MAY 15, 2018
Seven of the 18 EfM graduates of 2018 from around the diocese.  The Rev. Megan Anderson of Trinity Cathedral and Diocesan EfM Coordinator Sally Rooney are behind the group at left.

Education for Ministry Grads Share Personal Insights 

The Rev. Jana Branson, who will graduate Friday from Church Divinity School of the Pacific, and the Rev. Canon Andrea McMillin congratulate EfM graduate Lis Padula, formerly of St. Francis, Fair Oaks.
Education for Ministrry, a four-year extension program of the School of Theology, University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, granted certificates of completion to 18 students in the Diocese of Northern California, and many of them were in attendance for a ceremony and Holy Eucharist on Friday night, May 11, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Sacramento.

The Rev. Andrea McMillin, Canon to the Ordinary, celebrated the Eucharist, and graduates Thomas Stephenson of St. Luke's, Auburn, and Sue Ahlquist and Barbara Shreve of St. Luke's, Woodland, gave reflections of their EfM experiences in place of the homily.

"I can talk about my faith now," Stephenson said of EfM. He said said he is most proud to be a model of "what a Christian man is like" for the children in his life.

"EfM teaches us about the giants of the church," said Ahlquist, who added that she will always treasure the supportive group that was such a part of her life for the past several years. "We wrote some wonderful collects" based on their weekly theological reflections, which she admitted did not come naturally. "They were hard."

Shreve, a lifelong Episcopalian, said EfM has made her more tolerant, not so quick to judge, and taught her to "listen to my heart whisperings, and to actually pay attention to my life ... exercising my body, brain and heart muscles."

For more information on enrolling in Education for Ministry, check out the EfM website, or contact Sally Rooney, EfM diocesan coordinator, at [email protected].
THE SEARCH FOR OUR NEXT BISHOP
Diocesan Profile Nearly Complete; Publication Soon

Our Diocesan Profile has been drafted and is undergoing revisions.  Only after the Standing Committee approves the profile will it be available for the public to view on our  Bishop Search websiteWe'll be sure to let the community of the diocese know as soon as that happens. 

The Diocesan Profile is on track be published in spring 2018, at which point the nominations process officially begins.

More information on the Bishop Search is available here.
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
CDSP to Honor Bishop Barry at Commencement May 18 

The Very Rev. Dr. Mark Richardson, president and dean of the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, announced that our bishop will receive an honorary degree from the seminary at its commencement on Friday, May 18. 
 
The Rev. Dr. William Lupfer, 18th rector of Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City, will give the address at the commencement at 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel of the Great Commission at Pacific School of Religion. The event is open to the public and will be broadcast live online .

A reception will follow. 

At the commencement, CDSP expects to award the Master of Divinity degree to thirteen candidates, including transitional deacon Jana Branson from our diocese, and will also grant certificates to six students who have completed the Certificate of Anglican Studies or the Certificate of Theological Studies.
Details on the Bishop's England Pilgrimage for 2019

The holy sites of southern England will come alive for the group of pilgrims that can join Bishop Barrry Beisner and the Rev. Ann Hallisey for two weeks next spring.

"Ann and I will be leading a final, farewell, diocesan pilgrimage in 2019, this time to that other (for Anglicans) holy land, England. We will explore southern England, and focus on the English roots our Church's spirituality, worship, and belief. The itinerary includes Canterbury, Bury St. Edmunds, Norwich, Cambridge, Oxford, London, Salisbury, and Winchester. The dates are April 25 - May 7; approximate cost will be $4,000 (including air fare). A complete brochure will be available in June."

Please let  Jacqi Seppi, Executive Assistant to the Bishop, know as soon as possible if you are interested.
Register by This Saturday, May 19, for the June CCD Session


There's still time to register for the week-long intensive session at the Bishop's Ranch, June 10-15.  Check-in begins on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and the program begins at 2 p.m. The session ends on Friday at 4 p.m. 

Registration is due by this Saturday, May 19!  Register here .
Bishop's Visitation Schedule
  • May 20 - All Saints', Redding 
  • May 27 - St. Brigid's, Rio Vista
  • June 3 - Holy Trinity, Ukiah
  • June 10 - St. Michael's, Carmichael
The Bishop's full 2018 visitation schedule is available here
NEWS AND EVENTS IN OUR DIOCESE
200 Gather in Rocklin to Support Transgender Student

The Rev. Sarah Quinney 
More than 200 people gathered near Rocklin Academy Gateway to show support for 
a transgender student and the teacher who read a book about transgender children to her class. T he Rev. Sarah Quinney, priest-in-charge at St. James, Lincoln, organized a counter protest after Westboro Baptist Church sent out flyers announcing that they would be picketing the school on May 9. She was joined in her efforts by the local  Gender Health Center, and the counter protest effectively and peacefully overwhelmed the four Westboro supporters who showed up. 

Rocklin Academy Gateway teacher Kaelin Swaney was named the California Charter Schools Association's 2017 teacher of the year after she read transgender teen Jazz Jennings' children's book, which includes lines such as "I have a girl brain, but a boy body." A transgender kindergartner had brought Swaney the book and asked her to read it aloud during the class' story time.

Joining Rev. Sarah were the Rev. Cliff Haggenjos, rector at St. John's, Roseville, and several of his parishioners; the Rev. James Richardson; and transitional deacon the Rev. Thomas Gartin and vestry member Pierce Leavell of St. Augustine's, Rocklin, and some of their parishioners. View a  minute-long slideshow of the event here .
Save the Date: Camp Noel Porter Celebration, Sept. 1, 2018

For decades, Camp Noel Porter has been a sacred place for families, young adults, youth, and children. As camping programs have changed, the  Camp Noel Porter  board and the Board of Trustees have prayerfully decided that it is no longer possible to hold camp programs on this site. It is time to say goodbye to this summer camp ministry, remembering the spirit-filled gifts that we have received here. The time has come to "pass it on" as our camp-song reminds us.
 
To honor this beloved ministry, Bishop Barry Beisner invites you to a day of memory, celebration, prayer, and song on Sept. 1. The event will be mid-afternoon to early evening, at Camp Noel Porter. Specific details and RSVP information coming soon.

What about the Noel Porter property?
While both boards have reached consensus approving a possible property sale, there is no sale in process at this time. Any sale of the property would need to account for the care of the chapel and answer the concerns about St. Nicholas church.

Curious about our youth and young adult programs? 
Trinity Cathedral Dean Brian Baker Farewell Party June 10;
Richardson to Return to Trinity Cathedral as Interim Dean

Dean Brian Baker's Farewell Party to celebrate his 12 years in Sacramento will be Sunday, June 10, at 5 p.m. in Trinity Cathedral's Great Hall. Dinner will be served; donations and RSVPs are greatly appreciated. The cathedral's   office phone is   916-446-2513.

The Rev. James "Jim" Richardson, former associate dean at Trinity from 2000-2006, will serve as interim dean.   He most recently was priest-in-charge at Incarnation, Santa Rosa, since August 2015. 
Faith, Cameron Park, Offers Ecumenical Walks This Summer

Cameron Park Lake will be the setting for a series of  relaxing, nourishing and fun Spirit Walks with people of faith. Says the Rev. Sonya Reichel, "We will learn and experience a variety of meditative walks. These practices will help still your mind, calm your body, and refresh your spirit. Each walk will last no more than 45 minutes. Each week stands alone and does not require any previous knowledge or participation."
 
She adds: "Furry friends on leashes are welcome to join us - they have a lot to teach us about remaining joyfully in the present moment!"
 
The walks will be:
Fridays at 10 a.m. on June 1, 8, 15 and 22
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. on July 5, 12, 19 and 25
 
For more information, contact  Rev. Sonya Reichel,  Assistant Rector of Faith Episcopal Church, via email at  [email protected] or via phone at  916-747-0403.
Calling Young Adults: Volunteer with LEVN 
LEVN logo

LEVN, the Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network, is looking for young adults (age 21-30) with Bachelor's degrees for an 11-month program of non-profit volunteer service and learning about social justice. From the end of August 2018 to the end of July 2019, our corps members will be provided housing, utilities, health insurance, transportation, spiritual direction, and a $400/month food stipend. We also offer a $1000 re-entry grant at the completion of the program.

The corps members live in intentional community in a triplex in Sacramento. We're an ecumenical program in the Episcopal Service Corps network; applicants needn't be either Lutheran or Episcopal to apply -- interest in Christian spirituality is the only expectation. Visit levn.org or contact Program Director Casey Dunsworth at 530-756-1550 or [email protected] for more information!
Save the Date: Incarnation 100 Bike Ride June 9

The streets of Sonoma County will be filled with bicyclists on Saturday, June 9, to raise money for homeless services. Avid and casual riders are welcome; the routes range from 30-100 miles.

This is the fourth annual ride sponsored by the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Santa Rosa. Last year's ride, which raised $17,000, attracted more than 200 cyclists. 

As an added bonus this year, Incarnation 100 is offering a free jersey to anyone who can raise $450 towards the ride.  Volunteers are needed to help in a variety of capacities. Click here for more information.
Available Positions in the Diocese

St. Michael's, Carmichael, is seeking a Communications Coordinator/ Administrative Assistant who is personable, kind, a problem solver, organized, detail-oriented, and a good communicator. A job description is available here.

St. Martin's, Davis, is seeking a part-time Music Director to enhance its commitment to excellence in worship and liturgy. For a full position description, please see the website or call the church office to request more information: (530) 756-0444.
St. Martin's is also seeking a part-time Director of Formation for Children and Families. Please direct all inquiries to the rector, the Rev. Dr. Pamela Dolan at
[email protected].

The Belfry campus ministry in Davis is seeking an Executive Director. The Belfry is a 40-year-old Episcopal-Lutheran campus ministry for UC Davis undergraduates and graduates. A job description is available here.

Faith, Cameron Park, is seeking a passionate and organized Parish Administrator who loves to work hard and have fun while doing it. A job description is available here.

Trinity, Folsom, is searching for a Director of Children's Ministries. A job description is available here.

Open clergy positions are available here.
NEWS AND EVENTS BEYOND OUR DIOCESE
DioCal Offers Financial Aid for Theological Education

The Diocese of California offers financial aid for students pursuing theological education  at an approved seminary or the School for Deacons.  Financial aid is available for students from the Diocese of California, the Diocese of Northern California, the Diocese of San Joaquin, and the Diocese of El Camino Real. Specific eligibility requirements differ from fund to fund. For more information and an application form, please contact Melissa Ridlon at   [email protected] .  Application deadline is May 18.
Women Invited to Spend 10 Days in SF Spiritual Immersion

The Community of St. Francis, a community of Episcopal religious, is offering a 10-day Residential Immersion in Franciscan Spirituality, Aug. 10-20 in San Francisco. Our theme is "Francis and Creation."

Join the sisters in living out spirituality through participation in their life of prayer, work, ministry, and community.  Open to any woman over 18. Room and board are provided as part of this free program, but donations always welcome. 

Application deadline is June 15. To apply, email Sister Pamela Clare at [email protected].  For more information, click here.
From The Episcopal Church 

The House of Bishops is inviting Episcopalians to "share reflections on sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation" ahead of a planned General Convention listening session titled "Pastoral Response to #MeToo."

A selection of the reflections, with no names attached, will be read as part of the liturgy included in the sessions, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves of El Camino Real, vice-president of the House of Bishops, said in a May 4 letter to the Episcopal Church.

The House of Bishop's Pastoral Response "will focus on listening, liturgy and steps for healing," according to the  press release issued with the letter . It will take place Wednesday, July 4, 5:15 to 7 p.m. CDT. Those not attending the General Convention in Austin, Texas, will be able to participate remotely via live webcast. Read more here.
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THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Making Disciples, Raising Up Saints & Transforming Communities for Christ