October 1, 2024

In this edition of ENews:

  • Insights from The New Camino
  • Disaster Preparedness Academy
  • Why Does It Matter to Vote
  • Around the Diocese

West Coast Collaborative

Do you sit in church, listening to the sermon when the thought, “There’s something more here I’d like to share,” wells up in you? Are you engaged in the worship, ministry, Christian formation and leadership in your congregation? Do you love to be in conversation with others about scripture and what it means in our daily lives? Your Rector, Vicar or Priest-in-Charge can help you discern if you might be called to the ministry of Lay Preaching.


The West Coast Collaborative Episcopal School for Ministry provides lay and diaconal formation for members of the Dioceses of Northern California, El Camino Real, and San Diego. We are currently accepting applications for our 2025 course to prepare individuals for a Lay Preaching license.


Click here to read more.



Office of the Bishop

Share Your Community News with Us!

As we continue to move forward together, we’re excited to showcase the fantastic work you are doing in your community.


To make sure your news and events are included in our weekly Enews, please send your updates to communications@norcalepiscopal.org by the Wednesday of the week prior. We can’t wait to share your amazing efforts!  

Building Stronger Connections: Insights from The New Camino Workshop 

The New Camino was an inspiring in-person workshop led by Rev. Canon Anthony Guillen! Rev. Guillen demonstrated how to leverage existing resources to build stronger connections within the Latinx/Hispanic community. We look forward to sharing more resources with you soon—stay tuned!



Mission for Disaster Resilience

Disaster Preparedness Academy


Join us from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, for a FREE Disaster Preparedness Academy! The academy includes expert presentations, resources for effective planning, and FREE essentials to kick-start your preparedness kit.

Diocesan Convention


2024 Convention Keynote Speaker:

The Rev. Dr. Michael Moynagh


Join Rev. Dr. Michael Moynagh, a leading authority on innovative church practices, as he shares insights on enhancing parish outreach.


With 25 years of experience supporting new Christian communities, Dr. Moynagh is based at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and has authored several influential books, including “Church for Every Context” (2012) and “Giving the Church” (2024). He is also an international speaker and consultant, and a proud father and grandfather.

Diocesan Convention Registration is Open

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
Register Here

Commission for Intercultural Ministry

Vote Faithfully Election Engagement 2024

“It is a Christian obligation to vote, and more than that, it is the church’s responsibility to help get souls to the polls.” - Presiding Bishop Michael Curry 

 

It’s time to get involved in the 2024 Elections. With so much at stake locally and nationally, now is the time to act. Here's how you can help.

 

The Episcopal Office of Government Relations Vote Faithfully Election Engagement 2024 Toolkit offers resources to help encourage election participation within your church community.


Click here to read more.

Why Does it Matter to Vote?


With the 2024 Elections approaching, much is at stake both locally and nationally. Voting is a powerful way to make a positive impact on your community and fulfill the Gospel call to care for one another. It's not just about choosing a president—it’s about deciding on local races like city council, mayor, and school boards, which directly affect daily life.



For more information on election engagement, visit the Office of Government Relations, the Episcopal Public Policy Network, or the California Secretary of State office.



Racial Justice Audit Interview Opportunity

This workshop meets the requirement for licensing for Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lay Eucharistic Visitors, and unlicensed lay leaders (such as vestry members and ministry leads) in the Diocese. Other lay licensed ministries need to take Sacred Ground to meet Diocesan licensing requirements.


 

Saturday, October 19 | St. Paul’s, Healdsburg (In Person and Zoom)

9:30am - 4:30 pm

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/240775631216152

Registration deadline: October 12

For questions, contact Miriam Casey, edncbbc@gmail.com



Around The Diocese

St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church Announces New Rector!


We welcome The Rev. Tammy Smith-Firestone!


Join us for a special reception with one service at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 1, the First Sunday of Advent.

The Rev. Tammy Smith-Firestone is the dean of Alta Deanery and recently served as interim priest at St. Peter’s, Red Bluff. She has a rich background in ministry, beginning in Southern California, with a degree in religious studies from Westmont College and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. After spending time in Bolivia, she was ordained as a deacon in 2005 and a priest in 2015.



Rev. Tammy has developed leadership teams and new ministries throughout her career, with a focus on pastoral care and outreach, particularly in the Latino community. She enjoys the outdoors and family time with her husband, Rusty, and their children, Thomas and Maddy.

St. Mary’s Welcomes Rev. Linda Huggard! 


St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Elk Grove is pleased to welcome the Rev. Linda Huggard as the new priest-in-charge. Rev. Huggard is a gifted leader, known for her ability to find and celebrate new life in all aspects of ministry. She began her new role on October 1.

St. Paul’s Saturday Sack Lunch Distribution 


St. Paul’s Sacramento has resumed its Saturday Sack Lunch distribution, which was paused during the pandemic. As restrictions eased, we began offering lunches outside the 15th Street doors. What started as a modest effort serving 6-10 meals has now grown to more than 50 each week, along with coffee, tea, and cocoa in reusable mugs to encourage conversation.


A recent partnership with the Sacramento Downtown Partnership has provided housing referrals and other services, including laundry. This exciting collaboration with Sacramento Street Medicine will offer social services and medical care twice a month.


CLICK HERE for more information

Upcoming Events Around the Diocese 

Screening of The Philadelphia Eleven on Sunday, October 20 in Napa



St. Mary’s in Napa is hosting a free screening of “The Philadelphia Eleven,” a documentary about the first women ordained as priests in the Episcopal Church, overcoming discrimination and rejection.


Join us from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 20. While admission is free, donations are welcome.


The film highlights the ongoing struggles women face in seeking ordination and the inspiring stories of those who transformed the church despite significant risks.


After the screening, enjoy coffee and treats while engaging in an informal discussion with local female clergy and attendees.


CLICK HERE for more information.



St. Peter’s Hosts 14th Annual Oktoberfest


Join us from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, for the 14th Annual Oktoberfest!


Hosted by St. Peter's this event will be a great evening full of live music, dancing, and food. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door, with a portion of the proceeds going to support the victims of the Park Fire.



Scan the QR Code or CLICK HERE for more information.

St. Paul’s Sip, Savor, and Serve! 


St. Paul’s is excited to invite you to our Sip, Savor, Serve event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 17 from at the Paul Mahder Gallery (222 Healdsburg Ave). This fundraiser supports our outreach programs that benefit the wider community.


Join us for an evening of jazz, delicious appetizers from Downtown Bakery and Single Thread, and exceptional local wines. Enjoy unique silent auction items and learn how St. Paul’s serves more than 250 visitors weekly through meals, support groups, and events.


Tickets are $100 and can be purchased on Eventbrite (search for Sip, Savor, Serve).


Feel free to share the attached flyer with anyone interested in supporting a good cause. For questions, contact us at 707-433-2107 or office@stpauls-healdsburg.org.


We hope to see you there!


CLICK HERE for more information

Job Openings in The Diocese

Our Saviour, Placerville is looking for a new secretary. The secretary is responsible for producing a monthly newsletter, printing and filing documents, responding to inquiries, maintaining the church’s website, greeting and assisting visitors, and performing other duties as requested from the Rector.


More information can be found here:

Our Saviour Placerville

The Trinity Cathedral Choir of Sacramento is looking for a new Soprano Choral Scholar for the 2024-25 season. The choral scholar acts as a paid section leader and soloist under the supervision of the Canon Precentor & Director of Music.


More information can be found here: https://sierracanon.wordpress.com/2024/07/09/trinity-cathedral-choir-seeing-a-new-soprano-choral-scholar/

Other Open Positions


St. Dorothy's Rest is looking for an Interim Executive Director. The position will begin November 1, 2024 and serve one 12-month term, concluding October 31, 2025.


More information can be found here:

St. Dorothy's Open Position

Job Openings in the Office of the Bishop

Missioner for Church Vitality


Click here for more information

Clergy Openings in The Diocese

For job descriptions or questions, please contact

transitions@norcalepiscopal.org or call Cn. Julie at 916.442.6918 x 214

The ENews is published weekly on Tuesdays.

To submit news/events, please email communications@norcalepiscopal.org by Wednesday of the prior week

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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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