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News from the Episcopal
Diocese
of Western Massachusetts
CELEBRANDO LA ABUNDANCIA DE DIÓS
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Get ready for Convention 2015!
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NEW Website for Convention 2015
Visit the website for all the materials needed at Convention 2015
Register EARLY for a discount!
Bring your iPhones and iPads to Convention
The Wi-Fi infrastructure at The Marriott is prepared to handle a crowd. We're trying to be good stewards of the Earth - almost paperless! So, bring your devices to access all your docs on the convention website, as needed.
Lock-In for Youth Delegates
Filming for all "Special Orders"
We're trying something new this year.
Tell us how your ministry is "Fanning the Flames" - helping to evangelize your corner of the diocese - in five minutes or less. We'll edit and combine the video segments. They will be shown throughout our convention agenda.
We've been filming throughout September in the three corridors. One last opportunity for filming "Special Orders" will be at "Clergy Day" on October 6.
Blessing of the Prayer Shawls
As has been our tradition, the Bishop will bless prayer shawls as part of the Eucharist at our Diocesan Convention.
Accessibility
Just a reminder that convention will be held at
The Marriott, Springfield
. This new venue is accessible for persons with disabilities.
ASL interpreters will be present throughout the day.
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St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
9:00 am - 3:30 pm
335 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow
directions
Come for an important day of catching up with each other, with our Bishop, and things going on in the diocese. We'll be hearing from our newly ordained clergy. Information will be shared about important updates regarding the Commission on Ministry, Title 4, and Safe Church.
RSVP by Friday, September 25th: The Bishop urges all clergy to make these events a priority. To register, contact Lainey Hurlbut by email or phone 413-737-4786 X110 . We will begin promptly at 9:00 am, and end with closing prayers at 3:30 pm.
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Action for Syrian Refugees
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Canon Steve Abdow liaison for Syrian Relief Efforts
Visit the Refugee Relief and Welcome page on the diocesan website.
Our Canon for Mission Resources is making himself available to you as a resource and to support you in any way he can in your efforts to help the Syrian refugees.
Please
contact Steve
with any inquiries: 413-737-4786, x. 121.
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Safe Church workshops Fall 2015
The Rev. Tanya Wallace, Diocesan Safe Church Officer, is leading workshops beginning in August and continuing through the fall. For a full list of available workshops click here to access the registration form. Please also watch your email for online registrations.
Safe Church Registration Form
it is recommended to update your training every three years. Please register early to avoid workshop cancellation. For additional questions, contact Karen Warren.
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"Building Bridges" Event
October 9
We'll be displaying artwork create by veterans, partnerning with the group Soldier On, and have some light refreshments. People are encouraged to come and show support for the artists and see the incredible work that they do! Download a flier to display.
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Climate Workshop for Preachers
October 20
Want to preach about climate change but not quite sure how to do it? This ecumenical workshop is sponsored by
NEREM
, our diocese and the Diocese of Massachusetts. It is open to all preachers - lay and ordained.
Read more here and register.
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Learn about the work being done in El Salvador.
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Interested in learning about human rights issues affecting the people of El Salvador? Wondering about the root causes of the refugee crisis? Tom and Dianne Wilson, our missionaries, have invited Noah Bullock, Executive Director of
Foundation Cristosal
to speak to interested clergy and laity.
November 5
10 am - 12 noon
Kendrick Room, Christ Church Cathedral
If you're interested in attending, please
email the cathedral office
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Noah BullockExecutive Director
Mr. Bullock joined Foundation Cristosal in 2005, and in 2006 began as the Community Development Director in Usulután. He assumed the role of Executive Director in 2010, implementing a rights-based approach to development and human rights to form the Foundation’s three programs: the Global School, the Community Development Program, and the Human Rights Program. He graduated with honors from the University of Montana in Peace and Conflict Studies, and has a Masters in Local Development from the University of Central America José Simeón Cañas (UCA) in El Salvador.
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Bishop's Choir School -- Rolling Admissions
David Pulliam, founding Director of the Bishop's Choir School, is auditioning voices for this very special choir:
BOYS: Grades K- voice change; GIRLS: Grades K-12.
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Opportunities for Enrichment and Education
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Alzheimer’s / Dementia Clergy Awareness Training
Thursday, October 29
The Episcopal Dioceses of Rhode Island and Western Massachusetts received a grant from The Episcopal Church in the Province of New England (Province 1) for a unique clergy training program.
The fifth and final clergy training will take place on Thursday, October 29th in Woonsocket. Doreen C. Putnam of DCPutnam Consulting, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, will be the consultant providing the specialized training.
Clergy of all denominations are welcomed and encouraged to participate. If you are interested in attending, contact Betsy Fornal at [email protected] or 401-274-4500 X 225 at the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. If you have questions regarding the training, contact Doreen C. Putnam at [email protected] or 401-464-2372.
We encourage clergy, seminarians and lay leaders of all denominations to attend this free, informative and critically important training.
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PROVINCE I: November 10th 2 8:30 pm EST
Please join all webinars using the following login information:
or by going to www.zoom.us and entering the meeting ID: 814-040-8194
Join by phone: 415-762-9988 or 646-568-7788 Enter meeting ID: 814-040-8194
If you think you might need help logging into zoom on your computer, please login up to 15 minutes early
for assistance.
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Conference at Andover Newton Theological School
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A Two Day Summit at Andover Newton Theological School
‘no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,
or the cry of distress.
No more shall there be in it
an infant that lives but a few days,
or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth…’
- Isaiah 65: 19-20
Like Isaiah, we lament the death of too many too soon and long for a day when such suffering will cease. On October 22nd and 23rd, Andover Newton will host a two-day summit for our alumni/ae and friends to participate in an urgent conversation about gun violence in the United States. This gathering will focus on the response by people of faith to the current situation in our country, and will provide action steps for how we can all work together to change the culture of guns and violence in our communities. The event will include keynote speakers, panel discussions, and worship. Sign up today for this important event here.
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At ReachOut Worcester you will:
- Learn about homelessness from people who have experienced/ may be still experiencing it.
- Participate in an intentional, prayerful walk through Worcester at night.
- Offer clothing, conversation, and lunch to people in need.
- Engage in reflection and sharing with other youth and adults who share your concern about homelessness.
- Prepare to share your experience in your home setting.
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Two-part Discussion Program
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The community is invited to join Associate Rector Harvey Hill and guest speakers for spirited conversations on (1) the impact of Middle Eastern violence on ancient Christian communities and (2) the theology of marriage.
10/14 Religion in the News: Christians and ISIS
Some of the oldest Christian communities in the world have been on the firing line in places like Iraq and Egypt. Join us to learn more about what has been happening to these communities over the last decade, as violence has erupted across much of the region.
10/28 Religion in the News: Marriage Defined
This summer, the United States Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage across the nation. Shortly thereafter, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church followed suit for all dioceses. Please join us for a conversation about the theology of marriage as embodied in the Prayerbook, with a special emphasis on same-sex marriage.
Sessions last from 7:00 until 8:30 and meet in the Saint Andrew’s Room at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
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Pumpkins and Pets on the Hill Festival
Saturday, October 3
All are invited to pick a pumpkin, select homemade pies and breads, enjoy children’s activities, chat with representatives from the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society or spend a quiet moment walking the Labyrinth.
From 10AM-11:30 AM baby animals from Animal Craze of Winchendon, MA, will be waiting for visitors to hold, pet and feed in celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the 12th-century patron saint of animals and the environment.
From noon until 1PM there will be a traditional Blessing of the Pets celebration. The community is invited to bring pets of all sizes and breeds to the hill during this time to receive this special blessing.
Pumpkins and Pets on the Hill is free and open to the public, rain or shine.
For more information, contact: Fr. Derrick Fetz
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My husband and I are involved in a special ministry that helps clothe underprivileged infants. After reading an article about Lisa Klein who sent clothes to babies after Hurricane Katrina and created Loved Twice, I was moved to seek out and help the needy in our own area. Our focus is to help disadvantaged mothers and their newborns. Various sources donate clean, gently-used, 0-12 month baby clothes. We collect the clothes, package them in Boy or Girl boxes, then donate boxes to families, hospitals, family resource centers, etc. We work behind the scenes, satisfied in knowing that our efforts help others. It’s hard to believe we’ve been able to donate 629 boxes of baby clothes – so far!
The first step in this journey began when I went to Lisa’s website, LovedTwice.org, for guidance on how to begin seeking donations and learning how to connect with agencies who could use our help. Her site included lots of information, but as our ministry now stands on solid ground and we look back, we realize it would have been nice if we could have had help in answering the nuts-and-bolts types of questions that come with starting something new.
The purpose of this letter is to expand our ministry. We’d love to be a resource to anyone or any group who feels moved to begin a Loved Twice chapter in their own area. We presently service a good part of central MA, but we know there is a need in other parts of our state. Many agencies would welcome help with open arms. Since our existing area requires much of our time, we’d love to plant the idea of creating another Loved Twice chapter(s) in western MA. Even though we wouldn’t be directly involved, we could certainly be a resource to help a group get started. If you are interested, you can contact me. Bob and I would be happy to meet with you to share what our ministry is all about!
Bob and Jean Roofe
978-549-0199
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Church of the Nativity, Northborough
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From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday of each month (Oct-June), set aside your worldly stress and spend time with God. "Quiet Days" include some times of quiet communal music and meditation, lunch, and plenty of time in silence with God.
$15 registration plus $10 for lunch (or bring your own).
Call 508-393-3146 for information or to register.
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On the first Wednesday of every month, St. John's Episcopal Church in Northampton welcomes all for an ecumenical experience of Taize prayer.
This unique prayer form was created by the Brothers of Taize - an ecumenical monastic community in France. Using simple repetitive chant in several languages, participants can enter into a shared contemplative experience.
First Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm
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St. Stephen's, Pittsfield
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SAVE THE DATE -- March 5, 2016
Parish Leadership Day
It may seem a long way off, but as new leaders emerge in your congregation, it's helpful to let them know about this very important day. More details after the holidays...
American International College
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OCTOBER
- 3 10:30 am Ordination of Sarah Dunn to the Order of Priests, Grace, Amherst
- 4 10 am Bishop's Visitation, St. John's, Williamstown
- 6 9am Fall Clergy Day, St. Andrew's, Longmeadow
- 10 9-3 pm Safe Church/Volunteers and Basic @ Grace Church Amherst
- 11 10 & 12 Bishop's Visitation, Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield
- 12 Columbus Day - Diocesan Offices Closed
- 18 10 am Bishop's Visitation, All Saints, Worcester
- 20 10 am Preaching Workshop - Climate Change, St. Andrew's, Framingham
- 24 TBD Celebration New Ministry, Samuel Jay Smith, Saint Paul’s, Stockbridge
- 25 9 am Bishop's Visitation, Christ Memorial, North Brookfield
- 22 Pre-Convention Corridor Meeting (Pioneer Valley) All Saints', South Hadley
- 27 Pre-Convention Corridor Meeting (Worcester County) St. Francis', Holden
- 29 Pre-Convention Corridor Meeting (Berkshires) TBD
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
- 6 10:00 am Bishop's Visitation, St. Barnabas and All Saints’, Springfield
- 13 9:30 am Bishop's Visitation, All Saints’ of the Berkshires, N. Adams
- 20 10:00 am Bishop's Visitation, Christ Episcopal and Trinity Lutheran, Sheffield
- 24 11:00 pm Bishop at Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield for Christmas eve service
--2016--
JANUARY
- 3 10:00 am Bishop's Visitation, St. Paul’s, Holyoke
- 10 10:00 am Bishop's Visitation, St. Andrew’s, Longmeadow
- 24 10:00 am Bishop's Visitation, St. Paul’s, Stockbridge
- 31 9:30 am Bishop's Visitation, Trinity, Ware
FEBRUARY
- 4 Winter Clergy Day
- 11 Missioner Meeting Day, Diocesan House
MARCH
- 5 Parish Leadership Day, AIC, Springfield
- 22 Renewal of Vows/Blessing of the Oils
- 31 3-7pm Diocesan Council/Standing Committee
APRIL
MAY
- 2-4 Clergy Conference
- 19 3-7pm Diocesan Council/Standing Committee
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Communications Office | Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts | 413.737.4786 |
Email |
Website
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