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
Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

Comments closed.