Register by April 1st! 
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This Life is Pretty Amazing
I don't think I am alone in that I sometimes get tied up in knots taking myself and the challenges I face too seriously. Not that life isn't serious some times, it's just that taking myself too seriously is rarely helpful-for me or for others. So as a recess from taking myself too seriously, and in honor of a certain author's birthday this week, I am delighted to share a few of my favorite quotes from Theodore Geisel, better known, of course, as Dr. Seuss.
Dr. Seuss, born March 2, 1904, is perhaps best known for his ability to say profound things with just the right dose of humor. He is known for sharing wisdom in such a way that both children and adults can easily understand the message.
So here are few of my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes, ones that I think offer the perfect combination of humor and wisdom. If your favorite quote of his is not on this list, I would love to know what it is!
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From the Bishop
Dear Friends in Christ,
Grace and peace to you. I hope that you have found this Lent to be a spiritually productive time, and that the journey is leading you to a Triduum that will be greatly blessed.
As you receive this, I will be at Camp Allen, Texas, for the spring meeting of the House of Bishops. Our main topic will be "The Jesus Movement: Racism and Reconciliation." I will enter into that week greatly encouraged by the time that we have recently spent together in the Congregational Leadership Conferences. Close to 300 key leaders representing most of our congregations did some important work together on this very topic. I continue to give thanks for the efforts of our Commission on Intercultural Ministries and members of the Office of the Bishop Staff to make it so. I am also now even more excited for this summer's Pathways Youth Pilgrimage: A Journey Toward Reconciliation, and the organizing that Anne Clarke, Lifelong Christian Faith Formation Coordinator, has done to prepare us for this diocesan youth event. I look forward to participating in that event personally, and to building closer relationships with the youth that your congregations are sending. We are still accepting applications. To apply, click here.
It will be great to be together soon at Clergy Conference. I expect that Miroslav Volf's reflections on the theme of "Forgiveness" will contribute significantly to our own efforts at becoming more faithful and effective ministers of reconciliation. And I am always glad when we have such an opportunity just to be together, apart from the usual press of business. Such times are truly precious to me, and all too rare. I am grateful for the efforts (and even sacrifices) you are making in order to participate.
Finally, I want to call your attention to the goals, which the Board of Trustees finalized at its January retreat. Click here to review these goals. I think you will agree that the Board is focused on some very exciting work, and I hope that you will make yourself available to assist as opportunities arise.
In that work, and all our work, may Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, be increasingly known, loved and served. Yours in Him,
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Forgiveness is the theme of this year's conference!
Check in Begins at 3:00 p.m.
on Wednesday, March 16th
Click here to view all conference information.
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Please click here to learn more about this diocesan youth event. Still Accepting Applications! |
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The history of the Good Friday Offering reaches back to 1922 when, in the aftermath of World War I, The Episcopal Church sought to create new relationships with and among the Christians of the Middle East. From these initial efforts, which focused on a combination of relief work and the improvement of ecumenical and Anglican relations, the Good Friday Offering was created.
These resources help explain the mission of The Episcopal Church in supporting the ministries of the four dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, and the importance of contributions to the Good Friday Offering in making this work possible.
Please click here to access these resources from The Episcopal Church.
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Bible Challenge Lenten Meditations
The 2016 Bible Challenge has begun! Are you looking for a way to deepen your understanding of what it means to be the Jesus movement? To access the meditations each week, and for more resources on beginning the Bible Challenge click here.
Please click here for resources and to learn more.
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Diocesan Anti-Racism Training Reflections
The trainings hosted some difficult and powerful conversations about working against racism in our congregations and communities. Learn more and view images from these events on the diocesan Facebook page here. A certificate of completion was emailed to all participants this week.
Two upcoming events in our diocese that continue this work of racial reconciliation are:
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The Fourth Annual Youth Ministry Symposium at Church Divinity School of the Pacific will be held on April 9, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This year's focus is on the challenges young people face when they become aware of their own economic, racial, gender, and political privilege in the context of mission trips and service projects.
A keynote presentation on privilege and power in service projects will be given by Anne Clarke, Lifelong Christian Formation Coordinator for The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California.
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Bishop Beisner's Sabbatical Reminder
Bishop Beisner is preparing for his twelve-week sabbatical, which begins on May 2, 2016.
Remarriage Permission Requests for any marriages taking place between May 1st - Sept 30th must be received by the Office of the Bishop by Monday, March 28, 2016. No remarriage requests will be processed while the Bishop is on sabbatical.
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Camp Noel Porter Board Update
As we continue in this time of transition, regular updates from the Camp Noel Porter Board will be shared with the diocese. The board met on Monday, February 1st for a regularly scheduled meeting to continue managing our ongoing transition.
The CNP Board has contracted with Association Reserves to conduct a comprehensive study of our facilities. This study will give the diocese information about the infrastructure, repair and replacement costs and the timing of main facility systems at Camp Noel Porter. The board will also contact Gilbert Associates for a full audit of the Noel Porter finances.
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Administration & Finance News
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Important Reminders from Admin & Finance
Updates from Administration & Finance were emailed to all congregations in February, which includes new forms and important information on the following topics:
- Parochial Reports
- Treasurer's Monthly Report (TMR) Updates
- 2015 Expenses
- 2016 Mileage Rates
- 2016 Expense Reimbursement & Check Request Form
- 2016 Congregation Information Collection Form
Please click here to read and access the complete message and all reports.
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Registration due by April 1st!
Weekend Sessions
June 5-10 - Bishop's Ranch
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Featured Training Opportunity
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Special Anniversaries
The Rev. James Elliot, retired Priest in our diocese, will celebrate his 50th Anniversary of Ordination on March 26th.
*Milestone birthdays are only included with permission of the birthday person or a family member. To include a special birthday in the Aurora, please e-mail communications@norcalepiscopal.org
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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 Shirley Ridgway, wife of the Rev. Ted Ridgway, who continues recovery from 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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More News In & Around Our Diocese
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National & International News
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Click here for more National & International News.
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