Sad News

Some sad news from Bishop Jake...

Happening # 56

The link to the online registration for Happening #56 is Happening #56 Registration.

HAPPENING #56, January 12, 7:00 pm-Jan. 14, 5:00 pm, at Camp Hardtner  Happening is a Christian experience presented by teenagers for teenagers with the help of clergy and lay adult leadership. During the Happening retreat, there are activities designed for spiritual enrichment, fun, and Christian community building among participants. For youth in grades 9-12 who have not already attended Happening. Register by December 28 to order a t-shirt; registration closes January 7. Cost: $100

Thanksgiving!

Joy in the Journey

2017 Joy in the Journey Retreat

"The Joy of Living: Action is the Key Word" is a three-day retreat presented by the Bishop's Commission on Addiction and Recovery. Retreat leader is John McAndrew, M.A., M.Div.

The joy of living is the theme of AA’s 12th Step, and action is its key word. We’ll consider how we practice these principles in all our affairs in the company of other men and women who have embraced this way of life. How do the 12 Steps work? How can I better practice my program in my relationships? How do I enlarge my spiritual life? This weekend is designed for people who are seeking deeper engagement with their spiritual lives, partners, spouses and friends: men, women, couples, singles--all seekers and 12 and 12 Fellowships welcome!

Plan to arrive at Camp Hardtner between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. for check-in and room assignments. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. No dinner will be served on Friday, but heavy hors d'oeuvres will be available.

REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPTEMBER 15

St. Thomas' Annual BBQ

Mark your calendars and let's join our friends at St. Thomas' for food, fun, and fellowship!

Help ERD Help!

Episcopal Relief and Development's Harvey Fund - Click here.

From Bishop Jake...

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Dear Friends,

Our hearts have been rent by the images and stories of Hurricane Harvey's destruction in Texas. Many in our Diocese fear for family and friends in the storm's path. Responses from our congregations have been swift and generous, whether through Episcopal Relief and Development or other services.

Now Harvey has turned toward Louisiana. Schools and offices have been closed in several of our parishes. Floodwaters are encroaching on some homes and businesses in the south and west. We wait together not only to see what this storm brings but also to discern how to be most helpful to those in need.

Our Disaster Relief Coordinator Deacon Lois Maberry has been hard at work for days preparing and coordinating responses and providing resources. I have been communicating with clergy in charge of our congregations to stay informed about all of you. You are in my prayers for safety. Together we will get through this and bring aid to those in need.

We have received notes and phone calls of support from around the Church. The Presiding Bishop, my fellow bishops, and fellow Episcopalians around the country are praying for us and offering their support. I'm sure you share my gratitude.

May our holy and gracious God guide, guard, and comfort us through this storm. And may our common hope sustain us in the weeks ahead as we begin the work of recovery.

Blessings....

+Jake

O.L. Harper

A Celebration of the Life and The Burial of the Dead: Rite One for O.L. Harper will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 206 S. Locust Street, Bastrop, Louisiana, on Friday, August 25, 2017, at 11:00 a.m.  The Rev'd Christie Fleming, Clergy in Charge, and The Rev'd T. Whitfield Stodghill, III, Guest Clergy. will officiate.

Committal will follow the liturgy at Christ Church Cemetery. 

Bouncing Bette!

The Archdeacon Bette Jo Kauffman bounces around from church to church - that is her job!

That is because the Archdeacon works first and foremost for the Bishop and serves the whole church. We learned yesterday from the Bishop (both St. Thomas' and St. Alban's), that the Archdeacon will soon be bouncing on to her next assignment. 

That is her story to tell, but the Episcopal church is small and we all talk - so you may hear it somewhere else first. 

Thanks for all you've given us Bette Jo and prayers for your continued ministry to the Church!

Picnic!

From your friends at St. Alban's Episcopal Church. Mark your calendars and join us!

De tus amigos en la Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas. ¡Marque sus calendarios y únase a nosotros!

Thanks for Your Support!

Visit our GoFundMe site by clicking here.

Los Sermones de la Diácona

Bienvenidos a mis nuevo blog! Como la Diácona que sierve La Iglesia de la Esperanza de las Familias Unidas en Monroe, predico en Español de vez en cuando. Aqui es el primero.

Adán Nombra a Los Animales

LLamado

La Iglesia Episcopal de la Esperanza de las Familias Unides, Monroe, LA 

Esta semana—una semana de preparación para mi último semestre de enseñanza a tiempo completo—esta semana... se ha vuelto loco. Completamente loco. He pasado la semana lidiando con una crisis tras otra. 

Algunas de las crisis pertenecían a otros—como los estudiantes, que no se aconsejaron y matricularon en las clases en el otoño, y ahora estaban desesperados por entrar en clases ya completas con el fin de permanecer en el camíno de graduarse. 

Pero lo más difícil de la semana fue que la mayor y más difícil de las crisis—el huracán de una crisis que inició la semana—fue una crisis—de hecho—de mi propia creación.

Usted ve, yo también no conseguí algo importante hecho antes del final del semestre de otoño. No pude solicitar renovaciones de fondos para varios estudiantes graduados de los cuales soy responsable.

Así que tuve que hacer papeleo, encontrar dinero, y corregir mi error. Y me sentía como la profesora más incompetente para camínar por el planeta.

Hermanos y hermanas, las historias que contamos acerca de nosotros mismos ... no son las historias que Dios cuenta sobre nosotros. 

More

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.