Let me tell you another story about
the Diocese of San Joaquin By Victoria Prescott
About a year ago, a few folks in Bakersfield, California who wanted to remain in the Episcopal
Church began to meet together for Evening Prayer. They ran advertisements in the paper
inviting others to come, and they worked hard to be a faith community that exuded joy and
hospitality, a place where all are truly welcome. Grace Bakersfield started with only a dozen
or so Episcopalians, but by Christmas, eighty people came to celebrate Christ's birth! More
recently, at the convention of the Diocese of San Joaquin on March 29th, the faith community
known as Grace Bakersfield became a mission and is now known as Grace Episcopal Church.
I intend to remain in the Episcopal Church, but find myself in a parish where folks seem
intent on leaving. I intend to remain in my parish for so long as it remains part of the
Episcopal Church. I also intend to continue to witness for the Episcopal Church in my
community a charitable manner. I like and respect my rector and I care deeply for my fellow
parishioners; even though we may end up in different parishes I want to remain in relationship
with them.
But, finding myself in an area that appears likely to have no organized Episcopal services in
the not too distant future, I also intend to begin participating in prayer and fellowship
gatherings with others who want to remain Episcopal. I hope this gathering will be a comfort
and support for all who intend to remain Episcopal, as well as a welcoming and hospitable
place for anyone who is still trying to decide. I suspect that there may be a few others in
my community who are still trying to decide, and perhaps we just need to find each other.
If you want to remain Episcopal, but find yourself in a minority where you worship, I hope you will stay as long in your parish as long as you can comfortably do so. Parish relationships are precious. But, I also hope you will consider a prayer and fellowship gathering in your area. The support you could give and receive through a faith community like Bakersfield is quite powerful.
Victoria Fay Prescott
St. Francis Episcopal Church
Willow Park, Parker County, Texas
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