49TH Annual Convention
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
Hanford, California
October 24 - 26, 2008

"See, I am doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43:19

Episkofest 2008 is the name given the annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin to be held at Church of the Saviour in Hanford. In addition to a time for the business of an annual convention, the weekend will be one of worship, fellowship, celebration and learning. 

The 20-member planning team, headed by Faye Choate of St. Anne's Stockton, is joyfully working on details of the weekend. The vision of these planners is that we have a remarkable opportunity to continue to rebuild our diocese, welcoming the gifts of all as full participants in our life as Episcopalians in the Diocese of San Joaquin. Episkofest is our special chance to gather together and share these gifts.

Worship
Episkofest 2008 will be a time for worship in the community of our diocese. Friday night will conclude with Compline. Saturday morning will begin with the service of Morning Prayer sending us to workshops and our diocesan convention. A blended choir will sing the Choral Evensong before our dinner and evening activities. Episkofest will conclude with an all-diocesan Holy Eucharist, featuring the blended choir, as well as liturgical dance and streamers developed in the earlier workshops. Worship will be a very special time for our diocesan family.

Sharing our gifts: learning opportunities for all ages and stages
Talented people throughout the diocese and beyond have responded to the call for workshops, resulting in at least 30 widely diverse learning opportunities. In addition to members of our diocese who have volunteered to conduct workshops, we are hosting three presenters from beyond our borders: Terry Parsons, diocesan coordinator for The Episcopal Church; Sharon Pearson from Church Publishing; and Carl Knirk, chairman of Province VIII's stewardship committee.

Workshops will be conducted on Friday night, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon and cover a wide range of topics:

• Children ages 5 and up:
  • Ecology workshop for kids
    
  • Making banners and streamers (for children and adults)
    
  • Making bread for holy communion
    
• Christian education:
  • Growing generous children
    
  • How to choose a curriculum for your congregation
    
  • Making time for God: nurturing a life of faith
• Strengthening the lives of congregations:
  • Faith communities: facing the issues
    
  • Communication in your parish: newsletters and websites
    
  • Christian Stewardship
    
  • Legacy giving
    
  • Unction: making use of the gifts of the spirit
    
  • Training for Lay readers
    
  • Training for Eucharistic ministers
    
  • Journeying together: companion relationships with parishes
  • Starting up church ECW and Periodical clubs
    
  • Visioning basics
    
  • Joining the God movement: communities in mission
    
• Creative arts in your congregations:
  • Iconography (a four-part workshop)
  • Making banners and streamers (for children and adults)
    
  • Communion bread making
    
  • Liturgical dance
    
  • Choir preparation for Diocesan Convention Evening Song and Holy Eucharist services (bring your choir robes!)
    
• Spiritual growth and ministry:
  • Praying in color
    
  • Pouring the water and setting the table: holistic sacramental education
    
  • Adults supporting ecology projects for kids
    
  • Relationships, human sexuality and the church community
    
  • Pastoral care: self-awareness when we are serving others
    
  • Confirmation as baptismal renewal
• Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
  
  • Conversation with the Rt. Rev. Jerry Lamb, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin

Fellowship
We found during our Special Convention in Lodi in March that many of us were just getting to know one another. Episkofest makes the most of the opportunity to do more of that, through our worship services, our interaction with each other during the workshops, and our breaking bread together.

Meals have been designed not only to nourish our bodies but also to promote our fellowship. The first meal of Episkofest is dinner on Friday, an All-American barbecue dinner complete with five carnival games, cotton candy, popcorn and such. On Saturday night a "chili feed" is followed by deanery dessert-tasting. Each deanery is asked to bring a favorite dessert for a little friendly competition.

Where do I sign up?
For registrations received by October 5, convention registration includes a continental breakfast both Saturday and Sunday, and box lunch on Saturday. Other meals are $10 for ages 13 and up and $5 for children ages 12 and under, with a $25 maximum cost for families. Meals cannot be included for reservations received after October 5 due to catering requirements.

And where shall I stay?
The diocese has reserved rooms at several hotels in Hanford, as well as one near Visalia. Rooms include two queen beds; mention "Episcopal Diocese" to receive these rates.

Comfort Inn, Hanford (559-584-9300 or 877-424-6423): $69 plus tax

Sequoia Inn, Hanford (559-582-0339): $72 plus tax

Best Western, Hanford (559-583-7300 or 800-780-7234): $75.60 plus tax

Irwin Street Inn, Hanford (559-583-8000): $81 plus tax (includes breakfast)

Holiday Inn, Visalia at Highway 99 and 198 $99 plus tax (559-651-2450) 

Registration packets will be available in each congregation. You may also download a registration form in fillable (requires MS Word) or PDF (requires Adobe Reader) format.