News for today's 2018

State Of The Diocese Of Nevada: 2012

12:48 PM Tukiyooo 0

<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">              </span></span><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">INTRODUCTION<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;"><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">A.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">   </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Transitions<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This has been an extraordinary year of transition.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A lot of things are shifting.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For one thing, we are in the midst of a lot of clergy turnover.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All Saints, Grace in the Desert, Christ Church, St. John’s, St. Mark’s,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">St. Patrick’s, Epiphany, and St. Paul’s Virginia City<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         have all been in transition this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Transitions cost time and money, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and they elevate anxiety. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Congregations cannot move forward<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         while they are preoccupied with choosing their clergy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But All Saints, Grace, and St. Mark’s have now extended calls<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We hope to have good clergy leaders in place<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         at all of these congregations very soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">B.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">   </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Governance<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On the church governance front, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">we have streamlined our leadership structure<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         to serve parishes better.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our unified board Standing Committee<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         has vastly improved diocesan leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They meet more, communicate more, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">gather the information they need, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and make timely decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We always had good people on the Standing Committee,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         but the tangled web of our organization kept them<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">                  from doing their job.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Standing Committee has appointed<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">working and advisory committees to deal with <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">finance, investments, and property. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They have provided guidance on real estate issues,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         and helped us balance our budget, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">redesign our chart of accounts to reflect what we actually do,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and invest our savings in more profitable ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">C.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">   </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Relationships<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last year I emphasized our relationships around the diocese. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We are not fighting but that’s because we aren’t speaking.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have retreated to our neutral corners  after old <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">– perhaps even forgotten – battles.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I said then, and I say now, there is no a silver bullet for relationships<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         and it isn’t going to change over night.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But this year our priests and deacons <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">have been communicating more. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Women from around the diocese gathered in Tonopah <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">to discuss how parish ECW’s might support each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yesterday, they organized themselves into a Diocesan ECW.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our conventions seem to be becoming more relational.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It isn’t the 2<sup>nd</sup> Coming <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">–<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">     </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">but some people are beginning to talk to each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Changing the tone of out diocesan relationships <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">can make a difference for parish relationships as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have several congregations in Level 4 Conflict<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">–<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">     </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">that’s the fight/flight kind of conflict <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">where somebody has to leave.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In most cases where members of a congregation are seriously <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">at odds with each other,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the congregation is at odds with the diocese <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">or their neighbors in the diocese. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t know which comes first. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s probably a chicken and egg thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But our internal and external relationships go hand in hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If we form a larger network <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">of personal relationships in the diocese,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">that will help parishes contain their conflict at healthier levels.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">D.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">  </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Social Ministries<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Relationships among churches and church members is crucial. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But they are not the only relationships essential to our health.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Being connected to people outside the church walls <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">is just as important. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All over the diocese, I see that churches <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">connected to their communities flourish;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         while disconnected churches wither.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This year we have made encouraging moves on that front.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In Las Vegas, we have formed Nevadans for the Common Good,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">an interfaith community organizing effort<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         to combat child sex trafficking, improve education,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         speak out for immigrants, and improve life<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">                  for the vulnerable elderly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our Latino congregations led the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then 7 of the 9 congregations in this Valley <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">turned out in force for the founding Convention.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ACTIONN is a parallel project in Northern Nevada,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         focusing on jobs and education. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Trinity and St. Paul’s, Sparks led the way by joining ACTIONN, and  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">every Episcopal Church in the Reno-Sparks-Carson area<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">was present to support ACTIONN’s founding convention.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">E.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">   </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Church Growth<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In terms of Church growth, we are jump-starting evangelism<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         after a no-growth stagnation that persisted <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">for at least 20 years despite Nevada’s remarkable <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">population explosion during that time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To avoid growth during that boom too some work.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Three years ago we began to address this stagnation in two ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First, we invested in Latino ministries.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Second, we began a small, underfunded evangelism program <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">–<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">     </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">just a sign here and an ad there.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Result: Average Sunday Attendance for the diocese<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         in 2010 rose by 12% over 2009.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Average Sunday Attendance in 2011 went up over 2010<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         by an additional 22%.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The most dramatic growth<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         was in Latino congregations;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">but congregations that did not have Latino ministries, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">like Grace in the Desert and Holy Trinity,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         also showed solid growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Church growth in Nevada is naturally disconcerting.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, when I released these numbers,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">people tried to help me find  where they were wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t blame them a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">People of my generation remember Paul Simon’s lyric<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         “I can’t get used to something so right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And folks a little younger recall the immortal words of Garbage,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         “I’m only happy when it reains.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Besides their skepticism was rooted in facts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When you consider <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">that nationally mainline denominations are shrinking,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">that our congregations with Level 4 Conflicts were losing people,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">that some of our larger churches  were in transition  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and attendance always goes down during a transition,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         that in 2010 Nevada’s population <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">went down for the first time since 1920<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">     and rebounded by only half a percent in 2011,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">add that all up and statistics showing growth rates <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">of 12 and 22% sound wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, they were wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We failed to include the numbers<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">from our 2<sup>nd</sup> largest Latino congregation<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and from one of our smaller Latino congregations.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The actual growth was even larger than reported.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">F.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">    </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ministry Development<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The vitality of our diocese depends on calling, training, licensing, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and ordaining people for ministry in the church.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since we lost the Regional Vicars about 7 years ago,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         that essential part of our life has been a challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It still is – but we are beginning to regroup.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This year the COOL & MDC revised and clarified the training criteria <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">for most licensed lay ministries.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They will establish will get to deacons and priests next year.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This year, the MDC provided training for Basic Discipleship presenters<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         and facilitators so that we can offer the foundation course<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         for lay ministries anywhere in the diocese.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The MDC also provided training <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">for Gifts Discernment Workshop leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gifts Discernment is the second step in preparing for ministry,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         and it is now available in most of the diocese.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The COOL has begun clarifying and simplifying,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         our discernment process for ordained ministries.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That can’t be done all at once.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But this year we began the work.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">II.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">            </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE COMING YEAR<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we consider what we might accomplish together next year,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         let me reiterate, it’s all about the relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We can set all sorts of marvelous goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But whether they amount to a hill of beans<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         depends 100% on our relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This coming year I plan to introduce our clergy <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         to new processes for building relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We can build relationships and learn conflict management skills<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">at our Small Church Workshop this November.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope we will find new ways to connect with each other<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         throughout the diocese.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Only if we make those connections, can we generate <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the synergy it will take to overcome <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">our historic areas of weakness.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">A.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">   </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Church Growth & Stewardship<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our diocese has historically been anemic on two counts <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">–<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">     </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">evangelism and stewardship.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a missionary diocese living off the national church dole,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         we got into a habit of passivity.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So we were weak on evangelism and stewardship.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We propose to double our investment in evangelism next year.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have segregated the rental income <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">from the old St. Stephen’s property for a new church plant.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Standing Committee has authorized one grant and made several <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         accommodations on parish assessments <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         strategically designed to invest in church growth<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">                  instead of church maintenance.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many businesses came out of the Great Depression stronger <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">than they were before.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Without exception, they followed this simple strategy:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Cut maintenance costs and invest in growth.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s what we have done – cutting our rent in half,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         cutting travel costs, reducing communications overhead, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         while investing in growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When the churches in transition have clergy leadership in place,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         they can resume growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If the Churches in Level 4 Conflict learn to work together,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         they can grow again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our host congregation is a prime example.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Grace was stagnant for years because they were mired in conflict. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then they stopped fighting and got on with the mission.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Result: For the past five years, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">they have been one of our fastest growing congregations. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Being visible signs of the gospel in our communities<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         is part & parcel of evangelism.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Where I have served before, Churches were leaders<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         in Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         and MLK Day service projects.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last MLK Day, I volunteered at a community center.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There were identified groups of volunteers<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">from banks, Starbucks, and fraternities <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-- but no churches.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When other volunteers learned I was from a church,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         they said “Where is your church.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">                  If a church actually serves the community,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">                  I’d want to be part of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But I was the only Episcopalian in sight and I don’t have a congregation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So that sparked the BBHAG.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My goal for next MLK Day is to have 300 Episcopalians<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         at work sites around the state<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">                  wearing our T-shirts and hats.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No preaching: just admit you are an Episcopalian, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         and serve your community.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That will grow our congregations.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I will need coordinators in each of our parishes<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         to organize that project.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If we choose to grow next year, we can do it  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">–<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">     </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">not just for the sake of our institutional vitality <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">–<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">     </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">but because there are people all over Nevada <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">           who need some gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If we extend our church growth rate for a 4<sup>th</sup> consecutive year,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         we can say we’ve turned that one around.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stewardship is almost as important as evangelism,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         not just because it takes money to sustain mission,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         but because failing to instill stewardship <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">spiritually  infantilizes our people.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This year our Diocese joined The Episcopal Network for Stewardship <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and made their resources available to all of our parishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A few parishes have begun solid stewardship programs<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         in the past four years --  though most have not.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next year we will begin a small tentative stewardship program,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         just as we began evangelism 3 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If we steadily improve our evangelism and stewardship,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         we can reduce the parish assessments<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and still fund a diocese.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I do not have the authority to make this promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But I can and will state this goal.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I want to reduce the percentage of the parish assessment<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         by at least 1% each year for the next 5 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We can adjust the formula for the assessment all we want.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But the real burden is the 25% rate.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Parishes cannot flourish with that lodestone around their necks.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shifting the burden from one parish to another is not the answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Instead of just shifting the load, we need to lift the load.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My goal is to reduce the assessment to 20% <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">within 5 years regardless of what happens in the national church.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">National restructuring may lower the assessment on dioceses.       <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If and when that happens, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">we may be able to reduce the assessment faster and more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But cutting the 1<sup>st</sup> 5% is up to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It takes two things: evangelism and stewardship.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">B.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">   </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Communications<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One obstacle to our relationships is weak communications.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In recent years, we have tried experiments,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         with some hits and some misses.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But we have never developed a comprehensive communications plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The communications questionnaires you have received <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">are part of that planning.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the coming year, we will implement <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">a new communications package.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">C. Strategic Planning<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Finally, we need a vision of and a plan for our life together.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To that end, I have asked Jim Koehn<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         to form a Strategic Planning Task Force<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">                  to help the Diocese draw its own big picture.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tools like asset mapping,  Canon Chuck McCray’s 4T Days program,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         and studies of the 5 Marks of Mission,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">                  are all part of finding our direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But there cannot be a strong diocesan vision or plan<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         unless it percolates up from the plans and aspirations<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">                  of congregations.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The framework of any diocesan plan is to support<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         parishes in their mission strategies.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We cannot have a plan or vision for the  diocese<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         unless parishes first discern their own missions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The diocese cannot tell a parish what its mission is.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Parishes must find their own missions, make their own plans,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         so we can weave those ideas into a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I ask some of our parishes about their mission,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         they say that it is just survival. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But what is the point of surviving?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember Miracle Max in the Princess Bride<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         shouting to the comatose Wesley,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey you in there, what you got to live for?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Each of our congregations needs an answer to that question.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope the Task Force will develop a strategic plan for the diocese,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         but more importantly I hope<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">                  their work will prompt parishes to do their own planning,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">                  form their own visions, figure out <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">                  “what they got to live for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope we will not rush to an answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope this will be a process that lasts several years<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         so  it can keep dreaming, keep thinking,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">         and keep working out how to be the Body of Christ together.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

State Of The Diocese Of Nevada: 2012

I. INTRODUCTION A. Transitions This has been an extraordinary year of transition. A lot of things are shifting...

Christmas is coming!

11:31 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We called in to Brown Thomas in Dublin City after visiting "Yo! Sushi" for Sushi Sunday.  I couldn't believe it - the Christmas Shop was already open!!  I was in my element!  Ciaran was not too impressed, he said it should be against the law to sell Christmas items before Halloween.  Here's a few pictures of all the beautiful decorations.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFasV9YG48kae9RqTgl4l-i4n85Y-SGbAdQaver0SSK2DY7n6TZElrtnhq0DGihaRsZWecKAu47NFCWQwpx3QTgQ3cKPZsIRwCKkk-U1MzHh6ev57nlRaSE6yJ6mJNAZGgRNDN53yT43kl/s1600/IMG_2203%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">                                                     <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFasV9YG48kae9RqTgl4l-i4n85Y-SGbAdQaver0SSK2DY7n6TZElrtnhq0DGihaRsZWecKAu47NFCWQwpx3QTgQ3cKPZsIRwCKkk-U1MzHh6ev57nlRaSE6yJ6mJNAZGgRNDN53yT43kl/s320/IMG_2203%5B1%5D.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl67wgWiJtbYQRu7UqjQYeModYfFDv9J4ynXhsaGX1d132vvpuReDj1YR0CALr1i86YjuyjXh-S3AH-E3iCol6oEgLb5srgNwQ144AdhY42YYReuwx19EvY821pl9eqtf-5VgvUBRx2k_/s1600/IMG_2208%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl67wgWiJtbYQRu7UqjQYeModYfFDv9J4ynXhsaGX1d132vvpuReDj1YR0CALr1i86YjuyjXh-S3AH-E3iCol6oEgLb5srgNwQ144AdhY42YYReuwx19EvY821pl9eqtf-5VgvUBRx2k_/s320/IMG_2208%5B1%5D.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu1vKeweQpqs6U8h2oZXRJWrvdK_evly_hbOAPw1ta4KKBrxlcT18FCNOZ5ldTEr6Sabx52bmXArg6kcuI0BC9V6HTce1Tcst657wXovrjsgzRkg_UMvjq4eqNDANwFPfpZYbuE0p1ZkD/s1600/IMG_2207%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu1vKeweQpqs6U8h2oZXRJWrvdK_evly_hbOAPw1ta4KKBrxlcT18FCNOZ5ldTEr6Sabx52bmXArg6kcuI0BC9V6HTce1Tcst657wXovrjsgzRkg_UMvjq4eqNDANwFPfpZYbuE0p1ZkD/s320/IMG_2207%5B1%5D.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>                                                 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUago0jZHqrighTcgqcZ4nsXKe9wuZwRS4O1X62ZkeJ4aFpgOUENbq2zKdIqdQkZ24ktLD6KJQefzHYMVQGekhx0-NNR5ePe5opNc7eUaV_LwnNzzeU4X6JpWROJf1eiMMShTO6Q-G7hE/s1600/IMG_2206%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUago0jZHqrighTcgqcZ4nsXKe9wuZwRS4O1X62ZkeJ4aFpgOUENbq2zKdIqdQkZ24ktLD6KJQefzHYMVQGekhx0-NNR5ePe5opNc7eUaV_LwnNzzeU4X6JpWROJf1eiMMShTO6Q-G7hE/s320/IMG_2206%5B1%5D.JPG" width="239" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />

Christmas is coming!

We called in to Brown Thomas in Dublin City after visiting "Yo! Sushi" for Sushi Sunday. I couldn't believe it - the Christma...

Listening without judgment an important component of pain management - The Clinical Advisor

5:29 AM Tukiyooo 0

<base href="data:">For as long as I've been in the medical field, I've heard the phrase, "Pain is what the patient says it is." Nurses are taught to assess pain as the fifth vital sign, and have multiple ways to assess a pain level as accurately as possible, from number scales to pictures. But as providers, are we really listening when patients complain of pain?<br><br>Most of us have patients who always seem to be complaining about some ache or pain. There are those patients who keep coming back time and again with the same pain, despite our best efforts to help them. This can be frustrating for the patient and the provider. I know many providers who "tune out" when these patients start discussing their pain.<br><br>I've been thinking about people's perception of pain all week. I had some minor cartilage repair in my wrist that turned out to be a more extensive surgery than anticipated. I've had great pain control post-operatively, but it reminded me that this isn't always the case.<br><br>Seven years ago, I had laproscopic surgery and was in excruciating agony when I came out of anesthesia. I was reporting a 10 out of 10 on the pain scale during recovery, but the nurses just brushed me off, telling me that I had no pain tolerance and to go home and take my painkillers. "Don't tell a woman who has given birth without pain medication or an epidural that she has no pain tolerance," I thought.<br><br>Eighteen awful hours later I had a huge hematoma. It looked like a bikini bottom made from bruising. When I saw the surgeon, he was appalled that no one had called him about my unusual pain. If they had alerted him, he might have been able to stop the internal bleeding and prevent the hematoma from growing so large.<br><br>Managing pain is a huge part of my profession, and I see such extremes in the way people respond to pain. I've seen women roll onto the labor floor laughing and chatting. "Well, we know she's not in labor," says the nurse. And the nurse is right, most of the time. But every now and then we are wrong, and the mom is in active labor with advanced cervical dilatation.<br><br>More often we see the moaning, cursing, writhing women, not in active labor yet, but in obvious pain. The puzzle, as an obstetric provider, is how to best get her comfortable before active labor starts. Who am I to say that a patient's early labor pain isn't as intense as another's active labor pain? A patient's pain is what she says it is.<br><br>I also see many women complaining of chronic dysmenorrhea or dyspareunia, often complex and difficult to manage disorders. Typical pain management strategies can be ineffective for these women and they are often frustrated, having been written off by practitioners as hypochondriacs or drug seekers. Sometimes patients complaining of chronic pain are drug seeking, but isn't addiction a form of pain as well?<br><br>I try to keep listening when my patients tell my about their pain, then work on developing a plan with the patient to best meet their needs and get them out of pain as quickly as possible. This may include referral to a specialist or to pain management.<br><br>Pain can be debilitating and can be a cause, as well as an effect, of depression. In my experience, pain is usually a sign that something is wrong, somewhere. If we listen well, ignoring our own judgments and preconceived notions, we may actually be able help relieve the pain.<br><br><i>Robyn Carlisle, MSN, CNM, WHNP, works as a full-scope midwife at University Doctors and Kennedy University Hospital in Sewell, N.J.</i><br><br><a href="http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/listening-without-judgment-an-important-component-of-pain-management/article/262909/">http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/listening-without-judgment-an-important-component-of-pain-management/article/262909/</a><br><br>

Listening without judgment an important component of pain management - The Clinical Advisor

For as long as I've been in the medical field, I've heard the phrase, "Pain is what the patient says it is." Nurses are ta...

Daily Education and Technology News for Schools 10/14/2012

2:31 AM Tukiyooo 0

<ul class="diigo-linkroll">      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/blog/political-boot-camp-high-school-mark-phillips">Political Boot Camp for High School Students</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">Mark Phillips from Edutopia calls for a "political bootcamp" for kids to understand how the process works. It can be done with a teacher who understands the difference between sharing their own views and requiring an agreement with those views to get a good grade or avoid denigration. Those in authority in schools must be careful to respect all students and their viewpoints. We need discernment an wisdom in such tumultuous times, however, our ability to disagree in a civil way is paramount to our future.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/politics">politics</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/11/wisconsin-school-bus-driv_n_1958877.html">Mom: Bus Driver Told Boy He Should Have Been Aborted Over Romney Yard Sign</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">This next political issue is over a bus driver arguing with a CHILD over a yard sign and telling the child that the child "should have been aborted" Just be aware of the times of the season and the appropriateness of how adults should interact with children. (If I see any relating to such things with Obama, I'll be sure to share, it just seems the two in my feed are related to Romney.)</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/politics">politics</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/11/romney-calls-pa-family-at_n_1959513.html">Romney Calls Teen, Family At Center Of T-Shirt Flap</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">Whatever your political views, students have a right to theirs. Do not make fun of a student or their family's political choice. While the media isn't biased, teachers aren't either, however, you may be biased but your students have a right to their opinions as well. Please be sensitive during political season, especially if you are an activist, to know that you show students what good, effective political discourse can look like -- even if our politicians and media do not. </p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/politics">politics</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ellen-moir/trial-by-fire-is-fueling-_b_1961379.html?utm_hp_ref=education">Ellen Moir: Trial by Fire Is Fueling a Crisis in Education -- Let's Stop it Now</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">My first year teaching was pretty AWFUL. There were glimmers there of the hope and excitement that would be there, but I didn't get it until my third year in. If I hadn't had my Mom and sister giving me advice, I probably would have quit the first day -- they saved me. This is why having mentors with seasoned, real advice (that teachers aren't getting in education school) you just aren't prepared. It is more challenging than ever to keep discipline and teach - with less support from parents and sometimes admin and many students not well disciplined at home, teachers need to be GOOD and keeping order. This article hits it on the head and is a great one.  It is vital that we begin to look at the behavioral and practical aspects of teaching.   "Tackling the teacher retention crisis and ensuring highly effective teaching are of the utmost importance if we want to improve student performance in our schools. High teacher turnover rates sap education of its talent and scar schools and students. What message is a revolving door of new teachers sending to our students about the value of staying in school, or even about their own value? Quality of teaching has been proven to have a substantial effect on the lives of students. For every year an inexperienced teacher is left alone to struggle at the front of the classroom, we are at risk of their students falling behind.  The good news is we have a solution. To address this crisis in education, we need to sharpen our focus on the fate of our newest educators. We need to ensure they don't just survive in the classroom, but truly thrive. We need to make sure they are reaching all students and helping them achieve. Great teachers are made, not born.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/edreform">edreform</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/tumblr">tumblr</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2012/10/12/something-is-wrong-when/">‘Something is wrong when….”</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">A must read testimony of a principal from Long Island. If you're called to speak on this topic -- it would be hard to be better spoken that this. Talk about hearings we NEED in DC, try hearings on our antiquated testing system.If adaptive, computerized tests could  accurately predict strengths and weaknesses in a much shorter time, then why don't we do it? One answer: scantron. We have old outdated machines and companies with many politicians hands in their pockets. It is time to expose and discuss the testing systems we use in the US. We need accountability, yes. We need measures, yes. But when you get what you measure... what you measure becomes very very important. We need to wake up and deal with this issue.  My favorite quote from the transcript... "The obsession with test based evaluations of students, schools and teachers is tearing the schools we love apart. Something is very wrong when nine year olds sit for tests that are longer than the SAT and the Graduate Record Examination combined.   Something is wrong when policymakers contemplate tests for kindergarteners to predict whether they are on the path to college readiness.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/edreform">edreform</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/tumblr">tumblr</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2012/10/if-youre-worried-about-posterous.html">If You're Worried About Posterous Shutting Down...</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">Twitter bought posterous, which continues to have problems. Richard Byrne makes a good point  that it is likely you may lose posterous. An unfortunate thing to happen and why many of us go to paid service. I was getting ready to move to wordpress until I saw I had 1800 followers through Blogger who has recently made tweaks to make it more like Tumblr. Interesting conondrum.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/posterous">posterous</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/web2">web2</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/tumblr">tumblr</a></p>                                        </li>  </ul><p class="diigo-ps">Posted from <a href='http://www.diigo.com'>Diigo</a>. The rest of my favorite links are <a href='http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher'>here</a>.</p>

Daily Education and Technology News for Schools 10/14/2012

Political Boot Camp for High School Students Mark Phillips from Edutopia calls for a "political...

Which Team Does Derek Jeter's Injury Hurt More? (I'm Serious!)

10:32 PM Tukiyooo 0

In the top of the 12th inning in tonight's game, Derek Jeter was going for a routine grounder to short that went to his left side. But he didn't get up. He ended up fracturing his left ankle, and his manager is reporting that Jeter is out for the rest of the postseason.<br /><br />Tigers fans might initially say, "Yess!!" Jeter is gone! We don't have to face him in the lineup! The gold-glove infield has a hole in it!<br /><br />But take a step back. Teams that lose their captain usually rally very well. They get behind the team. They regroup and strike back with a force previously unseen. And the Yankees aren't a sub-.500 team who might just collapse and give up the rest of the series. These guys won the Eastern Division and fought back to win a series against an upstart Orioles team. They aren't just going to roll over.<br /><br />I could easily see Alex Rodriguez suddenly be inspired to hit again...if Joe Girardi even puts him in the lineup in this series.<br /><br />But then again, the Tigers did not give up this game, like they could have. They brought in young pitching to fight through the extra innings, and Delmon Young continued his Yankee-killing ways. The Yankees are losing the one bat in the starting lineup that actually showed up for the ALDS, regardless of lingering leg injuries.<br /><br />I want to see how this game shapes up tomorrow. Tomorrow's game is <b>huge</b>, to gauge how the Yankees bounce back from the loss of Jeter and how the Tigers bounce back from a closer implosion. The three million Tigers fans out there, wherever you are, keep a positive outlook tomorrow. I think the Tigers are capable of taking tomorrow's game, but they can't let Jeter's injury spark the Yankees. They've got to stomp on that spark until it is completely out. That is most definitely sure.<br /><br />Oh - and Anibal Sanchez has to pitch a complete game. But that's just a given.

Which Team Does Derek Jeter's Injury Hurt More? (I'm Serious!)

In the top of the 12th inning in tonight's game, Derek Jeter was going for a routine grounder to short that went to his left side. But h...

Man Babe of the Week

9:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Sometimes we just gotta balance things out and give something to the ladies here at IWS. So, in keeping with out <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid/2012/10/14/man-crush-show" target="_blank">Man Crush Show</a> this week, we decided to go with some of very popular Man Babes that a lot of people think are really swell ...<br /><br />Everyone loves James Bond so they must also love Daniel Craig ...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrmIuMOKgtWlDKyyCBhirdmb7ns_NMkRJsDUOMflQEJNTBmYjdC-VLX8VoGcdoL3qumiu9cile-DTcch43qxvULiaXRKzibkHTyOGmispGeBeWtrlc5-J_hqxKUGt2ulBNip3Vj-NKDo/s1600/Daniel+Craig+Shirtless+Hot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrmIuMOKgtWlDKyyCBhirdmb7ns_NMkRJsDUOMflQEJNTBmYjdC-VLX8VoGcdoL3qumiu9cile-DTcch43qxvULiaXRKzibkHTyOGmispGeBeWtrlc5-J_hqxKUGt2ulBNip3Vj-NKDo/s400/Daniel+Craig+Shirtless+Hot.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><br />Criminal Minds' Shemar Moore is probably the hottest dude on TV...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrB3c-dgDzgoZ6ugy6o4V7jZj5g1FK4VKAeXS97Qi1RPq4X6aORfNtD9yvD8RBLDcdOaSNVaxAW3ytsW7Ee-y5dhU1evMtSKNZrqvU6oxCHtZArvoazLzALGOLIYwBkzsg9Kn8rqS7ww/s1600/Shemar-Moore-Shirless-Hot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrB3c-dgDzgoZ6ugy6o4V7jZj5g1FK4VKAeXS97Qi1RPq4X6aORfNtD9yvD8RBLDcdOaSNVaxAW3ytsW7Ee-y5dhU1evMtSKNZrqvU6oxCHtZArvoazLzALGOLIYwBkzsg9Kn8rqS7ww/s320/Shemar-Moore-Shirless-Hot.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><br />Bradley Cooper is hot, funny and he speaks French!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnteGQ2A4RcJ9noTjD1yyOmlANahrOi41G7G6evJPHH2h4u_uePchPQsi3Gby3j_WE2nUFTjFSK-IPQRLo84fwxYex3yQ8LotDMgFhd2arMlUrg1bWi4PGKxw4Eqe4HbiBxhXD5niylpU/s1600/Bradley+Cooper+Shirtless+Nude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnteGQ2A4RcJ9noTjD1yyOmlANahrOi41G7G6evJPHH2h4u_uePchPQsi3Gby3j_WE2nUFTjFSK-IPQRLo84fwxYex3yQ8LotDMgFhd2arMlUrg1bWi4PGKxw4Eqe4HbiBxhXD5niylpU/s320/Bradley+Cooper+Shirtless+Nude.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Canning Tatum was a real live male stripper so you know he's freaking hawt...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dN2OscvC_V_ZrL4qxSdNT2iW3MsscKBPYNeXLg5ihapSlC_BhERNMa9AHTBXTdiZKmydW1LNsO3hCQpeUoJ6GUsINRnFLzACXd_iche43j8GaUadERJrwQIrzSyrm9FUzVtceCHz97E/s1600/Channing+Tatum+Nude+Shirtless+Hot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dN2OscvC_V_ZrL4qxSdNT2iW3MsscKBPYNeXLg5ihapSlC_BhERNMa9AHTBXTdiZKmydW1LNsO3hCQpeUoJ6GUsINRnFLzACXd_iche43j8GaUadERJrwQIrzSyrm9FUzVtceCHz97E/s320/Channing+Tatum+Nude+Shirtless+Hot.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><br />And everybody love Coach Taylor from Friday Night Lights played by DILF Kyle Chandler ...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Rj3owkGD-mZbqt2CISmJB3Hq8tYxP8m2uy14ikGhymd6PEOnzFc2GnrOf-J0UchT0LIJSNun1XdjFX6TCD9xmWvl2v9lbmQ40z86wemH6XendiLC9EmNJ1FP3whCZA9BsuhzvppM1k4/s1600/Kyle+Chandler+Shirtless+Hot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Rj3owkGD-mZbqt2CISmJB3Hq8tYxP8m2uy14ikGhymd6PEOnzFc2GnrOf-J0UchT0LIJSNun1XdjFX6TCD9xmWvl2v9lbmQ40z86wemH6XendiLC9EmNJ1FP3whCZA9BsuhzvppM1k4/s320/Kyle+Chandler+Shirtless+Hot.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /></div>

Man Babe of the Week

Sometimes we just gotta balance things out and give something to the ladies here at IWS. So, in keeping with out Man Crush Show this week, ...

Is the afterlife full of fluffy clouds and angels? - Telegraph

2:04 PM Tukiyooo 0

<base href="data:"><div style="text-align: left; "><div class="firstPar" style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40); font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">Have you ever noticed that more people come back from Heaven than from Hell? We have all read those astonishing reports of near-death experiences (NDEs, as the aficionados call them) – the things that people say have happened to them when they almost, but don't quite, shuffle off the coil.</div></div><div class="secondPar" style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40); font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">They are nearly always pleasant and deeply reassuring in a saccharin-soaked way. Lots of spinning down warm, dark tunnels to the sound of celestial music; lots of trips along country lanes lined with hedges, towards the light of a welcoming cottage at the end of the road; lots of tumbling down Alice-in-Wonderland rabbit holes, but without the damaging effects of gravity.</div></div><div class="thirdPar" style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40); font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">True, Dr Maurice S Rawlings Jr, MD, heart surgeon in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and author of To Hell and Back, did have patients who reported very nasty NDEs after they came back on his operating table. Booming noises; licking flames and all that Mephistophelian stuff. But perhaps that tells us more about the challenges of living in Chattanooga, Tennessee, than about the metaphysics of life after death.</div></div><div class="fourthPar" style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40); font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">Predictably, the amazingly consistent, remarkably heaven-like experiences recounted by the majority of NDE-ers (yes, that really is what the experts call them) have been summarily dismissed by materialist sceptics – like me. Of course the brain does funny things when it's running out of oxygen. The odd perceptions are just the consequences of confused activity in the temporal lobes.</div></div><div class="fifthPar" style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40); font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">But NDEs have taken on a new cloak of respectability with a book by a Harvard doctor. Proof of Heaven, by Eben Alexander, will make your toes wiggle or curl, depending on your prejudices. What's special about his account of being dead is that he's a neurosurgeon. At least that's what the publicity is telling us. It's a cover story in <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/10/07/proof-of-heaven-a-doctor-s-experience-with-the-afterlife.html" style="color: rgb(35, 75, 123); outline: 0px; text-decoration: none; "><strong>Newsweek magazine, with a screaming headline: "Heaven is Real: a doctor's account of the afterlife"</strong></a>.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">Just as you'd expect from a doctor, his account is precise and detailed. In the autumn of 2008, he contracted a very rare bacterial meningitis that he says made his brain "shut down" and put his "higher-order brain functions totally offline". The soup-like state of Dr Alexander's brain was, he writes, "documented by CT scans" (although CT scans don't say anything about the activity of the brain) and "neurological examinations".</div></div><div class="body" style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40); font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">Although the neurons of his cortex were "stunned to complete inactivity by the bacteria", his conscious self journeyed into another world. There was wonderful music and light. There were clouds, "big, puffy, pink-white ones that showed up sharply against the deep blue-black sky". And there were angels (well, perhaps birds): "flocks of transparent, shimmering beings".</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">But then it gets really weird. It turns out that he wasn't alone. "For most of my journey, someone was with me. A woman." She had a lovely face and golden brown tresses, and she was dressed appropriately for a Cecil B DeMille movie, in peasant costume, in subtle shades of "powder blue, indigo, and pastel orange-peach". She was quite a stunner. She looked at Dr Alexander "with a look that, if you saw it for five seconds, would make your whole life up to that point worth living, no matter what had happened in it so far". It was a look "beyond all the different compartments of love we have down here on earth".</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">Well, many of us, after a couple of pints in the pub with our chums, might say that we've had that kind of experience; but not with a woman flying on a butterfly wing, as Dr Alexander's companion was. Although he "still had little language function" he was able to chat with the peasant lady, asking (understandably) where he was and why he was there. He was overwhelmed by the answers, which "came instantly in an explosion of light, colour, love, and beauty that blew through me like a crashing wave".</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">After the clouds and the angels and the peasant lady, Dr Alexander went on to a "pitch-black" void, "brimming with light" from a "brilliant orb" that acted as an interpreter, explaining that the "universe itself was like a giant cosmic womb".</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">You might have sensed a subtle hint of scepticism in my account. As Eben Alexander says, he considers himself a faithful Christian, and it's therefore not surprising that he interpreted the chaos in his brain when he was almost dying in terms of his model of the afterlife.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">His, and the multitude of other memories reported by people who have been close to death, have to be seen first through the prism of hard science. The crucial question is not whether such astounding experiences should lead us to abandon materialist accounts of brain function, but whether materialist accounts can possibly explain them.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">Dr Peter Fenwick, senior lecturer at King's College, London, consultant at the Institute of Psychiatry, and president of the British branch of The International Association for Near Death Studies, acknowledges that there are deep problems in interpreting first-person memories of experiences that are supposed to have happened when the brain was out of action. Since the lucky survivor can only tell you about them after the event, how can we be sure that these things were perceived and felt at the time that their brains were messed up, rather than being invented afterwards?</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">The same problem applies to dreams, indeed to any memory. Memory is notoriously fallible, and is treacherously easily misled by expectation. The cognitive psychologist Elizabeth Loftus has done brilliant experiments showing how the recall of real experiences can be transformed by what people think should have happened, and by what they are told might have happened.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">In 150 years the science of perception has taught us that the way we appreciate the world around us is as much dependent on our expectations, our experiences, our inferences, as it is on the hard evidence of images on our retinas or vibrations in our ears. Remember the occasions when you have seen a face in the flickering flames of a fire, or been certain that you saw a person in the distance as you walked along at night – only to discover that the face in the fire disappears with the next burst of flame and the person in the dark is just a letterbox.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">Is it not significant that the NDEs of Christians are full of Biblical metaphor? Either this confirms the correctness of their particular faith or it says that NDEs, like normal perception and memory, are redolent of culture, personal prejudice and past experience. Perhaps if Eben Alexander were a Muslim, there would have been the mythical 72 virgins on the butterfly wing, rather than the bucolic one. If he were a Buddhist he would be called a de-lok, a person who has seemingly died, but who travels into bardo – an afterlife state – guided by a Buddhist deity.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">What Dr Alexander and his PR people claim is that his description of the afterlife is more authentic because he is a neurosurgeon. But when there is no evidence except the word of the beholder, a scientist's accounts are no more reliable than those of anyone else. Would we literally believe the contents of a scientist's dream because he or she has a PhD? If a scientist sees the lines of a visual illusion as wonky, should we believe that they really are wonky?</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">Science has progressed by challenge and disagreement. But what is needed to consider seriously the kinds of claims made by Dr Alexander is not flowery prose and hyperbolic headlines. It's hard evidence.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">But I am trying (not very convincingly, I know) to keep an open mind. I remember the story of the nobleman who asked the Zen Master Hakuin, "What happens to the enlightened man at death?"</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">"Why ask me?" said Hakuin.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">"Because you're a Zen master."</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; ">"Yes, but not a dead one."</div><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.7em; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; "></p><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 1.48em; "><strong>Colin Blakemore is Professor of Neuroscience and Philosophy, School of Advanced Study, University of London</strong></div></div></div><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/9598971/Is-the-afterlife-full-of-fluffy-clouds-and-angels.html">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/9598971/Is-the-afterlife-full-of-fluffy-clouds-and-angels.html</a><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; color: black; text-align: left; "><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div>

Is the afterlife full of fluffy clouds and angels? - Telegraph

Have you ever noticed that more people come back from Heaven than from Hell? We have all read those astonishing reports of near-death experi...