April: The Joy of the Risen Christ

Risen Lord, the stone is rolled away, and death is defeated! In this Easter season, let your resurrection power shatter the divisions of our world. You stood among your disciples and said, "Peace be with you." Grant us that same peace to share with our community. Because you have conquered the grave, we no longer need to fear the future or our neighbors. We are your beloved, redeemed by the Cross. Let our lives be a "Hallelujah" that speaks of reconciliation, proving that love is stronger than hate and life is stronger than fear. Amen.

We live in a world unrecognizable from even a year ago. Wars rage across continents, people flee their homes in desperate waves, and uncertainty hangs over the future like a storm that will not break. In times like these, the human heart naturally cries out: Where is God?

But before we look outward for answers, we must look inward — because much of the turmoil we see in our world is, painfully, self-inflicted.

We behave poorly toward one another. We fail to recognize the faces across from us — across the border, across the aisle, across the street — as our brothers and sisters. We have forgotten our shared humanity. We build walls where we should build bridges, and we wage wars where we should wage peace. The displacement of peoples, the fracturing of nations, the cruelty we inflict on one another — these are not merely the consequences of political failures. They are the consequences of spiritual ones.

Mother Teresa understood this with piercing clarity. She taught that the reason there is no peace in the world is because there is no peace within ourselves and within our homes. Peace is not first a political achievement — it is a personal one. It begins at the kitchen table, in the marriage bed, in the way a parent speaks to a child. When the interior life is disordered, the exterior world reflects that disorder. The chaos we see globally is, in many ways, the sum total of our private brokenness multiplied across billions of lives.

This is why the dark night of the soul, as described by St. John of the Cross, is far more than a spiritual concept confined to monasteries and prayer rooms. It is a physical concept and a lived reality. It plays out in refugee camps and bombed-out cities. It lives in the grief of a mother who has lost a child to violence, in the despair of a man who has lost his home, his country, his dignity. The darkness is not abstract — it has an address, a face, a body that aches.

St. John of the Cross described the soul's passage through desolation not as punishment but as purification — a stripping away of everything false so that what is true and eternal might remain. That process is happening not just in individual souls today, but collectively, in civilizations. We are being invited, perhaps forced, to examine what we have built and why it keeps collapsing.

St. Teresa of Ávila, in The Interior Castle, described the soul passing through shadowed and disorienting rooms before reaching the innermost chamber where God dwells in perfect peace. The journey inward is not a retreat from the world — it is the most urgent work for the world. Because a person who has found interior peace carries that peace outward. A home rooted in love becomes a community rooted in love. And communities rooted in love do not start wars.

What St. John, St. Teresa, and Mother Teresa all understood is this: the darkness — whether of the soul or of the world — is not the end of the story. It is an invitation. God does not cause our suffering, but He enters it. He walks in the rubble with us, closer than breath, faithful when all else crumbles.

The night of our world is long. But it is not without God. And it will not last forever. Yet waiting is not enough — we all have a part to play in ending the darkness, both within ourselves and in the world we live in. That responsibility is mutual, personal, and corporate. It belongs to each of us and to all of us together. Let us pray that in this season of penance and prayer, that is precisely what we choose to do.

An Introduction to the Contemplative Life – Seeking Peace
April 17, 5:00pm - April 19, 2026 9:00am

In these days, viewed by many as particularly stressful times, with so much political turmoil and violence and home and abroad, there is a longing for peace that we hold deep in our hearts. You are invited to join us to explore a path to peace in learning to live a contemplative life. All are welcome.

 Register for Retreat
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Reserve Your Hotel: Best Western (208) 736-8000 | Hampton Inn (208) 734-2233
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Friday, April 17
 
5:00    Gathering and Introductions
6:00    Dinner (Dinner Provided)
7:00    Opening Talk: “An Introduction to the Contemplative Life”
8:00    Compline
 
Saturday, April 18
 
8:00    Breakfast (on your own)
9:00    Morning Prayer
9:30    Second Experience: “Introduction to Centering Prayer”

Break

11:00  Third Experience: “Centering Prayer – Going Deeper” with a sit
12:30  Lunch and Sabbath Time (Lunch provided)
3:00    Fourth Experience: Labyrinth
4:00    Dialogue: Seeking Peace
5:30    Dinner (Dinner Provided)
6:30    Compline
 
Sunday, April 19
 
9:00    Holy Eucharist

Presented by Br. James Dowd, OSB

Brother James Dowd is a Benedictine monk and the founding Prior of The Benedictine Way and Spiritual Guide of the Contemplative Underground. He previously served at Holy Cross Monastery (New York), Mariya uMama weThemba Monastery (South Africa), and as Monk-in-Residence for the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska. His work explores the intersection of Christian contemplation and social justice. Through international travels and teaching workshops on Centering Prayer, he encountered many people longing for a contemplative life within community. Recognizing this need, he founded the Contemplative Underground—an intergenerational network rooted in Benedictine spirituality that gathers seekers committed to prayer, community, and building a more peaceful world.

Register for Retreat 

March: The Lenten Desert of Humility

Merciful God, as we enter the wilderness of Lent, we confess that our pride often creates canyons between us and others. Strip away our narcissism and our need to be right. In the silence of our fasting, let us hear the cry of the lonely and the marginalized. You loved us while we were yet sinners; teach us to love others in their brokenness. May this season of penance turn our hearts outward. Help us to see that the "other" is struggling just as we are, and let our hands be quick to offer mercy. Amen.

My Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I generally make it a point to stay away from the "drama" and the "spats" that often define our social media landscape. I know that people come to the digital square from vastly different emotional spaces and lived experiences and they are all valuable. However I often feel my time is better spent watching Tom and Jerry!

However, I am writing to you today because something I read last day broke my heart. I have heard the same from many others including my scared and differently abled friends.
I came across a note from a young woman who is in a state of profound spiritual grief. She is not only heartbroken by what’s happening on the streets of Minneapolis; she is deeply hurt by the attitude of the pastors in churches. She wrote of hearing sermons and reading posts from leaders who attempt to justify subhuman behavior —who remain silent while the innocent are struck down, or who prioritize the wealth and security of a nation over the sanctity of the human beings.

She is confused, and rightfully so. So am I. She looks at us and asks: What happened to the Christ who told Peter to put his sword away? What happened to the instruction to turn the other cheek? She had many more questions! Why are the ones who promised to lead us in the way of Jesus now failing to find their nerve when the blood of the innocent is spilled on American streets or people arrested and deported without the rule of law?

Her grief forced me to look in the mirror. It forced me to ask: Where am I? Where are we as Episcopalians?

At every baptism, at every confirmation, we make a public promise. We vow to "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being." These are not hollow scripts for us. Right? It is a sacred promise. May be it is time to remind ourselves what we promise so that we can live into it fully. In another words we are called to live into the prophetic words of Simeon to Mary, “a sword will piece your heart,” for living into the truth, meaning, our hearts will be broken when we stand up for the marginalized. As a church We can not afford to stay silent like in the times of slavery, displacement and murder of the indigenous people, and LGBTQ+ persecution.
 
We are standing at a crossroads that is eerily familiar to the students of history. We are standing in the same intersection that led Dietrich Bonhoeffer to his martyrdom. In his day, many clergy in Europe failed to uphold the basic teaching of Christ—that every person is the beloved of God, regardless of their status. They chose the security of the state over the demands of the Gospel that led to the slaughter of over six million innocent people. State sponsored and justified murder, beginnings of which we see in America now!

I know firsthand the terror of these times—when someone looking straight into my eyes and said, “You do not belong in this country.” I know the terror of it when my baby is threatened day after day within an Episcopal institution, and when my transgender child is forced to absorb slurs hurled at their very existence, written without shame and spoken with contempt.
 
This is not merely personal pain; it is a moral crisis. I grieve and I fear for our clergy and their families, for people of color, and for all who are marked as expendable. I am anguished for those who carry no guilt, no crime, no cause for fear—yet are made to live in it simply because of their skin, their identity, their disability, or whom they love.

This is not the way of Christ. To deny another’s belonging is to deny the image of God itself. And the Church must decide—now—whether it will bear witness to love, or remain silent while fear is preached from the streets.

We, as a church, can no longer pretend that predatory behaviors are "acceptable" norms within a democracy or a church. If we believe that these things are compatible with the following of Jesus, then we have already lost our way.

It is time for us to draw a line in the sand—not a line of hatred, but a line of truth, goodness and grace. When Bishop Rob Hirschfeld of New Hampshire told his clergy they might need to prepare their wills, many called him hyperbolic. But look at the reality: just a week ago, over one hundred clergy and leaders were arrested in Minneapolis for standing up for truth. This is not a nightmare or an alternate reality or a feeling. It is a fact.
 
I do not wish for any of us to be martyrs not even in my worst dreams. But I do wish for us to be faithful. We have a responsibility to respond to that young woman and to all those like her. We must show them that none of us, in the Episcopal church at least, believe cruelty is the norm or lawlessness or absence of the rule of law is security.

We better take heed when people who walked before us, gave up their lives for justice, call us to wake up.
 
In the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Let us remind the world that we are the children of God everywhere!
 
And finally, hear the words of Jesus, who stood before the powers of his day and said: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:6, 9). It is easy to bring peace. “Peace begins with a smile,” (Mother Theresa). I know we can do that.

I urge you to pray. I also invite you to stand up for me, a person of color and my children, clergy, my differently abled and LGBTQ+ friends and family, the immigrants, marginalized and scared. Let us be a church that stands with the marginalized, even when it costs us our comfort. Let us be the answer to that young woman’s heartbreak, proving that our lives themselves become evidence that Christ’s love outlasts oppression, corruption, and intimidation. (Video Link)

Bishop Jos 

February: The Heart of Transfiguration

Divine Love, in this season where we transition toward the mountain of Transfiguration, remind us that we are precious in your sight. As we celebrate love, let it not be a selfish or narrow love. Soften the hearts hardened by political strife. Teach us that our "neighbor" includes the one whose opinions frustrate us. We are all your handiwork. Let your light transform our irritability into patience and our suspicion into hospitality. May our homes be sanctuaries where every guest feels the warmth of your embrace and the dignity of your friendship. Amen.

January: The Epiphany of New Beginnings

Lord of Light, as the star guided the Magi, let your Epiphany guide us out of the shadows of isolation. We thank you for the gift of being your beloved children. In this new year, open our eyes to see our neighbors not as strangers or threats, but as reflections of your glory. Break the scales of prejudice from our eyes. May we realize that the same breath you gave us, you gave to the person across the street. Help us start this year by building bridges where walls once stood, revealing your love through our unity. Amen.

A few days ago, one of our lay ministers called me with a story that has lingered heavily in my heart. He was ministering to a young couple with a one-year-old child when immigration authorities stopped them. The young father was arrested. What should have been an ordinary day turned into a moment of deep fear, pain, and uncertainty.

That story disturbed me—not only because of what happened to this family, but because of what it reveals about the fragile state of our shared humanity. When fear takes the place of compassion, and when bureaucracy overshadows mercy, something within the human spirit begins to erode.

This reflection brought to mind one of the darkest periods of human history—Nazi Germany. I do not, in any way, mean to say that we are there yet. But it would be unwise, even dangerous, not to learn from that chapter. Jewish citizens—people who trusted in the security of their homeland—found themselves suddenly required to prove who they were. What they had always taken for granted, their very belonging, became a matter of suspicion. Slowly, their lives were restricted, their freedoms stripped away, and their humanity denied.

As the poet and philosopher George Santayana once said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” History warns us that when fear and prejudice govern policy, suffering follows. As in those days, there were many who believed their government’s actions were right, or at least necessary. Yet blindness and apathy often cloak injustice until it is too late.

We know the difference between good and evil by their fruits. Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Actions that produce suffering, pain, abandonment, and abuse are not of God. But those that yield kindness, love, compassion, and peace are the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

If we come to a time when people—brown, black, white, Jewish, immigrant, or citizen—must carry papers to prove their right to live freely, then we must admit that something sacred has been lost. That is not safety; that is control. That is not patriotism; that is fear disguised as order. Creating fear is the first step of authoritarianism. 

Let us guard our hearts from the corrosive forces of money and prejudice. Let us be guided instead by the Holy Spirit, who teaches us to produce the fruits of love and justice.

As the poet Maya Angelou once wrote, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived; but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

May we have the courage to face it—and to live differently.

“Peace begins with a smile,” declared Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a woman who understood that the grandest endeavors of the heart often start with the smallest of gestures. We have recently witnessed an event that demands our attention and gratitude: the historic move toward peace between Gaza and Israel. This moment, where diplomacy and courage overcome the terrible logic of conflict, is truly a welcome sign. We must praise the grace that worked behind the scenes and be profoundly grateful for the diplomacy shown by President Trump and the involved leadership.

Regardless of our political leanings, anyone seeking truth must acknowledge that the stopping of the killing of any human being—be they innocent child, grieving parent, or weary soldier—is unequivocally a good thing. When gratitude is due, it must be acknowledged, and for the cessation of suffering, our thanks must be unrestrained. Rupi Kaur, a contemporary poet and thinker, reminds us of the power of consistent, quiet bravery, noting, "It's the steady, small, and necessary acts of bravery that change the world." This bravery belongs not only to those at the negotiating table but to every soul who chooses dialogue over despair, a smile over political ideology.

This profound, macro effort to establish peace is beautifully mirrored in the easiest, most accessible act available to us: The Smile. It takes little effort to offer one, yet it is simple, easy, and entirely non-challenging. Why not try that more often? The old tongue twister contains a beautiful truth: "Smile a while, while you smile, another smiles, and miles and miles there go miles of smiles."

The smile is the simplest currency of goodwill, opening doors that formal treaties cannot touch. No faith affiliation, no disagreement, and no level of anger should stop us from offering this basic sign of human connection. The smile is, in essence, a silent greeting of peace. As Jesus said, "When you enter a house, greet them with peace." That ancient blessing is simply the gist of the smile—a moment of intentional, outward-facing peace. The contemporary poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama suggests, "The truest peace is the simplest. It is the peace of coming back to yourself."

Peace, therefore, is not only a geopolitical triumph but a daily, minute-by-minute commitment. We cannot control all the forces of the world, but we can control the doorway we open to others. Let the smile be the simplest, easiest form of creating that necessary, healing peace in our own small corners of the world.

Bishop Jos
14th Bishop of Idaho

In a world increasingly defined by political tribalism, it can be easy for core principles to get lost in the noise. For many who follow Christian values, the words of Jesus on issues like poverty and human suffering often feel co-opted and politicized. The call to "clothe the naked" is not a call to national charity but a command to respond to a human being's need, individually and personally. The instruction to "welcome the stranger," though a term now politically charged, speaks to the universal human condition of displacement and the search for refuge. These are not left or right ideologies; they are biblical truths that transcend borders and political allegiance. It’s only when a person experiences displacement, poverty, rejection, and similar hardships that they will understand how shallow political affiliations and ideologies can be.

When we hear these words and can only see them through a partisan lens, it is not the words themselves that are political, but the lens through which we choose to view them. A person using the words "immigrant," "poor," or "marginalized" is not automatically making a political statement. These are foundational biblical concepts that invite us to a higher standard of humanity, not merely to a better form of citizenship in one nation.

Consider the accusations leveled against Jesus himself. He was accused of being a "glutton" for eating with tax collectors and the rich. He was accused of "breaking the law" for healing the sick on the Sabbath. He was even accused of "desecrating the temple" for confronting the corrupt practices of those in power. In each case, Jesus was accused of doing the wrong thing, but was he speaking politics or simply meeting human needs and journeying alongside the marginalized and rejected? It's easy to look back now and see his actions as righteous, but we often fail to recognize that the same accusations arise today when we seek to do the same.

The American spiritual leader and activist Martin Luther King Jr. once noted, "The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But the Good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?'" This shift in perspective is the very essence of an apolitical humanism rooted in faith. It moves the focus from our own comfort and national identity to the simple, profound dignity of another person.

For what truly matters in the end?

• Do not ask from which place they came, or what flag marks their worldly claim. Ask only if their heart is weak, and if there is a hand to seek.

When we prioritize being better human beings—empathetic, compassionate, and loving—we inevitably become better citizens of our nations. The change begins with a singular act of seeing a person for who they are: a fellow human, in need of dignity and respect, unburdened by the political labels that divide us.

The profound truth of human dignity is not a prize to be earned or a privilege to be bestowed by mortal hands. It is an unassailable reality, an eternal echo of the divine. This dignity, which adorns every single person, finds its sacred origin in the foundational belief that a loving Creator, before the very first light dawned, deemed us worthy. Long before the stars were flung into existence and the mountains were hewn, each one of us was known, cherished, and etched upon the very palm of God.

This is a truth that transcends the fleeting political tides and the often-harsh judgments of humanity. Think about this, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb… I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13-14). We are not here by accident, nor are we a random product of chance. We are the intentional, beloved creation of a God who found us so worthy of love. Period. Our worth is not up for negotiation, for it is not ours to give or to take away.

In a world quick to draw lines and cast stones, the whisper of God reminds us that no one stands outside the boundless realm of love and grace. The greatest sin is not the one we imagine in others, but the pride that leads us to judge. Jesus, in a moment of profound clarity and compassion for a woman caught in the act of adultery, challenged the accusers with the immortal words: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” His lesson was clear: our place is not to condemn, but to love, for we are all in need of grace. So, give and take grace! Be kind!

The divine light does not discriminate based on the superficialities of this world. Regardless of our social standing, our political views, our sexual identity, or our ethnic background, God remains beside us, guiding us home. But this sacred presence can only be truly felt not by those who listen to the rigid doctrines of human-made institutions, but by those who dare to listen to the God within. As Rumi said, “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” The Creator resides in the sacred chamber of your heart, whispering of the wonderful being you are and how deeply, unconditionally, and absolutely He is in love with you. This profound, personal connection is the very essence of dignity.

To recognize the dignity in every person is to see a reflection of God in oneself and others. It is to walk in the knowledge that each soul is a unique, irreplaceable masterpiece. When we remember this, we move beyond judgment and into a space of profound and transformational love, allowing the divine whisper to guide us toward a world where every single person is seen, honored, and treasured as a beloved child of God.

Bishop Jos

Pilgrimages: The Inward Journey Toward the Divine Within

A pilgrimage, though often marked by a physical journey to a sacred place, is ultimately a profound inward movement—a sacred act of turning toward the center, where God quietly dwells within us. Across centuries and cultures, people have set out on pilgrimages not merely to reach holy sites, but to respond to an inner call—a longing to reconnect with the Divine Presence that has always resided within.

This ancient spiritual practice is not about the destination alone; it is about intention. Each step becomes a prayer, each mile a reflection, drawing the pilgrim away from distraction and into deeper communion with God. In this way, the outward motion of walking, traveling, and seeking mirrors the inner motion of stillness, humility, and surrender.

Pilgrimage is an embodied metaphor: while we walk to a physical shrine, we are truly journeying toward our spiritual center. The God we often seek “out there” gently waits for us in the quiet chambers of our soul. In stripping away comforts, breaking routine, and embracing vulnerability, pilgrimage awakens us to this truth.

The practice helps us re-center our lives, sharpen our spiritual focus, and renew our strength. It clears space for grace to move. And in this grace, transformation begins.

Pilgrimage, then, is not merely a religious tradition—it is an intentional spiritual exercise, as vital today as it was for our ancestors. It invites us home, not to a place, but to the heart where God has always been.

Prepare to join us on this journey to Ascension Episcopal Church in Twin Falls for a renewal of the spirit and soul from September 26-28. More information to follow. 

My year began with a centering prayer retreat alongside 12 bishops, followed by another retreat with Province 8 bishops—both rich in spiritual grounding and fellowship.
In January, I visited our wonderful community of Trinity, Buhl, where four children bring great hope for the future. My time in Nampa was, as always, uplifting, thanks to Mother Karen and the dedicated leadership energizing the congregation. I also had a deeply personal moment in Springfield, where my son asked me to receive his confirmation—a truly heartwarming and powerful experience, both for him and me.

In February, diocesan leadership spent two days shaping our future. From hundreds of ideas, we identified 12 key priorities—read them here!
I had a wonderful visit with the good folks at St. David’s, Caldwell, where exciting opportunities await. Thank you to Fr. Bill. My time at Holy Nativity was equally inspiring, with a full sanctuary, and nearly 25 youth and children engaging in a fantastic Q&A session. I encourage all churches to schedule a youth Q&A during my visits—it’s a joy to hear their questions and insights!

I braved a snowstorm to Idaho Falls with a potential priest for St. Luke's—it was both daunting and exhilarating! Our weekend discussions were productive and filled with hope.
The next weekend, we welcomed Bishop Rose from our partner diocese in Butere, Kenya. Thanks to Deacon Ellen Blackmon who organized her time with us. Bishop Rose had a wonderful time with several groups during her visit and also with the Cathedral youth, thanks to Chris Harding and the youth group’s fantastic Q&A session. It was a joy to share, listen, and witness how God works among us!

I had the unique opportunity to serve on a jury for a week—an unexpectedly rich experience in civic duty. We also had a meaningful House of Bishops gathering in Alabama, where exciting changes and challenges were discussed under new leadership. I’m hopeful for our church’s future and actively working with leaders to secure a strong path forward.
On a personal note, I spent time with our daughter Asha after the House of Bishops, helping her through some health challenges. Thank you for your continued prayers—they mean the world to our family.

This snapshot highlights key moments in my life and ministry. Our diocesan team is doing incredible work, and with Sarah, our new Communications Director, we’re enhancing evangelization efforts. She’ll be reaching out to support your churches in sharing the Good News.

Our dedicated staff works tirelessly behind the scenes—without them, none of this would be possible. Thank you for your support, care, and cooperation. There’s always more happening than we can share, but know that your partnership is deeply appreciated!

On Friday, February 7th, diocesan leaders from the Episcopal Church in Idaho gathered in Twin Falls for a transformative discussion on the church’s future. The Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, clergy, and diocesan staff came together to prayerfully discern the spiritual, missional, and budget priorities that will shape our path forward.
After two days of working in small groups, twelve priorities emerged in each category. To better understand the common themes, we grouped them by topic and measured how many groups aligned on each issue. The results paint an inspiring picture of where we feel called to serve:

Faith & Theology 

• Love God & our neighbor as ourselves
• Embed the Bible in everything we do
• Churches & Sacraments
• Spiritual roadmaps

Everyday Christian Life 

• Every day spirituality, not just Sunday
• Promote loving kindness

Evangelism & Outreach 

• Share tolerant Jesus with people
• Learn how to talk about our church

Clergy & Congregational Relationships 

• Clergy developing relationships with congregants

Education & Formation 

• Education for lay people

Difficult Conversations

• Engaging in difficult discussions

Evangelism & Outreach 

• Resources for evangelism, advertising, marketing & growth
• Sharing God’s news inside and outside the church
• To make Christ known
• Person-to-person evangelism outside of the church focused on people aged 1-30

Church Cooperation & Growth

• Inter-church cooperation
• Conversations towards common goals

Clergy & Parish Consistency

• Consistent clergy in the parishes

Welcoming & Inclusion 

• Welcoming

Diocesan Identity & Communication 

• Diocese level inter-communication & resourcing
• Idaho Diocese mission statement

Education

• Education

Meaningful Message

• Meaningful message for all people

Evangelism & Growth Support 

• Diocesan support for evangelism
• Evangelism, especially in youth ministry – A Diocesan youth leader

Education & Formation 

• Focus on education & formation, possibly create a Canon for Education position
• Programs for spiritual formation and small group communications

Church & Clergy Support

• Consistent clergy presence in every church
• Communications & treasury staff to support smaller congregations

Financial & Resource Management 

• Better use of designated funds
• Fundraiser/grant writer for smaller churches

Diocesan Programming & Community Engagement 

• Programs & community activities
• Camp leadership in/for the parishes (camp activities in church beyond camp times)

Camp & Retreats 

• Camp breaks even/requires 0 support from the diocese

Diocesan Identity & Promotion

• Diocesan Swag

While these priorities set an exciting vision for our diocese, we are already taking meaningful steps to address them:

• Resourcing communications and digital outreach – We’ve welcomed Sarah Polk as our new Outreach Coordinator! Sarah will be helping parishes strengthen their digital presence. You can reach her at outreach@episcopalidaho.org.
• Providing free educational resources for laity – Access new formation materials at episcopalidaho.org/education.
• Supporting digital evangelism – The diocese is offering Facebook advertising grants and management support to parishes. Five congregations have been selected for early access, and we will expand this initiative in the coming months.

We are filled with hope and excitement as we move forward together, guided by the Holy Spirit and our shared mission. Thank you for your dedication to the Episcopal Church in Idaho - your faith is shaping a vibrant future for our church!

I have known Ms. Cox for over eight years. She is an amazing person with gifts that I am envious of but grateful for. Here below is what she says about herself.

"My name is Minda Cox. I’m an ordinary, energetic, and engaged Episcopalian living in
Bolivar, MO. I was born in India without arms or legs and adopted as a toddler. My Mother is a retired Episcopal priest, and I’m the youngest of 5 adopted sisters. Some of my loves include traveling, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying autumn weather. I’m a watercolorist, speaker, and writer; all of these are ideal gifts for this happy introvert. As an introvert, I’m content to lose myself in a black-and-white pencil drawing or a watercolor painting. What makes me excited?? Reflecting on scripture, the situations of the world around me, encouraging others with my paintings, teaching watercolor classes, advocating for accessibility for the disabled, and knitting together words to create something that may open the love of God to others."

I am pleased to appoint Susan Kelley-Harbke as dean representing the Central Deanery. She will be a great leader with experience and passion for ministry and community. Here below is a small write up to share with you her background.

She grew up in Weiser, ID, and attended The First Baptist Church every Sunday. As a student at the University of Idaho, she met her first husband, who was from Filer, and they were married in that little church with cake, nuts and mints for refreshments in the basement. They raised their family at Kelley’s Canyon Orchard, nestled beside the Snake River. Children went to school in Buhl which became their adopted community. Eventually, they moved to Twin Falls. Seeking a new church experience, they found a warm welcome at Ascension and have come to love the Episcopal tradition. She served on Vestry several times and was Senior Warden for the Reverends Lauren and Rob Schoeck and Shawn Carty. She is looking forward to serve in this role as the Dean, and hoping to learn more about the neighboring parishes and the work of the Diocese.

Welcome Susan!

Bishop Jos

Dear Friends,

Well, Diocesan Convention is drawing ever nearer, so here is some information for you to ponder. As a reminder, this information is being sent to all clergy (active & retired), wardens, delegates, alternates, Deanery Deans and convention officers.

We will all meet together on Friday & Saturday, November 8 & 9, at the Red Lion Inn in Pocatello. Room rates for the Red Lion are $120/night and breakfast is included. Deadline for room reservations is October 31.

Note: For those wanting to stay elsewhere, nearby hotels/motels include Super 8 by Wyndham; Best Western Pocatello Inn, Quality Inn and the Grand Idaho Inn & Suites. (All are located at the same interstate exchange exit as the Red Lion (Pocatello Creek exit) -- no arrangements have been made with them regarding room rates.)

The Convention Planning Committee has come up with some  exciting plans for this year’s gathering and it is the hope that each parish will participate as follows:

• Parishes are requested to bring a tri-fold display to illustrate the activities, mission work and any other activities that will give a picture of the difference they are making in their communities.
• Clergy, wardens and vestries are also asked to consider an auction item to be a part of a "silent auction" for folks to bid on. (Already included are a stay at Paradise Point Camp and a dinner for 8 to be prepared by Bishop Jos & Kimby.) Other ideas could include a weekend at an AirBnB, cabin or condo owned by a parishioner; a ski pass, basket of wine and cheese; a piece of artwork created by a parishioner; a month's worth of lawn mowing and weeding provided by a couple of teenagers; a children's basket (books/games), just to name a few. Folks will have the opportunity to place their bids during Friday & Saturday and the winners will be announced sometime Saturday afternoon. Proceeds from the auction will be divided between the congregations and the Diocese. Please put on your thinking caps and plan to be a part of this very creative and fun experience.
• Tables will be arranged in the convention hall for all parish tri-fold displays and auction item sheets.

• Parishes are  also requested to bring their banners which will be placed around the Convention hall.

Nominations are being accepted for the following positions:

• Standing Committee: 1 lay member for a 3-year term
• Diocesan Council:  1 clergy member for a 3 year term & 1 lay member for a 3-year term
• Diocesan Council:  Central Deanery rep for a 3-year term.  This position will be elected at the pre-Convention deanery meeting scheduled for October 7 at 7:00pm (by zoom)

Note:  Nominations are due by September 25 in order to be included in the Pre-Convention packet.  Late nominations are due no later than October 23.

Pre-Convention meetings (by zoom) are scheduled for October 7 (Eastern & Central Deaneries) and October 8 (Western & Southwestern Deaneries)  Convention packets will be sent to all clergy, wardens, delegates & alternates in late September.

Other dates to consider:  Any canonical changes must be submitted by September 9 (60 days before Convention) and resolutions must be submitted by September 24 (45 days before Convention)

Information regarding meals, childcare, Friday workshops, diocesan committees and clergy activities will be forthcoming in the next couple of weeks.  In the meantime, don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions.

"We are Pilgrims on a Journey" and we are really looking forward to seeing you in November.

Carrol

I am pleased to announce the appointment of The Rev. Haydie LeCorbeiller as our Canon Missioner for the Eastern Deanery.

Rev. LeCorbeiller is the Rector of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Pocatello. She also serves as a member of the Standing Committee of the Diocese. As The Very Rev. Lea Colvill departs the diocese to become the Rector of St. Bartholomew in Estes Park, Rev. Haydie will assume this new leadership responsibility in the Eastern Deanery. Rev. Haydie besides being the Rector of Trinity also serves St. Paul's in Blackfoot and Epiphany in Arco. I am grateful for her willingness to serve when called. 

God of Grace, be our friend when we need one. Be a parent when we feel the absence of our parents and those who have stood in their place. In return, please give us the grace to be the friend and parent to the one who does not have one and needs one today. In everyone we meet and everything we do today, be the presence that inspires and transforms ourselves and the world around us.

By now, you have seen enough of my posts on Facebook about the new Diocesan App. I can't tell you enough about the usefulness of this nifty app. The Diocesan app is packed with all kinds of features, and it's a one-stop solution to everything you want to know and do regarding your spiritual life. So, once again, I encourage you to download the app from the app stores on iOS, Android, or Amazon. Look for Episcopal Church in Idaho, and the app will pop up. Install it on your phones or tablets.

Here are a couple of cook features I like to promote.

When you open the app, the first link with my face says, "Announcements." Every day, I post about two or a maximum of three very small announcements about what is happening around the diocese or information that you are looking for but don't know where to find it. So, if you take about 20 seconds a day, you will know what is happening in the diocese. If you forgot or didn't want to do that, history is always available. You don't have to search for the emails from the diocese. It's right there under the ePistle tab. You can find out more about the camp, all of our churches, and more in one place and easy to find.

One of my favorites had been the "Pray" tab because you have everything needed for church services, readings, daily family prayers, and Forward day-by-day daily reflections packed into this small app from the diocese. If you forgot your prayer book, or forward day by day booklet, not to fret. It's right in the Diocesan App, including the daily live compline.
In short, I again invite you to please download the app and use it daily to grow spiritually.

Here you will find 57th Convention Related updates and posts. Return to this page to read more about our upcoming convention that will take place in Pocatello.

Our Deans from the Eastern Deanery is organizing all the events along with the clergy and leadership of that region.

The Theme of the Convention is "We are Pilgrims on a Journey," with a sub-theme that says, "not pilgrims," meaning we are on a journey intentionally and not necessarily with a clear destination, but enjoying the company of each other as we travel. This is the lesson of the Emmaus Walk. The destination was the major theme of their journey, but the company they kept, and listening and caring along the way made all the differences in their experience in the end.

So, as you return to this place, find out more about what this theme means, and how this journey going to be a spiritual experience. 

I am pleased to appoint The Rev. Canon Dorota Wright-Pruski to the Commission on Ministry. Grateful for her ministry in our diocese. Please read more about Canon Dorota here below. 

The Rev. Canon Dorota Wright-Pruski serves as Canon for Parish Life at St. Michael’s Cathedral. She lives in Boise with her husband, Colin, her two goofball toddlers, and her pitbull named Tofu. Dorota spent most of her life, including her early years of ordained ministry, in the Midwest but comes to the Diocese of Idaho from Virginia, where she most recently served as the Rector of St. Andrew’s in Arlington. She is passionate about ministries that build and strengthen community, fostering sustainable lay leadership, and finding new opportunities for creativity and joy in ministry. She has a heart for guiding people in the discernment/ordination process, having supervised numerous seminarians in field education, and she is eager to offer her experience and passions to the Commission on Ministry.

I’d like to invite you to consider leading a Circle in your community. What are “circles”?   Circles offer a method for personal growth through close personal relationships and living into community. Circles offer a way to move away from the “All Head” aspect of bible study, yet, with Christ, working toward a deeper understanding and living into our “everyday Christ.” One could think of circles as analogous to sitting around a campfire, reflecting, with a spiritual or scriptural theme in mind.  It is a sponsored and facilitated dialogue, usually lead through a weekly prompt that leads to a conversation about our spirituality in everyday life, and usually results in a “take away for my own life.”  Indeed, circles in church have a long history, starting famously on the US East Coast with two Anglican priests in the 1790s, John and Charles Wesley, who are the founders of the current day United Methodist Church. 

Several attributes of Circles that are worth calling out:

1. Confidentiality: While meetings are absolutely confidential, there is less emphasis on confidentiality, more emphasis on open discussion.
2. Goal orientation: The goal is to enhance spiritual knowledge and faith through study and discussion leading to growth, both personal and within the community. Circles also deepen participants' understanding of religious texts, doctrines, and theological concepts as applied to everyday living.
3. Nature of inquiry and participation: Participants discuss and analyze religious texts and concepts, with a focus on learning, as well as share personal stories and feelings, with a focus on mutual support in our collective journey toward living as “everyday Christians. ”
4. Meeting Structure: Somewhat structured and yet somewhat informal leader-facilitated, focused on studying and discussing texts in context of personal experiences that are meant to create a stronger community and relationships within a community 

 
Deacon Candidate Edward McEachern, MD is leading an informational session on September 12 from 4-5 pm (on Zoom).

Please register for free if you are interested. 
 
Two separate cohorts of Circle leaders will be trained:  Circle leader training will occur October 2nd from 4-6pm, and at the Episcopal Convention on November 8th

The election talk is heating up. We are about a hundred days away from November 5th. As we get closer to the election date, one of the things I watch is the loss of respect for each other if they have a different ideology, opinion, or political affiliation. We are no longer able to disagree with respect and continue in good relationships.

Political differences have not just caused disagreements but have also torn families apart and divided churches. Throughout history, people have held diverse opinions and political perspectives. However, in the past decade, these differences have led to a culture of mistrust, disrespect, and degradation toward those we don't agree with.

When we moralize our worldview, we will find every reason to hate and disrespect those whom we don't understand. When we believe we have all the truths and none other has any, which is how crusades, abuses, slavery, and everything else happened in the past, our pride gets the best of us. If we are not open, our worldviews can shut down the amazing richness of the diversity of cultures, characters, languages, and ethnicities, meaning all kinds of people around us. Let us be mindful of our attitudes to others and see why we treat others disrespectfully.

I urge you to listen to this podcast and reflect on why we have lost respect. It's not just about understanding the issue, but also about recognizing our own attitudes and behaviors towards those with differing views.

Click here to listen to the podcast

God of love and compassion, we are passing through a season of mistrust of one another due to our political differences. Please help us understand that our moralizing worldviews could cause judgmentalism, fear, and mistrust of the other rather than a celebration of the diversity and richness that expands our attitudes and understanding. Open our hearts and minds so that we may embrace the richness of one another with all the differences we may have. Amen.