A variety of lodging options are available for vestry, youth, young adult, parish, non-profit and individual retreats with single and double occupancy rooms as well as dorms that sleep 15-30. With a dining room that accommodates up to 80, food is hearty, seasonal, and delicious. Episcopal groups receive discounted rates and are given priority bookings.

For more information on rates & availability, e-mail us: emailsdr@monitor.net, call 707.874.3319, or check out the website www.stdorothysrest.org.

by the Rev. Jocelynn Hughes of the Belfry campus ministry

Seven young adults from all over the country are relocating to Davis this Labor Day weekend to spend the coming year serving in a brand new program called LEVN: The Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network, a member of the national Episcopal Service Corps. LEVN volunteers will live together in a duplex near UC Davis, while serving at local non-profits in Sacramento, Davis, and Woodland from September 2012 through July 2013. The volunteers commit to ‘living simply, so that others may simply live.’ LEVN volunteers are between the ages of 21-30 and hold college degrees in a variety of subjects. They come from a many different religious backgrounds, and are all interested in exploring how their faith connects with a life of service. The program provides their housing, utilities, medical insurance, transportation costs, and a small food stipend. In turn, they will be placed with partner non-profit agencies, spending up to 40 hours each week working with the neediest people in our community.

“Many young adults who would otherwise be entering the workforce have been led to discover how they might help make the world a better place,” said the Rev. Jocelynn Hughes, Executive Director of LEVN. “Spending a year in LEVN is an increasingly attractive way for them to try to do that, and to decide if working in the non-profit sector is what they want to do as a career. LEVN will give them excellent hands-on experience while providing spiritual and emotional support for the challenging situations they are likely to face in their placement sites.”

LEVN volunteers will be placed in some of the top non-profit agencies in the region including: Sacramento Steps Forward, Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center, River City Food Bank, Woodland Healthcare, the Yolo Interfaith Immigration Network, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church (Sacramento), St. Martin’s Episcopal Church (Davis), and The Belfry Campus Ministry. This program is made possible by significant grants provided by the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, The Roanridge Trust, and The Nelson Endowment of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

The programs of The Belfry include LEVN and a progressive Christian campus ministry to UC Davis, provided jointly by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Episcopal Church for over 50 years. To learn more about LEVN, please visit: www.levn.org or www.facebook.com/levn.transform. To learn more about The Belfry please visit: thebelfry.org or www.facebook.com/thebelfry.

For more information please contact the Reverend Jocelynn Hughes at 530.756.1550 or by e-mail at: pastor@thebelfry.org.

by Nancy  Streufert

The Christ Episcopal Church campus came alive with the sound of children’s voices during the recent music and arts camp held July 30 through August 10. Christ Church is in its third year of this outreach ministry that offers a two-week, morning summer day camp for children in the community entering the first through sixth grades. The children were divided into three groups and rotated daily through classes taught by professional, experienced children’s music and art teachers in organ and piano, keyboards, drawing and painting, ukulele, and group singing.

On the final day of camp, families and friends were invited to an open house to experience some of the children’s accomplishments, including a showing of their art work, followed by a festive luncheon to celebrate the joy of the children’s creativity. Twenty-nine children from the community participated in the camp, and more than eighty family members and friends attended the open house and luncheon.

Besides generous donations from individual church members, major funding for the camp came from Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA) and Episcopal Community Services (ECS), a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California. ECS provides congregations in the diocese with mission development grants for health and social ministry programs in their local communities.

Pictured above: the staff and students of the music and arts camp.

Support the ministry of the Belfry with this fun-filled event at the beautiful Wildhorse Golf Course.

New golfers are welcome and so are very experienced ones.  The Wildhorse Golf Course in Davis is challenging for the avid golfer, and we will have support for those who are new to the game.  In the end, everyone will have a good experience.  Entering a foursome in our tournament is an excellent way your church or ministry group can support the young adults in our campus ministry while having fun and fellowship.  Those who do not golf, but wish to participate are invited to join us for the festive dinner after the tournament.

What: Golf tournament and dinner
Where: Wildhorse Golf Course in Davis (map)
When: Saturday, September 29th 2012
            1 pm: Shotgun start Golfing
            6 pm: Pastor Don Ranstrom Celebration Dinner
Cost: $125 - Golfing & Dinner
          $35 - Dinner only

This year we dedicate our tournament dinner to celebrating the ministry of retired Belfry Pastor Don Ranstrom.  We are collecting letters and video tributes to show Pastor Don our love and appreciation for him during the dinner program.  You can mail or e-mail these to: pastor@thebelfry.org or The Belfry, 216 A St. Davis, CA 95616. 

To register, for more information, or for sponsorship information, please visit www.thebelfry.org. 

by Neva Ray Fox for the Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs

Eighteen young adults from 13 Episcopal Church dioceses will be serving as missionaries in the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) for the 2012-2013 term in locales throughout the Anglican Communion, including eight new ministries.

This year’s group of missionaries boasts the largest number of YASC volunteers ever.

YASC is a ministry for Episcopal young adults, ages 21 - 30, who are interested in exploring their faith in new ways by living and serving in communities around the Anglican Communion.

The Rev. David Copley, Mission Personnel Officer, noted that while the day-to-day duties of each placement vary, the experiences of the YASCers are life-changing. “YASC brings young adults into the life of the worldwide Anglican Communion and into the daily work of a local community,” he explained.
“YASC offers young adults an opportunity to live out their Baptismal Covenant by seeking and serving Christ in people all around God’s world,” commented Elizabeth Boe, Global Networking Officer.

Each YASCer maintains a blog, detailing their service, reflections and adventures. Boe, a former YASC volunteer who served in Tanzania, reported that blogs provide an ideal means for connecting with others in the Episcopal Church and around the world.

Meet the YASCers

Primarily working in administration, communication, education, and agriculture, the 18 YASC missionaries, their home dioceses, assignments and blog addresses are:
Ryan Abrams, Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina
Serving in the Diocese of Costa Rica, Ryan is the Companion Diocese Officer for the Diocese of Costa Rica and the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Based in San José, Ryan is the first YASC missionary to serve in Costa Rica. fromcoasttocostarica.blogspot.com

Ashley Bingaman, Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
Serving in the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti, Ashley is a music instructor at the Holy Trinity Cathedral music program in Port-au-Prince. Ashley is the first YASC missionary to be placed in Haiti after the January 2010 earthquake. ashleybingaman.blogspot.com

Nina Boe, Episcopal Diocese of Olympia
Serving in the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil, Nina works in the Provincial Secretary’s office in São Paulo. This marks the first time there has been a YASC placement in the Brazilian Provincial Office. ninaboe.blogspot.com

Carrie Díaz-Littauer, Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey
Serving in Switzerland in the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, Carrie is the Office and Project Manager for the World Student Christian Federation based in Geneva. Carrie is the first YASCer to serve in Switzerland. diazlittauer.wordpress.com

Grace Flint, Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky
Serving in Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui, Grace is a mission intern with the Mission for Migrant Workers in Hong Kong. tohongkongwithgrace.blogspot.com

Jared Grant, Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina
Serving in the Diocese of Lesotho in the Anglican Province of Southern Africa, Jared works at St. James Mission Hospital and in the office of the Bishop of Lesotho . This marks the first time there has been a YASC placement in Lesotho. jaredgrantyasc.blogspot.com

Andrew Joyce, Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky
Serving in the Diocese of the Northern Philippines, Andrew works at the Tadian Learning Center and Demonstration Farm. Andrew is the first YASCer to serve in this ministry. andrewwjoyce.wordpress.com

Doug and Jenny Knight, Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas
Serving in Japan, Doug and Jenny are volunteers at the Asian Rural Institute. thatwemayservetogether.blogspot.com

Jenny Korwan, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta
Serving in the Diocese of Kajiado, Kenya, Jenny works with Be the Change-Kenya, based near Nairobi. This marks the first time there has been a YASC placement in this ministry. jennyskenyaadventure.blogspot.com

Benjamin and Elizabeth Locher, Episcopal Dioceses of Virginia and Washington
Serving in the Diocese of Central Tanganyika, Tanzania, Benjamin and Elizabeth work at the Msalato Theological College in Dodoma. Elizabeth teaches theology and Benjamin works in the college’s technology center. www.oneholyname.com

Holly Milburn, Episcopal Dioceses of Lexington and New York
Serving in the Diocese of Cape Town in the Anglican Province of Southern Africa, Holly works in the HOPE Africa office in Cape Town as an administrative assistant. hollyincapetown.blogspot.com

Brian Orlay, Episcopal Diocese of New York
Serving in the Diocese of Central Tanganyika, Tanzania, Brian works for the Carpenter’s Kids program as the program coordinator. brianorlay.wordpress.com

Phillip Shearin, Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut
Serving in the Anglican Church of Mexico, Phillip works as a communications officer for the Province, based in Mexico City. reflectionsonmissionandministryinmexico.wordpress.com

Stephen Smith, Episcopal Diocese of California
Serving in the Diocese of Grahamstown, South Africa, Stephen is an assistant teacher and resource center assistant at the Holy Cross School in Grahamstown. He has been in this role for a year and will continue for the 2012-2013 YASC year. steveyasc.blogspot.com

Cameron Spoor, Diocese of Texas
Serving in the Diocese of Grahamstown, South Africa, Cameron is an assistant teacher and resource center assistant at the Holy Cross School in Grahamstown.
cameron-abroad.blogspot.com

Katie Young, Diocese of Northwest Texas
Serving in the Diocese of Tohoku, Japan, Katie just finished a year of service in Nagoya. She will begin her second YASC year in early October, working for the Let Us Walk Together program in Sendai. Let Us Walk Together is a coordinating body that oversees earthquake/tsunami recovery efforts being carried out by various dioceses in Japan. Katie’s position in Sendai is a new YASC placement. peaceloverice.blogspot.com

Beer & Root Beer Sampling
Food (Traditional Food plus child’s meal)
Silent Auction, Raffle & Door Prizes
Entertainment by Charlie Bamforth the Beer Guy & Live Music

Saturday October 13, 2012
5:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.
Location: Episcopal Church of St. Martin
640 Hawthorn Lane
Davis, CA 95616 (Map)

Adult : $40
Children: $15 (age 3-11)
Family: $100 (Immediate Family Only)
AFTER September 21st
$50 per Person
$20 per Child
$125 per Family

Don't miss the chance to get together with Campers and their Families and enjoy a taste of Munich!

For more information contact: info@campnoelporter.org or 530-583-3014

Every time someone whines about youth not being in Church I feel like dirt, like we who do go to church don’t exist. 

I am 18 and I and 41 other youth in the Spirit Journey Youth Group go to the Episcopal Church. We don’t always go at the same time because we don’t have transport. We also have to pick and choose a Church that will welcome us. We are youth and we are Native Episcopalians. There is a lot of racism in some of these churches.  None of us live on the Reservations. We live in five border towns in N. Arizona. We are from four Native Nations in Arizona and New Mexico.

All of us came to the Church through the Spirit Journey Youth group in the Diocese of Arizona. When we began 12 years ago as a group, we were a lot of trouble. We would go to Church as a group and squirm around a lot. Kaze Gadaway, our youth minister had to tell us when to sit and kneel. A lot of the congregation complained about our being there.

Click here to continue.

Labor Day Weekend 8/31-9/3

by the Revs. Jackie Lynn, Nicole Janelle & Allison Sandlin Liles, EPF-National Executive Committee Members

The EPF Young Adult Initiative had a presence at General Convention.  Now they are offering a Labor Day Weekend retreat for Episcopal young adults aged 18-35, clergy or lay, interested in activism and peace & justice work. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Becca Stevens, Episcopal priest and founder of the Magdalene Project and Thistle Farms. The retreat will provide an opportunity for young adults to reflect on their activism and meet others active in peace and justice work.

You can read more about the retreat on the EPF website and below.

The retreat will be held at the Cenacle Retreat Center in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. The cost is $100. Scholarships are available for those in need. Registration closes on August 16th.

Please consider inviting your young adults to participate in this peacemaking weekend!

More about the Retreat:

Join us Labor Day Weekend 2012 in Chicago for a peacemaking retreat sponsored by the Episcopal Peace Fellowship.

The retreat weekend is led by the Rev. Becca Stevens, executive director of Magdalene & Thistle Farms and Episcopal chaplain at St. Augustine's Chapel, Vanderbilt University.

Participation priority will be given to all pastand current participants of EPF's Young Adult Programs (Young Adult Presence at GC + Urban Pilgrimages), Episcopal Service Corps, Young Adult Service Corps and the Association of Episcopal Deacon's SEVEN program. Participants should be between the ages of 18 and 35.

The retreat will allow participants to deepen in spiritual growth and to reflect on their "journey with justice." The gathering will include time for visioning, conversation in an intimate group setting, prayer and social justice related "field trips" in the Chicago area. The goal is to provide a space in which we can hold one another accountable in living up to our dreams and ideals that are so ample when in a group but so daunting when on our own. We want to strengthen the leadership development that was nurtured in all of these Episcopal programs. (Retreat Schedule)

The participation fee of $100 includes accommodations and meals. The retreat begins Friday evening and ends Monday at noon. Funds are available to support those for whom costs are a barrier to participation. Please inquire as soon as possible if you are in need! The retreat will be held at the Cenacle Retreat Center, located in Chicago's vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood.

The deadline to register is August 16th. Please e-mail your completed downloadable application to epfyaretreat@gmail.com. The $100 registration fee may be submitted online or via snail mail (check subject line: EPF YA Retreat) to Episcopal Peace Fellowship, 637 S. Dearborn St. , Chicago, IL 60605-1839.

Summer Programs at Camp Noel Porter Offer Unforgettable Experiences for Youth

from the Camp Noel Porter Board of Directors

Camp Noel Porter, located in Tahoe City and owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, is busy with activity for most of the summer as lasting memories are created for the youth who participate in the camp’s summer programs.

The youth summer camp experience begins with drop-off. Parents enjoy hospitality in a shaded area of the camp, as campers move into their tents. Once the camp bell rings, camp gets underway with an ice-breaker and then a spaghetti dinner, followed by games, campfire, and the first night away from home. “God is Good?” asks the Rev. Jenni Liem, Executive Director of the camp. A chorus of campers replies “All the time!” “All the time?” the Rev. Jenni asks. Campers respond “God is good!” This is the Camp Noel Porter method of calling campers to attention.

The Camp Noel Porter summer program has its roots in years of history and its traditions are passed down by a strong following of alumni who work hard at camp events to share the special traditions of the camp, such as the Monday night game of “Capture the Flag” that goes back at least 30 years. Camp Chef Melissa Dunning recalls her own experience as a camper. “It was something you looked forward to on Monday night.”

“Beanie Weenie Day,” another camper favorite, is a picnic at the beach during which campers enjoy grilled hot dogs and beans. Camper, counselor, staff alum, and Board of Directors member Kati Braak recalls “Beanie Weenie Day was great fun, we got to eat at the beach in our bathing suits and who doesn’t love weenies and beans?”

Services in the outdoor chapel, a registered historic landmark built in 1908, are also part of the camp’s deeply rooted religious program in which priests visiting from around the diocese develop programs and services for campers. The Rev. Liem notes that “the programs at Camp Noel Porter offer a chance for youth to experience and grow their faith on their own terms, among their peers, in a way that will be with them for the rest of their lives.”

Secret friends are drawn at the first day of camp, with cards and treats shared anonymously throughout the week before identities are revealed on the last day of camp. Camp songs, sung around the campfire each evening, have been perfected over the years and passed down to the next generations. Campfire is also a time for skits performed by tents or by counselors and staff. Each day campers enjoy an hour of “FOB" time when they are “flat on bunk.”

Staff member Shelby Larkey has her own history with the camp. Not only is she a camper, counselor, and staff alum, but she is the great-grand-daughter of the camp’s namesake, Bishop Noel Porter. “I feel very connected to this ministry, and it’s a very important part of who I am. I see my great-grandfather’s photo on the wall and feel his connection to the camp.”

More recently developed camp activities include the Crazy Olympics, at which campers, counselors, and staff dress in costume according to a theme, and perform a series of tasks (pictured above). Dinner entertainment is comprised of campers singing or performing for mail sent by friends and family, and by those who have left items in Lost and Found, who must also perform to recover their lost items. A competition among the tents to create the catchiest grace before meals has grown in popularity, with grace sung in the format of old camp songs, raps, and pop music. Those campers in the tent performing the grace voted best in camp by the staff earn a reprieve from chores.

The point of the strong fellowship at Camp Noel Porter is that campers grow in faith among their peers, while creating lifelong friendships. Counselors and staff bring their own memories of camp to enrich the experience of newer campers.

“The history and love of this ministry is humbling,” notes the Rev. Jenni Liem, the camp’s Executive Director. Board of Directors President John Dedo, a camper, counselor, and staff alum, agrees. “Our support network is comprised of people with such an attachment to their experiences here that the love for the camp and its programs is contagious.”

Parent drop-off hospitality is a time for parents to share their own experiences as campers with other parents, often running into people with whom they attended camp as youth. “I’m very happy to be passing on this experience to my daughter Stephanie,” notes former Board of Directors President and parent Mark Pinski, who attended camp with Dedo and enjoys re-connecting with Dedo and other alumni at parent drop-off and at other Camp Noel Porter events.

Friends, families, supporters, and alums can continue the Camp Noel Porter experience throughout the year with an extended program of upcoming special diocese-wide retreats that include a Labor Day Work Weekend and Family Camp, a youth winter camp, and workshop retreats for praise musicians, fathers, crafters, couples, and more. These events will be promoted on the Camp Noel Porter website and through the camp’s extensive network. Anyone interested in attending these upcoming retreats, or in next year’s summer programs, may contact the Rev. Jenni Liem, who adds “the ministry at our own Camp Noel Porter continues to grow through the seasons.”

ABOUT CAMP NOEL PORTER:

Camp Noel Porter, also known as Noel Porter Camp and Retreat Center, is located in Tahoe City, California. The camp is a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California that follows the diocesan mission to nurture the spiritual growth of all God’s people, by providing a summer youth camp program and seasonal retreat facilities.

T

What: Children's Clothing Exchange and Health Fair
Sponsored by St. Brigid's Episcopal Church
When: Saturday August 25, 2012 at 10 am
Where: D.H. White School Multi-Purpose Room - Rio Vista (map)

To donate clothing now, phone 707.374.2667.

The All Saint's Relay for Life Team made a strong showing at the 2012 event on June 9th, in Redding, California.

The Shasta College Track was the site for this year's big event. Over 2000 people from the community were there to celebrate, remember, & fight back against cancer. All Saints raised over $1000 and all church members played a special role in this year's relay. Using the tagline: "Its Not Just for Kids Anymore," the All Saints team featured members of their congregation walking, building ceremonial luminaria bags, and worshiping, all in the name of winning against cancer.

The traditional "shoe offering" was done on special Sundays during the spring to raise money for the team. A Cancer Awareness Sunday was held on June 3rd, in which special emphasis and prayer was included for those dealing with cancer.

CrossRoads youth members participating included Bella Cavalleri (who raised over $250 alone!), Grace Clements, Colin Clements, Kenyon Riiley & Howard Evans. This group took the night shift and completed numerous laps while alternating with their teammates. Other activities included visiting the various team tents to learn about cancer issues & playing games like hulla hoop contests and lazer tag.

A Special Eucharist, led by Father Jeff Frost,was held on sight at the relay event this year as well. A special thanks to Father Jeff for taking the 5pm Saturday service "on the road" for this occasion!

Sustainable economy, food and labor justice, eco-theology, and our spiritual and physical ties to the life that surrounds us.

Got your interest? Then apply for the Eco-Justice Immersion Experience.

Twenty young adults (between the ages of 18 and 30) will be selected for this opportunity to spend six days interfacing with leaders from both the faith and non-profit worlds, hiking in some of this nation’s most beautiful country, and putting their hands and heads to work advocating for eco-justice.

Go to www.formstack.com/forms/DFMS-ELIYA for more information and to apply today! Applications are due Friday, June 20.

Continue reading...

Caution, you’re entering the Bug Zone!

Just as God changes a fuzzy little caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly, so does He transform people in even bigger ways. This is the theme of St. Augustine Episcopal Church Rocklin’s Vacation Bible School, which will be held from 9AM-12 noon June 25-29.

All children, ages 3-8, are welcome. There will be games, crafts, snacks, singing, and dancing. Children will discover bug facts using puppets and skits while they learn through Bible stories of God’s wonderful love.
Send your children—they’ll really enjoy it!

St. Augustine Episcopal Church is located at 1800 Wildcat Blvd. in Rocklin on the campus of the Maria Montessori Charter School. There is a $20 fee which covers all five days. Scholarships are available.

Vacation Bible School
June 25-29 -- 9AM-12 noon
$20 for all 5 days
At St. Augustine's - 1800 Wildcat Blvd. in Rocklin (map)

For further information, call 916.435.9552, or visit our website at www.staugustineepiscopal.com.

Registration forms are on the website.

by the Rev Jenni Liem, Executive Director of Camp Noel Porter

Camp Noel Porter, located in Tahoe City and owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, hosted its annual Alumni Reunion and Work Weekend over the Memorial Day holiday. More than 50 people (the largest group in years), came to clean, set up tents and cots, clear brush, and make general repairs to get the camp facilities ready for the 2012 summer camp season. However difficult the work, the group maintained the Camp Noel Porter spirit of good humor, shared meals, praise and worship. On Saturday, more than a dozen children learned a new song which they performed for the group that night kicking off a time of praise music accompanied with acoustic guitars. Ping pong tables that were set up for the season were put to good use by the group between work tasks. Camp Noel Porter Board of Directors President John Dedo commented “this feels more like a Family Camp than a work weekend, there is so much joy. People love being here at our own Camp Noel Porter.”

Margaret Dunning celebrated her birthday at Camp Noel Porter over the weekend with her husband Warren, their children, and grand-children that all came to the camp to support her and to help Melissa Dunning, the camp chef, in the kitchen. St. John’s Roseville parishioner David van Greuningen also celebrated his birthday up at camp on Sunday. The Reverend Jenni Liem, Vicar of St. Nicholas', Tahoe City and Camp Director was overcome by the joyful spirit and hard work that occurred. She addressed the group after they sang the camp’s theme song, “Pass It On”, with enthusiasm that filled the place. “I am overwhelmed and humbled by the love and generosity that has been expressed through the gifts of your time and your fellowship this weekend. The Holy Spirit is here, moving with us as we serve in this mission.”

Families came from Merced, the Bay Area, Gridley, Napa and Sacramento. Old relationships were strengthened, and new connections were made. Kati Braak, Cynthia Soares, John Dedo, Dave Morrow, Kerry Kaempf, and Anne Estrada, who were campers, counselors and staff together more than 30 years ago, came with their families, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time together. Roseanne Long, Brenda Peterson, and Pam Stevens, parents and step-parents of current campers, enjoyed their first Camp Noel Porter experience. Brenda Peterson commented “I have never had an experience like this. Now I know why the kids never want to leave Camp Noel Porter.” The work, at times physical and grueling, coupled with weather that was not always cooperative, didn’t dampen spirits. There were no complaints. Craig Collum, a St. John’s Roseville parishioner who came for the day with his wife and two daughters, spent hours clearing brush in light flurries of snow and rain wearing only shorts. Craig noted that the cheerful attitude and good fellowship set the tone for the day. “It feels good to make a difference.” Jason Soares, who also spent most of Saturday clearing brush and continued with manual labor for most of the weekend, noted “the group is so positive that it doesn’t feel like work. I’m really enjoying myself.”

Meals prepared by chef Melissa Dunning and her family, with help from former Board of Directors President Mark Pinski, were a popular amenity. Mariln Jahr, while waiting in line for dinner on Saturday night, noted “Now I know why the kids always talk about how good the food is. Everything has been delicious!”

The guests included a special alumnus, Steve Robertson, who was a camper and counselor in 1953. “I’m 73 years old, and Camp Noel Porter remains a very special place to me. I’m happy to help serve and share this experience with the next generations. I’m hoping to be back over Labor Day Weekend with another alum from my era.”

Monica Romano, Youth and Young Adult Ministries Coordinator for the Office of the Bishop, was surprised at what the large group was able to accomplish. “We removed and replaced an industrial refrigerator, split logs, cleared trails, set up tents, organized, and cleaned. I was overwhelmed by the generosity I observed this weekend. People gave of themselves out of love. It brought me to tears.”

On Sunday, the group donned red and filled the chapel of St. Nicholas for Pentecost, while the kids knelt and cuddled with a parishioner’s three bulldogs. Dave Morrow, an alum and Board of Directors Member noted “our own Camp Noel Porter is a treasure in this Diocese.” First grader Luke Soares stated emphatically “I love it here. I feel God here.”

Anyone who would like to share in a similar experience is invited to spend Labor Day Weekend at Camp Noel Porter. Anyone interested in receiving an invitation for the Labor Day work weekend should send an e-mail to Camp Noel Porter’s e-mail address, info@campnoelporter.org. Roseanne Long noted “My family and I will be back for Labor Day. Camp Noel Porter is a mission that builds faith in our community, and it makes me proud to serve here.”

There is still space available for this summer youth camping season. Please visit our website campnoelporter.org or call (530) 583-3014 to sign up while there is still time!

ABOUT CAMP NOEL PORTER:

Camp Noel Porter, also known as Noel Porter Camp and Retreat Center, is located in Tahoe City, California. The camp is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California that takes off from the diocesan mission to nurture the spiritual growth of all God’s people by providing a summer youth camp program and seasonal retreat facilities.

We all met at the Kremlin, and then we walked together through the bamboo shoots, down the stairs, across the swinging bridge and up to the cross. Then we hiked past St. Christopher's and back across the swinging bridge. But we used the ladder instead of the stairs to get back up the cliff and we came out on the other side of Little Lambeth, NOT the bamboo shoots. Then we did the "happy people" dance in Canteen. At supper my cabin had KP with Carpenter, so we got to be in charge of the trapezoid fish parade. It was my job to bang the trash can lids together.

The summer after second grade my parents sent me and my best friend off to Nauvoo, Alabama to Camp McDowell, the diocesan camp for the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. I left for camp talking about Beverly Cleary books, dance class and my dream to become an astronaut/paleontologist. I came home from camp talking about trapezoid fish parades, hiking to a place called "The Secret Canyon" and my vocational longing to be in charge of arts and crafts. Surely I could make a lot of money teaching people how to weave key chains out of flattened, plastic string, right?

My family eventually learned to decode my camp speak, and I learned to have patience with people who didn't share my love for all things Camp McDowell. Well, a little patience. It was a stretch for my brain to understand why on Earth someone would not want to speak "Camp" as a second language.

As a young camper I thought it was a language that expressed the joys and wonder of hiking and canoeing and bonfires and skits and field games and sing-a-longs and Eucharist under the stars. But now, 25 years after my first summer as a camper, I realize that those of us who speak "Camp" (whether it's the vernacular of Camp McDowell or Camp Noel Porter) are communicating more than activities. We're sharing our belief that what's worth doing in life, is best done in community. And when that community is rooted in Christ, the bonfire burns a little brighter, the songs are sung a little louder, canoeing upstream feels a little easier, frozen fish in trapezoidal shapes become worthy of celebration, and the friendships made run deeper and last for life.

Click here to download a bulletin insert about Camp Noel Porter.

Camp Noel Porter is gearing up for another amazing season of summer camping in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and is looking forward to hosting your children and teenagers!

The theme for this summer is "Faith in Action,"taken from the second chapter of the Book of James: You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove. (James 2:18, "The Message")

For the past two summers Camp Noel Porter has built its programming around the mission statement for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California: Making Disciples, Raising Up Saints, & Transforming Communities for Christ. The summer of 2010 focused on the works of saints, and last summer explored the works of the Spirit. This year campers will examine the challenges of putting faith into action and ask, "What work does our God ask of us in this sometimes scary world?"

Registration packets are available at your local Episcopal congregation. You can also register online at www.campnoelporter.org. Please call the camp office at 530.583.3014 with questions or for information about scholarship availability.

Click here to download a bulletin insert about Camp Noel Porter.

Camp Noel Porter, located in Tahoe City and owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, hosted a Cinco de Mayo festival for friends and families at Trinity Cathedral on Saturday evening, May 5th. Cinco de Mayo, the American celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, was the theme of an event to raise awareness and support in the diocese for the mission served by Camp Noel Porter summer camps and retreats.

Remarks made by Camp Noel Porter’s Executive Director, the Reverend Jenni Liem, were focused on the pride of ownership supporters have for the camp, noting that “this is our own Camp Noel Porter. It belongs to us, as part of the mission of this diocese. It has a special place in our hearts. And we have a responsibility with that ownership to pass it on. We have a specific focus at this point on the retreat facilities, which are in need of some repairs so that we can host more year-round retreats.” Before leading the group in a blessing, she added “Camp Noel Porter gives. And we are so thankful that you are here, giving back. “

John Dedo, President of the Camp Noel Porter Board of Directors, thanked participants in the event for their active involvement. Some in attendance were former campers and counselors; some were parents of campers and counselors; some are parish members who have become familiar with the mission and have become supporters. In fact, the popular silent auction and raffle at the event indicated the level of support for the Camp Noel Porter mission throughout the diocese.  The goal was to raise $5,000 for Camp Noel Porter, and the event raised over $7,000. 

Some of the higher-priced items sold at the silent auction were appetizers for six at the home of the Right Reverend Barry L. Beisner, and a gourmet meal prepared by the Reverend Canon Britt Olson. “It means so much to us to have this level of support, because the camp is connected to the diocese, and its mission is an extension of that of the diocese,” commented Camp Noel Porter Board member Janice Freeberg, who led the silent auction effort.

Diocesan support for the mission of Camp Noel Porter extends also to congregational leadership and to families within churches. “Our kids love Camp Noel Porter, and will be attending summer camp again this year,” noted Denise Pyburn, who was at the event with her daughter Desiree and several other families from her parish, St. John’s, Roseville.

John Dedo noted that “We are so blessed to have a strong Board of Directors and a strong support network, and that is a credit to the great work that the camp has done over the years. These are people with life-long connections to their parishes, to the diocese, and to the Episcopal Church, all because of their experiences at Camp Noel Porter.”

Camp Noel Porter supporters, always an energetic and spirited group, were entertained by live music played by an accordionist that inspired in a conga line around the tables. There were piñatas for two age groups of camper-age kids, and an all-you-can-eat taco bar. A “souvenir stand” featured items to help attendees participate in the event theme with everything from sombreros to mustaches. Sara Freeberg, 19, who has attended Camp Noel Porter summer camp and worked as a counselor, summed up the event well. “This is great. It feels like Camp Noel Porter here tonight.”

Click here to view photos from the celebration.

ABOUT CAMP NOEL PORTER:

Camp Noel Porter, also known as Noel Porter Camp and Retreat Center, is located in Tahoe City, California. The camp is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California that takes its mission from the diocesan mission to nurture the spiritual growth of all God’s people by providing a summer youth camp program and seasonal retreat facilities. 

 A Vocational Discernment Conference for Young Adults of Color

 by the Office of Public Affairs for the Episcopal Church

Young adults of color are invited to examine their gifts and explore opportunities at a June weekend Episcopal Church retreat, Why Serve 2012: Discerning God’s Call.

Why Serve 2012 will be held Wednesday, June 6 to Sunday, June 10 hosted by Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA.  The conference is geared for young adults of color, ages 18-30, from throughout the Episcopal Church. It is sponsored by Virginia Theological Seminary, and the Episcopal Church Center offices of Asian American Ministries, Black Ministries, Latino/Hispanic Ministries, Native American Ministries, and Young Adult Ministries.

According to Jason Sierra, Episcopal Church Young Adult Ministries Officer, “Whether you are feeling called to be a priest, a vestry member, a nurse, a father, or a cook; whether you’re in school, working, or just in-between; whether you’re a regular church-goer, a used-to goer, or a seeker, we hope you’ll join us for this transformative experience.”

Among the topics to be explored are The New Community, Identity, and Advocacy.

Cost is $65 which includes meals, lodging, conference fees; fee does not include travel.

Registration deadline is May 15.

June 6 - June 10 at Virginia Theological Seminary.  

Click here for information and registration. Or contact: Angie Cabanban by e-mail to  acabanban@episcopalchurch.org or phone 212.716.6186.

The Rev. Olga Barrera, Principal of Holy Spirit School in Tela, Honduras, reported that Holy Spirit recently held their own youth camp from March 28-30, 2012. This event was a dream come true for Rev. Barrera, who envisioned setting up a youth camp for the school after visiting Camp Noel Porter (CNP) a few years ago.

Her visit to CNP led to a mission trip comprised of 12 youth and adults from our diocese in June 2010, in which our mission team worked side-by-side with companions from the Diocese of Honduras to develop their own youth camp based on the program at CNP. 

Last summer, a teacher and a student from Honduras visited CNP again to experience a full week of camp in preparation for leading Camp Holy Spirit this spring. The Rev. Barrera extends deep gratitude on behalf of the students and teachers at Holy Spirit School to the many individuals, congregations and organizations in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California who have so graciously and generously supported the development of their youth camp project. They look forward to making Camp Holy Spirit an annual event in Tela and to pursuing a continued partnership in this endeavor, perhaps leading to a youth and counselor exchange program between Camp Noel Porter and Camp Holy Spirit.

The Episcopal Church of St. Martin in Davis is looking for an energetic, outgoing, and organized person to support the day-to-day operation of their Christian Formation Ministry. The successful administrator will provide clerical, organizational, and communications support to help St. Martin's staff and volunteers; guide their children and youth to grow in faith and love; and prepare them to be adult members of the faith community. Familiarity with Episcopal tradition and liturgy is desirable, but not as important as the ability to bring love, faith, and energy to this important ministry.

The time commitment is 15 hours per week. Participation in Sunday worship is desirable, but not part of the regular duties.

Click here for a full job description.

The successful administrator will participate in and enrich the St. Martin's faith community by strengthening ties between all members of the parish to enhance not only our Christian Formation Ministry, but also the growth in faith and love of all, young and old alike. Please consider this and briefly (up to 500 words) describe how you would fulfill these goals.

To apply, please send your resume of training, experience and abilities with your brief description to ymart@churchofstmartin.org. The successful candidate should expect to start in February 2012.

T

Click here or on the image at right to view the first issue!

Interested in receiving this e-news in your inbox each month?
Simply click here or send your name in full, congregation name and email address to communications@norcalepiscopal.org. Please note if you use the link to sign up and you are already receiving any of our diocesan e-newsletters, simply enter your email address, and directions to modify the newsletters you are receiving will be sent to you.

T

Click here to download a flier.

Our Sacramento Weekend of Service Projects run from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, making them ideal for youth groups who are seeking to fulfill their passion for service-based ministry during the school year. We partner with various local organizations to provide much needed renovations in and around the Historic Oak Park neighborhood of Sacramento. These projects include the many repair skills SSP is highly experienced in, including carpentry, flooring, wall repair, and painting.

This project is very affordable at only $95 per participant, which includes all lodging, meals, materials, and a t-shirt. Dates for our Sacramento projects are January 13-15, January 27-29, February 10-12, and February 17-19. More information can be found at our website, sierraserviceproject.org. Also, feel free to contact the SSP office: (916) 488-6441, or e-mail director@sierraserviceproject.org.

CrossRoads, the All Saints', Redding Episcopal Youth Group, has taken on the upkeep and beautification of a section of the grounds at their church. Aptly named, "CrossRoads Corner," the area faces a busy intersection across from Redding's popular Caldwell Park. The sloping, bark-covered corner contains several redwood trees, the church sign, and some natural landscape features. Thousands of people pass this highly visible spot every day by car, bike and on foot.

Youth leaders Matt and Carrie Kibler came up with the idea of adopting the corner and the kids ran with it. Literally, they were running around, pushing wheelbarrow loads full of bark and trekking back and forth from the water faucet to the newly-planted maiden grass with watering cans in tow. Some of the initial work was done on a particularly hot day after church in September. "They worked hard out in the Redding heat," said Matt. "But they were treated with a trip to the frozen yogurt shop for their efforts. More importantly, we all learned the value of serving God."

"The kids weren't as excited about it at first, when they were just pulling weeds, but they really started getting into it once we started making progress," he said. "Drivers honked their horns and pedestrians from the nearby neighborhood offered their encouragement as the kids worked. It was really motivating and rewarding. We even heard excited CrossRoaders shout, 'Honk if you love Jesus,' in reaction to onlooking motorists' curious stares."

The crowning touch to the CrossRoads Corner came on Sunday, October 23, when about a dozen kids and youth leaders constructed a 5x5 foot "Rock Garden" depicting the shield of the Episcopal Church.

Sixth grader Kenyon Riley said, "I enjoyed hauling the mulch that was used around the plants and the cross. I felt the finished project was real[ly] cool. It was nice and rewarding to see something we were working on done and completed."

Youth filled in the four quadrants of the design with white and blue colored landscaping stones - blue, to represent the humanity of Christ, received from the virgin Mary, and white, to represent the purity of the Christian faith. The St George's Cross in the center of the shield was adorned with red lava rocks to symbolize the sacrifice of Christ and Christian martyrs.

Carrie remarked, "I was very happy to see all of the pieces come together so quickly, but I was particularly thankful for the extra efforts of the Clements family, as well as the anonymous donation that helped to bring this special youth project to life."

Howard Evans, first year CrossRoads member, summed the day up well as he reflected on the finished project. "The people (driving by) were probably thinking, 'There is a special thing going on.'"

Camp Noel Porter's First Annual Oktoberfest is this Saturday, October 15! Come one, come all to this event, which offers beer and root beer sampling, food (traditional plus child's meal) and a silent auction!

When:
Saturday, October 15
5pm - 9pm

Where:
St. John's Episcopal Church, Roseville

Cost:
$30 for adults
$15 for children ages 3-11
$85 for family (immediate family only)

Tickets can be purchased at the event or online by clicking here.

For information, contact info@campnoelporter.org or (530) 583-3014.

For over 15 years, the Institute for Youth Ministry (IYM) at Princeton Theological Seminary has offered specialized training in youth ministry for church leaders with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Offering a combination of theological training as well as practical tools, the IYM unites Christian scholars with experienced professionals to meet the needs of and encourage those ministering to young people. The IYM offers forums in cities across the country, and we are excited to share that the 2012 forum series will kick off in California January 23-26, 2012! Under the theme CREATE!, forum participants will "explore the creative potential of young people as builders of the Kingdom of God."

Click here for full details of this wonderful event on the Princeton Theological Seminary's website.

Interested in attending but don’t want to pay full price?  Please contact Monica Romano in the Office of the Bishop to receive the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California's coupon code for this event prior to registering: monica@norcalepiscopal.org, or (916) 442-6918 ext. 221.

Celebrate the new school year with the Episcopal Campus Ministry at UCSB! All students, faculty and staff, along with their friends and families are invited to attend the Campus Ministry’s Discovery Days activities, which include:

Sunday 9/18:  10 am Eucharist followed by a reception for new students and their families

Monday 9/19:  6:30 pm Bilingual Community Yoga class in the chapel ($3)

Tuesday 9/20:  4 pm Queer Bible Study at the Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (on campus); 6:30 pm Tai Chi class in the chapel ($3)

Wednesday 9/21:  6 pm Community BBQ on chapel lawn (free); 7:30 pm Flow Yoga class in the chapel ($3)

St. Michael’s University Church, home of the Episcopal Campus Ministry, is a place you can connect with others, ask questions in a safe and affirming environment, find a space for prayer, meditation and communal worship, grow in leadership and spiritual maturity, plant your own garden and gather for a weekly community meal. Check our website calendar for regularly scheduled gatherings during the school year if you’re unable to be with us during these kick-off events. We look forward to welcoming you to the community!

For more information contact the Rev. Nicole Janelle, Episcopal chaplain: revjanelle@gmail.com. Also, visit our website and program calendar: www.saintmikesucsb.org.

Singing “Echoes of Kindness” by Ruth Schram, 11 children from Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Windsor came together to learn three challenging pieces of music and share a luncheon concert with parents and friends. The occasion was Holy Family Episcopal Church’s first annual Angel Choir Music Day Camp, August 8-12. Under the direction of Music Director Benjamin DeShazo-Couchot, children explored musical instruments, played musical chairs to Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” drew pictures inspired by music, enjoyed visiting guest artists and made new friends.

The Angel Choir experience will continue every Friday afternoon, starting September 9. As an affiliate of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM), the Angel Choir provides first-rate musical training for children grades 2-6. The RSCM's "Voice for Life" program serves as the backbone of the academic year, and the children engage in regular performance and music theory studies.

For more information about the Angel Choir program, a division of the Holistic Arts and Learning Organization at Holy Family Episcopal Church, please contact Music Director, Benjamin DeShazo-Couchot: ben.holyfamily@sbcglobal.net, or (707) 623-4277. You may also contact the Rev. Dr. Gail Cafferata: gail.holyfamily@sbcglobal.net, or call (707) 795-7500. Holy Family Episcopal Church is conveniently located at 1500 E. Cotati Avenue in Rohnert Park.

To learn more about Holy Family, Rohnert park, visit www.holyfamilyepiscopalrp.org.

To learn more about the Royal School if Church Music, visit www.rscmamerica.org.

St. George’s Episcopal Church, Carmichael is pleased to share news of this year’s Gregory Kenneth Sherrill Memorial Fund Scholarship recipients. First place winner Conner Reed Quinn receiver $4,000 and runner-up Julieta Sandoval won $2,000 in the recent scholarship competition, which required graduating senior applicants to submit an essay, high school transcript and application. In addition, the top 10 candidates as chosen through the screening process were then interviewed to select the final two winners.

Conner graduated from Bella Vista High School and will be attending the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in Business Administration. Julieta will attend UCLA with a major in Business Management.

The Gregory Kenneth Sherrill Memorial Fund Scholarship was set up by the family of Gregory Sherrill, who was born on May 31, 1956 and died November 14, 1975 of a malignant tumor of the brain. He graduated from La Sierra High School in 1974, where he was a good student, an athlete and part of a school song and dance group. He was active at St. George’s Episcopal Church, where he served as an acolyte. Currently the amount of the scholarship is $4,000 to be awarded to an individual who fully intends to matriculate at a college in the calendar year in which the scholarship is awarded. A $2,000 scholarship is awarded to the runner-up.

Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 21 and either a High School Graduate from San Juan School District or a graduating senior from that District. The applicant must have an overall Grade Point Average of 3.0 within the last 2 years. (From left to right above: Julieta Sandoval, $2,000 Scholarship prize winner; Rene Cress, committee member; James Cress, committee member; Conner Reed Quinn, $4,000 Scholarship prize winner; John Karsten, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee at St. George’s.)

Additional scholarship information: The applicant must be a United States Citizen and a resident of the State of California. All application materials and interviews are conducted by the St. George’s Scholarship Committee.