VOL 1 September 2012 ISSUE 10 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN The Bishop s Corner The Right Reverend Eric Vawter Menees As I write this article I find it hard to believe that the summer is coming to an end. The days are shortening, there is a slight breeze in the air AND the temperature has dropped below 100 degrees. With the end of summer the Menees household has entered into a time of transition...sebastian is going through the adolescent trauma of starting Jr. High School and we ve moved Milagro into her college dorm sending her parents into near geriatric trauma of admitting that we are old enough to have a child in college. The end of summer also brings thoughts of the coming fall and our churches begin to gear up for the fall push which usually includes the restart of our Adult Christian Education Programs, Stewardship Programs and dare I say...thinking about the Christmas Pageant! At the beginning of summer I shared with you all that throughout 2012 and 2013 my emphasis will be upon Youth Ministry, Clergy Development and Congregational Development. This fall and winter I will be working with our clergy and vestries on developing and strengthening our congregations. February 1-3 & 8-10 we will be hosting retreats for our vestries at ECCO. These retreats will focus on Vestry Development examining the role and responsibilities for vestrymen and clergy. These retreats will include discussions on Evangelism, Stewardship, Christian Education, Outreach and Worship to name but a few. Each retreat will be independent and individual vestries will be given opportunities to meet and work together with their clergy. I pray that our Clergy and Wardens will consider attending one of these two weekend retreats. We tested the waters with the Vestry at St. James Cathedral known as the Chapter. Here is what Fr. Carlos and Dave Russell (Sr. Warden) have to say about their experience... (Continued on page 13) BISHOP S SCHEDULE AND DIOCESAN CALENDAR Sept 1 Gathering of Mission Clergy, Chapel of the Holy Innocents (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) Sept 2 St Peter s, Kernville Sept 8 DOK Mini Fall Assembly, Jesus Our Savior, Modesto Sept 8 Standing Committee 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Sept 9 St John s, Porterville/St James, Lindsay Sept 10 Rural Deans 10 a.m. Sept 15 Diocesan Council 10a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept 16 Christ Church, Lemoore Sept 23 St John s, Petaluma Sept 29 Daughters of the Holy Cross Fall Gathering, St Mary s, Fresno 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept 30 St Francis, Turlock Oct. 5 7 Clergy Wives Retreat, ECCO
From History of the Diocese of San Joaquin The Foundations Are Laid [ed. note the following is a series of historical essays taken from History of the Diocese of San Joaquin, Chapter 2, The Foundations Are Laid. ] CHURCH OF THE SAVIOUR, HANFORD Following the Civil War, Hanford became a kind of English Colony. A number of English men settled there to raise wheat, but their agricultural methods were unsuitable, resulting in the surface soil being heavily impregnated with salts, forcing a change in use. People in Lemoore, a few miles to the south of Hanford, invited the Rev. D.O. Kelley to come for a service. He gladly obliged on Wednesday evening, February 18, 1880. Attending that service were two sets of English brothers, who asked him to come to Hanford the next morning and celebrate the Holy Communion for them. They offered their home to him as a place to stay on his visits. St. John s Mission, Tulare County was then promptly organized, to include Tulare City, Hanford, Lemoore, and Visalia, with Hanford as its center. The English connection proved helpful. By 1882, a small chapel had been built, primarily with English funds. It was decorated in High Victorian fashion of the Gothic Revival. In December 1886, the name was changed to The Church of the Saviour, which may reflect Oxford Movement sympathies, for this was the name of a grand church built in the industrial slums of Leeds entirely at the expense of Dr. Edward B. Pusey, a leading figure in the Oxford Movement in England. The Hanford Mission was somewhat peculiar from the beginning because nearly all of the 20 or so communicants were M-E-N, and Englishmen at that, so that the locals thought of it as the English Church. The men, however, were far from exclusive, and actively encouraged Fr. Kelley to draw Americans into the Church, his two confirmation classes totaled 12, of whom 11 were American women. American males on the frontier were apparently not notable for their church going habits. In 1885, the Robinson family donated land for a cemetery plot, and Bishop Kip, who by then was nearly blind and having to be led carefully around the cornerstakes, came for the consecration. In 1887, C. S. Linsley was appointed Vicar of Hanford, with charge of the Tulare Country Mission. By April 9, 1891, Hanford was able to become a parish, and Linsley was elected its first Rector. He remained until 1898. Following him was C.G. Adams who came October 1, 1898, but served for less than a year. F.J. Mynard arrived October 1, 1899 and remained until 1904. D.M. Brookman served as Rector for only a few months in 1905. The Rev. G.R.E. McDonald was Rector from 1905 until 1911, when Bishop Sanford appointed him Dean of St. James Pro- Cathedral. During his tenure, however, the brick church was built on a new and better site. The land was acquired and the cornerstone laid in 1910. The cost of the new building was not to exceed $16,000. At the time there was considerable controversy over moving the church site across the tracks to the central site in the growing city of Hanford. Although the controversy eventually died down, a number of items were lost or disposed of in the move, including a pedal organ, the lych gate and portico. The lectern was sent to Bishop graves in Coalinga, but was later found and returned. After the completion of the new church building, the small chapel was placed on logs and rolled up the dirt road to its present location, pulled by horses. It was then used as a parish hall, children s church, and even as a makeshift gymnasium, until its restoration in 1966. (Cont. on page 4) September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 2
The Bishop s 2012 Spiritual Pilgrimage to Israel Greetings, If you have ever considered making your spiritual pilgrimage to the land of the Bible, visiting the spring in Nazareth where Mary drew water, sailing across the Sea of Galilee where Jesus walked, climbing the very steps on the temple mount that Jesus climbed, and praying in Gethsemane where Jesus prayed, you will want to join us. And on this very special tour we will welcome in the new year on the Sea of Galilee and celebrate Epiphany in Bethlehem. I invite you, your friends and families to join me and my family on a very special spiritual pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Esti Barak of Middle East Connection has put together a wonderful tour. We have secured the renowned Israeli tour guide, Mr. Roni Winter and we will be departing from LAX December 27, 2012 and returning January 8, 2013. Seating is limited so do not delay. Send queries to Fr. Derek Thomason at thomasonpi@yahoo.com or call him at 559-960-0966. Faithfully yours in Christ, +Eric The Right Reverend Eric Vawter Menees Bishop of San Joaquin September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 3
History of the Diocese of San Joaquin (Continued from page 2) The 1882 church building is a fine example of Victorian architecture, with original works of art imported from England and Italy. The walls of the sanctuary and chancel are covered with passion flowers and Tudor roses, hand-painted by an early member of the congregation. Other [d]eco-wall painting includes life-size (sic) angels and saints, scripture texts painted on scrolls, etc. Another member of the church did much of the original wood carving. Since its restoration, the chapel has been used for mid-week and Holy Day services, small weddings, etc. It is an important part of downtown Hanford, sponsored by the Hanford Chamber of Commerce. From earliest days, members of the Church of the Saviour have been active in the community. Members have served on the City Council and as Mayor. For several years, the parish sponsored a tutoring program for children in the community. The Churchwomen have, at various times, rolled bandages, provided food and clothing for needy persons, etc. Members are currently involved in such community organizations as Homecoming, Heritage League, Scouts, hospital volunteers, etc. One member has, for eight years, operated the King s Transcribers Library, providing taped books for the blind. Prior to that, she recorded textbooks for the state schools. Other members have been or are involved in the Navy League, Alcohol Board, and many other civic organizations. Through all the years the Church of the Saviour has also taken an active part in the life of the diocese. As 1987 comes to an end the Church of the Saviour is without a Rector. The Rev. Alexander Patience resigned as of December 1 and accepted the call to be the Rector of the Church of the Holy Communion in Dallas, Texas. Note: The new dates for the Clergy Retreat are Dec 3-5, 2012 Info on Clergy Retreat: Pricing: Private Room: $186 - limited number Double $126 Quad: $116 Day Use: $86 Register by visiting ECCO s website at www.eccoyosemite.org. September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 4
LAO MISSION PROJECT News Update for September 2012 As many of you know, Martin and Rose have been blessed to have Mr. Bob Blake come to help in Laos over the past several months. Bob has been instrumental in starting an English class, with an emphasis toward the younger Lao. He has also been working with developing a strong youth group, which meets on Saturday evenings and Sundays during church. English is a valuable asset for young people looking for steady employment and higher paying jobs, such as those found in the banking industry. Most of his students are Christian, and Bob has recently reported that their positive influence through the Holy Spirit has helped to bring a fellow student to accept Christ. Imagine the powerful testimony these young Christians will have in their everyday lives through the tool of learning English! Sunday church services are beginning to take off as the members become more comfortable with getting involved in worship and praise. Recently a new youth choir at church has begun, and plans are being made to have a church retreat in the near future. Bob is always ready to listen for the Lord s guidance and recently has had opportunity to witness and teach a neighbor and his family about Jesus. Although this gentleman works ten-hour days, seven days a week, he anxiously seeks the Living Water in his scarce time off with Bob s guidance. Through this connection, Bob has also met some Vietnamese workers as well. Unfortunately, there is a communication barrier to carrying the word to these men. He is praying that God might bring a Christian Vietnamese interpreter to help work with these folks, and he asks that you also might put that in your prayers for Lao Mission Projects. Finally, a prayer request is asked for Thong, Martin s farm assistant who was injured in the Steel Buffalo accident. Evidently his knee has not improved, and he will require additional surgery to get it fixed. Your prayers and support have been so loved by those at Lao Mission Projects. Blessings and thanks for your fellowship in this ministry. September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 5
August 8, 2012 Dominic, Priest & Friar To: Diocesan Clergy & Parish Leadership Re: Diocesan Council Policies Regarding Alcohol Use on Church Property From: Bishop Eric Vawter Menees Dear Friends, At the July meeting of the Diocesan Council the policy regarding no alcohol use on church property came into effect. A Little History This year the Diocesan Council undertook at my direction an examination of all of the Council Policies. At our April meeting several policies were discussed. At that meeting the alcohol policy was brought forward and discussed at length. A motion was made to propose the new policy along with the other policies. At the May meeting the proposed changes were discussed again and the final language was approved. The proposed changes were then posted on the diocesan internet (DioNet) and comments were solicited. In addition we encouraged the issue to be discussed at clericus. Following the reception of two comments regarding that policy and after sixty days the policy was discussed and prayed over again at our July meeting and voted upon passing with one nay vote and one abstention. It should be noted that the current change in policy regarding alcohol is actually a return to an old policy. Concerns Raised The concerns discussed at the council were in two primary areas. Spiritual. While neither scripture nor our Lord prohibited drinking of wine it is also clear that we in the church should never be a hinderance or source of temptation for a brother. St. Paul writes: Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble (Romans 14:20-22 ESV) There is no question that abuse of alcohol and alcoholism in the church is a serious issue. When we serve alcohol at functions in church is it possible that we are being a source of temptation for a brother or sister who is struggling with that issue? Temporal. Recently, Fresno has been rocked with the news of a local athletics coach who while driving home struck and killed a child in a crosswalk. This man was intoxicated but no one he was with prior to leaving thought he was drunk. His life, the life of that family and the lives of the community will forever be changed because of his poor judgement. Are people in our congregations qualified to determine whether someone has had too much? Are we prepared to live with the results of a devastating accident like what took place? In addition there is no question that we live in a litigious society. State law is clear that if an accident occurs and alcohol is involved then the person or entity that provided the alcohol can be held partially liable. Both of these issues were discussed and prayed about at length among the council two different meetings voted and passed the change. On a personal note while I did not specifically vote (I generally do not unless a tie is in effect) I support the decision of the council. I am not opposed to individuals drinking alcohol in moderation as I do myself on occasion. However, there is a difference between an individual choosing to drink and serve alcohol and a church doing so. September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 6
New Life in Christ Women s Retreat Psalm 51:7-13 beautifully describes the process by which we repent and return to the Lord--the process which is the foundation of our new life in Christ: For behold, you look for truth deep within me, and will make me understand wisdom secretly. Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; wash me, and I shall be clean indeed. Make me hear of joy and gladness, that the body you have broken may rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. (Book of Common Prayer 1979) These verses from Psalm 51 will serve as the foundational text for the weekend, as the Lord invites his beloved daughters, saying, Come Away With Me, learning to hear and recognize the voice of the Lord as He speaks to us takes time and practice. In the beautiful surroundings of Mount Potosi in the Spring Mountain range of Southern Nevada, our speakers will share scriptural insight and practical wisdom from their own experiences of growing in knowledge and love of the Lord. Speaking this year will be Karen Giles, Deacon Erin Giles and Sandra Simon. This peaceful retreat weekend will offer the time and space to focus on hearing our loving Father s voice, spending time with Jesus our beloved bridegroom and worshipping in the power of the Holy Spirit! Please join us for teaching, fellowship, prayer and worship. Let us rejoice and be glad together. Who: Open to all women When: Friday, October 12 @ 6 p.m through Sunday, October 14th @ 11a.m. Where: Potosi Pines Retreat Center (Potosi Pines is located about 45 minutes from Las Vegas in the Spring Mountains. Room accommodations are bunkhouse style with full bathroom amenities, including hot showers! Meals are served family-style with plenty of opportunity for fellowship! For more information about Potosi Pines Retreat Center including a virtual tour, please visit: http://desertsouthwestconference.org/churchmembers/ campingyouth/potosi_pines_camp/ Cost: $175.00 Registration Fee which includes two nights lodging and 5 meals (Scholarships & Partial Registration Available) For information or to register, please call Deacon Erin Giles at 702.564.0096 email erin@vegasanglican.org after receiving the form, mail your registration form to: Jesus the Good Shepherd Anglican 175 Cassia Way, Suite A111 Henderson, NV 89014 Jesus the Good Shepherd Anglican Church is a Mission of the Diocese of San Joaquin of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). www.vegasanglican.org - - Deacon Erin Giles Jesus the Good Shepherd Anglican Church 175 Cassia Way, Suite A111 Henderson, NV 702.564.0096 erin@vegasanglican.org September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 7
WSJ Worthy News @ ECCO Who would not want to be part of a phenomenon that makes national news when it centers on prayer? For 20 years, ECCO (Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst) has hosted a Pastor s Prayer Summit that has far-reaching impacts in the lives of many people. Interdenominational unified prayer began in part due to the cultural climate that culminated in the 1990s with the Rodney King beating and the Los Angeles riots ensued, causing people to wonder if they were losing all control. At the same time in the Central Valley, the unending string of calls responded to by the Fresno Police Department and gang-related murders prompted the prayer of Valley pastors, with Bishop Schofield and G.L. Johnson as two of the original five pastors. For the community as for the person, when we ve tried everything, we finally went to God. Quoting a statement by the Prayer Summit Committee, We believe that having pastors praying together is a key component to God s blessing a community. The basis for community pastoral prayer is Psalm 133: How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows His blessings, even life forevermore. The first year, the pastors were bussed to ECCO from Fresno in order to maintain a captive audience during four days with a prayer only agenda. After two days of talking to God, Bishop Schofield suggested a time of silence to allow time for God to talk to us. He was given 30 minutes. In that short time, one pastor received a word from God, simply that He loved him, which was shared with tears. A word from the Lord came to Roger Minassian, who as a result, left the lifestyle and church that he knew to minister in the streets of Fresno. He became the founder of Hope Now for Youth, which has had incredible impacts in literally countless lives by helping people move out of gangs into jobs and having a positive impact in their neighborhoods and in society. Over the years, the Fresno County Sheriff, the Fresno Police Chief and Fresno City Mayors have participated in this annual or semi-annual event. Additionally, 14 ministries were started as a result of the prayer and prompts to action within the group. No Name Fellowship began meeting monthly at various community sites, including Juvenile Hall to release God s resources through reconciled relationships to rebuild our city no predetermined outcome, no action agenda. (Continued on page 12) September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 8
NOTIFICATION OF DIOCESAN CONVENTION We are an Apostolic Community on Mission with the Life-Giving and Transforming Message of Jesus Christ To: All Parishes, Missions, and Clergy of the Diocese of San Joaquin From: The Rev. Gordon Kamai, Secretary of Convention In accordance with Article V, Sections 3 of the Constitution of the Diocese of San Joaquin, notice is hereby given that the Fifty-Third Annual Convention of the Diocese of San Joaquin will convene at St. James Cathedral, Fresno, California November 2-3, 2012. Proposed Constitutional Changes must be submitted not later than August 3, 2012 to The Rev. Cn. James Snell 5073 N. Palm Ave., Fresno, CA 93704 fr.jim@sjoaquin.net Proposed Canonical Changes must be submitted not later than September 2, 2012 to The Rev. Cn. James Snell 5073 N. Palm Ave., Fresno, CA 93704 fr.jim@sjoaquin.net Resolutions must be submitted not later than September 2, 2012 to Committee on Resolutions The Rev. Gerry Grossman 915 E. Main St., Turlock, CA 95380 grossy_gk@msn.com Nominations must be submitted not later than September 17, 2012 to Committee on Nominations Click here for Nomination Form The Rev. James Rouse P.O. Box 505, Woodlake, CA 93286 frjimrouse@sbcglobal.net Delegate changes must be mailed to the Diocesan Office Attention Convention 4159 E. Dakota Ave. Fresno, CA 93726-5297 Meal Reservations must be returned not later than October 19, 2012 to the Diocesan Office Click here for Meal Reservation Form September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 9
DIOCESAN NOMINATION COMMITTEE Nominations must be submitted by September 17, 2012 The following positions require nominees for election at the November, 2012 Diocesan Convention: STANDING COMMITTEE The Standing Committee usually meets monthly in Fresno on the 2nd Sat. of the month. It serves as a council of advice to the Bishop, especially regarding real property and clergy discipline. Standing Committee serves as the Ecclesiastical Authority in the absence of the Bishop One priest or deacon shall be elected for a fouryear term. One layperson shall be elected for a four-year term. ECCO COMMISSION The ECCO Commission has responsibility to govern the activities and finances of The Evergreen Conference Center at Oakhurst. One clergy or layperson shall be elected to this commission for a term of four years. SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN FOUNDATION The San Joaquin Anglican Foundation has responsibility to accumulate and invest funds designated by the Bishop, or the Diocesan Convention, for the Diocese or to be held in trust for parishes, missions, or other entities not provided for by Canon of the Diocese. One clergy or layperson shall be elected to this commission for a term of three years. The Foundation is currently on hiatus due to the funds being frozen. In the eventuality of our win, the Foundation will once again become active. DIOCESAN EDUCATIONAL TRUST The D.E.T. has responsibility to support Christian education and related programs through the collection and distribution of contributions and proceeds from monies, properties, securities, and commodities. One clergy or layperson shall be elected to this committee for a tem of three years. This committee is currently on hiatus due to the funds being frozen. In the eventuality of our win, the committee will once again become active. ECCLESIASTICAL COURT The Ecclesiastical Trial Court shall sit in trial of a priest or deacon canonically resident in this diocese as the need arises. One clergy shall be elected for a term of four years. One layperson shall be elected for a term of three years. DELEGATES TO PROVINCIAL COUNCIL One clergy and two members of the laity shall be elected delegates to represent this diocese at the Provincial Synod. At the same election 1 clergy and 2 members of the laity shall be elected as alternate delegates. We encourage you to submit people s names in nomination for these leadership ministries. The process is as follows: Pray about your own involvement, or that of someone you know and respect, in diocesan leadership. Approach and receive the permission of the one who comes to your mind as a Candidate; or test your own passion for the position. Complete the Nomination Form. To be elected at the Diocesan Convention Nomination Form enclosed for: Standing Committee Class of 2013: 1 clergy and 1 layperson Standing Committee Class of 2016: 1 clergy and 1 layperson ECCO Commission Class of 2015: 1 clergy or layperson *Diocesan Education Trust Class of 2015: 1 clergy or layperson *San Joaquin Anglican Foundation Class of 2015: 1 clergy or layperson Ecclesiastical Court Class of 2016: 1 clergy Ecclesiastical Court Class of 2015: 1 layperson Provincial Council: 1 clergy and 2 laypersons * Committee is currently on hiatus due to the funds being frozen. In the eventuality of our win, the committee will once again become active. To be elected at the Pre-Convention Deanery Meetings Diocesan Council Deanery Representatives Class of: 2014 - Yosemite - 1 clergy to fill a vacant term 2015 - Delta - 1 clergy 2015 - Kern - 1 layperson 2015 - Fresno 1 layperson 2015 - Sierra - 1 clergy Mission Board Representatives, Class of: 2015 - Kern - 1 layperson 2015 - Yosemite - 1 Clergy September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 10
A Beautiful & Beneficial Gathering at Caminemos Juntos! İHola! - Cómo Estás? Recent studies have projected that around a quarter of the United States population will be Hispanic by 2050. Some areas of the U.S. are seeing this growth even more rapidly. In Fresno, CA, for example, almost 50% of the current population is Hispanic. With one out of every four Americans having Hispanic descent within the next generation, the need for ministries and churches geared toward the Hispanic culture and people is immense. On August 9-11, 2012 Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (a Hispanic congregation of 800 members) and St James Cathedral in the Diocese of San Joaquin (CA) in conjunction with Anglican 1000 and Greenhouse hosted Caminemos Juntos!, a conference specially geared to encourage and trumpet Anglican church planting that reaches into our burgeoning North American Hispanic populations. The goal of Walking Together was to spark a church planting movement among Hispanics in North America and to unify current Anglican Hispanic ministries. By all accounts, the gathering was a success. Click here to read more Click here to read about Nuestra Señora Guadalupe September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 11
(Cont. from Page 8) Care Fresno began as a partnership between Evangelicals for Social Action (ESA, started by Alan Doswald) and the Fresno Police Department to improve areas of the city where drugs, poverty and crime were prevalent. The FPD has found a 60% decrease in crime where Care Fresno operates. Although I was unable to retrieve the article from the archives without a subscription, the Wall Street Journal published a piece about the effect that this group of praying pastors was having in the community, which ultimately impacted local interest rates! Obviously, I was not able to track down details of this article, but the power of prayer is undeniable. October 8-9 is the next opportunity to participate. We invite you to take time to pray and listen to God in a peaceful setting. Online registration is available at https://eccoyosemite.powweb.com/reservation.htm. Other upcoming events at ECCO include: Quiet Day October 10, 8:30-3:00, takes place the day after the Pastor s Prayer Summit. This is a muchneeded, annual, non-denominational time organized by Christ Church Anglican, Oakhurst and takes place at ECCO. Register by calling Christ Church at 559.683.7374. Upcoming educational Road Scholar programs at ECCO are open to everyone and involve field trips into Yosemite. Take a look at the programs available this fall, including a program in three national parks, Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, as well as Hiking, Golf, Photography and Watercolor programs. http:// eccoyosemite.org/roadscholar.htm Considering Thanksgiving plans yet? Imagine how wonderful Thanksgiving can be when you can relax with old and new friends, eat delicious food, enjoy the beauty of our surroundings, and no dishes to wash! Thanksgiving festivities begin with an optional Holy Eucharist from 11:00 to 12:00, followed by appetizers, and then dinner at 1:00. p.m. Spend a quiet afternoon visiting, playing games and relaxing. For those choosing to spend the night, a new tradition is the ringing of the bells, a fun interactive event. Consider an optional stay over that evening with departure on Friday morning after breakfast. Come join us; it's fun! http://eccoyosemite.org/ programs.htm Visit our website for more information on this event or booking a conference or retreat at www.eccoyosemite.org. September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 12
The Bishop s Corner (Cont. from Front Page) In March of this year with Bishop Eric s support, we presented a plan to St. James Chapter to get all its members more involved in running certain functions of the Church thus giving Dean Carlos more time to do ministerial work. Our Chapter has 12 members and those members after prayer and examination of their gifs chose an area of ministry responsibility. Now each have specific areas of responsibility that they are in charge of. They are now forming ministry teams to assist them in these ministries. This has had a very positive effect on our members. They are much more energized because of this involvement and don t just see themselves as someone to come, vote on issues and go home. Fr. Carlos has already seen the positives of this new energy. We re not done yet, but we all feel God s hand in this and definitely can see how this will help St. James to reach out and bring others to Christ. [Dave Russell, Sr. Warden] The Chapter development retreat for St. James' Cathedral led by Bishop Eric recently led to the most transformational and effective leadership change I have ever seen in the nearly thirty years of my ministry! Each of the twelve members of St. James' Chapter has gladly taken on a ministry area of service, worked to build a team, and enabled us to expand our ministry outreach as well as for me to focus more clearly on the things only I can do. The Bishop's plan also leads to a stabilization of leadership over the years as teams of lay ministers continue to develop and release leadership in one another. I wholeheartedly endorse this leadership development for any vicar, rector, vestry or bishop's committee that wants to expand greatly the ministry of your church. [Dean Carlos L. Raines St. James' Anglican Cathedral] Link to Bishop s Note series-- The Bishop's Note is a pastoral message published weekly by Bishop Eric Menees. To subscribe, send an email message with your email to erin@vegasanglican.org. The San Joaquin Anglican is published monthly by The Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin, California. Submissions will be accepted for consideration anytime; Contributions must be received by the 20th of the month for possible inclusion in the newsletter in the following month. Please send these to uncleted3@aol.com Thank you! September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 13
NOMINATION FORM Please use this nomination form to submit nominations for positions which will appear on the ballot at the November 2012 Diocesan Convention. The notice of convention lists those organizations seeking elected members. Nomination should bear the approval of the nominee s vestry or bishop s committee. Nominees should send a brief biography along with a picture to the Nomination Committee. Name of person nominated: Address: Email if available: Telephone: Day ( ) Evening ( ) Parish/Mission ~ City: Position nominated for: Have this person accepted the nomination? Yes No Yes, I accept the nomination: (signature of nominee if available) Nominated by: Parish/Mission ~ City: Please return this form by September 17th to: Fr. James Rouse PO. Box 505 Woodlake CA 93286 frjimrouse@sbcglobal.net September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 14
MEAL RESERVATION FORM DIOCESAN CONVENTION November 2-3, 2012 We are an Apostolic Community on Mission with the Life-Giving and Transforming Message of Jesus Christ Note: To All Churches: Please send one meal reservation form for your entire delegation. The first person to register at the Convention will be given an envelope with the meal tickets for the entire delegation. Please mail your check made payable to the Diocese of San Joaquin with your reservations, ATTEN- TION CONVENTION, 4159 E. Dakota Ave., Fresno, CA 93726: by October 19th. You will receive a confirmation of your reservation. (Reservations cannot be made by phone, fax, or email) If you have any questions please call 1.559.244.4828 and ask for Raul or email: raul@sjoaquin.net. Church or Individual City Phone: Number in Delegation (including clergy) Friday Lunch: $12.50/person Box Lunch choice of sandwich (Roast Beef or Turkey). Drink not included. Please indicate number of each choice Roast Beef Total Number Turkey Total Number Total Number of Lunches @ $12.50 Friday Banquet: $21.00/person Banquet will include BBQ Chicken and TriTip; rice pilaf, green salad, steamed vegetables, cookies. Total Number Attending Banquet @ $21.00 Amount of Check (enclosed) $ To individuals not part of a delegation: you may pick up your meal tickets at the delegate registration table at Convention. September 2012 THE SAN JOAQUIN ANGLICAN Page 15