May 2025
“Naming the Struggle”
by the Rev. Canon Whitney Rice, keynote speaker for next week’s clergy conference, shares insights in this column underscoring the value of the new “Requiem or Renaissance” initiative now underway in the Diocese of Los Angeles.
Say it Out Loud:The Church Is Dying
Why are you sleeping? — Luke 22:46
Average Sunday attendance: down. Average membership numbers: down. Yearly pledge income: down. The statistics don’t lie. For the past 40 years, and accelerating like a train down a mountain for the last 20, The Episcopal Church and indeed the entire Christian mainstream has been losing strength, losing growth, losing life. If you asked an average American, “What’s an Episcopalian?” they would have no idea if it was a geological age or a specific kind of hedge fund.
This decline toward death has led to a deep underlying anxiety in our churches. We have been sitting by the hospital bed of our dying church, mourning it and blaming ourselves for its failure.
But there are two distinct options here. There is death that ends in death: here lies the Episcopal Church, crumbled to dust and irrelevance.
And then there is death that leads to resurrection. That is a death freely entered into, an embrace of the Cross that is undergirded by the knowledge that God will call us into and through this death into new life.
The point of openly acknowledging the decline and death of the church is not to lock the doors never to open them again. The point of embracing the death of the church is the same as it is for us as individuals—Jesus’ death on the Cross was above all the source of our liberation. This is the choice that is laid before us: death leading to death, or death leading to resurrection.
Every time we embrace a death—the death of our pride, the death of our old goals, the death of our privilege, the death of our preconceived ideas of what a church should be and do, the death of our desire for “success”—we will find that resurrection is breaking forth everywhere around us. Investing in the path of death and resurrection, the terribly difficult and joyfully liberating path of discipleship as the Body of Christ, will awaken in us a vitality that is far more compelling to seekers than all our old, self-serving, desperate, half-believed-in “strategies.”
If we can embrace membership in the dying Body of Christ, we the Church can know the joy of being the resurrected Living Body of Christ. All we have to do is take Jesus’ words to heart: “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
What To Do About It: Requiem or Renaissance
Do you want to be made well? — John 5:6
Once we’ve named the struggle and realized that it gives us an incredible spiritual freedom, we can start to have courageous conversations about what this means and what we’re called to do about it. Requiem or Renaissance is a structured forum for those conversations to happen, in the form of an 18-month discernment and skills-building program.
Bishop Taylor and Canon McCarthy have formed a Requiem or Renaissance team in the Diocese of Los Angeles so that you can adapt this work to best fit your needs. One of the key principles of Requiem or Renaissance is hyper-contextuality—it has to work for you, where you are, and who you are right now.
In this program, congregations enter a discernment process that will help them determine God’s call to them: to a Requiem, a holy ending of this congregation’s ministry in this location at this time.
Or, a Renaissance, a church re-plant with a new vision. As they are discerning, they will build skills to live out the call they articulate. Most congregations who have already taken part in this program have found themselves called to Requiem AND Renaissance, allowing some aspects of their ministry to go to holy rest while new ministries rise up. (Watch year one and year two participant reflections.)
Any and all outcomes are on the table, including starting from scratch with house church meetings, to closing and selling buildings, to collaborating with other ministries or secular partners to revitalize, and no doubt many other possibilities we can’t imagine yet.
We want our congregations to walk into their futures with eyes wide open and clear self-determination—not be forced into fewer and fewer options by declining money and membership.
Both the Requiem path and the Renaissance path are intended to lead to resurrection—but just as in the gospels, the resurrected Body of Christ will probably look unfamiliar and different from what we used to know and what we expected to see.
Dioceses across the Episcopal Church are discovering new creativity and drive to innovate, to experiment, to risk. We are willing to follow the Holy Spirit into uncharted territory as we search out the future of the church in this time and place. Guided by God, collaborating with one another and our neighbors, we seek to answer that question through both Requiem and Renaissance. We will say goodbye to what needs to go to a holy rest while seeding and nurturing new expressions of faith and community among us, knowing that resurrection is rich on both paths.
The work is urgent and the time is now. As St. Paul writes in the Letter to the Romans, “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God.”
The Rev. Canon Whitney Rice
Canon for Evangelism & Discipleship Development
Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
Angelus Links
Clergy: Office of Formation and Transitions Ministry
The next issue of Angelus will be electronically transmitted and published in June 2025.
Please email news and connections items to Angelus editor, the Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, at: revpatmccaughan@aol.com by May 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
Spring Clergy Conference set for May 12-14: ‘Questions of Jesus’
Jesus asks 307 questions in the gospels and only answers 3. What is he asking you?
The 2025 Spring Clergy Conference will be held May 12-14, 2025 at the Mission Inn hotel in Riverside. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Canon Whitney Rice, Canon for Evangelism & Discipleship Development in the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.
“Through devastating fires to a bishop transition, your diocese is walking through liminal space with fidelity and courage, but many are feeling a little worn and wondering how to live into new realities,” Canon Rice notes. “Come take some time to reconnect with Jesus and how he calls us as disciples. We’ll dwell together in his questions and let them strengthen us to continue building the household of faith in Los Angeles, inviting the Spirit to bathe our souls in The Living Water.”
As a reminder, attendance at this event is expected of all active clergy in the diocese. The contracted rate for a hotel room is increasing to $189/night, however the registration fee will remain the same.
Click here to register for the conference, and here to reserve your hotel room.
About Clergy Conference Speaker: The Rev. Canon Whitney Rice
The Rev. Canon Whitney Rice (she/her/hers) is an Episcopal priest who serves as the Canon for Evangelism & Discipleship Development for the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. She is a graduate of Yale Divinity School where she won the Yale University Charles S. Mersick Prize for Public Address and Preaching and the Yale University E. William Muehl Award for Excellence in Preaching.
She has served as a researcher and community ministry grant consultant for the Indianapolis Center for Congregations, and is currently a writer for the Episcopal Digital Network’s Sermons That Work, a member of the national Episcopal Church Evangelism Council of Advice, an active participant in the activist clergy community for racial and economic justice in St. Louis, and creator of the nationally recognized church revitalization initiative Requiem or Renaissance. A communicator of the gospel at heart, she writes and teaches on a wide variety of topics including rethinking evangelism, stewardship, leadership in the changing church, and spiritual development.
When she’s not thinking about church praxis, you’ll find her swing dancing. Find more of her work at her website Roof Crashers & Hem Grabbers.
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
MICHAEL PAUL ANDERSON will be installed as rector of St. Columba’s, Camarillo at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 31, by Bishop John Harvey Taylor. The diocesan community is invited to attend. Clergy: red stoles.
JULIE BEALS has been called as rector of St. Andrew and Christ Church-Torrance and Recdondo Beach, and will be installed as rector at 10AM Saturday, June 7. The diocesan community is invited to attend. The service will take place at St. Andrew’s, Torrance, located at 1432 Engracia Ave., Torrance.
BILL DUNN will be installed as rector of Trinity, Redlands at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 24. The diocesan community is invited to attend. Clergy: red stoles.
BOB GAESTEL retires June 8 as rector of Church of the Angels, Pasadena.
ANTHONY GUILLEN retired May 1 after nearly two decades serving as Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries for The Episcopal Church.
A more detailed report will be available later.
CAROLE HORTON HOWE begins serving as rector of St. Matthias Whittier, on Sunday, June 8.
JOSH PAGET will conclude his ministry at St. Cross, Hermosa Beach on June 22. He has been called as associate rector of St. Alban’s, Westwood and chaplain for UCLA Canterbury.
MICHAEL SAHDEV will conclude his ministry at All Saints, Beverly Hills on June 1. He has accepted a call to serve as associate rector of the Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York City.
STEVE SWARTZEL has been called as rector of Trinity, Orange, and will be installed at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 14. The diocesan community is invited to attend. Clergy: red stoles.
WINNIE VARGHESE has been named the 12th Dean of St. John’s Cathedral in New York City.
Requiescat in pace – Richard Estrada
A funeral Mass is set for 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, for the Rev. Canon Richard Estrada, who died March 31. Bishop John Harvey Taylor will preside.
A parish prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at Church of the Epiphany, Lincoln Heights, where Estrada was assisting priest since 2015.
He was well-known for championing the rights of immigrants and at-risk youth throughout his priesthood, firs tas a Claretian catholic and later as an Episcopalian. He died at PIH Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, on the birthday of his late friend and fellow activist César Chávez. He was 83 and had been suffering with double pneumonia.
A full obituary is here.
Congregational Openings
May 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
Los Olivos, St. Mark’s in the Valley Parish / Rector
St. Mark’s seeks a full-time rector who is called to community leadership both within the church and beyond its walls. We seek leadership who will bring a dependable, caring presence while nurturing all ages of our multigenerational church. Our rectory is a short walk through this burgeoning and historic town to our beautiful church. Come be a part of our thriving community!
For more information about us and our church, please visit: www.smitv.org
Parish profile may be found here.
Other info 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
ACTIVE (Vicars)
Receiving names/Soon to post
Rancho Santa Margarita, 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.
The successful candiate will be a collaborative change agent and oversee a mature, highly functioning congregation and a pre-K through 8th grade school with over 500 students.
Position description may be found here.
Interested candidates should submit via email: a digital photo, a Letter of Introduction/Interest, current CV/resume, and updated OTM to: tdiscavage@ladiocese.org
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
SANTA BARBARA, All Saints by the Sea / Associate Rector for Children, Youth, and Families, full-time.
All Saints has grown over 18% last year and we are seeking to expand our relationship and opportunities to nurture the faith of our children, youth, and families. We are seeking a collaborative, creative leader with a joy for parish ministry and for making our faith accessible to all ages with experience with children, youth, and young adult ministry to oversee all programming associated with children, youth and young adults, nurture parents in their roles in their families, coordinate our school chapel program, preach, coordinate all liturgies associated with children and youth, support the pastoral care of our community.
- Housing is provided. If you resonate with this, please send your resume, CDO profile and a letter of introduction to The Rev. Channing Smith at Channing@ASBTS.org. Have a great day!
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
Beverly Hills, All Saints Parish, Full-time Rector
Granada Hills, St. Andrews & St. Charles Parish, Full-time
RectorHesperia, St. Hilary’s, Part-time Vicar
Inglewood, Holy Faith Parish, Full-time Rector
Laguna Beach, St. Mary’s Parish, Part-time Rector
Long Beach, St. Thomas of Canterbury, Part-time Vicar
Ojai, St. Andrew’s Parish, Part-time Rector
Westchester, Holy Nativity Parish, 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 & Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran
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
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, Parish Church of the Transfiguration
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
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
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.