News from Province V - Sept 2023 | |
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Highlights of this edition:
- Opening Prayer
- Big Provincial Gathering 2024 - You are invited!
- Campus Ministry Consultant
- Union of Black Episcopalians - Sunday, September 10
- Proctor Center: Farm to Forest Retreat
- Bellwether Farm: Innovation Day
- Church Periodical Club
- Welcoming Refugees Webinar
- Using Picture Books for Racial Healing
- My Work to Do
- Episcopal Church Foundation
- Episcopal Parish Network
- Season of Creation resources (planning for the fall!)
- The Findhorn Story: Sacredness of All Creation
- Book Corner, sponsored by CPI
- Evangelism Grants - due Oct 13
- Climate & Health Virtual Panel - Sept 26
- Gun Buyback - Lansing, MI, Oct 7
- Networking Conversation
- Affiliated Organizations
- Upcoming Events and Webinars
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Opening Prayer
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
Almighty and Everliving God, you bring forth and sustain every living thing; help us grow in compassion and care for the multitude of your creatures, that we may see them not as objects for our use, but as brothers and sisters that sing your never-ending praise. Through Jesus Christ, our Shepherd and guide, who with you and the Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever.
– Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis, IN
from Episcopal Relief and Development Seasons of Creation Prayers
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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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YOU ARE INVITED!
The BPG is an opportunity to meet new people and connect with others who share your ministry passions. It is structured like a "ministry fair" so that people may host workshops and conversations to share program and resource ideas with others. There will be trainings running from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, a community Eucharist Friday night, and workshops on Saturday.
EVERYONE is invited to come to this event. Mark your calendar now and revisit this page to follow the newest information.
Registration is only $50 for the Friday-Saturday portion and the pre-event trainings can be added for $25. (All of the programming is subsidized through sponsorships. Scholarships are available.)
Workshops!
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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Are you near a higher-ed campus?
Would you like to reach out but don't know how?
Is your parish near an institution of higher learning? (this might be: community college, trade school, specialty training schools - anything that provides post-high school education)
We want to hear from you!
Province V is currently discerning if they should hire a person to be a "Campus Ministry Consultant." This person would work with parish leaders to help them build relationships with the faculty, staff, and/or students of nearby post-high school educational institutions.
If you would like to share your thoughts, questions, or ideas, please contact Heather at 989-413-3229 or provinceVcoordinator@gmail.com with the subject line "campus ministry."
More details about this discernment will be coming soon!
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UBE Sunday
Sunday, September 10 is the Feast Day for the Rev. Alexander Crummell, a priest of the church who was the personification of the will to overcome racism during the 19th century, successfully confronting and prevailing over barriers erected because of his race. His work included founding an organization that opposed the creation of a separate missionary district for Black congregations. An outgrowth of his advocacy, the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) marks this day as UBE Sunday, a celebration for the whole church.
Help bring awareness to an important saint of the Church and the work of UBE by observing Sunday, September 10 liturgically. Resources available for your use are bulletin inserts (half page or full page), a prayer litany, and a collect and alternate lectionary readings. Because this is a Sunday in “ordinary time,” you may use the alternate readings without permission of the Bishop (BCP, p. 16).
Send your story on how you are celebrating UBE Sunday and the Feast Day of Alexander Crummell to leadership@theube.org. Then make a special donation to UBE in support of UBE’s continuation of Crummell’s work to overcome racism in society and in the church.
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Farm to Forest Retreat
Sep. 22-24, 2023
Speakers from Washington, Kentucky, and all over Ohio will be joining us for a weekend filled with activities, discussions, and learning, all grounded in what it means to be a steward of the land. This retreat is for anyone wishing to know more about gardening, composting, and what it means to connect more to nature and God. Learn more about the speakers and registration by visiting www.proctercenter.org.
Registration deadline: September 5, 2023
Information and Registration
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Innovation Day at Bellwether Farm
Join TryTank and St. Barnabas, Bay Village on September 30 for a Spirit-infused day of exploration for all who are interested. The day will allow time to explore new ideas and new connections about topics relevant to the Jesus Movement, church growth, and social justice. During each breakout, you will work with a facilitator to apply design thinking to these huge questions, using methodology from How to Try by the Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija, Executive Director of TryTank, an experimental lab for church growth and innovation, a joint project between Virginia Theological Seminary and the General Theological Seminary. In addition to learning these design thinking and agile practices, attendees are also encouraged to enjoy all that Bellwether Farm has to offer. Worship will be available in the worship barn on Friday night and Saturday morning, and yoga before breakfast on Saturday led by St. Barnabas’ own Sarah Perkins. Cost to register is $25 which includes breakfast and lunch.
If you want to spend the night prior to the event, you have three options:
1. Stay in a retreat room with your own private bathroom - $110 for single occupancy, $130 for double occupancy.
2. Stay in a cabin - $20 - 6 bunks are in each cabin, and there is a centralized building for showers/bathrooms nearby. You’ll need to bring your own sheets/sleeping bag.
3. Stay in a nearby hotel - if the above fill up, you can also stay in a hotel. We will send you information as requested/needed.
If you need transportation to Bellwether or the registration/hotel stay fee is a challenge for you, please let us know and we will make sure you can attend - scholarship funding is available. Contact Halley Marsh for more information.
More information and a schedule.
Deadline to register: September 15, 2023
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HELP NEEDED IN YOUR DIOCESE
to coordinate CPC ‘written material’ grants and funding.
The Church Periodical Club (CPC) is an Episcopal institution. Its ministry is to make grants that supply written materials (both religious and secular) of any type. Through grants supported by funds raised by CPC, these materials are free to those who cannot otherwise obtain them.
CPC Diocesan Coordinator openings exist in all Province V dioceses except Chicago, Ohio, and Springfield. Would you be interested in volunteering? What a great opportunity to learn more about your Diocese!
Time Commitment: Approximately 4 to 5 hours a month serving as the CPC contact for your diocese; writing or sharing occasional diocesan newsletter snippets to spread the word about CPC, communicating with parishes, and encouraging both donations and Grant Requests. Also attend a quarterly Zoom meeting or webinar with other Diocesan CPC Coordinators.
Skills Required: Willingness to learn about the CPC ministry that serves all through access to the written word, and to communicate the ministry needs to others.
Benefits: The satisfying feeling that you are making it possible for children and adults in need to apply for and to receive grants through CPC.
Please Contact: Maryfran Crist, Province V CPC Representative
maryfrancrist64@gmail.com, 815-257-7012
THIS MINISTRY NEEDS YOU!
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Welcoming Refugees
A Small Episcopal Church Takes on a Big Challenge
A Province V Migration Ministries Network Webinar
September 19: 7:00-8:00 PM CT / 8:00-9:00 PM ET
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81246380265 (password: 5)
Network webpage: https://www.provincev.org/migration.html
Our baptismal covenant asks, “Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?” And in the Bible we read and hear the call to welcome the stranger. As people of faith, we are asked to do these things, but in the case of the desperate needs of refugees and asylum seekers the needs can be overwhelming, especially if your parish isn’t large or wealthy, or if you just have no idea where to start.
One small church, St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan, is now on the verge of opening “St John’s House for New Americans,” which will soon provide a comfortable home and needed social support for a large refugee family while they learn about their new environment and gain the ability to live in the US independently.
How is St. John’s, a small church made up of fewer than eighty families, able to do this? To find out, join us for this one-hour webinar on the evening of September 19.
Betsy Sole, the St. John’s parishioner who initially conceived of this two-year long project will share the story of how St. John’s, the Episcopal Diocese of SE Michigan, other churches, community organizations, businesses, neighbors, and Samaritas (the Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Service's resettlement agency) have come together in a way that would have been impossible without the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. They will be ready to welcome their first refugee family within a few weeks.
Who Are Refugees and Asylum-Seekers?
Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their country because of persecution, war, or violence. Refugees have a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. They cannot return home or are afraid to do so.
Asylum-seekers are people who flee their own country and seek sanctuary in another country, where they apply for asylum – the right to be recognized as a refugee and receive legal protection and material assistance. Asylum-seekers must demonstrate that their fear of persecution in the home country is well-founded.
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Using Picture Books for Racial Healing
Registration is now open for Dismantling Racism training sessions in August, September, October, and November. Miriam McKenney leads the trainings, which take place on Zoom.
Each training has three sessions during a month:
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September (12, 19, 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
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October (10, 17, 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
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November (1, 8, 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.). Sign up here.
"The dismantling racism course is terrific," Lissa Barker of St. Patrick's, Dublin, says. "The use of storytelling and scripture brings things into focus that, for me, had been unacknowledged. Another wonderful aspect of this course is the formation of community among the participants. Miriam and Emma made the course easy to access, consistent with the Four-Fold Path of Love, and I truly looked forward to the sessions. Our discussion times flew by as the topics were thought-provoking. I highly recommend this course!"
Email Director of Dismantling Racism in Southern Ohio, Miriam McKenney, to learn more.
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My Work to Do
Founded in 2018, My Work To Do is an online accountability group designed to help white people build stamina for discussing race, racism, systemic injustice, racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in their everyday lives. Black, Indigenous and People of Color allies are welcome with an understanding this is a white-centered, and therefore not always safe, space.
We invite those feeling lost or overwhelmed into the conversation, especially white people who might not have a local anti-racism program or accessible discussion happening in their life.
What you can expect:
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Weekly listening and learning circle that meets on Zoom for 60-90 minutes
- Resources around themes of implicit bias, whiteness as a function, housing discrimination, and systems of white supremacy — as well as where we go from here
- A space to learn, share, heal, and grow
Information and Registration
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How Can Your Endowment Committee Have Meetings that Matter?
An endowment or investment committee provides crucial oversight of church funds. Is your committee able to keep members engaged and attending regularly? Or do you struggle to find members? When you meet, do you understand where to focus? Or do you get sidetracked with unnecessary details? Join us on Tuesday, September 19, at 2 pm Easternfor a 30-minute webinar with the Episcopal Church Foundation’s endowment experts to consider how to have meetings that matter. We will address key features of effective endowment or investment committees and consider how to avoid common committee pitfalls. You will leave ready to invigorate your committee this fall.
Register here:https://bit.ly/Endowmentmeetings
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What is Making Small Congregations THRIVE? 9/18, 3pm EDT - info
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Budgeting Strategies for Uncertain Times - Navigating Choppy Waters 9/20, 3pm EDT - info
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Lessons Learned from the Campaign Trail 9/26, 3pm EDT - info
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Image: Season of Creation: https://seasonofcreation.org/
A new Liturgical Resources for Season of Creation has been assembled by the Rev. John Elliott Lein (priest in Maine) and the Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas (Missioner for Creation for the Diocese of Western Massachusetts and as Creation Care Advisor for the Diocese of Massachusetts). Creation Season 2023: Celebration Guide for Episcopal Parishes, with the updated lectionary for Year A is a resource adapted from prayers, readings, and liturgies created all over the global Anglican Communion and beyond.
This anthology not only provides special liturgies for the season, but also suggests ways to expand our familiar Sunday liturgies and prayers so that they more accurately reflect the whole Gospel for the whole world. Seventeen dioceses in TEC have already authorized its use for the upcoming season.
The guide can be browsed and downloaded at https://newcreationliturgies.org/seasonofcreation/
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The Findhorn Story
Sacredness of All Creation
Join a panel of past and current residents of the world-renowned Findhorn spiritual community and ecovillage in northern Scotland. Begun in 1962, Findhorn has been exploring models for living out spiritual, mystical and ecological beliefs, and it has become one of the world's most unique experiments in creating a life that honors "the sacredness of all creation."
As one of Britain's largest and most historical intentional communities, Findhorn has been home to residents from over 40 countries and has become a legend in itself. This was illustrated in the 1981 film of the year, My Dinner With Andre, in which co-writer Andre Gregory talks about his amazing experiences at Findhorn.
However, like many spiritual and educational organizations, Findhorn has struggled financially in recent years—especially since the pandemic—and it is now finding it necessary to eliminate many of its educational programs, which have trained over 3,000 participants from around the world in applying spiritual values to everyday life.
Yet, the educational wing of Findhorn is only one aspect of what today is a thriving and diverse community. And, currently, the Findhorn Foundation is exploring new and viable operational models to help carry its mission into the future. As co-founder Eileen Caddy often guided, "We are creating stillness in the organization so that we might listen to what is within and hear what is to happen next."
So, what might be the most valuable role or spiritual calling for Findhorn, and ourselves, in the decades ahead in our radically changing world? Don't miss this opportunity to hear the "Findhorn story" directly from some of its earliest leaders as they share their vision and hope for the future.
Information and Registration
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Book Corner
Nourish contemplative living with these new and renowned voices in spiritual leadership.
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Shalem Institute, this collection of essays offers modern contemplative reflections on a variety of topics. Soul Food spotlights authors of different ethnicities, faith backgrounds, and gender identities, while centering the development of day-to-day practices designed to deepen engagement with the divine.
Notable contributors include Gay Byron, professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Howard University who writes about caring for the souls of Black biblical scholars. Carl McColman, well-known Christian mystic and spiritual director, reflects on the nature of God's pronouns. This collection looks to the future, set to serve as an invaluable resource in spiritual formation for the next 50 years, and beyond.
“An illuminating addition to any spiritual library, Soul Food is a testament to the institute’s rich history and commitment to transformative spiritual growth.”
–Fr. Richard Rohr, founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation
Available from any Episcopal bookstore, Church Publishing, Amazon, or your favorite bookstore.
List Price: $28.95 | Paperback | 9781640656345
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Evangelism Grants
Episcopal institutions are invited to apply for evangelism grants to support local and regional efforts to grow Episcopal ministries, resources, and gatherings. The application deadline is Oct. 13.
The grant application, criteria, requirements, budget information, and more are available online in English, Spanish, and French.
The grants committee will consider proposals for up to $2,000 for individual faith communities and up to $8,000 for multichurch, diocesan, provincial, and other regional collaborations. A total of $125,000 is available for this funding cycle.
The 2023 grant focus is on evangelism initiatives that minister across barriers. Projects that would fit this theme include the following:
- Collaborative, lay-led ministries that are not clergy dependent.
- Ministries that explicitly support and include communities traditionally underrepresented in The Episcopal Church.
- Ministries that engage new ways of being the church in new spaces.
Information and application
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Gun Violence Prevention
Gun Buyback in Lansing, Michigan
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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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Archivists
Date of next meeting: Sept 11, 11 am ET / 10 am CT
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89950734030 (password: 5)
Convener: Brian Wilbert, Ohio
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/archivist.html
The Province V Archivists and Historians will hold a one hour zoom meeting on September 11th beginning at 11 a.m. EST and 10 a.m. CST. We will be having a discussion on Workshop topics for the Big Provincial Gathering April 26/27th in South Bend, IN. We will also be having a discussion on software programs for digitizing parish archives, particularly photos. Finally we will be looking at our page on the Province V Website. Please help us reach out to the Diocesan Archivists and Historians so that we can include them in our invitation for this meeting. You can contact the Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilbert, Convener of the Province V Archivists and Historians at bwilbert@oberlin.net or 440.935.2183.
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Creation Care
Date of next meeting: Sept 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
New Program from the Episcopal Church
“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. Sign up to learn more.
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Migration Ministries
Date of next meeting: Sept 19, 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
The September 19 meeting will be a webinar entitled "Welcoming Refugees: A Small Episcopal Church Takes on a Big Challenge"
St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan, is now on the verge of opening “St John’s House for New Americans,” which will soon provide a comfortable home and needed social support for a large refugee family while they learn about their new environment and gain the ability to live in the US independently.
Betsy Sole, the St. John’s parishioner who initially conceived of this two-year long project will share the story of how St. John’s, the Episcopal Diocese of SE Michigan, other churches, community organizations, businesses, neighbors, and Samaritas (the Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Service's resettlement agency) have come together in a way that would have been impossible without the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. They will be ready to welcome their first refugee family within a few weeks!
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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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 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. 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
Mr. Dick Porter, Western Michigan
Heather Barta, Province V Coordinator
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