Click below to view the congregational guide for Pentecost 2020

Pentecost 2020 Cong. Guide

29. May 2020 · Comments Off on Friday Reflections May 29, 2020 · Categories: Bishop, Friday Reflections · Tags: , , , ,
The Friday Reflection
May 29, 2020
The Rev. Deacon Tom Hampson

Thinking about adaptive leadership, my mind immediately goes to the now vintage TV series MacGyver. I loved that show and the amazing ways he would be able to fashion a solution to his problem – often a life-threatening one – out of various random items in the vicinity. Grace under pressure – and imagination under pressure, too.
In the press of rapid change and toppled plans, it takes a certain leap of imagination – and a certain freedom of imagination from the constraints of the moment to see the situation from another point of view, and sometimes discern a solution.
Chris Shaw is a friend of mine – a nurse who works in Boston specializing in HIV/AIDS care. Our friendship was forged back in the winter of 2002, when Chris agreed to volunteer to be medical officer for an HIV+ South African Choir tour that I was helping to lead. The tour would last two weeks and began in New York City. Their first concert was to be a World AIDS Day event (Dec. 1) at Riverside Church in Manhattan. The day before, we were giving them a tour of NYC. The one place they really wanted to visit was Ground Zero – the site of the former World Trade Center. Near the end of a long day, as the sun was setting, we drove to the site and walked to the edge to see the pit. It was a sad and sobering moment that prompted the choir to begin to sing – beautiful, plaintive songs from South Africa. A crowd gathered, their hearts lightened perhaps by their beautiful music. As we walked back to the van after this very moving interlude, I reached into my pocket for my van keys. Not there. Checked the other pockets. Nope. On this cold, late November day, darkness coming fast, I’d managed to lock us out of the van. Oh pshaw!
Calling AAA in Manhattan at any hour is a pretty frustrating experience – this was no exception. We were looking at hours. Locksmiths – “fuggetaboutit”. The choir was shivering. I was feeling awful and frustrated. Chris, good street-smart Bostonian that he was, tells me – “Hold it. I’ve got a thought.” He walks over to one of several street vendors who were hawking knockoff watches and handbags. After a brief conversation, the vendor strolls over to the van and casually reaches into his boot, removes a long piece of thin metal, and poof! The van is unlocked!
Not quite the drama of a MacGyver episode, but way more satisfying for me! And a lesson in recognizing that the resources you need to solve a problem may be right in front of you – but in a guise that requires some imagination, and experience, to recognize. During these COVID days, we’ve all been pushed to adapt in many ways – testing our patience and challenging our imagination – church via Zoom and Facebook Live, visitation of the sick via FaceTime, online choirs, clergy conferences and advocacy events. We’ve had to use the resources at hand, material – digital – human, in new ways to meet the challenge of this moment. And we’ve done it! Not always gracefully, but we’ve done it. That gives me hope as we approach Pentecost. As we celebrate that outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the first disciples, I see evidence all around us that the Spirit continues to inspire and guide us even in these difficult days. Thanks be to God!

       Latin@ Ministry Working Group
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin is looking for people interested in joining the Latin@ Ministry Working Group.
This group will work alongside the Latino Missioner to imagine and explore how Latino Ministry might happen throughout EDSJ. They will also support the ministries that the Latino Missioner has recently implemented, such as Devotionals about Virgin Mary in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition on the 12th of each month, and newly planned Latino presence for social media.
You do NOT need to speak Spanish in order to participate.
Please sign-up HERE and Deacon Nelson will be in touch shortly. Applications are due by the end of day June 3rd.

A message from the Latino Missioner, The Rev. Nelson Serrano Poveda, and SJRAISE.
Migrant friends in the Central Valley of California,
Because of the many organizations that we work with, we have received information on how you can apply to DRAI (Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants) funds. Remember that these resources are intended for UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS, who meet the requirements. PLEASE apply for this aid. Your information will only be taken into account for this purpose by the Non-Profit Organization, and at no time will it be forwarded to immigration institutions.
  1. In the counties of Alpine and Calaveras, you may contact the California Human Development Corporation at (707) 228-1338; More information on the website: www.californiahumandevelopment.org/
  2. In Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Tulare and Mono counties, may contact the United Farm Workers Foundation (UFWF) at (877) 527-6660; more information on the website: www.ufwfoundation.org
  3. In Mariposa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter and Tuolumne counties, you may contact the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF) at (877) 557-0521, For more information you can enter the website: www.crlaf.org/drai
  4. In Inyo County, you can contact TODEC Legal Center Perris, at (888) 863-3291, or access the website: www.TODEC.org
To continue reading, download the full article HERE, also in Spanish.

Calculate Your Water Footprint
Find out what your water footprint is and how you can reduce your impact. This calculator will show you how your lifestyle impacts the rest of the world and how you can make a positive difference. Share with us ways you plan to reduce your footprint!

 Friday Reflection
All articles and special news can be submitted to the Diocesan Office at: [email protected]
All submissions are due MONDAY for the following Friday Reflection.
Submission requirements:
pictures -JPEG format
articles- word document
document to link- PDF
Please edit pictures for best brightness, contrast, and lighting before sending.

Events Warranting Your
Participation and Prayers

   Diocesan Events
Clergy COVID Conference
June 4 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Wear Orange
June 5
Information below
Commission on Ministry – Discernment Conference
June 6 | 9:00 AM
ZOOM
Deacon Fresh Start
June 15 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
SJRAISE
June 16 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
Clergy COVID Conference
June 18 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Clergy COVID Conference
June 25 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
DC/SC Joint Meeting
June 27
ZOOM

Upcoming Event Information

Wear Orange is Friday, June 5. This 6th National Gun Violence Awareness Day, organized by Everytown and community partners across the country, honors both those killed by gun violence and those who have survived it. Everytown is holding virtual events across the country June 5-7 to raise awareness for gun violence prevention.
Visit the Wear Orange Weekend website for tools to promote the weekend on social media, to find a virtual event in your community and to learn more. You can also share #WearOrange social media posts online on June 5 or wear orange during online worship services on Sunday, June 7 to help promote this virtual event.

CANCELLED – RESCHEDULED 2021
Spanish Immersion at ECCO
Mark your calendars for June 18-25, 2021!
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726
Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!
23. May 2020 · Comments Off on Congregational Guide for Easter 7 · Categories: Newletter, Outreach · Tags: , , , , ,

Click below to view the congregational guide for the 7th Sunday in Easter 2020

Congregational Guide for Easter 7 May 24, 2020)

23. May 2020 · Comments Off on Bishop David's Pastoral Letter May 21, 2020 · Categories: Bishop, Diocese Of San Joaquin · Tags: , , , ,

Click the link below to see Bishop David’s Pastoral Letter regarding the church and Covid 19.

Bishop Pastoral Letter re covid 19

The Friday Reflection
May 22, 2020
The Rev. Deacon Angela Lerena

What does it mean to be leaders in a pandemic?
I’m sure many of you have been hearing and seeing conversations, blogs, and sermons about what it means to be leaders in the midst of a pandemic. Over and over again we hear that being a leader in the midst of a pandemic means being non-anxious. Being a leader in the midst of a pandemic means being present. Being a leader in the midst of a pandemic means practicing self-care. Being a leader in the midst of a pandemic means finding creative ways to connect with others. Being a leader in the midst of a pandemic means taking more walks. And the list goes on and on.
I would argue, however, this is not actually any different than the very things we have always been called to be as leaders. We have always been called to be non-anxious, to be present, to practice self-care, to find creative ways to connect with others, and to take more walks. This work isn’t actually new. This is the ongoing work that leaders are, in fact, called to be and practice. So why has a world pandemic called all of this into the spotlight? Why do we have so many webinars suddenly reminding us to do each of these things? What if it is because we’re actually just really bad at doing all of those things all the time, and we can no longer fake it when our tightly controlled world is falling apart?
I’ve been spending a lot more time contemplating what it means to “return to normal.” As the quote at the beginning suggests, I actually wonder: What are the things we want to rush back to? Of course we want to foster relationships and community that many of us hold so dear. Of course we want to rush back to being able to embrace those that we love without fear of harming them. But what if we stop to think about all the things we maybe don’t need to rush back to.
Mother Earth has had a much needed break from some of the toxins we put into the air every day. We’ve had less flying, less driving, less consuming. We’ve walked a lot more, and cooked a lot more. We’ve taken naps in the middle of the day (at least I have!), and the world hasn’t collapsed. We’ve planted more gardens and veggies than years past (did you hear that seed companies are running out of seeds because home growers ordered more than any other year?). We’ve engaged our faith communities in completely new ways with online Bible studies, worship, and bingo nights, finding people who haven’t stepped foot into a church in years.
So what are the things you are itching to rush back to, that you might be called to leave in the past? What are the newly adopted, yet always called to be, things you will continue to do past these COVID days? How will you continue to be the leader that God calls each of us to be as we move forward? How will you live into being non-anxious, being present, practicing self-care, finding creative ways to connect with others? And what glorious naps will you take, and where might you find new places to walk?

       Latin@ Ministry Working Group
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin is looking for people interested in joining the Latin@ Ministry Working Group.
This group will work alongside the Latino Missioner to imagine and explore how Latino Ministry might happen throughout EDSJ. They will also support the ministries that the Latino Missioner has recently implemented, such as Devotionals about Virgin Mary in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition on the 12th of each month, and newly planned Latino presence for social media.
You do NOT need to speak Spanish in order to participate.
Please sign-up HERE and Deacon Nelson will be in touch shortly. Applications are due by the end of day June 3rd.

      COVID Update Letter from Bishop David
Sisters and Brothers of EDSJ,
I hope my words find you safe and well.  As I have communicated in my previous pastoral letters during these pandemic times of COVID-19, we have seen illnesses and deaths in an unprecedented manner.  At the time of writing this correspondence, close to 5 million cases worldwide have been reported and over 1.5 million cases in the US.  And we are approaching 325,000 deaths globally and shy of 92,000 deaths in our country.  I realize we see the very same statistical information each day through our various news streams.  My concern is that we may not pause enough during this informational storm and truly consider those who suffer from a debilitating and life threatening virus.  Equally, I’m afraid we may not reflect enough upon the people who are no longer with us and those who grieve them.  Please Church, do not get lost in the continuous numerical totals or the constant partisan politicizing or the ceaseless self-serving positioning.  This is a time, as it is in all times, when and where we remember who we are and to Whom we belong.  This is a time, as it is in all times, for us to be the Church.
In my last issued pastoral letter, I identified that we would continue to suspend public worship and public gatherings through May 24.  Again, after considerable thought and prayer and consulting with diocesan leadership, I am extending that date until such time when we can confidently resume our gatherings in a safe and healthy manner.  I realize in my two previous pastoral letters, I provided forecasted dates for potential reopening.  In this instance, I am electing to refrain from predicting a prospective date as I do not want to raise expectations unnecessarily regarding a resumption of public worship and gatherings.  I will say, we continue to rely upon science and the health-related data provided.  Moreover, we continue to rely upon our belief that we are guided by our commitment to public health and our faith-informed responsibility for one another.
Continue reading the letter HERE.

A message from the Latino Missioner, The Rev. Nelson Serrano Poveda, and SJRAISE.
Migrant friends in the Central Valley of California,
Because of the many organizations that we work with, we have received information on how you can apply to DRAI (Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants) funds. Remember that these resources are intended for UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS, who meet the requirements. PLEASE apply for this aid. Your information will only be taken into account for this purpose by the Non-Profit Organization, and at no time will it be forwarded to immigration institutions.
  1. In the counties of Alpine and Calaveras, you may contact the California Human Development Corporation at (707) 228-1338; More information on the website: www.californiahumandevelopment.org/
  2. In Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Tulare and Mono counties, may contact the United Farm Workers Foundation (UFWF) at (877) 527-6660; more information on the website: www.ufwfoundation.org
  3. In Mariposa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter and Tuolumne counties, you may contact the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF) at (877) 557-0521, For more information you can enter the website: www.crlaf.org/drai
  4. In Inyo County, you can contact TODEC Legal Center Perris, at (888) 863-3291, or access the website: www.TODEC.org
To continue reading, download the full article HERE, also in Spanish.

Use Green Transportation
How do you get from place to place?  Make a plan for how you can reduce your footprint. Does your city/town have public transportation? Are there places where you can walk or bike instead of drive? Are there places you can carpool? School, work, church, and small group meetings are great places to carpool. Make a commitment and plan to improve your carbon footprint.

 Friday Reflection
All articles and special news can be submitted to the Diocesan Office at: [email protected]
All submissions are due MONDAY for the following Friday Reflection.
Submission requirements:
pictures -JPEG format
articles- word document
document to link- PDF
Please edit pictures for best brightness, contrast, and lighting before sending.

Events Warranting Your
Participation and Prayers

   Diocesan Events
Standing Committee Meeting
May 26 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
Clergy COVID Conference
May 28 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Clergy COVID Conference
June 4 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Commission on Ministry – Discernment Conference
June 6 | 9:00 AM
ZOOM
Deacon Fresh Start
June 15 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
SJRAISE
June 16 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
Clergy COVID Conference
June 18 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Clergy COVID Conference
June 25 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
DC/SC Joint Meeting
June 27
ZOOM

Upcoming Event Information

We need your help for Pentecost!
The Diocese is looking ahead to Pentecost and would love your participation in our May 31st service. This year for Pentecost, as we did in Holy Week, we are asking for picture submissions from the community. You have either participated in the past, or been recommended by Diocesan and Cathedral leadership!
What we’re looking for:
1. A picture of you and anyone in your home wearing red. Heat permitting it would be nice to see this picture taken outside but should definitely be taken in a well lit area.
2. Incorporating fire (i.e. a candle) is welcome but not necessary. Pets dressed in red are also welcome as they are part of our families.
This should be a fun activity and not stressful.
Because we would like plenty of time to gather the pictures and put the service together please have them uploaded to the link below by the end of day Tuesday, May 26th.

CANCELLED – RESCHEDULED 2021
Spanish Immersion at ECCO
If you have registered already, please look for an email from Deacon Angela in the next week about your refund.

Resources to Share

A Word from United Thank Offering
During this time of COVID-19, United Thank Offering (UTO) is asking that individuals and families consider that which they are thankful for, writing down one thing a day for the month, and at the end of the month, sharing the stories of what it meant to you to express gratitude during a difficult time.
Similarly, UTO is asking that you share your photos of sewing masks, the dust collecting on your car, the snacks you’ve put out for delivery persons or your window decorations for neighborhood children…in other words, how are you living, with gratitude, during COVID-19.
You can share your stories and photos on social media: #UTOgratitudechallenge
Finally, all money sent to UTO is used to support grants across The Episcopal Church, and our diocese has been the recipient of several of these grants.
We know that many among us are already feeling the financial effects of this pandemic and we want to remind you that UTO is first and foremost a gratitude practice. Therefore, if you (or people in your community) feel anxious about giving money, please encourage them to still give thanks. Write a small note and put it in your Blue Box, and then whenever you are able, give a thank offering after reflecting on these notes. Be sure to see the ways we continue to be blessed even when times are very hard.
Second, there are many ways to give to UTO that do not involve gathering at church. Everyone is encouraged to send their Spring Ingathering using one of the following methods:
* Text to give: To give via your phone, simply text INGATHER to 41444.
* Give online here: https://unitedthankoffering.com/give/
* Mail your check directly to the bank. Simply make the check out to UTO with Ingathering Diocese
of (name) in the memo line and mail it to: The United Thank Offering – DFMS – Protestant Episcopal
Church PO Box 958983 St. Louis MO 63195-8983
If you have questions about UTO, please contact Canon Anna ([email protected]).
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726
Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!
The Friday Reflection
May 15, 2020
Dean Ryan Newman

HOMECOMING
Do you remember Enid Strict?
She was the “Church Lady” played by Dana Carvey on Saturday Night Live. Enid was tough on her guests, especially when it came to their sins-many ripped from the headlines of the day. Christianity and culture have had a complicated relationship. Still, people like Enid remind the Church that we can be our own worst enemy, especially when we exist in ivory towers secluded from the realities of society.
This past weekend Saturday Night Live again portrayed the Church. This time, SNL did a hilarious sketch about the “Zoom Church Experience.” It was funny because it was true-almost too real for those of us organizing and leading digital worship and meetings on Zoom. The pastor of Mount Methuselah Baptist Church struggles to preach over the “noise” of his congregants’ everyday lives zooming along in the digital world. Eventually, the pastor, so tired of the outside noise, says to his congregation, “The Lord wants everybody to click on that little microphone with the red line through it and where it says ‘mute’ hit ‘yes.’ Amen?!”
Zoom Church - SNL
Zoom Church – SNL
Hitting “mute” on the world is probably one of the gravest sins the Church can do, especially during this pandemic. However, we see it happen every day. Parts of our country and some of our most visible leaders are eagerly pushing for a “return to normal life.” A hurried return could and would mean more people become ill, and some will die as a direct result of the frantic pace to resume “normal life.”
It is one thing to see politicians and business leaders pushing for a speedy return. However, it is another thing to see “so-called” Christian leaders recklessly risking others’ lives by holding public services through the pandemic under the ruse of religious freedom. They might be a minority in the Christian narrative, but some faith leaders are demanding for their churches to be open, many who are denying the science behind the virus and its transmission. Throughout the country, there are churches even suing their state for the right to reopen their churches.
“God is commanding us not to give up the habit of meeting together,” said one pastor. He and I must be hearing different Gods! When we press “mute” on God’s call to love and care for others, people suffer, people die, and God’s heart breaks for all of humanity.
In the coming weeks, we expect to begin seeing an easing of gathering restrictions. States, including California, will allow churches to resume services in their sanctuaries under specific guidelines. Our natural reaction might be to rush over to the Church and jump head-first into the baptismal font (metaphorically, of course). We run the risk of saying: Let the people stampede into the pews, allow the choir to sing out an hour-long anthem, and most certainly feed us communion because we are starving for the bread of life. However, a hurried return will endanger lives, young and old, and could even lead to the death of the Church.
A rush back “into the normal” would require the Church to press mute on the world beyond our sanctuary walls. It would be a brazen and careless homecoming and a grave sin committed by the Church. I know under these circumstances that Ms. Enid Strict would not agree with an expedited return to the confines of the Church.
In our upcoming homecoming, whenever it may be, we are called to be thoughtful, meticulous, and ever mindful to care for those among us, especially those who are most vulnerable. Like the processional Cross entering the sanctuary, we are called to enter our houses of worship with steady, slow, and reverent steps. Like the most beautiful anthem at Christmas, our first note is not the crescendo; instead, we are called to be a community that gradually grows into the new normal following the pandemic.
We will return, we will sing, and we will be fed. We will be the community that once again gathers together for worship. Right now, the Church, more than ever, needs to suspend the urge to rely on Chronos (our timetable) and to entrust our future to Kairos (God’s timetable).

Amen?!

Deanery day’s will look a little different this spring. Instead of meeting in person, the Bishop and Canon will host all deanery meetings on a single day via Zoom.
Please note a slight change in who is required and who is advised to attend: Clergy and convention delegates are required to attend. Wardens and treasurers are highly advised to attend. Other leaders are welcome to join as well!
Southern Deanery | 9-11 AM
Central Deanery | 12-2 PM
Northern Deanery | 3-5 PM
Join Zoom Meeting Here
Meeting ID: 890 6175 3234
Password: 4147
One tap mobile
+14086380968,,89061753234# US (San Jose)
If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, and would like to test it out beforehand, please contact Dcn. Angela ([email protected]).

         
Traditionally church audits are due June 30th.
HOWEVER, due to COVID-19 and physical distancing requirements, Bishop David has approved audits to be due September 30th.
If you are doing an internal audit, there is a requirement of 2 people to do the audit.
If you are doing an external audit, you may want to be in touch with the diocesan approved auditors to begin doing some of the work from a distance.
Deacon Terrance, Deacon Teri, & Rev. Linda Huggard are approved auditors.

Immigrant Day of Action 2020
will take place *digitally* on
Monday, May 11.
For years, Immigrant Day of Action has been a space to learn, advocate & build community with partners and friends from across the state united in our fight for immigrant rights.
As the  #COVID19  pandemic evolves, our work continues & we remain committed to fighting for a CA where we can all thrive. Join us!

Read a Book Concerning Creation Care

  • 50 Ways to Help Save the Earth: How You and Your Congregation Can Make a Difference by Rev. Rebecca Barnes of Presbyterian Church (USA).
  • Creation as Sacrament: Reflections on Ecology and Spirituality by Fr. John Chryssavgis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
  • Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis by Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas of the Episcopal Church and Rev. Dr. Leah Schade of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
  • Climate Church, Climate World: How People of Faith Must Work for Change by Rev. Jim Antal of the United Church of Christ

 Friday Reflection
All articles and special news can be submitted to the Diocesan Office at: [email protected]
All submissions are due MONDAY for the following Friday Reflection.
Submission requirements:
pictures -JPEG format
articles- word document
document to link- PDF
Please edit pictures for best brightness, contrast, and lighting before sending.

Events Warranting Your
Participation and Prayers

   Diocesan Events
Deanery Meetings
May 16
ZOOM
Deacon Fresh Start
May 18 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
SJRAISE
May 19 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
Clergy COVID Conference
May 21 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Diocesan Council Meeting
May 21 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
School for Deacons
May 23
ZOOM
Standing Committee Meeting
May 26 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
Spanish Immersion Week
July 12-19
ECCO
Learn More HERE

Upcoming Event Information

Spanish Immersion at ECCO
Come join us for a week of Spanish learning!
Join us for a week of learning to speak Spanish! You will have time to learn, bring home materials to keep learning, and enjoy many activities among colleagues and friends.
Prices include take home materials, week long materials, lodging, all meals, and activities!
Registration is due by June 10th. We need 25 people minimum to join us! Register below.
If the program is canceled due to lack of participant registrations, all costs will be refunded.
However, if a participant cancels after the registration cut off date, costs cannot be refunded.
Registrations are due – June 10th
Register HERE

Resources to Share

A Word from United Thank Offering
During this time of COVID-19, United Thank Offering (UTO) is asking that individuals and families consider that which they are thankful for, writing down one thing a day for the month, and at the end of the month, sharing the stories of what it meant to you to express gratitude during a difficult time.
Similarly, UTO is asking that you share your photos of sewing masks, the dust collecting on your car, the snacks you’ve put out for delivery persons or your window decorations for neighborhood children…in other words, how are you living, with gratitude, during COVID-19.
You can share your stories and photos on social media: #UTOgratitudechallenge
Finally, all money sent to UTO is used to support grants across The Episcopal Church, and our diocese has been the recipient of several of these grants.
We know that many among us are already feeling the financial effects of this pandemic and we want to remind you that UTO is first and foremost a gratitude practice. Therefore, if you (or people in your community) feel anxious about giving money, please encourage them to still give thanks. Write a small note and put it in your Blue Box, and then whenever you are able, give a thank offering after reflecting on these notes. Be sure to see the ways we continue to be blessed even when times are very hard.
Second, there are many ways to give to UTO that do not involve gathering at church. Everyone is encouraged to send their Spring Ingathering using one of the following methods:
* Text to give: To give via your phone, simply text INGATHER to 41444.
* Give online here: https://unitedthankoffering.com/give/
* Mail your check directly to the bank. Simply make the check out to UTO with Ingathering Diocese
of (name) in the memo line and mail it to: The United Thank Offering – DFMS – Protestant Episcopal
Church PO Box 958983 St. Louis MO 63195-8983
If you have questions about UTO, please contact Canon Anna ([email protected]).
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726
Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!
The Friday Reflection
May 1, 2020
Bishop David Rice

Sisters and brothers of EDSJ,
On occasion, during these COVID-19 days, I have heard from some offering expressions of yearning concerning when we might gather again, in a non-virtual manner, for shared and public worship. And as I have received these correspondences, some will know that my responses have included my own expressions of yearning.
I’ve given a substantial amount of thought regarding what I miss most about gathering in our places of worship. So I thought I would take this opportunity to share some of those expressions of yearning.
I miss walking into the church in the processional and enjoying that enveloped feeling of anticipation that something extraordinary is about to occur.
I miss standing in the midst of the gathered community proclaiming words of encouragement, hope, grace, challenge and peace during the homily (This is typically my first opportunity to physically move closer to those gathered).
I miss offering exchanges of peace and reconciliation in moments of deep shalom.
I miss standing behind the altar and offering historic prayers which join us with People of God today and countless others who went before us.
I miss offering bread and wine and considering in that moment and in that exchange that God is doing more than I will ever comprehend.
And I miss walking out in the recessional and awaiting departure of others as we encounter the world from whence we came hopefully renewed, revitalized and re-created.
Sisters and Brothers, I miss all of that and much more. Mainly, I can say with absolute certainty, what I missed most of all, my deepest expression of yearning, is seeing you and being with you.
And I suspect and hope that particular expression of yearning holds true for you as well. And all of that leads me to suggest that one of the most important things to be done during these times of sheltering-in-place and offering care to the other by offering care to ourselves, is to contact one another with these words: “I want you to know, I really miss you!”
“Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.”  Proverbs 27:17
Blessings
+David

Deanery day’s will look a little different this spring. Instead of meeting in person, the Bishop and Canon will host all deanery meetings on a single day via Zoom.
Clergy, wardens, treasurers, and convention delegates are required to attend. Other leaders are welcome to join as well!
Southern Deanery | 9-11 AM
Central Deanery | 12-2 PM
Northern Deanery | 3-5 PM
Join Zoom Meeting Here
Meeting ID: 890 6175 3234
Password: 4147
One tap mobile
+14086380968,,89061753234# US (San Jose)
If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, and would like to test it out beforehand, please contact Dcn. Angela ([email protected]).

We are looking for lay readers from across the Diocese. You just need a camera, smart phones work well! We will send you all the instructions, and details on how to submit them.
If you have NOT read for us before, please sign-up HERE.

Nuevo Amanecer, the Latino Hispanic Ministry Conference, has been not canceled because of Covid19. For this year, and for the first time in the history of the Latino Hispanic Ministries of the Episcopal Church, this conference is being held virtually.
The Rev. Can. Anthony Guillen, Latino/Hispanic Missioner for the Episcopal Church, is inviting us in this video to be a part of Nuevo Amanecer: Check out his video HERE
Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, will be with us during Nuevo Amanecer, inviting us to think and imagine a world where Love is the Way. The Rev. Glenda McQueen, and our Latino Missioner, The Rev. Deacon Nelson Serrano, will lead a workshop named: After Coronavirus – ABCD and reconstruction after the Pandemic.
Please plan to join this exciting event! Register now: HERE

        Postponement of Sabbatical
Sisters and Brothers of EDSJ,
I hope my words find you well as you continue to shelter-in-place and take of one another by taking care of yourselves.
One of the many rescheduled events during these COVID-19 days, is the Lambeth Conference in the U.K. As you know, Lambeth was scheduled for July, and following the conference, Tracy and I were scheduled for a four month sabbatical. As Lambeth has been postponed to 2021, we have decided to postpone our sabbatical as well.
So other than a holiday at some stage during the remainder of the year, we will be in country, more specifically, in the diocese for 2020.
As 2021 approaches, in due course, we will offer some information concerning our sabbatical plans.
In the meantime EDSJ, please continue to be careful and kind and wise in these challenging times.
Easter Blessings,
+David

Immigrant Day of Action 2020
will take place *digitally* on
Monday, May 11.
For years, Immigrant Day of Action has been a space to learn, advocate & build community with partners and friends from across the state united in our fight for immigrant rights.
As the  #COVID19  pandemic evolves, our work continues & we remain committed to fighting for a CA where we can all thrive. Join us!

Reuse.
You Don’t Have to Use an Item Just Once Right?
What disposable items in your life could you replace with a reusable option? Do you use cloth napkins or paper? Do you have a reusable water bottle or disposable? Do you use cleaning wipes or clothes? Do you pack your lunch in plastic bags or in reusable containers?

 Friday Reflection
All articles and special news can be submitted to the Diocesan Office at: [email protected]
All submissions are due MONDAY for the following Friday Reflection.
Submission requirements:
pictures -JPEG format
articles- word document
document to link- PDF
Please edit pictures for best brightness, contrast, and lighting before sending.

Events Warranting Your
Participation and Prayers

   Diocesan Events
COM Meeting
May 5 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
Clergy COVID Conference
May 7 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
School for Deacons
May 9
ZOOM
CA Day of of the Immigrant
May 11
Register: HERE
Nueva Amanecer
May 12-14 | 10 AM – 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Register: HERE
Clergy COVID Conference
May 14 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Deanery Meetings
May 16
ZOOM
Deacon Fresh Start
May 18 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
SJRAISE
May 19 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
Clergy COVID Conference
May 21 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Diocesan Council Meeting
May 21 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
School for Deacons
May 23
ZOOM
Standing Committee Meeting
May 26 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
Spanish Immersion Week
July 12-19
ECCO
Learn More HERE

Upcoming Event Information

Spanish Immersion at ECCO
Come join us for a week of Spanish learning!
Join us for a week of learning to speak Spanish! You will have time to learn, bring home materials to keep learning, and enjoy many activities among colleagues and friends.
Prices include take home materials, week long materials, lodging, all meals, and activities!
Registration is due by June 10th. We need 25 people minimum to join us! Register blow.
If the program is canceled due to lack of participant registrations, all costs will be refunded.
However, if a participant cancels after the registration cut off date, costs cannot be refunded.
Registrations are due – June 10th
Register HERE
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726
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