Weeks Ahead
Episcopal News Service. November 29, 2006 [112906-1-A]
As November turns to December, the Episcopal Church will use World AIDS Day to remember those who have lost their battle with AIDS and those who are living with HIV, and welcome the season of Advent in anticipation of the nativity of Christ.
World AIDS Day is commemorated on December 1 to bring attention to the worldwide challenges and consequences of the epidemic, prevent the spread of HIV, and improve the lives of people living with the virus.
The Episcopal Church continues to respond to those in the church living with HIV/AIDS and to the growing community of those affected by AIDS—caregivers, partners, friends, and loved ones—through the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition (NEAC), the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the ONE Episcopalian Campaign.
Information on the work of these important ministries can be found at: http://www.neac.org/; http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/, and www.episcopalchurch.org/ONE.
The season of Advent begins December 3. The third annual Diocese of Washington online Advent calendar is available at: http://www.dow.org. It features a Peruvian tapestry of unspun wool and depicts a rural Nativity scene in which shepherds in traditional white, black-banded hats pay homage to a Christ child sheltered beneath a rough stone arch.
Clicking on one of the calendar's numbered windows produces a web page featuring one of the distinctive figures from "Come and Behold Him," the crèche exhibit at Washington National Cathedral. Plus, the page includes links to daily prayers, meditations and online giving opportunities. There are also online Advent activities for children.
Listed are a few World AIDS Day and Advent services that will be held throughout the Episcopal Church. Please check with your local parish or diocese for events taking place in your area.
A complete list of Episcopal Cathedrals is available online at: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_51512_ENG_HTM.htm
Events
November 29, 2006
* AUSTIN, Texas: Bishop Dena A. Harrison to be honored at Austin event
* BOSTON: Addiction and Adolescents is focus of November conference
November 30, 2006
* LAKE FOREST, California: Archbishop Kolini to participant in AIDS summit
December 1, 2006
* WASHINGTON, D.C.: Healing between Spirit and Medicine with Larry Dossey
* FRESNO, California: Diocese of San Joaquin to meet in convention
* RIVERSIDE, California: Diocese of Los Angeles to meet in convention
* NEW YORK CITY: World AIDS Day commemorative service
* SAN FRANCISCO: Grace Cathedral remembers World AIDS Day
December 2, 2006
* VENICE, Florida: Diocese of Southwest Florida to meet in convention
December 3, 2006
* WASHINGTON, D.C.: Former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold to lead Advent retreat
* MEDINA, Washington: St. Thomas Episcopal Church presents a "U2charist"
* FORT WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania: St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh Celtic Service
* WASHINGTON, D.C.: National Cathedral Advent Lessons and Carols
December 7, 2006
* WASHINGTON, D.C.: Mentor training at Cathedral College of Washington National Cathedral
December 9, 2006
* ST. PETERSBURG, Florida: Diocese of Southwest Florida to meet in electing convention
Music
Decmember 1, 2006
* SAN FRANCISCO, California: Grace Cathedral to host World AIDS Day Concert
December 3, 2006
* NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey: Orchestra and two Episcopal choirs perform Handel's Messiah
December 10, 2006
* DENISON, Texas: Combined services of Lessons and Carols
EVENTS
Coming November 29, 2006…
AUSTIN, Texas: Bishop Dena A. Harrison to be honored at Austin event
Bishop Don A. Wimberly of Texas is hosting a dinner in honor of Dena A. Harrison, recently consecrated Bishop Suffragan in the Diocese of Texas. The dinner, "An Evening with the Bishops" will be held November 29, 7 p.m., at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, Texas.
Harrison, a native Texan, is the 13th woman elected to serve as a bishop in the Episcopal Church and the only female bishop serving in the southern United States.
Proceeds from the dinner will be shared by Camp Allen Conference and Retreat Center as well as the We Are One Church diocesan campaign.
Camp Allen, a 960-acre facility located near Navasota, Texas, is an 85-year-old ministry of the diocese that serves approximately 44,000 men, women and children annually. The individuals come from all races, religions and socio-economic backgrounds.
The We Are One Church campaign broadens the missionary outreach of the diocese through building new churches and strengthening existing congregations.
Ticket prices begin at $125 per person. Table sponsorships are also available.
Those interested in attending the dinner may contact Megan Artaza at the Diocesan Center at 800-318-4452 or 713-353-2127 or by email at martaza@epicenter.org.
BOSTON: Addiction and Adolescents is focus of November conference
Without regard to economic, social, racial or religious background, addiction amongst adolescents is challenging families throughout society. In this instance, the role of the pastoral leader is critical.
A one-day conference "Listening for the Still, Small Voice, Addiction and Adolescents: A Spiritual Journey from Illness to Recovery," will be held November 29, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Trinity Church, Boston.
Open to parish, youth and campus ministers as well as lay youth group leaders, the conference aims to provide an understanding of addiction, the spiritual dimensions of the illness and recovery, and their role in helping adolescents and their families recover and heal.
Cost of the conference, $30, includes lunch.
For registration and information, email Kevin Cross at kcross@eds.edu or call 781-704-6581.
The conference is sponsored by the Evangelical Education Society of the Episcopal Church, No Ordinary Time, The Hazelden Foundation, Gray Wolf Ranch and the Episcopal Divinity School.
Coming November 30, 2006…
LAKE FOREST, California: Archbishop Kolini to participant in AIDS summit
Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of the Rwandan Episcopal Church will be among the featured speakers at the 2006 Global Summit on AIDS and the Church November 30 - December 1 at Saddleback Church in Saddleback, California.
The summit will include workshops, plenary sessions, and interactive question-and-answer opportunities.
To learn more and register visit: www.purposedriven.com/HIV.
Coming December 1, 2006…
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Healing between Spirit and Medicine with Larry Dossey
Join Larry Dossey, M.D., on December 1, at 7:30 p.m., at Washington National Cathedral, as he shares how such simple and accessible experiences as touch, music and prayer can be healing.
Dossey, Executive director of Explore: Journal of Science and Healing, has spent decades examining the delicate dance between spirit and medicine. Relying on anecdotes, personal history and sound scientific data, his research on an emerging image of consciousness addresses how we can meet our inner needs alongside those of our physical bodies. He is a former internist and chief of staff at Medical City Dallas Hospital, and the former co-chair of the Panel on Mind/Body Interventions for the National Center for Complimentary Medicines at the National Institutes of Health. He is the author of 10 books on the role of consciousness and spirituality, including his latest "The Extraordinary Healing Power of Ordinary Things."
Admission is $16 regular admission; $14 for NCA members; and $9 for student/seniors. For more information call 800-937-8728.
FRESNO, California: Diocese of San Joaquin to meet in convention
The Diocese of San Joaquin will meet in convention December 1-2 at St. James Cathedral in Fresno, California.
RIVERSIDE, California: Diocese of Los Angeles to meet in convention
The Diocese of Los Angeles will meet in convention December 1-2 at the Riverside Convention Center, in Riverside, California.
For more information visit: http://www.ladiocese.org/convention2006.htm.
NEW YORK CITY: World AIDS Day commemorative service
Trinity Wall Street will observe World AIDS Day on December 1 at the 12:05 Eucharist, with special music and guest preacher Chris Ballard, board member of Episcopal Response to AIDS and Community Outreach Coordinator at the General Theological Seminary. The Rev. Dr. Stuart Hoke will celebrate.
Dr. Owen Burdick, conductor of the Trinity Choir, and David Hurd, conductor of the Holy Apostles' Choir, will offer a special concert at 1p.m., featuring music by composers who have died from AIDS.
Trinity's World AIDS Day activities are sponsored by the AIDS Taskforce of the Trinity-St. Paul's Witness and Outreach Committee.
Both the Eucharist and Concert will be available for viewing on-demand at http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/welcome/?wad.
SAN FRANCISCO: Grace Cathedral remembers World AIDS Day
Since the crisis began, Grace Cathedral has been a beacon of hope for thousands who have been challenged by HIV/AIDS locally and worldwide. On World AIDS Day, December 1, at 7 p.m., they will host a special presentation headlined by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, with the Omega West Dance Company that commemorates both the sad losses and the examples of heroic service during 25-years of the pandemic.
For more information call 415.749.6355.
Coming December 2, 2006...
VENICE, Florida: Diocese of Southwest Florida to meet in convention
The Diocese of Southwest Florida will meet in convention December 2 at the Venice Community Center at 326 Nokomis Ave. S. in downtown Venice.
For more information visit: http://www.dioceseswfla.org/2006convention/2006conventionhome.htm.
Coming December 3, 2006…
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold to lead Advent retreat
Former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold and Barbara Braver, former assistant to the Presiding Bishop for Communication, staffing both Griswold and his predecessor, Edmond L. Browning, will lead "An Advent Retreat for Clergy and Laity: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" December 3-6, 4 p.m., the Cathedral College of Washington National Cathedral.
T.S. Eliot has written that the Incarnation is "the hint half guessed, the gift half understood." His words point to how we catch glimpses of the divine presence in the reality of our ordinary moments. This Advent retreat will explore the mystery of Christ who is already present in our living. Within the rhythm of the daily offices, this retreat, will offer time for personal and group reflection and Sabbath rest. $400 fee includes travel and accommodations. To register, go to http://www.cathedralcollege.org/ or call Joan Roberts at 202. 537.6380.
MEDINA, Washington: St. Thomas Episcopal Church presents a "U2charist"
On December 3, at 6 p.m., St. Thomas Episcopal Church will feature the music of rock group U2 in a special Episcopal worship service, with offerings donated to the fight against global poverty and AIDS.
The "U2charist" (U2 Eucharist) has recently received international media attention, from newspapers to BBC World Service presentations, for its innovative use of the band's biblically rich lyrics and social justice message, for its ability to bring together people of many different generations in a context of worship, and as a tool for raising awareness and empowering communities to respond to the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals.
For more information contact the Rev. J. R. Lander at 206.816.2192 or email jameslander@gmail.com
St. Thomas Church is located at 8398 NE 12th Street.
FORT WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania: St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh Celtic Service
St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh invites all to their unique and uplifting Celtic Service on December 3 at 5:30 p.m. Come experience the splendor of candle light, the richness of the Word and the musical beauty of Celtic worship. Celtic Services are held the first Sunday of the month. All are welcome. Bring a friend or two along and enjoy!
St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh is located at Bethlehem Pike and Camp Hill Road.
For more information visit: www.stthomaswhitemarsh.org or call 215.233.3970.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: National Cathedral Advent Lessons and Carols
On December 3 at 4 p.m., join the Washington National Cathedral for the service of Advent Lessons and Carols, sung by the Cathedral Choir of Men and
Coming December 7, 2006…
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Mentor training at Cathedral College of Washington National Cathedral
Training for LifeCycles Companions and Journey in Faith Mentors and Diocesan Coordinators, will take place December 7-11 at the Cathedral College at the Washington National Cathedral.
This training program provides certification for both mentors and hose who will coach mentors-in-training. To apply for either role, call 800.941.2218 or go to http://www.leaderresources.org/. Cost is $600 which includes: tuition, room and meals.
Coming December 9, 2006...
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida: Diocese of Southwest Florida to meet in electing convention
The Diocese of Southwest Florida will meet to elect a bishop coadjutor December 9 at St. Peter's Cathedral in downtown St. Petersburg.
For more information visit: http://www.dioceseswfla.org/search.htm.
MUSIC
Coming December 1, 2006…
SAN FRANCISCO, California: Grace Cathedral to host World AIDS Day Concert
Grace Cathedral welcomes the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Dr. Ellen Schell of the Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance, and the Omega West Dance Company for a special evening December 1, 7 p.m., that commemorates both the losses and the examples of heroic service during the 25 years of the pandemic.
"The World's AIDS crisis is not a 'them' and 'us' situation but an issue that affects and envelops us all," said the Rev. Alan Jones, dean of Grace Cathedral. "We are beginning to wake up to the evils and dangers of environmental degradation and devastation and the human suffering they cause. Part of this waking up process involves our understanding more clearly that AIDS is a central element in the challenges facing the human family in the twenty-first century. There can be no bystanders."
Coming December 3, 2006…
NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey: Orchestra and two Episcopal choirs perform Handel's Messiah
On December 3, the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra and the Choirs of Christ Church, Emanuel Lutheran Church, and First Reformed Church will present Handel's "Messiah" at 7:30 p.m., conducted by Mark Trautman. Soloists will include Renata Koumendouros, Erin Schneider, Giulia Utz, Gloria Kierniesky, Timothy Smith, and Frederick Fischer. Tickets are $17 general admission, $15/students and seniors. For more information call 732-249-6999 or visit http://www.newbrunswickchamberorchestra.org.
Coming December 10, 2006…
DENISON, Texas: Combined services of Lessons and Carols
The Episcopal churches in the Texoma (Texas/Oklahoma border) region will worship a combined Lessons and Carols on December 10, 5 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Denison, Texas.
The churches are: Holy Trinity (Bonham), St. John the Apostle (Pottsboro), St. Stephen's (Sherman), and St. Luke's (Denison) -- all from the Dallas Diocese -- and this year St. John's, Durant, OK (Diocese of Oklahoma) will participate. Last year, the financial offering went to Meals on Wheels.
The choirs, acolytes, lay readers and clergy from each parish all take part and members from each congregation will be in the pews.
Admission is free. Grace Cathedral is located at 1100 California St., at Taylor St. For more information call 415-749-6364.