A new rector, thinking of new ways to share the saving, unifying power of the sacraments of Jesus Christ with his parish’s neighbors. A mountaintop mission on the 40th anniversary of its dedication, living out Christ’s justice in a cruel time. This was how I experienced the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles over the weekend, from Camarillo in Ventura County to Lake Arrowhead, back out San Bernardino County way.
The Rev. Dr. Michael P. Anderson arrived at St Columba’s Episcopal Church in Camarillo in January 2024. His is a southern California story told with a brogue. He and his spouse, Francina, met at a nondenominational church in Glendora. After college and graduate school, Michael’s inward conversation began about Christ’s presence in Holy Eucharist and the ecclesiology of inclusion that ought to result. The Emmaus road led them and their two children, William and Hannah, to the University of St. Andrew’s in Scotland, where he acquired a doctorate in art and theology, and they acquired their twins, Lily and Eleanor. He returned home as a priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church — lucky for us and the people of St. Columba’s.
His predecessor, the Rev. Canon Greg Larkin, no slouch when it comes to Celtic spirituality, and former diocesan missioner Nancy Larkin, were among the lay and ordained leaders at Michael’s lovely installation service on Saturday morning. I was along to preside and preach. The liturgy stressed the mutuality between a rector and congregation, represented by wardens Lara Tyas and Tim Brown, pledging themselves to one another. As always, Brett Hanley was magnificent on piano and organ.
The Holy Spirit stuck around to confirm eighth grader Jenna Berariu. Her co-presenters were Michael and our Episcopal colleague the Rev. Canon Julie Morris, serving as pastor of nearby Mount Cross Lutheran Church, who oversaw Jenna’s preparation. A rector institution and confirmation, pilgrims making the same promise to glorify God and care for God’s people, just in different words, fit together so well that I find it remarkable we don’t do it more often.
As always this time of year, it was a beautiful drive up to Lake Arrowhead Sunday morning to St. Richard of Chichester Episcopal Church. In homes, local businesses, and other churches, the community began its life together in 1980, the year Carter and Reagan ran for president. Those were the days! They dedicated their beautiful church in 1985. Its rainbow flags face Highway 18, not just for Pride month, but all the time. LGBTQ+ equity has long been a charism of St. Richard’s. In the congregation was the first same-gender couple this hearty, friendly mission ever launched.
I was along to preach and celebrate and bask in the love. My friend and mentor, the Rev. Canon Gary Bradley, the priest in charge, had organized everything brilliantly. The Rev. Margaret Stīvers, who interned at St. Richard’s, read the gospel and also helped care for Gary’s spouse, my seminary buddy the Rev. Peg Bradley, who is battling Alzheimer’s disease. Bishop’s warden emerita Iris Walters, whose weekly missives were poetry, offered hugs. Her energetic successor, Ron Parker, served as minister of ceremonies and make sure to recognize and thank all the lay and ordained leaders who’d served St. Richard’s over the years.
Longtime music director John Reith was magnificent on the piano, accompanying a corps of brilliant musicians and soloists, including Connie Majeau and Lacy Mason. They led us in a hymn whose words are attributed to St. Richard (whose cathedral in Chichester was built 950 years ago this year, so Lake Arrowhead is catching up!): “Day by day, to see thee more clearly…love thee more dearly…follow thee more nearly.”
After services, my friend chorister and attorney Colin Gibson introduced me to his partner, Marq Stonestreet, who, among his many gifts, had demonstrated the capacity to barbecue our beef and chicken to perfect. Such rich conversations all around. The Mountain Homeless Coalition, launched out of St. Richard’s, is its core outreach ministry. Many help lead both organizations. Mary, Connie, and Chris also taught me about taking care of goats and their kids. I even got to compare notes about hearing aids with another music lover.
It was a special joy to speak with the Rev. Marian Stinson and her spouse, the Rev. Dr. Bill Hardwick, priests formed at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, she a clinical social worker, he a religion professor. Bill was vicar of St. Richard’s when Marian was vicar of nearby St. Columba’s in Big Bear Lake. Wisdom was certainly on the mountain in those days. On the crisp first morning of Pride month, being there with all these saints, all these manifestations of the incredible giftedness of The Episcopal Church, was a blessing indeed.
