Sunday Feast Of St Frances Service and Guide

03. October 2020 · Comments Off on Sunday Feast Of St Frances Service and Guide · Categories: Congregational Guide, Sunday Service · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dear St. Anne’s community,
Happy Saturday to you all. I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. Please join me at 11:00am tomorrow on the St. Anne’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stannestockton/ <https://www.facebook.com/stannestockton/> for Sunday Service. The recorded service will be posted to the St. Anne’s Facebook page later in the day to watch as you are able. A guide for the service is attached to this email.

Click the following link to view the congregational guide. Feast of St. Francis Guide

This Sunday is the Feast of St. Francis and there will be an animal blessing at the end of service, so have your pets with you during the service. We are also moving from doing Morning Prayer to Service of the Word: Rite 2.
At 9:30 join us for our Adult Education Forum looking at the Old Testament:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89983252835?pwd=SHc0UlJNRlBHR1NYUUVOeGVlYWdXQT09 <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89983252835?pwd=SHc0UlJNRlBHR1NYUUVOeGVlYWdXQT09>
Meeting ID: 899 8325 2835
Passcode: 685428
At 11:45am following the service join us for a virtual coffee hour. Grab a goodie from your kitchen then click the Zoom link below to see and chat with others from the church:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/917842540 <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/917842540>
You can also always find all the information about our digital church offerings on our website under the calendar
tab: http://episcopalchurchofstanne.com <http://episcopalchurchofstanne.com/>
The weekly prayer requests from the congregation are:
Pray for the sick:
Richele
Tiffany
Danny
Heather
Marcus
Rick & Benice
Cindy
Amy
Sarah
Pray for those who died:
Sylvia Dobrow
Please send your prayer requests to the office through the week and I will send them out on Saturday with the service info and add them to the prayers on Sunday morning.
Finally, if you are having trouble accessing the online resources please reach out to me and I can walk you through what to do. You can email me back: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> or call me at: 707-718-5552.
Peace to you all.

Friday Refections for October 2, 2020

02. October 2020 · Comments Off on Friday Refections for October 2, 2020 · Categories: Friday Reflections · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
The Friday Reflection
October 10, 2020
The Rev. Marilee Muncey, Deacon

In the time between the resurrection and ascension John gives us yet another picture of restoration that Jesus’ resurrection has set in motion. Just after dawn, after an unsuccessful night of fishing, Peter and the disciples with him are returning to shore. As they near land, there is just enough light to see that there is someone they do not recognize on the beach. The stranger calls to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” “No,” they say. It cannot have been unusual for villagers to meet the boats as they came in to buy and barter for the freshest fish. But what happens next surely did not happen every day. “Cast your net to the right side of the boat and you will find some.” The disciples do it, and their net is filled to overflowing! Here is John’s feeding of the multitude; God’s abundance in what was to these fishermen an everyday action. The disciples quickly recognize the sign and put two and two together. The beloved disciple tells Peter, “It is the Lord!”


This is a wonderful encounter with the risen Lord, and it sets up the conversation between Jesus and Peter that occurs after they had all shared breakfast together. There is no doubt in my mind that Peter still had to be dealing with the fact that on the night before Jesus was crucified, he, Peter, had vehemently denied him three times. Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Commenters on this passage say that this three-times question echoed Peter’s three denials. But what struck me reflecting on this scripture and essentials of leadership is that Jesus question and Peter’s answer form the foundation for future ministry, both Peter’s and our own. Love is the foundation of all ministry whether we are laity or clergy. The desire to be known, to make a name for ourselves, to make a difference in our world, or to have our name live on after us are all motivators; we see them play out in the world around us all the time. There can be, and I’m sure are, many varied motivations for ministry, but none of them lasts, none of them protects both the one who leads (in whatever capacity) and those who follow except love; the love of Jesus.


A second critical part of leadership that flows from love is spending time with the one whom we love. We are all called to be the beloved disciple. As others in their reflections have brought out, it is essential for us as leaders to spend intentional time with God. The gospel writers mention many times where Jesus took time to go apart from his disciples, from the crowds that followed him, and just be with God. With all the demands on his time and the stress of his life, Jesus needed time to be with God and in the quiet of that time to rest and recharge. It would be easy for Jesus to make it all about himself; time with God kept him centered and in God’s will.


As I have reflected over these months about what I would write about, these two things, love as the foundation of leadership and the importance of spending intentional, regular time with God seemed to be where the Spirit was leading me. But recently, a third critical factor came to mind: the importance of seeing things as they are and leading from that perspective. Especially now, it is tempting to want to pull the covers over our head and just ignore the tumult all around us; but If we are truly going to lead/walk with people to places of health and wholeness (and not just to a place of our own wishful thinking), we must have the courage and strength lead from the real world. The world watches and questions what we do (and I believe they have the right to do so) to see if we are genuine. Our genuineness comes from leading/walking in the real world. Love that is real and not just manipulative must be done in the real world. Our taking time to be with the real, holy, and living one must be done in the real world or we risk simply communing with a god of our own making. If we are to help people see and experience God as the real, holy, and living one, we must exercise (which calls for discipline and practice) courage and strength to meet people where they actually are at that moment and not where they or we would like to pretend they are. Courage and strength come from love of God and love of neighbor and are further strengthened with intentional and regular time with God. With these things working together we will be, as we labor in the vineyard together, the leaders we are called to be.

    
Deanery Day will be similar to the spring deanery day. Bishop David, Canon Anna and others will present information for Diocesan Convention. We will hear about resolutions and the budget for 2021!

Clergy and convention delegates are required to attend. Wardens, treasurers, and other leaders are encouraged to join as well! 
Southern Deanery | 9-11 AM
Central Deanery | 12-2 PM
Northern Deanery | 3-5 PM
Join the Zoom meeting HERE

Meeting ID: 863 0770 8543
Passcode: 586377

One tap mobile
+16699006833,,86307708543# US (San Jose)
If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, and would like to test it out beforehand, please contact Rev. Angela ([email protected]).

   
Drive Like St. Francis

While it’s unrealistic for most of us to give up our cars completely, making subtle adjustments to our lifestyles and our habits can offset significant environmental harm. Here are some tips for sensible traveling.

Drive carefully. The Environmental Protection Agency encourages drivers to avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. It’s also important to make sure tires are properly inflated. Tires that are inflated appropriately improve gas mileage.

Carpool. The benefit is twofold: we are aiding the environment by having one fewer car on the road; and the relationships we share with those in the car with us can be strengthened.

Combine trips. The US Department of Energy encourages drivers to have a game plan before running errands. Short trips from a car that has been idle can use twice the fuel that combining trips does. It also reduces the wear and tear on your car.

Bus it. Keeping your car in park just two days a week can lower greenhouse gas emissions. According to the American Public Transit Association, using public transportation regularly can save the equivalent of 900,000 fill-ups every day.

What would Francis do? Francis of Assisi, in his lifetime, was an optimist. “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible,” is a saying attributed to him. Francis had a deep love for the earth and for those who shared it with him. We can do the same.

   
Try Composting at Home 

Check out this guide to learn how to compost at your home, or go here to see if your neighborhood has a curbside compost pickup option.



Check out their year in review, and what is coming up ahead in the coming year!

 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 
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship

Zoom


Creation Care Commission Meeting
Zoom
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 7 | 7:00 PM
Lodi – ZOOM

Clergy Meeting
October 8 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 8 | 7:00 PM
Sonora – ZOOM


Deanery Day
October 10
Southern Deanery | 9:00 – 11:00 am
Central Deanery | 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Northern Deanery | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Diocesan/Cathedral Worship


Meditation on Mary
October 12 | 6:30 PM


SJRAISE
October 13 | 6:30 PM
Zoom


Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 14 | 7:00 PM
Hanford – ZOOM


Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 15 | 7:00 PM
Modesto – ZOOM


Registration for Convention Due
October 16
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
  Facebook and YouTube


Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 21 | 7:00 PM
Kernville – ZOOM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 28 | 7:00 PM
Turlock – ZOOM


Diocesan Council & Standing Committee Joint Meeting
October 31 | 10:00 AM
Zoom


Creek Fire Update
 

All ECCO employees have returned to their homes and work! They are thrilled to be back, and are working to clean the facilities after their time away.
If you would like to make a donation for those affected by the Creek Fire you can do so online here:
Or you can mail checks to the Diocesan office:
EDSJ
4147 E Dakota AVE
Fresno, CA 93726
Memo: Creek Fire Disaster Assistance
Thank you to all who have donated! Your continued support and prayers are greatly appreciated.
To see the Diocesan news sent out about this on Sunday, September 6th, please click here.


Annual Diocesan Convention 2020
 

 the Church in all seasons


Call to Convention

Find all the annual convention information on our website!
Key Dates:
Deanery Day | October 10
Convention Registration | October 16


Event Information 


Join Rev. Nelson for The Rosary: Let’s pray and meditate with Mary on October 12 at 6:30 pm on Facebook Live
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726
Sent by [email protected] powered by
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!
The Friday Reflection
October 10, 2020
The Rev. Marilee Muncey, Deacon

In the time between the resurrection and ascension John gives us yet another picture of restoration that Jesus’ resurrection has set in motion. Just after dawn, after an unsuccessful night of fishing, Peter and the disciples with him are returning to shore. As they near land, there is just enough light to see that there is someone they do not recognize on the beach. The stranger calls to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” “No,” they say. It cannot have been unusual for villagers to meet the boats as they came in to buy and barter for the freshest fish. But what happens next surely did not happen every day. “Cast your net to the right side of the boat and you will find some.” The disciples do it, and their net is filled to overflowing! Here is John’s feeding of the multitude; God’s abundance in what was to these fishermen an everyday action. The disciples quickly recognize the sign and put two and two together. The beloved disciple tells Peter, “It is the Lord!”


This is a wonderful encounter with the risen Lord, and it sets up the conversation between Jesus and Peter that occurs after they had all shared breakfast together. There is no doubt in my mind that Peter still had to be dealing with the fact that on the night before Jesus was crucified, he, Peter, had vehemently denied him three times. Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Commenters on this passage say that this three-times question echoed Peter’s three denials. But what struck me reflecting on this scripture and essentials of leadership is that Jesus question and Peter’s answer form the foundation for future ministry, both Peter’s and our own. Love is the foundation of all ministry whether we are laity or clergy. The desire to be known, to make a name for ourselves, to make a difference in our world, or to have our name live on after us are all motivators; we see them play out in the world around us all the time. There can be, and I’m sure are, many varied motivations for ministry, but none of them lasts, none of them protects both the one who leads (in whatever capacity) and those who follow except love; the love of Jesus.


A second critical part of leadership that flows from love is spending time with the one whom we love. We are all called to be the beloved disciple. As others in their reflections have brought out, it is essential for us as leaders to spend intentional time with God. The gospel writers mention many times where Jesus took time to go apart from his disciples, from the crowds that followed him, and just be with God. With all the demands on his time and the stress of his life, Jesus needed time to be with God and in the quiet of that time to rest and recharge. It would be easy for Jesus to make it all about himself; time with God kept him centered and in God’s will.


As I have reflected over these months about what I would write about, these two things, love as the foundation of leadership and the importance of spending intentional, regular time with God seemed to be where the Spirit was leading me. But recently, a third critical factor came to mind: the importance of seeing things as they are and leading from that perspective. Especially now, it is tempting to want to pull the covers over our head and just ignore the tumult all around us; but If we are truly going to lead/walk with people to places of health and wholeness (and not just to a place of our own wishful thinking), we must have the courage and strength lead from the real world. The world watches and questions what we do (and I believe they have the right to do so) to see if we are genuine. Our genuineness comes from leading/walking in the real world. Love that is real and not just manipulative must be done in the real world. Our taking time to be with the real, holy, and living one must be done in the real world or we risk simply communing with a god of our own making. If we are to help people see and experience God as the real, holy, and living one, we must exercise (which calls for discipline and practice) courage and strength to meet people where they actually are at that moment and not where they or we would like to pretend they are. Courage and strength come from love of God and love of neighbor and are further strengthened with intentional and regular time with God. With these things working together we will be, as we labor in the vineyard together, the leaders we are called to be.

    
Deanery Day will be similar to the spring deanery day. Bishop David, Canon Anna and others will present information for Diocesan Convention. We will hear about resolutions and the budget for 2021!

Clergy and convention delegates are required to attend. Wardens, treasurers, and other leaders are encouraged to join as well! 
Southern Deanery | 9-11 AM
Central Deanery | 12-2 PM
Northern Deanery | 3-5 PM
Join the Zoom meeting HERE

Meeting ID: 863 0770 8543
Passcode: 586377

One tap mobile
+16699006833,,86307708543# US (San Jose)
If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, and would like to test it out beforehand, please contact Rev. Angela ([email protected]).

   
Drive Like St. Francis

While it’s unrealistic for most of us to give up our cars completely, making subtle adjustments to our lifestyles and our habits can offset significant environmental harm. Here are some tips for sensible traveling.

Drive carefully. The Environmental Protection Agency encourages drivers to avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. It’s also important to make sure tires are properly inflated. Tires that are inflated appropriately improve gas mileage.

Carpool. The benefit is twofold: we are aiding the environment by having one fewer car on the road; and the relationships we share with those in the car with us can be strengthened.

Combine trips. The US Department of Energy encourages drivers to have a game plan before running errands. Short trips from a car that has been idle can use twice the fuel that combining trips does. It also reduces the wear and tear on your car.

Bus it. Keeping your car in park just two days a week can lower greenhouse gas emissions. According to the American Public Transit Association, using public transportation regularly can save the equivalent of 900,000 fill-ups every day.

What would Francis do? Francis of Assisi, in his lifetime, was an optimist. “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible,” is a saying attributed to him. Francis had a deep love for the earth and for those who shared it with him. We can do the same.

   
Try Composting at Home 

Check out this guide to learn how to compost at your home, or go here to see if your neighborhood has a curbside compost pickup option.



Check out their year in review, and what is coming up ahead in the coming year!

 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 
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship

Zoom


Creation Care Commission Meeting
Zoom
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 7 | 7:00 PM
Lodi – ZOOM

Clergy Meeting
October 8 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 8 | 7:00 PM
Sonora – ZOOM


Deanery Day
October 10
Southern Deanery | 9:00 – 11:00 am
Central Deanery | 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Northern Deanery | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Diocesan/Cathedral Worship


Meditation on Mary
October 12 | 6:30 PM


SJRAISE
October 13 | 6:30 PM
Zoom


Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 14 | 7:00 PM
Hanford – ZOOM


Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 15 | 7:00 PM
Modesto – ZOOM


Registration for Convention Due
October 16
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
  Facebook and YouTube


Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 21 | 7:00 PM
Kernville – ZOOM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 28 | 7:00 PM
Turlock – ZOOM


Diocesan Council & Standing Committee Joint Meeting
October 31 | 10:00 AM
Zoom


Creek Fire Update
 

All ECCO employees have returned to their homes and work! They are thrilled to be back, and are working to clean the facilities after their time away.
If you would like to make a donation for those affected by the Creek Fire you can do so online here:
Or you can mail checks to the Diocesan office:
EDSJ
4147 E Dakota AVE
Fresno, CA 93726
Memo: Creek Fire Disaster Assistance
Thank you to all who have donated! Your continued support and prayers are greatly appreciated.
To see the Diocesan news sent out about this on Sunday, September 6th, please click here.


Annual Diocesan Convention 2020
 

 the Church in all seasons


Call to Convention

Find all the annual convention information on our website!
Key Dates:
Deanery Day | October 10
Convention Registration | October 16


Event Information 


Join Rev. Nelson for The Rosary: Let’s pray and meditate with Mary on October 12 at 6:30 pm on Facebook Live
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726
Sent by [email protected] powered by
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

St. Anne's Black Lives Matter Meeting September 26, 2020

29. September 2020 · Comments Off on St. Anne's Black Lives Matter Meeting September 26, 2020 · Categories: Black Lives Matter · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Click om the following link the hear the entire conversation

Black Lives Matter Conversation

This is an important conversation that needs to be had.

Friday Reflections for September 25, 2020

25. September 2020 · Comments Off on Friday Reflections for September 25, 2020 · Categories: Friday Reflections · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
The Friday Reflection
September 25, 2020
The Rev. Angela Lerena

What a wild year it has been. I know we often keep saying that, but it seems that at every turn, something new appears that out does the last thing. So when Dcn. Terrance told me about the theme for this coming Sunday being the importance of water, and I heard the Hebrew Scripture reading, I was reminded about how important it is to look at the needs here and now.
This week’s Gospel for the Season of Creation is the story of the Israelites wandering in the desert looking for water. They complain and go against Moses asking, “Why did you bring us away from Egypt to a place without water. Were you just trying to kill us?” (Exodus 17:1-7). The people, who were slaves and trapped in Egypt, wonder why they ever left their captivity in order to find something better. This does NOT look like better. This looks like death and pain.
And I can’t help but think about all the times in 2020 that I have looked at the desert and thought, where is the water? Why are we here… Why is this happening? Can’t it just be over with already? And it is here, in this place where I question everything and everyone. I am just like the Israelites yelling at Moses, who they trust to be their leader, who they trust to take care of them. I question the people who have been elected to look out for the safety and health of each of us. I question the people who argue against those who I deem as trying to take care of us. And it is when I question all these people, I can hear Moses crying out to God, “”What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” And once Moses asks God to provide, God shows up. God provides.
As we endure more months of isolation, COVID, elections, and protests, I wonder how we might start crying out to God in new ways, and how we might see God provide. What is the water that you are searching for today? And how might God show up? How might God provide?

Deanery day’s will be similar to the spring deanery day. Bishop David, Canon Anna and others will present information for Diocesan Convention. We will hear about resolutions and the budget for 2021!
Clergy and convention delegates are required to attend. Wardens, treasurers, and other leaders are encouraged to join as well!
Southern Deanery | 9-11 AM
Central Deanery | 12-2 PM
Northern Deanery | 3-5 PM
Join the Zoom meeting HERE
Meeting ID: 863 0770 8543
Passcode: 586377
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,86307708543# US (San Jose)
If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, and would like to test it out beforehand, please contact Rev. Angela ([email protected]).

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Sunday, October 4th – Participate virtually!
The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi commemorates the life of the patron saint of animals and the environment. It is fitting that the month-long “Season of Creation” that started on September 1st ends on October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis.
In remembrance of St. Francis’ love for all creatures, you and your pet(s) are invited to a “Virtual Blessing of the Animals” on the feast day, October 4th at 10:00AM.
To facilitate the virtual blessings, we are asking you to register your animal(s) for their blessing by clicking on the “register button” below. Please fill out the form and if at all possible, please submit a photo.
Participants do not need to be a member of the Cathedral Congregation–everyone is welcome to participate. Share the virtual blessing with your family, friends, and neighbors.
The registration deadline is Wednesday, September 30th at 5:00PM.
For the youngest among us who might not have a pet, but a favorite stuffed animal, they are welcome to register their furry friend for a blessing too.

Try Composting at Home
Check out this guide to learn how to compost at your home, or go here to see if your neighborhood has a curbside compost pickup option.

“All these years later, it’s those flowers – growing in pots, cans and left-over bottles of Coke or detergent – that has remained most vivid in my mind.  They capture for me the creativity, resilience and determination of migrants everywhere to find and fashion a better, more beautiful life for themselves and their family.” – The Rev. Tom Hampson, Deacon

.

 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
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Nominations Due
September 28
Standing Committee
September 29 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
Bishop and Canon Visitation
September 30 | 7:00 PM
Bakersfield – ZOOM
Reports for Convention Due
October 1
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 1 | 7:00 PM
Tulare – ZOOM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Zoom
Creation Care Commission Meeting
Zoom
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 7 | 7:00 PM
Lodi – ZOOM

Clergy Meeting
October 8 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 8 | 7:00 PM
Sonora – ZOOM
Deanery Day
October 10
Southern Deanery | 9:00 – 11:00 am
Central Deanery | 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Northern Deanery | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Meditation on Mary
October 12 | 6:30 PM
SJRAISE
October 13 | 6:30 PM
Zoom
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 14 | 7:00 PM
Hanford – ZOOM
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 15 | 7:00 PM
Modesto – ZOOM
Registration for Convention Due
October 16
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
  Facebook and YouTube
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 21 | 7:00 PM
Kernville – ZOOM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Bishop and Canon Visitation
October 28 | 7:00 PM
Turlock – ZOOM
Diocesan Council & Standing Committee Joint Meeting
October 31 | 10:00 AM
Zoom

Creek Fire Update

All ECCO employees who live on site have evacuated to safer places, and ECCO has continued to provide and take care of them during this difficult time.
If you would like to make a donation for those affected by the Creek Fire you can do so online here:
Or you can mail checks to the Diocesan office:
EDSJ
4147 E Dakota AVE
Fresno, CA 93726
Memo: Creek Fire Disaster Assistance
Thank you to all who have donated! Your continued support and prayers are greatly appreciated.
To see the Diocesan news sent out about this on Sunday, September 6th, please click here.

Annual Diocesan Convention 2020

 the Church in all seasons
Call to Convention
Find all the annual convention information on our website!
Key Dates:
Nominations for Elected Offices | September 28, 2020
Reports to Convention | October 1, 2020
Audit Reports | October 1, 2020
Convention Registration | October 16, 2020

Event Information

Join Rev. Nelson for The Rosary: Let’s pray and meditate with Mary on October 12 at 6:30 pm on Facebook Live
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726
Sent by [email protected] powered by
Constant Contact
Try email marketing for free today!

Friday Reflections for September 18, 2020

18. September 2020 · Comments Off on Friday Reflections for September 18, 2020 · Categories: Bishop, Friday Reflections · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
The Friday Reflection
September 18, 2020
Bishop David Rice

Vote faithfully
Vote faithfully from Bishop David

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Sunday, October 4th – Participate virtually!
The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi commemorates the life of the patron saint of animals and the environment. It is fitting that the month-long “Season of Creation” that started on September 1st ends on October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis.
In remembrance of St. Francis’ love for all creatures, you and your pet(s) are invited to a “Virtual Blessing of the Animals” on the feast day, October 4th at 10:00AM.
To facilitate the virtual blessings, we are asking you to register your animal(s) for their blessing by clicking on the “register button” below. Please fill out the form and if at all possible, please submit a photo.
Participants do not need to be a member of the Cathedral Congregation–everyone is welcome to participate. Share the virtual blessing with your family, friends, and neighbors.
The registration deadline is Wednesday, September 30th at 5:00PM.
For the youngest among us who might not have a pet, but a favorite stuffed animal, they are welcome to register their furry friend for a blessing too.

Creation Care Commission Animators/Advocates
Have you wondered what an animator/advocate does for their local community when it comes to creation care? Bishop David and Deacon Terrance outline what those people do.
1. Engage with me as the commission chair and the Creation Commission in assisting you in your local community. For example: If a local community wants to do a community garden and needs help with how to start the Commission will help with resources.
2. Animate/Advocate for faith communities. Involves pulling down info from Friday Reflection, sharing commission updates, and having a voice on BC or vestry.
3. Survey and engage local community/vestry/clergy on what is already being done for creation care in homes and at the church. Discuss with community ideas for doing more. Such as, are you recycling, have you stopped using single-use plastic bottled water, etc. Use resources from Friday Reflection tips for places to start.
4. The Animator needs to be observant of ecological dates of note and let community know. For example, when is earth day, or Season of Creation. The Commission can help with resources.
5. Be the environmental prophet and pest. Be a pest and cajole, local communities to do something out of our faith framework in regards to creation care. If you need resources or ideas reach out to a member of the commission.
If you think you might be called to this ministry, please speak with your local clergy person or Deacon Terrance at [email protected].
Download the full letter here.

Recycle toys, books, and clothes by donating them instead of throwing them out.
While many thrift stores were not taking donations many have resumed! Call your local thrift store and ask.

“All these years later, it’s those flowers – growing in pots, cans and left-over bottles of Coke or detergent – that has remained most vivid in my mind.  They capture for me the creativity, resilience and determination of migrants everywhere to find and fashion a better, more beautiful life for themselves and their family.” – The Rev. Tom Hampson, Deacon

.

 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
SJRAISE Planning Meeting
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Bishop and Canon Visitation
September 23 | 7:00 PM
Oakhurst – ZOOM
Clergy Gathering
September 24 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Bishop and Canon Visitation
September 24 | 7:00 PM
St. John’s, Stockton – ZOOM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Nominations Due
September 28
Standing Committee
September 29 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
Bishop and Canon Visitation
September 30 | 7:00 PM
Bakersfield – ZOOM

Creek Fire Update

All ECCO employees who live on site have evacuated to safer places, and ECCO has continued to provide and take care of them during this difficult time.
If you would like to make a donation for those affected by the Creek Fire you can do so online here:
Or you can mail checks to the Diocesan office:
EDSJ
4147 E Dakota AVE
Fresno, CA 93726
Memo: Creek Fire Disaster Assistance
Thank you to all who have donated! Your continued support and prayers are greatly appreciated.
To see the Diocesan news sent out about this on Sunday, September 6th, please click here.

Annual Diocesan Convention 2020

 the Church in all seasons
Call to Convention
Find all the annual convention information on our website!
Key Dates:
Nominations for Elected Offices | September 28, 2020
Reports to Convention | October 1, 2020
Audit Reports | October 1, 2020
Convention Registration | October 16, 2020

Event Information

Close-Up:Representation of
LGBT People in Cinema
Beginning September 15 (and scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month) St. Paul’s, Bakersfield, is hosting a series – via Zoom – called Close-Up and exploring the representation of LGBT people in cinema. Each session will feature a film (or occasionally a documentary) as the focus of a presentation and conversation. The featured film will be advertised well before the meeting with links to where it can be bought, rented and/or streamed.
The first meeting will center on the documentary The Celluloid Closet. Released in 1995 and based on Vito Russo’s 1981 book of the same name. The documentary uses Russo’s work and expands it with lectures and clip presentations detailing how LGBT characters have been portrayed in Hollywood films over the years. You can rent to stream the documentary via Amazon here. Two other documentaries that might be of interest are The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender and LGBT Film History: The Early Years (1910s-1920s). The latter is free on YouTube, and focuses primarily on German cinema. Nevertheless, it is incredibly well-made and highlights how German representation of LGBT people in film before the Second World War informed and influenced Hollywood movie makers.
Again, the first session will be Tuesday, September 15, and begins at 6.30pm. You can access the Zoom meeting via this link.
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726
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Friday Reflections for September 11, 2020

11. September 2020 · Comments Off on Friday Reflections for September 11, 2020 · Categories: Bishop, Friday Reflections · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
A prayer on the anniversary of September 11th
O Almighty God, who brings good out of evil and turns even the wrath of your children towards your promised peace: Hear our prayers this day as we remember those of many nations and differing faiths whose lives were cut short by the fierce flames of anger and hatred. Hasten the time when the menace of war shall be removed. Cleanse both us and those perceived to be our enemies of all hatred and distrust. Pour out the spirit of peace on all the rulers of our world that we may be brought through strife to the lasting peace of the kingdom of your Son; Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
The Friday Reflection
September 11, 2020
Canon Anna Carmichael

This week I celebrate my fourth year here in EDSJ. Happy Anniversary friends!

If you remember when I first arrived, I started to ask folks “would your neighborhood/community notice if your church suddenly shut its doors”. I had asked this question of my own congregation in Eastern Oregon when I first started my walk with them, and it informed the way we did ministry both inside and outside our four walls, as well as our approach to stewardship, communications, and virtually everything else we did.
One of my first visitations in EDSJ, and one of the places I love to brag on, is St Andrew’s Taft. Many of you have heard me talk about the amazing work happening at Taft, but let’s refrain the story through the lens of leadership. What does it mean to be a leader in a congregation with no clergy person and very few Sunday worshippers, and a booming feeding ministry? What does it mean to be the church in that context? Would the neighborhood/community notice if the church suddenly shut its doors permanently?
On one of the virtual visitations that Bp David and I recently did, we had a chat with our friends at St Andrew’s and we saw, once again, the church being the church in the best ways possible. It’s messy, sometimes chaotic, sometimes exhausting, and totally life giving.
To be a leader in a congregation with no clergy person and few Sunday worshippers is in its own way, challenging. Many of you reading this article are in similar situations. It means that the laity have to all pull together to do the work…there are reports to complete, pastoral care issues to attend to, and just the day to day operation of a facility to manage. But throw a booming (and I do mean booming) feeding ministry on top of that in the midst of a global pandemic…WOW. So as I talked to my friends Carl and Shari about their 4 year feeding ministry anniversary, here’s what they had to share:
  1. Volunteers are key:   The volunteers required to make their operation work are part of what they’ve developed as the “Homeless Collective”. In other words, their volunteers are also recipients of the food ministry. They have their food handlers permits, they are mentored and trained by others, and now they freely and lovingly serve others.
  2. Start small and manageable but dream big: They started small with PB & J sandwiches in the church courtyard and continued dreaming big. Then they began gleaning from local markets and restaurants, which has evolved to receiving between 50-75,000 pounds of food per month. Now, they prepare daily meals and provide groceries to 2,271 families and 8,063 individuals per month (that number is as June).
  3. Patience and persistence are important: When they first opened their ministry, the local community was critical, believing that the ministry was enabling the homeless and making them dependent on “handouts”. However, over time (and especially since COVID started), St Andrews has helped to relieve some of the food insecurity in their community. They have also seen other positives such as a reduction in bug infestations, disease, violence and poor hygiene because people aren’t digging through dumpsters and trash for food. As Carl and Shari shared with the Bishop and I, “When people are deprived of basic needs like food, water, restrooms and shelter, they become like wild animals and do things we never thought possible. When people know there is plenty, there is no need of worry, and peace and calm becomes the new normal.” (I suspect we could all benefit from that lesson)
  4. LOVE is the answer: Their hope for the remainder of 2020 and 2021 is to continue to welcome people in LOVE without question or judgment. “The world is going through challenging times, however, here at St Andrews you can come in out of the storm and be comforted in the refuge of God.”
I know my friends, that the last six months have challenged all of us. We miss each other, we miss gathering in community, and we are missing our “normal” routines. But I hope you can find a ray of light and hope in the moments of darkness. For me, on this anniversary of my fourth year as your Canon, I can say with confidence that our neighborhoods and communities absolutely depend on us. We may not look like the church that we once were, we may be serving in different ways, but we are ESSENTIAL to the wellbeing of others. St Andrews in Taft is an example to us all.
God bless you, God be with you, and remember, YOU ARE LOVED.
Canon Anna

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Sunday, October 4th – Participate virtually!
The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi commemorates the life of the patron saint of animals and the environment. It is fitting that the month-long “Season of Creation” that started on September 1st ends on October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis.
In remembrance of St. Francis’ love for all creatures, you and your pet(s) are invited to a “Virtual Blessing of the Animals” on the feast day, October 4th at 10:00AM.
To facilitate the virtual blessings, we are asking you to register your animal(s) for their blessing by clicking on the “register button” below. Please fill out the form and if at all possible, please submit a photo.
Participants do not need to be a member of the Cathedral Congregation–everyone is welcome to participate. Share the virtual blessing with your family, friends, and neighbors.
The registration deadline is Wednesday, September 30th at 5:00PM.
For the youngest among us who might not have a pet, but a favorite stuffed animal, they are welcome to register their furry friend for a blessing too.

Check Cabinets for Expired Medicine and Properly Dispose of Them
Avoid flushing medicines and other dangerous chemicals in the toilet or washing them down the sink. Instead, find your local med disposal location and take them there. This will help keep water clean and drug-free for other people drink and animals and plants to live in and consume.

“All these years later, it’s those flowers – growing in pots, cans and left-over bottles of Coke or detergent – that has remained most vivid in my mind.  They capture for me the creativity, resilience and determination of migrants everywhere to find and fashion a better, more beautiful life for themselves and their family.” – The Rev. Tom Hampson, Deacon

.

 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
Mary Devotional
September 12 | 6:30 PM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Resolutions Due
September 14
Bishop and Canon Visitation
September 16 | 7:00 PM
St. Anne’s, Stockton – ZOOM
Diocesan Council
September 17 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
SJRAISE Planning Meeting
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Bishop and Canon Visitation
September 23 | 7:00 PM
Oakhurst – ZOOM
Clergy Gathering
September 24 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Bishop and Canon Visitation
September 24 | 7:00 PM
St. John’s, Stockton – ZOOM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Nominations Due
September 28
Standing Committee
September 29 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
Bishop and Canon Visitation
September 30 | 7:00 PM
Bakersfield – ZOOM

Creek Fire Update

All ECCO employees who live on site have evacuated to safer places, and ECCO has continued to provide and take care of them during this difficult time.
If you would like to make a donation for those affected by the Creek Fire you can do so online here:
Or you can mail checks to the Diocesan office:
EDSJ
4147 E Dakota AVE
Fresno, CA 93726
Memo: Creek Fire Disaster Assistance
Thank you for your continued prayers during this time.
To see the Diocesan news sent out about this on Sunday, September 6th, please click here.

Annual Diocesan Convention 2020

 the Church in all seasons
Call to Convention
Find all the annual convention information on our website!
Key Dates:
Resolutions | September 14, 2020
Nominations for Elected Offices | September 28, 2020
Reports to Convention | October 1, 2020
Audit Reports | October 1, 2020
Convention Registration | October 16, 2020

Event Information

The next Diocesan Mary devotional will be September 12th at 6:30 pm on Facebook Live.
A meditation on the experience of faith of Mary: an invitation to remain firm in faith, in moments of anguish, loneliness, or illness.

Close-Up:Representation of
LGBT People in Cinema
Beginning September 15 (and scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month) St. Paul’s, Bakersfield, is hosting a series – via Zoom – called Close-Up and exploring the representation of LGBT people in cinema. Each session will feature a film (or occasionally a documentary) as the focus of a presentation and conversation. The featured film will be advertised well before the meeting with links to where it can be bought, rented and/or streamed.
The first meeting will center on the documentary The Celluloid Closet. Released in 1995 and based on Vito Russo’s 1981 book of the same name. The documentary uses Russo’s work and expands it with lectures and clip presentations detailing how LGBT characters have been portrayed in Hollywood films over the years. You can rent to stream the documentary via Amazon here. Two other documentaries that might be of interest are The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender and LGBT Film History: The Early Years (1910s-1920s). The latter is free on YouTube, and focuses primarily on German cinema. Nevertheless, it is incredibly well-made and highlights how German representation of LGBT people in film before the Second World War informed and influenced Hollywood movie makers.
Again, the first session will be Tuesday, September 15, and begins at 6.30pm. You can access the Zoom meeting via this link.

REGISTER NOW!
St. James Sunday School launches THIS SUNDAY, September 13th digitally. During the digital church period, St. James Sunday School is open to all school-aged children in the Diocese. Registration is required to participate! The kick-off session will begin with student check-in at 9:00AM and the lesson will begin at 9:15AM. The first day of Sunday School is designed for the whole family to join-in. The morning will include the blessing of the teachers and the students. We invite you to check out the St. James Children’s Ministry web page for more about our ministry with children and our curriculum Weaving God’s Promises.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE NEEDED
Teacher recruitment period is now! If you feel called to the ministry of the spiritual formation of children, please send an email to [email protected]. Teachers can be members of any Episcopal congregation in the Diocese.
Prior to the first session, Dean Ryan and the Sunday School Committee will host via ZOOM an Orientation and Training session for all interested teachers. No prior teaching or Sunday School experience is required-all that is required is a willing and committed heart to educating the next generation of the Church. In addition to the Orientation and Training session, teachers will be required to take an online training module called Safeguarding God’s Children–an in-depth educational and training program for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse in everyday life and in ministry.
BASIC INFORMATION
Classes are Sundays at 9:15AM on ZOOM. Registration for Sunday School opens August 1st. Please visit St. James website for link to registration. The first session is Sunday, September 13th and the whole family is invited to participate.
CURRICULUM
Weaving God’s Promises is a comprehensive, three-year Christian education curriculum for children developed and written exclusively for the Episcopal Church. Weaving God’s Promises’ 30-minute lesson plans are accessed online. There will be a “take-home” paper, Threads, that will be emailed to every family after each lesson. Threads allows families to continue the conversation and theme throughout the week.
BASIC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FORMAT
  1. Gathering and Greeting
  2. Sunday School Prayer
  3. Sunday School Song
  4. About the Scripture Story
  5. Telling the Story
  6. Activity Related to the Story
  7. Weaving Our Faith: Conversation about the story
  8. Closing Prayer
TEACHER COVENANT OF COMMITMENT
(Developed by Sunday School Committee)
With God’s Help I Covenant 
To practice the spiritual disciplines of scripture reading and prayer.
  • Worship on Sundays and be an active member of the St. James community or other church in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin.
  • Be prepared: Read the curriculum and plan my lessons.
  • Grow in my faith and understanding of my work through educational opportunities as offered.
  • Practice inclusive hospitality as Jesus teaches us the love of God is the love of neighbor.
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726
Sent by [email protected] powered by
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Friday Reflections for August 28, 2020

29. August 2020 · Comments Off on Friday Reflections for August 28, 2020 · Categories: Bishop, Friday Reflections · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
The Friday Reflection
August 28, 2020
The Rev. Dondi

Impending doom, or celebrating of common purpose?
Image: Public Domain
09 April 2012
The COVID-19 crisis is the ultimate test of our calling to leadership as leaders. Sudden dramatic, life threatening upheaval, where all the aspects of our day to day lives remain uncertain. In this extraordinary stressful time, the value of our leadership calling is being demonstrated everyday.
Like the disciples depicted in this Rembrandt masterpiece, Christ in the Storm on Lake Galilee, those on the COVID-19 frontlines are today fighting towering waves. But just as the disciples can spot the “other side”, they do so because they have a strong sense of purpose. Theirs is a lesson in leadership for all.
It is Christ in the Storm on Lake Galilee by a Dutch painter Rembrant Van Rijn, I cannot imagine a better depiction of our current crisis. We are fighting rough waves at the moment. Everyday there are challenges. As a front line employee in healthcare it is an exhausting and an relenting battle.
That’s how I had originally understood the gospel, Christ and the disciples in the storm on Lake Galilee, the towering waves, the impending doom, the disciples caught in the chaos captured how I felt at those time of my read.
But that is not how I understand the gospel reading in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. In my reflection, I have come to believe the gospel and what this picture is about. I have come to believe that the current crisis is revealing more than simply the nature of a virus.
By the shore of Lake Galilee the “Other Side” is within a distance sight, the destination for the troubled disciples. As Dr. Martin Luther King once said , “We are caught in an inescapable net work of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” Like the disciples we are not fighting the waves in vain. They have a purpose …the other side and so are we.
In the recent months as a Spiritual care giver in Healthcare Institution, I have heard all the stories of profound braveries and commitment of Nurses, technicians, environmentalists, doctors and spiritual care givers. I am in awe at how they face their daily challenges with caring and selflessness. They support the medical team by providing essential services to keep the hospital clean, they care for patients, they are referred to as essential workers during this pandemic. Why do they do it?
When I listen closely to their stories and what drives them, I hear the same chorus. They feel a responsibility to care for others. they know their work is a crucial piece of a larger effort to save lives, comfort the suffering and help the vulnerable. They feel a deep purpose.
Like the “Other Side” o f Lake Galilee before them, they are offering a masterpiece in leadership. I am learning from them, how much purpose in our work matters and this is our calling…leadership with a purpose.
But there are storms gathering on the horizon. There always will be, as leaders, we must try to listen to our leadership team members to understand how to manage tomorrows’ waves. If we keenly listen we may hear: In order to summon the strength to fight the waves, leaders have to know there is a destination…”the other side” It cannot be wave after wave. There has to be a purpose. As leaders sometimes we think it is our job to define our leadership team’s purpose. Sometime that may be true. But COVID-19 era has convinced me that sometimes we need to have the humility to accept that our leadership teams may also see the destination before we do. What is important is not who saw it first, but how we can articulate it and embrace it – and how we can support each other in realizing it.
I will never look at the Christ in the Storm in Lake Galilee without thinking about we as leaders during this pandemic. In it I will see their courage and spirit. I will remember how they muscle every single circumstance because they knew what might be on the other side of lake Galilee.

Observe the Season of Creation at your congregation!
The Season of Creation is celebrated every year by Christians around the world from September 1st, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and runs through October 4th, St. Francis Day. This year’s theme has been chosen to be Jubilee for the Earth: New Rhythms, New Hope. This is fitting given the major challenges of this Spring and Summer. Our hope is that every community in the diocese will celebrate the Season of Creation. More information including liturgical and formation resources as well as ways to register your events can be found here: https://seasonofcreation.org/
The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through repenting, repairing, and rejoicing together. During the Season of Creation, we join our siblings in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home.
This year, amid crises that have shaken our world, we’re awakened to the urgent need to heal our relationships with creation and each other. During the season this year, we enter a time of restoration and hope, a jubilee for our Earth, that requires radically new ways of living with creation.
The Season of Creation unites the world’s 2.2 billion Christians around one shared purpose. With so much injustice all around us, now is the time for Christians everywhere to come together and show the world how to love each other and creation.
The Episcopal church has also developed some good resources. There are resources on both the Season of Creation and St. Francis day, and their hope is that Episcopalians will take these and plan worship services, and other ways to celebrate the Season. Find these resources here: https://episcopalchurch.org/season-creation-and-st-francis-day-resources
Any questions about the Season of Creation or any of the available resources, please reach out to The Rev. Terrance Goodpasture at [email protected].

Honor the Season of Creation September 1-October 10
Beginning with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1 and ending with St. Francis Day on October 4, the Season of Creation is a time-set-apart to express gratitude for God’s good creation, care for creation, and call for justice. Learn more at www.seasonofcreation.org

“Those who live south of our border and who seek a better life in ‘the beautiful north’, those who patrol that same border, and those detained at the border are not stock players in a political drama. They aren’t one-dimensional characters in a newsreel, and while stereotyping and typecasting them may make it more comfortable or manageable for us to deal with the ‘problem’ as a whole, it distances us from their humanity, and consequently, I would argue, from our own.” – The Rev. Luis Rodriguez

The collection of artwork comes from the Tornillo Children’s Detention Camp where close to 3,000 unaccompanied minors from Central and South America were held. Art was a way to express their faith, the love of their family and friends, and pride in their homeland.
To learn more about the artwork, read this article from the New York Times

 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
DC/SC Joint Meeting
August 29 | 10 AM
ZOOM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
SJRAISE – Virtual Bible Study

September 1 | 6:00 PM
ZOOM
COM Day of Discernment

September 5 | 9:30 AM
ZOOM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Clergy Gathering
September 10 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Resolutions Due
September 14
Bishop and Canon Visitation
September 16 | 7:00 PM
St. Anne’s, Stockton – ZOOM
Diocesan Council
September 17 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
SJRAISE Planning Meeting
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Bishop and Canon Visitation
September 23 | 7:00 PM
Oakhurst – ZOOM
Clergy Gathering
September 24 | 12:30 PM
ZOOM
Bishop and Canon Visitation
September 24 | 7:00 PM
St. John’s, Stockton – ZOOM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
Nominations Due
September 28
Standing Committee
September 29 | 6:30 PM
ZOOM
Bishop and Canon Visitation
September 30 | 7:00 PM
Bakersfield – ZOOM

Annual Diocesan Convention 2020

 the Church in all seasons
Call to Convention
Find all the annual convention information on our website!
Key Dates:
Resolutions | September 14, 2020
Nominations for Elected Offices | September 28, 2020
Reports to Convention | October 1, 2020
Audit Reports | October 1, 2020
Convention Registration | October 16, 2020

Event Information

A Day of Discernment Coming:
Saturday, September 5, 2020
The Commission on Ministry for the Diocese of San Joaquin invites you to a Day of Discernment on Saturday, September 5 from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. The day is designed to examine the four types of ministries in the Episcopal Church, to see how these
groups work together, and to find out where we are “Called to be…” in response to our baptismal vows. The day will include a Bible Study based on the Kaleidoscope Method, an exploration of how we are called to use our gifts and talents to further God’s kingdom, and a question and answer period about the ordination process, whether it is for the diaconate or the priesthood.
There is no cost for this event. There will be an opportunity for further study if you desire to learn more about ordination.
For more information, please contact Rev. Angela Lerena, Diocesan Administrator: [email protected].

REGISTER NOW!
St. James Sunday School launches digitally on Sunday, September 13th. During the digital church period, St. James Sunday School is open to all school-aged children in the Diocese. Registration is required to participate! The kick-off session will begin with student check-in at 9:00AM and the lesson will begin at 9:15AM. The first day of Sunday School is designed for the whole family to join-in. The morning will include the blessing of the teachers and the students. We invite you to check out the St. James Children’s Ministry web page for more about our ministry with children and our curriculum Weaving God’s Promises.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE NEEDED
Teacher recruitment period is now! If you feel called to the ministry of the spiritual formation of children, please send an email to [email protected]. Teachers can be members of any Episcopal congregation in the Diocese.
Prior to the first session, Dean Ryan and the Sunday School Committee will host via ZOOM an Orientation and Training session for all interested teachers. No prior teaching or Sunday School experience is required-all that is required is a willing and committed heart to educating the next generation of the Church. In addition to the Orientation and Training session, teachers will be required to take an online training module called Safeguarding God’s Children–an in-depth educational and training program for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse in everyday life and in ministry.
BASIC INFORMATION
Classes are Sundays at 9:15AM on ZOOM. Registration for Sunday School opens August 1st. Please visit St. James website for link to registration. The first session is Sunday, September 13th and the whole family is invited to participate.
CURRICULUM
Weaving God’s Promises is a comprehensive, three-year Christian education curriculum for children developed and written exclusively for the Episcopal Church. Weaving God’s Promises’ 30-minute lesson plans are accessed online. There will be a “take-home” paper, Threads, that will be emailed to every family after each lesson. Threads allows families to continue the conversation and theme throughout the week.
BASIC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FORMAT
  1. Gathering and Greeting
  2. Sunday School Prayer
  3. Sunday School Song
  4. About the Scripture Story
  5. Telling the Story
  6. Activity Related to the Story
  7. Weaving Our Faith: Conversation about the story
  8. Closing Prayer
TEACHER COVENANT OF COMMITMENT
(Developed by Sunday School Committee)
With God’s Help I Covenant 
To practice the spiritual disciplines of scripture reading and prayer.
  • Worship on Sundays and be an active member of the St. James community or other church in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin.
  • Be prepared: Read the curriculum and plan my lessons.
  • Grow in my faith and understanding of my work through educational opportunities as offered.
  • Practice inclusive hospitality as Jesus teaches us the love of God is the love of neighbor.

.
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726
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Morning Prayer and Congregational Guide for Sunday August 23, 2020

22. August 2020 · Comments Off on Morning Prayer and Congregational Guide for Sunday August 23, 2020 · Categories: Morning Prayer · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dear St. Anne’s community,
Happy Saturday to you all. I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. Please join me at 11:00am tomorrow on the St. Anne’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stannestockton/ <https://www.facebook.com/stannestockton/> for Sunday Service. The recorded service will be posted to the St. Anne’s Facebook page later in the day to watch as you are able. A guide for the service is attached to this email.
Click the Link for the guide. Congregational Guide For Sunday August 23, 2020
At 9:30 join us for our Adult Education Forum looking at the Old Testament:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89983252835?pwd=SHc0UlJNRlBHR1NYUUVOeGVlYWdXQT09 <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89983252835?pwd=SHc0UlJNRlBHR1NYUUVOeGVlYWdXQT09>
Meeting ID: 899 8325 2835
Passcode: 685428
At 11:45am following the service join us for a virtual coffee hour. Grab a goodie from your kitchen then click the Zoom link below to see and chat with others from the church:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/917842540 <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/917842540>
You can also always find all the information about our digital church offerings on our website under the calendar
tab: http://episcopalchurchofstanne.com <http://episcopalchurchofstanne.com/>
The weekly prayer requests from the congregation are:
Prayers for the sick: Richele – cancer
Tiffany – Blood infection
Danny – Stroke
Please send your prayer requests to the office through the week and I will send them out on Saturday with the service info and add them to the prayers on Sunday morning.
Finally, if you are having trouble accessing the online resources please reach out to me and I can walk you through what to do. You can email me back: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> or call me at: 707-718-5552.
Peace to you all.

Friday Reflections for August 21, 2020

21. August 2020 · Comments Off on Friday Reflections for August 21, 2020 · Categories: Bishop, Friday Reflections · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
The Friday Reflection
August 21, 2020
The Rev. Carolyn Woodall, Deacon

Leadership can take many forms, sometimes depending on the organization or group, the personality of the one leading, the circumstances, some combination of these factors and, I’m sure, some I didn’t think about.
I retired from the Navy and there, authority was strictly hierarchical. At Officer Candidate School we were taught that leadership meant exercising that authority fairly, impartially, and from afar – or from on high, if you prefer, although “on high” meant at least a couple of levels higher than you, and most often referred to the commanding officer. Orders were given and failure to obey them would have consequences. The primary concern was the mission. The welfare of the troops and morale were important, but always subordinate to the mission.
Many companies have a similar structure, except the bottom line is, all too often, the primary consideration and the lower echelon workers are expendable – there are always people looking for work, after all.
Sounds like a good model for the church – yes? Well, no – at least it should not be, although I’ve seen it from time to time, as I’m sure is the case for most of us. My own experience with this kind of leadership is that it is goal oriented, whether it be a military mission or maximizing profits. The people in the organization are a resource for obtaining a goal. In many churches there is still a goal. Butts in the pews and maximizing giving. Hmm, goals are nice, but those are the wrong goals.
When I think of good church leadership my mind immediately goes to the Gospel according to John, Chapter 13. That’s where we find the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. Before the Feast of the Passover, during supper, Jesus got up, took off his outer robe, wrapped a towel around his waist and washed his disciples’ feet. The disciples were quite uncomfortable, and Peter expressed his discomfort at Jesus washing his feet. We all know how they felt. On Maundy Thursday we enact this act of Jesus. We are likely all uncomfortable with someone, often the clergy and lay leaders, washing our feet.
But Jesus had a lesson to teach. “After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord-and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
Jesus performed a simple act of service to his disciples, teaching them the importance of service to others. That’s our lesson for leadership – that we are all simply human and, as I’ve preached before, we are all valuable and important to God. And so it should be with us. Servant leadership has a goal, but it isn’t butts in the pews or maximizing giving. Our goal is to build up and support each other. We should lead with a towel around our waist, giving to those we lead that which they need to grow closer to God and to each other. Leadership should not consist of saying, “I want you to do this,” but to say, “How can I help?”
Deacon Carolyn Woodall

Observe the Season of Creation at your congregation!
The Season of Creation is celebrated every year by Christians around the world from September 1st, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and runs through October 4th, St. Francis Day. This year’s theme has been chosen to be Jubilee for the Earth: New Rhythms, New Hope. This is fitting given the major challenges of this Spring and Summer. Our hope is that every community in the diocese will celebrate the Season of Creation. More information including liturgical and formation resources as well as ways to register your events can be found here: https://seasonofcreation.org/
The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through repenting, repairing, and rejoicing together. During the Season of Creation, we join our siblings in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home.
This year, amid crises that have shaken our world, we’re awakened to the urgent need to heal our relationships with creation and each other. During the season this year, we enter a time of restoration and hope, a jubilee for our Earth, that requires radically new ways of living with creation.
The Season of Creation unites the world’s 2.2 billion Christians around one shared purpose. With so much injustice all around us, now is the time for Christians everywhere to come together and show the world how to love each other and creation.
The Episcopal church has also developed some good resources. There are resources on both the Season of Creation and St. Francis day, and their hope is that Episcopalians will take these and plan worship services, and other ways to celebrate the Season. Find these resources here: https://episcopalchurch.org/season-creation-and-st-francis-day-resources
Any questions about the Season of Creation or any of the available resources, please reach out to The Rev. Terrance Goodpasture at [email protected].

Spend Time Outside This Week

Take some time to appreciate the outdoors this week. Go for a walk, play with your kids, play sports, or go to the park. Find ways to enjoy challenging weather such as snow, rain, and heat. Enjoy God’s beautiful creation.

“Those who live south of our border and who seek a better life in ‘the beautiful north’, those who patrol that same border, and those detained at the border are not stock players in a political drama. They aren’t one-dimensional characters in a newsreel, and while stereotyping and typecasting them may make it more comfortable or manageable for us to deal with the ‘problem’ as a whole, it distances us from their humanity, and consequently, I would argue, from our own.” – The Rev. Luis Rodriguez

The collection of artwork comes from the Tornillo Children’s Detention Camp where close to 3,000 unaccompanied minors from Central and South America were held. Art was a way to express their faith, the love of their family and friends, and pride in their homeland.
To learn more about the artwork, read this article from the New York Times

 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
Deacon’s Gathering with Bishop David
August 22 | 10 AM
ZOOM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship
SJRAISE – Virtual Bible Study

August 25 | 6:00 PM
ZOOM
DC/SC Joint Meeting
August 29 | 10 AM
ZOOM
Diocesan/Cathedral Worship

Annual Diocesan Convention 2020

 the Church in all seasons
Call to Convention
Find all the annual convention information on our website!
Key Dates:
Resolutions | September 14, 2020
Nominations for Elected Offices | September 28, 2020
Reports to Convention | October 1, 2020
Audit Reports | October 1, 2020
Convention Registration | October 16, 2020

Event Information

A Day of Discernment Coming:
Saturday, September 5, 2020
The Commission on Ministry for the Diocese of San Joaquin invites you to a Day of Discernment on Saturday, September 5 from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. The day is designed to examine the four types of ministries in the Episcopal Church, to see how these
groups work together, and to find out where we are “Called to be…” in response to our baptismal vows. The day will include a Bible Study based on the Kaleidoscope Method, an exploration of how we are called to use our gifts and talents to further God’s kingdom, and a question and answer period about the ordination process, whether it is for the diaconate or the priesthood.
There is no cost for this event. There will be an opportunity for further study if you desire to learn more about ordination.
For more information, please contact Rev. Angela Lerena, Diocesan Administrator: [email protected].

REGISTER NOW!
St. James Sunday School launches digitally on Sunday, September 13th. During the digital church period, St. James Sunday School is open to all school-aged children in the Diocese. Registration is required to participate! The kick-off session will begin with student check-in at 9:00AM and the lesson will begin at 9:15AM. The first day of Sunday School is designed for the whole family to join-in. The morning will include the blessing of the teachers and the students. We invite you to check out the St. James Children’s Ministry web page for more about our ministry with children and our curriculum Weaving God’s Promises.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE NEEDED
Teacher recruitment period is now! If you feel called to the ministry of the spiritual formation of children, please send an email to [email protected]. Teachers can be members of any Episcopal congregation in the Diocese.
Prior to the first session, Dean Ryan and the Sunday School Committee will host via ZOOM an Orientation and Training session for all interested teachers. No prior teaching or Sunday School experience is required-all that is required is a willing and committed heart to educating the next generation of the Church. In addition to the Orientation and Training session, teachers will be required to take an online training module called Safeguarding God’s Children–an in-depth educational and training program for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse in everyday life and in ministry.
BASIC INFORMATION
Classes are Sundays at 9:15AM on ZOOM. Registration for Sunday School opens August 1st. Please visit St. James website for link to registration. The first session is Sunday, September 13th and the whole family is invited to participate.
CURRICULUM
Weaving God’s Promises is a comprehensive, three-year Christian education curriculum for children developed and written exclusively for the Episcopal Church. Weaving God’s Promises’ 30-minute lesson plans are accessed online. There will be a “take-home” paper, Threads, that will be emailed to every family after each lesson. Threads allows families to continue the conversation and theme throughout the week.
BASIC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FORMAT
  1. Gathering and Greeting
  2. Sunday School Prayer
  3. Sunday School Song
  4. About the Scripture Story
  5. Telling the Story
  6. Activity Related to the Story
  7. Weaving Our Faith: Conversation about the story
  8. Closing Prayer
TEACHER COVENANT OF COMMITMENT
(Developed by Sunday School Committee)
With God’s Help I Covenant 
To practice the spiritual disciplines of scripture reading and prayer.
  • Worship on Sundays and be an active member of the St. James community or other church in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin.
  • Be prepared: Read the curriculum and plan my lessons.
  • Grow in my faith and understanding of my work through educational opportunities as offered.
  • Practice inclusive hospitality as Jesus teaches us the love of God is the love of neighbor.

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The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726
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Daily Devotions for August 19, 2020

19. August 2020 · Comments Off on Daily Devotions for August 19, 2020 · Categories: Daily Devotion · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Devotion for the Morning
From Psalm 51
Open my lips, O Lord, *
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
Give me the joy of your saving help again *
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

A Reading (Acts 23:23-35)

Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”
He wrote a letter as follows:
Claudius Lysias,
To His Excellency, Governor Felix:
Greetings.This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.

So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.

 
A period of silence may follow.
The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended to the dead.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand of God the Father.
he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.
The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

The Collect
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought
us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty
power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by
adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your
purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
_________________________________________________
Devotion for the Evening
O gracious light,
pure brightness of the ever living Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
A Reading (Mark 12:13-27)
Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”
And they were amazed at him.
Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children. The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third. In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too. At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?”
Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!”
 Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others. 
The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

The Collect
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is
past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and
awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in
Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake
of your love. Amen.

Peace,

Rev. Ryan G. Eikenbary
Priest-in-Charge, Episcopal Church of St. Anne
Pastor, Zion Lutheran Church
[email protected]
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