November 14, 2023 - Corrected Edition | |
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In this edition of ENews:
- Bishop Megan Visits St. Timothy's, Gridley
- Observing El Dia de Los Muertos around the diocese
- West Coast Collaborative Accepting Applications for English Language Lay Preaching Cohort
- Trinity Cathedral to host workshops on Civic Engagement November 16
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Deadline for Congregational Development Grants is Today
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Note to readers: Yesterday's edition of the ENews was missing stories that had been submitted for publication, and had mislabeled a caption for the photos of the story on Observing El Dia de Los Muertos. This issue corrects those errors and omissions. We apologize for the confusion, and thank you for your understanding. | |
Bishop Megan Visits St. Timothy's Gridley | |
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Left: Susan Englund, the Rev. David Englund - Priest-in-charge, Bishop Megan, and the Rev. Mary Boeger, Deacon Top right: New pavilion named for the Rev. John Harris, beloved former priest-in-charge
Bottom right: Bishop Megan joins with the folks of St. Timothy's to send greetings to Rev. John Harris
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Last Sunday, Bishop Megan travelled to Gridley to worship with the congregation at St. Timothy's. While there, she led worship, preached and celebrated Eucharist. After the service, she toured their impressive gardens, and gathered with congregants to send a video greeting to the Rev. John Harris, retired Priest-in-Charge. Many thanks to the folks at St. Timothy's for their warm welcome and hospitality.
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Observing El Dia de Los Muertos around the diocese
Several congregations in the diocese prepared ofrendas in remembrance of friends and loved ones in observance of El Dia de Los Muertos on All Saints Sunday on November 5.
Why observe El Día de Los Muertos? The Church is called to offer pastoral care and to stand as a place of refuge and a wellspring of resilience. As people across the United States rise up for social justice, the Church is called to speak prophetic truth to power. The Church is called to give renewed witness to the way of love and the vision of Beloved Community.
Hispanic culture offers a unique opportunity not only to mourn the
dead but also to affirm and celebrate life in community: El Día de Los Muertos, a festival originating in central and southern Mexico and now widely observed in Spanish-speaking communities in the United States. By observing El Día de Los Muertos as local congregations and as a diocese, we have an opportunity to offer a sacred and civic space and to express our solidarity with our Latino/Hispanic congregants, neighbors, and friends. Participation in El Día de los Muertos by clergy, parishes, missions, and other local ministries is entirely voluntary. We hope that many clergy and congregations will continue to participate to embody a corporate embrace of our shared grief and enact a unifying expression of our solidarity.
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1 St. Martin’s, Davis | Photo credit: Gabe Avila
2 Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento
Artists: Espie Ghezzi and Maria Galvan
3 St. Paul’s, Sacramento |
Photo credit: The Rev. Rik Rasmussen
4 Incarnation, Santa Rosa
Photo credit: Daphne Vernon
5 Church of the Epiphany, Vacaville.
6 Church of the Epiphany, Vacaville | The Rev. John Heidel blessing the ofrenda while a parishioner wearing traditional garb looks on. Photo credit: Karen Nolan
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2023 Diocesan Convention Videos Now Available | |
Left to Right: David Zink, Lori Phelps-Zink, The Rev. Richard Yale, Brad Pierce, The Rev. Canon Julie Wakelee, The Rev. Tammy Smith-Firestone. Photo by Alan Rellaford, Missioner for Communications. | |
Wednesday, November 8 marked the fifth anniversary of the devastating Camp Fire that nearly destroyed the town of Paradise. Among many events marking the occasion was an interfaith worship service held at Bille Park in Paradise, overlooking the Butte Creek Canyon. Among the clergy participating was the Rev. Richard Yale, Episcopal Liaison to the Ridge, who has been deeply engaged in the recovery efforts. | |
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Applications now open for English language
Lay Preaching Cohort
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The Episcopal Dioceses of El Camino Real, Northern California and San Diego are accepting applications for the 2024 English language cohort to prepare individuals to apply for a Preaching license (the Spanish language cohort will begin recruiting in January). We are seeking adult learners of all ages and educational backgrounds who are actively involved in ministry in their congregations and demonstrate gifts in lay leadership. Participants must be members of a congregation within one of our three partner dioceses.
Who is this for? Lay members of our congregations with gifts for preaching and leadership in ministry.
What will we study? Biblical exegesis and preaching theory and practice.
Where will we meet? On Zoom
When will we meet? Once each month on the 4th Thursday from 5 - 9 p.m.
We are currently accepting applications through December 1, 2023.
To apply, visit the West Coast Collaborative’s website at https://www.wccollaborative.org/
Questions? Contact the dean:
The Rev. Sr. Kathy Lawler sfmdean@norcalepiscopal.org
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Trinity Cathedral to Host Workshops on
Civic Engagement
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FOR CLERGY:
Church and Politics, Oh My!
Supporting Church Leaders Navigating the Public Square
Thursday, November 16, 2023 | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Register here: bit.ly/499LNZf
FOR EVERYONE IN THE DIOCESE:
Make Me an Instrument of Peace
How to Engage in Better Conversations on Tough Topics
Thursday, November 16, 2023 Forum | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
In-person or on Zoom.
Register Here: bit.ly/3FKGNMV
Both Workshops presented by Alan Yarborough, Church Relations Officer for the Episcopal Church. For more information, contact the Rev. Alex Leach, aleach@trinitycathedral.org.
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St. Paul's Healdsburg to host Holiday Boutique Saturday, November 18 | |
Episcopal Church Women of St. Paul presents the annual Holiday Boutique. Look for all kinds of edible treats, ready-to-gift holiday-cookie mixes, jewelry, upscale serving ware and all kinds of Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations for sale at very reasonable prices. Proceeds benefit the church's building fund and outreach programs. Cash and credit cards accepted.
Saturday, November 18 | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
St. Paul's Holiday Boutique
Parish Hall, 209 Matheson St., Healdsburg, CA
Free Admission
Website: www.stpauls-healdsburg.org
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Church of Our Saviour Placerville presents Holiday Concert and Dinner
Ring in the holiday season with the music of Millington Strings and enjoy a gift of music and dinner from the Church of Our Saviour to the El Dorado County community. Bring your family and friends for a joy-filled, free, afternoon of music performed by Steve and Anne Millington who have been entertaining audiences with their repertoire of sounds from Bach to Bono for many years. It is our pleasure to welcome you on Sundday, November 26, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., at the Church of Our Saviour, 2979 Coloma Street, Placerville.
The talented musicians of Millington Strings who are returning to perform in the beautiful and acoustically perfect Church of Our Saviour, will start your holiday season off with the sounds of beautiful music. Dinner will follow immediately after the concert. No reservations required. Questions may be directed to oursaviouroffice@gmail.com.
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Join Church of the Incarnation, Santa Rosa for their 150th Anniversary Celebration – November 30, 6:30 pm
Please join us for a special service to celebrate 150 years of worship and community outreach at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation on Thursday, November 30th, at 6:30 pm. Our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Megan Traquair, will preside and our rector, the Rev. Stephen Shaver, will preach. All are invited to wear red, the color of our celebration. Clergy are invited to vest and take part in the procession (red stoles, or for interfaith clergy, the vestments of your own tradition are welcome). Child care is available.
After the liturgy, please join us for a festive reception with pictorial displays of our history, commemorative gifts and a wonderful array of appetizers and drinks.
Please let us know if you will attend by using the link below. Your RSVP helps us get an accurate attendance estimate so we can plan for the best possible celebration.
We look forward to seeing you on November 30th as we continue the work and fellowship of those who have gone before us.
RSVP for Incarnation's 150th Anniversary Service
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FREE ADVENT STUDY GUIDES – Living Compass' Living Well Through Advent 2023. Offered to you by the Diocesan Partners in Ministries of Health.
To order, email Susan Wahlstrom, Coordinator at wahlstrom@volcano.net
Include number of copies, & for what congregation. Please include private street address as delivery to churches isn't possible.
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APPLY FOR A CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT
Application Deadline is Today
Grants will be announced by November 22, 2023
To apply:
Send an email to Canon Julie Wakelee at Julie@norcalepiscopal.org
Please include:
- A short paragraph explaining the need and how it will strengthen your congregation.
- A stated agreement that you will provide a short report on how the funds were used, along with photographs of the completed project, due by September 1, 2024. You will also agree to this information being shared in diocesan communications.
Churches that received CDG funds in prior years must submit their reports and photos before requesting new grants.
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Episcopal Foundation of Northern California | |
Programs and ministries in our diocese need YOUR support! | |
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Below are just a few featured dreams from the 2023 Bishop's Book of Dreams:
Archdeacons Fund for Education (Goal: $5,000)
The Archdeacons Fund for Education provides financial support for Postulants and Candidates in our diocese who are studying to become Deacons in the Episcopal Church, as Deacons are not typically compensated. Funds will help to offer partial scholarships to Postulants and Candidates in the ordination process to help wit the cost of things like tuition, books, training, and other associated formation costs. Read more...
Camp Living Waters (Goal: $1,200)
Camp Living Waters provides youth a week-long camp in a loving, accepting, structured and fun Episcopal community. Activities include crafts, swimming, outdoor games, Bible study, worship, free time, and campfire. Funds will help to provide six camperships (scholarships) to families who cannot otherwise afford the $200 registration fee, including low-income and foster families. Read more...
Will you support these dreams?
Giving in honor or remembrance of someone you love this holiday season can make for a heartfelt and generous gift. You can download a gift card in English or Spanish to share with them.
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Commission for Intercultural Ministries | |
Racial Justice Audit Executive Summary and Report now Available | |
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The Commission for Intercultural Ministries thanks everyone who participated in this year‘s survey of diocesan leaders and our thanks to the Mission Institute (MI) for conducting the audit. Findings and recommendations are listed in the Executive Summary with details covered in the full report at the links below. This report is not a destination but rather a continued journey on the path toward Beloved Community. Next year MI will conduct the second year of the audit at parish level and issue a final report.
Please contact Lynn Zender, zenderlynn@gmail.com, or Jo Ann Williams, bjwilli@surewest.net, Racial Justice Audit Co-chairs, for questions or comments about the audit report.
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Commission on the Environment | |
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Churches developing plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030
Churches throughout the Diocese are utilizing the recommendations in their energy-efficiency assessment reports to develop action plans that will guide them to achieve carbon neutrality over the next 6 years.
26 churches were assessed for their energy efficiency by Colby May, energy efficiency expert, this year. All have received their reports that detail current energy efficiency and recommend ways that will lead to a reduction in energy usage and saving money.
On October 21, The Commission on the Environment presented a webinar about developing an Action Plan to accomplish the recommendations. Green Team members from churches that have been assessed attended the presentation. The recording of this webinar and an action plan workbook are posted on the Commission on the Environments webpage at the Diocesan website.
Round 4 of the energy assessments is now being scheduled for the 1st quarter of 2024. If your church is interested in being assessed, please contact Bob Wohlsen, COE Project Coordinator at bob.wohlsen@gmail.com
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Missioner for Disaster Resilience | |
Continued Global Cooperation for Your Mission for Disaster Resilience | |
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Following the recent visit of the Rt. Rev. Ernie Moral, Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Philippines, I was invited to attend training in rebuilding communities following disasters in developing nations. I will also learn about the “Receiver To Giver” program of engaging survivors in preparation for disaster and assisting with recovery following future disasters. This training takes place in the Philippines from November 15 through November 23, 2023.
While we might not consider the United States to be “underdeveloped” socially or economically, my recovery work has introduced me to far more communities than I expected where electricity is unreliable, the roads are unpaved or not maintained, and there is no indoor plumbing. Knowing that our neighbors live this way, it is worthwhile learning from experts who regularly work with survivors facing the same challenges.
This training is sponsored by Episcopal Relief & Development through their Episcopal Community Action for Renewal and Empowerment Foundation (E-CARE) and will consist of a cohort of 24 students from 8 nations. We will be living together, traveling together, working together, and learning together.
Check out this space over the next few weeks to discover where I am and what I’m learning. If you don’t already follow your Disaster Resilience program on Instagram, I’ll be posting there as often as I can while training - @edncdisaster
Finally, thank you to those who have donated to the Bishop’s Disaster Fund. We are rebuilding, but we still need your help. It’s been a quiet year, so this is a perfect opportunity to help us prepare for what’s coming. Click here to donate now!
Mark Dibelka | Missioner for Disaster Resilience
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This just in from Mark:
I am in the Philippines for Disaster Relief and Community Development training.
Today, I was hosted at morning prayer by seminary students from the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Philippines (you may remember that their bishop, Rt. Rev. Ernie Moral visited us a few weeks ago). It was a beautiful, student led, service that was celebrated in four dialects of Tagalog and English.
After a long day of travel, today is the first day of classes, and I'm looking forward to learning more about disaster resilience where resources are limited, as well as cultural sharing.
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Missioner for Church Life | |
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We’re excited to announce that we will have a diocesan-wide New Camino training on February 16 & 17, 2024 at St. John’s, Chico. The Rev. Antony 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.
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Before you know it, Advent will be here, so be sure to check out these Advent resources from the Episcopal Church.
This Advent and Christmas, The Episcopal Church offers the following resources to help you and your congregation share signs of God’s love through the coming of Jesus Christ—the “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
- Digital and printable resources to promote your Advent and Christmas events on social media, websites, or around town
- Customizable promotional video for your Episcopal congregation
- Advent curriculum, calendar, bulletin inserts: “Journeying the Way of Love”
- Advent curriculum: “Preparing to Become Beloved Community”
- “Sermons That Work”
- “Lesson Plans That Work”
- “Prophetic Voices” podcast series
- “d365” devotions
- Advent wreath-making video and blessing
- Printable letter to Santa and Christmas card
- “Las Posadas” churchwide Christmas pageant
- Episcopal Relief & Development Advent toolkit
- AdventWord inspirational online calendar
- And more
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Mark Your Calendars
This Advent, join Canon Julie and Missioner Mack as we read and pray with the poetry of Maya Angelou.
Thursdays – 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
November 30 - December 21
On Zoom
Register now: https://form.jotform.com/223255198020147
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Clergy Openings in The Diocese | |
Job Opportunities in The Diocese | |
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral | Sacramento is seeking a new Director of Cathedral Choristers (Children’s choir). Read the Job Announcement Here. | |
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
www.norcalepiscopal.org
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