Advent or Anxiety?
The stress of working in Christian Formation during Advent is unique and specific all at the same time. The list of things to do both at work and at home seems to never stop growing. Sometimes it feels like just as you get towards the bottom of the list, five more things appear. And they all need to be done by December 24th.
Are all the pageant costumes ironed and ready?
Have we made sure the candles have been ordered and are ready to go?
Did someone spell check the bulletins for Christmas Eve?
Is the house clean enough for the in-laws?
Turkey or ham for Christmas Dinner?
Have we closed the budget gap for next year?
But where in all of this is Jesus?
Even if it's just a moment here and a deep breath there and a relaxing cup of tea during a quiet moment, can we find some magic during the next few weeks? Grab those tiny opportunities to revel in how great it is that we get to do this job. We get to help children tell the story of the incarnation. We get to give families a holy space to gather. We get to partner with God to bring joy to the world. How lucky are we?
- Caren
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Caren Miles
Associate for Faith Formation
Whole & Healthy Church Coordinator
carenm@diocal.org
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Confirmation Options for 2019
One of the biggest formation opportunities for youth (and adults) is Confirmation. There will be at least three, possibly more, Confirmation options in 2019.
Eco-Confirmation will be Saturday, April 18th at a location still to be determined. This service is held outdoors as the confirmands and their loved ones meditate on the fragility of God's creation and our place in it.
Spring General Confirmations will be Saturday, June 6th at Grace Cathedral. Our annual grand celebration is big and lovely and a great way to end the program year. Registration will be available after Easter.
Fall General Confirmations will be sometime in late October or early November at a location in the East Bay. Specifics will be announced by mid-summer.
As always, Bishop Marc would love to perform confirmations during his visitation to your local congregation.
Contact: Caren Miles (carenm@diocal.org) with your questions.
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Episcopal Youth Event - July 7-11, 2020
Next summer Episcopal Youth from across the church will gather at the University of Maryland. for the triennial Episcopal Youth Event. Youth participants must be currently enrolled high school students in 9th, 10th, 11, or 12th grade during the 2019/20 school year. They must be a minimum of 15 years old by July 7, 2020, and no older than 19 by that same date.
The diocese will be taking a contingent and is focused on making the trip as financially easy as possible. The cost for each youth will be $450.
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Beloved Community Training & Vestry Day
Join us for this important lay leadership training day on Saturday, March 7 at Grace Cathedral. There will be tracks for vestry, financial staff, children & youth ministry, eucharistic minister & visitor training, and other great learning opportunities.
When: Saturday, March 7
Where:Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Registration: Will open on February 1
Contact: Amy Cook
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Summer Camps 2020
Are you ready for the weather to be warmer, for campfires and silly songs, for long hikes with good friends, and for your kids to be out of the house for a whole week?
Camps at the Bishop's Ranch:
Generations Camp (all ages) – June 21 to June 27
Family Camp (all ages) – June 28 to July 4
READ Camp (day camp) – July 6 to July 10
BREAD Explorers (grades 10-12) – July 12 to July 18
BREAD Adventurers (grades 7, 8, & 9) – July 19 to July 25
BREAD Discoverers (grades 4, 5, & 6) – July 27 to August 1
Camps at St. Dorothy's Rest:
Ankle Biters Camp (one parent, one child age 5 to 7) - June 26 to 28
Teen Adventure Week (ages 13-15) - June 30 to July 5
Russian River Adventures I (ages 8-12) - July 6 to 11
Mini Camp I (ages 6-8) - July 9 to 11
Counselor-In-Training Program (ages 15-18) - July 13 to 18
Russian River Adventures II/Creative Arts Camp (ages 8-12) - July 26 to August 1
Mini Camp II (ages 6-8) - July 30 to August 1
Russian River Adventures III (ages 8-12) - August 2-8
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