Aug 2011 - Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande

IN THE
E P I S C O PA L D I O C E S E O F T H E R I O G R A N D E
AUGUST 2011
A colorful
corner at the
Bosque Center
Photo by Raymond Raney
2
IN THE
E P I S C O PA L D I O C E S E O F T H E R I O G R A N D E
Where Does the Time Go?
Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people, but as wise, making the most of the time, because the
days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ~ Ephesians 5: 15
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Recently, I came across an article about “time compression,” a special technology commonly used both
in the movie and television industries. Right under our
noses, and without our being aware of it, big screen
motion pictures are shortened for television in such a
way that we are not conscious of what was edited. Time
compression works by electronically slicing milliseconds
from a film to eliminate parts of scenes, and thereby
shortening the film to the allotted time, but without losing even one word of dialogue. The unfolding plot stays
perfectly intact yet is tailored for a specific medium:
amazing, indeed.
Then I began to think about how our personal real life
often feels as if someone were doing the same kind of
tailoring to our years and days. Doesn’t it feel like a mysterious time wizard is shortening our waking hours so
that we often feel as if we can’t accomplish what we had
hoped to do in any given year or day? Experiences such
as these arise when we find ourselves busier than we’d
like to be, but also when we hit life’s
milestones: birthdays, the turning of the yearly calendar,
or when loved ones or our kids leave home. Living is
tailored to changing times.
When we were young it seemed that time moved
very slowly, and that adulthood, with all its privileges,
would not come soon enough. Do you remember these
thoughts and feelings? But as we become older, time
seems to move more quickly, almost as if time compression were taking place, yet not on the movie or television screen, but in reality. The lesson we learn is that
physical and spiritual life depends on how we see it, or
more importantly I believe, how we interpret and live it.
Our biblical scriptures offer us some help in thinking
about time and our lives. In fact, I noticed that the Bible
describes four dimensions of time: past, present, future
and eternity. Of course, the Bible has things to say about
eternity: that it belongs uniquely to God, who is beyond
time. The past is certainly important in biblical history.
One familiar example is Israel’s Exodus from Egypt,
which is retold from one generation to another to teach
the important lesson that “as God was with us then, so
he will be with us now.” Yet, it seems clear to me that
sk:
the past is not where the believer lives, nor from which
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to tell others about the life-giving power of Jesus,
The Canons are Coming!!!
(And you’re not in trouble……….)
Bishop Michael Vono has asked that his new Canons
to the Ordinary, the Rev’d Canon Daniel Gutierrez and
the Rev’d Canon Kathleene McNellis, begin to visit
the various congregations in the Diocese so they may
become better acquainted with the newest members of
his leadership team.
Ms. Mary Jewell is putting together an official
visitation schedule for these visits, and will be
contacting congregational offices a few weeks before
the Rev’d Gutierrez or the Rev’d McNellis will arrive.
Bishop Vono has asked that the Canon preach at all
scheduled services, celebrate at least one service and
be available for any adult formation program that might
be scheduled.
and the gift of a new
nature in Christ, were
limited. Paul in his letter
to the Ephesians (5:1520) encouraged them
to embrace the present
moment of time.
There is always an
immediacy in relying upon God’s goodness and mercy
in confronting every darkness and every evil. St. Paul
also puts this teaching in another way: “see, now is the
acceptable time (kairos); see, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) .The opportunity of salvation is
always before us. Our daily consciousness of the present
time of living is essentially important to our faithfully
living in Christ Jesus.
Of course, this takes much focused effort on our part,
and much disciplined labor in cultivating spiritual behaviors in accordance with God’s Holy Spirit. Fritz Perls,
the founder of Gestalt Therapy, wrote that “the fundamental question in life is whether we live it from the
outside in or the inside out.” What is required for living
in the present time of our salvation in Christ is unshakable faithfulness and trust and gratitude to our “God
and father at all times and for everything in the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ.” In other words, living in the present moment/time means living into an ever-deepening
consciousness of the mysteries of God’s eternal nature
of love, community, reconciliation, forgiveness, peace,
grace, and living into God’s purpose of fulfilling every
goodness and overcoming every evil in the world. Having received the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are to live life
“from the inside out.”
August and September will mark a time of new
transitions and new opportunities in our Diocese as we
attempt to focus on our ministries “from the inside out.”
With summer vacations now ending we can deliberately
move into creatively engaging ourselves in building up
the public mission and presence of this great Diocese.
The Lord has called us to be Christ’s Church in this
place to serve the myriad needs of those who seek God.
The opportunity to improve upon our lives and labors
is now. It is God’s daily gift to us. We can consciously
circumscribe plans not only for greater effectiveness,
but also for greater productivity in both our Christian,
secular and church labors. Now is the acceptable time
(kairos), Paul tells us, and now is the time for us to enter
fully into our salvation in Christ.
I am praying for a grace-filled August and September,
leading us into October’s Convention and for God’s generous blessings to be upon each and every one of us.
Joy filled Blessings be upon us. Faithfully,
Bishop Michael
IN THE
E P I S C O PA L D I O C E S E O F T H E R I O G R A N D E
3
General Convention 2012
Comments on the Final Draft of the Anglican Covenant From the 2012 Deputation of the Diocese of the
Rio Grande, Province VII
The Deputation of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio
Grande has accepted the Executive Council’s invitation
to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider the final
draft of the Anglican Covenant. The diocese at large
was asked to hold congregational study sessions and
to submit their responses to the GC deputation so
as to give the deputation a sense of the diocese. A
number of congregations responded to that request.
Additionally, we had the opportunity to share a study
session with one of the Design Committee members,
The Rev. Dr. Kathy Grieb. The deputation has engaged
with information presented and listened to responses
submitted from congregations.
We give thanks for the work of the Anglican Covenant
Design Committee and offer appreciation for efforts
to engage everyone in the Communion in continuing
dialogue. Our deputation, without exception, has
the desire to continue to be in relationship with our
sisters and brothers in Christ in all parts of the Anglican
Communion. The majority of our members, however,
cannot support the final draft of the Anglican Covenant
in its present format. We seek a third way forward.
The Deputation of the Diocese of the Rio Grande has
carefully considered the latest draft of the Anglican
Covenant and has made some preliminary observations.
Most of the Deputies are not inclined to support the
Covenant as presented. Some see unintended negative
consequences for our ecclesiology as a communion
and feel that the Covenant is not the instrument of
unity we need. Many in the Deputation are unwilling to
recommend approval of the document, although some
in the Deputation view the proposed document as a
positive instrument and would support it. Additionally
the overwhelming consensus of the Deputies from this
Diocese is that we value our membership in the Anglican
Communion and would prefer to continue the process
of adoption and thus continue our association with the
Communion and therefore would not vote to disapprove
at this time.
Most of the objections of the deputies, not
surprisingly, focus on Section Four of the proposed
Covenant. Most view this section as punitive in nature
and overly broad and vague. While vagueness is not
unique to Section Four, it becomes more critical in
the minds of most Deputies because it is this section
that purports to define “offenses” and prescribe
“relational consequences”, whatever those might be.
Further Section Four also is unclear at best about what
constitutes “Due Process” within the Covenant, or if that
concept is even part of the document. Some Deputies
Bishop Anticipates 2 important
Issues at General Convention
The 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church of the United States will gather at
Indianapolis July 5-12, 2012, and the Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande expects two
issues to occupy much of the energy of the gathering.
“Next year’s triennial convention will address two major concerns: the Anglican Covenant
and the blessing of same gender civil unions,” said the Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael Vono.
Shortly after his consecration, the Bishop asked the congregations of the Diocese to study
the Covenant, and provide comments to the diocesan deputation. The Deputies to General
Convention recently issued a position on the Covenant. (Please see the comments by our
Diocesan Deputation above).
The Provinces of the Anglican Communion have been asked to approve the covenant as an
expression of support and unity. “I’m sure there will be much to say about the content and
the implications of the covenant,” Bishop Vono said.
The issue of same gender blessings also is bound to generate debate, the Bishop said.
“This is an emotional issue, and we need to be clear about what we’re discussing, and why
we are discussing it at this time in the Church’s history. The church is responding to changes
in the way some states define marriage, and teaching materials are being assembled to
clarify the questions the church is asking.”
“I will be forming a Council of Advice consisting of representative lay and clergy leadership
to examine the materials and the issues before General Convention,” Bishop Vono said.
“This will provide the Deputation, the Diocese, our congregations and myself with a sound
grounding of official information that will allow us to enter into an intelligent, Godly
discussion of the issues based on Scripture, tradition and reason and human experience.”
Clergy Mark Your Calendars
Clergy Conference has been scheduled for September 26-28 at Holy
Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park, New Mexico.
The guest speaker will be Dr. Paul E. Hopkins of the Samaritan
Counseling Center in Albuquerque. Dr. Hopkins has just released a
new book, Pursuing Pastoral Excellence, on clergy wellness.
Those who are able are asked to arrive a day early for the
celebration of the return of the congregation to St. Francis on the
Hill the afternoon of Sunday September 25.
Registration information for Clergy will be sent out in the coming
weeks. All Active Clergy are expected to attend this annual Diocesan
Clericus.
are concerned that the Covenant as proposed undoes in
Section Four what it purports to build in the first three
sections
In conclusion the majority of the deputies would
not vote to adopt the Covenant as presented but are
in favor of continued consideration. However none of
the deputies wish to be in a position to either accept
the present draft of the covenant or reject it and would
prefer to continue to engage in a process to develop a
more acceptable answer for finding our way forward as
members of the Anglican Communion.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Canon
Colin P Kelly, C1
Ms. Diane Butler, L1,
Vice-Chair
Mr. John Perner, L3
The Rev. Canon Scott
Ruthven C4, Chair
Mr. Howard Tischler, L4
The Rev. Canon Carole
McGowan, C2
The Rev. Brian Winter
Clergy Alt. 1
Mr. A. Joseph Alarid, L2
Mr. Michael Coburn,
Lay Alt. 1
The Very Rev.
Mark Goodman C 3
Did you know………..
• Bishop Vono will be on vacation in the month of August.
• The Province VII Synod meeting will be September 30 - October 1
in San Antonio, Texas.
• Stay tuned for information on the Ground Breaking at the Bosque
Center in the coming weeks.
• Convention Registration information has been sent to all churches
and clergy and is now online at www.dioceserg.org.
• The Right Rev’d William C. Frey will be the keynote speaker at the
Friday night dinner at Convention in Clovis, NM.
• In addition to Bishop and Barbara Frey, the Right Rev’d Jerry and
Mrs. Lamb and the Right Rev’d David Bailey will be joining Bishop
Vono at our Convention this year.
• The Rev’d Deacon Lin Lilley will be ordained to the Holy Order
of Priests on October 8, 2011 at St. Thomas of Canterbury,
Albuquerque.
• The 2012 Budget has been approved for Deanery presentation by
Diocesan Council.
• Bishop Vono will be joining the House of Bishops for their meeting
in September 14-21 in Quito, Ecuador.
• And finally, the Diocese of Navajoland approved the Companion
Diocese relationship with the Diocese of Rio Grande. God willing,
this relationship will be ratified at our Convention in October.
Pathways to Fruitful
Leadership
In Pursuing Pastoral Excellence, pastoral counselor and educator Paul
Hopkins aims to help pastoral leaders make a lasting and positive
difference in the lives of the people and communities they serve.
The heart of this book is the stories of seven ordinary pastors whose
leadership has become extraordinary. Their stories not only highlight
important characteristics and practices that nurture fruitful pastoral
leadership, but they invite readers to examine their own stories, to
think about the value of longevity in ministry, and to enhance the
enduring impact of their own pastoral leadership.
4
Journey of Becoming
St. Francis on the Hill
By A.C. Sanders, St. Francis on the Hill
On Sunday, July 24th, the continuing congregation of
St. Francis on the Hill at the Temple celebrated its official
farewell service at Temple Mount Sinai. Our Jewish hosts,
who took in this band of homeless waifs and stroked us
with their love and support, joined in the celebration. The
event was one of joy tempered with a tinge of melancholy,
as when a young adult prepares to leave the protective
cocoon of home for college and an independent life. After
the service, we spread a meal, adhering to kosher laws,
and reminisced about our special time together.
St. Francis congregants will provide landscaping and
a memorial bench for a special corner of the Temple
grounds, which were devastated by a hard, sustained
freeze this winter. This will be our expression of thanks and
gratitude for their outreach to us.
We celebrated the final service in the Temple chapel July
31st, a quiet goodbye to familiar surroundings.
August 1st we officially took possession of the keys to St.
Francis on the Hill Episcopal Church. There will be no high
fives, spiking the football, or doo-wa-ditty victory dances in
the end zone.
Like new restaurants, we will have a soft opening. Now
we must grow up and become a real church, and that
entails establishing an altar guild, ushers, readers, chalice
bearers, and all those things churches do. We spent the
first week taking stock of what we have, and what we
need. The first few weeks will be rehearsals of sorts. Our
congregants will work hard, learn, and make mistakes along
the way, and that’s OK.
By September 25th, we should have our act together
and ready for a grand opening celebration. Bishop Vono
officially will lead us into our new beginning that Sunday
afternoon. Yes, the dedication service will be in the late
afternoon for several reasons. Our desire is to share this
moment with all Episcopalians and well-wishers, including
our Jewish brethren. Hopefully, our Rabbi Bach will grace
the occasion by chanting the Old Testament lesson. The
service will not conflict with those of other churches. Also,
a clergy conference will begin the next day in Las Cruces.
We hope that most diocesan clergy will come a day early to
launch us on our way.
Through this process, the people of St. Francis on the
Hill Episcopal Church must transform themselves from a
ragtag band of disenfranchised Episcopalians to coming
home once again. The journey will not be easy. But the
past reminds us that our role is not one of ownership, but
stewardship.
A major part of the mission for the people of St. Francis
on the Hill will be to ensure that the building we inherit
remains always a haven for all folks seeking a church
home—truly a sanctuary of love, acceptance, and peace.
We solicit your prayers and support—ya’ll come!
IN THE
E P I S C O PA L D I O C E S E O F T H E R I O G R A N D E
News Release from the Diocese
of the Rio Grande
No litigation can determine the nature and unity of the
One Body of Christ. - Bishop Michael Vono
The Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande and the
congregation of St. Francis’ Anglican Church have
entered into an historic agreement to resolve their
differences over the ownership of church property in
El Paso.
This agreement acknowledges that the faith of
congregants is more important than litigious differences,
said the Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael L. Vono, who opened the
conversation that led to the agreement. “This proves
that no litigation can determine the nature and unity of
the One Body of Christ.”
The settlement grew out of discussions that built
on an Easter pastoral letter sent by Bishop Vono to
the congregation of St. Francis Anglican Church, which
was met with a gracious response. The Rector of the
Anglican Church, the Rev. Felix C. Orji, Bishop-Elect
in the Anglican Church of Nigeria, reciprocated
by requesting a personal meeting with the
Episcopal Bishop.
For several years, the congregation of St. Francis’
Anglican Church and the Episcopal Diocese have been
challenged and entangled in lawsuits, which were
complicated by several heart-wrenching decisions
arising from controversial suits filed in Texas State
Courts. Strife began when the Rector, Vestry and many
of the congregation of St. Francis on the Hill Episcopal
Church voted to breakaway from the Episcopal Church
in October 2008. The following month the breakaway
church filed suit to retain the property. Subsequent
court rulings have favored the Diocese.
During his first year as Bishop of the diocese, visited
the congregations under his charge. “As I visited
congregations in New Mexico and Far West Texas, I
quickly discovered that the whole diocese shared in a
growing sadness at the separation of beloved friends
and long-time parishioners. “The painful separation
of Christian souls, who were once a single, loving
community of believers, tortured both sides as we
struggled with unwelcome and unchristian feelings.”
“The despair and hopelessness Father Felix and
I witnessed convinced us to work towards Christian
reconciliation, and we reached a mutually amicable,
non-punitive settlement. We wanted to find a way
forward,” Bishop Vono said.
The two men met and discussed the possibility of a
settlement. “Father Orji and I believe that Christian unity
has never meant sameness, but rather wholeness,”
Bishop Vono said. In a world where divisions are so
easily obtainable, the Anglican/Episcopal tradition
continues to embrace reasonable comprehensiveness in
diversity that honors the Church’s unity in wholeness.
Beneath the institutional church and its complicated
issues of the day lies the very reality that Christ’s body
is not divided – even if the world perceives it that
way. “Our Christian heritage in Anglicanism and the
American Episcopal Church are witnesses to Christ’s gift
and mystery of unity within diversity. “This agreement
affirms the theology of St. Paul’s teaching that the
mystical Body of Christ has many differing parts and
functions that are ultimately and intimately dependent
upon each other.” The Anglican and Episcopal Christian
Church tradition witness to the reality there is
wholeness in diversity.
“Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ,” as
St. Paul teaches in the New Testament. “No litigation
can determine the nature and unity of the One Body
of Christ,” Bishop Vono insisted. And he added, the
announcement of this Christian settlement serves also
as an invitation to everyone in St. Francis’ Anglican
Church and St. Francis’ on the Hill Episcopal Church to
remain spiritually as one community, and to recognize
and respect each other as members of the One Body
of Christ.
“No one will be questioned, judged or unwelcome
as our respective communities independently begin
new chapters and different spiritual journeys,” Bishop
Vono said. “Our Christian faith has deep roots in family
memories, life passages and happy occasions. I will
respect the choice of the spiritual home and community
to which each person feels called. I pastorally assure
each of you that you will be lovingly care for, respect
and accept you as individual members of Christ’s body.”
Bishops are called and chosen to be shepherds for all
people, and “all” includes those who may not be likeminded, yet who desire to remain faithful followers of
Jesus Christ, Bishop Vono said.
The agreement calls for the Anglican congregation
to conduct its final service on July 31, and to vacate
the property at 6280 Los Robles, El Paso, that day. The
Episcopal congregation, which has been meeting at
Mount Sinai Temple, will move back into St. Francis on
the Hill the following week and celebrate Eucharist on
August 7.
The Right Rev’d Dr. Michael L. Vono
IX Bishop, Diocese of the Rio Grande
Celebration at St. Luke’s
Deming Welcomes Bishop
The day was full of celebration when Bishop Michael Vono visited
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Deming. At left, Bishop Vono
received a prayer quilt from Toddy Folgate of the prayer quilt
ministry and Vicar Fr. Don Heacox. At right, the bishop also took
care of the administrative duties and signed for the record in the
Church Services Book. During the service, the Bishop received Bud
James, and confirmed Mr. Waldo Winborn, Ms. Renee Winborn,
Ms. Riki Hayakawa, Ms. Diane Elwess, Mr. Dennis Garrett, and Mr.
Wayne Clark.
IN THE
E P I S C O PA L D I O C E S E O F T H E R I O G R A N D E
5
Pastoral Letter to the People of St. Francis on the Hill, El Paso
and the Diocese of the Rio Grande
Eastertide, 2011
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As the Christian Church approaches Easter
and we contemplate the extraordinary mysteries
of God’s love and our salvation in our Lord Jesus
Christ, I have been prayerfully conscious not
only of the congregation of St. Francis on the
Hill, El Paso, but also the whole people of God
in the Diocese of the Rio Grande. Our Lenten
discipline is now nearing its end and throughout
the church’s forty day journey of contemplation,
repentance, prayer, works of mercy, study of Holy
Scripture, Eucharist and spiritual growth, we have
been reminded how dependent we are upon the
grace, love, mercy and pardon of God. Easter is
a wake-up call encouraging us to be aware that
we are all beloved people risen in Christ who are
called to live in hope, joy, peace, trust and loving
reconciliation with each other. “Christ Risen”
is an acclamation affirming that God in Christ is
both Lord of the Church and Shepherd of all the
baptized. We joyfully celebrate that newness of
life in the Resurrection of Jesus as well as celebrate
the renewal of relationships we share as the one
body of Christ. For several years, both the congregation of St.
Francis’ and the Diocese of the Rio Grande have
been challenged by complicated turn of events and
difficult heart wrenching decisions. Since I have
arrived in the Rio Grande, I very quickly sensed
and often discovered as I visited congregations
that the whole diocese shared in the sadness
of beloved friends separated and long time
parishioners feeling alone. The painful separation
of Christian souls who were once a single loving
community of believers has brought to the
surface unwelcomed feelings of both despair and
hopelessness. Yet, beyond the superficial mundane
matters of unresolved church issues lies the very
reality that Christ’s body is not divided even if the
world perceives it that way. Our Christian heritage,
in Anglicanism and the American Episcopal
Church, historically witnesses to Christ’s gift and
mystery of unity within diversity, and theologically
affirms St. Paul’s teaching that the mystical Body
of Christ has many differing parts and functions,
ultimately and intimately dependent upon
each other. Wholeness in diversity is what our
Christian Church tradition celebrates. Unity has
never meant sameness but rather wholeness. In
a world where divisions are easily obtainable, the
Anglican tradition has, and continues to embrace,
reasonable comprehensiveness in diversity,
honoring unity in wholeness. Nothing can separate
us from the love of Christ, as St. Paul teaches in the
New Testament.
This letter is an invitation to everyone in
St. Francis’ Church to realize that we are one
community. The Body of Christ is not determined
by litigation. No one will be questioned, judged
or unwelcome as the community comes together
to begin a new chapter with the Bishop. Your
spiritual home has deep roots in family memories,
life passages and happy occasions. St. Francis’ has
been your spiritual home. It is my prayer you will
consider remaining with all your brothers and
sisters in the wider community at St. Francis on
the Hill. I pastorally assure you that, even with a
contrary mind, I will lovingly care for and accept
each one of you as members of Christ’s body. A
Bishop is called and chosen to be a shepherd for
all people, and all includes those who may not
be likeminded yet who desire to remain faithful
followers of Jesus Christ.
May the Risen Lord Jesus bless you richly, fill
your hearts with joy and peace, and lead you into
the holiness of life promised to all those who
love God.
Blessed Easter,
The Right Rev’d Dr. Michael L. Vono
IX Bishop, Diocese of the Rio Grande
All Saints Honors Vicar’s 50 Years in Ministry
By Mr. Bob Clark, All Saints Episcopal Church
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
- The Rev. Dr. Martin E.
Bayang, who serves as
Vicar of All Saints Episcopal
Church, Grants – Milan, New
Mexico, a position he has
held for more than 37-years,
recently celebrated his 50th
Anniversary in the ministry.
To commemorate this
Fr. Martin Bayang
noteworthy occasion, Fr.
Bayang and his wife, Veronica, were honored by the
All Saints’ congregation, as a highlight of the annual
church picnic on July 26. The Bishop’s Warden,
Carolyn Finster, presented Fr. Bayang with an
extremely handsome silver and turquoise cross. The
8 in. x 4 in. cross is crafted by Native American artisans
who live in and around Grants.
In making the presentation, Ms. Finster graciously
thanked the Bayangs for their support, citing Fr.
Bayang’s years of spiritual guidance. She also noted
the particular importance of his leadership stability.
According to Ms. Finster, “our small church is truly a
family of believers. Fr. Bayang is a real blessing and is
responsible for holding the family together, even when
things were crumbling around us. There is absolutely
no price we could pay him for the love and faith, which
he has sustained over the last few years. We all credit
Fr. Bayang for keeping us together and moving forward
during very difficult times.”
Born and raised in the Philippines, Fr. Bayang
graduated from the PhD program at Boston University.
He was ordained to the diaconate on May 30, 1961,
and to the priesthood on February 14, 1962. In
1974 the Bayangs relocated to Gallup, where Fr.
Bayang embarked on a bi-vocational ministry. He was
employed as a supervisor in the food industry while
teaching part-time at University of New Mexico, Gallup
branch, and New Mexico State University, Grants
campus, and serving as Vicar of All Saints Episcopal
Church. The Bayang family grew to five children, all of
whom grew up in the Church and continue to keep in
contact with the congregation.
The small All Saints Episcopal Church was
established in 1956, primarily as a result of the newfound uranium “boom.” It flourished, built its existing
church and even paid off the note in short order. With
the uranium “bust,” the Church, along with the entire
area suffered mightily. Today the Church, categorized
as a Church Family, serves the spiritual and friendship
needs of a congregation comprised of older folks and
young families, all devoted brothers and sisters in
Christ.
6
IN THE
E P I S C O PA L D I O C E S E O F T H E R I O G R A N D E
DIOCESAN YOUTH
Bishop Forms Diocesan Youth
Task Force
A Task Force of young people and adults
will be assessing the state of programs for
children, youth and young adults in the
Diocese under a charge by Bishop Michael
Vono. The group is expected to begin
meeting in mid August.
The youth members of the Task Force
are being recruited currently. The youth
leaders from the Diocese appointed thus
far to the Task Force are: Ms. Grace La
Torra of St. Andrew’s, Las Cruces; Ms.
Jane Gober of Cathedral of St. John,
Albuquerque; Mr. and Mrs. Travis Beaty
of St. Andrew’s, Roswell; and Ms. Cathy
Bailey of St. Michael and All Angels,
Albuquerque.
The Task Force will be identifying and
evaluating the current issues peculiar to
the DRG, resources and programs in the
Diocese, and making recommendations
for the future. “We’re looking at how
families and parish communities are a
spiritual presence in the lives of young
people,” said the Rev. Canon Daniel
Gutierrez, Canon to the Ordinary. “The
Bishop wants to see what’s possible
in a youth ministry that will be all
encompassing and not merely event
oriented.” Our National Episcopal Church
leaders are providing new studies,
resources and programs addressing this
pressing contemporary issue of youth and
young adult ministry in the 21st century .
Among the goals the Bishop has set
are the formation of Deanery Youth and
Young Adult Councils in each of the four
deaneries, and a Diocesan Youth and
Young Adult Council, whose ministry
will be ensuring that the spiritual and
communal needs of children, youth and
young adults are both addressed and met
in the DRG .
Ark-eology Chorus Line
The VBS morning was a kick at
St. Mark’s on the Mesa as (from
left) Darcy, Bishop Michael Vono,
Ms. Jane Gober, Lorelei, Max,
Gretchen, and Sadie dance to the
music.
The Albuquerque-area
Episcopal churches continued
their tradition of joining time,
treasure and talents to share
VBS – a Very Big Story – with
children from our congregations
and neighborhoods. This year
they prepared a musical based
on the Old Testament epic of
Noah and the Great Flood called
“Arkeology.” Over the course
of four days, volunteer leaders
helped the children ready the
musical, assisting in the creation
the sets and costumes, as well as
with learning songs and dialogue.
The Bishop even stopped by to
encourage the great work in
progress (and he danced, too!).
Ark-eology would not have been
possible without funding from
the Northwest Deanery and
the generous gift of the time of
dozens of children, teens and
adults from St. Chad’s, St. Mark’s,
St. Thomas, St. Michael and All
Angels and the Cathedral of St.
John. (Photo by Brian Winter)
Letters
from
Camp
Stoney
IN THE
E P I S C O PA L D I O C E S E O F T H E R I O G R A N D E
7
DIOCESAN YOUTH
Cathedral Aspires to Reach Out at Las Cruces Renaissance Faire
By Ms. Grace La Torra and Mr. Mark Hammersmith
Originally published in YouthWorker Journal
While the medieval cathedral was the
geographic and spiritual center of many towns
throughout Europe, the modern American
Renaissance Faire is much more likely to be an
exaltation of all things pagan. The Ren Faire in our
hometown of Las Cruces, N.M., includes psychics
and New Age crystals, but little in the way of a
Christian presence.
It was into this setting that our youth group felt
called to go.
The St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church high
schoolers were passionate about reaching out
to the unchurched in our area in some form,
but none of their former outreach activities
interested them. After much discussion, our youth
group felt called to bring a Christian presence
into our local Ren Faire, especially to reach out
to those who never might have considered or
experienced Christianity.
One senior commented, “We wanted to get out
into the community to spread God’s Word. We
wanted to impact the lives of people who may not
have been reached before.”
How should we present ourselves to our chosen
audience? I prepared our youth for the possibility
that anything even remotely Christian would be
unwelcome at the Faire and discussed potential
alternatives.
The possibility of active denial only seemed
to energize them even more. They were doing
something dangerous enough spiritually that
someone might actually want to stop them.
After many discussions, we decided to create a
small cathedral. While the Faire sports a dragon
in the park pond, a rat catcher with a catapult
and areas for mock battles, the organizers were
reluctant to allow a cathedral to be built on the
grounds, citing the separation of church and state.
At this point, God intervened, and Arts Council
board members lobbied on our behalf. Our
application for a booth finally was accepted. Now
the work of construction and preparation would begin.
The high schoolers had little idea what it was going
to take to construct a rudimentary structure suggesting
a cathedral. Each youth had ideas about what made a
given structure a cathedral. These ideas were discussed,
and a design plan was drawn up with the idea of keeping
it easy and quick enough to assemble at the Faire, yet
with the feeling of a cathedral.
The actual construction took place during two
weekends. The construction consisted of standard 2X4
stud walls in easily mobile sections to which sheathing
would be attached. The roof was made of 4X4s reaching
as high a peak as possible, simulating the beams of an
old cathedral, and was left open to accentuate the look
of the beaming.
Adults volunteered to assist with the construction and
painting, and a local artist helped us create an exterior
that looked like stone. Stained glass windows were
created from pieces of colored cellophane sandwiched
between sheets of clear contact paper. Monks robes
were sewn. Everything was in place.
It wasn’t enough to build a cathedral; our youth
Ms. Grace La Torra
St. Andrew’s Youth Leader
Monks and a Lady greet passers
by at St. Edith’s.
St. Andrew’s Youth Group members read their Bibles in preparation for the morning’s activities.
Mr. Mark Hammersmith
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
Fair-goers take part in a Bible
Study led by youth group members.
Worship begins under the cross
at the front of the Ren Faire Cathedral, led by St. Andrew’s Youth
Group members
group realized a Christian edifice alone would fail to
communicate true faith in Jesus Christ. Liturgical worship
is an important part of our church, so the youth decided
to follow the Benedictine model of daily prayer. Because
they were hoping to reach people who had no Christian
experience, prayer books were printed that included
liturgical prayers and Bible readings in the hopes that
people would take the prayer books with them, bringing
home at least a little bit of Scripture from the Ren Faire.
The kids also chose to lead Bible studies to share
Scripture with people who might not have heard it
before. They decided to prepare introductory Bible
studies, particularly focused on inviting non-Christians
into a relationship with Jesus.
The youth also felt that prayer was important. “People
need prayer. We wanted to pray on behalf of people,”
commented one student. Visitors would be invited
to fill out prayer request slips, and the kids planned
intercessory prayer time. The cathedral would become
an oasis of prayer within the noise and chaos of the Ren
Faire.
Finally, the kids wanted to provide a quiet space for
people to encounter God. Faire goers would be invited
to come into the cathedral and spend some time
with God. There was nothing else like this at the
Faire. Our youth group clearly was going to be a
counter-cultural presence.
Throughout these preparations, the high
schoolers continued to enlist the prayer support
of the congregation, as well as pray themselves.
Each evening together ended with prayer for
their presence at the Ren Faire and for those God
wanted them to touch.
The morning of the Ren Faire dawned clear and
sunny, and we were ready to go. As people milled
around the surrounding booths, the high schoolers
called out, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God!”
and invited the passersby to join them in morning
prayer.
The responses varied. While some folks came in
and prayed, many were clearly uncomfortable with
a Christian church in the midst of the Faire. Perhaps
most strikingly, our high schoolers noted that many
children were drawn to the cathedral, pulling their
parents toward the door and asking to go in, only to
be dragged away to other booths.
One parent was overheard telling his child that
she really didn’t want to go in the cathedral. Our
kids noted that many people, particularly adults,
would not make eye contact with them and actively
avoided them. It was an important lesson for them
about the response of many in our culture to Jesus.
Of all their interactions, the ones that most
touched our kids were with people who had no
previous experience of Christ. “A Jewish woman
came in and wanted to convert,” said one of our
group members. “She came to all of the services
that day.”
Another senior said, “One family came in and
sat down. The mom said they had never been to
church before and had no idea what to do. We led
them in evening prayer. They ended up taking a
Bible home with them and saying they would come
to our church!” This family we reached at the Faire
has been coming faithfully to St. Andrew’s ever since.
There were several other unanticipated outcomes of our
time at the Faire.
Unexpectedly, the cathedral won the award for best
booth. Even more unexpectedly, the local PBS TV station
did a segment on the Ren Faire, with much of that
dedicated to the cathedral. There were interviews with
the kids, shots of the cathedral and a clip of the Bible.
Even now, we continue to be amazed at the ways Jesus
was proclaimed through the cathedral.
The biggest impact was on the kids themselves. They
heard God speak to them, and they responded. As a
result, they are now more on fire for God than ever
before.
One of our high schoolers said, “It showed us how
much God moved through everybody.” Another
commented, “I think it benefitted us as much as other
people.”
Through our efforts, the kids had reached out to
others with the message of Jesus. Said one, “We
impacted other people’s lives.” A second high schooler
agreed, saying, “It was worth it if I got through to just
one person.”
8
IN THE
E P I S C O PA L D I O C E S E O F T H E R I O G R A N D E
4th Annual Conference on Healing: Alive in
Body, Mind, and Spirit
The Big Bend Chapter of the International Order of
St. Luke (OSL) will host the Fourth Annual Conference
on Healing August 26 and 27 at First Presbyterian
Church, 103 E. Lockhart Ave., in Alpine, Texas.
The August 26th evening session will meet from
5:30 to 8:45 p.m., and feature a Physician’s Panel on
“Christian Healing as Witnessed by Alpine Physicians”
with Dr. Adrian Billings, Dr. James Luecke, and Dr. David
Sanchez.
The August 27th session will run from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. and feature Keynote Speaker: Dr. Laurie Triplett,
Ph.D. Saturday’s session will explore three teachings:
“Christ’s Incarnation and Our Wholeness: Physical
Healing,” “God’s Holiness and Our Wholeness:
Spiritual Disciplines as a Way to Healing,” and “The
Holy Spirit and Our Wholeness: The Gift of Hope”
The Friday night dinner, Saturday breakfast and
lunch will be provided. Please email Ms. Virginia Knab
at [email protected] for a registration form; or
contact Ms. Nancy Antrim at (432) 386-0513 for more
information.
Teaching Made Easier with DVDs from CERC
Christian Education Resource Center Adds Titles
By Ms. Jane Gober
The call to teach and form Christians through
education does not take a summer break. The resource
center has recently added a variety of titles that your
congregation might be interested in for a study this late
summer or in the fall. Contact the CERC at the Cathedral
of St. John: 505-247-1581 x 108 or email Jane Gober at
[email protected]. In addition to the sets listed, the
Center has added DVD versions of the Alpha Course, both
the standard and the Rapid versions.
Justice for the Poor: Through this
DVD-based, six-session group study,
Jim Wallis and Sojourners illustrate
the biblical imperative that links
poverty with the call to righteousness
and engages small groups to respond
with practical action. The DVD can
accompany the Justice for the Poor
Participant’s Guide available from
Zondervan. A leader guide is included with the DVD.
Change the World: Recovering the Message and
Mission of Jesus (RETHINK Church series) provides a
six-session DVD-based study with Mike Slaughter, Lead
Pastor of Ginghamsburg Methodist in Ohio. Each week
group members will examine a gospel story, watch a
video segment about a world changing mission work, and
then discover how the group can act locally and globally.
The DVD comes with the leader guide, and a participant’s
guide available from Abingdon Press.
They Like Jesus but Not the Church: 6 Sessions
Responding to Culture’s Objections to Christianity. In
this DVD-based curriculum, participants will address the
various concerns truthfully and caringly. A 6-session
program with an included leader’s guide. Led by
‘emergent church’ author Dan Kimball.
Church in the Present Tense: a
Candid Look at What’s Emerging. A
book and DVD teaching series praised
by Phyllis Tickle and Tony Jones.
In this eight chapter book, group
participants will consider changes in
contemporary society, philosophy
and liturgy, and how they can
inspire the future of the church. The
resource center has one book with the DVD, more books
would need to be gathered either by the CERC or your
participants.
A Hidden Wholeness Group
Guide. Parker Palmer (The
Courage to Teach) seeks to help
us “rejoin soul and role,” so that
communities can be healed from
the ravages of consumerism,
injustice and violence. In classic
Palmer-style, this mission
is fleshed out with stories,
poems, personal confessions and a plan — concrete
steps for creating “circles of trust” where honest, open
sharing allows each person’s “inner teacher” to show
up. (Ground rules: “no fixing, no saving, no advising, no
setting each other straight.”) The CERC version includes
a leaders guide and a DVD, including interviews with
Palmer and retreat footage. A group study would require
that participants obtain their own copy of the book, A
Hidden Wholeness.
Simply Christian Course Set:
Bishop N.T. Wright leads this DVD
and book study that examines
the human striving for truth and
justice. Connecting these yearnings
to the Christian Gospel the author
shows us how a life of faith leads to
fulfillment of these human longings.
A ten-session kit provides a leader
guide, DVD and book sample. This study was assembled
by the Wesley Ministry Network.
EFM Classes
Organizing for the
Fall
By Ms. Cheri Winter, Diocesan EFM Coordinator
“Give them an inquiring and discerning heart,…”
- Book of Common Prayer, Service of Holy Baptism,
page 308
The above quote is taken from the prayer said
over the newly baptized just before the Bishop or
Priest places a hand on their heads, marks them
with the sign of the cross, and seals them with the
Holy Spirit, each one now Christ’s own – a member
of the household of God.
What does it mean to be Christ’s own, a member
of God’s household? Further reading tells us that,
being received into the household of God, we are
“to confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim
his resurrection, and share with [our brothers and
sisters in Christ’s] eternal priesthood.”
Still wondering? Then Education for Ministry
(EfM) could be for you! EfM is a program developed
by the School of Theology at the University of the
South for people just like you and me, the people
in the pews, looking for a deeper understanding
of their faith in order to more fully live out their
baptismal covenant with inquiring and discerning
hearts.
The EfM program provides an opportunity to
explore Scripture, the history of the Christian
Church, and theology in a small group setting under
the guidance of an accredited EfM Mentor that
encourages each participant to ask questions while
growing deeper in faith. The heart of these small
group discussions is a process called Theological
Reflection, which pulls from our Anglican roots of
Scripture, Tradition, and Reason (“The Three-Legged
Stool”), connecting thousands of years of our history
in relationship with God to life and relationship in
the 21st century.
Classes are forming NOW for the Fall 2011
session in the following areas:
Albuquerque
Ms. Sally Blackstad, [email protected]
Ms. Nancy Hoing, [email protected]
Ms. Cheri Winter, [email protected],
(505) 449-8140
Roswell
Kathleen Pittman, [email protected],
(575) 491-4218
Looking for EfM in your area and it
is not listed?
Coordinator, Ms. Cheri Winter, at cherikwinter@
gmail.com or 505-449-8140. Or check out the
Education for Ministry website at www.sewanee.
edu/EFM/index.htm for more information and a
sampling of course texts.
Diocesan Choir Festival Tuned for October 8-9
Members of all choirs in the Diocese are
invited to join their voices for the Second
Annual Diocesan Choral Festival at St. John’s
Cathedral October 8 and 9.
Saturday begins with registration at 9 a.m.,
followed by rehearsals and opportunities
for fellowship. Lunch will be provided by the
Cathedral. The afternoon will end at 4 p.m.
Sunday the choirs will gather at 10:10 a.m.
for rehearsal before singing at the 11 a.m.
Choral Eucharist. Rehearsals will continue in
the afternoon to prepare for the 4 p.m. Choral
Evensong. Participants also will be able to share
in the Organ Recital at 3:30 p.m.
Repertoire selections and more details will
be forthcoming once registration has been
completed. To register please email Mrs. Cindy
Davis at [email protected] or phone 505247-1581 ext. 107. Deadline for registration is
September 1.
IN THE
E P I S C O PA L D I O C E S E O F T H E R I O G R A N D E
9
Episcopal Relief & Development Living Out Matthew 25
By Ms. Carolyn Waller, Diocesan Coordinator
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
~Matthew 25:40 (NRSV, extracted from our mandate 25:37-40)
Episcopal Relief & Development is an international
relief and development agency and a compassionate
response to human suffering on behalf of The Episcopal
Church of the United States. It was founded in 1940
as the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief in
response to the suffering of European refugees of
WWII. In 2000 the name was changed to Episcopal
Relief & Development to emphasize our ongoing
emergency relief work and growing focus on long-term
development and rehabilitation programs.
Our work to heal a hurting world is guided by the
principles of compassion, dignity and generosity. We
take our mandate from the words of Jesus found in
Matthew 25: 37-40, which calls us to feed the hungry,
care for the sick, and welcome the stranger.
Episcopal Relief & Development partners with the
worldwide Anglican Church and local organizations
around the world to save lives and transform
communities. We rebuild after disasters and empower
people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty,
hunger and disease.
Our programs focus on the following areas:
alleviating hunger and improving food supply,
creating economic opportunities and strengthening
communities, promoting health and fighting
disease and responding to disasters and rebuilding
communities. All programs work toward achieving the
eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which
aim to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015.
In 2003 General Convention formally endorsed the
Millennium Development Goals, and in 2006 voted to
make them a mission priority. Through partnerships
Episcopal Relief & Development supports initiatives
to: alleviate hunger and improve food supply, create
economic opportunities and strengthen communities,
promote health and fight disease and respond to
disasters and rebuild communities.
Episcopal Relief & Development uses a church
model to involve the local community and facilitate its
programs. Churches are established institutions and
often the most stable, visible and trusted institution
in the community. They are places of teaching and
learning familiar to all
residents. Participating
in a program as a
volunteer or recipient
of the benefits of the program is not tied to church
membership and not a goal of the programs.
There are programs to alleviate hunger by providing
livestock such as pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and
geese. Bee keeping kits provide not only the bees and
equipment to house them, but also training in how to
care for the bees and harvest their honey, which then
might be sold to provide income for the family.
Programs to promote health and fight disease may
include building clean water and sanitation systems,
providing immunizations or training health workers to
educate communities about disease prevention.
Economic opportunities are created and
communities strengthened by working with people to
develop small businesses in a variety of fields. Microfinance opportunities and increased crop yields enable
people to increase income while building confidence in
the recipients.
Episcopal Relief & Development helps respond
to international and U.S. disasters, and rebuild
communities by responding quickly with critical
assistance to rebuild or repair homes, schools, clinics
and other civic buildings. Local communities are trained
in disaster response, and trauma counseling is offered.
Continued on Page 10
Demonstration of using the Net
photo courtesy of John Robinson for Episcopal Relief & Development
g
A Letter from the Presidin
Bishop To the Rt. Rev’d
Michael L. Vono
. Our goal is
vehicle for MDG work in this triennium
Dear Bishop Vono,
how it can be
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maternal
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ls, faith
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on malaria to
formation tools, and parish resources
more deeply
connect your diocese and its members
to this ministry.
be part of
I hope you will accept this invitation to
caused by
this effort to end the death and disease
malaria. I remain
Your servant in Christ,
+ Katharine Jefferts Schori
10
IN THE
E P I S C O PA L D I O C E S E O F T H E R I O G R A N D E
Border Ministry
Feeding the Children of Las Palomas
By Ms. Victoria Tester, Palomas Outreach Project
This June, U.S. humanitarian worker Ms. Esperanza Lozoya and
volunteers began serving a daily summer meal to 400 children in
Palomas, Chihuahua. Ms. Maria Sanchez Smith has been transporting
the meals across the border and heading the distribution with the help
of many volunteers on both sides of the border.
This is the only daily food for many children in Mexico’s only populated
town at the New Mexico-Mexico border, and between 400 and 500
children are served each day of the program, which ended July 31st.
Food also is being collected to provide help at the border through
Humanitarian aid to the Mexico border. Non-perishable food may be
dropped off at three locations: in Deming at Diaz Farms, and at the
Food Basket Groceries in Silver City and Bayard.
In May, and again in June, more than 350 families each received
an estimated fifteen pounds of dry and canned food through the
distribution.
For more information on this program, or to aid Lozoya’s work in
nutrition, health and child education in the Palomas community, please
contact Victoria Tester at 536-9726, or email childrenofpalomas@
yahoo.com.
By Mr. Thom Andrewz
Hundreds of children line up for their daily meal in
Las Palomas, Mexico. The town, which once had
13,000 inhabitants, has been reduced to about
3,000 by border strife, and about half of that
number are children.
Parading in Pride are (from left) Mr. David Hardy, Mr. Thom
Andrewz, and the Rev. Susan Allison Hatch.
Ms. Esperanza Lozoya marks the hand of one of
the early arrivals for food distribution. The marking
is necessary to ensure that meals are distributed
equitably.
Episcopal Relief & Development Living Out Matthew 25
Continued from Page 9
The goal of this assistance is to support the restoration
of the social and economic fabric of the communities.
In addition to assisting dioceses that are
responding to disasters in the U.S., Episcopal Relief &
Development’s U.S. Disaster Program launched the
Disaster Preparedness Initiative which includes:
• “Ready to Serve” Volunteer Database;
• Online resource library with stories and preparedness
planning tools;
• Local trainings in targeted dioceses;
• Monthly Lamplight e-newsletter; and
• More through www.er-d.org/USA
The Church Engagement section of Episcopal Relief
& Development provides Gifts for Life catalogs for
donating funds to provide livestock, training, relief
resources and clean water systems to name only a
few items. These are life-giving gifts that can change
a family’s income, health, and maybe their belief in
the goodness of others. These gifts can be donated to
honor a friend or family member in a meaningful way.
Social Media is a recent addition to the way we
communicate and spread the word about organizations.
Episcopal Relief & Development is using online sources
to educate, inform and gather donations. It is an
immediate, easy and convenient way to learn about
programs of The Episcopal Church and have a part in
their success stories.
Christian Formation Programs
As a humanitarian organization, Episcopal Relief &
Development tends to focus on the last question of the
Episcopal Church’s Baptismal Covenant: “Will you strive
for justice and peace among all people and respect
the dignity of every human being?” As this goal is at
the heart of Episcopal Relief & Development’s mission,
such a focus is warranted and justified. And yet there
are four other questions comprising that Baptismal
Covenant.
With the launch of its Christian Formation programs
for children, youth, young adults and adults, Episcopal
Relief & Development is demonstrating its commitment
to support congregations as they also “continue in the
apostles’ teaching and fellowship;” “proclaim by word
and example the Good News of God in Christ;” and
“seek and serve Christ in all persons.” You are invited
to freely utilize the resources you find on the pages at
Phoenix Community
Takes Root in DRG
www.er-d.org/formation. We only ask that you share
with us how you are using them by emailing www.
[email protected].
Nets for Life
A child dies every 60 seconds of malaria. Episcopal
Relief & Development works to prevent malaria through
the NetsforLife® program partnership by distributing
long-lasting, insecticide-treated nets, and educating
communities in prevention and treatment methods.
The Nets for Life program is active in 17 countries, and
thus far 6.3 million nets have been distributed in SubSaharan Africa where the most virulent form of malaria
occurs.
The NetsforLife® the Inspiration Fund is a grassroots
effort to educate, engage, and unite Episcopalians to
support the MDGs through the fight against malaria.
Our goal is to build awareness about this disease, show
how it can be prevented and provide seven million nets
by 2013.
The Episcopal Church endorsed the Nets for Life ®
Inspiration Fund in 2009 and pledged 0.7% of its annual
budget towards the $5 million campaign.
The campaign will be
• Fighting malaria through grassroots efforts in
dioceses, congregations, seminaries, schools and
universities;
• Uniting Episcopalians to help shape a better world;
• Building leadership at all levels of the Church; and
• Contributing to the ß goal of distributing 7 million
nets
How You Can Help
• Pray for those affected by poverty and disease
worldwide;
• Learn about the issues and advocate for those in
need;
• Act by getting involved to help us heal a hurting
world; and
• Give to Episcopal Relief & Development
You can help by visiting www.inspirationfund.org,
buying a net, organizing a nets campaign in your area,
signing up for the e-newsletter and telling your friends
about NetsforLife®
Please contact Ms. Carolyn Waller, Diocesan
Coordinator for Episcopal Relief & Development with
questions or comments.
“The Mission of the newly emerging Phoenix
Community,” according to Bishop Michael
Vono, “is to provide pastoral care for the GLBT
Community within the Episcopal Church in the
Diocese of the Rio Grande; providing education,
spiritual nurture , community life, outreach and
providing the church’s resources for both families,
parishioners and clergy.”
Phoenix Community began as a ministry of
St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church in
Albuquerque a year ago. Now it has taken root
in the Diocese of the Rio Grande, thanks to its
creation, recognition and appointment as an
urgent pastoral ministry by Bishop Vono.
The Phoenix Community is both seeking and
welcoming youth and adult representatives
from the GLBT community, and allies in all of our
congregations, including members of our clergy.
Our goal is reconciliation. We want to be examples
of our baptismal promise to respect the dignity of
every human being, to advocate justice and peace
among people, and to model Christian health and
wholeness as our church communities live into
Christ’s unconditional love.
The Phoenix Community debuted with a
Memorial Candlelight Vigil on October 15, 2010, at
St. Michael & All Angels. The vigil was organized in
response to the rise of school bullying and rash of
gay teen suicides that sparked nationwide concern
and outrage. Since then, we have hosted a wellattended screening of For the Bible Tells Me So,
and were a visible Episcopal Church presence in
this year’s Albuquerque Pride Parade.
Our goal is to have such an Episcopal presence in
the Diocese of the Rio Grande and far West Texas
so that all of our GLBT brothers and sisters will
become aware of the welcoming and pastorally
caring nature of the Episcopal Church and our
diocesan faith community.
Future goals include providing education
concerning contemporary issues of human
sexuality, Christian life and faith, civil rights
concerns, crisis intervention and counseling, as
well as official information of the decisions that
our General Convention will make concerning the
blessing of same gender unions.
Anyone interested in becoming a part of this
ministry in the Diocese, please contact Mr. Thom
Andrewz at [email protected].
IN THE
E P I S C O PA L D I O C E S E O F T H E R I O G R A N D E
11
Bishop Welcomed and Celebrated at
St. Michael’s
By the Rev. Deacon Judith Jenkins
On Pentecost Sunday, June 12, St. Michael & All
Angels in Albuquerque was privileged to host the Rt.
Rev. Michael L. Vono. The bishop preached at all four
services, and confirmed nine parishioners, received
eight into the Episcopal Church, and reaffirmed seven
in their commitment to Jesus Christ. There were also
four baptisms on this same Sunday.
The Bishop was welcomed with much enthusiasm
and appreciation for his support and encouragement of
St. Michael’s. As always, Bishop Vono was gracious and
responsive to all who greeted him, and he somehow
managed to say a few words to all those who stopped
him to say thank you. Between each service, there was
a reception, with breakfast after the second service
and a dinner following the evening service. This gave
the parishioners and the bishop a chance to visit in a
relaxed atmosphere.
Many will long remember the story of the eagle egg
that hatched in the chicken coop and consequently the
eaglet grew to think of himself as a chicken – unable to
fly to the heights to which he was entitled. Everyone
laughed when the bishop reflected that he saw no
chickens as St. Michael’s.
Bishop Vono also spent nearly an hour before the
evening service sharing his thoughts and insights, as
well as answering questions from all those who were
to be confirmed, reaffirmed or received. The Bishop
spoke of the wonder of this commitment each of
them was making, and then spoke about what he sees
happening both in this diocese and at the national
church.
In addition to all the activities of Sunday morning,
Bishop Michael spent Saturday evening with the vestry
and clergy of St Michael’s at a dinner at Father Brian
Taylor’s home. Everyone present thoroughly enjoyed
the humor and the warmth of our bishop, and were
particularly aware of how comfortable he seemed to be
in this very relaxed setting.
Pentecost Sunday 2011 will long be remembered
with great affection as a special day when our bishop
shared his love and appreciation for the Diocese and
for St. Michael’s.
The service of Pentecost opens at St. Michael and All Angels. From left to
right are: Mr. J.P. Arrossa, the Rev. Brian Taylor, Ms. Charmazel Dudt, the Rev.
Christopher McClaren, the Rev. Deacon Judith Jenkins, Bishop Michael Vono,
and Ms. Barbara Koenig.
Bishop Vono anoints one of the children during services at St. Michael and All
Angels. Photos by Mr. Jerry Gant.
St. Alban’s Celebrates Its 90th Birthday
Story and Photos by Timothy Roberts
Fr. Thomas Rowland
visiting priest.
St. Alban’s, founded in 1921, was named for Alban, a Roman noble in Britain who
sheltered a fleeing priest in 209 A.D. and was converted to Christ. The church also
houses a Shrine to our Lady of Walsingham, which commemorates an appearance
of Mary in Saxon England in 1060.
The church, which brands itself a place of “time-honored worship in the Catholic
tradition for today’s Christians,” is anticipating change. The parish
has had just six rectors in nearly a century of ministry.
Retired Bishop Jerry Lamb took over as interim Priest in Charge
on June 27, and is expected to bring some liturgical change to the
parish, a process that he said would be respectful of the views of
long-time members of the parish.
In his sermon June 26, Bishop Vono said, “God speaks to us
through our experiences and through the communities where
we live. Old and new belong together. They are not mutually
exclusive.”
The traditional stone church has stained-glass windows on
every wall, wooden ceilings, a pipe organ and a rood screen. The
Walsingham shrine stands next to the pulpit.
The parish is in central El Paso, close to the east foothills of the
Franklin Mountains. The neighborhood, called Manhattan Heights,
was created around the site of short-lived copper smelter, and
many of the streets are named for metals such as copper, silver
Bishop Vono lifts his arms in prayer to open the
and gold. St. Alban’s Episcopal Church stands as the parish closest
service of celebration.
to downtown.
During the reception, the Parish was entertained by Mariachis
Flores Mexicanas. The parish presented Fr. Parham with a plaque
honoring him for his four years of ministry at St. Alban’s. Fr. Parham, also
a counselor, has written widely on the impact of alcoholism on people
and parishes, and is the author of three books on the subject, Letting God,
Feeling Free, and The Church and Alcohol. He has been involved in the
community, was a member of the Rotary Club, and was responsible for
establishing St. Alban’s as an important venue for serious music in El Paso.
Fr. Parham and Ruth will be retiring to Austin, Texas.
Fr. Rowland, whose far-flung ministry has taken him to Romania where
he served in the Peace Corps and to the South Pacific as a priest, was
called in May to be priest in charge at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in La
Fr. Philip Parham expresses his appreciation
Union, N.M., which is on the outskirts of El Paso.
June 26 was a day of celebration and
farewells at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in El
Paso as parishioners celebrated the church’s
90th birthday with a luncheon, mariachis and
a visit by Bishop Vono. The parish also said
goodbye to retiring rector Father Philip Parham
and his wife Ruth.
And parishioners
recognized Father
Thomas Rowland,
who had served
for two years as
Bishop Vono makes a point during his sermon.
Choir members Ms. Donna Jones (left) and Ms. Ann Steinhauer
wait for the processional to begin.
for Mariachis Flores Mexicanas.
Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande
4304 Carlisle Blvd., N.E.,
Albuquerque, NM 87107-4811
12
NONPROFIT
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IN THE
E P I S C O PA L D I O C E S E O F T H E R I O G R A N D E
Together
Church Spotlight
is a monthly publication of
the Episcopal Diocese of
the Rio Grande
4304 Carlisle Blvd. N.E.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
87107-4811
505-881-0636
Bishop & Senior Editor:
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael L. Vono
Diocesan Communications
Committee:
The Rev. Canon Raymond Raney, Chair
The Very Rev. Mark Goodman
The Rev. Canon Daniel Gutierrez
The Rev. Canon Kathleene McNellis
Ms. Lisa Katz-Ricker, and
Ms. Mary Jewell
Editorial and correspondence
may be mailed to Diocesan House:
4304 Carlisle Blvd., N.E.,
Albuquerque, NM 87107-4811
or emailed to
[email protected]
The next issue of Together will
preview the 2011 Diocesan
Convention in Clovis. It will be
published September 15.
Deadline for submission is
September 5.
St. James Episcopal Church
Las Cruces, New Mexico
A traditional Parish in the Anglican Communion serving the
Mesilla Valley of southern New Mexico since 1875.
Visit the Diocesan website at
www.dioceserg.org for archive copies
of the newsletter.
Diocesan Office Hours
The Diocesan Staff are pleased to be of
service. Diocesan House generally is open
from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m.
to 4:00 p.m. If you need to visit the office
during the lunch hour, please call ahead to
ensure that a member of the staff will be
present to serve you.