Click above to watch the Bishop Phyllis Spiegel’s opening address to the 2024 Diocesan Convention.
Click above to watch the podcast.
In this episode of the Utah Epodcopalians podcast, we have Karen Gleeson, a long-time member of the Diocese, who has recently taken on a new role as a multi-generational minister. Karen’s mission is to bring together people of all ages, from youth to older generations, and foster a sense of inclusivity and connection within the Episcopal community. She discusses her plans to create intergenerational events, such as afternoon teas and family camps, where stories can be shared, wisdom can be passed down, and support can be found. Join us as we explore the importance of building a strong and united community that breaks generational barriers.
Multigenerational Tea
When: Saturday, May 11th, 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Where: Wasatch Retreat and Conference Center, 75 South, 200 East
Description: A delightful afternoon tea connecting generations with activities like sharing stories and making greeting cards.
Camp Worship Sundays
Dates: June 23rd, July 14th, July 21st, August 18th, September 1st
Where: Camp Tuttle
Description: Join us for summer Worship Sundays at Camp Tuttle, featuring outdoor services, coffee, and community fellowship in a scenic setting.
Jean Reid Norman – Church of the Good Shepherd/El Buen Pastor — A Lutheran minister who completed her training in Ogden is returning to the city to lead the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd/El Buen Pastor. The Rev. Lisa Mensinger was installed March 13 as rector of Good Shepherd Church, at the corner of Grant Avenue and 24th Street, during a bilingual celebration of new ministry led by bishops of both denominations.
This bridge between two faiths can be an example of the bridges faith can build in a fractured society, both bishops said.
“I think the church coming back together and the denominations finding accord with one another is a great symbol for the hope that God has for the restored wholeness of all humans,” said the Right Rev. Phyllis Spiegel, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, who called Mensinger “divinely curious” in her remarks to the nearly 100 assembled people.
The Rev. Jim Gonia, bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, noted there’s a lot of talk about churches declining, but “Oh my lord, what we have to offer the world right now matters more than ever in a polarized world and society in which we live. Is the church not called to be the bridge builders in a place in a time where people are being marginalized because of who they are?”
For the past three years, Mensinger led two small churches in McCook, Nebraska, one Lutheran and one Episcopalian. She completed her training at Elim Lutheran Church, blocks away from Good Shepherd in Ogden, before being called to Nebraska. During her time at Elim, she also volunteered with Shepherd’s Bowl, an outreach at Good Shepherd that provides lunches for hungry people.
Mensinger said when she visited Good Shepherd, she saw that parishioners were good people just like her congregations in Nebraska.
“I was like, oh, maybe all Episcopalians are really kind of friendly and have a good sense of humor,” she said.
Mensinger is still getting to know Good Shepherd and learning the needs of Ogden, she said. But she sees opportunities to build bridges with the predominant faith in Utah, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after serving as youth director of Zion Lutheran Church in Salt Lake City.
“There are places where we do connect,” she said. The love of music is one thing shared between the faiths, she said. The importance of family is another.
For now, she is eager to see where the spirit leads her and her new congregation.
“God’s already been working here,” she said, noting that she is listening deeply to see where she is being led. “The Holy Spirit’s inviting us into those places.”
Whether you are new to the area or looking for your local church
Bishop Daniel S. Tuttle formally started the Episcopal Church in Utah with his arrival in Salt Lake City on July 2, 1867. The Church became known for its social justice ministry with the creation of Utah’s first school system for children of all religions. Bishop Tuttle also started St. Mark’s Hospital to serve the thousands of miners who had no other health care options. He tirelessly traveled by stage and horseback to establish churches from Montana to Arizona.
Episcopal Church Center of Utah (ECCU)
75 South 200 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Telephone: 801-322-4131 | Fax: 801-322-5096
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