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In this edition of ENews:
- Twelve more Parishes undergo Energy Efficiency Assessments
- Diocesan Diversity Statement debuts in Vacaville
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Regional Discernment Group Training - Are you called to listen?
- Deadline to submit projects for 2023 Book of Dreams is This Friday!
- Best Skills Best Churches Registration Open
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How Ready Are You for a Disaster?
- Monthly Evangelism Gathering Tomorrow at 5pm on Zoom
- Diocesan Book Study coming soon, get your book now!
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Diocesan diversity statement debuts in Vacaville
By Karen Nolan
Commission for Intercultural Ministries/Sacred Ground Coordinator
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One week after the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California’s Board of Trustees adopted a Commitment to Diversity, the statement publicly debuted at a City Council meeting in Vacaville.
Church of the Epiphany’s new priest-in-charge, The Rev. John Heidel, included the diversity statement in remarks he made Aug. 8 supporting the city’s issuing a Pride Month proclamation and flying the Rainbow Flag.
“We believe that all people are created in God’s image, and that we are created to be in community with one another,” Rev. Heidel told the council, quoting directly from the statement. “Therefore, we know we are most fully the Church God desires us to be when we actively work to include all.”
Rev. Heidel and several members of Epiphany spoke or wrote to the council in response to an effort by self-identified conservative Christians to persuade the city to stop issuing Pride proclamations and flying the Rainbow Flag.
Vacaville became the focus of media attention in May when it’s new mayor initially declined the Solano Pride Center’s request for a proclamation, despite the city having issued one annually since at least 2019. An outcry from residents, plus Bay Area-wide media attention, prompted the mayor to reverse his decision. The Progressive Pride Flag was once again posted in June on a city flagpole in downtown Vacaville, where it had been flown for two previous Pride Months.
Starting in mid-June, a contingent of conservative Christians began appearing before the City Council to express their dismay at seeing the flag and asking either that the Christian Flag also be displayed or that nothing other than the U.S., State and City flags be flown. At each meeting, those speakers grew bolder and the rhetoric grew harsher. By the July meeting, it had devolved into outright slurs against the LGBTQIA+ community.
That’s when residents who support the Pride observance mobilized, encouraging other advocates, especially Christians, to speak up. Despite being a Vacaville resident and Epiphany’s priest for only seven weeks, Rev. Heidel agreed to join them.
He said he did so for three reasons. “One is that it’s important to be in front advocating for social issues that The Episcopal Church has a stance on,” he said. “If not us, then who?”
Read the Entire Article Here
| Parishes undergo Energy Efficiency Assessments — Round 2 | |
1. St Peter’s, Red Bluff: Fred Reynolds and Angie Hoenninger–Green Team leads, Colby May
2. Incarnation, Santa Rosa: Colby May, John Nykamp–Treasurer, Miriam Casey–Green Team member and COE Convener, Steve Layton–Buildings and Grounds Chair
3. St John the Evangelist, Chico: Jeff – Jr Warden, Sherry Wallmark–Parish Administrator, JT Thompson – Former Jr. Warden, Colby May
4. St John’s, Roseville: Erin Circle–Sexton, Rev. Cliff Haggenjos, Shelly Carlson–Jr Warden, Colby May
5. St Michael’s, Anderson: Colby May, Al Bowdridge–Green Team lead
6. Good Shepherd, Susanville: Colby May, Fitz Rollins–Green Team lead and COE member, Rev. David Cohen
7. St James, Lincoln: Colby May, Jenny Griffin–Green Team and Vestry member (not pictured)
Donna Beach–Green Team and Vestry member
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Twelve more churches assessed throughout Northern California to support the Diocese’s goal to reduce our carbon footprint and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030
Colby May, Energy for Purpose Founder and energy efficiency expert, and Bob Wohlsen, Commission on the Environment Project Coordinator who accompanied Colby on many of the surveys, were warmly welcomed at each church by Green Team leaders, Vestry members, and Clergy. Every church is intently working to reduce their energy usage and thus decrease their carbon emissions. All were grateful for Colby’s suggestions and looking forward to his formal assessment report and recommendations to enable them to become even more energy efficient.
Colby performed energy efficiency assessments at the churches, which stretch from Fort Bragg to Alturas, last week. On Monday he surveyed St Michael and All Angels, Fort Bragg, Incarnation, Santa Rosa, and Grace, Fairfield. Surveys began Tuesday at St Luke’s, Woodland and moved on to St John’s, Roseville, Faith, Cameron Park, St James, Lincoln, and concluded at St John the Evangelist in Chico. On Wednesday surveys were conducted at St Peter’s, Red Bluff, St Michael’s, Anderson, Good Shepherd, Susuanville, and St Michael’s, Alturas.
Read more
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Calling Listeners
I am asking people with the gift of listening to lend your gifts to the Diocese. We need listeners, especially those who listen with the Holy Spirit. The Diocese needs you to use your gift of Spiritual Discernment to help identify new clergy. We are asking you to join groups that listen and recognize God’s movement in others. We need to form Regional Discernment Groups (RDG) for people who are discerning a calling and need a team to help clarify the calling. RDGs attempt to recognize the will of God for the Church and for the discerner.
Please contact me at pastoranny@staugustineepiscopal.com if you are interested in joining in this holy work.
— The Rev. Anny Genato
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Deadline to submit projects to include in the 2023 Book of Dreams is This Friday! | |
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We are still accepting projects for the 2023 Bishops Partnership Appeal. The Deadline to submit your project is this Friday, September 1.
The Bishop's Book of Dreams is a digital book highlighting the ministries requesting funds (dreams.) This book includes a write-up of the ministry and a short 2-3-minute video that allows the donor to hear and see more of your wishes for sharing God's love in our diocese. Your ministry may be about starting Godly Play, feeding college students, or Care of God’s creation. No ministry is too big or too small to apply for inclusion in the dream book.
To join the 2023 Bishop's Partnership Book of Dreams, click here to download and complete the Program/Ministry Form and submit it along with an optional 2-3-minute video to michelle@norcalepiscopal.org by Friday, September 1, 2023.
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Help for Hawai'i
To date we have received individual and/or church/diocese donations towards the disaster in Maui totaling $16,310! Thank you for all who have given to help our friends in need.
We are still receiving checks and online donations!! The need is great.
Give Now: https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=159790&f=6&a=50.00
100% of your gift will go to disaster relief.
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Best Skills Best Churches Needs You! | |
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This exciting program is designed to meet the professional needs of leaders of nonprofit and public organizations. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation.
This is a six-month program with classes held one weekend a month on Friday night (6:00pm – 9:00pm) and Saturday morning (9:00am – 12:00pm.). There are 6 courses that will consist of 2 classes per course (Fri & Sat).
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Commission for Intercultural Ministries | |
Registration for "I Will With God's Help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice" Now Open! | |
This workshop is rooted in our baptismal identity and the promises we make in baptism. It focuses on how we can more fully live into our promise to be more loving toward our neighbors. During the workshop we follow the path of the Becoming Beloved Community labyrinth. | |
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 9:30 am – 4:30 pm | St. Mary’s, Napa
In-person
Register here | Deadline to register is September 30th.
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* This workshop meets the requirement for licensing in the Diocese.
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Commission on the Environment | |
The Season of Creation Begins Friday, September 1 | |
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The Season of Creation, September 1 through October 4, is celebrated by Christians around the world as a time for renewing, repairing and restoring our relationship to God, one another, and all of creation. The Episcopal Church joins this international effort for prayer and action for climate justice and an end to environmental racism and ecological destruction.
Learn more about The Episcopal Church’s resources for the Season of Creation.
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/season-of-creation-and-st-francis-day-resources/)
— Miriam Casey | Commission on the Environment | ednccoe@gmail.com
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* Important Note from Bishop Megan: the additional non-biblical texts that are offered may not be used as a substitute for any of our scriptural readings. They can be added in and read in addition to our usual lectionary or shared at the homily time. | |
Missioner for Disaster Resilience | |
Are YOU Ready for a Disaster? | |
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As we know, nearly every church in our diocese has been impacted by a disaster - wildfire, earthquake, flood, severe storms, etc. Ours is the only diocese in the Episcopal Church with a full-time Missioner for Disaster Resilience.
Part of living in our diocese is knowing the possibility of a disaster is very real. It is important to be ready to respond, whatever the nature of the disaster. Our final Congregation Leadership Conference for 2023 provides opportunities to learn new skills, and learn from experts what resources are available.
The Be Disaster Ready Expo will bring subject-matter experts teaching classes in Earthquake Safety, Stop the Bleed, How to build an Emergency Kit, and How to Build a First-Aid kit that works for you. In addition, you can see a CHP Helicopter, members of the California National Guard, Roseville Police and Fire Departments, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and much more.
The entire day is free — Classes are filling up, and space is limited.
Register here and Get Disaster Ready!
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Missioner for Church Life | |
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Monthly Evangelism Gathering on Zoom
Wednesday, August 30 at 5pm.
Mark your calendars! Our next evangelism gathering is tomorrow!
Each month, we gather on Zoom to discuss evangelism resources, share evangelism success stories, and address evangelism challenges. Everyone is invited to attend. The Zoom link to attend is here. Also, be sure to check out the Evangelism Resources on our diocesan website, where you’ll also be able to find recordings of past monthly gatherings. https://www.norcalepiscopal.org/site/evangelism-resources/
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Diocesan Book Study coming soon, get your copy now! | |
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Please join Bishop Megan, Canon Julie, and Missioner Mack in a diocesan-wide discussion of Dr. Catherine Meeks’ The Night is Long, but Light Comes in the Morning: Mediations for Racial Healing
Order your copy now from your local bookshop or online (consider ordering from Underground Books in Sacramento, named one of the top-ten African-American bookstores in the United States).
Our first gathering is Tuesday, September 26 at 6pm, and we’ll meet each Tuesday through November 14. Zoom login details to come.
Catherine Meeks, PhD, is the retired Clara Carter Acree Distinguished Professor of Socio-Cultural Studies at Wesleyan College and the Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing. She has long been a strong advocate for social justice, community, and wellness. She is the author of several books, including Living Into God’s Dream and Standing on Their Shoulders: A Celebration of the Wisdom of African-American Women.
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October 14, 2023, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Webinar/Workshop: Contemplative Practices & Well-Being | The Rev. Dr. Scott Stoner
Sponsored by Province VIII Health & Healing Ministries Network and Dioces of Northern California Partners in Ministries of Health
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Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Encore Living Retreat | Led by Rev. Sam Shafer | Church of Our Savior Placerville
Register by sending an email to revdebra.oursaviour@gmail.com
with “ Encore Retreat” in subject line.
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Clergy Openings in The Diocese | |
Job Opportunities in The Diocese | |
Saint Paul’s | Sacramento is seeking a Director for Hope's Space – a healing ministry funded through donations and a grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California. Read the Position Description Here. | |
Saint Luke’s | Auburn is seeking a part-time Parish Mission Coordinator to assist the Clergy, Vestry and parishioners in the mission and management of the church. Read the Position Description Here. | |
The ENews is published weekly on Tuesdays.
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The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California
Making Disciples, Raising Up Saints & Transforming Communities for Christ
www.norcalepiscopal.org
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