The Friday Reflection Title

3-28-2014

Dear Friends,
 
On March 5, 2011 I was elected and then Seated as the Bishop Provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin.  On Saturday, March 29, 2014, I will cease to be the Bishop of this Diocese with the election of the next Bishop. I most sincerely thank you all, lay and clergy of the Diocese, for your love and support and for the privilege of engaging in ministry with all of you.
 
I have come to know this as a Diocese of courageous and committed people who are dedicated to serving Christ as members of the Episcopal Church.
 
April and I will return permanently to Southern California and to “retirement” on March 29.
 
The Diocese of San Joaquin, its life and ministry, clergy and people, will always now be in our thoughts and prayers.
 
With gratitude, and appreciation, and thanksgiving I am,
 
Faithfully yours,
 
+Chet Talton
 

“Participating in God’s Reconciling Love”

Friday Reflection is taking a break next week.
The next edition will be April 11, 2014

Call to Special Convention…

TOMORROW!

 

Dio seal

The Recognition and Seating

of the

 Provisional Bishop

The Rt. Rev. David Rice

 

March 29, 2014

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bakersfield

 

2216 17th Street

Bakersfield, CA 93301

Click here for Special Convention Schedule 

Check here for Special Convention Registration Form

 

Invitation to Sing at Special Convention...

The Choir of St. Paul’s Church in Bakersfield and director, Christopher Borges, would like to invite members of the Diocese to participate with them in singing at the service for the Seating of Bishop David Rice on Saturday, March 29.  There will be a rehearsal that Saturday morning at 11am in the Choir Room.
Please contact Fr. Vern at
[email protected] for an email advance copy of the music.

For Northern Deanery

CONVENTION BUS INFORMATION

The Northern Deanery bus to the Special Convention in Bakersfield will depart the Modesto Vintage Faire Mall Park and Ride promptly at 5:30 AM on Saturday.  The Park and Ride can be reached from southbound 99 by exiting on Pelendale.  Turn south on Sisk Road.  The Park and Ride will be on the left connected to the mall parking area near Penny’s.  The Park and Ride can be reached from northbound 99 by exiting at Standiford and then north on Sisk Road.  The Park and Ride will be on the right.  For the return trip the bus will depart St. Paul’s Bakersfield no later than one half hour after the close of the last Convention activity.  On the 29th the following numbers can be used as contacts for the bus:(209) 765-392(209) 765-3928 or 765-3246.

                 

For Clergy…

Attention Clergy! 
The liturgical color for the Celebration and Seating of Bishop Rice  following the Special Meeting of Convention on March 29  is red.
AND
This week you should have been contacted by regular mail by the Church Pension Group. Church Pension is sending you a NEW CONTACT NUMBER.
This new number will enable you to log on to www.cpg.org and see all of your benefit information on one page. This means that you will be able to see your own individual Pension, Medical, Disability and Life Insurance information that you currently have through Church Pension all on one integrated page.

 

Please pay attention to your mail from Church Pension and do try to log-on to see how the new system operates. If you need help, or have not received a new number, please contact Canon Cullinane at   209-222-7124  or [email protected]

For Lent…

 

               

Walk through Lent with beautiful daily devotions,

The Lent App (for iPhone)


Illustrated with art by the inimitable Roger Hutchison, author of The Painting Table, and inspirational daily reflections by beloved author and Spiritual Director Mary C. Earle provide food for the journey. A built in journal function lets you record your own thoughts, and you can share Scripture, the daily image, or your own thoughts via email or social media.

 Learn More
 
GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING
 

Since 1922, Episcopalians have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East through the Good Friday Offering. Through the work of the Episcopal dioceses in the Middle East, Christians maintain a peacemaking and stabilizingpresence in the region, serving their neighbors regardless of faith background.

 

To make a donation  to  the Good Friday Offering, please write a check  payable to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, write “Good Friday Offering” in the memo line, and mail to:

 
DFMS – Protestant Episcopal Church US
P.O. Box 958983
St. Louis, MO 63195-8983
 
Click here for Good Friday Offering Resources
 

From the Office of Public Affairs…

 

Justice and Advocacy Fellowships

applications accepted 

for poverty alleviation and environmental stewardship

 
[March 18, 2014] Applications are now accepted for one-year and two-year Justice and Advocacy Fellowships for social justice and advocacy work for The Episcopal Church.
 

The Justice and Advocacy Fellowships for Domestic Poverty and Environmental Stewardship, new initiatives of The Episcopal Church, will provide financial support for service, professional development and education to those who are engaged in poverty alleviation and environmental stewardship. Hands-on experience, professional training and leadership development are intrinsic in the Fellowships.

 

Focusing on the Anglican Marks of Mission Mark 4 and Mark 5, the 2014 Justice and Advocacy Fellowships are sponsored by the Episcopal Church Office of Justice and Advocacy Ministries.

 

The Domestic Poverty Fellowships are one-year each and call for addressing domestic poverty in communities. The Environmental Stewardship Fellowship are two-years each and will provide leadership on key environmental issues in affected domestic communities.

 
Fellowships range from $24,000 over one year to $48,000 over two years.
 
Details, requirements, special data and instructions on applying are located herehttp://www.episcopalchurch.org/form/justice-and-advocacy-fellowships
 

“The Justice and Advocacy Fellowships for Domestic Poverty and Environmental Stewardship are ideal opportunities to focus on a myriad of possibilities, such as engaging in work with the poor, prisons, poverty, healthcare, climate change, water conservation, and other important issues of our society,” explained The Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson, Domestic Poverty Missioner. “The Justice and Advocacy Fellowships are available to candidates from any ethnic background or geographical location.”

 
Deadline for applications is May 9.
 

For more information contact Stevenson at [email protected] or Jayce Hafner, Episcopal Church Domestic Policy Analyst, at [email protected].

 
The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/episcopalian
Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamepiscopalian
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EpiscopalChurchYT
 
On the web:
Justice and Advocacy Fellowships applications accepted for poverty alleviation and environmental stewardship
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/notice/justice-and-advocacy-fellowships-applications-accepted-poverty-alleviation-and-environmental-
 

Women’s Retreat…


Dying and Living into Resurrection…Now.

 
As we celebrate Easter, we can find ourselves wondering – “What are we doing?”  Are we celebrating a past or historical event – the resurrection of Jesus?  Or are we praying into a future hope for ourselves?  Either way, is there anything the resurrection can say to us right now?  Is resurrection a “present moment” event?  This year the Diocesan Women’s Retreat will focus around these questions.  We will gather in the beautiful surroundings of ECCO, and through scripture, addresses, music, silence and meditation seek to encounter resurrection not as a past event or a future promise, but a present reality.  Once again this year, the Rev’d Luis Rodriguez will be our retreat leader.  Fr Luis is the rector of the Episcopal Church of the Saviour in Hanford and has a background in theology,counseling and spiritual direction.
 

Women’s Retreat

May 2-4, 2014

ECCO

Be on the look out for Registration Form  

in an upcoming email. 

From the Diocesan Office…

Since you have asked….

Bishop David now has an email and it is: [email protected]

ALL MAIL.

for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, Bishop, Canon, and Administrator is to go to the current address: 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355

Time sensitive material can be emailed to [email protected].

Whats going on…

Want to know what is happening in the Diocese of San Joaquin?
Special Convention, Saturday, 11:00 a.m. March 29, 2014, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
Registration starting at 9:30 a.m.
 
Chrism Mass, Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 11.00 a.m. Church of the Saviour, Hanford
 
Annual Convention, October 24-25, 2014, St. Paul’s, Modesto
    Click on the link below to see upcoming events and meetings around the diocese.

From Our Parishes and Missions…

EVERY FRIDAY IN LENT

PARISH LENTEN DEVOTIONS

6 pm  STATIONS OF THE CROSS
and

BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

(followed in the Parish Hall with a Soup Supper)

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

414 Oak Street,

San Andreas, CA

April 4, 2014

LENTEN FISH FRY

 

The Episcopal Church of the Saviour, Hanford

 

In keeping with the Church’s ancient Lenten tradition, the Episcopal Church of the Saviour in Hanford (519 N. Douty St.) will be hosting its annual Fish Fry on Friday, 4 April 2014, from 5:00pm-7:30pm.  Come along for a wonderful fish supper and fellowship, or take your meal “to go”.  Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at the church office or at the door the night of the event.  Please contact the Church of the Saviour with any questions at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

May 3, 2014

THE SPRING TEA

Christ The King will host their annual Spring Tea on Saturday, May 3 beginning at 11:00 am. Reservations and tickets are available by calling the church office or from a church member. Click here for for flyer for details and to post in your church.

 May 16-17, 2014
Friday and Saturday
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bakersfield
Join Bishop David Rice
for a Weekend with an Internationally Known Visionary,
Author, Lecturer, & Entrepreneur
Fr. Eric Law, Episcopal Priest
 

Friday, March 16
Check-in 4pm Breakfast 8-9am
Dinner 5pm Session I 9-11:30am
Program 6-8pm
 

Saturday, May 17th, 2014
Check-in 4pm Breakfast 8-9am
Dinner 5pm Session I 9-11:30am
Program 6-8pm Lunch 11:30-12:30
Session II 12:30-2:30
Break 2:30-2:45
Session III 3-5pm
Dinner 5-6pm
Session IV 6-7:30pm

 

Registration form online at www.stpaulsepiscopalbakersfield.org

 
 Click here for flyer to post.

 

For our Diocesan Prayer Calendar….click here

Bishop’s and Canon’s Visitations Calendars… 

Bishop Talton’s Calendar
 
March 29                         Special Convention, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 
Bishop Rice’s Calendar
 
March 29                           Special Convention, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 
March 30                           St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 
April 6                                St. Paul’s, Modesto
 
April 13                              St. Andrew’s, Taft
 
April 19                              St. Francis, Turlock
 
April 30                              Church of the Saviour, Hanford
 
 
Canon Cullinane’s Calendar
 
 
March 29                           Special Convention, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 
March 30                           St. Andrew’s, Taft
 
April 13                              St. Raphael’s, Oackhurst
 
April 20th                           Holy Trinity, Madera
 
 Have you checked it out?

Keep up to date on news and events with our
NEW Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin website
www.diosanjoaquin.org
Click here:  Our Website  
Contributions to the Friday Reflection are most welcome and are due by the Tuesdaybefore the Friday Reflection is scheduled to go out. Articles are to be submitted in word document format and pictures in jpeg format for best results.
Contact Information: Ellen Meyer

 The Friday Reflection Title

3-21-2014

I have often heard it suggested that Leslie Newbigin remains one of the most significant influences in the theology of mission (missiology).  This suggestion, I hasten to add, appears to be easily substantiated by the fact that many “missiological thinkers” like Tickle, Roxburgh, Law and the like, refer to and credit Newbigin for giving language and action to missiology.  In this Reflection, I wish to give thanks for the life and work of Leslie Newbigin.  And in doing so, I would commend to you his tome The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society which is a marvelous read.  In addition, The Open Secret and Foolishness to the Greeks are equally readable moreover memorable.  I will leave this recommendation to read Newbigin with you and I will await with interest your impressions and responses.

During the recent Clergy Retreat at St. Anthony’s in Three Rivers, I suggested to our clergy that they read the book, Missional, Joining God in the Neighborhood by Alan J. Roxburgh.  I want to seize the opportunity in this space to make the same recommendation to you.  I have already alluded to the fact that for Roxburgh and others, Newbigin sets a foundation for missiological thought and practice.  This is certainly evident in the manner in which Roxburgh begins Missional.
Roxburgh writes:”As a missiologist, Newbigin’s consistent focus in his writing over thirty years involved a continual wrestling with the question of how the gospel engages the culture of the modern west.  He was in a constant dialogue with the culture, in which he lived, and the gospel, which he loved.  It was a back-and-forth dialogue, not one-way.  Reading these books is to know one is listening in on someone who has spent time immersed in, listening to, and loving this culture in which he is embedded. (Newbigin lived in India for thirty years).  It’s striking how Newbigin doesn’t use this culture to get somewhere else – he indwells it and through that indwelling reads again the biblical narratives to ask how the gospel could reengage his culture in his time.” Missional, pg 42.

And so, Episcopalians in and of San Joaquin, I hope to introduce you to Leslie Newbigin if you have not already met.  I encourage to read Alan Roxburgh, Phylis Tickle and Eric Law and anyone else influenced by Leslie Newbigin.  And most importantly, I hope and pray that we, too, “will be in constant dialogue with the culture, in which we live, and the gospel, which we love.”  And that we will ever-increasingly join God in our own neighborhoods, walking with Jesus, and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Continued Blessings through Lent

+ David

“Participating in God’s Reconciling Love”

Call to Special Convention…

 

Dio seal

The Recognition and Seating

of the

 Provisional Bishop

The Rt. Rev. David Rice

 

March 29, 2014

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bakersfield

 

2216 17th Street

Bakersfield, CA 93301

Click here for Special Convention Schedule 

Check here for Special Convention Registration Form

 

Invitation to Sing at Special Convention...

The Choir of St. Paul’s Church in Bakersfield and director, Christopher Borges, would like to invite members of the Diocese to participate with them in singing at the service for the Seating of Bishop David Rice on Saturday, March 29.  There will be a rehearsal that Saturday morning at 11am in the Choir Room.
Please contact Fr. Vern at
[email protected] for an email advance copy of the music.

For Northern Deanery

 BUS TO CONVENTION UPDATE!

In an attempt to keep California Green, and help people offset the nearly $4.00 a gallon gas price, a few remaining seats on the Convention Coach to Bakersfield will remain at the $50 rate.Remember the coach departs Modesto’s Vintage Faire Mall Park and Ride on the 29th at 5:30 AM returning to Modesto that evening.  On your luxury coach there will be a continental breakfast in the morning, with libations and snacks for the return trip.

For more information and reservations please call Christ the King at
209-869-1075

                 

For Clergy…

Attention Clergy! 
 The liturgical color for the Celebration and Seating of Bishop Rice
following the Special Meeting of Convention on March 29

is red.

For Lent…

 

               

Walk through Lent with beautiful daily devotions,

The Lent App (for iPhone)


Illustrated with art by the inimitable Roger Hutchison, author of The Painting Table, and inspirational daily reflections by beloved author and Spiritual Director Mary C. Earle provide food for the journey. A built in journal function lets you record your own thoughts, and you can share Scripture, the daily image, or your own thoughts via email or social media.

 Learn More 
GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING
 

Since 1922, Episcopalians have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East through the Good Friday Offering. Through the work of the Episcopal dioceses in the Middle East, Christians maintain a peacemaking and stabilizingpresence in the region, serving their neighbors regardless of faith background.

 

To make a donation  to  the Good Friday Offering, please write a check  payable to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, write “Good Friday Offering” in the memo line, and mail to:

 
DFMS – Protestant Episcopal Church US
P.O. Box 958983
St. Louis, MO 63195-8983
 
Click here for Good Friday Offering Resources
 

From the Office of Public Affairs…

 

Justice and Advocacy Fellowships

applications accepted 

for poverty alleviation and environmental stewardship

 
[March 18, 2014] Applications are now accepted for one-year and two-year Justice and Advocacy Fellowships for social justice and advocacy work for The Episcopal Church.
 

The Justice and Advocacy Fellowships for Domestic Poverty and Environmental Stewardship, new initiatives of The Episcopal Church, will provide financial support for service, professional development and education to those who are engaged in poverty alleviation and environmental stewardship. Hands-on experience, professional training and leadership development are intrinsic in the Fellowships.

 

Focusing on the Anglican Marks of Mission Mark 4 and Mark 5, the 2014 Justice and Advocacy Fellowships are sponsored by the Episcopal Church Office of Justice and Advocacy Ministries.

 

The Domestic Poverty Fellowships are one-year each and call for addressing domestic poverty in communities. The Environmental Stewardship Fellowship are two-years each and will provide leadership on key environmental issues in affected domestic communities.

 
Fellowships range from $24,000 over one year to $48,000 over two years.
 
Details, requirements, special data and instructions on applying are located herehttp://www.episcopalchurch.org/form/justice-and-advocacy-fellowships
 

“The Justice and Advocacy Fellowships for Domestic Poverty and Environmental Stewardship are ideal opportunities to focus on a myriad of possibilities, such as engaging in work with the poor, prisons, poverty, healthcare, climate change, water conservation, and other important issues of our society,” explained The Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson, Domestic Poverty Missioner. “The Justice and Advocacy Fellowships are available to candidates from any ethnic background or geographical location.”

 
Deadline for applications is May 9.
 

For more information contact Stevenson at [email protected] or Jayce Hafner, Episcopal Church Domestic Policy Analyst, at [email protected].

 
The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/episcopalian
Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamepiscopalian
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EpiscopalChurchYT
 
On the web:
Justice and Advocacy Fellowships applications accepted for poverty alleviation and environmental stewardship
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/notice/justice-and-advocacy-fellowships-applications-accepted-poverty-alleviation-and-environmental-
 

Women’s Retreat…


Dying and Living into Resurrection…Now.

 
As we celebrate Easter, we can find ourselves wondering – “What are we doing?”  Are we celebrating a past or historical event – the resurrection of Jesus?  Or are we praying into a future hope for ourselves?  Either way, is there anything the resurrection can say to us right now?  Is resurrection a “present moment” event?  This year the Diocesan Women’s Retreat will focus around these questions.  We will gather in the beautiful surroundings of ECCO, and through scripture, addresses, music, silence and meditation seek to encounter resurrection not as a past event or a future promise, but a present reality.  Once again this year, the Rev’d Luis Rodriguez will be our retreat leader.  Fr Luis is the rector of the Episcopal Church of the Saviour in Hanford and has a background in theology,counseling and spiritual direction.
 

Women’s Retreat

May 2-4, 2014

ECCO

Be on the look out for Registration Form and Retreat Schedule  

in the upcoming Friday Reflections. 

From the Diocesan Office…

Since you have asked….

Bishop David now has an email and it is: [email protected]

ALL MAIL

for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, Bishop, Canon, and Administrator is to go to the current address: 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355

Time sensitive material can be emailed to [email protected].

Whats going on…

Want to know what is happening in the Diocese of San Joaquin?
Special Convention, Saturday, 11:00 a.m. March 29, 2014, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
Registration starting at 9:30 a.m.
 
Chrism Mass, Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 11.00 a.m. Church of the Saviour, Hanford
 
Annual Convention, October 24-25, 2014, St. Paul’s, Modesto
    Click on the link below to see upcoming events and meetings around the diocese.

From Our Parishes and Missions…

EVERY FRIDAY IN LENT

PARISH LENTEN DEVOTIONS

6 pm  STATIONS OF THE CROSS
and

BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

(followed in the Parish Hall with a Soup Supper)

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

414 Oak Street,

San Andreas, CA

April 4, 2014

LENTEN FISH FRY

 

The Episcopal Church of the Saviour, Hanford

 

In keeping with the Church’s ancient Lenten tradition, the Episcopal Church of the Saviour in Hanford (519 N. Douty St.) will be hosting its annual Fish Fry on Friday, 4 April 2014, from 5:00pm-7:30pm.  Come along for a wonderful fish supper and fellowship, or take your meal “to go”.  Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at the church office or at the door the night of the event.  Please contact the Church of the Saviour with any questions at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

May 3, 2014

THE SPRING TEA

Christ The King will host their annual Spring Tea on Saturday, May 3 beginning at 11:00 am. Reservations and tickets are available by calling the church office or from a church member. Click here for for flyer for details and to post in your church.

 May 15-16, 2014
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bakersfield
Join Bishop David Rice
for a Weekend with an Internationally Known Visionary,
Author, Lecturer, & Entrepreneur
Fr. Eric Law, Episcopal Priest
 

Friday, March 15
Check-in 4pm Breakfast 8-9am
Dinner 5pm Session I 9-11:30am
Program 6-8pm
 

Saturday, May 17th, 2014
Check-in 4pm Breakfast 8-9am
Dinner 5pm Session I 9-11:30am
Program 6-8pm Lunch 11:30-12:30
Session II 12:30-2:30
Break 2:30-2:45
Session III 3-5pm
Dinner 5-6pm
Session IV 6-7:30pm

 

Registration form online at www.stpaulsepiscopalbakersfield.org

 
 Click here for flyer to post.

 

For our Diocesan Prayer Calendar….click here

Bishop’s and Canon’s Visitations Calendars… 

Bishop Talton’s Calendar 
March 29                         Special Convention, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 
Bishop Rice’s Calendar
 
March 29                           Special Convention, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 
March 30                           St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 
April 6                                St. Paul’s, Modesto
 
April 13                              St. Andrew’s, Taft
 
April 19                              St. Francis, Turlock
 
April 30                              Church of the Saviour, Hanford
 
 
Canon Cullinane’s Calendar
 
 
March 29                           Special Convention, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 
March 30                           St. Andrew’s, Taft
 
April 16                              St. Raphael’s, Oackhurst
 
April 20th                           Holy Trinity, Madera
 
 Have you checked it out?

Keep up to date on news and events with our
NEW Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin websitewww.diosanjoaquin.org
Click here:  Our Website  
Contributions to the Friday Reflection are most welcome and are due by the Tuesday before the Friday Reflection is scheduled to go out. Articles are to be submitted in word document format and pictures in jpeg format for best results.
Contact Information: Ellen Meyer

Click Below To Order Your Tickets

Sermon

Lent 2, Year A 2014

There are so many stories in the news this past week that are continuing sagas.  The Malaysian airliner just disappearing off the radar.  What is happening on the Google barge?  But the one that caught my attention was echoed by an op-ed piece in the paper Friday morning – “Template for how not to raise a child” by Ruben Navarrette.  He referred to the story of Rachel Canning suing her parents for support – as she deems it – not necessarily as we would define it.  I thought about how she is looking for her parents to give so she can receive; how Rachel is not taking responsibility for or paying the price for her own needs and desires. 

Made me think about parents and children.  My dad taught me unconditional love, but that didn’t mean he didn’t let us fail.  It meant that he was there to help us when we asked, to affirm that trying our best was all he needed to be proud of us, and to let us know that he always loved us even when we messed up and had to face the consequences.  I’ve tried to be that kind of parent to my daughters. 

If we take a look at the God of the Old Testament, we get a God who would be obeyed or else.  God’s covenant with the people in the Old Testament was that they would faithfully obey God’s commands and God would deliver the blessing of a land of their own and innumerable offspring.  God would give to the people what they needed to prosper.  It’s no wonder that people today can’t identify with a God to be feared.  If you had a parent like that, you don’t want to have anything to do with God or church.

As Christians we put our faith in the loving God.  The one who’s covenant was to give his son to redeem creation once and for all.  A God who waits patiently for us to turn back when we wander off and forget to stay in touch.  Nicodemus didn’t quite know about that God.  He was familiar with the concrete God of acts and consequence.  He couldn’t understand a God that could love him so completely that God would send the only son to save us and not condemn the world. 

I used these lessons yesterday morning for the baptism of an infant, Malia Villanueva.  I talked to those gathered about the concept of being born again.  Yes, we are born through the Holy Spirit at our baptism, but it struck me that we are born again every time we make a major life change. 

It’s a new life when we get our driver’s license and savor independence, which comes with increased responsibility.  It’s a new life when we first leave home and have to support ourselves.  It’s a new life when we get married or find our life partner.  It’s a new life when we become a parent.  It’s a new life when we become a grandparent.  We are the same person and we are not the same.  Growth should happen at each of these stages.  We learn to be responsible for ourselves, for our relationships, for someone who depends on us.  More maturity is required to successfully fulfill each of these roles.  Knowing that we are loved unconditionally by God, assures us that we can learn from our mistakes without fear of never getting another chance.  That’s how much God loves us.  

          So what does God ask of us?  Simply, to do the work that helps to heal our hurting world.  As a community which stage are we in – teen, just starting to support ourselves, ready to take care of each other, ready to expand the family?  I think we’re getting close.  We need individuals volunteering to participate in at least one ministry and we need to be involved in activities that are taking place (like the First Friday concerts) to build our own sense of community.  Are we ready to go out and do that work? 

Almost.  It will happen because the Holy Spirit is active within this congregation.  We have been born again, through our baptism in the spirit, and anointed as Christ’s own forever.  We know that God promises good things to those who believe, who have faith.  God was willing to give his son for the healing of the creation, so we who believe can receive eternal life.  And the son willing gave his life so that we might receive that promise. 

What are we willing to do?  Can we continue to grow in this faith together until we are able to go out into the community and do God’s work?  This week take time and consider these questions.  We don’t have to make any decisions right away.  We just have to try to be a little better each day.   AMEN.

 The Friday Reflection Title

3-14-2014

Often as Lent approaches we begin to wonder about what we might give up for Lent. The idea of giving up something during Lent: meat, T.V., candy, watermelon (my father always gave up watermelon for Lent) beer, etc. is quite common as we talk about the discipline we might take on during this penitential season of the church year. We participate in additional religious study programs as well as additional worship services.
 
This Lent, I would like to recommend a book to you entitled, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. The author, Richard Foster, is a Quaker pastor and he re-examines in a new way some of our older and traditional patterns of Christian spiritual discipline. In his book Foster talks about three movements of the Spirit and how each of these movements can contribute to a balanced spiritual life. Foster speaks of the inward disciplines: meditation, prayer, fasting and study as avenues of personal examination and change. Foster then speaks of the outward disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission and service as means for us to contribute and enable the world to be a better place for all of God’s creatures. Finally, Foster talks about the corporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration as means that bring us closer to one another and with one another to God. This is the only book I have ever found which actually has practical and useful day-to-day advice about how to go about the ancient discipline of fasting. I highly recommend it to all of you as good reading for a spiritual, prayerful, and holy Lenten season.
 
Praying and hoping for all of us a Holy Lent,
 
Canon Kate +

“Participating in God’s Reconciling Love”

For Lent…

 

               

Walk through Lent with beautiful daily devotions,

The Lent App (for iPhone)


Illustrated with art by the inimitable Roger Hutchison, author of The Painting Table, and inspirational daily reflections by beloved author and Spiritual Director Mary C. Earle provide food for the journey. A built in journal function lets you record your own thoughts, and you can share Scripture, the daily image, or your own thoughts via email or social media.

 Learn More 
GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING
 

Since 1922, Episcopalians have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East through the Good Friday Offering. Through the work of the Episcopal dioceses in the Middle East, Christians maintain a peacemaking and stabilizingpresence in the region, serving their neighbors regardless of faith background.

 

To make a donation  to  the Good Friday Offering, please write a check  payable to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, write “Good Friday Offering” in the memo line, and mail to:

 
DFMS – Protestant Episcopal Church US
P.O. Box 958983
St. Louis, MO 63195-8983
 
Click here for Good Friday Offering Resources
 

Call to Special Convention…

 

Dio seal

The Recognition and Seating

of the

 Provisional Bishop

The Rt. Rev. David Rice

 

March 29, 2014

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bakersfield

 

2216 17th Street

Bakersfield, CA 93301

Click here for Special Convention Schedule 

Check here for Special Convention Registration Form

 

Still accepting reservations till March 14, 2014

Invitation to Sing at Special Convention...

The Choir of St. Paul’s Church in Bakersfield and director, Christopher Borges, would like to invite members of the Diocese to participate with them in singing at the service for the Seating of Bishop David Rice on Saturday, March 29.  There will be a rehearsal that Saturday morning at 11am in the Choir Room.
Please contact Fr. Vern at
[email protected] for an email advance copy of the music.

For Northern Deanery

TAKE THE BUS TO CONVENTION!

This Saturday’s Northern Deanery Meeting will be the last opportunity to insure the discounted $50 around trip rate to the March 29th Special Diocesan Convention in Bakersfield.  Remaining reservations after this Saturday will increase to $65.  Remember the coach departs Modesto’s Vintage Faire Mall Park and Ride on the 29th at 5:30 AMreturning to Modesto that evening.  On your luxury coach there will be a continental breakfast in the morning, with libations and snacks for the return trip.  Reservation agents will be on hand at the Deanery meeting to help with your payment and answer questions, or they can be contacted at [email protected]. See you on the bus!

                 

For Clergy…

Attention Clergy! 
 The liturgical color for the Celebration and Seating of Bishop Rice
following the Special Meeting of Convention on March 29

is red.

For Youth EYE…

Episcopal Youth Event 2014

WHO:

Anyone in high school during 2013/14 year

WHEN:    

July 9 – July 13, 2014

WHERE:  

Villanova
University, Philadelphia, PA

WHAT?    

The upcoming event marks the twelfth EYE, which remains a popular and well-attended event. EYE14 is geared for youth in grades 9-12 during the 2013-2014 academic year and their adult leaders.  The cost for EYE is $325.  Included are transportation to/from the Philadelphia airport, your room, meals, event T-shirt, and activities. Transportation to Philadelphia is extra.

ADD-ON

    3 Days of Urban Mission is offered for all EYE14 participants. It is an event designed to give delegates an opportunity to engage mission in an urban environment. The participation criteria for EYE14 continue to apply throughout 3 Days of Urban Mission.

Participants should expect to engage in hands-on labor, which might include everything from painting and hauling debris to childcare and preparing meals. Participants should bring work clothes, work gloves, and closed-toe shoes.

 
 

3 Days of Urban Mission will commence with preparatory training and evening prayer at 8 p.m. on Sunday evening, July 13, and will end of Tuesday, July 15, with an evening worship service.

 

The cost is $275, which includes three nights of lodging (including pillows and linens), meals on Monday and Tuesday, and a breakfast to-go on Wednesday morning. Delegates will register for 3 Days of Urban Mission online with EYE14 registration

So are YOU ready to go?

Next step is to contact your priest or youth director and let them

 

Click here for EYE Flyer
                 Click here for  EYE Registration Form

 

From the Diocesan Office…

Since you have asked….

Bishop David now has an email and it is: [email protected]

All mail for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, Bishop, Canon, and Administrator

is to go to the current address: 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355

Time sensitive material can be emailed to [email protected].

                     

IONA: A CELTIC PILGRIMAGE OF RENEWAL, July 12-19, is a weeklong retreat for clergy and lay leaders who are renewing our congregations and restoring our world, held at Bishop’s House on the sacred Hebridean island of Iona in Scotland. Application deadline: March 31.  More details  click on “Iona Retreat”.

Whats going on…

Want to know what is happening in the Diocese of San Joaquin?
Central Deanery Meeting, Sunday, March 16, 2014, 3 p.m., Holy Family, Fresno
 
Special Convention, Saturday, 11:00 a.m. March 29, 2014, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
Registration starting at 9:30 a.m.
 
Chrism Mass, Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 11.00 a.m. Church of the Saviour, Hanford
 
Annual Convention, October 24-25, 2014, St. Paul’s, Modesto
    Click on the link below to see upcoming events and meetings around the diocese.

From Our Parishes and Missions…

YOU ARE INVITED

on Saturday March 15th to

SAINT PAT’S  AT  SAINT MATT’S

from 5:00-7:00 pm at Saint Matthew’s Church in San Andreas

to enjoy a traditional Irish Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner

The donation is $ 7.00 and the money raised goes to

   The American Cancer Society Relay for Life 
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
414 Oak Street
San Andreas, CA

EVERY FRIDAY IN LENT

PARISH LENTEN DEVOTIONS

6 pm  STATIONS OF THE CROSS
and

BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

(followed in the Parish Hall with a Soup Supper)

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

414 Oak Street,

San Andreas, CA

April 4, 2014

LENTEN FISH FRY

 

The Episcopal Church of the Saviour, Hanford

 

In keeping with the Church’s ancient Lenten tradition, the Episcopal Church of the Saviour in Hanford (519 N. Douty St.) will be hosting its annual Fish Fry on Friday, 4 April 2014, from 5:00pm-7:30pm.  Come along for a wonderful fish supper and fellowship, or take your meal “to go”.  Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at the church office or at the door the night of the event.  Please contact the Church of the Saviour with any questions at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

May 3, 2014

THE SPRING TEA

Christ The King will host their annual Spring Tea on Saturday, May 3 beginning at 11:00 am. Reservations and tickets are available by calling the church office or from a church member. Click here for for flyer for details and to post in your church.

 May 15-16, 2014
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bakersfield
Join Bishop David Rice
for a Weekend with an Internationally Known Visionary,
Author, Lecturer, & Entrepreneur
Fr. Eric Law, Episcopal Priest
 

Friday, March 15
Check-in 4pm Breakfast 8-9am
Dinner 5pm Session I 9-11:30am
Program 6-8pm
 

Saturday, May 17th, 2014
Check-in 4pm Breakfast 8-9am
Dinner 5pm Session I 9-11:30am
Program 6-8pm Lunch 11:30-12:30
Session II 12:30-2:30
Break 2:30-2:45
Session III 3-5pm
Dinner 5-6pm
Session IV 6-7:30pm

 

Registration form online at www.stpaulsepiscopalbakersfield.org

 
 Click here for flyer to post.

 

For our Diocesan Prayer Calendar….click here

Bishop’s and Canon’s Visitations Calendars… 

Bishop Talton’s Calendar 
March 29                         Special Convention, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 
Bishop Rice’s Calendar
 
March 16                           St. Paul’s, Visalia
 
March 16                           Central Deanery Meeting, Holy Family, Fresno
 
March 29                           Special Convention, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 
March 30                           St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 
 
Canon Cullinane’s Calendar
 
March 16                           Central Deanery Meeting, Holy Family, Fresno
 
March 29                           Special Convention, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 
March 30                           St. Andrew’s, Taft

The Friday Reflection Title
3-7-2014
Lent is a season of reflection that begins on Ash Wednesday (March 5) and concludes on Easter (April 20).
The following is the Presiding Bishop’s Lent Message 2014.
The reality is that the season of Lent, which Christians have practiced for so many centuries, is about the same kind of yearning for greater light in the world, whether you live in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere.
The word “Lent” means “lengthen” and it’s about the days getting longer. The early Church began to practice a season of preparation for those who would be baptized at Easter, and before too long other members of the Christian community joined those candidates for baptism as an act of solidarity.
It was a season during which Christians and future Christians learned about the disciplines of the faith – prayer and study and fasting and giving alms, sharing what they have.
But the reality is that, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, the lengthening days were often times of famine and hunger, when people had used up their winter food stores and the spring had not yet produced more food to feed people. Acting in solidarity with those who go hungry is a piece of what it means to be a Christian. To be a follower of Jesus is to seek the healing of the whole world.
And Lent is a time when we practice those disciplines as acts of solidarity with the broken and hungry and ill and despised parts of the world.
I would invite you this Lent to think about your Lenten practice as an exercise in solidarity with all that is – with other human beings and with all of creation. That is most fundamentally what Jesus is about. He is about healing and restoring that broken world.
So as you enter Lent, consider how you will live in solidarity with those who are hungry, or broken, or ill in one way or another.
May you have a blessed Lent this year, and may it yield greater light in the world.
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
“Participating in God’s Reconciling Love”
For Lent…
Walk through Lent with beautiful daily devotions,
The Lent App (for iPhone)
Illustrated with art by the inimitable Roger Hutchison, author of The Painting Table, and inspirational daily reflections by beloved author and Spiritual Director Mary C. Earle provide food for the journey. A built in journal function lets you record your own thoughts, and you can share Scripture, the daily image, or your own thoughts via email or social media.
Learn More
GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING
Since 1922, Episcopalians have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East through the Good Friday Offering. Through the work of the Episcopal dioceses in the Middle East, Christians maintain a peacemaking and stabilizingpresence in the region, serving their neighbors regardless of faith background.
To make a donation to the Good Friday Offering, please write a check payable to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, write “Good Friday Offering” in the memo line, and mail to:
DFMS – Protestant Episcopal Church US
P.O. Box 958983
St. Louis, MO 63195-8983
Click here for Good Friday Offering Resources
Call to Special Convention…
Dio seal
The Recognition and Seating
of the
Provisional Bishop
The Rt. Rev. David Rice
March 29, 2014
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bakersfield
2216 17th Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Click here for Special Convention Schedule
Check here for Special Convention Registration Form
Still accepting reservations till March 14, 2014
Invitation to Sing at Special Convention…
The Choir of St. Paul’s Church in Bakersfield and director, Christopher Borges, would like to invite members of the Diocese to participate with them in singing at the service for the Seating of Bishop David Rice on Saturday, March 29. There will be a rehearsal that Saturday morning at 11am in the Choir Room.
If you are interested in singing with them, please contact Fr. Vern at [email protected] for an email advance copy of the music.
For Northern Deanery…
TAKE THE BUS TO CONVENTION!
This Saturday’s Northern Deanery Meeting will be the last opportunity to insure the discounted $50 around trip rate to the March 29th Special Diocesan Convention in Bakersfield. Remaining reservations after this Saturday will increase to $65. Remember the coach departs Modesto’s Vintage Faire Mall Park and Ride on the 29th at 5:30 AM returning to Modesto that evening. On your luxury coach there will be a continental breakfast in the morning, with libations and snacks for the return trip. Reservation agents will be on hand at the Deanery meeting to help with your payment and answer questions, or they can be contacted at (209)-869-1075. See you on the bus!
People News…
The Rev. Keith Brown has been appointed as Interim Priest at St. John’s, Tulare.
The Southern Deanery recently elected new officers. Their new President is Marilyn Metzgar of St. Paul’s, Bakersfield.
The Rev. Heather Muellerof St. Andrew’s, Taft has been elected the new Vice-President.
Richard Hendricks of St. Michael’s, Ridgecrest is the new Secretary.
Thanks to all who completed a term and thanks to the newly elected for being willing to serve.
For Youth EYE…
Episcopal Youth Event 2014
WHO:
Anyone in high school during 2013/14 year
WHEN:
July 9 – July 13, 2014
WHERE:
Villanova
University, Philadelphia, PA
WHAT?
The upcoming event marks the twelfth EYE, which remains a popular and well-attended event. EYE14 is geared for youth in grades 9-12 during the 2013-2014 academic year and their adult leaders. The cost for EYE is $325. Included are transportation to/from the Philadelphia airport, your room, meals, event T-shirt, and activities. Transportation to Philadelphia is extra.
ADD-ON
3 Days of Urban Mission is offered for all EYE14 participants. It is an event designed to give delegates an opportunity to engage mission in an urban environment. The participation criteria for EYE14 continue to apply throughout 3 Days of Urban Mission.
Participants should expect to engage in hands-on labor, which might include everything from painting and hauling debris to childcare and preparing meals. Participants should bring work clothes, work gloves, and closed-toe shoes.
3 Days of Urban Mission will commence with preparatory training and evening prayer at 8 p.m. on Sunday evening, July 13, and will end of Tuesday, July 15, with an evening worship service.
The cost is $275, which includes three nights of lodging (including pillows and linens), meals on Monday and Tuesday, and a breakfast to-go on Wednesday morning. Delegates will register for 3 Days of Urban Mission online with EYE14 registration
So are YOU ready to go?
Next step is to contact your priest or youth director and let them
Click here for EYE Flyer
Click here for EYE Registration Form
From the Diocesan Office…
Since you have asked….
Bishop David now has an email and it is: [email protected]
All mail for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, Bishop, Canon, and Administrator
is to go to the current address: 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355
Time sensitive material can be emailed to [email protected] or
faxed to 209-576-0114.
Attention Clergy!
Please get your forms in this week!
All forms sent to you in January via the post office were due to the Diocesan Office by February 27th. The forms are also on our website: www.diosanjoaquin.org.
The following forms are past due:
2013 Parochial Report . Congregational Contact Form
2014 Certificate of Lay Delegate Form . Disaster Preparedness Form
Many thanks to
Holy Trinity, St. Raphael, St. James and St. Clare of Assisi
for having all forms completed and turned in!!
IONA: A CELTIC PILGRIMAGE OF RENEWAL, July 12-19, is a weeklong retreat for clergy and lay leaders who are renewing our congregations and restoring our world, held at Bishop’s House on the sacred Hebridean island of Iona in Scotland. Application deadline: March 31. More details click on “Iona Retreat”.
Whats going on…
Want to know what is happening in the Diocese of San Joaquin?
Northern Deanery Meeting, Saturday, March 8, 2014, 10:00 a.m., St. Anne’s, Stockton
Central Deanery Meeting, Sunday, March 16, 2014, 3 p.m., Holy Family, Fresno
Special Convention, Saturday, 11:00 a.m. March 29, 2014, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
Registration starting at 9:30 a.m.
Chrism Mass, Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 11.00 a.m. Church of the Saviour, Hanford
Annual Convention, October 24-25, 2014, St. Paul’s, Modesto
Click on the link below to see upcoming events and meetings around the diocese.
Meetings and Events
From Our Parishes and Missions…
YOU ARE INVITED
on Saturday March 15th to
SAINT PAT’S AT SAINT MATT’S
from 5:00-7:00 pm at Saint Matthew’s Church in San Andreas
to enjoy a traditional Irish Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner
The donation is $ 7.00 and the money raised goes to
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
414 Oak Street, San Andreas, CA
209-754-3878
EVERY FRIDAY IN LENT
PARISH LENTEN DEVOTIONS
6 pm STATIONS OF THE CROSS
and
BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
(followed in the Parish Hall with a Soup Supper)
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
414 Oak Street,
San Andreas, CA
209-754-3878
SAVE THE DATE!!
Christ the King Episcopal Church, Riverbank
will be hosting YOU at our Ladies’ Tea to be held on Saturday May 3rd. Put this important date on your calendars!! There will be food, music, raffles, prizes for best tables, and even a fashion show. Tickets will be available soon!! Watch this space for more info.
For our Diocesan Prayer Calendar….click here
Bishop’s and Canon’s Visitations Calendars…
Bishop Talton’s Calendar
March 29 Special Convention, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
Bishop Rice’s Calendar
March 8 Northern Deanery Meeting, St. Anne’s, Stockton
March 9 St. James, Sonora
March 16 St. Paul’s, Visalia
March 16 Central Deanery Meeting, Holy Family, Fresno
March 29 Special Convention, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
March 30 St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
Canon Cullinane’s Calendar
March 9 St. Anne’s, Stockton
March 16 Central Deanery Meeting, Holy Family, Fresno
March 29 Special Convention, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
March 30 St. Andrew’s, Taft
Have you checked it out?
Keep up to date on news and events with our
NEW Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin website
www.diosanjoaquin.org
Click here: Our Website
Contributions to the Friday Reflection are most welcome and are due by the Tuesday before the Friday Reflection is scheduled to go out. Articles are to be submitted in word document format and pictures in jpeg format for best results.
Contact Information: Ellen Meyer
[email protected]

St Anne Hosted the Northern Deanery Meeting and Bishop David Rice and his wife Tracy were in attendance. He shared his passion and vision for the future of the San Joaquin Diocese and took questions from those in attendance. He is both inspired and inspiring with his plans to see our congregations reaching out into the community.  He received an enthusiastic welcome and we shared a delicious lunch.