ALL SAINTS CHURCH PASADENA FEBRUARY 2017

Mike Kinman: God’s New Things for ASC Spotlight: Aleta Hancock Worship: Sacred Resistance THE WOMEN’S ROOM It’s Annual Meeting Time! God’s New Things for All Saints from Rector Mike Kinman

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19)

These words came to the people of Israel as words of deliverance from exile … but the truth is, God is always about to do a new thing. And it’s never about just one person. It’s always about God’s dreams for all the people. PHOTO BY CAM SANDERS At 7:30 p.m., Monday, February 27, we will celebrate the “new thing” that God is already doing at All Saints images of God forgive and feel freedom. For nearly two Church. Yes, Bishop Bruce will be here, and there will decades, Becca and the women of Thistle Farms have be some official “installation” pieces that are about me been my spiritual guides. being your new rector, but this is truly about the entire We are perhaps as aware of the deep trauma in our community – about how God is always making us new hearts and in the world … and of our deep need for God’s and preparing us for new challenges, opportunities and healing power lived out in community … than we have joys. ever been before. Anxiety is everywhere. We are being God’s new things always involve loving deeply and encouraged to turn against one another in hate and fear. boldly. God’s new things take us to new homes and For generations, All Saints Church has been a beacon of undiscovered countries. God’s new things invite us to hope, love, and justice – and so as we embark on this new places of compassion and transformation. new chapter together, I am deeply grateful that Becca When I think of God doing a new thing – one and women of Thistle Farms will be with us not only to that is about bold risks, healing compassion, and the celebrate but to share a vision of how God’s love can heal transformative power of love – I always think of my dear our hearts and heal the world … and how All Saints might sister Becca Stevens and the women of Thistle Farms. embrace that mission for a I first met Becca nearly 20 years ago as she was just new generation. bringing together a small group of women who had We are perhaps I hope you will be a part lived lives of sexual exploitation, drug abuse, violence and as aware of the of that evening – as well as life on the streets. She brought them together with the deep trauma in the Sunday before (Feb. 26), simple conviction that love is the most powerful force for when Becca will preach at 9 change in the universe. That there is no trauma so deep our hearts and in and 11:15 a.m. and lead the that love cannot heal. It is the same conviction that led the world ... and Rector’s Forum on the topic God to become incarnate in Jesus. The same conviction of our deep need “Forgive and Feel Freedom” – that is the heart of the mission of the church. about how the church can be Both in Nashville, and later in Magdalene St. Louis, for God’s healing a community of healing from I have seen this power of love lived in community power lived out extreme trauma. change and literally save lives. I have seen mustard seeds in community So much is changing right become giant trees giving shelter and shade to birds and now. We are being tempted humans alike. I have seen women, who as Becca says, ... than we have to fear. But the edge of fear have “known the underside of bridges, the backside of ever been before. is where the Holy Spirit goes anger, the inside of prison walls and the short side of to work. And I look at you all, justice,” through the healing power of love in community and I am filled with hope. become entrepreneurs and leaders, poets and preachers. God is doing a new thing, now it springs forth, do you I have seen fear turn to resilience and I have seen not perceive it?

1 As its 10th Anniversary nears, the Women’s Room (TWR) continues to be the only service in the San Gabriel Valley devoted to unaccompanied women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness— until recently a largely ignored population. TWR has served hundreds of women in its decade, providing a venue for healing and restoration, and becoming part of a continuum of care that has cut the homeless population in Pasadena by more than 40 percent in the past 10 years. It has been an incredibly productive ministry and a truly significant All Saints contribution to the community. “TWR serves between 20-30 women five days a week and sees seven to eight of its guests housed each year — a significant number in this population,” said Jackie Knowles, founding director. Many guests say,

PHOTOS BY FLORENCE HELMBERGER The Women’s Room By Keith Holeman “The Women’s Room saved my life.” for women who have found housing, those who are In 2007, the All Saints Women’s Community’s striving to rise out of homelessness, and for the women Women’s Issues subcommittee had a plan for a who volunteer. It is the only home some of the guests daytime program. All they needed was a place and know. Virtually every volunteer says, “I get far more money. People said it couldn’t be done. Then Friends than I give.” One woman who came back to thank In Deed opened their arms and space. In the first year, TWR for giving her the courage to get out of an abusive money came from volunteers and virtually every women’s civic organization in Pasadena. It has thrived ever since – adding shower and laundry facilities, as well as housing assistance along the way – and has fulfilled so many needs of women on the margins. Today support also comes from numerous other History organizations, individuals, family trusts and the relationship said, “This is my home, my community. wider community. There is hope that this 10th Everyone here treats me like I am a real person.” The first woman The Women’s Room helped, Barbara, eventually got an apartment and has become a contributing member of TWR, helping to advise and guide guests. She also has become a financial donor. At The Women’s Room 10th Anniversary Party on Wednesday, February 22, The Women’s Room will celebrate the many women who have been served, and honor those who had the dream of a safe haven for women, and brought it to life. Among those being honored are founders and All Saints members Monica Hubbard and Jackie Knowles, and The Women’s Community of All Saints Original Women’s Issues Subcommittee Church. Join them at the Rose Bowl’s Brookside Golf Club’s Mediterranean Anniversary will provide seed money to extend the Room, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. day program to overnight. There is also a plan taking As one guest said, “This is a root to partner with others in the community to sisterhood where I can belong.” create housing just for women. For more information, visit TWR began as a place of respite for its guests, and friendsindeedpas.org or email has become a center of healing and community – [email protected]. 2 Spotlight Aleta Hancock by Nancy Naecker

“I thought I would be the last person ever to attend church.” That was Aleta Hancock’s thinking back in 1988 when she came to All Saints for the first time at Easter – with her friends from ballet class. Aleta grew up in a family which was dismissive and skeptical about organized religion. Her family was uncomfortable with the whole “Jesus thing.” For many years, she only came to church to hear the sermons. One Sunday, after a particularly difficult time Zelda Kennedy. Aleta was surprised to hear Anne and Zelda in her life, Aleta stayed after the sermon and made her talk about their journeys – seeking and questioning. Aleta way to the communion rail to receive the Eucharist. That loved hearing their about their doubts and openness to moment transformed her. She went back to her pew and spiritual questioning. She says that on that day she realized was overwhelmed with emotion. Aleta said, “I sobbed after that All Saints was not just a “church on the hill” with a fixed communionWe because it finally Are felt okay to be who I was.” All Saints theological dogma, and understood for the first time that She began to feel accepted – both by herself and by she was among fellow seekers and questioners, and that the community – and had an overwhelming sense of All Saints embraced diverse theological points of view. feeling not so alone. Aleta reminisces, “That started me on “It wasn’t until I heard parishioners tell the stories of their my emotional healing path.” She says anyone who goes to own continuing journeys that it sunk in just how deep the All Saint Church will improve their mental health! continual searching and incorporating of different spiritual Aleta decided to join the New Members class in practices is here.” 1993. She was beginning to feel the loving and hopeful Aleta now wants to give back to All Saints. When Wendell community of All Saints. At the conclusion of the New Foster asked her to join his usher team, Weston – who was Members Class, by that time seven years old – said he wanted to usher too! she decided to be On the first Sunday of the month you will find Aleta, Gemma baptized, a decision and Weston ushering together. This has encouraged that she says “totally other parent/child ushers to join in a change which really shocked” her New energizes Aleta. Her wish is to incorporate children into the Members small life of the liturgy on a regular basis. group. Laura Thornton asked Aleta to join the Children, Youth But Aleta was and Families Vestry Committee. Aleta was concerned this still only dipping would be a huge time commitment and was hesitant to say her toe into the yes, but she found joining CYF provided a great opportunity water at All Saints. to get to know other parishioners and staff and she has Her twins, Gemma thoroughly enjoyed her time on the Committee. She says it and Weston, were 4 is not only not overwhelming, it is also quite fun. months old when Aleta decided to bring them to church. Aleta stays at All Saints because she loves how the She was thrilled to put them in childcare during the service, sermons contribute to her personal growth: “They are and get a little break filled with intellectual stimulation. themes I relate to.” Aleta also loves the truly welcoming, nice At the time, Aleta imagined that parishioners and staff people at All Saints. She says, “I am proud to be counted as were somehow different from her. She felt she was a member of All Saints. Whenever I recognize someone out unchurched and still searching, while everyone on staff was about town I always say hi whether they recognize me or more traditional and sure of their spiritual settings. She thought not because I love the All Saints community so much.” of All Saints as “up on the hill” and not within her reach. Aleta’s journey, that began as an Easter-only attendee, One Sunday, when her children were 4 years old, Aleta has taken her to a place she calls home. And she loves giving dropped them off for preschool Sunday School and she back so others can experience the psychological healing 3 attended an Adult Education offering by Anne Peterson and she’s felt. 2017: A Year of Intersectional Sacred Resistance by Susan Russell

One of our baptismal promises is to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being” – and the January 21st Women’s Marches were arguably an outward and visible sign of putting that promise into action. The sea of signs carried through the streets supported a broadWorship spectrum of issues, including women’s rights, civil rights, religious freedom, reproductive justice and LGBTQ equality and protested a long list of systemic evils: racism, sexism, nativism, Islamophobia and homophobia. And even the most veteran of marchers and activists among us agreed we had never seen anything like this. The All Saints Church contingent numbered over 300 and included women, men and families; members of both our youth group and our Senior Saints group. Several All Saints members were organizers for a pre- march “Rally at the Rotunda” at Pasadena’s at City Hall ts – where over 1700 gathered to hear speakers including Congresswoman Judy Chu. And a number of All Saintsers – including Mike Kinman and his family – made the trek to Washington D.C. to march in our nation’s capitol. Our hope is that the marches are but the beginning of a movement — a movement of sacred resistance that will equip and empower us to be agents of God’s love, justice and compassion as we follow not only Jesus but all those who have gone before us — blazing the trail of transformative love in action. Because in the final analysis, no matter how fervent our prayers or powerful our rhetoric or clever our protest signs … if it’s not about love, it’s not about God. Our next steps at All Saints include a series of Rector’s Forums entitled “Intersectional Resistance”— focused on how we work together to dismantle the systemic evils we marched against on January 21. Our first one (on the day after the march) was with Planned Parenthood leader Sheri Bonner – where, as a church that has been Prayerfully Pro-Choice since 1989, we renewed our commitment to defend women’s reproductive freedom. In the weeks and months ahead will also be discerning how we as a congregation will support the diocesan convention resolution declaring Los Angeles a Sanctuary Diocese, continuing to work with our local coalitions and showing up for grassroots opportunities to speak for human rights and against discrimination, marginalization and oppression of any member of the human family. The march may be over – but the journey has just begun! 4 Vestry Elections by Jason Lyon

On February 19, we will gather in the Rector’s Forum look ahead to the anticipated leadership needs of for the first half of our two-part Annual Meeting. (Part II the community and, sometimes, seek out folks with will convene on March 5.) In addition to reviewing our specialized skills or experience. history-making 2016 and looking ahead to our mission Selection by the Nominating Committee, however, for 2017, we will elect seven new members of the is not the only way a member of our congregation Vestry. For those of us who may have come from other may stand for election to the Vestry. Our bylaws also denominations or faith traditions, “Vestry” is Episcopal- provide that speak for the elected lay leadership of the parish. The a member duties of the Vestry are defined by the Constitution and may be Canons of the Episcopal Church and by our own bylaws, nominated and they are generally to help define and articulate the by petition, mission of the congregation, support the mission of and in the broader church, provide effective organization and January, planning, and serve as faithful stewards of our resources the Vestry and finances. When the position is vacant, the Vestry also adopted hires the Rector. The Vestry is essentially the board of updated directors of the non-profit corporation. All Saints’ Vestry procedures has 26 members (24 adults and two Youth Members) and for such a is led by the Rector, Senior Warden, and Junior Warden. nomination. Given that representative democracy is a cornerstone Any member of the Episcopal polity, Vestry members are typically of the parish elected by the congregation, although different parishes wishing to follow different election procedures. At All Saints, our stand for practice for many years has been to appoint a Nominating election to Committee each fall to discern a slate of six adult the Vestry nominees to put before the congregation. (We also elect a may submit Youth Member each year whose nomination is discerned a nominating form signed by 12 fellow All Saints by the staff of the Children, Youth & Families department.) members attesting that the nominee is qualified for The Nominating Committee is composed of 10-12 election (meaning s/he is a pledging member of members of the parish, and includes the seven outgoing All Saints with a clear history of engagement in our vestry community). The petition may also include a short members statement of the nominee’s qualifications and/or as well as reasons for desiring election to the Vestry. All petitions a diverse are due no later than one month before the Annual array Meeting to allow time for publication of the nominees’ of folks pictures and statements. who have At the Annual Meeting, each Vestry nominee will experience have the opportunity to speak briefly about their in as many reasons for seeking election. In years when we have aspects no nominees by petition – including this year – we of our will continue our long custom of proceeding to a communal voice vote on the entire slate of nominees. In those Annual Meeting, Part 1, February 21, 2016Op life as years when a petition nominee has come forward, possible. we will proceed to a vote by paper ballot (and in the The goal is to cast a wide net in our consideration of event of a tie vote, a run-off). Perhaps it is a testament potential leaders. Over the course of several meetings, to our Nominating Committee’s faithful discernment the committee comes to consensus on three men that it has been quite a few years since we have had a and three women with demonstrated histories of nomination by petition at All Saints, but it is important engagement in the parish to nominate as Vestry to remember that the procedure exists as another way members. To honor All Saints’ long commitment in which the Holy Spirit might guide our corporate to multiculturalism and inclusion, the Nominating discernment. Committee is asked to give special consideration to the I look forward to seeing you in the Rector’s Forum slate’s diversity, particularly with regard to race, ethnicity, for Annual Meeting, Part I, on February 19. May God age, income, and sexual orientation. They may also bless you and keep you until then. 5 It’s Annual Meeting Time! We divide our parish annual meeting into two parts: Annual Meeting I will be on Sunday, February 19, and Annual Meeting II will be on Sunday, Max Molina has been March 5, both at 10:15 a.m. in the Forum. At the February 19 meeting we at ASC for 7 years. will elect new members for the Vestry, and thank the retiring Vestry. Here’s He is a social work the slate for 2017 – 2021: team leader at People MaryAnn Ahart has Days. Around ASC, you will find Hannah Assisting the Homeless. attended All Saints serving as an acolyte captain, singing in both Max has been involved Church (ASC) for 17 the Trouveres as a section leader and in the in hospitality for years with her husband Chamber Choir, attending youth group and Giving events, with John. She has two participating in volunteer projects including leadership in the grown children on the the annual youth trip to La Mision in Mexico. New Member and Confirmation classes, east coast and there “ASC is a unique spiritual community and is and with Transformational Journeys are 7 grandchildren in an important and active part of my life. I love and Parish Celebrations. His community their family. MaryAnn the community that ASC draws. The diversity, involvement is centered on fundraising for is an organization kindness and thoughtfulness of ASC members nonprofits, including Movember which consultant, mediator and facilitator and are extremely valuable to me. I am honored promotes men’s health awareness and was on the faculty of the UCLA School and excited at the opportunity to be part of cancer research, OutRun 38 which raises Management Program. She is currently a the Vestry, as a way to give back to this place money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis leader in our Theater Ministry and does that has given so much to me.” and he’s coordinated a team to support facilitation work for ASC ministries and for Homeboy Industries for the past several community organizations; the Vestry has been Sharyn Delahousie years. “My hope for All Saints is to connect blessed for many years by her facilitation of has been at ASC for with others, be inspired, and find spiritual Vestry/staff retreats. Her past ASC involvement 12 years and her guidance in a safe place for all who enter in includes the Women’s Community, the Vestry adult daughter, Sarah an energizing, creative, and empowering way. Leadership committee, the Rector Search White, attends as well. And I look forward to continuing to cultivate committee, leadership of many small groups Sharyn has been a an atmosphere where the words from the and you have seen her in our Palm Sunday commercial bank pulpit inspire us to more fully connect to Passion plays. “We are needed, maybe as lending professional ourselves, to one another, and to the greater never before in our parish life, to live out the for over 30 years community.” model of love as a community made clear and is currently by the teachings of Jesus. We have a new discerning next career steps in the nonprofit Terry Moore has been rector with deep beliefs about what that world, as she finishes up work on a certificate a member of ASC for life might look like; we have a commitment in nonprofit management at UCLA. She 35 years. His husband, from the congregation that they want to take is a greeter, a newcomer coffee host, has Harry Prince, sings in that journey. I am hoping we will be making been a Seekers faith partner, a member of Coventry Choir and decisions in the next four years that will make the Transformational Journeys (TJ) steering Terry has three grown us take a deep breath – maybe even a gasp committee and a member of the Vestry children and four – at their audacity and then move us ‘to the Congregational Development committee. She grandchildren. Terry streets.’” recently joined the Vestry Finance committee. retired in 2010 from a She has been the co-chair of the Alternative teaching career that included 27 years at John Hannah Berry Christmas Market for the past 3 years and Muir High School, and as a literary specialist (youth member) has has headed up the TJ trips to Habitat for for America’s Choice School Design. Terry grown up at ASC Humanity (HH) projects, as well as serving on spent 25 years in Coventry Choir, served as and attends with her the HH Fund Development Committee. “My choir president, and is currently involved with parents, Kimberly hope for our work moving forward was best the Congregational Development committee, and Jonathan, her demonstrated the day after the election when the Theater Ministry, the Language and Liturgy brother Zion, and I found myself at both the noon Eucharist and task force, Senior Saints, and is a mentor grandparents Mary the evening service participating in communal for Education for Ministry. He served on the Anne and Bill. Hannah outpouring of emotion, simultaneously Vestry 15 years ago. “I first came to All Saints is a junior at Aveson finding sacred safety for myself and providing in the summer of 1982, as a skeptical but Global Leadership Academy in Altadena, sacred comfort and strength to others. I wannabe Christian. As soon as I heard the where she is on the Student Council and hope to contribute to the ASC tapestry as we words, ‘whoever you are and wherever you a lead planner in the school’s Community continue to boldly live out our Gospel values.” are on your journey of faith, you are welcome (Continued in Annual Meeting Time on page 7) 6 Calendar of events for the month. Please check our website at www.allsaints-pas.org and the weekly This Week At All Saints for details and contact information.

February Adult Ed in February, 10:15 a.m. Sundays 5 — Sunday, Taize Eucharist, 19 — Sunday, Jazz Vespers with 5:00 p.m., Chapel Carol Bach-Y-Rita, 5:00 p.m., 5 • This Year’s Films & the Oscars, 26• Forgive and Feel Freedom, 10 — Friday, Not So Bored Game Chancel with Kenneth Turan, Rector’s with Becca Stevens, Rector’s Night, 6:00 p.m., Sweetland Hall 24 — Friday, Fiction Fun!, 7:30 Forum, Forum Forum, Church • Jesus and the New 11 — Saturday, Legal Aid Clinic, p.m., Guild Room • Healing Presence: When Our Testament, with Brian 9:00 a.m.-noon., Jackie Robinson 27 — Monday, A New Chapter Bodies Become THE Body, with Robinson, Guild Room Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Begins: Celebrating the Ministry Sally Howard, Sweetland Hall • Parent Culture, Scott Hall 2 Pasadena 91103 of the All Saints Church • Transformational Journey to Cuba Debrief, with members of 12 — Sunday, Amy Hunter: Community & Welcoming Mike the TJ to Cuba team, Guild “Why I Drink My Coffee Black” Kinman as the Tenth Rector Room In Pursuit of Justice from of All Saints Church, 7:30 p.m., • Parent Culture, Scott Hall 2 Ferguson to Palestine, 12:30 Church 28 p.m., Sweetland Hall — Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday • Rector’s Forum, Contemplative Eucharist, 5:00 Pancake Supper, 5:30 p.m., 12 with Amy Hunter, Forum p.m., Church Sweetland Hall • The Sacraments, with Zelda Interfaith Study Group Presents: Kennedy, Guild Room Refugees and Immigration, 5:00 • Parent Culture, Scott Hall 2 p.m., Islamic Center of Southern California, 434 S. Vermont Ave., 19• Annual Meeting, Part 1, Los Angeles Rector’s Forum, Forum 17 — Friday, Women’s Community Other Adult Education options -- Half the Sky Discussion Group will resume on February 26. and Potluck, 5:00 p.m., Sweetland Hall Annual Meeting Time! (Continued from page 6) here,’ I knew I had found a church home. I still Pasadena. “All Saints is my spiritual home, where committed to progressive policies, the equality wait eagerly at each service to hear those words I can put faith into action. My hope is to bring of all people, and other issues which are at the again, for myself and for others who may need my cultural gifts as a cross cultural ambassador center of ASC. It is an honor to play a part in to hear them.” to embrace our rich and great diversity.” helping ASC find support and encouragement for such actions from the biblical texts.” Isabel Ramirez has Brian Robinson has attended ASC since attended ASC for 4 Bilingual Jazz Vespers: 2013. She has a grown years, and is joined Carol Bach-Y-Rita son, Oscar Gonzalez. by his wife Laurie and Sunday, Feb. 19, 5:00 p.m. in the Chancel. Isabel is a professional his son Sam. Brian is a In addition to beautifully interpreting the photographer and college professor and best of the American Songbook, Carol works for Pasadena has brought his gifts to sings the gorgeous music of Brazil and En Espanol and ASC in his involvement the Americas in Spanish and Portuguese. Isaramphotography. in developing the Adult Her sound is lush and swinging from the Isabel has been a leader in the Latino/Hispanic Road Map and in discernment committee work. intimacy of a duo setting to a full big band. Ministry here at ASC, instrumental in the He is currently involved in Parent Culture, a She has been a featured performer at Jazz planning of worship at the 1 p.m. service weekly gathering for parents of young children, venues and festivals throughout the United and in the community events offered by that and in Children’s Chapel on Sundays. When States, Europe and Japan, with noted repeat ministry. An active volunteer in the Pasadena he’s not at school or at church, he can be engagements with MTT, and The San community, she is a Council Member at found coaching his son’s baseball team. “I’ve Francisco Symphony, The Monterey Jazz Pasadena/Altadena Coalition of Transformative been studying the Bible at an academic level Festival, and the Newport Jazz Party. This is Leaders, a member of the President’s Latino for over 10 years and never thought I would a bilingual Spanish/English service. Antonio Advisory Committee at Pasadena Community find a church that was interested in engaging Gallardo offers a meditation. Childcare College, a board member of the Pasadena and learning from scholarship; not afraid of provided. Information = Melissa Hayes, Latino Forum and is a graduate of Leadership it. My study of the Bible has made me more 626.583.2725 or [email protected]. Printed on recycled paper with soy ink.