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SUSAN FISCHER ORDAINED AS PRIEST

Susan Fischer completed her journey as a transitional deacon as the Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi ordained her to the Sacred Order of Priests on June 18th. The setting was St. Peter's in Clearfield, where she has been serving the past year. She is also serving as a chaplain and is expected to continue in both congregational and chaplaincy roles in the Diocese of Utah. She is serving in chaplaincy work for Salt Lake Behavioral Health, St. Mark's Tower, and St. Mark's Millcreek. She will move from St. Peter's to St. Paul's Salt

Bishop Hayashi offers the examination from the BCP to Susan Fischer as part of her ordination

Lake City for her congregational assignment.

 

The Rev. Susan Fischer is vested as part of her ordination

The Rev. Claudia Seiter of St. Peter's has mentored the Rev. Susan Fischer during her transitional time and wrote, "In that time, she won the hearts of the members of this parish. I know that it will be difficult for us to let her go on to the ministries she has been called to, but we shall continue to be grateful for the gifts she has shared with us and the joy she has given to the parish with her presence and talents.

 

The Rev. Deborah Hughes-Habel     A journey that took the Rev. Deborah Hughes-Habel through discernment, study at the Seminary of the Southwest in Texas, and time as a deacon has now reached her ordination to the priesthood. The festive celebration and Eucharist took place at St. Stephen's in West Valley City on Saturday, May 21st.  The Rev. Deborah Hughes-Habel is surrounded by the Bishop and other clergy members prior to the May 21st service. Clergy at the service included those who served with her during her time as a parishioner at All Saints, including the rector, the Rev. Mike Mayor and long time priest, the Rev. Ernie Bebb.   The priest has been a transitional deacon for the past year serving St. Stephen's in West Valley City. She was first ordained deacon by former Utah Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish in June, 2011.

EPISCOPAL YOUTH EVENT JUNE 22-26

 Every three years, the youth of the Episcopal Church get together to celebrate the work of the Lord and to examine mission. This year, the young people of the Diocese of Utah have joined their counterparts from throughout the world to meet on the campus of Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. In addtion to our diocesan youth, the Rt. Rev. Scott Hayashi joined the festivities and worship. Also, the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori addressed the youth. You may link to her address by clicking here. In the accompaning photos, hand puppets are displayed and the Utah youth join in fellowship. The hand puppets were made at E.Y.E to be sent to the Botswana Children's Hospital.

 

Anita Catron Ordained Long-time All Saints parishioner and member of the Third Order Society of St. Francis (tssf) Anita Catron was ordained a vocational deacon June 11th. The Rev. Anita Catron will continue to serve at All Saints with duties that include working with the Salt Lake City based Crossroads Urban Center in the area of social justice. The Rev. Anita Catron smiles at the end of the ordination service. The Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi noted that it was the first time he has ordained a deacon. He spelled out the duties of a deacon and reminded all that a deacon is NOT "almost a priest", rather a devoted person who, at all times, represents Christ and His Church. Bishop Hayashi also noted that several dozen clergy members joined the ordination in support of the new deacon at All Saints in Salt Lake City. The

 

Deputation organizes for Indianapolis  The Episcopal Church General Convention is just over a year away. The once-every-three-year gathering largely determines the canonical and policy changes that govern our nearly worldwide church.  The Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi represents us in the House of Bishops, which also includes our retired bishops. The Rt. Rev. Otis Charles and the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tanner Irish retain their seats in the House of Bishops although they resigned their diocesan jurisdiction. Our deputation in the House of Deputies is made up of clergy and laypersons who were elected at our Diocesan Convention last year.  The deputation for 2012 elected the Rev. Canon Pablo Deputies and alternates meet to start planning for the 2012 General Convention Ramos as its chair. He will be in communication with the House of Deputies as resolutions come forward for the Indianapolis gathering. As the deputies represent our 25 congregations, all are encouraged to contact the deputation with questions, concerns, or to offer input on issues facing the wider Episcopal Church.  For continuing updates on the General Convention, visit the Episcopal Church General Convention website:   http://generalconvention.org/ Of course, the Diocese is also starting planning for the General Convention that follows the Indianapolis meeting. It takes place in Salt Lake City in 2015 and will involve the election of a new presiding bishop.

 

Episcopal night at the ballpark Thanks to the organization skills of the Rev. Rick Whittaker of St. Barnabas, 150 Episcopalians attended a Salt Lake Bees baseball game June 10th. The fans came from throughout the diocese and saw the Bees win, although fellowship seemed far more important than did the score. The Episcopalians cheered the most for the National Anthem singers, who included  The Rev. Rick and Sandy Whittaker picked one of the few no-rain (well mostly so) June evenings for the event. diocesan staffers Vicki Firestack and Janis Pierce.  The Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi hopes the night at the ballpark would Bishop Hayashi cheers as the Bees take the lead become the first in similar gatherings throughout the diocese. The bishop would like to see the return of Lagoon Day and other such annual gatherings. He also hopes that we can gather around some event in southern Utah which would be convenient to those beyond the northern portion of the diocese.  Again, congrats to Rick Whittaker and all who made the Episcopal night at the ballpark a home run.

CONVENTION 2011

St. James in Midvale will be the site of the 2011 Diocesan Convention

Diocesan Convention in planning stage 

The Convention Dispatch of Business Committee is making plans for the return of two-day conventions to the Diocese of Utah. This year's convention will be held at St. James, 7486 Union Park Ave, Midvale. The Diocese will be announcing deadlines for resolutions and nominations for offices including Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, and Treasurer.

The diocese continues its move to being paperless for the convention in respect to costs, the environment, and efficiency. This year, nomination forms may be completed on-line. The convention committee will announce specifics in the next few weeks.

 

 

 The Rev. Susan Fischer is vested as part of her ordination to priest at St. Peter's in Clearfield

   

SUSAN FISCHER ORDAINED AS PRIEST

Susan Fischer completed her journey as a transitional deacon as the Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi ordained her to the Sacred Order of Priests on June 18th. The setting was St. Peter's, where she has been serving the past year. She is also serving as a chaplain and is expected to continue in both congregational and chaplaincy roles in the Diocese of Utah. The Rev. Claudia Seiter has mentored the Rev. Susan Fischer during her transitional time and wrote, "In that time, she won the hearts of the members of this parish. I know that it will be difficult for us to let her go on to the ministries she has been called to, but we shall continue to be grateful for the gifts she has shared with us and the joy she has given to the parish with her presence and talents.

 

 

Gabriel Garang Atem Licensed as Lay Leader, Preacher, and Teacher from All Saints and Diocesan sources One hundred Sudanese people gathered at All Saints along with their friends for a special service of Holy Communion at which Gabriel Garang Atem was recognized by the Right Reverend Scott B. Hayashi as leader, preacher, and teacher in the Sudanese congregation that gathers at All Saints.   A Sudanese priest from the Diocese of Arizona was flown in so that the communion service could be said in Dinka. Bishop Scott Hayashi preached at the March 5th service and the Rev. Mike Mayor  said blessings over a number of newborns within the Sudanese community. Many of the Sudanese are from the "Lost Boys" of the war-torn Sudan and have been a part of the life of All Saints for a decade.

 Bishop Hayashi issued the following statement concerning the Arizona shootings:

Our nation was stunned when the news reported that a 22 year old man had shot and wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona and killed six others at a political event. Statements were issued by many of our political leaders decrying the shooting. Commentators called into question the rancor that has become normal in our political debates and campaigns. People gathered to offer prayers of support for Rep. Giffords and for the families of those who suffered injury or lost a loved one in the event. The shooting has led us to consider the condition of our ‘national soul’.

 

As a nation we should reflect on the state of the Union’s soul. Almost everyone to whom I have spoken about this believes that our national character has become increasingly negative and violent.  We have lost the ability to have honest, truthful civil discourse. We cannot disagree without demonizing those with whom we are not in agreement. We call upon people to choose sides. We are a “house divided”.

 

Tragic events draw the nation together. But, it does not last. September 11^th (9/11) gathered us together for a while. Within forty-eight hours after the shooting in Arizona, people were pointing fingers, assigning blame, defending or minimizing past behavior. One of Utah’s own, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, has announced that he is going to carry his gun more often.

 

As Christians, we need to remember that our gathering point, our center is the living Christ. Jesus is the center that holds.

 

As a diocese, I call upon us to pray. Pray for Rep. Giffords and the others who are wounded. Pray for those who lost loved ones and now grieve. Pray for those who are tending to the victims in our medical and legal systems and in our churches. I ask that we also pray for the apparent perpetrator. Pray for our leaders. Pray for our nation. Practice truthful, honest, civil conversation. Respect the dignity of every human being. Strive for justice and peace. And let us gather together, let us always gather together around the only center that can hold us together, Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 The Rev. Jan Kotuby was ordained Priest at St. James in Midvale December 18, 2011. It was the first ordination for the Eleventh Bishop of Utah, the Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi. Kotuby serves in the clergy of the Midvale Church. She is a graduate of The Church Divinity School of the Pacific in California and was a parishioner at St. John's in Logan. The Rev. Lyn Briggs, Rector of the Church of the Resurrection in Centerville was the preacher at the service.

Photo: The Rev Jan Kotuby joins the Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi at the altar for Holy Communion. The Rev. Steven Anderson is seen in the center of the picture. He was one of many Utah clergy who attended the ordination.

 The Rev. Brother Blane Frederik van Pletzen-Rands n/BSG was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests on Ember Saturday, December 18th 2010, at Saint Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo New York, by The Right Rev. J. Michael Garrison for and in behalf of The Right Rev. Scott B. Hayashi, Bishop of Utah.

 

 

 TUESDAY, FEB. 1, 2011

The Coalition of Religious Communities urges you to commit to social justice by visiting the legislature of Utah on this special day for Episcopalians and participating in the legislative process. On-the-spot training and materials will be provided.

MEET IN THE SEAGULL ROOM OF THE SENATE BUILDING (this is the east building in the Capitol complex) at 9:00 AM. Parking is difficult during the legislative session, so either arrive early or take TRAX and then the #500 bus to the east entrance of the Capitol. If you catch the #500 bus in the downtown area, it is free. Please call Linda at 801 364 7765 X110 if you have questions. The Coalition of Religious Communities also has other Faith Days, and you are invited to attend any of them.

 We enter this the season of Advent, which is the beginning of the Christian year of prayer and the season of hope. It is fitting that we also join in the observance of World AIDS Day through our prayers. It is equally important that we continue our reflections beyond that one day and carry them especially during this time of such great hope. We pray for caregivers to continue to make a difference in their loving care for those who are HIV-AIDS positive. We join with our Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, to ask that our congregations support the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition.