Comfort Back Packs Drive Successful!

The Women’s Ministry of the Diocese is taking the theme of Presiding Bishop Curry’s Way of Love for 2019. This is his initiative to encourage us to be part of the “Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement”. 

Our Christmas event this year was a two-part Christmas party to Bless children in the NM foster care system. Thanks to Camille Donoghue, Women’s Council member, for spearheading this wonderful idea. We got a jump start on this by the donation of 3 GIANT bags of stuffed toys from Holly in El Paso!! 

Multiple ‘comfort backpacks’ for these children were decorated at a Christmas party at Holy Family Episcopal Church on December 8. Live Christmas caroling was provided by Santa Fe Music Works, under the direction of Dr. Mary Badarak (music director for Holy Family). The women also shared hot chocolate and cookies along with fun conversation. 

Part two of the party was held at St. John’s Cathedral on December 15. Women from Albuquerque and Los Lunas gathered for a soup luncheon and cookie exchange. They sorted items, like stuffed animals, coloring books, blankets, and baby supplies, that were collected for the ‘comfort backpacks’. About a dozen backpacks were filled and delivered to the Albuquerque office of CYFD. 

The remaining items will be used to finish filling the Santa Fe Back Packs for delivery to the Santa Fe office of CYFD. These will Bless the children who receive them, who often don’t have their own things when entering the foster care system.

Throughout 2019, Women’s Ministry will continue to find ways to be part of the Way of Love with other exciting events. All women, lay and ordained are encouraged to be part of this ministry and join in our gatherings!

Women's Ministry in the DRG in 2019

The Way of Love is the Presiding Bishop’s invitation to participate in being the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. The 7 disciplines are Bless, Pray, Worship, Learn, Turn, Rest, and Go. In 2019, Women’s Ministry events will highlight various parts of this initiative.  

Join us on this journey at one or more of these exciting events! 

Lent 2019: Pilgrimage, the annual Lent retreat, open to men also, will be March 29-30 at Camp Stoney. Retreat speakers are the Rev. Meg and Bishop Michael Hunn. There is an, optional, mini-pilgrimage to Chimayo on Friday, March 29. During the retreat on Saturday, March 30, Bishop Michael and Meg Hunn will invite us to consider our life-long pilgrimages. There will be time for Prayer and Worship in several forms.

Blessed to be a Blessing: Summer 2019 will be a chance to focus on the Way of Love mandate to Rest; and discover ways we are Blessed to be a Blessing to one another in sharing our stories, mentoring, and encouraging the women in our lives. 

Entertaining Angels Unaware at the Bosque Center, Nov. 17-18 will  continue the Way of Love conversation with opportunities to Learn about the ‘angels’ we meet. We will consider how to Turn (or Re-turn) and Go out to the world on the Way of Love. 

 Sign up for the Newsletter or friend us on Facebook (in the right column) to receive updates and registration info for these events as it is available, or email Cindy Davis.

Cookies, Stuffed Animals, Blankets, and Crayons!

The Women’s Ministry of the Diocese encourages all women to join in donating ‘comfort backpacks’, or their contents, for children in foster care this holiday season. These children often don’t have anything except a plastic bag to carry personal items from home to home. They don’t have any special stuffed toys or blankets to provide solace in this traumatic time. The Women’s Ministry is reaching out to these children by decorating and filling ‘comfort backpacks’ this Christmas. Information about these ‘bags. 

There will be two Christmas parties where you can bring your donations, or you can do this as a parish or women’s study group. You can also donate online toward this Women’s Ministry project.  Download a flyer for your church!

Holy Family Episcopal Church (10A Bisbee Ct., Santa Fe) will hold its first Women of the DRG Christmas Party for the Northeast Deanery on December 8th at 3:00 p.m. Bring your favorite Christmas cookies. We will decorate ‘comfort backpacks’ for kids in the NM foster care system. Coffee, tea and cocoa will be provided, along with fabric markers to decorate your bag. Cost is $10.00 to cover the cost of the backpack. Supplies to go in the bags will be provided by participants at the Northwest Deanery party (see below). Please RSVP to Camille Donoghue for the Santa Fe party!

The Christmas Party in the Northwest Deanery will be at the Cathedral (318 Silver SW, Albuquerque) on December 15 at noon. We will have a soup luncheon, cookie exchange, and collect items for the ‘comfort backpacks’. A list of items is available. For the cookie exchange bring a couple dozen of your favorite cookies (homemade or store bought), and we’ll share so everyone goes home with a nice assortment of goodies. 

You are invited to come at 10:30 a.m. to hear the Children’s Messiah, presented by the Cathedral choirs and members of the Santa Fe Opera. This is a performance for all ages, and Handelian wigs or costumes are encouraged.

Contact Cindy Davis if you have questions. 

Women of the Diocese explore how to move Boldly Forward in ministry

Women’s Ministry of the Diocese of the Rio Grande recently revised their mission statement. It now states, “The mission of the Women of the Diocese of the Rio Grande is to connect and support all women in their diverse ministries. We do this by offering opportunities to gather for studying, re-creating, and celebrating who we are as women of Faith, Hope and Love.”

This was very evident at the Boldly Forward weekend on August 17 and 18 held at the Bosque Center. Over 2 dozen attendees explored how the lives of Mary (Mother of Jesus), Mary Magdalene, Judith, Ruth, and Esther inspire our ministries in the 21^st Century. We discussed how these women are in fact our strong, godly faith mothers with attributes like courage, loyalty, dedication, strength, and trust in God. We celebrated with worship, fellowship, and discussion. 

The women all were risk-takers, even whistle-blowers (Esther). Despite being charming and patient, these were authentic women who recognized that they had the strength to speak the truth. Each of the women was dedicated to listening to God and then taking action that made a real difference in their world.

·       Mary (Mother of Jesus) said ‘yes’ to God’s request to bear a child out of wedlock.

·       Mary Magdelene, constant to the end was graced with bearing news of the Resurrection to the male disciples.

·       Judith, in the bold action of cutting off General Holofernes head routed the Persian army.

·       Ruth remained faithful to her mother-in-law and the Hebrew faith despite being from Moab. As a result, she bore Obed, grandfather of King David.

·       Esther became queen ‘for such a time as this’ and protected the Jews in Babylon from destruction.

In upcoming weeks, further study guides will be available to continue the exploration of these women. If you are interested, these and the bios and bibliographies for the 5 women can be found on the Boldly Forward page. The beginning of a deeper look at Esther is already posted there. 

You can view the opening portions of the Saturday Eucharist, including the sermon by the Rev. Pat Green. She noted that the one thing all the five Bible women have in common is that they were ‘ordinary’, just like we are. However, they did extraordinary things. 

The final hour of the event was spent visioning ways to follow the mentorship of these women by stepping out in faith in our diverse ministries in the diocese. The lively discussion produced ideas ranging from a pilgrimage to Chaco Canyon during the meteor showers, to offering training events, and diving into some form of hands-on mission project! It was suggested that we remember how geographically diverse and distant we are in the DRG, and that we remember that we can act ecumenically.

Actions that can be taken on individual, parish, and diocesan levels are simple things like being welcoming to all ages. Creating child and youth friendly spaces could attract younger families. Providing ways, like live-streaming, for all to participate could be explored.

We were reminded that the diocese and many parishes already do Mission work (Borderlands, Navajoland, Juarez) and as women’s ministry we can join their hands-on efforts. Pilgrimages don’t have to be to distant locations. There are many options close to home like Chimayo, Christ in the Desert or the Norbertine Monastery. Even Jemez Hot Springs and Chaco Canyon are candidates for experiences that could be linked to faith growth.

Bishop Elect Michael Hunn spoke briefly to the women before the closing worship. He noted that women have been the driving force behind ministry throughout history, and stated he looks forward to working with the women of the Diocese of the Rio Grande.

Looking Ahead

The Women’s Ministry is planning on Christmas Parties in each of the deaneries this December. As plans progress, we will explore the option of making these more ‘hand-on’ in ministry to a local outreach. Watch for dates and information.

Coming in 2019, we are planning a one-day Lent retreat, perhaps at Camp Stoney, in March.

The summer event is in early planning stages. Ideas include time in Ruidoso to rest and re-create, or something in the further south of the Diocese.

Mark your calendars now for the 7^th Annual Bosque Center Weekend on November 17-18, 2019. The theme is not yet determined; but may be focused on ways to be more effective in our ministries.  

Contact Cindy Davis, Coordinator of Women’s Ministries (cynthiadavisauthor@gmail.com) if you have ideas for speakers, topics, and even locations that would be fun and inspirational for upcoming events. 

Boldly Forward: Aug. 17-18 at the Bosque Center

Who are Mary (Jesus’ mother), Mary Magdalene, Judith, Ruth,  & Esther?

What inspiration can they offer for our lives as women of faith?

How can their witness ignite our ministry as Women of the DRG?

Let’s learn together at the 7^th Annual Bosque Center event August 17-18. (5PM Friday to 4PM Saturday-closing worship starts at 3PM)

Bring your BFFs, your ‘posse’, your ‘squad’ and let’s explore this topic together (no Biblical expertise required)!

Carpools from Alamogordo, Santa Fe, Farmington are planned, or form your own.

Registration is $50, including 3 meals prepared by the Bosque Center chef. (Some 1/2 scholarships are available, contact Cindy.*)

Single rooms at the Bosque Center are $52/night and must be reserved on the registration form. (A couple of queen rooms are available for slightly more/night.) 

Some in-home lodging available*. If you live in ABQ, you may commute.   

*Contact Cindy Davis for scholarships, in-home lodging, or if you have questions. See post below or click here for more info about the event.

Register below or download the registration.

Registration

Boldly Forward $50.00 USD Bosque Room $52.00 USD

Deepening Prayer a Retreat with Deborah Smith Douglas

All women of the diocese are invited to join the Daughters of the King for Deepening Prayer with Deborah Smith Douglas on August 4, starting at 10:30AM at the Bosque Center. Registration for non-Daughters is $15 to cover lunch.(Register below or download the registration form.) The event will end with Eucharist about 3PM. Douglas will be the preacher for the service. Copies of Douglas’s book, The Praying Life, are available from Dona Ace at St. Chad’s (acedona@gmail.com). Spaces are limited for this event.

If you are interested in learning more about The Order of the Daughters of the King ® speak to your parish priest, the president of your parish chapter, or contact Cindy Davis, diocesan president (cynthiadavisauthor@gmail.com). This international Order has 22 chapters in the diocese and includes women and girls from 7 to 107 who follow vows of Prayer, Service and Evangelism. You can find out more on the National website: doknational.org, or at drgdaughters.blogspot.com. 

Registration

Guest for Retreat $15.00 USD

Boldly Forward: Bible Women Inspire Our Lives: August 17-18

 The Women’s Ministry of the Diocese is holding their 7^th Annual Bosque Center event on August 17--18. Starting with the Crazy Quilt Conversations event in 2012, we have met annually at the Bosque Center for fellowship, inspiration, and shared learning. All women are invited to join the conversation this year as we vision how to continue enriching the lives and ministries of women in the Diocese of the Rio Grande.

Entitled Boldly Forward, this year’s event will explore the lives of some Biblical women and what they can teach us about our vision for living our ministries in Christ in the Diocese of the Rio Grande. By looking at the lives of women like Mary of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene, Judith, and others, we will see that these women are much more than the meek, mild, and quiet persons, as they are often portrayed. They were obedient to God’s call and are powerful servants of God in their own right. These women are mentors and inspiration for our own day-to-day lives. Come and be inspired to live more fully and boldly as a woman of God.

Online registration for the event is below. The cost is $50 to cover supplies and 3 meals, provided by the Bosque Center chef. As always, some partial scholarships are available for registration*. Rooms are available at the Bosque Center for $52/night for a single room (shared bathroom). If you live in Albuquerque, you may commute. 

Carpools from Alamogordo, Santa Fe, Farmington are planned or form your own.
Some in-home lodging is available*

Register for Event and Bosque Center room using the dropdown menu below.
Or download the registration form and mail in your reservation.
*Contact Cindy Davis, Coordinator of Women’s Ministries (cynthiadavisauthor@gmail.com) if you need a scholarship, in-home lodging, or have questions. 

Registration

Boldly Forward $50.00 USD Bosque Room $52.00 USD

Inspiration, Reflection, Fellowship

August 2018 is an exciting month for Women in the Diocese of the Rio Grande. 

You will have TWO opportunities for reflection and inspiration and fellowship.

Deepening Prayer: A Retreat with Deborah Smith Douglas for All Women: August 4

All women of the diocese are invited to join the Daughters of the King for Deepening Prayer with Deborah Smith Douglas on August 4, starting at approximately 10:30AM at the Bosque Center. Registration for non-Daughters is $15 to cover lunch, and is available beginning July 1, on this website. The event will end with Eucharist about 3PM. Douglas will be the preacher for the service. Copies of Douglas’s book, The Praying Life, are available from Dona Ace at St. Chad’s (acedona@gmail.com). 

Boldly Forward: Bible Women Inspire Our Lives: August 17-18

 The Women’s Ministry of the Diocese is holding their 7^th Annual Bosque Center event on August 17--18. Starting with the Crazy Quilt Conversations event in 2012, we have met annually at the Bosque Center for fellowship, inspiration, and shared learning. All women are invited to join the conversation this year as we vision how to continue enriching the lives and ministries of women in the Diocese of the Rio Grande.

Entitled Boldly Forward, this year’s event will explore the lives of some Biblical women and what they can teach us about our vision for living our ministries in Christ in the Diocese of the Rio Grande. By looking at the lives of women like Mary of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene, Judith, and others, we will see that these women are much more than the meek, mild, and quiet persons, as they are often portrayed. They were obedient to God’s call and are powerful servants of God in their own right. These women are mentors and inspiration for our own day-to-day lives. Come and be inspired to live more fully and boldly as a woman of God.
The cost is $50 to cover supplies and 3 meals, provided by the Bosque Center chef. As always, some partial scholarships are available for registration. Rooms are available at the Bosque Center for $52/night for a single room (shared bathroom). You can also contact Cindy Davis, Coordinator of Women’s Ministries (cynthiadavisauthor@gmail.com) for a registration form. Registration is available starting July 18. 

The Women’s Council continues to look for new ways to reach all ages of women and girls. One new adventure is a joint effort of the Women’s Ministry with the Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the diocese. The Meet Esther event for teen girls that will be September 8 at St. Francis, Rio Rancho.

Bishop Elect: the Rev. Canon Michael Hunn

The Rev. Canon Michael Buerkel Hunn, Canon to the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, was elected the next bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande at the Electing Convention Saturday, May 5 at the Cathedral of St. John, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

The slate of three candidates were Canon Hunn, the Rev. Canon Lucinda Ashby, Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Idaho, and the Rev. Simon Charles Justice, Rector of Church of the Good Samaritan, Corvallis, Oregon.

Canon Hunn was elected on the third ballot. Diocesan Constitution and Canons require a majority, determined by the total number of those eligible to vote, in Lay and Clergy orders on the same ballot. You can see the totals, by ballot, on the Diocesan website.

After the bishop-elect receives the canonically required consent of a majority of the Episcopal Church's diocesan standing committees and bishops with jurisdiction, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will ordain and consecrate the new bishop Nov. 3 in Albuquerque. Info about this, and other Transition events is available on the Transition Team website. 

In accepting the election, Canon Hunn expressed his thanks to Bishop Michael L. Vono, the current bishop for his leadership of the Diocese. "I feel a great sense of humility to be following you as God's servant in the Diocese of the Rio Grande.  I know you love your people and I want you to know I will love them faithfully and care for them with every capacity God gives me. I am also grateful to begin this ministry at this moment - when you have done so much to heal, reconcile and build trust over the course of your episcopate."

You can read more from Canon Hunn in the special edition of In the Loop.

Canon Michael & Meg Hunn at Santa Fe Walk About (photo by Jim Overton)

April 29: Prayers for the week Leading up to Electing Convention

Pray individually and/or with your group during this week leading up to the Electing Convention, using these or other prayers. .
Sunday, April 29: Prayer for Seeking a New Bishop for The Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande

Holy and Almighty God our Father, You have blessed us in the Diocese of the Rio Grande in manifold ways over the past years. You have strengthened us, united us, loved us, guided us.
We thank you, Lord.
Touch the hearts of able clergy men and women throughout the Episcopal Church so that they might hear your call upon their lives to do your work among us and with us and through us.
We entreat you, Lord.
Be with our Diocesan Bishop Search Committee that they will discern your will in choosing good candidates who will be elected by the diocese to be our future Bishop.
We entreat you, Lord.
Be with our Diocesan Transition Committee as they guide us in blending our lives and our ministries with that of our new Bishop in order that we move forward in our life together.
We entreat you, Lord.
Be with us all. Give us patience and trust as we seek a new shepherd for our diocese. Be with us, Lord, for the sake of your son, Jesus Christ.
Amen

Monday, April 30: For the Mission of the Church
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
.
Tuesday, May 1: For the Diocese
O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop Michael, the Candidates for Bishop: Lucinda, Michael, & Simon; and all diocesan clergy, and all our people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday, May 2: For the Unity of the Church
O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thursday, May 3: For a Church Meeting
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in Albuquerque for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday, May 4: For a Church Convention
Almighty and everlasting Father, who has given the Holy Spirit to abide with us for ever: Bless, we pray, with the Spirit’s grace and presence, the clergy and the laity soon to be assembled in your Name, that your Church, being preserved in true faith and godly discipline, may fulfill all the mind of the One who loved it and gave himself for it, your Son Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Electing Convention, Saturday May 5: For the Election of a Bishop
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

April 22: Missionary People in the Diocese of the Rio Grande (Pat Green)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)

As I have reflected on this scripture, I have pondered what it means to be a missionary people. When the Risen Lord appeared to the disciples in the upper room on the evening of the resurrection he said, “Peace is with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Jesus came to earth with a mission (a sending out) from his father. When he leaves earth, he gives his disciples power and authority to continue his mission (his sending out).

From the time of Acts onwards, this “sending out” or mission was delegated to the local church. The church of Antioch sent out the Apostle Paul and Barnabas to teach, preach and baptize. Every follower of Christ was to carry the mission of God into the world through every aspect of his or her life.

Jesus sends us into the world as the Father sent him. Our mission is modeled on his. Many of today’s churches have developed vision and mission statements. Here is a small sample: Knowing Christ and making Christ known; Living out our faith in Jesus through our actions in the world; Becoming a community and growing in intimacy with God; Called to share the Christian faith and by our lives proclaim God’s love. Every local church has some focal point to their ministry.

John Stott writes in his book Christian Mission in the Modern World: updated and expanded., that mission today is often depicted as either primarily evangelism or primarily social justice. Instead of choosing one or the other, mission can be understood as a partnership of both evangelism and social action. Local churches may embody one aspect more than another, but they stand together reaching out to a hurting world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Anglican Consultative Council developed the Five Marks of Mission between 1984 and 1990 which have been widely accepted among Anglicans.

·      To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom

·      To teach, baptize and nurture new believers

·      To respond to human need by loving service

·      To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation

·      To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

I attended the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. We worshiped daily in the chapel where the cross was not suspended above the altar, but was instead visible through a window beyond the walls of the chapel. Every day we were reminded that the missional church does not just wait for people to come through its doors; the missional church goes out, sent into the world.

To be a missionary people means receiving the power of the Holy Spirit and then adopting or embracing a missionary lifestyle which includes the postures, thinking, behavior and practices of being sent into the world to reach others with the gospel.

Activities and Prayer for this Week

 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ (Acts 1:8)
 Jesus promises that we will be witnesses to God to the ends of the earth.
Discuss the points of interest to you, and your group.
Christians are called to be witnesses of Christ. How can the Diocese of the Rio Grande be a strong witness in the coming months and years?
Invite someone to join you at your church on Sunday.
Prayer: Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, always to your glory and the welfare of all your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Share: Comment on this post on the website (www.VarietiesOfGifts.blogspot.com) to share the results of your invitation to come to church, or suggestions of ways to invite someone to come to church.