Susan And Mark Hall Enjoying Their Boat

13. September 2014 · Comments Off on Susan And Mark Hall Enjoying Their Boat · Categories: Mark Hall · Tags: , , , , , , ,

Racing with Susan C. Hall and Bob Glass in the Great San Francisco Schooner Race. I am calling off the number of feet between us and the Race Committee Boat to our fearless skipper Mark Hall.

Friday Reflections Sept. 12, 2014

12. September 2014 · Comments Off on Friday Reflections Sept. 12, 2014 · Categories: Bishop, Diocese Of San Joaquin, Friday Reflections · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

 The Friday Reflection Title

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

 

“Travel Light, leaving baggage behind.”

Luke 10:1-12

Car-thedra Fund…

 “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.
 

 Support the Car-thedra Fund…

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…


 
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].

 

Call To Annual Convention…

Call to Annual Convention

Dio seal

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!

Safe Guarding God’s Children…

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

 

For Northern Deanery…

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. 

For Central Deanery…

Central Deanery Meeting
 

The next Central Deanery Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2014, 3:00 p.m.  at Holy Family, Fresno. 

For Southern Deanery…

Southern Deanery Meeting
The next Southern Deanery meeting is scheduled for

11:00 a.m., St. Sherrian’s, Kernville.

From the Diocesan Office…

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

Whats going on…

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.

 

From our Parishes and Missions..

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!!!

Church of the Saviour
Hanford, CA

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.

                                                     

 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

 
Educ 

                                                     

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

 
 
Diocesan Website and Facebook…
 Have you checked it out?
Keep up to date on news and events with our
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin website 
www.diosanjoaquin.org  
Facebook  
Check out postings from Bishop David and Canon Kate at 
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin 

For the Bishop and  Canon’s Calendar…

Bishop David’s Calendar –Click Here
 
Canon Kate’s Calendar-Click Here

 

For our Diocesan Prayer Calendar….click here

Episcopal ShieldDio seal

Rev. Lyn Sermon

08. September 2014 · Comments Off on Rev. Lyn Sermon · Categories: Rector, Sermon · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sermon

Proper 25, Year A

          The collect asks God to increase in us the gifts of faith, hope and charity; make us love what you command.   In the time of Jesus, God’s commands were numerous – over 600 rules for the Jewish person to heed.  How difficult to keep all the laws, and yet the Pharisees and Sadducees and the chief priests and the elders of the temple did it.  They kept the letter of the law, but not necessarily the heart of the law.  So this morning they are still trying to trap Jesus with a test.  What is the greatest law?
          Who knows what they expected him to say.  Instead he gives us the commandment, the law that we try to live by today…”love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” is part 1 and the part 2 is to “love your neighbor as yourself”.  I’m thinking that they are impressed with his answer – not that they like it, but he sure had a good answer.  Jesus returns the favor and asks them a question, a question they cannot answer and it ends the game.  “From that day no one dared to ask him anymore questions.”  Can you love what God has commanded? 
          The theme for the Diocesan Convention was ‘travel light…leaving baggage behind.’  We spent heard about baggage from Bishop David and why it’s necessary to leave it behind.  Baggage can be things –possessions we can’t give up; possessions we love more than God or our neighbors.  Baggage can be relationships that have hurt us and hinder us from moving forward – like a diocese that has been isolated and abused.  Baggage can be ideas or habits that we’ve had for so long, we aren’t able to hear or see what new things God is doing in our community. 
Bishop David demonstrated with an amusing visual on Friday evening.  He left the Renewal of Baptismal Vows service at the peace.  When he returned he had traded his cope and miter for a fishing vest, waders, sunglasses and a hat.  He talked about when he first began fly fishing he got all the equipment and clothing so that he could fit in with other fly fishermen.  Then he proceeded to show us what he wears when he goes fly fishing.  He removed the heavy 39 pocket vest filled with all the gear.  He removed the waist high waders.  He was left in a pair of shorts, his clergy shirt, and he slipped on a pair of sandals.  Okay, I’m sure that he wears a t-shirt instead of his purple clergy shirt, but we got the idea.  Baggage needs to be set aside.  It weighs us down and hinders our ability to act.
          This reminded me of an experience I had at a women’s cursillo many years ago.  I’ve told this story before.  We were half way through the weekend and were doing an exercise of washing each other’s hands.  One woman sat at her table and sobbed.  She couldn’t have her hands washed.  Now understand she is one of the those people who are so positive, generous and loving to others that they make your day brighter just by being with them.  It took several minutes, but she was able to share her thoughts with us.  She carried so much baggage that she literally felt like she was holding it all in big shopping bags.  She couldn’t open her hands to let someone wash them because she would drop all her bags, and so she could only clench her hands shut.  Yes, she eventually was able to open her hands and place them in the basin of water, but we had no idea that she felt that way or that she carried such burdens.  We could see the joy that came from setting that baggage down.
          If we are holding on to baggage, we need to spend our time and energy focused on it – holding it, carrying it.  We can’t focus on God or on the people around us, our neighbors.  We can’t keep God’s commandment to love God with all we have and to love ourselves and our neighbor.  That is why Jesus tells those who will listen that those are the greatest commandments and all the laws are encompassed by them.  Putting God first helps us to let go of baggage.  What helps you remember to put God first?
          Our meditation this morning uses the example of making the sign of the cross.  The cross is a symbol many Christians use to help them remember to put God first, but something else may be more relevant or helpful for you.  Prayer beads, an icon, the Lord’s Prayer, a butterfly, a rainbow – whatever works for you. 
This week, think about what helps you focus on God being present.  What baggage would you like to give up?   What do you need to give up?  What do we as the community of St. Anne’s carry as baggage?  I invite you to mentally bring that baggage to the altar at the Eucharist and set it down.  Leave your baggage and open your hands to receive Christ.  Then you will be able to go out with love to put God first.   AMEN.

Sermon

Proper 18, Year A

 Do this for the remembrance of me…
Note:  This is a Children’s sermon, and there are props and dialogue which will not be recorded in this sermon because it hasn’t happened yet.
 For those who are not here in person, this is the set-up.  I bring out a small table and a large bag.  The children are invited to come forward.  I begin to pull things out of the bag and set them on the table.  Some wrapped boxes…toy plastic flutes…some party hats…a pan with something baked in it…a package of candles.  Put some candles in the cake (that’s what is in the pan).  
Ask the children if they know what all of this might be for.   A birthday party?  Yes!  Do we all have birthdays?  Do you celebrate your birthday with most of these things?  Would you have a party with cake and candles, hats, presents and maybe toys to share?  We commemorate (remember in a special way) our birthday.  In the Hebrew scripture this morning we hear a story about the first commemoration of the Passover.
Moses and Pharaoh have been arguing about letting the people of Israel go from slavery in Egypt.  God has sent plagues to make Pharaoh and the Egyptians miserable so that he will let the Israelites leave.  The tenth plague is coming – “about midnight, the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die”, from Pharaoh to the slave to the livestock.  God tells Moses to have the people prepare, and put the blood of the lamb around their door.  When God comes through in the night, God will “pass over” the homes marked with blood and no plague shall destroy the firstborn of that house.  Further, God says, “This day shall be a day of remembrance for you.  You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord…”  And it happened just like God said.  To this day our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrate the Passover feast in the spring remembering how God saved the people that night and how God has saved the people many times before and after.  To the children: Now if you will have a seat in the front or you may return to your parents if you wish.
As Christians, we don’t celebrate Passover.  The last time Jesus was in Jerusalem and celebrating the Passover meal in a room with his friends, he changed the commemoration.  He did something new.  “While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat: This is my body.’  Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”  (Matthew 26:26-28) 
Does that sound familiar?  That is our Christian Passover.  Every Sunday we remember how Jesus has given us life.  We celebrate the eucharist as a commemoration of what Jesus did.  He gave himself to heal the world.  Our part is to remember his gift and to try every day to love each other. 
God is always present.  Usually we need God the most when we are alone.  How can you remember that God is always with you?  For many Christians, the cross is a way to remember that God is present all the time.  I know that some of you have crosses you wear that have special meaning – maybe they were a special gift or a birthday present.  This morning, I have a cross that I invite you to take.  It’s one that can be stuck above your bed, or on the dash of your car, or on the door of your locker; somewhere you can see it to remind you that God is there.  When you need to talk to God, you can.  Put it where you might need a reminder to feel God’s presence in your day.              AMEN.

Rev. Lyn Sermon

01. September 2014 · Comments Off on Rev. Lyn Sermon · Categories: Uncategorized · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sermon
Proper 17, Year A

Bring forth in us the fruit of good works…
How does God talk with you? What does it take to get your attention, to make you stop and listen, to hear? Some people are really good at discerning God all the time. Others, like me, not so much. Too often God needs a 2 x 4, that’s something like the burning bush that is not consumed for Moses. God hears our needs, observes our misery and our joys – God is always present in our life. We don’t always notice it.
In this story from the Hebrew scripture, God is asking Moses to help the people in captivity, to lead them “to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey. Remember that Moses has fled from his posh position in Pharaoh’s court to become a shepherd in a land far away. As a young man, the adopted son of the daughter of Pharaoh, he learns he is an Israelite and that his siblings and mother are slaves. A few days later he tries to help some of the slaves that are being harassed and ends up killing one of the Egyptian taskmasters. So he runs away – far away. Now God is calling him to go back to Pharaoh and bring his people out of Egypt.
This morning we hear the first of many conversations that Moses will have with God as he attempts to get out of doing this task, and then as he is trying to accomplish the task. Moses doesn’t really have a relationship with the people he is supposed to help. He doesn’t know their names or anything about their lives – he didn’t live with them. Moses does know God. Moses listens to what God wants him to do, and then, reluctantly at first, he tries to do the work that God has given him to do. Moses chooses to serve the Lord, to do good works.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he is encouraging the Christians to listen to the word of God. Society is tough for those people; Christians are persecuted. They are a strange minority religion in a city with many different religions. God sends Paul to give them counsel on how to live a life of good works in a culture that values earthly power and riches. The list of things that Paul encourages them to do, we are encouraged to do today. It is not an easy list. “Hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good, love one another…rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer…extend hospitality to strangers…bless those who persecute you…live in harmony with one another…do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly…do not pay anyone evil for evil…if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink…” So which of those things is hard for you to do? What has God been calling you to do?
Jesus is preparing his disciples for what is to come. It’s not a pretty picture, and it’s not the victory that those who have been following him envisioned. They expect that the messiah will triumph over all who oppress the Israelites (much like Moses who leads the people out of slavery to a good land – their own land) and that they will have peace in a land of milk and honey. Jesus sets them straight. The victory is going to be eternal life overcoming death. Our part is to let go of our love of life as society may dictate as successful and live a life that God dictates as successful. Serve the Lord by bearing fruit of good works.
What has God been calling you to do? That might be the wrong question. What is God doing in the community and how can we be part of God’s work? The emphasis is that God is working whether we choose to do anything or not. God does call us, continually. It’s just not always to do something comfortable. In his last Friday reflection, Bishop David suggested that it may be better stewardship to replace our church lawns with gardens. Can you imagine our neighbors’ reaction if we did that – planted lots of tomatoes, beans, carrots, corn, squash? I was talking with the Bishop about this and how I imagined we would get word from the neighborhood association in short order. We talked about how our church should be a reminder – even an irritant – to our neighbors. Our church should be about raising social issues to the attention of the affluent whether they are sitting in the pews or living in the blocks around us. We’re not a social club; we are called to work with God.
Many of you are involved with groups that are already doing this work. We need to hear from you. How are you helping do God’s work in our community? Are there ways that others can get involved, too? Last Sunday I talked about the Community Partnership for Families and the different programs they are developing with recently released prisoners. Some of us got involved with their backpack project. I know that we have parishioners who are members of the Assistance League, coach youth sports, volunteer for Hospice, and other organizations who are working with God in our community. It’s time to let the rest of us know what you are doing.
I am going to put up a large poster in the back…a Fruits of Good Works. There will be pens available. List your name and the work that you do. If you have a picture you can post, please put it up there. We need to see some of the outreach that is being done by members of St. Anne’s. God is working here in Stockton and we have been called to follow. God promises “for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” We can do this – together.

Rev. Lyn Sermon

21. August 2014 · Comments Off on Rev. Lyn Sermon · Categories: Rector, Sermon · Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Sermon

Proper 15, Year A

Have mercy on us Lord…

For those who have been to an Episcopal general convention or EYE 2014 (in person or through You Tube broadcast), you have had the experience of hearing the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry preach.  When the Bishop gets up to preach, you settle in because he is going to speak for a while – a long while in Episcopal terms.  But he is going to come at you with energy and passion. 

(Describe the experience at EYE in Philadelphia – one word “go”)

          The word this morning is mercy.  It runs through our lessons and our hymn selections at the 10 o’clock service.  Now I thought that the reading from Genesis, the end of the Joseph story, was about forgiveness, which is different than mercy.  But Joseph plays two roles; publically he is a ruler in Egypt and controls who gets food and how much in these years of wide spread famine.  Privately, he is the little brother that was sold into slavery by his siblings.  Okay, Joseph does have his fun when he accuses them as spies and has them put in prison for a few days.  He orders one brother to remain in prison while the others go back to Canaan, with full sacks of grain, and to prove they are not spies, to bring his brother Benjamin back with them to Egypt.  As a ruler, Joseph shows mercy to his brothers; as a sibling, he shows forgiveness.

          What is mercy?  What does it mean?  Checking the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary, “Mercy is an attribute of both God and the good human being.  Hebrew uses several words for “mercy,” of which the most frequent is hesed, which mean loving-kindness, mercy, love, loyalty, and faithfulness.  Another Hebrew word and the Greek word for mercy in the New Testament refer to the emotion aroused by contact with undeserved suffering, that is, compassion and a deeply felt love for a fellow human being…grace is also another word used to mean mercy…Divine and human mercy are closely associated with justice and righteousness because all refer to behavior appropriate to a relationship…Jesus shows mercy to the needy…” Mercy is an attribute, showing compassion for someone suffering undeservedly.  Joseph as a ruler is providing grain to all the people who are suffering the famine, even those who are not from Egypt, because the whole area will suffer from the seven year famine.  Joseph recognizes that God has turned their actions – selling their brother into slavery – as a way to save the famiy; “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors.”  In Egypt the Israelites will have a place to live and work and multiply; without it Israel’s (Jacob’s) family would perish.  Mercy, compassion for the underserved suffering.

The Gospel for this morning has an interesting and uncharacteristic story of Jesus encountering someone asking for help and his ignoring them.  We left out reading the optional story this morning of the encounter with the Pharisees where they challenge Jesus about dietary laws.  He tells the disciples that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but it is what comes out of a person’s mouth via their heart that defiles them.  Some time passes as they walk 25 or 30 miles over the next couple days.  Jesus must be contemplating the recent events.  A Canaanite woman comes to their group and shouts for help and mercy.  Jesus ignores her.  Then the disciples ask him to send her away; they too assume that he will help her and send her on her way.  But he tells them that he was only sent to help the house of Israel, but he has healed outcasts and Gentiles before.  His refusal to help her, even when she comes and kneels before him begging for help, isn’t what we expect. 

Jesus dismisses her with “it’s not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.”  The woman replies, “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table”.  You can almost see his face break into a little smile as he tells her that her request is granted.  The woman notices that Jesus used the word, not for stray dogs that wander the streets, but for household pets.  Pets are not outsiders but insiders.  The pets do get to lie under the table and eat scraps that fall or are tossed to them.  This foreign woman asked Jesus for mercy, the same mercy Jesus had asked the Pharisees to show. 

We can have fun speculating on why Jesus acted the way he did with this woman.   Has he decided that he must give all his time and energy to his own people?  That he needs to really concentrate on helping the religious leaders to ‘see’ what God originally planned for Israel and how they may have erred?  Is it the human behavior of frustration and tired of dealing with those who just don’t get it?  Did he know that her faith was strong and that this would be a good learning exercise for his disciples and for us?

Yes, for us.  Because we are challenged daily to be merciful.  At times, showing mercy to someone we love is not the same as being nice.  The phrase ‘tough love’ comes to mind.  When our behavior is enabling or co-dependent, we are not being compassionate to one we care about.  We are not showing mercy and love because it is not a behavior appropriate to our relationship.  It is hard to change.  We, like Jesus in the gospel, are challenged to be merciful with the stranger.  One afternoon, a man pulled into the office parking lot in an old car and he looked – well – scruffy.  My first thought was ‘What now?’  But as he came to the door, I smiled and said hello.  He needed help with an address – that’s all.  He was looking for 1032 Lincoln at which point I knew he was probably looking for Lincoln Street.  But it began a very short conversation and my attitude was changed; he was not a stranger, he was a father looking for a son who was dying…so he could say good-bye.

Lord, grant me the grace to get past the ‘what now’ and be open to hearing the request for mercy.  Let your wisdom guide my responses, and may I strive to be merciful in my encounters.  AMEN. 

 
 

Friday Reflection August 8, 2014

11. August 2014 · Comments Off on Friday Reflection August 8, 2014 · Categories: Bishop, Diocese Of San Joaquin, Friday Reflections · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 The Friday Reflection Title

 8-8-2014

 St. John the Evangelist, Stockton

 

Shortly after St. John the Evangelist was turned back over to the Episcopal Diocese, we had a deanery meeting in the Guild Hall to consider how the deanery could support the returned buildings and downtown mission of the church in Stockton. There were lots of ideas presented from the 40 plus people attending. A second meeting several weeks later also had more than 40 people. Many of these ideas required human capital that the congregation (what little of it that was there) was unable to currently provide.

 

What we did have was an appointed priest-in-charge, an appointed non-stipendiary deacon and a four member board of directors. Lea Isetti, formerly with the Chamber of Commerce in Stockton, was one of those members. She had contacts in the downtown area with business, civic leaders, and non-profits. Her suggestion (following Bishop David’s emphasis on missional thinking) was to ask those she knew to find out what they were currently doing, what they would do if they had additional resources, and how St. John’s might fit in with these needs.

 
First, we assessed what we had to offer the community:

  • We had expansive space (more than 20,000 square feet) and a parking lot, all centered in downtown.
  • We had endowments and rental income that paid the building expenses and maintenance.
  • We had a 3000 square foot Guild Hall and commercial kitchen, and a 2000 square foot children’s area in the undercroft. A beautiful church with stunning stain glass. A separate office building of 2600 square feet.
  • And, most importantly, a desire to share what we had by engaging in the downtown community.

 

Lea scheduled a series of meetings that included the police, human services, the Stockton Women’s Center, the DA’s office, Child Advocacy, the Downtown Business Alliance, and Head Start. Various members of the board, but always Lea and the Priest-in-Charge, met with all these people and offered our resources. Deacon Steve Bentley also met with the Stockton Bicycle Alliance and the Stockton Pride Center. We were overwhelming met with welcome and appreciation (and a bit of surprise.)

 
From these meetings some clear opportunities arose that include the following:

  • A Family Justice Center, sponsored by the DA’s office with support from multiple non-profit service groups, to support families in crisis and connected with the legal system.       This would be a separate non-profit umbrella organization. We have resources they need, and a location that is conducive to their mission.
  • Head Start evaluated our facilities and would like to use the children’s area for a downtown location.
  • There is no secure bicycle parking in the downtown area, and we could provide that. Lack of security was one of the principal reasons keeping people from commuting on their bicycles to downtown.
  • There is a need for a save place for youth to hang out in the downtown area (and we are across the street from the Cineplex.)
  • There are few neutral musical venues in downtown, especially those that are free. We have a great acoustically pure building with a stunning organ, an especially fine grand piano, and ample seating.

 

We now have some clear guideline from which to formula a missional strategy for St. John’s. It turns out that by filling some of these needs, we will also be generating income to support our facilities. But most importantly, we will be working toward becoming a dynamic downtown presence, engaged in our neighborhood, and meeting people where they are. All of this honors Christ and the Kingdom.

 
The Rev. Cn. Mark H. Hall, priest-in-charge
The Rev. Stephen Bentley, deacon

“Travel Light, leaving baggage behind.”

Luke 10:1-12

Car-thedra Fund…


Dear Friends in the Diocese of San Joaquin
 

As you know we are a diocese in the midst of redevelopment. And this redevelopment is no more evident than the amount of time your bishop and canon spend on the road. Please hear me, this is not a complaint at all, it is simply an observation. Amid this continued redevelopment in a missional context, there is an immediate need for a car. Actually, in due course, we will need two, but one step at-a-time. So we are, as you know, looking for your contributions for an economically efficient, environmentally friendly, reasonably priced, comfortable car.

 

And so, through this continued appeal, we are asking that you give generously.

 

Please help in keeping our “cathedra (seat of the bishop) on the move.” As I said last week in this space, please remember, I hope you give with the knowledge that the Apostolic Ministry we support, the Episcopal Ministry we aid, is non-other than the work which belongs to each of us. I suggest we set as a goal $20,000. I suspect this will not cover the full amount but it certainly gets us much closer.

 

And again, I wish to remind you that these contributions need to be over-and-above that which you gift to our local praying community.

 
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.

 
Thank you again.
 
Bishop David
 
 
Bishop in Car-thedra artist Deacon Stephen Bentley 

People News…

The Rev. Kathleen West of St. Paul’s has applied and has been approved by Church Pension Fund for disability retirement. Kathleen’s immediate plans are for her and Ira to stay in the Modesto area, work at healing and getting well, and to come to some diocesan events as well as convention. Please keep Kathleen and St. Paul’s in your prayers during this time of transition.

 

Kathleen’s last day at St. Paul’s will be August 31, 2014  when the congregation will host a thank you celebration. All are welcome to come to the Eucharistic Service at 9:30 a.m. and stay for the thank you celebration at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355.

Call To Annual Convention…

Call to Annual Convention

Dio seal

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
Annual Convention Notification Packets have been mailed to all Clergy, Parishes
and Missions, Delegates and Alternates.
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!

EFM Training…

EFM

EFM Mentor Training
We just scheduled the annual EfM Mentor training.  This training is mandatory for all those who want to mentor an EfM class but it’s open to everyone who just wants to learn more about EfM.  It’s particularly good for current EfM students who want a summer EfMexperience.  All are welcome.

 
 
When:  August 13, 14 & 15
Starts:  2pm on Wednesday, 8:30am on Thursday, 8:30am on Friday.
Ends:  3pm on Friday
Where:  Holy Family Episcopal Church – Fresno
Cost:  $195.00 per person
 

Contact Holy Family Episcopal Church at [email protected] with any questions.

From Commission on Ministry…

 

A Day of Discovery

A Program for Discerning Ministry in the Episcopal Church

 
September 6, 2014
10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
Christ the King Community Episcopal Church
6443 Estella Avenue, Riverbank, CA 95367
 

Day of Discovery is designed to help Episcopalians broaden their understanding and appreciation of the four groups of ministers in the Episcopal Church. Participants will discover new arenas for ministry as well as see and experience the complementary relationship between all ministers of the Church.

 

Some people limit their definition of discernment as primarily an activity to find THEIR ministry, THEIR career, or THEIR place. This program, on the other hand, will define discernment as primarily a lifelong process of perceiving, listening, and responding to the movement of the Holy Spirit.

 

Most of all, Day of Discovery is designed to help people Discover and Appreciate the Mission and Ministry of Christ, how the Episcopal Church expresses that ministry, and how each person fits into that expression.

 

For more information and registration form on Day of Discovery click here.

For Northern Deanery…

Northern Deanery Meeting
 

There will be a Northern Deanery Meeting Friday, August 15, 2014 at  St. John the Evangelist, Stockton.
 
There will be a Holy Eucharist at 3:00 p.m. and the deanery meeting will be at 4:00 p.m.
 
This meeting is our agreed  follow-up meeting to our May meeting regarding the future of St. John’s. At this meeting we will review our progress at St. John’s and further brainstorm ideas about the future of this ministry. Anyone interested in the ministry at St. John’s is welcome to attend.
 

For Southern Deanery…

Southern Deanery Meeting
The next Southern Deanery meeting is currently scheduled for

From the Diocesan Office…

For All Clergy and Parishoners:
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].

For Clergy:
For a Marriage Consultation and Consent form contact the Diocesan Office and one will be mailed or emailed to you. Thank you.
For Treasurers:

Be sure to use the 2014 Treasurer Monthly form and discard older forms.
Click here for the 2014 form.
For Clergy, Vestries and Bishop Committees:
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 and Church of the Saviour- Hanford,  St. Paul’s- Bakersfieldfor completing their plan.
ALL MAIL…
for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, Bishop, Canon, and Administrator is to go to the current address: 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355.

Time sensitive material can be emailed to: [email protected].

Thank you,

Ellen Meyer,

Administrator

Whats going on…

What’s Happening in the DIO
 
EfM Training August 13-15, Holy Family, Fresno
 
Northern Deanery Eucharist August 15, 2014  3:00 p.m., St. John’s, Stockton
 
Northern Deanery Meeting August 15, 2014  4:00 p.m., St. John’s, Stockton
 
Day of Discovery, September 6, 2014, 10:00 a.m., Christ the King, Riverbank
 
Southern Deanery Meeting, September 20. 2014, 10:00 a.m. Location TBD
 
Standing Committee Meeting, September 20, 2014, 10.00 a.m., Holy Family, Fresno
 
Joint Meeting of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council September 20, 2014, 12 noon, Holy Family, Fresno
 
Diocesan Council Meeting, September 20, 2014, 1:00 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.

 

From Our Parishes and Missions…

Dining Chairs for sale at St. Paul’s, Modesto
only $10.00 each!
St. Paul’s, Modesto has 207 green upholstered dining chairs for the fantastic price of $10.00 each. Please email Suzie at [email protected] for more information about the chairs and to make arrangements for purchase and pick-up.

In our Community…

Wheelchairs Needed

Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Modesto and
First Presbyterian Church,Turlock
are collecting wheelchairs, walkers and crutches to deliver to those in need in Guatemala. They hope to collect 200 wheelchairs.
If you can help please contact:
Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Modesto 209-529-3228
or First Presbyterian Church, Turlock 209-312-1238

For the Bishop and  Canon’s Calendar…

Bishop David’s Calendar –Click Here
 
Canon Kate’s Calendar-Click Here

 

For our Diocesan Prayer Calendar….click here
Diocesan Website and Facebook…
 Have you checked it out?
Keep up to date on news and events with our
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin website
www.diosanjoaquin.org  
Facebook  
Check out postings from Bishop David and Canon Kate at
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin

Episcopal ShieldDio seal

Update For Donations To The Homeless

06. August 2014 · Comments Off on Update For Donations To The Homeless · Categories: Community, Donations · Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

It took a few days to deliver the donations to the group of homeless people because they have to constantly keep moving. They were very happy to receive the items and are doing well. They are still building bicycles and pursuing their dreams.

Friday Reflections July 18, 2014

18. July 2014 · Write a comment · Categories: Bishop, Friday Reflections · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 The Friday Reflection Title

 7-18-2014

From Bishop David

Healthy, Holy and Happy Relationships…
I was traveling somewhere the other day and I realized that I was without my phone.  And the feelings attached were something like: more-than-slightly discombobulated, at least disconnected, somewhat irresponsible, letting the “side” down, off balanced, naked, to name a very few.  I sleep (perhaps sleep is too generous a word) with the iPhone and iPad by our bed.  When I awake each morning, before my morning prayers, before I make a “comfort stop,” before I do anything else, I reach over, check my emails, the news of this early day, and perhaps Facebook installations.  I want to be clear about this, I have a love-hate relationship with technology, far more accurately, my life is far more dependent on the immediacy technology affords than I could have ever anticipated.
So here’s what I have learned.  And please understand, on most occasions I am able to differentiate between that which has been learned (perhaps a cognitive exercise) and integrating that which has been learned into my experience (more often than not, an exercise of the heart [namely, putting into real practice]).
It is not conducive to a healthy, holy and happy relationship to be so inextricably connected to our technological devices.  So yes David, the worst place to keep your iPhone and iPad is by your bed.  And perhaps it is far better to walk downstairs (Tracy typically begins her day before me) and bid good morning to your wife prior to doing anything else, duh?  Similarly, consider for a moment the number of times you have observed couples in “social situations” with their heads looking down at their phones rather than directed toward one another.  You must know what I’m on about.  Tracy and I recently saw the film “Her” which was about a guy who fell in love with his OS, his Operating System.  Unfortunately this story wasn’t too far from home.  I have also learned that this immediate and expedient culture of which we are a part (technology is the vehicle) doesn’t necessarily ensure healthy, holy and happy relationships.  Sometimes we need to pause and consider and reconsider our responses before we make them.  Sometimes we discover that delaying a far more substantive chat when a phone conversation or better yet, a face-to-face opportunity is possible, is a much better approach in ensuring the aforementioned 3H relationship.
San Joaquin, what has truly prompted my meandering is this.  I ask that we rely less on our email conversations particularly when they involve personal or delicate issues, and rely far more on the courtesy that each of us yearn and desire.  If we want to be involved in healthy, holy and happy relationships then let’s consider traveling without our phones once-in-a-while.  Let’s contemplate having our bedrooms as technological-free-zones.  Let’s assume an approach of “prayerful pause” next time we get an email which prompts us to consider firing back an immediate response which if truly considered, would simply complicate an already complicated situation.  Let’s honor, respect and care for one another by taking the time to have the sometimes “difficult conversations” or even the “not so difficult conversations” in a way that lead to healthier, holier and happier relationships.
So, when you receive a response from me which says, “Let’s hold this conversation until the can see one another and discuss it prayerfully and properly.”  Please don’t think for a moment that I am endeavoring to “put you off,” I am simply endeavoring to live in that 3H space with you.
+David

“Participating in God’s Reconciling Love”

“Missional ” Day with the Bishop…

To all Clergy and Parishioners of the Diocese of San Joaquin,
In earlier Friday Reflections, Bishop David announced that he is looking for stories of mission and stories about the people involved in the “missional” experience of how you are joining God working in your neighborhoods. Bishop David wants to visit  you in your parishes and missions so to participate with you and capture and post on our website the good work that you are doing in your communities.  A few parishes and missions have already set up midweek “Missional “Days. 
 Thank you, Thank you, and again Thank you

For those who have yet to schedule a midweek “Missional” Day please do so. Please click    here for a “Missional” Day request form that will assist in the scheduling process. Please note that we are now scheduling dates for Bishop David September 2014 and beyond. If you have any questions, please contact Ellen Meyer at the Diocesan Office at209-576-0104 209-576-0104 or [email protected].

   

People News…

Reverend Anne Benvenuti St. Paul’s, Bakersfield new book Spirit Unleashed has been recently published.

-from the cover
“In Spirit Unleashed, Anne Benvenuti uses analysis of real encounters with wild animals to take us on an intellectual tour of our thinking about animals by way of biological sciences, scientific psychology, philosophy, and theology to show that we have been wrong in our understanding of ourselves amongst other animals. The good news is that we can happily correct course. Drawing us into encounters with a desert rattlesnake, an offended bonobo, an injured fawn, a curious whale, a determined woodpecker, and others, she gives us a glimpse of their souls. Anne Benvenuti strongly makes the case that to change the way that we think about animals-and our way of relating to them-holds the possibility of changing all life on Earth for the better.”
“We Franciscans always believed that nature was God’s first revelation, and if we did not read and respect creation, elements, and animals, we would probably not know how to read the written Bible either. That might just be what happened. But in this beautiful book you now have a way through-and beyond-that will satisfy your searching intelligence and your seeking heart at the same time. You will surely enjoy this writing in both style and substance! I did.”

-Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, NM
Spirit Unleashed: Reimagining Human-Animal Relations has been published by
Wipf & Stock! You can also order it from Amazon!

For more information about Anne’s book click here.

Congratulations Anne!

From the Episcopal Churh Development Office…

The Episcopal Church’s Development Office is sponsoring a


Pilgrimage to Navajoland
October 20-26, 2014
This pilgrimage is designed to raise awareness of the region and to showcase the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church in Navajoland and return to their dioceses and parishes to encourage support for Navajoland.  Participants will have the opportunity  learn the history of the Navajo and how they have embraced The Episcopal Church for over 100 years, visit historical sites and meet Navajo elders and clergy.
For more information please contact the diocesan office at 209-576-0104 or email

TENS …

tens logo

TENS ranks a TEN from parishes that have tried the TENS program

 

During these summer doldrums of stewardship, it is time to plan for the fall giving campaign. Last year, Holy Family Episcopal Church, Fresno used the program from The Episcopal Network for Stewardship, (TENS) with some success. The Dioceses of San Joaquin has joined TENS this year, so their material is available to each parish and mission to use. This year’s campaign, Walking the Way, looks very exciting. TENS provides everything a congregation needs for a campaign, except the people. They have document templates for pledge cards, bulletin inserts and even models of letters to various levels of givers. All a congregation needs is for a parishioner to step forward and coordinate the program. If you feel called to help your church, visit www.tens.org and talk to your priest about this opportunity.

 
Don Austin
Holy Family, Fresno
 

TENS was utilized by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Modesto as one of the tools that was part of our Tapping our Talents- Sharing our Gifts- Stewardship is Spiritual Healing Campaign last fall. St. Paul’s found that TENS had a positive impact on the success of their campaign and we plan to use it again in 2014.

 
Stephanie Gilmer
St. Paul’s, Modesto
 
 

Access to the membership only portion of the TENS website is available by calling the diocesan office to get the diocesan code for 2014.

EFM Training…

EFM

EFM Mentor Training
We just scheduled the annual EfM Mentor training.  This training is mandatory for all those who want to mentor an EfM class but it’s open to everyone who just wants to learn more about EfM.  It’s particularly good for current EfM students who want a summer EfMexperience.  All are welcome.

 
 
When:  August 13, 14 & 15
Starts:  2pm on Wednesday, 8:30am on Thursday, 8:30am on Friday.
Ends:  3pm on Friday
Where:  Holy Family Episcopal Church – Fresno
Cost:  $195.00 per person
 

Contact Holy Family Episcopal Church at [email protected] with any questions.

From Commission on Ministry…

 

A Day of Discovery

A Program for Discerning Ministry in the Episcopal Church

 
September 6, 2014
10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
Christ the King Community Episcopal Church
6443 Estella Avenue, Riverbank, CA 95367
 

Day of Discovery is designed to help Episcopalians broaden their understanding and appreciation of the four groups of ministers in the Episcopal Church. Participants will discover new arenas for ministry as well as see and experience the complementary relationship between all ministers of the Church.

 

Some people limit their definition of discernment as primarily an activity to find THEIR ministry, THEIR career, or THEIR place. This program, on the other hand, will define discernment as primarily a lifelong process of perceiving, listening, and responding to the movement of the Holy Spirit.

 

Most of all, Day of Discovery is designed to help people Discover and Appreciate the Mission and Ministry of Christ, how the Episcopal Church expresses that ministry, and how each person fits into that expression.

 

For more information and registration form on Day of Discovery click here. 

For Northern Deanery…

Northern Deanery Meeting
 

There will be a Northern Deanery Meeting Friday, August 15, 2014 at  St. John the Evangelist, Stockton.
 
There will be a Holy Eucharist at 3:00 p.m. and the deanery meeting will be at 4:00 p.m.
 
This meeting is our agreed  follow-up meeting to our May meeting regarding the future of St. John’s. At this meeting we will review our progress at St. John’s and further brainstorm ideas about the future of this ministry. Anyone interested in the ministry at St. John’s is welcome to attend.
 

For Southern Deanery…

Southern Deanery Meeting
The next Southern Deanery meeting is currently scheduled for

From the Diocesan Office…

For All Clergy and Parishoners:

The Diocesan Staff would appreciate your assistance in getting the contact information for the Provast, 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].
For Clergy and Delegates to Annual Convention:

The 2015 Annual Convention notification packets will be mailed at the end of July. Please inform the Diocesan Office if you do not receive your packet.
For Treasurers:
Be sure to use the 2014 Treasurer Monthly form and discard older forms.
Click here for the 2014 form.
Reminder:


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 and Church of the Saviour- Hanford, St. Paul’s- Bakersfield for completing their plan.

If your parish or mission has yet to complete the plan get ‘er done. 
ALL MAIL…
for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, Bishop, Canon, and Administrator is to go to the current address: 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355.

Time sensitive material can be emailed to: [email protected].

Thank you,

Ellen Meyer,

Administrator

Whats going on…

What’s Happening in the DIO
 
Diocesan Council Teleconference Meeting, Thursday, July 24, 2014, 5:30 p.m.
 
EfM Training August 13-15, Holy Family, Fresno
 
Northern Deanery Eucharist August 15, 2014  3:00 p.m., St. John’s, Stockton
 
Northern Deanery Meeting August 15, 2014  4:00 p.m., St. John’s, Stockton
 
Day of Discovery, September 6, 2014, 10:00 a.m., Christ the King, Riverbank
 
Southern Deanery Meeting, September 20. 2014, 10:00 a.m. Location TBD
 
Standing Committee Meeting, September 20, 2014, 10.00 a.m., Holy Family, Fresno
 
Joint Meeting of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council September 20, 2014, 12 noon, Holy Family, Fresno
 
Diocesan Council Meeting, September 20, 2014, 1:00 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.

 

From Our Parishes and Missions…

The Bluegrass Festival planned for
Saturday July 12, 2014 at Christ the King, Riverbank has been postponed. 
Watch this space for a later date.
+++

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is happy to announce that….

This past Lord’s Day at Saint Matthew’s Church in San Andreas, two new Mosaics (fashioned in Beirut, Lebanon) were Blessed during the Sunday Mass.  The Mosaic of Jesus Christ our High Priest was placed about the entrance doors going into the church, and the Mosaic of The Blessed Mother:  Our Lady of Guadalupe was placed in the Narthex stairway going into the Choir Loft.

 
 

For the Bishop and  Canon’s Calendar…

Bishop David’s Calendar –Click Here
 
Canon Kate’s Calendar-Click Here

 

For our Diocesan Prayer Calendar….click here
Diocesan Website and Facebook…
 Have you checked it out?
Keep up to date on news and events with our
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin website
www.diosanjoaquin.org  
Facebook  
Check out postings from Bishop David and Canon Kate at
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin

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Rev. Anne's Sermon For Pentecost – June 8, 2014

08. June 2014 · Write a comment · Categories: Sermon · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


 

Rev. Anne Smith

a

June 8, 2014: Day of Pentecost, Year A

Text: Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23

 
Among the lesser-known Jewish holidays is Shavuot. The day of Shavuot marks seven weeks since Passover each year; Shavuot means “weeks”, and the English translation of the name for this Holy Day is the Feast of Weeks.
 
In the ancient Jewish tradition Shavuot was a feast of obligation—it was the time to bring the first fruits of the harvest to the Temple to be a thanksgiving offering to God.
 
But in Jesus’s day a shift was taking place, and Shavuot gained significance as a memorial of the covenant God had made with humankind, ultimately symbolized by the giving of the law, or Torah, to Moses on Mt. Sinai.
 
Even as the meaning of the day has shifted, it has always represented a significant occasion for acknowledging and giving thanks for what God has provided.
 
The most common name for this day is actually from the Greek. Seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot makes the celebration fall on the 50th day, and so the Greek word for “fiftieth” became its name: Pentecost.
 
Pentecost, a holy day for Jews from every nation to gather in Jerusalem and offer thanks to God, remembering God’s goodness and love toward them and their commitment to serve God in return.
 
And one year long ago, there amid the Jews renewing their commitment to the divine covenant, a gathering of the disciples of Jesus issued an invitation for people to turn to God in a brand new way. A sound like rushing wind rose up, and tongues of fire came to rest on the disciples, and they spoke. Into a crowd of Jews from every corner of the empire, the disciples spoke languages they could scarcely have named before, and foreigners caught the familiar cadences of home in speech plainly sensible to them though it came from the mouths of a few yokels from that provincial backwater, Galilee.
 
There on that day the Holy Spirit was poured out and people’s hearts were set ablaze. They heard a message of God’s saving power, a power made real in the person of Jesus.
 
Here amid a cacophony of different languages this morning we too hear this message, emerging in clear, sensible speech. The Spirit comes and we hear the message of God’s power at work from the beginning of time and even now.
 
We hear the song of the Psalmist recall the movement of the Holy Spirit in creation, the wisdom with which God made all things, the variety present everywhere we look! Creation is God’s delight, and the Holy Spirit is the very breath of life.
 
We hear the words of the prophet Joel, as he speaks of the Holy Spirit being poured out on all flesh, bringing forth new life in the midst of death, saving not just the chosen ones of Israel but people of all nations, to God’s greater glory.
 
We hear Jesus himself offering shalom, a word of peace and well-being, as he sends his followers into the world as he himself had been sent by God. He breathes on his friends and the Spirit comes and fills them with power, the surprising power of offering forgiveness and accountability.
 
Those who receive the Holy Spirit as Jesus offers it here are given the power to release the sins of any or retain the sins of any. Friends, this is the power to break the world open, to give freedom to captives and to bring justice to the oppressed.
 
Do you remember how Jesus practiced forgiveness? Jesus went into places where sin cast people’s lives into darkness and shadow, and he brought them healing and release. Those who suffered from blindness, paralysis, fever, bleeding, leprosy, and disease received the healing of their bodies; those who suffered analogous ailments of heart, mind, and soul received blessed release. Jesus offered forgiveness that restored suffering people to wholeness and connection with God.
 
But Jesus retained the sins of some. Everywhere Jesus went, he challenged the lies that held power over people’s lives. When Jesus found the tellers of lies, he confronted them with the truth. Jesus held them accountable for their sin, the sin of leading people away from God. When the Pharisees burdened the Jewish people with lies about what God required of them, Jesus held them accountable. When anyone in power dismissed another person as less than worthy for any reason—gender, status, age, ethnicity—Jesus exposed the lie. He affirmed the dignity and value of all people, but he held anyone accountable who propagated the lie that some are less-than, the lie that some are unbeloved.
 
Jesus gave his friends the Spirit and the power to forgive, and we have received these gifts too. In baptism, we invite the Holy Spirit to reside in us, and what potential is ours because of it! The Spirit comes and expectations break apart, and the immovable breaks free. Forgiveness, release, and new life become possible. The Spirit is poured into every believer, every servant of God, and we have such gifts to offer because of it. This body of God-loving, sin-forgiving, healing-bringing, lie-exposing faithful people, still learning ourselves to walk by grace, gets to spread the love of God and the forgiveness that frees us into every corner of the world.
 
Like the Jews gathered in Jerusalem at Pentecost the year of that first Easter we come to this day to give thanks to God and acknowledge all that God has provided, and to be reminded of the covenant we have made with God. We renew our baptismal vows, the promises we make about how we will live our life in Christ. And I pray that we also see the continuous outpouring of the Holy Spirit and that we will receive anew our commission to bring light and love and forgiveness and justice into the world.
 

Amen.

 
 

Friday Reflections June 29, 2014

04. June 2014 · Write a comment · Categories: Bishop, Friday Reflections · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 The Friday Reflection Title

5-29-2014

What exactly does it mean to be missional?
 
As most of you know Karen and I are Huskers.  Go into any part of our house and you will undoubtedly find some memorabilia relating to the Nebraska Cornhusker football team. Although Karen and I have lived much of our adult lives in Japan, Missouri, Nevada and now California, we will always be Nebraskans at heart.  And, we are not shy about letting others know that we consider Nebraska the closest thing to heaven here on earth.
 
What does being a Nebraskan have to do with being missional?  To me they are closely linked.  In rural Nebraska neighbors looked out for neighbors.   Being a Christian is how I identify who I am and what I am called to do.  As a Christian being missional is not being shy about being a follower of Christ.  It is taking His message to the people, not waiting for them to come to me.  It is action not theological discussions.  It is saying to my neighbor, “Let me help you with that.”
 
God sent Jesus, Jesus sent the disciples, and now we are sent – missio Dei.  In several sermons I have reminded our congregation that while St. James is a beautiful building, and we are happy to be there.  It is JUST a building.  It was made by human hands and will not endure.  What we have as Christians will endure.  It is eternal.  We are the church.   I know that missional includes such things as working for social justice, helping the oppressed, and providing for the homeless, but I urge those who worship at St. James that to be missionaries for Christ does not necessarily mean doing the spectacular.  While newspapers and TV news shows depend on those who perform wondrous acts of heroism, it is as Canon Kate once told us; God is present in the ordinary.  It is the simple, ordinary things that we can all do on a daily basis.  The little acts of kindness that others notice.  It is being involved in the culture that surrounds us and meeting people where they live.  Being missional may be nothing more than helping someone unload packages from his or her car or offering to provide transportation to an appointment.  Don’t let these missional moments pass you by while waiting for your spectacular event to come along.
 
Fr. Andy Anderson
 

“Participating in God’s Reconciling Love”

Requiestcat…

 Lewis J. “Scoop” Beardsley passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2014 in Newport News, VA after a brief illness. Scoop was born and raised in Watkins Glen, NY, where he held multiple jobs in the Salt Co. and Episcopal and Presbyterian churches. He and Rhoda worked full-time for the Episcopal Church and Conference Center in Oakhurst, CA, before retiring to Virginia in 1992.

 
For those who remember Scoop and Rhoda, Scoop’s son Chris says his mother Rhoda is doing well.  If you wish to send Rhoda a card call the Diocesan Office or email
[email protected].

From the Bishop…

Looking for Stories…
 
I am looking for stories, stories of mission, stories about people involved in the missional experience, stories about the ways in which we are joining with what God is already doing in streets, lanes and cul de sacs near us.  And so, I will be coming to you with I Pad or I Phone or Go Pro (a wee camera I can mount anywhere including on my mitre) or all the above, to capture your story, our story, the story of the People of God engaging, serving, living.  I hope to post these stories on our Website, perhaps on Face book.  I hope to ensure that our stories are told.  I hope to ensure that San Joaquin is known as a place where faithful Episcopalians are involved in the lives of the people in our communities.
 
Bishop with camera will see you soon.
 
Blessings
+David

For Northern Deanery…

Northern Deanery Meeting – Saturday, 10 am June 14 @ Christ the King, Riverbank
 
There will be a Northern Deanery Meeting a June 14, 2014,10:00 a.m. at Christ the King, Riverbank. At this meeting we will elect officers for the coming year, conduct regular deanery business and also hear a report regarding the returning properties of the diocese with an emphasis on the properties anticipated to be returned in the Northern Deanery (St. Matthias, Oakdale; St. Mary’s, Manteca, St. Mark’s, Tracy as well as St. John’s, Stockton).Anyone who is interested in the ministry in the Northern Deanery is welcome and encouraged to attend.
 

For Central Deanery…

Fresno Town Hall Meeting – Wednesday, 6 pm June 4 @ Holy Family, Fresno
 
There will be a town hall meeting with Bishop David and Canon Kate on Wednesday, June 4, 6:00 p.m. at Holy Family in Fresno. It appears that the Episcopal Church may soon be in possession of St. James’ Cathedral, St. Mary’s, St. Martin’s as well as Holy Family, Fresno with a court decision about St. Columba’s yet to come.  We are calling a meeting to brainstorm and plan for the return of all of these properties. Please come and share your ideas and concerns. This meeting is for ANYONE who is interested to what might happen with these properties.  Certainly if you have been a member or are presently a member of any of these parishes, you are especially welcome.
 

A meeting of the Central Deanery has been called to discuss properties in those areas of the diocese.The Central Deanery Meeting is currently scheduled for July 13, 2013, 3:00 p.m. at Holy Family, Fresno.

 

For Southern Deanery…

Bakersfield Town Hall Meeting – Wednesday, 7 pm June 11 @ St. Paul’s, Bakersfield
 

There will be a town hall meeting with Bishop David and Canon Kate on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s in Bakersfield. It appears that the Episcopal Church may soon be in possession of All Saints, St. Luke’s, as well as the already returned St. Paul’s, Bakersfield.  We are calling a meeting to brainstorm and plan for the return of all of these properties. Please come and share your ideas and concerns. This meeting is for ANYONE who is interested to what might happen with these properties.  Certainly if you have been a member or are presently a member of any of these parishes, you are especially welcome.
A meeting of the  Southern Deanery has been called to discuss properties in those areas of the diocese. The Southern Deanery meeting is currently scheduled for 10:00 a.m., July 12, 2014 at St. Andrew’s in Taft.

Did you know..

Did you know that the following writers were Episcopalian?

  • C.S. Lewis, Chronicles of Narnia
  • Madeleine L’Engle, A wrinkle in Time
  • William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
  • Dorothy Sayers, Lord Peter Wimsey
  • Alexandra Stoddard, Daring to be Yourself
  • Cordwainer Smith, The Rediscovery of Man
  • T. S. Elliot, lyrics to the musical “CATS” (talk about trivia! He’s written much more.)
  • Susan Howatch, Mystical Paths
  • Hillaire Belloc, The Four Men, Vile Bodies
  • Jan Karon, The Mitford Series
  • Mortimer J. Adler
  • Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carrol
  • Dr. Samuel Johnson, author of the first dictionary
  • Richard Brinsley Sheridan
  • Joseph Addison (writer and editor)
  • William Congreve
  • Diane Mott Davidson, mystery writer, Dying for Chocolate Edith Pargeter aka Ellis Peters, The Brother Cadfael Mysteries (shown on PBS)
  • Father Jonathan Swift, Gulliver’s Travels
  • William Wordsworth
  • Jane Austen

Education on Ministry…

 EFM
Calling all peoples who are interested in deepening the Christian Faith, studying the Bible, Church History and theological ideas and reflect on connecting faith with life experiences.

10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.

We are all called to ministry and  the Education for Ministry (EfM) program provides people with the education to carry out that ministry. EfM offers an opportunity to discover how to respond to the call to Christian service.
Please let us know if you would be interested in joining a monthly seminar in the fall.
Thank you.
Peace, Joy and Abundance,
Stephanie Gilmer, EfM Mentor

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Modesto
[email protected]

From the Diocesan Office…

Picture of Bishop David 

At the Diocesan Office- Modesto there are pictures of Bishop Jerry and Bishop Chet. It has been asked many times when Bishop David’s picture will be hung beside them. A shout out to St. Paul’s, Modesto:  The picture is coming!

An 8×11 of Bishop David is going to be printed soon and if any other parish would like to have a picture please email [email protected] by June 15, 2015. I will mail the picture (frame and matting not included) once printed.

ALL MAIL…
 
for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, Bishop, Canon, and Administrator is to go to the current address: 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355.

Time sensitive material can be emailed to: [email protected].

Thank you,

Ellen Meyer,

Administrator

Whats going on…

What’s Happening in the DIO
Convention Arrangement Committee Meeting, May 31, 2014, 10:30 a.m., St. Paul’s, Modesto
 
Fresno Town Hall Meeting, June 4, 2014, 6:00 p.m.,  Holy Family, Fresno
 
Northern Deanery Clericus, June 10, 2014, 11:00 a.m., St. John the Evangelist, Stockton
 

Bakersfield Town Hall Meeting, June 11, 2014, 7:00 p.m., St. Paul’s, Bakersfield

Northern Deanery Meeting June 14, 2014, 10:00 a.m., Christ the King, Riverbank
 
Southern  Deanery Meeting July 12, 2014, 10:00 a.m., St. Andrew’s, Taft
 
Central Deanery Meeting July 13, 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.

 

From Our Parishes and Missions…

Portals to Prayer with Poets and Mystics

Deep Listening:  Heart to Heart

 

Thursday, June 5th 7:00-8:30pm,

The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist

1055 S. Lower Sacramento Rd, Lodi

 

Carol Bower Foote is offering a quiet evening designed for deep listening, by speaking selected sets of poems and writings around themes for contemplation. Time for silent prayer and reflection will be offered after each set of readings. Participants are invited to be present, silently receive the spoken offerings, then listen deeply for their own soul’s experience and message.   Conversation and discussion is not part of this experience.

Works shared will include Rumi, Rilke, Hafiz, Meister Eckhart, St John of the Cross, St. Symeon,  Marie Howe, Mary Oliver, David Whyte, Wendell Berry, Pablo Neruda, Li-Young Lee, e.e. Cummings, Willliam Stafford, Naomi Shibah Nye, and others.

 

Drop ins and guests are welcome from all parishes.
Questions?  Call Carol at 707-374-2124707-374-2124

Bishop’s and Canon’s Visitations Calendars… 

Bishop David’s Calendar –Click Here
 

Canon Kate’s Calendar- Click Here
 

For our Diocesan Prayer Calendar….click here
Diocesan Website and Facebook…
 Have you checked it out?
Keep up to date on news and events with our
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin website
www.diosanjoaquin.org

Facebook  
Check out postings from Bishop David and Canon Kate at
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
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