Mission Matters -- July 21, 2016

Mission Matters

News from the Episcopal Diocese

of Western Massachusetts

CELEBRANDO LA ABUNDANCIA DE DIÓS

July 21, 2016

Vigil for Love, not hate, Love, not fear... St. James' Episcopal Church, Greenfield Saturday July 23 @ 4:00 PM

Episcopal Church

Please take the social media survey from

The Task Force for Leveraging Social Media for Evangelism

Survey helps to equip and determine social media needs

Survey in English Survey in Spanish

Diocesan News

September 24, April 1 & May 20

One workshop, three opportunities to join the conversation

Whether you are a beginner on the path or well along the journey, you are invited to a new spiritual formation opportunity coming to each corridor of our diocese, starting this fall. We’ll share the sacred stories, Biblical and personal, drawing us toward transformation; explore the Episcopal Church’s complex history on racial justice; and navigate some of the deeper waters of systemic racism and white privilege. Our day will include prayer, presentations, small group discussions, short videos, lunch, and Holy Eucharist. Each parish is encouraged to send at least one clergy or lay leader, and group size is limited, so please register early! Childcare and/or a children’s component is available with participant interest. Read more...

Bishop Fisher's Statement on Election 2016

We need to be good citizens.

Bishop Fisher encourages the faithful “to read and study” the Election Engagement Toolkit made available by the Episcopal Church and commends additional resources that may help us to speak about issues – not particular politicians – from our pulpits in the months ahead.

Bishop's Statement on Election 2016

Bp Fisher’s Luncheon for Retired Clergy, their spouses, and surviving spouses

For Those Clergy who were not able to attend the spring luncheon

Tuesday, September 27

Kindly RSVP by Monday, September 19th

Cozette Haggerty via e-mail or call 413-737-4786 x123

Read the full invitation.

COM invites new applications for 2016-2017

"Loving the Questions" program

Brochure and Application Materials Available

Deadline for application is August 15

The Commission on Ministry is happy to share new materials for 2016-2017. The "Loving the Questions" program will begin its second year with an opening retreat September 24-25 at Adelynrood Conference and Retreat Center. Complete information about the program can be found on the diocesan website as well as in this printable brochure .

APPLICATION for LtQ

If you have questions about the "Loving the Questions" program, please contact Robin Carlo , Missioner for Spiritual Formation.

Special Orders for Convention 2016

This year's convention theme is:

Return to Purpose

How does and idea become a ministry?

How does a parish move from inspiration to reality?

How is this ministry part of your return to purpose?

Special Order Videos will be prepared to share your newest ministries at convention 2016.

Guidelines:

1. Maximum 3 minute video

2. Tell your story

3. Ministry in action

4. No (minimal) talking heads

Contact Vicki Ix to schedule filming

Deadline: Filming must be completed by Friday, September 16 .

Holy Currencies Introduction:

Workshop on Saturday, September 15

By popular demand.....

Our Holy Currencies introduction has been expanded to a Saturday workshop, featuring Bill Cruse,
of the Kaleidoscope Institute. Join us on Saturday, September 17th for a rich explanation of the currencies & how they can be used to revitalize your Stewardship Campaign and your year- round ministries!

Place to be Announced: But save the date today! Download the flyer.

Cultivating Spiritual Companions

Missioner for Servant leadership Offers Training

We need people to show us “the way.” We need other disciples to walk with us as we learn how to stand up for ourselves and for our neighbor; to encourage us as we seek a deeper life of prayer; to guide us to see our daily interactions with the mind and heart of Christ. In many businesses, coaching or companioning is a basic leadership practice that helps to cultivate the leader from the inside out. This is the process we will begin this fall as we work to cultivate Spiritual Companions.

Read Jenny's e-mail to clergy

Canon Pam Mott invites congregations to explore RenewalWorks

What's next for your parish?

RenewalWorks will inspire your congregation and leadership to rediscover who Jesus is and what it means to follow him. Through a guided methodology of self-reflection, sharing, and workshop discussion, it will help you refocus on spiritual growth and identify ways that God is calling you to grow.

Read more here...

Safe Church workshops Fall-Winter 2016

The Rev. Tanya Wallace, Diocesan Safe Church Officer, will be leading Safe Church workshops throughout the fall-winter. Please mark your calendars for the following dates:

September 24, 2016 – Volunteer (attend 9-12) and Basic (attend 9-3), @St. Francis’ Church, Holden

October 12, 2016 – Volunteer workshop, 6-9 pm, @ All Saints’, South Hadley

November 5, 2016 – Volunteer (attend 9-12) and Basic (attend 9-3), @All Saints’, South Hadley

December 8, 2016 – Volunteer workshop, 6-9pm, @ St. Michael’s, Worcester

Online registrations will be available soon, so watch your email to register electronically. A hard copy of the registration form is also available on our webpage if you prefer. In addition, our Safe Church webpage now displays links to the Safe Church webpages in Province One so you can see if there is a workshop that is closer or more convenient for you.

Check out our website for more Safe Church information, or email kwarren@diocesewma.org.

Mission to Dominican Republic 2017

Interested in sharing the joy of the Gospel with children in DR next summer? Come to the next meeting!

July 31, 2016 @ 5:00 PM

St. Paul’s, Holyoke

Please park in the back of the church and come in the back door. Dinner will be provided by the St. Paul’s members of the mission group. Call Julia Durchanek @ 413-575-2128 if you have questions about the meeting.

Social Justice & Advocacy

People of Faith Working for Climate Justice

Creation Care Newsletter -- July

Read Margaret's newsletter

Visit the Creation Care webpage

Subscribe to Margaret's blog

Join the Facebook group

News from the Cathedral

Opportunities for Enrichment and Education

Silent Retreat -- August 22-25

sponsored by The Fellowship of the Way of the Cross

"Hearing again the parables for the first time."

The Fellowship of the Way of the Cross is sponsoring a silent retreat in the last week of August at the Genesis House in Westfield. The theme is hearing the parables of Jesus in a new light and will be led by several members of the Fellowship, each taking a particular parable. Most of the retreat will be in silence with regular offices and Eucharist. The retreat is open to all people, lay or ordained. The cost is $330 inclusive and a registration deposit of $100 is required before August 1st. For more information, please contact The Rev. MIchael DeVine, 413-733-1208 or email.