April 2026
‘Greetings from Deanery 7’
by the Very Rev. Canon Bill Dunn, dean
This is the seventh in a series of Angelus columns offering news about congregations in diocesan deaneries.
We are the Eastern Region of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. It has been my pleasure to serve as dean since 2016. The previous two deans — John Saville and Victoria Hatch — served for more than 20 years, going back to Bishops Bruno and Borsch (as well as Bob Anderson serving as regional bishop) respectively. Deanery 7 President is Kim Ericson of St. George’s in Riverside. There are four parishes, 12 mission congregations, two ministry centers and one retreat center within the deanery.
As I learned on a recent road trip to visit several of our campuses, an ongoing challenge of our deanery is its geographical size. It is 84 miles from our northern-most congregation (St. Paul’s, Barstow) to the southern-most congregation (Grace, Moreno Valley); and 232 miles from our western-most congregation (St. John the Baptist, Corona) to the eastern-most congregation (St. John the Evangelist, Needles). It can be difficult for persons in many of our congregations to attend diocesan or even deanery activities in person.
All that said, a lot of great ministry happens in our part of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Following are some of the highlights:
All Saints, Riverside, is led by the Rev. Canon Kelli Grace Kurtz, rector; the Rev. Andrea Arsene, associate priest, and’ Senior Warden Francie Johnson.
All Saints has also deepened its relationship with siblings at St. Michael’s Outreach Center in Riverside, joining them each Thursday for a grand Food Share, and once a month for Eucharist and a shared meal. They are prayerfully looking at other ways and opportunities to bring the two faith communities together as one in Christ. All Saints shares its buildings and grounds with a nonprofit that provides housing and mentoring for young adults who have aged out of foster care, with a foundation that provides early childhood development opportunities for low income families, the local Quakers community, and an Armenian congregation.
Laundry Love Riverside is robust and well attended each third Wednesday. All Saints hosted Sacred Resistance for the greater community and is active in efforts to bring Sacred Resistance to the Inland Empire. Current big projects include a major organ rehab and emergency resiliency. They are working with the Red Cross to be a site for emergency gatherings and have applied for a grant to make necessary upgrades in order to best serve our neighbors.
St. George’s, Riverside, is led by the Rev. Karri Backer, vicar, and Bishop’s Warden Mary Simons. The congregation has been at the center of bringing Sacred Resistance-related training and other immigrant advocacy activities to the Inland Empire. St. George’s also has developed new ways to be present in the community, including its Pride Ministry, Women’s Advocacy Ministry, Care of Creation Ministry, and Ministry to the Unhoused. With its proximity to the University of California at Riverside, St. George’s continues to pursue an active campus ministry.
St. Michael’s, Riverside, is led by the Rev. Canon Mary Crist. As a ministry center, St. Michael’s is a place where people can get help finding housing, food, sobriety and spiritual support. On Thursdays, St. Michael’s has a service of Holy Eucharist in both Spanish and English.
Canon Crist reports that Fr. Roberto Limatu has been a big help with her Spanish! Their food ministry serves approximately 1,500 meals a month. In addition to her work at St, Michael’s, Canon Crist continues to be Coordinator of Indigenous Theological Education for The Episcopal Church. And, of course, the campus continues be home to St. Michael’s Apartments, a range of 50 one- and two-bedroom apartments designed to help fill the growing need for permanent housing opportunities addressing Riverside’s unhoused population.
St. John the Baptist, Corona, is led the Rev. Patricia Stansfield, rector, and Senior Warden Tracy Mauser. St. John’s participated in a discernment process last year to identify which areas of ministry are most important, so that the congregation could determine what it wants to focus on for the next phase of life together. Four ministries were identified including: 1.) Being a community that is welcoming to all; 2.) Ministry to children and families; 3.) Connecting with our community and wider world; 4.) Being a voice for justice.
St. John’s has engaged these ministry areas with focus and intention, and they are gaining traction. In the late fall, the congregation received an Innovation Grant through the Immersed in Worship initiative to develop intergenerational worship at St. John’s. It will enable them to introduce a soft-space for their youngest disciples to engage with worship.
They launched a peace vigil on the street corner in front of the church where congregants gather every Sunday evening with signs and songs, a sign of peace to our world. St. John’s has been finding ways to connect with the community participating in the Relay for Life and with Stater Brothers in the area to see if the congregation can help distribute food to those in need. They have been blessed by a growing relationship with the YMCA who is running programs from the St. John’s campus and supporting its ministry through rent, and St. John’s continues to share its campus with St. Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox Church while they build a church of their own. St. John’s has become a lively hub in Corona where friends and faith meet!
Grace, Moreno Valley, has a new priest-in-charge, the Rev. Clarke Prescott, who joins Bishop’s Warden Valerie Maxwell. The congregation is now worshipping in person weekly; is raising up new servers in Sunday worship; has sponsored a campus workday, and has a full slate of Holy Week/Easter services scheduled.
St. Stephen’s, Beaumont, is led by Deanery Curate Margaret Stivers and Bishop’s Warden Jerry Walker. Having just completed a major renovation of its kitchen and fellowship hall, St. Stephen’s will be actively investigating more ways to get involved in the neighborhood surrounding the church and in the community. A signature outreach project is the Christmas Tree Festival, which has raised more than $200,000 for food ministries in the San Gorgonio Pass since it began in 2006. St. Stephen’s also provides weekend food bags for students at a local elementary school. The congregation is planning a neighborhood appreciation day as well as inviting people from local charities to share their work. As Deanery Curate, Rev. Stivers has also led worship at St. Alban’s Yucaipa, facilitates a weekly Bible study at St. Richard’s Lake Arrowhead, and ministers in other congregations throughout Deanery 7.
St. Alban’s, Yucaipa, is led by is led by Bishop’s Warden Barry Watkins, with regular Sunday supply help from the Rev. Birbal Haldar and Wayne Larson, as well as Margaret Stivers for special services such as Ash Wednesday, and occasional help from the Rev. Pete Wright. They continue to have an in-person service of Morning Prayer on Tuesdays and a service of healing on Thursdays. St. Alban’s also has daily services of Morning Prayer on You Tube led by Mark Milliron.
St. John the Evangelist, Needles, is led by the Rev. Steve Paterson, priest-in-charge, and Bishop’s Warden Dave Bartlow. St. John’s has taken the lead in attempting to bring the Colorado River Episcopal Churches closer together. There are four congregations representing three dioceses. In all cases these churches are the farthest away from their Diocesan office. There is some feeling of loneliness from time to time. They have started the Colorado River Coalition of Episcopal Churches. The coalition has committed to gather at least once a quarter to discuss common problems and utilize suggested solutions. Last summer they met in the Hualapai Mountains, sharing a meal and celebrating the Eucharist outdoors. It was a pleasant time in the cool mountains. They are in the process of working toward a meeting shortly after Easter.
St. Martin’s in the Fields, Twentynine Palms, is led by Bishop’s Warden Frances Cain. Though the Rev. Peg Ventris is no longer priest in charge, she still presides at services of Holy Eucharist, alternating with lay-led Morning Prayer. Their labyrinth is wheelchair and walker accessible, open at all times, and soon to include sculptures by local artist Simmi Dabba. Desert trees around the labyrinth are beginning to provide birds and bunny shade, but not yet people. The side porch has shade and seats, and the resting garden keeps dog visitors in shade and safety during services. They sing and pray and laugh and weep together as Children of God in desert love.
St. Joseph of Arimathea, Yucca Valley, is led by Bishop’s Warden Joanne Sayers, with a regular rotation of priests at Sunday services—including the Revs. Adam McCoy, Kathleen Kelly, David Burgdorf, and David Caffrey. The congregation continues to use Mutual Ministry, with meetings every 3rd Friday. They have done significant work on the beautiful worship space and fellowship hall.
When going through Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms, one must stop at Desert Journeys, a retreat center in Joshua Tree owned and operated by the Rev. David Caffrey that has been offered to the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Many Deanery 7 groups and individuals have found rest and renewal at Desert Journeys through the years.
St. Richard of Chichester, Lake Arrowhead, is led by Bishop’s Warden Ron Parker with the Rev. Canon Gary Bradley as their regular supply priest. St. Richard’s was founded by Bishop Rusack in 1980 to serve the Lake Arrowhead area, with a vision to also serve the diocese as a sort of mini-retreat center. Today this lovely place is offered to Episcopal parishes for one-day retreats at no charge.
In 2016, the congregation’s outreach committee determined that St. Richard’s was called by God to serve the larger mountain area by the foundation of a separate 501c3 called the Mountain Homeless Coalition, becoming part of the San Bernardino County network of homeless services. Last year, MHC accomplished the following:
* Permanently housed 25 families at a cost of $49,000 for 1st/last month rent/deposits.
* Kept 19 families from being evicted by paying back-due rent: $38,700.
* Temporarily housed Homeless people for nearly 700 nights: $54,300.
* Other: utility payments, bus tokens, gasoline, school supplies for at-risk students, tents and sleeping bags, etc.
* Homeless prevention services & Information via the MHC Helpline.
St. Columba’s Spirit of Peace, Big Bear, is led by the Rev. Stuart Swann, vicar, and Bishop’s Warden Martha Estes. Since Easter 2021, St. Columba’s has had a shared ministry with an ELCA congregation, including worship and Bible studies; and has made numerous improvements to its physical plant such as a new sanctuary and kitchen, refurbished parish hall and upgraded parking lot. Sr. Columba’s is home to several recovery groups and provides food at holidays and other times of need.
St. Paul’s/Shepherd of the Desert, Barstow, is led by Bishop’s Warden Susan Shrum. This is a self-described “Lutherpalian Community” that despite not having a vicar, priest in charge, or regular supply clergy, continues to worship and serve the Barstow area in a variety of ways. They are looking forward to celebrating Easter with a sunrise service.
St. Timothy’s, Apple Valley, is led by Bishop’s Warden Jeanne Bryson, with the Revs. John Saville, Pete Wright, Paul Colbert and Jonathan Smith providing Sunday supply coverage. St. Timothy’s has been making major improvements to its physical plant and welcoming a new school on its campus. They open a large food pantry on Fridays and continue to have Laundry Love with St. Hilary’s Hesperia. St. Timothy’s is also forming a Transition Team to begin the process that ultimately will lead the congregation to call a new rector.
St. Hilary’s, Hesperia, is led by Bishop’s Warden Mario Novoa, with supply help from the Revs. Fairbairn Powers and Bob Honeychurch, as well as lay persons who are helping to lead worship. The congregation has been looking strategically at building improvement needs and is returning to having two Sunday services (8 and 10am). The congregation continues to have Bible study and other activities to foster spiritual growth; monthly brunches, its annual Pride Festival, Trunk or Treat, and other fellowship opportunities. St. Hilary’s also has Day Worker lunches on alternating Saturdays and continues to co-sponsor Laundry Love with St. Timothy’s, Apple Valley.
St. John’s, San Bernardino, is led by the Rev. Canon Linda Pederson, deacon, and her spouse, Dennis. Though small in number, St. John’s continues to have a food ministry that serves 120-140 persons each week. The congregation also houses several 12-step groups. Due to their small numbers, St. John’s congregants have been worshipping twice a month with their neighbors at St. Francis. Canon Linda reports that one special addition to the food variety is fresh green produce and fruits and vegetables from the garden at St. Francis — about 10-12 large crates picked on Tuesdays and brought over to St. John’s parish hall early Wednesday.
St. Francis, San Bernardino, is led by the Rev. John Forney and Center Administrator Faith Bryant. The ministry center has an ongoing vision of helping people battling opioid and related addictions through the creation of an in-patient recovery center called House of Hope-San Bernardino, In addition to providing worship opportunities, St. Francis reaches out to the community in creative ways, including a vegetable garden staffed in part by volunteers from nearby Aquinas High School. The St. Francis Garden of Hope currently has more than 60 vegetable beds under cultivation and nearly 50 trees in its orchard. These help supply nutritious vegetables and fruit for the St. John’s Food Bank which feeds approximately 475 person each week.
Trinity, Redlands, is led by the Very Rev. Canon Bill Dunn and Senior Warden Melanie Hanson. Assisting clergy are the Revs. Pete Wright and Birbal Haldar. Trinity is also home to a vibrant Bengali congregation under Fr. Haldar’s leadership. The congregation has a variety of worship, education, and outreach opportunities.
On Friday, March 27, Trinity said goodbye to The Rev. Canon Lou Hemmers, its rector from 1981-2001, who with spouse Joan continued to live in Redlands and worship in the community. The congregation continues to be blessed by its St. Dunstan’s Choir under the direction of Canon Jeffrey Rickard, who has served Trinity for more than 50 years. Canon Rickard also directs the Ensemble XXI group that has monthly services of Evensong. Trinity Camp 2026 will be June 14-20 at YMCA Camp Big Bear for children who have completed 2nd grade through 9th grade. Camperships are available that cover all or part of the cost of camp for those with financial burdens. Contact trinitycampforever@gmail.com for more information. Trinity looks forward to its Pride celebration in June.
— The Very Rev. Canon Bill Dunn is rector of Trinity, Redlands and dean of Deanery 7.
Gifts invited to new NYA scholarship fund honoring Bishop Taylor
The Neighborhood Youth Association, a diocesan institution specializing in 100% college placement of under-resourced students, invites financial contributions to its new Bishop John Harvey Taylor Scholarship Fund, established to express appreciation for his leadership and to mark his upcoming retirement later this year.
NYA clergy trustees Susan Anderson-Smith, Jennifer Wagner Pavia, and Joseph Oloimooja plan to share scholarship information at the upcoming Clergy Conference in Riverside.
Gifts may be made online here, or checks — payable to Neighborhood Youth Association (spelled out) — may be sent by postal mail to NYA’s main office at 3590 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066.
“We are deeply grateful to Bishop Taylor for his tireless and strategic support,” NYA’s board of trustees said in a statement announcing the scholarship. “His leadership in chairing NYA’s board has anchored the agency with wise guidance and new opportunities, including his securing a $1.2 million endowment restricted for program. Through the new scholarship, we look forward to furthering Bishop Taylor’s dedication to NYA’s students and families, and we welcome contributions to build a strong fund that can grow to serve students for years to come.”
The initial award will be presented June 6 at NYA’s 43rd Annual Scholarship Celebration, set for St. Bede’s Episcopal Church in L.A.’s Mar Vista district. Reservation information will be posted in coming weeks.
Photo: Bishop John Harvey Taylor joins NYA college student Heidi Soriano — a mechanical engineering major at Cal-State Long Beach — for a “selfie” photo during a recent scholarship celebration. NYA photo by Penny Jennings
Register now for May 4-6 Spring Clergy Conference:
“Love in the Time of Rampant Injustice: Sacre
d Resistance & Renewing Christian Community in the Way of Jesus”
Drawing on his academic research on community-based ecclesiologies and personal organizing and ministry experience, Francisco will share a vision for an expansive notion of Sacred Resistance as a centerpiece for what it means to walk in the way of Jesus in times of fearmongering, uncertainty, state-sanctioned violence, and abuse of power.
Click here to register.
As a reminder, attendance at this event is expected of all active clergy in the diocese.
Click here to reserve your room at the Mission Inn. (The contracted rate for a hotel room is increasing to $199/night, however the registration fee will remain the same.)
The Rev. Dr. Francisco García is an Episcopal priest, organizer, and theologian. He works as a Campaign Director with Bargaining for the Common Good at the Action Center on Race and the Economy, and teaches as an adjunct instructor at Church Divinity School of the Pacific. He co-founded and co-chairs Sacred Resistance, a social justice ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles that organizes and mobilizes people of faith and conscience to offer tangible forms of solidarity with immigrants, refugees, and other communities experiencing oppression. Rev. García’s work is rooted in the philosophy and practice of nonviolent direct action and prioritizes community, labor, congregational, and interfaith organizing efforts seeking systemic change.
Conferencia del Clero 2026
4 – 6 del mayo | Mission Inn, Riverside
“Amor en tiempos de injusticia desenfrenada: resistencia sagrada y la renovación de la comunidad cristiana en el camino de Jesús”
El Rev. Dr. Francisco García (¡y amigos!)
“Basándose en su investigación académica sobre eclesiologías comunitarias y en su experiencia personal en organización y ministerio, Francisco compartirá una visión amplia de la Resistencia Sagrada como elemento central de lo que significa caminar en el camino de Jesús en tiempos de miedo, incertidumbre, violencia avalada por el Estado y abuso de poder.
Esta NO será una conferencia o presentación tradicional, sino que incluirá una serie de módulos con mini charlas y elementos participativos que permitirán la participación individual, en grupos pequeños y en grupo grande, integrando reflexión teológica, prácticas espirituales y herramientas prácticas para el ministerio. Francisco también invitará a un equipo de líderes religiosos activos en la Resistencia Sagrada para colaborar en la facilitación de actividades y conversaciones.”
Haga clic aquí para registrarse.
Como recordatorio, se espera la asistencia a este evento de todos los clérigos activos en la diócesis.
Haga clic aquí para reservar su habitación en el Mission Inn. (La tarifa contratada para habitaciones de hotel ha aumentado y será de $199/noche, sin embargo la cuota de inscripción seguirá siendo la misma.)
El Rev. Dr. Francisco García es un sacerdote episcopal, organizador y teólogo. Se desempeña como Director de Campañas con Bargaining for the Common Good en el Action Center on Race and the Economy, y enseña como profesor adjunto en la Church Divinity School of the Pacific. Es cofundador y copresidente de Sacred Resistance, un ministerio de justicia social de la Diócesis Episcopal de Los Ángeles que organiza y moviliza a personas de fe y conciencia para ofrecer formas concretas de solidaridad con inmigrantes, refugiados y otras comunidades que enfrentan opresión. El trabajo del Rev. García está arraigado en la filosofía y práctica de la acción directa no violenta, y prioriza los esfuerzos de organización comunitaria, laboral, congregacional e interreligiosa que buscan un cambio sistémico. Antes de sus funciones actuales, Francisco se desempeñó como Rector de la Iglesia Episcopal Holy Faith en Inglewood, y como Director de Paz y Justicia y sacerdote asociado en la Iglesia Episcopal All Saints en Pasadena
New ‘Vocation Hub’ platform is replacing OTM Profile; action required ASAP
A message to clergy from the Rev. Canon Thomas Quijada-Discavage in the diocesan Office of Formation and Transition Ministry
Greetings to all,
For the past year, the staff of The Episcopal Church Center has been developing a platform for transition ministry to better serve your needs. We are pleased to announce that we have completed that process and our new platform — the Vocation Hub — will be replacing the OTM Portfolio.
This week, OTM users will receive a PDF of their individual profiles. These PDFs will be sent to anyone who has updated their OTM profile in the past seven years, and whose profile contains an active email address.
You may also visit the OTM Portfolio and export a PDF of your individual profile. If you do not remember your login or have trouble logging into your account, please email Craig Dressler, ministry network specialist. The OTM Portfolio cannot respond to support requests. You may also email Craig and ask him to export and send your PDF.
The last day to access the OTM Portfolio is March 12 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). Between now and March 12, you are encouraged to update your profile before then to support a successful transfer of information to Vocation Hub.
Churchwide login invitations for authorized users will be sent the week of March 16. At that time, you will be able to see all community position profiles that have been published by the diocesan transition ministers. You will also be able to make edits and additions and publish your personal profile for viewing by diocesan transition ministers.
This new system will feature greater security through a passkey system and is designed to reflect the full range of vocations in the church.
Any questions, please let me know (email: tdiscavage@ladiocese.org) and I will do my best to answer them.
Angelus Links
Clergy: Office of Formation and Transitions Ministry
The next issue of Angelus will be electronically transmitted and published in May 2026.
Please email news and connections items to Angelus editor, the Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, at: revpatmccaughan@aol.com by April 22.
Angelus is a joint project of the Office of Clergy Formation and Transition Ministry and the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Los Angeles.
213.482.2040, ext. 251
The Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, editor
revpatmccaughan@aol.com
949.892.0525
Reminders
TENS: The Episcopal Network for Stewardship
The Diocese of Los Angeles has renewed its membership in TENS: the Episcopal Network for Stewardship, which offers stewardship resources, teaching and training opportunities.
The diocese’s membership provides access to TENS materials for all its congregations. To log on, visit the website, select “Annual Pledge Campaign” from the navigation bar and “Tell Out My Soul” from the dropdown menu. The password for 2025 is Luke1:46. (Note: the password is case sensitive and there are no spaces. No user name is required.) Materials are available in English and Spanish and in MS Word and PDF versions.
The campaign theme is “Tell out My Soul,” a celebration and proclamation of the Good News. “The Good News that fills our spirits with joy is about the radical abundance, abiding love, and healing power that Jesus shares with us when we respond to his call to follow him. All of the gifts that we have been given are ready to burst forth to serve our neighbors and share our love with a world in need.”
Grants available for deacons in financial need
The Fund for the Diaconate provides vital financial assistance for deacons and those in diaconal formation who have insufficient funds for their needs. Most deacons in The Episcopal Church serve as non-stipendiary ministry leaders, and lack church pensions to draw upon in times of crisis. Grants are available for ongoing support, declared emergencies, medical expenses, and diaconal formation. Applications are accepted at any time. More information is here.
URGENT CALL: Update Clergy Supply List with Office of Formation and Transition Ministry
We are in great need of more assistance with Sunday supply and interim positions. If you are available to assist with supply, long term supply, transition ministry, etc., please email Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org to make sure you are on our list. Please consider helping us out!
EDLA-Sanctuary-Sign-1EDLA-Sanctuary-Sign-1
Sacred Resistance signage now available in English, Spanish
In response to the escalation of ICE raids across Southern California, the Sacred Resistance Task Force, an immigration justice ministry of the diocese, has created a sign which can be posted at churches as a resource for congregations throughout the Diocese of Los Angeles. Download here. Download in Spanish here.
“Within our a sanctuary diocese, this sign serves as a notice to any agency/agent engaging in immigration enforcement that due process must be followed in and around our church grounds,” said the Rev. Dr. Francisco Garcia, one of the members of the Sacred Resistance Steering Committee. “It is literally an outward and visible sign that we are guided simultaneously by our constitutional rights and by our baptismal covenant – and that both require of us to respect the human dignity of all persons, regardless of citizenship status or any other perceived status of difference.”
More information on the Sacred Resistance Task Force can be found on its website or by contacting diocesan staff liaison the Rev. Canon Susan Russell at srussell@ladiocese.org.
Episcopal Church Immigration Action Toolkit Available
The Episcopal Church has released an Immigration Action Toolkit, offering ways to help as well as resources for individuals, congregations, and dioceses. The toolkit is available here.
Requiescant
The Rev. Canon Paul Edwards
A celebration of the life of the Rev. Canon Paul D. Edwards is set for 11 a.m., Saturday, April 11 at Emmanuel Church, 1145 W. Valencia Mesa Drive, Fullerton, where he served as rector from 1963 to 1994. He died peacefully March 18 at age 93.
Survivors include his three sons – George, John Paul (Lisa), and Robert (Michelle), rector of St. Margaret’s, San Juan Capistrano – nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Edwards was predeceased by his wife, Anita, in 2022.
Bishop John Harvey Taylor will officiate. Attendees are asked to consider carpools and ridesharing as parking is limited.
The Rev. Dr. Beverly Factor
Plans for a memorial service for the Rev. Dr. Beverly Factor, who served as interim priest in three congregations of the Diocese of Los Angeles from 1998 to 2002, are pending.
She died Feb. 7 in Pasadena after a long illness. She was 86 and had previously served churches in Missouri and Ohio. Survivors include Factor’s husband, Dr. Joe Elterman.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1993 in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, Factor held a doctorate of ministry in congregational development from Seabury Western Theological Seminary, and a master of divinity degree from the General Theological Seminary in New York.
Factor’s expertise in interim ministry included supporting congregations – including St. Patrick’s, Thousand Oaks; St. Peter’s, Santa Maria; and St. Mary’s, Lompoc – through future-call processes. In 2001-2002 she also served the Diocese of Los Angeles as sexual misconduct officer.
Factor was a chaplain with Episcopal Community Services from 2012 to 2014, and as new church-plant officer in the Diocese of Springfield, Ill. Also experienced in performing arts, Factor was an actor with the Monroe Actors Stage Company from 2002 to 2011.
The Rev. Canon Louis E. Hemmers – rector emeritus of Trinity Church in Redlands – died March 11 at age 93, “peacefully surrounded by the love of his family,” a parish obituary notes. “He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, priest, and community leader. A man of deep faith, warm humor, and generous spirit,” he “lived a life devoted to service — to God, to the church, and to the communities he loved.”
Survivors include his loving wife of more than 67 years, Joan; his children Margaret (Megg) Giufurta and her husband Chaz of Richmond, Va.; Kathleen Liess and her husband, Tobias, of Redlands, Calif.; his daughter-in-law Lysandra Jones-Hemmers of Prescott, Ariz.; and his cherished grandchildren Alison Gomon-Bowling, John Gomon,and Makenna Liess. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Hemmers.
A funeral service celebrating Hemmers’s life was held on Friday, March 27. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 419 S. 4th St., Redlands, Calif. 92373, where Hemmers served as rector from 1981 to 2002.
The Rev. Karen Brenna MacQueen
The Rev. Karen Brenna MacQueen – an Episcopal priest, registered nurse clinician, and spiritual director with extensive experience in Indian religion and philosophy – died Feb. 10 at age 80 after an extended illness. She is survived by a niece, friends, and colleagues in interfaith ministries. At her request, no services are planned.
MacQueen, who also identified as a member of the Nayaswami order, was active with The Guibord Center: Religion Inside Out, leading online presentations on topics including “Spiritual Tools for Centering and Grounding,” “Dual Belonging,” and “What Does It Mean to Hold Fierce Compassion in a Fractured World.” An LBGTQ+ advocate, MacQueen also spoke on topics of intersex identity and experience.
She collaborated with the late Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord on interfaith programs, including a liturgy that combined both Hindu and Christian faith expressions.
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The Rev. Jeff Wilhelm
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The Rev. Joseph “Jeff” Franklin Wilhelm – a former rector of St. Andrew’s, Ojai, and previously St. Stephen’s, Beaumont — died Feb. 25 in a fatal automobile accident. He was 79 and a resident of South Haven, Michigan.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Barbara, who is recovering from injuries sustained in the accident; daughters Katie (Andre Van Schalkwyk) Wilhelm and Nell (Peter) Walker; and his cherished grandchildren Lila Walker, Maggie Walker, Max Walker, Sam Wilhelm-Van Schalkwyk, and Tillie Wilhelm-Van Schalkwyk. He is also survived by his sister, Pamela Stewart; niece Molly (James) Murray; and nephew Nick (Sarah) Stewart.
A memorial service was held March 7 at 3 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of The Epiphany, 410 Erie St. South Haven, Michigan 49090, with the Rev. John Wakefield officiating.
Before being ordained in the Diocese of Los Angeles in 2005, Wilhelm was a television and screen writer with credits including M*A*S*H, The Bob Newhart Show, Hunter, and Eight Is Enough. Previously he was vice president at Grey Advertising in Los Angeles.
Connections
ANDREW BARNETT will begin serving as rector of All Saints, Beverly Hills on June 28. He had served as the senior associate rector of All Saints, Atlanta, since 2019. He has roots in the L.A. diocese, having served at Campbell Hall and as the Bishop’s Chair for Environmental Studies. He is the founding director of the Theodicy Jazz Collective and has served as associate for music and worship at the Washington National Cathedral (2016-2019).
GREG BROWN will be installed as rector of Holy Nativity Parish in Westchester at 10AM, Saturday, May 30, by Bishop John Harvey Taylor. The diocesan community is invited to attend. Holy Nativity is located at 6700 W. 83rd Street, Westchester.
JON FEUSS has been named by Bishop-elect Antonio J. Gallardo L. to serve as diocesan canon to the ordinary and chief of staff beginning July 11. He has been serving as associate rector of St. James’ in-the-City, L.A.
NORMA GUERRA began her new position as priest associate and emergent rector at St. Paul’s Church in Tustin on March 1. She had served since 2020 as diocesan associate for formation and transition.
GREG KIMURA will be consecrated and seated as the 6th Bishop of the Fresno-based Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin by Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on April 18, 2026.
CLARKE PRESCOTT has begun serving as long-term supply at Grace, Moreno Valley.
HART ROUSSEL will begin serving as priest in charge under special circumstances at Emmanuel, Fullerton, on May 17.
ANDREW RUTLEDGE will be installed as rector of St. Mark’s, Los Olivos, at 10AM, Saturday, March 7, by Bishop John Harvey Taylor. The diocesan community is invited to attend. St. Mark’s is located at 2901 Nojoqui, Los Olivos.
JOHN WATSON began serving as interim diocesan canon on March 1 and will continue in that role until the consecration of Bishop-elect Antonio J. Gallardo L. on July 11. He is currently priest-in-charge of two L.A. city congregations — St. Athanasis and Epiphany — and coordinator of the diocesan “Requiem or Renaissance” program which supports missions and parishes in transition.
Request to Clergy
April 2026
With over 40 congregations in some stage of transition and other clergy trying to take some much-needed time off, please consider helping us out!! We are in great need of more assistance with Sunday Supply and Interim positions. If you are available to assist with supply, long term supply, transition help, etc. please email Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org to make sure you are on our list.
Congregational Openings
April 2026
Clergy are encouraged to request that their name be placed on an “interest list” if they would like to be considered for:
a) positions, regardless of the progress of the congregation in determining their process, or their readiness to receive names;
b) placement by the bishop in mission congregations or where an appointment is otherwise applicable.
Contact the Rev. Canon Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org or via phone at: 213.482.2040.
Open positions:
ACTIVE (Rectors)
Receiving names/Soon to post
South Pasadena, St. James’ Church, Rector, full-time.
St. James seeks a full-time rector, our tenth in the last 120 years. We especially hope for a rector who will recognize and embrace our strengths and lead us wisely in areas where we need to grow. A strong knowledge of music is beneficial. Our parish profile may be viewed here.
Interested candidates should submit: Letter of Introduction/Interest. Current CV/Resume, Updated OTM, and digital photo to: tdiscavage@ladiocese.org
Lancaster Joint Call: Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal & Pastor, St. Stephen’s Lutheran, full-time.
We look forward to beginning a new chapter with the right candidate. Our parish profile may be viewed here.
Those wishing to apply should email the Rev. Canon Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org including a letter of interest/introduction and current CV/Resume as well as following the instructions on the MSP to contact Pastor Julia Morales at julia@socalsynod.org. Any questions, please call Tom at 213-482-2040, ext. 220.
Santa Paula, Joint Call, St. Paul’s Episcopal / Emmanuel Lutheran Church, part-time.
St. Paul’s/Emmanuel is looking for their next clergy leadership. We celebrate blended worship honoring and reflecting both traditions. Our stated mission is to be a House of Prayer for All People. we are open to receive and meet people where they are. Our profile may be viewed here.
Those wishing to apply should email the Rev. Canon Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org including a letter of interest/introduction and current CV/resume, and follow the instructions on the MSP to contact Pastor Julia Morales at julia@socalsynod.org. Any questions, please contact Tom at 213-482-2040, ext. 220.
ACTIVE (Vicars)
Soon to Post:
Receiving names/Soon to post
* Prince of Peace, Woodland Hills, Rector, full-time.
ACTIVE (Associate/Curate/Other Positions)
LOS ANGELES, St. James’ Episcopal School / Chaplain, part-time St. St. James’ Episcopal School is seeking a part-time chaplain beginning Aug. 2026. This is a ten-month, non-exempt position requiring weekday availabilty. Responsibilities include teaching K-6 religion clases; sharing responsibilities with the Head of School and St. James’ rector; coordinating and planning and preaching at weekly chapel and assembly schedule. Successful applicant must be an ordained Episcopal priest. Competitive salary and benefits package; interested candidates may email a cover letter and resume to careers@sjsla.org with the subject line “School Chaplain”. Pay range: $35-60/hour based on experience.
IRVINE, St. Andrew’s / Assistant Priest, half-time
- St. Andrew’s is seeking a half-time priest with strong preaching, interpersonal, and collaborative skills. The ability to welcome new and diverse persons and to communicate with young people is essential. This person would assist with preaching, Christian formation, and would partner with our rector in supporting the ministries of our congregation.
- For more info, visit website:https://standrewsirvine.org, Facebook link
- Please send cover letter/questions/resume toPeter@standrewsirvine.org
OXNARD, All Saints’ ~ Todos los Santos / Associate Priest for Children’s and Youth Ministry (part time)
- Please be in direct contact with The Rev. Melissa Campbell-Langdell, Rector with any questions and paperwork if interested – revmelissalangdell@gmail.com
- This person should be ordained or about to be ordained as a priest, conversant in Spanish and English and ready to learn and support our children’s, youth and family ministries. Flexible scheduling is available.
- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MFjXuOdF63HKuC-Y7TO2dBoCGrX_-UUR/view?usp=sharing
OPEN
Receiving names/developing profile
Apple Valley, St. Timothy’s Parish–possible shared ministry with Hesperia. Full-time Rector/Vicar.
Fullerton, St. Andrew’s Parish – Full-time Rector
Granada Hills, St. Andrew and Charles Parish – part-time Rector
Hesperia, St. Hilary’s – Part-time Vicar
Laguna Beach, St. Mary’s – Part-time Rector
Lancaster, St. Paul’s Parish Long Beach / Joint call with St. Stepehen’s Lutheran, Full-time Rector/Pastor
Long Beach, St. Thomas of Canterbury, Part-time Vicar
Los Angeles, St. John’s Cathedral – Full-time Dean
Ojai, St. Andrew’s Parish – Part-time Rector
Pasadena, Church of the Angels – Bishop’s Chapel – Full-time Vicar/Rector
Woodland Hills, Prince of Peace – Full-time Rector
OPEN
No longer receiving names/Interviewing candidate
MISSION & OTHER POSITION APPOINTMENTS
Mission congregation positions, some of them part time, for which the Formation and Transition Ministry office is presently receiving names for the bishop’s consideration.
Barstow, St. Paul’s Mission and Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran
Big Bear, St. Columba / Spirit of Peace Mission
Gardena, Holy Communion Mission
Lake Arrowhead, St. Richard of Chichester Mission
La Verne, St. John’s Mission
Moreno Valley, Grace Mission
Needles, St. John’s Mission
Norwalk, St. Francis Mission
Rialto, St. Peter’s Mission
Simi Valley, St. Francis Mission
Wilmington, St. John’s / Holy Child (PIC) Mission
Yucca Valley, St. Joseph of Arimathea Mission
NON-ACTIVE
Parish congregations that will at some point be searching for clergy leadership, but are now working with supply clergy, a long-term interim or priest in charge:
Arcadia, Church of the Transfiguration Parish
Downey, St. Mark’s Parish
Garden Grove, St. Anselm
Long Beach, St. Luke’s Parish
Los Angeles, Christ the Good Shepherd Parish
Los Angeles, Melrose, Trinity Parish
Los Angeles, St. Philip’s Parish
Monterey Park, St. Gabriel’s Parish
Ojai, St. Andrew’s Parish
Ontario, Christ Church
Pasadena, All Saints Parish
Pasadena, St. Barnabas Parish
Pomona, St. Paul’s Parish
San Fernando, St. Simon’s Parish
Santa Maria, St. Peter’s Parish
South Gate, St. Margaret’s Parish
Van Nuys, St. Mark’s Parish
OTHER OPENINGS
WITHIN THE DIOCESE
OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE
Texas, Missioner for Congregational Vitality, full-time. Apply by May 1.
The Missioner for Congregational Vitality helps congregations grow by supporting clergy and lay leaders, guiding churches through conflict, strengthening local leadership, and supporting diocesan strategies for sustainabile vitality. This role requires a priest with strong emotional intelligence, solid mediation and governance skills, reliable administrative habits, and a passion fo rhelping congregations grow in health and clarity. Apply by May 1 with cover letter, resume, and three references to Zee Turnbull at zturnbull@epicenter.org. For more info about the position, visit here.
New Hampshire, Diocesan Bishop.
The Diocese of New Hampshire seeks its 11th diocesan bishop. The full profile, position description, and application materials are available online. Applications are due by noon on Monday, May 11.
https://heyzine.com/flip-book/98de49320c.html?wmode=opaque#page/42
A list of postings from the wider Episcopal Church is here.