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Mission Matters
News from the Episcopal Diocese
of Western Massachusetts
CELEBRANDO LA ABUNDANCIA DE DIÓS
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"Loving the Questions," COM program for discernment, ready for new applicants
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Questions? Contact the Rev. Jennifer Gregg, Missioner for Servant Leadership.
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A Vision for the Ministry of All the Baptized
“Loving the Questions” is for all members of our Diocese who want to explore God’s call to ALL baptized persons, to grow deeper in discipleship by discovering how particular life experiences, individual gifts and passions connect with God’s Mission! “Loving the Questions” hopes to offer opportunities for reflection and self-exploration, spiritual practice, and creative ways to think about areas of ministry, both in congregational life and in the world “outside the walls.”
WHAT IS IT? “Loving the Questions” consists of two related components for this exploration of God’s call: a monthly large-group “Community of Education and Formation” that will begin in September 2017 and end with an overnight retreat in March 2018, and a monthly Saturday gathering from October 2017 through February 2018; and small “Communities of Discernment” that will meet monthly .
Please note that any person who is exploring a possible call to ordained ministry in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts must participate in BOTH the Community of Education and formation and a Community of Discernment, effective January 2016.
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Ecumenical, interfaith witness at South Congregational, Springfield tonight @ 7:00 pm
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The Pioneer Valley Project
is sponsoring a public prayer witness in support of South Congregational Church, Springfield. South Congregational, with several other congregations,
declared its worship space a sanctuary
for immigrants and refugees who fear deportation. The church has received negative feedback from the municipality. Bishop Fisher addressed local concerns
in a statement
on June 20. Come stand with South Congregational tonight, if you can.
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Welcome back, Rich!
Welcome, Lindsay!
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Canon Rich Simpson has returned from his three-month sabbatical. Rich wrote prolifically during these months, so check out his blog, Rich's Ruminations, to get a sense of this fruitful time in his ministry.
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A United Thank Offering message:
Our Diocesan 2016 United Thank Offering was $8,375.20 with 20 Churches participating. Thanks be to God!
If your church had a Spring UTO ingathering now is the time to mail the offering to The Episcopal Diocese of WMA, ATTN: Esther Barker, Diocesan Accounting Manager, 37 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01103. Make check to: The Episcopal Diocese of WMA, with UTO in the memo.
For UTO information in the diocese email:
ECW.wma@gmail.com
Or call Susan Howland at 508-248-6112. You can find UTO resources and order UTO materials at
Thanks and Blessings,
Susan Howland, UTO Coordinator
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Diocese of Massachusetts extends invitation;
learn strategic planning for congregations
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SAVE THE DATE -- September 30
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The Diocese of Massachusetts is hosting a training day for our consultants and parishes who are interested in learning how to do strategic planning. It is scheduled for September 30th at 138 Tremont Street. We would like to extend this invitation to you and people from your diocese who might be interested in participating in this. Our hope is to have a panel of presenters. John Woodard will lead the discussion.
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Youth Missioner to lead Alternative Break
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From the Rev. Hilary Bogert-Winkler
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Ever heard of Heifer International? They’re the folks who, through your donations, give families in need throughout the world livestock to help improve their lives and lift them out of poverty. Those families then “pass on the gift” and share that livestock with their communities. Pretty cool, right? Well, Heifer has an educational farm right here in our very own diocese. This summer, a group of up to 14 middle school youth from our diocese will have the chance to learn about global poverty through immersive experiences, do service projects around the farm, and think about ways we can make the world a better place and spread the Gospel in our own communities.
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Who: Youth currently in grades 6-8
When: July 30-August 3, 2017
Where: Heifer Overlook Farm, Rutland, MA
How Much: $100/youth (Parishes must commit to a $100 contribution/youth, and our
diocese will cover the rest). Scholarship money is available! If you or your
parish needs assistance, please contact Hilary for more information
(hbwchurch@gmail.com).
Deadline: Applications and non-refundable $100 fee must be to Hilary by July 15,
2017.
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Cathedral and Rabbi-in-Residence present...
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Social Justice & Creation Care
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Creation Care = Creation Justice
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News from our Congregations | Calendar
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Click the link for more information.
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