The Transitions Committee has scheduled six meet-and-greet gatherings the week of Oct. 20, when the candidates for bishop will tour the diocese and engage in question-and-answer sessions (see schedule below).
“We’ve tried to choose locations that are convenient to everyone in the diocese,” said Sheira Smith, a member of Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Los Angeles and co-chair of the committee. “We’ll also make stops around the diocese so our candidates can see some of our ministries and get a sense of the size and diversity of the diocese.”
“You are welcome to attend any session that is designated as ‘all welcome,’ even if you are not a voting delegate at Diocesan Convention Nov. 7-8,” said the Rev. Canon Greg Larkin, priest-in-charge at St. Paul’s, Ventura and committee co-chair. “Please note that two sessions are designated as ‘clergy only.’
“It may be more convenient to attend a session close to your workplace rather than your home,” Larkin said. “If you are unable to attend in person, four of the sessions will be available via Zoom.” The Zoom link will be posted the day before each session.
Spanish-language translation will be available at two of the gatherings.
Attendees are asked to register here so the committee will know how many to prepare for at each location.
Questions for the candidates may be asked in person or submitted in advance by e-mail to transitionscommittee@gmail.com. Committee members plan to accommodate as many questions as many as possible.
“We’re grateful to all the congregations that have agreed to host the meet-and-greets,” Smith said. “We know they will welcome the candidates with warm hospitality, and we look forward to a great turnout of people to hear what the candidates have to say as we seek our next bishop.”
Here is the schedule:
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. All welcome. St. Columba’s Parish, 1251 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo 93010 (Zoom link will be provided.)
Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Session 1: 1 p.m. Clergy only. St. Paul’s Commons, 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles 90026 (No Zoom link will be available.)
- Session 2: 7 p.m. All welcome (Spanish-language translation available). Christ the Good Shepherd Parish 3303 W. Vernon Ave., Los Angeles 90008 (Zoom link will be provided.)
Thursday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. All welcome. All Saints’ Parish, 3847 Terracina Drive, Riverside 92506 (Zoom link will be provided.)
Friday, Oct. 24
- Session 1: 1 p.m. Clergy only. Church of the Messiah Parish, 614 N. Bush St., Santa Ana 92701 (No Zoom link will be available.)
- Session 2: 7 p.m. All welcome (Spanish-language translation available). St. Thomas Mission, 15694 Tetley St., Hacienda Heights 91745 (Zoom link will be provided.)