In this edition of ENews:
- Deputies reflect on 80th General Convention
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St. Pauls to host Healing Our Hearts and Speaking Our Truth – a service of lament and hope; Benefit Concerts for Ukrainian Refugees
- Diocese Governance Positions and 2024 General Convention Deputy Nominations are open
- Diocesan Commission on the Environment is forming, needs members
- Suicide Hotline Number Changes
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Our deputation: Left to right: Canon Charles Mack, Rev. Robin Denney, Rev. Matt Warren, Mr. Peter Juve, Rev. Br. Simeon (Lew) Powell, Mr. Jay Elmquist, Bishop Megan, Ms. CeeCee Coleman, Rev. Jim Richardson, Ms. DonnaJo Woollen. Not pictured - Rev. Canon Cookie Clark. |
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Deputies Reflect on General Convention |
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The ENews this week and next will feature reflections on General Convention by our Clergy and Lay Deputies. |
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The Rev. Br. Simeon (Lew) Powell, CG | Clergy Deputy | Head of the Deputation
General Convention 80 was a rather unique experience because of the one-year delay in making it happen and the fact that most of the legislative work was done electronically. All of this was due to the rapid rise of Covid-19. The upside of this delay gave us the opportunity to prepare ourselves in ways that would not have been possible otherwise. We held Zoom meetings about every six weeks and invited members from the Office of the House of Deputies to share their expectations and experiences with us. We even had the President of the House of Deputies, The Reverend Gay Clark Jennings, on one of our Zoom meetings. Having had the time to meet and discuss potential resolutions made us better prepared for what would eventually be presented on the floor of Convention.
There were several unique events and experiences that stand out for me at this Convention. There was a feeling of mutual respect in the debates that took place on the floor of the House of Deputies. There were not efforts to denigrate other deputies in public nor in private. This was refreshing. The three resolutions from our Diocese were given consideration with one given approval, C020. The Indigenous Land Acknowledgement resolution, D019, written by the Chair of the Northern California Deputation, was approved by both houses. The election of two persons of color to the presidency and vice-presidency of the House of Deputies was a major event. This is the first time that our Church is led by persons of color in both houses of the Church. Listening to President Julia Harris and The Reverend Rachel Taber-Hamilton speak in an interview after their election was a real treasure. It is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSMYL0six7c.
The next General Convention takes place in 2024. There are only two years to prepare for the onslaught of legislative resolutions that will come to the Convention. There were over 400 resolutions presented at this Convention. Anyone seeking to participate in the legislative actions of the Church needs to be ready for quite a bit of work in a short period of time. One should advocate for areas that interest the deputies and their Diocese.
I believe that the Church’s movement toward evangelism, care of creation, and racial truth-telling, as a body of Christ is the way to move into the future. The Church is in good hands with the new leadership in the House of Deputies and with the continued leadership of the Presiding Officer of the House of Bishops.
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DonnaJo Woollen | Lay Deputy
Our deputation was well prepared thanks to the leadership of Lewis Powell. We talked on zoom and in emails so that when we arrived in Baltimore we were ready to engage in this holy work.
Thanks to Kati Braak we had a wonderful hospitality suite where we had breakfast and lunch while we discussed upcoming resolutions and elections. Canon to the Ordinary Julie and her husband Brad served as hosts and shoppers, making the suite a welcoming and well-stocked refuge.
There were some very emotional moments. The deputation from Alabama asked for prayers for the victims and survivors of the St. Stephens Episcopal church shooting.
Relatives of those who had been unwilling residents of indigenous boarding schools spoke of the intergenerational trauma in their families. An elderly survivor broke down as she recounted her experiences at boarding schools.
The House of deputies followed the Bishops Against Gun Violence to the scene of a shooting for prayer, song, and a powerful sermon by Presiding Bishop Curry.
I thank the diocese of Northern California for allowing me to be a part of this holy work.
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The Rev. Robin Denney | Clergy Deputy
This was my first time as a deputy for General Convention, which was the case for half of our Northern California deputation. I appreciated both the advice and experience of our returning deputies, as well as the fresh perspective of the new deputies. I felt like we worked together really well as a team, sharing ideas and information. It was a consolidated and intense convention to mitigate the COVID exposure risk, with fewer opportunities to meet people or share experiences, and legislative sessions lasting from early in morning to late at night. I served on the World Mission committee in the months leading up to General Convention. We met via zoom to plan, research, and hold our committee hearings.
There was some good work done by General Convention this year, steps forward in racial reckoning and healing, a new staff position at the churchwide office for LGBTQ+ and Women’s ministry, the initial approval to make Bishop Barbara Harris a saint, and some valuable changes to streamlining process and reflecting on lessons from this time of unprecedented experimentation and adaptivity due to the pandemic.
Our diocesan resolution about open table never made it out of the Prayerbook and Liturgy committee, due to the strong opposition of the committee. We learned a lot about the process and got some ideas for a different strategy or a potential compromise should the diocese want to try again in the future.
The nomination process is now open for deputies to the next General Convention. I think it is valuable to have new voices, and a diverse deputation. Skills in legislative process, law, or community organizing may be particularly helpful to the deputation, and having a diversity of skills represented is also a gift!
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Peter Juve | Lay Deputy
I was a first-time deputy for the Diocese of Northern California to the 80th General Convention. Being a novice, I appreciated the advice and counsel of our deputies with prior general convention experience. They welcomed NorCal's new deputies and were free sharing their knowledge. This was a key factor in our deputation's coalescing into a well-functioning team.
This general convention was condensed from 10+ days to 4 full legislative days due to COVID 19 concerns. Masking was required indoors, and daily testing was conducted. Even with these precautions, several deputies contacted COVID each day. Each successive day saw more infections. The NorCal deputation remained COVID free until our return home when one deputy tested positive.
Our legislative sessions lasted from morning to late into the evening. We ended each day at 9:30PM. Resolutions were debated on the floor of the House of Deputies. A wide range of viewpoints were expressed. Votes taken and tallied. Democracy was well demonstrated.
Our schedule was such that we met as a deputation each lunch and dinner break. We discussed issues before us and developed our strategy to vote for, against or split our vote as our conscience required. It was during these NorCal caucuses that having a mix of new deputies and deputies with experience demonstrated value with the exchange of ideas.
I was fortunate to be selected and serve on a legislative committee. Our committee held hearings prior to the general convention. We met via ZOOM and heard testimony from individuals with opinions on the resolutions which came before our committee. There were several resolutions our committee reviewed and recommended action. Of note were two resolutions which passed the House of Deputies: one was on medical debt and requesting parishes to consider efforts to retire medical debt as part of outreach programs. Another resolution was to review crypto currencies and determine the appropriateness of accepting such currencies.
I am grateful for the experience in Baltimore. Our church demonstrated aspirational behavior and action. The new president of the House of Deputies is a Latina, and the vice president is an indigenous woman.We heard moving testimony from deputations from Puerto Rico, Black, Indigenous and People of Color. I sense is our church is moving in the direction of Love. As our presiding bishop has said, 'if it is not about Love, it is not about God'.
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Day of Discernment Announced
Saturday, October 15
9am – 12:00pm
This is the first step for those interested in the ordination process.
Discerners and sponsoring clergy must register and attend.
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Only 93 Days until Diocesan Convention! |
The 112th Annual Convention is October 21–22 in Redding. Registration is now open for Clergy, Delegates, Alternates and Visitors. to register, visit the convention website.
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Governance Position Nominations Now Open |
Have you ever considered serving on the Standing Committee or Board of Trustees? Nominate yourself or someone else for one of these important positions.
Download Nomination form here.
Deadline for nomination submission is FRIDAY, AUGUST 19.
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2024 General Convention Deputy Slots Open |
At our Diocesan convention in October, we will also elect clergy and lay deputies and alternates to the 2024 General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.
We will be electing four clergy deputies, four clergy alternates, four lay deputies, and four lay alternates. At that convention, the House of Deputies and House of Bishops will elect the next Presiding Bishop.
Download Nomination form here.
Deadline for nomination submission is FRIDAY, AUGUST 19.
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Standing Committee Openings
Board of Trustees Openings
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Two Clergy or Lay
- Two Deanery Elections – Sierra, Wingfield
2024 General Convention Deputation Openings
- Four Clergy Deputies
- Four Clergy Alternates
- Four Lay Deputies
- Four Lay Alternates
Note: Nominees may run for Board of Trustees or Standing Committee, and for General Convention Deputation.
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Healing our hearts and speaking our truth
A service of Lament, Healing, and Hope
July 22 | 12:10 pm
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
1430 J St. | Sacramento
In response to ongoing incidents of racial injustice and the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade. We will gather for conversation after the service.
Questions?
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St. Paul's Sacramento to host benefit Concerts for Ukrainian Refugees |
Oleksandr Savchenko | Pianist
Music by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, and Rachmaninov. Songs by Oleksandr Savchenko
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August 14 & 21 | 2:00 – 4:00 pm
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
1430 J St. | Sacramento
Tickets | $20
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St. John’s Roseville to Hold Sacred Ground Dialogue Circles
Sacred Ground is a film- and readings-based small group dialogue series on race and racism in America, grounded in faith; and is part of Becoming Beloved Community, the Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. To date, over 50 individuals have attended the three previous sets of circles offered at St. John’s.
This is a 11-session program, with small group discussion and reflection. Sessions will be held bi-weekly on Wednesday evenings from 7pm-9pm beginning August 10th and will be offered via zoom. There is no cost for attending the program, although participants are asked to purchase to books to help guide them in our discussions.
For more information, or to indicate your interest in attending, please contact Fr. Cliff Haggenjos at haggenjos@comcast.net or 707.235.9728.
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2022/2023 Best Skills,
Best Churches Program Registration is Open
Click here for the schedule and additional information.
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CDSP’s Center for Anglican Learning and Leadership (CALL) works actively with partner dioceses across the Episcopal Church to develop curricula and continuing education courses that support local formation for ordained ministry and complement diocesan-based retreats and formation experiences.
Any lay or ordained person can take courses through CALL. Participants do NOT need to go through CDSP’s degree program admissions process.
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Diocesan Commission on the Environment
Now Forming – Seeks members
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In 2019 the Diocesan Convention approved a resolution to form the Commission on the Environment. The purpose of the Commission is "to encourage and support congregations in their efforts to be environmentally friendly and to minister in ways that honor Creation."
After some delays, the Commission had its first organizing meeting on July 7 and began the process of outlining how the Commission will function.
The next meeting will be on August 4th.
If you have an interest in contributing to the formation and work of the Commission on the Environment, please contact Miriam Casey at mlcasey7@yahoo.com.
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Mission for Disaster Resilience |
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Top Left: Project (Re)Start bins from Trinity, Sutter Creek, loaded and ready to deliver
Top Right: David Hoos, Senior Warden of Trinity, Sutter Creek, unloading bins in Somerset.
Bottom Left: Scot Telfer, Director of the West Slope Foundation, helping to unload bins in Somerset.
Bottom Right: Project (Re)Start bins in West Slope Foundation Storage, ready for distribution to the community.
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Project (Re)Start bins deployed to fire survivors
Mark G. Dibelka | Missioner for Disaster Resilience
As I mentioned in the June 28 edition of ENews, Trinity Sutter Creek took a leading role in the mobilization of Project (Re)Start bins into the Caldor Fire Recovery Area.
Last week, the people of Trinity, Sutter Creek, delivered the first 25 of the requested 75 (Re)Start bins. This deployment of resources came at the request of the West Slope Foundation, which is part of “Better Together”: Caldor Long-Term Recovery Group. Better Together has vetted those in need and is working with the Episcopal Church to ensure our resources are matched to those with the greatest need.
Unfortunately, this request has depleted the available stock of prepared (Re)Start bins, and it is only the beginning of the fire season. We have already had our first fire with structures destroyed: including the home of a family which is very active in one of our congregations.
While not the only disaster for which we prepare, fire has certainly come to our attention and the survivors need your assistance.
The need is on the rise, and now is the time to put your compassion into action.
If your congregation is an active partner in Project (Re)Start, thank you and please ensure your stock is prepared to be deployed.
If your congregation is not a Project (Re)Start partner, here is what you can do to get started:
- Find two or three people in your congregation who want to help our neighbors who have survived disaster.
- Consider what you believe would be most important to you if you found yourself forcibly relocated, and think about filling that need for somebody else.
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Contact (Re)Start Coordinator Lis Padula at (916) 477-0828
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From the Episcopal Foundation |
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$100,000
Foundation Grant Fund –
Application Deadline Extended to August 1!
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The deadline to submit a Foundation Grant Application is now August 1, 2022. Grants will be awarded in the month of August.
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July 24, 2022
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Luke 11:1-13
Many who study this passage have been struck by the differences in the form of the Lord’s Prayer as it appears in Luke, and the more familiar form that we know from Matthew 6. I think it is helpful to focus on the similarities rather than the differences. These are God’s name and kingdom, bread, forgiveness and trial. The wording is different, but the substance is the same.
The two forms of the Lord’s prayer are also similar in shape. Note how both begin with a focus on God, his name and kingdom, before turning to us and our practical needs. This can provide a useful guide for us to re-shape our own prayers, so that we approach God first in praise, and only after that do we turn to our needs, problems and petitions for ourselves and others.
Another similarity of the two forms is the intimate address to God. Our Father, as Jesus first spoke it, was probably in Aramaic and was the word Abba. This was the intimate familial way of addressing ones father, and this was unknown in Judaism before Jesus used it and taught his disciples to do the same (Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15). This is the point of the delightful parabolic teaching on perseverance in prayer that comes right after the Lord’s Prayer in Luke. God is our loving heavenly Abba, and we can approach him as a young child approaches his or her daddy.
– The Rev. Peter Rodgers
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Commission for Intercultural Ministries |
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I Will, With God's Help:
Journey toward Racial Healing and Justice
In person anti-racism workshop for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California
Saturday, August 27 | 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Christ Church Episcopal Church
625 15th Street, Eureka
Description
This one-day workshop was 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.
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Diocesan Partners in Ministries of Health |
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The Suicide Hotline number has changed!
As of July 16, 2022, the once 11-digit number is now simply 988.
When people call or text 988, they will be connected to trained counselors with the existing lifeline network.
The Diocesan Partners in Ministries of Health are encouraging congregations to get this up-date out to the people they serve as a valuable resource.
For any questions, contact
Susan Wahlstrom RN,
Coordinator of Dio Partners
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NEW! Healing and Health Ministries Mini-Grants
The Diocesan Partners in Ministries of Health received funds from Episcopal Health Ministries for use in our Diocese. Episcopal Community Services matched those funds. In partnership we are offering Mini-Grants in the amount of $100-$500 and can be applied for throughout 2022.
These grants can be utilized for:
- Health resources for congregations or for workshops and forums
- Trainings, for example: Stephen Ministry, Parish Nurse training, Living Compass
- To attend conferences
- Honoraria for Speakers on Health &/or Healing
- Special Projects
Click here for the Mini Grant Application form.
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Job Opportunities Around The Diocese |
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All Saints, Sacramento, is seeking a ¾ time Interim Rector.
See position description here.
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St. John the Evangelist, Chico, is seeking a full-time Interim Rector.
See position description here.
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St. Clement's | Rancho Cordova is seeking a 3/4 time Priest-in-Charge.
See 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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Trinity | Folsom is seeking a Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries (Lay Position). Read the job announcement here.
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Trinity Cathedral | Sacramento is seeking a Temporary Business Manager. Read the job announcement here.
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Diocesan Commissions | Committees | Ministries |
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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
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