From The Rev.’d Nick Lorenzetti,
St. Paul’s, Modesto
ENGAGING THE WORLD
In his book “Engaging the Culture, Changing the World,” Philip Eaton asks a question pertinent to the mission, the privilege and the challenge we embrace at St. Paul’s, Modesto. He asks: “How do we go about embracing a story of what is true and good and beautiful, embracing our ancient Christian story, so that we might bring hope and radiance and meaning into the world we serve?”
Over the past year I have asked that question (paraphrasing) to a significant number of my sisters and brothers here at St. Paul’s. Many respond without hesitation: (1) our distribution of yellow back-packs, (2) our adoption of a family through Interfaith Ministries at Christmas, (3)our housing of homeless families for one week through Family Promise, (4) our “program” about human trafficking, (5) our participation in the “CROP Walk” to fight hunger, (6) our canned goods collection for the Salvation Army, (7) preparing and serving hot meals at the Salvation Army once a month, (8) our monthly food distribution to needy families, and, well…you get the idea! While each of these responses is different, permit me to suggest that there is a similarity that runs through each of them. They are what we might call “bridge-building activities.” And indeed, they represent God’s work. Yet activities (acts) they remain, and each of them comes and goes, while the deeply rooted social injustices that they attempt to address remain constant.
Our call to be “missional,” the message inherent in the “Five Marks of Mission,” calls us, I believe, to perpetual reflection on our way of living in the world, only a part of which is constituted by individual good deeds. Our isolated actions must be demonstrative of our dispositions and attitudes as members of the human family. We must partner with government officials, social agencies, and our communities at large in order to effect meaningful, and hopefully, more permanent solutions to address the needs of those less fortunate. Our efforts must be consistent and ongoing. Godly behavior everywhere, it seems, is the best way to reach a hurting world.
At St. Paul’s, Modesto, we are striving to pick up and maintain a note of universal mission. This, admittedly, is not always easy. In fact, it’s a lot of work! How we live as God’s people is the vital link between our calling and our mission. God wants to use us to bless the world. And by His grace, we strive to live according to His standards – and draw others nearer to him.
Greetings from your Sisters and Brothers in Modesto.
Fr. Nick
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Travel to the
Land of the Holy One |
From The Rev. Heather Mueller
Dear friends in the Diocese of San Joaquin,
As many of you already know I am organizing a group for travel to the Land of the Holy One.
The pilgrimage is scheduled for September 23 to October 6, 2016, with the option of going to Jordan….Petra and possibly Ista #CDD7E9nbul.
It is time to make a decision about going and I will connect each person with the travel agent who will work out the travel details. Read more.…
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Central Deanery Gathering – February 6- update
The next gathering of the Central Deanery will be on Saturday, February 6 in Fresno. We will be joining Taizé Fresno at the First Congregational Church (also known as The Big Red Church on Van Ness) at 2131 N. Van Ness Avenue for a day of Taizé Prayer with a theme of Social Justice. The event starts at 8:a.m. with registration and refreshments, followed by Taizé prayer introduction by Sherah Moore and Sandy DeGraff.
The Rev. Suzy Ward of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Visalia will present the first general session, “Reflections on the Tour Against Trafficking,” at 9 a.m. At 10:15 a.m., participants can choose between several prayer-experience sessions. The final prayer session concludes at 3:45 pm. The cost is $25 if registered by February 1, and $30 after that date. Lunch is included. No formal meeting will be held, but during the breaks and at lunch time, members of the Central Deanery and friends can meet and socialize. To view the brochure, and print the registration form for mailing, go to: http://www.earthprayers.net/taizeweekend.htm |
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Integrity Retreat January 22-24, ECCO
Standing Committee Adobe/ Teleconference Meeting, January 26, 6:30pm
Diocesan Council Adobe/Teleconference Meeting, January 28, 6:30pm
Central Deanery Gathering, February 6, 8:00am, First Congregational Church, Fresno
Commission On Ministry Meeting, February 13, 10am, Holy Family, Fresno
Diocesan Council/Standing Committee Retreat, February 19-20, ECCO
Southern Deanery Meeting, February 27, 11am, St. Sherrian’s, Kernville
Northern Deanery Meeting, March 19, 10 am, St. Paul’s, Modesto
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Send your donations to The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355. Please write Yellow Bags in the memo line.
Thank you.
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Stories of the Bag, Missional Days, Special Events Articles can be submitted to the Diocesan Office [email protected].
All submissions are due no later than the Tuesday before the Friday Reflection. Pictures submitted are to be in jpeg format and forms to be attached to the Friday Reflectionare best in PDF format. |
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Freedom Sunday
February 7th
is a day to take time to proclaim freedom for all who are trapped in modern day slavery. Read more...
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| Congratulations to Amanda Gaona |
Amanda Gaona, St. Paul’s, Bakersfield was selected by our 26th Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori as a member of the Episcopal Church’s delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) during its 60th session.
Please see attached letter asking for financial support for Amanda to attend this very important event. Click here.
We are very excited that a delegate was chosen from our Diocese. Please help Amanda get there.
Please contact the Diocesan Office if you which to donate. |
| St. Francis Goes Blue for Advent |
Members of St. Francis in Turlock were proud supporters of the Turlock Police Department’s Operation Blue Santa, which is a program that provides toys and other donated items to families in need during the holiday and distributes important holiday safety tips! In addition to collecting toys to be donated to the entire operation, St. Francis was blessed to be able to adopt a family through the program.
On quite short notice, parishioners rallied to collect gifts for the kids, needed household items, and grocery gift cards for a family of five living below the poverty line in our community. While we all had a great time shopping, wrapping, and supporting our adopted family, our thoughts have turned to the need that will still exist after the presents are opened and the candy consumed. St. Francis looks forward to expanding our new partnership with the Turlock Police Department and the other city and non-profit organizations that strive to help those in need in our community.
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St. Andrew’s, Taft ordered their shirts!
Front and Back!!
Called to be…
T-Shirts available!
$12.00
Orders are to be collected by each parish or mission and emailed to
Sizes still available are:
Youth Large
Adult Large
Adult X-Large
Adult 2X-Large
Adult 3x-Large
Adult 4x-Large
First come, first serve!
Contact your clergy or office for more details!
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The Five Marks of Mission
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The Five Marks of Mission
Click here for poster to post
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ECCO
First week in January
Pond is full!
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