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In this edition of ENews:
- Election Day Prayer and Reflection
- Sustainable Development Grants
- Native American Heritage Month
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Election Day Prayer and Reflection | |
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Dear Beloved Members of Our Diocese,
"Be still, and know that I am God" – Psalm 46:10.
As this Election Day heads toward its conclusion, I invite you to remain centered in prayer and in the peace that only God provides. Many of our churches have been open today (and are open this evening), offering space for prayer, reflection, and community connection. Let’s hold each other in prayer, seeking God’s peace that "transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
We trust in God’s promises, remembering Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to give you hope and a future."
Together, let’s stay grounded in faith and open our hearts and churches on election day, creating spaces for unity and connection. As Past-Presiding Bishop Michael Curry says, “We gather to pray to the God who is the Creator of us all." United in faith, we will move Forward, Together.
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Sustainable Development Grants Now Available | |
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We are excited to announce that sustainable development grants are now open for applications! As mandated by the diocesan convention, .007% of our annual diocesan revenue is set aside to support projects that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, we have a grant pool of $12,750 available for distribution.
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 deadline for submissions is November 15. For more information on the Sustainable Development Goals, click here.
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Cn. Julie Joins Board at St. Dorothy’s Rest | |
Board chair Rev. Dr. Steve Hassett | |
An afternoon hike on the camp property | |
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This past weekend Canon Julie and Rev. Emily Hyberg, both new members of the board representing EDNC, took part in All Saints Weekend at St. Dorothy’s Rest in Camp Meeker, CA – this included celebrating outgoing director Ashley Bouef, enjoying great food and deep conversations around the fireplace, and a chance to meet new DioCal Bishop Austin Rios. (Although St. Dorothy’s is in our diocese, it is owned and run by DioCal, since it's founding long predates the creation of our diocese). The Rev. Dr. Steve Hassett, interim rector at Ascension, Vallejo, is chair of the board at this magical place, which has been hosting camps for sick children, folks on the margins, writers and artists; and scores of summer camp kids -- since 1901! For more information about St. Dorothy’s, click here.
We are working to deepen our relationships with camps located within and nearby our diocese to promote summer camp and year-round retreat opportunities for all in our diocese. See information below about events at Camp Galilee and stay tuned for news about Camp Living Waters and St. Dorothy’s for 2025!
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Main House (note cool new hydration station!) | |
Maleah Rios and Bishop Austin Rios model their St. Dot’s hats | |
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Construction is Happening!
Bishop Megan is thrilled to announce that construction is moving full steam ahead! Our new office space will beautifully reflect our church’s values, offering room for growth, reflection, and a vibrant work environment. We can’t wait to share more updates with you in the coming weeks!
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The Episcopal Church (TEC) | |
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The Most Rev. Sean Rowe began his nine-year term as the 28th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church with an intimate but festive investiture service on Nov. 2 in New York that was live-streamed to close to 20,000 viewers in homes, churches and dioceses in the United States and around the world.
Rowe’s two living predecessors as presiding bishop, the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, elected in 2006, and the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, elected in 2015, were among the small group of attendees celebrating the new presiding bishop’s primacy at an in-person Holy Eucharist in the Chapel of Christ the Lord at the church’s Manhattan headquarters. Participants in watch parties across the church joined in the festivities, as Rowe preached a message of Christian unity and purpose.
Since his ordination in 2000, when he became the youngest Episcopal priest in the U.S., Bishop Rowe has exemplified a strong dedication to adaptive leadership and organizational learning in the church. His distinguished career includes serving as parliamentarian for the House of Bishops, chair of the Episcopal Church Building Fund, and a member of the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable, among other roles. Supported by his wife, Carly, a Christian educator, and their daughter, Lauren, Bishop Rowe steps into this new role with a legacy marked by service and scholarship.
Click here to watch the full service, where Bishop Rowe presided over the Holy Eucharist and delivered a sermon on the Gospel of John.
Click here to view the land acknowledgment that was read during the service.
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Robin Denney appointed to TEC Standing Commission on World Mission | |
As we look ahead together, we’re excited to share that Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe has completed appointments to the Standing Commissions of The Episcopal Church (TEC)! We’re especially proud to announce that the Rev. Robin Denney, rector at St. Mary’s in Napa, has been appointed to the Standing Commission on World Mission. This commission has an inspiring four-fold mandate: to work with the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, dioceses, congregations, and mission organizations; to explore future possibilities together; to develop policy proposals for General Convention; and to tackle other tasks as they arise. The team will be led by none other than the EDNC-raised Rt. Rev. Lucinda Ashby!
For a list of all Standing Committee appointments, click here.
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Native American Heritage Month
Since 1990, November has been set aside as a time to honor the culture, contributions, and history of Indigenous People-Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Island people. Click here for more information about activities and celebration this year.
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Mission for Disaster Relief | |
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Disaster Preparation Training in Humboldt County
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While one Disaster Preparation Training was held in Humboldt County, another training, funded by the diocese and Episcopal Relief & Development, was taking place in the Capital Deanery. The following was provided by the training facilitators:
On October 19, the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, in partnership with West Slope Foundation (WSF), conducted the first session of a two-day Disaster Preparation Workshop. This course was open to all residents of El Dorado County and specifically tailored for those who have experienced a disaster, live in high wildfire rural areas, and those who wish to be better prepared for future events.
Click here to read the full message.
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2024 Convention Keynote Speaker:
The Rev. Dr. Michael Moynagh
We’re just days away from an incredible opportunity! Join The Rev. Dr. Michael Moynagh, a top expert in innovative church practices, as he shares powerful insights to strengthen parish outreach and community impact.
With 25 years dedicated to supporting new Christian communities, Dr. Moynagh, based at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, brings a wealth of experience. He’s the acclaimed author of books like Church for Every Context (2012) and the upcoming Giving the Church (2024). An international speaker, consultant, and proud father and grandfather, Dr. Moynagh is sure to inspire and equip you for impactful ministry.
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2024 Convention Registration is Open | |
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Links to the following documents may be found here:
- Call of Convention
- Convention Schedule at-a-Glance
- House Rules
- Governance Nomination Instructions
- Resolution Instructions
- Keynote Speaker Info
- 2024 Congregational Range Sheet
- Important Convention Dates and Deadlines
- Filing Alternate to Delegate Form
- Filing Alternate Vacancies Form
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The West Coast Collaborative (WCC) is now accepting applications for the 2025 English-language cohort. 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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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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I Will, With God's Help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice – Hybrid Workshop at St. Paul’s in Healdsburg
On October 19, St. Paul’s in Healdsburg hosted the first-ever hybrid-format workshop, with 42 participants from 17 churches joining both in person and online. This format allowed local attendees, as well as those from Mt. Shasta and Crescent City, to take part, sparking a lively exchange of ideas. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and in 2025, the Commission for Intercultural Ministries will offer more hybrid workshops to make this valuable learning accessible to all Vestry members and church leaders.
Special thanks to Rev. Canon Tina Campbell, Bob Wohlsen, and Miriam Casey for leading the training, Rev. Sally Hubbell and Jane Wood for their hospitality, and Gabe Avila for his excellent tech support.
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Garden Event at St. George's in Carmichael
On Sunday, October 20, the St. George’s community in Carmichael came together for a heartwarming celebration of their community garden, highlighting the spirit of unity and resilience. The event kicked off with a delightful lunch shared among the gardeners, many of whom are from Ukraine, fostering connections and camaraderie.
Following the meal, attendees gathered for a touching blessing of a new garden shed and the planting of a new fruit tree, both dedicated to the memory of Song Hahn, who made significant contributions to the community garden before his passing in 2023. His widow, Lani, along with his stepdaughter Maria and daughter Yoon Sook, were present to honor his legacy, reminding everyone of the impact he had on this cherished community space.
This celebration not only marked the growth of the garden but also the enduring bonds of friendship and remembrance that it cultivates. It was a beautiful day filled with gratitude, reflection, and hope for the fruitful future of the garden, and serving as a testament to the strength of community spirit.
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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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