Hello, we’re the Logistics and Hospitality Subcommittee. Chair: The Rev. Deacon Ed Sniecienski (Ascension, Sierra Madre); members: Canon Martha Estes (St. Columba /Spirit of Peace, Big Bear), the Rev. Canon Gregory Larkin (St. Paul’s, Ventura), and Ms. Kathryn Nishibayashi (St. Mary’’s, Mariposa).
As the search for our next bishop draws nearer to recommending a slate, selected candidates will be invited to a discernment retreat where the Search Committee and finalists will pray, discern, get to know one another, ask questions of each other, and, most importantly, hear what the Spirit is saying.
Planning a retreat is a complicated process that involves the who, when, and where of many activities. The process began with location scouting … how Hollywood! We selected a stunning coastal location in the greater L.A. area.
The next task was the actual design of the retreat. In my mind, it was all about the whens: when to pray, when to rest, when to interview, when to schedule briefings about budgets and compensation, when to gather our thoughts, when to play, when to break bread, and finally when to say goodbye and thank everyone for a job well done. Fortunately, my background in another life as a trainer and developer at Delta Air Lines helped to transform a daunting task into a manageable and sacred challenge.
Each member of the team plays a vital role in the success of the retreat. Father Greg Larkin, recently retired rector of St. Columba’s in Camarillo, is our liturgical guru, who will ensure our time together in prayer is meaningful and productive. Father Greg is known throughout the diocese as Canon Baseball, the heart and soul behind Episcopal Night at Dodger Stadium. Kathryn Nishibayashi, an elementary schoolteacher with much experience not only in our diocese but also in the wider church, will welcome each candidate with a Search Committee Swag Bag filled with goodies that showcase our diocese. Canon Martha Estes is a leader in the Episcopal Church Women locally and nationally. She is also a school nurse, and how cool is that — to have a nurse with us to oversee any medical concerns, but mainly to see that we stay cool, calm, and collected.
It’s important that everyone traveling to the retreat from out of town arrives and returns home safely, confident that all their transportation needs will be met. I’ll put on my Delta hat and assist with their air and ground transportation needs.
The Logistics and Hospitality Subcommittee will act as hosts throughout the retreat, guaranteeing that everyone benefits from our time together discerning, praying, and resting. The entire Search Committee has worked tirelessly since last November, and the retreat is also a time for everyone to unwind, pray, and discern as we prepare to recommend a slate of candidates to the Standing Committee for the next Bishop of Los Angeles.
One last thing, and perhaps the most important of all: We humbly ask your prayers that the Holy Spirit be in our minds and hearts in the days ahead.