety Hall (see below)
• Youth Group Meeting at 4:30pm in the Youth Room

Monday, March 16

• Vestry Chair Advisory Committee Meeting at 11am in the office

Tuesday, March 17

• Grief Group Meeting at 9:30am in the office
• Bible Study at 11am in Sacquety Hall
• Preschool Board Meeting at 5pm in the preschool office
• Men's Group Meeting at 7:30pm in the office

Wednesday, March 18

• Weekly Holy Eucharist at 7:15am in the chapel
• Laundry Love at 5:30pm at Huntington Coin Laundry
• Lenten Book Study at 6pm in Sacquety Hall

Thursday, March 19

• Finance Meeting at 6pm in Fr. Nathan's office

Saturday, March 21

• "Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem" Concert by the Orange County Women's Chorus and Men in Blaque at 7pm in the Sanctuary (see below)

Sunday, March 22

• Healing Ministry Meeting at 11:50am in the Youth Center
• "Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem" Concert by the Orange County Women's Chorus and Men in Blaque at 3pm in the Sanctuary (see below)

Monday, March 23

• Vestry Meeting at 6pm in Sacquety Hall

Tuesday, March 24

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

Wednesday, March 25

• Weekly Holy Eucharist at 7:15am in the chapel
• Youth Group Activity: Easter Egg Stuffing at 4:45pm in Sacquety Hall (see below)
• Lenten Book Study at 6pm in Sacquety Hall

The Iftar Dinner

Earlier this week, our parish had the opportunity to strengthen our connections with our Muslim neighbors. By hosting an Iftar dinner, the St. Wilfrid's community learned about the Muslim holy season of Ramadan, and its practice of fasting from food and beverages (including water) during daylight hours. We also had the opportunity to witness their sunset prayers. I shared our Lenten practices with those gathered, gave a snapshot of history about the Episcopal Church, and described what makes the Episcopal Church unique among our Christian siblings. Kelly Frankiewicz, President of the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council, also offered some insight about the Council and our work to bring people of faith together.

Numerous people from both faith communities expressed gratitude for attending this dinner. As your Rector, I am delighted we can host events like these where we learn from others, see God's good work in our neighbors, and feel more connected to the human family.

Guest Preacher and Celebrant Sunday

I am delighted to announce that Rev. Stefanie Wilson+ will be preaching and celebrating on March 1, our second Sunday in Lent. As you can read below in her biography, God has used Rev. Stefanie to bring hope and joy to children at St. Matthew's School in Pacific Palisades. My connection with Rev. Stefanie began roughly eight years ago when we met at a day-long training on Godly Play. We had some good conversations, and I think you will enjoy connecting with her, and will value her preaching talents. I am glad that she can be here.

Episcopal Parish Network Conference

Lent, as many of you are aware, is a season of preparation. So, it seems incredibly apt that I am going away to a conference to continue preparing for the work that God wants to do through our parish. Continuing education is an important component of priestly work. An important part of my work as a priest is to stay informed, and to continue learning. For the first time, I will be attending the Episcopal Parish Network Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. The conference will provide a number of training sessions to better equip me for the work that God is doing at our parish. I will also have the opportunity to hear our current Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, as well as our previous Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry. This is a great opportunity, and I am so thankful to be attending.

Like always, our weekly newsletter is filled with fun, spiritual, and meaningful events and news. I hope you will continue to come and join us often as we mark this season of Lent together.

Many Blessings,

Fr. Nathan Biornstad+

Sunday's Guest Celebrant
The Rev. Stefanie Wilson

The Reverend Stefanie Wilson is delighted to be visiting St. Wilfrid’s. She works full time as the school chaplain at St. Matthew’s in Pacific Palisades. It is joyful work that keeps her busy during the school week and allows her to visit other Episcopal churches on Sundays. Stefanie also serves as the board chair at our diocesan camp and conference center, Camp Stevens. She is so happy that Fr. Nathan bid on her preaching at the Camp Stevens auction. Her visit to your church means Camp Stevens gets to keep on living out their vision of being a place of belonging for all. Visit www.campstevens.org to learn more.

Here are some highlights from our February 23rd Vestry meeting:

February’s Vestry meeting saw its members approve the minutes from the January Vestry meeting along with the minutes from the 2026 February Vestry retreat . The Vestry heard an update from our Junior Warden, Zach Anderson, on the purchasing and placement of new security lights and cameras. The Vestry approved this allocation after numerous indiscretions near the Memorial Garden and the Preschool. In a move to deter the perpetrators, the cameras and lights will be placed primarily near the Memorial Garden and the Preschool. Their purchase and installation are coming soon.

Following up on a discussion at this year’s Vestry retreat, Stewart Lumb has agreed to lead the Chair Advisory Committee to explore options to replace the aging plastic ones in Sacquety Hall. We are thankful for Stewart’s willingness to take on this role. Another committee, the Church Patio Covering Committee, is being formed to explore options for a cover for our patio area. I will report more on this as this work progresses.

Our treasurer, Debbi Campana, gave the financial report which highlighted a sluggish January for giving. The church as a whole is doing well due to its investments, but giving need to trend upward in as we currently anticipate a deficit of approximately $97K.

Vestry member Fred Whipple is looking into the possibility of increased visibility through additionally strategically placed signage. There are many hoops and city requirements to jump through that will need approval.

Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School of Los Angeles, is offering several courses that are open to all parishioners. Included is one course on multiculturalism; another is on church governance. The cost is $100. Each class will meet four times and be taught by Diocesan Priests. If you are interested, please contact me (Robert Morgan) for more information at (775) 772-7475. The courses begin on March 16th.

By the time this is published we will have hosted an Iftar Dinner, put on by the Pacific Institute. In celebration of Ramadan, we will share a Ramadan meal and learn about the meaning and practice of Ramadan. It is believed Ramadan was the month the Quran was revealed to the Islamic Prophet, Muhammad, and has become known as a month of fasting during daylight hours. It is considered to be one of the five pillars of faith of Islam. It lasts 29-30 days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. The word Islam translates, “submission to God,” and a Muslim/Moslem is “one who submits”.

The following are a list of our nine church commissions. Please prayerfully consider joining one (or more) as you feel led. Our church is as strong as we make it, and participation is a key component in helping us grow: Building and Grounds, Children Youth and Family, Engagement, Outreach, Preschool, Protocol, Stewardship, Worship and Special Services, and Hospitality.

Let us remember “finding oneself requires losing oneself in service” Mahatma Gandhi

Holy Baptism

If you or someone you know is interested in receiving the Sacrament of Baptism, please contact Fr. Nathan or the church office by Monday, March 23rd. Baptisms will be held at The Great Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 4th.

Hi St Wilfrid's,

Wisdom would like to invite everyone to our next Wisdom meeting on Saturday, February 28th at 11:30.  

We will be showing the movie from The Chosen "The Last Supper". We suggest bringing your own chair or padding to make you more comfortable during the movie. This is a two part movie, and we will be showing both episodes for a total of 2 - 2 1/2 hours. You can stay for all, leave after part one or come for part two only. We are very open.

Wisdom is honoring Lent by having soup and sandwiches this month and no meeting in March. Since our focus is usually on lunch we will be doing self-denial and not having a March luncheon.

So come and enjoy fellowship and watch an interpretation of The Last Supper. Be sure to sign-up now. Still $10. Looking forward to seeing you there. 

Darleen  

The Psychology of Bias: How Bias & Prejudice Form and How We Overcome It

Sunday, March 15 from 1pm to 3pm in Sacquety Hall

Speaker Edwin J. Vazquez, M. A.

Facilitated discussion on bias, stereotypes, and prejudice, with practical reflection on how communities of faith can respond. Sign up to attend at the SCRIP table on Sundays, use the link below, or call the office.

Episcopal Pride Alliance Lecture Series - L01

If there’s a more deeply human work in the choral canon than Johannes Brahms’ German Requiem, we haven’t found it. We’re collaborating with Men in Blaque to perform this beloved musical monument in the composer’s own arrangement for mixed chorus and four-hand piano. Whether it’s already among your favorites or you’re experiencing it for the first time, this is a masterpiece you can’t miss.

This Lent, we’ll read Why Did Jesus Have to Die? by Adam Hamilton and explore the meaning of the cross, not as a transaction to be explained, but as a living Word meant to shape how we live. Participants are invited to sign up to bring a soup to share one evening.

Books are available at the SCRIP table or in the office for $25.

Forum on constitutional crisis set for March 11

A coalition of Los Angeles-area religious and other non-profit organizations is sponsoring "A Multi-Faith Response to Our Current Constitutional Crisis," a forum and panel discussion set for 10 a.m., March 11. Location (near downtown Los Angeles) will be provided to attendees who register here. Panelists will include Bishop John Harvey Taylor of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Keynote speaker is L.A. civil rights attorney Connie Rice; moderator will be Salam Al-Marayati, president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Sharing in arrangements is The Guibord Center: Religion Inside Out. After in-person capacity is reached for reservations, livestream information will be provided. Inquiries may be emailed to media@ladiocese.org.

Bishop-elect names Jon Feuss canon to the ordinary

Bishop-elect Antonio J. Gallardo L. will call the Rev. Jon Feuss -- currently associate rector of St. James' in-the-City, Los Angeles -- to serve as canon to the ordinary and chief of staff in the Diocese of Los Angeles beginning July 11.

"Through my experience working alongside bishops in our church, I have come to understand just how vital it is to have the right partner serving as canon to the ordinary," Gallardo L. said in announcing Feuss' call. "This role requires deep trust, shared vision, and steadfast faith. Jon is someone I trust completely. We are united in the conviction that we are called to serve God and God's people with humility and courage.

"Our shared calling is rooted in living and loving like Jesus Christ. Together we are committed to strengthening the Jesus Movement by listening deeply, inviting authentically, and equipping God's people to embrace their God-given mission. We both bring strong business backgrounds, and we each came to the Episcopal Church from different faith traditions. We honor the rich tradition of our church while remaining open to the Spirit's ongoing work of renewal and transformation.

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