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9-12-2014
St. Clare of Assisi – The Episcopal Church Mission to Ebbetts Pass
Yes, St Clare’s is still a Mission Church. In the Upper Foothills, it’s on Highway 4 leading up to the High Country of the Sierras, the Pass often closed in winter. Except for vacationers heading for their cabins and Lake Alpine and the ski slopes, the resident population is otherwise sparse and the congregation at St Clare’s small but devout and faithful and always welcoming to strangers. We come from as far away as 25 miles, one couple from the East Bay on the last Sunday of the month.
We’re mostly retired and living on fixed incomes, but nevertheless support local appeals such as a Woman’s Shelter and Santa’s Express. We’ve also sent occasional collections to the St. Margaret sisters in Haiti to show our appreciation for what the sisters do on our behalf. We cannot match the generous giving of larger congregations nearby but this tiny Episcopal Church, in the view of its priest, ‘Punches above its weight’. We chiefly fulfill our apostolic ministry individually by commitment ‘to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.’
One member, only occasionally present on Sunday, is engaged caring for the infirm elderly at home. Our Treasurer is often absent, either active as a member of Mountain Rescue (helicopter crew) or on extended training. Another, John, is unable to attend church owing to paralysis. Father Basil brings the church to him after service and reminds him, “We are Church”. His wife, our Senior Warden, has his constant care, though with professional assistance. We have an excellent music tradition with a small pipe organ accompanied by a cellist and a soprano. Our Cellist is part of the annual Bear Valley Music Festival administration. She’s also involved in many other goings on in and about Murphys.
Evangelism engages us all, though not necessarily with new members but every one contributes magnificently to a warm and generous faith community, subject to fears for the future but always being reminded of the wider Diocese, and beyond, of which we are a significant part.
Live in the present. If you live in the past, God cannot be with you: His Name is not, ‘I was’. If you live in the future, God cannot be with you. His name is not, ‘I will be’. But if you live in the present, God says, “I am with you for my Name is I AM”. With that assurance, we look forward with hope.
We see the Old Testament through the lens of the New Testament, but we are the Present Testament.
Fr. Basil Matthews
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“Travel Light, leaving baggage behind.”
Luke 10:1-12
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“car- thedra filler up”
artist The Rev. Stephen Bentley
We are but a few weeks into the “Car-thedra” Appeal. Firstly, Episcopalians of San Joaquin, congratulations and exceedingly well done! Secondly, I wish to offer this brief reflection concerning what I think this “drive to/in our prospective Car-thedra” is all about. This appeal has far less to do with the ultimate purchase of a new Episcopal Ride than it pertains to the ability of a community to respond together. In the simplest form, in light of a challenging history (yes, I am learning the extent to which this is an absurd understatement), amid uncertainty, and amongst what must feel like perpetual litigation, and the like, we can do something extraordinary and we can do it together. So again, well done sisters and brothers. Let’s make our goal by Diocesan Convention. Let’s show that we can do wonderful things together.
Your Bishop,
+David
Please send your contributions to:
the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355
Please make your check payable to the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin and please note “Bishop’s car” in the memo line.
Note: The Car-thedra fund now totals $15,757.00.
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Support the Car-thedra Fund…
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Stole-Making Workshop
in Support of the Bishop’s Car-thedra Fund
Saturday, 6 December 2014
9am-5pm
Episcopal Church of the Saviour, Hanford
Fr. Luis Rodriguez will be leading an all-day practical workshop on traditional stole-making techniques (all by hand). The day’s aim is that each participant will leave with a completed stole, and so reasonable sewing skills are a requirement to help move things along smoothly. This workshop is limited to only 10 participants so that each can get individual attention. It will meet at the Episcopal Church of the Saviour in Hanford and the cost is $100, the entirety of which will go the Bishop’ Car-thedra Fund. A sack lunch will be provided. The registration fee does not cover materials, but good fabrics for stoles can be easily and relatively inexpensively acquired. An initial short meeting will be held at Diocesan Convention (time to be determined) to talk about materials needed. To register download, complete and return to the diocesan office the linked registration form (click here) along with a check to cover the cost. The deadline for for registration is Thursday, 23 October. If you have any questions, please contact Fr Luis by email ([email protected]) or phone 559-584-7706 559-584-7706.
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From the Episcopal Church…
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Office of Public Affairs
2014 Jubilee Ministry grant applications now accepted
[September 9, 2014] Samuel McDonald, Director of Mission and Deputy Chief Operating Officer, has announced that applications for Episcopal Church 2014 Jubilee Ministry grants are now being accepted in two categories: Program Development Grant and Program Impact Grants.
“Jubilee Centers are a vital and vibrant part of the mission of The Episcopal Church in our walk with those in need,” explained the Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson, Domestic Poverty Missioner. “They highlight the numerous, varied, and locally managed ways that we are committed to making a meaningful impact against the cycle of poverty that holds hostage the lives of so many.”
Application forms are available at: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/domestic-poverty-ministries
One Program Development Grant, up to $35,000, will be awarded to a new or existing ministry that can demonstrate a new or re-visioned strategy and methodology to make an impact both locally and beyond itself.
Ten to 20 Program Impact Grants, ranging from $750 to $1,500 each, will be awarded to initiatives of Jubilee Centers that make a positive and measurable impact in the lives of those in need.
Stevenson continued: “While Jubilee Centers with a wide variety of missions and programs dealing with poverty alleviation are encouraged to apply, priority in grant awards will be given to those ministries with a strong educational and/or early childhood development component to their work. For example, a feeding ministry that teaches nutrition skills to care-givers of children would have priority over a program that only provides meals.”
All currently designated Jubilee Centers are eligible for this year’s grants.
Deadline is Tuesday, September 30. Grant recipients will be announced in October.
Information for ministries seeking to become designated as a Jubilee ministry and benefit from the network of support and be eligible for future Jubilee grants, applications and explanation of the process is here http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/domestic-poverty-ministries
For more information contact Stevenson at [email protected].
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Call To Annual Convention…
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Call to Annual Convention
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
55th Annual Convention
October 24-25, 2014
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355
“Travel Light, leaving baggage behind.”
Luke 10:1-12
Renewal of Baptismal Vows with music
Friday 4p.m.
Holy Eucharist
Saturday 10a.m.
(Parishes bring banners, singers)
Clergy: White Stoles
Click below for the following forms/letters to find out more about annual convention and to register.
All members of our diocese are most welcome!
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Safe Guarding God’s Children…
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SafeGuarding Children On Line
Please do not forget these special treasures.
As the new school year begins and Sunday School starting, each diocesan member working with children must complete or have completed the training program developed by Praesidium for the Episcopal Church Pension Group.
Full listings of completed courses by churches and/or diocesan member are available upon request. Please direct your inquires to the Diocesan Coordinator for Safeguarding God’s Children, Stephanie Gilmer at [email protected].
Internet access to Safeguarding God’s Children: www.SafeguardingOnline.org
Thank you,
Peace and Abundance,
Stephanie Gilmer
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Northern Deanery Meeting
The next Northern Deanery Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2014, 10:00-11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s, Modesto.
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Central Deanery Meeting
The next Central Deanery Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2014, 3:00 p.m. at Holy Family, Fresno.
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Southern Deanery Meeting
The next Southern Deanery meeting is scheduled for
11:00 a.m., St. Sherrian’s, Kernville.
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From the Diocesan Office…
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For Clergy:
The Clergy and Parish Directory is now being updated for next year and will be handed out to you at Annual Convention. This year pictures will be added to the directory. Please send in your portrait picture to the Diocesan Office NOW. All Clergy including deacons and postulants pictures are needed. Many thanks to Justo Andres (first picture in), Gail Bernthal, Heather Mueller, Elaine Breckenridge, Canon Kate, Anne Benvenuti, Stephen Bentley, John Shumaker, Teri Van Huss, Luis Rodriguez, Steve Karcher, Tim Vivian, Kathleen West, Carolyn Woodall, Connie Jacobs and Kathie Galicia for getting their pictures in promptly!
For Clergy, Vestries and Bishop Committees:
Important Annual Convention:
Assessment is to be current for each parish and mission to have seat and voice at Annual Convention.
Promote Annual Convention at all services and activities and have registration forms available.
Nomination Forms for Diocesan Council and Standing Committee are due September 10, 2014. Nomination forms can be found in FR section: Call to Convention.
The Bronze Disaster Preparedness Plan:
Is to be completed by all parishes and missions and turned into the Diocesan Office. Many thanks to St. Clare of Assisi- Avery, St Matthew’s- San Andreas, St. James- Sonora, St. John the Baptist- Lodi, St. Raphael’s- Oakhurst, Holy Trinity- Madera, Church of the Saviour- Hanford, and St. Paul’s- Bakersfield for completing their plan.
Great news! St. Paul’s, Modesto has joined the ranks of those who have completed their Bronze Disaster Preparedness Plan. Thank you St. Paul’s, Modesto.
For All Clergy and Parishioners:
The Diocesan Staff would appreciate your assistance in getting the contact information for the Provost, Chancellor, Dean, or President of the public and private universities, colleges and junior colleges in our geographical location. If you know who to contact, please call the diocesan office or email [email protected].
ALL MAIL…
for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, Bishop, Canon, and Administrator is to be mailed to 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355.
Thank you,
Ellen Meyer,
Administrator
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What’s Happening in the DIO
Commission on Ministry Meeting, September 13, 2014, 10:00 a.m., Holy Family, Fresno
House of Bishops- Taipei, Taiwan September 15-24, 2014
Southern Deanery Meeting, September 20. 2014, 11:00 a.m., St. Sherrian’s, Kernville
Standing Committee Meeting, September 27, 2014, 10.00 a.m., Holy Family, Fresno
Central Deanery Clericus, October 2, 2014, 11:00 a.m., St. Paul’s, Visalia
Northern Deanery Meeting, October 11, 2014, 10:00 a.m., St. Paul’s, Modesto
Convention Arrangement Committee, October 11, 2014, 11:30 a.m., St. Paul’s, Modesto
Central Deanery Meeting, October 12, 2014, 3:00 p.m., Holy Family, Fresno
Annual Convention, October 24-25, 2014, St. Paul’s, Modesto
Click on the link below to see more upcoming events and meetings around the diocese.
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From our Parishes and Missions..
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Tostado Dinner
September 13, 2014,
4-7pm
St Francis Episcopal Church
915 East Main Street
Turlock, CA
Chef John Simkins
$8.00 a plate!
A great dinner for all!!!
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Church of the Saviour
Hanford, CA
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Book Signing
at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Bakersfield
Sunday, October 19, at 11:45
in the parish hall. Admission is free.
The Rev. Dr. Anne Benvenuti
The Rev. Dr. Anne Benvenuti, Assisting Priest at St. Paul’s Bakersfield, who lives in Kernville, has recently released a new book, Spirit Unleashed: Reimagining Human-Animal Relations. The book has been nominated for the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction by her publisher, Wipf and Stock.
Dr. Benvenuti is participating in a series of activities related to this book and to the role of religions in eco-spirituality. She attended the Summer Session at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics in July. She is scheduled to speak at the UN NGO Conference at the UN Center in New York City on the topic of The Earth Charter and the Beloved Community on August 27th. Additionally, Dr. Benvenuti has been invited to the Religions for the Earth Conference at Union Seminary in New York in September. She is one of 200 religious leaders selected by Karenna Gore to develop strategies for religious leadership in preparation for the UN Climate Summit and for embracing ecological ethics more broadly. Benvenuti will address the spiritual connection of humans and other animals as part of a panel on Spiritual Experience in Nature.
Dr. Benvenuti will also be taking part in a series of readings and book signings this fall, including Brown University, University of Chicago, the American Folklore Society meeting in Santa Fe, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bakersfield.
The event at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2216 17th Street, Bakersfield, CA and will take place on Sunday, October 19, at 11:45 in the parish hall. Admission is free.
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St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Wednesday Educational Events
6:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m.
703 5th Street, Taft, CA
September 17, 2014
Bible Study on the book of Ecclesiastes with The Rev. Heidi Edson
September 24, 2014
Film featuring the ministries of Fr. Damien and Mother Marianne Cope of Molokai who have been made Saints in the Roman Catholic Church.
October 1, 2014
Film ” Brother Son and Sister Moon ” about St. Francis
October 8, 2014
Presentation on Hospice
End- of- life – directions will be available
October 15, 2014
Roots and Dreams and Transformations in the Emerging Church
with The Rev. Nancy McMaster
October 22, 2014
The Camino
with Andrew Matthews
Photos and stories of his journey on The Camino which is The Way of St. James, from the Pyrenees in France to Santiago in Spain, that has been walked for over 1000 years
October 29, 2014
Walking the Labyrinth
November 5, 2014
The Evil Associated With Lying
with Mary Vera
November 12, 2014
What Makes the Episcopal Church Unique
with The Rev. Heather Mueller
November 19, 2014
Presentation on Centering Prayer by Thomas Keating
November 26, 2014
Women of the Bible
with Ashley Musick
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Dear long- time and new friends of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church,
We are writing to inform you of a very important gathering which is coming up on the Feast of St. Andrew, November 30, 2014.
We are hoping that you will mark your calendar, save the date and plan to attend the celebration here at St. Andrew’s which will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone. The laying of the cornerstone, for the structure of the church building, was November 30, 1934. It was the beginning of a community-wide project. We are told that many people, in Taft, were involved in the making of the adobe bricks. They were formed out of the soil in this place.
We request the honor of your presence at the 10:00 AM service on November 30, 2014. The Rt. Rev’d David Rice, The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, will preside at the worship service.
The service will be followed by a luncheon gathering, and at that luncheon we will have members and previous members reminisce about some of the important events in the history of St Andrew’s.
To honor our Scottish connection, we will also share in a wonderful Scottish meal. So far the menu will include…..Cottage Pie, Cock-a-Leaky soup, Scottish eggs, clootie dumplings and Short bread. I hear there may even be haggis???
The congregation of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, is looking forward to welcoming everyone who has had and does have, a connection with this beautiful church. Let us gather to celebrate our past and look forward to the future, of this important place of worship in Taft, California!
Let us celebrate together, In Christ,
The Congregation of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
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| Diocesan Website and Facebook… |
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Have you checked it out?
Keep up to date on news and events with our
Facebook
Check out postings from Bishop David and Canon Kate at
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
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| For the Bishop and Canon’s Calendar… |
| For our Diocesan Prayer Calendar….click here |
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