June 2026
‘Greetings from Deanery 9!’
by the Very Rev. Canon Kay Sylvester, dean
This is the ninth in a series of Angelus columns offering news about congregations in diocesan deaneries.
Jeanette Repp
Deanery 9 is easy to describe: we’re the deanery in which every church can tell you the distance from their church to Disneyland.
The oldest church in Deanery 9 is the historic Church of the Messiah in Santa Ana, completed in 1889. It’s the oldest church in continuous use in Orange County. Its beautiful brick building houses a congregation that has a long history of involvement with justice issues, adult education, and community involvement. They offer services in both Spanish and English. Rector: The Rev. Abel Lopez Associate: The Rev. Jim Lee Assisting clergy: Elizabeth Rechter
In Orange, Trinity Church offers a friendly community that enjoys socializing together throughout the year. In the summer, a monthly outdoor service called “Messy Church”, a service led by kids, invites people to worship casually and then share a barbecue. Trinity’s Outreach Commission disburses funds from fundraisers to a variety of ministries that serve the community, and they participate in hands-on service at Sunday Supper once a month at St. Paul’s in Tustin. Rector: The Rev. Steve Swartzell.
St. Paul’s in Tustin began as a mission from Messiah, Santa Ana. Its preschool takes advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces to offer Outdoor Classroom programming. The Sunday Supper program just celebrated its 16th year of serving dinner every single Sunday of the year, along with partner congregations. The Shower Ministry was added during COVID. St. Paul’s is notable for its unique liturgy. Rector: The Very Rev. Canon Kay Sylvester Associate Pastor: the Rev. David Milligan Associate Priest/Rector emergent: The Rev. Norma Guerra Associate Priest: The Rev. Phillip Lienau Deacon: The Rev. Sun-Hwan Spriggs Assisting Clergy: The Rev. Valerie Hart
St. Michael’s in Anaheim is one of the busiest churches in the diocese. The rector, the Rev. Cn, Juan Jimenez, spends his weekends performing quinceaneras, weddings, funerals, and more. Services in Spanish and English are at the heart of this very busy community, where children and young people are plentiful. The past few years have included the challenges of COVID among parishioners with public-facing jobs, and the aggressive posture of ICE agents in the community.
Traditional liturgy is central to the identity of Blessed Sacrament in Placentia; but this congregation is deeply engaged in its community, too. In the last few years, the congregation has partnered with housing development agencies to build affordable senior housing on their campus. The process required significant interaction with neighbors, and the church faithfully met their neighbors’ concerns and succeeded in building these apartments, along with campus improvements made possible by the project. Their Children’s Learning Center provides quality preschool education for the neighborhood.
Rector: The Rev. Barrett Van Buren Deacon: The Rev. Dominique Piper
Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Fullerton might seem like the opposite, with a long tradition of charismatic worship and a focus on the Holy Spirit. In their 63 years, the parish has had remarkable continuity of leadership: their first vicar/rector served for 32 years, and the next rector served a total of 34 years in the parish (with some overlap as the associate). Their unique octagonal sanctuary matches their joyful, communal style of worship, which has often included guitar and other instruments. Emmanuel has a long-standing relationship with the L’Arche Community in Orange, a residential program for developmentally disabled adults. Emmanuel shares worship and ministry in close relationship with blessed Sacrament, and with St. Andrew’s, the other Episcopal Church in Fullerton. Interim Rector: the Rev. Bill Garrison Interim Associate Priest in Charge: The Rev. Hart Roussel
The folks of St. Andrew’s in Fullerton have a long history of serving their neighbors. Their Friday Night Soup supper has been going for decades. The beautiful garden, planted in fishing boat planters on the front of the property, supports the soup kitchen with produce, and also sends produce to the local food bank. This 100-year-old congregation literally feeds and clothes their neighbors as an expression of their faith, and many in the community participate in these outreach efforts. St. Andrew’s frequently shares outreach ministries and special worship services with Emmanuel and Blessed Sacrament. Interim Rector: The Rev. Bill Garrison
St. Joseph’s in Buena Park is home to the Orchard View Apartments, a low-income housing project serving seniors. This beautiful apartment complex is providing much-needed housing for senior neighbors, while providing income for the parish. Among many outreach programs, perhaps the most unusual is their Sixth Day Pet Food Pantry, which helps provide dog and cat food for local assistance agencies. St. Joseph’s folks are a familiar sight at diocesan convention, selling soap and other goods to support their outreach. Rector: The Rev. Lucinda Voien
In Garden Grove, St. Anselm’s a diverse community with services in FOUR languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. Rector Thomas Lee ably oversees this complex community, and pulls people together for communal meals and celebrations.
Active Deanery leaders – President Ned Bergert, Secretary Janet Wylie, Treasurer Edwin Sell, and Vice-President Albert Finnerty – work to plan deanery-wide events. A fall deanery ministry fair is in the works.
— The Very Rev. Canon Kay Sylvester is rector of St. Paul’s, Tustin and dean of Deanery 9.
New website lists events to launch episcopate of the Rev. Dr. Antonio José Gallardo Lucena
[The Episcopal News] — A new online hub of information related to the upcoming series of events welcoming the Rev. Dr. Antonio J. Gallardo L. as eighth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles is available. Produced in English and Spanish, the webpages offer details of the July 11 consecration at All Saints Church in Pasadena and concurrent watch parties around the diocese; the July 12 installation at St. John’s Cathedral during Evensong preceded by the afternoon downtown “Walk for Love and Truth”; and upcoming summer Saturday celebrations in each of the diocese’s 10 geographic deaneries.
NYA celebration set for June 6;
The Neighborhood Youth Association — a diocesan institution specializing in 100% college placement for applicants rising above socio-economic challenges — has scheduled its 43rd annual Scholarship Celebration for Saturday, June 6, 5-7 p.m. at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, 3590 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles. All are invited, and reservations may be placed by email to events@nyayouth.org. A buffet dinner will be served, and a $100-per-person donation at the door is suggested. Festivities will include awarding of the first-ever Bishop John Harvey Taylor Scholarship established by NYA in honor of his retirement later this year, and in appreciation of his leadership as chair of NYA’s board of trustees since 2017. Gifts to the new scholarship fund may be placed online here.
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
Five to be ordained deacons June 13
Diocesan community invited to attend
The prayers and presence of the diocesan community are requested for five new deacons to be ordained by Bishop John Harvey Taylor on June 13 at St. John’s Cathedral. Ordinands and their supporting congregations are:
Caitlyn Marie Ference of St. James, South Pasadena;
Jonathan David Neal of St. Matthias, Whittier
Drew John Darby of St. Paul’s, Ventura
Julia Catherine Warren of St. Mark’s, Upland; and
Kelly Samara Lauer of St. Luke’s, Monrovia.
LGBTQ+ Pride month events set to span diocese
The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles is gearing up to participate in LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations across Southern California, joining LGBTQ+ people and allies in proclaiming the sacred dignity of every human being in a year when that proclamation has never been more important.
From parish contingents in local Pride parades and festivals to prayer services, community outreach, and public witness, Episcopalians throughout the diocese will stand in solidarity, celebrate God’s inclusive love, and renew commitments to justice, belonging, and beloved community for all.
The Bishop’s Commission on LGBTQ Ministry is compiling a list of activities and opportunities around the diocese – coming soon to the commission’s diocesan webpage. For more information on EDLA Pride 2026, contact edlalgbtqinfo@gmail.com
Diocese invited to join Commission on LGBTQ+ Ministries at LA Pride
June 14
“As a diocese, our presence at Pride is more than participation—it is proclamation. Together, we embody a Church that celebrates, affirms, and stands alongside LGBTQ+ people as beloved children of God. We will gather as an official diocesan parade contingent, offering a visible and faithful witness of inclusion and love. A Holy Eucharist service will be offered prior to the parade, with Bishop-elect Rev. Dr. Antonio José Gallardo Lucena grounding our witness in prayer and community.”
Angelus Links
Clergy: Office of Formation and Transitions Ministry
The next issue of Angelus will be electronically transmitted and published in July 2026.
Please email news and connections items to Angelus editor, the Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, at: revpatmccaughan@aol.com by June 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 2026
The Diocese of Los Angeles continues 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 “Plenty Good Room” from the dropdown menu. The password for 2026 is Matthew22:4. (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.
“In God’s house there is always room for more: more ideas, more people, more ways to share, more stories to tell. And in the world that God created, there is more needed: more love, more connection, more peace, more creativity. Plenty Good Room reminds us that there is always room in God’s house; we just need to make ourselves at home and invite others to join us. The ways we steward our relationships, resources, and responses to grow ministry and serve our neighbors are the ways we connect our gratitude to our generosity. There’s Plenty Good Room in God’s House; pull up a chair and sit down.”
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.
Requiescat
June 6 memorial service set for
the Rev. Bruce Freeman
Bishop John Harvey Taylor will be celebrant and preacher for a June 6, 11 a.m. celebration of the life of the Rev. Bruce Freeman, set for 11 a.m. on June 6 at St. Matthew’s Church in Pacific Palisades from which Freek retired last year after 10 years as rector. A full obituary is here. Livestream of the service is here.
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 previously, at Campbell Hall and as the Bishop’s Chair for Environmental Studies. He is the founding director of the Theodicy Jazz Collective and has been an associate for music and worship at the Washington National Cathedral (2016-2019).
GREG BROWN was installed as rector of Holy Nativity Parish in Westchester May 30, by Bishop John Harvey Taylor.
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.
FRANCISCO GARCIA will begin serving as Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries at CDSP, beginning July 1.
CLARKE PRESCOTT has begun serving as long-term supply at Grace, Moreno Valley.
HART ROUSSEL began serving as priest in charge under special circumstances at Emmanuel, Fullerton, on May 17.
The vestry of St. John’s Cathedral elected ANNE SAWYER as dean on May 21. She had been serving as interim dean and priest-in-charge.
TOM QUIJADA-DISCAVAGE was named an honorary canon of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles on May 5 by Bishop John Harvey Taylor.
JOHN WATSON will continue as interim diocesan canon until the July 11 consecration of Bishop-elect Antonio J. Gallardo Lucena. He is currently priest-in-charge of two L.A. city congregations — St. Athanasius and Epiphany — and coordinator of the diocesan “Requiem or Renaissance” program which supports missions and parishes in transition.
BOB WILLIAMS will retire Aug. 1 after serving the diocese 40 years in various roles. He will continue as president of the Neighborhood Youth Association, a diocesan institution specializing in 100% college placement of students overcoming socioeconomic challenges.
Request to Clergy
June 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
June 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
Woodland Hills, Prince of Peace Church, Rector, full-time.
Prince of Peace seeks a full-time, experienced rector, with: a gift for inspiring relevant preaching, teaching and spiritual formation; an approachable, warm, skilled provider of pastoral care; a skilled and experienced visionary who can inspire others to lay ministry; a commitment to build Christian education and family ministries for all ages and who deeply values our Episcopal traditions whle open to more contemporary ways to express our faith, balancing tradition with change. Our parish profile may be viewed here.
Interested candidates should submit: Letter of Introduction/Interest. Current CV/Resume, Updated copy of your Vocation Hub Profile or OTM, and digital photo to: tdiscavage@ladiocese.org
Rector/Pastor Joint Call:
Lancaster, St. Paul’s Episcopal/St. Stephen’s Lutheran / Rector – Pastor/ Open position-shared full-time joint Episcopal/Lutheran call
St. Paul’s is a parish family of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, seeking to realize our full potential. We look forward to beginning a new chapter and invite you to consider joining us as we seek to better serve Christ. 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.
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)
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
Ojai, St. Andrew’s Parish – Part-time Rector
Pasadena, Church of the Angels – Bishop’s Chapel – Full-time Vicar/Rector
OPEN
No longer receiving names/Interviewing candidate
South Pasadena, St. James – Full-time 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.
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
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
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