Office of the Bishop Alerts - The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California

Dear Friends in Christ: We have been celebrating the realities of Christ rising and ascending, and what it means to be such a community. Now comes the season of Pentecost, Christ's promise fulfilled, and the further unfolding of God's agenda in our lives. Gerard Manley Hopkins says of one of the fruits of the Spirit, Peace, "He comes with work to do...".

The Office of the Bishop will be closed on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 for Staff Development Day. The office will re-open and staff will return on Thursday, May 16, 2013. Almighty God, whose loving hand hath given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor thee with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

After four years with The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, our Director of Communications Keri Lopez is stepping down to spend more time with her ever-growing family. She has returned from maternity leave following the birth of Avery Jane Lopez on February 23, 2013 and is currently working part-time to assist in this transition. Her last day with us will be May 15, 2013.

Dear Friends in Christ: At last Lent has ended. The events of Holy Week will reach their climax, and, “Alleluia” will return to the Church. Of course, it did not go far.

The Office of the Bishop will be closed in observance of Good Friday on Friday, March 29, 2013. Staff will return to the office on Monday, April 1, 2013. To find a congregation near you, please click here.

The Office of the Bishop is excited to announce the locations for the 2013 and 2014 Diocesan Conventions. We will be continuing with the recent pattern of holding a one-day Convention for two years, followed by a three-day Convention with a guest speaker and a banquet in the year we elect General Convention Deputies. We will elect Deputies to General Convention in 2013.

The Rt. Rev. Barry L.

The Diocesan Clergy conference is scheduled for May 20-22, 2013 at the Bishop’s Ranch in Healdsburg, California. All clergy of the diocese who are serving in parochial positions are expected to attend this conference. Other clergy, non-parochial, retired or engaged in some other ministry are of course invited to attend this conference.

 by The Episcopal Church Since 1922, Episcopalians have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East through the Good Friday Offering. Through the work of the Episcopal dioceses in the Middle East, Christians maintain a peacemaking and stabilizing presence in the region, serving their neighbors regardless of faith background. To make a donation to the Good Friday Offering, please write a check payable to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, write...

Daylight Saving Time officially begins at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 10, 2013. Remember to set your clocks AHEAD one hour before going to sleep on Saturday evening so you won't miss a moment of worship and fellowship at your local Episcopal church on Sunday morning! Are you traveling in Northern California this weekend?

      125 Porterfield Creek Dr. Cloverdale, CA 95425 February 5, 2013 The Rt. Rev.

Dear Friends in Christ: Once again, we enter the season of Lent hearing the Church’s invitation to us to make it an intentionally holy time. Basically, that means a consecrated time, time set apart, and dedicated to the work of deepening our relationship with God. There are many ancient spiritual practices associated with this season, to assist us with that work.

The Office of the Bishop will be closed in observance of President's Day on Monday, February 18, 2013. Staff will return to the office on Tuesday, February 19, 2013. From the Book of Common Prayer, page 820: For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace.

Keri Lopez, director of communications for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California has been placed on bed rest in anticipation of the birth of her baby. She will be on maternity leave beginning now until her anticipated date of return on May 1, 2013. For urgent communications needs, please e-mail communications@norcalepiscopal.org.

by Nicole Baxley, Office Manager & News Editor The Office of the Bishop will be closed in observance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.