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1-23-2015
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Over the last two weeks (read Eastertide or Paschal Time) a number of people have enquired about the ways in which I talk about this season. There is certainly a risk in reducing anything down to a common denominator however, running said risk, here is the language I used for the Easter Vigil at St. Paul's, Modesto, for Easter Day at St. Raphael's, Oakhurst, and for the Second Sunday of Easter at St. Matthew's, San Andreas. Whether we are considering the empty tomb and the invitation to fill the "empty tombs of our lives" with the ways in which we live, or whether we are confronted with our own locked doors behind which we hide struggling to hear those extraordinary words, "Peace be with you," or whether we are somewhat stuck within our own systems of supposed safety, our own patterns of familiarity, our own sense of that which is comfortable, Jesus give us one word. And the word is LOVE!
Jesus is love thus we are to love, and as Jesus is our common denominator thus love is our common denominator. So here's something of the way I talk about this season, here's something of the way, I deeply believe, we are called to be and what we are called to do. And I'll frame my words as I did in Modesto and Oakhurst and San Andreas. The only thing which is required and necessary in the "empty tombs of our lives," the only thing which prompts us to leave the locked doors behind which we all hide from time-to-time, the only thing which causes us to step beyond the safe and familiar and comfortable, is love. Thus, all that is required, all that is needed, is love. And here's the thing San Joaquin. If we're bringing anything with us other than love, that is to say, bringing to any of our relationships (God, the other, ourselves), then I can say with absolute certainty, we're bringing the wrong stuff. So, the next time you come to church, if you have anything other than love, please leave it at the door. And when you leave, simply walk right by that which you left at the door because you don't need it, please believe me, it is surplus to requirements. The same should be applied to the ways in which we engage and participate in any of our relationships. There is only enough room for love. Only love has a place here!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Blessings
+David
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"Travel Light, leaving baggage behind."
Luke 10:1-12
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Suggested Reading from Bishop David...
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Bishop David Suggests:
Blood Done Sign My Name: A True Story
By Tim Tyson
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
By Michelle Alexander
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From the Episcopal News Service...
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Empowering Episcopalians and the next generation to care for creation
By Lynette Wilson | April 13, 2015
[Episcopal News Service] Episcopalians old and young often turn to the phrase "this fragile earth, our island home" when talking about stewardship of the planet. It comes from Eucharistic Prayer C, found in the Book of Common Prayer. A little further down the page, the prayer continues: "You made us the rulers of creation. But we turned against you, and betrayed your trust; and we turned against one another." Over the last 21 days, Episcopalians have been participating in 30 Days of Action, a campaign designed and initiated by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society to engage individuals and congregations in a conversation about climate change. (The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society is the name under which The Episcopal Church is incorporated, conducts business and carries out mission.) The campaign, which began with a live, webcast forum on March 24, culminates on Earth Day, April 22. Resources and activities for the campaign include advocacy days, bulletin inserts, stories, sermons and outdoor excursions. The 30 Days of Action, as well as the fifth of the Five Marks of Mission, are a call to action to regain that trust and to come together in community to care for creation. click here for to read the rest of the article.
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From the Diocesan Office...
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For Clergy and Lay: Articles for Friday Reflection
Parishes and Missions! We want to know whats happening! Articles can be submitted to the Diocesan Office at emeyer@diosanjoaquin.org. All submissions are due no later than the Tuesday before the Friday Reflection. Pictures submitted are to be in jpeg format and forms to be attached to the Friday Reflection are best in PDF format. Diocesan Website:We know our website has been disappointing, but hold on just a little bit longer! It's coming soon!
Missional Bags...
are in the office. If you have not made your request please email me at the Diocesan Office with your needs.
I have mailed the bags to those who have requested them.
Treasurers: Cash donated for the Bishop Discretionary Fund at your Episcopal Visits, should be deposited it into your parish account and a check for the total amount be sent to the Diocese of San Joaquin. Thank you.
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
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Northern Deanery Meeting:
The next Northern Deanery Meeting is Saturday, June 6, 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, July 11, 2015, 11:00 a.m., St. Andrew's, Taft.
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What's Happening in the DIO
Commission on Ministry Meeting, Saturday, April 18, 2015, 10 a.m. to noon, Holy Family, Fresno
General Convention Deputation Meeting, Saturday, April 18, 2015, 12:30p.m. to 4:30p.m., Holy Family Fresno
General Convention Deputation Meeting, Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,
Holy Family, Fresno
Central Deanery Meeting, Sunday, May 17, 2015, 2:00 p.m., St. Raphael's, Oakhurst
Northern Deanery Meeting, Saturday June 6, 2015, 10:00 a.m., St. Francis, Turlock
Southern Deanery Meeting, Saturday, July 11, 2015, 11:00 a.m., St. Andrew's, Taft
Warden and Treasurer Meeting, Saturday, July 11, 2015, 1:00p.m. to 3:00pm, St. Andrew's, Taft
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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From St. Paul's Modesto
Organ available
There is a Thomas Organ available for any parish who needs it.
It is a Celebrity Royal with a 2-tier keyboard. If you are interested
please call St. Paul's, Modesto at 209-522-2367 209-522-3267and ask for Mike Cox.
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Church of the Saviour
Sound of Spring Concert
On Sunday, 19 April, beginning at 3p.m., the Episcopal Church of the Saviour will once again host the San Joaquin Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists in a concert entitled Sounds of Spring.
The concert will feature music from the baroque through the modern periods expertly rendered by a number of local organists including Church of the Saviour's music director, Dennis Flynn. This will be the fourth in our community concert series which showcases a variety of artists and performances.
The final concert in the series will be held on 31 May, and will feature St. Petersburg Men's Ensemble, a Russian folk group. No tickets are needed for the events, but a $10 donation is requested at the door to defray costs. A reception with light refreshments will follow the organ concert.
The church is located at 519 N. Douty Street in Hanford. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at 559-584-7706 559.584.7706.559-584-770
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ICON WORKSHOP
St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Taft
May 14, 15 and 16
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day
Joyce Tanner will provide the supplies and the expertise for people to create an icon. St Andrew's will provide the lunches.
Joyce will be at St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Taft for three days in May to help whoever would like to create an icon.
As many of you already know Joyce has been offering these icon workshops all over the diocese and many people have benefited by her faithful instruction.
We can see her beautiful icons in many churches in the Diocese of San Joaquin.
Everyone is welcome to come and be given the opportunity to create. It is a wonderful way to explore some of the important people and symbols imbedded our common faith. A person does not need to be a talented artist to come, participate and have some fun painting in the long and ancient tradition of "writing an icon".
The cost of the workshop is $35.00 which is meant to cover the cost of the supplies needed to create an icon. Scholarships are available. Please contact the church if a scholarship is needed at 1-661-765-23281-661-765-2328.
Joyce will be the speaker at the Taft Rotary Club luncheon meeting on Wednesday May 13. If anyone would like to come and hear what Joyce has to say, please call The Rev. Heather Mueller
The pictured icon is the Baptism of Jesus which is in St Andrew's Episcopal Church, in Taft, California
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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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