April 23, 2020
Welcome to Resource Roundup, COVID-19 edition

How are you and your congregation adapting to these unprecedented times of shutdown, sequestration and what Bishop John Harvey Taylor calls #holydistancing? How will your congregation observe Holy Week and Easter? Please email your innovative ideas and your stories of how you are carrying out your ministry to news@ladiocese.org.

More resources
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.
News
Diocesan Council deals with finance, COVID-19 shutdown challenges in first-ever online meeting

By Janet Kawamoto

The COVID-19 shutdown and its effect on diocesan ministries and budgets were primary topics at the April 16 Zoom-based meeting of Diocesan Council as Bishop John Harvey Taylor announced that he had named a Bishop’s Task Force on Budget and Finance to advise him through the crisis and beyond.

Calling the meeting to order, Taylor noted that it was the first-ever online gathering of the council, which represents Diocesan Convention between its annual meetings. Its members are clergy and lay representatives from each of its 10 deaneries, delegates elected by convention, and leaders of diocesan ministries.

Taylor told the council that the task force comprises representatives from the diocese’s four main fiduciary bodies: the Diocesan Council (represented on the task force by Dan Valdez), Standing Committee (its president, the Rev. Kay Sylvester), Corporation of the Diocese (the Rev. Antonio Gallardo and Reynolds Cafferata), and Diocesan Investment Trust (Lynne Brickner). Other members are Taylor; Bishop Suffragan Diane Jardine Bruce; Canon to the Ordinary Melissa McCarthy; Canon Andy Tomat, treasurer; the Rev. Michele Racusin, chief financial officer; and Jeff Baker, vice chancellor.

Taylor said that at its weekly meetings the task force will assess the pandemic’s impact on the 2020 budget, explore how to leverage diocesan resources to sustain mission and ministry through the crisis, and undertake long-term strategic planning to put the diocese on a strong foundation. He said the capital campaign is vital if the diocese is to sustain and expand its ministries.

The 2020 MSF budget, adopted at the 2019 Diocesan Convention, was “somewhat overoptimistic” in its pledge estimates even before the coronavirus crisis, Taylor said. He had already asked diocesan staff to begin to identify possible savings, a process that he said had taken on new urgency as MSF payments plunged with the closure of churches and most of the economy.

Read more here.
IRIS continues work with refugees, immigrants despite shutdown

By Meghan Taylor

Despite the current challenges our country is facing surrounding COVID-19, Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service (IRIS) remains dedicated to providing services to refugees, immigrants, and asylees. Since the middle of March, our staff has practiced social distancing measures by assisting clients remotely via telephone and video. While our office is closed to the public until further notice, we will continue offering legal and resettlement services to those in our network.

Since the placement of refugees has been postponed until the end of April, our attention will be directed towards clients currently present in this country. We are also closely working with the Ecumenical Collaboration of Asylum Seekers (ECAS) to secure the health and safety of vulnerable detainees by ensuring their release from Adelanto.

Clients are welcome to schedule appointments for regular services by calling or e-mailing our office. Staff can also be contacted during normal business hours by their distinct e-mails and extensions. We encourage our clients to connect with tech-savvy family members to access telecommunication services such as Zoom. Anyone looking to apply for citizenship, DACA renewals, green cards or other assistance must call our office at 323.667.0489 to register for services. We will be serving clients online until further notice.

In order to care for our neighbors effectively, IRIS encourages everyone to take safety and wellness recommendations seriously. Please continue to practice social distancing by maintaining good hygiene and limiting outside exposure as much as possible. Let’s also continue to pray for everyone’s safety, especially essential workers in hospitals and stores. IRIS sends it love, positivity, and warmth to everyone – we will come out of this stronger than ever before.

Meghan Taylor is executive director of IRIS. Learn more about IRIS here .
The Rev. Ian Elliott Davies, rector of St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in West Hollywood, California, celebrates Easter on April 12 in a service livestreamed on Facebook. Photo: St. Thomas the Apostle, via Facebook
With in-person worship suspended, churches puzzle over how to count online attendance

[Episcopal News Service] The pandemic is no match for the parochial report.
Episcopal congregations, despite suspending in-person worship services to help slow the spread of COVID-19, still are collecting a range of data that, when this year is over, will be included in the annual five-page reports that Episcopal Church Canons require every congregation to file.

One of the reports’ most referenced data points is “annual Sunday attendance,” often known by the shorthand ASA. But what counts as attendance while the pews are empty and hundreds are watching and listening from home? The Episcopal Church doesn’t yet have a precise answer, though one thing is clear during the coronavirus pandemic: Although in-person suspensions essentially have reduced physical Sunday attendance to zero, online worshipping communities are growing – and generating their own virtual attendance numbers, some easier to interpret than others.

Read more here.
Washington National Cathedral lights up to offer encouragement during crisis
The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., has teamed with Atmosphere, Inc.to light the cathedral's west front for the next few weeks, offering encouraging messages during the current pandemic. "Each Monday Atmo's talented team will introduce a new design, and the glorious Cathedral will look even more glorious, all night from 8 pm to sunrise." The cathedral is also offering virtual tours during the shutdown: the current tours focus on gargoyles and grotesques. Visit the cathedral's Facebook page to learn more.
Churches consider when – and how – to resume in-person worship as some states force issue

By David Paulsen

[Episcopal News Service] As some governors ease restrictions on public gatherings and other states consider similar changes to stay-at-home orders that were intended to slow the spread of COVID-19, Episcopal dioceses are proceeding with caution – by beginning deliberations on how in-person worship might resume, but without a clear view of when that will happen.

The prospect of physically gathering in church for a worship service would have been unthinkable for most Episcopal congregations just a month ago, after the escalating coronavirus pandemic set off a wave of suspensions, cancellations, postponements and closures across The Episcopal Church. Dioceses and many congregations have compensated by stepping up their online liturgical offerings, so parishioners still can practice their faith together while abiding by social-distancing guidelines.

Even now, the idea of reversing such precautions is unsettling to some Episcopalians. On April 20, when Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp held a news conference to announce his decision to begin reopening the state on April 24, including its churches, the Rev. Galen Mirate knew immediately how members of her congregation in Albany felt. They weren’t ready to return to normal.

Read more here.
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.
Requiescat in pace
The Rev. Richard Norman Avery
January 24, 1934 - April 19, 2020

The Rev. Richard Avery, former assistant priest at Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Placentia, died in Corsicana, Texas, on April 19. He was 86. A funeral service was held on April 23 at St. John's Episcopal Church, Corsicana. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie Wygan Avery; his sons, Bart (Sandra) of Palmdale and Stephen (Annie); and five grandchildren. Avery was known at Blessed Sacrament for his kind nature, a determination to know every parishioner by name, his devotion to pastoral care, particularly for the sick, the needy and shut-ins, and his trademark hat. He was a member of the Episcopal Synod of America and the Society of the Holy Cross. An obituary is here.
Resources
Podcast on coronavirus relief programs features Vice-Chancellor Jeff Baker
Next in Nonprofits has sponsored a podcast on coronavirus relief programs with Jeff Baker, associate clinical professor of law and assistant dean of Clinical Education & Global Programs at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law; director of the Community Justice Clinic; and a vice chancellor of the Diocese of Los Angeles. In the podcast, Baker and host Steve Boland discuss the federal government response to the Coronavirus economic impact, and in particular the relief programs funded in the CARES Act: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply in both programs, and Baker discusses what is known of the programs so far, what nonprofits should consider in applying for these loans, what is forgivable (essentially converting to grants) and what needs to be repaid. As of this recording (April 21, 2020) additional funding was still pending in the Congress, but PPP funds had already been oversubscribed. For more information and to access the podcast, click here.
Stewardship group CEO interviews expert on government loans re PPP requests: how to get a loan approved and how to get one forgiven

Horizons Stewardship CEO Joe Park has issued a special edition of the group's newsletter, Resilient Leadership, focused on two pressing questions facing many churches:

  • What should we be doing if our church was not approved for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan before funds ran out?
  • What steps should we be taking now to ensure our PPP Loan is forgivable?

"On April 16," Park writes, "the Small Business Administration (SBA) reached its maximum $349 billion in funding for the PPP loan program leaving tens of thousands of church loan requests unfunded. The SBA has announced that it cannot approve additional loans until Congress appropriates more funding. While far from certain, it does appear both parties in Washington would like to see additional funds approved."

Park conducted a video interview with Jeff Watson, a licensed attorney with years of experience in government-backed loans and the legislative process, to ask exactly this question. Watch the entire interview here. Park writes, "Jeff’s advice for churches, non-profits, and their 1099 employees is this: Continue to aggressively pursue the loan application process with your lenders so that your application is ready for submission when additional funds are approved. In our conversation, we also discussed the difficulties some churches have had in getting their loans approved and what they can do to increase their chances of approval if new funding is approved."

Park also announced a webinar on Friday, April 24, titled "Strategies to Maximize PPP Loan Forgiveness" with Stan Reiff, a CPA, consulting practice lead, and partner with CapinCrouse, a large audit firms that exclusively serves churches and faith-based nonprofit clients. Reiff will share best practices related to the administration of PPP funds as well as strategies to maximize loan forgiveness. The webinar is scheduled for Friday, April 24 at 10am CDT/11am EDT (8 a.m. PDT). All who register will be able to download a recording of the webinar. Participation is limited to the first 1,000 to register (click here).

Horizons Stewardship also has an online COVID-19 Resource Center for relevant links "to help guide you through this unique season of ministry."

H/t Canon to the Ordinary Melissa McCarthy
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.
Events
VTS online seminar will explore 'The Church as a Family System'
An online seminar on Saturday, April 25 will explore "The Church as a Family System: An Introduction to Bowen Family Systems Theory," presented by Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary. The Zoom-based seminar will begin at 6 a.m. and conclude at 12 p.m. PDT (9 a.m. - 3 p.m. EDT). Participants will learn about reading emotional processes in families, ministry contexts, congregations, and institutions. They will also explore how to position and manage themselves in the midst of emotional dynamics within their church “family.” This workshop is for anyone desiring an introduction to family systems thinking, and particularly those working in a church context, such as church lay professionals and volunteers. The Rev. Allison St. Louis, clinical psychologist, spiritual director, and Episcopal priest, will offer this one-day training. She joined the VTS faculty in March 2010 and currently serves as an adjunct. She holds doctor of philosophy, master of science, and bachelor of science degrees from Howard University and a master of divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. Cost is $75 per person. More information is here, or contact lifelonglearning@vts.edu or call 703.461.1885.
The Gathering will address 'Being Asian-American during Age of Coronavirus' in online conversation

Bishop Diane Jardine Bruce invites the diocesan community to an online conversation and discussion on the impact of the coronavirus on the Asian American church and communities, titled "Being Asian Americans in the Age of the Coronavirus," on Saturday, April 25, 4 - 6 p.m.

"Our current crisis has widespread and devastating impact that we are still trying to understand," says the event announcement. "This conversation will focus on the Asian communities that have been feeling even more vulnerable as targets of racism. Come join us as we engage our speakers and each other on this topic."

The conversation will feature Russell Jeung, PhD, chair and professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University, who recently helped launch the Stop AAPI Hate Center to track coronavirus discrimination; and Joseph Lee, MD, psychiatrist in the South Bay and educator on Social Emotional Learning.

The event is hosted by The Gathering - a Space for Asian Pacific American Spirituality, a ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles to Asian Pacific Americans. It will feature special music by Dustin Seo, director of musical programs at Street Symphony.

Read more 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
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 is an occasional release for clergy, wardens, church office staff and lay leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Items for inclusion may be forwarded to news@ladiocese.org.