News from Province V - February 2023 | |
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Highlights of this edition:
- Opening Prayers
- Young Adult / Campus Ministry event
- Godly Play Core Training
- Suicide Prevention: Bible Study Event
- Lenten Materials
- Creation Care Event
- Deep Green Faith: Job Posting
- Episcopal Church Foundation: Vitality and Innovation
- Leadership Coaching Project
- Recovery Ministry Event
- Episcopal Parish Network annual conference
- EPPN: Address Human Trafficking
- Young Adult Service Corps
- Networking Conversation
- Affiliated Organizations
- Church Periodical Club
- Partner's Path
- Historical Society of The Episcopal Church
- United Thank Offering - events and grant
- Upcoming Events and Webinars
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Opening Prayer
We weep for the gun violence
Gracious Lord who loves us so perfectly, help us to better love you and each other. We weep for the gun violence that kills children and so many others, where guns replaced prayers and homes without you bred frustration. May hearts be changed through your Holy Spirit that justice, mercy, money and, yes, even guns might be used rightly under Heaven, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
by Episcopal Diocese of Newark
Prayers to Stop Gun Violence (slife.org)
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Young Adult / Campus Ministry event
Calling all young adults! The campus ministries of Province V invite you to a 24 hour retreat at the Potawatomi Inn located in the beautiful Pokagon State Park of Indiana. This retreat will explore the theology of play through worship, discussion, games, and even a toboggan run! If you'd like to participate in the outdoor activities, bring some winter clothes as there are trails as well to explore in the park! Come, get away from the hustle and bustle of school life for 24 hours in a winter wonderland!
Registration and information
If cost is a barrier, please email Rev. Ben Adams at ben@togethercommunity.org for financial aid. We don't want money to prevent you from attending!
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Godly Play Core Training
February 3-5, 2023 in Birmingham, Michigan
The Godly Play Core Training is the recommended training for every adult leading Godly Play sessions (years 1-3 of practice), for administrators, and for clergy. Over the course of three days led by Godly Play practitioners, participants will experience all aspects of the Godly Play method and begin to become fluent in the Godly Play core stories and fundamental practices. Additionally, Godly Play's guiding Theology of Childhood is introduced, so participants become more deeply connected to their work.
Core training follows an action/reflection model of learning with a mixture of trainer-led presentations and participant storytelling presentations. Core training plenary presentations cover: the Spirituality of the Child, Setting up a Godly Play Environment, and Supporting the Circle of Children.
The first session begins February 3rd at 4:30pm. The final session will end February 5th at 5pm.
Registration
Hotel block
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Bible Study
Escaping the Whale, Queen, and Valley: Healing and Understanding the Suicidal Crisis
A Virtual Lenten Bible Study
Mondays in Lent: Feb 27, Mar 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3
7:30-9 pm ET / 6:30-8 pm CT
Registration
Facebook Event
Preview Night!
Monday, February 13, 2023, 7:30 pm ET / 6:30 pm CT
Want to learn more before you sign up to participate?
Attend the Preview Night, meet the instructors, and learn a bit more about this resource.
Simply click here to join this 30-45 minute event
Description
What if we told you that the usual thinking about suicide in the Bible is wrong? This six-part Bible study will dive deep into several classic Hebrew Scripture events to uncover an innovative approach to suicide ideation and crisis. Using the stories from Jonah, Elijah, Ezekiel, and the Psalms, we will see the lives of these crucial individuals anew when they were in despair and darkness. We will also discover how God returned them to a place of light, love, and hope.
With the support of a dedicated website, you will engage the text in compelling ways. Each session will explore a biblical text. Afterward, we will engage in a lively discussion, allowing you to ask relevant questions and consider new ways to help people amid mental health crises. By the end of our study, you will be armed with biblical texts and tools to reframe your thoughts about suicide and the Bible.
Creators and Leaders
Stephen L. Cook is the Catherine N. McBurney Professor of Old Testament Language and Literature at Virginia Theological Seminary, the largest seminary in the worldwide Anglican Communion. He has been a Bible professor for three decades. He is the author or editor of a dozen books, including an Anchor Yale Bible Commentary on Ezekiel's Apocalypse and Utopian Vision of a New Temple and Land. He is a co-author of a new Fortress Press textbook: The Prophets: Introducing Israel’s Prophetic Writings ( Fortress, 2022). Stephen has served in several capacities as an officer of the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL), including as a Regional Coordinator for the guild and as the Program Unit Chair of SBL sections. You can learn more at drstephenlcook.com
Robert D. Flanagan has been a priest in the Diocese of New York for two decades, serving large and small congregations and helping parishes with their priestly transitions. Bob is also Chaplain at General Theological Seminary and Dean’s Advisor and Teaching Fellow at Virginia Theological Seminary. He is an author of books on spirituality and mental health and the mystical writings in First and Second Peter. In addition, Bob has also been a volunteer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, where he has served on local boards, been a legislative advocate at the local, state, and national levels, and has been an advisor on religious programs.
Register to receive your personal link and reminders
All those who register will receive reminders and materials. Because of the sensitive nature of the conversation, these sessions will not be recorded. Come when you are able to participate in this new resource.
graphic created by Christopher Hillak, Northern Indiana
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Lenten Materials
The Episcopal Church
Resources
Creation Justice Ministries
Creation Justice Ministries offers a free downloadable Lenten resource with daily entries "designed to help you and your community take time during the Lenten season to learn, reflect, repent, ask God for forgiveness, and take concrete steps to change course in order to better care for creation." Get it here.
Episcopal Relief and Development
Lenten Meditations
United Thank Offering
daily text message reminder to practice gratitude: sign up here.
Lenten Book Club: Wednesdays, 12 noon ET: register
Living Compass - Lent 2023 Devotional
Practicing Compassion with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind
Each year, tens of thousands of individuals across various denominations use our daily devotionals to help them prepare for the coming of Easter. Faith communities also use the devotionals for Lent programs (including online), classes, small-group discussions, and retreats with the help of our FREE downloadable and printable Facilitator's Guide. Below you will find multiple ways to engage these resources, either as an individual, or as a lay or clergy leader.
Ordering information
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Creation Care Event
Rooted in Soil and Grounded in Faith:
Resources for Sustained Creation Care
Weekend Retreat and Workshop
May 5 - 7, 2023
Nazareth Retreat Center, Nazareth, KY 40048
Hosted by: Provinces IV and V Creation Care Networks
This weekend retreat will engage those involved in ministries of creation care in deeper theological study, sharing of resources and ideas, opportunity for fellowship, nature contemplation, and spiritual renewal. The weekend event will include presentations, conversations, nature walks, and prayer on the beautiful grounds of the Sisters of Nazareth convent in Nazareth, Kentucky.
All those interested in creation care (from any province) are invited to participate. Cost: $50 (included meals. scholarships available)
For more information and registration, go to event registration page at:
https://www.provincev.org/creation2023event.html
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Deep Green Faith: Job Posting
The Center for Deep Green Faith
New Position Posting: Administrative and Communications Assistant
10 hours / week
The successful candidate should have good organizational skills, with experience in digital operations such as Constant Contact, website management, YouTube, and basic graphic design. Additional skills in publicity and social media preferred. A proven interest in faith-inspired earth care is desirable.
All the details
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ECF’s Resources for Vitality and Innovation
Need fresh ideas to enliven your ministries this new year? The Episcopal Church Foundation's (ECF) resources for vitality and innovation equip leaders to partner and bring about transformation and positive change in our communities. All are available at low- or no-cost, such as the award-winning Vital Practices website, ecfvp.org, a treasure-trove of articles and tools on all things church. Equip your new vestry with copies of the Vestry Resource Guide (VRG) and the Finance Resource Guide (FRG). The VRG is an essential tool to help vestries focus on what God is calling them to do in the world with information and recommendations for congregations of all shapes and sizes. The FRG offers in-depth financial management practices and principles promoting year ‘round, theologically driven stewardship. Read more here.
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Feeling Stuck? Don’t Go It Alone!
Executive Coaching can get you some traction!
Solo pastoring can feel like driving without a GPS in the best of times. Add the “weather” of constantly evolving challenges from the economy and health policy, and the road conditions of leadership transition and congregational exhaustion, and the work intensifies. Give yourself the gift of support this winter. Monthly sessions with a coach can put snow tires on your ministry and a road map in your hand. You set the destination– coaching means you don’t have to plan your route alone.
Coaches are here to support you!
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. Any of them will offer an introductory session so you can together discern if you are a good fit. If you work in a rural area, you might qualify for free coaching. Find out more and explore coaching with a trained leadership coach!
https://www.provincev.org/lcp.html
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For information on LCP Coach training or to discuss Coaching with one of the LCP Trained Coaches, visit this website or contact Province V Coordinator Heather Barta at provincevcoordinator@gmail.com or (989) 413-3229.
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Episcopal Parish Network
Mar 8-11, 2023 - Annual Conference
Jacksonville, FL
The Episcopal Parish Network (EPN) invites you to join us in Jacksonville, Florida, for unparalleled connection, learning, and networking at our 38th Annual Conference—the largest and most anticipated annual conference in the Episcopal Church.
As the Church responds to a shifting cultural landscape, including economic uncertainty, persistent racial inequities, unprecedented health challenges, and disruptive climate change, the need for vital, parish ministry responsive to local communities has never been greater. Join EPN as we bring together over 800 lay and clergy attendees to confront and address important questions including:
How do we engage with, respond to, and nurture our communities as part of our Christian witness? What is a calming presence for those we can foster? When are we called to take uncomfortable positions, and speak out as we live into our baptismal covenant? How do we serve and lead to strengthen local ministry?
We will explore these questions through provocative keynote conversations, engaging role-based pre-conferences, and compelling workshops. Besides deep learning, the conference will offer a great opportunity to network with friends and colleagues.
Registration and Information
Printable Flyer
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Address Human Trafficking
A note from the Episcopal Public Policy Network:
Tell Congress to Continue Addressing Human Trafficking
January was National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking offends the dignity of every human person. It destroys families, communities, and individual lives. Christians have a solemn obligation to oppose human trafficking in every way we can. Federal lawmakers have rightly made human trafficking a legislative priority. We applaud Congress for passing S.3946, the Abolish Human Trafficking Reauthorization Act of 2022. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2017. It implements vital provisions to end the criminalization of child trafficking victims. The bill also reforms current standards for child sex crime victims facing prosecution within the adult criminal justice system. It allows judges to depart from harsh punishments for child victims and helps state, local, and tribal child welfare agencies to identify and respond to vulnerable children at risk of trafficking.
The Episcopal Church has a long history of supporting action against human trafficking. Our opposition to trafficking and modern slavery is rooted in our baptismal promise to “respect the dignity of every human being.” Building a beloved community requires us to stand against all forms of exploitation. As St. Paul the Apostle wrote in the New Testament, “for freedom Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). We are committed to advocating at the federal level for more action to set human trafficking victims free to live the lives of freedom God intends for them.
Read more and take action
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Young Adult Service Corps, 2023-24
Episcopal Church Young Adult Service Corps opens applications for 2023-24
Applications are now being accepted for 2023-24 placements; the deadline to apply online is Feb. 1. Selected applicants will be invited to an in-person discernment retreat at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, New York, March 22-26; final candidates will attend a two-week cross-cultural orientation session in June.
Application
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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.
There are a number of networks meeting regularly and several that are just getting organized. 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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Anti-Human Trafficking
This network is on hiatus.
Look for special events.
Magdalene House, Chicago - Online Shop now live!
Support this amazing organization by ordering from their new shop!
Like their Facebook Page!
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Creation Care
Date of next meeting: Feb 13, 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82932843412 (password: 5)
Contact: Heather Barta (while the convener is on sabbatical for the fall)
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/creation.html
SAVE THE DATE!
Creation Care Event!
Rooted in Soil and Grounded in Faith: Resources for Sustained Creation Care
May 5, 4 pm - May 7 12 noon, 2023
Nazareth, KY (fly into Louisville)
Registration and more information
The Center for Deep Green Faith
The Center ishosting monthly webinars and tuition courses for Spring 2023. For registration information, go to: https://deepgreenfaith.org/events. Offerings for this Spring include:
Spring Webinars
A Theology of Dirt with Dr. Collin Cornell. Feb 16, 7:30PM Eastern/6:30PM Central.
Our Place in Creation: Genesis, Dominion, Tilling and Keeping with the Rev. Dr. Jerry Cappel. March 23, 7:30 eastern/6:30 Central.
Spring Course
Deep Green Faith with The Rev. Dr. Jerry Cappel. Five Monday nights, February 27 – March 27, 7:30 p.m. eastern.
A Theology of Dirt with Dr. Collin Cornell. Four Thursday nights, May 4 – 25, 7:30 p.m. eastern.
Subscribe to the Center for Deep Green Faith Newsletter at: https://deepgreenfaith.org/
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Dismantling Racism
Date of next meeting: Feb 2, 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88215961535 (password: 5)
Convener: Margaret D'Anieri, Ohio
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/dismantlingracism.html
February's event
Sister Veronica Dunbar will lead a time of spiritual reflection and renewal.
"Upholding the Sower: Spiritual Practices for the Good Soil and the Rocky Ground"
February will be meditations and prayers for the ups and downs of anti-racism work using Matthew 13.1-9 as our resource.
March's event
March will be sharing what we’ve learned from other Dioceses about developing a listening process to engage congregations in reparations work, as well as how we’ve structured our own listening sessions.
A prayer:
Uproot Racism
Good and gracious God, you invite us to recognize and reverence your divine image and likeness in our neighbor. Enable us to see the reality of racism and free us to challenge and uproot it from our society, our world and ourselves.
This we pray.
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
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Migration Ministries
Date of next meeting: Mar 21, 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
March's Guest Speaker:
Ana Reza, Diocese of the Rio Grande
Rio Grande Borderland
Ana Reza will share the work of the Rio Grande Borderland Ministry in the diocese of the Rio Grande. Their work includes bringing awareness of the need to welcome refugees with dignity by calling people our work in El Paso and the Big Bend area. This ministry is always looking to collaborate locally and nationally with congregations, dioceses and organizations to work to bring God’s love and dignity to our borders and beyond.
Ana L. Reza is a first generation, Mexican-American. She was born and raised in El Paso, Tx. A community activist in la Frontera working with issues of fair housing, education, saving our history, militarization of our border and immigrant rights. Currently working for the Diocese of the Rio Grande as their Bridge Chaplain. Is the shelter coordinator of a shelter for asylum seekers at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in El Paso, Tx.
EMM Meeting info
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. 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. This groups have a "structure" that is more organized than a network. They have resources and information that is useful in your local ministry contexts.
For a full list of Networks and other Affiliated Organizations, visit the Province V website.
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Church Periodical Club
February is Celebration Time
Adult grants due by March 1st. See website for more information.
Purchase some quilt and afghan tickets at http://go.rallyup.com/cpc2023.
Quilt Raffle!
Our site goes live on February 1st with drawing on March 1st.
This year includes the following:
A Hawaiian quilt (double/full size) made with vintage-print fabrics,
A hand designed and knitted ivory Afghan Double/full size),
and a hand-quilted Mennonite quilt (queen size).
All can be seen on our website.
All proceeds support the continuing work of CPC.
Have a CPC ingathering – A CPC Sunday. Need materials?
Website has products and order form.
Celebrate on February 24, the birthday of our Founder Mary Ann Fargo.
Host a book club, a gathering of pennies for children’s grants, and
learn how CPC supports seminarians thru their seminary.
Grants are for all types for written materials from DVDs to Kindle to magazine and books. Questions?????? Maryfrancrist64@gmail.com
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Historical Society of the Episcopal Church
FREE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
Become a member of the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church for free! A Society benefactor, and member of Province V, will cover the dues of a Regular, Retiree or Student level for any new member from Province V. Act quickly! To learn more about the Historical Society, visit hsec.us. To take advantage of this offer, send an email to Matthew P. Payne, Director of Operations at administration@hsec.us.
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Upcoming Events and webinars
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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 Fridays at 10 am via zoom.
Contact your diocesan representative to the Executive Board:
Canon Jane Cisluycis, Northern Michigan, President
The Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter, Fond du Lac and Eau Claire, 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. Chris Eggert-Rosenthal, Fond du Lac
Ms. Lesley MacKellar, Indianapolis
Dr. Edie Wakevainen, Michigan
The Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh, Milwaukee
Ms. Betty Bowersox, Missouri
Mr. Christopher Hillak, Northern Indiana
Mr. Rick Stanitis, Northern Michigan
The Rev. Rachel Harrison, Ohio
Mr. Edward Lasseigne, Southern Ohio
Ms. Jan Goossens, Springfield
Ms. Joanie Smith, Western Michigan
Heather Barta, Province V Coordinator
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