November 2024
From Tammy Smecker-Hane
UTO: Practice Gratitude & Change the World!
As a member of the clergy, do you want to enhance the happiness of parishioners? Do you want them to realize how much they have to be grateful for? Do you want to help them take a hand in solving problems they see around them in the United States and wider world? Then commit to hosting a United Thank Offering (UTO) Ingathering in your parish this year!
UTO is an 130-year old tradition in the Episcopal Church that for many churches in our diocese recently has fallen out of practice because of covid and the ensuing difficult financial climate. Now is the time to revive it and make it blossom again!
UTO began in 1883 when women of the church started a yearly thank offering to support innovative mission and ministry projects that the church budget could not cover. Today UTO’s mission is two-fold: to foster in parishioners a culture of gratitude by providing parishes with a host of innovative resources, and to send every penny donated to UTO out into the world in innovative grants for mission and ministry throughout the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion. The theme of UTO grants vary from year to year, and the theme for 2025 grants will be solving water problems, for example, increasing communities’ access to clean water, especially for those rural communities that do not have running water or for people who are unhoused, addressing health issues that arise from the lack of clean water, increasing water conservation and awareness, etc.
Why does practicing gratitude matter? Gratitude is a simple concept, but its practice is often overlooked in our busy day-to-day lives. Being grateful requires simply noticing something good in your life and responding with thanks. However, noticing more good things, feeling gratitude for them, and thanking God and others for those blessings builds positivity and happiness. Practicing that over a few weeks makes a habit, and that habit of gratitude positively can change a person’s and community’s psyche.
How do churches run a UTO Ingathering? It can be as simple as discussing UTO in a sermon or in the weekly parish newsletter or bulletin and holding a collection on a Sunday that is donated to UTO, or it can be a month-long endeavor, which is what most churches in our diocese who participate do. In the later, the UTO coordinator in the parish orders UTO boxes on-line and distributes them to parishioners. Over the course of a month, people are asked to actively think about the graces they have been given and recognize it by donating a dollar to their UTO box. At the end of the month, the boxes are collected in the parish’ UTO Ingathering during a Sunday service, the boxes are blessed, and the money is sent in to UTO. (Donations can also be made on-line or by text.)
What are the gratitude resources that UTO provides? UTO provides – free of charge – boxes and envelopes to parishes, which you order on-line as a parish kit. The kit also includes everything you might need to be successful such as UTO pamphlets, a poster with the list of last year’s grants, stickers, a liturgy book with sample prayers that you can use in your Ingathering service, etc. UTO also provides gratitude calendars with a thought for each day about something for which to be grateful, and during Lent you can sign up to receive a daily test message that inspires gratitude. UTO also has innovative materials for different times of the year like Gratitude Coloring Book (especially useful in November for Sunday School children), Gratitude Dice for Thanksgiving, Letters to Santa at Christmas, etc. UTO also publishes a wonderful Vacation Bible School curriculum that parishes can use to inspire gratitude in children. Find out more here.
Does the money collected in UTO boxes really amount to something? Yes! Last year UTO boxes collected approximately $1.0 million, and every penny went out as competitive grants to fund projects with a “welcoming the stranger” theme. The grants fell into three categories: projects supporting asylum seekers, migrants and refugees, projects that supported community building, and project supported the LGBTQIA+ community, both in the United States and throughout the world in the Anglican Communion.
Each year, UTO is heartbroken to turn away grants only because we do not have enough funds to cover all the excellent, innovative requests that we receive. We could easily fund 50% more projects because dedicated leaders willing to tacking vexing community problems are out there, literally ready to change the world. That is why we need help from clergy and parish leaders like you to revive the practice of annual UTO Ingathering in your churches.
You can find out more about UTO on their website. If you have any questions about how to revive UTO in your parish, please contact me, our UTO diocesan coordinator, because I would be love to help. I offer to come to your parish’s vestry or bishop committee meeting and tell the members all about both the benefits and importance of UTO.
May the blessings of God be abundant in your life, and may you have the needed time and space to practice gratitude & change the world!
Tammy Smecker-Hane (tsmecker@cox.net) is the UTO Coordinator for the Diocese of Los Angeles & UTO board member representing Province VIII. She is a member of St. Andrew’s Church in Irvine.
Angelus Links
Clergy: Office of Formation and Transitions Ministry
The next issue of Angelus will be electronically transmitted and published in December 2024.
Please email news and connections items to Angelus editor, the Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, at: revpatmccaughan@aol.com by November 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 maintains a membership in TENS, so all congregations may access its stewardship resources. The log-in for 2024 is Ephesians5:2 (note: case sensitive, no spaces). The website is here.
“The theme for the year is Walk in Love, a celebration of the joy and gratitude we have for God and our community that lead us to share our stories, our journeys, and our gifts. Our resources are making a special effort to lift up diverse voices as we share the stories that inspire us to share our wealth, works, and wisdom with our ministry.” — TENS
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!
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.
Connections
SUSAN ANDERSON-SMITH was called as half-time priest-in-charge of Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Los Angeles in November.
JULIE BEALS begins her ministry as rector of St. Andrew’s and Christ Church in Torrance and Redondo Beach on Dec. 1, where she had been serving as priest-in-charge-under-special-circumstances.
TIM BLACK began his ministry as vicar of St. Michael’s University Mission in Isla Vista on Nov. 3, the day of a visitation by Bishop John Harvey Taylor. Tim and his wife Patricia relocated from the Diocese of Atlanta.
ADAM DAWKINS was installed as rector of St. Alban’s Church in Westwood (Los Angeles) Oct. 26.
BILL DUNN has been called as priest-in-charge-under-special circumstances at Trinity Church in Redlands where he has been serving during their transition.
PAT EUSTIS has been serving as supply priest at St. Philip’s Church in Los Angeles, which will celebrate its 117th anniversary on Nov. 17.
ANTONIO GALLARDO and NORMA GUERRA have been named to the board of trustees of the Episcopal Divinity School (EDS).
GREG KIMURA will be installed as rector of St. James Church in South Pasadena on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. The diocesan community is invited to attend. Clergy: red stoles.
LESTER MACKENZIE has been called to serve on The Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe’s staff as chief of mission. He is also chaplain to the House of Deputies and Executive Council. He representing the Los Angeles diocese at the 2024 United Nations climate change conference, which began Nov. 11 and runs through Nov. 22. He had been serving as rector of St. Mary’s Church in Laguna Beach.
DOMINIQUE PIPER has been appointed to The Episcopal Church’s Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music.
MARY TOROREIY begins her new ministry as rector of St. Mary’s Church in Lompoc on Dec. 1. She had served previously as vicar of St. Paul’s Episcopal and Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran churches in Barstow.
JOSHUA WONG will be installed as rector of St. Michael the Archangel Church in El Segundo at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2025. The diocesan community is invited to attend. Clergy: red stoles.
Requiescant in pace
The Reverend Nancy Sinclair
March 23, 1945 – August 26, 2024
[The Episcopal News] A memorial service was held Oct. 28, for the Rev. Nancy Sinclair at St. Wilfrid’s Church, Huntington Beach. Sinclair, 79, retired vicar of St. Theodore of Canterbury Church, Seal Beach, died Aug. 26. She passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her family members and loved ones.
Survivors include her husband, Donald, to whom she was married in 1967; her daughters Amy, Molly and Emily; sons Douglas and Noah; and eight grandchildren. Another son, Randy, predeceased her.
Sinclair served at St. Theodore’s Church for eight years before retiring, when she returned to her former church home, St. Wilfrid’s in Huntington Beach, where the then-rector, the late Rev. Canon Charles Sacquety, had been her mentor as she explored her calling to ordained ministry.
Congregational Openings
November 2024
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
Whittier, St. Matthias Parish / Half-time Rector
St. Matthias seeks a rector who is loving, prayerful and a leader with strong, collaborative administrative skills. We will wholeheartedly welcome a minister with abilities and passion to educate us through preaching and Christian Education that enhances our spiritual formation and continued community growth. We seek leadership in discerning effective ways to attract and welcome individuals and families through our St. Matthias commitment to warmly welcome everyone who comes through our doors. We also seek a priest with a pastoral heart to support us in caring for those in crisis, sickness, and other needs. We have a very active core of lay persons eager to collaborate with and support our rector in all the ministries that carry us to the living out of our motto, “Doing the loving thing.”
Parish profile may be found here.
Parish OTM and other documents can be found here.
For more information, please contact the Rev. Canon Thomas Quijada-Discavage directly at the email below or by phone at 323-350-7675. All interested appplicants should respond with: a letter of introduction/interest, a current CV/resume, and an updated OTM to: tdiscavage@ladiocese.org
Rancho Santa Margartia, St. John Chrysostom Mission / Vicar
The Office of Formation and Transition Ministry is currently accepting materials from clergy interested in applying for the open position of Vicar at St. John’s
For more information, or to read the congregational profile, please contact the Rev. Canon Thomas Quijada-Discavage directly at the email below or by phone at 323-350-7675. All interested appplicants should respond with: a letter of introduction/interest, a current CV/resume, and an updated OTM to: tdiscavage@ladiocese.org
ACTIVE (Associate/Curate/Other Positions)
TUSTIN, St. Paul’s / Curate – Associate for Children and Youth
St. Paul’s, Tustin, a progressive parish in the heart of suburban Orange County, California, seeks to add a full-time associate priest/curate to our staff, to better serve a new influx of younger families with children.
This role includes responsiblity for education and program for the parish’s children and youth, oversight of the Sunday School, recruiting and training teachers and aides, and regular curriculum updates. This person will have direct responsibility for the high school youth, offering weekly meetings and possibly outings and retreats, as well as service opportunities.
The successful candidate will ensure that all volunteers working with children and youth will undergo appropriate background checks and training. They will also participate in collaborative liturgy and educational event planning and implemention worship leadership and preaching, and exercise a pastoral presence with families.
For more info, visit St. Paul’s website, FaceBook page and YouTube channel.
Please forward resume, cover letter, and video link of a sermon you’ve preached to: administrator@stpauls.org.
OXNARD, All Saints’ ~ Todos los Santos / Associate Priest for Children’s and Youth Ministry (part time)
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. Please be in direct contact with the Rev. Melissa Campbell-Langdell, rector, with any questions and paperwork, if interested, at: revmelissalangdell@gmail.com. For more info, click here.
SAN CLEMENTE, St. Clement by-the-Sea. Assistant Priest, part-time.
Ministry to include preaching once per month, help with pastoral care, and faith formation. Ideal for a shared ministry with another congregation or a retired clergyperson. Please be in contact with the Rev. Patrick Crerar with any questions and paperwork if interested at: FrPatrick@scbythesea.org or 949-492-3401.
OPEN
Receiving names/developing profile
Inglewood, Holy Faith Parish
Los Olivos, St. Mark’s Parish
Ojai, St Andrew’s Parish
Redondo Beach, Christ Church Parish–St. Andrew’s, Torrance / Rector
Westchester, Holy Nativity Parish
OPEN
No longer receiving names/Interviewing candidate
Lompoc, St. Mary’s Parish / Rector
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.
Big Bear, St. Columba / Spirit of Peace Mission
Gardena, Holy Communion Mission
La Verne, St. John’s Mission
Lake Arrowhead, St. Richard of Chichester Mission
Moreno Valley, Grace Mission
Needles, St. John’s Mission
Rancho Santa Margarita, St. John Chrysostom Mission
Rialto, St. Peter’s 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, Parish Church of the Transfiguration
Beverly Hills, All Saints’ Parish
Downey, St. Mark’s Parish
Fullerton, Emmanuel Parish
Fullerton, St. Andrew’s Parish
Garden Grove, St. Anselm’s
Lancaster, St. Paul’s Parish
Los Angeles, Church of Christ the Good Shepherd
Los Angeles, St. John’s Cathedral
Los Angeles, St. Philip’s Parish
Los Angeles (Melrose), Trinity Parish
Los Olivos, St. Mark’s Parish
Monterey Park, St. Gabriel’s Parish
Ojai, St. Andrew’s Parish
Pasadena, St. Barnabas’ Parish
Pomona, St. Paul’s Parish
Santa Maria, St. Peter’s Parish
Van Nuys, St. Mark’s Parish
OTHER OPENINGS
WITHIN THE DIOCESE
LOS ANGELES: Episcopalian Hospital Chaplain, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, 1225 Wilshire Boulevard. Full time, salaried. Reporting to one of our department supervisors or managers, this position provides spiritual support to patients, their loved ones, and staff in our hospitals. This chaplain serves people of all belief systems (religious and non-religious), and provides or arranges special rites and rituals as requested by patients and/or surrogates. Full job description and information here.
OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE
A list of postings from the wider Episcopal Church is here.