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News from the Episcopal
Diocese
of Western Massachusetts
CELEBRANDO LA ABUNDANCIA DE DIÓS
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Applications accepted for Episcopal delegates to March 2017
United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
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I am happy to announce the appointment of
the Rev. Dr. Molly Scherm, Priest-in-Charge of St. Andrew's, Turners Falls,
as chair of our WMA
Board of Examining Chaplains
. It is the task of this board to assist the bishop in evaluating a candidate's readiness for Holy Orders. The diocesan BEC reviews the results of a candidate's General Ordination Exam - an evaluative and diagnostic instrument - to assist in his/her academic preparation for ministry.
This chair has been faithfully filled by
the Rev. Dr. William Bergmann
. I am grateful for Will's service as are the many priests of our diocese who benefited from his wisdom and instruction. Will continues to head our Ecumenical and Interfaith relations and is the good shepherd of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Clinton.
Join me in thanking Will and in supporting Molly in her new role.
+Doug
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One workshop, three opportunities to join the conversation
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September 24
, April 1 & May 20
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COM invites new applications for 2016-2017
"Loving the Questions" program
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
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If you have questions about the "Loving the Questions" program, please contact
Robin Carlo
, Missioner for Spiritual Formation.
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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.
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
.
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Bp Fisher’s Luncheon for Retired Clergy, their spouses, and surviving spouses
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TENS theme: "Living Generously"
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A Message from the Stewardship Missioner
Many of you have wondered when the fall stewardship series from The Episcopal Network for Stewardship [TENS] will be available. The series this year will be entitled “Living Generously.” I have been in frequent contact with the TENS office ever since June asking the same thing. I now understand that there have been some snags in getting the materials ready for release this year. As recently as Monday of this week, I was told that the materials will be posted to the website “very soon.” Just as soon as they are available, I have been told that all of us who receive TENS emails will be told. And just as soon as I receive that email, I will send the word out.
Many of you used the 2015 series, “God the Giver,” and found it to be very helpful. And several of you also used the 2014 series, “Walking the Way,” with good results. For those of you who have not used the materials before, they consist of bulletin inserts for the Sundays in October and the first two Sundays in November. There have also been sample letters and prayers that parishes have used.
I heartily encourage you to consider using these materials in 2016. I am hopeful that I will be able to tell you they are available very soon. And, once they become available, if you want suggestions about their use, please let me know.
Bruce A. Rockwell
Assistant to the Bishop for Stewardship & Interim Missioner for Legacy Stewardship
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Cultivating Spiritual Companions
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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
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Canon Pam Mott invites congregations to explore RenewalWorks
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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.
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Holy Currencies Introduction:
Workshop postponed until Spring '17
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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 registration for all workshops is open and available at the link below. If you prefer, a hard copy of the registration form is also posted on the webpage. 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
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Mission to Dominican Republic 2017
Interested in sharing the joy of the Gospel with children in DR next summer? Come to the next meeting!
September 11 @ 5pm
St. Mark's, East Longmeadow.
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Social Justice & Advocacy
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Bishops Offer Support for Commonwealth AG
Enforcement of Gun Laws Essential
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The Episcopal bishops in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have issued a joint statement of support for Attorney General Maura Healey. In her Op Ed published in the Boston Globe, Healey expresses the importance of state law in the effort to end the bloodshed: “In the face of utter inaction by Congress, states have a duty to enact and enforce laws that protect people from gun violence. If Washington won’t use its power to get these guns off our streets, we will. Not only do we have the legal authority to do so, we have a moral obligation to do so.” Healey’s efforts to enforce existing legislation on the sale of assault weapons brought mixed reaction.
The Episcopal Church encourages engagement with this issue as a matter of public health and safety. With one voice the bishops express gratitude for Healey’s willingness to enforce an existing law and they reiterate their call for collective action to end the epidemic of gun violence in America.
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Rabbi-in-Residence for Christ Church Cathedral
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With the Rev. Tom Callard I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro as Christ Church Cathedral’s first “Rabbi in Residence” effective September 1. He will teach adult education classes, preach periodically at the Sunday liturgy and offer his wisdom on a host of social justice concerns.
Mark’s journey to the rabbinic ministry began at home in Toronto. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intellectual History at York University, Mark attended the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati where he was ordained as a rabbi. He earned the Doctor of Divinity degree from the same institution in 2002.
Mark retired June 30 from his ministry at Sinai Temple, Springfield where he served for twenty-seven years. Many Springfield area clergy have attended the annual clergy day on Judaism at Sinai Temple – part of Mark’s strong commitment to interfaith engagement. As Rabbi Emeritus he comes to Christ Church Cathedral to begin a conversation about God – the Mystery at the root of all faiths. Tom Callard, Priest-in-Charge of our cathedral, spoke to the diocesan and cathedral staffs about having a “Rabbi in Residence.” “I’m excited about this,” Tom said, “because I will be changed.”
I am excited, too. It is a gift to have a scholar of Mark’s caliber among us and as a conversation partner as we live in complex times as people of faith. ברוך הבא, Mark. Welcome!
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Opportunities for Enrichment and Education
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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.
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Co-Sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of WMA
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October 15
Grace Episcopal Church, Amherst
Co-Sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of WMA,
Grace Episcopal Church, and The Empty Bell
More info soon...
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TEC and Forward Movement Present...
November 18-19
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St. John's, Northampton seeks Parish Administrator
Progressive church with a passion for social justice seeks an Administrative Assistant (AA) who will provide a friendly, welcoming presence for all who call and visit St. John’s. The AA organizes, oversees, and administers the St. John’s office in all its functions and supports the clergy, staff, lay leaders, and members.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a timely manner, with minimal supervision and frequent interruption
- Strong editing skills, including accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office
- Working knowledge of data entry; willingness to learn Church Windows
- Skilled in the use of social networking
- Knowledge of Christian worship practices a plus
- Minimum of three years of administrative experience, Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred
Full-time position. Competitive salary and benefits package. Electronic copies of resume and cover letter should be submitted to
Jobs@StJohnsNorthampton.org no later than August 9, 2016.
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Communications Office | Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts | 413.737.4786 |
Email |
Website
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