The Latest eRISEN: December 21st

You can view the latest issue of eRISEN, our biweekly email events calendar, at the link below:
eRISEN December 21st 2009 issue
 
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Photos From This Year's Advent Confirmations

Visit the link below to view an online photo album from this year's Advent Confirmation at the Cathedral of St. John on December 5th.

www.facebook.com/episcopalri
(don't worry, you can view them even if you aren't a facebook member!)

The Importance of Youth Services, by Ian Holliday

Back in my freshman year of high school, my parish youth group received a flyer not unlike this one, advertising something called a "diocesan youth service" at St. John's in Barrington. We weren't entirely sure what a "diocesan youth service" was, but we had been looking for more things to do as a group, and this sounded like it was our kind of scene, so we decided to check it out. There were easily 50 people there, most of them teenagers, and they had come from all over the diocese. We sang "Pharaoh Pharaoh," to the tune of "Louie Louie," listened to a sermon delivered by a copiously pierced and tattooed young man, and we ate actual bread for communion. It still stands out in my mind as one of the best formal church services I've ever been to.

Though this was the only youth service my youth group attended, they were actually a regular occurrence in this diocese in the late 90's and early 2000's, and I have many friends who remember them fondly and wonder why they stopped happening. That's not to say people stopped organizing youth events in the diocese. There have always been young people getting together around Rhode Island to do cool Episcopal things, and there probably always will be. But there's a difference between a youth event and a youth service.

I've always perceived a divide between parish-level youth activities and diocese-wide events, and when I was in high school, it seemed like neither had much to do with the other. The youth group centered around the shared experience of going to church together, and while we certainly did other things, we all approached the group from that common background. What was so interesting and important about the concept of a diocesan youth Eucharist is that it extended that familiar experience of going to church together into the larger youth community. It bridged the gap between going to your own church on Sundays and going to ECC or Happening a couple of times each year, and did so in a friendly, relatable way.

Well, at least for the night of December 20, they're back! Happening of Rhode Island is organizing a youth service for 5 p.m. at St. Matthews in Barrington. The goal is to create another opportunity for the Happening community to meet outside of the two Happening weekends each year, but Mark Sidla, one of the event's organizers, said they could be seen as a continuation of the youth service tradition he used to be a part of.

"In high school ... they were another event in which we were able to meet and enjoy our christian family. Another network in which we could share God's love through each other as well as an
oppurtunity for us to choose litergy and music etc."

In that vein, the service on the 20th is open to everyone, including Happeners, non-Happeners, and even parents. If you have any questions, please contact Mark Sidla (401-636-1946, mark.sidla@gmail.com ) or Harold Guise (401-481-9642, hguise@mail.uri.edu ).

Visit our  facebook event page to see who is coming and let your friends know you are!

Projo article on Bishop John's visit

Providence Journal Staff writer Richard Dujardin wrote an article for the December 5th issue, about Bishop John's visit to RI. It was titled "In R.I., bishop tells of Ugandan guerillas’ reign of terror in Southern Sudan" and you can read the full story as well as leave your comments here:

http://www.projo.com/news/content/sudan_bishop_12-05-09_USGMJ60_v8.398ba38.html

CORRECTION NOTE: Mr. Dujardin interviewed Bishop Zawo on the fourth day of his LAST week here, not his only week here. Bishop Zawo was actually in RI from November 8th until December 7th 2009, nearly one month.

St. Luke's Pawtucket Welcomes The Rev. Dennis Bucco as Rector

On November 22nd, 2009 The Rev. Dennis Bucco was installed as the eighth rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.  Dennis and St. Luke's look forward to a vibrant ministry of worship and service in Pawtucket.

Dennis was born and raised in Rhode Island, and his home church is St. Barnabas Church, Warwick, where he served on the Vestry as well as treasurer for several years. After working for twelve years in the financial services industry, Dennis began his theological studies at the Boston University School of Theology and eventually transfered to the General Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity in 2007. Dennis served as a seminarian at St. Francis, Coventry, Trinity Church, Newport, and the Cathedral Church of St. John in Providence. He credits each church, along with their clergy, as exceptional experiences for his formation.

After graduation, Dennis was called to be the curate of St. Luke's, East Greenwich and happily served, learned, and enjoyed them for two years. Dennis eventually felt called to be a rector and tested the waters to find a church seeking priest to work with into the future, and found St. Luke's, Pawtucket. After a thorough search process, Dennis and St. Luke's agreed they are a very good match and called to work together.

The Latest eRISEN

You can view the latest issue of eRISEN, our biweekly email events calendar, at the link below:

eRISEN December 4th 2009 issue

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Living Church Magazine on Bishop Zawo's visit to S. Stephen's, Providence

Bishop John Zawo of the Diocese of Ezo in Southern Sudan spoke at a gathering organized by the Episcopal Campus Ministry at S. Stephen's on Tuesday 17 November. Here is Phoebe Pettingell's account of the event in The Living Church Magazine.

Christmas Message from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori

Christmas message 2009

The mornings are dark, pitch black until after most of us have begun our days. The hints of dawn in the eastern sky, those streaks of rose and pink that promise more and brighter light, bring hope even in the dark mid-winter. Where do you look for that kind of hope borne on slim rays of light?

Jesus is already abroad, even in the darkness. The hungry one fed, the street people who have their feet cared for, the humble and honored guest at your dinner table – each one offers a glimpse of that dawn, if you look closely enough.

What we have waited long for, ages and eons for, has been born among us. He comes among us quietly, almost stealthily, in an obscure barn, long ago. This child holds all our hope for light. This tiny frame seems too frail to bear our yearning. Yet the nations come streaming to this light even before he is weaned. The divine has come to dwell in our midst, and God’s eternal promise of peace, restoration, and home is made flesh.

Where and how will you seek out this light of the world? In what other frail frames will light expunge darkness? The light grows with our own eager searching, light reaching out to light, divine reflection yearning for its source. May the light of Christ light your way in the darkness, may his light spread through nations besieged by war and hunger, may we continue to search out his light in the dark places of our own hearts.


The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop
The Episcopal Church
______________________

Mensaje de Navidad 2009


Las mañanas están oscuras, muy oscuras hasta incluso después de que la mayoría de nosotros ha empezado sus días. Los indicios de la aurora en el cielo oriental, las líneas color rosa y rosado que prometen luz abundante y más brillante, traen esperanza incluso en el oscuro pleno invierno. ¿Dónde buscas esa clase de esperanza nacida en los tenues rayos de luz?
Jesús ya está en la calle, incluso en la oscuridad. Si miras con atención, verás que los hambrientos son alimentados, los sin hogar tienen los pies atendidos, los humildes y honrados invitados ya están en la mesa del banquete, cada uno ofrece un vislumbre de ese amanecer.

Lo que habíamos esperado durante tanto tiempo, durante siglos y eones de tiempo, ha nacido entre nosotros. Nace entre nosotros silenciosamente, casi a hurtadillas, en un granero oscuro, hace mucho tiempo. Este niño tiene toda nuestra esperanza de luz. Este pequeño marco parece demasiado frágil para soportar nuestros anhelos. Sin embargo, las naciones vienen corriendo hacia esta luz, incluso antes de que sea destetado. Lo divino ha venido para habitar entre nosotros, y la promesa eterna de Dios de paz, restauración y de hogar se hizo carne.

¿Dónde y cómo vas a buscar esta luz en el mundo? ¿En qué otros frágiles marcos la luz cubrirá las tinieblas? La luz aumenta con nuestra ansiosa búsqueda, luz que anhela la luz, el divino reflejo anhelante de su origen. Que la luz de Cristo ilumine su caminar en las tinieblas, que su luz se extienda por las naciones azotadas por la guerra y el hambre, que continuemos buscando su luz en los lugares oscuros de nuestros propios corazones.

La Reverendísima Katharine Jefferts Schori
Obispa Presidenta
Iglesia Episcopal
______________________

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

La Iglesia Episcopal da la bienvenida a todo el que adora a Jesucristo en 109 diócesis y tres áreas regionales en dieciséis naciones. La Iglesia Episcopal es una provincia miembro de la amplia Comunión Anglicana.


The Episcopal Church: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/presiding-bishop.htm  
IamEpiscopalian: http://www.iamepiscopalian.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/episcopalian
Twitter: http://twitter.com/iamepiscopalian
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/TECtube

The Latest eRISEN: Biweekly Events Calendar

You can view the latest issue of eRISEN, our biweekly email events calendar, at the link below:

 eRISEN, November 19th 2009

Want to sign up to the eRISEN mailing list? Want to submit your event? Just visit the eRISEN page on our website.

Creative Writing Contest Deadline Extended

DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL NOVEMBER 30th 2009!

RISEN Magazine, a publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, is pleased to announce its first creative writing contest! The venture aims to support writers who are called to create in the Image of our Creator God, and to introduce RISEN's 22,000 readers to these inspired authors and their works.

Entries are being accepted in the categories of Poetry and Short Fiction. The winning work in each category will receive a $500 prize and see their poem or story appear in the Winter 2010 “Creation and Creativity” issue. When submitting, remember RISEN Magazine's mission to inform, enlighten, and inspire. Entries should express artistic excellence as well spiritual truth, and should be appropriate for the RISEN issue they will appear in.

Visit our website to download the submission guidelines and forms,  and join our facebook page to recieve updates and deadline reminders!

Updated Calendar for Bishop John's Visit

Here is an updated Calendar of events for Bishop John's Visit. The events we have currently scheduled are listed below. Check back often and keep an eye on your inbox for a special edition of erisen as more dates are solidified

Clergy Luncheon and Conversation with Bishop John Zawo
When: Tuesday November 17th, 2009 11:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Church of the Redeemer 655 Hope Street RI 02906
Description: Clergy are invited for conversation and lunch with our visitor, Bishop John Zawo, Diocese of Ezo, Sudan Please RSVP
Contact: Mary Ann Kolakowski 401 274-4500 ext. 247 maryann@episcopalri.org

Episcopal Chaplaincy Discussion with Bishop John
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 6:00pm
Where: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 114 George Street Providence, RI
Description: Episcopal Campus Ministry is pleased to welcome The Rt. Rev. John Zawo, Anglican Bishop in the Diocese of Ezo in the Sudan, for a discussion of current events and experiences living and worshipping amidst the war and violence of Ezo. All are welcome. (Please note that free parking is available after 5 pm at the Brown University parking lot at the corner of George and Hope Streets.)
Contact: curate@sstephens.necoxmail.com

Holy Eucharist at Christ Church in Lonsdale
When: 10:30am Sunday November 29, 2009
Where: Christ Church Lincoln, 1643 Lonsdale Ave. Lincoln, RI
Description: Holy Eucharist with Bp. John as Preacher followed by coffee hour and conversation. All are welcome.
Contact: info@christchurchlincoln.org

Taize Prayer
When: Sunday Nov. 29, 2009 5:00pm
Where: St. Paul's Episcopl Church 50 Park Place Pawtucket
Description: Join us and our guest Bishop John Zawo, the Diocese of Ezo; for Taize Prayer on the First Sunday of Advent Silence...Darkness... Candles...Chant... A simple reception, and the opportunity to meet Bishop John will follow prayer. All are welcome.
Contact: St. Paul's Epscopal Church 728-4300.  stpaulsmychurch1@aol.com  

Bishop John to speak NOV 17th at S. Stephen's Episcopal Chaplaincy Event

Episcopal Campus Ministry is pleased to welcome The Rt. Rev. John Zawo, Anglican Bishop of Ezo in the Sudan

When: 6 pm on Tuesday, Nov 17th

Where: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 114 George Street, Providence

(free parking is available after 5 pm at the Brown University parking lot at the corner of George and Hope Streets.)

Bishop John Zawo is the leader of Anglican Christians in the region around the town of Ezo in the southern Sudan. Nearly a year ago our own Bishop Wolf travelled to Ezo to set up a "companion relationship" of mutual aid and support with the war-torn Diocese of Ezo, and at our Diocesan Convention this year the relationship was ratified, our continued support assured. Bishop John is now here to visit the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, to meet us and speak with us. He has seen first-hand the current violence in the southern Sudan, and we are honored at the chance to hear some of his experiences and to to help raise awareness of this ongoing conflict.

Ezo is in an area of ongoing political conflict, on the border of the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While there has been much attention paid to the violence in the Darfur region of the Sudan, it is important not forget the ongoing conflict in the southern Sudan, which has been racked by civil war since 1983 with almost 2 million people killed and over 4 million people displaced from their homes. The 26 year old war produced a ‘lost generation’ of children who have never known basic health care or educational opportunities. Despite the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in 2005, violence continues in the southern Sudan. Over the past several years, in addition to the internal political conflict, Ezo has been the victim of continual violence from Ugandan Guerrilas referred to as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), which is notorious for its sex trafficking of young girls and its use of brutaly violent child soldiers.

Please join us at 6 pm on Tuesday, November 17th at St. Stephen’s Church at 114 George Street for this important discussion.

Bishop John Zawo's Arrival, and a Schedule of Events

Good News! Bishop John Zawo finally has his visa in hand, after a month or so spent waiting in kampala nearly 400 miles from home. He will be with us from November 8th 2009 until December 7th 2009, and there will be many opportunities for you to attend events and meet him!

The events we have currently scheduled are listed below. check back often and keep an eye on your inbox for a special edition of erisen as more dates are solidified

Clergy Luncheon and Conversation with Bishop John Zawo

When: Tuesday November 17th, 2009 11:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Church of the Redeemer 655 Hope Street RI 02906
Description: Clergy are invited for conversation and lunch with our visitor, Bishop John Zawo, Diocese of Ezo, Sudan Please RSVP
Contact: Mary Ann Kolakowski 401 274-4500 ext. 247 maryann@episcopalri.org
Episcopal Chaplaincy Discussion with Bishop John

When: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 6:00pm
Where: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 114 George Street Providence, RI
Description:  Episcopal Campus Ministry is pleased to welcome The Rt. Rev. John Zawo, Anglican Bishop in the Diocese of Ezo in the Sudan, for a discussion of current events and experiences living and worshipping amidst the war and violence of Ezo.  All are welcome.
(Please note that free parking is available after 5 pm at the Brown University parking lot at the corner of George and Hope Streets.)
Contact: curate@sstephens.necoxmail.com


Holy Eucharist at Christ Church in Lonsdale
When: 10:30am Sunday November 29, 2009
Where: Christ Church Lincoln, 1643 Lonsdale Ave. Lincoln, RI
Description: Holy Eucharist with Bp. John as Preacher followed by coffee hour and conversation. All are welcome.
Contact: info@christchurchlincoln.org  


Taize Prayer
When: Sunday Nov. 29, 2009 5:00pm
Where: St. Paul's Episcopl Church 50 Park Place Pawtucket
Description: Join us and our guest Bishop John Zawo, the Diocese of Ezo; for Taize Prayer on the First Sunday of Advent Silence...Darkness... Candles...Chant... A simple reception, and the opportunity to meet Bishop John will follow prayer. All are welcome.
Contact: St. Paul's Epscopal Church 728-4300. All are welcome.
stpaulsmychurch1@aol.com

A Statement on the LRA Attacks in Ezo, From Bishop John's Assistant Levi

The letter below, sent in august by Bishop John Zawo's assistant Levi (pictured at left with  Bishop Wolf in December of 2008), describes the current situation in the Diocese of Ezo, where attacks of Ugandan guerrillas called the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) run rampant.  These are the conditions our companions in that Diocese must worship and minister under every day. Keep this letter and the people of Ezo in mind, as Bishop John Zawo travels to our own Diocese to spend a month in our comparably safe churches and communities. 

[August 2009] I am hereby submitting this emergency need for help to people in Ezo.  Just in the last months there have been about 13 attacks on people in Ezo. People around Ezo have been squeezed to Ezo town but last week on August 12 and 13 2009 Ezo town was seriously attacked at night by a very big groups of LRA. In which three people died on spot including one of our Layreader and those who have been abducted, their number can not be established now because many people are still missing.

This attacks occurred within Ezo town where the 17 thousand internal displaced persons and refugees from Congo have been settled. Making it more worse the only hospital in Ezo town was targeted by the LRA and all the medicines and medical equipments were all taken and the remain one they could not carry were all burnt down. Three of the medical personnel’s were also taken.

During these attacks many people lost their properties more especially food items as it was the most targeted items by the LRA. The situation on the ground is terrible and need immediate attention.
The church itself have lost 2 of its Archdeanries, four Deanries and 12 parishes and four of our pastors and lay readers have been killed so far. So as church we are unable to react to people needs so we need help more especially medicine and food items so that we can be in position to react to people's needs.
Ezo has been cut off from Tambura districts which is 54 miles from Ezo and Yambio which is 100 miles from Ezo. All the movement on the way has to be by the help of military help. Now that most of those who can afford to travel have now run to those two districts through the help of military escort. But those who can not afford to travel more especially the old one are still in Ezo waiting only for when they will be killed because the LRA attacks has just become a routine act.
So as a church we can not run way leaving our Christians behind in such situation. So we need your help and all those who can be in position to respond on this serious situation.

Yours
Levi Ahamed Bona
Diocesan Development Officer
ECS Diocese of Ezo.

Photo Albums from Convention and The Cathedral's 80th Anniversary Eucharist

Visit the link below to view online photo albums from the 219th Diocesan Convention and The Cathedral of St. John's 80th anniversary on October 23rd and 24th 2009.

www.facebook.com/episcopalri

(don't worry, you can view them even if you aren't a facebook member!)

Louisiana and Rhode Island Update: Pete Nunnally's visit

Pete Nunnally, Director of Volunteers for Episcopal Community Services in the Diocese of Louisiana will be visiting Rhode Island next weekend. Episcopal Community Services is continuing the rebuilding work begun after Katrina, now focused on long term, sustainable community growth and development. There are still plenty of projects for parishes and individuals to be involved in, and plenty to learn about working in an urban environment similar in many ways to our own. Pete’s own story is compelling; a spring mission trip with his home parish in northern Virginia turned into a complete life reorientation.

St. Martin’s in Providence will be hosting Pete and invites you to an informal reception on Saturday afternoon, November 7 from 4 to 6 PM. We’ll serve light refreshments and have time for Pete to present some of what’s happening in New Orleans and respond to questions. This is an excellent opportunity for you and your congregations to learn more about what’s happening in New Orleans and to strengthen the relationship between our two dioceses. For more information please call the parish office at 401-751-2141 or email The Rev. Clare Fischer-Davies at rector@stmartinsprov.org .

The Bishop's Convention Address

219TH CONVENTION OF THE DIOCESE OF RHODE ISLAND

24 OCTOBER 2009

ADDRESS TO CONVENTION

THE RIGHT REVEREND GERALYN WOLF

 “Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.”
1 Corinthians 16:13

First and foremost, thank you, thank you to each of you who give so generously of your time and talents to the ministry of the Church, both in your congregation, and for the benefit of the diocese as a whole. We come together to give thanks for the blessings of this life so generously given to us by our beloved Jesus; for the renewal of friendships and the meeting of new people; and to face together the important realities that challenge our church and call forth our creative and faithful response.

We gather at a time when unemployment in our state is 13% and parishes and people are anxious about economic security. Budgets are very tight, and some churches have had to reduce staff and programs. Church leaders are concerned about membership, stewardship, decreasing income from endowments, and the viability of our congregations over time.

We know that the familiar church is passing away. I do not mean that The Church — the Body of Christ — is dying, but that our human structure of the earthly church is troubled and we are being called to discover a re-formed character. And, while there are many visions of this “new” church, and many books and speakers have sparked our imagination, we have yet to grasp adequately an expression of the faith that is both rooted in our historic beliefs and traditions and coherent for these changing times and the culture of New England.

I believe that we are living in the throws of a corporate Holy Saturday. Jesus’ body has been removed from the cross, and the promised rebuilding of the temple has yet to occur. Holy Saturday is the day when nothing seems to be happening, only mourning and sadness, and grasping at what will come next. Every main line denomination, including the Roman Catholic Church and Jewish communities has lost a significant number of members, and 15% of the population claims no religious identity at all. We are not alone in this season of anxiety. Christendom in the Western world is mourning for what was lost and not quite sure of what is to come; grieving as Cathedrals become tourist attractions and pews are empty on Sunday morning.

Holy Saturday, is a time of anxious waiting: faithful to Jesus and his promises, uncertain as to how and when they will occur, but endlessly bound to his Risen Life.

In times like this it is important to remain faithful and vigilant because the Evil One “prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour,” knowing that in our anxiety we are vulnerable to unproductive behaviors.

One of these is to become insular, focused on our particular congregation, concerned more with survival than with proclamation. We all know that in turning inward, we are neither salt nor light for others. As a church, we need to be keenly aware of the world around us and the conditions which characterize our age. We need to go apart with God in stillness, and into the world with vigorous faith.

Another behavior to which we are vulnerable is to blame others for our situation. Casting fault provides temporary emotional relief, but it does not address the underlying problems, and is a way of escaping the truth and responsibilities of a given situation.

When Jesus was crucified he did not focus on himself but on Mary, his mother, John his disciple, and the two thieves crucified with him. We do not hear him uttering words of blame, only forgiveness, blessing and hope.

Inspired by Jesus’ response, I have the gall to think that this is one of the most challenging and engaging times to be a Christian, an Episcopalian, and part of the Anglican Communion. I believe that God is doing something new across Christendom, and if this is a time of grave uncertainty perhaps it is because the trumpet is sounding and a wake-up call is arousing us from our complacency.

I am encouraged by signs of new life in our diocese, exemplified by ten characteristics of congregations that are experiencing significant transformation.

1. They changed their attitude. They got honest with themselves, owning their responsibilities. Instead of acting as victims they re-set their vision;
2. They are people of abundance instead of scarcity. They speak of God’s blessings in their life, of gratitude and thankfulness. They experience the joy of giving instead of complaining that they don’t have enough;
3. They place a high priority on Christian formation for all ages, acknowledging that informed believers make faithful disciples;
4. They see new comers not as sources of money, but as people who are seeking a Christ-centered community;
5.  They create an environment of mutual responsibility member to member, organization to organization;
6. They develop achievable goals, and rely upon shared ministry to accomplish them;
7. They move from triangulation and gossip to effective ways of communication;
8. They unashamedly give voice to the core of the Christian faith: to the sinful failings of the human condition, redeemed through the transforming love of the Word made Flesh.
9. They use new technologies in the service of evangelism and proclamation, and
10. They expect people to worship every Sunday; hearing the Word of God, and receiving the Bread of Life.

No church has all of these characteristics, but each church has some. I invite every Vestry and Bishop’s Mission Committee to reflect seriously on these ten signs of congregational vitality.

 Stewardship and Evangelism are two key words for our Diocese today.

Imagine the witness of our ancestors, who gave money towards the building of our churches, schools, orphanage, and nursing homes; who gave memorials of bibles and prayer books, statues, and pews. Some donors were people of great means, but most were working people, immigrants, who thanked God every day for their blessings. They were people of vision and sacrifice, creating a church for their own time and for generations to come.

What would it look like for us to follow their example and contribute significantly, joyfully, so that the mission of the church will flourish today, and in future generations? This is a critical question for our diocese, for it challenges our spiritual attitude towards money. Scripture tell us that if the gifts are freely given, the ministry will prosper, if not the tree will be pruned.

Another challenge for us is membership? I’ve never visited a church that didn’t want new members, and by extension more money. But, Jesus didn’t send out the seventy-two to balance the budget, but to baptize, to invite people to let go of their old lives and to experience new life in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

It is shown that the most effective evangelism is relational, people inviting people to church. However, there are new forms of invitation, using internet techniques, to bring people together around various interests and events.

Some congregations support mission trips, soup kitchens, suppers and fairs as events to encourage participation. Regardless of the method, the goal of our evangelism must be rooted in faith filled invitation and incorporation, for we live in a highly spiritual age and it is the spiritual life for which people hunger.

If you search the internet for either Stewardship or Evangelism you will find an amazing array of ideas and opportunities.

As a diocese, we have had committees, special speakers, and programs, on both these topics and have supported attendance at Province I and national events. Our next opportunity to gain the tools for effective ministry is at Diocesan Convocation, this coming February. However, it is in the local church that ideas are transformed into action.

Soon, we will be presented with a new three year budget, developed over the past year, in which everyone was invited to participate during three hearings held last Spring. It is tight, it is manageable, and it speaks to our commitment to do those ministries which are best done as a diocese through our common giving. However, we can’t do everything; we cannot fulfill the whole of the gospel mandate. No diocese or congregation has the resources to do it all, but as members of Christ’s Body the whole church attempts to do the whole ministry, in which we play our part.

Our goal is to focus on the priorities we have set, with a commitment to growing our churches and increasing our stewardship, and from time to time to evaluate and clarify our direction, knowing that it is better to do a few things well, than attempt more than is possible.

Our apportionment dollars form our common purse for mission. One of the ministries we fund together is Hispanic ministry. We now have two congregations, and what may be news to you is that they have a combined average Sunday attendance of 260 people, with one priest between the two churches. Our proposed diocesan budget for the next three years includes funding for one additional bi-lingual full time priest, the planting of two new Hispanic congregations, and the strengthening of our call to urban ministry.

On the administrative side of the budget, we have the smallest staff in over 40 years, and I cannot say enough about their faithfulness, professionalism, incredibly hard work and dedication. They are true Christian servants, whose goal is to help and assist our churches in carrying out God’s mission. Some have suggested that we need to increase our number, and I agree, but not now. Staff compensation, set in the 2010 budget, will remain largely unchanged for three years unless there is a change in our financial situation.

Every church in our diocese has people who are creative thinkers, good cooks, technologically saavy, visionary, hospitable, welcoming, Christ-focused: all the gifts necessary for effective ministry in a new age, and these gifts need to be placed on the lamp stand so that they are used for the challenges at hand.

I believe that we are on the threshold of a new resurrection in the Church, but it is up to all of us to leave the tombs of our hesitation, roll back the rock of nostalgia, and discover what the Risen Lord wants for the extension of his reign in the world of today. It will not be the church of our memories, but a different, authentic expression of God’s kingdom in our midst.

Year after year, I offer a Convention Address only to watch it evaporate into thin air. This year, I invite you to share this with the leaders of your church, paying particular attention to four parts: what it means to live in Holy Saturday, the ten characteristics of transforming churches, new models for evangelism, and what you’re going to do about your attitude toward money.

It is important that we listen to each other’s thoughts on these topics, and engage in conversation for the purpose of sharing ideas, and strengthening mutual ministry. To this end, I extend an invitation to everyone who has discussed these four points in their church, to join me for breakfast and conversation on Saturday, January 16, at 8:30AM, at the Cathedral.

Listen to a section of the Collect for Holy Saturday. … Grant [O, Lord that] as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life…. (BCP, 221)

The Christian message is a message of newness of life and eternal hope. “We need believers who are informed, engaged, missional, and faithful.” [The Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence] We need generous spirits, thankful hearts, and works of mercy, so that our Holy Saturday will lead to the Feast of Resurrection.

Resources from the 219th Diocesan Convention are now available online

Our Diocesan Convention is an assembly composed of Bishops, Clergy, and Delegates who all sit as one body for the purpose of attending to the business of the Church. On October 24th of this year was the 219th Annual Diocesan Convention of the Diocese. The theme was "Shared Blessings".

You can download a copy of the Bishop's Convention Address, and read a statement from the Bishop's Office about what this year's actions really mean for the Diocese by visiting the convention page of our website at

http://www.episcopalri.org/NewsEvents/DiocesanConvention/tabid/191/Default.aspx

At the above link you can also read the resolutions as they were submitted, and as they were passed.


The 219th Diocesan Convention also approved a new budget for 2010, and the detailed budget will be published at the above link as soon as it is available. There are some adjustments necessary, due to the changes required by Convention's actions.

Province of Sudan Elects Seven New Bishops

Posted On : October 26, 2009 3:44 PM
By The Anglican Church News Service: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/news.cfm/2009/10/26/ACNS4663

The Province of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan elected seven new bishops in All Saints' Cathedral, Juba on Saturday 24th October 2009.

Five of the seven are to be the first bishops of newly created dioceses, whilst two are replacing bishops who have retired this year from existing dioceses.

The new dioceses that have gained their first bishops-elect are Terekeka, Pacong, Akot, Twic East and Nzara. Those existing dioceses that elected new bishops are Wau and Rejaf.

The election was presided over with his usual professionalism by Provincial Chancellor Hon. Majok Mading Majok, who first confirmed as bishops-elect those candidates from dioceses where they had been the single episcopal nominee. In three of these dioceses, the single candidates are already assistant bishops. These were:

The Diocese of Terekeka: Rt Revd Micah Leila Dawidi The Diocese of Pacong: Rt Revd Joseph Maker Atot The Diocese of Akot: Rt Revd Isaac Dhieu Ater The Diocese of Nzara: Revd Samuel Enosa Peni

Chancellor Majok then continued with the election of bishops for the contested dioceses of Wau, Rejaf and Twic East, which was conducted by secret ballot, the successful candidate requiring a simple majority for victory.

The Diocese of Wau was contested between Revd Martin Maker, Revd Moses Deng Bol and Revd Angelo Aguer Akue. In his brief hust, Revd Angelo stepped down, resulting in a contest between Revd Martin and Revd Moses.

The Electoral College elected Revd Moses Deng Bol as the Bishop-Elect of Wau by 53 votes to 32 out of 86, or 62% of the vote.

The Diocese of Rejaf was contested between Revd Canon Enock Tombe Stephen and Revd Canon Thomas Kedini Legge. The Electoral College elected Revd Enock Tombe as the Bishop-Elect of Rejaf by 66 votes to 21 out of 87, or 76% of the vote.
The Diocese of Twic East was contested between Rt Revd Ezekiel Diing Ajang, Revd Mark Atem and Revd Lt. Col. Elijah Biar Kuek. Revd Elijah stepped down during his hust saying that he wanted to continue to devote himself to his army chaplaincy work, resulting in a contest between Bishop Ezekiel and Revd Mark. The Electoral College elected Rt Revd Ezekiel Diing as the Bishop-Elect of Twic East by 64 votes to 21 out of 85, or 75% of the vote.

The various consecrations and enthronements will take place in the respective dioceses over the next few months, beginning in Terekeka next Sunday 1st November, All Saints' Day. The Archbishop closed in prayer, asking that these new leaders will further unite and develop the Episcopal Church of the Sudan.

From the Projo's front page: Bishop Wolf speaks on the Vatican invitation to Anglicans

October 21, 2009
Yesterday Providence Journal Staff Writer Richard Dujardin spoke with Bishop Wolf on the phone about the Vatican's recent announcement, and today an article with Bishop Wolf's comments appeared on the front page of the paper.  Click on the link below to read the full article, titled "R.I. Episcopalians cite little effect from Vatican invitation to Anglicans"

http://www.projo.com/religion/content/LOCAL_CHURCH_REACTION_10-21-09_CSG5LSH_v11.3a63636.html

An Update on Bishop John's Visit

I have been waiting until the absolute last minute to let you know, that at this point in time, It is unlikely that Bishop Zawo’s visa will be granted in time for him to be with us this weekend at our Diocesan Convention. The good news is however, that plans are still moving forward and he has an appointment at the embassy on October 29th for the granting of his visa. Bishop Wolf, Liz Crawley and Tom have worked tirelessly, even requesting assistance from Senator Reed, and Senator Kennedy to expedite this process for Bishop John. Bishop Wolf has sent an additional letter today outlining the new purpose of his visit to our Diocese, now that it will be too late to attend Convention. Now, we are hoping that he may be with us some time in early to mid November. There is no way to know for sure, but as soon as we have the details, I will let you all know.

Please continue to pray, and email MaryAnn Kolakowski if you would like to be involved with the further planning of Bishop John's Visit.

-Mary Ann

What's Happening with Youth in the Diocese, By Ian Holliday

First, by way of introduction, I'm Ian Holliday. I'm a member (and summer employee) of this diocese with a degree in journalism who currently lives in exile in Massachusetts. I'm going to be blogging here every Monday (or every other Monday, or on as many Mondays as possible) about a subject that's very important to me: youth in the diocese.

It wasn't long ago that I was a youth in the diocese, and I'm still involved with many of the ministries that cater to them. By giving the many wonderful youth programs of the diocese more coverage here on the blog, our hope is to raise their profile among Rhode Island Episcopalians, and get people excited about the potential that exists here.

When I was in high school, I had mixed feelings about church-related youth activities. I enjoyed being part of my parish's youth group, but I rarely participated in diocese-wide activities. And when I did, the experience wasn't always great (but that's a different story you can read about in the current RISEN). The one youth event I loved right away was Happening. I went to my first one when I was a senior in high school, and I've been back to every one since (except the one that happened while I was in Chile), including the most recent weekend, #65, which took place October 9-11 at LaSalette Retreat Center in Attleboro.

Happening is often difficult to describe. At its simplest, it's a weekend youth retreat led by and created for high-schoolers, with the goal of making God's love for all of us a more tangible reality. Further details are usually kept secret because one of the key elements of the weekend is surprise.

This doesn't always sit well with parents. How would you feel if your child said, "Mom, Dad, my friends want me to go to this thing called Happening, but they won't tell me anything about it. Also, I'll be gone for two nights and it costs over $100"? But this doesn't have to be a point of contention. Scholarships are available for those that can't afford the cost of the weekend, and coordinators Harold Guise and Mark Sidla are happy to answer any questions parents may have.

For those young people whose parents are trusting enough to allow them to go, Happening can be one of the best experiences of their lives. It was for me.

For more information about Happening, or to sign up for Happening #66 (April 30 - May 2, 2010) contact Harold Guise (hguise@mail.uri.edu, 481-9642) or Mark Sidla (mark.sidla@gmail.com, 636-1946)

P.S. Sorry about the pun in the title of this post. I couldn't resist.
-Ian

A Letter to Rhode Island from the Presiding Bishop

October 13, 2009

The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori

Presiding Bishop and Primate

The Episcopal Church

Dear brothers and sisters in Rhode Island:

I continue to give thanks for your commitment to mission, and for the faithful leadership and ministry of Bishop Wolf.

I know that economic issues are challenging you, as they are many others, across the United States and the world. Parish and diocesan budgets have been affected both by changed employment and unemployment realities, and even more so by the poor performance of investments in the last two years. The Episcopal Church as a whole is also suffering because of these economic challenges.

I understand from your bishop that the vast majority of your congregations have worked sacrificially to make sure that the work of the larger church goes forward, both through your individual congregations' diocesan giving, and together through your 21% contribution to The Episcopal Church. Your generosity has greatly aided the mission work of the larger church in this country and around the world. Your ability to share what God has given you has helped to provide for Episcopal chaplains for our troops in Iraq, salaries for priests in places like Mexico and Liberia, resettling refugees from war-torn places like Sudan, and the education of children in all parts of our Church. I am deeply grateful for your faithful support of so many ways in which the whole Church serves God's people.

It would be easy in times of economic duress to play it safe, and to think only of our own needs. Yet Jesus calls us to the risk of loving our neighbors, nearby and far away. In times of suffering we must work even harder to put the needs of others before our own, to be the Good Samaritan, to remember that we are our brothers' and sisters' keeper, and that it is always "more blessed to give than to receive." When you gather together in your Diocesan Convention, I pray that you will continue your partnership in God's mission, both locally and throughout the world.

I give thanks for your creative leadership, your sustaining ministry, and your engagement in mission on behalf of "the least of these" (Marthew 25). I remain

Your servant in Christ,

EDS Announces the Matriculation of our own Rebecca Gettel

This morning I recieved the press release below from Jules Smith at EDS. It describes this fall's Matriculation ceremony, and features our own Rebecca Gettel! Rebecca is indeed from St. John's, Barrington, as the article tells, but what it doesn't tell is that for the last couple of years she served as the full-time Youth Minister there.  We will miss her while she's living in Cambridge, and wish her the best on this next step towards her ordination!

-Ruth and the Diocesan House

Rebecca Binns Gettel of Barrington, Rhode Island Matriculates at Episcopal Divinity School

October 7, 2009, CAMBRIDGE, MA: Episcopal Divinity School celebrated its 2009 fall Matriculation ceremony September 16, welcoming 21 newly matriculating students into the seminary community. Rebecca Gettel of Barrington, Rhode Island was among those who signed the book that officially marks her enrollment. Gettel is from St. John’s Church, Barrington in the Diocese of Rhode Island. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Divinity program. The matriculating students are candidates for EDS’ master of divinity degree, master of arts in theological studies degree, or a graduate certificate in theological study

Please Pray for Bishop John Zawo's Travel to RI

As we get ready for the gift and privilege of being able to plan for and meet in Diocesan Convention, we are reminded of the predictability of our life together, of the many opportunities we have to pray, to study, debate and make decisions about the future of Christ’s Church( as we discern it) in this place and time.
Pause for a minute with us… and wonder what it might be like for our brothers and sisters in Ezo, rooted in the same faith and life in Christ. For us, the comforts of our homes, offices and church buildings offer us places from which to worship, plan, debate via email, and continue the work we value and feel called to do. We wonder what it is like to live and minister in a place not yet equipped with the internet. A place visited periodically, and all too often by violent, militant soldiers who want the little food and commodities we have. Soldiers, who scare, scatter and kill; ravage our homes and villages. We wonder what it might be like to cling to our faith and life in Christ together for our very survival. We wonder what it might be like to worship in gratefulness as Christ’s church in Ezo, and we await our visit from their Bishop, John Zawo. We are grateful that he has accepted Bishop Wolf’s invitation to be with us at this Diocesan Convention.
Please pray with us for Bishop John Zawo, Bishop of the Diocese of Ezo, Sudan, and his family. We pray for his safety, and for the safety of the people of his Diocese, and for the efficiency of the paperwork and details necessary for his travel to us.


-The Companion Diocese Committee

Interfaith Clergy Letter on Sudan Peace Delivered to White House

Episcopal, other faith leaders participate in October 2 meeting
By ENS staff

[Episcopal News Service] Bishop Suffragan David Jones of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and Alexander Baumgarten, interim director of government relations for the Episcopal Church, joined faith leaders from Christian, Muslim, and Jewish traditions for a meeting at the White House October 2 to present a copy of a letter on comprehensive peace in the Sudan signed by more than 1,400 clergy from across the United States.

The letter, organized by the Sudan Interfaith Working Group, of which the Episcopal Church is a member, urges President Barack Obama to prioritize "efforts that will bring peace to millions that live in violence and fear while lacking the basic services essential for survival."

Noting that the United States government played a leadership role in bringing about Sudan's 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the northern government and southern rebel leaders, the letter says that "it is clear that peace between the north and south remains extremely fragile, and fears of renewed civil war are on the rise."

Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_115254_ENG_HTM.htm

"Shared Blessings" Diocesan Convention 2009 Resources

The 219th Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island is about a month away now! The theme for this year is "Shared Blessings", and we are pleased to announce that Bishop John Zawo of the Diocese of Ezo in the Southern Sudan will give the Convention Address.

What is our Diocesan Convention? It  is an assembly composed of Bishops, Clergy, and Lay Delegates who all sit as one body for the purpose of attending to the business of the Church. At Convention, "resolutions" are voted on and passed much in the way the US Senate passes "bills".  Want to know what will be voted on this year? You can read the resolutions by downloading a copy of the Report of the Resolutions Committee and you can learn more about this year's committee nominees by reading the Nominee Biographies. Read up and let your parish's Clergy and Lay Delegates know what you think.

Flu Season 2009-2010; Healthy Habits In and Out of Your Parish

As we are all aware, this flu season brings the additional complication of the H1N1 flu. According to the CDC and Rhode Island Department of Health, H1N1 is not expected to be any more severe than the seasonal flu and is very similar in symptoms, but because it is a novel virus the Rhode Island Department of Health is forecasting an infection rate of 30-50% over the six-month course of the season.  What can we do in our Parishes to keep the transmission of the flu at a minimum? Download the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Islands' Guidelines for the 2009-2010 flu season for our every day "Healthy Habits" checklist, and liturgical recommendations for Parishes.

Bicycles for Ezo!

There are smiles on both sides of the ocean celebrating the purchase of 16 bicycles for the Clergy of the Diocese of Ezo!  Bishop John Zawo (Diocese of Ezo) and the clergy of Ezo identified bicycles as a pressing need in discussions of their goals and priorities with Bishop Wolf. 

Until now the Clergy of Ezo have had to walk ten miles or more to visit parishioners in need, or to meet with their Bishop. The bicycles will greatly enable the ministry of these devoted men, and we hope they will offer some relief to Clergy families as well. Since the Clergy in Ezo recieve no compensation for their service it has been difficult for them to help keep their families fed while spending so much time in transit.

The money for the bicycles was raised through the "Mango Tree" project started by Bishop Wolf and Tom Bair when they returned home from their trip to Ezo in Southern Sudan last December. After being collected, the money was wired to the people of the Diocese of Ezo, for them to purchase the Chinese bicycles that are common in their area and have plenty of replacement parts available. Thanks to all who have contributed!

If you would like to learn more about the "Mango tree" project or to make a contribution, email liz@episcopalri.org

Our Newest Deacon, Anne Burke

Prayers and congratulations are due to Anne Burke, who was ordained to the Sacred order of Deacons on the 12th of September 2009, at the Church of the Ascension in Cranston. Bishop Wolf officiated, and gave a touching sermon. She spoke on Act 6 where the disciples appointed the first deacons, seven people full of wisdom and the Spirit, who were chosen to serve and feed the needy so that the disciples could focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. Bishop Wolf pointed out the sacrificial nature of the Diaconate, an order full of givers who recieve no compensation and yet must be ready to go to wherever their service and support is most needed. She offered a word of thanks to the Deacons of this Diocese for their vital ministry, and to Anne for the compassionate nature and servant's heart that makes her so well suited for this vocation.

There wasn't a seat to be had in the building that day, and the event was followed by a lively reception in the Parish Hall.

You can view a photoalbum of the event here!

Religion reporting is losing its prominence in American newspapers - The Boston Globe

An interesting article Bishop Wolf found in the Globe, about the decline in religion reporting by major media outlets, and how Churches are taking more initiative to get their message out despite the lack of media coverage.



Religion reporting is losing its prominence in American newspapers - The Boston Globe

Phone system update

UPDATE!

As of 2:30 pm the system is up and running. There will be some bugs to work through, so bear with us and let us know if you run in to any problems when calling in.

New phone system for the Diocesan office

After 15 years of service, our old phone system has been on its last legs this summer. As of this morning we are in the process of installing a new system that will be much more agile for us to customize to our needs and much easier and more pleasant for callers to interact with.

The installation was to have been completed last night, but our technician ran across several issues in our existing telephone wiring that we hope to have fixed by this afternoon. In the mean time our email is working just fine!

The Rev. Deacon Michael Tuck; Curate for St. Stephen's, and Chaplain for Brown/RISD

We are delighted to welcome The Rev. Deacon Michael Tuck to our diocese as he begins his ministry as Chaplain to Brown/RISD, and as Curate at St. Stephen’s Church, Providence.

Dcn. Tuck is very familiar with Providence and the campus communities that he will serve. He graduated from Brown in 1999 where he majored in Medieval Studies and Mathematics, and took classes in ceramic art at RISD. Upon graduation from Brown, Dcn. Tuck returned to the Philadelphia area, where he worked for two years at Synergy Inc as a compensation consultant, and for six years at Hay Group as a management consultant. In 2007 Michael went to England to study at the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield, where he received a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma, and at the University of Leeds where he received an MA in theology. He was ordained deacon at Wakefield Cathedral on July 4 shortly before returning to the United States.

We welcome Michael, his wife Annemarie, and their two small children aged three years and three months. Some of you may remember his father, also Michael Tuck, who served for a brief period as priest-in-charge at St. John’s, Newport.

ECC Moves Forward Economically, A Letter From the Bishop

Dear Brothers & Sisters

The Episcopal Conference Center is one of the four stated mission priorities of the Diocese and the single largest “domestic” line item in our budget (our apportionment to The Episcopal Church being the biggest line item over-all).

In response to current economic challenges and in our commitment to maintain high quality programs, in particular our summer camp program, the staff of ECC has created a new and imaginative way to move forward.

After studying the staffing patterns in other Dioceses, we have decided to make the summer camp and other youth programming a part of the position of Director of Christian Formation. The position and job description are being reworked to reflect these changes. I am delighted that Maryann Kolakowski, Director of Christian Formation, has accepted my invitation to this expanded ministry. This is a model used by several other Dioceses and seems to make great sense in our context as well. This will result in significant financial savings, and deploys existing resources more efficiently and effective

Lance Roberts will continue to have responsibility for the physical plant, grounds, and safety as Facilities Manager, and Joyce Roberts will continue as Resident Manager with responsibility for logistical support of offered programs and non summer bookings. The camp registrar will be a seasonal position.


Yours faithfully,

Geralyn Wolf
Bishop of RI

A New Rector for St. John the Evangelist

The Dicoese of Rhode Island bids welcome to the Rev. R. Trent Fraser, the new Rector of St. John the Evangelist in Newport! Fr. Fraser was instituted as Rector on June 29th 2009 in all the Beauty of Holiness true to the Anglo-Catholic tradition. You can view a slideshow of the glorious event here.

Fr. Fraser's Biography on the website of St. John's states “Fr. Fraser’s ministry as a priest begins and ends at the Altar of God. His sense is that the closer to the Altar a priest is, the stronger the ministry will be.” As a celibate priest Fr. Fraser prefers to live this mission out through a life on parish grounds to be available to meet pastoral and sacramental needs whenever they may arrise.

The Rev'd R. Trent Fraser was ordained priest in 1993. He comes to St John's from the Church of the Redeemer in Southfield, Michigan, where he also served as Rector. During his tenure at Church of the Redeemer, he developed what was once a Sunday-only parish into a full and active community complete with Adult formation opportunities, and the celebration of Daily Mass.

Fr. Fraser has high hopes for the future of St John’s. He is expectant that as a Parish they will be able to deepen their spiritual and sacramental life, and knows that a strong emphasis on education for adults, youth, and children will be important for the continued health of the community. "Liturgical excellence, incarnational teaching, and preaching, can be effective only if there is also a welcoming community" Fr. Frasier has been known to say.

According to the St Johns’ website, Fr. Fraser believes that “The work of the Parish must ultimately rest with the energies of the faithful, and Fr. Fraser is looking forward to being in a Parish that feels as passionately as he does about doing the Lord's work ‘in the beauty of holiness’ and, consequently, seeing the beauty of the Lord in others.”

For more information on the Rev. R. Trent Fraser, visit http://www.saintjohns-newport.org

Calling All Episcopalians: TEC Strategic Planning Committee Wants Your Opinion

The Episcopal Church
Office of Public Affairs


[June 24, 2009] A newly named Strategic Planning Committee has already set to work, announcing that its first step will be to solicit opinions from throughout The Episcopal Church.

The Strategic Planning Committee was established by Executive Council in January 2009 to develop a strategic plan for the Episcopal Church Center and the Executive Council which addresses mission and ministry, growth, finance, challenges and opportunities, issues and concerns, and to map a way to address all these topics.

To do so, the Strategic Planning Committee has developed a survey and, encourages all Episcopalians to complete it. The survey is currently in English; Spanish and French will be available shortly.

Among the areas addressed in the survey are: evangelism; multicultural issues, worship, music, and liturgy; youth and young adults; mission; leadership; congregational development; church administration; stewardship; advocacy and social justice. Additionally, there are a series of options and possible responses to the question: “To achieve your vision of a vital Episcopal Church in 2019, how much effort needs to be given to each of the following paths or strategies?"

To access the survey visit : http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Wu5I75KPqOhmGku87xaL6A_3d_3d

The survey will also be available to be completed at the Episcopal Church Center booth at General Convention in Anaheim, California July 8-17.

The deadline to complete the survey is July 28, 2009.

Proposed Budget Completed

The proposed narrative budget for 2010-2012 is now available for download. This document will form the basis for discussion at the upcoming Program and Budget area meetings. As a reminder, those meetings are scheduled for:

Wednesday, June 3 at Trinity, North Scituate 7 pm
Tuesday, June 9 at St. Matthew’s, Jamestown 7 pm
Saturday June 13 at the Cathedral, Providence 9 am

St Francis’ Episcopal Church; A New Name for the Coventry Mission

You may recall, in July of last year St Matthias and Christ Church in Coventry merged to become one worshiping body. To signify the church's new joint mission and fellowship, it was suggested that they select a new name together. Bishop Wolf mentioned that a Saint's name might do, and so St Matthias and Christ Church set their Church School to the task of finding the mission's patron Saint.

The kids took to the task with gusto, and after careful consideration of the many different options, they presented a list of 8 names to Bishop Wolf, with “St Francis' Episcopal Church” as their first choice.

The name seems particularly appropriate. As St Francis' self-defines on their website:

"We are a small church, which means that our worship gives a sense of intimacy. We are a community that knows and cares about each other. We are a people who honor, cherish, and celebrate God’s creation, and seek to be good stewards of the earth. We are a group that is committed to deepening our spiritual lives and a people who believe that God calls us to a place of deeper compassion, creativity, and love. Our life together is centered around the Holy Eucharist, with communion services held every Sunday. As a response to our faith in Jesus Christ, we strive to make our parish a place of hope to the despairing, of growth to the spiritually hungry, of healing to those in pain, of comfort to those in need, and a place of empowerment so that we may serve Christ in the world."

It is, therefore, with great pleasure that Bishop Wolf announces she has renamed the Coventry mission “St. Francis' Episcopal Church”, in accordance with their Church School’s request. The name change is effective as of May 1st 2009. St. Francis’ will continue to worship at the site of the former Christ Church, an old English Tudor style structure on rural Peckham Lane, in Coventry. Their website can still be viewed at www.christchurchrocks.org

Parish Administrators Luncheon

From Liz Crawley, Executive Assistant to Bishop Wolf:

The Annual Parish Administrator/Secretaries Luncheon was held at Christ Church, Lincoln, on Wednesday May 20th. The day brought [finally] beautiful sunshine and warmth, both outside and indoors at our gathering. Dianne Papineau and Linda Gorman graciously hosted 28 administrators from around the diocese with a delicious lunch, providing their own homemade salads and desserts, along with sandwiches. We had a first-rate tour of their beautiful church, office facilities and parish hall. Ruth Meteer, our Diocesan Communications Officer, gave a brief presentation on resources for Parish administrators on the Diocesan website, as well as with eRISEN and RISEN magazine. Thank you to all who attended and we look forward to seeing you next year!

Eastertide Confirmation Photo Galleries

The Episcopal Diocese of RI held its annual Eastertide Confirmations at the Cathedral of St John in Providence these past two Saturdays. About 150 people were confirmed or recieved into the Episcopal Church this year! Click on the links below to view a slideshow photogallery for each deanery session.

May 2, 2009 10:00am: Narragansett & West Bay Deaneries

May 2, 2009 2:00pm: Aquidneck & East Bay Deaneries

May 9, 2009 10:00am: Central & Blackstone Deaneries

May 9, 2009 2:00pm: Overflow

Our Standing Commitee's Vote on the Bishop Elect of Northern Michigan

From Fr. Bill Locke,
Standing Committee President

"After a careful review of materials provided by the Diocese of Northern Michigan and their bishop-elect, as well as other commentary from around the church, and after an extensive discussion at their May 12th meeting, the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island has voted 5-1 not to consent to the election and consecration of the bishop-elect."

Program & Budget Area Meetings

The Diocesan Program and Budget Committee has the task every three years of drafting a proposed Triennial Budget for the diocese. The committee has been meeting for the past six months and now presents its proposal for review and comment by the diocese. The following area meetings on the budget are scheduled:

Wednesday, June 3 at Trinity, North Scituate 7 pm
Tuesday, June 9 at St. Matthew’s, Jamestown 7 pm
Saturday June 13 at the Cathedral, Providence 9 am

The relevant documents will be posted as they become available. Some hard copies will be available at the meetings.

Swine Flu Preparedness

The newest variation of the Flu, the Swine Flu, has been receiving a remarkable amount of press in the past few days. According to the Associated Press, two days ago President Obama said that the outbreak may be cause for some concern but is not yet cause for alarm. See the full article here. As of today, the World Health Organization (WHO) seems to concur with President Obama. Daily updates on the worldwide situation are posted on the WHO swine flu website, along with other helpful information.

We in the Episcopal Church need to be prepared both for the best and worst case scenario in this, just as we need to be prepared in other threats. If down the road the swine flu does become a cause for alarm, we must be ready to be the face of hope and the force for good that we are called to be. In the spirit of this mission, Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has collected some informative and helpful resources on the swine flu and what to look out for. To stay informed, follow this link to their comprehensive listings.

RHODE ISLAND SEMINARIAN RECEIVES TACHAU AWARD

Alexandria, VA (April 27, 2009) – The Jean B. Tachau Memorial Biblical Languages Prize for study at St. George’s College in Jerusalem, was awarded today to second-year student, Patrick Greene (Diocese of Rhode Island.) The award is given each year in recognition of academic excellence and proficiency in the study of the Biblical languages of Hebrew and Greek.

“Virginia Seminary has seen the study of scripture and Biblical languages as central to its mission of raising up leaders for the church to ‘go into all the world and preach the Gospel,’” said the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, dean and president of Virginia Seminary.

The Jean B. Tachau Memorial Biblical Languages Prize was established 1992 by the Venerable Archdeacon Charles B. Tachau, VTS ’63, in memory of his mother, Jean B. Tachau. At the end of each academic year, the Prize is awarded to second-year students preparing for Holy Orders who have shown the most progress or proficiency in the study of the Biblical languages of Hebrew and/or Greek. The award provides financial support for study at St. George’s College in Jerusalem or for independent travel and study of biblical languages in the Holy Land.

Founded in 1823, Virginia Theological Seminary is the largest of the 11 accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church. The school prepares men and women for service in the Church worldwide, both as ordained and lay ministers, and offers a number of professional degree programs and diplomas. Currently, the Seminary represents more than 42 different dioceses and 5 different countries, for service in the Church.

Media Contact: Susan Shillinglaw
Tel: 703-461-1764 www.vts.edu

Bishop Wolf on NPR and the evening news

Yesterday, April 2nd 2009, Bishop Wolf Interviewed with NPR as well as Channel 10 and Channel 12 news, regarding the deposition of Ann Holmes Redding. If you missed the broadcasts, watch and listen to them here!

• Listen to NPR's Interview with Ann Holmes Redding and Bishop Wolf http://kuow.org/program.php?id=17255
  
• Watch Channel 10's video of the Bishop http://www.turnto10.com/jar/special_sections/ap_video
  
• Watch Channel 12's video of the Bishop http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/local_wpri_providence_episcopal_priest_defrocked_practicing_muslim_20090401
  

Also, for a well written article on the issue, read what reporter Janet Tu wrote for the Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008961581_webdefrocked01m.html

Bishop Wolf Deposes Ann Holmes Redding

Effective April 1, 2009, The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf, Bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island, deposed Ann Holmes Redding as a priest in the Episcopal Church. Dr. Redding lives in the Diocese of Olympia Washington, but was canonically resident in the Diocese of Rhode Island, where she was under the authority of Bishop Wolf. The determination came after a process lasting nearly twenty-one months.

In June 2007, the Diocese of Rhode Island learned of a public profession of adherence to the Muslim faith by Dr. Redding. Bishop Wolf conferred with Dr. Redding who acknowledged taking her Shahadah to become a Muslim. Bishop Wolf then issued a Pastoral Direction to Dr. Redding, directing her to undertake a period of one year for discernment of her faith commitment. After the agreed upon period, the status of Dr. Redding was considered by the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island.

The Standing Committee determined that Dr. Redding had abandoned the Communion of the Episcopal Church, within the meaning of the Canons of the Church, by her formal admission into a religious body not in Communion with the Episcopal Church. The Bishop affirmed that determination and issued an inhibition prohibiting Dr. Redding from exercising the gifts and spiritual authority conferred on her by Episcopal Ordination, and from public ministry.

The Inhibition continued until March 31, 2009 during which time Dr. Redding had the opportunity to withdraw, or issue a notice of intention to withdraw, from the Muslim faith. Dr. Redding also had the opportunity to renounce her orders. Dr. Redding did neither and, under the Canons of the Church, Bishop Wolf was required to consider deposing Dr. Redding.

Bishop Wolf found Dr. Redding to be a woman of utmost integrity and their conversations over the past two years have been open, honest and respectful. However, Bishop Wolf believes that a priest of the Church cannot be both a Christian and a Muslim. Consequently, as a result of the abandonment of the Communion of the Episcopal Church, Bishop Wolf imposed a sentence of deposition in accordance with the Canons of the Church.

Come to the BUDGET BLITZ April 1-4

Have you ever wondered what exactly the Diocese does with your Church's apportionment money? How much of our Diocesan budget is paid for by endowments? Where your church can go for financial advice?

Join the Bishop, Diocesan staff and members of the Diocesan Finance Committee to get some answers to your questions. We will be giving three presentations designed to let you know, transparently, how our Diocesan Finances have been put to work the past few years.

Come to learn about our current budget in preparation for the official hearings on our upcoming budget later this spring.

Wednesday, April 1
7-8pm at Emmanuel, Newport

Friday, April 3
7-8pm at St. Paul's, Wickford

Saturday, April 4
9-10am at the Cathedral of St. John

For more information e-mail Liz@episcopalri.org or call the Diocesan House at 401-274-4500

New "Did You Know" Video

Thanks to everyone who attended Convocation this weekend! As promised, I have posted the video I showed in my workshop here on the blog. You can find it just below the older version of the video, which Bishop Wolf showed at Clericus. click here to see it.

CONVOCATION

Thanks to all who came and made Convocation 2009 such a resounding success!

Our keynote speaker, The Rev'd Carol Anderson mentioned several resources which we will be making available.

Currently available is a Lenten Devotional Booklet, written by All Saints parishioners, and available on their website at:

http://www.allsaintsbh.org/lentenbooklet.html


Also, fill out the Convocation 2009 Feedback Form at the link below.
https://share.acrobat.com/adc/document.do?docid=7037b38c-d824-4351-911d-61c67a17ae33

when you are finished filling it out, click the submit button at the top of the form and your comments will be anonymously submitted to us!

Thank you all for a wonderful weekend!

RI in the NY Times: Smallest State Grapples With Oversize Problems

Here is some recommended reading from Bishop Wolf and Dean Krauss of the Cathedral of St John. It is an evocative article, recently published in The New York Times, presenting an outsider's perspective on the past and future of Rhode Island. Is it right on? Way off base? Illuminating? Misleading?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/01/us/01rhode.html

True or False, this is how Rhode Island is being presented to the world.

How do we as a faith community react?

Comments are welcome.

Nearly 10,000 hits in first day to IamEpiscopalian.org

[February 26, 2009] – In less than 24 hours, www.IamEpiscopalian.org – a website where people to share their stories - experienced nearly 10,000 hits.

“The great response to www.IamEpiscopalian.org shows that people want to share stories of how they have connected to our Church, and others want to hear them,” commented Anne Rudig, director of communication. “Lent is the obvious time to examine one's spiritual life and reconnect.”

IamEpiscopalian.org, which debuted Ash Wednesday, February 25, features dozens of video vignettes from people – representing the vast array of faces from throughout the country – to share the stories of what excites them about being an Episcopalian

“The traffic to IamEpiscopalian.org has been tremendous,” noted Mike Collins, director of digital communication. “It continued to climb throughout the day – so much so that now we are moving the site to a different server to accommodate the heavy load. Please bear with us as we continue to improve the user experience.”

Episcopalians are invited to submit a video to IamEpiscopalian.org, detailing their own faith story, and what excites them about being an Episcopalian. Video vignettes should be less than 90 seconds. To submit a video, follow the “upload” instructions on the right of IamEpiscopalian.org.

Collins added, “We look forward to expanding IamEpiscopalian.org as more videos are added throughout the Lenten season.”

"We also invite comments about IamEpiscopalian.org," Rudig said. "Tell us what you think."

Comments can be submitted to newsline@episcopalchurch.org.

IamEpiscopalian.org was developed by the Communication Office of The Episcopal Church.