Two new Visions diversity, inclusion workshops set
The previously scheduled "Race Relations and Diversity" workshops for Saturday  and for Feb. 25   are being reorganized. Also, Saturday's workshop is being rescheduled.

These two events will be held Feb. 25 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Brighton (2201 South Old U.S. 23 Highway) and March 25 at a location to be determined. At each event, registration and refreshments run from 8:30 to 9 a.m. The workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Those who signed up for Saturday's original workshop should have been  contacted to choose one of the other dates. 
In order to launch an ongoing effort in our diocese to help build and sustain the beloved community, the project was reworked and will to offer two pilot development events open to leadership from all our parishes.This was determined after a planning and orientation session Jan. 21 involving Diocesan Council, the Standing Committee, Bishop Gibbs,  the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and Visions, Inc. (the diocese's consultant partner).

For registration details, contact Jennifer Michalak at  [email protected] or (313) 833-4414
'Where Jesus Leads'  
New book from Canon Gettel available
for online pre-order, in bookstores soon.


Jim Gettel, Canon for Congregational Life, has written a book entitled "Where Jesus Leads: Helping Christian Communities to Follow" that is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.

This book will be available from  Jim Gettel, Christian and online bookstores and Amazon.com. You may  Click Here to pre-order it from Amazon.

Cathedral hosts
Absalom Jones
celebration Feb. 18
The diocese's annual Absalom Jones celebration begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit. 
 
The celebration marks the work of three trailblazers in their respective churches: The Rev. Absalom Jones (the first African-American priest ordained in the Episcopal Church), the Rev. Richard Allen (first bishop and founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church) and the Rev. Jehu Jones Jr. (first African-American pastor ordained in the Lutheran Church).
 
A reception will follow the service. Guests to the service are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to Crossroads of Michigan.
 
The Rev. Yolanda Whiten, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church, Brighton will serve as preacher. Whiten is also president and CEO of the Ann Arbor Community Center, which provides programs and services promoting self-reliance, social and economic well-being, diversity and community involvement.
Requiem or Renaissance Workshop 
comes to St. Paul's, Brighton March 25
The Vital Congregations Committee and diocesan staff invite you and y our Vestry to participate in the third Requiem or Renaissance Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 25 at St. Paul's, Brighton.

The event can accommodate up to 12 vestries. Some of the conversation will include:
  • Requiem - What are the things holding your congregation back?
  • Renaissance - Case studies from congregations that have experienced growth
    • What was the situation before you started?
    • What were your objectives?
    • What's been the effect on your church?
    • What are your next steps?
    • Question & Answers
  • Small group workshops and discussion around important renaissance topics (such as Developing Mission Teams, The Space Speaks, Life-giving Paths)
  • Discussion with your Vestry to create a plan of action (to be shared with the larger group and followed up on)
Click here for more information and to sign up.

Take a look: Spring Confirmation schedule begins April 15
The schedule of diocesan Confirmations begins with the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. April 15 at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit. Click Here for the full schedule and information on each of the four events.
Applications accepted for open  Whitaker Institute position
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The Episcopal Diocese of Michigan is accepting applications for the position of D irector of Whitaker Institute. This is a full-time position, for which there is an immediate opening.


Please contact Canon Jim Gettel, Canon for Congregational Life, with questions at [email protected] or (313) 833-4424. Please forward resumes and an accompanying  cover letter immediately to Canon Gettel.
Jobs
St. Stephen's, Wyandotte is seeking a musician to play at its 10 a.m. Sunday service. Proficiency in organ is not necessary, but would be a plus. The musician will rehearse with our small choir (about a dozen people) for about 45 minutes before the service on Sundays as well as play during the service. About once every two months, the musician will meet with the liturgical committee, which includes the priest, to select the upcoming music. All required activities can be completed on Sundays.Visiit ststephensonline.com to get a sense of the congregation. Click Here for more details, including how to apply.

Office Administrator, Nativity, Bloomfield Twp. This person works closely with the clergy person and other staff and lay leaders to support the ongoing mission of the church; including responsibility for the layout and printing of the weekly service bulletin, communications, some database management, and scheduling.This is a quarter-time position of 10 hours per week; days and times are flexible. Click Here for details, including how to apply for this position.

Christ Church, Detroit seeks a part-time Facility Maintenance Worker at $12-$14 per hour, who must be able to do general repairs, preventive maintenance and maintenance of the buildings and grounds. Position will also provide building oversight and support during parish and rental events. Flexible work schedule of up to 24 hours per week with some weekend work required. Must be a self-motivated team player, with friendly personality and good communications skills a plus. Applicants should forward resume to  [email protected]  with "Facility Maintenance Worker" in subject line. No phone calls please.

If your church is in need of filling a position, please forward a brief description and general information to [email protected].

Congregational & Other Events
Black History Month, St. Matthew's and St. Joseph's, Detroit. The church's annual three-week 11 a.m. Sunday high mass service series "tells the story-from Africa thru Slavery to Freedom." This takes place Feb. 5-19. For a complete rundown on events, go to therecordonline.org.
For details, call (313) 871-4750.

Old Rectory Resale Shop at All Saints, Pontiac  is open from 10 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays and features a wide variety of items. For details, visit   allsaintspontiac.org.

Caregivers Group, Holy Cross, Novi . The group meets at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month in the parish hall. It offers support and open discussions for those dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

Walk-in Ministry, Christ Church, Detroit.  From 10 a.m. to noon each Wednesday, this helps people in need by providing access to birth certificates, driver's education courses and other useful items (such as bus tickets and work shoes). The program is available to a limited number of guests each week; call (313) 259-6688 for details.

Believers and Skeptics, St. Andrew's, Waterford . The group meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Lion's Den, 4444 Highland St., Waterford. All are invited to join  for a meal and  lighthearted discussions on  faith and God. 

The Table at St. Patrick's, Madison Heights. The Table meets Sundays at 6 p.m. for those whose schedule prevents them from being able to worship Sunday mornings. For more information,  Click Here.
Deadlines approach for various funding resources
Three grant opportunities are available for your congregation or agency. Two grant programs are sponsored through our diocesan office; the third one is from the Episcopal Church Center office.

Diocesan Council Social Service Ministries GrantApplications due March 1 for programs and ministries that support those in need of help and hope. Both this and the next grant are funded through the diocesan council operating budget.

Trustees Tretheway Downs/Batchelder Children's FundApplications due March 1 for children's summer programming. This grant, sponsored by the trustees of the diocese, is specifically designated to support summer programming for children in our congregations and agencies. 

United Thank Offering Grant:  Applications for this grant are due March 3. It is intended for s tart-up costs for a new ministry, not for the continuation of an ongoing ministry unless there is a definite new direction added to the existing program; s eed money for start-up positions, either full- or part-time for a new ministry.

For more information on each grant, Click Here.
How to share, get involved : The Episcopal Asset Map
The Episcopal Asset Map is meant to connect people - both within the Church and in the broader community - to promote the sharing of ideas and  information. 

In fact, please note how the Diocese of Michigan is currently  Contributing to this Project. You can be a part of this project, too.  The value of the map depends on the ongoing participation and interest of individuals, congregations and diocesan coordinators around the country. 

Click H ere  for detailed information of how you and your church can become involved with this mapping project.
Send us your online prayer requests
Would you appreciate prayers for you or someone close to you? We offer a place on our website where you may submit prayer requests. 

Prayer requests can be for any reason; we will post the names of those for whom you wish we pray. Prayer requests must be renewed regularly if you wish them to continue over an extended period of time.

Click Here  to view current intentions or to submit your prayer request.
Deadline to submit Weekly Connection
news items is Friday at noon
If you have information about an upcoming event with your church or group  (or photos or details about something that has taken  place), we want to hear about it. S end your information to  [email protected]   by noon Friday for an opportunity to be included in next week's Weekly Connection. 
  • Please note, submission of items is not a guarantee of placement.
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