Didn’t you know Saint Bede’s Episcopal Church welcomes all visitors? It stands as an inclusive Christian community. Located in the City and Diocese of Los Angeles Saint Bede’s serves Venice. It also serves Playa Vista, Mar Vista and Ocean Park. Parishioners come from Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey and Westchester. They also come from Santa Monica, Culver City and West Los Angeles.
St. Bede’s Episcopal Church is comprised of about 135 households. These households have about 225 baptized members. The parish consists of roughly one-third families. Another third are singles including widowed, divorced or never-married individuals. The final third are church singles. These are people married or partnered but their other half isn’t involved in the parish.
The Episcopal Church has leaders called bishops. The word “Episcopal” comes from the Greek word “episkopos”. It means “bishop” or “overseer”. Episcopalians value three sources for understanding God. These are the Bible, traditions and reason.
The Bible contains the wisdom needed for a good life. It proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ. Scripture is sacred but not infallible. Episcopalians balance scripture with traditions and reason.
Traditions include prayer and theological reflection throughout Church history. God continues to speak through generations. Established traditions have authority. Reason includes logic. It also includes a sense of rightness. Anglican reason combines mind and heart. It includes personal experience of God.
The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. It’s a global network of churches. They share common worship. They have historical unity with the Archbishop of Canterbury.
St. Bede’s Episcopal Church is a congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. The Diocese encompasses over 55000 Episcopalians. They are spread across 135 congregations. There are also 35 schools. Plus there are 18 major institutions. These span Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties. They also include Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. A portion of Riverside County is included too.
The Episcopal Church welcomes LGBTQ+ persons. All of God’s children can fully participate. They can answer God’s call to service. All are warmly welcomed at St. Bede’s. They are invited to fully participate in church life.
In 2006 Saint Bede’s Episcopal Church twinned with a parish in Romford. Rabbi Michal Morris Kamil Camille and the Ahavat Torah L.A. community nest at the parish. The celebration of new ministry service puts stress on intentional commitment. This is for mutual relationship by both people and priest. The parish is replacing its rose garden. It will be replaced with a California native garden.
You are welcome at Saint Bede’s Episcopal Church. Whether visiting or seeking a church home you are welcome here. The Eucharist is the central focus of worship. Anyone who feels drawn to join is welcome at the Table.