Pilgrimage to Spain with Bishop Sparks and UTO

During a recent UTO grant site trip to Spain, UTO Staff Officer, the Rev. Cn. Heather Melton, heard on several occasions how The Spanish Episcopal Church might not exist had it not been for the assistance of a bishop from Northern Indiana in the 1950’s. Heather was intrigued both by the historical facts and the ongoing goodwill of Spain towards Northern Indiana and decided to do a little research.

With the assistance of the archives of Northern Indiana, an article written by Bishop Reginald Mallett was discovered. It’s quite a story. In 1890, Archbishop of Armagh (Ireland) consecrated the first Bishop of The Spanish Episcopal Church and assisted in providing both guidance and protection. By the 1950’s, after two World Wars and a Spanish Civil War, the church was persecuted and at risk of disappearing under the Franco regime.

Bishop Mallett, and his wife, made an inaugural trip in 1954, under the guise of taking a vacation. Their fact-finding mission only intensified their desire to help the Spanish Church. In April of 1955, behind locked doors and with “a congregation of over two hundred who had come by twos and threes at an early hour in the morning” the second Bishop of Spain was consecrated, the Rev. Santos Molina, by Bishop Mallett, the Bishop of Europe and the Bishop of Meath. What a fascinating story. To most thoroughly enjoy this, please access the June 1956 issue of Northern Indiana’s monthly newsletter, the Beacon, here: https://archive.org/details/beacon1026epis/page/n171.

To honor this wonderful ministry of Bishop Mallett, and to continue to support The Spanish Episcopal Church, The United Thank Offering has partnered with The Diocese of Northern Indiana to arrange a pilgrimage to Spain. With the help of Corazon Travel, a UTO Pilgrims on the Camino adventure will be offered October 5-14, 2019. This will celebrate Bishop Mallett’s brave action while at the same time raising awareness and funds for an Anglican Center in the city of Santiago de Compostella (where all Christians are welcome to receive communion). For more details on this pilgrimage please refer to https://unitedthankoffering.com/camino or contact Michelle Walker (Missioner for Administration and Communication at the Diocese of Northern Indiana and Associate Staff Officer for The United Thank Offering) at miwalker@episcopalchurch.org.

- The Rev. Cn. Michelle I. Walker

UTO Associate Staff Officer & Missioner for Administration and Communication for the Diocese of Northern Indiana

2019 United Thank Offering Grant applications now accepted

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Applications are now accepted for the 2019 United Thank Offering grants.  More information and the application forms are available here.

The focus for the 2019 United Thank Offering grants is Go: Crossing boundaries created by race, culture, and economics to create communities that listen deeply and learn to live like Jesus.

“Boundaries divide us and encourage us see each other as more different than we are. Jesus was always crossing those kinds of boundaries to include the 'other,' and UTO wants to encourage projects that will continue that work of Jesus to heal divisions and grow the beautifully diverse kingdom of God," commented Sherri Dietrich, United Thank Offering Board President.

Known worldwide as UTO, the United Thank Offering grants are awarded for projects that address a new focus area each year, both domestically and internationally in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. The United Thank Offering was founded to support innovative mission and ministry in the Episcopal Church and to promote thankfulness and mission in the whole Church. 100% of thank offerings given to UTO are granted the following year.

Detailed guidelines for applying for the grants are available online. The deadline is March 1, 2019 at 5 pm Eastern/4 pm Central/3 pm Mountain/2 pm Pacific/1 pm Alaska/ 12 pm Hawaii.

The UTO Grant Committee will offer webinars to answer any questions and go over the application on Tuesday, January 15 and Wednesday, February 13 at noon and 8 pm Eastern/7 pm Central/6 pm Mountain/5 pm Pacific/4 pm Alaska/3 pm Hawaii at https://zoom.us/j/8140408194

The list of allowable and projects not eligible are listed on the UTO website.

The United Thank Offering will accept:

  • grant applications for start-up costs of a new ministry.

  • grant applications for seed money for start-up positions.

  • one grant application per diocese within the Episcopal Church and one per province of the Anglican Communion.

  • one additional application for a companion/partnership grant from a diocese of the Episcopal Church.

United Thank Offering will not fund the continuation of ongoing ministries.

For more information about guidelines and applications, email our EDNIN UTO coordinator, Rev. Canon Michelle Walker.

Submitted by: The Episcopal Church media release

The Reverend Matthew Cowden Candidate for Eighth Bishop of Northern California

The Reverend Matthew Cowden Rector, Saint Michael and All Angels (South Bend, Ind.) Candidate, Eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Northern California

The Reverend Matthew Cowden
Rector, Saint Michael and All Angels (South Bend, Ind.)
Candidate, Eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Northern California

5 December 2018

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Risen Christ, whose coming we await!

Earlier today, the Diocese of Northern California announced their candidates for bishop and the Rev. Matthew Cowden, a priest of our diocese who serves as Rector of St. Michael and All Angels in South Bend, is one of their candidates. Please join me in praying for Matthew and Melissa and their family as the public part of this process now begins. The next step is the walkabout which will occur in January. The Electing Convention is scheduled for 9 February 2019.

I invite you to pray for the people of St. Michael and All Angels as well. The bond between a clergy person and those they are called to serve is deep. While it is a time to rejoice and give thanks for this potential opportunity for Fr. Matthew to be called to serve the wider church in episcopal ministry, this process profoundly effects the life of the faith community of St. Michael and All Angels.

By God’s providence, this news comes to us during Advent, a season which invites us to watch and wait. So, let us pray for all those involved in this process of discernment and election.

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine:  Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen!

Advent Blessings,

Doug

You can view the official release from the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California here.

Letter from the Bishop - November 2018

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16 November 2018

Dear Sisters, Brothers and Siblings,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Light for all people!

I hope this finds you well during this season of gratitude and thanksgiving, even in the midst of our challenges and transitions! For most of us, it is a time when we are asked to make a financial commitment in support of the mission, ministry, and management of our particular Episcopal Church and I want to encourage your generosity and steps toward sacrificial giving!

This has been a year of conventions! Over 1,000 deputies and bishops gathered in Austin, Texas in July for the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Our deputies and I had the opportunity to share the highlights and actions during our Deanery Gatherings in September and October but I thought it would be helpful to share some of them with those who receive our monthly eNews!

At the initiative of members of the House of Bishops, Episcopalians were invited to share, confidentially, their stories of sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse. A process was designed to receive individual submissions which were responded to by a bishop. We received over 40 submissions. As part of the Episcopal Church’s commitment to respond intentionally, a Liturgy of Lament and Repentance, during which portions of the submissions were read aloud by a bishop, occurred on Wednesday evening, 4 July.

There were also opportunities to bear public witness throughout our time in Texas.  Bishops United Against Gun Violence prepared a time for public witness each day of General Convention focused on various kinds of deaths caused by guns which included days to remember those killed in mass shootings and school shootings as well as those killed by guns in domestic violence and police shootings. We gathered on Sunday, 8 July for a public witness in downtown Austin.

On Sunday afternoon, Episcopalians, on 21 coach buses, travelled to the T. Don Hutto Female Detention Center in Taylor, Texas in public witness to “the actions of the U.S. government in its enforcement of immigration policies that have separated families over the last couple of months and have led to roundups and deportations of migrants.” *

A typical Convention day begins with a legislative committee hearing at 7:30 a.m. followed by a brief break to get to your legislative session in the House of Deputies or House of Bishops which begins at 10:30 a.m. Both houses break for lunch at 1 p.m. and resume their legislative session at 2:15 p.m. The afternoon legislative session ends at 5 p.m. followed by the Eucharist.  After an hour for dinner, the evening typically resumes with legislative committee meetings or legislative hearings at 7:30 p.m. which usually conclude by 9 p.m.  I want to take this opportunity to thank our deputies: Brian Grantz, Ted Kimball, Susan Haynes, Pamela Harris, Matthew Cowden, Christopher Hillak, Terri Bays, Tim Skimina and Michelle Walker for their good and productive work on behalf of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana! 

Throughout the nine days, there were four joint sessions.  Three were called TEConversations which focused on racial reconciliation and racial justice, evangelism, and care of creation. The fourth joint session was a presentation on the triennial budget of the Episcopal Church.

Over 400 resolutions were submitted for our consideration during the General Convention.  Some of the key areas of discussion and action took place around Prayer Book revision, diversity and inclusion, marriage access for all, and readmitting the Diocese of Cuba to the Episcopal Church. You can review the actions of General Convention and find a publication on the General Convention website listing the actions of General Convention.

Our Diocesan Convention was held on Saturday, 3 November, in South Bend. We gathered for the Eucharist at the Cathedral of Saint James and then made our way to the First United Methodist Church for lunch and our business meeting. I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped in making convention happen for us this year, especially the members of the Cathedral and our missioners, particularly Canon Michelle Walker!

As part of our ongoing work in Becoming Beloved Community, which is our focus on racial reconciliation and racial justice, during our time in convention, we watched three videos prepared by the Presiding Bishop’s Office reflecting on a Truth and Reconciliation Pilgrimage to Ghana taken by the Presiding Bishop and others in January, 2017. After each video, we engaged in table conversation. It is my hope that we will continue this important work and conversations on Becoming Beloved Community throughout Northern Indiana.

With a financial grant of $75,000 from the Roanridge Trust of the Episcopal Church, we will focus our attention on engaging our rural faith communities in story-sharing around race, faith and difference. We had an initial Becoming Beloved Community Gathering on Saturday, 20 October at St. Anne’s, Warsaw.  Our Missioner for Community Engagement, Adrien Niyongabo, is working with a planning team to move this process forward in the coming months.

The wider church has prepared two curricula for Advent focused on Becoming Beloved Community and Journeying the Way of Love: Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life. You can find links to these resources in this eNews!

I want to end with a few sentences which concluded my Pastoral Address at Convention!  “So, let us go forth from this holy place, continuing to build houses of prayer and worship, where all are loved and treasured, taught and claimed…where all are truly welcomed! Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen!”

Be assured of my ongoing prayer for each of you!

Every blessing,

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks
Serving as Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

 

*from Episcopal News Service, 8 July 2018 by Lynette Wilson

#poweroflove

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In celebration of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s new book, The Power of Love, the Episcopal Church is asking this question.

What moment will you always remember as one where you saw the power of love firsthand?

Many have likely happened with the people you sit next to each week, or perhaps it was the birth of a child, or witnessing a first responder or volunteer offer relief after a natural disaster. Whatever it is, we would like you to share it on social media. It can be a text post, a photo, a video, anything, just be sure to include #poweroflove. Post on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Snapchat, or any platform that you use and love.

By spreading this message of love, inclusiveness, and togetherness, we can, in the words of Bishop Curry, “change lives, and change this world.” I can’t wait to see your power of love moments and share mine with you as well.

Submitted by Nancy Davidge, Public Affairs Officer for the The Episcopal Church

Uprooting Racial Injustice

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Gethsemane Episcopal Church hosted Uprooting Racial Injustice: A Racial Reconciliation Workshop on Saturday, October 14. Fifty to sixty people attended the event which addressed events in Marion, Ind. These included the 1930 lynching of two young black men, a police video in which four white police officers were taped holding down a young black man, and racist statements issued by a local official. The event focused on table discussions following three presentations on these issues. Those attending were invited to share their reactions, and to consider ways to move forward to deal with racism in our community. The day concluded with a prayer of reconciliation prepared by the international Community of the Cross of Nails, of which Gethsemane is a member.

Andrew Morrell, pastor of the REAL Community Covenant Church, a largely African-American group with whom Gethsemene partnered has this to say.

"I'm grateful for a couple of reasons: 1.) Torri Williams-Doehla did a phenomenal job of explaining American history and racism during [the] racial reconciliation workshop. Great work sister! 2.) White Christians who are seeking to understand the construction of racism/whiteness, it’s demonic impact on humanity, and tangible ways to proactively stand against racial injustice. Thank you Father Jim & Gethsemane Episcopal Church for rejecting complicity and silent spirituality for the sake of what’s right for all of humanity created in God’s image. You are bearing a credible witness of a Righteous Messiah named Jesus Christ. The more that Christians seek racial righteousness, the closer we’ll get to God’s beautifully just kingdom."

The workshop was featured on the front page of the Marion newspaper, the Chronicle Tribune. Read the article here.

Article submitted by Fr. Jim Warnock, Rector of Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Marion.

Saint David's Unity Garden

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It all began with a vision. While attending seminary at The School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee, Fr Joshua Nelson’s class planned and planted the first Seminary Community Garden based on a concept learned in Old Testament studies. In Leviticus 19:9-10, God commands the people of Israel, “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the Lord your God.” (NRSV). Based on this principle, the seminary garden became known as a Corners & Edges Garden, serving the seminary and Sewanee community.

First planting of the Unity Garden at Saint David’s, Elkhart.

First planting of the Unity Garden at Saint David’s, Elkhart.

When Father Joshua made his first visit to St David’s in December 2016, he looked out the west windows of the nave. Through the snow, he could see the outline of a sidewalk in basilica form with a bell on the east end and a wooden cross at the west. He enquired what was beneath the snow. Upon hearing that it was a grass lot he received a vision of the space converted into a garden. After arriving to take up the position of priest-in-charge, it became clear through conversations and off-sided comments with various parishioners, that God had been quietly planting such a vision with this community of St David’s for quite some time. Fr Joshua drew out plans for seven raised beds to surround the close. When presented to the vestry, the vision was met with great excitement and one family offered to cover the cost of construction. 

In the fall of 2017, seven large raised beds (four 25’ x 5’ rectangles and three 6’ x 6’ square boxes) were made. All the boxes are 3’ high, constructed of cedar planks with a 6” cap for seating. It was our hope that this design would make planting and harvesting accessible to all. In August of that year, one of the sons of the parish was married and the father of the bride constructed a large oak cross for the ceremony. Upon hearing of the garden project he donated the new cross to the parish in thanksgiving for the marriage. It would replace the old oak cross which stood in the close. The old cross was handmade of century-old oak salvaged from the barn of one of the charter families of St David’s parish and for nearly three decades had hung on the wall behind the altar before being replaced by a brass and rod iron crucifix which hangs there today. The verticle beam of this old cross was cut to size and incorporated into the walls of one of the square boxes of the garden, ensuring this blessed symbol would remain a part of St David’s for years to come.

Over the winter the boxes filled with snow and stood for the community to hope for what might be. With the thaw of late April, the boxes were filled with a combination of rich soil and mushroom compost. On the Spring Rogation Day, members of the congregation gathered for a litany procession around the bounds of this new garden as the boxes and cross were blessed by words, songs, and the sprinkling of Holy Water. That evening was doubly special as we then gathered inside for the Mass and the internment of one of our dear member's cremains to the Calibarium of the Holy Cross, which stands near a window overlooking the newly blessed garden. We buried our Sister in the hope of resurrection, we blessed the dead earth and dried seed in the hope of new life to come. As the mass continued the clouds opened to a brief but full spring shower as the Spirit of God too descended upon this new project. The work was done yet just beginning. It was decided early on that the Garden would be a Unity Garden,as well as fully organic so it would be safe for anyone at any time to harvest.Unlike a Community Garden which rents or hold allotments for various members of a co-op-like organization to plant, tend, and harvest of their own space, a unity garden functions fully for others. Our faith community would plant and tend the space, harvesting as was necessary, but leaving the bulk of the blessings for any and all who wished to partake. Not only would this be a place to be fed in body but also in spirit. The close now serves as a Creation Chapel, where all may come to sit, listen, pray, play, and pick of all that God has to offer. At the entrance to the garden stand two plastics cases; one with bags to carry produce and the other with fliers of information. They tell about the garden, what is planted, how to harvest and keep it, as well as health benefits and some recipes. 

The first year of this new ministry has been a great success. God has blessed us with a bumper crop. Although we had a few lessons to learn about pruning and cabbage worms, the growth began to overspread their allotments. It became a regular practice for parishioners to arrive at the parish hall early on Sunday to spend some time in the garden before Mass, and then return to the garden to take home some herbs and vegetables for Sunday supper. Members of the community would stop by after work to either pick of the bounty or simply play in the dirt and spend a few moments communing with God in the midst of creation. A few times the days picking was very full and we were blessed with great abundance. Sacks of freshly picked produce were given to our neighbors at North Pointe Apartments and Mary Feeser Elementary School free of charge and with an invitation to join us in reaping the fruits of the harvest. Families began coming together. Parents were introducing their children to the lessons of the garden and made use of a seat in the shade or the parish playground. One day Father Joshua decided to set up a donation Farmers Market in front of St David’s. This provided even more opportunity for conversation, evangelism, and getting to know our neighbors. All the produce was free for the taken, we simply asked for a donation to promote the work of the Unity Garden. 

As the summer ends and the winds change their direction, the garden teaches us to observe the seasons of life. Herbs are cut and hung to dry, later to be placed in jars and used through the coming months. The last of the fruits are pickled or frozen as dead plants are removed and the ground is prepared for winter. The parables continue as we cover the perennials with leaves and straw, entombing them until they break forth next spring to once again sing the glory of God, inviting us to the alter of creation and building the bridges of grace into our community.

Written by: The Reverend Joshua Nelson, Priest-in-Charge at St. David’s, Elkhart

#VoteFaithfully

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“We are blessed as a nation to vote. As citizens of this country, this is a right, an obligation, and a duty. Go vote. Vote your conscience. Your conscience inspired by what it means to love your neighbor, to participate in the process of seeking the common good, to participate in the process of making this a better world. However you vote, go and vote. And do that as followers of Jesus.”

-Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations and Diocese of Northern Indiana ask you to get involved in the 2018 elections. We encourage you to:

  1. REGISTER yourself and others to vote

  2. MOBILIZE your community to the polls

  3. COMMUNICATE your commitment to #VoteFaithfully

  4. ADVOCATE with @TheEPPN for fair voting rights for all

  5. VOTE on Election Day - November 6

Cool Your conversation down with civil discourse. Engage in conversation intended to enhance understanding. Keep in mind:

  • Consider the merits and faults of positions including your own

  • Seek to make the best decisions possible when participating in the democratic process

  • Tenets include: respect, listening deeply, mutuality, openness, honesty, humility, and careful speech

  • All issues do not have to be fully discussed in one sitting

  • Stay focused on one topic at a time

  • Conversations can stop if your physical or emotional safety is in jeopardy

  • Start with values, see that we share more in common than differing political opinions may reveal

  • Hold the space for disagreement as a sacred, creative space

  • Policy is messy in development and outcome

  • Be courageous

  • You can engage in civil discourse starting today

Daughters of the King "Sing a New Song"

Daughters of the King Executive Board L-R: Cynthia Guzzo (Treas.) Toy Stick (Coresponding Sec.), Julie Chandler (Pres.), Elaine Fazzaro (VP), Barb Schramm (Sec.)

Daughters of the King Executive Board L-R: Cynthia Guzzo (Treas.) Toy Stick (Coresponding Sec.), Julie Chandler (Pres.), Elaine Fazzaro (VP), Barb Schramm (Sec.)

The Diocesan Daughters of the King Fall Assembly was held at Holy Family, Angola, on Saturday October 6.

Julie Chandler, President of the Daughters of the King, had the following reflections on the Fall Assembly. “What a blessed day we had Oct.6, 2018 at the fall assembly at Holy Family in Angola. We had 29 lovely ladies who attended the Fall Assembly, one special guest being our Provincial President Kathy Schultz. We started the day with the service of remembrance for our dear sister Emily Hostetter from Mary and Martha Trinity Episcopal in Ft. Wayne. We then went to "singing school" with Father Tom. We had the parade of banners as we processed in for Holy Eucharist. It was so beautiful it was breathtaking! The luncheon was simply delicious. President Julie led the Kairos Outside Prison Ministry workshop on Agape love. The entire day was a blessing from God.” 

Fr. Tom Adamson shared the following reflection. “Our theme was "Sing a New Song!" We had two workshops, one led by Fr. Tom Adamson on learning to appreciate and use the "S" section of the Hymnal 1982; a second workshop was led by Julie Chandler, Diocesan president, a craft making session in support of "Kairos Inside," a Cursilo-like weekend for women loved-ones of prison inmates. We were also graced by the presence of Kathy Schultz, Province V DoK coordinator.”

St. Thomas, Plymouth, will host the Spring Assembly.

Congratulations to Missioner Michelle Walker!

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On October 1, Missioner Michelle began a new part-time adventure as Associate Staff Officer for the United Thank Offering. This position is in addition to her part-time work as Missioner for Administration and Communication for Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana. Michelle is thrilled for this opportunity and thankful to continue her work at the Diocese. Please join us in congratulating Missioner Michelle on this great opportunity!

Click here for the official announcement from United Thank Offering.

Introducing our new Missioner for Digital Communications

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Christopher A. Hillak Missioner for Digital Communications

Christopher A. Hillak
Missioner for Digital Communications

Bishop Doug is excited to announce that Christopher Hillak is joining the diocesan staff as the part-time Missioner for Digital Communications. In this ten-hour per week position, Christopher will have responsibility for managing our website, creating social media content, and designing the enewsletter. He will also assist with events and the overall branding of the diocese.

Christopher brings to the diocesan team more than eighteen years of experience in marketing campaigns, project management, event planning and coordination, media planning/placement, and information technology through his work in advertising, higher education, publishing, and technology. He is currently employed full time as the Operations Lead at Apple, Inc. A graduate of Indiana University, Christopher earned a Bachelor of General Studies degree with a minor in Religious Studies. He is currently a candidate at Indiana University for the degree of Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in Non-Profit Administration. 

Within the diocese, Christopher currently serves as the Senior Warden and on several committees at the Cathedral of Saint James, South Bend. Previously, he was the Music Director and Communications Coordinator at Saint Michael and All Angels, South Bend. He also has served the diocese four times as a delegate to Diocesan Convention, a deputy to Province V Synod, and as a deputy to General Convention where he was the Secretary of the Credentials Committee. 

In his free time, Christopher enjoys cheering for the Fighting Irish at soccer matches and other sporting events, playing the piano, enjoying the arts, and traveling. Christopher resides in Osceola, Ind. with his husband, Andrew, and their three dogs and two cats.

Watch the video below where Bishop Doug introduces Christopher Hillak as the new Missioner for Digital Communications.

Backpacks Galore @ Trinity, Logansport

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Happy backpack recipients

Happy backpack recipients

The School Supply Give Away at Trinity Episcopal Church in Logansport, Indiana is a mixture of organization and chaos. It is rewarding and frustrating at the same time as we know that not all needs are being met. Our goal is for every student and family who comes to us goes to school on that first day feeling good about themselves, with new supplies ready and eager to learn. Our program has been running for twelve years and it is an undertaking that requires advance planning as well as savvy shoppers. As soon as the event occurs we begin shopping for the next year!

This year almost nine hundred students received supplies and backpacks individualized by grade and school.  Volunteers from our parish, the community, and the local work release program work together daily the week prior to the event to organize and fill our pews with bags of supplies. Our parishioners provide lunch for the volunteers each day which is a ministry in itself. (The work release individuals do not get home cooked meals at the facility.) By the end of the week, not only are the pews filled but the volunteers are filled also. Last year one of the work release volunteers asked me why we did this. It was a perfect opportunity to minister and share.  During the event he looked at me and said, “Now I understand.”

 Patrons line up at the front door of the church. After filling out a slip detailing the student’s grade and school, they are met at the front door by volunteers who retrieve the specific bags from the pews. Guests are then led to our parish hall where each student chooses a backpack. Backpacks and supplies in hand, the students then go into our parking lot where there is free popcorn, hot dogs, drinks, and even clothing. Families are free to take whatever clothing they want.

In the background there is guitar music and singing. And there is plenty of laughter and conversation. Volunteers seem to be everywhere packing more bags as the pews empty, cooking hotdogs, popping corn, meeting the needs of the multitude of people who come. Various social agencies have tables set up to let people know what services are available to them and their children so many questions are being answered.

It is our desire that each family feels welcomed, loved, and accepted. We are grateful for what God has given to us and we are grateful as a parish to share what we have been given.

- Written by The Rev. Clark Miller, Priest in Charge of Trinity Episcopal Church, Logansport

Holy Family Co-hosts "Community Conversations"

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Community Conversations @ Cahoots in Angola, IN

Community Conversations @ Cahoots in Angola, IN

Throughout the month of August, residents from Angola and beyond gathered at the invitation of local congregations (incl. Holy Family) and the Community Coalition for Change ("CCC") to practice dialogue and deliberation around important and often contentious social issues. Our goal was not only to practice listening to each other, but to discover common ground for local, next steps we might take.

In July, Fr. Tom Adamson was invited by Pastor Daryl Emry of Calvary Lutheran in Angola to join clergy from the Methodist, Congregational, and Roman Catholic churches to discern 4 social topics, which might be difficult for people to talk about with one another. Immigration, Gun Violence, Opioid Addiction, and Energy Choices were selected. Next the clergy invited the CCC, a group of Angola citizens with no religious affiliation who seek to work for a just society, to join in the design process.

Each session was well attended and produced a desire to take action, for example, the design team is looking into inviting an immigration lawyer to help the community learn more about the complexities of immigration law; and the Faith Community Health Clinic (housed in Holy Family) is working to collect unused prescription pain medications to prevent opioid abuse.

Special thanks to Angola Mayor Dick Hickman, to Fr. Joshua Nelson for attending all four sessions (commuting from Elkhart), and Missioner Adrien Niyongabo for attending the second session.

- the Rev. Tom Adamson, Holy Family Episcopal Church, Angola, IN

Blessings, Backpacks, and the Modern Mission Field

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Saint David of Wales on the north side of Elkhart City near Simonton Lake has had a long standing history with Mary Feeser Elementary School. In the early 1960’s the congregation of St John the Evangelist in downtown Elkhart took on the project of establishing a Mission to the expanding north side. A property was purchased for the construction of the new church, but in the meantime a congregation was formed and in need of place for meeting. On 16 February 1964, the First Sunday in Lent, 126 persons gathered with The Rev’d George Johnson for a service of Holy Communion in the old gymnasium of Mary Feeser School. This continued until the Feast of All Saints of that year when the community met for the first time in the current building less than a quarter mile east of the school where they had first celebrated the Mass together.

Over the decades the parish has maintained a relationship with the school. Many parishioners were either students or teachers at Mary Feeser. As time past, through natural parish decline and less children in the community the relationship between the two institutions remained but became less active.

In 2015, the parishes newly ordained deacon the Rev’d Clay Berkley, a former student of Mary Feeser, shared a vision with the parish to support the teachers and students down the street with new backpacks and school supplied. That year they focused on Kindergarten and expanded from there.

 In 2017, after the annual blessing of the backpacks Fr. Joshua, Deacon Clay, and the newly commissioned Chair for Outreach, Cynthia Guzzo, began to discuss ways to enrich the program and increase engagement between the parish and the school. We began searching for ways to bring the students into the parish.

 During the late summer of 2018, we began collecting bags and supplies with a goal of providing fifty filled backpacks with all the supplies requested for Kindergarten and 1st Grade classrooms. We worked in conjunction with the MFES administration and established an event on 12 August 2018, to run just prior to the school Sundae Sunday that evening.

 The morning of 12 August the fifty filled backpacks were placed in the sanctuary around the altar. At an appointed time during the Mass the congregation stood to pray a litany for all students, parents, guardians, teachers, and administration going into the upcoming school year. Fr Joshua concluded with the following blessing as holy water was sprinkled on each bag.

Almighty God, bless these backpacks and supplies, as well as all students, teachers, and staff of Mary Feeser Elementary School. In the name of Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

 Copies of the Litany and Blessing were added to each bag so that in this way the prayers of the entire faith community were sent out over our community. A card with Psalm 22:6, A Prayer for the Care of Children from the BCP, and an invitation to our community was also added and given to each parent or guardian.

That evening rising kindergarten and first grade students arrived at St David’s with their families. The parish hall and nave were filled with music and children laughter as the students were met at the door where they signed their name and received a ticket for a free backpack. They then met Fr. Joshua or Deacon Clay who wrote their name on a new tag, inviting the children to choose a sticker in order to personalize their bag. The tags reading “This bag has been blessed by St David’s Episcopal Church” were attached to the straps as students struggled to wear the bags which were often larger than they. After receiving their bag the entire family was invited to enjoy a meal of hot dogs, chips, and drinks before moving on to Sundae Sunday at the school for a little dessert, to meet their teachers, and see their new classroom for the first time.

 That night we gave away fourteen bags full of supplies and served a meal to a gathering of fifty friends and family.  The leftover food was given to the overnight crew of Elkhart’s finest at Fire Station 6 and the remaining bags and supplies were taken to the school office the following day.

 In the words of Fr. Joshua on the night. “It’s our first time doing it this way so whatever happens it’s a record.” We are excited about all that God is doing in our midsts and we are encouraged to continue answering God’s call as needs increase to expand our program and build an even closer relationship with our friends and neighbors. Our parish was started as a mission and in this little way we continue to serve this, our mission field.

 -          The Rev’d Joshua Nelson, St David’s - Elkhart

The Circus Came to Town - Diocesan Youth Summer Camp

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Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages: Did you hear that the circus came to town?  From around the diocese and beyond, we gathered in Milford, Indiana for a week-long residential camp of circus  adventures.  Our very talented staff entertained campers under the big top every morning with stunts and tricks like high jumps, handstands, juggling, bubble gum blowing contests and more.  (Behind-the-scenes talents also included handling any and all camper needs, whether it was through music, quiet conversations, or boisterous games - all while sharing the love of God.)

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Over 100 youth participated in typical camp activities throughout the week like swimming, boating, field games, and art, along with campfires and cabin activities.  You would be amazed at how these were all geared to the circus theme.  Some of the daily bible stories talked about Queen Esther, Daniel and the Lion's Den, and Jesus' Healing of the Blind Man.  They taught us to trust God, that prayer helps us hold fast to God, and that God calls us through our imperfections and unusual gifts.  Inviting God to be our ringmaster and putting our "whole selves in" was really what it was all about.

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There were many highlights of the week.  We had a visit from Professor Steve (http://waldotheclown.com), who taught us about the science of the circus, how to make cotton candy, walk a tight rope, and even the unsavory origins of pink lemonade!  We held a carnival night - complete with a dunk tank, a strong man sledge hammer, frog fling, face painting, ring toss, and bobbling for apples.  We even had a custom-made escape room experience that blended historical fact, pop culture, and our imaginations to solve the mystery of Barnum and Bailey's in an hour-long team building activity.

For more photos and video, please visit the Youth Summer Camp website at https://episcopalcamp.wordpress.com/multimedia/

Dates for next year are still in the works, but check back at the website listed above periodically for how you can be a part of next year's youth summer camp!

Submitted by Kim Gray

Saint Alban’s Fort Wayne Completes London Pilgrimage

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During the last week of July, Saint Alban's of Fort Wayne youth group went on a pilgrimage to London and the original Saint Alban's in England. The trip was helped by a grant from the Center for Congregations.  Matt Burke, the director of the Center for Northeast Indiana, helped kickoff our pilgrimage on the Sunday before we left with a special pilgrimage commissioning.  The group also appreciated the prayer support of many in the church.

The group had been preparing for the pilgrimage for over a year. Pilgrimage classes were held every third Sunday of the month in the evening, and anyone could attend.  The classes focused on learning the Church History of England and British culture. The two main pilgrimage sites were Westminster Abbey and the original Saint Alban’s. 

We visited Westminster Abbey the Thursday we were there. After a beautiful Holy Communion service held in the nave, the on-call priest, Reverend Giles, took us to the Shrine of Saint Edward the Confessor for a special prayer service. This is generally not something most people get to do. However, the people at the Abbey were wonderful. After this we received a special tour of the Abbey.

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Our time at Saint Alban's was equally  blessed. David Skidmore of “The Friends of Saint Alban” set-up a blessed day for us. We came to worship on the Sunday we were there.  Dean Jeffrey John was very gracious and invited Fr. Dan to preach. The Dean celebrated at the High Altar in a beautiful service. We also received a great tour giving us a tremendous look at the history, ending at the Shrine of Saint Alban.

Our pilgrimage had other foci as well. We visited The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, a bus tour of the city, a river boat cruise, Platform 9 3⁄4 (of Harry Potter fame), and a visit to the British Museum. In addition many in our group went to Stonehenge, Kensington Palace, Abbey Road, and a tour of the M&M factory. We also had fun in the evenings riding the London Eye, Going to the Hard Rock Cafe, seeing a hilarious play called “The Play that Goes Wrong,” and a funny ghost bus tour on Saturday evening.

The people of London and Saint Alban's were absolutely wonderful and extremely helpful. We ran into many London “angels” who helped our experience be a special one not soon forgotten. Pilgrimage is about seeing how God transforms us on a very special journey. God certainly touched the lives of many on our London Pilgrimage.

To see photos of the experience visit the Saint Albans youth group  Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/Saint-Albans-Youth-Group-123906497747/

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Written by the Rev. Dan Laydon, Rector of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Fort Wayne