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A Holy Experiment: Finding Ourselves Through Finding Others
A Holy Finding Ourselves Through Finding Others is the story of The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin’s (EDSJ’s) continued emergence through the eyes of The Rt. Rev. David C. Rice (Bishop) and The Rev. Canon Anna Carmichael (Priest). It’s the story of emergences and new beginnings that evolved from separation and divorce, namely, significant communal trauma. The emergence described in A Holy Experiment speak of the resilience, persistence, vitality, and faithfulness of Episcopalians throughout the Central Valley and High Sierra of California. This emergence describes new beginnings, seized opportunities, and a willingness, and sometimes a vigor for, trying new things. A Holy Experiment is written about the people of EDSJ who have and continue to live this story. However, the story cannot belong simply to the people of EDSJ, but could belong to all Episcopalians as well as people of other faith traditions. Our story belongs to any community or organization or even individuals who have experienced the deep hurt of broken relationships, fractured community, and eventually seek and find a new way. Our story is meant to be an invitation to leaders in the church to consider the ways new life can emerge from dreadful circumstances.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 5, 2021
A Must Read For Churches for Whom Life is Changing
This accessible and often joyful read by the Bishop and Canon of The Episcopal Diocese in San Joaquin might be considered as required reading.
Though what brought the diocese to where they are may be somewhat unique (a huge schism that almost depleted the denomination in this area) any parish or denomination can learn from the “Holy Experiment” from this diocese through the leadership of the authors.
It is about love. It is about doing “church” differently. It is about having fun. It is about forgiveness, reconciliation. It is about being okay when things go awry. It is about giving thanks when God appears in the midst of loving their neighbor, particularly “the least of these.” This is about the proven fact that churches can succeed in the environment today, particularly when that success is measured by community engagement.
Whether the potential reader is an Episcopalian or from another denomination, if some of the realities of church today leave you wondering, your answer might be found from within these pages.
This accessible and often joyful read by the Bishop and Canon of The Episcopal Diocese in San Joaquin might be considered as required reading.
Though what brought the diocese to where they are may be somewhat unique (a huge schism that almost depleted the denomination in this area) any parish or denomination can learn from the “Holy Experiment” from this diocese through the leadership of the authors.
It is about love. It is about doing “church” differently. It is about having fun. It is about forgiveness, reconciliation. It is about being okay when things go awry. It is about giving thanks when God appears in the midst of loving their neighbor, particularly “the least of these.” This is about the proven fact that churches can succeed in the environment today, particularly when that success is measured by community engagement.
Whether the potential reader is an Episcopalian or from another denomination, if some of the realities of church today leave you wondering, your answer might be found from within these pages.
April 28, 2022
The heartbreak of a split church is turned into a new definition of the meaning of "church". Easy to read, yet deep in thought. This is a history of a re-born diocese, and also a roadmap for others.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews