Discernment Program- The Commission on Ministry is offering a seven-month Discernment Program. The program is open to any adult in the Diocese who may wish to explore their call to serve within the Body of Christ, whether it be lay or ordained ministry. The program is a prerequisite for anyone who may feel called to ordained ministry. Please speak with your parish clergy as they have the information on the program.
Join us for an introductory dinner at Hallworth House on Thursday, September 14th.

Deacon Formation - Program open to all people with interest.
When: Launches September 30th
Info: While the program is designed for those in discernment for the diaconate, anyone may take the courses (class cost is $250) Courses available are:
-Old Testament (survey course)
-Theology
-Book of Common Prayer
-Diakonia
-Old Testament (themes)
-Issues in Contemporary Society
-Church History
-Disciplines of Spirituality
Contact: For more information, contact the Rev'd Wayne Runner at (401) 941-4324

Church Vitality-The Rev. Ben Helmer. Introduction to the basics of church health and growth.
When: Saturday October 7, 2006 8:30am- 2:30pm
Where: The Cathedral of St. John, 271 N. Main Street, Providence
Cost: $15 per person
Registration Deadline: September 22, 2006
Limited to 80 people
Contact: The Rev. Cn. Dr. Rich Bardusch, 274-4500 Rich@EpiscopalRi.org; Betsy Fornal, 274-4500, Betsy@EpiscopalRi.org. A curriculum brochure is available.
More Info: The Rev. Ben Helmer, recently retired from the Office of Congregational Development of the Episcopal Church is presenting an all day workshop focusing on church health and growth. Participants will learn about the cycle that every congregation experiences; how churches begin; how parishes reach stability; and what to focus on when your congregation is no longer growing.

The 216th Annual Convention of the Dicese of Rhode Island
When: Friday & Saturday, October 27-28, 2006
Where: Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston.
Info: This year's theme, "Lighten the World" will focus on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG's). Friday evening's guest speaker will be the Rev. Michael Kinman, Executive Director, Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation.
The deadline to submit a Resolution is Friday, September 22nd
Dinner Reservation deadline is October 20th.
Additional information will be made available as Convention plans progress!

Request for Parish Exhibits for Convention - We want 100% Parish Participation! - from the Convention Planning Committee
When: Friday, October 27, 2006 at 6:00 PM
Where: Convention foyer at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet
Info: Parishes are encouraged to “show their stuff” from recent mission and outreach activities. We are asking parishes to develop a small exhibit for the Convention foyer representing their mission and outreach work over the last year. Remember our theme “Lighten the World” (Matthew 5:16), keep it simple, make it fun, and include the kids and youth if possible. Displays might include: descriptive posters, collages/photo albums, small object displays, etc...
Rules:
- 1 Exhibit or display per parish
- Parish Name and Town must be “visible” on display/exhibit
- Keep it simple!
- Display/Exhibit can be brought to Rhodes on Friday, October 27th by a representative from the parish who is attending the cocktail hour/ dinner beginning at 6pm.
- Display/Exhibit must be removed by 2pm on Saturday the 28th
- Design a Poster (maximum size 22” x 28”) using pictures, airline ticket stubs, thank you notes, pamphlets, etc. OR:
- Submit a Photo Album with “captions” next to the pictures – Soup Kitchens, Katrina Response ReBuilding, Habitat for Humanity, Heifer Project OR:
- Be Creative with a Small Object Display!!
Remember, space is LIMITED for all 61 parishes to equally display their submissions.
Contact: Questions? Call or e-mail Mary Ann Kolakowski maryann@episcopalri.org or 274-4500x 247

The Annual Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of Rhode Island
When: November 4th, 9:30 A.M. Registration and coffee
Where: St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Weeden Street) in Pawtucket
Info: Speaker for the day will be Reverend Neil Goldsborough, Rector of St. John's, Barrington. The Reverend Goldsborough will speak on his ministry to the military in Kuwait. A box lunch provided by Clockworks will follow. Cost for the lunch is $7.00

Dealing with Conflict-The Rev. Patricia Liberty. Identifying, Understanding, Managing Conflict
When: Saturday November 4, 2006 8:30am- 2:30pm
Where: The Cathedral of St. John, 271 N. Main Street, Providence
Cost: $15 per person
Registration Deadline: October 20, 2006
Limited to 80 people
Contact: The Rev. Cn. Dr. Rich Bardusch, 274-4500 Rich@EpiscopalRi.org; Betsy Fornal, 274-4500, Betsy@EpiscopalRi.org. A curriculum brochure is available.
More Info: Healthy churches are not congregations where there is an absence of troubles, they are congregations which actively and responsibly address and heal its disturbances. Pat will help you understand, identify, take responsibility for, and learn how to manage conflict.

"Sabbath-by-the-Sea" for Clergy & Families
Where: Cape Cod
When: October 8th-10th
The Diocesan Counsil Leadership Committtee announces a 3-day retreat on Cape Cod from October 8th - 10th (Columbus Day Weekend) at the Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster, Mass. Event is scheduled to help build teamwork and wellness among Diocesan clergy and their families. Members of the Diocesan Council Leadership Committee will be happy to provide additional information: Mr. Ben West (Chair), The Rev. David Ames, the Rev. John Lawrence, the Rev. Daryl Stahl, the Rev. Jennifer Pedrick and the Rev. Bob Anthony.

"Offerings" Contemporary Worship & Praise Service, Families Welcome!
When: Sunday, September 17th at 5:00 PM.
Where: St. Paul’s Parish House Located at 76 Main Street, North Kingstown.
Info: The first of these monthly services will feature the Worship and Praise music of Daystar. Daystar features the talents of Steve Mortrude, who volunteered this summer at the Episcopal Conference Center leading the “Rock Band” program.
What is Offerings? “Offerings” is a new service and is an occasion for all who wish to express themselves artistically in worship. The service also features an open space for children and families to worship together. Children will have a special area for creating “offerings” of their own! St. Paul’s Church welcomes all to join in this special service, everyone has something to offer, come and share this unique worship experience!

Next Taize Prayer
When: Sunday, Oct 8th (and the Second Sunday of every month) at 4:00 pm
Where: Cathedral of St. John, 271 North Main Street, Providence.

St. Augustine's Autumn Festival- Featuring 4th Annual Silent Auction, Raffle, and Harvest Dinner
When: Saturday, October 20, 2006 at 5pm
Cost: $20, includes dinner and 5 raffle tickets
Info: Additional raffle tickets are $1 Tickets will go on sale in late September. Proceeds to benefit outreach and other programs of St. Augustine's
Contact: See www.staugust ineuri.com for more information or call the church at 401-874-2739.

"Songs of Passion and Faith" Recital, featuring tenor Donald Blais, accompanied by Br. Enoch John Valentine, BSG.
When: October 29th at 3:00 PM
Where: The nave of the Cathedral of St. John, 271 No. Main Street, Providence.
Info: The program will include works by J.S. Bach, Blitzstein, Gluck, Gounod, Massenet, Schubert and Verdi. A $10.00 donation will be accepted

Happening!
When: October 20-22, 2006
Where: LaSalette Retreat Center in Attleboro, MA for any teen in grade 10-12.
Info: Check out what's Happening! Deadline for applications will be October 4, 2006 The total cost of this weekend is $110 with a $25 non-refundable deposit.

Learn more about the Happening experience from their national website: www.happening.org.

Strive for Peace & Justice! Be an Intern at the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations, Home of the EPPN.
WHO? We welcome volunteers, students, seminarians, bishops, laity and Anglican partners. While it is preferred that applicants be Episcopalian, it is not required.
WHAT? Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with our grassroots coordinator and policy analysts, provide administrative support, contribute to policy research, work with ecumenical and secular coalitions, and attend Congressional committee hearings.
WHEN? At least 12 weeks in the spring, fall or summer.
WHERE? Washington, DC on Capitol Hill conveniently situated near Metro rail and bus lines.
WHY? You will gain a general understanding of Congressional procedure as well as how staff and members of the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) effectively advocate the positions of the General Convention and Executive Council of the Episcopal Church. Weekly staff meetings keep interns updated on the status of key legislation and advocacy strategy.
INFO? Visit www.episcopalchurch.org/eppn/ to learn how to apply Or Call 1-800-228-0515

St. Mary's Home for Children will host weekly open house in September

St. Mary’s Home for Children will be holding an open house by appointment every Saturday throughout the month of September. The meetings will be designed to present the foster care process to interested parents. Foster parents receive free training with St. Mary’s, 24 Hour support, competitive salary, opportunities for growth and learning, and so much more!

To learn how you can change the life of a child through our Therapeutic Foster Care Program Contact Heidi S. Mulligan at 401-353-3900 ext. 248 email: hmulligan@smhfc.org. or Sara Powers at 401-353-3900 ext. 317 email: spowers@smhfc.org.

----------------

Participemos en la Misa! / We All Make the Mass!
A Bilingual Worship Learning Party Featuring leaders from St. Gregory of Nyssa Church- San Francisco

Fri., Oct. 13, 5-9 pm., and Sat., Oct. 14, 10 am-4 pm St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral 138 Tremont Street, Boston

Come explore worship that engages people's bodies, voices and cultures!

Led by clergy and leaders from local Hispanic ministries and from St. Gregory of Nyssa, a ground-breaking Episcopal community known for its colorful, movement-filled, ancient/future worship.

Friday: Share Eucharist in the vibrant St. Gregory's style. Then have dinner and discuss participatory worship that weaves ancient Christian patterns together with worship resources from around the globe. (English, with Spanish translation)

Saturday: Participate in lively Spanish-language worship and music, plus learning sessions and hands-on workshops for creating Hispanic worship resources. Ideal for those involved in or considering Hispanic ministry, or those hoping to learn more about multicultural, participatory worship. (Spanish and English)

REGISTRATION: Cost is $25 Priority Deadline: Mon., Oct. 2. After deadline, fee is $30 Group discounts and assistance available. Register or get info at www.stpaulboston.org or call (617) 482-4826, x580. For more on St. Gregory's, see www.saintgregorys.org .

Sponsored by the Diocesan Hispanic Ministries Committee and Cathedral Church of St. Paul. Part of the Cathedral's Annual Worship Learning Party Series.

Contact the event organizers: Jennifer Hughes at hughesjen@ earthlink.net or (510) 677-5902, or Stephanie Spellers at sspellers@diomass.org or (617) 482-4826, x318.

At a time when the differences between religious views are often expressed through intolerance and violence, Faith Walk for Charity (FWC) is an expression of the commonalities across religions, especially the common value that it’s right and good to help those in need.

FWC is a Rhode Island 501(C)3 organization formed to unite people of any and every religious faith in addressing a commonly recognized human need in Rhode Island, by raising funds through an annual walkathon. The initial concept and sponsorship of FWC came from the Outreach Committee of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Bristol.

For 2006 the human need being advocated by the inter-faith Board of Directors is homelessness in Rhode Island. All funds raised in 2006, net of the most minimal operating expenses, will be given to Crossroads RI.

Contributing to FWC signifies more than a desire to help the homeless; it is a vote in support of the idea that helping those in need is a common denominator among religions. The most senior leaders of a wide range of Rhode Island religious organizations have cast their vote in support of this belief. The Faith Walk for Charity Board of Directors currently includes:

• Imam Farid Ansari, Muslim American Dawah Center of RI
• Rabbi Alan Flam, President, RI Board of Rabbis
• The Reverend Henry Pedersen, Interim Executive Minister, RI Council of Churches
• The Reverend Dr. Donald R. Rasmussen, Executive Minister American Baptist Churches, RI
• The Reverend Theresa Smith, Ministers Alliance of RI
• Bishop Geralyn Wolf, Episcopal Diocese RI

Ways in which you and your parish can support FWC:

1. Become a group sponsor—collect a donation from those at your church. Download and complete a group sponsor form at faithwalkfor charity.org. Four levels of sponsorship have been designated:

• Bronze: $500
• Gold: $1000
• Silver: $2500
• Platinum: $5000 and up

Group sponsors are invited, but not required to walk as a group. Group sponsors are also invited to carry a banner identifying their organization. Please note: everyone who intends to walk must complete a walker registration form (available at www.faith walkforcharity.org).

2. Individuals are invited to Donate or Walk &Donate without walking—tax deductible contributions may be made through the PayPal link on our web site (www.faith walkforcharity.org), or by check made payable to “Faith Walk for Charity, Inc.” 12 Bassett Street, Providence, RI 02903. Walker registration forms are available on the website, www.faith walkforcharity.org.

The Rev. Alan P. Maynard died Thursday September 7th.

Solemn Requiem Mass was offered Tuesday, September 12th, at S. Stephen's Church in Providence.

The Very Rev. James Annand died Friday, September 1st.

A Memorial Eucharist will take place on Saturday the 16th of September 2006 at Christ Church Westerly.