Diolex Link: News from the Diocese of Lexington

NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF November 26, 2014

Thanksgiving Reflections

I am thankful for all who offer gifts in our worship.

I am thankful for the breadth of our communion, that we celebrate together in many and diverse ways, as in Native American ministries.

Now thank we all our God, With hearts and hands and voices;
Who wondrous things hath done, In whom this world rejoices.
Who, from our mother's arms, Hath led us on our way,
With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep still in grace, and guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills, in this world and the next.
-- by Martin Rinkart (1586-1649)

I am thankful for the many ways individuals and parishes reach out to support those in need...Barnes Mountain and many others creating Christmas ornaments for those who lost everything to the devastation of tornadoes in Oklahoma last year.

I am thankful for the generosity of those who offer their treasure as well as time and talent , and to our efforts to continually build up all of our ministries for the glory of God.

I am grateful for all of those who join in the effort of civil dialogue through Holy Conversations, that we lift up a model in our troubled world.

I am thankful to remember all those we love.

Presiding Bishop's statement
on the way forward from Ferguson

piscopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued the following statement on the way forward from Ferguson:

The Episcopal Church joins many others in deep lament over the tragic reality that continues to be revealed in Ferguson, Missouri. The racism in this nation is part of our foundation, and is not unique to one city or state or part of the country. All Americans live with the consequences of centuries of slavery, exploitation, and prejudice. That legacy continues to lead individuals to perceive threat from those who are seen as "other." The color of one's skin is often the most visible representation of what divides God's children one from another.

Michael Brown's death was and is a tragedy, and has become a powerful witness to those divisions between human beings in this nation. His death also carries the potential to become a sacramental offering - if it continues to challenge us to address our divisions and the injustices in this nation that are far more than skin deep.

This nation was founded with a vision for freedom, a vision that has required repeated challenges in order to move toward true liberty for all the people of this land. Christians understand the sacred vision of the Reign of God as a society of peace with justice for all. May the life and death of Michael Brown drive us toward reconciliation that will shake the foundations of this nation toward the justice for which we were all created. The Episcopal Church will continue to partner and push for racial reconciliation in Missouri and across this land. I ask you to stand with hands extended in love, to look for the image of God in every neighbor, and to offer yourself in vulnerability for the sake of reconciliation across this land. May we become instruments of God's peace and healing, made evident in communities of justice for all.

Resources and Reflections on the Ferguson Decision

Following the recent announcement of the grand jury decision in Ferguson, MO, The Episcopal Church is providing resources for understanding, reflecting, praying and participating in a spirit-filled response.

"The decision in Ferguson has reached into the hearts of every American," noted Bishop Stacy Sauls, Chief Operating Officer. "The Episcopal Church is providing a series of resources and reflections to help us consider our response and our way forward."

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori's statement here.
A Way Forward: Reflections, Resources & Stories Concerning Ferguson, Racial Justice & Reconciliation here.
Episcopal Diocese of Missouri Bishop Wayne Smith's statement here.
Episcopal Diocese of Missouri here.
Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis, MO here.
Share Your Story here. Share and post personal stories of experiences with racism, structures of inequality, and racial reconciliation.
Reflections from Episcopalians here. Among those presenting reflections are: Annette Buchanan, National President for the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE); Dr. Anita Parrott George, Executive Council Member, and Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, University of Mississippi; the Very Rev. Mike Kinman, dean of Christ Church Cathedral in downtown St. Louis.
Practices for racial reconciliation here.
Statements here.
Blogs here on Social Justice and Advocacy Engagement by Charles Wynder, Jr., Episcopal Church Missioner for Social Equality, Advocacy Engagement
Many dioceses, cathedrals and churches have slated prayer services and vigils; check local websites for more information.

Prayers of Thanks and Praise

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

In this season I want to give thanks to you for the many ways you have surrounded our family with prayer through Avery's healing. Where ever we have gone over the last 8 months you have been a source of great comfort and strength - "we're praying for you, we're wishing you well, you are in our thoughts."

By way of update, Avery is doing very well. She is living at home, attending Cardinal Hill Rehab three days a week and moving from strength to strength. Her cognition and memory functions - our greatest concern - are great - she can beat any of us at Jeopardy and discuss in detail any story she has heard on NPR. Her motivation and spirits good. She is working hard on all her rehab.

She still has many challenges of vision, fine motor movement and speech, but these are improving gradually and it will be months before we see fullest recovery. Still, she has a great sense of wonder and gratitude for her life - she calls her small feeding tube scar "the belly button of my second birth."

We appreciate all of your prayers. If you remember us from time to time, make them prayers of gratitude and praise. God is good.

Every Blessing to You and Your Family in this Thanksgiving Season,

Bishop Doug

Youth & Young Adult Mission Trip to Guatemala

Spend a week of the summer working with orphans, doing light construction, improving the lives of those who live in poverty, exploring a culture and getting to know our new companion diocese in Guatemala!

The Diocese of Lexington is sponsoring a mission trip for high school age youth and college-age young adults to Guatemala City, Guatemala. The mission trip is being provided through our Christian Formation Programing. We will be staying in a retreat center, where all our meals are provided. During the day, we will work with orphans, do some light construction and serve those in need. We will also get a tour of Guatemala City and the surrounding area. We will see poverty and experience a way of living that is so different from life in the USA. We will make a difference to children and a community that will leave them changed and change us as well.

The trip will cost under $1400 (depending on airfare) and be all inclusive (transportation costs, lodging, all meals, bottled water, construction supplies, tools, missionary guide, and expenses related to work done.) The trip is scheduled for June 6 through June 13. Please contact The Rev. Lauren Vilemuer-Drenth for questions and to express interest. There will be diocesan fundraising to help cut the costs for attendees and each young person's parish will be asked to fundraise to help cover their individual costs. Deadline to register is February. Contact Lauren at lauren@diolex.org.

Giving Tuesday: Support the Cathedral Domain

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014
You've heard about Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Get READY for GIVING TUESDAY!!
Click the link below to learn more AND schedule YOUR Gift!
http://www.razoo.com/story/Cathedral-Domain-Givingtuesday-2014
THANK YOU!!!

What's New

Advent Lessons and Carols and St. Nicholas Festival

St. Michael's, 2025 Bellefonte Dr. Lexington, December 7

The Electric Revival - Youth Dance & Lock-In

Trinity Episcopal Church, 326 Madison Ave., Covington, January 17-18

What's Happening

#GoodGivingChallenge online fundraiser supports St. Agnes' House November 3-December 12

Handel's Messiah

Christ Church Cathedral, 166 Market Street, Lexington, December 5

"The Gift of Grace" Advent Quiet Day

Emmanuel Church, 2410 Lexington Road, Winchester, December 6

St. Nicholas Day: A Diocesan Children's Event

Christ Church Cathedral, 166 Market Street, Lexington, December 6