July 2, 2024 E-News

July 2, 2024

In this edition of ENews:

Reflections on General Convention
Registration open for Stewardship Conference on August 24
Diocesan Convention – Registration now open
Four Churches Gather for Worship in Marysville
St. Michael's Episcopal Day School names new Head of School

General Convention

Reflections from our Convention Deputies

We've asked our deputies to share first impressions of their experiences at General Convention. We'll be featuring these in upcoming editions of the ENews.

You never know who you'll see at General Convention

The Rev. Dr. Daniel London and The Rev. Grace Flint (former Assistant Rector at St. John's Chico, now Rector at St. Francis, Bellmore, New York), hanging out with with Thomas Merton.

"I was thrilled to attend General Convention in Louisville KY, where my favorite modern mystic Thomas Merton had a vision of everyone he saw “shining like the sun” on the now-famous street corner: Fourth St. and Muhammad Ali Blvd. I was not expecting this vision to become such a “touchstone” for our entire convention, which is exactly what our new presiding bishop-elect Sean Rowe called it in his opening remarks, moments after he was elected. Bishop Rowe concluded his remarks with these words from Merton: “What really matters [in times of drastic change] is openness, readiness, attention, courage to face risk.” It was an honor to bear witness to the many ways the Episcopal Church embodied these virtues throughout the week by adopting resolutions that reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, creation care, racial reconciliation, freedom from gun violence, ecumenical and interfaith relations, and peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians. I believe Thomas Merton would be most proud of us Episcopalians.”

– Daniel London, Alternate Clergy Deputy 2 | Christ Church, Eureka

Sassy makes a splash in Louisville

Sassy the Sasquatch, our Episcopal Diocese of Northern California mascot is safely back in Eureka. He had a great time being with and representing his deputation. As many of the deputation have come down to Covid, he is standing in for us as we recover. Please join Bishop Megan as she sends “Prayers for our whole deputation to be whole and well.” And expect more information from the convention in the upcoming days.

– CeeCee Coleman, Lay Deputy 2 | St. Matthew's, Sacramento

Click Here to Read More Reflections from our Deputies

Office of the Bishop

The Office of the Bishop will be closed Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5. We will reopen on Monday, July 8.

Stewardship Congregational Leadership Conference

Saturday, August 24, 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Please join us for this year’s Stewardship Congregational Leadership Conference on Saturday, August 24 from 9:00 am–10:00 am. This year’s session will have a special focus on every member canvass resources for your annual stewardship campaigns. We’ll discuss the basics, share resources, and talk about why you should consider an every member canvass

to achieve not only your stewardship goals, but how an every member canvass can support your pastoral care efforts as well as help in identifying future goals for your congregation.

To register, go to: https://form.jotform.com/240366571427155

Diocesan Convention Registration is Open

Links to the following documents may be found here:

Call of Convention
Convention Schedule at-a-Glance
House Rules
Governance Nomination Instructions
Resolution Instructions
Keynote Speaker Info
2024 Congregational Range Sheet
Important Convention Dates and Deadlines
Filing Alternate to Delegate Form
Filing Alternate Vacancies Form

Poster for St. Francis of the Mountains wins Silver Award in International Competition

A limited-edition Poster produced for the 100th Anniversary of St. Francis of the Mountains at Fallen Leaf Lake was recently awarded a silver award in the prestigious Graphis Poster Annual for 2025.

Designed by Alan Rellaford, Missioner for Communications, the poster features a photo by St. Francis parishioner Ruth Rich.

A limited-edition of 100 giclee prints were produced to commemorate the anniversary in July 2023. A handful of these are available for $50.00.

If you are interested in purchasing one of the remaining prints, contact the Office of the Bishop.

Alan Rellaford named Spiritual Care Coordinator for regional Medical Center

Alan Rellaford, Missioner for Communications for the Diocese, has been named the Spiritual Care Coordinator for Enloe Health in Chico. He has served as Missioner for Communications since April 2021 and Diocesan Convention Manager since October 2020.

A member of St. John's in Chico, Alan has been a Volunteer Chaplain at Enloe since October 2019. In his new role, he will lead the Spiritual Support Volunteers and develop a chaplaincy program at the Enloe Cancer Center, scheduled to open in 2026. His last day at the Office of the Bishop will be August 1.

Around the Diocese

Images of Pride around the Diocese

Church of the Epiphany was well represented at the 2024 Pride in the Park in Vacaville on June 23. During the Interfaith Service that preceded the festival, church members provided music; Rev. John Heidel, Wanda Cook and David Deerfeeder spoke; and our contingent made up the bulk of worshipers. Laura and Michelle were among those who staffed Epiphany's booth during the festival, where, as traditional, a costumed Pickles enthusiastically greeted visitors.

Thank you to all who shared photos from Pride events around the Diocese!

Bishop's Visit to St. Michael's Carmichael

On Sunday, May 5, Bishop Megan visited St. Michael's, Carmichael. While there, she preached, celebrated the Eucharist, and confirmed seven and received one member into the church. The joyous service was followed by a wonderful meal outside with the vestry. Many thanks to the Rector, The Rev. Mary Claugus, and the congregation, for their warm welcome and hospitality.

Those confirmed/received are: Terry Bridges, Hunter McIntyre, Barbara McIntyre, Elizabeth Wied, Dianne Robbins, David Claugus, Logan Holeman, and Lucero Chapa

The Rev. Mary Claugus Retires as Rector of

St. Michael's

On Sunday, June 30, over 175 people gathered to celebrate the ministry of the Rev. Mary Claugus, who retired as Rector of St. Michael's after 11 years of service.

Congratulations to Mary for her many years of service to St. Michael's and the diocese. Godspeed and blessings for the next chapter of your life!

Four Churches Gather for Worship in Marysville

On Sunday, June 30, more than 50 parishioners from St. James, Yuba City; Grace, Wheatland; and Faith Lutheran, Marysville all gathered at St. John’s, Marysville for worship and fellowship. The Very Rev. Rick Laughman, Central Deanery Dean and Priest of St. James, Yuba City was the Celebrant. Amelia Bookholtz from Grace delivered the sermon.

The gathering was coordinated by St. John’s Sr. Warden, Brooks Roughton.

Following the worship service, all present gathered for a coffee hour and fellowship. Congratulations on a great event.

Diocesan Youth encouraged to Vote

Will you or someone you know turn 18 before the November election? Make sure they’re registered to vote. Visit the California Secretary of State’s website for information.

But even if a person is too young to be eligible this November, the website explains ways for teenagers to get involved in this year’s election. Discover how a young person can pre-register at age 16 and vote when they turn 18. Learn how they can become a poll worker on Election Day to earn up to $150, or take part in the College Ballot Bowl in which universities and colleges compete to register the most students to vote. And middle school and high school students can participate in the California Student Mock Election taking place on October 8.

Check out all this and more at the Student Voting Programs portal on the Secretary of State’s website:

https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/student-voting-programs

St. Michael's Episcopal Day School names new Head of School.

The St. Michael’s Board of Trustees and St. Michael’s Church Vestry announce the unanimous selection of our new Head of School, Christine Saunders. Christine will started her headship effective July 1, 2025.

When the search committee began this herculean task of finding a worthy successor to Mrs. Mary Heise, we carefully crafted our position statement from community feedback on what makes St. Michael’s so special, and how we can carefully position ourselves to attract the most stellar candidate for the future. The clear alignment from our community gave the committee the call to action and focus to articulate our message.

St. Michael’s was looking for a master educator who appreciates our faith-based identity; an articulate heartfelt spokesperson who is an inspiring communicator; someone who can orchestrate the management of the school with recruiting and retention skills, while acting strategically and collegially; a confident fundraiser to steward our next master plan and campaign; and an individual who moves the school forward with professionalism, energy and innovation.

After Christine’s campus visit, extensive interview process and community feedback, it was clear to the search committee that she was a great fit for our community.

Missioner for Disaster Resilience

Not All Disasters are Sudden

Almost every nook and cranny of our diocese is expecting to see high temperatures. In many places the heat is expected to be dangerous.

Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 10,000 people succumb to heat related illness every year? A change in body temperature of only 7 degrees can be deadly.

With the High Heat Warnings covering most of our diocese from Tuesday through Sunday (some metropolitan areas are expected to reach 115 degrees), have you prepared to “beat the heat”?

Call 911 immediately if you or someone around you:

Is confused, passes out, and/or has a fever over 103 degrees
Is sweating more than normal
Is weak
Is dizzy
Feels like they want to vomit
Has a headache that is worse than normal and/or doesn’t respond to normal relief practices

Let’s keep each other safe and:

Check on people 65 or older
Bring pets inside and ensure animals have plenty of water
Never leave anybody in a parked car in this heat – always check to ensure your car is empty after you’ve parked

Finding ways to keep cool can be fun, like visiting the church member with a pool, volunteering at a climate shelter to help those without proper cooling facilities, if you are an introvert – stay home with the air conditioning on and shades/curtains closed; but no matter what you do in this heat, use the buddy system. Make certain you are checking on somebody and that you are being checked on. We are our brother’s (sibling’s) keepers.

Peace,

Mark

Download Quick Safety Guides to Extreme Heat here:

Download in English

Descargar en español

Download sa tagalog

Give to Disaster Resilience

Missioner for Church Life

We’re excited to announce that we will have a diocesan-wide New Camino training on September 27 & 28, 2024 at St. John’s, Chico. The Rev. Anthony Guillen, the Episcopal Church’s Missioner for Latino/Hispanic ministries will be here to help us explore opportunities for Latino/Hispanic ministry in our diocese. This training is suitable for individuals as well as church teams.

Please go to: https://form.jotform.com/232965467198170 to indicate your interest in attending and to receive updates regarding lodging and expenses.

Upcoming Events around the Diocese

Film Screening - The Philadelphia Eleven

July 13th, 2 – 4 pm, Trinity Cathedral

2620 Capitol Ave, Sacramento

Donations on a sliding scale of $5 - $10 are welcome - no one will be turned away for lack of funds

In an act of civil disobedience, a group of women and their supporters organize their ordination to become Episcopal priests in 1974. The Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia welcomes them, but change is no small task. The women are harassed, threatened and banned from stepping on church property. In this feature-length documentary film, we meet the women who succeed in building a movement that transforms an age-old institution, and challenges the very essence of patriarchy within Christendom.

Following the screening, there will be a reception in the Lexis Gallery, featuring an exhibit comprised of some 20 art pieces by seven women artists, all of whom attend Trinity Cathedral. To help us plan the reception, please register!

Camp Living Waters

Sunday, July 21 - Friday, July 26 | Cookson Ranch

Camp Living Waters is set for Sunday, July 21 through Friday, July 26 at Cookson Ranch in Redwood Valley. The Camp is open to youth ages 9- 15 and youth ages 16-17 serve as counselors. Join us this year for a week of Real Super Heroes, full of madcap cape adventures, identifying our God-given super powers and discovering the real superheroes all around us.