
Invitation to Join all Christians in Praying the Lord's Prayer at Noon on Wednesday
in COVID-19
Episcopalians are invited to join with Christians around the world as together we join in praying the Lord’s Prayer on Wednesday, March 25 at noon in our own time zones in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will be praying the Lord’s Prayer (via Livestream and Facebook Live) Wednesday, March 25, at noon Eastern Time. He invites you to join with Christians around the world to offer this prayer in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
To join Bishop Curry live, Wednesday, March 25, at noon Eastern Time, click here:
Livestream (click “Get notified” to receive a notification/reminder)
The Episcopal Church Facebook page
The Presiding Bishop’s Facebook page
Pope Francis Invites Christians to Pray on March 25th
Pope Francis on Sunday invited all Christians to respond to the coronavirus pandemic “with the universality of prayer, of compassion, of tenderness”, adding, “Let us remain united. Let us make our closeness felt toward those persons who are the most lonely and tried”. Speaking after the traditional recitation of the Angelus, the Holy Father called on all Christians to join together in prayer. “In these trying days, while humanity trembles due to the thread of the pandemic, I would like to propose to all Christians that together we lift our voices towards Heaven,” he said.
On Wednesday, 25 March, the feast of the Annunciation, Pope Francis has invited “the Heads of the Churches and the leaders of every Christian community, together with all Christians of the various confessions, to invoke the Almighty, the omnipotent God, to recite at the same time the prayer that Jesus, our Lord, taught us” – the Our Father. Pope Francis prayed, “may the Lord listen to the united prayer of all of His disciples who are preparing themselves to celebrate the victory of the Risen Christ”.
We are inviting you to issue a call through your networks and social media for Christians to join in praying the Lord's Prayer, and in any other ways we are led to pray, at:
Wednesday, March 25 at 12:00 noon in our own time zones.
Links to invitations:
All Christians Invited to Pray on Wednesday, March 25th
Archbishop of Canterbury backs worldwide call for Christians to say the Lord’s Prayer
Pastoral Update: COVID-19
19 March 2020
Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,
Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, our Crucified and Risen Savior!
I want to assure you of my prayer and support as we continue working together to address the ongoing challenges and concerns due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. As I wrote last week, as People of God, it is our moral, civic, and spiritual obligation to care for one another by taking the necessary steps to slow the spread of this virus while continuing to serve our communities with generosity and hope. To that end, the Missioners and I have been in many conversations on a daily basis, as we seek to support and resource those entrusted to our care, EACH OF YOU, who are part of the faith communities of the Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana.
On Wednesday, 18 March, we began a Weekly ZOOM Conference Call with our Clergy and Lay Leaders. Items on the agenda included an opportunity for folks to check in, to share what’s working as well as what needs our attention. There were 44 participants on this initial call.
A significant amount of our time was spent discussing Online or Virtual Worship. Canon Michelle and Canon Christopher prepared an Online Worship Survey that we reviewed. With the help of our deans, Mother Mindy Hancock, Father Matthew Cowden and Father David Pearson and Canon Michelle and Canon Christopher, we are moving forward with four opportunities for ONLINE Daily Prayer: Morning Prayer, Noon Day Prayer, Evening Prayer and Compline, led by various clergy and lay persons throughout our diocese. You can join Online Daily Prayer by visiting our new Facebook page at EDNIN Virtual Worship.
We also discussed various Social Media Platforms and encouraged our Clergy and Lay Leaders to use them and to consider signing up for free conference call or to purchase an account on ZOOM.
The next item on our agenda was to discuss the financial realities that we are or may soon be facing. Some participants shared that they had already sent out an email communication encouraging people to continue paying their pledge and offered various ways to do so. Those options can be found on here. (Givelify and Tithe.ly) Others shared concerns about prioritizing what to pay and asked if the Diocese had any resources to support those faith communities who may be facing financial challenges. I said that I would have a conversation with the Finance Committee and the Directors of the Diocesan Foundation. I encouraged every faith community to make it their first priority to pay their clergy and lay staff, secondly, their utilities bills and insurance and thirdly, their diocesan assessment. We will revisit the financial issues on a regular basis.
Our call concluded with an invitation to please share what was discussed with others who are part of the leadership of your faith community. Our next Weekly ZOOM Conference Call with Clergy and Lay Leaders is scheduled for next Wednesday, 25 March at 2 p.m. EDT / 1 p.m. CDT.
Earlier on Wednesday, I was part of a ZOOM Conference Call with the Bishops of Province V to check in with one another as well as share resources and concerns. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry joined us on the call. He assured us of his support and prayer and thanked us for our leadership as bishops. We also had a brief discussion about his news release, sent out on Tuesday, concerning “the need to suspend in-person gatherings for public worship, in most contexts, during the sacred time of Holy Week and Easter Day.” The Presiding Bishop’s statement indicates that our consensus last week to suspend in person public worship until the end of March will need to be reconsidered and most likely means “until further notice.”
It is important to underscore here that our faith communities in Northern Indiana haven’t closed. We are being called to reimagine new ways to be the church, in worship, in education and formation, in pastoral care and in outreach. I encourage you to have conversations with one another, identifying and affirming creative ways, given our present circumstances, to live into the Five Marks of Mission: Tell, Teach, Tend, Transform and Treasure!
I have invited the Clergy of our diocese into a conversation via ZOOM next Tuesday, 24 March, to discuss the need to suspend in person public worship during Holy Week and Easter Day and how we might creatively and imaginatively engage in online worship throughout our diocese. I also hope to encourage conversation about how our clergy are continuing their good work of pastoral care during these challenging times.
Remember, we are called to be People of Hope during these worrisome and anxious days!
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!” Ephesians 3:20,21
Doug
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana
Pastoral Letter: COVID-19
13 March 2020
Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,
Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, our Crucified and Risen Savior!
As I am sure you are aware, the guidance from public health authorities about how to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, is changing by the hour. There are many unknowns about this public health crisis, but this much is clear -- social distancing is an essential part of our collective response. As People of God, it is our moral, civic, and spiritual obligation to care for one another by taking the necessary steps to slow the spread of this virus while continuing to serve our communities with generosity, hope, and joy.
Throughout the week, I have received council and advice from our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry and my Bishop Colleagues in Michigan, Chicago and Indianapolis, Episcopal Relief and Development and the Office of Government Relations of the Episcopal Church. I also consulted with Clergy and Lay Leaders of our Faith Communities via a ZOOM Conference Call earlier today. During our conference call, we arrived at a consensus that all in person public worship will be suspended until the end of March. This includes Mid-Week Services, Bible Study and Vestry Meetings for example. We will revisit this decision and may need to extend this suspension for a longer time.
This hiatus, which a colleague of mine called a Lenten fast from public worship, offers an opportunity for us to explore alternative expressions of worship. Beginning this Sunday, 15 March, I will offer online worship via a link. For those unable to connect online, I encourage you to pray using the Book of Common Prayer, especially the Services of Morning Prayer, Noon Day Prayer, Evening Prayer and Compline. As part of your prayers, please remember those who are ill with the virus…for their healing and recovery; for all health care professionals and for those who have died from the virus and those who mourn their deaths.
Out of an abundance of caution, I encourage you to not gather in person but look for ways to gather on the phone or online. Our clergy will certainly be following up with their wardens and vestry members to ensure that those who live alone or are in particularly challenging circumstances are cared for and remain connected to their faith community. Our clergy will also continue in their good work of pastoral care via phone and email.
Many of our faith communities make their buildings available to groups in the wider community. Until further notice, those space sharing partners should suspend their meetings.
While the Missioners and I will continue working, I am encouraging them to work remotely as much as possible. Please know that you can reach them or me via email or by phone.
In the midst of these days, there will need to be Pastoral Accommodations made for various circumstances. For example, the Visitation and Requiem Eucharist for Sylvia Little is this coming Monday, 16 March at the Cathedral of St. James. People are coming from long distances for the service and to support and comfort Bishop Ed and his family. However, if you are part of the vulnerable population at greater risk of infection, I urge you to watch the service via livestream. We also hope to have a Gathering at a later date to give thanks for Sylvia’s life and ministry.
In conclusion, I want to assure you of my prayer and support during these challenging and anxious times. We are called to be People of Hope even in the midst of worry and confusion! I am committed to remaining in touch with you on a regular basis.
“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!” Ephesians 3:20,21
This comes with a brother’s love,
Doug
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana
*We have added a page on our website for COVID-19 updates from the Diocese. Resources will be added throughout the evening and weekend. Please visit this page for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 from the Episcopal Church.
Visitation and Requiem Eucharist for Sylvia Little
Sylvia Gardner Little
(December 25, 1946 - March 10, 2020)
Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,
Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Risen Christ!
The Visitation and Requiem Eucharist for Sylvia Little will be this coming Monday, 16 March, at the Cathedral of Saint James in South Bend.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. EDT with the Requiem Eucharist beginning at 6 p.m. Due to the COVID 19 Public Health Crisis, there will not be a reception after the service.
The service will be live streamed on the Cathedral of Saint James' YouTube channel.
Please send your cards and notes to the Diocesan Office and we will make sure that Bishop Ed receives them. C/O Diocese of Northern Indiana; 117 North Lafayette Blvd.; South Bend, IN 46601. Sylvia's obituary can be found by clicking on this link.
Please continue to uphold Bishop Ed, their children Greg and Sharon, and grandchildren and all who mourn Sylvia's death in your prayer.
May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed 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
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)
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)
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
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)
The Opening Eucharist of the 121st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana
The 121st Convention of the Episcopal Church began with the opening Eucharist with the Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks preaching and presiding. Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. was the host for Diocesan Convention.
Evensong on All Saints Day
All Saints Day was celebrated at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. with a pre-convention evensong. The Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers was the guest speaker.
An Update from Bishop Doug - September 2019
Bishop Doug updates the diocese on the recent House of Bishops' meeting, Bishop-elect Susan Haynes, and his upcoming trip to Washington D.C.
House of Bishops Fall 2019 Meeting Resources
Overview of the Meeting - House of Bishops' fall meeting grapples with range of issues, from reconciliation to innovation
Lambeth Conference 2020
Senior Pastor Adam Hamilton
Resources for Additional Updates
Bishop-elect Susan B. Haynes
Rev. Susan B. Haynes Elected Eleventh Bishop of Southern Virginia
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
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
Becoming Beloved Community - St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Mishawaka)
This fall, St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Mishawaka, Ind.) is hosting an adult education series that will focus on "Becoming Beloved Community," an initiative for education about racial reconciliation that is offered by the wider Episcopal Church. The series will be coordinated by the Rev. Susan Haynes along with help from Canon Adrien Niyongabo, Diocesan Missioner for Community Engagement. These gatherings will be on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7 p.m. in the Undercroft of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and will last until approximately 8:30. We will offer a varied curriculum of lecture, reading, films and discussion. The first meeting is on Wednesday, September 11. In preparation for these gatherings, we are asking participants to purchase and read White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo. This book can be found at Amazon.
Border Crisis Meeting Summary
Forty people from several congregations and faith traditions gathered at the Cathedral of Saint James last night to learn about the humanitarian crisis at the southern US border and to discuss ways that we, as Christians, might respond.
Read MoreBecoming Beloved Community Facilitators Training
Volunteers from around the Diocese gathered for a weekend of Becoming Beloved Community Facilitator Training at the Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center on March 22-23, 2019. Below are photos from that weekend.



















Reflections on the Province V Big Provincial Gathering
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.”
“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!”
“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. ”
“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. ”
“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.”
“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?”
“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. ”
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