During the height of the AIDS crisis of the 1980's - 1990's All Saints was one of the most active churches in ministries with those affected by AIDS. We housed an AIDS chapel and provided food, shelter, and other support to individuals and their families. The church continues to actively provide support to some families today, and continues to be a strong advocate for those living with HIV and AIDS . And we continue our tradition of fostering strong, caring leaders, Gay and Lesbian and straight, who understand that our faith is best expressed in the love we show for each other. This community has found the Anglican tradition of toleration, reason and parochial care attractive, and in fact our congregation is now one of the largest in the Diocese of Los Angeles. Like the crucifix above our altar, we believe that the arms of Jesus are open to all who seek him as Savior regardless of ethnicity, language, economic situation, sexual orientation or immigration status.
ABOUT US
All Saints Parish was founded in 1904 as one of the first Episcopal churches in Los Angeles. It has grown, declined and grown again as the city has aged around it. Over the last twenty or so years Highland Park has become the home to many Latinos, both immigrants and non-immigrants. Our membership is currently over one thousand, with many of those children and youth. The majority of our members are Latinos who live within our neighborhood. Our former Rector, Father Bill Leeson, worked hard with the church leadership to reach out to the Latino Community and offer our form of Anglican catholicism, which is well received by most Roman Catholics.
STAFF
Father Tom Callard, Rector
Father Tom came to Los Angeles in 2007. Previously he served as a Vicar at a church in Chelsea, Massachusetts, worked as a missionary in Honduras, worked in a bookstore, canvassed for the environment, and was in college for a long time. Tom is married to Sagrario and they have 3 children. In addition to serving as our Rector, Father Tom is the coordinator of the Diocesan Program Group on Hispanic Ministries for the Diocese of Los Angeles, and former coordinator of the Diocesan Program Group on Peace and Justice. He loves music and the Book of Isaiah and his family.
Father Jeffrey Clawson, Priest for Discipleship and Evangelism
Jeffrey Clawson arrived at All Saints’ in October to work with newcomers’ ministries, children programs, and pastoral ministry. As a public educator for more than twenty years, Jeffrey taught at the elementary level and then worked to support academic programs at both the middle school and the high school levels. These experiences have helped make an easy transition from education to ministry. Jeffrey was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church in January, 2009 after completed a Master of Divinity degree from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific. Jeffrey also holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.A. in Counseling. Favorite pastimes include hiking, cooking, and travel. A recent transplant from the open spaces of Northern California, Father Jeffrey enjoys the controlled chaos of Los Angeles. Jeffrey and his partner Enrique have three dogs. They can be frequently seen taking long walks in the early morning through the streets of Los Angeles.
Father Onessimo Escobar, Priest Associate for the Hispanic community
Seminarian Michelle Baker-Wright, Candidate for Holy Orders, serving for 2009-2010
Seminarian Norma Guerra, serving for 2009-2010
VESTRY
William Toro, Sr. Warden
Nelson Hernandez, Jr. Warden
Larry Raheb, Clerk
Ana Barba
Maribel Casildo
Nora Cervantes
Chris Evans
Digna Martinez
Daniel Valdez
Treasurer, Doug Newsom
MISSION STATEMENT
All Saints is a family of persons that exists to “tell the stories of Jesus” to its community through evangelism, outreach, empowerment, worship and education. We see our mission as discovering new ways to convey and celebrate the Good
news of Jesus Christ in worship, work and action.
VISION STATEMENT
We are a family with a vision to share the New wine of the Gospel by designing and sewing new wineskins in which to serve it. Therefore, we strive to be a Christian family seeking to be on the “cutting edge” of devising new ways to celebrate the Gospel in the context of Eucharist, Preaching, Outreach, Empowerment and Education.
WORSHIP
Worship with us and give yourself to the love of God in Jesus Christ, expressed through accessible and interactive liturgies in a relaxed Anglo-Catholic style. Whoever you are and wherever you are on your journey, you are welcomed here.
COMMUNITY AND DISCIPLESHIP
Our Community is made up of men, women and children from more than ten nations, representing various backgrounds, sexual orientations, and strengths and gifts. We are united in our love for Jesus Christ and the common purpose of finding and fostering that love. We are most welcoming and eager to have our community grow.
SERVICE
All Saints serves one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city of Los Angeles, and for ten years has been a National Jubilee Center, recognized for its commitment to issues of justice and poverty. We serve through ministries, including exercise and nutrition classes, English classes, A Parish Nurse who offers free health care, the Highland Park Food Bank which gives away free, nutritious food, a scholarship fund for needy students, and direct outreach and service to convalescent homes, homeless shelters, and battered women's shelters. We walk in the AIDS walk and support justice for all people, especially the poor and disenfranchised. We care, and we show it, and we invite you to get involved.
THE HIGHLAND PARK FOOD PANTRY- All Saints distributes food to our neighbors who are in need, on a monthly basis on Saturdays. Dates to be announced - see the calendar. We are partnered with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Volunteers are invited to call the church offices for more information.
JUBILEE AEROBICS CLASSES – Our health ministries include weekly aerobics classes and healthy cooking instruction offered by our friends from the Jubilee Consortium of Los Angeles Starting January 2010 classes will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6-7pm for a cost of $2.
PARISH NURSE- our health ministries also include an onsite parish nurse who is here Thursday mornings from 8am-1:30 pm to offer minimal but important health care services free of cost. This service comes from our partner Queenscare
