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In this edition of ENews:
- Diocese clergy and delegates gather (virtually) for Convocation
- Congregational Resources from the Missioner for Church Life
- Get Ready to Shake Out on October 20
- Reflection on Place-Based Organizing by Richard Yale
- Save the Date - Catherine Meeks coming to Trinity Cathedral in October
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Diocese Clergy and Delegates Gather for Virtual Convocation. | |
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On Saturday, September 17, Convention delegates and clergy gathered in a zoom meeting to learn about the upcoming convention, including resolutions to be considered, nominees for Governing bodies, and General Convention Deputies. Diocese Treasurer John Nykamp gave a detailed overview of the 2023 Diocese Budget, which was recently approved by the Board of Trustees.
Following the overview, Deaneries gathered in separate zoom breakout rooms to discuss the upcoming convention (pictured above).
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Click here for a digital copy of the Convocation Flipbook | |
Click here for a pdf copy of the Convocation Slide deck | |
Deadline for Nominations for Standing Committee, Board of Trustees, and General Convention Deputies is Wednesday, September 21 at midnight. For more information and nomination forms, visit the convention website. | |
Missioner for Church Life | |
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Stewardship Resources
for Congregations
The Episcopal Parish Network (EPN) is a collaborative membership association of approximately 200 clergy and lay leaders in the Episcopal Church. They have an extensive webinar library covering a wide range of topics, including stewardship, which are available for anyone to use.
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Some recent stewardship webinars include:
Philanthropy & Discipleship: Encouraging Stewardship into the 21st Century
Connecting the Parish: Technology Enabling Closer Ties
Planned Giving at Episcopal Parishes: A Primer
The End is Near! Planning your year-end giving strategy
Annual Giving in Today's Environment
You can find these webinars (and many more) at: www.episcopalparishes.org/stewardship/
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Centered: A Christian Discipleship Experience
The Episcopal Church Office of Evangelism announces a new small-group resource for churches and individuals seeking to go deeper in relationship with Jesus and in loving and serving others.
Centered: A Christian Discipleship Experience is a digital, nine-session resource—available in English and coming soon in French and Spanish—for church members, neighbors, and friends to explore in small, gathered communities. Learn more.
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The Centered series includes an initial three-session training for small group leaders, followed by nine core sessions, which focus on the themes listed below. Groups are encouraged to meet for a meal and prayer, then watch a short film and discuss related questions about God, belonging, and living a meaningful life.
- Session 1: Meeting Jesus and each other
- Session 2: Meeting Jesus and sharing life in small groups
- Session 3: Following Jesus as a way of life
- Session 4: Loving God like Jesus does
- Session 5: Loving neighbors and strangers like Jesus does
- Session 6: Loving other disciples like Jesus does
- Session 7: Loving ourselves like Jesus does
- Session 8: Creating a sustainable Rule of Life
- Session 9: Looking and acting like Jesus—together
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Five Wishes is an easy-to-use legal advance directive document written in everyday language. It helps all adults, regardless of age or health, to consider and document how they want to be cared for at the end of life. It is America's most popular living will with more than 40 million copies in circulation.
If you would like to receive free copies for your congregation, please contact the Missioner for Church Life at 916.442.6918 ext. 224 or Mack@norcalepiscopal.org
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Missioner for Disaster Resilience | |
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The Great Shake-Out Workshop and Drill is one of the events sponsored by the diocese as part of pre-convention, on October 20, 2022. But we should all be getting ready for the next earthquake, regardless of where we are or if we are attending convention.
Get Prepared for Earthquakes:
- Check your emergency supplies and equipment; make sure they are accessible and functional
- Inspect your facilities for items that might fall and cause injury and secure them
- Become certified, or re-certify, in First Aid (classes are provided by the American Red Cross and many fire departments)
If you have a mobility restriction and could use some guidance in protecting yourself during an earthquake, please watch this video https://youtu.be/PZtDYlOfwrQ for assistance.
Let’s keep as safe as possible, then work on recovery together.
– Mark G. Dibelka | Missioner for Disaster Resilience
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Reflection on Place-Based Organizing Retreat
– By The Very Rev. Dr. Richard Yale
Amid the fissures and polarization which have beset our nation and society there is a growing sense across various sectors that social and democratic renewal will be discovered from the ground up. This will entail the renewal not only of individuals and families, but of place, the local neighborhoods and communities in which people dwell. While different organizations - public, private, philanthropic, and religious - are engaged in place-based organizing, a small group of leaders recognized that these sectors all too seldom collaborate together.
With this in mind a small group of leaders in place-based organization and renewal were invited to a cross-sector retreat and conversation on the shores of Chesapeake Bay in Maryland from September 11th to the 13th. I was invited by Anne Snyder, one of the conveners of the gathering and editor in chief of Comment, a journal of public theology, to represent the religious sector the religious sector. I had gotten to know Anne when she came to Butte County to witness the work of recovery in the wake of the Camp Fire.
The conversation was rich and multi-faceted. While no single vision emerged in our time together, new insights were gleaned and new collaborative relationships were established.
Among some of my takeaways were the following:
- Through conversations with secular community organizers I learned that religious organizations often seen as bringing their own agendas into collaborative community projects. I replied that our deep theological convictions are what compel us to engage in social action. What resulted was the insight that we must drill deep into our convictions, while holding on lightly to our agendas.
- I realized that much of our outreach ministries is aimed at people, especially the most marginalized, rather than place, which is comprised of all sorts of people, neighborhoods, institutions, and associations. Without giving up our commitment to the least, the last, and the lost, how can we engage with the greater matrix of people and associations that make up a place? Can we be a reconciling presence between -say- people without homes and the local business community? What communication skills will we need to be a part of such ministry?
- Another convener, Dr. Seth Kaplan of the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, spoke of the need for robust community institutions to rebuild the social fabric of our neighborhoods, but also how all institutions, including the churches, are in some level of crisis in our anti-institutional era. How can our various institutions come together in collaboration for the good of the community? Might the model of a Long Term Recovery Group established after a natural disaster provide suggestions for a way forward?
- We need to develop a theology of place to energize our mission, realizing that place-based organizing is part and parcel of our call as followers of Jesus. As said in the Prophet Isaiah, “you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in”.
All who gathered for this conversation left with a renewed commitment to the places in which we dwell, and a willingness to continue the discussion and to extend our collaboration. I am excited to continue to grow, to learn, and to bring insights and opportunities back to our congregations in the Diocese of Northern California.
Faithfully,
The Rev. Richard Yale
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September 25, 2022
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Luke 16:19-31
The Parable of the rich man and Lazarus is full of theological and practical wisdom. Here are but a few of the highlights:
The name Lazarus. This is the only place in Jesus’ parables where someone is named. The name means “the one whom God helps.” And although the name was very common in first century Judaism, the readers or hearers, then and now, will be led to think of the raising of Lazarus (John 11). The name is also the same as Eliezer of the Old Testament (Genesis 15:2). The fact that Abraham is prominent there and here is worthy of further exploration. (I owe this observation to Morey Lloyd of Trinity Cathedral). The rich man knew Lazarus’ name, for he uses it in his appeal to Abraham, but in this life he did nothing to help him in his plight.
The after life: The parable clearly teaches life after death. Here Jesus sides with the Pharisees against the Sadducees (who said there was no Resurrection). And it is clear that our choices in this life determine our fate in the next. The rich man is in Hades in torment; Lazarus is in the bosom of Abraham.
Social Justice. The parable is a reversal story, and it appeals to our sense of justice. It is also a call to work to end the disparities between people on the basis of wealth, class, race, etc.
Scripture: There are two primary ways in which God speaks to us and would call us to respond, These are “Moses and the Prophets,” and the poor man at the gate. The rich man ignored the poor man, and he took no opportunity to “hear” the scripture, since he “feasted every day,” which included the sabbath! So he never got to the Synagogue, where he could hear Moses and the prophets.
The Silence of Lazarus: The silence of Lazarus is most impressive. He neither complains in this life, nor calls for retaliation in the next. This reminds us of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53, who was oppressed and afflicted, but he did not open his mouth (Isa 53:7; Acts 8:32-33). This passage finds its fullest expression in the death of Jesus, who committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:22-23). Lazarus demonstrates a Christ-likeness, which we are called to follow (1 Peter 2:21, 3:9).
– The Rev. Peter Rodgers
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SAVE THE DATES!
Friday, October 28 – Sunday, October 30
Dr. Catherine Meeks, Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing in Atlanta, Georgia is coming to Sacramento.
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Friday October 28
7:00 pm
Speaking in the Cathedral with a
reception to follow.
A recommended donation of $20
Saturday October 29
Leading a morning training and educational session in the Cathedral’s Assembly Area
Sunday October 30
Preaching at the Cathedral’s 11am service.
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Commission for Intercultural Ministries | |
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Thank you Refugee Sponsors
A year ago six Diocesan Churches and their neighbors, in four different Deaneries, began welcoming Refugees to their new homes and communities. Other churches and many individuals throughout the Diocese opened their hearts and lovingly provided resources to the families, who arrived with only the belongings they could carry. Today, 15 families, 14 from Afghanistan and 1 from Ukraine, are working hard to establish their lives in Northern California. The Resettlement Team is very grateful for everyone's hard work and generosity. Thank you!!!
Critical time for our new refugee neighbors
Today, many of these Refugees are facing the challenge of acquiring an immigration status that will enable them to stay in America. To do so requires legal help which is not readily available and is very expensive. Legislation to ease and streamline the path to permanent residency for the Afghan Refugees has finally been introduced in Congress. It’s extremely urgent that you contact your Senators and House Representative and urge them to work for swift passage of these bipartisan bills (The Afghan Adjustment Act).
A link to write your legislators is included below. These refugees worked for our military and government and were a vital part of our mission in Afghanistan. Their efforts and sacrifices have earned them the opportunity to make new permanent lives here. Please do your part and write to your legislators today.
For more information on this legislation and how you can welcome a Refugee family in our Diocese, Contact Bob Wohlsen - bob.wohlsen@gmail.com
Episcopal Diocese of Northern California
Commission for Intercultural Ministry
Refugee Resettlement Team
Lynn Zender, Chair
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Commission on The Environment | |
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Climate Action Opportunity at Convention
**Youth Representative Needed - Travel Stipend Provided**
By Juliette Beck
Do you know a young person concerned about climate change and ready to raise their voice to support meaningful climate action? The Commission on the Environment is seeking a young person (aged 30 or younger) to join our team at the upcoming Diocesan convention, Oct. 21-22 in Redding. We are championing a Climate Action Resolution that will be voted on by the delegates at the convention and we want to do all we can to ensure its passage. We value youth leadership and are seeking a young person to help:
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Staff an information table
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Talk to delegates about the resolution
- Promote the Commission and our goals
- Have fun!
We welcome your ideas and participation! A stipend is available to support travel costs. Please contact Miriam Casey, (650) 380-2747 mlcasey7@yahoo.com if you are interested.
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Upcoming
Events
Around
The Diocese
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TRINITY CATHEDRAL:
Explore the ancient wisdom of the Enneagram
Thursdays, September 22 – November 10 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
In person at the Cathedral | On Zoom
Facilitator: Jay Elmquist
To Register, Contact Susan Hotchkiss susan_hotchkiss1@hotmail.com
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Sacred Ground
Thursdays, September 15 – November 17 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
In person at the Cathedral | On Zoom
Facilitators: Rev. Kathy Hopner and Susan Hotchkiss
To Register, Contact Susan Hotchkiss susan_hotchkiss1@hotmail.com
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Diocesan Day of Discernment | Zoom Meeting
Saturday, October 15 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
This is the first step for those interested in the ordination process. Discerners and sponsoring clergy must register and attend.
Questions? E-mail Jacqi Seppi at jacqi@norcalepiscopal.org
To register: https://form.jotform.com/220656380441149
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Cursillo 117 | In person
October 27 – 30 | Thursday – Sunday
Mt. Hope Bible Camp | located outside of Oroville
Accommodations for 25 candidates – applications on the website: cursilloncal.org. Potential candidates will need a sponsor (a previous Cursillo attendee). For information contact Jo Churchill at gjchurchill@snowcrest.net or call/text 530-524-1468
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Communication Workshop
Talking Through Political Divisions: Having Hard Conversations
With Compassion
Facilitated by the Rev. Alex Leach
Saturday, November 5 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | On Zoom
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109th Annual Christmas Bazaar
St Luke's | Galt
Saturday, Dec 3 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Sunday, Dec 4 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
https://stlukegalt.org
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35th Annual Diocesan Choir Festival | In person
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Trinity Cathedral | Sacramento
All choral singers throughout the Diocese are invited
Guest conductor will be Dr. Bruce Neswick, the recently retired Canon for Cathedral Music Trinity Cathedral in Portland, Oregon.
To add yourself to the email list, contact David Link, Canon Precentor & Director of Music at Trinity Cathedral: link@trinitycathedral.org
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Job Opportunities Around The Diocese | |
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Incarnation | Santa Rosa is seeking a part-time, lay or ordained,
Pastoral Care Coordinator. See position description here.
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St. Clement's | Rancho Cordova is seeking a 3/4 time Priest-in-Charge.
See the position description here.
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St. Paul's | Sacramento is seeking a Music Director.
Read the job announcement here.
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Diocesan Commissions | Committees | Ministries | |
The ENews is published weekly on Tuesdays.
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The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California
Making Disciples, Raising Up Saints & Transforming Communities for Christ
www.norcalepiscopal.org
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