September 2025
Melissa Campbell-Langdell
Melissa Campbell-Langdell
Greetings from ‘El Norte’
by the Very Rev. Melissa Campbell-Langdell
Greetings from the North! First of all, my heart goes out to all who have recently been affected by the immigration raids- you and those in Deanery One who are affected are in my prayers.
Secondly, a bit about our deanery. Deanery One goes all the way up to Santa Maria and down to Simi Valley and Oak Park, making it geographically expansive, spanning two whole counties. You might think we don’t see each other much due to that distance, but you would be surprised. Perhaps it is a result of our distance from the diocesan center, but we get together regularly.
Traditionally, those gatherings would have been limited to once or twice annual Deanery-wide meetings to prepare a budget, receive updates, and elect officials, as well as to prepare for Diocesan Convention, alongside regular Clericus gatherings for the local clergy.
While we have kept that pattern, inspired by my previous co-dean and our Deanery Executive Committee, we have striven to provide opportunities that include the whole deanery and those of various ages in recent years. For example, we have begun deanery grants to share some of the wealth amassed during the pandemic shutdown when expenses were minimal.
We still support the St. Michael’s, Isla Vista ministry to UCSB students and community members, but have also supported other endeavors, such as a local ministry to a special-needs population led by a local deacon in Thousand Oaks and St. Paul’s Ventura’s choir “bucket-list” trip to sing in Assisi and other parts of Italy.
In addition, we have planned activities to engage our deanery. St. Paul’s Ventura parishioner Dan Wakelee has kindly led us on two excursions to the Channel Islands, stopping on Santa Cruz Island and learning about the island’s history and geology/biology. In addition, St. Columba’s, Camarillo, hosted our inaugural Children’s and Family Day, which focused on remembering our baptism in July. Kids, clergy, and lay leaders from at least four parishes participated, making a successful beginning. We hope to hold another such gathering in the Santa Barbara area during Lent next year.
We have tried to be good neighbors, collaborating with Deanery Three to host a Clericus meeting in Malibu to send love to those who have been through so much this year. Due to road closures, fewer of our more affected clergy could participate, so I hope to try again, perhaps in the new year.
One clergy person said the Spirituality in Nature trip to Santa Cruz Island was the greatest tangible benefit he has ever received from his deanery. But we have learned that gathering in this way has provided innumerable benefits to us all.
It takes extra effort to gather together, in addition to the busy lives of each of our parishes. Still, it is worth working together to build a culture of collaboration between our parishes. This is needed as parishes hit budget or human resource gaps and must be more creative in pooling resources with the diocese and other local parishes.
Yours in Christ,
Melissa Campbell-Langdell
–The Very Rev. Melissa Campbell-Langdell is rector of All Saints Todos Los Santos Church in Oxnard, and Deanery One Dean.
This is the first in a series of ongoing Angelus columns a message about what’s going on throughout Los Angeles Deaneries.
Angelus Links
Clergy: Office of Formation and Transitions Ministry
The next issue of Angelus will be electronically transmitted and published in September 2025.
Please email news and connections items to Angelus editor, the Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, at: revpatmccaughan@aol.com by August 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 George F. Woodward
June 24, 1955 – Aug. 24, 2025
Requiem Eucharist was held Aug. 29, for the Rev. Canon George F. Woodward, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where he had been serving as rector since 2018. The former rector of St. Edmund’s, San Marino, in the Los Angeles diocese, was killed instantly in an auto accident while traveling from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende. He was 70 and had planned to retire in November.
Survivors include his sister, Stacy Woodward.
John Shiner, Chancellor Emeritus
September 8, 1943 – Aug. 2, 2025
Diocesan Chancellor Emeritus John R. Shiner died Aug. 2 at the age of 81. Shiner was the lead attorney representing the diocese in a landmark decision by the California Supreme Court, holding that local parish congregations may choose to leave The Episcopal Church but cannot take the church property with them because that property is held in trust for the denomination.
He had served as chancellor from 2005 to 2014 when then-Bishop Jon Bruno named him chancellor emeritus. Bruno also named Shiner in 2005. He had remained active in church affairs, including at the Parish of St. Matthew’s, Pacific Palisades, where he resided.
Survivors include his daughter, Hilary Brooke Janneck (Brian) and grandchildren.
Connections
ANDREA ARSENE has begun serving as Priest Associate at All Saints, Riverside.
GREG KIMURA is one of four candidates on the bishop slate for the Fresno-based Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin’s search for a sixth bishop. He currently serves as rector of St. James, South Pasadena.
PHILLIP LIENAU is serving as associate priest at St. Paul’s, Tustin.
JOSEPH OLOIMOOJA will be installed as the 9th rector of Holy Faith, Inglewood, at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 11. The diocesan community is invited to attend. Clergy: red stoles.
ANDREW RUTLEDGE will begin serving as rector of St. Mark’s, Los Olivos, in October.
MARY TOROREIY will be installed as rector of St. Mary’s, Lompoc, at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. The diocescan community is invited to attend. Clergy: red stoles.
JESSIE SMITH TURNIER concluded her ministry as rector of St. Ambrose, Claremont, August 31, after accepting a new all in the Diocese of New York.
WINNIE VARGHESE has been named the 12th dean of St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York City. She will be installed Sept. 27.
Request to Clergy
September 2025
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
September 2025
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
None currently open
ACTIVE (Vicars)
Receiving names/Soon to post
None currently open
ACTIVE (Associate/Curate/Other Positions)
TUSTIN, St. Paul’s / Assistant Rector with PIC Potential / Full-time
St. Paul’s seeks an experienced priest ready to lead a thriving, progressive parish, to be hired initially as Associate Rector and serve jointly with our current Rector, who will retire in late Fall 2026. Upon her retirement, you will be strongly considered to serve as Priest-in-Charge, and then become the new rector, pending approval by the parish and diocese.
Generous compenation and benefits package. To apply:
* send resume/CV;
* cover letter that includes answers to 3 questions:
Why are you interested in this position?
What is your vision of parish ministry?
In a time of decreased church participation, what is the value of parish ministry?
* Please include links for two videos of your preaching. OR the text of two recent sermons
* deadline October 15
* appy by emailing this info to: administrator@stpauls.org
For more info about the church, visit the website at: www.stpauls.org
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
Beverly Hills, All Saints Parish – Full-time Rector
Fullerton, Emmanuel Parish – Full-time Rector
Fullerton, St. Andrew’s Parish – Full-time Rector
Granada Hills, St. Andrew and Charles Parish – Full-time Rector
Hesperia, St. Hillary’s – Part-time Vicar
Inglewood, Holy Faith – Full-time Rector
Laguna Beach, St. Mary’s – Part-time Rector
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
Westchester, Holy Nativity Parish – Full-time Rector
Woodland Hills, Prince of Peace – Full-time Rector
OPEN
No longer receiving names/Interviewing candidate
Los Olivos, St. Mark’s
Rancho Santa Margarita, St. John Chrysostom
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
Lancaster, St. Paul’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
Santa Paula, St. Paul’s and Emmanuel Lutheran
South Gate, St. Margaret’s Parish
Van Nuys, St. Mark’s Parish
Woodland Hills, Prince of Peace.