Simply Christian LIFE with Bishop Michael Hunn

Rethinking Episcopal Church Structures: Lessons on Relationships and Responsibility with Canon Lee Curtis

Join Canon Lee Curtis, Canon to the Ordinary of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, as he follows up on Bishop Hunn's recent discussion about the essential nature of bishops and dioceses. Curtis explores the relational role of bishops, the importance of maintaining relationships within the church, and how feedback from our environment informs church structure. This episode delves into indigenous economic theories to inform relationships in the church, challenges the myth of self-sustainability, and emphasizes local decision-making. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolving dynamics within the Episcopal Church.
 
00:00 Introduction and Purpose
00:30 Understanding the Role of a Bishop
03:08 Relational Units in Church Dynamics
04:27 Indigenous Economics and Church Structure
06:00 Challenges in Seminary Education
08:09 Rethinking Church Sustainability
14:34 Local Decision-Making and Subsidiarity
18:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

Dioceses and the Role of Bishop : a Troubling Trend

The Role and Future of Bishops in the Episcopal Church
 
In this thought-provoking update, we delve into a concerning trend within the Episcopal Church regarding the role and function of bishops. We explore the financial challenges leading to the merging of dioceses, the sale of diocesan offices, and the push for larger diocese structures. The video calls for a conversation about the true purpose of a bishop, the historical evolution of the role, and the need for a pastoral, rather than administrative, relationship between bishops and their congregations. Join the discussion on redefining the Episcopal Church's approach to episcopal leadership amid economic pressures.
00:00 Introduction to Episcopal Church Trends
00:15 Challenges Facing Dioceses
02:40 Historical Role of Bishops
05:47 Defining a Diocese
07:08 The Role of Bishops Today
09:17 Economic Pressures and Relationships
12:17 The Future of Episcopal Leadership
16:24 Call to Action and Reflection
 

WU : Congratulations Lee Curtis! Fall, and the Borderlands

Weekly Update - Diocese of the Rio Grande: September 2024
 
Join us for the Diocese of the Rio Grande's weekly update for the third week of September 2024. Celebrate Lee Curtis's nomination as Bishop Suffragan in the Diocese of West Texas and catch his exclusive interview. Get exciting details about the upcoming Diocesan Convention in November packed with fun, fellowship, and inspiring workshops. Hear from Tim O'Malley about efficient energy use as seasons change, and dive into the latest Borderland Update with Lee Curtis discussing new trends at the border and the administration's approach to asylum seekers. Stay informed and engaged with your diocesan community!
 
00:00 Introduction and Special Report
00:39 Upcoming Diocesan Convention
01:28 Energy Efficiency Tips for Fall
02:07 Interview with Tim O'Malley
05:45 Borderland Update: Asylum Seekers and Border Policies
09:21 Concluding Remarks

Canon Lee Curtis Candidate for Bishop Suffrigan!

The Long Road to Recovery in New Mexico

In this episode, join us for an insightful interview with Janna Lopez, the founder of Neighbors Helping Neighbors from Las Vegas, New Mexico. Janna shares the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating Calf Canyon and Hermit's Creek fires of 2022. Learn about the community's resilience, the challenges of navigating governmental aid, and the immense environmental and economic impacts of the fires. Discover how the Diocese of the Rio Grande, with support from Episcopal Relief and Development, working through Neighbors Helping Neighbors has mobilized to provide essential support, from distributing food and clothing to offering mental health services. Despite the slow governmental response and the lingering effects on the environment and local livestock, the spirit of togetherness and faith keeps this community moving forward. This episode sheds light on the continuous need for donations and volunteers to aid in the long-term recovery.
 
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:01 Meet Janna Lopez: Founder of Neighbors Helping Neighbors
01:11 The Immediate Response to the Fire
02:11 Transition to Long-Term Recovery
03:57 Challenges with Government Aid
06:08 The Ongoing Needs of the Community
08:22 Environmental Impact and Long-Term Consequences
15:25 Building a Network of Support
19:49 Call for Volunteers and Donations
21:45 Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts

WU Labor Day 24

Weekly Update: Mission Trips, Wildfire Recovery, and Remembering Bishop Dave Bailey - Labor Day 2024 In this weekly update for Labor Day 2024, we catch up after a busy summer filled with general conventions and vacation time. Highlights include inviting you to join the Boquillas and Beyond mission trip, a recap of a youth mission trip in Taos, updates on wildfire recovery efforts in Ruidoso, NM and progress on our diocesan four-phase project. We also take a moment to honor the life and ministry of the late Right Reverend Dave Bailey, Bishop of Navajo Land. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of labor and the contributions of various workers this Labor Day weekend.
00:00 Welcome Back: Weekly Update Overview
00:30 Join the Mission: Boquillas and Beyond
02:57 Youth Mission Trip to Taos
11:08 Diocesan Four Phase Project
14:24 Wildfire Recovery Efforts in Ruidoso, NM
16:11 Honoring Bishop Dave Bailey
18:32 Labor Day Gratitude

Ruidoso Fire and Flood 2

Disaster Response Update: Fires and Floods in the Diocese of the Rio Grande Join us for a quick update on the ongoing disaster response efforts in the Diocese of the Rio Grande.
Contribute here: donate
This video covers the phases of response to the fires in Ruidoso, Alto, and Mescalero, New Mexico, as well as the continuing recovery from the Calf Canyon and Mora fires. Learn about the immediate actions taken, including evacuations, community support, and the vital role of local churches like St. Andrews in Roswell and Holy Mount in Ruidoso. The video also highlights the need for financial contributions to aid those affected by fire and flooding. Stay informed and find out how you can help support the recovery efforts in these communities.
00:00 Introduction and 4th of July Greetings
00:22 Phase One: Evacuation and Immediate Response
01:37 Community Support and Church Involvement
03:03 Challenges and Long-Term Recovery
03:51 Flooding Complications and Ongoing Needs
05:24 Call for Financial Contributions
06:06 Acknowledgements and Conclusion

Ruidoso Fire

Emergency Wildfire Response for South Fork Fire: Prayers and Support Needed
In this urgent message, Bishop Michael Hunn addresses the ongoing South Fork Fire impacting Ruidoso, New Mexico, Ruidoso Downs, Alto, and the Mescalero Apache Nation. We share firsthand images from Lincoln County residents and update on evacuation efforts to Roswell, Artesia, and Carlsbad. We ask for prayers for affected communities and firefighters, and inform about the diocesan relief efforts led by Reverend Canon J. P. Arosa and Reverend Susan Pickett. Donations for wildfire relief can be made through our diocesan website. Join us in prayer for strength, courage, and rain to combat this devastating fire.
00:00 Introduction and Overview of the South Fork Fire
00:52 Evacuation and Immediate Impact
01:22 Call for Prayers and Support
01:41 Diocesan Relief Efforts
02:25 Current Status and Early Response
02:46 How to Help and Donate
03:12 Closing Prayers and Blessings

Keith Saaré and Memorial Day

Memorial Day Interview with Army Chaplain Keith Saaré
In this Memorial Day quasi-weekly update, Bishop Michael Hunn interviews The Rev Keith Saaré, now a priest of the Episcopal Church and an Army chaplain. The discussion touches on his journey, his roles in the military and church, and his work with youth on military bases. The episode concludes with a tribute to fallen soldiers through joyful singing from the Chaplains for the Armed Forces Conference.
00:00 Opening Greetings and Memorial Day Tribute00:10 Introducing Keith Saaré: From Military Chaplain to Priest01:06 Keith's Journey and Gratitude to the Diocese01:47 Transitioning from Military to Parish Ministry02:20 Insights into Military Chaplaincy and Youth Ministry03:25 The Power of Evening Office with Youth04:28 A Special Day for Keith: Ordination and Reflections

Meet the Rev. Alex Reyes : Bivocational Bilingual Multicultural Ministry in El Paso Texas

Revitalizing a Community: The Journey of a Bivocational Priest
In this video Bishop Michael Hunn interviews The Rev Alex Reyes, the bivocational priest and vicar of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in El Paso, Texas, discussing his dual role as a licensed professional counselor and a religious leader. Reyes shares insights into his work with families and youth through psychotherapy and how his experiences guide his pastoral care. Having transitioned from the Roman Catholic Church to the Episcopal Church, Reyes talks about his journey, the challenges posed by COVID-19 on the congregation's size and engagement, and how he strategized to foster growth and inclusivity within the church community. He highlights bilingual services, community outreach, and special events that cater to the Hispanic population, emphasizing the importance of personal connection, trust-building, and adapting to meet the spiritual and social needs of the congregation. Alex's story showcases the impact of bivocational ministry on individual lives and community revitalization.
00:00 Welcome to the Diocese of Rio Grande: Meet Alex Reyes00:17 Alex Reyes: A Bivocational Priest's Journey01:39 Transition from Roman Catholic to Episcopal Church02:44 St. Christopher's Congregation: A Bilingual Community04:27 Reviving the Congregation Post-COVID07:13 Embracing Traditions: First Communion and Community Engagement12:20 Cultural Celebrations and Outreach in the Hispanic Community17:52 Exploring Church Rituals and Community Engagement19:00 Embracing Multilingual Traditions in Worship20:39 Fostering Community Through Bilingual Celebrations21:43 Enhancing Youth Engagement with Fun and Faith25:01 Strategic Ministry and Community Building27:22 Innovative Outreach and Embracing Technology33:02 Welcoming Newcomers and Building Trust35:34 Navigating Cultural Transitions in Faith Communities