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Leader honored, new ministries explored at ECW conference
The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Los Angeles explored a new ministry field and saw its president honored at its annual conference Jan. 30 at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul.
The program focused on one of ECW's new partnerships, A Window Between Worlds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using art as a healing tool to empower and transform individuals and communities affected by violence and trauma. Cathy Salser, AWBW's founder (pictured at right) told some 50 women about how memories of abuse in her childhood led her to begin AWBW in order to assist other survivors. Salser taught the church women to create the "touchstones" - tiny pieces of their own artwork under glass stones - that AWBW uses as a tool to help women and children walk away from and overcome traumatic abuse.
The day also included Eucharist, at which Bishop Suffragan Mary Glasspool was celebrant and preacher, and Bishop Jon Bruno installed ECW officers and named Martha Estes, ECW president, an honorary canon of the Cathedral Center (pictured below left).
Among the new officers is Diane Askren, St. George's Church, Riverside, who succeeds Lynn Headley as director of the United Thank Offering in the Diocese of Los Angeles. (They are pictured together below right.) Askren will be responsible for receiving UTO donations, which are joined with those from other dioceses and organizations to fund worldwide ministry work.
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Lenten resources ...
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Presiding Bishop Curry sets Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday Feb. 14
Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry has invited all Episcopalians to join in observing Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on February 14, the first Sunday in Lent. "I urge all congregations to devote the first Sunday in Lent to reflecting on the life-giving work of Episcopal Relief & Development and giving meaningfully to support this vital ministry," Presiding Bishop Curry said. "As the season of Lent calls us to re-examine our priorities, let's unite in truly seeking and serving Christ in all persons, through the important work of Episcopal Relief & Development." Lent was designated by the 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church as a time for remembering Episcopal Relief & Development's work to heal a hurting world. Although the first Sunday in Lent is the official day of observance, congregations may hold a special service on any Sunday. Read more here.
Selected Lenten Resources
(compiled by ECF Vestry Practices and Episcopal News Service)
Meditations on the theme of Go!
Daily reflections on a Scripture verse containing the word "Go!," prepared by many authors including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, other bishops, and members of United Thank Offering, Episcopal Migration Ministries, National Association of Episcopal Schools and Episcopal Relief & Development, will be will be available on the Episcopal Church's website and Facebook page.
Journey Through Lent 2016
Journey through Lent 2016, an iPhone/iPad application from Forward Movement, provides daily images and reflections illustrated by cartoonist Jay Sidebotham alongside daily Eucharistic gospel readings, a space for journal writing, and more. Click here.
Episcopal Relief & Development: 2016 Lenten Meditations
"Walk the Path of Lent" with reflections on spiritual practices, written by ERD's staff, partners, and friends from around the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Available in English and Spanish in print and digital formats.
Lenten Series on Racial Injustice
This free online series of five courses is based on Trinity Institute's 2016 conference, Listen for a Change: Sacred Conversations for Racial Justice. Presenters include: Michael Curry, Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, Kelly Brown Douglas, Jennifer Harvey, and J. Kameron Carter. Available through Lent 2016 from ChurchNext here.
Praying in Color: A New Way to Pray
A simple meditative practice involving reflection and drawing/doodling. Praying in Color offers four, free calendar templates and suggests ways one might use their calendar to reflect on a word or a name each day during Lent. Click here.
Repairing the Breach: Discipleship and Mission in a Global Economy
The recent economic crisis devastated the lives of many and revealed unsustainable patterns of consumption and self-interest. This Lent, join in prayerful self-reflection on our economic life with daily meditations and videos written and produced by the House of Bishops' Theology Committee. Find daily reflections and videos beginning Ash Wednesday here.
Lent Madness
Lent Madness 2016 will begin on Thursday, Feb. 11, the day after Ash Wednesday, with a matchup between St. Helena and St. Monnica. Now in its seventh year, Lent Madness is a fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women listed in the church's calendar of commemorations. Thirty-two saints will compete in four single-elimination bracket rounds for a chance to win the coveted Golden Halo. Vote for your favorite saint here.
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Events & announcements ...
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God Is Not Here author to speak In Rancho Santa Margarita
Lt. Col. Bill Russell Edmonds, author of the critically acclaimed book God Is Not Here: A Soldier's Struggle With Torture, Trauma, and the Moral Injuries of War, will appear in Rancho Santa Margarita on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. The event, at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center at 22122 El Paseo, is free and open to the public. Edmonds will speak, answer questions, and sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase. A free-will donation will be taken as well. Light refreshments will be provided after the talk. Event sponsors are Strength in Support, an Orange County-based nonprofit that provides mental health services to veterans and their families; and the Higher Calling Council of the Saddleback Valley, a newly formed ministry of St. John's Episcopal Church. All event proceeds will benefit Strength in Support. God Is Not Here was published in 2015. It recounts Edmonds' experiences as a U.S. Army adviser to Iraqi forces at the height of the anti-U.S. insurgency. More information about Strength in Support is here; more about the Higher Calling Council is here. For more information, call or write to SIS's Jill Boultinghouse at 949.505.5015, ext. 1, or sisorgangeco@gmail.com or call the Council's Gregg Stempson at 949.340.3335.
Youth leaders invited to gathering Feb. 20
The Program Group on Youth Ministries invites all youth leaders to a casual barbecue lunch at St. Cross Church in Hermosa Beach, on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 12 p.m to 2 p.m. Those attending can meet with others investing in youth and young adults in their areas. Admission is free. St. Cross is located at 1818 Monterey Blvd, Hermosa Beach.
Bloy House to offer lay preaching workshop A lay preaching workshop led by Dean Sylvia Sweeney will be held on the Bloy House (Episcopal Theological School at Claremont) campus on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $15. For more information and to register, contact ssweeney@cst.edu or call 909.621.2419. The workshop will be in Butler 201 on the campus, located at 1325 College Avenue, Claremont.
Jazz, Jambalaya to be offered on Mardi Gras All Saints Church in Beverly Hills will hold its fourth annual Mardi Gras "Jazz & Jambalaya" event on Tuesday, February 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be food and entertainment for guests of all ages. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $5 for children, and a $40 deal for families of four or more. All Saints Church is located at 504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills. For more information or to volunteer help, click here.
Art courses encourage contemplative living Art of Contemplative Living is a art program to "awaken hearts to encounter God's presence in all things, in every moment, through retreats and art workshops for individuals, small groups and organizations. Through the medium of art, we nurture lives of mindfulness, simplicity and joy." Kathy Finley, founder, invites all to join the organization's free three-week online course exploring the Art of Living Contemplatively. Each week, participants will receive an e-mail with a photo, quote, questions for reflection and a simple creative exercise that may guide them towards a more mindful, contemplative life. In addition, beginning Feb. 8 Art of Contemplative Living will present "The Art Of Looking," a four-week online contemplative drawing course designed to encourage the practice of paying close attention in the present moment, so that we might really see. To register, click here or contact Finley at KFinley@ArtofContemplativeLiving.org
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This week around the diocese ...
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THURSDAY - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 - 6 (times vary)
'Sacrilege,' by Diane Shaffer
Prince of Peace Church Episcopal Church 5700 Rudnick Ave,Woodland Hills 91367 Reservations: Bill Prescott, BPrescott60@yahoo.com or the church office, 818.346.6968 "Sacrilege" is the story of Sister Grace, a devout Roman Catholic nun, who challenges the Vatican to allow women in the priesthood. She works with the addicts, prostitutes and hustlers on the streets of New York. She befriends Ramon, a homeless hustler, and restores his faith in himself, the Church and God. Sister Grace gains national notoriety challenging conservative Church doctrine - much to the dismay of her colleagues - forcing everyone to re-examine the meaning of faith and the redeeming grace of God. Dates and times are Feb. 4, 5, & 6 at 8 p.m. There will be a matinee on Saturday Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15; the Feb. 4 performance will be "pay what you can." A portion of the profits will be donated to the Kathie Clark Scholarship Fund.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 4:30 -6 p.m.
Lay Preaching Workshop
Bloy House (Butler 201) 1325 College Avenue, Claremont Information/Registration: ssweeney@cst.edu or 909.621.2419 Led by Dean Sylvia Sweeney. Cost is $15.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 7 p.m.
Lecture: Russian Icons: A Sacred Tradition in an Age of Transformation
Trinity Episcopal Church 2400 North Canal Street, Orange 92865 Information: 714.637.1390 Lecturer is Dr. Wendy Salmond of Chapman University. A companion event to Icons in Transformation, a 120-piece exhibit featuring the works of Russian-born artist Ludmila Pawlowska. The exhibit and a series of performance and lecture events presents the mystery and spiritual power of the icon transformed into modern masterworks, and highlights traditional Russian icons as the source of inspiration. A service of Compline will precede each event at 6:30 p.m. For a full schedule click here.
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This week in liturgy and the arts ...
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 7 p.m.
Icons in Transformation - Musical Program: 'The Year 1915'
Trinity Episcopal Church 2400 North Canal Street, Orange 92865 Information: 714.637.1390 Music written by Kristapor Najarian and performed by the Santiago String Quartet. A companion event to Icons in Transformation, a 120-piece exhibit featuring the works of Russian-born artist Ludmila Pawlowska. The exhibit and a series of performance and lecture events presents the mystery and spiritual power of the icon transformed into modern masterworks, and highlights traditional Russian icons as the source of inspiration. A service of Compline will precede each event at 6:30 p.m. For a full schedule click here.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 7:30 p.m.
Missa Mystica on Ash Wednesday
All Saints Episcopal Church 504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210 Information: 310.275.0123 All Saints' Choir will sing William Byrd's Mass for Four Voices and "Miserere mei, Deus."
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 4:30 p.m.
Solemn Evensong
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, FEBRUARY 14, 6 p.m.
Organ Recital: David Baskeyfield
St. James' Episcopal Church 3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010 Information: 213.388.3015 or saintjamesla.org
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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, 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
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, 12 - 1 p.m.
Contemplative Eucharist
St. Paul's Episcopal Church 242 E. Alvarado Street, Pomona 91767 Information: 909.622.2015 or stpaulspomona@yahoo.com Join us in the Lady Chapel for a celebration of the Eucharist and contemplative worship service.
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, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Rosary & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
St. Paul's Episcopal Church 242 E. Alvarado Street, Pomona 91767 Information: 909.622.2015 or stpaulspomona@yahoo.com Join us in the Lady Chapel for "Holy Hour" with praying of the rosary and adoration & benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
THURSDAYS, 1 p.m.
Centering Prayer
St. Alban's Episcopal Church 580 Hilgard, Westwood (Los Angeles) Information: The Rev. Paul Elder, 818.398.4541
FRIDAYS, 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.
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FIRST FRIDAYS, 7:30 p.m. (February 5)
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.
FIRST SUNDAYS, 9 p.m. (February 7)
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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SECOND SUNDAYS, 4 p.m. (February 14)
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.
SECOND WEDNESDAYS, 6:30 p.m. (February 17)
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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