Diocesan Digest, April 20, 2017

Diocesan Digest, April 20

Easter Blessings to you all!

The Rev. John Scannell occasionally does the Eucharist for us at the Bishop’s Close on a Wednesday. He was here this week and preached a wonderful homily about the Road to Emmaus. I enjoyed and was helped by his words. This is often the gift we receive as we worship together. He reminded us that Easter is seven weeks long and that the challenge is to practice Resurrection for all of the next seven weeks – and indeed all year.

I pray you are able to see glimpses of Christ on the road these next few weeks and that they may strengthen you for the work of ministry in the name of Jesus Christ. One of the stated Core Values of the Diocese of Oregon is: “Living in and sharing God’s abundance in thankfulness for the riches we have.” I pray we are all able to live into this Core Value as we move through Eastertide. I admit that sometimes I find it easier to dwell on the challenges of life and to thereby miss that which is good and holy and healthy. I do not plan to do that these next few weeks. The challenges will be there, they always are, but so are the blessings if we but take the time to see them.

One of the challenges I now face is a small medical one and it has caused me to cancel a trip to Chicago to be present at an event concerning gun violence. I am sorry to be missing that event and I encourage you to pray with me for those who will be there to learn about gun violence and to witness to Chicago and the nation that there are things we need to do in this society to keep people safe from the violence that occurs with the use of firearms.

As Fr. Scannell also reminded us this morning, the disciples who encountered Jesus on the road not only receive a blessing in their time with Jesus, but they also ran back to the other disciples of Jesus and shared the good news with them. May you be able to share the good news of God’s presence in your life this Eastertide.

Thank you, John, for your wisdom; you were a blessing to the diocesan staff today.

With hope for a Blessed Eastertide,

+Michael

EARTH DAY: APRIL 22

The Environmental Commission of the Diocese of Oregon is a group of lay and clergy leaders of the diocese who focus on environmental issues from the perspective of a people of faith. They provide resources to help your family and congregation celebrate Earth Day and implement environmentally-responsible lifestyle choices on our website and their Facebook page.

The Calendar

Upcoming diocesan and church events:

Extraordinary Young Musicians: Damon Zavala, Viola and Voice, the 2017 annual concert sponsored by the St. Paul's Music Guild. St. Paul, Salem. May 7, 4 - 5:30 pm.

Ninth Annual Rahab's Sisters' Mother's Tea: featuring a lovely afternoon tea, selfie station and a silent auction. St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukie. May 6, 2 - 4 pm.

Godly Play Core Training: three-day training on the fundamentals of facilitating Godly Play sessions for children. All Saints, Hillsboro. May 19 - 21.

Episcopal Church Women Spirituality Day: "Seeking Wellness: Keep It Simple Sister" is the theme for this one day retreat. St. Paul, Salem. May 20, 8 am - 4 pm.

Global Mission Conference 2017: "Reconciliation: God's Mission - and Ours" is the theme of this year's conference. Camp McDowell, Alabama. May 24-26.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival Retreat: attend plays, visit artisan food and beverage sites, and enjoy outdoor activities at Camp Latagwa. September 6-10
Check out the online calendar for the full schedule.

Submit an event for the calendar

Today in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:

Oregon Episcopal School. Mo Copeland, Head of School; Phillip Craig, Head Chaplain; Jennifer Cleveland, Jennie Kiffmeyer Chaplains.

William Temple House: new Executive Director Carrie Hoops. Pray that God will continue to guide us as we provide counseling and social service assistance to the working poor.

Port Orford: St. Christopher: receiving names for a new Vicar.

Click here to download the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer

Clergy Corner

Events and Notices
Bishop Michael's Visitation Schedule:

St. Michael & All Angels, Portland: April 30
St. Timothy, Salem: May 7

Check out Clergy Resources for more information and employment opportunities.

Word of the Week

Whether you're a cradle Episcopalian or just walked through the red doors yesterday, chances are you've encountered some of the special vocabulary specific to our faith and wondered, what does that mean?

Check out previous Word of the Week entries and other photos on our Instagram account.

We are the people in the Church

Who are your heroes? This week, I am at the Episcopal Communicators Network annual conference. When I sat down to a dinner last night, I thought the Kentucky-style ribs with bourbon BBQ sauce would be the highlight of the evening. Instead, I found myself caught up in an unexpected holy moment, listening to the stories of these two women and their histories of advocating for the rights of women and LGBTQ people in The Episcopal Church.