an edition of

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN CHURCH THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA August 2007 PACIFICNEWS VOL. 18 No. 8

You Can Change the World Diocese Engages Millennium Development Goals Episcopal Charities Addresses Mapping the MDGs By Sean T. McConnell MDGs with Partner Agencies t might be a silly question, but what does the Diocese of California’s By June LaBarre response to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) look like? Can piscopal Charities and the 14 partner agencies it supports are Iyou visualize all of the different relationships that are growing out of our collaborating to act on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) commitment to end poverty, disease, and degradation of the climate? When you Efocused on reducing world poverty by one half in 2015. Each organization try to imagine it, does the problem seem way too big and overwhelming? Are all is examining which of the Millennium Development Goals they address in of those in need simply too far away for us to help? their work with those most affected by poverty in the San Francisco Bay Area. Well, one way to see (visually) how Episcopalians in the San Francisco Bay Episcopal Charities is providing the forum and facilitation for these discussions, Area are responding to the global environmental crisis and the needs of the the communication vehicles necessary for the agencies to collaborate, and its 30 world’s poor might be to draw a map, and show where connections are being years of community service expertise. made: Oakland and Uganda; Walnut Creek and Honduras; San Francisco and Episcopal Charities’ partner agencies address the needs of many El Salvador; and that is exactly what Kevin Jones, entrepreneurial disenfranchised individuals in the Bay Area whose lives are mapper of social networks and member of Holy Innocents, in jeopardy. Episcopal Community Services, Berkeley San Francisco, recommends. In fact, Jones has come up Food and Housing, Tri-City Homeless Coalition, with a way to show you that the problems are not and Interfaith Hospitality Network of San Mateo insurmountable and that there are people you County serve the homeless. Good Samaritan know who are doing great things to achieve Family Resource Center and Canal Alliance the MDGs. The MDG Mapping Project is represent newly arrived immigrant fami- his solution. lies. Ohlhoff Recovery Programs serves The MDG Mapping Project (which those struggling with substance abuse will go online in the very near future problems. Bay Area Seafarers’ Service at mdg.episcopalbayarea.org) uses Center serves merchant seamen from 4Mapping: Page 5 4Bay Area: Page 4

Note Cards All Saints’, Sales Benefit SF, Funds Education Water Project for Children in Zambia By Davidson Bidwell-Waite in Mexico t their Annual Meeting in February, the By Gretchen Euchner members of All Saints’ Parish in San n June 2007, 22 parishioners (10 adults and 12 children) AFrancisco voted to raise an amount equal from St. John’s, Ross, participated in a family outreach trip to to .7% of the annual budget they had just approved and to undertake ICasa Hogar de Benito Juarez Orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico. Casa Hogar is a Millennium Development Goals (MDG) project. home to about 40 children, ages 3 to 21. This non-governmental facility provides The MDG Working Group that was formed two weeks later set as their a clean place to live, food, clothing, education, and access to medical care. Many objectives to 1) involve as many people as possible, 2) raise as much of the of the children were dropped at the orphanage by parents or family members money as possible outside the parish, 3) minimize the burden of on unable to care for them. Without the orphanage, these children would be living individual members of the Working Group, and 4) actively seek to tie the MDG on the streets. activities to our Baptismal vows. The destination for St. John’s first ever mission trip for families was cho- During a brainstorming session on fund-raising approaches, two members sen in part due to the orphanage’s willingness to work with our group, which of the congregation who had spent time in South Africa offered to donate up to included children ages 6 to 15. As Christian parents, one of our foremost goals six dozen (72) papier-maché bowls to use for fundraising. The bowls were made is to instill character traits in our children that will lead them to practice classic by HIV positive women in one of the townships outside Cape Town as part of a Christian values of justice, service, fortitude, faith, hope, and love. We wanted to local non-profit’s work training and income producing project. The bowls take model our faith, “walk the talk,” help them experience real service. By leaving three days to make and are quite attractive. They come with plastic liners so the comfort of our homes to have our families engage in activities that involved they can be used for food. hard work, sweat, discomfort, and even play, we were hoping to model God’s The Working Group decided to use the bowls to attract attention to the MDG 4Mexico: Page 4 4Zambia: Page 5 The Beloved Community Is Intergenerational

ometime in the year before we from all over the world at Taizé, many profoundly shaped by the Baptismal moved to California I had the from Sweden, Finland, Poland, Germany, Covenant in the 1979 Book of Common Sopportunity to attend a retreat and France, but with significant represen- Prayer and efforts to promote what is seminar led by a prominent teacher tation from the United States and other being called “baptismal parity,” meaning of Christian prayer and spirituality. countries as well. attempting to live into what we say about The attendees were an interesting, This large, diverse group lived, for the full membership in the Church of all committed group, but as with so many a week, the life of the Taizé brothers. the baptized. Of course, in all the polari- events we plan, not diverse ethnically This means Bible study, work, reflec- ties that come together in Christ (rich and or economically. But, less noticed when tion, shared meals, and also three prayer poor, men and women, etc.), we must people are looking at who is attending include young and old. such meetings in our church, the retreat And we must also believe that when was populated almost entirely by middle- we live in this center who is Christ, rather aged and elderly people. than at the ends of an axis, we will be The leader commented on the age Planning inter- deeply satisfied, and content. One strand profile of the group, and went on to justify generational of developmental psychology says that it, continuing in a tradition that had an a deep longing for completion in the early proponent in Aristotle, by saying events is more later years of life is to be meaningfully that contemplation, his theme, was the connected to children’s lives, and that provenance of the mature human. work than doing there is a matching longing on the part of Much of what was said that afternoon children. As Christians who are actively was very fine, and helpful to me, but that things the way searching to live in the Beloved Commu- part bothered me, given my experiences nity, this should be no surprise. of working with youth and young adults we have, but the Planning inter-generational events is and seeing both their capacity and thirst more work than doing things the way we for Christian meditation and silent prayer. result is more joy, have, but the result is more joy, and better So, during a question and answer period mission for the Church. Inter-generational I raised the question by using Taizé as and better mission ministry is implied both by the increasing an example. The retreat leader of course focus on the need of the youth and young knew of Taizé, and had perhaps been for the Church. adults in our parishes and missions and there (he didn’t say), but dismissed my by our focus on the needs of youth and idea with a simple, “Taizé is a good place young adults outside the Church. I feel to get a beginning experience of contem- services each day. It would be fair to say great energy in the diocese for this, and plation so that the real entry into contem- that the heart of each prayer service is a share this excitement with you. plation in the later stages of life might period of silence. The readings, spoken Peace, come more easily.” prayers, and chants all lead to this center Being back at Taizé last week with a of silence, which opens up around the group of young pilgrims from the Diocese whole Taizé church. I must believe this of California renewed my sense of how experience is just as real, as much prayer, wrong this famous spiritual leader was on as deeply contemplative, as that of any The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus this point. By the latter part of the week person of any age. Bishop there were over 2,000 young pilgrims The Episcopal Church has been

DioBytes Headlines In Memorium: Janet Virginia Lee To read the full story, visit EpiscopalBayArea.org. Bishop Marc Speaks Nigerian Activist anet Virfinia Lee, 94, a longtime resident of Menlo Park, died May 6. Lee was born August 17, 1913, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of James Owen Lee and for Eyes Wide Open Mac-Iyalla Marches JHelen Tully Lee. She studied public speaking, speech, and voice at Rockford On May 29, 2007, the Rt. Rev. Marc with Bishop Marc College, Illinois, and Northwestern University, and completed courses in commercial, Handley Andrus, Bishop of California, in Pride Parade portrait, and color photography at the New York Institute of Photography. spoke as 355 pairs of black combat boots She worked as a photographer in New York City during World War II. In 1945 she On Sunday, June 24, Nigerian activ- lined both sides of the sidewalk in front of became the official photographer for the Arctic Circle Exploration Company, a jade and ist Davis Mac-Iyalla joined the Rt. Rev. San Francisco’s Federal Building at 450 asbestos mining operation, and spent two years in Candle, Alaska, a tiny settlement Marc Andrus and other members of the Golden Gate Ave. The visual display Eyes 150 miles northeast of Nome. After the company dissolved in 1947, she continued to Diocese of California at San Francisco’s Wide Open: The Human Cost of War, travel in the Alaskan Territory for another three years, accompanied by her sled dog Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender has become a poignant reminder of those Penny. Pride Parade (Pride). who have given the ultimate sacrifice in When her father retired in 1954, the family moved from Illinois to Atherton, Cali- service to the United States of America. fornia, and Janet became active at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Redwood City. She Bingham and Bisel enrolled at St. Margaret’s House in Berkeley, and, because of her desire to work “in Revitalize Commission 4 Ordained, 1 Received some rugged spot,” was directed to the Church Army. She was commissioned in the Church Army of the USA on December 29, 1963. Sister Janet Lee served two years as On Saturday, June 2, the Rt. Rev. for the Environment missionary in charge of Eureka and Austin, two small communities in the Nevada des- Marc Handley Andrus received one After ten faithful years as chair of the ert, 69 miles apart and 90 miles from the nearest medical facilities. She was licensed presbyter from the Evangelical Lutheran Commission for the Environment (COE), to preach by the Rt. Rev. William G. Wright of the Nevada Missionary District. From Church in America and ordained one the Rev. Sally Bingham, with a boost 1963 to 1965 she served as missionary for the American Indian community at Sisseton, transitional deacon and three priests in a from co-chair Barbara Bisel of St Ste- phen’s, Orinda, is reinvigorating the COE. South Dakota. service at Grace Cathedral. In 1965 she was assigned by the Church Army to be Assistant Director of Hospital- ity House, an activity center for senior citizens on the grounds of St. Matthew’s Cathe- Bishop Kelsey, To receive stories such as these in your dral in Dallas, Texas. She served as Director of Hospitality House from 1969 to 1973. Northern Michigan, email on a weekly basis, along with other She returned to Atherton in 1973, moving to Menlo Park in 1978 after her father’s information about what is happening Died June 3 at age 54 death. She was active at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Menlo Park, and in 1985 in the diocese, subscribe to DioBytes was commissioned one of the first Lay Eucharistic Ministers, a ministry she carried out On the afternoon of June 3, 2007, the by going to EpiscopalBayArea.org and faithfully until Parkinson’s disease made walking impossible. Rt. Rev. James Arthur Kelsey, Bishop of entering your email address in the box at Northern Michigan, died in an automobile the top of the left column. accident while returning home to Mar- quette, Mich., after a parish visitation. PCN2 | August CHURCH PACIFIC NEWS Building the Beloved Community Vol 18, No 8. August 2007 Listening to the Diocese: Feedback from the Beloved Community Episcopal Life ISSN 1050-0057 ing his enactment of the cosmic walk and USPS# 177-940 is published monthly he Building the Beloved to do so, truthfulness, collaboration, and invocation of the communal spirit found by the Domestic and Foreign Community conference on May joyfulness. in the word “y’all.” Missionary Society, Inc. 815 Second T5, 2007, was attended by more When considering how we each might The heart of the day was the small Ave, New York, NY 10017. Periodical than 300 people participating together participate as members of the Beloved group discussion period, when people postage paid in New York, NY and ad- in worship, small group discussion, and Community, participants suggested that were invited to reflect on the themes ditional mailing offices. guided reflection, marking the beginning we should each take responsibility for raised in Andrus’ address. Facilitators POSTMASTER: Send change of address of an intense process of envisioning the our own involvement, and as a group we used six questions that combined the to Episcopal Life, PO Box 2050 future of the Diocese of California. Faith should work harder to reach out to under- wondering stance of Godly Play with Ap- Voorhees NJ 08043-8000. Formation Coordinator Julia McCray- served communities (especially youth) Goldsmith has carefully summarized preciative Inquiry methodology to guide and engage in active spiritual formation the discussion. The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, extensive feedback from the conference, and discernment. Participants encour- publisher given in the form of online evaluation In reaction to Andrus’ address, dis- aged a diocesan structure that facilitates forms and notes taken during small group cussants reported feelings of perspective involvement, encourages innovation, and Mr. Sean T. McConnell, editor discussions, and reported the results to on their lives, a sense of interconnected- fosters relationships among parishes. Ms. Monica Burden, managing editor the Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus. ness, and an appreciation of Andrus’ Although some reported being ini- McCray-Goldsmith says of the statement that we are “y’all” in Christ. tially unclear about the purpose of the Advisory Board process, “It was a privilege to be able to However, reflecting on where the conference, and despite some uneven- design an event where so many voices community is now seemed to gener- ness in the quality of the discussions and The Rev. Rob Droste, chair were invited and heard. To the extent that ate some anxiety among participants. workshops, the evaluations of the day Ms. Mary-Jane Wood, the Visioning Conference was a template People reported feelings of isolation and were overwhelmingly positive. A particu- Diocesan Council Representative for the diocesan strategic plan, the pro- struggle for individuals and parishes and lar highlight was the closing Eucharist Ms. Sandra Gary cess matters as much as the product. It’s expressed a need for careful discernment service, which incorporated the reflection The Rev. Fred Heard important to ground our self-understand- about our path together. activities of the afternoon. One person Mr. Tom Jackson ing in the worship, music, and art that we Nevertheless, participants were able wrote of it, “Inspiring, uplifting, and Ms. Julia McCray-Goldsmith make—and in listening to and learning to describe a number of places that they meaningful. Absolutely phenomenal!!!” Ms. Eleanor Prugh from each other.” have experienced the Beloved Communi- Respondents further expressed a The Rev. Dr. M.R. Ritley Results from the diocesan-wide ty. They referenced formation ministries strong desire for the visioning process to Ms. Connie Rusk conference provide some clear indications such as Education for Ministry, Cursillo, continue by sharing the conference results Ms. Mary Singer about what members of the diocese value, Bible study groups, and prayer groups. and replicating the process in other set- The Rev. Mark Spaulding what the diocese is good at, what things Healing ministries, ministries of com- tings within the Diocese of California. Ms. Ede Zollman can be done better, and how participants passion, and music ministries were also Text from notes taken during the small Mr. Gary Lawrence, chair emeritus envision the future. mentioned. group discussions and some feedback Overall, attendees exhibited a great In wondering what the Diocese of from the evaluations can be viewed at deal of enthusiasm about the visioning California would look like as a Beloved EpiscopalBayArea.org/BelovedCom- The Episcopal Diocese process, and the conference generated Community, people suggested that the munity. Half-day regional visioning of California considerable good will in the diocese. diocese could be outwardly focused and mini-conferences, modeled on the May 5 One person said they had “an experience inclusive, more intentionally anti-racist conference, are being planned for Fall of is 27,000 people in 81 congregations, of wonder, awe and renewal and hope.” and multicultural. These were viewed as 2007 and Spring of 2008. Hosting parish- with 40 educational institutions, who The conference was also important in crucial for living into the Body of Christ. es include St. Paul’s, Oakland; St. Paul’s, speak English, Spanish, Chinese, shaping peoples’ understanding and In order to build this Beloved Com- Walnut Creek; St. Stephen’s, Belvedere; Japanese, Filipino, and American Sign appreciation of Andrus’ vision for the munity, participants indicated the diocese and St. Mark’s, Palo Alto. Language, and minister to one another, Diocese of California, demonstrated dur- would need the willingness and intention proclaiming the good news of God’s un- conditional love as shown to us in Jesus.

The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, Bishop

1055 Taylor Street San Francisco, CA 94108

The Episcopal Church is a community of 2.5 million members in 114 dioceses in North America and abroad. Organized in 1789.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop

Episcopal Church Center 815 Second Ave. New York, NY 10017

The Anglican Communion is a global community of 70 million Anglicans in 37 member provinces.

The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Dr. Rowan Williams

London, England SE1 7JU

PCN3 | August What One Episcopalian Can Do 4 From page 1 Bay Area: sufficiency via economic development about local resources, by working closely Thirty years later we continue to ask the around the world. Sojourn Chaplaincy at strategies such as jobs. They can provide with women at San Francisco General question in our mission statement, “How San Francisco General, The Family Link, other partner agencies with curriculum Hospital who have difficult pregnancies, can we most effectively support new Clausen House, and St. Dorothy’s Rest and program development resources for and by increasing the positive self-regard and existing nonprofit agencies in their serve those with health needs. Episcopal Spanish-speaking families. of HIV/AIDS patients that are hospital- efforts to make a crucial difference in the Homes serves ized. Sojourn seeks assistance identify- lives of poor, oppressed and endangered needy seniors in low income ing grant making agencies that they have individuals in need in the San Francisco housing. never before used and with grant writing. Bay Area, regardless of their religious The first step in de- They offer skill training in domestic vio- affiliation or practice.” We believe that by termining how to work lence awareness, assessment and referral, collaborating with our partner agencies together was to take a and active listening, with particular focus to address the Millennium Development survey of how the agencies on grief and healing. Goals we are taking that first step to make are currently addressing St. Dorothy’s Rest. This organization our world a better place. By choosing to the MDG’s. In addition meets GOAL #7 by being more inten- do something we are awakening our com- each agency looked at the tional about recycling, reducing energy munity to the possibilities for change. resources they could use usage, teaching campers and staff how to Episcopal Charities and its partner from other agencies and the love and care for God’s creation, chal- agencies’ combined goal is to find a way resources they could share lenging campers to take this training out that we can make an impact on the pover- with other agencies. Three into the world, building organic gardens ty in the world. Our answer is to leverage examples are described and maintaining trails, and by reducing the power of from a community of below. Good Samaritan Family Resource Cen- waste. St. Dorothy’s needs water bottles, Episcopal and business givers to a com- gardening and trail maintenance tools, munity in need and to use this leverage Good Samaritan Fam- ter serves the critical needs of immigrant ily Resource Center. This sleeping bags, first aid supplies, and more to build cross-cultural relationships. We organization meets GOAL families in San Francisco’s Mission campers referred from Episcopal agencies believe that by providing this forum for #1 by serving the criti- District. plus staff recruitment for summer camp Episcopal-related social welfare agencies cal needs of impoverished season. They can provide retreat facilities we can have a bigger impact on local and families new to San Francisco’s Mission Sojourn Chaplaincy. This organi- for other partner agency staff and camper global poverty. By harnessing the power District. Good Samaritan seeks outside zation meets GOALS #3, 5, and 6 by ships for partner agency clients. of our own commitment to solve the help in knowledge and capacity building training chaplains to be sensitive to issues Episcopal Charities started as the Out- poverty crisis locally we can address the to help impoverished families reach self- of domestic violence and knowledgable reach arm of the Diocese of California. questions of global poverty.

4Mexico: From page 1 MDG training offered love and Jesus’ teachings through our actions. As part of St. John’s fundraising efforts on behalf at Point Seven Now! of the orphanage, we were given note cards from the radicating extreme poverty for millions of men, Department of Faith Formation. We sold these lovely women, and children seemed an impossible dream four-color sets of 10 cards to families and friends at par- Eduring the twentieth century. Yet at the dawning ish events. In support of millennium Development Goal of the new millennium, a startling assertion was made: #2: Achieve Universal Primary Education, all proceeds if the developed nations of the world each donated .7% (approximately $750) will directly benefit the education of their national budgets, this grinding, dehumanizing programs at Casa Hogar through the purchase of needed poverty could be healed. Advocacy is the call, not only charity. Governmental school supplies and uniforms. A generous of 50 commitment, not just church compassion, is central to new Jansport backpacks for the children was secured by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). one of the mission participants. School supplies and gen- We are joining with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese tly used dress-up clothes (a huge hit with the children) at a Town Hall style meeting with members of Congress were also collected from parishioners. A supply of books (or their representatives), and a broad spectrum of faith in both English and Spanish was greatly appreciated and communities to ask Congress to put .7% of our national enjoyed by adults and children alike. budget for the MDGs on the agenda in the coming year. In addition, a parish Cinco de Mayo luncheon, a A strong showing by faith communities makes an grant from our outreach committee, and individual dona- impression (yes, this is the Saturday after Convention, tions raised $3,500 to provide roofing materials for a new but worth the time if you have the interest). building at the orphanage. Workshops on a variety of related topics will also While the parents in our group did the heavy demoli- be offered, including a basic introduction to the MDGs, tion and construction work, we were also able to join our case histories of parish MDG activity, and “toolkits” for children engaging in the real work of the trip—playing organizing parish-level giving and advocacy. with the children of the orphanage. The smiles on The 2nd Annual “Point Seven Now!” Conference everyone’s faces as we played games, read books, gave Members of St. John’s, Ross, sold greet- takes place on Saturday, October 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 hugs, and just enjoyed each other’s company was proof ing cards from the Department of Faith p.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, San Fran- to everyone that our trip was truly a success! Formation in order to offset the educa- cisco (at Geary and Gough). If you have question, please tional costs of orphans in Mexico. contact the Rev. Shari Young, St. James, San Francisco, at 415.751.1198. PCN4 | August The Millennium Development Goals 4Mapping: From page 1 Google’s maps and blogging software to show connec- investors and entrepreneurs are making connections and is involved, and how others can be involved. And the tions, to tell the stories of people in need and the stories changing the world; they do this by mapping relation- storytelling is two-way. In other words, not only can of people responding to that need. When asked how both ships and explaining the connections between social Episcopalians in the Diocese of California go online and maps and blogs together can help Episcopalians help oth- entrepreneurs, their partners and investors. tell their stories, but people on the ground in developing ers, Jones says “A map, when it’s tied to a story, can help countries working in AIDS clinics in Honduras or dig- answer a couple of the biggest objections people have ging wells for clean water in Zambia can make entries to about getting involved in MDG work: that the problems the MDG Map as well. are too big, and too far away.” “We want the information to be bidirectional,” says In response to the objection that these problems are Jones. “We live in a postcolonial world, and that will be simply too grand in scale, Jones says, “the best way to illustrated through a two-way platform.” make a complex story simple is by visualization.” The Diocese of California is partnering with Epis- Jones is no stranger to mapping — in fact, he has copalians for Global Reconciliation (EGR) to bring the spent most of his career mapping complex systems and MDG Map to the broader church. According to the Rev. helping others easily see points of entry. During the early Mike Kinman, Executive Director of EGR, the MDG stages of the dot.com boom, Jones began mapping how Map helps people get past the questions: What can one emerging electronic markets were using the internet as The MDG Mapping Project utilizes person do? What can one congregation do? an intermediary to bring together fractured groups of blogs and Google Maps.® “One of the things that I’ve found in the Church as sellers and buyers. At the same time, he found it was I travel around,” says Kinman, “is that there is so much important to tell the stories of innovators in this new fabulous ministry going on, and so much of it is happen- marketplace, and a newsletter called Net Market Makers The technology used to achieve both the mapping ing in isolation. People just don’t know what’s out there. was born. Net Market Makers was later sold to media and storytelling of MDG work might sound overwhelm- The MDG Map solves that problem.” giant Jupiter Media Metrix. ing — like you might need an engineering degree in And perhaps more important for Kinman is that the More recently, Jones has taken on projects that help order to use the MDG maps. Not so, says Jones. “If you MDG Map can be inspirational. “The way it can spark socially conscious investors recognize where their can cut and paste a block of text in a Microsoft Word ideas is really important. The mapping lets people know money might do the most good. As a principal at Good document, you can use the MDG Maps.” that there is a lot that they can do because there are Capital (which was featured in the April 23, 2007 issue The idea is that if you are doing work that helps people already doing it.” of Forbes Magazine; www.goodcap.net), and founder to achieve one of the goals of Millennium Develop- So, start watching DioBytes (the eNewsletter of the of xigi (pronounced “ziggy,” www.xigi.net) Jones and ment, you can go online and easily map the connection Diocese of California), or the diocesan website for infor- his partners help others see where socially conscious and then blog about why this work is important, who mation about the launch of mdg.episcopalbayarea.org.

4Zambia: From page 1 our goal more than a week before our tar- One of our associate pastors put a that we can display on our web site and get end date of June 10—Corpus Christi. bowl on the wall of his cubicle with a around which we can build relationships project because they were tied to issues Each Sunday we included bulletin inserts sign saying “Ask me about this!” When with a community somewhere in Bishop of HIV, the empowerment of women, for two MDG goals using leaflets from people inquired, he gave them a flyer that Chama’s diocese. eradication of poverty, and environmental the National Church’s MDG web site. discussed the well project and outlined Since the MDGs are broad and sustainability. To avoid sales tax issues, Sermons each Sunday incorporated MDG the eight MDGs. In this way he raised ambitious, members of our congregation the bowls were given as a thank you gift issues, themes, and references. funds outside our congregation and raised really like the idea of being able to “ac- for of $20 or more. awareness of the MDGs. complish” something that addresses an The next and harder step was to One of the members immediate need and builds capacity for decide what to do with the money. The of our Youth Coop (incor- future progress. parishioners who had donated the bowls porating teens from All Since the 8th MDG is about building mentioned meeting a husband and wife Saints’, St. Aidan’s and global partnerships, we want this project in Cape Town who operated a non-profit St. James’) developed a to be a vehicle for bringing us into rela- that built wells in Zambia while providing slide show on the MDGs tionship with the suffering or disadvan- HIV education to the villagers. Their fee that incorporates material taged to whom the MDGs are addressed. for constructing a well happened to be the from the National Church’s There is even buzz about possible pil- same amount as our MDG goal. Further, MDG Guide for Youth. grimage to our project in the future. this idea connected with a story that Having received an en- Finally, since we are a parish rooted in came out of the TEAM meeting (Towards thusiastic reception at All the Anglo-Catholic tradition of the Social Effective Anglican Ministry) in Africa Saints’, he will be taking Gospel, we want our efforts to be continu- where Bishop Marc met the liberal Bishop his show to other parishes ally linked to our commitment to live out of Northern Zambia in a discussion of beginning in August. By offering donors papier-maché bowls our Baptismal vows, which is also why global partnerships. The idea of funding We are approaching we chose a well. construction of a well in northern Zambia made by HIV-positive women in South Bishop Chama of the Dio- gained traction and was endorsed by the Africa, members of All Saints, San cese of Northern Zambia Vestry soon after the fundraising began. Francisco, were able to raise the funds with an offer to fund a “wa- Rector Kenneth Schmidt dedicated needed to begin a safe water project in ter project” of their choos- six Sundays to a congregational focus on ing. We want to support a the MDGs. We launched our fundraising Zambia. project that is a physical project on Sunday, May 6, and exceeded ”concrete” development

PCN5 | August Around the Diocese Episcopal Schools Emphasize Building Community By Monica Burden n the San Francisco Bay Area, where community service, visiting with senior racial, socio-economic, and cultural back- pate actively in the robust music program public school space is doled out by citizens or tutoring at public primary grounds reflecting the diversity of Oak- the school offers. The Friday hymn-sing Ilottery and private school space is at schools. land. Now, roughly half those enrolled are service with the choir is an important a premium, it seems that every school St. Matthew’s students have toy students of color, and community event that puts on their best possible face. From the drives, organize food drives, and make about one-third receive parents routinely at- outside, many independent schools — a sack lunches for Samaritan House, a non- tuition assistance. But tend. “I think there’s term used by some to avoid the elitist profit health and human services agency. the commitment to something about music stigma of “private” schools — may look They also spend an intensive month on diversity at St. Paul’s that bonds a com- alike. Every school promises to provide community service in religion class, is not merely a way munity even more so. the best education possible to turn your focusing on a specific area of service such to provide a decent There’s something child into a successful adult. Operating as caring for the environment or address- education to those who different about sit- in this climate are three Episcopal grade ing poverty and hunger, including hands- otherwise might not ting together, talking schools in the Diocese of California on work. get it. As Merry puts together, and singing — Cathedral School for Boys in San At St. Paul’s, where students are it, “It isn’t so much that together.” Francisco, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day immediately visible to neighbors in the we’re giving someone Despite the differ- School in San Mateo, and St. Paul’s community as they walk from building to something, ... but we’re ent emphases, all three Episcopal School in Oakland. building and eat lunch in the park, sixth getting the privilege heads of school are To find out how being affiliated with graders clean Lake Merritt, third graders of getting to know Michael Ferreboeuf, clear on one thing — Episcopal churches makes these schools conduct a bird census for the Rotary Na- them and learning and Canon Headmaster at spiritual grounding is unique, we interviewed the Canon Head- ture Center and California Department of benefiting from them Cathedral School. a crucial ingredient of master at Cathedral School for Boys, Mi- Fish and Game, and second graders assist as they are benefiting building community in chael Ferreboeuf; the Head of School at at the senior farmer’s market in the parish from us.” This, she their schools. All three St. Matthew’s, Mark McKee (who began hall. Beginning in kindergarten, all St. says, is what it means to be a “private schools work intentionally to cultivate his tenure on July 1, 2007); and the Head Paul’s students serve in community proj- school with a public purpose,” making the students’ spirituality. Affiliation with the of School at St. Paul’s, Karan Merry. In ects as part of a service learning program lives of all the students richer by serving Anglican tradition — complete with the addition to a pledge of academic excel- that has received 9 national awards over others. three-legged stool of scripture, tradition, lence, we found a genuine dedication to the past 15 years. McKee focuses on and reason — provides a framework for community that seems to spring from the But there is more leadership training as considering spiritual values alongside nature of Anglicanism itself. happening at these an important feature traditional academic subjects. The heads These three schools share a common schools in terms of of community building of school view this as a blessing of free- value that all baptized Episcopalians community-building that goes on in inde- dom. McKee says, “What that means for a share — a commitment to “seek and serve than just service to the pendent schools. He family who enrolls a child in an Episcopal Christ in all persons,” and to “strive for community at large. says, “I feel a calling school is that they recognize that they are justice and peace among all people.” In What happens inside and an obligation to being given access to this tremendous tra- our Episcopal schools, this commitment the schools is just as educate [our students] dition and being given permission and re- to universal justice begins by educat- important. According so that they can have sponsibility to find their way in it through ing children about local leadership and to Ferreboeuf, students … an impact on society their own reason.” Merry says, “I think responsibility in programs that promote at Cathedral School for the good that ends the spiritual component gives a context community service inside and outside the reflect on their com- up being far greater for learning, and goodness, and kindness, school. munity service through than the mere numbers and diversity, and service learning.” Merry believes that working in the journaling and discus- Mark McKee, Head of attending independent Continued on page 7 local community is important for cul- sion with the chaplain School at St. schools would sug- tivating a lifelong desire to learn. “We in religion class. “We Matthew’s. gest.” see ourselves as all being a part of that think it’s important But community,” she says. “So unlike some that you just don’t do it, leader- Episcopal K-8 Schools in private schools where you can sort of but that you start understanding about the ship does not necessarily separate yourself from what’s going on in purpose of your responsibility, and what mean a powerful political the Diocese of California the public, we believe that’s an integral it does for you as well as for others in the or economic position. “We part of who we are and a part of the excel- community.” St. Matthew’s students also need leaders who ... are Cathedral School for Boys (K-8) lence that we offer in the school.” McKee reflect in class with the chaplain on why leading quiet daily lives of 1275 Sacramento Street says that including community service in service is important to people of faith and contribution in their com- the grade school curriculum leaves a last- how those who serve are changed. munity,” he says. “We need San Francisco, CA 94108 ing impression. “We find when you build McKee identifies small class size as a leaders who are thoughtful 415.771.6600 service into students’ education as a habit, community-building feature of indepen- people of purpose and in- http://www.cathedralschool.net/ that it really does become something that dent schools, because students are “much tegrity and goodwill, and I they do, like breath- more likely to feel like think that’s something that St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School ing, just as a matter of they are, even within independent schools are course.” the community of an very much about creating.” (PreK-8) At Cathedral individual classroom, Ferreboeuf seconds 16 Baldwin Avenue School, younger that they are a mem- the idea that leadership San Mateo, CA 94401 students have been ber of a community. training is a communal 650.342.5436 collecting items such They’re not just an endeavor. “It’s not about as small shampoo anonymous person in beating the other student, http://www.smeds.info/ bottles for the Episco- a large classroom, but or getting ahead, or being pal Sanctuary homeless they have a role and a competitive, it’s about St. Paul’s Episcopal School (K-8) shelter in San Francisco contribution.” learning, again, in commu- 116 Montecito Avenue and selling books to At St. Paul’s, a ma- nity.” At Cathedral School, Oakland, CA 94610 raise funds for Bay- jor focus of communi- community building is view Mission. Every ty building is diversity. facilitated by music. Some 510.285.9600 Thursday morning Karan Merry, Head of The school’s found- boys become part of the http://www.spes.org/ older students are taken School at St. Paul’s. ers sought to include Cathedral Choir of Men outside of the school for students from different and Boys; others partici-

PCN6 | August InFormation Continued from page 6 Of course, non-Episcopal schools Ferreboeuf. St. Matthew’s also has chapel work to foster the “moral values” of four times a week; St. Paul’s has chapel Time for the Indoor Voice their pupils, but the unique claim of the every Friday. Episcopal tradition seems to be a spiritual Chaplains, indispensable shepherds By Julia McCray-Goldsmith grounding in multiple viewpoints. This for the spiritual lives of these schools, hen my children were small, I in staffing many English cathedrals, and enables Episcopal schools to be religious- help to keep the academic and the used to admonish them to “use Cranmer’s intention, in the Book of Com- ly affiliated institutions that are comfort- spiritual in balance. The Rev. Mehrdad Wtheir indoor voices” when the mon Prayer, to make the rhythm of the able for students from a wide variety of Abidari at Cathedral School and the Rev. mayhem became overwhelming. It’s not daily office available to the laity.” faith backgrounds. (By McKee’s estimate, Stacy Williams Duncan at St. Matthew’s like I expected—or even wanted—my Personally, “the Benedictine approach three-fourths of Episcopal school students not only help lead chapel and conduct Eu- children to be quiet all the time. It’s just of rhythmic moving back and forth might not identify as Episcopalian.) Fer- charist about once a month, but also teach that I wanted then to know that there are between contemplation and action, in an reboeuf says his predecessor used to quip, classes on religion and coordinate service rhythms of quiet and noise, and places orderly way, is what works for me,” say “If someone is a Buddhist, we want them learning programs. St. Paul’s is currently and times appropriate to each. And, Arthur, “but that isn’t necessarily going to leaving as a better Buddhist.” searching for a chaplain and director of well—that I might welcome a work equally well for everyone. Chapel services at the schools, which service learning. little peace and quiet myself! Different strokes for dif- are often student-led, are also important A close association with the Episcopal Honoring times and ferent folks, but the end to the focus on spiritual growth and Church clearly informs how these schools places of quiet has been result is the same: fol- community. “We have chapel four times provide spiritual guidance, and that guid- a Christian practice, lowing in our daily a week, and we come together in chapel, ance is a vital part of their identities. As at least since Jesus lives Jesus’ model and you get to talk about caring for one Ferreboeuf puts it, “The spiritual piece went into the desert of loving attention another, loving one another, being re- just runs through the fabric of every- to pray. Christian to God and God’s sponsible to one another. You can do that thing.” contemplative reign.” Indeed the in a secular school, but it’s harder,” says practice might two—contempla- be thought of as tion and action— Breaking Down the Wall of Silence: turning down need each other. the “noise” that Contemplative Voices We Need to Hear comes from try- practices refresh ing to speak ever us for doing God’s A Sabeel Conference louder than each work in the world, to inform and stimulate thoughtful action other, trusting that in and at the same toward a just resolution to the Palestine-Israel Conflict the quiet, we might just accustom us to the hear the voice of God. discipline of attentiveness August 24 and 25, 2007 Throughout the centu- that allows us to hear God’s Friday: 1:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. ries, our tradition has recognized call for us to act. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. prayerful contemplation and action for That same child who once had to be St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Berkeley, California compassion and justice as being integral reminded to use his indoor voice, my For more information, or to register, please visit fosna.org. to the Christian life. While few of us in now 16-year-old son Amos, just returned the Diocese of California maintain the from ten days of pilgrimage with Bishop strict ascetic disciplines of, for example, Marc and a group of youth and young the desert ammas and abbas of the fourth adults from the Diocese of California. century, most of our prayer traditions are They spent time supporting local min- bequeathed to us through the witness and istries in New Orleans and also with example of historically contemplative the contemplative Taizé community in Christian communities. Arthur Holder, France. There Amos’s indoor (contem- Academic Dean of the Graduate Theo- plative) voice would have been heard in logical Union and Assisting Priest at St. chant. But when I met Bishop Marc and Mark’s in Berkeley, observes that “there the youth at Charles De Gaulle Airport is a strong Benedictine influence on in Paris, the Bishop reported, “Amos Anglicanism due to the Benedictine role taught us a few things,” and held a finger up in the air. I was startled for a moment and then laughed in recognition. He was pantomiming Amos’s singular skill for spinning all manner of things— pillows, plates, books—in the air. A reminder that a Christian life rich in contemplation and action will also permit plenty of time for humor and play!

PCN7 | August CHURCH PACIFIC NEWS Walk In Love: Episcopalians Walk for a Cure By Sean T. McConnell Church with Episcopal On Sunday, July team members. “One 15, 2007, almost 140 man who wasn’t on our Episcopalians from team told us that he throughout the Diocese was an Episcopalian,” of California joined Ridlon said, “and that Bishop Marc and more he didn’t know that than 25,000 other par- Episcopalians were ticipants for AIDS Walk walking together, San Francisco. AIDS and he said that he Walk has been one was thrilled that the of the premiere fund- Episcopal Church was raising events benefiting walking together as a HIV/AIDS charities diocese.” Ridlon also met for 21 years, and it is Episcopalians walk behind the diocesan banner. an annual event in San two women along the Francisco, Los Angeles, walk who had recently New York, and Fort Lauderdale. moved to San Francisco from Alabama, one of whom was Episcopalians gathered at 9 a.m. for a pre-walk Eucha- an Episcopalian. After a brief conversation, Ridlon and rist at the edge of Kezar in San Francisco’s Golden others helped the women identify the Episcopal church Gate Park. Positioned at a major thoroughfare for those closest to their home. participating in the AIDS Walk, this quiet group in green “The Spirit was really working in and through us. It shirts prayed together, heard the Gospel story of the Good was amazing,” Ridlon said. Samaritan, shared in the Eucharist, and caught the atten- Richard Patenaude and David Heusdens from Holy tion of many other walkers. Cross, Castro Valley, and Ridlon who attends All Saints, “It was a gift of time,” Bishop Marc said after the San Leandro, did a wonderful job as the coordinators of event, “that the Gospel lesson for day was the Good Sa- the Episcopal Churches of the Bay Area team. maritan, and all the action of that parable takes place on a The Episcopal Churches of the Bay Area team raised road – people walking. And the heart of that parable is not more than $17,000 in pledges for the 2007 AIDS Walk. why some people didn’t stop to help but the compassion of Overall, this year’s AIDS Walk San Francisco collected the person who proved to be neighbor. It would be im- more than $4.5 million for AIDS related charities in the portant for the Diocese of California to be neighbor to all Bay Area. those people who struggle with the pandemic of AIDS.” Photo by Tom Breckenridge, member, All Saints, San CHURCH Leandro. At the offertory, Bishop Marc told the gathering, PACIFIC NEWS “Never has this been more appropriate: Walk in love, as 1055 Taylor Street Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and San Francisco, CA 94108 sacrifice to God.” Following the Eucharist, the Episcopalians joined the throngs of other walkers, wearing shirts that said “The Episcopal Church Walks With You.” Some walkers wrote the names of friends and loved ones who have died from AIDS or AIDS related illnesses on their shirts, while oth- ers decorated their shirts with art and messages of love and solidarity. One of the organizers of the Episcopal Churches of the Bay Area team, Melissa Ridlon, said that many of the other The day began with Eucharist in the park. walkers were lured into conversations about the Episcopal