Diocese of the Rio Grande: Weekly Update on Borderland Ministries Join us for this week's update from the Diocese of the Rio Grande. Bishop Hunn returns with a critical interview featuring Ana Reza, chaplain for the Borderland Ministries, discussing current issues at the New Mexico and Far West Texas borders. Learn about the ongoing website refresh, the upcoming diocesan convention, and important actions you can take. Ana Reza shares firsthand insights about the realities facing migrant families, the growing detention centers, and the advocacy efforts needed. Discover ways to support, participate, and engage in this vital mission.

00:00 Welcome Back to the Weekly Update

00:33 Website Refresh and Convention Updates

02:05 Interview with Ana Reza: Borderland Ministries

03:07 Current Situation at Fort Bliss

06:08 Legal and Humanitarian Challenges

09:27 Daily Realities and Community Support

24:38 Self-Deportation and Support Programs

32:53 Call to Action and Final Thoughts

On the Ground: Humanitarian Responses to courthouse ICE arrests in El Paso

In this week's update from the Diocese of the Rio Grande, Bishop Michael Hunn speaks with Ana Reza, the Border Chaplain, and Deacon Sondra Jones about the ongoing ICE raids and deportation quotas affecting asylum seekers in El Paso. The discussion highlights Ana and Sondra’s efforts in providing support, prayer, and accompaniment to those facing unexpected detentions despite following all legal procedures. The episode also addresses the emotional and moral consequences for both the immigrant families and the enforcement agents, and calls for community involvement through witnessing, organizing, and peaceful protest.

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Update

00:51 Current Situation in El Paso

00:57 Rapid Response and Legal Observations

03:57 Human Stories and Court Experiences

09:25 Witnessing and Moral Implications

24:05 Call to Action and Ways to Help

31:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Addressing Termination of Diocesan Shelter Program Funding by DHS Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande discusses the receipt of a second letter from Homeland Security, terminating their shelter and services program grant. The bishop explains their compliance with federal laws and grants, their efforts to appeal the decision, and the importance of clarifying that their work with asylum seekers has always been legal. He emphasizes the principle of due process and the legal rights of asylum seekers.

00:00 Introduction and Context

00:42 Reading the Second Letter from Homeland Security

01:50 Clarifying Misconceptions and Defending Actions

04:28 Appealing the Decision

05:47 Reasons for the Appeal

07:55 Conclusion and Next Steps

Contemplating Grief and Loss: A Reflection on Jesus' Death Following the Gospel Reading for the day, read by Canon JP Arossa,  Bishop Michael Hunn delves into the Holy Gospel according to Matthew, recounting the events following Jesus' crucifixion and burial by Joseph of Arimathea. The sermon explores the profound themes of grief and loss, drawing parallels between our human experiences and God's own grief at the death of Jesus Christ. It invites the audience to reflect on the harrowing notion of a world where death is the final end and encourages a return to contemplate the significance of what comes next.

00:00 The Burial of Jesus

00:50 The Guard at the Tomb

02:09 Reflections on Loss and Grief

04:18 God's Experience of Loss

05:57 Contemplating a World Without Resurrection

07:11 A Call to Witness the Resurrection

In this episode, we delve into how elderhood offers a unique spiritual opportunity to reflect on one's spiritual bucket list and identity beyond profession and family roles. Our discussion also covers the spiritual practice of preparing for the end of life, including planned giving and legacy planning within the church. We explore the importance of advanced directives, funeral planning, and the creation of a comprehensive guide to aid individuals and families in navigating these pivotal decisions. Additionally, the video touches on a new program at St. Mary's during Lent titled 'Leave A Legacy,' which educates congregants on medical and spiritual concerns, legal and financial considerations, probate processes, and estate planning. Viewers are encouraged to think deeply about their spiritual and financial legacies and the importance of their contributions to the future of the church community.

00:00 Introduction to Elderhood and Spiritual Bucket Lists

00:48 Spiritual Practice and End-of-Life Preparation

01:24 Legacy Planning and Financial Gifts

04:06 Funeral Planning and Personal Preferences

10:45 Lenten Program: Leave A Legacy

17:34 Diocesan Support and Future Planning

21:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Jan Hosea at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as we delve into the essence of spiritual identity and Elderhood. Discover the history and current character of St. Mary's congregation, renowned for their welcoming and pastoral care. Learn about the transition from a life centered on 'doing' to one focused on 'being,' and how this shift can lead to deeper spiritual fulfillment. Jan also shares insights about a new six-week program dedicated to exploring spirituality in later life, encouraging the community to reflect on their spiritual 'bucket list.' Don't miss this enriching discussion about wisdom, contemplation, and embracing a new phase of life.

00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Identity

00:33 Welcome to St. Mary's Episcopal Church

01:00 History and Formation of St. Mary's

02:48 Current Congregation and Activities

03:55 Pastoral Care Team and Community Support

05:07 Pet Memorial Garden and Church Grounds

06:08 Elderhood and Spiritual Growth Program

10:23 Contemplative Practices and Wisdom

15:19 Spiritual Bucket List and Personal Fulfillment

17:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Join us as we share both exciting and bittersweet news from the Diocese of the Rio Grande. Reverend Canon Lee Curtis announces that his wife, Hannah, has been accepted to continue her studies in person at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. This means the Curtis family, including their two boys, two dogs, and a turtle, will be moving to Austin in August. Consequently, Reverend Canon Lee Curtis will no longer serve as Canon to the Ordinary for the diocese. We are beginning the search for a new Canon to the Ordinary and invite prayers for the Curtis family during this period of transition. The job description and application details are now available on our website. Let's join together in wishing the Curtis family well and pray for a smooth transition for all involved. Stay tuned for more updates.

00:00 Introduction and Exciting News

00:12 Curtis Family's New Journey

01:16 Impact on the Diocese

02:21 Transition Plans and Future Steps

02:45 Farewell and Best Wishes

03:22 Job Search Announcement

03:33 Final Blessings and Gratitude

Welcome to Simply Christian Life! In this episode, Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande continues his profound conversation with Christina Rathbone, author of 'The Asylum Seekers'. Delving into US asylum policies and her transformative experiences at the border, Rathbone highlights how principles learned on the front lines can be applied to parish ministry. Discover how deep, personal relationships and small, tangible actions can lead to a flourishing community rooted in love and trust. Join us for these invaluable insights!

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:39 Christina Rathbone's Insights on Parish Ministry

04:18 Building Community Through Small Acts

08:51 Challenges and Safety in Ministry

15:18 The Power of 'Not Enough'

30:49 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Understanding Asylum Seekers: Interview with Rev. Christina Rathbone About Her New Book

In this episode of The Simply Christian Life, Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande introduces an interview with Reverend Christina Rathbone, the first border chaplain of the Diocese. Christina discusses her book 'The Asylum Seekers' and shares profound insights from her ministry at the US-Mexico border. They explore the realities faced by asylum seekers, the importance of small, real acts of love, and the philosophy of ministry that prioritizes relationships over systems. The episode also includes an emotional reading from Christina's book, encapsulating the human stories and the divine presence in the lives of those seeking refuge.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:46 Interview with Reverend Christina Rathbone

03:00 Christina's Journey to the Border

07:51 The Philosophy of Ministry

11:58 Excerpt from 'The Asylum Seekers'

20:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Bishop Michael Hunn Responds to Department of Homeland Security : Defending Our Border Ministry

In this video, Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande addresses the recent letter from the Department of Homeland Security insinuating the diocese's involvement in illegal activities, including human trafficking. Bishop Hunn outlines the diocese's longstanding ministry efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border, including the operation of a shelter for legal asylum seekers in partnership with Homeland Security's Border Patrol and ICE. He underscores the legality and moral grounding of their work, rooted in Christian teachings and constitutional rights. Despite the scrutiny and funding withdrawal from FEMA, he reaffirms their commitment to aiding asylum seekers and invites support through prayers and donations.

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:32 Insinuations from Homeland Security

00:43 Reading the Letter

01:33 Response to the Letter

02:03 Details of the Shelter Operations

03:49 Partnership with Government Agencies

04:21 Financial Reimbursements and Current Issues

05:06 Call to Action and Conclusion