November 15, 2007

The November edition of "Episcopal Life Focus" – a half-hour video "multicast" featuring church mission, ministries and news – is posted for online viewing at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81231_89777_ENG_HTM.htm.

In observance of Native American Indian Heritage Month, the program features coverage of the New Jamestown Covenant Summit in Williamsburg, Virginia, which marks the beginning of the Episcopal Church's second Decade of Remembrance, Recognition, and Reconciliation (2007-2017) with the First Nations of the Americas, according to a resolution adopted by the 75th General Convention.

Included are portions of the opening Eucharist at Historic Jamestown on November 1, which drew Native and non-Native Episcopalians from 28 dioceses, representing 39 tribes, as well as an in-depth interview with Bishop Mike Smith of North Dakota about ministry by and for Native peoples and its significance for the wider Church.

This month's Focus introduces a new segment, Congregation Closeup, which profiles Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, one of the oldest Episcopal congregations in the United States. Congregation Closeup will alternate with the ONE Episcopalian segment introduced in the October edition.

Also featured is the Executive Council's latest meeting in Dearborn, Michigan, with an emphasis on the mission and ministry of the Episcopal Church's covenant partners in Brazil, Central America, Liberia, Mexico and the Philippines.

The Focus program concludes with a pastoral reflection by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.

The program is produced by Michael Collins and anchored by the Rev. Jan Nunley, executive editor of Episcopal Life Media.

This edition of Episcopal Life Focus is sponsored by Episcopal Books and Resources, with online captioning for the hearing impaired provided by the Episcopal Church Women, Diocese of Los Angeles.

The program is also available for placement on community-access cable channels offering free air time.

Upcoming editions of Episcopal Life Focus are scheduled to air December 13, January 17.

Direct inquiries about programming and requests regarding community-access cable placement to Collins via e-mail, mcollins@episcopalchurch.org, or by phoning 800-334-7626, ext. 6018.

The program is part of the newly integrated "Episcopal Life Media" initiative that complements the churchwide monthly newspaper, Episcopal Life, with the Episcopal Life Online website, weekday e-mail releases, regular streaming video reports and weekly inserts for Sunday parish bulletins. Top stories are featured from the Episcopal News Service.

Episcopal News Service