|
February 7, 2020
Rev. Andy Anderson
|
“Called to be…leaders”
…God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. [1]What attributes should a leader exemplify? Integrity, reliability, honesty, forthrightness are just a few of the terms to consider. Many of you have worn the mantle of leadership during your lives, just as I have. Thinking back to those times. Were you/me satisfied with the results? What could we have done to make the experiences more productive or relevant? What can or will we do in future leadership roles?
I have found that to be an effective leader is to lead by example. I would never ask anything of those I lead that I would not or could not undertake myself. Regularly on a Sunday, I preach loving my neighbor as myself. Yet, at times, I find it difficult to follow my admonition on the other six days.
Our nation is in the midst of a maelstrom politically and ethically. Called to be a leader carries great responsibilities. As clergy, I must speak out against social injustices or oppression of any kind. I must champion positivity, such as inclusiveness, forgiveness, and kindness. I once believed that my actions spoke louder than my words, but not anymore. Our social media platforms are rife with vengeful, hate-filled speech, and fingerpointing. In this tumultuous society, the language I use sets the tone for my leadership. I can think of no better way to model “Called to be…” leadership than the words of St. Teresa of Avila.
“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth, but yours.”
— Teresa of Avila[2]
[1]1 Corinthians 12:26-28 Or spiritual persons. , New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
|
Did you know that SJRAISE, Our Immigration Commission, has a new monthly newsletter? You can check it out HERE and subscribe at the bottom, or email Deacon Angela at [email protected] to be added!
|
Companions in Franciscan Spirituality for 2020: Ten-Day Residential Immersion Programs in Franciscan Spirituality offered three times a year for free by The Community of St. Francis at St. Francis House in San Francisco for women over 18. The program includes studying Franciscan spirituality and living out of that spirituality by sharing in our community life, worship and ministry in the church and wider community.
April 3-13; July 3-13; Oct. 2-12.
|
All articles and special news can be submitted to the Diocesan Office at:
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.
|
|
|
Participation and Prayers
|
|
Diocesan Events
Spring Clergy Conference
February 4-6
ECCO
Building Church Leaders Conference
February 7-8
ECCO
Joint Diocesan Council & Standing Committee Meeting
February 28-29
ECCO
Diocesan Recharge/Renew Youth Retreat
May 1-3
ECCO
Spanish Immersion Week
July 12-19
ECCO
|
|
Events Around the Diocese
Fresno Mayoral Forum
St. James Cathedral, Fresno
February 13 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Public House Night
St. Anne’s, Stockton
February 21-22 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm
|
Recharge/Renew Youth Retreat at ECCO
Youth ages 13-18 are invited May 1-3 to the Episcopal Conference Center in Oakhurst for a weekend of fun activities, great food, and a chance to learn more about the Episcopal Church and what it means to be a Christian. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to talk to your friends about church, are interested in Social Justice, or just want to know why we do the things we do on Sunday mornings, this is the retreat to attend! You’ll have a choice of classes taught by both clergy and lay people ranging from Church History, to Music, to Creation Care and Social Justice. Bishop David Rice, Bishop of the Diocese of San Joaquin, will lead Evening prayer one night and Sunday morning Eucharist.
Registration will open in February.
|
UNPLUG SOCKETS FROM THE WALL
OR POWER STRIP
When appliances are not in use they should be unplugged.
The socket draws electricity even when it is off. Some items
that are often plugged in when not in use are blow-dryers,
phone chargers, electric kettles, and coffee pots. Look
around your house and find what can be unplugged.
|
|
 |
|
