January 3rd, 2024

The Following Correction was made for this issue of the E-pistle:


Diaconal Ordinations for the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona will take place on Saturday January 20th, 2024 at 10AM.

Annunciations


by The Rt. Rev. Jennifer A Reddall

Bishop of Arizona


Years ago I discovered this image called “The Dream of the Magi” from the top of a pillar in the 12th Century Autun Cathedral in France.   

It has come to mind every year on the Feast of the Epiphany since. 


We focus on many parts of the Epiphany story: the gifts the Magi bring; their following the star; their identity as the first non-Jews to seek Jesus, showing that Jesus brings salvation to all people.  


But we never spend much time talking about what makes them decide to journey across hundreds of miles following a star. They say to Herod: “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 


READ MORE...

Stories Around the Diocese

Diaconal Ordinations for the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona


Saturday, January 20th - 10am

Trinity Cathedral, Phoenix


All are welcome to attend the Diaconal Ordinations for the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. This year, Bishop Reddall will be ordaining to the Sacred Order of Deacons the following people:


Frances Aline Coleman

Carsten Michael Seiler

Michael Ray Smithson

Lucian Berry Taylor III


A reception will follow. Clergy are invited to vest in red stoles.

2024 Listening and Healing Pilgrimage

January 27th, 2024 - Holbrook Arizona


You are invited to attend the gatherings for the 2024 Listening and Healing Pilgrimage. The first gathering will place at St. Georges Episcopal Church in Holbrook, AZ on Saturday, January 27th, 2024 at 10am


The day will begin at 10 am, including opening blessing, prayers and welcome. Following the opening a panel of 5-6 Survivors, family members or tribal representatives will share their stories. We will break for a meal – traditional food, and resume our Listening Panel. The day will end with a summary of what has been heard, gifts and a closing blessing at 2 pm.


The venue can only seat 50 people so you MUST register in advance to attend this portion of the Pilgrimage.


Overnight hotel recommendations can be found on our website HERE


The DEADLINE to register for this event is

January 15th, 2024

R.S.V.P. for the Pilgrimage Here

The Forma Conference 2024 will be a hybrid experience, with on-line content offered at local in-person gatherings. Click here for the schedule.


Because the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona is a sponsor of this conference, members can register at a discounted price of $120. If you are a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, the discount registration code will be sent to you after you complete the form belo You must have a ticket from Forma in order to attend this conference.


In-Person: JANUARY 22 - 25, 2024

SAINT BARNABAS ON THE DESERT

EPISCOPAL CHURCH

6715 NORTH MOCKINGBIRD LANE

PARADISE VALLEY, AZ 85253


Register Today

A Celebration of the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


The Rev. Canon Bruce A. Jackson, Diocesan Canon for Black Ministry, and the Rev. James Rhodenhiser, Rector of St. Peter’s Church in Litchfield Park, will be the guest speakers at a special celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


LEARN MORE...

Clergy News

The Venerable Amy Bryan has departed as deacon from St. Augustine's in Tempe to focus her work on deacons throughout the Diocese. Her last Sunday was December 30th, 2023.

Beloved in the Desert 2024/2025 Residency Cohorts are Now Open


Beloved in the Desert is an intentional community for young adults, ages 21 to 31, that fosters Christian disciples through service, study, and prayer in the Tucson borderlands.


Click HERE to learn more.

Stories Around Arizona

January 2024 First Friday at the Olney Gallery


First Friday reception, January 5th, 2024, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral


Enchanting Arizona - Art by Linda Pullinsi & Barbara Clements


LEARN MORE...

Join us for the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity


With immense joy and anticipation, we extend a heartfelt invitation to join us for the 2024 Statewide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service, graciously hosted by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church.


Please join Bishop Reddall and other judicatory leaders from throughout Arizona at St. Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church, located at 8849 East Cholla Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 6:30 pm.


This prayer service will be an opportunity to join with others throughout the state to pray for the visible unity of all Christians.


Stories Around the Globe

Becoming Beloved Community Grants are Now Available


Applications are open for another round of Becoming Beloved Community grants to help support The Episcopal Church’s work of racial justice, healing, reconciliation, and creation care. The deadline to apply is March 1.

Learn More

Introduction to the National Fund for Sacred Places Webinar


Date: Thursday, February 1st

Time: 12 PM EST


The National Fund for Sacred Places is a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Through this partnership at least 100 houses of worship will be awarded $20 million over eight years beginning in 2016.

Learn More

Transition Ministry

Congregations in Transition


Below is a list of congregations in our diocese that are seeking their next clergyperson. To view the congregational website and parish profile please click on the congregation names below. If you are interested in applying for any of the following positions please send a cover letter, resume, and OTM profile to The Rev. Canon Anita Braden.


Learn more on the Transition Ministry page.

Employment Opportunities

Visit our Employment Page

Diocesan Calendar

Visit our Diocesan Calendar

Prayers

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer

In next week's cycle of prayer, we pray for St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winslow Arizona. This small but very active congregation's mission is to spread the Gospel in their community, by reaching out in love and respect. Their vision is to live by faith, to be known by love, and to be a voice of hope. To learn more about this wonderful community visit their website here: https://stpaulsmission.azdiocese.org/



January 7th - St. Paul's, Winslow

January 14th - St. Raphael in the Valley, Benson

January 21st - St. John's, Bisbee


Find the cycle of prayer on the website.

Remember in Your Prayers of the People

Our companion Diocese: the Diocese of Western Mexico, Bishop Ricardo Gomez Osnaya.


And please privately remember in your prayers:


  • All teachers and school administration
  • All funeral directors, attendants, and staff members
  • All healthcare workers
  • All first responders
  • All members of the Armed Forces, especially those who are serving overseas
  • All those affected by incarceration
  • All those affected by recent weather, natural disasters, and civil unrest

Diocesan Online Store

Looking for a way to show your support for our diocese and look stylish? Visit our new online store at azdiocesestore.org!


All proceeds of your purchase will go towards funding the various Diocesan Ministries so they can continue to spread the love of God. All of our products are made on demand and are Eco-friendly, and/or U.S.A. sourced.


For questions on purchases or to suggest new products, email Laurel Way at laurel@azdiocese.org


Visit our Store Today

Submit Announcements

We would love to know what your community is up to. If you have an announcement or news that you would like featured in our announcements section, please email Laurel Way, the Director of Communications for the AZ Diocese.