But why should the work and learning be confined to convention? This year all members of the diocese re invited to participate in the work of convention before we gather in two different ways — through education and outreach.

As part of the outreach of convention all are invited to “put a can on ‘the can’ and pay a dime when you flush.” All of us have clean drinking water. Even to flush our toilets the water is clean. Many places in the world don’t have clean water at all, and people die every day due to illnesses which are totally preventable with clean water.

As a way of raising awareness of this issue, offering thanks to God for our clean water, and raising money for a specific water project every member of the diocese is asked to “put a can on the can and drop a dime when you flush” from Pentecost until Convention. If every congregation will bring their members’ offerings to the convention Eucharist, this “can offering” will be added to the convention offering to make a substantial gift toward a clean water project.

As part of the education of convention all are encouraged to read Troubled Waters: Religion, Ethics and the Global Water Crisis, by Seattle University professor Gary Chamberlin. There will be times of small group discussion about the book during convention, and all the congregations are encouraged to have book discussion groups before convention. You are urged to purchase this book from your local bookseller. The publisher is Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. ISBN 0742552454; published in 2007.

This year’s convention is hosted by the Clearwater Deanery in Lewiston at the Red Lion Hotel.

The Anaheim Convention Center, the location of the 2009 General Convention

Amid the normal summer rhythm of Anaheim, CA, more than 8,000 Episcopalians from all over the United States and beyond will descend on the city’s Convention Center to deliberate and discern the future of the Episcopal Church.

This triennial gathering, known as the General Convention, is the highest governing body of the Episcopal Church. Consisting of deputies ( four clergy and four lay persons elected from each diocese) and bishops, General Convention will meet for 10 days. The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will also gather in Ahaheim for their Triennial meeting.

The topics at General Convention vary from approving the budget to considering revisions of the Church’s disciplinary canons, to considering a variety of resolutions that shape the church’s mission and ministry.

Throughout the Convention, deputies from the Diocese of Spokane will provide daily reflections on their experiences so that members of the diocese can get a sense of the convention from a local perspective. Reflections will be posted on a special section on our Diocesan Blog, www.spokanediocese.net.

Earlier in the summer, Spokane’s deputies held a first ever Diocesan Webcast. Deputies gathered at Paulsen House on June 2 and reported on General Convention topics that are most likely to have significant impact on the life of the diocese. Those who logged on to the webcast could submit questions and get a ‘real time’ view of what was happening at Paulsen House.

In the Diocese

Diocesan Convention Theme Set

“Living Water for Thirsty People” is the theme of this year’s Diocesan Convention, Oct. 16-18 in Lewiston, ID. Much of the convention focus will be on caring for God’s creation and specifically about the gift of water.  Churches in the diocese are encouraged to prepare for the convention by reading  the book “Troubled Waters,”  watching a video or discovering other information on our care for creation.  See the resource suggestion below for suggestions.

Anti-Racism Training at Camp Cross

A 15-hour anti-racism training event is scheduled Sept. 11-13 at Camp Cross.  The family-friendly program begins with supper on Friday, but participants may arrive earlier in the afternoon.  There is no charge for the training, but room and board for camp is  $90 for adults and $50 for children through age 12.  Scholarship assistance is available.  For information contact  Darcy James at djames@camasnet.com or (208) 983-9334.  Registration forms are available at the diocesan office or by visiting www.spokanediocese.org.

Beyond the Diocese

Radical Apostle of Jesus

“The ‘First’ Paul: Radical Apostle of Jesus” is the theme of an event with Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan June 15-18 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, OR. The seminar will include lecture, discussion between the partners, question and response and small group interaction.  For more information and a schedule, please visit www.center-for-spiritualdevelopment.com.   Registration deadline is June 10.

CALL Summer Courses

The CALL program at Church Divinity School of the Pacific, the Episcopal Seminary in Berkeley, will offer several online courses. Among them are  “Creating Opportunity from Transition,” “Digging up Damascus Road: Reading Paul,” and “Relationship as Sacred Path.  To learn more or to register, visit www.cdsp.edu/call.

Resources

‘Troubled Waters’

“Troubled Waters: Religion, Ethics, and the Global Water Crisis,” by Gary Chamberlin, is recommended reading for this year’s Diocesan Convention, Oct. 16-18 in Lewiston. Chamberlin is professor of Christian  ethics at Seattle University.  Congregations are encouraged to start book discussion groups and there will an opportunity to discuss the book at the convention.  Publisher is Roman & Littlefield.  The convention theme this year is “Living Water for Thirsty People.”

‘Flow’

Another resource to prepare for this year’s diocesan convention is the film “Flow,” which can be borrowed from the Faith and Environment Network.  The film is about 80 minutes long and available on DVD.  Contact Evita Krislock evita@krislock.com. It will also  be shown at St. John’s Cathedral the evening of Sept. 9 at an event sponsored by Cathedral youth.

Video from Faith and Environment Network

Felicia Reilly from the Faith and Environment Network has video resources available that could help you prepare for Diocesan Convention.  One is “Water: Sacred and Profaned,”  a 27-minute DVD that is a compilation of  reflections.  Washington poet David Whyte is among the contributors.  Also available is  “Irreplaceable – Wildlife in a Warming World,” an 11-minute documentary plus a collection of photos.  For these and other suggested resources, contact Felicia at  faithandenvironment@gmail.com.

Feasting on the Word

“Feasting on the Word,” a 12-volume commentary for preaching on the Revised Common Lectionary is available from Westminster John Knox Press.  Editors are Barbara Brown Taylor and David L. Bartlett.  For information visit  www.feastingontheword.net.

The youth group at Nativity, Lewiston was talking recently about the Diocesan Convention effort to raise money for Episcopal Relief and Development’s Clean Water Well Project by donating a dime every time we flush the toilet at home. They did the math. From June 1 to Oct. 16 at 5 dimes per day – they got 685 dimes, which is $ 68.50 per person. If 80 people (Nativity’s average Sunday attendance) contributed $ 68.50 each, Nativity would raise $5,480 for the project. In the Diocese, the average Sunday attendance of 2,400 could raise $164,400 to build clean water wells in places that need them. Nativity is challenging the rest of the diocese to multiply the 5 dimes a day by your Sunday attendance and calculate an amount for your congregation’s goal. At convention time calculate what percentage of the goal you actually raised. The congregation with the highest percentage will win a prize.

Women’s Weekend at Camp Cross (Aug. 21-23)

“Maidens, Mothers and Crones: Celebrating Women’s Relationships” is the theme of this year’s Women’s Weekend Aug. 21-23 at Camp Cross. The Rev. Gretchen Rehberg, Sheryll Shepard and Evita Krislock will be the leaders. For information, contact Gretchen at rector@nativitylewiston.com, Sheryll at sheryllann3@aol.com, or Evita at evita@krislock.com. For registration visit www.campcross.org.

Celtic Eucharist at St. David’s (June 11)

St. David’s in Spokane will celebrate a Celtic Communion service on Thursday, June 11 at 7 p.m. The theme is “Be Thou My Vision” and will explore what Celtic Spirituality has to offer Christians and Seekers today. Visitors and seekers are welcome. Participants may bring a snack or beverage for the reception that follows. , The church is at 7315 N. Wall For more information, please call 509. 466.3100 or visit http://www.stdavidspokane.org/

Moving Day for the Woods

The Rev. Canon Charles Wood and his spouse, Ann, have moved to Lacey (near Olympia) to be nearer to family. Charlie served congregations in Colville and Hillyard and was the executive assistant to Bishop John R. Wyatt. He is also an honorary canon of the Cathedral. He retired in 1980. The Woods, now in their 90s, will live in a retirement community.

At the time of the forum visit: http://connectpro83221091.acrobat.com/gcdeputies/ and choose the ‘enter as a guest’ option and type your name. If you have any questions please contact Bryan Krislock at bryank@spokanediocese.org.  The  General Convention is scheduled July 8-17 in Anaheim, CA.

Libby Beck, finance officer, was the team’s top finisher in 1 hour and 15 minutes and placed fourth among women in her age group.  The team, “Live Free or Diocese,” was also in the top 25 in the team name competition.  Team members ranged in age from 22 to 63.

The annual race drew some 52,000 participants and more than 45,000 finished the course. Other diocesan team members  included The Rt. Rev. James Waggoner, bishop; Bryan Krislock, operations officer;  Julia Bertaut, intern, and the Rev. Kristi Philip canon to the ordinary.

This is the second year the staff competed in the team event.  In 2008 they placed 29^th in their size class and were finalists in the name competition with “Do or Diocese.”

It was the 33^rd running of Bloomsday, an event that draws elite runners from around the world,  serious local athletes and  scores of recreational runners and walkers.  The hilly course begins and ends in downtown Spokane.

Godly Play Workshop

St. John’s Cathedral and Christian Formation Network will host a Godly Play Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at the Cathedral in Spokane. This is for those who are using the Godly Play curriculum and anyone interested in learning more about it.  Presenter is Cindy Spenser, a certified Godly Play trainer and Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator for St. Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle.  The cost is $60 and scholarship money is available. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and lunch will be provided. For information and registration contact Michelle Klippert at (509) 838-4277. For scholarship aid contact Jan McCall at (509) 266-4202.

Spiritus Labyrinth Pilgrimage

Spiritus will present “Letting Go, Letting Be, Receiving the Spirit:  a Labyrinth Pilgrimage,” from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16 at St. Stephen’s, Spokane. The Rev. Elaine Breckenridge, rector of St. David’s, Spokane, will explain the traditional Christian practice of the Labyrinth and provide guided experiences of walking the Labyrinth. The $25 fee includes lunch. Registration closes on May 11. To register online by credit card visit Labyrinth.   For information contact Carolyn Terry at cfkterry@earthlink.net.

Called to Care Conference

The Faith and Environment Network will present their second annual, Called to Care Conference on May 9 from 9:30am-2pm at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24^th Ave. Spokane. The Called to Care Conference brings together community leaders and people of faith to share ideas and solutions for how to become more environmentally sustainable. Registration is $15 per person or $10 per person for groups of three or more. For more information about registration please contact, Felicia Reilly at  faithandenvironment@gmail.com or 294-3944.

Summer Seminary to Offer Liturgy Course

This year’s Summer Seminary for those who are recently ordained, those preparing for ministry through DCOTE and others who are interested will be June 25-30 at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in Spokane. This year’s topic will be “Spirituality for Liturgy,” and will be taught by Dr. James Dallen of Gonzaga University. Room, board and course materials cost $590.  For information and registration, contact the Rev. John Shepard jshep47798@aol.com or 509.448.2255.

Ministering to Returning Service Personnel

Catholic Charities and Lutheran Community Services have scheduled a workshop for clergy and staff on understanding Post Traumatic Stress  (PTS) among service persons returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  The workshop will also cover effects on family members.  The workshop is Wednesday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Anne’s Children and Family Center, 25 W. 5^th Ave., Spokane. There is no charge for the workshop and lunch is provided.  Please RSVP to (509) 358-4273.

General Convention Webcast May 13

The 2009 General Convention of The Episcopal Church will be the topic of a live webcast on Wednesday, May 13 at 8 a.m. Pacific time. General Convention 2009 will be held July 8 – 17 in Ahaheim, CA. Questions will be accepted via email and from the invited guests in the audience.  To access the live webcast, go to the Episcopal Church website here.

Crafting Retreat at Camp Cross

A crafting retreat for knitters, spinners, weavers, card-makers, poets, etc. is planned June 5-7 at Camp Cross.  For registration and details call Jen Garrison Stuber at 509.590.4155. For information visit crafting retreat.

Cursillo Date  Set

A Cursillo weekend is scheduled Oct. 1-4 at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Spokane Valley, with Nadine Grady as leader.  Adult participants are invited from throughout the diocese.  A Cursillo weekend begins Thursday evening and ends Sunday afternoon.  The talks and discussions focus on various aspects of Christian life and renewal.  Registration is $65; application forms are located on the Cursillo website at www.inlandnwcursillo.org. 

Whitworth Institute of Ministry

Whitworth University will offer its annual Institute of Ministry July 13-17 at the college.  The event includes plenary sessions, Bible study, worship, workshops led by Whitworth faculty members and family activities.  For information visit www.whitworth.edu/wim or contact Toni Sutherland at 509.777.4345 or tsutherland@whitworth.edu.

Native Ministries Consortium at Vancouver Seminary

Vancouver School of Theology will host the Native Ministries Consortium summer school July 12-24 in Vancouver.  The session offers a variety of courses and includes a children’s program.  For information visit www.vst.edu/nativemin.

GTS Summer Courses

The General Theological Seminary in New York is offering several courses in May and June, including “Spirituality for Ministry,”  “Contemplative Listening and Guidance,” and “New Testament Greek.”  For more information on the courses or to register visit www.gts.edu/ccstrinityterm.asp or phone 888-487-5649 ext. 269.

‘Vincent Who?’

The documentary, “Vincent Who?,”  that looks at the impact of the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin in Detroit at the height of anti-Japanese sentiment, will be shown twice in the diocese in May.  It is scheduled May 19 at Spokane Falls Community College and May 20 at Eastern Washington University.  It asks how far Asian Americans have come since then and what may lie ahead.  Contact the schools for times and locations.

Coming Events…

May 9           Godly Play Workshop,  Cathedral

May 9           Called to Care, St. Mark’s Lutheran, Spokane

May 13         General Convention Webcast

May 16         Spiritus Labyrinth Pilgrimage, Spokane

May 20         Ministering to returning service personnel, Spokane

June 5-7       Crafting Retreat, Camp Cross

June 25 -30  DCOTE Summer Seminary, Immaculate Heart, Spokane

July 5-10      Youth Mission Trip,  Blackfoot, ID

Aug. 2-7       Youth-Led Vacation Bible School, Holy Trinity, Spokane

Oct. 1-4        Cursillo Weekend, Resurrection- Spokane Valley

Download the May edition of Goodstuff

Based on feedback from our recent communications survey and the availability of new technologies, the Diocese has redesigned its website to focus and improve usability and navigation. In addition to a new visual event calendar, we have also added a site index (accessable at the top of the page) and a listing of major menu items in the footer.The site will continue to evolve as technology advances and we recieve feedback on the new design.

SpokaneDiocese.Net

The Diocese has also launched a new blogging site, SpokaneDiocese.Net. Here you will find reflections from leaders, staff, and the Bishop on a diversity of topics from spiritual practices to evangelism. In the near future you will also see a blog from General Convention Deputies as they attend convention.

We would welcome any feedback or suggestions you might have on either of these new ventures as we strive towards improving communications with our members and the public.