Sylvia Little

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

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

I received a call yesterday in the early evening from Bishop Ed that Sylvia had died about 5:50 p.m.  I headed over to be with Bishop Ed, prayed with him and for him and assured him of our prayers and support.

Would you please uphold in your prayers Bishop Ed, their children, Greg and Sharon, their grandchildren and all who mourn Sylvia's death.  May they be encircled in Resurrection hope.

When plans are finalized regarding her Service of Christian Burial, I will share them with you.

May Sylvia rest in Christ's peace and rise in Christ's glory.

Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

A Message from Bishop Doug Regarding Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

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Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

As you know, we are receiving daily updates from federal health officials regarding the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19.  I am writing to provide you with information and sensible practices, in hopes of limiting the spread of this virus. 

During this time, the following adaptations in our worship should be implemented.  These adaptations are based on advice from a variety of sources from Episcopal Relief and Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the Indiana State Department of Health, and Mayo Clinic.

Episcopal Relief & Development is updating this webpage with comprehensive resources about the virus, its cause and simple measures for its prevention.  Among the most important:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, including after coughing, sneezing, handling diapers, preparing food or using the bathroom.

  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

  • Stay home when you feel sick.

So that we can play our part in limiting the spread of an outbreak if it occurs in our region, I suggest that our faith communities consider the following temporary amendments to our liturgical and community practices:

  • Clergy and Eucharistic ministers can use hand sanitizer visibly when celebrating the Eucharist or distributing the elements and have it available for worshippers to use.

  • Ask worshippers to avoid intinction (the dipping of the host or bread into the chalice).

  • Use metal chalices rather than ceramic.

  • Remember that the Eucharist is complete when only one element (in this case, the bread) is received.

  • Replace hugs and handshakes at the peace with waves, elbow bumps, bows, or peace signs.

  • Pray for those who are ill and encourage them to stay home.

  • Remind coffee hour and feeding program volunteers to wash their hands and handle food with utensils or food safety gloves.

The Missioners and I are monitoring this on a daily basis.  If the Indiana State Department of Health reports confirmed cases of the virus in Indiana, we will communicate quickly to clergy and lay leaders with any additional recommendations they may suggest.

Our role as Christians, and particularly for those of us called to leadership in the church, is to help alleviate fear and anxiety with accurate information and support.  I want to thank Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows for the bulk of this text and her permission to share it with you.  I also want to thank you for your good work in attending to these suggestions and to commend to your prayer all those directly addressing the consequences of this virus.

Blessings these Lenten days,

The Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

Prayers for Little Family

Siblings in the Episcopal Church of Northern Indiana,

We ask your prayer for Sylvia Little. Sylvia's health has been in decline for some time, but has recently taken a precipitous turn. She is now in hospice care, and the Little family is gathering this week to spend time with her. Please pray for Bishop Ed, as well, and for Greg Little and Sharon Little and their families.

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for Those we Love from The Book of Common Prayer)

Rooted in Jesus Conference Recap

A note from The Rev. Terri Peterson, Pastor at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church (Elkhart)

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I was and am blessed by going to the conference Rooted in Jesus in Atlanta in January.  I was able to attend due to a continuing education grant from the Diocese.  What a gift!  This event was spectacular.  I attended workshops on preaching, Invite, Welcome, Connect; Going Deeper, and Grant Writing with United Thank Offering.  I learned something new from each workshop and am still processing everything.  My favorite part of the event was the final worship service and Dr. Mark Andrew Jefferson’s message.  Dr. Jefferson is a professor of homiletics at Virginia Theological Seminary and is traveling around the United States and the world preaching 200 sermons to celebrate the Seminary’s 200th Anniversary.  He gave us the good news and inspired us to dig into scriptures and Jesus’ life.  The service and Dr. Jefferson’s sermon is available here.

Thank you for the opportunity to grow and be rooted in Jesus.

Photos provided by The Rev. Phil Hooper, Curate at Trinity Episcopal Church (Fort Wayne)

The Ordination and Consecration of Bishop Susan B. Haynes

Bishop Susan B. Haynes, the former rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Mishawaka) was ordained and consecrated as the XI Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia on February 1, 2020.

Click here to view the Ordination and Consecration Program Booklet.
Click here to view the recorded service.

Diocesan Elections

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The 121st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana was held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. The following positions were elected at the convention.

Deputation to General Convention 2021

Clergy Deputation

  • C1 - The Rev. T.J. Freeman (Trinity Episcopal Church, Fort Wayne)

  • C2 - The Very Rev. Brian Grantz (Cathedral of Saint James, South Bend)

  • C3 - The Rev. Matthew Cowden (Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, South Bend)

  • C4 - The Rev. Canon Terri Bays, PhD (Church of the Holy Trinity, South Bend)

  • Clergy Alternate 1 - The Rev. Tom Adamson (Holy Family Episcopal Church, Angola)

Lay Deputation

  • L1 - Mr. Evan Doyle (Gethsemane Episcopal Church, Marion)

  • L2 - Mrs. Celeste Hillard (Cathedral of Saint James, South Bend)

  • L3 - Canon Christopher Hillak (Cathedral of Saint James, South Bend)

  • L4 - Mrs. Pamela Harris (St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Valparaiso)

  • Lay Alternate 1 - Mr. Ted Kimball (Grace Episcopal Church, Fort Wayne)

  • Lay Alternate 2 - Mr. Tim Skimina (St. Timothy Episcopal Church, Griffith)

Diocesan Council at Large

  • Mrs. Pamela Harris (St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Valparaiso)

Disciplinary Board

Clergy

  • The Rev. Matthew Cowden (Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, South Bend)

  • The Rev. Canon Michelle Walker

Lay

  • Mrs. Susan Czolgosz (Trinity Episcopal Church, Michigan City)

  • Mr. David Jocelyn (St. Andrew’s by the Lake Episcopal Church, Michigan City)

Standing Committee

Clergy

  • The Very Rev. Brian Grantz (Cathedral of Saint James, South Bend)

Lay

  • Mrs. Melissa Goodwin (St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Griffith)

An Update from Bishop Doug - September 2019

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Rev. Susan B. Haynes Elected Eleventh Bishop of Southern Virginia

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

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

21 September 2019

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

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

I want to share some wonderful news with you. Today, our sister, the Rev. Susan Haynes, was elected by the Diocese of Southern Virginia to serve as their Eleventh Bishop. This is great news for the Episcopal Church and especially those who are part of the Episcopal Church in Southern Virginia.

The Rev. Susan B. Haynes Bishop-elect, Diocese of Southern Virginia

The Rev. Susan B. Haynes
Bishop-elect, Diocese of Southern Virginia

Mother Susan began her ministry as a priest in 2004 at St. Thomas Plymouth and then at the Cathedral of St. James as Associate Priest then Priest in Charge through 2008. She was called to serve as the Rector of St. Paul's Mishawaka in 2008. Susan has many gifts that have enhanced the mission, ministry and management of St. Paul's. She has also served in positions of leadership in our diocese and the wider church. Let us pray for Susan and Tom, their children, Sarah and Avery, as they prepare for this new ministry.

There is also a bitter sweetness to this news, especially for our sisters, brothers, siblings of St. Paul's in Mishawaka and St. Thomas / Santo Tomás Plymouth. I know full well how happy and sad they are, given the news of this election. Let us uphold both faith communities in our prayer as they prepare to give thanks for Mother Susan, Father Tom and their family and begin a time of transition.

It is our particular blessing to support all those whose lives are changed by this 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!

Every blessing!

Doug+

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks

VIII Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Indiana

EDNIN Participating in UTO Pilgrims on the Camino

On October 4th, Bishop Doug Sparks, Missioner Michelle Walker, Joe Walker (St. Andrew’s by the Lake Michigan City), Debbie Mendenhall (St. Stephen’s Hobart), and Suzanne LaCount (St. Andrew’s Valparaiso) will begin their UTO Pilgrims on the Camino pilgrimage.  Along with 25 people from around the country, they will travel to Madrid where they will meet fellow pilgrims and be welcomed by Bishop Carlos López Lozano, Bishop of the Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church (IERE).  From an earlier article you may remember that the IERE has a fond memory and connection to the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana (EDNIN) via our own Bishop Reginald Mallett, who traveled to Spain at his own risk to assist in the ordination of several priests.  (For that article, including writings from Bishop Mallett himself, please refer here.)  What a joy for EDNIN to be represented in this celebratory trip commemorating Bishop Mallet’s adventure in 1955!

In Madrid the pilgrims will learn about the IERE and how it is financially self-supported, not assisted by either the Anglican Church nor The Episcopal Church.  They will meet, eat, worship, and visit holy places together, including church sites that are either funded locally or by granting entities like The United Thank Offering (UTO).  They will meet clergy whose annual income is around $12,000 USD.  They will experience the faith and resilience of a church equally as poor as our poorest diocese in the United States.  It will be an eye-opening experience.

After a couple of days in Madrid and nearby Avila, the group will split into Walking Pilgrims and Grant Site Pilgrims.  The Walking Pilgrims will begin their 100km walk along the Camino, the ancient pilgrim route to Santiago where the remains of St. James are housed in the Cathedral.   The Grant Site Pilgrims will visit several different UTO funded grant sites, witnessing the good work done via the contributions to those little Blue Boxes.   Both groups will come together to walk the last mile into Santiago, each pilgrims of their own kind.  They will enter the beautiful Cathedral and celebrate their pilgrimage.

Because they are traveling with Bishop Carlos, they will be allowed the wonderful opportunity to celebrate Eucharist with him in a side chapel of the Cathedral.  Individual Protestant pilgrims are not offered this opportunity. They witness, but do not participate in the Eucharist.  That is another reason for this pilgrimage.  UTO established a UTO Camino Challenge grant, promising to match the first $60,000 of contributions made specifically for this cause – building an Anglican Centre in Santiago where all Christians are welcomed to receive Eucharist.  This project has been a long time in the making, and requires the support of many for its success.  

During these 11 days of pilgrimage, we ask that you pray for the pilgrims.  We encourage you to follow them on our Facebook page.  We request you to consider whether you feel called to financially support this UTO Camino Challenge grant; every contribution matters.  And we ask you to reflect upon these Five Excellent Practices of Pilgrimages, from Phil Cousineau’s The Art of Pilgrimage, which can be practiced anywhere and at any time:

1.    Practice the arts of attention and listening.

2.    Practice renewing yourself every day.

3.    Practice meandering toward the center of every place.

4.    Practice the ritual of reading sacred texts.

5.    Practice gratitude and praise-singing.

submitted by:
The Rev. Canon Michelle I Walker
Missioner for Administration and Communication, EDNIN
Associate Staff Officer for UTO

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

Reflections on the Big Provincial Gathering

“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

An Update on Baptized for Life

The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana has entered the second phase of its involvement in Baptized for Life, a discipleship initiative of Virginia Theological Seminary, funded by the Lilly endowment. The goal of Baptized for Life is to empower churches to help people live lives of meaning and purpose. The focus is Christian Formation that focuses, not just on Sunday morning, but on Monday through Saturday. Three parishes in Northern Indiana have been selected to participate: St. Paul’s, Mishawaka, St. Thomas/Santo Tomás, Plymouth; and Gethsemane, Marion.

The first phase of the program involved participating in a spiritual life inventory, sponsored by Renewal Works of Forward Movement. Every parishioner was encouraged to participate in the online survey, and the results were provided to a team of people in each parish that had been formed specifically for this effort. Each team is chaired by a lay person and clergy are advisory. During this phase, the team received feedback from the survey which helped them to identify strengths and growing edges in the parish’s spiritual formation program.

Armed with this information, members of each parish’s team travelled to the Claggett Retreat Center near Baltimore, MD to prepare for work in the second phase of the initiative. The teams gathered with other teams from the 22 parishes and six other dioceses in the country who are participating for a week of retreat and learning.

Now, the teams are moving into the second phase, which is to discern a project which will help them implement changes in their program that will enable parishioners to deepen their spiritual lives. Questions that each team is encouraged to ask as part of their discernment include:

  • Where is your Baptized for Life Mission Field?

  • Who in that mission field is desperate for Good News?

  • What are the unique gifts of your church and how will you use them to meet this desperate need?

Each team has received a Request for Proposal from Virginia Theological Seminary, which will help them to apply for grant monies that are available for this initiative from the Lilly endowment. Proposals are funded up to $25,000, with the first installment being made as early as this December. Applications are due in October. Ministry projects will begin in 2020.

Submitted by the Rev. Susan B. Haynes

Congratulations to Bishop Megan Traquair

Bishop Ed Little and Bishop Megan Traquair

Bishop Ed Little and Bishop Megan Traquair

Congratulations to the Right Reverend Megan M. Traquair, who was consecrated as the eighth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California on June 29, 2019. Following her ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Bishop Megan spent a year in LA and then joined us in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana for the next nine years--first as a part-time assistant at St. John of the Cross Episcopal Church in Bristol (1993-1995) and then as rector of Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Marion (1995-2002). In addition to her roles in these faith communities, Bishop Megan served the diocese as Dean of the Wabash Deanery, trainer for our Safeguarding program, and on the Episcopate Search Committee for the seventh bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana. The Right Reverend Edward S. Little II, the seventh bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana, participated in the consecration of Bishop Megan.

A Letter From Bishop Doug

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The Reverend Susan Haynes

The Reverend Susan Haynes

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

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

Earlier today, the Diocese of Southern Virginia announced their candidates for bishop and the Rev. Susan Haynes, a priest of our diocese who serves as Rector of St. Paul’s in Mishawaka, is one of their candidates.  Please join me in praying for Susan and Tom and their children, Sarah and Avery as the public part of this process now begins.  The next step is the walkabout which will occur in September. The Electing Convention is scheduled for 21 September 2019.

As many of you know, the Rev. Thomas Haynes serves as Rector of St. Thomas / Santo Tomás in Plymouth. So, I invite you to pray for our siblings at St. Paul’s and St. Thomas’ 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 Mother Susan to be called to serve the wider church in episcopal ministry, this process profoundly affects the life of the faith communities of St. Paul’s and St. Thomas / Santo Tomás.

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!

Pentecost Blessings,

Doug

You can read the official release from the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia here.
You can read Mtr. Susan's announcement here.

Gethsemane Episcopal Church Awarded United Thank Offering Grant

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The United Thank Offering of The Episcopal Church announced on June 18 that they awarded 33 grants for a total of $1,507,640.55 for the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. One of these grants was given was given to the Gethsemane Episcopal Church (Marion) for the amount of $35,314.81.

The Gethsemane Center for Reconciliation works to further the Church's priority of racial reconciliation and justice. Building on Gethsemane's decade-plus of reconciliation work and established community relationships, the staffing, technological improvements, and marketing development funded will allow them to develop new leaders and an infrastructure for reconciliation efforts.

The goal of the Center is to:

  1. Cross boundaries by discussing and acting on issues of racial inequity, gender and sexual identity bias, poverty, etc. in the midst of rural America;

  2. Listen deeply to the wounds and mistrust that are caused by these divisions;

  3. Bridge these divides using actions, and words, and

  4. Learn to live like Jesus as we develop leaders and other community members to live and thrive in a community based on compassion, respect for diversity, and true equity.

Read the release from UTO here.