Mission Matters -- May 12, 2016

Mission Matters

News from the Episcopal Diocese

of Western Massachusetts

CELEBRANDO LA ABUNDANCIA DE DIÓS

May 12, 2016

Advocate for Gun Violence Awareness on June 2

Orange is the color of safety for hunters.

Youth in Chicago made it the color of safety for all people.

Bishops Against Gun Violence have partnered with Wear Orange - a grass-roots movement to bring awareness to the tragic consequences of the gun violence epidemic in America.

Encourage people to have their pictures taken in orange garb on June 2
Encourage people to post those pictures on social media using TWO hashtags: #WearOrange and #Episcopal.
There is also a movement among some priests to wear orange stoles at church on June 5. You can read about that here, and if you decide to do that, please send a photo to Diocesan House.

Diocesan News

NEW Training Manual for Eucharistic Visitors!

We are happy to share the revised Eucharistic Visitor Training manual. It has been adapted for parish priests, if they choose, to train their own Eucharistic Visitors. The manual includes a theological framework for this ministry, respect for boundaries, appropriate form for sharing Communion and a sample visit record sheet. The revised manual can also be found on the diocesan website under "Spiritual Formation" and under "Parish and Clergy Resources."

Eucharistic Visitors must also have current Safe Church Training and CORI check. After training is completed, applications should be sent to Lainey Hurlbut .

Corridor trainings are also in the planning stages for congregations who wish to have their ministers trained by diocesan instructors. Information will be available as this program takes shape.

Want to start "Messy Church" at your parish?

WMA Joins the Episcopal Asset Map

Rectors and Priests-in-Charge Encouraged

to Take the Parish Survey during the Great 50 Days

Our goal to have every congregation and ministry on the map by Pentecost. NEW step-by-step instructions. Need assistance? Contact Vicki.

ANNUAL WARDENS' DINNER

May 22

All Senior and Junior Wardens serving congregations in Western Massachusetts are cordially invited to a dinner and conversation at the Yankee Pedlar, 1866 Northampton St., Holyoke, to be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016, beginning at 5:00 p.m., with dinner at 6:00 p.m. There is no charge for the dinner.

Please contact Cozette Haggerty.

UTO Announces Total

Our Combined 2015 United Thank Offering was $ 10, 914.43 with 31 Churches participating. Thanks be to God!

Read more.

Social Justice & Advocacy

World Refugee Day June 20, 2016

Worcester Event June 24

Friday, June 24th from 3-6 pm

Cultural Festival to Raise Awareness

Trinity Lutheran Church

Episcopal Migration Ministries

Lots happening including a free webinar tonight!

TEC Resources

FREE Webinar

Pioneer Valley Interfaith

Every baptized person is called to ministry. The Education for Ministry (EfM) program provides people from all walks of life with the education “to be” Christians and to carry out their ministry. EfM is designed to support adults as they seek to live out their faith at home, at work and in the world. To learn more or RSVP, contact Robin Carlo