Canon Stephanie Speller, top row left, and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, top row right, were presenters at the first-ever digital Diocese of Los Angeles Clergy Conference, conducted May 4 – 5 via Zoom.
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Presiding Bishop, Canon Stephanie Spellers address historic L.A. clergy conference
By Pat McCaughan
More than 220 active and retired clergy attended the May 4 – 5 annual diocesan clergy conference held — in the age of COVID-19 — via Zoom instead of in person at Riverside’s Mission Inn as originally planned. It included tributes to the Rev. Canon Joanna Satorius, retiring formation and vocations officer, as well as a conversation led by Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and Canon Stephanie Spellers.
As Diocesan Bishop John Harvey Taylor convened the historic gathering, themed “Servants of the Spirit: Imagining a New Church into Being,” participants enjoyed a virtual reunion, scrolling through a dozen or more computer screens, acknowledging colleagues in chat box greetings.
Taylor said the theme was chosen to emphasize the reality that “we are getting ready … to see and be the church that is coming.”
Much of the conference discussion focused on the church post-COVID-19 and Curry’s signature Way of Love as a lens through which to explore the opportunities and challenges created by coronavirus.
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Fire in Santa Ana destroys empty church, spares Messiah Episcopal next door
The Rev. Abel Lopez, rector, reports that Church of the Messiah, an historic Episcopal Church in Santa Ana, was spared in a May 7 fire that destroyed its next-door neighbor, a classical revival-style church building that once housed a United Presbyterian Church congregation.
“Let us give thanks to God for firefighters and their dedication and for our church, [which has] not been affected by the fire,” Lopez wrote in a message to Messiah’s congregation. “Keep in our prayers the owners of the building for this loss.”
“In spite of the fire that destroyed the United Presbyterian Church this morning, I was very relieved to find out that the adjacent 131 year old Episcopal Church of the Messiah - Santa Ana, CA is safe,” wrote City Council Member Phil Bacerra in a Facebook post.
The church has been vacant in recent years, but was considered an historic building. At one time the Orange County Pacific Symphony had its headquarters there.
According to an Orange County Register report, firefighters were called at about 2:30 a.m. It took about 100 firefighters to control the blaze. No one was injured.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Photo: Orange County Fire Authority video (screenshot)
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Inspirational film 'This Day Forward' now available on Venmo
“This Day Forward," a faith-based
film based on the true story of a young Midwestern family whose faith helps them overcome the fears and uncertainties of terminal illness, was released on Vimeo on May 5. The film stars Randy Coleman and Hayden Blane, was written by Nick Schober, and was produced & directed by Brian Ide on location in Waverly, Iowa. The film was produced by members of All Saints Episcopal Church, Beverly Hills.
This Day Forward tells the real-life story of Mike (Randy Coleman) and Jennifer Jensen (Hayden Blane), who come face-to-face with Mike’s diagnosis of stage 3 brain cancer. They and their young family are forced to navigate not only his changed reality, but the shoals and currents of fear, uncertainty and doubt. As Mike, a Lutheran music minister, finds his belief in God challenged, Jennifer struggles with her own faith journey as she holds her family together. The film, producers say, is "about the ways in which courage and hope overcome uncertainty and fear, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God’s plan."
Running time is 99 minutes. The movie is available for 48-hour rental ($6.99) or stream-on-demand purchase ($15.99). For information and to stream the film, click
here.
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Third season of ‘The Way of Love with Bishop Michael Curry’ podcast begins May 5 with guest Jen Hatmaker
Season 3 of The Episcopal Church’s podcast The Way of Love with Bishop Michael Curry, is now available. These weekly conversations, featuring Bishop Curry, podcast host Sandy Milien, and a variety of guests, center on ways to live a life committed to living the way of God’s unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial and redemptive love. In Episode 1, Bishop Curry sits down with New York Times best-selling author and podcast host Jen Hatmaker to discover how, among many changes, opportunities, setbacks, and even a television show, she and her family have paused, listened, and reoriented themselves again and again toward Jesus and his Way of Love. Hear about her shift from a self-centered to an other-centered faith, and how one unconventional fast deeply impacted her. Hatmaker’s latest book is
Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire. This episode of the Way of Love podcast is sponsored by Trinity Church Wall Street, which offers services streamed live and on demand in HD six days a week. Read more
here.
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All Saints, Pasadena, invites all to virtual Jazz Vespers with John Proulx
Singer, pianist, composer, and recording artist John Proulx will be featured at a Jazz Vespers service at 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, at All Saints Church, Pasadena, via the internet. Proulx's latest CD, “Say It”, on the ArtistShare label, features Chuck Berghofer, Joe LaBarbera, Larry Koonse, Bob Sheppard, a duet with Melissa Manchester, and three string quartet arrangements by Alan Broadbent. Proulx has appeared on Michael Feinstein’s radio show on NPR, “Song Travels” as well as on Marian McPartland’s radio show, “Piano Jazz”. He recently received a master’s degree in jazz vocal performance from Western Michigan University, and is currently on faculty at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at Cal State University Long Beach. Christina Honchell will offer a meditation. To join the service, click
here, or use Zoom meeting number 84226320446. The link will be live at 4:45 p.m. For more infomation email
jazz@allsaints-pas.org or click
here.
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Episcopal school third-grader recognized by Obama
St. James' Episcopal School, Los Angeles, posted on Facebook May 3 that one of its third-grade students, Avi, "was recently recognized by former President Obama for his efforts with supporting the MBK Alliance's vision. MBK or My Brother's Keeper Alliance was founded by Obama to address persistent opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of color and to ensure all youth can reach their full potential." MBK Alliance was founded "so that every boy and young man of color in America would know that their dreams mattered as much as any other child's." Pictured: Avi joins the MBK Alliance virtual town hall where prominent leaders of MBK check in with communities of color, many of whom have been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Institutions and organizations
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Click on the poster for more information.
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Should your church plant a 'jubilee' garden? Experts to discuss new needs in webinar
In a series of webinars, SIM (Society for the Increase of Ministry) has been interviewing adaptive leaders across the church who are responding to human need in the wake of COVID-19. In the next of these webinars, on Monday, May 11, Rose Hayden-Smith, author of
Sowing the Seeds of Victory: American Gardening Programs of World War I, and Brian Sellers-Petersen, co-founder of the Episcopal Food, Farming, and Faith Network, will consider: Could those of us who know nothing about cultivating food adapt and join a new Victory Garden movement?
During World War I and II, Americans were encouraged to plant Victory Gardens as the nation faced potential food shortages. During World War II an estimated 40 percent of the nation's supply of fresh vegetables was produced in back yards, front yards, school grounds and church property.
Between COVID-19-induced joblessness, disruptions to the food supply, and the potential of a second wave of the virus this fall, many anticipate a food crisis next winter. Should congregations join the new Victory Garden movement, better known in the church as Jubilee Gardens?
The webinar will be 12 p.m. PDT on May 11. Register in advance
here.
Rose Hayden-Smith is emeritus advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension. She served as a 4-H director, Master Gardener program coordinator and director of the Cooperative Extension office in Ventura County. She also led UC's statewide initiative in sustainable food systems. She is a cradle Episcopalian, an active member of St. Paul's Church, Ventura, and a member of the Diocese of Los Angeles' Program Group on Communications & Public Affairs.
Brian Sellers-Petersen is Missioner for Agrarian Ministry for the Diocese of Olympia (Washington) and a consultant to Seattle Tilth Food and Faith Initiative. He is the author of Harvesting Abundance: Local Initiatives of Food and Faith. He formerly worked in several capacities for Episcopal Relief & Development, as well as Bread for the World and World Vision, and at All Saints Church, Pasadena.
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Webinar will review results of clergy Financial Capability study
[Church Pension Group] The Church Pension Group (CPG), a financial services organization that serves the Episcopal Church, announced today that it will host a webinar to discuss findings from its survey of Episcopal clergy that evaluated their financial capability and knowledge regarding retirement planning, debt management, and financial literacy. Individuals can register
here. The webinar will take place on Thursday, May 14, 1 - 2 p.m. EDT (10 - 11 a.m. PDT). It will feature CPG’s Matthew Price, senior vice president for Research & Data, and Pattie Christensen, vice president for Education & Wellness, as well as Andrea Hasler, assistant research professor of Financial Literacy at the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (GFLEC) at the George Washington University School of Business. Read more
here.
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Blood drive coming up June 3 at St. James', Newport Beach
St. James' Church, Newport Beach, will hold an American Red Cross community blood drive on June 3, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Great Hall. An appointment link will be available soon on the congregation's
website. St. James' Church is located at 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach 92663. For information, visit the website or call 949.675.0210.
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Webinar to focus on 'Restorative Compassion' for caregivers during COVID-19
Stillpoint: The Center for Christian Spirituality will present "Restorative Compassion: A Resource for Caregivers During COVID-19," a three-session webinar on May 12, May 15 and May 18. Presenter is Frank Rogers Jr. (pictured), spiritual director, supervisor, certified IFS practitioner, retreat leader, writer, professor of Spiritual formation at Claremont School of Theology, and co-director of the Center for Engaged Compassion. Topics are:
- Session One (May 12): "Reconnecting with the compassionate source of our vocations as caregivers."
- Session Two (May 15): "Restorative process of self-compassion as a means of caring for ourselves and renewing our capacities for compassionate caregiving."
- Session Three (May 18): "The difference between empathy and compassion and how genuine compassion is spiritually restorative."
Cost is $50 for all sessions or $20 for one. For more information and to register, click
here.
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GFS invites all girls to 'fly away' in series of Zoom meetings focused on self-care
Girls Friendly Society in the Diocese of Los Angeles (GFS-LA) invites all girls, ages 5 and up, to "Fly Away on a GFS Journey of Self-care" via the Zoom teleconferencing program on three Saturday mornings. Participants need not be members of GFS. The sessions will be held on May 16, May 23 and May 30, from 10 to 11 a.m. and will offer devotions, dancing and music along with discussions on how to nurture emotional, spiritual, professional and physical health. Participants will earn a new GFS badge. The event is free, but preregistration is required. To register, follow
one of these two steps:
- Email to gfscalifornia@gmail.com with "I'm ready for a trip" as subject line. (Questions also may be directed to this address.)
- Text gfsonline (all one word) to phone number 22828.
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All Saints, Pasadena, announces May 12 blood drive
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at All Saints Church, Pasadena on Tuesday, May 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, there is a critical need for blood and platelet donors and blood drive hosts to maintain a sufficient blood supply for weeks to come. Donations will be by appointment only and appropriate social distancing measures will be taken to keep all donors safe. (All donors must wear masks.) To schedule an appointment, click
here and type the sponsor code ASEC in the “Find a Blood Drive” search box. To fill out required paperwork ahead of time, click
here. All Saints Church, which is located at 132 North Euclid Avenue, Pasadena 91101 plans to host additional blood drives on June 5 and June 16.
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Webinar series from Episcopal Relief & Development continues with session on 'COVID-19 and Elder Communities'
[Episcopal Relief & Development] "You're invited to join us for upcoming webinars during which we will dive deep into topics surrounding COVID-19. If you have a passion for ministering to vulnerable groups, be sure to tune in on Fridays as we discuss the impact of this pandemic on each of us, as well as the people we serve. The standing date and time will be Fridays at 3 p.m. EDT/ (12 p.m. PDT). The topic this week (May 8) is COVID-19 and Elder Communities." Register
here. The webinars will be recorded and posted online
here.
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Accounting for PPP Loans and Maximizing Forgiveness
[Windes Audit & Assurance Services] If your company has received or will be receiving a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), it is important to track the activity of these funds in great detail, with supporting documentation for all expenses. From an accounting standpoint, this is considered a loan unless and until you are granted forgiveness for all or a portion of the loan amount.
The first step is to set up a separate bank account for the PPP funds, if it is practical. Track every transaction separately and keep it separated from your normal operating bank accounts. Regulators will review the bank account and records, as well as the company’s supporting documentation during the forgiveness application process. Be prepared to explain all activity and have complete records of all transactions. Cash going out of the account should be well documented and supported as to the nature of the expense.
H/t the Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy, canon to the ordinary, and Bishop Suffragan Diane M. Jardine Bruce.
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Few Americans say their house of worship is open, but a quarter say their faith has grown amid pandemic
[FACT TANK - Pew Research Center - April 30, 2020] The COVID-19 pandemic, which has transformed virtually every aspect of public life in America, also has touched a very intimate part of Americans’ lives: their religious faith and worship habits. Some Americans say their religious faith has strengthened as a result of the outbreak, even as the vast majority of U.S. churchgoers report that their congregations have closed regular worship services to the public, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. Americans in historically black Protestant churches and those who describe themselves as very religious are particularly likely to say their faith has strengthened.
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The [COVID-19] Risks - Know Them - Avoid Them
By Erin Bromage
[Blog] When you think of outbreak clusters, what are the big ones that come to mind? Most people would go to the cruise ships. But you would be wrong. Ship outbreaks don’t even land in the top 50 outbreaks to date. The biggest outbreaks are in prisons, religious ceremonies, and workplaces, such a meat packing facilities and call centers. Any environment that is enclosed, with poor air circulation and high density of people, spells trouble.
Erin Bromage holds a doctorate in immunology and microbiology. She teaches and researches infectious diseases at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
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NATS panel of experts lays out sobering future for singers: 'No vaccine, no safe public singing'
On May 5, an expert panel assembled by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), Chorus America, the Barbershop Harmony Society, and the Performing Arts Medical Association (PAMA) laid out a sobering vision for the future of public singing in America. The primary goal of the panel, according to NATS Executive Director Dr. Allen Henderson, was "to bring scientists and medical professionals directly to our audience, as those of us who run professional organizations do not have the direct knowledge ourselves of these complex issues."
In a presentation that sent shockwaves through the singing community, Dr. Lucinda Halstead, the president of the Performing Arts Medical Association and the Medical Director of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of South Carolina, concluded that there is no safe way for singers to rehearse together until there is a COVID-19 vaccine and a 95% effective treatment in place, in her estimates at least 18-24 months away.
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Science-based wellness and meditation app available
The Los Angeles Department of Mental Health has recommended a mindfulness and meditation web app titled "Headspace" that provides science-backed guided meditations in English and Spanish, as well as workout videos, sleep exercises, and helpful information to manage stress and anxiety. Los Angeles County residents can sign up for a free membership: click
here. H/t the Rev. Alexandra Conrads
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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."
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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.
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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.
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COVID-19 crisis: Ways to help
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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From the wider Episcopal Church
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Habits of Grace, May 4, 2020: An invitation for you from Presiding Bishop Curry
[May 4, 2020]
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry writes, "As we learn how to adjust our lives given the reality of the coronavirus and the request to do our part to slow its spread by practicing social distancing, I invite you to join me each week to take a moment to cultivate a ‘habit of grace.'" A new meditation will be posted on Mondays through May. These meditations can be watched at any time by clicking
here
.
"Hello, this is the week of May the third in the year of our Lord 2020. This past week, for some reason I thought of Mr. Rogers, who once said that his mother told him when he was a little boy and he asked her about scary things in the news and about difficult and painful things in the news. And his mother gave him some simple advice of how to handle that. She said to him, "Always look for the helpers." I have a sneaking suspicion that signs of God's continued watchful care, signs of hope, are in the helpers."
The video and text are
here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Credit Union 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.)
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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.
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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.
Featuring Tithe.ly, EasyTithe, Givelify, PayPal, Pushpay.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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