The MDI Grants program replaces the Congregational Development Investment Grants program that has been offered since 1987. 

Recently the 'CDI' team took a hard look at the existing program, envisioned what a new grant program could look like--then revamped the program from the ground up. The intent of this new program is to inspire out-of-the-box thinking, risk-taking thinking. No small grants! Big thinking encouraged! Grants are structured from $2000 to $10,000. 

Begin your thought processes now, asking the question: Who in your community are you currently not serving? Application deadline is March 1, 2016. For full details, criteria and application please visit the grants opportunities page of our website. Click link below.

Visit our website!

Karen Warren, Diocesan Support to the MDI team

We are continually learning how to help the people whose lives have been devastated by the chaos and violence in Syria. I’ve been focused in the past month on learning how to help migrants and refugees from across the globe as they are resettled through the Episcopal Church’s partner agency, Ascentria. Yesterday I learned another way to help the people who are in Syria and the surrounding countries.

I had the good fortune to meet Karen from the Episcopal church in Holden. She told me about an incredible, local organization she has discovered and is contributing her time to that is doing amazing work.  Its name is NuDay Syria. Here are a couple of videos highlighting their work:

NuDay Syria One Person at a Time

NuDay Syria One Humanitarian Container at a Time

I hope this resonates with you and others in your congregation! Don’t hesitate to reach out to me so we can collaborate. I will be in touch.

God have mercy on us all,

Steve

Starting this January, the Social Justice Commission invites all people and congregations of the Diocese to join a sacred and evolving conversation for racial justice. As Advent begins we are getting ready to offer a number of ways to engage this vital conversation during Epiphany and Lent. 

Again this year we are partnering with the Province to bring the Trinity Institute webcast to a church or location near you January 21-23. Speakers at this annual theological conference will include Nicholas Kristof, Anna Deavere Smith, and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Sites so far are Charlemont Federated Church, the Cadigan Center at Amherst College, St. Andrew's Church in Longmeadow and St. John's Church in Sutton. Volunteers are needed; please email co-chairs Lisa Green or Harvey Hill or join our Facebook group to offer your time and talent.   

In February, as a Lenten practice, in observance of Black History Month, and as recommended by General Convention, we invite everyone to a "group read" of Michelle Alexander's book The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Color-Blindness. Copies are available at the Diocesan offices or in bookstores. We will offer a discussion of the book as a workshop at Parish Leadership Day on March 5, and we encourage congregations to come together for conversations with neighboring communities of faith. 

Clergy and Lay Preachers: Have you pledged to preach on climate change yet? Be part of a Season of Prophetic Climate Witness by preaching about climate change at least once before the end of Epiphany (February 7). Send your sermons to Vicki Ix for inclusion on our Social Justice Commission webpage. 

We're ready to start preparing the diocesan Cycle of Prayer for 2016.  If you'd like us to make changes in how we pray for the needs of your congregation, please email Cozette Haggerty.   

We're sending MM out on Wednesday, November 25 because of Thanksgiving Day.  The Communications Office will be closed November 19 - November 30, so please submit items for the next MM by November 18 .  

Come for coffee and conversation with other concerned people of faith in a respectful exploration of the Gun Violence crisis and how the “three-legged stool” of Scripture, tradition and reason may guide our responses and lead us to action. 

FACILITATOR: Robin Carlo, Missioner for Spiritual Formation

WHERE:  St. Clare House, 30  Phillips Rd. in  Holden, MA

TIME: 9:00 - 11:00 am

CONTACT: Robin Carlo to register or for more information

The Berkshire Chapter of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross (SCHC) will meet in the parlor at St. John’s Church, Northampton on Saturday, November 21. Mino Sullivan a member of the Boston and Charles River Chapters will give a presentation entitled “Spirituality in the Winter of our Lives.” Mino Sullivan has been an entrepreneur all her life but spent the last 15 years as an executive coach. She graduated from the school of Spiritual Direction at Adelynrood and is currently active as a Spiritual Director. We gather for coffee at 9:30 and the meeting starts at 10:00. The program will be followed by Eucharist at noon. Anyone interested in the program or learning more about the Society are most welcome to join us. For more information contact Veronica Chapman (413-532-5252).  

We are looking with someone with ministerial skills in general and with experience working with the unhoused and at-risk populations in Worcester, New England’s second largest city. Much of our work can best be described as ‘loitering with intent’. We are looking for someone who will help us refocus our efforts in doing street ministry. We are seeking someone with strong interpersonal skills, the ability to practice the ministry of presence with all sorts and conditions. 

Communications Office | Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts | 413.737.4786 | Email | Website