The Episcopal Diocese
of Northern California
Beloved Community
Resource Newsletter
Published by
The Commission for
Intercultural Ministries
| |
|
Episcopal Church Becoming Beloved Community | |
Newsletter Highlights:
- A Message from the Bishop to all Members of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California
- Reflecting and Praying Today
- Racial Justice Audit Update
- Congratulations to St. Paul's, Crescent City; 2025 Racial Reconciliation Workshop Training Update
- I Will, With God's Help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice Workshop - Trinity Cathedral Sacramento
- I Will, With God's Help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice Hybrid Workshop at St. Paul's, Healdsburg
- Native American Heritage Month
- Season of Creation and Season of Courage Celebration at the Church of the Incarnation, Santa Rosa
- Season of Courage: The Rev. Amy Denney Zuniga
- El Dia de los Muertos
- Sacramento Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Episcopal Church Groups Raise Post-Election Concerns About Immigrants
| |
Note: The following information is presented in English and Spanish.
Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español.
| |
The Episcopal Church's Executive Council met Nov. 7-9 in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
This message is from the members of the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church to the church. It is not a news report. It is not minutes of the meeting. It is our attempt to bring you alongside us as we do our work, because we do it on your behalf.
---------------------------
Executive Council members gathered for our first meeting of this triennium as we still were reacting to the news of the election in the United States. As this group that includes immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, people of color, Indigenous people, White people, and folk from across the church organized to get our work done, emotions ran the gamut. A few were quietly pleased. Most were moving through anger, sadness, fear, and astonishment.
In her opening remarks, President of the House of Deputies and Council Vice Chair Julia Ayala Harris said, “As a woman, as a Latina, as the mother of a teenage girl, as the daughter of an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, holding leadership in this moment I feel the weight of our communities’ struggles. Our baptismal promise to ‘respect the dignity of every human being’ stands not as a political statement but as a divine calling, a gospel imperative that transcends partisan divisions.”
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe’s opening remarks preceded Harris’. He said, “As I wrote to the church yesterday, regardless of our political allegiances, we must remember that God has called us in The Episcopal Church to seek and serve Christ in all persons. No matter the party in power, we are one church, and we will continue to fulfill our baptismal covenant by proclaiming in word and example the Good News of God in Christ, striving for justice and peace among all people and respecting the dignity of every human being.”
Rowe said supporting the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries in refugee resettlement is a “top priority,” as that agency expects funding cuts under the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant policies.
| |
A Message from the Bishop to all Members of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California
EDNC Communications I Posted November 5, 2024
| |
Dear Beloved Members of Our Diocese,
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” - Psalm 46:1
The 2024 election cycle has been particularly intense and divisive, and our communities - like so many others across the country – have experienced a range of emotions. As we await the outcome of the election, it’s natural for emotions to run high. I encourage you to come together to support one another during this challenging time.
Our churches are committed to being safe, supportive, and welcoming environments for all. We remain dedicated to our core values of respect, empathy, and civil discourse - no matter anyone's political affiliations or beliefs. Our churches are protected spaces, and we all work hard to model Christ’s love which knows no boundaries but embraces all.
Our clergy and lay leaders have resources to help process difficult feelings around the election outcomes, and to center on our shared hopes for the future. We encourage all members of our communities to come together in a spirit of unity, kindness, and compassion.
This has been a turbulent time, and we recognize the toll it can take. Please reach out to your church if you are struggling – we will navigate this difficult time and find peace as we move Forward, Together.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you.” – Isaiah 47:10
In Christ’s love,
| | |
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California
Making Disciples, Raising Up Saints & Transforming Communities for Christ
| |
Note: the following information is presented in English and Spanish
Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español
| |
Letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on the
U.S. Presidential Election
Office of Public Affairs I Posted November 6, 2024
| |
Dear People of God in The Episcopal Church,
Early this morning, we learned that President Trump has been elected to another term as president of the United States. I pray that he will govern wisely and justly.
Regardless of our political allegiances, we must remember that God has called us in The Episcopal Church to seek and serve Christ in all persons. No matter the party in power, we are one church, and we will continue to fulfill our baptismal covenant by proclaiming in word and example the Good News of God in Christ, striving for justice and peace among all people, and protecting the dignity of every human being.
We commit to working with the new administration to advance policies that follow the teachings of Jesus by supporting the most vulnerable among us. Through Episcopal Migration Ministries, we abide by God’s command to welcome the stranger, and since 1988, we have resettled more than 100,000 refugees through a bipartisan program with a strong record of success. We urge President Trump and members of Congress to exercise compassion toward the immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees we serve and to know that, at every turn, we will stand for the dignity and human rights of all of God’s people.
We are Christians who support the dignity, safety, and equality of women and LGBTQ+ people as an expression of our faith. I pray that President Trump and his administration will do the same.
| |
Sunday Sermon by The Very Rev. Randy Hollerith
Dean, Washington National Cathedral I Posted November 10, 2024 I YouTube
| |
Dean Hollerith gives a powerful sermon in which he addresses the Presidential election results and keeping the Christian perspective. Our calling has not changed. | |
Reflecting and Praying Today
The Rev. Stephen Shaver, Rector
Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, Santa Rosa
Posted November 6, 2024
| |
Dear friends,
Like many of you, I imagine, I find myself feeling heavy today. There is a great emotional charge in the air as collectively we digest yesterday's elections. Many in our community are feeling fear, or grief, or anxiety, or shock. Others are feeling relieved or joyful.
For my part, I am worried about many things: the well-being of women, immigrants, and transgender people. The future of the climate. Ongoing wars. Many of these things are directly affected by the results of the election, even as they are bigger than one election. And I am worried also about the democratic institutions and the social fabric of this country. Whoever we vote for, as Christians we are called to hold our leaders accountable for their behavior. Today we are preparing once again to inaugurate a president who has repeatedly spoken of his adversaries as enemies; who expresses admiration for dictators; who has ridiculed veterans, women, disabled people, and other children of God; and who has made it clear three times now that he would not recognize the result of any election he did not win.
Donald Trump has again won an election, and he will be this country's next President. And we will pray for him, as Christians have prayed for those who wield great power throughout the centuries, starting with the Caesars who persecuted them. We will also pray for every single one of our neighbors, especially those in greatest need. And we will continue to love and serve in Jesus' name, as we have always been called to do, following the mission of God that never changes.
That mission is described in the Baptismal Covenant we collectively renewed last Sunday for All Saints' Day:
Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers? I will, with God's help.
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? I will, with God's help.
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? I will, with God's help.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? I will, with God's help.
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? I will, with God's help.
I am praying for each of you today, wherever and however you find yourself. I pray you'll breathe; spend some time outdoors; notice God at work in creation, in your neighbor, and in your own body. I pray you'll do an act of kindness and service for someone else. I pray you'll feel the power of God's Holy Spirit that has anointed you as a disciple of Jesus Christ. The years ahead will bring plenty of work to do. There is always work to do. And God's love is always the beating heart of creation, and can never be defeated.
In Christ's love,
Stephen
| |
Racial Justice Audit Update | |
The surveys and interviews for the churches in the diocese for the second year of the Racial Justice Audit have been completed. The Mission Institute is compiling and analyzing the information. They will provide deanery reports as they complete them with a goal of finishing all reports by mid-December. The reports will be shared with the Board of Trustees for their review.
The year one survey action recommendations for findings regarding diocesan leadership were sent to the Board of Trustees in October for their review.
For questions, please contact the RJA Co-Chairs, Lynn Zender, zenderlynn@gmail.com, or Jo Ann Williams, bjwilli@surewest.net.
| |
September 24 Sacred Ground Webinar Follow-Up
Racial Reconciliation and Justice Ministries I Posted October 16, 2024
| |
Greetings from the Sacred Ground team!
Thank you for registering for September's Sacred Ground webinar featuring Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. We were thrilled that over 1,000 of you signed up to hear and share wisdom, encouragement, and questions about the ongoing work of Sacred Ground and to hear a good word from our beloved presiding bishop. The Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers offered a blessing prayer as his service as presiding bishop comes to a close.
For those who weren’t able to attend, or who would like to revisit the content, you can review the recording of the full webinar. Please scroll down to the yellow, postcard-sized title card for “Program Year Launch.”
Additionally, here are some resources that were shared or discussed:
-
Our new Facebook group for Sacred Ground Facilitators and Organizers—a place share resources, questions, and ideas with one another.
-
Guide to getting started with Sacred Ground and More for Facilitators.
Please know that the Sacred Ground team is here to support folks across the church as they engage in these deep conversations about race and racism. Be in touch anytime.
General inquiries: SacredGround@episcopalchurch.org
Andrea Lauerman (Sacred Ground coordinator): ALauerman@episcopalchurch.org
The Rev. Valerie Mayo (Sacred Ground strategic consultant): consultantsg@episcopalchurch.org
| |
Congratulations to St. Paul's, Crescent City
2025 Racial Reconciliation
Workshop Training Update
| |
Congratulations to St. Paul's, Crescent City, of the Semper Virens Deanery for being the first church in the diocese in which all of their 2024 mission committee members have current racial reconciliation training! Thank you to these church leaders for their faithfulness.
Planning is underway by the Commission for Intercultural Ministries for scheduling "I Will, With God's Help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice" 2025 hybrid workshops in each of the seven deaneries. This workshop meets the requirement for licensing for Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lay Eucharistic Visitors, and unlicensed lay leaders (such as vestry members and ministry leads) in the Diocese. Other lay licensed ministries need to take Sacred Ground to meet Diocesan licensing requirements.
Look for the 2025 training schedule in the Diocesan E-News and in the Beloved Community Resource Newsletter early next year.
Please contact Miriam Casey, edncbbc@gmail.com, or Jo Ann Williams, bjwilli@surewest.net, for questions.
| |
I Will With God's Help: Journey Toward
Racial Healing and Justice Workshop
Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento
| |
Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento, hosted 35 participants at the one-day racial healing workshop on Saturday, September 14, 2024. There were 9 different parishes represented, including 17 members of the Cathedral.
Dean Matthew Woodward warmly welcomed everyone to the workshop and talked about how important it is for the church to have discussions about racial healing and justice. The Commission for Intercultural Ministries workshop facilitators, Diane Williamson, the Rev. Canon Tina Campbell, and Sharon Gulliford, presented historical and current information and examples of racism regarding the Indigenous, African American, Latino and Asian American/Pacific Islander communities. Participants actively discussed the challenging materials in their table groups. They explored racism in the Episcopal Church and in the country as a whole and talked about ways they might address these issues, with the goal of becoming the Beloved Community within the context of their Baptismal Covenant.
The facilitator team appreciated the warm hospitality provided by Dean Matthew and his staff, for providing lunch, and for the thoughtful engagement by the participants.
| |
I Will, With God's Help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice Hybrid Workshop at St. Paul's, Healdsburg | |
This first-ever hybrid-format workshop was held at St. Paul’s, Healdsburg, on October 19.
Forty-two (42) individuals from 17 churches participated either online or in-person. The hybrid format enabled local participants to easily attend, and also attendees from as far away as Mt. Shasta and Crescent City. The mix of online and in-person participants invited a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives from those present. The feedback was very positive. In 2025, the Commission for Intercultural Ministries will offer more hybrid workshops to enable all vestry members and church leaders to easily access this important learning opportunity. Special thanks to the Rev. Canon Tina Campbell, Bob Wohlsen, and Miriam Casey who provided the training and to the Rev. Sally Hubbell and Jane Wood for their hospitality. Gabe Avila’s leadership for the tech aspects of the workshop was invaluable.
| |
Land Acknowledgment Spoken at the Investiture of Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe | |
Native American Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the historical presence and value of Native peoples in our country, lament our role in the history of their oppression, and honor their contributions today. Land acknowledgments are one way that we can do this.
At the November 2, 2024, investiture of Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori spoke this land acknowledgment.
We honor the land and the Indigenous people on whose traditional territory the Church Center in Manhattan is located. With gratitude, we acknowledge the Munsee and Lenape people, whose home this land was for thousands of years. We also acknowledge all those whose territories interconnect us – the indigenous peoples of every land that is home for those gathered today. As we make this land acknowledgment, we are mindful of the traumatic history of systemic racism and oppression in the history of this nation and in the Church – a history we are only beginning to understand. We reaffirm our commitment to learning, growing, and finding new ways for meaningful, mutual healing as we move forward together.
On whose traditional territory is your church located?
Watch Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe's investiture service here.
| |
History of Land Acknowledgment in the Diocese | |
Land acknowledgments provide a way to express respect for the historical and current
presence and value of Native peoples, the history of their oppression, and a commitment to be in right relationship with them.
The Episcopal Church, our diocese and churches have been on a journey to develop land acknowledgments for several years.
At the General Convention in 2022, two resolutions were passed regarding the inclusion of Indigenous land acknowledgments in our corporate life and worship. (Resolution C072 and Resolution D019) Since then, The Episcopal Church developed a land acknowledgment which was read at the Investiture of Presiding Bishop Rowe.
Recognizing that dioceses and churches need guidance to develop their land acknowledgments, the Indigenous Ministries of the Episcopal Church developed a helpful land acknowledgment resource.
| |
Learning About Our Native Brothers and Sisters | |
The history of Natives in California goes back thousands of years, and continues today. Before the arrival of the Spanish and settlers from the East, there was a large population of Indigenous peoples who lived here. They had their own languages and culture, living in harmony with the land. Once the Spanish and settlers arrived, things changed dramatically for the Indigenous peoples. Even so, the presence and contributions of our Native Brothers and Sisters is evident in northern California.
It is helpful to learn about the history of our Native Brothers and Sisters. Several books and other resources are provided below.
| |
Season of Creation and Season of Courage Celebration at Church of the Incarnation, Santa Rosa | |
The Church of the Incarnation celebrated the Season of Creation and the Season of Courage between September 1 and October 6, the Feast of St. Francis. This joint celebration brought together a deep reverence for God’s creation and the courage needed to take strong actions to care for it. | |
During the Season of Creation, worship was infused with liturgical elements that reflected honor for God as Creator, thanksgiving for the gift of Creation, of which we are a part, and lament for ways we have been hurtful to God’s creation. The Season of Creation liturgy, approved by Bishop Megan Traquair, was the source of many liturgical enhancements to worship. The Incarnation Prayers of the People team created beautiful prayers for worship to honor Creation.
| |
The Season of Courage was experienced as an exhibit in the courtyard that presented 15 courage stories by clergy and laity in the Diocese of Northern California. The stories reflect courageous acts involving social justice and care of creation at different churches and in different communities. At the conclusion of the exhibit, there was a Prayer Tree inviting prayers for courage from those who seek God’s blessing.
During the Seasons of Creation and Courage there were a number of forums which provided opportunities for gaining greater understanding of the value of each Season and how they intersect.
| |
Season of Courage: The Rev. Amy Denney Zuniga | |
Rev. Amy is Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, St. Helena. | |
Rev. Amy has started and grown a Spanish Language Ministry in Napa Valley, including family worship. Here is her story.
The inspiration and courage for the latest iteration of the Spanish Language Ministry of the Episcopal Church of the Napa Valley has come from the children. Children are adept at “code switching,” moving fluidly between different languages and modes of understanding and expression. The children inspired our Bilingual Family Celebration, an informal, joy-filled Eucharist, which we celebrate monthly either at Grace in St. Helena or St. Mary’s in Napa. A presentation from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd forms the core of our liturgy of the word, and children and adults together delight in engaging beautiful, handmade materials, deep questions, and the rich symbolism present in the sanctuaries themselves. Our hope in creating this service was to bring our English and Spanish speaking congregations closer together. Both Grace and St. Mary’s have experienced a bilingual family celebration during the 10 AM Sunday service at Grace and the 5 PM Saturday Eucharist at St. Mary’s. While it takes courage to stretch out of our worship comfort zones, the children continue to lead the way. They walk into the center of the worship space and know they are right at home.
| |
Congregations in the diocese prepared ofrendas in remembrance of friends and loved ones in observance of El Dia de Los Muertos on All Saints Sunday on November 3.
Why observe El Día de Los Muertos? The Church is called to offer pastoral care and to stand as a place of refuge and a wellspring of resilience. As people across the United States rise up for social justice, the Church is called to speak prophetic truth to power. The Church is called to give renewed witness to the way of love and the vision of Beloved Community.
Hispanic culture offers a unique opportunity not only to mourn the dead but also to affirm and celebrate life in community: El Día de Los Muertos, a festival originating in central and southern Mexico and now widely observed in Spanish-speaking communities in the United States. By observing El Día de Los Muertos as local congregations and as a diocese, we have an opportunity to offer a sacred and civic space and to express our solidarity with our Latino/Hispanic congregants, neighbors, and friends. Participation in El Día de los Muertos by clergy, parishes, missions, and other local ministries is entirely voluntary. We hope that many clergy and congregations will continue to participate to embody a corporate embrace of our shared grief and enact a unifying expression of our solidarity.
| |
The ofrenda at Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento, with candles lit from the service. - from Trinity Cathedral's Facebook page. | |
Grace Church, St. Helena's, ofrenda, located in their courtyard, was dedicated to the memory of loved ones. It offers a colorful vision of the connection between life and death, in the Christian understanding that in death, "life is changed, not ended." (Book of Common Prayer, p. 382.) The church says that for a great introduction to the cultural background of El Dia de los Muertos, watch the Pixar movie, Coco! - from Grace, St. Helena's Facebook page | |
The ofrenda at St. Martin's, Davis. They had a joyful celebration at church with lots of kids eating lots of skull cookies and pan dulce. St. Martin's celebrated with their friends from the Belfry, the Lutheran-Episcopal campus ministry at UC Davis. - from the Facebook page of the Rev. Pamela Dolan, Rector of St. Martin's, Davis. | |
Mimesis
by Fady Joudah
The Poetry Society of New York I Posted August 26, 2024 I Facebook
| |
My daughter
wouldn't hurt a spider
That had nested
Between her bicycle handles
For two weeks
She waited
Until it left of its own accord
If you tear down the web I said
It will simply know
This isn't a place to call home
And you'd get to go biking
She said that's how others
Become refugees isn't it?
-From the collection, Alight, by Palestinian-American poet Fady Joudah, published by Copper Canyon Press 2013, reprinted by Poetry Foundation.
| |
Episcopal Church Groups Raise Post-Election Concerns About Immigrants
Karen Nolan, Commission for Intercultural Ministries
| |
The Nov. 11 bimonthly gathering of Episcopal Migration Ministry’s Rainbow Initiative was a somber occasion, as those who work with refugees and asylum-seekers shared concerns about what will happen once President-elect Donald Trump is restored to the White House.
No one knows exactly what policy changes will directly affect migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers, many of whom are part of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community, but given the administration’s previous policies, concerns are justified. (For more about the history of U.S. immigration policy, check out EMM’s podcast “Safeguarding Refugee Resettlement: Navigating Policy Shifts in a Changing Political Landscape.” https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/hometown-season-7-bonus-episode-safeguarding-refugee-resettlement/
The online gathering heard encouraging words from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe (https://www.episcopalchurch.org/publicaffairs/letter-from-presiding-bishop-sean-rowe-on-the-u-s-presidential-election/ ) and EMM Director Sarah Shipman, then shared resources and information about upcoming gatherings that are open to those who engage in migration and refugee work:
| |
Morehouse Glee Club
Derek Curtis I Posted September 11, 2024 I YouTube
| |
In Morehouse’s Glee Club, in their song, “Ain’t Got Weary Yet,” a similar upbeat cadence is modeled as the lead singer evokes clear emotion in his voice to erect the song’s message. An African American Spiritual, “Ain’t Got Weary Yet,” was arranged in 2023 by Courtney Carey, a Morehouse Alumni, and holds the message of patience for a better future despite current trials and tribulations. The song starts with a solo singer who elongates the lyrics and adds a clear emotional undertone to his voice. The other singers lower their voices, which makes the song sultry and helps the audience feel a connection to the resilience Carey wanted to impress in his arrangement. The disposition of the singers is convincing of the song’s message as they convey a strong presence and evident understanding of the deeper meaning of the lyrics. The lead singer further demonstrates this with his facial expressions and body language. - Review by Black Music Scholar of Morehouse Glee Club concert at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA on September 11, 2024. | |
Pioneering Nebraska Priest
Honored with New State Historical Marker
Episcopal News Service I Melodie Woerman I Posted September 5, 2024
| |
A new state historical marker noting the life and ministry of the late Rev. Hiram Kano stands outside the Church of Our Savior in North Platte, Nebraska, where Kano served. He was arrested after a service there on Dec. 7, 1941, and placed in internment camps during World War II. Photo: Elizabeth Easton | |
People passing by the Church of Our Savior in North Platte, Nebraska, now can learn more about the remarkable life of a former priest of that church, thanks to a state historical marker that has been installed on the church grounds.
The marker recognizes the Rev. Hiram Kano, a native of Japan who conducted services for a Japanese mission congregation there and for other churches in the Diocese of Nebraska during his ministry from 1928 to 1957. And it was after a service in that church that Kano was arrested just hours after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and spent time in three internment camps over the next two years – the only Japanese person in Nebraska to be interned.
Stephen Kay, an attorney and member of Our Savior – and an ardent historian and advocate for keeping Kano’s memory alive – told Episcopal News Service he first envisioned the marker in late 2020, shortly after his bid to have Kano added to the Nebraska Hall of Fame was denied. (Malcolm X was chosen instead.)
Rev. Hiram Kano
| |
As followers of Jesus, we are called to follow the way of love that Jesus teaches us, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
We understand that the laws enacted at the federal and state levels impact the systems that operate within our communities. They either contribute to building just systems and the Beloved Community, or they diminish justice and equity within societal systems. As people of faith, we have an opportunity to advocate for laws that are just and help to build the Beloved Community.
The Action Alerts provided below are supported by the General Convention and/or the Executive Committee. Please review these Action Alerts and consider submitting a letter to elected officials encouraging them to support legislation that builds justice and the Beloved Community.
| | |
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California
The Commission for Intercultural Ministries
| |
If the content of our newsletters is no longer relevant to you, please unsubscribe below. | | | | |