Update header 2013
February 7, 2016
  News ...
ECW conference 2016
Cathy Salser 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.
Martha Estes and Jon Bruno
 lent Lenten resources ... 

Episcopal Relief _ Development logo 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.

For additional resources, visit ECF Vital Practices and Episcopal News Service.

 events Events & announcements ... 

Bill Edmonds 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.

Sylvia Sweeney 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.

Butterfly 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

 calendar This week around the diocese ...

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.
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.

 artsThis week in liturgy and the arts ..

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."
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

 recurringRecurring 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
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.
FIRST FRIDAYS, 7:30 p.m. (February 5)
Contemplative Taizé Experience
Church of Our Saviour
535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel 91775
Information: 626.282.5147, ext. 13 or dgibbs@churchofoursaviour.org
     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
Information here
     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 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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 opportunitiesOpportunities ...


TRAVEL & PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to Italy: 
Following in the Steps of St. Francis and St. Benedict 
April 16 - 29, 2016 
     Join Christopher McCauley, executive director emeritus, Stillpoint: the Center for Christian Spirituality, and Frank Ramirez, veteran international pilgrimage guide, for a contemplative pilgrimage, including stays at the Villa Palazzola, the magnificent 500 year old former Franciscan Monastery, the medieval city of Assisi, and ancient Rome, including stops at Subiaco, Monte Cassino, village of Castel Gandolfo, the regions around Assisi, the Tiber River Valley and Orvieto, and concluding with the great pilgrimage churches of Rome, two visits to Vatican City with worship, private tour of St. Peter's Basilica, and  general audience with Pope Francis.  Along the way, the pilgrimage will be pause for prayer, meditation, short talks, and sharing so that the journey can be savored. Fourteen days. Cost: $2,825 - $3,125 per person, depending on room requests. Airfare not included. Space is limited, with payment schedules available. Click here for complete details, fees, full literary and registration form. Early registration is strongly recommended. 

Anglican Pilgrimage 
June 13 -24, 2016 
     Featuring: Worship in Canterbury, Ely and St. Paul's Cathedrals. Visit Shakespeare's church in Stratford, and Coventry Cathedral, a center of reconciliation since WW2. Arundel Castle and England's oldest wooden church. Possible visit to Lambeth Palace in London and lunch with Bishop Rowan Williams at Magdalene College, Cambridge (pending). Theater nights, including Shakespeare at the Globe on London's South Bank, a current London show, and A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Royal Shakespeare Theater in Stratford. Travel by air-conditioned coach, with a driver and guide. Entrance fees, hotel porterage and most meals are included. For a full itinerary with details, contact Canon Colville Smythe, cssmythe@charter.net or 626.791.3111.

Celtic Christian Pilgrimage 
September 11-23, 2016 
 A life-changing journey to the sacred landscape of Scotland and Northern England Led by experienced Celtic Christian retreat and pilgrimage leaders Frank Shirbroun and Teresa Di Biase. Pilgrims will follow in the footsteps of the Celtic saints who nourished the seed of Christianity in Britain centuries ago, and meet contemporary Christians in communities at Iona and Lindisfarne who are living in the holistic spiritual tradition of the Celts. Cost of the 12-day pilgrimage is $3,850, and includes lodging, most meals, and entrance fees. Limited to 18 pilgrims. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2016. For more information, contact Celtic Christian Pilgrimage, Bloy House (Episcopal Theological School at Claremont, CA) at bloyhouse@cst.edu or 909.621.2419.

_________________
EMPLOYMENT

NEW LISTING:
FULLERTON: Choir director at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church,
a thriving, open, inclusive and progressive parish active in community social justice and outreach ministries. Sunday services, plus several special services and one special music event each year. Full job description and application instructions here. Application deadline: March 1.

LONG BEACH: Preschool Director, The Olive Branch, St. Luke's Church
. Exciting opportunity to be on the ground floor as we open a small (32 maximum capacity), close-knit Reggio-inspired Episcopal Preschool in the heart of downtown Long Beach. The director, with the support of the preschool board, will be responsible for the development of the preschool from licensing to aesthetics, curriculum to marketing and enrollment, staff hiring and everywhere in between. Full job description and application instructions here.

NEW LISTING: 
LOS OLIVOS: Christian Formation Coordinator for Children and Youth, St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, to organize Sunday morning educational program for children and weekly
youth ministry program for 7th grade through high school, plus periodic Vacation Bible School and  youth confirmation program. Part time (up to 20 hours/week). Sundays, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.; other hours flexible. For full position description, email to the Rev. Randall Day, randallday@mac.com.

NEW LISTING:
MASSACHUSETTS: Executive Director for Life Together in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, a 10- to 24- month faith-based social-justice fellowship and leadership development program for emerging leaders, based in Boston, Lawrence, and Fall River, Mass. Full job description and application instructions here. Application deadline is February 26, 2016

UPLAND: Director of Youth Ministries at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, to spearhead the formation of a youth ministries program for middle school- and high school-age youth. Part-time. Job description and application instructions here.  

_________________________

VOLUNTEER

 

IRIS seeks volunteers 

to aid refugees
Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service (IRIS), a program of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, is seeking volunteers and interns for a variety of programs and positions including: 
  • Volunteers to help with its food pantry on Friday mornings, 9 a.m - 12 noon. Volunteers package and distribute bags of groceries to newly arrived refugees and low income community members. 
  • Mentors and teaching assistants for ESL/Civics classes. Classes are held at various hours during the week. 
  • Bilingual English/Spanish legal services volunteers to work under Attorney supervision and assist IRIS' Central American Minor Family Reunification program. 
  • Bilingual English/Spanish legal services volunteers to work under Attorney supervision and assist with IRIS' Citizenship program. 
 To volunteer, contact Lynn Mackenzie at 323.661.8828 or lmackenzie@ladiocese.org
 

For volunteer opportunities, click here.


_________________


The Episcopal News Update
is emailed on Wednesday evening each week. Deadline for submissions is each Tuesday at noon. Send items for inclusion in the Update to Janet Kawamoto, editor, at news@ladiocese.org, or mail to The Episcopal News Update, P.O. Box 512164, Los Angeles, California 90051 (email is preferred). Submission guidelines are here.
 
To subscribe to the Update, click on the link below, or send a request to news@ladiocese.org