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Information, Invitations, and more from Beyond the Hill

Week of October 13, 2019

Who do you turn to in the "great cloud of witnesses" for encouragement, prayer, strength, wisdom?

"The story of Joseph Schereschewsky is unique in the annals of the Church. He was born on May 6, 1831, of Jewish parents, in the Lithuanian town of Tauroggen." So begins the essay commemorating this extraordinary man. Read the rest of his story .

As you'll discover Teresa of Avila was declared a " Doctor of the Church " in the Roman Catholic tradition. Latimer and Ridley were martyred during the reign of Queen Mary as the Reformation in England, officially begun under Henry VIII, experienced the benefit or wrath of the ruling Monarch. Ignatius continues to be an important voice in 21st century Christianity. Major Feasts in the Episcopal Church are "celebrations of the church year for which the Prayer Book appoints proper collects, psalms, and lessons. They include the seven principal feasts (Easter Day, Ascension Day, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, All Saints' Day, Christmas Day, and the Epiphany), Sundays, and major holy days (including feasts of our Lord, all feasts of apostles, all feasts of evangelists, and other designated feasts [see BCP, pp. 15-17, 31-33])." Saint Luke the Evangelist is commemorated as a Major Feast in our Church. Henry Martyn and William Carey had a passion for the Gospel that led them far from home, but closer to their Lord. It is an interesting mix of holy women and holy men we remember this week. ~Fr. Dan

Note: Major Feasts of the Episcopal Church are often highlighted in BOLD print in church calendars.

Here is the Calendar for OCTOBER 13 – OCTOBER 19

Note: Beyond the Hill was not sent last week. The Commemoration of William Tyndale is particularly dear to my heart. Today we can pick up numerous English translations of the Holy Bible. It hasn't always been so easy. From the short essay on William Tyndale (in Holy Women, Holy Men): "Tyndale was a man with a single passion—to translate the Holy Scriptures into English. Lacking official sanction, he went to Germany in 1524. Strongly opposed to his work, King Henry VIII, Cardinal Wolsey, and others, sought to destroy his work and put him to death. He was betrayed by a friend and was strangled and burned at the stake on October 6, 1536, in Brussels." Here are the saints for the past week. ~Fr. Dan

Here is the Calendar for OCTOBER 6 – OCTOBER 12

Sources: 



Salt and Light is a weekly email from the bishop's office

Building a New Strategic Plan and Gathering Data or a New Strategic Plan were written by the Co-chairs of the Pre-planning Work Group. I encourage you to read about their work and their hopes and then, add your prayers to mine as we work with our God to bring the Good News to life in our little part of the world. ~Fr. Dan

The data accumulated at the end of September in the various Listening Sessions is now being collated and evaluated. A Pre-planning Work Group " has begun to gather research materials at the national, regional, diocesan, and congregational levels to understand our current cultural contexts as well as the challenges and opportunities they present." Here are links to the work being imagined and being accomplished as we work together toward a new strategic plan:

Diocesan Convention

Friday-Saturday, November 8-9

St. Margaret's Church in Palm Desert

As you consider charitable and year-end giving in the months to come, explore the work of our own Episcopal Relief and Development. Following is a short explanation (with links) of the work they/we d. ~Fr. Dan

Episcopal Relief & Development works in collaboration with church partners and other local organizations to facilitate healthier, more fulfilling lives in communities that are struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. We also work around the world and here in the US responding to and rebuilding after disasters.

Our programs impact the lives of over 3 million people annually. We respect the dignity of all people and view them as our neighbors, working alongside participants regardless of religious affiliation or background.

Our unique expertise, experience and practical knowledge allow us to guide communities to lasting change with a focus on three key priorities:

In our   disaster response   and recovery work, we offer resources and training to help people prepare for disasters and provide support so vulnerable people can make a full and sustained recovery.

Our integrated strategies are developed in collaboration with local partners and communities to help ensure the results we generate are sustained over the long-term. Learn more about our integrated approach   here  .

Read inspiring stories about our transformative work in our   Stories   section.

Source:  What We Do  on the  Episcopal Relief and Development  site

Episcopal Relief and Development has a  4-star rating from Charity Navigator

Events at

Good Shepherd in Hemet

St. Margaret's in Palm Desert

St. Paul's in Palm Springs

St. John's in Indio

Sunday, November 3 at 4:00 PM

Saturday, December 7 from 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Beyond the Hill seeks to inform you about events and programs:

Similarly, when our Bishop Susan or other bishops (including the Presiding Bishop) write letters for distribution I will link to them in our Beyond the Hill Newsletter.

Beyond the Hill also seeks to keep you connected to the many ways we Episcopalians/Anglicans are “doing the work God has given us to do … as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.” (BCP 366, adapted)

~Fr. Dan

Be well.

Do good.

Pay attention.

Keep learning.

Father Dan

Vicar