|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convention responds to property issues,
San Bernardino shootingsTies to dioceses in Mexico, Jerusalem affirmed
Meeting at the Ontario Convention Center Dec. 4 - 5, the 120th convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles heard keynote talks by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and author and theologian Renita Weems, and Bishop Jon Bruno's convention address calling the diocese forward from recent property-related issues while strengthening mission, refugee relief, and gun violence prevention.
Responding to the Dec. 2 mass shootings in San Bernardino, located 24 miles east of Ontario, Bruno and Curry visited the disaster site to offer prayer and a pastoral video message.
Convention also began the process of saying farewell to Bishop Suffragan Mary Glasspool, who on April 1 will begin a new ministry as bishop assistant in the Diocese of New York.
Lay delegates and clergy approved a resolution establishing a companion diocese relationship with the Anglican Church in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and a second resolution extending a longstanding relationship with the Diocese of Jerusalem.
Delegates also debated a set of resolutions filed in response to property issues in the diocese, finally voting to table resolutions regarding real estate held by the Bishop as a Corporation Sole. A resolution calling for audits of Corp Sole was withdrawn after Bishop Bruno announced that audits that have been rendered yearly would be made available.
Three more resolutions came to the floor in response to Bishop Bruno's official address. The first pledged the diocese's support for refugees entering the Southern California area. The second called for the diocese to engage in gun violence prevention measures, and to confer with the Ontario Convention Center concerning a scheduled gun show there in 2016. The third honored and thanked Bishop Glasspool for her ministry in the diocese. All three resolutions passed overwhelmingly.
The convention considered several proposed changes to the constitution and canons of the diocese, also relating to property issues, eventually referring the matters to a committee for further study.
A list of officers elected at convention is here. Full coverage will follow in the Winter 2016 issue of the Episcopal News magazine, due out later in December.
Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath observed
A resolution on gun violence prevention passed at Convention Dec. 5 includes a call to individuals and parishes to observe the annual Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath, which this year is Dec. 9 - 14. Last weekend at St. Cross Church, Hermosa Beach, parishioners lit candles in remembrance of those whose lives have been lost to gun violence (pictured above). A prayer for the nation and resources for on-going actions were provided. Additional vigils will be held this weekend in Pasadena, hosted by All Saints Church, and Long Beach, with support from St. Luke's Episcopal Church:
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 5 p.m.
Stop the Violence Rally (final destination)
Federal Court House
Third & Magnolia streets, Long Beach
Information here
St. Luke's Church, Long Beach, is among the sponsors. Participants will gather at 4 p.m. at Drake Park at 9th & Maine, Long Beach, or at First Congregational Church at Third & Cedar, Long Beach, and walk in witness with songs, words of concern, words of hope and words about ways to work together to make communities safer, arriving at the Federal Court House for the main rally at 5 p.m.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Gun Violence Prevention Community Vigil
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena
Information: Sandy Padgett, 818.495.8206 or sandypad@att.net
This gathering will focus on remembering people killed by gun violence and will give participants an opportunity to recommit to preventing the epidemic of gun violence. Interfaith leaders will include: Ed Bacon (rector of All Saints Church); Kerwin Manning (Pasadena Church); Ruth Berman Harris (Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center); and Hannah Petrie (Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church).
|
|
A note for church employees ...
|
|
Employer-provided group term
life insurance over $50,000 is taxable
Employer-provided group term life insurance over $50,000 is taxable
The value of group term life insurance provided by employers is considered taxable income to the extent the insurance coverage exceeds $50,000. This summary from CPG provides additional details as well as sample calculations and a cost table. For example, an individual aged 46 with $100,000 of coverage (or $50,000 of coverage that exceeds the $50,000 tax exclusion) will pay taxes on $90 of imputed income.
For employers participating in the diocesan employee benefits group plan, please keep in mind the plan includes $50,000 of life insurance coverage. CPG-provided life insurance coverage amounts (part of the pension plan) are detailed in the same document, found here.
Imputed income should be noted in box #12 on 2015 W-2s. If payroll-related taxes for the imputed income have not been withheld during 2015, please work with your payroll provider to make the withholding on the last payroll of the year.
For questions or comments, contact Ted Forbath at finance@ladiocese.org or 213.482.2040, ext. 233.
|
 Events & announcements ...
|
|
 Fiesta Parade Floats to host GFS floral decorating event
Girls Friendly Society invites girls and young women ages 12 and up to visit Fiesta Parade Floats on Monday, December 28, to help with flowers and decorating floats for the 2016 Rose Parade. Tasks may include gluing dried floral items, putting flowers in vials, fluffing carnations, or working directly on the floats themselves. Prior registration is required; there are only 20 spaces available. For more information and to sign up, email Alex Jacobs at alexandrajacobs@sbcglobal.net. The sign-up deadline is December 15. Fiesta Parade Floats is located at 16016 Avenida Padilla, Suite B in Irwindale.
 Advent Quiet Day will explore works of Thomas Merton Franciscan friar and theological writer Dan Horan will visit All Saints Church in Pasadena to conduct an exploration of the works of late author and Trappist monk Thomas Merton. Merton's contemplations on spirituality and salvation, focusing on "discovering your true self" remain relevant even today. For more information, contact Jamie Hebert at 626.583.2733. All Saints Church is located at 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena.
 Save the date: MLK service scheduled for Jan. 16 The diocese's annual Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration will be held at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016. Guest preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Wayne Smith, Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri. He will share his story of the Michael Brown tragedy in Ferguson, which is part of his diocese. The Program Group on Black Ministry invites all to a reception following the service.
|
|
This week around the diocese ...
|
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Peace Summit for International Human Rights Day
Holy Faith Episcopal Church
260 Locust Street, Inglewood
Information: Cathy Deppe, 408.206.7992
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. Plentiful street parking is available. The event is sponsored by the parish's Justice & Mercy Commission.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon
Retreat & Brunch: Nathaniel Huntting Sherrill
St. Aidan's Episcopal Church
28211 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Reservations: 310.457.7966 or office@staidanschurch.org
Join author, publisher, and speaker Nathaniel Huntting Sherrill in two 90-minute talks titled "When God Walked the Earth." Brunch will be served. Sherrill will take participants on a startling tour of history, the night sky that sparked the Magi's quest, the fascinating clues in the Gospel texts, and the powerful symbolisms of the Jewish "sacred time" calendar. Sherrill's presentation is based on his five-year immersive devotional study of the gospels as plausible histories. His groundbreaking, original findings are drawn from his award-winning book, The Layman's Gospel Harmony, available for purchase at the event. Sherrill's large-format gospel art will also be displayed. Suggested donation is $10.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2:30 p.m.
Documentary Screening: 'This Changes Everything'
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena
Information: Ada Ramirez, 626.583.2734 or aramirez@allsaints-pas.org
"What if global warming isn't only a crisis? What if it's the best chance we are ever going to get to build a better world?" So asks author and social activist Naomi Klein in the new documentary "This Changes Everything," based on her eponymous best-seller. Avi Lewis, director. A discussion will follow the free screening.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 5 p.m.
Christmas Carol Sing-Along & Potluck Supper
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
428 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach 92651
Information: 949.494.3542 or parishoffice@stmaryslagunabeach.org
Featuring "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night," "Joy to the World" and "White Christmas," to name just a few. The sing-along will begin at 5 p.m., followed at 6 p.m. with a potluck supper (ham provided) in the guild hall, concluding at 8 p.m. All are welcome to join in this festive occasion.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Gun Violence Prevention Community Vigil
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena
Information: Sandy Padgett, 818.495.8206 or sandypad@att.net
This gathering will focus on remembering people killed by gun violence and will give participants an opportunity to recommit to preventing the epidemic of gun violence. Interfaith leaders will include: Ed Bacon (rector of All Saints Church); Kerwin Manning (Pasadena Church); Ruth Berman Harris (Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center); and Hannah Petrie (Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church).
|
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 10 a.m.
Ordination of Kevin Paul Gunn
All Saints Episcopal Church
5619 Monte Vista Street, Highland Park (Los Angeles)
Information: 323.255.6806
Bishop J. Jon Bruno will ordain Kevin Paul Gunn to the vocaional diaconate.
|
 This week in liturgy and the arts ...
|
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 8 p.m.
Annual Holiday Concert
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
1031 Bienveneda Avenue, Pacific Palisades 90272-2314
Information: 310.454.1358
The Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew's with the choir and soloists of St. Matthew's Parish perform Vivaldi's Gloria; Handel's Organ Concerto; Buxtehude's Schlag', Künstler! Die Pauken; and Handel's Hallelujah Chorus (audience sing-along).
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 5 p.m.
Advent Lessons and Carols & Candlelight Eucharist
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
1221 Wass Street, Tustin
Information: St. Paul's website www.stpauls.org or 714.544.3141
Music will be provided by the Chancel Choir and accompanied by violin, oboe, cello and organ. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1 p.m.
Virgen de Guadalupe Service
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena
Information: 626.583.2725 or mhayes@allsaints-pas.org
Celebrating La Virgen de Guadalupe, patron saint of the Americas, as well as the 10th anniversary of All Saints Spanish service, providing a spiritual home for Latino/Hispanics in the Pasadena area. Join All Saints for this beautiful service full of candles, roses, and joyful song steeped in Latino religious tradition. The service is bilingual, Spanish/English. Pan dulce and antojitos will be served after the service. Antonio Gallardo will preach; The Dan Cole ensemble will offer music.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 4:30 p.m.
Advent Procession of Lesson & Carols
St. James' Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010
Information: 213.388.3015 or saintjamesla.org
Choir of St. James'; James Buonemani, director.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 4:30 - 5:45 p.m.
Living Nativity
Saint James' Episcopal Church
1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena 91030
Information: 626.799.9194 or www.sjcsp.org
The stable is in front of the church, on the corner of Fremont and Monterey in South Pasadena. There will be live animals and people, along with plenty of cookies and warm drinks for pedestrians and drivers. The Living Nativity will be followed at 6 p.m. by Sacramentum with Advent Lessons & Carols in the church (see listing below).
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 5 p.m.
Advent Evening Service
All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena
Information: 626.583.2725 or mhayes@allsaints-pas.org
Trouvčres, Youth Chamber Choir and Vox Cambiata with handbells and piano, offer music of Helvey, Englert, Shepperd, Stokes and Norris. Jeremy Langill offers a meditation. Child care provided. This service will also be streamed live here.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 5:30 p.m.
Advent Procession of Lesson & Carols
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
330 E. 16th Street, Upland 91784
Information: 909.920.5565
St. Mark's will be joined by Christ Church of Ontario, St. Paul's of Pomona, St. Ambrose of Claremont, and St. John's of La Verne in this annual festive celebration.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 6 p.m.
Contemplative Christmas
Church of the Messiah
614 N Bush Street, Santa Ana 92701
Information: 714.543.9389
A service of remembrance and comfort. Linda Barnhurst will preach; the Rev. Pat Eustis will preside.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 6 p.m.
Sacramentum with Advent Lessons & Carols
St. James' Episcopal Church
1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena
Information: 626.799.9194 or www.sjcsp.org
Experience this season of anticipation and reflection with a service of scripture readings and seasonal music. Child care available.
|
|
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 5 p.m.
Advent Festival of Lessons & Carols
St. Thomas the Apostle Church
7501 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood (Los Angeles) 90046
Featuring the LASchola and Clarion Singers. This special Advent service features festive music by Tavener, Ledger, Howells, Willcocks, Poulenc, Warlock, and Miskinis. A reception with plenty of delicious treats will follow in the Large Parish Hall. Free admission; donations gratefully accepted.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 4 p.m.
Festival of Lesson and Carols
St. Ambrose Episcopal Church
830 W. Bonita Avenue, Claremont
Information: 909.626.7170
St. Ambrose's choir Credamus will lead this service with hymns, Taize, and choral works, along with nine scriptural lessons which guide us through the words of the prophets and the Gospel writers, from anxious waiting to the fulfillment of Christ among us.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 10 a.m.
Ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons
All Saints Episcopal Church
5619 Monte Vista Street, Highland Park (Los Angeles)
Information: 323.255.6806
Bishop J. Jon Bruno will ordain Kevin Paul Gunn to the vocaional diaconate.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 4 p.m.
Canticle of Joy Christmas Concert
St. George's Episcopal Church
23802 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills 92653
Information: 949.290.5895 or stgeorgesparish.org
Beloved carols in new settings and classics, by Handel ("Messiah"), Vivaldi and Bach. Featuring St. George's Chancel Choir, Canterbury Quartet and Chamber Singers.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 4:30 p.m.
The Joyful Sounds of Christmas
Grace Episcopal Church
555 E. Mountain View Avenue, Glendora
Information: 626.335.3171
A concert of seasonal favorites and new selections performed by Grace Parish Choir, directed by David Aldrete, and handbell choirs, directed by Marilyn Scranton.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 6 p.m.
A Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
All Saints Episcopal Church
504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210
Information: 310.275.0123
All Saints' Choir, Parish Choir, and All Saints' Choristers sing beloved Christmas carols for congregation and choir.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 7 p.m.
Blue Christmas: A Service of Comfort & Light
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
1014 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena 91001
Information: 626.798.6747
Christmas is not a joyous season of celebration for everyone. If you've experienced the loss of a loved one, your health, a relationship, your job, or a deeply held dream, if you are far from those you love, or if you have painful memories of Christmas in years past, the holidays can be agonizing and isolating. Our Blue Christmas worship will be quiet and reflective, with prayers, readings, and music ... accepting the hurts we bear, and offering the hope of comfort and healing. All are invited to a light reception following the service in the Brown Library.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 8 p.m.
Concert: Tidings of Comfort and Joy
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
1014 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena 91001
Information: 626.798.6747
Renew your heart and soul as Mark Robson, interim organist at Saint Mark's Church, shares organ selections highlighting melodies of the season, accompanied by Catherine Del Russo on English horn. The music will range from plainchant to Bach to Messiaen, including some of Robson's own compositions.
|
|
Recurring 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, 10 - 11 a.m.
Centering Prayer
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
1014 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena 91001
Information: 626.798.6747
Meets in the Brown Library in the church office
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, 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, 5:30- 6:30 p.m.
Lectio Divina
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
1014 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena 91001
Information: 626.798.6747
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.
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
THURSDAYS, 5 p.m.
Bible Study
St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church
5306 E. Arbor Road, Long Beach 90808
Information: 562.425.4457 or stlb47@verizon.net
Currently studying the Gospel of Mark
THURSDAYS, 6 - 7 p.m.
Taizé 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.
|
|
FIRST FRIDAYS, 7:30 p.m. (December 4)
Contemplative Taizé 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 SATURDAYS, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (December 5) Emerging Spirituality: Walking the Labyrinth
Emmanuel Episcopal Church 1145 West Valencia Mesa Drive, Fullerton 92833 Appointments: Fr. Paul Edwards at paulnanita@sbcglobal.net Emerging Spirituality ("emerge" - to come into existence) is a unique form of spirituality. For the first time one can follow the design of the Chartres Labyrinth from memory. It no longer has to be walked from a permanent position. It can be walked any time to bring a deeper spirituality of peace and direction. Reservations are required.
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.
|
SECOND WEDNESDAYS, 6:30 p.m. (December 9)
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. (December 10)
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 p.m. (December 11)
Celtic Contemplative Prayer
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 Taizé Communities (spoken word and prayer, meditative song, silence). Suspended in July and August.
SECOND SATURDAYS, 11 a.m. (December 12)
Lectio Divina
St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church
5306 E. Arbor Road, Long Beach 90808
Information: 562.425.4457 or stlb47@verizon.net
Lectio Divina is the ancient practice of holy listening to scripture. 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.
SECOND SUNDAYS, 4 p.m. (December 13)
Jazz Vespers
St. Francis' Episcopal Church
2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates
Information: 310.375.4617 or visit www.stfrancispalosverdes.org.
The traditional service from the Book of Common Prayer, with jazz as its musical language. An informal time of fellowship will follow the service. Jazz Vespers services will be offered monthly throughout the year on the second Sunday. Donations are welcome.
|
|
|
|
|
|
