A vibrant and inclusive community of faith serving Venice, Playa Vista, Mar Vista, Ocean Park, Marina Del Rey, and beyond.
WELCOME TO ST. BEDE'S
Whether you are new to LA's Westside, a long-time resident, or just visiting, we invite you to come and worship with us.
WE ARE NEW TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, PLEASE TELL US MORE.
First and foremost, please know that wherever you are in your spiritual journey, you are always welcome at St. Bede's and invited to participate in worship and the life of the church fully. Everyone is welcome at St. Bede's—no exceptions! As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ and believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the Episcopal Church, we proclaim a God of Love by word and example through the Good News of Jesus, seek and serve Christ in all persons loving them as our neighbor, strive for equity, justice, and peace, and respect dignity of every human being. We invite you to visit the "Introduction to the Episcopal Church" section to give you some more information about the Episcopal Church. Also, the Episcopal Church website is a great resource to learn more.
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WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE SERVICE?
You can expect an inviting, authentic, and thoughtful family-friendly community of faith. We offer two services on Sunday, 8AM and 10AM. Our 8AM is an intimate and contemplative service with a sermon and the celebration of Holy Eucharist (sometimes referred to as Mass or Communion) but has no music. The 8AM service typically runs about 45-55 minutes. The 10AM is a vibrant service with music, including choral and congregational singing, piano, and pipe organ. The 10AM includes a sermon and the celebration of Holy Eucharist and runs about 70-85 minutes. The Book of Common Prayer guides worship in the Episcopal Church and we follow the Revised Common Lectionary for our Biblical readings.
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Please read the latest update on St. Bede's COVID-19 procedures.
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DO YOU SERVE COMMUNION?
Yes, at most services, Holy Communion is offered. During the distribution of Communion, you are welcomed to receive the Sacrament or a blessing. Gluten-free Communion is available upon request; please ask the minister during Communion. Also, please inform an usher if you would like Communion brought to you where you are seated. If you have any questions or concerns during the service, please speak to an usher or your fellow congregants.
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THOSE RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION: As part of our COVID policy, we will continue to provide personal chalices for serving of wine, rather than a communal chalice. If you wish to receive wine, please pick up a chalice from the table as you approach the altar. Come forward and extend one hand to receive the bread. The bread is given first by the celebrant. A LEM then follows with a decanter of wine. After consuming the wine, please leave the chalice in the trays provided. If you wish to receive only bread, consume the bread and then cross your arms over your chest when the chalice bearer approaches you.
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FOR THOSE RECEIVING A BLESSING in lieu of Communion: It is the custom to come forward and fold your arms across your chest in an X-fashion, which indicates that you are not receiving the Sacrament. Then, the Priest will offer a prayer of blessing for you.
HOW SHOULD WE DRESS?
Come as you are comfortable. Some of our members may be dressed up, and others will be casually dressed. All that matters is that you are here with us.
WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?
Youth and children are an important, valued, and welcomed part of our worshiping community and one of the most important ways we live into our mission as a church. Thus, youth and children of all ages are always welcomed at any St. Bede's service. For the younger children, at the entrance of the church is a colored bag with some items which may help them enjoy the service a little more. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 precautions, we have temporarily suspended Sunday School. To learn more specifically about supporting young children in worship, please visit here.
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HOW DO WE LET YOU KNOW THAT WE ARE FIRST-TIME VISITORS?
When you walk into the sanctuary, please take a moment to pick up and fill out a visitor card located on the "Welcome Table" (ushers also have additional copies). The visitor cards let us know who you are and how we can support you in your spiritual journey. Also, as you enter or leave the service, please introduce yourself to Pastor Ryan Newman (the guy in the long, white robe with a color stole draped around his neck).
DO YOU OFFER MID-WEEK SERVICES?
Yes! We offer a Wednesday evening contemplative Eucharist at 7PM. Often this is followed up with an evening educational series. For the current educational schedule, check here.
HOW DO WE MAKE ST. BEDE'S OUR SPIRITUAL HOME?
We live into the idea that "You can belong before you believe." We hope individuals and families that call St. Bede's their spiritual home will be active in the life of the congregation through worship, fellowship, education, ministry, and outreach. We request a "New Member Profile" to be filled out. This information is vital to our clergy, staff, and lay leaders to get to know you and how we might best support you in your spiritual journey. In your first month at St. Bede's, Reverend Jennifer likes to schedule an informal meet and greet. Also, we host a quarterly "newcomer luncheon" that allows you to meet other new members and the lay leaders of the church. At some point, all members should be baptized (if they have not been baptized in another Christian church), but baptism is not a requirement to participate fully in the life of the church.
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WHERE IS ST. BEDE'S LOCATED?
We are located on the corner of Grand View Blvd. and Charnock Road, approximately two blocks north of Venice Blvd between Inglewood Blvd. and S. Centinela Ave. St. Bede's is conveniently located off the 10, 405, and 90 freeways in the heart of Mar Vista. Be sure to visit the Mar Vista Farmers' Market after Church (Sundays from 9AM to 2PM, Grand View at Venice Boulevard)
IT IS LA AND PARKING CAN BE STRESSFUL. DO YOU HAVE ON-CAMPUS PARKING ?
Yes, we have a campus parking lot and plenty of parking in the neighborhood—all free. We also have accessible parking spots located in our parking lot.