In this edition of ENews:
- Bishop Megan Visits Epiphany, Vacaville
- Applications for the Diocese Congregation Vitality Project Now Open
- Communication Resources During and After a Disaster
- Trinity Cathedral to host Eucharist Celbrating Absalom Jones
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Bishop Visits Epiphany, Vacaville | |
On Sunday, February 5, Bishop Megan visited and worshipped with the congregation at Epiphany, Vacaville. Assisted by The Rev. Canon Cookie Clark, Bishop Megan blessed a new chalice and celebrated the good works of Lynn Secrist, who is stepping down as their Organist and Music Director.
Following worship, the congregation hosted a potluck supper, and Bishop Megan led a guide Storytelling exercise during a time of transition. Many thanks to the folks at Epiphany for their hospitality and faithful Leadership.
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Missioner for Church Life | |
February is Black History Month | |
The diocese website has lots of resources for your congregation to celebrate Black History Month. Click on the button to access helpful materials. | |
Empty Altars | American Saints in a Cynical Age
An Online Pop-Up Learning Community with Dr. Diana Butler Bass & Dr. Tripp Fuller
Join Diana and Tripp this Lent as they explore "sainthood" for an American -- and global -- future. We'll share stories that need to be told of "saints" you know and those you need to know in a quirky learning journey through American religious history.
A 6-Week Lenten Exploration of American Saints
6 Feature Sessions
Diana & Tripp will facilitate our feature sessions that include a mini-lecture, conversation, and Q & A.
Curated Readings
Each week we will have readings from the American Saints featured in each session and Q & A about them.
Online Community
Everyone will be invited to join the private online group to connect with other nerds and have access to everything in Audio/Video on the class resource page.
https://theonlygodordainedsurvey.com/emptyaltars-signup/
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Missioner for Disaster Resilience | |
Resources for Maintaining Communications during and after a disaster | |
We often think of our cell phones as all we need to communicate at any time and under any circumstances. Unfortunately, in the past 12 months parts of our diocese have been cut off from cell phone communications due to extended power outages, tower damage, or network overload by first responders following fire, flood, or earthquake.
There is a simple technology older than cell phones that keeps working in disaster… radio. There is a type of radio for everybody, no matter what you think you know or how shy you are:
- Family Radio Service
- Citizens’ Band
- General Mobile Radio Service
- Multi-Use Radio Service
- Amateur Radio
The Mission for Disaster Resilience is building a communications plan and we’d like you to be one of the people to whom the office of the bishop can talk when the phones don’t work.
If you are already a licensed radio operator, or wish to become one, please contact Mark G. Dibelka (amateur radio call AB2LI, GMRS call WRQF-500) and become part of the team!
Peace,
Mark
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Celebrating the life of Absalom Jones (1746-1818)
A special Holy Eucharist
at Trinity Cathedral
Thursday, February 16 at 6 pm
Absalom Jones was the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church. He was born into slavery in Delaware, released from slavery by his master in 1784. Jones and his friend, Richard Allen, founded an integrated congregation in Philadelphia, but it so alarmed whites it was racially segregated. In 1792, he and Allen established the “First African Church.” In 1804, at the age of 56, Jones was ordained an Episcopal Church. Jones was known for his eloquent oratory and as a major voice in the antislavery abolitionist movement.
Jones was added to our calendar of “saints” by the Episcopal Church General Convention in 1997 — more than 200 years after his church was founded. His life is worth celebrating for his example of courageous faithful service and the challenges his life still gives us. The Rev. James Richardson, priest associate, will celebrate the Holy Eucharist and offer a homily at this special Thursday Cathedral service.
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Mary Magdalene Lecture
and Workshop
Thursday, February 16
5:00 – 8:00 pm | on Zoom
Trinity Cathedral is excited to offer this three-hour lecture/workshop on Mary Magdalene by Magdalene scholar, Dr. Kayleen Asbo. Dr. Asbo has lead Magdalene pilgrimages to southern France and lectured on Magdalene at Chartres Cathedral as well as at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral, Houston, and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland, OR.
What happened to Magdalene after the resurrection? What are the sites of Magdalene in southern France? Who was she for the rest of her life? What has been her meaning throughout western history?
Please join Dr. Asbo’s presentation/ workshop and discover for yourself the beauty and meaning of Mary Magdalene. Suggested donation is $20. To register, follow this link to the Realm payment portal.
Email Susan Hotchkiss susan_hotchkiss1@hotmail.com for zoom link.
Click here to watch a video from Dr. Asbo about her studies of Mary Magdalene.
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Kayleen Asbo, Ph.D is a cultural historian, musician, writer and teacher who passionately weaves together myth, psychology, history, and the arts with experiential learning. To learn more about Kayleen, click here | |
Diocesan Partners in Ministries of Health | |
Living Compass 2023 Lenten Meditation Booklets
are ready to order!
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Living Compass - Lent 2023 Devotional
Practicing Compassion with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind
Each year, tens of thousands of individuals across various denominations use our daily devotionals to help them prepare for the coming of Easter. Faith communities also use the devotionals for Lent programs (including online), classes, small-group discussions, and retreats with the help of our FREE downloadable and printable Facilitator's Guide. Below you will find multiple ways to engage these resources, either as an individual, or as a lay or clergy leader.
Vivir una buena Cuaresma en el 2023: Practicando la compasión con todo el corazón, alma, fuerzas y mente
Este devocionario tiene como propósito el ayudarle a conectarse con la Pasión, Muerte y Resurrección de Jesucristo. También le va a ayuda a tener una mejor relación con Dios, consigo mismo, con los demás y con el mundo.
To order free copies supported by the Diocesan Partners in Ministries of Health,
Contact: Susan Wahlstrom, Coordinator
wahlstrom@volcano.net
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Please provide your congregation name, how many books you want to order and a mailing address – we will take it from there.
Learn more at www.livingcompass.org
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Commission for Intercultural Ministries | |
I Will, With God's Help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice Upcoming Workshop
These one-day in-person Workshops were specially developed for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California by the Commission for Intercultural Ministries. Renew your Baptismal Covenant as we learn about forms of historic and contemporary racism and how to engage in ministry with sensitivity and respect for all.
Please note that due to the nature of the program, attendance is limited to 30 participants.
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Commission on the Environment | |
Planning Spring and Summer Gardens
As the weather is changing and we are seeing signs of spring in nature all around us, many of us are beginning to plan our spring and summer gardens. We consider planting options–drought resistant, annuals vs. perennials, flowers vs. bushes vs. trees, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, and the color palette. It is also a time to consider a planting plan that removes more carbon dioxide than it generates.
Sierra Club provides tips for us to create carbon-positive landscapes, including:
- Plant trees
- Research native flora
- Skip the commercial fertilizer
- Rethink the high-maintenance lawn
- Avoid using concrete
- Make a sweeping change
Check-out the article by the Sierra Club for more information about giving your landscape a carbon-positive makeover.
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2021-2-march-april/taste-test/give-your-landscape-carbon-positive-makeover
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Job Opportunities Around The Diocese | |
Office of the Bishop | Sacramento is seeking a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant. Download job description here!
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Kati Braak, Director of Operations, The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California kati@norcalepiscopal.org
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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. | |
St. Paul's | Sacramento is seeking a Music Director.
Read the job announcement here.
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Diocesan Commissions | Committees | Ministries | |
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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