Regarding Twelve Step Programs On Church Websites

By Robert Macy, Communications Office On · Add Comment · In Church News

Through several emails to the communication office, we have been made aware that the various twelve step programs that meet in our churches want to make sure that our churches are not listing them as ministries of the church. It is very important to these programs that they not be seen as embracing or affiliated with any particular denomination. While they are appreciative of the space they meet in, they would also appreciate it if you list your support differently. Trinity, Ashland, uses precisely the language those groups would like us all to use.

The following groups operate on Trinity premises with the support of the parish but are not officially sponsored by the church:

  • Twelve-Step Groups: AA meets at Trinity on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, NA on Friday evenings

Please use this style when listing or referring to these groups on your websites, Facebook, or FaithStreet page. Thanks for your help in this.

Upcoming ECF Web Conferences: Summer 2013

By jtq On · Add Comment · In Conferences, Stewardship

As part of the Episcopal Church Foundation’s (ECF) on-going efforts to assist congregations in developing their leadership and financial resources, they are offering a wide range of web conferences for clergy and lay parish leaders this spring. There is no cost to participate in ECF’s web conferences and all lay and clergy leaders are welcome to participate.

Topics include planned giving, capital campaigns, stewardship, vestry leadership, vision and planning, parish finances, communications, managing change, and endowments.

A full list of conferences can be found here: http://www.episcopalfoundation.org/news-and-events/events-detail?newsID=804cf9f0-3d62-4a44-b1c4-854ae4297396

Finding a church in the Diocese of Oregon

By jtq On · Add Comment · In General News, Ministry, Technology

Churches list on the website

The communications ministry of the diocese is in the process of updating the diocesan website. Work is being done to make accessing information easier and faster. Part of this will be updating how the churches of the diocese are listed. Instead of having a page for each church, we will have an easy to access list of cities and towns where our churches are located. Clicking the city/town name will expand that section to show all the congregations in that location. Information listed will only be the address, phone number, email address, and website with link for the church.

The churches website initiative is providing a web presence for all churches that need one or want to use our servers, so all of our churches should be able to provide the other important information needed for those seeking an Episcopal church. Also, the diocese is partnering with FaithStreet to offer yet another way for people either seeking a new church home or just a visit as they pass through your community. Several of our churches have already signed up!

The FaithStreet church finder

There is a “church finder” on The Episcopal Church website and our diocesan website, but research shows that the denominational affiliation of a church is not important to most people who are looking for a church or who are exploring Christianity.  FaithStreet’s goal is to help us reach those people more effectively.

FaithStreet is really easy to use, and allows you to create a great looking church profile designed around reaching newcomers.  And there is no cost to you!  Here’s what you have to do:

1) Please visit our Diocesan Page on FaithStreet

2) Scroll Down and search for your church in the search bar by entering the zip code or city/state of your church (if your church is missing, email support@faithstreet.com and they will get you set up)

3) Once you find your church, click on the church icon and visit the page.  There is a large, orange “Get Started” button.  Click this button and then sign up to create an account.  You can create an Admin account for your church using your personal Facebook account, or sign up via email address.  You can also add additional Admins after you claim the page and sign up.

4) Complete your profile!  Here’s a link to a “5 Tips to Creating a Great FaithStreet Profile” guide to help you create a great looking profile that will help you reach new people.

5) Add a “Find Us on FaithStreet” badge to your church website.  You’ll see how to do this once you have signed up.  The badge is located in your Church Dashboard on FaithStreet.  If you need help installing the badge on your website, contact support@faithstreet.com and they will help you install it at no cost.

6) Invite your church members to “join” your FaithStreet page and leave positive testimonials about your church.  You’ll see the “Community Members” section on your FaithStreet page.  A few positive testimonials from community members can go a long way towards making newcomers feel welcome!

7) Email support@faithstreet.com with any questions or problems!

SPARKS: Summer Service in the City

By Robert Macy, Communications Office On · Add Comment · In Church News, General News, Outreach, Portland Events, Youth

As the school year draws to a close, are you looking for a summer activity to keep your rising 6th through 9th grader not only occupied, but continuing to grow on intellectual, social, and spiritual levels?

SPARKS: Summer Service in the City is a 2-week day camp sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral that will expose your favorite young person to a variety of social, humane, and environmental issues around Portland through direct service, and encourage them to reflect and on what their experiences mean to them and the adult they want to become. Afternoons include artistic and outdoor activities where they can try more new things and have fun with new friends too. Camp runs Monday through Friday daily, July 15th through July 29th. Tuition is $250 per week with some financial aid available.

Visit www.trinity-episcopal.org for more information or to register. For more information, e-mail SPARKS@trinity-episcopal.org.

Stewardship News: Flourish in Faith Narrative Series

By jtq On · Add Comment · In Discussion & Presentations, Stewardship

TENS 2013 Flourish in Faith Narrative Series

The Diocese of Oregon is a member of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS). A primary benefit of membership is that all congregations throughout the diocese have access to the 2013 Stewardship Narrative Series, a program designed to complement and support the fall annual giving program. The series is available in English now and in late June will be available in Spanish, Chinese and Korean.

This year seven contributing writers plant the seeds of stewardship and faithful giving in connection with Luke’s Gospel in the lectionary, beginning Sunday, October 6th and continuing through November 10th.   Materials include reflections, discussion questions, bulletin inserts, email and letter samples, prayers of the people, and more.

To access the materials, go to the TENS website at http://www.tens.org, go to the members-only section (http://www.tens.org/resources/member-resources) and log in Username: generous Password: giving.

Stewardship News: Flourish in Faith Stewardship Conference

By jtq On · Add Comment · In Conferences, General News, Stewardship

2013 TENS Flourish in Faith Stewardship Conference is July 12-13

Are you ready to blossom in stewardship?  Are you looking to plant the seeds of faithful giving in your congregation? Do you want to network with others passionate about generosity and discipleship?

Come to Flourish in Faith in person in Salt Lake City or via webcast in the comfort of your own church or home!  Keynote speakers, author Clif Christopher and Bishop of Wyoming, Bruce Caldwell will inspire and encourage you.  Workshop leaders will teach key aspects of stewardship to utilize in your setting.

In Person registration fee is only $300, because our diocese is a TENS member.

Registration includes hotel, materials and meals, worship, plenary sessions and choice of sixteen workshops on four tracks.

Webcast registration fee is $75.  This includes access to opening worship, plenary sessions and four workshops. Access will be emailed to registrants 24 prior to the start of the conference.  Webcast is streamed live from the conference July 12 – 12:00 noon to 4:30 PM and July 13 – 7:45-11:45 and 1:15-3:15 PDT.  It is not available for download or re-broadcast at any other time.

Register  at http://www.ecww.org/civicrm/event/info

More information at http://www.tens.org/2013-conference

or contact Canon Neysa Ellgren at neysae@diocese-oregon.org

Sustaining the Courage to Serve: A Circle of Trust Seasonal Retreat Series

By jtq On · Add Comment · In Formation and Mission, Workshops & Retreats

Retreat series starts this fall

November 6-8, 2013
Wednesday at 5pm through Friday at 1pm

When we approach our lives and our work with genuine passion and integrity, we are able to serve others with courage and commitment. These programs foster personal and professional renewal by offering the time and space to reflect on life and work.  Participants journey through four retreats over one year. In large groups, small groups, and solitary settings, participants use personal stories, reflections on professional practice, time in nature, and insights from poets, storytellers, and various wisdom traditions to explore the relationship between the inner life of mind and spirit and the outer life of work and service in the world.  For more information visit our website at www.couragecircleoftrust.org.

Subsequent retreats

Winter retreat: January 30-February 1, 2014
Thursday at 5pm through Saturday at 1pm

Spring retreat: April 10-12, 2014
Thursday at 5pm through Saturday at 1pm

Summer retreat: July 10-12, 2014
Thursday at 5pm through Saturday at 1pm