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 From the bishop ...
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Black economic realities matter, too
By J. Jon Bruno
The statistics are disturbing: "The black-white wealth gap has reached a 24-year high," the Huffington Post reports(1). "The median wealth of black households dropped an astonishing 34 percent from 2010 to 2013, according to Pew's analysis of Federal Reserve data. That of white households grew slightly over the same period. In dollars, that meant the median white household was worth $141,900, while the median black household was worth just $11,000. Wealth was defined here as the difference between the value of the household's assets -- like a house and stocks -- and its liabilities."
Likewise, Forbes magazine reports: (2) "The typical black household now has just 6% of the wealth of the typical white household; the typical Latino household has just 8%, according to a recent study called The Racial Wealth Gap: Why Policy Matters, by Demos, a public policy organization promoting democracy and equality, and the Institute on Assets and Social Policy."
According to most recent figures released August 18, 2015, by the federal Board of Labor Statistics (3), the unemployment rate among black teens is 28.7%, essentially the same as the 29% rate in 1965, the year of the Watts Revolt, and just after President Johnson's declaration of the War on Poverty. Meanwhile, in 1965 there were some 27,000 black persons in state and federal correctional facilities, but today nearly 1 million are so imprisoned (4).
Clearly, poverty continues to hold too many of our sisters and brothers in a vice-grip of limited opportunities, and very little progress has been made to increase jobs, education and social services as identified in the McCone Report that followed the Watts Revolt of August 1965. How can we remedy this situation, and what kind of world will we create for the next 50 years? As Dr. King said, "Our goal is to create a beloved community, and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives."
Achieving that change involves partnering for community investment such as a coalition of religious leaders is doing in South Los Angeles, in part through the new Neighborhood Good Alliance. There we are working together to bring afterschool tutoring and enrichment programs to two church sites, one near the historic Watts towers, and the other near Jordan High School and the Jordan Downs housing complex. The seeds we are planting will create four part-time jobs and begin the wider work of creating a new path to college and career readiness for deserving urban elementary and secondary school students, a first step to increased economic advancement. In the process, we are restoring communication between networks of clergy and lay leaders, bringing together partnerships from across the city to encourage and support long-standing service providers in South Los Angeles. Watch for Neighborhood Good's back-to-school appeal in the coming weeks as together we unite to address economic issues that matter deeply.
1 Kaufman, Alexander C., "Black-White Wealth Gap Has Reached 24-Year High," The Huffington Post, Dec. 12, 2014.
2 Shin, Laura, "The Racial Wealth Gap: Why A Typical White Household Has 16 Times the Wealth Of A Black One," Forbes, March 26, 2015.
3 United States Board of Labor Statistics, "Employment and Unemployment Among Youth Summary - Summer 2015," table A-2 cited in news release of Aug. 18, 2015.
4 United States Department of Justice, "Race of Prisoners Admitted to State and Federal Prisons 1926-1986," by Patrick A. Langan, published May 1991, and NAACP Criminal Justice Fact Sheet, www.naacp.org.
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Conciliation process to begin
A message to the diocesan community
The coming fall season will bring a period of prayerful reflection and consultation regarding mission and ministry in the south coastal Orange County region of the Diocese of Los Angeles. In this area we are approaching a new strategic building plan in Costa Mesa and the beginning of at least one rector search process, as well as the much-publicized property-related issues in Newport Beach. Each of these matters will engage our attention for many months of the coming year.
In accordance with the canons, the Presiding Bishop's Office has processed a complaint that was filed by some who disagree with the decisions I have made as Corporation Sole in regard to the future of property in Newport Beach. Under the canons (Title IV.10, as found in IV.6.Sec.8b), the reference panel of three bishops, including the Presiding Bishop, has determined that, of the options available to it, a conciliation process will be initiated. Both those who filed the complaint and I await appointment of the conciliator and further information as to how this process will unfold. The canons call for all parties to demonstrate confidentiality, and being mindful of that I will keep you apprised of the process as I am able and as is appropriate.
Together in Christ,
J. Jon Bruno
- The Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno is the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles.
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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, chair 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. The survey will remain available through the month of August.
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People ...
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 New co-coordinator to represent Episcopal Relief & Development Lisa Jacoby, a postulant for ordination to the diaconate, is serving with Christian Kassoff as Episcopal Relief & Development co-coordinator for the diocese of Los Angeles. The coordinators are responsible for recruiting parish represenatives, representing the agency through church media and church visitations, reporting back to Episcopal Relief & Development, and more. Jacoby, who is completing her master of divinity degree at Bloy House (The Episcopal Theological School at Claremont), has been involved professionally and personally with outreach and social justice throughout her adult life. She was selected as a recipient of the 2015 Episcopal Relief & Development Ghana Pilgrimage Seminary Fellowship. To contact the coordinators regarding Episcopal Relief & Development, email to lisa.jacoby@gmail.com or zinchy@gmail.com.
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Events & announcements ...
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 Middle East Ministries group to screen film capturing images of Palestinian women The Middle East Ministry of All Saints Church, Pasadena, will screen the new film In the Image: Palestinian Women Capture the Occupation on Saturday, Aug. 22nd at 7 p.m. Emmy Scharlatt, an experienced Hollywood film editor, will offer a pre-screening introduction to this, her directorial debut. In the Image seeks to portray Palestinians' stories through video captured by women of the West Bank through The Camera Project, an initiative of the Jerusalem-based human rights organization B'Telem. They have gone further than simply capturing stunning images of violence; they have documented and filmed their own lives. At times the footage is strikingly personal, bringing the viewer into the home and daily existence of women who live a world away. Free parking is available. Light refreshments will be served. A freewill offering will support getting In the Image to film festivals. All Saints Church is located at 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena.
 Lobster dinners offered at Downey fundraiser S t. Mark's Church, Downey, will hold its annual Lobster Fest fundraiser on Saturday Oct. 3, beginning at 6 p.m. The dinner event will feature Maine lobster, or tri-tip dinners at $32 or combination plates at $40 (ordered in advance). Lobsters are shipped directly from Maine; tri-tip will be prepared by guest chef Jerry Mishler using his own secret recipe. Tables of eight (ordered together) will receive a free bottle of wine or sparkling cider. Lobsters will also be available for takeout at $27 (pickup time 1 - 4 p.m. on Oct. 3). For ordering information, see the event flyer here or visit the St. Mark's website. St. Mark's Church is located at 10354 Downey Avenue, Downey. For further information, call the church office at 562.862.3268.
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This week around the diocese ...
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 6 p.m.
Saints Aelred & Hildegard LGBT Potluck
Church of the Messiah
614 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana
Information: 714.583.3552
Potluck dinner, discussion and Evening Prayer in the Messiah Parish Hall. Lyle Pedersen and Lee Grupsmith are hosts: 714.583.3552. All LGBT persons, their families, and allies are welcome.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 7 p.m.
Screening: The Salt of the Earth
Church of the Messiah
614 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana 92701
Information: 714.543.9389
The Salt of the Earth is a feast of imagery drawn from the career of photographer Sebastio Salgado. Nominated for Best Documentary at the 87th Academy Awards, it was winner of the Special Prize for Un Certain Regard at Cannes; it also won audience awards at other film festivals. A trailer is here.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Carnival of the Instruments
Trinity Episcopal Church
419 S Fourth Street, Redlands 92373
Information: 909.793.2014
Trinity Church invites children and adults "ages 3 - 103" to explore all instrument families under the guidance of 24 professional musicians and teachers, most of them members of the congregation. Participants who complete the tour of all instrument groups will be awarded prizes, plus free popcorn and lemonade. The event is hosted by Trinity's Music Missional Objective Committee.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Free Flu Vaccine Clinic
St. Thomas the Apostle Church
7501 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood (Los Angeles) 90046
Information: 323.876.2102
Limited supplies: first come, first served. Co-sponsored by Walgreens and by Providence Center for Community Health Improvement. Flyer in Spanish and English 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.
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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THIRD THURSDAYS, 6:30 - 8 p.m. (August 20)
Outdoor Community Labyrinth Walk
Prince of Peace Episcopal Church
5700 Rudnick Avenue, Woodland Hills 91364
Information: Chantel Zimmerman, chantel@aratndsoullab.com
Labyrinth walking, an ancient form of moving meditation, offers stress reduction, contemplation, and increased relaxation. Found all over the world, labyrinths provide space to decompress from the busy-ness of life. Free and open to the public. Rain or shine; dress appropriately. Facilitated by certified Veriditas-trained labyrinth facilitator Chantel Zimmerman of Art and Soul Lab.
FOURTH TUESDAYS, 7 p.m. (August 25)
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.
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FOURTH SATURDAYS, 5 p.m. (August 29)
Latin Vigil Mass with LA Schola
St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church
7501 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood (Los Angeles)
Information: 323.876.2102
The LA Schola is a small local singing ensemble that performs early music of the Church in the context for which it was written - the Mass. On the fourth Saturday of each month, the LASchola accompanies the weekly Latin Vigil Mass at St. Thomas.
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