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In this edition of ENews:
- A Thanksgiving Message from Bishop Megan
- Upcoming Ordinations
- Advent is less than a Week Away!
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A Thanksgiving Message from Bishop Megan | |
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Feasts are being planned (and eaten), and in my household we are avidly planning pie baking!
One of the hallmarks of Christians in all centuries has been the spiritual discipline of giving thanks to God in all circumstances, for God’s lovingkindness. Instagram and blogs of all sorts have taken up this refrain and invite everyone to practice gratitude, or to enter a season of gratitude. It is a very good idea, and, for us, this is home turf and there’s room for everyone.
May the habits of thanks and appreciation be active among us at Thanksgiving. By words and action let us care for those in need and rejoice in God’s good gifts.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17-19
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Upcoming Ordinations- You are Invited! | |
Click here for more information.
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Please be aware that Bishop Megan will never send an email requesting personal information or asking for gift cards. If you receive such a message, do not respond or click any links. Always verify suspicious emails by contacting the sender directly through trusted channels, such as by phone or initiating a separate email. | |
Congregational Development Grants Now Available! | |
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Do you have a project in mind that could make your church stronger but needs a bit of financial support to bring it to life?
The Congregational Development Committee is here to help! We are offering small grants of up to $5,000 to churches across the diocese.
These funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including staff expenses, capital improvements, community outreach, Christian formation, and stewardship programs.
If you're unsure whether your project qualifies, just reach out and ask!
To apply, have the clergy-in-charge—or, for lay-led congregations, the senior or bishop’s warden—send an email to julie@norcalepiscopal.org. Your email should include:
1. Amount requested
2. Brief (2 paragraphs) explanation of how the funding will strengthen your church
3. Commitment to share photos and a story about your project in the first half of 2025
Please submit your application by Tuesday, December 3. The committee will review applications and determine grant recipients by December 10, with funds being distributed before the end of the year.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your church’s mission and ministry!
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The Episcopal Church (TEC) | |
Advent is Less Than a Week Away! | |
It's not too late for Advent materials! With our books, calendars, and online devotions, there's something for every individual and congregation to inspire prayer during this season. And don't forget to tag us on your social media Advent celebrations—we'd love to see how you're preparing for this special time of year! #EDNC #TheEpiscopalChurch
Click here for more information
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Free Advent Resource Available! | |
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The Diocesan Partners in Ministries of Health are pleased to offer the Living Compass 2024 Advent Devotionals for individuals and congregations—at no cost! These devotionals are available in both English and Spanish.
To request your copies, please email us with the quantity needed and a residential street address (per Living Compass' request). We'll handle the rest! Email your request to Susan Wahlstrom at wahlstrom@volcano.net
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A Sign for You: Episcopal Advent and Christmas Resources | |
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In Luke’s telling of the Christmas story, startled shepherds are the first to hear the good news of great joy given to all people. Since then, through generations and generations, across the world, we keep sharing this Good News, receiving signs from God that, in the coming of Jesus Christ, we have received the greatest gift of all. The Episcopal Church wants to help you and your congregation share that Good News with each other and your neighbors, especially this Advent and Christmas.
Click here for free resources on the invitation, the Way of Love, racial reconciliation, and faith formation.
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Seeking Episcopal Young Adult Input Through ‘Toward a New Generation of Leaders’ Survey | |
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The Episcopal Church’s Department of Faith Formation is seeking survey participants ages 18-32 as part of a three-year, partially grant-funded project to identify the gifts and challenges of Gen Z ministry within the church and enhance program development. The survey—available online here—is open until Dec. 2.
The first phase of data collection surveyed parish leaders and Episcopal camp counselors.
Young adults currently or recently engaged in Episcopal Church activities, particularly those involved with Faith Formation’s youth ministries, young adult and campus ministries, Episcopal Service Corps, and Young Adult Service Corps, are encouraged to respond to this newest survey. Participants will be asked for their impressions, experiences, and recommendations for ministries.
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Last Chance to Sign Up! Applications Due Dec. 2.
The West Coast Collaborative (WCC) is now accepting applications for the 2025 English-language cohort and the deadline for applications is coming up. 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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St. James, Lincoln Hosts Celtic Harp and Voice Recital
We invite you to join us on Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 p.m. for a recital by the talented harpist Joan Hall, featuring the Celtic lever harp. This free concert is open to the public, and a light reception will follow at Martin Hall.
Click here for more information.
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Our Savior in Placerville Retreat | |
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Join us for an inspiring and peaceful one-day retreat:
Saturday, December 14
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 | |
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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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Pathways 2025: Nuevas Fronteras
Applications Now Open!
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Mark your calendars for July 5-10, 2025! We’re thrilled to invite teens aged 15-19 on a meaningful journey to Tijuana, Mexico, where we’ll partner with Via International and the Diocese of San Diego for an immersive experience in immigration ministries. This unique opportunity will allow our group to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and hopes surrounding immigration, while actively supporting and learning from those on the front lines of this important work.
Through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations, you'll build connections, develop a greater sense of empathy, and explore how faith calls us to serve others. We'll wrap up with a beach day in San Diego.
Click Here to register!
For more info: julie@norcalepiscopal.org
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St. John, Chico Hosts Altar Guild Workshop | |
At St. John the Evangelist Church in Chico, Fr. William Stomski, Interim Rector, and Bonnie Fitzgerald hosted an Altar Guild workshop focused on arranging altar flowers. The session emphasized the opportunities and challenges of working with the spaciousness of St. John's church. Twelve participants crafted six stunning floral arrangements, which enhanced the beauty of the All Saints’ Day worship service, including a celebration of three baptisms! | |
Job Openings in the Diocese | |
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Missioner for Congregational Vitality
Click here for more information
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Christ Church, Eureka, part-time Administrative Assistant to the Parish Rector.
Click here for more information
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Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento, Parish Administrator and Communications Coordinator
Click here to learn more
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Trinity, Sutter Creek, Music Director
Contact David Hoos at dmhoos@gmail.com for more information.
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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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