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IN THE<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
MARCH, <strong>2011</strong><br />
Welcome Home<br />
THE<br />
THE<br />
BOSQUE CENTER<br />
CONFERENCES AND SPIRITUAL LIFE<br />
The Episcopal <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong>
2<br />
IN THE<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Message from Bishop Michael<br />
Bosque Center to Nurture <strong>the</strong> Life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong><br />
Many <strong>of</strong> you have expressed your excitement about<br />
<strong>the</strong> future <strong>of</strong> our <strong>Diocese</strong> and <strong>the</strong> possibilities that will<br />
flow from our purchase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spiritual Renewal Center<br />
in Albuquerque. Your anticipation <strong>of</strong> what will become<br />
The Bosque Center matches that <strong>of</strong> those <strong>of</strong> us who<br />
were involved in <strong>the</strong> negotiations for <strong>the</strong> property. The<br />
property, which will be a conference and spiritual life<br />
center, sits amidst five acres along <strong>the</strong> Bosque <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong> in Albuquerque. The Center will provide a<br />
peaceful ga<strong>the</strong>ring place that is centrally located for<br />
our Diocesan Life toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
The sale <strong>of</strong> this wonderful facility, by <strong>the</strong> grace <strong>of</strong><br />
God, and I believe, <strong>the</strong> guidance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit,<br />
came to my attention early in December. Since <strong>the</strong>n<br />
many diocesan leaders have been creatively and boldly<br />
engaged with me in envisioning how this breathtaking<br />
facility could serve <strong>the</strong> myriad spiritual and educational<br />
formative needs <strong>of</strong> both laity and clergy across <strong>the</strong><br />
whole diocese for many generations to come. Centered<br />
in <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> Albuquerque, originally owned and<br />
operated by <strong>the</strong> Dominican Sisters <strong>of</strong> St. Ca<strong>the</strong>rine<br />
de’Ricci, this holy place will become <strong>the</strong> diocese’s<br />
heart-beat giving new life and growth to evangelism<br />
in this third millennium and inspiring reconciliation in<br />
Christ.<br />
We are all prayerfully just beginning to envision<br />
what this facility might become. The center will house<br />
our diocesan <strong>of</strong>fice, a future diocesan Resource Library,<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r aspects <strong>of</strong> our diocesan life toge<strong>the</strong>r. We<br />
also expect this facility to be a center for laity and<br />
clergy continuing education and ministry formation,<br />
numerous conferences , intergenerational and young<br />
adult ministries, open to parish groups and used<br />
for personal and parish retreats. Our doors will be<br />
wide open to serve both ecumenical and interfaith<br />
communities.<br />
We are blessed and grateful for <strong>the</strong> foresight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Trustees <strong>of</strong> Property and <strong>the</strong> Standing Committee.<br />
The <strong>Diocese</strong> became <strong>the</strong> legal owner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> property<br />
as <strong>of</strong> January 31. To meet <strong>the</strong> purchase price <strong>of</strong> $1.7<br />
million, we were able to draw approximately $280,000<br />
from all six <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diocesan investment accounts to<br />
allow us to pay cash. No funds were taken from <strong>the</strong><br />
Diocesan operating budget. This investment in <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Diocese</strong> will ensure a strong future for generations to<br />
come.<br />
Visioning always entails re-visioning so <strong>the</strong>se<br />
descriptive <strong>of</strong>ferings are just some initial ideas.<br />
Yet, In my pastoral mind this will be our “Diocesan<br />
Family Center” providing us with a more central and<br />
accessible location to bring many and diverse people<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r and to witness to Christ’s Gospel work <strong>of</strong><br />
love, charity, nourishing community , a place for good<br />
works and transforming lives. We are working on plans<br />
for remodeling and renovation, which will recreate <strong>the</strong><br />
current space to meet <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong> our <strong>Diocese</strong> and<br />
for its outreach to o<strong>the</strong>rs. We hope to be moving later<br />
this year.<br />
For more information, visit www.bosquecenter.<br />
com. We also are preparing to make a YouTube Virtual<br />
Tour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> premises so you all have a chance to begin<br />
envisioning o<strong>the</strong>r possibilities as you and I carry on<br />
Christ’s Mission.<br />
The Lord has blessed us richly by giving us this<br />
extraordinary gift in this new year, and providing a new<br />
context in streng<strong>the</strong>ning <strong>the</strong> mission and ministries <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong>. The Holy Spirit is on <strong>the</strong><br />
move. Pray for each o<strong>the</strong>r and <strong>the</strong> witness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> DRG.<br />
God Bless<br />
+Michael<br />
Lecturer Favors ‘Faithful<br />
Presence’ to Engage Culture<br />
Ga<strong>the</strong>red are, from left to right, Dr. Ladona Clayton, Fr. Ben and Beryl Wright, Dr. James Hunter,<br />
Fr. Alan Brockmeier, Bishop Terence and Hazel Kelshaw, and Bishop Michael Vono.<br />
St. James’ Parish in Clovis, New Mexico, hosted <strong>the</strong> 4th Annual Kelshaw<br />
Lecture Series, which featured Dr. James Davis Hunter, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Religion,<br />
Culture and Social Theory at <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Virginia. Dr. Hunter is <strong>the</strong> author<br />
<strong>of</strong> seven books, including To Change <strong>the</strong> World, Is There a Culture War, and The<br />
Death <strong>of</strong> Character.<br />
Dr. Hunter’s lecture focused on efforts to transform American culture, and<br />
challenged <strong>the</strong> notion that transforming “hearts and minds” can effect cultural<br />
change. He critiqued <strong>the</strong> politicized efforts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Christian Right, <strong>the</strong> Christian<br />
Left, and <strong>the</strong> neo-Anabaptists. He concluded that Christians need to engage<br />
culture through “faithful presence” in <strong>the</strong>ir different spheres and communities.<br />
Bishop Michael Vono attended <strong>the</strong> two-day lecture, and followed up with an<br />
annual visit to St. John’s Episcopal Church. At <strong>the</strong> Fort Sumner church, Bishop<br />
Michael presided over <strong>the</strong> confirmation <strong>of</strong> William Barnwell and reception <strong>of</strong><br />
Melinda Pattison. Bishop Vono <strong>the</strong>n enjoyed lunch and a time <strong>of</strong> fellowship<br />
with <strong>the</strong> congregation at St. John’s.<br />
Pastoral Message<br />
Dear Bro<strong>the</strong>rs and Sisters in Christ Jesus,<br />
In <strong>the</strong> past several weeks <strong>the</strong>re have been faithful Christians killed while<br />
worshipping in Alexandria, a mass murder in Tucson, unrest and chaos in Egypt<br />
and Tunisia and o<strong>the</strong>r places in <strong>the</strong> Middle East and Africa. Last week <strong>the</strong>re was an<br />
unconscionable murder <strong>of</strong> a Christian Ugandan gay rights activist, David Kato, which<br />
has shocked, disturbed and deeply saddened both spiritual and political leaders<br />
worldwide. All <strong>the</strong>se murders are a seamless pattern <strong>of</strong> irrational hatred, violence<br />
and injustice. We, as Episcopal Anglicans, believe in our Baptismal promise “to<br />
strive for justice and peace among all people and respect <strong>the</strong> dignity <strong>of</strong> every<br />
human being.” We have been courageously bold in calling <strong>the</strong> Christian Church<br />
to combat <strong>the</strong> rise <strong>of</strong> violence and hatred increasing in <strong>the</strong> world community<br />
especially in African countries. In Uganda, adhering to irrational unjust draconian<br />
laws, <strong>the</strong> government continues to call for death and imprisonment <strong>of</strong> homosexual<br />
people, and is complacent in outlawing a public magazine which legally calls for <strong>the</strong><br />
blatant killing <strong>of</strong> gay people. Many Ugandans would consider <strong>the</strong>re country largely<br />
Christian. These acts <strong>of</strong> violence are repugnant to <strong>the</strong> teachings <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ.<br />
They blatantly disregard <strong>the</strong> God given dignity and sanctity <strong>of</strong> every human life. We<br />
are taught in <strong>the</strong> Ten Commandments, “You shall not commit murder. Love your<br />
neighbor as yourself.”<br />
I invite you to join me in solidarity <strong>of</strong> prayer and a public recommitment to<br />
strive for justice and reconciliation among all people. As Christians in this third<br />
millennium, we must witness to <strong>the</strong> Christ <strong>of</strong> God who did not keep silence in <strong>the</strong><br />
face <strong>of</strong> injustice and violence. As I would not have been able to keep silence had I<br />
been living in Nazi Germany when Jews were murdered because <strong>the</strong>y were Jews,<br />
likewise I cannot keep silence in this age as homosexual people are murdered<br />
simply because <strong>the</strong>y are homosexual. As David Kato’s gentle and loving voice had<br />
been effective giving hope and inspiration to numerous discarded people, so also<br />
our strong voice <strong>of</strong> faith and prayer must be heard. May <strong>the</strong> Lord forgive us our sins<br />
and heal <strong>the</strong> wounds <strong>of</strong> humanity’s lack <strong>of</strong> compassion and love.<br />
My prayers and support remain with all those who have been spiritually affected<br />
by <strong>the</strong>se tragedies.<br />
Blessings, Bishop Michael
IN THE<br />
3<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Photo by Raymond Raney<br />
Photo by Raymond Raney<br />
Photo by Raymond Raney<br />
Photo by Raymond Raney<br />
The Bosque Center Adds to History <strong>of</strong> Spiritual Formation<br />
The Chapel<br />
Bell<br />
Tour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bosque Center on <strong>the</strong> west side<br />
The Episcopal <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong><br />
inherits a long history <strong>of</strong> spiritual formation<br />
with <strong>the</strong> purchase <strong>of</strong> The Spiritual Renewal<br />
Center. Soon <strong>the</strong> SRC will be known as The<br />
Bosque Conference and Spiritual Life Center,<br />
which will provide for Conferences, Retreats<br />
and and <strong>the</strong> Spiritual Life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong>.<br />
In 1955, Edwin V. Byrnes, <strong>the</strong> Archbishop<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Archdiocese Santa Fe, invited <strong>the</strong><br />
Dominican Sisters <strong>of</strong> St. Ca<strong>the</strong>rine de’Ricci<br />
to come to Albuquerque, New Mexico,<br />
to run <strong>the</strong> Catechetical Office for <strong>the</strong><br />
Archdiocese. That year, two sisters came to<br />
Albuquerque to begin <strong>the</strong>ir ministry with<br />
<strong>the</strong> intention <strong>of</strong> opening a retreat house for<br />
women. Their search for a retreat house and<br />
convent continued at various locations for<br />
many years, including a seventy- acre tract<br />
that is now <strong>the</strong> location <strong>of</strong> Santa <strong>Mar</strong>ia de<br />
la Vid Priory for <strong>the</strong> Norbertine Community.<br />
In 1992, with <strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board<br />
<strong>of</strong> Directors, comprised <strong>of</strong> lay men and<br />
women, <strong>the</strong> Sisters moved and rented<br />
facilities from <strong>the</strong> Servants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Paraclete<br />
on Pajarito Road about two miles from<br />
<strong>the</strong> first retreat house location. The Sisters<br />
continued <strong>the</strong>ir retreat ministry at <strong>the</strong><br />
Pajarito site for nearly 12 years.<br />
The current site <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spiritual Renewal<br />
Center was purchased, renovated and<br />
expanded in 2001.<br />
In 2004, <strong>the</strong> Spiritual Renewal Center,<br />
through combined efforts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board <strong>of</strong><br />
Directors and <strong>the</strong> Sisters, built <strong>the</strong> existing<br />
‘Retreat House’ with rooms for up to forty<br />
retreatants, a large ga<strong>the</strong>ring space with<br />
a New Mexico-style landscaped grounds,<br />
mountain views and local walks and trails.<br />
2009 was a year <strong>of</strong> goodbyes as sisters<br />
became ill and retired. The Dominican<br />
Sisters completed <strong>the</strong>ir ministry at <strong>the</strong><br />
Spiritual Renewal Center in 2009, turning<br />
over its operation to <strong>the</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Directors<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> non-pr<strong>of</strong>it corporation.<br />
The Spiritual Renewal Center’s history<br />
expressed concern that <strong>the</strong> Sister’s<br />
departure meant that <strong>the</strong> Spiritual Renewal<br />
Center had lost <strong>the</strong> Dominican ‘Face’, and<br />
prayers were raised for new directions. In<br />
2009 and 2010 programs were attempted<br />
to to provide lay ministerial leadership and<br />
retreat opportunities beyond its Roman<br />
Catholic origins to open its doors to all faiths<br />
and spiritualities.<br />
By <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 2010, Bishop Michael Vono<br />
was made aware that <strong>the</strong> Center might be<br />
available for purchase, and negotiations<br />
began between <strong>the</strong> Center’s board and <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Diocese</strong>. The purchase was finalized and<br />
ownership changed hands on January 30,<br />
<strong>2011</strong>.<br />
The <strong>Diocese</strong> is in <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong><br />
envisioning a new future for The Bosque<br />
Center as a new home for <strong>the</strong> Diocesan<br />
staff, as a resources for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong>, and a<br />
center for spiritual formation, retreats and<br />
conferences.<br />
An East view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Retreat House<br />
Summer respite on <strong>the</strong> Patio<br />
A Fall evening view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Main Building<br />
The View from <strong>the</strong> Retreat Space<br />
The Labyrinth<br />
Photo from <strong>the</strong> SRC Website<br />
Photo from <strong>the</strong> SRC Website Photo from <strong>the</strong> SRC Website<br />
Photo from <strong>the</strong> SRC Website<br />
Photo from <strong>the</strong> SRC Website
4<br />
IN THE<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Bishop’s Appointments <strong>2011</strong><br />
Canon to <strong>the</strong><br />
Ordinary<br />
The Rev.<br />
Daniel GP Gutierrez<br />
Canon to <strong>the</strong><br />
Ordinary<br />
The Very Rev.<br />
Kathleene McNellis<br />
The Rev. Daniel Gutierrez, born and raised in Albuquerque. He served at St.<br />
Michael and All Angels. The Rev. Gutierrez has an extensive background in<br />
marketing and civil government, holding positions as Chief <strong>of</strong> Staff for <strong>the</strong> Mayor <strong>of</strong><br />
Albuquerque and Director <strong>of</strong> Economic Development for <strong>the</strong> County <strong>of</strong> Bernalillo.<br />
The Rev. Gutierrez is also a dedicated husband and fa<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
The Very Rev. Kathleene McNellis, a native <strong>of</strong> New Jersey, has lived in Texas since<br />
<strong>the</strong> mid-1960’s, except for her years <strong>of</strong> seminary study at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford<br />
University, UK. She is currently rector <strong>of</strong> St. Christopher’s Church and vicar <strong>of</strong> St.<br />
Francis on <strong>the</strong> Hill in El Paso. She has served in various churches in <strong>the</strong> El Paso area<br />
since being ordained in 1986. The Rev. McNellis has been active in children’s and<br />
youth ministries throughout <strong>the</strong> diocese and was a school chaplain for nine years.<br />
Since 2007 The Rev. McNellis has been <strong>the</strong> Dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Southwest Deanery <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong>.<br />
Canon Pastor<br />
The Very Rev. Tom Gray<br />
Canon for<br />
Diocesan Life<br />
The Rev. Raymond Raney<br />
The Rev. Tom Gray first came to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong> in 1982 and has<br />
served as a parish priest and in a variety <strong>of</strong> Diocesan roles through that time. He<br />
was <strong>the</strong> Rector <strong>of</strong> Grace Church in Carlsbad for several years before retiring from<br />
parish ministry in 2008, and continues to live in Carlsbad and to be active in <strong>the</strong><br />
life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong> including serving as Dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>ast<br />
Deanery and Canon Pastor <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong>. His wife Jane is a District Court Judge<br />
and is a native <strong>of</strong> Carlsbad, and <strong>the</strong>y have two grown children.<br />
The Rev. Raymond Raney is Rector <strong>of</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Cross in Edgewood. He<br />
served on <strong>the</strong> Transition Committee, and oversaw <strong>the</strong> planning and conduct <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Walk Abouts, which introduced <strong>the</strong> candidates for Bishop to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong>. He also<br />
has served on <strong>the</strong> Diocesan Communications Committee for <strong>the</strong> past three years,<br />
and assisted in <strong>the</strong> redesigns <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diocesan Website and Toge<strong>the</strong>r. He and his<br />
wife, Linda, have lived in New Mexico since 1985.<br />
Canon for<br />
Canonical Affairs<br />
The Very Rev.<br />
Michael Perko<br />
Canon for<br />
Ecumenical Affairs<br />
The Rev.<br />
Canon Carole McGowan<br />
The Very Rev. Michael Perko is an emeritus pr<strong>of</strong>essor and former director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Center for <strong>the</strong> Study <strong>of</strong> Christianity and Culture at Loyola University, Chicago.<br />
He has held appointments at <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Chicago, University <strong>of</strong> London,<br />
Ecumenical Center for Theological Research (Israel), and Bar-Ilan University (Israel).<br />
The Rev. Perko is married to Lisa, a retired financial analyst and attorney. Their<br />
family consists <strong>of</strong> seven large dogs, including a 120 lb. Newfoundland named Grace<br />
Louise.<br />
The Rev. Canon Carole McGowan has been Rector <strong>of</strong> St. Thomas <strong>of</strong> Canterbury,<br />
Albuquerque since 1990. She came to this <strong>Diocese</strong> after spending six years on <strong>the</strong><br />
staff <strong>of</strong> an Episcopal seminary in an ecumenical setting; Bexley Hall was <strong>of</strong>ficially<br />
related to American Baptist and Roman Catholic <strong>the</strong>ological schools. While here<br />
she has served on <strong>the</strong> New Mexico Conference <strong>of</strong> Churches Board and has worked<br />
closely with Lu<strong>the</strong>ran colleagues.
IN THE<br />
5<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Bishop’s Appointments <strong>2011</strong><br />
Canon Theologian<br />
for Education and<br />
Formation<br />
The Rev.<br />
Dr. Richard Valantasis<br />
The Rev. Dr. Richard Valantasis, <strong>the</strong> new Canon Theologian for Formation and<br />
Education, received a BA from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, attended <strong>the</strong><br />
Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, earned an MA in<br />
Theology and a Th.D. in New Testament and Christian Origins, as well as in Church<br />
History from Harvard University. He has taught at Saint Louis University, Harvard<br />
Divinity School, Iliff School <strong>of</strong> Theology where he was <strong>the</strong> Baldridge Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong><br />
New Testament and Christian Origins, and his last academic appointment was<br />
at Emory University where he was Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Ascetical Theology and Christian<br />
Practice and Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Anglican Studies Program. He is currently a codirector<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Institute for Contemplative Living in Santa Fe, NM, an institute<br />
that promulgates contemplative practice for active people. Richard was ordained<br />
deacon (1973) and priest (1974) in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> Massachusetts. He has served<br />
in a variety <strong>of</strong> parishes in Massachusetts before beginning his academic career: as<br />
curate at St. Paul’s Natick; Rector <strong>of</strong> St. John’s, Winthrop; and co-rector with <strong>the</strong><br />
Rev. Jennifer Phillips <strong>of</strong> St. John’s, Bowdoin Street, Boston, Massachusetts. He was<br />
also Chaplain for a decade to <strong>the</strong> Sisters <strong>of</strong> St. <strong>Mar</strong>garet whose mo<strong>the</strong>r-house is<br />
in Boston. He is <strong>the</strong> author <strong>of</strong> Spiritual Guides <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Third Century (Harvard), The<br />
Gospel <strong>of</strong> Thomas (Routledge), Centuries <strong>of</strong> Holiness (Continuum), The Beliefnet<br />
Guide to Gnositicism and o<strong>the</strong>r Lost Christianities (Doubleday), Asceticism (Oxford),<br />
Religions <strong>of</strong> Late Antiquity in Practice (Princeton), The Gospels and Christian Life<br />
in History and Practice (Roman and Littlefield), as well as many articles on religious<br />
practice ancient and modern. He lives in Santa Fe with his wife Janet Carlson<br />
whose pr<strong>of</strong>essional life was in book publishing and whose passion is quilting, and<br />
he is an associate priest at Church <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Cross in Edgewood.<br />
Canon Liturgist<br />
The Rev. Deacon Patricia<br />
(Patty) Soukup<br />
The Rev. Deacon Patricia (Patty) Soukup, born<br />
and raised in Albuquerque, was ordained to <strong>the</strong><br />
diaconate in 2006 and is currently assigned at <strong>the</strong><br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>dral <strong>of</strong> St. John. Prior to her ordination, she<br />
served for more than 30 years in various liturgical<br />
capacities at different parishes in Albuquerque. She served as <strong>the</strong> Director <strong>of</strong><br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>dral Acolytes from 1995 to 2003, and she also served as a Ca<strong>the</strong>dral verger<br />
from 1998 to 2003 and as a verger at St. <strong>Mar</strong>y’s Church in Albuquerque from 2003<br />
to 2006. She is a Fellow <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Vergers Guild <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Episcopal Church and has<br />
extensive experience in planning and coordinating special services at <strong>the</strong> diocesan<br />
level. Deacon Soukup holds a Master <strong>of</strong> Public Administration degree from <strong>the</strong><br />
University <strong>of</strong> New Mexico and is <strong>the</strong> Executive Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> state licensing board<br />
for certified public accountants. She and her husband, Mike, have been married for<br />
24 years.<br />
Canon Missioner<br />
The Rev. Canon<br />
Colin P. Kelly, III<br />
Canon Kelly has faithfully served <strong>the</strong> Lord as Rector<br />
<strong>of</strong> Trinity on <strong>the</strong> Hill Episcopal Church in Los Alamos<br />
since 1986. His ministry in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> has included<br />
serving as a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diocesan Long Range<br />
Planning Committee, Chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Camp Stoney<br />
Long range Planning Committee, Chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diocesan Renewal and Evangelism<br />
Committee, Diocesan Spiritual Director <strong>of</strong> Cursillo, Member <strong>of</strong> Diocesan Council,<br />
Chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Commission on Ministry, President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Standing Committee, and<br />
eight time deputy to General Convention. A graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United states Military<br />
Academy, Canon Kelly also received an MDiv. from Philadelphia Divinity School, a<br />
Masters in Education from Long Island University and a DMin in Congregational<br />
Development from Seabury Seminary. He and his wife, Sue Ellen have five children<br />
and five grandchildren.<br />
Archivist<br />
Dr. Evan Davies<br />
Early education in Kansas, where his fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
(Seminary, Greeley CO ’28) was rector <strong>of</strong> St. Paul’s,<br />
Manhattan; High School, Roswell NM ’55; KSU ’59<br />
(BA Greek); Berkeley CA, CDSP ’62 (BD/M.Div); St.<br />
Andrew’s, Roswell ’62 (deacon, CJ Kinsolving); St.<br />
Paul’s, Las Vegas NM ’62 (curate); Linacre Oxon.<br />
’62 (Matric.); Soc. St. John Evangelist Oxon. ’62-<br />
’63 (scholar in residence); Christ Church Oxon. ’63<br />
(priest, Stephen Bayne, Exec. Officer Anglican Communion); Pembroke Oxon. ’63-’66<br />
(assoc. chaplain); Conf. Anglican Chaplains in Europe ’63 (Berchtesgaden, Germany);<br />
Lambeth Palace UK ’64 (scholar in residence); Oxon. ’66 (B.Litt/M.Litt. Theology);<br />
Big Bend, TX ’66-’69 (vicar); St. Andrew’s, Las Cruces NM ’69-’75 (rector); DRG Com.<br />
on Ministry ’70-’75; Linacre Oxon. ’75-’82 (D.Phil. Ecclesiastical Courts); Oxf. Univ.<br />
Soc. Bibliophiles ’76-’82 (president ’77-’78); Institute <strong>of</strong> Historical Survey Foundation<br />
[IHSF] ’82-<strong>2011</strong> (president); Laicized ’87 (RM Trelease); DAC American Red Cross ’82-<br />
’97 (executive director); DRG ’84-<strong>2011</strong> (historian).<br />
Canon for Pastoral<br />
Theology<br />
The Rev. Scott Ruthven<br />
The Rev. Scott Ruthven was born and raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico, however,<br />
he was sponsored for Ordination from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> Colorado. After graduating<br />
from Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry in 1988, he was ordained priest <strong>the</strong> same<br />
year. He served as Curate in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> Connecticut from 1988 to 1992.<br />
He <strong>the</strong>n became <strong>the</strong> Rector <strong>of</strong> St. John’s in Alamogordo from 1992 to 2003.<br />
Currently, he is Rector at St. Andrew’s in Las Cruces. During his ordained ministry in<br />
<strong>the</strong> D iocese <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong> , he has served as Dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Southwest Deanery<br />
from 2000 to 2004 and Canon Theologian from 2004 to <strong>2011</strong>.
6<br />
IN THE<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Bishop’s Appointments <strong>2011</strong><br />
NE AREA DEAN<br />
Ms. Karen Aubrey<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>ast Dean Karen Aubrey is a long-time member <strong>of</strong> St. Bede’s Episcopal<br />
Church, Santa Fe, where she is a lector, usher, chalice bearer and member <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> altar guild. She moved to Santa Fe from Tucson, Arizona, in 1976, and has<br />
practiced law in Santa Fe since 1978 in <strong>the</strong> areas <strong>of</strong> oil and gas, estate planning,<br />
real estate, and family law. She is <strong>the</strong> Treasurer <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rotary Club <strong>of</strong> Santa Fe,<br />
and a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Directors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> New Mexico Suicide Intervention<br />
Project. She is <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> Sgt. Philip Aubrey, Special Operations Combat Medic,<br />
currently stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.<br />
SW Area Dean<br />
The Rev. Dr. Nick Funk<br />
Jesus is Lord! The appointment as Dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Southwest Deanery brings honor and responsibility<br />
to St. James Church Mesilla Park and to me. With<br />
God’s help, we will continue to build on <strong>the</strong> good<br />
work <strong>of</strong> previous Deans. As with many who hang<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir hats in New Mexico, I hailed from elsewhere.<br />
Living in Las Cruces brings joy to my heart after<br />
having lived on both coasts and places in between. Prior to following <strong>the</strong> Lord’s<br />
call to enter <strong>the</strong> ordained ministry, I had <strong>the</strong> honor serving in Intelligence with <strong>the</strong><br />
US Army Special Forces, doing museum work in Washington DC, and technology<br />
consultation in <strong>the</strong> corporate world. The call to serve as <strong>the</strong> Rector <strong>of</strong> St. James<br />
in lovely Las Cruces came after serving as a priest in two churches in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> Southwest Florida. I join with our Bishop in <strong>the</strong> loud proclamation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Good<br />
News in Jesus, and <strong>the</strong> joyful reconciliation found in <strong>the</strong> arms <strong>of</strong> God. As we say at<br />
St. James, “We’re on an adventure toge<strong>the</strong>r.”<br />
SE Area Dean<br />
The Very Rev. Tom Gray<br />
NW Area Dean<br />
The Rev. Dan Tuton<br />
The Rev. Tom Gray first came to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong> in 1982 and has<br />
served as a parish priest and in a variety <strong>of</strong> Diocesan roles through that time. He<br />
was <strong>the</strong> Rector <strong>of</strong> Grace Church in Carlsbad for several years before retiring from<br />
parish ministry in 2008, and continues to live in Carlsbad and to be active in <strong>the</strong><br />
life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong> including serving as Dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>ast<br />
Deanery and Canon Pastor <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong>. His wife Jane is a District Court Judge<br />
and is a native <strong>of</strong> Carlsbad, and <strong>the</strong>y have two grown children.<br />
The Rev. Dan Tuton is Vicar <strong>of</strong> Hope-in-<strong>the</strong>-Desert in Albuquerque. Michele is<br />
his wife <strong>of</strong> almost 25 years, and <strong>the</strong>y have three sons, Robb (21), James (18) and<br />
Christian (15). He has been an ordained priest for seven years, and is a graduate <strong>of</strong><br />
Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry.<br />
NW Deanery Pastor<br />
The Rev. Jim Hunter<br />
The Rev. Hunter has been a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong> since January 1, 2008 serving<br />
as Rector <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Episcopal Church <strong>of</strong> St. <strong>Mar</strong>y in<br />
Albuquerque. During this time he served on <strong>the</strong><br />
Northwest Deanery Board for one year. The Rev.<br />
Hunter was trained as a Stephen Ministry Leader in<br />
1999 and brought Stephen Ministry to St. <strong>Mar</strong>y’s.<br />
He is actively involved in <strong>the</strong> training and supervision<br />
<strong>of</strong> eight Stephen Ministers in <strong>the</strong> parish. This experience, combined with twentyfive<br />
years <strong>of</strong> pastoral experience, is excellent preparation for <strong>the</strong> position <strong>of</strong> Deanery<br />
Pastor for <strong>the</strong> Northwest Deanery. O<strong>the</strong>r things Jim has done since coming to <strong>the</strong><br />
diocese and St. <strong>Mar</strong>y’s include introducing Financial Peace University to <strong>the</strong> parish<br />
as well as <strong>the</strong> Bread Ministry for new member incorporation. He has incorporated<br />
weekly Children’s Sermons and One Minute Stewardship Sermons in Sunday worship<br />
and developed a Contemporary Worship Service for Sunday afternoons. The Rev.<br />
Hunter also initiated a Diabetes Support Group in Albuquerque, which has since<br />
inspired o<strong>the</strong>r such support groups for diabetics.<br />
NW Deanery Pastor<br />
The Rev. Jan Davey<br />
The Rev. Jan Davey has been ordained for 29 years, in those years she was a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> two team ministries, in Espanola and Ruidoso, and served as vicar at<br />
St. Philips in Belen, New Mexico. She was also on <strong>the</strong> Standing Committee for six<br />
years, president for three <strong>of</strong> those years. She served on two National Committees<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> church for over six years and served several o<strong>the</strong>r functions within <strong>the</strong><br />
diocese. Her most recent assignment was as Dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Northwest Deanery.
IN THE<br />
7<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Bishop’s Appointments <strong>2011</strong><br />
NE Deanery Pastor<br />
The Rev.<br />
Dr. Donald Hassemer<br />
Commission on<br />
Ministry<br />
The Rev. Rod Hurst<br />
The Rev. Dr. Donald Hassemer. The Rev. Don Hassemer has been living and working<br />
in Nor<strong>the</strong>rn New Mexico since 1982. The Rev. Hassemer has been serving with <strong>the</strong><br />
Chili Line Ministry since its inception, especially at St. Stephen’s, Espanola and St.<br />
Jerome’s, Chama. He is also a very busy medical doctor with <strong>of</strong>fices at <strong>the</strong> Espanola<br />
Medical Center. He and his wife, Wendy, are proud parents three grown children.<br />
The Rev. Rod Hurst, and his wife Carol and daughter Juliana reside in Carlsbad<br />
where Rod serves as Rector <strong>of</strong> Grace Episcopal Church. He is a native <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pacific<br />
Northwest and was confirmed in The Episcopal <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> Olympia (Western<br />
Washington). The Rev. Hurst is an alumnus <strong>of</strong> Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary,<br />
has many years <strong>of</strong> varied ministry experience and several years experience in<br />
government service (States <strong>of</strong> Washington & Arizona). He is also currently a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Camp Stoney Board <strong>of</strong> Directors and member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diocesan<br />
Ecclesiastical Court.<br />
Commission on<br />
Ministry (<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
baptized) Recent<br />
Seminarian<br />
The Rev. Deacon Lin Lilley<br />
Urban Native<br />
American Mission/<br />
Ministries<br />
Mr. Douglas K. Bleyle<br />
In September 2010 Deacon Lilley completed coursework in <strong>the</strong> DRG School for<br />
Ministry and was ordained a transitional deacon. She is now in a formational year<br />
at St. Thomas <strong>of</strong> Canterbury, <strong>the</strong> congregation which sponsored her for ordination,<br />
under <strong>the</strong> mentorship <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rev. Carole McGowan.<br />
Mr. Douglas K. Bleyle received a B.A. Metropolitan State College, M. Div. Iliff School<br />
<strong>of</strong> Theology, and Th. M. Candler School <strong>of</strong> Theology in contemplative/ascetical<br />
<strong>the</strong>ology. He is Co-Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Institute for Contemplative Living in Santa Fe, a<br />
postulant, and doing an internship at <strong>the</strong> Ca<strong>the</strong>dral <strong>of</strong> St. John with an emphasis on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Urban Native American Fellowship.<br />
Chaplain for Retired<br />
Clergy and Clergy<br />
Widow/Widowers<br />
The Rev. John Zachritz<br />
The Rev. John Zachritz was rector <strong>of</strong> St. Luke’s/La Union from December <strong>of</strong> 1994<br />
to July <strong>of</strong> 1999, and currently serves as a volunteer in <strong>the</strong> Chili Line Team Ministry<br />
and on <strong>the</strong> ministerial team <strong>of</strong> St. Stephen’s in Espanola. He retired from active<br />
ministry after serving as C haplain & Executive Director <strong>of</strong> St. Francis Academy in<br />
Espanola and as chaplain to foster families under <strong>the</strong> care <strong>of</strong> St. Francis Academy in<br />
W estern Kansas.<br />
Chaplain for Retired<br />
Clergy and Clergy<br />
Widow/Widowers<br />
The Rev. A. Philip Parham<br />
The Rev. A. Philip Parham, Doctor <strong>of</strong> Ministry, is<br />
an Episcopal priest, who conducts workshops<br />
and seminars on Emotional Health and Spiritual<br />
Wealth throughout this country and overseas. His retreats and presentations on<br />
communication, intimacy and spirituality have touched and enriched many lives.<br />
A Yale graduate, he earned his doctorate at San Francisco Theological Seminary<br />
with his dissertation on ministry to alcohol complicated families. He is <strong>the</strong> bestselling<br />
author <strong>of</strong> “Letting God: Christian Meditations for Recovery”, by Harper<br />
Collins, which is still in print after 20 years. His most recent book is “Feeling Free:<br />
Emotional Redemption in Christ”. The present and sixth rector <strong>of</strong> St. Alban’s in El<br />
Paso, celebrating her 90th birthday this Easter. and can be contacted by email at<br />
alfredparham@att.net . His webpage is www.lettingGod.com .
8<br />
IN THE<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Bishop’s Appointments <strong>2011</strong><br />
Chaplain For Retired<br />
Clergy and Clergy<br />
Widow/Widowers<br />
The Rev. Steve Caldwell<br />
Education for<br />
Ministry<br />
Coordinator<br />
The Mrs. Cheri Winter<br />
The Rev. Steven Caldwell. The Rev. Steve Caldwell was called to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong> in 1989 as <strong>the</strong> rector <strong>of</strong> St. Chad’s Episcopal Church in Albuquerque.<br />
Since his retirement in 2004, <strong>the</strong> Rev. Caldwell has served several congregations<br />
as Priest-in-Charge including St. Francis’, <strong>Rio</strong> Rancho, St. Andrew’s, Roswell as well<br />
congregations in Montana and North Carolina. He and his wife, Barbara, have<br />
three grown children and several beautiful grandchildren.<br />
Mrs. Cheri Winter holds a <strong>the</strong>ology degree from Virginia Theological Seminary and<br />
is currently an Education for Ministry (EfM) Mentor at St. Chad’s in Albuquerque<br />
where she attends with her husband, Brian, and <strong>the</strong>ir two sons. She brings her<br />
love for <strong>the</strong> Episcopal Church, EfM, and spiritual development to her role as<br />
Diocesan Coordinator.<br />
Congregational Life<br />
and Development<br />
Committee<br />
The Rev. Canon<br />
Colin P. Kelly, III<br />
Canon Kelly has faithfully served <strong>the</strong> Lord as Rector<br />
<strong>of</strong> Trinity on <strong>the</strong> Hill Episcopal Church in Los Alamos<br />
since 1986. His ministry in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> has included serving as a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Diocesan Long Range Planning Committee, Chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Camp Stoney Long range<br />
Planning Committee, Chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diocesan Renewal and Evangelism Committee,<br />
Diocesan Spiritual Director <strong>of</strong> Cursillo, Member <strong>of</strong> Diocesan Council, Chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Commission on Ministry, President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Standing Committee, and eight time deputy<br />
to General Convention. A graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United states Military Academy, Canon<br />
Kelly also received an MDiv. from Philadelphia Divinity School, a Masters in Education<br />
from Long Island University and a DMin in Congregational Development from Seabury<br />
Seminary. He and his wife, Sue Ellen have five children and five grandchildren.<br />
Congregational Life<br />
and Development<br />
Committee<br />
Ms. Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Bailey<br />
Growing up in this <strong>Diocese</strong> I attended Camp Stoney, was an YCRG and EYC <strong>of</strong>ficer,<br />
and “Happening” participant. As an adult, I remain committed to youth ministry<br />
having volunteered with youth groups from three parishes. I twice served as a<br />
J2A leader and Pilgrimage sponsor. While serving as Vestry Warden, my parish<br />
launched a capital campaign to purchase property and start a building project.<br />
Diocesan experiences include: four years as delegate, member <strong>of</strong> New Life<br />
Team, and New Life Process facilitator to help inform <strong>the</strong> diocesan pr<strong>of</strong>ile in <strong>the</strong><br />
Bishop Elect search. In 2010, I facilitated “Walkabouts” meetings in Roswell,<br />
Albuquerque, and Santa Fe.<br />
Congregational Life<br />
and Development<br />
Committee, Co-Chair<br />
Ms. Diane Butler<br />
Congregational Life<br />
and Development<br />
Committee, Co-Chair<br />
The Rev. Brian Winter<br />
Diane Butler, a native <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>ast, has been in <strong>the</strong> diocese since 2002 and<br />
has been active in numerous diocesan ministries. She has served on <strong>the</strong> Standing<br />
Committee since 2007, co-chaired <strong>the</strong> New Life Task Force for three years and<br />
assisted <strong>the</strong> Search and Transition Committees in organizing focus groups during<br />
<strong>the</strong> search for a new bishop. Ms. Butler was a deputy to General Convention<br />
in 2009 and will serve in this capacity again in 2012. She continues to facilitate<br />
retreats for vestries and congregations and looks forward to working with <strong>the</strong><br />
congregational development team.<br />
The Rev. Brian W. Winter has been Rector at St. Chad’s Episcopal Church in Alb.<br />
since October 2005, after serving as Associate Rector at Trinity on <strong>the</strong> Hill in Los<br />
Alamos and Vicar at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Brigham City, Utah where<br />
he was ordained to <strong>the</strong> priesthood in January <strong>of</strong> 2003. The Rev. Winter has been<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Standing Committee in <strong>the</strong> DRG and is currently pursuing his Doctorate <strong>of</strong><br />
Ministry in Congregational Development at Virginia Theological Seminary. The Rev.<br />
Winter is married to Cheri Winter and has two teenage boys.
IN THE<br />
9<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Study Day Explores Anglican Communion Covenant<br />
By <strong>the</strong> Rev. Rhonda McIntyre,<br />
Vicar <strong>of</strong> San Gabriel Episcopal Church<br />
More than eighty people from 18 parishes and<br />
missions from as far away as Silver City ga<strong>the</strong>red on<br />
Saturday, January 15, at St. Michael’s and All Angels<br />
for a day-long study <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> history and content <strong>of</strong> The<br />
Anglican Communion Covenant.<br />
Led by <strong>the</strong> Rev. Dr. A. Ka<strong>the</strong>rine<br />
Grieb, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> New Testament<br />
at Virginia Theological Seminary and<br />
one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Covenant’s authors, <strong>the</strong><br />
group considered several Biblical<br />
models <strong>of</strong> “doing church,” and <strong>the</strong><br />
history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Anglican Communion<br />
before looking at <strong>the</strong> Covenant<br />
itself.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Grieb began with <strong>the</strong><br />
questions, “What attitudes, actions,<br />
habits, and dispositions will best<br />
work to streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> ‘bonds <strong>of</strong><br />
affection’ that bind us toge<strong>the</strong>r as<br />
<strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> various provinces<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Anglican Communion Or, to<br />
frame it less positively, “what will<br />
drive us fur<strong>the</strong>r apart”<br />
She presented two models for<br />
Christian practices in ages past:<br />
centrifugal and centripetal. A centrifugal approach<br />
is one where things spin away from <strong>the</strong> center. She<br />
cited various passages from Scripture (1 John 2:18-19,<br />
and 4:1-,4-6; Revelation 18:4ff) in which community<br />
considered <strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>the</strong> best example <strong>of</strong><br />
Christianity and, in fact, were relieved when those who<br />
thought or acted differently broke away. A centripetal<br />
approach is where things are drawn toward <strong>the</strong><br />
center, where unity is valued, even though <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
disagreeing factions within <strong>the</strong> whole. This model can<br />
be seen in <strong>the</strong> writings <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> apostle Paul (Romans<br />
1-3, <strong>the</strong> letters to <strong>the</strong> Corinthians). The Apostle to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Gentiles called for Christ-centered unity in <strong>the</strong><br />
earliest churches. Dr. Grieb’s hope and work is toward<br />
a centripetal model for <strong>the</strong> Anglican Communion.<br />
Before giving background on <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Covenant, she also reviewed <strong>the</strong> four existing<br />
instruments <strong>of</strong> unity: <strong>the</strong> Archbishop <strong>of</strong> Canterbury,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Anglican Consultative Council, <strong>the</strong> Lambeth<br />
Conference <strong>of</strong> Bishops, and <strong>the</strong> Primates’ Meeting.<br />
The idea for <strong>the</strong> Covenant came out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Windsor<br />
Report, and a Design Group was formed in 2006. For<br />
details <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Covenant’s formation,<br />
please go to http://www.anglicancommunion.org/<br />
commission/covenant/index.cfm.<br />
The process has been centered in prayer and<br />
committed to a listening process, and feedback<br />
has been diligently sought from throughout <strong>the</strong><br />
Communion at each stage <strong>of</strong> drafting. The Covenant<br />
The Rev. Dr. Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Grieb leads <strong>the</strong> discussion<br />
has been presented now to all Provinces <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Anglican Communion for formal consideration for<br />
adoption through <strong>the</strong> appropriate processes <strong>of</strong> each<br />
Province. To date, <strong>the</strong> Province <strong>of</strong> Mexico is <strong>the</strong> only<br />
one to adopt <strong>the</strong> Covenant.<br />
The Episcopal Church is asking each Diocesan<br />
deputation to ga<strong>the</strong>r information prior to <strong>the</strong> next<br />
General Convention in 2012. The deputation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong> is developing a process<br />
for input, and Bishop Michael Vono has urged each<br />
congregation to undertake an in-depth study to<br />
aid with feedback. Instructions for submitting your<br />
responses to <strong>the</strong> deputation is being developed and<br />
will be announced via e-mail, <strong>the</strong> website, and through<br />
clergy, diocesan delegates and church administrators.<br />
There are four sections <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Covenant: Our<br />
Inheritance <strong>of</strong> Faith; The life We Share with O<strong>the</strong>rs:<br />
Our Anglican Vocation; Our Unity and Common Life;<br />
and Our Covenanted Life Toge<strong>the</strong>r. What we have in<br />
common worldwide is stressed. The Covenant holds<br />
no legislative or judicial power; each Province is bound<br />
by its own canons. Within <strong>the</strong> instrument <strong>the</strong>re is an<br />
effort to balance autonomy and accountability among<br />
all Provinces. Section Four provides a formal process<br />
for dispute resolution, details <strong>of</strong> which seem to be<br />
where <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong> most disagreement.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> letter that presented <strong>the</strong> Covenant to all<br />
Provinces, The Rev. Canon Dr. Kenneth Kearon,<br />
Secretary General <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Anglican Communion, wrote<br />
that it “represents an invitation to<br />
deepening relationships among<br />
Provinces. We have a long history<br />
<strong>of</strong> friendship, affinities, and<br />
collaboration between Provinces,<br />
dioceses, parishes and people across<br />
<strong>the</strong> globe, and we celebrate <strong>the</strong>se<br />
manifold expressions <strong>of</strong> our oneness<br />
in Christ. The Covenant represents<br />
a fur<strong>the</strong>r step in <strong>the</strong>se relationships,<br />
building on and giving expression to<br />
<strong>the</strong> bonds <strong>of</strong> affection which shape<br />
our common life.”<br />
The study day at St. Michael<br />
and All Angels was an illuminating<br />
gift, full <strong>of</strong> accurate information,<br />
challenging issues, and lively<br />
discussion for those who attended.<br />
May we continue to explore ways to<br />
better communicate with our fellow<br />
Christians, as <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> healing within and beyond<br />
our Communion continues.<br />
As Dr. Grieb writes, “The centripetal model requires<br />
a lot more work … like <strong>the</strong> long hard work <strong>of</strong> staying<br />
married, or <strong>of</strong> raising a child, or <strong>of</strong> caring for an elderly<br />
parent, or <strong>of</strong> working with a colleagues with whom<br />
you just don’t see eye to eye on <strong>the</strong> basics. The bonds<br />
<strong>of</strong> affection between us are both fragile and as strong<br />
as steel. When an iron bar is broken and welded back<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r again, <strong>the</strong> strongest point in <strong>the</strong> bar is <strong>the</strong><br />
welded place. But bonds <strong>of</strong> love are fragile in any<br />
relationship; <strong>the</strong>y need to be mended and renewed<br />
again and again.” Amen!<br />
The Anglican Covenant Study Day was initiated<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Rev. Brian Winter and organized with <strong>the</strong><br />
assistance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rev. Rhonda McIntyre, <strong>the</strong> Rev.<br />
Christopher McLaren and Ms. Diane Butler. The day<br />
was graciously hosted by <strong>the</strong> Rev. Daniel Gutierrez,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Rev. Christopher McLaren, Ms. <strong>Mar</strong>garet Gant<br />
and Ms. Linda Towel <strong>of</strong> St. Michael and All Angels.<br />
Sponsoring churches were: St. Michael and All Angels<br />
and its mission San Gabriel <strong>the</strong> Archangel, St. Chad’s,<br />
and St. Thomas <strong>of</strong> Canterbury all in Albuquerque, with<br />
support from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong>.<br />
Photo by Brian Winter<br />
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Please consider submitting photographs for publication in Toge<strong>the</strong>r. Photographs<br />
should be submitted in JPEG format in <strong>the</strong> highest resolution possible, which would<br />
be approximately 20 megabytes in <strong>the</strong> TIFF format that would compress to 3.5 MB<br />
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with correct spelling, and <strong>the</strong> location <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> photo, and all pertinent details. Send<br />
submissions to diocom@dioceserg.org
10<br />
IN THE<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
A Peaceful Habitation<br />
By Mr. David Dixon<br />
My people will abide in a<br />
peaceful habitation, in safe<br />
dwellings and in quite resting<br />
places. Isaiah 32:18<br />
On a peaceful street in<br />
Albuquerque is a habitation where<br />
God is healing lives. A Peaceful<br />
Habitation, (APH) was created to<br />
bridge <strong>the</strong> gap for incarcerated and<br />
recently released women who want<br />
to draw upon <strong>the</strong> power <strong>of</strong> Christ to<br />
live new, transformed lives, to break<br />
patterns <strong>of</strong> self-defeating behaviors,<br />
and become independent,<br />
contributing members <strong>of</strong> society.<br />
APH does this by first providing a<br />
safe and secure and home; yes bed<br />
and board, but also peers, staff<br />
Peaceful Habitation Staff<br />
and volunteers who care. And APH<br />
provides training in life skills to get<br />
a job, manage money, probation and parole mandates, etc. But all <strong>of</strong> this has a foundational<br />
reliance on Christ. Church attendance, weekly Bible study, nightly prayer and mentoring by<br />
wonderful Christian role models are <strong>the</strong> core <strong>of</strong> everything else.<br />
With this foundation, APH has a miraculous history. Since 2007 <strong>the</strong> house has received 36<br />
women, <strong>of</strong> who 20 completed <strong>the</strong> requirements for graduation, a job, $1,000 in <strong>the</strong> bank and six<br />
months in <strong>the</strong> house. Of those only 1 has returned to prison, against a national recividy rate <strong>of</strong><br />
almost 30%. APH started on a shoe-string, and now has an annual budget <strong>of</strong> $127,000.00 and<br />
$40,000 cash to help with a new home. But most importantly, all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se women, even <strong>the</strong><br />
stray sheep, have grown in Christ and experienced wondrous healing. Some testimonials:<br />
“Words cannot express my gratitude and love for all my Lord and Savior has done<br />
and is doing for me. It has been a life-changing experience for me, with God in control<br />
and under <strong>the</strong> care <strong>of</strong> A Peaceful Habitation. Before coming to APH, my life was a<br />
mess and unmanageable. Anyone who knew me, and I myself knew, that <strong>the</strong>re was<br />
nothing left in me. God’s grace, mercy and love for me didn’t agree, and through Jesus<br />
Christ I have been saved. At APH I learned how to live life all over again. It was quite<br />
an experience, but a good one. Through structure, discipline, classes and learning my<br />
Bible, I can now live a free and enjoyable life.”<br />
“I didn’t know it at <strong>the</strong> time, but <strong>the</strong> Lord saved my life December 13, 2003, <strong>the</strong> day<br />
I got arrested. This was not only <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong> my recovery from alcohol and meth<br />
but my walk with my Heavenly Fa<strong>the</strong>r. I’ve now been clean for 57 months and I walk<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Lord in all I do. When Leticia Chavez-Paulette came to <strong>the</strong> prison to tell us<br />
about APH I knew that this is exactly where I need to be. I graduated APH August 27,<br />
2008. My foundation in God has been reinforced. I’ve met so many wonderful people<br />
here and have been to so many amazing functions. Every day I woke up <strong>the</strong>re was a<br />
blessing. Thank you APH for this opportunity.”<br />
“I am a 15 year heroin and crack cocaine addict. In 2005 I was sentenced to a 3<br />
year prison term where I found <strong>the</strong> Lord and my life changed completely. I got my<br />
self-esteem back, my self-respect, and I looked at life in a different way. I got to see my<br />
twelve year old daughter for <strong>the</strong> first time in eleven years. I wanted more out <strong>of</strong> life<br />
than I have ever wanted before. When Leticia came to <strong>the</strong> prison to talk about APH,<br />
I wanted to fur<strong>the</strong>r my walk with God and to stay clean and sober. I got to APH in<br />
January 2008. Everyone was so wonderful and giving. I was provided with everything<br />
I needed. I learned so much being <strong>the</strong>re. The way I feel about <strong>the</strong> program now is<br />
I regret ever leaving. I have always felt it was a beautiful, peaceful and wonderful<br />
place to be. I encourage o<strong>the</strong>r women that I talk to, to go <strong>the</strong>re. I give out <strong>the</strong> address<br />
like it’s my own. If I could go back now I would be more than happy to! I miss it a lot.<br />
~ God Bless You All. “<br />
APH receives funding from 20 Albuquerque churches and is currently praying for a new house<br />
and additional mature Christian mentors. More information and testimonials are at www.<br />
apeacefulhabitation.org, and through that web site you can get notices <strong>of</strong> upcoming APH events.<br />
St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s<br />
Hospitality Center<br />
By The Rev. Susan Allison-Hatch, St. Thomas <strong>of</strong> Canterbury<br />
and Mrs. Sarah Lindblom , St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s Hospitality Center<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w 25:35-36 states: “For I was hungry and you gave me<br />
food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you<br />
welcomed me, I was naked and you clo<strong>the</strong>d me, I was sick and you<br />
visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”<br />
These are <strong>the</strong> words on which St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s Hospitality Center was<br />
founded with <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong> assisting homeless and near-homeless<br />
people by providing resources, opportunities, and hope. In 1985,<br />
St. Thomas <strong>of</strong> Canterbury, along with St. Aidan’s (now St. <strong>Mar</strong>y’s)<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r congregations, started St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s and continues to<br />
support all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> amazing work <strong>the</strong>y have done.<br />
St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s provides full-service programs to <strong>the</strong> 3,200<br />
homeless in Albuquerque. These includes meals, basic/critical<br />
need services (showers, clothing, phone, mail delivery, storage),<br />
and support services including mental health, substance abuse,<br />
job development, housing support and Sunday worship led by an<br />
ecumenical team from St. Thomas <strong>of</strong> Canterbury, St. Michael and All<br />
Angels, Risen Savior Roman Catholic Church, <strong>the</strong> Newman Center<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Center for Action and Contemplation. St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s clients<br />
range from those finding <strong>the</strong>mselves unable to put dinner on <strong>the</strong><br />
table to those living under bridges and in parks. St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s is one<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> few complete resource centers in Albuquerque and is able to<br />
provide those in need with programs that allow <strong>the</strong>m to move into<br />
a life <strong>of</strong> self-sufficiency.<br />
A client <strong>of</strong> St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s, Jane, describes St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s as a “miracle.”<br />
Jane found herself at St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s door a year ago. She is a single<br />
mom with three kids, a mortgage and a car payment. She works<br />
one-and-a-half jobs to make it financially, but after her divorce<br />
wasn’t able to put food on <strong>the</strong> table. Her day starts at 4:00am and<br />
doesn’t end until she goes to bed at 1:00am. Her oldest child, Janie,<br />
was a junior in college but had to quit in order to help her mom<br />
with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two children financially. Chad, <strong>the</strong> second oldest,<br />
just started High School, and Vickie, <strong>the</strong> youngest, is in fifth grade.<br />
Janie was forced to take advantage <strong>of</strong> St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s many services.<br />
Janie was not looking for a handout but looking for a helping hand.<br />
St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s provided that and is happy to report that Jane has<br />
gotten <strong>the</strong> skills and help needed to change her life for herself and<br />
children.<br />
One out <strong>of</strong> five New Mexicans live below <strong>the</strong> poverty line, and<br />
last year 17,000 New Mexicans found <strong>the</strong>mselves without a ro<strong>of</strong><br />
over <strong>the</strong>ir head. St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s serves an average <strong>of</strong> 350-400 people<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir shelter and last year served more than 130,000 meals. Each<br />
day nearly 80 people use <strong>the</strong>ir showers, 60 people get clothing, 200<br />
people use storage services, and 150 people use <strong>the</strong>ir counseling<br />
and job development services. Last year, St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s placed 600<br />
people into homes and provided <strong>the</strong>m with <strong>the</strong> services needed to<br />
be self-sufficient.<br />
The support that St. Thomas provides, in partnership with<br />
St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s, allows <strong>the</strong>m to give hope to men, women, children<br />
and families in Albuquerque. On January 30th, St. Thomas was<br />
instrumental in St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s opening <strong>the</strong>ir doors for worship and<br />
breakfast on Sunday mornings after a disruption in <strong>the</strong>se services.<br />
Over 150 homeless individuals showed up <strong>the</strong> first day to worship<br />
and eat. The number is expected to grow to 200-400 people.<br />
We hope that many <strong>of</strong> you will join us for worship in <strong>the</strong> weeks<br />
ahead as we ga<strong>the</strong>r around <strong>the</strong> table as one community. Our<br />
worship begins at 8:00 a.m. and is followed by a breakfast. It is our<br />
extended faith community that allows <strong>the</strong> doors <strong>of</strong> St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s to<br />
remain open.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> end, we at St. Thomas support St. <strong>Mar</strong>tin’s in giving<br />
people what everyone wants: LOVE, HOPE, UNDERSTANDING, and<br />
WELCOMING!
IN THE<br />
11<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Episcopal Youth Event<br />
Bishop Blesses Parish Hall at<br />
St. Michael’s, Tucumcari<br />
By The Rev’d Deacon <strong>Mar</strong>k W. Lake<br />
The Rev. Gay Wellborn pauses beside a photograph <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> late Col. Bill Fric following <strong>the</strong> blessing <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> new Parish Hall.<br />
COME TOGETHER:<br />
Intimately linked in this harvest work<br />
REUNAMONOS:<br />
Entrelazados Intimamente en esta Cosecha<br />
Save <strong>the</strong> Dates!<br />
Episcopal Youth Event will take place June 22-26, <strong>2011</strong>, on <strong>the</strong><br />
campus <strong>of</strong> Be<strong>the</strong>l University in St. Paul, MN.<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w 10:40-42 (The Message)<br />
“We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts<br />
what you do, accepts me, <strong>the</strong> One who sent you. Anyone who<br />
accepts what I do accepts my Fa<strong>the</strong>r, who sent me. Accepting a<br />
messenger <strong>of</strong> God is as good as being God’s messenger. Accepting<br />
someone’s help is as good as giving someone help.<br />
This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed<br />
by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup <strong>of</strong> water to someone<br />
who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act <strong>of</strong> giving or receiving<br />
makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.”<br />
“For more information please contact Jane Gober at <strong>the</strong> Ca<strong>the</strong>dral<br />
<strong>of</strong> St. John (505)247-1581 or jgober@stjohnsabq.org<br />
Go to: www.episcopalchurch.org/eye<strong>2011</strong>.htm<br />
January 30th was a very special day filled with hope and excitement as we<br />
welcomed our beloved Bishop Michael Vono to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church,<br />
Tucumcari. Excitement filled <strong>the</strong> community in anticipation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bishop’s<br />
blessing <strong>of</strong> our newly completed Parish Hall.<br />
The completion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Parish Hall marks <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong> a new chapter in<br />
<strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> St Michael’s as we discern God’s will for our ministry and mission in<br />
Tucumcari. The Parish hall will provide a place to ga<strong>the</strong>r for shared meals and<br />
educational ministry, and most importantly, a place to minister to <strong>the</strong> hungry,<br />
homeless or troubled travelers that Interstate 40 brings us.<br />
Bishop Vono encouraged us in our discernment and challenged us to be<br />
a great witness in our community. He reminded us that every parish lives<br />
through times <strong>of</strong> growth and times <strong>of</strong> decline, but always God is faithful. The<br />
confirmation <strong>of</strong> Vicki Henry was a joyful symbol <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> future God has in store<br />
for this small, but faithful parish.<br />
Our time <strong>of</strong> worship, led by <strong>the</strong> Bishop, reminded us that we are a part <strong>of</strong><br />
something much larger than our own parish. Toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong>, <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> St. Michael’s are faithful witnesses to <strong>the</strong> love <strong>of</strong><br />
Christ throughout <strong>the</strong> world. Special thanks goes to The Rev. John Rollinson, who<br />
traveled from Clovis to provide beautiful organ and piano music for our service.<br />
We enjoyed a wonderful first meal toge<strong>the</strong>r in our new facility and felt so<br />
blessed to be able to share this first time event with our new Bishop.<br />
Our new Parish Hall partially was made possible by a generous bequest <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> late Col. Bill Fric, a long time member <strong>of</strong> St. Michael’s. St Michael’s was<br />
established in 1908, and <strong>the</strong> present building was constructed in 1965. The first<br />
Priest to serve <strong>the</strong> parish traveled by train from Dawson, New Mexico, once a<br />
month to conduct services. Our present Vicar, <strong>the</strong> Rev. Gay Wellborn has served<br />
St Michael’s since her ordination in June 1987.<br />
Please join us in praying that God will continue to bless our ministry in<br />
Tucumcari.<br />
Save <strong>the</strong> Date<br />
Treasurer<br />
&<br />
Vestry Workshop<br />
Saturday, <strong>Mar</strong>ch 19, <strong>2011</strong><br />
9:00am – 4:00pm<br />
St. Chad’s Episcopal Church<br />
7171 Tennyson Street NE<br />
Albuquerque, NM 87122<br />
(505)856-9200<br />
The workshop is tailored<br />
to church treasurers<br />
and vestry members,<br />
but is also useful for<br />
clergy, bookkeepers,<br />
administrators and<br />
members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> audit<br />
committee. The Rev.<br />
Geisler brings experience<br />
from multiple venues<br />
and creates a forum that<br />
is conducive to valuable<br />
information ga<strong>the</strong>ring and<br />
exchanging <strong>of</strong> ideas.<br />
Morning Session<br />
Payroll<br />
Discretionary Funds<br />
Financial Presentations<br />
Committee System<br />
Budgets and Audits<br />
Presented by:<br />
Diocesan Treasurers<br />
Afternoon Session<br />
Communications<br />
Use and Care <strong>of</strong> Property,<br />
Stewardship and Planned Giving<br />
Property and Casualty Insurance<br />
Diocesan Particulars<br />
Guest Speaker:<br />
The Rev. Canon William F. Geisler, C.P.A.<br />
Church Pension Fund Tax & Financial Consultant for Clergy & Churches<br />
PO Box 2624 • San Anselmo, California 94979<br />
$15 registration fee. Lunch will be provided.<br />
RSVP by <strong>Mar</strong>ch 4th to Toye Robertson<br />
trobertson@dioceserg.org or (505)881-0636
12<br />
IN THE<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Natural Church Development:<br />
Growth and Development at St. Andrew’s, Roswell<br />
By Mrs. Lynne Hooper<br />
There are few opportunities for a parish to<br />
completely re-evaluate <strong>the</strong> community’s life and<br />
ministry. We, parishioners <strong>of</strong> St. Andrew’s, Roswell,<br />
found that set <strong>of</strong> circumstances almost two years<br />
ago when <strong>the</strong> rector and several parishioners chose<br />
to leave. Last year during group meetings, focus<br />
groups, and survey sessions, St. Andrew’s parishioners<br />
expressed concern about our church’s growth and<br />
development. With <strong>the</strong> endorsement <strong>of</strong> interim<br />
rectors, <strong>the</strong> Rev. Steve Caldwell and <strong>the</strong> Rev. Frank<br />
Wilson, <strong>the</strong> parish responded to suggestions for reevaluation,<br />
determined to discover just who we are,<br />
where we are going, what actions might affect positive<br />
change and how we discern God’s plan for <strong>the</strong> family<br />
at St. Andrew’s.<br />
The Vestry adopted an approach called Natural<br />
Church Development (NCD), a program that has helped<br />
many worldwide congregations determine <strong>the</strong>ir state<br />
<strong>of</strong> health, including development and growth in parish<br />
communities. Mr. Christian A. Schwarz, <strong>the</strong> founder<br />
<strong>of</strong> NCD, began his study, <strong>the</strong> largest Christian study <strong>of</strong><br />
its kind, by surveying 1000 congregations <strong>of</strong> different<br />
denominations and worship styles. Through <strong>the</strong> use<br />
<strong>of</strong> a sophisticated survey and computer generated<br />
statistical analysis, Schwarz uncovered eight principles<br />
or quality characteristics that promote healthy growth<br />
independent <strong>of</strong> a church’s denomination, <strong>the</strong>ology,<br />
ministry model, liturgical style or size. NCD is a new<br />
paradigm built upon a worldwide study that attempts<br />
to answer <strong>the</strong> question: “What are <strong>the</strong> essential<br />
qualities <strong>of</strong> a healthy, growing church, regardless <strong>of</strong><br />
culture and <strong>the</strong>ological persuasion” The eight quality<br />
characteristics are:<br />
• Empowering leadership: Leaders <strong>of</strong> healthy, growing<br />
congregations concentrate <strong>the</strong>ir energy on <strong>the</strong><br />
empowerment <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Christians for ministry.<br />
• Gift-oriented ministry: The role <strong>of</strong> church leadership<br />
is to assist its members in <strong>the</strong> identification <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir gifts and to integrate <strong>the</strong>m into appropriate<br />
ministries.<br />
• Effective structures: Structures are never an end in<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves, but means to an end that clarify roles<br />
among <strong>the</strong> Rector, Staff, Vestry, and Committee<br />
Chairs.<br />
• Inspiring worship: Whe<strong>the</strong>r or not <strong>the</strong> worship<br />
service is an inspiring experience for <strong>the</strong> participants<br />
demonstrably separates growing churches from<br />
stagnant and declining ones.<br />
• Passionate spirituality: Are <strong>the</strong> Christians in this<br />
church “on fire” Do <strong>the</strong>y practice <strong>the</strong>ir faith with joy<br />
and enthusiasm Is this a happy place<br />
• Loving relationships: Unfeigned and heartfelt love<br />
endows a church with a much greater magnetic<br />
power than all <strong>the</strong> marketing efforts <strong>of</strong> this world.<br />
The “love quotient” is high in healthy churches.<br />
• Need-based evangelism: The secret <strong>of</strong> healthy<br />
evangelism efforts is <strong>the</strong> way that persons share <strong>the</strong><br />
gospel to meet <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> people.<br />
• Holistic small groups: Growing churches have<br />
developed a system <strong>of</strong> small groups where Christians<br />
can find intimate community, practical help,<br />
enjoyment <strong>of</strong> one ano<strong>the</strong>r, and intensive spiritual<br />
interaction. The vision to see <strong>the</strong>se small groups<br />
reproduce, characterizes <strong>the</strong> healthiest <strong>of</strong> churches<br />
surveyed.<br />
NCD proposes a cyclical method to examine a<br />
congregation’s quality characteristics with this key<br />
factor in mind: “How can <strong>the</strong> God-given growth<br />
potential be released in this congregation” NCD’s<br />
long- term strategic process centers on a survey<br />
administered to <strong>the</strong> clergy (interim rector in our<br />
case) and 29 active parishioners. The results provide<br />
a unique, accurate and up-to-date assessment <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> health <strong>of</strong> a church in <strong>the</strong> eight quality areas.<br />
The maximum factors (high scores) are identified,<br />
celebrated and continued by <strong>the</strong> congregation. If <strong>the</strong><br />
parish has a hope and desire to improve its health,<br />
consideration and planning to improve <strong>the</strong> minimum<br />
factor takes place.<br />
Mr. Schwarz uses <strong>the</strong> illustration <strong>of</strong> a barrel with<br />
staves <strong>of</strong> varying lengths to symbolize <strong>the</strong> eight quality<br />
characteristics. The barrel (<strong>the</strong> church community)<br />
can only hold water to <strong>the</strong> height <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lowest stave<br />
(<strong>the</strong> weakest factor). Mr. Schwarz argues a particular<br />
church can only grow as far as its “Minimum factor,”<br />
that is <strong>the</strong> lowest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> eight quality characteristics<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir church. He challenges churches to resist <strong>the</strong><br />
temptation to work on improving areas in which <strong>the</strong>y<br />
already excel, for by doing this <strong>the</strong>y do not increase<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir minimum factor or <strong>the</strong>ir church quality.<br />
A key ingredient <strong>of</strong> NCD is based on <strong>the</strong> “Parable <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Growing Seed.” (<strong>Mar</strong>k 4:26-29) Our role as God’s<br />
people, and our leaders in particular, is similar to <strong>the</strong><br />
farmer. We cannot give life and produce growth; only<br />
God can do that. A continual process <strong>of</strong> identifying<br />
<strong>the</strong> barriers that impede growth within <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
church, and removing <strong>the</strong>m, maximizes <strong>the</strong> potential<br />
for “all by itself” growth. Our job is to focus on <strong>the</strong><br />
watering and planting while letting God take care <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> growth. NCD helps <strong>the</strong> church determine <strong>the</strong><br />
fundamental nature <strong>of</strong> this watering as expressed<br />
in <strong>the</strong> eight qualities <strong>of</strong> healthy, growing churches.<br />
It helps leaders understand what elements exist<br />
and which may be stifling <strong>the</strong> church from seeing<br />
quantitative and qualitative growth.<br />
After The Rev. Steve Caldwell approved <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong><br />
NCD, <strong>the</strong> Vestry was provided in-depth information<br />
about <strong>the</strong> program. An opportunity to address<br />
<strong>the</strong> congregation was also afforded and slowly <strong>the</strong><br />
whole congregation was exposed to <strong>the</strong> meaning <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> NCD process through parish meetings and <strong>the</strong><br />
newsletter, The Word. In 2010, <strong>the</strong> Vestry approved<br />
an expenditure <strong>of</strong> a little over $200 to purchase <strong>the</strong><br />
NCD survey, and an informal ga<strong>the</strong>ring was held at<br />
which time <strong>the</strong> survey was explained and taken by<br />
<strong>the</strong> interim rector and 29 leaders in <strong>the</strong> parish. The<br />
survey forms were sent back for evaluation, and, NCD<br />
returned a very detailed report and pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> our<br />
health in terms <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> eight quality characteristics,<br />
including <strong>the</strong> minimum factor – <strong>the</strong> characteristic<br />
least developed according to <strong>the</strong> survey and <strong>the</strong> factor<br />
that <strong>the</strong> Church Health Team would address during<br />
<strong>the</strong> following year. Ano<strong>the</strong>r survey in a year or so<br />
will reveal growth during <strong>the</strong> past year and provide<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r minimum factor (hopefully not <strong>the</strong> same one.)<br />
The process engages <strong>the</strong> whole congregation, and<br />
adds energy. NCD isn’t “ano<strong>the</strong>r thing to do”; it helps<br />
each congregation find a better way to do what God is<br />
hoping for it to do.<br />
At a meeting intended to explain <strong>the</strong> results <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
survey, The Rev. Steve Caldwell said, “This could very<br />
well be a defining moment in St. Andrew’s history.<br />
What you decide to do with <strong>the</strong> information that is<br />
being laid before you tonight may determine what<br />
St.Andrew’s Church will look like for years to come.<br />
You may decide that <strong>the</strong> parish is exactly as you think<br />
it should remain, or you may be moved to participate<br />
in setting a new course, believing that is possible and<br />
desirable. Nei<strong>the</strong>r decision is ‘right.’ But ei<strong>the</strong>r one<br />
will have lasting effects on <strong>the</strong> Episcopal Church in<br />
Roswell. So my prayer for you this night – as always, for<br />
that matter – is that you will have <strong>the</strong> grace and gift <strong>of</strong><br />
discernment for <strong>the</strong> good <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> entire parish and <strong>the</strong><br />
advance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kingdom <strong>of</strong> God.”<br />
The parish responded positively to <strong>the</strong> revelation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> minimum factor during a meeting <strong>of</strong> over 100<br />
persons. Several volunteered to form <strong>the</strong> Church<br />
Health Team. A key to <strong>the</strong> success <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> NCD process<br />
is <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> a coach, someone who helps <strong>the</strong><br />
congregation prepare for <strong>the</strong> process and for <strong>the</strong><br />
congregation’s work on <strong>the</strong> minimum factor. To St.<br />
Andrew’s great fortune, one parishioner, Ms. Sally<br />
Wistrand, had past experience coaching a similar<br />
program before recently moving to Roswell. She<br />
agreed to serve as coach. Several o<strong>the</strong>rs volunteered<br />
to form <strong>the</strong> first Church Health Team. Ms. Dawn<br />
Tschabrun will lead <strong>the</strong> Church Health Team, which<br />
began its work in late August. She also presented <strong>the</strong><br />
proposed action plan to <strong>the</strong> Vestry in December.<br />
The Rev. Frank Wilson wrote in The Word after<br />
<strong>the</strong> NCD Church Health Team explained <strong>the</strong> survey<br />
to a large ga<strong>the</strong>ring, “I was impressed with <strong>the</strong><br />
presentation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> essentials in such a straightforward<br />
manner. I also reviewed <strong>the</strong> survey and <strong>the</strong><br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ile. They provide important information that can<br />
help us identify where we need to concentrate if we<br />
are to continue to engage <strong>the</strong> development process.<br />
Now we must prayerfully consider whe<strong>the</strong>r we can<br />
commit to carrying through with that process, and<br />
if so, begin to pray how and when and who. Honest<br />
self-evaluation is never easy. Even with <strong>the</strong> proper<br />
tools, it is not easy. Having taken that step, it is even<br />
more difficult to apply to our community that which<br />
we have learned. Pray that we may be empowered and<br />
streng<strong>the</strong>ned to move forward in faith, and learn and<br />
grow toge<strong>the</strong>r.”
IN THE<br />
13<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Camp Stoney Board and Staff<br />
gearing up for ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
GREAT summer!!!<br />
The Camp Stoney Board and Staff are working hard in<br />
preparation for our summer camping season as well as<br />
welcoming in vestry, parish, and o<strong>the</strong>r group retreats this<br />
spring. We still do have some open weeks and weekends, so if you<br />
are thinking <strong>of</strong> a parish retreat, give us a call, 505-983-5610!!<br />
Our summer <strong>2011</strong> <strong>the</strong>me will be KEEPING THE EARTH and<br />
is based on a curriculum with daily <strong>the</strong>mes and Bible passages<br />
as seen below. Again this summer we have an exciting lineup<br />
Day Title Daily Bible Text<br />
1 Keeping <strong>the</strong> Earth Genesis 1:26 - 2:1<br />
2 Keeping <strong>the</strong> Covenant Genesis 9:8-17<br />
3 Keeping Life Abundant John 15:1-8<br />
4 Keeping <strong>the</strong> Song Alive Psalm 19:1-4<br />
5 Keeping Creation Luke 19:36-40<br />
<strong>of</strong> camps, everything from our famed Narnia and Harry Potter<br />
Camp, to Adventure camps with backpacking and camping out<br />
to our Summer Fun and family camps. We have camps for all<br />
ages and invite everyone to come and see what is happening<br />
at Camp Stoney this summer. If you think your children are too<br />
young, bring your entire family to our Family Camp May 27-30th<br />
(Memorial Day Weekend) and give <strong>the</strong>m a peek at what camping<br />
is like at Camp Stoney. We are sure <strong>the</strong> entire family will enjoy<br />
that. If you are a couple or single, you are invited to Family Camp<br />
as well; this camp is designed to bring <strong>the</strong> diocesan family and<br />
families toge<strong>the</strong>r!!<br />
Our summer schedule is as follows, and as always <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
scholarship opportunities for those who might need some<br />
assistance this year. It is <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Camp Stoney board to<br />
make sure anyone who wants to come to camp can. You will again<br />
see Grace Camp this year, a special ministry to children with a<br />
parent who is incarcerated. Grace Camp has been a model camp<br />
for many o<strong>the</strong>r diocesan and ministry programs. Anyone wanting<br />
to share his or her gifts with Camp Stoney for Grace Camp or<br />
our general scholarship fund is encouraged to contact us at <strong>the</strong><br />
number above. You can <strong>of</strong> course also visit us online at www.<br />
campstoney.org.<br />
We thank everyone for your many prayers and continued<br />
support. The board and <strong>the</strong> diocesan leadership are excited<br />
about <strong>the</strong> new acquisition <strong>of</strong> The Bosque Center in Albuquerque<br />
and know <strong>the</strong>re are many wonderful possibilities for expanded<br />
ministries at both facilities. After this summer camping season,<br />
Camp Stoney will be in a Sabbatical <strong>of</strong> a few moths as a new<br />
leadership team is formed and visioning can take place for <strong>the</strong><br />
mission and ministry <strong>of</strong> both locations. The new board will be in<br />
place to continue <strong>the</strong> wonderful ministry <strong>of</strong> Camp Stoney in <strong>the</strong><br />
Spring <strong>of</strong> 2012 and <strong>of</strong> course for ano<strong>the</strong>r great summer at Camp<br />
Stoney in 2012 as well. Yes, Camp Stoney is alive and well and<br />
continues to be a wonderful outdoor ministry for and with <strong>the</strong><br />
Episcopal <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong>!<br />
Summer <strong>2011</strong> Camping Schedule<br />
May 27-30 Family Camp<br />
June 5-11 Senior High Adventure Camp<br />
June 12-18 Outdoor Adventure Camp and<br />
Jr. High Adventure Camp 1<br />
June 19-25 Summer Fun Camp and Arts and Crafts Camp<br />
June 26 – July 2 Jr. High Adventure Camp 2 and Narnia Camp<br />
July 3-9 Harry Potter Camp and Sr. High Fantasy Camp<br />
July 10-16 Grace Camp and Sr. High Leadership Camp<br />
For more information on all camps and for online registration<br />
please see us at www.campstoney.org<br />
Camp Stoney Summer<br />
Schedule <strong>2011</strong><br />
May 27-30 Family Camp – all ages – parents required FEE: $100 adults,<br />
$75 children<br />
Come for a long weekend with your family. This camp provides a great way<br />
to introduce younger children to camp while providing families quality time<br />
participating in traditional camp activities and sharing <strong>the</strong>ir faith toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
June 5-11 Senior High Adventure Camp – grades 9-12 FEE: $350 +<br />
$100 rafting fee<br />
Adventure Camp <strong>of</strong>fers wilderness backpacking, <strong>of</strong>f-site camping and whitewater<br />
rafting, work on our own high and low ropes course, a trip to <strong>the</strong><br />
climbing gym, Bible study and dynamic worship in God’s creation.<br />
June 12-18 Outdoor Adventure Camp – grades 3-6 FEE: $350<br />
A Pre-quel to <strong>the</strong> Jr. High Adv. Camp, it focuses on outdoor skills such as<br />
hiking, campfire cooking, and sleeping in teepees. Also, traditional camp<br />
activities - low ropes, arts & crafts, field games, archery - all while building<br />
a stronger relationship with Christ.<br />
June 12-18 Jr. High Adventure 1 Camp – grades 6-9 FEE: $350<br />
+ $50 rafting fee<br />
Early teens are introduced to <strong>the</strong> rugged outdoors through wilderness<br />
backpacking, <strong>of</strong>f-site camping and white-water rafting, work on <strong>the</strong> ropes<br />
course, a trip to <strong>the</strong> climbing gym, Bible study and dynamic worship.<br />
June 19-25 Summer Fun Camp – grades 3-10 FEE: $350<br />
A traditional summer camp program that includes Bible study and worship,<br />
swimming, archery, field games, hiking, low ropes, arts & crafts, s’mores,<br />
and lots <strong>of</strong> fun.<br />
June 19-25 Arts & Crafts Camp – grades 3-10 FEE: $350 + $50<br />
for materials<br />
An opportunity for children to experiment with different art forms and<br />
mediums: pottery, fabric painting, mosaic tiles, origami, wood crafts, and<br />
a visit to <strong>the</strong> Folk Art museum, while getting to know <strong>the</strong> Creator in whose<br />
image we are made.<br />
June 26-July 2 Jr. High Adventure 2 Camp – grades 6-9 FEE: $350<br />
+ $50 rafting fee<br />
Early teens are introduced to <strong>the</strong> rugged outdoors through wilderness<br />
backpacking, <strong>of</strong>f-site camping and white-water rafting, work on <strong>the</strong> ropes<br />
course, a trip to <strong>the</strong> climbing gym, Bible study and dynamic worship.<br />
June 26-July2 Narnia Camp - grades 3-8 FEE: $350<br />
Campers grow in <strong>the</strong>ir relationship with Christ as <strong>the</strong>y explore <strong>the</strong> world<br />
<strong>of</strong> C.S. Lewis’s “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”, by participating<br />
in drama, Bible study, worship, and traditional camp activities.<br />
July 3-9 Harry Potter Camp – grades 3-8 FEE: $350<br />
A fantasy camp that explores <strong>the</strong> Christian <strong>the</strong>mes found in J.K. Rowling’s<br />
“The Sorcerer’s Stone”, through Bible study and worship. Play Quidditch,<br />
put on a skit, make <strong>the</strong>med art projects, take a potions class, swim, hike,<br />
and have an archery lesson all at Camp Stoney’s version <strong>of</strong> Hogwarts.<br />
July 3-9 Senior High Fantasy Camp – grade 9-12 FEE: $350<br />
A fantasy camp for teens. They will explore <strong>the</strong> Christian <strong>the</strong>mes found<br />
in <strong>the</strong> last three books <strong>of</strong> J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series through Bible<br />
study and worship. They will participate in traditional camp activities and<br />
learn to play Quidditch from a real Collegiate player.<br />
July 10-16 Grace Camp – grades 3-6 Scholarships are provided<br />
for all participants.<br />
This is a special outreach ministry that provides a camping experience<br />
for children <strong>of</strong> an incarcerated family member. Please note: volunteers<br />
and donations are needed to support this ministry.<br />
July 10-16 Sr. High Leadership Camp – grades 9-12 FEE: $350<br />
This camp <strong>of</strong>fers teens a chance for creative fun and an opportunity to<br />
serve. Campers will explore <strong>the</strong> call <strong>of</strong> Christ on <strong>the</strong>ir lives through Bible<br />
study and worship and will reach out to <strong>the</strong> Grace campers through<br />
mentoring.
14<br />
Grant’s All Saints’<br />
Episcopal Church<br />
Hosts Visit By Bishop<br />
By Mr. Bob Clark<br />
IN THE<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Bishop Vono<br />
visits St. John’s,<br />
Farmington<br />
By Mr. Jack Yerby<br />
All Saints Episcopal Church, which serves Grants and<br />
Milan, New Mexico was <strong>the</strong> host for a visit by <strong>the</strong> Rt. Rev.<br />
Michael L. Vono, Bishop <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong>,<br />
over <strong>the</strong> week-end <strong>of</strong> January 9th.<br />
Bishop Vono was welcomed to Grants at <strong>the</strong> home <strong>of</strong> Mr. Bob Clark and Mr. John <strong>Mar</strong>tinez, where a sit-down dinner<br />
in his honor was hosted by <strong>the</strong> Rev. <strong>Mar</strong>tin Bayang and his wife, Veronica, and Ms. Caroline Finster, Bishop’s Warden<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Church. Guests for <strong>the</strong> evening included members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bishop’s Committee and <strong>the</strong>ir spouses.<br />
Saturday’s dinner was beautifully presented in a relaxed setting, which enabled guests to talk informally and share<br />
ideas and thoughts. According to <strong>the</strong> Rev. Bayang, “<strong>the</strong> evening was an opportunity for us all to visit with Bishop Vono.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> same time he got to know us on a one-to-one basis, which we believe was important. Of course he charmed<br />
<strong>the</strong> guests, as well. It was a great and most enjoyable event.”<br />
The next day <strong>the</strong> Bishop <strong>of</strong>ficiated at services <strong>of</strong> confirmation, reception and Holy Communion. Mr. John Homko<br />
<strong>of</strong> Albuquerque was guest organist for <strong>the</strong> service. The Bishop confirmed seven people and received five into <strong>the</strong><br />
Episcopal Church. Diocesan Lapel Pins, donated by <strong>the</strong> Bishop, were distributed to those who attended as mementos<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> occasion. A reception and buffet luncheon followed for <strong>the</strong> Bishop and those who were confirmed and<br />
received.<br />
Sunday’s services were very well attended, due in part to news <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bishop’s visit in The Cibola Beacon on <strong>the</strong><br />
previous Friday.<br />
Cibola County’s All Saints’ Church has a colorful history. It was formed in 1956 during <strong>the</strong> “boom” following <strong>the</strong><br />
discovery <strong>of</strong> Uranium. The Church has continued to serve its parishioners without interruption for fifty-five years,<br />
wea<strong>the</strong>ring <strong>the</strong> dramatic fluctuations in <strong>the</strong> area’s economy and population growth. Many feel that <strong>the</strong> congregation’s<br />
very survival is attributable to <strong>the</strong> faith, strength, perseverance and stamina <strong>of</strong> its clergy and parishioners.<br />
Bishop Vono’s Visit to Gallup<br />
By <strong>the</strong> Rev. Lynne Perkins<br />
On <strong>the</strong> first Sunday after <strong>the</strong> Epiphany, celebrating <strong>the</strong> Baptism <strong>of</strong> our Lord Jesus Christ, Bishop Vono<br />
came to <strong>the</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit, Gallup, to confirm and reaffirm members into our congregation.<br />
Bishop Vono confirmed five new members into <strong>the</strong> Episcopal Church and reaffirmed three long standing<br />
members <strong>of</strong> our congregation. The Bishop preached <strong>the</strong> homily and celebrated <strong>the</strong> Eucharist. The visiting<br />
Gallup Ecumenical Bell Choir played an <strong>of</strong>fertory an<strong>the</strong>m. The service was very well attended and was followed<br />
by a gala reception in <strong>the</strong> fellowship hall.<br />
Bishop Vono came to St. John’s, Farmington,<br />
on December 12th where he confirmed six<br />
folks and received six o<strong>the</strong>rs who had been<br />
confirmed in ano<strong>the</strong>r denomination. He also<br />
preached, celebrated Eucharist, and enjoyed<br />
good fellowship at a potluck brunch after <strong>the</strong><br />
service.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> middle <strong>of</strong> his sermon, though, disaster<br />
struck! One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> two-year olds escaped from<br />
<strong>the</strong> nursery, and his cries <strong>of</strong> “Mama! Mama!”<br />
could be heard as he ran for <strong>the</strong> nave <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
church pursued by two five-year old girls (one<br />
being his sister), whose main purpose was to<br />
fetch <strong>the</strong> fugitive before he reached <strong>the</strong> safety<br />
<strong>of</strong> Mom.<br />
Alas, it was not to be. Little two-year old<br />
hands could not turn <strong>the</strong> doorknob, and <strong>the</strong><br />
sound <strong>of</strong> three bodies crashing into <strong>the</strong> closed<br />
door and <strong>the</strong> ensuing struggle to apprehend<br />
<strong>the</strong> escapee brought every mo<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong><br />
church to her feet and rushing for <strong>the</strong> door.<br />
Of course by this time, no one was listening<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Bishop, but he took it all in stride. After<br />
<strong>the</strong> commotion ended, he pleaded for <strong>the</strong> kids<br />
saying, “Let my children go free.” But it was not<br />
to be. The three deserters were corralled and<br />
herded back to <strong>the</strong> nursery, and <strong>the</strong> Bishop<br />
continued merrily along with his sermon, which<br />
can be heard (with <strong>the</strong> interruption) on St.<br />
John’s website www.SaintJohnsChurch.info/<br />
sermons.<br />
Bishop Michael and <strong>the</strong> Rev. Guy Mackie during visit to St.<br />
John’s, Farmington<br />
Bishop Vono reaffirms Mr. Thomas Kirby, Holy Spirit’s Bishop’s Warden.
IN THE<br />
15<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
BISHOP AROUND THE DIOCESE<br />
Hope in <strong>the</strong> Desert, Albuquerque<br />
Bishop ga<strong>the</strong>rs with Confirmands<br />
Ladies Tea<br />
Church <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Epiphany, Socorro<br />
book review<br />
God, in Particular,<br />
By <strong>the</strong> Rev. Dr. Guy Mackey<br />
For more information on <strong>the</strong> book<br />
go to: www.saintjohnschurch.info/<br />
rectorspage.php<br />
Christology is <strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> just<br />
who Jesus <strong>of</strong> Nazareth is. The<br />
Incarnation is that mysterious<br />
“event” in which God lowered Himself to assume<br />
human nature, and in so doing brought salvation<br />
and eternal life to those who would obey Him. The<br />
sanctification <strong>of</strong> time is <strong>the</strong> daily ordering <strong>of</strong> our lives in<br />
a manner in which <strong>the</strong> Incarnation is played out in each<br />
<strong>of</strong> our lives through our celebration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Christian year.<br />
Bringing <strong>the</strong>se three toge<strong>the</strong>r is what Fa<strong>the</strong>r Mackey<br />
does in his very fine dissertation prepared for his Doctor<br />
<strong>of</strong> Theology degree.<br />
For those <strong>of</strong> us in Christian traditions who understand<br />
<strong>the</strong> fullness <strong>of</strong> a Christology that celebrates <strong>the</strong><br />
transcendence and immanence <strong>of</strong> God through Jesus<br />
Christ, <strong>the</strong> yearly calendar affords an important way<br />
to encounter God throughout each and every day. The<br />
liturgical life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> church revolves around <strong>the</strong> life and<br />
teaching <strong>of</strong> Jesus in two separate cycles, both aiding us<br />
in our understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mysteries and teachings <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> faith.<br />
Fa<strong>the</strong>r Mackey captures this understanding and<br />
applies it to both <strong>the</strong> church as a body and to <strong>the</strong><br />
individual lives <strong>of</strong> each Christian. As one who has for<br />
some time compiled two published editions <strong>of</strong> liturgical<br />
Ordo calendars, I am acutely aware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong><br />
this cyclical view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Christian life. And as an Anglican<br />
Catholic Christian, I also understand <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Incarnation as <strong>the</strong> core <strong>of</strong> life for both <strong>the</strong> ecclesial<br />
body and <strong>the</strong> individual Christian.<br />
I commend this work to your reading for <strong>the</strong> simple<br />
fact that it holds <strong>the</strong> kernel <strong>of</strong> truth in understanding <strong>the</strong><br />
essential elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Catholic Christian faith.<br />
The Rev. Barry Eugene Yingling<br />
Holy Cross Shines Brighter<br />
Bishop Michael Vono blesses <strong>the</strong> new Portico and Stained<br />
Glass Window at Church <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Cross in Edgewood on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Fifth Sunday after Epiphany. From left are Crucifer Ms.<br />
Jane Vickers, Holy Cross Rector <strong>the</strong> Rev. Raymond Raney, <strong>the</strong><br />
Bishop, and <strong>the</strong> Rev. Richard Valantasis. The blessing and<br />
dedication concluded <strong>the</strong> Bishop’s visit that included <strong>the</strong><br />
Confirmation and Reception <strong>of</strong> six members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Blessing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 25th Anniversary <strong>of</strong> Mr. Steve and Mrs.<br />
Barbara Hines, and <strong>the</strong> Celebration <strong>of</strong> Holy Eucharist. The<br />
Portico was made possible by <strong>the</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> founding Vicar<br />
<strong>of</strong> Holy Cross, Dr. Adams Lovekin and his wife Ann. The<br />
window, created by East Mountain artist Ms. Melissa Snyder,<br />
was made possible through <strong>the</strong> generosity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Robert &<br />
Evelyn McKee Foundation. The Lovekins and Ms. Melissa<br />
Snyder were present and honored during <strong>the</strong> dedication.
Episcopal <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong><br />
4304 Carlisle Blvd., N.E.,<br />
Albuquerque, NM 87107-4811<br />
NONPROFIT<br />
US Postage<br />
PAID<br />
Permit 229<br />
ABQ, NM<br />
16<br />
IN THE<br />
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE<br />
Church Spotlight<br />
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church<br />
Fort Stockton, Texas<br />
Moving with history and <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit from<br />
1896 in Pecos to 1958 in Fort Stockton.<br />
Toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
is a monthly publication <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Episcopal <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Rio</strong> <strong>Grande</strong><br />
4304 Carlisle Blvd. N.E.<br />
Albuquerque, New Mexico<br />
87107-4811<br />
505-881-0636<br />
Bishop & Senior Editor:<br />
The Rt. Rev. Michael L. Vono<br />
Diocesan Communications<br />
Committee:<br />
The Very Rev. <strong>Mar</strong>k<br />
Goodman, Chairman<br />
The Rev. Raymond Raney,<br />
The Rev. Daniel Gutierrez<br />
Ms. Diane Butler, Ms. Lisa Katz-<br />
Ricker, and Ms. <strong>Mar</strong>y Jewell<br />
Editorial and correspondence<br />
may be mailed to<br />
Diocesan House:<br />
4304 Carlisle Blvd., N.E.,<br />
Albuquerque, NM 87107-4811<br />
or emailed to<br />
Diocom@dioceserg.org<br />
Submission deadline is <strong>the</strong><br />
6 th <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Month.<br />
Visit <strong>the</strong> Diocesan website at<br />
www.dioceserg.org for archive<br />
copies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> newsletter.