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1-23-2015
2-20-2015 An excerpt from my Ash Wednesday homily
Jesuit Theologian Karl Rahner developed the theological-ecumenical concept, "The Anonymous Christian." Rahner, who died in 1984, suggested that people who never heard the Christian Gospel might be saved by Christ. It appears to me that the impetus for Rahner's concept was directly connected to his experience of people of other faiths or non-faiths who lived happy, healthy and holy lives. In addition, Rahner's writings and his very life indicate a struggle with traditional catholic concepts like: damnation without baptism, and obviously, the narrow ways in which a relationship with Jesus is defined. Framed quite simply, Karl Rahner posited that Christ can be known and experienced in ways that we simply cannot define, moreover, Christians can learn about Jesus from those who are seemingly unfamiliar with or choose not to engage with the person of Christ.
On 21 February, three days from now, I will light a candle in memory of Malcolm Little (X). Now the reader might find it odd for a Christian Bishop to light a candle in memory of a guy who engaged in and was a part of the Nation of Islam, not to mention, a guy who was often vilified and I would hasten to add, maligned by others. The vilification and maligning of Malcolm culminated in his assassination in 1965. Malcolm X once said that he was living with the knowledge that he was going to die, "therefore, I live without fear."
Now back to Rahner, I wish to suggest, using Rahner's "Anonymous Christian" approach, that Malcolm X has (posthumously) something to offer to those of us endeavoring to live the Christian Faith. More specifically, I think Malcolm offers insights to us regarding the nature of and invitation into the Season of Lent.
I suggest that there are particular moments in our lives when and where we are more inclined to live happy, healthy and holy lives, namely, to be faithful to the life of Christ. These are the junctures in our lives when and where we are far more disposed to express what is precisely in our hearts and to communicate what is in our thinking and to do so without measurement or calculation or... fear. These are our moments-in-time when and where, we like Malcolm, are able to relinquish the fear which is far too evident in so many aspects of our lives. I have most often experienced these occasions of "fearlessness" during times of transition (when moving, how often I have spoken quite honestly to others or others to myself only to think, "what would the nature of this relationship be if I had said this earlier or you had?"), times of acute fatigue (less guarded thus less fearful), and yes, during moments when those I have known were about to die (letting go).
This is precisely the nature of the invitation into the Season of Lent. Today, as we are preparing for the imposition of ashes, we will make mention of our mortality (living with the knowledge that we are going to die). And with that acknowledge, we will be invited to leave our fear behind, at least for the next forty days. We will be invited to live happy, healthy and holy lives without measurement or calculation or fear. We will be invited to experience what it means to be able to say, "thus, I live without fear." Thank you Malcolm.
San Joaquin, I pray for a fearless Lent for us all!
Lenten Blessings
+David
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"Travel Light, leaving baggage behind."
Luke 10:1-12
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An Ash Wednesday "hello" from Canon Kate
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A Story of the Bag
From Dana Karcher,
St. Paul's, Bakersfield
As I was coming home from running an errand yesterday, I noticed out of the corner of my eye a disheveled looking man sitting in front of Downtown School in Bakersfield. I had a my last yellow bag in my car. (Don't think I am a saint...I only had two to begin with. And I wish I had more!) I pulled over, backed up to where he was and took out the bag to give him. I observed that he was wearing a jacket with no shirt underneath, his blanket was pretty tattered, and he was wearing a hat with some sort of ripped up net underneath. He was not clean, but he didn't look tired. His eyes were bright and blue. (Sometimes I wonder why I notice the details. Maybe I will get a clue about where this person is from? How they got here and in the predicament they are currently experiencing?)
I put the bag down and handed him the "blanket" that we put with our bags. (I bought fleece by the yard on sale and gave it with the bags. In the fog of the valley, fleece can really cut that cold.) I told him that there was some food in the bag, some things to keep him clean and warm, including hand warmers. I introduced myself and he said his name was Sambuka. Then he floored me with what he said next. "Do you mind if I share these things? I have all that I need," he said with a huge smile on his face. He isn't wearing a shirt. He is dirty. His clothes are tattered. He is eating a loaf of white bread that clearly has come from some dumpster. He has all that he needs.
"Absolutely, Sambuka. God Bless You", I said, shaking his hand (that had ink drawings on his palm). I drove away. The message was loud and clear.
-Dana
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Stewardship University...
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STEWARDSHIP UNIVERSITY
(Psst! Stewardship University has no tuition. It's FREE!)
Lunch will be provided.
Click here for registration form.
This exciting program is coming to San Joaquin on Saturday, March 28th, at Holy Family in Fresno. The Rev. Canon Timothy M. Dombeck will lead this workshop. The workshop begins at 10:30am and will continue to 3:30pm, lunch will be provided. Everyone is invited and it is important that at least one person from each of our congregations attends.
Why a "Stewardship University"?
Stewardship University is a one-day series of educational workshops for congregational leaders designed to assist churches in becoming more grateful, generous, sustainable, welcoming and hospitable communities of Christ-centered life transformation, outreach and worship.
How does Stewardship University work?
By the use of an engaging, workshop approach, Stew U (as it is affectionately called) educates and trains people in practical matters related to many aspects of hospitality, communication, story-telling, gratitude, and the concept of stewardship as it relates to people exercising their baptismal ministry through involvement in active ministry, including one's life as a steward and giving of one's time and abilities, as well as financial resources.
What topics get covered at a Stew U?
A typical Stewardship University event covers the broad topics of:
- Understanding Giving
- Practical Steps to Increase Giving
- Planned Giving: Giving from the Heart and Soul
- Year-round Stewardship That You Can Do, With or Without The Annual Pledge Drive
- Enhancing Generous Hospitality: What We Can Learn from Starbucks and Why
Other requested topics presented at other meetings include:
- Understanding Your Money in Your Life
- How To Talk About Money: In the Culture, In the Church
- Three Shifts in Stewardship
Additionally, you can request a particular topic that you would like addressed. Just have a talk with Timothy about what you want to achieve.
STEWARDSHIP UNIVERSITY™ is the creation of the Reverend Canon Timothy M. Dombek, Canon for Stewardship and Planned Giving in the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. Prior to entering seminary in the late 1980's, Canon Dombek was a Certified Financial Planner based in South Bend, Indiana. Serving the needs of individuals and small business owners, Timothy worked with clients in Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois.
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From Our Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori...
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 ECF Fellows are lay and ordained scholars and ministry leaders who are making a significant impact on our Church. The application deadline is March 13 for the 2015 Fellowship. Read below for 4 things we ask all applicants to bear in mind & click here for the application. |
4 things we ask all applicants to bear in mind:
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- ECF is committed to strengthening the leadership of lay and ordained members of the Episcopal Church. All applicants to the academic and ministry tracks are asked to describe how they plan on developing the next generation of lay and ordained leaders for the Episcopal Church, whether this is in the context of academia, a local congregation, through a church-wide initiative, or in another setting.
- ECF is a lay-led organization of the Episcopal Church. ECF is especially looking for scholars and ministry leaders who incorporate lay leadership development into their work. All members of the Church, whether lay or ordained, are invited to apply.
- An ECF Fellowship provides both financial support and networking opportunities. ECF has typically awarded three to four Fellowships per year. New awards range up to $15,000 for the first year and are renewable for an additional two years. In addition to this financial support, new Fellows join a wide network of past Fellows and ECF partners with them so that they may share their knowledge, experience, and best practices with the wider Church.
- The application requires a significant commitment of time and effort and is due on March 13, 2015. The selection process for an ECF Fellowship is highly competitive and a strong application requires a significant investment of time and effort. We encourage all applicants to begin this process early. ECF will announce the 2015 Fellows in late May.
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From Our Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori...
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My brothers and sisters in Christ:
The Episcopal Church has been in partnership with the Diocese of Jerusalem for a very long time. Since 1922, we have taken an offering in our churches on Good Friday to support the work of the gospel in the Land of the Holy One. That Land is still the place of deep division and conflict, more than 2000 years after the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. He and his earthly family suffered under threat of oppressive regimes, fled as refugees to another land, labored to supply their bodily needs in the face of dire economic realities, and he himself was executed as an enemy of the state. All of those realities are present today in the Anglican/Episcopal Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.
The offering we collect on Good Friday carries on the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, through support for the many ministries of healing, feeding, and teaching among the dioceses of the Province. Refugees are cared for, the sick and injured are healed, the dead are buried, children educated, women empowered by these ministries - and all are welcomed with open arms, like Abraham and Sarah's guests. Jesus cared for all in need, without regard for nationality or creed, and these ministries do the same. It is the work of shalom and salaam, building peace in the hearts of suffering individuals and communities.
I urge you to learn more, to pray for the people of the Land of the Holy One, and to give generously this year. I would encourage us all to use the fast of Lent to focus on the hunger (both spiritual and physical) of these peoples, and contribute out of our abundance and our poverty.
May our offering this year strengthen the bonds among all God's people, and bless each one with concrete and eternal signs of more abundant life.
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
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From the Diocesan Office...
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For Clergy and Lay:
Please contact the Diocesan Office if you are in need of more bags to fill and pass out to those in need. St. Paul's Preschool, Modesto has asked for bags on the next order for the children. Please think of this if you have a youth group or a preschool that can be part of our "missional" outreach. NOTE: I have only heard from 3 parishes. Please contact me as soon as possible.
For Clergy and Treasurers:
Clergy....IMPORTANT: Please be sure to get your directories, contact forms, and other forms in packet into the diocesan office quickly! Many thanks go to Holy Trinity, St. Raphael's and St. Matthew's and St. Andrew's for having all documents turned in!
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 |
Northern Deanery Meeting
The next Northern Deanery Meeting is Saturday, June 20, 2015. 10 a.m. to 12 noon,
St. Francis, Turlock.
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Central Deanery Meeting
The next Central Deanery Meeting is Sunday, May 17, 2015, 2:00 p.m.,
St. Raphael's, Oakhurst.
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Southern Deanery Meeting
The next Southern Deanery meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2015,11:00 a.m., St. Michael's, Ridgecrest.
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What's Happening in the DIO
Diocesan Council and Standing Committee Retreat, Friday-Saturday, February 20-21, 2015, ECCO, Oakhurst
Northern Deanery Clericus, Tuesday March 10, 2015, 11:00a.m., St. Paul's, Modesto
Standing Committee Adobe Meeting, March 24, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
Diocesan Council Adobe Meeting, March 26, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
Stewardship University, March 28, 2015, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Holy Family, Fresno
Chrism Mass, March 31, 2015, 11:00 a.m., Church of the Saviour, Hanford
Annual Convention, October 23-24, 2015, St. Paul's, Modesto
Click on the link below to see more upcoming events and meetings around the diocese.
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From our Parishes and Missions..
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SAINT MATTHEW'S CHURCH
414 Oak Street + San Andreas
INVITES YOU TO JOIN US at 6 pm each FRIDAY THROUGH LENT
for our
Parish Lenten Devotions
Stations of the Cross
and
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
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Sunday, March 1
Grace Hall, 7pm
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
2216 17th Street, between "B" & "C"
Bakersfield, CA
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 ETTY: a one-woman play based on the life of Etty Hillesum
Etty is a touring one-woman play based on the diaries and letters of Etty Hillesum, adapted and performed by Susan Stein. Directed by Austin Pendleton.
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Esther "Etty" Hillesum (1914 - 1943) was a Dutch Jewish woman whose letters and diaries, kept between 1941 and 1943, describe life in during the Nazi occupation. She died in Auschwitz. Her writings were published in 1981 as Etty Hillesum: An Interrupted Life. The Diaries 1941-1943 and Letters from Westerbork.
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Using only Etty Hillesum's words, Susan Stein's adaptation allows Etty's words, insights,and beliefs to reach out from the Holocaust and allow us to see the power of hope and individual thought in the most
extreme circumstances.
ettyplay inc encompasses theatrical and educational experiences designed to challenge participants to reexamine assumptions about the Holocaust and explore issues of resistance, human rights, social justice, and individual responsibility.
The mission of ettyplay inc is to use the writings of Etty Hillesum to promote social justice, to challenge prejudice by examining the consequences of genocide, and to enable participants to explore their own personal stories alongside Etty's, as they consider their role in the struggle for human rights.
Suggested Donation: $5-$10
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Diocesan Website and Facebook...
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Have you checked it out?
Keep up to date on news and events with our
Facebook
Check out postings from Bishop David and Canon Kate at
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
The Episcopal Church Website
Episcopal News Service
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For the Bishop and Canon's Calendar...
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