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A message from the bishop
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Legal Actions regarding the Newport Beach property:
The separately incorporated group calling itself SAVE St. James the Great filed action against the Bishop on June 22, 2015, to stop the sale. This lawsuit had no legal grounds but was designed to delay the sale of the Newport Beach property and force the Bishop to spend money in defense. The Superior Court of Orange County has twice ruled that the SAVE group has no legal standing in regard to the pending sale. However SAVE is pursuing the matter to the Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division 3. I anticipate the Court to hear this matter in late 2016. For more complete information I recommend you read the demurrer (plea for dismissal) filed with the Superior Court of Orange County which is provided by the following link: http://bit.ly/2abMbxk
The SAVE St. James lawsuit also compelled the Diocese to file a suit to "quiet title" -- to legally prove that that the title to the property was not restricted in any way. That action had to be filed against the Griffith Company which had deeded the property in the 1940s and at that time, not for the last 25 years, had a religious restriction on the property. The Bishop's motion for Summary Adjudication on Quiet Title and Declaratory Relief was granted. However, the Griffith Company has chosen to pursue the case further and has filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal. These actions have no probability of success and like the other are designed to delay the sale of the Newport Beach property and cost the Bishop money. For more complete information I encourage you to read the briefing to the Court of Appeal which is now a public document and is available through the following link: http://bit.ly/29O2H1Y.
I urge you to read these materials as they provide accurate public information.
Canonical Presentment moves on to a Hearing Panel:
On July 1, 2016, a formal notice was issued advising me that a Hearing Panel has been formed to convene and hear testimony and argument regarding three complaints filed against me under Title IV canons. As set forth in the canons the Hearing Panel is comprised of three bishops, a member of the clergy and a member of the laity. Out of respect for the explicit instructions provided to all parties and in accordance with our Church canons I will continue to meet the strict confidentiality standards of this process. As appropriate and allowed I will share what I can when possible.
Thank you for your continued patience as these matters are resolved.
+ J. Jon Bruno
Sixth Bishop of Los Angeles
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Local GFS members attend triennial national assembly
Ten girls and adults from four congregations of the Diocese of Los Angeles attended the week-long triennial national assembly for the Girls' Friendly Society USA, held July 1 - 7 in Bloomfield, Connecticut, where they heard a homily from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, met dozens of girls and women from other dioceses, and took part in the councils of the organization. They also led a worship service on July 2.
Pictured above is the Los Angeles delegation at the meeting, held at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary (Roman Catholic): Ashlyn Cherry and Katelyn Cherry from Grace Church, Glendora; Amanda Brunken and Beverlee Waters from St. Hilary's, Hesperia; Alee Winley, Tess Winely, Mikaela Sesler, Julia Wong, Margaret Nolde and Mary Frances Ypma-Wong from St. John the Divine, Costa Mesa; and Janet Wales from St. Stephen's, Beaumont. Margaret Nolde, president of GFS in the Diocese of Los Angeles, has been appointed treasurer of the church-wide GFS-USA board of directors, which carries out the program and budget adopted at the assembly. To see more photos, visit the GFS/LA Facebook page here.
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 Events & announcements ...
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 'Into Silence' contemplative retreat planned for September in Santa Barbara The Community of Divine Love, an Episcopal monastery in the Diocese of Los Angeles, will offer "Into Silence," a guided contemplative retreat, Sept. 8 - 11 at Mt. Calvary Monastery in Santa Barbara. It will be led by Brother Dennis Gibbs and Sister Greta Ronningen of CD (pictured), both of whom are chaplains to the incarcerated of the Los Angeles County jail system, as well as writers, retreat leaders and spiritual directors. Cost for the retreat is $400 per person for four days and three nights, including accommodations and meals. Space is limited to 15 participants. For information, or to register, contact CDL at 626.703.4474 or info@cdlmonks.org, or Mt. Calvary Monastery at 805.682.4117 or mtcalvary1@aol.com. A flyer is here.
Summer chances to 'connect'
offered by St. Paul's, Tustin
St. Paul's Church, Tustin, will offer its "Summer "CONNECT" series of "conversations that allow us to find a peaceful center in the storm of uncertainty." The Thursday evening sessions, which will begin on July 28 and continue on Aug. 4, 11 and 17, 6 - 8 p.m., will offer a series of meals on the patio followed by conversations that will focus on God's bigger picture within the context of today's complex world. According to the Rev. Kay Sylvester, rector, "It is the mission of St. Paul's to engage the community in life-giving conversations that allow us to navigate these tumultuous waters with a peaceful grace that is grounded in God. These summer discussions are intended to do that." The program and activities are designed for all ages, and will be conducted by age group. Adults will participate in a themed program led by The Rev. Kay Sylvester and followed by small group discussions. Themes to be discussed are: - Power: Harnessing the energy to serve and be served;
- Inclusivity: Allow grace to confront discomfort;
- Resources: When wisdom meets compassion; and religion:
- Culture, Ideology and the Search for God.
Dinner reservations are required by Tuesday of each week. St. Paul's is located at 1221 Wass St, Tustin. For more information, call 714.544.3141 or email to administrator@stpauls.org. Details and directions are also available on St. Paul's website.
Women invited to 10-day program
on Franciscan spirituality
The Episcopal Church's Community of St. Francis will offer a 10-day Immersion Program in Franciscan Spirituality Oct. 1 - 9, centered around the Feast of St. Francis on Oct. 4. Any interested woman over 18 is invited to join the Sisters at St. Francis House in San Francisco in studying Franciscan spirituality and living out that spirituality through participation in prayer, work, ministry, and community. Room and board are provided as part of this free program, but donations are always welcome. (The sisters regret that St. Francis House is not wheelchair accessible). Application deadline for the program is Sept. 1. For information, email to pamelaclarecsf@aol.com or call 415.824.0288; visit the website here; or download a brochure here.
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 'Concert Across America' Sept. 25
to raise gun violence awareness
The Gun Violence Task Force of the Diocese of Los Angeles encourages all congregations and church members to participate in "Concert Across America to End Gun Violence" on Sept. 25, a nationwide series of musical events that will remember those whose lives have been lost to gun violence, and commit to sustained efforts to ending gun violence. Individuals are encouraged to host concert streaming events in their homes, play their instruments in public places, or attend Concert Across America events in their area. The task force ask that clergy and music directors begin planning anthems and hymns to be used during worship services as a way for communities of faith to participate in this national chorus. The task force also has prepared a bulletin insert (download here), useful for church newsletters, which contains details about Concert Across America as well as resources from Episcopal Peace Fellowship, Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, and other groups. For further information, contact task force co-chair Virginia Classick at Vclassick@aol.com.
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 This week around the diocese ...
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MONDAY - FRIDAY, JULY 25 - 29, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m
Seeds of Hope 'Grub Club' Day Camp
Church of the Epiphany
2808 Altura Street, Lincoln Heights (Los Angeles) 90031
Information: Erica Nieves at enieves@ladiocese.org or 818.631.3682, or here
Registration here
Seeds of Hope, with Steve List, horticulture teacher at Sylmar High School, will turn its gardens into a playground, kitchen, and classroom for "Grub Club," a series of one-week summer day camp sessions. Each day will feature exciting gardening lessons, cooking classes, hands-on projects and crafts, fun fitness and delicious, healthy, food. Camp is free, and intended for children, youth and parents. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided each day.
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This week in liturgy and the arts ...
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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 7 p.m.
Taizé Service of Healing and Wholeness
St. Francis Episcopal Church
2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates
Information: 310.375.4617 or www.stfrancispalosverdes.org
A meditative, multi-faith service that includes candlelight, periods of silence, chants and intercessory prayer with a prayer team leader, followed by a reception with light refreshments on the patio. Taizé is a calming and beautiful form of sung contemplative prayer developed in an ecumenical monastery in France. Parishioner Nancy Backes and Director of Music, Youth & Arts Dr. Jeannie Cobb will lead the congregation in chanting, accompanied by USC graduate Robert Backes (a protégé of Christopher Parkening) on classical guitar and Dr. Clayton Cobb on mandolin. Taizé services are offered monthly throughout the year on the fourth Tuesday. Donations are welcome.
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Recurring Services ...
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The worship services or events listed here occur on a regular basis; weekly or monthly. Note that some are suspended on holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas or Holy Week, or during the summer. Please check with individual churches for exceptions to the regular schedule. |
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