Announcements
COVID-19 Guidelines for Worship
Distance
Stay in the know of the latest updates to diocesan and state guidelines by visiting the COVID-19 resource page on the diocesan website. Check back frequently as we will be updating this page as new developments occur.
Diocesan Staff Continue to Work from Home
Due to the continued rise in COVID-19 infection rates, the diocesan team will work from home. This is a small, but big change in keeping staff members safe and doing our part to slow the spread of the virus.

Diocesan Staff are accessible via email, phone, and online meeting platforms.
Diocesan Events
Virtual Series from Bishop Jake Begins Tonight!
Join Bishop Jake this evening for the kick-off of a four-part virtual series discussing the power of love in our everyday lives.

October 1: Letting Go to Really Live
October 8: Growing Beyond Your Past
October 15: How to Forgive Yourself
October 22: Mending Broken Relationships

Each session begins at 6:00 p.m. CDT. Bishop Jake will discuss the week’s topic for about 20 minutes and then respond to questions and comments for the remainder of the hour. Everyone is invited, but there is limited space.

For the Zoom link click here.

The sessions are based on Bishop Jake’s book, A Resurrection Shaped Life. To learn more about the book, read reviews, or buy a copy click here. Bishop Jake donates all proceeds from book sales to ministries in the broader community such as Community Renewal International.
Save the Date!
Virtual Diocesan Convention
February 20, 2021

This year has brought many changes to how we gather. To continue the best practice of protecting our neighbors, the 2021 Diocesan Convention will be held completely online. We understand that this is a big adjustment. But not to worry! The diocesan staff will be here to support you along the way. Stay tuned for details!
Around the Diocese
Hurricane Laura Recovery
Due to the overwhelming generosity of individuals and organizations across the country, including a grant from Episcopal Relief and Development, the Episcopal Church in Western Louisiana is able to offer tangible assistance to people whose lives have been uprooted by Hurricane Laura. Support is available for the most vulnerable people who have been disproportionately impacted by this crisis.

One of the ways in which the diocese can help is by providing labor and supplies for long-term recovery projects that will help make homes livable. Church groups and other organizations within our diocese and from other areas have offered to organize work teams. We are making the necessary arrangements that would allow small groups to travel to hurricane-stricken areas for weekend work projects (e.g., yard clean up, minor repairs, demolition of damage so that contractors can come in to make repairs, etc.).

Would you like to be a part of this hands-on recovery effort? If your church or other organization would like to organize a work team, please contact Archdeacon Lois Maberry, or Joy Owensby.
Online Giving
Hurricane Laura Relief
Donations will directly assist churches, diocesan ministries/organizations, and local communities affected by Hurricane Laura.
For Congregations and Diocesan Ministries
Online giving remains available! The diocese is providing this service during the COVID-19 pandemic to help you stay connected to your congregation by providing financial support directly to it. When you give through this site, we will send your gift to the church that you designate. You can also give a gift to the Diocese so that the Bishop can respond to critical needs in Louisiana and beyond from his ministry fund. Know that we love you and that you remain in our prayers. Stay well. And thank you for your generosity!
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Outside the Diocese
Curry Book Debut, Today Show Interview

Making news is Presiding Bishop Curry's new book, titled Love Is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times. "The love that I’m talking about is not so much a sentiment as a commitment, to a way of life that is unselfish, even sacrificial," he explained on a TODAY Show interview this week, "that really does seek the good and the well-being of others as well as yourself… Is it a decision about me, or about we? Love is about living for we. View the interview here for more insights, including his belief that “it’s hard to hate up close."

The presiding bishop was also interviewed by Episcopal News Service about his book; read the Q&A online.
Resources
Games for All Ages Via Zoom


As the COVID19 pandemic continues to keep extended families, youth groups, and church friends physically separate, here are some games to enjoy via video conference (Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangout). These games can be used as stand alone events...

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buildfaith.org
Bishop Owensby's Latest Blog Post
When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

The term "crisis fatigue" entered my vocabulary in 2020. Strictly speaking, it's not an officially recognized psychological disorder. At least, not yet. But social scientists tell us that people are experiencing it. Lots of people. Confronted by...

Read more
jakeowensby.com