Chinese Convocation to meet, help launch Li Tim-Oi Center The Chinese Convocation of Episcopal Aisamerica Ministries of the Episcopal Church will gather at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul Feb. 19 -21 for their annual meeting. As part of their visit, they will travel to Church of Our Saviour, San Gabriel, on Feb. 19 for a special service to kick off the ministry of the Li Tim-Oi Center, which will be a hub for Chinese ministry in the Diocese of Los Angeles. Bishop Suffragan Diane Jardine Bruce, who announced the formation of the center in her remarks at the 2013 meeting of Diocesan Convention, will preside and preach. The Rev. Li Tim-Oi, also known as Florence Li, was the first women ordained a priest in the Anglican Communion. Ronald Hall, Bishop of Victoria, Hong Kong, ordained Li, who was already a deacon, as a priest during World War II to serve Anglican Christians in Macao, a Portuguese colony. Although she gave up her active ministry for a time after the war, and was forced into a reeducation camp by the Chinese revolutionary government, she was eventually reinstated as a priest both in Hong Kong and her adopted home of Canada, where she died in 1992. She is listed among the saints of the Episcopal Church in Holy Women, Holy Men; her feast day is Jan. 24. For more information about the meeting of the Chinese Convocation, contact the Rev. Ada Wong Nagata at awongnagata@churchofoursaviour.org.
Diocesan offices to observe holiday Diocesan offices at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17 in observance of the President's Day holiday. Most offices will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
|
Just Action: Practicing Spanish, building relationships In this week's Just Action video, Bishop Mary Glasspool, recently returned from Mexico, reaffirms the importance of relationship. Join Bishop Glasspool on the next trip to Cuernavaca in 2015 and practice your pastoral Spanish through cultural emersion.
To view this and other videos in the Just Action series, click here.
|
Events & announcements ...
|
Author and Oprah favorite Mark Nepo to speak at All Saints Poet and philosopher Mark Nepo will be at All Saints Church, Pasadena, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4 for "Reduced to Joy: A Reading and Conversation." Nepo, author of 12 books and six audio recordings, is best known for The Book of Awakening, which Oprah Winfrey chose in 2010 as one of her Ultimate Favorite Things, launching it to the #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list. As Lent approaches, Nepo is the perfect person to talk about entering into the abundant life now. In his 30s he was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma, a struggle which helped to form his philosophy of experiencing life fully while staying in relationship to an unknowable future. As a cancer survivor, Nepo writes and teaches about the journey of inner transformation and the life of relationship. For information call 626.796.1172. All Saints Church is located at 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, 91101 (directly across Euclid from Pasadena City Hall). (Photo/Brian Bankston)
 Forum in Twentynine Palms will consider end-of-life issues
Questions people don't like to deal with -- such as coping with catastrophic or chonic illness, making known one's last wishes, dealing with legal issues and planning funerals -- will be considered at "Combating the Scarlet O'Hara Syndrome," a forum sponsored by the Desert Cluster Baptismal Ministry Team and hosted by St. Martin in-the-Fields Church, 72348 Larrea Ave, Twentynine Palms 92277 on Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. - 12 noon. For reservations, contact Ken Ventris at 760.3614838 or kenandpeggy3@msn.com. A flyer is here.
Pre-Lenten retreat on 'presence' planned in Laguna Beach St. Mary's Church, Laguna Beach, will host "The Practice of Presence with God and Self," a pre-Lenten retreat, led by its rector, the Rev. Elizabeth I. Rechter (pictured) on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21 - 22. According to the announcement, "As people of faith, we strive to find and invite God's movement in our everyday reality. In this retreat we explore how the body is a bridge to the Divine. Our bodies are more than a collection of sensing devices for the mind to analyze. They hold wisdom and can serve as a channel for grace. By connecting with our feelings, the language of the body, we find insights into the movement of God's grace within us. Learning how to be present to ourselves is learning we are never alone." The retreat will begin on Friday evening at 7 p.m. in the church and resume at 9 a.m. on Saturday, continuing until 12:30 p.m. For information, call the church at 949.494.3542. St. Mary's Church is located at 428 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach 92651.
Desert Journeys heads for Patton's Altar for Lenten retreat Desert Journeys, a retreat ministry led by the Rev. Canon David Caffrey, will hold a Retreat for Lent at Patton Altar, near Desert Center, California, Sunday - Tuesday, March 9 - 11. The program will include daily offices, Eucharist, quiet time, stargazing, nature walks, holy rest, and good fellowship. All camping rigs are welcome. For reservations (required), contact Caffrey at 760.362.4670 or 951.314.2301, or by email at desertfather@earthlink.net.
 Dream group offers help for people with illness
St. Andrew's Church, Irvine, has announced a series of sessions titled "A Dream Group for People Living with Illness," offered on Wednesday evenings or Friday afternoons beginning in late February. The basis of the series is the belief that dreams can be a source of healing when one is diagnosed with a serious illness. Dreams "witness our suffering, offer comfort and encouragement, and invite us to live fully, regardless of our circumstances, according to a course description. In a small-group setting, participants will "learn how to listen to our dreams, engage with them creatively, and invite their healing power to unfold." The facilitator will be Rev Elaine Whelan is an interfaith chaplain and founder of The Healing Tree, a contemplative listening space, which uses creative practices to help people listen for the movement of God in their lives. Wednesday classes will meet Feb. 26 - April 9, 7 - 9 p.m. (no class on March 26). Friday sessions will meeting Feb. 28 - April 11, 2 - 4 p.m. (no class on March 28). Cost is $150, payable by check ($75 for those with limited income). To register, email to Whelan at elaine@elainewhelan.com or call 323.636.9178: registration is requested by Feb. 12. A flyer with more information about dream healing ministry is here. St. Andrew's Church is located at 4400 Barranca, Irvine 92604
|
This week around the diocese ...
|
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 11:30 a.m.
Valentine's Day Luncheon & Silent Auction
San Gabriel Country Club 350 E. Hermosa Drive, San Gabriel Information/Reservations: Susan Johnson, 626.356.0078 Sponsored by the Women's Auxiliary of the Gooden Center. A highlight of the auction will be the Auxiliary's signature succulent wreaths and arrangements. The Gooden Center of Pasadena, an alcohol and drug rehabilitation treatment center for men, is an institution of the Diocese of Los Angeles. Since the center was opened 51 years ago by Bishop Suffragan Robert Gooden and a group of concerned citizens, more than 7,500 men and their families have found help and hope with the challenges of chemical dependency.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 7 p.m.
Dramatic Reading: The Diaries of Adam and Eve
St Paul's Episcopal Church 3290 Loma Vista Road, Ventura Information/Reservations: 805.218.9590 or gabriel@comedytonightproductions.com Ventura County theater veterans Tamarah Ashton and Gabriel Vega present a love story of creation's first family, based upon the works of Mark Twain. A special Valentine's Day presentation by Ventura's community theater troupe Comedy Tonight Productions in association with St Paul's Church. Join the cast for coffee and dessert after the performance. Donations accepted at the door. Reservations recommended. Proceeds will benefit the drama ministry at St. Paul's.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 4 p.m.
Installation of a New Rector: Kelly A. O'Connell
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church 24901 Orchard Village Road, Santa Clarita Information: 661.259.7307 Bishop Suffragan Mary Glasspool will preside; the Rev. Connie Reinhardt, rector of St. George's Episcopal Church in Glenn Dale, Maryland, will preach. St. Stephen's several choirs, including the "Bell Ringers,' will provide music. A reception will follow the service.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2 - 6 p.m.
Valentine's Day Dinner-Dance
St. Timothy's Episcopal Church 312-A South Oleander Avenue, Compton 90220 Information/Tickets: the Rev. George Okusi, 310.638.8771 or calleb48@yahoo.com The event will include a raffle, dancing and entertainment. Cost is $40 per person; proceeds will go to the parish's ministry.
|
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Women's Spiritual Day for Deaneries 9 and 10
St. Clement's Episcopal Church 202 Avenida Aragon, San Clemente 92672 Information: 949.492.3401 The theme for the day will be "Pilgrimage." Keynote speaker will be the Rev. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook, professor at Bloy House (Episcopal Theological School at Claremont), vice president of academic affairs and dean of faculty and professor of practical theology and religious education at Claremont School of Theology, and author of many articles and books, including, most recently, Pilgrimage - The Sacred Art: Journey to the Center of the Heart. The day will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. followed by the keynote address at 9 a.m. Several workshops centering on the pilgrimage theme will follow, and the day will conclude with lunch and worship. For a flyer with complete information click here.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
'Mystics and the Mind of Christ' with James Finley
Church of Our Saviour 535 West Roses Road, San Gabriel 91755. Information/Registration here According to a release from Stillpoint: the Center for Christian Spirituality, Finley, a spiritual teacher and mystic, will "invite us to the real work of the spiritual life: the journey for a fresh, in depth experience of God and Spirit. Using the rich, revelatory teachings of the mystics, we will explore both seminal texts and practices that open the way to a way of non-dual thinking that is key to the mind of Christ." Practical guidelines for prayer and practices will be given. There will be time for short periods of shared silent prayer, personal reflection and discussion. Finley formerly lived as a monk at the cloistered Trappist monastery of the Abbey of Gethesmani in Kentucky, where the great monk and author, Thomas Merton, was his spiritual director and mentor. He travels the world leading retreats and workshops on the contemplative way of life. He is also a clinical psychologist in private practice and author of Merton's Palace of Nowhere; The Contemplative Heart and Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 12 noon - 2 p.m.
Preschool Open House
St. Stephen's Preschool 24901 Orchard Village Road, Valencia 91355 Information: 661.259.8527 Activities will include arts and crafts, story-telling, food and refreshments, game booths, giveaways and music. Public registration for the school begins on Saturday, March 1, 8 - 10 a.m. (first come, first served). For further information, visit the school's website. The preschool is a ministry of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 3 - 5 p.m.
'Christian Identity in a Multifaith World' with Brian McLaren
St. John's ProCathedral 514 W. Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles 90007 Information/Reservations: here Presented by the Guibord Center. Author, speaker, activist and public theologian Brian McClaren will address the questions of whether one can be a committed Christian without having to either condemn or convert people of other faiths, and if it's possible to affirm other religious traditions without watering down one's own faith. McLaren proposes a new faith alternative, one built on "benevolence and solidarity rather than rivalry and hostility," according to the Guibord Center. A former college English teacher and pastor, McLaren is an ecumenical global networker among innovative Christian leaders. His books include A New Kind of Christianity, A Generous Orthodoxy, Naked Spirituality, and Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road? There is no charge. A reception will follow the program. Reservations are requested. The Guibord Center, based at the ProCathedral, works to increase understanding among Los Angeles' diverse faith groups.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 4 p.m.
Community Health Fair
Cathedral Center of St. Paul 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026 Information: 213.482.2040 Sponsored by the Program Group on Hispanic Ministries. Thanks to participation of the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center Hospital and Providence Center for Community Health Improvement (Faith Community Nurses Health Partnership), free exams will be offered for blood pressure, blood sugar (glucose) levels, cholesterol and Chagas' disease. Chagas' is an insect-borne disease endemic to a large portion of Latin America that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States. Health care practitioners will offer help on health issues and advice to keep patients healthy. There is no charge, and the fair is open to all. A notice from the Program Group with video explanations of Chagas' disease and more links is here.
|
This week in liturgy & the arts ...
|
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 7:30 p.m.
Centering Prayer
St. Augustine by-the-Sea Episcopal Church 1227 Fourth Street, Santa Monica Information: 310.395.0977 All are welcome; no previous experience needed. The church is located on Fourth Street between Wilshire and Arizona. Parking is available in the public parking garage across the street. Centering Prayer is offered at St. Augustine's on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (except Thanksgiving Day).
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 7 p.m.
Celtic Contemporary Prayer
St. Columba's Episcopal Church 1251 Las Posas Road, Camarillo Information: 805.482.8831 Are you looking for an alternative to the stress and busyness of life? Come and be a part of this Contemplative Prayer experience, inspired by services from the Iona and Taizé Communities (spoken word and prayer, meditative song, silence).
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 7 p.m.
Dramatic Reading: The Diaries of Adam and Eve
St Paul's Episcopal Church 3290 Loma Vista Road, Ventura Information/Reservations: 805.218.9590 or gabriel@comedytonightproductions.com Ventura County theater veterans Tamarah Ashton and Gabriel Vega present a love story of creation's first family, based upon the works of Mark Twain. A special Valentine's Day presentation by Ventura's community theater troupe Comedy Tonight Productions in association with St Paul's Church. Join the cast for coffee and dessert after the performance. Donations accepted at the door. Reservations recommended. Proceeds will benefit the drama ministry at St. Paul's.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 7:30 p.m.
Contemplative Taizé Experience
Church of Our Saviour 535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel 91775 Information: 626.282.5147, ext. 13 or dgibbs@churchofoursaviour.org or cdlmonastery@aol.com A serene candlelight service of prayer, reflection, and music on the second Friday of each month.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 5 p.m.
Jazz Vespers: Kamasi Washington
All Saints Episcopal Church 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101 Information: Melissa Hayes, 626.583.2725 or mhayes@allsaints-pas.org Featuring saxophonist Kamasi Washington. Christina Honchell will offer a meditation. If you would like to use the elevator for accessibility, please arrive five minutes early. Child care provided.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 3:30 p.m.
A Valentine Delight: Music for Two Flutes and Piano
Trinity Episcopal Church 1500 State Street, Santa Barbara Information: 805.687.0189 or 965.7419 With Suzanne Duffy and Paul Fried, flute, and Christopher Davis, piano.
SUNDAY, FEBUARY 16, 4 p.m.
Jazz@George's
St. George's Episcopal Church 23802 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills 92653 Information: www.jazzministry.org A jazz vespers service with music by the Rev. Norm Freeman and friends, on the third Sunday of each month.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 4 p.m.
A Valentine Concert
St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church 5306 East Arbor Road, Long Beach 90808 Information: 562.425.4457 The Red Car Trolley Vocal Quartet will celebrate Valentine's Day weekend with a concert titled "Songs of Poetry & Passion."
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 7 p.m.
Sacramentum
St. James' Church 1325 Monterey Road (at Fremont), South Pasadena Information: 626.799.9194 or www.sjcsp.org A monthly, candlelit Eucharist that blends ancient liturgy with new music, media, reflection and prayer. Sacramentum is on the third Sunday of each month at 7 p.m.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 7 p.m.
Healing Taizé Service
St, Mary's Episcopal Church 428 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach 92651 Information: 949.494.3542 In this service of song and silence in the tradition of Taize, there is time for you to receive the laying on of hands and anointing for healing and wholeness for you or on behalf of another. This service is held the third Monday of every month.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 7 p.m.
Centering Prayer
St. James' Episcopal Church 1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena Information: 626.799.9194 The centering prayer group meets each Monday evening, except holidays.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 6:15 p.m.
Centering Prayer
The Church of Our Saviour 535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel 91775 Information: 626-282-5147 No previous experience is necessary. Centering Prayer group meets every Tuesday in St. Luke's Chapel.
|
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 5 p.m.
Concert: 4 Hands, 4 Feet, and a Diva
All Saints Episcopal Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena
Information: Debbie Daniels, 626.583.2750 or ddaniels@allsaints-pas.org
All Saints music director and organist James Walker, associate organist-choirmaster Szymon Grab, Director of Children's and Youth music Jenny Tisi and soloist Zanaida Robles combine to perform a concert of exciting music by Hildegard von Bingen, Calvin Hampton, Purcell, Handel, Bach, Dupré and more. Child care provided. Freewill donation.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 5 p.m.
Choral Evensong
Episcopal Church of the Messiah
614 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana 92701
Information: 714.543.9389
Come and hear beautiful music by Lauridsen, Howells, and Wood as the choir of Church of the Messiah sings this moving and reflective service. Abel E. Lopez, rector, will offer the meditation. A dinner reception in the parish hall will follow the service. All are welcome.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Spirit Sunday Service:
'The Fragrance of Her Presence ...
Walking with Mary Magdalene'
St. Bede's Episcopal Church
3590 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles (Mar Vista)
Information: 310.745.0200, Insearchservices@ca.rr.com
Join St. Bede's and Dr. Linda Sussman, renowned lecturer, scholar and storyteller, for a special Sunday evening service that is at once eclectic, instructional and entertaining. Dr. Sussman and guest pastor Akani Fletcher will lead us in an examination of the always intriguing, yet ever-elusive Apostle to the Apostles, Mary Magdalene. Light refreshments and fine musical offerings are additional features of the "Spirit Sunday Series" of special services presented by St. Bede's. A free-will donation of $10 is suggested. A flyer is here.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 7:30 p.m.
Compline
St. James' Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information: 213.388.3015
Schola Cantorum of St. James', James Buonemani, director. There is no charge.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 7 p.m.
Centering Prayer
St. James' Episcopal Church
1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena
Information: 626.799.9194
The centering prayer group meets each Monday evening, except holidays.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 6:15 p.m.
Centering Prayer
The Church of Our Saviour
535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel 91775
Information: 626-282-5147
No previous experience is necessary. Centering Prayer group meets every Tuesday in St. Luke's Chapel.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 7 p.m.
Taizé Worship Service
St. Francis Episcopal Church (chapel)
2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates
Information: 310.375.4617
A meditative Taizé service of healing and wholeness that includes candlelight, periods of silence, chants and intercessory prayer with a prayer team leader. Followed by a reception with light refreshments. Taizé is a calming and beautiful form of sung contemplative prayer developed in an ecumenical monastery in France. Taizé services are offered throughout the year on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Donations are welcome.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Diocese is on Facebook here.
The Diocese of Los Angeles has
2,062 followers on Facebook. Follow the link above and
click on "like" to join them.
You can also "like"
The Episcopal News here.

_________________________________
|
Vice-president in charge of revolution
by Malcolm Boyd Is it time for a vice president in charge of revolution? Make any sense to you?
Sometimes a book (or play or film) comes along that introduces new ways of perception or making sense. One of these (a classic, not a new title) is Vice President in Charge of Revolution, an autobiography by Murray D. Lincoln, co-written with David Karp. Lincoln was the president of the U.S. National Cooperative Business Association from 1941 to 1965. Read more here.
|
Opportunities ...
|
TRAVEL & PILGRIMAGE
Pilgrimage: The Holy Lands
February 13 - 24, 2014 Led by the Rev. Judy Turberg of the Diocese of Arizona. Cost is $3,250, which includes roundtrip airfare from Phoenix to Tel Aviv, accommodations for 10 nights, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, transportation in a deluxe coach, guiding fees, all entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary, guest speakers, porterage at all hotels, tips for bus driver, restaurant and hotel staff, and farewell dinner. Contact: judy.turberg@gmail.com. More information is here.
Pilgrimage: Israel/Palestine
May 23 - June 3, 2014The experience of a lifetime, sponsored by Church of the Messiah and friends, led by the Rev. Dr. John W. Conrad. Open to people of any faith or no faith. Come see what this ancient land has to teach us. Cost: $3,995, which includes airfare from LAX, lodging in Christian-run hotels with private bath/shower, all meals, taxes, and entrance fees. For a brochure with specific itinerary click here. For more information, contact Vicki Tamoush at VTamoush@gmail.com or 714.362.7676.
Pilgrimage: Spain in the Age of Faith
June 16 - 28, 2014St. Edmund's Church, San Marino, invites you on the most enjoyable 13-day tour of southern Spain ever. Visits to Madrid, Avila, Segovia, Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Toledo and more -- including Spain's most glorious art. For a brochure contact cssmythe@charter.net with your name and address.
Pilgrimage:The Best of France
October 31 - November 12, 2014
Led by the Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno and Mary Bruno, and the Rev. Canon James Newman. Stops include Nice, Carcassonne, Limoges, the Loire Valley, Brittany, Normandy, Rouen, Chartres and Paris. The cost from Los Angeles is $4081 ($3,399 + $682 in taxes & airline fuel surcharges). More information here. A brochure may be downloaded here.
|
EMPLOYMENT
LOS ANGELES: Seeds of Hope Nutrition Education Obesity Prevention Program Assistant. The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles is seeking a program assistant to assist in the implementation of a Nutrition Education Obesity Prevention (NEOP-LA) project at 15 Episcopal churches in Los Angeles County. Full job description and application information here.
OAKLAND (California): Minister of Music. St. John's Episcopal Church seeks an organist-choirmaster to work with adult and children's choirs. 20 - 25 hours/week. Full job description, qualifications and application information here.
PALOS VERDES ESTATES: Organist. St. Francis' Episcopal Church. 15 hours/week average. To lead worship music through organ and piano music for two services on Sundays; to accompany the St. Francis Choir in rehearsals, worship and special performances. Full job description here.
SANTA PAULA: Parish Administrator. St. Paul's Episcopal & Emmanuel Lutheran Church seeks a part-time parish administrator. Candidate would have strong communications and interpersonal skills; proficiency with computers, especially Word and Publisher; good organization skills; and experience in managing an office environment. Work hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Contact mkfincher@gmail.com.
SOUTH PASADENA: Director of Day School (nursery-kindergarten). St. James Parish Day School. 25 hours/week, to begin September 2014. Full job description and application information here.
SOUTH PASADENA: Bass Section Leader. St. James' Church Choir seeks a professional bass section leader. Applicants should have excellent sight-reading skills, a great deal of experience singing Renaissance and traditional Anglican music in quartets, and be a responsible, professional employee. Having a music degree is encouraged, but not required. Section leaders sing every Sunday morning (excluding summer Sundays), as well as extra services for Christmas and Holy Week. Must be present at the first Thursday rehearsal of each month, 7 - 9:30pm. Rate is $75 per appearance. Email sarahdrabant@gmail.com for more information.
THOUSAND OAKS: Development Director. St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School seeks a part-time development director to begin August 2014. Candidate should have fund-raising and grant writing experience. Qualified candidates should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. School experience is preferable. Please submit cover letter and resume to: nwhitson@stpatricksdayschool.org.
_________________________
|
VOLUNTEER
For volunteer opportunities, click here.
_________________
|
|