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 News ...
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 Reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act A message from the diocese's finance department
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes new reporting requirements on employers that will assist the IRS in determining compliance with the two ACA mandates (the Employer Mandate and the Individual Mandate).
With regards to the Individual Mandate, if your church or institution participates in the Episcopal Church Medical Trust (MT) plans, then the required forms (1094-B/1095-B) will be filed either by MT or, in the case of fully insured plans, the insurance carrier. See the below link for additional information regarding Individual Mandate filing requirements.
For the Employer Mandate, if your church or institution is a large employer* then you will be responsible for filing the Employer Mandate tax forms (1094-C/1095-C). Small employers will not be required to take action as a result of the new reporting requirements. For large employers, MT has provided filing guidance here.
Please note: Large employers will not need to complete Part III of Form 1095-C because that information will be included in the Form 1095-B that either MT or the insurer will prepare (assuming your church or institution participates in the MT plans).
For any questions or comments, please contact Ted Forbath, CFO, at finance@Ladiocese.org or (213) 482-2040 x233.
*At least 50 full-time equivalent employees. See the above link for additional information.
 Training offered for 'Guardian Angels' to help refugee children and their families Since late 2013, more than 70,000 unaccompanied children - refugees from violence in their homelands - have entered the United States. The Program Group on Global Partnership's acompańero program pairs volunteer mentors with child refugees to help them negotiate the court system. PGGP is working with "Guardian Angels," an ecumenical project that trains clergy and lay volunteers to monitor immigration courtrooms for possible violations of children's legal rights, and to help children find legal representation. A Guardian Angel training and informational meeting for those who are interested in volunteering for this ministry will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Founders Hall at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1600 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks 91362. Read more here.
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 Coadjutor search ...
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 Online survey is next step in coadjutor search committee's listening process
The Bishop Coadjutor Search Committee of the Diocese of Los Angeles has created an online survey to continue the "listening process" that began earlier this summer with a series of meetings throughout the diocese.
The survey - available in English and Spanish - asks six questions that also were asked at the listening sessions:- Describe gifts, talents, and best practices your parish/mission/ministry brings to the diocese.
- Describe issues, challenges, and struggles currently faced by your parish/mission/ministry.
- List questions members of your parish/mission/ministry ask (or have asked) of diocesan leadership.
- Describe gifts, talents, and best practices of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.
- Describe issues, challenges, and struggles currently facing the diocese.
- List the qualities, characteristics, perspectives, and preferred experiences, sensitivities, talents, and skills you would like to see in the next bishop.
According to the Rev. Canon Julian Bull, chairman of the search committee, the survey is meant for those who were not able to attend a listening session. Comments made by those who did attend have already been noted, and do not need to be repeated, he said.
To take the survey in English, click here; for Spanish, click here; or visit www.ladiocese.org and select the search committee link.
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People ...
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REQUIESCAT
 Leslye Loesel
1929 - 2015
Leslye Loesel, widow of the Rev. Walter Loesel, died July 14 at an assisted-care home in Alhambra. She was 86, and had been in failing health for some time. She was for many years a resident at the rectory of All Saints Church, Highland Park (Los Angeles), where her husband served as rector from about 1977 until his death in 1988 (the couple is pictured at left, c. 1980). Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15 at St. James' Episcopal Church, 1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena 91030. Survivors include her daughter, Diedre Quinn; sons Chris, Matthew and Geoffrey Quinn; grandchildren Jeff, Kirsten, Jillian, Ryan and Taylor; great-grandson Tristan; a brother, Charles Sebastian; and a niece, Ingrid Sebastian. During her years at All Saints, Loesel ran an ecumenical food pantry located at the parish, as well as a smaller AIDS food pantry, also headquartered there.
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Events & announcements ...
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 Aug. 8 workshop at St. Andrew's, Fullerton, will explore improvisation in music and liturgySt. Andrew's Church, Fullerton, will host "The Word Became Flesh," a workshop on on Saturday, Aug. 8 that will 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 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. (The date of this event was omitted from a posting in last week's Update. The News regrets the error.)
 UBE Sunday is Sept. 6: share plans with the diocese through The Episcopal News
The Union of Black Episcopalians of the wider Episcopal Church has designated Sunday, Sept. 6 as UBE Sunday. Churches will celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Alexander Crummell (pictured at right), Episcopal priest, missionary, educator and founder in 1897 of the American Negro Academy, the first major scholarly society for African-Americans. As a religious leader and an intellectual, Crummel advocated for educational opportunities and leadership among young black Americans. (More about Crummel here.) UBE traces its racial justice ministry to Crummell's advocacy. Congregations in the Diocese of Los Angeles celebrating this event are encouraged to share their plans and reports of their commemorations with The Episcopal News by emailing information and photos to news@ladiocese.org.
ECW seeks volunteers, funding applications
for medical ministry The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of the Diocese of Los Angeles is seeking volunteers to serve on its Medical Ministry Committee, which reviews proposals submitted by Episcopal groups or institutions for funding to conduct activities that help meet health and medical needs in the diocese. The committee usually meets in the fall and winter months to review proposals and make awards. Meetings are conducted either face-to-face or via technology (e.g., Skype). For more information, contact Cynthia Hudley, committee chair, at hudley@ca.rr.com.
The Medical Ministry Committee also invites proposals seeking funding to support activities that help meet health and medical needs in the diocese. These activities can take many forms and may be conducted with medical or relief organizations that are independent of the Episcopal Church. This year's application deadline for grants to be used in 2016 is Dec. 10, 2015. For detailed information, please see the brochure and application form here.
 St. George's, Riverside, to open Interfaith Meditation Garden St. George's Church, Riverside, in partnership with the local interfaith and ecumenical community, has established an Interfaith Meditation Garden, which it will open on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 4 p.m.
J. Jon Bruno, bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles and president of the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders, will dedicate the garden at the event, which will be attended by leaders of local Jewish, Islamic, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian congregations, as well as community leaders and members of St. George's. The garden, according to the Rev. Khushnud Azariah, vicar of St. George's, was planned to provide a quiet place for meditation, prayer and relaxation; to build a bridge of cooperation among people of varied experiences, faiths and beliefs; and to promote tolerance, peace and harmony. All are welcome to the dedication. St. George's Episcopal Church is located at 950 Spruce Street, Riverside 92507. For information, call the parish office at 626.862.1502.
 Weekend carnival
to benefit Orange County service agency St. Wilfrid's Church, Huntington Beach, invites all to the "Surf City Cares" Carnival on Friday, Aug. 14, 5 - 10 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16, 12 noon - 10 p.m. The carnival, which will benefit Beach Cities Interfaith Services, will take place at Huntington Central Park, 1800 Golden West Street, Huntington Beach 92648, and will feature classic carnival rides, games, and food. Pre-sale price for 10 tickets is $6; on site, 12 tickets are $10 or 27 for $20. Single tickets are $1 each (rides require 3 - 5 tickets). Pre-sale tickets may be purchased at BCIS's office at 18131 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Participants also are invited to bring canned goods to donate to BCIS's food bank. For information, call 714.375.6400. BCIF, originally Episcopal Service Alliance, now an interfaith ministry, assists the homeless and working poor in the Huntington Beach area with daily lunches, clothing, medical and housing assistance, job placement and other services. An event flyer is here.
 SAVE THE DATE:
Godly Play training to be offered Sept. 25 - 27 at
All Saints, Beverly Hills All Saints' Church, Beverly Hills, will host Core Godly Play Training Friday - Sunday, Sept. 25 - 27. Godly play is a Montessori-based Christian formation program that helps children "to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play." The training, which will begin on Sept. 25 at 3 p.m. and conclude on Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m., will be conducted by Godly Play Foundation Trainer Caryl Menkhus Creswell. Dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday and Sunday are included in the registration fee of $295. (Late registration -- received less than a month before the training session-- is $360.) Students will be expected to read Teaching Godly Play: How to Mentor the Spiritual Development of Children by Jerome W. Berryman before attending the training. A flyer with registration and other information is here. All Saints Church is located at 504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210.
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This week around the diocese ...
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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.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 7 p.m.
Middle East Ministries at the Movies: It's Better to Jump
All Saints Episcopal Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101
Information: allsaintsmem@yahoo.com or 626.583.2734
This award-winning documentary explores the ancient walled city of Akka, inhabited by Muslims, Christians, Jews & Baha'i. As the city undergoes economic pressures and vast social change, Arab families must decide whether to leave the places they have grown roots for generations and shaped a rich culture for more than 1,000 years. Come and experience this seaport on the Mediterranean and the indigenous Palestinians who have chosen to take a leap of faith. Directors Patrick & Mouna Stewart and Gina Angelone will engage in a Q & A session following the film. Freewill offering will be taken. Free parking in the All Saints lot. Light refreshments. DVD copies available for sale.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 4 p.m.
Watts Revolt 50th Anniversary Interfaith Prayer Service
Intersection of 116th Street and Avalon Boulevard, Los Angeles
Sponsored by the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders, this event will be held at the intersection 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. A flyer with more information is here.
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 4 p.m.
Watts Revolt 50th Anniversary Interfaith Prayer Service
St. John's United Methodist Church
1715 Santa Ana Blvd. North, Los Angeles
Sponsored by the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders, this occasion will mark 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, which lasted eight days and caused some $40 million in damage. 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. A flyer with more information is here.
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Recurring Services ...
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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
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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.
SECOND THURSDAYS, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (August 13)
Monthly Contemplative Gathering
Prince of Peace Episcopal Church
5700 Rudnick Avenue, Woodland Hills 91364
Information: Chantel ZImmerman, chantel@artandsoullab.com
Based on "Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton."
SECOND FRIDAYS, 7:30 p.m. (August 14)
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.
THIRD SUNDAYS, 6 p.m. (August 16)
Service of Taizé
St. Alban's Episcopal Church
580 Hilgard Avenue, Westwood (Los Angeles)
Information: The Rev. PaulElder, 818.398.4541
Dinner is served at 6, followed by the service.
THIRD SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. (August 16)
Sacramentum
St. James' Church
1325 Monterey Road, 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.
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