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News for the Weeks of
February 18 and 25, 2018
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"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ,
and has given us the ministry of reconciliation"
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The Rev. Dr. Bill Gafkjen
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The 122nd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington gathers on Saturday, February 24 at Emmanuel Church, Winchester. We will gather not only to do some of the basic work we are called to do in our common life as a diocese, like pass a budget and elect leaders, but we will also worship together and raise our voices in song. There are many people who have made this convention possible. We are so glad to welcome The Rev. Dr. Bill Gafkjen, the Bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America who will serve as our convention chaplain. We are grateful to the convention planning committee: The Rev. Margaret Shanks, The Rev. Karen Booth, William Webber, and Melanie Yankey. This group prayerfully considered how we could be best present in the work we need to do as a diocese in a worshipful context. We are grateful to the wonderful people of Emmanuel, Winchester- the care they are taking to welcome the diocese from the music led by Linda Berg to the building preparations being done by so many are a labor of love.
Still wish to take part in the convention choir? It's not too late! Click on the link below to register to sing with people from all around the diocese! We also encourage all who are able to take part in the Formation Day. Want to know more about those who have been nominated for diocesan offices? Scroll down to the article below. Lastly, but certainly not least, the convention will be an opportunity for the deputies and clergy from around the diocese to affirm the Standing Committee's nomination of Bishop Mark Van Koevering as the next Bishop Provisional of the Diocese of Lexington. Whether you are physically present at the convention on February 24 or not, we are glad for your prayers as our diocese embarks on a new phase in our journey.
The Rev. Canon Elise B. Johnstone
The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington
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We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
In this holy season of Lent, we dedicate ourselves to confession, prayer, fasting, alms-giving, and reading Holy Scripture. As we embrace these spiritual disciplines, we draw closer to God and to one another. We embrace a ministry of reconciliation, which is at the heart of the mission of The Episcopal Church "....to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ." 1 
I am drawn to a powerful image by Dorotheos of Gaza, who was a Christian monk and abbot of a monastery founded around 540 A.D. near Gaza in Palestine. Abba Dorotheos asked his monks to imagine a circle with a center point. Naturally, that center point would be the same distance from any point on the circumference of the circle. The circle represents the world and the center point is God. Then he told them to imagine straight lines drawn from the edge of the circle to the center. These lines represent the lives of human beings. He explained that to move toward the center, to God, is equally to move closer to one another. The closer we come to God the closer we become to one another, and the closer we are to one another, the closer we are to God. 2
The purpose of our spiritual lives is to draw closer to God and to one another. This is at the heart of a ministry of reconciliation. On Friday, February 23, we have the great privilege of hearing the prophetic voice of The Rev. Dr. Allan Boesak. He is a Christian theologian, civil rights leader, advocate for social justice and distinguished author. During the 1980s, he worked with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela in South Africa to lead efforts against apartheid and promote reconciliation.
Following Dr. Boesak's address, we will have an opportunity to learn about numerous ministry of reconciliation initiatives in our diocese. We can be inspired by a summer arts camps for children, Stations of the Cross artwork that addresses issues of racism and racial reconciliation, joint ministry by an Episcopal parish and a local African Methodist Episcopal Church, prayer vigils, and pathways to peace. Come and see. Join us for these educational workshops.
Please click here for more information about the Diocesan Commission for the Racial Reconciliation of All God's Children on diolex.org.
May your Lent be holy and your spirit renewed.
The Rev. Dr. Carol Ruthven
Co-Chair, Diocesan Commission for the Racial Reconciliation of All God's Children
The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington
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1 The Book of Common Prayer New York: Church Publishing Inc., 1979), p. 855.
2
The Monks of New Skete,
In the Spirit of Happiness
(Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1999), p. 248.
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER for Formation Day, the Diocesan Convention, and the Diocesan Convention Choir!
To register, please click on the three links below:
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Diocesan Formation Opportunity
Friday, February 23, 2017, 2:30-7pm
This Diocesan Formation Day will center on the work of reconciliation and will include workshops, dinner, and brief evening worship. Our Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Allan Boesak, Theologian, Social Justice Advocate, and Anti-Apartheid Activist in South Africa.
Workshop topics include:
- Reconciliation through Artistic Expression in Parish and Beyond
- Reconciliation through Parish/Community Engagement
- Everyday Peacemaking with Sean Gladding
- Reflections on Traces of the Trade
The cost for this Diocesan Formation Day is $20. Please click here to register.
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The 122nd Convention of the Diocese of Lexington
Saturday, February 24, 2018
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In preparation for our one day convention on Saturday, February 24 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Winchester, we will again hold Pre-Convention Hearings for clergy, deputies/alternates to diocesan convention, and other interested people.
There are a few purposes of the Pre-Convention hearings. Deputies and clergy will have an opportunity to:
-- hear about and discuss any resolutions that are being presented to convention;
-- hear about those who are nominated for diocesan leadership roles (Executive Council, Standing Committee, Sewanee Trustee and General Convention Deputies);
-- hear and ask questions about the budget that was approved by Executive Council for affirmation from the Diocesan Convention;
-- and, for new deputies, be oriented to the work of the convention.
In order for us to have a one-day convention we highly encourage all clergy, deputies and alternates to attend one of the four remaining
Pre-Convention Hearings:
| Sunday, Feb 18, 3:00 p.m. |
St. Alban's, Morehead |
| Monday, Feb 19, 6:30 p.m. |
Trinity, Danville |
| Tuesday, Feb 20, 6:30 p.m. |
Trinity, Covington |
| Wednesday, Feb 21, 6:30 p.m. |
St. John's, Corbin |
If you have any questions about Pre-Convention hearings, please contact The Rev. Canon Elise Johnstone at
elise@diolex.org.
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NOMINEES FOR DIOCESAN OFFICES
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At our February 24 convention, deputies and clergy from around the diocese will gather and elect leaders. These are the open offices upon which we will vote:
1 Clergy member for Standing Committee (3 year term)
1 Lay member for Standing Committee (3 year term)
2 Clergy members for Executive Council (3 year term)
4 Lay members for Executive Council (3 year term)
1 Lay member for Executive Council (2 year unexpired term)
1 Clergy trustee to Sewanee, the University of the South
Please click here
to read about those who have been nominated to serve.
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To submit a Report for Convention, please
click here
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ANNOUNCEMENT
FROM THE
STANDING COMMITTEE
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The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Lexington is delighted to announce that
The Rt. Rev. Mark Van Koevering has allowed his name to be placed before convention as our nominee for Bishop Provisional of the Diocese of Lexington. Please
click here to read the January 30 announcement and to learn more about Bishop Mark and the Bishop Transition Process.
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ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE
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The ordination of this candidate to the diaconate reflects the abundant ways the Holy Spirit has been moving faith communities in the Diocese to join in the work of God in their neighborhoods. The individuals who are to be ordained represent not just their own willingness to respond to God's call to join in that mission, but also the conversations, prayers, practices, service, sweat, friendship, conflict, change, and growth of all the baptized people of the Diocese of Lexington's faith communities.
In the Diocese of Lexington, we see the primary function of Deacons and Priests as those who are sent out to look for gifts in others and then nurture those gifts in order to engage in God's mission in an ever-changing world. Every member of the church is a minister, from the three-year-old coloring in the pews, to the silver-haired faithful, to the teens on the mission trip, to the adults who gave up a week of vacation to accompany them. Through baptism, we are all ministers, uniquely gifted to participate in God's love for the world.
Whether you're being ordained, are a friend, family or faith community member of someone being ordained, a clergy member, or someone interested in celebrating the growth of individuals and leaders in this Diocese, we welcome you to come.
All clergy are welcome to vest and process. Please plan on wearing red stoles and arriving by 6:10 and gathering in the Undercroft.
We give thanks to the Episcopal Church in Minnesota for their inspired words about the ministry of all
from which we have borrowed.
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UNITED THANK OFFERING:
GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
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Applications for the 2018 United Thank Offering grants are now being accepted. The focus of the 2018 grants will be "Becoming the Beloved Community: Racial Healing, Reconciliation and Justice".
The deadline for submitting your grant application is
March 2, 2018. All applications must be submitted electronically and require a Bishop's approval.
For more information about the granting process and criteria, visit the national UTO website at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/utogrants.
Each diocese may submit two grant applications, one for a diocesan ministry project and one for a project in conjunction with an overseas companion diocese.
If you have questions about the granting process or this year's grant criteria, contact Diane Gabbard, Diocesan UTO Coordination, at dianegabbard@gmail.com or call 859-581-9113.
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Weekly Eucharist at St. Augustine's
Every Wednesday through the end of the semester
 Starting on January 24, 2018 and continuing through the end of the semester, St. A's will offer a quiet service of Holy Eucharist at 8:00 AM. The service will include some chant and time for reflection. Following the service there will be an opportunity for coffee and conversation.
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St. Michael's Lenten Series - Kentucky Proud: God's Presence in Our State
February 18, 25 and March 4, 11 and 18, 5:30-7:30pm (Dinner, Presentations, Compline)
Each week we will gather to share a meal and learn about God's presence in our great state through land, art, stories and ministry.
Please click here to view and download the complete program schedule.
For more information, contact Loretta Gomez-Haley at 859-277-7511 or mail@saint-michaels.org.
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A Lenten Series: From Prayer to Action
Lenten Wednesdays: February 21, 28 and March 7, 14
Dinner at 6:00pm, Program begins at 6:30pm
Christ Church Cathedral, 166 Market Street Lexington, KY 40507
Lent is a time to share the love we receive from God, to put our prayer into action. While we often think of Lent as a time of self-reflection and fasting, the prophet Isaiah reminds us that God calls us to entirely different fast: To seek justice, care for the needy and tend parched places. When our prayer turns to action, Isaiah proclaims a remarkable vision: God will make us strong and satisfy our needs. Together we will raise the foundations of many generations and be called restorers of God's creation.
February 21 & 28 - Rabbi David Wirtschaffer of Temple Adath, passionate speaker, and social justice advocate kicks off the first two weeks of our series.
March 7 - The Rev. George Kilcourse, Professor of Theology at Bellarmine College, will lift our prayer into action through the mystical and political thought of Thomas Merton.
March 14 - Dr. Tom Kimmerer of Venerable Trees and Dr. Matthew Sleeth of Blessed Earth will inspire our call to creation care with God's Trees: Trees in the Bible and Our Lives.
Please sign up for each week you will attend. $5 suggested donation for dinner.
To sign up please click here.
For more information please contact Dr. Elizabeth Conrad at 859-254-4497 or elizabeth@ccclex.org.
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Youth Event: New Beginnings #24
March 16-18, 2018
"There are times in our lives that we never forget. There are places that stay with us forever."
New Beginnings and the Cathedral Domain is a time and place like that. New Beginnings is a weekend full of fun, taking you through a discovery: Who is God? Who is God to you? Who are you to God? How might this happen? Through making new friends and sharing with old ones. Through singing, skits, talks given by teens, videos, games, worship and conversation with each other! You will want to come back!
To register online please click here.
To download the brochure and mail in the registration form, click here.
For more information contact Cindy Sigmon, Diocesan Youth Missioner, at 859-252-6527, x103.
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SAVE THE DATE! St. George's Day at the Cathedral Domain
April 21, 2018
All are welcome to come spend the day, and there is no charge! (Food will be available for purchase.)
For those who wish to spend the weekend, registration will be available soon.
For more information contact Cindy Sigmon at 859-252-6527, x103.
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Brennan Lecture Series with The Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle: "Church Leadership in a New Missionary Age"
March 2, 2018, 7-8:30pm and March 3, 2018, 9am-2:30pm
Deadline to Register: February 23, 2018
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church,
330 N. Hubbards Lane, Louisville, KY 40205
Church leaders are invited to attend a facilitated discussion with the Rt. Rev. Charles "Andy" Doyle, the ninth current Bishop of the Diocese of Texas. Please
click here to view and share this event on Facebook.
Click here to visit the website and to register.
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10th Annual E. Glenn Hinson Lectures with Ruby Nell Sales: "Where Do We Go From Here- Redemption or Moral Nihilism?"
Ruby Nell Sales is a Public Theologian, Historian, Activist, Social Critic, and Educator. This event is presented by the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky. Registration fee:
$30
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Please
click here
for more information and to register.
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With sadness, we share the news of the death of Betty Blackwell Cook, the wife of The Rev. Harvey G. "Jerry" Cook, who, in his retirement in Lexington, serves as a faithful supply priest in many of our congregations. Please keep the family in your prayers. You may read Betty's obituary here.
May her soul rest in peace,
And may she rise in Glory.
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Sunday,
February 18, 2018 (First Sunday in Lent)
122nd Convention of the Diocese of Lexington, February 24, 2018
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Winchester
Sunday,
February 25, 2018 (Second Sunday in Lent)
Christ Church, Harlan
The Ven. Bryant C. Kibler, Sr., Priest-in-Partnership
Sunday, March 4, 2018 (Third Sunday in Lent)
Theological Sunday
Seminarians, Postulants and Candidates of the Diocese of Lexington
Sunday, March 11, 2018 (Fourth Sunday in Lent)
The Spouses and Widows of the Clergy of the Diocese of Lexington
(An updated list of names will be published in the March 2 edition of DioLink.)
The
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer is published on the
Resources page of the diocesan website under the "Resources for Worship" tab.
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To submit an event for publication in
DioLink and on diolex.org:
click here.
Please note that
submissions must be received by Tuesday evening
in order to be
included in that week's DioLink. The website is updated continually.
Thank you!
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