Blessed Sacrament Church Parish Portfolio

1BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH—PARISH PORTFOLIO

Parish Portfolio

EPISCOPALCHURCHOF THE

BLESSED SACRAMENT

Placentia, California


MISSION STATEMENTIt is the bounden duty and abundant joy of the

people of this parish, being part of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church, to worship God as he has revealed himself

in Jesus Christ, to become saints, and to make disciples

of all people.

DEDICATION OF THE LAND, DECEMBER 7, 1957


PRAYER FOR DISCERNMENT

Almighty God, giver of every good gift:Look graciously on your Church, andso guide the minds of those who shall

choose a Rector for Blessed Sacrament Church, that we may receive a faithful pastor,

who will care for your peopleand equip us for our ministries;through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Book of Common Prayer, page 818

DEDICATION OF THE LAND, DECEMBER 7, 1957

Although this Parish Portfolio has been assembled in preparation for the calling of a new rector, it is hoped that it will also serve as a resource for anyone

seeking more in depth information about The Episcopal Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Placentia, CA.

We pray that this portfolio will aid us in our search to call to Blessed Sacrament Church the new rector that we know God has already chosen for us. We pray that our new rector, by providing spiritual leadership and a living faith, will join us in our journey and empower us to live fuller lives in God’s service where we will grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and in faith, grace, good works, truth and love. We seek a rector who will connect with people, both within our congregation and in the broader Orange County and Los Angeles community. We also seek a learned priest, who is an inspired and inspiring communicator of God’s Word and a leader who will help us to discern more fully God’s calling.

We invite prospective candidates for rector to read the enclosed Parish Portfolio and to view our website at www.bsacramentchurch.org to learn more about Blessed Sacrament Church’s rich history and exciting potential.

If the Holy Spirit moves you become Rector of our church please submit your resume to the address below:

Attention: Senior WardenBlessed Sacrament Church1314 North Angelina DrivePlacentia, CA 92870Phone: (714) 528-2995Fax: (714) 528-2997E-Mail: [email protected]

LETTER TO PROSPECTIVE RECTORS


DIOCESE:The Diocese of Los Angeles(Under Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight of Bishop Ed Little of The Diocese of Northern Indiana)

SERVICES:Sunday Worship:8:00 AM Spoken Mass10:15AM Sung High Mass

Mid Week Worship:Tues. 11:30AM Rite I EucharistWed. 9:00AM Rite I EucharistThurs. 6:15 PM 1928 Prayer Book (missal)

Saturday Worship:8:00AM Rite I Eucharist

Special Worship:Evensong & Benediction First Sunday each month, 6:00PM Stations of the Cross First Friday each month, 6:00PM

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCHAT A GLANCE

LOCATION:1314 North Angelina Drive Placentia, CA 92870-3442

CONTACT: Phone: (714) 528 – 2995Fax: (714) 528 – 2997E-Mail: [email protected]: www.bsacramentchurch.org

FOUNDED:1956

REGULAR MEMBERS:237

EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBERS:207

PLEDGING UNITS:75

AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTENDANCE:92


THE 2013 VESTRY:

Fr. Bradford Karelius Interim PriestDave Juergens TreasurerJeff Green Senior Warden 2010-2013Brian Nick Junior Warden 2012-2014Joi Weaver Clerk of the Vestry 2011-2013Ned Bergert 2011-2013Ashley Romero 2011-2013Coren Kittridge 2012-2014Jim Kistler 2012-2014Devin Fryling 2013-2015Doug Lee 2013-2015

THE BLESSED SACRAMENT CLERGY:

The Rev. Bradford Karelius Interim PriestThe Rev. Michael C. Eldred Assisting PriestThe Rev. Steve Sterry Parish Deacon

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION:

Paula Larsen Business ManagerMarcy Ratcliff Office ManagerSandy Fryling, D. Mus. Organist & ChoirmasterAshley Nick Youth & Fellowship MinisterAshley Romero Children’s & Acolytes Minister

CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND CLERGY

We are a warm and loving congregation.

WHAT OUR NEW RECTOR CAN EXPECT

In our own words(Direct quotes from our Parish Survey)

“There is love in this parish. It has been specifically and tangibly felt by me. It is in the Sacraments, in the love the priest conveys to people when he lays hands on them in absolution, in the gardens, in the prattle of coffee hour, in the laughter of the children. “No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” This is true here. His love is manifest and we see it in the Word, the Sacraments, and the people of God. It is a mighty cloud of witnesses. The people here are real, and they will invite you into their journey of becoming Disciples of Christ.”

“Adherence to the Gospel, beautiful liturgy, and people who love each other are the principal elements of value to me. The ability to interact with people who really care for each other and love God and Jesus is very much satisfying.”

“Welcome to the young and to the old; to those with green hair and those with no hair; to those of different upbringings and cradle Episcopalians.”

“I feel at home at Blessed Sacrament. It is a small, closely knit group of people who gather for the same purpose, to honor and worship the Lord with our whole body and mind. I like that church members are invested in the services, as well as in the lives of other members.”


We value tradition.

WHAT OUR NEW RECTOR CAN EXPECT, CONT.


“Blessed Sacrament was founded as an Anglo-Catholic and “high” church. It is what makes us different in our diocese. At one time we were just one of 2 churches to offer this type of worship… It is the reason we have parishioners from long distances. I feel it is extremely important to keep Blessed Sacrament in the tradition that it was founded.”

“There are many ways to express proper reverence to The Host without strict adherence to rote routine. I do feel, however, preserving some traditional elements connects us with past and future faithful and puts the proper focus on the Body of Christ rather than the officiate.

“I continue to want our church to provide traditional values and worship. Though I have many liberal views, I want my church to be traditional and conservative.”

We worship with purpose.



“I love the music, the incense, and the liturgy. I like how the church uses vestments to signal the church year. I love our Lenten programs and the services during Holy Week. I like the children being involved as acolytes so that they learn how to sit still and attend to the liturgy.” “I like Solemn High Mass, bells, smells, chanting, the works. It makes me feel closer to God. High Church means it’s closer to heaven.”

“The high Anglican music is part of the very identity of the parish and the tradition of Anglo-Catholic Christianity. Without it, the depth of communion by the individual soul with the presence of God is sorely diminished”

“Being able to offer all of my senses to God and experience God’s grace with them during worship is very important.”


We are in need of leadership.



“The new rector should embrace the faith of the Catholic/Anglican tradition. It should not be an anything goes nor do what fits. Basically, we are called to faith to emulate Christ. It is not an easy task. The rector should show the way. I am politically liberal, but I would like to see politics out of the church. We need to focus on our Lord, and what he calls us to do.”

“Someone very warm and nurturing - a team builder. Someone who can lead us joyfully in all aspects of parish life. A plus would be to encourage good stewardship, as we seem to have had a history of financial problems.”

“I think someone who is a team builder is needed to bring our church family together after this time without leadership and who can bridge the gap between the 8:00 and 10:15 members. Also, I think a balanced leadership style of authoritative and a servant leader; someone who is able to listen to the needs, desires, and wills of the congregation, but also make firm, Biblically sound decisions to keep up the ministry of the church.”

“As the issue of sexual orientation and identity becomes increasingly divisive in the broader church, it will be important for the next rector to have the wisdom to teach our parish how to respond. This means a true commitment to learn about the issue, to help us understand how to lovingly respond to those with whom we may differ. I would prefer a rector who can show our parish how to have an impact on the wider Episcopal Church, whether directly or by helping us to become a model of servanthood in our community that others seek to emulate. Especially as our parish has shrunk recently, a new rector must know how to take the talent and motivation that exists in our parish and put it to the best use for Christ’s kingdom and the edification of our congregation.”


PREPARING FOR TRANSITION

After 34 years of service to Blessed Sacrament Church, Father David Baumann announced on July 22, 2012, that he would retire on November 4, 2012.

Upon receiving orientation about the rector search process from the Reverend Canon Joanna Satorius and after Bishop Jon Bruno paid a visit to Blessed Sacrament Church, the vestry commissioned a 13-member Parish Portfolio and Survey Committee to commence with the process of calling a new rector by creating, deploying and analyzing a Parish Survey and publishing a Parish Portfolio that summarized the history and current environment of Blessed Sacrament while highlighting the goals, expectations and theological leanings of the congregation.

On November 11, 2012, the vestry unanimously confirmed the appointment of the Reverend Canon Bradford Karelius (Father Brad) as the Interim Priest for Blessed Sacrament Church while the search for a new rector continued.

On January 20, 2013, the Parish Survey was kicked off with a “Survey Taking Party” and “History Day Event” in the Parish Hall. Many parishioners completed the online survey in the parish hall while celebrating the 56 year history of Blessed Sacrament Church through folklore, historical pictures, news clippings, and a presentation by a founding member. The survey was subsequently made available to all adult parishioners for the next 45 days online, via e-mail and in written format. Ultimately 86 parishioners submitted completed surveys, representing 38% of all adult parishioners. A summary of the survey results provided an outline of general requirements and qualities deemed important in a new rector and formed the basis for interview questions to be asked of candidates for rector by the soon-to-be-formed Rector Search Committee.

TRADITIONAL ANGLO-CATHOLIC WORSHIP AND LITURGY ARE IMPORTANT:

95% of survey respondents stated that liturgy is either important or very important. 90% stated that upholding the tenets of Anglo-Catholic worship is either important or very important. Growing church membership is also seen as important or very important (80%) as is music (78%).

92% of survey respondents also stated that the use of traditional forms of worship, such as bells, incense, holy water and vestments are either important or very important. 88% stated that acknowledging the real presence of Jesus Christ in the sacraments through genuflection, crossing oneself and elevation of the host is either important or very important. 93% of respondents are either satisfied or very satisfied with the current format and content of worship services.

MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES SOUGHT IN A RECTOR:

96% of survey respondents believe it is important or very important that the rector excel as a teacher of the word through sermons. 91% believe it is important or very important to establish effective programs to visit the sick, dying and bereaved. Also seen as important or very important are: promoting Christian formation through education classes and activities (90%); promoting church growth and development activities (90%); personally counseling individuals about spiritual, moral, family and personal issues (89%); and promoting youth ministries (87%).


OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Blessed Sacrament Church is located in the city of Placentia, CA, in Orange County, about 30 miles South of Los Angeles and 95 miles North of San Diego. Placentia is a small suburban city of 51,000 people, nestled between the neighboring communities of Anaheim, Fullerton, Brea, Yorba Linda and Orange.

45% of the population is White, 36% Hispanic, 15% Asian and 4% other. The median annual household income is $83,000 and the median existing home sales price is $448,000

OUR CHURCH CAMPUS

The Blessed Sacrament Church is situated upon four acres of land in a residential neighborhood. The buildings are surrounded by mature trees, beautiful gardens and large grassy fields. The gardens are accented by meditation areas and memorials dedicated to past parishioners and church saints.

The physical facilities include:

The church, with comfortable seating for 144 people in the nave and 25 choir members and acolytes in the choir pews and Sanctuary. The nave is encompassed by 10 beautifully designed stained glass windows and 14 hand carved wooden Stations of the Cross.

The office complex contains the Sacristy, the Chambers, the main office and the Rector’s private office.

The Parish Hall complex consists of a large meeting hall (including a Library and children’s play area), large kitchen, choir room, nursery, and patio complete with a large barbecue pit.

The Blessed Sacrament Children’s Learning Center complex, a relatively new structure (built in 2005), is composed of four large classrooms and an office, highlighted by a large children’s playground with padded ground covering, swings, jungle gyms, a sandbox and a wooden reading deck built around a large tree trunk.

There is also a 5 bedroom, 2,200 square foot Rectory immediately adjacent to the church property with easy access by way of a garden gate.

OUR CONGREGATION

People are drawn to Blessed Sacrament Church primarily due to the preaching of conservative Christian values, the beauty of our traditional Anglo-Catholic liturgy and music, reverence to the real presence of Jesus Christ in the sacraments, the wide array of Christian oriented programs for young children and

youth and the very visible love that is expressed between all members of the church family.

63% of parish survey respondents are either lifelong Episcopalians or have been Episcopalian for 21 or more years. For the other 37% of parishioners, the most common former church affiliations are Catholic (20%), Baptist (18%) and Evangelical (14%).

50% of parish survey respondents are between the ages of 51 and 70 (26% between 51 and 60) and 83% have a college level education or higher. 47% of parish survey respondents live within 5 miles of the church.

186 adults and 51 children (27%) count themselves as members of the Blessed Sacrament Church. In addition, 207 adults and children are considered members of our extended family and attend services and special events on an occasional basis. Average Sunday attendance for 2012 was 124 people (33 people at the 8:00 service and 91 people at the 10:15 service). For the first 3 months of 2013 the average Sunday attendance is 92 (26 people at the 8:00 service and 66 people at the 10:15 service). A portion of the recent decline in attendance is attributable to some members of the Anglican Church of the Resurrection congregation leaving Blessed Sacrament to plant a new Anglican church in nearby La Mirada, CA.


OUR CONGREGATION, CONT.

DISCERNING OUR PLACE IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND IN THE DIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES

Over the years, many Episcopal parishes have expressed differences of opinion regarding decisions made, and directions taken, by the National Episcopal Church and local dioceses. Such differences have led some parishes to split altogether from the Episcopal Church to affiliate with more conservative,

emerging Anglican bodies. After the 2006 General Convention, members of Blessed Sacrament expressed disagreement with the direction of the National Episcopal Church, as well as with the Diocese of Los Angeles. Always a bulwark of conservatism in a national Episcopal church perceived as becoming increasingly liberal, Blessed Sacrament had already taken advantage of a canonical provision allowing them to submit to the Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight (DEPO) of Bishop Ed Little of the Diocese of Northern Indiana, who was perceived as more orthodox. However, some parishioners continued to press for a total split from the Episcopal Church. Father Baumann led the congregation in a two-year process to discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance for the future direction of the parish. The chief emphasis was that the parish remain together as a loving Christian church family. Discernment meetings were filled with tearful testimonials by parishioners adamantly opposed to leaving cherished friends and expressing concerns about pulling children away from a familiar and caring Christian environment.

The process culminated in the establishment of an Anglican congregation affiliated with the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA) at Blessed Sacrament in December of 2009. The Episcopal and Anglican congregations, shared church facilities and clerical staff but utilized different clergy, and different financial arrangements, for each congregation.

Several years later, in obedience to their bishop, the Anglican congregation joined with another Anglican group to plant The Church of the Epiphany, in La Mirada, a city not far from Placentia. Ultimately, 16 families (38 people) left Blessed Sacrament to attend the Church of the Epiphany. Members of both churches still frequently visit and attend services at the other.


WORSHIP AT BLESSED SACRAMENT

Worship, offered in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, is central to the life of Blessed Sacrament. Two Masses—one said, one sung—are offered each Sunday. In addition, midweek said Masses are celebrated, honoring saints and holy days as well as offering worship opportunities to those unable to

attend on Sunday or those who desire more frequent reception of the Sacrament of Communion.

Use of Rite I from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer is normative, with Rite II being used at baptisms.

Worship is designed to involve the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Incense, candles, bells, and music engage the senses. Changes in posture (kneeling, standing, and sitting) and physical acts of devotion such as genuflection and crossing oneself incorporate the spirit of worship into the body.

Children are welcome at worship. The sung Mass, with its music, candles, and smoke, particularly appeals to them. The Children’s Chapel service in Scully Hall brings the worship experience to children at their own level of understanding. They then come into the church to hear a children’s sermon, after which they join their families for the Consecration and communion. Any child who has been baptized, at the parents’ discretion, is admitted to the Communion.

There is no “cry room” at Blessed Sacrament. Infants and young children are briefly taken outside by their parents as necessary, should they disturb others during the service.

In addition to regular Sunday and weekday Masses, special services such as choral Evensong, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and Stations of the Cross are offered regularly.



CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES

Children love being a part of the Blessed Sacrament family. Most of the children were baptized in the parish and are lifelong friends with each other, and heartily welcome newcomers. It is a close-knit and vibrant group, whose warmth and camaraderie reach out to others. Approximately 20 children (ages

2-16) regularly attend our activities.

Our children learn orthodox theology through a liturgy that engages the whole self. From the age of 5, they may begin serving at the altar as acolytes. The acolytes ring bells, light candles, swing the thurible to diffuse incense, and help to prepare the Lord’s table; these sacred actions instill an understanding of the holiness of God at a visceral level. They learn to offer themselves to God, joining their community in celebrating Mass and receiving tangible grace in the Sacrament.

Along with participation in the liturgy, the children connect to God and each other through a variety of other events and ministries. Regular offerings include Sunday School for all ages, weekly Children’s Chapel, yearly confirmation classes, bi-monthly youth group meetings, and youth camp in May, complete with rock climbing, archery, s’mores, and singing around the campfire.

Throughout the church year, the children have special ways to participate in the life of the parish. In Advent, they put on a Nativity pageant, which changes from year to year so the children can portray a wide range of characters. They love rummaging through the costume closet! On Christmas Eve, we hold a Mass for families, during which the children lead a procession with the baby Jesus figurine from the crèche.

At the start of the Lenten season, we hold a special service for “burying the Alleluia,” followed by the ever popular Pancake Supper, at which the older children help serve the food. On Maundy Thursday, it is the children’s special privilege to help strip the altar bare of its furnishings, and together they clean the altar. During the Great Vigil of Easter, the children read the lessons to the congregation, and at the morning service, they joyously resurrect the Alleluia.

Every month, the parish hosts a Family Fellowship event. Past events have included an inter-generational show-and-tell night, talent show, water play day, chili cook-off, and the annual parish picnic at a parishoner’s ranch, where the children can play games, pet animals, and even ride horses.

In the summer, Blessed Sacrament holds a Vacation Bible School that draws kids from the broader community; this event is always free, so that all children who are interested may attend. For the past 3 years, we have used Group’s Holy Land VBS series—an interactive and wildly popular program. The kids have walked through Daniel’s den, visited Mary’s house, had an audience with Prince Joseph, and come home encouraged in their faith with songs, stories, and crafts that they cherish all year long. Classical Music Boot Camp is offered in August, and is an engaging way for children to experience traditional music, learn about music history, and perform for the community.

At Blessed Sacrament, children are neither an afterthought nor isolated group; they are vital to the life and health of the parish. Children participate in all aspects of parish life.

THE MUSIC MINISTRY

Music is central to the liturgical and cultural life at Blessed Sacrament, and adheres deeply to the Anglo-Catholic tradition. The principal Mass of each Sunday is celebrated with full music, including Anglican chant or plainsong, processional hymns, Alleluias, and choral anthems appropriate to

the day. The pipe organ is the principal keyboard instrument used in worship, but piano or harpsichord are occasionally used as well. The liturgical year is strictly followed, including mandatory feasts, sometimes with sung Propers and Gradual.

The current pipe organ is in the process of being replaced by a historical (1903) tracker action instrument acquired by the parish in 2007. Restoration of this mahogany front, gilded pipe facade instrument is nearing completion, with installation expected in 2014. The addition of this fine organ will make Blessed Sacrament a venue of interest for local organ festivals and concerts.

Multiple vocal ensembles grace the worship life of the parish:

• The Bethlehem Choir – a volunteer SATB vocal ensemble composed of parishioners and guests. At this time there are no paid soloists or section leaders, although such is being considered for the future.

• Children’s Choir – comprises all the children and youth age three through junior high school. They rehearse seasonally for specific events, such as Advent or Christmas pageants, Easter, etc.

• AVIARIUM – a professional acapella performing ensemble, which concertizes, as well as occasionally sings for the Mass or Office (principally Evensong and Benediction)

There is a long tradition of Solemn Sung Evensong (often with Benediction); Blessed Sacrament is the only area parish to offer this Anglican Office.

The current parish music director is Sandy Fryling, Honorary D. Mus. from Nashotah House, who did graduate music studies at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Sandy began the Cathedral Arts Academy, a ministry of the parish which offers music lessons for adults and children, as well as a yearly Classical Music Boot Camp in the summer.



OTHER MINISTRIES & CHURCH ACTIVITIES

ALTAR GUILD

For hundreds of years, Christians have known that manual labor performed in service to God and his Church is conducive to contentment, for it reminds us of the value of simple, necessary things. All on the Altar Guild have accepted the invitation to serve God in this humble but holy ministry, and feel satisfaction that this work makes possible the Church’s worship of the Holy Trinity, which is the heart of human existence and the first work of the Church.

OUTREACH COMMITTEE

The Outreach Committee of Blessed Sacrament meets several times a year to organize ways in which members of the church can volunteer support to help their local community. This includes fundraising and the distribution of funds to local charities. Some of the charities that we regularly support through action and donations include: HIS (Homeless Intervention Shelter) House of Placentia, the Placentia/Yorba Linda Meals-On-Wheels program, AIDS Services Orange County, Mary’s Shelter, Holy Family Services and Fullerton Interfaith Network. One of our annual activities is organizing the donation of school supplies that are distributed to children from low-income families through Placentia’s Cathy Torrez Learning Center.

GARDENING GUILD

The Gardening Guild was inaugurated in May of 2011. Its purpose is to plant and maintain English garden landscaping on multiple areas of the church property, especially near the church buildings, walkways, and parking lots. For decades these areas were left as dirt plots, uninviting when compared with the beautiful English country-chapel style church. By planting mixed gardens of drought resistant plants, roses, and tender annuals (which “perennialize” in our delightful Southern California climate) the Guild has established gardens, including large trees, which have the appearance of being original to the church installation. God has richly blessed these gardens with superabundant and rapid growth, providing quiet meditative space for souls seeking God and a delightful profusion of birds, butterflies, rabbits, squirrels and many other creatures which delight children and adults alike. Volunteers are always needed and welcome on the Gardening Guild.


OTHER MINISTRIES & CHURCH ACTIVITIES

CHRISTIAN MARTIAL ARTS MINISTRY

The “Aiten Ryu” (“Love of Heaven”) martial arts school has been a ministry of Blessed Sacrament Church since July of 1997 when former Rector Fr. David Baumann began offering training in the Tang Soo Do style of Korean martial arts. Despite its ties to an art whose traditional beliefs and practices are at variance with Christianity, this school is thoroughly Christian in philosophy and goal. With Jesus as the prime example, students of the Aiten Ryu learn respect for all others, love of neighbor, and are called to seek God’s grace in order to excel in virtue. Students build both confidence and humility, learn to remain calm in all situations, and follow orthodox Biblical teaching in behavior and attitude while confronting their “negative” side, such as indifference to others, conceit, anger, fear, and pride.

The Aiten Ryu is noted for its deeply loving and welcoming nature and its acceptance of families, parents and children, as students. In every way, both instructors and students are dedicated to nurturing each student in the way of Christian love. The Biblical verse at the foundation for the school is “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22). Each class begins with a group recitation of this verse and ends with a group prayer.

NEO-INKLINGS

Neo-Inklings is a group of parishioners who are interested in writing poems and stories, both fiction and non-fiction. The group meets occasionally on Wednesday evening. The written creations are read to members of the group. However, the writers feel comfortable since this group does not critique the literature. Some excellent stories are shared while the members get to know each other in the small group, usually not over ten.

Other members, even those who do not write, are welcome to attend and listen to these inspiring creations.

THE CHARLES WILLIAMS DISCUSSION GROUP

The Charles Williams Discussion Group meets twice a month to discuss the writings of Charles Williams (essays, poetry, books on literary and theological topics, and novels). Although Mr. William’s writings are the center of our concern, we read widely to gain insight into his times, views and style. The list of other authors includes friends, disciples, and contemporary commentators on Williams, as well as others working in the same areas of Christian theology and practicum, such as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Owen Barfield, Dorothy Sayers, and G.K. Chesterton.


SIGNIFICANT DATES IN THE HISTORY OF BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH

January 22, 1976In anticipation of attainment of parish status, the vestry names Father Scully “Rector Emeritus”

March 16, 1976Attainment of parish status. Father Rasch becomes first Rector.

October 13, 1976Parish Hall completed and named “Scully Hall”.

March 1, 1978 Division of the congregation and resignation of Father Rasch.

March – October 1978 Father Couper maintains services for the remnant of the parish during search for a rector.

October 15, 1978Father David Baumann becomes second Rector.

May 31, 1981Father Scully’s 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.

September 27, 1981 The church’s silver anniversary celebrated with the conse-cration of the church.

November 1994 Father Richard Avery joins the staff of Blessed Sacra-ment as an Assisting Priest.

September 1, 1998 The Blessed Sacrament Children’s Learning Center be-gan holding pre-school classes in the Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall.

2000 Blessed Sacrament Church experienced explosive growth when new families from other Christian backgrounds, many affiliated with Biola University, became involved in our life, mission and ministries and came to love the traditional Anglican faith and liturgy.

January 30, 1956 First planning meeting regarding the establishment of a mission in Placentia, with formal petition drawn up with sixteen signatures. Meeting held in home of Hilmer & Dorothy Lodge, 15761 E. Palm Drive, Placentia.

June 29, 1956 Petition granted to form a mission in Placentia, in a letter from Bishop Bloy.

October 7, 1956 First mass of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, celebrated by Father Scully, Founder and first Vicar.

December 7, 1957 Dedication of land.

October 9, 1960 Groundbreaking for the church.

August 20, 1961 First mass in the church.

January 28, 1962 Dedication of the new church building.

Late 1962 Completion of the Bethlehem room.

1964 Purchase of the Vicarage (later, the Rectory)

February 28, 1969 Retirement of Father Scully.

March 1, 1969 Father Rasch becomes second Vicar.

November 1973 Father Couper joins the staff.


February 7, 2003 Final Plans for construction of the Baumann Center (to house the Children’s Learning Center) are approved by the planning committee.

August 2003 Father Michael Eldred joins the staff of Blessed Sacrament as an Assisting Priest.

December 11, 2003 Construction begins on the Children’s Learning Center

June 12, 2004 Dedication of the Baumann Center (to house the Children’s Learning Center).

October 1, 2004 First classes for the Children’s Learning Center are held in the recently completed Baumann Center.

February 2007 Discernment begins concerning differences of opinion regarding the decisions made and direction taken by the National Episcopal Church and local dioceses stemming from the perception that the Episcopal Church was moving further away from traditional Anglican theology and practice.

October 2008 Blessed Sacrament, as a whole family, withdrawls pastorally from the Diocese of Los Angeles and submitted to the Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight (DEPO) authority of the orthodox Episcopal Bishop of Northern Indiana, Edward S. Little, II

December 13, 2009 48 members of Blessed Sacrament Church come together to form the Anglican Church of the Resurrection (ACR), established as a mission congregation within the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA). Full fellowship with the ACR in all ministries is immediately established creating a “linked community” or “the linked congregations” under two jurisdictions sharing the same facilities.

November 4, 2012 Father David Baumann retires as the second Rector of Blessed Sacrament Church after 34 years of service.

January 2, 2013 The Reverend Canon Bradford Karelius (Father Brad) is called as the Interim Priest while Blessed Sacrament awaits God’s will in calling a new Rector

SIGNIFICANT DATES IN THE HISTORY OF BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH

DEDICATION OF THE NEW CHURCH BUILDING, JANUARY 28, 1962

BLESSED SACRAMENT FINANCIALS

2012 BUDGET 2012 ACTUAL 2013 BUDGET INCOME Offerings $341,224.00 $353,458.00 $231,362.00 Sharing Facilities 11,400.00 12,650.00 11,400.00 Other Income 53,000.00 49,400.00 57,100.00 Total Income 405,624.00 415,508.00 299,862.00 EXPENSES Mission Share & Outreach 28,000.00 32,506.00 25,500.00 Wages & Salaries & Staff 254,390.00 274,513.00 175,928.00 Faith Development 5,840.00 5,419.00 6,340.00 Stewardship 117,394.00 114,689.00 92,094.00 Total Expenses 405,624.00 427,127.00 299,862.00 NET OPERATING $0.00 -$11,781.00 $0.00


BLESSED SACRAMENT CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER

Blessed Sacrament Children’s Learning Center has been affiliated with Blessed Sacrament Church since 1998. We have a staff of 10 employees, three who have been with us since the start of the school. There are a total of 6 classes serving children ages 2-6 years old and we are licensed for 72 children a day.

Chapel is attended twice a week for about 20 minutes where our love for God is shared. Currently chapel is led by the director, but we would love to see the new Rector play a larger part. Our school slogan is “Where Chil-dren Know They’re Loved” and we strive to make that slogan true for each and every child in our program.

MISSION

The Mission of the Children’s Learning Center is to serve children ages 2 to 6 years, and their families by:1. Providing a developmentally appropriate educational program and daily care in which the children’s confi-

dence and competence are stimulated and strengthened.2. Providing a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where each individual is valued and respected as a

unique and special child of God. 3. Promoting and supporting each child to grow and reach his/her full potential.4. Supporting parents in raising their children in a loving, Christian environment.

THE CENTER’S PHILOSOPHY

Each child is a unique and special child of God, and has the right to grow and develop in a safe, caring and nur-turing environment that stimulates his/her curiosity while strengthening their sense of self.

Children learn and develop more successfully when done at their own pace through ‘hands-on’ experiences with their environment. This is best accomplished through a wide variety of play activities that help to develop the whole child, physically, cognitively emotionally, socially and spiritually. Each individual child’s growth is helped through activities that enhance and enrich his/her ongoing development.

Children need a safe and loving atmosphere where an awareness of God’s love, respect for one’s self and others, responsibility, and compassion are seen as important Christian values. This leads to a positive school experi-ence that parallels the home environment as much as possible. As part of a child’s extended family, a caring and loving teaching staff supports the family as well as the children with whom they are entrusted. Together we help raise children to reach their full potential in the world in which we live.



CLC FINANCIALS

2012 BUDGET 2012 ACTUAL 2013 BUDGET INCOME Tuitions & Registration $361,880.00 $346,297.00 $363,500.00 Fundraisers 40,000.00 35,886.00 37,000.00 Other Income 3,100.00 6,756.00 4,500.00 Total Income 404,980.00 388,939.00 405,000.00 EXPENSES Wages, Salaries, & Staff 331,445.00 304,401.00 320,743.00 Fundraising Expenses 13,000.00 14,373.00 14,000.00 Other Expense 60,535.00 58,072.00 70,257.00 Total Expenses 404,980.00 376,846.00 405,000.00 NET OPERATING $0.00 $12,093.00 $0.00


Over 63% of respondents have been Episcopalian for over 21 years or are lifelong Episcopalian.

Over 84% of respondents attend church activities at least once per week with over 43% attending two or more times per week.

PARISH SURVEY 2013 RESULTS

Over 40% of respondents have been members of Blessed Sacrament Church for more than 20 years.


Over 67% of respondents attend the 10:15 Sunday service while almost 29% attend the 8:00 service.

Over 46% of respondents live within 5 miles of Blessed Sacrament.

Over 82% of respondents have a college education or higher with almost 48% with a masters degree or higher.

PARISH SURVEY 2013 RESULTS, CONT.


Almost 70% of respondents are over the age of 51.(Parishioners under the age of 16 did not take the survey.)

About 12% of adult respondents are students. (Parishioners under the age of 16 did not take the survey.)


Liturgy and upholding the tenets of Anglo-Catholic worship are the most important elements of church life at Blessed Sacrament.



Excelling as a teacher of the word through sermons and performing Christian formation and education classes are important.



What personal theology of a Rector would best fit Blessed Sacrament Church?

Comments from the parish survey were placed into word clouds whereby the words occurring most frequently, in each section, are presented as visu-ally larger in comparison to the less frequently occurring words.

What is the most satisfying part of religious life at Blessed Sacrament Church?

IN OUR OWN WORDS


Blessed Sacrament Church Parish Portfolio

Documents

Transcript of Blessed Sacrament Church Parish Portfolio