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The Bishop's Corner
The Right Reverend Eric Vawter Menees
These past two years since the court poorly decided to grant TEC’s confiscation of our properties God has moved wonderfully and powerfully throughout the congregations effected; AND His provision has been perfect, if not predictable. I would like to share with you what God is doing: St. Jude’s, Tehachapi – Mountain Bible Church opened her doors and welcomed St. Jude’s in forming a wonderful partnership. Since then the Vestry has developed a terrific five-point plan for mission and ministry in the community. 90% of the adults in the congregation are participating in this ministry plan and a separate committee has been formed to locate their own worship space. St. Luke’s, Bakersfield – The Seventh Day Adventist Church opened her chapel doors to welcome St. Luke’s by allowing them their own permanent space. St. Luke’s has raised up a terrific candidate for the vocational diaconate and is partnering with All Saints and Trinity to hire a youth minister. All Saints, Bakersfield – Westminster Presbyterian Church opened her doors and granted All Saints their own space. They are partnering with Westminster on different holy day services, reaching out into the community with evangelistic events, active in international missions, looking for a new music minister and partnering with St. Luke’s and Trinity to hire a youth minister. St. Timothy’s, Bishop – St. Timothy’s was renting to Bishop Creek who purchased the building from TEC. Now, St. Timothy’s is renting from Bishop Creek simply reversing roles. St. Tim’s is quickly building a strong youth program and continues to grow and be active in the community through their thrift store ministry. St. John’s, Porterville – Sued separately, TEC negotiated to take their cash reserves in exchange for the building. St. John’s has raised funds to fix up the property and began with a beautiful renovation of their parish hall which was finished in July. Good Shepherd, Reedley & St. Mary’s, Fresno – Good Shepherd walked away first and was welcomed by the Roman Catholic Church in Reedley. However, last November their vicar stepped away for full time chaplaincy ministry. In the Spring TEC Sold St. Mary’s and the Roman Catholic Church in Sanger opened up their doors to welcome and combine the St. Mary’s/Good Shepherd congregation into their “old” church, having built a new church nearby. This new congregation will become Holy Cross Anglican Church, Sanger. St. James, Fresno – stepped away from the cathedral and were welcomed by Campus Bible Church. While having to worship in the afternoon, St. James has found new life and I will soon confirm a passel of young families who have found their way “home” to the Anglican Church. St. James has hired a new organist/choir director who has done a terrific job in building a top-notch choir. Our Lady of Guadalupe – was rocked by clergy misconduct and that has taken a great toll on the congregation. However, they were worshiping at St. Mary’s, when the building sold this summer, Campus Bible opened their doors to Our Lady, free of charge, I am serving as the pastor and enjoy seeing lay men and women stepping up into ministry. In May Our Lady welcomed Deacon Thurber to the staff and he has been a tremendous blessing. Christ Church, Oakhurst – moved out of their church and into the Masonic Lodge on Sundays. This has been a welcome respite and offers a base for ministry in Oakhurst. Christ Church is looking at ways to reach out into the community. St. Luke’s, Merced – moved into Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church who welcomed them with open arms, literally, as the local newspaper reported in a wonderful article. St. Luke’s continues to reach out and is working with Our Lady of Mercy in renovating space for children and youth. St. Nicholas, Atwater – had her last service at their church on August 26th and were welcomed on September 2nd by the Atwater Church of the Nazarene. I can’t help but think of King David and the 23rd Psalm. As we step forward in faith, we should have no fear for the Good Shepherd really does protect us and prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies. Transitions Congratulations to Alicia and Fr. Joshua Drake who welcomed their new baby Caleb Elisha Drake on August 17th. Fr. Drake will begin September 1st at St. Francis, Stockton, as her new Vicar. St. Francis of Assisi Anglican Church Calls Fr. Joshua Drake 
St. Francis of Assisi Anglican Church in Stockton announces the calling of Fr. Joshua Drake as their new priest beginning September 1, 2018.
Fr. Drake is a California native, but his family is multicultural. His wife Alicia is originally from China and his two daughters were born overseas. Imanueal Joy was born when they lived in Thailand and Evangeline Grace was born when they lived in China. They just welcomed their 3rd child in August, a boy, Caleb Elisha. 
Fr. Drake has been in full-time ministry for over 15 years. Over a decade of that was as a missionary in China and South East Asia where he worked in the areas of Church Planting and Bible Translation. Fr. Drake was ordained a Deacon on November 7, 2015 by Archbishop Foley Beach and then ordained a Priest on October 22, 2016 by Bishop Eric Menees. His last position was at Eucharist Church in San Francisco as an assistant priest. Fr. Joshua Drake will be installed by our Bishop, on Sunday, September 30th at 9:30 am at St. Francis of Assisi Anglican Church in Stockton. We would love to have you join us in welcoming Fr. Joshua Drake. Diocesan Youth Mission Trip
Clergy WIves Retreat
Clergy Wives RetreatSeptember 28 - 30, 2018
Please Register Online by September 7th
43816 Sierra Drive/Hwy 198, Three Rivers, CA 93271
Double Occupancy: $180, Private Room: $220, Day Use or RV: $75
Scholarships Available
Speaker: Monica Romig Green
Questions? Contact Juliet San Nicolas de Bradley or Deacon Erin Giles clergywives@dioceseofsanjoaquin.net or (702) 525-8645 Reflections from the Former ArchDeacon
By The Ven. Donald A. Seeks
Dedication: This brief book is respectively dedicated to the Right Reverend John-David M. Schofield, who called me to the office of Archdeacon in 1989 to assist him in the operation of the Diocese of San Joaquin, and also to Doris Hall, then editor of the San Joaquin Star. May these two go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service and may light perpetual shine upon them. Introduction: Before I retire from this earth someone has asked me to put into print some of the articles that were a monthly column of the San Joaquin Star, which for many years was an Episcopal diocesan publication. I had been accustomed to write something each month in the parishes and missions where I served, so this was little more than an extension of a former practice. The late editor was quite liberal and I am quite conservative, so it was difficult for her to accept my entry each month, which the bishop allowed. She printed every word faithfully, a true editor. So here is a collection of thoughts and reflections which span my ministry as diocesan archdeacon from 1989 to 1998, when I retired. Now please understand, I am not a theologian, but simply a faithful priest and follower of Jesus Christ who was given the opportunity to share my thoughts in print. A Brief Later History of the Diocese: In 2007, the overwhelming vote of the membership of the Diocese of San Joaquin became concerned about the direction the Episcopal Church was taking in regard to faithfulness to Scripture and the change of ministry. At the 2007 Diocesan Convention, the representatives of the majority of the congregations determined to leave the Episcopal Church. The lay vote was over 90%, the clerical vote was over 80%. As a result, several congregations voted to remain but 44 out 50 departed under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. John-David M. Schofield, Bishop of San Joaquin. Over the many months and years which followed, the Episcopal Church sued the diocese, deposed the bishop and other clergy, including myself, for “abandoning the communion”, a false charge made by a bishop illegally elected. It also sued for the money and property belonging to the diocese and after many years and many dollars, the judgment by a superior court in Fresno, appropriately named Black, took possession of all money and property from the people and awarded it to the Episcopal Church. We are now members of the Anglican Church of North America, recognized as legitimate Anglicans by most overseas bishops, but not by Canterbury, mostly because Canterbury is dependent upon American Episcopal money to keep it afloat. The bishops of the Third World have called upon the Episcopal Church and others to repent and return to Biblical orthodoxy, but at this writing it seems unlikely. Henceforth, my articles which mention the word “Episcopal” have been changed to “Anglican” for clarity of understanding. Those articles dealing directly with the Episcopal Church have not been included.
Few people in America better understood the nature of power, both secular and supernatural than the late Charles Colson. Many remember that for several years he was very close to the most powerful political on the earth, the President of the United States. In his zeal to exercise political power, Colson became a political scoundrel and convicted felon. But conviction and subsequent imprisonment became a wake-up-call for Charles. After several faithful friends had witnessed to him about the power of God, he began to realize how the power of God renders every other kind of power: political, military, economic, or any other, pale by comparison.
There are some skeptics, mostly non-Christian, who have stated their belief that Colson’s conversion to Jesus Christ was just one more deception, but one only had to hear him tell his story or read his books to discover just how authentically and completely that conversion had taken place. As one close to Colson had written, “When God gets a grip on our lives (His transforming power) leaves nothing untouched!” In 1994 Charles Colson co-authored with Nancy R. Pearcy, Senior Editor of “Breakpoint Radio”, a book of daily meditations entitled A Dangerous Grace, which discusses the nature of power among many other subjects. The title, writes Ms. Pearcy, comes because God’s grace is dangerous because it “unsettles our preconceived ideas, uproots our ingrained habits, and redirects our deepest desires”. “When we give ourselves to God, He becomes our security – but He is never ‘safe.’” God is determined to make us the very best we can be, and He never will let us rest comfortably in our weaknesses and sins. He works ceaselessly to remake us into the image and character of Christ.” Colson wrote that “nothing sets apart the secular government from God’s government any more than their diametrically opposed views of the exercise of power”. While secular government seeks to control people, God’s government seeks to serve people. The one promotes self; the other promotes others before self in the image of Christ; one seeks greater prestige and position; the other declares, “Blessed are the meek and the poor in spirit.” Christianity teaches that the state serves a divinely appointed and divinely defined task, although it in itself is not divine. God has decreed that its authority is legitimate, but also limited. Having lived in the highest circles of secular power, Colson wrote he now agreed with the Lord Acton’s familiar adage that “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The power is not corrupt, but those sinners who misuse that power cause the corruption. This does not mean that Christians cannot make use of secular power, but it must be subordinate to the will of God. The Christian worker, for example, labors not for more power or self-aggrandizement, but “to preserve God’s plan for order and justice for all.” Our Declaration of Independence and its subsequent framework for government, the Constitution, both declare that ultimate power must rest in the people, but a people who are very aware and responsive to the fact that the power they have is not of their own making but is derived from our Divine Creator. Every government which rises eventually falls; only God’s Kingdom will rule for eternity, and so He is the Source of all power. “While secular government seeks to control people, God’s government seeks to serve people.” - Charles Colson Christians need to take notice of the fact that many in our society have bought into the promises of our government that it can solve every human problem. Therefore, simply by paying our taxes we are absolved personally from any other civic duty. As evidence of this just read these quotations from the teacher’s edition of a 5th grade social studies book. “Today when people lose their jobs they can get some money from the government.” “Today’s families who cannot afford to pay their rent can get help from the government.” “Today’s families who do not have enough money for food can get some money from the government.” A junior high civics textbook declares that over time “people were no longer content to live as their forefathers lived. They wanted richer, fuller lives. They wanted the government to help make their lives rich and full.” In other words, secular power, not the power of God, acting through His believers, is the solution to every human social need.
Colson believed the idea of treating the state as though it is the answer to all things and treating the state as a god which alone can create the good life is “nothing short of idolatry.” The Church of Jesus Christ must always resist the tempting illusion that it can usher in the Kingdom (or even advance it to any significant degree, I believe) through secular political means or by relying upon political institutions of government. Colson believed the idea of treating the state as though it is the answer to all things and treating the state as a god which alone can create the good life is “nothing short of idolatry.” 
Convention 2018
Please Join Us for
For More Information about the Convention Check the Diocesan Web Page.
http://www.dioceseofsanjoaquin.net/convention.html 
The Bishop's NoteThe Bishop's Note is a pastoral message published weekly by Bishop Eric Menees.
To subscribe, send an email message with your email to receptionist@dioceseofsanjoaquin.net.
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Bishop’s Schedule And Diocesan CalendarJuly 1—Bishop @ Church of the Epiphany, Corcoran
July 1—Convention Delegate Certifications Due to Diocesan Office July 8—Bishop @ St. John’s, Porterville July 10—Rural Deans August 4—90 Days prior to Convention: Per Canon 20.08 Proposed Constitutional Amendments due to The Constitution and Canons Task Force (email to administrator@dioceseofsanjoaquin.net or snail-mail to 1300 E. Shaw Ave. Ste. 123, Fresno, CA 93710) |
