The Importance of a Good Assist
I remember the day my dad first put up a basketball hoop on our garage. I shot baskets well into the evening that day, and over the course of the rest of my childhood I'm sure my friends and I logged well over a thousand hours of shooting hoops together. We played games called "horse" and "around the world" and plenty of one-on-one and two-on-two games, and then we always ended our time together with the same routine.
This routine involved each of us taking turns pretending it was the last four or five seconds of a tie game, and in our minds it was always a championship game of some sort, where everything was on the line. One of us would take the basketball and dribble far down the driveway, in order to launch a last second long range shot to win the game. The drama was enhanced by the fact that another one of us would always pretend to be the television announcer describing the scene to the viewers. "And here he is dribbling down the court, getting by the defender and launching the potential game winning shot....it's up....and it's.......good....and the crowd is going wild!" If the shot missed, we would simply replay the whole scene as many times as it took to get a successful outcome. Nothing felt better to we young boys than walking off the court hero to the millions of imaginary fans that were watching.
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From the Bishop
Dear Friends in Christ,
Grace and peace to you. I hope that this Eastertide has been a blessed one for you so far.
I now have very few days remaining until the start of my sabbatical. The April 6th e-blast addresses most of the questions which might arise about this time of leave (see below or click here to read). As to the focus of the time, as I shared at Clergy Conference, I will be studying Eastern (and particularly Russian) Orthodoxy. I will also be reading what some contemporary observers have to say about the science, policies and politics currently shaping America's space program. Added to this (thanks to family connections -- I am, after all, married to the mother of an astronaut), will be special access to facilities and personnel unavailable to the public, when Ann and I travel to Russia and Kazakhstan for the June 21 launch of NASA Expedition 48 to the International Space Station. All that reading and experience and reflection will, I hope, enable me to better articulate a theology of space exploration. I also hope to do some study in the early history of our diocese. And, I hope -- and the Standing Committee has mandated!-- that I will find, in this extraordinary time, a time of true Sabbath rest. I am grateful to our diocesan leaders and staff, who have helped with the preparations, and will shoulder additional burdens on my behalf. I am also grateful to all of you, for supporting me in the use of this great opportunity. I expect that when I return, at the end of July, I will have much to share with you. As a parting gift, I will be sending all diocesan clergy a copy of "Living Reconciliation," by Phil Groves and Angharad Parry Jones. This book was recently given to each bishop by our Presiding Bishop. I believe it might be a useful aid to our continuing the conversation begun at Clergy Conference about the work of forgiveness and reconciliation that is at the heart of our ministry, and of the Church's mission. God bless you in that work. God bless and keep you while we are apart. Yours in Christ,
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Bishop's Sabbatical Updates
The Office of the Bishop continues to prepare for Bishop Beisner's twelve-week sabbatical that begins on May 2nd. Please read the following important reminders and protocols for this time when the bishop will be away. Members of the Office of the Bishop staff will continue to be available for meetings and inquiries during this sabbatical time.
Learn important updates about:
- Diocesan Leadership
- Bishop's Email and Phone
- Sabbatical Contact Information
- Bishop's Return
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Resources for discussing "Living Reconciliation," by Phil Groves and Angharad Parry Jones, are now available on the diocesan website.
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Bible Challenge Weekly Meditations Online
Luke chapters 1-10 available now as bulletin inserts!
Please click here for all Bible Challenge resources.
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Reconciliation and the Jesus Movement
2016 Congregational Leadership Conferences: Anti-Racism Training and Beyond
In February 2016, 300 lay and clergy leaders from across the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California participated in anti-racism trainings. Responding to the urgent call to address racial reconciliation in The Episcopal Church, the diocese made anti-racism training the sole focus of this year's Congregational Leadership Conferences, training its diocesan leaders in the language and skills of racial reconciliation. The Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, said these trainings were opportunities to "better equip ourselves through meaningful conversations" to deal with racism. "We need each other to do this work," he told attendees. Anti-racism training is a requirement for all clergy and lay leaders in the diocese. Pictured above, diocesan members discuss racism, stereotypes and discrimination in small groups during the 2016 Congregational Leadership Conferences.
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March Camp Noel Porter Board Update
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Retired clergy in our diocese are a cherished resource. They and their spouses and partners are invited to join Bishop Barry Beisner for a special luncheon at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Napa on Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. There is no cost to join this luncheon event, but reservations are requested.
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Save the Date!
Godly Play Training & Children's Ministry Conference
August 11-13, 2016
Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
Santa Rosa, CA
For more information or for questions, please email
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Please click here for details and to register online.
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November 3-5, 2016
Sacramento, CA
*Convention Packets will be mailed in June and Pre-Convention
Deanery Convocations will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2016
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Featured Training Opportunity
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Christian Formation Resources for Eastertide
Easter doesn't end on Easter Sunday- it's a season, just like Lent (in fact, it's even longer than Lent!). In the language of Godly Play, Easter invites us to get to know Jesus in a new way during this time, just like the disciples did. How will you, as part of a Christian community, make room for Jesus' appearance among you during this season? Click here for a few ideas!
Please click here for all Faith Formation Seasonal Resources.
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Special Anniversaries
*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 [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 the Rev. Robert Blumenstock, retired Priest in our diocese, who is experiencing health issues. Please join us in prayer for Robert+ and the Blumenstock Family.
Please join us in prayer for the repose of the soul of the Rev. Gregg Nolta , Priest at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Willows, who passed away in March. Please join us in prayer for Gregg+, the Nolta Family and the Holy Trinity church community.
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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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Events 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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