Update header 2013
August 2, 2015
 news News ... 

Watts Towers Watts Week 2015: 'Remembering, Renewing, Resolving'
An invitation from the
Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders

Two weeks from this Sunday, people of faith from across Southern California will begin a series of commemorative activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Watts Revolt by providing new community engagement and investment while also honoring the memory of the 34 persons who died in the violence that lasted eight days and caused some $40 million in damage.

The Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders will begin the week on Sunday, August 9, with a 4 p.m. prayer service at the intersection of 116th and Avalon Boulevard where violence broke out amid public reaction to a traffic stop and the wider context of treatment of people of color by law enforcement. The prayer service will include a reading of the names of those who died, and the intersection will be blessed with water and incense, seeking new understanding and enlightenment to counter racism.

The council then will conclude the observance of "Watts Week 2015: Remembering, Renewing, Resolving" on Sunday, August 16, with a 4 p.m. prayer service at St. John's United Methodist Church, located at 1715 Santa Ana Blvd. N, diagonally across from the landmark Watts Towers. Focus of this prayer service will be on the future and the provision of scholarships to provide deserving urban youth with pathways out of poverty. This service, to which the public is invited, will follow a major symposium to be held the day before, August 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Charles Drew University as coordinated by the Los Angeles city Commission on Human Relations (for registration information, phone 213.978.1660).

The Human Relations Commission was formed as part of the city's response to the Watts Revolt. At the time, a joint statement encouraging formation of the commission was issued August 18, 1965, jointly by the Board of Rabbis of Southern California, the Council of Churches of Southern California, and the Roman Catholic Commission on Human Relations. The statement may be read in full here

 events Events & announcements ... 


Versed continues with 'Hard Truths,' 
a study of prophecy
What is a prophet? Who is a prophet? Where did the prophets of the Bible go? The Program Group on Youth & Young Adult Ministry invites young adults (21-39 years of age, clergy or lay) to explore the human nature of prophecy at "Versed," a six-week series of biblical discussions led by Bishops Jon Bruno, Diane Jardine Bruce and Mary Glasspool, and three guest speakers on Tuesday evenings, Sept. 22 - Oct. 27. Participants will eat, learn and reflect together on the bishops' teachings as they become well "versed" in the scriptures. Cost per person is $60 for the series, to held at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026. Sessions will begin with dinner at 7:30 p.m. and conclude at 9:30 p.m. To register, click here. Session dates and topics are: 
  • Tuesday, September 22: Why should I care about prophecy? 
  • Tuesday, September 29: How do I hear prophecy? 
  • Tuesday, October 6: How do I tell prophecy from fiction? 
  • Tuesday, October 13: What am I willing to risk for prophecy? 
  • Tuesday, October 20: How do I speak prophecy? 
  • Tuesday, October 27: How do you get people to listen to prophecy? Is it still prophecy if no one listens? 
For further information about the "Versed" series, contact Chris Tumilty, diocesan youth officer, at 213.482.2040 or ctumilty@ladiocese.org.

Refugee children Back-to-school drive to buy transit passes for child refugees in progress
As part of its ongoing response to the Central American child refugee crisis, the Diocese of Los Angeles invites parishes, congregations, and other organizations to participate in a drive to purchase and collect transit passes for these children in time for the new school year. The effort, which is being coordinated by Archdeacon Joanne Leslie and the Program Group on Global Partnership, will culminate in an in-church collection of Los Angeles County transit "TAP" cards on Sunday, August 9. The cards will be combined with other back-to-school supplies being collected through various interfaith efforts. "Through our diocesan acompañero program, it's become clear that transportation remains a challenge for these children," said Troy Elder, bishop's legate for global partnership, referring to the diocese's ongoing work pairing refugee children with volunteer mentors. "Transit passes will meet an immediate need, while also helping to cultivate good, green transportation habits among these new members of our community." Read more here.

 St. Andrew's Church, FullertonWorkshop at St. Andrew's, Fullerton, will explore improvisation in music
and liturgy
 
St. Andrew's Church, Fullerton, will host "The Word Became Flesh," a workshop on explore how to lift sacred texts and prayers from written form to spoken or sung expression. Experience how music and improvisation can give new life to Psalms, Scripture readings, Prayers of the People and Eucharist/Communion liturgies. Share in participatory learning and worship that invites deeper listening and awareness that God is in our breath...all the time. This Saturday afternoon workshop invites collaboration, play and creativity, so participants may bring new ideas and perspective into their worship practices at home and at church. The day will culminate in a 'paperless' Vespers service at 5:15 p.m. All are welcome to attend, especially clergy, musicians, lectors and congregants who are passionate about vibrant and embodied worship. The workshop will be facilitated by Paul Vasile, a composer of sacred music who has served as a guest lecturer at Union Theological Seminary, the Candler School of Theology and Eden Theological Seminary. He has also developed and taught many unique education programs focused on the connections between music and spirituality. The workshop is presented in partnership with Music that Makes Community (MMC), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people connect and learn through singing. To register, send an email to saintandrewsrector@gmail.com or visit the Music That Makes Community website. A $20 donation is requested to cover materials and resources. St. Andrew's Church is located at 1231 E. Chapman Avenue, Fullerton 92831.

 This week around the diocese ...

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Workshop: God Loves a Good Poem: 
Accessing the Spirit Through Our Imagination
All Saints Episcopal Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101
Information/Registration: stillpointca.org
     Led by Anne Petersen - writer, editor and "church lady" - who for many years served on the staff of All Saints Church. She asserts that "we access the Spirit and poetry through the same portal - our imagination." She recalls a line from The Summer Day by Mary Oliver that ends with the lines, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" In that moment, Petersen said, "I, a lifelong, head-oriented Episcopalian, found a new way into the Spirit and never looked back." Peterson will assisting participants in using poetry, meditation and other helpful tools for their spiritual journey. The workshop is sponsored by Stillpoint: The Center for Christian Spirituality. Space is limited. Registration required by Aug. 3.

 recurringRecurring Services ... 

The worship services or events listed below occur on a regular basis; weekly or monthly. Note that some are suspended on holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas or Holy Week. Please check with individual churches for exceptions to the regular schedule.


MONDAYS, 5 - 5:30 p.m.
Lectio Divina Centering Prayer
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
428 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach 92651
Information: 949.494.3542 or parishoffice@stmaryslb.org
     Lectio Divina is the ancient practice of holy listening to scripture. A passage from the upcoming Sunday lessons is read, and in silent prayer we are gradually led from mind to heart, taking the word of God deeper and deeper into the self. Followed by Centering Prayer (see listing below).

MONDAYS, 5:30 - 6 p.m.
Centering Prayer
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
428 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach 92651
Information: 949.494.3542 or parishoffice@stmaryslb.org
     Preceded by Lectio Divina (see listing above).

MONDAYS, 7 p.m.
Vox Celestis Gregorian Chant Ensemble
St. James' Episcopal Church
3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach
Information: 949.675.0210.
  Ensemble members learn to read original Gregorian notation, and sing the beautiful meditative Latin settings of Vespers and Compline.

MONDAYS, 7 p.m.
Centering Prayer
St. James' Episcopal Church
1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena
Information: 626.799.9194
     Come and experience a method of Contemplative Prayer. This group is led by parishioners, and meets weekly in the Guild Room.

TUESDAYS, 6:15 p.m.

Centering Prayer
The Church of Our Saviour
535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel
Information: 626.282.5147
   No previous experience is necessary. Centering Prayer group meets  in St. Luke's Chapel.

TUESDAYS, 7 p.m.
Contemplative Prayer
Church of the Messiah
614 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana
Information: 714.543.9389
     Contemplative Prayer meets every Tuesday evening for an extended period of silent meditation and prayer in the Upper Room. Those unfamiliar with this method of prayer are welcome to join others who have practiced contemplative prayer before.

WEDNESDAYS, 6 p.m.
Eventide and Supper
All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
83 Eucalyptus Lane, Santa Barbara 93108
Information: 805.969.4771
     The midweek service is at 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday and combines the language, symbols, music, and actions from the rich heritage of the worshiping Church.  Eventide has become an important worship opportunity for those wanting a mid-week boost in their spiritual lives and a main worship service for those who prefer this more intimate, casual, yet distinctly Anglican worship experience. Casual supper to follow.

WEDNESDAYS, 7 p.m.
Taizé Worship Service
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
330 E. 16th Street, Upland
Information: 909.920.5565

THURSDAYS, 1 p.m.
Centering Prayer
St. Alban's Episcopal Church
580 Hilgard, Westwood (Los Angeles)
Information: The Rev. Paul Elder, 818.398.4541
FIRST SUNDAYS, 12 noon (August 3)
Walking the Virtual Labyrinth
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
1145 West Valencia Mesa Drive, Fullerton
Information: paulnanita@sbcglobal.net
     Walk the virtual labyrinth in the parish hall on the first and third Sundays of each month. Led by the Rev. Canon Paul Edwards. Advance reservations requested.
SECOND WEDNESDAYS, 6:30 p.m. (August 12)
Candlelit Recovery Eucharist
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
100 N. Third Avenue, Covina 
Information: 626.967.3939
On the second Wednesday of each month Holy Trinity Church offers a Candlelit Eucharist (bilingual). Come find the serenity and strength a loving God and a supportive community can provide you in recovery. Everyone is welcome.
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 opportunitiesOpportunities ...


TRAVEL & PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
December 26, 2015 - January 5, 2016
Join Lutheran Bishop Guy Erwin and tour organizer the Rev. Canon Jim Newman in the Holy Land. Sites include Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Jordan River, and the mysterious stone city of Petra. Space is limited: send in reservation form and deposit as soon as possible. Eleven days, departing from Los Angeles on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015, and returning on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016. The cost from Los Angeles is $4,148. For more information contact Newman at 310.391.5522, 888.802.6722 (toll-free) or stbedesla@yahoo.com. More information here. To download a brochure, click here.

_________________

EMPLOYMENT

 

HERMOSA BEACH: Christian Formation director for St. Cross Episcopal Church. Director will be responsible for nursery through adult Christian education programming. Full time position with benefits, needs to be present on Sunday mornings, other work hours are somewhat flexible. For a full job description and more information contact Rachel Nyback, Rector at rnyback@stcross.org. Visit the website www.stcross.org to explore the St. Cross parish community. 

 

LOS ANGELES: Summer Marketing Intern, Episcopal Community Federal Credit Union. Two-month paid summer internship for a college student studying marketing, to help revamp ECFCU's marketing program. For information or to apply contact Urla Gomes at 213.482.2040, ext. 286, or ecfcu@earthlink.net

 

PLACENTIA: Administrative Assistant at Episcopal Church of the Blessed Sacrament. Part-time position (14 hours per week, 4 days per week). Light office duties; worship material preparation; printing and distribution; membership database maintenance; assist pastor; and oversee office. Skills required: MS Word and Publisher; ability to learn database program (Church Windows); good English communication skills, written and on the phone. Compensation will start at $12.25 per hour. Send resume and cover letter to Fr.Christopher@BSCPlacentia.com  

 

SAN MARINO: Director of Youth Ministries for St. Edmund's Episcopal Church. Three-quarter to full-time experienced and enthusiastic lay person sought to develop all dimensions of parish formation for children and youth. More information here, or contact Sylvia Smythe, search chair, at cssmythe@charter.net. Parish website is here.  

 

SIERRA MADRE: Childcare/Christian Education Assistant & Kitchen Help at Church of the Ascension. Hourly position, Sunday mornings only. $12/hour. Under general supervision, provide child care, assist with Christian education program and provide services in kitchen duties and food preparation. Full job description here.
 

THOUSAND OAKS: Church Office Manager, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Seeking a personable, organized, energetic self-starter to manage all church office functions including:  maintaining all communication platforms, coordination of master church calendar, supplies, records, and property maintenance, and database management.  Job description available here. Send resume to vp@htlcto.org.  

 

TUSTIN: Children and Family Minister at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Part-time (15 hours weekly). Seeking a creative, well-organized, outgoing lay person of prayer and faith. Job description and application instructions here.  

   

_________________________

VOLUNTEER

 

IRIS seeks volunteers 

to aid refugees
Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service (IRIS), a program of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, is seeking volunteers and interns for a variety of programs and positions including: 
  •  Volunteers to help with its food pantry on Friday mornings, 9 a.m - 12 noon. Volunteers package and distribute bags of groceries to newly arrived refugees and low income community members. 
  •  Mentors and teaching assistants for ESL/Civics classes. Classes are held at various hours during the week. 
  •  Bilingual English/Spanish legal services volunteers to work under Attorney supervision and assist IRIS' Central American Minor Family Reunification program. 
  • Bilingual English/Spanish legal services volunteers to work under Attorney supervision and assist with IRIS' Citizenship program. 
 To volunteer, contact Lynn Mackenzie at 323.661.8828 or lmackenzie@ladiocese.org
 

For volunteer opportunities, click here.


_________________


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). Submission guidelines are here.
 
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