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Listening Events off to a Great Start
By Erika Trez, Communications Co-Chair on the Bishop Search
Committee
The first Listening Event was a huge success! Seventy people from 24 different parishes gathered at Incarnation in Santa Rosa on Saturday Feb. 10. Some traveled from as far as Fort Bragg to come together as a diocese and voice their thoughts.
Incarnation rolled out the red carpet of hospitality and provided a beautiful meeting space for the group as well as a wide variety of snacks. Name tags were distributed and everyone settled in at their various tables, seated in groups of 6-8. The Rev. Kate Sefton, the morning's facilitator and member of the Listening Committee, began with overview of the day along with encouragement to be considerate listeners. The Rev. Jeanne Forte, Search Committee Chaplain, led the group in prayer and offered a reflection. And then the work began!
First up was an all-group exercise to describe our diocesan culture in two words. Following that, most of the discussions took place around the tables, with Kate introducing the questions and keeping time. A recorder at each table collected the feedback, which will inform the development of our diocesan profile. After one of the breaks there was a breakout group for clergy, who used the same questions as the lay group. The final half-hour was spent again as a large group, where everyone was given the chance to share a synthesis of what had stood out to their table group or to them personally. A short round of gratitude closed out the day, and we spoke our dismissal exactly at noon.
The Search Committee is very grateful for all the efforts made at attending Listening Events and/or Parish Forums. Your voice, your experiences and your hopes and dreams are what will help us craft an accurate profile of who we are and where we want to go. To register for one of the remaining Listening Events,
click here.
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FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
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Bishop Barry, 70 Other Bishops Call for Assault Weapon Ban
Bishops United Against Gun Violence is calling for political action in addition to the prayer vigils being planned across the nation in the wake of at least six deadly school incidents this year.
"The heart of our nation has been broken yet again by another mass shooting at an American school," Bishops United Against Gun Violence, a coalition of more than 70 Episcopal bishops,
said in a statement released Feb. 16 following the Ash Wednesday massacre
at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
A former student, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz,
has been charged with 17 counts of murder a
fter authorities say he opened fire with an AR-15 rifle in hallways and classroom
s befo
re ditching his gun and ammunition and blending in with students to escape. He was found and arrested on a city street later in the day.
The bishops' statement asked members of The Episcopal Church to:
- Contact your elected representatives and ask them to support legislation banning assault weapons such as the AR-15; high-capacity magazines; and bump stocks, the equipment that allows semiautomatic weapons to fire dozens of rounds in seconds. "So, please, call your members of Congress and insist that your voice be heard above those of the National Rifle Association's lobbyists." Contact [email protected] for a resource sheet of elected representatives.
- Participate in a service of a lamentation for the victims of the Parkland shooting and all victims of lethal gun violence. We will be announcing a schedule of such services at churches around the country in the near future. To keep up with these plans, please follow our Facebook page, Episcopalians Against Gun Violence.
- Enter into a period of discernment with us about how, through prayer, advocacy and action, we can make clear to our elected representatives that they must vote in the interests of all Americans. And if you plan to attend this summer's General Convention in Austin, Texas, plan to join us each morning for prayer outside the convention hall and to attend the Bishops United Against Gun Violence public witness on Sunday, July 8 at 9 a.m.
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Good Friday Offering to Help Jerusalem and Middle East
The
Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry is asking
that all congregations consider taking an offering on Good Friday to provide assistance and support to the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.
"The
Good Friday Offering is one way we in the Episcopal Church help to support the ongoing ministry of love and compassion carried out by our Anglican sisters and brothers throughout the Province of Jerusalem and Middle East,"
Curry wrote to the bishops and clergy of the Episcopal Church. "Whether funding an eye clinic in Aden or women's programs, schools and medical services in the West Bank, the Good Friday Offering is making a difference in the lives of so many."
Curry wrote in the annual Good Friday letter,
"
I believe our partnership with those who keep the faith of Jesus alive in the region where our Lord walked and began his movement is a significant aspect of our work as part of the church catholic,"
he wrote.
Information, including bulletin covers and bulletin inserts on the Good Friday Offering, i
s av
ailable
here.
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Danea Thomas Joins Office as Staff Accountant
Danea Thomas has joined the Finance & Administration team as our Accountant
. You may contact her at
[email protected] or at 916-442-6918, ext. 220.
With more than 15 years of experience in accounting and business managem
ent,
Danea has spent the last few years focused on accounting for various nonprofit and faith-based organizations. Danea has a sincere desire to apply her strengths and
passion for numbers in a mission-driven environment.
Danea currently holds an Associate's degree in both Accounting and Business Management. She plans to finish her Bachelor's degree while working in the field she loves and caring for her family.
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Celebrations of New Ministry
Save the date: On Friday, April 20 at 7 p.m., the celebration of new ministry for the Rev. Dr. Daniel London will be held at Christ Church, Eureka. Clergy: white stoles.
The Rev. Bradley Helmuth greets parishioners after his celebration of new ministry at Holy Trinity, Nevada City, on Feb. 16 as Bishop Barry chats with some of the priests who vested for the occasion. Former rector Christopher Seal also attended, and the Rev. Matt Warren, vicar of Christ the King, Quincy, preached.
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CCD Registration is Open!
Registration for the College for Congregational Development is now open. Groups chose either two weekends or a weeklong session:
- April 6-8 & Oct. 26-28
- June 10-15
All sessions will be at The Bishop's Ranch in Healdsburg. L
earn more about the benefits of attending CCD and register here.
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Safe Church Update
Training is underway for congregational administrators to learn our new online safe church training system, which will be available in early March. All congregations have received an email about the new system, inviting administrators to receive this training. If you have questions or your congregation has not received this email, please contact Anne Clarke at [email protected].
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Open Clergy Positions
- St. Paul's, Benicia: Receiving names for rector
- All Saints', Redding: Receiving names for rector
- Grace Church, Fairfield: Receiving names for priest-in-charge
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Bishop's Visitation Schedule
- Feb. 25 - St. Paul's, Crescent City
- March 11 - St. Mary's, Elk Grove
- March 25 - Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento
- April 1 - St. Matthew's, Sacramento
- April 15 - St. John's, Chico
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2018 Bishop's Bible Challenge: Start A [New] Bible Study!
Whether your congregation is starting its first Bible Study or a Bible Study for a new group of people, there are resources here to help you begin to invite people into the transformative experience of reading the Bible together! Learn more here.
Bishop Barry stresses the importance of this:
"Scripture shapes us, teaches us, guides us, and helps us be more genuinely effective partners with God in God's mission."
On our website you'll find:
- Information about a webinar series to encourage and equip new and practiced Bible study and adult formation leaders
- 3 Easy-to-Lead Bible Study programs (and places to find more)
- Tips for inviting people and preparing to lead a group
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Anti-Racism Training April 21, St. Mary's Napa
The next 2018 Anti-Racism Training will be 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, at St. Mary's, Napa. This year's event will be facilitated by leaders from the
Kaleidoscope Institute
and provides an opportunity to come together as congregational leaders to learn how to help our worship communities appreciate and welcome the great diversity of people among us and around us, and to develop tools to work against the forces of racism in our world.
Anti-Racism Training is required for all who are engaged in ministries of governance (diocesan boards and commissions, as well as vestries and mission committees) and licensed lay ministers.
This event is free, and lunch is included, but registration is required. Register here.
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Be a Part of Pathways This Summer!
Besides visiting the Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory, the Marine Mammal Center, the Marin Headlands and Angel Island, we'll get to spend two days with the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori as we 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.
Camper scholarships in the amount of $200 are available to 60 children and youth who are active in their congregation. Congregational leadership (such as clergy, vestry members or youth ministers) can apply for these scholarships; click here to fill out the form. Congregations will be responsible for verifying that each child is eligible and for distributing the scholarships.
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Youth Discipleship Conversation and Connection
Join us for a nurturing lunch at a nearby restaurant and discussion around what could be emerging in youth discipleship in our diocese. Come for community and refreshment on
Saturday,
March 10, following the Bishop Search Committee's Listening Event at St. John's, Roseville.
This event is taking the place of the originally planned 2/9 and 3/9 visioning circles.
All are welcome. Please let us know if you're interested in attending by contacting the Rev. Anne Clarke at
[email protected].
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Diocese, CDSP Offer
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). Scholarships are available; contact the Rev. Anne Clarke for more information at
[email protected]
.
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NEWS & EVENTS IN AND BEYOND OUR DIOCESE
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A Love for Jesus that Transcends Words
By Sophie Smal, Communications Coordinator
Applying the Episcopal Church's motto that all are welcome, the Rev. Sarah Quinney, priest-in-charge at St. James, Lincoln, is seeing how implementing the Special Needs Ministry at St. James is changing lives, not only for those with special needs, but for their loved ones as well.
As a mother of a 14-year-old with autism, Jessica Frick started attending special needs services because it provided an opportunity to worship with her son, Dylan. Due to Dylan's limited communication skills and loud behaviors, the Fricks are unable to attend regular church services.
Quinney met first Dylan and his family through her music therapy practice for kids with special needs and has known them for nine years. Naturally, when she started her special needs ministry, she invited the Dylan and his mom to St. James. Jessica's two older sons attend St. Augustine's in Rocklin, and Quinney proudly holds the title of being their godmother.
During St. James' special needs Easter service last year, Dylan attended for the first time, and initially, "he wouldn't come inside the church. He kept walking around outside and looking in," Quinney said.
"Then, as I was singing and playing my guitar with the kids, all of a sudden, I look up and he's right there in the circle with us. He was totally engaged and stayed with us for the rest of the time," Quinney said.
When Dylan attended the special needs Christmas service held later that year, he didn't have any problem going inside the church. Continue reading...
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Lenten Quiet Day at Julian's Rest
Join Father David Englund for a time for solitude, community, prayer, reflection and examination "as we journey through Lent toward Easter, guided by the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer" on Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Julian's Rest retreat center in Berry Creek. To register, contact Fr. Englund at 530-680-6639 or
[email protected]
.
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ECS Grants Available: Apply Now!
Back for the 2018 cycle, ECS is pleased to announce that the Anita Weaver Grant is now accepting applications. These grants have been designated to help homeless indigent seniors. For complete information please see the
Request for Proposal
.
Grant applications will be due by March 5,
and the grant award will be announced by March 15.
Betty Harrison-Smith would like to remind those interested in applying for the three-year Warren Dunning Memorial Grant and other ECS grants to fill out a letter of interest by March 15. The letter and more information on the Dunning grant can be downloaded
here
. The letter should be emailed to Harrison-Smith at
[email protected]
.
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New Bereavement Group Begins March 1
Are you grieving the death of a loved one? A new bereavement group will launch March 1 and meet weekly through May 10. Open to area Episcopalians, the group will meet at Trinity Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Ave.
If interested, please contact The Rev. Anne Arthur at
[email protected] to learn more.
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2018 Missional
Voices
National Gathering: April 19-21
Missional Voices will be a weekend of thinking, planning, and dreaming about the future of missional communities and innovative ministries
in The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion. This will be a place where dynamic incubation of new ideas is the norm - not the exception - and where people doing uncommon ministry find support and encouragement. Guest speakers include Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry. Learn more here.
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From the Episcopal Church
The new Episcopal Evangelism Grants Program, which will fund local and regional evangelism efforts, is designed to grow Episcopal ministries, resources and gatherings that energize the Church to boldly and fearlessly share and celebrate the Good News of Jesus Christ. Learn more and apply
here. Application deadline is March 16.
* * *
The Jesus Movement: Loving, Liberating and Life-giving will be the theme for The Episcopal Church 79th General Convention. It will be held July 5-13 in Austin, Texas. "An Introduction to the 79th General Convention for Deputies and Bishops" is now available on the
General Convention website
. Also, legislative committees have been announced; read the full rosters
here. For the draft budget approved by the Executive Council for 2019-21,
click here. And r
egistration is now open for the Episcopal Church Young Adult Festival,
July 4-9.
Registration is
available here.
Other news:
Women tell #MeToo stories of life in the Episcopal Church
Church leaders reaffirm need for mental-health crisis training after NYPD officer acquitted in killing of Episcopalian
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THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Making Disciples, Raising Up Saints & Transforming Communities for Christ
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