April 28, 2020
Welcome to Resource Roundup, COVID-19 edition

The COVID-19 page on the Diocese of Los Angeles website includes many ideas and resources, as well as links to communications from the bishops' office and past issues of Resource Roundup. Click here.
From the bishop
Quarantine textbook: Learn

By John Harvey Taylor

White collar workers are learning the intricacies of Zoom. Tab and Anglican collar workers are learning how to preach over Facebook Live. American sign language speakers are learning how to say, “Don’t drink bleach!”

We’re quickly learning all these things and more to survive and do our jobs while in quarantine. This kind of learning is essentially instinctual. Which markets have the shorter lines and which gas stations have open restrooms. For some of our neighbors — more, perhaps, than we realize — which food banks are still open.

Learning in its academic sense is more of a struggle in these times, at least for me. In an isolating crisis such as ours, the span of hours can stand in inverse proportion to the span of attention. The first two volumes of the Oxford history of Anglicanism have sat on the bookshelf for months, waiting patiently for when I have a little more time to myself. You may ask how I’m doing with that or indeed with any long-form texts. I’ve even had trouble finishing a new book about Watergate, and I used to work for Richard Nixon. Aware that the barrage of bad news can breed distraction, anxiety, and even depression, experts advise us to tune out for most of the day. That’s not easy when germs and governments are writing our future.

A third kind of wisdom may come by sheer grace to people and societies in crisis. Those who have faith, those in the Resurrection, trust that this is so. “Does not wisdom call,” Proverbs teaches, “and does not understanding raise her voice?” The Holy Spirit blows where she will. The risen Christ stepped through a locked door to comfort his frightened friends and inspire them to go save and heal the world.

A clergy colleague who’s been married over 20 years told me that he and his spouse have found brand new things to talk about. Church members kept from their friends describe richer conversations on the phone that they ever had at coffee hour. All over the church, we’re seeing the institutions we love being made livelier even in the valley of the shadow of death. For many, the vision of a more decent society is taking shape as we experience the indictment of our health and economic disaster falling harder on the less privileged.

My own 50-day Eastertide lesson plan is to pick one thing I can theoretically do each day to gather as much Resurrection wisdom as I can.

Exercise — of course! Advocate for those most at risk. Meditate for precious inner peace. Call someone whose name pops into my head. Pray to help restructure my day. Engage with a local organization that helps others.

Explore by taking a socially distanced drive. Eat Joyfully, as though our meals are Holy Eucharist. Reciprocate someone else’s kindness, giving the grace of heaven a boost.  Remember what we learned from our families of origin about responding to anxiety.

Inquire discerningly about events and decisions that affect your health and freedom. Give Thanks for everyone who's helping me be safer at home. Make Someone Smile, and share God’s delight in a human face full of Resurrection light.

Drink Wisely, because addiction will bide its time until spirits are low.  Hope, as though the whole world depends on it.

Today: Learn, since for those walking in the light of the empty tomb, everything preaches, and everything teaches.

The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor is bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles. This essay appeared on his Facebook page on April 28.
One Body & One Spirit Emergency Appeal
A video message from Bishop Taylor

"I'm sure it doesn't come as a surprise to any of you that some members of the Body of Christ in the diocese are suffering more than others" from the coronavirus quarantine, Taylor says. "Our responsibility is to care for the whole body."

Click on the arrow above to watch the video. To contribute to the One Body & One Spirit fund, click here.
News
IRIS offers free virtual immigration legal services for DACA, naturalization and more

Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service (IRIS), a Department of Justice recognized and accredited immigration legal service office, has received funding to assist with immigration matters including DACA, naturalization and more. Potential clients may contact IRIS at 323.667.0489, ext. 100, or iris@ladiocese.org to schedule a virtual appointment with one of its legal representatives.

To "Dreamers," Meghan Taylor, IRIS executive director, writes, "As we await the Supreme Court’s decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, now is the time to renew your DACA (even if your current DACA is not nearing its expiration date). For a limited time, IRIS is able to cover the cost of the $495 Department of Homeland Security DACA filing fee. Funds will go quickly and are provided on a first-come first-serve basis."

To other church members, Taylor writes, "You can support the Episcopal Church’s advocacy efforts on this program by sending letters to your members of Congress through the Episcopal Public Policy Network’s Action Alert."
Congregations
Historic Epiphany Church, LA, gets new grant to assist with renovations

The Church of the Epiphany, a historic Episcopal congregation in East Los Angeles, will receive a $250,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and its affiliated Partners for Sacred Places to renovate its parish hall, roof and basement.

Epiphany has a long history as a center of activism. In the 1960s, leaders of the Chicano Movement produced their underground newspaper, La Raza, in the basement; United Farm Workers founder Cesar Chavez gave speeches in the church. The renovated space will be used for the congregation's continuing ministry to its mostly-Latinx neighborhood.

In order to receive the grant, Epiphany had to raise $500,000 through a capital campaign, which they achieved with mentoring from the two organizations. The church will receive the first half of the funds in about six to eight weeks; the rest will be delivered when the project is complete.

"It’s been a wonderful partnership if at times a steep learning curve," says the Rev. Tom Carey, vicar of Epiphany. "And now our plans have been approved by the city and we hope to begin renovations to our basement, roof and parish hall as soon as the [coronavirus] lockdown is over."

Founded in 1887, Church of the Epiphany was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2005. A comprehensive look at its long history of ministry is here.
People
Orange County priest releases new memoir

The Rev. Valerie Ann Hart, a retired Episcopal priest living in Orange County, has announced the release her new memoir, Wrestling With God: Through Suffering to Grace. “I want to share my own story so that readers might identify with it," Hart, whose life was upended many years ago when her husband suffered serious injuries in a car accident, wrote in the announcement, "Hopefully, knowing that what I’ve struggled with has become a source of blessing for me will help others look at their own struggles in a new way.” The book is available through Hart's website here. For each book purchased before May 15 the author will donate a gift card for takeout food to Sunday Supper, a ministry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Tustin, in order to provide a mid-week meal for a person in need.

A Third Order Franciscan, Hart received a Ph.D in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. After 15 years as a college professor and licensed psychologist, she earned a master of divinity degree at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific and was ordained in San Francisco (Diocese of California). Her ministry included serving as the vicar of a mission in the Bay Area and as rector of a parish on the central coast of California (in the Diocese of El Camino Real, where she is still canonically resident). In retirement, she occasionally leads services at congregations in the Diocese of Los Angeles.
Events
Fullerton church and arboretum team to offer second round of 'Victory Garden to Go' bundles

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Fullerton, and the Fullerton Arboretum have teamed to offer "Victory Garden to Go" bundles to the first 150 comers on Wednesday, April 29, 12 - 2 p.m. at St. Andrew's, located at 1231 E. Chapman Avenue, Fullerton 92831. "Gardening has empowered us through hard times for generations," says the event announcement. "A garden wins many victories, from helping us stay healthy to boosting morale and uniting us with history, nature and our community." This week the Victory Garden To Go is a bundle of 18 plants: 6 peppers, 6 tomatoes and 6 other (herbs, onions, eggplants or tomatillos.) Seed packets and flowers are not available this week. All are ready to plant immediately. To limit interaction and maximize speed, customers will not be able to select the contents of their garden mix. Price is $40 per bundle (exact cash or pre-written checks payable to "Friends of Fullerton Arboretum" will be accepted at pickup). Volunteers will place plants in buyers' trunks."
Resources
Free food resources for LA County residents during COVID-19 Crisis - and ways to help

[Los Angeles County - April 21, 2020) An estimated two million people in Los Angeles County suffer from food-insecurity issues on an ongoing basis. That vulnerable community is sure to swell because of pandemic-related economic losses in the months to come, but Los Angeles County is committed to preventing hunger and ensuring access to food for all residents. The County is currently mobilizing a countywide response to hunger by coordinating public agencies, nonprofits, and volunteers to provide meals to anyone in need during the weeks and months to come. The County is also launching new digital resources to help members of the public access food at no cost — including program sign-up information, maps, and frequently asked questions — all located on the County COVID-19 website. Read more here.
Emergency grant program offers funds for Episcopal Church deacons

The Fund for the Diaconate of the Episcopal Church has created a special Emergency Grant Program to aid deacons affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Grants will cover the time-period of March 1 - Sept. 30, 2020, with applications accepted until Oct. 15, 2020. Grants of $525 per month will be made for a three month time-period, with each grant reviewed monthly. Complete details, including FAQs and an application, are here.
COVID-19 crisis: Ways to help
One Body & One Spirit Emergency Appeal

By John Harvey Taylor

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. The global health crisis has affected the life of each member of our diocesan family – each of us, and all our neighbors. You are all in my prayers daily as you continue to devote yourself to the work of the gospel. Each day, I know, you are caring for yourselves and those you love, serving your neighbor and those most at risk, and continuing to support your church family by praying, worshiping, reaching out to those who are most isolated, and remembering to send in your generous pledge. Read more here.
Our Saviour Center continues food bank, needs donations
Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Our Saviour Center food bank remains open to provide meals across Los Angeles County. That means healthy foods and shelf stable items are provided to the center's neighbors who need it most.
The food bank depends on donations to keep the food bank operating. To support the agency, donate here. Our Saviour Center is a ministry of Our Saviour Episcopal Church in San Gabriel and Immanuel Episcopal Church in El Monte. Photo: Our Saviour Center food bank volunteers distribute groceries for Thanksgiving in November 2019.
Priests, deacons enlisted to pray ‘last rites’ by phone for dying coronavirus patients
[Episcopal News Service] Episcopal priests and deacons have volunteered to minister by phone to people dying of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, which has infected more than a million people worldwide. The phone ministry is called “Dial-a-Priest” and was created in a matter of days by the TryTank Experimental Lab, a joint project of Virginia Theological Seminary and General Theological Seminary. “What we’re doing is a pastoral response to a need, which is that there are people who are dying and we know we have words of comfort,” said the Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija, TryTank’s director. He began working on “Dial-a-Priest” about a week ago as an imperfect solution to an unprecedented challenge posed by the coronavirus. Read more here.
Housing needed for detainees: can your congregation help?
An appeal from CLUE (Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice)
Right now immigrants are facing grave danger in detention centers in light of the Coronavirus. At this very moment there is a strong push to help get released detainees who are vulnerable, those with pre-existing medical conditions or the elderly. Lawyers have recently obtained humanitarian parole for a handful of detainees. Some have returned to their families and others desperately need shelter or transportation to their families in
other states. Others would be able to be released with ankle bracelets and monitored if they had an address. The faith community could be able to provide short and long-term shelter. If you have one small room or space in a church building available that we could use for housing one individual. Since most churches are not having current physical gatherings right now, opening up just one space will be ideal to help provide housing for a brother or sister currently detained in those horrible detention centers. Please let us know if you are interested in exploring the possibility by reaching out to Guillermo Torres at gtorres@cluejustice.org, 323.228.2753.
Mask-making ministry
The mask-making ministry at St. Stephen's Church, Hollywood, is in full swing to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. To take part in their efforts, click here. Note: Not all hospitals accept homemade masks: for a list of facilities that do, visit the St. Stephen's mask ministry page linked above or contact the Rev. Jaime Edwards-Acton, rector, at hopeinhollywood@gmail.com.
Thank you cards for hospital staff
A request from Michael Bell, director of pastoral ministries at Good Samaritan Hospital
Church colleagues, friends with kids stuck at home, educators with classes online, leaders of other groups: If you're looking for something helpful to do right now that doesn't cost much more than time and some creative love, consider writing/creating thank-you notes, cards, pictures, banners for our hospital staff. E.g., "Thank you, Good Samaritans" - signed by you, children, students, members of your club or community. Mail to: The Rev. Michael S. Bell, Spiritual Care Services, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, 1225 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017. (Bell reports that the cards and notes he has shared have been gratefully received by hospital staff — and that a simple note of thanks can have a profound effect on hard-working healthcare workers.)
Episcopal Relief & Development's COVID-19 Response Fund
"Join us in prayer and action. Help us be there in times of uncertainty.
Your gift enables us to prepare for emergencies around the world — including the recent outbreak of the coronavirus. With your help, we can equip our partners on the ground with crucial support to assist local communities and meet the changing needs as this crisis unfolds." Click here to contribute.
From the wider Episcopal Church
General Convention task force seeks information on the theologies of money present within the church
All practicing Episcopalians invited to participate in survey: Responses requested by June 1

[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs - April 22] The Task Force on Theology of Money is listening to the theologies of money present within The Episcopal Church as part of the work assigned by the 2018 General Convention. The task force seeks to understand how Episcopalians’ Christian faith is expressed in, or is not expressed in, or is held in tension with, individuals’ relationships with money through the short survey in English, Spanish and French. The task force would like to hear from the full breadth of experience and expertise in The Episcopal Church the diverse ways theology of money is formed and articulated. More information and links here.
CDSP announces major new affordability initiative

The Very Rev. W. Mark Richardson, president and dean of Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP), announced on April 13 a major overhaul of the Episcopal seminary’s financial aid offerings. The changes are aimed at helping students who are preparing for ordination with a bishop’s approval to avoid incurring additional educational debt during their studies. Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, CDSP will provide full-tuition scholarships to all qualifying new and returning students, and residential students will receive a meal plan and free housing (dorm or apartment according to family need and availability). Read more here.
Deadline extended for Episcopal Church’s 2020-2021 academic year scholarships
Applications due May 29, 2020

The deadline has been extended for educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2020-2021 academic year. A scholarship applicant must be an Episcopalian and must have the endorsement of his/her bishop. The scholarships are derived from annual income of designated trust funds established by generous donors through bequests to The Episcopal Church. The scholarships assist:
  • Students enrolled in theological education and training.
  • Children of missionaries, bishops and clergy,
  • Students of various racial and ethnic minorities, and other groups covering a wide range of eligibility.
Read more here.
The Way of Love calendar for the Easter Season 2020

A calendar for the 50 days of Easter, with suggestions for each day, is based on Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s “Way of Love” commandments: Turn, Learn, Prayer, Worship, Bless and Go. A high-resolution PDF version is here. The calendar was created by Sue Van Oss of St. Paul’s Church, Duluth, Minnesota, and is shared here with permission.
Updated Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs now available in Spanish

[April 16, 2020] Episcopal Church Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer N. Kurt Barnes has announced that the online publication of the latest version of the Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs is now available in Spanish. The Canons of The Episcopal Church set forth the general responsibility and accountability for the stewardship of the Church’s money and property. Title I, Canon 7 specifically addresses the business methods prescribed for every diocese, parish, mission, and institution subject to the authority of the Episcopal Church. Read more here

Manual de métodos comerciales en asuntos de la Iglesia actualizado ya disponible en español
El Tesorero y Director Financiero de la Iglesia Episcopal, N. Kurt Barnes, se complace en anunciar la publicación en línea de la última versión del Manual de métodos comerciales en asuntos de la Iglesia ya está disponible en español. Los Cánones de la Iglesia Episcopal establecen la responsabilidad general y el rendimiento de cuentas sobre la administración del dinero y las propiedades de la Iglesia. El Título I, Canon 7 aborda específicamente los métodos de negocios prescritos para cada diócesis, parroquia, misión e institución sujeta a la autoridad de la Iglesia Episcopal. Leer más aquí
REMINDERS
U.S. government resources are available for families

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) in post on its Facebook page has suggested some federal resources for families experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

  • The U.S. Department of the Treasury is providing stimulus packages to people across the country. Read more here.
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has advice to help you manage your family's finances. Read more here.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture has resources available for farmers & ranchers. Read more here.
  • U.S. Small Business Administration is offering small businesses low-interest disaster loans and other COVID-related funding options. Read more here.
  • The Social Security Administration can answer questions about receiving your benefits during this period. Read more here.

The FEMA notice is here. h/t Ken Higginbotham of St. Stephen's Church, Santa Clarita.
Diocesan website offers resources for congregations

A page on the Diocese of Los Angeles website titled " Responding to COVID-19" lists various resources for congregations and individuals as they cope with church closures and self-isolation. It includes information under the following headings:
  • Resources for Virtual and Remote Worship and Meetings
  • State & County Resources for Addressing Coronavirus Concerns
  • CDC (Center for Disease Control) website links
  • Stewardship
  • Coping with Social Distancing
  • Children and Families
  • Additional health information
  • Recovery resources (12-step programs)
  • Managing work in a time of isolation
  • How to help
The list is updated as information becomes available. Send additional resources for consideration to news@ladiocese.org.
Credit Union will provide emergency loans to churches, institutions at reduced rate during COVID-19 crisis

[The Episcopal News - March 18] The Episcopal Community Federal Credit Union has set aside a $500,000 emergency cash fund to assist churches and other institutions of the diocese whose cash flow has been adversely impacted by circumstances caused by the Covid-19 virus pandemic. The program will offer, for a limited time, a 50% reduction to its published rate for church loans. Read more here. (Esta historia aparece en español después del texto en inglés.)
ECW offers grants for medical bills through online application

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) in the Diocese of Los Angeles offers grants of up to $500 to help cover medical bills and even medical insurance payments to people in need. A form can be filled out online by the applicant's rector or vicar. To apply, click here. Funds are issued to the priest’s discretionary fund and then distributed to the applicant.
Online giving: Options to explore for use in congregations

Any congregation seeking to add an online giving feature to its website can begin by reviewing and comparing available options such as the following which are among various systems in use around the Diocese of Los Angeles and wider church. The following list is only a sampling and comes with no official endorsement by the diocese. Additions to this list are welcomed and may be forwarded to media@ladiocese.org.

Vanco — Fees are said to be reasonable and an app is available for donors to download. Interfaces with CDM database. Can be viewed in place on website of St. James’, Los Angeles.
Square (Cash App)
Givify - As used by All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Vista, Calif. (Diocese of San Diego)

Featuring Tithe.ly, EasyTithe, Givelify, PayPal, Pushpay.
Deadline extended for nominations to Episcopal Church committees, boards

[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs - March 30, 2020] The Episcopal Church Joint Standing Committee on Nominations is accepting applications for nine offices. Application form and links to job descriptions are available on the General Convention website.  The deadline to submit application has been extended to April 30, 2020. Elections will be held at the 80th General Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, scheduled for June 30 – July 9, 2021. For more information, contact the Office of the General Convention at gcoffice@episcopalchurch.org. Read more (in English, Spanish and French) here.
Introduction to Religion and Public Health
A program from the TRAIN Learning Network

Powered by the Public Health Foundation (PHF), the TRAIN Learning Network brings together agencies and organizations in the public health, healthcare, and preparedness sectors to disseminate, track, and share trainings for the health workforce on a centralized training platform. Most of their training programs are open to all, and offered without cost. This curricula is approved by the National Board of Public Health Examiners for Certified Public Health (CPHCE) credit. Read more here.
Is your congregation live-streaming Sunday or weekday services? Let us know!

If your congregation is live-streaming services on Facebook, YouTube or other social media, please send us a note and let us know:
  • Day(s) and time of services;
  • Date if a one-time offering;
  • Type of service (Eucharist, Morning Prayer, Evensong, etc.);
  • URL for anyone wishing to log in:
  • Language(s) in which the service will be held.
  • Information about the celebrant or other participants, or about music or other aspects of worship (optional)
Send listings to news@ladiocese.org. They will be included in a list (also available on the diocese's COVID-19 Resources webpage) for the benefit of all who wish to take part in worship.

In addition, The Episcopal Church has launched a Digital Church Guide. You can upload your service information there (click here). You also can add this information to the Episcopal Asset Map (click here.) More information about both these resources is here.
Clergy: Keep count of online participants in worship

As the wider Episcopal Church determines how to determine Average Sunday Attendance numbers during the COVID-19 crisis, Bishops Taylor and Bruce and Canon McCarthy request that clergy in charge of congregations keep count of how many people are taking part via Facebook, YouTube, Zoom or other forum in worship services offered at your church. The information may be needed for parochial reports. Add the numbers to your red register with the notation LS (live-stream) to capture the history being made at this time. Please refer to the March 19 letter to clergy for more information.
Checks to the diocese

The bank used by the diocese will only accept checks made out to: “The Protestant Episcopal Church” or “Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.” Checks may no longer be made to Treasurer of the Diocese, etc. This is due to the Bank Secrecy Act and accompanying regulations ("Anti-Money Laundering rules").

P.O. Box closed

Please note that the diocesan post office box has been closed and will no longer receive mail. Please use the street address for mail addressed to offices at St. Paul's Commons (formerly The Cathedral Center): 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026. Mail addressed to the post office box will be returned to sender.
Links
Resource Roundup, usually an occasional release for clergy, wardens, church office staff and lay leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, is now published twice weekly in place of the Episcopal News Update. Items for inclusion may be forwarded to news@ladiocese.org.