Mar 2011 - Diocese of the Rio Grande

14
Grant’s All Saints’
Episcopal Church
Hosts Visit By Bishop
By Mr. Bob Clark
IN THE
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE
Bishop Vono
visits St. John’s,
Farmington
By Mr. Jack Yerby
All Saints Episcopal Church, which serves Grants and
Milan, New Mexico was the host for a visit by the Rt. Rev.
Michael L. Vono, Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande,
over the week-end of January 9th.
Bishop Vono was welcomed to Grants at the home of Mr. Bob Clark and Mr. John Martinez, where a sit-down dinner
in his honor was hosted by the Rev. Martin Bayang and his wife, Veronica, and Ms. Caroline Finster, Bishop’s Warden
for the Church. Guests for the evening included members of the Bishop’s Committee and their spouses.
Saturday’s dinner was beautifully presented in a relaxed setting, which enabled guests to talk informally and share
ideas and thoughts. According to the Rev. Bayang, “the evening was an opportunity for us all to visit with Bishop Vono.
At the same time he got to know us on a one-to-one basis, which we believe was important. Of course he charmed
the guests, as well. It was a great and most enjoyable event.”
The next day the Bishop officiated at services of confirmation, reception and Holy Communion. Mr. John Homko
of Albuquerque was guest organist for the service. The Bishop confirmed seven people and received five into the
Episcopal Church. Diocesan Lapel Pins, donated by the Bishop, were distributed to those who attended as mementos
of the occasion. A reception and buffet luncheon followed for the Bishop and those who were confirmed and
received.
Sunday’s services were very well attended, due in part to news of the Bishop’s visit in The Cibola Beacon on the
previous Friday.
Cibola County’s All Saints’ Church has a colorful history. It was formed in 1956 during the “boom” following the
discovery of Uranium. The Church has continued to serve its parishioners without interruption for fifty-five years,
weathering the dramatic fluctuations in the area’s economy and population growth. Many feel that the congregation’s
very survival is attributable to the faith, strength, perseverance and stamina of its clergy and parishioners.
Bishop Vono’s Visit to Gallup
By the Rev. Lynne Perkins
On the first Sunday after the Epiphany, celebrating the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ, Bishop Vono
came to the Church of the Holy Spirit, Gallup, to confirm and reaffirm members into our congregation.
Bishop Vono confirmed five new members into the Episcopal Church and reaffirmed three long standing
members of our congregation. The Bishop preached the homily and celebrated the Eucharist. The visiting
Gallup Ecumenical Bell Choir played an offertory anthem. The service was very well attended and was followed
by a gala reception in the fellowship hall.
Bishop Vono came to St. John’s, Farmington,
on December 12th where he confirmed six
folks and received six others who had been
confirmed in another denomination. He also
preached, celebrated Eucharist, and enjoyed
good fellowship at a potluck brunch after the
service.
In the middle of his sermon, though, disaster
struck! One of the two-year olds escaped from
the nursery, and his cries of “Mama! Mama!”
could be heard as he ran for the nave of the
church pursued by two five-year old girls (one
being his sister), whose main purpose was to
fetch the fugitive before he reached the safety
of Mom.
Alas, it was not to be. Little two-year old
hands could not turn the doorknob, and the
sound of three bodies crashing into the closed
door and the ensuing struggle to apprehend
the escapee brought every mother in the
church to her feet and rushing for the door.
Of course by this time, no one was listening
to the Bishop, but he took it all in stride. After
the commotion ended, he pleaded for the kids
saying, “Let my children go free.” But it was not
to be. The three deserters were corralled and
herded back to the nursery, and the Bishop
continued merrily along with his sermon, which
can be heard (with the interruption) on St.
John’s website www.SaintJohnsChurch.info/
sermons.
Bishop Michael and the Rev. Guy Mackie during visit to St.
John’s, Farmington
Bishop Vono reaffirms Mr. Thomas Kirby, Holy Spirit’s Bishop’s Warden.