A couple of things...
The Rt. Rev. Kirk S. Smith
Bishop of Arizona
No one theme for reflection this week, but two comments on unrelated issues.
1. Some of you may have read media accounts about the departure of many in the Diocese of Pittsburgh from the Episcopal Church. This is the second chapter in what may be a longer tale of portions of Episcopal dioceses "realigning" themselves with provinces in South America or Africa over disagreement with General Convention. It is expected that at least two other dioceses will follow suit with parts of Quincy and Fort Worth joining with Pittsburgh and San Joaquin.
Continued at: http://azdiocese.org/dfc/newsdetail_2/431
Diocesan Convention is coming!
PHOENIX - The above words, "All things Come of Thee O Lord!", are the theme of our Diocesan Convention this month. You will recognize them as the words said at the offertory as we brings our gifts to God. We are going to talk a lot about money: how to get it and how to use it. We will re-ground ourselves in the practices of Christian giving as we explore some ways of making the most of our current resources, many of which will not actually cost your parish anything!
Convention registration
All congregation and visitor registration forms and/or dinner reservation forms should have been completed and returned to Diocesan House by now. If not, return your completed forms and payments to Diocesan House, attention Shantae Carver, as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Carver at 602-254-0976 or shantae@azdiocese.org.
Hotel information
We are celebrating the convention at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel in Phoenix, 2620 W. Dunlap, Phoenix. You may book a room, based on availability, by Friday Oct. 10. Please call 602-943-8200 or copy and paste http://www.starwoodmeetingcom/Book/Episcopaldiocese in your web browser.
Be sure to indicate that you are with The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona to obtain the best available rate.
Reservations for dinner on Friday, Oct. 17
Dinner spaces are filling up fast. If you have not done so, please get your reservation and payment in for the Friday evening dinner. The cost of the dinner is $42 and you have a choice of vegetarian, chicken, or beef entrée. Use the Visitor Registration form for dinner reservations. Visitors and delegates are welcome to attend with spouses or guests. Our guest speaker will be Glenn Holliman, Vice President of Giving Services of the Episcopal Church Foundation.
Pets blessed at annual events
Altar rails get yearly use
Greta Huls
Communications Officer
Altar rails around the Diocese got their yearly workout when pets of all sizes invaded both church grounds and churches themselves for the annual Blessing of the Animals. Horses, cats, ducks, dogs, chickens, birds, snakes, tortoises, and many other animals were among those presented for blessing by their church clergy.
While some churches have a blessing at other times of the year, most choose to celebrate pets and animals on the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Francis on October 4. This year's Blessing was held by most on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Lesser Feasts and Fasts)
Although pandemonium was reported at some churches, most animals and their owners behaved themselves, although some churches reported to have extra cleaning supplies on hand just in case....
Please send photos of your church's Blessing to greta@azdiocese.org.
Stained glass in peril
Greta Huls
Communications Officer
TOMBSTONE - The stained glass windows of St. Paul's, Tombstone are in dire need of restoration. Cost of restoration and protection against accidental damage and/or vandalism is $92,000, well beyond their normal capabilities.
St. Paul's has received $6,400 in cash and pledges of another $1,300. They need to have $37,000 in cash on hand to qualify for a grant for the balance.
Contributions can be mailed either to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1489, Tombstone, AZ 85638, or directly to Tombstone Federal Credit Union, 101 E. Allen St., P.O. Box 305, Tombstone, AZ 85638 clearly marked for deposit to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Window Restoration Account 5092-3.
Built in 1882, St. Paul's is the oldest Protestant church building in the state still standing on its original site and used for its original purpose and the first Episcopal church west of the Mississippi still serving people of all faiths in its original building.
On the Net: http://stpauls.azdiocese.org
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Communication news
Communications Officer
The October 2008 issue of ArizonaLife is now available online. Click here to look at it or to access archived editions of ArizonaLife. Submissions for the December 2008 issue are due by Saturday, Nov. 1.
For more current information please go to News at www.azdiocese.org/news/index.html or Events at www.azdiocese.org/events.
To the best of my knowledge, every single church, mission, and preaching station within the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona now has at least a very basic website. Please go to www.azdiocese.org/map/list.html and check your church's website and the information listed there.
Please send all submissions or communication concerns to Greta Huls, the Diocesan communications officer, at greta@azdiocese.org.
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