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Wednesday, January 22
Dear companions for the journey,
As I write this note the winds remain relatively calm, although red flag warnings persist. Blessedly, we in this area have not had any new fires in the past week. Sadly, we do continue to learn about the scope and impact of loss to both human life and cherished possessions. To date we believe 72 households of the parish have lost their homes. And, of course, many others are still displaced and working to remediate damages so that they might return to their homes. Please join me in continuing to hold all those impacted by the fires in your prayers.
Now a full two weeks since the initial outbreak, fire response efforts at All Saints have shifted to what Thomas Diaz refers to as a Phase II effort. Whereas Phase I involved a rapid response to an ongoing/emergent crisis, Phase II will focus on the labors—both emotional and physical involved in life after the fires. Practically, here’s what this phase will entail at All Saints.
Pastoral Care and emotional support
Our calling campaign continues (Thanks to all of our callers, and especially Christine Hartman who has been leading this work). With almost all calls completed to those with a 91104 zip code, the next wave of calls will focus on the 91106. Again, let me say to all of you, if your contact number has changed as a result of the fires, please either call or email Thomas so we can register that change in our system.
Six-week support groups have begun. In the interest of creating groups with shared concerns, we are reserving registration for two groups for those who have lost their homes. Those two groups will meet on Mondays at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM. The other two groups will be for anyone who has been impacted by the fires. (We know that the impact includes not simply dislocation but also disconnection, job loss, and so much more.) Below is the schedule of offerings and links to register.
Monday evenings (Facilitator: Claudia Shields) | Jan. 20 - Feb 24, 7:00 - 8:30 PM: register here
Saturday mornings (Facilitator: Vicki Wagner) | Jan. 25 - March 1, 9:30 - 11:00 AM: register here
Sunday afternoons (Facilitator: Elisabeth Eilers) | Jan. 26 - March 2, 2:00 - 3:30 PM: register here
Sunday evenings (Facilitator: Wendy Edwards) | Jan. 26 - March 2, 5:00 - 6:30 PM: register here
Due to a limit of 10 participants per group, we encourage you to register promptly. If a group is full, please use the provided waitlist link so we can include you in future sessions as new groups are formed. Please follow this wait list link here.
In addition to the above, we are narrowing in on comparable offerings for parents and their children. I’ll pass on the specifics as soon as possible. I am grateful to Jonathan Stoner and Rosemary Hyde, who are lending their gifts to this effort.
Understanding that care and support comes in many forms, on Sunday, February 2 at 5:00 PM Amanda Magrum, a meditation practitioner, will lead a “sound bath” experience, including the healing practice of reiki. The service will take place on the chancel. Any and all are invited to attend.
Lastly, All Saints Church invites those impacted by the fires to join us for two special dinners, lovingly organized by parishioner Jane Brust and a dedicated team of volunteers. You and your family are welcome to attend one or both: Sunday, February 2, from 6:00-7:30 PM in Sweetland Hall and Friday, February 21, from 6:00-7:30 PM in Sweetland Hall. Please RSVP here with the number of individuals attending from your household for each date. (Note: We understand that planning ahead may be difficult during this time, but we kindly ask for your RSVP as soon as possible.) These gatherings are intended to provide a space of refuge and connection, and we hope they will be a source of comfort to you and your loved ones.
Donations and Needed Service
Sarah Nolan continues to organize this evolving effort. As we announced last Sunday, the Pepperdine Law Center will be hosting a free legal clinic this Saturday from 1:00-3:00 PM. We expect all of Regas House will be devoted to these conversations. Space is limited to 100 people, so please REGISTER HERE.
Scott Heringer is coordinating our “community process companions” to walk alongside those who are navigating a host of technical challenges. While these companions might not have the necessary technical expertise, their presence will be devoted to providing emotional support as individuals navigate various recovery demands.
Finally, we continue to receive monetary donations. The generosity has been beautiful to behold. Sarah and a small group are creating guidelines so that distribution of the relief funds can happen in a clear, fair, swift, and consistent manner. Stay tuned for more information on this process in the coming days.
Since I wrote last Thursday, I have been reminded repeatedly of All Saints’ power, beauty, faith, and importance—last Sunday’s celebration of MLK Day, one such reminder. Helen Keller, one of my wife’s favorite inspirations once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” These past two weeks have been a testimony to her wisdom. And I trust that whatever may come, together we will continue “to do so much.”
Peace,
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