Monday, July 30, 2012

Keeping Up With Our New Bishop




Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

What a wonderful first week! I’m settling in at the Bishop’s Cottage and in the office. My YMCA membership is squared away. And I have had a great time meeting people from across the Diocese. Let’s face it. We Western Louisiana Episcopalians are nice people!

In addition to communicating with you through this email and the Alive!, I would like to offer some other opportunities for us to stay in touch:

• Friend me on Facebook.

• Follow my blog via email or RSS feed. The blog is called “Pelican Anglican,” and you can find it at http://pelicananglican.blogspot.com. Text for each week’s sermons and other writings appear there.

• Listen to my weekly sermons either by going to Pelican Anglican and following the link or going directly to http://sermon.net/bishopjake. (I record the sermon directly into the iPad from which I preach and then post it.)

• Keep your eye on our website. Bob Harwell has some exciting ideas that he will implement one step at a time. One of them is a regular series of video clips of me discussing spiritual and theological topics of interest to you.

In addition to all of this, I’m excited to announce that my book Connecting the Dots is appearing in print in the next couple of weeks. Naturally, I hope you will consider reading it (it will be available in soft cover, hard cover, and e-book through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and various book sellers).

I love to teach, so if you and your congregation would like an additional visit from me during the week, I would be happy to come, teach, and sign books. Instead of selling them, I prefer to offer each book as a premium for a donation given to your congregation for the purpose of a ministry that your congregation designates.

Perhaps we can do something similar at Diocesan Convention, only this time designating the funds for a ministry support fund whose resources I can direct to the congregations.

Let me be clear, I intend to receive none of these proceeds for myself. I want to offer sound theological teaching while also adding to the resources dedicated to ministry in our congregations.

Just as I believed, my love for you is growing day by day. I am amazed by your faithfulness and creativity in ministry. Remember how much Jesus loves you. Every day! All the time!

In Christ’s Love,









The Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby, Ph.D.

Our Deacon - Out and About...

Photo by Dr. Richard Schori

Wednesday, July 25 was the feast day of St. James the Apostle, but St. James' Episcopal Church of Shreveport celebrated a few days early - that is on July 22! Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori was in town to consecrate our new bishop, and she preached and celebrated at St. James' Sunday after the consecration. And our own  Deacon Bette Jo got to go along!

Here is a photo of three women behind the altar at St. James'. They are from left to right, The Rev'd Morgan McIntyre, Rector of St. Jame's, The Most Rev'd Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and The Rev'd Dr. Bette Jo Kaufmann, Deacon. Note that the three orders of ordained ministry are represented, that is Priest, Bishop and Deacon. Bette Jo said, "It was a glorious day!"

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Owensby Ordination and Consecration

Today was a grand day in the life of the Diocese of Western Louisiana! Our IV Bishop, The Rt. Rev'd Dr Jacob W. Owensby was ordained and consecrated in a marvelous liturgy at St. Mark's Cathedral in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Most Rev'd Katharine Jefferts Schori presided. Here are a few photos to give you a hint of how spectacular the day was!

Note: These photos were taken by the Presiding Bishop's husband, Dr. Richard Schori, who is an avid photographer. More of Schori's photos of the liturgy can be seen at www.episcopalchurch.smugmug.com

All the Bishops gather to lay hand on Jake as he is made Bishop.

The Crosier is passed as a symbol of our new Bishop's authority.

The Presiding Bishop and Bishop Owensby.



Friday, July 20, 2012

Friday in Shreveport

At 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 20 , 2012, the clergy gathered with the Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev'd Katharine Jefferts Schori, Ph.D. for a time to visit with one another. It was a wonderful and joyous occasion.

Following this meeting was a marvelous brunch and the first of four rehearsals. We should be prepared!

Friday evening included a last farewell to Bishop MacPherson and a rehearsal dinner. The big event is tomorrow, Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

The Presiding Bishop addresses the clergy of the diocese.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Webcast Reminder



Just a quick reminder - for those of you who can't be in Shreveport, you can watch the Ordination and Consecration of our next Bishop, The Very Rev'd Dr. Jacob W. Owensby, live on the web at www.diocesewla.org at 9:45 a.m. on the morning of July 21, 2012. 

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Volunteers Keep Babylon Lively!

Charles and Grace help serve food.
Like so much in the church - it is volunteers that make it all work! Here are some photos of just a few of this year's great volunteers at Babylon Vacation Bible School.
Katherine makes delicious sandwiches.

Bobbie and Mary Beth register everyone and Charles
runs the kitchen.
Pat and Jane make more sandwiches!



More Photos from Babylon

Better weather on Days 2 & 3 let us play outside!

Last night (Tuesday, July 17) was our third day in Babylon. We continue tonight (Wednesday, July 18) with day four. Vacation Bible School begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m. We've had great participants and volunteers all week!


Judah has a meeting of the tribe.

"Daniel" greets Dawnell and Thomas "Asher."

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Babylon - Day Two

Members of Levi and Asher listen to Daniel's story.
Grace helps with a weaving project.
The Tribe of Asher gathers and The Rev'd Dawnell "Asher"
from St. Thomas' asks a few questions...

Babylon - Vacation Bible School continues until July 19, 2012 every evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m at St. Alban's Church. The good folks of St. Thomas's Church have joined us to help run the program. Come join the fun!


Ordination and Consecration Webcast


For those of you who can't be in Shreveport, you can watch the Ordination and Consecration of our next Bishop, The Very Rev'd Dr. Jacob W. Owensby, live on the web at www.diocesewla.org at 9:45 a.m.

Monday, July 16, 2012

More Photos

Singing at our opening celebration.
In the Stained Glass Shop.
Weaving in the Weaver's Shop
Here are some more photos from our wonderful Vacation Bible School - Babylon...

Vacation Bible School Underway

We began our 2012 Vacation Bible School - Babylon - Daniel's Courage in Captivity on Sunday, July 15, in the early evening. We had lots of rain, but even more fun - snug and dry in the church and McLean Hall, which was transformed into Babylon with shops and a wonderful food court. Take a look at these photos taken by Deacon Bette.

It all began at the registration desk...
Time to meet our Tribes - The Joseph Tribe is shown here.

Off to the Food Court for a delicious dinner!

Friday, July 13, 2012

St. Alban's Alphabet

Today's letter is "i." You see me when you enter the church and dip your fingers. Can you find me?

Look for me this Sunday, July 15, as we celebrate Holy Baptism at 10:30 a.m. and begin Babylon Vacation Bible School at 5:00 p.m.

Hint: There is more to me than shows in this photo...

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Baptism


St. Alban's will welcome two new young people to the Church on Sunday, July 15, 2012. We will celebrate Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist at the 10:30 a.m. liturgy. Please join us for this special occasion and renew your own baptismal vows!

Babylon Vacation Bible School Begins Sunday

Join us on Sunday, July 15, 2012 in Babylon, where we will explore what life was like for Daniel and his friends as captives in a strange land. You’ll craft cool projects in the Marketplace, laugh as you play games, sing fun songs, visit with Daniel, and eat interesting food in the Food Court. Plus, you’ll make lots of new friends!

The folks from St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church  will join us for our adventure to work and play.

·         Location – St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and McLean Hall
·         The adventure will last – Sunday, July 15 – Thursday, July 19
·         Celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. (5:00 p.m. on the 15th for registration) and ends at 7:30 p.m.
·         Ages 4- 12 years old - For more information, call 318-323-3139

Register Now! - Forms are available at the church office!

Babylon V.B.S. Workday


Workers from St. Alban's and St. Thomas' will join forces to set up for Babylon Vacation Bible School. We will begin work on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Doughnuts and a Pizza lunch will be provided.  We should be finished a little after lunch. Join us for the fun!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Independence Day


The Collect for Independence Day - Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Monday, July 2, 2012

Office Closed on the 4th of July

St. Alban's office will be closed on Independence Day, July 4, 2012. Regular office hours resume on July 5, 2012.

Even though the office will be closed, we will celebrate Holy Eucharist on July 4 using the proper readings for Independence Day at 5:30 p.m. Please join us and have a safe and happy 4th of July!