ECC's "New Church" Attracts 70 to First Service

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Last Sunday night, 70 people came to the very first service of “New Church” in Pascoag, an Episcopal Church plant associated with our Camp and Conference center. For the first time in many years, the church that was formerly Calvary Church, at 158 Broad Street in Pascoag, was full of people who had come to worship.

It was over five years ago that Calvary made the decision to merge with St. Thomas’ in Greenville, and that merger led to a healthy and thriving parish that is living fully into God’s call to care for one another and the world. The merger allowed for new life, new beginnings, and new ministry at St. Thomas’. The merger also left a building behind nestled in the Northwestern most corner of the state, and only two miles from the Episcopal Conference Center.

When the Bishop and ECC Director Meaghan Kelly started talking about forming a new worshipping congregation that was associated with the summer camp program and ministry at ECC, the empty church seemed like a natural place to start holding worship services.  The idea was to start something new and just a little bit different from the other options that we have for churchgoers in the Diocese.  The primary weekly service would be held in the evening instead of the morning and the music would be accompanied by guitar and drum, incorporating some of the songs used at camp.

The Rev. Meaghan Kelly admits she was hoping for 20 people at the first gathering – a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist and a potluck at her house (the former rectory) next door afterward. She was surprised and overwhelmed when 70 people arrived, with many children in attendance.  Some folks came just to check it out and support this effort, but many came and were excited about being part of this ministry, including several people from the neighborhood.

New Church will meet again next week for worship (at 5pm) and a potluck dinner (at 6pm). At the start of Lent, as New Church pays close attention to the experience of being in the wilderness, The Rev. Meaghan Kelly says they will begin to pray and discern in earnest.“We will listen for God and explore who we are going to be, where God is calling us into ministry, and how we can share the light of Christ in Pascoag and in the world.  Please pray for us and with us as God makes something new!”

Taking worship to the streets: Ashes to Go 2014 How-to

Your Church Participating this year? Let us know! We'll include you in diocesan publicity. Email Edmund@epiphanyep.org

Every year on Ash Wednesday, the Church invites us “to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and

meditating on God's holy Word.” Our foreheads are marked with ashes as we remember our mortality and need for repentance as well as the scope of God’s love and mercy.

Have you ever considered taking this invitation to the streets? This Ash Wednesday, Bishop Knisely and Church Beyond the Walls invite you and your congregation to do just this by taking part in Ashes to Go. On March 5, Episcopalians across Rhode Island will be participating by offering ashes, prayer and an invitation to be part of church on street corners, outside of coffee shops, at train stations, bus depots and airports throughout Rhode Island. Will you take part?

Planning an Ashes to Go event in your community is easy. The Reverend Emily Mellott of Calvary Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Chicago provides some excellent tips:  

Choose a place that allows you to meet people where they already are on a Wednesday.

Choose a liturgical option that fits that place.

The liturgical action can be as simple as offering the ashes themselves (“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”). A prayer (the Collect of the Day works nicely, or the prayer over the ashes from the Ash Wednesday liturgy) before imposing ashes, and a simple “Go in peace,” give the symbol a toe-hold in our common prayer. This option can go nearly anywhere, from transit stops to McDonalds to hospitals. You can do it with a small group of people, or one-on-one. If you wish to use the Lord’s Prayer, remember that different traditions learn it differently! In a location where you may encounter people in groups, or with more leisure, you can use more of the day’s liturgy and enrich the symbol.

Recruit a team

Ashes to Go is a ministry that lay people may lead as well as bishops, priests and deacons. It’s great to have teams that include both clergy and lay people not only to offer ashes, but also to engage in conversation – about Lent or about life – with people who receive ashes and those simply passing by.

Let people know what you’re up to

In addition to recruiting in the congregation, let local media know that you’ll be doing something new and interesting. Ashes to Go is photogenic, and makes great copy for local papers. Chicago congregations found themselves in the traffic and transit reports and on

the evening TV news in 2011, as well as in local papers.

Equip your team

Dress for the weather and dress for the liturgy. For liturgy on street corners and transit stops, it’s probably a good idea for at least half of your team to wear vestments. This makes you stand out in the crowd, and gives passers-by a sense that something special is happening.

A sign isn’t usually necessary, but consider your location, the style of your congregation, and what will help make you visible. If you use incense every Sunday, take a thurifer as part of your team. For a rainy transit platform, our team borrowed patio umbrellas from a parishioner, which doubled as shelter and a way to locate us. It’s good to bring ashes in a sealable container, especially if the weather is windy or wet. You can often find small screw-top jars sold for travel toiletries which work great for ashes.

Give people a take-away

The liturgical moment speaks for itself. But participants may want to find a way to reflect on the encounter, or know who it was who met them with a moment of grace in a busy weekday. Prepare a give-away. Consider Lenten reflection booklets from Episcopal Relief and Development. Or create a prayer card or leaflet that includes prayers for Lent and information on your congregation’s Lenten program. Make sure to include your contact information and weekly service times!

Pray

Pray for the people you will meet, for your team, and for all God’s people looking for a moment of grace.

We want to know where and when your congregation will be offering ashes on Ash Wednesday. So that we can share this information with local media outlets, drop us a line and let us know by Monday, March 3. Email the Reverend Edmund Harris, Priest and Organizer for Church Beyond the Walls, at Edmund@epiphanyep.org.

For more information about Ashes to go, including additional resources, check out the Ashes to Go website here (http://ashestogo.org/).

See you on the streets!

Where are the people who are not in church on Ash Wednesday? On trains and buses? At the store? Doing shift work? Having lunch on the run? Shuttling the kids to school? Where else? 

Places with a lot of pedestrian traffic and an opportunity for drivers to pull up are ideal for brief Ashes encounters. You are looking for a place where people can pause for a few minutes without blocking traffic. If your church opens onto a busy sidewalk, you are in luck. Public sidewalks near transit or shopping might be good options. 

If you are on private property (such as shopping centers) you may be asked to leave, unless you make arrangements with the property owner. 

Ashes to Go can also mean encounters at the tables of a coffee shop or somewhere people have to stand and wait. Do you and your congregation have a good relationship with a coffee shop or local business?

St. Martin's Youth to be featured on PBS

St. Martin’s Youth at TAP-IN with Director Lynn Moran

St. Martin's Youth Group was filmed by RI PBS filmmaker Jim Hummel last Sunday for a documentary on TAP-IN, the East Bay food pantry in Barrington.  The young people will be featured in The Hummel Report in 2-3 months.  The story will air on local news, RI PBS and on-line.

They delivered about 15 cases of food, met the Director Lynn Moran, organized and stocked the shelves and had a tour.  Not only was it a service mission for the Youth, it was an educational experience as well.  They learned that TAP-IN has an ongoing need for toothpaste, shampoo, soap, coffee and toilet paper.

The event was part of our spring program for the Youth: Come Hungry.  Raquel Ray, the Christian Formation Director at St. Martin's, is leading the group through three learning modules that mirror their church's mission statement "Come as You Are, Grow With Us in Faith, Go Forth in Peace: Come Hungry, Be Fed, Feed Others."

The objective is to raise awareness of global, national and local hunger.  We’re looking at hunger in terms of physical and spiritual and how the church can satiate that longing in both aspects. So far, they have traveled to Heifer International’s Overlook Farm in Rutland MA, collected soup for the Souperbowl of Caring, listened to speakers Rev. Albino Barreira (Professor from Providence College), Professor Sean Mulholland (Stonehill College and St. Martin’s member) and New Urban Farmers.  Through the spring they will meet Michelle Wilcox from Crossroads and Diana Burdett from Pica.  They will be encouraged to participate in 30 Hour Famine, Nightwatch and Happening, and all ECC events.  In the process, Raquel hopes to encourage a group cohesion as they transition from Rite-13 to J2A and guide the youth to find their own mission by the fall.

Each module will conclude with a capstone mural project with artist Heather Annis, who is a Youth Minister and member of St. Martins.  Heather will be working with our young people to create three murals that will enhance St. Martins’ Youth Space. 

Canon's Corner: Silent Auction How-to

By The Rev. Linda L. Grenz, Canon to the Ordinary

One of the easiest ways to raise money for your church is to hold a silent auction, and now is the time to ask merchants for a donation to yours. 

Most businesses set aside a specific amount to give in response to requests like this and they give them out on a first come, first served basis. If you ask in August, you may be out of luck, so ask in the first quarter of the year.....preferably February or March (they often haven't done their inventory and closed the prior year's books until the end of January).

When you ask, have a specific fundraising purpose you and your parishioners can describe to potential donors. Ask your parishioners to think of goods or services they can donate, or places beyond your local community that might be willing to support this effort. 

It isn't unusual for parishioners to donate a time-share unit they don't plan to use this year, or for them to ask the ski resort they frequent to offer free ski lift tickets. Also, think beyond the usual food baskets, toys, artwork and dinners. A swim club might offer a free family membership (which was THE most popular item at one church), a museum might offer free admission, and a roller rink might offer free skating for an evening. Approach any business your church uses as a vendor and ask parishioners to tell you their favorite stores, events and organizations so you can ask them for a donation.

Business people want to make a difference in their community, but they also need to earn a living. Some may ask you "What is in it for us?"  Tell them you will give them credit at your event, and then make sure you do so. Put their name in a booklet you hand out and/or on the paper next to the donated item -- you can even put out a business card or small flyer about their business. Send them the usual thank you letter with the IRS tax deduction statement when they donate. And then remember to send them another letter after the auction, thanking them for their donation and telling them how much you raised at the event and what you will do with it. In other words, tell them how their contribution will help make a difference in your cause and their business.

If you set up form letters for your requests and thank you letters, you can easily solicit many vendors. Some will require you to use your shoe leather and personally request it, but some will respond to a letter. You can always follow up with those who didn't reply to the request letter.

There are many people outside the church who want to make a difference and will support a cause by attending your event even if they couldn't donate an item, so promote your cause widely outside the church. Then, at your event give attendees a way to make a difference regularly and they will begin to identify with your church -- some will begin to see it as "my church" even if they don't attend worship. If they feel belonging in this way it more likely that they will turn to you at other times in their lives, or even just start coming to your church!

At the auction, have a set opening and closing time. Be sure you collect names, emails and phone numbers so you can follow up with winners who left early (and so you have that information and can invite them to your next event!). Prepare some interesting food (appetizers and desserts are good) and music, then arrange your silent auction items on tables around the room and let people browse. If you have really good food and music, you can even charge a modest cover charge ($5/person) which increases the income. And don't forget to have your parishioners circulating, getting to know people and inviting them to church.

If you have a beautiful church building, you can even have the organist playing (or set up some quiet recorded church music), light lots of candles and offer people a chance to tour the church. You'd be surprised by how many people will take you up on that -- and, again, it gives you an opportunity to connect your church with people in a way that makes it easier for them to turn to you when they are seeking God.

This (and every fundraiser) can have some, or ideally all, of these goals: 1) raise money, 2) build relationships with people, 3) invite people to church, 4) provide an opportunity to serve and 5) be a fun/joyful/rewarding experience for participants.

Bishop Knisely: Providence is not the least biblically minded city in the United States

[1.24.2014] A Statement from The Right Reverend Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, in response to this week's TIME Magazine article "the Most God-less Cities in America" which ranks Providence at #1

A recent survey by the American Bible Society has determined that, according to their criteria, Providence and New Bedford are the least biblically minded cities in the United States. I disagree strongly with the criteria they used to make that assessment. Being a biblically minded person isn't a matter of memorization, or of reading the Bible on your own once a week. A biblically minded person is someone who deeply understands and lives the values of the Gospel, not someone who merely reads it often.

The gospel calls us to love others, be kind, be generous, speak out for the poor and excluded, and to welcome the stranger in our midst. I have seen that behavior daily in Rhode Island since I was consecrated Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island last year.

That said, I'm certainly in favor of people engaging in a regular way with Holy Scripture. Another recent study pointed out that while Episcopalians are not as likely to read their Bibles individually during the week, they are the people who read the Bible the most, together in Sunday and daily worship. Our lectionary takes us through the entire Bible together every three years. We read the Bible, we just read it differently. That's true of all the liturgical churches, which are the largest expression of Christianity here in Rhode Island.

+Bishop Knisely

[1.29.14] Update: Check out Time Magazine's new article "Actually, These are the Most Godless Cities in America" in response to Bishop Knisely's statement and the ensuing debate.

Bishop Knisely's "Lent is not Rocket Science" Book of Meditations on Science & Religion Now for Sale

40 Days of Lent

Lent is Not Rocket Science: An Exploration of God, Creation and the Cosmos

W. Nicholas Knisely

The season of Lent prompts us to ask questions, big and small, about the nature of our being, and about our role in the world. Astronomer, physicist and Episcopal Bishop W. Nicholas Knisely explores the intersection of faith and science, creation and the cosmos in Lent is Not Rocket Science: An Exploration of God, Creation and the Cosmos, jointly published by Forward Movement and Morehouse.

Bishop Knisely reflects on every level of creation from the largest (cosmos) to the smallest (quantum) in these daily Lenten meditations. He explains these significant and sometimes complex scientific concepts in a clear, succinct way through the lens of faith.

“Paying attention to the world around us—to the intricate structures of nature, to the mind-bending reality of the cosmic and microscopic realms—will invite us to recognize that the God we worship, and with whom we have an ongoing relationship, is present in the raging storm, the fiery whirlwind of the surface of a star, and the deep silence of intergalactic space,” Knisely explains.

Each day's devotion begins with a meditative scripture passage, followed by a reflection. Questions at the end of each reflection invite you to think even more deeply as you seek God in every molecule, atom, and quantum particle of Creation.With his devotions as a guide this Lent, you'll come to the conclusion that you don't have to be a rocket scientist to see God's hand in all of creation, from the unimaginable expanse of galaxies to the inexplicable nature of atoms, in the fire that turns palm fronds into ashes and in the rainbows formed on oil-slicked puddles.

To order Lent Is Not Rocket Science: An Exploration of God, Creation and the Cosmos, visit www.forwardmovement.org. For a review copy or to receive a digital copy of Lent is Not Rocket Science to reprint up to three meditations, please contact Miriam McKenney.

The Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely was consecrated in 2012 as the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island. Prior to his election as bishop, he served as a priest in Delaware, Western and Eastern Pennsylvania and as dean of Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona. Bishop Knisely earned an undergraduate degree in physics and astronomy and did graduate work in cosmology and solid state physics before entering seminary. He taught physics and astronomy for seven years at Lehigh University and is part of the Episcopal Network for Science, Technology & Faith.

Forward Movement works to nurture discipleship and encourage evangelism by providing print and digital resources to all who wish to deepen their spiritual engagement. Based in Cincinnati, OH since its inception in 1935, Forward Movement is widely known for Forward Day by Day. Forward Movement is a ministry of The Episcopal Church.

St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Portsmouth Calls The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick as New Rector.

The Reverend Jennifer Pedrick has accepted a call to be the next Rector of St. Mary's in Portsmouth RI. Jennifer has been in this Diocese for some time now and many of you may know her as the Rector of Church of the Epiphany in Rumford, RI. She has been at Epiphany since 2002, but prior to that she served as Assistant to the Rector at St. Mary's.

St. Mary’s is very excited to see Jennifer return, but this time as their Rector. Paul Westrom, a vestry member who was convener of the St. Mary’s discernment team says “Jennifer is a visionary, inspirational pastor who excels at Christian Formation and thinking "outside the box." He says that there were many reasons she seemed like the right fit for St. Mary’s but that they were particularly struck by her passion and spirituality.

“Every interaction we have had with her has been pastoral and spiritual. She is a smart, funny, loving, giving, Christ-filled person! She is looking to make disciples of Christ and she makes you want to come along and help. Our Mission statement is "Come Grow with Us" so who better to helps us do that than someone who is obviously committed and driven to deepen not only her beliefs but also her flock.”

 The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick was educated at Harvard Divinity School and Sweetbriar College. Jennifer is a spirit-filled speaker who relates to a multi-generational audience and whose sermons make Jesus relevant to daily life. Jennifer's passions are worship, congregational development and education. In addition to her work at Church of the Epiphany, she serves in a number of capacities for the Diocese of Rhode Island.

In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys gardening, cooking and entertaining friends. She is a two-time marathon finisher and in 2008 she walked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, an ancient Christian pilgrimage across Spain. Jennifer is married to Michael DeAngelo. They have two daughters, Lydia and Isabella. The Reverend Pedrick begins her ministry at St. Mary’s on April 1.

Looking forward beyond April, Westrom says:

“St. Mary's is blessed in so many ways, but we do have challenges ahead also. We want to grow internally and externally. We want to strengthen existing ministries through education and to move into the future fulfilling God’s potential in traditional and innovative ways. We have work to do… We hope that Jen will help fill us with the Light of Christ so that we can be a Beacon of God's Love to Aquidneck Island and the surrounding area. We are so excited!”

 For more information, please contact St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 401-846-9700.

Episcopal Charities Surpasses all Fundraising Goals for 2013

We did it!  

With lots, and lots of help!  

This year we set our fundraising goal at $400,000. It was a more ambitious number than we've dared hope for in previous years, but we wanted to challenge ourselves even as the economy continues to lag.

We are happy to announce that we have surpassed that $400,000 goal by 5%. The final totals of donations you all made in 2013 comes to $420,000

Many, many thanks to our donors and volunteers for making 2013 a great year.  Because of their generosity, thousands of Rhode Islanders are getting the help they need.  Many thanks to our funded agencies for delivering social services to those in fragile situations.  We are grateful to the commitment, dedication and goodness of so many.

Together, we are changing the lives of people in our community.

Blessings to all!

Diocese hosts Townes Lecture on Science and Religion at Brown Saturday

The 2014 Townes lecturer of the Society of Ordained Scientists is Bishop David Walker of the Diocese of Manchester in the Church of England, and due to Bishop Knisely's affiliation with that organization (Bishop Knisely is a former physicist) the 2014 Townes lecture will be held at Brown University this Saturday January 18th, at 7 PM at MacMillan 115.

Bishop Walker was trained as a mathematician, is finishing a PhD program in the social sciences and is a leading voice in Britain today on the ways that predatory financial structures are harming the most vulnerable people in society. His lecture this weekend will be titled “Social action, social welfare, social faith”  The event is free and will be followed by a reception.

In his 30 years of ordained ministry he has overseen numerous initiatives that respond to human need and promote social inclusion. Bishop Walker has served as an advisor to UK government agencies on issues of equality, diversity and human rights, social housing and policing. He is a well-known figure in the media, who often contributes to the public debate on social welfare and migration on radio and TV.

In this lecture Bishop Walker will share his experiences tackling these issues in the British context from a faith-based setting, and offer insights linking spiritual principles to practical action. He will suggest a vision for the church’s role to challenge and critique secular authorities, especially where democratic structures perpetuate poverty and disadvantage some. He hopes that the perspective of Britain’s distinct constitutional settlement between church and state will deepen conversations on the position and ability of faith organizations in America.

The Society of Ordained Scientists believes that God is present in all aspects of human life and has members who are chemists, physicists, medical doctors, engineers and those from many more disciplines. Some members continue in their careers and work in churches part time. Others work in various capacities for the church full time while continuing to keep up their academic backgrounds. The Society was founded in 1985 by Arthur Peacock of Holy Cross, Oxford University and grew as it enabled a necessary conversation between ordained men and women and scientists as they hold their two vocations together.

Jonathan Daniels House hires The Rev. Gillian R. Barr as Executive Director

We are excited to announce that the Rev. Gillian R. Barr has been hired as the first Executive Director of Jonathan Daniels House, and as Priest-in-Charge of Good Shepherd in Pawtucket.

It has been an exciting few months for our Jonathan Daniels House (JDH) project, which aims to open a service-oriented intentional community for young adults. In November JDH was accepted into the Episcopal Service Corps, a national network of over 25 similar programs. Shortly after we were accepted, our online application for interns went live. The ball is rolling, and we received our first intern profiles just as we began our conversations with prospective executive directors to run the program.

The Rev. Gillian Barr will bring years of experience in young adult ministry and Christian formation to JDH, having served in various College Chaplain positions. Most recently she has been at Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia where she also served as the assistant priest in a church coincidentally called Good Shepherd. We look forward to her parish work at our own Good Shepherd in Pawtucket. May her two new ministries in Rhode Island deepen and inspire each other.

Pray for warmer weather over the next few weeks as Gillian packs up her things in Virginia and drives to join us here in the middle of this particularly freezing New England Winter. As she transitions, she has sent us a few words to introduce herself:

I am incredibly excited to be joining all of you in the Diocese of Rhode Island.  My own college and post-college years were a crucial time in my own faith journey.  This is one reason why the Episcopal Service Corps' mix of vocational and spiritual reflection, intentional community, and dedicated service has attracted me ever since I first learned of it some years ago.   Creating a community of young adults working for justice while exploring their faith and future is a wonderful way to continue the legacy of Jonathan Daniels. I am humbled and inspired as I take up my new responsibilities alongside those who have been working for several years to bring this vision to life. 

My ministry has always been a blend of parish work alongside ministry in non-parish settings, so I look forward to also joining with the people of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Pawtucket. Good Shepherd is a parish family that lives out the same values of love, community, faith, and care for those on the margins that Jonathan Daniels House seeks to embody. 

 I was born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland. (I've also lived in San Diego, California and Norfolk, Virginia, but amazingly am not related to anyone in the Navy!) I enjoy sailing and getting out on the water in the summer.  I love animals--I'm currently the servant to two cats and have also owned dogs.  I’m a history buff, hope to regain the Spanish fluency I had when living in San Diego, and would like to learn to be a better photographer. I am looking forward to getting to know Rhode Island and exploring all it has to offer. 

Blessings,
Gillian