 |
|
|
From Bishop Barry
Dear friends in Christ:
This month began with a great milestone event in the life of our Diocese. Over 200 people gathered at Camp Noel Porter to remember and celebrate the many blessings we have received in that place over the past six decades. Along with camp alumni, Kati Braak and Canon Andrea planned and led that day-long thanksgiving, which was a truly beautiful example of healthy Christian grieving: a grace-filled mixture of sorrow and joy, loss and hope, looking back and looking forward, with hearts open to the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Eucharist was at the center of the day. The frontal on the Altar in Transfiguration Chapel was lovingly made for the occasion. It had the CNP logo at the center, and all around it celebrants had written of the blessings CNP had brought into their lives. Later, at the closing campfire, pieces of that frontal were given out, emblematic of the work we were doing that day, signs of blessings received and of our call to carry those blessings into the future.
This was not a funeral. Our Diocese is now doing more ministry to children, youth, and young adults than it was when CNP was operational; we are passionately committed to seeing those ministries flourish and increase. The difference is that such ministries are no longer tied to that one place, cherished and sacred in memory, but no longer sufficient to our ministry needs.
We are part of the Jesus Movement. Movements move. With God's help, we are moving on to realize the abundant new blessings God has for us. We move on, hearts filled with gratitude for all that has been given, for God's faithful, loving presence made real in and through the saints who so deeply love Camp Noel Porter, and who pass its blessings on.
|
|
More from Bishop Barry - Total Ministry
As you may remember, over a year ago our diocese undertook a comprehensive review of what has come to be called Total Ministry in our diocese. In June of 2017 I met with a group of representatives of Total Ministry congregations and supporters, as well as members of my staff. We spent a fruitful day with the Rev. Dr. Susanna Singer, Associate Professor of Ministry Development at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, discerning areas of inquiry and generating questions for a survey. That survey was then sent out to members and leaders of Total Ministry congregations, as well as to members and leaders of congregations that considered Total Ministry but chose not to pursue it.
We had an excellent rate of return on these surveys, and the results have been extensively analyzed and interpreted. The report that was generated is available on our website, and I commend it to you. Thank you to all who participated in creating and answering the survey.
There is more to come on this subject. The survey results have generated ideas for the way our diocese lives out baptismal ministry in every congregation. As these ideas unfold, I will be in further communication with you.
I wish to thank Canon Andrea, Betsey Monnot, and Anne Clarke who ably coordinated and worked with the diocese to bring this survey to fruition. Pat Harik and the Total Ministry Development Group have been faithful in their attention to this process as we explore where the spirit is leading us as we empower the baptismal ministry of all.
In Christ,
|
|
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
|
|
|
Leadership nominations due Friday, Sept. 14
Standing Committee and Board of Trustees nominations may be made by any person with seat, voice and vote. The governance nomination form is
here; the completed form should be sent to
[email protected].
Elective Offices to be Filled:
Standing Committee: 1 clergy (four-year term)
Standing Committee: 2 lay (four-year term and two-year term)
Board of Trustees: Either 2 clergy or lay (three-year term)
Here is an intro of the role descriptions of each office:
The Standing Committee:
- Serves as the Bishop's Council of Advice, meeting on request of the Bishop or on the Committee's own accord
- Acts in matters such as recognizing new missions and missions becoming parishes, consenting to alienation or hypothecation of congregational or institutional property, consulting upon differences between a rector and vestry, approving the progress of individuals through the process for ordination to the diaconate or priesthood, approving the release and removal of individuals from the ordained ministry, consenting to the deconsecration of churches, and, consenting, along with other standing committees (consent of a majority of standing committees being required), to the election of bishops of other dioceses or filling a vacancy in the office of presiding bishop. Read more.
Trustees will:
- Through a Mutual Ministry process with the Bishop, help set goals for the diocese and periodically evaluate progress toward goals.
- Help develop Diocesan Policy and Strategy in support of mission priorities and operations priorities established by Diocesan Convention. *Contribute to Strategic Planning for the diocese, looking ahead and helping develop policy options to meet changing circumstances.
- Help oversee Diocesan Finance and Administration in support of mission priorities, including the development and adoption of the annual operating budget of the diocese. Read more.
The due date for filing nominations is Friday, Sept. 14.
|
|
Bishop invites retired clergy to lunch - Nov. 29
One of our bishop's ongoing ministries is fellowship with the retired clergy and spouses/partners of the diocese. One way this takes form is in twice-a-year lunches at churches around the diocese. These are wonderful opportunities for informal sharing and connection.
The next retired clergy lunch with the bishop is Thursday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., graciously hosted by All Saints, Sacramento. There is no cost to invitees, but we do ask that you reserve in advance and let us know of any dietary restrictions (see below for reservation info).
At this event a short presentation about financial abuse that targets elders will be offered by Chaplain to the Retired Clergy, the Rev. Dr. Christine Leigh-Taylor. A longer version of this information was given to all the Province VIII Chaplains to the Retired at their April 2018 meeting, and it is too good and too relevant to keep to ourselves. The information is from the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and each attendee will be given a handbook for future reference.
|
|
Bishop's visitation schedule
- Sept. 16 - Trinity, Folsom
- Oct. 21 - All Saints', Sacramento
- Oct. 28 - Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento
- Nov. 18 - Grace, St. Helena
- Nov. 25 - Trinity, Sutter Creek
|
|
NEWS & EVENTS IN AND BEYOND OUR DIOCESE
|
Celebration of New Ministry on Oct. 3;
Ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests on Oct. 19
DATE CORRECTION: Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. there will be a celebration of new ministry for the Rev. Dr. Stephen Shaver at Incarnation, Santa Rosa,
550 Mendocino Ave. A reception will follow. Clergy are invited to vest -- red stoles, please. Please RSVP here if you plan attend.
Friday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m., Thomas Robert Gartin will be ordained into the Sacred Order of Priests at St. Augustine's, Rocklin,
1800 Wildcat Blvd.
A reception will follow. Clergy are invited to vest -- red stoles, please.
|
Services for the Rev. Ted Ridgway, the Rev. Dave Ferrell
The Rev. Ted Ridgway's memorial will be on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. at All Saints, Redding. Clergy: white stoles.
The Rev. Dave Ferrell's memorial will also be on Sept. 15 at 3:30 p.m. at Trinity, Nevada City. Clergy: white stoles.
|
|
Geri Cunningham's Celebration of New Ministry
The Rev. Geri Cunningham's Celebration of New Ministry was Sept. 5 at St. Francis, Fortuna. Below she is pictured with Bishop Barry and deacons the Rev. Mara Arack and the Ven. Pam Gossard.
|
|
Sustainable Development Goals grants available
At the 2016 Diocesan Convention we passed a resolution, following the lead of the United Nations and the Episcopal Church, that extends the commitment of using 0.7% of our budget for overseas development. The focus is on efforts to help people and or communities develop ways to become self sustaining. Among the 17 stated goals are those including comprehensive education, better farming techniques, relief of hunger and economic growth.
The remainder of our funds are available for projects that support one or more of the above goals for the development of locally sustainable projects. We are inviting our congregations to consider applying for grants supporting projects or programs overseas that meet one or more of these goals. We are particularly interested in ways partnerships and projects are being developed in cooperation with and supporting local efforts.
Download the grant application; the deadline to apply is Sept. 20.
|
|
Fall programs at the Bishop's Ranch
Guardian Angels, Goddesses & Spirit Guides: Nov. 3-4
Come make your own custom icon, saint or spirit! Perhaps you need your very own Patron Saint of Serenity or Goddess of I Won't Take it Anymore. Perhaps a Spirit Guide to Adventure? Whatever you need-serious or silly, meditative or magical-you can create during this two-day mixed media workshop.
Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama: Nov. 10
Use breath and meditation to deepen your understanding and appreciation of yoga. Our focus will be on choosing what opens your heart, supports your health, and uncovers your inner wisdom. You will be guided and encouraged to move past your resistance into a state of peace, clarity, and joy.
|
|
Episcopal Relief & Development reveals new logo
ERD unveiled a new logo and tagline, to inspire and deepen engagement with supporters and program partners, and to better represent its work around the world.
The logo features colors that reinforce a connection to the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. The tagline, "Working Together for Lasting Change," highlights the importance of collaboration, and achieving a measurable and sustained impact in all aspects of its global programs.
"I am excited about the fresh look. It is bold, forward-looking and energetic," said Rob Radtke, President & CEO for Episcopal Relief & Development. "The new logo reflects our core values and commitment to our faith while conveying how we work together with partners and supporters to create lasting change for communities worldwide."
Episcopal Relief & Development launched its current strategic plan in 2017. Working closely with staff, board and stakeholders across the Church and the Anglican Communion, the organization identified three signature
program priorities where it is making a measurable difference: Women, Children and Climate.
Read the full release.
|
|
From the wider Church
The following is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the House of Deputies of the 79th General Convention at its meeting on July 5 - July 13, 2018 in Austin, Texas, at which a quorum was present and voting.
Resolved, That the House of Deputies of the 79th General Convention express our gratitude for the public witness of Bishops United Against Gun Violence through the organization of the marches at the 78th and 79th General Conventions...
Read the full resolution here.
Other news:
Grace Cathedral in SF to play prominent role in Global Climate Action Summit
Presiding Bishop Curry thanks all for prayers as he returns to work
Church backs Lakota translation of prayer book as tribes seek to preserve language
|
|
|
THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Making Disciples, Raising Up Saints & Transforming Communities for Christ
|
|
|
|
|
|
