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It 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.
MISSION STATEMENT
lthough 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 Gods 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 Gods Word and a leader who will help us to discern more fully Gods 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 Churchs 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 Warden Blessed Sacrament Church 1314 North Angelina Drive Placentia, CA 92870 Phone: (714) 528-2995 Fax: (714) 528-2997 E-Mail: bsacrament@sbcglobal.net
Spoken Mass Sung High Mass Rite I Eucharist Rite I Eucharist 1928 Prayer Book (missal) Rite I Eucharist
Special Worship: Evensong & Benediction First Sunday each month, 6:00PM Stations of the Cross First Friday each month, 6:00PM
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.
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.
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 Christs kingdom and the edification of our congregation.
BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCHPARISH PORTFOLIO 10
fter 34 years of service to Blessed Sacrament Church, Father David Baumann announced on July 22, 2012, that he would retire on November 4, 2012.
OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
lessed 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
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 Rectors private office. The Parish Hall complex consists of a large meeting hall (including a Library and childrens play area), large kitchen, choir room, nursery, and patio complete with a large barbecue pit. The Blessed Sacrament Childrens Learning Center complex, a relatively new structure (built in 2005), is composed of four large classrooms and an office, highlighted by a large childrens 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.
he 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.
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OUR CONGREGATION
eople 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.
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ver 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 Spirits 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.
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orship, offered in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, is central to the life of Blessed Sacrament. Two Massesone said, one sungare 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 personbody, 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 Childrens 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 childrens 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.
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hildren 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 Lords 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 Childrens Chapel, yearly confirmation classes, bi-monthly youth group meetings, and youth camp in May, complete with rock climbing, archery, smores, 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 crche. 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 childrens 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 parishoners 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 Groups Holy Land VBS seriesan interactive and wildly popular program. The kids have walked through Daniels den, visited Marys 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.
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usic 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. Childrens 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.
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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, Marys 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 Placentias 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.
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NEO-INKLINGS
Neo-Inklings is a group of parishioners who are interested in writing poems and stories, both fiction and nonfiction. 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.
October 7, 1956 March 1, 1978 Division of the congregation and resignation of Father First mass of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Rasch. celebrated by Father Scully, Founder and first Vicar. March October 1978 December 7, 1957 Father Couper maintains services for the remnant of the Dedication of land. parish during search for a rector. October 9, 1960 October 15, 1978 Groundbreaking for the church. Father David Baumann becomes second Rector. August 20, 1961 May 31, 1981 First mass in the church. Father Scullys 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. January 28, 1962 Dedication of the new church building. September 27, 1981 The churchs silver anniversary celebrated with the conseLate 1962 cration of the church. Completion of the Bethlehem room. November 1994 1964 Father Richard Avery joins the staff of Blessed SacraPurchase of the Vicarage (later, the Rectory) ment as an Assisting Priest. February 28, 1969 Retirement of Father Scully. March 1, 1969 Father Rasch becomes second Vicar. September 1, 1998 The Blessed Sacrament Childrens Learning Center began holding pre-school classes in the Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall.
2000 Blessed Sacrament Church experienced explosive growth November 1973 when new families from other Christian backgrounds, Father Couper joins the staff. many affiliated with Biola University, became involved in our life, mission and ministries and came to love the traditional Anglican faith and liturgy.
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lessed Sacrament Childrens 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 Children Know Theyre Loved and we strive to make that slogan true for each and every child in our program. MISSION The Mission of the Childrens 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 childrens confidence 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 CENTERS PHILOSOPHY Each child is a unique and special child of God, and has the right to grow and develop in a safe, caring and nurturing 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 childs growth is helped through activities that enhance and enrich his/her ongoing development. Children need a safe and loving atmosphere where an awareness of Gods love, respect for ones self and others, responsibility, and compassion are seen as important Christian values. This leads to a positive school experience that parallels the home environment as much as possible. As part of a childs 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.
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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
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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.
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Over 82% of respondents have a college education or higher with almost 48% with a masters degree or higher.
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About 12% of adult respondents are students. (Parishioners under the age of 16 did not take the survey.)
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What is the most satisfying part of religious life at Blessed Sacrament Church?
What personal theology of a Rector would best fit Blessed Sacrament Church?
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