Creation Care

First Annual Earth Day Event Resources

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Thank you to all who participated in the Creation Care Commission presents: First Annual Earth Day Event!

Below are links to some resources discussed today.

EDNIN Creation Care Network

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To the Clergy and Lay Leadership of the Diocese of Northern Indiana,

The current pandemic has shaken all of our routines and mindsets. We have had to re-imagine the church without our buildings and through the digital medium have made the move to worshiping in Spirit rather than in place. I hope this time has also allowed us to reexamine our use of land and resources and determine what is truly important to us. 

Over the last six months, I have worked alongside Episcopal partners from across the country as part of the ChurchLands Pilot Cohort. Although our time and discussion have not gone as we planned in January, the fruits of our labor are nevertheless evident. The global shutdown showed us how quickly nature can heal herself if we but get out of the way. And all this time indoors has taught us the strength of our holy connection to the land, the water, the air, and all of creation. We are of the earth, we are called to tend to her while we age, and we return to her to aid new growth for the next generation. 

To that end, I would like us to take the next step as a diocese to move forward in faith with God in the care of creation. This falls most clearly under the banner of our Fifth Mark of Mission: To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. But we have found that in following the first command in the book of Genesis, “to guard and tend the garden” in a myriad of ways allows us to also live into the promise of the other four Marks of Mission. This may be through recycling, through planting and tending Good News Gardens, or simply engaging with our waste and resources as a parish and diocesan community. 

To help us engage in this work I would like to invite each parish to name one member as a Creation Care Liaison to the Diocesan Creation Care Commission. This person will be the point of contact for our commission and will be asked to provide statistical information about your parish land and use. We are following the framework laid out by the Faithful Stewards Commission to form a network within our Diocese to help us all in this godly endeavor. 

Please forward a name and contact email for your Creation Care Liaison to us at creationcare@ednin.org, by August 1, 2020. 

Thank you for your time and consideration and for the good work you are doing for the Kingdom here on Earth.

Blessings in Christ,
The Rev. Joshua Nelson
EDNIN Creation Care Commission Chair

Season of Creation, September 1-October 4, 2020 Devotions offered by four leaders

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Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry and the leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have prepared a series of devotions to observe the Season of Creation 2020, September 1–October 4.

The season, which begins on September 1 with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, is a time to join with the global Christian community in renewing, repairing and restoring commitments to God, to one another and to all of creation. For the four churches, it is also a time for strengthening relationships with one another. Through Scripture, hymns, advocacy and action, the weekly devotions, which are designed to be bulletin inserts for each of the five Sundays during the Season of Creation, begin Sunday, September 6, and invite people to live out their vocation as stewards of creation.

“We pray that our actions as stewards of God’s good creation will continue to deepen not only in this season, but for all time,” said The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). “Even as our relations as churches are not bound by national or ecclesiastical borders, neither is our witness to the One who came to redeem all of creation.”

In addition to Eaton, the devotions were contributed by the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop and primate, The Episcopal Church; the Rev. Susan C. Johnson, national bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada; and the Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, archbishop and primate of the Anglican Church of Canada.

“I pray that these reflections will open hearts and minds to experience our relationship in and with all of creation in new ways,” said Nicholls.

The first devotion for Sunday September 6 introduces the theme of “Renewing, repairing and restoring,” in which Curry, Eaton, Johnson, and Nichols stress the significance of a collective responsibility in caring for creation. They reflect, “Waking up to matters of climate justice and environmental stewardship are among the most important callings people have today. Over many years, through many voices, our churches have come to a growing conviction that loving our neighbor includes loving Mother Earth as a neighbor.”

“It is timely, relevant and exciting for our churches to join together in prayer, worship and reflection during the Season of Creation,” said Johnson. “With open hearts, minds and souls may we discern new actions and practices to show love for God’s creation.”

Curry said, “In this season of activism as we seek God’s liberating, life-giving love for all, may these prayers and devotions inspire us to care for a world in which all creation can flourish.”

The relations among the four churches have moved more closely toward “mutual recognition,” bringing into mutual relation the Episcopal and ELCA churches through the “Called to Common Mission” agreement in the United States and the Anglican and ELCA churches of Canada through the Waterloo Declaration. A Memorandum of Mutual Recognition (MMR) was approved by both Canadian churches in July 2019. The 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted constitutional changes embracing the Anglican Church of Canada, and in November 2019 the Church Council adopted the MMR. One notable feature of the MMR is that it cites the experience of Indigenous people “not divided by national borders established by colonialist power” as grounds for expanding shared life among the churches. Once The Episcopal Church acts, the mutual recognition of the four churches will come into full effect.

The Season of Creation devotions are available here and here.

(Shared from a press release from the Office of Public Affairs.)

Reflections on the Province V Big Provincial Gathering

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Reflections from EDNIN participants

“I want to say a word of thanks to those that participated in the Big Provincial Gathering, the first of its kind in the Episcopal Church, that took place in Kalamazoo, MI. I want to say a word of thanks to all those in our diocese from several faith communities who participated, who were presenters, and a special word of thanks to Christopher Hillak, to Fr. Matthew Cowden, and to Sean Meade who worked as part of the Provincial team to make the event as wonderful as it was.”
— The Right Reverend Dr. Douglas E. Sparks, VIII Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana
“Province V’s Big Provincial Gathering far exceeded my expectations. Our keynote speaker, The Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija, captivated those gathered with his joyful, enthusiastic, and insightful presentation on leadership and innovation. Workshops of all descriptions highlighted vital ministries and best practices all around our province, fostered stimulating conversation, and encouraged action in our own communities. Worship was a wonderful mix of old and new, formal and informal, with powerful singing and preaching. I look forward to (hosting?) the next one!”
— The Very Rev. Brian G. Grantz, Dean and Rector, The Cathedral of Saint James (South Bend)
“There is such high value in simply being together. The BPG allowed for that and much more. The educational topics ranged from farm-food ministries to incorporating newcomers to racism to being the church in the 21st century. if you were not able to attend I highly recommend going to the Province V Facebook page and watching the keynote address, even a portion of it. Lorenzo Lebrija was inspiring and entertaining as he encouraged us to try new and unique ways to be the church in the world. Try something new and don’t be afraid to fail. Make a new friend within and beyond to the church. After all, that’s what we did at the BPG. ”
— The Rev. Matthew Cowden, Rector, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (South Bend)
“My biggest take away from the gathering was the hunger I experienced for something new that echoed throughout the conversations and workshops I attended. Everywhere I went I encountered people willing to step out of their comfort zones to try new ideas and approaches to proclaiming the gospel message. Some ideas were simple, others grand but each had its root in a desire to spread knowledge of Gods love to others. The willingness to try something new was no more inspiringly presented than in the message from Father Lorenzo. The openness to trying new things is a wonderful exercise of our faith in action. Part of trying is failing but if at the core of what we are doing is a desire to share God’s love with others, then I fail to see the failure in trying. ”
— Jordan Trendelman, St. Alban's Episcopal Church (Fort Wayne)
“I enjoyed the Big Provincial Gathering. It was good to meet and talk with people from other dioceses in an informal setting. The various presentations were well done and interesting. I was particularly impressed with Marcia Ledford’s session on the role of progressive voices in the public square. That information will be very useful to us in the future. Our own talk on racial reconciliation in Marion was well attended with lots of good questions.

The most interesting thing happened in the hotel lobby on Friday. I was wearing my clericals and carrying signs for the Lights for Liberty event that evening. A man approached me with questions, and it became apparent that he thought I was an anime character in costume from their convention which was also in the hotel. That was unique.”
— The Rev. Cn. Dr. James Warnock, Rector, Gethsemane Episcopal Church (Marion)
“Saturday morning mass was a great coming together of members of a newly formed community united by song, scripture, and Eucharist. I felt made new and ready to “go forth.” As a presenter of part of a workshop dealing with the difficult issue of racism, I was heartened to work with a diverse, thoughtful, and committed group. Besides a couple of beautiful summer days in Kalamazoo, who could ask for more?”
— Bill Munn, Gethsemane Episcopal Church (Marion)
“It was a joy and privilege for me to participate in the Big Provincial Gathering of the Province V of the Episcopal Church and be repeatedly immersed in the blessings, which were sparkling from the simple smile of a friend, little chat I had with some new and old friends I met, warm welcome from hosts and organizers, meals, exhibitors’ booths I visited, keynote speech, workshops, music, and Eucharist celebration.

Dismantling Racism workshops will be my focus in the following lines as I share my takeaway. I was vividly struck by the increasing enthusiasm and dedication that shine through various and diverse activities churches are carrying on in their initiatives to respond to the harm and hurt engendered by racism.

“Finding Common Ground Through Racial Reconciliation” (workshop #12) was presented as part of an initiative of Northern Michigan Diocese, focusing on, among other things, building positive relationships with indigenous communities. After one of the presenters, who happened to be Native American, shared his healing story, a strong voice rose up in the room, asking about how much White Americans are participating in the healing journey of the above mentioned initiative. The voice added that the essence of dismantling racism, or of racial reconciliation, or whichever name the initiative takes should be that of mutual liberation instead of making one feel good, referencing Lila Watson, an Australian Aboriginal woman. That voice received standing applause from the audience.

Mutual liberation, what a profound meaning! How much substance of mutual liberation do we intentionally put in our works towards opposing racial discrimination, marginalization, and social injustices? As one once said, “Liberation is not something to be given, but rather it is a movement.” Is it why every Diocese in our Province V in particular should consider embracing Becoming Beloved Community Initiative as a way to more engage the church with surrounding communities and best tackle the tough challenges? Indeed, it is in Becoming Beloved Community Conversations that people start to humanize each other, identify the problem, and establish trust. ”
— Cn. Adrian Niyongabo, Missioner for Community Engagement, Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

Presenters from the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

Diocese of Northern Indiana

Workshop Titles:
Evangelism Through Communications
Do-able Social Media Evangelism Projects to Share your Faith Stories and Build Community

Presenter:
Cn. Christopher A. Hillak, Missioner for Digital Communications

Gethsemane Episcopal Church (Marion)

Workshop Title:
Racial Reconciliation in a Small Indiana Town

Presenters:
Rev. Cn. Dr. James Warnock, Rector
Kresha Warnock
Bill Munn
Rev. Mindy Hancock
Evan Doyle

Holy Family Episcopal Church (Angola)

Workshop Title:
Enriching Worship with Music Ensembles

Presenter:
Sean Meade

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church (Fort Wayne)

Workshop Title:
OIW: How Becoming a More Open, Inviting, and Welcoming Faith Community Can Change the Way We Evaluate Success Within Membership Development

Presenters:
Jordan Trendelman
Christina Connelly

St. David of Wales Episcopal Church (Elkhart)

Workshop Title:
The Parable of the Garden: How Stewardship of Creation is an Act of Evangelism

Presenter:
Rev. Joshua D. Nelson, Priest-in-Charge

St. Margaret’s House (South Bend)

Workshop Title:
Creating Community, Changing Lives: How St. Margaret’s House Created a Ministry of Hospitality for Women and Children in Poverty

Presenters:
Kathy Schneider, Executive Director
Mary Fran Brandenberger, Associate Executive Director
Tanika Harris, Director of Guest Services

Participants from EDNIN that did not facilitate presentations

Cathedral of Saint James (South Bend) - The Very Rev. Brian Grantz, Tamisyn Grantz, Rev. Tina Velthuizen, Dana Sparks

Holy Trinity (South Bend) - The Rev. Cn. Dr. Terri Bays

Saint Michael and All Angels (South Bend) - Rev. Matthew Cowden, Michael Griffith

Episcopalians and Earth Day

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On the day the Lord God made earth and heavens, no shrub of the field being yet on the earth and no plant of the field yet sprouted, for the LORD God had not caused rain to fall on the earth and there was no human to till the soil, and wetness would well from the earth to water all the surface of the soil, then the LORD God fashioned the human, humus from the soil, and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and the human became a living creature.

And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, to the east, and He placed there the human He had fashioned. [ . . . ] And the LORD God took the human and set him down in the garden of Eden to till it and watch it.   

  • Genesis 2:6-8, 15

Chapter two of the First Book of Moses contains the older of the two creation accounts. In these few paragraphs, we find a much more intimate portrait of the relationship between the Creator, the creation, and the ‘adam, the special creature which the Creator places in the midst of a newly planted garden to till it and watch it.

The first word used in v. 15, לעבדה is pretty straight forward. It mean’s till or cultivate. Words specifically used for agricultural references. But the second word, לשמרה meaning and watch her, is used elsewhere with militaristic connotations. By this translation, the Creator has placed the special creature in the garden to cultivate the soil, joining the Creator in the act of creating, and to protect the creation. A far cry from the long-standing view that we are to subdue and hold dominion over creation. In this reading, the garden is not made for humanity; humanity is made for the garden.

This deeper understanding of the first command given by God to humanity should change and focus our relationship with our environment, with the food we eat, the water we drink, and the waste we produce. Our relationship with creation is directly related to our relationship with the Creator. If we do not honor the Earth, then how can we say we honor God? For cultivating and protecting creation is another way by which we love our neighbor.

So what does this mean for us as individuals and faith communities? Hopefully, a reorientation of thinking about creation will inspire us all to get creative (pun intended) about the ways we might follow the command that God the Creator gave to humanity when the earth was new. While the wider church is doing things on a national and global level to educate, lobby, and financially change our current practices in order to better support eco-justice, end environmental racism, and diminish our church's role in humanities ever-increasing carbon footprint, we can do small things on a daily basis and local level to better live into our purpose “in the garden.”

Some of these are already happening in homes and faith communities across our diocese. Many are making commitments to decrease the amount of paper, styrofoam, and plastic used at community gatherings. Simply having member donate at least one mug from home to replace styrofoam cups at coffee hour can make a big difference, not to mention the costs saved. Setting up a parish recycling station in a visible location can encourage less waste and keep the communities eyes on the number of products we dispose of on a weekly basis.

Four of our faith communities have taken things beyond our walls by developing and maintaining Unity Gardens. St. David's in Elkhart, St. Timothy's in Griffith, Holy Trinity in South Bend and All Saints' in Syracuse all have herbs and vegetables planted for harvesting by those in our local communities, especially those in need. Being most acquainted with the Unity Garden at St. David’s, I can offer a few stories about our first season.

Our garden is made up of seven raised beds and a converted flower bed next to the nave’s west wall. This space had gone mostly unused for many years although it contained some nice bushes and a sidewalk built in a basilica outline. After the beds were installed and the first seeds were planted, this space took on a whole new spirit. Strangers came from all around to harvest the fruits being produced. Some came to simply sit in the quiet of nature; something disappearing quickly on the north side of Elkhart as more and more hotels and businesses go up just around the corner. I would collect surplus produce and take it to the apartment complex next door or to the teachers and staff working in the Elementary School across the street as they prepared for classes to begin in early August. We even took one day to set a table up by the side of the road with a “pay what you can” farmers market just to get rid of some of our beans. Parishioners began coming early to Mass just to spend some time in the garden, worshiping God in creation before approaching the altar. The area where our garden set became known as a Creation Chapel, and we started to hold Mass in the Meadow and other events outdoors surrounded by the beauty of creation. For our neighbors, it became a dog park, a grocery store, and a quiet place. For our congregation it became a living parable, teaching us new things about God, ourselves, and each other, every single day. Over the winter, I attended an evening workshop at the Elkhart County Environmental Center on worm composting. We learned about various ways to introduce worm composting to our own homes and business and built bins for such a purpose. Since then, the 250 worm members of St. David’s (red crawlers if you are interested), have lived contently in our coat room, converting our weekly used coffee grounds and various meal bi-products we bring from home into compost for our garden and indoor plants. Just another way that we strive to till and protect this garden. This year we hope to introduce rain barrels and filtering plants to clean and use the runoff from our roof and parking lot. You can follow our progress on the Unity Garden Facebook Page, and all are welcome to come and pull weeds, harvest some squash, or simply explore the living parable.

Unity Gardens and worm composting are certainly not for everyone, but there are many things you can do as individuals or faith communities to get closer to the earth and work to fulfill the roles given us by our Creator. All it takes is a little imagination and perhaps some holy wisdom, but being of the earth we are all connected to the earth and must do something, no matter how small, to protect it. Last year on Earth Day, I had the great privilege to be with Fr. Tom Adamson and some of the youth of Holy Family in Angola, as they planted three new trees on the property. They stand as a physical reminder, to every person who pulls into the parking lot of our responsibility to continue the work of creation.

This year, Earth Day (April 22) falls on Easter Monday. This is a time that we as a liturgical people are encouraged to respond to the resurrection of Jesus, seeing in him a new Adam and a new creation. What a wonderful time to connect what we are hearing in worship with what we are called to do in the world. How wonderful, if at least for that one day, we each chose to preach the good news of Jesus Christ by taking on the mantle of the new ‘adam and spending some time in the garden. Sometimes, evangelism looks like picking up trash in the yard, using less plastic in our homes, planting a tree, or sharing some beans with our neighbor.

The Episcopal Church’s website has many resources for such work and I encourage you all to take a look at what is available. Our Bishop’s have called on all of us to take the Creation Care Pledge, promising as individuals and faith communities to live into this command.

Our own Bishop, Doug Sparks, has asked me to form a Creation Care Committee for our Diocese. We hope this will be a multi-generational group that will help bring the work of our communities together, offer educational opportunities, as well as resources and encouragement to expand our “green thumb” as a diocese and take on the challenge of Genesis 2:15. If you are interested in being part of such a group, please send an email to Fr. Joshua Nelson at stdavidpriest@gmail.com. Together may we go to the garden to till and protect what God has created. Learn more about Creation Care in EDNIN.

Happy Easter and Happy Earth Day.

Joshua+

Written by the Rev. Joshua Nelson, Rector of St. David’s Episcopal Church (Elkhart)

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

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