From Bishop David
These symbols are laudable, reflective and aspirational regarding who we are and who we're "called to be..." as an Episcopal Church, as the
"Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement" and specifically in this place, as the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin.
And we can even add the words of our Presiding Bishop as a description of who we are and who we're "called to be..."
in these uncertain and for many, nervous perhaps even fearful post-election days.
As a Church, seeking to follow the way of Jesus, who taught us, "you shall love your neighbor as yourself," (Mt. 22:39) and to "do to others as you would have them do to you" (Mt. 7:12), we maintain our longstanding commitment to support and welcome refugees and immigrants, and to stand with those who live in our midst without documentation. We reaffirm that like all people LGBT persons are entitled to full civil rights and protection under the law. We reaffirm and renew the principles of inclusion and the protection of the civil rights of all persons with disabilities. We commit to the honor and dignity of women and speak out against sexual or gender-based violence. We express solidarity with and honor the Indigenous Peoples of the world. We affirm the right to freedom of religious expression and vibrant presence of different religious communities, especially our Muslim sisters and brothers. We acknowledge our responsibility in stewardship of creation and all that God has given into our hands. We do so because God is the Creator. We are all God's children, created equally in God's image. And if we are God's children we are all brothers and sisters.
"The Episcopal Church Welcomes You," is not just a slogan, it's who we seek to be and the witness we seek to make, following the way of Jesus.
The Most Reverend Michael Curry
These are indeed important symbols and words but they have very little substance or meaning unless there are accompanied by action, authentic action, faith, courageous faith.
Sisters and brother of the EDSJ, I am reminding us that God is calling us to action. God is calling us to faith. Since the election, we have read about and seen through social media and perhaps up close-and-personally evidence of discrimination, alienation, bullying, abuse, intimidation and unfortunately my words only begin to scratch the surface of behaviors exhibited. It is our responsibility to be aware and to identify where love of God and love of neighbor are missing and to fill those spaces with love. It is our responsibility to ensure that people are treated with respect and dignity and grace. It is our responsibility to make absolutely sure that we are living up to our symbols and words. Safety pins are lovely, rainbow flags are marvelous, words of welcome are divine and hearts invite us to go deeper but none of these symbols or our words have any substance or meaning whatsoever unless we act, unless we love, unless we are willing and prepared to walk with Jesus to change the world.
So speak out Church! Be courageous Church! Love Church!
Blessings
+David
|
Congratulations go to.....
|
Newly Elected
Standing Committee Clergy: The Rev. Suzy Ward, St. Paul's, Visalia
Standing Committee Lay: Erin Rausch, St. Anne's
Diocesan Council at Large Lay: Jeff March, Church of the Savour Diocesan Council Central Deanery Clergy: The Rev Gail Bernthal, Church of the Savior Diocesan Council Southern Deanery Lay: Greg Glenn, St. Paul's, Bakersfield
General Convention Clergy Deputies (in ranked order):
The Rev. Kathryn Galicia, St. Francis
The Rev. Suzy Ward, St. Paul's, Visalia
The Rev. Dr. Michael Backlund, St. James',Sonora
The Rev. Canon Anna Carmichael
Alternate Clergy Deputies (in ranked order):
The Rev. Robert Woods, St. Sherrian's
The Rev. Paul Colbert, Holy Trinity
The Rev. Nancy Key, St. Paul's, Visalia
General Convention Lay Deputies (in ranked order):
Gabriel Gutierrez, St. Michael's
Cindy Smith, St. Paul's, Bakersfield
Barbara Inderbitzen, St. Paul's, Modesto
Jan Dunlap, St. Paul's, Bakersfield
Alternate Lay Deputies (in ranked order):
Manuel Coroll, Holy Family
Cathy Henry, St. Paul's, Bakersfield
Alexis Woods, St. Sherrian's
Nedra Voorhees, St. Francis
Bishop Appointments:
General Convention Alternate Clergy Deputy: The Rev. Deacon Carolyn Woodall, St. James', Sonora
Ordination Officer: The Rev. Canon Anna Carmichael
Treasurer: Marion Austin, Holy Family
Commission on Ministry:
Nancy Fitzgerald, St. Raphael's Walt Bentley, St. Paul's, Visalia The Rev. Heather Mueller, St. Andrew's The Rev. Dr.Michael Backlund, St. James, Sonora
The Rev. Gail Bernthal, Church of the Saviour
Congratulations to All!
|
|
The Advent Clergy Retreat
will be held at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Three Rivers, CA December 6-8, 2016. The retreat will start at noon on December 6th and end after lunch on December 8th. All priests, deacons, and postulants are encouraged to attend.
We are pleased to announce that Demi Prentiss is delighted to come to the Diocese of San Joaquin again and will be our retreat Leader.
Go to: https://diosanjoaquin.org/clergy-retreat-fall-2016-registration/ to learn more.
|
For Active Clergy and Lay
|
Save The Date:
Planning For Wellness
Diocese of El Camino Real and
Diocese of San Joaquin
Learn how to secure your financial future and take steps toward a healthier lifestyle at this informative conference for active clergy and lay employees, hosted by the Church Pension Group (CPG). Spouses and partners are invited.
For more information click here.
|
Episcopal Relief & Development is reaching out to partners in the hurricane's path.
Following the storm's impact, local churches are best-positioned to aid in assessing damage, confirming the safety of members and others in their communities and using available facilities and resources to respond to immediate needs.
Or Click
here to find out how you can help.
|
Erskine Fire at Lake Isabella: Help Still Needed!
|
Thank you very much for your donations to help the parishioners whose property was damaged by the
Erskine Fire at Lake Isabella. Trailer and water pump needs have been supplied!
Financial donations are needed to assist with installation and repair, hook-up costs and other needs to get our people on their own again.
Donations can be mailed to:
St. Sherrian's Episcopal Church P.O. Box 1837,
Kernville, CA 93238.
Memo: Erskine Fire Assistance
|
"CanonBall Express" artist The Rev. Stephen Bentley |
Current Total: $14,492.55
We are still accepting donations for the Canonball Express and we are almost there. We have purchased Canon Anna's Prius for $22,322.18
including fees. Many thanks go to Brian and Shauneen Terrell, St. Francis, Turlock for assisting the Diocese with getting a great vehicle at a great price!
If you have not yet contributed to the Canonball Express please prayerfully consider doing so.
Please send your donations to The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, memo Canonball Express,1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355
|
|
|
The congregation of St. James' Episcopal Cathedral, together with our bishop, invites you to an Advent service of Lessons & Carols. This is the first diocesan service at the Cathedral since our homecoming! Come and share the joy of our new life as we enter into this holy season of anticipation.
Sunday, November 27th 3pm
St. James' Episcopal Cathedral
Holy Family Chapel
4147 East Dakota Avenue Fresno, CA 93726
|
|
It is not too late to purchase these wonderful Advent Calendars!
Contact Deb Bennett NOW!
Please Email office@equinestudies.org
"The Advent Calendar to Color" is being sponsored as Diocese-wide fundraising project through the office of our Bishop, David Rice. It's a great way to help celebrate the month-long season of anticipation which precedes Christmas.
An entirely novel concept, "The Advent Calendar to Color" combines the current craze for coloring books containing complex and interesting images with a traditional Advent calendar. The idea is for adults and children together to color one page each day. Pages cover the five "candle Sundays" on specifically religious themes which are traditional in the Episcopal church, while images for weekdays and Saturdays cover a wide variety of seasonal, Christian, and ecumenical themes. Each page is packed with detail: there are Christmas trees, Santa Claus and Old St. Nick; winter fun going ice skating and building a snowman; gratitude for the beauty of nature and for wild animals; the abundance of field and garden. Bells give tongue, angels appear, and there are packages tied with ribbons. The idea is to foster dialogue between children and adults, provide "teachable moments", counter "Xmas commercialism", and provide a guide to the deeper meanings of the season. Coloring the pages is also just plain FUN.
For More coloring pages and information on how to order the Advent calendar click
here now.
|
Called to be....
Good Stewards
Contact the Diocesan Office for the TENS password.
Stewardship is a year long program!
|
Studying Your Congregation and Community
|
Who are your neighbors?
This information for your community can be found on The Episcopal Church website at:
|
The Five Marks of Mission
|
The Five Marks of Mission
Click here for poster to post
|
Safeguarding God's Children
|
Safeguarding God's Children!
Please review your Safeguarding God's Children program in your parish. Are all volunteers working with children current with the training or have gone through the program?
Please contact Stephanie Gilmer, Diocesan Coordinator at mzgilmer@att.net.
|
Give to the Bag!
Please send your donations to The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355. Please write Yellow Bags in the memo line. Thank you.
|
Thanksgiving at ECCO
November 24-25
Advent Clergy Retreat,
December 6-8,
St. Anthony, Three Rivers
Diocesan Council and Standing Committee Meetings
December 10
CPG: Planning For Wellness
January 10 Active Lay
January 11-12 Active Clergy
Monterey, CA
Diocesan Council/Standing Committee Retreat
February 17-18, ECCO
|
All submissions are due
MONDAY for the following Friday Reflection.
Submission requirements:
pictures -JPEG format articles- word document linked documents- PDF
Please send all information as attachments.
Please edit pictures for best brightness, contrast, and lighting before sending in.
Thank you.
Ellen Meyer, Administrator
|
|
|
|