July 2026
Deanery 10: ‘Christ on the Coast’
by the Very Rev. Peter Browning, dean
This is the final Angelus guest colulmn in a series offering news about congregations in diocesan deaneries.
I’ve loved this series in the Angelus–we’ve received such a vivid snapshot of our wonderfully diverse diocese, and Deanery 10 completes the picture. The southernmost parishes of the diocese are an integral part of our common life. Whether on the coast or in the hills, each is unique and all are vital witnesses to the love of God, and each has wonderful ways of showing that love with their communities.
Faith Episcopal Church in Laguna Niguel has twice-weekly Bible studies, giving parishioners ample space and time to feast on the word of God. The congregation also does its fair share of actual feasting. A long-running outreach program of Faith Episcopal Church, Hands of Grace is supported by local faith-based groups, community organizations and businesses. Each week a different partner prepares homemade meals and warm hospitality shared by guests and volunteers alike. A special Interfaith service is held on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday evening prior to Thanksgiving) followed by a traditional Thanksgiving meal in addition to a festive Christmas celebration on the Wednesday evening prior to Christmas Eve. Clergy: the Rev. Dawn Vukich, vicar.
My own congregation, St. Andrew‘s in Irvine, continues to thrive. Last year, we said farewell to our longtime director of music, Paul Sammon, and have been thrilled to welcome Steven Van Wye, who has helped us grow in confidence and community. Our welcoming committee makes a concerted group effort to welcome and integrate newcomers, culminating in welcome dinners at our home a few times a year. We also remain committed to creation care, including cutting down on paper bulletins in favor of mobile devices and, this spring, getting a landscaping project paid for by state rebate which removed our grass and made way for a labyrinth space which calls the entire broader community to prayer and contemplation. At the invitation of our neighbors who run an affordable housing complex next door, we have operated a food pantry for residents that relies on food local grocery stores can no longer sell. Last year, we added a family restroom and nursing area so families of many different makeups feel welcome in our community. Rector: the Very Rev. Peter Browning.
St. Clement’s by the Sea is a vibrant and joyful congregation in San Clemente. As the first church constructed in the city, the parish has deep roots in the community. In 2029, they will celebrate their centennial, and planning is already underway. The parish is known for its inclusive and warm welcome. Borrowing from former Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Edmund Browning, they define themselves as, “This church of ours is open to all…there will be no outcasts.” Their worship style is broad and traditional, the teaching contemporary and inspired. This parish has always been active in outreach to the most vulnerable, providing shelter for the unhoused, feeding the hungry, caring for military families at nearby Camp Pendleton, hosting recovery groups, and ESL. Some have called the church, “the conscience of the community.” A bilingual parish, services include 8am and 10am in English and 12pm in Spanish, and a monthly Taizé service. Environmentally, St. Clement’s has converted their landscape to waterwise plants, installed solar panels, and dramatically reduced use of paper products.
Founded in 1891, St. George’s in Laguna Hills is “a wacky and wonderful spiritual oasis” and one of the longest-serving congregations in south Orange County. Worship is lively and fulfilling, the choir and music amazing. The campus is vibrant, diverse and busy, hosting several schools, including one for students with neurodivergence, and a Hawaiian Hula School. A weekend Open Air Market and a taco restaurant make it a popular gathering place. Known as a community hub, St. George’s also hosts 30-some Recovery groups, local business and community meetings, and the hall is a favorite spot for Quinceaneras, receptions, birthday and other celebrations. Outreach extends to partnerships with other churches, a school for Indigenous students in Riverside, Laundry Love, support for youth in foster care and local food banks. Christian formation tackles crossing divides and how to have difficult conversations. St. George’s is also growing into a hub for OC’s Sacred Resistance movement.
St. James the Great in Newport Beach continues to expand its ministries and outreach. They recently welcomed the Rev. Adam Bak as their new Priest Associate, strengthening our clergy team and broadening our capacity for ministry. Community-building initiatives flourish, including our Millennial Meet-Up group, GenX Connexion, CREW youth group, and a newly launched Surf Club. Their innovative prayer app, Pray with Jordan, and our iRealm immersive space are creating new opportunities for spiritual engagement and community gatherings. Beyond the parish, we remain committed to our sister congregation, St. Michael’s in Anaheim, and to our work supporting elementary education in Tanzania. The Rev. Canon Cindy Voorhees continues her chaplaincy work in Ukraine, supporting those affected by the ongoing war. Meanwhile, their music program continues to thrive, enriching worship through exceptional leadership and inspiring sacred music.
St. John the Divine in Costa Mesa has varied worship, outreach, and fundraising opportunities, including a recent popcorn movie night. They, too, facilitate a Laundry Love ministry for neighbors in need. Their 5th Sunday Taize services serve as an invitation to deeper contemplation. Rector: the Rev. George Okusi.
Established in 1975, St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano serve as models of integrated parish ministry and academic excellence. The institutions are served by a shared clergy team consisting of the Rev. Canon Robert Edwards, the Rev. Earl Gibson, and the Rev. James Livingston. In addition to conducting Sunday morning services, the clergy serve as school chaplains for the diocesan, independent, college-preparatory day school. The school currently educates 1,234 students across a comprehensive preschool through grade 12 curriculum. The St. Margaret’s community demonstrates a profound commitment to local outreach. Chief among these is the Infant Pantry, founded by the parish to mitigate the economic hardships imposed during the pandemic. Utilizing a monthly drive-thru distribution model, the pantry provides essential formula, diapers, and child-care necessities. To date, the initiative has successfully aided over 13,408 infant contacts and their families. The Pantry is served by some 40 volunteers who come from the Church, School, and community at large. The parish has also sponsored Padres Unidos for more than fifteen years. This sustained program operates throughout the academic year, delivering vital early childhood education resources and formal parenting curriculum to local families. The most recent term concluded with a formal graduation ceremony and luncheon celebrating more than 40 students and their families.
St. Mary’s in Laguna Beach remains a vital community even in the midst of transition. A five-year strategic plan is underway, to guide the search for their next rector. Each Wednesday morning they host a radio program on KXFM, The Heart of Laguna, building relationships well beyond the Sunday congregation. For many years, the campus has also been home to the Laguna Beach program Creative Identity, a nonprofit serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an expressive arts and music day program. The partnership embodies a conviction at the center of their life: that every person bears the image of God and has something to give.
Perched above the Pacific in Corona del Mar, St. Michael and All Angels’ is a parish where beauty, intellect, and faith meet. Known for its cathedral-style liturgy, English choral tradition, and thoughtful preaching, St. Michael’s draws people from across Orange County who seek liturgy that engages both heart and mind. Our congregation includes lifelong Episcopalians, newcomers to the faith, spiritual seekers, young families, and retirees, united by a desire to follow Christ and grow in community. Through liturgy, music, education, outreach, and hospitality, we strive to be an inclusive place where ancient faith speaks meaningfully to contemporary life and where all are invited without judgment to discover God’s presence, purpose, and grace.
In Seal Beach, Episcopalians and Lutherans continue to share in ministry together based at Redeemer Lutheran of Leisure World. A recent blog post by Bishop John Harvey Taylor captures the spirit of the collaboration with members of St. Theodore of Canterbury Episcopal Church. Together they remain a vital outward and visible presence to their community through weekly Bible studies and other special events including a recent bazaar fair.
St. Wilfrid’s in Huntington Beach has been helping our community connect with God for over 66 years. At our core, our spirituality and our religious practices remain rooted in Christ. We have an 8:30 a.m. contemporary service and a 10:30 a.m. traditional choral service, which are designed to facilitate a deeper connection with God. These Sunday morning services are centered around community, scripture, prayer, and welcome. We also offer numerous, inclusive opportunities to connect through Bible Study, a Wednesday early morning (7:15 a.m.) service, and various other ministry gatherings as well as fellowship opportunities. We also partner with various organizations that include Laundry Love, Beach Cities Interfaith Services, Robyne’s Nest, and the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council. With our solid Preschool and early education programs, we are instrumental in forming the next generation. Rector: the Rev. Nathan Biornstad.
The Covington in Aliso Viejo, is part of the nonprofit Episcopal Services Community senior living residences, offering excellent care, enriching activities, and intentional community through bible study, Sunday worship and opportunities for outreach like an upcoming trip to the Orange County Rescue Mission to serve as volunteer mentors for unhoused children. Chaplain: the Rev. Linda Wirt.
— The Very Rev. Peter Browning is rector of St. Andrew’s, Irvine and dean of Deanery 10.
Website lists events to launch episcopate of the Rev. Dr. Antonio José Gallardo Lucena
[The Episcopal News] — A new online hub of information related to the upcoming series of events welcoming the Rev. Dr. Antonio J. Gallardo L. as eighth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles is available. Produced in English and Spanish, the webpages offer details of the July 11 consecration at All Saints Church in Pasadena and concurrent watch parties around the diocese; the July 12 installation at St. John’s Cathedral during Evensong preceded by the afternoon downtown “Walk for Love and Truth”; and upcoming summer Saturday celebrations in each of the diocese’s 10 geographic deaneries.
Reminder to clergy:
RSVP for consecration, installation
Clergy of the diocese are reminded to RSVP, if they have not yet done so, for the July 11 consecration (10 a.m., at All Saints, Pasadena) and July 12 installation (4 p.m., at St. John’s Cathedral) of the Rev. Dr. Antonio J. Gallardo Lucena as eighth bishop of Los Angeles. Registration links are:
All congregations have been sent emails about ticketing for three lay representatives of each parish and mission to attend the consecration July 11 at All Saints, Pasadena. Questions about notifications and arrangements should be emailed to Samantha Wylie, diocesan program coordinator, at swylie@ladiocese.org.
Watch message in English here.
Watch message in Spanish here.
Save the date: Episcopal Church invites all to celebrate 50th anniversary of LGBTQ+ ‘full and equal claim’ resolution.
Save the date for a gathering commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1976 General Convention resolution declaring that LGBTQ+ people have a full and equal claim to the pastoral care and support of The Episcopal Church. The celebration will be held Thursday – Saturday, Sept. 3-5, in Minneapolis. The event, “Full and Equal: 50 Years in Pursuit of a Promise,” will celebrate progress and acknowledge the work that remains.
The three-day gathering will include storytelling coaching, workshops, a banquet, and a Eucharist featuring Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe as presider and Bishop Gene Robinson as preacher. Spanish-language interpretation will be available.
More registration details will follow. Please save the date and help spread the word.
Angelus Links
Clergy: Office of Formation and Transitions Ministry
The next issue of Angelus will be electronically transmitted and published in August 2026.
Please email news and connections items to Angelus editor, the Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, at: revpatmccaughan@aol.com by July 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
TENS: The Episcopal Network for Stewardship 2026
The Diocese of Los Angeles continues its membership in TENS: the Episcopal Network for Stewardship, which offers stewardship resources, teaching and training opportunities.
The diocese’s membership provides access to TENS materials for all its congregations. To log on, visit the website, select “Annual Pledge Campaign” from the navigation bar and “Plenty Good Room” from the dropdown menu. The password for 2026 is Matthew22:4. (Note: the password is case sensitive and there are no spaces. No user name is required.) Materials are available in English and Spanish and in MS Word and PDF versions.
“In God’s house there is always room for more: more ideas, more people, more ways to share, more stories to tell. And in the world that God created, there is more needed: more love, more connection, more peace, more creativity. Plenty Good Room reminds us that there is always room in God’s house; we just need to make ourselves at home and invite others to join us. The ways we steward our relationships, resources, and responses to grow ministry and serve our neighbors are the ways we connect our gratitude to our generosity. There’s Plenty Good Room in God’s House; pull up a chair and sit down.”
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.
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!
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Sacred Resistance signage now available in English, Spanish
In response to the escalation of ICE raids across Southern California, the Sacred Resistance Task Force, an immigration justice ministry of the diocese, has created a sign which can be posted at churches as a resource for congregations throughout the Diocese of Los Angeles. Download here. Download in Spanish here.
“Within our a sanctuary diocese, this sign serves as a notice to any agency/agent engaging in immigration enforcement that due process must be followed in and around our church grounds,” said the Rev. Dr. Francisco Garcia, one of the members of the Sacred Resistance Steering Committee. “It is literally an outward and visible sign that we are guided simultaneously by our constitutional rights and by our baptismal covenant – and that both require of us to respect the human dignity of all persons, regardless of citizenship status or any other perceived status of difference.”
More information on the Sacred Resistance Task Force can be found on its website or by contacting diocesan staff liaison the Rev. Canon Susan Russell at srussell@ladiocese.org.
Episcopal Church Immigration Action Toolkit Available
The Episcopal Church has released an Immigration Action Toolkit, offering ways to help as well as resources for individuals, congregations, and dioceses. The toolkit is available here.
Connections
p==ANDREW BARNETT began serving as rector of All Saints, Beverly Hills on June 28. He had served as the senior associate rector of All Saints, Atlanta, since 2019. He has roots in the L.A. diocese previously, at Campbell Hall and as the Bishop’s Chair for Environmental Studies. He is the founding director of the Theodicy Jazz Collective and has been an associate for music and worship at the Washington National Cathedral (2016-2019).
DREW DARBY, CAITYLYN FERENCE-SAUNDERS, KELLY LAURER, JONATHAN ‘J.D.’ NEAL and JULIA WARREN were ordained to transitional deacons June 13 by Bishop John Taylor at St. John’s Cathedral
ROB EDWARDS has announced his retirement as rector of St. Margaret’s, San Juan Capistrano, and that his final Sunday will be October 4.
JON FEUSS has been named by Bishop-elect Antonio J. Gallardo L. to serve as diocesan canon to the ordinary and chief of staff. He joined the diocesan staff July 1 having concluded his ministry as associate rector of St. James’ in-the-City, L.A.
FRANCISCO GARCIA began serving as assistant professor of Christian ministries at Church Divinity School of the Pacific, beginning July 1
CARRI PATTERSON GRINDON, rector of St. Mark’s, Altadena, was named Occidental College’s 2026 Alumna of the Year during the college’s Alumni Seals Awards ceremony on June 6. The recognition, for distinguished professional and community service, included her leadership after the Eaton Fire.
JOHN WATSON will continue as interim diocesan canon until the July 11 consecration of Bishop-elect Antonio J. Gallardo L. He is currently priest-in-charge of two L.A. city congregations — St. Athanasius and Epiphany — and coordinator of the diocesan “Requiem or Renaissance” program which supports missions and parishes in transition.
BOB WILLIAMS will retire Aug. 1 after serving the diocese 40 years in various roles. He will continue as president of the Neighborhood Youth Association, a diocesan institution specializing in 100% college placement of students overcoming socioeconomic challenges.
Request to Clergy
July 2026
With over 40 congregations in some stage of transition and other clergy trying to take some much-needed time off, please consider helping us out!! 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 help, etc. please email Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org to make sure you are on our list.
Congregational Openings
July 2026
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
Woodland Hills, Prince of Peace Church, Rector, full-time.
Prince of Peace seeks a full-time, experienced rector, with: a gift for inspiring relevant preaching, teaching and spiritual formation; an approachable, warm, skilled provider of pastoral care; a skilled and experienced visionary who can inspire others to lay ministry; a commitment to build Christian education and family ministries for all ages and who deeply values our Episcopal traditions whle open to more contemporary ways to express our faith, balancing tradition with change. Our parish profile may be viewed here.
Interested candidates should submit: Letter of Introduction/Interest. Current CV/Resume, Updated copy of your Vocation Hub Profile or OTM, and digital photo to: tdiscavage@ladiocese.org
Rector/Pastor Joint Call:
Lancaster, St. Paul’s Episcopal/St. Stephen’s Lutheran / Rector – Pastor/ Open position-shared full-time joint Episcopal/Lutheran call
St. Paul’s is a parish family of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, seeking to realize our full potential. We look forward to beginning a new chapter and invite you to consider joining us as we seek to better serve Christ. Our profile may be viewed here.
Those wishing to apply should email the Rev. Canon Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org including a letter of interest/introduction and current CV/resume, and follow the instructions on the MSP to contact Pastor Julia Morales at julia@socalsynod.org. Any questions, please contact Tom at 213-482-2040, ext. 220.
Santa Paula, Joint Call, St. Paul’s Episcopal / Emmanuel Lutheran Church, part-time.
St. Paul’s/Emmanuel is looking for their next clergy leadership. We celebrate blended worship honoring and reflecting both traditions. Our stated mission is to be a House of Prayer for All People. we are open to receive and meet people where they are. Our profile may be viewed here.
Those wishing to apply should email the Rev. Canon Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org including a letter of interest/introduction and current CV/resume, and follow the instructions on the MSP to contact Pastor Julia Morales at julia@socalsynod.org. Any questions, please contact Tom at 213-482-2040, ext. 220.
ACTIVE (Vicars)
Soon to Post:
Receiving names/Soon to post
* Prince of Peace, Woodland Hills, Rector, full-time.
ACTIVE (Associate/Curate/Other Positions)
PASADENA, All Saints / Assistant Priest or Lay Person/ Director of Congregational Life and Pastoral Care
- All Saints seeks a lay or ordained person for a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Rector/Priest-in-charge and supervising the Associate for Congregational Life. This role includes pastoral care, parish life and community engagement, volunteer leadership and support, administration and communication. We seek someone with experience in pastoral care, congregational life, community engagement, strong skills, cultural humility and commitment to building beloved community. Compensation package in line with diocesan standards.
For more info, visit website:https://standrewsirvine.org, Facebook link - Please send cover letter/questions/resume to Tim@allsaints-pas.org withthe title of the position listed in the subject line.
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
OXNARD, All Saints’ ~ Todos los Santos / Associate Priest for Children’s and Youth Ministry (part time)
- Please be in direct contact with The Rev. Melissa Campbell-Langdell, Rector with any questions and paperwork if interested – revmelissalangdell@gmail.com
- 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.
- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MFjXuOdF63HKuC-Y7TO2dBoCGrX_-UUR/view?usp=sharing
OPEN
Receiving names/developing profile
Apple Valley, St. Timothy’s Parish–possible shared ministry with Hesperia. Full-time Rector/Vicar.
Fullerton, St. Andrew’s Parish – Full-time Rector
Granada Hills, St. Andrew and Charles Parish – part-time Rector
Hesperia, St. Hilary’s – Part-time Vicar
Laguna Beach, St. Mary’s – Part-time Rector
Long Beach, St. Thomas of Canterbury, Part-time Vicar
Ojai, St. Andrew’s Parish – Part-time Rector
Pasadena, Church of the Angels – Bishop’s Chapel – Full-time Vicar/Rector
South Pasadena, St. James – Full-time Rector
OPEN
No longer receiving names/Interviewing candidate
South Pasadena, St. James – Full-time Rector
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 and Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran
Big Bear, St. Columba / Spirit of Peace Mission
Gardena, Holy Communion Mission
Lake Arrowhead, St. Richard of Chichester Mission
La Verne, St. John’s 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, Church of the Transfiguration Parish
Downey, St. Mark’s Parish
Garden Grove, St. Anselm
Long Beach, St. Luke’s Parish
Los Angeles, Christ the Good Shepherd Parish
Los Angeles, Melrose, Trinity Parish
Los Angeles, St. Philip’s Parish
Monterey Park, St. Gabriel’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
South Gate, St. Margaret’s Parish
Van Nuys, St. Mark’s Parish
OTHER OPENINGS
WITHIN THE DIOCESE
| HUNTINGTON BEACH: Youth Director. St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church is seeking a Youth Director who will be responsible for guiding youth, grades 6-12, in their understanding of themselves and their Christian faith. Duties include organizing social and faith-based youth events centered on belonging, community building, and appreciating their self-worth. The Youth Director should be a strong leader by example and knowledge, and will help to build strong leaders in the church from the youth community. A detailed job description can be found here. |
| SAN CLEMENTE. Director of Music. St. Clement’s by-the-Sea, a vibrant Episcopal parish, is seeking a part-time director of music. The role will include the artistic, liturgical, and administrative leadership of music at St. Clement’s. Working collaboratively with the Rector, this individual will shape a music program that supports Episcopal liturgy, enriches congregational singing, and inspires spiritual engagement. Information and application instructions here. |
| LAGUNA BEACH. Director of Parish Operations and Digital Systems. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is seeking someone who will bring clarity, structure, and momentum to complex incomplete systems and evolving workflows. Duties include maintenance of parish records and sacramental documentation, coordination of event logistics, bills, deposits, payroll coordination, and more. This is a part-time position, with a pay range of $24.00–$28.00 per hour, based on years of relevant experience in office management. Candidates interested in this position should email a cover letter and resume to parishoffice@stmaryslb.org. Note Subject line as Office Manager, Attention: Linda Bratcher. Details and application information here. |
| TUSTIN: Preschool Director. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Preschool is seeking a new director. St. Paul’s Preschool is a Reggio Emilia -inspired community of children, teachers, and parents committed to supporting one another in raising self-reliant and joyful children and learners. St. Paul’s Preschool is one of the two Outdoor Classroom demonstration sites in Orange County. Details and application instructions here. |
OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE
A list of postings from the wider Episcopal Church is here.