Copy
View this email in your browser

Shelter in Hope

 

When we first went into shelter in place, or working from home, or quarantine, or whatever we called it back in March, I was more pessimistic than usual. Within a week or so, as we began to cancel more and more in person events, I started looking towards the summer with a tinge of dread. We had so much planned; Summer Camps, and the Episcopal Youth Event, and mission trips, and vacations, and simple trips to the beach or the mountains. Thinking about what might be was met with a wave of uncertainty and unknowing.

As we in California continue to stay in place, we are watching our summer slip away in a wash of cancellations, postponements, and heartache. 

Things that can be moved online are now happening in zoom meetings, Facebook live, or youtube videos. But it isn't quite the same. We miss the smell of the campfire, the ache in our legs after a long hike, looking someone in the eye as we say "peace be with you." Staying connected to each other feels just a bit more difficult. 

But we do it. We send the text. We make the phone call. We reach out to each other just to check in. I've been sending and receiving small cards from friends all over. We can no longer rely on simply running into each other to see our friends. We have to be intentional. We have to make the effort. And that feels beautiful. 

As we stretched the church out into each of our homes, the Holy Spirit filled the space between with love and holiness. The future is still uncertain and we do not know for sure what will be next but we are joined together in hope. 

 ❤️ Caren Miles
Amy Cook
Working Group Head for Faith Formation
amyc@diocal.org
Caren Miles
Associate for Faith Formation
carenm@diocal.org

Family Ministry Support 


On a good day our jobs are a little odd.
During times like these, our jobs are downright weird. 


Join the other Youth, Children, and Family Ministers from around the diocese for a series of one hour chats this month. No agenda, no pressure, just an opportunity for you all to talk about what is working, what isn't, to share ideas, and pray with each other. 

Register for the meetings below to get the Zoom link.

Friday, May 15th at 1:00 p.m. REGISTRATION LINK
Tuesday, May 19th at 10:00 a.m. REGISTRATION LINK
Friday, May 22nd at 11:00 a.m. REGISTRATION LINK

Vacation Bible School:

What Now?


Some churches have cancelled VBS.
Some have 
postponed.
Some haven't made a decision yet. 


All of you are invited to join in a Zoom discussion on 2020 Vacation Bible School options on Thursday, May 28th at 10:30 am.

To join Caren and others from around the diocese - REGISTER HERE.

Online Formation Workshops

The Faith Formation Working Group is bringing you more workshops.  These workshops are not recorded to encourage active participation. The workshop will close 10 minutes after the start for security purposes. Workshops are free but require a sign up.  If you are interested in a topic, or would like to present something, please contact Amy Cook, amyc@diocal.org.
 
Thursday, May 14 - 11:00 a.m.
Best Practices for Thriving Online Groups
Small groups, classes, Bible studies, trainings, and even retreats have moved online in a new virtual world of teaching and sharing. This workshop will help you work through some of the new online issues such as security, multi-media use online, setting the space, and encouraging engagement and participation. Bring your questions as we share best practices together. Led by the Faith Formation Working Group – Amy Cook and Caren Miles.
Register HERE for this meeting.

Friday, May 15 - 04:00 p.m.
Deacons: Servant Leaders for Challenging Times
You’re invited to a conversation about the vision and work of the deacon in the diocese of California, and how the School for Deacons is evolving to meet the needs of a changing church and a changing world. All are invited, including those who want to know more about the work of the deacon, those who think they might be called to diaconal ministry, or those who are involved in discernment formation in a congregation. For more information contact Rod Dugliss at rdugliss@sfd.edu.
Register HERE for this meeting.

Do you have a workshop you'd like to lead?
Is there a workshop you'd like to take?
Please send suggestions to Amy Cook, Working Group Head for Faith Formation.

Links

Faith Formation blog
Forma Facebook Page
Forma Website

Copyright © 2020 Episcopal Diocese of California, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.