March 9, 2014

News ...

'Ashes to Go' for Ash Wednesday

The Rev. Frank Alton places ashes on the foreheads of people in Echo Park, across the street from the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, where Alton is priest-in-charge of the congregation of St. Athanasius, which beginning in December will celebrate its 150th year of ministry in the Echo Park neighborhood. Ashes to Go is a national trend in which clergy of Episcopal churches venture out into streets, parks, bus and subway stations and other unconventional locations to remind passers-by that "dust they are, and to dust they will return." One young woman in Echo Park, asked if she would like ashes imposed, said, in surprise, "I would, actually. That's crazy!" She stepped forward and, closing her eyes, waited for the ashes and the words that reminded her of her mortality. Then, the rite completed, she thanked Alton and continued on her way. Below: A member of St. Athanasius' congregation holds a sign inviting park-goers to take part in the imposition of ashes. Photos/Janet Kawamoto

New horizons in world mission

Above: At a diocesan seminar on "Global Engagement in the 21st Century," held at St. Edmund's Church, San Marino, on March 1, Bishop Suffragan Mary Glasspool leads a discussion of how the church might work constructively and respectfully with people around the world. At left:

Noah Bullock, director of Foundacion Cristosal, which works with the Anglican Church in El Salvador, talks about theological and practical aspects of ministry there. Other speakers included Canon Serena Beeks on Haiti, Canon Robert Williams on Jerusalem and the Middle East, Ricardo Reznichek on ministry in Belize and Dr. Don Johnson on AIDS prevention and treatment in Africa.

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SAVE THE DATE:
'Called to the Wall' is April 12

The 2012 pilgrimage group walks along the beach to the U.S. - Mexico border wall.

'Called to the Wall' pilgrimage to
US - Mexico border planned for April 12

Called to the Wall, the third annual Lenten Via Crucis pilgrimage to the U.S. - Mexico border in support of immigrants, will take place this year on Saturday, April 12, the day before Palm Sunday.

Pilgrims will gather at 8:30 a.m. at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles and begin by praying the Stations of the Cross - representing Jesus' journey from the place of his trial to the place of crucifixion - in English and Spanish. They will caravan by car to St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Anaheim , then cross over to the Diocese of San Diego, making a second stop at St. Paul's Cathedral. At each stop participants will continue with additional Stations.

After lunch at St. Paul's, participants will continue to a parking lot near the beach in south San Diego, where they will leave their cars to take a 45-minute walk along the shore to the border fence at Friendship Park. At the border wall, Bishop Suffragan Diane Jardine Bruce of the Diocese of Los Angeles and Bishop Diocesan James Mathes of the Diocese of San Diego will celebrate Eucharist at about 3 p.m..

At the same time, on the Mexican side of the wall, clergy from the Anglican Church of Mexico also will celebrate the Eucharist.

All are invited to take part in the pilgrimage. Participants may join in at any of the several stops on the way. All transport will be by private cars traveling in caravan.

For additional information, contact Jennifer Hughes at jenniferhughes1969@gmail.com.

Read more here.
Bishop Bruce at the US - Mexico border wall

Bishop Bruce at the US - Mexico border wall

Bishop Suffragan Diane Jardine Bruce blesses people on the Mexico side of the border wall at the 2012 Called to the Wall Eucharist. Photos/Janet Kawamoto

Daylight Savings Time
starts Sunday

(Yes, already.)

Don't be late to church this Sunday! Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9. Remember to set clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night.

 Just Action ... 

Just Action: 'Ashes to Go'

In this week's Just Action video, Bishop Jon Bruno and the Rev. Frank Alton discuss Ash Wednesday and 'Ashes to Go'--a roadside ministry for pedestrians and commuters.

To view this and other videos in the Just Action series, click here.

Events & announcements ...

Congregations invited to
participate in Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend

Places of worship across the nation are joining the Washington National Cathedral for the second annual Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend March 13-16. The event, sponsored by Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, will commemorate those whose lives have been lost and those whose lives have been forever changed by gun violence, and reaffirm commitment as communities of faith to address this national problem. The National Cathedral will mark the weekend with a series of events beginning on Thursday, March 13. A full schedule and webcast information are available here. To participate in Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath, congregations may:

Include a prayer or litany during Sunday services (see resources below);
Make available an "action card" or other resources for on-going action;
Light 32 votive candles to represent the average number of lives lost each day to gun violence in the United States -- and extinguish them at the end of the service;
Show a film relating to gun violence, such as "Living for 32," andhold a discussion.

Prayers and litanies are available online here. For additional information and resources, contacts within the Diocese of Los Angeles include:

Canon Mary Leigh Blek, OrangeCountyBradyChapter@aol.com or 949.206.9676
The Rev. Canon Gary Commins, Chair, Episcopal Peace Fellowship Gun Violence Prevention Action Group, commins@stlukeslb.org
Virginia Classick, Peace and Justice Program Group, SFVBradyChapter@aol.com or 818.225.0410.

'Versed' returns to
study Book of Job

The Program Group on Youth & Young Adult Ministries once again invites young adults to explore the Bible with the bishops of the Diocese of Los Angeles in "Versed" as they tackle the book of Job in four sessions during the season of Lent. Versed will take place on Tuesday nights at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul. Each session will begin at 7:30 p.m. with dinner and continue with discussion of the topic for the evening, concluding at 9:30 p.m. Dates, topics and presenters are:

March 18 - Theodicy: One bishop's struggle, with J. Jon Bruno
March 25 - The Trials: When life strips you down, with Diane Jardine Bruce
April 1 - The Friends: When doubt is sown, with Mary Glasspool
April 8 - The Conversation: Wrestling with the the divine, with Bishops Bruno, Bruce and Glasspool and special guests.

The series is open to young adults, clergy or lay, ages 21 - 39. Cost is $40 for the series. A flyer is here: a registration form is here. For information, contact Chris Tumilty at ctumilty@ladiocese.org or 213.482.2040.

Camp Stevens women's retreat
to focus on pilgrimage

The annual Women's Retreat at Camp Stevens -- a weekend of conversation, inspiration and renewal -- will take up the subject of pilgrimage this year. It will be led by the Rev. Canon Kelli Grace Kurtz, who is preparing to walk the Camino de Santiago Compestella (the Way of St. James), a 500-mile pilgrimage route in France and Spain, this summer following her 50th birthday. Through her experience and their own storytelling, participants in the retreat will consider the importance of daily, annual and once in a lifetime pilgrimages; share stories of womanhood, of being tired, and of how they find inspiration and renewal in themselves, one another and God; and learn about the Camino walk and its draw to hundreds of pilgrims each year. The retreat fee of $200 includes all content, materials, meals and accommodations in the new Lax-Sadler Lodge. To register, click here or call 760.765.0028.

Judith Favor to lead Quiet Day on writing as spiritual practice

Church of Our Saviour, San Gabriel, will present a Quiet Day Retreat on "Writing as a Spiritual Practice in Lent and Beyond" led by Judith Favor on Saturday, March 15, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The retreat will invite participants "to engage in writing as a spiritual practice that can open us to places of new discovery in this season of Lent and beyond. Whether you are someone who just wants to explore where the art of writing can take you, or one who has an established practice of writing, this one-day retreat is for you and all are welcome." The retreat is offered no cost. Judith Favor has been leading writing workshops and retreats for more than 30 years. She was equipped for the ministry of spiritual guidance at Shalem Institute in Washington, D.C. and for 11 years taught spiritual formation and vocational discernment at Claremont School of Theology. Church of Our Saviour is located at 535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel 91775. For information, call 626.282.5147.

Marcus Borg to keynote 'Lent Event' at All Saints, Pasadena

Theologian, writer and teacher Marcus Borg will be the keynote speaker for the 2014 Lent Event All Saints, Pasadena, titled "Contemplation, Action and Justice," Sunday - Monday, March 23 - 24. Internationally known in both academic and church circles as a leading biblical and Jesus scholar, Borg has been in the forefront of the movement calling the church to reclaim the Christianity of Jesus by putting its faith in action in the world. On Sunday, March 23, at 6 p.m., Borg will give a presentation on "Mysticism, Resistance, and Counter-Advocacy." On Monday, March 24, at 7 p.m. he will speak on "Amos: A Case Study in What I Wish Every Christian Knew." The cost is $20 for any and all of the Lent Event, payable online here or at the All Saints office. The Labyrinth will be available both days for walking before the evening presentations. Mama's Tamales will be on site with tamales and drinks for sale on Monday beginning at 5:30 p.m. Childcare will be provided for the Lent Event; please call 626.583.2781 before Friday, March 21, to reserve a space for your child. For more information, please contact Isabel Leus at ileus@allsaints-pas.org or 626.583.2733. All Saints Church is located at 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, 91101 (directly across Euclid from Pasadena City Hall).

Lenten Quiet Day and Eucharist to be held in Sierra Madre March 22

The Church of the Ascension, Sierra Madre, will host a Lenten Quiet Day and Eucharist on Saturday, March 22, 9 am. to 12 noon. The Very Rev. Canon Michael Bamberger, rector, will lead a meditation on "Cleansing our Hearts and Preparing With Joy." There is no charge, and all are welcome. The Church of the Ascension is located at 25 E. Laurel Avenue, Sierra Madre 91024. For information, call 626.355.1133.

Lenten supper series will explore psychological and theological aspects of reconciliation

St. Francis Episcopal Church in Palos Verdes Estates invites all to its Lenten supper series, to focus on "Forgiving and Forgiveness," on five Wednesday evenings: March 12, 19, 26 and April 2, 6 - 7 p.m. in the parish hall. The presentations will be led by the Very Rev. John Crean (pictured above left), a retired priest and theologian, and the Rev. Charleen Crean (below left), a deacon and licensed

clinical social worker. Dinners will be served beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the one-hour presentations at 7 p.m. and ending with Compline at 8 p.m. A communal service of reconciliation in the St. Francis chapel on Wednesday, April 9, at 7p.m. will conclude the series. Admission is free and all are welcome. The series will help participants address problems associated with holding on to resentments, injury and guilt and suggest some possible scriptural models for forgiveness. For more information, please call 310.375.4617 or visit the parish website. St. Francis' Church is located at 2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates 90274.

Labyrinth class and facilitated walk offered in Camarillo March 22

St. Columba's Church, Camarillo, will offer a free labyrinth class and facilitated outdoor labyrinth walk on Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., with Chantel Zimmerman, certified labyrinth facilitator. Participants will: learn the history of the labyrinth; learn to draw a labyrinth (no creative ability needed); learn innovative ways to walk and use the labyrinth, and finish the class with a facilitated labyrinth walking experience. A flyer is here. For more information contact Zimmerman at Chantel@artandsoullab.com or 877.944.6797. St. Columba's Episcopal Church is located at 1251 Las Posas Road, Camarillo 93010; 805.482.8831.

Upland parish soup supper programs to focus on music
of the Mass

St. Mark's Church, Upland, will offer a soup supper program on the music of the Mass, composed from the early days of the church to modern times, on four Sundays during Lent. On Sunday, March 16, the Rev. Sally Monastiere will offer an introduction to the Mass using excerpts from Franz Schubert's "Deutsche Messe." The series will continue on March 23 with Kate Flannery presenting a brief introduction to Johann Sebastian Bach's "Mass in b minor," showing video excerpts from a 2012 performance at The Proms in London. On March 30, Kathy Walker will present "Playing Kyries" from the Masses of Leonard Bernstein, The Electric Prunes, and The Missa Luba. On April 6 Blane Abernathy, St. Mark's director of music ministry and organist, will discuss John Rutter's Requiem with videos of Rutter talking about his work and with excerpts from the Mass. Each program will conclude with time for reflection. A children's program highlighting heroes of the Old Testament and the miracles and parables of Jesus will run concurrently. The children's program includes an animated video, group activities, and crafts. The potluck suppers offer soup, bread, cheese and fruit. Call the church office at 909.920.5565 for reservations or information. St. Mark's Church is located at 330 E. 16th Street, Upland 91784.

GALAS to hold retreat at
Camp Stevens in April

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Episcopalians are invited to "Journey Inward/Journey Outward," the 2014 GALAS (Gays & Lesbians at All Saints) Retreat at Camp Stevens April 11 - 13 to relax, play, pray and renew their spirits with retreat leader the Rev. Dr. Neil G. Thomas, senior pastor of the Founders Metropolitan Community Church, Los Angeles. For more information and to register, visit the GALAS website or email to galas@allsaints-pas.org. Registration deadline is March 31; retreat is limited to 28 participants.

Greta Roningan

Retreat combining yoga

with contemplation slated

in Santa Barbara

A Contemplative Yoga Retreat at Mt. Calvary Monastery in Santa Barbara Thursday - Sunday, March 20 - 23 will combine yoga and contemplative practices such as centering prayer and lectio divina, as led by Sister Greta Ronningen and Sharon Crandall. Both leaders are chaplains to the incarcerated through Prism, the diocese's restorative justice ministry. Ronningen, a founding member of the Community of Divine Love (CDL), an Episcopal monastic order in San Gabriel, is a longtime yoga instructor, and holds a master's degree in spiritual formation from the Claremont School of Theology. Crandall, a CDL oblate, facilitated a centering prayer group at St. Bartholomew's Church, New York, and currently facilitates a similar group at Church of Our Saviour, San Gabriel. The retreat will include challenging yoga sessions as well as more gentle restoring sessions, and is appropriate for those with some yoga experience. Previous experience in meditation is not necessary. Cost is $450 per person and includes three nights' accommodations, all meals and the program. Arrival time is Thursday afternoon 3 p.m. or later and departure is after lunch on Sunday. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a space. For information and reservations contact Mount Calvary Monastery, 805.682.4117 or mtcalvary1@aol.com.

This week around the diocese ...

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 10 a.m. - 12 noon

Virtual Labyrinth Facilitator Training

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

1145 West Valencia Mesa Drive, Fullerton 92833

Inforamtion: The Rev. Canon Paul Edwards, 714.879.6436 or email paulnanita@sbcglobal.net

Learn to lead others along a virtual labyrinth at March 8 training session. Facilitators learn to walk and lead health care patients in a virtual healing walk; once trained, they would be able to work as staff or volunteers in health care facilities, leading others in a virtual health walk. Learn about VLF here.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 7 p.m.

Saving Grace: A Faithful Response

to Violence Against Women and Girls

ProCathedral of St. John

514 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90007

Information/Reservations: here

A liturgy of healing and renewal featuring women faith leaders, with music by Swing Brazil. The event will "challenge the religious justification for the denigration of women and replace it with the hope and dignity that lie at the heart of all spiritual traditions," according to a release from sponsor The Guibord Center, which works to increase understanding among Los Angeles' diverse faith groups. There is no charge for the event, which will be followed by a reception.

SUNDAY - TUESDAY, MARCH 9 - 11

Desert Journeys Lenten Retreat

Patton's Altar

Near Desert Center, California

Information/Reservations: Canon David Caffrey, 760.362.4670 or 951.314.2301, or desertfather@earthlink.net.

Led by the Rev. Canon David Caffrey. The program will include daily offices, Eucharist, quiet time, stargazing, nature walks, holy rest, and good fellowship. All camping rigs are welcome. Advance reservations required.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Affordable Care Act Workshop (Spanish)

All Saints Episcopal Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena
Information (en ingl�s y espa�ol): Norma Sigmund, 626.583.2734 or nsigmund@allsaints-pas.org
The Latino-Hispanic Ministry at All Saints Church Pasadena, in partnership with community organizations Young and Healthy, the Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (CHAP), and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), will host an enrollment workshop about the different health insurance options and benefits available through Covered California, Medi-Cal, and other options associated with the Affordable Care Act. Certified, bilingual personnel will be on-site to directly enroll eligible applicants in the Covered California and Medi-Cal options, and to provide referral information for other enrollment options for those not eligible.
El Ministerio Latino-Hispano de la Iglesia de Todos los Santos en Pasadena, en colaboraci�n con las organizaciones comunitarias Young and Healthy y la Coalici�n de Derechos Humanos para los Inmigrantes (CHIRLA), y Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (CHAP) ha organizado un taller informativo sobre las caracter�sticas, beneficios y modos de inscripci�n en planes de seguros de salud a trav�s del mercado de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible.
El taller se llevar� a cabo el 9 de marzo del 2014 en el Sal�n: Sweetland Hall de la Iglesia de Todos Los Santos, ubicado en 132 N Euclid Ave., comenzando a las 2:30 p.m. hasta las 4:30 p.m. Durante el evento se brindar� ayuda a las personas (en espa�ol e ingl�s) interesadas para inscribirse con personal certificado.
Aunque m�s de 2 millones de personas ya se han inscrito en Seguros de Salud , m�s de 10.2 millones de hispanos en todo el pa�s podr�an beneficiarse de las p�lizas de este mercado, seg�n datos del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Estados Unidos (HHS, por sus siglas en ingl�s). Es importante que esta comunidad aproveche la oportunidad de tener la informaci�n en espa�ol acerca de los diferentes costos y opciones, as� como los beneficios importantes de cobertura como en el caso de los chequeos preventivos y poder aclarar dudas y preguntas en su propio idioma.

TUESDAYS, MARCH 11 & 18, 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Walking Together in the Ways of God:
A Conversation About Faith, Scripture,
and the Meaning of Religion in This Moment

Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue
15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino 91436
Information: 818.788.6000 or here
Bishop Catherine Roskam, retired bishop suffragan of the Diocese of New York and now resident and assisting in the Diocese of Los Angeles, will take part with Rabbi Ed Feinstein at Valley Beth Shalom, Encino, in this discussion. This year Feinstein celebrated his 20th year as rabbi of Valley Beth Shalom. He serves on the faculties of the Ziegler Rabbinical School of the American Jewish University, the Wexner Heritage Program, the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and lectures widely across North America on Judaism and the Jewish future. Roskam's ministry is centered on congregational development, clergy care, cultural and racial inclusiveness, and education. She founded the Global Women's Fund, empowering women in the developing world, and All Our Children, an initiative to support public education in the U.S. through direct service, advocacy and teacher support. She is co-founder of Carpenter's Kids, feeding and educating over 7000 children in Tanzania. All are welcome. Refreshments will be provided, and there is no charge.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

A Lenten Evening Apart

St. George's Episcopal Church
808 Foothill Blvd., La Canada 91011
Information: Cherie McSweeney, 818.790.3842, ext.12
Carol Wawrychuk, carolwawrychuk@gmail.com.
Engage your spirit in the wilderness: walk a Labyrinth, sit quietly at various prayer stations, or meditate in an area featuring the art of bonsai. Music during the evening will be provided by Georgic Avanesian playing acoustic guitar, with chants performed by Daniel Chaney, tenor, of the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Childcare is available upon request. The event is offered free of charge.

FRIDAY - SUNDAY, MARCH 14 - 16

Men's Retreat: 'God Encounters ...'

Renewal Center at the Old Mission
2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara 93105
Information: See below
The Rev. Ron David, Episcopal priest and physician, will be spiritual director for the weekend, at which participants will be led to consider how the divine is experienced. How do we recognize God? How can we multiply and amplify our holy encounters? This time of retreat and enrichment will be set in the patterns and rhythms of monastic life, using the framework of the Daily Office. Time will be divided into blocks for various activities including small group and community conversation; meditation, prayer, and Eucharist in the chapel; meals and socializing; and time alone to read, day dream, or nap. Cost for the weekend, including six meals, two nights' lodging, and the program, is $235. Registration requires a $100 deposit. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. For more information, contact: Michael Arnold, mnarnold@hascosb.com, Mark Benson, markb1351@gmail.com, Bob Richard, starryrobert@aol.com, or Dennis Wylie, dwylie@cox.net.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 10 a.m - 3 p.m.

Community Garden Workshop -
'Building a Foundation: Community'

St. Margaret's Episcopal School
31641 La Novia Avenue, San Juan Capistrano 92675
Information/Registration: Coreen@campstevens.org
Is your church, school or organization planning to start a garden? Join Camp Stevens staff members for this first of two "Seeds of Hope" workshops on building a foundation for a successful organic garden. "Building a Foundation: Community" will focus on building your garden's foundation within the community. Topics will include strategies for planning and working in small groups that encourage participation and consensus building. Cost is $10 per participant, including lunch. Includes a tour of St. Margaret's thriving school garden, which was started with guidance and training from Camp Stevens. Sponsored by Seeds of Hope, whose aim is "creating and sustaining gardens throughout the Diocese of Los Angeles to promote physical and spiritual wellness for individuals and communities." (Participants are welcome to attend one or both workshops. "Building a Foundation: Soil" is May 3: see listing below).

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 1 p.m.

Exploring the Divine

St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church
2109 Chickasaw Avenue, Eagle Rock (Los Angeles) 90041
Information: 323.682.8084
Do you worry that God is disappointed in you? Does it seem difficult to trust God? Many of us suffer from fear and anxiety about who or what God is and how to make sense of God. Many of us were raised by families that had distorted views of God. If you identify with these concerns or are in a recovery program searching for how to define your "Higher Power," please join us for a bi-monthly exploration of the divine.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

'Versed': The Book of Job - Session 1

Cathedral Center of St. Paul
840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026
Information: Chris Tumilty, 213.482.2040 or ctumilty@ladiocese.org
Topic: "Theodicy: One bishop's struggle," with Bishop J. Jon Bruno. The Program Group on Youth & Young Adult Ministries once again invites young adults to explore the Bible with the bishops of the Diocese of Los Angeles in "Versed" as they tackle the book of Job in four sessions during the season of Lent. Versed will take place on Tuesday nights, March 18 and 25 and April 1 and 8. The series is open to young adults, clergy or lay, ages 21 - 39. Cost is $40 for the series. A flyer is here: a registration form is here.

This week in liturgy & the arts ...

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 5 - 9 p.m.

La Dolce Vita and Taize Worship

St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church

2109 Chickasaw Avenue, Los Angeles 90041

Information: 323.254.7569

Evenings of art, music, play and food, ending with Taize worship, held on the first Friday of each month (except July and August).

SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 4:30 p.m.

Solemn Evensong

St. James' Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information: 213.388.3015

Choir of St. James', James Buonemani, director. There is no charge.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 5 p.m.

Contemplative Eucharist

All Saints Episcopal Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101
Information: 626.796.1172
Youth Chamber Choir will offer music; Jon Dephouse will celebrate. As we enter the season of Lent enjoy music, silence and time for reflection. Open yourself to the blessings of joy, healing and peace. Child care is available.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 6 p.m.

Solemn Lenten Evensong

St. Bede's Episcopal Church

3590 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles (Mar Vista)

Information: 310.391.5522 or www.stbedesla.org/music.htm

This typically Anglican service of prayer, meditation and music will feature works by Thomas Tallis and William Byrd.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 6 p.m.

Organ Recital: Paolo Bordignon

St. James' Episcopal Church

3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Information: 213.388.3015

There is no charge. The recital will be preceded by Evensong at 4:30 (see listing above).

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 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, MARCH 11, 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, MARCH 11, 7:30 p.m.

Lenten Taiz�: Create in Me a Clean Heart

St. Luke's Episcopal Church

7th & Atlantic, Long Beach

Information: 562.436.4047 or www.stlukeslb.org

Begin your Lenten journey by attending a quiet hour of readings, reflection, silence and soft chant-like music in the candle-lit beauty of St. Luke's church.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

A Lenten Evening Apart

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, MARCH 14, 7 p.m.

Celtic Contemporary Prayer: 'Who's My Neighbor?'

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 Taiz� Communities (spoken word and prayer, meditative song, silence).

FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 7:30 p.m.

Contemplative Taiz� 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, MARCH 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, MARCH 16, 4 p.m.

Music at Four: Ty Woodward, organ

St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
6201 E. Willow, Long Beach 90815
Information: 562.420.1311
In concert in St. Gregory's newly renovated and acoustically improved worship space. Woodward is also a noted theater organist and his concert will include the classics as well as literature for the theater organ. Freewill offering. A reception will follow the concert.

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 4 p.m.

Seventh Annual Women's Evensong Invitational

St. Luke's Episcopal Church
122 South California Avenue, Monrovia 91016
Information: Kent B. Jones, StLukesDirector@aol.com
Evensong in Lent will be sung by the women of the St. Luke's Choir, including works of Denis Mason, Malcolm Archer, and Kent Bennett Jones. St. Luke's would like to involve women from as many congregations as possible. Some sight reading is necessary, as rehearsal time is limited, but the music is not difficult. Wine and cheese reception to follow the service.

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 5 p.m.

Jazz Vespers with Russell Ferrante

All Saints Episcopal Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101
Information: Melissa Hayes, 626.583.2725
or mhayes@allsaints-pas.org
Pianist Russell Ferrante, founding member of the YellowJackets, Russell Ferrante, offers music, with Michael Valerio on bass and Steve Schaeffer on drums. Grammy-winner Ferrante has performed with such artists as Jimmy Witherspoon, Jim Pepper, Joe Farrell, Joni Mitchell, Bobby McFerrin, Robben Ford, Al Jarreau, Marilyn Scott, GRP Big Band, Lee Ritenour, Take 6, and Brenda Russell. Ed Bacon will offer a meditation. There is no charge, and no reservation is required. If you would like to use the elevator for accessibility, please arrive five minutes early. Child care provided.

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 5 p.m.

Lenten Choral Evensong

Church of the Ascension
25 E. Laurel Avenue, Sierra Madre 91024
Information: 626.355.1133
The Choir of Ascension, directed by Debora Huffman, will perform works from the Renaissance through today. A reception will follow the service.

SUNDAY, MARCH 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, MARCH 17, 7 p.m.

Healing Taiz� 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, MARCH 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, MARCH 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.

In this issue ...

News
Just Action
Events & Announcements
Malcolm Boyd
This week around the diocese
This week in liturgy & the arts
Opportunities
In the media

Episcopal News

The Episcopal News

Late Winter 2014 issue
is online.

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President Obama's honorary kitchen cabinet

by Malcolm Boyd

I sent a couple of contributions -- quite modest, actually -- to President Obama in response to his outreach for financial support. Then, to my dismay and genuine surprise, I received a card in the mail -- addressed personally to me -- that said, "Member of President Obama's Honorary Kitchen Cabinet." I held it in my hand, pondering what it meant.

Read more here.

Opportunities ...

TRAVEL & PILGRIMAGE

EPF 2014 Rural Pilgrimage
in Santa Paula

March 21 - 24, 2014

Young adults and college students ages 18 - 35 are invited to apply for this year's Episcopal Peace Fellowship Santa Paula Rural Pilgrimage hosted by The Abundant Table Farm Project. The theme is "Re-place Yourself: Connecting to your roots and finding value in place." The pilgrimage will help young people establish a connection to the land through a visit to Join the Farm, the Community Roots Garden and a hike in the hills near Santa Paula. Cost per person is $150. Scholarships are available. Application is here. Participation is limited, please apply as soon as possible.

Pilgrimage: Israel/Palestine

May 23 - June 3, 2014
The 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: Following the Celtic Way: Iona, Lindisfarne and Northumbria

July 10 - 21, 2014
Join members of All Saints' Church, Riverside, and friends for a journey to our Celtic roots, beginning at Los Angeles International and Flying to Glasgow, thence on via two ferries to Iona, back across the Scottish Highlands to Lindisfarne following the track of Blessed Aidan, and then to Durham where will stay at St. Chad's college on the Cathedral Close. For a complete brochure and booking information, click here or email FrConrad@gmail.com.

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.

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EMPLOYMENT

SAN CLEMENTE: Parish Administrator. St. Clement's Church. Requires strong familiarity with MS Office Suite; Word, Excel and especially Publisher. Provides daily administrative support for the clergy. Full time, salaried with benefits. Full information here.

SANTA BARBARA: Coordinator of Shared Ministry. Trinity Episcopal Church seeks a part-time person, 20 hours a week with benefits and pension, to oversee the development and support of lay ministry. The CSM oversees all aspects of the newcomer process from evangelism and outreach efforts through follow-up and incorporation into ministry, and works with the rector and associate rector to develop, plan and implement on-going projects and programs as they emerge in the life of the church. The position begins in June of 2014. Full job description and application instructions here.

SANTA BARBARA: Minister of Keyboard Music. Trinity Episcopal Church. To play organ and/or piano for two services each Sunday morning, additional services on special occasions, and choir rehearsals Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. 10 hours/week. 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 - 9:30 p.m. 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.

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VOLUNTEER

For volunteer opportunities, click here.

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The Episcopal News Update is emailed on Wednesday evening each week. Deadline for submissions is each Tuesday at noon. Send items for inclusion in the Update to Janet Kawamoto, editor, at news@ladiocese.org, or mail to The Episcopal News Update, P.O. Box 512164, Los Angeles, California 90051 (email is preferred).

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