The climate crisis, racial justice and a renewed mission strategy are at the top of the agenda, as the annual Diocesan Convention prepares to gather next month, deliberating under the theme "Members One of Another" taken from Romans 12:5 and an invitation to celebrate and explore interdependence as members of the Body of Christ. With COVID-19 precautions still in play, the Nov. 12-13 event will take place fully online again this year.

The virtual format makes it possible to open Friday’s full line-up of learning sessions and worship to anyone who would like to participate.

The Friday schedule includes a 1 p.m. plenary session, “Remembering Our Mutuality: Renewing Our Church with Hopeful Imagination and Reaffirmation” offered by the Rev. Lydia Kelsey Bucklin, Canon to the Ordinary for Discipleship and Vitality in the Diocese of Northern Michigan, followed by a series of break-out sessions delving deeper into aspects of interdependence as the Body of Christ.

Bishop Douglas J. Fisher from the neighboring Diocese of Western Massachusetts will be the guest preacher at the 5 p.m. service of Holy Eucharist, followed at 7 p.m. by a keynote address from Dr. Catherine Meeks, Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing in the Diocese of Atlanta. Her topic is “Dancing on Paradox’s Floor While Searching for Beloved Community.”

For links, materials and updates, visit www.diomass.org/diocesan-convention-2021.

Special Nov. 5 screening of “A Reckoning in Boston” offered online: Join online on Friday, Nov. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m., for a screening of “A Reckoning in Boston,” a new documentary by James Rutenbeck, who is a member of St. Stephen’s Church in Boston). A conversation with the filmmakers will follow.

“A Reckoning in Boston” is “an absolute must see–especially for white audiences,” wrote Boston Globe film critic Ty Burr about the film, which explores systemic racism, economic inequality, street violence, trauma and lack of affordable housing in Boston by looking at the lives of Kafi Dixon, Carl Chandler and others in Dorchester. The film lends itself well to personal reflection and discussion, particularly for faith groups. It will air on PBS’s “Independent Lens” in January.

Registration is being handled through the Diocesan Convention registration site, here (one does not have to be a convention participant to register for this Nov. 5 film program).

Questions may be directed to Martha Gardner, Missioner for Networking and Formation, at mgardner@diomass.org.

As reported in last month’s E-news (see article here), the Racial Justice Commission will begin rolling out new resource materials for congregations at Diocesan Convention in November, following a year of deliberative effort by five subcommittees to lay foundations for the long-term work of reckoning with and eradicating racism in the Episcopal Church in eastern Massachusetts.

In the lead-up to Diocesan Convention, the Racial Justice Commission has been spotlighting the priorities and progress of its five subcommittees, featuring this month updates from subcommittees working toward transparency and accountability in organizational practices and processes; the just allocation of financial resources and compensation; and a rethink and reprovision of formation and liturgy resources considered from an antiracist point of view.

Read full spotlight here.

Read full spotlight here.

Read full spotlight here.

The Young Adult Advisory Committee, along with Life Together and campus ministries in the Diocese of Massachusetts, and the Young Adult Network of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts invite young adults to a retreat with the theme "Learning to Walk with God in the World" and focusing on discernment: Who is God calling us to be for the sake of God's world? The retreat will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 at Friendly Crossways in Harvard, Mass., with an option to stay overnight on Friday,

One of the things we heard from our days as a task force [that led to the formation of the Young Adult Advisory Committee] was one of the big theological issues that people in their 20s and 30s face, this question of discernment: Who am I? Where is my life going? What is God calling me to do? What is my vocation? All of those are very big questions for young adults, and so last year we had our first discernment retreat on Zoom, and one of the promises of being on the back end of a pandemic--fingers crossed--is the possibility to be in person [this year]. There’s just a different tenor of conversation when folks are in the same physical place together so we’re very much looking forward to running [this year's retreat in a] different format, different content, different structure than last year, with the same goal of asking these questions.

Isaac: COVID has scrambled so much and it’s really been a deprivation, particularly for young adults. Everyone asks, "What comes after COVID?" This [retreat] is a way of answering that. We’ve seen the cost when we’re isolated and have to do everything over Zoom, and so here’s a chance to meet in the flesh and that’s what I’m very very excited about. The most important thing is to be together.

Presiding Bishop Curry issues message on the Oct. 18 death of Colin Powell: “My heart is heavy today with the news of the death of Colin Powell, former secretary of state, four-star general and lifelong Episcopalian. I pray for his family and all his many loved ones, and I give thanks for his model of integrity, faithful service to our nation and his witness to the impact of a quiet, dignified faith in public life,” Curry said. Read his full message here.

Called to serve as an “Election Activator”?: U.S. Episcopalians interested in helping with voter engagement for the 2022 midterm elections are invited to participate in a newly launched program. Volunteers in the new Episcopal Election Activators program will work with the Office of Government Relations over the next year to promote and facilitate local, nonpartisan voter engagement efforts. Activators will meet regularly to develop and implement strategies, share stories and build a network across the country to help increase voter turnout and encourage others to take on a greater role in the elections.

Episcopal Activator volunteers are asked for a one-year commitment (through the 2022 midterm elections). They will be expected to adhere strictly to non-partisan engagement while connecting with local congregations, sharing resources within their networks, directing and mobilizing Episcopalians to support elections through voter registration and education, providing rides to the polls on election day and performing other tasks as needed. Find more information and the application here.

EPF’s “Peacebuilding Online” continues: The Episcopal Peace Fellowship’s ongoing “Peacebulding Online” series of free presentations continues on Sunday, Nov. 7 at 4 p.m. with Michael Nagler, author of The Third Harmony: Nonviolence and the New Story of Human Nature and the founder of the Metta Center for Nonviolence. Find registration and more information on the EPF’s churchwide peacebuilding efforts at https://epfnational.org/.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby joined Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to issue in September a “Joint Message for the Protection of Creation,” calling on people to pray for world leaders ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November. It also calls on individuals to make meaningful sacrifices for the sake of the planet, working together and taking responsibility for how we use our resources; and, for those with far-reaching responsibilities, to choose people-centered profits and lead the transition to just and sustainable economies. The statement reads: “We call on everyone, whatever their belief or worldview, to endeavour to listen to the cry of the earth and of people who are poor, examining their behaviour and pledging meaningful sacrifices for the sake of the earth which God has given us.” Find the full statement here.

"Living into the climate crisis with resilience": Read Episcopal News Service's Q&A with the Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas here. She serves as creation care advisor for the Diocese of Massachusetts and as creation care missioner for the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

Susie Faria of St. Peter's, Beverly chosen for Episcopal Church delegation to United Nations COP26 conference: Following a churchwide call for applications, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has named 24 delegates—selected from among 70 applicants—to represent the presiding bishop’s office at the United Nations 26th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, also known as “COP26.”

According to an Oct. 6 news release, during the Oct. 31-Nov. 12 conference in Glasgow, Scotland, the Episcopal delegates will participate virtually in meetings, joining others—including delegates from the Anglican Communion and other faith-based partners—who will stand in solidarity with partner nations lacking access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Susie Faria grew up in the Episcopal Church, going to St. Peter's Church in Beverly. After focusing on global studies and international relations in college and graduating in 2020, Faria heard the call and, after applying, was chosen to be one of the 24 delegates.

"It's not a secret--climate change affects us all, and one of the things that I really have always loved about The Episcopal Church specifically, and why I've stayed very loyal to it, is I appreciate how they've been willing to evolve and own up to mistakes and attempt to right wrongs," Faria said in a recent interview. "I really like that the church is willing to stand up and remind these countries, as well as our own government in the United States: 'Hey, we need to be taking action against [the climate crisis] for scientific reasons, of course, but also for spiritual ones.'

"I think that when there's so much bad news happening all the time, especially when it comes to the climate, having that sense of spirituality and having those groups to just pray and to incorporate God is especially important, and I think it gives you a sense of hope without it being a 'toxic positivity' kind of hope."

Archbishop Hosam E. Naoum speaks at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston on Oct. 14. Photo: Bridget K. Wood

Archbishop Naoum of Jerusalem brings message of gratitude and friendship to Boston: The Most Rev. Hosam E. Naoum, Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, brought a message of gratitude and Christian friendship to the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston while in town for meetings of the board of the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ), and friends and supporters had the opportunity to gather with Naoum for an Oct. 14 reception in his honor.

It was the cathedral church’s first in-person community event since the pandemic shut-down, and the archbishop's first visit to the U.S. since his installation in May as the 15th bishop—and fifth Palestinian bishop—of the Diocese of Jerusalem . That diocese comprises congregations and ministries in Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

“I want you to know how much the Diocese of Jerusalem, the people of Jerusalem, how much they appreciate your support, your love and prayers,” Naoum said.

It is both a responsibility and privilege, he said, to be the “living stones” in the holy Christian places of the Holy Land, and to “bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus who walked and lived and taught, healed, died and rose again” in those places.

“These stories continue to be not simply stories that we just recite or try to retell, but are lived experiences through the power of the Gospel. That is entrusted to each and every one of us,” Naoum said.

After almost two years of the absence of pilgrims because of pandemic travel restrictions, “Jerusalem is not the same,” he said. “I miss greeting pilgrims from around the world who come to be with us, with the living stones. We become more alive by the visits of people who come to join us in worship. They come to join us in mission. They come to join us in living out the Christian faith in the place where it all happened,” he said.

Read the full story here. View more photos here.

A witness to end gun violence and pray for peace: On Friday, Oct. 15, Bishop Alan M. Gates and other supporters of the B-PEACE for Jorge Campaign gathered at the Cathedral Church of St Paul in Boston to make a witness to end gun violence and pray for peace.

Latasha Scott--who serves as middle school youth director for St. Stephen's Youth Programs in Boston--said at the vigil, "I would like gun violence to end in the urban communities because it would make it more safe for the youth that I serve to go to their local parks, to go to their local corner stores and not have to face the disparities that they face on a day-to-day basis." View more photos here.

A multicultural celebration of gratitude: The Multicultural Celebration of Gratitude held on Saturday, Oct. 16 at The Cathedral Church of St Paul in Boston spotlighted Episcopal Church United Thank Offering grant recipients in the Diocese of Massachusetts, and brought together many voices offering prayer, music and stories of gratitude. Small groups shared personal stories of gratitude with one another (above right), and the evening ended with gifts of music and prayer in motion offered by whirling dervish Christopher Briggs (above left).

View more photos here.

Local group organizes online gathering to honor life and legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu at 90: All are invited to gather online on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. for a virtual program of music, prayer and story sharing in honor of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Oct. 7.

The Rev. Noble Scheepers, a co-chair of the diocesan Racial Justice Commission and interim rector of St. John's Church in Westwood, has gathered colleagues to plan the event, to include a talk by the Rev. Edwin Arrison, the development Officer for the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, and participation by both Diocese of Massachusetts bishops, Alan M. Gates and Gayle E. Harris.

Register to receive the event Zoom link here.

Founded in 2013, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation represents two of the world's most iconic leaders, according to Scheepers.

"The foundation strives to ensure their uncompromised bravery is celebrated, communicated and curated for posterity," Scheepers said in an e-mail. Read more here.

Multicultural Celebration of All the Saints who Struggled for Justice & Freedom: The diocesan Office of Immigration and Multicultural Ministries welcomes all for a Multicultural Celebration of All the Saints who Struggled for Justice and Freedom, to be held on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. via Zoom.

Please e-mail by Nov. 5 the name and short description of a saint you wish to celebrate to jbntagengwa@diomass.org.

Registration is required for this event. Click here.

Questions may be directed to the Rev. Canon Dr. Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa at jbntagengwa@diomass.org.

Advent Quiet Day: "Make Your Home in Me": Jesus invites us to make our home in him, just as he makes his home in us (John 15:4). In a rapidly changing world, when so much that we took for granted has become unreliable or unstable, our old familiar “home” is gone. Weather is erratic; institutions we once depended on are shaky; households and communities are stressed. Is it possible to feel “at home” in the midst of a troubled world?

This online Advent Quiet Day invites participants to respond to Jesus’ invitation to come home to the One who loves us utterly. This time together will include silence and guided meditation, presentations and small group conversation, and free time for solitary prayer.

This joint online retreat with the Diocese of Western Massachusetts will be led by the Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas.  Online registration is open here.

Questions may be directed to Martha Gardner, Missioner for Networking and Formation, at mgardner@diomass.org.

Cathedral observes extended Advent: The Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston observes an expanded season of Advent, beginning this year on Nov. 7 and affording more time and space in which to prepare more fully for the coming of Christ.

As part of the cathedral church’s observance, it will offer a contemplative time of prayer and reflection open to all each Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m. in the sanctuary.

For details as they become available, visit www.stpaulboston.org.

St. Francis Day at All Saints of the North Shore, Danvers: All Saints Church of the North Shore in Danvers celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with a ceremony in its memorial garden for pets, followed by a traditional blessing of animals on Sunday, Oct. 2.

All Saints Church of the North Shore in Danvers observing the Feast of St. Francis with a ceremony in the church's pet memorial garden on Oct. 2. Courtesy photo

"We had our first Ceremony of the Roses--laying memorial stones and sealed urns with pet cremains--in our St. Francis Garden....and then a robust 18th-annual North Shore Blessing of the Animals in front of our church," Fran Weil of Perfect Paws Pet Ministry at All Saints Church said in an e-mail. "We also hosted a table for the Pet Food Task Force and garnered two wagons full of pet food and supplies for the Danvers People to People Food Pantry. It was a GREAT day, thanks be to God!"

Blessings of the Animals: Other congregations across the diocese celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi by welcoming creatures great and small to receive a blessing, including (from left): St. Paul's Church in Dedham; (middle, top): St. Paul's Church, Lynnfield; (middle, bottom) Christ Church, Plymouth; and (right) St. Luke's-San Lucas Church, Chelsea. View more photos here. Courtesy photos via Facebook and parish newsletters

Boston Globe: Cats, dogs and caterpillars — Oh, my! Trinity Church holds annual blessing of animals: "Trinity Church’s Sunday morning service appeared to be just like any other except for the bevy of four-legged worshippers in attendance for the annual 'Blessing of the Animals.'

"The annual ceremony was held on the church’s west porch in Copley Square with pets ranging from dogs and cats to guinea pigs and stuffed animals. A five-year-old girl even brought her pet caterpillars.

"The blessing coincides with the Feast of St. Francis, known as the patron saint of animals and the environment, which falls on Oct. 4, according to Trinity Church rector, the Rev. Morgan Allen.

"The importance of pets became pronounced during the pandemic, Allen said in an interview.

In addition to live animals, children also brought stuffed friends to be blessed. Courtesy photo via Facebook

“'Pets are really important for many of us, and during the pandemic perhaps even more acutely,' he said. 'People have valued the time that they’ve spent at home with their animals, and so the opportunity to bring them out--we’re not the only ones who’ve been isolated, you know--to socialize the pets too is a lot of fun.'” Read more here.

WBZ News Radio: Blessing of the Animals at Old North Church: "What would we do without our faithful furry friends? Especially during the pandemic, when many of us have been working from home.

"'We know that pets are sources of strength, comfort and joy and we want to give thanks to God for all the joy they bring and pray for their ongoing health and well-being,'" said the Rev. Dr. Matthew Cadwell, Vicar in Charge at Old North Church in Boston. Listen here.

Herald News: The Rev. Dr. Susan H. Lee retiring from St. Luke’s Church in Fall River: In honor of the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Susan H. Lee, a service of Holy Eucharist was held on Sunday, Sept. 26, at St. Luke’s Church in Fall River.

Lee was ordained deacon in Providence, R.I., in June 1988 and began her ministry at St. Luke's on July 1, 1988. The Rt. Rev. George Hunt ordained her to the priesthood on March 4, 1989, in a liturgy at the church. Lee was the first woman ordained in the city of Fall River and the service was covered widely in the press. She served as associate rector and co-rector with the Rev. James Hornsby for 14 years before becoming rector in 2002.

During her ministry at St. Luke's Church, Lee took a major role in welcoming Cambodian refugees to the parish and helping them become integrated into American society. In her early years, she organized Khmer language classes for social service providers and others interested in the growing Cambodian population in Fall River. She studied Khmer herself at the University of Hawaii, the University of Wisconsin and the Cambodian Buddhist temple in Fall River, Wat Udomsaharatanaram. Lee integrated Khmer-language Scripture readings and prayers into the liturgy at St. Luke's and gave sermons in Khmer. She assisted Cambodian parishioners in applying for relatives and friends to migrate to the United States, with many arriving under the Diversity Visa program. Lee organized youth activities for Cambodian-American youngsters, including an annual camping trip at Myles Standish State Forest, and led a Cambodian Junior Choir for several years. The Cambodian temple thanked Lee for her work with a recognition award in 2010. Read more here.

Dedham renames park in honor of William B. Gould, former slave, Civil War veteran: Dedham recently renamed one of its parks in honor of former slave and Civil War veteran William B. Gould, and a statue for the park is in the works. Gould was a founding parishioner of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Dedham. The Rev. Noble Scheepers, a former rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd, shared a bit of that history at the Sept. 23 renaming ceremony.

“Gould helped to build the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Oakdale Square, though as a parishioner and not as a contractor,” Scheepers said. “He and his wife were baptized and confirmed there in 1878 and 1879, and he was acknowledged as one of its founders. Gould's family remained active members of the church and, along with two others, were the only Black parishioners. There was only one other Black family in Dedham at the time. Pews and church furnishings have name plaques of the Gould family stamped on them. This is an important aspect of the history of Dedham and Massachusetts, and this memorial effort will help solidify the relevance of our Black patriots. May God Bless the memory of these patriots.” Read the Boston Globe’s story here.

Oct 21: Diocesan Council Meeting, via Zoom, 6:00pm

Oct 23: Confirmation, St. Andrew's Church, Framingham, 10:00am

Oct 23: Confirmation, St. Andrew's Church, Framingham, 1:00pm

Oct 24: Bishop Gates visits Christ Church in Hyde Park

Oct 24: Bishop Gates visits Iglesia de San Juan in Hyde Park

Oct 26: Online Finance Forum for Congregational Leaders, 5:30pm

Oct 28: Children's Formation Online Gathering, 3:30pm

Oct 28: Pre-Diocesan Convention Forum: Southern Region, via Zoom, 7:00pm

Oct 29: Pre-Diocesan Convention Forum: All Regions, via Zoom, 2:00pm

Oct 30: "Learning to Walk with God in the World" Young Adult Retreat, Friendly Crossways, Harvard, 10:00am

Oct 30: Practical Aspects of Congregational Leadership Seminar: Inter-Congregational Collaborations, via Zoom, 10:00am

Oct 30: Archbishop Tutu Legacy Celebration, via Zoom, 4:00pm

Oct 31: Bishop Harris visits the Church of St. Mary of the Harbor in Provincetown

Oct 31: Bishop Gates visits St. Anne's Church in Lowell

Oct 31: Bishop Gates visits St. John's Church in Lowell

Nov 3: Diocesan Mission Strategy Discussion, via Zoom, 7:00pm

Nov 5: "A Reckoning in Boston" Online Film Screening and Conversation, 6:30pm

Nov 6: Multicultural Celebration of All the Saints who Struggled for Justice & Freedom, via Zoom, 5:00pm

Nov 7: Bishop Harris visits Trinity Church in Randolph

Nov 12-13: Diocesan Convention

Nov 14: Bishop Harris visits St. Andrew's Church in Methuen

Nov 14: Bishop Gates visits the Parish of St. Paul in Newton

Nov 16: Installation of The Rev. Greg Johnston at St. John's Church, Charlestown, 6:00pm

Nov 17: Practical Aspects of Congregational Leadership Seminar: Year-End Financial Closing Issues, via Zoom, 9:00am

Nov 21: Bishop Harris visits St. Paul's Church in Hopkinton

Nov 21: Bishop Gates visits Christ Church in South Hamilton

Nov 23: Online Finance Forum for Congregational Leaders, 5:30pm

Nov 28: Bishop Gates visits the Church of the Holy Nativity in South Weymouth

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