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The Friday Reflection
September 25, 2020
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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?
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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]).
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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.
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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.
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“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
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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.
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Participation and Prayers
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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
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
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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.
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Annual Diocesan Convention 2020
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 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
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Join Rev. Nelson for The Rosary: Let’s pray and meditate with Mary on October 12 at 6:30 pm on Facebook Live
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