Jan 2012 - 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
January 2012
Photo by Raymond Raney
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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
Message from Bishop Michael
The Word Became Flesh…
The Word of God was made human in order that we might be made divine.
The Word displayed itself through a body, that we might receive knowledge of the invisible Father.
- Athanasius, Fourth Century
Dear Sisters and
Brothers in Christ
Jesus,
As people of
faith who know of
the birth of Christ, we believe that God has come into
our troubled world in a most profound, intimate and
mysterious way. The story of Christmas, which is retold
through the Church’s liturgies and Holy Scriptures,
clearly speaks of the One eternal God who is not far off
and unknowable but very near and personally bound
up with all life.
We tell the world a story of a child born of Mary,
whose name given by an angel signifies “God saves
us.” (“Jesus” is the Anglicized version of the Hebrew
name Yeshua, which means “Salvation.”) Jesus, on
the one hand, is very much a person and product of
human history, born of a young peasant woman and
descended from the household of David. The Gospel of
Matthew gives us a detailed genealogy. He is flesh and
blood like us. In fact, Jesus is par excellence of all that
the Bible means when it speaks of “flesh.”
On the other hand, our story of Christmas also
speaks about a transcendent origin of Jesus’ birth and
history. He is not merely a product of human evolution,
the highest achievement of humanity, but the mindboggling intervention of the eternal transcendent God
in human life and history from outside. The angel who
gives Joseph the baby’s name, Jesus (Matthew 1: 1825), also said “…do not be afraid to take Mary as your
wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy
Spirit.” Jesus is the anticipated “Emmanuel, God-with-
A Recipe from the
Bishop’s Past
Once upon a time in the distant past, November 1981
to be exact, our Bishop was the Vicar of Christ Church
in Rochdale, Massachusetts. In that month and year, a
parishioner, Diane E. Swanson, put together a book of
recipes from the congregation. Included in recipes was
the following, which, the Bishop told the Diocesan Staff,
would brighten the hearts of a hundred.
The Vicar’s Yuletide Eggnog
4 fifths light rum
4 dozen eggs
16 pints heavy cream
2 lbs. sugar
sprinkle of nutmeg
1 gallon milk
Prayerfully separate eggs; blend egg yolks, milk and
sugar. Reflect solemnly while adding rum. Let mixture sit
in silence in a cold place for two hours. Jubilantly whip
cream in small amounts and fold into eggnog gently. Pour
into a large festive serving bowl and sprinkle delightfully
with nutmeg.
Serves one hundred.
Served to congregation, by the Vicar, on the Fourth
Sunday of Advent when they gather together for the
“Greening of the Church.”
Vicar Michael L. Vono
us,” the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and
who is the fulfillment of the prophet’s words: “Look,
the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they
shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with
us.’” In fact, Jesus is par excellence of all that the Bible
means when it speaks of “spirit.”
These two biblical perspectives on the origin,
nature and life of Jesus describe the very mystery of
our Christian doctrine of Incarnation: God becomes
human, God becomes flesh and blood. Christians do
not believe in a deity and humanity as two separate
entities existing side by side, but rather a deity (the
Divine Presence) within humanity. The Incarnation
shatters the human misconception that life and
creation are ordinary and mundane. The Incarnation
reveals the intervention of the transcendent God into
human history as God of the unexpected, of surprise,
of paradox and of contradiction.
God is both our Being and our Becoming. The Divine
Presence lives in us, and through Jesus, the Almighty
and ever-living God is clearly revealed to us.
The Bible notes time and time again that God acts
to confound the rational standards and methods of
human constructs and assumptions. There is more
to our life and history than meets the naked eye, and
nothing happens in this world, or in our lives, apart
from God being mysteriously involved.
St. Athanasius said: “The word of God was made
human in order that we might be made divine.”
Imagine with me such a mingling, such a union, of
divinity in humanity. This is a most profound and
wonderful mystery that we tell the world through our
Christmas and Epiphany stories.
For many people in our world today there is a
deep sense of God’s absence. In fact, at times this
can be true in our personal experience, as well as
in the institutional Church, or even a whole nation
or culture. The Christmas/Epiphany message is one
of God’s personal loving embrace of everything and
everyone in creation. It is about an unfolding future in
which God and humankind live together into eternity.
The Christian message is forever timely and forever
welcomed. God is always the companion of our
humanity, and our history, just as the prophet Ezekiel
once proclaimed: “God said, ‘my dwelling place shall
be with them [the household of Israel], and I will be
their God, and they shall be my people” (Ezekiel 37:
27).
“The Word revealed itself through a body that we
might receive knowledge of the invisible Father,”
Athanasius maintained, and within these words lies
the spiritual gift given at Christmas. In the physical
birth of Christ Jesus we are reborn to knowledge of our
true selves, and of the very meaning and purpose of
our creation. In the person of Jesus we see, meet and
hear the Father whose love comes down and embraces
each of us, and all of God’s creatures.
During this Christmastide and Epiphany seasons I
challenge you to behold more intimately the child,
whose life is given for us, as the very life living within
us into the end of time and all eternity.
Blessed Christmastide, Epiphany and Peace this New
Year,
Your Bishop, +Michael
The Bishop’s Greeting to the Diocese
IN THE
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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
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Equipping the Saints
Transforming the Diocese of the Rio Grande
through Formation and Education
Expand your Theological Knowledge and Awareness
Learn and Reaffirm the Church’s Truths and Teachings
Nurture your Spiritual Growth
Grow with Others in the Diocese
Challenging Courses for Inquiring Minds
For information on course selections, class schedules or to register, please go to
the Diocesan website: www.dioceserg.org or
email: Canon RichardValantasis at [email protected]
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IN THE
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The Sun Shines on the Bosque Groundbreaking
Despite the fears that the prior storms
again might cloud the day, sun shone on the
seventy-two persons who gathered for the
groundbreaking at the Bosque Center on
Friday, December 16.
The Bishop’s Canons and Diocesan Staff
preceded Bishop Michael Vono in procession
from the temporary diocesan offices to the
site of the groundbreaking at the south end
of the property. Songs, hymns and psalms
were offered by two members of St. Michael
and All Angels, Ken Gilman and Margo
McCormick.
A litany of prayers prepared those
gathered for the ceremony, and the story of
Jacob’s ladder set the tone for a placing of
stones in the ground.
A cord was stretched around the grounds
and then crossed to make to sign of Christ
over the prepared hole in the ground where
the stones were to be placed. Congregations
throughout the Diocese had been asked
to bring stones from their properties to
place them as part of the foundation of
the Bosque Center. Each congregation
announced its name as the stone was added
to collection.
After the blessing of the site and those
present, all adjourned to the Diocese’s
temporary offices for a reception of cookies
and fruit cake.
Stretching Cord
The Rev. Robert Mundy closes the square to create the sign of the
cross.
Singing Out
Songs are raised to Heaven as the ceremonies proceed.
Placing Stones
The Rev. Alan Brockmeier hefts the stone from St. James’, Clovis.
Stones Together
Stones from around the Diocese become a part of the foundation.
IN THE
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Bosque Drawing
The “X” on the drawing indicates the
approximate place where the groundbreaking ceremony took place.
Bishop Blessing
Bishop Michael Vono blesses
those gathered at the end of the
groundbreaking liturgy.
Gathering Around
More than 70 gathered for the Bosque Center groundbreaking.
Bishop Breaking Ground
The shovel was not cooperating with the Bishop.
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IN THE
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Parish News
Big Bend Mission Is on the Grow!
By Ms. Dallas Baxter, St. James’ Episcopal Church, Alpine, Texas
With vigor and excitement, the Big Bend Mission of
St. James’, Alpine, and Sts. Mary and Joseph, Lajitas
(The Episcopal Church in Brewster County, Texas), is
on the grow. With both new and continuing ministries,
the number in the pews continues to grow, as does the
Mission’s presence in the community.
In Lajitas, the congregation has recommitted itself
to Otra Vez, the thrift store that is an important part of
life in the communities in south Brewster County. With
funds from the Maxine Haislip estate, the building has
been given a facelift with new paint, and a covered
porch will soon expand selling space. New merchandise
is being brought in from thrift stores in northern
Brewster County to enlarge and improve the shop’s
inventory.
St. James Christmas tree decoration - preparing for the dinner and
dance for Amazing Amigos younger members of St. James’ decorate
the tree.
UTO - Adding up the Lajitas UTO offering are Marcy Reed and her
daughter.
In addition to its regular first Sunday Eucharist,
celebrated by the Rev. Mel LaFollette, a third Sunday
lay-led Morning Prayer service is now under way. The
congregation has grown to include young parents and
their children.
Both congregations participate in Bishop’s Committee
meetings using Skype, believed to be a DRG first!
Separated by 90 miles, the two parts of the mission have
found it difficult to coordinate schedules that necessitate
driving for meetings. The solution is Skype. On new
computers, donated by St. James’ members Kellie and
Drew Powell, each half of the Bishop’s Committee
gathers in its home town on the first Sunday of the
month for Bishop’s Committee meetings. Warden Dallas
Baxter recommends Skype to any and all congregations
across the diocese that would benefit from getting
together while at a distance.
Continuing at St. James’ is the monthly
interdenominational meeting of the Order of St. Luke
the Physician. The meeting includes fellowship, teaching,
witnessing and a healing service on the fourth Saturday
of the month, as well as an annual conference with
speakers from across the diocese.
The new Men’s Group at St. James’ kicked off its
series of events with an ice cream social to which
friends, neighbors and vendors at the farmer’s market,
which meets behind the church, gathered on a warm
September afternoon. The group plans further “fun”
events to benefit the congregation and the community.
First Fridays is a series of 30-minute concerts begun
in August. Following a service of Prayers for Evening
and the Healing of the World, and followed by a wine
and cheese reception, concerts have included organ,
piano and the Big Bend Chamber Music Consort, which
adds woodwinds, strings and vocal music to the mix. In
addition to these short concerts, future plans include
evenings of chamber music at St. James’ every month.
The First Friday of December 2 featured a benefit for
the Food Pantry of Alpine and the Terlingua Crisis Center.
We had standing room only as regular concert goers,
St. James’ members and Food Pantry and Crisis Center
representatives came to listen to the music, and to help
their neighbors. We went in to the evening with $775
in hand and those present Friday contributed another
$1800, which meant that rather than just providing
5,000 meals we are able to provide more than 10,000.
Otra Vez volunteers gather at the South Brewster County thrift shop,
We will divide the
proceeds equally
between the two
organizations,
covering both north
and south Brewster
County.
We were able
in November to
match $300 for
Episcopal Relief and
Development, which
meant that we sent
them $600, which
Amelia Baird enjoys the ice cream
they matched so
social at St. James’
that the original $300
became $1,200. And we made an offering of $1,028 to
the United Thank Offering in October.
While this is not a report about money, money in
many ways represents what has been going on at St.
James and St. Mary and St. Joseph. We are working
together to find ways to help our community, locally,
world-wide, within the church and without.
Today, as the new Big Bend Episcopal Mission, we find
that we are stronger than ever, clearer on our mission,
moving forward with partnerships between north and
south Brewster County.
At Convention, the Bishop challenged us to be
inventive about our ministries and creative in coming
up with ways to grow. The Big Bend Mission is excited to
take up his challenge, and salutes him for his leadership
and his love for our Diocese. We are learning to listen
and respond to the needs of the community and the
urgings of the Holy Spirit. Our buildings are open nearly
every day of the week with more to come.
St. John’s Gathers Whole Parish into Bible School
By Mr. Jack Yerby St. John’s Episcopal Church, Farmington
On Saturday, November 5th, the Parish of Saint
John’s gathered for a rather unique Christian
education opportunity. The whole parish (not just the
children) met at the church to participate in what has
been labeled a Parish Bile School (“PBS”’ for short,
a take-off on the old “Vacation Bible School” name),
centered on the All Saints’ theme of the beginning of
November.
It started with a liturgical assembly, and the singing
of the old favorite, I Sing a Song of the Saints of God.
Following that, folks were divided into two groups,
the children going off to learn who the “doctor and
queen and shepherdess on the green” were. At
the same time the adults gathered for lectures and
conversations about the foundational idea of the
communion of saints, and in particular, the life and
witness of three heroes, Justin Martyr, Anthony of
Egypt, and Catherine of Sienna.
The adults and children came together midway
through the PBS, during the arts and crafts time, when
the adults helped the children produce “shields”
bearing the symbols of the saint each child had chosen
to portray. They then broke into the two groups for
more learning.
After the second learning session, the children
entered the church to the singing of Who Are These
Like Stars Appearing? and had the pleasure of putting
into action a line from the Great Litany of “trampling
down Satan (a seven foot long, stuffed wingèd
serpent) under their feet,” and acting out the triumph
of the saints. Afterward, the parish had a potluck
dinner, of course, and ate in the Episcopal tradition.
The event was the first of what many hope will be
numerous, periodic, liturgically themed all-Parish Bible
School days, where Saint John’s will come together
as one to learn of our faith heritage in a multigenerational setting. It truly made the whole week of
All Saints’/All Souls’/All Saints’ Sunday a celebration of
the best kind.
IN THE
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Parish News
Holy Cross on
the Mountain
Bishop Celebrates with St. James’
Bishop Michael Vono’s visit to Clovis, New
Mexico, did not end with the close of Convention.
The Sunday after Convention, October 23, was
his visitation to St. James’ Episcopal Church. The
blessed day is pictured as the confirmands and
celebrants gathered around the Bishop. From left
are: the Rev. Alan Brockmeier, Mr. Ray Garcia, Ms.
Andrea Gardner, Mr. John Burke, Mr. Harold Hall,
Ms. Fran Boilore, Ms. Deedra Brockmeier, Ms.
Shirley Thompson, and Mr. Dana Brossard.
Joining hands, members of Church of the Holy
Cross, Edgewood, say the Lord’s Prayer during the
Eucharist on South Mountain, Sunday November
20th. The gathering was the fourth annual Holy
Cross on the Mountain. The congregation was
hosted by the family of Frances Boggess and Andres
Gallegos. (Photo by Mr. Chuck Noland)
St. Mary’s Celebrates
Confirmations
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Albuquerque
celebrated the Bishop’s visitation on December
4th. the Confirmation/Reception at St. Mary’s
on December 4, 2011. Gathered for the photo
opportunity are Roy Diethorn, who was received;
Bishop Michael Vono; Julie Nielsen, who reaffirmed
her commitment to Christ and the Church; and
Beth Nielsen, who was confirmed.
St. Michael’s Celebrates ‘Live at Five’
On Sunday, December 11. St. Michael and All
Angles in Albuquerque celebrated the Feast of
Guadalupe at LIVE AT FIVE, St. Michael’s 5 pm
Sunday evening Eucharist. It was a fiesta worthy of
La Virgen complete with flowers and songs and a
fiesta meal following the service.
LIVE AT FIVE is St. Michael’s weekly Sunday
evening service. It’s a simple, casual, and informal
service blending the cultural heritage of New Mexico
and the Anglican tradition. Music and prayer in
both English and Spanish are some of the bilingual
elements that shape the joyful and accessible
character of this child-friendly, welcoming, and
come-as-you-are service.
The Altar is set for the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe
You don’t need to speak Spanish to enjoy and
participate in this service. The sermon and most of
the service are in English. Music and some of the prayers are in Spanish with translations viewable to all via a
projector. This service is a wonderful worship journey that highlights the bicultural nature of our community and
that often holds celebrations that a part of our New Mexican heritage.
Illuminating the Word:
The Saint John’s Bible
Thirteen years of painstaking work by some of the
finest calligraphers, artists and theologians in the world
comes to a close this year with the completion of
The Saint John’s Bible – a contemporary handwritten
and illuminated Bible created by a team of artists and
calligraphers at a Scriptorium in Wales.
Before its pages are bound, 44 pages from two of the
Bible’s seven volumes, are on exhibit at the New Mexico
History Museum. Through April 7, 2012. For information
visit www.nmhistorymuseum.org.
The New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe. The
museum is the newest addition to a campus that
includes the Palace of the Governors.
Also part of the exhibitions:
• A page from the 550-year-old Gutenberg Bible.
Early editions of the King James Bible, this year
celebrating its 400th anniversary.
• The Letter, the Word & the Book, a small exhibit of
books and lettering in the Mezzanine Gallery will be
offered through April 15, 2012.
Cathedral Bakes Cheer for Angel Tree Outreach
For the second year, members of the Cathedral of St. John were invited
to bake several dozen cookies for the Angel Tree Outreach.
The cookies are packaged and included with food for families who
receive gifts for their children and are provided Christmas dinner through
this important outreach ministry. A sample of each batch of cookies is
entered into the Cookie Bake-Off Contest.
This year’s judges were Audrey Minard, Cindy Heavner, Canon Daniel
Gutierrez and Dean Mark Goodman, with Bishop Michael Vono being an
honorary judge. Silly Christmas songs, games and dinner round out the
evening of great fun and fellowship.
Children as well as adults bake cookies for this event, and this year
there were over 30 individuals who took the time to help provide a little
Christmas cheer to families in need.
Bishop Michael offers cheer
Dean Mark Goodman samples
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IN THE
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News of the Clergy
The Rev. Robert “Bob” Gross
El Paso’s Holy Spirit Episcopal Church celebrated the new ministry of the Rev. Robert “Bob” Gross on Sunday
November 13th. Rev. Gross, who had been serving the parish as its priest since 2008, was inducted as rector
by Bishop Michael Vono.
Rev. Gross made Vows of Life Profession in the Franciscan Order of Celi De in 2003. He earned his Master of
Divinity from Laud Hall Seminary in 2004, and completed Anglican studies at the diocesan School for Ministry
in 2008. He was ordained to the diaconate in June 2008, and to the priesthood in December 2008.
Before his call Rev. Gross earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education. He taught music and
band at Goddard High School and NM Military Institute in Roswell, and band at Ysleta ISD in El Paso. He also
was technology coordinator and taught computer science at Socorro ISD in El Paso.
Bishop Vono and the Rev. Bob and Jessie Gross share the moment.
The Rev. Christopher McLaren
Rector Inducted at St. Mark’s on the Mesa
The community of St. Mark’s on the Mesa in Albuquerque gathered Friday, November 4th, for the induction of the Rev. Christopher
McLaren as their rector. He previously served as associate rector of St. Michael and All Angels as associate rector for five years.
Rev. McLaren grew up in Medford, Oregon and graduated from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon in Humanities and Art History.
He married the love of his life, Maren Christine Cole on New Year’s Eve 1993 at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Salem, Oregon.
Christopher and Maren enjoy the hilarious nature of family life with their three children Sofia, 11, Cole, 9, and Talia, 6.
Upon graduating from the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, he served as associate rector, priest-in-charge, and eventually
rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church in New Orleans for a period of six years. After many joyful and interesting years in New Orleans the
McLaren family relocated to Albuquerque after losing their home to Hurricane Katrina.
Rev. McLaren said he is thrilled to have been called as rector of St. Mark’s where he feels his many gifts for ministry and energy for
nurturing strong communities of worship and learning are well matched. He hopes to shape a community that is faithful to the Christian
tradition, progressive and open to all people, passionate about children and youth ministry, deeply relational, intellectually curious, and
deeply engaged in service to the larger community.
The Rev. Dale W. Plummer
Rector Called at St. Andrew’s, Roswell
In August 2011, The Rev. Dale W. Plummer was called as Rector to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Roswell, New Mexico. The people
of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church are overjoyed to welcome The Rev. Dale W. Plummer and his family. We are thankful to God who has
answered our prayers so faithfully.
The Rev. Plummer was raised in the small town of Newton, Kansas, where he attended St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. He married
his wife Sharon in Newton, Kansas, in November 1984.They have two children, Thomas 18, who is a freshman at Emporia State
University, and Kensey. 16, who is a high school sophomore.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wichita State University in 1991, and with a Masters of Divinity from the University
of the South, School of Theology Sewanee, Tennessee in 2001. He was ordained to the Holy Order of Deacons at Grace Cathedral
Topeka, Kansas, on March 17, 2001. On October 14, 2001 he was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests at St. David’s Episcopal Church
in Topeka.
He served as curate at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Topeka from 2001-2003, where he provided pastoral oversight of parish
program committees, assisted in providing Lenten study, contemplative prayer, adult Bible study, and healing services. He served as
Priest-in-Charge and Rector of the Church of the Covenant in Junction City, Kansas from 2003-2011.
The Rev. Jennifer M. Phillips
Bishop Michael Vono presents the Rev. Dr. Jennifer
Phillips to her congregation.
Rector inducted at St. Francis, Rio Rancho
The Rev. Jennifer M. Phillips was inducted as Rector of St. Francis Episcopal Church, Rio Rancho, on December 18.
She came to St. Francis after eleven years as Rector of St. Augustine’s Church, Kingston, Rhode Island. Her previous
ministries include Rector of the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Boston, hospital chaplaincy, and a decade of frontlines AIDS ministry and education. She has M.Div. and D.Min. degrees from Andover-Newton Theological School. She
also studied at King’s College, London, and Wellesley College.
Rev. Phillips’s other publications have both depth and breadth. She has published poetry in many poetry journals.
Her articles on social justice, AIDS, and liturgics have appeared in Christianity and Crisis, The Witness, Episcopal Life,
The Living Church, and Anglican Theological Review. She is the author of the book Preaching Creation, from Cowley
Publications, and is a major contributor to collections of prayers and liturgies now in use in the Episcopal Church:
Enriching Our Worship 2, 3,4 and 5, and Gleanings: Essays on Expansive Language with Prayers for Various Occasions,
and Ambassadors for God: Envisioning Reconciliation Rites for the 21st century, from Church Publishing.
“My great love is parish ministry and – to use a lovely if old-fashioned term – the care of souls,” she said. Her
mother lives in Barnstable, Cape Cod, but she also has a community of close friends and a new Godchild in Santa Fe.
IN THE
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News of the Clergy
The Rev. Dr. Thomas Arrowsmith-Lowe
The Rev. Dr. Thomas Arrowsmith-Lowe glows following his
induction as Rector of St. John’s by Bishop Michael Vono, and is
surrounded by his mother Martha, daughter Victoria, and son
Eliot.
Rector Inducted at St. John’s, Alamogordo
The Rev’d Dr. Thomas Arrowsmith-Lowe, SOSc, was inducted as rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in
Alamogordo in September. He was ordained a priest in 2007 at Church of the Holy Mount, Ruidoso. He is a
member of the religious order of the Society of Ordained Scientists.
The Rev. Arrowsmith-Lowe retired as a commissioned officer with the rank of Navy Captain. He served as an
AIDS prevention expert in the 1980s and 1990s, testifying before Congress on AIDS prevention, co-chairing the
Surgeon General’s Advisory Committee on AIDS Prevention, writing the “Surgeon General’s Statement on AIDS
and Condoms,” serving on the National Institutes of Health Advisory Committee on Contraception and Sexually
Transmitted Diseases, and was first author of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Recommendations
for Prevention of HIV and Hepatitis Transmission in Healthcare Settings.” When he was awarded the Surgeon
General’s Exemplary Service Medal the Surgeon General stated that his work was responsible for saving
thousands of lives each year. In addition to other awards and honors he is a Fellow in the American College of
Epidemiologists. After retiring from active duty he served as a consultant for the American Red Cross and the
National Cancer Institute before entering the ordination process.
The Rev. Melinda St. Clair
Rector Inducted at All Saints, El Paso
The Rev. Melinda St. Clair was inducted as Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church on October 1 by Bishop Michael Vono. She served as interim
Priest at All Saints for the previous eighteen months.
Rev. St. Clair has been a priest for 10 years, formerly in Washington State. She has a Master’s of Science degree in mental health counseling
with a subspecialty in criminality. She worked for 10 years as a psychotherapist and later at a residential treatment center for teenagers.
Before attending seminary, she worked for a few years at a semi-secure residential treatment center for sex offenders. St. Clair attended the
Virginia Theological Seminary and earned a Master of Divinity in May 2001.
The Rev. Masud Ibn Syedullah
Associate Rector Ministers at Holy Faith
On June 1, the Rev. Masud Ibn Syedullah, TSSF began his ministry as Associate Rector for Adult Christian Formation and Liturgy at
the Church of the Holy Faith, Santa Fe. Fr. Syedullah brings extensive experience to his work, having focused in the areas of spiritual
formation, spiritual direction, music, liturgy, and interfaith relationships for over more than thirty years. Originally a mid-westerner,
he born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri in an interfaith family. His mother was a Christian, and his father a Muslim. Fr. Syedullah has
served the Episcopal Church as priest in the Dioceses of Oklahoma, Southern Ohio, and most recently, the Diocese of New York.
During the past twenty years while in the Diocese of New York, his service to the Diocese included being President of the Standing
Committee; Co-Founder and Chair of the Episcopal, Muslim Relations Committee; member of the Ecumenical and Interfaith
Commission; and member of the Commission on Liturgy. He also served as Associate for Worship and Education Ministries at Trinity
Church, Wall Street, and most recently, Vicar of The Church of the Atonement, Bronx.
He comes to the Diocese of the Rio Grande with his wife of forty years, Janice. Both are life-professed members of The Third Order,
Society of Saint Francis (TSSF), one of the Christian Communities of the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion.
The Rev. Mark W. Lake
Bishop Ordains Mark Lake to the Priesthood
Bishop Michael Vono asks the questions of examination during the service of ordination for the Rev. Mark W. Lake on
Saturday, December 4th in Tucumcari. In spite of the winter storm and an hour wait on I-40, the Bishop arrived at St.
Michael’s Episcopal Church to ordain the deacon to the priesthood on December 4th at. The Rev. Lake has served at St.
Michael’s as deacon, and will serve as Vicar of St. Michael’s upon the retirement of the Rev. Gay Wellborn.
The Rev. James Donald Gordon
Bishop ordains Jim Gordon to Priesthood
The Rev. James Donald Gordon is examined by Bishop Michael Vono during the service of ordination to the
priesthood at the Church of the Holy Faith in Santa Fe on Wednesday, December 14th. Despite the cold of the
evening, Holy Faith was filled to standing room only to celebrate the ordination.
10
25 Books that Could
Transform Your Life
The Rev. Greg Henneman, Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church in Albuquerque, read an article
recently titled “25 Books Every Christian Should
Read.” The list was compiled by Renovare, a Christian
non-profit organization for spiritual formation. He
contemplated, however, “Do I really want to spend
my time slogging through Dante and Dostoevsky?”
Rev. Henneman decided to ask those who read his
blog to tell him the books that made a difference in
their lives. Among his observations were:
“First, people have a hard time narrowing down
to one book. … Second, the list from Renovare and
the list I have received are dramatically different.
Five books do appear on both lists (Athanasius’
Incarnation, Rule of St Benedict, Pilgrim’s Progress,
Return of the Prodigal Son, and Mere Christianity).
The only book that got multiple mentions is The
Shack. The only author mentioned multiple times is
Henri Nouwen. ... Third are the number of novels and
books of philosophy and psychology. … and Fourth,
almost half the books on this list begin with the word
“The”. If you want to write a book that transforms
Christians’ lives, begin with a definite article.
The List in alphabetical order by title:
1. A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
2. Abraham’s Curse by Bruce Chilton
3. Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
4. Father Melancholy’s Daughter by Gail Godwin
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
Canon Gutierrez elected to National Board
The Rev. Canon Daniel
Gutierrez has been elected
to the National Board of
The Conference of Diocesan
Executives (CODE).
CODE was founded in 1963
for lay and ordained people
who report directly to the
bishop, and who serve at the
executive or senior level on a bishop’s staff. Canon
Gutierrez will serve a 4-year term on the Board.
Because of his experience and national and political
relationships, he secured the two guest speakers for
the 2012 National Conference to be held in Annapolis,
Maryland. Canon Gutierrez has arranged for Susan
Ford Bales of the Betty Ford Center to serve as the
guest speaker, and Governor Martin O’Malley of
Maryland to provide the opening and closing remarks.
In addition, the Diocese of the Rio Grande and the
Bosque Center tentatively have been selected to host
the 2014 CODE conference.
Marriage Encounter puts God into Relationship
Are you looking for a way to include God in your
marriage? Find out how on an Episcopal Worldwide
Marriage Encounter weekend! The next Episcopal
expression of Marriage Encounter in Albuquerque is
April 27-29, 2012.
Married couples of all faiths and backgrounds
are welcome. A series of information talks has been
scheduled to provide details and registration for the
upcoming weekend. Couples interested in attending
one of these information talks are invited to call Don &
Joyce Schueler [email protected] 505-296- 8279,
Douglas [email protected] & Dianne heartmus@
aol.com Bailey at 505-890-4466. Information is also
available at www.marriageencounter-nm.org/index2.
html concerning the weekend and at www.wwme.org
concerning Worldwide Marriage Encounter Marriage
Encounter is 44 hours where married couples can get
away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones, and focus only
on each other. If you’d like greater depth, growth, and
enrichment in your relationship, you’ll like the difference
a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend can make!
5. Gracias by Henri Nouwen
6. Jesus of the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
7. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
8. Oasis of Wisdom: The Worlds of the Desert Fathers and Mothers by David G. R. Keller
9. On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius
10. Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
11. Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen
12. Sex, Ecology, Spirituality: The Spirit of Evolution by Ken Wilber
13. Testimony: Talking Ourselves into Being Christians by Thomas G. Long
14. The Death and Resurrection of the Beloved Son by Jon Levenson
15. The Good and Beautiful God by
James Bryan Smith
16. The Good Book by Rev. Peter Gomes
17. The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality by Ronald Rolheiser
18. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
19. The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes
Grace Camp is a Special Ministry
Grace Camp is a special ministry tradition at Camp
Stoney that services the children of those in prison.
Each summer as part of the Camp Stoney program,
Grace Camp provides a week of inclusive Christian
camping for “at risk” children, ages 8-13, who have
one or both parents in prison.
Eligible campers are invited to the Sangre de Cristo
Mountains outside of Santa Fe to enjoy a week of
exciting summer camp. The trained camp counselors
give special emphasis to helping increase the campers’
self-esteem and confidence. Campers are taught
group cooperation, and are provided with alternatives
to violent behavior. Grace Camp is a place where
campers may experience — perhaps for the first time
—unconditional love and forgiveness.
Wanted
Applicants for Diocesan Treasurer
The Diocese is in need of a Treasurer. Persons interested are asked to submit a resume and
an essay as to why they feel called to this ministry.
Submissions will be reviewed during January, and appointments for interviews will be
conducted in February. It is hoped that an appointment will be made by early March.
Applications may be sent to Ms. Lisa Katz-Ricker at the Diocesan House, 6400 Coors Blvd.
NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, or by email to [email protected] .
20. The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
21. The Rule of St. Benedict by St. Benedict
22. The Shack by William P. Young
(mentioned three times)
23. The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen
24. When the Heart Waits by Sue Monk Kidd
25. Wisdom Jesus by Cynthia Bourgeault
SAVE THE DATE…
The Treasurers Workshop will be Saturday February 18th.
Our treasurer Mentor the Rev. Bill Geisler has agreed to lead us in the intricacies of the
treasurer for our congregation. Details of location are being finalized,
and will be announced as soon as possible – Please Mark Your Calendars!
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
Music Energizes Church Director
Dr. Linda Raney is celebrating
her 25th anniversary of directing
music programs at downtown
Santa Fe’s First Presbyterian
Church. Her anniversary was
publicized in the Santa Fe New
Mexican, the Santa Fe edition of
the Albuquerque Journal, and in
the East Mountain Telegraph. Dr.
Raney is a member of St. Bede’s Episcopal Church.
According to the Journal article, “just contemplating
that schedule, in which she tries to wedge in two or
three hours of personal practice, can seem exhausting,
Raney finds it energizing. ‘I really enjoy the diversity
of groups,’ she said. ‘Each one is so different from the
others. And working with so many offers the advantage
that, in any one week, while one might be struggling
with their work, another may be enjoying peak form,’
she noted.”
Dr. Raney told the Journal that she can’t remember
a time she didn’t love music. “As a child, I loved to sing,
dance, play piano. … It was always part of my life,” she
said. Her mother played the piano in their Lafayette, Ind.,
home, and Raney started lessons when she was 7.
“My parents belonged to a church that had a very
talented organist-choirmaster,” she said. “I thought
that looked like fun.” While still in high school, she
started taking classes at Indiana University, where she
discovered the organ — more suited to her small hands
than the piano, she said. “Your feet do more of the
work,” she explained, adding that she fell in love with the
instrument.
Besides preparing First Presbyterian’s adult and
children’s choirs — along with the bell choir, Dr. Raney
often plays TGIF organ recitals at the church, as well as
directing the Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble, and the Santa
Fe Symphony Chorus.
Gallery St. Michael opens
doors to artists in the Diocese
The artists’ reception for Spirit of Music, a juried
exhibition for artists in the Diocese of the Rio Grande,
will open the exhibit from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, January
27 at the new gallery space at St. Michael and All
Angels, 601 Montaño Road NW in Albuquerque. The
exhibit at Gallery St. Michael will run from January 27
through March 18.
Artists from throughout the Diocese will show
work that explores the “spirit of music” in broad
terms of elements, such as tone, coloration, rhythm,
movement, and improvisation, according to gallery
director Mr. Steve Shelly
The gallery offers Spirit of Music as a continuation
of the visual arts ministry of St. Michael’s. The
intention of the gallery to provide a venue to
showcase artistic efforts in the parish, diocese and
wider community, Mr. Shelly said.
“Our mission is to incorporate the visual arts into
the spiritual life of our faith communities, and to
provide a place where creative energies of all sorts
can be seen and acknowledged,” Mr. Shelly said. “We
feel that the arts form an essential aspect of our faith
life, and we are hoping with this exhibit to enhance
and to enrich our collective spiritual journeys, and
help promote artistic dialogue for our Diocese.”
A Little Friday Night Music at St. Michael’s
St. Michael’s and All Angels will be providing a break at the end of the week with music
offerings at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evenings. Coming up for the early season are:
• Jazz It Up on February 3rd will offer performers from
Entourage Jazz in new combinations for a jazzy evening - you’ll be tapping your feet!
• Celtic Fling on March 16th will advise all to wear green, but Irish music is only the beginning!
• Musica - More or Less Antigua on April 27th will feature the whole, the
parts and variations by the musicians of Musica Antigua de Albuquerque!
St. Michael’s is located at 601 Montaño Road NW in Albuquerque.
The Diocesan Address Has Changed
The Diocesan address must be changed on all
communications with the Diocese.
The New Diocesan mailing address is:
Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande
Bosque Conference and Spiritual Life Center
6400 Coors Boulevard NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
First Class Mail sent to the former diocesan
address will be forwarded to the Bosque Center.
However, all mail other than first class will be
returned to the sender.
The diocesan phone numbers remain the same.
The direct phone line is 505-881-0636; the fax
number is 505-883-9048.
11
EcoNews Briefs
Archbishop Chides Canadians on climate change
[Anglican Journal] Canadians need to shoulder
their share of responsibility for addressing climate
change, says the primate of the Anglican Church
of Canada. After all, points out Archbishop Fred
Hiltz, Canada is one of the world’s largest per capita
emitters of greenhouse gases.
In a statement issued during the final week of
the 17th Session of the U.N. Conference on Climate
Change in Durban, South Africa, Hiltz expresses
concern that “not enough action is being taken by
developed countries” to address climate change. He
urges Canadian Anglicans to join him in praying that
the conference will produce actions that “represent
real commitment on the part of developed nations
and real hope for those most adversely affected by
the impacts of climate change.”
Youth Caravan Heads for South Africa
[Ecumenical News International, Nairobi, Kenya]
About 200 young people traveled in a caravan of
buses to promote action on climate change. Their
two-week trip, punctuated with music, dance and
drama and sponsored by faith-based and secular
groups, ended in Durban, South Africa at the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s
conference called COP-17.
Reports to COP-17 (which stands for 17th
Conference of Parties) say a rise in global
temperatures, largely attributed to human action,
has contributed to depleted water resources, soil
erosion and reduced crop yields.
The youth are looking for legally binding
agreements which are internationally acceptable,
according to Joshua Minai, a Kenyan member
of African Youth Initiative on Climate Change.
The activists also want an extension of the 1997
Kyoto Protocol, the international agreement
setting greenhouse-gas reduction targets for 37
industrialized countries.
Faith communities in Canada address climate
change
[Ecumenical News International, Ottawa, Canada]
Faith leaders, politicians and members of the public
gathered in Ottawa in October to address global
warming.
The meeting highlighted a letter, titled the
“Canadian Interfaith Call for Leadership and Action
on Climate Change,” signed by representatives of
Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Baha’i and ecumenical
groups, according to a news release from the
Canadian Council of Churches.
Panel discussions and dialogues featured speakers
from such groups as the United Church of Canada,
the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, the Program
for Christian Muslim Relations in Africa, the Centre
for Faith and Public Life, the Baha’i Community
of Canada, Faith and the Common Good and the
Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches.
The Canadian Council of Churches’ membership
includes 23 denominations from the Anglican,
Catholic, Evangelical, Historic Reform, Free Church
and Eastern and Oriental Orthodox traditions,
representing 85 percent of Canadian Christians.
Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande
4304 Carlisle Blvd., N.E.,
Albuquerque, NM 87107-4811
12
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ABQ, NM
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
Church Spotlight
St. Francis Episcopal Church
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Together
is a monthly publication of
the Episcopal Diocese of
the Rio Grande
6400 Coors Blvd NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico
87120
505-881-0636
Bishop & Senior Editor:
The Rt. Rev. Michael L. Vono
Diocesan Communications
Committee:
The Rev. Canon Raymond Raney, Chair
The Rev. Canon Daniel Gutierrez
The Rev. Canon Kathleene McNellis
The Very Rev. Mark Goodman
The Rev. Stephen Caldwell
Ms. Lisa Katz-Ricker
Ms. Mary Jewell
The St. Francis Church
family seeks to glorify God
through worship, fellowship,
teaching, and service.
We worship God in the
Episcopal tradition, hear
God through the preaching
and teaching of Christ’s
Gospel, and serve God by
caring for others.
Editorial and correspondence
may be mailed to
Diocesan House:
6400 Coors Blvd NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico
87120
or emailed to
[email protected]
The next Together will be the
February/March issue.
The submission deadline for items
to be included in the double issue
will be January 13.
Visit the Diocesan website at
www.dioceserg.org for archive
copies of the newsletter.