61st Annual Convention Issue - Diocese of the Rio Grande

IN THE 

EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE 

SEPTEMBER / October 2013 

Cactus Flower 

Photo by Raymond Raney 

61 st Annual Convention Issue 

October 17 - 19, 2013

2 

IN THE 

EPISCOPAL DIOCESE 

OF THE RIO GRANDE 


October 17 - 19, 2013 

Message from Bishop Michael 

“The first cry of a newborn baby in Chicago or Zamboanga, in Amsterdam 

or Rangoon, has the same pitch and key, each saying, 

‘I am! I have come through! I belong! I am a member of the family.’” 

~ Carl Sandberg (The Family of Man) 

Dear Sisters and Brother in Christ Jesus, 

Carl Sandberg’s quote sets the spiritual focus of the 

Church’s witness in the world, and aptly describes a 

Christian’s awakening baptismal identity and mission. As 

members of the body of Christ empowered by the gifts 

of the Holy Spirit, you and I are set apart for a specific 

purpose in this world: to proclaim in word and action 

the Kingdom of God and the Lordship of Christ Jesus. 

I believe it is now time to begin a “Kingdom of God” 

grassroots movement in the DRG. This will be initiated at 

our Diocesan Convention. 

The spiritual focus of our Diocesan 

Convention this year is 

“Equipping the Saints for 

Ministry in the 21st Century 

for the Common Good.” 

Our New Testament biblical reflections 

include: 1 Peter 4:10, 1 Corinthians 12, 

Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and Luke 6:31. 

I encourage you to read and 

reflect on these teachings 

before convention. 

By now I trust that you all are aware that our Diocesan 

Convention, which will be held in Taos, October 17- 

19, takes place during the long instructive season of 

Pentecost. How appropriate it is that as a diocesan 

church community, we are reminded in the Luke/Acts 

sequence of events that, while the Holy Spirit seems to 

be initially given to only a gathered few, the inclusive 

experience of different people makes it evident that it 

is an event of universal significance. I believe that the 

Pentecostal event is the revelation of God as the very 

life-giving and Creative Presence of all holiness. 

This holiness is at the heart of not only a new 

creation initiated at Pentecost, but also signals a newly 

established and blessed community of humanity in 

Christ Jesus. The Church is a witness to this reality. The 

first outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Christ’s gathered 

Church is a miraculous sign of all future manifestations 

of the Divine, which descends directly upon Christ’s 

disciples and all those whose souls are restlessly looking 

for God. Notice that the Spirit at Pentecost manifests 

itself in the languages of “every nation under heaven” 

(Acts 2:5), and in so doing reveals the universal embrace 

and love of God for all his creation and children. 

God’s Spirit is poured out upon everything and upon 

everyone. God’s spirit, we believe, is given at Baptism 

and manifests itself in a variety of personal gifts and 

charismas that enable, build up, and sustain the body of 

Christ in the world. The Spirit’s work is transformation 

and renewed life. 

We live in a time when our horizons are both 

expanding and contracting. Never before has it been so 

easy to be in direct contact with people from all over 

the globe. Uplinks, downlinks, e-mail, teleconferences, 

Tweets, Internet, Facebook, Facetime, all electronically 

offer people the ability to communicate, interact 

and interconnect in seconds. In ways we have yet to 

comprehend and fully appreciate, the “global village” 

has become a reality right under our noses and at our 

fingertips. Not one life lives in isolation. 

Yet, it seems that in this 21st century instead of one 

global village being encouraged and established we also 

are creating cultural and ethnic “global slums.” Wars, 

political corruption, economic inequality, a broken 

health care system, personal and corporate greed, 

hatred, racism, sexism, prejudice, and both cultural and 

religious biases all contribute to the creation of un-godly 

“global slums” that isolate peoples from each other. 

These are not signs of God’s kingdom to which Christ 

Jesus witnesses, nor are these slums, in which people 

suffer in isolation, destined to live on into eternity. 

Christ Jesus promised us a gift of his Spirit, a 

transformative power beyond that which the world is 

able to give. Yet with such ‘power-filled’ grace we are 

able to feel embraced by God in this life, and able to 

change this world, and thereby be transformed more 

and more into the image and likeness of God and God’s 

kingdom. Wholeness, community and the common good 

are of God. Divisions and separations, in any form, are 

un-godly. 

In the Pentecostal experience St. Luke makes it clear 

in his accounts that, despite the variety of languages 

and expressions pouring forth from those Spirit-filled 

disciples, they produced a unified global message 

of redemptive divine love. As those witnessing this 

phenomenon heard and testified, all these different 

peoples and languages were proclaiming the same 

message: “God’s deeds of power in Christ (Acts 2:11). 

Here is the crux of what the Church universal needs to 

hear and embrace once again. We are a people created 

to both encourage and empower the world to recognize 

the unifying One-ness of God, which binds all humanity 

together in equal status and dignity. Across cultural 

divides, ethnic divides, traditions and religious divides, 

doctrinal, dogmatic and creedal divides, as well as 

interpersonal divides, remains only ONE God. God is the 

only center that intimately can bind us into a truly global 

family. 

The Church in this conflicted world is to be a witness 

to this reality. God alone is the source of our communal, 

social and global well-being. While our horizons may 

be expanding, what is contracting is our ever-growing 

myopic consciousness that we are created to be both in 

relationship with, and interdependent upon, each other 

to fully live a godly life in this world. Paradoxically it is 

our diversity that is the source of our unity, and God is 

the creator, redeemer and sustainer of both. St. Thomas 

Aquinas, reflecting on the myriad mysteries of the 

universe, saw God’s active Word as engagement in “the 

perfection of the universe as a whole.” Nothing and no 

one is divided. 

Carl Sandberg had it right in his book The Family of 

Man, when he says that we are born to belong to 

each other, to be members of a single human family. 

The power to overcome every injustice, hardship and 

difficulty is not ultimately human but rather divine. 

The Church believes that by the gifts of the “Spirit,” 

given by the “Advocate,” every person is a witness to 

this miraculous gift of God. Every person is equipped to 

contribute to the building up of the Kingdom of God. 

Our Gospel mandate is to lead the world into 

understanding how all people and creation are entitled 

to share in all the blessings and grace of God. The 

celebration of God as Holy Spirit is at the heart of all 

creation. To make God the focus of life and community 

is to not only find meaning, but also to find the Divine 

Presence in every person throughout this world. For 

truly in this Spirit we are able to say “I am! I have come 

through! I belong! I am a member of the family.” I am 

the Body of Christ. 

The spiritual focus of our Diocesan Convention this 

year is “Equipping the Saints for Ministry in the 21st 

Century for the Common Good.” Our New Testament 

biblical reflections include: 1 Peter 4:10, 1 Corinthians 

12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and Luke 6:31. I encourage 

you to read and reflect on these teachings before 

convention. I believe it is now time to begin a grassroots 

“Kingdom of God” movement in the DRG, equipping and 

enabling the faithful to both identify and be empowered 

to use their spiritual gifts for the common good in the 

here and the now. 

Pray for each other, pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit 

and pray God grant each one of us those spiritual gifts 

for the common good in the DRG. 

Many blessings, 

Your Bishop 

+Michael 

What the 

Bishop’s Read 

Recommendations for 

Laity and Clergy} 

On God’s Side: What 

Religion Forgets and 

Politics Hasn’t Learned 

about serving the 

Common Good 

by Jim Wallis 

Immortal 

Diamond 

by Richard 

Rohr 

A Brief 

History of 

Everything 

by Ken 

Wilbur 

Grasp: 

Making 

sense of 

Science and 

Spirituality 

By Jim Trainer 

Equipping the Saints for Ministry in the 21st Century for the Common Good.


October 17 - 19, 2013 

About the Diocesan Positions Open 

Standing Committee / Trustees of the Property – the 

council of advice for the Bishop. Consists of equal 

numbers of lay (3) and clergy (3) members with 

staggered terms; there is a two-term limit. Lay members 

must have been adult communicants in good standing 

in this Diocese for at least one (1) year. If there is no 

bishop, this body governs the Diocese and arranges for 

an election. It determines certification of candidates for 

Holy Orders according to the Canons, supervises secular 

legal functions, manages diocesan properties, advises 

on diocesan personnel decisions, and carries out work 

asked of it by Diocesan Convention. This autumn we will 

elect one (1) Lay person and one (1) Clergy person for a 

three (3) year term. 

Meets 6-7 times per year, or as called. 

Diocesan Council – Reviews diocesan mission, vision, 

plans, programs and goals, determines Fair Share 

policy and levels, and prepares and presents the 

budget to diocesan convention. It consists of members 

at large (two clergy and two lay persons elected by 

Convention), the Diocesan Treasurer, a member of 

the Standing Committee appointed annually by the 

Standing Committee, the Deans and Vice-Deans of 

each Deanery and the Bishop. The Canon the Ordinary, 

or the Assistant to the Bishop, if there be one, as 

well as the Cathedral Dean, are members with voice 

but no vote. The two-year terms of the members at 

large are staggered. The Lay members must be adult 

communicants in good standing for at least one year 

prior to election; there is a two-term limit. This autumn 

we will elect one lay person for a two (2) year term and 

one clergy person for a two (2) year term. 

Meets 6 times per year, or as called. 

General Convention Deputies – Attend the triennial 

General Convention requiring a two-week trip out 

of state; lead education sessions around the Diocese 

before and after General Convention to teach about 

Convention, issues it will be addressing and reporting 

back after the General Convention conclusion. There 

are typically 1,000 pages of reading to prepare for 

General Convention. Terms last three (3) years. Four 

(4) Lay and four (4) clergy, plus first alternates attend. 

This autumn we will elect four (4) lay and four (4) clergy 

Directions to Taos 

From Albuquerque 

(133 mi / 2.25 hrs) 

I-25 N to Santa Fe, 

to bypass Santa Fe: 

exit 276B for Hwy 599N, at end fork 

left to Espanola. (Do Not Go Back to 

Santa Fe!) 

Merge onto US-285/US-84, 

North to Espanola & continue on 

NM-68 to Taos. 

From West Texas 

I-40E to Clines Corners, Hwy 285N 

(blends with I-25 near Santa Fe) 

Go north and see above “to bypass 

Santa Fe.” 

In Taos 

(coming from the South, 

as shown on map) 

Sagebrush Inn & Conference Center, 

1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, and next 

door, Comfort Suites, 1500 Paseo 

Del Pueblo Sur, and approx. 3/4 mis 

north, Quality Inn, 1043 Paseo Del 

Pueblo Sur. 

Sagebrush Inn - 800-428-3626 

Comfort Suites - 888-751-1555 

Quality Inn - 800.845.0648 

deputies to General Convention, in addition we will elect 

four (4) lay and four (4) clergy alternates. 

Meets as called. 

Commission on Ministry of the Baptized – Shall advise 

and assist the Bishop with the implementation of 

Title III of the National Canons, determine the present 

and future opportunities and needs for ministry of 

all baptized persons, and in the design and oversight 

of the ongoing process for recruitment, discernment, 

formation for ministry and assessment of readiness 

therefore. This autumn we will elect one (1) clergy 

person for a four (4) year term. 

Meets 4 times per year, or as called. 

Disciplinary Board – The specific duties, functions and 

responsibilities are set forth in Title IV of the National 

Canons. Briefly, the Church and each Diocese shall 

support their members in their life in Christ and seek 

to resolve conflicts by promoting healing, repentance, 

forgiveness, restitution, justice, amendment of life 

and reconciliation among all involved or affected. 

Proceedings represent the responsibility of the Church 

to determine who shall serve as Members of the Clergy 

of the Church, reflecting the polity and order of this 

hierarchical church. The Board is composed of nine (9) 

members, four (4) Lay and five (5) clergy elected for 

four-year terms. This autumn we will elect one (1) lay 

person and (1) one clergy person for four (4) year terms. 

Meets once a year, or as called. 

Cathedral Chapter – Though by Canon this body 

functions as the governing body for the Cathedral, 

the Cathedral Vestry is responsible for the ordinary 

operations of the Cathedral parish. The Chapter is the 

canonical body that serves in the capacity of the search 

committee when the office of Dean of the Cathedral is 

vacant. The Cathedral Vestry and Wardens are members 

of the Chapter, as are the Bishop and Dean, along with 

three (3) at-large members, elected for three-year 

terms. This autumn we will elect one (1) lay or clergy 

person for a three (3) year term, one (1) lay or clergy 

person for a two (2) year term and one (1) lay or clergy 

person for a one (1) year term. 

Meets as called. 

IN THE 

3 



Diocesan Offices 

to be Elected – 2013 

A. STANDING COMMITTEE (Canon 4) 6 members elected 

by convention for 3 year terms; 2 term limit; 1 clergy 

and 1 lay person elected each year: 

One Lay Person for a three year term. 

One Clergy Person for a three year term. 

B. DIOCESAN COUNCIL (Canon 5) 4 members elected by 

convention for a 2 year term; 2 term limit; 1 clergy; 1 lay 

person elected each year: 

One Lay Person for a two year term. 

One Clergy Person for a two year term. 

C. COMMISSION ON MINISTRY OF THE BAPTIZED 

(Canon 16) 4 members elected by convention for a 4 

year term; 2 term limit; odd years elect 1 clergy; even 

years elect 1 lay person: 

One Clergy Person for a four year term. 

E. ECCLESIASTICAL DISCIPLINE (Disciplinary Board) 

(Canon 17) 

9 members elected by convention per Canon 17.2(b) 

requirements: (effective July 1, 2011) 

One Clergy Person for a four year term. 

One Lay Person for a four year term. 

F. CATHEDRAL CHAPTER (Canon 18) 3 members elected by 

convention for a 3 year term; 1 term limit: 

One Lay or Clergy Person for a three year term 

One Lay or Clergy Person for a two year term 

One Lay or Clergy Person for a one year term 

G. DEPUTIES TO 2015 GENERAL CONVENTION 

(Canon 10) 8 members and 8 alternate members elected 

by Convention for a 3-year term: 

Four Clerical Deputies and four Clerical Alternates 

for a 3-year term. 

Four Lay Deputies and four Lay Alternates for a 

3-year term. 

Floor Nomination 

Procedures 

1. A biographical information (nomination) form is 

required from each person nominated from the floor. 

2. Three hundred (300) copies of the biographical 

form must be delivered to Diocesan House by 

October 3, 2013 for inclusion in delegate packets. 

3. At the time of the report of the Nominating 

Committee, the floor will be opened for other 

nominations. 

4. Clergy: Please copy the biographical form for 

your parishioners who wish to nominate from the 

floor (form is also on the Diocesan website at www. 

dioceserg.org.) 

5. All required signatures of clergy, senior warden 

or bishop’s warden must be included on the form; 

all clergy candidates must have the endorsement of 

their area dean. 

6. No candidate may stand for election to more than 

one of the following positions: 

• Standing Committee 

• Diocesan Council 

• Commission on Ministry of the Baptized 

7. No supporting speeches for candidates will be 

permitted, either for those nominated from the floor 

or those nominated prior to convention. 


4 

IN THE 




October 17 - 19, 2013 

2013 Convention Nominations 

Standing Committee 

(Canon 4) 

6 members elected by Convention for 3-year terms; 2-term limit; 1 clergy and 1 lay person elected each year. 1 Lay Person 

for 3-year term; 1 Clergy Person for 3-year term 

Ms. Paula Mote 

St. Francis Episcopal Church 

Rio Rancho, New Mexico 

Years in present congregation: 

11, Confirmed in 1982 

Describe experiences and 

positions you have, or currently 

hold, in the church and the 

world that will have helped you 

prepare for serving in this position? 

For 8 years I have been the Charter Organization 

Representative for St. Francis to a Cub Scout pack and 

a Boy Scout Troop which requires me to enforce both 

the church’s and the scout’s by-laws, as well as, perform 

preliminary investigations on prospective new adult 

leaders. I have been a Delegate for the past 4 years giving 

me the opportunity to read, in a research capacity, the 

Constitution and Canons of both the National church 

and the Diocese of the Rio Grande. In the past I have 

served the St. Francis Bishop’s committee and vestry as 

treasurer for 4 years. I was formally employed in a health 

care setting which required me to maintain high levels of 

confidentiality regarding information from many sources. 

Also, I was employed in a financial setting that required 

me to be able to advise clients about their finances, as 

well as, the interpretation of tax laws. 

What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities 

and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the 

Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? 

The greatest opportunity of the Episcopal Church and the 

Diocese of the Rio Grande is also the greatest challenge: 

meeting the changing needs of people at an appropriate 

pace while also maintaining our rich traditions without 

alienating anyone of contrary mind from leader to 

prospective member. The opportunity to create a 

balanced and well diversified group of people to discern 

the needs of the people, the church, and an acceptable 

time frame for change is always challenging but can be an 

excellent opportunity for the Episcopal Church and the 

Diocese to listen and to continue to maintain the tradition 

of progress at a pace that allows all to feel welcomed, 

heard, and accepted. 

What sustains you in your spiritual life? 

My family, my church family, and the quiet moments of 

reflection that happen at different moments during any 

given day help me to sustain my spiritual life. 


Diocesan Council 

 (Canon 5) 

4 members elected by Convention for 2-year terms; 2-term limit; 1 clergy; 1 lay person elected each year. One Lay 

Person for 2-year term; One Clergy Person for 2-year term. 

in this position? 

The Rev. 

Judith F. Burgess 

Episcopal Church in Lincoln 

County, Ruidoso, New Mexico 


3.5, Ordained in 1984 


positions you have, or 

currently hold, in the church 

and the world that will have 

helped you prepare for serving 

I am currently serving on Diocesan Council and served 

one term previously. I have served as Rector of three 

parishes,two of which are team ministries in the Diocese 

of the Rio Grande. I am presently serving as President 

of the Lincoln County & Mescalero Ministerial Alliance. 

While I was in the Big Bend I served as President of the 

Big Bend Education Corporation, which successfully 

raised funds for the building of Big Bend High School 

and Library. 




I believe learning to effectively use the ever changing 

technology of the 21st century to spread the Gospel is 

one of the greatest challenges facing the whole church. 

The Diocese of the Rio Grande, because of the number 

of rural congregations, faces the dilemma of how to 

effectively provide clergy to small rural congregations. 

This dilemma is made more difficult by the wide 

geographic area that we cover. I believe we need to find 

effective ways to help the rural congregations with both 

clergy & lay leadership. 


My spiritual life is sustained by a discipline of daily 

prayer and Bible reading. Spiritual reading is an 

important part of my spiritual life. I have been especially 

nourished by Celtic Spirituality. Corporate worship 

and, of course, the Eucharist is a necessary part of my 

spiritual life. I am strengthened by knowing that many 

people are praying for me and those prayers strengthen 

me. 

Ms. Elizabeth S. Bayne 

Cathedral Church of St. John 

Albuquerque, New Mexico 







helped you prepare for serving in this position? 

Church: Cathedral Church of St. John/ABQ 

1. Member of Cathedral Choir, Cathedral of St. John/ 

ABQ – 35 years- Robe Mistress @ 18 years – Soprano 

soloist for many years 

2. Member of Vestry (Finance Committee) – Feb 2012 to 

present 

Community: Public School Music Teacher 1961-67, 

CO and CT; Programmer with Mountain Bell, Denver 

CO 1968-72; Co-Owner/Administrator with Asset 

Management-Consultant Service, Inc. – Registered 

Investment Council – ABQ 1978-2006; Resident of 

La Vida Llena-Life Care Community 2009-present – 

have filled positions of Board Secretary, Residents’ 

Association 2011-2012, Board Secretary LVL Foundation 

beginning July 2013 

Additional Music: Voice Teacher for 40 years (retired 

Dec 2012); Board Secretary and Singer – POLYPHONY: 

Voices of New Mexico – 2008-2011; Board Secretary – 

Vocal Artistry Art Song Festival – 2012 to present. 




Opportunities: growth of the Episcopal Church in 

general and the individual churches within the Diocese 

of the Rio Grande in particular 

Challenges: listening to, open discussion of, and praying 

for solutions concerning dissentions within the church 

in general, the Diocese of the Rio Grande and each 

particular church within the diocese 


Since my retirement at the end of 2006, I have spent 

more time in Bible Study and therefore learned much. I 

know God has a “master plan” and it is my responsibility 

to find the path He has chosen for me and follow 

it – wherever. I firmly feel He has led me (for various 

purposes) in the past, and will continue to do so. I 

only need to listen and take the steps (those are the 

challenging actions). Perhaps this nomination is one of 

those steps. 



October 17 - 19, 2013 

IN THE 

5 




Diocesan Council, continued 

 (Canon 5) 

4 members elected by Convention for 2-year terms; 2-term limit; 1 clergy; 1 lay person elected each year. One Lay 

Person for 2-year term; One Clergy Person for 2-year term. 

Ms. Lynne C Hooper 

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 

Roswell, New Mexico 








In 1963, my husband and I helped “plant” St.Thomas 

a’Becket mission. In the 70s and 80s I edited our weekly 

newsletter, The Bridge, graduated from EfM, served on 

the Camp Stoney Board, and Christian Education and 

Social Concerns Committees. I was elected Southeast 

Dean and sat on Diocesan Council for two years. I 

was privileged to serve on the Province VII Hunger 

Committee, National Hunger Committee and Coalition 

for Human Needs. I published the Diocesan Journal for 

15 years. This year, Father Dale appointed me Senior 

Warden at St. Andrew’s. I am presently serving a oneyear 

term on Diocesan Council. 

What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and 

challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese 

of the Rio Grande at this time? 

Through Council I’ve discovered committed, hopeful 

and energetic leaders with skills to meet 21st century 

challenges – the need to listen, widen our vision in 

rapidly changing times, and realistically face our lack of 

age-variance and dwindling membership. DRG actively 

provides ministries to those most in need with a growing 

sensitivity to our extremely diverse geographical 

nature and social/cultural needs. We must address 

the challenge of reenergizing young people/families 

to become involved in the life of the Church. With 

hope, not fear, may we grow healthy through worship, 

fellowship, education, and, with God’s help, give 

ourselves away through ministry and mission. 


I am thankful for the discipline of prayer and service 

as a Daughter of the King. Part of what sustains my 

spiritual life is daily admission that I’m not God. For the 

most part, my spiritual life revolves around the Holy 

Eucharist, those times we come as disparate persons, 

pray together as the bread is taken, blessed, broken and 

given and become united, all of us, as one body in Christ 

– to go into the world to share God’s love. I relate the 

actions of Christ’s taking, blessing, breaking and giving as 

the expression, reaction and solution to most problems. 

Ms. Betty Logan 

Cathedral of St. John 



6.5 , Confirmed in 1966 






Currently serving second term on Vestry of Cathedral 

of St. John. Member of Pastoral Care Team, Altar Guild, 

Chalice Bearer, Eucharistic Minister, Daughters of the 

King, Society of Mary and Bosque Center Visionary Com. 

Retired chaplain from staff of Forest Park Hosp., St. 

Louis, MO for 9 yrs. Retired secondary teacher of Family 

& Consumer Science (formerly Home Economics) in 

Kirkwood MO School Dist. For 17 yrs. During that time 

I was privileged to serve the Intl. Federation of Home 

Economics as a member of the Committee for Women’s 

Rights and Literacy in Third World Countries. 


challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of 

the Rio Grande at this time? 

I believe they continue to be the seeing each other and 

the world through our Lord’s eyes, recognizing Christ in 

one another and reaching out in love to support each 

other on our earthly journey. This sounds simplistic, yet 

as we see injustice, poverty abuse and abandonment 

in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ we are 

challenged personally to look within ourselves, praying 

for the Holy Spirit for guidance and to hear God’s voice 

and respond. Through the sharing of experiences in 

ministries, needs, hopes and vision with other parishes 

throughout the Diocese and the Natl. Church, I believe 

the Kingdom of God can become more visible here upon 

earth. 


Daily practice of Centering Prayer before Morning Prayer 

with scripture readings from the Daily Lectionary. My 

church family and their love and support as well as our 

worship and study in community. By the needs and love 

of my family and friends. Reading spiritual writings and 

books. Retreats when possible. Most of all I am sustained 

by a feeling of God’s presence in giving me joy, strength 

and the desire to live each day according to His purpose 

for me. 


Commission On Ministry  of the Baptized 

(Canon 16) 

4 members elected by Convention for 4-year terms; 2-term limit; odd years elect 1 clergy; even years elect 1 lay person. 

One Clergy Person for 4-year term 

The Rev. Canon 

Michael Drinkwater 

St. John’s Cathedral 



1 , Ordained on 

February 2, 2013 



currently hold, in the church and the world that will 

have helped you prepare for serving in this position? 

Please note that I have assisted the COM in the Diocese 

of the Central Gulf Coast with their deliberations 

when I was still a postulant. I was trained in interview 

techniques when going to the University of West Florida 

for my Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, 

a degree in which I specialized in management at a 

school in which the College of Business is accredited by 

the one of the top accreditations in the country. 

Canon for Outreach and Formation St. John’s Cathedral: 

EFM mentor; In charge of teaching Adult Formation 

Classes; Assist with scheduling of Dean’s Forum; 

Administrate Cathedral Outreach. Previously, Summer 

Camp Director, Beckwith Camp and Conference Center. 

Coordinator for Youth Ministries, Episcopal Diocese of 

the Central Gulf Coast. 




• It is both a challenge and opportunity that we cover 

such a large area in two states. 

• It is a challenge and opportunity to give the words call, 

vocation, and ministry great meaning to God’s people 

and to help them apply that meaning to their daily life 

and work. 

• It is a challenge and opportunity to encourage more 

bottom-up leadership from those in the pews. 

• It is a challenge and opportunity for the church to work 

as a force of reconciliation in a world so polarized by 

things like politics, churchmanship, and dogma. 


There are several sustaining forces in my spiritual life 

• Keeping the balance between leisure and work 

(something for which I have demonstrated a great 

aptitude) 

• Spiritual Direction 

• Healthy Living 

• Raising animals and plants 

•Spending time with those I love 


6 

IN THE 




October 17 - 19, 2013 


Ecclesiastical Discipline 

(Disciplinary Board) (Canon 17) 

9 members elected by Convention; 5 clergy canonically resident in the Diocese; 4 adult communicants in good standing 

and members of a congregation in the Diocese for a 4-year term; 2-term limit: One Clergy Person for 4-year term; One 

Lay Person for 4-year term 

Ms. Paula Mote 

St. Francis Episcopal Church 

Rio Rancho, New Mexico 

Years in present 

congregation: 11 

Confirmed in: 1982 




and the world that will have helped you prepare for 

serving in this position? 

For 8 years I have been the Charter Organization 

Representative for St. Francis to a Cub Scout pack and 

a Boy Scout Troop which requires me to enforce both 

the church’s and the scout’s by-laws, as well as, perform 

preliminary investigations on prospective new adult 

leaders. I have been a Delegate for the past 4 years 

giving me the opportunity to read, in a research capacity, 

the Constitution and Canons of both the National church 

and the Diocese of the Rio Grande. In the past I have 

served the St. Francis Bishop’s committee and vestry as 

treasurer for 4 years. I was formally employed in a health 

care setting which required me to maintain high levels of 

confidentiality regarding information from many sources. 

Also, I was employed in a financial setting that required 

me to be able to advise clients about their finances, as 

well as, the interpretation of tax laws. 




The greatest opportunity of the Episcopal Church and 

the Diocese of the Rio Grande is also the greatest 

challenge: meeting the changing needs of people at 

an appropriate pace while also maintaining our rich 

traditions without alienating anyone of contrary mind 

from leader to prospective member. The opportunity to 

create a balanced and well diversified group of people 

to discern the needs of the people, the church, and an 

acceptable time frame for change is always challenging 

but can be an excellent opportunity for the Episcopal 

Church and the Diocese to listen and to continue to 

maintain the tradition of progress at a pace that allows 

all to feel welcomed, heard, and accepted. 


My family, my church family, and the quiet moments of 

reflection that happen at different moments during any 

given day help me to sustain my spiritual life. 

Ms. Susan K. Pine 

St. Francis on the Hill 

El Paso, Texas 


congregation: 4.5 







I am currently Bishop’s Warden at St. Francis on the 

Hill. I have held this position since the Fall of 2011. I 

became Bishop’s Warden soon after the Diocese retook 

possession of the St. Francis property. Prior to that time, 

I served on the Bishop’s Committee. Since August of 

2011, I have been Chair of the Altar Guild, a position 

which I still hold. 

I also served as Chair of the Altar Guild at St. Francis 

during the late 1990s and I served on the Vestry during 

that time as well. 

I am a licensed attorney in Texas and New Mexico, 

although my licenses are currently inactive. When I was 

practicing law, I worked for a large law firm in El Paso for 

5 1/2 years. I have also held many volunteer positions 

in the El Paso area, including: Board of Directors of 

the Center Against Family Violence (2 years as Chair); 

President of the Willows Property Owners Association (4 

years); and various PTA positions. 




I believe the greatest opportunity and challenge facing 

the Church and the Diocese involves redefining our 

“brand”. So much misinformation has been disseminated 

about who we are and what we believe, we must be out 

in all our communities throughout the Diocese, defining 

ourselves and what we believe, especially our belief 

that God’s saving grace is available to all, and that all 

human beings deserve to be treated with respect and 

dignity. Another challenge and opportunity we face in 

the Diocese is strengthening our clergy, because a strong 

clergy will provide the leadership we need to build up 

our churches 


My spiritual life is sustained by a strong intellectual and 

emotional faith in God and in the divinity of Jesus Christ. 

This faith is supported by the tenets, doctrine and prayer 

book of the Episcopal Church. The inclusion of reason, 

along with faith and scripture, as the basis of our beliefs, 

has kept me in this Church, and strengthened me in my 

spiritual life 


CATHEDRAL CHAPTER 

(Canon 18) 

3 members elected by Convention for 3 year terms; 1 term limit: One Lay or Clergy Person for 3-year term; One Lay or 

Clergy Person for 2-year term; One Lay or Clergy Person for 1-year term. 

No Nominations Submitted 



October 17 - 19, 2013 

IN THE 

7 




Deputies To 2015 General Convention - Clergy 

(Canon 10) 

8 members and 8 alternate members elected by Convention for a 3-year term; Four Clerical Deputies and four Clerical 

Alternates for a 3-year term. Four Lay Deputies and four Lay Alternates for a 3-year term. 

The Rev. Canon 

Carole J. McGowan 

The Cathedral of St. John 



congregation: Less than 1; 

23 years in the Diocese of 

the Rio Grande 

Ordained in: 1980 

Describe experiences and positions you have, or 



At a national level, I have chaired the Standing 

Commission on Stewardship and Development. This is 

one of the groups appointed by General Convention 

that carries out resolutions adopted by the previous 

Convention and prepares proposed legislation for the 

next Convention. I have also served the Diocese of the 

Rio Grande as first, an alternate Deputy to General 

Convention, and then as a Deputy. This combination 

of experiences has given me a clear sense of how our 

legislative process operates both during and between 

Conventions. On a deeper level I have gained an 

appreciation for the gifts of many in the Episcopal 

Church that are given in the interest of all. The web 

of relationships that I have developed throughout the 

wider church has helped me understand the nuances 

and repercussions of decisions that we make at 

Convention so that I can participate in a wiser way. 

I have held a number of diocesan positions that have 

helped me understand the people and needs of this 

Diocese. My participation in Via Media and the DRG 

New Life process in particular helped me deepen my 

respect for those with views other than mine. Our 

unity in Christ is our bond. A long tenure in the Diocese 

has also allowed me to physically see and know many 

people and places in the DRG – another gift. 




Both the DRG and the wider Episcopal Church struggle 

with increasingly limited resources of money and time. 

Perhaps the DRG has some advantage in this challenge 

because it has never perceived itself as “wealthy” and 

many of our congregations have always been “small”. 

The opportunity is to look at the resources that we have 

and to be creative with them. Perceived limitations may 

push us to look outside the box, to do ministry in new 

ways. The challenge is to set aside any accompanying 

fear; the opportunity is to seek the Holy Spirit’s fanning 

of the flame. 

A related challenge/opportunity that the Church faces 

at both national and diocesan levels is how to articulate 

God’s dream for us at this moment in history. The 

temptation can be to focus on what isn’t working in 

the Church as opposed to responding to the challenge 

to come together and discern God’s wonderful and 

“awe”ful call. 


A daily time of quiet is one element of my spiritual life. 

A brief form of the daily office may be a part of this time 

as might be unstructured prayer and reading scripture. 

The major component is silence, when I can be open to 

listen to and for God. I am also helped by the spiritual 

writings of contemporaries and those who have gone 

before us. The peer spiritual direction group that I have 

been part of for more than 20 years has been critical 

to my ongoing spiritual formation. And finally, time in 

nature reminds me that God has the “whole world in his 

hands.” 

The Rev. Canon Scott 

A. Ruthven 

St. Andrew’s Episcopal 

Church 

Las Cruces, New Mexico 







In 1997, I was elected an alternate deputy from the DRG 

to the Philadelphia Convention. In 2009 and 2012, I was 

elected to serve as a deputy to General Convention. 

It was my pleasure to serve as co-chair of our 2012 

deputation with Diane Butler. 

My positions and experience have been varied in the 

diocese over the last 21 years. 

Curate in the Diocese of Connecticut and Rector of two 

parishes in the DRG. Mission and Evangelism taskforce 

1993-1994. Co-Leader of Israel Pilgrimages with Bishop 

Kelshaw and Deacon Beth Noland 1996 – Current. A 

Dean of multiple camps at Camp Stoney from 1994 to 

2004 and (HvZ) in 2013. An Examining Chaplain from 

1999-2003. Area Dean of the Southwest Deanery 

2000 – 2004. Diocesan Council 2000-2004, 2008- 

2011. Commission on Ministry 1999-2011. Appointed 

Canon Theologian 2003-2011. Appointed Canon of 

Pastoral Theology 2011-Current. Adjunct Faculty 

for Trinity School for Ministry 2008-2010. Faculty of 

Bishop’s School 2012-Current. Chaplain in the USAFR 

1990-Current. Present Assignment IMA to the Command 

Chaplain of Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, NE. 




Opportunities in the Episcopal Church: 

• Restructuring is, in my opinion, an opportunity to 

empower dioceses to do more with less. I am passionate 

about the four orders of our Church structure: lay 

persons, bishops, priests, and deacons (BCP p. 855). 

We need a structure that empowers our wide-ranging 

orders to spread the gospel. 

• Continuing the dialogue on Baptism and Communion 

is essential. The Bishops, to their credit, supported 

Baptism as the normative avenue to Communion. I 

believe more discussion will surface around this subject 

in 2015. It was a healthy conversation. 

Opportunities in the Diocese of the Rio Grande: 

• To be trail blazers in the Episcopal Church by being 

equitable to all regardless of theological convictions. 

Challenges in the Episcopal Church: 

• I continue to be concerned about our progressive 

views of human sexuality in the Episcopal Church. 

Human sexuality is not a peripheral issue in Scripture; 

it is a creational issue. I am committed to an ongoing 

discernment of the Holy Spirit in our corporate life. 

Therefore, as our own Diocesan position has been 

established in the Covenant of Understanding, my 

opinion is a valid view that should be on the table at 

General Convention. 

• I am concerned about our ecumenical relationship 

with the wider Church as we move ahead in our 

discernment of the movement of the Holy Spirit. It 

is misguided to believe that we have the corner on 

discernment in the catholic Church. 

Challenges in the Diocese of the Rio Grande: 

• While our geography possesses challenges to the 

diocese, I believe that our biggest challenge remains on 

how best to engage our youth. We require an ongoing 

commitment to young people in our diocese in order for 

our parishes to thrive 


• Watch Baseball with my wife on the couch or in the 

stands 

• Study of Scripture, Theology, and Church History 

• Prayer 

• Holy Communion 

• Exercise 

Continued... 


8 

IN THE 




October 17 - 19, 2013 


Deputies To 2015 General Convention - Clergy, continued 

(Canon 10) 



The Very Rev. Mark 

Goodman 







positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and 

the world that will have helped you prepare for serving 

in this position? 

I have attended four General Conventions: 2003 as First 

Alternate, 2006 as a deputy serving on the Committee 

on National and International Concerns, 2009 with 

press credentials, and 2012 as a deputy serving on the 

Committee on National and International Concerns. 

Having served on two Standing Committees, and most 

recently being President of the Standing Committee in 

the Diocese of the Rio Grande, I have an appreciation 

of the wide scope of the work of the Episcopal Church 

and the opportunities and challenges that we currently 

face. At the 2012 General Convention, we began the very 

important work of restructuring the organization and 

governance of the Episcopal Church, and that work will 

continue at the next General Convention, and so I think 

it is important to have continuity of deputies as those 

decisions are made. 




Two of the greatest opportunities open to the Episcopal 

Church and the diocese are the ability to use a wide 

variety of digital communication methods to invite 

people to come to know the love of God in the context 

of the Episcopal Church and, with those same methods 

of communication, to offer the Anglican treasure of 

living in the tension between diverse views to a world 

too-often polarized between extremes. The greatest 

challenge to the Church, both nationally and in this 

diocese, is to organize ourselves in new ways that enable 

mission and ministry to be more effectively offered to 

our communities and the world. 


I’m sustained in my spiritual life by the love of God that 

I find in the midst of the Eucharist and in worshipping 

with the Body of Christ, quiet time spent with God in 

prayer and reflection, and the love and support of my 

family. 

The Very Rev. Canon 

Brian Winter 

St. Chad’s Episcopal Church 









As first Clergy Alternate at the 2012 General Convention 

I gained valuable experience in the understanding 

and processes of General Convention. I also became 

cognizant of the issues facing the Convention which will 

be paramount at the 2015 General Convention including 

the restructuring of the Episcopal Church, the election of 

our next Presiding Bishop, and so many other elements 

of the Episcopal Church. 

I am the Dean of the Northwest Deanery, the Canon for 

Congregational Development, and Chairperson of the 

Congregational Life and Development Team. As such, I 

feel I am connected to the diocese and our ministry very 

closely, and know the wide range of issues and positions 

held in our diocese, and can represent and balance 

those with our call to ministry, sharing Christ’s love and 

forgiveness, and our diverse calls. 




We have very diverse viewpoints in this diocese and the 

Episcopal Church, but we must keep communication 

open and share in a Christian manner our views, hopes, 

and dreams with each other. We also need a stronger 

witness to the world with open invitations for people to 

“Come and See” the beauty and power of the Episcopal 

Church. Our focus needs to be on our mission as a 

Church and a Diocese to spread the Good News of Christ 

with the world around us. We need to refocus on our 

Baptismal Covenant in which we promise to “seek and 

serve Christ in all people.” Through this covenant we are 

called to witness to the risen life of Christ and proclaim 

by word and example the Good News of God in Christ. 

We need to get back to the true mission of the church! 


Christ sustains me every day. Some of the spiritual 

practices which help me seek and serve Christ in the best 

way I can is my personal prayer life, my time in corporate 

worship, particularly weekly Eucharists both in the parish 

and Home Communions sharing with those who are not 

able to attend services. I also am empowered daily with 

the beauty and diversity found in God’s creation. With 

hikes into the foothills, hikes in the forest with my wife, 

and the beauty of children and grandchildren, I see God 

working in so many glorious ways. Those hikes and times 

with family and friends always give me hope and provide 

me a glimpse of God’s wonderful grace and beauty. 


Deputies To 2015 General Convention - Laity 

(Canon 10) 



Mr. Michael Coburn 



Years at present congregation: 

13, Confirmed in: 1976 


positions you have, or currently 

hold, in the church and the 

world that will have helped you 


Presently, I serve on the Vestry of the Cathedral, as 

Delegate to Diocesan Convention from the Cathedral, as 

Vice Dean of the Northwest Deanery and therefore ex 

officio member of Diocesan Council. I am currently the 

First Lay Alternate Deputy to General Convention from 

the Diocese of the Rio Grande, which term is about to 

expire. In other congregations I have served on Bishop’s 

Committee, as Treasurer, and as Convention Delegate. 




The greatest challenges of our Church/Diocese are those 

faced by all our brothers and sisters of Faith and include: 

- the struggle to restore to relevance a life of faith and 

spirituality in the World 

- to effectively serve, care for, and Love our brothers and 

sisters of greatest needs 

Our Church/Diocese are both in a position to continue 

our processes of healing of past hurts, ready to look to 

the future for new ways to engage the people of God 

to be His eyes, legs, arms, and heart in the World to the 

injured, lost, and rejected. 


Regular worship, prayer, and communion with the Body 

of our Lord; my spouse; and my spiritual director all 

provide support and sustenance to my spirit. Also, the 

awareness that I am where I am supposed to be, doing 

what I’m supposed to be doing, struggling to be the 

person God wants me to be, sometimes failing miserably, 

but knowing that Jesus is always with me to support and 

strengthen me and give me all the second chances I need 

to fulfill His will for me. 



October 17 - 19, 2013 

IN THE 

9 




Deputies To 2015 General Convention - Laity, continued 

(Canon 10) 



The Hon. 

A. Joseph Alarid 

St. Michael and All Angels 

Episcopal Church 

Albuquerque , New Mexico 



Received in: 2005 




I am honored to currently serve as a Deputy to General 

Convention (GC) and I believe that my experience at 

the last GC will make me a better Deputy at GC 2015. 

Also I currently serve as a member of the Disciplinary 

Board for Bishops, The Provincial Court of Review for 

Province VII, and am President of the Disciplinary Board 

for our Diocese .I am also vice chair of the Commission 

on Ministry of the Baptized .In my home parish I have 

served on the Vestry ,and as Vestry Warden ,and a J2A 

leader. Currently I am a Verger and serve on the Parish 

Worship Committee .I believe all of my work in the 

Church has given me multiple opportunities to serve 

and learn about many aspects of Church structure and 

governance. Also at the Last General Convention we put 

into place a revision of our Church Structure and I think 

my experience at the last GC has prepared me to assist 

our Church move forward with a structure that prepares 

us to better carry out the mission Christ has given his 

Church .I am honored to have been chosen as a Deputy 

to the last Convention and I would be blessed to be 

allowed to return and complete the work we began at 

the last General Convention. 




In my view the challenges and opportunities facing the 

Church on a national and Diocesan level center around 

how we go about growing the Church. To be sure we 

started down that path at the last General Convention by 

establishing a task force on restructuring .It is incumbent 

on the Deputies to our next General Convention to 

carefully consider the recommendations made and 

adopt a new 21st Century approach to our Mission 

.However as we go about this process we always need to 

be mindful of our foundation and of those who require 

our pastoral concern and love and we must respect their 

feelings and needs. In addition and of more immediate 

import we need to aggressively provide for our youth 

and let them know they are valued in the Church .We 

can never relax in the area of youth ministry if we hope 

to have a future. 


The realization that we are one with the Christ incarnate 

is a powerful and enduring truth that has constantly 

brought me comfort and strength. Participation in the 

Liturgy also remains a vital component of my spiritual 

life. 

Ms. Catherine Bailey 

St. Michael and All Angels 










I have been a member of the Episcopal Church for my 

entire life and I served on YCRG as a youth. As an adult 

in the Church, I was elected to the Vestry of St. Michael 

and All Angels and served as a Vestry Warden for three 

years, I served on the New Life Team from 2007 to 2009 

as a facilitator, and was selected as a facilitator for the 

“Walk Abouts” during the search for our Bishop, and 

I have been serving on the Congregational Life and 

Development Team since 2010. I was elected a Delegate 

to Convention and have served as a delegate for five 

years. In 2010 and 2012, I was elected to Diocesan 

Council and I’m currently serving on Council. I also 

currently serve on the Youth Task Force and a Task Force 

for Stoney Ridge. I am also the Rector’s Warden of St. 

Michael’s and All Angel Episcopal Church. 




I still believe that the greatest challenge to our Church 

is the aging of many our congregations and the lack of 

diversity. We need to focus on growing the programming 

for youth, families, and for seniors and think hard about 

the way we welcome and engage our neighbors while 

still serving our existing members with vigor. Without 

diversity of programming and approaches to ministry, we 

will not thrive as a church. We need many more voices 

to be heard, young and old, rich and poor, single and 

married, white and brown, gay and straight. I think that 

we have started this process here in the DRG and that 

churches feel new energy and excitement. We need to 

build on the current momentum and support parishes 

that feel isolated and alone by bringing them into 

community through clear and consistent communication 

and connection to resources offered by the Diocese and 

ECUSA. 


My community of faith at St. Michael and All Angels 

sustains me. It grounds me in my faith and reinforces 

the spiritual principles expressed in the liturgy, the 

scriptures, and in The Book of Common Prayer that 

guide me as I serve at the Diocesan level. I know that the 

prayers of my congregation strengthen me in times of 

doubt and help me to do the work that God is calling me 

to do. 

Mr. Guy Gronquist 

Episcopal Church of 

the Holy Faith 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 








I am currently the Treasurer of Holy Faith and the 

Assistant Diocesan Treasurer. As Assistant Diocesan 

Treasurer, I have responsibility for the property and 

investment portfolios of the Diocese. Before becoming 

Holy Faith’s Treasurer, I served as Senior Warden. Prior 

to moving to Santa Fe in 2008, I was the Lay Chair and 

Parish Treasurer of my Church in London for a number of 

years. These positions have given me some insight into 

the challenges facing the Church today in an increasingly 

secular world and the resources and opportunities that 

the Church can bring to bear to meet them. 

Up until I was named Diocesan Assistant Treasurer, I 

served on the board of the Interfaith Community Shelter 

Group in Santa Fe and was Head of the Management 

Team. During this period, we were able to convince the 

City and State to invest in a permanent home (the former 

Pete’s Pets on Cerrillos Road) and succeeded in expanding 

the participating faith and community groups across the 

City and beyond. It drove home to me the need for the 

Church to fulfill the Matthew imperative: “Truly I tell you, 

whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers 

and sisters of mine, you did for me.” 




I believe that the opportunities and the challenges are 

largely one in the same, or perhaps two sides of the 

same coin: how to maintain the broad church envisaged 

in the Elizabethan Compromise in order to reach out to 

unchurched individuals or those who have fallen away 

from faith so that they may be brought into (or back 

into) the church family and be made to feel welcome. 

This challenge is particularly acute in a geographically 

large and largely rural Diocese, but the Bishop has taken 

steps to help ameliorate the distances involved and those 

initiatives deserve robust support. But the opportunity is 

as abundant as the challenge, and the determination to 

meet the challenge is great. 


First and foremost the weekly Eucharist. That, together 

with Evening Prayer – especially Evensong – and weekly 

Bible Study are the foundation for my spiritual life. I 

reflect on St Paul’s words to the Corinthians in which 

he explains that each of us are endowed with different 

spiritual gifts that we are called upon to use. The 

opportunity to do so in service to the Diocese and my 

Parish sustains my spiritual life. 

Equipping the Saints for Ministry in the 21st Century for the Common Good. 

Continued...

10 

IN THE 




October 17 - 19, 2013 


Deputies To 2015 General Convention - Laity, continued 

(Canon 10) 

8 members and 8 alternate members elected by Convention for a 3-year term; Four Clerical Deputies and four Clerical Alternates 

for a 3-year term. Four Lay Deputies and four Lay Alternates for a 3-year term. 

Dr. Victor J. 

Rizzo, Ph.D. 

Church of the Holy Cross 

Episcopal 

Edgewood, New Mexico 



Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently 

hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you 


I have had the privilege to serve in a variety of positions 

within the Diocese of the Rio Grande over the past decade. 

Among these are: 

- Diocesan Treasurer (which includes service on the 

Diocesan Council and the Trustees of the Property); 

- Faculty member, Aspirants Committee; 

- Treasurer, Northwest Deanery; 

- Member, Mission and Outreach Board, Diocese of the Rio 

Grande; 

- Clerk, Northwest Deanery; 

- Member, Vestry, Church of the Holy Cross, Edgewood; and, 

- Delegate, Northwest Deanery, Church of the Holy Cross, 

Edgewood. 

My parish and Diocesan service plus and over forty years of 

experience working in community, business and collegiate 

organizations have taught how to work effectively with 

others. With my term as Treasurer concluding in 2014, I feel 

called to serve the Diocese of the Rio Grande at the national 

church level. 




The greatest challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the 

Diocese of the Rio Grande are: the aging of congregants; 

the inability of congregations to attract and motivate young 

people to join the Church; the constant search for the 

“identify” of the Church (a challenge dating back to the 

Apostles); and the need to provide meaningful support to 

address the needs of mission congregations, those suffering 

from a lack of food, clothing and shelter, and those afflicted 

by alcohol and drug addiction. 

Opportunities within the Diocese are unlimited. Bishop 

Vono has breathed new hope into our diverse congregations 

and has provided new vision for the Diocese. A sense of 

enthusiasm is growing: new opportunities to carryout God’s 

mission within the Diocese abound. The future is bright! 


My spiritual life is sustained by the belief that God has a 

plan for his Church and that I have a small role to play in 

fulfilling that plan. When I feel inadequate or overburdened, 

I remind myself that it is He who has called me to serve and 

it is He who will sustain me. 

Marriage study task force begins work by sharing experiences 

By Mary Frances Schjonberg 

Episcopal News Service 

The 12 Episcopalians given the 

task of exploring the “biblical, 

theological, historical, liturgical 

and canonical dimensions 

of marriage” and marriage’s 

“changing societal and cultural 

norms and legal structures” 

The Rev. Brian Taylor 

began their first face-to-face 

meeting July 29 by each talking in depth about their 

own experiences of marriage, divorce, singleness and 

lifelong committed relationships. 

“It was a very moving and holy time,” the Rev. Brian 

Taylor, chair of the A050 Task Force on the Study 

of Marriage, told Episcopal News Service during an 

interview July 31 as the gathering neared its close. 

“We heard an awful lot of what makes us human, 

about parents and childhood, trauma and the constant 

presence of God and the grace of God through 

relationships of love and commitment,” he said. “It 

was a powerful to humanize our work as we went 

forward to begin in that place of real lived experience 

and reflection on that.” 

The task force was formed in response to a call (via 

Resolution A050 from the 77th General Convention 

in July 2012) for a group of “theologians, liturgists, 

pastors and educators to identify and explore biblical, 

theological, historical, liturgical and canonical 

dimensions of marriage.” 

“We are honored to have been appointed, enthused 

about doing the work and confident that, with the 

Spirit’s guidance, we will produce something of value 

for our church,” Taylor is quoted as saying in the 

group’s official statement to the church released on 

Aug. 5. 

Resolution A050 tells the task force to: 

Consult with the Standing Commission on Constitution 

and Canons and the Standing Commission on Liturgy 

and Music to address the pastoral need for clergy to 

officiate at same-sex civil marriages in states where 

that is legal; 

Consider “issues raised by changing societal and 

cultural norms and legal structures, including 

legislation authorizing or forbidding marriage, civil 

unions or domestic partnerships between two people 

of the same sex, in the U.S. and other countries where 

the Episcopal Church is located”; 

Develop tools and norms for theological reflection 

at the local level; and Report to the next meeting of 

convention in 2015. 

To do this work, task force members were directed to 

consult with married couples, those living in lifelong 

committed relationships and single adults. The group 

also is to consult with other churches in the Anglican 

Communion and with the church’s ecumenical 

partners. 

It is “an enormous task we’ve been charged with,” 

Taylor said, adding that the members felt “a bit 

overwhelmed as to the enormity of the subject.” 

“At the same time, we’re all very aware of how timely 

this is in terms of the church taking a very serious and 

theological and prayerful look at marriage,” he said. 

“It hasn’t been done with this kind of depth in a long 

time, and we’re studying the archives of the Episcopal 

Church and we’re studying the history of marriage, 

and this is an opportunity try to understand what it 

means in today’s world.” 

After much discussion and prayer during their July 29- 

Aug. 1 meeting, the members decided they “wanted 

to be able to look at what the Episcopal Church has 

to say to today’s world as to what makes a marriage 

Christian and holy,” Taylor said. 

Calling that an “overarching question,” he said, the 

task force knows that among the primary things that 

will guide it in finding an answer are the principles laid 

out in Resolution D039, which General Convention 

passed in 2000. 

During its meeting, Taylor said, the task force kept 

coming back to D039 “as the clearest statement we 

have from our church about values in regards to 

marriage and committed relationships.” 

In that landmark resolution, the Episcopal Church 

recognized for the first time that some of its members 

were living in lifelong committed relationships that 

were not marriages in the then-conventional sense. 

And, it set down the church’s expectations for all such 

relationships. 

“We expect such relationships will be characterized 

by fidelity; monogamy; mutual affection and respect; 

careful, honest communication; and the holy love 

which enables those in such relationships to see in 

each other the image of God,” the resolution said. 

It also: 

“denounce[d] promiscuity, exploitation and 

abusiveness in the relationships of any of our 

members”; promised to provide to couples “the 

prayerful support, encouragement and pastoral 

care necessary to live faithfully” by the values the 

resolution set down and “affirm[ed] that those on 

various sides of controversial issues have a place in the 

church, and we reaffirm the imperative to promote 

conversation between persons of differing experiences 

and perspectives, while acknowledging the church’s 

teaching on the sanctity of marriage.” 

Taylor said that the spirit of Resolution A050 was 

“really consultative and conversational and to not so 

much to come up with answers but to raise questions 

with one another and to listen to one another about 

the subject of marriage.” 



October 17 - 19, 2013 

Proposed Revision to Prayer Book 

By The Rev. Canon Kathleene McNellis 

Secretary of Convention 

Every few years, the Secretary of Convention is required to read a resolution or two in accordance with Article X of 

the Constitution of the Episcopal Church. This year is no exception. However, this year’s resolution reads mostly like a 

laundry list of Bible verses, rather than a typical resolution. Instead of simply following the letter of the Constitution, 

I have asked that the resolution also be printed here, so that the general body also would understand the spirit of the 

changes. There will be no vote on these changes, only a certification that the resolution has been addressed. 

Resolutions Referred To Dioceses 

From the 77th General Convention 

January 1, 2013 

PROPOSED REVISION TO BOOK OF 

COMMON PRAYER 

The following resolution shall be read by 

the Secretary of the Diocesan Convention 

preceding the final vote at the 78th 

General Convention in 2015, such 

reading to be certified by the Diocesan 

Convention with the Secretary of the 

General Convention. 

A059: Revise BCP for Revised Common 

Lectionary 

Resolved, That the Standard Book of 

Common Prayer shall be revised as 

follows: 

p.271: Palm Sunday, Liturgy of the Palms  

Year A: Matthew 21:1-11 

Year B: Mark 11:1-11a Mark 11:1-11, or 

John 12:12-16 

Year C: Luke 19-29-40 Luke 19:28-40  

p. 272: Palm Sunday, At the Eucharist  

Old Testament: Isaiah 45:21-25, or Isaiah 

52:13-53:12 Isaiah 50:4-9a 

Psalm: 22:1-21, or 22:1-11 31:9-16  

Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11 

p. 273: Palm Sunday, At the Eucharist  

Year A: Matthew 26:36-27:54(55-66) or 

27:1-54(55-66) Matthew 26:14–27:66, or 

27:11-54 

Year B: Mark 14:32-15:39(40-47) Mark 

14:1–15:47, or 15:1-39 (40-47)  

Year C: Luke 22:39-23:49(50-56), Luke 

22:14–23:56, or 23:1-49 (50-56) 

p. 274: Maundy Thursday 

Old Testament: Exodus 12:1-14a Exodus 

12:1-4(5-10)11-14  

Psalm: 78:14-20, 23-25 116:1,10-17 

(omit Hallelujah in verse 17)  

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (27-32)  

Gospel: John 13:1-15, or Luke 22:14-30 

John 13:1-17,31b-35 

p. 276: Good Friday  

Old Testament: Isaiah 52:13–53:12, or 

Genesis 22:1-18, or Wisdom 2:1, 12-24 

Psalm: 22:1-11(12-21), or 40:1-14, or 

69:1-23  

Epistle: Hebrews 10:1-25 Hebrews 10:16- 

25, or 4:14-16; 5:7-9 

p. 277: Good Friday  

John 18:1-19:37, or 19:1-37  John 

18:1–19:42 

p. 283: Holy Saturday  

Old Testament: Job 14:1-14, or 

Lamentations 3:1-9,19-24  

Psalm: 130, or 31:1-5 31:1-4,15-16 

Epistle: I Peter 4:1-8  

Gospel: Matthew 27:57-66, or 

John 19:38-42 

pp. 288-295: The Great Vigil of Easter: 

p. 288: The story of Creation  

Genesis 1:1-2:2  Genesis 1:1–2:4a  

Psalm 33:1-11, or Psalm 36:5-10 136:1- 

9,23-26 

p. 288: The Flood  

Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13  

Psalm 46 

What’s New in the 2014 Budget? 

By Victor J. Rizzo, PhD 

Treasurer, Diocese of the Rio Grande 

The proposed budget for 2014 contains a number of 

changes in form. The major differences are: 

• The merging of the Wellspring Fund budget into the 

general operating budget, 

• New category titles, and 

• A reorganization of accounts under these new titles. 

Why Merge the Two Budgets? 

During my presentation of the budget to convention last 

year, I used pie charts to communicate how the Diocese 

was expanding its support of missions and outreach 

programs. To provide a better picture of what was happening, 

I combined funding from the general operating 

budget and the Wellspring Fund. As you may know, the 

Wellspring Fund was created to support worthwhile 

activities that could not be funded in the general operating 

budget. Over time, the Wellspring contributions have 

become integral in serving the needy, the disadvantaged 

and those who have not been reached by the word of 

God. In my presentation, I found convention delegates 

jumping from the operating budget to the Wellspring 

budget and back again. Needless to say, several delegates 

advised me of their difficulty in following “where I was 

getting those numbers”. 

Lisa Katz-Ricker, the Diocesan Business Manager, and I 

p. 289: Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac  

Genesis 22:1-18 

Psalm 33:12-22, or  Psalm 16 

 p. 289: Israel’s deliverance at the Red 

Sea  

Exodus 14:10-15:1  Exodus 14:10-31; 

15:20-21  

Canticle 8, The Song of Moses  

p. 290: God’s Presence in a renewed 

Israel 

Isaiah 4:2-6 Baruch 3:9-15,32–4:4, or 

Proverbs 8:1-8,19-21;9:4b-6 

Psalm 122 Psalm 19 

p. 290: Salvation offered freely to all  

Isaiah 55:1-11  

Canticle 9, The First Song of Isaiah, or 

Psalm 42:1-7 

p. 290: A new heart and a new spirit  

Ezekiel 36:24-28  

Psalm 42:1-7, or Canticle 9, The First 

Song of Isaiah Psalms 42 and 43 

p. 291: The valley of dry bones  

Ezekiel 37:1-14  

Psalm 30, or Psalm 143 

p. 291: The gathering of God’s people  

Zephaniah 3:12-20  Zephaniah 3:14-20 

Psalm 98, or Psalm 126  

p. 295: At the Eucharist  

Gospel: Year A Matthew 28:1-10  

Year B: Mark 16:1-8  

Year C: Luke 24:1-12 

realized the solution to providing everyone with a better 

view of what being funded throughout the Diocese was 

to combine these two budgets. As you study the operating 

budget for 2014, you will find a number of accounts 

identified as Wellspring accounts. These accounts are 

found next to similar accounts traditionally found in the 

operating budget: now you can easily see the full funding 

for a specific mission or activity. 

Why Change the Accounts? 

Our Diocese is a dynamic organization constantly seeking 

ways to fulfill the Lord’s plan as we see it. As programs 

emerge to meet these needs, new accounts are added to 

the budget and new categories of accounts are created. 

Overtime, the process results in a budget with accounts 

that are no longer needed. 

The Diocesan budget has not undergone a “good dusting 

and cleaning” for some time. The changes made in titles 

and categories improves the organization of the budget 

by grouping together similar activities and programs. 

Again, by grouping similar accounts, you can see the level 

of funding for similar programs. 

I hope you find the changes helpful. I invite your comments 

regarding the changes made and I encourage your 

suggestions as to how we might better serve you. 

IN THE 

11 



Diocesan Task Force On 

Structure Proposed 

Canonical Changes (Approved by 

Diocesan Council on June 12, 2013) 

CANON 4 - STANDING COMMITTEE 

SECTION 7. Any voting member of the Standing Committee 

shall not be eligible to serve on the Diocesan Council 

or the Commission on Ministry of the Baptized, with 

the exception of the Standing Committee [liaison] 

representatives appointed by the Standing Committee to 

[serve with voice but not vote on] the Diocesan Council 

and the Commission on Ministry [of the Baptized]. Those 

appointed representatives shall not be eligible for election or 

appointment as presiding officer of said bodies. 

CANON 5 - DIOCESAN COUNCIL 

SECTION 1. (a). The Diocesan Council shall consist of [four] 

members at large (two clergy and two lay persons elected 

by Convention), the Diocesan Treasurer, a member of the 

Standing Committee appointed annually by the Standing 

Committee, the Deans and Vice-Deans of each Deanery, 

[the Canon(s) to the Ordinary] and the Bishop. The Canon 

to the Ordinary, or the Assistant to the Bishop, if there be 

one, as well as the cathedral dean shall be a member with 

voice but no vote. The two-year terms of the members at 

large shall be staggered so that one clerical and one lay 

position expire each year. Members at large may be elected 

for two consecutive terms, and become eligible for election 

again two years after the expiration of their second term. [A 

member of the Standing Committee appointed annually by 

the Standing Committee to serve as liaison to the Council 

shall be an ex officio member with voice but not vote.] 

SECTION 3. (a). The Bishop or, if there be a vacancy in 

the office of the Bishop, the President of the Standing 

Committee, shall be President of the Diocesan Council [and 

the Canon(s) to the Ordinary the Vice-President(s)]. The 

Diocesan Council shall elect a Vice President and Secretary 

following the Convention for a one-year term, or until their 

successors are [a successor is] elected. The [A] Vice President 

shall preside in the absence of the President. 

Omit Section 10 and renumber the section following. 

SECTION 10. There shall be an Executive Committee of the 

Diocesan Council, with duties delegated by the Diocesan 

Council, which shall consist of the President, the Diocesan 

Treasurer, the Canon to the Ordinary or Assistant to 

the Bishop, if there be one, with voice but no vote, and 

two persons elected by the Diocesan Council from its 

membership. One of the elected members shall be a Dean or 

Vice-Dean, and the other elected member shall be a member 

at large. 

SECTION 11[10]. Any [No] voting member of the Diocesan 

Council shall not be eligible to serve on the Standing 

Committee or the Commission on Ministry [of the 

Baptized.], with the exception of the Standing Committee 

representatives appointed by the Standing Committee to the 

Diocesan Council and the Commission on Ministry. A [The] 

Dean of a Deanery may [shall] not also be [eligible to serve as 

an at-large] a member [of the Diocesan Council.] at large. 

CANON 16 

COMMISSION ON MINISTRY OF THE BAPTIZED 

SECTION 1. The Commission on Ministry of the Baptized shall 

consist of four clergy persons, four lay members, a recent 

ordinand, a member of the Standing Committee appointed 

annually by the Standing Committee, and may include a 

psychiatrist, psychologist, pastoral counselor, or vocational 

deacon, all of whom shall have voice and vote. The Canon 

Theologian, and Canon [Canon(s)] to the Ordinary, and [a 

member of the Standing Committee appointed annually by 

the Standing Committee as liaison to the Commission,] shall 

be ex-officio members without vote. The Committee shall 

elect a Chair from among its members annually. 

--The Very Revds. Thomas Gray & Brian Winter 


12 

IN THE 




October 17 - 19, 2013 

Diocese Of The Rio Grande Operating Budget 2014 

2013 2014 

Budget 15% Budget 15% 

REVENUE 

1 Fair Share Contributions 1100000 1145000 

2 Fair Share Offset- Wellspring 26500 26500 

3 Undesignated Income 0 0 

4 Bishops Appeal 45000 30000 

5 Investment and Endowment Income 

6 Investment Income - Settlement 60000 60000 

7 Endowment Fund Income 40000 55000 

8 Rental Income 

9 Rental Income 12000 0 

10 Transfer in - Deferred Expenses 

11 Transfer from Undesignated Fund Balance 

(Building Maintenance Reserve) 0 0 


(Information Systems Upgrade) 30000 30000 


(Gen. Convention Deputies 2015) 0 0 

14 Transfer of Cursillo Funds 6000 0 

15 Curate Travel Assistance 2500 0 

16 Contributions 

17 Settlement Contribution 190000 180000 

18 Wellspring Contribution for Mission and Ministry 34460 34460 

19 Advancement Contribution 25000 15000 

20 Advancement Contribution-Wellspring 19040 19040 

21 TOTAL REVENUE 1590500 1595000 

EXPENDITURES THE LARGER CHURCH 

22 National Church Asking 55000 55000 

23 General Convention Deputies/Province VII 3000 3000 

24 Lambeth Conference 0 0 

25 New Mexico Council of Churches 1000 1000 

26 Ecumenical Affairs 0 1000 

27 Texas Council of Churches 1000 1000 

28 Provincial Assessment 2500 2500 

29 TOTAL LARGER CHURCH 62500 63500 

ADDRESSING NEEDS WITHIN THE DIOCESE 

Deaneries 

30 Northeast 5000 5000 

31 Southeast 5000 5000 

32 Southwest 5000 5000 

33 Northwest 5000 5000 

34 Funding Board Ministries (poverty,youth,mission) 90000 94500 

35 Total Deaneries 110000 114500 

Diocesan Convention 

36 Diocesan Convention 3000 3000 

37 Nominating Committee 50 50 

38 Resolution Committee 50 50 

39 Total Diocesan Convention 3100 3100 

Canonical Bodies and Services 

40 Commission on Ministry of the Baptized 2060 5000 

41 Diocesan Council 3000 3000 

42 Standing Committee 7000 3000 

43 Archives 25000 25000 

44 Total Canonical Bodies 37060 36000 

Clergy Education and Development 

45 Bishop’s School For Ministry 60000 65000 

46 Clergy Conferences 15000 15000 

47 Continuing Education Clergy 5000 5000 

48 Aspirancy Program 4000 500 

49 IONA School for Ministry 500 0 

50 Education for Ministry 3000 3000 

51 Examining Chaplains 0 700 

52 Diaconal Ministries 2000 500 

53 Total Clergy Education and Development 89500 89700 

Diocesan Support Groups 

54 Marriage Encounter 1500 200 

55 Recovery Ministry 3500 3000 

56 Congregational Life and Development 20000 10000 

57 Cursillo 5000 500 

58 Diocesan Lecture Series-Wellspring 1000 1000 

59 Total Diocesan Support Groups 31000 14700 

Funds for Aided Congregations 

60 Holy Trinity, Raton 11000 10000 

61 St. Paul’s Peace, Las Vegas 7500 10000 

62 Holy Family, Santa Fe 18000 16500 

63 St. Mathew’s, Los Lunas 8000 12000 

64 St. Mary’s/St. Christophers, Lovington/Hobbs 15000 0 

65 St. Christopher’s, Hobbs 0 12000 

66 St. Michael’s, Tucumcari 15000 7500 

67 St. Francis, on the Hill, El Paso 20000 15000 

68 St. Stephen’s, Espanola 11000 17500 

69 Our Lady in the Valley,Albuquerque 7000 12500 

70 St. Jeromes, Chama 15000 15000 

71 St. Philip’s, Belen 15000 15000 

72 St. Paul’s, TorC 0 15000 

73 St. Francis, Rio Rancho 0 13500 

74 All Saints, Grants 0 9000 

75 Diocesan Advancement Fund for Missions 19040 19040 

76 Diocesan Mission Fund 2240 2000 

77 Diocesan Mission Support -Wellspring 2000 0 

78 Congregational Property Cost 17000 2000 

79 Total Aided Congregations 182780 203540 

80 TOTAL ADDRESSING NEEDS WITHIN THE DIOCESE 453440 461540 

SERVING OTHERS 

Growing Church and Aid to Needy 

81 Native American Mission 26000 28500 

82 Native American Mission-Wellspring 8000 5500 

83 Borderland Ministries 4000 24540 

84 Borderland Ministries-Wellspring 5000 5460 

85 Hispanic Mission -Wellspring 15500 17000 

86 Episcopal Church Women-Wellspring 500 500 

2013 2014 

Budget 15% Budget 15% 

87 Mission for the Homeless 6500 18500 

88 Diocesan Mission /CATO Discretionary Fund 1500 1000 

89 Total Growing Church and Aid to Needy 67000 101000 

90 Overseas Missions - Wellspring 2250 0 

Youth and Young Adult Ministries 

91 Youth Council 20000 20000 

92 Province VII Youth Network Rep 1600 1600 

93 Campus Ministries 0 5000 

94 Campus Ministries - Wellspring 0 5000 

95 Bishop’s Ridge Support 25000 25000 

96 Camp Stoney Summer Program 0 10000 

97 Total Youth and Young Adult Ministries 46600 66600 

98 TOTAL SERVING OTHERS 115850 167600 

DIOCESAN OPERATIONS 

Clergy Programs 

99 Clergy Moving for Missions 7500 7500 

100 Curate Program 2500 1000 

101 Retired Clergy/Spouses Life Insurance 1500 1000 

102 Widow and Widower Pension Supplement 1500 1000 

103 Total Clergy Programs 13000 10500 

Diocesan House 

104 Utilities 7000 7000 

105 Landscaping Services 6000 7000 

106 Janitorial Services 6500 6500 

107 Building Maintenance & Security 7000 5460 

108 Building Repairs/Maintenance 1000 1000 

109 Property and Liability Insurance 11000 15000 

110 Total Diocesan House 38500 41960 

Communications 

111 Copying/Duplicating 1000 750 

112 Convention Journal 4500 2000 

113 Postage & Expense 6000 6000 

114 Communications Committee 500 500 

115 Secretary and Administrators Appreciation Day 0 2000 

116 Episcopal Relief and Development Representative 1000 1000 

117 ACC Delegate to the United Nations 200 200 

118 Diocesan Jubille Minister -Christian Social Concerns 1600 1600 

119 Christian Ed Resources 100 100 

120 Telephone 11000 11000 

121 Bibles/Books/Subscriptions 1000 1000 

122 Bishop’s Travel/Visitations 25000 25000 

123 CATO Travel/Visitations 15000 11000 

124 Bishop’s Chaplain’s Travel 250 250 

125 Diocesan Staff Travel 10000 15000 

126 DRG Website/Newsletter 44000 44000 

127 Diocesan Disaster Response Plan 250 250 

128 Total Communications 121400 121650 

129 TOTAL DIOCESAN OPERATIONS 172900 174110 

TREASURER EDUCATION/TRAINING 

130 Treasurer Travel 500 2500 

131 Treasurer/Vestry Workshops 2000 2500 

132 Budget and Audit 500 1000 

133 TOTAL EDUCATION/TRAINING 3000 6000 

ADMINISTRATION 

Personnel 

134 Bishop Compensation 125000 125000 

135 CATO 108000 108000 

136 Staff Salaries 220000 230000 

137 Contractual Services for support of publications 18000 25000 

138 Insurance Benefits 46500 44000 

139 Pensions 61000 62000 

140 Consultant Services - Information Technology 7500 10000 

141 Employer’s FICA 32000 32000 

142 Workers’ Comp. Insurance 2500 2500 

143 Total Personnel 620500 638500 

Other Administration Costs 

144 Office Equipment Maintenance 1000 1000 

145 Office Equipment Leases 9000 9000 

146 Office Supplies 10000 13000 

147 Office Equipment 750 750 

148 Kitchen/House Supplies 3000 3000 

149 Computer Trng/Supp/Maint 200 200 

150 Banking Fees/Other Miscellaneous Expenses 3000 5000 

151 Property Taxes 3500 3500 

152 Bishop’s Auto Maintenance 500 500 

153 Diocesan Hospitality 12000 12000 

154 Bishop Professional Development 2500 500 

155 Bishop Continuing Education 500 500 

156 CATO Continuing Education 2000 2000 

157 Diocesan Staff Continuing Education 2500 2000 

158 Legal Fees 5000 3500 

159 Audit 11000 11000 

160 Information Systems Upgrade 31400 24500 

161 Total Other Administrative Costs 97850 91950 

162 TOTAL ADMINISTRATION 718350 730450 

163 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 1526040 1603200 

164 REVENUE OVER EXPENDITURES 46460 -8200 

Deferred Expenses 

165 Bishop’s Auto Replacement (2014) 10000 10000 

166 General Convention Deputies (2015) 15000 15000 

167 Lambeth Conference ( 2018) 1250 1250 

168 Building Maintenance Reserve 0 1000 

169 Information Systems Upgrade Reserve (2014) 10000 0 

170 Bishop’s Sabbatical (2015) 10000 10000 

171 Total Deferred Expenses 46250 37250 

172 REVENUE OVER (UNDER) EXPENDITURES & DEF. EXP. 210 -45450 



October 17 - 19, 2013 

Bishop’s Annual Visit Encourages Hope 

Photo and Story by Ms. Carol Cox Smith 

Bishop Michael Vono’s visit on June 30 was an occasion 

of encouragement for the clergy and people of Hope-inthe-Desert, 

Albuquerque. For a small church that’s making 

progress both financially and in numbers, the Bishop 

showed that he recognizes the opportunities to do the 

work of spreading God’s kingdom in the Far Northeast 

Heights. He is enthusiastic about Hope’s plans to increase 

church visibility and broaden efforts to love and serve 

others in our neighborhood and beyond. 

The Bishop attended the 9:00 a.m. “Sunday Forum,” 

and spoke on the finances of Hope and the Diocese, 

after which he and Assistant Treasurer Guy Gronquist 

answered questions from parishioners. The Bishop 

was our celebrant and preacher, and his message was 

both gracious and personal. After the 10 a.m. service, 

he clearly enjoyed coffee hour conversation with the 

congregants. 

The people of Hope offer our gratitude for the warmth 

and encouragement he brought in his pastoral visit. 

All Saints’, Milan, Hosts Northwest Deanery 

Deanery delegates feast on the 

All Saints’ luncheon. 

On Saturday, 

August 10, 2013, 

All Saints’ hosted 

the Northwest 

Deanery 

quarterly 

meeting. This 

was the first time 

All Saints’ has 

hosted a deanery 

meeting. More 

than 60 people 

attended the 

meeting and 

were delighted 

by their first 

time visit to the 

congregation. 

Mr. John 

Martinez, the Parish Hospitality Chair had decorated 

the altar with a sample of Acoma Pueblo pots, and his 

committee (made up of all the parishioners) prepared 

a wonderful breakfast and lunch feast. All Saints’ hopes 

this is just the beginning of their participation in the 

Diocese. 

All Saints’ was formed in 1955 by the managers of the 

local uranium mine and only has had four Vicars. In 

Parish News 

Bishop Michael Vono sings the recessional hymn, “Christ Is Made 

the Sure Foundation” along with the Rev. Daniel Tuton, Rector of 

Hope-in-the-Desert. 

January 2013, after 38 years, The Rev. Martin Bayang 

retired as Vicar. At that time a new Bishop’s Committee 

was formed and Mr. Bob Clark became the new Bishop’s 

Warden. A commitment was made by the Bishop’s 

Committee to seek a priest who would help the 

congregation become more visible in the Diocese and 

the community. The parish asked the Diocese for a parttime 

priest, one who could spend 20 hours a week at All 

Saints. In April 2013, The Rev. Patricia Eustis, a retired 

priest who served as Rector in parishes in Maryland, 

New Jersey and Massachusetts, began her ministry at All 

Saints. 

Since that time, All Saints’ has joined the Chamber 

of Commerce and Mother Pat has joined Rotary. The 

Deanery event was the beginning of wider participation 

by the church. All Saints’ hopes to send three teenagers 

to the Diocesan Youth Events at Camp Stoney, and the 

Diocese of Rio Grande Convention. 

For further visibility, Mother Pat will host a community 

Bible Study at Rocky’s Route 66 Gallery located on 

Grant’s main street. Two services, at the Fire and Ice 

Park on Santa Fe Avenue, are planned for the Fall, one on 

Sunday, October 13 will be a community invited Blessing 

of the Animals. 

All Saints’ is a small parish, average attendance is 25, 

but what they lack in numbers they make up for in 

enthusiastic participation. Please come up and join us! 

IN THE 

13 



Ross Calvin Information 

Requested 

For a biography of Dr. Ross Calvin, rector at the Church of 

the Good Shepherd in Silver City from 1927 until 1942 and 

then at St. James in Clovis for another 15 years I would 

like to hear from anyone who knew Dr. Calvin or who has 

sermons, letters, or other documents that shed light on his 

life. Photos would be appreciated as well. He, of course, is 

the author of the classic interpretation of the Southwest, 

Sky Determines, and then River of the Sun about the Gila 

River. I can be contacted at 575/574-2144, PO Box 1478, 

Silver City 88062 or rhamm12@yahoo.com. 

Alliance Gathers for Sierra 

Festival of Love 

By the Rev. Peter Cacoperdo 

As President of the Sierra County Ministerial Alliance, 

it was my privilege and pleasure to welcome clergy 

from various city’s around New Mexico and Texas to 

our three-day festival of love. Those that attended 

were encouraged to take food, clothing and shoes as 

needed. 

The Friday evening service was especially dedicated 

to our Hispanic neighbors. The pastors deliver their 

message in Spanish and Bible in Spanish were given 

away to all who wanted a copy. 

I found it particularly moving when one of the pastors 

had to assure a person that it was okay to take food 

and clothing. She explained that she was afraid there 

wouldn’t be enough for someone else. 

The message of Christ’s love was not simply preached 

in those three days it was demonstrated. I believe all 

who attended were blessed by the experience, I know 

I was. Gloria Deo! 

St. Mary’s 

Plans Fall 

Festival 

The Rev. Mark Lake receives 

MainStreet Leadership Award 

The Rev. Mark Lake, vicar of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Tucumcari, has been 

named recipient of the 2013 Award for MainStreet Leadership. The award was 

presented by Mr. Rich Williams, New Mexico MainStreet Program Director. 

“As Executive Director of Tucumcari MainStreet, Mark has been a community 

bridge builder, bringing together municipal leaders, the Chamber of Commerce 

and the local Economic Development Organization in a series of successful projects 

in Tucumcari’s MainStreet District,” the award citation stated, adding: “In his 

spare time, Mark serves as the Chair of the New Mexico Coalition of MainStreet 

Communities, advocating for valuable resoures for MainStreet districts statewide.” 

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1500 Chelwood Park 

Blvd., NE, will be having a Fall Festival on Saturday, 

September 28, from noon to 3:00 p.m. Join us for 

free food, music & rock wall climbing. We will also 

have face painting & carnival games for $.25 per 

ticket. All ages are invited to attend this afternoon 

of community fun! 


14 

IN THE 




October 17 - 19, 2013 

Children and Youth 

Bishop Revels in HvZ Camp Stoney 

By the Rt. Rev. Michael Vono 

Canon Daniel Gutierrez, his son, Jude, and I spent half 

day at Stoney Camp with the Humans and the Zombies. 

The spiritual atmosphere among the kids and the adults 

was amazing. One could feel the electricity of the Spirit. 

Fr. Scott Ruthven told me “it was the best camp ever.” Fr. 

Daniel Cave said it was the best he had experienced, and 

he liked the less “regimented” feel, which other formal 

camping experiences had in the past. 

Christy Bess from Denver, the camp nurse, told me she 

thought the clean up was long overdue. Jane Cave, Fr. 

Cave’s wife, and their daughter and son-in-law, who 

were the cooks, liked the fact that it was more like a 

“big family” having fun. In fact, there were 15 young 

adults who had counselor responsibilities and duties as 

volunteers, doing what needed to be done. There were 

27 middle and high school campers, grades 6 through 12, 

ages 11 through 18, split pretty evenly guys and gals. 

Fr. Ruthven, Fr. Cave, and the rest of the team provided 

marvelous events for each inter-generational group, 

allowing for a unique camping experience. Fr. Dan Tuton 

was there and commented that he liked the atmosphere, 

which provided more spontaneity. 

The kids sang songs, told stories, and I was quite 

impressed with their participation in my dialogue sermon! 

They were engaged, inspired and emboldened in the 

movement of the Holy Spirit. What an experience! 

Our Priest in Charge, Fr. Doug Bleyle, got high marks 

from all the adults and teenagers. He was present all 

day long, and at every event, hanging around the edges 

supervising and taking pictures. Everyone seemed to like 

his non-intrusive management style, and he was available 

for every question and challenge. 

All in all this was a huge success. Everyone loved that 

they could be there all week for just $150.00. Our overall 

goal of providing a creative, memorable and exciting 

camp was more than met. 

Oh, yes, the rumors are true! I shot a bulls eye on my 

first ever attempt at shooting a bow and arrow. The Spirit 

guided the arrow I am sure so I would not look like a 

nerd! 

Trust fall challenges faith 

Fr. Daniel Cave 

coaches Bowman Bishop 

The Camp gathers in front of the Chapel donated by Bishop Vono 

Compass Point Camp A roaring success 

By the Rev. Mike Olsen 

Priest in Charge, St. James, Taos, NM 

The Rev. Pam Tyler was 

talking to an 8 year old 

boy the day he found 

out that Camp Stoney 

summer camps were 

cancelled. He was 

heartbroken as this 

would have been his first 

chance to go to camp by 

himself. Rev. Pam was 

so moved by his story that she decided to find another way 

to make sure the 8 to 13 year olds in the Diocese of the Rio 

Grande had an opportunity for camp this year. She decided 

to offer the San Geronimo Lodge which she 

owns, as a facility to host a camp. Rev. Pam then 

brought the idea to The Rev. Mike Olsen, Priest in 

Charge, at St. James Taos. Working together they 

sketched out a plan for a 4 day mini-camp and 

sent it to The Rev. Canon Kathleene McNellis to 

get the approval of Bishop Michael Vono. Bishop 

Michael not only endorsed the plan he offered 

his enthusiastic support. 

On July 14 thirty one 8 – 13 year olds from 

across the Diocese converged on the San 

Geronimo Lodge for the first of 4 days of fun and 

challenges. The children were met by the 4 youth 

leaders, and the Camp Director, Aleena Sweet, 

who quickly arranged the children into three 

groups. Each group was easily identified by their 

colorful shirts, green for the 8-9 year olds, yellow 

for the 10-11 year olds and purple for the 12-13 year olds. 

The youth leaders stood out in their bright red shirts. 

The 4 days were filled with activities, games and music. 

All of the children went on a trail ride through the historic 

Morning Prayer at Camp 

lands of the Taos Pueblo. This was a growing experience for 

a few as they faced their fear of the unknown and took the 

challenge of climbing up on that horse for the first time. 

Sweet Marcie Brown, a Taos artist, challenged the children 

to create their impression of God’s Creation in paint. The 

children then told the story of what they had painted; all of 

us were moved by their insight and faith. The paintings were 

hung in the dining room for all to enjoy. 

Each day the children had two opportunities to cool off in 

the swimming pool. Laughter filled the air as new friends 

were made, new games were discovered, and new skills 

were gained. 

The purple group of 12-13 year olds had the opportunity 

to hike the Italianos Trail in the Taos Ski Valley, for many this 

was their first opportunity to explore the beautiful streams 

and mountains of God’s Creation. 

Every evening, local musicians from St. James, Dr. Chris 

Wyndham, Julie Greer, and The Rev. Steve Smith led the 

children in camp songs. We closed each evening with the 

children singing Sanctuary: “Lord prepare me, to be a 

sanctuary pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving 

I’ll be a living Sanctuary for you.” 

The camp was a great success, children made new friends, 

learned new skills, and in some cases faced their fears. 

As the campers were leaving, we heard them saying “see 

you at camp next year”. One of the 8 year old campers, 

Elizabeth Anne Simmons has this to say about Compass 

Point Camp: “Camp was Awesome!! I went horseback 

riding - it was really fun! I went swimming and I learned 

how to do a backflip in the pool. And the meals were 

delicious! I made new friends. I would like to go back 

next year.” 

There were many lessons learned about this new 

model of camp. The camp would not have been 

possible without the support of many people at the 

Diocese of the Rio Grande, St. James Episcopal Church, 

Taos and the staff of the San Geronimo Lodge. The 

camp was staffed by volunteers, most from St. James 

Episcopal Church, Taos. We received donations from 

across the Diocese to keep the cost of the camp 

minimal. Very generous donations from the Diocese’s 

M’Lisa Bale Scholarship Fund and St. James Parishioners 

enabled each camper to participate for only $50. 

The model used for the camp will work well at Camp 

Stoney. Parishes and Deaneries can come together to 

provide volunteers to staff the camp kitchens, raise 

funds to lower the rates charged for campers, and assist 

the Camp Stoney staff in programs. The volunteers from St. 

James had so much fun, they have already offered to host a 

week at Camp Stoney next summer. 



October 17 - 19, 2013 

IN THE 

15 



Jesus Connects: Holy 

Spirit VBS relates to 

Young 

By Don Woodyard 

Holy Spirit Church 

EL PASO —In terms to which they can readily 

relate, 20 young people got connected with God 

during Holy Spirit Church’s Vacation Bible School 

held July 15-19 in Founder’s Hall. 

Under the guidance of the Rev. Robert Gross, 

rector of Holy Spirit, Maggie Dollar was director 

of what she terms Holy Spirit’s “first annual” 

Vacation Bible School. (A VBS was held about 15 

years ago.) Maggie is also organist for the church. 

From their meetings back in the spring, the two 

came up with a “collective consensus” of reaching 

out to the kids on their level. What better means 

than with the familiar iphones and ipods and 

other electronic devices. Each child received the 

“iJesus Get Connected” T-shirt. 

Father Bob says that each day had a theme under 

the iJesus umbrella—I Love, I Pray, I Forgive, I 

Serve and I Worship. “It all came out of a need,” 

Dollar pointed out, “to provide something for the 

kids. We went on faith, and the kids came.” 

Crafts were an integral part of the five-day event 

for the children ages four to 12. The instruction 

focused on the Lord’s Prayer. The children, with 

instruction from Father Bob, built their own Lord’s 

Prayer in the form of a small, bound book. Other 

craft projects occupied their time. This included 

paper lantern, rooster combs and other items for 

skits on the final day presentations. 

“I watched kids grow; they blossomed like 

flowers,” Father Bob said. “It was really very 

special.” Father Bob added, “I think everybody 

had a wonderful experience—learning from each 

other. There was learning and enjoyment in both 

directions.” 

Many people helped make the project a success, 

too many to name. There was not only the 

dedicated teaching staff who taught the various 

age groups, but also others in important support 

roles. There were, for instance, those who fixed 

daily meals and snacks for children and those who 

advertised the program. There were those who 

arranged tables and chairs and cleaned up and 

also chased elusive little beads that were often 

underfoot. 

How successful was Vacation Bible School? 

Perhaps the best answer comes from a little boy. 

“At first I didn’t want to come, but I’m glad I did.” 

As for Director Dollar, she has plans for next 

year—maybe even sooner. She wants VBS to be 

more than a once-a-year event. “More often,” she 

says. She would like to take iJesus “on the road. 

That is my goal; that is my dream,” she says. 

Natural Helpers: 

Catalysts for Change 

By Nina Bunker Ruiz 

Natural Helpers are an incredible group of students 

who want to be agents for positive social change. They 

have been nominated by staff, faculty and peers as 

being good listeners and good friends. They attend 

training in the fall to bond as a group and learn the 

basics of suicide prevention. In the spring they meet 

again to discuss the issues of social injustice with a 

special focus on the statistics regarding high rates of 

teen suicides among Hispanic, Native American, and 

LGBTQ youth. These trainings inform their service 

projects and group activities when they return to 

school. 

New Mexico Suicide Intervention Project coordinates 

Natural Helpers programs at Ortiz, DeVargas, Capshaw 

Middle Schools and ATC Charter School. Each school 

group has different ideas about how they would like to 

make their school and community safer and friendlier 

places, but every group is active and helping. This 

year service projects included raising money for a 

peer whose parent had been diagnosed with cancer, 

lunch-time peer helping/tutoring, helping at the Whole 

Hearted Therapist conference, coordinating Christmastime 

drives for homeless shelters that brought in food, 

toys, books and warm clothing, planning a “Stand Up 

for Kindness” campaign to challenge their peers to work 

against hurtful behavior and bullying, and a “Pennies for 

Patients” campaign to help raise money and awareness 

for people in the community who don’t have access to 

medical care. 

Some Natural Helper policies include “checking in with 

students who look upset or down,” sitting with students 

who are often alone, welcoming and including new 

students to school, presenting at assemblies on subjects 

Youth from five different churches enjoyed 

a night at the Albuquerque Isotopes ballpark 

Sunday July 21st as part of the NW 

Deanery youth group! The group is open to 

all middle and high school students. 

like “Love is Louder,” speaking up, 

as a group, against bullying and 

allying with the kids getting picked 

on, and, using the material they 

learn in the fall, Natural Helpers 

have helped and referred many of 

their suicide-vulnerable peers. 

Natural Helpers are a group of 

exceptional youth who want 

to make a difference and feel 

empowered to do it. Below are 

direct quotes from Natural Helpers. 

• “Natural Helpers has taught 

me about public speaking and has 

given me experience with it. It has 

also taught me how widespread 

suicide is and many warning signs 

and risk factors so I can keep 

an eye out for people who are 

showing signs of suicide.” 

• “I feel that Natural Helpers has helped me a lot to 

connect with more people in my community. Just 

being in this group I have met and become friends 

with the members of my group. Since I joined Natural 

Helpers I’ve experienced different situations with 

different people. I have helped people with their 

problems and people trust me and come to me.” 

• “Natural Helpers helped me grow by teaching me 

new skills on how to help people. I feel like we are 

one big HELP!” 

• “Being a Natural Helper helps me understand what 

some people are going through. And as a Natural 

Helper I know what to do to help them. I also feel I 

can make a difference by helping.” 

• “Natural Helpers taught me the methods of suicide 

prevention. Being in the group has created a stronger 

sense of community and social wellbeing. The skill 

I have acquired through Natural Helpers I will apply 

though out my life. I hope to be an internal catalyst 

for change and prevention.” 

Being part of Natural Helpers has helped these youth 

make positive changes at their schools and in their 

communities. They are learning skill they will use all 

their lives. They are helping to make lives better and are 

helping to save lives. Their time with Natural Helpers 

has given them the powerful opportunity to understand 

they can make a difference and be part of the solution. 

Nina Bunker Ruiz is the Natural Helpers/Education 

and Outreach Coordinator for New Mexico Suicide 

Intervention Project. 


16 

IN THE 



Ministries 

Network for Rural Ministries Developing 

By the Rev. Cn. Dr. Thomas Arrowsmith-Lowe 

Canon for Rural Ministries 


October 17 - 19, 2013 

A reality in our Diocese is that we 

are primarily rural. Although there 

are realities that are common both to 

rural and urban congregations, rural 

worship communities do face certain 

challenges that are unique to nonurban 

settings. 

The Diocese is establishing a rural communication 

network using a list-serve approach that will support 

discussion among rural congregations. This approach 

would use the list serve mechanism to facilitate on-going 

sharing of information. 

It is hoped that this system can enable rural entities 

to describe challenges that they face, and to obtain 

input from other rural congregations, which have found 

successful approaches to those challenges, or for different 

entities to work toward solutions jointly to address their 

shared challenges. 

The network also would be used to inform others on the 

network of programs being employed, or of needs had by 

a specific congregation, or to engage in discussion of other 

aspects of rural ministry. 

Fr. Tom Arrowsmith-Lowe, who is the Canon for Rural 

Ministry, will coordinate the communication network. 

Rural parishes and missions are asked to send the email 

addresses for the individual or individuals who will 

be representing the congregation on the network to 

fathertom@tularosa.net. Those addresses will be enrolled 

in the list serve for the rural ministry network. 

St. Jerome’s is on a clothing mission! 

St. Jerome’s is on a mission to supply elementary and 

middle school children in Chama with winter outdoor 

clothing. There are many children in our small village 

whose families are very hard pressed to afford warm 

winter outdoor wear for their children. A situation made 

more difficult due to a lack of clothing stores, which means 

families must drive to other communities to buy clothing 

(distances of a 1 or 1 ½ hour drive), costing families more 

money in fuel and work hours. 

A closet, filled with new jackets, boots, hats, gloves and 

scarves is the mission outreach goal of St. Jerome’s. “The 

Closet” will be located in the Chama Middle School, but will 

serve both the elementary and the middle school student 

population. Teacher volunteers will monitor access to the 

closet and provide opportunity for students to earn ‘closet 

dollars’. Students will then be able to shop for what they 

need at “The Closet”. Students with the greatest need will 

be given preference in earning the necessary ‘closet dollars’. 

Our goals for this mission outreach effort are three-fold: 

to provide access to new (or new-looking) outdoor wear 

to those children who might otherwise not have adequate 

cold weather jackets, boots or shoes, hats and gloves, and 

thereby improve their self-esteem and ability to learn; to 

build a deeper relationship with the community at large, 

More than 50 Daughters of the King from around the 

Diocese convened at All Saint’s Episcopal Church in El 

Paso on August 2-3 for their Annual Assembly. Members 

came from as far east as Alpine, Texas, and as far west as 

Silver City, New Mexico. Others came from Albuquerque, 

Las Cruces, Roswell, Ruidoso and El Paso. 

During the business session outreach grants of just over 

$200 each were awarded to four ministries supported 

by Chapters in the Diocese. These included the Medical 

Mission to Honduras by Shepherd’s Daughters of Silver 

City and the Mission to Croatia (out of St. James’, Alpine). 

The Rio Grande Borderland Ministries and Rape Crisis of 

both as a church and as individuals; to witness to the 

inclusive love of God for all people. 

St. Jerome’s is asking for donations of new winter jackets, 

hats and scarves, and footwear. The age range for children 

accessing “The Closet” will be ages 4 (pre-school) to 14. 

Financial donations are also needed so that any gaps in sizes 

or number of items needed can be met. An application 

to the deanery for funds needed to buy shelving, clothing 

racks, storage bins / boxes with lids, etc, will be submitted. 

Donations of the items needed may be dropped off at 

The Bosque Center, 6400 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, 

505.881.0636, contact Toye Robertson; St. Bede’s Episcopal 

Church, 1601 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, 505.982.1133, 

contact Jenny Langston; or St. John’s Cathedral, 318 Silver, 

Albuquerque, 505.247.1581, contact Cindy Davis. Financial 

donations should be made to St. Jerome’s Episcopal Church 

(memo: “The Closet”) and mailed to: St. Jerome’s Episcopal 

Church, P.O. Box 1072, Chama, NM 87520. 

For more information about The Closet, please 

contact: The Rev. Madelynn Johnston, Vicar; St. Jerome’s 

(505.780.0801 or 982-1133); Caroline Busch, Bishop’s 

Warden, St. Jerome’s (575.756.2458) or Susan Odiseos, 

Chair of Membership Development (505.471.1187), St. 

Bede’s, Santa Fe. 

DOK 2013 “We Are One in the Spirit…and we Pray” 

Daughters of the King gather at 

All Saint’s Episcopal Church, El Paso, TX, August 2-3 

Central NM were also recipients. 

The theme for Assembly 2013 was “We are One in the 

Spirit…and we Pray”. Time was spent sharing concrete 

ideas about how to pray more actively within and beyond 

our Chapters. The Daughters were inspired by keynote 

speaker, the Rev. Melinda St. Clair, rector of All Saints. 

Mother Melinda spoke on the theme of the weekend, 

with reference to The Cloud of Unknowing, her own 

experiences, and St. Teresa of Avila. She noted that 

although we can pray with our intellect, mystic prayer 

experiences require surrender to being in an intimate 

and supernatural relationship with God. You can read 

more about her talk and Assembly activities on the 

Daughters’ blog: (www.DrgDaughters.blogspot. 

com). 

Anyone interested in learning about the Order of 

the Daughters of the King is invited to come to one 

of the upcoming “Who Are the Daughters” events 

later this year, in Albuquerque or in El Paso! You 

can also contact Cindy Davis, Diocesan President, 

(cdavis@cynthiadavisauthor.com) or speak to the 

Daughters of the King in your parish. 

Getting the Cursillo 

Wheels Turning 

Cursillo is a renewal movement in the Episcopal 

Church which has had a broad impact in the 

Diocese of the Rio Grande by building up leaders in 

parishes. The Acting Secretariat is working to rebuild 

momentum for this ministry, which is rather like 

getting a steam engine out of the station. 

The weekend tentatively planned for November will 

not happen this year. However, exciting activities like 

Ultreyas, Reunion Groups forming and growing, and 

a Cursillo 101 event are moving forward. Anyone can 

be a member of a Reunion Group, which is simply a 

small group of friends meeting regularly to maintain 

accountability in their Christian journey by looking 

at Piety, Study, and Action. The Secretariat will work 

to help interested people get into one of these small 

groups. 

The next Ultreya (gathering) will be at St. James, 

Taos on October 18 at 7:30PM. Everyone attending 

Diocesan Convention is invited to this time of music 

and inspirational talks. Watch for dates of future 

Ultreyas and events as we stoke the engine and get 

the wheels turning. If you are interested in Cursillo 

contact Ken Davis, Secretariat Convener (cdavis@ 

cynthiadavisauthor.com), or a member of the Cursillo 

community. You can also find news on the Cursillo 

blog (CursilloOfTheRioGrande.blogspot.com). 

Pride Trolley 

Members of St. Michael and All Angels and San Gabriel’s 

teamed up with Albuquerque’s Two Men and a Trolley 

to form our “float” for Pride Parade, and members of St. 

Francis got to ride along in this joyful festive event for the 

city. Thousands of people in colorful costumes marched 

and lined the streets. 



October 17 - 19, 2013 

IN THE 

17 



Education 

Asiamerica Ministries Celebrate 40th Anniversary 

St. Thomas 

of Canterbury 

parishioner, 

Monica 

Whitaker, 

participated in 

the Episcopal 

Asiamerica 

Ministries 

Consultation and 

40th Anniversary 

Celebration 

(EAM@40) in 

Monika Whitaker and the Rev. Dr. Fran Toy 

Burlingame, 

California, June 20-24. She joined nearly 300 lay and 

clerical leaders to experience the amazing multi-cultural 

expression of joy and thanksgiving for the abundant 

diversity of blessings in Asiamerican ministries throughout 

the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion in 

North America and Asia. Ms. Whitaker, a third-year 

seminarian at Church Divinity School of the Pacific 

Master of Theological Studies Degree in New Mexico 

You’ve thought about it: delving deeper into your 

relationship with God to better serve Him. As Christians, we 

are called to respond to urgent needs in a rapidly changing 

world. Today, more than at any other time in the Church, 

there is a need for educated, thoughtful, and committed 

believers. 

The St. Norbert College’s Master of Theological Studies 

(MTS) program, available at the satellite campus in 

Albuquerque’ South Valley, is part of the Ecumenical Institute 

(CDSP), participated in various gatherings, workshops, 

presentations and worship services as the EAM 

Consultation gathered throughout the weekend to share 

best practices in pastoral and evangelistic ministry, and for 

leadership training, fellowship, and networking. 

Ms. Whitaker, a bi-racial cradle Episcopalian from 

Michigan, first learned about EAM during a Vocations 

of Color meeting sponsored by the Diocese of California 

(DioCal) last March. Several people in DioCal and at CDSP 

encouraged Whitaker to attend EAM, especially the Rev. 

Dr. Fran Toy, the first Asian American female priest in the 

Episcopal Church. Rev. Toy serves as a clergy associate at 

St. John’s-Oakland where Ms. Whitaker is completing her 

field education. 

The Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry (EAM) began in 1973 

as a missionary program to gather people of Asian and 

Pacific Island background in the Episcopal Church for 

evangelism and service. EAM founder, the Rev. Winston 

Wyman Ching, along with Rev. Toy and several other 

Asiamerican pioneers, envisioned ways to bridge internal 

for Ministry, and provides a solid theological foundation for 

effective and transformative pastoral practice. Courses are 

offered year-round in the evenings or on Saturdays. The 

student who successfully completes the program achieves a 

professional Master’s degree from, according the 2013 U.S. 

News and World Reports rankings, one of “America’s Best 

National Liberal Arts Colleges.” 

To further entice prospective students, a new scholarship 

has been established. The Rev. Dr. Wally Ford Scholarship, 

divisions among Asians and heal the sins of racism in 

the Church and the world. In sharing her enthusiasm 

and deep commitment to the work of EAM, Rev. Toy 

commented to Ms. Whitaker that “your eyes will be 

opened to many new things” about Asian culture and 

spirituality. 

Whitaker remarked that her experiences throughout the 

weekend significantly influenced how she views herself 

as a ‘hapa haole’ – half white and half Chinese – and 

Asiamerican, and contributed to a deeper understanding 

of her ministry with Asiamericans and other people of 

color. 

Ms. Whitaker had very little interaction with 

Asiamericans until she came to the Bay Area in 2011. 

She noted that, “attending seminary at Church Divinity 

School of the Pacific and taking classes at the Graduate 

Theological Union have deepened my understanding of 

my Asiamerican heritage, and provided me opportunities 

to explore my identity as a biracial Episcopalian.” 

anonymously funded, is a full-ride scholarship to be 

awarded to a motivated student of any denomination. Other 

scholarship monies are also available. 

For more information about enrolling in the Master of 

Theological Studies, contact Becky Candelaria at (505) 873- 

4399 ext. 229 or email rebecca.candelaria@snc.edu. Visit our 

web site at www.eimnm.net. 

Education for Discipleship Classes Offered 

The Ecumenical Institute for Ministry’s EED program 

is offering two classes beginning in early September 

EIM – EED Program courses cost $80.00 each. Class size 

minimum is 12. For more information, 

visit www.eimnm.net 

• “Hearing the Gospel of John” with 

Dr. Megan McKenna 

This exciting course renews and deepens our 

connections with the writings of the Community 

of the Beloved Disciple and also becomes an 

invitation to conversion by hearing Jesus’ words 

anew. 

Wednesdays, 6:30-9:00 PM 

September 4, 11, 18, 25, 2013 

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic 

Church 

We invite you to join us in beautiful Alpine, 

TX on September 27 & 28, 2013, for the 

Sixth Annual Conference on Healing at First 

Presbyterian Church. The conference is 

sponsored by the Thelma C. Hoyle Chapter 

of the International Order of St. Luke the 

Physician. 

To register, contact Virginia at 

thelmachoylechapterOSL@gmail.com or call 

Al Hoyle, treasurer (432) 837-2088. 

This conference will be an opportunity to learn about 

the Christian healing ministry, through teachings and in 

action. Friday night the conference begins with a Panel 

9502 4th Street, NW, Albuquerque 

• “Coming to Your Senses” with Chaplain Tim 

Schumacher 

At the heart of contemplative prayer is a desire and 

willingness to be open to the presence of God in the 

here and now. This course will offer opportunities to 

examine, experience, and explore our relationship with 

God through the five senses. Each class will offer a 

different sensory experience as we seek to deepen and 

expand our modes of prayer. 

Thursdays, 6:00-8:30 PM 

September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10 

Norbertine Abbey, 5825 Coors Blvd. SW, Albuquerque 

Register by September 3rd by contacting Judith Todd, 

EIM – EED Program Coordinator: Phone (505) 873- 

4399, ext 229 or email JudithATodd@aol.com. 

OSL sponsors 6th Annual Conference in Alpine 

of Healthcare Providers sharing their 

experiences of God’s healing power. We 

look forward to the teachings on Saturday by 

Dean Mark Goodman of the Cathedral of St. 

John, ABQ. He will consider examples from 

the Bible of God’s healing, and look at what 

those examples have to say to us about His 

offer of healing for us in the present day. 

Dean Goodman also will lead the Healing 

Service at 3 p.m. Saturday. 

Our chaplains are the Rev. Jobeth McLeod, First 

Presbyterian Church, and the Rev. Gene Myrick, Diocese 

of the Rio Grande, retired. 

Rollinson Remarks 

on Russian Mission 

The Rev. John Rollinson, retired rector of St. James’ 

Episcopal Church, Clovis, NM, returned recently from 

a three-week mission trip to Russia, where he taught 

English and the Bible in a Russian public school in the 

town of Kondopoga, north of St. Petersburg, close to 

the border with Finland. Rollinson was one of several 

short-term missionaries sent to Russia this year by the 

East European Missions Network, based in Rio Rancho. 

Since the end of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, 

Russia has been more open to allowing teachers and 

missionaries into the country. The summer English 

language camps in Kondopoga, Petrozavodsk, and St. 

Petersburg work closely together with local Lutheran 

churches. 

Students in the language camps ranged in age from 

9 to 17. Most already had several years of English 

language study. Many had never heard the story of the 

birth of Jesus, and were eager to learn more about the 

Christian faith. 

This was Rollinson’s second trip to Russia as a shortterm 

missionary. He began studying Russian years ago 

in the U.S. Army. He later earned a master’s degree in 

Russian literature at Georgetown University. In semiretirement, 

he serves as organist and choirmaster at St. 

James’ Episcopal Church in Clovis 

The Rev. John Rollinson (front, fourth from right) is pictured with 

students, fellow missionary teachers, and Russian assistants. 


18 

IN THE 




October 17 - 19, 2013 

Hope Springs Amidst Climate Change 

The Episcopal Church 

is blessed to have many 

leaders who understand 

the connections between 

community and climate 

change, justice and 

caring for God’s creation, 

and prayer and action. 

Presiding Bishop Katharine 

Jefferts Schori and The Rev. 

Sally Bingham, President 

and foundress of Interfaith 

Power and Light are just 

two of these leaders who 

are in the spotlight. 

By Sr. Joan Brown,osf 

Executive Director NMIPL 

Mary Frances Schjonberg/Episcopal News Service 

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson (left), 

Church of Sweden Archbishop Anders Wejryd, and Presiding Bishop Katharine 

Jefferts Schori show off the statement pledging concerted environmental action 

that they signed during the May 1-2 “Sustaining hope in the face of climate 

change” gathering in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Episcopal Church 

and the Church of Sweden. They commented during the conference the desire 

for “leading a conversion of epic scale, a metanoia, or communal spiritual 

movement away from sin and despair toward the renewal and healing of all 

creation.” 

The Rev. Canon Sally G. Bingham, president of Interfaith Power & Light, 

was one of several prominent faith leaders invited to President Obama’s call for 

climate change action address in June. 

She said of the event: “President Obama’s speech was inspiring and profoundly 

encouraging. The President spoke with passion about our ‘need to act’ and 

asked the question ‘will we have the courage to act before it is too late?’ And 

then, he proceeded to outline his plan, which includes cutting carbon pollution, 

transitioning to clean energy, and practicing energy efficiency. These three 

things have been at the core of Interfaith Power & Light’s work for years, 

including the work of our forty state affiliates and the 15,000 congregations 

within our network, who have become positive energy role models within their 

communities. It is gratifying to know we’re in sync with the President’s plan.” 

“IPL also appreciates the president’s recognition that our nation has a unique 

responsibility to lead the international community on climate protection. We 

are poised and ready to support President Obama and help make his climate 

action plan a reality.” 

Ways to Get Engaged this fall: 

IPL Cool Harvest Program has resources to assist with World Food Day and 

other Food and justice related issues. www.coolharvest.org. While on the IPL 

website check out the Cool Congregations carbon calculators and resources and 

sign up to apply for a Cool Congregation Award and Prizes for your work. Sign 

up by December 31, 2013, with applications completed by January 31, 2014. 

NMIPL still has some money in our no-interest loan fund to jump start your 

energy efficiency projects. Contact info@nm-ipl.org. 

NMIPL Annual Meeting: Harvest Festival. Sunday, November 24, 3-5 

p.m. at Albuquerque Mennonite Church. Awards, entertainment, yummy 

homemade food and the opportunity to buy your HOMEMADE Pies for 

Thanksgiving. 

Earth Sabbath Meditation and Prayer every third Monday, 7-8:15 p.m. at 

Albuquerque Mennonite Church. Everyone is welcome to pray for healing of 

Earth Community and be renewed. 

Youth Leader and Pastor Meeting exploring collaborative efforts to engage 

youth in creation care leadership and faith Tuesday, November 19, 9:30-11:30 

a.m., St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Albuquerque. Possible plans 

include a free Youth Leader retreat weekend at Ghost Ranch in early February 

and a Youth Environment and Faith Leadership Camp at Ghost Ranch in early 

June 2014. If you are a distant congregation, but interested contact info@nmipl.org. 

Please RSVP to info@nm-ipl.org. 

Abide in Me” the Second Annual Women’s 

Retreat (and Day Camp for Children) 

November 8-9 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower…Abide in me as I abide 

in you.” John 15 

“Coming 

Soon! The 2nd 

Annual Diocesan 

Women’s 

Retreat at the 

Bosque Center, 

November 8-9. 

Mark it on your 

calendar! The 

Women’s Council 

is certain you’ll 

find this to be a spiritual and empowering 

experience. Based on John 15:1-11 the 

retreat will provide time to hear Jesus say: 

“Abide in Me…Just as the branch cannot 

bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the 

vine, neither can you unless you abide in 

me.” This retreat will empower women to 

explore individual spiritual gifts and nourish 

our spirits through break-out groups, 

conversation, and sharing together how we 

are part of, and nourished by, the True Vine. 

The retreat starts on Friday, November 

8 at 5:30 p.m. with registration and light 

dinner. You can stay at the Bosque Center if 

you wish. Everyone is encouraged to come 

for the entire retreat. However, the format 

will allow you 

to just come 

on Saturday! 

On Saturday, 

November 9 

registration 

opens at 8a.m. 

The retreat 

will end midafternoon 

Saturday. 

A simultaneous track for children and 

youth will be held in the conference room 

of the Bosque Center on Saturday to allow 

moms to attend without having to find child 

care. The young people will explore the 

same theme with crafts, games, and other 

activities. There is no cost for the children’s 

camp. Children should bring a sack lunch. 

Retreat cost is $75 if you stay at the Bosque 

Center (includes 3 meals and a room) or $35 

for commuters and/or to attend Saturday 

only (includes lunch). Registration forms 

available on the Women’s Ministry Blog 

(VarietiesOfGifts.blogspot.com) or contact 

Cindy Davis (cdavis@CynthiaDavisAuthor. 

com, 505-379-7327). 

OLIVIER LATRY 

TI T U L A R O R G A N I S T, CAT H E D R A L O F NO T R E DA M E, PA R I S 

I N R E C I TA L 

7 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2 0 1 3 

The Cathedral of St. John 

3 1 8 Silver Avenue S W 

A l b u q u e rque, New Mexico 

RE U T E R OR G A N I I I /6 5 

PHOTOS BY PHILIPPE VONNEGUT 

$2 5 Adult / $2 0 Senior / $1 0 student with I D at the door 

$2 5 Adult / $2 0 Senior / $1 0 student with I D at the door 

Presented by the Albuquerque Chapter of The American Guild of Organists in cooperation with 

The Cathedral Church of St. John and Friends of Cathedral Music. 

Presented by the Albuquerque Chapter of the American Guild of Org a n i s t s 

in cooperation with The Cathedral of St. John and Friends of Cathedral Music. 

For more information, visit agoabq.org . 



October 17 - 19, 2013 

IN THE 

19 



The past year the 

Diocese of the Rio Grande 

witnessed Excellence 

in Education, Advocacy and Action 

You Can Help 

In Response to Bishop Michael’s 

request, my family supports our 

Diocese with a check for: 

Emerging in 

Excellence 

Equipping One Another 

for Active Ministry 

Your 2012 Offerings 

Made a Difference! 

+ For the first time ‘Youth Snow Slam’ slid into Ruidoso 

+ Our Lady in the Valley opened its doors 

to Hispanic Ministry 

+ San Gabriel blossomed into full Parish 

status in Corrales 

+ The Completed Bosque Center reached out to 

embrace social and spiritual ministries 

+ Hosted the Conference of Diocesan Executives 

+ The new Bishop’s Ridge: Stoney Camp and 

Recreation Center has been re-equipped and 

renovated to move forward in mission 

+ The former dean of the Seminary of the Southwest, 

the Very Rev. Doug Travis, has joined the DRG as 

Canon for Formation and Education and to head 

the Bishop’s School for Ministry 

+ The Ministry to women has grown beyond 

all expectations 

+ Lay EfM leadership is working to network and 

grow ministry through education 

+ Bishop Barbara Harris shared the witness of her 

ministry and celebrated Pentecost with the 

Diocese 

+ Expansion of the Rio Grande Borderland Ministries 

+ The outpouring of concern and donations of 

blankets for the needy along the border 

+ Working with the Homeless through St. Martin’s 

Center and other venues 

+ Renewed emphasis and efforts to support our 

mission churches. 

+ Empowered congregations for creative use of 

buildings, missions and ministries 

(Recasting Assets) 

These efforts signal evidence of a brighter future as 

we continue to strive for equipping excellence in 

doing ministry in new ways. 

Your Bishop 

+Michael 

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Your donation is tax deductible 

to the full extent of the law. 

Rest In Peace Rev. Cristina Jordan Sumners 

The Rev. Cristina Jordan Sumners, 66, died in 

Albuquerque New Mexico, on Wednesday August 14, 

2013. An Episcopal Priest, teacher and author, Cristina 

was born in Brady, Texas, the daughter of Thomas David 

Sumners of Houston, Texas, and Joan Jordan of Brady. 

She obtained degrees from Vassar College, Oxford 

University in England and the General Theological 

Seminary in New York. She moved to Taos with her 

husband Colin Nicholls and son Timothy Martin in 2002, 

by whom she is survived. She is also survived by her 

mother Joan Lee, stepfather Lynn Lee, sisters Susan and 

Ruth and brother David. 

Though raised in the Presbyterian Church, in 1982 

Cristina became the second woman to be ordained to 

the priesthood in the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. 

Her priestly ministry was characterized by her passion 

for biblically and intellectually defensible education and 

preaching, and a drive for radical inclusion. She strove 

for the rights of the denied, - initially the recognition of 

Women’s role as ordained members of the Episcopal 

church and later for the rights of LGBT Christians. She 

was a member of the national board of the Lesbian and 

Gay Christian Movement in 

Britain and edited their position 

paper ‘Called to Full Humanity,’ 

which was submitted to the 

1998 Lambeth Conference of 

the World’s Anglican primates. 

She had three murder mystery 

novels published, though her 

declining health prevented 

the completion of her further 

works. She was a priest for 30 years who when ill health 

forced her to retire from parish ministry did her best to 

preach the gospel through her writing. She continued 

to write homilies from her hospital room even in the last 

month of her life. A strong, resilient, inspiring and loving 

woman, she will be greatly missed. 

Her funeral mass was at St James Episcopal Church, Taos 

on August 24th. In lieu of flowers, donations to St James 

(General, discretionary or food pantry), the LGBT Equity 

fund, Dreamtree Project, C.A.V. or the American Cancer 

Society are encouraged. 

To The Diocese and Parishes 

of The Diocese 

of The Rio Grande 

You Are Invited To Attend A 

Special Eucharist Celebrating St. 

Andrew’s Centennial 1913-2013 

518 No. Alameda Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 

December 1, 2013 At 10:00 AM 

Eucharist Will Be Celebrated In 

The Manner of 1913 

Clergy - Cassock, Surplice & Tippet 

Laity are welcome to dress 

in the manner of 1913 

Potluck To Follow In Parish Hall 

R.S.V.P. 575-526-6333 


Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande 

6400 Coors Blvd., NW 

Albuquerque, NM 87120 

NONPROFIT 

US Postage 

PAID 

Permit 229 

ABQ, NM 

20 

IN THE 

EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE 

Church Spotlight 

St. Paul’s 


Marfa, Texas 

Our Mission: 

To be a welcoming, 

prayerful, caring 

community offering the 

love of God to all — 

through the rich liturgy 

of the Anglican tradition; 

through ministry to the 

greater Marfa community; 

through honoring and 

protecting human dignity 

without exception; and 

through our sacred 

stewardship of all creation. 

Bosque Hospitality 

Volunteers Needed 

Now that the Bosque Center is operational and 

bursting with business, we are looking for a few 

qualified, dedicated volunteers who specialize 

in Episcopal Hospitality. We have had more than 

65 groups use the Center, thus far, and we are 

becoming a destination retreat and conference 

facilities. Duties would be as greeters, on-site 

ambassadors during events, go-fers, repositories 

of information, and tour guides of the facilities. 

If you are interested, please contact Canon 

Gutiérrez at dgutierrez@dioceserg.org, 

505-881-0636. 

Together 

is a monthly publication of the 

Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande 



505-881-0636 

Bishop & Publisher 

The Rt. Rev. Michael L. Vono, D.D. 

Editor 

The Rev. Cn. Raymond Raney 

Layout Artist 

Ms. Kathy Montoya 

Editorial Board 

The Rev. Cn. Daniel Gutierrez, chair 

The Rev. Cn. Kathleene McNellis 

The Very Rev. Mark Goodman 

The Rev. Stephen Caldwell 

Ms. Lisa Katz-Ricker 

Ms. Mary Jewell 

Editorial comment and correspondence 

may be mailed to: 

Diocesan House 



Submissions and Inquiries should be 

emailed to: Together@dioceserg.org 

The next issue of Together will be 

November 2013 

Deadline for submissions is October 11 

Visit the Diocesan website at 

www.dioceserg.org for archive copies 

of the newsletter. 

If you wish to subscribe to the Diocesan 

weekly e-mail newsletter, send an e-mail 

to inloop@dioceserg.org. 

2013 Together Publication Schedule 

November/December 

Deadline October 12 

January: Deadline: December 6

61st Annual Convention Issue - Diocese of the Rio Grande

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