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Take action with Dec. 9 - 13 Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath
A message from Bishop J. Jon Bruno
The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force of the diocesan Peace and Justice Program Group is responding to our nation's epidemic of gun violence, which presents a challenge to communities of faith to join the effort to prevent this senseless destruction of sacred human life. Using a public health approach, the task force will focus on preventing all forms of gun violence, including homicides, unintentional shootings - often involving young children - and the more than 60% of gun deaths that are gun suicides. The task force will encourage and equip parishes to incorporate gun violence prevention into their work of living out our Baptismal Covenant to strive for justice and peace and respect the dignity of every human being.
If you have a special interest in this work, please contact one of the co-chairs: Virginia Classick, [email protected] or 818.225.0410, or Patricia Terry, [email protected] or 310.783.0648. Please include them among those you notify about vigils or other National Gun Sabbath events.
As we approach the third anniversary of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, faith communities throughout the country are encouraged to observe Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath, which will begin with a gathering at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on Dec. 9 and continue throughout the nation through Dec. 13. Faith communities are also encouraged to plan a local vigil as part of the National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence.
Suggestions for participating:
- Include a prayer or litany during a service that includes moments of silence;
- Light 34 candles to represent the daily lives lost, and extinguish them at the end of the service;
- Include gun violence prevention in a sermon;
- Invite a speaker for an educational program focused on gun violence prevention;
- Hold a parish or community candlelight vigil.
Resources: Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence has a range of resources, including sermons, prayers, litanies and hymns, as well as suggestions for how to participate in the National Gun Violence Sabbath Weekend.
Newtown Action Alliance has a range of resources to help faith communities plan and publicize a vigil.
Our diocese's faith-based resources for addressing gun violence are available online here.
Time for United Thank Offering ingathering It's that time of year - time to gather each congregation's United Thank Offering funds and join them with all the others collected in UTO mite boxes throughout the Episcopal Church.
In 2015, the collected thank offerings, made of up of quarters, dimes, nickles and pennies dropped into the blue boxes to accompany prayers of thanksgiving, totaled $1,558,006.85. Every penny was dispersed in grants to further mission and ministry around the world.
Among the 55 grants in 2015 was an award to the Diocese of Jerusalem, which has a companion relationship with the Diocese of Los Angeles. The grant will fund renovations and equip critical service departments of St. Luke's Hospital in Nablus. Ministries in the Diocese of Los Angeles have also frequently benefited throughout the years from UTO grants.
Ingathering funds should be forwarded to Lynn Headley, diocesan UTO coordinator, before Dec. 17. Make check payable to ECW Diocese of Los Angeles, write UTO in the memo line, and mail to: Lynn Headley, 17671 San Rafael Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.
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Diocesan Convention
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Diocesan Convention will be held Friday - Saturday, Dec. 4 - 5 at the Ontario Convention Center.
A note to delegates and clergy from the Secretary of Convention:
On Dec. 1, the virtual convention booklet will be available to download to your iPad, tablet, or laptop. It will be a PDF file, so you should have Adobe Reader on your device. If you do not have Adobe Reader, download the free program here. There will be no Wi-Fi in the convention meeting room, so it's important to download the booklet before you get to Convention. bring your device with you - and remember to bring your charger to recharge it over night.
Convention website Clergy and delegates, as well as alternate delegates, exhibitors, volunteers and visitors, will find everything they need to know at the convention web page, found here. Those planning to attend the convention are encouraged to visit the page for updated information, forms, candidate bios and photos, helpful documents and more.
Candidates
Photos, biographies and statements from candidates for diocesan office have been posted on the website, starting here.
The deadlines for submitting candidate information for the convention booklet and website have passed; however, nominations may still be entered from the floor of convention. Prospective candidates will find a list of open offices, a nomination form and instructions for submitting candidate information here.
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REQUIESCANT
The Rev. George F. Luthringer
May 30, 1934 - November 13, 2015
The Rev. George Francis Luthringer, longtime priest at St. Columba's Episcopal Church in Camarillo, died Nov. 13. He was 81. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at St. Columba's Church, 1251 Las Posas Road, Camarillo 93010 (805.482.8831). Survivors include Ann Pentecost Luthringer, his wife of 33 years; two nieces and two nephews, a stepdaughter from his first marriage; four stepchildren from his second marriage, and five step-grandchildren. George Luthringer was born on May 30, 1934 in Springfield, Illinois. After his childhood in Beardstown, Illinois, Luthringer's family returned to Springfield as he was preparing to enter high school. After graduation he attended M.I.T., where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering in 1957. Following a year in a doctoral program, he entered the U.S. Air Force, where he spent three and a half years as a research engineer at Wright-Patterson AFB, at the same time playing a major role in the life and development of St. Christopher's Episcopal Mission in Fairborn, Ohio. Read more here.
Ricardo 'Ricky' Galvez 1986 - November 18, 2015 Funeral services have been scheduled for Downey Police Officer Ricardo Galvez, 29, who was killed in a robbery attempt on Nov. 18. Galvez, an exemplary policeman and former Marine who served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, was the son of Margarita Galvez, a member of the Cathedral Center staff. Survivors also include a brother and two sisters. Galvez's death was widely reported in local media, including a front-page story in the Los Angeles Times on Nov. 19. A rosary and viewing will be held on Sunday, Nov. 29, 5:30 - 8 p.m. at the Downey Civic Center, 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey. (Doors will open at 5 p.m.) A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, Nov. 30 at 9 a.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple Avenue, Los Angeles. A graveside salute will follow immediately at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier. Carpools and early arrival are suggested at all sites.
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Events & announcements ...
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Peace Summit in Inglewood to mark International Human Rights Day
Holy Faith Church, Inglewood, will host a Peace Summit on Dec. 10, 7 - 8:30 p.m., to mark Interntional Human Rights Day, highlighting the Japanese Peace Movement. Participants will hear first-hand accounts from local peace activists who visited Japan in August for the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; see photos and hear written testimony from atomic bomb survivors; and have the opportunity to sign the universal pledge to abolish all nuclear weapons. Discussion will include the continuing presence of 100 U.S. bases in Japan and the restarting of Japan's nuclear power plants after the Fukushima disaster. Light refreshments will be served. Holy Faith Church is located at 260 Locust Street, Inglewood. Plentiful street parking is available. The event is sponsored by the parish's Justice & Mercy Commission. For information, contact Cathy Deppe at 408.206.7992.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 training to be held in Santa Barbara
Trinity Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara will hold a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 training course starting in January 2016. The course will be led by CGS formation leader Lynda Catalano and is jointly sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Church and by the Saint Barbara parish at the Santa Barbara Mission. Course sessions will take place on select Saturdays from January through October. Interested persons from around the diocese are welcome. For information and registration, see the brochure here. A completed registration form and the $350 registration fee must be received by Jan. 1. For more information, email to [email protected].
Vigil to mark international meeting on climate change As international leaders meet to discuss climate change, Holy Nativity Church, Westchester (Los Angeles) will hold a candlelit vigil at which those who are concerned about the environment may meet other local activists, learn about divestments, discuss postcarbon lifestyles, and discover community-centric solutions. All are welcome to the vigil, to be held on Monday, Nov. 30, 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Church of the Holy Nativity, 6700 W. 83rd Street, Los Angeles. Candles will be provided; bring light snacks to share. For information, call the church office at 310.670.4777.
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This week around the diocese ...
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TUESDAY - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 - 3
Seminar: Monks Before Benedict: Early Christian Monasticism
Mt. Calvary Monastery & Retreat Center 505 E. Los Olivos, Santa Barbara 93105 Information/registration: [email protected] or 805.682.4117 Brother Adam McCoy, OHC, will lead this three-day seminar exploring the tradition of early Christian monasticism before St. Benedict established his Rule. Cost for the retreat is $340 per person, which includes all materials, a single room and meals. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 7 p.m.
Diana Butler Bass Book Signing
Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State Street, Santa Barbara Information: 805.965.7419 Diana Butler Bass will make a presentation about her new book, "Grounded," in the Parish Hal. The author will also autograph books, and copies will be available for purchase. This is a free event, open to the public.
FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 - 5
Diocesan Convention
Ontario Convention Center 2000 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario 91764 Information here
Just after marking his first month in office as 27th presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Curry will be an honored guest preacher and speaker for the 120th annual meeting of the Diocese of Los Angeles, which during its Dec. 4-5 proceedings in Ontario will also welcome biblical scholar and author Renita Weems to deliver the biennial Margaret Parker memorial lecture. Like the 2014 meeting, the convention will revolve around the theme of Horizons & Heritage; this year's emphasis will be the future ministry of the diocese. Read more here.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 4 - 8 p.m.Gingerbread Wonderland
St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church 2901 Nojoquio Ave, Los Olivos 93441 Information: Yvonne Lowe, 805.688.1815, or Sandie Mullin, 805.688.9533 More than 100 handmade gingerbread houses crafted by local schoolchildren, families, and businesses. Guests can vote for, and enter to win, their favorite gingerbread house creations with $1 raffle tickets. All proceeds benefit Arts Outreach and St. Mark's Preschool. Santa Claus will pay a visit, and Solvang Conservatory students will provide seasonal music. Children will also have opportunities to create and decorate Christmas ornaments and make an angel halo for the 5:45 p.m. procession leading to the Los Olivos Christmas tree lighting at the flagpole a block away. Home-made baked goods, warm apple cider, coffee and other libations and food will be available. Part of the Los Olivos holiday celebration; for complete details on all town festivities, click here. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 6;30 - 8:30 p.m.Conversation with Diana Butler Bass
ProCathedral of St. John 514 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90007 Information/Registration here A leading commentator on religion, politics and culture follows up her book Christianity After Religion by arguing that what appears to be a decline actually signals a major transformation in how people understand and experience God. The Guibord Center will present Bass in a conversation with the Rev. Gwynne Guibord about her understanding of the latest research and studies and her deep knowledge of history and theology in her latest book, Grounded: Finding God in the World - A Spiritual Revolution. Copies of the book will be available for saile and signing by the author at the event. There is no charge (donations are gratefully accepted), but registration is requested for planning purposes. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 12 noon - 2 p.m.Alternative Christmas Market
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 100 N. Third Avenue, CovinaInformation: 626.967.3939 Quality handcrafted gifts and fair trade gift-giving opportunities with vendors such as Bethlehem Handcrafts, African Team Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Holiday Bake Sale, and more ... plus a visit from St. Nicholas! |
This week in liturgy and the arts ...
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 7 p.m.
Thanksgiving Eve Mass
Holy Trinity Church 100 N. Third Avenue, Covina Information: 626.967.3939 Join us for our annual service of Thanksgiving.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 7:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Centering Eucharist All Saints Episcopal Church 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena Information: 626.796.1172 Sally Howard will offer the meditation. Members of Canterbury and Coventry Choirs offer music. Child care provided. All are welcome to attend this beautiful, reflective service.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 9 a.m.
Thanksgiving Day Service
St. Mark's in-the-Valley Episcopal Church 2901 Nojoquio Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441 Information: 805.688.4454 Featuring special readings and familiar harvest hymns; an opportunity to express gratitude to God for all God's gifts. Those who wish are invited to gather for a reception after the service. The service will be under an hour. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 3 p.m.
Handel's Messiah Community Sing-Along
St. Cross Episcopal Church 1818 Monterey Blvd. Hermosa Beach 90254 information: 310.376.8989 Featuring the St. Cross Chancel Choir & Guests with the North Torrance Youth Musicians Ensemble; John Tveit, organist, pianist and choirmaster at St. Cross; Gary Toops, organist, St. Luke's Church, Long Beach; and the Rev. Canon John Taylor, vicar, St. John Chrysostom Church, Rancho Santa Margarita. Audience participation is requested and encouraged. A limited number of Messiah scores will be available for rent or purchase. Donations are welcome. Ample parking is available at the church.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 5 p.m.
First Sunday of Advent Evening Service, Potluck and Wreath Making
All Saints Episcopal Church 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena Information: 626.796.1172 Minisingers, Mastersingers and Troubadours offer music of Larson and Crunk, directed by Jenny Tisi. Laura Thornton will offer a meditation. A potluck supper and Advent wreath making follow in Sweetland Hall.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 4 p.m.
Annual Christmas Concert
St. Gregory's Episcopal Church 6201 E. Willow Sreet, Long Beach 90815 Information: 562. 420.1311 The Chancel Choir will present music to begin the Advent and Christmas seasons. A "Hallelujah Chorus" singalong will conclude the concert.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 4:30 p.m.
Advent Procession: Lessons and Carols
Church of Our Saviour 535 West Roses Road, San Gabriel 91775 Information: 626.282.5147 or www.churchofoursaviour.org
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 5 p.m.
Advent Festival of Lessons & Carols
All Saints Episcopal Church 504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210 Information: 310.275.0123 A seasonal favorite including: G. P. Palestrina's Advent Responsory; John Ireland's "Adam lay bounden"; Felix Mendelssohn's "Lasset uns frohlokken"; Elizabeth Posten's "Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree"; "King Jesus hath a garden" (arr. John Scott); Patrick Hadley's "I sing of a maiden"; John Tavener's "Hymn to the Mother of God"; C. V. Stanford's "Magnificat in G"; Palestrina's Vesper Responsory. A reception will follow the service.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 5 p.m.
Advent Lessons and Carols
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
5450 Churchwood Drive, Oak Park 91377 Information: 818.991.4797 or tcote.org Epiphany's Choirs will lead this annual service, which begins with the fall of humanity, concludes with the Annunciation and Mary's visit with Elizabeth, and tells in scripture and song of the saving work of God and the prophecies of the coming of his Son, Jesus Christ. The service will include congregational hymns and choral anthems that correspond to the themes of the lessons. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 5 p.m.
Advent Lessons and Chants Taiz�
St Luke's Episcopal Church 525 E. 7th Street, Long Beach 90813 Information: 562.436.4047 or www.stlukeslb.org A tradition in our church is a service known as Advent Lessons and Carols. St. Luke's continues that tradition with a simplified, but equally inspiring hour of Taiz� Advent Lessons and Chants. We invite you to begin your Christmas journey with us in a quiet time of simple choral chants, short Advent readings, prayers and silence in the soft, candlelit beauty of St. Luke's sanctuary.
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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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, 6:30 p.m.
Evening Prayer
St. John's ProCathedral 514 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles 90007 Information: 213.747.6285
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, 6:30 p.m.
Contemplative Mass
St. John's ProCathedral 514 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles 90007 Information: 213.747.6285
WEDNESDAYS, 7 p.m.
Taiz� 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
THURSDAYS, 5 p.m.
Bible Study
St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church 5306 E. Arbor Road, Long Beach 90808 Information: 562.425.4457 or [email protected] Currently studying the Gospel of Mark
THURSDAYS, 6 - 7 p.m.
Taiz� Worship
All Saints Episcopal Church 132 N Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101 Information: allsaints-pas.org/worship/taize-prayers With candlelight, music, and prayer, join us during our weekly service in an intimate chapel setting. Our peaceful worship offers an opportunity to sing and pray on a regular basis.
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FIRST FRIDAYS, 7:30 p.m. (December 4)
Contemplative Taiz� Experience
Church of Our Saviour
535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel 91775
A serene candlelight service of prayer, reflection, and music on the second Friday of each month September - May).
FIRST SUNDAYS, 9 p.m. (December 6)
Compline at the Cathedral
St. John's ProCathedral
514 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles
A community of prayer for students and young adults. Thirty minutes of candlelight, prayer, stillness and song, followed by food and fellowship. First and third Sundays.
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