In this edition of ENews:
- Guest Commentary for Ash Wednesday by James Richardson
- Lenten Resources
- 80th General Convention: How you can take part in the Convention
- Hope's Space opens at St. Paul's Sacramento
- Summer Camp Registration Now Open
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From the Ashes We Will Rise: The Power of Ash Wednesday
This article was first published in The Living Church | February 17, 2021
By James Richardson
Ash Wednesday 2018 dawned like no other in my lifetime. A few short months earlier, fires had raged through Sonoma, Napa, and Lake counties north of San Francisco, merging into what became known as the “Wine Country Fires” — and the deadliest wildfire in California history up to that date.
More than 40 people died in the October 2017 fires, and 9,000 structures were destroyed. The fires made no social distinctions, incinerating suburban homes, mansions, trailer parks, shopping centers, an assisted living facility, and historic landmarks.
In my Santa Rosa congregation, the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, a dozen families lost their homes. Months later, on Ash Wednesday, many were still living in motels, or with friends and family. More than a few would not return to the area. The Episcopal Church Morning Prayer readings for that day included Amos 5:13: “…for it is an evil time…” And so it felt on that Ash Wednesday. By mid-morning we would be confronted with even more evil and death: a gunman opened fire at a high school in Parkland, Florida, leaving 17 people dead, including 14 teenagers. With cruel irony, the date was February 14 — Valentine’s Day.
I began my Ash Wednesday sermon this way: This is the one day of the year that the Church sets aside to remind us of the frailty and uncertainty of life, and indeed, to remind us of our mortality. I’m not sure we really need much reminding of that this year. We have had many more experiences of tragedy, evil, and death since then — more lethal wildfires in Northern California; a global pandemic that has claimed more than 900,000 lives in our country and touched all of our communities; and more shootings, violence, racial conflict, and political turmoil. We might be tempted to go easy with the ashes this year, needing no new reminders of the frailty and uncertainty of life.
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Living Well Through Lent
Letting Go with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind
Presented by Russian River Deanery | On Zoom | Open to the entire diocese
Join Deacon Kate Sefton and Paul Mallatt for Zoom lunchtime reflections as we move through Lent. We will explore the devotions offered through the Living Well Through Lent booklets.
Tuesdays 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
March 8 to April 12
To register for the sessions and to get your booklet, please contact:
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St. Paul's Sacramento introduces Hope's Space – a new Health Ministry |
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“We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord” The past two years have shown us all how critical faith is when we are facing illness and uncertainty.
Hope’s Space extends this gift by offering spiritual and emotional support to health care workers and people facing illness, pain, or loss, according to The Rev. Karen Lawler, OEF, Associate Priest at St. Paul’s, and creator of Hope's Space.
Their goal is to hold space for hope, especially for health care providers and for people who don’t have a faith community. They offer support groups, healing song circles, drop in pastoral care (on Fridays) and mid-day meditations on Facebook for the general public. For the healthcare community they offer an “End-of-the-Week Service of Letting Go” and trainings on incorporating spirituality into clinical assessment.
Hope's Space offers a community where healthcare providers can send their patients for spiritual and emotional support. Our programs are open to everyone. Upcoming groups include a Sacred Art reflection group during Lent, and a grief group. They will be hosting both virtual and in-person events going forward and welcome referrals and participation from across the diocese.
The Hope’s Space team includes The Rev. Anne Slakey and Loreen Kleinschmidt. Anne is an Associate Priest at St. Paul’s and has a background working with The National Alliance on Mental Illness; Loreen is a trained spiritual director and active lay leader at St. Paul’s. Karen has worked in healthcare for over 25 years and is a licensed marriage and family therapist.
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2022 Expense Reimbursement Check Requests
Effective January 1, 2022 the travel mileage reimbursement rate for employees is $0.585 per mile.
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Celebrate the abundance of our Diocese! |
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Growing: Faith, Food, Community
Saturday, April 2
9:30 am - 3:00 pm
St. Martin's Church, Davis
$25.00 | In Person Only
Limited Space
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https://form.jotform.com/220465127986160 |
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WordFest!
Saturday, April 23
9:00 am - 2:30 pm
$10 | On Zoom
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WordFest! is a day of study, learning and reflection to encourage and empower Lay Leaders in our parishes (Lay Preachers, Lay Readers, Bible study leaders, etc.) to gain a better understanding of the lectionary readings and the connection between them.
WordFest! is comprised of one morning and afternoon session, with a break for lunch in between.
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Are you Ready for a Disaster?
Is your Congregation Ready for a Disaster?
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2022 Disaster Planning Workshops
During Lent, the Bishop’s Mission for Disaster Resilience is offering free ZOOM workshops for individuals and congregations to learn how to develop a disaster plan that works for your needs.
Workshops for Individuals
This interactive workshop will help you assemble a “GO” bag, prioritize valuables, and have an evacuation plan in place. Participants will receive checklists of important items to have on hand when a disaster strikes.
Format and content for Individual Workshops is the same. Select the date and time that works best for you.
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Saturday, March 5 | 10:30 am - noon | Register here
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Thursday, March 10 | 3:30 pm – 5 pm | Register here
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Wednesday, March 16 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Register here
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Workshops for Congregations
This workshop is designed for clergy and church leaders to review and update (or create) a disaster plan for your church.
Format and content for Congregational Workshops is the same. Select the date and time that works best for you.
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Saturday, March 26 | 10:30 am – noon | Register here
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Thursday, March 31 | 3:30 pm – 5 pm | Register here
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Wednesday, April 6 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Register here
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Episcopal Church Lent Resources Available Online
Click here for new and updated resources for individuals, small groups, and congregations.
- Lenten Virtual Borderlands Experience webinar series
- Lent curriculum, calendar, and bulletin inserts
- Sermons, lesson plans, and devotionals
- “Prophetic Voices” podcast series
- Lent Madness
- Videos and publicity materials
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General Convention News:
Take part in the 80th General Convention
Online meetings and hearings leading up to July’s 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church are now underway! All Episcopalians, as well as members of the general public, are invited to attend and/or testify on the resolutions that are under consideration.
To see the current list of proposed resolutions, go to the General Convention Virtual Binder. The updated list of meetings and hearings is located on the Legislative Committee Calendar. Links for “more info” will take you to the sign-up page to observe or testify (if you wish to speak, you must sign-up in advance). Learn more about this year’s Convention here.
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Supporting Humanitarian Response
to the Crisis in Ukraine
Web Statement | February 28, 2022
Episcopal Relief & Development is mobilizing with Anglican agencies and other partners in order to provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine.
“Ecumenical and orthodox faith networks are on the ground in the border areas of Poland and Hungary,” said Abagail Nelson, Executive Vice President, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We will continue to coordinate with these networks, in order to meet the needs of people who have been displaced.”
Please pray for all those affected. Donations to Episcopal Relief & Development’s International Disaster Response Fund will provide humanitarian assistance for the crisis in Ukraine.
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Faith Vigil for Ukraine
The Episcopal Church with the Friends Committee on National Legislation hosted a vigil to pray for the people of Ukraine and lament the violence caused by war and conflict. We invite you to watch and pray with us and leaders from various faith traditions including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Watch the vigil here.
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Lenten Formation Offerings
Letting Go with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind via this year’s Living Compass Living Well Through Lent
Mondays – 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm March 7-April 11, 2022
Zoom | Facilitator: Rev. Anne McKeever`
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Wondrous Encounters by Richard Rohr
Tuesdays -1:00 p.m. to 2:00 pm March 8-April 12, 2022
Zoom | Guide for the journey: Bud Swank
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Returning to the Roots of Healing: Mary Magdalene and the Myrrhbearers Webinar given by Dr. Kayleen Asbo, Ph.D.
Thursdays – 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm March 3-April 7
Zoom | Facilitator: Helen Borgan
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Super-Charged Conversion Stories
Thursdays-March 10-March 24, 2022
Zoom | Facilitator: Kelly Mieske.
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Living Well Through Lent: Letting Go with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind
These daily reflections on practicing Letting Go and listening to God are written by a variety of Episcopal clegy and laity. Our Sunday morning Hybrid group is facilitated by Amy Dierlam- join us in person in the upstairs Assembly Area from 10:30-11:30am or by zoom. Contact Amy for the link- Amydier62@gmail.com.
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Calling Down Fire! Teilhard’s Mass on the World Online Retreat
Saturday, March 12, 2022 10:00 am to 12:15 pm
Zoom | Facilitator: Sr Kelly Dunlap, N/OSB
Click here for more information on these offerings
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March 6, 2022, The First Sunday in Lent
Luke 4:1-13
The Temptations of Jesus in the wilderness remind us of the wilderness wanderings of the people of Israel, and of the temptations they experienced in that time. Their journey in the wilderness was for forty years, and Jesus was tempted for forty days. But the similarity goes deeper than that. In each case there was the temptation not to trust God’s provision, The temptation not to trust God’s timing, and the temptation not to acknowledge God’s sovereignty.
The difference is that whereas ancient Israel in the wilderness failed in the face of the temptations, Jesus remained obedient and trusting.
This lent we will probably be faced at some point with the same temptations. May we, like Jesus, say in our hearts, citing the scriptures, One does not live by bread alone…Worship the Lord your God, and worship only him…Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” If we give in, as did the ancient people of God, the temptation will go away, at least for a time. But if we follow our Lord in faith and obedience, we will find that the temptation will grow stronger. But we will also find that God is faithful, and will not let us be tempted beyond our strength, but with the testing he will provide the way out so that we may be able to endure it. (See 1 Corinthians 10:1-13).
– The Rev. Peter Rodgers
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Commission for Intercultural Ministries |
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Introducing Policy Advocacy Training for Episcopalians in California
What is policy advocacy and how is it different from, and complementary to, political activism? How does it fit with our call to be followers of Jesus? Join us to learn about The Episcopal Church's advocacy efforts from Washington, D.C. to right here in California.
Working for justice on any issue, including through policy advocacy, can be an exhausting process. But with the right framing and focus, we can create strategies that keep us motivated through the long-term work necessary to create change we want to see.
Join this two-part advocacy training to learn the basics of advocacy and then how to craft an approach that also acknowledges the need for self-care and maintaining energy for long-term, effective engagement.
Tuesday, March 29 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am PST | On ZOOM
Tuesday, April 19 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am PST | On ZOOM
You may attend either or both parts, and attendance at session 1 is not required to attend session 2. While the Office of Government Relations represents The Episcopal Church at the federal government level, the advocacy practices covered can be applied even in state and local politics.
Hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California with The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations. Workshop lead is Alan Yarborough, church relations officer for the Office of Government Relations. Hosts include Miriam Casey and Lynn Zender, Co-Chairs of the Commission for Intercultural Ministries in the Diocese of Northern California.
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Afghan Resettlement News Updates |
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Click on the links below to find out about the latest work being done to help our new Afghani Neighbors. |
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Job Opportunities around the Diocese |
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The Office of the Bishop is seeking a Missioner for Congregational Life (new title).
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Grace Church | St. Helena is seeking an Interim Priest in Charge Under Special Circumstances (Sabbatical). Read more 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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All Saints | Sacramento is looking for a part-time Office/Administrative Assistant. Read the job posting here.
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St. Michael’s | Carmichael is seeking an Assistant Rector. Read the job announcement here.
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St. Patrick's | Kenwood is seeking an Organist/Pianist. Click here for more information.
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St. Paul's | Sacramento is seeking a Music Director.
Read the job announcement here.
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Summer Camp 2022 Registration NOW OPEN
Camp Staff Training: June 19-25
Click here for the staff application
Intergenerational Camp: June 26-July 1
A new (yet familiar) camp for families of all shapes and sizes
BREAD Explorers: July 3-8
For campers entering grade 10 through graduated grade 12
BREAD Adventurers: July 10-15
For campers entering grades 7 – 9
BREAD Discoverers: July 17-2
For campers entering grades 4 – 6
TOAST: July 22-24
For campers who identify as young adults (21+) and BREAD Alumni
READ Camp: July 25-29
For day campers entering grades 4-6
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Staff Applications Summer 2022
If you love working on a team, singing, having fun, and making a difference in children’s lives then our summer camp staff may be the place for you. We’re looking for:
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The Prayer Residency at The Bishop’s Ranch has openings in 2023! Be a part of the worldwide circle of prayer and live at the beautiful Ranch. Residents lead daily morning and evening prayer at the Ranch in exchange for room and board. They typically serve for a month and lead brief contemplative prayer services in the chapel preceded by a half hour of silent meditation. This is a great opportunity for a retired person or someone on sabbatical or with a writing or research project. Lay people and clergy are invited to learn more and if interested, please submit an application. https://www.bishopsranch.org/job-openings/prayer-resident-program/
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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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