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SLO NEWS for September, 2010 from the Episcopal Churches Serving the San Luis Obispo Deanery Arroyo Grande + Atascadero + Cambria + Los Osos + Morro Bay + Paso Robles + San Ardo + San Luis Obispo www.sloepiscopalians.org Memorial Service for Dr. Gordon Gritter Saturday, September 25 – 4 pm at St. Stephen's, San Luis Obispo The Rev. Barry Turner, rector of St. Stephen's, writes in the September Witness, “We lost our dear friend, Dr. Gordon Gritter, who died Aug.19 following a brief struggle with cancer. Gordon is widely known, not only locally but also through our diocese and national church for his many years of ministry at the various levels of our church. Gordon was highly respected for his clear thinking that has helped the church through many difficult times. He was elected from our Diocesan Convention as Deputy to General Convention five times, and as an alternate to the last one just a year ago, which covers the last 18 years. He served as member and chairman of Diocesan Standing Committee for multiple four-year terms. In the parish he has been on the vestry twice since I came and was the first Senior Warden who served after my coming in 1996. He has been a member of the choir for many years and loved the music and the community at St. Stephen’s. One of the most remarkable legacies he leaves us is the example of one who shared his life, time, talent and energy so completely for others through the church. His generosity leaves us such an example of Jesus’ teaching that we find ourselves by losing ourselves in the service of others. The Memorial Service will be at 4 pm on Saturday, September 25 at St. Stephen’s, San Luis Obispo, with Bishop Mary Gray Reeves as the celebrant.” For more information, email ststephenslo@gmail.com. Deanery Calendar SLO Deanery Meeting Saturday, September 25 – 9:30 am – 3 pm at St. James' Church, Paso Robles As part of the morning meeting, the Diocesan Budget Committee will make its presentation on the 2011 Budget and answer delegates’ questions. Bishop Mary will make her presentation in the afternoon. Lunch will be provided by St. James' Church; delegates are asked to make a $6 donation at the lunch table. For more information contact St. James’ at barbara@stjamespasorobles.org. Education and Spiritual Formation for Adults INTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYER WORKSHOP Saturday, September 11 – 10 am–3 pm at St. Barnabas' Church, Arroyo Grande Contemplative Prayer is the opening of mind and heart – our whole being – to God. Centering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer. It is an attempt to present the Christian teachings of earlier times in an updated form with a certain order and regularity. It is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; it simply puts other kinds of prayer into a new and fuller perspective. Centering Prayer is perhaps more accurately referred to as “The Prayer of Consent.” During the time of prayer we consent to God’s presence and action within. Br. Roy Parker, a spiritual director, retreat leader and Episcopal priest who lives in community with the Brothers of the Holy Cross in Santa Barbara, will lead the workshop that provides the background on the place of Centering Prayer within one’s spiritual life, an introduction to the actual method, and two opportunities to experience Centering Prayer within the group setting. (This is the first part of a seven-session introduction to the Centering Prayer practice. Six additional weekly sessions to be led by Rev. Valerie Valle will be scheduled based on the availability of the participants. These additional sessions provide an opportunity for discussion and questions concerning the practice of Centering Prayer, to practice Centering Prayer within a group and to watch a half hour video by Fr. Thomas Keating.) $20 donation requested for the workshop – but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided starting at 9:30; bring a bag lunch. Please pre-register so that we will have adequate materials available, at saintbarnabas@sbcglobal.net EDUCATION for MINISTRY Monday, September 13 – 6:30 pm at St. James, Paso Robles Lay persons are called to ministry by the church. Lay ministry is different from ordained ministry, but does require some training and education. EfM helps us to face the difficult and often subtle task of interpreting the richness of the church's faith in a complex and confusing world. A theological education supports our faith and also teaches us to express that faith in day-to-day events. As the emphasis on lay ministry has grown, EfM has come to play an important role by providing a program that develops an informed and knowledgeable laity. EfM is a four year program that you commit to one year at a time. Registration is $350 per person per year and covers the cost of your class and your book. Join EfM this fall and dig deeper into the Christian faith, studying the Bible, Church history and theological ideas and reflect on connecting faith with life experiences. On Monday, Sept. 13th at 6:30 pm there will be an information meeting for EfM in the new conference room at St. James Episcopal Church. Please come if you are interested in finding out more about Education for Ministry. For more information, contact Deacon Jackie Sebro at jmsebro@tcsn.net TWO THOUSAND YEARS OF UPHEAVAL Thursdays beginning September 16 – 2:30 pm at St. Benedict's, Los Osos Every 500 years the church goes through a big upheaval – when there is a conflict and some things are thrown out and others are reclaimed. It has been described as being like a rummage sale! The last one was the Reformation when the Protestant churches began. We're in the middle of one now. This three-week class looks at the last three periods of upheaval and asks what clues, if any, they can give us about what is happening today. Three Thursday afternoons: September 16, 23, 30 – 2:30-4pm. Taught by the Rev. Dr. Caroline Hall. Sponsored by the Hollister Institute (which offers the local community a variety of classes and workshops covering a broad range of religious and spiritual topics. Classes are open to Episcopalians and to the general public). For more information, call 534-0827. THE NEW JIM CROW: BOOK DISCUSSION DINNER Monday, September 27 – 6 pm at St. Stephen's, San Luis Obispo St. Stephen’s book group meets on the 4th Monday of each month in Ramsden Hall – for dinner, friendship, and great discussion of the various books we select. At our next meeting we will complete our discussion of “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander. (When we finish reading/discussing this book, we will move on to “Necessary Secrets: National Security, the Media, and the Rule of Law” by Gabriel Schoenfeld.) Everyone is welcome to join us; just give us have some advance notice in order to prepare sufficient food for everyone's enjoyment. If you are not a "regular" and would like to join us, please contact Diane Levison at 544-6486 or dilevison@hotmail.com. THE CASE FOR GOD 4 Thursdays beginning October 7 – 10 am to Noon at St. Benedict's, Los Osos “The Case for God” (by Karen Armstrong) guides readers through the history of the world’s major religions, underlining the call to compassion that is shared by all faiths. The last third of Armstrong’s book examines the modern era, looking at 19th and 20th century developments in science, philosophy and theology. Our discussions will focus on modern faith perspectives, including agnosticism and atheism. All points of view are welcome, and it is not necessary to have attended previous sessions to participate. Sponsored by the Hollister Institute at St. Benedict’s, discussions are led by the Rev. Donna Ross. If you’re interested in joining these discussions, contact Donna Ross at 235-5117 or donnaross@charter.net. Deanery Youth Ministry DIOCESAN YOUTH CAMPING TRIP September 24 – 26 Attention youth grades 5 through 12: grab your sleeping bags and head for Big Sur! The river is wonderful for swimming, relaxing, or tubing. There are beautiful places to hike and to rest and to read and to dream and to play. We’ll have campfires and fun. We’ll eat good food. We’ll enjoy old friends and make new friends. We'll worship together in the beautiful outdoor chapel. Bring your own gear, share tents with friends. The sign up deadline is September 11 and space is limited, so get your registration in early. The cost is $40 each for SLO Deanery youth and adults plus a little money for meals en-route. Any questions, call Leann Brooks 550-9832 or email leannbrooks@hotmail.com or contact the youth leader at your parish. RITE 13 and J2A PROGRAMS Rite 13 and J2A will not meet in September; youth are encouraged to kick off the year by coming on the Big Sur campout. Mark your calendars for future meetings – on October 17, November 14, December 12, January 9, February 11-13 (Ski Trip), Feb. 25-26 (30-Hour Famine), March 13, April 10, May 15. Check the October SLO News for locations of the meetings. Canterbury Club: Ministry with Young Adults From Chaplain Berkeley Johnson: “We have a number of exciting projects lined up for the fall. We are currently updating the library at St. Stephen’s; designing T-shirts for Cal Poly’s Week Of Welcome (WOW); organizing a campus-ministry presentation at Diocesan Convention in November; starting up our weekly Canterbury meetings; planning a prayer-bead making workshop and a retreat to St. Dorothy’s Rest; and welcoming new and returning students and participating in the Hunger Walk on September 26. Another big project is a three-week series on our diocese’s relationship with the dioceses of Gloucester, England and Western Tanganyika, Tanzania. In this series, we will discuss what the Episcopal Church is, how we as a church are bound to other churches throughout the world through the Anglican Communion, and how we have come to different conclusions about the role of LGBT persons and women in ministry, and how we still continue in conversation with each other without those last two issues being the sole “focal point.” We hope this series will benefit many students from differing perspectives, and increase awareness about what the Episcopal Church is doing in the world. Bishop Mary has indicated she would like to come down and meet the students and participate in the conversation during the final session. If you are between the ages of 18 and 30 and looking for a spiritual home, please stop in to talk or contact me” at canterburyslo@gmail.com . Caring for God’s People PIECES OF THE POVERTY PUZZLE Thursday, September 23 – 6 pm at United Church of Christ Central Coast Clergy and Laity for Justice sponsors the first of its 2010-11 General Meetings on the theme, “Pieces of the Poverty Puzzle.” During the first half of the meeting, Jessica Rothhaar (representing Health Access) and Biz Steinberg f(rom CAPSLO) will offer their perspectives on poverty at the statewide and SLO County levels respectively. During the second half, participants will join one of three small groups and explore various solutions to the crisis of poverty. Those interactive groups include People’s Self Help Housing, Poverty Bridge, and Green Jobs. The meeting will be held at the United Church of Christ (Congregational), 11245 Los Osos Valley Rd., SLO. A time for networking will begin at 6:00 pm with the program beginning at 6:30. The meeting is open to the public. COUNTY-WIDE HUNGER WALK Sunday, September 26 SLO Deanery Episcopal Churches will be in the leadership of this year's Hunger Walk, co-sponsored by the Food Bank Coalition and Central Coast Clergy and Laity for Justice. In a show of strength and community spirit, the Hunger Walk in seven county towns will raise money to help the growing numbers of local residents who are struggling to feed their families. “Politicians may be saying that the recession is nearing an end,” said Carl Hansen, Executive Director of the Food Bank Coalition, “but we’re actually seeing the amount of citizens seeking our help continuing to grow.” Hansen noted that the Food Bank’s countywide food distributions are stretched to the limit and that agencies that depend on the Food Bank to feed their clients are having a hard time meeting the need as well. Walkers may designate a local hunger-fighting agency as the recipient of 50% of the funds raised; 25% goes directly to the Food Bank to help the hungry countywide, and the remaining 25% will be donated to Church World Service, an organization that battles hunger and poverty around the world. Altogether, Hansen noted, “75% of the money raised stays right here to help local children, seniors and low-income families.” In Paso Robles the walk is headed by Deacon Jackie Sebro with Loaves and Fishes; in Atascadero the Community Church is the lead group; in San Luis Obispo the downtown walk will be hosted by St. Stephen’s; in Cambria, the walk will start at Santa Rosa Catholic Church; in Los Osos, Rev. Caroline Hall is the coordinator; in Morro Bay the walk starts at St Timothy's Catholic Church and in Five Cities the walk will start at Ramona Park. Sign up to walk at www.slofoodbank.org. After signing up you will receive a walker package in the mail including a free T-shirt. You can start soliciting your friends and relatives for donations right away. They can donate on-line at www.slofoodbank.org (using your walker ID number) or you can collect cash or checks from them. Consider forming a team from your parish - it's more fun to walk with friends! For more information call your local coordinator, Central Coast Clergy and Laity for Justice at 704-3356, or the Food Bank at 238-4664. Good News from Deanery Churches FROM ST. LUKE’S, ATASCADERO St. Luke's Farmer's Market sells home grown fruits and veggies and donates the surplus produce, plus any money received, to Atascadero Loaves and Fishes. Come share in the bounty on the patio wall any Sunday between 8 and noon. Better yet, start your own Sunday Farmer's market. Third Tuesday Lunch: Come by St. Luke's on the third Tuesday of any month at 11:30 to share a short Eucharist followed by a pot luck lunch and camaraderie. The next one is scheduled September 21, the first day of fall. Americana: The Songs of Aaron Copeland / Recital by soprano Marissa Bloom: September 11, 5pm at St. Luke’s. A suggested donation of $15 will help support Marissa in her operatic studies. Homeless Ministry: St. Luke's is a founding church for the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO), providing a hot meal for North Counties' homeless on the first Monday of the month for the last 10 years. Plan Ahead for October EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING EPISCOPALIAN, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK....AND A WHOLE LOT MORE 5 Wednesday evenings beginning October 20 – 7 pm at St. Benedict’s Why do we use the Book of Common Prayer all the time? What makes the Episcopal Church different from other churches? Do we still send out missionaries? If you’ve ever wondered about these questions or others like them, we have the program for you! Everything you always wanted to know about being Episcopalian but were afraid to ask… and a whole lot more is a five week course being offered on Wednesday evenings October and November. Join us for an exploration of Anglican poetry, history, theology and the global communion of which we are part. The course will include quizzes, games and discussions as well as door prizes! This is also a great opportunity to learn about the church for the first time or to refresh your memory. Each evening will be independent of the others so come to as many or as few as you wish. Each session runs from 7:00 to 8:30. For more information, call 534-0827 October 20: From Pentecost to the 21st Century in an hour or less – a whirlwind tour through Anglican history October 27: The Book of Common Prayer – bane or blessing? November 3: Anglican poets and writers – a sampler. (You’re invited to bring excerpts from your favorite Anglican writers). November 10: Thinking Theologically or Straddling the three legged stool. November 17: When is polygamy OK? Adventures in Worldwide Communion and Mission. PLANNED GIVING MADE SIMPLE Monday, October 25 – 6 pm at St. Stephen’s, SLO Most of us have been asked to make contributions out of our life estates before or at the time of our death. We know that most major institutions in our society exist because of generous support from major gifts of past members; but few know that making a gift to the church can benefit their estate because of the church’s tax-free status. It is not only for the wealthy but for every Christian steward. On October 25 St. Stephen’s will host a workshop given by Jim Murphy, the Senior Program Director of the Episcopal Church Foundation. The goal of the workshop is to take the mystery out of planned giving for your parish. Learn in easy-to-understand terms how planned giving differs from annual stewardship and capital campaigns, and how your parish can build endowments through wills and life income gifts. After a review of the planned giving instruments, you will learn about the importance of a parish vision, protecting and growing your endowment, and how to invite others to remember your parish through estate and financial planning. You will leave the workshop with a plan of action. Jim will also be available through the afternoon before the workshop for private consultations with all interested. The workshop is for the entire SLO Deanery, so it is important to let St. Stephen’s office know early if you would like an appointment with him that afternoon. Or you can contact him directly at 212-716-6280 or email at JMurphy@episcopalfoundation.org. HOW TO ADD YOUR NEWS TO THE NEXT SLO NEWS (OCTOBER): send it to editor@sloepiscopalians.org before September 27
	C 2010 • St. Lukes Episcopal Church • Atascadero, CA 93422 • 805-466-0379 • office@stlukesatascadero.org Email webmaster

SLO NEWS for September, 2010

from the Episcopal Churches Serving the San Luis Obispo Deanery
Arroyo Grande + Atascadero + Cambria + Los Osos + Morro Bay + Paso Robles + San Ardo + San Luis Obispo
www.sloepiscopalians.org

Memorial Service for Dr. Gordon Gritter
Saturday, September 25 – 4 pm at St. Stephen's, San Luis Obispo
The Rev. Barry Turner, rector of St. Stephen's, writes in the September Witness, “We lost our dear friend, Dr. Gordon Gritter, who died Aug.19 following a brief struggle with cancer. Gordon is widely known, not only locally but also through our diocese and national church for his many years of ministry at the various levels of our church. Gordon was highly respected for his clear thinking that has helped the church through many difficult times. He was elected from our Diocesan Convention as Deputy to General Convention five times, and as an alternate to the last one just a year ago, which covers the last 18 years. He served as member and chairman of Diocesan Standing Committee for multiple four-year terms. In the parish he has been on the vestry twice since I came and was the first Senior Warden who served after my coming in 1996. He has been a member of the choir for many years and loved the music and the community at St. Stephen’s. One of the most remarkable legacies he leaves us is the example of one who shared his life, time, talent and energy so completely for others through the church. His generosity leaves us such an example of Jesus’ teaching that we find ourselves by losing ourselves in the service of others. The Memorial Service will be at 4 pm on Saturday, September 25 at St. Stephen’s, San Luis Obispo, with Bishop Mary Gray Reeves as the celebrant.” For more information, email ststephenslo@gmail.com.

Deanery Calendar

SLO Deanery Meeting
Saturday, September 25 – 9:30 am – 3 pm at St. James' Church, Paso Robles
As part of the morning meeting, the Diocesan Budget Committee will make its presentation on the 2011 Budget and answer delegates’ questions. Bishop Mary will make her presentation in the afternoon. Lunch will be provided by St. James' Church; delegates are asked to make a $6 donation at the lunch table. For more information contact St. James’ at barbara@stjamespasorobles.org.

Education and Spiritual Formation for Adults

INTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYER WORKSHOP
Saturday, September 11 – 10 am–3 pm at St. Barnabas' Church, Arroyo Grande
Contemplative Prayer is the opening of mind and heart – our whole being – to God. Centering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer. It is an attempt to present the Christian teachings of earlier times in an updated form with a certain order and regularity. It is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; it simply puts other kinds of prayer into a new and fuller perspective. Centering Prayer is perhaps more accurately referred to as “The Prayer of Consent.” During the time of prayer we consent to God’s presence and action within. Br. Roy Parker, a spiritual director, retreat leader and Episcopal priest who lives in community with the Brothers of the Holy Cross in Santa Barbara, will lead the workshop that provides the background on the place of Centering Prayer within one’s spiritual life, an introduction to the actual method, and two opportunities to experience Centering Prayer within the group setting. (This is the first part of a seven-session introduction to the Centering Prayer practice. Six additional weekly sessions to be led by Rev. Valerie Valle will be scheduled based on the availability of the participants. These additional sessions provide an opportunity for discussion and questions concerning the practice of Centering Prayer, to practice Centering Prayer within a group and to watch a half hour video by Fr. Thomas Keating.) $20 donation requested for the workshop – but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided starting at 9:30; bring a bag lunch. Please pre-register so that we will have adequate materials available, at saintbarnabas@sbcglobal.net

EDUCATION for MINISTRY
Monday, September 13 – 6:30 pm at St. James, Paso Robles
Lay persons are called to ministry by the church. Lay ministry is different from ordained ministry, but does require some training and education. EfM helps us to face the difficult and often subtle task of interpreting the richness of the church's faith in a complex and confusing world. A theological education supports our faith and also teaches us to express that faith in day-to-day events. As the emphasis on lay ministry has grown, EfM has come to play an important role by providing a program that develops an informed and knowledgeable laity. EfM is a four year program that you commit to one year at a time. Registration is $350 per person per year and covers the cost of your class and your book. Join EfM this fall and dig deeper into the Christian faith, studying the Bible, Church history and theological ideas and reflect on connecting faith with life experiences. On Monday, Sept. 13th at 6:30 pm there will be an information meeting for EfM in the new conference room at St. James Episcopal Church. Please come if you are interested in finding out more about Education for Ministry. For more information, contact Deacon Jackie Sebro at jmsebro@tcsn.net

TWO THOUSAND YEARS OF UPHEAVAL
Thursdays beginning September 16 – 2:30 pm at St. Benedict's, Los Osos
Every 500 years the church goes through a big upheaval – when there is a conflict and some things are thrown out and others are reclaimed. It has been described as being like a rummage sale! The last one was the Reformation when the Protestant churches began. We're in the middle of one now. This three-week class looks at the last three periods of upheaval and asks what clues, if any, they can give us about what is happening today. Three Thursday afternoons: September 16, 23, 30 – 2:30-4pm. Taught by the Rev. Dr. Caroline Hall. Sponsored by the Hollister Institute (which offers the local community a variety of classes and workshops covering a broad range of religious and spiritual topics. Classes are open to Episcopalians and to the general public). For more information, call 534-0827.

THE NEW JIM CROW: BOOK DISCUSSION DINNER
Monday, September 27 – 6 pm at St. Stephen's, San Luis Obispo
St. Stephen’s book group meets on the 4th Monday of each month in Ramsden Hall – for dinner, friendship, and great discussion of the various books we select. At our next meeting we will complete our discussion of “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander. (When we finish reading/discussing this book, we will move on to “Necessary Secrets: National Security, the Media, and the Rule of Law” by Gabriel Schoenfeld.) Everyone is welcome to join us; just give us have some advance notice in order to prepare sufficient food for everyone's enjoyment. If you are not a "regular" and would like to join us, please contact Diane Levison at 544-6486 or dilevison@hotmail.com.

THE CASE FOR GOD
4 Thursdays beginning October 7 – 10 am to Noon at St. Benedict's, Los Osos
“The Case for God” (by Karen Armstrong) guides readers through the history of the world’s major religions, underlining the call to compassion that is shared by all faiths. The last third of Armstrong’s book examines the modern era, looking at 19th and 20th century developments in science, philosophy and theology. Our discussions will focus on modern faith perspectives, including agnosticism and atheism. All points of view are welcome, and it is not necessary to have attended previous sessions to participate. Sponsored by the Hollister Institute at St. Benedict’s, discussions are led by the Rev. Donna Ross. If you’re interested in joining these discussions, contact Donna Ross at 235-5117 or donnaross@charter.net.

Deanery Youth Ministry

DIOCESAN YOUTH CAMPING TRIP
September 24 – 26
Attention youth grades 5 through 12: grab your sleeping bags and head for Big Sur! The river is wonderful for swimming, relaxing, or tubing. There are beautiful places to hike and to rest and to read and to dream and to play. We’ll have campfires and fun. We’ll eat good food. We’ll enjoy old friends and make new friends. We'll worship together in the beautiful outdoor chapel. Bring your own gear, share tents with friends. The sign up deadline is September 11 and space is limited, so get your registration in early. The cost is $40 each for SLO Deanery youth and adults plus a little money for meals en-route. Any questions, call Leann Brooks 550-9832 or email leannbrooks@hotmail.com or contact the youth leader at your parish.

RITE 13 and J2A PROGRAMS
Rite 13 and J2A will not meet in September; youth are encouraged to kick off the year by coming on the Big Sur campout. Mark your calendars for future meetings – on October 17, November 14, December 12, January 9, February 11-13 (Ski Trip), Feb. 25-26 (30-Hour Famine), March 13, April 10, May 15. Check the October SLO News for locations of the meetings.

Canterbury Club: Ministry with Young Adults

From Chaplain Berkeley Johnson: “We have a number of exciting projects lined up for the fall. We are currently updating the library at St. Stephen’s; designing T-shirts for Cal Poly’s Week Of Welcome (WOW); organizing a campus-ministry presentation at Diocesan Convention in November; starting up our weekly Canterbury meetings; planning a prayer-bead making workshop and a retreat to St. Dorothy’s Rest; and welcoming new and returning students and participating in the Hunger Walk on September 26. Another big project is a three-week series on our diocese’s relationship with the dioceses of Gloucester, England and Western Tanganyika, Tanzania. In this series, we will discuss what the Episcopal Church is, how we as a church are bound to other churches throughout the world through the Anglican Communion, and how we have come to different conclusions about the role of LGBT persons and women in ministry, and how we still continue in conversation with each other without those last two issues being the sole “focal point.” We hope this series will benefit many students from differing perspectives, and increase awareness about what the Episcopal Church is doing in the world. Bishop Mary has indicated she would like to come down and meet the students and participate in the conversation during the final session. If you are between the ages of 18 and 30 and looking for a spiritual home, please stop in to talk or contact me” at canterburyslo@gmail.com .

Caring for God’s People

PIECES OF THE POVERTY PUZZLE
Thursday, September 23 – 6 pm at United Church of Christ
Central Coast Clergy and Laity for Justice sponsors the first of its 2010-11 General Meetings on the theme, “Pieces of the Poverty Puzzle.” During the first half of the meeting, Jessica Rothhaar (representing Health Access) and Biz Steinberg f(rom CAPSLO) will offer their perspectives on poverty at the statewide and SLO County levels respectively. During the second half, participants will join one of three small groups and explore various solutions to the crisis of poverty. Those interactive groups include People’s Self Help Housing, Poverty Bridge, and Green Jobs. The meeting will be held at the United Church of Christ (Congregational), 11245 Los Osos Valley Rd., SLO. A time for networking will begin at 6:00 pm with the program beginning at 6:30. The meeting is open to the public.

COUNTY-WIDE HUNGER WALK
Sunday, September 26
SLO Deanery Episcopal Churches will be in the leadership of this year's Hunger Walk, co-sponsored by the Food Bank Coalition and Central Coast Clergy and Laity for Justice. In a show of strength and community spirit, the Hunger Walk in seven county towns will raise money to help the growing numbers of local residents who are struggling to feed their families. “Politicians may be saying that the recession is nearing an end,” said Carl Hansen, Executive Director of the Food Bank Coalition, “but we’re actually seeing the amount of citizens seeking our help continuing to grow.” Hansen noted that the Food Bank’s countywide food distributions are stretched to the limit and that agencies that depend on the Food Bank to feed their clients are having a hard time meeting the need as well. Walkers may designate a local hunger-fighting agency as the recipient of 50% of the funds raised; 25% goes directly to the Food Bank to help the hungry countywide, and the remaining 25% will be donated to Church World Service, an organization that battles hunger and poverty around the world. Altogether, Hansen noted, “75% of the money raised stays right here to help local children, seniors and low-income families.” In Paso Robles the walk is headed by Deacon Jackie Sebro with Loaves and Fishes; in Atascadero the Community Church is the lead group; in San Luis Obispo the downtown walk will be hosted by St. Stephen’s; in Cambria, the walk will start at Santa Rosa Catholic Church; in Los Osos, Rev. Caroline Hall is the coordinator; in Morro Bay the walk starts at St Timothy's Catholic Church and in Five Cities the walk will start at Ramona Park. Sign up to walk at www.slofoodbank.org. After signing up you will receive a walker package in the mail including a free T-shirt. You can start soliciting your friends and relatives for donations right away. They can donate on-line at www.slofoodbank.org (using your walker ID number) or you can collect cash or checks from them. Consider forming a team from your parish - it's more fun to walk with friends! For more information call your local coordinator, Central Coast Clergy and Laity for Justice at 704-3356, or the Food Bank at 238-4664.

Good News from Deanery Churches

FROM ST. LUKE’S, ATASCADERO
St. Luke's Farmer's Market sells home grown fruits and veggies and donates the surplus produce, plus any money received, to Atascadero Loaves and Fishes. Come share in the bounty on the patio wall any Sunday between 8 and noon. Better yet, start your own Sunday Farmer's market.
Third Tuesday Lunch: Come by St. Luke's on the third Tuesday of any month at 11:30 to share a short Eucharist followed by a pot luck lunch and camaraderie. The next one is scheduled September 21, the first day of fall.
Americana: The Songs of Aaron Copeland / Recital by soprano Marissa Bloom: September 11, 5pm at St. Luke’s. A suggested donation of $15 will help support Marissa in her operatic studies.
Homeless Ministry: St. Luke's is a founding church for the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO), providing a hot meal for North Counties' homeless on the first Monday of the month for the last 10 years.
Plan Ahead for October

EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING EPISCOPALIAN, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK....AND A WHOLE LOT MORE
5 Wednesday evenings beginning October 20 – 7 pm at St. Benedict’s
Why do we use the Book of Common Prayer all the time? What makes the Episcopal Church different from other churches? Do we still send out missionaries? If you’ve ever wondered about these questions or others like them, we have the program for you! Everything you always wanted to know about being Episcopalian but were afraid to ask… and a whole lot more is a five week course being offered on Wednesday evenings October and November. Join us for an exploration of Anglican poetry, history, theology and the global communion of which we are part. The course will include quizzes, games and discussions as well as door prizes! This is also a great opportunity to learn about the church for the first time or to refresh your memory. Each evening will be independent of the others so come to as many or as few as you wish. Each session runs from 7:00 to 8:30. For more information, call 534-0827
October 20: From Pentecost to the 21st Century in an hour or less – a whirlwind tour through Anglican history
October 27: The Book of Common Prayer – bane or blessing?
November 3: Anglican poets and writers – a sampler. (You’re invited to bring excerpts from your favorite Anglican writers).
November 10: Thinking Theologically or Straddling the three legged stool.
November 17: When is polygamy OK? Adventures in Worldwide Communion and Mission.
PLANNED GIVING MADE SIMPLE
Monday, October 25 – 6 pm at St. Stephen’s, SLO
Most of us have been asked to make contributions out of our life estates before or at the time of our death. We know that most major institutions in our society exist because of generous support from major gifts of past members; but few know that making a gift to the church can benefit their estate because of the church’s tax-free status. It is not only for the wealthy but for every Christian steward. On October 25 St. Stephen’s will host a workshop given by Jim Murphy, the Senior Program Director of the Episcopal Church Foundation. The goal of the workshop is to take the mystery out of planned giving for your parish. Learn in easy-to-understand terms how planned giving differs from annual stewardship and capital campaigns, and how your parish can build endowments through wills and life income gifts. After a review of the planned giving instruments, you will learn about the importance of a parish vision, protecting and growing your endowment, and how to invite others to remember your parish through estate and financial planning. You will leave the workshop with a plan of action. Jim will also be available through the afternoon before the workshop for private consultations with all interested. The workshop is for the entire SLO Deanery, so it is important to let St. Stephen’s office know early if you would like an appointment with him that afternoon. Or you can contact him directly at 212-716-6280 or email at JMurphy@episcopalfoundation.org.

HOW TO ADD YOUR NEWS TO THE NEXT SLO NEWS (OCTOBER):
send it to editor@sloepiscopalians.org before September 27

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