Bishop Doug Sparks

Evangelism Resources from December Enews 16 Dec 2016

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

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

As promised, I've had Vestry Conversations with 28 of our 36 Faith Communities since June.   I've listened to you share what God is up to in your neighborhoods. You've shared your gifts, challenges, and possibilities.  You've provided me a glimpse into your lives as Disciples of Jesus, the Risen Christ.

One of the common themes that has surfaced in our conversations is summarized by the following question (or some variation of) "How do we get more members?"  At our Annual Diocesan Convention, you were invited to adopt the Five Marks of Mission as a framework to engage God's mission.

The Five Marks of Mission are:

  1. To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom

  2. To teach, baptize, and nurture new believers

  3. To respond to human need by loving service

  4. To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation

  5. To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth

In my commitment to find resources that assist in implementing and living into each one of these Marks of Mission, I'd like to share the following. Let's start with resources for Mark 1...to proclaim the Good News of God's Kingdom. This is the work of evangelism, sharing one's faith story in such a way that it is received by another as a gift, an invitation.  Please consider and review the following two resources.

EVANGELISM MATTERS
In November, the Episcopal Church sponsored a gathering in Texas entitled EVANGELISM

MATTERS. On the website are videos of several keynote presentations, including one from

our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, along with all the panel discussions and workshops.  The URL link is www.evangelismmatters.org.  It is a valuable resource for your use in ongoing formation and commitment to Evangelism.

INVITE / WELCOME / CONNECT
Recently Bishop Duncan Gray, who has agreed to serve as my coach for my first three years in ministry as your bishop, introduced me to another resource.  It is called INVITE / WELCOME / CONNECT.  I've spent several days reviewing the resources on their website. The URL link is www.invitewelcomeconnect.com.  It is a process of training and instruction to prepare each of us to be more intentional in the work of Evangelism.  If there is an interest, I would be happy to follow up with Mary Parmer, who developed this process, by inviting her to offer a series of workshops here in Northern Indiana.  

If any of you are aware of additional useful resources in the work of Evangelism, please forward them to me so they may be shared it with others.

Advent Blessings,
Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks

Serving as the 8th Bishop of Northern Indiana

Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath 9 Dec 2016

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9 December 2016

Grace and peace be with you these Advent days...

This Wednesday, 14 December, is the fourth anniversary of the Sandy Hook School Shooting.  On that day, 20 children, ages 6 and 7 years, along with 6 adult faculty and staff, were killed.  This event initiated millions of people to take action on behalf preventing gun violence by urging state and federal legislatures to pass sensible gun legislation.

Stephen Miller and his wife, Joellen, who are members of the Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana, are traveling to Washington, D.C. along with many other survivors, this coming week to participate in a Vigil at St. Mark's Episcopal Church from 14 - 18 December, during the Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath.  Please uphold them in your prayer.

I invite you into a time of prayer, reflection and action during these days of sabbath.  Please find more information on the Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath here and at www.decembersabbath.org.

Advent blessings,

Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks

Serving as the 8th Bishop of Northern Indiana

Advent 2016 Video on Marriages and Blessings (2 Dec 2016)

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Advent Video

1 December 2016 The First Week of Advent  
ON MARRIAGES AND BLESSINGS  

Dear Sisters and Brothers,  

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

After prayerful and respectful conversations with our clergy, the members of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council during the last six months, I have decided to allow same gender marriages and blessings to take place within our diocesan borders.  The actions taken by the General Convention 2015 in Salt Lake authorized same gender marriage and blessings beginning on the First Sunday of Advent, 2015 throughout the Episcopal Church and trial usage of marriage and blessing rites “under the direction and with the permission of” the Diocesan Bishop.  

During my first six months, I have been asked by ordained and lay leaders in some of our Faith Communities about the possibility of implementing a process which could lead to adopting a Marriage Policy (that would include both Same Gender as well as Opposite Gender Marriages) by the Rector, Wardens and Vestry.  It is in response to this pastoral concern for the people of our diocese, that I have made this decision.  

I would like to describe the process of implementation that I am asking all of us to adopt.  Let me share it by way of two scenarios.   

Scenario One

A priest in our diocese is asked by a gay or lesbian couple to witness their marriage. The couple have made plans to be married at the Century Center in South Bend and would like the priest to witness their marriage.  As the Church canons require prior to their marriage, the Member of the Clergy shall determine: a) that both parties have the right to marry according to the laws of the State and consent to do so freely, without fraud, coercion, mistake as to the identity of either, or mental reservation; and b) that at least one of the parties is baptized; and c) that both parties have been instructed in the nature, purpose, and meaning, as well as the rights, duties and responsibilities of marriage.  Furthermore, if one or both of members of the couple have been married before, an application for remarriage must be submitted to the Diocesan Bishop.  While it is not required by our canons, I have asked clergy who witness same gender marriages or blessings to let me know about it as a matter of courtesy, given the sensitive nature of this matter.   

Scenario Two

A gay or lesbian couple who are active members of one of our Faith Communities (Congregations) in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana ask their priest to witness their marriage and to have their marriage take place in the church or chapel of the congregation.  Given the sensitive nature of this matter and because of my commitment to engaging in prayerful and respectful conversations around this topic, the priest will bring the couple’s request to the Wardens and Vestry.  The priest will facilitate a process of discernment and reflection, utilizing the material prepared by the Episcopal Church. This process may (or may not) lead to the adoption of Congregational Guidelines for Marriage.  This time of discernment and reflection should include conversations and forums in which all active members of the Faith Community (Congregation) are encouraged to participate.  I have encouraged our ordained and elected leaders in our Faith Communities (Congregations) to avoid having an up or down vote on the matter but rather to utilize a consensus process that I have found from experience to be most helpful.  This process of discernment and reflection will take time, but I believe it is time well spent in deeply listening to one another as God’s Holy Spirit guides and directs your conversation.  


If the Rector / Priest in Charge, Wardens and Vestry of that Faith Community (Congregation) adopt a Marriage Policy which includes witnessing the marriages of same and opposite gender couples, the same canonical requirements apply.  The Member of the Clergy shall determine: a) that both parties have the right to marry according to the laws of the State and consent to do so freely, without fraud, coercion, mistake as to the identity of either, or mental reservation; and b) that at least one of the parties is baptized; and c) that both parties have been instructed in the nature, purpose, and meaning, as well as the rights, duties and responsibilities of marriage.  Furthermore, if one or both of members of the couple have been married before, an application for remarriage must be submitted to the Diocesan Bishop.  Given the relational nature of our diocese, it is my expectation that I will be involved in conversations with the clergy and lay leaders of Faith Communities who want to be engaged in a process of discernment and reflection.  


I would like also to directly address the question of respecting theological diversity on this matter.  Quoting from the resolution, “that this convention honor the theological diversity of this Church in regard to matters of human sexuality; and that no bishop, priest, deacon or lay person should be coerced or penalized in any manner, nor suffer any canonical disabilities, as a result of his or her theological objection to or support for the 78th General Convention’s action in this resolution.”  From Canon 18.7, “it shall be within discretion of any Member of the Clergy of this Church to decline to solemnize or bless any marriage.”  It is a privilege and responsibility to serve as your bishop.  I take seriously our baptismal commitment to respect the dignity of every human being which includes honoring the theological diversity among us.  

Will there be challenging situations or circumstances for us?  Absolutely.  Is there a-one-size-fits-all pattern for these conversations?  No.  But together, we can demonstrate our reliance on God’s grace and manifest a generosity of spirit as we strive to live out the commitments of the Baptismal Covenant as members of the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement!   

A WORD ABOUT BLESSINGS AND LIFELONG COVENANTS

There are often reasons why persons choose not to be married but have made a decision to establish a committed relationship with another person for the rest of their lives.  This is true for both opposite gender couples and for same gender couples.  Among the resources authorized for use in the Episcopal Church is a service entitled The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant.  This liturgical rite can be used, if requested, as a way of pastorally addressing the desire of a couple who are active members of one of our Faith Communities (Congregations) to have their relationship blessed by God in the midst of their Faith Community while not having a civil marriage.  The Member of the Clergy must obviously exercise great care and sensitivity in responding pastorally.  


The opportunity to bless a couple who have a civil marriage also continues and a revised liturgical rite has been provided by the Episcopal Church.  Resources for engaging in a process of discernment and reflection are available on the Diocesan website.  The Liturgical Resources approved by General Convention 2015 are already available on our website.  
Be assured of my ongoing prayer and support for you as you prayerfully consider how best to respond to the working of God’s Holy Spirit.  If I can be of any assistance to you, please call on me.  

Every blessing,  
Doug  
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks, Serving as the 8th Bishop of Northern Indiana

Thanksgiving Blessings (23 Nov 2016)

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Dear Sisters and Brothers,

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

As we gather around various tables the next few days, be assured of my prayer and support.  I am honored and humbled to serve as your bishop.

As many of you know, I have used prayers from various resources and would like to share two collects from a resource called Celebrating at Home by Payden and Loving copyright by United Church Press 1998.  One is for Thanksgiving and the other is a prayer for the end of the Church year.

I offer them as a gift of Thanksgiving while we also end one Church year and begin another...

Thanksgiving Prayer

Gracious Provider, it is from you that all good gifts come.  Hear our grateful praise to you this day.  Send your Spirit to join us in our feasting and celebration.  And when this day is done, remind us to be a daily reflection of your gracious compassion and steadfast love.  By our words and deeds we witness to your way and truly give you thanks.  In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen.

Prayer for the Reign of Christ

Timekeeper of eternity, we come to the close of another church year.  It has be a year filled with joy and sadness, with possibilities and dashed hopes, with hope and despair.  As we have journeyed through this year, you have been our constant mark, our compass leading home.  Guide us again in the time before us.  Help us to keep the rhythm of the faith, day in and day out.  May we mark the seasons not by minutes, hours, days or weeks, but by words said and deeds done on behalf of Christ, our Sovereign and Savior.  Amen.

As you gather with your families and friends for various activities - such as serving at a local food pantry, with your Faith Community on Thanksgiving Eve/Day, OR on the First Sunday of Advent - would you please take some pictures and forward them to Missioner Michelle Walker at missioner.walker@ednin.org? We would love to assemble a collage of thankfulness images to share.

Every blessing,

Doug

Moving Forward Together - Pastoral Letter 9 Nov 2016

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Dear Sisters and Brothers,

"Is not this the fast that I choose:  to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in." Isaiah 58:6-8, 12 (NRSV)

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Risen Christ!

Today, I had the privilege of gathering with hundreds of others at FASHIONING OUR LIVES, an annual event of St. Margaret's House, a Day Center for Women in its 26th year, whose mission statement is Creating Community, Changing Lives.  We listened to the stories of four women whose lives have been transformed by the relationships they have formed at St. Margaret's House, not in an instant but for some over a decade or more.  These sacred stories were a reminder to me of the work that lies ahead of us on the day after Election Day!

In the Joint Statement written by the Episcopal and Lutheran Bishops of Indiana, we wrote,

"Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? This challenging question is at the heart of what it means to live as citizens of this nation!"

There are citizens who awoke rejoicing today and there are citizens who awoke deeply saddened today.  Yet we remain citizens of the United States of America, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice assured for all.  As engaged citizens, let us demonstrate our commitment to striving for justice and peace and to respecting the dignity of every being by our behavior, in our conversations and through our actions.

This striving remains our noble work on the day after Election Day and into the future. I ask you to pray for all who have been elected in our townships, cities, state and nation.

As the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement in Northern Indiana, we remain committed to the Five Marks of Mission...tell, teach, tend, transform, treasure...to the work of evangelism; racial reconciliation and justice; and environmental stewardship. Let us commit ourselves to being "Repairers of the breach and Restorers of Livable Streets!"

Every blessing,

Doug

 

Prayers for our Nation - Joint Statement Bishop of Indiana October 2016

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“Will you strive for justice and peace among all people,

and respect the dignity of every human being?”

 This challenging question is at the heart of what it means to live as citizens of this nation!

We, the Episcopal and Lutheran Bishops of Indiana, invite our sisters and brothers in Indiana to pray for our nation as we continue to prepare for Election Day, Tuesday, 8 November.  Let us remind each other that as part of our Affirmation of Faith in the Book of Common Prayer and Evangelical Lutheran Worship, we have committed ourselves “to respect the dignity of every human being” and “to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.”

As engaged citizens, let us demonstrate these affirmations by our behavior, in our conversations and through our actions. Pray for all those who have offered themselves for elected office in our townships, cities, state and nation.  Our fervent prayers can be manifested in various ways.  We offer these two texts as resources to support our prayer throughout the state.

For Sound Government

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. Amen.

Copyright © The Episcopal Church, 1979

 Responsible Citizenship

Lord, God, you call your people to honor those in authority.  Help us elect trustworthy leaders, participate in wise decisions for our common life, and serve our neighbors in local communities.  Bless the leaders of our land, that we may be at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Amen.

Copyright ©2006 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, amended.

 The Rt. Rev. William Gafkjen, Lutheran Bishop, Indiana – Kentucky ELCA Synod

The Rt. Rev. Francis Gray, Episcopal Bishop, Diocese of Northern Indiana, retired

The Rt. Rev. Edward Little, Episcopal Bishop, Diocese of Northern Indiana, retired

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

The Rt. Rev. Catherine Waynick, Episcopal Bishop, Diocese of Indianapolis

Pastoral Letter 9 July 2016

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9 July 2016

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Grace and peace be with you in God our Creator, Redeemer, and Giver of Life!

The horrific and tragic events of this past week have rocked us to our core. In Louisiana, Minnesota and then in Dallas, Texas, the killings at the hands of others have been shocking, heartbreaking and beyond comprehension. Many of us are numb and yet filled with raw emotions, wondering what we can do, how to navigate this tangled web of violence tied to so many issues and where to begin with healing the pain.

Immediately, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry called us to a time of prayer for those who were killed, those who grieve over these deaths, those who place their lives at risk to protect us and for the sake of others...indeed, he has invited us to pray for our nation that we may recognize each other as beloved Children of God, made in God's image and likeness...every one of us!

Personally, I am so often led in prayer to The Baptismal Covenant ... to those five questions acting on our affirmation of faith. Please reflect on these in your prayer:

Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? In order for us to work for peace through justice, we must be sustained in intentional and communal reflection on God's word. We must remain in community, nourished by the sacrificial gift of Christ's Body and Blood as we are sent out to do the work God has given us to do.

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? In order for us to work for peace through justice, many of us must recognize our privilege and repent of our complicity in the sin of racism.

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? In order for us to work for peace through justice, we must stand with others who call for action on behalf of the most vulnerable among us. We must take a risk to be associated with those who have no voice or power in the face of violence.

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? In order for us to work for peace through justice, we must seek out and serve Christ in all persons, loving our Muslim neighbors, our indigenous neighbors, our LGBTQ neighbors...all our neighbors as we love ourselves.

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being? In order for us to work for peace through justice, our striving needs to include intentional conversations with our neighbors about gun violence, abuse of power, fear of those who differ from us, white privilege and racism.

On the Walkabout in January, I shared with you my desire to move us into a time of Deep Listening. This is what we need to do for each other now and I pray our faith communities in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana can have respectful conversations.

Several years ago, I participated in an ecumenical training developed by the Minnesota Council of Churches focused on engaging in RESPECTFUL CONVERSATIONS. This is what Presiding Bishop Curry is encouraging our nation to do, as we address these painful manifestations of violence.

I would like to invite all of us in the Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana, along with our neighbors, to engage in RESPECTFUL CONVERSATIONS around gun violence, hatred, fear of those who differ from us, suspicion, misjudgment of law enforcement, white privilege, abuse of power and racism.

To that end, I will ask the deans of our three regions to work with me and our lay leaders to provide a process and several venues for these conversations.

Finally, I leave you with the prayer Bishop Curry referred to, The Prayer for the Human Family, found in the Book of Common Prayer, page 815.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son; Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us continue to work for peace through justice!
Every blessing,

Doug

Serving as Bishop of Northern Indiana