short masthead
March 3, 2009
The desert waits,
ready for those who come,
who follow the Spirit's leading
or are driven,
because they will not come any other way.
Adapted from a poem by Ruth Burgess
Diocesan Prayers
chapel of the holy spirit

For the month of March please pray for those involved in specialized licensed ministries throughout the diocese, including lay Eucharistic ministers and visitors, and for lay readers. Please pray for all church musicians and the worship committees in your parishes.

Sunday, March 8 is
2 Lent

Emmanuel parishes, Alexandria, Rushford

Anniversaries
3/8 Roger Weaver, p 1968
3/8 Tom Whitcroft, p 1968
3/13 Lisa Cressman, p 1993

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
Gospel Based Discipleship
Mission Strategy Network
Take the Goal 3 Survey
submitted by Rex McKee
We now have 61 results in our network survey for the Diocese of MN. The good news is that value has doubled in the past two weeks. The not so good news, is that there are still tens of thousands of Episcopalians in Minnesota who have not taken the survey. We still need your response! Take 5 minutes, click the link, and let Mission Strategy know what networks you belong to.
Minnesota Council of Churches
Clergy Speak Their Voices
Tuesday, March 10, 2 pm in the Capitol Rotunda
Minnesota's $5.2 billion budget deficit is projected to grow and severely jeopardize all safety net and basic supports for people with disabilities, the elderly, low income families, children, and other Minnesotans in need. This is when legislators need to hear from faith leaders about standing with those in need. Find out more about this important event on the Clergy Voices website.
Sheltering Arms Foundation
Episcopal Congregation Grants Available
Small grants of up to $1,000 are being offered to Minnesota Episcopal congregations to support local efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable children, youth and their families. This could be a program run by the congregation on behalf of its own children, should they fall into that category or a program doing outreach to families in need. The funds could also support advocacy efforts within the congregation on behalf of vulnerable children. The deadline to submit a proposal is April 1, 2009. Grant guidelines are available by visiting Sheltering Arms' website, www.sheltering-arms.org.
Stewardship
Planned Giving and Endowment Workshop Saturday
Saturday, March 7, 1 pm to 4:30 pm
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Minneapolis

Uncertain times like these remind us of how important it is to plan for the future. One great way to answer members' desire and need to give when personal finances are tight is through planning for future gifts and bequests. Join us March 7 for new information and insights on how you can enhance your congregation's and your own readiness for long-term stewardship. RSVP to Kevin Shaw, Development Director, 612-870-3321.

Stewardship Reading
Ministry in Hard Times, Alban Institute
Bishop Search Update

Committee Preparing for Interviews
submitted by the Rev. Neil Willard
Your Search Committee for the IX Bishop of Minnesota met from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, at St. Mark's Cathedral in Minneapolis. Prior to that meeting, members of the committee had reviewed the written materials that were received in the initial application process from 48 individuals. The day began with prayer and with comments from committee members about the impressive qualities and breadth of experience represented by these candidates. Most of the time was spent evaluating their applications. The last two hours of the meeting were dedicated to interview training. More details about the evaluation process and its outcome will be included in next week's update. Please keep in your prayers the 48 people who have opened their hearts to consider a possible call to lead the Diocese of Minnesota as our next bishop.
Around the Diocese
Holy Apostles Pho Fundraiser this Sunday
You're invited to the Fabulous PHO Fundraiser at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church, Sunday, March 8, 12-3 pm. Pho is a delicious  homemade Asian-style noodle soup made with beef stock. Drop in for a warm and tasty lunch with friends and family and support the ministry of Holy Apostles, the first Hmong-majority Episcopal congregation in the Anglican communion!  No reservations needed.  Groups welcome. $6 for a bowl of Pho. Questions? Call 612-703-4408.

Lenten Ojibwe Hymn Sings
Each Sunday of Lent at 5:00 pm join the following churches for a traditional Ojibwe hymn sing:

March 8, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Cass Lake
March 15, St. Antipas Episcopal Church, Redby
March 22, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Rice Lake
March 29, Breck Memorial Episcopal Church, Ponsford
April 5, St. Columba's Episcopal Church, White Earth

Following Lent, Bishop Whipple Mission, Morton, will host a hymn sing beginning at 2 pm with a feast to follow. Download a pdf of the history and tradition of the Ojibwe hymn sing.
Youth
Music Camp Leadership Applications Available
The 2009 Episcopal Youth Music Camp will be held August 9-15 at Camp Heartland Center. Each year, Music Camp offers an overnight camp experience for youth entering 3rd through 12th grades (Fall 2009). Applications are now being accepted to serve on the leadership team for Music Camp 2009.

Metro Youth Event Welcomes 60

submitted by Anna Ostenso

Over sixty high school youth from seven metro area churches met Sunday, February 22 at St. Stephen's Church. Coordinated by youth eventmembers of the metro area faith formation network, the hope was to provide opportunities for young Episcopalians to meet, worship and enjoy fellowship together between the high moments. Pizza began the evening, followed by music from Messiah's youth band and a powerful and entertaining speaker, Joe Cavanaugh. Youth then broke out into grade groups to reflect on the message they heard. This event could not have been possible without churches pooling time, energy and fiscal resources. Churches present include St. Stephen's, Edina; St. David's, Minnetonka; Nativity, Burnsville; St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, Minneapolis; Messiah, St. Paul; Christ Church, Woodbury; and Epiphany, Plymouth.
This Week in the Diocese

March 10, Clericus brown bag luncheon and discussion, topic is "networks and their role in times of transition" with the Rev. Dwight Zscheile, 12:30 to 2 pm, St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, Minneapolis

March 11,
Diocesan Council meeting, 10 am to 3 pm, St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, Minneapolis (rescheduled from last Thursday)

March 11, Anglimergent meeting, 12 pm, All Saints Episcopal Church, Minneapolis

March 14,
Mission Strategy Network meeting, contact the Rev. Anne Miner-Pearson for details

A complete Calendar of Events is available on our website.  Music events can be found on the Episcopal Music Calendar. Also, visit the Trips and Pilgrimages page on our website for a complete list of upcoming opportunities to explore your journey with God through travel