Given seed money of $500 to $1,000, imagine what a small group of women could do to launch a new ministry or enhance an existing ministry that benefits women in your parish or neighboring community.

Our diocesan Commission on Women’s Ministries (CWM) is now a source of funding for grants specific to lay women in ministry. The goal is to empower lay women in parishes to dream boldly, to lead lovingly, and to spread the Good News of Jesus in our own communities.

We are launching this grant-funding project in support of our diocesan mission to “Make Disciples, Raise Up Saints, and Transform Communities for Christ in Northern California.”

~ Ministries that serve women in economic, social or spiritual need

~ Ministries that serve women within a parish or community in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California

~ Ministries that encourage leadership development of women

~ Ministries that encourage women to articulate and act upon the voice of Christ within

~ Ministries that can be shared with and adapted by women in other congregations to serve similar parish or community needs of women

~ Ministries that have potential to continue after the CWM Fund Grant has expired, using the skills of volunteers and new sources of funding

From Age to Age: The Lord's Supper Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

As we receive communion we hear the familiar words: “The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven” and we are nourished with spiritual food, but have you ever wondered really how it all got started? Why do we gather each week for this meal and why are things done in a particular way and order? If so, then you will want to make sure and join St. Paul's, Benicia for an exciting Lenten program which will explore the traditions and history of our Eucharistic prayer.

Sessions will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 22 and continue on Thursday evenings throughout Lent. Each week we will explore a different historical time of our rich tradition beginning with the early church of the 1st Century. We will learn how the liturgy developed, how it was celebrated, as well as the cultural and political influences on church worship. We will end with a Eucharistic celebration using the prayers, music and traditions of that era.

When: Wednesday, February 22 at 6pm, and every following Thursday throughout Lent.

Where: St. Paul's, Benicia

The evening will begin with a simple soup supper, followed by a lecture and Eucharist. The series is open to all and we encourage you to invite a friend. 

The dates and topics are: 

March 1, The Early Days: “The Way” in the 1st Century 

March 8, Far From the Center: 7th Century Celtic Tradition 

March 15, High Style: The Renaissance, Liturgy, Music & Art

 March 22, 1662 Book of Common Prayer: A Tradition Established

 March 29, Further Afield and Into the 21st Century: The New Zealand Rite

 April 5, Maundy Thursday Agape Meal, or “Back to the Beginning.”

Call the St. Paul's, Benicia church office for more information or to sign-up, (707) 745-0307 or email admin@stpaulsbenicia.org.

The Rev. Ann Hallisey

W. Mark Richardson, President and Dean of CDSP says about Ann:

"She has served the school with excellence throughout her time. Her understanding of organizational systems and institutional change has been an added gift, and she has advised both the President and Faculty in matters that call upon the range of her professional skills. Ann also possesses deep knowledge of the national church and the 8th province, and this strengthens our relationships with the wider church world. I know you will share my view that we are blessed to have her in this more permanent status as Dean of Students."

Join us here in the Office of the Bishop in wishing the Rev. Hallisey warm congratulations and continued success in her position as dean. Click here to read the original announcement of her hiring on the CDSP website.

To learn more about CDSP, visit www.cdsp.edu. 

article by the Rev. Leo M. Joseph, O.S.F., Priest In Charge of St. John’s, Lakeport

The name Shrove comes from the past tense of the Old English word "shrive" which means to confess. On Shrove Tuesday, in the Middle Ages, people used to confess their sins so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began. Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration. Throughout Christian Europe people indulge themselves on foods that traditionally were not allowed during Lent and had to be used up. In England and other English speaking countries, pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were not eaten during Lent.

Here is a traditional recipe for the "Shrove Tuesday" pancakes. Makes about 18. 

Ingredients:

4 large eggs
1 cup milk (do not use low-fat or nonfat)
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla, extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup all purpose flour
Additional melted butter
Optional: Powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice

Preparation:

Blend first 6 ingredients in blender. Gradually add flour; blend until smooth. Let stand 15 minutes.
Heat medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brush with butter. Add 2 generous tablespoons batter, tilting pan to coat bottom. Cook until golden on bottom, about 45 seconds. Turn pancake over. Cook until bottom is speckled with brown, about 30 seconds. Turn out onto paper towel. Cover with another paper towel. Repeat with remaining batter, brushing skillet with butter as needed.

Traditional English Topping:

Butter ovenproof dish. Sift powdered sugar over speckled side of each pancake, then sprinkle lightly with lemon juice; fold pancakes into quarters. Overlap pancakes in prepared dish. Cover; bake until heated through, about 10 minutes. Serve with more powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Do you have a favorite pancake recipe you would like to share? Leave it in the comments section below!

by Jennifer Garza

As pastor of All Saints' Episcopal Church, the Rev. Betsey Monnot believes in both the word of God and the work of Darwin. This Sunday, her congregation will hear a message about both.

"Belief in one enhances the other," Monnot said.

The pastor studied physics in college and does not believe the theory of evolution contradicts the teachings of her faith. She said the Bible was not intended as a science book but rather is essential for telling "stories that help us understand who we are."

Click here to continue...

St. Paul's history and current place in the Benicia community is featured in a new exhibit at the Benicia Historical Museum at the Camel Barns that opened this past Sunday, February 5th.

The exhibit highlights the place of the churches in Benicia's history, and St. Paul's, the second oldest congregation in the city, has a featured part of the story. In designing the exhibit, Museum Curator Beverly Phelan wanted to show how churches are an integral part of Benicia's history, and how preserving church archives contributes to the historical record of a city.

Included in the exhibit are records, photographs and artifacts from St. Paul's, the earliest records of the parish and St. Augustine College, photographs and drawings showing the various stages of the building's life, vestments, altar linens and communion sets - all illustrating parish life from its founding to present times.

Come and see how the St. Paul's, Benicia has formed the spiritual life of the town, see some interesting items from the past and present, and join the other congregations in celebrating the importance of churches in the foundation of a community. The exhibit will run until April 5th. The Benicia Historical Museum is located in the Industrial Park at 2060 Camel Road. Click here for directions. For information, contact the Camel Barn at (707) 745-5435.

Trinity Episcopal Church, Folsom's popular Trinity Thrift Shop debuts a new, remodeled look in 2012. More than 1,000 volunteer hours were contributed in the past month to refurbish and refresh the interior of the charming Victorian that has housed racks of nearly-new and gently-used clothing and household items since 1963.

Demolition, painting, installing sheetrock and flooring were just a few of the activities that volunteers carried out to give a new look to this shop as it nears its 50th-anniversary year at its Old Folsom location. All of the building supplies needed throughout the remodel, including the purchase and installation of new carpeting, were donated by generous parishioners.

Serving the community by offering quality clothing and goods at bargain prices, the shop radiates a boutique atmosphere. After hosting a year-end clearance mega sale, the shop has been restocked with fresh merchandise, still offered at bargain prices. An already popular addition includes a rack of vintage clothing.

It’s the all-volunteer staff that makes the extremely low prices possible for the high quality merchandise. More than 35 volunteers - several have been helping for 10, 15 and even 25 years - keep the shop open four days a week and one Sunday each month. The shop continues to serve a very broad customer base, including young families and many on fixed incomes.

“We are here to do good deeds for our community by providing great deals, whether it’s clothing for babies, young children and teens, career wear or something for that special occasion,” according to Sue Mack, who helps oversee the shop and its volunteer force.

The shop’s success is also based on donations. The staff gladly accepts them any day the store is open. The shop’s emphasis is on clothing and accessories and small household goods. It is not able to accept electronics, children’s furniture or stuffed furniture. People are encouraged to call if they have any questions about donations.

A grand reopening celebration is underway this month, including a ribbon cutting. A special blessing by the Right Rev. Barry Beisner, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, is scheduled for Sunday, February 19.

Hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am – 1pm, and the second Sunday of each month 9am – 1pm. The shop is located at 412 Wool St., Folsom, CA 95630 (view map). For more information, call the shop: (916) 985-3870.

To learn more about Trinity, Folsom, visit www.trinityfolsom.org.

This March, the Foothills Conference of the Sierra Pacific Synod and the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California host "Preaching Holy Week," a workshop for preachers. Presenter, Professor Craig Satterlee (pictured right), will walk through the lectionary readings and rites of Holy Week, especially the Three Days, to help us engage our faith communities in preaching that is thoroughly biblical and contemporary.

When: Friday, March 2, 10am - 4pm

Where: Resurrection Lutheran Church, Granite Bay

Cost/Meals: Lunch will be provided with a suggestion $10 donation


Craig Satterlee is a professor at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, where he holds the Axel Jacob and Gerda Maria (Swanson) Carlson Chair in Homiletics. He is also Dean of the ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program and adjunct professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame. He received a B.A. from the University of Michigan, M.Div. and S.T.M. (pastoral care) from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, and M.A. and Ph.D. in Homiletics and liturgical studies from the University of Notre Dame.

Professor Satterlee belongs "to the relatively small group of working homileticians whose work can justifiably be said to have changed the agenda of the discipline." His books are described as "superb examples of practical theology, remaining fully theological while engaging on-the-ground realities in the life of the church."

Register for this event by calling (916) 791-4661 or emailing lcr@lcrchurch.org. 

Daily, all across America, women can suffer countless hours in emotional turmoil because of codependency. A woman in love dependency/co-dependency does not feel that she can be a happy, fulfilled, human being unless she is loved by a member of the opposite sex. A “woman who loves too much” often invests in a negative relationship and often denies that it is dysfunctional. She is attracted to men who are emotionally incapable of loving her intimately. Additionally, she may have irrational hope that things will change or get better within a negative relationship. She is often very generous and doesn’t get much in return from her partner. A woman with this challenge can also have dysfunctional relationships with their children, bosses, work situations, and friendships. She will often set herself up to suffer as a martyr in a relationship. For many women, these behaviors can be apparent with children and family members. Essentially, a “woman who loves too much” may relinquish her personal dignity in the service of being over involved and preoccupied in trying to solve problems or issues for another person.

In Robin Norwood’s book, Women Who Love Too Much, the characteristics and definition of a love dependent are defined. Since its publication in the 1980s, this book has become a touchstone for millions of women in unfulfilling relationships devoid of love and emotional commitment. Because of this important book, an electrifying, immediate response created a national movement for many women who wanted to have fulfilling relationships with an intimate partner, their children, relatives, friends and co-workers. The formation of support groups started all over America. The focus of these groups became that of empowerment and support for many women.

One such support group, called "Women Who Love Too Much," is now meeting every Tuesday from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Trinity Cathedral. This free, confidential group is led by Nancy Kilgore, M.S. (pictured above right), national author and presenter on women's issues.

For more information, contact Nancy Kilgore - (916) 498-8494, or www.thethrivingwoman.org.

Good Shepherd, Orland Makes an Important Decision

For more than fifty years, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Orland has been an important part of the community. Recently, due to an aging congregation and the relocation of some of its members, the congregation is no longer able to maintain their services of worship and the building in which they have been meeting. In Fall of 2011, Senior Warden Elizabeth Bonney asked Bishop Beisner to work with the congregation on the closure of the church and their final services. This difficult decision came about after a number of other options had been explored by the congregation and the clergy who have been serving them –most recently, the Rev.’s Gregg Churchill and Diana Lueckert. After a visit by their dean, the Very Rev. Jeff Frost, and the Rev. Canon Britt Olson, members voted unanimously to close in 2012.

The last Sunday service will be held on February 12, 2012 at 9:00 am. A final celebration of the ministry of Good Shepherd and an official deconsecration of the space will take place on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 4:00 pm. All members of the diocese and those whom the ministry of Good Shepherd has touched over the years are invited to attend. The deconsecration service will be followed by a time of light refreshments. Clergy in attendance are encouraged to vest with purple stoles.

It is the desire of the remaining members of Good Shepherd that the contents of the church building, including those items dedicated for the purpose of worship, should be made available for continued use by other congregations. An announcement will follow, providing a list of those items and instructions on how to request them. The congregation has asked that the diocese work with a realtor for the disposition of the property, which has been well maintained and is debt free.

The legacy of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church will continue in the lives of the people who have been shaped by the many worship services and activities of this congregation. We are grateful for their faithfulness over the years, and ask your prayers for them as they continue their lives of faithful service as members of other congregations.

Calling all acolytes!

Our ministry is one of the oldest recognized orders in the church. There are so many of us that give our time and efforts to assist the clergy to bring Eucharist to our congregations and add dignity to worship services. Year in and year out we serve in our individual parishes. Now it is time again for all acolytes in the Diocese of Northern California to meet for an acolyte festival at Trinity Cathedral and celebrate our ministry together.

On March 10, 2012 the cathedral will host the seventh Diocesan Acolyte Festival , running from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. There will be good food, interesting workshops to choose from and a celebratory Eucharist, where we will rededicate ourselves to our much loved ministry. Our own Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner, will be there to encourage us and spend the day in fellowship. To commemorate the day, an Acolyte Festival Medal is being struck for presentation to each acolyte who attends.

Attendees can choose three of the eight workshops given:

- Meet Bishop Beisner

- Seasons of the Church Year

- Dressing up and Walking Around (clergy vestments)

- A Cathedral Tour, Liturgical Streamers

- What Does a Verger do?

- The How’s and Why’s of an Acolyte

- Holy Smoke: The work of a Thurifer

For those who lead acolytes, there will also be a special one-time Acolyte Directors Workshop.

Please encourage as many of your acolytes as possible to come. Those traveling from a great distance are welcome to spend the night at the Cathedral. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Attendees should bring acolyte vestments, processional crosses and banners with stands if available.

Click here to download the registration form. It can be mailed to:

Diocesan Acolyte Festival
Trinity Cathedral
2620 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95816

All registration forms must be received by March 5 to assure your group a place at the festival.

Further questions can be sent to Nancy Tennyson: tennyson@trinitycathedral.org or (916) 446-2513 ext. 27, or by visiting www.trinitycathedral.org.

The sleepover guests arrived by bus from The Gathering Inn just in time for a tasty stew supper prepared by members of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Roseville (whose ministry group is pictured at right) and served family style on Sunday, January 15.

Guests prepared their sleeping areas with the women bedding down in the church hospitality room while the men camped in the sanctuary. There was time for welcome by the Rev. Cliff Haggenjos and then entertainment with the film “E.T.“ Since some were too tired there was an occasional snore heard during the film presentation.

In the morning guests cleaned the areas used and departed by bus back to the area known as Old Town Roseville, each carrying a “breakfast bag” that had been packed for them by St. John’s volunteers (including Christine Grau, pictured at left) in outreach ministries. The guests numbered 55, including six children ranging in ages three to nine.

The Gathering Inn provides a community-based response to people in need in south Placer County by offering hope, dignity and a secure place to rest at night, in addition to a wide range of services that help clients get back on their feet again. St. John’s began their work with them in the 1990s, providing ongoing support in monthly contributions, as well as the preparation of meals served at participating churches. For more information on The Gathering Inn, please visit thegatheringinn.com.

St. John’s is just one of 40 churches involved in this non denominational outreach service. “The sleepover guests will return to our facility for a night in February,” reports Joyce Paterson, co-chair of this ministry, along with her husband Pat and Roy and Lois Larson. If you are interested in participating, please call the Patersons' at (916) 780-3396 or contact the church office at (916) 786-6911.

Teams from St. John’s also assist in meal preparation at St. Vincent De Paul dining hall twice a month. Food is donated by various corporations, businesses and others. Our teams prepare and serve meals for approximately 60 to 80. To join this ministry, please call George Marsh, (916) 577-1910.

This May, join the Sisters of the Transfiguration for “Finding the Joy in the Cracks of Our Life’s Journey,” a silent retreat. As we encounter “cracks” in life's road – whether they be natural aging processes, traumatic injury, changes in lifestyle or different interests, do we take the time to reflect and re-evaluate the things that give us joy? Have we ever really taken time to think about and articulate those things? As we experience life's journey and the ways that our experiences change our view and abilities, do we accept that the things that give us joy might have changed?

We have the right to find joy in our lives – work, ministries, everyday living. What might that look like for you? This retreat will provide an opportunity to reflect on life’s journey, to name those things that have given us joy, and to explore our hopes and fears as we move into and through new life stages. We have the right to find and experience joy in our lives –
always!

Retreat leader, the Rev. Kay Rohde, ACT, has been a priest for 18 years, 14 of them in the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada. Before that she served for 31 years with the National Park Service as a park ranger.  As a result of a spinal cord injury, she is, herself, wrestling with the question of what gives her joy as she looks for what God is calling her to next.

When: Friday, May 18 – Sunday, May 20

Where: Mercy Center, Auburn

Cost: $200 with a non-refundable $50 deposit

Click here to download a PDF of the registration form.

Send registration to:
Mrs. Virginia Pankoski
2440 Hillsdale Rd
Meadow Vista, CA 95722

For more information, call (530) 878-2316 or email vpankoski@yahoo.com.

Click here for more information about the Sisters of the Transfiguration.

T

The three-day conference is designed to provide answers to what the catechumenate is, as well as how it can be implemented in congregations. It is designed to respond to questions raised by those ministering in both small and large, rural and urban congregations.

“The catechumenate is primarily about formation into the Baptismal Covenant. By its very nature it is ecumenical. This is an exciting opportunity to experience the many aspects of the catechumenate,” explains Jerry Paré, the conference organizer. “Many workshops on the catechumenate only have time to explain briefly what the process is about. This conference provides answers about the implementation of the catechumenate...a brief, intense catechumenate on the catechumenate!”

Paré has been involved in catechumenate ministry for over 40 years. His experience includes ministry at the parochial, regional and national levels. He is a member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate, serves on the board of the North American Association for the Catechumenate, and is currently Catechumenate Director at Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento. He will be joined by a team that includes musicians, liturgists and catechists to lead the conference.

When: Thursday, May 10 - Saturday, May 12

Where: Mercy Center, Auburn

Cost: $275/person with a $25/person discount for those who register by March 1, 2012, or for three or more registrants from a congregation by April 1, 2012.

Important note: The conference is limited to 35 people. 

Click here to register online.

Information and registration forms may also be obtained from Jerry Paré: jpare@trinitycathedral.org or (916) 930-8032.

Two Sundays ago, Trinity Episcopal Church in Folsom blessed the new cross that will sit atop their building. Their previous cross, erected as a replacement for the original cross, was suffering from dry rot. The original cross is on display in the Fellowship Hall, and remained atop Trinity Church from 1861-1975.

John McWilliams, a specialist in the restoration of historic buildings, including many of the Victorian homes in downtown Sacramento, created the new cross for Trinity Church. John was fascinated by the original cross, which had been created from heart of redwood, a material that is no longer commercially available. He located several heart of redwood beams, over 100 years old and in beautiful condition, at a project site in Coloma. He reconstructed the cross from these beams, and it is stunning.

To learn more about Trinity Episcopal Church, visit www.trinityfolsom.org.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Elk Grove and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church are offering a series of classes on interfaith understanding led by Father Tom Bonacci. Father Tom is a Roman Catholic priest who has much experience in interfaith ministry and is head of the Interfaith Peace Project in Pittsburg, California.

The classes will be offered once a month over a five month period.  Classes at St. Mary’s, titled “A Celebration of the World’s Faith Traditions,” will give an introduction to the major world religious traditions. The first class will be on Thursday, January 12, and will be offered both from 10am - noon and 7pm - 9pm. The first class will be a general introduction to interfaith study.

The classes at St. Joseph’s will have the title, “The Interfaith Jesus,” and the first class will be held Friday, January 13, 10am - noon. The first class session will be on “Hearing the Voice Within.”

All in the community are welcome to the classes at both churches.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is located at 9085 Calvine Road, Sacramento, between Elk Grove Florin and Waterman (view map). For more information, call the church office, (916) 689-1099, or see the website: www.stmaryselkgrove.org.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church is located at 9961 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove, across from Elk Grove Park (view map).  For more information, call the church office, (916) 685-3681, or see the website: www.stjoseph-elkgrove.net.

To learn more about the Interfaith Peace Project, visit www.interfaithpeaceproject.org.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Day School in Carmichael launched iMAST, an Integrated Math, Arts, Science and Technology Project in 2010. This project was specifically designed to expand the school’s educational program, with greater emphasis on math, science, technology and the performing arts, to enhance the development of the necessary critical thinking skills for 21st Century learners.

On Tuesday, January 3, 2012 a ground breaking ceremony was held, with a blessing of the building site and the project by the Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California (pictured third from left). This ground breaking begins the building phase of a 9,600 sq. ft. multipurpose structure that should be completed by August 2012.

Click here to view a photo album of the ground breaking on the St. Michael's Episcopal Day School Facebook page.

To learn more about St. Michael's Episcopal Day School, visit, www.smeds.net. For more information about St. Michaels, Carmichael, visit www.stm-ca.net.

We are pleased to share details of the upcoming 26th Annual Diocesan Choir Festival! This year we are excited to welcome Robert (Bob) Simpson as our guest conductor. Bob is Canon Musician at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, and Artistic Director of the Houston Chamber Choir. He is a highly gifted choir trainer, and his warmth and enthusiasm guarantee a great day for all participants.

When: Saturday, January 21

Where: Trinity Cathedral

Cost: $20 per singer (includes the festival and a tasty lunch) 

Are you a member of your congregation's choir, or do you just love to sing great church music? Consider participating in this year's festival! Each singer should come prepared with their choir robe (if you have one), music, a pencil and a choir folder.

Click here to download a registration form, schedule and further instructions.

Sponsored by Trinity Cathedral and the Cathedral Music Series, this festival is supported solely by registration fees and donations of generous supporters.

All registration forms and payment are due to Canon David Link in the Cathedral Music Office by Wednesday, January 18. Questions? Contact the Music Office: (916) 446-2513, ext. 24.

At the end of 2011, Rick Harrison-Smith, Executive Director of the Episcopal Foundation of Northern California, retired. After 12 years and countless hours of service to the Foundation (all conducted while also managing his own law practice), Rick was kind enough to grant me some time for a chat about his work and himself – two subjects that, to this interviewer, appear hermetically intertwined. Rick’s work with the Foundation is a true calling, and you will find no greater advocate of its mission. He will be missed here at the Office of the Bishop, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

How long have you been with the Foundation?

I have been the Executive Director of the Foundation since December 14, 1999. For the first six months I was Interim Executive, and then in June or July I was hired on permanently. Before that, for (I think it was) eight years, I was a board member of the Foundation. When I came onto the board, there were not term limits. So I spent a year or two [there], and then they instituted term limits. So I did my six years, and I was just looking to retiring from this for a while and not making a quarterly trip to Sacramento. (laughing) Then I started making a weekly trip to Sacramento.

I was going to say, how did you go from being Associate Director to the Executive Director?

The Executive Director resigned and the then-Bishop asked me to take it over until we found someone. When I was doing that, I discovered that it seemed something I had a calling to do. So I asked if I could apply, and they said, “Sure.” There were three candidates and then me. And it ended up being me.

You have a job outside of this one - you are an attorney. What kind of law do you practice?

Yes - I do estate planning and special district law.

Do you have your own practice?

I have my own practice. When I started, I was still working 50-60 hours a week, which had been cut back. I had been doing 80-90. Over the course of the 12 years, I have backed off so that I only do 20. So it’s 20 hours on my practice and 20 hours for the Foundation, if I only do what I am supposed to do. (laughing) I am not sure I always got down that low.

Have you always been an Episcopalian?

I am a cradle Episcopalian.

Why do you like the Episcopal Church vs. another Christian denomination?

I find the services satisfying to me. I am of an age when I have to attend a lot of funerals – that’s all kinds of funerals from all kinds of churches. I’m afraid I find many of the funeral services I go to unsatisfying for the task at hand. I find that some other services I go to, primarily weddings – some you go to and you think, “That was a good wedding,” and others you think, “Ehhhh...”  I just find [the Episcopal services] satisfying.

What are some of the projects and things you’ve done while being Executive Director of the Foundation that you are most proud of?

While I was Executive Director, we changed the focus from planned gifts to including the Church in your will. We did that for statistical reasons of the number of gifts that come from wills. But that makes it harder to determine how successful you are. If I do a planned gift, I know I have done the planned gift. If I’ve talked you into remembering the Church in your will, I probably don’t know you have done that, because you do that and you don’t tell folks. The proof in the pudding is, when people die, have they remembered the Church in their will? If we’ve done a good job of that task, there will be increased numbers of those who have remembered the Church – your local church, the diocese, the institution – in the will.

The second thing is setting up endowments for churches to increase their ability to support themselves. The first one I did was at St. Mary’s, Napa. After they got it set up, the committee went off and I knew nothing of what happened until I was having a conversation with Father Haggenjos, and discovered that that endowment that I helped them create – they funded it to an extent that the endowment pays for their assistant priest. What a wonderful ministry.

I wish I could say that every endowment I have worked with a church on has been that successful. Some have and some haven’t, but we’ve probably done 15 of those. I am happy to say that after 11 ½ years, my home church [All Saints’, Redding] has done one, and it wasn’t for lack of pounding on their door! (laughing)

Who provides the money for an endowment for a church?

They have to knock on the doors of their parishioners and get them to fund it through their wills, through gifts, for a purpose that those parishioners want to go on forever – because an endowment by definition is money that you can never spend the principal on. You can only spend the interest. You need to set it up in such a way that the members of the [congregation] are excited by the ministry of the church – they want to see it ongoing and they want to make a contribution to that. It takes intentional visioning and promotion to get one of these to go.

In essence the hard thing about the job, but the rewarding thing too is that you basically have to go out and teach people how to fish – you have to get them excited. You’re not just saying, “Here is this money,” or, “This is where the money is to be found.”

The Episcopal Foundation of Northern California, with one exception, does not grant funds. We do have one fund that we are the trustees of that we are directed to use for elderly people of limited income in the Sacramento area. But that’s the only one. We are not a foundation that makes grants. We assist our churches (most of my work is for the churches in the diocese) and the diocesan institutions and the diocese to become the recipients of planned gifts or wills.

I didn’t realize that when people do remember the Church in their will, that’s not something that they proclaim.

There are people who like people to know what their charitable gifts are and there are people who do not. There was an interesting statistic from last year that 80 percent of adults in the United States say that they contribute to churches for their operating expenses. That’s a significant number. Eight percent of that 80 percent have remembered the Church in their will. There is a great gap that needs to be filled in.

What are you going to do now with your extra time?

That’s an interesting question. It’s a question of discernment. I am endeavouring to discern, but I have not yet found the words. When I find it, we will all know.

Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers in closing?

Have you remembered the Church in your will?

Why not consider the Prayer Shawl Ministry?

At Trinity, Sutter Creek, Carol Holt, Donna Matson and Linda Lee started this ministry, which has been very successful, having distributed 50 shawls. When they offered "Knitting 101," designed for beginners, I attended. It was great! I learned what size needles to use, the kind of yarn best for a shawl, how to cast on, knit, purl and more.

I also had a chance to get to know folks on a more intimate level, as it is a small (but mighty) group. At our last session, there were eight women, six of whom were from the 8:30 am service. We visited, knit and crocheted and had a good time, all while doing something worthwhile. On Sunday, November 20, the Rev. Karen Siegfriedt blessed approximately 12 shawls, one of which was mine.

We begin with prayer, asking that our hands knit well for those in need, and we end with prayer, asking for strength to continue to do this work. When we have a completed shawl, we all put our hands on the shawl(s) and pray over them. These shawls are blessed many times over. They are truly made with love.

I feel like I am at a country knitting circle, just like the pioneers had. It is a great experience and a good cause. If you know of anyone in need or if you have received a shawl yourself, I am sure you agree that this is a wonderful ministry. If you want to share in the fun and be part of this ministry, all you need is a willingness to learn.

Our meetings are the second Monday of the month from 6 - 7:30 pm at Trinity Sutter Creek, 430 Highway 49, Sutter Creek, CA 95865 (view map).

Those interested can contact Carol Holt: (209) 296-2562, or carolholt@volcano.net.

To learn more about Trinity, Sutter Creek and their ministries, visit www.trinitysuttercreek.org.

Forty-eight women attended the Trinity, Sutter Creek Episcopal Church Women (ECW) traditional Christmas Luncheon at Castle Oaks Golf Club in Ione on Saturday, December 3.

The Rev. Karen Siegfriedt, Rector of Trinity, Sutter Creek blessed the food, ECW members and guests. A scrumptious dessert followed a delicious lunch. The singing of Christmas carols was a very popular activity.

During dessert time, Secret Prayer Sisters made themselves known to each other and exchanged gifts. Throughout the year, each participant in the Secret Prayer Sister (SPS) ministry held their assigned sister in prayer and gave them small gifts.

The ECW honoree for 2011 was Teddy West (pictured above right with ECW President Mary Ann Tortorich). Since attending Trinity beginning in 1973, she has fervently supported United Thank Offering (UTO), ECW and Church Periodical Club, including serving at local, diocesan, provincial and national levels.

A check was presented to Pastor Karen in gratitude for her support of ECW throughout the year. In her acceptance speech, she congratulated ECW for their effort in bringing the women of Trinity together.

ECW President Mary Ann Tortorich voiced the gratitude of the board to everyone for their support in 2011. She was presented with a gift card in appreciation for her hard work this year.

After sharing his appreciation for ECW choosing this restaurant, restaurant manager John Belloti announced that ECW was on their calendar for December 1, 2012, and was greeted with much applause.

To learn more about Trinity, Sutter Creek, visit www.trinitysuttercreek.org.

by Jim McCartney, Senior Warden for St. Matthew's, Sacramento

Change: "to alter, to make different, transform, modify" – what an apropos term for St. Matthew’s. I have told this story many times: I read an article on successful aging and they listed five to 10 items that seemed to be present in those who aged successfully. I promptly forgot all of them except one. The ones I forgot I thought I had to some degree or another, but the one I have problems with I remembered. Change: "the ability to accept and adapt to change." St. Matthew’s tests us all in this area.

We said goodbye to our priest in June; we said hello to the vestry and senior warden as the governing body of the church. We said goodbye to some beloved members the past year and said hello to some new. We will say goodbye to a couple who were a significant presence to our church family, Noella and Stu Bradbury, on Sunday, December 11 and we say hello to newly baptized and confirmed. We will say goodbye to four vestry members and say hello to new members in January. Our church and church family are in constant change, and I do feel uncomfortable at times – I don’t want people to leave, I don’t want priests to leave, I don’t like changes. How interesting that you notice the word "I" quite frequently. Is it really "I" who is important? Is it really allowing me to grow if there is no change? Does the church grow with no change?

The church is changing, and in many good ways. Our physical plant, the buildings and grounds always are in need of change and repair. Did you know that we received an anonymous gift to fix the roof in the office? It is now repaired. Did you know that we received an anonymous gift to replace the floor?

The vestry should decide within weeks about a new floor and have it installed. Did you know that we received a grant from the diocese for dollars to continue roof repairs on other structures along with basic needs that the vestry will determine? Did you know that the Bishop and the diocese support our mission and outreach as a significant and important part of Episcopal outreach in Northern California?|

Did you know that the outreach at St. Matthew’s has been combined and is now called "St. Matthew’s Community Resource Center," which includes the food and clothes closets and the Charles Coleman Health Outreach and parent resources? Our spiritual growth continues and grows through Education For Ministry (EFM) that CeeCee Coleman will conduct; Deacon Cindy Long is conducting classes on what it means to be an Episcopalian for new members who are unfamiliar with our church; and Father David and Norma Boge have developed a stewardship schedule to help us all in our time, talent and tithe.

Change can be uncomfortable and yet exciting. You will notice small and large changes in the physical plant over the next months – be sure to climb on the roof to see some (well, just kidding!). What doesn’t change is the Christian mission to love God with all your heart and soul and love your neighbor as yourself. What doesn’t change is the Advent Season and the preparation for the peaceful presence of the Christ Child that we view with such anticipation. What doesn’t change is St. Matthew’s mission to be "a multicultural Episcopal parish extending hospitality to all through outreach, formation and worship."

To learn more about St. Matthew's, Sacramento, visit their new website, www.stmatthewschurchsacramento.org.

In a joy-filled, "pull out all the stops" ceremony, the Rev. Bill Adams (pictured right with wife Kathy and the Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner) was installed as the Priest-in-Charge at Holy Trinity, Ukiah on Saturday, December 10.

The Celebrant, the Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner, pointed out during his opening remarks that the liturgy booklet stated the ministry being celebrated was that of the Rev. Bill Adams and the people of Holy Trinity Church. The cake at the reception following the installation of this new ministry carried the inscription, "Congratulations Holy Trinity Church!" This was truly a joint celebration of a mutual ministry. A church filled to the rafters sang "Holy, Holy, Holy," as the procession began. Among some of the more memorable moments were the symbolic presentations made by numerous members of the vestry and congregation of Holy Trinity, the Litany for Ordinations beautifully chanted by Laurel Sunderman, Fr. Bill's daughter, the Holy Trinity Chancel Choir and the Holy Trinity Singers.

A powerful sermon on the challenges of Christian love was delivered by Fr. Bill's friend and one-time associate, the Rev. Mike Kerrick, (pictured below l-r: the Rev. Bill Adams, the Rev. Mike Kerrick, the Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner and the Ven. Cookie Clark) currently Interim Rector of Trinity Church, Folsom. He pointed to Fr. Bill's endorsement of a gay and lesbian support group that began in a local high school at a time when most pastors in the community were condemning the students and the faculty involved in the project. He also noted his interfaith work, especially among Muslims in our diocese.

"By choosing Bill Adams as your priest, you have chosen the path of love," said Fr. Kerrick in his sermon. "He will ask you to love the unlovable and give till it hurts. Yes, that kind of love is hard, but it's the only thing capable of healing this broken world."

During his remarks, Fr. Bill gave a special thank you to his wife, Kathy for all her support over many years of ministry. This was met with a hearty round of applause.

The congregation present included most of the membership of Holy Trinity, as well as many people from the greater Ukiah community. Numerous people drove more than four hours from Fr. Bill's former parish to join in the celebration. The new Priest-in-Charge wore a cross given to him by the parish that sponsored him for ordination 26 years earlier, St. Clement's, Rancho Cordova. Among the 10 clergy who were present for the service was the Ven. Cookie Clark, Archdeacon for Diaconal Ministry in the diocese, who was the Deacon and Gospeller for the service. Clergy from other Christian churches in Ukiah as well as the local Rabbi were also invited to vest and take part. A festive lunch reception followed in the "Mary and Martha" room, hosted by the very gracious Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Women. As someone said at the conclusion of the service, "What a happy way to begin anew!"

For more information about Holy Trinity, Ukiah, visit www.holytrinityukiah.org.

The Graduate Theological Union (GTU) announced the addition of Interreligious Studies as the 16th area of concentration for its Common Master of Arts degree.

Two Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) professors, Marion Grau, Ph.D., and Dan Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, Ph.D., are among seven faculty for the new interreligious focus for the master’s program shared by GTU with CDSP and other partner seminaries.

The purpose of the M.A. concentration in Interreligious Studies is to foster the study of multiple religious traditions, their practitioners, and their expressions in different cultural contexts. It is designed to be open to studies that are oriented to fields within both theological studies and religious studies.

Topics of focus and methodologies might include historical and contemporary relations between religious traditions, comparative theology, comparative religion, interreligious dialogue, and interreligious pastoral practices.

“We look forward to the renewed energy that students in this area will bring to our community as we continue to explore the richness of our diverse religious traditions,” said GTU Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs Arthur Holder, who also is a professor emeritus at CDSP.

The new M.A. in Interreligious Studies offers multiple career tracks: a Ph.D. in a related field, preparation for interreligious ministry, teaching religious studies in a secondary school or work in non-profit organizations.

The GTU has been engaged in interreligious studies since its inception in 1962. The new M.A. area offers the opportunity to focus courses and research in an emerging field that is growing in importance worldwide.

Click here for more information on Interreligious Studies at GTU.

About the Graduate Theological Union (GTU)

The Graduate Theological Union, in Berkeley, California, is the largest and most diverse partnership of seminaries and graduate schools in the United States, with one of the largest theological libraries in the U.S. Its nine seminaries plus centers for Jewish and Islamic Studies; programs on Women’s Studies in Religion, Black Church/Africana Religious Studies, and Asian Theologies, Religions, and Cultures, plus several affiliate programs offer students from around the world the opportunity for a unique ecumenical and interfaith education.
Students can pursue a Ph.D., Th.D., and M.A., plus two joint Ph.D. programs with the University of California, Berkeley.

The GTU is located at 2400 Ridge Road, Berkeley, California. For more information, visit www.gtu.edu, or call (510) 649-2400.

When: Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 9:00am - 12pm

Where: St. Clement's, Rancho Cordova

Cost: Free

“The pace was perfect. No boring details ….. What you did was open our hearts and our eyes.”

This lively workshop includes discussions on many topics, including: Making arrangements for your children, organizing your important papers and assuring that someone knows where to find them, writing love letters to your family/friends, leaving the necessary information for your funeral and your obituary, preparing your Advance Directive, end-of-life choices, understanding Hospice, how to donate your organs, deciding who will receive your assets , the importance of having a will, and the difference between a will and a Trust.

The pilot program, developed at St. Michael's, Carmichael, has now been offered to over 130 individuals in three different sessions. All evaluations have been very enthusiastic. This is a program for all ages.

“I thought I had done my preplanning, but learned that I had
omitted something which I will now be able to correct.”

“I really enjoyed the humor that was interjected.”

“Doing this as a group makes a difficult subject far less scary.”

The workshop is free, but by reservation only. Please call the church office: (916)  635-5282 to save your place. Participants are asked to bring a three-ring binder with nine dividers.

If you would like to schedule a Life Planning Guide workshop in your area, please contact Marcie Larkey, member of the Board of Directors of the Episcopal Foundation of Northern California: (916) 488-6960.

*A program of The Episcopal Foundation of Northern California