Aurora Clergy e-Newsletter
Serving the Clergy of The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California

December 2015
In This Issue


Wellness News
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

Bishop at Outdoor Chapel
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,

 
Office of the Bishop

Please click here to read.
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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.

Please click here to read more.
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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.


During the 2015 Diocesan Convention Eucharist on Friday, November 13th, our diocese made a special offering to Episcopal Relief & Development to aid the victims of the Syrian conflict. We are happy to report that $4,500.00 was donated by The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California that night. Bishop Barry Beisner also reported to Convention, on Saturday, November 14th, that the donation was doubled by an Episcopal Relief & Development matching grant, making the total diocesan donation $9,000.00. Thank you for your generous gifts.

To learn more or to contribute to Episcopal Relief & Development's  Syrian Crisis Response Fund, please click here.
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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

Lisa's work in the diocese will continue through her ministry at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Carmichael and in the wider Episcopal Church
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Thank You For Preparing
by Margaret Dunning, Diocesan Disaster Coordinator; Member, Epiphany Episcopal Church, Vacaville

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. For 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. 

Episcopal Relief & Development is our partner in disaster response, and their US Disaster Response team has created easy to use plan templates and resources to help you complete your plan. 

Please click here for more information.
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From the Episcopal Foundation of Northern California

Due to staff changes, please contact the Episcopal Foundation of Northern California through the Office of the Bishop at 916-442-6918, ext. 216 or email [email protected]
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College for Congregational Development 
2016 Training Dates

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

2016 Events - Looking Ahead
Pathways 2016 Youth Event

A Journey Toward Reconciliation
July 31 - August 6, 2016
Northern California

Please click here to learn more or register.
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CLC logo
Congregational Leadership Conferences Save the Date

Saturday, February 6, 2016 - St. John's, Roseville
Saturday, February 13, 2016 - Incarnation, Santa Rosa
Saturday, February 27, 2016 - All Saints', Redding

*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 
Facilitator: Suzanne Gutherie

Clergy News & Updates
Special Anniversaries 

The Very Rev. Daniel Green celebrated his 10th Anniversary of Ordination on December 3, 2015.

The Rev. Bill Adams celebrates his 30th Anniversary of Ordination on December 18, 2015.

*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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Clergy on the Move

The Rev. Richard Yale, Rector at St. John's Episcopal Church in Chico, was recently awarded the degree of Doctor of Ministry, by Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. His dissertation was entitled "The Reintegration of Doctrine with Church Life and Mission."

A Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Terri Hobart will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Woodland on Thursday, December 10th at 7:00 p.m. Clergy are invited and encouraged to attend these celebrations.

Employment Listing
Open Clergy Positions
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Employment Opportunities 
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Employment Opportunities Beyond Our Diocese
Please click here to learn more about these opportunities.
Prayer List
Lilly
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 the Rev. Canon Grant CareyCanon Emeritus at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Sacramento, who was injured in a recent fall. Please join us in prayers for Canon Carey, the Carey Family and the Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento church community.

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.

Please join us in prayer for Warren Dunning, member of Epiphany Episcopal Church in Vacaville, Diocesan Jubilee Officer, Board Member for Camp Noel Porter and Vice-President of the Episcopal Community Services Board, who is experiencing health issues. Please join us in prayer for Warren and the Dunning Family.

Please join us in prayer for the repose of the soul of William Andrew, father of the Rev. Cindy Long, Deacon at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Carmichael and St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Sacramento, who recently passed away. A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Grass Valley on January 9, 2016. Please join us in prayer for Cindy+ and the Andrew Family.

Please join us in prayer for the Rev. Dr. Sean Cox, Rector at Faith Episcopal Church in Cameron Park and a chaplain in the US Navy Reserve, who was recalled to active duty for a temporary overseas assignment. Please remember Sean+, Faith Church and all concerned in your prayers.
 
Please join us in prayer for the Rev. Frank Chacon, retired Deacon at St. Luke's, Woodland. Frank+ suffers from chronic pain.

Please join us in prayer for the Rev. Blake Leighton, who serves as an Associate at St. Michael & All Angels in Fort Bragg. Fr. Leighton appreciates continued prayers for his health. 
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To submit a clergy prayer request, please email
[email protected] or call 916-442- 6918 ext. 219.
Events
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News In & Around Our Diocese
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advent wreath
Deacons In Our Diocese 
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.

Please click here to continue reading.
National & International News 
Earth

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