3/05/2010

 

The Rev. Paul Colbert, Madera County Missioner, reflects on this Sunday’s lesson.

 

As we walk through the Lenten desert, we are invited to encounter the God with Moses in the Burning Bush. It is hard for those of us who seek God on a regular basis to imagine that there have been generations of people who have not known God, by name, much less by reputation. As Moses investigates the fiery bush, he encounters a God who is “God of his ancestors”, which is certainly enough to increase a sense of awe and mystery, since this is a God who was revealed to specific ancestors. However, Moses sensed that trying to sell pharaoh on the concept of “The God of my Ancestors” would be a tough sell. He needed a deeper sense of who God is.

 

Rabbi Arthur Waskow of the Shalom Center in Philadelphia has made the following observation ‘At the Burning Bush, Moses sees that the "God of my fathers" is insufficient, for that God had done nothing to free the people. At Moses' insistence, God takes on two new names, "Ehyeh asher ehyeh, I Will Be Who I Will be" and "YHWH, Breath of life", Names for an evolving, liberating future’. Waskow joins with others in suggesting that we have used limiting translations of The Name in English. We usually think of “I am who I am”, which came to us in early English translations. However, the Hebrew is fuller, suggesting “I am who I will be” and other aspects showing that God is the verb “TO BE”. It becomes very easy to start limiting God as we restrict the name.

 

It has been common in Judaism to avoid pronouncing the Name of God, generally substituting the words “the Lord” or “The Name” in place of pronouncing the name of God. In some cases it has been determined that YHWH is too mysterious to be named except once a year, by the high priest.

 

Rabbi Waskow has observed “On the question of pronouncing the "Yod-Hei-Vav-Hei" Name of God that in transliteration comes out "YHWH". “It is unpronounceable in my view not because we are forbidden to pronounce it but because if one tries to do so, pronouncing these four strange letters (semi-vowels, semi-consonants) WITHOUT any vowels, one simply breathes. The notion of YHWH as "the Breath of Life" accords with a deep sense of God as intimate and transcendent at once. If we have no breath in us, we die. If there is no breath beyond us, we die. Moreover, the real Name of the real God would have to be not a Hebrew word, nor Egyptian, nor Latin, nor Greek, nor Arabic, nor Sanskrit, nor English.”

How do we meet God afresh? How do we stop relying on past experiences and open ourselves to new visions of who God is and how to encounter God? As I have looked at desert landscape in various parts of the world and mused on what it would be like to encounter a burning bush over yonder, I have been struck with the realization that, in this day and age, and especially in California, the fire department would put out the fire long before I got near the burning bush. It is my hope that we do not put out the fires that light the way to the experience of God, for either ourselves or our neighbors, but will allow God to BE and then be transformed by that experience.

Fr. Paul+

 

From the Diocesan office…

 

Fresh Start Clergy Conference Report from Lori Brown, Strength for the Journey Coordinator: The Diocese of San Joaquin Clergy Conference was held at the Irwin Street Inn in Hanford on February 26 & 27, 2010 with 23 clergy and 5 Fresh Start lay facilitators in attendance.  This conference was the official kick off and introduction of Fresh Start into our diocese.  We began with dinner on Friday evening followed by a short meeting where Lynn Schmissrauter from the Diocese of East Tennessee, one of the national Fresh Start facilitators, was introduced to the group.  She gave a brief overview of Fresh Start and spoke about the dynamics of transition.  Fresh Start’s concept is based on three key principles--the theory of transition, the importance of relationship building, and the need for self care.

 

We continued early Saturday morning discussing leadership in changing times, the importance of self care, role clarity, family systems and understanding expectations.  Each topic led to much in-depth conversation regarding the health and wellness of our congregations.  The clergy now have a much better understanding of how Fresh Start can assist them and their congregations through the changes we are facing as well as the ones we are about to encounter.

 

To help facilitate and coordinate these efforts, I have been contracted by CREDO to be the "Strength for the Journey Coordinator" for our diocese.  This is a program funded by the Church Pension Fund to support the four continuing diocese, San Joaquin, Quincy, Fort Worth, and Pittsburgh. I am available to assist clergy with teaming them with facilitators and providing Fresh Start resources. I can also assist with determining what modules may be most appropriate for a particular parish.  During our conference, we conducted a poll with the attending clergy on what modules they would be most interested in presenting to their congregation.  The results of the voting were as follows along with (the number of votes):

            1.  Habits, Norms and Expectations (7)

            2.  Leading Planned Change; Transition (5 each)

            3.  Conflict I; Conflict II (4 each)

            4.  Family and Friends; History Sharing and Understanding; Church Size;

                 Organizational Systems; Effective Ministry; and Polarities (3 each)

            5.  Decision Making; Finances; Leadership; Power & Authority;

                 Roles & Expectations (2 each)

            6.  Family Systems (1)

            7.  Role Clarity (0)

            8.  Wellness (0)

The clergy who were unable to attend the conference will be mailed the packet given at the conference for review.  I want to emphasize that this is a resource to support the clergy and their congregations through their individual experiences of transition.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

 

As we closed the conference on Saturday afternoon, Canon Mark Hall spoke of several items of interest.  One was how important it is for clergy to have more time together to strengthen their bonds and build collegiality with one another. Tentatively, the clergy will all gather for intentional time together during the “Strength for the Journey” Conference in early June, and again during our October Convention.  Another suggestion was to have a north clergy group and a south clergy group. Glenn Kanestrom will begin coordinating a north group to which all will be invited. Others thought all should meet together in retreat for the spiritual formation of clergy.  Canon Hall will look into planning a diocesan retreat.

 

Demi Prentiss, Lay Canon for Congregational Development from the Diocese of Fort Worth will be with us several times throughout the year.  Her first visit will be from April 28 – May 2^nd to work with the lay leaders in the north of the diocese. The “Strength for the Journey “ conference is scheduled on June 4 & 5 in Fresno.  For most of June, we will have The Rev. Canon Sarah Shafstall, the Canon to the Ordinary of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts in the diocese. She will be visiting clergy individually and in groups for clergy support and development. She is also offering, through a friend, on June 11 and 12 a program entitled “Getting Things Done”.

 

We give a special thanks to CREDO/Fresh Start for funding this conference as part of the “Strength for the Journey” program for our diocese.

Lori Brown

Coordinator, Strength for the Journey

Diocese of San Joaquin

lbrown@diosanjoaquin.org

 

Messages regarding the earthquakes in Haiti and Chili:

Updates on Haiti…Check the Haiti page of The Episcopal Church for news, updates, resources, videos and important information: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/haiti.php

 

To donate to the Haiti Fund, visit www.er-d.org or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129.

Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief & Development, P. O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058. Please put "Haiti Fund" in the memo line of all checks.

 

Chilean Anglicans mobilize efforts to serve isolated communities following quake…. Check the information in Episcopal Life Online at www.episcopalchurch.org/elife/ . Episcopal Relief & Development is also accepting donations for the people of Chile

 

A note to treasurers from Bill Latham, Diocesan Treasurer: As the Diocesan Council reviews the budget process for this year, a valuable tool would be a copy of the parish and missions budgets. To help in our planning we request that each parish and mission please forward a copy of your 2010 budget to the Diocesan office at 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355, or to wjlatham@sbcglobal.net. Thanks to those who have responded. Please send your budgets this week so we can present a report to Diocesan Council at the next meeting. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Juanita Weber at (209) 576-0104, jweber@diosanjoaquin.org or me at (209) 571-3467. Your support as we continue on this important journey is most appreciated.

 

Diocesan Altar Guild will hold a board meeting on Saturday, March 13, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Holy Family, 1135 E. Alluvial Ave., Fresno, CA, (559) 439-5011. Coffee will be served, and we will gather at a restaurant for lunch afterward. Please RSVP to Susan Ohanneson, (661) 391-8735 or sko355@aol.com.

 

Honored Women Luncheon Is March 6: If you plan to attend the luncheon, please be sure to let the women of Holy Family know. Call Doris Hall at 559-268-0708 or 559-323-8362, or e-mail her at ddhhaall@aol.com. The festivities begin at 11 a.m., with lunch served at about noon, followed by presentations of the honored women and a short talk by Shawna Marie Bryant, daughter of the late Rev. Bruce Kirkwood. Holy Family is at 1135 E. Alluvial in Fresno. You may pay the $10 for your lunch at the door, but if you are one of the honored women, you are a guest. See you March 6!

 

CPC SUNDAY (Church Periodical Club) May 2, 2010: This message is from Priscilla Magar: Thank You for posting this date now as preparations for celebrating this Annual CPC event need to be started early by all parishes and missions in the Diocese. For any and all CPC Information or assistance, I am available as: San Joaquin CPC Diocesan Director as well as Province VIII CPC Representative.

Priscilla Magar 661- 763-3081 pjcats@bak.rr.com

813 Pierce St,

Taft, CA. 93268

The Church Periodical Club is an Episcopal institution; its ministry is to supply books, magazines, tapes, videos and computer programs free to those who cannot otherwise obtain them and to raise the money to do this. There are two primary granting funds. The National Books Fund grants annually and responds to requests for books and related materials around the world. The Miles of Pennies fund is exclusively used for the book needs of children; grants are made year round. For more information, here is the CPC Web page. www.churchperiodical.com

Annual Convention Delegate Certification: The form for certification of lay delegates to the 2010 Annual Convention to be held in October is posted on the Web site www.diosanjoaquin.org. Congregations elect delegates and alternate at annual meetings held between November 1 and January 21. The completed form is due to the diocesan office by July 1, 2010.

 

Parochial Reports for 2009: Now due March 1, you have received a mailing from the Church Center with access and instructions for posting the report online. When the report is completed and signed, please send a copy to the diocesan office. If you have questions or need help in completing and submitting the report call Juanita in diocesan office. 209-576-0104, jweber@diosanjoaquin.org.

 

Check the 2010 Calendar: A monthly and yearly calendar is posted on the diocesan Web site. www.diosanjoaquin.org Commission and committee members are encouraged to plan their meetings ahead and get them on the calendar. Congregations are encouraged to check the calendar when they plan events so conflicts with diocesan events can be avoided. They also can notify the diocesan office of parish events that will be of interest to others in the diocese so all events can be coordinated.

 

ASK, THANK, TELL: The Diocese of San Joaquin is invited to participate in a Stewardship Workshop presented by the Diocese of El Camino Real with The Rev. Canon Timothy Dombek, Canon for Congregational Development, Diocese of Arizona. Saturday, March 13, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s, Salinas. Clergy, Vestry and Stewardship leaders are invited to attend. The workshop is based on the book, Ask, Thank, Tell by the Rev. Charles Lane, a succinct and incisive guide for congregational planning, study and help in stewardship ministry. Canon Dombek will address the theological foundations for “discipleship based stewardship” as opposed to membership and maintenance. The goal is to equip parish leaders to undertake both educational and practical skills needed to address the challenges every parish faces today. Cost is $10/person. Register with Susan Altig at susan@edcr.org by March 8.

 

Sponsor Episcopal Life San Joaquin: In addition to subscriptions, additional sponsorships for each issue will be required to fund the publication and mailing. This practice is continued from this past year. Holy Family, Fresno, St. Matthew’s, San Andreas, St. John’s, Lodi, Grace, Bakersfield and Remain Episcopal, have all signed up to sponsor an issue in 2010. Please contact Doris Hall ddhhaall@aol.com if you, a group in the church, or the whole congregation will sponsor an issue of Episcopal Life in 2010. To continue sending to the current subscription and donation list, one or more sponsorships of $200 will be necessary to maintain the funding this year.

 

Tips from the Church Insurance Agency: One of the fun things about spring is the renovation projects that you're finally able to start. Read Protect Your Church During Spring Renovations to get the basics on contractor selection and insurance coverage for minimized risk to people and property.

 

And in our ongoing efforts to prevent sexual harassment and exploitation in the church, consider Sexual Misconduct: It's more common than you think for real-life examples of these unfortunate occurrences. This article offers warning signs and prevention tips for protecting your church.

 

Resource Center in Sunnyvale: The Resource center is available to the Diocese of San Joaquin as well as the bay area dioceses. The next Open House at the Resource Center will be Thursday, March 11, 11:00 – 3:00 with emphasis on new Vacation Bible School items and confirmation. A light lunch is always served. Join other teachers and program coordinators for refreshments and conversation.

Carol Campbell

Episcopal Resource Center

Diocese of El Camino Real

Diocese of California

231 S. Sunset Avenue

Sunnyvale CA 94086

408-736-4155

ResourceCenterECR@sbcglobal.net

Online Catalog: http://66.80.1.30/

 

 

News and Notes from Congregations...

 

This is a section of the Friday Reflection to post reports and information about special events at your church, especially if the event will be of interest to others in the diocese.  Send the information to Juanita at jweber@diosanjoaquin.org.

 

 

St. John’s, Lodi Episcopal Church’s Lenten Study series will feature a study of the trials of Jesus in the wilderness. Why is Lent 40 days? Partly because that’s how long Jesus fasted in the desert! Anne Smith will lead a study of Jesus’ encounter with temptation. Together we will explore how Jesus’ example speaks to our lives today. Classes will convene three Wednesday evenings: February 24, March 3, and March 10. Program begins at 6:30pm ending promptly by 7:30 p.m. For more details call 369-3381. All are welcome.

 

THE ARTS AT ST. JOHN’S

presents

EUGENE FRIESEN and THE FRESNO PACIFIC UNIVERSITY CHOIR

This will be a fantastic afternoon of music and fun! Eugene will be playing the cello, Milton Friesen on piano, Ted Moore on percussion and Robin Knutson on organ; and don’t forget the vocals of the choir! Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 14 at 4:00 p.m.; tickets on sale now; $15 general, $10 seniors and students www.artsatsaintjohns.com or call the parish office 209-369-3381.

 

Interfaith at Grace!

Grace, Bakersfield now has an Interfaith Group with members of Temple Beth El and the Unitarian-Universalist Church. We held our second meeting on Monday. Here are some upcoming events:

·        Soup Supper, Wednesday, February 24, 6-8. Grace has invited the Interfaith Group to join us at our first Lenten soup supper.

·        Interfaith Meeting: Monday, March 15, 6-7, in the Chapel of First Congregational Church.

·        Unitarian-Universalist Potluck, "Food for the Spirit," Tuesday, April 6. 6:30-8:30. Prof. Liora Gubkin Malicdem from the Religious Studies Department at CSUB will facilitate a discussion on "Passover: Its Universal Moral & Ethical Dimensions." Everyone’s welcome to everything!

 

 

The Episcopal Church of the Saviour, Hanford,

invites you to the third of its Centennial Concerts on

Sunday, 7 March, at 4:00p.m.

An Afternoon of Voice and Cello

Mr. Aaron Conner, cellist

Ms Paige Kennedy, vocalist

Mr. Jason Sliger, pianist

 

Come and experience a stage stage for a variety of tastes with a program including pieces from the early Baroque through to the 21st century. The group of performers is composed of young musicians from Bakersfield (some members of Grace Episcopal).

While this is a free event, although a collection will be taken to benefit our Church Preservation Fund. There is no need for tickets or reservations, simply come along. If you have any questions, please call the church office on (559) 584-7706

 

Join us in the Parish Hall on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 am at Saint Matthew's Church in San Andreas, for a "Study Class in the Spiritual Life".

Every Friday throughout the Lenten Season, Parish Lenten Devotions at Saint Matthew's Church in San Andreas will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Stations of the Cross and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. A 'lite' Soup Dinner and time of fellowship will follow the Liturgy in the Parish Hall.

YOU ARE INVITED to the annual "ST. PAT'S AT ST. MATT'S" Corned-Beef & Cabbage Dinner beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday March 13 at Saint Matthew's Church in San Andreas

 

The funeral mass for Fr. Marlin Bowman will be on April 8, 2010, at 11:00 a.m., at St.

Clare of Assisi, Avery. Clergy wear white stoles.

 

 

v     Bishop Lamb's Calendar

v     February 22 to

v     March 26 Las Cruces, New Mexico

v     March 27 Blessing of the Holy Oils and Reaffirmation of Baptismal and Ordination Vows,

§         Holy Family, Fresno 10:00 a.m.

v     March 28 Palm Sunday—St. Anne’s, Stockton.

v     April 4 St. Matthew’s, San Andreas

v     April 8 Service for Marlin Bowman, St. Clare’s, Avery

v     April 10 Joint Standing Committee/Diocesan Council

v     April 11 St. Raphael’s, Oakhurst; Holy Trinity, Madera

 

v     Canon Hall’s Calendar

v     March 6 ECW Honored Women Luncheon, Holy Family, Fresno

v     March 7            Church of the Saviour, Hanford

v     March 14          Holy Family, Appreciative Inquiry

v     March 21          Holy Family, Appreciative Inquiry

v     March 27 Blessing of the Holy Oils and Reaffirmation of Baptismal and Ordination Vows,

§         Holy Family, Fresno 10:00 a.m.

v     April 4              St. John the Baptist, Lodi

v     April 8 Service for Marlin Bowman, St. Clare’s, Avery

v     April 10-18 Deployment Officers Meeting and CODE conference

v     April 25 St. Clare’s, Avery

v     May 1 RE Event, Ridgecrest

 

 

--
Juanita Weber, Diocesan Administrator
The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
1528 Oakdale Road
Modesto, CA 95355
209-576-0104
jweber@diosanjoaquin.org
http://www.diosanjoaquin.org