Diocesan e-News - Jan. 23, 2018

JANUARY 23, 2018

Pathways 2018: Focus on Faith, Science and Climate

By the Rev. Anne Clarke, Lifelong Christian Formation Coordinator

Our Pathways planning team is proud and excited to announce some of the details of this summer's Pathways pilgrimage, from June 24-30, 2018. Registration is open for all youth finishing grades 7-12. Learn more about Pathways and register here.

First of all, we are incredibly honored to welcome the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori to Pathways this summer! Bishop Katharine will join us for two days during Pathways, and she will worship and travel with us during part of our pilgrimage. We can't wait to join with her in conversation about faith and science, and to talk more about ways to equip ourselves to be "climate ministers" working for environmental justice and reconciliation with our earth.

" Northern California has developed a remarkable ministry in Pathways. I look forward to joining these young people in learning more about how loving 'this earth, our island home' manifests in loving our neighbors as ourselves. We are keepers of our brothers and sisters as well as the garden in which we're all planted, and I know we'll find joy in this pilgrimage of exploration in June!" Bishop Katharine said.

Our home base during Pathways will be Sonoma State University, where we'll stay in dorm rooms and eat in their fantastic dining hall. We are looking forward to swimming, Frisbee, and basketball on their beautiful campus.

On Tuesday and Thursday during Pathways, we will head off on our pilgrimage, to learn stories that Sonoma and Marin County have to offer about the relationships among humans, and between humans and the land:

We'll visit the Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory to learn about climate change research from some of the country's leading scientists.
The Marine Mammal Center rehabilitates animals, and during our visit there we'll have the chance to learn about the relationships between humans and animals, and how we can help keep them and their environment healthy.
We'll pray and reflect at the Marin Headlands, and learn some of the history of native people who first lived in this land.
Angel Island, the site of an immigration station for many years, is a rich site of history about the struggles and triumphs of many immigrant families. Our visit there will invite us into conversations about immigration in our own families and communities.

This is a small window into what we have planned and are planning! We hope you will join us, and encourage the young people in your lives to join us. If you have questions, please get in touch with the Rev. Sarah Quinney or the Rev. Anne Clarke.

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

A Prayer for Our Bishop, the Rev. Ann and Holy Land Pilgrims

Bishop Barry and the Rev. Dr. Ann Hallisey are leading three dozen pilgrims on a trip to the Holy Land, leaving on Wednesday, Jan. 24 and returning Feb. 3. Please join them in this prayer and pray, too, for their safe travels.

Gracious God, you have called us to a pilgrimage of faith.

The light of your truth summons us,

and the call of faith is a constant challenge on our journey.

We give thanks for the desire to seek you:

we give thanks for voices from the past that offer guidance,

for signposts pointing to the next stage,

for companions who share the journey,

for footsteps in the sand of pilgrims before us,

for the conviction that, unseen but not unknown, you are with us.

Holy One, keep us faithful to the vision,

and steadfast on our pilgrimage

so that the distant goal may become a reality,

and faith at last lead to sight. Amen.

- From Celtic Blessings and Prayers

By Brendan O'Malley

Ordination and Celebration of New Ministry

On Thursday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m., the Rev. David Gilman Rickert will be ordained as a priest at Trinity, Folsom. Your prayers and presence are requested; reception to follow. Clergy: red stoles.

On Friday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m., the Rev. Bradley Helmuth will be celebrated for his new ministry at Holy Trinity, Nevada City. All are invited to attend this event. Clergy: white stoles.

Bishop's Visitation Schedule

Feb. 11 - St. John's, Lakeport
Feb. 18 - St. Michael's, Anderson
Feb. 25 - St. Paul's, Crescent City
March 11 - St. Mary's, Elk Grove
March 25 - Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento

The Bishop's full 2018 visitation schedule is available here.

THE SEARCH FOR OUR NEXT BISHOP

Bishop Search Listening Events Set

The Bishop Search Committee is urging everyone in the diocese to attend a listening event close to them. They will be on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

Feb. 10: Incarnation, 550 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa
Feb. 17: St. Peter's, 510 Jefferson St., Red Bluff
Feb. 24: St Alban's, 1675 Chester Ave., Arcata
March 10: St. John's, 2351 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville

FAITH FORMATION

Bishop's Book for Lent/Spring 2018

Our Lent/Spring Bishop's Book is "A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life" by Parker Palmer. At this moment of transition in our diocese, and in a world that often seems overcome with, in Palmer's words, "the forces of fragmentation," this classic book helps us to take a look at the ways in which we can support each other in living lives of wholeness.

"Some of the most urgent work of the Church in our time involves learning to look beyond the walls of our churches to notice the ways in which God is at work in the world, and then finding the best ways to join in," says Bishop Barry.

"That noticing and finding require discernment - one of the most important spiritual abilities a Christian can have. Parker Palmer has shown that he has something to teach us about this necessary skill."

The paperback edition includes resources for studying this book together, including a DVD with interviews and other footage from Palmer's retreats at the Center for Courage and Renewal, along with a study guide for readers and leaders.

Stay tuned for more resources and opportunities to connect online with others in our diocese reading this book together.

More Resources for Lent 2018

Forward Publications has a catalog of its Lent and Easter publications here . Their resources include meditations, group reading during Lent, making celebrations more meaningful, devotional reading and preparing for Holy Week and Easter.

Diocesan Partners in Ministries of Health, in our collaboration with Living Compass, is offering FREE copies of the 2018 Lenten Meditation Booklet. The order is being placed this week as Lent starts on Feb. 14 this year - a perfect fit with its theme of "Love." Please let Susan Wahlstrom, Diocesan Partners Coordinator, know by email or phone, (209) 296-1139, how many copies you would like for your congregation along with the mailing address.

And the popular Episcopal Relief & Development 2018 Lenten Meditation books are now available. The books are in English or Spanish, and can be downloaded online at episcopalrelief.org. Order printed books from the Episcopal Marketplace toll free at 1-866-937-2772. There is no charge for the books, only the shipping. Lent is very early this year, so it is recommended that the books be ordered by Feb. 2 to receive them by Ash Wednesday.

Jane Snibbe, Diocesan Coordinator for ER&D, would like to remind churches to hold an Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on either Feb. 18 (or a convenient Sunday in Lent) to recognize and honor the work of the organization.

Commuter Core Godly Play Training: Berkeley 2018

Sacred Stories - Saturday, March 3, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Parables - Saturday, April 21, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Liturgical Action - Saturday, May 5, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Learn more and register here.

Online Episcopal Enquirers Class, Feb. 11- March 25

Sacramentum is an experience of sacred community exploring Jesus and his teachings. It's a fully online course taught in real time, designed to help you go deeper into the mystery of Christ through the lens of the Episcopal tradition.

This weekly, seven-session course is designed for those who want a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, long-time believers looking to broaden their learning, as well as those preparing for baptism, confirmation, reception into the Episcopal Church or reaffirmation of baptismal vows. It's taught in English and is open to anyone in the world. For more information, click here.

NEWS & EVENTS IN OUR DIOCESE

Epiphany, Vacaville, Awarded Jubilee Grant

Jubilee Ministries, the Domestic Poverty network of the Episcopal Church, has awarded $67,000 in 54 grants to support mission and ministry in 35 dioceses for 2017.

Epiphany, Vacaville, was one of six recipients of a $3,000 grant that was awarded for programs committed to alleviating poverty and injustice. Epiphany sponsors a community meal program that has been running since 2000, where 250-350 meals are given to those in need every week. Learn more about the program here.

Nadia Bolz-Weber at Trinity Cathedral - Feb. 23

Pierced and tattooed, Nadia Bolz-Weber defies the image of the Lutheran preacher, yet this salty, liturgical acrobat challenges everyone from Christians to atheists to go spiritually deeper than they ever have. Her New York Times best-selling memoir, "Pastrix: The Cranky Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint," reveals the heart of this recovering addict's desire to bring the raw honesty that she finds in 12-step programs in the basement of churches into the sanctuaries of those buildings.

Bolz-Weber will be speaking at Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23. Seating is open, and tickets are available for $25 on Eventbrite.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2018 - Jan. 24

The North State Ecumenical Conference Invites you to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, tomorrow Jan. 24, at either the workshop or prayer service.

Speaker: Bishop Staccato Powell, AME Zion Church
Place: Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation; 600 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento
Workshop: 3:00 p.m.

Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m.
RSVP: http://nsec.org/WPCUrsvp or (916) 733-0202

Contact: The Rev. William Rotani at [email protected] for more information.

NEWS & EVENTS BEYOND OUR DIOCESE

CDSP Offers Youth Ministry Symposium March 17

Join Mark Yaconelli, teacher, author and researcher, for a contemplative approach to youth ministry on March 17, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at CDSP. The symposium is $25 and includes lunch; childcare provided (please indicate your need for childcare when you register). More information on the day is available here. Register here.

New Book About the First Episcopal Bishop of California

Students of Episcopalian history in California may be interested in a new book written about the state's first Episcopal bishop, the Rt. Rev. William Ingraham Kip. Kip, who lived from 1811-93, was the great-great-grandfather of the author, Mary J u dith Robi nson, who also wrote a history of the diocese, "From Gold Rush to Millennium - 150 Years of the Episcopal Diocese of California, 1849-2000."

To orde r "Gold Rush Bishop: William Ingraham Kip," contact Mary Robins on at [email protected]. The book is also available on Amazon.

Discussions on Issues of Interest to the Episcopal Church

Insights & Ideas - Centennial Conversations, a series of discussions featuring thought leaders from the Episcopal Church, the private sector, and the Church Pension Group (CPG) who will discuss issues of interest to the Church and to CPG: The Demographics of a Changing Church and Investing for Positive Impact.

Hosted by CPG in observance of its centennial, Insights & Ideas will be held at The Golden Gate Club at The Presidio, San Fransisco, Wednesday, Feb. 7. There is no cost to attend, but you must register, as space is limited.

Learn more here.