ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Welcome to our visitors. We invite you to join us for coffee and fellowship in the foyer following the 8 am service and in the Parish Hall following the 10 am service.
8:00 am: Holy Eucharist, Chapel: The Rev. David Ota, Celebrant and Preacher
10:00 am: Choral Holy Eucharist, Chapel: The Rev. David Ota, Celebrant and Preacher
10:00 am: Sunday School Rooms 2, and 4, No Youth Sunday School
11:15 am: Fathers’ Day Brunch, Parish Hall
Name Tags: Everyone feels welcome when they can greet you by name. If you need one, please leave a message for the office.
Prayer Requests: Please write your prayer requests in the Red Intercessions and Thanksgivings Binder in the Foyer. If you have an on-going prayer request, please write it on the “On-Going” Intercession page in the book, or leave the intercession in Margie’s mail box. Thank you.
Prayer Chapel: Our small side prayer chapel is for everyone’s use, but we ask that adults accompany children. Please light only one candle at a time, do not blow out other people’s candles, and kneel–don’t stand–on the kneeler (Prie-Dieu). This will keep the chapel a sacred place for all.
8:00 am: Holy Eucharist, Chapel: The Rev. David Ota, Celebrant and Preacher
10:00 am: Choral Holy Eucharist, Chapel: The Rev. David Ota, Celebrant and Preacher
10:00 am: Sunday School Rooms 2, and 4, No Youth Sunday School
11:15 am: Fathers’ Day Brunch, Parish Hall
Name Tags: Everyone feels welcome when they can greet you by name. If you need one, please leave a message for the office.
Prayer Requests: Please write your prayer requests in the Red Intercessions and Thanksgivings Binder in the Foyer. If you have an on-going prayer request, please write it on the “On-Going” Intercession page in the book, or leave the intercession in Margie’s mail box. Thank you.
Prayer Chapel: Our small side prayer chapel is for everyone’s use, but we ask that adults accompany children. Please light only one candle at a time, do not blow out other people’s candles, and kneel–don’t stand–on the kneeler (Prie-Dieu). This will keep the chapel a sacred place for all.
THIS WEEK
Tuesday Bible Study, June 19, 26, 12:45 pm, Foyer
Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting: Tuesday, June 19, 6 pm, Parish Hall
School Board Meeting: Tuesday, June 19, 7 pm, Parish Hall
Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting: Tuesday, June 19, 6 pm, Parish Hall
School Board Meeting: Tuesday, June 19, 7 pm, Parish Hall
ST. AMBROSE ANNOUNCEMENTS
A message from Charlotte Keefe
On June 26th I will be moving to Hamburg, Germany with a good friend of mine in North Carolina. I have an internship, a few auditions, and a performance intensive already set up within my first few months there, and I will be sure my mum keeps you all updated on my adventures. I am planning on visiting the Bay Area around this time next year to complete a performance project in SF that my friend and I are working to set up. This Sunday, June 17th, is my last day at church, as I am performing in SF for LEVYsalon the Sunday before I leave. Thank you all for being a community of love and support that has never failed me.
Sunday School Celebration
Sunday school is an important element of our church and community. On Sunday June 24, we are celebrating and showing our appreciation to the Sunday school teachers and students with breakfast, games, and conversation. The festivities will take place under Christine Brockman’s leadership during the normal Sunday school hours of 10 to 10:45 am in the courtyard /classroom 2. Please contact Christine Brockman at castilla94121@yahoo.com if you want to help.
Capital Campaign Testimony by Jim Miller
Torrie, Alexandra and I first attended St Ambrose on July 22nd, 2001, the first Sunday after landing at the San Francisco International Airport.
We came back all the Sundays after that while living next to the trail over the levee to Oracle. Then we came back to St Ambrose after buying our house in Redwood Shores.
You and I do this: We feed our spiritual life at St Ambrose. We care for our children’s spiritual growth at Sunday School and Youth Group. We build this communion, this community, by attending each other after the service.
St Ambrose is not an accident. Seekers first organized, with the help of the Diocese, in Jack Foster’s new town on the Peninsula south of San Francisco. The congregation saw that a warehouse didn’t serve the needs they felt nor the future they felt coming.
After little turbulence, our founders proved their claim for a parish. They started raising money 42 years ago, then – with the Diocese – bought this property, and worked up a strategy. Our founders built Sea Breeze School as a shared space with the congregation, then built this beautiful chapel and other buildings.
St Ambrose grew with the community, maintained its appeal, and broadened it.
I come to St Ambrose because Foster City walks through its doors – and the Bay Area, the world, and you.
Also coming through these doors is the future. One known future is approaching quickly – the future without the steady hands of Father David and the gentle assist of Reverend Karen. We will in very few years be searching for a new Rector.
Our new Rector may be just the person to help us reach out to our region’s growing transient work community. Our new Rector may be just the person to help us spread the Word among young people who don’t know what they’re missing.
The St Ambrose Capital Campaign is raising funds to help our new Rector find housing, hopefully in Foster City. Housing is scarce and expensive – we need to give the Search Committee and the Vestry the tools to find the best candidates they can. Wherever our new Rector is from, their current housing costs less than housing here.
Today I offer you the path taken by the founders of St Ambrose. Generous hearts and talent and continuous decision-making, sustained by faith, created the community we enjoy today.
Please make a generous gift to the Diocese of California Capital Campaign in the name of St Ambrose Episcopal Church of Foster City.
Please join with me and with the founders of St Ambrose to build for our future.
Thank you.
- JIM MILLER, 14 June 2018
Update on the Capital Campaign
As of Sunday, June 10th, the Capital Campaign Committee has received 22 pledges over five years for a total of $320,500. The public phase of the Capital Campaign has begun, and letters have been sent out to the membership. Members of the Capital Campaign Committee will be calling to be sure you have received the mailing and to answer any questions. We are grateful for the generosity and commitment of everyone who has been visited to date and especially to those who made pledges. Each week thereafter the Rector will announce the progress made.
A Letter from the Rev. Karen in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your support of the Episcopal Diocese of the Virgin Islands, of Episcopal Relief and Development in their work here, and of me. I am grateful for the monies so generously given, and the personal support it demonstrates.
This has been an eye-opening immersion experience in another culture as well as a ministry of support to those who are leading the recovery efforts here. The need here is great, and I have learned to recognize my limitations and to offer what I can where I can. I came here with the unholy thought of making a name for myself with my newly validated therapeutic skills and my experience as a priest. Although I have been able to be helpful, more importantly I have come to recognize that I am one small part of a much larger community of people with deep passion and impressive skills. Many of them will continue to work here months and years after David Starr's and my work on your behalf is over.
Nonetheless, I do think your monies have been well invested. On the church side, I have taken over responsibility for two missions on behalf of the bishop here. Bishop Gumbs was leading them in addition to leading recovery efforts in the diocese plus his regular duties. Clearly, help was in order!
The first church I am serving, the Church of the Holy Spirit is in the process of a renovation that will accommodate other volunteers who come to work. The other, Nazareth By the Sea, is focused on an ERD project of giving away water filter systems to reduce plastic waste, give local people a financial break, and help people be ready when (God forbid!) another major storm hits. The building in which Nazareth by the Sea met was completely destroyed in the hurricanes, and they are meeting in an unfinished store front.
My first sermon here was for a deanery service on the Feast of the Pentecost. Without divine inspiration, I would have been speechless. How do you preach to people who have just come through hurricanes with devastating winds of 250+ mph about God as ruach (breath, spirit and WIND)?
I am glad to be able to help Bishop Ambrose (Gumbs). Like other families with enough resources to do so, he and his wife sent their two daughters to relatives on the "mainland" following the destruction of one school, and damage to others. The Gumbs family is finally re-united for the summer after months of separation.
On the outreach side, I have been able to hear people's stories and feelings about the storms, give encouragement, distribute children's toys donated by St. Ambrose (thank you), and offer two workshops on ways to cope with storm related stress and anxiety.
On top of that, I have learned how to drive on the left hand side of the road, greet the drug dealers on the street as children of God, and fall asleep again after the roosters' wake-up call at 3:45 a.m. :)
Thank you all for your financial support and your prayers. I am grateful for them, as are the people whom the diocese and I have been able to reach through them.
In Christ,
Karen
Gardening and Wheat Growing Project
The wheat and our other garden plants are growing fast, both behind the sanctuary in the planter boxes and by the big palm tree next to the parking lot. Take a look each Sunday and enjoy seeing the growth from week to week! It’s pretty dry in the summer though and the plants will need watering to stay healthy and to keep growing. Please volunteer to water the plants this summer so we can have a full harvest in the fall. A watering schedule sign-up sheet is posted in the fellowship hall.
Are you interested in Social Outings?
It has come to the attention of the Rector that some members of the congregation are interested in getting together for social outings such as: a trip to Filoli Gardens in Woodside, going out to movies together, going out to lunch at a new restaurant, etc. If you are interested and have an idea for an outing, please let the Rector, April Cherrington or Bettie Davis know and he can announce it.
The Adult and Children’s Choir
The Adult and Children’s choir will be taking a recess until the late August/September timeframe. The adult choir rehearsals are usually on Thursdays at 7:30 PM. The Children’s Choir meet each Sunday immediately following the 10 am service for a fifteen minute time of instruction and singing. Please contact Maureen Fromme after church, by phone (415.990.6758) or email (mhfromme@yahoo.com) for more information.
Coffee Sign-Up Online
On June 26th I will be moving to Hamburg, Germany with a good friend of mine in North Carolina. I have an internship, a few auditions, and a performance intensive already set up within my first few months there, and I will be sure my mum keeps you all updated on my adventures. I am planning on visiting the Bay Area around this time next year to complete a performance project in SF that my friend and I are working to set up. This Sunday, June 17th, is my last day at church, as I am performing in SF for LEVYsalon the Sunday before I leave. Thank you all for being a community of love and support that has never failed me.
Sunday School Celebration
Sunday school is an important element of our church and community. On Sunday June 24, we are celebrating and showing our appreciation to the Sunday school teachers and students with breakfast, games, and conversation. The festivities will take place under Christine Brockman’s leadership during the normal Sunday school hours of 10 to 10:45 am in the courtyard /classroom 2. Please contact Christine Brockman at castilla94121@yahoo.com if you want to help.
Capital Campaign Testimony by Jim Miller
Torrie, Alexandra and I first attended St Ambrose on July 22nd, 2001, the first Sunday after landing at the San Francisco International Airport.
We came back all the Sundays after that while living next to the trail over the levee to Oracle. Then we came back to St Ambrose after buying our house in Redwood Shores.
You and I do this: We feed our spiritual life at St Ambrose. We care for our children’s spiritual growth at Sunday School and Youth Group. We build this communion, this community, by attending each other after the service.
St Ambrose is not an accident. Seekers first organized, with the help of the Diocese, in Jack Foster’s new town on the Peninsula south of San Francisco. The congregation saw that a warehouse didn’t serve the needs they felt nor the future they felt coming.
After little turbulence, our founders proved their claim for a parish. They started raising money 42 years ago, then – with the Diocese – bought this property, and worked up a strategy. Our founders built Sea Breeze School as a shared space with the congregation, then built this beautiful chapel and other buildings.
St Ambrose grew with the community, maintained its appeal, and broadened it.
I come to St Ambrose because Foster City walks through its doors – and the Bay Area, the world, and you.
Also coming through these doors is the future. One known future is approaching quickly – the future without the steady hands of Father David and the gentle assist of Reverend Karen. We will in very few years be searching for a new Rector.
Our new Rector may be just the person to help us reach out to our region’s growing transient work community. Our new Rector may be just the person to help us spread the Word among young people who don’t know what they’re missing.
The St Ambrose Capital Campaign is raising funds to help our new Rector find housing, hopefully in Foster City. Housing is scarce and expensive – we need to give the Search Committee and the Vestry the tools to find the best candidates they can. Wherever our new Rector is from, their current housing costs less than housing here.
Today I offer you the path taken by the founders of St Ambrose. Generous hearts and talent and continuous decision-making, sustained by faith, created the community we enjoy today.
Please make a generous gift to the Diocese of California Capital Campaign in the name of St Ambrose Episcopal Church of Foster City.
Please join with me and with the founders of St Ambrose to build for our future.
Thank you.
- JIM MILLER, 14 June 2018
Update on the Capital Campaign
As of Sunday, June 10th, the Capital Campaign Committee has received 22 pledges over five years for a total of $320,500. The public phase of the Capital Campaign has begun, and letters have been sent out to the membership. Members of the Capital Campaign Committee will be calling to be sure you have received the mailing and to answer any questions. We are grateful for the generosity and commitment of everyone who has been visited to date and especially to those who made pledges. Each week thereafter the Rector will announce the progress made.
A Letter from the Rev. Karen in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your support of the Episcopal Diocese of the Virgin Islands, of Episcopal Relief and Development in their work here, and of me. I am grateful for the monies so generously given, and the personal support it demonstrates.
This has been an eye-opening immersion experience in another culture as well as a ministry of support to those who are leading the recovery efforts here. The need here is great, and I have learned to recognize my limitations and to offer what I can where I can. I came here with the unholy thought of making a name for myself with my newly validated therapeutic skills and my experience as a priest. Although I have been able to be helpful, more importantly I have come to recognize that I am one small part of a much larger community of people with deep passion and impressive skills. Many of them will continue to work here months and years after David Starr's and my work on your behalf is over.
Nonetheless, I do think your monies have been well invested. On the church side, I have taken over responsibility for two missions on behalf of the bishop here. Bishop Gumbs was leading them in addition to leading recovery efforts in the diocese plus his regular duties. Clearly, help was in order!
The first church I am serving, the Church of the Holy Spirit is in the process of a renovation that will accommodate other volunteers who come to work. The other, Nazareth By the Sea, is focused on an ERD project of giving away water filter systems to reduce plastic waste, give local people a financial break, and help people be ready when (God forbid!) another major storm hits. The building in which Nazareth by the Sea met was completely destroyed in the hurricanes, and they are meeting in an unfinished store front.
My first sermon here was for a deanery service on the Feast of the Pentecost. Without divine inspiration, I would have been speechless. How do you preach to people who have just come through hurricanes with devastating winds of 250+ mph about God as ruach (breath, spirit and WIND)?
I am glad to be able to help Bishop Ambrose (Gumbs). Like other families with enough resources to do so, he and his wife sent their two daughters to relatives on the "mainland" following the destruction of one school, and damage to others. The Gumbs family is finally re-united for the summer after months of separation.
On the outreach side, I have been able to hear people's stories and feelings about the storms, give encouragement, distribute children's toys donated by St. Ambrose (thank you), and offer two workshops on ways to cope with storm related stress and anxiety.
On top of that, I have learned how to drive on the left hand side of the road, greet the drug dealers on the street as children of God, and fall asleep again after the roosters' wake-up call at 3:45 a.m. :)
Thank you all for your financial support and your prayers. I am grateful for them, as are the people whom the diocese and I have been able to reach through them.
In Christ,
Karen
Gardening and Wheat Growing Project
The wheat and our other garden plants are growing fast, both behind the sanctuary in the planter boxes and by the big palm tree next to the parking lot. Take a look each Sunday and enjoy seeing the growth from week to week! It’s pretty dry in the summer though and the plants will need watering to stay healthy and to keep growing. Please volunteer to water the plants this summer so we can have a full harvest in the fall. A watering schedule sign-up sheet is posted in the fellowship hall.
Are you interested in Social Outings?
It has come to the attention of the Rector that some members of the congregation are interested in getting together for social outings such as: a trip to Filoli Gardens in Woodside, going out to movies together, going out to lunch at a new restaurant, etc. If you are interested and have an idea for an outing, please let the Rector, April Cherrington or Bettie Davis know and he can announce it.
The Adult and Children’s Choir
The Adult and Children’s choir will be taking a recess until the late August/September timeframe. The adult choir rehearsals are usually on Thursdays at 7:30 PM. The Children’s Choir meet each Sunday immediately following the 10 am service for a fifteen minute time of instruction and singing. Please contact Maureen Fromme after church, by phone (415.990.6758) or email (mhfromme@yahoo.com) for more information.
Coffee Sign-Up Online
Introducing 10:00 am Coffee Sign-ups online via Sign-Up Genius. Lookout for an email to provide you with a link to sign up for 10:00 am Coffee Hour. The online version will be used in-addition to the posted sign-up in the Parish Hall. Please sign up by logging on to www.signupgenius.com and entering stambrose@mindspring.com in the search bar.
Each family signs up once or twice per year. You can host it alone, or team up with another family. Directions for set-up and clean-up are available in the kitchen, it’s easy and we all enjoy this time of fellowship. Trades or changes can be made, so don’t hesitate to pick a Sunday. This sign up includes set-up and clean-up, please. If you have any questions, please contact Don Peter (650) 685-0648.
Study Groups
The Monday study group meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. They will next meet on Mondays, June 25 from 7:00 pm, at the home of Warren and Nellie Wong, 826 Phoenix Lane, Foster City.
The Tuesday Bible Study group meets each week from 12:45 pm to 2 pm in the foyer. They will be meeting on June 19, and 26th. They are reading the Book of Job and will next read chapter 21. All are welcome to join.
The study groups are open to any interested person.
St. Ambrose Directory
Please pick up a copy of the St. Ambrose Church Directory in the foyer. Let us know that you picked up your copy by signing the pick-up sheets in the foyer or the Parish Hall.
Forward Day by Day
New books for May, June and July are also now available for pickup in the foyer.
Episcopal Shields are available
Episcopal Shields are available in the office for your cars. We have two kinds. One can be used as a bumper sticker. The other can be used in your car window. These shields will show that you are part of the Episcopal Church, and when you park in our parking lot, the school will know that you most likely here for church purposes.
Volunteers to give Eugene Hetzer a ride on Sundays
Long-time member Eugene Hetzer can use some transportation help on Sundays to worship at 10 am. The bus service is not very good on Sundays. Jim Neubert, who recently moved to Redwood City, had been giving him a ride, but can’t do so on a regular basis. If you are willing to give Eugene a ride occasionally please sign up on a Volunteers to Eugene Hetzer a ride, or contact our Administrative Assistant, Margie Lee at stambrose@mindspring.com or call her between 9 am and 1 pm at 650 574-1369. Also, a sign-up sheet for volunteers able to give Eugene a ride is posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall
Altar Guild Flower Fund:
The St. Ambrose Altar Guild prepares the altar and sanctuary for each service. As part of these responsibilities, the guild provides the beautiful flower arrangements for the sanctuary. The cost of the Altar flowers is $65 per week, but any amount is welcome. These flowers are funded by individual donations. You may contribute toward flowers in celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, and other special days or in the memory of loved ones. To make a donation please complete the blue form in the flower pot in the Foyer. Checks can be made to the St. Ambrose Episcopal Church. Please put “Altar Flowers” in the note. Cash can be put in the white envelopes. Donations in any amount will be appreciated. Thank you. If you have any questions, please talk to Charlene Adolph.
Sign up for E-script:
Good news: SaveMart, Lucky, and Food Maxx have recently partnered with E-script. If you haven’t already signed up for E-script, please sign up under Group name: St Ambrose and Group ID #139618933. All your support helps.
Mark Your Calendars:
The Rev. Karen Swanson away to serve in the Virgin Islands: Monday, May 14-Thursday, June 28
The Rev. Jay Watan away in the Philippines: Sunday, June 10 – Thursday, June 28
Fathers’ Day Brunch: Sunday, June 17, following the 10 am service of Holy Eucharist, Parish Hall
Tuesday Bible Study, June 19, & 26, 12:45 pm, Foyer
Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting: Tuesday, June 19, 6 pm, Parish Hall
School Board Meeting: Tuesday, June 19, 7 pm, Parish Hall
Capital Campaign Executive Committee meetings: Thursdays, June 21 and 28, 7:00 pm, Parish Hall
Sunday School Celebration: Sunday, June 24, 10 am, Courtyard and Room 2
Monday Study Group, June 25 from 7:00 pm, at the home of Warren and Nellie Wong
Vestry Meeting: Thursday, June 26, 7 pm, Parish Hall
Rector at General Convention: Monday, July 2 to Friday, July 13, Austin, Texas
Youth Mission Trip: Sunday, July 8 to Sunday, July 15, Smith River, CA
Rector on Sabbatical Month: Saturday, July 14 to Saturday, Friday, August 10
The Rev. Karen Swanson away to serve in the Virgin Islands: Monday, May 14-Thursday, June 28
The Rev. Jay Watan away in the Philippines: Sunday, June 10 – Thursday, June 28
Fathers’ Day Brunch: Sunday, June 17, following the 10 am service of Holy Eucharist, Parish Hall
Tuesday Bible Study, June 19, & 26, 12:45 pm, Foyer
Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting: Tuesday, June 19, 6 pm, Parish Hall
School Board Meeting: Tuesday, June 19, 7 pm, Parish Hall
Capital Campaign Executive Committee meetings: Thursdays, June 21 and 28, 7:00 pm, Parish Hall
Sunday School Celebration: Sunday, June 24, 10 am, Courtyard and Room 2
Monday Study Group, June 25 from 7:00 pm, at the home of Warren and Nellie Wong
Vestry Meeting: Thursday, June 26, 7 pm, Parish Hall
Rector at General Convention: Monday, July 2 to Friday, July 13, Austin, Texas
Youth Mission Trip: Sunday, July 8 to Sunday, July 15, Smith River, CA
Rector on Sabbatical Month: Saturday, July 14 to Saturday, Friday, August 10
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR
Virgin Island Relief Donations
As many of you know, the Rev. Karen Swanson is helping Episcopal parishes and communities in the Virgin Islands to rebuild from last year’s hurricanes. The Outreach Committee has approved a contribution of $500. If you would also like to make a tax-deductible donation, please make a separate check to St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, designated “Virgin Islands”, and include it in the Sunday collection or send it to the church office. St. Ambrose donations will be forwarded to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Mountain View, which is spearheading Bay Area Virgin Islands relief. (You may also send a designated check directly to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 2094 Grant Road, Mountain View, CA 94040.) If you have questions, please contact Steve Yuen (stevebyuen@aol.com, 341-1966) or Father Ota (dyota@mindspring.com, 574-1369).
Second Harvest Food Barrel: Thanks to all who donate. We have a new barrel to fill! Please bring cans of food when you come to worship and place it in the Second Harvest Food Barrel in the foyer. Monetary contributions to Second Harvest may be made to St. Ambrose, designated “Second Harvest,” or directly to The Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, Attention: Donation Dept., P.O. Box 213, San Mateo, CA 94401-0213.
.
As many of you know, the Rev. Karen Swanson is helping Episcopal parishes and communities in the Virgin Islands to rebuild from last year’s hurricanes. The Outreach Committee has approved a contribution of $500. If you would also like to make a tax-deductible donation, please make a separate check to St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, designated “Virgin Islands”, and include it in the Sunday collection or send it to the church office. St. Ambrose donations will be forwarded to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Mountain View, which is spearheading Bay Area Virgin Islands relief. (You may also send a designated check directly to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 2094 Grant Road, Mountain View, CA 94040.) If you have questions, please contact Steve Yuen (stevebyuen@aol.com, 341-1966) or Father Ota (dyota@mindspring.com, 574-1369).
Second Harvest Food Barrel: Thanks to all who donate. We have a new barrel to fill! Please bring cans of food when you come to worship and place it in the Second Harvest Food Barrel in the foyer. Monetary contributions to Second Harvest may be made to St. Ambrose, designated “Second Harvest,” or directly to The Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, Attention: Donation Dept., P.O. Box 213, San Mateo, CA 94401-0213.
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DIOCESAN ANNOUNCEMENTS
What is General Convention?
General Convention is the highest governing body of The Episcopal Church, meeting every three years and made up of the Church’s bishops and elected lay and ordained deputies from each diocese.
For an informative dive into the polity and legislative process of General Convention, take a look at this 20-page booklet.
For the 79th General Convention this summer, we will meet at the Austin Convention Center in Downtown Austin, Texas, from July 3 to 13. The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Triennial meeting convenes in the same location July 5 to 11. Here are the calendars for General Convention, ECW, and draft GC Schedule.
General Convention is the highest governing body of The Episcopal Church, meeting every three years and made up of the Church’s bishops and elected lay and ordained deputies from each diocese.
For an informative dive into the polity and legislative process of General Convention, take a look at this 20-page booklet.
For the 79th General Convention this summer, we will meet at the Austin Convention Center in Downtown Austin, Texas, from July 3 to 13. The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Triennial meeting convenes in the same location July 5 to 11. Here are the calendars for General Convention, ECW, and draft GC Schedule.
At our diocesan convention in 2016, we elected all 16 members to the deputation which are comprised of 8 deputies (4 clergy/4 lay) and 8 alternates (4 clergy/4 lay). They will be joining Bishop Marc in Austin as voting members of General Convention.
What are some of the DioCal priorities at this General Convention?
Beyond voting, how will our deputation be serving at this General Convention?
Seven members plus Bishop Andrus were appointed to these legislative committees:
Starting in 2015, the bishops and deputies transitioned from paper Blue Book binders to a Virtual Binder utilizing an iPad Tablet. This Virtual Binder is also available online for anyone to see, with legislation updated in real time as it moves through legislative committees and through the floors of House of Deputies and House of Bishops.Here are 10 hot topics coming before General Convention:
- Liturgy & Music (Book of Common Prayer and Hymnal revisions, musical resources, regularization, gendered language, marriage task force, trial use liturgies, translations for Chinese and Spanish use)
- Evangelism (bi-vocational clergy, formation, small church leadership, mission strategy, racial reconciliation, useful metrics)
- Care of Creation (climate change, environmental justice, water, energy policy)
- International (Haiti, Cuba, Palestine/Israel, refugees and migration, nationalism)
- Social Justice (gender wage equity, transgender dignity, racial justice, immigration, voting rights, DACA/Dreamers, deportations, sanctuary cities, addictions)
- Governance (interim bodies strategy, Program, Budget and Finance resolutions on funding, Constitution and Canons, Title IV- Safeguard, Church Pension Fund, stewardship)
- #C017 - A Just Peace in the Holy Land
- #C018 - Becoming a Sanctuary Church (#C009 - New Jersey)
- #C019 - Church-Wide Paid Family Leave (#C004 - Virginia)
- #C020 - Climate Change, Carbon Tax (#A014 - Stewardship of Creation)
- #C021 - Climate Change, Corporate Governance
- #C022 - Supporting Transgender Access (#C006 - Virginia)
Beyond voting, how will our deputation be serving at this General Convention?
Seven members plus Bishop Andrus were appointed to these legislative committees:
- #3 Safeguarding and Title IV – Deputy Christopher Hayes, vice chair;
- #4 Governance and Structure – Deputy Carolyn Gaines;
- #7 Social Justice and International Policy – Deputy Sarah Lawton, chair;
- #9 Racial Justice and Reconciliation – Deputies Eric Metoyer and Vanessa Glass; #18 Stewardship & Social Responsible Investing – Deputy Warren Wong;
- #20 Environmental Stewardship and Care of Creation – Bishop Marc;
- #26 HoD Resolution Review – Alternate Richard Edward Helmer, secretary
Starting in 2015, the bishops and deputies transitioned from paper Blue Book binders to a Virtual Binder utilizing an iPad Tablet. This Virtual Binder is also available online for anyone to see, with legislation updated in real time as it moves through legislative committees and through the floors of House of Deputies and House of Bishops.Here are 10 hot topics coming before General Convention:
- A028 - Salary for the President of the House of Deputies
- A041 - Episcopal Church-United Methodist Dialogue
- A052 - Matters Pertaining to The Episcopal Church in Cuba
- A053 - Design a New Parochial Report
- A060 - Create a Task Force to Study Church's Pension System
- A068 - Plan for the Revision of the Book of Common Prayer
- A080 - A Season of Provincial Discernment
- A085 - Trial Use of Marriage Liturgies
- A086 - Authorize Rites to Bless Relationships
- A087 - Develop Relationship Pastoral Resources
- Watch the live stream of General Convention here
- Follow along on Twitter with hashtags #GC79 and tag @DioCal
- Follow the Diocese of California on Facebook for live stream video updates from our General Convention Deputation!
Canon changes for diocesan convention
Anyone wishing to propose changes to the Canons or Constitution of the diocese at the next diocesan convention must submit them to the Secretary of Convention, David Frangquist, no later than July 21, 2018. Please include the text of the proposed change, an explanation of the reason for the change, if it is being proposed by a congregation or other diocesan organization, and contact information for the proponent. Submit proposals to the Secretary at frangquist@acm.org.
Resolutions for Diocesan Convention
The deadline for submitting resolutions for the upcoming diocesan convention is Saturday, July 21, 2018, but the Resolutions Committee greatly appreciates earlier submissions. Draft resolutions should be emailed to the Chair of the Resolutions Committee, Jay Luther, luther@lutherlaw.com, or faxed to 415.532.1807 by the deadline. The Committee prefers email, but if you are unable to email, please mail proposed resolutions to: Resolutions Committee, Attn: Stephanie Martin Taylor, Working Group Head for Communications, 1055 Taylor Street, San Francisco, CA 94108. Please be sure to give the submitter's name and phone number or email address. More information will be posted in future editions of DioBytes.
Link: 2018 Procedure for Submitting a Resolution
Anyone wishing to propose changes to the Canons or Constitution of the diocese at the next diocesan convention must submit them to the Secretary of Convention, David Frangquist, no later than July 21, 2018. Please include the text of the proposed change, an explanation of the reason for the change, if it is being proposed by a congregation or other diocesan organization, and contact information for the proponent. Submit proposals to the Secretary at frangquist@acm.org.
Resolutions for Diocesan Convention
The deadline for submitting resolutions for the upcoming diocesan convention is Saturday, July 21, 2018, but the Resolutions Committee greatly appreciates earlier submissions. Draft resolutions should be emailed to the Chair of the Resolutions Committee, Jay Luther, luther@lutherlaw.com, or faxed to 415.532.1807 by the deadline. The Committee prefers email, but if you are unable to email, please mail proposed resolutions to: Resolutions Committee, Attn: Stephanie Martin Taylor, Working Group Head for Communications, 1055 Taylor Street, San Francisco, CA 94108. Please be sure to give the submitter's name and phone number or email address. More information will be posted in future editions of DioBytes.
Link: 2018 Procedure for Submitting a Resolution
Companions in Franciscan Spirituality, Summer 2018
The Community of St. Francis is offering a ten-day residential immersion in Franciscan spirituality in August. The theme is “Francis and Creation.” Join the Sisters at St. Francis House in San Francisco in a study of Franciscan Spirituality and a living out of that spirituality through participation in their life of prayer, work, ministry, and community. Open to any woman over 18. Room and board are provided as part of this free program, but donations always welcome. There will be a final 2018 Immersion Friday, September 28 to Monday, October 8 focusing on St. Francis Day. (St. Francis House is not wheelchair accessible).
When: Friday, August 10 to Monday, August 20
Where: St. Francis House, 3743 Cesar Chavez St., San Francisco
Cost: donation
Deadline: Friday, June 15
Contact: Sr. Pamela Clare, CSF: pamelaclarecsf@aol.com
The Community of St. Francis is offering a ten-day residential immersion in Franciscan spirituality in August. The theme is “Francis and Creation.” Join the Sisters at St. Francis House in San Francisco in a study of Franciscan Spirituality and a living out of that spirituality through participation in their life of prayer, work, ministry, and community. Open to any woman over 18. Room and board are provided as part of this free program, but donations always welcome. There will be a final 2018 Immersion Friday, September 28 to Monday, October 8 focusing on St. Francis Day. (St. Francis House is not wheelchair accessible).
When: Friday, August 10 to Monday, August 20
Where: St. Francis House, 3743 Cesar Chavez St., San Francisco
Cost: donation
Deadline: Friday, June 15
Contact: Sr. Pamela Clare, CSF: pamelaclarecsf@aol.com
Support Trinity Center: A Response to the Bay Area Affordable Housing Crisis
Did you know California renters need to earn 3.6 times the minimum wage to afford the average monthly asking rent of $1,889, forcing tens of thousands of men, women, and children to live in fear on the streets and in their cars? Help Trinity Center turn the tide and lift people out of poverty. Please support our fundraiser to help us continue to serve homeless and working poor while we build affordable housing on the property of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek.
From Bishop Marc: “Sheila and I invite you to join us in supporting Trinity Center and St. Paul’s Commons, a new affordable housing model in our diocese affiliated with St. Paul’s, Walnut Creek. We’re donating a dinner at our home to help raise funds for this wonderful undertaking. Your raffle tickets for the dinner double as a donation to help Trinity Center lift our brothers and sisters out of poverty into a new life of hope and opportunity.” You can purchase raffle tickets at http://helptrinity.org/
What: Fundraiser drawing for dinner with Bishop Marc supporting Trinity Center
When: Drawing will be on Saturday, August 25
Where: the Grand Prize Dinner will be held at Bishop Marc’s home in San Francisco
Tickets: http://helptrinity.org/
Deadline to buy tickets: Saturday, August 25 (Tickets will be drawn at 5:30 pm PST)
Did you know California renters need to earn 3.6 times the minimum wage to afford the average monthly asking rent of $1,889, forcing tens of thousands of men, women, and children to live in fear on the streets and in their cars? Help Trinity Center turn the tide and lift people out of poverty. Please support our fundraiser to help us continue to serve homeless and working poor while we build affordable housing on the property of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek.
From Bishop Marc: “Sheila and I invite you to join us in supporting Trinity Center and St. Paul’s Commons, a new affordable housing model in our diocese affiliated with St. Paul’s, Walnut Creek. We’re donating a dinner at our home to help raise funds for this wonderful undertaking. Your raffle tickets for the dinner double as a donation to help Trinity Center lift our brothers and sisters out of poverty into a new life of hope and opportunity.” You can purchase raffle tickets at http://helptrinity.org/
What: Fundraiser drawing for dinner with Bishop Marc supporting Trinity Center
When: Drawing will be on Saturday, August 25
Where: the Grand Prize Dinner will be held at Bishop Marc’s home in San Francisco
Tickets: http://helptrinity.org/
Deadline to buy tickets: Saturday, August 25 (Tickets will be drawn at 5:30 pm PST)
For DioBytes Archive
Please click on the link above for past issues of the DioBytes for Weekly News from the Episcopal Diocese of California
Please click on the link above for past issues of the DioBytes for Weekly News from the Episcopal Diocese of California
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
HIP Housing is a Non-Profit Organization in San Mateo County:
People can find the Rooms for Rent Provider and Rooms for Rent Seeker on the website. The fliers are posted in the Parish Hall on the Community News Bulletin Board. Contact HIP Housing at 650-348-6660. To schedule an appointment to discuss home sharing opportunities or other available affordable housing visit www.HIPhousing.org.
City-Wide Yard Sale
Foster City Parks and Recreation presents a “City-Wide Yard Sale” on Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 9 am to 2 pm. You can participate as a seller or spend the day cruising the city looking for good finds! Maps of sellers will be made online and at the recreation center on Thursday, July 26!
To register or for more information, visit: www.fostericity.org/yardsale.
Please register by July 14, 2018 if you would like to be listed as a seller.
People can find the Rooms for Rent Provider and Rooms for Rent Seeker on the website. The fliers are posted in the Parish Hall on the Community News Bulletin Board. Contact HIP Housing at 650-348-6660. To schedule an appointment to discuss home sharing opportunities or other available affordable housing visit www.HIPhousing.org.
City-Wide Yard Sale
Foster City Parks and Recreation presents a “City-Wide Yard Sale” on Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 9 am to 2 pm. You can participate as a seller or spend the day cruising the city looking for good finds! Maps of sellers will be made online and at the recreation center on Thursday, July 26!
To register or for more information, visit: www.fostericity.org/yardsale.
Please register by July 14, 2018 if you would like to be listed as a seller.