The Trinity Messenger
The
Newsletter of Trinity Episcopal Church, Sutter Creek
An Inclusive Church
Summer
– 2006
___________________________________________________________
New Presiding Bishop for the Episcopal
Church
The Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, 52, bishop of
The 26th Presiding Bishop-elect will be the first woman to hold the top post in the church’s nearly 400-year history. Her nine year term officially begins November 1; she will be invested and seated November 4 during a liturgy at Washington National Cathedral. She will succeed Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold.
An
airplane pilot and former oceanographer, Jefferts Schori addressed deputies and visitors who gathered in the
New Diocesan Bishop for
General Convention, meeting June 20, gave its consent to the ordination and consecration of the Rev. Canon Barry L. Beisner to become bishop coadjutor of the Diocese of Northern California. The House of Deputies consented to Beisner's election first, as required by canons. Beisner's soon-to-be colleagues in the House of Bishops followed suit.
"It's wonderful to see so many friends old and new, and so many people I've so greatly admired and respected for so long, and to see you from this end (at the podium). This is a surreal moment for me; thank you all."
"I'm aware of the controversy attached to my consent and aware my presence is not altogether welcomed by everyone. Thank you for your gracious willingness to receive me," Beisner told the House of Bishops from the dais after he got its approval. His wife, the Rev. Ann Hallisey, was with him.
"I pledge to those who might be a little unsettled by my presence that I am praying and working for every opportunity to begin relationships of trust. I pledge to you that I will do everything in my power to assist you in working for the benefit of this church which I know we all love so."
Questions have arisen since Beisner's election, May 6, because he has been divorced twice and is married for a third time. Currently Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Northern California, he told the Joint Legislative Committee on Consecration of Bishops earlier in the Convention, his marital status had not been an issue during pre-election meetings with bishop nominees, but was brought up after the election by people from outside the diocese.
New “On The
Cutting Edge” Book Study
Well it’s not really new.
It’s back by popular demand. Over
20 people have approached the Rector to ask if the “On the Cutting Edge” book
study could take up C. Robert Mesle’s “Process
Theology, a Basic Introduction.” This
popular book has been discussed twice before, and Fr. Bill is astounded as well
as gratified that many people want a refresher and many more want to know more
about this contemporary view of Spirituality.
Process Theology was first formulated by the American philosopher A.N.
Whitehead, and later gained academic and intellectual acceptance through
The
author is professor of philosophy and religion at
“Process Theology has taught me that there is simply no reason to let our old ideas about divine power force us into a corner where we must persuade ourselves that gross evils are really good. The God of Process Theology does everything within divine power to work for the good.
Anyone
who is wishes to attend the discussion with the rector is responsible for
purchasing their own book. The Bubble
Gum Book Store in Sutter Creek will be stocking 15 copies in the store on
Fr. Bill asks that you notify him by E-mail, phone or by filling out one of the forms in the bulletin in the coming weeks if you plan to attend.
If you have already signed up in the last book study, there is no need to do so again. You are being given a lot of lead time for ordering the book. Here are the dates of the class:
August 30 – Introduction - Chapter 2
September 6 - Chapters 3 & 4
September 13 - Chapters 5, 6 & 7
September 20 - Chapters 8, 9 & 10
September 27 - Chapters 11, 12 & 13
October 4 - Chapters 14, 15 & 16
The last two chapters on Process Naturalism and Process Theism will not be part of the study.
Family Ministries Has Big Summer Plans
The Family Ministry Group has two major events planned for Summer. July 7-9 the group will be camping at PiPi Campground. Even if you can’t spend the night, you could still come up and spend the day on Saturday; there will be lots of fun activities for all ages. Fr. Bill will be at church on Sunday, July 9 to celebrate the Holy Eucharist; he will spend the day on Saturday with the Family Ministry campers.
August 26 marks the date for the Talent Show and Ice Cream Social. Last year’s event was a great success. Everyone had such a good time, they asked the group to repeat the event. This year, Family Ministry invites all to attend an evening of talent followed by a build-your-own-sundae ice cream social in Jane’s Hall. There’s no formal ticket charge, but all donations will gladly be accepted. This is the major fund raiser of the year for Family Ministry. It’s not too early to be thinking about a talent you would like to share. The sign-up list will be posted soon in Jane’s Hall.
On
Sunday, September 10 there will be a BBQ and swim party at the home of John and
Noreen Lafferty. They have graciously
offered to host this event. John and Noreen live near
Secret Prayer Sister Update
By Mary Ann Tortorich
My oh my, the gifts are stacking up during the vacation months of summer!
Just a thought, perhaps this is a good time not to give candy (ants love candy) or potted plants (no one there to water them during the week) as the heat isn’t good for either type of gift. You all seem so generous. There is always a gift or five sitting in the cart awaiting pickup, so please check each Sunday.
Blessings, MAT (Mary Ann Tortorich)
Vacation Verbals
(Formerly Rector Rambles)
By Fr. Bill
Adams
This column will not be full of pithy and poignant theological constructs, but it will be theological. This article will take up the topic of my vacation.
Canon Law of the Episcopal Church wisely, I think, mandates 4 weeks vacation per year for priests in full time positions. It is wide practice to also grant a sabbatical of approximately 3 months after seven years of service. This means, under normal circumstances, I would be coming up on my third sabbatical in 2007. I have never taken a sabbatical. In fact, because it was so difficult to arrange for clergy to take my place, I traded my contracted sabbatical for two more weeks of vacation. That’s a total of six weeks which I have never been able to quite manage in any given year. Also, I have never taken my canonical month of vacation consecutively. I have tried to take it in such a way as to minimize “Sundays off.”
I do NOT say this to you because I am proud of my behavior. A good priest should model self-care, and I am somewhat ashamed of the fact that I haven’t done that very well. “I’m tough,” I would say; I don’t need extended time away. This parish is just too ‘on the move’ for me to be worried about that.”
Well, after nearly 21 years of service in the ordained ministry, I find myself in great need of extended time away. I announced to Vestry last year that this year I intended to take one month of my six weeks of vacation CONSECUTIVELY. And I’m going to do just that beginning Wednesday, July 12 through Saturday August 12. This means that I will be gone a total of four Sundays: July 16, July 23, July 30 and August 6. I have managed to secure the services of a priest in our diocese, Fr. George Foxworth, for two of those Sundays. Margaret Lewis and Tony Holt will celebrate Morning Prayer on the other two. The church is NOT the priest! The church is all of you. Please continue to be part of your worshiping family during my time away; be the Body of Christ for each other.
I ask that anything that is not a significant emergency be allowed to wait until I get back. For pastoral emergencies, you may call Susan Wahlstrom, Margaret Lewis or Tony Holt. For administrative emergencies, please contact the Senior Warden, Jeri Miller, or the Junior Warden, Sandi Pietronave. They are empowered to consult with the members of the Vestry and then make executive decisions on matters that need immediate attention.
Lastly, I ask that you keep Kathy and me in your prayers, that this time away may be a time of refreshment and RENEWAL in the Holy Spirit. We will be praying for you as you take care of one another in the name of Christ!
In the love of Jesus,
Bill
Dates for Church Office Closure
The Church office will be closed from Wednesday July 12 through Saturday August 12 while Fr. Bill & Kathy are away on vacation. Margaret Lewis will officiate at Morning Prayer and preach on Sunday, July 16; Father George Foxworth will be celebrate the Holy Eucharist and preach on Sunday July 23 and July 30; Tony Holt will officiate at Morning Prayer and preach on August 6. Fr. Bill and Kathy will be back on Sunday, August 13.
Two Important Announcements
The Trinity Emmaus Men’s Group will not be meeting in the summer months. Please watch for announcements in the fall for the groups re-start.
There will be a Cursillo Ultreya on July 3 in Jane’s Hall. This time of fellowship, music and learning is open to all those who have made a Cursillo weekend and to those who are interested. The usual July B.B.Q has been moved to Labor Day. Announcements will be forthcoming. Come and join the fun!
TRINITY HEALTH MINISTRIES
VITAL SIGNS
+ + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
LET THE SON SHINE
IN YOUR LIFE
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + +
Did You Know?
*The story of how we are helping one family:
An Amador
Community Family has a 12 year old who is attending court school. The Father is out of work. The 12yo has behavior problems that are
escalating, and the family is wanting help with
counseling. This family is receiving
the needed help through our partnership with Amador Counseling Services and
financial assistance through Health Ministries
scholarship funds. Since January, $1155
has been provided for people/families in their time of need.
*
* That a beginning partnership is forming with the Amador Public Health Department. Currently working on Faith Communities involvement in Diasaster planning including Bird Flu Pandemic.
* Your
Parish Nurse attended the General Convention of the Episcopal church in
Summer Health Tip
Slip-Slap-Slop! Prevent
skin cancer! While in the sun....Slip on a shirt....Slap on a hat...Slop on
sunscreen. For more
info. go to the National Safety Council website
at
www.nsc.org/ehc/sunwise/tips.htm
Support Trinity Health Ministries
eScrip eNews-Mary Ann Tortorich coordinates our escrip program. She says, “Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you for your registrations.” Thirty-three Safeway cards are registered. This fundraising rebate program is brings in regular donations to Health Ministries.
Escrip also includes a recycle/rebate program for printer ink cartridges. Please bring your empty cartridges to a
marked collection box in Jane’s Hall.
To register or questions contact: Mary Ann Tortorich 296-7242
Healing Station
“It is a
blessing to pray with people attending services at
Art is Healing
Explore your creative side!
No experience
is needed only a desire to learn watercolor techniques under the gifted Alice Friedrichs. Classes
meet regularly. The next session is
scheduled for July 10that 2pm.
A suggested donation of $10/session benefits Trinity Health
Ministries. For more information contact
Thank-you for your continued support of Health Ministries, which brings an extra measure of God’s healing touch
to our world! Susan Wahlstrom R.N.