Dear Friends in Christ:

Grace and peace to you, and Advent blessings.

It was good to be with so many of you in Redding last month. My last "normal" Convention was a happy one, thanks to the Office of the Bishop Staff, Convention Officers and Volunteers, and our several presenters. Once again, thanks to Carren and the good people of All Saints' for hosting us.

As I said at Convention, I am grateful to our Standing Committee, and to its Bishop Search Committee, for all their good, hard work to bring us to the point where as I write this the names of nominees will soon be announced, the window for petitions opened, and the final slate determined. We've been a long time getting to this place, and still have seven months to go. But I sense that there is about to be a major shift: until now, the idea of a new bishop has been in spite of all the attention we've been giving it - something of an abstract notion. Now, it takes flesh. Now, the process accelerates. Now, the emotional landscape begins to shift more noticeably. All of this is as it should be; I only ask that we continue to focus on our mission, and all the work we have yet to accomplish.

Speaking of which, I want to point you to three important links: here is one and here is the other, both of which have to do with the essential work of Muslim-Christian relations. The third is an  ecumenical and disciplinary matter, having to do with our relations with "Old Catholics."

Finally, I want to thank you for overseeing the collections on behalf of the Diocese of Cuba, which have resulted in our being able to send $6,500 to the Church Pension Fund. This is a just and joyful thing - just what this Season of Advent wants our lives to be, it seems to me.

May God's justice and joy be ever with you this Advent.

In Christ,

The team is a group of Northern California Episcopal congregations, church members, and a growing network of friends across the world committed to the long term recovery of all individuals and communities affected by the Camp Fire.

The Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Paul Colbert, Priest-in-Charge at Trinity, Sutter Creek, will be Thursday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the church. 

Your choir is invited to join Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento, for the 32nd Diocesan Choir Festival on Saturday, Jan. 26. This is the final choir festival in its current format, and Dr. David Flood, Organist and Master of the Choristers at Canterbury Cathedral will be returning to conduct. David recently celebrated his 30th year as Canterbury Cathedral Director of Music and is a good friend of Trinity Cathedral.

 

Here is a PDF with all of thed etails for the day, as well as a  registration form. Be sure to order the music in advance from Lois Fyfe Music. If you mention that you are participating in our choir festival, you will receive a 10% discount on your order.

 

Please email Canon for Music David Link at  [email protected] for questions.

 

Our diocese has established a partnership with the Center for Anglican Learning and Leadership which will allow lay and clergy members of our diocese to enroll in online courses at a discounted rate. Whether you are working on a new Lay Ministry license or are looking for a continuing education opportunity, CALL may have a course that is right for you. 

Visit the CDSP website  for more details, and, if you want to register, please email Betsey Monnot at [email protected] for information about receiving the discount. The winter term begins on Jan. 21, 2019.