I invite the prayers of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles community for the Rev. Toni Freeman Stuart of Montecito, who has been battling cancer and is nearing the frontier.
Raised in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, Toni is the former vicar of St. Francis mission in Atwater Village. For nearly 20 years, she has assisted at St. Michael’s University Church in Isla Vista, preaching, presiding, teaching, reading scripture, witnessing for peace and justice, and lifting up the saints. I took this photo of Toni when I visited St. Michael’s a year ago for a celebration of ministry for the new St. Michael’s vicar, the Rev. Tim Black, who has been collaborating with and caring for Toni ever since.
Arriving midday today at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, I found Toni’s friends the Rev. Kathleen Moore and Arianna, a UCSB senior and journalist whom Toni has eocuraged, keeping watch. I joined their rhythm of psalms and prayers while offering Toni greetings and love from ordained colleagues who said they treasured her support of their vocations.
Our God in Christ keeps a special place for encouragers such as Toni, those who by their nature lift up others up (Heb. 10:24-25). Through this night of the Feast of the Holy Name, may Toni feel the prayers of all who are encouraging her onward toward the source of all love.
[News came midday Monday that Toni has died. Rest eternal grant to Toni, O Christ, and may light perpetual shine upon her.]