March 22, 2022
In this edition of ENews:
  • Bishop Attends first In-Person House of Bishops meeting since 2019
  • Growing Conference – Registration Closes Soon!
  • Bishops Condemn War in Ukraine and anti transgender legislation
  • Participate in Legislative Hearings for General Convention
Office of the Bishop
Bishop Megan attends House of Bishops meeting
Above: 133 bishops and bishops-elect attended a House of Bishops meeting at Camp Allen, near Navasota, Texas, March 15-21. Photo: Frank Logue [Episcopal News Service — Navasota, Texas] 
Growing: Faith, Food, Community
Saturday, April 2
9:30 am - 3:00 pm
St. Martin's Church, Davis
$25.00 | In Person Only
Limited Space
Registration Closes
Monday, March 28!
https://form.jotform.com/220465127986160
WordFest!
Saturday, April 23
9:00 am - 2:30 pm
$10 | On Zoom
Workshops designed for lay readers, lay preachers, and bible study leaders to deepen their connection to scripture and build confidence in delivering the word.
Disaster Resilience
By Mark Dibelka | Missioner for Disaster Resilience
On March 20, 2022, I had the pleasure of leading worship and preaching at St. James’, Lincoln. After the service, the congregation gathered in the parish hall for lunch and an introduction to Project (Re)Start. 

The visit was wonderful, and I was made to feel right at home. The people of the congregation were quick with questions and ready to laugh at my silly jokes (very much appreciated, folks). Of the visit as a whole, Jean Derum (senior warden) said, “I can’t express how much I appreciated your presentation yesterday. The enthusiasm you both share for this project flowed like water over our congregation present.”
Above, Left: Mark preaching; Right: Mark with Lis Padula – volunteer coordinator for Project (Re)Start for the diocese.
From the Wider Church
House of Bishops condemns war in Ukraine, anti-transgender legislation at first in-person gathering since COVID-19 pandemic
BY EGAN MILLARD | Episcopal News Service
The House of Bishops voted unanimously to issue statements condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and political actions targeting transgender people at its March 15-21 meeting.nThe House met in person for the first time since September 2019, with 133 bishops and bishops-elect present, at Camp Allen, a retreat center near Navasota, Texas, owned by the Diocese of Texas.

The Ukraine statement – written by the Rt. Rev. Mark Edington, bishop of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, with input from other bishops – denounced the “utter depravity” of the Russian military’s assault on the former Soviet republic in moral and political terms.
“We are gathered at a moment of profound jeopardy to the principles of international law and peace,” the statement read. “As we meet and pray together as a House of Bishops, Ukraine — an independent, sovereign nation that has posed no threat to others beyond its borders — has been invaded by military forces of Russia, without provocation and without justification.”
In a referendum on Dec. 1, 1991, the statement noted, 90% of voters approved the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union that the Ukrainian parliament had issued in August of that year.
In an interview with Episcopal News Service, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry acknowledged the complex balancing act between the West’s support for Ukraine’s self-defense and the risk of escalating the conflict. Read more
Above: Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preaches during a Eucharist at the House of Bishops meeting. Photo: Frank Logue
General Convention committees to welcome public to first-ever online legislative hearings
BY DAVID PAULSEN | Episcopal News Service
The pandemic prompted dramatic changes in how The Episcopal Church will conduct its 80th General Convention – starting with its schedule. After a one-year delay, bishops and deputies will meet in person July 7-14 in Baltimore, Maryland, but there’s no need to wait until July in Baltimore to offer input on resolutions. Committees are holding 

Some committees already have met on Zoom to organize themselves and to begin reviewing any resolutions already submitted. Episcopalians and other interested members of the public can sign up to observe those online meetings, and registration is now open to testify at online hearings, through a process set up by the General Convention Office.

“I believe the good work we are seeing now, and the extra hours our deputies and bishops are spending before we gather in Baltimore, will greatly enhance our ability to discuss issues important to the church’s mission and ministry,” the Rev. Michael Barlowe, the General Convention secretary, told Episcopal News Service by email. Read More
Support for Ukraine
Episcopal Relief and Development is deeply engaged in addressing the humanitarian needs of Ukraine. Bishop Megan has directed a significant donation from the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund for this humanitarian crisis. Give by clicking on this link: Episcopal Relief and Development. 
From Trinity Cathedral
Thursday Night at the Cathedral series
Back by Popular Demand!

In honor of Earth Month, TREE (Trinity Respecting Earth and Environment) presents the acclaimed film Kiss the Ground.

Thursday, April 7
7:00 pm
At Trinity Cathedral and on Zoom
Kiss the Ground reveals that, by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and create abundant food supplies. Using compelling graphics and visuals along with striking NASA and NOAA footage, the film artfully illustrates how, by drawing down atmospheric carbon, soil is the missing piece of the climate puzzle.” (www.kissthegroundmovie.com)

Please come in person: there will be popcorn and soft drinks!

To Zoom, email Amy Dierlam by Tuesday, April 5, at amydier62@gmail.com for the link, and be sure to put Kiss the Ground in the Subject line.
Holy Joy, Holy Rest
A Women’s Retreat Sponsored by Trinity Cathedral
May 20-22, 2022
Mercy Center | Auburn
All women in the diocese are welcome
RSVP by April 4
Register with debit/credit card HERE.
You can also send checks to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Ave., Sacramento, CA 95816 - please mark them as Women’s Retreat reservation.
Please contact susan_hotchkiss1@hotmail.com if you have any questions.
Spiritual Formation
March 27 | The Fourth Sunday of Lent
Luke 5:1-3, 11b-32.  

I gained fresh perspective on the parables in Luke 15 by reading Kenneth E. Bailey, Finding the Lost, St Louis: Concordia, 1992: One of the most important books I have ever read in scripture study. For this familiar parable I learned a fresh understanding of the three main characters.  the younger son, who leaves for the far country, comes back not in repentance but in scheming. Note how in his rehearsed speech he ends by pleading “make me one of your servants.”  Born a son he calculates that he can earn his way back, as a slave, into the father’s favor. Note how when he repeats his rehearsed “confession”. He drops the last bit, “make me one of your servants.”

Why does he do this?  It is because of what the father has done. He has seen the son from a distance and has run out to meet him. In middle Eastern village life dignified men don’t run, and they don’t welcome a son who has insulted and rejected him. But the father, in an act of sacrificial, unexpected and undeserved love, runs to embrace him and to bring him home. Note too how the father goes out to meet the angry older son, who also defines himself as a servant. The father listens and then calls him “son” and welcomes him.

Bailey notes that in these parables,“Some of the deepest levels of the meaning of the cross are clearly exposed.” Finding the Lost, 192. The parable is not a moralizing tale (repent and God will accept you). It is the story of God’s good news in Christ (God’s goodness leads us to repentance, Rom 2:4). Do you think that the older brother heard this good news and joined the party?
– The Rev. Peter Rodgers
Save the Date
Episcopal Community Services &
Diocesan Partners in Ministries of Health Present:
Sister Joan Chittister
A Monastic Heart:
How to Live an Ordinary Life
Extraordinarily Well Webinar
Inspired by Sister Joan’s latest book, A Monastic Heart: 50 Simple Practices for a Contemplative and Fulfilling Life
Saturday, September 10
10 a.m. – noon | On Zoom

Sister Joan is an international speaker who inspires both her audiences and readers with her passion for justice, equality and peace, especially for women in both society and the church.

She is a regular web columnist for the National Catholic Reporter (ncronline.org) and Huffington Post (Huffingtonpost.com). She serves as Executive Director of Benetvision, a research and resource center for contemporary spirituality.

Stay tuned for details about registration.
Commission for Intercultural Ministries
Afghan and Ukrainian Refugee
Resettlement Update
Click here for the latest news on Refugee Resettlement Efforts in our diocese.
Job Opportunities around the Diocese
St. Clement’s | Rancho Cordova is seeking a 3/4 time Priest-in-Charge.
See the position description here.
All Saints | Sacramento is looking for a part-time Office/Administrative Assistant. Read the job posting here.
St. Patrick's | Kenwood is seeking an Organist/Pianist. Click here for more information.
St. Paul's | Sacramento is seeking a Music Director. 
Read the job announcement here.
Bishop's Ranch | Healdsburg, is hiring the following positions for Summer 2022: Lead Ranch Hand | Ranch Hand | Camp Counselors | Volunteer Counselors | Apply Now!
Diocesan Commissions | Committees | Ministries
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