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.

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

The Learning Community 2006-2007 Workshops in partnership with the Congregational Development Committee.
What: Registration for the 2006-2007 Workshops.
When: Workshop dates run through May (see brochure below) Info: Register now - enrollment is limited to the first 100 people who respond! Check out the Workshop Brochure - choose the courses that are right for you.

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 Annual Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of Rhode Island
When: November 11th, 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.

Habitat of South County Home Dedication
When: Sunday Oct. 1st, 2 PM
Where: 48 Pierce St. in Westerly
Info: St. Augustine's Church will receive an award at the Habitat of South County Home Dedication of a home we helped build. St. A's has developed a partnership with other local congregations and funded a home to be built this year in South County, as well. Our Habitat Team is headed by Arthur "Zeke" Olsen (Senior Warden) who will receive the award on behalf of the congregation.

Nunsense, the hit musical-comedy
When: Friday, October 6th at 7:30 PM
Where: St. Paul's Pawtucket, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket
Cost: Tickets are $20
Info: A production of Theaterworks, this is a one time only performance. For more information, call 726-4300, or e-mail stpaulsmychurch1@aol.com.

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.

Trinity Episcopal Church Fall Blood Drive
When: SUNDAY, October 22, 2006 from 8:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M.
Where: Aldrich Hall, 251 Danielson Pike No. Scituate, RI 02857
Info: Complementary breakfast for ALL blood donors!We NEED your type! Can we count on your donation on October 22nd? IF YOU PLAN TO BE A DONOR, PLEASE CALL NANCY IN THE CHURCH OFFICE BY OCTOBER 15TH, OR E-MAIL nstrinity@aol.com

"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.

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Award-Winning Israeli and Palestinian Advocates for Peace Dr. Nurit Peled-Elhanan and Hanan Abu- Ghosh

Saturday, September 30th, 3pm - Beneficent Congregational Church, 300 Weybosset St, Providence

Two outstanding speakers from the Middle East will address Rhode Islanders on Saturday, September 30th. Dr. Nurit Peled Elhanan, an Israeli peace activist, received the Sakharov Prize for Human Rights from the European Parliament in 2001. She is a Lecturer in Language and Education at Hebrew University in Tel Aviv. Hanan Abu Ghosh is a Palestinian peace activist who is recognized for her work as a Legal Aid counselor. She has a master's degree in Gender, Law and Development from Birzeit University.

Dr. Peled Elhanan's daughter was killed by a Palestinian. Hanan Abu Ghosh's brother was killed by an Israeli. They will describe their personal journeys from losing family members to working toward reconciliation and a just peace. They will also discuss the impact of the Middle East crisis on Palestinian and Israeli societies.

Their visit is sponsored by RI Community Coalition for Peace, the American Friends Service Committee, the Interfaith Peace Initiative, the RI Green Party, and RI Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice.

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“Jerusalem Women Speak” – Three Women, Three Faiths, One Shared Vision
Ghada Ageel, Shireen Khamis, and Rela Mazali

Tuesday, October 10 at 7 pm, Providence Presbyterian Church, 500 Hope Street, Providence

Three women of different faiths who are living the realities of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict will share their experiences and hopes for a just peace. The Jerusalem Women Speak tours were designed to bring the voices of women from the Jerusalem area, and from the two national communities and three religious groups who live there, directly to Americans in their own home towns. Rela Mazali is a Jewish Israeli who served with the Israeli military during the 1967 war. Ghada Ageel is a Muslim Palestinian who lives in Gaza, where she grew up in the Khan Younis refugee camp. Shireen Khamis is a Christian Palestinian and recent college graduate living near Bethlehem. They will talk about their lives, their fears, their hopes and their work for a just and sustainable peace. The program is sponsored by the Interfaith Peace Initiative.

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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.

The Commission on Ministry is pleased to announce that the Introductory Dinner for the 2006-2007 Discernment Program was attended by thirty-seven people! Twenty of those attending are parishioners interested in exploring a call they are hearing - either to Lay Ministry, the Diaconate or Priesthood, while others are uncertain as to just what this calling may be. These twenty people will participate in the seven- month program offered by the Commission on Ministry to help them discern their calling. Others attending the dinner were rectors, spouses of the discerners, and members of the Commission.

What an uplifting experience it was to be in the company of so many people wanting to explore their way to serve the Him. The Church was alive and well in this gathering!

The Commission on Ministry would like to thank the rectors and other clergy, and Risen and e-Risen, for their continued support in publicizing the discernment programs, and Hallworth House for allowing us to use their dining room for the dinner.

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.
Dinner Reservation deadline is October 20th.
Nominations for Offices and Resolutions were to be submitted on or before Friday, September 22nd.

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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

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Second Annual BOOK EXCHANGE will be held during the Convention on October. This will benefit the George Hunt HELP Center in Providence.
Books should:
1) be attractive and in good condition
2) have something to do with spirituality - church history - theology - scripture - Christian education - pastoral care - congregational development, pertinent biographies, etc.,
3) be something you might like to own yourself.
This is not a yard sale but a way to pass on and share books you have enjoyed. Books should be dropped off at the Cathedral between October 1 and October 23. Clearly label them for the HELP Center to the attention of Ricky Brightman. If you have questions or might need help getting books to the Cathedral leave a message for Ricky Brightman at 831-7350 ext 171, from 3 to 5 PM.

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There will be a U2charist on Saturday October 28th (after diocese convention) at 6pm at Christ Church in Lincoln. Rev. Mike Kinman will be preaching at the service. If anyone has any questions they can contact Dee Tavolaro at BigDee6541@aol.com.