Light One Candle
Have you ever had the experience of the electricity going out at night, leaving you suddenly alone in the dark? It happened to me just a few months ago and because all of the street lights outside of our house had also lost power, I found myself alone in the kitchen, barely able to see my hand in front of my face. I would like to think I am not afraid of being alone in the dark, but that night proved me wrong.
Fortunately, I was able to feel around and find a book of matches in a drawer and a candle that we keep on the kitchen table. I lit the candle as quickly as I could and was amazed at what a relief I felt. It is incredible how bright the light of one candle is in a totally dark room. I found that I could easily find my way around the house with this single candle, allowing me to find other candles to light. My fear of the dark was extinguished with the help of the candles, and I was able to patiently wait until the power returned a few hours later.
This story came back to me today for two reasons.
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From the Bishop
Dear Friends in Christ:
Grace and peace to you. I hope that this Advent has been a time of blessing.
We are called during this season to prepare the way for Christ to come among us, and transform us in our communities of faith. As you know, anti-racism training has long been required not only for all clergy, but also for all laity who are engaged in ministries of governance in this Church. This includes all members of Diocesan boards and commissions, and all members of vestries and mission committees. In addition, such training has been recommended for any lay person interested in a licensed ministry (Eucharistic Minister and others). I want to alert you to an important change in our practice.
Beginning Eastertide 2016, anti-racism training will now be required for all licensed ministries. This means that any request for new licenses or for renewal of existing licenses must include assurance of completion of anti-racism training, in addition to all other current requirements. I hope that you will help all concerned to see this as an opportunity for us to grow to more faithfully resemble the Church we are called to be, and be something to help us live the promises of our Baptismal Covenant. Certainly the times call for it.
In order to help meet this increased demand, we will devote the 2016 Congregational Leadership Conferences (CLCs) to providing the necessary training. I am very grateful to our Commission for Intercultural Ministries for making this possible. Details about these events will follow soon. Meanwhile, please begin to communicate and plan accordingly. My hope is that even those of us who have completed such training in the past will participate in the coming CLCs as a way to help build the kind of community that the Holy Spirit is inviting us to be.
In this way, let us prepare the way of the Lord.
Yours in Him,
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Prayers for Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry wishes to thank all Episcopalians and others for the generous outpouring of prayer and well wishes in response to his announcement that he would undergo surgery. The surgery was completed on Tuesday, December 8th, and Bishop Curry is alert and awake, and a full recovery continues to be anticipated.
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Prayers for the Victims of the Syrian Conflict
We pray for those damaged by the fighting in Syria.
To the wounded and injured: Come Lord Jesus.
To the terrified who are living in shock: Come Lord Jesus
To the hungry and homeless, refugee and exile: Come Lord Jesus
To those bringing humanitarian aid: Give protection Lord Jesus
To those administering medical assistance: Give protection Lord Jesus.
To those offering counsel and care: Give protection Lord Jesus.
For all making the sacrifice of love: Give the strength of your Spirit
and the joy of your comfort. In the hope of Christ we pray. Amen.
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Office of the Bishop Staff Updates
The Office of the Bishop would like to thank Lisa Sargent, Ordination Process Coordinator, for her service to the diocese and to our staff. She was hired to streamline and regulate the ordination process and associated paperwork. Having accomplished this, Lisa will be moving on from this position at the end of January 2016. We are grateful for her trademark efficiency and her diligent work with the Commission on Ministry.
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Thank You For Preparing
I would like to thank our diocese and congregations for completing and submitting their Disaster Preparedness Plans to the Office of the Bishop. I am very happy to have worked with you all this year to fulfill Resolution R7-14: Disaster Preparedness.
For those congregations who have not yet submitted their completed plans, Bishop Beisner has extended the due date to February 14, 2016. We are happy to assist you with your plan, if necessary. F or questions about completing your plan or submitting it to the Office of the Bishop, please email Communications Coordinator Elsa Dooling at [email protected] or call 916-442-6819 ext. 219.
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From the Episcopal Foundation of Northern California
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College for Congregational Development
CCD Weekend Sessions 2016
May 20-22 - Bishop's Ranch
November 11-13 - Bishop's Ranch
CCD Week-Long Intensive 2016
June 5-10 - Bishop's Ranch
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2016 Events - Looking Ahead
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Pathways 2016 Youth Event
A Journey Toward Reconciliation
July 31 - August 6, 2016
Northern California
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Congregational Leadership Conferences Save the Date
*Semper Virens Deanery - Date and Location TBD |
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Lenten Clergy Quiet Day - Save the Date
Wednesday, February 17, 2016 - Bishop's Ranch
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Special Anniversaries
*Milestone birthdays are included with permission of the birthday person or a family member. To include a special birthday, please send an e-mail to [email protected]
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Please click here to learn more about these and additional opportunities.
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Please click here to learn more about these opportunities.
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Employment Opportunities Beyond Our Diocese
Please click here to learn more about these opportunities.
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Please join us in prayer for Episcopal Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry, who is recovering from surgery this week. Please join us in prayer for Presiding Bishop Curry and his family.
Please join us in prayer for Shirley Ridgway, wife of the Rev. Ted Ridgway, who has endured a long and hard fought battle against cancer. Please join us in prayer for Shirley and the Ridgway Family.
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To submit a clergy prayer request, please email
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News In & Around Our Diocese
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Valley Fire Samaritans Salvage
This summer's wild land fire in Lake County, called the Valley Fire, laid to waste entire neighborhoods, and impacted thousands of lives. The fire acted without discretion, as it destroyed home after home, while leaving others nearby unscathed. Lake County, one of the poorest in California, will need a lot of help to recover. In some cases, many who have always called this area home will not be able to return, as low income housing will more than likely be the last need met.
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National & International News
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Click here for more National & International News.
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