Note: Today's ENews was intended to include an article from the Commission for Intercultural Ministries on the Observance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday. It was inadvertently omitted from the earlier edition. We apologize for the confusion. | |
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In this edition of ENews:
- Humboldt Earthquake Relief Update
- Bishop Megan joins other Province VIII Bishops to visit migrant shelter in Mexico
- Next Steps in FaithX Project Announced
- Lay Preaching Course Application Deadline is January 31
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Humboldt Earthquake Recovery Effort Continues
–The Rev. Geri Cunningham, Rector, St. Francis, Fortuna
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We are blessed to be a blessing!
In the last three weeks through generous donations from individuals and the cooperative work of congregations in Semper Virens Deanery and throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, we have transported to the Community Resource Center in Rio Dell and Loleta a total of 60 (RE)START bins:
- 20 Cleaning Bins
- 21 Bathroom Bins
- 10 Kitchen Bins
- 4 Bedroom Bins
- 5 Infant Bins
Thanks to those who have provided the muscle, trucks, trailer and van in transporting these bins from the staging area at St. Francis to the Community Resource Centers (CRC) in Rio Dell and Loleta. From Christ Church, Eureka: John & Vicki Patton; Lyn Klay & Jim Hendry; Monta & Tom Genter.
From St. Francis: John Lucas & Patty Hurlbutt; Earl Cunningham; Melanie Cunningham.
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Top Left: Lyn Kray, her husband Jim Hendry, and their friends Monta & Tom Gentry loaded up two trucks and a trailer to take (RE)START bins and boxes of blankets to Rio Dell CRC.
Top Right: Judy VanVleet packing 5 (RE)START kitchen bins. Money for the items was donated by St. John's in Roseville.
Middle: Geri's Daughter-in-law Melanie Cunningham and Earl Cunningham loaded the farm van with (RE)START bins and boxes of blankets to take to Loleta CRC.
Bottom:Melenie is pictured with a staff member of Loleta Elementary School who helped unload and stack the bins. Melanie also took 20 dozen farm-fresh eggs to Rio Dell CRC for distribution.
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St. Michael's Hosts Epiphany Service Fit for
a King (or three)
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At St. Michael’s in Fort Bragg it has been our practice to invite three members of Trinity Lutheran, our Shared Ministry partner, to be kings at our Evening Epiphany Service on January 6. Both congregations come together to celebrate this night, concluding with a reception and Kings Cake!
– The Rev. Randy Knutson
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Bishop Megan joins other Province VIII Bishops to visit migrant shelter in Mexico | |
A group of 10 Province VIII bishops made a visit to La Casa de Misericordia y de Todas Las Naciones, a migrant shelter in Nogales, Mexico. The Diocese of Arizona has a partnership with the shelter. Photo: Lynette Wilson/Episcopal News Service | |
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[Episcopal News Service – Nogales, Mexico]
On a hillside in the Colonia Buena Vista section of Nogales, Mexico, asylum seekers, many forced to flee violence and persecution in Mexico, Central America, Haiti and Cuba, find much-needed safety and rest at La Casa de Misericordia y de Todas Las Naciones, The House of Mercy for All The Nations.
The shelter is run by Angelica “Lika” Macias, a former Roman Catholic nun. She began serving migrants out of her home when she heard a group was living in a nearby cemetery. From there, her ministry moved to an apartment complex and, in 2020, to its current location.
On Jan. 11, 10 Province VIII bishops visited the shelter as part of their annual January retreat, held this year in Tucson, to learn about the migrants and the lawyers, teachers, psychologists and others who offer them support during a critical part of their journey.
“I was grateful that the bishops of Province VIII could visit La Casa, because we want to tell the story of what’s happening here unfiltered through news media.
… You can come here and see for yourself what’s going on with the border crisis, what’s going on with immigrants, what is going on with people seeking shelter and safety,” said the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Reddall, bishop of the Diocese of Arizona.
Click here to read the entire article.
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Congregation Leadership Conference:
Building a Successful Vacation Bible School
Saturday, February 25 | 10:00am - 2:00pm
St. John’s, Chico
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- Share success stories, challenges and opportunities
- Find resources for a fabulous summer children’s program
- Learn about the most current VBS resources available
Your host for the day will be the Rev. Mack Olson, Missioner for Church Life. He will have just returned from the FORMA conference, which gathers Christian formation leaders from across The Episcopal Church, so he’ll be bringing some brand-new resources to share.
We will also have time to answer questions for churches just starting a program, and information-sharing with folks who regularly host programs.
Cost to attend:
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Individual Ticket - $25 (includes lunch)
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Group/Vestry Ticket - $100 (includes lunch)
Register here: https://form.jotform.com/230045017929150
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Dates for 2023 Congregation Leadership
Conferences Announced
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Mark your Calendars! Here are the topics, dates, and locations for the 2023 Congregation Leadership Conferences. Registration information will be announced soon. | |
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Building a Successful Vacation Bible School | St. John’s, Chico
Saturday, February 25 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Vestry Training | Grace, St. Helena
Saturday, March 25 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
WordFest! – Lay Reader training | Location: Online by Zoom only
Saturday, May 6 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Stewardship | Incarnation, Santa Rosa
Saturday, June 3 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Disaster Preparedness | St. John’s, Roseville
Saturday, September 16 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
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From Canon Julie:
We’re excited to announce the next steps in the FaithX project.
This Thursday, the diocesan FaithX leadership team will meet with teams from the other five participating dioceses (Arizona, Mississippi, Virgina and Pennsylvania) for a team orientation. Following this work, we will begin the process of seeking applications from churches interested in applying to be part of this three-year congregational vitality project.
Here are the team members: The Rev. Margaret Fisher, Mr. Bob Hall (Board of Trustees), Ms. Margie Harrison Smith (Board of Trustees), Mr. Ken McMillan (Standing Committee), The Rev. Mack Olson, Ms. Maria Ramirez, The Rev. Annie Mertz, The Rev. Cn. Julie Wakelee, The Rev. Dcn. Cindy Woods.
Stay tuned next week for information on how to apply as a church.
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Missioner for Church Life | |
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2023 Lent Resources Available Now
Ash Wednesday will be here before you know it, so be sure to begin your planning for Lent! Our diocesan website now has a page with various resources for use as individuals, families, or congregations.
New resources will be added in the weeks to come, so be sure to check back often. https://www.norcalepiscopal.org/site/lenten-resources/#tab-id-2
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Diocese-wide Lent 2023
Book Study Announced
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For the season of Lent, Canon Julie Wakelee and Missioner for Church Life Mack Olson will lead a four-week study of Amy-Jill Levine’s Entering the Passion of Jesus.
We’ll meet on Zoom each Wednesday in March from 7:00 – 8:00 pm.
Registration information will be available soon.
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Missioner for Church Life | |
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Creating Safety in Our Sanctuaries
One of the most difficult issues about which we, as leaders of the church, must think is how our congregations prepare for and respond to the unthinkable. Our partners at San Francisco Community Agencies Responding to Disasters (SFCARD) in conjunction with Northern California Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (NorCal VOAD), have created a nearly year long program with trainings that focus specifically on how places of worship prepare, respond, and obtain much needed resources for dealing with disaster.
We have been invited to join them for this FREE training, happening once a month!
Covered topics include:
- Hazard Assessment
- Emergency Planning Fundamentals
- Disaster Management
- Psychological First Aid
- Intruder Safety Skills
- Grant Application, Management, and Support
The training starts this month, on January 24, 2023. The topic is Hazard Assessment and an overview of the entire training program. You are invited to join with a panel of faith leaders and subject matter experts in a discussion about what we can do to make our sanctuaries safe and secure.
I look forward to having as many folks from around the diocese as possible join me at these training sessions. For more information and to register follow this link - Creating Sanctuary | SF CARD
Peace,
Mark
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Trinity Cathedral’s Sobriety Support Ministry
Offers a 15-Week Book Group
Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps
The Rev. Anne Dryden McKeever and Kenny Pierce invite everyone to join us for a 15-week journey exploring Spirituality and the Twelve Steps by reading and discussing Richard Rohr’s book, Breathing Under Water.
Meets Weekly January 19 through April 27 from 7:00-8:30 pm via Zoom.
This is a spiritual study of the twelves steps that can help us learn to apply Alcoholics Anonymous’ guiding principles to our own lives and addictions, remembering that Rohr believes “we’re all addicted to our own stubborn way of thinking.” Join us as we explore the parallels between what Jesus taught and the freedom that can be found in twelve-steps programs.
Learn More Here.
For More information:
The Rev. Anne Dryden McKeever amckeever@wavecable.com
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This Trinity Zoom group is free, including a free copy of Breathing Under Water, thanks to our Diocesan Partners in Ministry of Health. Please ask Anne+ to give you or mail you a copy.
One need not be involved in a 12-Step program or have any issues with harmful substances or habits to participate. All are welcome, including folks who are sober, sober-curious, or walking a sobriety journey with a loved one.
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To date, we have received nearly $16,000 from 57 donors.
We are thankful to everyone who has supported the Book of Dreams thus far, however we are still far from our goal of $90,000. If you have given to the Book of Dreams, thank you! If you haven't yet, and would like to show your support, you still can!
Click here to give! Making a difference has never been so easy!
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Diocese Indigeneous Ministries | |
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January 21 -23 | On Zoom
Winter has traditionally been the time for Native people to gather, to catch up with each other, and to share provisions. With its short days and long nights winter was also the best time to come together for story telling as a way to entertain and to teach the children. Indigenous Episcopalians have continued this practice with an annual Wintertalk in January.
For the last several years I have participated in this event along with other interested folks and Indigenous Missioners from across the Church.
Due to Covid concerns and budget restraints Winter Talk ‘23 will be a hybrid event and ALL Episcopalians are invited to attend on Zoom. Here is the announcement /registration from the Episcopal Church.
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CaGMyc-YRXWCvTLzpHU4iw
The Rev. Canon Tina Campbell | Diocesan Indigenous Missioner
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The Four Vision Quests of Jesus
The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston
Bp. Charleston, a Choctaw elder, describes four events in Jesus’ life through Indigenous eyes and the traditional understanding of Vision Quest. Join The Rev. Canon Tina Campbell online to discuss this Native perspective.
Thursdays – 7:00-8:00 pm
February 2 – March 9
Registration is limited
Contact: tinarcampbell@comcast.net
Facilitated by The Rev. Canon Tina Campbell
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Lay Preaching Course Application Deadline Approaching | |
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The Episcopal Dioceses of El Camino Real, Northern California and San Diego are accepting applications for a course opening in the winter of 2023 to prepare individuals to apply for a Lay Preaching license. We are forming cohorts of students in Spanish and English and seeking adult learners of all ages and educational backgrounds who are actively involved in ministry in their congregations and demonstrate gifts in lay leadership. Participants must be members of a congregation within one of our three partner dioceses.
The Deadline for Applications is Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
The application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUdIJvYniTlzEQp37TYXaJT7HGQEy5OPyU9hbuw2daJNPIRg/viewform
Questions? Contact the dean:
The Rev. Kathy Lawlersfmdean@norcalepiscopal.org
Las Diócesis Episcopales de El Camino Real, el Norte de California, y San Diego están aceptando solicitudes para un curso que se abrirá en el invierno de 2023 para preparar a las personas para solicitar una licencia de Predicación Laica. Estamos formando cohortes de estudiantes en español e inglés y buscando estudiantes adultos de todas las edades y antecedentes educativos que participen activamente en el ministerio en sus congregaciones y demuestren dones en el liderazgo laico. Los participantes deben ser miembros de una congregación de unas de nuestras tres diócesis asociadas.
La aplicación:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUdIJvYniTlzEQp37TYXaJT7HGQEy5OPyU9hbuw2daJNPIRg/viewform
¿Preguntas? Póngase en contacto con el decano:
La Rda. Kathy Lawler sfmdean@norcalepiscopal.org
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Register Now
for CDSP Winter Term CALL Classes
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Winter Term online courses at CDSP’s Center for Anglican Learning and Leadership (CALL ) are now open for registration! Courses are taught online by experienced instructors, and last for seven weeks. The courses are asynchronous, which means that students don’t have to be online at a specific time of the day but can do the work as their schedule allows. CALL courses are open to anyone for theological formation and personal enrichment. Courses this term include homiletics, Hebrew Bible, spirituality, church history, pastoral care, liturgical leadership, and diaconal studies.
Full course descriptions and links to register are available here: https://cdsp.edu/call/online/call-winter-2023/
Contact: call@cdsp.edu
Cost: $245 ($215 for students from CALL partner dioceses)
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Center for Bible Study Hybrid Course on
New Testament begins Tonight!
Meets Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm in person at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Rocklin and online via Zoom.
Encounter the New Testament is taught by Dr. Max Botner, who was Research Assistant for N.T. Wright in 2017 and 2018.
Course is free with a suggested donation of $50.
Register here:
https://staugustineepiscopal.com/center_for_bible_study
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Diocesan Partners in Ministries of Health | |
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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
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 on the Environment | |
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JANUARY 2023 UPDATE
Petition to Further Resolution A087 Through the Development of Congregation-Based Plans to Achieve Carbon-Neutral Facilities and Operations by 2030
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California 2022 convention voted to approve this resolution. This resolution involves commitments by congregations and commitments by the Commission on the Environment (CoE).
Since the convention, the CoE has taken steps to fulfill its obligations as outlined in the resolution.
- The Commission has researched a number of potential resources to assist congregations to conduct their needs assessments.
- The Commission has also initiated research to identify potential financial resources to fund this work, understanding that individual churches may need financial assistance.
In the next several months the Commission will provide more information about moving forward with the facility assessments.
Our efforts to reduce the carbon footprints of our churches will benefit nature, and it will also achieve cost savings that will benefit the ministries of our churches.
For more information about the work of the Commission, please consider attending the meetings, visiting the webpage on the diocesan website
https://www.norcalepiscopal.org/commission-on-the-environment-2/ or contact Miriam Casey mlcasey7@yahoo.com
or Rev. Dr. Pamela Dolan pamela@churchofstmartin.org.
Miriam Casey
Convener, Commission on the Environment
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Commission for Intercultural Ministries | |
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DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. REMEMBRANCE, 2023
As we remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we think about his
I HAVE A DREAM speech. In the speech, he spoke these words…
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
We also think about his Letter from the Birmingham Jail. In the letter he wrote to people of good will, to religious leaders of the day, including Episcopal leaders, and called them to speak out and take action for justice for Negroes.
In 2023 his words still resonate with us. We still have work to do to treat each other as equals, to speak out and take action for justice for African Americans and all marginalized people in our society.
In our Episcopal Baptismal vows, we make a promise to do these things–
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the Prayers?
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
I will, with God’s help.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we stand before you in prayer, fixing our eyes on you, seeking your guidance, love, and protection. We ask for your help with eradicating the sin of racism in all its forms, individual and systemic.
You have told us in scripture that all of humankind is made in your image, and that we should act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you. Prince of Peace, just as the shouts of Joshua’s army helped bring down the walls of Jericho, may we lift up our voices and work to bring down the walls of racism and divisiveness. We earnestly pray for the wisdom to pursue actions that will help dismantle racism wherever it exists. We pray that you will bring the world together so that we may become one loving family under God, living in harmony and peace. We ask this prayer with great humility and in the glorious name of your son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. AMEN.
Link to I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH–
https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm
Link to Letter from a Birmingham Jail–
https://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html
Link to the Prayer for Racial Equity and Healing from the St. Thomas Chapter of the Daughters of the King–
http://www.aecst.org/PDF/dokantiracismprayer.pdf
Photo–Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument, Washington, D.C., taken by Miriam Casey, September, 2022.
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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.
Upcoming Workshops:
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Job Opportunities Around The Diocese | |
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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. | |
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St. Paul's | Sacramento is seeking a Music Director.
Read the job announcement here.
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Diocesan Commissions | Committees | Ministries | |
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Corrections:
In the 1/10/2023 Enews story about the Interfaith Celebration at St. Paul's, we mistakenly spelled Rik Rasmussen's name as Rick. We apologize for the error.
In the 1/6/2023 Special Edition Enews about Earthquake Response, we misspelled John's Lucas' name as Lukas, and his wife is Patty Hurlbutt, not Patty Lukas. We apologize for the error.
Also, Bishop Megan sent $2000 (not $1000) to St. Francis for the Priest's Discretionary Fund "for the purpose of assisting with unmet need in the area due to the recent earthquake." The money will be used to buy $100 Visa cards for families and individuals most impacted in our area.
In addition to the $500 from St. John's Roseville, St. Francis, Fortuna has also received $240 from St. John's Chico and $300 from All Saints Redding. These monies will be used to build additional (RE)START cleaning and kitchen bins.
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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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