an edition of THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN CHURCH THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA September 2008 PACIFICNEWS VOL. 19 No. 9 What is Area Ministry? Lambeth: A look back — and uring the past year, the term Church of England, which is finding forward — from the fringe “Area Ministry” has been new ways of being the church. It’s not By the Rev. Vicki Gray to the closing Eucharist at Canterbury Dheard around the diocese with about worship, the way we Episcopalians Cathedral. Having journeyed six thousand increasing frequency. It was used in the usually think, but rather going to where ow more than a week after its miles for the occasion, I was almost bishop’s address at Special Convention the people are. One church in England closing Eucharist, I remain moved to tears as the Cathedral’s massive in May and will be a theme of the went out to a skateboard park, but rather hesitant to write about the West Gate was slammed shut before me. th N 159 Diocesan Convention in October. than trying to bring those young people to results of Lambeth, primarily because the I stood more than a few minutes in the Diocesan House staffer Monica Burden the church, they built relationships with nature of those results remains so unclear drizzle, contemplating the huge green recently sat down with the Rev. Canon them. Over time what’s developed around from the perspective of someone still very copper Christ above the gate, his face and Michael Barlowe to ask him to explain them is really like a church, where instead much on the fringe. I hope, therefore, that out-stretched hands seeming to say “I did more about Area Ministry. Here are some of a nave and pews there’s a skate park. you will accept what follows as the very the best I could.” excerpts of that conversation. Fundamentally, Area Ministry is about personal reflections of one pilgrim on a To be sure, a degree of security is What is Area Ministry? not being passive. I think we’re pretty continued journey. always necessary at such events and Area Ministry is a mission strategy good about opening our doors and then In Canterbury, the nature of that the bishops needed and deserved the for reimagining the church and getting us sitting back in our pews and saying “ya’ll fringe was quite literal, with “fringe opportunity to get to know each other back to our missional roots. That mission come”; we’re not so good about opening events” being listed as such at the end in peace and quiet. Still, the panoply does not take place only in our church our doors and then going out and finding of the official program and most often of barriers bespoke symbolically of the buildings or in isolated parochial where people are and bringing the being held away from the University of exclusion felt not just by members of the communities, but rather in the church to them. Kent campus where the bishops met daily LGBT community, but by the laity in neighborhoods and among the But many parishes in under a blue circus general. I for one people around us. Area Ministry this is the Diocese of California tent and in smaller felt very uneasy is also a strategy not a are struggling— Indaba groups. … like an object church for evangelism to membership is The fringe event rather than a subject. underrepresented dwindling, their on sexuality and Having one’s groups in our church, buildings are falling mission that I spoke life in the church particularly young apart, and they have at with South Africa’s discussed without adults, and to connect trouble getting enough Nomfundo Walaza, a voice or without with the multicultural people to run coffee for example, was even being privy reality of our mission hour. What do you say held at St. Stephen’s, to the discussions environment. The to a parish like that Hackington, a lovely is alien to being an best way to make about mustering up parish church a few Bishop Marc joined Communion Episcopalian. those connections is the strength to do this miles away. colleagues in a march for the MDGs. But we were (PCN photo, the Rev. Kate Salinaro) by cooperating with kind of work? St. Stephen’s there to witness, to one another. We need One of the things was home to the two dozen LGBT convey to the bishops and anyone else to open the doors of that Jesus talked about organizations that made up the Inclusive who would listen the lived experience our churches and look is the reality that Church Network at Lambeth. From its of being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or and engage outside. If the more you give parish hall, our communications center, transgendered in an Anglican Communion we’re looking outside something away the the Network produced a very professional that continues to judge us harshly. The of ourselves, we’ll see more there is. The daily newsletter, The Lambeth Witness, opportunities to do so were limited, the one another as well. this is a church quickest way to lose that was much in evidence on the Kent venues often imperfect, the responses This is our area. our faith is to conserve campus. Our hosts at St. Stephen’s sometimes hostile. But we did the best we What do you mean it so much that nobody deserve our special thanks and blessings, could and I am satisfied that our voice — by cooperation? else has it, including ourselves. The having received a flood of hostile however faint — was heard … especially Most Episcopalians experience quickest way to build strength and energy messages for their hospitality. in one-on-one conversations that are the church inside our congregations, and and faith is to give it away. It’s debilitating Adding to the sense of stuff of relationship. that’s an important aspect, but there are to put all our energy into maintenance. If marginalization were the fences and During my week on Lambeth’s many other kinds of institutions that all we ever did in our homes was to keep police presence that cordoned off the blue fringes, I had several such conversations are part of our historic mission, such as the drips from overflowing and plaster tent. Then there were the color-coded with bishops from Africa, Canada, Episcopal Charities, Good Samaritan from falling in, we’d never be able to lanyards that restricted access to that and England, and, yes, other dioceses in the Family Resource Center, and many other enjoy our home and it would be a dreary other venues. Lacking an official one and United States. And, despite the complaints groups. Area Ministry is about connecting life. The essence of church is not the feeling playful, I bought a multi-colored of folks like Egypt’s Bishop Mouneer people, so it’s also important to be in building or figuring out how to pay a staff; lanyard at the Lindisfarne booth in the Anis, we did not “chase” or “shout” at cooperation with our neighbors and their it really is about our lived faith out in the “Marketplace.” It bore the message “A anyone. We engaged others quietly — in concerns. world. Area Ministry isn’t about figuring Christ Centered Life.” That, however, What kind of mission do you see out ways to get more people to come in so proved insufficient to gain admittance 4Fringe: Page 2 parishes undertaking through Area we can keep the status quo. It’s far more Ministry? subversive and radical, going back to our One thing we might do is to walk roots of not the gathered community, but our talk a little bit more, and get to know the dispersed community, bringing the our neighbors and find out what their good news of God’s love to all. concerns are. We need to bring the Good What kinds of resources do you News to them, not just by preaching the envision being shared by Area Ministry word but by actually bringing witness teams? through relationships and ministry. What We live in a consumer society, and do people need? What do they want? we’re all consumers. Some families, for What are their aspirations? Some of it instance, might choose the megachurch might be social service ministries, and a that offers programs for them and their lot of it might not that far different from children rather than the small Episcopal what we do already. We’ve been learning church down on the corner. We don’t want from an English priest, Ian Mobsby, about Diocesan Convention, p. 9 Politics in the Pulpit, p. 3 the Fresh Expressions movement in the 4Area Ministry: Page 4 Lambeth Reflections Listening Process to the Lambeth Conference are akin to the Lambeth Conference will lie in the the dynamism Jesus talked about in his extension of the relationships into our The Lambeth Conference came to parable about a mustard seed — small, diocese and beyond. As I wrote in a blog its conclusion on Sunday, August 3. I seemingly insignificant, but in the end posting, part of the way bishops must would like to thank the courageous — generous and unmistakable. now fulfill their ministry of unity is by “acting from the heart” — people who actively extending the relationships they came to Canterbury from many places to Relations have to others, and even understanding tell their stories as lesbian, gay, bisexual, that these relationships need to develop or transgendered people, as part of the The document that came out of the apart from the bishops themselves. I am Listening Process called for by Lambeth Lambeth Conference, the final draft of coming home to the beautiful Diocese of ’98, the Windsor Document, the Primates, which we saw at the last plenary session, California knowing that there are great and the Archbishop of Canterbury. As is a distillation of the Indaba Group opportunities for becoming a global I pointed out in several settings at the conversations that took place over the body that contributes to the healing of conference, the strength and courage of length of the conference. All of us were the world, and that people in the Bay LGBT people coming to a place where assigned to Bible study groups that met Area are eager to be part of this. The it was commonly heard that there were each morning. Five Bible study groups same Sudanese bishop who spoke so significant negative places of negative constituted an Indaba Group, which met movingly of his province’s brave journey energy aimed at them is something to after the individual study groups. to Lambeth (when significant neighbor honor. What has emerged from the extended provinces stayed away based on what they Tom Jackson, the president of Oasis time in the Bible study and Indaba Groups had “heard”) has asked me whether people California was an on-the-ground, tireless is relationship. Bishops spoke honestly in California could help his people with manager and encourager for all present. and deeply. We found places of profound the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sudan. Who Those telling their stories included the commonality, and we named honestly pain better than we? Rev. Vicki Gray, deacon in the Diocese of in division that was not erased. California; Tom Poynor, chaplain at UC One Sudanese bishop said this: “After Products Berkeley; and Rowan Smith, dean of St. 22 years of suffering [civil war], we have George’s Cathedral in Cape Town, South learned not to run away based on what we As to the other ‘products’ I mentioned Africa. Cynthia Black, Louise Brooks, hear, but to come and see, and then decide above: the document we produced has real and Katie Sherrod produced a powerful whether we need to run away. We are not significance as it reflects the searching, documentary of LGBT people telling their leaving these friendships.” prayerful conversations over a two week stories in Africa that had two showings at There was much talk about “what period of over 600 Anglican bishops. Lambeth. Mimi Walters journeyed from I need to take back to my diocese.” The points of substantial agreement are Baltimore, and lesbian and gay clergy People asked me that quite a lot. Was it thus worth our attention. In California we came from the Diocese of North Carolina. moratoria on blessings, on incursions? will be seeking ways to utilize the indaba The Rev. Dr. Michael Lapsley of the Was it commitment to the relief of process to consider the contents of the Institute for Healing of Memories spoke global suffering through the Millennium document, absorb and extend its learnings, on reconciliation. Development Goals process? An Anglican and contribute back to the whole. While there were barriers to hearing Covenant? At the same time, the document is not these grace-filled, transformative stories, For me it is the relationships. legislation. We will pay close attention still the connections were made. The Unlike most of the other products, the to it, but we must not reify the agreement contributions the above people made usefulness of the relationships formed at points in it into laws, and we should resist interpretations that seek to employ those agreements as laws. 4Fringe: From page 1 witness with Nomfundo Walaza; to share the ordination of gay clergy, and inter- Some of those places of broad Bible studies on John that paralleled the poetic insights with England’s Nicola provincial “invasions,” the Archbishop agreement are: bishops’, around the Marketplace, and on Slee; and to renew acquaintances with of Canterbury “seized defeat from the Moratoria. There was widespread walks around the campus. On one such old friends like South Africa’s Bishop jaws of victory,” ignoring, it seemed, the agreement that moratoria are needed walk I observed more than one bishop Rowan Smith, who shared my amusement bishops’ more pastoral Reflections paper in the areas of: same-sex blessings, intently reading our Lambeth Witness. On about lanyards, and Cameron Partridge, a and pushing aside the seeming consensus consecrations to the episcopate of another I was pleasantly amused when transgendered priest from Massachusetts to kick the most troublesome issues down partnered gays or lesbians, and incursions a young woman, spying my collar and who has done so much to expand the the road another decade. Moreover, by by one province or diocese into the rainbow ribbon, urged me to “keep up the space for transgendered people within the insisting on a meeting of primates within ecclesial life of another province or fight,” adding, as she strode off, “There the next several months to consider these diocese. are a lot of ‘normal’ people behind you.” matters, he may inadvertently damage the Archbishop Rowan in his final But I knew that. Kate Salinaro was there unity we all still seek, perhaps speeding presidential address, given just after we with us; Geoff Diamond sent special up the birth of what Presiding Bishop received the reflections document, noted greetings; and your prayers were felt. Katherine has called “something new, that “there will be some who cannot As Marc and other bishops have which none of us can yet fully appreciate abide by these moratoria, and in this already attested, perhaps the greatest or understand.” She is right in saying they signal that there are steps to deeper gift of Lambeth was the opportunity to that “the Spirit continues to work in our unity they cannot take; or it may be that build face-to-face relationships, to put a midst.” And Bishop Marc is right in they conceive of deeper unity in other face, hopefully Christ’s, on an otherwise affirming that, at least in this diocese, we ways.” I take this to be a profound and abstract issue. For my part, I left Lambeth cannot turn back on same-sex blessings, generous idea. In not abiding by the with wonderful new relationships and old and in calling for a “Communion- moratorium on same-sex blessings I take ones renewed. And I found new strength wide commitment to safeguarding the it as incumbent on me and on us in the The Rev. Vicki Gray, a Witness at Lambeth. in solidarity with LGBT sisters and (PCN photo, the Rev. Kate Salinaro) civil rights and safety of lesbian, gay, Diocese of California to actively labor to brothers from around the world, gaining bisexual and transgendered people.” both understand the position of those to immeasurably from their experience in church and within the LGBT community. But both are also right in calling for whom that moratorium is important and places that are not always as hospitable as But what of substance? We have to patience, generosity, and a commitment to convey the reality of our life together the Bay Area and sometimes downright ask: Have we moved forward or backward to remaining in conversation “to both to the world. I must redouble my efforts at dangerous. or sideways on those issues of sexuality understand the position of those to whom inhabiting a deeper unity. How good to hug Davis Mac-Iyalla that have so divided the Communion? that moratorium is important, and to Millennium Development Goals. of Nigeria upon learning that he had More importantly, can we feel the Spirit convey the reality of our life together to Following up on the Walk of Witness just won asylum in Britain; to bask in moving in our midst? Do we know where the world.” As the Communion teeters in London, there will be a Communion- the quiet courage of Kenya’s Michael that Spirit, blowing ever stronger, is on the edge of a tipping point, we can do wide day of vigil, prayer, and fasting on Kamindu; to take communion bread from moving us? nothing less. God help us all in this crucial September 25 while the United Nations Uganda’s Bishop Christopher Senyonjo; I have the feeling that, in his last period so that, as Katherine put it, “all is meeting in New York. The Episcopal to hear the fresh perspectives of New minute insistence on a Covenant and a tri- may more fully know the leading of the Zealand’s Jenny Te Paa; to stand in fold moratorium on same-sex blessings, Spirit.”  4Lambeth: Page 4 PCN2 | September CHURCH PACIFIC NEWS Politics in the Pulpit Vol 19, No 9. September 2008 By Sean McConnell From Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation Your church CAN: Episcopal Life ISSN 1050-0057 n October 31, 2004, the Rev. George Regas delivered a sermon USPS# 177-940 is published monthly • take positions on policy, including positions at All Saints Church in Pasadena. It was not an unusual thing on specific pieces of legislation. by the Domestic and Foreign to see this firebrand of a former rector in the pulpit, and Missionary Society, Inc. 815 Second O • urge its members (and others) to vote for or parishioners had grown to expect a prophetic message with deep social against a specific ballot measure. Ave, New York, NY 10017. Periodical commentary. Regas had preached sermons condemning the Vietnam postage paid in New York, NY and ad- • encourage its members to vote and speak to War and the Gulf War, and this Halloween sermon was preached in the values and positions on issues they believe ditional mailing offices. context of increasing violence and a growing insurgency in Iraq and POSTMASTER: Send change of address people should consider when entering the news of US casualties and the insurgent takeover of Fallujah, and it voting booth. to Episcopal Life, PO Box 2050 came two days before citizens of the United States would go to the polls Voorhees NJ 08043-8000. • conduct a voter registration or “Get Out The to choose between George W. Bush and John Kerry for president. Vote” drive as long as it’s open to anyone, In the sermon, Regas imagined a debate between Bush, Kerry, regardless of party. The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, and Jesus, and after telling the gathered congregation that he did not publisher • invite all candidates to a debate for your intend to tell them how to vote, he went on to say that “Good people of members or the community at large as long Mr. Sean T. McConnell, editor profound faith will be for either George Bush or John Kerry for reasons as nothing about the debate favors any one Ms. Monica Burden, managing editor deeply rooted in their faith.” He then preached a sermon that offered candidate. critiques from Jesus (based in Christ’s words from the Gospels) of both • invite individual candidates and elected candidates. But it is fair to say that the policies in existence under the officials to speak to its members, as long incumbent’s presidency drew the greatest criticism, as they were the as all candidates are invited under similare policies being debated in (audience, length of time, time period relative the real presidential debates to election) circumstances. You must publicly The Episcopal Diocese and by the talking heads state that the church does not support or of California and pundits throughout the oppose this or any candidate. campaign. • invite candidates or elected officials to events is 27,000 people in 80 congregations, The sermon was for reasons unrelated to their candidacy with 40 educational institutions, who interrupted several times by for office, but make it clear they are not speak English, Spanish, Chinese, Japa- applause, and then prayers appearing in their role as candidate. nese, Filipino, Korean, and American were said, bread was • allow candidates to use your facilities IF Sign Language, and minister to one broken, and everyone went you regularly allow civic organizations to another, proclaiming the good news of on about their lives. Two do so (charge the same fee and give other God’s unconditional love as shown to us days later Americans went candidates equal access). in Jesus. to the polls and re-elected • distribute unbiased questionnaires that cover Bush for his second term. a range of issues and publicize the answers The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, The following June, without comment on whose answers are Bishop The Rev. George Regas the Rev. Ed Bacon, rector better/worse. of All Saints, Pasadena, 1055 Taylor Street is rector emeritus of All received a letter from the Clergy CAN: • act as individuals and not as representatives of San Francisco, CA 94108 Saints, Pasadena, in the IRS that said, “a reasonable Diocese of Los Angeles. belief exists that you may their houses of worship in publicly endorsing not be tax-exempt as a candidates. However, they must make clear church under IRC (Internal Revenue Code) section 501(a).” that the endorsement is not on behalf of their The Episcopal Church It is IRC 501(c)(3) that gives churches and other non-profit denomination or congregation and should organizations their tax-exempt status, and 501(a) simply states that not be made using any official facility of the church. is a community of 2.5 million members this is the case. According to the IRS, any organization that holds a tax in 114 dioceses in North America and exempt status may lose that status if, “any of the activities (whether Your church CANNOT abroad. Organized in 1789. or not substantial) of your organization consist of participating in, or • allow candidates to raise campaign funds intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) on church property UNLESS the candidate The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, any candidate for public office.” is renting church space for a fundraiser on Presiding Bishop The code goes on to say, “Whether your organization is participating the same terms that all other candidates are or intervening, directly or indirectly, in any political campaign on behalf permitted to rent. explicitly or implicitly Episcopal Church Center of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office depends upon endorse a candidate, potential candidate, 815 Second Ave. all of the facts and circumstances of each case.” If an organization is party, third-party movement or candidate draft deemed by the IRS to be in violation of this ruling, they are guilty of effort. This includes church leaders speaking New York, NY 10017 “campaign intervention” and risk losing their tax-exempt status. in their official capacity. The interpretation of whether campaign intervention did in fact • make a donation or loan to a candidate, party, happen at All Saints seems somewhat subjective. In a sermon preached or political action committee. The Anglican Communion one year after Regas’ sermon, Bacon told parishioners that “the IRS • permit political signs favoring a candidate or is arguing that they can investigate a church based on a field officer’s party to be posted on its property. is a global community of 70 million subjective determination that a preacher’s sermon implicitly opposes or • focus voter registration or other election- Anglicans in 38 member provinces. endorses candidates regardless of the explicit statements of the preacher. related activities to specific geographic areas This means that any sermon which states a church’s core values when selected because they are key districts or The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Dr. Rowan proclaimed during an election season can be subjectively deemed to be wards that will determine the outcome of the Williams campaign intervention.” election. (However, you can focus activities On September 10, 2007, the IRS brought the case to a close, stating because it’s in your geographic location or the London, England SE1 7JU that “the Church’s actions lead us to the conclusion that the Church residence of members) intervened in the 2004 Presidential election campaign. We note that this • ask a candidate to pledge support for your appears to be a one-time occurrence and that you appear to have policies denomination’s position on an issue or m2ss.org in place to ensure that the Church complies with the prohibition against publicize a candidate’s independent decision intervention in campaigns for public office.” In other words, the IRS to support or oppose your denomination’s ministry to straight spouses found the sermon to be an act of campaign intervention, was satisfied position. m2ss makes no recommendations about by the policies against intervention that All Saints had in place, and • provide anything of value including space, the validity of relationships or of mar- concluded that the church could retain its tax exemption. equipment, mailing lists, staff time, without riages. It has been put together by people In a press release dated several days after the IRS’s letter closing charging full market value and allowing equal who have lived with these issues and the case, Bacon stated, “While we are pleased that the IRS examination access to opposing candidates. healed. It simply shares what has been is finally over, the IRS has failed to explain its conclusion regarding • provide space for the distribution of partisan been useful to others in this situation. materials on its property. 4Politics: Page 8 PCN3 | September Area Ministry 4Area Ministry: From page 1 Area Ministry in DioCal to be like the megachurches, but how can we meet the needs of these neighbors At the invitation and oversight of the Rt. Rev. who are looking for that variety and size Marc Handley Andrus and the Rev. Canon Michael of programs? Through cooperation! We Barlowe, Area Ministry is already underway could, for instance take the small youth throughout the Diocese of California. In east groups at several churches and make Contra Costa County, St. Alban’s, Brentwood and a single more active and vibrant youth St. George’s, Antioch, led by their clergy and a group that might meet our neighbors needs better. If we think of ourselves as discerned Area Ministry steering committee, have one large group rather than individual teamed together to be “on mission” amidst one of churches—that is, if we really start think the fastest-growing population areas in the Bay Area. of our areas, and the whole diocese as In San Francisco, Church of the Advent, being the basic unit of ministry rather than St. Gregory of Nyssa, Buen Samaritano, Holy the congregation—we have the resources Innocents, St. John the Evangelist, the Community of the strengths of a whole group of of Saint Francis and the Society of Saint Francis, and churches. Congregations might also Sojourn Chaplaincy have formed a large “South of share administrative tasks and resources, Market” Area Ministry team. together hiring one or two gifted, full-time Preliminary work in Area Ministry and staff members at just wages rather than a number of part-time personnel each exploration of its possibilities has begun among some congregations in the Berkeley–Albany–Richmond working alone in a specific church. area, Oakland, and the Peninsula. How do those kinds of changes help A diocesan formation initiative for Area Ministry, under the leadership of Michael Barlowe and people get out into the communities? Julia McCray-Goldsmith, is well underway, with major implications for the recruitment, identification, It removes us from all the work that formation and deployment of clergy and lay leaders. has to go into maintenance. If the vestry Appointed Area Missioners, both stipendary and non-stipendary, will help coordinate the teams. or bishop’s committee is suddenly freed While the first area missioners appointed (the Rev. Robin Arnold, the Rev. Bertie Pearson, and the Rev. from worrying about yet another search Aris Rivera) have been clergy, laypeople will also be tapped as missioners. for a one-eighth time administrative assistant, they might have time to think about how we’re going to go out and be the church in our neighborhood. We spend 4Lambeth: From page 2 window of opportunity to reverse the alternative ideas for the design group, a lot of time on things that most of us negative effects of climate change is contributions that may influence what don’t go to church for. People don’t say Church will have a presence there, along closing far more rapidly than even our goes to the Anglican Consultative Council they love to go to church because they with representatives of provinces and scientific community thought 20 years in late spring of next year. There are love those meetings to decide how to pay dioceses throughout the Communion. All ago. One bishop quoted projections he interesting ways of creating community for the pipes that just broke. Instead they of this is to highlight the need to recommit read just before the conference began that and healing community that have little could talk about: Gee, I really like being to the MDGs in order to halve extreme said we have about 100 months to do the to do with Western legal and legislative part of the Episcopal church because poverty by 2015. emergency work we must do. systems, and it might be good to hear I’ve developed a set of relationships This Communion-wide act of witness In the Diocese of California I am about such processes. that otherwise wouldn’t have happened, and advocacy is something towards which heartened by the revitalized work of the Partners. Finally, I want to say what I’ve seen my own life and the life of my I have been working and praying for Environmental Commission, and the a pleasure it was to work with and spend family transformed, I’ve seen a slight six years. I believe it is also the fruit of network of liaisons to the Commission time with Bishop Steven Charleston dismantling of the consumerism that is the much of Archbishop Rowan’s ministry, that has been formed, but am aware that during the Conference. We met every day bane of our existence as my kids and my the result of his ministry as Archbishop at present we exist more as potential over breakfast, a touchstone of real use to family discover new ways of relating to of Canterbury — combining faith and energy than as an active network. We me as the intense days were beginning. people that don’t have to do with stuff but action at a global level. The global church, must and will respond to this crisis with I am so hopeful about all of our work with love—those are the kind of things he said, is not just existent to manage intelligence, commitment, and will. It together in the future of the Diocese of people could talk about. Being freed from internal conflict, but to aid in the healing is essential that we not only move into California, and Bishop Steven is joining a worrying about maintenance allows us of the world’s wounds. Interdependent greater action, but that we also see that great ministering community at Diocesan to reconnect with what makes us excited churches, globally connected, praying and action as prayer, that we root our action House, and bringing his own great heart about being Christians. worshipping as the base of their work of in prayer and theology. It is also essential and intelligence to that lovely partnership How will Area Ministry affect healing in the world — in this consists the that we link our diocesan efforts with that serves the diocese. membership? catholic faith. others in Province Eight of The Episcopal Bishop Steven and I also hosted We’re going to grow because of this. We must see September 25 as a Church. an evening with the Province of Brazil, Growth doesn’t come because we have the starting point, not as an end point. The An Anglican Covenant. In an address including Bishop Naudal and Carmen best theology or the finest liturgy; it really Diocese of California has been laboring to he gave during the Lambeth Conference, from the Diocese of Curitiba, our comes through relationships. Many of us understand and implement the Millennium Archbishop Rowan said that a covenant companion diocese. After the fun dinner, come to church because we are invited Development Goals in our common life. for the Communion “should help us grow I excused myself to go to another room into it by people we admire or are friends We may view this Lambeth agreement as together.” While there is widespread will in the same building to host the second with. We care about them and are in an opening for greater partnerships and for an Anglican Covenant expressed in the screening of Voices of Witness from relationship with them, and we learn from possibilities, an answer to prayer. final document of Lambeth 2008, there Africa. I looked up to see all the bishops them that their faith is part of who they Environment. Environmental was equally widespread opposition to the and spouses of the Province of Brazil are. That’s intriguing to us and that brings sustainability is Goal 7 of the MDGs. The sections (3 and the Appendix) of the St. joining us there. I think this says a great us in. Relational evangelism is something environmental crisis, however, was of Andrew’s Draft Covenant that make the deal about our brothers and sisters in I think Area Ministry is going to really such deep concern to the bishops gathered proposed covenant an instrument of dis- Brazil, and about the good work and life support, so we’re going to grow. at Lambeth 2008 that it was given union rather than its hoped for opposite. we are going to share. How will Area Ministry be attention as a separate but related subject I think we will have a covenant at some implemented? area in the final document. In our Indaba time in the future, and I think it will be a If you’re in a congregation that Group I heard bishops speak with passion much different thing than what we have seems to spend too much time just and intimate knowledge of sustained seen yet, all of which has been born out of keeping things going, if you’re fatigued droughts in Australia, degradation from fear and anxiety. because there aren’t enough people to wide-scale and unchecked mining in Bishop Steven and I have been go around and there’s too many tasks to India, dam building, the pollution of the encouraging a group of non-Episcopal do, you’re probably ready to start turning The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus oceans, and the environmental effects Church, non- Church of England bishops, outside. Any church that’s ready to turn Bishop of globalization and “affluenza.” The clergy, and laity to present some lively outside itself is ready to start exploring PCN4 | September Area Ministry

Area Ministry. We’ve identified some characteristics of churches that might One parish’s experience of Area Ministry be ready, for instance, churches that are in search processes for new clergy ast year, the Rev. Canon or going through other big transitions, Michael Barlowe invited St. churches that are already cooperating with LGeorge’s, Antioch, to create an other churches, churches in areas that Area Ministry team with St. Alban’s, are experiencing enormous population Brentwood. St. George’s was established growth. Bishop Marc and I have spoken in 1988, when two parishes (St. David’s, to nearly every parish in the diocese about Pittsburgh, and St. Barnabus, Antioch) Area Ministry, and we’ve identified some were combined. To complicate matters, areas that seem particularly ready. But Antioch was a rural community that every church in the diocese is now or soon has seen an unprecedented population will be ready for Area Ministry. No one is boom in recent years. Despite the growth being forced into joining, but everyone is around them, attempts to grow St. being invited into Area Ministry. George’s through traditional methods What will the experience of an have not been successful. individual parish be? In her two years at St. George’s, the The first thing is to accept the Rev. Amber Sturgess has led the parish invitation into relationship with other through a process of healing old wounds churches and ministries. Then, together and moving forward into Area Ministry. Parishioners of St. George’s, Antioch, and St. Alban’s, -- through formation, through prayer, That process, she says, began with the Brentwood, celbrate Euchartist together in the park. through ministry together -- you will parish working to accept where they are begin to understand the area and now and contemplate how they cope neighbors in the area. Out of that comes a with transitions and change. Intensive really love one another in a community St. Alban’s, but with the recruitment and discernment about new kinds of ministries group work moved the parish toward a that is open and accepting of one another, deployment of the Rev. Aris Rivera, the and fresh expressions of the church. Every willingness to change, and they began with all our differences,” says Sturgess. new vicar and area missioner, Sturgess area is going to be different, as the people experimenting with combining services as She looks forward to a time when they is excited about the shape of things to in every area are different. The team might one way to heal. Eventually they decided will begin sharing small-group faith come. She describes Area Ministry as a begin by gathering basic information to move to a single service, a change that formation resources together and further “movement from a more hierarchical way and finding out about the area. The has energized and motivated the parish. deepen their relationship. of doing ministry to a mutual ministry” team in east Contra Costa County, for Nevertheless, Sturgess feels that Sturgess acknowledges that Area that involves “embodying what it means instance, is talking to real estate people, rather than continue to use the traditional Ministry is not easy. It will take a great to be the priesthood of all believers.” school teachers, hospital administrators, models of church growth that don’t seem deal of education, discipleship, and She says, “It’s a radically different way people moving into the community, and to be working, it is vital for St. George’s careful discernment of spiritual gifts. of thinking about doing ministry … It’s also looking statistics and demographic go out into the world and experience the Also, the east Contra Costa team’s efforts really a transformation in the approach to information. Bringing the church into the direct presence of God. In January the were affected by a change in leadership at ministry.”  neighborhood is also important. One of parish nominated four laypeople to serve our churches is having one of their small on the Area Ministry team with four groups, called a covenant group, not in laypeople from St. Alban’s and clergy and the church but in a coffee shop, bringing diocesan leadership. their faith into a public space. Area The major question the team focuses Ministry becomes a genuine discernment on is, What is God calling us to be in model, that we’re in a deeper engagement east Contra Costa County? The group with our neighbors so that our neighbors brainstorms about the kind of church are telling us what they need. It’s not they’d like to be, allowing themselves just a social service model, either. As to daydream about how they might go Ian Mobsby reminded us in our recent out into the world and bring church to workshop, spiritual poverty is as great an the people. Letting the group be creative issue for many people in the contemporary is a significant component of the work. world as other kinds of poverty. There is inherent risk and uncertainty to How do you do spiritual ministry the process, but Sturgess says that “letting THE without bringing people into the church? things flow” helps move people reorient There’s no real magic to it. Most their priorities and let go of their ideas BISHOP’S people don’t respond to authoritarian about the way church should be. people saying, “This is how it’s going Building a relationship with St. SOCIETY to be.” It happens through my getting to Alban’s is also an important part of the know my neighbor and sharing my own process. The two parishes have started Honoring Twenty-First Century Planned Giving Donors experiences and feelings, and how my inviting each other to church events and Planned Giving Donors Supporting Ministries of faith has helped me during those times. even sharing special services together in thethe DioceseDiocese ofof CaliforniaCalifornia It’s by way of sharing my life with them, a nearby park. “It’s a process of getting not by telling them this is the kind of people to let go of the way they’ve always belief you’ve got to have. looked at each other” and “learning to Reception with How is Area Ministry different than community organizing? Bishops Marc Andrus and Steven Charleston Area Ministry uses many of the Grace Cathedral insights of community organizing, and next student. But if my goal is to play October 5, 2008 Area Ministry teams will receive training basketball with you, I will still teach you in community organizing. But the primary the rules and skills for playing, but I will 3 pm Choral Evensong goal of Area Ministry is not to organize continue to play basketball with you, and 4 pm Reception & Photos The Gift Planning Office the community around some project; it is I would never leave you. We want to share of the Diocese of California to be agents of the Good News, to invite our vision and experience of the Beloved To receive an invitation, please call (415) 869-7811. 1055 Taylor St. people into relationship with God and Community with others. Area Ministry is San Francisco, CA 94108 one another. If my goal were to teach a way for us to proclaim that the Beloved The Rev. Richard L. Schaper, CFP you how to play basketball, I could teach Community already exists, to see aspects All of these happy people [email protected] have remembered the church you the rules of the game and some skills of the Beloved Community outside the Tel: (415) 869-7811 • www.EpiscopalGift.org in their wills and estate plans. for playing, and then I could say well church, and to turn everyone’s attention to Won’t you join us? done, and I can leave and move on to my one another through God.  PCN5 | September Around the Diocese

All Saints rededicates Strane shows Bingham to train space to service with Gore By Rob Droste sympathy and shaves By Barbara Bisel

n the evening of June 14, more than 125 ast summer when the Rev. Steven Strane, of St. he Rev. Canon Sally Bingham, diocesan Canon parishioners and friends of All Saints, San Timothy’s, Danville, went on sabbatical leave for the Environment, has been selected by OLeandro, gathered to celebrate the completion Lfrom his parish, he decided to forego haircuts Tformer vice-president Al Gore of The Climate of its first of six phases of repair and remodeling. The as a way of marking his time away. After his sabbatical, Project (TCP) to attend TCP’s first faith-based training entire project is scheduled between January 2008 and the his hair was noticeably longer. Shortly after his return session in Nashville, Tennessee. TCP is a nonprofit parish’s centennial celebration in September 2010. to active ministry, St. Timothy’s was about to host their organization working to increase public awareness of the Centered on the theme “Why We Build,” the group annual outreach rundraiser and organizers asked Strane climate crisis at a grassroots level in the United States came together for Holy Communion and the preaching of if they could put the fate of his hair up for auction. and abroad. Worldwide, TCP’s 2,300 presenters have Sara Miles, founder of the food pantry at St. Gregory of “On the night of the event,” Strane said, “the reached an audience of at least 4 million people. Nyssa and acclaimed author of Take This Bread. Music attendees divided themselves into a “coalition to cut it,” The program that Rev. Bingham will attend in October was provided by the combined choirs of All Saints and and a “coalition to keep it.” The keep it coalition came will train an invited group of religious leaders to deliver Holy Cross, Castro Valley. After communion, all shared up with the high bid, and we raised over $5,000 for our a faith-based version of the TCP slideshow for adult a supper of homemade soups and sandwiches in the three beneficiaries, Options Recovery Services, Operation education programs in congregations. style of All Saints’ First Saturday Neighborhood Lunch Second Chance, and GAIA.” Gore and Bingham have both been proactive in – the parish’s monthly food program for San Leandro’s At Easter time he had decided that his hair simply public education on the moral implications of human- Broadmoor Neighborhood. must be cut, and Strane decided once again to ask induced global warming. Rev. Bingham is co-chair of the “It can be easy to forget that we build and maintain donations for shaving his head. Supporting the St. Commission for the Environment and president of The facilities for a larger purpose,” said The Rev. Rob Baldrick’s Foundation, he shaved his head and helped Regeneration Project. She was installed by the Rt. Rev. Droste, All Saints’ rector. “That’s to be of service to the raise much needed funds for children with cancer. With a Marc Andrus as canon in January 2008. neighborhood, the larger community and beyond.” mission of Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids’ Cancer, the To schedule a climate awareness presentation The idea, Droste said, has always been to create a St. Baldrick’s Foundation coordinates worldwide head- in your parish, please contact Bingham at sally@ space that supports a mission focus. “We believe that shaving events, where volunteer “shavees” raise money theregenerationproject.org. our facilities are a major tool for sharing the good news to support childhood cancer research. of God in Jesus Christ, meeting real human needs, and Having gone more than a year without a haircut, COE holds conference for liaisons holding up injustice to the light of the Gospel. For us to Strane was delighted that his head-shaving would help do that effectively – and not be distracted by building the more than 160,000 children diagnosed with cancer In Andrus’s post-Lambeth remarks on his blog, problems – well cared-for, inspiring and inviting space is worldwide each year. At a small festive head-shaving he noted the need for our churches to “respond to [the really important.” reception, he and the St. Timothy parishioners, were able climate] crisis with intelligence, commitment, and will. It All Saints has raised more than $185,000 in cash to raise more than $5,000 for childhood cancer research. is essential that we not only move into greater action, but and pledges to date. The June celebration marked the St. Baldrick’s has raised over $15.8 million thus that we also see that action as prayer, that we root our completion of more than $100,000 in termite and dry rot far in 2008 – with a goal of raising $17 million by action in prayer and theology.” The Commission for the mitigation, plus the first major remodel of the worship the end of the year. Since 2000, head-shavings have Environment (COE) plans to do just that and urges all of space in close to 40 years. The next step, scheduled for taken place in 18 countries and 48 U.S. states, raising our parishes to utilize the resources offered by the COE. completion this fall, will include $60,000 in exterior more than $48.5 million and shaving more than 71,000 All COE parish liaisons are invited to attend a paint, wheelchair ramps and restroom expansion, and a heads. St. Baldrick’s funding opportunities now include Liaison Conference on Saturday, September 27, at Grace major kitchen remodel to support All Saints’ growing fellowships, career development awards and research Cathedral. The COE will gather the liaisons for a day food programs. For more information, check out the grants. Individuals shave their heads to stand in solidarity of sharing spiritual inspiration and a solutions-oriented parish website at www.saintsalive.net.  with the kids who typically lose their hair during cancer program of parish success stories, environmental resource treatment.  education, and inter-parish networking.  Turney raises $8,348 to combat AIDS human spirit and what is best about humankind. We all long with some 2,500 other riders and a learned that we were capable of making the seemingly support crew of 500, Archdeacon Anthony impossible a reality – including climbing hills with ATurney successfully and safely completed the names like “Quad Buster,” “The Evil Twins” and “The seven-day AIDS LifeCycle 7 Ride from San Francisco Wall!” We learned that a group of people, regardless of to Los Angeles. Anthony says that more importantly, gender, age, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation, can live because of the generosity of the family, friends and harmoniously, respectfully and joyfully. We learned that a colleagues who supported him, he raised $8,348. The group of individuals, when united toward a common goal, total raised by the event was over $11.6 million for can accomplish far more than any of us alone might have HIV/AIDS-related services in San Francisco and Los otherwise managed. We learned to live in the company of Angeles. heroes. I am so very grateful for all the encouragement “The ride is an extraordinary experience that’s hard and support I received. It was a deep honor and a great to describe,” says Turney. “Together, the riders and the pleasure to make the journey that was AIDS LifeCycle 7.” “roadies” – all 3,000 of us – demonstrated the power,  the resilience, the tenacity and the compassion of the PCN6 | September Around the Diocese

Walking to Santiago Grace Cathedral Hitchcock returns By Daniel Simons goes green with arlier this summer I helped lead a group of a to Grace Cathedral dozen Bay Area Episcopalians walking 150 PG&E donation an Francisco playwright, photographer, and Emiles across northern Spain on the Camino By Anna Ross filmmaker Lucy Gray is mounting a production de Santiago, a pilgrimage route that has been traveled Sof her original work, To Kill For, at Grace steadily since the eighth century. As we trudged at last n Wednesday, July 16, San Francisco Mayor Cathedral. The play is a “remake” of Alfred Hitchcock’s into the swirl of people on the cathedral square, I noticed Gavin Newsom joined Alan Jones, dean of Vertigo, probably the most famous film ever shot in San a subtle but striking difference between two distinct OGrace Cathedral and representatives from PG&E Francisco. Vertigo celebrates its 50th anniversary this groups entering the plaza. and the San Francisco PUC as the cathedral received a year. To Kill For is directed by ACT veteran Joy Carlin From the right side of the plaza groups of tourists, donation from PG&E toward the installation of a new and will be staged in the 99-seat Chapel of Grace as often following a placard on a pole, looked around the solar photovoltaic system. a part of the 2008 San Francisco Fringe Festival. The square. They took pictures of whatever was pointed out to In a public ceremony held on the cathedral’s Great show is scheduled for September 5, 8, and 9 at 8:00 p.m. them by the guide and appeared vaguely bewildered. Steps, Mayor Newsom informed the audience that as a Pictured (above) is actor and Bay Area native From the left side of the plaza where the Camino nonprofit, Grace Cathedral also qualifies for thousands of Robert Sicular who portrays “Hitch” in the play. The real gate stood, pilgrims straggled in. They invariably walked dollars from San Francisco’s new solar energy incentive Hitchcock visited the cathedral while shooting portions of to the very center stone of the plaza, took a picture of program GoSolarSF, which launched July 1. his 1976 film Family Plot there. themselves with the cathedral facade in the background, PG&E and Grace Cathedral were brought together In 1998, Gray presented “Naming the Homeless,” embraced each other, laughing and weeping at the same by the Rev. Canon Sally Bingham, president of the in which she photographed 28 homeless people in their time. Then they looked around the plaza, also appearing California Interfaith Power and Light. The cathedral is a sleeping places, and again after they had been made over vaguely bewildered. member of CIPL.  to look like fashion models. “Naming” was also shown The touristsʼ bewilderment was purely practical: was at Grace Cathedral.  lunch next or a museum tour? The bewilderment on the pilgrimsʼ faces was much more existential: Now What? This awareness hits you unexpectedly: the one thing that has totally occupied your every waking minute for the Diocese launches ad campaign past weeks has suddenly and conclusively come to an end. Itʼs followed by a wave of awareness that of course n June 22, 2008, the Diocese of itʼs not over. Youʼll keep walking — out of the plaza and California ran a full-page advertisement away from Santiago — into the rest of your life. Oin the Datebook section of the San Most pilgrims arrive in Santiago much changed Francisco Chronicle proclaiming “Blessings from from wherever they set out, and while the tears and the The Episcopal Church.” The ad was created by the bewildering Now What? might come as a surprise to diocesan Communications Working Group and them, theyʼve been weeks in the making and come I think was funded by generous donations made by clergy from two very important daily experiences: generosity and lay members of the diocese. and adversity. This was the first ad in what will be a Generosity is everywhere on the Camino, often in continued campaign celebrating the recent surprising places. The woman in the doorway who wishes decision by the California Supreme Court you buen camino as you pass by, the priest who shows recognizing marriage rights for same-sex couples. you his little church and wants to pray with you before “The purpose of the ad is two-fold,” said Sean you walk on, the fellow traveler who gives you a better McConnell, communications officer for the way to treat a blister. There is bounty and beauty all diocese. “We are making a public statement that around when the luxuries are stripped away and youʼre Episcopal Churches in the San Francisco Bay Area more dependent on the kindness of others. respect the dignity of every human being, and we Adversity, too, is a daily companion —usually are reaching out to same-sex couples and those around the last three kilometers of the day, or when the who support them, offering them spiritual homes third blister engulfs your toe! The Camino invites every in the churches of our diocese.” pilgrim to walk through adversity, not around it, with An initial gift of $2,500 for the ad campaign their blisters and bad moods. Each ache reveals to them came from the Revs. Jonathan and David the importance of their mission: I WILL get to Santiago, Abernethy-Deppe. Following that gift, an email one step at a time! went out to clergy in the diocese asking them for There is a saying thatʼs been on the Camino since the their financial support of the campaign. To date, Middle Ages: a Santiago sólo se va, nunca se llega, “You more than $5,000 has been received supporting the can only keep going to Santiago, you can never arrive.” campaign. The next placement will be a full-page Standing in the plaza with that bewildered look, every color ad in the Bay Area Reporter’s LGBT Pride pilgrim is discovering this for themselves, a secret that special edition. McConnell is in communication the package tourists cannot begin to appreciate. with advertising placement companies to see about Those who walked the Camino together this summer expanding the campaign to National Public Radio, are still pondering that secret back in our day-today lives, BART, and other regional transit systems. If you and asking questions that I imagine every one of us asks would like to donate to the ad campaign, please whenever God wakes us up to the adventure of life: How contact Sean McConnell by email at seanm@ do I become more than a tourist of my own life? How do diocal.org or 415.869.7820. To download a PDF I stay on the path? Now What?  copy of the ad, visit diocal.org.  PCN7 | September Politics in the Pulpit 4 From page 3 how to vote, it can be beneficial when a Politics: congregation comes together to take a the single sermon at issue. Synagogues, public stance that lets politicians and the DioCal MDG Taskforce mosques, and churches across America public know that core Christian values have no more guidance about the IRS support or reject specific policies or lobbies congress rules now than when we started this initiatives. By Shari Young process over two long years ago. The Regas was empowered to On July 16 the group visited Jennifer impact of this letter leaves a chilling effect preach a sermon critical of the Bush he original concept of the Tang in Barbara Boxer’s San Francisco cast over the freedom of America’s pulpits administration’s Iraq War policies because Millennium Development Goals office, and in August (after press deadline to preach core moral values. We have no in 1988 the congregation had decided as was that prosperous nations for this publication) we will meet with T th choice but to demand clarification on this a body that they were “A Peace Church” re-commit to their moral obligation to Rep. Lynn Woolsey, 6 California district matter with the IRS.” and that they would preach that Jesus is a reduce the extreme poverty of developing comprising Marin and Sonoma, and a To this day, the IRS has not “peacemaker” from their understanding of nations by committing .7% of their GNP member of Rep. Barbara Lee’s 9th district provided more clarification in the case, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. to the 8 MDG goals. The MDG Taskforce staff. and preachers from every corner of Helping seminarians learn the skills has thus focused on advocacy as the In the planning stages are: the Christian spectrum have expressed of tying faith values to an informed crucial agenda for church MDG activism, September 25: Diocesan involvement support for All Saints’ position and their citizenship is what the Beatitudes Society in addition to the building of compassion in the Anglican Communion-wide day demand for further clarification. is all about. “It is about being engaged in through charity. In February we joined of vigil, prayer, and fasting while the Now we find ourselves in a political public life,” says Howard. “That is what together with the Roman Catholic United Nations is meeting in New York season once again. Our bishop and many we are working on with our students, to Archdiocese to found, and now chair, to highlight the need to recommit to the clergy in this diocese have publically help their congregations grapple with the Bay Area Interfaith Global Poverty MDGs in order to halve extreme poverty expressed opposition to California public and political issues, and one way Working Group. The purpose of this by 2015. Proposition 8, the ballot initiative to do that is to guarantee safe and open group is to lobby Congress on behalf of Fall 2009: Our second MDG intended to overturn the state supreme elections. That’s the type of thing that a the Global Poverty Act, the Growth Act Taskforce Workshop focusing on parish court’s May 2008 decision granting preacher can preach about, being what supporting women, and the Jubilee debt MDG activism and advocacy. marriage rites to same-sex couples. The Martin Marty calls a ‘Citizen Believer.’” relief act. Spring 2009: the third annual “.7 decisions you make when you consider The Episcopal Church has an The Global Poverty Act, which Now!” Interfaith MDG Conference. many city and county propositions or office in Washington DC that is focused has passed the House unanimously and As before, there will be two basic foci: ballot initiatives might come from a on government relations and public “sits” in the Senate, directs the president education about the MDGs and workshops deep personal consideration of your core policy. The Episcopal Church’s Office to review and overhaul our foreign aid on how to organize parishes for charity Christian values. And even the candidates of Government Relations oversees mechanisms in light of the MDGs. The and advocacy. you consider … do your religious beliefs the Episcopal Public Policy Network Growth Act provides help for women in Our local interfaith movement to inform whom you vote for? (a church-wide network of concerned the developing world, and the Jubilee Act influence Congress for support of the Episcopalians) and advocates for issues asks for relief for impoverished nations MDGs has been gathering momentum Politics: What’s a preacher to do? of importance to all Episcopalians (as struggling under debt repayment. since it began in February. Jewish leaders, According to the Rev. Anne Howard, expressed in our General Convention). On May 28 our group met with Catholics, members of the United Church executive director of the Beatitudes There are also groups like Episcopalians Jackie Speier, representative from the 12th of Christ, Lutherans, Buddhists have Society, it is simply a good rule of thumb for Global Reconciliation that advocate California Congressional district. Midge joined and interest is growing. The group to remember that the people in the pews for improving the quality of life of world Whittaker of St. Matthew’s, San Mateo, seeks to make this unique coalition a are smart, thinking people. “You don’t citizens by advocating for the Millennium a constituent, was one of those with the model for other geographic areas. have to hammer people over the head and Development Goals. Each of these groups group. She writes, Even if every diocese, every parish, tell them how to vote.” looks at the core values of our faith, then Headed by George Wesolek of and every parishioner gave .7% of seeks to promote passage of law and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of their income, it would be a very small implementation of policy that promotes San Francisco, we discussed several amount compared to the stated intention these values. urgent issues with Rep. Speier, of the UN Resolution that created the Every Episcopalian is invited to join including support of the Global Millennium Development Goals: .7% of the Episcopal Public Policy Network and Poverty Act. I found Rep. Speier to the federal budget of every nation. The Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation be attentive and interested in what eradication of extreme poverty, HIV/ and to help educate your congregation the group had to say. Though she AIDS and malaria, education for all, and your community about matters of has only recently become a member equality for women, the reduction of child civic importance. Every person of faith is of the House of Representatives, mortality and improvement of mother’s encouraged to speak publically about how she expressed her support for the health, environmental sustainability, their beliefs inform their understanding Millennium Development Goals as and global partnerships to make it all of the issues. And every American has a well as the Global Poverty Act. She happen is working, but our call is to keep responsibility to strive for a better life for expressed the opinion that with time, advocating. all of our citizens and for the citizens of she can have an impact on these You can join the MDG Working the world. issues. I feel that personal visits to all Group. We meet next at 12 noon on our state and federal representatives September 4 at Diocesan House, and The Rev. Anne Howard Resources in the area could be helpful in encourage phone-in participation! is executive director of Episcopalians For Global Reconciliation furthering support for both the Contact one of the co-chairs, Shari Young has posted The Interfaith Alliance Millennium Development Goals as ([email protected]) or Nina Brooks the Beatitudes Society. Foundation’s publication “A Campaign well as other programs dealing with ([email protected]).  Season Guide for Houses of Worship”: poverty and hunger. “Preachers must always speak www.e4gr.org/doc/TIAFGuide prophetically about political issues. If we The Pew Forum’s “Politics and the are going to speak about hunger, or the Pulpit 2008”: www.pewforum.org/ environment, or healthcare, we need to docs/?DocID=280 Every Thursday from noon to do so prophetically. To be prophetic is to The Episcopal Church’s Office for 1:00 p.m., a group of faithful speak about those things in ways that get Government Relations and the people gather in front of San people to consider them deeply, but we Episcopal Public Policy Network: Francisco’s Federal Building cannot back the candidate who supports www.episcopalchurch.org/eppn to protest policies of war. specific issues. Speaking prophetically, we Faith and Citizenship: An Episcopal can ask people to consider what the issues Guide to Public Policy Advocacy: Janet Jones, a member of are as they consider their choice.” www.episcopalchurch.org/3654_49179_ St. Luke’s, San Francisco, Legally, a church can take positions ENG_HTM.htm is a regular at the weekly on public policy, specific pieces of The Rev. Vicky Gray recommends the interfaith peace vigil and legislation, and even on ballot measures new book by Walter Brueggermann: all are invited to attend. or initiatives. Although it is not a good The Word Militant (Minneapolis: practice for a preacher to tell people Fortress Press, 2007) PCN8 | September 159th Diocesan Convention he 2008 annual onvention of the Diocese of Califronia will open on Friday, Resolution to be presented by the Commission on the Environment October 17, with an evening Eucharist service honoring the Rt. Rev. Naudal TAlves Gomes, bishop of DioCal’s companion diocese of Curitiba, Brazil. The day of business will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, in Gresham Hall. Scientific Integrity and Environmental Policy Below are the text of the resolutions and the list of nominees to be considered at Resolved, That the 159th Convention of the Diocese of California presents the convention. following resolution to the 76th General Convention in 2009: To save paper and energy, we will not be printing booklets for every delegate. All Resolved, the House of ______concurring, That the 76th General materials will be posted on the web at www.diocal.org/convention in web-accessible Convention of the Episcopal Church urges that policy decisions affecting and downloadable format. In addition, two hard copies of the covention booklets will the health and well-being of humans and ecosystems must be based on be distributed to each parish. We ask that parishes make these copies available for scientifically evaluated, peer-reviewed data; and delegates and parishioners to examine and, if necessary, duplicate. Please bring any Resolved, That the General Convention supports legislative efforts to maintain materials you need for reference with you to convention. Your cooperation will help the highest degree of scientific integrity, including the ability to conduct thorough, us reach our goal of reducing the environmental footprint of covention by half this independent, peer-reviewed research, and to communicate the findings of that year. Watch DioBytes for further announcements about convention. research openly and accurately for the benefit of all.

Resolutions to be presented by the Committee on Resolutions List of Nominees Book of Common Prayer Lectionary Resolved, That the 159th Convention of the Diocese of California presents the Standing Committee (1 clergy; 1 lay) following resolution to the 76th General Convention in 2009: Rob Gieselmann (Marin) priest Christ Church, Sausalito Resolved, the House of ______concurring, That with permission Richard Helmer (Marin) priest Our Saviour, Mill Valley from the Ordinary, congregations may use the lectionary of the 1979 Book of Paula Nesbitt (Alameda) priest All Souls, Berkeley Common Prayer instead of the Revised Common Lectionary. John Porter (SF) priest Advent of Christ the King, SF Bruce Smith (CC) priest Church of the Resurrection, Pleasant Hill Congregational Wellness: Supply Clergy for Ethnic Ministries Phoebe Pallet Brown (Marin) lay Holy Innocents’, Corte Madera Resolved, That the 159th Convention of the Diocese of California presents the Frank Casillas (CC) lay St. Michael and All Angels, Concord following resolution to the 76th General Convention in 2009: Peggy Greene (CC) lay St. Paul’s, Walnut Creek Resolved, the House of ______concurring, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church affirms the need for both clergy and Gary Hunt (CC) lay St. Timothy’s, Danville lay wellness and charges the Ethnic Congregational Development office (ECD) to: Ecclesiastical Court (1 clergy; 1 lay) 1. develop policies for ethnic congregational wellness; Barbara Bender Breck (SF) priest St. Luke’s, SF 2. explore and create a national pool of supply clergy for ethnic speaking Susan Champion (Alameda) priest Christ the Lord, Pinole congregations; and Ellen Ekstrom (Alameda) deacon St. Mark’s, Berkeley 3. allocate funding for prototype models in the next triennium; and Jill Hondel (CC) priest Grace Church, Martinez Resolved, That the General Convention urges dioceses to develop Patrick Talbot Hall (SF) lay St. Aidan’s, SF similar programs and policies. Phillip Jelley (CC) lay St. Stephen’s, Orinda

Government Policies for Environmental Stewardship Michal Anne Pepper (Alameda) lay St. Paul’s, Oakland Resolved, That the 159th Convention of the Diocese of California presents the following resolution to the 76th General Convention in 2009: Secretary of the Convention (1) Resolved, the House of ______concurring, That the Church urges the U.S. Government to legislate equitable subsidies of renewable energy David Frangquist (SF) lay St. Aidan’s, SF (solar and wind turbine power, and research into new technologies), along with reduction of its current subsidies of non-renewable energy sources (oil, Treasurer of the Diocese (1) gas, coal); and Resolved, That the Church supports adoption of a federal renewable Robert McCaskill (Marin) lay St. Stephen’s, Belverdere portfolio standard which would specify that electricity suppliers obtain a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable energy, with that Nominations Committee (2) amount to be increased over time; and Mary Louise Gotthold (CC) lay St. Timothy’s, Danville Resolved, That the Church supports government programs to practice Walter Holden (Alameda) lay Christ Church, Alameda sound environmental stewardship, for example by converting public Vincent Jang (SF) deacon True Sunshine, SF buildings to solar, and utilizing renewable, clean energy to operate public transportation, and by saving water through water conservation, efficiency Albe Larsen (Peninsula) lay St. Matthew’s, San Mateo and reuse, thereby reducing the demand for energy-consuming processing facilities. Executive Council (6 at large, but 3 must be lay) Bob Birss (Peninsula) lay Church of the Epiphany, San Carlos Moratorium on Executions Paul Burrows (SF) priest Advent of Christ the King, SF Resolved, That the 159th Convention of the Diocese of California opposes the Shelton Ensley (CC) lay St. Timothy’s, Danville death penalty and encourages representatives from our communities to advocate our Vicki Gray (SF) deacon St. James, SF opposition in appropriate forums and activities; and Peter Jensen (Peninsula) lay Transfiguration, San Mateo Resolved, That the Convention calls upon the Governor and the State legislature John Kirkley (SF) priest St. John the Evangelist, SF of California to adopt and enact legislation imposing a moratorium on executions. Chip Larrimore (Peninsula) priest St. Peter’s, Redwood City David Lui (SF) priest Church of the Incarnation, SF Support for Marriage Equality Lauran Pifke (So. Alameda) priest St. Anne’s, Fremont Resolved, That the 159th Convention of the Diocese of California opposes Melissa Ridlon (So. Alameda) lay All Saints, San Leandro Proposition 8: Limit on Marriage, the state ballot initiative that would amend the Dianne Smith (Alameda) lay St. Augustine’s, Oakland California Constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is Sharon Gay Smith (Alameda) lay Holy Trinity/La Santisima Trinidad, Rich. valid or recognized in California; and Tim Smith (SF) lay St. Gregory of Nyssa Church, SF Resolved, That the Convention commends Bishop Andrus for his leadership in Mark Spaulding (So. Alameda) priest Holy Cross, Castro Valley support of marriage equality and urges the clergy, people, and congregations of the diocese to oppose Proposition 8. PCN9 | September The Episcopal Way Meeting our mission at New book questions conflict Episcopal Charities in the Episcopal Church By Sally Coates effectively makes a critical difference in short book, written by the like the Corinthian Church to which Paul our cities and communities by breaking Rev. Rob Gieselmann, rector wrote. The love Paul speaks of, he says, magine you are part of a the cycle of poverty. The Episcopal A of Christ Church, Sausalito, compels a type of pacifism — the one who collaboration among several Church and the Diocese of California seeks to challenge the status quo of the believes he is morally right must yield Ineighboring parishes to provide have an extensive history and expertise Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Call to to his brother or sister who, holding an flu shots to low-income and homeless working in these areas, and many of our Love is a little book with big ambitions, opposing opinion, believes just as firmly. members of our community. Parishioners congregations are currently engaged as it pinpoints in Gandhi-fashion the core Gieselmann is the priest and rector of who are nurses agree to contribute their in outreach in these fields. In addition, problem facing the Episcopal Church in Christ Church, Sausalito. Gieselmann is services while parishes located in low- Episcopal Charities oversees and the United States: the loss of love. also a lawyer, and a single father of two income communities provide the sites for administers a significant endowment fund “We’ve become pigs rolling around children. “I wrote the book as a Lenten the services. After you determine that that is currently restricted to investing in in our own mud,” says Gieselmann. discipline,” Mr. Gieselmann says. “I the program does not duplicate existing St. Luke’s Hospital, founded in the 1880s “We wallow here, we wallow there.” agonize at the inability of people to get programs, you and other members of by Father Brotherton, the rector of an Employing words like these, Gieselmann along — not just in the Episcopal Church, these congregations design, organize and Episcopal parish in San Francisco. takes the entire Episcopal Church to but the world over. There has to be a set measurable goals for the program. The task — neither for its approval of Gene better way — and if our faith does not parishes then apply to Episcopal Charities How will Episcopal Charities Robinson, an openly gay man to serve compel such a way, why do we bother?” for, and receive, funding and specific accomplish its new mission? as the bishop of New Hampshire, nor for Indeed, many people ask this very non-financial support (such as research Episcopal Charities will create two the political machinations of conservative question, but unlike others, Gieselmann and marketing assistance, financial community-based impact groups, one Episcopalians who threaten to leave believes the answer can be found in the services, grant-writing support, etc.). The focusing on healthcare and the other on the Episcopal Church in response to very faith people bring into question. “For next year, more parishes participate to education. Each of these groups will be Mr. Robinson’s ordination. Rather, Christians, the answer has been there all provide these services in other Bay Areas populated with clergy and lay leaders Gieselmann makes the point that there along. This communities. This is just one example of from the diocese, partner agency leaders, is a failure of Christian love throughout is what Paul how you can provide equal access to basic community leaders involved in the the Episcopal Church, a love defined is talking healthcare to low income families, which subject area, board members of Episcopal succinctly by the Apostle Paul in his First about!” in turn will improve community life for Charities, and interested members of Letter to the Corinthians. For more all. our congregations and communities. “Love does not demand its own way,” information Members of these impact groups will Gieselmann quotes the Apostle, using on The Episcopal Charities’ new vision be charged with finding, or creating, words most people associate sentimentally Episcopal The Episcopal Charities (EC) organizations that can make a critical with weddings. “Love is patient and Call to Love, board of directors engaged in a strategic difference by addressing a critical need kind.” These words were not written for visit www. planning process during 2007 that in their respective impact area and will weddings, Gieselmann claims. They were apocryphile. resulted in its decision to implement a make grant recommendations to EC. In written to a church mired in conflict. The org or www. new strategic vision. This new vision is addition, each member of an impact group Episcopal Church is mired in conflict, amazon.com. centered around engaged philanthropy, should be committed to providing support and, says Gieselmann, it is divided much  defined as providing grants that consist of services to grantees within their impact a combination of financial assistance and area. specific non-financial support requested by individual grantees. EC seeks to What is Episcopal Charities do- inspire significant progress in improving ing to create impact groups? the health and well-being of the poor, EC is currently recruiting Diocesan Calendar oppressed, and endangered members of membership for the education and Monday, September 1 our community by focusing the attention healthcare impact groups. If you are • Labor Day, Diocesan House closed and resources of Episcopalians and the interested in supporting EC’s vision of broader community on the critical issues engaged philanthropy by sharing your Sunday, September 7 of education and healthcare. expertise, or by learning more about either • Southern Alameda Deanery Meeting, Holy Cross, Catro Valley, 12:30 of these areas, we invite you to join an p.m. Why education and healthcare? impact group. Contact Sally Coates at Thursday, September 11 Lack of access to quality education [email protected] for more • Maritime Center Cruise, 6 p.m. and healthcare is an important root cause information.  • Contra Costa Deanery Meeting, St. Anselm’s, Lafayette, 6:30 p.m. of poverty. Addressing these issues • Alameda Deanery Meeting, St. Augustine’s, Oakland, 7 p.m. Saturday, September 13 • Peninsula Deanery Meeting, St. Matthew’s, San Mateo, 9 a.m. • San Francisco Deanery Meeting, St. Peter’s, San Francisce, 9 a.m. Tuesday, September 23 • Clergy Conference, The Bishop’s Ranch, 4 p.m. (ends September 25, 12 p.m.) Saturday, October 11 • Episcopal Charities Walk-a-Thon, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, 8 a.m. Friday, October 17 • Opening Eucharist for Convention, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, 6 p.m. Saturday, October 18 • 159th Diocesan Convention, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, 9 a.m. Thursday, October 30 • Resource Center Open House, St. Thomas’, Sunnyvale, 11 a.m. See the diocesan calendar at www.diocal.org for bishops’ visitation schedule and more events. Episcopal Charities’ vision focuses on healthcare and education.

PCN10 | September InFormation Covenant groups support What are you looking for? the spiritual journey By Julia McCray-Goldsmith an opportunity for God to work in and By Susan Champion in Hercules as a way of reaching out into through each other.” In other words, the community. With an average Sunday ow startling it must have Christian discipleship cannot occur in s a long-time member of attendance of 57 in 2007, there are now been for those first would-be isolation. We need sacred relationship in twelve-step groups, the Rev. 22 people who regularly attend Covenant Hdisciples, tentatively trailing order to encourage each other to become ASusan Champion, vicar of Groups. the teacher, when he turned to them and the people God calls us to be. Christ the Lord Church (CTL), Pinole, The basic format of a Covenant asked, point blank, “What are you looking Small groups associated with often wondered why so few of our Group is: for?” Their response was not particularly our congregational life can be one churches offer the same kind of support 1. Opening Prayer insightful. John’s gospel records that manifestation of sacred relational space, and encouragement for spiritual growth. 2. Check-in with highs and lows of they answered him with a rather along with intentional community, Others on Christ the Lord’s Bishop’s the week evasive question of their spiritual direction, and Committee remembered Cursillo Fourth 3. A short Bible study called a Look, own: “Where are you spiritual friendship. Day groups or other small groups that Book, Took, which moves from today’s staying?” I imagine And the common have helped them on their journeys. world, to the scripture passage, to personal them looking at denominator for By encouraging small groups in the response each other in all of these, congregation the Bishop’s Committee 4. A time to share prayer concerns bewilderment, according to hoped to help people grow in their faith, and thanksgivings and to pray for one wondering Lyle, is the help them become more comfortable another what manner quality of the sharing their faith journey with others, Most of the CTL Covenant Groups of teacher questions and provide a safe place to invite new meet for one hour, though one meets for this was who we entertain people who might feel intimidated by our longer. The expectation is that members would offer and our Sunday liturgy. will make a covenant to attend meetings unsettling willingness In 2007, the CTL Bishop’s weekly so they can build community, personal to be patient Committee decided it was time to be more trust, and accountability. New members questions in waiting intentional about making small groups are encouraged to join and are always rather than for the a reality and started searching for ways welcome to come and check out the answers. But answer. “One to make that happen. One of the most Covenant Group before making a something of the most successful small group ministries in the commitment. The groups are best at six to about him revolutionary local area is at St. Timothy’s, Mountain eight members and are expected to split attracted them things we can do View, in the Diocese of El Camino Real. when they reach twelve. More information enough that they in the world today (Learn more about their Covenant Groups about the CTL Covenant Groups is managed to stammer is ask a question… at http://www.sttims.org/community/ available at http://www.ctlpinole.org and out the one response and then really listen,” cov.shtml). After deciding to adapt their clicking on the Covenant Groups link. that would allow them to says Lyle. If you want to try one of the benefits continue following Jesus, while What are you looking for? of Covenant Groups now, use the they figured out what they might really be Now that’s a revolutionary question — Covenant Group closing prayers at your looking for. especially if I am willing to take the time meetings. Which leads me to wonder what I to really listen to my own deeper answers. 1. Go around the group and ask would say if I were confronted with that And if I did that — rather than frantically each person to share prayer requests or question. Most of the time what I am searching for my cell phone or my answered prayer. looking for is my keys or my cell phone or keys — I would have to admit that I am 2. Go around again and have each maybe — if I am really paying attention really looking for integrity, community, person pray for the person next to them. to quality of relationship — I am looking and connectedness. Some of the ways I If you like, use the following prayer to keep my teenage sons off of YouTube express that search are in driving around format: Lord, I lift up ______and and out of trouble! Not especially the Bay Area to visit congregations I love model, CTL leaders received training ask you to help and bless him/her in the deep or meaningful responses to such (now where are those car keys, anyway?), from the Rev. Ann Sullivan, formerly of coming week. (You may add something a potentially life-changing question. or — looking ahead at the beginning of St. Timothy’s and now at St. Nicholas, specific relating to the person’s prayer As Lyle SmithGraybeal, coordinator the school year — in calling and emailing Paradise, in the Diocese of Northern request if you wish.) Amen. of the Renovaré ecumenical renewal fellow parents of teens to figure out how California. 3. End by saying the Lord’s Prayer ministry, observes, “Our culture wants to manage the lacrosse season. At the training, Ann encouraged together. our relationships to stay on the surface.” All good and meaningful things to do. the church to start with one Covenant Recently, in studying the Gospel Guilty as charged! And being a working parent means that Group, but since they already had one for the third Sunday after Pentecost (Mt. I had called Lyle to ask him about there are dozens of other opportunities Bible Study Group that wanted to try the 7:21-29), group members were asked to the workshops he will be offering at like this. But the ministry of Renovaré Covenant Group format, they decided to identify what things or people are “rock” the August 23 Equipping the Beloved reminds us that there is a more excellent start with two groups at the beginning of that helps support them in their faith Community Regional Training Event, way. We can look for personal integrity, January. Since then, we have added two journey. One Covenant group member generously hosted by St. Mark’s, Palo community that supports our growth, more groups. One group meets at the said, “Covenant group is a rock for me,” Alto. In support of the small group connectedness to each other and to God church, two meet in homes, and the most and heads were nodding all around.  ministry initiative being launched by St. in our congregations, in small groups, in recently formed group meets at Starbuck’s Mark’s this fall, Lyle will be teaching a spiritual friendships, and in intentional series of workshops on what he describes community. We can choose to adopt as “sacred relational space.” Huh? those habits and practices that encourage According to Lyle, sacred relational us to become friends with God and with space has no particular geography — it each other. In that sense, I wonder if Feeling out of touch with the diocese? can occur anywhere that God is and those befuddled disciples weren’t on to human relationships are — which of something after all. Maybe they couldn’t course would be everywhere. So for exactly articulate what they wanted, but Subscribe to DioBytes! example, our friendships (and, who they had an idea of where to go to get knows, maybe even our relationships it. “Where are you staying?” they asked DioBytes is up-to-date news and information from around with our teenage sons) can be sacred Jesus. Who responded “Come and see,” the diocese, delivered to your email box every week. relational space. “It’s a question of being inviting them into the space where sacred intentional,” says Lyle, “of living into relationship could be revealed.  Visit diocal.org/diobytes to subscribe today. the reality that every relationship is

PCN11 | September CHURCH HiZeJe! PACIFICNEWS HiZeDji! Diocese Celebrates Swing Hospitality Pavilion two petting zoos, pony rides for the kids, a performance by HVkZA^kZh Walden Marionettes, and Cajun music performed by CZ and the Bon Vivants. Organic ice cream provided by Straus Family Creamery and samples of organic homemade pies GZ\^hiZgVhVc^cY^k^YjVadgViZVb#8gZViZndjgdlc donated by 15 individuals for the pie contest were delicious I_]dKfJeZWo [jcYgV^h^c\eV\ZVilll#Ze^hXdeVaX]Vg^i^Zh#dg\ treats. Sales were brisk for the newly published Bishop’s Ranch cookbook, The Abundant Table. People of all ages observed animals at demonstrations of owls, hawks, mountain lion, lynx, cheetah, serval, snakes, rabbits, and goats. Visitors also received information LVa`l^i]7^h]deBVgXid]ZaehdakZedkZgin about animal rescue and rehabilitation. Percheron draft ^hhjZh^ci]ZHVc;gVcX^hXd7Vn6gZV horses pulled people in an antique carriage around the new IWjkhZWo"EYjeX[h''"(&&. driveway, providing a wonderful view of the Ranch, the new LVa`hiVgihVcYZcYhVi