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

Healthy New Year! A Wellness Summit to help you keep your 2014 resolutions

Did you make a resolution to live healthier in 2014? Didn't we all? This whole first week of 2014 Facebook has been flush with articles about new diets, new exercise regimes, and top ten lists for improving will power. Friends are exulting in their new crossfit membership, or sharing their daily struggles to stay on track on their own.

God gave us these great bodies to enjoy experiencing creation with, and we all know we should be taking care of them. Yet, change is so hard. Chocolate cake is so delicious. Downton Abbey has us so glued to our comfy couches after work. Truth is, over the next few weeks most of us will give up on our resolutions just like last year and the year before that.

Lets work together this year to stay on track. On January 25th 9:30-3pm we are hosting a Wellness Summit at St. Peter's by the Sea in Narragansett, put on by the Church Pension Group and the Medical Trust. It's a free one-day event full of practical advice and tools for keeping in good health, open to all to attend.

Come evaluate your current lifestyle and learn about positive changes to make that will support you for years to come. Meet other RI Episcopalians who are looking to live healthier. Maybe we can hold each other accountable.  A (healthy) Lunch will be served.

The Latest RISEN Magazine: A People of Hope, A People of Expectation

The latest issue of RISEN Magazine has been released! You probably found a copy in your mailbox over the holidays, but you can read it online below as well.

This issue, "A People of Hope, a People of Expectation" tells of a new vision for the Diocese of Rhode Island that Bishop Knisely has found evident in his conversations with Episcopalians all over the Diocese this past year. Bishop Knisely relayed this vision back to us in his Address to Diocesan Convention on November 2nd, so this issue includes the full text of his address (watch it online here) with sideline updates and info on the projects and ministries he mentions. There has been lots of exciting news lately, even since Convention!  There is much to hope for. Read along to find more about:

• Bishop Knisely's Address
• The Rev. Meaghan Kelly's Convention Sermon on how ECC is changing lives
• An Introduction to our new Logo
• The Winner of the 2013 Anchor of Hope Award
• Updates from Jonathan Daniels House, The Cathedral Task Force, Episcopal Charities, Hispanic Ministries, and more!

Can't see the e-book reader below? Read online at www.episcopalri.org/risenmagazine

Diocesan offices closed Jan 3 2014

Because of the snow and cold conditions due to the winter storm overnight, the Diocesan offices are closed and the bishop's staff will be working from home today.

If you need to get in touch with someone on the staff, you can send them an email, or alternatively call their office phone and leave a message. Voice messages are automatically forwarded to the staff via their email accounts.

Please be warm and stay safe today. Please remember to pray for those who lack adequate shelter and to give thanks for all the people working outdoors today to keep us safe.

Gift Idea: EpiscopalRI Logo Swag

"We know the Anchor stands for hope, and we know our hope is in the Cross of Christ" was the most tweeted quote from Bishop Knisely's address to Diocesan Convention last month (hear more here). It was a phrase he spoke when introducing our new diocesan logo (left), to explain why we chose the imagery we chose, and tell what he learned this last year about the vision of the people of this diocese.

If you're one of the many people who contacted us afterwards wanting to buy swag with our logo on it to help keep this vision close to heart, you're in luck! this week we've launched our own Zazzle store where you can purchase keychains, tee shirts, bumper stickers and more. Check it out! There is even still a little time left to order Christmas gifts.