Simply Christian LIFE with Bishop Michael Hunn Michael Buerkel Hunn

Diocese of the Rio Grande Weekly Update: Easter 2024 Highlights
This weekly update for the Diocese of the Rio Grande, for the third week of Easter 2024, features a comprehensive discussion with Le Anna Brun about the upcoming Camp Stoney at Bishop's Ridge, focusing on family and youth sessions including bilingual camps. It introduces a new segment titled 'Storytime in the DRG,' aiming to explore the diocese's history and its evolution amid changes in the Episcopal Church. The script also touches on plans to visit El Paso and interview local congregants, with a deep dive into the diocese's origins, notably the contributions of Judge Jud Gaylord Clarke and the Reverend Joseph W. Tays in establishing the Episcopal Church in the region.
00:00 Welcome to the Weekly Update!00:19 Introducing Camp Stoney and Bishop's Ridge Programs00:33 Storytime in the DRG: A Dive into Diocesan History01:36 Camp Stoney: A Deep Dive with Le Anna Brun13:22 Exploring the Rich History of the Diocese22:10 Closing Remarks and Blessings

Revitalizing Faith in the Big Bend: A Conversation with Katie Hudak
This episode captures a heartfelt discussion between Bishop Michael Hunn and The Rev Katie Hudak, a curate serving in the Big Bend area of the Diocese of Rio Grande, covering her ministry and the community's revitalization amidst challenges. Hudak, based out of Marfa, Texas, collaborates with Father Mike Wallens to serve five churches in the region since November 2022. Despite hardships, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, their efforts alongside the diocese have led to growth and renewed engagement within these communities. Hudak shares the unique local character of ministry in the Borderlands, her transition from a development role in a non-profit to full-time priesthood, and the importance of community and faith in smaller, rural congregations. The conversation emphasizes the significance of collective efforts and adaptability in nurturing spiritual life and the potential replicability of their model in similar diocesan settings.
00:00 Welcome to Alpine, Texas: A Journey with Katie Hudak00:40 Serving the Big Bend: Ministry and Community Engagement01:20 Embracing Early Mornings and Spiritual Growth02:17 Innovative Church Activities: From Taize Service to Paint a Saint03:53 The Impact of Partnership and Full-Time Ministry07:08 Navigating the Transition from Seminary to Full-Time Priesthood10:47 The Beauty and Challenges of Serving in the Big Bend12:02 Building Bridges Across Cultures and Communities19:56 A Model for Growth: The Big Bend Experiment21:47 Gratitude and Invitation: A Closing Message

The Long Walk: Remembering and Reckoning with America's Past
This episode covers a pilgrimage undertaken by the General Convention Deputation of the Diocese of the Rio Grande to the Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner, New Mexico, as part of their anti-racism training. The pilgrimage aimed to explore and learn about the racism experienced by indigenous peoples, focusing on the tragic history of the Long Walk between 1863 and 1866, where the U.S. government forcibly removed and marched thousands of Native Americans to a concentration camp at Bosque Redondo, leading to the deaths of approximately 3,000 people and generational trauma still being felt today. The participants, including Bishop Michael Hunn and members of the Diocese, shared their personal reflections, the importance of recognizing this atrocity, the ongoing impact of generational trauma, the role of the church, and the significance of preserving oral histories and stories of indigenous peoples. The script emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging past injustices as a step towards healing and reconciliation.
00:00 The Tragic History of the Long Walk00:41 A Pilgrimage of Learning and Remembrance02:01 Discovering the Sacred and Historical at Bosque Redondo04:20 Voices from the Diocese: Personal Reflections and Insights11:50 A Prayer for Beauty, Reconciliation, and Healing16:57 Reflections on Witnessing and Responsibility22:53 The Impact of Youth Activism and the Importance of Storytelling23:46 Connecting Past Atrocities to Present Injustices26:07 A Journey Towards Justice and Remembrance

Faith Beyond Borders: Ministry and in the Diocese of the Rio Grande
In an enlightening conversation, Bishop Michael Hunn and Mike Wallens, the vicar of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Marfa, Texas, and a notable figure in the Big Bend region, share insights into the multifaceted ministry efforts within the Diocese of the Rio Grande. With responsibilities spanning five congregations, Wallens, alongside Katie Hudak, the curate of the Big Bend, engages in regular worship services across several locations and actively participates in outreach ministries focused on asylum seekers at the border, providing both material aid and pastoral care. The discussion delves into the development of a unique collaborative model among the congregations that emphasizes mutual support without merging identities, driven by a shared mission to expand outreach efforts and foster community growth. Wallens highlights the significant role of youth ministry, supported by grants and partnerships, in bridging communities across the US-Mexico border, thereby nurturing a vibrant network of support among teenagers. Additionally, the narrative touches on the ethical and humanitarian challenges faced by Border Patrol agents, offering a nuanced view of border security dynamics. The conversation also introduces innovative initiatives aimed at rectifying environmental and social injustices within the region, demonstrating the diocese's commitment to holistic ministry and social justice.
00:00 Welcome to the Diocese of the Rio Grande00:24 Exploring the Extensive Ministry in the Big Bend04:06 The Power of Collaboration Among Congregations14:03 Youth Ministry: A Beacon of Hope and Community22:45 The Impact of Borderland Ministries on Asylum Seekers and Border Patrol23:49 Pilgrimages and the Realities of Border Life34:31 Addressing Environmental Racism with Tree Planting Initiatives37:37 A Heartfelt Invitation to Experience the Big Bend Ministry

Holy Week and Advocacy in the Diocese of the Rio Grande: A Lenten Update for 2024
This weekly update for the Diocese of the Rio Grande, for the last week of Lent 2024, covers a health update from Bishop Michael Hunn, an invitation to experience the upcoming Holy Week liturgies, and information about a march and vigil for human dignity in El Paso, Texas. Bishop Hunn expresses gratitude for prayers regarding his health and reassures of a positive prognosis. The importance of experiencing every service of Holy Week is emphasized, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, highlighting the spiritual significance of each event, including the Chrism Mass and the themes of love, sacrifice, and renewal. Additionally, the speaker invites participants to a march titled 'Do Not Be Afraid,' aiming to advocate for humane treatment of individuals in borderland areas, reflecting the necessity of policies that respect human dignity. The session concludes with a call to fully embrace Holy Week and participate in the Borderlands March and Vigil in El Paso.
00:00 Welcome to the Weekly Update!00:28 Health Update and Gratitude for Prayers00:33 Holy Week Preview: Don't Miss a Moment00:38 March and Vigil for Human Dignity in El Paso00:59 Personal Health Journey: Back to Normal01:43 The Significance of Palm Sunday05:26 The Chrism Mass: A Time for Renewal07:06 Maundy Thursday: Love, Eucharist, and Reflection10:10 Good Friday: A Day of Fasting and Remembrance11:28 Holy Saturday: A Quiet Reflection Before Easter13:28 Easter Vigil and Sunday: A Celebration of Resurrection15:02 A Special Invitation: March for Human Dignity16:34 Closing Thoughts and Blessings

Diocese of the Rio Grande | Weekly Update, February 2024
In the first Weekly Update February 2024, The Diocese of Rio Grande is in three parts. The first one focuses on an essential activity conducted at a leadership retreat and its broader rollout expected in spring. The activity intending to understand the core values that make up the identity of the Episcopal Church. Reinforcing the importance of holding on to the identity and values even in the face of challenge and change. The second part sheds light on the annual discernment retreat taking place at the Cathedral of St. John, aiming to understand every individual’s purpose and who God wants them to be. The video also informs about a film viewing event about the Philadelphia 11 at the Cathedral of St. John on February 28th.
00:12 Introduction and Weekly Update00:20 Leadership Retreat and Future Activities00:39 Challenges and Identity of the Episcopal Church00:56 Annual Discernment Retreat01:52 Core Values of the Episcopal Church03:04 Facing Challenges and Remembering Our Identity04:32 Personal Story and Reflections on Identity07:13 Discernment Program and Call for Participation08:45 Film Screening and Invitation09:24 Conclusion and Blessings