News from Province V - Dec 2023 | |
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Highlights of this edition:
- Opening Prayer
- Big Provincial Gathering 2024 - Workshop Deadline today, Swag / Exhibit Info
- Nominations Open - election at Synod
- Advent Planning
- Campus Ministry Consultant discernment continues
- Using Picture Books for Racial Healing
- Webinar: Migration with Dignity
- Archivists visit the Episcopal Church Archives
- Coaching for Vestry Meetings / Retreats
- Episcopal Parish Network events
- Book Corner, sponsored by CPI
- Deep Green Faith: A Creation Care Workshop
- Festival Thursdays - Dec. 14
- Networking Conversation
- Affiliated Organizations
- Upcoming Events and Webinars
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Opening Prayer
For Refugees
Almighty and merciful God,
whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own;
look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger,
homeless and hungry.
Bless those who work to bring them relief;
inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;
and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Source: Church of England
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The Province V Synod meeting will be held on Friday afternoon.
This meeting is open to all and required for Synod Deputies and Bishops.
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Workshops - Descriptions due TODAY!
Saturday, April 27 will be full of workshops offered "ministry fair" style. Do you have something to share with others? Are you particularly proud of a project you did or a ministry you support? Start thinking about if you'd like to host a workshop. All information about workshops will be needed by December 1. See all of the details and fill out the form!
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Swag and Exhibit Tables - information now available
Swag - two types of swag will be gifted at the BPG
- digital swag - submit a slide to be included in a presentation that runs throughout the event and then posted on the Province V website after the event
- physical swag - submit items to be included in the swag bags
Exhibit Table - if you'd like to have an exhibit table, there will be an opportunity to share your ministry or information on Friday.
Sign up for any of these opportunities on this page.
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Registration will open on January 5, 2024!
ALL people are invited!
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THANK YOU to our sponsors! | |
No choir? No Problem. Did your worship move online? We're already here! Check out our new Quires for Quarantine collection for soloists and small groups with a free preview account! | |
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Prov V Synod - nominations open
The Province V Synod will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, in the afternoon. Synod Deputies from each diocese and the bishops will meet to do the business of the province. This meeting is open to all who would like to attend.
There will be some elections during that meeting.
1. Province V Clergy Representative to the Executive Council - due Dec 15, 2023
Nominators must be the Bishop or a member of the Standing Committee from the nominee's diocese.
2. Officers for Province V Executive Board - due Feb. 28, 2024
Role descriptions and nomination forms can be found on this page.
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Are you near a higher-ed campus?
Thank you to all of those who were part of the first round of listening sessions. There is more to come in the new year.
Fill out this form if you'd like to be part of the continuing conversation!
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Using Picture Books for Racial Healing
Picture books offer an excellent way to discover, discuss, and share stories about topics that many people did not study in school but that are crucial to the work of repairing, healing, and seeing God in each other. Registration is open for Dismantling Racism training sessions taking place in the coming months. Miriam McKenney leads the trainings, which take place on Zoom.
A training course occurs during one month, so you only need to sign up for one.
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December (5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 from 12 to 1 p.m.). Sign up here.
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February (6, 7, 8, 13, 14, & 15 from 12 to 1 p.m.). Sign up here.
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March (12, 19, 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
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April (10, 17, 24 from 1 to 3 p.m.) Sign up here.
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May (15, 22, 29 from to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
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June (4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 from 12 to 1 p.m.). Sign up here.
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August (14, 21, 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
Email the Diocese of Southern Ohio's Director of Dismantling Racism Miriam McKenney to learn more.
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Reporting the trip to the Archives of the Episcopal Church
On November 27th, 28th, and 29th, The venerable Newland Smith, Archivist and Historiographer for the Diocese of Chicago, the venerable Sue Rehkopf, Archivist and Registrar for the Diocese of Missouri and the Reverend Dr. Brian K. Wilbert, Archivist for the Diocese of Ohio and Convenor of the Province V Archivists and Historians Network made a pilgrimage to the Archives of the Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas. The trip was underwritten by the Province V Board as well as the Bishops of Chicago, Missouri, and Ohio. The purpose was to video record an oral history about archives and archiving between Newland, Sue and Fr. Brian. Whitney Hughes, Interim Director of the Archives, David Hales, Deputy for Administration and the rest of the staff couldn't have been more gracious with the hospitality. After giving us an in depth tour of the facility and collection, we set up for our conversation in the Mark Duffy Reading Room. We recorded almost two hours of video along with snapping scads of photographs. In addition to providing copies of a complete interview for the Dioceses of Chicago, Missouri, Ohio, and the Archives in Austin, watch for a snap shot presentation at the Big Provincial Gathering April 26th and 27th 2024 in South Bend, Indiana!
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Vestry/committee meeting coaching
What is your plan for your Vestry/Bishop's Committee retreat 2024?
If you're not sure yet, NOW is a great time to consider working with a coach. Many of our coaches are trained in team work. They can help during a Vestry/Bishop's Committee meeting that is focused on creating the year's goals. They can also help lead a longer day event, focusing on the work of the Vestry as a team as they plan their work together. Some of their questions might include: What are the strengths of the Vestry/Bishop's Committee? What ministry areas are their focus this year? Who is responsible for each task and how will the team keep each other accountable to the plan?
Contact a LCP coach THIS month to find out how they might assist your vestry/Bishop's Committee in making their 2024 planning become a reality! Start by contacting Heather to be connected to a coach that will be a good match for your team!
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Coaches are available to ALL leaders – clergy and lay. You can be coached individually, create a group of people, or bring a team together for creating shared goals and plans. Our coaches offer an introductory session so you can together discern if you are a good fit. If you work in a rural area, you may qualify for free coaching. Don't put off setting goals that could expand, enhance and enrich your life, project or ministry. Meet with a trained coach this week to find out how they can offer you a safe, nurturing space to dream, plan and find your focus.
https://www.provincev.org/lcp.html
View and share this 2 minute video: https://youtu.be/LSAWNPfzuZ0
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Upcoming Webinars
The Case for Love: Bridging the Divide
Tuesday, December 5th, 3:00pm EST
- Panelists include:Brian Ide - Director/Producer, President of Grace-Based Films; Los Angeles, California
- Steven Fleenor - Producer, CFO of Grace-Based Films; Los Angeles, California
- Xenia Leblanc - Editor; Los Angeles, California
- Steven Haal - Former head of Communications, St. Michael and All Angels; Dallas Texas
Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/752961015667
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Book Corner
An indispensable resource that supports vestry members and clergy in their ministry.
Trusted by tens of thousands of vestry members, wardens, and rectors for over thirty years, The Vestry Handbook is the essential guide to the daily functions of an Episcopal parish. The handbook includes explanations of parish finances, building maintenance, tax considerations, and more. This new fourth edition responds to the changing needs of Episcopal churches with additional coverage of diversity and inclusion, new guidance for parish finances, and advice tailored to small congregations. The volume has been updated throughout to reflect the current canons of the Episcopal Church.
Pre-order now for new vestry members in 2024!
Available from any Episcopal bookstore, Church Publishing, Amazon, or your favorite bookstore.
January 2024 | List Price: $18.95 | Paperback | 9781640656703
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Deep Green Faith: A Creation Care Workshop
Saturday, December 2nd from 10 am - Noon via Zoom
As Christians and as Episcopalians, our faith is deeply rooted in God's love for all creation as proclaimed in scriptures and as expressed through our practice and worship. We are called to attend to the needs of both faith and creation.
On Saturday, December 2nd from 10 am to Noon, we will be joined by the Rev. Jerry Cappel, D. Min., Episcopal priest and director of the Center for Deep Green Faith to consider ways that individuals and churches can expand creation care beyond committee actions, material stewardship, and personal life adjustments, onto a more integrated expression of faith and whole church life. How might faith communities embody and bear witness to the inclusion of all creation in their lives of faith, worship, and witness? How can our choices and practices better express a gospel that welcomes and heals all of creation?
Registration is required
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Join us for monthly 'Festival Thursdays' on Zoom | |
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Join us for monthly 'Festival Thursdays' on Zoom
The good conversations that began during summer's "It's All About Love" festival in Baltimore continue with monthly workshops featuring festival presenters and Q&A. Workshops are the second Thursday of each month at 3 p.m. ET. View past 'Festival Thursday' conversations at this link.
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Networking Conversations
Province V's work in the world is to "Connect. Network. Support." Networks exist for people to gather around areas of interest and share resources with each other. Sometimes networks host webinars to share information and sometimes they develop new resources to support leaders in their local contexts.
ALL are welcome to attend these Zoom conversations. Please share the information with friends, colleagues, and in your parish newsletter. Most network meetings last about 60 minutes. See their webpages or email their contact for more information. For a full list of Networks and other Affiliated Organizations, visit the Province V website.
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Creation Care
Date of next meeting: Dec 11, 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82932843412 (password: 5)
Contact: Jeanette Ettin, Eastern Michigan
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/creation.html
Camps, Conference Centers and Creation Care with Jerusalem Greer
In an era of traditional church decline in a changing world, where are the growing edges and intersections of faith formation, creation care, and community? Is there an emerging role of renewal for church camps & conference centers?
Join Jerusalem Greer, Interim Executive Director of Procter Camp & Conference Center in the diocese of Southern Ohio, and former Manager for Evangelism & Discipleship for Presiding Bishop Micheal Curry, as she shares her wonderings around this topic, and hear about the "Wild Cathedral" experiments she has up her camp sweatshirt sleeves.
Love God, Love God's World
Love God, Love God’s World is a nine-session, film-based curriculum, ideal for Episcopalians anywhere on the journey with creation care and environmental ministry—from newcomers looking to take their first step to seasoned leaders seeking a transformative small-group experience.
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Migration Ministries
NOTE SPECIAL DATE
Date of next meeting: Jan 16, 8 pm ET / 7 pm C
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81246380265 (password: 5)
Conveners: Silvia Huth, Michigan and Jack Lloyd, Chicago
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/migration.html
If you missed our September meeting - you can watch the recording!
"Welcoming Refugees: A Small Episcopal Church Takes on a Big Challenge"
Episcopal Asylum & Detention Ministry Network
Episcopal Migration Ministry hosts an Asylum and Detention Ministry Network that meets virtually on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The Ministry Network’s collaborative work and conversation focus on best practice-sharing in areas of direct service, organizing, advocacy actions, Christian formation and worship resources, and community education to protect asylum, promote humane and dignified alternatives to detention, and to support asylum seekers and those harmed by the immigration detention system. Learn more and register to attend meetings here.
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Affiliated Organizations
There are a number of organizations affiliated with the Episcopal Church and working across Province V. These groups have a "structure" that is more organized than a network. They have resources and information that are useful in your local ministry contexts.
For a full list of Affiliated Organizations, visit the Province V website.
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Church Periodical Club: Important Announcements
Adult grant application (NBF, National Books Fund) can be found on our website. We funded multiple types of written word resources from Bibles, choir music to cookbooks ESOL workbooks etc. to meet the needs of Episcopal sponsored outreach and in reach. Applications are due March 1, 2024, and granting will be done June 8 2024. Information and applications found at https://churchperiodical.com/national-book-fund-history/.
Children and youth grants are done all year round. Please consider applying for one of these grants. From books for baby pantries to youth camps, detentions centers and the list goes on. These are called MOP (Miles of Pennies) and information and applications can be found on our website https://churchperiodical.com/miles-of-pennies/.
Quilt raffle returns start Jan 2, 2024 through Feb 14, 2024 - More details pictures to follow.
NOTE: Maryfran is able to sign your application if you do not have a Diocesan Contact. Also standing committees may sign when there is a bishop vacancy.
Please Contact: Maryfran Crist, Province V CPC Representative
maryfrancrist64@gmail.com, 815-257-7012
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United Thank Offering
Subscribe to the newsletter
click here
2023 UTO Christmas Cards and a Free Printable Note for Santa
Our third annual Christmas card is now available to order. 100% of your cost for the Christmas Cards goes to the 2023 Ingathering so you can feel good about giving these cards in place of a gift. If you are looking to help little ones in your life embrace gratitude and create a realistic Christmas list, we’ve got a free fill in the blanks letter to Santa that asks your child to reflect on the blessings of their past year before asking for items within specific categories. Feel free to share!
United Thank Offering invites 2024 annual grant applicants
The United Thank Offering Board is pleased to announce the availability of its 2024 UTO Annual Grants, with a focus on projects that welcome and include “the stranger.” Application deadlines are Dec. 1 for Anglican Communion partners and Jan. 19 for dioceses of The Episcopal Church.
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Upcoming Events and Webinars
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center - many opportunities
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Education for Ministry - a great course for all people
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Church Next - They offer a wide variety of courses.
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Bexley-Seabury Seminary Federation - several upcoming webinars, affinity groups, and courses.
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Virginia Theological Seminary - several upcoming webinars
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You can also see all of their past seminars on their YouTube Channel.
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My Work to Do - a purposeful space for white people to come and learn, listen, reflect and build capacity and stamina to have conversations about race and racism.
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Forma Conference, January 22-25, 2024 - online offering
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Episcopal Parish Network Conference, March 6-9, 2024
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General Convention, June 23-28, 2024
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Forma Events
Reading Isaiah in Advent
The 2024 Forma Conference Planning Team invites all members of the wider Forma community (not just members) to join in reading the full book of Isaiah during Advent in preparation for this year's conference. Members of the Planning Team will host weekly conversations to discuss readings on Wednesdays at 4:00PM ET on November 29th, December 6th, December 13th, and December 20th). Please register here to receive the Zoom link.
Forma Conference - Registration Open
3:30 p.m. January 22 - 6:30 p.m. ET January 25, 2024, online.
Click here to register via Eventbrite.
Register now for the Forma Annual Conference. The conference is an intentional time of networking, learning, and inspiration. Note that current Forma members receive a discount and the Early Bird rate ends November 30.
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St. Gregory's Abbey will be hosting its annual vocation program during the month of July, 2024. Participants get a glimpse of monastic life as they follow the abbey schedule and work, socialize, and pray with the monks. Classes on monastic life are given and individual conferences are offered. The program is geared toward people who have an interest in monastic life and are wondering if they are called to that life. The program is open to men 18-50 years old (the upper age limit is an approximation and can be negotiated). Applications will be accepted starting January 1, 2024. For more information, go to the monastery website saintgregorysthreerivers.org or the vocation program page saintgregorysthreerivers.org/about/july-program/. | |
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Lenten Planning
For those of you planning for Lent (Ash Wednesday is Feb. 14, 2024!)
UTO: 2024 Lenten Materials Now Available
Our theme for our 2024 Lenten materials is “40 Days of Grateful Presence” and they are a call to giving thanks for the many things in our lives we take for granted. Our hope is that during the 40 days of Lent we can all use gratitude to help us be more present in our daily lives. Find out more about the resources available for Lent here.
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Province V Executive Board
Do you have questions about Province V? Would you like to be more involved in planning the events that are offered at the provincial level? The Executive Board of the Province meets monthly on fourth Tuesdays at 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT via zoom.
Contact your diocesan representative to the Executive Board:
The Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter, Fond du Lac and Eau Claire, President
Mr. Rick Stanitis, Northern Michigan, Vice President
Ms. Adrienne Dillon, Missouri, Secretary
Ms. Rebecca Elfring-Roberts, Chicago, Treasurer
Ms. Louisa McKellaston, Executive Council Representative
The Rev. M.E. Eccles, Executive Council Representative
Ms. Laura Jackson, Chicago
Dr. Elizabeth Jordan, Eastern Michigan
The Rev. Marlene Hogue, Eau Claire
Ms. Lesley MacKellar, Indianapolis
Dr. Edie Wakevainen, Michigan
The Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh, Milwaukee
Ms. Betty Bowersox, Missouri
The Rev. Dr. Terri Bays, Northern Indiana
Mr. Rick Stanitis, Northern Michigan
The Rev. Rachel Harrison, Ohio
Mr. Edward Lasseigne, Southern Ohio
Ms. Jan Goossens, Springfield
Mr. Dick Porter, Western Michigan
Heather Barta, Province V Coordinator
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