The
light returns and the days lengthen, even if it remains startlingly dark as we
rise these days - daylight savings time is not always a blessing so early in
the year! Christians, however, look for light even in the midst of darkness,
for we know that darkness will not overcome it.
La luz va aumentando y los días se van alargando, aunque cuando nos levantamos todavía continúa bastante oscuro: la hora de verano no trae tantas bendiciones tan temprano en el año. Sin embargo, los cristianos buscan la luz aun en medio de la oscuridad, porque sabemos que las tinieblas no prevalecerán contra ella.
excerpted from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori's 2009 Easter message
Follow this link to read the entire message in either English or Spanish.
|
|
 Diocesan Prayers
|
|
For
the month of April please pray for the work of the House of Prayer and all spiritual directors. Please also pray for those working on mission strategy - both within their congregation and on behalf of the diocese.
Sunday, April 5 is Sunday of the Passion
St. Antipas Parish, Redby
Anniversaries
4/5 Sanford Hampton, b 1989
4/7 Maggie Rose Muldoon,
p 1991
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
Gospel Based Discipleship
|
Bishop Search Update
|
| Committee Continues Discernment
submitted by the Rev. Neil Willard
Your
Bishop Search Committee will next meet on Saturday, April 4, at St. John's Church
in St. Cloud
from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The main purpose of that meeting will be to
review materials submitted by the 22 candidates who were invited to participate
in the second step of our mutual discernment process. Those materials
include answers to three essay questions and an audio or video recording of a
sermon. In addition, an updated timeline has been added to the diocesan website. Please continue to pray for the work of the committee and for
these candidates who have opened their hearts to the leading of the Holy
Spirit.
|
|
|
Ministry Resources
|
|
Anti-Racism Training Upcoming
The Episcopal anti-racism training, "Seeing the Face of God in Each Other," will be offered in Minneapolis in June, 2009, and will be followed by a training of potential trainers who wish to lead such efforts in their diocese, congregation, or community. More...
Clergy and Laity Concerned About Immigration
Want to know how to stand in solidarity with our immigrant churches whose members are in the deportation process? Plan to attend the April 26, 3 pm meeting of The Interfaith Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. For more information, contact the Rev. Susan Moss, 651-485-5369.
Region 7 Online Calendar
Check out the new online calendar for Region 7 events at www.region7episcopalmn.ning.com.
Blue Book Reports Posted on General Convention's Website
The Blue Book, the collection of reports to the Episcopal Church's General Convention of the work done by its committees, commissions, agencies and boards (CCABs) during the 2007-2009 triennium, is now available online.
Resource Offered for Evangelism and Mission in Globalization
The Episcopal Asiamerica Ministries (EAM) is offering a newly published resource, "Evangelism and Mission in the Age of Globalization," designed for clergy, lay leaders, parish and diocesan staff, and those involved in global relationships. Topics include "The Christology of Mission" and "Globalization, Globalism, and Pax Globala." For a free copy, visit the Episcopal Books and Resources website or call 800-903-5544.
|
Mission Strategy Network
|
|
Draft Executive Summary Presented to Council
The Mission Strategy Network (MSN) submitted its draft Executive Summary last week to Diocesan Council. Members of Council and Bishop Jelinek were given the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the document. The Bishop is meeting with members of the MSN tomorrow, April 1, to discuss next steps.
MSN Website Updates
Two new stories have been posted to the MSN website. Visit www.missionstrategymn.org for an update on Goal 2 and Goal 3 progress.
|
Red River Flooding
|
|
| Update from Episcopal Relief and Development
submitted by the Rev. Ian Punnett
As the floodwaters rose so did the Episcopal Relief and Development's awareness of the
Red River Valley. The earthen levees, sandbags and vinyl sheeting stands
vigilant against the rain, snow and rushing current of the Red River and the
Diocese of Minnesota stands with the people of Moorhead, Fargo and every town
in harm's way. Through e-mail and phone messages, Episcopal Relief and
Development in New York remains apprised and up to date on the potential
problems of potential flood victims, ready to make a difference. Representatives from the diocese are being both prayerful
and practical as they monitor the rising needs of all people on both sides of
the river. Until the situation is clear, all the faithful can also be prayerful
and practical by remembering those that are fighting to keep their homes dry
and giving to Episcopal Relief and Development.
|
|
Around the Diocese
|
|
Group photo from Great Northern TEC 40, which was held last weekend.
Photo courtesy of James Anthony.
|
|
|
This Week in the Diocese
|
|
April 2, monthly meeting of the Christian Children's Formation Group, 10 am, St. Clement's Episcopal Church (contact: Susan Mallison)
April 2, reaffirmation of Ordination vows, 11 am, Christ Episcopal Church, Grand Rapids, clergy should not vest, a light lunch will follow
April 7, reaffirmation of Ordination vows, 11 am, St. Mark's Cathedral, Minneapolis, clergy should not vest, a light lunch will follow
April 8, Department of Indian Work clericus, 9 am to 3 pm, St. John's Episcopal Church, St. Cloud (contact: the Rev. Robert Two Bulls)
April 8, reaffirmation of Ordination vows, 11 am, Cathedral of our Merciful Saviour, Faribault, clergy should not vest, a light lunch will follow
April 8, monthly Anglimergent meeting, 12 noon, Gethsemane Episcopal Church, Minneapolis (contact: Wendy Johnson)
April 8, Internet and Cell Phone Safety Workshop, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Nativity Episcopal Church, Burnsville (contact: Anna Ostenso)
A complete Calendar of Events is available on our website. Other events can be found on the Region 7 Calendar and 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 |
|
|
