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In this edition of ENews:
- Construction is Underway
- Election Day
- Board of Trustee Vice President Report
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Construction is Underway! | |
Bishop Megan is delighted to announce that the construction has officially begun at our new office location. This week, the Bishop and her executive team met with project manager Hector Mendoza, and we look forward to sharing more updates with you in the coming weeks. Stay tuned! | |
Election Day Prayer and Reflection | |
Board Of Trustees; Vice President Report | |
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In September, the Board of Trustees had our second in-person meeting of the year in Woodland. Our thanks to St. Luke’s for hosting our meeting. We began our time together with a dinner with members of the Standing Committee. It was to gather together for fellowship before returning to the governance of the diocese.
The Employee Practices and Benefits (EP &B) committee presented the new Sabbatical Leave Policy for Office of the Bishop employees. EP & B created a program where all full-time employees in good standing who have worked for the office for a minimum of 5 years are eligible for a paid 3-month sabbatical. This is a pioneering effort available to all staff (not just clergy) to recognize their hard work on behalf of the diocese. The Office of the Bishop (OOB) will grant a maximum of 2 sabbaticals per year, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Employees must work with their supervisor to determine the timing of their sabbatical where it reduces the impact on OOB operations. We expect that the sabbatical is an opportunity for employees to refresh and rejuvenate with an expectation that they remain with the OOB for at least 1 year after they return from the sabbatical. If congregations are interested in offering sabbaticals for their staff (clergy and laity), please contact the Office of the Bishop.
Click here for full report
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Join us as we honor and celebrate the lives of those who have passed with love, joy, and remembrance. This beautiful tradition is a time to come together, create colorful altars (ofrendas), share stories, and remember that our loved ones are always with us in spirit. Whether you're setting up your own ofrenda or just reflecting, let's embrace this day with gratitude for the memories and the connection between life and death. | |
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The investiture of Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe
The investiture of Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe will be held online at 8 a.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, Nov. 2 , and resources are now available for local watch parties, including customizable invitations, graphics, and a media kit. The livestream will be featured on The Episcopal Church’s website and Facebook page, with a prelude featuring a diocesan “roll call” at 9:30 a.m. ET. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites the entire church to join in this special event.
Click here for more information
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Mission for Disaster Relief | |
Disaster Preparedness Academy Comes to Semper Virens! | |
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The morning of Saturday, October 19th, dawned crisp and clear in Fortuna as Mother Geri and Instructor Larry Masterman set-up the one day class on preparing ourselves and tips on how to prepare our congregations for the disaster, when it happens.
Members of St. Francis (Fortuna), Christ Church (Eureka), St. Alban’s (Arcata), St. Barnabas (Mt. Shasta), and St. John’s (Roseville) were in attendance and shared many concerns, laughs, and even lunch while also learning skills to equip ourselves, plan for staying in place or evacuating, feed and water ourselves and others, as well as responding to medical emergencies that will happen in the wake of a major event.
The day started with preparation and ended with “Stop the Bleed” training. The certificates and basic emergency kits (worth over $200 each) that attendees earned where handed out by Larry while “Pomp and Circumstance” played – just like a real graduation!
We look forward to providing more training in the various locations throughout the diocese as the Mission for Disaster Resilience continues to grow. We need your support and attendance to make it happen.
As always, please consider a donation to the Bishop’s Disaster Fund to help us provide these important trainings and resources to you.
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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.
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Diocesan Convention Registration | |
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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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Commission for Intercultural Ministry | |
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Voting early helps you avoid last-minute issues like transportation or unexpected obligations. It also reduces Election Day crowds and congestion, making the process smoother for everyone. Plus, you gain peace of mind knowing your vote is already counted!
The Episcopal Office of Government Relations Vote Faithfully Election Engagement 2024 Toolkit offers resources to help encourage election participation within your church community.
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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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EDNC Staff Meets With New ELCA Bishop and Staff
On October 23, Bishop Megan, Canon Julie, and Kati Braak gathered for an inspiring day of fellowship with Bishop Jeff Johnson and his team from the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA). The day was filled with meaningful discussions on shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration. We can't wait to see how this partnership will grow!
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Left to right: ELCA Bishop Jeff Johnson; Megan Macpherson, Assistant to the Bishop for Lay Ministries; the Rev. Amy Kienzle, Director of Evangelical Mission; the Rev. Charlane Lines, Assistant to the Bishop for Transitions; Kati Braak, EDNC Director of Operations; the Rev. Brandon Peck, Administrative Director; Bishop Megan Traquair; and Canon Julie Wakelee | |
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St. Matthew's in Sacramento
On October 25, Bishop Megan attended a vibrant resource fair at St. Matthew's in Sacramento, where she was warmly welcomed by congregation members and longtime lay leader Vicki McCarthy. Participants included River City Food Bank, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Mission, MISI Community Solutions, San Juan Unified School District, Sac County Immunization Assistance Program, New Roots International Rescue Committee, Highlands Community Charter Schools, AETNA, Children’s Choice Dental Care, SMUD, CalFresh, and Civic Thread.
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St. David’s Hall at St. John in Chico receives renovation and re-dedication!
On October 20, St. John's, Chico, celebrated the renovation and re-dedication of St. David's Hall as part of the Red Cross Resilience Hub at St. John's. The space will serve as a Red Cross Logistics Center during disasters and, when not in use for emergencies, be available for community events, meetings, and retreats. The celebration included a prayer, blessing, and a joyful rendition of "All Are Welcome in This Place," followed by a brunch hosted by The Red Cross and St. John's Special Events Team. The project was made possible by a generous Red Cross grant and support from the Diocesan Disaster Relief Ministry.
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Canon Julie Visits St. Stephens in Colusa
This past Sunday, Canon Julie was honored to preach at St. Stephen’s, Colusa. Afterward, all gathered enjoyed a meal (baked potato bar and delicious homemade moon pies!) and engaging conversation about next steps following the upcoming retirement of Rev. John Vafis, who has served faithfully for 19 years as their priest-in-charge.
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Left: Senior Warden Denise Carter, Rev. John Vafis, Canon Julie.
Right: the beautiful and historic church building in Colusa
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Rainbow Ministry
Join us on Zoom on October 30 at 1 pm for our Rainbow Ministry Gathering. The Rainbow Ministry is a group that welcomes all who identify as 2S/LGBTQIA+ and allies. Our ministry exists to celebrate and embark on the fabulous gender and sexual diversity of all God’s people, fostering education, invitation, and connection throughout the diocese. We will share our churches’ progress on inclusivity and discuss the Safe Zone Project. For more information on the Safe Zone Project CLICK HERE.
Zoom Details:
Wednesday, October 30, 1 pm
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://samuelmerritt.zoom.us/j/6415167663?omn=97037302294
Meeting ID: 641 516 7663
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Annual Trunk or Treat at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
St. Michael's Episcopal Church is hosting its annual Trunk or Treat event on Thursday, October 31! The event, which begins at 6 p.m., will feature food, candy, assorted treats, a game lane, and Halloween-themed trunks. Everyone is invited! Those interested in participating can contact Pastor Katie at pastorkatie@stmichaelscarmichael.org
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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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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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Job Openings in The Diocese | |
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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
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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
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Job Openings in the Office of the Bishop | |
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Missioner for Church Vitality
We seek a dynamic priest to join our team. This staff person will be primarily focused on offerings to make our churches stronger, plus youth and young adult ministries. Bilingual (Spanish/English) or bicultural strongly preferred.
Click here 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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