Together in the

EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

64th ANNUAL CONVENTION ISSUE October 27-29, 2016

Photo by Raymond Raney

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64th Annual Convention Issue • October 27-29, 2016 The Sermon preached by

The Rt. Rev’d Michael L. Vono, D.D.

on the day of the Consecration of The Right Rev’d Daniel George Polycarp Gutierrez, Sixteenth Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania July 16, 2016 gusto yelled out, “Let her run Preacher, let her run!” Now feeling the surge of the Spirit in the Church, the Preacher then said with even more energy and a louder voice, “If this Church is going to GO it has to FLY! Once again from the congregation a voice yelled out, “Let her FLY, Amen preacher let her fly!”

Before we pray and before I preach I would like to ask each one of you to turn to the person behind you or on the side of you and extend a verbal greeting and a gesture of “Embrace:” either by hugging that person, shaking her hand or patting him on the shoulder. People of God in Jesus Christ I ask you to please “Embrace one another as Christ Jesus embraces us!” The Lord be with you, Let us pray: “Most gracious, loving and Holy God we your people, loved and redeemed by your Son Jesus, embrace with gratitude the gift and joy of this celebration and this new day. We thank you for the enduring witness of this great diocese and the calling of your new Bishop, Daniel+. We make our prayer to you almighty God, in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, the head of the Church and the savior of the world. Amen. My dear people, this is what this day is all about. It is about our celebrating and embracing the gracious gifts of God’s holy spirit, which has worked in and through you in this diocese and in your choosing Canon Daniel Gutierrez to be your next Bishop. It is about acknowledging and embracing each other, as the Church of Jesus Christ, in carrying out God’s mission here in Pennsylvania. Today is truly about embracing the future, embracing a courageous faith, a courageous hope and a courageous love of God and neighbor. It is about your willingness to begin a new chapter in the life of this diocese and embracing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in new, creative and exciting ways. The Church of Jesus Christ is on the move in our age, there is no doubt about this, and the Church is called in every age to be both a servant leader in the world and to make a difference in the lives of all the children of God. This was the concern for a Bishop who decided that his diocese needed to make a difference and be more motivated, more animated, more courageous in proclaiming the Gospel; so he brought in a well know evangelist to preach. (Now, Presiding Bishop here is where I need to ask you to bear with me in telling this story, since I need to “sound like” that evangelist and this is difficult for an Italian – we use our hands more than words!) The story is that this Evangelist preached a rousing sermon at one of the largest congregations in the Diocese! The people were electrified, sitting at the edge of their seats, just as Fr. Daniel+ is doing right now, and shouting out words of affirmation and numerous shouts of “Amen!” Now, near the end of the sermon the evangelist said, “People of God, this Church has really got to walk… walking into the glory land.” To which someone in the back yelled out, “Let her walk Preacher……….. Amen, let her walk!” The preacher then said, “if this Church is going to GO, it has got to get up and RUN……….run into the glory land!” Again someone with even more

The preacher then seized the frenzy of the moment, as all good evangelical preachers do, and said with his deep convicting voice, “People of God, heirs of the Promised Land, if this church is going to fly, really fly, it’s going to need MONEY! (Dead silence) The People did not laugh at that call for money………………… in fact someone in the back of the Church yelled out in a deep serious voice, “Let her walk preacher, Let her Walk!” I believe the Diocese of Pennsylvania is not going to be walking with this new Bishop, its not going to run either but it is going to FLY; soaring high above all its long struggling history, its problems and challenges; the Episcopalians here in this diocese will be soaring high with energy, new determination, vision and enthusiasm, soaring high in faith and hope and with a contagious witness for a dynamic outreach to all of God’s people in this State….. inspiring others to “Come and see.” Yes, to come and see “Jesus in his followers and with his Church”, as Fr. Daniel described this vision in the walkabouts! Why do I believe this? Fr. Daniel+ and I have worked very closely together these past six years in the Diocese of the Rio Grande and “I know him” and because you have called “The Energizer Bunny” – who will be wearing a cope, miter and carrying a crozier! BUT, not to worry, I already told him he could not wear a “Green Hornet Power Ring.” As you all have heard and know by now, Our Presiding Bishop, whom I firmly believe is God’s gift to the Church, is encouraging us to embrace the “Jesus Movement” and Daniel’s reflection on interpreting what this movement entails said, “We need to be Jesus on the move.” We need to be “that face of Christ in the world.” He’s absolutely right. Our Apostolic Father, Irenaeus also said this in the early second century; he said “Jesus Christ in his infinite love has become what we are, in order that he may make us what He is!” This is what the Jesus movement will be all about in this diocese, and in the Episcopal Church. Jesus is on the move in, with and through each one of us here Laity, Deacons, Priests and Bishops. People of Pennsylvania, Embrace this Jesus movement, this new beginning, this new Chapter in the history of this diocese and embrace your new Bishop Daniel who promises to always embrace you. This you can count on! Daniel+ comes to you understanding that a Bishop needs to be a Shepherd. In fact here is what he wrote; “A bishop should be a shepherd to know his or her sheep. To walk with them, to know their voices, their pains and hopes and their desires to move forward. A shepherd should be bold but also thoughtful; a bishop as a shepherd should be able to see the dangers but also see the possibilities. A shepherd should go to the Valley, sometimes leading sometimes following. A shepherd should empower, inspire, challenge and equip both laity and clergy. A shepherd should be mindful and prayerful, be spiritual; look after whatever is coming and what and who is left behind. As a Shepherd, Daniel+ said, “I would want you to know that I will LOVE you and earn

your trust. I will never abandon you and walk every step with you.” I have two charges this morning, one for Daniel+ and one for you laity and clergy of this diocese. My brother Daniel+, You have been an exemplary Canon to the Ordinary exercising great faith, love, patience and pastoral leadership in the DRG. You have also been a wonderful friend to me. I know that your gifts, talents and charisma will now build up the church here. I was not surprised when you told me that your Hispanic ancestry dates back to the Conquistadors settling in New Mexico in the early 1500s. But I was surprised when you told me your middle name is Polycarp. I will leave this story for you to tell the diocese. What I wish to remind you today, as the new Bishop of this Diocese, is that the church at Philippi had many challenges and the people asked their bishop Polycarp for instruction and encouragement. He wrote a series of heartfelt pastoral letters to them. In Philippi life was incredible hard yet their faith was unshakably strong. Here is what Bishop Polycarp wrote to the church: “May the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ himself, who is the son of God, and our everlasting high priest, build you up in faith and truth, and in all meekness, gentleness, patience, longsuffering, forbearance and purity.” Daniel+ remember and embrace these words of encouragement as you begin your episcopal ministry with the people of this diocese! Laity and Clergy: I encourage you to boldly embrace the ministry and challenges of Jesus Christ by embracing your great gifts of ethnic, cultural and theological diversity. Trust the movement of the Holy Spirit in good times and not such good times and I would encourage you “to not follow” the 11th Commandant, which we Episcopalians all know so well: “We’ve always done I that way!” Along with your bishop boldly build up and grow this diverse diocesan family and embrace Daniel’s family – Suzanne and Jude! Also, a few words of caution; I would discourage you to not try and take way Daniel’s I-Phone, or I-pad or I- watch…. It doesn’t work, I tried. You will shortly realize that your Bishop gives new meaning to the word “connectivity!” I also ask you “not” to buy Daniel a bicycle unless it is a stationary one. He will tell you why! Diocese of Pennsylvania I would encourage you to remember to take care of one another, stay connected by mutual love in community, exercising honesty, transparency, radical racial reconciliation, love and godly trust. The Lord is not finished with this Church, not yet! Today is about our celebrating and embracing the gracious gifts of the Holy Spirit, which has worked in and through you since the time of Bishop William White in 1784 and Absalom Jones, the first African American Priest in the Episcopal Church, in 1794. Today is about embracing your new Bishop and each other as the Church of Jesus Christ, in carrying out God’s mission here in the State of Pennsylvania. May the Lord Jesus bless you laity, clergy and Bishop Daniel as you embrace soaring into God’s future by the gracious gifts of the Holy Spirit and begin a New Chapter in the history of this important and historic Diocese. Thanks be to God, AMEN

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64th Annual Convention Issue • October 27-29, 2016 From the CATO to the Ordinary On the 16th of July in Philadelphia, Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Cn. Daniel George Polycarp Gutierrez was consecrated the 16th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. The event was attended by an estimated 3,000 well wishers. The Staff of the Diocese of the Rio Grande presented the Bishop’s ring donated by the many members of the Diocese to Bishop Daniel. The Bishop’s traveling crozier, made of wood from around the world, was presented by its creator, Dr. Tom Ryan of Albuquerque. On the first full day of his episcopacy, the Rt. Rev. Gutierrez celebrated the Eucharist at Christ Church, Philadelphia. The Church was that of the second Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church William White, who is buried in the chancel of Christ Church. The Diocesan Staff was delighted to sit in the pew of George and Martha Washington.

On the Sunday following the consecration, the well-wishers from the Southwest joined the services at Christ Church, Philadelphia. The staff sat in George Washington’s pew.

The Ring presented by the people of the Diocese of the Rio Grande

Jude and Suzanne Gutierrez join +Daniel on the dais as they are greeted by the faithful of the Diocese of Pennsylvania.

Bishop Gutierrez, carrying the traveling crozier made by Albuquerque friend Dr. Tom Ryan, blesses the congregation at Christ Church.

Bishop Daniel is flanked by Bishop Vono and Bishop David Bailey.

Bishop Daniel gives a fist bump to a young well wisher.

A Profile in Family: Daniel, Suzanne and Jude

Seminarian James Stambaugh hugs his mentor.

Daniel Gutierrez kneels before his consecrators, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Bishop Michael Vono and Bishop Barbara Harris as Bishops surround him as they prepare to lay hands on the new bishop.

The program

Photos by Henry Carnes, Cathy Gronquist and Tim Roberts

Bishop Daniel kisses the ring of Bishop Gutierrez.

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64th Annual Convention Issue • October 27-29, 2016

Diocese Of The Rio Grande Operating Budget 2017

The Diocesan Treasurers Dr. Guy Gronquist and Dr. Victor Rizzo will host a Finance and Budget Workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday October 27 in the Lodge of Camp Stoney at Bishop’s Ridge. This forum will serve as an opportunity to discuss in detail the 2017 DRG Budget. The Bishop’s office encourages those interested to attend.





2016 Budget 2017 Budget







2016 Budget 2017 Budget

89 Holy Spirit, Gallup 0 15,000 1 Fair Share Contributions 1,208,108 1,244,000 90 Diocesan Advancement Fund for Missions - Wellspring 17,840 19,040 2 Fair Share Offset- Wellspring 26,500 26,500 91 Diocesan Mission Fund 42,480 5,000 3 Bishop’s Appeal 25,000 25,000 92 Congregational Properties Expenses 12,000 12,000 4 Investment and Endowment Income 5 Endowment Fund Income 48,000 48,000 93 Total Aided Congregations 209,420 197,964 6 Rental Income 12,000 0 94 TOTAL ADDRESSING NEEDS WITHIN THE DIOCESE 674,195 657,242 7 Transfer in - Deferred Expenses 95 MINISTRIES AND OUTREACH 8 Transfer from Undesignated Fund Balance Growing Church and Aid to Needy (Bishop’s Automobile) 0 10,000 96 Native American Mission 4,000 9,000 9 Transfer from Undesignated Fund Balance 97 Native American Mission-Wellspring 6,000 1,000 (Sabbatical) 0 7,500 98 Borderland Ministries 12,500 23,500 10 Transfer from Undesignated Fund Balance 99 Borderland Ministries-Wellspring 12,500 1,500 (Gen. Convention Deputation 2018) 0 0 100 Hispanic Mission -Wellspring 17,000 12,000 11 Contributions 101 Canon Pastor to Hispanic Ministries 0 5,000 12 Settlement Contribution 182,000 156,000 102 Episcopal Church Women-Wellspring 500 500 13 Wellspring Contribution for Mission and Ministry 21,000 21,000 103 Mission for the Homeless 15,000 15,000 14 Advancement Contribution 15,000 20,000 104 CATO Mission Fund 750 750 15 Advancement Contribution-Wellspring 19,040 19,040 105 Total Growing Church and Aid to Needy 68,250 68,250 16 TOTAL REVENUE 1,556,648 1,577,040 Youth and Young Adult Ministries EXPENDITURES 106 Youth Council 5,500 15,000 17 THE LARGER CHURCH 107 Youth and Young Adult Missioner 0 5,000 18 National Church Asking 62,500 65,000 108 EYE 0 10,000 19 General Convention Deputation/Province VII 1,500 1,500 109 Province VII Youth Network Rep 1,600 1,600 20 New Mexico Council of Churches 1,500 1,500 110 Campus Ministries 5,000 5,000 21 Ecumenical Affairs 500 500 111 Campus Ministries - Wellspring 5,000 5,000 22 Texas Council of Churches 100 100 112 Bishop’s Ridge Support 25,000 25,000 23 Provincial Assessment 1,850 1,850 113 Camp Stoney Summer Program 10,000 10,000 24 TOTAL LARGER CHURCH 67,950 70,450 114 Total Youth and Young Adult Ministries 52,100 76,600 25 ADDRESSING NEEDS WITHIN THE DIOCESE 115 TOTAL MINISTRIES AND OUTREACH 120,350 144,850 Ecclesiastical Support 116 DIOCESAN OPERATIONS 26 Bishop Compensation 90,125 92,378 Clergy Programs 27 CATO Compensation 45,000 40,000 117 Clergy Moving for Missions 4,000 4,000 28 Deployment 15,000 3,500 118 Curate Program 500 500 29 Bishop Travel/Visitations 15,000 15,000 119 Retired Clergy/Spouses Life Insurance 1,000 1,000 30 CATO Travel/Visitations 12,000 4,000 120 Widow and Widower Pension Supplement 1,000 1,000 31 Sabbatical Travel 0 7,500 121 Total Clergy Programs 6,500 6,500 32 Deployment Travel 5,000 5,000 33 Total Ecclesiastical Support 182,125 172,378 Diocesan House 122 Lease payment to Bosque Center 51,500 80,000 Deaneries 123 Liability Insurance 10,000 10,000 34 Northeast 5,000 4,250 124 Total Diocesan House 61,500 90,000 35 Southeast 5,000 4,250 36 Southwest 5,000 4,250 Diocesan Communication 37 Northwest 5,000 4,250 125 Copying/Duplicating 5,000 5,000 38 Deaneries Campers Fund 0 3,000 126 Convention Journal 2,000 2,000 39 Funding Board Ministries (poverty,youth,mission) 100,000 104,000 127 Postage & Expense 5,000 10,000 40 Total Deaneries 120,000 124,000 128 Travel Costs Committee Scribe 3,000 3,000 129 Website/Constant Contact/Social Media/Together 42,000 42,000 Diocesan Convention 130 Communications Operations 27,500 1,500 41 Diocesan Convention 6,000 10,000 131 Telephone 12,000 12,000 42 Nominating Committee 50 50 132 Bibles/Books/Subscriptions 1,500 1,500 43 Resolution Committee 50 50 133 Diocesan Staff Travel 10,000 10,000 44 Total Diocesan Convention 6,100 10,100 134 Diocesan Disaster Response Plan 250 250 Canonical Bodies and Services 135 Total Diocesan Communications 108,250 87,250 45 Commission on Ministry of the Baptized 3,000 3,000 136 TOTAL DIOCESAN OPERATIONS 176,250 183,750 46 Diocesan Council 3,000 3,000 137 ADMINISTRATION 47 Standing Committee 3,000 3,000 Personnel - Salaries and Benefits 48 Finance and Audit Committees 3,000 3,000 138 Bishop Compensation-Administrative 38,625 39,591 49 Archives 28,500 29,500 139 CATO Compensation-Administrative 40,000 40,000 50 Total Canonical Bodies 40,500 41,500 140 Staff Salaries 195,000 198,315 Clergy Education and Development 141 Insurance Benefits 72,500 46,000 51 Bishop’s School For Ministry 72,000 63,000 142 Pensions 60,920 65,350 52 Clergy Conferences 20,000 20,000 143 Employer’s FICA 29,000 31,600 53 Continuing Education Clergy 2,500 2,500 144 Workers’ Comp. Insurance 3,200 3,250 54 Aspirancy Program 500 500 145 Total Personnel - Salaries and Benefits 439,245 424,106 55 Education for Ministry 2,500 2,500 Other Administration Costs 56 Examining Chaplains 700 700 146 Office Equipment Maintenance 1,000 1,000 57 Diaconal Ministries 500 500 147 Office Equipment Leases 11,000 11,000 58 Total Clergy Education and Development 98,700 89,700 148 Office Supplies 5,500 5,500 Diocesan Support Groups 149 Office Equipment 750 750 59 Brotherhood St. Andrew’s 1,500 1,500 150 Kitchen/House Supplies 2,000 2,000 60 Recovery Ministry 1,500 1,500 151 Banking Fees/Other Miscellaneous Expenses 7,500 3,500 61 Congregational Life and Development 10,000 12,000 152 Property Taxes 225 225 62 Cursillo 500 500 153 Bishop’s Auto Maintenance 500 500 63 Bishop’s Lecture Series-Wellspring 1,000 1,000 154 Diocesan Programs and Activities 12,000 12,000 64 Total Diocesan Support Groups 14,500 16,500 155 Bishop’s Professional Development 500 500 156 Bishop’s Continuing Education 500 500 Support and Training for Diocesan Programs 157 CATO Continuing Education 1,000 1,000 65 Treasurers/Vestry Workshops 1,500 3,500 158 Diocesan Staff Continuing Education 1,200 5,000 66 Training for Parish Admin & Clerical Staff 750 1,000 159 IT Maintenance Contract 3,000 3,000 67 Episcopal Relief and Development Representative 100 100 160 Interest LOC 0 2,000 68 ACC Delegate to the United Nations 200 200 161 Legal Fees 1,250 1,250 69 Diocesan Jubilee Minister -Christian Social Concerns 200 200 162 Audit 12,000 14,000 70 Christian Ed Resources 100 100 163 Bishop’s Auto 0 10,000 71 Total Support and Training for Diocesan Programs 2,850 5,100 164 Total Other Administrative Costs 59,925 73,725 Funds for Aided Congregations 165 TOTAL ADMINISTRATION 499,170 497,831 72 Holy Trinity, Raton 6,400 5,120 166 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 1,537,915 1,554,123 73 St. Paul’s Peace, Las Vegas 6,000 5,000 167 REVENUE OVER EXPENDITURES 18,733 22,917 74 Holy Family, Santa Fe 10,640 9,500 Deferred Expenses 75 St. Matthew’s, Los Lunas 7,680 6,744 168 Bishop’s Auto Replacement (2018) 7,500 10,000 76 St. Christopher’s, Hobbs 7,680 12,000 169 General Convention Deputation (2018) 15,000 15,000 77 St. Michael’s, Tucumcari 4,500 3,600 170 Lambeth Conference ( 2018) 1,250 1,250 78 St. Francis, on the Hill, El Paso 12,000 12,000 171 Building Maintenance Reserve 5,000 10,000 79 St. Stephen’s, Espanola 12,000 9,600 172 Information System Upgrade (2019) 5,000 10,000 80 Our Lady in the Valley, Albuquerque 6,000 6,000 173 EYE 0 3,300 81 St. Jerome’s, Chama 9,600 7,680 174 Bishop Election 15,000 15,000 82 St. Philip’s, Belen 9,600 7,680 175 Bishop’s Sabbatical (2016) 5,000 0 83 St. Francis, Rio Rancho 12,000 12,000 84 All Saints, Grants 0 6,000 176 Total Deferred Expenses 53,750 64,550 85 St. Paul’s, Marfa 12,000 10,000 86 Big Bend Mission 15,000 12,000 87 St. Luke’s, Deming 6,000 12,000 177 REVENUE OVER (UNDER) EXPENDITURES & DEF.EXP. -35,017 (36,633) 88 St. Christopher’s, El Paso 0 10,000

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64th Annual Convention Issue • October 27-29, 2016 The 64th Annual Convention October 27-29, 2016 Santa Fe, NM La Fonda on the Plaza. Among the duties required of the Convention will be the election of offices.

Keeping the World Right Side Up:

The Jesus Movement “...Their world turned in the Diocese up side-down of the which is right-side up” Rio Grande

For directions, go to: www.lafondasantafe.com/directions

AGENDA 5 PM

Evensong (Optional)

9 AM - 5 PM 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 5:15 PM 5:30 PM 6 PM

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27

Registration BBQ 2017 Camping Season Forum for Deans and Deanery Representatives (Ms. Katie Telehany) Community of Deacons Meeting with Bishop Michael Vono Finance & Budget Open Forum (Dr. Guy Gronquist/Dr. Vic Rizzo) Renewal Ministry Opportunities (Cursillo) Altar Party Rehearsal Clergy Gather and Vest (Alb & White Stole) Convention Eucharist (Rt. Rev. Michael Vono, D.D., Celebrant, Homilist)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28

7 AM 7 AM 8 AM

10 AM 10:10 AM – 12:30 PM 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM 1:45 PM 2:40 PM 3:00 PM 4:55 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Registration & Morning Coffee Morning Eucharist (The Rev. J.J. Bernal, Celebrant) Convention Convenes (Rev. Cn. Raymond Raney) Opening Prayer, Address to Convention, Introductions and Recognitions (Rt. Rev. Michael Vono, D.D.) Welcome from Host Church (Representative, Church of the Holy Faith) Announcements, Procedures, Nominations, First Ballot for Election to Office Refreshment Break Plenary and Breakout Sessions (The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry) Lunch Convention Reconvenes with Report of First Ballot, Second Ballot for Election to Office (Rev. Cn. Raymond Raney) Reports and Slideshows Refreshment Break Q&A Session (The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry) Constitution and Canons Commission (Very Rev. Cn. Michael Perko) Ballot for 2nd Vote on Constitutional Change (Rt. Rev. Michael Vono, D.D) Social (Cash Bar) Dinner Singing Performance (Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29

7 AM 7 AM 8 AM

10:30 AM – 10:40 AM 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM 11:30 AM – 12 PM

12 PM

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26

Coffee Morning Eucharist (The Rev. Beverly Moore-Tasy, Celebrant) Convention Reconvenes with Report of 2nd Ballot for Office and Ballot on Constitutional Change (Rev. Cn. Raymond Raney) Third Ballot for Election to Office (if necessary) (Rev. Cn. Raymond Raney) Reports and Slideshows Refreshment Break Reports and Slideshows Acceptance of 2017 Budget (Dr. Guy Gronquist/Dr. Vic Rizzo) Resolutions Committee (Rev. Cn. Raymond Raney) Closing Comments (Rt. Rev. Michael Vono, D.D) Response from Convention Committee (Committee Chairs) Closing Announcements (Rev. Cn. Raymond Raney) Closing Prayers (Rt. Rev. Michael Vono, D.D) Standing Committee Meeting for Election of President

Church of the Holy Faith* Portal Camp Stoney Camp Stoney Stiha Room New Mexico Room Ballen Board Room *Church of the Holy Faith 311 East Palace Avenue (Map on reverse)

Portal Stiha Room Lumpkins Ballroom

Mezzanine Lumpkins Ballroom

Mezzanine Lumpkins Ballroom

Mezzanine Stiha Room New Mexico Ballroom

Ballen Board Room

Parking is extremely limited at Church of the Holy Faith;

ABOUT THE POSITIONS OPENin the Diocese of the Rio Grande KEEPINGDIOCESAN THE WORLD RIGHT SIDE UP: The Jesus Movement Though by Canon this body functions as the governing body for the Cathedral, the Cathedral Vestry is responsible for the ordinary operations of the Cathedral parish. The Chapter is the canonical body that serves in the capacity of the search committee when the office of Dean of the Cathedral is vacant. The Cathedral Vestry and Wardens are members of the Chapter, as are the Bishop and Dean, along with three (3) at-large members, elected for three-year terms. This Convention we will elect one (1) lay or clergy person for a three (3) year term. Meets as called.

Cathedral Chapter One Lay Person or Clergy for a three-year term

Commission on Ministry of the Baptized (COMB) One Lay Person for a four-year term

Standing Committee One Lay Person for a three-year term One Clergy for a three-year term One Clergy for a two-year term

Diocesan Council One Lay Person for a two-year term One Clergy for a two-year term

Disciplinary Board

One Lay Person for a four-year term Two Clergy for a four-year term One Clergy for a three-year term One Clergy for a two-year term

General Convention Deputies Four Lay Persons for a three-year term Four Clergy for a three-year term Four Lay Persons for a three-year term (alternates) Four Clergy for a three-year term (alternates)

Floor Nomination Procedures Mezzanine Lumpkins Ballroom

Parking is extremely limited at Church of the Holy Faith; however, Church of the Holy Faith is within walking distance from each of the five Convention hotels.

CATHEDRAL CHAPTER –

Diocesan Offices to be Elected – 2016

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COMMISSION ON MINISTRY OF THE BAPTIZED – Shall advise and assist the Bishop with the implementation of Title III of the Canons of The Episcopal Church, determine the present and future opportunities and needs for ministry of all baptized persons, and in the design and oversight of the ongoing process for recruitment, discernment, formation for ministry and assessment of readiness therefore. This Convention we will elect one (1) clergy person for a four (4) year term. Meets 3 times a year, or as called.

1. A biographical information (nomination) form is required from each person nominated from the floor. The form is available at http://www. dioceserg.org/pages/view/nomination_information 2. Three hundred (300) copies of the biographical form may be delivered to Diocesan House for inclusion in delegate packets or provided at registration at Convention. 3. At the time of the report of the Nominating Committee, the floor will be opened for other nominations. 4. All required signatures of clergy, senior warden or bishop’s warden must be included on the form; all clergy candidates must have the endorsement of their area dean. 5. No candidate may stand for election to more than one of the following positions: • Standing Committee
 • Diocesan Council
 • Commission on Ministry 6. No supporting speeches for candidates will be permitted, either for those nominated from the floor or those nominated prior to convention.

Continued on page 6

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2016 CONVENTION NOMINATIONS CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

One Lay Person or Clergy for a three-year term Ms. Duf Rowland St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church Los Lunas, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 8 Confirmed in 2008

Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? Bishop’s Warden, Lay Eucharist Minister, 27 years in management in private sector.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? One of the Greats is the young people. They are not in religion or Jesus Christ. What sustains you in your spiritual life? I am sustained by the mere fact that I believe in our Lord, Jesus Christ and that he loves me.

CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

One Lay Person or Clergy for a three-year term Mr. Paul Shoemaker Grace Episcopal Church Carlsbad, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 5 Confirmed in 1976 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? I was a parishioner at St. John’s Cathedral for roughly 20 years. I was the Verger at the Cathedral for 14 years. I served on the Vestry of the Cathedral for at least two terms. I have in the past been active in Diocesan affairs, serving on the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, task forces, and in an official capacity at many Diocesan Conventions. In my professional life, I have been employed by Sandia National Laboratories for almost 35

years, and have served for 16 years as a Senior Manager. I also serve the community of Carlsbad in a number of capacities, being a member of the Mayor’s Nuclear Opportunities Task Force, a member of the Board of Directors for the Carlsbad Department of Development, and involving myself in the community in a number of other ways. I am as a result very familiar with the Cathedral, with the Diocese, with the larger church, and with management and policy matters. I believe these attributes would be a useful addition to the other talents already present on the Cathedral Chapter. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? Sustaining the interest of young people in the relatively highly structured and formal approach to worship in the Episcopal Church is an important challenge. My own children struggle to find relevance to their lives in the liturgy, and tend to be

attracted to less formal, more “entertaining” forms of worship and praise, opportunities not readily present in the Episcopal Church in this Diocese or in my particular locale. This challenge may apply more generally than just to young people in the Church, but I certainly find it manifest in those who are going through their teen years. What sustains you in your spiritual life? I am sustained in my spiritual life by regular attendance at worship, by serving at the altar as a Eucharistic Minister, by the occasional opportunity to participate in Sunday School classes, by the special opportunity I’ve recently had to reflect on science and religion and to give presentations on that topic. I am also sustained by the reading of scripture, by completing the reading of Christianity, The First Three Thousand Years, by Diarmaid MacCulloch, and by watching films produced by the Kendrick Brothers (War Room, Fireproof, Courageous, etc.).

ABOUT THE DIOCESAN POSITIONS OPEN Continued from page 5 STANDING COMMITTEE / TRUSTEES OF THE PROPERTY The council of advice for the Bishop. Consists of equal numbers of lay (3) and clergy (3) members with staggered terms; there is a two-term limit. Lay members must have been adult communicants in good standing in this Diocese for at least one (1) year. If there is no bishop, this body governs the Diocese and arranges for an election. It determines certification of candidates for Holy Orders according to the Canons, supervises secular legal functions, manages diocesan properties, advises on diocesan personnel decisions, and carries out work asked of it by Diocesan Convention. This Convention we will elect one (1) Lay person and one (1) Clergy person for a three (3) year term, and one (1) Clergy person to a twoyear term. Meets 6 times per year, or as called.

DIOCESAN COUNCIL Reviews diocesan mission, vision, plans, programs and goals, determines Fair Share policy and levels, and prepares and presents the budget to diocesan convention. It consists of members at large (two clergy and two lay persons elected by Convention), the Diocesan Treasurer, a member of the Standing Committee appointed

annually by the Standing Committee, the Deans and Vice-Deans of each Deanery and the Bishop. The Canon the Ordinary, or the Assistant to the Bishop, if there be one, as well as the Cathedral Dean, are members with voice but no vote. The two-year terms of the members at large are staggered. The Lay members must be adult communicants in good standing for at least one year prior to election; there is a two-term limit. This Convention we will elect (1) clergy person and (1) lay person for two (2) year term. Meets 6 times per year, or as called.

DISCIPLINARY BOARD The specific duties, functions and responsibilities are set forth in Title IV of the Canons of The Episcopal Church. Briefly, the Church and each Diocese shall support their members in their life in Christ and seek to resolve conflicts by promoting healing, repentance, forgiveness, restitution, justice, amendment of life and reconciliation among all involved or affected. Proceedings represent the responsibility of the Church to determine who shall serve as Members of the Clergy of the Church, reflecting the polity and order of this hierarchical church. The Board is composed of nine (9) members, four (4) Lay and five (5)

clergy elected for four-year terms. This Convention we will elect one (1) lay person and (2) two clergy persons for a four (4) year terms, one (1) clergy person to a three (3) year term, and one (1) clergy person to a two (2) year term. Meets once a year, or as called.

GENERAL CONVENTION DEPUTIES At the Convention occurring two years prior to each General Convention of the Church, the Convention shall elect clerical and lay deputies, plus alternates, to represent the Diocese at the succeeding General Convention and any Synod of the Province. Each clerical deputy must be canonically and actually resident in this Diocese for at least one year prior to election. Each lay deputy must be actually resident and an adult communicant in good standing of a congregation of this Diocese for at least one year prior to election. The deputies shall serve until their successor are elected or designated. This Convention we will elect four (4) lay persons and four (4) clergy persons for three (3) year terms as Deputies, and four (4) lay persons and four (4) clergy persons for three (3) year terms as alternates.

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2016 CONVENTION NOMINATIONS STANDING COMMITTEE (Canon 4)

6 members elected by Convention for 3-year terms; 2-term limit; 1 clergy and 1 lay person elected each year; 1 clergy elected to complete two-year term. Ms. Paula Mote St. Francis Episcopal Church Rio Rancho, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 14 Confirmed in 1982 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? The past 3 years I have served on the Standing Committee. I have served as the secretary for 2 years under two Presidents the late Rev. Canon Ken Semon and Rev. Paul Moore. I have been the

The Rev. Paul Moore Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Silver City, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 4 Ordained in 1990/1991 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? I have served parishes in Ecuador, South and Central Texas and the DRG. I have served on Executive Board, Stewardship Committee, Stewardship of Creation Committee, Cross-Cultural Division, World Mission Division, Multicultural Ministry Commission, Christian Faith in Action, Communications and Stewardship Commission, and Diocesan Spiritual Advisor to the Cursillo Secretariat, I am currently the chair of the Rio Grande Borderland Ministries, and president of

The Rev. Dan Tuton Hope in the Desert Albuquerque, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 9 Ordained in 2004 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? Prior to my call to ordained ministry I served on the Bishop’s Committee of Holy Spirit, Gallup, and as Bishop’s Warden at St. Francis, Fortuna, CA. As the Rector of Hope-in-the-Desert in Albuquerque I served as Northwest Dean from 2011-2012, with accompanying membership on the Standing Committee, Trustees and Diocesan Council during

Charter Organization Representative for St. Francis to the cub scout pack and boy scout troop. This requires me to enforce the by-laws of both parties and to perform preliminary background checks on new adult leaders. I spent 6 years as a delegate which gave me the opportunity to become familiar with the Constitution and Canons of both the National church and our diocese. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? The greatest opportunity of the Episcopal Church and our Diocese is also the greatest challenge. To meet the changing needs of society at a nice pace while also maintaining our rich traditions without

the Standing Committee on which I have served for 3 years. I hold a Masters in Intercultural Administration and a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and ABD for a Doctor of Ministry. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time?

1. People are hungry for spiritual depth and eager to engage with activities that transform our world. How do we offer our witness to Jesus Christ so that it meets these needs?

2. New Mexico is the third most diverse in the union. How do we live our common life so that we can be enriched by the demographics of our place?

3. In the Church many different voices are heard about how we should live out our witness. How do we assure that all have a place at the table, are heard respectfully in love, and have their due influence on our ministries?

that time. Most recently I was unanimously elected by the Standing Committee to complete the present term of The Very Rev. Dr. Ken Semon upon his retirement. This past year I completed four years of service on the Trinity School for Ministry Alumni Executive Committee. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? We face many challenges which I hope will provide creative opportunities to be salt and light to the world in a time when the Western institutional church appears to be in decline. The leadership of Christ’s body the church will need to exercise Spirit-led innovation in building bridges of faithful relevance to younger generations, unashamedly leading the way in God’s kingdom work of compassion, healing, and justice, and in spreading

alienating anyone of a contrary mind from leader to prospective member. The opportunity to create a balanced and well diversified group of people to discern how to meet these needs and at what pace to proceed is always challenging but can be an excellent opportunity for the Episcopal Church and our Diocese to listen and continue to maintain the tradition of progress in a time frame that allows all to feel welcome, heard, and accepted. What sustains you in your spiritual life? My family, my church family, Bishop’s Ridge Stoney Camp & Recreation Center (i.e. Camp Stoney), and the quiet moments of reflection that happen at different moments during any given day help me to sustain my spiritual life.

Stewardship and evangelism are the two greatest challenges facing the Diocese of the Rio Grande and the Episcopal Church. When we face these challenges in a dynamic and creative way we will further God’s Kingdom work and truly be His disciples. What sustains you in your spiritual life? Recently I spoke with a young man about horses. As he spoke his eyes spoke volumes about his soul. Working with horses fills him with wonder and deep joy. When I suggested that this was a form of prayer he seemed to already know it. These moments make my priesthood deeply rewarding. Furthermore, my spiritual life is sustained by contemplative prayer and Bible reading, walking in the mountains, celebrating the Eucharist, studying about our faith, pottery, bird-watching, writing blog entries, and sitting on the loveseat with my wife in the mornings as we eat breakfast and talk about the day.

the good news of Jesus in both word and deed. The councils of the church are challenged not merely to safeguard the status quo, but to do our part in fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) in the world. What sustains you in your spiritual life? I feel very fortunate to be in a calling in which studying the Scriptures, praying, corporate worship and other nourishing spiritual disciplines are built into the picture. I never tire of studying the astoundingly beautiful layers of depth God has placed before us in creation, in God’s inspired message to humanity in the Bible, and in the sometimes wild ride that characterizes God’s holy catholic and apostolic church. Perhaps most tangibly, I’m inspired by the faces, the voices, and the hearts God has called me to serve at Hope-in-the-Desert.

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2016 CONVENTION NOMINATIONS DIOCESAN COUNCIL (CANON 5)

4 members elected by convention for 2-year terms; 2-term limit; 1 clergy and 1 lay person elected each year. The Rev. Christopher Adams Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church Los Alamos, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 1 Ordained in 2013 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? In a former diocese, I served on the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, which not only planned diocesan liturgies, but also planned continuing education events and gatherings on the diocesan level. I also served on the Diocesan Youth Council, aiding in the organization and implementation of diocesan wide youth events. Currently, I serve as rector of Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church. Through my diocesan experiences, I have come to appreciate the collaborative spirit that emerges when serving on councils and committees that serve the wider diocese. As a rector, I enjoy the administrative work that comes through strategic planning, policy

writing and execution, and the work of governance that necessarily comes with serving as the pastor of a parish. Furthermore, I have a genuine interest in the Canons of the Episcopal Church, understanding them not simply as juridical items. They should be properly seen as laws and practices that govern our common life and maintain the idea, however ideal it may sometimes seem, that we are one body and of one spirit. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? As our diocese comprises all of New Mexico and a portion of Texas, we should ideally be a diocese that reflects the wide cultural diversity present within our geographical boundaries. The Episcopal Church is rooted in a theological tradition that celebrates diversity of opinion and practice. Given that our theological celebrates diversity on many levels, and our geographical boundaries position us to be a church of demographic diversity, we as a diocese should be seeking more faithful ways to reflect the diversity of the Kingdom of God. This is an opportunity to be celebrated and seized.

diocese is twofold: we are extraordinarily large in geography, with many of these areas small in population, yet we struggle in providing financial and personnel resources to plant missions in these underserved areas. Raising up leaders with a missionary/evangelistic mindset and providing financial resources to start-up missions, many of which will necessarily be different than a traditional parish model, is another opportunity to be celebrated and seized. What sustains you in your spiritual life? I truly believe the Eucharist is a sustaining and empowering source. It is fundamental to my identity as a Christian, notwithstanding my being a priest. Beyond corporate worship, I have a deep need for meditative silence and reflection, and regularly make time for contemplative prayer in my life. On a different note, spending time with my family helps balance my work as a priest, and I truly wouldn’t be the disciple of Jesus I am without the love of my wife and the joy of my son. Along with the sustaining force of my family and friends, humor and comedy plan an important role in my spiritual life, helping me to see and embrace opportunities for laughter as an overflow of God in my life.

I believe the most significant challenge to our

DIOCESAN COUNCIL (CANON 5)

4 members elected by convention for 2-year terms; 2-term limit; 1 clergy and 1 lay person elected each year. The Rev. Dale W. Plummer St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Roswell, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 5 Ordained in 2001 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? This September marks the beginning of my sixth year in the Diocese of the Rio Grande and rector of St. Andrew’s Parish in Roswell. My journey toward ordained ministry took me to the School of Theology at the University of the South, also known simply as Sewanee. I completed my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Crossroads Ministries through St. Luke’s Parish in Atlanta, Georgia assisting the homeless in locating the necessary resources for their individual needs. St. Luke’s also became my place of worship while in Atlanta. Fulfilling the field study requirement of seminary, I spent one year at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville, TN. In 2001, I was ordained as Transitional Deacon in March and

Priest in October. Following ordination, I served St. David’s in Topeka, KS as Curate and in 2003, I was appointed Priest-in-Charge in Junction City, KS and in 2004 became rector of the parish. As Rector of St. Andrew’s in Roswell, I have been active in ministry and mission in the parish and the Roswell community at large. I served three years on the DRG Standing Committee (2012-2015), and one year as the Standing Committee’s representative to Diocesan Counsel. I have been active in several community service organizations: United Way of Junction City, KS, Boy Scouts of America Coronado Council, Konza District in North Central Kansas, and member and president of the Junction City Noon Rotary Club #1618. Presently, I serve on the Board of Directors of Wings for L.I.F.E., served a three year term on the Standing Committee and Council of Trustees for the DRG, and was the Standing Committee’s representative to Diocesan Council and Southeast Deanery. The Plummer family moved to Roswell in 2011. Sharon works for the Roswell Independent School District with special needs children. Our son Thomas is a student at Eastern New Mexico University-Portales and our daughter Kensey is a student at West Texas A&M in Canyon, TX.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? I believe the greatest opportunities are boundless. The essence of scripture is to keep us ever mindful of hope always leading us forward in the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Some demographic trends and sociological studies seem to indicate a slow, but moderate return, to “mainline churches” and the Episcopal Church needs to be conscious of these indicators in being progressive in our ministries while maintaining our Episcopal and Anglican identity. Children and youth always offer us unique opportunities and challenges at both the Diocesan and local parish levels with their endless energy and inquisitive minds in an every expanding technological world. Children and youth often possess a distinctive hunger and sense for the spiritual, belonging, and sustainability. What sustains you in your spiritual life? The ecumenical partnership and support with clergy of other churches in Roswell. Clericus gathering. Regular prayer life. Doing nonchurch things. Family. Being in communion with others, God, and self.

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2016 CONVENTION NOMINATIONS ECCLESIASTICAL DISCIPLINE (DISCIPLINARY BOARD) (CANON 17)

9 members elected by convention per Canon 17.2(b) • One Lay Person for a four-year term; Two Clergy for a four-year term; One Clergy for a three-year term; One Clergy for a two-year term Ms. Dallas Baxter St. James’ Episcopal Church Alpine, Texas Years in present congregation: 16 Confirmed in 1954 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? I attended St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Austin. In the 80’s I was a missionary teacher at the Brent School, Manila. I received an M. Div. from New York Theological Seminary (1992). I was Bishop’s Warden at the Big Bend Episcopal Mission (2011-

2014) where I am also a worship leader and lector. I am a professional voice talent including 10 years of ‘Nature Notes’ on Marfa Public Radio. In 2009 I founded, published and edited “Cenizo Journal,” a quarterly journal about the Big Bend of Texas. My dad was a priest; I have seen the Church from pretty much every angle. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? Former Presiding Bishop John Hines has said, “The work of the Christian is to engage the church in the world.” That is where Christ is, and where we must be as well. To include, value, respect, love and accept the stranger, those hard to love and those cast down. Each human interaction is a chance to do this

Ms. Duf Rowland St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church Los Lunas, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 8 Confirmed in 2008

Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? Bishop’s Warden, Lay Eucharist Minister, 27 years in management in private sector.

The Rev. Jan Hosea St. Chad’s Episcopal Church Albuquerque, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 9.5 Ordained in 2009/2010

I have had the opportunity to travel the diocese and work with many congregations to assist them in developing their vision and making that vision actionable.

Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? Currently I am an elected member of the Cathedral Chapter. As a member of the CLAD Team for 6 years, ( Congregational Life and Development)

The Rev. Douglas K. Bleyle St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Española, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 2 Ordained in 2012/104 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that

– the grocery checker, the new person at church, the neighbor’s shy child, the person so different from us. The world largely rejects Christianity as judgmental, limiting and exclusive. We must show them the truth of inclusion and love. What sustains you in your spiritual life? Daily prayer with my husband and reading, Barbara Crafton and Herbert O’Driscoll are favorites. I love hymns and feel a connection with the composers over time and space – both of us listening for the truth, seeking a pathway to the Kingdom. Studying my garden – the intricacies of nature, the harmony and systems – can only point, for me, to a larger system of truth, to God intimately at work in the world.

One of the Greats is the young people. They are not in religion or Jesus Christ. What sustains you in your spiritual life? I am sustained by the mere fact that I believe in our Lord, Jesus Christ and that he loves me.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time?

I firmly believe in honoring my ordination vows to serve the church in its’ various councils and to be loyal to the doctrines, discipline and worship of this church and to obey my Bishop. I believe that is a priestly responsibility to serve God’s Kingdom in various places and spaces, the disciplinary Board is a necessary function of this service. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this

will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? Currently serving as Vicar of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Española and Native American Ministries. Previously Priest-in-Charge Bishop’s Ridge overseeing transition of camp facility renovations, maintenance, and change in camp programs. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time?

time? With such a diverse and spread out diocese, Rio Grande must continue to work on communication and intentionally reach out to serve both the rural and urban church in ways that meet their specific needs. Helping everyone to understand the canons and the responsibilities of service to our Lord is an on-going process of which I am happy to be a part. What sustains you in your spiritual life? Worship, daily prayer and meditation, service to Christ in His church through the various ministries at St. Chad’s and in our Diocese are all ways that sustain the person I believe God is molding me into being.

The greatest opportunities and challenges in the life of Church will continue as we intentionally center in reconciling ourselves to God, bridging Altar and the world. What sustains you in your spiritual life? Family, relatives, and community centered in Eucharistic fellowship, prayer, meditation, and a wide genre of reading.

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2016 CONVENTION NOMINATIONS ECCLESIASTICAL DISCIPLINE (DISCIPLINARY BOARD) (CANON 17)

9 members elected by convention per Canon 17.2(b) • One Lay Person for a four-year term; Two Clergy for a four-year term; One Clergy for a three-year term; One Clergy for a two-year term The Rev. Dr. Nicholas Funk St. James’ Episcopal Church Las Cruces, New Mexico Years at present congregation: 8 Ordained in 2005

Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? I have a wide range of experience that could aid on the Disciplinary Board. Beyond serving as a Rector in this Diocese since 2008, I have worked successfully in academic, corporate, military, governmental, and other ecclesiastical environments. This has refined my ability to see opportunities and challenges from multiple points of view, and to offer fair and innovative solutions. In the academic environment, I have received a B.A. in Religion, M.Div. with honors, and a D.Min. in Anglican Sacramental Theology. In the corporate environment, I worked as a small business owner, and in a Fortune 100 company, where I researched client needs and negotiated mutually beneficial contracts. In the military, I served with the US

Special Forces as a human intelligence specialist, all source analyst, and subject matter expert. In ecclesiastical environments, I have served on Diocesan Council, Area Dean, Cathedral Chapter Board, Camp Stoney Board, and as the Diocesan Chaplain for the Daughters of the King. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? Challenge: decline in numbers and the anxiety that it can produce in congregations. Opportunities in that: for individuals to learn again how to articulate their faith and for churches to re-discover the joy of evangelism and the Catechumenate. Challenge: financially unsustainable buildings and staff. Opportunities: empower laity to do pastoral work, re-purpose buildings, partner with other congregations/clergy, and let our idolatry of buildings, worship styles, etc. die. Challenge: low music literacy and increasingly diverse congregations. Opportunities: embracing our Anglican heritage of drawing from many liturgical traditions and learning again to love our music. What sustains you in your spiritual life? The most important issue facing the Diocese remains the same as it has always been for the Church:

faithfully following our Lord Jesus Christ. Our most obvious challenge has been the marked decline in average Sunday attendance throughout our Diocese. According to statistics provided by the Episcopal Church, the average Sunday attendance in the Diocese of the Rio Grande has declined 40.1% from 2004-2014 (compared with a 23.9% decline in the entire Episcopal Church over the same time period). This challenge provides us with a strong impetus for action, and can allow us to turn our challenges into opportunities. The opportunities for us seem to be where we are, who we are, and the message we have been given. We live in a land of stunning beauty that is continually rated as one of the more desirable places to live and retire, and our churches have ample room to accommodate persons moving into the area. Likewise, the culture of the Western US exhibits a friendly forthrightness that quickly endears itself to those who have come from other climes (such as myself). Our message is simple, but takes a lifetime to unpack: Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Therefore as people come into our environ, we have the opportunity to share honestly and humbly the life-giving and lifetransforming Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to invite all to enter into a relationship with Him in order worship His Name.

DEPUTIES TO 2018 GENERAL CONVENTION - CLERGY (CANON 10)

4 Clerical Deputies and 4 Clerical Alternates for 3-year terms. 4 Lay Deputies and 4 Lay Alternates for 3-year terms. The Rev. Christopher McLaren St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Albuquerque, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 5 Ordained in 2000 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? I am currently the Rector of St. Mark’s in Albuquerque, where I am enjoying the demanding and rewarding work of rebuilding a parish with an amazing group of people. I served as an Alternate Clergy Deputy during the last General Convention in Salt Lake. During the Convention I learned much about the life of the Episcopal Church and the process of its governance. I am currently one of our Clergy Deputies and would like to continue to learn and now contribute more fully to the General process. In the Diocese of the Rio Grande, I have also served as the chair of the Committee on Priesthood on the Commission on Ministry of the Baptized, a parish field work mentor and supervisor, a member of the Camp Stoney Task

Force, Chaplain and Volunteer Staff to Camp Stoney and co-host of the 2015 Diocesan Convention. I am faith in taking my place in the councils and gatherings of clergy in this Diocese. In Albuquerque, I have served on the board of Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School. I currently serve on the board of Rio Grande Connections, a non-profit serving the deaf community throughout the state and as a co-chair of Albuquerque Interfaith where I continue to learn the skills and practices of community organizing that have greatly enriched my parish ministry. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? I believe the largest challenge facing the Episcopal Church is to become a deeply missional church that embraces the practice of evangelism and radical welcome throughout its ministries. Thankfully we have a new Presiding Bishop that shares these priorities and a good foundation upon which to build. As a church we need to struggle with the difficult reality of racial reconciliation in our country and how this history has affected our ministry and institutions while working to heal and make whole our life together. I also believe that we as a church need to place a great deal more emphasis and engagement into ministry with

children, youth and families, including a renewed outreach to the university context. The Episcopal Church is aging quickly and struggling to keep its buildings repaired with limited resources. If the Episcopal Church is to grow and thrive, we will need to reimagine how we use our buildings, open them to the community, and find ways to conserve energy and become more sustainable, which is simply good stewardship of our resources and blessings from God. What sustains you in your spiritual life? My prayer life begins in the morning when I awake, praying for those on my heart and for the unfolding of the day as I enjoy a morning cup of coffee. I am deeply fed by spiritual reading and study that is slow, meditative and prayerful. I pray best outside in my garden weeding, working with my bees, and flyfishing – thinking, and talking to God about my troubles and life’s challenges. I am drawn to the Psalms as a daily school of prayer and use them best when I am chanting or singing them. I love and am fed by the poetry of Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver and so much more. I love to sing and find myself singing often throughout the day. As a progressive, evangelical, catholic and entrepreneurial priest my spiritual life is grounded in the Holy Eucharist where I am fed deeply and renewed for a life of service.

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2016 CONVENTION NOMINATIONS DEPUTIES TO 2018 GENERAL CONVENTION - CLERGY (CANON 10)

4 Clerical Deputies and 4 Clerical Alternates for 3-year terms. 4 Lay Deputies and 4 Lay Alternates for 3-year terms. The Rev. Alexander J. Lenzo St. Francis Episcopal Church Rio Rancho, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 1.5 Ordained in 2014/2015 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? God confirmed my call to the priesthood at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (Las Cruces.) After seminary, I served an inner-city Episcopal middleschool in Philadelphia as chaplain. Living in the school’s neighborhood taught me personally about

The Very Rev. Canon Carole McGowan Cathedral of St. John Albuquerque, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 3 Ordained in 1980 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? I have served as a Rector in the DRG for more than 22 years; now I am experiencing the Diocese in a new way as Canon for Formation and Dean of the Bishop’s School. Over the years I have been on Diocesan Council, Commission on Ministry,

The Very Rev. Mark Goodman Cathedral of St. John Albuquerque, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 9 Ordained in 1991 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? I have attended five General Conventions: First Clergy Alternate Deputy 2003, Clergy Deputy 2006, Media Credentialed 2009, Clergy Deputy 2012, Clergy Deputy 2015. At the General Conventions in 2006 and 2012 I served on the Committee for National and International Concerns. At General

race, poverty, and privilege. My students taught me about survival and joy. I also learned about worshiping in a community with a low literacy level (we use big books in TEC!). Currently, I serve as rector of a parish with a tumultuous history of division. I strive daily to earn their trust, despite my young age, and to empower them with real responsibilities for ministry.

and staff. Opportunities: empower laity to do pastoral work, re-purpose buildings, partner with other congregations/clergy, and let our idolatry of buildings, worship styles, etc. die. Challenge: low music literacy and increasingly diverse congregations. Opportunities: embracing our Anglican heritage of drawing from many liturgical traditions and learning again to love our music.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? Challenge: decline in numbers and the anxiety that it can produce in congregations. Opportunities in that: for individuals to learn again how to articulate their faith and for churches to re-discover the joy of evangelism and the Catechumenate. Challenge: financially unsustainable buildings

What sustains you in your spiritual life? The Daily Office and Eucharist. Spiritual direction once a month. Wonderfully thoughtful and deep clergy colleagues here in the EDRG, with whom to conspire about ministry! My good friends Nate, Stephen, and Andrew, who will laugh with me when I am taking myself way too seriously. The folk band Nickel Creek, and a daily calendar of the comic, Pearls Before Swine. And finally, the unconditional love and support of my wife, Becca.

Finance Committee and Examining Chaplains. I have also served the church nationally – as the Chair of a Standing Commission and as a member of the General Board of Examining Chaplains. The DRG elected me as a Deputy to the last two General Conventions. I hope to continue using these experiences as a Deputy at the next General Convention where we can help the Church move into a vital future.

I had occasion to speak to a woman who characterized herself as being “very East Coast.” After I had talked about the DRG for a while, she exclaimed, “You’re very exotic.” It was a compliment. She saw us as having gifts that she had never imagined. And we are not locked in to doing “business as usual.” Our opportunity is to live creatively into who we are and what we have instead of looking to models that fit other parts of the country, other Episcopal cultures.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? We in the DRG often focus on the challenges of being geographically large and of being resource poor. I believe that these will continue to be challenges. On the other hand… When I was in Philadelphia for Canon Gutierrez’s consecration,

Convention 2015 I served on the Committee for Technology and Evangelism. It has been a joy to be part of the work of the Episcopal Church at General Convention and to foster friendships and partnerships with other deputies, dioceses and committees. I look forward to serving this diocese in being part of the 2018 General Convention. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? The greatest opportunity open to the Episcopal Church at this time is to join in the work of evangelism that has been given prominence and energy by our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry. To take advantage of the technological tools available and to make genuine hospitality come alive at the local level are great avenues into this opportunity.

What sustains you in your spiritual life? Worship with others; prayers by myself; sitting and walking in nature; reading; teaching others and realizing that there’s always more to learn about God and God’s world; breaking bread in church and sharing meals with friends; my peer spiritual direction group; my spiritual director.

The challenge that accompanies this opportunity is to bring all the baptized to the realization that evangelism is the work of the whole people of God. For the Diocese of the Rio Grande, the greatest challenge continues to be the geography of the diocese, overcoming large distances to foster community and mission cooperation. The greatest opportunity for our diocese is for networks of congregations to join together in ministries, pooling resources to enable a wider reach into our communities. What sustains you in your spiritual life? I’m sustained in my spiritual life through a daily time of quiet prayer and reflection, regular retreats for spiritual nourishment, weekly study of scripture, purposeful time with my family, long walks, and participation in community endeavors through membership on boards and volunteer services.

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2016 CONVENTION NOMINATIONS DEPUTIES TO 2018 GENERAL CONVENTION - LAITY (CANON 10) 4 Clerical Deputies and 4 Clerical Alternates for 3-year terms. 4 Lay Deputies and 4 Lay Alternates for 3-year terms.

Mr. Steve Wachter St. Francis Episcopal Church Rio Rancho, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 2 Confirmed in 1978 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? As a communicant with the Diocese of the Rio Grande over the past 30 years, I have participated in and led numerous education, worship and community support programs with children, youth and adults, served on vestries and led community worship. I currently serve as a Eucharistic Minister,

member of our Music and Worship team and convention delegate. I believe, serving 30 years as an Air Force chaplain assistant along with my current position as an executive service director for community employment and education programs at a long-standing non-profit uniquely qualifies me to serve my diocese community in this capacity. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? As the second largest diocese in the Episcopal Church, our cultural differences and distances provide us with our greatest strengths and challenges. We must continue to find unity in diversity through compromise and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our direction in service and communion with each other and with each of the villages, towns and cities that make up this great

Diocese. The unique diversity of the DRG is a great representation for the Episcopal Church at large, together when we express Christ’s love through words and action in our communities, we change lives for the better and further God’s kingdom. What sustains you in your spiritual life? Personal prayer and public worship are the primary focal points in sustaining my spiritual life. Like many people, I find myself closest to the Holy when in retreat from the day-to-day hustle and bustle of the world in prayer or quiet study. This quiet time draws me into public worship and definitely energizes my soul. Knowing that I can step back into a spiritual community that has been the primary focal point of my life and has been a focal point in the world for centuries provides me the energy to carry out my baptismal covenant.

DEPUTIES TO 2018 GENERAL CONVENTION - LAITY (CANON 10) 4 Clerical Deputies and 4 Clerical Alternates for 3-year terms. 4 Lay Deputies and 4 Lay Alternates for 3-year terms. The Hon. Joseph Alarid St. Michael and All Angels Albuquerque, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 13 Received in 2005 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? I have been on the Vestry and served as Junior Warden at St. Michael and All Angels. I am currently a Servant of Worship and serve on an internal taskforce to examine all phases of Parish operations. In the Diocese I am chair of the Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized and am a member of the Disciplinary Board and served as past president.I have served on various Diocesan committees.This would be my third time as a General Convention Deputy.

At the National Church Level I was elected to The Disciplinary Board for Bishops in 2012 for a term ending 2018.I also served on the Executive Council Committee on HIV/AIDS from 2012-2015. Having been a member of the Committee on Governance and Structure I would be honored to serve as a a Deputy again to follow through with the next phase of that work. Since my reception into the Episcopal Church in 1998, I have been involved in the life of the church as either a volunteer or a paid staff member. I have served on church staffs as a Church School musician, Organist/Choirmaster, and Director of Christian Formation. As a church volunteer, I have worked with youth groups and sung in the choir. This past summer I was Dean of Summer Fun week at Camp Stoney. I am currently the Vestry Clerk, Christian Formation liaison and a member of the choir. As a special education/music teacher I have worked in urban settings and in schools that serve a mostly underprivileged population.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? The Episcopal Church faces challenges in the area of Mission and Evangelism to the Body of Christ .We need bold efforts aimed at spreading the word in new and imaginative ways . As Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has challenged the Church we must become active members of the Jesus Movement .This applies at the Diocesan level as well .Opportunities and challenges are present in the Native American Community and among our Hispanic sisters and brothers .As a Diocese we have great strides in the last several years there are opportunities to accomplish even more as Christians committed to the Jesus Movement .There is always more to do,so lets get on with it ! What sustains you in your spiritual life? Daily Prayer and participation in the Eucharist form the foundation of my spiritual life. Also I approach all of my work at the parish ,diocesan , and national Church level as ministerial opportunities which bring me closer to Christ and strengthen me my spiritual life .

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2016 CONVENTION NOMINATIONS DEPUTIES TO 2018 GENERAL CONVENTION - LAITY (CANON 10) 4 Clerical Deputies and 4 Clerical Alternates for 3-year terms. 4 Lay Deputies and 4 Lay Alternates for 3-year terms. Ms. Cathy Bailey St. Michael and All Angels Albuquerque, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 16 Confirmed in 1970 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? I have been a member of the Episcopal Church for my entire life and I served on YCRG as a youth. As an adult in the Church, I was elected to the Vestry of St. Michael and All Angels and served as a Vestry Warden for three years, I served on the New Life Team from 2007 to 2009 as a facilitator, and was selected as a facilitator for the “Walk Abouts” during the search for our Bishop, and I have been serving on the Congregational Life and Development Team since 2010 and I am currently

serving as the Co-Chair of this vital ministry team. I was elected a Delegate to Convention and have served as a delegate for 10 years. In 2010 and 2012, I was elected to Diocesan Council I also currently serve on the Youth Task Force. I just completed a three year term as the Rector’s Warden of St. Michael’s and All Angel Episcopal Church while we were searching for a new Rector. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? TI still believe that the greatest challenge to our Church is the aging of many our congregations and the lack of diversity in most congregations. We need to focus on growing the programming for youth, families, and for our seniors and we need to think hard about the way we welcome and engage our neighbors while still serving our existing members with vigor. Without a diversity of programming and approaches to ministry, we will not thrive as

a church. We need many more voices to be heard, young and old, rich and poor, single and married, white and brown, gay and straight. I think that we have started this process here in the DRG and that many churches feel new energy and excitement. We need to build on the current momentum and support parishes that feel isolated and alone by bringing them into community through clear and consistent communication and connection to resources offered by the Diocese and the Episcopal Church. What sustains you in your spiritual life? My community of faith at St. Michael and All Angels sustains me. It grounds me in my faith and reinforces the spiritual principles expressed in the liturgy, the scriptures, and in The Book of Common Prayer that guide me as I serve at the Diocesan level. I know that the prayers of my congregation strengthen me in times of doubt and help me to do the work that God is calling me to do.

DEPUTIES TO 2018 GENERAL CONVENTION - LAITY (CANON 10) 4 Clerical Deputies and 4 Clerical Alternates for 3-year terms. 4 Lay Deputies and 4 Lay Alternates for 3-year terms.

Ms. Diane Butler Cathedral of St. John Albuquerque, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 6 Confirmed in 1976 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? Serving as a deputy at the last three General Conventions has been invaluable in increasing my understanding of the governance and structure of The Episcopal Church, particularly in terms of the impact decisions make on individual dioceses. My experience on the Executive Council of TEC,

working with many creative leaders throughout the Church, has provided the opportunity to identify challenges facing today’s Church and to assist in creating positive solutions that will move us forward in building the Body of Christ. Additional ministry on numerous committees at the parish and diocesan level has helped me acknowledge God’s gift of talents and skills that enable me to connect with, listen to, and honor all people. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? We are living in “…“a world crying out for the good news of a God who is in the business of loving and blessing and making whole the broken people and broken systems of this world,” proclaimed the

Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers during an address to Executive Council. We, as members of this faith community, have the opportunity to re-imagine The Episcopal Church in ways that promote mission and reconciliation, and, that give voice to all people.. Our greatest challenge is in developing a willingness to put aside our affection for structures that haven’t worked for today’s Church. What sustains you in your spiritual life? The knowledge that we are all beloved children of God is primary in sustaining s my faith. My spiritual life is nurtured through the Holy Eucharist, daily meditation and prayer, and, by the love of friends and family. Service to the Church and to my community further strengthens my Christian life.

The Bishop’s recommended reading for Convention Jesus Today: A Spirituality of Radical Freedom “My focus is spirituality, not theology. We may deplore the present divorce between spirituality and theology, but since it is spirituality that deals with experience and practice, and theology that deals with doctrines and dogmas, my concern in this book is decidedly spiritual. This is not a book about Christology, the theological significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. It is a book about Jesus’ own spirituality, that is today, about the experience and attitudes behind what he said and did, what fired and inspired him.”

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2016 CONVENTION NOMINATIONS DEPUTIES TO 2018 GENERAL CONVENTION - LAITY (CANON 10) 4 Clerical Deputies and 4 Clerical Alternates for 3-year terms. 4 Lay Deputies and 4 Lay Alternates for 3-year terms.

Dr. Guy Gronquist Church of the Holy Faith Santa Fe, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 8 Confirmed in 2009 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? I am currently serving as Diocesan Treasurer, with Canonically defined responsibilities for the assets and monies of the DRG. I also serve as Chair of the Poverty and Outreach Board. I have served as Treasurer, and before that, Senior Warden, of my home parish of the Church of the Holy Faith, and currently serve as the Chair of the Search Committee, which has allowed me to come together with my colleagues to consider deeply the needs of the parish, what we desire in a priest and what the witness of Christians means in our day. Prior to

returning to the United States, I was the Lay Chair and Parish Treasurer of my Church in London for a number of years. I also currently serve on the Board of the Interfaith Community Shelter in Santa Fe, an organization that Holy Faith was instrumental in establishing. In addition, I am a member of the Investment Committee of the Museum of New Mexico Foundation, which manages the assets of the Foundation. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? The national church faces the challenge of making traditional worship relevant and meaningful in this day. We will meet this challenge if we live out or faith and hold true to our beliefs. As a geographically large and not very wealthy diocese, we continue to strive to build a sense of community and enter into fully the covenanted relationship that we have one with another, as

the Bishop is fond of saying. We will always be challenged to use our resources wisely, to exercise good stewardship – in the fullest sense of the word – and to live out fully our baptismal vows to be missionary people in a missionary diocese. But I remain optimistic that we are rising to these challenges and will continue to meet them confidently and filled with hope. A number of initiatives, whether the new Youth Missioner, or the invigorated Borderland or Hispanic ministries, are all examples that speak to this assurance about our future together in this diocese and our shared expectations. What sustains you in your spiritual life? The foundation of my spiritual life is the Eucharist every Sunday morning. It is the sine qua non. I also try to attend Evening Prayer at least once a week and am particularly enriched by the uplifting Evensongs that we hold on feast days. I am blessed to be in a parish where Christian fellowship is put into practice, and that helps sustain me in everything I do.

DEPUTIES TO 2018 GENERAL CONVENTION - LAITY (CANON 10) 4 Clerical Deputies and 4 Clerical Alternates for 3-year terms. 4 Lay Deputies and 4 Lay Alternates for 3-year terms. Ms. Cynthia Lose St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church Hobbs, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 8 Confirmed in 1973

Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? While in the Diocese of Milwaukee in the 1970’s, I was a member of the team to build our mission into an independent parish. While in the Diocese of Chicago, my work in the parish included serving on the altar and assisting with fundraising. My time in the Diocese of the Rio Grande has had me participating as a member of the Bishop’s Committee, and as Senior Warden. Currently, I am a Eucharistic Minister and Worship Leader. I have participated in Episcopal churches who were missions with 12 congregants and in a large city

well-established parish. My experience in the church has led me from “low” church through to “high Anglican” celebration. I have the ability to appreciate different traditions and make an effort to acknowledge how those traditions can be brought together to form a more unified body of Christ at the parish level. For the past four years, I have served as an elected member of COMB. I have learned about the ordination process, the effort and commitment that applicants put forth, and have had the privilege of being a liaison to some. This experience has taught me patience, understanding, and appreciation of the commitment this Diocese makes to each person as they travel their individual journeys to serve God. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? Hatred and intolerance are rampant in the world today. Lack of respect for diversity of God’s children is tearing us apart and creating a world of distrust, prejudice and inhumane treatment of God’s

creation. Our Diocese continues to be confronted with rural churches and a lack of ordained ministers to serve our Christians. Geography is sometimes the Diocese’s biggest enemy. On the bright side, our Diocese is loving and accepting of the gamut of Episcopal worship styles. We hold fast to Scripture, tradition and reason, and are strong examples to the world of the Episcopal experience. What sustains you in your spiritual life? Eucharist, prayer time, and interaction with others. Discovering ways that God has touched others’ lives is important, as it gives me an appreciation of the different ways the Holy Spirit can communicate with us and lets me know how pervasive God can be. Being a part of the Eucharist is always uplifting and supportive. The community activity reinforces God’s love for us and enables me to be loving to all those I meet. My prayer time has changed over the years, but I feel most in communication with God when I read structured commentaries on specific passages of Scripture and take the time to write my thoughts and reactions.

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2016 CONVENTION NOMINATIONS DEPUTIES TO 2018 GENERAL CONVENTION - LAITY (CANON 10) 4 Clerical Deputies and 4 Clerical Alternates for 3-year terms. 4 Lay Deputies and 4 Lay Alternates for 3-year terms.

Ms. Jeanie Locicero Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Silver City, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 2 Received in 1998 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? Since my reception into the Episcopal Church in 1998, I have been involved in the life of the church as either a volunteer or a paid staff member. I have served on church staffs as a Church School musician, Organist/Choirmaster, and Director of Christian Formation. As a church volunteer, I have worked with youth

groups and sung in the choir. This past summer I was Dean of Summer Fun week at Camp Stoney. I am currently the Vestry Clerk, Christian Formation liaison and a member of the choir. As a special education/music teacher I have worked in urban settings and in schools that serve a mostly underprivileged population. What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? One of the greatest opportunities of the Episcopal Church is the sense of “home” that people in various stages of spiritual development feel after attending a service. It is the responsibility of the church to foster and develop that feeling and use it to help spread “Jesus”. It is vital for the church to help those who have been hurt or damaged by the church because of their lifestyle or life circumstances to know that they

are loved. One of the biggest challenges in the DRG is the physical size of the diocese, the lack of clergy perhaps due to financial constraints, and a way to attract youth and young adults to the church. The immediacy of media can be used as a tool to help overcome the challenges. What sustains you in your spiritual life? Weekly Eucharist and daily morning prayer are the anchors to my spiritual life. I made my Cursillo in the summer of 2015 and served on the team this past summer. I am active with my reunion group and know that my group accountability in prayer, piety and action helps me to continue to grow in my Christian journey on the local level. I am also an EFM mentor and will be a year 4 student. This group and the theological reflections helps me to see beyond the immediate and into a more historical and global perspective of my faith.

DEPUTIES TO 2018 GENERAL CONVENTION - LAITY (CANON 10) 4 Clerical Deputies and 4 Clerical Alternates for 3-year terms. 4 Lay Deputies and 4 Lay Alternates for 3-year terms.

Dr. Victor J. Rizzo Church of the Holy Cross Edgewood, New Mexico Years in present congregation: 13 Received in 2004 Describe experiences and positions you have, or currently hold, in the church and the world that will have helped you prepare for serving in this position? I have served my parish and the Diocese in a variety of roles that prepare me for service as a General Convention Deputy. In addition, my forty years of experience working in community, business and collegiate organizations have taught how to work effectively in large and small groups. My experiences are:

• Deputy, General Convention (2015) • Diocesan Treasurer & Assistant Treasurer • Treasurer, Northwest Deanery

• Member, Mission and Outreach Board, Diocese of the Rio Grande

• Clerk, Northwest Deanery • Member, Vestry, Church of the Holy Cross, Edgewood, NM

• Delegate, Northwest Deanery • Vice President, Business Services (Chief Financial Officer), El Centro College, Dallas, Texas

• Vice President, Business Services (Chief Financial Officer), Eastfield College, Dallas, Texas

• Senior Consultant & Partner, Caruth Management Consultants, Inc., Dallas, Texas

• Hospital Administrator, Medicenters of America, Dallas, Texas What, in your opinion, are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande at this time? Numerous opportunities for service and growth exist within the Episcopal Church and the Diocese.

Our Church is blessed with a new Presiding Bishop who seeks to breathe a new sense of evangelism into each of us. Only through us will our Church grow. Likewise, Bishop Vono continues to create a sense of enthusiasm and opportunities to carryout God’s mission for the Diocese. The challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Rio Grande have not changed in recent years. The number of older congregants continues to increase; congregations are unable to attract minorities and young members; and the Church continues to struggle with the issues of race, sexuality, and gender. Lastly, too many congregations and dioceses lack the resources to address the needs of those lacking adequate food, clothing and shelter, and those afflicted by addiction. What sustains you in your spiritual life? The belief that God has a plan for his Church and that I have been called to play a small role in that plan.

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2016 CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS Resolutions to Convention (Canon 2) RESOLUTION # 1:

on December 11th, and that December 11, 2016, falls on a Sunday;

WHEREAS: December 7, 2016, marks the 75th year since the onset of hostilities in the Pacific, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and the beginning of World War II; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the 2016 Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande commends all congregations in the Diocese to the observance of the Feast Day of Fr. Ted Howden on Sunday, December 11, with the use of the Propers prescribed.

MARKING THE ONSET OF WORLD WAR II

WHEREAS: this Diocese is home to many who served at home and abroad, and the families of those who gave their lives that that this nation might remain free; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: This 64th Annual Convention commends to the congregations of the Diocese of the Rio Grande Wednesday, December 7, 2016, the observance of a Day of Prayer in remembrance of those who died and suffered loss on that day 75 years ago. -Submitted by the Rev. Canon Raymond Raney, Resolutions Chair

RESOLUTION #2:

COMMEMORATION OF THE REV. FREDERICK B. ‘TED’ HOWDEN WHEREAS: The Rev. Frederick B. “Ted” Howden Jr., as chaplain to the 200th Coast Artillery on the Island of Bataan, sacrificed his life by giving up his rations to others in the Japanese prison camps in the Philippines, and died of starvation induced pellagra on December 11, 1942; and WHEREAS: the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande annually observes Father Howden’s sacrifice

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The Diocese of the Rio Grande commends to the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music of The Episcopal Church the name of The Rev. Frederick B. ‘Ted’ Howden Jr. and urges the Commission to approve and recommend the inclusion of his name and date in the revision of the calendar officially known now as Lesser Feasts and Fasts to the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church to take place in Austin, Texas the summer of 2018. - Submitted by the Rev. Canon Raymond Raney For the Rt. Rev. Michael L. Vono

RESOLUTION #3

ENCOURAGING ORGAN DONATIONS WHEREAS: More than 123,000 American men, women, and children are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant and every day over 20 people will die while they are waiting; and

WHEREAS: Choosing to become an organ donor is one of the greatest opportunities today for those who seek to do good, save the lives of those who would die without help, give new hope to their families, and transform and improve lives by restoring sight, health, and wholeness to their fellow humans; and WHEREAS: It has been 25 years since The Episcopal Church at its 70th General Convention recommended and urged “all members of the Church to consider seriously the opportunity to donate organs after death that others may live, and that such decision be clearly stated to family, fiends, church, and attorney,” and since then the need is much more urgent; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Diocese of the Rio Grande, speaking through the 64th Annual Convention in Santa Fe, New Mexico, meeting October 27-29, 2016, encourage all members of this Diocese, regardless of age or medical history, to consider becoming a registered organ/tissue/cornea donor through their local Motor Vehicle Division office, through the websites (NMDonor.org or organdonationtexas.org), or by mailing a registration form provided at this meeting. - Submitted by Ms. Cathy Walters Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church, Los Alamos, New Mexico

WHEREAS: Every donor can save up to nine lives through the gift of organ donation, and improve the lives of up to 50 patients through cornea and tissue donation; and

Keeping the World Right side Up: The Jesus Movement in the Diocese of the Rio Grande MAY ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED REST IN PEACE The Rev. Maurice The Rev. George Gene Hutchins Hunt Peacock

September 30, 1927 – August 17, 2016 The Rev. Maurice Gene Hutchins was born September 30, 1927 on a ranch near Ishawooa, a town in Northwest Wyoming. He was the secondto-last of eight children. In high school he wrestled and played basketball. Upon graduating, he enlisted and served with the occupational army in Japan. Returning stateside, he got a degree in engineering from Colorado University. While there, he met his bride-to-be Beverly Tierney in the Rocky Mountain Rescue Patrol. He worked as an architectural engineer in Denver. He worked on the expansion of the stadium that held the Broncos in their inaugural year. In 1966, he was called to be a priest. He packed his family off to Nashotah House seminary in Wisconsin, and three years

later became “Father Gene”.

January 17, 1940 - July 5, 2016

Father Hutchins was active in Urban Indian Ministry both here in the Diocese of the Rio Grande and in the Diocese of Utah. He was elected Rector of St. Mark’s Church in Pecos, TX in the early ‘90s. When Father Hutchins and his wife, Beverly (now deceased), retired in 1994, they moved to Silver City, New Mexico where he served at Church of the Good Shepherd until his health prevented him from doing so. He never stopped being a priest. He read the lessons at the Veterans Administration in Truth or Consequences a month before his death.

The Rev. George Hunt Peacock M.D., 76, of Creede, Colo., passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, in Colorado Springs, Colo. He was born January 17, 1940, in Farmington to Windell and Mary Peacock. Dr. Hunt was a graduate of Stanford University, and was in the first medical class at UNM. He then enlisted in the Air Force and retired as a Lt. Col. Hunt was proud of the fact that he participated in “Operation Home Coming” during the Vietnam Conflict.

He is survived by two children (David and Catherine), two grandchildren, and two siblings (Carol Downing and Louis Hutchins). Services were at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Silver City on September 1.

After his military service he moved back home and practiced medicine until he retired a couple years ago. Among his many accomplishments he became an ordained Episcopal Priest. As a priest he

was very helpful in the community. Fr. Hunt was a doctor who healed the body to the best of his ability and would heal the spirit of those who were lucky enough to know him. He worked tirelessly with people who had trouble with alcohol and drugs. He saved and improved many lives. He is survived by his loving wife, Charolette Peacock; sons, Randall Peacock (Christina) of N.Y., Robert Peacock (Teresa) of Mass.; brothers, Alfred Smith of Fla., Scott Smith of Albuquerque; sister, Karen Kadunce of Virginia; and grandchildren, Max, Julian, Sam, Quinn and Riley. A memorial service took place July 9 at First United Methodist Church in Farmington, with Father Guy Mackey, Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, officiating.

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REST IN PEACE

Remembering The Reverend Canon Kenneth J.G. Semon, Ph.D., Rector September 18, 1945 – July 28, 2016 “For him, everything started at the altar…” By James L. Overton

He was a certified ski instructor, a Ph.D. in English literature who quoted Shakespeare, and a priest who translated Aramaic and Greek in gripping and erudite 10-minute homilies. He humbly followed without pretense the examples of St. Francis of Assisi, ministering to the needs of the homeless and advocating for those left behind. He mentored those on the pathway to priesthood. He loved great music and quietly brought one of Santa Fe’s acclaimed music groups to a nurturing home. He liked to curl up in unstructured moments with an old-fashioned mystery. He looked forward to retirement with Caroline, his wife and best friend. The Reverend Canon Kenneth J.G. Semon was a contemplative and spiritual leader known to countless souls in Santa Fe – priest to all, a friend of many and the spiritual anchor of our parish. Fr. Ken died July 28, 2016, from injuries sustained two days earlier in a road-biking accident near his home. He was 70. He had been the shepherd and spiritual leader of The Church of the Holy Faith since 2007, living, loving and leading by unequivocal example. “His prayer life was deep and disciplined,” observed Fr. Jim Gordon, who had followed Fr. Ken from acolyte, to deacon and then to the priesthood. “Fr. Ken loved to celebrate the Eucharist. For him, everything started at the altar. His faith, his teaching, his work in the community – all flowed from the remembrance of Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension.” Fr. Ken’s academic credentials followed his ministry, earning him the accolades of being “an excellent teacher and theologically focused preacher. “He lived life with passion, devotion and was totally committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the broader mission of God’s one holy, catholic and apostolic church,” said Bishop Michael Vono of the Diocese of the Rio Grande. “Ken was a very faithful priest, serious about his pastoral work with all people and deeply spiritual. Having these gifts and also being a wonderful administrator is not always common among clergy. He had both.” While Fr. Ken was comfortable with his spirituality, he also ran vestry meetings with executive authority, often with an outlined single-sheet agenda buttressed always by Roberts’ Rules of Order. Admitting to a preference for classic ink fountain pens, he exhibited a keen sense of when to open discussion and when to conclude business. Despite his early career as a college professor of English literature and a fascination for ancient Greek and Aramaic, he dismissed any pretense of being an intellectual. Often, teacher and preacher were inseparable. “I preach the Bible from the pulpit. I try to preach very simply,” Fr. Ken said of his sermons. “I don’t see myself as an intellectual, but this is a parish that honors learning. What the opposite of that is, I don’t know.” He credited a parish of learners for being the driving force behind a variety of Bible classes and renewed interest in the spiritual classics, along with prayer groups, missionary outreach and serving as a role model for other Episcopal churches in the diocese. Fr. Ken was also keenly aware of Holy Faith’s centuryplus history of community involvement. He was one of 40 or so faith and community leaders who met after two particularly brutal Santa Fe winters that saw about 50 deaths from hypothermia among the homeless. He set

about working to find a permanent location for a homeless shelter, one ultimately purchased by the city and renovated. He could be seen frequently supervising admittance or serving hot meals to the hundreds of homeless seeking solace on winter nights. “The shelter relies on the City of Santa Fe and the generosity of Santa Fe faith and community groups, but Fr. Semon was one of a handful of individuals without which it would not exist,” said Holy Faith parishioner Guy Gronquist, former chairman and current member of the shelter board. “He loved God, the church and people, and he loved celebrating Mass and serving the needs of the poor in Santa Fe,” Bishop Vono said. Over time, however, no ministry was too obscure for Fr. Ken’s reach. Known for his love of animals, Fr. Ken and other Holy Faith priests participated in the Santa Fe tradition of the “blessing of the animals” on All Saints Day – an outdoor service dedicated to critters of all sizes, shapes and species, secular and otherwise. Yet, his outreach extended beyond his parish flock. When Santa Fe’s acclaimed Desert Chorale needed a home for their artful voices, Fr. Ken urged the vestry to open the doors of unused space in Conkey House to the group for a modest fee. Today, some of the chorale’s voices celebrate the Sunday Choral Eucharist. “People look for worship that brings out the transcendence of God. Our liturgy is such. Our music is such. Those things are really important,” Fr. Ken said during an interview in 2014. In 2015, after more than thirty years as a priest and rector, Bishop Vono chose Fr. Semon to be one of his diocesan canons for ecumenical affairs. He was also elected chair of the diocesan Standing Committee and was a reader of the general ordination examinations for those who had finished their final theological exams in preparation for ordination. He mentored the same people whose exams he read. “Ken was certainly a man of great integrity and one whose personal conscience reflected a profound moral and ethical code of truthfulness, honesty and complete transparency,” Bishop Vono said. Fr. Ken was also a mentor to clergy new to the priesthood or to Holy Faith. “In 2011, Fr. Kenneth Semon welcomed me as the first woman priest on the staff at Holy Faith. For five years he was my teacher, colleague and spiritual friend, as we shared our faith, celebrated the glorious liturgies of the church and shared in the pastoral care of the congregation,” said retired Dean Peggy Patterson, former associate rector at Holy Faith. “He blessed my ministry and deepened my faith in ways I could never have

imagined possible. His strong faith in Jesus’ resurrection gave us faith.” Fr. Ken came to The Church of the Holy Faith as a temporary priest-in-charge in late 2007. After serving as interim priest for the parish, the church vestry, in an unprecedented display of solidarity, voted unanimously to make him rector. Along with a clear vision of his ministry and preaching the Gospel of Christ, Fr. Ken brought to our parish a worldview shaped by a unique body of experience. He was born into a Jewish family in Milwaukee, WI, and was bar mitzvah’ed at age 13. He converted to Christianity in his early 30s. He had earned a Ph.D. in English literature and taught at the University of Kentucky before attending SeaburyWestern Theological Seminary in Chicago and becoming a priest. He saw himself as Anglo Catholic – perhaps slightly evangelical – and revered the liturgy and choral traditions dating back to Anglican England. Fr. Ken found his way to the priesthood after a meeting with the Episcopal bishop in Lexington, KY. He and Caroline attended an Episcopal Church to celebrate their marriage. After a year or two, their priest suggested that Ken should meet the bishop. “The bishop liked professors to become perpetual deacons. I guess I was sent to him to talk about that,” Fr. Ken said in a 2014 interview. “I gave him all the reasons I shouldn’t be a deacon. The bishop looked across his desk and said, ‘You should be a parish priest.’ I left the office that day with a list of seminaries.” Fr. Ken and Caroline came to Holy Faith from Christ Church in Paradise Valley, AZ, where he was the rector for some nine years. Fr. Semon had been rector of other Episcopal parishes in Sturgis, MI, El Paso, TX, and St. Louis, MO. He had also served as a curate in Lake Forest, IL, and was an assisting priest in Vail, CO. Before coming to Holy Faith as priest-in-charge during a time of parish upheaval, Fr. Ken and Caroline had contemplated retirement, built a home in Taos, and planned to turn his recreational energy into his love of skiing and teaching at Taos Ski Valley (where he could nearly always be found once a week during the season.) In warmer weather, Fr. Ken kept in shape and close to nature by road biking, a sport made even more gratifying after knee replacement surgery in 2011. An avid reader with a passion for mysteries, he was an unabashed fan of the British author C.J. Sansom. Ironically, Samson’s protagonist involved himself in historically rich tales taken from the “headlines” of Tudor England and the conflicted beginnings of the Anglican Church during the time of Henry VIII. In addition to his wife, Caroline, Fr. Semon is survived by children Jennifer Muller (husband Adrian), Bristol, England; Kathy Johnston (husband Bill), Chicago, Illinois; Jeffrey Semon (wife Anne), San Jose, California; stepson Scott Maynard, Frankfurt, Kentucky; grandchildren Eleanor and Gabriel Muller; C.J., Allie, and Rusty Johnston; and Caitlyn and Kyra Semon. Editor’s Note: Overton was a member of the vestry 20092011

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YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Kids, clean up your mess! Take care of what is given to you by God By Ms. Madeleine Fazenbaker (now age 14) St. John’s Episcopal Church, Alamogordo

As a kid, we sit in church and we hear talk about stewardship. Most of us kids do not know what that means. Usually if it is discussed in church, it is about money and the need to give to support your church and its missions, for growth, or for maintenance. But the real meaning of the word is to take care of what is given to you by God. That is a really big statement, because it is supposed to reach to all corners of your life. We are really supposed to apply it to every aspect of our life. But we don’t. Because we only hear it in church, we apply it to church matters. But the fact is, if we were taught this in school, and taught that wasting time, resources, and effort was a bad thing we could partner that with the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have done unto you,” and we could arm our children today with a new strong perspective of how to live. When I was in public school I rarely heard anyone worried about waste. Teachers didn’t teach about it. They talked about conservation, and saving the earth, but that starts with small every day choices. How to make choices based on consequences is only taught as a math or science principle. Religious schools embrace this attitude of teaching morals and good choices, and besides their religious training, it is what they brag about as being what sets them apart from public schooling. But getting taught something in school does not guarantee that we will put those ideals into practice at home, in our everyday lives. My older sister did a community service/mission type project for years. I remember being at an event where there were teenagers my sister’s age and she was there to speak about the power of community service. Just before she was to speak, a teenage boy asked her, “Why do you do this? What did you do that was so bad, that you had to do this community service? Was this a probation

deal?” The boy that asked this question had no concept of why anyone would do something, for so long, unless it was a punishment. When she responded that she did this out of gratitude for the blessings in her life, the boy stood there with a blank stare. The idea that she chose to do this out of kindness, as a “pay it forward” gesture was beyond this teenager’s ability to understand. He didn’t get why anyone would do this unless they were forced to by some authority figure as punishment, and that thankfulness and pride could be achieved by selfless action. I doubt he had any background in faith or religion and I imagine he was a kid that had been spoiled his whole life. ---- Or possibly, he had some sort of legal probation experience in his life in which he had to do something he didn’t like! In our town, that is usually chopping weeds at the local fairgrounds parking lot before the County Fair, or some other work detail. Speaking of running a work detail, there is my neighbor who is a very religious person and believes she is teaching her kids to be the hands of God in a very “boot camp” manner! (She says that with a chuckle and a smile!) She is a self proclaimed neat freak, and can’t stand things to be messy or untidy. She has a need to have all things in place and spotlessly clean. But she uses this need, which she will tell you, borders on OCD, to the best use in her home as well as her outside life. She is the person who shames the lazy kids in the neighborhood into cleaning up the messes they make! Her kid’s friends respect her, and their parents are thankful that she treats their children the same way she treats her own: to be respectful of all that is around them, to value people, animals, the land and the Lord. She is a fun and good influence on our neighborhood. We all smile at the thought of what she brings to life on our street, and how she has improved the quality of the

community in our neighborhood. Life is messy; we have to learn to clean up after ourselves. We can’t walk around expecting others to clean up our mess. If we create a mindset that cleaning up our home or even our environment is punishment, we will never be happy with our fellow man. We will spend our lives finding the person who we think should be responsible for cleaning up after us and we will treat that person as beneath us. If we have the mindset that simple housekeeping is punishment and we have no reason to spend our valuable time doing it, then we have created an anti-stewardship mindset. There will come a time when you may have to clean up after someone else. Sure you’re not going to like to do the stinky jobs, the dirty jobs, the messy work, but if you see it as something that just has to be done, because the result will be worth it, you can take pride that your Father in Heaven is proud of you. If God has blessed you with the ability to physically take care of your own needs, then you should be thankful and use those abilities every day of your life. Be a good steward of your mindset, your body, your environment, your family, your community and your personal relationship with God. I urge you to value all the many things God gave you. We take so much for granted, and it could all be gone tomorrow.

Wings Back to School Party lights the year ahead By Shelly Currier Director, Wings for L.I.F.E.

Andy’s Hall and the Courtyard at St. Andrew’s, Roswell, were filled with laughter and excitement as children, teens and adults moved from one game challenge to another collecting prizes from each time they won. The Ninth Annual Wings for L.I.F.E. Back to School Party held Sunday, August 7th at 4:30 p.m. had a record number of 150 in attendance this year. Games included bean bag toss, potato sack and three-legged races, wooden egg on the end of a wooden spoon race, and tug of war. Because of the large number of children and youth this year, many of the children formed teams to reduce the wait. One of our strong male volunteers, Will, decided to take on several children and teens in the tug of war. What fun! He was flat on the ground pulling those kids over the line. For those who were the thinkers, there were two games of concentration that challenged the mind. This year, a group of very talented artists from “Let’s Play” donated their time and talents to perform face painting. Amazing works of art were noticed on children’s faces. As for the adults who were not busy chauffeuring their children from game to game, there was BINGO with the grand prize being a $25.00 Gift Certificate from Target (a Wings sponsor last year for United Way). Pizza from Domino’s and delicious cookies from our cookie guru, Rita Doerhoefer. who with one shoulder in a sling, managed to bake 200 chocolate chip cookies for this event, fed our hungry game participants. For me, the highlight each year is Fr. Dale’s blessing of the backpacks. The final after dinner game was the Limbo, with the winner receiving a $25 gift certificate from Target. Sheryl Sumrow, 13 years old, who won last year, was again the Limbo champion. Her backbend was almost to the floor. She has been with Wings for L.I.F.E. since she was pre-school age. As children and teens made their way to receive their backpacks, I asked, “Did you have a good time.” The resounding “yes” made all the time invested in this event worthwhile for my staff and me. One parent’s written response on the survey was, “Thank you for everything! You have blessed us and made a difference in our children’s lives.”

Fun in the Potato Race

On that note, many thanks must be given to those supporting this event. Roswell Sertoma supplied the backpacks. Molina Healthcare Fr. Dale Blesses Backpacks provided most of the supplies that filled the backpacks. Agape Children’s Legal Services provided the pizza from Domino’s (our pizza supplier for almost all our events). First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church also contributed. Of course St. Andrew’s is the warm and inviting place to hold this party. There are also several St. Andrew’s parishioners that I label our “angels” that contribute each year to this and many other events. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my wonderful staff and volunteers who filled close to 200 backpacks with lots of supplies, set up the stations and manned them as well, delivered the pizza to each table, and helped in the cleanup. Wings for L.I.F.E. is very blessed indeed to have such wonderful support. Thank you Fr. Dale, Sharon, and Thomas for always being there and of course a big hug to our lemonade maker and photographer, Charlie. Parishioners may see me lighting candles every Sunday. I do this because I know I have a wonderful God who is the light of my life and who answers prayers and has given me this opportunity to help those in need in our community, and, most importantly, has let me be part of this wonderful church whose outreach touches so many lives.

Young entrepreneurs grace the Farmer’s Market

Creative business training at St. Andrew’s, Roswell

By Ms. Donna Addkison Director, Christian Education & Community Engagement

In partnership with New Mexico State University, St. Andrew’s Roswell was the site of Roswell’s first Camp Innoventure, an exciting week of learning how to start your own business, and then actually doing it! Students brainstormed business ideas based on their own interests, wrote mission and vision statements, drafted short business plans, AND created a product to be sold at our local Farmers’ Market on the final day (Saturday) of camp. All of the campers were successful in selling their products, and one business ‘owner’ took orders for additional product!

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YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Reflecting on a Successful Summer at Camp By Katie Telehany Camp Stoney Director

A group of firemen will be coming for two weeks of training exercises in the woody environs surrounding the camp. Then as we shift into late fall and winter, families will be arriving to take advantage of the hospitality available at the retreat house. Fall and winter also hold wonderful opportunities to enjoy God’s splendor in the natural beauty at Bishop’s Ridge. The summer counselors share a closing lunch with Bishop Vono, Canon Raymond Raney and Mary Jewell at Harry’s Roadhouse in Santa Fe.

As I’m sitting in my office listening to the thunderstorm outside, I suddenly realize how quiet and empty the lodge feels now that camp is over. For two months, there had been a constant feeling of energy about the place. While the summer sessions of Camp Stoney were under way, there was always something going on. You could hear the sounds of campers playing on the field or smell lunch being prepared in the kitchen. There was a constant flow of staff and volunteers leading, preparing or cleaning up different activities. Laughter echoed from the back porch in the evenings, a hum of activity emanated from the cabins, and the sound of splashing came from the pool. Over the course of the summer, campers of various ages experienced Quidditch during Harry Potter camp, plays during Narnia camp, rafting during adventure camp, and numerous other activities. And throughout the summer, campers and staff alike became re-energized in faith and fellowship. Now everything seems so still. There’s no singing, no laughter, no games. It seems it’s time for recharging and reflection - a brief respite before the camp shifts into fall and winter mode. In no time at all, schools will be arriving to take advantage of the lodge and grounds as summer transitions into fall.

The property almost looks like a completely different place once the snows fall. There are still periods of time without reservations so you, your church community, or your family may want to check into using the facility during this upcoming season. As I am shifting gears from summer camp into fall and winter activities, I have to acknowledge that this was an amazing summer! We had almost 150 registrations, 60 of those being repeats from last summer. I was privileged to have a truly inspiring counseling staff and a wonderful crew of volunteers. Enrollment was up at every single camp session over the previous summer for which I am truly grateful. I do have to say this was one of the best summers I’ve ever experienced at Camp Stoney. (Yes, I realize I say that almost every year. That just means each year is just that great, right?) And before we all know it, the seasons will have turned and we will be beginning the planning process for another camping season at Camp Stoney - the fiftieth anniversary of this amazing opportunity for children and adults to experience nature and grow in God’s grace. So, I hope to see and hear from each one of you as we experience ALL the seasons here at camp and begin to plan the biggest and best Camp Stoney season ever - the fiftieth anniversary sessions at camp!

A Most Successful Season of Camping For Summer 2016

Looking Forward to 50th Anniversary

As we look forward to next summer and the 50th anniversary of Camp Stoney, this was a year of growth and excitement thanks to the many volunteers who helped out. “I praise God and our Lord Jesus Christ for all the hours donated by the volunteers from our congregations who helped out at Camp Stoney this summer,” said Bishop Michael Vono. “This was a most successful summer, and I look forward to an even better summer next year.” It was with boundless energy and effort that more than 60 volunteers gave of their time this summer in camps that ranged from family fun and rafting adventure to the fantasies of Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia. Nearly 150 campers celebrated God’s creation this year, and found the Holy Spirit on grounds of Bishop’s Ridge.

Summer 2017 50 years of Wonder

In 2017 Camp Stoney will welcome back all those alumni who have made the Camp a magnet for youth in the Diocese. The tentative summer 2017 schedule calls boundless joy and fun.

• Week of May 28 – Staff

Training • June 4-10 Family Camp and Alumni Week • June 11-17 Senior High Fantasy Camp • June 18-24 Adventure Camp • June 25-July 1 Summer Fun

• July 2-8 Harry

PotterCamp • July 9-15 Episcopal Youth Event • In Oklahoma City • July 16-22 Narnia Camp • July 23-29 Grace Camp

The Narnia warrior Face changing We love Camp Stoney

Narnia camp plays out

Senior fantasy with armor

Face changing

Summer fun can be colorful

Running is good

The Hogwarts potion master

Special characters

Narnia characters line up

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WOMEN’S MINISTRY Telling the Daughters of the King Story for the past 120 Years The Order of the Daughters of the King is a vibrant, international, ecumenical Sisterhood of women and girls who seek to live out their Baptismal vows in relationship with Christ and each other, through the shared disciplines of Prayer and Service and Evangelism to women and girls. There have been chapters of Daughters of the King in the Diocese of the Rio Grande for 120 years. The first chapter formed at the Cathedral only 11 years after the founding of the Order. Nearly 40 Daughters gathered at Good Shepherd Church in Silver City to celebrate that history and look forward to the future during their Assembly on August 5-6. The weekend started with a Justice and Mission Tea, fashioned after the workshop at Triennial in 2015 given by the Rev. Becca Stevens. We brewed tea for one another and shared our stories. Throughout the rest of the weekend Daughters looked at their history in the Diocese as a way to use our stories to evangelize for the future. The Rev. Jan Hosea, Diocesan Chaplain, led the group in a discussion of evangelism. Each attendee developed an ‘elevator speech’ to explain what their cross and lives as Daughters mean to their faith walk. New Diocesan Treasurer, Barbara Weaver, was elected and joins the DOK Board: Cynthia Davis, President; Cynthia Anne Ruth and Christine Courtney, Vice Presidents; Linda Brown, Secretary; Marta Gallegos, Service Chair; and Ann Merrick, Prayer Chair; who work together for the growth of the Daughters in the Diocese. Next year’s Assembly will be in Carlsbad next July. There will be a Christmas Party and Cookie Exchange at the Bosque Center on December 17. If you have questions about Daughters of the King, contact diocesan president Cindy Davis ([email protected]), or your parish priest. You can view a video about the history of Daughters on the website (www.drgDaughters.blogspot.com) and learn more about Daughters in the Diocese of the Rio Grande.

The Rev. Jan Hosea, Diocesan Chaplain, leads a discussion of evangelism

Women build connection, community, and a path out of homelessness

By Ms. Amy Malick Missioner to the Homeless

An unlikely group of emerging leaders is building a model of connection, and community. Two years ago, the diocesan Mission to the Homeless started a weekly group for women experiencing homelessness. Since then, more than 50 women have rotated through Monday morning gatherings at the Coffee Shop in downtown Albuquerque to share coffee, stories and support. Twelve women have emerged as leaders and form the core group. The format is simple – an hour and a half of sharing ups, downs, and stories around a topic of the day. The women took the lead in naming the group, Women’s Circle of Empowerment, and establishing and monitoring their own guidelines for the meeting. They take turns facilitating meetings. Over time, a few women who have never experienced homelessness have joined the group, as participants rather than “fixers.” The women support each other by listening, sharing tips for surviving and thriving, and speaking truth to each other in a way people who haven’t walked in their shoes could never do. “Be sure you leave the house,” one woman advised another who told us this we week she finally had gotten an apartment. “Once you finally have your own place, it’s so easy to stay home and isolate from community.” What’s resulted from a simple format is profound. In two years, nearly all the women have been housed, and they credit in part the support of their peers as they navigate the challenging maze of agency guidelines and requirements for housing assistance, and as they adjust to having their own place.

The group has big dreams to advocate for better lives for women living on the margins of Albuquerque society. Women who two years ago were living in shelters, cars and on the street now have gained the stability and confidence to give back to the community. Here’s a sampling of how they’re serving: • Governing board member, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless. • Mentor, ArtStreet, a community art studio at Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless. • Staff member, Trinity House Catholic Worker, which provides shelter for women and children. • Outreach in Robinson Park to people experiencing homelessness • Volunteer, Community of Hope • Entrepreneur, sewing and crafts business • Fun with Art leader, UNM Psychiatric Center One has stepped up as a resource to a committee at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church working to address the challenge of homelessness in its neighborhood. Two members took part in a brainstorm with a downtown Catholic church about starting a faith-based network to work on challenges of homeless hospitality. A group of the women attended a groundbreaking at the Barrett House shelter for women to learn more about available resources. We now are planning an action with the Albuquerque City Council, challenging councilors to ride the city bus for a week to experience the challenges people without cars face getting to jobs and appointments. As these new leaders emerge, we might very well want to call them the “Women’s Circle of Connection, and Community.”

The Women’s Circle of Empowerment enjoys refreshments at a groundbreaking at the Barrett House women’s shelter.

Upcoming Women’s retreat looks at YOU puzzle By Elaine A Wilson

The 5th Annual Bosque Center Gathering on November 18-19 offers a unique opportunity for fellowship, worship, and delving into YOU...Yearning, Owning, Understanding the Puzzle Pieces of your Life. Bring yourself, your Bible, Book of Common Prayer, and friends to share in exploring ways to “hands on” strengthen your personal worship undergirding your daily life. Because God is active in our lives, we all have Yearnings. Some of these have come to fullness, others have not. We must Own and recognize where we are on our journey. This will help us Understand how everything that happens is part of the Puzzle of our life. Set within the structure of collective group-worship, we will journey together through an examination of how long-sought, personal life-dreams can become reality in everyday life with the efficient use of the basic tools used across centuries within our Christian heritage. Our guide on this personal spiritual quest will be Elaine Wilson, an active life-long laywoman in the Episcopal Church, a member of your Cathedral, and a graduate of Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. God’s inspiration in her life led her beyond 25 years as a professional, creative liturgical artist into the presentation of a variety of classes on Bible and Church history topics. Her easy-to-understand background information has become part of the weekly email Bible study created by the Women of the Diocese of the Rio Grande. (Send your email address to [email protected] to receive this free, one-of-a-kind data available to both men and women.) E-mail Cindy Davis, Coordinator of Women’s Ministries ([email protected]) if you aren’t yet on the e-news list. You can also check out upcoming events and registrations on the women’s website (VarietiesOfGifts.blogspot. com) and on the Women’s page on Facebook (Facebook.com/WomensMinistryOfDRG). Registration for the Bosque Center Gathering is available on the women’s website.

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CONGREGATIONS A Long Distance Ordination

By The Very Rev. Canon Michael Perko At the end of July, the Diocese of the Rio Grande celebrated what surely is its longest-distance ordination in recent history. On July 27, CDR (CH) Jon Conroe was ordained an Episcopal priest by the Rt. Rev. Jay Magness, the Suffragan Bishop for the Armed Forces, on behalf of Bishop Michael Vono. The ordination took place at Emmanuel Church, Kailua, Hawaii, where Chaplain Conroe, currently ministering as Deputy Force Chaplain, U.S. Marine Forces, Pacific, served his deacon internship.

Chaplain Conroe, previously a Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod pastor, was the first ordinand in a new collaborative program between the Diocese of the Rio Grande and the Office of the Suffragan for the Armed Forces. This allows federal chaplains from other denominations to enter the ordination process through our Diocese and be mentored by diocesan clergy as they transition to the Episcopal Church.

Terlingua Visitation Fr. Paul Moore and Martha Staffford prepared the altar for the Eucharist at the church of Santa Inez Terlingua, Texas in April 2016. Fr. Moore is the chair of the Rio Grande Borderland Ministries of which Santa Inez is apart.

Father Michael Perko, the liaison between the Diocese and the Office of the Suffragan Bishop, and Chaplain

Bishop Magness is flanked by Canon Perko and Fr. Conroe.

Conroe’s mentor, represented the Diocese at the ordination, acting as one of Chaplain Conroe’s presenters and Bishop Magness’s chaplain. Several local clergy participated in the service, including Bishop Richard Chang, the retired Bishop of Hawaii. The evening’s celebration ended with a festive reception provided by the welcoming congregation of Emmanuel Church. The Diocese of the Rio Grande justly is proud of this collaborative relationship, unique in the Episcopal Church, that allows us directly to serve our Armed Forces. We anticipate that Chaplain Conroe will be the first of a number of ordinands to take part in this program.

Chapel of the Good Shepherd restored at Holy Faith

By the Rev. Jim Gordon It already was a lovely space, but the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at The Church of the Holy Faith is now more beautiful, thanks to an extensive renovation. Increased attendance at Holy Faith’s 7:30 a.m. Sunday service, often requiring the bringing in of folding chairs to supplement the existing permanent chairs, spurred the church to ponder the renovation, which would include the installation of pews. As with many a restoration project, one thing led to another. Not only did the chairs go out and beautiful pews go in, but out went the blue carpet and in went a beautiful, hardwood floor. Skylights also were put in, and many other changes made to give the chapel a cleaner look. The budget came both from endowment returns earmarked

for capital improvements and from congregational pledges; the pledge goal was met and almost doubled within three weeks. This generosity enabled endowment funds slated for the chapel to be used in a needed renovation of the kitchen adjoining the chapel, plus a new narthex addition for the chapel. Prominent in assisting the project were parishioners Bob Parker, who oversaw construction; Bill Neuhaus, who gave architectural assistance; Mitzi Barker, who helped in design and color coordination; Junior Warden Van Horn, who kept the project on track; and the church’s rector, the late Rev. Ken Semon, whose vision helped produce the chapel’s clean look. The chapel, kitchen and narthex construction was completed in less than six months.

By Sr. Joan Brown, OSF Director of NM Interfaith Power & Light This summer we have all witnessed some of the effects of climate change. Now is the moment for faith communities to understand their particular role within the context of many societal challenges, to which climate change acts as a multiplier effect. Some say we are entering emergency mode similar to when we recognize our house is on fire. Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, Episcopal priest has written an essay that answers the question, “When faith communities understand the climate crisis and enter emergency mode, what roles do we play?” the entire essay can be accessed at https://www.diocesewma.org/wpcontent/uploads/2016/07/How-can-faith-communitiesaddress-the-climate-crisis-revised.pdf. Here are a few keypoints from her lengthy essay. Address helplessness People who are secretly worried about climate change often don’t take action because they feel helpless and overwhelmed. Entrusting ourselves to God can release within us unexpected power “to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Face facts People of faith are committed to the search for truth. Faith communities have the capacity to face facts, tell the truth, and dismiss denial. Christians can direct a gaze to suffering, the reality of the cross and perceive God in the midst of suffering that leads to transformation. Provide vision “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV). Offer hope The climate crisis challenges all our cherished hopes. Faith communities offer a context in which to explore and take hold of the kind of hope

that does not depend on outward circumstances but that emerges from a deep and irrepressible place in the human spirit. Renew love Climate change is a “threat multiplier” that exacerbates existing problems, such as poverty, hunger, terrorism, refugees, racism, militarism, etc. Like every other group, religious groups can be hijacked by fear and become sources of discord and violence. Yet the deep message of religion in transformational love. Give moral guidance The climate crisis raises existential questions about the meaning, purpose, and value of human life. What is our moral responsibility to future generations? What does it mean to be human? Encourage reconciliation and seek consensus The climate crisis includes both victims and offenders. To some degree (though to quite different degrees) all of us bear some responsibility for the crisis. At the same time, all of us have a part to play in healing the damage and contributing to a better future. Allow emotional response The climate crisis can make us go numb. Faith communities can give us practices, teachings, and rituals that allow us to feel, express, accept, integrate and act. Offer pastoral care Faith communities can provide practical and spiritual assistance during climate-related disasters. One leader involved in this kind of preparation comments that congregations can be “sanctuaries of hope in times of disasters.” Heighten reverence for nature In a society that treats the natural world as an object to master, dominate, and exploit, faith communities can call us back to the sacredness of the Earth.

Inspire bold action Faith communities have a long history of leading movements for social and environmental justice, from child labor to women’s rights, peace, the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement. Faith communities tap into our capacity to dedicate ourselves to a cause that is greater than our personal comfort and self-interest which stems from faith. This is our work. This is our call as people of faith and houses of worship. NMIPL offers several opportunities over the fall to help you with your call. Sept 1-Oct 4 Month Long Season of Creation September 1 was proclaimed World Day of Prayer for Creation by the Orthodox Church in 1989. Last year Pope Francis joined other Christian leaders in this call last year. Now it is a month of prayer and action from Sept. 1- Oct. 4 (St. Francis Day) with many resources on the internet. October 16 World Food Day Wherever you are in New Mexico you can gather faith communities to celebrate. Contact NMIPL, which is organizing with people in various areas. The Albuquerque Interfaith Prayer will be Sunday, Oct. 16, 3-4:30 at First Unitarian Church. The theme is “One Earth, One Home, One Table”. Also NMIPL now has resources for congregational action around food waste and to invite Meatless Mondays. Contact us at [email protected]. Cool Congregations Looking for ways to plan a green congregation? Would you like to get recognition for your work and even money? Check out http://www.coolcongregations.org/ start-up-kit/. Looking for ways to finance solar contact info@nm-ipl.

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CONGREGATIONS Brotherhood of St. Andrew to meet in Los Lunas September 24 By the Rev. Deacon Tom Bates

The men at St. Mathew’s in Los Lunas are hosting a meeting of the BStA. We would very appreciate your attendance. A good attendance from the men in the Albuquerque churches would be great as we could then discuss the formation of an Assembly North. St Mathew’s is at 400 Huning Ranch Loop West, exactly one mile west of I-25 on NM Hwy 6. Our plan is to gather at St. Mathew’s Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. for coffee and fellowship. Have Morning Prayer at 10:00 and meet at 10:30. Roy Benavides, Province President of the BStA/ Diocesan Co-coordinator, and I will make short presentations and answer your questions. We plan to discuss how to form a new chapter, how to help you make your meetings and BStA activities more successful, why assemblies north and south, etc. We’ll pass out literature and get to know one another. We’ll wrap up with a Dutch treat lunch at Teofilos in Los Lunas at noon. Please join us. Blessings.

Musically Talented Duo Visits Saint John’s Farmington By Robert Tansey

Brother Louis Welcher and Brother Andee Book of the Anglican Order of Preachers visited Saint John’s, Farmington the first week of June. Beginning on Sunday, June 5, with Brother Welcher preaching and Brother Andee at the organ, the two gentlemen graced Saint John’s congregation with four days of teaching, singing and playing of music. Initially appearing in the garb of their Dominican-based order, the two relaxed into more informal style of dress through the week as they shared both history and theology behind many of the hymns in The Hymnal 1982. Brother Louis, retired from the University of Arkansas as a Professor of Music, also formerly toured with opera companies in Europe. Brother Andee teaches at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. A shared meal followed the discussions and music each evening, and on the final night Brother Louis thrilled the group with a stirring rendition of the “Ave Maria” by Schubert, and Brother Andee showed more of his extended skill set, moving from his role as pianist to that of cook, bringing home-made pies, Chicken and Dumplings of a true southern style as well as made-from-scratch yeast rolls for the final pot-faith-meal.

St. Andrew’s “Night at the Ballgame”

Mr. Duane Evans St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Roswell, NM In the grand tradition of America’s past time, the good people of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church sponsored and attended a baseball game at Joe Bauman Stadium in Roswell. Forty congregants and invited guests held a tailgate party prior to the season-ending game of the Roswell Invaders of the Pecos League on July 28, 2016. To kick things off, Mrs. Janet Macaluso, choir director of St. Andrew’s choir, performed the National Anthem to thundering applause. Evoking the memories of “Preacher” Rowe, former major league pitcher, St. Andrew’s “Preacher,” Father Dale Plummer – a “rightie – delivered the opening pitch. The pitch was later described by the Invader’s catcher as “high and tight!” It should be noted that he put “heavenly

Father Dale Plummer throws out the first pitch.

heat” on the ball and did not bounce it in. Way to go, Padre! The tailgate party was well attended and included members of the Invaders’ families. The pot luck affair was so popular that, after the contest, many of the players shared in the remaining food. In addition to the tickets accessible at the gate, the church provided fifty tickets that were made available to people otherwise unable to attend this event. It was agreed that this initial event will be continued in the coming season. By the way, the Invaders emerged victorious over the Pup Fish of White Sands, 8 to 7. Congratulations to all.

Members of St. Andrew’s tailgate in the shade.

UTO – Giving Thanks By Ms. Rickie Sherrill Diocesan UTO Coordinator.

To Whom: All the grateful members of parishes and missions in The Diocese of the Rio Grande (DRG

churches and missions in the DRG, covering all of New Mexico and Southwest Texas.

What: Churches in the DRG have individual collections, called” ingatherings”, that support programs mostly for women and children in need living all over America and foreign countries who qualify for grants. The DRG usually receives one grant per year. These grants are for programs that are beyond the scope of the church’s budget. The process for funding is decided by the women on the national UTO committee. One of my favorite grants went to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Episcopal Church, Roswell, that received a grant for an after school program for children whose parents are incarcerated. Think how UTO and St. Andrews impacted these innocent children!

When: We have “ingetherings” twice a year, near Assumption and All Saint’s Day. Some churches will want to have their collections before Convention, if they want to bring and present their donations at the Eucharist at Holy Faith, Santa Fe, during our 2016 Convention. The collection is a fun time for those who want their churches recognized as participants.

Where: Collections come from

Why: Because we are very blessed and grateful for our many blessings, and we want to increase the circle of thanks as well as help those who have no other resources. I personally am grateful for the rain that quenched our thirsty land this summer, our clean air and water, and fabulous vistas all over the diocese. Mostly, I am super grateful and mindful of the women and men who help our “ingatherings” be successful in all of our churches in the DRG. They are magnificent! Count your blessings and participate in your church’s United Thank Offering. Gracias a Dios, Thanks be to God.

San Gabriel Shares Ramadan Dinner

Just three days after the bombings in Istanbul’s airport in June, 23 members of San Gabriel’s shared a Ramadan Iftar (fast breaking) dinner with the Turkish Muslim community of Albuquerque. Mutual commitments to non-violence, stopping acts of terror, and overcoming hatred with love were shared by all present. Pictured are (seated) Muhsine and Charlie Smith, a member of San Gabriel’s and (standing) Rhonda McIntire, Rector, and Necip Orhan, the Executive Director of The Turkish Dialogue Institute and Raindrop Foundation Albuquerque.

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SENIORS AT THE BOSQUE Jazz at the Bosque treats seniors

Brunch

Jazz &

Nearly 100 of the Matriarchs and Patriarchs of the Diocese of the Rio Grande gathered at the Bosque Center on July 8 to share brunch with the Bishop and Diocesan Staff. The gathering was the second gathering of the beloved elders of the Diocese following the Spring Fiesta at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in El Paso. All gathered in the Bosque Dining Room to be entertained and feted with luncheon served by the Diocesan staff.

with the Bishop

Tables are filled with the Bishops honored guests

Bishop shares plans for a Bosque Chapel

Bishop Vono welcomes his guests.

Lisa Katz-Ricker greets the dining room filled with diners. Deacon Patty Soukup checks that all is well.

Mary Jewell helps out with busing tables.

Tables are filled with the Bishops honored guests

The mission congregation was officially organized in April of 1891 by Bishop John Miles Kendrick, and an adobe chapel (still standing!) was built the following year. In part because the original church had neither kitchen nor restrooms, in 1970 Epiphany built a new facility across from NM Tech. For many years, the Parish Hall was also the worship space, but in 1989 our new church was consecrated. The highlights of our celebration included a presentation on the St. John’s Bible by the Rev. Michael Drinkwater from the Cathedral, a memorial concert on our beautiful Steinway grand piano, a pilgrimage from the original church to our current home, and finally, a gala brunch and the unveiling of our history, “From Strength to Strength,” written by parishioner Kathryn Albrecht.

Retired Vicar the Rev. Woody Peabody celebrates.

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Bishop & Publisher

The Rt. Rev. Michael L. Vono, D.D.

Editor

The Rev. Cn. Raymond Raney

By Ms. Kathryn Albrecht

Editorial Board

The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, in Socorro, NM, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Bishop John Miles Kendrick “organized the mission” in April of 1891. Of the sixty parishes gracing our modern diocese, Epiphany is the eighth oldest. Thus, in addition to planning festivities for this festal year, folks at Epiphany thought it hightime that ‘someone’ write a history of our long-lived mission church.

Rev. Cn. Raymond Raney, Chair The Very Rev. Mark Goodman The Rev. Cn. Stephen Caldwell Ms. Lisa Katz-Ricker Ms. Mary Jewell

Graphic Designer Ms. Kathy Montoya

I thought this was a great idea and, rather naively, volunteered for the task. Although I’m a minor newsprint columnist and enjoy reading history as my bedtime story, I had never before conducted historical research. Thus, I was in for a BIG awakening! I’m relieved to say: From Strength to Strength — The First 125 years of Epiphany Episcopal Church, Socorro, New Mexico (LithExcel press) is the bright and shiny result of our research!

But interestingly, we found the richest accounts of parish life in the Rio Grande bishops’ yearly addresses to Convocation/Convention, plus in the detailed annual parish reports upon which those succinct yet thorough presentations were based. Both the progress of each congregation, plus their hard times of struggle are reflected therein. This treasure-trove is located in the DRG archives at the Institute of Historical Survey Fdn, Mesilla Park — most ably curated by Dr. Evan Davies and staff. In the process of compiling a parish history, especially of days long-gone, wondrous stories emerge from the daily drudge and drama of establishing and maintaining missionary churches in Territorial and early-statehood New Mexico. So few priests and such great distances! So little money and such determined faith! For instance, even the State Historic Preservation Office had never known the exact year that Epiphany built its first sanctuary (still standing and sporting a SHPO plaque). We, of course, pinpointed that date. No one had suspected that an edifice would have been completed

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Together is a bi-monthly publication of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande.

Delving into the past brightens the future in Socorro

I interviewed all the old-time, “life-long” Socorro Episcopalians I could and this gave me our story from the mid-1960s, forward. But what about those previous 75 years? Gulp … I found old, fraying Service and Sacrament registers (usually held by each parish under lock and key in fireproof safes) to be valuable, recording snippets of the lives of long-passed communicants and pastors.

NONPROFIT US Postage

PAID

Permit 229 ABQ, NM

We were delighted to have many community members join us for these events. Our Folk Mass group, parish choir and children’s choir treated us to special music, and to make our rejoicing complete, our Vicar Emeritus Woody Peabody

Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande

The Church of the Epiphany in Socorro NM celebrated its 125th anniversary in May, stretching this momentous occasion over two weeks, beginning appropriately on Pentecost Sunday!

6400 Coors Blvd., NW

Albuquerque, NM 87120

Epiphany Socorro celebrates 125 years of mission

SUBMISSIONS:

Editorial comment and correspondence may be mailed to: Diocesan House 6400 Coors Blvd., NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 Submissions and Inquiries should be emailed to: [email protected]

PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSIONS

the same year that the charter was granted. But over four years, hopeful Episcopal women had been raising money and buying land for just that purpose. The minute the Bishop gave the nod with his contribution, those gals had the adobes made, the walls put up and the roof put on! Socorro’s newest congregation was worshiping in their lovely little “country Gothic” chapel by New Year’s Day! We modern Epiphanites also reclaimed the knowledge that the legendary rail-riding and circuit-walking preacher, Hunter Lewis, was Epiphany’s priest-incharge from 1928 to 1941 — growing our tottering parish throughout the Great Depression. What a marvelous discovery to make! I heartily encourage all of you folks who have not yet written or updated your congregation’s equally thrilling hi-story — from this vantage of the early 21st Century — to “get ‘er done!” There is a future and your parish’s past is prologue! You will be supported. It’s an arduous and rewarding joy. You may share in ours by contacting Rev. Linda Wilson at [email protected] or by calling the author at 575-838-1103 to order a copy of our sweet little 50-page history book — for practically a song!

Please submit high resolution photographs with stories to ensure the best possible print reproduction. Email to: [email protected]

2016 TOGETHER PUBLICATION SCHEDULE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 Submission deadline: October 14 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Submission deadline: December 9

Cover Photo:

Photo by Raymond Raney Autumnal Skies Santa Fe National Forest Santa Fe, New Mexico

SUBSCRIPTION

Visit the Diocesan website at www. dioceserg.org for archive copies of the newsletter. If you wish to subscribe to the Diocesan weekly e-mail newsletter, send an e-mail to [email protected].