April 15: Help Integrity Reach for the Stars @General Convention 2012!

It's An I.R.S.* Party!
an evening of
cocktails, comedy & commitment
in support of
*INTEGRITY REACHING for the STARS
at General Convention 2012

Sunday, April 15 ~ 7-9pm
Holy Spirit Silver Lake
2601 Hyperion Aveune
Los Angeles CA 90027

hosted by the program group on LGBT Ministry
honorary co-chairs:
+Mary Glasspool,
Ed Bacon+ & Steve Huber+

starring the fabulous:
ALEC MAPA

Integrity’s 2012 legislative agenda includes:
· finishing the work of securing blessings for same-sex relationships;
· continuing the work of adopting trans-inclusive resolutions;
· beginning the work of achieving canonical marriage equality.

Your support can help turn these resolutions into reality:
spread the word ~ invite your friends ~ everyone welcome!

rsvp ladioceselgbt@gmail.com or 626-583-2741

Hot Off the Presses: Pride Parade 2012 T-Shirt Design Reveal!

Literally HOT off the presses:

Here's the design for the
Diocese of Los Angeles Pride Parade T-shirts 2012!

Yes, you can order online ... click here.
(h/t designer Randolph Kimmler!)

YOU KNOW YOU WANT ONE!

Available May 6 l L.A. Pride June 10

20 Years of Blessing @ All Saints in Pasadena

On January 28/29 All Saints in Pasadena marked the 20th Anniversary of the first same-sex blessing with a weekend-long celebration. Here's "Chapter One" -- the story of the journey to "God, Sex & Justice" and how George Regas came to the place where he felt called to step out in faith and bring blessings for same-sex couples to All Saints Church:



Then there's the moving "vintage footage" of the Benson-Straw Blessing ... beginning with a reflection from then-vestry member Cathy Clement about being part of the decision making process to "Say Yes to Bless:"



And here are "the next generation" represented in the story of Jamie Hebert & Alec Mapa and how their family found (or, as they tell it, were found by) All Saints Church:



And you can watch Bishop Robinson's Sunday, January 29th sermon here ... and Bishop Glasspool's Rector's Forum presentation here.

Finally, in what is arguably the most spontaneously "blessed" part of the whole weekend, here's a story of the ripples of blessing being sent out from the blessing anniversary weekend:

One of the tables on the lawn just outside the main church door was an information table for the Blessing Event weekend. By the end of the 11:15 service all the flyers, sign up sheets and materials had been cleared off and the table was empty: save for a piece of paper with the word "Blessings" written on it.

Two young All Saintsers sat themselves down ... and when a parish member walked up and said "What's your ministry?" they answered: "Blessings! Do you want to be blessed by a kid?" And they proceeded to take her hands and bless her ... "in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit Forever."

A line formed and one after the other the girls blessed the folks who lined up ... a moment caught on video here:



Blessed to be a blessing these youngsters are "Exhibit A" of making God's love tangible 24/7 as they put their faith into action on the All Saints lawn. "Never doubt," said Margaret Mead, "that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." And if you ever do (doubt), remember this moment. And take heart.

God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality

The Program Group on LGBT Ministry is honored to be one of the sponsors for an evening with scholar and activist Jay Michaelson at Temple Kol Ami on Tuesday, November 15th. Come be inspired, informed and entertained at what is sure to be a groundbreaking event for LGBT Equality.

Shine: Celebrating National Coming Out Day

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 7 - 10 p.m.
Shine: Celebrating National Coming Out Day
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
252 East 7th Street, Long Beach 90813

Bishop Suffragan Mary Glasspool will preside and preach. St. Luke's GLBT Ministry will provide a special reception after the service designed to continue a dialogue sparked by the evening of stories, music and prayer.

The service will feature four individuals of various ages and experience sharing their coming-out stories, and how this experience has affected their spiritual journey.

Christopher Gravis, Minister of Music from St. Wilfrid's Church, Huntington Beach has assembled a choral ensemble from all over the Southland which will provide musical interludes.

New to this year's venue will be two banners designed for the event by award-winning photographer and visual artist Kurt Weston. Weston, legally blind due to AIDS-related illnesses, continues to have work featured in galleries and retrospectives across the United States.

Information: 562.436.4047

Bishop Mary @ The White House!

In case you missed it, here's Bishop Mary Glasspool's report on her recent visit to the White House for the LGBT Pride Month Reception.

Go, +Mary!!

Pride Parade 2011: Power, Passion, Purpose

Once again, the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles joined forces with our Lutheran counterparts to celebrate Eucharist together before taking the message of God's inclusive love to the streets of West Hollywood. Here's a look at some of the great cloud of witnesses who gathered this morning:


And here are some photos of another Truly Fabulous Pride Day L.A.