Journal Episcopal
Volume 1 Number 11 Dec 2011
The
A Diocesan Edition of Episcopal Journal, The Desert Spirit is a quarterly witness to Episcopal community in Nevada
Desert Spirit
God is calling the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada to transform our communities through the vitality of our worship and the living out of our baptismal vows.
Ever Se e n a n E a rt h r i s e ? Report by Martina Beatty, St. Catherine of Siena, Reno
Earthrise. This word has been used to describe the dramatic photos of Earth taken from space by Apollo 8 astronauts in 1968. They served to remind us that we all share a home, and that everyone who calls Earth home is our neighbor. Another “earthrise” image was unveiled by Bishop Dan Edwards and his Evangelism Team at this year’s Diocesan Convention, held Oct. 13-16 at Harrah’s in Reno, and was officially adopted by the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada as its new logo. This image taken from space shows the sun peeking out from behind the earth, and its message is one of global inclusiveness. Today, each of us has about 7 billion neighbors, and Jesus said we are to love them all in equal measure to the love we give ourselves. As Paul wrote to the Galatians: “The whole law can be summed up in this one command.”
Edwards said, “was the areas where our relationships around the diocese Since we are charged to love them, “Who Is My Neighbor?” are not as strong as they need to be, was the theme of this year’s Diocesan Convention. in order for us to move forward with Delegates, clergy and guests were introduced to their God’s mission. It’s not the sort of neighbors from other nations, other religious paths, and thing you can legislate but I believe from other Episcopal churches throughout the diocese. It we began a conversation about it.” was a Convention that stressed the importance of building, and rebuilding, relationships. It was a message that resonated with Rev. Sherryl Netzler of Reno’s Saint “The most important thing we addressed at Convention,” Catherine of Siena Episcopal Church.
In This Issue: Bishop’s Message DS 2 Reflections DS 3 Youth & Family DS 4 Camp Galilee DS 5 Friends in Haiti DS 6 Episcopal Journal Convention DS 7 Good News DS 8-9 Christian Formation DS 10 Education Ministry DS 11 Episcopal Family DS 12
This “earthrise” image was unveiled by Bishop Dan Edwards and his Evangelism Team at this year’s Diocesan Convention, held Oct. 13-16 at Harrah’s in Reno, and was officially adopted by the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada as its new logo.
“We tend to think we’re pretty cool,” Netzler said. “And we are. But Bishop Dan doesn’t want us to rest on our laurels. He said we need to be more loving and inclusive and transparent. When something happens in our community we need to say, ‘This will be of interest to all Episcopalians in Nevada,’ and make sure that it’s presented to them.” “Neighborliness” goes a step further than simple cordiality or friendliness, said Rev. Helen McPeak of The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Henderson. “My experience of neighbors is, you build a relationship so that you can see CONVENTION, page DS4