Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

— Book of Common Prayer

Photos: On Monday at St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park, the Rev. Canon Thomas Quijada-Discavage and I hosted a summertime fellowship dinner for Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles deacons and priests of African descent, including the Rev. Arthur Toro, visiting from Kenya.