Province VIII of the Episcopal Church

Call for Nominations

Provincial caucuses will meet at the end of the legislative session (tentatively 5-6 PM ) on July 14th to select nominees for the Presiding Bishop's nominating committee.  Two lay and two clergy from each province will be elected.  Nominations should  to addressed to via email to Patricia Erskine by 5 PM on July 13. Nominees should include a brief statement of their participation in the Episcopal Church.  Questions? Contact Province VIII President, The Rev. Dr. John H. Eastwood for more information. 

Province 8 Reception at General Convention

Please join us for

The Province 8 Fiesta
at

The Clarion Hotel Pool
Downtown Disney District, an easy walk from the Convention Center
Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort
616 W. Convention Way

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

6 to 8 PM Reception with Live Music
Tacos/Fajitas and Cash Bar

$15 per person (meal, tax, gratuity included)

To reserve your seat, please complete and return the form below, along with your check, to Lanny Collins,  Province VIII Treasurer, 14158 S.W. Northview Drive, Tigard, OR 97223-2639 no later than July 9.

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬

 I/We will attend the Province 8 Fiesta Reception:
 
Name(s) __________________________________________________
              __________________________________________________
E-mail Address _____________________________________________
Tel. _________________________________________________
 
Please make check payable to Province VIII for $15 per person.

Province VIII Indigenous Ministry Report 6-09

Greetings to all,

Since this is my first venture into the Provincial Website, I would like to properly introduce myself. My name is Sakeekan, I am Tlingit and Athabaskan originally from Sitka, AK. I was born for the Eagle moiety, my father’s clan; and born to the Raven moiety, my mother’s clan.

I have been married to Tom for 40 years and we have two grown sons, no grandchildren, but several great nephews and nieces and

Studio 8: The Discovery Center Schedule of Themes & Special Guests

Studio 8:  The Discovery Center of Province 8   

The Western Episcopal Educators [WEE], the Christian Education Network of Province VIII, in partnership with The Episcopal Church Center – Adult Formation Office, are hard at work creating Studio 8, the Discovery Center for the 2009 General Convention. Located in the Exhibit Hall, Studio 8 is much more than a resource center for life long Christian Formation. We see our center as an oasis in the marketplace. We have nothing to sell, but much to offer. Our resources and displays reflect the central themes and concerns of convention. We have

Help Shape The Church ~ Take the survey here!

The Episcopal Church
Office of Public Affairs

Strategic Planning Committee maps the future for The Episcopal Church

Survey developed to solicit opinions

[June 24, 2009] A newly named Strategic Planning Committee has already set to work,

Children are Welcome at General Convention! Check out the Children's Program

The Children's Program for General Convention has a talented and dedicated staff that's developed a wonderfully exciting program at a low cost for families attending General Convention in Anaheim this Summer. There is still plenty of space available. It seems that many people are still unaware of this option for their children.  We want to be sure that everyone who needs it is aware of the program and realizes that there is still time to register. Can you help us spread the word? Please see below for further information.   

 

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The Children's Program

at General Convention

July 6-17, 2009

Anaheim, California

- Quality childcare for Infants and Toddlers 

- An active and engaging program for Older Toddlers and Preschoolers 

- A wonderful and exciting experience

for Children entering Kindergarten through Sixth Grades 

Children of deputies, bishops, staff, exhibitors,

volunteers, and visitors

are all welcome! 

It's not too late to register.

Half and whole day options available.

We love kids.

The more the merrier! 

for further information

visit www.episcopalchurch.org/children

or contact Susan Bek susan_bek@yahoo.com

We hope to see you in Anaheim!

Report from Immigration Summit 2009

   Thirty participants from several Dioceses in Province VIII gathered at The Franciscan Renewal Center on April 20-23, 2009 to meet around the issue of Immigration.  The theme was Legislation, Organization, & Implementation.
    The Summit opened with a  presentation by The Rev. Sean Carroll, a Jesuit Priest, now working on the Arizona – Mexico Border.  Sean shared with the group a process for entering into this ministry by first and

The Church Divinity School of the Pacific Dean and President Search

The Board of Trustees and the Search Committee of The Church Divinity School of the Pacific invite nominations and applications for the position of Dean and President. The search begins as Dr. Donn F. Morgan approaches retirement from the position after seventeen years of distinguished service and dedicated leadership. The new Dean and President will assume office on July 1, 2010.

Founded in 1893, The Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) is the only seminary affiliated with the Episcopal Church that is located in the far west. Over the decades, the school has earned a reputation for outstanding scholarship and leadership within the church, serving a broad and diverse constituency. For more information and a profile of the school go to the official web site at www.cdsp.edu/deansearch.

CDSP is located adjacent to the University of California, Berkeley, and within walking distance of six of the eight other seminaries that are members of the Graduate Theological Union. The seminary alone or through the GTU offers a full array of post baccalaureate degree and certificate programs including a Certificate of Anglican Studies, the Master of Divinity and other Master of Arts and Doctoral degrees.

The successful candidate will preferably hold an advanced degree and demonstrated experience and passion in theological education. The Board of Trustees is seeking a person able to conceptualize new ways of doing theological education in a changing church, who can inspire and implement such vision through collegial leadership, development of financial resources and ecumenical collaboration both within the GTU and beyond. For a full position description go to (insert web site). For application forms and requirements go to www.cdsp.edu/deansearch or call Kevin Crispin-Alfieri at 510 2040731. The Church Divinity School a/the Pacific is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer

Adventures in Grace in Province VIII

Are you ready to engage your parish on ecological concerns? Prepare their hearts for ministry and mission with "Adventures in Grace," an exciting new green spiritual formation experience for all ages that is experiential and fun. The Faith and Environment Committee is encouraging dioceses and congregations to offer this program, and has sent 10 copies to Province VIII dioceses that are leaders in green ministry. The program was developed in the Diocese of AZ. For more information contact Phyllis Strupp or visit: www.adventuresingrace.org   

Good News from Alaska on Episcopal Life Online

ALASKA: Three years after a fire, Holy Trinity parishioners set to return

By Pat McCaughan, April 30, 2009

Click image for detail

[Episcopal News Service] Three years after fire destroyed historic Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Juneau, Alaska, the congregation is eager to return home from their "location in exile."

"Excitement is building. We are shooting for July 1 occupancy of worship space, but we don't expect to move into our offices and classrooms" then, said the Rev. George Silides, rector of the 113-year-old downtown congregation which has been meeting in a nearby Roman Catholic parish hall.

Welcoming Abundance Stewardship Conference CANCELLED

We regret to have to inform you that we have had to cancel the Province VIII Stewardship Conference, Welcoming Abundance,  scheduled for San Diego on May 15-16, due to the paucity of registrations.  As of the end of our extended Early Bird Registration Period (April 27,) we have about one third of the registrations that we need to have this event break even.  We are very sorry for any inconvenience that this cancellation may cause

Disaster Preparedness and Response Manual

Just last week Province IV posted a new model Province IV Disaster Manual that is now available for ANY diocese anywhere to download, copy and adapt for its own use. It's not just for hurricanes, but covers all sorts of natural disasters, including pandemics.
Please take a look. Help yourself. It's Province IV's gift to the church

Website: www.provinceiv.org

Tweet if U Luv Jesus: Religious Leadership, Communications and Community in the Age of Obama

The Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, and Saint Mark’s Cathedral invite you to attend the Spring 2009 “Business of God Luncheon” on Friday, May 8, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, Washington.

"Tweet if U Luv Jesus: Religious Leadership, Communications, and Community in the Age of Obama"

 This talk explores the implication of new social networking media--Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, cell phone

Report on Immigration Summit 2009

The Rev. Canon Carmen Guerrero reports that thirty participants from several Dioceses in Province VIII gathered at The Franciscan Renewal Center on April 20-23, 2009 to meet around the issue of Immigration.  The theme was Legislation, Organization, & Implementation.
    The Summit opened with a  presentation by The Rev. Sean Carroll, a Jesuit Priest, now

Register Today for the General Convention Webcast

General Convention 2009 of the Episcopal Church will be the topic of a live webcast at 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 13. The webcast will originate from Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., where General Convention 2009 (GC09) will be held July 8 – 17. Participants in the live webcast will be: Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori; President of the House of Deputies Bonnie Anderson; Executive Officer and Secretary of the General Convention, the Rev. Gregory Straub; and Bishop J. Jon Bruno of the Diocese of Los Angeles, the host diocese. For more information, including how to preregister for the webcast, visit http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_106880_ENG_HTM.htm.

Two Selected for General Convention Youth Presence

Congratulation Jacqueline and Clemente!  We have two youth selected for the General Convention Youth Presence - Jacqueline Bray from the Diocese of San Diego and Clemente Aguirre from the Diocese of Oregon.  Sally young is our Adult sponsor and Brian Prior is our  Provincial Youth Coordinator.

 

Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation Ready for General Convention

 The Western Episcopal Educators network of Province VIII offers us a look at the following Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation.  This is a proposed resolution to the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Visit  http://www.formationcharter.com/Services.html

Check out the following talking points to share with others.

Reports from Executive Council Representative Bryan Krislock

Download Krislock Exec Council Report Feb 2009

Download Krislock Exec Council Report 04-09 with comments rev

Earth Month~A Call to Action from the House of Bishops of Province VIII

April was Earth Month. In an effort to make EVERY day Earth Day, the House of Bishops of Province VIII, the Bishops' Committee for the Environment of the Diocese of Olympia, and the Faith and Environment network of Province VIII are challenging all Episcopalians, dioceses, parishes, missions, committees, friends and neighbors to adopt the Genesis Covenant. Join Episcopalians around the globe in Celebrating Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22nd, with conversation and commitment to reduce our carbon footprint. 

Please share the letter and resources  from the House of Bishops in your churches this month. Get a copy to

Anti-racism training sponsored by the Diocese of El Camino Real

Because racism has existed for centuries, many of us are unaware how the history of racism affects how we all think, live, and behave even today. In order to become more aware of our actions—personally, interpersonally and institutionally—and move toward a church without racism that openly welcomes all races, The General Convention of the Episcopal Church named racism a sin and has mandated anti-racism training for all church leaders, both ordained and lay. Download the registration form.

When: Wednesday, June 3 to Thursday, June 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: St. Edward's Church, 15040 Union Ave., San Jose
Cost: $50 (until May 15)
Deadline: May 25
Contact: Diane Lovelace, DiLovelace@aol.com, 408.377.0158

Career Decisions & the Job-Search Process from Trinity Wall Street

Trinity Wall Street offers help to determine a career path and more!

74 Trinity Place - 2nd Floor Parlor | Monday, May 4, 12 pm

Whether you are downsized or looking to change careers, this 1-1/2 hour session will assist you in determining a career path leading to greater self-awareness and satisfaction in your work. It will also help participants navigate the job-search process in this difficult job market. The session will be led by Michael Bednarski, a psychologist with over 25 years experience helping groups and individuals through the career and job search process. Contact 212 285-0043 x11 or mark@psi-mindpsirit.org

Can't be here in person? Watch live or on-demand at: www.trinitywallstreet.org

The Studio 8 Challenge ~ We're almost there!

WESTERN EPISCOPAL EDUCATORS  The Christian Education Network for Province VIII needs your help!

The 2009 General Convention is rapidly approaching. It is our responsibility as the hosting province to develop and produce the Discovery Center that will be a part of the Exhibit Hall.  Western Episcopal Educators (WEE), the Christian Education network for Province VIII, has been working hard to create STUDIO 8, a place where culture, media, and technology intersect with faith and religion.  STUDIO 8 will amplify the themes of convention and current concerns of Episcopalians such as mission, the Millennium Development Goals, the environment, and the challenges of our global economy.  In addition, STUDIO 8 will be an opportunity to showcase the diversity and unique talents of our province.  The lineup of scheduled guests and offerings is impressive!    

Adobe Connect Offers Active Participation and Equal Access to Province VIII

 The Executive Committee of Province VIII is committed to trying on new ideas, processes, and content to better "do together what we cannot do alone. At our last Executive Committee conference call we  learned how to use Adobe Connect, an online teleconferencing tool. There were 5 of us online, able to see each other and share documents.  It's awesome! Through an arrangement with Province VI, we are sharing the software and The Rev. Roy Walworth from Wyoming has offered to serve as IT trainer. Adobe Connect is one way we can explore a new way of behaving and belonging. Instead of traveling to a meeting and paying for food, lodging, transportation, and increasing your carbon footprint, you can schedule an online meeting with a group of people online. All you need is a camera (built in or not) and a microphone.

If you're interested in joining the next training session (TBA), please contact Province VIII Coordinator Patricia Erskine for details.  Check to see if your dioceses is already using Adobe Connect.  Start thinking today about how to plan your next meeting on Adobe Connect!

Immigration Summit April 20-23

Have you ever heard someone proclaim that there are not any immigration problems in their community?  Think again. Immigration issues are present in every community. In a 2007 Episcopal Life online article Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori wrote:  "We have promised at baptism to seek and serve Christ in all persons," Therefore we share the pain of those workers being rounded up by our government for lack of legal status. Their families are experiencing the pain of separation and uncertainty, and untold hardship is being inflicted upon those struggling to support themselves and their families in a land which often wants their labor but denies them basic human dignity.  As their brothers and sisters, we are diminished by their suffering.

"The Province VIII Peace & Social Justice Network and the Diocese of Arizona are sponsoring an Immigration Summit with a  focus on Legislation, Organization, & Implementation to help people with an interest in this ministry better legislate, organize and implement policies and programs for the "aliens" in our communities, the church, and the world.Please join us at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona April 20-23.5802 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85253

Download the registration form here:Download Immigration Summit Registration Form.

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Intercultural Conference "Enlarging Our Tent"

Enlarge our Tent, Mend the Hoop, and get Anti Racism training all in one great weekend! The Diocese of Northern California is hosting an  Intercultural Conference "Enlarging Our Tent."  April 17-18 in Carmichael.  Keynote speakers are the Rev. Stephanie Spellers, author of Radical Welcome, and the Rev. Dr. Fred Vergara, Asian Missioner for the Episcopal Church.  Conference starts with dinner at 6 p.m. Friday 4/17 and continues Saturday 4/18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The conference will also include the option of taking Anti-Racism Training* from national church staff on

Member Mission Leadership Institute comes to Province VIII-Save the date!

Member Mission Leadership Institute: Empower members for ministry in daily life at five-day workshop in October at the La Casa de Maria Retreat and Conference Center in Santa Barbara, Calif. Clergy and lay leaders can help members to discern their ministries in each area of daily life and orient their vestries on how to train, send and support them. Member Mission offers proven methods that work for every member. Worksheets help each person to discover

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – An Imagine Conference for Ordained Women in Province VIII

Article courtesy of Rev. Canon Kristi Philip in The Diocese of Spokane www.spokanediocese.org

Ordained women in the Episcopal Church’s Province VIII will gather Sept. 28- Oct. 1, 2009, in Burlingame, CA, for a conference designed to develop networks of support. “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: An Imagine Conference for Ordained Women,” will meet at the Mercy Center.

Keynote speakers include three pioneering ordained women:  the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris, retired bishop suffragan of the Diocese of Massachusetts and the first woman ordained a bishop in the Anglican Communion; the Rev. Carmen Guerrero, former Jubilee Ministries

Reconciliation: A Way Forward

The Black African network of Province VIII and the Union of Black Episcopalians sponsored a spring conference on reconciliation March 20-21 in Seattle.  The Rev. Canon Ed Rodman was our guest presenter. Ed took us beyond a typical anti-racism exercise into the realm of forgiveness and an authentic, conscious encounter with ourselves and each other.  Through various exercises, storytelling, case illustrations, and a telling of some significant historical moments in the history of Black Africans, participants were offered a rich appreciation, deeper understanding and a way of uncovering personal patterns of thought and action. The key is for this work to be interactive and experientially based. We looked at five levels where change has to happen for us to bring more inclusivity into the church. 1. personal, 2. interpersonal. 3. institutional. 4. cultural. 5. spiritual or religious.  Ed encouraged a recognition and respect for reconciliation.  See Ed's Download An

Bishop Rivera appointed assisting bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Oregon

[Episcopal News Service] Bishop Edna Bavi "Nedi" Rivera has been appointed assisting bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Oregon effective March 1, the diocesan standing committee announced.

She will become provisional bishop after a diocesan electing convention, which is still being planned, according to the Rev. Canon Lee Kiefer, diocesan canon for transition. "It hasn't been definitely decided yet, but we have two or three options,

New Communications Network

The Executive Committee is pleased to announce the creation of a provincial network for communications.  President Jack Eastwood has named The Rev. Dick Snyder, responsible for the Utah Region, Episcopal Church in Navajoland to be the new Communications Network Coordinator.  Dick has attended our Provincial Leadership Conferences at Mercy Center in Burlingame, often taking pictures, writing articles, and consulting on Navajolands.  A member of the network of national church communicators, Dick was formerly priest-in-charge of. St. Michael’s in Brigham City, Utah, and editor of the diocesan newsletter and the Episcopal Voice in the Diocese of Utah.

Contact information:

The Rev. Richard Snyder. Utah Region, Episcopal Church in Navajoland

435-672-2296
PO Box 28
Bluff, Utah 84512
(435) 237-9720 (Cell)
Rhsnyder12@aol.com

Reconciliation: A Way Forward happens this weekend in Seattle

The Black African American Network of Province VIII and the Western Region Union of Black Episcopalians are hosting a conference to explore reconciliation with the church and God.  Please join us Friday March 20 through Sunday, March 22 at St. Matthew's Church, Auburn (south of Seattle) in the Diocese of Olympia.

Province VIII and the Episcopal Church of the Philippines

 President Jack Eastwood recently attended a joint committee meeting at Mercy Center to hear about proposals and our common mission with the Episcopal Church of the Philippines.

Province VIII and the Church in the Philippines – Our History
In 1991 the Episcopal Church in the Philippines became independent of The Episcopal Church.  In 1907 when the missionary canon was created, then a “foreign mission”, the Church in the Philippines was included in what became, in 1915, the “Province of the Pacific”, Province VIII, of the Episcopal Church. At a provincial synod prior to General Convention in 1991 in Boise, Idaho, the history and partnership with the church in the Philippines was celebrated.  Since that time, a covenant relationship between The Episcopal Church and the Church in the Philippines has existed and The Joint Committee on the Philippine Covenant has been appointed to oversee our common mission.

Farewell to David Abernethy Deppe and Welcome to Tom Vander Wal

With grateful hearts we thank David Abernethy Deppe for his years of service to the province. David's current family and parish responsibilities are the major areas of his life focus presently.   We will miss his involvement with the province, and we wish him God's blessings.

We are delighted to welcome Tom Vander Wal as our new Stewardship Network Coordinator. Tom was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. After school and service, he has spent his life working in the healthcare and insurance world.  Tom  has worked in field operations, been a home office executive, CEO of a regional health plan, a broker and consultant.  A lifelong Episcopalian Tom has held many positions in the Episcopal Church including Vestry member, Senior Warden (numerous times), EFM mentor, Stephen leader, and Eucharist minister and visitor.  Tom is currently the  treasurer of the Diocese of San Joaquin and has been involved with the National Church stewardship programs since the mid-80's. He has done consulting at the diocesan and parish level and has been a member of the TENS board for ten years. For the past two years Tom served on the Stewardship, Evangelism, and Congregational Development planning committee and has been a key player in  planning the three Province VIII conferences.  

Contact Information:

Tom Vander Wal, Treasurer
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
P.O. Box 7606, Stockton, CA 95267

Phone: 209-952-0006
Fax: 209-952-0009

Cell: 209-481-2728

I Am Episcopalian ~ Upload your own video!

Check out the new site I am Episcopalian!! The new 'microsite' showcases videos of diverse church members  at www.episcopalchurch.org.  According to Episcopal News Service, the site contains short videos of people "sharing their deep, personal connections to the big, wide, vibrant church that we are," said Anne Rudig, who joined the Episcopal Church Center in New York as communications director on January 5. The videos illustrate the diversity of Episcopalians --"all ages, all walks of life, all ethnicities," said Rudig.

You'll find Hisako Beasley, Executive Council Member from the Diocese of Olympia, Bishop Marc Andrus of the Diocese of Caifornia, Nancy Keys from the Diocese of San Joaquin and who else?  The site also will let users upload their own videos so tell us who you are Province VIII!

Multicultural, Peace & Justice Network Coordinators in Nevada

The Province VIII Peace & Justice/Multicultural Network Team met this month with Diocesan leaders of the Diocese of Nevada at All Saint's Church.  Provincial leaders are serving as a resource to diocesan ministry teams interested in working in the areas of Latino, Asian, Indigenous, Black American, and Peace & Justice ministries. Each convener made presentation of their work in the province and the diocesan leaders  shared what they are doing or hope to do in these areas.  Small group discussions and reports about future collaboration were beneficial to all. Province VIII participants include:  The Rev. Carmen Guerrero, The Rev. Silvestre Romero, Jr., Mimi Wu, Becky Clarke, and Judy Conley. The group is available to work with other dioceses interested in developing multicultural congregations.

CDSP's CALL Announces Summer Session

CALL 2009 Summer Session Areas of Study Anglican Insights Summer for the Spirit Anglican Insights A Week of New Ideas, Perspectives, and Reflection on the Episcopal Church Today July 20-24, 2009 Easton Hall Conference Center Church Divinity School of the Pacific Berkeley, CA Enjoy of week of new ideas about the Church in the world today and explore the remarkable Bay Area. Morning sessions will highlight the scholarship and insights of CDSP faculty and noted scholars from across the country. Afternoons and evenings will offer opportunities to take in the best of the Berkeley, San Francisco, and the Wine Country, or simply to relax and reflect in the comfort of Easton Hall and the lush CDSP campus. Featuring: A Shared Pulpit The Rev. Dr. Linda Lee Clader Dean of Academic Affairs Professor of Homiletics What Makes Music 'Anglican' Now?: Musical Insights for a Changing Church George A. Emblom Director of Chapel Music Lecturer in Church Music

National Episcopal Health Ministry offers Health Ministry & Parish Nursing Course

Education for Episcopal Health Ministry &
Parish Nursing
March 1-6, 2009
Duncan Center, Delray Beach, FL 

Presenter: Susan K. Chase, RN, FNP

Co-presenter: Carol Sullivan, BSN, MEd, RN, FCN

An intensive 5-day course that emphasizes Episcopal traditions in the theology of health and healing, liturgy, polity and prayer. Practical aspects of developing Health Ministry in a local congregation are addressed.
 

Registration is limited to the first 20 participants. Nurses and health professionals are welcome to enroll, as well as other non-professionals interested in learning more about general health ministry as a lay vocation.
40 CE credit hours for RN's.

 

Register at:  www.episcopalhealthministries.org/prep_course.html

or call the NEHM office at 317-253-1277 X34
 

www.EpiscopalHealthMinistries.org

Executive Committee

President
The Rev. Dr. John H. Eastwood

Vice President
The Rt. Rev. Nedi Rivera

Secretary
Pam Fern

Treasurer
Lanny Collins

Chancellor
Miller Adams

Cluster I Convener  Education
Kathy Hamilton

Cluster II Convener Multicultural
The Rev. Carmen Guerrero

Cluster III Convener  Women's Ministries
Sally Nichols

The Provincial Coordinator is Patricia Erskine

Energy Oscars recognize environmental action of California congregations

By Phina Borgeson, December 10, 2008 (Episcopal Life Online)

[Episcopal News Service] Environmentalists from congregations around California gathered at All Souls Episcopal Church in Berkeley on December 4 for the second annual Energy Oscars presented by California Interfaith Power and Light (CIPL).

"We often get discouraged when we hear about potential climate catastrophe," said the Rev. Canon Sally G. Bingham, president of the Regeneration Project, "but instead of bad news, the CIPL Energy Oscar Awards evening provides us with hope."

The idea for an awards program came from Georgia IPL, noted Susan Stephenson, executive director of CIPL. The California group added its own touches, including sealed envelopes and "the Green Carpet." Stephenson acknowledged that another goal of the awards gathering is to give congregations a chance to learn from one another.

Historic Day for Hispanic Ministry in Nevada

  The one-year-old Hispanic ministry of All Saints’ parish, Las Vegas, celebrated the Reception of Hispanic Missioner, Bernardo Iniesta, as a Priest in the Episcopal Church on December 7, 2008.  Bishop Dan T. Edwards, 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Nevada received Fr. Bernardo as spiritual and sacramental leader of the first, and currently the only, Spanish language ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada.   The service booklet for the reception service was bi-lingual, lessons were read in Spanish and English, children and young people from Sunday morning church school and the Spanish language service, and a newly formed chimes choir of Hispanic youth and adults provided special music, as well as special music by our organist, The Rev. Bede Parry and All Saints’ Choir, and hymns sung in both languages. 
Iglesia de Todos los Santos began as a dream in September 2007; a dream of reaching out to the 65% Latino population in the parish’s

Provincial Leadership Meets in New York City

The Provincial Bishops, Vice-Presidents, Executive Directors/Coordinators met December 3-5, 2008 in New York City. We stayed at the Desmond Tutu Center, located on the grounds of General Theological Seminary. The group was hosted by Province I  and the Episcopal Church Center.

Agenda items included a presentation on technology  by Dr. Julie Lytle, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Educational Technologies at the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  We looked at the history of Web 1.0-Web 3.0, visited Second Life, explored new technologies and their application to our provincial and diocesan ministries.  Julie helped us get ready to move more readily into communicating via webcams.  Stay tuned for more information and training opportunities!

Bonnie Anderson and Gregory Straub were also on hand to help provinces prepare for our upcoming Synods and General Convention.  We heard more about the Narrative Process and General Convention plans.  The group visited with Episcopal Church Center staff and conducted business with our new Diocesan Services Director and Provincial Liaison, Terry Parsons.
Minutes and more resources will be available soon. 

Following the Star: An Advent Devotional Guide

 Our own Rev. Brian Prior (Youth Ministry Network Leader, Vice-President of the House of Deputies) had a hand in developing this lovely Advent Devotional.  Check out www.followingthestar.org.  We are also featuring the Annual Advent Calendar provided by Trinity Episcopal Church, Wall Street, in New York City. We are blessed to be able to share such creative endeavors. You'll find them both on the sidebar of this blog during Advent. Thanks!

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The Center for Anglican Learning & Leadership Presents Epiphany West ~ January 26-30, 2009

It has been 25 years since the publication of Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry — a culminating moment in the ecumenical movement, when members of the World Council of Churches came to recognize baptism as our first and most fundamental point of unity. Now, 25 years have past, and our divisions remain. It is time to engage the question: If we are united in baptism, then what stands in the way of our full communion with one another as Christians? At Epiphany West 2009, we will look afresh at a theology of the Church rooted in baptism, its implications for ecumenical relations and for the leadership and mission of the Church, and some ways we can begin to think differently about the nature of full communion.

For more information: 510-204-0705 or www.cdsp.edu.

The Epiphany West Conference is set-up with Pre-Conference Classes, Conference Presentations and Conference Workshops. If you'd

Register Today! Circle of Disciples: A Province VIII Conference on Adult Formation

Check out the program and schedule below!

A Conference on Adult Christian Formation

January 30-31, 2009

Berkeley (Church Divinity School of the Pacific)

Come for ministry tools you can use right away! This conference will be an entirely practical immersion in the best of small-group ministry practice. We'll learn about (and experience) Covenant Groups, EfM, Renovaré Spiritual Formation, Group Spiritual Direction, Circles of Trust, Listening Hearts groups and more. Renovaré President Chris Webb, retired Episcopal Divinity School professor Frederica Harris Thompsett, and Susan Farnham of Listening Hearts will be some of the many guest speakers.

Farewell to Sally Mancini & Welcome to Barbara Tensen Ross

Farewell and thank you to Sally Mancini, a treasured leader of Western Episcopal Educators (WEE), the Christian education network for Province VIII for the past three years. We are grateful to Sally for her leadership, her willingness to share her deep experience in the areas of life long Christian formation, and her soft spoken yet joyful spirit. Sally remains an active leader and trainer for Godly Play in the Diocese of California. Blessings on your journey, Sally!

Welcome Barbara Tensen Ross
Barbara Ross currently serves as the Missioner for Christian Formation in the Diocese of Oregon, a position she has held since 2002.  Previously, she served as Director of Christian Education at St. Paul’s in Salem. Barb is a long-time member of Western Episcopal Educators (WEE), and was privileged to serve a six-year term representing Province VIII on the national Episcopal Council for Christian Education (ECCE).  In 2009 she will be attending her third General Convention as a lay deputy from the Diocese of Oregon.

Welcome Lanny Collins, New Treasurer-Elect

 We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lanny Collins as our new treasurer for Province VIII. Lanny lives in Portland Oregon. He had a dual-track career in music and business:  taught music history and organ at the college level; played organ in churches (most recently for 20 years at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral  in Portland,) and  served as administrator of a 200-bed skilled nursing facility. Lanny also served as administrator of Trinity Cathedral, and most recently for 16 years as Canon for Finance and Administration (CFO) for The Diocese of Oregon, serving first the Rt. Rev. Robert Ladehoff, and most recently the Rt. Rev. Johncy Itty. Along the way he also did some contract editing of scholarly music books for Amadeus Press in Portland. He retired from the diocese in March of this year.  Lanny will begin his duties with the Province in January 2009. In his introductory letter to the Executive Committee, Lanny wrote: "I eagerly anticipate our work and time together as we serve in the Lord's vineyard. I pray that our work is blessed and done in God's speed." We look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration.

Travel/Business Expense Reimbursements Deadline

                                                                                                                                                            The Rev. Brian Nordwick is beginning the transition of financial record keeping/check writing from his  office in the Diocese of  El Camino Real to Lanny Collins, former CFO of the Diocese of Oregon.  Brian will be working on getting the books closed at year end for a clean transfer on January 1st. To that end, and since their office is closed from December 24^th through the rest of the year,  all check requests for processing for 2008 payment and budget must be submitted by December 15^th.  This will allow  time to process and mail the checks before the Christmas break.   This request also goes to all of you for any travel/business expense reimbursements.   From December 16^th onward, please  forward all check requests/invoices and questions to Lanny Collins.  Lanny’s contact information is: lannyc@verizon.net; Lanny Collins, 14158 S.W. Northview Drive, Tigard, OR 97223-2639.

 If you have questions, please contact Brian or Jo Ann at: 831-394-4465 or brian@edecr.org or joann@edecr.org through December 23rd. 

2009 Stewardship, Evangelism, and Congregational Development Conference

Save the Date!

The 2009 Stewardship, Evangelism, and Congregational Development network is pleased to announce the Province VIII 2009 Annual Conference to be held  May 15-16, 2009 at the Town & Country Resort and Conference Center in San Diego, California. The keynote speaker will be The Rev. Stephanie Spellers, Author of Radical Welcome: Embracing God, The Other and the Spirit of Transformation.  For further information or questions, please contact Tom VanderWal. 

Download the flyer!

Download 2009_stewardship_conf_flyer.doc

Classes begin next week at CDSP's CALL

                  Taking a CALL Online Course Is Easy!                    

Many online classes offered by CALL are part of a series of courses in a particular field of study. Most series are offered in a two-year cycle, so courses not offered in the current year will be scheduled during the next academic year.

CALL has posted their 2008-09 online continuing education course lineup on their website –  It’s at http://www.cdsp.edu/center_online.  Register today!

Synod Report & Changes in Leadership

Every year the provincial leadership (PLC) gathers to share our stories, prepare our budgets, and get to know each other to further the work of the province. This year the PLC was preceded by the Episcopal Church Women's Annual Conference and followed by the 70th Synod and Orientation to General Convention. Many thanks to all who made this year's Synod events a success.

Networks are at the core of our provincial ministry and are a valuable and unique aspect of our province.  The highlight of our gathering this year was our work with Ruth-Ann Collins, staff officer for Congregational Learning & Children's Ministries at the Episcopal Church Center and musician Fran McKendree.  Ruth-Ann led us in a prophetic visioning process aimed at helping each network leader reflect on their calling and find ways for our ministries to intersect and help one another.  Fran led us in worship, work, singing, laughter, all in God's presence with love in our hearts and truth in our minds.

There are some changes in our provincial leadership for the upcoming year. We bid  a fond farewell to The Rev. Butch Gamarra who has served Province VIII for many years in intercultural ministry, as our convener for Cluster II, the Ethnic and Peace and Justice networks.  Butch remains on board as our representative to Executive Council.
The Rev. Carmen Guerrero was named the new convener of  Cluster II which has been renamed the Multicultural Network.
Judy Conley (Arizona) as been named leader of the newly named Black African American network from Carolyn Gaines (California).   
Becky Clark (Olympia) replaces The Rev. Debbie Royals (Los Angeles) as sole chair of the Indigenous People's Network.
Chris Christensen continues to lead the Faith and Environment network which has moved to Cluster I (Education).