Journal Episcopal
Volume 1 Number 4 May 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.
BASIC DISCIPLESHIP: HOW TO BE THE BODY OF CHRIST IN THE WORLD We change the world by participating in it in a different way, a Christian way learned through faith formation. Bishop Dan
In This Issue: Bishop’s Message DS 2 Convention & Commo DS 3 Youth & Family DS 4 Camp Galilee DS 5 Bishop Dan on Convention DS 6 Episcopal Journal Good Neighbors DS 7 Community DS 8-9 Christian Formation DS 10 Education Ministry DS 11 Art & Spirit DS 12
I am a happy camper of a bishop these days thanks to all of the new faith formation programs happening in our parishes. All over Nevada, in parishes large and small, people are intentionally exploring and deepening their faith through various programs. But does any of that make a difference in people’s lives? I am convinced it does. I have taught confirmation classes until I can do it in my sleep. And I have sometimes suspected the students were actually asleep, but then I hear something that shows me they really got it. Here’s a recent example. A young woman who used to be my parishioner is now a Face Book friend. She posted something about Lent to which I replied and a number of her friends chimed in. In response to something I had offered about different kinds of grace, one of the people said she was put off by “that extra stuff you Catholics do.” Her religion was just “Jesus died for our sins” pure and simple. My former parishioner replied: “And Kirsten, it’s that ‘extra stuff’ that got me hooked. . . I actually . . . was feeling very anti-religion when my mom started going to the Episcopal church . . . I went along with her a few times. I think I was 17 or 18 when I got baptized. . . I wanted to receive the Eucharist, and back then they were sticklers for baptism . . . before you can do that. . .. I enjoyed the ritual and symbolism of that sacrament. I kept enjoying going to church . . . saying the same words Christians had been saying for hundreds of years, enjoying the smells and bells. When I got pregnant . . . I decided to get confirmed (become a member of the church, where the preparation through classes on spirituality and theology is actually more important than the ritual) . . . . I felt challenged and inspired by the classes, but when the bishop came to do the ritual, I went to Dan and said, ‘I’m not sure about this. I’m not really sure I believe see BASIC DISCIPLESHIP, page DS7
The painting, Mary and Child (upper left) is by the Rev. Ann Whitfield. See story and more of her work on page DS12. At left: the Rev. Deacon Carolyn Shannon of St. Matthew’s takes to the Strip on Sunday of Witness Against Human Trafficking. Story on page DS2.
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.
DEFENDING CHILDREN FROM EXPLOITATION “Human trafficking” does not mean the legal sex trade or even the ordinary illegal sex trade. Whatever one thinks about those things, this is different. It means coerced exploitation akin to slavery. Bishop Dan
The Anglican Communion A worldwide community of 70 million Anglicans in 164 countries: 31 selfgoverning churches, 500 dioceses, 30,000 parishes and 64,000 congregations. The Archbishop of Canterbury: The Most Revered Rowan D. Williams. The Episcopal Church In America: 2.5 million Episcopalians in 113 Dioceses. Presiding Bishop: The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori. The Episcopal Diocese of Nevada In Nevada and Bullhead City, Arizona: 6,000 Episcopalians in 33 congregations and various new faith communities. Bishop Dan Edwards. To contact the Bishop’s office: Episcopal Diocese of Nevada 9480 Eastern Ave., Suite 236 Las Vegas, NV 89123-8037 (702) 737-9190, FAX (702) 737-6488 Diocesan Administrator: Ellie Wetherill Email: ellie@episcopalnevada.org The Desert Spirit The 2012 publication schedule is planned for four quarterly issues to be mailed to all Episcopal households in the Diocese in February, May, September and December. Implementation of this plan falls somewhere between order and chaos, so we strive to simply remain in God’s peace and do the best we can. Issues of The Desert Spirit and current news can also be found on the diocesan website at www.diocesenv.org Editor: Hallie Murphy
A word: the Hot Babes photo illustrates only the irony of our action in Las Vegas. We mean them no implication or involvement with Child Sex Trafficking.
There we were, all 4 orders of ministry represented by Episcopalians at the corner of Harmon and the Strip in Las Vegas – holding signs and passing out pamphlets. How did this happen? It began when Las Vegas Valley Interfaith undertook to study the issue of human trafficking in Nevada. “Human trafficking” does not mean the legal sex trade or even the ordinary illegal sex trade. Whatever one thinks about those things, this is different. It means coerced exploitation akin to slavery. The most egregious form is child prostitution. Las Vegas is one of the world’s 14 leading cities in child prostitution, and is the national capital of that dubious enterprise. The number of child and teen prostitutes in Las Vegas quadruples for major conventions. Providentially, Assemblyman John Hambrick approached me to ask for support as he pressed for tougher legislation. I connected him to Las Vegas Valley Interfaith. He connected me to Not For Sale. Las Vegas Valley Interfaith connected me to Nevada Child. At our request, the Religious Alliance in Nevada began work to support legislative reform. And so it all began. On the last Sunday in March, the following Episcopal Churches observed a Sunday of Witness see NOT FOR SALE, next page Rev. Deacon Bonnie Polley of Christ Church, also a Board Member of Religious Alliance In Nevada which has lobbied for the anti-trafficking legislation.
FOR CHANGE OF ADDRESS, to submit materials for publication, or to remove an address from our mailing list, contact the Editor via email nvepiscopalcommo@gmail.com subject line Desert Spirit. Requests via US Mail should be sent to the diocesan office (address noted above). Distribution is free to each Episcopal household in the Diocese of Nevada. Donations to help defray costs are joyfully accepted: the cost to provide this service is approximately $20 annually per household. Please make your check payable to the Diocese of Nevada, and send it to the diocesan office (address noted above). Deadline for submission of materials for publication in The Desert Spirit is the 9th of the month preceding publication. Materials for September 2011 must be received by August 4. Application to mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is pending at Bryn Mawr PA and additional mailing offices. Episcopal Journal is published monthly by the Episcopal Journal, 111 Hickory Lane, Bryn Mawr PA 19010. Postmaster send address changes to: Episcopal Journal, PO Box 1402, Voorhees NJ 08043.
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Our advocacy efforts on this issue are part of an overall priority of caring for children in Nevada. Our restored relationship with St. Jude’s Ranch For Children, our partnership with Communities in Schools and other one-church-one-school initiatives, the participation of congregations in Family Promise, our partnership with St. Luke’s, Leogane to vaccinate Haitian children against disease are other examples of our efforts to serve and speak out for children here and around the world.
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PLEASE PRAY ON THIS SPACE FOR THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEGACY OF ANNETTE MILLS NOT FOR SALE , from previous page
Against Human Trafficking: St. Bartholomew’s, Ely; Holy Trinity, Fallon; St. Martin’s, Pahrump; Trinity, Reno; St. Paul’s, Sparks; St. Matthew’s, Las Vegas; and Christ Church, Las Vegas. (Did I leave anyone out?) The Rev’s. Red Sims and Kathy Hopner wrote collects for the occasion. Not For Sale organized the Rally on the Strip for April 2. Christ Church served as registration site for the Rally. So there we were: Episcopalians from Epiphany, Henderson; St. Matthew’s, Las Vegas; and Christ Church, Las Vegas standing along with a wonderful group of teenagers of diverse ethnicities speaking out for the dignity of human beings, specifically
vulnerable children. Diocesan Office Administrator Ellie Wetherill and her daughters were at another of the 4 demonstration venues along the Strip. I don’t know who may have been at the other two venues. The battle is just begun. Epiphany Henderson will host the Interfaith Service to raise awareness of issues of children’s well being, with a special focus on the sexual exploitation of children, on Sunday, May 22, at 5 p.m. Improved legislation would be a good thing. But the main things we need to accomplish are to make this crime a priority for enforcement and prosecution, and to build a Safe House for care and rehabilitation for the young victims. To learn more, go to www.notforsalecampaign.org and www.nevadachild.com.
2011 DIOCESAN CONVENTION Oct 13-16, Diocesan Convention, Reno---- RIDE THE BUS TO RENO. St. Matthews is, once again, running a bus to convention. The bus will leave from Arizona Charlie’s, October 13 at 7:00 AM. Cost is $125/per person. No reservations or refunds will be made after September 15. For reservations, call Thelma Northrup at 702-8893939, or tlnorthrup@cox.net. Please mail checks to St. Matthew’s, 4709 S. Nellis Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89121.
Oct 13-16, Harrah’s - Reno Group Rates: Thurs: $55, Fri: $75, Sat: $100 (plus tax). Credit card deposit will be required to guarantee reservation, and first night’s room and tax will be charged at time of reservation. For Reservations, call 1-888-7266311. Ask for Reno and refer to group code S10EDN to receive the special group rates. Reservations must be made by Sep 20, 2011.
Reflection
by the Rev. Jim Kelley, Trinity (Reno)
As I write this, we have begun those Sundays we name ‘ordinary.’ And although as you read we are in the midst of the seasonal Sundays of Easter leading to Pentecost, we shall soon resume the ‘ordinary’ Sundays that will take us through the summer and into fall. Why do we call these Sundays ‘ordinary’? Does it truly seem reasonable to accept any Sunday as plain and common? This is the day we set aside each week to insist we come together to celebrate in Eucharist our resurrected Lord, by whose death and resurrection we are set free.
So what do we mean by naming these non-seasonal Sundays ‘ordinary’? Consider: the original Latin from which we derive our English word ‘ordinary simply meant that those items described in this way came in a line or series. So they could be numbered. Thus all we really mean by naming these Sunday ‘ordinary’ is that they come in a series and for this reason are ‘numbered.’ Let us take to heart how truly extraordinary each one is because of what we come together as a community to commemorate and enact.
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www.episcopalnevada.org What’s the BUZZ? Diocese Born Again Online, Nevada Hub live on easter Sunday The big, interpersonal news in diocesan communications is our new website! It is designed to be a community hub that harnesses technology to help keep us connected. We are deeply indebted to the creative genius of Damian Adamowicz (St. John’s, Glenbrook) who listened carefully to hours of conversation and brought a thorough knowledge of online applications to the table. The new online community hub went live on Easter Sunday. Check it out!
www.episcopalnevada.org Everyone is asked to join the dialogue, especially delegates to Convention, lay leaders, clergy, wardens, vestry members, treasurers, community organizers, artists, bloggers, educators, newsletter editors, homilists, photographers, and members of the various commissions and committees of the diocese. A diverse group, to be sure! Registration on the site is easy. You can find help navigating the technology under Website in the Discussion Forums. Do note that this online community will only be as effective as the level of participation from key leaders and passionate disciples; content is not the webmaster’s job - it is everyone’s job. Other news: our new server is up and running, and new diocesan staff email addresses are in effect. We decided that a personal format fit best, so the addresses are firstname@episcopalnevada. org. Many thanks to Rob McPeak (Epiphany, Henderson) for his time and perseverance on the server/email project, and also to EllieWetherill for her grace, focus, and applied communications skills. Go Team! Treasurers, delegates and guests to Convention: be advised that the most timely and accurate information will be published online. You will still receive basic information in letter form, via US
episcopaldioceseofnevada @groups.facebook.com
Mail, but the agenda tends to shift, some parts of convention plans are more dynamic than others, and the internet allows us to make information instantly accessible to everyone. We’ll ask you to subscribe to news about Convention via email, and registration will be available online. Print communications and our weekly eNewsletter continue to flourish; we hit 750 eNews subscribers this week! The new partnership with Episcopal Journal is running smoothly, and The Desert Spirit goes out to 1,950 Episcopal households whenever we go to print. Wow! Or is that verily, verily? Maybe a rousing Amen will do. As a ministry of diocesan communications, The Desert Spirit is provided free of charge (freewill donations are accepted in support of this ministry). On the other hand, Episcopal Journal subscriptions are managed by parishes, and the diocese bills each parish for their subscribers every year. I work the middle ground to provide parishes with their subscriber lists and send updates to the printer, so please email me if you have questions about Episcopal Journal and your subscriber list. As always, I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity serve, for the glory of God. Hallie Murphy Editor & Communications Officer hallie@episcopalnevada.org
To start a Google Group or a Parish Facebook Group, call or email Ellie ellie@episcopalnevada.org Phone (702) 737-9190 Office Hours Mon-Fri 7:30am - 1:30pm
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Youth & Family Ministry Plant now for Fall...
Pumpkin Palooza! Our “Pumpkin Palooza” was a great success! Some new families have come joined us - now since basketball and softball and baseball season it’s quiet for the moment. Most of the pictures were taken earlier in the evening and as the night went on we had standing room only. At one time, I would guesstimate that there were more than 80 people in attendance, and as far as everyone reported, they all had a good time. Our Sunday School kids thought it was great to invite others to share the night with them and thought it was cool to scare the kids that came into the Haunted House.... I know, yeah that’s what they learned in Sunday School. For the Palooza, we had a big roaster full of beans, tortilla chips and nacho cheese, hotdogs, a huge cake, a popcorn machine ( a big hit!) some trick or treat candy and prizes for the costume contest and prizes . Cheri Ely was the main shopper on the food. Me and my kids decorated the basement of the St. Joseph’s parish hall and created a haunted house down there.... If you ask Rev. Eric Lawrence and his wife Robbin, he can attest to it being pretty scary! Next year we are going to charge non-perishable food to give to our local Social Service Program Pantry for needy families.
It seems ludicrus to look forward to Fall while still wearing snowboots where I live, but the timing seemed oddly fitting, as Creation is birthed again each Spring. We went to a seed swap in February, and now have oodles of seedlings itching to go outside. Let’s have a seed swap here! Perhaps the seeds of Pumpkin Palooza, held at St. Mary’s (Nixon) last fall will help your parish garden grow.
Double Diamond students accept a banner recognizing St. Catherine’s as their Partner in Education
St. Catherine’s Celebrates 3 Years as Partner in Education with Double Diamond Elementary School
Rector Laurie Chappelle and Ministry Team Don Verhoef present gift cards to Principal Kent Vallier
Amazingly enough, we had food to share with the whole community. We invited Eric Lawrence to introduce himself to the new crowd! He also announced and judged the Costume Contest, and teased his wife Robbin that she was the “Applauseo-meter” because she listened to the applause and determined who won. We also had several carnival type games to play with prizes! It went very well. Thank you to the whole usual congregation folk who “manned” several booths! We couldn’t have done it without them, and the funding we received from ECCIM!
On February 25th, St. Catherine’s presented a banner to Double Diamond Elementary School, a nearby school in their south Reno neighborhood, in recognition of three years as a Partner in Education. St. Catherine’s has supported Double Diamond by adopting up to seven families each year at the holidays. They have also made available “baby bundles” to new parents; provided Wal-Mart gift cards for counselors to use when they saw a family with a special need; provided alarm clocks, which have reduced tardiness in the recipients by 93%; responded to immediate needs for special services to families; and provided trained “Read to Succeed” partners to help those youngsters who could benefit from an adult mentor. Special thanks to Don and Maggie Verhoef for their commitment to the students and to Amy Heintz and Barbara Edwards for their participation as reading mentors. God is at work in our midst!
Also every Sunday, I plan my lesson around the Gospel for the day and we have made some great little crafts and/or played games and sang songs accordingly. My students and I are learning right along with me. For Advent we made and learned about the Advent Wreath, and made ornaments, and we also had a Nativity play starring all our young thespians. It has truly been a wonderful and blessed experience. Again, Sincerely with Faith in the Lord, Jackie Cawelti and Jon Cawelti
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www.facebook.com/pages/St-Mary-the-Virgin-Episcopal-Church
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Camp Galilee Ready for a summer adventure!? Registration for summer camp at Galilee has begun! We’re preparing for our best summer yet. Campers of all ages are welcome to join in on the summer fun with lots of opportunities to kayak, rock climb, sing around a campfire, sleep outside, and much more! Contact us to receive a registration form or register online at www.galileetahoe.org.
Family Camp
Youth Sessions
(August 7-13, or August 10-13) Have a family vacation to remember at Galilee! Our family camp program will be a relaxing and exciting week with optional activities offered from Galilee Staff, a spiritual program led by the Rev. Helen McPeak, and lots of time to make new friends and enjoy summer time at the lake! This year there is a half week option available August 10-13 in addition to the full-week program.
This year there will be five week-long sessions of summer camp, each geared toward a specific age group. Galilee invites campers ages 7 to 16 to learn, play, and explore in the great oudoors! Campers will be put into small groups lead by trained and experience staff members. Campers will have opportunities to do arts and crafts projects, swim in the lake, learn to work as a team, try rock climbing and kayaking, and sleep out on the beach!
www.galileetahoe.org
Teen Backpacking Trek (August 7-13) Teens ages 14-17 are invited to join us on our Teen Backpacking Trek! We will spend the week hiking from Mt. Rose to Spooner Lake, camping along the way. The program will include learning and discussing basic backpacking skills including low impact camping, packing and carrying gear, reading a map, how to use and maintain equipment, and cooking in the outdoors. There will be opportunities to swim in the lakes, keep a journal, explore streams, cook meals, sleep under the stars, plan evening discussions, and share experiences. Experienced and beginning backpackers are welcome to participate.
Counselor Training (June 19-25, 2011) Are you interested in working at Galilee? If you’ll be 16 and through the 10th grade this summer you’re eligible for our Counselor Training program! This program teaches skills in leadership, program development, and activities including kayaking, rock climbing, outdoor awareness, and team building. No prior experience at Galilee is required. The cost is $200.00 per counselor. For more information or to apply, contact Dana Horton, Program Director, at registrar@galileetahoe.org or by calling (775)749-5546.
Hunting Lodge Renovation Complete! Galilee has had a busy winter season with weekend groups, huge amounts of snow, and several important renovation projects. The first stage of the Hunting Lodge projected was completed in April. The lodge has a second bathroom, the old bathroom was made ADA accessible, an improved energy efficient heating system was added, and new tile and hard wood floor were installed throughout the building. There are also new storage closets and a new picture window to improve the views of the lake. The total cost of the project was $51,176. The funding came from two different sources: from a $20,000 grant from St. John’s-in-the-Wilderness Church and the remainder from the Martin Bequest, a gift from the estate of Violet Martin who was a parishioner at Holy Trinity in Fallon. The plan is for Galilee to complete several additional projects around the lodge this spring and summer including an accessible doorway on the south side of the building and a deck and sidewalk between St. John’s and Hunting Lodge. St. John’s has given an additional $5,000 for the sidewalk project and the hope is to have the balance of the funding come from a UTO grant. The Galilee kitchen has also been greatly improved upon with updated
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Memorial Day Weekend Adults Retreat Join us in a weekend of relaxation and reflection! There will be optional program offered by Galilee staff and Rev. Jim Beebe, Rector of St. Patrick’s, Incline Village. The program may include some hiking, kayaking, and discussion time. There will be plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the site, or take advantage of the many activities that the Tahoe basin has to offer.
Galilee and Tahoe Rim Trail Association Open House, 2:00 PM June 12th
See Community Section, pg DS8 for story
appliances including a new reach-in refrigerator, a six-burner oven, commercial toaster, and mixer. The old hood and fire-suppression system have been replaced as well with a new, commercial system that will better protect Galilee from a catastrophic kitchen fire. The hood project was a requirement by the fire marshal, who has made a complete review of all the buildings at Galilee. The funding for this project came from a grant from the Standing Committee of the Diocese for $15,000, as well as money from the Ruth Hopping Endowment Fund.
Contact Us:(775) 749-5546 registrar@galileetahoe.org
Galilee extends a warm thank you to St. John’s and the Standing Committee for the continuing support. Come up and see the improvements soon!
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In The World
Deacon Bonnie Polley demonstrates for tougher anti-traffiking laws and support for victims of exploitation.
Who Is My Neighbor?
Bishop Dan Sets the Stage for Diocesan Convention 2011
The theme of our Diocesan Convention 2011 is relationships. When the lawyer asked Jesus about the greatest commandment, he got two equal answers: love of God and love of neighbor. So the lawyer tried tied to tie down the scope of his moral obligation with that immortal question: “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered with the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This year, we will ask the lawyer’s question: “Who is my neighbor?” and see the answer might be for Nevadans in 2011. Our keynote speaker is the Rt. Rev. Bryan Thom, Bishop of Idaho – our neighbor diocese, and one of the fearsome foursome known as The Great Basin Bishops (my colleague support group). Bishop Bryan, long time rector of The Church of the Ascension in Twin Falls, Idaho before donning the purple, is a Western Episcopalian with an authentic faith and clear vision for the church in our part of the world. He will show us one face of the neighbor. Another presenter will be Pere Kesner Ajax, partnership coordinator for the largest diocese in the Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Haiti. He will speak to us about our partnership with St. Luke’s, Leogane, and our health ministry there in the aftermath of the earthquake. So you see we will meet neighbors near and far. We will examine what it means to be a diocese – not as a management structure but as a network of relationships. We will consider what it means to be neighbors to each other. We hope to have a special message from our companion Diocese of Santiago as well. There will be a special tribute to St. Stephen’s Church for all their years of Christian witness – decades of faithful ministry that have forever changed our neighborhood. We will consider how the church can be a neighbor to the communities where we live and to our state. The Special Mission Groups will meet again this year. Always a highlight of the Convention, these groups will discuss how to advance their various ministries from evangelism to faith and faith and the visual arts. There will be another art exhibit from our artistic neighbors. There will be business to transact. There will be elections to diocesan offices and a budget to pass. The main business this time may be proposed canon revisions. The ad hoc committee on canon revision has more work on its table than usual. Some of the revisions are minor, but others are significant, including a proposal to unify our two governing boards
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(Standing Committee and Diocesan Council) into one board – opening the way to creating a new kind of council, freed of the details of management so that it can be charged with developing our vision for mission and ministry and coordinating the work of the various committees and commissions which hopefully will increase in both number and vitality in coming years. Before Convention, the Mission Districts will once again be preparing delegates for Convention, offering input on the budget, recruiting candidates for offices, and studying the canon revisions and any resolutions that may be submitted. This year’s Convention is hosted by the Reno-Sparks churches. We are particularly looking forward to a Convention Eucharist, moved to a time when most of us can actually attend it, to be hosted at Trinity, Reno. We hope to have many guests as well as a full
contingent of delegates, not just to transact the business of the Church, but to deepen the relationships which are the Church. All are welcome in the spirit of Christian neighborliness.
The Journeys of Paul Through Greece and Rome by the Rev. Clelia P. Garrity
It is hard to believe that it was two brief weeks ago to the day that I left Nevada and traveled to Miami, Florida to join a Lenten pilgrimage of 20 people. Together with our leader and shepherd, the Rev. William “Chip” Stokes, rector of St. Paul’s, Delray Beach, and his wife Susan, we were
Social Justice in Action: The Religious Alliance in Nevada (RAIN) provides for cooperative effort among communities of faith in Nevada as we seek to address and advocate for social justice at the state legislature and in the public arena, on those issues upon which there is common agreement of RAIN members. The Episcopal Diocese, the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, the Nevada Presbytery, regional conferences of the United Methodist Church, and Nevada Roman Catholic Conference are the current members of RAIN. The Rev. Deacon Bonnie Polley is the Southern representative and the Rev. Kim Morgan is the Northern representative to RAIN for the Episcopal Diocese. For more information, you may contact them or see the RAIN website at www.rainnv.org.
headed for Greece and Turkey to follow Paul’s journeys through those two ancient cultures. My preparations for the trip, both at work and at home, had been massive. Concerns about safety and other travel-related matters kept me awake for more than a few nights. Butterflies filled my stomach as I waited to meet my
see JOURNEYS, next page
Of this Gospel I have become a servant according to God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Eph. 3:7-10)
Evangelism Team Makes Connections: Technology Workshops A Success Photos and report by Darlene Dolan, Holy Trinity (Fallon)
The first workshops on Evangelism through the new media, websites, Facebook, Tweeting were held in Las Vegas and Reno. The Facilitator in Las Vegas was Rev. Clelia Garrity and facilitating in Reno was the Rev. Laurie Chappelle and Darlene Dolan. Attendees were able to work in small groups analyzing websites from throughout the country with the goal of enhancing or doing a website for their own parish. Discussions were held and some great ideas for welcoming visitors to the church were shared at both workshops. Evaluations were so positive that follow up workshops are being planned.
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Pilgrims preparing for the daily Eucharist at the Prayer Point where Paul met and baptized Lydia
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Journeys, from pg DS6 unknown traveling companions at the Miami Airport Lufthansa ticketing gate on Sunday, March 27. How would this trek through two unknown countries, with essentially unknown pilgrims from Florida, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Nevada – yes, there were two of us Nevadans: myself and Patsy Pumphrey from Trinity, Reno - unfold?
BASIC DISCIPLESHIP, from front page in Jesus or even God. I’m huge pregnant and I’m not married!!’ Dan told me he could not think of anything more appropriate than me getting confirmed on that day. So I did. Honestly I’m not any more sure of those things now than I was then. I just keep going to church, participating in the liturgy, trying to make sense of and take meaning from the lectionary . . . . There are so many ways to worship as a Christian. . . . I am just happy you have found the way that works for you.” (Quoted with permission.) It’s so good to see that someone “got it” – not in the sense of some bogus certainty about life’s answers, but she’s got the process down including the generous spirit toward people on a different path. Her formation was in the faithful practice of the rituals but those rituals got their meaning from classes in spirituality and theology and she obviously learned to tell her story. Having a path to follow through life gives us a direction. We aren’t wandering randomly. We aren’t going around in circles. We may not know where the path leads but it leads somewhere. The path we follow is marked by the footsteps of Jesus we find in Scripture and the teachings and traditions of the church. Being a disciple means to be a follower. We follow Jesus. Learning about our faith, our traditions, why we do the things we do, all this is how we find the path. That’s what we mean by “faith formation.” It’s what we mean by “discipleship.” As important as it is for our happiness and sense of meaning to have a path to follow, it is even more important for the world. We don’t do this for ourselves. (That’s one of the things we learn in faith formation classes. Worship isn’t what we do
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“to get something out of it.” We do it to connect the Creation to the Creator). Being disciples of Jesus isn’t just our personal ticket to heaven. It’s how we carry out God’s mission on earth. To Change The World by James Hunter is perhaps the most important book I’ve read in recent years. Hunter, a sociologist of religion, examines how conservatives, progressives, and neo-Anabaptists (radical separatists) relate to the larger culture. He is all for Christian presence in the public square advocating for justice – but he is concerned that Christians have succumbed to the worldly model of power politics – concerned that we try to win and impose our wills. The violence of domination or attempted domination is contrary to the basic commitments of faith, hope, and love. By and large conservative churches are “defensive against” the culture and so try to dominate it or reject it. Progressive churches try to be “relevant to” the culture, so relevant that they look just like the culture and have little to offer it. Separatists take a position of “purity from” the culture and become too disengaged to make a difference or live out the Great Commission. Hunter argues for a more Christian way -- “faithful presence” of the Church and Christians in all areas of culture, especially some we have abandoned in the last century or so. The Christian way is not to try to dominate the culture, take it over politically, make everyone toe our line. It is to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) by living as mature Christians in society. Hunter says the church is failing its mission for want of “a vision of formation adequate to the task
After a grueling nine and one-half hour overnight flight from Miami to Frankfort, Germany, a mad dash through an airport that would confuse even the best of scholars, and a brief
PLANT, WATER, TEAMWORK
see BASIC DISCIPLESHIP, pg DS8
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one-hour flight to Athens, Greece, we de-planed and finally began the meat of our trip on board a massive touring coach with an absolutely incredibly spiritual and well-informed guide – Sophia. Staying in a different hotel each night throughout this two-week pilgrimage, the Greek portion of our journey began in Corinth where we stood on the platform that Paul is thought to have preached from, and wandered through the ruins of Corinth’s very large agora, (marketplace). We visited one of the tiny stone shops in the agora that scholars believe was the site of the tent-making business see JOURNEYS, pg DS9
a rich experience for both communities blending resources and experiences to give birth a bilingual church St. Matthew’s, St. Thomas, and St. Luke’s In Las Vegas Report from Fr. Hilario Cisneros It has been a rich experience for both communities blending resources and experiences to give birth a bilingual church. Bilingual church means for us a higher level of commitment on a triple dimension: with the Gospel, others and ourselves. The last six months have been full of good things for us at St. Matthew’s, St. Thomas, and St. Luke’s In Las Vegas. After several months of negotiations, The Rev. Canon Anthony Guillén Missioner, Latino/Hispanic Ministries, The Bishop of Las Vegas, The Very Rev. Dan Edwards, the communities of St. Matthew’s
and St. Thomas, Fr. Hilario Cisneros, Planted the first “Misa en Espanol”: October 9Th St. Thomas, and November 7th , 2010, St. Matthew’s Since then, we have been on a journey trying to translate into concrete actions the vision of establishing and nourishment a Latino Ministry at St. Matthew’s Church, and St. Thomas. It has been a rich experience for both communities blending resources and experiences to give birth a bilingual church. Bilingual church means for us a higher level of commitment on a triple dimension: with the Gospel, others and ourselves.
The process of conceiving a new community makes us dream and strive to get it.
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c o m m u n i t y Kaleidoscope Institute Workshop Held in Southern Nevada Seminario del instituto kaleidoscope que se llevo a cabo en el sur de la Diócesis de Nevada. by Carol Walton, with translation by Fr. Bernardo the weekend, individuals from All Saints, Christ Church, Church of the Epiphany, Grace in the Desert, Holy Child Filipino Ministries, St. Luke’s, In our contemporary world, we encounter a diversity that is continuously changing. This changing diversity is also evident St. Matthew’s, and St. Thomas learned leadership skills for creating more inclusive environments in in our worshipping communities. On Friday evening, April our faith communities. Staff from Kaleidoscope 1st and Saturday April 2nd, the Diocese of Nevada provided an opportunity for Episcopalians in Southern Nevada to attend Institute, led this truly gracious approach to becoming inter-culturally competent. Participants the Kaleidoscope Institute workshop “Fundamental Skills for Building Sustainable Ministry.” Over 50 participants gathered began a spiritual journey into understanding on Friday evening at Christ Church for this event. Throughout their own unique cultural make up and toward an appreciation of the differences that we all bring to our communities. April 1, 2011: CHRIST CHURCH, Las Vegas -
BASIC DISCIPLESHIP, from pg DS7
of discipling the church and its members for a time such as ours.” Quoting Paul, he says the task of the church is to grow Christians “filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord . . . bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1: 9-10) That does not mean religious know-italls. Paul is clear in 1st Corinthians that religious arrogance is unloving and irreverent. But it means becoming people who know the way well enough to walk it, who know what the church teaches well enough to argue with it, wonder about it, doubt it, love it, and sometimes cling to it with all our might. James Hunter asks how the Church can make a positive difference in the world, how we can preserve meaning in the face of rampant nihilism, how we can sustain morality in the face of relativism, how we can act for peace, justice, and mercy in a world of power politics and corporate. His answer begins with faith formation. Hunter does not mince words: Beyond the worship of God and the proclamation of his word, the central ministry of the church is one of formation: of making disciples . . . . Formation is fundamentally about changing lives. . . . It will include teaching a new language rooted in scripture . . . . Words such as covenant, grace, gift, sin, mercy, forgiveness, love, hope, blessing . . . sacrament and the like must be learned anew . . . . Christians must renounce the dominant script of the world and embrace the alternative script that is rooted in the Bible and enacted through the tradition of the church. For that we have to know the Bible and the tradition of the church. If we do not know the alternative script of faith, we are bound to live by the dominant script of the world. Then we are slaves of the system, part of the problem, not part of the answer. We change the world by participating in it in a different way, a Christian way learned through faith formation. My former parishioner’s honest doubt and faithful practice, her humility and generosity toward her friend, her forthright telling of her story are examples of “the alternative script rooted in the Bible and enacted in the tradition of the church.” All over our diocese, parishes are engaging in “the central ministry of the church – faith formation.” Blessings on you all. -Bishop Dan
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Bishop Dan was present during part of the Saturday exercises. He pointed out that we are called to be the Body of Christ, and challenged those present to continue the journey into
building inclusive environments within our communities and the Diocese. When asked how they would describe this event to someone who was unable to attend the responses varied, but a common theme of strongly encouraging others to attend was found throughout the answers. One participant stated that it was one of the best workshops they’ve attended. Another noted that it was an unforgettable experience. Those who attended the workshop were overwhelmingly positive about the weekend and were grateful that they were given this unique opportunity. See next page for report in Spanish.
Women’s Retreat Planned at Galilee Girlfriends, Mark Your Calendars! Women from all over the diocese are invited to attend this year’s Diocesan retreat at Camp Galilee on beautiful, Lake Tahoe, Friday, November 4-6. You’ll want to mark your calendars and make your plane reservations, so you don’t miss this weekend full of fellowship and fun. The Reverends Helen McPeak and Kim Morgan will lead us through our spiritual journeys at this breathtaking location. You can RSVP by contacting Helen McPeak at Helen@mcpeak.org. Formal registration will be available online at http://www.galileetahoe. org/programs/year-round/ once the planning team fleshes out the details.
Above, women take to the beach for afternoon discussion. Below - craft time! Photos from the Rev Helen McPeak.
Galilee and Tahoe Rim Trail Association Open House 2:00 PM June 12th
An important partnership that Galilee has developed recently is with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. The TRTA is the local non-profit that has overseen the building and maintenance of the rim trail. The trail is the 165 mile trail that loops around the ridges looking over Lake Tahoe and was completed over 10 years ago. The TRTA continues to work to maintain the trail, build new sections of the trail, and provide many diverse programs on the trail throughout the year. The Galilee summer camp program uses the trail all summer long with all age groups and so is supporting the TRTA in several ways, including hosting this open house. The rim trail staff will be here on June 12th to share about the incredible resource of the trail and talk about plans for the future. Come join us for a short informational talk, enjoy some appetizers, and relax on the waterfront. Please RSVP to Galilee at 775 749-5546 if you are planning on joining us. Hope to see you there!
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Bishop Dan visited Grace in the Desert on March 6, 2011. He is pictured here with members of the Adult and Children’s Choir and Barbara Buer, Grace’s Music Director.
Kaleidoscope en Espanol, from pag DS8 En nuestro mundo atreves de los diferentes cambios nos damos cuenta de que vamos en contar diversidad. La diversidad es palpable en las diferentes comunidades en nuestra Diócesis. En abril 1 y 2, Nuestra Diócesis nos dio la oportunidad de participar en un seminario llamado caleidoscopio. La razón y rl propósito era el proveer los elementos para desarrollar una comunidad con capacidad para poder sostener su ministerio. Este seminario inicio con la participación de más de 50 personas de diferentes comunidades: De todos Los Santos, De Cristo Rey, De San mateo y Santo Tomas. Aprendimos como trabajar en una comunidad donde se pueda crear un ambiente más abierto a otras personas de diferente raza. De esta manera se inicio una jornada para poder entender de una mejor manera su procedencia y le que le constituye a cada una de nuestras comunidades y la riqueza que todos a portamos al desarrollo de nuestra Iglesia Episcopal. El Señor Obispo Dan estuvo presente en una parte del seminario. El dijo que uno de nuestros propósitos es formar el cuerpo de Cristo, y manifestó el reto que se tiene de crear un ambiente propio donde otras razas se sientan bienvenidas. Muchas personas expresaron que este había sido uno de los seminarios o cursos que ellos hubieran atendido. Algunos dijeron que este seminario había sido una experiencia que nunca olvidarían. Muchos otros estaban extremadamente agradecidos por la experiencia que habían tenido en este seminario. El señor obispo Dan ha expresado su interés de poder seguir con nuestro crecimiento personal con otro seminario probablemente el próximo año.
Daughters of the King Hold State Assembly The State Assembly of the Daughters of the King will be held at St. Matthews on May 7th from 9am to 12:30pm. The theme is Episcopal Church and Benedictine Way. Lunch will be served. Contact me jet4596@aol.com. Peace, Jayne Holmes President Daughters of the King CORRECTION to May issue Photo caption of Linda Smith praying actually took place in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher at the site of the crucifixion, not in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Page DS7.
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Holy Trinity Celebrates New Hall holds classes, workshops Report from Darlene Dolan
FALLON, NV - The congregation is enjoying their NEW Parish Hall. With a fabulous new kitchen and plenty of room for group activities, everyone looks forward to growing through an evangelism program. There are already 10 new families and singles! An Open House and Blessing will be announced soon. The first class on Christian Formation was a Lenten study, facilitated by Chuck McCray, The class followings a soup and salad dinner and the Wednesday evening service. Holy Trinity attendees are being joined by guests from St. Michaels and all Angels in Wadsworth. In keeping with diocese themes, recent homilies have focused on Recovery from addiction and Human Trafficking. Holy Trinity is also hosting one of two music workshops for rural churches to be held on June 4th with attendance open to all who are interested. A special event was the winning of a 30 second commercial that will run on Churchill Community TV 100 times and then be given to the parish for our own use.
St. Patrick’s Youth Retreat at Camp Galilee May 13-15 When: May 13 (arrive 4 pm; Friday dinner) through May 15 (depart 3 pm; Sunday lunch) Where: Camp Galilee, Lake Tahoe Ages: 9 and up; invite your friends, too! Cost: only $50; all meals included; rest of costs covered by St. Pat’s Youth Fund Leaders from St. Patrick’s: Rev. Clare Novak, Interfaith Minister; Caroline Cutler, Youth Group Leader; Steve Barney, Acolyte Leader RSVP: To Clare Novak (clarecnovak@gmail.com) by Monday 4/25; permission slips and payments to follow Theme: “A New Path” Francis of Assisi never wanted to be a saint. He wanted to hang out, party, spend his father’s money . . . maybe fight as a knight in the Crusades. But he quickly hit a dead end with this kind of life. And discovered a new path that was simpler, happier, closer to nature, closer to God. This weekend we’ll get away from some of the same day-to-day pressures Francis felt as a young man. We’ll enjoy good food, the beautiful outdoors, music, and fun activities—as he did. And we’ll explore the life-changing path he came to share with his friends and many more to follow. Please come—and bring your friends!
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Journeys, from pg DS7 established by Paul during his stay in that city. Many of us felt Paul’s presence strongly as we wandered among the ruins of this ancient Greek site In the days that followed, we visited Thebes; Delphi; Meteores; Kalambaka, where we toured two incredibly beautiful Greek Orthodox monasteries high atop ancient mountains; Veria, Pella; Thessaloniki; the Prayer Point where Paul baptized Lydia; and Phillipi, where Paul first preached the Gospel to Europe. After that, it was off to the Greek border where we were met by our Turkish guide, Ali, in an enormous Mercedes touring bus. Ali assured us that we were his personal guests as he welcomed us on behalf of his family and his countrymen. He remained true to his promise during our five days in Turkey. The nine hour days in Greece had been grueling; but, the 10-11 hour days in Turkey were at times endured with faith and courage only. Knees and legs were quickly giving away as we, non-stop, climbed step after step see JOURNEYS, next page
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Christian Formation Ministry Developers Meet at Retreat Retreat part of ongoing discernment process for persons identifying a vocation and gifts for ministry development: their ministries are being offered regionally throughout the diocese. Report from Canon Educator Chuck McCray
Chuck Canon Chuck McCray
Candy
Susan Cooper
Ministry Developers from around the diocese gathered for a
retreat in Washoe Valley, NV, in April. The theme of the retreat was “The Thread of the Spirit” and Episcopal Church historian Fredrica Harris Thompsett served as the retreat leader. Ministry Development as a discipline and ministry seeks to empower and engage all the baptized in living into and out from the Baptismal Covenant. The retreat was a part of an ongoing discernment process for persons identifying a vocation and gifts for ministry development. This process began with the online class offered last summer by the diocese through the Episcopal Divinity School, “An Introduction to Ministry Development.” Unlike other diocesan ministers, ministry developers’ ministries will be offered regionally throughout the diocese rather than being rooted in a specific congregation. Currently there are nine persons actively exploring this ministry, Matthew Wright, Christ Church, Pioche; Darlene Dolan, Holy Trinity, Fallon; Hallie Murphy, St Peter’s, Carson City; Rick O’Brian & Susan Cooper, Grace in the Desert, Las Vegas; Lloyd Platson, St Martin’s, Pahrump; Frank Whitman, St George’s, Austin; Norma Engberg, St Bartholomew’s, Ely and the Rev’d Karen Albrethsen, St Paul’s, Elko. A commissioning service for these ministers is to be held at the diocesan convention 2011. The retreat, led by Fredrica HarrisThompsett, focused upon reflection and renewal. The theme “The Thread of the Spirit” invited participants to reflect upon the several “threads” that are a part of the ministry of ministry development: imagination, tradition, wonder, intuition, gratitude and invocation. The ministry of ministry development is both old and new in the Diocese of Nevada. In its earliest manifestations it was known as TEAM: teach each a ministry. It was a program designed to educate and empower laity for the work of
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Norma Engberg and Fredrica Harris-Thompsett
Norma chuckled. Really.
Fredrica, Karen Albrethsen, and Hallie Murphy Rick O’Brien
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ministry and was promoted by regional vicars charged with being the backbone of the program. As times and budgets changed in the diocese the regional vicar model was phased out. Recognizing the need for diocesan support for regional collaborative programs that engage the ministry of all the baptized, Bishop Dan began to explore ways in which ministry development could be revived throughout the diocese. Efforts to renew ministry development began with the formation of the Ministry Development Commission and the creation of a position for a diocesan ministry developer, a contract position currently funded by grants from the Domestic Mission Partnership of the Episcopal Church and The Roanridge Foundation. The site for the retreat was the home of Rob and Dorothy Ramsdel. It provided the perfect setting for an intimate gathering. Set among
the pines with a dynamic vista of Wahoe Lake, it offered a metaphor for the broad vision needed in ministry development in our diocese. The retreat was also blessed with a mascot, “Candy” a Red-Footed Tortoise from the rainforest of Latin America, and traveling companion of Norma Engberg. Candy attended the retreat in order to participate in an animal companion liturgy. For more information on how to become involved in ministry development throughout the diocese, please contact Canon Chuck McCray at chuck@episcopalnevada.org or by frensdorff.school@gmail.com.
Journeys, from pg DS9 and walked only on cobblestones and marble amid restored ruins that were both massive and magnificent. Our brains became increasingly fuzzy as we toured the First World War Battlefields of Gallipoli; the ancient city of Troy; Pergamom, where the first Christian was put to death; and Theratyra, where the remains of two of the Seven Churches of Revelation are located. Then on to Smyrna; Sardis; the Temple of Artemis; Laodicea; Philadelphia; and the Travertines at Hierapolis, where Cleopatra, seeking to reclaim her beauty, once swam in one of the natural pools in this massive Ancient Roman city high atop a pastoral mountain-top dotted by sheep, cattle, chickens, and goats grazing peacefully as their shepherds watch over them. Finally, we came to the massive see JOURNEYS, next page
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“I recommend this to all who seek the truth through a deeper understanding of your individual belief and faith.” - Susan Cooper, on DOCN
The Church’s Educational Ministry Programs this season focus on Music & Liturgy, Basic Discipleship
A Pilgrim’s Reflection on Disciples of Christ Nevada
by Susan Cooper, Grace in the Desert (Las Vegas)
I am neither a Pew Sitter nor a Priest. I have no need to do either. But, I have always wanted to deepen my faith I am reading the bible and am learning some of how it speaks to me, but I am unsure that I receive great self-awareness from it. I go to church for solace and strength to listen to the gospel and be wrapped in the love of God through my relationship with Jesus Christ and knowing most
days that the Holy Spirit infuses my thinking. In business, I always felt that attending seminars and conference were simply an affirmation of what I knew. That has often been my experience but I have recently joined with a community of seekers in a locally presented 10-week course called the Disciples of Christ, Nevada.
Small Congregations Finding Big Voices Workshops made possible by a grant from the Domestic Mission Partnership and offered free of charge, at two locations St Bartholomew’s Church, Ely, May 14th from 9am to 2pm Holy Trinity Church, Fallon, June 4th from 9am to 2pm The Diocese of Nevada will host a series of music ministry workshops this May and June in both Ely and Fallon. These workshops are particularly focused to support the music ministry of small congregations. When asked about these workshops Bishop Dan commented, “This could be our most important training event of the year.” These workshops are for all persons in small congregations, musicians and nonmusicians alike. The small congregation is more often than not challenged with the need to tailor its music ministry to its specific context. Much of the traditional Episcopal hymnody offered in our congregations is music written for congregations in situations very different from our rural Nevada landscapes. Our hymnals have been written with urban and choir congregations in mind, such is not the case for much of our diocese. It is important for all Christians to grasp that wonder of weekly worship can offer empowerment for daily life. With that in mind our workshops will seek to engage all persons from small congregations in understanding:
- How small churches can sing their way into life. - How small church worship can change our lives. - How we can pick music that fits us – not the big church downtown.
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There were nine of us plus the priest who guided us through the curriculum. We formed two discussion groups, one of 5 and one of 4 to examine some of the topic for each evening. • What is God’s call to us? • The Church as Community • The Gift of Love • Adikia – “unrighteousness” – is doing the right thing for the wrong reason • Transformation • How we worship • Bible Study • Prayer
“This could be our most important training event of the year.” - Bishop Dan, on the Music Ministry Workshops Please register at frensdorff.school@gmail.com. And of course persons from any size congregation are welcome to attend. Shreveport, Louisiana, and received a Master of Music degree in Music History from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She is a member of the Association of Anglican Musicians, where she served as chair of the national conference in 2001. She taught for many years in the LPM program in Mississippi, teaching both Hymnody and Resources for Effective Music Ministry, and currently teaches the Philosophy of Church Music and Resources for Effective Music Ministry classes in Virginia.
The Diocese will host workshop trainer Ellen Johnston. Ellen currently serves as Director of the Mississippi Conference on Church Music and Liturgy, a position she has held since 1995. In addition to leading workshops and choir retreats, she serves as Chair of the national board for the Leadership Program for Musicians. In 2007 she left her position as Director of Music for All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Tupelo, Mississippi, where she had served for ten years, having previously served for twelve years as Director of Music at St. Peter’s Bythe-Lake Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi. Ellen holds Bachelor of Arts Degree in Piano from Centenary College in
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Of the workshops Ellen says, “We’ll examine how putting a priority on worship can transform us. We’ll sing hymns, songs and service music—some you know and some that may be new, and we’ll worship together, joining our voices in song to our Creator, Sustainer, and Comforter.” In speaking of Ellen Johnston Bishop Dan offered, “Ellen Johnston is the best in the country when it comes to energizing the music of small churches. Her workshops are fun, uplifting, and inspirational.” These workshops are free and have been made possible by a grant from the Domestic Mission Partnership of the Episcopal Church. Lunch will be served.
Its as simple as “two or three are gathered in his name” and as complex as finding 1 ½ hrs, once a week for 10 weeks. That’s 15 hours. We often spend way more time watching TV, golfing or grocery shopping in that span of time. What counts here are the by-products. A safe environment in which to examine our belief system along with others who have differing points of view, come together to discuss the deepest issues in our life with understanding, trust, and fellowship. I experienced joy, sorrow, discovery, regret, unconditional love and the continuing support of my classmates when the class was completed. I recommend this to all who seek the truth through a deeper understanding of your individual belief and faith. In my church we are hoping to offer this class at several different times in the future and to provide child care for our younger families so that they might have the same experience. Susan Cooper Grace in the Desert
Journeys, from pg DS10 ancient city of Ephesus. Our walk through only a small part of this magnificently restored Greek and Roman city took well over two hours – we could have gone on for several days and still not seen everything. The sophistication, intelligence and power of the Ancient World are nowhere more evident than in this enormous area that once was home to over 250,000 people. The last day of our journey was spent in Istanbul where we visited the Blue Mosque; Hagia Sophia (where From Russia with Love was filmed); Topkapi Palace (where Topkapi was filmed); and, of course, the Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar – with over four thousand shops and many excellent salesmen. Our pilgrims spent the afternoon buying rugs, jewelry, spices, and multiple beautifully colored pashminas. Each day we celebrated both Morning Prayer (on the bus) and a Eucharist Service (frequently among the ruins). We read the letters from Revelation see JOURNEYS, next page
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Art & Spirit Nevada Artist Rev Ann Whitfield Places Third in Fine Art Contest
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Ann writes, “I am Associate Priest at Grace in the Desert Episcopal Church in Las Vegas. I also am doing some teaching through the Frensdorff School. I am a member of Fine Art America, an online International Web Site. Fine Art runs several art contests each month. I won 3rd place in a recent contest for “Scripture Used in a Painting”. I was very excited about this as it is my first placement and I posted it on FB. Bishop Dan saw my post and told me to please share the good news with you.”
as we visited each of the Seven Churches. We celebrated Chip and Susan’s 35th wedding anniversary. We tended to and prayed over various travel-related maladies and one fall. We gave courage and support to several people who simply could not walk another step. We laughed, we chattered nonstop, we prayed together – a strong pilgrim community was formed. In periodic group discussions, everyone had time to reflect on what the day or the journey meant for them. Everyone was moved beyond words by the courage and faith of Paul who endured rejection upon rejection and severe physical punishment, and who, in order to bring Christ to the Gentiles, simply refused to be daunted by the astounding power and sophistication of the Greek and Roman civilizations.
My inspiration for the painting was to make a Christmas card depicting my first Christmas as a resident of Las Vegas. I put in the mountains and then an arch from Red Rock Canyon and of course, the birth of Jesus. I placed Joseph leaning over protectively and lovingly looking at the babe. When I added the inscription I made the border to resemble Joseph’s staff.
Without question, today, Saturday, April 9, as we sit scattered throughout the homeward bound plane on yet another tedious 10 hour flight back to Miami, nodding off and wondering what time it really is, (there is up to a ten-hour time difference between Greece and Turkey and the United States for some of us) we have a far better understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Christ, and what it takes to have the conviction and courage to be an evangelist.
Fine Art American runs many contests each month. When I saw a contest for painting which included Scripture, I submitted this picture, not expecting to place among the winners, but delighted that I did. There were 58 entries in this particular contest. I have other spiritual paintings, but they didn’t contain scripture, so they weren’t eligible.
Perhaps, most importantly, however, as Paul hoped, we see through the “eyes of our heart” - through new eyes - the Power of the Spirit. After following Paul, it is impossible not to believe.
You may also see more of my work at 1-ann-whitfield@fineartwebsites.com.
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you comes to know him, so that with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of this glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the power of his great love. (Eph. 1:17-19)
CALL FOR ARTISTS The mosaic from St Bartholomew’s, Ely, won First Place, Peoples Choice Award in 2010.
ECVA NEVADA FAITH AND VISUAL ARTS PLANS EXHIBIT AT DIOCESAN CONVENTION OCT. 14-15, 2011 - HARRAH’S RENO
The 3rd Annual ECVA Nevada Exhibit will be October 14 from noon to October 15 at 8 PM. The theme for the convention is relationships, “Who is my neighbor?” and the piece of art can reflect this theme but is not limited to “Who is my neighbor”. Artists with various kinds of media are encouraged to participate in this Sacred Art of Nevada Exhibit. The art can be by an individual or group of parishioners! Examples of media that are welcome are photography, paintings, needlework, quilts, woodworking, sculpture, jewelry, recycled materials piece, youth project of pottery or other creation, and these must be exhibit ready. (Quilts or banners must come with hanging rack, for instance). The art work must be original, meet copyright laws and not be a piece that has been previously entered. Transportation of the piece of art can be shipped and/or brought by the parish delegates. Ship to the address below, not the casino. October 1 is a suggested deadline as we need to plan the appropriate space for each art piece so that the art can be displayed to its best advantage. (Sales of these pieces of art will be handled by the individual artist through personal contact. This is not an art sale, but a Sacred Art Exhibit). Two (2) People’s Choice Awards will be given out at the banquet Saturday night. There will be more information sent to each Parish Office, so be looking for additional mailings with application forms. For further information, please contact Meg Tarble, ECVA Nevada Coordinator of Faith and Visual Arts, megtarble@hotmail.com, phone: (775) 827-2516, mailing: 4500 Pisa Drive, Reno, NV 89509
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