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In this edition of ENews:
- Reflecting on an Inspiring 2024 Convention
- Sustainable Development Grants
- History of Land Acknowledgements
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Reflecting on an Inspiring 2024 Convention:
Insights, Fellowship, and Visionary Conversations
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The 2024 Convention has officially concluded, and we got a lot of inspiration as we move Forward, Together! This year’s gathering, held online in deanery hubs and in homes across the diocese, reflected the vibrant spirit of our community. From engaging workshops to the warm fellowship among attendees, it was a time of connection, learning, and inspiration for everyone involved.
In addition to the keynote address by the Rev. Dr. Michael Moynah (more about that next week) a big highlight was Bishop Megan’s address (See below for her main points). A leading voice in the Episcopal Church, Bishop Megan outlined important steps for every member of the diocese in her vision for the year ahead.
Bishop Traquair’s Vision for 2025
"My hope is that we will continue to grow in new areas of ministry to Latino communities, keeping our doors wide open in welcome."
"My challenge to our churches and leaders is to embrace both the inward journey of spiritual growth and the outward expression of God’s love in your lives."
First:
Go deeper in your life with Christ. Dedicate time to prayer, study, praise, thanksgiving, and adoration.
Second:
Form a small group within your congregation. Start by praying together. Study the Book of Acts and discern whether God is nudging you to connect with a specific group of people or a particular situation.
We aim to gather pioneers exploring the missional journey into a mentor circle—a supportive “greenhouse” environment for growth.
Third:
In your vestry or leadership group, identify three new or different questions to ask about your community. Adopt the posture of a listener, someone who learns with joyful curiosity.
In response to the petitions to close two congregations of the diocese, Bishop Megan led us in sharing memories and gifts we carry from these faithful communities.
We’d love to see how your deanery hubs experienced the convention! Please share your photos with us as we continue celebrating this wonderful time together.
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Convention Participants Around the Diocese | |
A huge thank you to the diocesan staff and volunteers who made this convention a success!
From left to right: Maria Ramirez (convention consultant), Tonya Napoli (who graciously answered all your calls), Kevin Donahue (parliamentarian), Kati Braak (convention coordinator), Bishop Megan, Jacqi Seppi (assistant secretary of convention), Margie Harrison-Smith (elections assistant), the Rev. Annie Mertz (secretary of convention), Flora Haghighat (lunch organizer, call answerer, and all-around helper), Michelle Karimi (who came all the way from New York to ensure smooth Jotform voting!), Joshua Lucero (Sergeant at Arms), and Canon Julie.
Not pictured, but serving from deanery hubs, were the Rev. Cindy Woods (Dispatch of Business), the Rev. Nancy Streufert (resolutions), the Rev. Jim Richardson (nominations), the Rev. Brian Rebholtz (Admission of New Parishes and Missions), and Ms. Alli Waltz and Mr. Carlos Martinez (Constitution and Canons).
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Secretary of Convention, the Rev. Annie Mertz, Bishop Megan, Assistant Secretary of Convention, Jacqi Seppi. | Bishop Megan expresses gratitude to the Rev. Jim Richardson for his work. | Sustainable Development Grants Now Available | |
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The deadline for applications for our sustainable development grants has been extended to November 26th. This year, we have a grant pool of $12,750 available. Funding for this program is mandated by the diocesan convention which requires .007% of our annual diocesan revenue to be set aside to support projects that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To qualify for funding, projects must address one or more of the 17 areas outlined by the SDGs, which include eradicating poverty, ending hunger, promoting health and well-being, and providing access to quality education, among others. Other key focus areas are gender equality, access to clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, and responsible consumption and production. Projects related to climate action, life on land and below water, peace, justice, and strong institutions are also encouraged.
While projects do not need to be international, they must address these areas and provide benefits to the community beyond the congregation.
To apply, please email Canon Julie at julie@norcalepiscopal.org Be sure to include a description of your project (including the tax ID if the application is from an outside organization), a timeline, the amount requested, and approval from your Rector, Vicar, PIC, or Senior Warden.
The extended deadline for submissions is November 26. For more information on the Sustainable Development Goals, click here.
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The Episcopal Church (TEC) | |
History of Land Acknowledgements | |
Land acknowledgments provide a way to express respect for the historical and current presence and value of Native peoples, the history of their oppression, and a commitment to be in right relationship with them. The Episcopal Church, our diocese and churches have been on a journey to develop land acknowledgments for several years.
Click here to read full article
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Mission for Disaster Relief | |
The Episcopal Church is Recognized for Disaster Resilience Efforts | |
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The Episcopal Church was recently recognized for its disaster resilience efforts during the week of November 4th when California Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) held a series of conferences across the state. One of these gatherings took place in Redding, where Rev. Mark G. Dibelka, missioner for disaster resilience, was invited as a subject matter expert on a disaster panel, focusing on emotional and spiritual wellbeing throughout the disaster cycle.
VOAD is a nationwide network that fosters communication, coordination, collaboration, and cooperation among non-governmental organizations to support disaster survivors and reduce disaster risks. Rev. Mark plays a significant role as the chair of Siskiyou/Modoc VOAD, a representative on the California VOAD Long-Term Recovery Group and New VOAD Start-up committees, and serves the Episcopal Church alongside Episcopal Relief & Development on the National VOAD Long-Term Recovery Group committee. To learn more about VOAD or how your congregation can get involved, please reach out to Rev. Mark. It is through your support that any of this happens. During this all-important stewardship season, please consider pledging your support to the Bishop’s Disaster Fund, or make a donation now!
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Application Deadline Coming Soon!
The West Coast Collaborative (WCC) is now accepting applications for the 2025 English-language cohort and the deadline for applications is less than three weeks away. This ministry training program, serving the dioceses of El Camino Real, San Diego, and Northern California, prepares participants for licensing as Lay Preachers in their home congregations. (Spanish cohort applications open in January.)
Application Process:
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Transgender Day of Remembrance 2024
On Wednesday, November 20, St. Paul's in Crescent City, in collaboration with the Crescent City United Methodist Church and LGBTQ+ groups in Del Norte and Curry Counties, will host the annual service of remembrance and resilience honoring trans people who have lost their lives to acts of violence over the past year. If you are in the area, you are warmly welcomed to attend and bring your friends.
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St. Paul’s Holiday Boutique
St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Healdsburg will host their annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the parish hall, 209 Matheson St., just a block east of Healdsburg's downtown plaza. The event offers a variety of holiday foods and home goods, perfect for seasonal convenience and cheer. Shoppers will find an array of homemade jams, jellies, chutneys, soup mixes, and baked goods, with popular cookie mixes that come with easy-to-follow instructions for quick, fresh-baked treats. In addition to the food items, the Boutique also features a selection of jewelry, serve ware, ceramics, crystal, and seasonal decorations. Cash, checks, and most major credit cards are accepted, and nearby parking is free. For details, contact (707) 433-2107 or visit www.stpauls-healdsburg.org.
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Our Savior in Placerville Retreat
Join us for an inspiring and peaceful one day retreat on Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of Our Savior in Placerville! Led by church member, retreat leader, and spiritual director Sheryl Trainor, this experiential retreat, Cultivating Calm and Navigating Uncertainty Using the Tools of St. Benedict, promises to guide you through the timeless wisdom of St. Benedict. Dive into practices that foster calm and resilience, inspired by the insights from St. Benedict’s Toolbox by Jane Tomaine, which some members have been exploring under the guidance of Tom Weikert. Everyone is welcome—come refresh your spirit and find practical tools for today’s challenges. Lunch will be provided, and parking is conveniently located behind the church.
To reserve your spot, email your name and contact info to oursaviouroffice@gmail.com, or call Sheryl at 530-306-8487 with any questions. Don’t miss this chance to restore and renew!
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Church of our Savior Christmas Concert Fundraiser
Get ready for an unforgettable evening on Tuesday, December 17, at 7:00 p.m., as Rick and Susan Taseff host a Christmas Concert Fundraiser at their home (5533 Gold Hill Road, Placerville) for the Church of Our Savior. Join us for an enchanting night of music featuring renowned pianist Rob Sabino, who has performed with icons like Madonna, Hall & Oates, Simon & Garfunkel, and Chic! Adding to the magic will be the extraordinary voices of professional opera singer Gabriel Silva and the talented Cassie Campanello. After the concert, stay for drinks and festive treats. Susan warmly invites all to come—and don’t forget your checkbook for donations! For details, call Susan at 916-467-2555.
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Retirement Celebration of Father John Vafis at
St. Stephen’s
Join us on Sunday, November 24, at St. Stephen’s in Colusa to celebrate the retirement of Father John Vafis! After 19 years of leading our church with hope and unity, we’re thrilled to honor Father Vafis as he embarks on this new chapter. The church service begins at 10 a.m., followed by a reception at 11 a.m. Come together with us for a heartfelt morning of fellowship and celebration.
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Incarnation, Santa Rosa Hosts Discussion of Wildfire Impact on Farmworkers
Please join us for a special event at Church of the Incarnation in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, November 13, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm (includes dinner) where we will gather in fellowship to focus on an important and urgent issue: the harmful impact of wildfires on Sonoma County farmworkers. This program is presented by the UC Berkeley Public Health/Human Rights Center.
As part of our Beloved Community outreach, this event is an opportunity to come together, learn, and support those in our community who are most affected. We look forward to connecting with you as we work to uplift and make a difference in the lives of those in need. Don’t miss this meaningful gathering!
Click here for more information.
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Choir Festival at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Sacramento
Calling all choir singers! Join us for Trinity Cathedral's 37th Annual Diocesan Choir Festival on Saturday, January 25, 2025! This year is extra special as we celebrate David Link, festival founder and longtime Canon Precentor & Director of Music, in his final festival before retirement. Let’s make this one to remember, with past participants, Cathedral Choir alumni, and Dr. Ryan Enright as our organist. Don’t miss it!
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Pathways 2025: Nuevas Fronteras
Mark your calendars for July 5-10, 2025! Join us on an impactful journey to Tijuana, Mexico, where we'll partner with Via International and the Diocese of San Diego to learn about and support immigration ministries. We'll wrap up the trip with a fun day at the beach in San Diego. Teens aged 15-19 are invited to participate. Stay tuned—sign-ups will open soon!
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Camp Galilee Adventures!
Camp Galilee announces upcoming retreats and camps! Join us for a Youth Leadership Weekend, a Men’s Retreat, and Youth & Family Camps. These gatherings offer a wonderful chance to grow closer to one another and deepen your relationship with God.
Click here for more information.
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The Church of the Incarnation celebrated the Season of Creation and the Season of Courage
The Church of the Incarnation celebrated the Season of Creation and the Season of Courage from September 1 to October 6 with the Feast of St. Francis. Worship during the Season of Creation included liturgical elements that honored God as Creator, expressed gratitude for creation, and offered lament for human harm to it, with many enhancements inspired by a Season of Creation liturgy approved by Bishop Megan Traquair.
Beautiful prayers for worship were crafted by the Incarnation Prayers of the People Team. The Season of Courage featured an inspiring courtyard exhibit showcasing 15 stories of courageous acts in social justice and creation care by clergy and laity in the Diocese of Northern California, culminating in a Prayer Tree for participants to offer prayers for courage. A series of forums provided insights into the Seasons: on September 15, Rev. Stephen Shaver and Miriam Casey shared the origins of the Seasons; on September 22, Deacon Phina Borgeson presented “Beyond Genesis: Ecology in Dialogue with Scripture”; on September 29, Bob Wohlsen and Miriam Casey explored scripture and courage; and on October 6, Robert Aguero and Cathy Wolf led a forum on energy efficiency at home, followed by an advocacy event on local food production.
This special season concluded on October 13 with the blessing of the prayers from the Prayer Tree. Special thanks to the Season of Creation and Season of Courage team: Robert Aguero, Deacon Phina Borgeson, Miriam Casey, Bob Wohlsen, and Cathy Wolf.
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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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