The Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota

Obituary for Bishop Elliott Sorge

2011-12-08T13:42:00.001-08:00

The Rt. Rev. Elliott Lorenz Sorge, 82, Bishop (Retired), in the Episcopal Church, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 6th, 2011 in Centennial, Colorado. He loved sports, golf, fishing, hunting, traveling, and was deeply devoted to his wife, children and found extreme joy in his grandchildren. His passion in the church was theological education for all ministries, and outreach to the poor.

He was born on January 31, 1929 to June (Benson) and Charles Bryan Sorge in Michigan City, Indiana. He attended DePauw University (1951), and he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and lettered in baseball. After deliberating between a career in baseball or the ministry, he followed his calling for ministry by attending Seabury Western Theological Seminary where he received a Master of Divinity degree in 1954.

He was ordained a deacon in June 1954 and a priest in December 1954 by Bishop Richard Emery of the Diocese of North Dakota. He served as priest-in-charge of . Mary and Mark in Oakes (1954-1960), St. Luke’s, Ellendale (1955-1960) nd of St. Stephen’s, Fargo (1960-1964). e married Marjorie Aline Romine on September 4, 1959 and they made their home in Fargo, ND until he received a call to serve as missionary in the Episcopal Church in Brazil, South America. He was elected Bishop of the South Central Diocese in Brazil on January 31, 1970. In 1977, upon returning to the United States, he was appointed Field Officer for the Development of Ministry at the Episcopal Church Center in New York. He was elected Bishop in the Diocese of Easton, Maryland, in 1983 and served until his retirement in 1993. In 1994, he and Marge moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina for great golfing. While there, he continued his ministries serving the Sand Hills Cluster until moving to Colorado in 2001, just in time for the arrival of their triplet grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Sorge, of Centennial, CO; two daughters, Ruth L. Sorge, of Littleton, CO and The Rev. Marianne Sorge Ell and husband John of Williston, North Dakota; one son, Bryan D. Sorge and wife Jennifer of Englewood, CO; four grandchildren, Felicia Ell, Caroline, Audrey and Luke Elliott Sorge; brothers, Monroe Sorge of Phoenix, Arizona and Dennis Sorge and sister-in-law, Adelia of West Lafayette, Indiana, and sister-in-law, Josephine Sorge of Colorado Springs, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Marlowe Sorge and sister-in-law, Doris Sorge.

The service celebrating his life will take place on Saturday, December 10th, 2011 at 10:30am at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 1401 E. Dry Creek Road, Centennial, CO 80122.

His ashes will be interred in the columbarium at St. Timothy’s.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Wright Scholarship Fund, Diocese of Easton, 314 North Street, Easton, MD 21601.

Prayers for the repose of the soul of +Elliott Lorenz Sorge

2011-12-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for the repose of the soul of the Right Reverend Elliott Lorenz Sorge, who died this morning (December 6, 2011) in. Denver.

His daughter, the Reverend Marianne Ell, shares that he passed during the singing of “Veni Sanctu Espiritus.”

The funeral is planned for Saturday at 10:30 at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Centennial, CO, where Bishop Sorge's ashes will be interred in the church's columbarium. Greenwood and Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The strife is over, the battle done.
The victory of Christ has won.
The song of triumph has begun.
Alleluia.

Prayers for +Elliott Sorge

2011-12-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for Bishop Elliott Sorge, the father of the Reverend Marianne Ell. Marianne shares: "Please keep my father, Elliott in your prayers as he transitions from this life to a life of glory with Christ. It has been a long journey of dimentia. He will be whole again, soon. Heading to Denver today."

Please also pray for his wife, Marjorie and for their entire family.

Bishop Sorge, the former Bishop of South Central Brazil (1971-1977) and Easton (1983-1993), was Priest in Charge of Sts. Mary and Mark in Oakes (1954-1960), St. Luke’s, Ellendale (1955-1960) and St. Stephen’s Fargo (1960-1964).

Thanksgiving for the birth of Isaiah Peyton Smith

2011-08-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

Isaiah Peyton Smith, son of Luke and Dena Smith and grandson of Bishop Michael and the Rev. Lisa Smith, was born August 9, 2011, weighing in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. and 19.5 inches tall

O God, you have taught us through your blessed Son that whoever receives a little child in the name of Christ receives Christ himself: We give thanks for the blessing you have bestowed upon this family with the birth of Isaiah. Confirm their joy by a lively sense of your presence with them, and give them calm strength and patient wisdom as they seek to bring this child to love all that is true and noble, just and pure, lovable and gracious, excellent and admirable, following the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

A Prayer for Minot

2011-06-23T05:17:00.001-07:00

Fr. Cody Unterseher has adapted a collect from the 1662 BCP. It is offered for those suffering from the flood in Minot:

Almighty Lord God, who for the sin of fallen humanity once drowned all the world except eight persons; and afterward, of your great mercy, promised never so to destroy it again: Grant, we pray, that the tempest of water may not drown us, nor the deep swallow us; but send us such weather as that for your mercy’s sake we may learn to give you praise and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for flooding Minot

2011-06-20T21:05:00.001-07:00

A message from Canon John Floberg regarding the flooding in Minot:

The flood stage in Minot is predicted to be unparalleled within the next several days. Mandatory evacuations are being announced. Several All Saints members are likely to have water above the first floor of their homes. This will be a very difficult time ahead. It seems the flood waters will rise before the dikes can be raised. Your prayers are requested.

Canon John

Diocesan Flood Relief

2011-05-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends:

As the Diocesan Disaster Coordinator for North Dakota I have been kept aware of the many flood events happening around the state this spring. I am grateful for the efforts made in many communities to keep people and their property safe. I am also mindful of those who have lost property, in some cases in the protection of others.

We aren't through the flood fights yet - and by all accounts will be challenged by them throughout much of the summer in parts of the state.

We are coordinating our efforts with Lutheran Social Services and other ecumenical partners to best bring resources into action wherever there is or has been flooding. An organization called RAFT will be taking requests for our assistance in the days to come.

What can you do?

1. Know the situation of your neighbors.

2. Contribute to the Diocesan Flood Relief Fund (send donations marked for that to the Diocesan Office at 3600 25th Street South + Fargo, ND 58104-6861. These funds will be joined with funds from the Episcopal Relief and Development.

3. Work through your congregation to identify a Congregational Disaster Coordinator that can work with Canon John Floberg (701 891 2911). This helps in the two way street of knowing needs and providing resources to meet those needs.

4. The west has been praying for the people in the eastern part of North Dakota this spring and the last several flood seasons. I am asking that throughout the Diocese of North Dakota that we pray The Great Litany in the Liturgy on this Sunday or next Sunday (or both).

Our Christian duty is marked by both Prayer and Action. As we pray we work. As we work we pray. Our Christian duty is directed by Jesus' teaching to love our neighbor as ourselves.

The following congregations and their communities are known to be presently impacted by the floods:

Advent, Devil's Lake

St. Thomas', Ft. Totten

All Saints, Minot

St. George's, Bismarck

St. Luke's, Ft. Yates

St. Peter's, Williston

St. Michael and All Angels, Cartwright

Others whose flood waters have passed:

All Saints, Valley City

St. Stephen's, Fargo

Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo

St. John's, Moorhead

St. Paul's, Grand Forks

St. James', Cannon Ball

Grace Church, Jamestown

Please feel free to contact with me with questions, concerns or offers of assistance.

Canon John Floberg
Diocesan Disaster Coordinator

Prayers for the repose of the soul of Gene Smith

2011-05-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

The prayer of the Diocese are requested for the repose of the soul of Gene Smith, father of Bishop Michael Smith, who died this morning (May 20) in Oklahoma.

Please also keep in your prayers Bishop Smith and his family.

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord:
and let light perpetual shine upon him.

May his soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace and rise in glory.

The obituary and funeral information for Harold Gene Smith, Bishop Smith's father, follows:

Harold Gene Smith
July 29, 1935 - May 20, 2011

Harold Gene Smith passed from this world on May 20, 2011 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.

He was born at his home in Byars, Oklahoma on July 29, 1935, the oldest of three children. Gene lived on his family farm in Byars until his junior year in high school when he moved to Purcell, Oklahoma from where he graduated. He attended both Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. Gene worked as a conductor for the Burlington Northern / Santa Fe Railroad for 42 years and retired with his family in Pauls Valley in 1997. He attended and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Pauls Valley. Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Frank M. and Doris Milford Smith.

He is survived by his wife Mary Jernigan Smith and his children and their spouses; Rt. Rev. Michael Smith and his wife the Rev. Lisa, David Smith and his wife Julie, Diane Fredell and her husband John, Lisa Campbell and her husband Doug, and Jack Hobson. Gene was also the loving grandfather of 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Bettye Smith and Frank D. Smith. Gene was an avid golfer and gardener and loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed many sports, cheered the OSU Cowboys, but most importantly he supported the State of Oklahoma. Gene was a supportive spouse and loved each of his five children. Also, he loved all of the students and staff of Whitebead School.

Services for Gene will be at the First United Methodist Church of Pauls Valley at 10:00am on Wednesday, May 25th followed by interment at the Whitebead Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given in Gene’s name to the Valley Hospice of Pauls Valley General Hospital, P.O. Box 368, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, 73075, 1-800-738-6142.

The Reverend Jamie A. Parsley, SCP
Executive Assistant to the Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota

Prayers for Gene Smith

2011-04-29T10:46:00.001-07:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for Gene Smith, father of Bishop Michael Smith. Please also keep Bishop and his family in your prayers during this time.

Bishop Smith writes:

April 29, 2011

Dear Friends:

I just received a call from my father’s wife requesting me to get to Oklahoma by Sunday evening. As you may know, my dad has been struggling with cancer the past couple of years. It appears his situation is deteriorating rapidly. I’m going to take this one week at a time.

Please pray for my father, Gene, and his wife, Mary. Thanks,

+Michael

2011-04-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Scholarships for Students of the Episcopal Diocese

of North Dakota

April 2011

Did you know that scholarships are available for students of the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota? These scholarships are available to college, university, and vocational school students through the Episcopal Foundation for Ministry in Higher Education. In addition to maintaining a satisfactory grade-point average, scholarship recipients are expected to worship regularly and give some kind of service to an Episcopal congregation. That is why these scholarships are a real asset to both the students and the congregations.

Objectives of the scholarship program are the following:
· to assist students with financing higher education

· to encourage faithful worship, active involvement in congregations, and spiritual growth while pursuing an education

· to facilitate campus ministry at the institutions of higher learning in the Diocese of North Dakota

· to nurture an interest in campus ministry in Episcopal churches throughout the Diocese of North Dakota

Who is eligible for the scholarships?

Current college, university, or vocational school students, or those who will become students in the fall, who

· are members of congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota

· belong to congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota but attend college and Episcopal churches outside of the Diocese of North Dakota

· come from out of state and attend congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota

How much money is available to a student?

Scholarship amounts range from $300 to $1200 per academic year, depending on how much time commitment the student is willing to give the church in the college community. Scholarships may be renewed for four years.

What are the advantages of holding a scholarship from the Episcopal Foundation for Ministry in Higher Education?

· financial support for higher education

· opportunity to give to the church, help others, and put faith into practice

· becoming part of a faith community while attending college

What are the church responsibilities of scholarship recipients?

Scholarship recipients are expected to worship and participate in an Episcopal Church while attending college, university, or trade school. A student is expected to attend church services for at least seventy percent of the Sundays during the school year and volunteer for serving in the church in some capacity. See the EFMHE website for details (http://episcopal-nd.org/.)

What are some of the ways in which EFMHE scholarship students serve in the churches?

Students determine how they will serve the church according to their talents and interests in consultation with the priest-in-charge (or that person’s designee) at the church they plan to attend. Scholarship students have typically participated in such activities as teaching Sunday School or Confirmation, ushering, singing in the choir, doing carpentry/cleaning at the church, doing secretarial/office work.

What are the scholastic responsibilities of scholarship recipients?

Scholarship students are expected to maintain a satisfactory grade-point average (at least 2.0 on a 4-point scale).

Who sponsors these scholarships?
The Episcopal Foundation for Ministry in Higher Education, an organization of the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota.

How does a student apply?
Complete the application found on the EFMHE website: http://episcopal-nd.org/.
· Choose “Documents and Forms.”
· Scroll to “Episcopal Foundation for Ministry in Higher Education.”
· Choose the form “EFMHE 2011 Scholarship application.”

Deadline for applications is June 1, 2011.
Send the application by June 1 to the Chair of EFMHE: The Reverend Elsie Magnus, 9741 119th Avenue NE, Langdon, ND 58249-8951.

Questions?

Please contact Deacon Elsie Magnus at the above address or at (701) 549-3859 or hillside@utma.com or James Coomber, Treasurer of EFMHE, at (218) 236-1031 or coombers@gmail.com.

The EFMHE also sponsors a scholarship program for seminary students. For details, contact Deacon Magnus.

Letter from the Bishop

2011-04-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

April 14, 2011

To: Members of the Diocese of North Dakota

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The Diocesan Council met last weekend and I am happy to report that they decided to concur with the Cathedral Chapter about my proposal to serve as Dean for the Cathedral as well as Bishop for the Diocese as a one year experiment. I am grateful for the overwhelming support for this proposal as reflected in the votes of the two bodies and their willingness to take risks and try new things as we seek to live within our means for the sake of the Church’s mission and not merely its maintenance.

The conversations and deliberations of the past three months have yielded, in my opinion, a better version of my original proposal. The approved experiment is as follows:

• For one year, the bishop will serve on a 38% time basis for the Diocese as the episcopal minister and a 62% time basis as the dean of the Cathedral.

Serving with me as part of a pastoral staff will be:

• A full-time Administrator for the Diocese;
• A full-time Secretary, serving the Cathedral primarily and the Diocese as a Receptionist;
• A 1/4-time minister or two 1/8-time ministers for Pastoral Care at the Cathedral;
• 1.875 (FTE) ministers serving the Diocese as the Bishop’s Diocesan Ministry Team (the three current Canon Missioners and the Bishop’s Executive Assistant).

In addition, I have appointed an Evaluation Task Force comprised of Canon Zanne Ness as Chair with John Baird, Sandi Meyers, Rob Odney, Margie Bailly, Brett Shewey, Bart Davis and Carmine Goodhouse as members. The charge given the Evaluation Task Force is:

• To report to the Diocesan Council and Cathedral Chapter in November 2011 with a plan for evaluation for approval by both bodies;
• To conduct the evaluation December 2011 through February 2012;
• To report in March 2012 with recommendations based on their findings to both bodies.

It is my sense that there are valid concerns about whether under this plan the Bishop will have enough time for the Diocese; and whether the Dean will have enough time for the Cathedral; and whether I will have enough time for the Diocese, the Cathedral, my family and myself. I don’t think we will know the answers to these questions until we try it out. I look forward to all of the things we will learn during the coming year.

May this approaching Holy Week draw you more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. I am,

Yours in Christ,
+Michael

Prayers for Japan

2011-03-11T10:30:00.002-08:00

The prayers of the Diocese of North Dakota are requested for Japan, the surrounding areas of the Pacific Rim and all the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami. A message from the Canon to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori follows:

We ask your prayers for the people of Japan and surrounding areas in the Pacific Rim following the earlier earthquake and tsunami. I have been in touch with Archbishop Nathaniel Uematsu of the Nippon So Ko Kai, who was in meetings in Kyoto during the time of the earthquake and is now in Osaka trying to communicate with the areas most affected by the devastation. He asks for prayers for Bishop John Kato and the people of the Diocese of Tohoku, which has been hit hardest. Our office continues to be in touch with Episcopal Relief & Development, as well as with Lambeth Palace. Your prayers and support are deeply appreciated, for Japan, as well as for all those in the Pacific Rim under a tsunami alert.

CHUCK+
The Rev. Canon C. K. Robertson, Ph.D.
Canon to the Presiding Bishop & Primate
The Episcopal Church
815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017
phone: (212) 716-6278 / fax: (212) 490-3290
cell: (646) 578-9549
email: crobertson@episcopalchurch.org

----------------------------------------------------------

The Reverend Jamie A. Parsley, scp
Executive Assistant to the Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota
3600 25 Street South
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
website: http://www.episcopal-nd.org/
blog: http://www.episcopal-nd.blogspot.com/

From George+ & Etsuko Schulenberg re: Japanese quake

2011-03-11T10:30:00.001-08:00

From the Rev'd George and Etsuko Schulenberg:

Dear family and friends,

As you all may know by this time, a strong earthquake has shaken much of northeastern Japan, with devastating consequences in the Sendai area. Etsuko and I are not sure at this point what the situation is with Etsuko's two brothers and their families, who live in Totsuka - a southern suburb of Yokohama. We do know that there has been some quake damage in parts of Tokyo, but the major impact at this point seems to be that train travel was suspended (thus stranding millions of people at their work places in Tokyo/Yokohama) and that cell phone communication is out. Japan is also fifteen hours ahead of us in time, so that makes timely communication difficult. You can keep up fairly well with what is happening there by TV, or by Googling three English newspapers published in Japan. They have complete articles, plus many photos. The papers are the Japan Times, the Mainichi Daily News, and the Yomiuri Shinbun. Please keep the people of Japan in your prayers, as the danger of aftershocks is quite real, there are some questions about power plants (especially the nuclear ones), and the coastal area towns and cities have taken a terrible hit.

Blessings to you,

George and Etsuko

Give someone a fish and they'll eat today;Show them how to fish and they'll eat forever.

ERD Flood meeting at Cathedral on March 15

2011-03-03T18:33:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

Its that time of year again...flood season and severe weather returns to North Dakota. We want to increase our preparedness for this.

We have a disaster response training scheduled with Katie Mears from Episcopal Relief and Development. It will begin at 12:30 on Tuesday March 15 and last until about 5 that afternoon. It will be held at Gethsemane Cathedral.

Who is invited? If your church is in a county that has experienced flooding or has been preparing for floods we really want you there. There are more congregations in our Diocese than those not effected! We would like to at least train a local coordinator and would prefer a team. This is certainly something deacons can provide leadership for locally and in the Diocese.

Please contact me to answer any questions you may have and also to register. Thanks.

Canon John Floberg
701-891-2911

Bishop Smith's sermon at Gethsemane Cathedral

2011-01-31T10:18:00.000-08:00

Sermon preached at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo January 30, 2011

I don’t know about you, but I have known better weeks than this past one. Dean Sellers’ resignation and subsequent announcement that he is seeking ordination in the Roman Catholic Church have caused quite a stir. Responses have been varied and all over the map: from anger to serenity; from a sense of betrayal to a sense of relief; from shock to acceptance.I hope everyone understands that the road between Canterbury and Rome is a two-way street and oftentimes quite busy. I personally know more Roman Catholic priests who have become Episcopal priests than I know those who have gone the other way. I wish the timing of the announcement had been handled differently, but I hope eventually everyone can join me in continuing to care for Steve and Dixie, praying for their continued service of the Lord and their growth in discipleship.Once when one of my daughters was getting ready to head off to college, she confided in me, warned me really, that she might check out other churches while there. It seems the Book of Common Prayer wasn’t “doing it” for her. (Secretly, I was relieved that she wanted to be a Christian of any kind.) I told her that I believe it is important to be part of Christian group where Jesus Christ can be most real to a person; where one’s faith can become alive. And I believe that. I also told her she was always welcome to return to the Episcopal Church if she wanted. It is important to be in a community where a Christian can become more than a nice person, more than a good person, more than a church member. As good as all those things are, the Church is here primarily to make disciples – followers who are under the discipline of Jesus Christ. Ultimately that is what our beautiful church buildings and our traditional Book of Common Prayer and our inspiring musical traditions and our historic church order are designed for – to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe I have been able to become a better disciple in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican tradition. I hope you can say that as well.In these confusing and troubling times, it is essential that we not forget the basics; that we not forget who and whose we are; that we not forget the foundations upon which we serve God. We are reminded of them in the scriptures heard today: We are called by the prophet Micah “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (6:8). In the Gospel we are reminded by Jesus that our focus is to be on the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger for and thirst for righteousness. We remember that one day roles will be reversed and that when God the Liberator comes, those who know need now will have plenty on that day. Blessed, happy indeed will they be! We recall that we, Jesus’ disciples, are to be merciful; we are to be peacemakers; we are to be reconcilers; but we are also warned that we will become victims of gossip and know hardship, estrangement and loneliness when we attempt to do these things.You might not have realized it, but that is why we worship here at Gethsemane Cathedral. This is the kind of fruit that should be growing in our lives.In this time of uncertainty and cynicism, I share with you words attributed to Mother Theresa of Calcutta. I believe they reflect the spirit of today’s bible lessons and are important pieces of wisdom for us at this Cathedral community as we look forward to our re-birth and new future:"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."

From Bishop Smith re: Gethsemane Cathedral

2011-01-25T13:50:00.001-08:00

January 25, 2011

It has come to my attention that Father Steve Sellers, Dean of Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral in Fargo, has made public his decision to seek ordination in the Roman Catholic Church. I have deep affection for Father Sellers and his wife, Dixie. I wish them well and pray for God’s blessing on them as they begin their journey to another part of the Body of Christ.

Father Sellers’ last Sunday at Gethsemane was to have been February 20. However, after visiting with him, we have agreed that it is best that he end his pastoral relationship with the cathedral immediately. Therefore, I will preside at the services at Gethsemane beginning this Sunday. I ask for your prayers as work begins with the Chapter in looking at next steps in organizing for the mission and ministry to which God is calling the cathedral community.

+Michael Smith

Zanne Ness Ordination to the Priesthood

2011-01-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

God Willing and the People Consenting

The Right Reverend Michael Smith

Bishop of North Dakota

will ordain

Zanne Ness

to the Sacred Order of Priests

in Christ Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church

Saturday, the 12th day of February, 2011

at eleven o’clock in the morning

St. George’s Episcopal Church

Bismarck, North Dakota

Your prayers and presence are requested

Clergy: red stoles

Lunch follows

Bishop Smith's interview with The Living Church

2011-01-22T06:22:00.000-08:00

Bishop Proposes Becoming Cathedral Dean

Posted on: January 20, 2011

The Bishop of North Dakota has proposed putting the cathedra back in cathedral, asking his diocese to consider approving him as the next dean of Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.

In the Rt. Rev. Michael G. Smith’s proposal, which appeared on his weblog Jan. 14 and on the diocese’s weblog Jan. 17, the bishop would devote two-thirds of his time to being dean and rector of the cathedral and one-third to being bishop. He envisions a staff of a full-time administrator, a full-time secretary, a quarter-time minister for pastoral care at the cathedral, and a diocesan ministry team (three canon missioners and the bishop’s executive assistant).

“My hope is for the Diocese of North Dakota to become one church with 21 mission outposts and emerging fresh expressions throughout our area,” Smith told The Living Church. “The cathedral could become the center and headquarters for this mission enterprise. My sense is that the future will depend less on our financial resources and more on the creativity and commitment of our members as we become communities of disciples serving the Lord Jesus Christ in our several communities.

“I am not campaigning for or trying to force this proposal,” he added. “I am simply presenting another model for discernment by the community. It may well be a long shot, as both the chapter and diocesan council will need to agree, and change does not come easily. I believe, however, that it is my responsibility as a leader to bring these issues before the church.”
In his proposal, Smith appealed to the early history of the Episcopal Church and to the consents granted to Bishop-elect Michael P. Milliken of Western Kansas, who has announced his intention to remain half-time rector of Grace Church, Hutchinson, after his consecration Feb. 19 as the diocese’s fifth bishop.

The Diocese of Washington also provides precedent.

The Rt. Rev. John T. Walker was dean of Washington National Cathedral from 1978 to 1989, during a time of financial challenge, and he appointed Charles A. Perry as provost. The Rt. Rev. John B. Chane was interim dean for 18 months in 2003-05 as the cathedral sought the successor of Dean Nathan D. Baxter.

The Very Rev. Steven A. Sellers, who has served as dean and rector of Gethsemane Cathedral since 2007, has resigned effective March 15. The dean and his wife, Dixie, are returning to Texas, he wrote on the diocesan website Jan. 10.

“Please know that Dixie and I will hold all of you in our hearts as we move our household back to Houston, Texas, where Dixie has been teaching elementary school music the past 18 months, as our family has been forced to adjust to the new financial realities in this diocese and at the Cathedral,” Sellers wrote. “A new avenue and opportunity for priestly ministry has been opened for me in Houston, and I look forward to the new direction the Lord has brought into my life.”

Douglas LeBlanc

From Bishop Smith regarding Gethsemane Cathedral

2011-01-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2011

To: Members of the Gethsemane Cathedral Chapter and the North Dakota Diocesan Council

From: Bishop Michael Smith

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We in the Diocese are beginning to become familiar with the term “Fresh Expressions” of Church. It is a movement that seeks to meet the increasing secularism in our culture and institutional decline in the mainline denominations with new and creative ways of engaging in the ancient ministry of the Church. Almost all agree that the old ways of doing things are not working anymore, and that a renewed manner of functioning and organizing for mission is necessary if our expression of Christianity is to live much beyond the next generation.

No doubt you are aware of the recent announcement of the resignation of the Dean of Gethsemane Cathedral, effective March 15. We are grateful for the ministry of Father Steve Sellers and his wife, Dixie, and offer prayers for blessing on the next chapter of their lives. This approaching vacancy at the Cathedral provides a rare opportunity for us to seriously consider what may be a “fresh expression” for the Cathedral and the Diocese in moving to a Bishop/Rector, or in this case a Bishop/Dean, model of ministry.

Such a move would actually be a return to the original practice of The Episcopal Church where all bishops served as rectors of congregations. There was even a discussion about such a possibility for North Dakota during the search which led to my election in 2004. This conversation, however, was cut short because it was understood by some that the national canons would not allow such an arrangement. Given the recent election and consents for the bishop-elect of the Diocese of Western Kansas, a diocese numerically similar to ours in size, the Bishop/Rector model has been given the blessing of The Episcopal Church.

What I am proposing is consideration of the following:

The bishop serves on a 1/3-time basis for the Diocese as the episcopal minister and a 2/3-time basis as rector/dean of the Cathedral.

Serving with the bishop as part of a pastoral staff would be:

a full-time Administrator, serving both the Diocese and the Cathedral;
a full-time Secretary, serving both the Diocese and the Cathedral;
a 1/4-time Minister or two 1/8-time Ministers for Pastoral Care serving the Cathedral;
1.875 (FTE) Ministers serving the Diocese as the Bishop’s Diocesan Ministry Team (the three current Canon Missioners and the Bishop’s Executive Assistant).

If there is a will to move in this direction there is a way. The current budgets of both the Cathedral and the Diocese would allow for such adaptation. Therefore, to further this discernment, I will be presenting to the Chapter revised cathedral budget recommendations at its February meeting and revised diocesan budget recommendations to the Diocesan Council at its March meeting. Obviously, both bodies must agree if such a model is to become a reality.

Your prayerful consideration is requested. Realizing that there will be many questions, I am posting this letter on my Blog at www.ndbishop.blogspot.com. I invite you and others beyond the Chapter and Diocesan Council to post comments and/or questions there in hopes of engaging in an online discussion. (If you have difficulty posting there, contact me at bpnodak@aol.com and I’ll post for you.)

May God bless you, my sisters and brothers, as we seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance for our life together. I am,

Yours in Christ,

+Michael

Prayers for Lindsey Dwarf+

2011-01-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

The prayers of the diocese are requested for the Rev’d Lindsey Dwarf. He has returned to St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck with pain and an elevated white blood count.

New call for Jackie Bernacchi+

2011-01-11T05:04:00.002-08:00

The Rev’d Jackie Bernacchi has accepted a call to Trinity Episcopal Church, Watertown, SD. She will be starting March 1.

Blessings and prayers to Jackie+ and Les for their many years of service to the Church in North Dakota and for this new chapter in their lives.

http://www.trinityepiscopalchurchwatertownsd.com/

From the Dean of Gethsemane Cathedral

2011-01-11T05:04:00.001-08:00

Monday, January 10, 2011

To the Cathedral Chapterand Parishioners ofGethsemane Episcopal Cathedral

I am announcing my resignation today as Dean and Rector of Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, effective March 15, 2011. I have come to this decision, with the support of my wife Dixie and our families, as the conclusion of a year-long period of prayer and discernment regarding the Lord's ongoing will and plan for my life and ministry. I leave the Cathedral with the greatest love and respect for all of you, for the clergy of this congregation and diocese, and for our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Michael Smith.

God placed this Cathedral in Fargo more than 138 years ago as part of His ministry of reconciliation and renewal among the many and varied peoples of this area, and His holy work continues here to this day. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, His work will continue to thrive during these exciting, challenging, and sometimes frustrating days. As you are all aware, Gethsemane Cathedral -- together with the other churches in this area and throughout the country -- will continue to learn how to do the Lord's work in new ways, with new strategies and ministries, as economic realities force us into new patterns of ministry and evangelism. At this point we are not certain what those new patterns will be, specifically, but we continue to trust that God will reveal all things to us in His own time.

Please know that Dixie and I will hold all of you in our hearts as we move our household back to Houston, Texas, where Dixie has been teaching elementary school music the past 18 months, as our family has been forced to adjust to the new financial realities in this diocese and at the Cathedral. A new avenue and opportunity for priestly ministry has been opened for me in Houston, and I look forward to the new direction the Lord has brought into my life. Please know that we love all of you very much.

While we are saddened that we will not be here to experience the new opportunities in ministry that the Lord is bringing to the Cathedral, almost on a weekly basis, we will continue to hold all of you in our daily prayers.

May the blessings of our Lord Jesus be with all of you, this day and always.

In Christ,

The Very Rev. Dr. Steve Sellers, DMin, PhD Dean

Resignation of Alex Kenyi+

2010-12-09T09:50:00.001-08:00

Today I accepted the resignation of the Reverend Alex Lodu Kenyi as Rector of St. John the Divine in Moorhead, effective January 1, 2011. In doing so, I am grateful for Alex’s nine years of service to the people of St. John’s.

I ask the prayers of the Diocese for Alex and his family as he seeks further means of employment.

I have appointed the Reverend Michael Johnson as Priest in Charge of St. John’s, effective January 1, 2011. I am,

Yours in Christ,
+Michael G. Smith

Prayers for Les Bunker

2010-11-25T09:04:00.001-08:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for Les Bunker, husband of the Revd Jackie Bernacchi. Jackie writes:

"Les is in the hospital again with pneumonia...it was stressing his heart so he is in CCU."

clergy conference canceled

2010-11-21T07:04:00.001-08:00

After checking the national weather service advisories for the entire state, I think it best for us to cancel the clergy conference scheduled to begin this evening at Richardton. Help me spread this word. Stay home, be warm and safe, and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

+Michael

Prayers for the repose of the soul of Frank Turner

2010-11-13T19:16:00.001-08:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for the soul of Frank Turner, the husband of the Rev. Ellie Tillotson, who died Thursday, November 11. Ellie is a priest in Torrington, Connecticut and was ordained from St. George's Church, Bismarck, and has many family members still at St. George's. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Frank and for God's Peace for Ellie and her family.

2010-11-10T06:38:00.001-08:00

Upcoming Offerings from the North Dakota School for Ministry

November 20th

Spiritual Formation I

This seminar will introduce you to the basic principles and practices of spiritual formation. These principles and practices will enable you to immediately start growing in your relationship with God. Practical ideas and resources will be provided on how small churches can help people to grow spiritually. You’ll go home with a spiritual growth plan for yourself and concrete steps for how your church can offer more spiritual formation opportunities to its members and the local community.

Registration deadline: November 17th

===============================================================
December 18th

Christian Theology I

This seminar will provide a basic introduction to Christian theology and belief, with an emphasis on how these beliefs impact our daily lives and the ministries of our churches. Practical ideas and resources will be provided on how small churches can help their members grow in their understanding of the Christian faith. You’ll go home with a firmer grasp of what Christianity is all about and with concrete steps on how your parish can be a center for theological learning, no matter its size.

Registration deadline: December 15th

Diocesan School for Ministry Registration Form

Name: ________________________________ E-Mail: _______________________
Telephone: ____________________ Congregation: ___________________________
Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please register me for the

Seminars: ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Special Offerings: _______________________________________________________

Enclosed is my check for ______ dollars. (each seminar/offering is $5)

Make checks payable to: The Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota with a notation “Eastern School of Ministry”

Send your checks and registration form to:

North Dakota School for Ministry
405 Second Avenue NE
Jamestown, ND 58401

If you have questions about a course please contact Canon Kevin Goodrich O.P., at CanonGoodrich@aol.com or 701-252-4499

Continued prayers TONIGHT for Lindsey Dwarf+

2010-11-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

The Rev. Lindsey Dwarf of Standing Rock is suffering serious complications in his hospitalization in Bismarck due to gall stones. He has been moved to ICU to wait for improvement before surgery. Canon John Floberg will gather with Lindsey and his family to anoint him at 6:30 p.m. this evening (Tuesday). Let's all pray together across the diocese at 6:30 p.m. this evening for Lindsey's healing. Thanks,

+Michael

Prayers for the repose of the soul of William Cresap

2010-11-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for the repose of the soul of William Cresap of Minot, brother-in-law of Pat Fearing, All Saints, Valley City, and uncle of Deacon Sloane Floberg.

Prayers for Lindsey Dwarf+

2010-11-05T18:57:00.001-07:00

Your prayers are requested for the Rev. Lindsey Dwarf who is hospitalized in Bismarck with gall stones.

Prayers for the repose of the soul of Thor Garaas

2010-11-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for the soul of Thor Garaas, 92, a long time faithful and loyal member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Williston, who died at home with his family surrounding him this morning, November 4, 2010. His burial service will be Weds. Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. Please pray for his family and for the St. Peter’s Church community as they have experience significant losses these past couple of weeks.

May his soul and the souls of all of the departed through the mercy of God rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen.

The Reverend Jamie Parsley
Executive Assistant to the Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota3600 25 Street SouthFargo, North Dakota 58104website: http://www.episcopal-nd.org/blog: http://www.episcopal-nd.blogspot.com/

UTO grants

2010-11-04T20:16:00.002-07:00

Bishop Smith would also like the Diocese to be aware of UTO applications for 2011.

- peace,
Jamie+

The Reverend Jamie A. Parsley
Executive Assistant to the Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota
3600 25 Street South
Fargo, ND 58104
701.235-6688

United Thank Offering application process now online
For 2011 Episcopal Church grants

[October 25, 2010] The application process for the 2011 United Thank Offering grants is now open and, for the first time and for the convenience of the applicants, the entire process is online.

“This is the first year that United Thank Offering will operate an internet grant application process,” explained Claudia Conner, coordinator. “The purpose is to convert the application process from a 1950s model to 2010 technology. Online availability can eliminate or greatly reduce mailing and shipping costs, which sometimes were quite steep. It will also expedite the UTO Board’s application review process.”

Known worldwide as UTO, the United Thank Offering grants are awarded for projects that address human needs and help alleviate poverty, both domestically and internationally within Anglican provinces, dioceses, and companion dioceses.

Applications are due January 31, 2011. Funds will be available starting June 2011 for a one-year grant period.

UTO information and contact info are available: www.episcopalchurch.org/uto .
Complete instructions, application form, and additional info are available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/110043_42235_ENG_HTM.htm

In outlining the process, Conner noted that the following:
- one application may be submitted by each diocese of The Episcopal Church, with diocesan bishop approval;
- one application may be submitted by a diocese of the U.S. domestic Episcopal Church on behalf of an overseas Companion Diocese, with approval by both diocesan bishops;
- one application may be submitted by invited provinces of The Anglican Communion, with approval by the Archbishop or Primate or Provincial Secretary and, if applicable, the diocesan bishop.

For more information email utoapps@episcopalchurch.org or call the UTO Office at 800/334-7626. To submit an application in hard copy, first contact the UTO office.

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/episcopalian
Twitter: http://twitter.com/iamepiscopalian
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/TECtube

# # # #

For more info contact:
Neva Rae Fox
Public Affairs Officer
The Episcopal Church
newsline@episcopalchurch.org
212-716-6080 Mobile: 917-478-5659

Jubilee Ministry Grants

2010-11-04T20:16:00.001-07:00

Bishop Michael Smith would like the Diocese to be aware of the Jubilee Ministry grants. More information below.

- peace,
Jamie+

The Reverend Jamie A. Parsley
Executive Assistant to the Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota
3600 25 Street South
Fargo, ND 58104
701.235-6688

--------------------------------------------------------

The Episcopal Church
Office of Public Affairs

Jubilee Ministry grants applications now accepted
for Episcopal Church programs and mission work

[October 27, 2010] Applications for 2010 and 2011 Jubilee Ministry grants are now being accepted in six categories for mission and ministry throughout the Episcopal Church.

Applications are available in three 2010 categories: health and nutrition; building a just society; and diocesan development. The three 2011 categories are Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) workshop funding; summer camp partnership grants; and protecting God’s creation.

Jubilee Ministries are congregations or agencies with connections to The Episcopal Church whose mission efforts affect the lives of those in need, addressing basic human needs and justice issues. Grants to Jubilee ministries are awarded annually.

Categories, deadlines, amounts and explanation:

2010 grants
Health and nutrition, due December 1; $750 grants; Jubilee Ministries that respond to the nutritional needs of food deserts. A food desert is a district with little or no access to foods needed to maintain a healthy diet but often served by fast food restaurants..

Building a just society; due December 1: $2,500 grants supporting local poverty alleviation initiatives that emerge from local communities and leaders.

Funding diocesan initiatives; due December 1; $1,000 Diocesan Jubilee Ministry Development Grants to support Jubilee Ministry development plans of the local bishop and the appointed diocesan jubilee officer.

2011 grants
Jubilee Ministry ABCD Workshop; due December 1 for dioceses hosting two-day Asset Based Community Development training workshops featuring ABCD Institute trainer Mike Green with a financial benefit ranging from $4,000- $5,000 per workshop event. Six 2011 ABCD workshops will be funded.

Jubilee Ministry partnership grants; due February 1; $1,000 for 2011 summer camp programs targeting literacy or children of people who are incarcerated. A total of 30 grants will be awarded in early 2011.

Protect God’s creation; due November 1 through February 01, 2011: $250-$500 grants to supplement congregational participation in GreenFaith certification program in collaboration with the Episcopal Church.

For guidelines, additional information, and to apply for any of the grants: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/109342_125387_ENG_HTM.htm

For more information contact the Rev. Christopher Johnson, Episcopal Church Jubilee Officer, cjohnson@episcopalchurch.org

Jubilee ministries http://www.episcopalchurch.org/jubilee.htm

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/episcopalian
Twitter: http://twitter.com/iamepiscopalian
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/TECtube

# # # #

For more info contact:
Neva Rae Fox
Public Affairs Officer
The Episcopal Church
newsline@episcopalchurch.org
212-716-6080 Mobile: 917-478-5659

Diocesan Convention information

2010-07-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

As you know, Diocesan Convention will be coming up on October 29-30 in Bismarck. This Convention will be an especially important one because we will also be electing General Convention Deputies for General Convention, scheduled for July 4-13, 2012 in Indianapolis.

Nominations

In the next few days, you will be receiving a packet of Convention information including a Nominations form. The deadline for Nominations will be August 30, 2010. These nominations will have specific questions pertaining regarding serving as a Deputy that the nominee is expected to answer.

Nominations will, as usual, be taken from the floor. However, the Bishop and the Diocesan Council believe it is only fair that those making nominations “from the floor” have ready to submit to delegates copies of the Nominations Forms other candidates have submitted and answers to the requested questions for nominees to General Convention. (all Nominations Forms will be arriving in the next few days in the mail and will also be found later this week on the “Documents and Forms” page on the diocesan website: www.episcopal-nd.org)

Resolutions

Resolutions for consideration at the year’s convention should be received in the Diocesan Office no later than August 30, 2010.

Please share this information with your congregation, regions, committee and or commissions. Additional copies of materials are available upon request from the Diocesan Office, or may be duplicated locally.

Amendments

In anticipation of convention, notice is hereby given of a call for proposed amendments to the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota. Pursuant to Canon 18, Section 2, “Of Amendments and Enactments”, proposed amendments to the Constitution and Canons must be received in the Diocesan Office not later than Monday, 30 August, 2010 which is 60 days prior to the Convention.

Additional copies of materials are available upon request from the Diocesan Office, or may be duplicated locally. If you do not have and wish to have a copy of the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese, please contact the Diocesan Office.

Again, please note the due date in the above paragraph. Because of the nature of canonical amendments and enactments, exceptions to the 60 day rule are disallowed.

In response to Canon 2, Section 7 that,
(a) Except for courtesy resolutions, resolutions of thanks or resolutions of a similar nature, no resolution may be considered by the Convention unless it has been submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Convention at least sixty days prior to the Convention at which the resolution is to be considered.

(b) Upon receipt of any proposed resolution within the time above specified, the Secretary of Convention shall cause copies thereof to be sent to each congregation entitled to representation in the Convention thirty days prior to the time set for the annual meeting of the Convention.

(c) A resolution not submitted in accordance with (a) may be considered by the Convention upon a two-thirds vote of the delegates and clergy entitled to a seat and vote.

We, at the Diocesan Office request that Resolutions for consideration at this year’s convention be received in the Diocesan Office by August 30, 2009.

Again, watch your mail for the Diocesan Convention packet.

Also, please note that we still have not received the Certification of Lay Delegates for several congregations in the Diocese. If you have not sent it, please do so or we will be unable to send the Convention Packet to your lay deputies.

Thank you.

The Reverend Jamie A. Parsley Leisha Woltjer
Executive Assistant to the Bishop Finance Manager

Faith Alive

2010-06-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

June 30, 2010

Dear Friends:

The Canon for Evangelism of the Diocese of Dallas, Carrie Boren, has recommended a Faith Alive weekend for congregations in North Dakota. Visit their website http://www.faithalive.org/itsforyou.php and notify Canon Kevin Goodrich OP at canongoodrich@aol.com if you are interested in hosting one of these weekends at your church.

+Michael

Prayer request for the Guatemala Medical Mission Team

2010-06-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

The Diocesan Medical and Dental Mission Team left today, June 27, for Guatemala. Your prayers are requested for this 35-member team of physicians, nurse practitioners, med students, pharmacists, nurses, dieticians, dental assistants, helpers, linguists and clergy as they serve the people of San Marcos Parish in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala. They are scheduled to return to Fargo on Wednesday, July 7.

+Michael

Collect for the Diocesan Medical Mission Team in Guatemala

O GOD of all the nations of the earth: Watch over the medical mission team from the Diocese of North Dakota who are following your call to care and serve those in need in Guatemala. Protect them in their travels, guide them in their efforts to heal and help them to see the face of Christ in all whom they encounter. Increase an awareness of your love and grace in all the people this mission serves and bless, we pray, the mission team’s family members who remain at home. We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Stewardship Conference

2010-06-21T15:31:00.001-07:00

June 21, 2010

Dear Friends:

I’m looking for a person to attend the annual Episcopal Stewardship Conference July 29-31, 2010 in Indianapolis. (http://www.tens.org/2010GGG/index.html ). These conferences come highly recommended by Donna Pettit who says participants gain much practical knowledge about financial stewardship for congregations.

The Diocese will pay the way for a participant. The fruit of the trip will obviously be enjoyed by his/her congregation. In addition, in return I’ll ask this person to share stewardship ideas with clergy and lay leaders at two gatherings, our Clergy and Ministers conferences, in Richardton. Anyone interested?

+Michael

The Diocesan Facebook Group

2010-05-10T13:41:00.001-07:00

Bishop Michael has joined Facebook! He would like to invite anyone who is on Facebook to join the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota Facebook Group at:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=63001895675&ref=ts

This is a great opportunity to keep in touch as a Diocese, to share thoughts and concerns and meet others who are interested in the ministry of the Diocese of North Dakota.

Prayers requested for Fr. Jim Shannon

2010-05-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for Fr. Jim Shannon, St. Paul’s, Grand Forks, who was diagnosed with cancer. He is currently undergoing radiation treatments.

Prayers requested for the people of Tennessee

2010-05-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

Bishop Michael Smith has requested the the Prayers of the Diocese for the people of Tennessee who are enduring massive flooding throughout the state.

Below is a statement from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori regarding the flood.

Following the Presiding Bishop’s statement is a message from Dr. Mark Ring, former organist and choirmaster at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo, who is now serving at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Nashville.

The Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota
3600 25 Street South
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
website: http://www.episcopal-nd.org/
blog: http://www.episcopal-nd.blogspot.com/
------------------------------------

The Episcopal Church
Office of Public Affairs

Presiding Bishop asks Episcopalians to pray for Tennesseans
following devastating flooding

[May 7, 2010] Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has called for Episcopalians to remember the people of Tennessee in prayer, following the recent devastating floods.

“My thoughts and prayers are with you in the aftermath of the destructive flooding that struck last weekend,” she wrote.

The following letter has been sent to Bishop John C. Bauerschmidt and the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee.

______________
To the Bishop and People of Tennessee:

My thoughts and prayers are with you in the aftermath of the destructive flooding that struck last weekend. I am asking Episcopalians across this Church to remember you in prayer, to grieve with you for those who have died, and to stand with you in hope for healing and recovery. I give thanks for St. Luke’s direct service in a neighborhood so heavily impacted, and for Episcopal Relief & Development in supporting your immediate disaster relief efforts. May you know that the Body of Christ walks with you in many, many ways.

Shalom,
Katharine Jefferts Schori

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Mark Ring:

Bishop Michael,

Thank you so much for your email...Yes, our family is okay. Our house... had no water, even though it was within 20 feet of our back door. We saw the basketball goals of the playground out back cover with water -- that's scary! We did have many neighbors and friends with either water damage or complete loss of their homes; a classmate of Karis's lost her home when the water heater next door exploded, resulting in a fire that claimed both houses while both were under 4 feet of water. Macabre.

St. George's unfortunately sustained major damage throughout the entire first floor, which flooded with both water and mud, Major work is underway, and I'm told preliminary damage estimates are about $2 million. We also lost two senior parishioners who were trying to drive to church on Sunday; their car was overwhelmed with water, and both drowned. Their bodies were found a mile "downstream" on Monday afternoon. We're all needing time to start to deal with that one. Please continue to keep our family, our parish and our city in your prayers. We've just had too many floods. --Mark Ring

Fresh Expressions letter from the Bishop

2010-04-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

April 10, 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Greetings in the name of our Risen Lord!

One of the challenges common to all of the congregations in our diocese is church growth. It is of utmost importance that we resist the institutional decline currently plaguing all the mainline denominations by learning new ways to reach out to our communities. We know where failure to do so will lead us. However, in this season of resurrection, I am mindful of God’s desire for our new life and growth, both personally and corporately.

In order to assist our congregations, I have invited Canon Carrie Boren, Missioner for Evangelism for the Diocese of Dallas, to return to North Dakota to lead two workshops on church growth. She will be sharing practical ideas and activities that your congregation can use to start reaching new people. Carrie has seen tiny congregations of twelve people revive and grow by using some of these ideas. She will build on the foundation she laid at the last diocesan convention, with a particular emphasis on practical ideas that will apply to congregations of all sizes.

I am asking you to send a team of clergy and lay leaders to one of the workshops:

Saturday, May 8 at Saint George’s in Bismarck, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., or

Saturday, May 15 at Gethsemane Cathedral in Fargo, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Canon Boren is also available to work with individual congregations, vestries, etc. on the weekdays between these two workshops.

Please register your team by contacting Canon Kevin Goodrich, OP at 701.252.4499 or CanonGoodrich@aol.com by May 1.

Thank you for making every effort to take advantage of this opportunity. I am,
Yours in Christ,

+Michael G. Smith

Safeguarding God's PEOPLE at St. St. Stephen's

2010-04-13T12:15:00.001-07:00

Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Fargo is hosting

Safeguarding God's PEOPLE
training session

Saturday May 8
10:30-2:00 PM

Anyone in the diocese who can attend is welcome. If you are, please contact either
Fr. Jamie Parsley (Apium@aol.com)
or Laura Nylander (lnyles@aol.com)

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
120 21 Ave. N.
Fargo, ND

From Bishop Smith regarding Fresh Expressions

2010-04-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

March 31, 2010

Dear Friends:

Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ as we prepare to celebrate the Easter Triduum. May God be glorified and may you be blessed in our worship during this Holy Week. Our experience of the Crucified and Risen Christ motivates us to share this good news with those outside the doors of our churches.

One of our challenges in North Dakota is how to attract newcomers to our congregations, especially when most of our churches are located in small communities with worship attendance below thirty persons. We often struggle with what steps to take to bring new life to the congregations we love and are committed to.

One sign of hope is what is being called the “Fresh Expressions of Church” movement. “Fresh Expressions” began in the Church of England and is spreading throughout North America, bringing renewal to congregations such as ours.

To help us learn more about this movement and how we can grow our churches I have invited Carrie Boren, Canon for Evangelism of the Diocese of Dallas, to lead us in two workshops in May:

Saturday, May 8 – Saint George’s, Bismarck, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 15 – Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

I have asked Canon Boren to build on the foundation she laid for us at the last Diocesan Convention. She will be with us to provide practical ideas, suggestions and tips we can implement in our churches right away and is available for individual consultations during the week between the workshops. (If you would like her to speak at your congregation, please contact Canon Kevin Goodrich OP.)

Please help to get word out about these opportunities by distributing the attached flyer. I am,
Yours in Christ,

+Michael G. Smith

Prayers for the soul of Red Luger

2010-04-02T07:10:00.001-07:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for the soul of Ferdinand “Red” Luger, who died at 6:00 am this morning (April 2, 2010).

Your prayers are also requested for his wife, Deacon Virginia Luger, and their family.

The funeral for Red Luger will be at 1 p.m. Monday, April 5, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Fort Yates, with Bishop Michael Smith officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Perry Funeral Home, Mandan, with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation continues from 10 a.m. to noon at the church.

Burial will be held at a later date in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Red was born Jan. 16, 1917, at Raleigh, to Martin and Magdelena Luger. In 1924, the family moved to Fort Yates where he was raised and educated. He graduated from Fort Yates High School in 1936. In 1939, he went into the CCCs (Civilian Conservation Corps) at Walker, Minn. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in the African and Italian campaigns. On May 22, 1948, he married Virginia Langdon. During his working years, he operated a grocery store, and owned and operated the Warrior Motel, was executive director of Standing Rock Housing Authority and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Home Improvement Director. In 1993, they moved to Mandan.

Red served on the District No. 4 School Board, St. Bernard’s Mission School Board, Fort Yates City Council and a short term as mayor. He was a member of the American Legion for 62 years including Albert Grass Post No. 173, and, their honor squad, and Mandan Post No. 40. He served on Boys Scouts of America and Cub Scout committees and was a mentor for many Standing Rock youth. He developed several beach and docking areas for kids to swim, and taught many children water ski. Red enjoyed attending sporting events and was a staunch “Warrior” fan for all sports. His hobbies were water skiing (which he did until the age of 85), swimming, fishing, hunting and gardening. In his later years, he enjoyed playing pool at the Senior Center. He served on Morton County Grand-T Board and Mandan Golden Age Advisory Board.

May his many friends and particularly his family be consoled in their loss by the many memories of a life well lived. It was truly a life with great humor, a passion for moving forward with confidence and a great pride in family, community and North Dakota.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; his daughter, Frances “Dolly,” Mandan; three sons and their wives, Martin and Lisa Luger, Manitowoc, Wis., J. David and Donna Luger, Fort Yates, and Michael and Julie Luger, Bismarck; 10 grandchildren, Virginia Luger, Madison, Wis., Kristin Luger and Kimberly Luger, both of Manitowoc, Rebecca Gerhardt, Bismarck, Jacob Luger, Fort Yates, Steven Luger, Mandan, Travis Luger, U.S. Navy, Amy Lents, Grand Forks, Matthew Luger and Gregory Luger, both of Bismarck; and six beloved great-grandchildren, Reed and Emily Gerhardt, Colin Luger, J. Aloysius Luger, Theo Lents, and Neroli Fuller.

Red was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, William, Lawrence, Butch, Harold, Ambrose and Joe; and two sisters, Margaret and Loretta.

Prayers for Red Luger

2010-03-30T13:39:00.001-07:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for Ferdinand "Red" Luger, husband of Deacon Virginia Luger, who has been hospitalized in Bismarck due to a stroke. +mgs

BEWARE email scam involving St. Paul's, Grand Forks

2010-03-25T09:10:00.001-07:00

Please be aware of an email scam involving St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Grand Forks. An email is being circulated that is asking for $2,800.00 to help “Carol,” who is supposedly stranded in the U.K., get back home to Grand Forks.

Carol Johnson, the secretary at St. Paul’s, assures us that she is not in the U.K. and needs no help getting back to Grand Forks.

If you receive any emails regarding the situation, please ignore them and delete them immediately.

Mission Day at Fort Totten

2010-03-11T13:06:00.001-08:00

Individuals and groups (including youth) are invited to attend a mission day at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in Fort Totten on Saturday, April 17, from 10am-2pm. Continued work on the new worship building will take place. The vast majority of the work on the building so far has been completed by volunteers and will only be completed with the help of volunteers.
This is a great opportunity to engage in local mission within our own diocese. Volunteers do not need to be skilled laborers, just willing to work, whether on the building, or in other areas (preparing the meal, organizing supplies, etc)

For more information and to confirm your attendance at the work day contact Canon Kevin Goodrich O.P., Canon Missioner for Saint Thomas, at CanonGoodrich@aol.com or 701-252-4499

ENS article about Standing Rock

2010-02-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

NORTH AND SOUTH DAKOTA: Weary reservations get some disaster relief; more storms forecast
'People are on edge' about getting through winter

By Pat McCaughan, February 10, 2010

[Episcopal News Service] Bishop John Tarrant of the Diocese of South Dakota said Feb. 10 that a grant from Episcopal Relief and Development will be used "to help families, to buy food, to purchase propane gas for heating, and to repair pipes that were frozen and burst" during blizzards a few weeks ago.

"Many people, when their power went out, lost everything in their refrigerators and freezers. And when they lost power their pipes froze, so now they have to try and make repairs," said Tarrant. "People are going to be paying for that storm. It's not like when the storms are over, their problems are over."

Winter storms had downed an estimated 3,000 utility poles, leaving many residents of the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, which spans both North and South Dakota, without power or water.

On January 31, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe declared a state of emergency and requested federal disaster relief funds, food, medical supplies and generators. Tribal authorities issued a press release, saying that an estimated 1,500 homes had been without power for weeks.
The South Dakota National Guard, the state Department of Public Safety, and the Army Corps of Engineers supplied some emergency generators but tribal authorities requested additional units. The only reservation grocery store had lost all perishables. Dialysis patients are also being evacuated three hours away, to Rapid City, according to the release.

But the stormy season isn't over yet, said the Rev. John Floberg, who serves several congregations at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, a Lakota and Dakota reservation that stretches into both North and South Dakota.

Floberg said during a Feb. 10 telephone interview that he had been in touch with the local power cooperative to offer assistance after hearing that a few homes were still without power.
"People are anxious … they worried about getting through February. And then there's March. And then there's spring flooding," he said. Adding to the anxiety are forecasts of additional storms, and the high cost of propane, at about $1.90 per gallon.

"Most people have 500 gallon propane tanks in their yards. It costs (more than) $700 now to fill a 500-gallon propane tank," he said. "I've never known the church to be wealthy enough to provide that kind of assistance. I wish it were different. To get a whole community ready for an emergency, to get enough back-up generators and water supply … I just don't know how you go about that."

One single parent's situation is typical of many residents, who "stock up with a lot of meat going into the winter. Then, during the winter months, they can take care of their heating bills," said Floberg.

But, with the power outages, he lost "his refrigerator and freezer items. He doesn't have the finances to take care of both heating and replace the food that was lost. So we're helping out with some of that."

Episcopal Relief and Development had granted Floberg permission to apply some leftover funds from last year's spring floods to this year's disaster relief, he said. "And if we need to apply for this as a separate event, then we'll do that," added Floberg, who serves St. Luke's Church in Fort Yates, St. James Church in Cannon Ball and Church of the Cross in Selfridge, in the Diocese of North Dakota.

At least half of the population of the Standing Rock Reservation is under 18 years of age. Average life expectancy for men is 47 years; for women, 58. Per capita income is about $7,731 a year. About ten percent of the population is Episcopalian, he said.

Last month's blizzard made tough times even tougher, for many residents who already felt "at greater risk," Floberg said. They were anxious, "not knowing how long it would last and not knowing what they were going to be able to get food again or to keep their house warm or when there might be another storm," he said.

Bishop Tarrant of South Dakota said the tough times might get tougher still, especially if there are more storms. Because of the huge number of downed utility poles, many repairs "were only temporary fixes … we don't know what will happen to them when another storm comes through."

Times are so tough that MS-NBC "Countdown" host Keith Olbermann, outraged at the lack of support for South Dakota, sought donations for the "latest humanitarian crisis" during a 'Quick Comment' at the end of a recent broadcast. Citing an unemployment rate of 85 percent, he said: "It's not Haiti. It's South Dakota. It's not 3 million people, it's 50,000 … 450 miles from Minnesota."

Tarrant agreed that sometimes "what appears to be a minimal disaster because you don't have a population density often does get overlooked. I must admit I felt funny calling Episcopal Relief and Development when I did. The woman I talked to had just gotten back from Haiti."
But, he added, the church-wide disaster relief agency had extended emergency relief funds to the diocese. "We want to make sure can help as many people as we can. And, just like in Haiti, these problems won't be taken care of in a matter of months."

Any assistance fund that the diocese receives will be used directly to help people, he added.
The diocese is also "creating a vision of how we can do more than just address crises. We're beginning to develop a model—we hope—to bring youth ministry, to do more than just crisis ministry."

Despite current challenges, the diocese has already embraced a vision "to build a church in south Sudan as a sign that we not only have needs but we also have something we can give," he said. "It's a way of giving people an opportunity to know they can do something beyond themselves."

-- The Rev. Pat McCaughan is Episcopal News Service correspondent for Provinces V, VI, VII and VIII and the House of Bishops. She is based in Los Angeles.

Mary Borkhuis Requiem set

2010-01-17T19:28:00.000-08:00

The memorial Requiem Eucharist for
Mary Borkhuis
(Dec. 23, 1939-Jan. 16, 2010)
will be
11:00 AM Friday, January 22
at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.

Her obituary follows:

Mary Borkhuis

Mary Borkhus died January 16, 2010 at home of her sister in Edgerton Wisconsin. Mary was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma in October 2009 and was in the loving care of her sister, Sue Wilson at the time of her death. Born December 23, 1939 in Lake City Iowa to Lewis and Nova Borkhuis. Mary's early childhood was on the family farm near Vayland, SD. She attended rural school and frequently rode her horse " Happy " to and from school. She is a member of the 1957 senior class of Miller SD. She graduated Huron College with a degree in Religion and Philosophy. She obtained her Masters and a Doctoral degrees from the University of South Dakota. Mary was a college professor and taught Psychology at Maryville College in Maryville Tennessee, St Thomas College in Saint Paul Minnesota and Jamestown College in Jamestown ND. Later in her career Mary lived in Fargo, ND . She went back to school to get a Masters degrees in Marriage and Family at NDSU and worked as a psychologist for Lakeland Mental Health and Griffin Family Systems that served foster families with teenage girls. After her retirement in 2005 Mary enjoyed the fours seasons. Winter was spent at her brother's home in Palm Springs California. Spring and summer was spend enjoying the lush prairies of the Dakotas. Fall was spent visiting friends and family. Thanksgiving was always spent at her brother's home in Atlanta, Georgia. Mary loved trips to relatives where she would often arrive at someone's home with no notice but was always welcomed in. Special trips were to India, a summer spent on a schooner in the Caribbean and western desert. Mary's travels took her in search of antiques, collectibles, fossils , and artifacts for which she had a sharp eye to see what others could not. Mary's had many hobbies but most enjoyed photography. She captured countless photos of flowers, birds, mountains and oceans. Her photos chronicled her family with images that captured a lifetime of memories. A very special part of her life was serving the Episcopal church. She was active in both local and state boards and spent many happy hours with her friends at the church;.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Nova Borkhuis and her twin brother Jerry who died at birth. . Remaining to cherish the memory of her life is her sister Sue(Eric) from Edgerton Wisconsin and brothers Dale(Elizabeth) of Atlanta Georgia and John of Los Angeles, Ca. She has four special nephews, Christopher and Michael Wilson and Garrett and Robert Borkhuis.

A memorial service will be held in Fargo North Dakota at the Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral at 1100 AM on Friday the 22nd of January. A burial of ashes will be in Miller, South Dakota during Memorial Day weekend, 2010.

Memorials may be sent to the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota

Prayers for the soul of Mary Borkhuis

2010-01-16T23:04:00.000-08:00

The prayers of the Diocese are request for the repose of the soul of Mary Borkhuis, Grace Church,, Jamestown. Mary died Saturday morning (Jan 16th) in Wisconsin. She had been diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma in October.

Burial of ashes will be in Miller, South Dakota during Memorial Day weekend, 2010.

Any word on local memorial services for Mary will be shared with the Diocese as they are known.

Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord;
And let light perpetual shine upon her.

May her soul and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Paul Nixon to lead workshop in ND

2010-01-16T22:58:00.000-08:00

From Bishop Smith:

This book was used as a basis for discussion at one of our recent clergy conferences. +mgs

Paul Nixon, author of “I Refuse To Lead A Dying Church” to lead a workshop
The North Dakota Conference of Churches is excited to announce that Paul Nixon the Author of “I Refuse To Lead A Dying Church” and more recently “Finding Jesus on the Metro” will be leading a workshop in North Dakota March 22 and 23 of 2010. This workshop will be open to all clergy and lay who would like the opportunity to share in a special time with this visionary pastor and author. Rev. Nixon’s writings have challenged all of us to go beyond acceptance of decline within our congregation, that can seem inevitable, to the fullness of the ministry to which Our Redeemer is calling us.

The workshop will be held March 22 and 23 at the Quality Inn in Jamestown, ND (The Quality Inn is located South of I94. Take Exit 258, Hwy 281, go South, the Quality Inn will be on the East side of the road.)

The schedule for the workshop is as follows; Mar. 22, 8:00 am (ct) registration at the Quality Inn, 9:00 am (ct) program begins, Lunch break 12:00 Noon (lunch is on your own), 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm program with Paul Nixon, 6:00 pm (ct) Banquet at Quality Inn (cost included in registration), 7:30 pm (ct) musical program featuring Chuck Suche.(cost included in registration) March 23, program begins at 9:00 am and concludes at 12:00. The registration cost for this event is $40. To register visit: http://ndconferenceofchurches.com/forms

Prayers & Relief for Haiti

2010-01-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

The prayers of the Diocese of North Dakota are requested for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, as well as for those who are involved in relief efforts.

If you would like make a contribution to help the relief effort in Haiti please visit the web site for Episcopal Relief and Development at: www.er-d.org

-------------------------------------------------

Dear Bishop Smith,
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church has issued the following statement concerning the January 12 earthquake in Haiti:

The people of Haiti have suffered a devastating earthquake, and it is already clear that many have died and many more are injured. Even under "normal" circumstances, Haiti struggles to care for her 9 million people.

The nation is the poorest in the western hemisphere, and this latest disaster will set back many recent efforts at development. I urge your prayers for those who have died, been injured, and are searching for loved ones - and I urge your concrete and immediate prayers in the form of contributions to Episcopal Relief & Development, who are already working with the Diocese of Haiti to send aid where it is most needed.

Urgently - without a moment's delay - Episcopal Relief & Development needs your help to respond to this catastrophic earthquake.
As the crisis unfolds, we are working with Diocese of Haiti to provide critical, life saving assistance such as food, water and medicine, as well as long-term recovery and rehabilitation aid in the aftermath of the January 12 earthquake.Donate now to Episcopal Relief & Development's Haiti Fund.

Be as generous as you can and please join me in praying for the safety and welfare of those in Haiti struggling to survive this terrible crisis.

Yours faithfully, Robert W. RadtkePresident, Episcopal Relief & Development
P.S. Please support our emergency efforts in Haiti today. With your help, we can provide critical assistance to those in desperate need.

© Copyright 2008 Episcopal Relief & Development 815 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017

Bulletin insert

2009-12-29T13:44:00.000-08:00

Bulletin insert for first three Sundays in January:

Help for Hurting Marriages:
Retrouvaille is an intense weekend experience for couples in a hurting marriage. There will be a Retrouvaille weekend held January 22-24, 2010 in Bismarck with aftercare sessions provided. Registration is limited. All participants must pre-register with a $100 nonrefundable deposit, and the location of the weekend is given at that time. For information on Retrouvaille go to www.retrouvaille.org or www.bismarckdiocese.com. To register for the weekend call Joyce at Office of Family Ministry 1-701-222-3035 or toll free 1-877-405-7435. Retrouvaille is sponsored by the Diocese of Bismarck and is open to any married couple struggling in their relationship regardless of faith denomination.

the Priestly Ordination of Sharon Luntsford+

2009-12-21T12:15:00.001-08:00

Sharon Luntsford's ordination to the Priesthood

St. Michael & All Angels

Cartwright, ND

December 18, 2009

Prayers for the souls of Hilda Belanus & Rosemary Stillman

2009-12-17T04:14:00.000-08:00

The prayers of the diocese are requested for the souls of Hilda Belanus, St. Peter's, Walhalla and Rosemary Stillman, St. Stephen's, Fargo.

Hilda died Friday morning December 11, 2009. Her funeral was held Monday, December 14. Interment will be in the spring in Walhalla's Hillside Cemetery.

Rosemary died Wednesday morning December 16, 2009. A Requiem Mass will be held at St. Stephen's on Saturday, with burial of ashes in the spring in the memorial garden at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.

Prayers on the 55th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination for +Elliott Sorge

2009-12-10T22:53:00.000-08:00

“May he exalt you, O Lord, in midst of your people…”

Today
marks the 55th anniversary of
Ordination to the Priesthood
of
The Right Reverend Elliott Sorge
on December 10, 1954

Dear Heavenly Father,

We give you thanks for calling Elliott to faithful ministry in your church,for nourishing us from the riches of God’s grace. We give you thanks for his loving and supportive ministry and for his selfless dedication to the church.

And we give thanks for Marjorie, for her generous heart and open hands. As she has shared her love, so shower her with your love and blessings.

May the God of life pour out grace upon him,
may he feel God’s hand upon him
and be strengthened by the things God’s loving presence.

May the Son of God be Lord in all his ways;
may Christ shepherd him,
and in his heart may Jesus receive the praise.

We pray that God’s grace will abound
and that the fullness of Christ’s love
will continue to be shared through him.

May God the Holy Spirit comfort him, and make him strong,
and may in his heart the Spirit of love be a song.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.+

[Adapted from a Celtic blessing.]

Bishop Michael Smith's statement on the Louisiana election

2009-12-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

I would like to congratulate the Very Rev. Morris Thompson, dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington, Kentucky, who was elected the next bishop of Louisiana today, and to thank all of you for your prayers during this time of discernment.

+Michael

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bishop Smith came in second in the election. Final election results can be found at http://edola.org/

Sharon Luntsford's priestly ordination

2009-12-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

God willing
The Right Reverend Michael Smith
Bishop of North Dakota
will ordain

Sharon Luntsford

to the Sacred Order of Priests

in Christ Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church

Friday, the 18th day of December, 2009
at seven o’clock in the evening

St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
Cartwright, North Dakota

Your prayers and presence are requested

Clergy: red stoles

Todd Brewer Ordination to the Diaconate

2009-11-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

God Willing,
The Right Reverend Michael Smith
Bishop of North Dakota
will ordain

Todd Hamilton Williams Brewer

to the Sacred Order of Deacons
in Christ's Holy Catholic Church
Thursday, the 12th of November
at Seven o'clock in the Evening
Church of the Good Samaritan
212 West Lancaster Avenue
Paoli, Pennsylvania

Your prayers and presence are requested.

Clergy: Red stoles

A reception in Ashton Hall will follow the service.

Prayer request for Dickinson State University

2009-11-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for Dickinson State University and for the souls of the three DSU students who drowned there Sunday night, Ashley Neufeld, Krystin Gemar, and Ashton Williamson.

The Revd Bruce MacDuffie, St. John’s, Dickinson, writes:

We suffered a community tragedy here beginning Sunday night. Three young women, all softball team members from Dickinson State University, drove out late at night into the country star grazing, as was their wont. On a back road about eight miles from town, they inadvertently drove into a 12 foot deep stock pond, could not free themselves from their car, and drowned. The university held a short prayer service last evening just a few hours after their fate was discovered. I was tapped to conduct it. About a thousand students and some faculty and staff gathered for it. Two of the sets of parents were present. The team knew the parents and spent many minutes embracing them and weeping with them.

Prayers for the soul of Jeffrey Pettit

2009-10-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

Your prayers are requested for the soul of Jeffrey Pettit, as well for his parents, Donna and Ross Pettit, St. Paul’s, Grand Forks, and their family.

Jeff died Weds. Oct. 28, 2009 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

The memorials service will be 10:00 Saturday, Oct. 31 at St. Paul’s, Grand Forks.

An obituary follows:

Biography
Jeffrey Pettit, 33, Fargo, ND and formerly of Grand Forks, ND, died Wednesday, October 28, 2009 in Grand Forks, ND.

Jeffrey Charles Pettit was born March 22, 1976 in Enid, Oklahoma to Donna and Ross Pettit. He lived in Nashville, Tennessee until moving to Grand Forks in 1979 where he grew up. He attended Ben Franklin, South Junior and Red River High Schools. While growing up he participated in the Park Board Hockey program and loved everything about hockey .He attended NDSU-Bottineau. One of the highlights of his life was playing hockey at Bottineau and being on the team that won the 1998 Junior College National Championship in Buffalo, NY. He was on the All Tournament team for that event. He worked in Alaska and Fargo. While in Fargo, he coached for the Fargo South Flyers and enjoyed working with the kids. Jeff enjoyed being with his family and friends and going to the lake.

He is survived by his parents, Donna and Ross; his two older sisters, Debbi (Brian) Osowski and Kristi Pettit; nieces, Abby, Meg and Kate Osowski; grandmother, Judy Pettit; great-aunt Naomi (Karl) Schmitt; aunts Jill (Bob) Grzadzielewski; TerryJo (Jon) Wood; uncles Bill (Mary) Pettit and Rick (Sue) Taylor; step-uncles Darren (Jean) and Kelly Thompson; and many cousins.

Memorial Service
Saturday October 31, 2009, 10:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Family Greeting
Saturday October 31, 2009, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Diocesan Convention 2009 Bismarck

2009-10-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

Photos by Joy Bosch

Prayers for Ross MacDuffie

2009-09-21T20:30:00.001-07:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for Ross MacDuffie, brother of the Revd Bruce MacDuffie of St. John's, Dickinson. Bruce writes:

A call from a physician at Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill, Massachusetts, today stated that my brother, Ross MacDuffie, nine years my elder, is in the last stages of lung disease, could die at any time, and has only a 50/50 chance of some temporary improvement which at most will extend his life 5-6 months.

The Episcopal priest in Haverhill has already plugged in to help.

Blessings. Bruce

Pre-Convention meetings

2009-09-13T16:16:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder to all Delegates to Diocesan Convention:

Bishop Michael will be leading three Pre-Convention meetings

Saturday September 19

10:00 AM – St. George’s, Bismarck

3:00 PM – Grace Church, Jamestown

Sunday September 20

3:00 PM – Church of the Advent, Devils Lake.

All delegates and clergy should attempt to be present at one of these important pre-convention meetings.

Prayers for +Elliot & Marjorie Sorge

2009-08-27T18:45:00.001-07:00

August 27, 2009

With Marianne Ell’s permission the Bishop shares with you a note from her sister, Ruth Sorge, posted on the Bishops listserv concerning Bishop Elliot & Marjorie Sorge:

“Yes, we would all be grateful for additional prayers. [Elliot Sorge] has Alzheimer's but also Aphasia, which has affected his ability to verbalize his thoughts. He and Mom now reside in a retirement community, one which has independent living, assisted living and they also have a nursing home division with specialized care for Alzheimer's. We are thankful that they are still able to remain in the independent living apartment, although the disease has progressed since they moved here last year.

Please include my mother, Marjorie, in your prayers as well as this cruel disease takes its toll on the caregivers as well!

They will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on September 4th.

Anyone wishing to correspond with them can send e-mails to my email address at ruthsorge@gmail.com and I will print them out and pass them on, or if they wish to correspond via USPS, their address is:

The Rt. Rev. Elliott & Marjorie Sorge, 5500 East Peakview Avenue, Apt 2215, Centennial, CO 80121

Their home telephone number is (720) 344-6934

Clergy/Ministers Conferences this Fall

2009-08-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Clergy and Ministers of the Diocese,

Please find below the dates for the fall Clergy/ Ministers’ Conferences. Please share this information with any fellow clergy and lay ministers you have since some might not receive this information by email.

REMEMBER: All clergy of the diocese are expected to attend one of these conferences UNLESS you are retired, on leave of absence or have discussed your situation with the Bishop beforehand.

Please RSVP me informing which conference you will be attending. We do need to have the correct number of clergy attending.

Deacon Formation/Minister’s Conference*
Assumption Abbey
Richardton, ND
Fri. Oct. 9-Sat. Oct. 11

*This is open to all clergy, not just those in Deacons’ formation

Clergy Conference
Assumption Abbey
Richardton, ND
Sun Nov. 22-Tues. Nov. 24

More information and copies of the book to read beforehand will be mailed out in the next few weeks to those who inform me they are attending.

-peace,
Jamie+

The Reverend Jamie A. Parsley
Executive Assistant to the Bishop

Volunteers needed for Committees

2009-08-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

The Bishop is looking for volunteers for service on the following Committees. He makes appointments annually at Diocesan Convention.

Anti-Racism Committee

Commission on Ministry

East Africa Mission Committee

Environmental Stewardship Committee

Finance/Investment Committee

Guatemala Mission Committee

Millennium Development Goals Committee

Stewardship Committee

Youth Ministry Committee

Evangelism & Church Planting Committee

If interested, please contact: EpiscopalNd@aol.com

Transitioning Toward Two-Track Anglicanism

2009-08-02T20:34:00.001-07:00

Transitioning Towards Two-Track Anglicanism: The Bishop of North Dakota’s Reflections on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Reflections on the Episcopal Church's 2009 General Convention

The General Convention of The Episcopal Church and the Archbishop of Canterbury are moving in different directions. How’s that for the understatement of the year?

Case in point: General Convention 2009 Resolution D025 which can be found at http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=986&type=Final states that some “same-sex couples living in lifelong committed relationships” include individuals who have been called by God in the past and may be called by God in the future “to any ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church.”

In contrast, Archbishop Rowan Williams, in his recently released reflections on General Convention 2009, “Communion, Covenant and our Anglican Future” which can be found at http://anglicancommunion.org/acns/news.cfm/2009/7/28/ACNS4641 states:

“[A] blessing for a same-sex union cannot have the authority of the Church Catholic, or even of the Communion as a whole. And if this is the case, a person living in such a union is in the same case as a heterosexual person living in a sexual relationship outside the marriage bond; whatever the human respect and pastoral sensitivity such persons must be given, their chosen lifestyle is not one that the Church's teaching sanctions, and thus it is hard to see how they can act in the necessarily representative role that the ordained ministry, especially the episcopate, requires”
(§ 8).

This all sounds familiar. In fact the Archbishop of Canterbury’s 2009 reflection reminds me a great deal of his 2006 reflection: “The Challenge and Hope of Being an Anglican Today.” In the 2006 essay many of the same themes are sounded, including the possibility of a two-track ecclesial arrangement of “constituent” and “associated” churches in Anglicanism.

Indeed the Anglican Communion Covenant process appears to be headed towards an outcome where some churches will be “constituent” members of an interdependent communion of churches and others will become “associate” members of an independent federation of churches. In this way, in the Archbishop’s words, “both 'tracks' should be able to pursue what they believe God is calling them to be as Church, with greater integrity and consistency” (§ 24).

Where does this leave those of us who have been resolute in our commitment to remain both as dioceses, clergy and people of The Episcopal Church, and covenanted members of the global Anglican Communion as well? This includes, but is not limited to, those identified as “Communion Partners.”

The Constitution & Canons of The Episcopal Church are clear. In the Preamble, we claim for ourselves constituent membership in the “Anglican Communion, a Fellowship within the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, of those duly constituted Dioceses, Provinces, and regional Churches in communion with the See of Canterbury…” (emphasis added). What happens if we are no longer in communion with the See of Canterbury? By our own definition we would cease to be part of the Anglican Communion.

It has become clear to me in discussions with Episcopalians inside and outside the Diocese that not everyone has the same appreciation or understanding of the importance of remaining “in communion with the See of Canterbury.” (A woman at coffee hour one Sunday remarked: “We always thought Anglicans were nice people, but we never thought of ourselves as Anglicans.”) I, on the other hand, have always used the terms “Episcopal” and “Anglican” synonymously. In fact, I was able to join The Episcopal Church precisely because it is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, thereby demonstrating its catholicity as a church of the redeemed “from every family, language, people, and nation…” (Revelation 5:9), and not existing in isolation as a small protestant denomination in the United States. This precious fellowship with the Archbishop of Canterbury and, through him and the bishops in fellowship with him, with millions of saints around the globe is essential to my understanding of what it means to be part of the Church catholic. It is this gift of “communion” that the Anglican Communion Covenant seeks to preserve and foster.

My recent experiences at Anaheim, however, do not leave me hopeful that General Convention 2012 will be a Covenant-friendly gathering. Depending on the wording of the final draft of the Anglican Communion Covenant which is scheduled to be released later this year, it might be the case that the House of Bishops would adopt the Anglican Covenant. However, I predict the concurrence of the House of Deputies to be highly unlikely given the high value the American spirit places on independence in global matters, whether civil or ecclesiastical. Therefore, the Covenant would not be adopted for the entire national church.

But Resolution D025 also acknowledges that “members of The Episcopal Church as of the Anglican Communion, based on careful study of the Holy Scriptures, and in light of tradition and reason, are not of one mind, and Christians of good conscience disagree about some of these matters” (emphasis added). Let’s work with this. I wonder if there is a way forward that honors the consciences of all, one that would allow some in The Episcopal Church to travel on the track of a covenanted, interdependent Communion and others the opportunity to seek to serve God on a more federated, independent track.

For example, the use of the word “church” is imprecise in the Ridley Cambridge draft of the Anglican Communion Covenant which can be found at http://anglicancommunion.org/commission/covenant/ridley_cambridge/intro_text.cfm. (Please remember that Sections 1-3 have already been approved by the Anglican Consultative Council for adoption by churches. Only Section 4 has been held back for further work.) When the Covenant states “Each Church affirms” or “Each Church commits itself,” the meaning of “church” is unclear. Is the Covenant referring to “church” as a province or a diocese or a congregation? What is to prevent a diocese or congregation from adopting the Covenant and thereby remaining a constituent member of Anglicanism in communion with the See of Canterbury? It might look something like this:

A diocesan convention could adopt the Covenant. That diocese’s bishop would then be recognized by the Archbishop of Canterbury as “in communion” with him.

A congregation in a non-Covenant diocese could adopt the Covenant and request of the diocesan bishop an “Episcopal Visitor” from among those bishops recognized by the Archbishop as being “in communion” with the See of Canterbury.

An individual in a non-Covenant congregation in a non-Covenant diocese could simply have his or her “letter” moved to or baptism recorded in a Covenanted-congregation.

Or, perhaps the Communion Partners initiative could become a “Mission Society” or a “Christian Community” as described in Canon III.14.2(a) as “a society of Christians (in Communion with the See of Canterbury)…”

Admittedly, in order for such scenarios to succeed would require the good will and even encouragement from the “federated” majority towards the “covenanted” minority in The Episcopal Church. However, failure to pursue such opportunities will most certainly result in more individuals, congregations and dioceses leaving The Episcopal Church. There are a number of Episcopalians, myself included, for whom the desire and intent to “Remain Anglican” is foundational to our understanding of what it means to be “Episcopalian.”

The Rt. Rev. Michael G. Smith
Episcopal Bishop of North Dakota
August 2, 2009

Presiding Bishop's Letter on General Convention 2009

2009-07-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

Bishop Michael Smith would like to share the following letter from from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori on General Convention:

The Episcopal Church
Office of Public Affairs

Presiding Bishop’s letter to the church on General Convention

“Above all else, this Convention claimed God’s mission
as the heartbeat of The Episcopal Church”

[July 22, 2009] Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued a letter to the church about General Convention 2009.

General Convention 2009 was held July 8 to July 17 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California (Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles).

The following is the Presiding Bishop’s letter.
_______________________________________________________________________

My brothers and sisters in Christ:

The 76th General Convention is now history, though it will likely take some time before we are all reasonably clear about what the results are.

We gathered in Anaheim, as guests of the Diocese of Los Angeles, for eleven full days of worship, learning, and policy-making. The worship was stunning visually, musically, and liturgically, with provocative preaching and lively singing.

Our learning included training in Public Narrative, as well as news about the emergent church, in the LA Night presentation.

We welcomed a number of visitors from other parts of the Anglican Communion, including 15 of the primates (archbishops or presiding bishops), other bishops, clergy, and laity.

You can see and hear all this and more at the Media Hub: http://gchub.episcopalchurch.org/

The budget adopted represents a significant curtailment of church-wide ministry efforts, in recognition of the economic realities of many dioceses and church endowments, which will result in the loss of a number of Church Center staff who have given long and laudable service. Yet we will continue to serve God’ s mission, throughout The Episcopal Church and beyond. This budget expects that more mission work will continue or begin to take place at diocesan or congregational levels. Religious pilgrims, from the Israelites in the desert to Episcopalians in Alaska or Haiti, have always learned that times of leanness are opportunities for strengthened faith and creativity.

As a Church, we have deepened our commitments to mission and ministry with "the least of these" (Matthew 25). We included a budgetary commitment of 0.7% to the Millennium Development Goals, through the NetsforLife® program partnership of Episcopal Relief & Development. That is in addition to approximately 15% of the budget already committed to international development work.

We have committed to a domestic poverty initiative, meant to explore coherent and constructive responses to some of the worst poverty statistics in the Americas: Native American reservations and indigenous communities.

Justice is the goal, as we revised our canons (church rules) having to do with clergy discipline, both as an act of solidarity with those who may suffer at the hands of clergy and an act of pastoral concern for clergy charged with misconduct.

The General Convention adopted a health plan to serve all clergy and lay employees, which is expected to be a cost-savings across the whole of the United States portion of the Church. Work continues to ensure adequate health coverage in the non-U.S. parts of this Church. The Convention also mandated pension coverage for lay employees.

Liturgical additions were also included in the Convention’s work, from more saints on the calendar to prayers around reproductive loss.

What captured the headlines across the secular media, however, had to do with tw o resolutions, the consequences of which were often misinterpreted or exaggerated. One, identified as D025, is titled “Anglican Communion: Commitment and Witness to Anglican Communion.” It
reaffirms our commitment to and desire to pursue mission with the Anglican Communion;
reiterates our commitment to Listening Process urged by Lambeth Conferences of 1978, 1988, and 1998;

notes that our own participation in the listening process led General Convention in 2000 to “recognize that the baptized membership of The Episcopal Church includes same-sex couples living in lifelong committed relationships ‘characterized by fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect, careful, honest communication, and the holy love which enables those in such relationships to see in each other the image of God’”;

recognizes that ministry, both lay and ordained is being exercised by such persons in response to God’s call;

notes that the call to ordained ministry is God’s call, is a mystery, and that the Church participates in that mystery through the process of discernment;

acknowledges that the members of The Episcopal Church, and of the Anglican Communion, are not of one mind, and that faithful Christians disagree about some of these matters.

The other resolution that received a lot of press is C056, titled “Liturgies for Blessings.” The text adopted was a substitute for the original, yet the title remains unchanged. It
acknowledges changing circumstances in the U.S. and elsewhere, in that civil jurisdictions in some places permit marriage, civil unions, and/or domestic partnerships involving same-sex couples, that call for a pastoral response from this Church;

asks the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, and the House of Bishops, to collect and develop theological and liturgical resources for such pastoral response, and report to the next General Convention;

asks those bodies to invite comment and participation from other parts of this Church and the Anglican Communion;

notes that bishops may provide generous pastoral responses to the needs of members of this Church;

asks the Convention to honor the theological diversity of this Church in regard to matters of human sexuality.

The full text of both resolutions is available here: http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/

I urge you to read them for yourself. Some have insisted that these resolutions repudiate our relationships with other members of the Anglican Communion. My sense is that we have been very clear that we value our relationships within and around the Communion, and seek to deepen them. My sense as well is that we cannot do that without being honest about who and where we are. We are obviously not of one mind, and likely will not be until Jesus returns in all his glory. We are called by God to continue to wrestle with the circumstances in which we live and move and have our being, and to do it as carefully and faithfully as we are able, in companionship with those who disagree vehemently and agree wholeheartedly. It is only in that wrestling that we, like Jacob, will begin to discern the leading of the Spirit and the blessing of relationship with God.

Above all else, this Convention claimed God’s mission as the heartbeat of The Episcopal Church. I encourage every member of this Church to enter into conversation in your own congregation or diocese about God’s mission, and where you and your faith community are being invited to enter more deeply into caring for your neighbors, the “least of these” whom Jesus befriends.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church

# # # #

Prayers for Jackie Bernacchi+

2009-07-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

Your prayers are requested for The Rev. Canon Jackie Bernacchi.

Jackie+, one of the Diocese’s clergy deputies to General Convention, became ill while at Convention in Anaheim, CA, and is in the hospital there. It is believed she will be released in the next day or two and will be traveling back to North Dakota at that time.

Terry Star/ elected to Executive Council

2009-07-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Deacon Terry Star was elected today to the Executive Council at this mornings business of the General. Convention in Anaheim.

Prayers for the soul of Marie Michel

2009-05-12T08:05:00.001-07:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for the soul of

Marie Michel

wife of the Rt. Rev. Rodney Michel, Bishop Suffragan of Long Island and former Rector of St. Paul's, Grand Forks, who died on May 10, 2009.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday May 16th at 11 AM at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 321 West Chestnut Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603

+ May her soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and rise in glory. +

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rt. Rev. Rodney R. Michel & Family
15 Coolidge Drive
Ephrata, PA 17522

Into thy hands, O merciful Savior, we commend thy servant, Marie.

Marie L. Michel, age 65, of 15 Coolidge Dr., Ephrata, PA, formerly of Bay Shore, NY, passed away at her residence on Sunday, May 10, 2009.

Born in Hastings, NE, she was the daughter of the late Frank Fulton and Ona Evelyn Marvel Aplan. She and her husband, Rt. Rev. Rodney R. Michel, celebrated their forty-third wedding anniversary last November 27th.

Marie was a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University. She was employed for fifteen years as a merchandiser with American Greetings Corporation.

She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lancaster and a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Scottsbluff, NE.

Marie enjoyed her home, garden, her dog, Farley, and grandchildren, Madeleine, Kathryn and Gavin.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Anne Michel, wife of Win Boerckel, Arlington, VA; three sons, John, husband of Kristy Michel, Baltimore, MD; David, fiance of Kristi Freeland, Baltimore, MD; Andrew Michel, East Patchogue, NY; three grandchildren, Madeleine and Kathryn Boerckel; Gavin A. Michel; three brothers, Donald Holyoke, S. Pasadena, CA; Frank Aplan, State College, PA and James Aplan, SD.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Marie’s Life Celebration Memorial Service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 321 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA, on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 11:00 AM with Rev. John W. Morris officiating. Interment in St. John’s Episcopal Memorial Garden. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Marie’s name to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 321 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603.

Fighting the Flood

2009-05-11T08:19:00.001-07:00

Fighting the Flood: Volunteers Needed

The ongoing work of flood relief and care will last many months beyond the cresting and lowering of flood waters in our state. Longer term pastoral care, spiritual support, and emotional healing will be an ongoing process for individuals and communities for a long time.

The diocesan flood task force, in concert with other Christian Churches in the state, is looking for volunteers to be case managers, who do in-take for families and others affected by flooding. This will mostly be done by telephone from your own home and helpful training is provided.

The Diocese of North Dakota is hoping for at least six volunteers for this important work – with a particular hope that the deacons of the diocese will take up this important task.

Expenses will be covered related to the training and conducting of this important ministry.

Training is taking place at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Jamestown, ND, on May 14th and May 15th.

To register and for additional information, please contact:
The Rev’d Debra Ball-Kilbourne
701-952-2009
dbk.central@gmail.com

also if you choose to volunteer you must also contact The Rev’d Canon Kevin Goodrich O.P. who is coordinating this particular volunteer effort on behalf of the diocesan flood task force.

CanonGoodrich@aol.com
701-252-4499

For generation questions related to flood relief efforts contact Canon John Floberg, chair of the task force.

Flood Relief

2009-04-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

As flood relief in the Diocese continues, Bishop Michael Smith has asked Canon John Floberg to work with Father Patrick Genereux, coordinator of the Office of Disaster Recovery of the Diocese of Iowa, in organizing and publicizing a diocesan meeting to be held in Jamestown. Jamestown seems to be the geographic center of those areas affected by the floods. Details regarding this meeting and continued relief is detailed in the following message from Canon Floberg.

Canon Floberg writes:

The Rev'd Patrick Genereux will be in North Dakota on May 6 & 7 looking at the flood damage in many parts of the state. We will be touring through several communities. If your community has been effected by flooding this spring you are requested to do two things:

1. e-mail Canon John Floberg ( jsfloberg@msn.com) with the following information. Please be specific with names and extent of loss:
a. What kinds of personal property losses to members of the Episcopal Church?
b. What kinds of personal property losses are there to others in your community that aren't covered by insurance?

2. If you have property losses that you are reporting are you able to come to a meeting at Grace Church, Jamestown, at 3 pm on Thursday the 7th? We will meet for two hours. Please return an e-mail to Canon John Floberg to let him know of your plans to attend ( jsfloberg@msn.com)

From this visit and meeting a request will be sent in to the Episcopal Relief and Development fund.

A statement from Bishop Michael Smith

2009-04-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

April 24, 2009

Dear Friends:

This week the Anglican Communion Institute released a document entitled Bishops’ Statement on the Polity of the Episcopal Church. I am one of the signatories. The document is available at http://www.anglicancommunioninstitute.com/?p=391 and I invite you to read it.

Some of the left-wing bloggers are furious about this statement and are calling us “schismatics” and worse. And, no, we have not declared our independence from General Convention. In the context of the document we reaffirm our vows to “conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of The Episcopal Church.”

Why all the fuss, then? The signers are part of the Communion Partner fellowship of bishops, an outgrowth of the Presiding Bishop’s episcopal visitor initiative and endorsed by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Lambeth Conference. We stand in a unique place in The Episcopal Church and Anglicanism. We stand resolutely in the middle place of reconciliation, refusing to leave either the Episcopal Church or the worldwide Anglican Communion. This stance means we take hits both from the right and the left, depending on whose toes we’re stepping on at a particular moment.

The scholarly paper in question makes the case that dioceses in The Episcopal Church have a constitutional and historical right to remain as constituent members of the Anglican Communion should the General Convention choose to reject an Anglican Communion Covenant. This is based on the definition of the “Anglican Communion” found in the preamble of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church as “those duly constituted Diocese, Provinces, and regional Churches in communion with the See of Canterbury…”

Scholars and lawyers will parse words and debate the points made in this paper. That’s well and good as it furthers the discussion around these matters. The bottom line for me, however, is that the basic unit of the Church as traditionally understood in Anglicanism is the diocese. This is basic catholic ecclesiology and reflected in the Archbishop of Canterbury’s 2007 letter to +John Howe of Central Florida: “The organ of union with the wider Church is the Bishop and Diocese rather than the Provincial structure as such…The bishop and the Diocese [are] the primary locus of ecclesial identity rather than the abstract reality of the ‘national church.’”

Those of us from Native American communities understand full well the concept of “dual” citizenship. We are both citizens of the U.S. as well as our tribal nations. Why is it so unthinkable that a diocese could have dual citizenship in both the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion? What possible motive could a majority have in preventing the ecumenical desire of a minority to remain in communion with those outside the borders of our “national church”?

My first hope and prayer is to see the General Convention adopt the Anglican Communion Covenant. If General Convention rejects the Covenant, however, the subject of the paper in question comes into play. Having vowed to conform to the doctrine, discipline and worship of The Episcopal Church, I will cease and desist if General Convention enacts canonical legislation making my actions illegal. Until then, however, as a bishop vowed to “guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church” I will continue to speak out in favor of the Anglican Communion Covenant. Please continue to pray with me for the unity of the Church. I am,

Yours in Christ,

+Michael G. Smith, North Dakota

Photos of Valley City flood

2009-04-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

Deacon Sloane Floberg shares these photos of the flooding waters in Valley City.

Prayers for Valley City

2009-04-15T07:52:00.001-07:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for the citizens of Valley City and especially for the members of All Saints.

Canon John Floberg writes:

Please pray for Sloane's parents (Bob & Pat Fearing) as they prepare to evacuate from their house along the river in Valley City. They, along with half of the city's population, have been asked to evacuate by 6 pm Wednesday.

I know that these people are in need of support and pastoral care RIGHT NOW. They have been pumping water for days from their basement. If they leave, their basement with furnace and water heater will flood. They are really torn about leaving, but at the same time they are not willing to ask for help. Don't ask, show up and help if at all possible.The Simonsons in Valley City are also in the path of this flood as well. I would expect that there are other Episcopalians that are being directly effected by the flood.

John+

The Funeral for Dcn. Art Raymond

2009-04-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

The funeral for Deacon Art Raymond will be 5:00 Saturday at St. Paul’s, Grand Forks.

Clergy, please vest in white stoles.

Also, please note that as of today I-29 is closed north of Fargo. In order to get to Grand Forks from Fargo people must go west on I-94 and follow detours. Fr. Jim Shannon says the trip takes an extra 30 minutes.

A complete obituary follows:

Deacon Arthur Raymond
January 18, 1923 - April 1, 2009

Biography

Arthur J.Raymond, 86, of Grand Forks, ND died Wednesday, April 1, 2009 in his home.

Arthur John Raymond was born one of 10 children on January 18, 1923 at Winner, South Dakota the son of Enoch and Mary (Frazier) Raymond. Art was raised at the family home near Millboro, SD, where he attended grade school. Art attended high school at Rosebud Boarding School, Mission, SD and graduated the head of his class. Art enlisted as a private in the army during World War II. Working his way through the ranks, at war’s end he was commander of an infantry rifle company with the rank of First Lieutenant. Art was a member of the 320th infantry regiment, 35th division of Patton’s 3rd Army. On return to civilian life, he graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University at Mitchell, SD, with a B.A. degree in Economics in 1951. That year he also won the Wall Street Journal award Outstanding Student in Economics. In 1953 he joined the staff of the Mitchell Daily Republic newspaper full time and was promoted to City Editor in October of that year. One of Art’s stories was nominated for the Pulitzer Award. He accepted a position as managing editor of the Williston, ND Herald in January, 1962. He accepted an offer from the Grand Forks Herald to move to Grand Forks, ND, in January, 1965, where he was the Sunday Editor, feature writer and legislative reporter. In North Dakota Art was president of the North Dakota Associated Press; a member of his church’s bi-racial commission; a member of the vestry of the Episcopal churches at Williston and Grand Forks; a licensed lay reader, a Sunday school teacher and a Chalice Bearer for many years in both states. On June 30, 2007 Art was ordained a Deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of ND. In 1970 he was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives and served for six years. He was the first ever Native American to be elected and serve in the North Dakota legislature, and the first state employee to be elected and serve. Art was the director of Indian Studies and programs at the University of North Dakota, 1971-78, and director of Indian Program Development until his retirement June 30, 1991. Art also belonged to the American Diabetes Association both North Dakota Affiliate and National; Dakota Wesleyan University Alumni association, national president; Greater Grand Forks Boxing association, president; National Diabetes Advisory Board, charter member; National Executive Council, Episcopal Church, USA and the North Dakota Associated Press, president. Art also held an honorary Doctor’s degree, Dakota Wesleyan University and was chosen an Outstanding Freshman Legislator (ND) by the Eagleton Institute, Rutgers University in 1971.

During retirement Art was active as the chairman of the Board for Options, Inc.; a member of the Corporate Board for United Health Services; a member of the Grand Forks Historic Preservation Commission; a member of the Regional Civil Rights Commission, and a member of the Board of Directors for Dakota Wesleyan University,

Art and Rose Marie Schone, White Lake, SD, met at Dakota Wesleyan University and were married April 28, 1950 while still students.

Art is survived by: Wife: Rose Raymond – Grand Forks, ND Sons: Arthur Raymond, Jr. – Hot Springs, SD Eric Raymond – Grand Forks, ND Mark (Niki) Raymond – Grand Forks, ND Daughters: Mary (Steve) Murray – West Fargo, ND Rebekah Raymond – Lakeville, MN Brothers: Elgie (Margaret) Raymond - Tahlequah , OK Robert (El Rita) Raymond – Billings, MT Sister: Geraldine Lira – Oakland, CA Granchildren: Arthur Raymond, III – Grand Forks Laura Klinger – Juneau, AK Dustin Raymond – Juneau, AK Leah Murray – Minneapolis Sean Murray – Minneapolis Bridgett DeBoer – Grand Forks Drew Raymond – Grand Forks Great

Grandchildren: Joe, Jodi, Jillian and Makaya. Many Nieces and Nephews

Art was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

Funeral Services
Saturday April 4, 2009, 5:00 PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Visitation
Friday April 3, 2009, 6 to 8 PM at Amundson Funeral Home

A prayer service will be at 7:30 PM in the funeral home.

Prayers for the soul of Art Raymond/

2009-04-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

The prayers of the Diocese are requested for the soul of Deacon Art Raymond, St. Paul's, Grand Forks, who died today (April 1, 2009). Also please keep in your prayers his wife, Rose, and their entire family.

Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

Video by Jim Schauer of Gethsemane Cathedral

2009-04-01T13:10:00.001-07:00

Please find below a wonderful video made by Jim Schauer (who attends Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo) concerning the flood in Fargo-Moorhead:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj-KEEx9Mno

- peace,
Jamie+

The Reverend Jamie A. Parsley
Executive Assistant to the Bishop

Diocesan Office open and running

2009-04-01T08:24:00.001-07:00

April 1, 2009
Blessed F.D. Maurice

The Diocesan Office is open and humming with activity today after a deluge of snow yesterday. The temperatures are up today and the snow is turning slushy quickly.

For the moment, we are cautiously optimistic that we might actually be over the worst of this experience. The river is slowly going down. People’s spirits are rising. And all of us are turning our hearts and minds toward Holy Week and the Season of Easter.

Thank you to everyone for the wonderful offers of resources, gifts and prayers. It is in moments like this that we truly recognize our brothers and sisters in Christ.

-peace,
Jamie+

The Reverend Jamie A. ParsleyExecutive Assistant to the Bishop

Diocesan Office closed until further notice

2009-03-31T07:46:00.001-07:00

March 31, 2009
Blessed John Donne

Fargo-Moorhead is being clobbered today with heavy snow and high winds, with even more projected over the next 24 hours. In addition, the Cities of Fargo and Moorhead are asking all non-essential workers to stay put and to avoid all unnecessary travel to keep the streets clear.

As a result, Financial Manager Leisha Woltjer and I have decided to close the diocesan office until further notice.

I will continue to check diocesan email sent to EpiscopalND@aol.com and will continue to post updates on the diocesan blog (http://www.episcopal-nd.blogspot.com/) and the website (www.episcopal-nd.org ) as needed. I will also forward all pertinent information to the Bishop as needed.

We sincerely thank you for the all the prayers, blessings and best wishes. Please do continue the good work of keeping us held up in prayer.

- peace,
Jamie+

The Reverend Jamie A. Parsley
Executive Assistant to the Bishop

John Floberg+ S.D. Bishop candidate

2009-03-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Diocese of South Dakota has announced its "short list" of candidates for election as the next Bishop of South Dakota. The list includes our very own Canon John Floberg.

For more information and the full list of “semi finalists” please check out the Diocese of South Dakota website:

http://www.diocesesd.org/Bishop%20Election.htm

More photos

2009-03-30T14:03:00.001-07:00

More photos by Gin Templeton

News from St. John the Divine in Moorhead

2009-03-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

I was just at St John, Moorhead, all is well; hardly any seepage in the Undercroft !

Deacon Barb Olson

An offering of furniture and furnishings from Wonder Lake, Illinois

2009-03-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

The following email was sent to offer furniture for anyone who might need it:

If you know of a family or individual who need to refurnish their home after the flood, please have them e-mail me (ALSPILTD@aol.com) to arrange for a pickup. Perhaps, two college students and an enclosed van or truck need a project before school restarts again.

Our prayers are with you,
Anne
ALSPILTD@aol.com

An inspiring video

2009-03-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Lynn LeQuire, St. Stephen's, Fargo, shares the following video for all of us:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdxtwROYTgE

More photos

2009-03-29T16:49:00.000-07:00

Photos taken by Gin Templeton, St. Stephen's, Fargo, of sandbaggers at the Fargo Dome.

Article on the Diocese and the flood of 09

2009-03-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Fargo's Episcopal Bishop Covets Prayers As Rising Waters Threaten His Diocese
"Now that the sandbags are in place, it is up to God"

Virtueonline Exclusive

By Mary Ann Mueller
Virtueonline Correspondent
http://www.virtueonline.org/
3/28/2009

FARGO, ND---The water is rising and so are prayers as the Rt. Rev. Michael Smith leads his water-logged Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota with a solid faith in God's providence while Mother Nature must be contained by a growing high wall of sandbags to keep the flood waters of the Red River at bay.

"We're dry and warm," the Bishop reported when VOL tracked him down via his cell phone Friday morning stating that the Cathedral, diocesan offices and his residence were still safe - so far.

Currently there are three churches, including the cathedral, and the diocesan offices in Fargo, which could ultimately be damaged, should the Red River break through the sandbag dikes. With temperatures in the teens and snow in the air, the battle to save Fargo is a bitter cold one.Bishop Smith called "heroic" the attempts by chilled-to-the-bone volunteers, standing knee-deep in frigid water, to place sandbags. That task has now been taken over by the National Guard."

Sirens scream as convoys carrying sandbags and trucks filled with earth speed past the Cathedral on the way to the most vulnerable areas,' the Bishop e-mailed his flock.

"People from around the country are contacting us to be assured of their prayers during this battle with the Red River," he continued.

Late Friday morning, the Very Rev. Steve Sellers, dean of the Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, finally made it to his church. Usually the trip takes a quick six minutes, but with flooding waters, blocked and detoured roadways, and police barricades, the trip took more than an hour to complete.

Dean Sellers hopes that the Cathedral can be used as a shelter for those Fargoans who are being forced out of their homes by the force of the raging waters. He has already had a couple of families reach out to the Cathedral for protection and safety. He is expecting more to come - if they can get there.

For as long as possible, the Cathedral doors will be open to any and all who need shelter from the bone chilling cold and raging waters.

On Friday, the temperatures hovered in the high teens and low twenties with a six below wind chill factor. The river was surging north toward Canada at a swift 300,000 cubic feet per second, gouging at the stacked sandbags. Usually the river's volume flows at 50,000 cubic feet per second.

With the temperatures staying below freezing, the misshaped and wet sandbags turned brick hard becoming as difficult to stack as frozen turkeys, explained Dixie Sellers as she helped VOL track down her husband, the Cathedral dean.

During the week, the Cathedral's property, on 25th Street South, was pressed into overflow parking for volunteers who had come to help stem the rising tide. The Cathedral also provided some snacks and refreshments for the weary sandbaggers. The City of Fargo ran a fleet of buses to transport sandbagging workers to the most needed points around the growing levy.

However, by Friday morning, the city bus shuttle system was curtailed. At that time, the Cathedral started to batten down the hatches for the worse, should it come.

Primarily on the Dean's mind, in addition to the safety of his parishioners --- and their pets --- was the protection of valuable sacramental documents and records. He assured VOL that he was sure the records were safe from anything Mother Nature could throw at them.

"The bishop has been in and out," Dean Sellers noted, stating that the best way to reach the spiritual leader of the Diocese was through his cell phone. "The clergy of this area are staying in touch via e-mail, cell phones, and the diocesan blog site."

The Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota covers the entire state as well as Clay County in Minnesota. Bishop Smith cares for 3,000 souls and is chief pastor to 45 clergy who serve in 21 congregations, missions and parishes.

The Rev. Jamie Parsley, the Diocese's Executive Assistant to Bishop Smith and the Priest-in-Charge of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Forgo maintains the Diocesan web log. His is one of the churches that would be in harms way if the flood waters spill over the dikes and sandbag barriers allowing the town to be inundated as New Orleans was during Hurricane Katrina.

Fr. Parsley is hunkering down at St. Stephen's and pledges to keep his church doors open, unless the civil authorities force him to evacuate. The priest desires to keep St. Stephen's open as a place of prayer and refuge during the developing crisis and plans to remain there for the duration.

He also plans on celebrating Mass on Sunday for parishioners who can make it after braving the flood waters, traffic problems and inconveniences.

"I'm going to ride it out, "he said. "We just need to pray."

The priest explained that the people along the Red River in North Dakota are a hardy stock coming from strong Scandinavian roots. "

We are resilient," he said.

Meanwhile, across the swollen river in Moorehead, Minn., the Rev. Alex Lodu-Kenyi rushed back, Thursday in the dead of night from a church meeting in Grand Rapids, to be there for his twin families - personal and church - during this time of increasing crisis.

Fr. Lodu-Kenyi pastors St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, a Sudanese refugee church. As of late Friday morning, he had been unable to make his way to his church or to locate some of his parishioners. He was planning on contacting Dean Sellers to see if his parishioners had shown up at the Cathedral seeking shelter from the raging icy waters.

"Both the college [Concordia - a Lutheran liberal arts college] and the nursing home my wife works at have evacuated, " the priest explained. "They are both a kilometer from the church."

St. John's is the only Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota church located in Minnesota. Fr. Lodu-Kenyi celebrates Mass in three languages - English, Dinka and Arabic.

The City of Moorhead has issued an evacuation order for at least one third of the community's 32,000 inhabitants. All residents west of Eighth Street were ordered to seek higher ground. St. John the Divine is located on the east side of Eighth Street, nestled on the corner of First Avenue. Late Friday night, there was still no official order to evacuate the east side of the street,; but the water was still rising and not expected to crest for another day or two.

Fargo and Moorhead have not seen this sort of Red River flooding in their twin communities for 112 years, before the turn of the Twentieth Century. This is a unique situation - a hundred year flood. In all, about 90,000 have been affected one way or another by rising flood waters.

When the 1997 floods came and doused Grand Forks, the snow pack was so deep that it reached the roof eves in Mitchell, S.D. This is not the case this time, although almost 70 inches of snow have fallen this winter in the Red River Valley region.

It is not only the melting snow pushing the Red River over it banks. As WDAY-TV Meteorologist Daryl Ritchison explained, the Red River drainage basin experienced a very wet fall. The water did not get a chance to thoroughly saturate the ground or dry up before winter's deep freeze set in. So all the water from the late autumn rains froze, was trapped and then topped by nearly six feet of snow.

"We had 20 inches of snow about average," the meteorologist explained. "There was a lot of frozen water waiting for spring."

Now as Old Man Winter gave way to the warmer early spring sun, there was a rapid early March snow melt coupled with at least three inches of rain and then another eight inches of snow last week.

Most rivers east of the Continental Divide flow southeasterly, eventually finding the Mississippi River which then meanders on to the Gulf of Mexico. However, the Red River of the North, as it is called -- to keep it separate from the Red River which helps form the Texas and Oklahoma boarder -- flows north on into Canada and empties into Lake Winnipeg.

To make matters worse, the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota had been battling water for several weeks. The thawing Missouri River caused problems in the Bismarck area. The watershed slices through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, near the North Dakota capitol city, where three Episcopal churches and the diocesan camp are located.

Standing Rock Reservation spreads across both of the Dakotas. Across the South Dakota state line, six more Episcopal churches are a part of the Standing Rock Reservation, which is home to the Lakota and Dakota Indian tribes.

Deacon Sloane Floberg explained that Blackhawk helicopters were used last week to help detonate the ice jams on the Missouri River which were keeping the run off of melting snow from flowing down stream.

Several North Dakota Standing Rock Reservation churches were threatened with rising waters from the Canon Ball River including: St. Luke's, Ft. Yates; St. James, Cannon Ball, and Church of the Cross in Selfridge which are all served by the Rev. Canon John Floberg, the Canon Missioner for the Multicultural and Central Area of the Diocese and Deacon Sloane's husband.

The Canon has already been in touch with Episcopal Relief & Development, which is planning to respond to the North Dakotans with emergency assistance as the needs are identified.

However the Canon was glad to report that St. Gabriel's Camp at Solen, N.D. remained high and dry.

When the waters started to recede on Standing Rock, not one church was flooded, although flood waters came within one foot of over taking St. Paul's in Little Eagle on the South Dakota side, explained Canon Floberg.

It was the parishioners on both sides of the border who had to deal with flood waters in their homes and have their lives disrupted as they sought higher ground. Then they returned to flooded homes.

That is Bishop Smith biggest fear. He doesn't think that his churches in the Fargo-Moorhead area will become water damaged, but it is his priests, deacons and his people who are in harms way.

"Some clergy member's homes are in jeopardy, but things would have to be catastrophic for the three churches in the area to be flooded," the Bishop explained. "The Red River rose to its highest level in recorded history this morning (Friday) and is still rising. Some are already being asked to evacuate. We now are waiting and praying."

The Bishop and his entire Diocese are kneeling in prayer. Once everything that can be humanly done to keep the flood waters in check, including the building of a 43-foot high wall of sandbags, the rest is up to God, who controls Mother Nature and her furry.

The Diocesan website announcing 2009 Flood Information also posts Psalm 69:16 as a crisis prayer: "Let not the torrent of waters wash over me, neither let the deep swallow me up."

Bishop Smith prefaced his letter to his people with another Psalm: "The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea." (Psalm 93:3-4).

The Diocese is standing on the solid belief that God in His Providence and Mercy will spare the overlapping communities from catastrophic destruction.

Saturday morning it looked as if some heartfelt prayers had been answered. Single-digit overnight temperatures kept the snow cover from melting and slowed the river's rise. Fargoans woke up to a slightly lesser threat then the night before. So far the flood waters have reached almost the 41- foot mark, giving the community a mere two-foot measure of safety.

Checking the weather forecast shows that more cold, snow and wind is on the way for early Holy Week. The cold is a good thing because it keeps the current snow cover from rapidly melting and adding to the mounting water problems. However, another layer of snow could exasperate the dilemma when it starts to melt.

The crisis has not abated and the flood waters continue to move north threatening other communities across the river in Minnesota such as Grand Forks and East Grand Forks which both received extensive destruction during the 1997 Flood.

Since the Grand Forks Flood, a massive 60-foot $400 million dike and levy system has been put into place. This year the Red River at Grand Forks is expected to crest at 53 feet, well below the 60-foot protection the system provides.

The lone Episcopal Church in Grand Forks, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, suffered massive damage in the Flood of 1997. The church's entire undercroft took water all the way to the ceiling. The congregation was displaced for months while repairs were being made to the church.

Deacon Donald Leroux, who was assigned to St. Paul's when it was flooded, told VOL that there is not the same fearful concern as there was 12 years go because of the new dike and levy system which is expected to protect the community from another devastating flood.

The focus is on Fargo.

Bishop Smith boldly breaks the Tenth Commandment about coveting.

"I covet your prayers...," he told VOL, "for the sandbags and the dikes to hold."

"He's the Bishop," Fr. Parsley noted. "I guess he can do that [covet]."

---Mary Ann Mueller is a journalist living in Texas. She is a regular contributor to VirtueOnline

More photos

2009-03-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

These photos are by Richard and Margie Bailly of Getshemane Cathedral, Fargo, of the flooding Red River in their backyard in south Fargo.

Photos by Mary Borkhuis

2009-03-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

Mary Borkhuis, Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo/Grace Church, Jamestown, shares a few photos she took of her neighborhood in Fargo (16th Ave South at Lindenwood Drive, Belmont neighborhood).

Special Prayers of the People and Collect

2009-03-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

The following may be used with Form I of the Prayers of the People.

For all who battle floods in the Red River Valley and across North Dakota, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For those volunteers who have given valiantly of their time, strength, energy and resources in the service of their neighbors, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For those who have been evacuated and displaced from their homes, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the strength and stability of protecting levees, dikes and sandbags, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

Almighty God, our refuge and strength, we call upon you to deliver us from the disaster of floods. Give us your peace, we pray, and the courage to face the challenges before us. Just as your Son reached out to those in need, so may we your people, reach out in the name of Christ in this time of emergency. Whether we are safe and secure or whether our homes and possessions are imperiled, give us the grace to trust in your love. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

March 28 update

2009-03-28T10:28:00.001-07:00

At the moment, we are holding steady here in Fargo-Moorhead. The weather is still cold, which is holding off the melting which might affect in some way the River, but for the moment the skies are clear, the sun is strong and we are in a holding pattern, waiting anxiously for the river to crest.

We ask your continued prayers for Fargo-Moorhead and we will also ask your prayers for the communities of Grand Forks-East Grand Forks to the north, who will be next in line for the waters as they flow north.

We also thank everyone for their kind words of encouragement and help, as well as the countless number of prayers we are receiving from all across the country. They are all appreciated in ways we cannot fully express at this time.

I will keep you posted on the situation as I hear about it.

-peace,
Jamie+

Grace Church, Jamestown, available

2009-03-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

I want to let you know that Grace Church is ready to open it's door to any folks who may have need to leave Fargo and find shelter elsewhere.

I realize the highway was just closed between our cities, but if an evacuation is order and it is possible for people to get here, we are available.

Not only the parish hall and facility, but also there are some willing to welcome people into their homes.

Our prayers remain with you all!

In Christ,
kpg+

The Rev'd Canon Kevin Goodrich O.P.Canon Missioner Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota"Disciples Making Disciples"

A statement from Bishop Smith regarding the 2009 flood

2009-03-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

March 27, 2009

Dear Friends:

The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. (Psalm 93:3-4)

Today the volunteers (mostly high school and college students) who have been heroic in the sandbagging efforts of the past week are stepping aside as the National Guard is deployed. Sirens scream as convoys carrying sandbags and trucks filled with earth speed past the Cathedral on the way to the most vulnerable areas.

One of the hospitals and several nursing homes are being evacuated to Bismarck for triage. We are aware that some of our church members and clergy on both sides of the River are being required to evacuate as the Red River rose to its highest level in recorded history this morning. The River has not reached its crest yet, but we are hopeful that the frigid temperatures are slowing the snowmelt that feeds it.

People from around the country are contacting us to be assured of their prayers during this battle with the Red River. I ask for those prayers to continue, specifically that the levees, dikes and sandbags will hold and for strength and protection for those on the front lines.

Episcopal Relief & Development has been in contact with us and other offers of assistance are coming in from around the country. If you have needs or know of needs, please let us know by contacting EpiscopalND@aol.com. This will enable us to coordinate relief efforts.

We trust that “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). With God’s help and the assistance we give to one another, we will meet any challenges before us. You are in my prayers and thoughts.

Yours in Christ,

+Michael Smith

A note regarding the flood from Bishop Smith

2009-03-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

Some clergy member's homes are in jeopardy, but things would have to be catastrophic for the three church buildings (Gethsemane Cathedral and St. Stephen's in Fargo and St. John's in Moorhead) in the area to be flooded. The volunteers (mostly high school and college students) who have been furiously sandbagging the past week have been an inspiration. The Red River rose to its highest level in recorded history this morning and is still rising. Some are already being asked to evacuate. We now are waiting and praying. We covet your prayers for the sandbags and dikes to hold.

+Michael Smith

FAST FAX about the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota

2009-03-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota, although covering a large area comprising the State of North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota, is a small diocese. 46 active clergy (1 bishop, 25 priests, 20 deacons) serve 3,000 baptized members in 21 congregations from Fargo-Moorhead and Grand Forks in the east to Dickinson and Williston in the west. Three congregations and a summer camp are located on the Standing Rock Reservation located south of Mandan. Also included in the diocese are congregations on the Fort Berthold, Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain Indian Reservations, as well as a Sudanese congregation in Moorhead. The diocese is led by Bishop Michael Smith, who was consecrated on May 8, 2004. The chair or “cathedra” of the Bishop, as well as the diocesan office, is located at Gethsemane Cathedral in Fargo. Despite its size, or perhaps because of it, North Dakota Episcopalians tend to think of themselves as a family. Most know each other and all recognize that carrying out the work of God in North Dakota is a job done best together, striving to live out the Diocesan mission statement: “We seek to be empowered together through the Holy Spirit for every member ministry in our changing world.” The motto of the Diocese of North Dakota, based on 1 Corinthians 3:7, is “God gives the growth.”

prepared by The Reverend Jamie A. Parsley
Executive Assistant to the Bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota.

Best wishes & words of support

2009-03-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

I will post words of best wishes and support here:

+++++++++++

Friends,
I remember standing on Psalm 93:3-4 in 1997 and it His Word hasn't changed........

"The floods have lifted up,
O Lord,
The floods have lifted up their voice;
The floods lift up their waves.
The Lord on high is mightier
Than the noice of many waters,
Than the mighty waves of the sea."

Standing in prayer with all of you.
Fr. Mike Johnson+
St. John the Divine, Moorhead

+++++++++++++++++++

Please know everyone is in our prayers.
That will not stop.

blessings Canon Jackie Bernacchi+

++++++++++++++++++++

Dear North Dakota Friends,

My thoughts are with you as I’ve heard about the weather hardships you have had to endure this past week. Please be safe and know that you have a community of people in Columbus, OH who are wishing you well.

All the best,
Tanya Knause

++++++++++++++++++++

I am willing to take in a family or 1-2 couples during this tragic event.

Karen Borgeson
575 Shorewood Drive
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

(H) 218-847-6762
(M) 701-367-2392

We are all thinking and praying for everyone in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

Karen Borgeson

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I offer you the prayers of the Diocese of East Tennessee for flood relief in all forms and for your people. As a former resident of Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota I remember the earlier Red River floods.

Deacon Mike Stewart
Knoxville, TN

+++++++++++++++++++++

A kind note from Deacon Zanne Ness

2009-03-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Terry and I would like to open our home to those from Gethsemane, St. Stephens or St. Johns who might be displaced by the flood. We are in prayer for all of you.

In Christ,
Deacon Zanne Ness
St. George's, Bismarck

Flood updates and Diocesan Office information

2009-03-26T11:17:00.001-07:00

As the flood situation in both Eastern and Central North Dakota becomes more critical, I will be regularly updating both the diocesan blog http://www.episcopal-nd.blogspot.com/ and the website http://www.episcopal-nd.org/ with pertinent information.

At this moment, the diocesan office is open and Financial Officer Leisha Woltjer and I are working, but we are understaffed here due to the flood relief effort. If you call and receive no response, please be patient. Leave a message and we will get back to as soon as we can. Also, please be aware that the Diocesan office may close at a moment's notice due to rapidly changing conditions in Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding areas.

Please check both the blog and website regularly for updates and information as they come in.

- peace,
Jamie+

The Reverend Jamie A. Parsley
Executive Assistant to the Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota