Episcopal Diocese of Utah
May Newsletter: First Edition
May 7, 2021
Sixth Sunday of Easter
(May 09)
Liturgical color is White

People of the Diocese,

We hope you are doing well during this beautiful spring season. There's a lot going on around the diocese--be sure to check it out!

Additionally, we would like to hear from you about how your congregation is adapting to these unconventional times. Please continue sending any relevant resources or stories to Nick Cockrell at [email protected]


Ordination of Patricia Hart
As a youngster, The Rev. Pat Hart found a spiritual respite at Camp Tuttle and decided it would be so special to be a priest—long before women could be ordained. Normally, one would expect years she spent in the state foster care system, the times when she experienced homelessness and the low self esteem which is common with mere survival would derail any thoughts of the “impossible” dream. Instead she now says it will make her a better cleric. She now dreams of a ministry largely dedicated to those who have the same struggles she knew in her life. It is why she worked with the Laundry Love program where people can have the dignity of clean clothes and wants to see “urban rest stops” either as store fronts or where trucks can bring showers, haircuts and newer clothing to people. It’s all possible.

It was like her once “impossible” dream of being a priest, when she did various jobs so she might enroll in college to learn the building trades. She did not stop until achieving a Master’s Degree in Public Administration while working for Salt Lake City as a building inspector, then becoming a Construction Program and Project Manager. She became a logistic chief for the city’s emergency management and later became the emergency management and safety manager for the engineering department before retiring three years ago. 

And as far as that “impossible” dream of being ordained, well, that happened under Bishop Scott B. Hayashi a week ago at All Saints, Salt Lake City. The joyous service came a decade after she told her then Priest-in-charge that she felt the calling. She studied in the Utah Ministry Formation Program, where the past director, The Rev. Cn. Mary June Nestler, said she was eager to learn and bring her extensive life experience to her theological education. She took remote learning classes from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific and served congregations at the Cathedral of St. Mark, St. Paul’s, and All Saints. She will now serve at St. James, Midvale, as a transitional Deacon. She hopes to further social justice causes. God willing, she will then be ordained to the priesthood in about six-months.

A story by Jane Edwards for All Saints contributed to this newsletter report.
Photos are courtesy of Brianna Lanclos of All Saints.

Bishop Search Updates
This is another in a series of communications from the Nominating/Search Committee. The articles are designed to inform and educate the Diocese about the search process. This is from committee member Mary McEntire (St. Luke's, Park City).

  • Front Row, from Left to Right: The Rev. Kathalin Walker, St. David’s, Page, AZ | Mary McEntire, St. Luke’s, Park City, UT | Rhonda Dossett, St. Paul’s, Salt Lake, UT
  • Back Row, from Left to Right: Mike Mitchell, St. James, Midvale, UT | Atem Aleu, All Saints Salt Lake, UT | Rick Stevenson, St. Stephen’s, West Valley, UT The Rev. Christopher Szarke, St. James, Midvale, UT | The Very Rev. Tyler Doherty, St. Mark’s Cathedral, Salt Lake, UT | The Rev. Michael Carney, St. Elizabeth’s, Whiterocks, UT | William Downes, St. Mark’s Cathedral Salt Lake, UT
                                                                                                                                  
Update on the Search for the Diocese of Utah's 12th Bishop

As stated in previous articles, the Search/Nominating Committee is grateful for the participation of many members of the Diocese of Utah in giving thoughtful input to help us prepare a Profile of the Diocese of Utah. A summary of what 364 members said in the electronic survey that was open to all in March was presented by the Rev. Michael Carney (Vicar at Whiterocks and Chairman of the Nominating Committee) on the day of Diocesan Convention (April 24). To see a recording of this summary, click here [please insert link to Michael’s recording]. This recording will also be posted on the website dedicated to this search process: https://utahbishopsearch.org
 
In the month of April, Listening Groups have been held (electronically) to gather more of your information and opinions to be used in preparing the Diocesan Profile. Ten sessions, moderated by members of the Nominating Committee, were scattered throughout the month on various days and times, hoping to meet the schedules of everyone in the diocese, and nine sessions (also open to everyone) were held on the afternoon following our Diocesan Convention. Almost 90 members of the laity, as well as clergy in separate sessions, took the time to let us know their thoughts and opinions (exact number not available since not all sessions have taken place at the time of this writing: an additional session for clergy will be held in early May, with the possibility of another session for laity if requested). Thank you to all: you showed your appreciation for our diocese and your interest in providing information so that the bishop we seek will know who we are and if he/she feels called to apply to be our 12th bishop.

The Search/Nominating Committee will compile the information received from the Survey and the Listening Groups, along with other information about the diocese, and spend the next weeks preparing a Profile of the Diocese of Utah. After the Standing Committee reviews and accepts this Profile, it will be posted online throughout The Episcopal Church (nationally and internationally) and the application process will be open! We hope to accomplish this by late July, and we will accept applications from potential nominees for three weeks. The timeline is posted on our website, leading up to the election of our 12th Episcopal Bishop of Utah at our 2022 Diocesan Convention (April 29-30, 2022) and culminating in a consecration (by the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Michael Curry) on September 17, 2021. Thank you all for your prayers and input to this important process!
St. Mark's winter tower

2021 Diocesan Convention

The Diocesan Convention for 2021 was held April 24, 2021 via Zoom

The 2021 Diocesan Convention is all wrapped-up! With more than 170 clergy, delegates and guests online, we successfully completed all convention business.

To see the latest updates, including who was elected and what resolutions passed, please visit DiocesanConvention2021.org




Utah Faith and Civic Leaders Launch Stronger Tomorrow Agenda
Bishop Scott B. Hayashi helps lead the effort
Bishop Hayashi presents at the United Today Stronger Tomorrow Launch
Bishop Hayashi joined faith leaders and more than 100 Utahns on Wednesday night to show state leaders a bold vision for how to spend Utah’s $1.6+ billion in American Rescue Plan funds.

After consulting nearly 1000 Utahns impacted by Covid through surveys and small group meetings, the faith and civic leaders of United Today, Stronger Tomorrow unveiled a comprehensive agenda for housing, health care, education, jobs, small business, family support, and infrastructure. 

“These issues are all interconnected,” said Rev. Lynn Miller Jackson of Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy. “If we want a stronger Utah, we must have a state where our children can get an excellent education and go to an affordable college or technical school, and get a great job that allows them to support their family, keep a safe home, and breathe clean air. This is what a stronger tomorrow for Utah looks like. Utah has more than $3 billion to spend on education, housing, health care, child care and unrestricted funds. We can do everything on this list.”

Ultimately our State Legislature will decide how this money is spent, and send it to Governor Cox for approval. The special session to make these decisions starts on May 19.

It is important that we let our elected official know TODAY what we want them to do.

We have a tool that makes it easy for you to send an email message to Gov. Cox and your own state representatives and senators: https://unitedtoday.org/ut-agenda/


Click HERE to watch a recording of Wednesday's Event
Passcode 3@DndIM0


The Rev. Charles Robinson Retires
The long-time St. Luke’s priest, The Rev. Charles Robinson has retired from the Park City church. Because of the pandemic, his goodbye sermon was delivered in a parking lot service. He came to the church 17-years ago and led the church into a new era of increased membership, a reputation of inclusive advocacy, and financial self sufficiency. The Park Record noted the priest’s accomplishments in his city-wide programs to bring people together. He instituted the Project for Deeper Understanding which invited speakers and guests of a divergence of views together. The concept was not one of debate, but of listening and the development of respect for opposing views. The Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael Curry cited his work in a personal video statement played at the farewell April 23rd service. Additionally, The Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi echoed Bishop Curry’s comments. Bishop Curry also cited The Rev. Charles Robinson’s work in his autobiography.

Parishioners adopted the fundamental guidelines for the church under Fr. Charles as “Love for God, as revealed in the love for Jesus, Intentional hospitality, Intellectual freedom, and the respect for the dignity of every human being.” 

The priest plans to remain a part of the Park City community for the next year and a half.
People and lawn chairs packed the St. Luke’s parking lot for
The Rev. Charles Robinson’s retirement service

Camp Tuttle Updates
Ingrid VanZanten
Hello Families & Friends of Camp Tuttle,

Camp season is rapidly approaching, and we are so excited to spend time with you in the mountains! We want to make sure you and your camper have all the information you need to be as comfortable and satisfied as possible this summer. Below is a short description of the camps we are offering this summer. Visit camptuttle.org and click on the registration tab once you’ve decided which camp is right for you.

Work Day and Meet the Staff! 

June 26th @ 10 am - 2 pm:

Please join us for the day of working together to get camp ready for our campers and meet the staff! Please bring your own lunch and we will celebrate with cake and ice cream! Work Day Registration: https://eccu.wufoo.com/forms/zghwm1w1s9ckkh/

Beginner Family Camp

July 8th @ 4pm - July 10th @ 2pm:

This camp is designed for new/inexperienced campers in mind. Campers of any and all ages plus their families (at least one adult 18+ required) are welcomed to join us for two nights. Campers will get to share the experience of camp with loved ones nearby, in hopes that in the coming years, they will be prepared to tackle camp by themselves. Each family unit will have their own cabin with meals included. Prices vary by age.

5th/6th Grade Camp

Session I July 11th @ 2pm – July 13th @ 2pm

Session II July 14th @ 2pm – July 16th @ 2pm

Rising 5th and 6th graders will join us for two nights for all the camp classics and favorites, including ropes course, Nuke ‘Em, rock climbing, mountain biking, capture the flag, and hiking. Cabins will operate at 50% and most of our programming will take place outside. When inside and in close proximity, we will practice social distancing and/or mask wearing. Please select only one session for attendance to allow for maximum participation.

7th/8th Grade Camp

Session I July 19th @ 2pm – July 22nd @ 2pm

Session II July 26th @ 2pm – July 29th @ 2pm

Rising 7th and 8th graders will join us for three nights for all the camp classics and favorites, including ropes course, Nuke ‘Em, rock climbing, mountain biking, capture the flag, and hiking. On the second night, campers will have the option to participate in an overnight backpacking trip! Cabins will operate at 50% and most of our programming will take place outside. When inside and in close proximity, we will practice social distancing and/or mask wearing. Please select only one session for attendance to allow for maximum participation.

High School Weekend

July 30th @ 4pm – Aug 1st @ Noon

This camp is designed with busy high schoolers in mind! Rising 9th – 12th graders will join us for a weekend at camp to enjoy time with friends and build community. Bring a friend along and show them the wonders of Camp Tuttle!

High School Backpacking Trip

Aug 2nd @ Noon – Aug 4th @ Noon

If you’ve ever wanted to sleep under the stars at a lake high in the Wasatch Mountains, your chance is finally here! Before our trek we will discuss and learn elements of Leave No Trace and other outdoor survival principles. After we’re packed and ready, we’ll hike into the beautiful peas outside camp. Participants should be prepared to hike around 10 total miles. And if you’re brave enough, you can even take a chilly dip in Lake Lackawaxen! Gear can be provided. Drop-off is at Camp Tuttle and pick-up is at the Lake Lackawaxen trailhead. Email camptuttle.org for more details.

Family Camp

Aug 13th @ 4pm – Aug 15th @ Noon

This is one of our most popular camps and will fill up quick! Bring your family to spend a weekend in the mountains and get some much-needed rest and relaxation. You are invited to take part in all our scheduled activities, and with our help you may also explore the beautiful mountains surrounding camp. Meals are served at 8am, Noon, and 6pm. Each family has their own cabin. This multigenerational camp is sure to bring joy to the whole family!

**Join us on May 24th @ 6pm – 7pm for a virtual New Camper Orientation!**

Chat with Camp Tuttle’s staff and administrators via Zoom about all things camp. Topics to be discussed include:

  • What to bring to camp?
  • What activities will my camper participate in?
  • What does arrival day look like?
  • Outline of COVID-19 safety plan
  • Q & A session with camp directors

Please note that this year we have introduced a new tier pricing system. Each camp has options for three tiered payments. Please select the tier that best suits the financial needs of your family. We don’t want finances to ever stand in the way of a child coming to camp! Email camptuttle.org for further information about the tier payment plan.

Please view this short Camp Tuttle video for more information:
We will be following CDC guidelines for Covid restrictions at the time of camp sessions.  
 
Thank you for your on-going support of Camp Tuttle. We can’t wait to see you in the mountains! 

Ingrid VanZanten (she/her)
Camp Tuttle Director
Episcopal Diocese of Utah
75 South 200 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
(435) 890-8312

Coming Up: Education for Ministry Graduation
On Saturday 5th June between 4pm and 6pm w will be having a Graduation BBQ at West Bountiful City Park, 550 West Pages Lane, west Bountiful, Utah. This year we have the following people graduating from EfM, and will be receiving their certificates from Bishop Scott Hayashi:
 
  • Dorothy H. Alley
  • Deanna K. Anderson
  • Camille Biexei
  • Barbara Finn
  • Sandra L. Garrard
  • Linda P Harding
  • Ranee Hollinger
  • Andy Mosley
  • Melody Oliphant
  • Gregory E. Rhoades
  • Patti Sanchez
  • Alice L Swimm
  • Jennifer L. Tucker
  •  
All current and past participants, Alumni, and Clergy, along with their families, are invited to join us. If you wish to attend please RSVP numbers to Cherie Naccarato by May 21 at [email protected]. We will be holding raffle with money collected going towards scholarships for next year program.
The Rev. Nancy Piggott is Retiring

Community of Hope Training
The mission statement of the Community of Hope calls for “creating communities steeped in Benedictine spirituality, to serve others through compassionate listening.” We are going to begin training new members this summer using Zoom to reach people throughout the Diocese. The training consists of 14 modules which focus on spiritual formation using the Rule of Benedict as a guide, learning what spiritual gifts and motivations each person brings to serving others, exercises to develop listening skills, and developing a supportive community. For almost 20 years St. Marks’ Cathedral has been a COH center. Its members come from Episcopal congregations throughout the Diocese as well as from other faith communities and have served in parishes, care facilities, hospice, and hospitals. Even when not actively engaged in a specific ministry, members are also able to bring their skills to their neighbors, friends and families. Monthly Circle of Care meetings support Community of Hope caregivers with prayer, Benedictine readings, discussion, debriefing, and continuing training. We all have felt deeply blessed by this wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth and to be able to support others during challenging times. We would love to welcome new members at this time!

If you have questions about Community of Hope International, the group’s website can be found at www.cohinternatioal.org. Our local facilitators are

Carolyn Ershler, 801-201-0814, [email protected]
Chris LeCluyse, (801) 660-9124‬, [email protected]
Ann Deyo, (435) 640-8258‬, [email protected]

We plan on an informational meeting in May. Please let one of the local facilitators know if you would be interested in attending, and we will send you the Zoom link.

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
The COVID-19 vaccine is becoming more widely available for Utahns. Governor Spencer Cox recently announced that all Utahns age 16+ are eligible to receive their vaccine. Visit Vaccinate.Utah.gov to find an appointment.