Category: Advent & Christmas Calendar

Advent Calendar Day 11: Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicne

Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine

Quote . . .Nearly 20 years ago, Dr. Jack McConnell, a retired physician, set out to create a culture of caring for the medically underserved of South Carolina. His vision was realized in 1994 when a new, no-cost clinic known as Volunteers in Medicine opened its doors. Today, more than half of the states in the nation have Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) clinics. That vision is now a part of the Coachella Valley. (Information brochure for the Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine)

Our Forum member, Suzanne, is a volunteer nurse at the Indio Clinic.

Mission Statement

“The Mission of the Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine is to provide a no-cost Primary Health Care Service to medically underserved people residing in the Coachella Valley” (Clinic brochure)

The Clinic address is 81-880 Dr. Carreon Drive Suite B-103 in Indio. Phone number 760-342-4414

For the rest of the story download or view the Feasibility Study that launched the Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine Clinic (18 MB PDF file). Hear what the Spirit is saying.

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Our Vision

In 2007, a group of concerned local citizens convened at JFK Memorial Hospital. They recognized an enormous gap in access to primary care services for the poor and medically uninsured, and set out to explore viable solutions for addressing the problem.

A feasibility study was commis­sioned to review the utilization of health care services and the demographics of patients served in Eastern Riverside County.

Needs Analysis

  • 80,000 or 15% of adults over the age of 18 have no health insurance
  • Younger adults, the Latino population and lower-income individuals are disproportionally impacted
  • One third have incomes below $25,000
  • Access to care is limited for the uninsured
  • Doctors/urgent care facilities require insurance or other payment methods
  • Emergency rooms are used for primary care services
  • More than $20 million dollars was spent for ER services for the uninsured

Who we are

The Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine clinic offers a caring environment in which patients receive family practice, internal medicine, and pediatric services. Treatment for colds or flu, minor lacerations, chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or hypertension will be appropriately addressed. Patients seen by this clinic may avoid unnecessary hospitalization and financial burdens, while relieving local emergency rooms of non-emergent visits.

Our personnel structure is unique. The clinic is staffed by retired or working physicians, nurses, and other professionals.

These dedicated individuals practice without compensation. Providing no-cost healthcare to the uninsured enables professional staff, as well as volunteers, to concentrate on the health and wellness of their patients – not on billing and financial matters.

Who we serve

Those who, whether working or unemployed, have no health insurance and are not eligible for any public option or publicly funded healthcare programs.

Source: Clinic brochure

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Logo: The Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine brochure


Advent Calendar Day 10: Anglican Communion Environmental Network

Anglican Communion Environmental Network (ACEN)

Episcopalians are members of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. We are Anglicans. We are present in every part of the world. We are most definitely in the world (for better or worse).

Quote . . .Anglicans have long been concerned with environmental issues. [In 1984 the Anglican Consultative Council] stated that the fifth mark of mission was,

To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the earth.

In many parts of the world local Anglican Churches have given leadership:

  • by being advocates for responsible environmental stewardship
  • by providing support and leadership to local initiatives to protect the environment
  • by seeking to educate Anglicans as individuals and as communities to become better stewards of creation.

In 1998 the bishops gathered at Lambeth expressed their concern that efforts to address such issues be given greater visibility and be better coordinated across the Anglican Communion. The Network is an attempt to do just that. (from the ACEN website)

Mission Statement of the Anglican Communion Environmental Network

Our Aims:

  • To encourage Anglicans to support sustainable environmental practices as individuals and in the life of their communities.
  • To provide information about policies embraced by synods, councils and commissions, and especially by the instruments of Unity (Statements by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Resolutions and Reports of the Lambeth Conference and the Anglican Consultative Council)
  • To support local initiatives by providing information about ideas and best practices developed around the communion.
  • To share information about resources and initiatives that may be of value to Anglicans everywhere.
  • To provide an opportunity for interested Anglicans to meet both as a formal network, and informally via electronic media.

For the rest of the story: Anglican Communion Environmental Network.

Read more about the The Five Marks of Mission

How long will the land mourn? A Forum post giving voice to the Pastoral Teaching of the bishops of The Episcopal Church. Hear what the Spirit is saying.

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“Creation is in crisis.” A Report from the ACEN meeting in Lima, Peru (Aug. 2011)

Creation is in crisis. This is the conclusion of the Anglican Communion Environmental Network meeting in Lima, Peru, August 2011. Each participant from around the Communion reported accelerating impacts from human-induced climate change and environmental degradation in their regions. Many participants also reported extensive ignorance and, in some cases, unwillingness to take action.

We were appropriately reminded by our host, the Bishop of Peru, the Rt Revd Bill Godfrey of the need to teach our people in terms they understand. We begin with the discovery in Jesus Christ of the Good News of the Kingdom which draws us together – moving us from a world that divides to a Gospel that gathers.

Together we discerned an urgent calling to seek environmental justice and to encourage Anglicans everywhere to challenge and transform individuals and systems that spoil the earth, affect local communities adversely, and refuse to imagine a different kind of global community.

Among those systems most in need of transformation is an economic system that knows no alternative to continual growth. Rather than having an economy that serves the well-being of communities, our communities (human and other-than-human) serve the well-being of the economy.

In order to motivate Anglicans, both at the individual and at the structural level of the church, we have committed ourselves and commend to all Provinces of the Communion, the following Issues with associated actions: Read the Lima Report on Crisis and Commitment

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Image: ACEN Logo from its website


Advent Calendar Day 9: Episcopal Community Services

Episcopal Community Services (ECS)

Episcopalians (and others) living and worshipping in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego daily make the love of the Lord known through the work of Episcopal Community Services (through gifts of time, talent, and treasure). Take a moment to see the kind of work being done for the love of God through our Episcopal Community Services.

Locally, ECS provides housing for the homeless in the Coachella Valley.

Mission Statement

Serving God by serving those in need.

For the rest of the story: Episcopal Community Services. Hear what the Spirit is saying.

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ECS in the Coachella Valley

Homeless advocates estimate approximately 10,000 individuals are homeless in Riverside County. Many of those who are homeless find themselves in the Coachella Valley region of the county, where resources are limited. More than one-third of the homeless population likely suffer from mental illness, and almost half of the adults have been homeless for one year or longer. ECS has responded to the growing need for homeless services by providing essential residential and outreach programs.

Desert Vista is a permanent, supportive housing for chronically homeless and disabled. Several homesites throughout Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs provide 40 residents with long-term housing. Residents work towards achieving their independent living goals by utilizing a low demand, harm reduction model that enables them to progress at their own pace. Case management staff work closely with residents in the development of their independent living plans to assist them in maintaining permanent housing. Rent is equal to 30% of a resident’s income.

View or download the ECS Coachella Valley Brochure

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Photo: ECS Coachella Valley Brochure


Advent Calendar Day 8: Church Divinity School of the Pacific

Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP)

“Church Divinity School of the Pacific is a graduate theological seminary and center of theological study of the Episcopal church, and is a founding member of the ecumenical Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.”

Brad Hall, a CDSP graduate, served as the Chairman of the CDSP Board while Rector of St. Margaret’s. Lois Hart and Margaret Watson, Associates here, graduated from CDSP. Gladys from our Forum attended classes at CDSP on her way to receiving a Master’s degree in Christian Education from St. Margaret’s House* in Berkeley.

Mission Statement

Responding to the challenges of contemporary society with the Good News of Jesus Christ, CDSP, a seminary of the Episcopal Church, rooted in our Anglican identity and tradition, provides quality theological education that integrates scholarship, reflection, worship, spirituality, and the practice of ministry.

We fulfill our mission in dialogue with a changing church and world. Committed to an innovative vision of theological education, CDSP:

  • Serves as a resource for the mission of the Church.
  • Embraces diversity as a gift of the Spirit and an outcome of the Gospel.
  • Understands social justice as a core expression of the Gospel.
  • Trains the widest possible variety of effective lay and ordained ministers.
  • Forms skillful and empowering leaders for mission.
  • Engages in responsive and proactive partnerships in ministry development.
  • Gathers and creates communities from across the church for learning, spiritual enrichment and mission.
  • Calls the church to re-imagine its mission and ministry in light of conflicting cultural values.
  • Cooperates and collaborates with the GTU and other partners worldwide.

Church Divinity School of the Pacific is the official seminary of the Province of the Pacific of the Episcopal Church.

For more on this ministry: Church Divinity School of the Pacific
Learn more about the Center for Anglican Learning and Leadership (CALL)

*“For sixty years (1907 – 1966) St. Margaret’s House in Berkeley, California educated women for service in the Episcopal Church as deaconesses, missionaries, and educators.” Episcopal Church Archive (you’ll need to scroll down to read the entry for St. Margaret’s House)

St. Margaret’s Symposium 2011 at CDSP – “This inaugural St. Margaret’s Symposium is an outgrowth of the annual St. Margaret’s Lecture. Both programs continue the vision of St. Margaret’s House, founded in 1909 to train women for ministry, by focusing on women’s lives and ministries.”

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“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”  Romans 10:13-15

Center for Anglican Learning and Leadership (CALL)

Lifelong formation is absolutely vital to a rich and penetrating Christian life. CALL is dedicated to Christian formation and demonstrates that by using a variety of formats to deliver meaningful educational experiences — experiences with instructors and presenters who enable their students to draw deeply from tradition to engage the issues of today’s church, indeed today’s world.

Since 1997, CALL has been seeking out innovative ways to expand the opportunities for sound Christian formation. And as we look to the future, we continue to seek these opportunities always with a focused eye on maintaining the quality and integrity of instruction. Our extensive list of online offerings and our onsite conferences and classes enable learners from diverse backgrounds and locations to create community, developing a network of people who are connected to their own call to ministry.

I am thrilled to manifest my own call to ministry in service to the wider church as the director of CALL and it is this awareness which inspires me to be personally committed to helping our students embody their own invitation to be a part of Christ’s body in the world. As such, I am honored to have the opportunity to share the extensive academic and pastoral resources of the CDSP community with you. I know that you will find your experience to be an enriching one.

Whether you visit our Easton Hall Conference Center in the beautiful Berkeley hills for an evening forum, workshop or course, participate in events like our summer conferences on Christian formation, or enroll in an online course, we hope you will come to know CALL as an extension of your faith community.

I am delighted to welcome you to the Center for Anglican Learning & Leadership.

Blessings,

The Rev. Michelle Meech
Director, Center for Anglican Learning & Leadership

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Images from: Church Divinity School of the Pacific


Advent Calendar Day 7: 16 Days of Activism

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

It’s never too late to be a voice to end violence. The final week of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence (Nov. 25 – Dec. 10) sponsored by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership at Rutgers University begins today (12/3).

Quote . . .Anglican Women’s Empowerment (AWE), the Episcopal Women’s Caucus (EWC), Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF) have teamed up to promote this year’s Episcopal 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, November 25-December 10. …

The Episcopal 16 Days campaign targets faith communities in the Episcopal Church and challenges them to participate in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, an international campaign sponsored by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University. Since its founding in 1991, more than 3,700 organizations in approximately 164 countries have participated in CWGL’s 16 Days campaign. The Episcopal Church began participating in 2010. (from the EWC E-newsletter of 29 November 2011)

Raising Awareness

“Since 1991, the annual 16 Days Campaign has mobilized more than 3,700 organizations in 164 countries to raise awareness about the pervasiveness of the multiple forms of violence women face. From Afghanistan to Iceland, the 16 Days Campaign has grown into a powerful platform to educate the public and governments about violence against women and human rights.” (from the 16 Days Press Release)

For the rest of the story: 16 Days Home Page. Hear what the Spirit is saying.

Local efforts to provide safety, raise awareness and offer “a hand up” include:
Shelter from the Storm (a Coachella Valley Resource)
Julian’s Housing Program for Women and Children (a program of Episcopal Community Services in San Diego)

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Official News Release about the campaign

New Brunswick, New Jersey—On November 25, 2011, the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) will launch the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign. Hundreds of events by organizations worldwide are planned to campaign against gender-based violence, which is experienced by up to 70 % of women in their lifetime, according to the United Nations. It is estimated that worldwide, one in five women will experience rape or attempted rape. Women aged 15-44 are more at risk from rape and domestic violence than from cancer, car accidents, war, and malaria.

The 16 Days Campaign begins on November 25, the International Day Against Violence Against Women, and ends on December 10, International Human Rights Day. These dates symbolically link violence against women and human rights, and emphasize that such violence is a human rights violation. The 16 Days Campaign theme, From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women!, puts the spotlight on militarism and its role in perpetuating violence against women and girls. “The violence we encounter is often profoundly influenced by national, regional, and international policies and practices, and challenges us to act in solidarity to promote an end to militarism and violence against women,” says Dr. Radhika Balakrishnan, Executive Director of the Center for Women’s Global Leadership; the coordinator of the 16 Days Campaign.

Over 250 events are planned worldwide to call for an end to militarism and violence against women, including: A Silent No More! march through Yerevan, Armenia, focusing on violence against women; Across Alice Springs, Australia, a series of arts events focused on women’s resilience is organized, including a quilt exhibition; In Lagos, Nigeria, student trainings and dialogues with media outlets will be held to sensitize communities about gender-based violence; The Center for Women’s Global Leadership will co-host a Java n’ Justice Coffeehouse, featuring a military fashion show, at Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA.

This year, the Center is also partnering with Stardoll to bring the 16 Days Campaign to the online media site’s over 130 million users between the ages of 13 and 17 years old. Since 1991, the annual 16 Days Campaign has mobilized more than 3,700 organizations in 164 countries to raise awareness about the pervasiveness of the multiple forms of violence women face. From Afghanistan to Iceland, the 16 Days Campaign has grown into a powerful platform to educate the public and governments about violence against women and human rights.

View or download the Official Press Release of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign

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Photo: 16 Days of Activism official website


Advent Calendar Day 6: Wounded Warrior Project

Wounded Warrior Project

Friday. In the Daily Office we remember in prayer the suffering and death of Christ. In our daily walk we encounter men and women who served our country, Veterans, who carry scars that are both visible and invisible. We encounter men and women who carry wounds received while serving us. The Wounded Warrior Project is one group reaching out to those men and women, with our help.

Mission

To honor and empower wounded warriors.

Vision

To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.

Purpose

  • To raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members.
  • To help injured service members aid and assist each other.
  • To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members

For the rest of the story: Wounded Warrior Project

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
October 22, 2011

The Wounded Warrior Project sends about 2,000 care packages to injured warriors overseas every month.

It takes a lot of manpower to assemble that many care packages, and on Tuesday, the nonprofit organization got some help from some [Jacksonville] Jaguars players.

The care packages, which are headed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Germany, are filled with the comforts of home. And while the wounded service members who receive them may never know they were assembled by professional athletes, it’s the thought that counts. Read the whole story from News4Jax.com

Who does this group help? Who helps this group? Read Justin Constantine’s story to begin to answer those questions.

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Image: The Wounded Warrior Logo from the internet


Advent Calendar Day 5: Ayni Education International

Ayni Education International

You probably have never heard of Ayni (pronounced EYE-knee) Education International. And yet, the founder is the daughter of one of our parishioners; she worshipped with us on the First Sunday of Advent. In Afghanistan she witnessed the ability of educational opportunities to change lives; moreover she has both risked and dedicated her life to create such opportunities for children in Afghanistan. There is still so much to do, one child, one village at  time.

“Ayni Education International creates quality educational experiences in Afghanistan that empower and inspire children and their families to build peaceful, just and life affirming communities.” (from their website)

Mission Statement

By fostering interchanges between the United States and Afghanistan, Ayni creates quality educational opportunities in Afghanistan that empower and inspire children and their families to build peaceful, just and life-affirming communities.

Vision Statement

People from diverse backgrounds living peacefully together in just, sustainable and life-affirming communities, forming a universal web of friendship, understanding and mutual respect.

For the rest of the story: Ayni Education International. Hear what the Spirit is saying.

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The meaning of Ayni (EYE-knee)

There is no better word to describe what we do at Ayni Education International. The definition of Ayni is embodied in our mission and vision. Ayni (pronounced EYE-knee) is a word from the ancient peoples of the Peruvian Andes. It means “reciprocity.” It is the interchange of kindness, knowledge and fruits of one’s labor. It provides the basis for how people relate to each other, as well as to nature and Spirit. Ayni is a key to building not only just, sustainable, and life-affirming communities, but also a world where there is mutual respect, acceptance, cooperation, love and peace.

The concept of Ayni can be seen on many different levels. On a basic level, it means giving something without expecting anything in return or conversely, receiving something without feeling like you now owe someone in return. Actions are motivated by respect and love, not by judgment, guilt, duty or jealousy.

At a community level, it means learning about each other’s cultures and beliefs, trustful that differences add to our lives; and that we are each transformed by the wisdom of others. Ayni recognizes each individual’s unique skills and talents.

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Photo: Ayni Education International website


Advent Calendar Day 4: St. Margaret’s Outreach Center

St. Margaret’s Outreach Center

Bob from our Forum volunteers at our St. Margaret’s Outreach Center every Tuesday. Stan and Julie are frequent participants in the Thursday Morning Prayer at the Outreach Center. The Outreach Center is part of our Parish’s Overall Mission to “change the world.”

What we do

St. Margaret’s Outreach Center reaches out to children, adults, and seniors in our community assisting them with the basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter.

Current efforts

  • Food distribution on Tuesdays from Noon-4:00 pm
  • Morning Prayer Service on Thursdays at 9:00 am
  • Assistance by appointment on Thursdays

For the rest of the story: Outreach Ministries at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church


For further reflection

Bonus Bag Update (11/27/11)
SMEC Parishioners are the best! Not only did we bring in $540 for last week’s Bonus Bags; but three of our parishioners signed on for credit card charges for one year’s worth of monthly support! For the cost of a few lattes, you can provide our Outreach gang reliable $$ for year-round fresh food expenditures. Your $20 (or more!) donation will be gratefully accepted in cash, check or credit card. You, too, can be a part of this tremendous service to those in need…

St. Margaret’s Parish Life Bulletin for November 27, 2011

Advent Calendar Day 3: Camp Stevens

Camp Stevens

Camp Stevens is in the mountains above San Diego in Julian, CA. It is an Episcopal Camp and Conference Center only 2 hours away. Members of St. Margaret’s regularly participate in Camp work days. Children and youth from the parish have had their “Summer Camp” experience their. Suzanne, from our Forum has served as a Summer Camp Nurse. Fr. Dan has served as the Chair of the Camp Stevens Board in years past and frequently served as Chaplain to various hiking and camping groups.

Camp Mission Statement
The Mission of Camp Stevens is to help individuals of all ages deepen their sense of reverence and respect for themselves, and their fellow human beings, the creation, and God. It also seeks to be a peaceful ‘place apart’ for nurturing, planning, reflection, exchange of ideas, and sharing in Christian community.

Environmental Mission Statement
As a peaceful place apart in a beautiful natural setting, Camp Stevens serves as a point of contact between human beings and the natural world. Today we are faced with enormous environmental challenges, having failed in many respects to appreciate and protect the earth. We invite you to join us in reclaiming an active stewardship of God’s Creation. About Camp Stevens Mission

For the rest of the story: Home page for Camp Stevens

Advent Calendar 2011


For further reflection

The Mission of Camp Stevens is to help individuals of all ages deepen their sense of reverence and respect for themselves, and their fellow human beings, the creation, and God.

We invite you to join us in reclaiming an active stewardship of God’s Creation.

Advent Calendar Day 2: The Bishop’s Appeal

The Bishop’s Appeal

Our bishop, the Rt. Rev. James Mathes, appeals to us every year in order to further the ministry of our diocese in southern California and eastern Arizona.

“Every gift directly and positively touches lives; every dollar provides for pressing human need. This year, more than $100,000 in donations have been distributed, thanks to your generosity.”

Read the Bishop’s Appeal Letter

Advent Calendar 2011


For further reflection

Who we are

We are a diverse community committed to living out the message of Jesus Christ. This message is one of hope for the oppressed, love for the outcast, home for the alien, and peace for all people.

We strive to build relationships across ideological, political and socio-economic divides as a way responding to Jesus’ call to love our neighbors as ourselves.

We believe in God’s redeeming love through the person of Jesus Christ. We value human relationships above all else as reflected by the incarnation of God in the body and person of Jesus.

We embrace the awe and mystery of God through traditional liturgy while being open to the movement of the Holy Spirit to experience new forms of expression.

We are rooted in the ancient church and our eyes and hearts look to the future.

We welcome all people to experience the love of God.

Source: The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego