2023 Annual Report | St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Sunday, January 22, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. Annual Meeting

Annual Report Table of Contents

Annual Meeting Agenda, January 22, 2023…………………….………...........3 Rector’s Reflection and Report………………………………………….........4-6 Vestry Nominations………………………...…………………….….……......7-8 Senior Warden’s Report………………………………………...………........9-10 Junior Warden’s Buildings/Grounds Report……………………...…….........11 Altar Guild Report……………………………………………………….……..12 ECW (Episcopal Church Women) Report……..……………...………......13-15 Outreach Annual Report………………….……..……………...……….…16-17 Food for St. Michael’s, Riverside, Lent 2022 Backpack Drive, August 2022 Harvest In-Gathering, November 2022 Supporting Free Wheelchair Mission with the Gift of Mobility, Advent 2022

AGENDA

St. Mary’s Annual Meeting, January 22nd , 2023 // In Person & Online

Declaration

Rector’s Reflection & Report

Rev. Lester V. Mackenzie

From the Letter to The Philippians: Don’tfretorworry.Insteadofworrying, pray.Letpetitionsandpraisesshapeyourworriesintoprayers,lettingGodknow yourconcerns.Beforeyouknowit,asenseofGod’swholeness,everythingcoming togetherforgood,willcomeandsettleyoudown.It’swonderfulwhathappenswhen Christdisplacesworryatthecenterofyourlife.

As we begin a new year, let all that we do be held in prayer friends. I want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and express my deep gratitude for the leadership, dedication, and support of each one of you, here at St. Mary’s. The gift of ministry in community is truly a blessing, and I am continually inspired by the ways in which we come together to serve and support one another. I continue to learn so much from each of you, thank you.

I am pleased to report that 2022 was a great year for our parish. We welcomed many new parishioners into our community and were able to celebrate the sacraments of baptism for six individuals. We also had the joy of celebrating the sacraments of marriage for two couples. During the year, we also supported and prayed for those who were mourning the loss of loved ones. I am so grateful for the work, wisdom and creativity of our Vestry, Barbara Van Gaasbeek, Senior Warden, Tom Davis, Jr. Warden, Carrie Joyce, Jr. Warden, Claudia Mellin, Clerk of the Vestry, Dick Swintek, Treasurer, Mark Clymer, Leslie Derrick, Tammi Ford, Larry Gorum, Shauna McFadden, Mike Metzler, Candida Rivera, Carol White and Michele Maniaci Bedrick (who needed to step down during the year). I am also so grateful for the work and ministry of The Reverend Canon Dr. Mary Crist, and The Reverend Will Crist. Gratitude especially our Indigenous Peoples Eucharist, welcoming One Drumm and First Women Gather Around the Fire and Signing Byrd. Gratitude Will and Mary that I can call you colleagues and friends.

I am particularly grateful for the In-Reach of our small groups and supper clubs that have regathered within our church community. These groups provide a space for meaningful connections and support, and they have been a vital part of our ministry. Gratitude to Martha Davis and our Creation Care Ministry for revitalizing our gardens around our campus. I also want to express my appreciation for all our Outreach Ministries, for our Alternative Sleep Location teams that offer warm meals to a stranger and for the ways in which we have supported the Cold Weather Shelter, providing a warm and safe place for those in need.

I also want to express my joy at the Sunday and weekday worship experiences we have shared together. Gratitude to Bob Gunn, Music Director, Karen Zfaty Choir President and our amazing choir. Gratitude to Pat August, Altar Guild and Flower ministry Directress, Christina Calderone Captain of Coffee hour and Hospitality ministry. Gratitude to all who serve as Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, Altar servers and our emerging youth Acolytes on our First Sundays Family Service. Gratitude to our Episcopal Church Women, ECW for your creative fundraising, your generosity in ministry and the wonderful fun you invite us to enjoy with you all. To all who lead us in Taizé, Tuesday Phone in Healing Prayer Service, and Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Study, thank you for your rootedness in prayer as we follow Jesus’ walking hand in hand.Your participation and enthusiasm make our worship services on Sunday and during the week truly meaningful and uplifting.

As we move forward into this new year, I am excited to share that your Vestry and Strategic Plan Oversight Committee will continue to live into our Action Plan and grow in the light of Christ. This plan is our road map of love and is designed to help us continue to grow in our faith and serve our community more effectively. I want to also take this opportunity to acknowledge the different groups that share our amazing campus, like Creative Identity, the return of Toastmasters, The Chamber Singers, Laguna Tunes, The Laguna Beach Chorale, AA, Living Sober, Assistance League of Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach Interfaith Council and Yoga by Luciana & Renata. It is a privilege to have such a diverse community that coexist in harmony.

Faith communities offer a supportive environment for individuals to explore and deepen their spiritual practices. Gathering with others can provide a sense of belonging and connection, which can be especially important during times of difficulty or uncertainty.

In our St. Mary’s faith community, individuals can learn from one another, participate in group rituals and practices, and receive guidance and encouragement. This can be especially beneficial for those who may not have a strong support system outside of the faith community, or for those who are seeking a deeper understanding of their spiritual beliefs.

Overall, gathering in a faith community can be a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual development. I look forward to working together as we continue to build a strong and vibrant church community. Thank you for your leadership, your dedication, and your ongoing support. Thank you to all who tune in online from Johannesburg, Bondo Kenya, across the US and locally. Deep gratitude to my amazing colleagues, staff at St. Mary’s, Bob Gunn, Music Director extraordinaire, Ryan, our talented Office

St. Mary’s 2023 Annual Report

Manager, Mimi our wonderful and kind Childcare Specialist, Martin and Christina, your generous ministry in keeping our campus clean and spotless. Gracias por todo lo que haces. Una bendición conocerte y tenerte en St. Mary's. I see you and appreciate you all. Last but certainly not least, deep gratitude to my family for your love, your patience, support and generosity as I live out my ministry.

Your servant in Christ,

St. Mary’s 2023 Annual

The Reverend Lester V. Mackenzie Rector

2023 Vestry Nominations

BEN BROWN

3-YEAR VESTRY TERM

Ben was born in Georgia in 1973, and he was raised in upstate, South Carolina. He was raised in a Southern Baptist family with one sister, Beth. The family was very active in the Church. Ben attended service and functions at least 4 times per week throughout his childhood, even at age 11 throughout a messy divorce by his parents. Ben left the Church around the time when he attended college and did not return to any church for almost a decade.

In adulthood, he found a small Episcopal church in Sullivans Island, SC, called Church of the Holy Cross, where he found a place to re-connect. He was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in 2000. Ben became an active member of this church, which grew from an average attendance of around 50. The church has grown to staggering numbers, and it now has 3 campuses. Later Ben was an active member in a Lutheran church in Portland, OR, where he played bass guitar in the praise band and was the Jr. High Sunday School teacher for 5 years.

Ben has lived in Laguna Beach and attended St. Mary’s for about 4 years. Ben is married to Jennifer Brown, and they have two adult children, Alex (age 21) and Holly (age 19). Both children currently reside in Lubbock, TX. Ben has lived in many places the US, including SC, GA, NY, CT, OR, MT, and now CA, and he has traveled most of the world, primarily for work.

Ben graduated from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, where he studied physics. His graduate work in physics was at The University of Georgia. The primary focus of his research was in the field of optics and optical measurements. Ben is an Optical Physicist/Engineer and currently works for Molex in a Business Development role. In this role, he works with companies in a myriad of industries to provide optical fiber solutions for laser and sensing applications.

Ben is active and is known for being restless. Most of Ben’s hobbies include surfing, running, hiking, and playing tennis. He also loves to travel with his wife.

HOYT BACON

PARTIAL 1-YEAR VESTRY TERM (REMAINDER OF MICHELLE BEDRICK’S TERM)

Hoyt Bacon grew up in Lake Forest, IL and Colorado. He attended the School of Hospitality Management at the University of Denver. After graduation he started a 40-year career in the Hotel Business working in sales and marketing with management companies, hotel REITS and the State of California. He also served for 16 years on the Board of Trustees for Fountain Valley School of Colorado where he attended high school.

He has been a Laguna Beach resident since 1988 and he and his partner Vern celebrated 29 years together in September. Recently retired he enjoys travel, gardening and spending time with his large family.

The Vestry’s remaining nominee was not included in this Annual Report at the time of printing. A photograph and biography will be included in a future parish bulletin.

Hoyt Bacon & Vern Joens

& Barbara van Gaasbeek

Senior Warden’s Report

Barbara van Gaasbeek

It has been an exciting and positive year at St Mary’s, one of hope, rebirth, growth and joy! How wonderful to feel the clouds of covid lifting from our parish, and to finally experience the church coming fully back to life. St Mary’s is growing again!

I thank Father Lester for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Senior Warden for 2022. It has allowed me insights into the working of the church, and seeing firsthand the faithful commitment of our Rector, of Ryan our Parish Administrator, of Dick Swintek, our Treasurer, and of Claudia Mellin, the Clerk to the Vestry, among so many others.

My priorities have been to support Father Lester and his ministry in various ways, and to implement as many aspects of the Strategic Plan as possible this year. The Plan was conceived and guided by the very capable hands of Mike Metzler, with its emphasis on growing the parish. Many church strategic plans end up gathering dust in a drawer, but not this one! Members of the Vestry and many others have generously given of their time and energy to making the Plan a reality. Three Task Forces were established, each with specific goals.

Task Force 1 was charged with developing new and revitalized programs, establishing leaders for them, writing job descriptions, and running an Adult Education Survey to better understand what parishioners wanted to study. Every person who was asked to be a leader graciously agreed, so thank you for stepping up to:- Candida Rivera for Welcoming Newcomers, Cristina Calderone for care of Existing Members, Julianna Van Den Berg for restarting Supper Clubs, Tammi Ford for being Wedding Coordinator, in Linda Bratcher’s absence, Ryan Martin for being Columbarium Coordinator, Carrie Joyce for Expanding the LEM Program.

Task Force 2 was to create special programs and community meetings on emergent issues, establish St Mary’s as a catalyst for social dialog and change, and to engage in discussions on topics of interest with people with varying viewpoints. This is still in its infancy, since our energies were more focused on growing St Mary’s first.

Task Force 3 was charged with providing the weekly email blast with event information, developing and maintaining accurate, timely information for St Mary’s community, creating and maintaining a state-of-the-art website, providing local

Jim

community awareness of St Mary’s activities and programs through banners, website, social media and local print media. All these tasks have been ably performed by Mark Clymer, Leslie Derrick, Ryan Martin and Father Lester.

As you can see it takes a village to raise a church! But what a joy to see the church come to life again through the work of so many. Special thanks are due to our two Junior Wardens this year, Carrie Joyce and Tom Davis, both of whom have worked diligently to make our campus look so good again. And it is not all hard work, there was joy and laughter again as we held our Parish Picnic, wore our new St Mary’s t-shirts, attended the ECW Concert Series, sang in Xhosa to celebrate Father Lester’s birthday, and listened to wonderful Bob Gunn and our choir lift our spirits in song each Sunday.

We now have new tri-folds in the pews, informing new comers and old about our church, its history, its programs and its worship services and ministries. This year we welcomed 16 wonderful newcomers, and we are so glad that you have joined us and become members of our beloved church. We also have three new ministries this year, all of which were part of our goals within the Strategic Plan. Our beautiful Butterfly Garden is blooming thanks to the dedication and work of Martha Davis, our first Harvest In-Gathering garnered a large amount of fresh produce for the hungry, and the first Sunday of each month we now have a Family Service where youth and children take an active part in the liturgy.

Lastly, what joy to see so many, including young people and children, baptized at St Mary’s, to celebrate weddings, and to enjoy having young children and their parents join the congregation. St Mary’s is growing again!

There is not time or space here in which to thank all the people who work on so many other ministries, but if you are wondering where you might fit in, please consider joining in, and trying it out. You will meet some wonderful people along the way!

So thank you to Father Lester for his leadership, his exuberant sermons and his caring for his flock. Thank you to Ryan for his hard work and can-do attitude, always cheerful, always willing to help. Thank you to all of you, dear members of St Mary’s family, for your faithfulness, generosity and your commitment to being Christ’s heart and hands on this journey together.

It has been an honor and a privilege.

Barbara van Gaasbeek, Senior Warden, 2022

| St. Mary’s 2023 Annual Report

Tom Davis

Junior Warden’s Report

Tom Davis & Carrie Joyce

Our old campus kept us busy this year with lots of visits from plumbers, electricians, sign makers, painters, locksmiths and handymen. Most is now in order (of course this is a moving target).

The big project that we tackled this year was an overhaul of the gardens. Thanks to Martha Davis and Sylvia Breseno and her crew, the gardens have been replanted, refreshed and renewed. There are lots of new plants (including a butterfly garden) and a completely repaired irrigation system and lighting system. More plants are on their way including a new tree too be planted near the Rhodes Cottage. Like the rest of our campus, the gardens will need constant vigilance and care in order to maintain them, but, thankfully, Martha and Sylvia are on the job.

Additionally, in 2022, the Laguna Beach Fire Department performed its yearly fire inspection and brought us up to date with four new exit signs so that we are compliant with all fire safety regulations. The Fire Department also helped us to repair the flagpole, and for a few days, anyway, the Episcopal Flag hung high over the campus. Unfortunately, vandals broke the flagpole again, and it remains unrepaired. (See below.)

This year, we hope to start and finish two major projects. First, we plan to design and construct a renewal of the upper terrace area (aka “The Ruins”) where we gather for special outdoor services and where The ECW concerts are held. We are in the process of selecting a contractor to perform this job along with waterproofing the parts of our campus that are under that upper terrace area. Second, as most of you know, we have some security and vandalism issues on our campus, and we intend to develop and implement a security plan that addresses this problem. We will be working with the Diocese, local law enforcement and the Vestry to do so. This is not going to be an easy task, but we know that we can improve this unfortunate situation.

As always, let us know if you see something that needs repair or if you have any suggestions.

Blessings and best wishes, Carrie Joyce and Tom Davis

Carrie Joyce

Altar Guild Report

The drop in levels of infection this year has meant a return towards the end of 2022 to having communion with wine and the use of alms basins again. Every effort has been taken this year to keep the congregation safe and healthy. This return to some of the before pandemic practices has been a positive step that the congregation has appreciated.

Many thanks to parishioners who donate flowers during the year and especially for Easter and Christmas. Flowers help us all celebrate special people in our lives and at Easter and Christmas to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and birth. The volunteers who help with the flowers for both holidays are so appreciated. The decorating couldn’t be done without your help and enthusiasm.

A special thank you to Claudia Mellins, Linda Bratcher and Carrie Joyce. These ladies pick up the flowers for the church from the florist saving the church the delivery fee and allowing the donated money to go farther in the flower budget.

The ministry of the Altar Guild is a quiet one and a special one. Every service during the year is set up by one of the members and every one cleaned up by one of the members.

If you are interested in this ministry please speak to Fr. Lester or to me. The current members of Altar Guild are: Pat August, Claudia Mellins, Carrie Joyce, Linda Bratcher, Carol White, and Mark Clymer.

We are hoping that a healthy 2023 provides a safe place at church so we can continue to have church services and continue to build our community together.

Pat August, Altar Guild Directress

ECW Report

Episcopal Church Women

The Episcopal Church Women’s group is an historic branch of the national Episcopal Church. All women are invited to join. The ECW provides leadership and support through ministry programs that feed, educate, serve the community, offer fellowship, and promote women and children working closely with clergy and staff. The vision of ECW for all women of the Episcopal Church is that we become a vibrant blend of all ages, come together as a peacemaking and healing part of the Church. We aspire to be a Godspark, shining and sharing the love of Christ. ECW also works in affiliation with United Thank Offering each year at St. Mary’s.

St. Mary’s ECW meets the second Tuesday of each month beginning at 6:00 pm in members’ homes and welcomes newcomers of all ages. Our meetings include a potluck meal, hospitality, fellowship, supportive relationship, and prayer. Dues are $15.00 a year which assists with budgeted costs. A new website constructed in 2022 serves not only members, but allows us to share upcoming events in new and exciting ways. Additionally, St. Mary’s website tab for ECW has been refreshed along with the Facebook option to keep parishioners and the community informed of the many opportunities and activities going on in our church family.

The majority of funds earned by our ECW comes directly from events proposed by the Fundraising Committee which was chaired this year by Marjorie Gorum. In 2022 we celebrated the third year of our Summer Concert Series. Five concerts were offered and well attended; we hope you enjoyed at least one of them! This musical series brings not only wonderful music to share on our campus, it infuses joy, creates relationships, and is open to the community It additionally supports local musicians

Shanna, Barbara, Cristina and Suzy

ECW Summer Concert, Shauna performing

and restaurants that provide delicious boxed meals, all to be enjoyed on our beautiful open-air ocean view terrace.

These concerts have underscored what Kahlil Gibran so brilliantly shared, “music is the language of the spirit…” What better gift than this, sharing the many talents found within the lovely artistic community of Laguna Beach. The final event for this fundraising year was the delicious Chili Cookoff. The Cook Off has become a wonderful fall tradition at St. Mary’s.

Each year, proceeds earned from our fundraising support the work of Outreach. An extensive effort is undertaken following a discerning process by our ECW Outreach Committee to review each potential non-profit brought to our attention by the membership. Our goal is to support those whose needs best match our Outreach Mission Statement. Once identified, a vote is taken by the members as to who will receive funds and the amounts allocated for each approved non-profit. Some of this year’s recipients were new to St. Mary’s; some have deep roots in the community.

Recipients for the 2021-2022 year included the following:

• Sally’s Fund

• Friendship Shelter

• St. Mary’s Rhodes Cottage Reimagining

• St. Michael’s Church, Riverside, Food for Feeding Ministry

• Casa Teresa

• Project Bike Love

• Episcopal Relief Fund for Ukraine

• Creative Identity

• Miry’s List for Refugees

A special highlight for St. Mary’s ECW this year was the nomination and selection of one of our own as an ECW Distinguished Woman of 2022 by the National Board of

St. Mary’s 2023 Annual Report

Linda, Julianna, Shanna and Cristina presenting Project Bike Love a check for $1,000.00

Pat and Julianna

ECW at the Triennial of 2022, -The Rev. Canon Dr. Mary Crist. What a blessing she is to our group, our St. Mary’s family, the greater Episcopal church, and community.

In closing this report, I wish to thank the membership for their support during the three years I have served as ECW president. My Executive Leadership Team has faithfully demonstrated courage, risk taking, and unfailing support, as well as Fr. Lester for his willingness to imagine new horizons for this faithful group of women. Congratulations and best wishes to our new president, Marjorie Gorum!

Perhaps this quote shares says it best, “In the Church, and in the journey of faith, women have…a special role in opening doors to the Lord.” ~ Pope Francis

Respectfully submitted, Linda Bratcher 2022

St. Mary’s 2023 Annual Report

Joslyn and Suzy

Outreach Report

Food for St. Michael’s, Riverside, Lent 2022

During the six weeks of Lent, St Mary’s gathered in a total of 560 items for the many hungry children and struggling families who come to St Michael’s Outreach Ministry Center for help with food. You donated significant amounts of beans, tuna, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, spam, soup, mac ‘n cheese, vegetables, fruits, pasta, and rice. As Mary Crist, the Founder of this Food Ministry said, all items are gratefully received.

Backpack

Drive, August 2022

St Mary’s generous contributions to the Backpack Drive realized a final total of 232 backpacks! We took them to Giving Children Hope in Buena Park where they were gratefully received. Giving Children Hope’s “We’ve Got Your Back” (WGYB) Program is a local program that gives underserved children, who are often homeless, a backpack filled with nutritious food that helps feed them and their families over the weekend when schools are out and this may be their only source of food. Giving Children Hope’s goal is to “help families break out of the cycle of need into success and sustainability”

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Harvest In-Gathering, November 2022

Thank you to all who contributed to the wonderful bounty of fruits and vegetables arranged around the altar on Sunday, November 20th. We gathered in an incredible 415 pounds of food! The Food Pantry was delighted and so grateful that they can share healthy, fresh produce with families and children in need, especially at Thanksgiving time. Thank you to all who came on Saturday morning to help out, and to Candida and Christian for their generosity, especially with their time on Sunday when we boxed everything up and drove it to the Food Pantry.

Backpacks displayed in front of the Altar

Over 415 pounds of food gathered for Harvest In-Gathering

Supporting Free Wheelchair Mission

with the gift of mobility, Advent 2022

During Advent, we gathered donations for Free Wheelchair Mission, a local, wonderful nonprofit that has built and shipped more than 1.3 million chairs to 94 nations, especially to the poverty-stricken in developing countries. We were very fortunate to hear from Don Schoendorfer, the Founder, when he spoke at St Mary’s. The cost for each wheelchair is $96. To date, you generously donated a total of $3,844.00, which means St Mary’s donated 40 wheelchairs, and changed 40 lives forever, giving each recipient the gifts of mobility, independence, dignity and freedom. What better Christmas gifts than those! Thank you!

Special thanks to the many faithful contributors to our Outreach, as well as to Father Lester for his ongoing support, Dick Swintek and Claudia Mellin for making the accounting run so smoothly, and most of all, you, St Mary’s, for always stepping up and caring for those in need! Your compassion is truly appreciated.

With deepest gratitude, Barbara van Gaasbeek and the St Mary’s Outreach Committee

St. Mary’s raised funds for 40 wheelchairs

In Reach Report

Men’s Bible Study

Men’s Bible Study has continued in 2022, as it has for twelve years, providing fellowship and growth in the understanding of God’s word. The group meets in the church parish office on Thursdays at 8:00 am. This is a very cohesive group with a goal to study scripture and to allow the Holy Spirit to teach them what it means for them today. The group opens and closes in prayer. They do not have a strict format, they read scripture and then pause for reflection. Thursdays at 8:00am, Parish Office Library.

ECW – Episcopal Church Women

Meets the second Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at a member’s home. Yearly money is raised through bake sales, Christmas bazars, and other activities. This section was reported by Linda Bratcher (beginning on page 12).

Taizé Mindfulness Meditation Services

“Contemplation is nothing more than one’s whole person being seized by the reality of God’s Love.” – Roger of Taize

Our Taize worship involves sung and chanted prayer, meditation, a period of silence, liturgical readings and the use of candles. We are led by beautiful instrumental and guitar musicians, Shauna McFadden.

For more information, contact Nancy Sellas. First Thursdays, 7:00 pm, Church

Taize Prayer Service at St. Mary’s

Healing Service and Prayer

“Jesus says, ‘Come to me all you are troubled and I will give you rest.’ So come. You who are burdened by regrets and anxieties, you who are broken in body or in spirit, you who are torn by relationships and doubt, you who feel deeply within yourselves the divisions and injustices of the world. Come, for Jesus invites us to bring him our brokenness.”

We gather in community each Tuesday for a prayer service, Gospel reading, and checkin. For more information, contact Nancy Sellas.

Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m., currently meets online (Conference Call Format)

Rector’s Weekly Prayer

Join Fr. Lester every Wednesday at 11:00 am to 12:00 p.m. online through Zoom and dive deeper into prayer and spirituality. The group is small and cohesive. Call the Parish Office to get the weekly Zoom link. Wednesdays at 11:00 am, online through Zoom.

Altar Servers, Chalice, and Readers

The schedule of servers and readers is posted in the Narthex and on the Church Website. In August of 2022, we had a LEM Training session and four new LEM Ministers were trained at St. Mary’s! For more information if you would like to serve or read, contact Claudia Mellin.

St. Mary’s 2023 Annual Report

Fr. Lester, Oliver and Cora

Music Report

2022 was another year of spiritual and musical growth on many levels for St. Mary’s Choir. We appreciate especially being able to be together to sing some of the most beautiful sacred music ever written under the guidance of our remarkably gifted, loving and dedicated musical director Bob Gunn.

We have grown over the years to become a truly remarkable choral ensemble. We are very grateful for the dedication and service of:

Sopranos: Joslyn Aiken, Carrie Joyce, Shauna McFadden, and Martha & Chandler Davis (who joined us for Christmas Eve)

Altos: Linda Choong (Welcome, Linda!), Amelia Itnyre (welcome, Amelia!), Shanna George, Pat Kollenda, Carol White, and Karen Zfaty

Tenors: Tom Davis, Kathy Hanke, John Kilpatrick (welcome, John!), Rebecca Lyles and Jeff Whittiker (for Christmas Eve)

Basses: Kellen Ford, Bob Gunn, Ed Hanke, and John Holcombe (for Christmas Eve)

We welcome to our choir family all who would come to help us lead worship. There are many reasons we are drawn to sing in St. Mary’s Choir, including:

1. The opportunity to accomplish something together that none of us can do alone: to sing together - in harmony – to the glory of God.

2. The opportunity to serve God and to serve our parish family.

3. The opportunity to prepare for and glimpse heaven’s choir singing along with us.

4. The opportunity to read, hear, sing and meditate on words of truth, love, peace, joy and hope. In rehearsal, as we hone each passage, the repetition moves those words into the deepest parts of our souls – and they reside there in us throughout our lives, reminding us of God’s unfailing love.

5. The opportunity to experience and participate in the art of beautiful poetry, melody and harmony.

6. The opportunity to exercise our intellects – singing uses both sides of the brain simultaneously.

7. The opportunity to be part of a close family within the parish family. Working and worshiping together each week draws us close – we have become, over the years, the closest of friends. We share each others’ joys and bear each others’ sorrows.

8. The opportunity to leave the stresses of life behind by such focus that everything else fades away, and, then, to return to our lives, calm and energized.

Our choir is privileged to do all of these things under the direction of our very gifted, dedicated, loving and funny Musical Director, Bob Gunn. Bob elicits excellence in the gentlest, most humorous ways. He makes us sing better than we really can! His beautiful piano accompaniments during communion and other moments in the service lead us into intimacy with God. As every choir member would tell you, we are extraordinarily blessed to be able to make music and serve our parish under his direction.

As we prepare for the music of Sunday mornings – hymns, responses, psalms, offertories, and communion – and as we prepare for special seasons and feasts –Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, we sing with joy and gratitude and we look forward to moving into this new year singing God’s praises!

Please consider joining us!

Karen

Zfaty, Choir President

Members of our Parish Choir and Music Director Bob Gunn

Communications Committee Report

The following activities were accomplished by the Communications Committee in 2022:

1. Provided a press release to Stu News and the Laguna Beach Independent, which was published, regarding the Advent Outreach Program: Comfort for Christmas, a benefit for the Waymakers Teen Shelter.

2. Participation in the Diocesan Group advertising for Holy Week/Easter in the Orange County Register and Los Angeles Times on Saturday April 9, for a total cost of $230.

3. Two weeks of Holy Week and Easter Services advertising in the Laguna Beach Independent and Stu News, for a total cost of $625.

4. Created and installed a new Holy Week / Easter Services banner for the front patio.

5. Provided a press release to Stu News and the Laguna Beach Independent, which was published, regarding the clothing drive for Working Wardrobes by the Episcopal Church Women (ECW).

6. Created and had published a ¼ page ad in the annual Laguna Beach City Guide, for a total cost of $250 (see next page for ad)

7. Created and installed a new Summer Schedule banner for the front patio

8. A ¼ page color ad for the Jason Feddy concert, sponsored by ECW was ran in the Laguna Beach Independent as well as online at Stu News (see below).

9. Provided a press release to Stu News and the Laguna Beach Independent about ECW’s outreach giving and the many organizations that were being supported by ECW through funds raised by the Summer Concert Series.

10. Two weeks of ads for Christmas ran in the Laguna Beach Independent as well as Stu News.

11. Continued to enhance St. Mary’s YouTube Channel with weekly uploads of all Facebook Live service broadcasts. Edited and uploaded to separate playlists, the sermon, and the choir offertory anthem for each live service broadcast. Created playlists for Epiphany 2022, Lent 2022, and Pentecost 2022, so that viewers can easily locate a previous service.

12. With the Rector’s approval, turned over the media contact work to Ryan Martin as the parish administrator. Ryan will now be the focal point for all communications between St. Mary's and the Stu News and the Laguna Beach Independent. This will include Press Releases and Feature Articles, as well as Advertising. This will satisfy the objective of having the parish administrator as a single communications center for the church. Met with Ryan and turned over local media contact information for advertising and press releases/feature articles. Also provided samples of articles and advertising that we've done in the past.

Gardens Report

In 2022, we lost our 8-year-old Redbud Cercis canadensis (aka Judas Tree or Flowering Judas) in the rose garden next to the Rhodes Cottage. We have chosen another lovely Redbud that is waiting to be planted once our rains subside.

While Fall and Winter are usually great times to plant, the rainy season for this tree could create problems. Soil and root tests on the other tree concluded that the cause of death was a fungus caused by overwatering last winter. Because we are not sure how that happened, and if there is a problem with the sprinklers or drainage, we want to make sure the new tree gets just the right amount of water it needs to thrive.

Redbuds are deciduous, so in Winter, when it has no leaves, it’s difficult to tell what the “right” amount of water is. Are we killing it or is it still dormant? So, we plan to plant our new tree this Spring, when it begins to show signs of life so that we can know when it’s happy and healthy.

The Redbud of Christian mythology was the Mediterranean redbud Cersis siliquastrum. Legend has it that this tree once grew into a tall, strong tree with white flowers. But after Judas Iscariot realized that what he had done resulted in Jesus’ death, he hanged himself on a Redbud. Since that event, the tree became ashamed and now stays small with brittle branches. Its flowers lost their purity and turned from white to pink.

These flowers will grow straight from the trunk and along the branches and are edible. The blossoms are shaped like little hummingbirds. Its leaves are heart shaped and attract at least 19 species of caterpillars.

What I love most about Redbuds is their beautiful bright pink Spring bloom that comes before their leaves so that they make a bold happy statement. A small tree that grows into a lovely shape, it will bring shade to our western facing conference room window in summer and allow the sun to shine through to warm and brighten the days in winter.

Other areas of our garden have been enhanced, repaired, and even replanted since last Spring. Sprinklers are working everywhere, and subtle lighting has been added or repaired. While we still have problems with vandalism throughout the grounds, we can see the new plants becoming established which gives them a degree of strength to rebound.

In the upcoming months, please enjoy watching our new Butterfly Garden by the Guild Hall attract caterpillars, butterflies and hummingbirds. As that garden becomes more established, more flower and bulbs will start to sprout and bloom.

Many thanks to all who have contributed to St. Mary’s gardens through the years, with contributions of plants, watering, time, and hard work to fill in its empty places. Thank you to the Vestry for saying “YES” to our grounds, and thank you to our Building and Grounds cochairs Tom Davis and Carrie Joyce for giving Sylvia Briseno and me their trust. ~ Martha Davis

Report on the 127th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles

Tammi and Kellen Ford, Lay Delegates for St. Mary’s

The 127th Annual Meeting of Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles was held on Saturday, November 12, 2022, virtually and inperson at the Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, California. The theme of the Convention was “Back to the Holy City: The Hope of Christ in Our Time”, focusing on fixing our eyes, once again, on God’s vision of a holy city of love and justice for all God’s people and rededicating ourselves to making it better. The purpose of the Convention was to conduct the business of the diocese, including the passage of a budget for the upcoming year, election of Clergy and Lay members for a variety of elected offices, and consideration of several resolutions. In addition to routine business of the Diocese, the Convention, delegates heard from Bishop John Harvey Taylor and a keynote address by Anglican Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Diocese of Jerusalem. Presentations on housing justice and PRISM and the Center for Lay Chaplaincy were also highlighted during the Convention, which included an interview with Reverend Canon Mary Crist who discussed the new housing project at St. Michael’s in Riverside.

The convention passed a balanced budget for 2023 without depleting either unrestricted cash and investments or principal from the endowment and restricted funds. Income from the budget comes from the Mission Share Fund (contributions from Missions and Parishes), the Corporation of the Diocese, along with grants from the Seeds of Hope Program and IRIS Refugee Resettlement program. With a shortfall in 2022 from the Mission Share Fund, Mission Share Funds were increased to the 12% giving level for

Bishop John Taylor, Kellen & Tammi Ford

2023. Outlay of the budget was reduced by $900,000, which after prayerful discernment and debate, was achieved by a total reduction of initial fund requests.

The Convention considered and voted in favor of five proposed resolutions:

1. Establishment of a Diocesan Compensation & Benefits Program Group to maintain just standards of compensation & benefits for lay and ordained employees, and to provide resources and education for institutions of the Diocese as they navigate the complex world of compensation & benefits.

2. Establishment of Clergy Compensation Minimums, which have not been updated since 2006. Total Clergy Compensation minimum does not include benefits or job-related expenses, and is now set at $70,000, plus $4000 for every five years of service, up to a maximum of fifteen years, and the addition of Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increases each year.

3. Parity for Ordained and Lay Church Employees, which provides a commitment toward just compensation and benefits for lay employees that will align with clergy employees.

4. The Diocese of Los Angeles’s Commitment to Engage with the Episcopal Church’s Covenant for the Care of Creation, to grow our love for the Earth and all of life through preaching, teaching, storytelling and prayer; to stand alongside marginalized, vulnerable peoples, in order to advocate and act to repair Creation and seek the liberation and flourishing of all people; and to adopt practical ways of reducing our climate and other ecological impacts and living more humbly and gently on Earth.

5. The Adoption of Guidelines for the Environmental Reformation of the Diocese of Los Angeles, to identify and implement practical, cost-effective measures to address climate change in the day-to-day operation of the diocese.

The Convention concluded with a report from the Episcopal Church’s Middle East Partnership and American Friends of the Diocese of Jerusalem.

The Rev. Canon Mary Crist, Ed.D, The Rev. Will Crist, Tammi and Kellen

Creative Identity Report

January 20, 2023

Reverend Lester Mackenzie and St. Mary’s parishioners:

As you may know, Creative Identity is a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic music and expressive arts programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We operate 2 day programs in Orange County, one of which is housed on St. Mary’s campus during the week.

Here are some highlights from our past year:

● We transitioned from online classes back to our previous full schedule of inperson music, art, and life skill classes and operating at pre-pandemic capacity.

● The number of people we serve grew from 17 to 23, and we added 2 staff to our team.

● We recorded a performance in June that featured 2 songs - a choreographed dance routine and music performance that featured participants both playing instruments and singing.

● The Episcopal Church Women’s group donated an electric drum kit and percussion supplies to our program, which has allowed us to expand the interest and musical experiences of our VERY excited participants. Thank you for your generosity!

● In November we resumed a tradition of inviting the families of program participants for a recital, art boutique, and traditional Thanksgiving luncheon.

Creative Identity deeply appreciates our relationship with St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and their groups and parishioners.

Sincerely, George J. Gilliam, RMT Executive Director

Dr. Cynthia Smith, MT-BC Program Director

Andrea Hancock, MT-BC Associate Director