News from In and Around Our Diocese - The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California

by the Rev. Harry Allagree, Oblate of the Order of Julian of Norwich Ever wonder why doctors’ clients are called “patients??" If you’ve ever sat in a waiting room you catch on pretty quickly that patience is a virtue. We often wait for something extraordinary or significant: a birthday, graduation, wedding, discharge from the military, retirement...

Rebuilding the Church in Haiti is a national, grass-roots effort launched on the 1st anniversary of the magnitude seven earthquake that decimated Haiti in 2010. The appeal was authorized by Executive Council of the Episcopal Church in response to the request from Bishop Jean Zach Duracin and the people of Haiti to help rebuild the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. For volunteer information or questions, contact our diocesan campaign coordinator, the Very Rev.

by Warren Dunning, Epiphany in Vacaville Thanks to Barefoot Winery, Melissa Dunning (the same great chef who catered the Camp Noel Porter Cinco de Mayo celebration and provides those great meals for CNP campers), and a lot of hard working volunteers we raised over $5000 to help support the Vacaville Community Meal program. The event, held at the Buck Mansion in Vacaville featured entertainment by the Sylvan Singers, Tintinabulists, and musicians from Will C. Wood High School, and auctioneering b...

"Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, Archbishop Desmond Tutu Discuss Mission" by the Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs A live webcast featuring an enlightening conversation about mission between Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and Archbishop Desmond Tutu will be available at no fee on Saturday, May 19 at 3:30 pm Eastern (2:30 pm Central, 1:30 pm Mountain, 12:30 pm Pacific, 11:30 am Alaska, 9:30 am Hawaii) on the website of the Episcopal Churc...

"United Thank Offering - Spring Ingathering" by Diocesan UTO Coordinator, Mary Ann Renzi United Thank Offering (UTO) was begun in 1889 by the Episcopal Church to encourage men, women and children to give thanks to God for their daily blessings. The coins that you drop in the Blue “mite” Box, for large and small blessings that have brightened your life and the lives of those around you, quickly become a major source to brighten the lives of others through UTO grants. This year over two million do...

by the Ven. Cookie Clark, Archdeacon Virginia McNeely of Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento and Gary Brown of Emmanuel in Grass Valley graduated from the School for Deacons on May 10, 2012 with a Bachelor of Theological Studies (BTS).  They will be ordained to the diaconate on June 9, 2012 at the Cathedral. See Steve Skiffington (right) of Trinity Cathedral, a 2nd year Student, holding the School Banner.

by Lori Hill, Secretary of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Elk Grove We are pleased to announce St. Mary's 2nd Flea Market!

by David Bundesen The Wings of Glory Gospel Choir, directed by Patrecia Graham from St. John's Episcopal Church, Petaluma, performed before an enthusiastic crowd at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Benicia on May 6, 2012.

by the Rev. James Wirrell and the Rev. Barbara Elizabeth Nixon On Sunday, May 6, the Rev.

by the Rev. Jenni Liem, Vicar of St. Nicholas', Tahoe City and Director of Camp Noel Porter It has turned out to be such a beautiful spring here at Lake Tahoe; the robins were running around this morning and the squirrels have dug up all their winter stores – which makes for lots of fun walking through the woods.

The 2012 Bishop's Conference Presented by the Congregational Vitalization Committee by Thea Mangels, Office Manager & News Editor This year’s Bishop’s Conference, held at Trinity Cathedral on April 27 and 28, brought together nearly 200 people for a time of fellowship, education, training and worship.  Overwhelmingly, attendees of this year's Bishop's Conference said that they would recommend the Bishop's Conference to members of their congregation.  In fact, most said that they th...

by Keri Lopez, Director of Communications For more than thirty years, Holy Family Episcopal Church in Rohnert Park has been an important part of the community. In 2007, its NOAH food pantry was designated a Jubilee Ministry Center of the Episcopal Church. As a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, the members of Holy Family have worshiped, cared for one another, and served the community from their location across the street from Sonoma State University.

by Steve Skiffington, of Trinity Cathedral Sacramento Integrity of Northern California has long been a voice for full inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Transgendered and Bisexual people (LGBT) in the Episcopal Church. We spend a lot of time on education and outreach both within and without the church, but sometimes we just like to kick back and have a good time, and this is one of those times. We are excited to partner with the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center to bring the world famous  San Franc...

for Our Church Supporters by Eileen Thomas,  Executive Director of River City Food Bank At long last, River City Food Bank is able to schedule an Open House for our supporting church partners.  Please join us on Sunday, June 3rd from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.  Come and see our new location and enjoy some light refreshments.  When: Sunday June 3, 2012 Where: 1800 28th Street (Corner of 28th & R Street) Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm Click here for information on how to donate. Click...