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We acknowledge that the land on which this diocese is built is the traditional territory of the Paiute, Kawaiisu, Tubatulabal, Yokuts, Chumash, Miwok, Chukchansi, Western Mono, and Me-Wuk people.
Let’s take a moment to honor these ancestral grounds that we are collectively gathered upon and support the resilience and strength that all Indigenous people have shown worldwide.
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Reconocemos que la tierra sobre la que está construida esta Diócesis es el territorio tradicional de los pueblos Piaute, Kawaiisu, Tubatulabal, Yokuts, Chumash, Miwok, Chukchansi, Western Mono y Me-Wuk.
Tomemos un momento para honrar estos terrenos ancestrales en los que estamos reunidos colectivamente y apoyar la resiliencia y la fuerza que todos los pueblos indígenas han demostrado en todo el mundo.
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Friday Reflection
I walked into the HUB (Helping Urban Bicyclist) this morning and imagined what the space looked like 10 years before this ministry existed. The space was being used as a meeting place for the NA fellowship three time a week. Today, the space is filled with activity, repairing bikes, offering bikes to those in need as well as supply the basis items for daily survival.
I had been working part time with a local bicycle shop, acquiring skills as a mechanic in order to make ends meet while attending the School for Deacons.
One of the class assignments was to imagine a ministry that could be realized in your community. The original idea suggested a bike shop/parking and showers for commuters traveling to the downtown area. It was self-serving to imagine this idea, since I often road my downtown and wish there was a place to park safely while enjoying some downtime. The class presentation was well received and the idea was shelved with no further plan to move forward.
Once assigned to St. John’s, Stockton as its deacon, much of the was spent watching and interacting with the community. What was noticed during the next six months was the movement of how people transported themselves. It struck me that I could hear a cyclist approaching, clacking, squeaking and struggling to make it to its destination. My bike mechanic senses clicked in, knowing that a little love and care could make a difference for the rider.
It took a little convincing of the Bishop’s Committee to allow the current space to be used as a mission for the church and it about this time that our Bishop David, along with a team of riders and support participated in the “Ride Against Human Trafficking”. As one of the scheduled stops for this tour, time was afforded to share the idea for a bike mission. It didn’t take much to convince the creative mind of our bike riding bishop to understand the importance of giving the idea a try. So, dusting off the old school assignment, it was time to move forward.
With nothing but the space, and no finances to get started, I looked to my old bike employers for assistance. They wholeheartedly supported the mission idea and offered me several thousand dollars of supplies in order to get started. Another bike shop offered discarded bikes and old parts. It was a skeleton of tools and equipment, but it was enough to open the doors and get started on April 16, 2016 with fanfare and blessings from Bishop David and the community.
It didn’t take long before people began to notice the work being done. Media attention certainly helped and little by little mission work was being performed.
Through the years, we’ve experienced setbacks, a few break-ins, the personal loss of beloved volunteers over these past years. However, to date, we have delivered over seven hundred bikes to deserving individuals and repaired thousands more. Along the way, we have marveled on the successes of many as the bike they were able to receive, helped them to move forward with their lives. Many have returned to express their thanks and share their stories.
Today, the HUB is a blessing in the downtown Stockton area. It is often a place that offer personal assistance, love, compassion, prayer and community.
10 years may seem like a long time creating and sustaining the work being done, however it feels like we’ve only just started. Our partnership with a local nonprofit has increased our outreach to the community, providing addition care and resources.
Whenever someone wonders whether anything good can happen in downtown Stockton, where the poor can often be found mingling among the affluent, I am reminded of Philip trying to persuade Nathanael to come and meet Jesus, and saying to him, “Come and see”.
Peace, La Paz,
Stephen+
Deacon Steve Bentley serves as St John's Stockton and is the co-chair of the Anti-Racism Commission
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Congregational Management Reviews (Church Audits) are due
June 30th!
Questions? Contact Canon Anna (canonanna@diosanjoquin.org)
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June 7
Fresno PRIDE
June 8
PENTECOST
Bishop Visitation @ St James Cathedral
Canon Visitation @ St John's Stockton
June 9
SJRAISE, 6:30pm, ZOOM
June 9-12
Bishop Out of Office/Visit to Dio Alaska
June 10
Creation Care Commission, 7pm, ZOOM
June 15
TRINITY SUNDAY
Canon Visitation @ Holy Trinity Madera
June 18
Immigration Month Panel, 6:30pm, ZOOM
(see above for more information)
June 19
Diocesan Council Meeting, 6:30pm, ZOOM
June 22
Canon Visitation @ St Francis, Turlock
June 24
Standing Committee, 6:30pm, ZOOM
June 29
Canon Visitation @ St John's Lodi
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Pop-up webinar:
‘Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories’
(click link above to register)
June 5, 10 to 10:45 a.m. ET
(7am PT)
Join The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations for a conversation with the Very Rev. Canon Richard Sewell, dean of Saint George’s College in Jerusalem. He will speak about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, ongoing violence and oppression in the West Bank, and the plight of Palestinian Christians.
This meeting will not be recorded.
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EPPN in now offering weekly prayers that you can add to your personal and church prayer lists!
To subscribe go to: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/eppn-sign-up/
For Gaza and the West Bank
Compassionate God, amid turmoil and suffering, we lift up Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank to you. We grieve for those killed and wounded by the Israeli military at aid distribution sites, and for those desperate for life’s necessities amid fear and violence. We pray for the Israeli government to allow critically needed aid to enter Gaza. We pray for Palestinians in the West Bank whose livelihoods and lives are threatened. May your Spirit move the hearts of leaders toward justice and mercy, and may you give us strength to do all we can to ease the suffering and work toward justice. Amen.
Amid Technological Change in the Age of AI
Creating God, source of all wisdom and wonder, as artificial intelligence reshapes our world, we lift our concerns to you. We fear job loss and the spread of misinformation that clouds truth. Guard the vulnerable, uphold the dignity of work, and guide those who shape these tools to prioritize safety and wisdom. Keep us rooted in your creativity and compassion, so that we may honor the gifts of human imagination as we face the unknown. Amen.
For Compassionate Care and Healing
Gracious God, you created all people in your image, diverse and united in dignity, reflecting your boundless creativity and unwavering love. We pray for those who seek healing and wholeness through gender-affirming care, especially trans youth facing misunderstanding and barriers to compassionate treatment. Grant wisdom to caregivers and courage to advocates, so that they may offer care rooted in truth and compassion. May we, like Jesus, who welcomed the marginalized and restored the vulnerable, bear witness to your mercy and grace; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Religious Freedom and Just Use of Public Funds
O God of all nations and all people, we give you thanks for the gift of religious freedom in this land. We lament the rising tide of Christian nationalism and efforts to use public funds to promote one faith above others. Help us defend the right of all to worship freely, or not at all. Grant wisdom to our courts, and courage to our citizens. Through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who welcomes all into God’s embrace. Amen.
For Those Facing Financial Hardship
O God our Provider, you gave manna to your people in the wilderness. You brought water from the rock for the thirsty children of Israel. Be near to those who struggle to make ends meet and who fear even greater insecurity in view of economic and budget policies that will shape the future. As you sustained your people in desert places, sustain and comfort us in this uncertain time. Through Jesus Christ, our peace and our daily bread. Amen.
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Called to be…
Called to be… is the catchphrase that was created by a small group of folks from across the diocese soon after Bishop David arrived. He wanted to come up with a slogan that could be used by our parishes to let our broader secular communities, from Lodi to Bakersfield, know a little something about who we are in EDSJ. I was excited to be a part of that group that brainstormed and brought it into being. We liked the open ended-ness of it. The ellipses (those 3 little dots) after Called to be… illustrate the limitless ways we describe who we are, or at least who we aspire to be.
As Christians, especially as Episcopalians, we wear a lot of hats as we live into our Baptismal Covenant. Many of us take on multiple rolls in our parishes: altar guild, coffee hour, choir, readers and greeters. Post-Covid, we’ve become proficient sound engineers and camera operators too! Many are also called to serve on Vestry or Bishop’s Committee. You are the good people who make things happen at church. As Christians, we are all called to these ministries.
We are each on a journey and we are all at a different places on our journeys. For some of us, as time passes, we may hear another call. Perhaps it is a still, small voice in us – a restlessness even – a sense of being at a crossroads or transition point in our lives. Perhaps there is a desire to immerse oneself in scripture and prayer… a stirring, it might even feel like butterflies. That could be a higher calling we never considered: the diaconate or priesthood. Even if you are busy, don’t dismiss it! As a member of COM, I encourage you to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and make time and space this summer for stillness and reflection.
I’m proud of Called to be… I love it and not just because it adorns t-shirts and coffee mugs; it has been our directive from Bp. David all these years! Our bishop sincerely believes there are aspiring clergy currently sitting in all of our pews.
So, as we continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers…
As we persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever we fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord…
As we proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ…
As we seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves…
And finally, as we strive for justice and peace among all people, and the dignity of every human being… let us pray always for discernment of exactly who we are Called to be…
Candice Gale, Member of the Commission on Ministry, Lay Preacher & Eucharistic Minister, Enthusiastic Episcopalian from St. John’s, Lodi
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A prayer for the season of Pentecost
Holy and Great father, you. Created all things and love all that you created.
Your children are divided and have turned against one another. Many live their lives in fear. As you sent our spirit to teach and comfort the first disciples 0n that first Pentecost we ask today for your spirit. May your spirit touch our leaders filling them with knowledge and compassion. May your spirit touch those in fear filling them with comfort and strength and may it give strength courage to your church to be able to walk in solidarity with those in need. We ask all of this through your son our brother Jesus Christ. Amen.
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I happened to catch up with a long-time friend of mine recently. We broached the subject on the impact of the current political climate on our hearts and minds. We agreed that people now tolerate discomfort, anger, frustration and hopelessness with the widespread injustices and violations on humanity. We know that some people are in whole hearted agreement with what’s going on, how are they ok with this? Some of us are exposed (directly and indirectly) to the stories of those who are suffering at the hand of these dramatic political changes. In the health care and mental health field, the concept of vicarious trauma and secondary trauma is frequently addressed and debriefed among first responders, medical staff, care givers and service providers. There is a multitude of information and research on burn out, compassion fatigue and recommendations on caring for ourselves in this context.
In this reflection piece, I ask…. what did Jesus do, how did he manage such emotional burdens? What I have gathered, from a lay person’s point of view, is that he was honest with his feelings, he certainly let us see his vulnerability, he stayed focused and true to his mission, he meditated in solitude and trusted in his Father’s plan. He also prayed, rested and nourished himself. We are blessed with such a role model and leader. So here we have it…
As for myself, I was initially glued to the news and social media, as I wanted to be up to date. It rendered me angry, frustrated, aghast, outraged, fearful and anxious. I used to get into aggravating arguments with so-called friends, neighbors and coworkers. I held grudges and became distrustful of “those people”. My neighbors hoisted the American flag outside their houses (they are still up). They made statements like “at least you came here legally”. I can still hear coworkers whisper their agreement with all the “shake up”. And so, I agree with my friend about us carrying this emotional burden, seemingly with no end. I’ve looked to God in prayer for his guidance and wisdom. I endeavor to follow his example.
As of today, I have scaled back on and set some boundaries on what and where I get my news. I process my outrage and fears with select brothers and sisters in Christ. I also have a strong support network, connected with friends and family who have similar concerns and views. I don’t disclose the advocacy and work that I engage in, except with select friends and family. In my work I provide support and advocacy, seek out dwindling community resources and provide social work services.
Hold my ground I will…
Grace Dah is a member of SJRAISE and worships at St John's Stockton.
| KNOW YOUR RIGHTS RED CARDS! | |
Sanctuary People Resource List
Below are resources to support the immigrant community. This resource list will be updated as more resources are created and needs changes.
https://bit.ly/SanctuaryPeopleResources
Family Preparedness: helping immigrant and mixed status families make a plan in case of family separation due to ICE arrest
Rapid Response:
Know Your Rights for possible encounters with immigration authorities.
Sanctuary Resources:
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Statement from SJRAISE & the Anti-Racism Commission in Support of Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe’s Position on the U.S. Resettlement of
South African Refugees
On Monday, May 12, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, speaking on behalf of The Episcopal Church (TEC), announced the Church's decision to withdraw from its formal refugee resettlement partnership with the federal government. This action follows TEC’s deep moral concern regarding the United States’ expedited resettlement of white South African Afrikaners, a policy that prioritizes their entry while disregarding countless other refugees—many of whom have languished for years in camps across second and third countries, awaiting resettlement with dignity and justice.
TEC's response is not a rejection of any one group, but a principled objection to the unjust and racialized preference embedded in this policy. It is a stand against a system that undermines the equitable treatment of all people fleeing violence, persecution, and instability.
In keeping with our Baptismal Covenant—where we vow to "seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves," and to "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being"—the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin (EDSJ) fully affirms the Presiding Bishop’s statement. Through the tireless efforts of the Anti-Racism Commission (ARC), and the ministries of SJRAISE, our diocese remains actively engaged in welcoming and supporting refugees and immigrants who live among us.
We echo TEC’s call to reject policies rooted in racial bias and to uphold the sacredness of every human life, regardless of ethnicity, origin, or status. The Gospel of John (21:15–17) reminds us of Jesus’ charge to Peter: “Feed my sheep.” This commandment calls us to care for all people entrusted to our common humanity, not just those whom the world deems worthy.
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin commends Presiding Bishop Rowe for his courageous leadership. His decision embodies what it means to live out our baptismal vows with integrity and moral clarity. We, too, commit ourselves to this sacred work, knowing that our faith compels us to welcome the stranger, shelter the vulnerable, and speak truth in the face of injustice.
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4147 East Dakota Avenue
Fresno, California 93726
209-576-0104
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